Checkpoints December 2007

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contents

december 2007

co umns LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

4

LETTERS

6

FROM THE BOARD ROOM

10

LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

14

f©3tu r@s 26

BUILDING A FOUNDATION WITH SOMALY MAM How two graduates are combating sexual slavery 38 A LIFETIME OF CODING

Grady Booch, ’77, went from a kid with a dream to a man on a mission as he followed his passion for software development 62

CALLED TO SERVE

Texas high school adds to the Long Blue Line 68

HONORING FRAN ZAVACKI, '64 A grad Marine is honored 38 years after his death in Vietnam

ON THE COVER

Nic Lumpp, ’05, and Jared Greenberg, ’05, stand with

Somaly Mam in Bryant Park, New York City. The two grads are founders of the Somaly Mam Foundation.

Story on pg. 26. (Photo by Robert Stuart) 2

Volume 36, number 3

Association of Graduates UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

3116 Academy Drive USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475

Customer Service: (719) 472-0300 DSN: 333-2067

Fax:(719)333-4194 E-mail: aog@aogusafa.org

Web Site: www.usafa.orq

EXECUTIVE OFFICE

off the shelf

President/CEO: James A. Shaw, '67

COMMUNICATIONS Director of Communication/Senior Editor: Bob Me

22

WANT TO FLY THE RAPTOR? GET IN LINE

24

NEWS OF NOTE

32

"BRING ME MEN" FILMING BEGINS

34

AOG YEAR IN REVIEW

42

A NEW FACE AT MARVEL

Editor/Photography: Ken Wright Senior Designer: Sarah Wright

Class News Editor: Tom Kroboth

Advertising: Kyle Davidson Web Site: Matt Kleve & Kyle Davidson BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jim Wheeler, '64, Board Chair

50

'65 REMEMBERS FALLEN HEROES

52

F-4 MEMORIAL HONORS WYNNE, '63

54

LONG BLUE LINE

Pat Rosenow, 76, Vice Chair

Bill Boisture, '67, Treasurer Michael Banks, '92, Secretary Kevin Carmichael, 77

Steve Dotson, '63

58

HONOR SYSTEM CHANGES

72

USAFA'S FORWARD AIR CONTROLLER HERITAGE

75

FALCON HERITAGE FORUM INSPIRES

76

Steve Finch, '65

Mike Flynn, '95 Fred Gregory, '64 James Sanchez, '90

Terry Storm, '61 George Van Wagenen, '67

STEP ASIDE-THE FUTURE LOOKS GOOD

sports 80

ACADEMY ACCEPTS BID TO ARMED FORCES BOWL

81

CALHOUN, HALL RECEIVE HONORS

82

GOLFERS SET RECORDS AT INVITATIONAL

back of the book 85

CHAPTER NEWS

90

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Checkpoints (ISSN 0274-7391) USPS 898-080 is published quarterly in March, June, September and December by the Association of Graduates, U.S. Air Force Academy. (Phone: 719-472-0300, DSN: 3332067. FAX: 719-333-4194, E-mail: editor@aogusafa. org.) A portion of your dues pays for your magazine subscription. Additional copies may be purchased for $2.50 each, plus $4.05 for shipping. Periodicals postage paid at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Checkpoints, Association of Graduates, Doolittle Hall, 3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475.

Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policy or attitude 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 2007.

the effort. We have seen the first tangible fruits of this effort with the dedication of the Memorial Pavilion.

We are involved in almost every aspect of cadet life, from

in-processing to graduation activities, and we provide funding and support for many key programs. We raised the money and/or manage the accounts that fund the Superintendent’s Chair in Character and Leadership, the Director of the Center for Space and Defense Policy, and support two scholarships for mid-career graduates to attend Georgetown University. We have just received notice of the largest planned gift ever for our Academy. We have added job placement services, travel packages, more reunion support, a Web site and many additional services for our members. These services compare favorably to those offered by West Point and Annapolis and are similar to those of many associations around the country.

Our membership continues to grow by nearly 1,000 each

year and we have one of the best percentages of paid memberships in the country. We started the

Heritage Trail, the Distinguished Graduate program and began to tell the great stories of our “Long Blue Line” in many venues. Our communications staff continues to receive accolades and Checkpoints has become a nationally recognized college publication that has received several major awards. Our staff produces radio and TV commercials, pamphlets, booklets, videos and much more.

We built a highly professional staff, growing from 15 to nearly 50 people and we have continually improved our business processes, personnel policies, financial management and reporting. Our most recent audit was the best ever for this organization. Our net assets have almost tripled since 1999. We have had better access to and relationships with Air Force, Congressional, and USAFA senior leadership than ever before. In short, we have come a long way in our journey.

Most of all, it has been a true privilege to work with so many exceptional, professional, talented and caring people who are dedicated to serving our cadets and graduates, as well as making the AOG and the Academy world class organizations. I’m in awe of the commitment and sacrifices made by cadets, graduates and the AOG and Academy staffs in support of our school and our nation. I’m honored to have worked with such remarkable individuals as Mike and Barbara

Wynne, Brad and Zita Hosmer, Paul and Carol Stein, Tad and Sandy Oelstrom, J.D. and Jane Dallager, J.R. and Donna Rosa, and John and Debby Regni. They are

all great Americans who have served us well. I would also like to thank the

rest of the current senior

grateful for the opportunity to have served the AOG and our Academy for more than fifteen am

I

years. It has been a wonderful experience and

I’ve been able to work with many exceptional

leadership at the Academy- Susan Desjardins, Dana Born and Hans Mueh for their continuing support. I wish them all the best as they continue to do great things for our academy. There are so many others who deserve thanks including graduates who have been willing to serve on our board and give their time, talent and treasure to support our efforts. And I need to

thank, in particular, Nancy Burns, Johnny Whitaker, Gary Howe, Leslie Frank and Bob McAllister for all they have done for me and to

people. I joined the AOG in September 1992 as Vice President for Development when we were just learning to spell “fundraising.” In 1999, after a national search, I was selected to become President and CEO, replacing Dick Coppock, ’61. It has been a great experience

help the AOG do great things for our graduates, cadets and Academy. Finally, Cindy deserves huge kudos. She has always been there to open our home to visitors, and give of herself for the Academy, our cadets and the AOG. She’s a superstar.

As Cindy and I move on to other adventures, we wish you all the very best.

We will be in good hands as our cadets mature into the future leaders of char-

and I would like to thank all our members for the

acter for this nation.

honor of serving in this position.

It has been an exciting time and a time marked

by significant progress and growth for our association. We finished Doolittle Hall and paid it

off in full. We started the Sabre Society and grew it

^ames A. Shaw, ’67

to almost

President and CEO

1,000 members. We started our first major campaign and raised more than $38 million toward

Association of Graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy

EXCELLENCE Annual gifts to the Air Force Academy Fund at the Sabre Society level provide

support to programs that instill excellence in

Building Leaders of Character in the Nation like the Cadet Commanders' Leadership Enrichment Seminar. This program is

designed to motivate and enhance the leadership experience of cadet commanders by developing leadership skills that they can model for the entire Cadet Wing.

reflects the fact that a violation does have consequences. Violations are not tolerated. You lie, cheat, or steal; you suffer consequences. Even if you tolerate violations by other cadets, you

suffer consequences if found out.

I believe the opportunity for a violator to self-report and

remain a cadet lets the code be a strong vehicle for a life-lesson. It

allows a cadet to make a conscious choice to “not tolerate” their own

actions. By making that choice, knowing that they will suffer

consequences, they hopefully will learn a lesson that will make them stronger of character and less likely to violate the code, or

tolerate violation by others (even after they graduate.)

For cadets who are caught (did not report themselves), profes-

Thanks for the memories I just received my September issue of Checkpoints and enjoyed

sion of a commitment to future code adherence is not, of itself,

reading several stories about and by classmates, notably BJ Bjorklund ( Page 26, Sept. 2007) and John Hatlelid {Page 50, Sept.

2007). I was also grateful to read something about Steve Berta.

Steve and I went on 3rd Lt to Tan Son Nhut together and we were assigned to the 81st TFW at Bentwaters when he was killed during a CAS mission over Germany.

I read the Air Gardens article and recalled an injury that was much more significant than losing pilot qualification. It occurred after 68 s graduation parade. During the melee, a couple of us from CS-04 picked up DK Allen who you might recall was the middle linebacker on our football team. DK weighed about 230 so it took more than

sufficient mitigation of the offense. A code violator has the

one

of us to carry him. Steve Malicoat was in the Class of ’71 and

burden to prove that they have internalized a change of heart and mind. Implementation of the code should provide the

opportunity for the violator to demonstrate that. If they do, the consequences of the violation should be reduced. If they don’t, consequences should be severe.

Tad Draper, Class of 1968 An apology and a plan In the September Checkpoints I submitted a letter stating that

the Honor Code should be removed from the Honor Wall. That letter was my angry response to several articles in the June issue

was

that described the current Honor Code enforcement system. That

took the full weight on one of his knees, which bent in the wrong

system was completely new to me, and had very little correlation to the system that existed during 1955-1959. In fact, the correla-

carrying most of the weight. When we went to throw DK in the pool which was less than 2 feet deep, Steve was underneath DK and direction. The damage was so severe that he nearly lost his leg.

Steve returned for his second year but was unable to continue

after that. As I recall, he received the second “disabled cadet”

scholarship, the first having gone to Mike Gabour, 69, who was severely wounded by the UT tower sniper in August 1966 when we were at Jack’s valley.

I also enjoyed reading the articles about General Olds. He certainly affected our lives greatly and I always enjoyed the times we met after our graduation. One thing I learned about Robin, he always had a full glass of whiskey, but most of it was poured over the heads of those around him rather than down his throat. I can see him to this

day being carried across the bridge for his unceremonious dunking in the Air Gardens shortly before Steve was injured.

Distant memories from a RTB.

Keep up the good work.

Joe Boyles, Class of 1970

tion was so remote I concluded that the Honor Code itself must no

longer exist. It appeared to me to be an extreme travesty to publicly display one Honor Code while actually enforcing another that was decidedly different. My resolution to this conflict was very simple; “come clean” and remove the original code from public view.

My reaction was uninformed, inappropriate, and insensitive. It was a knee-jerk reaction to an abrupt and unpleasant awakening.

Removal of the code from public display would serve no useful purpose, and clearly I was way out of line. I sincerely apologize to all Checkpoints readers for making such an ill-conceived suggestion, and I hereby retract my proposal.

However, serious concerns undeniably exist for the future of the Honor Code. Many graduates feel that if the code is not appropriately enforced it will lose credibility, respect, and significance. Loss of these three attributes eventually will result in loss of the code.

In an effort to prevent such a tragedy, more than 75 fellow gradu-

joined together and submitted a resolution to the AOG Board of Directors to establish an Honor Code Advisory Committee.

The primary mission of this committee will be to assist Academy Staff and the Cadet Wing in protecting and preserving the Honor Code.

The maturity, experience, and assets of the graduate community could be of significant value to the staff and the cadets as they combat both external and internal challenges to enforcement procedures.

Participation by Academy staff, cadets, and graduates will be required to make this initiative effective. I am confident that all ates have

A few thoughts on, “Remove the Code...”

I don’t understand the suggestion made by Jon Schaffer (Page

4, Sept. 2007). The code is alive even if not all consider it “well”

today. It seems that a sticking point, as always, is the interpretation of tolerance—tolerance institutionalized by the code implementation as well as tolerance by individual cadets of violations by others.

We certainly don’t have (or want in my opinion) a black or white, “zero tolerance” code. But the code’s implementation

three groups will recognize the wisdom of joining together in a common cause to assure

the survival of the Honor Code of the

U.S. Air Force Academy.

I respectfully ask all readers to accept my sincere apology for my initial reaction, and to actively join this more constructive approach to protect and preserve our magnificent Code of Honor.

Thank you,

Jon G. Shajfer, Class of 1959

“Passage to India” inspires

Regarding “Passage to India” by Rob Mishev, ‘99, {Page 44, Sept.

2007), that kind of article distinguishes Checkpoints from many other alumni magazines that often favor articles with photos of grads or of faculty receiving some kind of award. Rob’s article broke the mold by providing not only interesting information but also some content of enduring value to anyone who wants to broaden his or her world view.

Rob noted that many grads did not have an opportunity for such a field trip as cadets. True. Yet, many of us did have the

chance, as officers, to taste foreign cultures. My opportunity came in Jan. ‘73 with my assignment as officer in charge of the race

relations program at U-Tapao RTNB Thailand.

It proved to be the most insightful experience of my profes-

sional life.

The cadets on Rob’s India trip encountered “life-changing elements of contrast between

abject poverty and significant wealth

and influence.”

They wrote of the “helpless look in the eyes of young girls” or “boys with amputated limbs.” I can relate to some of their experiences

from what I witnessed in Thailand, as well as on a more

brief JOC trip to Panama in 1972.

As I read the cadets’ remarks and reflected on my own experiences witnessing poverty, it caused me to wonder about the

annual fund-raising efforts directed at AFA alumni (to finance, A legacy moment

e.g., the Admissions Center that is the current project of my ‘69 class). Perhaps a future AFA fund-raiser could instead focus on a

We wanted to pass along some press we received and a side story

class contribution to some organization such as Oxfam or Heiffer

to you from our AFA

International that helps develop self-sufficiency and alleviate

golf tourney. Initially we were to keep this as a private matter, but the more we thought about it the more we

world hunger problems in third-world countries. Such a class gift

wanted to share this unbelievable USAFA memoir.

would be a radical departure from the present trend of funding

We were three holes into our College-AM when Joe Calderon

figured out that the cadet playing with him and smashing the 320-yard drives was Josh McFarland, CS-09. He is the son of a deceased graduate, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Dillon McFarland, ’84. Dillon great friend, excellent officer and a classmate of the many ’84 graduates in attendance.

was a

For a few minutes, the graduates in attendance were overwhelmed

with our discovery. We have all lost classmates in this lifes journey and often speak of the Long Blue Line, but to have that blue line

living and breathing right in front of us was extraordinary. We know Dillon must have been very pleased to see four of his friends hacking and laughing it up on the course with his son Josh.

We have attached a picture of the five of us (Fredo Sandoval,

buildings or memorials on the grounds of USAFA, true. But some future class could be the trail-blazer in this regard. Food for thought, at least... but let me return to Rob’s story.

He wrote of the depth of contrast between the poverty of India and the splendor of its monuments such as Taj Mahal. His remark also brought me back to Thailand and its beautiful Buddhist temples. However, the most moving part of overseas duty at UTapao for me was that of a kind of accumulated awareness over the span of my nearly 17 months there. I gradually began to appreciate that different ways of doing everyday things which I encountered there were equally as valid as—although different from—ways I had learned from growing up as an American from Minnesota.

I’m referring to things like greeting someone—no handshake in

’82, Darrell Cabanting, ’84, Joe Calderon, ’84, Cadet Third Class Josh McFarland and Ed Baca,’ 84) from that very special day.

traditional Thai culture, but rather, a bow while placing one’s hands

Later that night, we spent some time with Josh regaling him

symbolized by the removal of one’s shoes at the entrance to a Thai person’s home as one entered it; or the subtleties of language differences between English and Thai, e.g., their relative plenitude of verbs expressing the present tense as contrasted with our relative predominance of past or fixture verb tenses. Or their pervasive “mai pen rai” expression, somewhat akin to Bobby McFerrin’s briefly popular tune from 1988: “Don’t worry; be happy.”

I couldn’t express better than did the cadets, regarding what they found to be the best of such an overseas experience: “The insight into the lives and mindsets of people from venturing to

with stories of his dad. Admittedly, we were all a bit sad but

tremendously proud to have served with his father and share with Josh some of our untold cadet experiences.

Cadet McFarland now has four very motivated graduates looking over his shoulder and staying connected to his progress. I do not think the five of us will ever forget this experience. It was most definitely a USAFA legacy moment. See you at the bowl game!

A toast to the host

...

Fredo Sandoval, Class of 1982

in a prayer position on the chest; or, the removal of worldly concerns, in a sense, as

...

ECEMBER

i.

nations across the world is unparalleled. These trips are far and away the most beneficial for cadets.”

And for anyone who embarks on such a journey with a mind open to receiving the depth of what is there.

“JC” John Miller, Class of 1969 Never too late for great ideas In response to Brig. Gen. Dana Borns article “Sharpening the Edge

of Academic Excellence” (Page 8, Sept 2007), I submit the following: Beat the Dean! Sounds great; however, it didn’t take me very long my

first semester to figure out I didn’t have the proper tools in my kit. I had been extremely successful coming into the Academy. I aho did not know how to study. In short order, I found my ability to cram (seem-

ingly, my prime—only?—study technique) was overwhelmed by the limited time I had available, the high number of equally-demanding courses, and

competition from a great many of the overachievers with

whom I lived that had “broken the code” on proper study habits.

My less-than-stellar showing in some courses that first

Thanks for AOG gift

Thank you for the recent gift of $1,068 dollars for the purchase

of jerseys for the USAFA Men’s Club Volleyball Team. You don’t know how much it means to the team to get the new jerseys

year was certainly not due to the dedicated instructors I saw everywhere. So, it was with great interest that I read about the for-

a

...

‘94 grad, I was astonished that until now the team was wearing

the same jerseys I wore as a cadet 15 years ago! The team was

malized, First Year Experience (FYE) course developed by the dean

embarrassed to wear the worn and outdated jerseys at tourna-

and her staff as a purposeful way to reach cadets similar to me. An

ments. We

idea way overdue—but certainly worth it.

as

plan to make USAFA proud at our upcoming matches against Army, Notre Dame, CU, Michigan State and others.

Been there, done that, and (unfortunately) got that T-shirt.

Maj. Chad Rauls, Class of 1994 Coach, USAFA Men’s Club Volleyball

Don Myers, Class of 1980

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Visit us at www.usara.org to see what’s new! "

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Association of Graduates UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

About the AOG I

AOG Services

.

Search USAFA.ORG

In February of this yearf the AOG launched a new Web site with added features and services, a sleaker design and easier navigation.

Some of the added features are: ■

A new membership area and online directory with greater search capabilities

■

A new photo gallery where high quality images can be viewed and

■

A new online store

a

Easier event registration

■

Flash multimedia and streaming videos

■

ZoomieNation

-

a

purchased

closed e-community for AOG members and USAFA grads for

social and professional networking,

reconnecting and mentoring

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Today, they just want to make it over the water. Tomorrow, the ethics,

leadership and determination they’ve learned here will guide every decision.

Leave a Legacy, include the Association of Graduates in your will or estate planning.

Association of Graduates UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

For more information visit our Web site at www.usafa.org, click on “Giving” and then “Planned Giving,” or contact Jeff Mielke,

’80, CSPG, atjeff.mielke@aogusafa.org or (719) 472-0300.

WITH THE HOLIDAYS UPON US and a bowl game pending, it is hard to comprehend where another year has gone. It is

amazing when you reflect on the pace at which we live our lives in the 21 Century. Hopefully 2007 has been a good year for you and yours, and may the New Year bring good health and happi-

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all of us.

Before sitting down to write the “From the Boardroom” column

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for this issue, I conducted an unscientific poll among the directors and some AOG members on what topics they felt would be of interest and should be addressed. Not surprisingly, a list of over 25

topics dealing with various facets of the AOG and AOG programs emerged. Clearly, there is neither time nor space to address all of the important topics suggested; but from the length of the list alone, we are reminded that the AOG is a business that has many

By Jim Wheeler, ’64 AOG Chairman of the Board

complex and important issues that have to be dealt with on a daily basis by the staff and the board. Another message not to be overlooked is that with so many moving parts, it is absolutely essential that constructing an AOG Agenda must be approached systematically with due regard for establishing priorities and retaining focus on the most important issues and challenges.

Professionally and personally, we all live with change every day; the AOG is not much different. Over the last four years, there have been two AOG referendums, two AOG elections, the

adoption of new AOG Bylaws, and a variety of staff and board changes to reflect the will of the members. Because a majority of the voting members favored a governance change for the AOG, the directors are now elected in a competitive election, the board is fully accountable to the members, financial activities are more open and transparent, and the board has reaffirmed that all three facets of the AOG Mission—services for members, support for the

to the

proposal under consideration. In early October, the AOG board received the Due Diligence responses from the UF. After further analysis, lengthy discussions and debate, and consultation with legal counsel, the AOG board voted at the October board meeting to decline the proposal put forth by the UF. The preliminary Minutes of the October board meeting are posted on the AOG Web site and contain a resolution adopted unanimously by the directors present at the meeting. The bottom line is [1] the board decided that the time is not right for the AOG and the UF to enter into a formal arrangement, and [2]

Academy, and the preservation of the heritage and traditions of our school—are all to be served equally. The key point here is that, while relationships and processes are dynamic and always undergoing change, the AOG Mission has remained fundamentally unchanged; and the elected board makes its decisions and policies against that constant background.

Since July when the current board took office, comments have

the AOG wishes to continue to administer its own fund raising

surfaced from various sources raising issues about the “direction”

lish a formal communications link in the interest of identifying

the directors want to take the AOG over the next two years. In at-

ways to provide mutual support to the Academy. This resolution

tempting to answer the question, I have found it helpful to point

announces a

out that the “direction” the AOG will travel has been determined

all members to take the time to read through the Minutes and to

by the membership at the ballot box; the task for the board and the staff is to determine the specific path that will be navigated to achieve the goals and objectives embodied in existing and future AOG programs and projects. In short, while the overall AOG goals have been constant, the membership has approved governance changes that will impact how the goals are achieved.

The most discussed challenge facing this board to date has involved AOG fund raising to support the Academy. The prior board of directors had introduced the idea of forming a fund raising foundation to administer the major fund raising initiatives embraced by the graduate community. There were various organizational concepts put forward, and early in the debate the critical issue of how a new fund raising foundation would be affiliated with the AOG emerged. Some voices argued strongly that any new fund raising entity that targeted the AOG membership

review the resolution.

must be linked to and accountable to the elected AOG

board.

Others felt that the new configuration of the board—i.e. elected rather than appointed directors-would diminish the confidence of

major donors and the AOG should not have control over a new fund raising entity, even if that entity wanted to assume the fund raising roles of the AOG. Because of the overriding interest and the importance of the topic, this debate became the focal point for the efforts of the current board when early in July, several graduates formed the USAFA Foundation to undertake fund raising activities for the Academy independent of the AOG. In August, the board appointed an

ad hoc committee of three directors and two AOG members to

meet with

representatives of the UF. After a comprehensive meet-

ing and a series of exchanges between the groups, a proposal containing a framework for possible cooperation and limited integra-

programs in support of the Academy and the AOG. The directors decided that circumstances did not warrant a counter proposal,

but the AOG board has expressed a willingness to work with the UF on projects to support the Academy and to help the UF as it continues to evolve as a corporate entity. Further, to implement

the resolution, I have suggested that the two organizations estab-

major decision of great significance, and I encourage

But, notwithstanding the above, it must be acknowledged that the long running foundation debate has had some tangible negative impacts on the AOG. Unfortunately, some AOG staff mem-

bers in the Major Gifts Office have resigned and no longer work for the AOG; one is now employed by the UF. A few current and

potential major donors have decided to withhold their financial pledges; other donor prospects have indicated they will not make any major commitments at present. As a result, the AOG is losing income derived from the investment of donated funds; and there is obviously confusion and uncertainty within the donor com-

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Contact the Board Your AOG Board of Directors wants to communicate with you! An online

tool is now available for you to send an

e-mail directly to one or all Board I

Members, so that your voice can be heard. Send your thoughts today

1 M

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by visiting www.usafa.org/about/ governance/boardofdirectors.aspx!

tion was brought to the AOG board for consideration. After much

internal debate and analysis, the AOG board submitted Due Diligence questions to the UF and started to work on modifications IN T S,

wmmmemmmsmmmm warn

SEPTEM

11

munity. Sorting this out will take time, and the full extent of the impact cannot be measured at this point.

However, with the separate fund raising foundation issue re-

AOG staff to undertake an assessment of the structure of the

moved from center stage, the AOG board now has the opportu-

AOG staff to see if some realignment might be in order. And,

nity to turn our energies to defining a meaningful, doable agenda

among other major board activities, the Nominating Committee is screening candidates to identify nominees to fill two

for the AOG. Our AOG has grown and prospered for almost 40 years by keeping focused on the AOG mission. So, the emphasis in the boardroom has become “getting back to basics”. Everyone

needs to keep in mind that the AOG is the largest private fund raiser for the Academy, provides a full range of services to the

membership, maintains the member data base, provides communications with the graduate community and other USAFA friends, and maintains a physical presence at the Academy to support the graduate community and to augment many Academy functions. It is not a stretch to say that the AOG has been the de facto facilitator for most development activities that have been conducted in support of the Academy in recent years. And, in my opinion, a viable AOG Development Program is vital to the continued vitality of the Academy.

Without polling the board for formal endorsement, I feel it is important that the members understand that: 1. The AOG Board of Directors supports fund raising as a core purpose of the AOG. This commitment is not new; but the em-

phasis going forward will be realigned to include fund raising to meet operating needs of the AOG as well as support for Academy

mittee will continue its work to hire a new CEO; and the Human Relations Committee contemplates working with the

Appointed Director slots on the AOG board; and the very busy Alumni Relations Committee is evaluating a proposal to create an AOG Honor Advisory Committee.

Clearly, the months ahead are going to be busy. The reality that the board and the membership must deal with is that managing change is not an easy or quick process. The board is committed to a positive course but will need member help and understanding as we navigate the inevitable bumps in the road and the resulting questions and uncertainty. With persistence, the end result will be a stronger, more influential AOG with clear goals, achievable objectives, and realistic expectations.

In closing, on the behalf of the AOG Board of Directors, I want to extend special thanks to Ed Eberhart, ’68, and Marty France, ’81, for their hard work and dedication while serving as

directors. Both have decided to step down as a concession

professional and personal demands. I also want to extend a friendly welcome to Kevin Carmichael, ’77, and Terry Storm, ’61, who have been selected by the board to serve as directors to

until the next AOG Election in 2009. In addition, I hasten to

programs.

2. The AOG Board of Directors is interested in working with

add a special wish of “Good Luck” to Jim and Cindy Shaw as

and cooperating with all nonprofits that raise private funds to sup-

the AOG well for many years and the AOG has grown and

port Academy programs. This is a decidedly different thing than contractually outsourcing a portion of the AOG mission to a new

prospered during his tenure. The impact of his leadership while serving as president and CEO will be felt for years to come,

nonprofit player.

and the board thanks him for his dedication and commitment

3. The AOG Board of Directors wants to be responsive to

member needs and will continue to assess the 2006 Graduate Sur-

they prepare to start a new chapter in their lives. Jim has served

to

the AOG and the Academy.

Best wishes to everyone for a safe and joyous Holiday Season.

vey for actionable items. At the same time, the board will continue

encourage open communications between AOG members, the Class Advisory Senate, and the board.

to

4. The AOG Board of Directors aspires to a greater AOG role in matters related to the heritage and traditions of our school. In my view, it serves the best interests of the AOG and the Academy if the AOG is the public voice of the graduate community and serves as

the primary source of advice for the superintendent in

AOG BOARD ANNOUNCES

REPLACEMENT DIRECTORS

this area.

In 2008, the directors will be working closely with the AOG

staff and a new CEO to assess current AOG programs and will not hesitate to

rebuild, redefine, and redirect as necessary. A

The AOG Board of Directors is pleased to announce

primary emphasis will be on designing a new AOG Development Program that will include an assessment and evaluation of the Comprehensive Capital Campaign that is currently on

the appointment of Kevin

hold. In addition, decisions will have to be made on [1] how

Storm, '61, to fill the unexpired

repopulate the AOG Development Staff consistent with the new AOG Development Program, [2] the best ways to work with the Superintendent to support needs of the Academy, and [3] how to assure that AOG operational funding requirements are satisfactorily fulfilled. Also, as directed by the bylaws, the Governance Committee will be overseeing a comprehensive Biennial Bylaws Review. Concurrently, the CEO Search Com to

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Stat

Academy

A whole lot of good going on!

BYLT. GEN .JOHN F.REGNI, ’73 th

I

recently hit the two-year point as the Academy’s 17 superintendent. The time has passed quickly, but I’m still able to say with the utmost confidence, “This is the best

job in the Air Force!”

As we start the trek into the next year, let me take this

opportunity to bring you up to speed on the state of our Academy. Bottom line: There’s a whole lot of good going on!

It all starts with our cadets. Cadets today are all here after 9-11,

they’re all volunteers, and they’re extremely well-qualified by any measure we apply in our admissions process. Most importantly, they “get it.” They want to serve. They want to excel. When we raised

the standards, they said, “OK, we’ll live up to those standards.”

They’re incredibly sharp and all you have to do is spend some time with them to realize why I don’t lose any sleep worrying about the next generation of lieutenants and senior Air Force leaders a ways

down the road.

HONOR As it has since the first class entered the Academy in July 1955, honor remains the bedrock upon which our great institution is built.

Grads are often concerned that, with each review of the Cadet Honor Code and honor system, we have softened our approach

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER

to

holding cadets accountable for their honorable behavior. At last

count, there have been at least 14 major reviews of the code and

the nation’s best undergraduate business management programs!

In our primary mission area—developing leaders of charac-

system over the history of USAFA. Some have resulted in changes to the honor system, its processes and sanctions for violations

—Leadership Excellence magazine ranked USAFA as the #2 leader development program in the government/military category. We

of the code. However, with the exception of some minor word-

were

smithing of the original code in 1962, none of the reviews has resulted in any change to the Honor Code itself.

Our most recent review of the honor system began in 2006 and took more than a year to complete. It involved cadets, graduates (including a member of the Class of’59), a former superintendent, non-grads, active and retired personnel, and Academy staff members. The review panel was tasked with determining whether the honor system’s processes and procedures facilitated dishonorable behavior. The panel concluded that certain aspects of the system did, in fact, encourage dishonorable behavior by some cadets who violated the code to “game the system” by denying the violation, then taking their chances at a Wing Honor Board.

Recommendations were made, reviewed and revised, and proposed changes to the honor system were voted upon by the Cadet Wing; 77 percent of those who voted approved the changes. A majority of the cadet-approved changes were implemented by the time the Class of 2011 was accepted into the Cadet Wing in August.

While the Honor Code will not change, the system that supports it demands periodic review. It is crucial that it support the

ter

second to DoD’s Defense Acquisitions University, but ahead

of the other military academies, the FBI Academy, the Army

Rangers and the National Defense University.

Another rating that we’re most proud of came from the Princeton Review. For the third consecutive year, the Academy leads the nation with “professors who make themselves accessible” to their students.

In the tongue-in-cheek categories, the Academy was ranked #1 for students who “don’t inhale” (low drug usage); #7 “stone-cold sober” school; #14, “everyone plays intramurals;” and #16 for “scotch and soda, hold the scotch” (alcohol usage reported low).

CHANGES Let me address some of the changes we’ve made, starting in the area

of culture and language. All of our cadets now take foreign

spirit and intent of the code, while at the same time, protect

language courses—four semesters for non-engineering students, and two for those in engineering and the hard sciences. And, I’m pleased to report that 50 percent of our cadets are studying one of the strategic languages like Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese or Russian. We are also sending about 600 cadets each year through some form of cultural and foreign immersion, including some cadets who spend an entire semester abroad at universities in

cadets’ legal rights and account for the needs of the Air Force.

Morocco, China and Russia.

It needs to be tough, but fair. It must always remain the Cadet

For the chemistry majors reading this article, you’ll readily

Honor Code and no one else’s. We believe we have satisfied all

recognize the molecule, C H OH. We view it as a serious problem. It’s alcohol, the drug of choice among young people today, including some of our cadets. Fortunately, we haven’t faced too many incidents of the binge drinking that plagues many college campuses. Unfortunately, nearly half the time cadets get into seri-

those conditions. (Two very detailed articles about the Honor Code, honor system and the recent changes can be found in the June 2007 edition of Checkpoints, pages 62-66.)

2

NATIONAL RANKINGS

ous

Whether or not you put a lot of stock into the media’s annual col-

contributor to their behavior.

trouble here, alcohol misuse is the common denominator and

lege rankings, it’s always nice to be singled out before a nationwide

In an effort to deter alcohol abuse at USAFA, we have reinstituted

audience as “the best” in any category. U.S. News & World Report

punishment tours program, with alcohol rule violations being the only ones for which tours are authorized. A first alcohol “strike” will land a cadet on the tour pad for many, many hours, plus additional time at the Cadet Area entry control points on Friday and Saturday nights handing out alcohol awareness and education materials to fellow cadets leaving for and returning from their off-duty privileges.

A second alcohol “strike” will quite likely result in UCMJ action and/or the offending cadet’s disenrollment from USAFA. In September, we temporarily lost our major powered-flight program here. The Academy Flight Screening program, a contract operation with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University flying Diamond DA-20s, ended. Its demise was partly due to service-wide budget constraints, but was also the result of the consolidation of all Air Force flight screening into a single operation in Pueblo, Colo. All officers destined for pilot training now will be screened in Pueblo, including Academy grads who had previously been screened here as cadets during AFS. We feel so strongly about the need for a powered flight program, however, that we’re working with the Air Education and Training Command and Headquarters, U.S. Air Force to find the money to bring a powered-flight program back to the Academy’s airfield. Our

magazine did just that for USAFA in their annual “America’s Best

Colleges” issue.

Our Academy was named best baccalaureate university in the west (the “west” including Texas and Oklahoma; and all the states north, south and west of Colorado, including Alaska and Hawaii).

The best-in-the- west ranking was based on a broad range of university-wide statistics, including student-to-faculty ratio (8:1), percentage of full-time faculty (100 percent), acceptance rate (19 percent), and average class size (81 percent of classes have less than 20 cadets in them). I suspect we would have rated best in the north, east and

south as well, had they let us compete in those regions!

The magazine also ranked our engineering programs overall as #7 in the nation (tied with Bucknell), and gave a #2 rating to our Aero

and Astro programs (for the seventh year in a row). We follow only

Embry-Riddle in that category—pretty good company to keep!

In Civil Engineering, we shared the #7 national spot with VMI, Lafayette College in Pennsylvania, and Illinois’ Bradley University.

We tied Rowan U. in New Jersey for #8 in “Double-E.” And, even

though USAFA is primarily a science and engineering school, our Management Dept, garnered a #83 overall, but a whopping #1 for

our

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2007

15

but that, too, ended in favor of other summer training like Operation Air Force and Global Engagement.

SERE is coming back. By the summer of 2009, all cadets will go through a variation of the old Vietnam-era training. The new program, however, will not include the prisoner of war camp

scenario,; that will be replaced by hostage-type scenarios similar

experienced by troops deployed in support of the Global War on Terror—more realistic for the type of combat our graduates will face in the operational Air Force.

The new SERE’s hostage scenarios will be conducted by professional, active duty trainers from the Air Force Survival School at Fairchild AFB, Wash.; we will bring them TDY to USAFA each to those

summer to

train the cadets. The remainder of the SERE training

will be executed by a cadre of upper-class cadets, and officer and enlisted permanent party.

RELICS ON A recent blog posting by a 1970 USAFA grad stirred some folks up

again about the religious respect situation here. Unfortunately, this grad did not bother to call anyone here or check out the current state of affairs before he posted his missive on the blog site. Had he done so, he would have learned that things have changed considerably since the

alleged incidents about which he writes on the Web. Yes, there were some incidents and activities that occurred at USAFA in the 2004-2005 timeframe in which individuals or groups crossed the line regarding Air Force and Academy policies on religious expression in a military environment. It was a situation discovered initially by then-Superintendent Lt. Gen. John

Rosa, who directed the leadership to research the potential prob-

lems, then develop education and awareness programs for everyone at

crum

USAFA—cadets and permanent party members alike—so all

would understand and operate within the approved parameters.

Those programs were launched in early 2005 and continue today.

Further, because of the spotlight then being shined on USAFA by

grads, staff members and the media for alleged “religious intolerance,” a special task force from the Pentagon was sent to look into the matter. The team reported that, while there had, in fact, been some individual incidents of rules violations, there were not widespread or systemic problems with religious respect at the Air Force Academy. A subsequent review by the Air Force Inspector General also cleared our former commandant, now-Major General Johnny Weida, ’78, of all the allegations against him, as well.

As part of our goal to ensure respect and dignity in all human endeavors here, we have implemented several new programs and procedures in the religious realm to help protect every person’s right to believe—on not believe—as they choose. Some examples: ■ The Academy’s Master Calendar now reflects the major holy days, holidays and special worship requirements of the major faith groups represented here. This allows us to accommodate the religious, belief and spiritual needs of our cadets as we schedule classes, military

some

vision is for a flying orientation vice flight screening program that

will introduce cadets to powered flight and keep them fired up about

becoming pilots after graduation. The new airmanship program will be tied to their studies in aeronautics to make the link between the

classroom and actual operations in the skies. Were encouraged by the support we’ve received from the AETC commander, as well as the Air Force Secretary and Chief of Staff; and were hopeful of having a new program in place by the summer of2009.

Speaking of flying and pilot training, it’s important to note

that we’re filling 100 percent of our undergraduate pilot train-

ing slots (the Academy gets half of the Air Force’s UPT slots each year), and we have a waiting list of pilot-qualified cadets to fill any

training events, cadet exercises, etc.

vacancies that might pop up.

SERE: Survival, Escape, Resistance and Evasion—quite possibly

Our chaplains send out religious “NOTAMs” (notices to

the most valuable training program ever offered at the Academy

airmen) every other month advising cadets, staff and leadership

-ended in the early 1990s. SERE is often credited with teaching young men and women more about themselves than any other

about upcoming major religious events, and special days and

USAFA program. It was followed by Combat Survival Training,

16

■

requirements so all can plan accordingly.

■ Accommodation of beliefs and spiritual needs for religious and

nonreligious groups and individuals is our goal. Where, previously, the onus was on the individual to request accommodation of his or her special needs (e.g., special meals during holy days or time for prayer), the Academy staff now anticipates and routinely accommodates those needs whenever possible within the constraints of mission requirements.

■

The Air Force Revised Interim Guidelines on Free Exercise of

Religion were long ago deployed across the Academy. In fact, we had implemented them before they officially became policy across

to cadet

travel, to cadet clubs and much more. These programs

would not exist without the generous financial support from organizations like the AOG, Falcon Foundation, Academy Research and

Development Institute, Air Force Academy Foundation, Friends of the USAF Academy Library, Air Force Academy Athletic Association, USAFA Endowment, Inc., and others. To each of them, our heartfelt thanks for all you have done and will do in the future!

As we’ve reviewed our various development programs and pro-

cesses—including meeting with the top leaders of all of the organizations listed above, and others—we have determined that a new, more

the Air Force.

conjunction with the Air Force guidelines, our senior chaplain’s staff developed a “Commander’s Religious Guide-

efficient foundation structure might be in order as the Academy

lines Toolkit” that we deployed to all commanders on USAFA,

so

■ In

including AOCs in the cadet squadrons, our faculty and our coaches. The toolkit gives Academy leaders information and recommendations for executing the Air Force guidelines and policies, including those dealing with interpersonal religious communication, religious accommodation, public prayer in a military environment and much more. The toolkit helps commanders, staff and cadet leaders deal with the myriad religious respect issues potentially affecting their units and people.

■ Finally, and likely most important, was the establishment of the Cadet Interfaith Council. It was formed to discuss religious respect and accommodation issues, and potential problems.

Cadets on the council routinely advise the active-duty leadership on the religious climate at our Academy.

I am pleased to report that all of this is working. In the past two

moves

into its next 50 years. The new structure is a work in progress,

we’re not quite ready to roll out the specifics, but watch this space

in a future edition of Checkpoints for more details on what it will look

like, how it will function, and what we project to be the benefits of

doing business with our private partners in the future.

FAREWELL, COLONEL SHAW Those who follow Association of Graduates’ news are aware that AOG President and Chief Executive Officer, Jim Shaw, ’67, has

submitted his resignation from those posts. His tenure ends in

“FIX USAFA”

mid-January 2008.

His departure will mark a sad day for our alumni association. At no time in its history has the AOG been a better, more professional, more supportive organization than it has been under Jim’s leadership. He and his team took a good organization and turned it into a great, world-class alumni association that provided not only superlative service to more than 39,000 grads, but also outstanding support to our cadets and alma mater. His foresight and personal involvement resulted in raising our cadet character and leadership programs to exceptionally high levels of excellence.

Jim had a vision that he turned into reality for each of us. His dedication and service will be sorely missed. Colonel Shaw, on

The infrastructure of our Academy is quietly crumbling as it ages.

behalf of the men and women of the United States Air Force

As you all recall from your required knowledge of USAFA history,

Academy—and graduates worldwide—I salute you, and bid you and Cindy blue skies and following winds as you begin the next

years, there have been no reports of major violations of Air Force

and Academy policies regarding the practice of one’s faith and beliefs. When we do learn of an individual infraction, we immedi-

ately inquire to learn the facts, then take corrective action.

most of the structures and support systems here were built at the same time

in the late 1950s. And, most had a projected life cycle

adventure in your lives.

of 40 years. They are now more than 50 years old, and are deterio-

rating at the same time.

On the outside, they still look pretty good, but they’re in dire need of rehabilitation via a project we’re calling “Fix USAFA.” We’ve already identified $950 million in repairs that need to be made, and have developed a 15-year program to make them happen. The Air Staff—even during these extremely lean years of funding for our Air Force—agrees with us, and has promised the

HAPPY HOLIDAYS In closing, Debby and I wish you the happiest of holidays and an

exciting 2008. We hope the spirit of the season finds everyone safe and with the ones they love. And, as a special holiday treat, we have accepted an invitation for our mighty football Falcons to compete in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas, on

New Year’s Eve. Kickoff is at 11:30 a.m. (CST) and great ticket

first $250 million over the next five years (FYs ’09-T3) to get the

deals are available (go to www.goairforcefalcons.com and click on

multi-phased effort underway. Over the last two fiscal years, we have received $40 million to start the design efforts for a variety of Fix USAFA projects, giving us $290 million overall to start bringing the campus infrastructure up to 21 century standards.

“Armed Forces Bowl’). We want to turn out a sea of blue for this

st

FOUNDATION & NON-PROFIT RELATIONSHIPS The Academy routinely deals with a number of private foundations and non-profit organizations that provide what we call “margin of excellence” support for a variety of cadet programs that run the gamut from major character and leadership development programs,

nationally televised game, so please make an effort to be there!

We are continuing our collective efforts to move our Academy forward, and we anticipate many great things for 2008, including the marking of a major milestone with the graduation of our 50 th class, the Class of’08! The Long Blue Line continues to lengthen and strengthen! IS

Commander’s

By C1C Ian K. Helms reetings from the Cadet Wing! This semester has flown by fast, and for those of

you

who are not abreast of what has happened in the past few months, I would like to share a summary from my

perspective.

First, I assumed a great command from the Summer Wing Commander C1C Kenny Grosselin. Some of the from

the highlights programs under his guidance include Basic Cadet Training preparing more than 1,200

members of the Class of 2011, and the tion Group

Avia-

conducting over 2,240 Academy

Flight Screening sorties, maintaining a 90

percent AM-490 completion rate, and a 100 percent AM-251 completion rate. Furthermore, a total of 1,230 Basic Cadets received initial airmanship

training through AM-100,

including 1,156 TG-10B/C orientation flights, well as 1,028 UV-18 rides, and 41 tandem freefall jumps. I experienced the hard as

work this first batch of ’08

put in from the lowest levels,

commanders

including an

outstanding Ops AF tour at Shaw AFB, S.C., with the best fighter squadron in the Air Force, the Tigers of the 79 Fighter Squadth

ron, and as the commander of

Bravo Flight

during 1 BCT. st

Flying Tigers

Squadron and group commanders have really kept the ball rolling into the academic

year. They have stood up their staffs and met

the varied

challenges of the semester with the

kind of enthusiasm and

would hope to find in a

professionalism you

group of soon-tobe lieutenants. I credit all the success in the Cadet Wing this semester to their

leadership

including marked improvement in drill and ownership over their squadrons’ a

tions.

daily opera-

Although there are many factors that

play into such incidence, it appears that the

strong leadership and emphasis on alcohol

responsibility throughout the cadet chain of command has produced positive results, with

only 13 alcohol hits through the majority of

the first semester under a

broader structuring of what constitutes an alcohol “hit.”

This contrasts

sharply with the previous year, where the Cadet Wing experienced over 250

hits over the course of the We certainly are not

academic year.

through yet. Commandant Challenge is milestone looming in the semester that will test the organizational of capabilities the Wing. In addition to the standard SAMI, uniform inspection, and marching, cadets will perform a series of tasks in the Field Training Exercise (FTX) at Jack’s Valley. These include HH-60 and CH-47 s

a

Colorado Army National Guard airlift

to the

out

Valley, convoy operations, individual

movement and tactics, as well as

land naviga-

tion, Self-Aid Buddy Care, and Nuclear

Biological Chemical Readiness exercises.

The entire FTX utilizes

Multiple Integrated Engagement System (MILES) gear to simulate a combat environment, a significant in improvement scope over previous years.

Additionally, the Commandant’s Challenge features a 6-mile PT challenge, a knowledge bowl-style Falcon Feud event, and a culminating parade.

Laser

Cadets have been successful outside of

their

squadrons, as well. Athletics have started out strong, including a thrillin g football campaign that concluded with an overwhelming victory against San Diego State and a 9-3 regular season record and a victory

against West Point. Men and Women’s Cross Country had outstanding seasons as well,

including two firsts,

a

second and two third

place finishes for the Men, and a second, third and fourth place finish for the Women.

Men’s Basketball has jumped out strong as

well, ratcheting up a 3-0 start.

The cadets

training at the airfield have continued to do an outstanding job representing the Academy into the fall semester.

The 98 th Flying Training Squadron and the Wing of Blue have earned fourth place at the U.S. rado

Nationals meet, first in the 2007 Colo-

Skydiving League, first at the Black and

Gold meet hosted

by the U.S. Army Golden

Knights, and are favored to win U.S. Collegiate Nationals in December. At the Black

and Gold Meet, Cadet First

Class Jake Kahn

finished first in

Sport Accuracy and Cadet

First Class Zach Alexander in Classic

Although I realize most of Checkpoints readership has far more leadership experience, I would like to

finished second

Accuracy. Demonstration team highlights included jumps into Falcon Sta-

dium as “The Bird,” the Old

of my

football game at Old Miss, an

Atlanta Braves game, the Air Force vs. Utah football game, Monday Night Football Broncos vs. Packers, and various air shows including Pueblo, Peachtree City, and Niagara Falls. The soaring instructors of the 94th Flying Training have Squadron kept pace as well,

a

a

standing

interpersonal relationships, I had very litde organizational leadership experience. These shortcomings show in several of the mistakes I made this semester. our football Following teams

football

games, at Holloman AFB, N.M., and the Notre Dame football game. They also

boasted a 100

percent completion rate for :he B-Go ofAM-251 this fall. In addition, he Aerobatic Team won the 2007 National Verobatic in

Championship September.

Academically the wing has continued

improve. Both the first and fourth-class adets have improved fall progress GPAs, tid a lull 42 percent of the Wing are above le 3.0 mark through the first half of the o

mester.

Additionally, all of the fourth-class idets received the initial of the Firstoffering :ar Experience program, which provides em with mentors from the

rty and faculty. s ;

permanent

Although the entire class not yet had the opportunity to enjoy of rigors mandatory Chemistry 141, it

pears that the new focus on

academics is

ning positive results for the Class of 2011. rthermore, I am proud to announce that ng Executive Officer C1C Hila

n a

2007 Rhodes

Levy

Scholarship and will be

nding Oxford University next fall. )verall, the wing is rolling into the >nd half of the year in the right direction.

some

personal reflections on serving as the Cadet Wing Commander. As expected, this has been the most challenging and rewarding job in which I have ever had the privilege of serving. I previously had no experience on wing or group staff, so although I felt fairly confident regarding my ability to lead from personal example and build strong

Miss vs. Florida

up static displays for all the home

take the chance to share

inspiring victory against TCU earlier this semester, I spoke with the commandant about possibly cancelling the Saturday training. I took her initial positive reaction to be more concrete than reality would ultimately allow were (there

issues with

with external

coordinating

agencies and the like that prohibited us from cancelling the training), and made the serious error of

inclination to my

communicating this

group commanders. It was then apparent just how quickly close-held

information spread in an

the Cadet

organization like

Wing. It seemed that five minutes

later everyone was

talking about cancelled

Saturday wing for the maturity and enthusiasm they displayed in training. I credit the

completing what turned out to be a half days worth of Saturday training in the end.

At the of the beginning

semester our vice

wing commander, director of and I instituted a

operations,

“48-hour” rule, in which

attempted avoid assigning tasks to the squadrons no later than forty-eight hours before it was due. This was another failure of we

to

mine, although we tried our hardest some success

and had

(it always seems that

things pop inability to jump on things early seemed to happen to us in other arenas as well. I honestly think that if I had the opportunity to serve in this capacity again I would address the small discipline issues at the up at the last minute). The

outset of the

semester, instead of

dealing with them as they emerged.

Lacking that move towards being proactive allows one to deal with other problems, but ends up frustrating you later in the semester.

Although I certainly made mistakes, I

think I was able to conduct ful

some success-

experiments this semester, as well. My

favorite of these initiatives was an

effort to push as many decisions as possible down to the group and squadron level.

Naturally, the squadron commanders could make not every decision, but the conscious effort on my behalf produced some interesting results.

Furthermore, each group (and certainly the squadrons) took on the character of their commander as the semester progressed, and the results were often pleasantly

surprising.

Overall, the best aspects of this semester

the ability to work with a

were

wide variety of

people, the sensation that I was able to influ-

ence

my environment, and the staff I had with me.

In the

working

outstanding

spring I look forward to ClC Jonny

Reynolds’ assumption of command. He is a motivating, enthusiastic leader who has the personality to motivate the Cadet Wing, and ensure that every class begins their transition to the next level, fi

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Association of Graduates UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY About the AOG I

AOG Services

I Heritage Projects

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Calendar/Events I Class Reunions

For Parents

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Search USAFA.ORG

In February of this year, the AOG launched a new Web site with added features and services, a sleaker design and easier navigation.

Some of the added features are:

ZOO MIEN ATION

■

A new membership area and online directory with greater search capabilities

■

A new photo gallery where high quality images can be viewed and

■

A new online store

■

Easier event registration

■

Flash multimedia and streaming videos

■

ZoomieNation

-

a

purchased

closed e-community for AOG members and USAFA grads for

social and professional networking, reconnecting and mentoring

I Log In/Ou

Want to fly

Raptc ■?

Get in line Got DREAMS OF BECOMING AN F-22A RAPTOR PILOT?

IF YOU DO, YOUR BEST

BET FOR THE NEAR FUTURE IS LEARNING TO FLY AN F- 15C Eagle or

SCORING HIGH IN UNDERGRADUATE PILOT

SO YOU CAN GO

INTO THE F-22A PILOT PIPELINE.

The Air Force is in the early stages of assigning first lieutenants

straight out of the introductory fighter fundamentals course to F-22A training at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. But the Air Force is limiting F-22A training slots for veteran pilots to aviators cross-training out of F-15Cs. While Air Force leaders want about 388 Raptors, Congress has capped the Air Force’s F-22A buy at 183 jets. If the courtesy photo

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limit sticks, that means the service will need around 230 to 275 F-22A pilots at any given time.

Today, the Air Force has two operational F-22A combat squadrons at Langley Air Force Base, Va., and a training squadron at Tyndall. A fourth squadron is building up at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, and more squadrons are pegged for Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., and Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

At Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, seven student pilots and

first-assignment instructor pilot are vying to become one of the four pilots assigned to the F-22A as their first fighter.

The eight officers are taking an introduction to fighter fundamentals course at the 435th Fighter Training Squadron, designed to prepare pilots for the F-22A. First Lt. Austin Skelley, ’05, is one of the eight with a 50-50 shot at climbing into the cockpit of an operational F-22A. While a student pilot at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, Skelley put the F-22A at the top of his dream sheet. After finishing at one

the top of his class, he got his wish.

Now, every time he gets ready to fly an AT-38 Talon, Skelley tries to put that F-22A dream out of his mind.

“I just try not to think about anything but my next flight,”

he said.

The commander of the training squadron, Lt. Col. Dan

Carlson, said the eight students are not trying to get an edge over

each other.

“They are working very well together,” he said.

For the most part, the students are flying the same fighter fundamentals course F-15C candidates fly, Carlson said. The main difference will be near the end, when the F-22A stu-

dents get three additional flights in air-to-air combat scenarios that have them and another jet defending against a third jet.

The goal of the additional flights isn’t to see who can win a

dogfight but to give the students more experience establishing their fighter’s role and position, Carlson said.

The fighter fundamentals course is expected to end shortly

While the Air Force is preparing to let first lieutenants fly Raptors, the service is

limiting which veteran pilots get a seat in the fifth-generation fighter.

When Raptor training started in earnest about three years ago, a cross-section of fighter pilots was assigned to F-22A cockpits with the idea that F-15E, F-16, A-10 and F-l 17 aviators would bring their ground attack experience to Raptor squadrons while F-15C pilots would add their air-to-air combat expertise to the mix.

Also, many F-15C pilots were grandfathered into Raptor positions because F-22As replaced their Eagles.

As of October, former F-15C pilots comprise about 68 percent of the active-duty F-22A pilot community, according to the Air Force. However, the percentage of former F-15C pilots will rise.

Last spring, Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley directed that 85 percent of active-duty Raptor pilots must have F-15C backgrounds. Reaching that goal requires the service to change who goes to F-22A school.

“Since we are drawing down the F-15C inventory as we stand up the Raptor, I’m directing that 100 percent of the new [to the F-22A] active-duty pilots entering the Raptor community be

previous F-15C pilots,” Moseley wrote in an April letter. Guard and Reserve pilots switching to the F-22A are exempted from Moseley’s directive.

Moseley’s policy allows for exceptions, such as bringing in student pilots. It has not been determined how many will join the Raptor community each year.

Once the 85 percent goal is reached in a few years, the F-15C-

only rule will be relaxed.

The last F-16 pilot to switch to the F-22—at least for now— began training at Tyndall in September. He had been picked for the F-22 in January, prior to Moseley’s decision. Moseley predieted that when the Air Force begins standing up F-35 Lightning II training and operational squadrons later this decade, pilots from aircraft the F-35 is replacing—primarily the F-16 and A-10—will have a preference for F-35 school slots. H

before Christmas. No date is set for when the students will learn who will be heading to the Raptor. The students not selected

will likely go on to F-15C school, Carlson said.

The current plan calls for the F-22 students to begin the

Raptor course in the spring, Carlson said. However, before the

pilots get to make their first flight in a single-seat F-22A, they’ll get a few sorties in a two-seat F-15 or F-16, where they new

will experience 9G maneuvers for the first time.

23

Call for papers The USAFA Department of History invites proposals for papers on

the history of the Academy for the 22 nd Military History Sym-

posium to be held September 28-30, 2009.

Paper proposals are welcome on all aspects of USAFA history,

including but not limited to: •

Academic programs

•

Association of Graduates

•

Athletic programs

•

Cadet life

•

Cadets not completing training

•

Choosing the location for USAFA Civilian faculty programs Community relations (town and gown) Congress and USAFA

•

•

•

Social history

•

War and society

The department offers its assistance in obtaining access to archival resources and oral history interviews to facilitate research lead-

ing to papers to be submitted to the symposium.

The Proceedings of the 22 nd Military History Symposium will be published following the event.

To submit a paper proposal, please send an abstract (not more than 500 words/electronic submissions are preferred, but not required), a CV, and a short research plan (if the research is not nd yet complete) to: Maj. J. D. Went, Program Chair, 22 Military History Symposium, HQUSAFA/DFH, 2354 Fairchild Hall, Ste. 6F101, USAFA, CO 80840, or e-mail at james.went@usafa.edu.

For questions about the Symposium, please contact Maj. Grant nd

•

Cultural or ethnic groups at USAFA

Weller, Director, 22

•

Establishing USAFA education and training programs Flying training at USAFA Foreign exchange programs (cadet and faculty) Funding USAFA

DFH, 2354 Fairchild Hall, Ste. 6F101, USAFA, CO 80840, or email grant.weller@usafa.edu.

•

Gender Issues at USAFA

•

International (non-US citizen) cadets

•

Inter-service exchange programs and cross commissioning

•

Military training programs Religion at USAFA

•

•

•

Military History Symposium, HQ USAFA/

Cadet awarded Rhodes Scholarship

•

Selection of cadets

•

Selection of faculty and staff

By Air Force Print News Cadet 1st Class Hila Levy, from Guaynbo, Puerto Rico, was recently awarded one of 32 Rhodes Scholarships for 2008. Levy is a biology major with Cadet Squadron 9. First in her class, she is an accomplished linguist, minoring in Arabic, French and Spanish while fluent in Italian, Portuguese and Hebrew. She has done research on Dengue and hemorrhagic fever in Venezuela. She also

•

Support programs

has written several papers accepted for publication relating to lan-

•

USAFA as a site of protest/controversy

•

USAFA graduat es

guage in the military and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The scholarship will allow for Cadet Levy, who is the 35 th

•

USAFA Preparatory School

•

The department is also seeking papers representing a variety of

methodological perspectives, including but not limited to: •

American studies

•

Biography Cultural history Economic history Ethnic / race history Gender history History of sexuality

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Institutional history

•

Local history

•

Military history Organizational history Political history

•

Academy recipient of a Rhodes Scholarship, to study at the University of Oxford in England and complete her Masters of Science in global health science.

The Rhodes Scholarships, the oldest and best known award for international study, were created in 1902 through the will of Cecil Rhodes, British philanthropist and African colonial pioneer. Applicants are

chosen on the basis of the criteria set down in the will, including

high academic achievement, integrity of character, a spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, potential for leadership and physical vigor.

The 32 Rhodes Scholars chosen from the United States will join an international group chosen from thirteen other jurisdictions around the world. Approximately 85 scholars are selected worldwide each year. Cadet Levy is the first Puerto Rican resident to win a Rhodes Scholarship.

History of the American West History of the Service Academies

•

•

24

•

CORONA Fall concludes at Academy

By Air Force Print News Air Force senior leaders concluded the two-day CORONA Fall C H E C K P OIN T S,

DECEMBER 2007

conference in October at the Air Force Academy. The goal of this

Gen. Michael Hayden, director of the CIA, briefed leaders on recent

CORONA summit was to ensure planning for tomorrow is not

developments in the intelligence community. Ms. Sue C. Payton, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, discussed current acquisition programs and emphasized the focus on meeting both today’s urgent

compromised by concentrating on today’s fight.

“Our current mission focus is waging and winning the long

war,” said Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Air Force chief of staff.

“However, we can’t take our eyes off the strategic playing field.

needs as well as the needs of tomorrow.

We can’t wait until tomorrow to think about tomorrow.”

ences on

General Moseley talked of the importance of Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power in shaping the future of the Air Force.

“Global Vigilance, Global Reach and Global Power...that’s our

CORONA Fall also featured several airmen who shared their experi-

the front lines. Master Sgt. John Melito spoke about Airmen’s

efforts in building the Iraqi Air Force and the success of the first 58 Iraqi Airmen graduating from the Air Force indoctrination training.

Gen. Duncan J. McNabb, the Air Force vice chief of staff, conclud-

nation’s asymmetric advantage and something no one else can do.

ed the conference by saying, “Our Nation is facing a complex and

We must ensure that we can provide our nation those capabilities

dangerous world with strategic challenges that require foresight and planning—not just reaction. During this conference we focused on

now

and in the future,” General Moseley added.

CORONA conferences are held three times a year and allow the

Secretary of the Air Force, the Chief of Staff and senior Air Force civilian and military leadership to come together for frank, open discussions that will lead the Air Force into tomorrow.

Discussions and briefings at CORONA Fall centered on the

three themes of mission, people and tomorrow.

We have to do both to fulfill our duty to this great nation.”

Buddhist Chapel Dedicated The Air Force Academy’s first Buddhist Chapel, officially titled the Vast Refuge Dharma Hall Chapel, was dedicated Oct. 29 at the

Dr. John Hamre, former Deputy Secretary of Defense, provided

strategic perspective on Air Force organization for future challenges. He highlighted that the changing world requires an interagency, full spectrum response for national security. a

Lt. Gen. Patrick Paimbault of the French Air Force shared lessons

how we can prevent future wars while still winning the war we’re in.

learned from the French Air Force in Africa to assist in stand-

ing up Africa Command. The general emphasized that tactical air mobility is one of the most important elements for any operation in the huge expanse of Africa.

Cadet Chapel.

The ceremony took place on the lower level of the chapel and was

followed by a reception at Doolittle Hall.

Dai En Wiley Burch, a Buddhist reverend and graduate of the

Academy Class of 1959, officiated over the ceremony.

The AOG provided construction management for the donor-funded renovation. The $85,000 renovation included bamboo flooring, cedar ceiling beams and handcrafted sliding walls and includes an endowment for an additional $10,000 per year for five years. SI

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Foundation with Somaly Mam

HOW TWO GRADUATES ARE

COMBATING SEXUAL SLAVERY

26

Z

in Moscow. He could not ignore the crime.

“It was a world that baffled and angered

us,” says Lumpp. “We promised to make a at home. Each year over one million women

difference.” Over plates of California and

and children, some as young as five-years-old,

spicy tuna rolls they committed to raise $ 1 million within the next year to help combat the atrocity. This duo now had a mission, but admittedly not a clue as to how to accomplish their goal. “I had never raised a dollar in my life,” says Greenberg. Ignorance, they believe, helped their cause.

“We’re just interested in getting results.

are

ts close to

midnight outside

the United Nations. Its

early November 2007. Jared Greenberg and Nicholas Lumpp climb into a New York City yellow cab, loosen their ties and

ask the driver to take them to a 59th Street bar. A few friends, a round of drinks, and a

sold into the industry. Of the 800,000

victims trafficked annually, the U.S. State

Department estimates 17,500 people are sold in the United States, making it the second largest trafficking destination in the world.

Today sexual slavery is ranked the third most profitable criminal industry, only exceeded by drug and weapons trafficking. The enormity of the problem is reportedly greater today

Whiskey Park. This pair of2005 Academy graduates have much to celebrate. They have just launched the Somaly Mam Foundation. Two hundred and fifty people stood shoulder to shoulder in a UN function room overlooking the East River and Brooklyn skyline, to bear witness

than at the height of the trans-Adantic slave

to the foundations birth. Its mission is now

Greenberg became aware of the $12 billion a year sex slave industry while attending school

toast await them at the

official

-

to rescue, rehabilitate and

reintegrate

trade. These brutal facts fuel Lumpp and Greenbergs quest to end this “international

scourge” on humanity.

The creation of the Somaly Mam

Foundation germinated inside a Laguna Beach sushi bar just five months earlier.

Our biggest advantage has been not

knowing the rules,” Greenberg says, laughing at the idea. “Everyone in the nonprofit world has been saying you guys have been moving so quick, how do you guys do it?’ Our whole advantage is that we have no idea how you’re supposed to do it. Being from the Air Force Academy,

victims of the global sex slave trade.

Many Americans are not aware of the

magnitude of sexual slavery both abroad and

Opposite page: A Cambodian girl Lumpp and Greenberg met in Cambodia.

(Photo by Jared Greenberg) Left: Nic Lumpp and Jared Greenberg in Bryant Park, New York City. After leavingthe Air Force under the Force Shaping program, the 2005 grads decided to make the world a better place by

fighting sexual slavery. Right: Somaly Mam addresses guests at the United Nations duringthe launch of the Somaly Mam Foundation. (Photos by Robert Stuart)

you learn how to get things done.” Lumpp is quick to add, “We learned to take

command of situations.”

It’s the end of June, just weeks removed

from that pivotal meeting over sushi.

Lumpp nudges Greenberg awake and announces, “Were finally here.” A 19hour flight aboard a Malaysia Airline 737 has brought them to Cambodia’s Phnom

Penh International Airport. Outside the terminal Somaly Mam and two staff members from her organization Acting

for Woman in Distressing Situations

-

also

referred to by its French acronym AFESIP, hold a sign that reads, “Greenberg-

Lumpp.” Over the next nine days the lives of two graduates will change from concerned spectators to empowered activists. Though they did not intend to form a partnership with Mam on this trip, destiny intervened. “I had not even considered that I would be co-founding an organization with one of our greatest leaders of our time,” says Lumpp. “The name Somaly Mam meant nothing to us until a week before we had plane tickets to

words. Pov’s mother sold her into slavery

visit her in Cambodia.”

for $20 at age 7. Mam rescued her at age

survived rape, torture and the confines of

It was an Anderson Cooper 360°

10. Helping the Srey Pov’s of the world is

a

feature story about Mam, discovered on

Mam’s life mission. In 1996 she created

You Tube, that “intrigued” the Zoomies

AFESIP and has since saved more than

enough to contact her. “I threw my heart into an e-mail to Somaly,” says Greenberg.

4,000 victims. Her efforts have established

by a young woman recently reintegrated into a nearby village-the direct result of Mam’s labor. They will come to know the

three residential shelters within Cambodia.

full spectrum of Mam’s effort. Because

His message somehow rose to the top of

Branches of the non-governmental

of the risk, they are prepared to abandon

Mam’s crowded mailbox and registered

organization now exist in Laos, Thailand

the tour at a moment’s notice. “Most of

with the human rights activist. “When I

and Vietnam. Teams of dedicated staff risk

the brothel owners know Somaly and

read their e-mail something sounded like

their lives rescuing women and children from

they want to help us,” says Mam, trying to translate the sincerity she found in Greenberg's letter. “I do everything with my feelings. I feel with my heart.”

brothels. They offer shelter, legal support,

many would like to kill her,” says Lumpp.

They meet the perilous world that Mam

education, vocational training and health and

experiences daily.

“We are victims for life. Our bodies

dead. Our minds dead.” The crowd at the United Nations is hushed by Mam’s words. “They are not prostitutes. They are victims

of system.” Considered one

the plight she knows all too well.

“I want to help victim like Somaly,” says a

smiling 15-year-old Srey Pov, her eyes

fixed on the floor as a translator conveys her

this man who ran a brothel put a gun to my

rest of

He told me I was a bitch, and that he was

reports Mam to the UN crowd, her emotion palpable. Dozens of cameras flash trying to

going to kill me. Last December we rescued 89 women and children in a police raid on a big hotel. But the pimps went to our shelter and grabbed them back. The next day they

my life is to give what I missed when I was young. I miss love. I miss mommy,”

capture the moment.

sexual slavery today, Mam describes the

Bodyguards accompany Greenberg and Lumpp as they travel the “muddy trash littered streets” of Phnom Penh’s red light district. They are beginning a nine day tour of Mam’s operation. They will visit brothels and witness girls come alive with hope at the sight of Mam. They will tour shelters and meet an 8-year-old girl dying of AIDS, her virginity sold for $500. They will be introduced to a 7-year-old girl who

speaks from experience. As a child she was sold to a brothel where she was tortured and forced to have sex with five or six clients every night. She does not know when she was born, is unsure of her name,

and has no recollection of her mother.

She found the will to escape slavery after

witnessing a pimp murder her friend.

cage. They will visit a business owned

psychological recovery. The goal is ultimately to give these victims the chance to lead free and productive lives. “What I want for the

of the “most prolific activists” fighting effect this crime casts upon its victims. She

28

Mam would later vow to save others from

D ECEMBER 2007

“Our job is dangerous,” says Mam. “Once

temple; he was angry that I talked to his girls.

threatened to come back with grenades.

I phoned everyone I could for help, but I was

told I’d gone too far -1 had bothered

powerful people. I make a point of going to see

the criminals who threaten me. I have

to show them I’m not afraid

by talking to

them.” The threats to Mam are real. Last year Mam’s daughter was kidnapped, drugged and raped by three men. Her stories have rendered Greenberg and Lumpp speechless

Opposite page: Somaly Mam embraces 15-year-old Srey Pov during launch of the foundation. At age 7, Srey Pov was sold into sexual slavery for $20 by her mother. She was 10years-old when Mam’s organization AFESIP (Acting for Woman in Distressing Situations) Cambodia rescued and brought her to one of its three rehabilitation centers. Left: A room in a Cambodian brothel. (Photo by Nic Lumpp) Right: Handmade scarves, purses, and jewelry designed by rescued girls from AFESIP Cambodia. (Photos by Robert Stuart)

at

times, but have also helped reaffirm their

resolve to fight this depravity.

Greenberg and Lumpp met in an aeronautical engineering class during their senior year at the Academy. Independently they capitalized on a shared entrepreneurial spirit. Greenberg operated an online poker supply business. Lumpp imported suits.

Their dorm room enterprises proved an important part of their development. Today both work for Academy graduates. Lumpp is chief operating officer of Kablinga. com, a Denver based Internet company he co-

founded with Art Zeile, 86, and Joel

Daly, ’90, that aims to teach kids financial and social responsibility. “A lot of what I have learned about starting a business from Art and Joel has been extremely helpful in starting the foundation,” says Lumpp.

With ambitions that run the gamut of “be-

ing president” to “ripping movie tickets in

support to run with my passion. He was the first person to significantly donate to us.”

“The harder we work, the luckier we

get,” says Lumpp, looking back over the remarkable developments of the past few months. Upon returning from Cambodia, securing a 501(c)(3) nonprofit status was

growth and has committed to providing continual infrastructure, technical and financial support. Bill Livermore, director

prime concern and necessity for the foundation. Lumpp “took command” and hired a consultant to help with the

of customer support contact at LexisNexis,

process. Told not to expect anything back for eight months, Lumpp wrote a letter to

of supporting the rule of law around the world. Where human trafficking exists the

the Internal Revenue Service explaining the

rule of law cannot exist,” says Livermore.

importance of expediting his application.

He was approved in three weeks. “Nic

“These two young men are heroes. I cannot

a

has worked closely with the foundation’s creators.

overstate this.

Wyoming,” Greenberg is a management consultant with Insigniam Performance in Los Angeles. He is quick to applaud his

worked magic,” says Greenberg.

boss and foundation board advisor Nathan

efforts. “LexisNexis has been a huge

Rosenberg, ’74, for the current success of the Somaly Mam Foundation. “If it wasn’t for Nathan, none of this would have happened,” says Greenberg. “He’s been the inspiration

supporter of us,” says Greenberg. “They are our main sponsor now. It’s taken everything

behind me creating it. He’s given me the

is deeply involved with the foundation’s

The duo’s meteoric accomplishments have been bolstered by corporate and grassroots

to a whole new level.”

LexisNexis, one of

They saw an injustice they could assist with and rather than sit by, and rather than send money, they reached out and committed to do something. Nic and Jared are the finest examples of what their generation is capable of.”

The successful launch of the foundation now

leaves Greenberg and Lumpp time

to focus on future strategy.

the world’s largest online database services,

J

“LexisNexis has a long history

Finding an executive director who can effectively carry 07

29

Lumpp and Greenberg with young women helped

by Somaly Mam in Cambodia. (Courtesy Photo)

appeared with the nonprofit’s co-founders on The Tyra Banks Show to help promote their mission. At times bewilderment bubbles to the surface of

Greenberg and Lumpp’s

unique experience. “Susan Sarandon cooked me breakfast,” says Lumpp, eyes wide with disbelief. “I’m really getting used to all this.

I don’t know what I’m going to do when I get back to my normal routine in Colorado.”

Just the morning before the pair stood in Sarandon’s New York City apartment

shooting pool and discussing the future of the foundation.

foundation’s presence on these sites has

generated thousands of new contacts.

“Our focus is to raise awareness,” says out the

global mission of the Somaly Mam

Foundation is of top priority for the cofounders. They know their limitations and are not

afraid to ask for help. The health

of the foundation trumps their egos.

most basic of tactics

-

word of mouth. “I

spoke to a group in Colorado, and at the end I asked them to commit to talking to about the cause, one person each

“Were really looking to take it to the next

someone

level beyond us,” says Greenberg. “Luckily

day for seven days. That’s what is needed for change to happen,” says Lumpp, his enthusiasm pushing out the words.

Hollywood has rallied around Greenberg and Lumpp’s effort. Actress and activist Daryl Hannah, who has physically helped rescue girls from the brothels of Cambodia, served

enough the CEO of LexisNexis is on the board of a nonprofit that’s job it is to link former executives to NGO’s.” Military awareness is also on their agenda. “This issue is especially important for military personnel to understand since often those

of ceremonies at the foundation’s

stationed overseas do not know that many

as master

of the prostitutes just outside their bases

UN launch. She passionately urged the

actually enslaved, tortured and bought and sold like property,” says Lumpp.

Online social networking outlets MySpace and Facebook are generating growing awareness of the foundation’s mission. “One of the major things we want to do is get people to sign up for our e-mail list,” says Lumpp. The

crowd “to give everything you can,” to the

are

30

Greenberg. “Our focus is results on the ground. That’s where our commitment lies.” Their efforts have also employed the

cause.

The events of the week raised more

Support and awareness for the foundation is also being generated among the Academy’s student body. Cadet 1st Class Asha Padmanabhan is attempting to “brand the cause” of the Somaly Mam Foundation as part of a project for her Innovation class. Using Khmer silk, Padmanabhan hopes to develop and market ties, scarves and throw pillows to raise awareness and funds. “Once people know about the problem, they are hooked,” says Padmanabhan, a member of Wings of Blue.

Chris McClary, a graphic designer who volunteered to design the printed material for the foundation’s launch party, has been

deeply affected by his involvement with the campaign. “I broke down. I was so moved by what I was up to. It was really a profound moment,” says the California based designer. “I was designing at a philanthropic level. I felt like I got my life.”

It’s 1:30 a.m. Greenberg and Lumpp leave the din of Whiskey Park. They’re ready to call it a night. They need rest. The next two weeks have them

crisscrossing the country Denver, Los Angeles, and back to NYC. The Somaly -

Mam Foundation is open for business.

than $100,000. Just days before Mam

“It’s something worth waking up in the

revealed that AFESIP would be bankrupt

morning for, that’s for sure,” says Lumpp, looking tired but proudly satisfied, m

by the new year. Academy award winner and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Susan Sarandon who now serves on the Somaly Mam Foundation’s board of directors,

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For more information or to give to The Somaly

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FEATURE FILM ON CLASS OF

1980 TO BEGIN IN SPRING 2008

fiMVM

by Lorna Gutierrez Schriever Sentinel

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32

he first female cadets to graduate the U.S. Air

T

Force Academy will see their story brought to

the silver screen when “Bring Me Men,” a movie named after a sign that used to greet cadets upon their arrival to the campus, debuts.

“Bring Me Men,” produced by Summitworks LLC and supported by the Department of Defense and the Air Force Entertainment Liaison Office in Los Angeles, is slated to begin principal photography in the spring or summer of 2008. Some scenes were filmed at the Army-Air Force football game Nov. 3. Casting calls and crew interviews are also expected to be held in 2008.

The movie will be the first feature film shot at the Academy and will bring the Class of 1980 into the spotlight through the eyes of a fictional female general reflecting on her time there. But at least one Air Force officer at Schriever already knows the story well.

Col. Beverly Plosa-Bowser, the individual mobilization augmentee to the commander of the Space Innovation and Development Center here, was one of 157 women accepted into the first female class in 1976. She was surprised at first that a movie was in the making about her class; but upon reflection, she said she thinks it’s definitely a story worth telling.

Colonel Plosa-Bowser had an opportunity to read the script for

“Bring Me Men” recently and gave it a positive review.

“As I was reading the script, I found it pretty amazing how the experiences described what I did personally,” she said. “I think they’ve done a really good job.”

Colonel Plosa-Bowser said one of the reasons she joined the Air Force was out of curiosity. Nobody in her family was involved with the military, and the idea of traveling and a receiving a free college education were big draws. The colonel, a native of New Hope, Penn., chose to attend the Air Force Academy rather than the U.S. Naval Academy or the U.S. Military Academy because she believed the Air Force Academy was more open to integrating women into its program.

Colonel Plosa-Bowser s years at the Academy are years she’ll never

forget. She said that upon entering the Academy in 1976,

she did not feel welcome.

“We were intruding and ruining a dream the cadets had held

for many years—the dream of going to an all-male institution and the fraternal bond they expected as part of the experience,” Colonel Plosa-Bowser said.

Previous page: Female cadets walk nearthe “Bring Me Men” ramp shortly before the words were removed. (Photo by Ken Wright) Top right: Col. Beverly Plosa-Bowser,

currently the individual mobilization augmentee to the Space Innovation and Development Center commander, is shown here during cadet training at the U.S. Air Force

Academy. Colonel Plosa-Bowser was one of 93 women who were the first females to graduate from the Academy in 1980. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Sticking with the program was hard. Of 157 women who were accepted, 97 graduated—a statistic that was higher by percentage than the males graduating that same year.

“Our group had the label of the first year, so we stuck to it and

hung on despite the ugliness,” the colonel said.

A particularly trying time for Colonel Plosa-Bowser was when she had to participate in a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and

Escape course her freshman year. She was paired with two male cadets who did not cooperate and would not work with a female as a team

member. As a result, all three cadets flunked, and she

had to repeat the process at the end of her sophomore year.

Luckily, the two male cadets from the Class of‘81 whom she was paired with the second time were cooperative.

She recalled that during a stage of her SERE training designed to simulate being a prisoner of war, she was subjected to three or four days without sleep. Near the end, the cadets were made to hold a deep bow posture, like touching one’s toes, for more than 15 minutes and had to listen to a speech about how wonderful their captor’s country was. The captor insisted that the cadets pay homage to his country’s flag.

“I could feel anger boiling inside me,” Colonel Plosa-Bowser said. “I thought, ‘No way are you going to make me honor your country’s flag.’

“He then told everyone to stand up and honor his flag, and there was the American flag. I stood up and saluted and had tears streaming down my eyes.”

Although times were hard, the Academy did an excellent job overall to prepare her for the future. And despite the trying times—or perhaps because of them—Colonel Plosa-Bowser said she made some of the best friends of her life while attending the Academy. She recently visited with some of the other “’80s ladies,” as they call themselves, at her house after an Air Force game.

“When you share very difficult circumstances, you take away tremendous relationships, mutual understanding and bonds that last a lifetime,” she said.

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Your Association of Graduates had another exciting and

productive year. This collection of photographs represent just a few of the programs, events and products the AOG supports and produces.

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1. The Class of 2010 enters through the Heritage Trail

8. Heritage Trail continues to grow

2. Homecoming ceremony

9. Cultural Immersion programs

3. Quality merchandise

10. Character Development programs

4. New Web site -professional and social networking

11. Rings for cadets

5. Tailgates to support Falcon Football

12. Register of Graduates

6. The Memorial Pavilion is dedicated

13. Award winning magazine.

7. Host numerous events at Doolittle Hall

35

was the

best year ever for financial contributions to support the Academy

AOG Net Assets

Annual Support to the Academy

Unrestricted

Restricted

<A

$

in

Milons

O 3 V)

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007 Year

Year

AOG Gifts and Grants

Expenditures of Resources

Memorial Pavilion

Academics Character Development

$4,608,000

Membership

$685,000 $469,000

Cadet Clubs

$87,000

Superintendent's Fund

$80,000

Athletics

$76,000

Scholarships

$80,000

Other programs

$107,000

Indirect Academy support

$443,000 $6,635,000

Publications

■ Academy and other support

Management and general ■ Development

Sources of Revenue ■ Contributions Investment income

■ Dues ■

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BY KYLE DAVIDSON

Visionary '77 grad is credited with developing software that forever changed computer programming

T

hese are exciting times were

Gore has that one covered (said with tongue-

ing Machinery Fellow, can feel good about

living in.

It is likely that in the past

in-cheek, or perhaps keyboard-in-cubby is

accomplishing the goal he began working toward in 1967; the same year the floppy

a

better analogy given the digital tools of

century more has been done to change the world, for good or bad, than

todays journalist).

anytime in recorded human history. In this

has been an integral cog in designing the

knocked on their door and said, ‘I will do

digital age, the world is more technologically sophisticated and advanced than ever before and is rapidly advancing each day.

Academy graduates can be proud that

language behind the programs that make

anything for the summer, empty trash cans, you name it,’ but they said, you know, ‘Go

many of their own are at the forefront of

At the young age of 12, Grady Booch

such advancement.

Of course, it is a huge disappointment that

Academy grad can claim responsibility for inventing the Internet. After all, Al not one

Yet if it’s any consolation, one grad

up the computer software which makes all of our lives easier, both in the office

and at home.

dreamed of making a difference in the field of computer science.

Today, the USAFA Class of 1977 grad, IBM Fellow and Association for Comput

disk was invented at IBM. “I went off to the local IBM office, literally

away kid.’ But there was a nice sales guy who

took pity upon me and threw me a nice Fortran IV

[IBM Mathematical Formula Trans-

lating System] manual with the expectation that I’d probably read it and get bored and never come

back. But much to his surprise,

I came back the

following Monday and said,

Upon his first assignment at Vandenberg Air Force Base in central California, the fledgling lieutenant’s early computing experience led him to be one of the number of youngest project managers for a technological defense acquisitions. Toward the end of his assignment he caught wind of the work Academy classmates Paul Levy and Mike Devlin were doing with a new programming language to be used for satellite control. It ended up being a perfect opportunity to collaborate as Booch was

returning to the Academy to teach and would have ample time and resources to perform his own research.

Upon returning to USAFA, he was

soon

directed to find out how this new language, which would eventually comprise Ada, could be used for software engineering.

Grady Booch went from being a kid with a dream to a man on a mission as he followed

his passion for software

development. (Courtesy photo)

‘Hey, this is cool, I just wrote a program and I want to run it,” explained Booch, musing about his first programming experience.

He added the sales guy was so impressed he

“This was a program that was intended to be really quite important for the DoD

large, and I found myself teaching less and less, and spending more time

at

TDYs going around to a variety of

on

projects, around the world literally, helping them figure out their processes and methods for using Ada,” Booch said.

At just about the time his commitment up, he was thinking of making the Air Force a career, but received a call from was

Paul and Mike stating they’d caught the

environment, so that software parameters and functionality can be tested before

millions of lines of code are written. Many programmers who work on large-scale architecture owe Booch a debt of gratitude

because of the time his method, affectionately called “The Booch Method,” saves them in coding and debugging.

UML has been used in designing and

testing software programs in everything from financial accounting software to formula-one racecars. It is even being used to design the imaging software for NASA’s

James Webb Telescope, which will shortly

replace the Hubble in studying and monitoring astronomic entities.

Suffice to say, the programmer has made the difference he set out to make three decades ago. Yet with all he’s done, he admits he’s envious of many of his classmates.

“The Class of’77 was a remarkable

class. We had a number of graduates who went on to be astronauts, and

[do very

well for themselves]. We had one guy who at one time was the CIO [Chief Information Officer] of Congress, so there was

something they put in the water when we went in. It was delightful to watch the careers of many of my colleagues,” he complemented.

Booch added that he also believes that

“entrepreneurial bug” and wanted him to join them in starting a programming

because of their collective success, they have a duty to give back to the Academy... To be mentors to the new generation of cadets who will go on to become

Booch admitted that perhaps he took

business. Thus, the company Rational Software was formed in 1982.

“My early work at Rational did a lot of

every 12-year-old boy’s dream of building

work with the defense programs. It’s not

robots a little to the geeky extreme, but

like I ever gave up my military connec-

difference makers.

“Those are the kind of stories that I think are very important for the cadets to

that it served him well throughout high

tions but rather they continued on as

know,” he said in regard to how he and

school, eventually leading to an appoint-

we

Academy.

Although he had the option of attending other recognizable and accomplished

material difference in the way people were actually building and delivering large soft-

found the youngster an open computer to work on where he could teach himself how to key-punch, program and debug for what he remembered as “a delightful summer.”

ment to the Air Force

schools such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford and Carnegie Mellon

University, the up-and-coming programmer chose the Air Force Academy because of its

“phenomenal undergraduate program.”

While at the Academy, Booch excelled both academically and militarily. He was a squadron commander, vice-wing commander th and graduated 13 overall out of his class.

It was at the Academy where he created the formative bonds that would eventually lead to his professional success.

started to build products that made a

systems that were defense critical,” Booch explained.

ware

Since then, Booch has been at the lead-

ing edge of software development. He has written six best-selling books covering programming and software development, but perhaps his greatest contribution to his field was the creation of the Unified

Modeling Language.

UML is an object-oriented language that allows programmers to use objects and shapes such as boxes, rectangles and so

on, to build their programs in a test

his classmates were molded through their Academy experience. “... That the things you learn at the Academy

become a part of

you, deeply, and do not leave you

for the

rest of your life no matter what you do.”

As for future Academy graduates

making a difference in our world, Booch is comforted by what he sees in the newest generation of the Long Blue Line.

“The world is a very different place-a fact that the very scary place, and the Academy still exists to continue to produce men and women of honor makes me feel really good.”

MILITARY EXPERIENCE tiif winn & 1 flu IVIDfl A WINNING COMBINATION

Military service provides a unique foundation of leadership, strategic thinking, and performance.

The skills you developed have proven

For more information,

check out the new MBA Planner at

www.mba.com/

military

to be strong assets in your career.

Strengthening them with an MBA degree, makes you competitive and attractive in

Graduate

whatever field you choose.

Management

© 2007 Graduate Management Admission Council® (GMAC®) All

rights reserved. Creating Access to Graduate Business Education® and Graduate Management Admission Council® are registered trademarks of the Graduate Management Admission Council® in the United States and other Countries. Photo provided by the United States Department of Defense.

Admission Council® Creating Access to Graduate Business Education

&

DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE

NOMINATION CRITERIA CHANGED FOR DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE AWARD The Distinguished Graduate Award Committee wants

honor bestowed by the U.S. Air Force Academy and

to enrich the

its Association of Graduates, recognizing gradu-

tablishment of a “Pre-Nomination Recommendation” which allows people to send the AOG a name and a one

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

pool of potential candidates for this imesportant award. The committee has approved the

paragraph justification. The AOG staff would then do internet research to gather preliminary information on the nominee. The DGA Committee would determine if the person merited additional consideration and would contact the nominator for assistance in a more

putting together

detailed package.

The Distinguished Graduate Award recognizes ex-

ceptional graduates who have set themselves apart by making extraordinarily significant contributions to our nation and/or their communities. It is a unique

ates whose

standards that we value and of the abilities that have made our country and society great.

While the selection criteria for this award are extreme-

ly demanding and the competition is keen, we need the assistance of eve ry graduate to identify deserving candidates for evaluation. Non-graduates are also encouraged to submit nominations. This is our opportunity to recognize our own while identifying those who can serve as an inspiration to future generations of Americas leaders.

TIMELINE

May 2007

-

June 2008

Award is publicized and nominations are accepted.

Pre-nominations must be submitted by April 1, 2007 JUNE

-

AUGUST 2008

Selection committee reviews nomination packages SEPTEMBER 2008

Selection committee recommends award recipient to

APRIL 2009

Award presentation ceremony at U.S. Air Force Academy in conjunction with Founders Day. SEND PRE-NOMINATION INFORMATION TO

Association of Graduates

3116 Academy Drive USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475 or

e-mail gary.howe@aogusafa.org.

AOG chairman of the board and U.S. Air Force Acad t emy superintendent. Recipient is notified and agrees

accept award at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

For more information, contact Gary Howe, ’69, at

(719) 472-0300, or gary.howe@aogusafa.org or visit the AOG Web site at www.usafa.org.

'93 grad's writing catches the attention of one of the biqaest names

in comic books

By Matt Brady, Newsarama.com (Article was first published by newsarama.com.)

Illustration by lake Bilbao

arvel Comics has made no

M

secret of the fact that it’s

We spoke with Yocum about his getting

in, and his Spider-Man story.

constantly on the hunt for new talent. Given the

NEWSARAMA: First off, Matt-how did

visual nature involved, the search for new

this project get started? Were you just

artists usually get the most attention, such

submitting cold to Marvel?

as

C.B. Cebulski’s “Chesterquest,” but to

those paying attention, new writers are

MATT YOCUM: I was submitting cold,

regularly popping up in the credits.

And no, they’re not all television or movie writers looking for a second job.

but in a decidedly different way than

Case in point: December’s Giant-Size

normal. After having been to a few comic

conventions, I saw how many hopeful writers and artists were vying for editors’

Avengers Special #1. Along the writers

attention. So I knew I had to figure out a

listed, some guy named Matt Yocum.

way to stand out, to somehow have a one-

Nope-he’s not a producer on Heroes,

on-one

Lost or Battlestar Galactica—\\c s just a man with a dream

that’s been realized.

Okay-to be honest, there’s a little more to

it than that.

experience.

I had read that at Wizard World LA in 2006 there would be an auction from

the comics charity ACTOR [now called The Hero Initiative] to have lunch with

S&ftMMa#**

Joe Quesada. I decided right then I was

in Tel Aviv, Israel. I’ve been in the Air

MY: Writing has always been my

going to win that lunch. I set my alarm

Force since I was 17, going to the Air

to wake me

Force Academy, and then I became an

thing, going back to high school. To be honest, I was set on being a novelist.

officer after graduation 14 years ago. In

I’ve written two novels, neither of which

my current duty as an Air Attache, I have several roles: I represent the Air Force

have been sold, but both of which have

up, held off any last minute bidders, and won. At our lunch, we hit it

off, and I pitched him some stories. He got back to me that they were interested in one of them, a story I’d intended for the now-defunct Spider-Man Unlimited

and the other embassies (which includes

title. I followed up at another conven-

my wife and I going to every country’s

taught me a tremendous amount about writing. The second book, a conspiracy thriller that takes place at the Air Force Academy, seemed the most promising

tion where Joe introduced me to editor

national and armed forces day ceremonies,

when I won an editorial award from

Tom Brevoort, and after sending the

among other events), I serve as a military advisor to the US Ambassador, and I

HarperCollins, secured an agent, and received interest from Tom Clancy’s publisher. But at the time the curse of

script, I heard back from editor John Barber saying they wanted it. Eventually it found its home in Giant-Size Avengers Special #1 coming out December 19th.

Chief of Staff to the Israeli government

report on in-country and regional political-military activities.

It was a bit crazy after I first met Joe. I

ended up getting this assignment, and I

The DaVinci Code was such that if you weren’t writing thrillers just like it, your

book wouldn’t be touched.

NRAMA: Now—let’s let the readers in on

wanted to catch him one more time before I

I’ve loved comics since I was 10, and even-

side note to all of this—you were doing

left, to see if they were still interested. That’s

this in addition to your day job, which

when I asked my wife if we could stop by

has its own demands

you want to fill

Philly for a Wizard World convention on

folks in on what you do when you’re not

the way to Israel to follow up with Joe on

writing comics?

the story, and needless to say, it worked out.

tually I realized my heart belonged to comics, so I moved in that direction.

My day job can be pretty busy sometimes, so I have to be selective what I spend my free time on, and right now that writing time is comics.

MY: I’ m an active duty Air Force major,

NRAMA: What got you started on the

NRAMA: Speaking specifically about this

and right now I’m stationed in the

writing road? Is it just comics that you’re

Defense Attache Office at the US Embassy

interested in, or is there more?

story—did you come up with the characters, or was your cast suggested to you?

a

...

MY: This story was intended for Spider-

In this country, they have a universal

thriller called Devolution, with an astound-

Man Unlimited, so Spidey was always

draft, men and women, so they don’t

going to be the central character. But

have a choice. I did have a choice. And it’s

I also wanted to include some other

only fair that if I made that choice, I have to give it top priority. It’s too important a job to the people you serve to give it second billing.

ing artist named Jake Bilbao. I continue to contribute to that site, writing columns and doing interviews. And I’m also pitching Marvel several miniseries, hoping they’ve enjoyed working with me as much as I have

heavy hitters, and I developed a story around Spider-Man’s early days in the New Avengers. That led to Captain

them. I’ve sent them ideas for a SHIELD

mini, a revival of the Golden Age heroine

America and Iron Man’s involvement.

And thanks to Tony Stark’s Illuminati

NRAMA: So when exactly do you have

named Miss America, and an adventure for

connection, Doctor Strange makes an

time to write?

Israeli superhero Sabra. I’m also prepping a

MY: Every morning, early in the morn-

pitch for Image called The Rift, based on a published short story I have.

appearance as well.

NRAMA: Broad strokes

-

what’s the

story about?

ing (before my wife wakes up), I write for one

MY: My story shows that Spider-Man’s

first foray from solo superhero to team

player wasn’t as easy a transition as it appeared. Iron Man, as a founder of the Avengers, and Captain America, probably the most recognized Avenger, both

hour. I learned this “one hour” rule

NRAMA: Hey—one last one, since we

when writing my second novel. Some

don’t often speak to an active duty

people suggest writing at least a thousand words a day. That didn’t work for me since I never knew how long a thousand

officer of any branch wasn’t Air Force

...

...

even

though he

thoughts on Captain

America dying?

words would take. It could take half an

hour or four hours, depending on how

MY: For me the reader, all I can say is

it’s going. But I determined that I would

wow.

realize Peter doesn’t quite understand the

write at least an hour every day, no

impact of being an Avenger. They enlist Dr. Strange to help Peter appreciate the

matter what.

heritage and history of the team and that he’s part of something much bigger. The

hour, great. And if the wheels weren’t turning and I wrote twenty words, great.

story is titled “Memorial Day.”

I still put my hour in. I wrote the first

If the angels were singing

and I wrote two thousand words in that

draft of that novel in six months.

NRAMA: Coming at the comics writing

I’ve applied the same rule to comics.

thing totally fresh after being a fan, what surprised you the most about writing a story and seeing it produced?

At least an hour every day, and if there’s more

time later in the evening, then

that’s bonus.

Brubaker. He stunned me with how

good the Winter Soldier/Bucky story was, and he stunned me further with how good the Captain America death story is.

For me as an armed forces member,

I’m pleased with how widespread the

story of Captain America’s death reached, how mainstream it became. Regardless of

people’s political views today, it shows me people still have an American ideal in their hearts, something we can all look to and agree is a good symbol for the country.

For those of us that are comic book read-

MY: The biggest surprise writing this

NRAMA: What happens if this leads

story has been the interaction with my artist, Paul Neary. I didn’t know how

to

squeeze more in? Is writing comics some-

uninitiated to comics, which is most

much input I would have, but Paul and

thing that you’re now considering after

I had some great discussions about the

your gig in the Air Force is up?

people, their knowledge of comic books is only of the best in us.

bigger things? Do you have time to

ers, we read of the best and worst in all

of us through these characters. For those

What I mean is, those who don’t read

story and the intent of various pages and panels. And then there’s the moment

MY: You make time for the things you

comics have an ideal in their minds

when I thought I knew what it’d look

love, and I love comics through and

when they think of Spider-Man (the

like, and it comes back even better than

through. I learned at the Academy how to not waste time, and I’ve always been

little geek who made it big), Superman

NRAMA: And this was all cool with your

shifting priorities. If I don’t get to watch

(the orphaned immigrant who found a home), and Captain America (the symbol of a nation). When I saw the

superiors?

Heroes Season 1 on DVD for a few more

nation’s reaction to Cap’s death, it made

months (since I didn’t get to see it here in

me

anything I imagined.

able to accommodate more—it just means

realize that people still do love our

MY: It’s all in my spare time, so they

Israel), then so be it. Especially if it means

don’t have any problems. My bosses all know that with me, the Air Force comes

writing more for Marvel!

It’s most definitely what I want to do,

first. It has to. The day that it doesn’t is

and I’d rather not wait until my mili-

the services do over here, I’m reminded

the day I need to get out. I realized this

tary time is up. Right now I’m writing a webcomic for ComicCritique.com, a little

that people still love America. And that

most when I

got stationed here in Israel.

country because they were mourning the death of our country’s ideal. Even

if many people don’t know what we in

makes the job worth it. M

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Cadets test FalconSat 3 before launching from Cape Canaveral on March

46

9,2007. (Photo by Joel Strayer)

at the U.S. Air Force

Academy

By Brig. Gen. Dana H. Born, '83, Dean of the Faculty In early wars,

Research at the U.S. Air

technical research

Force Academy

was

history dating ba

influence warfare.

seldom used to

Lt. Col. David E. Bell, Director of Research

Michael J. Crane, Sr., Director of Sponsored Programs

Land barons fought wars

research program Is a vibrant collection of projects ed on improving the

ing environment of our cadets, developing our faculty professionally, and solving real Air Force problems.

with massed

armies, swords, and brute force. During the Renaissance and later in the 18 th century, however, leaders began apply-

ing at new areas

ing scientific and technical analysis to their military efforts.

that will continue

Although these

the cadet exp eri

research efforts were

As we advance, we are look-

still rare, visionaries like Leonardo Da Vinci and engineer Marshal Vauban had a definite impact.

By the early days of the United States Army Air Corps, technological investment was critical. Biplanes gave way to sophisticated aircraft. After WWII, the Army Air Force examined the effectiveness of the overall bombing campaign. The United States strategic bombing surveys attempted to apply the techniques of an emerging discipline, operations research. When the war ended, the newly minted United States Air Force was charged with the mission of waging war on potential enemies’ infrastructure.

As a part of the fledgling Air Force, the United States Air Force

Academy graduated its first class in 1959. Consistent with the vision that led to its founding, the Academy produced exceptional leaders for the Air Force. It wasn’t long before additional needs became apparent. The dawn of the sixties and the ongoing Cold War demanded a multifaceted scientific research effort. New methods and tools were needed to overcome a wide variety of emerging threats.

The United States Air Force Academy was among the leaders of this technical revolution. Funded by the Office of Aerospace Research, the

Frank J. Seiler Research Laboratory was established in 1962. A former

high school chemistry teacher in Illinois, Colonel Frank J. Seiler was strong advocate of in-house research and the effective use of young scientific officers and officer-candidates. Civilian university students a

had always participated in research. Seiler envisioned that if Air Force

Academy cadets could be involved in real-world research efforts, then they would be better prepared for their future assignments. The Seiler Lab was established to support faculty and cadet research and to bring significant benefit to the Air Force through orientation to Air Force

CHECKPOINTS,

research requirements. The Lab included the Chemistry Division, the

Aerospace Mechanics Division, and the Computer Division.

The Air Force Academy became a recognized player in Air Force research, and the Chemistry Division was a key player on the Seiler Lab team. A prime example of early major advances at the Air Force Academy research labs was specialized battery power.

The Air Force needed batteries that had a long shelf life and could work under high-temperature conditions. Early sensor, space, and missile efforts depended on these specialized batteries to function.

Working together, faculty and cadets provided a breakthrough in battery technology: the aluminum-lithium metal oxide (AlLiMO) battery. Using previous research in molten-salt technology, the Chemistry Division created a battery that could sit unused for years. The battery could then operate at full power when needed. With advanced batteries powering critical defense systems, aerospace technology became more reliable.

Air Force Academy research efforts continued with the view that technically curious cadets would become better officers and leaders for the military and the nation. To continue nurturing this curiosity the Academy’s research program grew to include new disciplines throughout the eighties and nineties.

Shortly after closing the Frank J. Seiler Lab, a memorandum of understanding was concluded with the Air Force Office of Scientific Research in 1995. Important research in aeronautics,

chemistry, and lasers continued through the establishment of the Aeronautics Research Center, the Chemistry Research Center, and the Lasers and Optics Research Center.

By 2001, new leadership in Academy research recognized the need to expand the Academy’s research efforts. Between 2001 and 2004, the size of the Academy’s research program more than tripled. During this period, Academy researchers demonstrated a way to slash testing costs for new aircraft development. Using high-performance computers, the modeling and simulation research team saved hundreds of thousands of dollars of testing costs per hour with computer modeling as an enhancement to traditional mainstays of design and testing. An exceptional result, considering the program started with an initial grant of only five thousand dollars! The net benefit was millions of dollars saved for the taxpayer, safer aircraft testing, and superior educational

experiences for Academy cadets. l>

7 /

47

The 1964 staff of the Frank J. Seiler Research Laboratory. (USAF Photo)

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A.

The three research centers established in 1995 have now become 10 programs are in addition to the ongoing research in the 20 academic departments. The academic

centers and two institutes. These formal

research program is now over 12 times the size it was in 2000.

The primary reason that research is performed at the Academy is to enhance cadet education. Independent research which focuses on a one-on-one,

active learning experience with a faculty mentor

High-Performance Computing Research. Center The High-Performance Computing Research Center is designed to provide advanced computational facilities for computer modeling, processing and simulation. The Center supports all of the other research centers and has been the focus for computational research in crack growth models, computational fluid dynamics, plasma physics, cellular automata, and information security.

is the ultimate learning environment, serving as the pinnacle for

developing and demonstrating the responsibilities, skills, and knowledge that we expect out of our future leaders. Research also serves to keep the faculty who mentor the cadets at the forefront of their respective academic disciplines. Finally, we continue to follow the Seiler Lab tradition of motivating cadets and bringing benefit to the Air Force by solving real Air Force problems.

The Research Center Directors actively work to find projects throughout the Air Force and Department of Defense, as well as other agencies, including NASA and the National Science Foundation. We also work very closely with industry through more than 45 active cooperative research and development agreements. Some highlights of the current research in each of the centers follows.

Space Systems Research Center This center is composed of two components: FalconLaunch and FalconSAT. Both programs focus on having cadets “learn space by doing space.” In the FalconLaunch program, cadets design and launch a sounding rocket over the academic year. In the FalconSAT program, the cadets design and build a satellite over a three-year period. The latest satellite, FalconSAT 3, was launched right before graduation this year and is currently being operated by cadets in our satellite control station at the Academy. It is providing scientific data that will lead to better models of the space environment to help improve satellite communications and GPS outage forecasting.

Human Environmental Research Center

Aeronautics Research Center

The Human Environmental Research Center focuses on biology

Recent projects in this centers four jet-engine test cells, five major

and human performance issues. One research project has looked

wind tunnels, water tunnel, and computational facilities have included

spatial disorientation of piloting an unmanned aerial vehicle from another moving vehicle. Researchers are also looking at the effects of lasers on eye tissue. Finally, the center is investigating biomimetics imitating biological mechanisms in man-made structures. In the current research this involves replicating the visual processing capability of a common household fly in computer chip to improve vehicle navigation.

work for NASA, the Air Force, the Army, and other elements of the Department of Defense, on projects involving unmanned aerial

vehicles of all shapes and sizes, the NASA Crew Exploration Vehicle,

streamlining Predator engine performance, reducing drag for AC130H Spectre gunships, and NASA’s Return to Flight Program.

48

at the

-

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2007

Chemistry Research Center The Chemistry Research Center has continued its worldwide lead in investigating molten salts and their potential applications. They

using molten salts to produce the hydrogen source for fuel cells to replace the batteries needed by current soldiers in the field to power all of their current electronic equipment. The center is also investigating microbial contamination in aircraft fuel tanks. are

getting the most current mission-related information directly to the pilots in the flight briefing room. Air Combat Command has made WEdge a system of record and is beginning to incorporate it in its next generation of command-and-control software. at

Institute for National Security Studies

The INSS leverages the military-academic community to support Center for In

&

national security discourse. Recent research projects have covered

One of the research areas in this center is focused on developing new

methods for jam resistant communication with having to

strategic security, homeland defense, military force structure, arms control, and combating terrorism.

share a secret key. The center is also developing new techniques

for more accurate biometric data analysis, which is used to evaluate

fingerprints as a means to access a computer, for instance.

On the Horizon

The Air Force Academy’s commitment to research from its inception has led to the development of a robust program that is improv-

Center for Aircraft Structural Life Extension

This center, known as CAStLE for short, has spent the last ten years looking for ways to keep the Air Force’s aging aircraft fleet in flight, reduce the risk of part failure, and lower maintenance costs. The center examines material

fatigue, corrosion, bonded

repairs, and more to help the Air Force determine what repairs are necessary in order to extend the life of a given aircraft. They have

ing cadet education while simultaneously answering important questions for the Air Force, Department of Defense, and the nation.

We will continue to support these dual goals as we move into the

future; we are always looking for new areas to which we can contribute and provide new motivators for cadet excellence.

One of the emerging research areas that the Academy is actively

involved in is unmanned aerial vehicles. We are exploring swarming

recently looked at the C-141 Starlifter, the A-10 Thunderbolt, the C-5 Galaxy, and the KC-135 Stratotanker.

multiple UAVs together to provide more ubiquitous sensor coverage as well as developing and testing new designs to improve loft time.

We are currently setting up a Center for Innovation in coordi-

Laser and Optics Research Center

nation with the Department of Homeland Security. This center

A major portion of the research in this center is focused on develop-

will focus on developing curriculum to teach the concept of

ing some of the basic technology for the Air Forces next generation of

innovation to our future leaders, as well as working with the other

lasers for use in military applications, including weapons, defensive sys-

research centers to find innovative ways of using existing technol-

terns, and

ogy to solve new problems.

A final research area that we are considering is in renewable and

propulsion. The center is also looking at methods for developing large, lightweight, optics to be used in space-based telescopes.

alternative energy concepts. With the Air Force currently spend-

Space Physics and Atmospheric Research Center

ing on the order of 16 percent of its budget on energy, we must

The mantra that this center follows is “smaller is smarter.” Research

find ways to reduce the energy demands, increase the supplies,

has focused on developing very small, lightweight, sensors that can be

and change the culture of energy use within the Air Force. The

placed on satellites to characterize the space environment. Some of the sensors that the center has developed are currendy flying on Falcon-

Academy has several strengths in the energy arena and is exploring the establishment of an Energy Research Center.

Research is an important part of the undergraduate educational experience and the Academy is dedicated to growing its leadership in this area. With the growth of the Academy’s research program, more opportunities have and will continue to become available to the faculty and cadets. These research experiences foster intellectual curiosity and help develop officers who can work effectively in teams and solve complex problems. Now more than ever, these

SAT 3. The data from these sensors is used to improve existing models

of the space environment as well as in the development of new models.

Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense Studies The Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense Studies was created

study the future of space policy, particularly the role of space in national defense. The center is developing the intellectual foundation for integrating space policy with national security policy, as well as defining the curriculum for space policy studies at the Academy and throughout the world. They are accomplishing these goals through the publication of a textbook on Space Defense Policy, as well as the establishment of the Space and Defense Journal. to

skills are essential for the officers who will lead the Air Force in

this rapidly changing world,

SI

Editors Note: In 2007 the Association of Graduates donated Institute for Information Technology Applications

$310,000 to the USAFA Aeronautics Research Center, Space Systems

This Institute exists to investigate cutting-edge technological

Research Center and the Eisenhower Center for Space and Defense

innovations that will help the Air Force maintain overall informa-

Studies. This support was made possible by the generosity ofAOG

tion dominance. One impressive example of the products being

members and donors.

produced is Warfighter’s Edge (WEdge), which is a project aimed CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2007

49

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TVIs. Janine Sijan, sister of Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Lance P. Sijan, reads a memorial plaque outside the

C£-21 dorm room where her brother fmce lived. (Photo by Kyle Davidson)

Class Gift remembers fallen heroes

T

he Class of 1965 recently placed 17 memorials in select

lodging and other costs necessary for honorees, or their represen-

locations throughout Vandenberg and Sijan Halls,

tatives, to attend the memorial ceremony and interact with the

making Academy heritage more personal for cadets and graduates. The class, with the assistance of the History Department and Center for Character Development, recognized graduates who earned the Medal of Honor or Air Force Cross as role models for today’s cadets.

Memorial plaques were mounted outside the dorm rooms where the honorees lived as cadets. The plaques help to serve as a daily reminder of 17 graduates who each sacrificed for their country during their careers.

The plaques include a cadet photograph of the honoree and a summary of the actions resulting in the award of the Medal of Honor or Air Force Cross. Members of the Class of’65 hope these plaques will help cadets recognize their own potential as future Air

cadets. The ceremonies were part of a three day Falcon Heritage

Forum, themed “Heroes of USAFA.” C3C Harry Dale (CS-36) from Bronx, N.Y., contends the Falcon Heritage Forum and dormitory room commemorations “instilled

V. Maywald, ’63, CS-04; John B. McTasney, ’63, CS-16; Jackson

pride in me because I realized that I am in an organization where people have the courage and integrity to do the right thing, even when this may result in admonishment by one’s peers or death in combat.”

The Class of 1965 plans future ceremonies honoring other deserving graduates. A second heritage project is planned to commemorate Association of Graduates’ “Distinguished Graduates.”

A third project, still in the approval process, will recognize POW’s, MIA’s, and other graduates who exemplify the proud heritage of the Long Blue Line.

Colonel Mark Wells, History Department Chair, presented the idea of the memorial plaques to the Class of’65. Bart Holaday, class president, and Terry Drabant, class giving chair, led the fundraising and coordination on behalf of their class.

The semi annual Falcon Heritage Forum is presented by the USAFA Center for Character Development and the Association of

L. Hudson, ’64, CS-21; Karl W. Richter, ’64, CS-08; Richard

Graduates. It engages cadets in discussions with men and women

S. Ritchie, ’64, CS-09; Dale E. Stovall, ’67, CS-09; Rowland H.

of impeccable character as demonstrated through their military

Worrell III, ’68, CS-10; Joseph A. Personett, ’69, CS-09; Tilford

service to our nation. This October event hosted more than 40

W. Harp, ’70, CS-22; Jeffrey S. Feinstein, ’71, CS-07; Michael C.

veterans

Force officers.

The sole Academy graduate Medal of Honor recipient, Capt.

Lance P. Sijan, ’65, CS-20, was one of the 17 honored by his class.

Those recognized for earning the Air Force Cross were Donald D. Stevens, ’60, CS-15; Monte L. Moorberg, ’61, CS-04; Philip

Francisco, ’71; CS-24; Donald R. Backhand, ’71, CS-02; Richard C. Brims, ’71, CS-12; and William Andrews, ’80, CS-27.

The Class of 1965 funded the plaques and paid for all travel, 50

by Al Burrell

having earned the Air Force Cross or the Silver Star, and others with recent service in Iraq or Afghanistan. The first forum was held in 1996. The Academy now hosts two per year. To read more about this fall’s forum, please see page 71. fS

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on a reconnaissance

mission over North

Vietnam. On Aug. 8, 1966, their jet

crashed in the jungle, and they were listed as

“missing in action.”

Their remains were found 11 years later.

During the ceremony, Secretary Wynne

Previous page: Then-Lt. Patrick Wynne at pilot training. (USAF Photo) Above: The F-4 Phantom.

(USAF Art Collection)

said he was relieved that his brother wasn’t taken as a prisoner of war. He said his older

high school debate team—for which he won a state championship—he’d

sibling was “too idealistic and principled”

better also be on the football team so he

to have fared well in that environment.

wouldn’t get picked on.

Wynne said though his brother’s life

Wynne—a West Point graduate who had just been sent to Vietnam when his brother’s plane went down—said he was so affected by his 24-year-old brother’s death,

to be on the

wasn’t long-lived, it was well-lived. And he

said that when a person graduates from a

Margaret Golberg, who met her husband on a blind date, said the colonel was

“indomitable in the face of a challenge.”

She said he was slated to come home from

Vietnam, but he flew that one last mission because the squadron was short on pilots.

Also speaking at the ceremony was Dick

military academy, he is prepared to go to the front lines for his country’s cause, and

Anderegg, director of Air Force History

resolve to go see his name on the Vietnam

he knows the ultimate sacrifice of his life

which is headquartered in Washington,

War Memorial.

might be required, “but you never expect

D.C. Also a pilot in the Vietnam War,

it took him three years to work up the

“What do you say about your brother?” he said, pausing to gain his composure.

“Oh, this is hard.”

He went on to describe the Air Force

Academy Class of 1963 graduate as a typical older brother who got him into trouble

but who also took him to football games and wrestled with him and looked out for him. He said Patrick was a naturally gifted

pianist who decided that if he was going

and Museums Policies and Programs,

to be taken up on the offer.”

Anderegg flew 2,000 hours in the F-4

Speaking on behalf of Col. Golberg was his brother and his widow. Dr. Ralph Golberg painted a similar picture of his sibling: a gifted musician, a scholar, an athlete, a loyal big brother.

“In the past 41 years, not a day has passed when I haven’t thought of my brother Larry,” he said, slipping into tears several times during the ceremony.

Phantom, which he said is also nicknamed “the rhino” and “double ugly” for it’s

bulky physique. He said the jet is proof positive that if you “put enough thrust behind a brick, you can make it fly.”

“It’s a brute,” Anderegg said. “But the power and magnificence of this machine were a joy, always.” S

53

Chilton,' 76, feacts USSTRATCOM Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, ’76, recently took

sided over the ceremony. Gen. Chandler

command of U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

Re-assessment three to six months later,

from Gen. Paul V. Hester.

A Guggenheim fellow, the general

assumed command of Pacific Air Forces Chandler will lead some 55,000 airmen

soldiers are more likely to report signs of

completed a Master of Science degree in

post-combat stress and post-traumatic

and civilians in Hawaii, Alaska, Guam,

mechanical engineering at Columbia Uni-

stress disorder.

Japan and South Korea. He headed the

versity. He flew operational assignments in

“These efforts are about taking better

Alaskan Command four years ago and

of soldiers,” said Milliken, the prin-

commanded the 44th Fighter Squadron

the RF-4C and F-15 Eagle and is a graduate

care

of the Air Force Test Pilot School. He con-

cipal investigator at Walter Reed Army

on

ducted weapons testing in various models of

Institute of Research’s Division of Psy-

the late 1980s.

the F-4 and F-15 prior to joining the NASA

chiatry and Neuroscience during a media roundtable at the Pentagon Nov. 9. “What we’re hoping to do with the screenings is detect mental health problems while they are still small, simple and temporary.

When these problems get bigger and more complicated, they are much harder to treat and it increases the likelihood that they will become a chronic, long-term problem.”

The study examined the assessments of 88,235 Iraq veterans completed between

in 1987. At NASA he flew on three space

shuttle missions and served as the deputy program manager for operations for the International Space Station program.

He is a command astronaut pilot

with more than 5,000 flight hours in the F-

4, F-15, OV-104A and OV-105A (space shutdes Adantis and Endeavor), T-38 Talon, U-2 and VC-11, and the B-52 Stratofortress.

Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, in

He has also been the chief U.S. Air Force adviser to the Royal Saudi Air Force

and was chief of staff for operations at

Allied Air Forces Southern Europe in

Naples, Italy.

As the Air Force’s commander in the

Pacific, Hester directed the service’s part in the U.S. military relief effort for victims of the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Force Space Command since June 2006,

June 1, 2005, and Dec. 31, 2006, and

where he has lead more than 39,700 space

found that while only 4 to 5 percent of

Thorson, ’67, to receive presidential nomination President George W. Bush has announced

professionals providing combat forces and capabilities to North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Strategic Command. (Courtesy of AFPN)

soldiers were referred for mental health

his intention to nominate Eric M. Thor-

He has served as the commander of Air

care on

the PDHA, three to six months

MA Milliken, 78, pub In a study that appeared in The Journal ofthe American Medical Association Nov. 14, Army §

son, ’67, to serve in his administration.

later that number jumped to 20.3 percent

The president intends to nominate Thor-

for active-duty soldiers and 42.4 percent

son, of

for reserve-component soldiers. (Courtesy Ft. Leavenworth Lamp)

Virginia, to be inspector general at the Department of the Treasury. Thorson currently serves as Inspector General of the Small Business Administration. Prior

Chandler, ’74, takes command Gen. Carrol J. Chandler, ’74, took com-

to

reported mental-health concerns in mandatory post-deployment health screenings.

mand of Pacific Air Forces Nov. 30 at

Investigation and for the Senate Commit-

Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. Air Force

tee on Finance.

Col. (Dr.) Charles Milliken, ’78, and

Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley

served as Special Assistant to the Republi-

Col. (Dr.) Charles W. Hoge, two of the

and commander of U.S. Pacific Com

can

medical officials examined increased soldier-

54

mand, Adm. Timothy J. Keating, pre-

study’s authors, found that between the initial Post-Deployment Health Assessment and the Post-Deployment Health

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2007

this, he served as Chief Investigator for

the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on

Earlier in his career, he

Leader in the United States Senate. ?il

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Dumbsquat

by Don Hall, 76

Waldo F. Dumbsquat excitedly

packed his B-4 bag. The chemistry final exam was totally forgotten along with the periodic table.

He looked at the airline ticket on his desk and smiled. After he

made his bed for airing, the doolie would be boarding a bus for

the Denver airport

...

homeward bound.

“Take a break, Waldo!” exclaimed his roommate, Warren Heels.

“Yeah,” chimed in Regs Buch. “The bus doesn’t leave for

“You are the only doolies in the squadron. I’m detailing you to

clean the SAR, trunk room, ski room, and foosball room!”

“Sir, may I make a statement?” asked Waldo.

“What is it, you dumb smack?”

“Sir, the name is Dumbsquat. I need to catch a bus at the Bring Me Men Ramp very soon.”

“I guess you better get to work, mister!” cackled the CQ as he

retreated to his desk and grease pencil.

Waldo turned to his roommates. “We should have signed out

two hours.”

“I’m ready for Christmas leave, aren’t you?”

when we had the chance!” he whined.

“Of course, Waldo, but save some energy for later!” Warren

Warren shrugged. Regs retrieved the mop from under his bed.

implored.

“Okay, but I want the room checked off by the CQ. The sooner we get out of the squadron, the better.”

“Don’t worry, there is plenty of time,” Regs assured Waldo.

Warren looked out the dorm room window at the lightly fall-

Waldo knew he would never finish in time to catch his ride. The distraught doolie bolted from the room, disappeared into the

ing snow. It would be hard to leave the winter wonderland that was

USAFA.

“You know what the world needs now?” mused Warren out loud.

“Love, sweet love?” offered Waldo.

“A good 5-cent cigar?” Regs chortled over his obscure reference to a comment

made by Woodrow Wilson’s vice president,

Thomas R. Marshall.

Warren frowned. “Though I appreciate the musical and

obscure historical references, you are both wrong.”

“Then, what does the world need now?” asked Regs.

“Another RAMBO movie!”

“There will never be another Rambo ...”

Waldo thought a moment. “I’d still like to buy the world a

Coke ...”

Suddenly the door flew open and the cadet in charge of quarters burst into the doolies’ room. Waldo and his friends jumped to attention and presented thirty-seven chins. The thirdclassman was definitely irate over being the last CQ before the break. He pointed his boney finger at the freshmen.

laundry chute, and transformed into Colonel Waldo F. Dumbsquat, a man who enjoyed Christmas shopping online. Exploding into the hallway, the officer strode purposely to the CQ desk and picked up the phone. The surprised CQ stood in a brace against the mirror. The colonel ignored the three smoke and dialed the Command Post.

“Now hear this,” Colonel Dumbsquat told the Officer of the

Day, “evacuate all cadets to the BOR ASAP. This is an exercise.

Now speed out, mister.”

As the usual confused Command Post announcement broad-

casted over the PA, the colonel ducked into the latrine and degenerated into Waldo’s puny freshman form. He rushed to his

grabbed his bag, waved to his friends, signed out of the squadron, and double-timed down the marble strip. The snow was beginning to stick now. Waldo hoped the bus could make room,

it over Monument Pass. At the BOR and out of breath, Waldo

heard the clanking of chains. The bus rolled up and the doolie aboard. Clutching his luggage, he settled in for the ride

jumped

up Interstate 25. He would be home for the holidays.

Waldo smiled. H

55

“The Nimrods” dangers Graham describes have somehow grown in memory over four decades. My answer to that

question is, “no.”

Graham has chosen a unique approach to tell-

ing his story of dangers in the Vietnam War, then coupling lessons-learned to dangers facing America 40 years later. He intertwines his experiences as a professional combat aviator with the personal challenges many of us faced in leaving loved ones behind as we ventured into an unknown future in battlefields half way around the world. He has

chosen from his more than 180 combat missions in the A-26 to tell short tales of flights into the dark skies over Laos. Readers will meet many crewmen he flew with as part of the brotherhood of men in

combat. In telling us these vignettes, he illustrates

what most combat veterans learned long ago: Sometimes the good guys die—and we and their families carry the memories with us the rest of our lives.

The last few weeks of my combat tour as a Forward Air Controller at NKP overlapped Col. Graham’s first few weeks. I felt a kinship with the

Nimrods, and I know Graham’s tributes to his fellow fliers are well deserved. Many Vietnam vets who still

enjoy life in America avoided being listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall because the bullets

with their names on them never arrived in South Vietnam. Many of those bullets were incinerated

Review by Col. (Ret) Jimmie H. Butler, ’63

Nimrods will transport many grads back 40 years to the sights, sounds, and emotions of the Secret War over

the Ho Chi Minh Trail. For the uninitiated,

Colonel Roger Graham treats readers to a view of what life was like, night-after-night, among a band

of heroic and dedicated warriors who flew A-26s

during the Vietnam War. Night combat sorties in Southeast Asia were among the most stressful and dangerous flying missions. For those who flew only part of a combat tour in the dark, finishing the last night-mis-

in fire rained down from the darkness by a Nimrod

swooping over a truck-filled Laotian road.

Having experienced a war in which American servicemen and women were undercut by a national media that misled the American people and by ambitious politicians who didn’t understand the meaning of duty, honor, country, Graham talks about the parallels that Vietnam veterans see in today’s media and politicians. As I read his list of what Americans need to do today to win this generational War on Terror, I agreed with each item— as most combat veterans would.

Unfortunately the list won’t convince those who deny that America is faced with such danger. I fear the list is more of a

sion felt almost like getting a ticket home. The

blueprint that a united America finally will apply

Nimrods were night fighters, living their entire

after the next major attack on American soil kills

tour in a world where flashes of

tens or hundreds of thousands.

light triggered

adrenaline—and lines of tracers flashed up from

Graham provides great war stories (and pictures)

massed antiaircraft artillery virtually every time a

and a well-based historical perspective on the deadly

Nimrod attacked. Some readers may wonder if the

challenges of today and tomorrow. If you’ve ever

wondered what it was like to fly at night through

deadly, flak-filled skies, climb aboard an A-26 under the call sign Nimrod and share Grahams view from the cockpit.

The Nimrods is available at www.amazon.com and

www.authorhouse.com.

Personal insights about the men who flew

I remember sharing a few minutes in August

1967 with Nimrod Squadron Commander, Lt Col Bruce Jensen, as I gave him a ride to what was to

have been his next-to-last mission briefing. It turned out to be his last

briefing and illustrates that the combat commanders at NKP routinely took the same

risks as the rest of us. Less than a week earlier,

under the call sign, Nimrod.

Maj. Burke Morgan, ’61, had gone down on an

During my combat tour in Thailand, the Nimrods squadron lost five of its 12 A-26s and nine

A-26 in the same area of Northern Laos, and he

brave crewmen. Col. (Ret.) James L. McCleskey,

remained missing for nearly 40 years.

When I flew night missions over the trail, I was

’61, was one of only two Nimrods to survive those

very happy whenever an A-26 joined up as we

five losses.

hunted trucks carrying war supplies to the battle-

Colonel Graham mentions the loss of two Ameriheroes the morning of Feb. 22, 1967. I still

fields of South Vietnam. Whenever I had a Nimrod

cal Unit Operations Center to brief for my eleventh

circling in the dark overhead, the bigger convoy we could find, the better. We’d drop the first flare, put a marking rocket near the lead truck, then hold off to

combat mission over the Ho Chi Minh Trail, I

the side and watch the Nimrod make pass after pass

witnessed sheet-draped stretchers being removed

until all the trucks were burning or had disappeared

from the ambulance and taken into the dispensary.

into the darkness. The Nimrods were the best truck

The heroic actions of Capt. Dwight S. Campbell

killers in Southeast Asia until the AC-130s became

and Capt. Robert L. Scholl helped save the lives of

fully operational in the late 1960s.

can

remember that morning. As I approached the Tacti-

McCleskey and Leonard Scruggs. Thirty years later I dedicated A Certain Brotherhood to Captains.

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recognition of your $250 tax-deductible gift to the Association of Graduates, a 4” x 6” granite commemorative paver will be permanently placed near the entrance way at Doolittle Hall. For more information, contact The Office of Annual Giving at (719) 472-0300, or visit the AOG online at www.usafa.org.

In

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Academy institutes honor system changes By the Center for Character Development Photo by Ken Wright

he Cadet Wing recently entered a new era as fundamental

reforms to their honor system took effect. These reforms resulted from an Honor System Review Panel commissioned by the superintendent in May 2006.

The HSRP, comprised of cadets, retired and active

duty Air Force personnel, and graduates and nongraduates, was tasked with determining whether or not 58

C H E C K P OIN T S

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The final proposal put before the Cadet Wing was

comprised of three parts, all essential to the effort to induce culture change at the Academy. Part one dealt with sanctions for those cadets found in violation of the Honor Code.

The previous system contained a long-standing

presumptive sanction of disenrollment for all violators; however, a glance at the statistics showed there had been a

gradual erosion of disenrollment as a sanction for Honor Code violations.

The proposed change was to implement an absolute sanction of disenrollment for those cadets who deny

when confronted, and are then found in violation of the Honor Code at Wing Honor Boards.

Conversely, the proposed change allowed all sanctions (including disenrollement, Honor Readmission, Honor Probation and Honor Rehabilitation) for those cadets who admit to violating the Code and are subjected to a Cadet Sanctions Recommendation Panel, a three-member cadet panel that examines the case in question and submits a sanction recommendation to the Commandant.

Part two reinstituted a sanction called Honor Readmission that was successfully used at the Academy from 1985 to m

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1993. Honor Readmission is an intermediate sanction

reserved for first and second class cadets who are forth-

right to an Honor Code violation and have a high level of officership potential.

A suspended cadet would be disenrolled for approximately 12-16 months, during which time they would serve as airmen in an active duty Air Force Specialty Code before being given the opportunity to apply for readmission into the Academy, where they would return to their previous cadet rank.

West Point has experienced positive results from a similar program for a number of years.

Part three changed the composition of the Wing Honor Board from eight to nine members and the voting

requirement necessary to find a cadet in violation of the Code from 3/4 (6 of 8 voting in violation) to 2/3 (6 of 9 voting in violation).

anything about the Academy honor system facilitated dishonorable behavior.

The additional cadet will be an at-large member of the Cadet Wing selected from the respondent’s class. By

The panel developed a series of recommendations that

way of comparison, the honor systems at West Point and

forwarded to and discussed by the Honor Execu-

Annapolis utilize a 2/3 voting requirement, as do opera-

were

tive Committee. The committee is composed of Cadet

Wing and Group Honor Representatives. The changes are intended to reinforce a culture of accountability

by eliminating elements that facilitate dishonorable behavior, and provide much clearer expectations of the consequences of dishonorable conduct. Together, the changes provide an incentive for cadets who violate the code to “come clean” by admitting.

tional Air Force administrative processes.

In April 2007, the Cadet Wing approved the proposed

changes by a 77 percent majority. The changes were implemented when the Class of 2011 was accepted into the Cadet Wing in August.

The changes have been taught to cadets as part of Honor Education and have been briefed to permanent party members. SI

SACC is the Service Academy Career Conference—a career fair hosted four 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., Seattle, Wash., San Antonio, TX and Savannah, Ga.

Alumni Search for Jobs JSAJE (Joint Service Academy Jobs Electronically) is an exclusive job Web site designed for service academy alumni. JSAJE allows you to browse through job listings and contact employers. JSAJE 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 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, companies may also purchase access to a repository of resumes of those graduates who are in an active transition mode. iSABRD is the online Service Academy Business Resource Directory and is a great tool to network with other academy alumni. With over 34,750 active profiles of service academy alumni from USAFA, USCGA, USMA, USMMA, and

USNA, it is an excellent resource for advertising, career networking, and building business connections with fellow alumni. iSABRD can be searched by name, academy, graduation year, city, state, zip code, country, company name, business type and keyword.

iSABRD is the one-stop directory for Service

Academy grads looking to find professional careers with grad-friendly companies ...

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Have a Job to be done? mm

Look for people you can count on! Make iSABRD your first choice if highly qualified

professional fellow Service Academy grads ai what you seek...

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By Dayna Avery f-Hioto by Ken Wright ut of the last five

graduating classes, eight students from Reicher Catholic High School have entered U.S. military academies.

“I’m so proud that from Reicher we have so many kids at Air Force,” said Michael “B” Hampton, a 2005 Reicher

graduate. “You hear a lot of kids brag about having another kid from their high school, and they have 2,000 kids in their high school. We’ve got like 190, and we have five kids there, and then my buddy Nash is at Naval. I always thought that was kind of regular for that to happen, but when I tell people that, they’re like: Axe you serious? You can’t be serious.’”

Approximately 10 percent of applicants are

admitted each year to one of our

nation’s three service academies: the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy and

the Military Academy at West Point. The

application process is extensive, with a congressional, senatorial or vice presidential nomination required for an appointment—but even then an appointment is no

guarantee of acceptance. On average,

North Korea, why would a high school

I think I was in ninth grade,” he said.

graduate choose such a path?

“I’ve always been engrossed in the military

One former student many of the more

because my dad went to West Point, and

grads look to is Wylie DeWalt. After graduating high school in 1998, he attended the Air Force Academy and is now a Special Operations pilot

I always heard stories. I knew it would be

recent Reicher

stationed at Pope Air Force Base in North

something I’d regret or look back upon and wish I would’ve gone into the military.”

Others also come from a military background. Elle Ekman, the first Reicher

Carolina. He has deployed five times

female to enter one of the academies,

close ties to Reicher—his mom, Mary, is

begins her freshman year at the Naval Academy this month. Instead of spending her summer hanging out with friends, she

the school’s director of development—and

endured the six-week “Plebe Summer” of

has returned to the school to speak with

intensive basic training.

to

Iraq and Afghanistan and has been

awarded several decorations. DeWalt keeps

classes about his experiences.

DeWalt shared his thoughts on students

considering higher education at an academy. “They definitely should think about the possibility of seeing combat after graduation from a service academy. Choosing an academy is a much more in-depth decision than deciding on a public university. I am saying the academies are better than regular colleges, but their impact on your life can be more profound. Applicants must not

“Elle grew up in a military household,” said Chris Ekman, Elle’s father who retired in 2002 out of the Marine Corps. “She went to six different schools

through

eighth grade. I think if you talked to her, she’d tell you she gets a little antsy if she’s in one place too long. She was never

intimidated by military service.

That was always an option and, as early as ninth grade, she was looking at the Naval

Academy. She also received a Navy ROTC

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4,000 applicants receive nominations but

understand that they are not only choos-

scholarship, which would’ve allowed

only 1,500 appointments are issued per academy. And this, of course, is in addition to the more standard requirements of high SAT or ACT scores, a strong high school academic standing, community ser-

ing a college, but also a way of life—one that in today’s world could entail time in a

her to go to any of the civilian universi-

vice, extra-curricular activities, interviews, a

medical exam and a physical fitness test.

However, this application process pales in comparison to the costs of war. Once

students graduate from an academy, they are

committed to a minimum of five

years of active military service. With the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq

and the future uncertainty with Iran and

combat zone. When I entered the Air Force

Academy in 1998 this was not an issue, but I don’t think I would have changed my decision post-9/11.”

For several of the graduates, 9/11 was a major factor in their decision. Nash Bagby, a junior at the Naval Academy, carefully debated whether to attend college or a service academy. “What it came down to was I really wanted to be in the military because I really wanted to serve the nation, especially after 9/11.1 remember sitting in school;

ties that had Naval ROTC units, so that was

her plan B. But there was no second

option as far as the academies. Growing up in a Marine household, the Marine Corps a department of the Navy—we’ve

got nothing against the Army or the Air Force whatsoever—but she was going

Navy/Marine Corps all the way. Down the line, you can choose to become a Marine officer or a Navy officer upon graduation

[from the Naval Academy].”

Jeff Braden is another student from Reicher’s Class of 2007 headed to an acad-

emy, but in his case, it means following a lifelong dream of joining the Air Force.

twice his junior year. He had all his paper-

to their children.

work for his senatorial nomination in by

military academy students are very willing to pass along advice and lessons learned to parents of students deep in the trenches of basic training as well as to those just beginning to consider a service academy.

“One of my really close friends, Nash Bagby, is at Navy,” said Blake Books, an Air Force sophomore. “He’s a year ahead of me, but we’re really good friends. When he started looking at all of the academies, his parents started talking to me about it. It seemed like a really good deal. I wasn’t sure

“Jeff’s plan since he was about 7 was to fly planes,” Laura Braden said. “As he got

September 7 of his senior year. He got a

older, about 10, 11, 12, he became more

That’s early, but he knew he wanted to go

patriotic and talked about enlisting and serving our country. As a mother, honestly, when he was 12 and 13 and saying, ‘I want

and began preparing for it as much as two

country,’ I was mortified. Who wants their child giving their life for their country? That’s really difficult. He said, ‘Mom, I’ve prayed about it. I have the same Holy Spirit that you and Dad do, and it’s telling me this is what I need to do.’

How do you stop your child from doing something that they’re called to do because you’re fearful? How selfish is that?” to serve my

She and her husband, Tom, didn’t

formal offer of appointment on January 9.

years ahead of time. On February 7, he

signed to play football.”

In addition to his coaching connections as athletic director, Waggoner’s position as dean of students allows him the

opportunity to truly carry out the school’s mission “to educate every student in spirit, mind and body.” The close-knit Reicher community, averaging 50 students per graduating class, provides a solid foundation for higher education.

if I wanted to do it, but after B got recruited

for football, I started looking into it. Once the football coaches started calling me, too, I started getting a lot more excited about it and

discourage their son’s dream, but they wanted him to be fully prepared. “We told

of stuff because it’s a small school, and I

began to look into it. From there I went on a visit and talked to a bunch of the players and

think that’s the advantage they have when

other Reicher students there. I toured a lot of

him, ‘If you know for sure that you want a military education, you’re going to have to

they go to these places that are so demanding academically,” Waggoner said. “Here, they’re encouraged to do every activity possible. They move from sport to sport together, whereas in a big school, you’re limited to maybe one sport you’re allowed to play. Here, if they’re playing football, they’re playing basketball and track and soccer; they’re student council president, class president, FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). The activities are so busy that it allows them to get into that setting and still be successful. That’s a key thing.

“And then you have your high achievers,” he continued. “Only people who are personally motivated can keep that hard of a schedule. And they’re so hard on them-

other colleges and went on other visits, but I

pay back five years minimum. If you go to flight school, 10 years. You better be sure

which branch of the service,”’ she said.

“The summer before his junior year, he

applied and got accepted to all three [military academy] summer seminars. He spent a week at each place, and when he came back, he said, ‘I want Air Force.’ When he came on

back from the seminars, I jumped

board. I know this is what he’s called to

do. Before that, honestly, no—why would I want my son to possibly be killed at 23 in Iraq? Nobody wants that.”

As a high school student, Jeff Braden

began dreaming of playing Division 1 football in addition to flying airplanes. He transferred to Reicher for his senior year

“The kids here are asked to do a lot

Parents of upper-level

selves that we don’t have to be.”

when his dad was offered a coaching posi-

Community service is also a large component of Reicher’s emphasis. “They’re

tion at the private school, and the family

required to do so many hours of service

soon

learned of the other Reicher students

connected to the academy. With several of his previous players involved in football at Air Force, Mark Waggoner, Reicher’s dean

of students and athletic director, alerted the academy coaching staff to keep their eye on Braden as well.

“He went to Midway schools from

and then most of them go above and

beyond that because they get used to it and they like it. They see the rewards,” Waggoner said. “We just want to turn out good people.”

For students choosing to attend military academies, Waggoner was quick to point out that they also had a strong parental

kindergarten through 11 th grade, so academically because of that and what he got the last year of Reicher, he was really well prepared,” Laura Braden said. “He had a senatorial nomination from Kay Bailey Hutchison. Jeff had this planned out so

support system. “In just about every situation, you had parents that were very active

much that he took the SATs and the ACTs

er’s, parental support isn’t only limited

in their kids’ lives, which has got to be the most

important factor,” he said. “I can’t

think of a single case that it’s not the case.”

And in a community the size of Reich-

couldn’t see myself going elsewhere for some reason. I

felt like the academy was the place I

needed to be.

“[The first year] was a little harder than I

expected,” he continued. “School was tough, and when you’re waking up at 5:30 to 6 every day and constantly going until maybe 11 at night, it wears on you. You have to make yourself sit down and get your work done and juggle many things at once. They put a lot on your plate and expect you to deal with it. You need good time management ki ll and to learn how to push yourself to really get the most [out of it]. Reicher was a great place for high school. I loved it there, and they taught me a lot about time mans

s

agement, too, just because I was involved with so many different things.”

“Busy” is a commonly used word when referring to a typical weekday at a military academy. All of the students are juggling a full class load along with mandatory sports (either varsity or intramural), and the lower your class rank, the earlier your

day begins. One motto at the Air Force is “work hard; play hard.” Sophomore Joe Hunt agreed that his time at Reicher provided good preparation for difficult academy experiences.

“Reicher gives kids a chance to dig deep and see what they’re made of, especially with football,” he said. “I owe a lot to playing sports there and to Coach Jeff Brown and John Ryan. They force you to dig deep and see what you’re made of, and that car-

ries over. Once you’ve got that in you, you

So many people see the prep school as a

world the way it is, who knows what the

don’t ever want to stop digging deep.”

bad thing, but I came away with the best

future holds? You really have to admire

friends, and I grew up a lot there. You

any young person that stands up and raises their right hand and takes that oath

At the conclusion of his Air Force

Academy basic training, Hunt was selected as “Outstanding Basic Cadet” for his squadron. Out of more than 1,000 cadets, only 10 are honored in this way.

“In basic training, it’s real hard to step up to the plate,” he said. “It’s real easy to be timid because they’re yelling at you. It’s easy to just get in the back of the line and follow. There needs to be somebody there to take the heat. If a guy is yelling at the guy next to me, you’ve just got to kind of tilt your hat sideways so that you get them yelling at you. It’s just yelling, [but] some other people take that real hard. You step out of line just a little bit to kind of take the heat off. I was in really good shape when I went, so none of the physical training was really that hard. Whenever it’s not that hard and you’ve got that part covered, you can start worrying about

have to grow. If you don’t grow up, you’ll get in trouble and do something wrong.

You’ll get caught up in it all.”

Waggoner can attest to the growth of his former students, who frequently return to Reicher during school breaks to train in the

weight room or speak to students about their experiences. “When they come back and you see them, they’re impressive. They’re very caring and very disciplined,” he said. “It’s

mately 240 students.

“I’m a year older than Blake and

that Reicher sends them to the acadtheir part around Waco.”

SS

Article reprint courtesy of the Wacoan, ©2007. Robert Johnson, Publisher.

Force senior in the top two percent of his

class—these elder Reicher grads have set a

high standard for the others to follow,

lenge. Ketterick, Hunt and Brooks have all made the Superintendent’s List, which is a cumulative high score of all three areas: military, academic and athletic.

“The U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Naval Academy accept only the best and the brightest to train as our military leaders

School, a 10-month program for approxi-

18-year-old who does that, you have to admire them, regardless of your own political beliefs. And there are many kids who are joining the service from other schools—maybe not in the proportion

coming back and speaking [to high school classes] that kind of blow the kids away.”

From Wylie DeWalt to Aaron Conine, who graduated from the Air Force in June with a civil engineering degree, and Sean Ketterick, who is currently an Air

opportunity to help out, so I just took it.”

separate basic trainings because of his decision to attend Academy Preparatory

enemies foreign and domestic. Any 17- or

emies—but there are other people doing

and the students appear up to the chal-

football, B Hampton had to endure two

and defend the Constitution against all

their maturity level at the age of 20 or 21 and

other parts. I guess I had a little bit more

Recruited by the Air Force to play

of enlistment to join the service, support

of tomorrow,” said Congressman Chet

Nomination Procedures The AOG is governed by a Board of Directors

consisting of

not

more

than eleven elected directors and up

Joe, but we’re [all sophomores] because I decided to go to prep school,” he

Edwards, who has nominated the majority

explained. “It’s where they send a lot of

now a

the prior enlisted people that go from

has been instrumental in their development.

being enlisted to go to the academy. They

This proud achievement is a reflection of the

proximately half of the elected and

take that as a year to get re-acclimated to

hard work and dedication of the students

appointed positions

being a student. That’s where the academy

and their families, but also the positive influ-

each election cycle. Any AOG mem-

sends a lot of its athletes because it’s a year

ence

of Reicher and the Waco community.”

ber willing to fulfill the requirements of directors may submit a nomina-

basic training that was the worst thing

Certainly, Reicher is not the only high school in Waco to have graduates at military academies, but it does stand out due to its high percentage in recent years.

In addition to gaining a quality four-year education package—valued at more than $300,000—academy graduates earn an officer rank. They are either a second lieutenant, as in the case of the Army, the Marines and the Air Force, or an ensign in

I’ve ever done in my life, far worse than

the Navy. Still, with a five- to 10-year com-

tee.

the academy basic. Best decision I’ve ever

mitment of active duty in store, it is a big

tion can be found on the AOG Web

made though. [It was the] best decision

decision for a high school student to make.

Site at www.usafa.org. Nominations

get to play more sports. We played a bunch of junior college teams. But it’s also to

year to get ready academically, for kids that couldn’t get a congressional nominaa

tion or just the kids that they didn’t think were

ready academically—me.

“You go there for a year, and it’s like all

four years are crammed into one,” Hampton continued.

“We had a three-week

of these students. “These young people are part of that elite group, and Reicher

because I would’ve failed out, dropped out

“They’re all 17 when they’re making

gotten kicked out in the first couple of months if I didn’t go to the prep school.

this decision,” Chris Ekman said. “No one

or

to four appointed directors. Elections are

conducted and

appointments

made in odd-numbered years.

are

open

Apat

tion package. There are two nomination tracks. With the support of five

members, a candidate may be considered by the Nominating Committee for placement on the ballot. By

petition of 25 members, a candidate may be placed on the ballot without review

by the Nominating Commit-

Complete nomination informa-

for the 2009 elections will be

ac-

cepted in 2008.

has a crystal ball, and with the state of the

65

2007

DISTINGUISHED GRADUATES

T

he USAF Academy and the Academy’s Association of Gradu-

recently announced the winners of the Academy’s 2007 Distinguished Graduate Award. Retired Air Force Lieutenant General Ervin J. Rokke and Mr. Gregg Popovich earned this prestigious honor for their singular and distinctive contributions to society and the nation.

The Distinguished Graduate Award began in 2001 and is presented by the Superintendent of the Academy and the Chairman of the AOG Board of Directors to a USAFA graduate whose lifetime achievements are of such significance as to set them apart from their contemporaries. ates

The purpose of the award is to: -

Recognize outstanding performance by graduates who have demonstrated a lifetime of service to the nation

-Favorably promote the Air Force Academy and its graduates Promote and increase awareness of graduate heritage among -

alumni and cadets Lieutenant General Rokke graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1962. His professional career involved multiple assignments in the intelligence community, both in the U.S. and overseas, and includ-

ed a tour of duty as the Dean of Faculty at USAFA. His last active duty

position was president, National Defense University in Washington, D.C., before retiring July 1, 1997. Dr. Rokke currently serves as the Chair for Character and Leadership at the Air Force Academy. You can read a full biography at www.af.mil/bios/bio.asp?bioID=696l.

Mr. Gregg Popovich is a 1970 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. He played basketball all four years at the Academy and served nine years on active duty using his degree in Soviet Studies while serv-

ing tours in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. He returned to the Academy to serve as assistant coach of the basketball team for six years before moving on to be a successful coach in the NBA. He is currently the Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach of the NBA champion San Antonio Spurs. You can read a full biography at www.usabasketball.com/biosmen/gregg_popovich_bio.html.

In addition to honoring these two distinguished graduates, the Academy will also honor retired Lt. Gen. Robert Beckel, ’59, and retired Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier, ’64, who are the 2006 Distinguished

Graduates, but had their ceremony cancelled last year due to a snow-

distinguished graduates will be honored as a part of the Academy’s Founders Day dinner on April 4, 2008. storm. All four

Information of how to reserve a seat at the dinner will appear on

Top: Retired Lt. Gen. Ervin Rokke, ’62 (Photo

www.usafa.org this winter, or you may call Swamp Fox at (719) 472-

by Stephen Barth) Bottom: Gregg Popovich, 70

0300 for details.

(Photo courtesy of USA Basketball)

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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. Go to www.sacc-jobfair.com for a list of companies attending, the complete schedule, and the online registration form Where will the SACC be held?

The next SACC will be held at the Hyatt Regency Savannah, Two West Bay Street, Savannah, Ga. Call (912) 238-1234 for reservations and ask for the SACC rate.

SACC Schedule of Events

Thursday, February 28 Interview Prep Seminar

6:30 p.m.

-

8:30 p.m.

Friday, February 29 Registration

8:45 a.m.

SACC

9:00 a.m.

Lunch

12:30 p.m.

SACC

1:45 p.m.

-

-

-

-

All day 12:30 p.m.

1:45 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 1 Interviews only if directly scheduled between company recruiters and candidates; Companies will contact you directly regarding any on-site interviews during the SACC. Registration The SACC candidate registration fee is $35. To register, submit a one-page resume (for the recruiter's book) and pay online at www.sacc-jobfair.com. This limited resume is designed to give the recruiters an indication of your capabilities. It is NOT the resume you should bring to hand out to the recruiters at the conference. Registration deadline for inclusion in

the recruiter's book is February 15.

Walk-in registrations will also be accepted on the day of the conference. Walk-in registration fee is $40 and may be paid by check or cash.

Next Scheduled SACC

Washington D.C., May 8-9, 2008 For more information, contact Wayne Taylor at (719) 472-0300 or go online at www.sacc-jobfair.com.

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11111

68

exploded in front of a marine officer and his radio operator. Running flat out, they leaped into a nearby bomb crater to find cover. Behind them, other marines who had just seized a hill from the enemy, after days of hard fighting, hugged the earth, exposed, and steeled themselves against an onrushing barrage of mortar fire. Reacting professionally, Capt. Fran Zavacki, ’64, called urgently on his radio for air support to take out the enemy’s guns, while his radio operator, Corporal Dick Cosner, moved quickly out of the crater with binoculars and concealed ortar rounds

himself behind a tree to act as a spotter.

Absorbed in reading his map as he transmitted the position of the North Vietnamese shelling the hill, Zavacki didn’t notice that they had begun to concentrate their fire on him.

Bursting shells moved methodically toward the bomb crater enemy gunners walked their rounds skillfully toward their target. Cosner screamed a warning to Zavacki, but it was lost as

in the deafening chaos of combat.

Cosner jumped back toward the crater and, grabbing

Zavacki, dragged him out seconds before it erupted in a fiery explosion. The blast knocked both men down, inflicting concussions, peppering them with shards of metal, rock fragments and wood splinters. Many years later, Cosner would say that he had felt like an elephant had stepped on his head.

Afterward, as they picked debris from their clothing, Cosner found a wound from a large wood splinter in Zavacki’s back, under his rib cage, that his flak jacket hadn’t stopped. It was bleeding

heavily. Cosner urged Zavacki to have a corpsman look at it, but his stoical company commander said no and had Cosner remove

the splinter, telling him just to yank it out. Later, as he looked at the tangle of smashed electronics lying in the bomb crater, Zavacki

joked laconically, “Well, Cos, that’s one radio—KIA.” Twelve weeks later, on Nov. 15, 1969, Fran Zavacki would die, not in

battle, but on an operating table aboard a hospital ship from

fully understood even by the doctors who treated him.

His story would end in hazy contradictions. He would be awarded the Bronze Star posthumously for his actions commanding troops

causes not

in the field under fire, but official records would state that his

death afterwards had resulted from non-hostile causes. For that reason, Fran Zavacki’s name would not appear on the Graduate War Memorial at the Air Force Academy after his death.

Over time, the last chapters of Fran Zavacki’s life would become even

cloudier in the memories of his classmates from the Acade-

my’s Class of 1964, for whom the Marine Corps was something culturally foreign and exotic. After all, of the almost 2,000 officers commissioned from the Academy through 1964, only a handful, 19, had become Marines. It was as if Fran’s classmates had left the Zoomie mother ship to travel well-explored routes around their home planet of blue suits, while Fran and another intrepid class-

entirely different galaxy.

Added to that, many of the names on the Academy’s war memorial honor grads who have died flying airplanes in combat, and their deaths have tended to be violently instantaneous and

mate had headed off to an

69

unambiguous. The death of a Marine infantryman, though, can be much more complicated, leaving a confusing trail of wrong diagnoses through minimally equipped field hospitals that can be very difficult to follow.

All of that had exasperated Jim McCracken, who had been a year

behind Fran in the same cadet squadron, Twenty-Third. It made no sense to

him that a man who had seen down-and-dirty ground combat

and who had sacrificed his life in Vietnam would be left so unheraided. It seemed to McCracken that people were saying that a combat marine had just suddenly gotten sick one day and died, and Jim was

deeply frustrated by that interpretation. It just didn’t feel right to him.

Jim had thought highly of Fran during the three years they had been together as cadets. There had been a lot to admire. Zavacki had been gung ho, but in an infectious, stirring way that had

inspired others. That quality had led to the usual gung-hoisms, like jump school at Fort Benning, and it may have played a large role in his election by his classmates as class president of the Class of’64. He hadn’t been polished-metal perfection, though.

At the end of his third-class year, he had been caught drinking in the dorm with three of his classmates, and they had been hit hard with Class III punishments. That had tarnished his sterling military ranking until then more than a little. (Fran was on the Commandant’s List for military excellence every semester but the one after his Class III and on the Superintendent’s List for academic and military excellence for four semesters.) Fran had been no stranger to the tour path. Still, he had clawed his way back, and by the end of his first-class year, he was a cadet squadron commander. As second acts go, his had been pretty impressive.

McCracken’s frustration had boiled over when he had helped organize a reunion for his classmates in Twenty-Third this past summer. Jim was putting together a memorial service to honor all members of the squadron from all classes who had died when he discovered that Fran Zavacki’s name was not among those on the war

memorial. He called me, a fellow alumnus of Twenty-Third

and a newly installed member of the AOG Board of Directors, to ask what could be done. I replied that I didn’t know, but that I’d

1. Graduates killed in direct hostile action.

2. Graduates killed within an area of conflict as the result of an

incident which is in direct support of the activities therein.

3. Graduates killed outside an area of conflict while directly

supporting the activities within that area of conflict will be considered on an individual basis by the AOG Board of Directors.

These standards are very tough to meet. A strict application wouldn’t even allow a prisoner of war who had succumbed to disease in captivity to be honored on the memorial, and it became apparent that someone who had died of an illness unrelated to combat on a hospital ship stood no chance at all. So, the summary of action that someone at the AOG had typed 31 years ago at the top of the file copy of the AOG’s letter to the Marine Corps

became fully understandable: MEMO FOR RECORD: The Ex Comm [executive committee]

do the best I could to see Fran honored. We agreed on a division of

reconsidered Zavacki for inclusion on the War Memorial at their 12

labor. Jim would search for members of Fran’s combat unit, and I’d

May 1976 meeting and decided not to pursue the matter further.

try to reach Fran’s relatives to see what documentary evidence they might have. Our collective detective work would take us on a road

had been examined at least twice before and that those previous

of surprising discovery and side by side with other grads, on one of

reviews would be a huge obstacle to overcome.

the finest, most satisfying endeavors we’ve ever been involved in.

Still, I had pledged to contact Fran’s family to see what other evidence might be uncovered. So, using Argali White and Yellow, the Internet people finder, I typed Zavacki and PA into its search

The beginning wasn’t encouraging. Jim sent me two letters that he’d

received from the AOG about Fran’s case. One was an inquiry written

by a member of the AOG’s board in March 1976 to Headquarters, Marine Corps, asking for details on the circumstances surrounding Fran’s death, and the other was a reply dated three weeks later. In terse prose, the response from the Marine Corps stated that: he died on November 15, 1969, of a bilateral pulmonary embolism [blood clotting in the blood vessels of the lungs]. Captain Zavacki had been hospitalized aboard the hospital ship, USS Repose, since November 2, 1969, after contracting pneumonia. ...

The letter went on to describe his actions leading troops in combat before that and the posthumous award of a Bronze Star, but it provided no link whatever between what had happened on the battlefield and his death.

70

Next, we looked at the criteria for inclusion on the war memorial, and the very steep climb ahead of us became all too clear:

The word “reconsidered” was sobering. It meant that Fran’s case

boxes and cringed, hitting Enter, expecting hundreds of households in Pennsylvania to be displayed. To my surprise, only eight appeared,

and the next step was calling them one by one. A cousin of Fran’s I reached gave me the phone number and email address of Fran’s sister, Ann Kane, who now lives in Massachusetts. I sent her an email and

made repeated attempts to reach her by phone. Since there was no voice—mail option at her number, after getting no answer during

nearly two weeks of calling, I had almost given up hope when Ann responded to my email and called, saying that she had been away on vacation. She agreed to send me copies of all the records she had.

One of them, a long letter to Ann from the Navy physician aboard the Repose who had attended Fran, stated that Fran had

returned from patrolling in the field shortly before he sought

McCracken. Cosner, who had been at his company commander’s

medical care for chest pain in late October. The doctor elaborated:

side constantly while they were in the field, provided written tes-

Three days prior to his admission to this hospital, he suffered

with right chest and shoulder pain and couldn’t get back to sleep

timony that has choked up more than a few who’ve read it. After describing the incident in which Fran was nearly killed by mortar fire and was wounded in the back, as well as recounting ineffective

the following day, he was evaluated at the field hospital close by and

medical treatment afterward, Cosner wrote simply and movingly:

chest x-ray was taken. However this chest x-ray showed nothing

Capt. Zavacki never complained but I could tell he was in a lot of pain and the spot did not heal very well. After this incident Capt.

Zavacki started getting sick at his stomach a lot.... After that Capt.

Zavacki was never well. He got weaker and was sick a lot. Finally about

from his first symptom relative to his final illness. He awoke at night

a

and a diagnosis could not be established. The following day, Captain Zavacki developed a more severe left chest pain associated with shortness

of breath and a cough productive of some blood and blood-

tinged mucous. Captain Zavacki returned to the field hospital where a repeat chest x-ray was taken revealing a moderate left chest infiltrate.

Captain Zavacki was then admitted to that hospital under a presumpfive diagnosis of Pleurisy and Pneumonia and placed on penicillin therapy. The day after this he was removed to the USS REPOSE for

a

week before we left Viet Nam, he got so weak, he could not walk

alone, and he had no appetite

...

Capt. Zavacki looked very bad and

unlocked the mystery, and what remained to be done was to tie

getting weaker by the day. I went to the battalion commander and expressed my concern about the captain. The battalion commander came down and ordered the captain to be medevaced. He was medevaced to the hospital ship where he later died.

Dick Cosner’s account was pivotal. The symptoms he described led Dr. Jim Ingram to write: Some have expressed concern about the length of time between the injury and when he received formal medical attention. These facts are all entirely consistent with a smoldering infection in the abdomen, in the retroperitoneum (behind the abdominal organs) or kidney. Any of these could be associated with an abscess or pyelonephritis (kidney infection) that could result in the pelvic venous thrombosis that ultimately embolized and killed him. The symptoms of a slowly progressing infection like this would likely

Fran’s death plausibly to an injury in the field during combat

be gradual deterioration of health with abdominal discomfort,

operations. Convinced that the case for Fran’s inclusion on the

weakness, weight loss, fever, chills and stomach upset.

further care. He arrived here in the late afternoon of 2 November

1969, and was acutely ill on admission. After observation and evaluation, a diagnosis of pulmonary embolus was established ...

The physician also reported that an autopsy after Fran’s death

revealed extensive blood clotting in the pelvic region and in the arteries of his lungs.

I sent a copy of the letter to Jim McCracken. Jim’s wife, Patti,

is a physician, and after reading the letter, she stated firmly that

blood clotting on that massive a scale in someone as young as Fran had to have been caused by an injury. Patti McCracken had

war

memorial would turn ultimately on medical evidence, I

asked for help from those who would make the best medical

witnesses—grads who are also physicians. I sent emails to as many grad doctors as I could find, and put appeals on ZoomieNation and USAFAToday. Dr. Jim Ingram, ’64, Colonel USAFR (Ret.), Dr. Bob Mazet, ’63, and Dr. Hollie Thomas, ’63, Colonel, USAF

(Ret.) stepped up and agreed to provide written testimony.

Meanwhile, Jim McCracken looked for members of Fran’s infantry company. He searched the Web site of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial using Fran’s name, and he found a message left there by a marine named Ranny Henson who had served in Fran’s unit. Using a

feature on Google that allowed him to connect names to email

addresses, Jim found Henson’s and contacted him. Their exchanges of messages only redoubled Jim’s determination to see Fran hon-

ored. Henson had left Vietnam before Zavacki died, but he wrote: I do know that he stayed in the bush with us when he became

ill and refused to leave his command at such a crucial time in the

conflict or he would probably be alive today.

Later in their conversations online, Henson wrote: I wish I

was

Agreeing with his colleague, Dr. Hollie Thomas wrote: In any case, it is clear that Capt. Zavacki’s injuries set in motion a In summary, sequence of events that led directly to his death ...

a

reasonable person should now be even more comfortable in

concluding that Capt. Fran Zavacki sustained mortal injuries as the result of hostile action while on the field of combat.

On Oct. 26, after they had read Dick Cosner’s moving account

and the overwhelming medical evidence provided by grad physi-

cians, my colleagues on the AOG Board of Directors voted unani-

mously to add Fran Zavacki’s name to the Graduate War Memorial.

In a phone conversation later, Ann Kane expressed the deep appreciation of the whole Zavacki family, saying that they are very grateful for grads having been so tenacious in uncovering such a complex story to honor Fran. She also said she hoped that this November might be better for her than many others had been over

the last 38 years.

We grads who have been so tightly united in our resolve to see

the right thing done, after so long a time, hope so too. In the end, the memories of loved ones and of comrades matter a great deal,

could be of more help, but I really have a difficult time with

and when those memories are only pale shadows of a valorous

anyone who has not been in direct conflict with the enemy, as

past, all of us forfeit something of immense value.

B

Capt. Zavacki and the rest of us were, judging whether or not he deserves this acknowledgement. If it were a Marine memorial, I have no doubt he would qualify. For a graduate of the Air Force Academy to choose service in the field with Marines in

AOG Board ofDirectors, is a brigadier general retiredfrom the Air

wartime says much about him.

Force Reserve and is the author of the novel, The Light on the Star.

In an incredible stroke of good fortune, Henson found Dick

The writer, a member of the Class of1963, is currently serving on the

He can be reached at: ste4andots@aol.com.

Cosner through a mutual friend and put him in contact with Jim

71

USAFA’s Forward Air Controller Heritage

By Col. (Ret.) Jimmie H. Butler, ’63

n

November 13, 2007, the remains of Maj. John L. Carroll,

’62, were returned for burial at the Academy Cemetery. Ma-

jor Carroll was a Forward Air Controller—a Raven FAC— shot down 33 years ago in the Secret War over Laos. He is part of a little-known—but significant—piece of the combat heritage established by early Academy grads during the Vietnam War. At a recent Falcon Heritage Forum, I learned—as I expected—that few

cadets had ever heard of Forward Air Controllers, known more commonly as FACs. After all, for todays classes the Vietnam War is on the edge of ancient

history much as World War I was to the cadets of the late 5Os-early 60s. Now lasers guide bombs onto targets, often assisted by intelligence gathered using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles tens of thousands of feet above the theater and inter-

preted by men and women thousands of miles away at Nellis AFB, Nev. Four decades ago those jobs were done by several thousand USAF pilots/navigators 72

flying “down and dirty” over the mountains, jungles, and rice fields of Southeast Asia.

We started in Cessna 0-1 Bird Dogs, a 1950-vintage single-en-

gine tail-dragger, having much more in common with the rickety aircraft of Wo rid War I than with combat aircraft in the 21

st

Centu-

ry Air Force. Patrolling daily over all of South Vietnam, over the Ho Chi Minh Trail through Laos, and into the fringes of North Vietnam, FACs were the hunters. Bird

Dogs operated off 10,000 foot

concrete runways; shorter runways made of

perforated steel planks

(PSP), which were slick as ice when wet—and it rained a lot in SEA; from dirt strips in direct support of ground forces; and from the main streets of a few small villages. (One Bird Dog reportedly was

taken out by a Vespa motor scooter, whose rider had ignored

the temporary barrier at one end of the makeshift runway.)

As years passed, Cessna 0-2 Skymasters and North American

OV-IO Broncos took over most FAC missions. The FAC theaters

of operations expanded into Northern Laos and all over Cambo-

dia, with FACs covering some areas 24/7. It is said that FACs flew

nearly half of the USAF’s combat sorties in SEA. While almost every cadet in the first few years of the Academy wanted to be a fighter pilot, you’ll never meet one who will say he wanted to go to Undergraduate Pilot Training to become a FAC. Yet for many of us, our FAC tour(s) were the most satisfy-

ing flying experiences in our careers. We logged many mundane flying hours droning along in a Cessna while searching the jungles below. Nevertheless, while over the enemy areas, we always knew extreme danger could be lurking only a few breaths ahead.

Being a Forward Air Controller meant being what the rather unimposing name says—we were in control over forward areas of battle.

Often the lives of hundreds of “friendlies” on the ground depended on our judgment and our split-second decisions. Even as a first lieutenant, being a FAC meant you shouldered great responsibility for whether the days battle would be won or lost. General William Moth myer, who commanded 7 AF out of Saigon in the 1960s said: “At all times the FAC was the final air authority on whether or not the strike would continue. He was, in fact, the local air commander for the

conduct of all air operations, and his authority was recognized by the

ground commander and the flight leader alike.”

Being a FAC meant collectively being in the middle of most of the air action over South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. While

controlling airstrikes, FACs literally were in the middle, often holding over the target while jets coming off their attack runs screamed by at maybe 500 knots and a few hundred feet away.

Previous page, top: An air-to-air view of an 0V-10 Bronco aircraft firing a White

phosphorus smoke rocket to mark a ground target. (USAF Photo by Bill Thompson) Bottom: A Forward Air Controller 01-E “Bird Dog” aircraft is shown here in reconnaissance role near a Special Forces Camp in the Republic of Vietnam. (USAF

Photo) Top Right: Side view of a U.S. Air Force 0-2 of the 9th Special Operations

Squadron dropping Chieu Hoi leaflets over the Republic of Vietnam in July 1970.

(USAF Photo by William F. Diebold) 73

Often when someone was shot down, Crown (the airborne rescue

Asia. First Lieutenant Mark A. Peterson, ’71, (promoted to Captain

command post) designated a FAC as the initial on-scene rescue com-

while MIA), and Capt. George W. Morris, Jr., diverted for a Search

mander until the Sandies (A-l rescue escorts) reached the location.

and Rescue mission for another pilot. On Jan. 27, 1973 their OV-10

Probably the most personally satisfying role for FACs involved direct air support to American and allied ground forces in South Vietnam and to Special Ops troops on clandestine missions into Laos and Cambodia. The Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army troops routinely tried to ambush friendly forces under conditions that favored the attackers. Thousands of times, Americans needed help in a hurry. In some cases, nearby helicopter gunships would race to the scene. The FACs, however, were the difference makers who could quickly evaluate the battlefield and call in the heavy iron and fire from the air.

Distinguished Service Medal recipient retired Army Major John J. Duffy served four combat tours, including Special Operations on the ground and later flying with FACs to help with combat extractions of Special Forces Teams behind enemy lines. Duffy has many personal insights into the importance of FACS. In his recent poem, “Forward Air Controller Requiem,” he characterizes FACs in the following way:

was

downed by an SA-7, becoming the final Air Force combat loss in

South Vietnam before the final cease-fire. On June 5, 1973 lLt. RichardT. Gray, ’71, was piloting the last OV-10 shot down in the war.

These 29 grads who gave their lives—and many others who survived their combat tours in the slow FAC aircraft—are highly decorated for the risks taken to accomplish difficult and dangerous

missions. The nearly 30 FAC recipients of the Air Force Cross

include Col. (Ret.) Donald D. Stevens, ’60, Maj. John L. Carroll,

’62, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Philip V. Maywald, ’63, Col. (Ret.) Rowland H. Worrell, III, ’68, and Capt. Joseph A. Personett, ’69.

In addition to the Air Force Crosses, Air Force FACs were awarded two Medals of Honor (posthumously), many Silver Stars, hundreds of Distinguished Flying Crosses, and thousands of Air Medals.

In the tradition of Forward Air Controllers from previous wars,

FACs in Southeast Asia added a valorous chapter to the history

of the U.S. Air Force. Early graduates who served as FACs in the

“When everyone was calling “Help!”,

Vietnam War indeed established a significant piece of the combat

They were the ones to help.

heritage of all cadets and graduates of the USAF Academy. S

The emergency number in the sky, The guardian angel to many of us.”

Editor’s Note: Author, Jimmie Butler, ’63, flew 240 FAC combat mis-

Duffy’s accompanying poem, “The Forward Air Controller,” describes the life of the FAC in combat more succinctly than most of us who flew the mission could.

The reviewer of a book about Forward Air Controllers observed

that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., would have had to be much larger if not for the Forward Air Controllers. During the Colorado Springs Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 10,

2007, a man stepped out from the crowd as the parade entry from the Forward Air Controller Association approached. He wanted us to be able to hear him shout, “I’m alive because of you guys.”

And they are out there still today by the thousands. Being a FAC meant routinely putting your life on the line to help save

others. We truly experienced the joy of victory—and the agony of defeat when rescue attempts failed.

Approximately 250 FACs lost their lives in Southeast Asia. This list of Air Force heroes included 29 USAFA graduates from ten classes from 1959 through 1971. Their causes of death reflect a cross-section of the dangers that all FACs faced. Eighteen USAFA grads were shot down by weapons ranging from small arms/automatic weapons, through 37mm anti-aircraft artillery, up to an SA-7. Two disappeared in bad weather. One crashed on takeoff. One died during a ground attack. Four died in mid-air collisions with an AC-47, an A-7, a Chinook helicopter, and another FAC. One was lost in a training accident.

Six of the 29 died while flying as members of the legendary

Ravens, men who locked away their uniforms and Air Force identification papers to fly as FACs from small airfields in Laos in the secret war. Two Ravens were killed on the

ground after successfully

parachuting or crash landing. The North Vietnamese didn’t take many prisoners in Laos. No details were available on four of the

Ravens who were lost in Laos.

On Jan. 2, 1966, Capt. Harlow K. Halbower, ’59, was the first

member of the first Academy class to die in combat in Southeast

sions in O-ls and 0-2s in 1967, mostly over the Ho Chi Minh Trail

through Laos. He retiredfrom the Air Force in 1987.

The forum would be impossible without the help and genersupport of the Association of Graduates, said Chaplain Rives Duncan, an Air Force major and a Cadet Wing project officer.

ous

±

More than 40 attendees were Academy grads who

have been decorated with the Air Force Cross or the

"The Class of 1974, and Michael and Nancie Freeborn have

Cadets attended sessions in Arnold Hall with these special visitors

provided an enormous amount of financial support, and the AOG has been invaluable in helping us contact potential speak-

The guest with Cadet 3rd Class Harry Dale’s group was re-

ers,” Major Duncan said.

Silver Star, or have been involved in recent operations.

One night during the forum, Maj. Duncan, Center for Char-

tired Maj• uiini White*

“Major White gave rich instances in which his honor and personal values were put to the test during his vast flying career thai attest to his credibility as a leader, an airman and an individual,”

mentioned that he had been shot down in 1968.

A nearby veteran asked “What was the date?”

said Cadet Dale, from Bronx, NY. The Cadet Squadron 36 member said he drew meaning from the forum because it spoke to the importance of sacrifice and honor and the challenge to uphold those traditions in future endeavors.

“The portion of the forum that appealed most to me was

when all the heroes were introduced and their accomplishments were

announced,” Cadet Dale said. “It instilled pride in me be-

cause

I realized that l am in an organization where people have

courage

Development chaplain, was standing off to the side and some of the visiting veterans were sharing their stories. One acter

id integrity to do the right thing, even when this

may result in admonishment by one’s peers or death in combat.’

What he took away from the forum was a motivation to follow in the footsteps of the special guests and uphold the tradi-

”Mav m, 1968.”

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“1 was the A-l overhead, call sign Snake 76.”

“Nearly 40 years after the incident, the A-l pilot who was trying to facilitate the rescue and the pilot who had been in the jungle watching the A-l overhead found out who the other was,” Major Duncan said.

One of the highlights of the evening w as a speech given by

retired General George Lee Butler, 61. Butler spent 30 years in the Air Force and throughout his career faced many difficult decisions that challenged his personal character.

In his speech presented to the cadets, he outlined six major traits he took from his Academy experience that shaped and

tion of honor that they have built.

helped him navigate his Air Force career. He encouraged mem nploy the lessons of honor, integrity, ethics, self-discipline

“The forum was a major motivational tool for the cadets

because it allowed us exposure to heroes whose real life acr msi complishments allow us to gain at this institution and why we wish to become officers in

compassion in their own Air Force careers; as such traits are te core of their profession.

United States Air Force,” said Cadet Dale.

you wish to hear General Buder’s

The first forum was held in 1996. In recent years, the.

www. us;

speech, you am find it at

under the News and Media / AOG Videos section, v

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Step Aside— The Future

Looks Good

BY SALLY BARON, SPACE NEWS

ardly aHbace conference passes, or even a few issues of SpaceNews, withorHthe mention of the “aging aerospace work force.” Last I heard the average age of the aerospace professional was 54 years. By looking around the room during a session at the 2007 National Space Symposium, as well as in the mirror, that seemed completely plausible. The stated problem: What will we do when everyone retires? Fear not, friends; I have seen the future and it is good.

As the U.S. Air Force Academy graduated the Class of 2007 May 30,1 looked out on the Falcon Stadium field and reflected upon my contact with the cadets tossing their hats in the air.

Over the past three years I have had the privilege to sit on several review committees for the Air Force Academy astronautical engineering senior capstone projects. I am always amazed at what young, smart, motivated people can do when given a goal and some

latitude to achieve it.

the Class of 2009 will be with it through launch. The continuity, documentation and thoroughness required to pass such a complex program through several classes is an important lesson in and of itself, and will serve the cadets well when they are managing aerospace procurement for the taxpayers.

Whether at the Air Force Academy, or no doubt many other

universities, time and budgets are finite. As a result, these remarkable young students look for efficient solutions. They simply must use

the fastest, cheapest and best way to tackle their projects or

they will not succeed. No going back to Congress for more money or trying to float an engineering change proposal.

High use of commercial products to save time and money and reduce risk was ubiquitous.

The word COTS (commercial-off the- shelf) is already in their vocabularies.

First: satellites. After a three-year build, the Falconsat-3 success-

When juxtaposed with what the current generation (the aging work

fully launched in March from Cape Canaveral and is now in orbit.

Although anomalies made initial contact a bit tricky, the cadets figured out how to fix it and now monitor and control it from their own modest ground station in the astronautics lab.

force—that’s us) were doing as undergraduates, it is almost silly. High-

Falconsat-2, you may remember, was launched in March 2006

Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) Falcon 1 booster, which failed. The little spacecraft popped out and landed back on the Island of Omelec—it crashed right through the roof of its storage shed and plopped next to the very shipping crate in which it had arrived. It is now on display in the Air Force Acadon a

tech tools have made their way into the classrooms and the lives of the

generation and moreover they have embraced it—I have never seen a cadet go anywhere without a laptop glued to his or her hip.

Now it is time for us to embrace them. I have seen many organizations—both government and private sector—indoctrinate newcomers. next

Some of this includes teaching them the way things are done here—

the company culture. I hope my colleagues in the “aging work force” will resist this temptation, and rather conversely, try to learn from the

ford University suggests that the manager should reward success

generation of space professionals, rather than constraining them with a system and bureaucracy that has outlived its usefulness.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ talk at the Air Force Academy’s May 30 graduation advised the new second lieutenants to speak up even when the truth is not popular, but cautioned they may not always be rewarded for altruistic behavior. Similarly, in their book The Knowing Doing Gap Stanford professors Jeff Pfeffer and Bob

and failure, but punish inaction.

Sutton warn of the dangers of corporate memory used as a substi-

emy Astronautics Lab. It is a constant reminder that the aerospace business is risky, and failure is merely a part of success.

For the students—indeed for all of us—the lessons of failure are

critical. According to scholar Charles Manz, failure is a necessary condition for success. To that end, Professor Bob Sutton of Stan-

In the case of Falconsat-2, the cadets and faculty did not miss

their learning on this one. There were successes and failures, but no

new

,

tute for

not assure that it will work under different circumstances.

inaction—Air Force Col. Martin France, head of the Astronau-

deal Engineering Department, sees to that.

Falconsat-5 is now off the drawing board and an engineering model successfully completed vibration testing in May. A status review was held in May and the cadets presented a thoughtful,

well researched and documented program that will continue after their graduation. It will be passed to the Class of 2008, and then

A U.S. Air Force launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta II booster carrying the fourth modernized GPS satellite into space from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla.

(Courtesy photo)

thinking. Because a methodology worked at one time does

And circumstances are always different in the high-tech world.

The best organizations always are looking for new and better ways to

improve their product or service and these ideas often come

from newcomers.

As Col. France has said: “I encourage the cadets to disagree, and to feel free to

speak up when they see a technical problem or have an issue. In fact, I like to debate. We can get everything out into the open that way.” He is not kidding. I have witnessed the students and faculty openly debating technical and managerial issues without fear of reprimand.

In the prologue of Neil deGrasse Tyson’s book Death by Black Hole, he says: “Perhaps the question is not how smart is an individual of a

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the growth of human culture is largely Lamarckian, where new

generations of humans inherit the acquired discoveries of the past,

allowing cosmic insight to accumulate without limit.”

As our generation added our cosmic insight to the findings of those before us, this new generation has insight that we did not, nor could not, possibly possess, as we grew up with dif-

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.

If you have not registered in JSAJE, please register and create a username and password. If you have registered to JSAJE, please log in to the program by using the username and password you created. Once you have logged into the JSAJE program you may browse through job listings and contact employers.

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ferent tools and perspectives. If the aging community of space

professionals is smart enough to incorporate the new cosmic insight, perhaps we can excel the collective brain power of the entire species.

Inflexible organizational bureaucracies and requiring outdated technologies only serve to constrain the flow of new ideas. But with some latitude to make their own decisions, I am

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Air Force Academy Fund Matching Gift Program Did you know you might be able to double or triple your gift for F

ousands of

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cadet and heritage programs at the Academy, and every dollar truly Please ask if your employer has a matching gift program today!

■xciting trips in 2008 Available to AOG members, their families and friends Italy’s Lake Garda & the French Alps, Sep. 22-30 See one ofthe most beautiful lakes in the world, snowcapped moun-

Stand by for 2008

tains, picturesque towns, fabulous cuisine and great shopping. Visit Chamonix, nestled in the French Alps. A mountain town is cel-

vacation spots

ebrated for its superb location at the foot of Mont Blanc. Add to this

Spring: Paris, Danube River Cruise, Treasures of China,

few days stay in Italy on the southern shores of Lake Garda where

and South Africa.

a

there’s dramatic views and quiet beauty. (*$1,899 per person)

Fall: Croatia/Venetian

Treasures, Italian Riviera and

SH

Prague and Fairy Tale Bavaria, Oct. 11-19

Tuscany, Davos and Salzburg.

Go where the Romantic Road takes you back in time, over cobblestone streets and

through medieval villages. Browse in quaint little

shops and enjoy a cozy tavern. Go to the world spa resort of Bad Kissingen. This resort with a royal history is a treasure of gardens, parks, shops, outdoor cafes, and museums. (*$1,899 per person)

For additional information and a color brochure visit

www.usafa.org. Click on “AOG Services

Kellenbence at wayne.

See yourself on the Ponte Vecchio bridge at sunset, or walking the

kellenbence@aogusafa.org, ( 719) 472 0300

Boboli Gardens, filling your soul with the smell of jasmine. Experia

then “Travel

Programs” or contact Wayne

Rome and Florence, Nov. 3-11

ence

"

-

.

the Colosseum side by side with the ghosts of gladiators or in

cafe toasting the end of the day with a rich ruby red wine. Add

to that the Tuscan

countryside, vyneyards marching up undulating hill s to medieval villages. (*$1,899 per person)

*

■Jnext

PRICE INCLUDES AIRFARE! OTHER INCLUDED FEATURES:

Round-trip air transportation

•

First-class accommodations

*

Transfers between airports and hotels

•

and more

AOG offers e-mail forwarding With e-mail forwarding, your address can stay

@usafa-grads.com no matter what e-mail provider you use. Messages that are sent to the @usafa-grads.com

addfess are directed to your normal e-mail inbox. (jHrervice provided to graduates only) Visit the AOG Web site at www.usafa.org to sign up!

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Academy accepts bid to Armed Forces

owl

By Air Force Print News

U

.S. Air Force Academy officials have accepted a

bid to play in the Bell Helicopter Armed

Forces Bowl on New Year’s Eve at Fort

Worth, Texas.

The Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, an ESPN

regional television owned-and-operated event, will be aired at 11:30 a.m. CST on ESPN, live from Amon G. Carter Stadium.

The previous four Bell Helicopter Armed Forces U.S. Air Force Academy z-back Chad

Bowl games have been played on December 23 with

Hall finds running room thanks to a

the University of Utah defeating the University of

block by quarterback Shaun Carney

Tulsa 25-13 last year.

“We are thrilled to have the Air Force Academy as

during Air Force’s 41-24 win over Notre Dame Nov. 10 at South Bend,

the Mountain West Conference’s representative in the

Ind. U.S. Air Force Academy officials

2007 game,” said Tom Starr, the executive director of

have accepted a bid to play in the

the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl. “With our

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl on New Year’s Eve at Fort Worth, Texas.

military theme, what better way is there to honor the armed forces by having an Academy play in our game.

(Photo by Staff Sgt. Monte Volk)

With nine wins and a strong finish to their season, the

Falcons will bring an exciting brand of football to Amon G. Carter Stadium on New Year’s Eve.”

With three-straight wins and six victories in their last seven games to end the 2007 season, the Falcons are the first school since the inaugural Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl game in 2003 to enter the Amon G. Carter Stadium game with more

Calhoun, Hals name offensive player of the Calhoun also named Region 5 coach of the ye;

than seven regular-season wins. The Academy is cur-

rently 9-3 this fall after posting a 55-23 win at home Nov. 18 over San Diego State.

The 9-3 record is Air Force’s first winning season since posting a 7-5 mark in 2003. The Falcons’ six wins in Mountain West Conference play is their most ever and best league record since finishing the 1998 season with a 7-1 record in the Western Athletic Conference.

By USAFA Athletics ir Force football head coach Troy Calhoun and run-

A

ning back/receiver Chad Hall were named coach and offensive player of the year today in the Mountain West Conference by votes of head coaches and media. In addition, Calhoun was named the Region 5 Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association.

The Falcons have the second-best rushing attack in the

Calhoun is the first Air Force coach to win the award

country (298.5 yards per game) to rank among the top 10 in the nation for the 21 st-straight season. The Falcons won the

in his first season and just the second to ever win it, join-

national rushing title in 2002 (307.8) when Air Force played

and 1998. Hall is the sixth Air Force player to win the

in their last post-season game by losing 20-13 to Virginia

conference’s offensive player of the year award and first non-

Tech at the 2002 Emerald Bowl in San Francisco.

quarterback. He joins quarterbacks Bart Weiss (1985), Dee Dowis (1989), Beau Morgan (1996), Blane Morgan (1998)

Troy Calhoun also becomes the third first-season coach at the Air Force to lead the Falcons to a post-season bowl game

following in the footsteps of Ben Martin in 1958 and Fisher DeBerry in 1984. A 1989 graduate of the Academy, Calhoun replaced DeBerry last December as only the sixth coach in the 52-season history of Air Force football.

The first Academy graduate to coach the Falcons, Calhoun was an active duty officer in the Air Force from 1989 to 1995, and was the school’s recruiting coordinator and the

ing Fisher DeBerry, who won the award in 1985, 1995

and Mike Thiessen (2000).

Hall was named to the first-team offense as a running back and was joined by center Blaine Guenther. Outside linebacker John Rabold and cornerback Carson Bird were named to the first-team defense. Inside linebacker Drew

Fowler, a first-team selection in 2006, along with offensive

junior varsity offensive coordinator in 1993 and 1994. An

guard/tackle Nick Charles took home second-team honors.

Quarterback Shaun Carney, tight end Travis Dekker, defensive end Ryan Kemp and safety Chris Thomas received hon-

assistant for one season for the NFL’s Houston Texans before

orable mention honors.

Air Force’s four first-team selections are its most ever in the

taking the Air Force job, Calhoun started at quarterback for the Academy in 1986 and was one of only two freshmen to letter for the 1985 team that finished fifth in the final polls

Mountain West Conference and most since 1998 when the

with a 12-1 record that included wins over national powers

a

Falcons placed five members on the conference’s first team as

Notre Dame and Texas.

Appearing in its first post-season game since 2002, the Air Force will be competing in their 18th bowl since the start of their intercollegiate football program in 1956.

While z-back Hall is the only player in the country to lead his team in rushing (1,415 yards and 14 touchdowns to rank ninth nationally) and receiving (488 for 46 receptions and one touchdown), Air Force quarterback Shaun Carney has become the Academy’s all-time passing leader as a four-year starter by breaking records this season for passing yardage (5,323), passing touchdowns (38) and total yardage (7,776).

Ticket prices for the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl $40 for sideline seats and $15 for end zone tickets. Military veterans receive half off any $40 seat and active duty are

member of the Western Athletic Conference.

Hall led the conference in rushing with 1,415 yards and set

the school record for rushing yards with 275 and all-purpose

yards with 333 vs. Army earlier this season. A third-team All-American by Rivals.com, Hall was the conference leader in all-purpose yards with an average of 208.7 which ranked third nationally. Hall is also the only player in the nation to lead his team in rushing and receiving.

Guenther was instrumental in helping a young offensive line pave the way for the nation’s No. 2-ranked rushing offense. The Falcons averaged 298.5 yards rushing per game and ranked second in the conference in scoring with a

29.4 average.

Rabold led the Falcons and ranked second in the confer-

ence

with 16.5 tackles for loss. He also led the conference

members get in free via the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces

in fumble recoveries with four and is among the conference

Bowl corporate military ticket underwriting program. A por-

leaders in quarterback sacks with 5.5. He recorded 73 total

tion of local ticket sales will go to designated military chari-

tackles this season. Bird led the conference and ranked sev-

ties. Go to www.usafa.org to buy tickets for the game and

enth nationally in interceptions with six which tied as the

look for the Bowl Game advertisement on the home page. SB

fourth most in school history. He is one off the single-season MWC record for interceptions. Bird was second in the con-

ference in fumble recoveries with three and recorded

With the fall season under wraps, the Falcons are

nine total turnovers on the season. He also averaged

off until Feb. 18 when they open the spring season at

one

pass breakup per game to rank among the confer-

ence

the UTSA Intercollegiate in San Antonio, Texas. IS

leaders.

Air Force finished the season with a 9-3 overall

record and placed second in the MWC with a 6-2 mark. The Falcons play California in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas, on

Friends of Basketball @

re

or

Dec. 31, at 10:30 a.m. MT. Go to www.usafa.org to

buy tickets for the game and look for our Bowl Game advertisement on the home page. R

:

Golfers set records at invitational Whitney fires school record 202

*

exciting se«ison

By Rick Pialet, ’77

A

ir Force Basketball fans, let me introduce you to the Friends of Air Force Basketball. .

Some of you are well acquainted with the

Friends. For those who don’t know us, let me explain that we are a non-profit booster group, organized six years ago to provide support for our great basketball program. The Friends group works in cooperation

with the Association of Graduates. Donations are

By USAFA Athletics etting records for the lowest team and individual tournament scores in school history, the Air Force golf team finished in eighth place at its own Agua Caliente AFA Collegiate Invitational, being held at the 6,582-yard, par-72 Indian Canyons

S

Golf Resort.

fully tax deductible—100 percent of gifts go directly to

support the basketball program.

Like you, I have been excited to watch our program

develop into a perennial contender for the conference

title and post-season honors. The credit for this

achievement, of course, belongs to the outstanding coaches and players. However, the Friends of Air Force Basketball has also played an important role.

The Falcons turned in a three-round score of 840,

Financial contributions from the Friends directly

beating the previous record of 851 set in 1998. Meanwhile, sophomore Tom Whitney, who finished tied

supported some of the most important needs of our basketball program, including facility upgrades, equipment purchases, out-of-session meal and hotel expenses for players, the homecoming reunion, and preseason (foreign) team travel. Last September the team traveled to Vancouver, Canada, where they played five exhibition games in three days, gaining vital preseason experience against the best teams available. This trip was entirely funded by the Friends of Air Force Basketball through the AOG. We share Coach Reynold’s optimism for the upcoming season. Just as he plans to improve the level of play, we hope to increase and expand our level of support. Beyond the day-to-day basics that the Academy provides, there are still numerous things the program requires to compete with the other programs in

for 11th, fired a school-record tying round of 65 on

Sunday, bringing his 54-hole total to 202. Whitneys three-round score set a new Academy record, besting the former record of 205 set in 2004.

Also posting Academy top-10 scores were juniors Shaun O’Bryant and Andrew Gibson. O’Bryant finished tied for 27th at 210 (-6), while Gibson finished a

stroke behind in a tie for 29th place. Rounding out

the group for the Falcons’ first team were Bob Whitney, tying for 47th at 218 (+2), and Jack Kasting, in 51st place at 223.

Meanwhile, the Air Force Blue team finished 11 th,

firing a three-round total of 885. Freshman Kyle Bailey was the second team’s top performer, finishing at an even-par 216 to tie for 44th place, while freshman Aaron White placed 49th at 219. Also competing for the Falcons were seniors Matt Tanis, Jared Freeman and sophomore Josh McFarland.

the Mountain West Conference. With your financial support, the coaching staff can initiate programs to further raise our level of competitiveness.

For those of you who have supported the Friends

Colorado State ran away with the team title, scor-

in the past—thank you—the basketball players and

ing a remarkable 77-under-par 787. Capturing med-

the program have benefited from your generosity. For

alist honors was the Rams’ Dustin Morris, who fired

all, I would like to invite your active participation for

course-record tying 63 on Sunday to finish at 194

the 2007-2008 season. If you would like to help or

(-22). A total of four players on the weekend fired rounds of 63 to set the new course record, including

simply learn more, please visit us at www.FriendsoIAirForceBasketball.org. It is the best source on the

Denver’s Jeff Koprivetz and Espen Kofstad and South-

Internet for information on Falcon Men’s Basketball

a

ern

Utah’s Matt McArthur.

and related topics. Go Falcons! R 1

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AFA Baseball Alixmiii Reunion By bui Maggio, vi

T

he 2007 AFA Baseball Alumni reunion was a

huge success due to the generous hospital-

ity of the Varsity Team and Coach Mike Hutchinson. During the weekend of Oct 4-7, approx-

imately 70 alumni from the Classes of’64 and later participated in the weekend events.

The fun included a Thursday evening social, Friday morning scramble golf tournament on the Academy’s Silver Course, dinner at the Marriott, alumni game Satur-

day morning, tailgate and Falcon football vs. UNLV and Sunday golf for those who hadn’t had enough!

The Friday banquet featured Mike Kazlausky, ’91, as MC, open mike, slide show, and Brian Duffy, ’75,

guest speaker relating experiences on his latest NASA shuttle mission. as

Our alumni game matched the spirited Blue and

White teams of Coach Joe Robison and Coach Danny Litwhiler. We showed we can still play the game; espe-

dally those pitchers, who allowed only one ball to leave Falcon field with Kaz circling the bases at full throttle.

To quote Deke Winters, ’80, “It was great to put

Falcon jersey again.”

Many thanks to this year’s committee: Deke and Kaz, Larry Bryant, ’75, Nate Tarkowski, ’98, Flip Keck (and wife Jan), ’69, and Nick Leigl, 03. We hope we can do it again soon! H on a

Lacrosse Alumni needed Lacrosse Shootout is the largest lacrosse tournament

for shootout

in the country. Games in all divisions will be televised

By Michael “Jake” Jakobi, ’81

on

Cable Sports Networks in year 2008.

Masters Division: Air Force “WARBIRDS ”: Ages

he Air Force Academy Alumni Lacrosse Asso-

33-39. (You must turn 33 by end of 2008). Michael

ciation is looking to field lacrosse teams in all

“Jake” Jakobi, ’81, will be the Warbirds’ head coach.

Contact Jake with interest: MJakobi@cinci.rr.com.

Men’s Divisions for the 2008 Vail Lacrosse

Shootout. The Air Force “Graybirds” celebrated their tenth anniversary of competing in Vail in the 2007

June 28-30 play dates.

Elite Division: All Ages/Competitive Roster Selection.

Shootout in the age 40 and over, “Super Masters”

The Cincinnati based “Flying Pigs” lacrosse team under

Division under head coach, Charles “CAT” Stevens,

Head Coach Patrick Kennedy, (Syracuse, ’97), will form

’74, posting a record of two wins, three losses over

the core of the Elite division effort. Current Air Force

four days of competition. The Graybirds will once

Varsity Lacrosse Players are eligible to play in the Elite division in Vail. Younger alumni currendy on active duty are also encouraged to apply to play in the Elite division.

Contact Pat Kennedy with interest: pk@kennedylacrosse. com or pklax42@gmail.com. July 3-6 play dates.

again compete in the Super Masters in 2008. Alumni ages 40 and over are asked to contact Cat Stevens directly if interested in playing (catjeanne@aol.com).

The game dates will be June 28

—

July 1.

2008 will mark the first time the AFA Alumni

On behalf of AFA Alumni Lacrosse President

Lacrosse Association will attempt to field teams in

Mason Goodhand, I would like to encourage all cur-

both the Masters division, (ages 33-39; 28 Jun

rent

Jun), and Elite divisions, (All Ages: July 3

—

—

30

6).

varsity and aumni lacrosse players to come to Vail and join in the fun and competition in the annual

We are asking alumni lacrosse players who wish

Vail Lacrosse Shootout! It is our hope to see Air Force

play in either of these divisions to contact the appropriate head coaches as outlined below. The Vail

Lacrosse players competing in all divisions in Vail in

to

2008 and beyond. H

IECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2007

Well sites at

■

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a

w.org

Briar Park, in Houston. Area graduates are

encouraged to attend. If you are interested in attending and finding out about local chapter events, please contact Tom Solomon, ’69, at tom@tomsolomon.com.

Los Angeles Chapter The LA Chapter is looking for volunteers to take

charge of some chapter activities.

If you live in the LA area and want to get

involved, check out our Web site at www.

lausafaaog.com and contact one of the board members: Joe Facenda, ’75, Will

Cosby, ’75, Inga Lisa Coupe, ’91, Roger Smith, ’62, John Cole, ’93, Nate Vosters ’02, and Jason Spindler, ’04.

New York Metropolitan Area Chapter The NYAOG has a new Web site and a

Outlook

new name!

Check out www.nyaog.com

for upcoming events! The NYAOG new the New York Metropolitan Area

AFA Society of North Carolina We meet, informally, on the third

name is

Wednesday of each month at Players Retreat, 105 Oberlin Road in Raleigh. No RSVP is required.

ham, ’89, at (845) 531-9189.

Chapter. For more info call Leo Cunning-

Northern California Chapter We are planning a wine tasting early in

Goal 1

Alamo Chapter

the spring and then participating in a bike

Celebrate Academy Heritage

Graduates will gather for the annual Business Meeting at the Randolph AFB Club on Jan.

ride on April 16, through Napa Valley in honor of the veterans returning from

Rampart Chapter Many of our chapter members were able to

25. Checkwww.alamoaog.org for details.

Iraq and Afghanistan. It will be fun for all levels since you can sign up for the 50,

attend the dedication of the original commandant’s building on Sept. 4 at the site of

Arizona Chapter

25, or 15 mile ride. At the end, there will be a wine tasting, food, live music and

the old Lowry AFB in Denver. The building

The Arizona Chapter 2008 Super Bowl party

auction. This ride is sponsored by the

will be hosted by Diane Langmade, ’80, at

an

her home in Phoenix—3316 East Piro Street, Phoenix, Ariz. 85044. The party will begin

Rotary Ride for Veterans and the Wine Valley Cycle for Sight. To sign up, visit the

half an hour before kickoff to enjoy all the pre-game hype and to allow folks plenty of

Web site: www.cycle4sight.com or www. rotaryride4vets.com. Please contact Susan

time for pre-game eating and drinking ritu-

at

als. This annually is a “super” event. Please

member of the Northern California AOG

RSVP directly to Diane at (480) 759-4185.

and would like to be included in updates.

Heartiand-LeMay Chapter The chapter resumes monthly fourth Tuesday luncheons on Jan. 22. To close out this year, the chapter’s membership meeting took place Nov. 9.

North Texas Association

formally added to the National Register of Historic Places as a building of national significance. Pete Todd, ’59, was one of the keynote speakers at the dedication.

was

oisusan@yahoo.com if you are not a

The Association is planning at least two events after the start of the year. The an-

nual business meeting is scheduled in

conjunction with the monthly luncheon

Houston Chapter

Jan. 18. We’ll elect new officers at that time. Also, organize a get-together for

Pete Todd, ’59, addressing the audience at the

The chapter continues to meet monthly

the AF vs. TCU Men’s basketball game on

dedication of the original Commandant’s Building

Hotel, at 2900

Feb. 2. Checkwww.ntaafag.org for details.

at the former Lowry AFB.

on

at the Marriott Westchase

Goal 2

New York, N.Y. Dress is business casual of

tant Coach Rob Marr

Keep abreast ofAir Force and USAFA topics

jacket and tie. A $10 cover charge includes

of recruiting once again, as we had some very

soft drinks and food. Cash bar is available.

grads from Sheppard and some barely 40-somethings with great experience and tal-

The chapter is proud to support the Acad-

Goal 5

ent.

emy on multiple levels. Nancy (Mariano) Kudla, ’80, is serving as one of the two

Interact with other service academy

graduates.

put us on top of Navy 19-7, then stood up to Army, 13-7 for the championship for the

graduate Presidential appointees to the

Alamo Chapter

2nd time in 3 years. Mike Gibbons, ’63,

Board of Visitors. Jim Wheeler, ’64, was

The Alamo Chapter participated in the

donated a miniature Commander-in-Chief’s

recently elected as a member and Chair-

Tri-Service Academy Golf Tournament at

trophy which we will put to good use at fu-

of the AOG Board of Directors.

Ft. Sam Houston on Oct. 27, under the

ture interservice events. Another

leadership of Pete Hugdahl, ’67.

sign is that we have some fairly recent grads in the local area who are joining NTAAFAG and participating in this and other activities,

Alamo Chapter

man

’88, did a superb job

recent

That, combined with our “old reliable,”

encouraging

Heartland-LeMay Chapter A number of chapter members were on hand to observe the promotion, change

Arizona Chapter Back in July, Barb and Ron Marusiak, ’71,

so

of command, and retirement of Lt. Gen.

again graciously hosted a fireworks/des-

sive MVP was Grant Hillman, ’06, with an

Roger Lempke, ’69, on Nov. 3. Roger was promoted and retired by Dave Heineman,

sert/beverages party at their house right on the Arizona Country Club golf course. The

the Governor of Nebraska (and West Point

fireworks and patriotic music were awesome.

was Brent

graduate), after serving for nearly seven years as the Nebraska Adjutant General and head of the Nebraska Military Department.

There was a nice turnout of grads/spouses/

and solid pass defense. Other notables were

friends and a good time was had by all.

Kevin Palko, ’86, at QB and Chad Hen-

welcome to you guys, and thanks! Offen-

awesome

one-handed touchdown catch and

other contributions, and Defensive MVP

Frerichs, ’86, with 2 interceptions

LA AOG summer BBQ at his house at the

nings, ’88, attempting to play defensive line.

B J Bjorkland, ’70, and Mike Gibbons, ’63, were our most “senior” players, but H Ownby, ’69, missed the game for only the

end of July. Lots of food and drink was

second time since the series started. Thanks

enjoyed by all. On Sept. 29, a large group of USAFA grads and a few brave USNA grads got together at the Roger Smith’s, ’62, Underground Pub in Hermosa Beach

to

Los Angeles Chapter Will Cosby, ’75, hosted the 2nd annual

to watch the AF vs.

talk about new belts and uniforms for next

year! Oh, yes, the Stites’ party was again the best post-game imaginable. ON FALCONS!!

Navy football game.

Even though the game didn’t turn out in our

everyone who came out, the board will

favor, everyone had a great time.

South Florida Chapter The chapter joined the Ft. Lauderdale

this year on Mount Tamalpais. Our annual

Navy Alumni for our football rivalry on Sept. 29. We met at a local restaurant to cheer on our respective teams. USAFA had about 37 representatives while the Navy

Goal 4

December celebration was at the Mountain

had about 20 show up. We out-cheered the

Provide graduates networking

Home Inn on Dec. 1, with hiking, cocktails,

opportunities

and a gourmet meal. Thank you to Susan and

Alamo Chapter

Ed Cunningham, ’67, for coordinating.

squids for most of the game until the disappointing end. Our thanks go out to the Navy Alumni President, Telmo Ortega.

lunch continues to offers graduates network-

North Texas Association

Goal 6

ing opportunities. Event host Mike Nishimuta, ’73, states that all service academy graduates are welcome. The Alamo Chapter website provides a Business Card Page which advertises local graduates’ businesses. Check

In Sep., the association gathered at the house

Give back to the community

of Association President, Lev Prichard, ’89,

Alamo Chapter

to watch the

The chapter performed community service

Lto R: Ed Yong, ’86, Chapter ALO Liaison Official; Shirlee and Roger Lempke, ’69; and Tad Draper,

Northern California Chapter

’68, Chapter President

The chapter celebrated Christmas early

The monthly Business and Networking

unfortunately disappointing

Navy game at our annual Fall BBQ. In Nov.,

Area Chapter

semi-annually with a Habitat for Humanity house build in Oct., led by Kay Grosinske, ’82. Air Force Recruiting Service Commander Brig. Gen. Suzanne Vautrinot, ’82, is the Alamo Chapter president, and is serving on the USAF Heritage Program

Service Academy Networking Night

Board of Directors in support of the National

resumed in September. It occurs the

Museum of the Air Force. Lt. Gen. William

third Wednesday of every month at the

Looney, ’72, Commander of Air Education

Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’ and Airmen’s

and Training Command, helped orchestrate

Club (Upstairs Lounge) located at 283

the 60 th Air Force Birthday Ball and AETC

we

had our annual flag football game. Assis-

www.alamoaog.org for the time and date.

New York Metropolitan

Lexington Ave.—just south of 37th Street, 86

North Texas Team victorious again!

IN I

Symposium in San Antonio. t>

Goal 8

Ruth Whitaker. Attendees arrived Wednes-

Assist Liaison Officers and recruit

day, Oct. 17. The first official gathering

qualified candidates

was at

8:30 a.m. for a continental breakfast

Heartland-LeMay Chapter The chapter is attempting to initiate a Leader

provided by Kirk. A short meeting was held

of Character award program with area high

president. Then it was off to the AOG where the group was briefed and given a tour by Constituent Liaison Marty Marcolongo,

schools. They offered to work with one high school this year as a pilot effort. The award is

to elect Stan Keck to a

1-year term as vice

to be awarded to a student at the end of their

’

junior year that is selected by the faculty for their demonstrated potential to be a student

Mitchell Hall. After lunch, an Admissions

leader during their final year at high school.

Affinity

88 Lunch followed on the Staff Tower in .

Update Briefing was given by Director of Enrollment Programs Lt. Col. Steve Orie, ’90,

Silver Falcons tailgate before the UNLV game.

and then on to a tour of the Cadet Airfield

In Oct., the USAFA faculty, led by Col.

facilities. Dinner that night was at the Tavern

Dave Swanson, reviewed the most significant

Restaurant at The Broadmoor. Friday started

mi OUflS

ing to the Cadet Library for a briefing and tour by Head Librarian Dr. Ed Scott. As in

space-related activities at the Academy with Space Group leadership. A highlight of that meeting was the opening of contacts between the group and the Academy’s Eisenhower

AcademyWomen The Fourth Annual AcademyWomen Symposium and First Annual Career Coaching Expo, held Oct. 26-28, at the Womens

the past couple of years, 90 minutes flew

Center for Space and Defense Studies, rep-

by. There is never a dull moment when

resented by Maj. Deron Jackson, the center’s

you are with Ed Scott! Then off to the

deputy director. The center has organized several significant workshops on key space

off with a continental breakfast before head-

Falcon Stadium Press Box for the Football

cessful! Inspiring speakers shared some of the

Rally Luncheon, including remarks by the new Head Football Coach Troy Calhoun,

and the potential for space-delivered solar

joys and struggles it takes to find balance,

89. Then back to Fairchild Hall, where the

power, and publishes Space and Defense, a

reach personal goals, and achieve happiness

superintendent gave an update on what’s happening at USAFA. Dinner was at the Elephant Bar Restaurant where everybody had a great meal and a great time together. Saturday morning before the game, Kirk and Jill set up and hosted a tailgate lunch and everybody got revved up for the football game, in which Air Force beat Wyoming. That night we said farewell to each other at the Flying W

journal that emphasizes original works in the field (including cadet papers). The center will also continue to hold issue-specific forums, including a planned activity that will focus on new space policy issues for the next administration. The AOG and the Space Group will continue to provide support to

Ranch Winter Steak House and started mak-

status of USAFA’s Summer

Memorial in Arlington, Va., were very sue-

and success in both military and civilian life.

Every service was represented at the symposium. There were workshops on personal and

professional development as well as speakers and panel discussions on the topics of serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, leadership, PTSD, financial wellness, and more. The remembrance ceremony for women who have fallen

especially touching with the families in attendance. The Career Coaching Expo and

was

Symposium gave all of the participants a chance to reconnect with old friends, make new

connections, and refocus with new

perspective. AcademyWomen also publishes

quarterly newsletter called Focus, which features inspiring stories, insights for personal and professional development, as well as

ing plans for next years convention which will be held in Sept, or Oct. Pictures were taken and they will be on the AOG Silver Falcon Web site for everybody to see. Hope to see more of you next year.

The 2007 Annual Silver Falcon Convention,

Space Group The Space Group continues to be encouraged by the improvement and strengthening of space-related activities at the Academy.

The USAFA Space Programs Council, led

by Col Marty France, ’81, coordinates a growing number of innovative activities for cadets and faculty members. For example, Basic Space Awareness Days provides an

Oct. 17-21, was a huge success. Members

excellent overview of USAF space activities

www.academywomen.org for more information and sign up as a member to receive

details on upcoming events.

Silver Falcons

th

new

the center.

The Space Group was also briefed on the

Space Program, a cadet-run program (including ROTC cadets) that involved more than 260 cadets last summer. Among other activities, the program uses a Strategic Space War Game developed by Maj. Jackson that demonstrates how space can support nations in

a

information on new initiatives. Check

topics, such as the future of space commerce

celebrating the 50 Anniversary of the ALO

and issues for newer cadets, and the Space

program were: Les and Jeanette Bergsten, Kirk and Jill Brown, Chuck and Carol Foster,

Pro mixers provide an opportunity for space

professionals in Colorado Springs to meet

Gordon and Gaye Palmer, Ozzie and Cleo

with more senior cadets. These are activities

Purdy, John and Jean Riffle, Richard Vogen-

that the Space Group has long endorsed,

itz and his friend Jane Tarail, Marvin and

and representatives of the Group continue to

Barbara Wolgast, Stan and Delene Keck, and

support these interchanges.

CHECKPOINTS, DECEMBER 2007

becoming world powers. The Summer Program also includes an introduction to satellite command and control, GIS products, a

field GPS exercise, rocketry, small satellite

construction, and field trips to operational sites. Maj. Doug Bayley discussed plans for next summer’s

program.

As a result of these interchanges, the

Space Group has identified several new areas for cooperation with the faculty, and opportunities to provide support to USAFA

space-related activities. Graduates interested in joining the Space Group can find information at www.usafaspace.tripod.com or by contacting the Group Secretary Lawrence Cooper, ’86, at cooper@astroguy.net. You can

also find us at www.zoomienation.com.

87

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Squadron Pins

Prop & Wing Necklace

2007 Ornament

2004 Ornament

Pins match all current squadron

Silver with 20" chain.

Similar to emblem worn by

Prop & Wings in front of USAFA

Globe with six vignettes

and US flags in silverstone.

around the equator

Background is 24kt gold plated with Air Force Academy across

a

sailplane, the chapel, and the

the top and 2007 at the bottom

prop and wings

patches and many prevoiusly used patches (Please specify $5.00 squadron)

cadets

$25.50

-

pegasus,

falcon, eagle & fledglings, a $24.00

amid holly leaves.

Approx. 2.5" in diameter.

Class Notebooks 6 1/4" x 9" Gray leather

Expect Great Things A historical documentary of the

notebook. Years available:

first fifty years of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Available in

1966, 1992-1995, 19972005. .$12.50

DVD and VHS

$14.95

$20.00

Falconry Book

By Lt. Gen. A. P. Clark, 6th superintendent of the USAF Academy. The story of the cadets' unique performing mascot Hard cover.

Soft cover

$34.50 $17.95

License Plate Frames

'Alumni', 'Falcons', or 'Parent' across the

top and 'Air Force Academy' across the bottom.

Each frame $6.25 $10.50 Any two frames

and signed. Approximate

Footfalls Print by Rick Herter. Artists proofs of the War Memorial. Approximately 24" wide by 17" tall.

Cadet Saber Official USAF Academy cadet saber. Available to graduate

size is 24" wide by 30" tail.

Unframed

members only. Saber with

Here's a Toast Print by Keith Ferris. Numbered

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$62.50

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scabbard

$250.00 89

Richard L. Bunce, ’63 Richard “Dick” Bunce, Class of 1963, passed away March 30 th 2007 ,

at his home in Loveland,

Colo.

Just two months ago Dan formally retired from teaching after guid-

joyed his retirement in Loveland with

ing the college to hire one of the few men at another school who had the vision and the credentials to carry on successfully. Dan has left his legacy “OK”.

Dan was known for his acumen regarding almost any device you could purchase and he was the first I would go to before buying a digital camera, a security system or a new automobile. He was one of the first customers in the state of Utah to purchase an Insight hybrid and that car was faithfully used in his daily commute to confirm his passion of preserving our heritage for future generations. It still gets the mileage he anticipated.

Dan’s steady excellence was demonstrated early in his cadet years th as he led the 17 Squadron to a wing championship in water polo and was undefeated in two freestyle events with a wing record time that lasted for years. Selected to be one of the early participants in the Georgetown graduate program, he then proceeded on to flight training and assignment to Vietnam flying F-100 fighters. After his aircraft was phased out of that theater, Dan became a briefing officer and aide for Vice Commander Seventh Air Force and was relied upon by the leadership for his honesty and integrity, despite the efforts of

his wife, Karel. He was active in several

some

After graduation, Dick followed in his father’s footsteps, and ac-

cepted a commission in the Navy. He served seven years active duty as a nuclear engineer on submarines, and achieved

a

rank of Lieutenant

Commander. Dick was part of a family

history of service. Dick’s father was a U. S. Naval Academy graduate, Class of 1932, and a pilot. Dick was an Air Force Academy graduate, Class of 1963, and a

submariner. Dick’s son is a Naval

Academy graduate, Class of 1988, and a surface warfare officer. Three genera-

tions of academy graduates

—

cover-

ing air, surface, and sub-surface.

After leaving active duty, Dick worked for 29 years as an engineer for Exxon Chemicals. In recent years, Dick en-

who would rather have had him leave out the bad news.

His broad experience led him to serve in faculty positions at Squad-

community organizations, including the Loveland Historical Society, Rabbit Hole Radio Theater, the Rainbow Chorus, and the Loveland Fishing Club.

He particularly enjoyed fly fishing, and was occasionally crazy enough to go out ice fishing! Although from the stories, it seems that ice fishing is more about hanging out drinking beer and telling tall tales. He also enjoyed model ship building and spending time in the garden. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Karel; two children, two grandchildren, and many pets and grand-pets. He is missed by all.

flying B-52s.

Dan’s promotion to full colonel came as a staff officer in the Pentagon where he ushered in many of the major upgrades to Air War College simulation capabilities.

Daniel had recently undergone his ninth surgery for sarcoma cancer which was first discovered in 1984 while he was working at the Pentagon. He endured the pain of each operation and emerged as a vigorous fighter again and again; however, the most recent operation

(Phil Bunce, Dick's son)

revealed that this time the extent of the cancer exceeded the abilities

ron Officer School and then become aircraft commander

of surgeons to remove it. He is survived by his wife, Jo Ellen, who lives

Daniel J. Taylor; ’63

in Provo, Utah; by his son John, who is a career diplomat for the state

Early in the morning on June 7, 2007, Daniel J Taylor quietly finished his mortal responsibilities on this earth. His last words were, “I’m OK”. As with everything else he

department; and his daughter Tracy, living with her family in Dayton, Ohio. I couldn’t begin to name the thousands of others who considered him a close friend. (Harold Rust, 19 th Squadron, ’65)

said and did, those words reflect his

positive attitude and commitment to successfully complete every project he

William M. Wittress, ’64 Col. William M. Wittress Jr., 65, died Nov. 5 th 2007 at Valley Medical

Center, Renton Wash., after a courageous seven-month battle with

started.

A legendary educator within the Air

an

extremely rare cancer.

Force and then later at Westminster

Bill was a dedicated husband and father. His passing will be deeply

College in Salt Lake City as director of the aeronautics program for 20 years,

grieved by his wife of 43 years, Jeanne.

(Bill met Jeanne just four hours after

his contributions to aviation will be

she arrived at Colorado Women’s Col-

felt for generations as his students

lege in Denver and they were married the day after Bill graduated from the Air Force Academy.) He also leaves a daughter, Cristine Wittress of Issaquah, Wash.; a son, William

continue to fill the seats of commer-

cial airplanes and military aircraft. was

It

almost solely because of Dan’s

contacts

and his personality that a

wealthy benefactor stepped forward and provided underwriting of an amDan Taylor bitious program upgrade at the College in which new simulators and flying aircraft now make it one of the premier pilot programs in the nation.

For more current information about

graduate deaths, please visit the AOG web site. www.usafa.org

Wittress III, his wife Kristi, and their son

Matthew of North Bend Wash.

Bill was born in 1942 in Wilkinsburg, Pa.

He consistently excelled in both

academics and athletics, and upon graduation from East McKeesport High School in Pennsylvania in 1960 he was awarded prestigious scholarships to both Brown and Cornell Universities.

He chose an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy

where he graduated in 1964. After graduation Bill attended Stanford

^

. .

IBI;/

University where he received an MBA in Engineering in 1966. A lifetime learner, he later received an MBA from Wright State University in Ohio and a Juris Doctor in Law from Seattle University.

For 23 years, Bill served his country with rapidly increasing responsibility. His career included the management of a team of engineers and scientists at the Boeing AFPRO office in Seattle, Wash, where the Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) system was built. This program, although extremely complex and technically advanced, was an unparalleled success. In 1984 Bill joined the Air Force-NASA joint project team as Director of Space Launch Planning. There he helped develop the national launch strategy for the 1990-1995 period. Later he worked with Martin Marietta to apply artificial intelligence models to the planning and launching of satellites aboard the Space Shuttle.

After retiring from the Air Force, Bill worked for Boeing Computer Services. He represented Boeing in Australia where he structured and wrote the financial implementation plan to build and maintain a national supercomputer network for Australia which integrated the

proud of his wartime service to the USA and his daughters Angelique and Annette. A1 certainly enjoyed life in general, golf, his many friends, parties, and dancing.

I was able to visit A1 at the hospice in Scottsdale in his final days. He faced the end like a fighter pilot, with courage and dignity. He never lost his sense of humor in spite of his ailments and heavy medications. In the fog of time, our memories of trips together became more adventuresome and our ex-girlfriends prettier than reality. His message to his classmates was, “Keep It Light.” Goodbye warrior, friend, NINER, and classmate

-

rest in peace Alan Natella.

(J.C. Edwards, ’65)

GaryR. Lorenz, *67 Gary Robert Lorenz, 63, died Sept. 29, 2007, with his companion dogs, Merry and Pippin, protecting him. Lorenz was born March 25, 1944 in St. Paul, Minn., to Robert M. and Bernice S. (Hanneld) Lorenz.

He married Sandra Lee Clark Dec.

23, 1967, in the U.S. Air Force Acad-

industrial, academic and government sectors of the country.

emy Chapel. He had a stellar career in the Air Force. After academy gradu-

In retirement Bill enjoyed vacationing in Hawaii with his family, cruis-

ing, and was never without a book tucked under his arm. He loved living in the Seattle area where he led a full life with a strong commitment to his family, friends, community and his beloved grandson.

ation in 1967, he became a fighter pi-

lot and flew combat missions in Viet-

A Memorial was held Nov. 12 at Fairwood Methodist Church. Three

nam

in the F-4 Phantom.

He re-

of his close friends and former 13 th Squadron members participated

turned to the Air Force Academy as a

in the service. Stories and memories of Bill written by his former Squad-

military training instructor during the

ron

1986- 87 school year.

classmates were read during the service. Airmen from McChord

He was promoted to lieutenant colo-

Air Force Base presented the American flag to Jeanne. Taps and a gun

Burial will be at Hawthorne Memorial

nel and served as deputy comman-

Gardens in Grants Pass, Ore. and a plaque will be placed in his honor

dant of the Air Force Cadet Wing in

at the Tahoma National Cemetery.

1987- 88, and was promoted to colo-

salute finished the service.

nel the following year and served as

Contributions may be made in Bill’s name to the Lymphoma Re-

vice commandant of cadets.

search Foundation, 111 Broadway, 19 th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10006.

(13th Squadron classmates David O’Brien and John Sowers; and Bill’s wife Jeanne Patterson Wittress)

Gary Lorenz

,

In 1990-91, Lorenz was wing com-

mander of Incirlik Air Base in Turkey,

from which aircraft supporting the Desert Storm Operation were based.

Allen E Natella, *65

He retired in 1991.

He and his wife, Sandee, who would have celebrated their 40 th an-

Alan Natella slipped the surly bonds on June 17, 2007 in Scottsdale Ariz. after a 10-month battle with brain cancer. A1 joined the Class of

’65 in June 1961 with few attributes of an ideal cadet.

He was just

barely 17, short, slope-shouldered, not gifted athletically or academically, and had a dread of the 10-meter platform. His only advantage was that

niversary in December, moved to Denver after his retirement. They purchased their property in Cotopaxi, Colo, in 1980, built their home there in the 1990s and moved there permanently in 1998.

Survivors are his wife, Sandra; children Deanna and John, and seven

in Ninth Squadron ’65. A1 kept plugging

siblings: Katie Lorenz, Reenie LePage, Michael Lorenz, Patricia Lorenz, Robert Lorenz, Nancy Heisler, and Linda Lorenz.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

After four weeks of continuous searching by Colorado Search and Rescue and many caring friends, Lorenz was laid to rest at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Services were on Oct. 29 at the U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Catholic Chapel.

for four years and he was the only one

Memorial donations may be made to Fremont Search & Rescue, 100

of the three to graduate. He somehow

Justice Center Road, Canon City, Colo. 81212, or to the Alzheimer’s

squeezed time from the Dean to be one of the falcon handlers. Upon graduation, he went on to flight training and proudly flew F 4s with the 555th TFS in Thailand during our generation’s war.

Association, Rocky Mountain North Chapter, 4104 Outlook Blvd., Building B, Pueblo, Colo. 81008. (Excerpted from The Mountain Mail newspaper.)

Life threw A1 a few bad curves. He de-

Retired Colonel Michael Wayne Butler, age 53, was taken from us on

veloped testicular cancer in the early A1 Natella 1970s and was medically retired from the Air Force. A1 was especially proud of fathering a second daughter, Annette, in spite of his male plumbing problems claiming a fighter pilot can pull off miracles.

A1 pursued many careers in New Mexico and Arizona after he left the Air Force. He never quite became an Amway baron or real estate tycoon, but his stories and jokes about his latest business and romantic interests enlivened many USAFA reunions. He was rightfully

June 12, 2007 when his vehicle, a Humvee second in a convoy, was hit

he could show three chins at brace with ease.

In those pre-PC days he was Wop #3 out of the three Italian-heritage cadets

-

Michael W. Butler, ’76

by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) followed by a small arms attack and a direct hit by an RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade) near Tikrit, Iraq while working for DynCorp International. He is survived by his wife, Joanne; sons Mike and Daniel, and grandson Da’Kori.

Mike was born in Chicago, Ill. on April 27,1954 and raised in Omaha, Neb. After graduating from North High School in Omaha he spent a year at the University of Nebraska before being appointed to the United States Air Force Academy in 1972. He entered with the class of 91

76 in June 1972 and graduated with CS-40 on June 2, 1976. Mike was

commissioned and began an illustrious and rewarding career as an aircraft maintenance officer. Mike proudly served at various levels in the 50th Component Repair Squadron

Upon his return to the U.S. he was stationed at Altus AFB, Okla. where he again flew on KC-135 tankers. When “Desert Storm” began he spent a tour in Saudi Arabia in the command post at Riyadh. He made a good attempt to adjust to life and customs in the desert but

key.

Col Butler retired from the Air

Force after 30 years of distinguished

military service to our country on July

had the opportunity to play baseball with a local senior league team.

duties he was the Base Disaster Preparedness Officer. He also

He enjoyed this area very much, especially Coeur d Alene, Idaho.

After retirement, Mike took some

Another highlight of this tour was a canoe trip with his dad and two

much-deserved vacation with his fam-

brothers to Bowren Lake in British Columbia, Canada. In 2003 he re-

ily including a trip around the world

tired from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel after 24 years of ser-

with Joanne.

vice. He was proud to have served his country!

He and Joanne then

setded in rural Rembert, S.C.; however,

He then moved back to the Sacramento area. Upon his return to

Mike could not stay settled for long. He

California he decided to become a pharmacist. He was well on his way

signed on with DynCorp International

to finishing his prerequisites for pharmacy school. He worked hard to

in December of 2006 to be the Senior

pass his courses and took pride in doing above-average work. He studied to become certified as a pharmacy technician in an effort to

“lead from the front” mentality that made him beloved to everyone with whom he worked.

Mike spent his last days doing what he loved to do and what he

leading. All who met Mike instantly recognized him as a genuine, forthright, and fun-loving man. Whether as a husband, father, son, friend, superior, or subordinate, Mike took the time to make a difference for the people around him. His absence is deeply felt but his legacy will live on in the countless lives he has touched -

Col. (Ret) Michael W. Butler will be the

169 th name added to the USAFA Graduate War Memorial on the Ter-

Here’s a toast... (1 st Lt. Michael J. Butler, ’05, Mike’s son)

Robert M. Dorr, ’78 Robert Michael Dorr was born in Hot Springs, Ark. on Aug. 22, 1956 and died of a sudden heart-related incident Sept. 8, 2007 in Sacra-

mento, Calif. Bob grew up in an Air Force family. They lived in many

places, including Guam, before moving to El Dorado Hills, Calif, near Sacramento. There he entered high school and enjoyed many sports, especially baseball. After graduating from high school in 1974 he entered the U.S. Air Force Academy. Along with the challenge of academics, he enjoyed playing baseball and flying gliders. He graduated in 1978 and entered the Air Force.

Bob earned his navigator wings at

Bob Dorr

From Altus he was transferred to Fairchild AFB, Wash. In addition to

gistics, a demanding position he held

it” approach to business. It was this type of hands-on approach and

razzo.

glad to get back to Oklahoma.

crew

Deputy Program Manager for CIVPOL and went back to the region in which he spent much of his Air Force career. Mike brought his leadership to the program and carried on with his “I’ve got to see it to believe

his decades of service.

was

1, 2006 as the CENTAF Director of Lofor three years.

over

River and the “Christmas Market” in Trier. Germany was one of the

highlights of his Air Force experience.

Germany and later of the 39th Logistics Group at Incirlik AB, Tur-

knew best

than anything. Bob also enjoyed trips to the villages along the Mosel

the Air Force, including command of at Hahn AB,

Mike Butler

“ham-head” was born. He was proud of his kids and loved them more

better his knowledge in the pharmaceutical field.

Bob loved large dogs and had several as pets. Along the way he ac-

quired the nickname “Big Dog”. He was always “up beat” and fun to be around. He helped his dad build a BBQ and enjoyed many Sundays playing tennis and eating BBQ dinners with his parents.

He has been laid to rest in the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, Calif. Bob is survived by his parents, Bob and Barbara; his children Jessica (21) and Bobby (19), his brothers Tom and Dan, and many friends. We will always fondly remember “Big Dog”. (Father Robert E. Dorr USMA ’54)

William L. Clardy ’79 William Lawrence Clardy was born Oct. 16, 1956 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. After touring the country as the son of a United States Navy

chaplain, he enlisted in the Air Force in 1974. He received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in 1975 and graduated from the Academy in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Military History.

On Sept. 29, 1979, two weeks before entering pilot training, William married Tawnya Kay Pelham of Beeville,

Following completion of undergraduate pilot training at Laughlin AFB, Texas in September 1980, he was assigned to Castle AFB, Calif, for initial qualification training in the B-52H. William’s first operational assignment th was as a co-pilot with the 77 Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth AFB, S.D. In August 1984, following training at Castle AFB, he was upgraded to B-52 aircraft Texas.

commander.

William

In

tioned at Travis AFB, Calif, as a crewmember on KC-135s. This assign-

Tawnya were blessed with the birth of their first child, Nathan. In August 1985 William returned to Laughlin AFB as a T-37 instructor pilot with the 85 th Flying Training Squadron. While at Laughlin, he served as

ment included several deployments

to England. There he met Carol Poole

and they were later married.

February

1985

His next assignment was Warner-Robins AFB. Ga. There his daughter

Jessica was born. “She is the most beautiful baby girl I have ever seen.”

Next he was transferred to the command post at Spangdahlem AB

Germany. At “Spang” he again played baseball for the base team and this became a big interest for the rest of his life. Here his son Bobby 92

and

Mather AFB, Calif. He was then sta-

For more current information about

graduate deaths, please visit the AOG web site. www.usafa.org.

Wing Mobility Officer and later as Flight Commander and Chief of T37 Upgrade Training. In September 1988 William and Tawnya were blessed with the birth of their second child, Andrew.

In August 1989 William returned to the B-52, this time assigned to

the 9 th Bomb Squadron, Carswell AFB, Texas. While assigned to the 9 th , he served as Flight Commander and later as Assistant Operations

Officer. In November 1992 he was selected as Chief, 28 th Bomb Wing Bomber Mission Development. The highlight of this assignment was

appearing with former astronaut Neil Armstrong on the cable TV series “First Flights.” In March 1993 William was assigned to the Operations and Exercise Division of Air Combat Command Headquarters, Langley AFB, Virginia. In July 1993 William and Tawnya were blessed with the birth of their third child, Stephen.

Following a year working deployment exercises to Europe, William took over as chief of the Wargaming Section, where he has served until

At press time we had learned of the deaths of the following graduates:

Maj. (Ret) John G. Hayes, Class of1959, who died on Aug. 17,2007 of pancreatic cancer in San Deigo, Calif.

Mr. Daniel Habura, Class of 1963, who died on July 22,2002.

Mr. Stephen J. Feaster, Class of1970, who died on Aug. 22,2007 of cancer in Albuquerque, N.M. Mr. Kenneth D. Rachocki, Class of1978, who died on Aug. 7,2007 of cancer in Queen Creek, Ariz.

Mr. Blake A. Lawrence, Class of 1982, who died on Sept. 6,2007 of cancer in

Flagstaff, Ariz.

Mr. Paul M. Comeau, Class of 1990, who died on Nov. 12,2007.

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends ofthese graduates.

his retirement. William retired on June 30,1996 after 18 years of service to the United States Air Force. At the time of his retirement, William was a command

pilot with over 3,500 hours in the B-52, T-37, and T-38.

In August 1996, William entered Southwestern Baptist Theological

Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas to pursue a Master of Divinity degree.

After graduating in May 1999, he went to serve as the Associate Pastor of Crestview Baptist Church in Midland, Texas. In January 2004, he was called to serve as Senior Pastor of Grace Fellowship Baptist Church in San Antonio, Texas. He was the pastor there at the time of his death.

William and his family were camping at Lost Maples Natural Area in the Texas hill country when William was struck by lightening and killed while hiking with his sons, Andrew and Stephen. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Tawnya; son Nathan and wife, Morgan, of Grand Prairie,

Texas; sons Andrew and Stephen of San Antonio, Texas; mother Alice Clardy of Temple, Texas; and brothers David (Kathy) and Mark (Carla).

William is remembered by his friends for his wit, great faith in God, and his constant smile.

William would want all of you to share in the promise of John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that

whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.”

(Tawnya Clardy William's wife)

Robert W. Lucka, ’86 Robert William Lucka, age 43 of Noblesville, Ind., passed away July

22, 2007 after a courageous battle with cancer. Rob was born Feb. 1, 1964 in Dayton, Ohio to Wilbert and Maria E. Lucka.

A1986 graduate of the Air Force Acad-

emy, Rob was stationed at Williams AFB, Ariz., where he flew T-37s and T38s.

He also flew KC-135s at Grissom

AFB for the Air Force and Reserves. Rob

proudly served his country for eight years. He became a pilot with UPS earning the rank of Captain flying 727s, 757s and 767s.

Besides his passion for flying Rob

enjoyed golfing at the Harbor Trees Golf Club in Noblesville where he was a

member. He was also a member of

the Bethel Lutheran Church. Rob was

loving son, brother, husband and father. He was especially proud of his a

wife and children and the time that

they had together.

On Aug. 14, 2004

Rob married Gayle Cackler Lucka, who survives.

Other survivors include his parents; his mother-in-law, Kathleen

Cackler; son Taylor Robinson; daughter Grace Marie Lucka; brothers Doug and Adam Lucka; sisters-in-law Jennifer Cackler, Debora Harding and Cynthia Coleman. (Frank Countryman, ’69)

Mortuary Affairs Provides List of Academy Cemetery Eligibles Subparagraphs 1.1. through 1.12., HQ UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY INSTRUCTION 34-242, 8 MARCH 2006, Services, USING THE USAF ACADEMY CEMETERY

—

list those people eligible; how-

First, all authorized military personnel must have discharges under honorable conditions (this also applies to graduates). Second, Academy authorities will not norever, certain general conditions apply.

mally approve requests to inter individuals not authorized below.

However, the 10th Air Base Wing Commander, (10 ABW/CC) can disapprove a request for an exception, but only the Superintendent can approve such an exception.

1.1. USAF Academy cadets.

1.2. Air Force military personnel assigned to the USAF Academy or to tenant units at the Academy at the time of their deaths. This does not include non-Academy personnel who are assigned on Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders to the Academy Patient Squadron Section of the USAF Academy Hospital.

1.3. USAF Academy graduates. NOTE: Only the Superintendent may disapprove a request to inter a USAFA graduate in the Academy cemetery.

1.4. All active duty and retired USAF generals and lieutenant generals.

Superintendents, Commandants of Cadets, Deans of the Faculty, Directors of Staff (formerly Chiefs of Staff), appointed Directors of Admissions, Directors of Athletics, Permanent Professors, Sequential Tour Faculty Officers (formerly Continuous Tour Staff Officers), Tenured Faculty Officers, Preparatory School Commanders, Air Base Wing Commanders, and Academy Command Chief Master Sergeants.

1.6. Original cadre Air Force personnel assigned to the USAF Academy between 11 July 1955 and 10 September 1957.

1.7. USAF cross-commissioned officer graduates of West Point or Annapolis who have retired with at least 20 years of uniformed service.

1.8. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors members with prior distinguished military service.

1.9. All Medal of Honor recipients regardless of branch of service.

1.10. All Air Force Cross recipients.

1.11. Former CMSgts performing as Cadet Wing Sergeant Majors who held the position during 1972-1996.

1.12. Eligible relatives of a service-connected sponsor listed in paragraphs 1.2. through 1.11. who are interred or eligible to be interred in the Academy cemetery. The Academy cemetery inters eligible relatives who die before their service-connected sponsor only if the sponsor signs an agreement saying he or she wants to be interred in the Academy cemetery. These eligible relatives are as follows: (Continued on last page.)

1.5. Former Superintendents, Vice

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the boat. Nonetheless, the weather was great and we had a good time. Joe and Karen were continuing south to visit Charleston and Savannah, on their way to visit Joe’s Mom in Gainesville, Fla. They certainly had good weather for the trip. It hasn’t rained here in so long we’ve forgotten what it looks like! I’m just glad we were able to get the boat out when you were here, so we could see some of the sights.

Back in DC prior to the game, the week’s highlight was an informal but elegant dinner party hosted on Friday evening by Kent and Fredda (Sparks)

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featured great food, the usual ’59er camaraderie and more-or-less on-key singing of “Happy Birthday” and (of course) the Air Force Song, accompanied expertly by Fredda on their piano.

Joe Morgan did his usual masterful job of organizing the pre-game and post-game tailgates and dinner in Annapolis, up to and including MUCH better weather than the 2005 version. The game’s outcome, unfortunately, was no improvement over previous contests. It looked to me like the loss at BYU the previous week shook the team’s confidence and they left at least 15

points on the Navy field through poor execution and lost composure. They’ve bounced back, though, and have put together an enviable record.

86% Members

Pete Todd

1250

Big Valley Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80919-1015 H: (719) 531-5874 E-mail: petetodd@comcast.net As has become my custom, I traveled to the East Coast this fall for the Fal-

cons’ annual Service Academy away-football game. Ordinarily, Wendy would have accompanied me, but she had just returned from several weeks of “chemo R&R” with family and friends in En”

Some ofthe earlybirds at the pre-game tailgate.

As is usual with these game-related social activities, not everyone made it to

gland and declared herself “traveled out. I made a two-week trip out of it and used the time productivelyby freeloading on

every event, but at various times throughout that weekend I enjoyed visiting with Mike and Arohanui Bender, Dick and Jean Carr, Jim and Molly Connally,

various classmates and other friends in the DC-VA-MD area.

Steve and Patty Hamer, Jack and Shirley Hundemer, Jimmie and Judy Jay,

The first targets were Bill and Anna Telford who have been regaling me for years with tales and photos of their fabulous home on the shore of Smith Mountain Lake in central Virginia. They had graciously invited me down to sample the legendary hospitality and scenery enjoyed by many other ’59ers on countless mini-reunions. It was a great visit and I may even have gotten the last boat ride on their drought-stricken lake.

The biggest surprise ofthe trip was the visit to the National D-Day Memorial located in nearby Bedford, VA. The location is appropriate because this town suffered the highest per capita D-Day losses in the nation. This site isn’t just a plaque and a gift shop; it’s a nine-acre complex with a lush English garden, a haunting invasion tableau with statuary and a stylized landing scene, and the striking Victory Arch seen in the accompanying photo. This memorial is located outside ofthe mainstream tourist traffic patterns ofthe DC area, but was well attended and is just waiting to be discovered and appreciated by crowds of discerning veterans and other aware citizens.

A fewweeks later, Bill wrote, “The weekend after the game, we were pleased to host Joe and Karen Morgan. That was the weekend ofthe annual Smith Mt Lake Home Tour, whereby eight homeowners put their homes on tour for three days as part of a fundraiser for local charities. The problem this year was that the water was so low due to our drought conditions that we couldn’t take

Wayne and Bonnie Jefferson, Ed and Judy Josephson, Ron Lanman, John Miltner, Kent and Fredda (Sparks) Montavon, Ed and Lucia Montgomery, Joe and Karen Morgan, Mike and Marian Reardon, Trude See, Craig and Joann Schaum, Bill and Anna Telford and Fred and Brenda Wynn. Sheryl (Jennings) McGurk and her husband, Sean, also joined us for the tailgates.

In October, Brian Parker reported on his annual trip to the 13 th Bomb Squadron Association Reunion. “On the way to the reunion, I enjoyed a short but very pleasant visit with HT Johnson at his lovely home in McLean, VA. Both HT

94

and Linda look great.

“At the Squadron Association reunion we had another reunion with classmate, friend, and the Association treasurer, Norris Olson, and Jean as well as the Association’s oldest member, Colonel Silas Molyneaux (USAFA faculty

member for our Class) and wife, Marilyn.

“The entire trip, which went from Texas to Maine, to the reunion in Hamp ton, VA, and back with many detours visiting old friends and relatives, was over 5,000 miles in 28 days.

After the AF-Army game on 3 Nov, I had the pleasure of joining a small group of classmates and other Lowry-era grads and their wives at a local restaurant th foravery special occasion: the 85 birthdaypartyforB/Gen (Ret) BenCassiday.

Kudos to Dave Phillips for setting up (and subsidizing key parts of) the party.

It was a “Love Fest” all around as the members of the early classes toasted -

”

’

Ben and reflected on the impact “Bent-wing Ben, had had on our young lives.

It was a much ballyhooed performance in his Bali Hai role for “South Pa-

For us, this 33-year-old full colonel hotshot fighter pilot was a living template for

cific” that had Dave Sweigart taking curtain calls as enlisted man “Luther Billis,

how Air Force officers should look, speak, act and conduct themselves. He was and remains our consummate exemplar of leadership, integrity, discipline and professional excellence. Modest man that he is, he was visibly squirming under the glare of all this adulation, but was just as clearly proud of what his charges had accomplished in their lives through his guidance and influence.

wearing a grass skirt and revealing coconut bra (see photo). The play enthralled audiences at Hill Country Community Theatre in Cottonwood Shores near his Meadowlakes, TXhome Sept27-Oct 14. More than 2,000 lusty locals attending the performances cheered David in his (headed-for-Broadway?)

”

role as a “Seabee wheeler-dealer with schemes to make money and travel to Bali Hai where he could get lots of souvenirs and native girls.” The Marble Falls (TX) Northland Express review proclaimed, simply: “Wow! fust, Wow!”

’

‘Ben t- Wing Ben and some ofhis young charges all grown up. From left are

Brock Strom, Pete Todd, Gene Vosicka, Eddie Rosane, Ben Cassiday, Roger VanHaaften, Ed Montgomery, Max Miller, Larry Thomson, and George

Klutinoty. Missing: Dave Phillips, who was outside smokinglarge cigars and committingphilosophy with Randy Cubero (’61).

north Denver’s city of Thornton. Liz graduated from Aurora High School’s Class of 1957. Liz, her sister Kathy and Norm then went to Jim Glaza’s 70 th th

birthday party in Monument on August 19 where there were four with birthdays in the same week; also stopping by was BOB Browning (’59). (Also having 70 th birthday parties during this period were Bob Fischer and Ken Alnwick, see ,

Wendy and I wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a healthy, happy NewYear. Take care ofyourselves and each other and let’s show th up at the 50 Reunion at Full Strength!

Though tfor the Quarter: Love thy neighbor as thyself, but choose thy neighbor carefully.

gf A.J. (Rosie) Cler, Jr. 5423

Liz and Norm Haller visited Colorado for Liz’s 50* high school reunion at

90 % Members

Myrtle Wood

Sarasota, FL 34235-4624 Phone: (941) 371-4843 E-mail: RCtherose@aol.com

Class Web Site: www.usafa.nel/1960

Life’s a funny old dog. Here we are writing from Florida—that “4-H Haven” of Heat, Humidity, Hibiscus and Hurricanes, a virtual Demi-Paradise for seniors—where Walgreens sells more stool softener than Sweetbay stocks green bananas.

Fuller and Judy Atkinson live in Bradenton (moved from Punta Gorda in 2001, where Fuller had “a boat out the back door, with a short mn to the harbor and Gulf, playing golf.. .tough life— golf and boating!” That’s Llorida Light ) There’s Mike J. and Emma Clarke (they live in Baker—35 miles north of Fort Walton Beach, Mike’s Skybolt is 100’ from their backdoor to °fiCE his runway), Jerry and Marcia Daily (Bonita Springs eight months, then Lauderdale Lake near Elkhorn, WI: “Marcia 16 hates cold weather, and unless it’s warm enough to take a Satire Soci< Boners cocktail cruise without a sweater we don’t leave for Wisconnorthwest of Orsin”), Jon and Brenda Day (Sorrento southwest of Ocala), Jerry and Dotty lando), Billy Delony (Dunnellon Farquhar (Indian Hammock 20 miles north ofLake Okeechobee, also a condo in Port St. Lucie 80 miles north of Ft. Lauderdale and then six months each year on their 48’ boat “Watchout” docking near Little Pipe Cay in the Exuma

those stories on the Class web site).

Noted athlete George Pupich —who couldn’t recognize entropy from enthalpy but certainly does know his football, fishing and freshets—told us How I Spent My SummerVacation: “We have been doing a bit of traveling this summer, including a week in Alaska with John and Deanne McCullough at their lodge on Kodiak Island. It was both fabulous and tremendously enjoyable— although I’m not a fisherman, I caught a 70y-plus pound halibut!”

Ralph Lalime gave this account ofthe tailgate around the AFA-Navy game in D.C. September 27 th : “Attending were Tom and Mary Burke, George Pupich and friend Craig, Bill Goodyear and four Navy friends who also attended two years ago, Mike J. and Nancy Clarke (Mike and Nancy always provide a bigger honey baked ham every year; this is the first year we didn’t finish it, but I think this was big enough to have been the Oklahoma mascot), Ken and Judy Alnwick, Jim and Jeanette Glaza, Les Querry, Joe Burshnick( Tony’s son), my son Chris Lalime et moi! (photo below). When Pupich arrived, Chris, who had spent a year in Bosnia, greeted George in Serbian and gave him a glass of Slivovitz. George proposed the traditional Serbian toast and theyjabbered on in Serbian with a lot of laughter.” Navy won 31-20.

Nc

—

—

Islands).

Bill and Kath Giilis (Panama City, house on the bay, also a home in Glendale,

AZ), Frank and Faye Gorham (Lynn Haven—Panama City area), Syd and Ann Gurley (Orlando), Karl and Mary Ann Jones (Niceville near Fort Walton Beach), Tony and Loma Jones (Mary Esther—near Fort Walton Beach), Brian —

and Carol Kaley (“snowbirds” at their Naples condo November through April, then to their remodeled 1815 home in Brookfield, CT), Gary and Diane Karshnick (Melbourne on the east coast: “Maybe we can have a state-wide mini reunion!”).

Pete and Linda King (Valparaiso address, “although our home is just outside the east gate of EglinAFB”), Dale andldaMayo (Delray Beach—north ofFt. Lauderdale), Oogie and Deloris Prindle (Tallahassee), Marty and Suzanne Richert (Flagler Beach—north of Daytona Beach), Gerry and Hildburg Stack

(Sanford—north of Orlando), Don and Joanne Stevens (Destin—Fort Walton Beach area), Ted Stumm (Jacksonville—“don’t let out our secret—about Florida—or everyone will want to live here”), Aaron and Millie Ttirush (Fort Walton Beach), Bob and Louise Weinaug (Deland—north of Orlando), and now, Rosie and Karen Cler (Sarasota, recently of ABQ, NM)—that makes 23 classmates in The Sunshine State.

Ken Werrell has won the Air Force Historical Foundation’s Best Book Award

in 2006 for “Sabres Over MIG Alley.” “Dr. Werrells book is an exceptionally

well-documented work,” stated the judges, and praised its’ readability. And should you go to TheAirLorce, published by the Air Force Historical Foundation (2002), pages 132-151, you can read" TheAirLorce in the Korean War,”

by Kenneth P Werrell, Ph. D. (R: In that same book, you’ll also read the contribution of General Ronald W. Yates, pages 288-297, entitled “Research, Devel“

”

opment, Acquisition & Logistics.”)

“Father (Very Reverend) Peter L. Zalewski, VF., Pastor of our Catholic St. Dominic’s church, baptized our two children, Sebastian and Cecelia, recently,

plus did their 1 st Reconciliation (Confession) and 1 st Communion. Not only did he graduate from the USAF Academy in ’88, he goes there every summer as an AF Reservist!” This sent in by Kath Giilis, Wild Bill’s wife, to demonstrate that AFA grads’ influence spreads into most areas of the Free World.

Friendly Fire. George Elliott Luck and wife, Carolyn, just had their first grandchild—River Wallace Luck, who’s now one year old (Sep 07). River is named after his great-grandfather, who was a glider pilot with the 82 nd Airborne flying into Normandy and Holland in WWII... Gordy Flygare stayed with us in ABQ, riding in on his BMW cycle to attend the Sandia Cycle Classic September 14- 16th ; and, Phil Meinhardt and friend Veronica stopped for a “Rosie95

Phil lunch” while driving through from Houston after Phil completed his proton therapy for prostate cancer, then to Santa Fe and Taos.. .As we age, our

modes of transport change, like Bill Goodyear, and wife, Linda, of 22 years, Bill going from near-sonic B52s to taking a train from Fullerton, CA, then Amtrak’s “Coastline Starlight” for 35 hours from Los Angeles to Seattle. Bill helped some old friends celebrate 50 years of marriage, then spent 10 days with his newlyborn granddaughter, Lucinder Camille Purty.

USAFA DC ’60 had their 4th annual Falcon Roosting at Les and Marty Querry’s home on 27 October: In the photo, from left in the back row are Goodson,

Fischer, Badger, Hales, Lalime, Becky and George Fries, Marty Hiatt Querry, Mike A. Clarke, A1 Johnson, de la Cruz, Alnwick, and Querry. Middle row: Barbara Hales, Tom and Mary Ellen Burke, and Burshnick. Front row sitting: Maryn Goodson, Lutzi Fischer, Nancy Clarke, Liliane Badger, Karen Burshnick, Judy Alnwick, and Betty de la Cruz.

Joan Negroni, Jim Rogers and Linda Cain, Bill and Rhoda Stackhouse, Charlie Dixon and Liz Powers, Ron Muller, John Sullivan, Bill Sanzenbacher, Spike and Becky Nunn, and Jack and Diane McDonough. PB. and Mer O’Connor,

along with Jerry and Sue Lefton, brought the warm weather from North Caro lina. Geneand Judy Davis arrived from Floridawith Gene’s newmystery book..

Jerry Gill said that they arrived 18 years after the “velvet revolution, but six members of’61 successfully penetrated the iron curtain in early September.

They cruised down the “Blue” Danube to Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and the Czech.Republic. Although the river flooded and it rained almost every day, they emerged victorious. Their group included: Gene and Judy Davis, Bob and Winnie Wagner, Jerry and Dorothy Gill, vlYRESOr Doug and Diane Cairns, and Jimmy and Susan Poole.

In late September John and Casey Goodley traveled to Beijing, China, walked on/along the “Wall”, saw the Terra PSce -

”

Cotta Warriors, and then sailed down the Yangtze River

through the Three Gorges and saw the new dam. They then 12 flew back to Beijing to Tian’anmen Square and the ForbidSabre Society den City. From there they boarded a cruise ship and went to Donors Japan, Okinawa, Taiwan, Viet Nam, and Bangkok. While on the ship one day during lunch, a couple sat down and began to talk. It was Gary Karschnick (’60) and his wife. They had several good visits. After returning, the Goodleys and Jack Bright went out to their favorite catfish restaurant in San Antonio. After their extended trip, Jack said that they have to start learning golf all over again.

Henry Howe was asked on Sept 20 to be the Executive Director of the Mini-Reunion XI November 1 -3 in Colorado Springs around the AFA-Army

Football Game started with cocktails Thursday night at Jack and Elaine Brush’s hillside home, then dinner Friday at the Embassy Suites, Saturday morning’s GlazaGate and a 20-point victory over Army followed by an evening buffet at the Embassy. In the photo, front row: Sexton, Kaley, Glaza, Yoakum, Farquhar, Mosier; back rows: Seebode, Querry, Schwank, Porter, Kendall, Bilello,

Schehr, Bujalski, McClure, Stumm, Pupich, Fries, Biancur, Meinhardt, Luck, Waddle and Yates. (Missing were John McCullough and Jack Brush). And on th

Sunday afternoon November 4 Bruce and Caryl Mosier’s girls gave them a “surprise” 45th wedding anniversary party. ,

Go to www.usafa.net/1960, click “CheckPoints/December” for additional

photographs and extended Class News. Merry Christmas.

Final Roll Call. Sandra O’Keefe, wife of Dennis O’Keefe, died October 26, 2007 near Seattle, WA.

Earl N. “Nelson” O’Rear 50582 Stonington Drive

Members

Granger, IN 46530-8243 H: (574) 273-2597 E-mail: ENOandTJO@ameritech.net

Class Web Site: www.usafal961.org

Tom Eller reports that USAFA held the Falcon Heritage Forum to honor our

graduate heroes, Oct 17-21. Lee Buder was the dinner speaker on the last night, and Charlie Neel, Tom Sutton, and Judy Moorberg made presentations to cadets during the Forum. Friday afternoon. Judy, Charlie and Lynda Neel, Tom and Anne Eller, and a host of cadets and officers watched as 4 th Squadron mounted a plaque on the wall outside the room that Monte Moorberg had occupied as a First Classman. The plaque commemorates Monte’s 2 Dec 1966 actions that earned him the Air Force Cross. Classmates may recall that Brice

Jones had presented the plaque to the Cadet Commander and the AOC of 4 th

Squadron during our September 2006 reunion. Saturday night after the football game, Doreen and Lee Butier, Jan and Randy Cubero, Anne and Tom Eller, Jim Hinkle, Erna and Wayne Haring, and Joan and Worth McCue, Judy Moorberg, Lynda and Charlie Neel, and Lorraine and Tom Sutton dined together at The Blue Star.

After our Virginia contingent and Jim Cassidy cheered on the tough Falcon team at the Air Force-Navy football game on Sept 29, they partied at the home of Bill and Theda Foster. They included John and Joan Kohout, Hector and 96

Briarwood Retreat Center when the current director was fired. This is the Retreat Center where he directed the Evacuee Center for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita victims. He hopes that a search committee will soon recommend a new director, and that he will be able to return to “retired” life by early next year. Earlier, he and Peggy took a couple of days to visit their daughter Tricia at Kirtland AFB where she is completing transition training to the MC- 130 before moving to Eglin AFB. You may recall that Brice Jones gave a short speech at our First Day celebra-

tion. Several classmates later asked Brice to have it printed, and George

Buchner had videotaped most of it. The compromise was that you can now watch it at: http: / / YouTube.com/watch?v=lHjvkOcYhik Dean and Jo Jones joined several other members of the Colorado Springs Chinese Cultural Institute for an enjoyable tour of China in October. They visited the same Chinese sites as the Goodleys, plus silk and porcelain factories. They completed their tour in Shanghai, which is deservedly described as “New York City on steroids”.

Lowell and Sandy Jones have completed their annual fall trip pulling their Airstream to Myrtle Beach, the Redneck Reunion, and other stops along the way. On their way home, they stopped in Atlanta and had a nice luncheon with Dot and Jerry Gill, SamBarazzone, and Mike Rawlins. Theylaugheda lot, as well as discussed the Atlanta area running out of water. Sam said Lake Lanier (his home is on its shore) was 17 feet lower than normal.

Bob Kellock and Samantha opened their little nest in Patagonia, AZ, over the weekend of 3-4 November, seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. They plan a formal announcement of abode shortly, and he expects to break the Boeing traces in less than a year.

Joanie and Lee McCleskey attended their 50th high school reunions in Arkansas and Georgia. They also helped their daughter and son-in-law in Edmond, OK, but their grandson had contracted a serious “bug” which infected Lee’s sister, his parents, and Lee. They returned to College Station for a while before going to Louisiana to help their son and daughter-in-law with a newborn they had adopted there. Lee and Joanie are enjoying life.

Lynda and Charlie Neel departed for South America on 26 November for nearly a month, with sightseeing on both ends of a 16-day Holland America cruise with Charlie’s sister and her husband. They planned to visit Santiago, Chile, two other ports in Chile, sail around Cape Horn, stop in the Falklands, make two stops in Argentina (to include Buenos Aires), visit Montevideo, Uruguay, and finish in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Upon their return, they plan to drive to Albuquerque to spend Christmas with Kris and family.

Hector said that all attendees are indebted to the 1961 Redneck Riviera Reunion Committee of Jimmy Poole, Doug Cairns, Neal Westbrook, and Jerry Gill and their charming ladies for another very successful Gray Tag event at Orange Beach, AL, 19-22 Oct. Thanks also to Mer O’Connor for designing their official T-Shirts and to Jimmy Poole for arranging their production, Gwen Westbrook for the delicious mints, and Lydia Boesch for the delicious fudge and lemon bars. Fifty class members, spouses, and significant others attended.

The highlight was the wedding of Pat Buckley and Marilyn Kitching at 1800 hours Saturday, during a memorable and romantic seashore ceremony.

Among those attending were: Jimmy and Susan Poole, Doug and Dee Cairns,

Visit the AOG Web Site.

Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and more!

www.usafa.org

Neal and Gwen Westbrook, Jerry and Dot Gill, Bob and Winnie Wagner, PB and Mer O’Connor, Jerry and Sue Lefton, Jim Rogers and Linda Cain, Bill Lane and Ruth Harris, George Buchner, John and Mary Payne, Bill and Theda Foster, Jack Bright, John and Lydia Boesch, John and Sheila May, Sam and Gwen Barazzone, Gene and Judy Davis, Charlie Dixon and Liz Powers, Rees and Pauline Wagner, Steve Ho and Lynn Funkhauser, John and Suzie Caughman, Dick and Sylvia Fairlamb, Lowell and Sandy Jones, Jim and Patty Hourin, and Hector and Joan Negroni. Festivities began Friday eveningwith the traditional “EdZompaMemorial shrimp boil meal” and ended Sunday evening with a heavily contested game ofCharades. In between, they shared golf, fishing, tennis, cycling, building sand castles, shopping, and watching football games.

Earl Saunders noted that after nearly two decades of tailgating at U SAFA football games, Jim Wilhelm has retired his renovated Greyhound bus that served us so well all these years. It had been the gathering place for ’61 in Colorado for 20 years with a class flag poised overhead and its blue and white awning protecting us from sun, rain, and snow. Nov3,2007, when AF whipped Army, was the last Saturday for the old bus parked on the apron ofFalcon Stadium. Earl served his famous Colorado Chili to the Colorado contingent (Wilhelm, Haring, Storm,

Eller, Neal, D. Jones, McCue), joined by a small group of out-of-towners (B. Jones, Brickey, Anderson) Thanks for the memorable times, Jim. .

In early November Charlie and Gina Thomas returned from two weeks in New

York City, where they rented an apartment so that Charlie could attend his 50 th high school reunion, have family visitors, and host a neighbor from Albuquerque. Lots of fun a cruise around Manhattan, along with great shopping and restaurants. After being home a day, they went to Las Vegas to visit more family.

Webb AFB’s pilot training Class 63A held their first reunion October 12 -14 at the Marriott Crystal Gateway in Washington, D.C. Class of’61 members attending were Tom Brophy, Mike Rawlins, Ken Staten, Dale Tabor, and Bud Utendorf.

Jim Ahmann —the first Air Forcepilottosolo the T-38—was in the Middle East on business. Other ’6 lers in the class were Don Box and Burke Morgan, now deceased. Friday evening they enj oyed a reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres at the Marriott. Saturday they took a field trip to the Udvar-Hazy Museum near Dulles Airport, followed byhappy hour and dinner atthe hotel. OnSundaytheir visit to the one-year-old Air Force Memorial concluded with a ceremony honoring the eight deceased members ofthe first class to fly the T-38.

Neal Westbrook said that the German students of Craig AFB's pilot training Class 63B hosted their class reunion at Johannisberg, Germany, known for its th Riesling Wine. They toured a 13 century monastery and a former palace, both now fronting as wineries and also enjoyed a day on the Rhine viewing castles, churches, towns, and vineyards. Gray Tags and spouses attending were: Dave and Christine Hmiel, Doug and Dee Cairns, Bobby and Anne Grace, Jim Hinkle, —

and Gwen and NealWestbrook. Gwen and Neal then spent several days touring Germany: Fulda, Berlin, Dresden, andBuchenwald.

Tom (TWC) Wilson has been waiting alongtime to say that he sold his business and is now officially retired. He and Judy are working on their new lifestyle and daily schedule, adjustingto his beingathome more. So far they love it. He is going to broker used and reconditioned/re-manufactured shopping carts. Hopefully, he will be successful enough to be able to fund some or all oftheir travels.

Roger and Mary Sue Woodburyjoined Sue and Jerry Lefton in Atiantic City in early October for a couple of days. Jerry and Roger played in a scramble golf tournament, finishing two shots off the winning score—through no fault of Jerry’s. Sue did well at the casinos. Although Mary Sue’s injured arm kept her from playing in the golf tournament, she recovered well enough to play in CT th during Roger’s 50 High School reunion the second week of October.

John W. “Jack” Jamba 4 Judy Court

80 % Members

Satellite Beach, FL 32937

as well as for

participating in Academy events. There were 105 classmates accompaniedby (beingledby) their Redtag Babes. A couple ofmenwho started with us were there: Kelly Loyacono and Donald Bentzen. We were proud to welcome the widows of three Redtags: Sally Mann, Johnny Brucher ’s widow, with husband and children; Sally Fox, Darrell Fox’s widow; and Judy Wood, Daryl Wood’s widow.

Sally Mann sent a letter of thanks to Rip Blaisdell who forwarded it to me with his comments, “Duke Green helped arrange for Sally, her husband, Greg, and her son Lee and his family to attend the memorial service and weekend activities at the reunion. Duke and I accompanied Sally and her family out on the terrazzo to see the war memorial after the memorial ceremony. It was a mov-

ing event for Duke and I as a well as her family. I think the letter says it all.

Ripper” From Sally Mann: “Nov. 6,2007, Dear Red Tags, I’ve been wracking my brain trying to think of ways to fully express my appre ciation to you for inviting us to attend the 45 th reunion of the Class of ’62, and -

to attend the memorial service for John and all your lost classmates.

“The weekend was a life- altering experience for my son Lee and me. Lee was able to get to know his father through John’s best friends. When John left for Vietnam, Lee was only two years old, so he has few ways of remembering John, except for a photo album of those sixyears he was with us, before leaving for the war. Lee not only looks like John, but has his mannerisms and personality... and his patriotism. Lee is training for a triathlon, so he also has John’s athletic gift. It felt to me as though I was delivering John back to you for that brief time of the reunion, and it was a powerful and emotional experience for me to have some of you share that feeling.

“Thank you for welcoming us so warmly, for coming over to talk with us and sharing your memories. Thanks for including all of us, my husband, Greg, and even little Sarah and Kyle. The Class of’62 wine cork, the stadium blanket, and the etched wine glasses will be treasured.

“I’m sending this email to Rip Blaisdell, as it seems to be the only email address I have, in hopes it will be circulated and each ofyou will understand how much your kindness and generosity meant to us. It was a weekend we’ll never

forget.

“There are some of you I would like to thank personally, so if it is possible to get a list of email addresses, I will do that. If that’s not something you give out, I will understand and will hope that you know that you have my deepest appreciation for your love and caring. We look forward to the next reunion and hope our other son, Nick (Lee’s older brother), will be able to attend also.

“With memories of John. ...a Red Tag Babe forever, Sally Mann”.

Gee, that’s a heart-warming letter. I’m so glad that Sally and her family were able to come. Duke Green, Johnny and I spent our four years in Fightin’ Fourth.

So his loss was deep.

The first thing about the reunion that struck me was the large amount of time

devoted to Nothing. That was great. We had plenty of time to get updated with each other again. “ThaRipper said that the reunion committee planned it that way; they didn’t want to entertain and educate us. They felt that if we had the time we could find ways to fill it ourselves. ”

th Many Redtags felt that the Reunions get better every year. So the 50 should

be a blast to end all blasts.

The Thursday dinner at Solos was dynamic. The KB-97 airplane out front was nostalgic for some of our oldest classmates (not me of course). The buffet facilitated conversation on the waiting lines and got things rolling. I think I would have enj oyed Tuck McAtee’s demonstration of being able to speak words backwards, but I couldn’t understand a word he said. Sorry Tuck. I hope those two gigantic bouncers (Butch Viccellio and Jack Swonson) who escorted you away from the microphone didn’t scare you too much. By the way, Tuck, hold onto your day job.

Cell: (321) 432-1370

The Friday morning briefing at the AOG Hqs was very informative. Jim Shaw gave us a good rundown on how the AOG stands now. The Class Memorial Paver was dedicated outside the AOG Bldg. We also saw the Heritage Walk and

E-Mail: jwjamba@aol.com

Challenge Bridge nearby.

H: (321) 777-5520 0: (321) 861-6279

Then we were bussed to the cadet area to visit our old cadet squadron haunts.

HiRedtags, Caroline and I got back from the 45 th reunion two weeks ago and really enjoyed it. Randy Schamberger’s email sums it up succinctly: “Well, we’re home from the RTB 45th Reunion. If you didn’t come, you missed a great weekend and also missed seeingAir Force beat Army 30-10. The weather was great the whole time. Clear blue Colorado skies and warm (well, relatively warm) weather. I shot 51/2 hours ofvideo and took over 100 photos. I’m going vfrTcE 0 to try to come up with a one- or two-DVD package. When I 14 get finished, I’ll get the word out over the Red Tag Net in case Sabre Sock anyone is interested in purchasing copies. I don’t know what Donors the price will be, but any profit over the cost of materials, postage, etc. will be a contribution to our Class Fund.

Thanks.” Randy’s email was waiting when I checked my inbox. I saw Randy at the Reunion busy taking videos everywhere he went. I hope he got to see and participate in everything. I’m sure his DVD production will be superb.

The 45 th Reunion was a huge success. There was lots of time for socializing >

'

Bob Staib shows his wife and Chuck Larson where he had to do 50 pushups asaDoolie... maybe I exaggerate a little... Imadeitup to go with thepicture.

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It was a walk down memory lane to see my old room. As happened last re-

union, I saw some changes in the way rooms and areas are presented. No

problems; just different. We enjoyed the talk with the cadets. They were in awe of us when we told them that we were the original Redtags. They made me feel like a celebrity.

We got the same reaction at the lunch table. It was great telling them how we misbehaved during our Doolie Year. And how we pulled together.

From there we went to Fairchild Hall and heard from the Supe and his staff.

He gave a good briefing on the scandals, the code, present status and future

plans and programs.

Then we zipped over to the Chapel for our class picture. The photographer arrived early as did a bunch of us, so he took the class pictures before a few stragglers got there at the appointed time. I hope they can paste in pictures of the absent ones. Then we had the Memorial Ceremony. As in years past, it was solemn, tearful, uplifting, beautiful and memorable. A toast to them all! By the way, the Memorial Ceremony pamphlet was an outstanding piece of artistic memorabilia.

The evening was a sumptuous dinner at the Marriott. We heard from several of our classmates who recalled some memorable events from the past.

The following day started with the Tailgate Party at the stadium. The tent was great. The food tasted delicious and the camaraderie was, as always, delightful. The cheerleaders came into the tent before the game and led us in several cheers. See accompanying picture.

her. Bob was last seen heading into Vegas traffic trying to followBobbi, Hesh and my instructions on how best to get to the Mirage and pick Georgi up after the show. If that all worked and he is not lost forever we will all see each other again at the reunion.

“Other than those Red Tag encounters, life has been quiet with the “W” (work) word dominating Carol and my lives. I still fly the Cessnas with the CAP and also my own Turbo Cardinal RG. Since I like to have the same number of golf balls Sunday evenings that I started the day with, I have given up golf attempts and am building an RV-8 airplane. Kind of an adult erector set.

“See you this fall. Love to Caroline. Gail Peck 1225K.” Thanks, Gail. We did get to see Gail and Carol there.

Nowthisfrom Frank Urban. “Hello Jack, am sending a briefupdate for the next Checkpoints: Frank and JudyUrban have moved out ofthe California fast lane in La-La Land! We are now dividing time between Green Valley, AZ (where Judy is pursuing a new Real Estate career and Lrank is semi-retired from his contractor business) and San Quintin, Baja California Norte, living off-thegrid in a solar stone beach house and enjoying all that Mexico has to offer. We finally are flying again with our Cessna 182 where we share an excellent 1800' strip on the beach (MPGL) at Bahia San Quintin in the Pedregal area. We plan to spend much time there, commuting to Tucson Ryan Airfield. Eventually, who knows? Maybe become real expatriates and explore all of Mexico! Lor those ‘Tags who have the time/interest, there is an excellent web site that describes this remote area which is one of the Baja 1000 Race checkpoints: www.

sanquintinrealestate. com.

See you all at the reunion!” Saw Frank and Judy there. Thanks, Frank I also got an email from Shep: “Rose and I spent July at a horse ranch in western Colorado to get out ofthe Tucson heat and got into the Colorado heat.

We were visited by Erv and Pam Rokke, Jim and Penny Mack, RK. and Reta

Robinson and Rudy and Betty Bow who brought their massive RV a good time was had by all telling RTB stories, drinking cheap wine and beer and fishing here’s the proof-- Shep:” See accompanying picture. Thanks, Shep. Saw all of them at the reunion.

--

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From left are Charlie Hale’s left ear, Bo Ohman, Pete Robinson, Ed Stan ton,

HalKeck, FredHendryx, JackAnderson with wife andRickPerlotto's face. Oth-

recognizable.

Then we started the long trek to our seats on the opposite side of the stadium about halfway up the mountains to what seemed like the 15,000 foot elevation.

Actually, it was about300-500 feet up. But we swamp dwellers from Florida get th a nose bleed when we go up to the 10 floor in buildings. We survived. It was a great game. A B-52 flew over as did a pair of fighters. The sky-diving team AOC delivered the 1962 flag to the center of the field. After it was over, we had whupped Army 30-10.

Then back to the hotel for a finishing dinner and more socializing. Of course, after dinner some people who had been on cruises recently, started the fun game of sticking spoons to their noses. What a sight: people bragging about being able to have a metal spoon stick to their nose. It’s a good thing we will all ers were not

be retired soon.

Don Shepperd, Reta andPKRobinson and Rudy Bow waiting forfish tojump

onshore.

Got this from BO Ohman. “Jack, I’m stealing this picture from Jerry Cornetet,

but here’s a caption: “Bo and Nancy Ohman, Don and Mo Netzinger, Jerry and Val Cornetet and Kinney and Nan Smith took time out from a great reunion to reminisce about Colorado Springs days in 1961-2. We also used the location of an oriental restaurant to remember the SEA days.” BO, Thanks for the picture.

It was good seeing all of you there.

A Funeral and Memorial Service was held for Maj John Carroll, Class of1962,

The next day, Caroline and I had to get up and catch a 6:30 AM flight out of C Springs. We sure enjoyed the reunion and look forward to 50.

Before the reunion I had received some emails which I’ll share now. From Gail Peck: ’’First item to report is a great dinner Carol and I had earlier this summer with the Altmans and Butchkos when Rick Perlotto and Kathleen came to town for Carla Perlotto’s graduation from UNLV with a PhD. CONGRATS Carla! Didn’t see Carla and her family but the Vegas crowd really enjoyed seeing Rick and Kathleen.

“I went to the Experimental Aircraft Association air show at Oshkosh with Rick Perlotto in July. Great time. Then, in early August Bob Deberry showed backup in Vegas and Hesh and Bobbi Altman and Carol and I joined him for dinner. Georgi Deberry went to see the Beatles show at the Mirage so we missed 98

Cadet Squadron 12, who passed away on 17Novl972. The Funeral was held on 13 Nov2007 at 1000 hrs at the Cadet Catholic Chapel, USAFA. A graveside service was held immediately following at the USAFA Cemetery. There were 12 to 15 Redtag classmates in attendance, as well as several Raven FACS and other FACs, members ofthe Academy staff and about 50 cadets. A reception followed at Doolittle Hall (AOG) to celebrate the recovery of Maj Carroll’s remains. Rip Blaisdell said that it was a beautiful and moving ceremony.

One last Reunion item: There are about 20 coaster sets and several wine bottle stoppers still available. I’m going to get another coaster set; the crest design is gorgeous. Wine glass sets can be ordered also. Just contact Rip and he’ll help.

Also be aware that there are four years and 11 months until the 50 th Reunion.

Mark your calendars. Now. You don’t want to miss that one.

Go Redtags! Jack

Norman I.

(Skip) Lee

63119 E. Cat Claw Lane

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First we have to thank those who put on the mini-reunions and special ku-

dos to Bob and Charlie Ann Hayes for all their organization and work. Bob as usual went above and beyond the call of duty including hosting Tom Fryer and yours truly for a round of golf at the Eisenhower Blue Course. Bob plays a very nice game of golf but more importandy he is possessed with the patience of

where he continues to workwith Northrop Grumman. In August while taking their motor home for a trip to the northern CA coast and Napa/Sonoma wine

country they happened on Butch and Carolee Verdier and daughter Jen and

family while checkingin to the Bodega Bay RVPark. Butch and Carolee were over from their homes in Santa Rosa for a few days of beaching it in their RV Sandie, according to Charlie, was put back a little at the sight of two old guys hugging in an RV park until she recognized Butch. A good time was had by all!

Back in late September I bumped into Ed and Terry Reisdorfwith Bob Mazet and a close friend while having dinner at a restaurant in Scottsdale. Ed said he wanted to send a photograph ofhimselfand a friend on a hunting trip to Alaska.

Ed was good to his word and here is the photograph.

Job. Tom and I had fun. Gordon Bredvik did a terrific job of hosting the cup

turning when we had the chance to remember six of our classmates: Dan Harbura, Cal Nay, George Byron, Dick Bunce, Wes White and Dan Taylor. One very nice moment during the event was listening to Cal Nay’s sister and daughter talk about Cal. The weather on Friday and Saturday was very pleasant— mid 70s by game time and the tailgate was well attended. We were especially pleased to have Jack McTasney and Phil Maywald join us. See more on Jack and Phil below. On Sunday morning, when leaving for Tucson, there were three inches of snow on the ground.

I was hunting on the Copper River in Alaska with Tim Furst, a 78 grad. The Bear is eight and a halffeet tall, maybe 850pounds. I got him on his final

charge at me with about 40 yards to go.

Roger Graham’s new book, TheNimrods, has been published and it is available for sale at authorhouse.com. Simply click on Book Store, then enter The

In the backrowfrom left are Bredvik, Reynolds, Fryer, Johnson, Lee, Hayes,

McClellan, LeFors, Porch, Shutack, Walrath, andWinzell. FrontRow: Gaston, Thacker, Probst, McTasney, Boeck, Verdier, Buder, and Steinbrink A number of folks sent their regrets for not being able to attend the mini-re-

union but I have to say that Dick Guild may have sent the best story for himself as

well as a fewfriends. As Dick put it, the Frostics, Gilligans, Guild, Hardgraves, Heals and Sabans send regrets because on 20 Oct we will be arriving in Athens via the good ship Regent Seven Seas Navigator. And if that ain’t [sic] enough to make you eat your heart out consider that I am typing this at Les Platanes in Provence

where after a fine dinner in St Remy; Fred is snoozing, while Bud is at the kitchen table behind me readingthe InternationalHerald Tribune, andmeanwhile Doug, Jeff, and Gary are diddling about Prague. Keep a good Mach.

Jack McTasney and Phil Maywald were among combat veterans invited as honored guests of the fall 2007 Falcon Heritage Forum. The forum allowed cadets to hear war stories from grads who had experienced combat and ineluded ceremonies in Vandenberg and Sijan Halls on Friday afternoon. At those ceremonies, most surviving graduates who are Air Force Cross recipients along with families of others placed plaques alongside alcoves that inelude early rooms ofthese decorated grads. With the plaques, their service and sacrifice were commemorated for all cadets to remember when they walk past these rooms each day. Seeing those graduates as they once were, where they once lived, will hopefully motivate the members of the cadet wing to pursue their own greatness when, upon graduation, they join the Long Blue Line. We are honored to have such heroic men among our Class of 1963. Many thanks go to Jimmie Butler for summarizing the event.

Charlie Parker wrote that he and Sandie are well and still in Ogden, UT,

Nimrods or Roger’s name in the search function and you will be taken to the computerpagelistingthebookforsale (either in soft cover or hard cover). Itried it and it works. The book should also be available for sale at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. Best price, according to Roger, is atauthorhouse. Roger worked on the book for the last two years and he is very excited that it is finally in publication. The bookis an accurate true-life story about a magnificent band ofA-26 pilots and navigator/co-pilots who flew—from 1966 to 1969—countless high-intensity night time dive-bombing missions in “The SecretWar in Laos” (SteelTiger, Barrel Roll and along the Ho Chi MinhTrail). Roger flew 182 combat missions with the A-26 Nimrods during 1967-68. Good stuff and I am working to get my copy ofthe book—maybe a review sometime in the near future.

Jack Martines wrote a note from his vacation place in Viera, FL (near Patrick AFB) saying he and Alice would not be able to make the mini-reunion but they are looking forward to next year. Since Jack retired back in June from his JROTC job he and Alice have been on the road to Boston, Virginia and now Florida. In October they headed for a two-month trip to Brasilia. In all cases they have been visiting sons and daughters.

John Nehring moved back to Colorado, Pagosa Springs, at the end of June He is busy as can be teaching two online economics course for Embry-Riddle,

plus another at their Albuquerque campus.

Chuck Bush’s e-mail about daughter Bettina’s recording ofthe single “She Is” was pure pleasure. I checked in to the web site (www.BettinaMusic.com) and listened. It is no wonder the song has moved up the Billboard Hit Singles; as ofthis writing it is in the top 10. Great song; take a listen and you will be amazed.

Class Reunion: Spoke with Drue DeBerry recently about inputs from Classmates regarding a class gift at our 45th Reunion. We need more suggestions and comments from you on this subject. One idea generating some interest is the gift of an oral history of our class. Cadets are interested in experiences of earlier classes at USAFA and in the USAF. We could collect individual or group interviews from all of you who wish to participate, record those interviews on CDs, and give copies to USAFA. That collection could become an important part of the USAFA heritage. Send your comments about this proposal as well as ideas for other class

or no class

gift to drue.deberry@comcast.net.

Bob Hayes reported the reunion committee will send out a formal update on reunion planning in February. Meantime, you can get reunion information as it happens either through the AOG web site or our on Class of 1963 website http://www.usafa63.org/. Remember the dates are confirmed as Oct 1-5,2008, and the location as the C-Springs Marriott (same place as the 40 th nowrenovated). All you need do at the moment is two things: put the dates on your

gifts

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calendar and talk up the reunion with Classmates.

That’s it for this time. Many thanks and sincere appreciation for all the contributions to this issue your response has been spectacular. Keep it up. Here is our wish to all of you for a happy and safe holiday season. See you in 2008.

For more current information about

Charlie and Butch

graduate deaths, please visit the AOG web site. www.usafa.org.

99

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Bob Hovde

Members

206 Walker Ave.

Huntsville, AL 35801

(256) 532-3923 bob@hovde.us

Class Gift- Ifyour email address isn’t correct in the AOG database, you didn’t get the update from RodWells about the Mall of Heroes class gift. (Please UPDATE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS with the AOG so our Historians can get in touch with

you.) Anyway, Rod reports that the foundation and landscaping work are complete, with flowering cherry trees and firs edging the south side ofthe Mall and small shrubs surrounding the main plaza and walkways to allow unobstructed viewing of the Mall by cadets each time they execute an Eyes Right enroute to the parade ground. This arrangement remains in keeping with our goal of making this a unique gift, one with which cadets can interact on a regular basis.

All three statues ofVal Borque, Lance Sijan, and Karl Richter will be completed by next spring. A special dedication ceremony for Karl’s statue will occur next May prior to the graduation of the Class of2008, the class that chose Karl as their Exemplar. Rod will send out a notice ofthe Richter dedication date as soon as it is confirmed on the cadet schedule.

The dedication of the entire

OldTrolls. From left are Tom Morris, Susan and Fred Malmstrom, Lois and DougJenkins, Sherry and Tom Jobin, Bobby and SherryBeverly, and Howie and Penny Cohen.

grandfather’s farm in Longmont. I visited there as far back as 1948. It sure has changed!]

Texas Happenings Matt Feiertag reports that he attended an RF-4 Recce Reunion in Austin in October. Also attending were Ray Lennon and Ford Keating, who live in Austin, and Gil Achter, who lives in Mississippi, (see photo) While in Austin, Matt visited with Bret Dula, who is retired there. on my

-

th

Mall remains on the agenda for our 45 reunion.

Speaking of Memorials Largely through the efforts of Steve Dotson (’63) and Jim McCracken (’65), the AOG Board finally voted unanimously to add Fran Zavacki’s name to the Graduate War Memorial at USAFA. Fran went into the Marines after graduation and died in Viet Nam due to blood clots in the lungs. It has nowbeen concluded that the embolisms were due to injuries suffered several weeks earlier in a mortar attack in the field. See the article on this effort elsewhere in this issue.

Another Memorial- Jimmie Butler (’63) passed on the news that there will be -

a national reunion ofthe Forward Air Controller Association in Colorado

Springs

next October. On Oct 3,2008, a monument will be dedicated in Memorial Park near downtown C.

Springs. The memorial will include the names of more than 250 FACs / crewmembers who gave their lives in Southeast Asia. Among the names is Ray Krogman of ’64, who was shot down in January 1967. Everyone is invited to the dedication and Jimmie says that donations in Ray’s name can be made through the FAC Association Website: http: / /fac-assoc.org/reunion.

Left Coast Happenings Dave Neal passed on news of a recent Northern California “Mussel Hunt” held at his house. He reports: “Carver Sears and Sandy Purcell organized a NorCal reunion which was held at Casa Neal and attended

by Ron Hulting, Gaylord Green, Carver Sears and Dave Neal with wives. Bill Ahern and Ted Saito came stag. Bill, Ted and I stalked and captured a pail of crafty mussels which were enj oyed by all. We had such a good time that we may -

try to make it an annual event.

RF-4. Ray Lennon, FordKeating, Matt Feiertag and GilAchter at the RF-4 RecceReunion.

Matt also attended a Ranch Hand reunion at the Air Force Museum at WrightPattersonAFB. Dewey Barich was also there (they flew Ranch Hand together)

and Ron Fogleman (’63) was the guest speaker.

Finally, Matt reports that he is going to Viet Nam in January for an 18-day tour, starting in Hanoi and ending in Saigon. He’s going with six others, one ofwhom came to the U.S. from NhaTrang five years ago. She will be the guide, and her family in Viet Nam is making the arrangements. Matt hopes they won’t ask the Agent Orange-spraying Yankee Air Pirate what he did in the war.

Medical News

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Ray Longo wrote from Loma Linda, CA, where he was un-

dergoing treatment for prostate cancer at Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC). Ray reports that they use proton radiation therapy for about 44 different kinds of cancer. The big difference he saw in the use of protons was that he could get up from the seconds-long treatment and play golf or tennis right away. In August, Ray completed his course of 44 treatments and had no significant side effects. If anyone wants to talk to Ray about it, he said he’d be glad to discuss the details.

His lesson for all of us is to GET TESTED,

because early detection is very important for successful treatment. He also recommends visiting the Website www.protonbob.com and reading Bob Marckini’s book, “YOU CAN BEAT Prostate Cancer And You Don’t Need Surgery to Do It.” even if you haven’t been diagnosed with prostate -

NorCal. In the front row are Bill Ahern and Ted Saito. Back Row: Gaylord Green, Dave Neal, Carver Sears and Ron Hulting.

High Country Happenings

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Howie Cohen and Doug Jenkins both sent sepa-

rate emails about the Old Trolls monthly meetings. What started as an Old Trolls

only lunch get-together is now more open, with any ‘64s in the area and occasionally, wives. In August they met with wives for some Mexican food at La Casa Fiesta in Monument (see photo). In October it was guys only for steaks at Wally Wolniewicz’s farm in Longmont. Doug says that anyone wanting to j oin them for an outing can call him at 719-488-4426. [Note for Wally: My father was born

cancer.

Gettingto California from North Carolina was also an adventure. Ray and Norma rafted down the Colorado River the full 280 miles (seven days on the river). Ray reports, “Norma, the geologist, had a great time. I tolerated the trek. Actually, I had a good time, but as an Air Force vet, camping under the stars is not my thing. I must admit, though, that it was a very special trip; the Canyon is an amazing place, and we met some terrific folks. Norma’s ready to do it again any time, but I think we’ll look at other options for our next vacation (of course, she will suggest the Snake River or some such thing) .0 Sad News Bill Wittress also was diagnosed with cancer this year. Unfortunately, his cancer attacked the spinal nerves and the brain. Despite intense -

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT

WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

100

treatment and a valiant effort, Bill succumbed to his illness in

early Novemher. In the six or seven months of his treatments, the 13 Squadron provided tremendous support to Bill and Jeanne. I know Jeanne appreciated the supth

port very much.

Sandy and I have kept in contact with Jeanne and Bill through the years and this loss is very personal. I remember back in Wright-Pat days, when Jeanne and Sandy decided to host a spaghetti dinner for the Class. Bill took over as

head chef and cooked all of the spaghetti the rest of us just waited on tables.

It was a great night, and at the end, Bill even washed the pots and pans!

Well miss you, Bill!

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Rick Zurbrugg

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'65!

Whew! Missed the deadline for submission ofthis column, but thanks to Tom Kroboth, erstwhile class news editor at Checkpoints^ho keeps track of these things and his phone call, I managed to squeeze in under the drop deadline.

For the first time in quite awhile, I don’t thinkwe’ve had any classmate “transition” to nebulae since the last column—Amen.

Hope you all have had an outstanding holiday season and were able to spend time with those you love the most. I saw an ad for a new book, Walkingon Eggshells or How to Talk With YourAdult Children. I imagine there is some wisdom which we could use in there. Maybe some of you are in the same boat.

Speaking of boats, your humble servant traveled to Canoe U. for the big game in October. Never been to Annapolis, but always wanted to see the place.

A perfect blue sky day it was and, watching the swabs, resplendent in their summer whites marching proudly into Navy-Marine stadium will give you a military cardiac twinge to match any you ever 5^\iRE .SOfL had. The boat people put a whuppin’ on the zoomies in everything that weekend—boxing, women’s rugby, as well as on the gridiron. Say what you will, our comrades-in-arms are a class act sometimes. The AOG put on an elegant Sabre 21 Society event Friday night in downtown Annapolis and your scribe was privileged to enjoy the company and conversaSabre Society Donors tion of Terry and Toni Drabant who live in the vicinity. The Super, the Dean and the Commandant gave an encouraging briefing on the current state of affairs around the terrazzo. It’s really something to see these three young, highly articulate fellow graduates speak about their responsibilities educating, training and serving as role models for those they once were and to realize that however profound our experiences and intense our feelings, although respected, are largely irrelevant to what is happening today. So dazzled by the revolutionary-era charm of the town of Annapolis and the pomp ofthe march-on, I missed the AF tailgate, and perhaps seeing some ofyou who were atthe game—sorryfor that, butthenno one sent any pictures or accounts of mini-reunions.

After the game, headed into DC to visit 21 st Sqdn classmate Art Beamon and his lovely, vivacious wife, Joan. Talk about life style and hospitality, Art and Joan live across the street from the Watergate and have a gorgeous view of the

Vic Grazier and Skip Cox

dutifully drove the car around and met us at the summit with champagne. Any classmate want to do the south to north next year? Larry and Vicky’s two kids have given them four terrific grandkids, and our sole child is up to three grandkids. Unfortunately we have to travel from Tucson to New Haven to see ours. I wanted to get this to you today because we’re off for a month in Europe tomorrow. So much to do, so little time!”

Bruce, thanks for sharing this adventure with us. (Scribe’s note: upon hear-

ing of Bruce and Gail’s plans to be in the Mediterranean in October, we compared travel schedules and decided to meet in front of the Town Hall on Mykonos on a Tuesday when both cruise ships would be there, and proceed to Little Venice for sunset fellowship and spiritus fermentum. Alas Bruce and Gail’s ship docked late and we missed them. Bruce and Gail, we owe you one!

Grossetta and Farrell show the right stuffat the Grand Canyon September 2007.

top attorney at the FDIC. Joan has had a fine career at the IMF. Art and

Parting shots: Bruce Wood is organizing a mini-reunion at the Bowl game wherever that turns out to be. Thanks Ron Aicale, Patty and Vincent for a deli-

Joan, thankyou for dinner at the Sequoia, the insider’s tour ofDC and the very, great pleasure of your company.

Roc stays busy at Safeco and says that life holds no fear for him—he’s flown the

Potomac and the Kennedy Performing Arts Center. Art retired, not long ago, as the

cious dinner and a wonderful time at your house in Orinda last month. The F-4. Be well, do good work, and keep in touch. As the Roc would say “Cheers”.

Ryan Denny 1635 Mary Todd Lane O’Fallon, IL 62269 H: (618) 624-4255 W: (314) 232-5117 E-mail: ryanden@aol.com

Art and Joan Beamon, scribe on the Potomac Oct 07.

Vic Grazier: “... I was in Texas recently for a Christian conference and had lunch with Skip Cox. It was a great opportunity to meet with him and share

what has been going on in our lives. This is a picture taken then. (See top of next column.) I also see Joe Koenig frequently, and we share about dealing with military internationals at Wright-Pat, especially those from Turkey. God Bless!” Thanks Vic. Bruce Grossetta:”. two days ago my former roommate, Larry Farrell, and I did a rim-to-rim Grand Canyon hike. After months of preparation, we departed the north rim (8250’ elevation) at 3 am under a full moon. Fourteen miles later we were at Phantom Ranch (2560’ elevation) atthe bottom. Then the fun part: nine more miles to the south rim (6890’ elevation) with the last three miles climbing 2170'. Ittookus 13 hours and we’d like you to know it’s tougher than a Goon Squad run. Our super support team (Vicky and Gail) ..

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Greetings, Redtags! More and more, we seem to be getting pictures of classmates who are fishing, and who are more eager to talk about their children’s accomplishments and the number of grandchildren they have, rather than about their latest career move. Oh yeah, and the conversation usually leads to a discussion ofwhich body parts have recently been inspected, tested, removed, or repaired. I’m not complaining; in fact, it’s great to see that we are all going through this phase of life at about the same time. Isay “about the same time”, because some of us slower folks are still working too much. Even though all of this retirement news is pushing and pulling us (at least me, anyway) towards the life of leisure, I still think of us as a group of guys who can run to the Rock, stay out late (past 9), and dance to “Shout” at every opportunity.

Speaking of retirement, Gary Palmer has retired from his second career at the Department of Energy in Washington DC. Gary said that he looked back and realized that he had been working non-stop since high school and it was time to do something different. Instead of fishing, he has been working on increasing his golfhandicap. (Yes, I said “increasing”.) He went to the AF-Navy foot101

ball game and was planning on sending a report, but depression set in and

couldn’t remember who all he saw. Garypromises to review the digital memory in his camera to refresh the fading analog memory in his head, and send us some news for next time. Thanks, Gary!

Speaking of fishing, Rusty Gideon writes about a recent adventure to Yellowstone Park “in pursuit of the illusive Yellowstone cutthroat trout.” Rusty, along with Marty Daack, Dick Borowski, and Tip Galer based their campaign in a three-room suite with kitchen in Gardiner, MT. Marty acted as the professional guide and fly-tier to be sure that everyone caught a trophy fish or two.

He gave everyone free flies back at the room at night; but, if someone needed a fly once they were on the river, the price was $100. Marty also doubled as chief cook, bottle washer, and resident comic.

Fritz McDougall and wife, Suzanne, at an RF-4 Reunion in Austin, TX.

Well, I’ve got to go and write that Christmas letter to tell everyone what fantastic things my kids have been doing, how precocious my three grandkids are, and how many fish I killed on my last golf outing. Hope you all have a great

NewYear. Make a resolution to find a classmate, take a picture and send me

Until next time... Happy Landings!

some news!

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Larry Wilson 13100 Pinehurst Ave. NE

Members

Albuquerque, NM 87111

Rusty Gideon, Marty Daack, Dick Borowski (still grinning from catching a fish) andTip Galerusingall their survivor skills in Yellowstone Park.

Rusty says they spent the evenings swapping tales of flying, Zoomie stories, and other adventures. Dick had some interesting stories about a year that he spent biking around Europe, and Tip had a great story about how his father won the Medal of Honor during WWII in the Pacific. Tip also got the prize for “looking most like a fisherman”, with his fancy suit, Errol Flynn mustache, wide-brimmed hat, and a stogie in his mouth while making perfect casts. It must have been the fish that voted for that prize. On the last day, Dick caught an 18” cutthroat trout from Soda Butte Creek. After that

fish, he said he was done, packed up his gear, and went home. Rusty said that the week was great

fishing and an even better time with old friends.

Speaking of still working (and good times with old friends), Bob Cloar was in St Louis recently for a symposium for lawyers on some little-known legal aspects of the real estate business. Bob is practicing law in Ft Smith, AR specializing in whatever his clients need. I was able to rescue Bob and his wife, MaryLynne, for a few hours; and we spent an enjoyable evening at dinner and wandering around St Louis’ Central West End. Another classmate, who is still working as a lawyer, instead of on his handicap, is Pat O’Leary. Although Pat spends most ofthe year slaving away in his northern Virginia law office, he manages to get away to the second home that he owns in Tucson, AZ. Since his wife, Jane, is a school teacher, these vacations

normally during the summer, but Pat says he doesn’t mind the 112 degree weather (it’s a dry heat, so it feels like it’s only 110 degrees). are

H: (505) 291-8949

E-mail: Lwilsn628@aol.com

Greetings, one and all. As I compose this, we in New Mexico are enjoying (?) the first snow, and the first moisture of any kind, in NM in a long time, along with unfamiliar cold. The ski areas are making snow as fast as they can all the NM areas missed their normal opening dates and are hoping now to be open in early December. We of course hope for a very white Christmas and a great -

ski season. Other than that—truth be told most of us N uevo Mexicanos do not object to a late and mild winter.

As all of us should know, not so long ago was our 40th reunion. While not all ’67 grads made it back, many did. And I can say with certainty that a good time was had by all. While it is unlikely I could capture all the reunion activities, camaraderie, reminiscences etc -1 will use my extra Checkpoints- allotted word count to attempt to convey the sense of that good time.

First of all thanks to Paul Henry and all the '67 crew and the AOG support staff for all their good work, which made the reunion such a success. At the risk of missing anyone other than Paul I won’t attempt to list the contributors and workers. Suffice it to say they- and likely their spouses—all put much time and effort and imagination and patience and communication into bringing it all together. And it worked, so smoothly that it maybe appeared that it was effortless. I suspect it was not. Thanks, to all who contributed.

A summary of the reunion activities follows: golf and registration loosely th began on 3 Oct. All ramped up on the 4 when most folks arrived and registered and things became hectic the evening Welcome Buffet and mixer in Reunion Central in the Embassy Suites (courtesy again of Pat Nesbitt) were the platform for many many handshakes, manly hugs and other warm greetings; intermingled with a few oh so tasteful and largely accurate comments about changing hairlines, girths, etc; “I haven’t seen you since...” comments, questions about kids, grandkids, and other families; plus health, retirement status and plans etc. As an aside a nice addition this reunion was the plethora of digital cameras. I asked everyone I sawwith a camera to email me copies of their pics. So in this Checkpoints, and more to come, I’ll have reunion pics.

If they did not come with captions, I may not know who all are in the picture or what was going on. But chances are some of you will. I can include five pics -

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Jim Murphy and Ryan Denny at a convention in Nashville, trying to rememher the last time they wore a suit.

More folks still working—Jim Murphy and I were working for our respective

companies at the Airlift/Tanker Association convention in Nashville recently.

Jim is working for ARINC and lives a mile or so away from me in O’Fallon IL, near Scott AFB.; but I have to go to conventions to see him. We saw Bob Jahnke

there also, but he got away before I could get a picture. Bob is still living near Salt Lake City and represents a couple of different companies that make avionics displays for simulators.

I’m not sure ifthis was working or blackmail, but a gentleman from the class of '64 sent me this picture of Fritz McDougall and wife, Suzanne, at an RF-4 Reunion inAustin TX. He knew that no one had a picture of Fritz sitting at a bar before, and thought this would be of interest to his classmates.

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No comment!

in this expanded reunion article, and three with each “regular” input in each

Checkpoints. I think we are covered picture-wise for a while though I still hope to receive copies of contemporary activities.

But I digress.

The opening- night Welcome Buffet and mixer went on long into the evening, as memories and tongues loosened, and shared experiences were relived and perhaps embellished.

Eventually, all wandered or stumbled offand turned in; some very late, some early—so that all would be rariri to go the next day.

The next day (Friday) began (thankfully, not with reveille...) with the Class Business Meeting. In that meeting was raised the first of the two recurring issues from the reunion. Formal/ official meeting minutes will be generated, and I will mostly defer to those. Suffice it to say that the issue of a single graduate foundation, vs. an AOG foundation and a separately- established graduate foundation, is controversial. There is concern that the lack of unity may impair the AOG’s continuing to receive the level of donations that it has enj oyed, especially in recent years. Different positions were presented. Some strong feelings have been expressed; many others are equally strong but not expressed.

Ted Legasey has moved on from his position as AOG Board Chairman, and Jim Shaw departs his position as CEO ofthe AOG at the end of ’07. Bill Boisture and George Van Wagenen are the ’67 AOG Board members on the AOG committee on the foundation issue. The upshot of the class meeting was that the sentiment of our class at the meeting was that graduates with the good of the Acad-

emy at heart should be able to resolve any differences, and arrive at a “winwin,” USAFA-oriented solution. To my knowledge, such resolution has not yet been achieved. Nevertheless, we continue to be well- represented at the AOG, and no doubt our reps on the AOG and Class Senate will continue to work constructively to affect an equitable solution.

The second of the two recurring themes was Gary Lorenz’ status: Gary former fighter pilot, former vice commandant of cadets—had planned to come to the reunion, but about a week earlier went missing from his daughter’s home in rural Colorado, accompanied by his two dogs. While any such disappearance would be concerning, Gary’s was particularly so, because he suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Throughout the reunion there was regional and even national publicity. But-noGary. Weeks later, his body was located still attended by his faithful dogs. Friends from CS-13 later returned to Colorado to attend his funeral services.

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sponse was basically that Honor Code-related issues are much more complicated now, with more parental, legal, and Congressional inputs as never before; in the context of cadets who come from a society that is different; plus an

evolution of interpretation and enforcement ofthe Honor Code. All this combines (again, my impression) to the reality of a Code whose words are the same, but which is otherwise a product of today’s society, and not the same as that of our generation. Whether this is good or bad or just different is beyond the scope of this article. I encourage all who wish to pursue this issue to keep in close contact with our reps on the AOG and Class Senate, and to participate constructively.

The briefings concluded, and we all wandered towards the

Chapel no longer new, as in our time, but still majestic. The east-facing wall is the site ofthe class crests, and ours is proudly displayed though a number of us noticed that our graduation-class number IX, as on our rings, is missing from our crest. Hmmmm. Whether that is something correctable or a priority for correction-I’ll leave (again...) to our reps on the AOG and Class Senate. If you have (strong) feelings on this—no doubt they -

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would love to hear from you.

In the stroll from Fairchild Hall and as we waited for the photographers for our reunion photos, there was more time to mingle and chat with classmates, spouses, significant others and family members. What a great bunch. It was obvious that amongst our still-strong spirits there are some bodies which are not quite as spry as in ’67 (duh...). At the Chapel now fenced and guarded to keep the GAP from the Cadet area the reunion photo was a hoot, and captured the wide range ofwho and what we have become... displaying little of the uniformity of days gone by. No doubt those who did not make the reunion can obtain copies.

The Memorial Ceremony was tasteful and moving and reminded us all of absent friends and fallen comrades and perhaps of our own mortality, with the realization that maybe we should all not be putting off so many things till -

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tomorrow...

Then

back onto the bus, and back to Reunion Center for the class buffet dinner, and more mingling and imbibing, etc. It seemed that a number offolks who had missed earlier events arrived for this gathering, and squadron units were more complete. It also seemed the harassment, tale-telling, truth-telling, revisiting, etc had notched up a bit, as we now had another day of recollections to haze one another about, and another day ofAcademy stuff to wrangle about. Our spouses, significant others and family members no doubt enjoyed all this no less than we—how could they not? Again, photo ops and flash bulbs (another dated term...) abounded, to demonstrate and reinforce that we are still... what was it I was saying?

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CS 13-reassembled for Gary’s funeral. In the back row from left are Gary

Mueller, Clint Price, Fred Milanovich, Beau Crosby, Ross Leonard, Jan

Messinger, and Frank Blaha. Front row: Ron Morishige, Thom Evans, Buz Carpenter, MarkStugart, and Pat Dowling.

Back to the reunion: on Friday, after the business meeting, the cadet area was open to grads for wandering and at noon we had the opportunity to dine in Mitchell Hall with the cadet wing. What an experience that was: in my situation, my escort was a young female who looked about 16. It turned out she is a USAFA rugby player who was about to depart for a competition in New

Some 9th Squadron grads and wives on the way up MtEvans. From the left are Robert and Jan

Lord, Jim and Candy Hastedt, Lesley deTurk, and Dale

Stovall.

Mexico. Yikes. The lunch with the cadets was... very different from our era: the

cadets were much more relaxed; there seemed to be little or none of the regimentation we knew; the food and the service represented more of a fast-food, throw-away culture than Mitch’s meals of our era. And no Form 0-96. How on earth can the Academy function without the repeated reassurance of “fastneat-average-friendly-good-good”? Ah well another sign that things are not -

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they once were.

After lunch we gaggled to form up on the terrazzo near the flagpole, at the War Memorial, for the ’67 Fallen Warrior Tributes. How moving and how representative ofthe phrase Gone but not forgotten...”

From there, more gaggling, to F-l in Fairchild Hall familiar as the place as

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where some of us may have once upon a time dozed thru Econ 101 and similar lecture courses for the official U SAFA briefing: first the AOG update from Jim Shaw, then the “state ofthe Academy” briefing from the Superintendent, some of his senior staff, and a cadet Honor Representative. We were informed/ reminded that there is much going on at the Academy, and all is not as it was in our time similar to other aspects of the world and society. We were assured that all is in good, capable hands. The Superintendent took comments and questions. Hard ones were posed, some related to the Honor Code and its enforcement, which (my impression) seems a far cry from our time. The re -

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Seagram’s’Seven, again out in force.

Again, the evening wound down by inches, with folks eventually fading and drifting off, to prepare for the activities of Saturday.

Much of Saturday was free time, and a number of squadron groups assembled at area homes. Others used the time to golf, or explore old haunts, or sleep in.

In the afternoon which thankfully was mild and mostly windless and dry— -

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many traveled to the football stadium for a tailgate party, where again the mix was different and the mingling allowed for visiting with different sets of classmates, friends and families. Then into the stands, to watch and cheer as the falcons flew on cue, mostly / eventually found their lures, the Wing marched on, the stadium seats were oh so comfortable, and the game began. Flick Guerrina was in fine form, as always, in his ’67 cheerleader sweater, leading the crowd in a series of rousing cadet cheers of yesteryear including terms like “Horiado,” “Oooo sa sa sa,” “Rickety rickety ree, rickety rickety rass... etc.—that likely have not been heard since our last reunion... And no doubt due to our encouragement—it all worked, as the Falcons trounced UNLV in a hard fought game. Itmay have notall been prettybuthey-as the sayinggoes, “a kill’s a kill,” and it was another notch on the ’07 football victory belt. By the 4th quarter, the temperature had dropped about 30 degrees and the wind had picked up about 30 knots. Thus there was not much post-gaming in the parkinglot, as the crowd mostly headed back to the warmth of their billets, to prepare for the next day.

Sunday was the final wind-down breakfast, and all begem to drift away, with heartfelt farewells and best wishes and sincere promises to “let’s keep in better touch with one another” etc.

Then we went our separate ways.

Some additional comments: many have had interesting twists and turns to our lives, to where we now are—some career paths that are a far cry from the cadets and officers we started out to be in ’67. Many are nowfull-time or parttime retired, and generally loving it. Some who started with us but did not graduate joined us, and were welcome; as were family members of some of those who are now among the fallen. Many squadron activities were thoughtful and considerate e.g. CS-09 held a memorial at the USAFA Cemetery for Doug Ferguson, joined by Doug’s sister Sue Scott; and CS-07 donated a book collection presentation to the Library. Many others were... oriented differently, with liquid refreshments flowing freely. The men of Fighting OSI Class 67-G were well represented, with plans for the formation of some sort of quiz team, to win several million dollars on some national television venue.

No doubt some tales will be told in future reunions. Better yet share them with me, and I’ll be happy to share with all of us.

As a poetic post script, in a non-reunion activity, in follow-up to the previous Checkpoints —here is a photo of Don Shay’s memorial at Arlington:

information, please check the Class Website atwww.usafa68.org. If you have any questions or suggestions (e.g., class gift, social events, etc.), please forward them via website: usafa68reunion@aol.com.

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SummerVisit to Colorado. From left are Steve Staley Pat McBride, Rhip Worrell,

Scribe, Garry Dudley, and Carl Janssen.

SUMMERVISIT TO COLORADO: As summer plans went, this was another

great year for visiting family and friends. With interim stops in Monument and San Francisco before embarking on a cruise to Alaska, I called the “Classmate Hotline” in Colorado and received great support for get-togethers from Garry

Dudley and Carl Janssen. Garry set up a dinner with some of our crew in early June during the front end of my visit and Carl set one up at the back-end after stopping in Colorado before returning to Virginia. The photo was taken at a local C-Springs Italian restaurant, where the wine and conversation flowed continuously for several hours. To see the photo of the second group with Bill and Sue Eckert, Gary and Nancy Vasek, Craig Baer, and Carl and Debbie Janssen, please visit the Class website.

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The Gillette Family at Diana’s Wedding. Glenn is to the left of the bride (Diana) and Jeannieis behindhim with kids, parents, sisters, and a fewmore relatives included throughout thephoto.

BREAKING NEWS FROM CENTENNIAL: After sending an SOS for some

class news, Glenn Gillette checked in with an update from Centennial, CO. Using well-honed IT skills from his Air Force career, Glenn spends most of his time consulting and writing computer software for Triple-Protection Auto Care,

Anotherfallen comrade: Don Shay’s memorial at Arlington.

Howto sum up our cadet experience, and our following life experiences,

and our current states, and our 40 th reunion experience? I give up. It was what it was, and what we made of it; and it is what it is, and we are who we are. I do not think any of that is bad.

Again, thanks to Paul, and the spouses, the AOG support staff, and all others who contributed to making our 40 th a great success. Thanks also to our current AOG Board members and class Senate rep for stepping up to the tough challenges which face the AOG and the Academy, and thanks to those who stepped up in the past, to move the AOG and the Academy to where we now are. Well done.

With that have a great end-of-2007 and best wishes for the Holidays and 2008! Thanks for your service! Vaya con Dios!

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Tim Davidson

9712 Hidden Valley Road

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Members

Vienna, VA 22181-6094

(703) 255-5313 Fax: (703) 255-5377 E-mail: timd@erols.com

which sells after-market programs (oil changes, etc.) and identity-protection products to automotive-related dealerships. Beyond his day job, however, Glenn says he would rather be writing fiction. As Glenn notes, “Learning the craft and trying to sell my stories take up most of my spare time. While I did sell a few some time ago (see www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/eBookl 145.htm), getting back into the entertainment business is proving to be quite a

challenge.”

From their family news department, Glenn and Jeannie

delighted with the marriages of two of their daughters and the addition of two sons-in-lawin 2007. They were also excited for the success oftheir other daughter who fulfilled a dream since junior high school to work on Broadway.

She is currently working as the assistant stage manager in the Disney musical production of Tarzan where she runs the aerial work and has become good friends with Phil Collins. Following combat in Iraq as a Marine, their son left the service and is now attending the University of Colorado in Denver with a major in engineering. As Jeannie limps around with a broken ankle, they are not mnning many marathons these days, but they do hope to cruise the Mexican Riviera in January 2008. Thanks for the great update, Glenn!

AFA- USNA GAME: The sun shone brightly as the temperature percolated in the mid-70s with a clear Air Force blue sky and a beautifully clipped field of Norman Rockwell-esque green grass. As the enthusiasm for Falcon football mounted to a fever pitch, I asked myself, could there be any better day to play football than right here and now? And, my inner voice responded, “No! This

were

HELLO’68! ATTENTION IN THE AREA! Seasons’ Greetings and best wishes

for a bountiful 2008! Block out the dates on your electronic do -dads and make travel reservations for Colorado Springs from 1-4 October 2008 so you can th j oin in the revelry of our 40 Class reunion. Reunion headquarters will be the Embassy Suites and we will be seeking to wrest the Commander-in-Chief’s trophy away from the “Squids” for the first time in six years. To get the latest 104

Visit the AOG Web Site.

Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and More!

www.usafa.org

able to accommodate all the accumulated pictures. From among those promised then is the following shot taken in August on the occasion of the Class of 2009’s Commitment Dinner. Bugs Forsythe, Wally Moorhead, lohn Young, Steve Edelman, David Wagner, Mike Goode, Terry Brady, Bob Troy, Ron Hindmarsh, Mike Cook, Flip Keck, joe Personett, and myself pose before we

headed off to Champs for Fat Tires under the stars.

Dinner at Mike’s afterAFA-USNAgame. From left are Bob Johnston, Dave Prevost, Scribe, Steve McPhail, MarkTorreano, and Jim Seevers. Notpictured but seen at the game: Charlie Coolidge, Paul Flynn, Bruce Gerrity, and Bill Sasz. is the day and this is the time for Air Force to end Navy’s reign as the King of ”

Service Academy football! For the first half and well into the third quarter, the Falcons and the Rams squared offwith seismic hits and competitive mns and passes. But, somewhere between the second portion of the third quarter and

lapses in the fourth, the game went south and our cadets came up a little short. Despite the fifth straight loss to Navy, our '68 contingent cheered throughout the game and rejoined at our favorite restaurant just west ofAnnapolis at Mike’s to commiserate how close we came to winning on the fields of friendly strife. With a cry of “Wait until next year! we went out sepath rate ways and vowed to j oin up again in Falcon Stadium for our 40 Reunion and cheer on our team to victory. For more photos taken during the game, please see our Class website. a few defensive

”

’68ers at2007Airlift TankerAssociation Conference. From left are Scribe, Bill Begert, Charlie Coolidge, Charlie Holland, "Bob Daley,” TonyRobertson, Bob Durham, Carl McPherson, and Mike Moffitt.

2007AIRLIFT TANKER ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE: After a 21 -year absence since my last attendance at theAirlift Tanker Association Conference, I had

the pleasure of attending the 2007 rendition at the enormous Gaylord Opryland Resort and Conference Center in Nashville, TN. Shortly after arriving, I headed

back to the lobby area with a friend, when from within the midst of the huge crowd registering for their rooms I heard a familiar voice shout, “Hey, Dad! As I stared in utter disbelief, there was my daughter, Major Melissa (Davidson) Cunningham (USAFA ’96), who had just arrived at the resort with her husband, ”

Fred (USAFA ’94), from Colorado. It was their first A/TA and none of us realized we would be at the same conference together. Needless to say, this was a clear sign of more serendipity than a body can stand! In addition to seeing family and many friends, this largest A/TA conference (4,400 attendees), gave some of us from ’68 a chance to commune with one another for three days and nights. The

photo shows eight of us who were there, and we used a very dear friend, legendary airlifter, and A/TA Hall of Fame member, Major General lim The Bagger” Baginski, USAF (Retired), as a stand-in for Bob Daley, who we fully expected to be among us at this gala event. During the 4-Star Generals Panel, Charlie Hoiland and Tony Robertson were on the stage giving their views on the state of affairs for the Airlift and Tanker Communities, while Bill Begert, Charlie Coolidge, “

Mike Moffitt, Carl McPherson, Bob Durham, and I listened with rapt attention and engaged in a side conversation or two.

THAT’S AWRAP: Mind the flak; keep ’em flying, and keep those cards, letters, e-mails, and photos coming in to Pat Russell and me. Please go to the class website to see photos included in this column in color and in full size.

Supporting ’69’s Legacy Class of2009.

Rich Hagelin writes from the great Northwest (Spokane) that he is busy with as much skiing, scuba diving, and grandchildren spoiling as he can work into his days. Chris and Christa Curtis stopped by for a visit, and followed up with a trip to see Steve and Carla Kirby in Sandpoint, ID. Rich also mentioned, and many of you know it already, that in August, the CSAF awarded 2006’s prestigious Sijan Award to none other than Matt Allen (USAFA ’99), Tom and Anne Allen’s son, for his service in “classified locations.” Like father, like son! Huge congratulations to Team

Allen for this prodigious accomplishment.

Two ’69er-authored books have been published over the past year, both worth your reading time. Darrel Whitcomb, one of the nation’s leading experts on combat search and rescue, continues his excellence in that field in Combat Search and Rescue in Desert Storm. Published by the Air University Press, the book follows on Darrel’s earlier work (The Rescue ofBat 21), serves as a historical record of SAR efforts during that conflict, and discusses lessons learned with an eye towards enhancing future SAR operations. In a different vein, Jim Gonzales’s GUNNY Memoirs ofMobile’s South Side: Riding Alabama’s Tide ofWhite Supremacywas a labor of love, family style, and a historical retrospective on Mobile’s cultural, political, and racial heritage from 1915 to 1965, with Jim’s father (Gunny) and his principled stand at its core. For those of you who grew up or spent time in the south, much in the book from will ring true, from oysters and grits to baseball and magnolias to social tensions. It’s also enjoyable for terrific lines like this: “We reminisced in a drowsy sort of way, turning leaves on the family tree like bees combing azaleas.” Wow! The USAFA ’69 connection surfaces in Jim’s book in several places. Published in July, with Ron and Terry Hindmarsh attending the ceremony, it is featured at www.academybooks.net. Congrats to Darrel and Jim

noteworthy contributions.

In a ceremony marking the 25 th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, special assistant to the SecAF John Wheeler cited AF Chief of Chaplains Charlie Baldwin, a helicopter rescue pilot during Vietnam and our last man on active duty, as one of the many blue-suiters who “played a major role in keepon such

ing names offthe wall.”

LA-based Stan Rosen, after his USAF and Boeing careers, and his two-year stint with Alvin Toffler, has switched gears and is now President of the nonprofit Association for Strategic Planning. And, from the uniformed ranks, Roger Lempke, honcho of the Nebraska National Guard, stepped down recently. On to other green fields. Congrats, both.

Steve and Rochelle Edelman jumped on the tidal wave of ’69ers taking to biking for recreation and travel. They spend six days cycling 300 km from

Amsterdam to Brugge, Belgium. Cycling into headwinds made for greater than usual caloric intake, and the Dutch and Belgian ales and cheeses were wel-

Ciao for now. Tim

Lindsey Parris 616 King’s Cloister Circle Alexandria, VA 22302 Home: (703) 836-3604

66 % mwi ci m bd

E-mail:

102177.1033@compuserve.com

Greetings of the season, with hopes our Falcons prevailed in whichever bowl game they play. Due to space limitations, the preceding Checkpoints was un-

Bob Bell, Steve Sturm, and Steve Edelman in Brussels.

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come. To recover,

they took a train up to Brussels, where they convened for

dinner with Bob andVibeke Bell and Steve and Anne Sturm. Steve reports Bob and Steve were kind enough to switch to English for dinner.

Also on a European getaway, AOG-sponsored, were Bugs and Judy Forsythe, who spent a week in the French Alps and on Lake Garda in northeast Italy.

In September, Chip and CarollAmbrose and Jean and I joined Dan and Jeannie Thomas, for the Gathering of Mustangs and Legends Air Show at Columbus’s

Rickenbacker Field. Some 80 P-51 s, lined up on the tarmac, the largest gathering ofthis remarkable aircraft since a bygone time, offered a walk down memory lane. OtherWWII aircraft, including P-38s, P-40s, P-47s, B-25, B-29, B-17, and a Lancaster bomber also evoked that era in the air and on the ground. The world’s best acrobatic pilots strutted their stuff, the F-22 aerial demo showed the quarter-million in attendance the difference between 4th and 5 lh -generation fighters (if you haven’t seen the Raptor live, then get thee to an airshow, and be amazed!), and the moving tribute to the Tuskeegee Airmen in attendance all made it one ofthe finest airshows imaginable. It is not often that the Thunderbirds are not the main event—but this was assuredly a P-51 and legends weekend.

Chip’s father and father-in-lawpiloted the Mustang, so the show was especially poignant for him. Thanks to Dan for making it all possible.

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Old Guys with an Old Bird!

Thanks to Roy and Lindsay Coppinger’s organizing and inherently eleemosynary (his word, not mine!) nature, several ’69ers converged on Portland (Oregon) in September for an eight-day golfing extravaganza spanning Portland’s terrific courses and the already-fabled links layouts at Bandon Dunes. Among the 1 6 participants were David Wagner, Les Dyer, Steve Cherry,

Dick Rauschkolb

130 Luxury Lane

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Members

Colorado Springs, CO 80921 H: (719) 761-5764

Cell: (719) 310-6928 Email: AOG70@comcast.net

A hearty congratulations to Gregg Popovich on his selection as one of this

year’s honorees for the Academy’s highest honor—the Distinguished Graduate Award. I worked with General Ron Yates, ’60 to establish this award about

eight years ago and was part ofthe selection committee until this year. I can tell you that the competition for selection is very competitive among the Academy’s many distinguished graduates and Gregg’s selection is indeed a great honor. The award is given for exceptional service to the nation. Gregg is not getting this award for his four NBA Championships, but for giving his time, talent and treasure to the San Antonio community and Academy while representing the ideals we hope are instilled 43 in every Academy graduate. He is the youngest graduate by Sabre Society five years to receive this honor. While Popo may not be able Doners to make the dinner on the first Friday in April because ofthe Spurs BB schedule, we need to have a large Seventy turnout at the dinner in his honor. I am confident several members ofhis family will be there and Popo is going to make a video to be shown at the event. Mega-kudos to Popo and Erin —we are proud of you!

Another classmate who continues to excel is John Penney who won the Unlimited Gold Class at the National Championship Air Races in Reno. Speedy Martin and Doug Norton were there and indicated John flew in a WWII Bearcat, Rare Bear, a perennial crowd favorite, and recorded an average speed of 477 and change. At the end ofthe race, he found he had a stuck throttle and had to use up whatever fuel remained and do a picture perfect dead stick landing— thrilling the crowd to the last. This isn’t John’s first win—I know he has done it on several occasions. Last year he won in the Jet Class. Way to go John—an incredible world-class achievement in flying skill!

Mike (and Linda) Beezley, John Buckner, Roy, and myself, with Dick Swanson and Jeff Tobolski on board for the Portland legs of the trip. The golf courses and weather couldn’t have been better, the golfingitselfcouldhave been (Linda, ensconced in the Estrogen Isolation Booth, and impervious therefore to the shenanigans of the rest, was a humbling presence), and the highlight was a marvelous dinner consumed in front of USAFA’s stirring come-from-behind overtime win over TCU. In an attempt to enhance swing biomechanics, four took to a blackberry patch for serious cross-training. Pictured are Beez, using brambles to promote delicacy around the green; Buck, working his left-hand grip; Les, mugging for the camera; and Roy, ever vigilant on the set-up. These methods did not help, but the blackberries were delicious.

John Penney and Doug Norton Celebrate John's win at National Champion-

shipAirRaces.

How about them Falcons! Troy Calhoun and his staff did a great j ob coaching

the boys to a 9-3 record, second place in the MWC, and a berth in the Armed Forces Bowl in Ft. Worth on New Year’s Eve. It was a remarkable season and if you haven’t seen our outstanding back, Chad Hall, make sure you check out the bowl game. Ed Epping, Larry and Marleen Bush and Jim and Sandy Kauppila watched the Falcons maul the Fighting Irish in South Bend. Jim and Beth Bechtel hosted a great post-game social at their home in Annapolis after a game we should have won against the Middies. According to Wild Wood Woodhead: Doug Norton, Wild Bill Stealey, Angus MacDonald, Doug Carlson, Beez Buck RoyandLes during cross-training workout. ,

,

To Bruce Andersen, Flip Keck, Brian Nelson, Jeff Grime, Tom Keck, Mike

Goode, Scott Bench, Gerry Schwartzel, Ron Marcotte and others of you golf-

ing addicts—don’t miss Bandon if your Wheel of Fortune Golfing Spin points that way! I’ll provide a more complete update on the 40 th Reunion in the next edition. We are fortunate that planner non-pareil Glenn Schlabs has agreed to shepherd (again!) the Reunion through the hoops. Looking at a football weekend, perhaps Army, in the fall. Keep your calendars as clear as possible! Class gift donation drive is still under way, and David Wagner and I will send you an update via snail mail. All best until next time. Lindsey Visit the AOG Web Site.

Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and More!

www.usafa.org 106

John Pomeroy, George Keys, Darryl Lundgren and significant others attended the game and enjoyed some adult beverages at Jim’s home.

Another great ’70 party was hosted by Rich and Nanci Downing after our victory over Army. There was a huge turnout for a great dinner and lots of good cheer. I am sure I will miss someone, but here is an attempt at listing attendees: Keith Bennett, CJ Bohn, Jim Breckwald, Larry Bush, Chris Dunbar, Curt Emery, Mark Ewig, Gary Finley, Dave Gaw, Bill Hamill, Rich Harrington, Roger Hill, Rick Humke, Craig Johnson, Bill Kirkman, Rick Lesch, Mike Lyons, Steve Maclsaac, Bob Mack, Henry Mitchell, Ray Oakeshott, Mike Paddock, Bill Porter, Gerry Shaw, Dave Smith, Larry Tieman, MikeTorreano, Larry Vaughn and Cook Villareal. Almost all men were accompanied by significant others

and a great time was had by all. It was good to see Barbara Bang there and it was sad to think that Carl left us a few short months ago. Thanks to Rich and Nanci for again putting up with the rowdy ’70 crowd—although—as we get older those rowdy evenings get shorter!

Short note on the Falcons BB prospects this year. We have a very young team and won’t have the success of the past fewyears. Nevertheless, we have some very good young players and will surprise some teams. As I write this, we just

dropped a 71 -62 game to number sixWashington State after leading most ofthe game. This team has a lot of no-quit in them—so keep the faith.

Marilyn and I got to spend some time with Mike Huber’s charming bride, Melissa, and their son, Charles, '97, (who I commissioned) as well as his beautiful wife, Susan, and their two wonderful daughters after the FB game for Charlie’s reunion. It was a great time; we wish Mike had been there but rumor has it he was kidnapped by a Phantom on his way to Colorado. That didn’t deter us from enjoying some adult beverages, a great steak, and doing some karaoke until the restaurant kicked us all out.

Dan Murphy dropped me a note indicating he had retired from FEDEX after 23 years and the Colorado Guard after 22 years. He has a beautiful granddaughter. Big news in Mark Ewig’s late Christmas letter—Kristie was named teacher ofthe year at Air Academy High School. Way to go Kristie—I always knewyou were the better teacher in the family having taught with Mark at USAFA many moons ago. Bad news from John Lipp —his longtime girlfriend, Susan, passed away after battling Lou Gehrig’s disease the last 18 months. Our condolences John. Talked to Terry Dessert, Chuck Weir, and Dusty Swanson —all men are doing well. Dusty’s and Rose Ann’s son Ryan came through a long ordeal with his illness and is currently on the road to recovery. Carol Huneycutt is in Singapore as the Regional Director ofTraining for Alteon/Boeing for the next two years. Terry Sylvester enjoyed the summer in northern NYbefore heading

south to Ft. Walton Beach for the winter. Mark and Deb Robbins are in Culpeper, VA. Their son is an F- 15E IP in Lakenheath. I saw Jay and Chris Barry at one of the FB games, but we didn’t have a chance to chat as we were both getting heading in different directions for the start of the game. George Cato checked in and his health is doing well—he promises to stay in touch more. I am sure Joe Boyles echoes the feeling of many classmates who were glad to see BJ Bjorkland and John Hatleid featured in the last issue of Checkpoints. Steve Berta and BGen Olds were also in the issue. Hard to believe Robin Olds is no

longer with us—he always seemed larger than life.

As you know, the Class of 2010 is our legacy class and it recently had a dinner honoring their Class Exemplar—Lt. Frank Luke from WWI. Ifyou haven’t read about Frank Luke, you should. Seems like he would have fit in nicely with our class. He was prone to ignore or disregard regulations and his flying accomplishments were legendary. Members of our class were invited to attend and while the turnout was disappointing, it was a great evening. It was a special occasion for Seventy, because Oker O’Connor’s son Brian is in 2010 and we enjoyed spending time with him. Oker also has a son at West point. Marilyn and I saw them both at the Army game. They are great young men and if they are representative of today’s cadets, the future of our country is in good hands.

The next big event for 2010 will be the Acceptance Dinner next August. Let’s have a great turnout from the Colorado Seventy contingent for that occasion.

Honoring Our Fallen Classmates at the Vietnam Memorial. Fromleftare John Pomeroy, Mick Rosenblatt, A1 Wurglitz, Doug Carlson, Ron Kelly, Chip Terrill, George Keys, Dick O’Connor, Lee Me Kinley, Yogi Royce, Grant Aufderhaar, Dave Sterling, Greg Woodhead, and Angus MacDonald. Ray McKelvywas there too. Way to go men!

anything in mind, give me a call. Marilyn is trying to see if I can hook on at McDonalds—I make a mean burger!

Marilyn and I extend our best wishes to you all for a very happy Holiday Season and a healthy New Year!

Paul D. Knott

52 % Members

5565 Lantana Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80920 H: (719) 570-9162 W: (719) 594-0100 E-mail:

pknott@acninc.net

Greetings to the Falcon nation! Hope thatyourholiday season was celebratory and fun. The biggest disadvantage ofwriting a quarterly column is that I know now that the football team had a great season, but when you are reading this, will the Falcons have gone to a bowl game, did they do well, and how many members of the team will have been included in post-season award ceremonies? And how is the basketball team doing?

On a sad note, Larry Brand passed away in June. My condolences to his

family and friends.

On a much happier note, Andrea and I have been discovering the joys of grandparenting through our first, Delaney Mary Kathleen. I know that some of you are reading this and wondering what all the fuss is about, and others are just nodding in agreement. So far, she is a healthy and happy baby. I have of course introduced her to Falcon

football, and she seems to take in the pag-

eantry and pretty colors. Not as informed in her opinions as, say Darryl Wimberley, but she is learning.

Sam Clovis wrote recently from the Heartland, where he is a professor of economics, public and business policy at a small college in Northwest Iowa.

“In my last job before returning to college life, I was an analystwith the Homeland Security Institute in Arlington, VA. When I was preparing to leave that organization, I was asked to stay

part-time employee, working and researching from my home base inlowa. The situationhas been a very good one for both sides. I do a great deal of research in national preparedness public policy and travel back to DC several times a year to collaborate on projects that support FEMA and the preparedness directorate ofthe Department of Homeland Security. I enjoy a good working relationship with both the Institute and DHS so I stay very busy with research, policy development and implementation.

“My wife, Charlotte, is a writing specialist here at Morningside and her son (my step-son) Khan is a student here as well. We make it a full day on campus nearly every day of the week. Khan writes for the school paper and is an aspiring journalist with his eye on Rolling Stone. We have a nice place in the country with plenty of room for our dogs, the pheasants, deer and other critters who pass through. The setting is serene and very satisfying.

“I can say without equivocation that my time at the academy and my associaon as a

Seventy Men Are Proud of2010! Fromleftare Tooey Emery, the Phantom, Oker O’Connor, RickBereit, Dave Gaw, Larry Bush, Roger Hill, and John Gallagher.

I went to the cemetery on Memorial Day to pay our respects to our fallen

classmates. It is sad to see more ofthem each year and sobering to realize that someday you will be there to join them in the beautiful setting. A1 Wurglitz did something very special. He sent out an email reminding everyone that September 17 th was the 35 th Anniversary of Mike Turose being shot down over North Vietnam. He invited classmates to join him at the Vietnam War Memorial to pay respects to Mike, John Haselton, Fran Townsend, Mike Blassie, Dick

Christy, Steve Gravrock, Art Hardy, Bill Hargrove, and Gil Rovito. This was a great idea and many classmates from around the globe contacted A1 and said they would be there in spirit. As Tom Waskow eloquently said in an email, “The sacrifices of our classmates on the wall prove that freedom isn’t free.”

I want to close by thanking all of you who wrote letters, emails, called, and contacted me after I departed the AOG. I deeply appreciate your kind words and comments—they mean a lot coming from my classmates. I was blessed with a very talented staff who will continue to do excellent work to support you and the graduate community. I salute them for making me look good. I have been feverishly looking for a job here in the Springs so if you have —

”

tion with my classmates were the most influential elements of my adult life.

The experience of achieving so much and in getting to know so many decent, honest and talented men have meant so much to me. When things were less than smooth a fewyears ago, I found great comfort and strength in remember-

ing my classmates and our days at the academy. Subsequendy, I have found peace in my life in that I found anew calling, a wonderful woman with whom to share my life and a future still bright with faith and hope.”

Life in the Springs is still going well, but with the downturn in the real estate market, our office is quieter than we’d sometimes wish. One big advantage that we have is that we can, with our contacts in the industry, help folks out not only with finding an agent to sell their home in Colorado, but we can refer you to good people to buy a new home wherever, or to find a quality mover when you 107

get there, or fix up the house you have. If you or a friend are faced with situations like that, let me know.

Bob Bell

13 Pacific Ave.

k

Hemiief8 A

Sinking Spring, PA 19608 (610) 678-3182/Fax: 678-4513 E-mail: rabell767@aol.com

Well here we are again, already several weeks after the phenomenal 35 th reunion, and I have gathered some thoughts from a few ofyou who have already written. There will hopefully be more after the rest ofyou see this column, and th we can continue comments on the 35 event for several more issues. The first remarks received were from Class President Scott Sturman and are presented here: No one needs to convince the attendees ofthe 35th class reunion that it proved to be a worthwhile experience. From the weather to the social functions and the memorial services, the highlights were diminished solely by those who could not attend. Indeed, much of the planth ning for the 40 will involve an attempt to reunite as much of the class as possible in2012.

For many of us the Academy was a bitter sweet experience in a difficult time. The reunion atmosphere puts these contentions aside and emphasizes the rekindling of old friendships and recounting escapades that become more hilarious and exaggerated as the years progress.

Before attending the memorial service in the Cadet Chapel, a number of us walked through our old squadron area. Much had changed, but while walking down a hallway I noticed a cadet leaving her room and locking the door behind her. “Excuse me.” I said. “What are you doing?” She replied all cadets are required to lock their doors. This probably comes as no surprise to those of you who have remained abreast ofAcademy politics, but for someone who has had little exposure to these nuances, it was a shock.

In our time at the Academy one did not lock doors. In the morning one could leave a $20 bill in open view on a desk, and it would be there undisturbed that night. This concept based on the Honor Code separated the Academy from all other institutions. It epitomized the ideal character traits expected for both military officers and civilian leaders. Despite proclamations to the contrary, it is difficult not to question how cadet life and its relation to the Honor Code have changed in fortyyears. If the Honor Code and cadet behavior as we knew it are incompatible presently at the Air Force Academy, where can it be found?

Have political considerations undermined the foundation of cadet moral training? For many politicians honor is an inconvenience, but for those who are accountable it is unassailable.

Harvey LeCato headed the Reunion Committee which pulled off a flawless performance for this 35th reunion. He sent a brief note which included remarks he received from Kathy Horton, wife of our deceased classmate Chuck, and proud mom of C3C Jesse. Both Kathy and Jesse joined us at the reunion dinner as well as other events throughout the weekend. It seems appropriate to include these short remarks here for those of you who might have missed the e-mail that was sent out earlier: Harvey—First let me say thank you and the Class of 72 so very much from both Jesse and myself for making the reunion so wonderful for the two of us.

The warm reception we received and the unforgettable conversations we were engaged in will be remembered fondly by both of us for the rest of our lives.

Whether Jesse continues to hold the National Boxing title or not, that standing ovation will be a memory that will make every blow worth the pain. Jesse was heard to say that he was grateful for the rare opportunity to look forward through your (the class’s) eyes to get an indication ofwhat his life may have in store. I had to drag him out of there, almost the last two to leave, at 12:30 am because he was having such a great time. Again, thank you and the Class of 72 from every inch of our hearts!

We decided to huddle down during the football game over there on the east side ofthe stadium and try to stay warm instead of hiking over to the high high seats where the class of 72 was perched. Just looked too cold and windy over there. We really enjoyed most of the game until it got so cold, I could hardly keep my teeth from chattering. That and I was practically falling asleep since my “date” wouldn’t leave the party until the very end the night before!

I have received a nice note from the Cannistracis and they were inquiring about Jesse’s boxing activities. I want to send them a link to the Boxing

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND

CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

108

scoreboard and the nice articles they always post, but they did not include an email address. Could you possibly give them mine, or give me theirs so that I can email them the links? By the way, the boxing season has officially begun at the AFA and Jesse has won his first Friday Night Fight of the season. If you send any more general emails to the class, you might include my email address so that if anyone is interested in Jesse’s future fights, they can email me. I would be thrilled to keep anyone who cares to follow how Jesse progresses. Thanks again, Harvey. Keep in touch. Kathy Doug “Mush” Brower sent some comments and pictures shortly after the reunion. During the reunion festivities, he graciously volunteered to allow himself to be elected by a majority of classmates who were present at what amounted to being probably our first-ever post-graduation Class Meeting.

Mush will be the Class Advisory Senate representative, or Class Senator serving in that capacity to our great benefit. The text of his message follows: Here are a couple of pictures from our 29 th get together at our house. What a great time and glad you could join us. I’m in Japan right now and trying to catch up on emails and pictures. Will be heading to HKG via the Philippines in about nine hours. Great weather over here.

Please pass on to the class in the next Checkpoints that their new Class Advisory Senate rep is trying to get all ofhis stuff in one basket and will have a mass email go out shortly concerning current CAS activities. I’m afraid I arrived in the midst of some critical actions in dealing with the AOG BOD. There are a couple of major issues we are working on and as soon as the AOG forwards me a list of contact info for the class I’ll get details “in the mail”. Meanwhile, if anyone has anything they feel like forwarding up to the Senate /AOG please have them email me at MushBrower@yahoo.com and I’ll gladly take care of it.

Thanks! That’s it for now. I’ll try to keep you posted on what’s happening as soon as I get it. Take care. Cheers... Mush

Eleven ofthe guys ofCS-29 at the pre-pre-gameparty. In back are Bill Dietrich, Jim Gormley, Ken Stone, Bill Chapman, Jerry Martin, and Pete Holm. Front:

Terry Schiessler, Phil Hudson, DavePrahler, TedSearles, and Doug Brower.

Your intrepid Scribe holding court among a few ofthe 29th wives, one ofhis

“favorite places” to be at the pre-pre-game party. In the back row are Cheryl Brower; Diane Searles, George Gormley, Susie, Maureen Dietrich, Dee (Holm) SuziMartin, and Kay Stone. Front: Rita Schiessler, Bob Bell, and MaryPrahler.

Now folks, there are just a few things that you may not be aware of, especially

if you were not able to attend this reunion to include the following in no par-

ticular order.

The CS-25 grads of 72, led by Jim “Yogi” Barr after the last reunion, came up with a uniquely individual glass case holding a dozen ofthose nice pewter shot

glasses mounted on the wall ofthe Doolittle Hall library (just to the right as you enter). This group effort is provided as a lasting token of remembrance to all fellow ’72ers who are welcome to make use of it anytime you are in the area. All that is needed is to retrieve the lockbox key from the front desk of Doolittle Hall; enjoy your toasts to who or whatever, and put things back in order as you leave.

The Class Pavers are completely installed out front of Doolittle Hall and provided a fitting focal point for our Class Memorial Paver Tribute ceremony

in which the roses are laid out honoring the 31 of our friends who have left us

much too soon. We were doubly honored in this event by the addition of several of the widows of our departed classmates. The ladies attending ineluded Sharon VanBastelaar, Kathy Horton, Sue Buschmann and Sheila

Harrington and they were welcomed with open arms by all present.

Not the first time, and hopefully not the last, we had the pleasure of renewing old friendships with some of our classmates who started with us in June 1968 but who did not graduate. Bob Moser with his wife Patsy as well as Jim Danielik made this repeat trip to Colorado meeting up again with many classmates who joined in the sharing of some great memories.

The Class of ’72 website is up and running courtesy of Tom Maddock after quite awhile and some expense on his part. We are still getting things in place, but the actual site does exist now as Classof72@usafa.org. Watch this column for future updates on its status.

Stay tuned also for the eventual listing of email addresses that have been collected during reunion registration for dispersal to the rest of us as soon as can be done. This is a great way to keep in touch with each other, and it may work out to be even better if used in conjunction with the above-mentioned class website.

Another factor to be considered is that there were many photos taken during this memorable weekend by individuals with the latest digital technology as well as good old fashioned film. It would be a great summary to have as many ofthose photos uploaded somehow to allow anyone else to view them. Ofthe ones I can recall, Mike Verzola comes to mind as well as several ofthe committee members who were out there flashing away, so let us see what you folks came away with.

By way of a wrap-up, just let me say that for the 180 or so guys and their loved ones who were able to attend this 35th reunion, the general consensus would have to be that it was well worth the time and effort, especially in light of the winning score put on the board by the Falcons as they kicked UNLV just a bit on a game night that turned typically cold in quick fashion by the fourth quarter. What all attendees surely hope for now is that plans being made for the “big 4-0” include the rest of our dear friends who may not have been able to attend this or even prior reunions. Let us mark that calendar right nowfor the Fall of 2012 which of course, will be coming faster than you know.

Joe Kahoe

4140 Saddle Rock Road

sented John with a framed photo from the 20 th Reunion and a Falcon football flag, both signed by all who were there. In addition to the Garrards, our group in Roxboro included Howard Mitchell, Mike Hub (and his

wife, Callie), Tom Kennedy (and his wife, Betty), Charlie Meyer (and his wife, Pam), Sam Torrey, Ken Adams, Bud Gammon and Rich Hayes. While some of us have crossed paths many times over the years, others had not seen one another for 34 years, but we reacquainted quickly and agreed the winner of the “Best Preserved” prize was Sam Torrey. As we gathered with John andAnn, it was a bittersweet time, and we could not help but also think of Tom Sporte and his wonderful family who lost a loving wife and mom, Betty, only afew days earlier.

26 abre Society I! 111! ci rs

As Buddy Gammon said, it is times like these that we understand why we went to

USAFA, andhowstrongthebondisthatwehaveastheClassof’ 73 continues to make a difference supporting our Country.

From left are Dr. MarkCoffman, Bill Patterson, Dr. Greg Chapman, Stalker

Reed, andAlNacke (all from CS-07) relaxing at Mark’s lake house in Texas.

(Two doctors and three airline pilots.)

From Johnny Whitaker (julwis@aol.com; H: 719-488-6862; O: 719-333-

7714). Ten 73 CS-16 Chickenhawks (most accompanied by their wives) rendezvoused for the AF-Army game on 3 Nov, “practicing” for our 35th reunion.

46 % Members

Colorado Springs, CO 80918 Cell: (719) 210-5568

joekahoe@gmail.com http://73.texascomputerhelp.com Class of 73, thankyou for your great inputs to our Winter 2007 article. Please start sending me good stufffor the Spring article now atjoekahoe@gmail.com.

My cell is 719-210-5568. (Respectfully, Joe Kahoe, CS-07, Class of 73 Scribe) Class web site: http://73.texascomputerhelp.com.

Words ffomTom Kennedy (CS-31, Grim Reapers): Nearly halfof31 st Squadron’s Grim Reapers converged on Roxboro, NC, on Nov 16-17,2007, to spend a great weekend honoring John and Ann Garrard and supporting them in their trying times. John flew KC- 135s and VC- 137s before retiring and flying for the airlines, but is now on long term disability with brain cancer. So the Squadron rallied in their support. John and Ann were wonderful hosts and provided their most

gracious southern hospitality as 9 of 20 grads spent two great days of quality time burning some steaks and embellishing quite a few stories. While we were told John would take care ofthe grilling, he took control of the grill. It’s a guy thing; we were guests at his house; he was the host, and it was his grill. We all looked at each other and nodded and smiled while Mitch discretely helped him. As the sun began to set on the beautiful North Carolina fall day, Bud Gammon pre-

Taken at the Chickenhawk tailgate at Falcon Stadium before theAF-Army game. Kneeling from left are Don Sutula, and Tom Mayberry. Standing: Charlie Stallworth, Willy Culbertson, Gene Ogilvie, Johnny Whitaker, Bill Gillin, John

Lauten, and GreggReinecke.

John Mann is running for school board, D38, and has a part time job as a USAFA tow pilot. John and Debby Regni’s daughter was recently married.

Checkout our 73 web site for a good article on Frank Klotz.

Ken Vargas: our son Erwin (USAFA 1999), boxing OIC at USAFA, got married in Sept to another grad: Courtney Hamrick (USAFA2002). Courtney flies C-17s atMcChordAFB. (more on web)

At the Navy Game, a mini- ’73 Reunion erupted completely coincidentally.

CS-31, Grim Reapers in back are Howard Mitchell, John Garrard, Mike Hub, andKenAdams. Center: Rich Hayes, TomKennedy, Sam Torrey, Bud Gammon,

From left are Lee Zimmerman (Nancy), Vic Thuotte (Connie), Bill Carpenter

Charlie and Pam Meyer. Front: Ann Garrard and Callie Hub with Buffy.

disappoin tment at the USAFA loss and enjoy the grea t day ofreuning.

(Jennifer), Don Pettit and GordyBendick (Alimony) who met to ‘Drown” their

109

Bill Lauritzen has a website: www.earth360.com and he just published an

ebook called The Invention of God. Don Rightmyer <drightmyer@yahoo. com> wrote: Six months into new job as Reference Librarian for the Kentucky Historical Society’s Research Library and loving every day.

Lee and Nancy Zimmerman (CS-15) now live in Columbia, SC. Heisalawyer in alawfirm and Nancy is a professor at University of South Carolina. Their daughter Renee ’02 (CS-15) and Chris Thuotte ’02 (CS-09) are married and working at Andrews AFB. Renee is currently deployed to Iraq.

Vic and Connie Thuotte are still living outside of Boston. Vic is a Senior IT Director specializing in IT protection and preventing Identity theft, and memher of the USAFA AOG Nominating Committee. Trapper Carpenter recently retired as Registrar at U SAFA after more than 34 years of continuous active duty.

He moved across the Terrazzo and part way down the Hill to become the Associate Athletic Director Recruiting Support (replacing Jim Bowman). Replacing the “Iconic Bo’’ will bean awesome task, but if anyone can do it, it’s Bill.

(After that plug Bill... can ’73ers count on you for tickets next season?) Don Pettit has retired from years ofLockheed-Martin and is running his own consuiting business in VA/MD, giving his expertise to any “three-letter agency” that needs it. To beat traffic he frequently stops in Old Town Alexandria to meet Gordy Bendick. Don also retired recently from the DC National Guard where he commanded the F-16 outfit. Gordy Bendick recently “retired” again from industry and is taking a hiatus from paying his daughter’s college bills only because they are paid up. He is hanging out in Old Town Alexandria and welcomes anyone to give him a call when they find that they “have fallen and need —

a drink to

get back up” along King Street.

Tim Dulcimer reports of a CS-14 mini reunion at Ralph Broderick’s place in

Georgia.

Mike Patton has working with FEMA for the last two years (three disasters, two in California and, of course, New Orleans), and my wife, Cynthia, and “little” girl spent a year in Cuernavaca, Mexico, (web site for great Patton fam-

They are, from left: Hank Yaap, Chuck “Cat” Stevens (our coach), Ed Mcllhenny, Pete Bechtel, and Don Kerley.”

Mike Cranford sent a note. He is still working out, but not in organized sports.

Mike flies the 777 out of O’Hare. He is working on his small-parts business and putting a T-28 back together while sitting Reserves for flying. John Sweda is still in the Hurlburt Field, FL area. He said hello and wanted to know who some of you were in a picture of Prep Schoolers at the last reunion. I learned that Steve Malutich and Sandy live near Houston, TXtoo. Steve runs a career school on the east end of town. We plan to get together some time to share notes! From the desk of Dave Daley in D.C., I learned that there is a career change for Ron Sega from working as Under Secretary of the Air Force, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, to be the Vice President for Applied Research, Colorado State University Research Foundation and Professor of Systems Engineering, College of Engineering, Colorado State

University, Ft. Collins, CO. Yeah, Ron. Andy and Luann Galik sent in some pics oftheir CS-15 classmates. War Eagles had a mini-reunion weekend in Chicago in August in conjunction with the Chicago Air and Boat Show.

It was organized by Mike and Gloria Pefley and we used their lovely home in South Barrington, IL as our reunion meeting point and party central. Of their squadron, 11 were able to attend, and ofthose 8 were able to bring their wives.

It was a great reunion and a good time was had by all. They attended a Cubs baseball game, toured Chicago, played golf, went to a horse race, saw a great air show with the Thunderbirds as main performers and had a great time meeting and partying with each other over the four days. Steve Andersen, who used to command the Thunderbirds, was able to get us into the Thunderbird Guest section and we had a great view of the air show.

ily update) Note from Mitch about our 35th Reunion... next year’s football schedule

does not come out until after the 1 st ofthe year and therefore cannot yet schedule our reunion, butwe are startingthe dialogue. Chair: H. J. “Mitch” Mitchell --I’ll do it but would like a co-chair that is in the local area. Co-Chair: Doug “Spider” Richardson —spends most ofhis time in Omaha so would like a local to volunteer to pick this up. Memorial and Wedding Vows, John Stefonik; Prep School Reunion, Joel Carlson; Class Gift, Jim Vitelli, Mike Turner and Ron Thomas; GolfTournament, Dave Brown; Merchandise, Kirk Samelson; Class

Dinner, Dave Harmon; Optional Events, Trapper Carpenter; Lost Souls, Dennis Haugh; Squadron POC Coordinator and Adviser to the Chair, Sam Grier; POC at the AOG, Lani Wing. Also we need to start thinking about the slate of officers to be re-elected at the reunion. Current officers elected at the reunion: President, Mitch Mitchell; Vice President, Mike Turner; Treasurer, Trapper

Carpenter; Secretary, John Stefonik; Sergeant-at-Arms, BJ Stanton; Morale Officer, Kirk Samuelson; Mister Without Portfolio, Al Maurer. Appointed after the reunion: 1973 Rep to theAOGs Class Advisory Senate, Bob Munson.

The’74 members ofCS-15 for the Gathering ofEagles2007. In thebackrow from left are Steve Resnick, Charlie Holley, GarySambuchi, Mike Pefley, Scott Murphy, Bob Ain andBob Brooke. FrontRow: GaryBaldwin, Scott Hoke, Andy Galik and Steve Andersen.

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jbrezovic@comcast.net joseph.brezovic-l@nasa.gov Hello classmates across the globe! No matter where you are, I imagine you still get a good beat ofthe heart to think of those thrilling yesteryears of athletic prowess 7,250 feet above sea level, beautiful skies, ahh, such memories. Well, here is a picture of a few of us recapturing those thrilling moments of success and agony. Pete Bechtel sent in this photo and his memory of this summer event! These are our class representatives who played for the recent2007 USAFA Graybirds team at the Vail Lacrosse tournament this year. Pete wrote: “Fools that they are... None of us got hurt (except our pride because our record was 2 wins and 3 losses). But it was awesome to be playing with the zooms again.

-

The Prettier Mates at the Gathering2007. From left, Gloria Pefley, Phyllis

Baldwin, Stephanie Hoke, NancyBrooke, Kathy Sambuchi, Dolores Resnick, LuAnn Galik and MaryAndersen.

A short history ofclassmates follow from the pen and memory of Dean Dorsey

(living in Eugene, OR), who reports being a first time grandfather to a baby girl. Dean wrote in on his old roommate Robin Scott. Perhaps it twangs a string in your memory? Dean writes that he was invited to his old roomie’s retirement, that he cannot recall being so honored, awestruck and just darn proud of his old roomie and best bud forever. Dean retired out of the service as a captain. Dean tells: (Robin) has always been one of those guys that you had to stay on your toes to keep up with. Like for instance, we both purchased identical cars as seniors—1973 Dodge Challengers, 340ci, 4 barrel models with black vinyl top, strobe stripes, Hurst pistol-grip 4-speed slap shifters, rally wheels, and all options, metallic silver with black interior. Exactly the same. The only difference was in the VIN numbers of both cars... one number “

Reliving the ’74 Team Spirit!

110

difference on the end. And of course, one other difference—he owned his and I owned mine. Within a month, his looked better, sounded better, drove better, was faster, handled better and never had any major problems. Even his

after-market 8-track player was installed better and his had hood pins that looked cooler and the header exhausts he added had that little more macho rumble than my did and didn’t consistently melt his spark plug wires like mine did, even when I wrapped them with the special kryptonite tape. When I was driving my beautiful blonde date back to Denver after the June Week ball, my car died alongside the freeway about oneo’clockin the morning, strandingus. I had to hitchhike in my penguin outfit with her in her white gown so we could get to a phone and I could call for a tow truck. Yea, it makes for a funny story now. That’s just a litde vignette that’s testimony to Scotty’s world as compared to the one the rest of us get to live in. I was the handball champ, but hey, he played the guitar. I made the Dean’s list but he was smarter. And he could do that little thing with the saber where you slap it up against your shoulder and I would hit the side of my face and put a red mark on my right cheek. How does that saying go, Sleep tight, your Air Force is awake’? Well, that’s why it was great being his roommate. I knew if there was a problem, he would take care of it. I always slept very well.” Thank you,

before he reported. In the picture, you can see the names tattooed on his left arm. One ofthe names on his arm is SPC Ross McGinnis. His family will receive his Medal of Honor on December 4th at the White House. This will be the second anniversary ofhis death. He fell on a grenade and saved the lives offour others.

He was 19 years old. I guess the lesson to be learned is never give up on your kids.

‘

Lynne, for flying cover for your husband, Robin.

Thankyou all, class of '74, for working together, givingyour best as you meet the challenge, everyday and in every way... so we and the free world can sleep better.

Gary Elliot, thankyou for the article and workingwith Vickie Lowery for classmate Buck Lowery in the Gone, But Not Forgotten column for this past issue.

That’s all I can fit in at this time. I have one carry-over picture and a short note for next time as starters. Please send in your Christmas newsletters and pic-

Randy Powell and son Ross

mates and your family; may you live long and prosper.

Fred Weems: Loath I am to admit it, but I’m an attorney too. I have my own firm that I call “Fly By Night Legal Services”. I have no office, no staff, don’t do paperwork, and don’t talk to clients. All I do is argue in court for other lawyers who don’t want to have to drive all the way out here. In my busiest times I’m in

Paul Kent

My most rewarding endeavor is supporting a non-profit called Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes (with Heroes being our severely wounded troops).

18166 S.E. 41st Place

Tom Barbera: I retired and took the summer off and traveled with family in

tures—we are anxious to hear about and see what you look like now!

[Note

that pictures on letters come out too grainy to resolve.. .I’m still trying to restore one to be recognizable.] Wishing Merry Cheer and Blessings to all. Class-

court every other Wednesday afternoon, and I get paid with sushi. Chip Diehl:

Europe for a couple ofmonths. My plan was to take a year off still wish I had but took a nice job offer in an anesthesia practice. Mike Anderson: I got picked up for a Congressional Stennis Fellowship. Doesn’t mean I have a new job. It just became an additional duty. RicLewallen: We are in the process of moving... again. Moving to Birmingham. We are excited, but tired about the prospect of moving to our 20th house in 30 years of marriage.

Jim Waller: I ’m off to Kenya for a spell and then will be back.

Steve Hussey: I’m doing well in Bangalore, but spent my birthday weekend in Dubai.

Tom Knabel [Minnesota bridge collapse]: I am fine, despite being fairly shocked by the bridge collapse. It is only a couple ofmiles from my house. Bill Ladd: My son really wants to go to USAFA and fly in the AF. We sent him to USAFA Fencing camp this summer. He was stoked, and we are lucky enough —

Issaquah, WA 98027-9717 Mobile: (425) 785-3586 E-mail: zooscribe@mac.com

Classmates. Don Henney’s son Dan graduated USAFA2007. “Got to tell you this was a pretty emotional event for me. 32 years later commissioning your kid and seeing him receive that diploma at Falcon Stadium. God has been very good to us! Lord willing our #2 son, Joe, follows in '09 andmaybe#3 son, Caleb, in 16 if his interest continues. Thanks to Larry Bryant’s mentorship and Bentley

Rayburn’s support, both Dan and Joe got steered to the Falcon Foundation which provided the opportunity to attend USAFA. Dan is now in the Cyber Comm career track (per input from Dale Meyerrose) So, this network thing works pretty well! While at the Academy I had the pleasure ofrunning into Marc Hallada at the graduation parade. His son Frank also graduated in ’07.” .

—

to have him trainingwith a former member ofthe Soviet Na-

tional Fencing team, who now teaches here in Hawaii. Joe Kahiapo: Greetings Dave Commons [on his move to Hawaii] to your home away from home. We’ll be looking forward to seeing you and your family. Doug Miller: I set up a new program to help low-income parents return to a two-year college. I now work as a defense contractor. My son is flying F-16s at Kunsan, Korea. Bill Murray: I’ve been feeling GREAT! Say a little prayer for our troops in Iraq that are laying down their lives so that we can go on vacation. Marv Kobza and his wife Cheryl came into Dallas for a visit. Also, Judy and I just returned from the Great Northwest and a visit with Paul “Ollie” Hansen.

From Dennis Brooks: My art is in museums, but I don’t have anything else to do with them. Check www.ss42.com under Free Paper Models. All these models were donated to Children’s Hospitals, some of almost 400 over the last several years. Mark Volcheff has thrown his name in the hat to be nominated for the AOG Board of Directors vacancy. Says Mark: “I have the desire, I have no conflicts, I live in C-Springs and I think I can bring a good perspective to assist our graduates and the present and future cadets who will one day fill our ranks.

It will be great to have a voice on the AOG from our Class. Good luck Mark, and thanks for stepping up. Mark adds: It struck me that while we support our school and our class in manyways we can do so even more openly by showing our class spirit on an AF football jersey! I have researched some dealers procuring Air Force Academy football jerseys with Number 75 on it and the best deal so far is our very own Ben Bosma! Order at http: / / aerovation.com.

Like Mark, it seems retired Generals cannot rest. Bentley Rayburn: “Just in case you haven’t heard, Debbi and I have decided that I should run for the U.S. Congress again. Our website: www.RayburnForCongress.org. Dave Clough: I had no idea that there were memorial pavers for our departed classmates.

Seeing my friends Bruce Dodds, Phil Jones and our other classmates memorialized by the pavers brought one of those rare moments when the world just skids to a stop and memories return like they were yesterday. Bill Carrothers: I’m recuperating from another of those ’75 firsts. I’m pretty sure I’m the oldest one of us to punch out of an aircraft, at age 53.1 j ettisoned a State Dept OV10 in April while flying in Colombia. I’m fully recovered and awaiting FAA approval to return to work. Tim Wrighton: I have been the Reserve Wing CC here at Charleston AFB for the last year. I just returned from a four-month deployment to Qatar. From Muddy Waters: I’m going to spend three days with the ”

Joe Henney (2009), Don Henney (1975), and Dan Henney (2007)

John Sullivan fell about 10 feet offa ladder and broke his right heel bone, and has been on crutches ever since. John Venable say things are going quite well down under and has returned to duties of teaching and research. Mark Wells and Donna returned to Colorado Springs and the Department of History after a tour at U.S.

European Command.

Randy (Ray) Powell: My son just returned from a little over 12 months in Iraq servingwith an infantry unit. He dropped out of high school, spent a little time in jail (nothing major), got a GED and joined the Army, as a condition to get out of jail and get his charges dropped. I tried for years to get him interested in USAFA to no avail. I couldn’t even keep him in high school. Well, he became quite a soldier. With a lot of help from his Platoon Leader, Company Commander, Battalion Commander and Brigade Commander (allWest Point Graduates) he received an “in service nomination” and was accepted to West Point at age 21. Quite a story. He reported with four rows of decorations and a Combat Infantry Badge. He also reported with a tattoo on his arm listing the names of 14 people in his company who were KIA. Only three survived from his 13-

person squad. The other two were severely injured. He returned a very, very changed person but amazingly in good spirits. We visited New York a few days

111

cadets at their Heritage Forum—speak to the wing, go to class, meet with some of the squadrons. One of the benefits of being a “gray beard.”

TheAF website: MajorGeneralJoe Stein retired (remember: he was anavigator—that is the equivalent of a five star pilot’s career. Stan Gorenc: I’ve landed at Tucson and am working for Raytheon. Pat Ash is home and in good spirits after being diagnosed with lung cancer back in July. He’s got a series of chemo treatments to go through before re-assessment in early December. Jim

Services Department for Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLR a Philadelphia law firm. Congrats classmates!

General Class Stuff: Again, great input from y’all. That’s two in a row! First, on the local front, Kevin Chilton, Doug Fry, Jeff Larsen, Don Olynick, Joe Wysocki and I linked up at the local AOG Chapter luncheon where Chili was the guest speaker.

Burling: Guys—Some folks travel to see the leaves in the fall, see famous landmarks, or cruise to see whales. Brian andTeri Barnes went on a “Visit the Squad-

ron Mates” tour! David Hickman: I’m back in Kuwait. Got to have dinner with

Bill Lyerly while there... always a treat! John Koelling: I went to USAFA with son Gradon to visit the

my

Academy so he could have a better idea ofwhat he might

be getting himself into.

Don Olynick, Joe Wysocki, Kevin ‘Chili’ Chilton, Dan Beatty,

JeffLarsen.

If you are not affiliated with your local AOG

chapter, I encourage you to join.

Ifyou don’t have one in your area, see if you can start one. It’s a in touch with fellow grads. A1 Grijalva had a medical issue

From left in the front row are Gradon Koelling Bentley ,

Rayburn, and Larry

Farris. Back row: John Koelling, TerryYoung, and Phil Gronseth.

Class Web Site.

Jim Carlson: Our

Class of 75 website: www.usafaclasses.org/1975/ is the direct result of the prodigious efforts of our classmate Marty Stytz. Also, please support the efforts of our two Class Archivists. For pre-graduation memories: Bill Estelle. Bruce Mitchell is our postgraduation archivist. And don’t forget more of our notorious and dubious achievements while cadets need to be written down and shared. Who knew that America’s cream ofthe crop were such inspired lunatics? I need some help in identifying our classmates who received their commissions in the other branches. Also on the site: We have a bunch of Contact Lists, based on Professions and Geographic Location (Medical, Legal, Commercial Air, Business Owners). Send Marty any updates or corrections.

Our Class Rings That Are Advertised For Sale. As the deadline for this issue closed, aClassofl975 ring was offered for sale in an eBay auction. The seller was not too forthcoming with information, and we don’t knowwhom the original ring belonged to. The ringwaspurchasedbyjim Carlson, andhis payment was partially reimbursed of In us. the process, Rich Kennard, who left by many before graduation, offered something poignant and suitable for a closing: “You the best ‘ring’ of remembrance I have is the 30 Year Reunion, where I know, got to see many of my old classmates, and where I experienced their graciousness new

to me. It really

helped to heal some scars of self-inflicted wounds I’ve been carrying all these years. I left the Academy because of foolish arrogance rather than any outside compulsion. The day I left USAFA, on my way back to Houston, that layover in the Albuquerque airport was one of the loneliest, most mournful times of my life. Thanks to you all for your kindness!

Dan

Beatty 12196 Stanley Canyon Road Colorado Springs, CO 80921 H: (719) 488-1962 E-Mail: whrlybrd76@aol.com Da n. Beatty@usafa .af. m i I

”

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recently that luckily turned out to be not as serious as initially thought. Keep A1 in your thoughts Don Pickett Pete Kluck is on back in the guys. says furlough CONUS after serving as a Wycliff missionary in Cameroon.

Pete spent some time in Colorado after visiting with family

and friends on the East Coast. Don also forwarded a Dave Tate update. Dave is battling cancer and says

although he is not officially in remission, there was no cancer activity detected on his last scan. Keep Dave and family in your thoughts and prayers classmates. Mike Fricano and Jim Crowe both sent me an update on Pat O’Brien. Pat was

injured in an air-

craft accident back in Feb and from all indications he is well on the road to

recovery but still has a ways to go. Jim got info from Pat’s sister that Pat is taking emails. She asks that Pat’s buds from CS-01 might start the “campaign” and the rest of us can follow up a bit later so that we don’t overload him. If you do not have Pat’s email address, send me a note and I’ll get it to you.

Hal Getzelman tells me he was one of several CapComs for the last shuttle flight, that he will be lead CapCom on the next mission, and that he was recently named deputy for CapCom branch in the astronaut office. Getz also said daughter Ellen, 2Lt USAF, graduated UPT on 16 Nov and will be C-17s.

Mike flying McGinty tells me his twins are both on honor roll, daughter Audrey is engaged and he is staying busy as coach of “everything”. Jim Dolan is upgrading to 737 captain at American and he is helping to start Kayak Anglers Society ofAmerica (KASA) with focus on helping military folks learn the joys ofkayaking. Good luck Jim! Says he sawAl Granger at the flight academy and A1 is a S-80 captain at New York. Also tells me Jim Rose just finished his 737 upgrade.

Greg Lewis reports that since his bride, Cathie, became a SWA flight attendant last year, they occasionally fly or have a few overnights together and that it is “definitely the cheapest way to mess with a FA! Mike Cunningham says they recently moved back to Maryland and he is back as Assistant US Attorney in Baltimore and says he finally got his private pilot’s license.

Fly safe Mike!

Randy Schavrien says son Scott graduated OTS 20 Nov. Randy commissioned him and Scott is off to UPT at Columbus. Tom Bowie says there were 20-25 ’76er’s at Jack Catton’s retirement 12 Oct. Dave Berg tells me the same thing and they both say there were photos but nobody sent me any. (Dave also says he has new lenses in both eyes cataract surgery). Mike Gould also attended, then went to A/TA convention where he saw another nine classmates, then saw Chili, Mike Scott, Russ Laney and others at the Army game. Mike and Paula see Mark and Betty Welsh at Randolph.

Mark Shanks is working on HUDs for C- 130Js, C-130 AMR C-40s, and new C27s up in Portland. Tells everyone to stop by and he’ll show us around. Syd McPherson is still a ‘Worsted Wool Warrior’ with General Dynamics in northern Virginia.

Says he is reliving his AF career vicariously thru son Matthew, USAFA 07 who is training for Space and Missile Ops at Vandenburg. Syd says his vanity plate reads 76AFA07. Nifty Syd! Daughter Lauren has her sights on VirginiaTech next fall. Stef Eisen tells the world LA (lower Alabama) is safe because of the vigilance of himself, Denny‘Diller’ Rea, and Terry Williams. All three are “tearin’ them up at Vertex, designing all sorts of ingenious ways to make DOD and the AF faster, smarter, leaner, meaner, etc..” Stef is a civie ”

-

http://www.AFAcademy.com/76 Fellow ’76ers, At this writing the Falcon football team is 8-3 with the last

game coming up this weekend. And the basketball team is off to a good start. By the time your read this the Wing will be close to end of the semester and thoughts of Christmas break will be prevalent.

Follow up to a previous sad note: Mike Butler’s name was added to the memorial wall following his death in Irag working as a contractor

training

Iraqi police.

Moving up/moving on. Kevin Chilton moved to Commander, U.S. Strategic

Command; Willie Shelton has been nominated for a 3 rd star and will stay on as Commander, Fourteenth Air Force, and Commander, Joint Functional Component Command for Space, United States Strategic Command, Vandenberg AFB; Mark Welsh is now Vice Cmdr, AETC, and Tony Przybyslawski is now Director, Intelligence and Air, Space and Information Operations, AETC. On the civilian side, Denny Shupe has been appointed Chair of the Litigation 112

Doug Fry, and

Visit the AOG Web Site.

Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and More!

www.usafa.org

faculty member at AU and is having lots of fun working with Lts and AWC

MARATHON MAN: I know that as we get older we start losing track of all

students. Thanks Stef, I spent some time in LLA (lower lower Alabama) with the Army and I appreciate your vigilance ofthat neck ofthe woods. The most prolific Mike Fricano sent a few photos from the A/TA.

kinds of bodily limitations there are any number of marathon runners in the class, including my squadron mate, JeffDetroye (Diane), and probably others. At the Chicago Marathon this year, Jeff Perkins (Leslie) showed up to run in what was supposed to be a nice cool race, with soothing breezes coming off Lake Michigan. Wrong again as I’m sure most of you know, it was almost 90 degrees here by the time the runners were several miles into the race, and heatstroke and heat exhaustion were common. Jeff, however, who hails from the Fort Walton Beach area, readily adapted to the weather and just kept plug-

-

ging along until race officials stopped him after the 20-mile point. My hat’s off to anybody who got three miles in that heat, but Jeff said it was really no big deal. Right. As far as I’m concerned, anybody who wasn’t carted off in an ambulance was a winner.

REUNION STUFF: First we start with a picture from Al Becker (Rita). I’m

pretty sure you can all guess these folks’ identities: Bill Carolan, Mike Gould, GregBricker, Dave Merrill, Ernie Wollard, Bob

Norman, Bob Vaughn, and Mike Fricano atAirliftTankerAssociation Convention.

Mike says Mark Schwing, Bryon Hepburn, Mark Meyers, Brian Meenan, and Mike Underwood are missing from the group photo. Dave Robinson recently participated in wife, Lori’s, frocking to BG. He sent this pic of himself taking off nd one of his stars and pinning it on Lori. Dave thinks he and Lori are only the 2 GO couple on active duty in USAF. Congrats to Lori and you Dave.

Wing staffplus 30 years. From left are Lee Monson (Julie), Norm Reigsecker (Shirley), Steve Miller (Teresa), Al, Steve Wittman (Betsy) and Dave Chaffee (Caroline Ann).

These guys all look pretty good for being so far removed from the mandatory PFT. Lee is a VP with Boeing Business Jets in Seattle, while Norm is with Boeing proper there; Steve M. is Major General Miller and the Air War College Commandant (and the only one ofthe Wing and Group Commanders still on active

MG Dave Robinson frocking wife, Lori, to BG.

Finally, Rich Luhrs tells me he has recently captured the entire U SAFA Cho rale graduation 76 concert into a digital format on a 2 CD set. He says the overall quality is pretty good although there are a couple of‘bumps’ probably from the analog format originally recorded. Rich says if you are interested in -

duty); AlisatHQAETC, Plans and Programs in lovely San Antonio; Steve W. is with P&G in Cincinnati; and Dave is working in Baltimore with Northrop Grumman. Glad this particular crew got together for the photo, it’s a distinguished group.

Jeff Mayer fired me this photo of an 18 th Squadron rejoin:

a copy, contact him.

Well classmates, again time to stick a fork in it. Send me your notes, inputs, address updates, suggestion, junk mail, etc and I will do my best to keep all of you in the loop. As always, if you are headed to the Springs, let me and the other locals know. 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

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Unicorns reunited. From left are Doug Marlowe (Barbara), Dan Hinkin

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(Eileen), JeffStringham (Lynn), JeffMayer, Gary Hackett (Donna) and Mark

E-Mail:

jmichels@mcguirewoods.com Based on the reports that I got, everyone had a great time at the reunion and, with one notable exception that I am aware of, managed to return home in pretty good shape. More on the exception later, but I heard the football weather was great, the football team played an immensely entertaining, if somewhat bizarre game, and nobody looked any older from the previous reunion. Well, I might have made that last one up. Anyway, this will be a reunion column, even though I managed to miss the festivities.

BEST ONE-LINER FOUND IN THE SCRIBE’S INBOX: Walt Hern (Janet) responded to my comment in the last column that I would not be able to attend the reunion “because of an impending trial in New Mexico, with the following: “Lou, hope you are acquitted.” So far, so good, Walt.

HYPERTEXT: There was a nice article in Aviation Week about the X-51B WaveRider hypersonic vehicle which is being developed in part by Alliant Tech Systems. Charlie Precourt (Lynne) is heading up this particular program and had some nice quotes in the article, which focused on the scramjet combustor that Alliant is producing for the project. Charlie is running this program from Alliant’s Brigham City, Utah facilities. He and Scott Jackson (Lisa) are both key players in Alliant’s business development. ”

Ellis.

Doug is working at AFOTEC at Kirtland and in Albuquerque; Dan is doing sports medicine out of Manhattan, Kansas; Jeff S. is pushing metal for American, as is Jeff M.; Gary is flying out of Cincinnati for Delta; and Mark is a pediatrician in California. Haven’t seen or heard much from a lot of these folks so

thanks for the update, Jeff.

And now for the exception noted above: One of the tightest groups in our class is the 33 rd Squadron Cellar Ratz, who keep in regular touch and send me of plenty of information. A group shot of the crew at the Wyoming tailgate is at the top of the next page.

I think I see at least one interloper there in what appears to be a 40 th Squadron

jacket, but my congratulations on such a good turnout. Nowfor the bad part Matt Coatsworth, (Elizabeth) who was driving back to his home in Las Vegas, got caught in the snowstorm that hit the Springs the day after the football game.

He ended up in a high-speed, head-on collision near LaVeta, CO from which, incredibly, he walked away. Fifteen other cars were involved in the pile-up, and Matt, a former Special Ops physician, refused treatment himself and then began directing the medical efforts of the first responding EMT crew. Finally, via Colorado Springs and Albuquerque (courtesy of Mike Weinstein [Bonnie]), he made his way back to Vegas, apparentlynonetheworseforwear. Waytogo, -

Matt, on all counts!

Got a nice message from Bill Lord (Cynthia) commiserating that he was not

able to make the reunion either. Bill has been shunted from DC to Barksdale 113

Advisory Senate rep but still needs your inputs (Warton.USAFA78@gmail.com).

Also, Wayne Kellenbence (beesfl6@hotmail.com) and his team already are working the preliminary items for next year’s reunion. We probably won’t be able to get a firm date until Feb or so when next year’s football schedule is released. The more senior reunions (’63 and ’68) have already snapped up the Navy game. I also chatted with Cliff Huff who is going to update our web site (http: / / homepage.mac.com/c2huff/usafal978) to carry the latest Pace P news on these topics. Wayne also mentioned that he has 9 walked through the Oasis Founge which is now named The Lt Col Mark McGeehan Memorial” and it’s a great place. It’s Sabre Society Donors attached to the chaplain’s area on the terrazzo level in the northwest corner of Sijan Hall and includes leather furniture, kitchen/bar type chairs and tables, coffee bar machine with an assortment of coffees, big screen TV DVD, etc. The chaplains say that the cadets use it all the time. For those who don’t know, this was created from a $37K donation from our class gift fund back in Jan of2005. Took for an event at the lounge during the reunion.

Two very fit 50+ year olds, Morgan Lankford and CS-03 roomie Jere Mattingly, ran the AF marathon (their second together) this past October th (Morgan’s 11th and Jere’s 12 ). There was some bet about both ofthem showing up at the reunion if they ran together so they both plan on being there. nd Morgan flies for USAirways (22 year!) living in Pittsburgh and Jere is the Deputy Director of the 718 test Squadron at Arnold AFB in Tennessee. Now tha f's supporti n g you r classmate! “

'W'

33rd Squadron Cellar Ratz at the Wyoming Tailgate. to command the new Cyber-Command (Provisional). When I see this, I’m never sure if the unit is

provisional, or Bill is. In any event, given Bill’s previous

record in the South, everyone in the Barksdale area should prepare for another major hurricane strike. Good luck, Bill, and congratulations again! Steve Carey (Charlotte) also sent me a “no-show” message announcing his retirement as Commandant of CADRE and Vice Comm at the Doctrine Center. Steve noted that he retired a couple ofweeks after his father was inducted into the Gathering of Eagles Class at ACSC at Maxwell, Steve spent the rest ofthe fall looking for work. I’ll hope to see him at the 35 th reunion when we can swap lawyer jokes.

Congratulations on a great career, Elari.

I have picked up a few more messages from people either attending or missing the reunion. Mark Gunzinger (Beth) dropped me a line from DC where he just left the National Security Council to become the Deputy Assistant Sec Def for Forces Transformation. I am assuming this has nothing to do with the movie, “Transformers,” but these days, I’m having a tough time telling where the science fiction ends and reality starts. Anyway, Markis right down the street from Howard Meyer (Mary) who is working for Booz Allen, at last report.

Mark sent along the most recent picture he has of himself and Mary, along with some other guy and his wife.

Last month (October) Mike McMillie had his annual ’78 get-together in DC.

Attending were (back row, from left): Steve Dalbey, OSD/Chief of Staff, Detainee Affairs; Tony Gazo, WBB Consulting (technical/ engineering consulting and advising on mostly Navy programs) and; Rob Hickey, Deputy CoS ODNI/ CIO; Wayne Hermandorfer, Lockheed Martin, VP Legislative Affairs; and John Puffenbarger (son and daughter are at USAFA), Northrop Grumman, SETA to National Security Space Office. Frontrow: SigNelson, American 737 Captain, LA; Bo Marlin, Deputy Director ISR Capabilities (A2C); Steve Knott, Mobility Analyst, OSD/Protection Forces Division; Larry Krauser, Emer Management Specialist-JFHQ/Capital Region (Larry wrote that he’s taken up serious ballroom dancing); Mark Gibson, USAF Director of Current Operations and TrainAs Mark said, “I knew I should have worn a blue tie....”

Ken Knapp (Alison), who flies for US Airways out of Albuquerque, wrote to

let me know that he was close by in the event I had some free time at the trial.

Fat chance, but thanks for the offer, Ken, and make sure you send me that edited photo.

Finally, I want to thank Dan Jarka (Pamela), John Buckley (Melinda), and John Herd (Mindy) for what I repeatedly heard was an outstanding job of putting the reunion together. Again, I’m sorry I couldn’t be there. Maybe next time.

SIGNING OFF: Hope that this finds everybody basking in the warm glow of the holidays. Or at least basking. Drop me some news for next time. Be seeing

ing and Russ Frasz, A-A5x. N ot sure what most ofthe codes mean but everyone sounds like they’re doing well. Mike also mentioned that Blake Linder turned over the 501 st Wing in June after two years and is spending his last 11 months at Ramstein working for Mike Snodgrass as the Deputy A5 (XP). Finally, Bill Troy and Paul McVinney work down the hall in the Assessment and Lessons Learned division as contractors. Speaking of Sig Nelson, he wrote that our own Mike Mangold also flies for American for profit but air races for serious fun (sure there is some profit in there as well!). In fact, he recently won the 2007 Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Perth Australia. For more info on Mike’s incredible feat, go to: http: / / www.redbullairrace.corn great reading!

you.

Bob

Kay

40411 Tesoro Lane

42 % Members

Palmdale, CA 93551

Home:(661) 274-2201 Work: (661) 824-6426 Email: Robert.kay@baesystems.com

Greetings’78ers...

I am sorry to report the passing of Ken Rachocki this past August. Memorial

services were held in Tempe, AZ several days after his death. Condolences can

still be sent to his wife Debbie in care ofthe AOG. The are asking for donations to be sent to the Tempe Preparatory Academy, 1251 ESouthernAve, Tempe AZ 85282 to fund a new science lab. He will be missed by those of us who knewhim.

On a bit happier note, Kip Warton is doing great things as our AOG Class 114

Mike also sent along a picture ofhim briefing SECAF Wynne while he (Mike, not the SECAF) was the Air Component Coordinator Element/Hom of Africa director and the 449th Air Expeditionary Group commander. Mike was showing the Secretary Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, back in March.

42%

Bud

Vazquez 25 Hayden Lane Bedford, MA 01730 (781) 308-3322 budvazquez@msn.com

Members.

I’ve been thinking of a new way to start the column. After doing this for 25 years, there’s only so many ways you can say “Greetings to the best class in history”, or “Greetings from New England.” I could say “Did you see the win over ND!?” But that has

happened a few times over the years

-

six to be exact.

So, to spice things up, I have decided to start a contest. The contest will be like “You knowyou’re a Redneck when...” exceptthis one will be, “Youknowyou’re a’79er when...’’For instance, “You knowyou’re a’79er when:” Final picture is great one of Steve and Jeanne Crittenden with daughter (and nurse) Sarah and their two foster babies. Steve flies Gulfstreams worldwide for an LA-based air charter and truly loves it. Think I once mentioned that we live a mile or so from one another—it is a small world. We were able to get

together for our bi-annual lunch at the local golf course to get caught up. They love being in the foster program and the differences it makes on the kids is worth it.

Anybody named Richards makes you think of creative artwork When you see the color yellow, you think, “No, that’s really gold” You think of ’80 every time you go by a Burger King or hear “Have it your way” You cannot allowyourself to really respect Joe Montana (hint: 31-30 loss as a freshman, after being up 30-10) Your ears perk up when you hear anyone say “standards will not change” You think tennis balls are designed in our class color I will take “family-friendly” inputs over the next few months and get them to our next Scribe...

Getting to Classmates

-

we must start with

hearty CONGRATS to our newest

Frank Gorenc, William Neil McCasland, and Bill Rew. We knew you when and save a few bucks for the party at our 30 th you’re buying! Locally, John Pardo (Nancy) has recently retired as the Head of Boston University’s two stars

-

,

ROTC program. He took the Air Force JROTC Senior Aerospace Science Instructor (SASI) job at Washington HS in Tacoma, WA where the school sits right next to the departure end of McChord AFB

which ought to make JP feel right at home. John’s retirement ceremony was on 4 June on Boston’s own USS Constitution, where fellow ’79er Bruce Gebhard (Dianne) was among those in -

attendance.

Kevin Kennedy has been the Air Component Coordination Element Director in Kabul since August of this year and will be there until next fall. He is

essentially running the air war in Afghanistan—says that there is never a dull moment (bet that’s an understatement). Thanks for your service over there

Kevin. Mike Quinn has a great gig as a global finance strategy executive with

Hewlett-Packard and living north of Houston. He suffers tremendously by having to work in flip-flops and shorts at home when not in Palo Alto or traveling out of the country (which he says is often). He and Nan (his bride of 25

years) have two kids, one in college and the other in high school. Life is good...

Speaking of proud parents, Bill and Bonnie Chambers have a great deal to be celebrate. I mentioned last article that Bill got picked up for his second star and is currently the USAF Director of Communications. Their eldest child, Anna, is currentlythe Vice Consul attheUSEmbassyin Islamabad, Pakistan. She was

invited a few months back to speak on American religious freedom at the International Islamic University in Islamabad. Her presentation was well received and she represented the Chambers family and the United States very well.

Also, their oldest son, Will, was married in August to Lydia with all the Chambers’ siblings in the wedding.

Greg Hollister writes about a major decision he recently made. He left his job in September to allowmore flexibility to support Senator Fred Thompson’s

John and Nancy

campaign for President in Colorado. He is doing business development and marketing consulting to pay the bills while actively campaigning. He has also written a thoughtful book on contemporary political issues called “Under Oath” that I found to be excellent reading. He encourages anyone who is deciding who to support in next year’s election to contact him at greg_hollister@msn.com and look at Fred Thompson’s site at www.Fred08.com.

Dan Mesnard is the most senior 78 pilot at Delta and is an International 777 Captain out ofAtlanta but lives near Melbourne FL. He owns a charter boat fishing biz called “Plane to Sea, LEG and gives ’78ers a special discount.

Mark Werthman is thoroughly enj oying retirement—as in total retirement.

His toughest challenges are deciding what to wear, what to do and how to stay out of his bride’s way. Think the brand of beer to drink is also in there somewhere. Yep, something to look forward to I’m thinking.

Ran out of room again... many thanks as always for the great inputs. Hope

everyone has (or had by the time this is published) a blessed holiday season.

See you in the Winter article.

78 is Great!

Visit the AOG Web Site.

Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and More!

www.usafa.org

Colonels Pardo If you saw the June 07 CSAF’s “Vector,” it describes a famous event John’s

father was involved in back in 1967 when he literally pushed another aircraft, in the air, out of North Vietnam. Amazing! No doubt you recall the event, but forgot it was John’s Dad! John also sent me an input on Steve Mueller. Steve is currently assigned to the Pentagon working in A5R-J, Requirements, Joint Integration. Of course that was before he got deployed to the Combined Air Operations Center at AlUdeid Air Base on a four-month TDY as the CAOC Director. In the “small world” department, Steve gets to work closely with his roommate Mark “Sterno” Stearns. Sterno is the Director of Mobility Forces for CENTAF, doingabangup

job integrating and synchronizing all mobility missions into the AOR. Big Job and 79 is kicking butt! BGen Burt Field is up at Balad as the Wing Commander 115

trying to be friendly with his CAOC buddies while negotiating some slack on the frag coming out of “the Deed.”

While there is plenty of news about the active duty folks... Mark Lukasik set out a challenge to our classmates to take the USA4comers tour on a motorcycle (www.usa4corners.org)! Mark and his brother rode 10,231 mi. in 13 days “touching” places like KeyWest, FL (see picture); Madawaska, ME; Blaine, WA; and finally San Ysidro, CA. Mark says the trip was absolutely awesome, and now he has settled back in running his Bagel Factory in Ft. Myers, FL stop in and say hi during spring training.

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Bud and Molly

God Bless, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and best wishes for the best of New Year’s for the best classmates ever! Go Falcons!

Don

Myers 46% 401 Chambray Hill Members Peachtree City, GA 30269-4247 (770) 631-1429 E-mail: DMyers80@hotmail.com Class Home Page: http://usafa80.tripod.com ZN=ZoomieN at ion.usafa.org

Mark Lukasik on Hog at Key West.

I still stay in touch with Tom Griffith, tracking him down in the hallowed

halls ofthe national War College, where he is still the Dean at the National War College. Griff is looking at the “Big R” and is targeting the end ofthe academic year, probably in July ’08.. .that will give me 30 years of service because of the year at the Prep School. Grifftold me that Randy Helms is the dean of students at ICAF and still on active duty and that Vance Skarstedt retired last summer and is now the Dean, School of Intelligence Studies at the National Defense

Intelligence College at Bolling AFB. I occasionally get a chance to contact my old cohort on the C-17 program and spiritual mentor, Scott Grunwald (Debbie), who was last seen as the USAF ROTC King at USC. A friend of mine actually had a Joe Grisham (Gretchen) sighting down in Florida a few weeks ago, where Joey is teaching Psych at Indian River CC north ofWest Palm. His wife, Gretchen, cracked me up on the phone for 15 minutes and shared thatthey stay in touch with Gordie Ross every so often, who is still flying for Delta. Every once in a while I run into Dale Swanson who still works at MITRE. Speaking of sightings, does anyone know where Bill Murphy is? He went to NRO, went into “that” world, retired last summer and we lost touch with him.

Bob Edmonds (Anne) and I had a nice chat, too. Bob is a partner at Heidrick & Struggles and says things are working out pretty well, as he has already been asked to join several company boards. Importantly, Bubba was elected to the Falcon Foundation Board, which will keep him in the loop at USAFA. Bob’s son Greg is a three degree varsity swimmer along with Jeff Gordon’s (Pam) son... both in CS-31. Both Greg and Mason (Jeff’s son) are in the Legacy Program which allows sons of grads to be in their dad’s graduating squadron... cool! Jeff and Pam continue to live in Peachtree City, GA where he is a senior director for a fast-growing, tech-based healthcare company called Matria Healthcare. Dan Baumgartner, continues to work in the Personnel Recovery policy division in OSD, at the Pentagon. Greg Smith is still a stalwart at Booz Allen—an aerospace and defense consultant par excellence.

Bob Stephen, (another CS-31 grad), is the Assistant Secretary of Infrastructure Protection, at DHS (a SES) who will stay through the end of this administration and then be looking for his next challenge. Tom Lockie (Deena), continues to fly for American, and is also the President of Stratigent, Inc, a global security company he and fellow classmate, Rob Gaylord (Lisa) started... Rob is the CEO. Couple of late breaking contacts. After all these years of peering into airline cockpits looking for classmates—lo and behold my flight to DC yesterday has none other than Ed Zanowizc at the helm! “Zano” has been at Southwest for

My thanks to those who sent fresh meat. I’m sure you enjoy reading about a variety of folks. Please check the stuff I had to put on the ZoomieNation (ZN) website due to my limits here.

“Well, I [Jim Sturch] was sitting around the front office today and picked up a copy of

Checkpoints and started reading. Seems I’ve been too busy over the past 27 years to read—was kind of nice. I am loving life in San Antonio, leading Civilian Personnel for the AF at AFPC. I’m Ybres'o, the first-ever military director for civilian personnel and was given the task to re-engineer and operationalize civilian personnel—best job I’ve ever had; hardestjob I’ve ever had! I see a few of our classmates every once in while. 1980. Boy, what a long time ago that was, but I would do it all over again Sabre Society today, if I ever had the chance.”

“Rebecca and I [Dave Francis] were married in a small civil ceremonyonl2Nov2006. We now live in Alexandria, VA. I

moved here when I retired from active duty in 2000, went to work flying for UAL out of Dulles, got furloughed in Mar 2002, came back on active duty under the Retired Aviator Recall Program in May2002, re-retired in Sep 2006, and started working as a civilian in AF Test and Evaluation at the Pentagon in January of this year. I’m looking forward to the day I run into an ’80 grad with four stars. Itprobablywon’tbelong.”

Mr. and Mrs. Francis

Frank Ott, still in Niceville, FL, flew a trip “with Ted Lauer on the Mad Dog [MD-88. Both of us are ATL based. I am glad to be back in a Delta cockpit again after five years. I am smiling [in the photo] because I have almost tamed the Mad Dog (and I have [anAF] pension!) and Ted is smiling.... because I have a pension. Recently, I have run into Tad Grisham (ATL 737-800 captain), Ali Frohlich (ATL fellow Mad Dog tamer), and Howard Ratcliffe (Delta, Salt Lake City).”

—

nineyearsnow. We had a great time catching up after we landed. Thenlbumped into Paul Besson, now a VP for General Dynamics’ IT sector in DC, where we both got to listen to Jan-Marc Jouas, the new Vice Commander for the USAF ISRAgency atUSAF ITDay. I still toil up here in Boston for “the other Big Blue IBM”. Hunting, fishing and Lacrosse coaching takes up a good deal of spare time as all three kids play (surprise!). Some of you know that we had a long spring, summer and fall as my wife, Molly, has a very rare cancer, called leiomyosarcoma, or rather I should say HAD... On Oct 25 th she endured a six-hour operation and a 19 inch incision and on N0V6* the pathology confirmed a miraculous result- the tumor was 100% dead and margins were 100% clear. We had one in eight odds going in... Molly had to donate some nerves and half a pelvis to science, but we have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving (I write this Monday of TDay week). Thanks to all of you who have prayed, offered encouragement and -

-

,

positive vibes 116

-

it has been huge!

Donors

Ted and Frank.. .justsmilin\

Marianne (Owens) LaRivee caught my plea for news and had the enclosed

photoonhand. “Two ’80 grads and their class of2011 daughters. Fromleft,it’s me, my daughterJamie, ChelseaAgee, andMichele (Pompili) (Jim ’81) Agee on 1 Sep 07, Parents’Weekend, at Falcon Stadium. Retired in 2001,1 live in Monument, teach at UCCS, and volunteer at USAFA. Myhusband, Dave (’80), is in Baghdad for a year, working as an analyst for Gen Petraeus. Michele and her husband both retired from the Guard and live in Orange Park, FL. Michele has her own engineering company and Jim flies for Delta. Plenty of our classmates have kids at USAFA. Dara (Snyder) Cummins’ son Cameron is a fourdegree in my daughter’s squadron! Last year I taught a class with Sue Henke’s son in the audience.

Probably the prize goes to MJ (Van Valkenberg) Kellenbence and Dee (Mahaffy) Steel; both having sent three sons to the Academy within the last fewyears!”

”

keeps us informed of our 25 th reunion plans.

I realize you’ll likely be reading this post-Christmas/holiday. Regardless, please forward your annual missive my direction—and that of any classmates you receive. It is an excellent way to easily update us on your happenings.

Thanks. And Kathy and I wish you the best as we pause to savor this special time. God bless. Don

[Editor’s note from theproducers of the feature fr/m Bring Me Men: “I We] would like to invite all members of the class of’80 (yes, both male and female) tologon to ourweb site and leave your contact information, andanyappropriate story you would like to share! We are compiling our own data base for the Class of ’80, and would appreciate yourparticipation. We may use your story orinviteyou to be in the film. Logon atwww.summitworksGlms.com and go to

Bring Me Men. You will see the link for your input. Thankyou.”]

Rich Trentman

11102 Asbee St.

Falcon, CO 80831-8170 Home: (719) 494-8438 Work: (719) 234-0754

E-mail: trentman@usafa81.com Class Website: www.usafa81.com

Another Falcon football season is complete. The Falcons had a tremendous year finishing 9-3, undefeated at home, and headed to a Bowl! Coach Calhoun did a fantastic job in his first season guiding the Falcons. The team got stronger as the season went along as opposed to previous years where the Falcons’

performance dropped offlate. Even though Notre Dame was down this year, it was fun to beat up on the Irish! Basketball is 4-0 as of this article, but with a NextGen Blue Line!

new coach and seven

Airport and other contacts. Tom Heemstra announces: “We are having a Cellar Ratz ’80 Reunion on 27-30 Jun 2008 in Knoxville, TN on Norris Lake at the Heemstras. When you saw me [in Atlanta] I was heading to Guatemala on a medical mission trip with Vine International, who supplies free medical equipment to over 100 projects in that country. I finished my doctorate degree in Strategic Leadership from Regent University. Since then I have started my own business, empowering individuals and organizations to achieve the next level, based on leadership performance—called MACH5 Leadership Performance.

His company includes a very special non-profit foundation, he’s written a second book, plus developed a public school curriculum (see ZN for more!).

Finally, for fun (or to pay the bills?), “I’m flying ATL domestic 767 Captain for Delta until January when I will switch to International 767 Captain out of JFK. Find out who I found and also who else I bumped into while making my way home (seeZN). ”

”

Intel: BGJohn D. Posner, Deputy Director, Operations, National Military Command Center, J-3, Joint Staff, Pentagon, to Director, Air Force Smart Operations 21, Headquarters USAF, Pentagon. BG Allison (Hillsman) Hickey retired. BG Charles K. Shugg from ACC’s 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, A1 Udeid

AB, Qatar, to Commander, Joint Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Center of Excellence, Creech AFB, NV Duke Dufresne is SectorVice President, Western Region, at Northrop Grumman, after holding the same title for the Eastern Region since 2006. Sue Desjardins picked-up a new C-17 from Long Beach after some

kind words to folks working in the assembly complex. She then flew a slightlymodified delivery route to Charleston AFB, via the Zoo, where the cadet wing was allowed to

get out of classes early to watch the flyby.

Admin: “Your gift fund team of Dan Bloemer, Keylor Eng, Debra (Dubbe) Gray, Dave Gruber, Allison (Hilsman) Hickey, Nancy (Mariano) Kudla, Betsy

(Joviak) Pimentel, Mike Syiek and I [Ed Herlik] have plans for the donations, ready for your voting. Those decisions on the approximately $275,000 in the bank, with another $146,000 expected in your promises, should be made by around Christmas. And this last, important bit: In order to insure a quorum, Ed (email address below) is soliciting another interested classmate to serve on our

gift fund team We plan to conduct an electronic vote with email notices sent to all classmates we can find. The AOG’s grad database is critical to our ability to contact you, so please go to USAFA.org right away and either update your email address or create a profile, if you haven’t already. To create a profile, pull down the AOG Services menu and select Member Login Area. You’ll have an option to create anewuser profile without joining [so spread this to nonmembers]. We also use the class’ group on https://zoomienation.usafa.org and will post details of the vote there. The vote will concern options to support ethics or moral courage activities with our only ‘bricks and mortar’ plan being to recognize our ATOs in a style that is aesthetically similar to the ways ’59 recognized theirs. In the meantime, we’ve supported cadets attending national Professional Ethics in Education Representative (PEER) events this fall. Please feel free to contact any of us; you can reach me at Herlik@aol.com. Specifically, please send me a note if you want to be updated directly without registering on the AOG web site. Additionally, Debra is our class’ senator, part ofthe new AOG Senate. Deb asks that at least one classmate from each graduating squadron write to her at DDJGray@msn.com andvolunteer to keep their squadron mates

freshmen, it will be a definite rebuilding year.

This quarter, I’m featuring the Barnstormers of CS-23. Randy Worrall sent me a “chain” email from his squadron-mates. Of course, it took some detective work to decode the nicknames, but I cracked the code. Randy’s daughter graduates in December from Butler University (early graduation,

parents’ dream). AsRandymentionedandmanyofyouwith older sons/ daughters already know, now she has to start interviews, resumes, moving, etc. We had it pretty good with orders and a RNLTD date from USAFA. Randy also told me that he has started training as a 767 international captain, so he’ll have some interesting routes as he will be junior in that position. Chuck Robinson retired this year and works as a contractor at Eglin? Chuck and Stephanie’s oldest son, Charles Jr., should be leaving to continue college in Japan in the Spring/Summerof’08. He’s fluent in Japanese. Their other son is in the AF and stationed in Germany. Chuck and Stephanie live in the beautiful panhandle of Florida in Niceville. Mark Emerson is a Delta 737 pilot and he and Karen live in Park City, UT. Their oldest son, Mike, is a junior at Colorado University and captain of the lacrosse team. Their other son, Ryan, is a senior in HS and still deciding on colleges. Bill Kaneshiro is in the Ixis Angeles, CA area. Bill saw Ricky Aquilar and his family this summer. Mike Beale is stationed at Tyndall AFB, FL and working in 1 AF as Director, Air, Space and Information Ops. Jan Wiley is doing well in year number two ofher ministry in the Houston area. Jay Santee was selected for Brigadier General, which is what started the email chain of congratulations. JayandTeresaSanteeliveatVandenbergAFB,CA. Their one daughter is in Cleveland, OH working for Rockwell Automation and their other daughter is at the University ofWashington.

Michelle Johnson is doing very well at the Pentagon and did visit Africa this past summer as part of Capstone. Michelle and John’s twin boys are approaching five and keep them on their toes. I did see Michelle in the distance at Wyoming-AF football game as she and others were being inducted into the USAFAAthletic Hall of Fame. Waytogo! Sheand John wentto his VMIreunion st

this fall. John’s class collected $4.7M forVMI this year... ouch, a bit more than us. I’ll keep trying. I had a nice dinner with Lauri Cross and Scott Trimboli (’80) last weekend in beautiful Black Forest. They are doing great and their house is fantastic! Silvi (Kiisk) Steigerwald emailed. SheandAmyMarkert were getting together for the weekendwhile Bob was attheAFA-SDSU football game for a DFCS faculty reunion. Silvi and Bob’s oldest son, Robert, is at USAFA and should be heading home for Thanksgiving vacation this week.

(Remember when we didn’t have Thanksgiving vacation?) Their other son, Richie (good name), is a senior in HS and has a nomination to AF, but still considering his options. She also told me that Janice Gunnoe-Hughes and her husband, Don, have settled on the beach at Coronado in San Diego.. .nice.

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND

CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

informed on Senate issues. I expect such contacts will also be beneficial as Matt 117

I talked to Charles Phillips last week to discuss wrapping up our 25 th Reunion

gift campaign and some future ideas for fund-raising projects. Charles had flown out for the AF-Army game and had a great time. He owes me a gettogether on his next trip out! I’m meeting Marty and Becky France for dinner tonight before the AF-Radford basketball game. Marty and Becky are spending the Christmas Holidays in Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Uganda with four cadets.

Tony Lorusso, our busy Class President, is on a well deserved California vacation and break from supporting the Minnesota Governor’s around-the-world trip. Mike Bloomfield was recently named Vice President of Constellation Systems for ATK in Houston. Missy (Mraz) and Tom Robbins have been frequent visitors to Colorado to see their son at Colorado College.

Class update. I continue to encourage all of you to register with the ZoomieNation website and with our Class of 1981 group. GototheAOG’s website (www.usafa.org) and look at the upper left of for the ZoomieNation link. I use the site to post minutes and info that I need your feedback on from Class Senate meetings. The Senate recentlyprovided some recommendations to the AOG Board about what the classes want from the AOG and the importance of a good relationship between the AOG and USAFA. Our 25 th reunion class gift campaign is complete! Charles Phillips, one of our many highly suecessful classmates President, Oracle, made an extremely generous contribution to our campaign. Thanks, Charles! The Locator building on the Academy cemetery grounds will have a plaque added to show that 1981 sponsored the building. As of this article, 155 members of our class had contributed to the locator building gift. Thanks to all who contributed! I’m in desperate need of some pictures, so send me your Christmas and New Year’s photos. Thanks, as always, for your kind words. Go AF!

Pat and Dave Hagginbothom in Eagle 8.

Here’s a shot of Tony Mauer and his son, C 1 C David Mauer. I must say, both of them are looking quite sharp. Tony’s at Scott AFB as the Director of Combat Capabilities for Air Mobility Command. No word on David’s plans after graduation, but it’s a safe bet Tony will be making a trip back west in late May!

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Jim Ratti

2860 Arbor Pointe Drive

46 % Members

Middletown, OH 45042

(937) 760-2333 rattijm@mindspring.com http://usafa82.org

“Mauer” ofthe Same—Like Father, Like Son!

Greetings Redtags!

Well, we “end-stage baby boomers” have marked another milestone our th 25 reunion is now visible only in the rearview mirror. I’m very sorry to have missed it (conflict with the closing on our new house), not only because I wanted to see all of you again, but because I missed out on a LOT of scoop for Checkpoints'. Consequently, this column will be very light on reunion news, butl do have some info and a few pictures to pass on just the same.

But as is becoming all too frequent of late, I must start on a sad note. I learned via an e-mail from the AOG that our classmate Blake Lawrence passed away on 6 Sep 2007 in Moenkopi, AZ. I don’t have any info on the cause of death. Please keep Blake’s family in your prayers, as ,^^Ri:_so I’m sure the holidays have been very difficult for them.

As you’ll recall from last quarter’s column, we learned of the death of Jamie Puig, our foreign cadet from Venezuela.

Since them I’ve had a couple folks pass on links to Spanishlanguage websites which had some information regarding the plane crash that apparently took Jamie’s life. Although lire Society Bailors the AOG notice said Jamie died on 31 July2007, the accident occurred on 8 Mar2005. Jamie and his copilot were preparing to land their Cessna Citation I business jet at an airport near Caracas, Venezuela when it deviated from the approach path and crashed in what appears to be rugged terrain. Both he and his copilot were fatally injured. We’re all making the assumption that this is the same Jaime Puig, but the birth date -

Next is a picture of a quartet of Fightin’ Four alums at the reunion dinner.

Standing from left are Steve Vogt and Tom Sylvester. Seated are Cathy Clothier and Jack Mohney. Steve is still flying for Northwest and lives in Minnesota.

Tom is a “renaissance man” (author, inventor, pilot) living in North Carolina with his wife, MaryEllen. They have a daughter at Harvard. According to the AOG, Tom lists his employer as IBM, but I have no info on what he’s doing for them. Cathy is a brand new BG select. Last I knew she was the director of “Air Force General Officer Management” at the Pentagon, but I’m guessing that’ll soon change given her selection for promotion. Jack lives in Grand Rapids, MI and owns a real estate development company there.

r ,x

appears correct.

Even though I wasn’t able to make it to the reunion this time I still managed to hear a bit about what went on, thanks mostly to the efforts of Mike Sinisi.

Mike started an e-mail list back about six or eight months ago, mostly as a way to keep the ’82 crowd in and around D.C. in contact with each other. The list has expanded now, and although it still is heavy on news and info regarding local gatherings in Washington, people from all over are on the mailing list. If you’d like Mike to include you in his next mailing, send him a note at Mike_Sinisi@sra.com. Note that there is an underscore between his first and last name.

A couple of folks sent pictures from the reunion, but unfortunately most all of them were too low in resolution for inclusion here. As a reminder, to be published in Checkpoints! need a minimum of300 dpi in a 5x7 print. Apicture that meets those standards will be a minimum ofabout 550-600 KB. Play it safe and send me your best raw images don’t reduce the size for e-mailing. I can accept e-mails with attachments up to 5 MB, so just pick out your one or two best shots and send away!

But I did get a few reunion pictures that should reproduce well. Here’s one of Dave Hagginbothom and his wife, Pat, admiring some artwork in Eagle 8 during the tour ofthe cadet area. Rumor has it that this piece was done by someone in ’82 (or perhaps an ’82 Significant Other”?). Haggy just retired and is working as aTest and Evaluation Engineer/Consultant forWyle labs in the D.C. area.

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118

CS-4’s “Gang ofFour”!

I don’t have anything else that’d qualify as reunion news, but I do have what I guess you could call “General Information”. Lyn (South) Sherlock pinned

onherBGstarson29August2007 at the Pentagon. Thatwould be news enough, but what made the event even more special was that her husband (BG Rick Sherlock) pinned on his second star at the same ceremony! I don’t guess there’s been too many times (if any) that a husband and wife have both received flag officer promotions on the same day. Congratulations to both!

And, I had the pleasure of going to dinner with BG Zan Vautrinot just after the reunion. She was in Dayton to fulfill her obligations as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Museum of the Air Force. Zan runs the Air Force Recruiting Service and is really enjoying her job. By the time we were done with dinner, I was ready to join up again!

Although he’s not a blue suit general officer, Colonel Mike Ryan recently retired and was immediately appointed to the Senior Executive Service (SES) as an Air Force civilian employee. For those of you not familiarwith the SES, civilians appointed to those ranks are equivalent to general officers in rank and position. Mike is now the Defense Advisor at the US Mission to the European Union in Brussels.

While perusing the news several weeks ago I ran across an item saying that Senator Pete Domenici of New Mexico was retiring. I immediately though of NM 1 st District Representative Heather Wilson, and wondered out loud ifshe’d run for his seat. The very next

day I saw a news release announcing her inten-

Ray Blust provided me an update: Ron Gaulton and Ken Frazier are flying for South West Airlines (Midway hub). They recently flew a three-day trip together and ‘took a knee’ for a photo op. Ray will have to print it in the next article as I was flooded with photos.

tiontorun! Heather, we wish you the very best of luck. Remember, you prom-

ised to host an ’82 party at the White House when you become President!

On a local note, I received an e-mail from Stu Rogers last week. Stu retired as an 0-6 and formed his own

consulting company here in Dayton. He calls it AGS TechNet, and he specializes in adaptive software systems.

Ellen and I are pretty much settled into our new home and adjusting well to life as retirees. I’m enjoying my second career, and we’re slowly getting used to the idea of not having to PCS in a couple years we actually got rid of the “original boxes’’ we’d been carrying around for over 25 years!

So I guess that’s about all the news for this time around. Until next time, keep the news flowing this way and above all, be safe. Ratman -

Wade Wheeler P.O. Box 30

43 %

Members

Ft. Belvoir, VA 22060

Wwade83@verison.net

(703)474-5032

I thank Stu Pope for sharing my idea to track down classmates in his last

Checkpoints article. Check out the Grad directory to see when everyone last updated their info with the AOG. Let’s see who can find the most classmates before our reunion next fall and who can

find the classmate lost the longest. One of our classmates last updated info with the AOG in 1979 -Ronald Meyer. Thefollowing 12 last updated info in 1988: Stuart Billey, Donald

Cochran, Quintin Evans, James Walsh, James Anderton, Keith Danel (found below), William Lehrmann, Neil Sheehan, David Smith, William Von Cannon, and James Blaich. Another 15 last updated in 1989. As you will see, several classmates came out ofthe woodwork and I had more photos than I can get into Checkpoints this time. (Stu, if you had gotten the picture at the Playboy mansion with Hef’s girlfriend backwhen you were young enough to do something, we would all be impressed. Rumor exists that you have a very expensive photo workshop program.)

Joe Aldaz is one ofthree classmates who finally decided to send something to a Checkpoints scribe. Joe retired in 2004, last assignment: Athletic Director at the Prep School. He is now Regional Director of the Rocky Mountain USO. Overseeing the USO Center at the Denver International Airport and the new USO Center being built at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs.

Wynne Waldron (Botts) and family at her retirement this year.

The ceremony was at the Lee Mansion, outside on the porch in Arlington Cemetery. Wynne inherited her inner strength.. .Patricia Botts (mom) isaladyof many talents; she is an ultra runner and founder of the second oldest 100- mile

one-dayenduranceruninourcountry—The Old Dominion 100. Wynne wants me to share “Margaret Sampson (Waszkiewicz) is also the greatest! She flewin for the weekend—gave up going to see the Lion King play with her family to come to my retirement it was so good to see her --what a great ‘roomie’”.

I tracked down Dan Surowitz who is the Chief ofACC Flight Safety Programs at Langley AFB. Son (Alex) is a HS senior, and Daughter (Amanda) is a fresh—

man. Wife (Tina) holds down the fort while Dan tinkers with old cars.

He

shared the following: Randy Rushworth retired from the AF Safety Center this year. Mark Moyer is a Reservist at the Safety Center. Ron Graves is at ACC/A3C. Todd Boesdorfer has moved to Colorado.

I was surprised recently, I saw Jim Horton last month standing in a parkinglot in Springfield VA. He was TDYfrom Hawaii. I called Cindy Norman (Fujimoto) to let her know because Jim Norman was Jim Horton’s roommate in CS-22. Jim and Cindy held a fabulous Kentucky Derby party this year. Jim recently retired and Cindy is a docent at the Air and Space museum at Dulles Airport.

From Wright Patterson... May '07: In the photo are Frank Rand (retired this

Joe, wife, Tami, Steven (14), andAlyssa (18).

Alyssa graduated from Pine Creek High School in 2007 and now attends Colorado College and plays basketball for the Tigers.

Another virgin class news writer is John (Cook) Koch. We were both Nacho flight buds at Laughlin. To quote John, “I know some people...I know where they’re hiding.” Infamous Joe Dee is hiding out in Peach Tree City, GAwithhis beautiful wife, Marlyn, and his three athletic, academically gifted sons.

Brian McIntosh, the third 1 timer, is living in Cape Carteret, NC halfway between Camp Lejune and Cherry Point MCAS; teaching AF JROTC at Northside HS in Jacksonville (NC). He’s having a great time, and feel likes he’s making a difference in some kids lives and home every night. Brian, Chris st

Cicere, and Jack Polo, were at the 2007Vail Super Masters Lacrosse Tournament. They won 2 and lost 3, and didn’t lose to Navy this year (didn’t play them

either). Theysentaphotojlamsparingusallbykeepingitunderwraps. Brian ran into Keith Danel’s wife at a youth lacrosse clinic in Jacksonville. He is still in the corps stationed at Camp Lejune. Brian tracked down Bob MacDonald and found he is THE commander for USAF basic training at Lackland. He will be in San Antonio until probably Jun 08, and he really is in charge of training

year, now a support contractor for the Aeronautical Systems Center [ASC] MobilityWing), Harry Conley (Col, heads the ASC Capabilities Integration

Directorate—future looking stuff), Devin Cate (Col, Systems Group Commander at ASC), and Ted Holloway (Air Force Civilian working ASC Financial

management, also an IMA) Bottom Row: Gary Hopper (Col, Deputy for Air Force Research Lab Sensors

Directorate), Andy Lagrone (Retired out of F-22 Program Office this year), Chris Leak (Air Force Civilian, works for Harry, runs the Next Generation Long Range Strike program at ASC), Bob Stambaugh (Col, Wing Commander 312/ 326AESW), and Margaret Sampson (Waszkiewicz) (Retired from Air Force a fewyears back, now works for a support contractor (ARINC))

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

ALL our AF enlisted men and women; Go Rugby team.

119

guidelines) and should be returning to work after the newyear. This year, he has participated in two triathlons and is beginning training for a marathon in late 2008. His wife, Paulette, is confident to say this trial “retirement period” has shown them they will be able to tolerate one another when he officially retires. Their kids are normal (okay, as normal as a pre-teen and teenager can be) and life there goes on. Barb (Huggett) Walker has been given a clean bill of health after her colon cancer treatments. She is retired from United, and

recently married aScot named Steve Wiley. She owns Thunder and Buttons (yes in the same location, officially called Thunder and Buttons II) in Old Colorado City. (I recommend the food and a designated driver), so stop by

Air Force managed to once again grasp defeat from the jaws of victory at

Navy this year. In the post game photo are Chuck Murrillo, Bob Stambaugh, Sailboat Captain Cliff Latta, Wade Wheeler, and Gale Newhouse (Brown) We all saw BG Dana Bom (Lindsley) stalking the sidelines at the game and we wish she could have joined us for the post game party. Gale retired this year and recently accepted a job at Ft Belvoir where I am stationed. Cliff is working at the National Guard Bureau. Kenny Guevarra was going to join us but his flight .

schedule (Delta) didn’t let him off. I told him to call in sick. He said “If I call in sick, how would I get there? Delta would see me using employee passes.”

DUH... pay for a ticket on another airline, like the rest of us stiffs. What I really missed was his $$$ at the poker table.

Mike Shanahan solved his problem of being assigned in California while Gisela held down the house in Colorado Springs by retiring this year and has transitioned well to civilian life. As a program manager for a major military contractor he is away from home nearly as much as when he was on active duty.

I look forward to seeing everyone at our 25th reunion fall '08! Ray Blust has the -

next Checkpoints article. Reachhimatrjmablust@comcast.net, (304)242-7182.

I remain an optimist for nextyear’s football season... Go Army beat Air Force!

Mike Jensen

12035 Milam Road

34% Members.

Colorado Springs, CO 80908

(800) G0-AFA-G0 michaeljensen@remax.net www.usafa84.com

Needyour help! With the ever-changing email addresses, it is getting more difficult to track you down. Please go to the website above and type in your “84” preferred email address in the right hand corner. I will only use it about once a quarter to ask for updates, etc. You may go to the website at any time to see if any new articles have been posted. There you will get the full article with all pictures (am limited to 1,200 words in Checkpoin ts). There is even an RSS feed for updates!

Here’s Marty: seems like the QB has moved into his new home, just north ofthe AFA. Still flying for United, he and the rest of the Louthan clan are doing well. Also back in Colorado is Carl Bruning; he is currently working for the Ron Paul 2008 Presidential campaign as the State Coordinator for Colorado and Wyoming. He got checked out in a Citabria, and enjoys flying aerobatics now and then! Scott Cain left the Air Force in 1992. Since that time, he has been working with his father-in-law in the petroleum business. Still happily married to, Kelly. Their oldest son, Ryan, graduated from Azusa Pacific University and is now attending medical school. Their youngest son is a sophomore at Fresno Pacific University as an English literature major. They enj oy the ability to drop everything at a mo ments notice and take to the open seas—cruising is their preferred mode of travel. Scott reports Jack Roosa, now retired, and works as a missile sales rep for Lockheed in Tucson, AZ. Dave Irving is a nurse in Reseda, CA but currendy resides in Baja where he is on a short term mission trip with his family.

Marty Ellingsworth got head-hunted away from the predictive analytics startup he founded, Full Capture Solutions, to be President of ISO Innovative Analytics leading the way in financial services, insurance, and healthcare analytics. He and his wife and two girls still live in northern California, but he travels a lot more these days. Steve Wacker is still in Charlotte; he just changed jobs and is now with Shaw Group, where he is the National Director for the Utility Sector oftheir business. He used iSABRD to lead him to that position, so be sure to tout that service whenever you can. Steve keeps in touch with the uber-batchelor Matt Johnson, who is now with Apollo Group, a private equity firm, in their Germany office.

Giving thanks: we have had some classmates go through some tough times, but these two are pulling through: On Christmas day 2006, Doug Fogle had a stroke. It turns out he had a hole in his heart and it caused the stroke. After a few weeks he was almost back to normal. He has been off work this year (FAA

when you have the chance.

Plebe alert: Talk about “dis-sing the family” Daniel Behne fathered a PLEBE of all things! Daniel “Scott” Behne had an appointment to USAFA and a scholarship to the VT’s School of Engineering but he chose USNA. So, Dan teaches him how to punt and kick for his high school football team and how to hit and play baseball as well, and what does he do? He goes to USNA and joins the PAINTBALL team! (Is that a “PLEDGE PIN?”) That is OK, Dan. We knowyou did your best! Dan (retired 04) works for ManTech International Corporation as a VP of Contracts for their

Security & Mission Assurance business unit. His lovely wife is Anne and has other children: Rachel, Mark, and Jacob. (Maybe future Falcons?)

Rich Call has upgraded this past summer to 757/767 Captain at UPS. He is still living at the same address in Albuquerque, and only mentions this after Doug Applegate and I drive down to see the football game. See you in two years! Scott Welker is finally up for Colonel (that break for med school set him back to the remedial class); he will find out in January. Still a surgeon; just got back from five months in Qatar.

Denny Benson retired in 2005 and became an independent contractor / consultant. His wife, Lista, is still on active duty and should pin on 0-6 in Feb 2008, so having a “mobile career” keeps them together at Ramstein, Germany. Their son Derek is 14, is 5’10" tall and loves Xbox. Joe Sherman hasn’t run into any academy grads in a while, but did want to talk about the important stuff, Joe Sherman. He retired from the Coast Guard in April, 2006, and is back in the world of aviation. He is flying S-61N helicopters in the Gulf of Mexico for a Canadian company. Gail and the kids are doing great. Good job, Joe! Another sad story: Plugging away up in Longmont, expanding brewing capacity to keep up with strong growth, running around doing a lot of non-profit work for the Imagine Foundation, Colorado Shakespeare Fest, Oddfellows, etc., chasing three kids, drinking beer and solving world problems. Youknow, same old thing! Alas, this is the life of our own Eric Wallace of the Left Hand th Brewing Company. We had some ofhis suds at our 20 and will do so again for the big 25! (Be strong Eric, somebody’s gotta do it) Monica (Schweitz) Smith, the ultimate woman of every decade, reported that husband, Tim Smith, arrived home from his three-month deployment to Iraq, where he was the Sq. CC of the A-1 Os from the Maryland AN G. Their kids are great. Jake is 13 and Roxanne is 11. Mon is still flying 767s to Europe for UA. Kyle Skalisky retired and moved back to Wenatchee, WA (hometown). Flying Lear jets with alocal company in Wenatchee called Executive Flight Inc., and with his wife (Chris) and are opening a Great Harvest Bread Company franchise in Wenatchee.

Fore! The first annual NCAA golf tourney on the West Coast (Air Force Acad-

emy/AguaCaliente Desert Classic) was a huge success! They had a great showing for their college-am... many grads and a bunch of’84ers like Eddie Baca, Darrell Cabanting and Vinny Marrero played in the college-am. Other Grads from ’59 to cadets, they even had ex-dean BG Cubero take part. They will do it again next year. Enclosed is a pic of Fred Sandoval ’82 (co-founder), Darrell ’84, Joe (co-founder), Cadet Josh McFarland... yep Dillon’s kid (Josh McFarland) andEdBaca. Josh played withjoe in thecollege-amandwe were able to chat about his dad and all those untold stories.. .great kid with a320 yard drive to boot!

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Rob Palumbo is still doing the Vice Commander chores at the 482FW, Homestead AFB, FL and just reached 4,000 hours in the F-16. He is looking for an O7 billet and also flies FO for AA on 757/767 Good work, Mumbles!

Bill Shobert retired in Dec ’06 after doing a wide range of space duties. He ran theater exercises and the Y2K program for the Unified and supporting service space systems. His final position was with the Joint Staff/J-3 where he wrote many ofthe missile defense orders that were put in place to defend from

the North Korean launch in the summer of’06. Nowwith the Department of State as the Deputy for Missile Defense and Space Policy. His wife, Marcela, the kids, Nikki (12) and Billy (7) are doing well at school. Here’s a picture of the

family from the October 2006 retirement ceremony.

Mike says the lead up to General Petraeus’ testimony was a busy time for him and the staffwho put in some long days as they worked. Mike said then he and the staff stayed up to watch the General’s testimony on TV Mike said his own opinion is that both the General and Ambassador Crocker did very well in laying out the facts that they see on the ground. Mike said he thought the big ad from moveon.org was “a real piece of work” as well. Mike said he’s had the opportunity to brief the General a couple of times, as well as sit in on some meetings with him, and he doesn’t think he has ever met a smarter person. He said the General is a true scholar, and a warrior, and even more a gentleman. He wishes that those on the “other side” of this could sit down and listen to him without all their biases.

Mike said he had an opportunity to attend a NATO European Union Political-Military workshop in Brussels, Belgium for a couple of days. Mike flew up on a MEDEVAC flight which really brought the war into stark reality. He was very impressed by the exceptional level of care these young men and women received on the flight. The MEDEVAC crews are truly amazing individuals and asked that if we have time, to say a prayer for them as well as the wounded warriors.

For the workshop, Mike said it was very interesting to meet with Military and Senior State Department representatives from all of the embassies around -

Steve Shepro is also still living the dream at Balad Air Base, in the arena with some ofthe finest Airmen he has ever met. He says, if you can’t be

home, there

is no better place to be for year than among these Airmen and flying in combat.

Ed Rutherford is still flying old DC-8 freighters for ASTAR Air Cargo (for-

merly DHL Airways). Most days he is in the Flight Standards office, maintaining the AOM and MEL for that fleet. Ed and his wife, Mary, live NE of Cincinnati with their menagerie of pets (dog, cats, horses).

Walt Jurek is in Houston working for Hewlett-Packard, in Marketing on the PC side ofthe house managing the launch of new products. He and his wife are still home-schooling their four kids (Joshua, age 14; Megan, age 13;Tim, age 11; Chris, age 9).

Bob Kittyle finished his medical residency in Radiology this past June and is

currently doing a one-year fellowship in neuroradiology at the University of Michigan, moving to Florida. He will be the “expert” in imaging of the brain, spine, and head /neck.

Steve Reed is now flying for FedEx after UAL furlough. Retired from USAFR in ’06. Oldest son Nick to join USAFA class of 12 next summer.

That is it. If you haven’t done so, go to the top right hand corner and input your best email address. Have a great Christmas and holiday season, jens

Europe, as well as officials from Washington, DC. The panel discussions were very interesting and covered a range of issues affecting all of the European countries and the United States. Mike said there was a large focus on Afghanistan since that is the main effort for many of our NATO partners, as well as

where the European Union is focusing on; Iraq is a secondary effort for them.

Mike said progress continues to be made here as we move forward in Iraq.

He hoped we all were all able to listen to General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker as they testified before Congress and then made the circuit of news broadcasters afterwards. He was somewhat dismayed by some of the accusations that were being made by some of the major newspapers because they appear to be constandy looking for anything that they can call into question.

Well, it’s hard to believe but I have been writing our Checkpoints inputs for

permanent assignment. It’s rewarding, in spite of my occasional typos or wrong rank inputs. I also occasionally get “thanks” from readers. I don’t mind continuing to do it; I just want to make sure to offer over 10 years now. This is not a

the opportunity to someone else if they’re out there waiting for a chance. Please let me know. That’s it for now. Take care. Q

’

Gary Burg CAOC/CPD MAAP Cell

Frank

“Q.” Williams 13209 Topsfield Court

APO AE 09309

Members

lce492FS@yahoo.com

Herndon, VA 20171

(703) 657-3227 USAFA1985@aol.com

Hello Let me start off by apologizing to 0-6 Colonel Ian Dickinson, USAF for erro-

neously referring to him as a Lieutenant Colonel in the last Checkpoints. I assure you that he has not been demoted or anything; I just made a mistake. We exchanged personal e-mails and I apologized to him privately but I wanted to publicly address the issue as well. Ian is still on active duty and is currently serving at A1 Udeid as the Director of C4 Systems for the Air Force Forces in the theater. Ian is in the picture working on a project at A1 Udeid.

Fellow classmates and grads, I’m writing you once again from the Middle East. This is my second Christmas in four years I have spent over here. This time I’m actually on a 365-day deployment that I volunteered for so I’m not complaining, just passing information. I’m trying to make a difference one last time before I hang up the uniform for good. While I enjoy being station at Elmendorf and living in Anchorage, I wasn’t

doing my part in the fight against terrorism so when AFPC asked for volunteers to work at the CAOC, I threw my hat in the ring. The days are long, the j ob is stressful and time off is not part of my schedule (I do usually get one half day on the weekends) but the job is rewarding and I feel I am making a difference in the big scheme of things. In the 90+ days I’ve been here I’ve lost over 25 lbs too so I should leave here a lean, mean fighting machine. The photo I’ve included is the awarding of the Air Force Combat Action Medal I received from the CFACC, Lt Gen North. I was one of the first 80 officers in the Air Force to receive the award and receiving it from the approving official made it even more special.

Colonel Ian Dickinson, USAF working a fiberproject atA1 Udeid.

Captain Mike Taylor, USN sent another message from Baghdad, Iraq. His wife, Heidi, and their boys are in San Diego, CA while he’s over there. Mike is still trying to work out my next assignment with the detailer, but trying for San Diego so he won’t have to move his family again. Mike is about halfway done with his time in Baghdad and by the time you read this article he should have gone home for some R&R leave before heading back to finish his tour.

121

I’ve been in contact with a few good friends, Jay Humelbaugh and Dave Tuck.

The picture is from our vacation at Lake Tahoe this past August. We had a

Jay has become an accomplished carpenter and is enjoying life in the DC area.

He just finished a major kitchen remodeling at the place he is living. From the photos he sent, he did an outstandingjob. I think he missed his calling but I guess you’re never too old to pick-up a trade. Dave is still living in the Colorado Springs area and doing well for himself. I’ve seen a few other ’86ers over here but none I really know well so no news from the front.

I’ve been in contact with Rich Basak, who was (I think his tour of duty is over by the time this column hits the street) the DO for the 604 ASOS at Camp Red Cloud. He actually helped me out a lot by hooking me up with a dehumidifier.

The humidity in Qatar is a lot higher than I expected it to be. The humidity level in my room ran as high as 75% before I received the dehumidifier; now it is a reasonable 50% or lower. Thank goodness for MPS. Bob Colella was actually in the neighborhood (Doha, Qatar) in October but due to logistic issues and the fact he visited during Ramadan, we were never able to get together. I have received a few emails from abroad so I will pass them along to you.

Bob did drop me a line with a photo. The photo is from the AF-Navy game with Bob, his daughter Allison, and Ed (’84) and Annie (Alvarez, ’86 [through Soph year]) and their children to include a son who is a freshman this year (Anthony) in photo.

great time, and I would recommend visiting to anyone. From left are Alyssa (9), my wife, Mary, and son Aiden (7). The old man on the right is me!

Ezra Vance

7320 Brixham Circle Castle Rock, CO 80108 Home: (303) 6885431 Work: (303) 304-1287 ezravance@motorola.com doctorvance@hotmail.com

Wings From Heaven.

Hello to all. I hope this update finds you all in great health and tremendous th spirit. I hope all of you are safely back at home after attending our 20 Reunion festivities. This update will focus primarily on reunion activities. Although Kristen and I did not attend every reunion event because of children, I will provide as many highlights as I can. We enjoyed seeing all of our many friends and classmates and I want to reiterate to you how CnbM «o'c very humbled I am to be associated with such an outstanding group of people. The contributions and sacrifices our classmates have made and continue to make are inspiring.

Additionally, I have received numerous updates from class(°i<cfK mates and I will include as many as my space allocation allows. Ifyou sent me an update and it does not appear in this satire Society issue, rest assured that it will be published soon Donors First, the highlights. The reunion officially started on Wednesday, but the festivities officially started Thursday morning with the reunion golf tournament. It was a bitter cold morning in the Rockies and yet, a large and spirited contingent of diehard golfers descended onto the mighty Blue Course. After what seemed like hours of hitting range balls, while waiting out a frost delay, the Class of ’87 began its tournament. As a side note, the Class of ’77 gave every golfer a nice gift and all ’87 golfers were envious. The tournament lasted approximately six hours due mainly to the incredible slow play of the eventual winners Keith Nightingale, Jim Brunkow, Joe Chapman and John Klimek. The reigning champions, Howard Huerta, Jeff Cliatt, Ken Velten, Christopher Palmer (in absentia) and Ezra Vance grath ciously accepted defeat and promised a spirited rematch for the 25 re-union.

After the golf tournament, many classmates attended briefings, tours and updates on the hill. One observation I had was that when we were at the Academy, the old grads would walk through and tell us about how hard it used to be and how far standards have slipped. Well, there must some truth to that, because I was appalled at how messy and cluttered and disorganized cadet rooms were during the day. Cadets swore that their rooms were in AMI condition. But my gosh, beds were unmade, clothes were everywhere, books piled on desks, stereos, TV’s, refrigerators, microwaves, play-stations, coffee pots, crock pots and even a waffle iron were clearly visible in most rooms.

Cadets for the most part haven’t changed, but the expectations ofhow they are supposed to live definitely have. Many squadrons have changed locations from our era, so you actually had to tour multiple squadrons to see your old squadron. One nice touch was that most squadrons had a wall of plagues that identified graduates ofthe previous classes from that squadron. After squadron visits, everyone headed to Fairchild Hall for Academy update meetings and a brief class meeting.

After the class meeting, a very moving ceremony was held. As many of you know, Marty Tatum passed away this past spring. Fulfilling his last requests, the family, friends and classmates gathered on Spirit Hill to spread Marty’s ashes. Ken Velten led the informal ceremony and did a remarkable job. The photo was taken during the event. Kenny is spreading Marty’s ashes, while Marty’s mother looks on. As I walked from Spirit Hill to the Chapel for the class picture and the Memorial Ceremony, I stopped and talked to Kevin Martin.

Kevin saw through my bloodshot eyes and said, “Ezra, don’t be sad! Spirit Hill now stands much higher than it did before, because of Marty.” Kevin found a way to communicate perfectly what everyone who attended the gathering was feeling. Thank you, Kevin. c

Quite a USAFA sighting! Kneeling: Jessica Lorenzini —13 and in 8th grade; Zachary Lorenzini—15 and in 11th grade. Standing from left: Bob, his lovely daughter, Ed Lorenzini (USAFA ’84), Elizabeth (Annie Alvarez, USAFA ’86) Lorenzini, Dino Lorenzini (USAFA ’62), Lucille Lorenzini, Anthony Lorenzini (USAFA ’10) CS-05, Darla Cardenas, and Ed Cardenas (USAFA ’89). Missing from photo is Amanda, who took the picture, 9 and in fourth grade.

Ed Yong sent me a short email with his latest information, “I am still here at Offutt AFB as a contractor along with Jeff Blank. A1 Williams is here, too, but he is still active duty. My growing family will have an addition in December. We are expecting number 4. We will then have a range of 16,14,8, and a newborn.

If you are coming to Omaha or just passing through, let us know.”

Angle Gonzalez dropped me a line, “Hello fellow ’86ers! I am happy to say that I am gainfully- employed at American Airlines once again after four long years flying for American Eagle. I flew the Embraer 50-seat regional jet and have to admit flying the little jet was fun; flying the work rules at American Eagle was not. Nowthatlam back atAA, Ihaveone more week of simulator training for the MD-82 “Super 80” aircraft, and then I will have to commute to NewYork for a couple of weeks, and then to Boston. I will have to commute until there is an opening in Dallas-Ft Worth and my number comes up seniority rules!

Although Eagle is not a major airline, it was nice to be based at DFW and not have to commute. Didn’t expect to ever have to commute again, and hopefully won’t have to for more than a year.

I had dinner recently with another ’86er and CS-03 squadron-mate Bill Tho—

(Hindes) He and his family are doing well and live just north of Dallas.

Also plan to see another Cerberus squadron friend John Kress as he travels through DFW Airport on AF business. I live near DFW Airport, and since I have an airline ID, I am able to meet people inside security and have lunch or grab a coffee, even if just for an hour or two. Among others in CS-03, John made O6 and is going to pin-onjust after Christmas. Waytogo, John! As for my military mas

.

career, I retired from the Reserves last year after serving as an Admissions Liaison Officer for six years in Ft

Worth, TX. I miss it sometimes. For those of you still on Active Duty or serving in the Reserves, I salute you!

122

For those ofyou who could not attend the Memorial service, I want to remind

From left are Gary Giancola, Ian Archibald, John MacPherson, John Klimek,

you ofthe names of our classmates we have lost. Please observe a moment of silence their loving memory: Michael Ayotte, Michael Branche, Gary Challis, Steven DeLisle, LeRoy Homer Jr., Jimmy Jenkins, Karl Kajah, Joseph Kimball,

Frank Amsler, John Cardello, A1 Woodcock, Ace Shrum, Angel Diaz, Sean Kavanaugh, and Marshall Hugue.

Conrad Kipp, James Klas, Sean Murphy, Keith Nylander, Patrick Olson, James

Poppo, Philip Puig, Randy Roby, Dwight Sanders, MarkSchweigert, Gregory Survil, Timothy Sweterlitsch, Marty Tatum, and Troy Waddell.

Following a very moving memorial service and a gaggle of a class photo shoot, most everyone retired to the hotel for the Class Social and Dinner. The dinner

great, but most ’87ers needed additional time to get caught up on stories and current happenings with long-lost friends, roommates and classmates. So while the band tried really hard to get people dancing, the majority of the class was

slipped out into the hallways to continue conversations late into the night.

The next day was the Falcon Football game. I did not attend, but I was told by numerous classmates that “Spirit Cheese” made a surprise appearance. To give you a flavor for how much things have changed at USAFA, graduates had their cheese taken away by uniformed officers and were threatened with arrest and criminal charges if they continued the heinous act of tossing Spirit Cheese into the wind swept heights of Falcon stadium. Air Force won the game and grads then returned to the hotel to close out conversations, exchange numbers and say good-bye. The reunion was very successful and I think to a person, everyone who attended, thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Thankyou to our Reunion Planning Committee for the hard work they put into to making the th event so special. Plans are already under way for a very special 25 Reunion.

If you are interested in helping out, drop me an email.

Tami (Phillips) LeHouillier provided this update on CS-24. In attendance at the reunion were Mike Sulek and his wife, Michelle; Mike Metruck and his wife, Donna; Rollie Diaz and his wife, Melody; Michele Fincher; Leslie Howell; Keric Chin; Kevin Boyd; Rob Day; Mike Patterson and his family; and Moe and Tami LeHouillier. I think that was about it. Of them, Mike Sulek just put in his papers after 20 years with Space Command; Mike Metruck is still in, as is Rollie Diaz and Leslie Howell. Keric Chin is a lawyer; Kevin and Moe fly for Fed Ex; Mike Patterson is a veterinarian; Michele is in computer security, and Tami is unemployed. Of the people who didn’t show, this we know: Fred Marheine just got out and is a financial consultant in Virginia; Butch Chmura is in training with Southwest; Vic Dallin was deployed to Iraq—he’s commander of a heli-

copter squadron at Moody; Byron Mathewson is stationed at Hickam.

Finally, Andy Hecht provides this update although he didn’t get to attend the reunion. Since I missed the reunion I thought I would send you an update on a couple of ’87 grads currently at Balad AB, Iraq supporting OIF. Vic Dallin and I are squadron commanders in the 332 EOG as part of the 332 AEW here at Balad. Lt Col Vic “Surgeon” Dallin, Commander of 64th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, HH-60G squadron, is providing Combat Search and Rescue coverage for multiple customers for all of OIF. At home, commander of the 41st Rescue Squadron, 15x HH-60G CSAR squadron, Moody AFB, GA. Wife: Kristin; children: Ella (6), John (4), and Davis (3).

Lt Col Andy “Mayo” Hecht, Commander of4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, F-16 BLK-40 squadron providing CAS coverage for the OIF AOR. At home,

commander ofthe 4th Fighter Squadron, 24xF-16 BLK-40 squadron, Hill AFB, UT. Wife: Lisa; children Alexandra (14), Austin (12). Vic is about to rotate back to Moody soon, but will be back again this winter. I’ll be in place until early next year. I have a family of skiers, and look forward to the Utah ski season this

year. The Hecht family is planning on retiring this coming summer / fall and will remain in Utah. I think Vic and Kristin are planning on staying in as of now.

Here is a picture of Andy and Vic in the current 332 EOG building.

Until next time, God bless you all.

Jeff Kumro provided this CS-4 update. Fightin Four had great turnout at the reunion with 12 mates returning to the Springs. We were able to contact everyone in the

Mark Peters

squadron except Phil Templin. .Where are you Phil? We toasted our

first two full birds Scotty Erickson and Jeff McDaniels both up in DC at the Pentagon and our first two retirees; Steve Slatter and Berg. Brett had a lame excuse and was unable to come due to initial training at Southwest. Congrats go out to Sully for taking command of the Predator Sq. at Nellis. He drove in from Vegas with the three kids and Mary. Apparendy Paul Hastert and Dave Stamos at 40+ are just figuring out the kid thing. While some of us are close to

sending them off to college, Dave S had a brand new toddler in tow and Paul left one at home and his wife was pregnant with his second. Karl Hjerpe just tied the knot 18 months ago, no kids but he and Tina Dara are still practicing real hard...NO... NOT together—with their spouses. Karl has been settled for some time up in Chicago andTina and Jeff Gingras (’85) are now living in Vegas.

Tom Boroweic is back in the Reserves and living in the same Texas town as Brett Berg and informed us his teenage son officially knows more than him and has all the answers in life. Thad Knue was unable to come with Naomi and his tribe of three as they were at a national soccer tournament in Florida with their son.

And we missed Danny Harris as his son had a homecoming football game back in his old stomping ground of Cedar City. He checked in via cell and wished everyone well. Vinny Bachelier was unable to get his Reserve days to work at UAL and stayed home with wife and two kids he promised he’ll be there in --

five years.

John Klimek sent in this nice photo from the reunion. Here’s a picture ofthe ’87 CS-36 Pink Panther men at Angel Diaz’s house following the football game.

CS-36 women weren’t at Angel’s house, as they were having their all-women

party at the time, but both Lucy (Limjoco) Jones and Lynda (Merryman) Baldauff from CS-36 were also at the reunion weekend. Everyone in the picture is from CS-36, except for Ian Archibald (noted below).

39% Members

2437 Bedford Circle

.

Bedford, TX 76021-1823

(817) 937-9696 pylt@yahoo.com

Greetings ’88!

Let me first thank Jo Anne Pinney again for her information-filled email. As

noted last time, I had so many contacts and info from Jo Anne that it wouldn’t all fit in a single column so I’ve rolled over some for this issue. (Please be aware this a problem every class scribe would love!) I’m also pleased to note that Dave and Mary Boucher and Chris Kubick sent updates as well.

I had to pry at bit with a follow-up email to get Jo Anne to talk about herself: “I’ve been at Tinker for 2 l/2years. Under the AFMCRe-Org, Ipickedupa Squadron Command at Tinker managing depot-level sustainment for all Air Traffic Control and Landing Systems (ATCALS) in the AF. I’m a LtCol (pretty in-line with most our classmates) and I ve done some pretty obscure things in the AF, I guess. Before Tinker, I was at Yokota working with the Japanese as the logistics Host Nation Coordination Cell director at US Forces Japan. Before that, I was on Johnston Atoll (not many people know where that is...a little island in the Pacific) as director of logistics for the island. Before that, at Peterson, doing acquisition logistics for Space Command. In case you didn’t get it from my past few job descriptions, I am a logistics officer. ’

pRCY. Y

Safere Soeiety Donors

You probably don’t want to know much before that—I’m still single, never

been married and have no kids (I have trouble keeping my houseplants alive —I don’t think I’m responsible enough for kids). Oh, and I just got tasked to deploy to Baghdad in May for six months.” Which is a good segue into her most recent email.

“I stay in regular contact with Steve Browning and his wife, Renske. They both work for United (Steve as a flyer and Renske as a flight attendant) and live near Washington DC. Last summer I went to visit them in DC and we hit a Jimmy Buffett concert together. Lots of tailgating, drinking and great music— it was all good.

“I ran into Kevin Missar and his wife, Beth, at Buffett. Kevin told me that Joe Mazur (whom I stay in regular contact with) and his then-fiancee, Ives, were

attheconcert. Both Kevin andjoe are stationed in DC. I never sawjoe and Ives that evening, but I did see them a few months later (as well as Kevin and Beth) in Las Vegas for Joe’s wedding. Joe will be deploying to Iraq in a few days for a 6-month rotation.

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“John Macdonald and his wife, Traci, sent me a nice note from California.

They recently PCSed to Moffett Air Base near San Francisco. John is working on the SBIRS program out there, helping them build a satellite. I was hoping to see them last time I was in California, but it didn’t work out. I’m sure I’ll see them out there, though, as I’m originally from California and go back frequently.

Also out in California are John and Georgia (Ruckle) McCurdy and their family. John is flying the Global Hawk out of Beale and they seem to really be

enjoying the mountains in northern CA. “I stay in touch with Doug and Mindy (Hartley) Seagraves. They are both Intel officers at Offutt AFB and they just recently had their second child.

“Jonand Debbie (Edwards) Davis have both been out ofthe Air Force for a number of years. They live in Tucson, AZ and have two children. Jonsentme some cool wiz-bang photos of an aircraft test program he was working on with his company.

“I think that’s everyone I’ve seen. I’m sure I’ve forgotten someone (not on purpose) but, this should give you some decent fodder for the next issue of Checkpoints." Which it did, and then some! Due to the delays in publishing, I believe Jo Anne will be back at home in Oklahoma by the time this reaches your mailbox. Her time in the AOR was spent working on a NATO staff in a mission to assist the Iraqis in establishing their training programs Military —

Academy, Joint Staff Schools, etc.

Some time ago Mary Boucher wrote from Washington D.C. where she and Dave are seeing plenty of ’88ers. “Dave and I are here at the Pentagon now, and

it’s like old home week practically every day—lots of Zoomies running around here! I saw a copy of Checkpoints a few weeks ago, and it inspired me to write and catch you up on some of the folks here in the Puzzle Palace.

Paul W. Tibbets,

IV ■

PSC 80, Box 76 APO AE, 09702

43 %^

/Members,

Home: 011-32-2-251-2772

E-mail:

p2a2@skynet.be Class web site: http://www. usafaclasses.org/1989/

Greetings ’89ers! I knowit is hard to believe, but our 20-year reunion is just around the corner. As I mentioned last quarter, we have started our planning and you will be receiving some information soon on the class gift project. The aim of our campaign is to: (1) Prepare a special event during our 20 th reunion and honor those that have passed on, both on the Heritage Trail plot and at the pavers site, ensuring families ofthose passed on are invited; (2) Have a special place for our “Heritage” for Class of 1989 and for those that have fallen in war, combat, or performing extraordinary accomplishments that deserve special recognition; (3) Continue to support and contribute to those classes yet to come with projects and funds as others did for us when we were there and that we

likely never knew about during our four years. This would include all the major pillars of the USAFA total education: Military, Academic, Athletic and Character Development. We are looking forward to launching this campaign and encourage everyone to take part. More details to follow!

The Heritage Trail, mentioned above, is an area by Doolittle Hall where classes will be given the option to purchase sections and honor their own. While we cannot fully anticipate all the circumstances that will lead to a classmate being honored on our Heritage Trail Plot, in general, the class intends to use space in the 1989 Heritage Trail Plot for classmates who have achieved exceptional distinction or performed extraordinary accomplishments through their unique service to our country. Our first classmate to be honored, Lt Col Shea, died in

combat while leading his Marine unit. In addition, the class is committed to honoring all classmates who have died with pavers at Doolittle Hall.

As you probably noticed from the header, the Tibbets family is now stationed

in Europe! I just started duty atNATO Headquarters inBrussels, Belgium as the

Chief of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Policy for NATO. We are looking forward to the next fewyears overseas.

That’s a wrap for this quarter. Let me hear from the rest of you! Best wishes to you and your families. Take care and God bless.

Dave, Elizabeth and Mary Boucher

“First, about us: Dave and I now have a five-year-old daughter, Elizabeth.

Additionally, we are anxiously awaiting word from China on the status of our adoption of a child from there. We’ve been in DC about two years now, and I work in A1. Dave is a pilot with Northwest Airlines flying the Airbus 320, but currently he is on a year’s military leave working here in the Pentagon as a Reserve IMAinA5.

“We’ve run into many ’88ers: Cori (Mosier) Culver works in the SG here, about two rings away from me. We do lunch now and again and always gossip aboutwho’s doing what these days. Her husband, Curtis “Skull” Culver, is still back at D-M flying A- 10s. Kip Turain works in the office next to mine (also in Al) and just celebrated his selection to 06! And Kip mentioned that he ran into Chuck Beames at the big promotion party. Chuck just graduated from National War College, was also selected for 0-6, and works at Ft. Belvoir. Chris Chelales and Kari Thyne both work here on the Joint Staff, and I ran into both of them in the hallways now and again.

“We had dinner with Bill and Chris Parker (and their two kids) last year just before Bill left for some PME. Bill is doing well in the Navy and took command of the USS Donald Cook (a guided missile destroyer) in July.

“I did a briefing up at the Army War College last week, and John Quintas, Dave Goldstein, and Norm Worthen were all there as part of the incoming class. John was sporting Eagles already, Dave is bald as a cue ball (probably lost it all while getting his Ph.D.), and Norm has already gone all gray! But all three looked great and seemed excited about spending a year with the Army.

“I ran into Ralph Galetti in the courtyard last fall. He’s a civilian contractor now, but still works closely with the AF (and for the life of me, I can’t remember what the name ofhis company is!). Well, that’s all I can think of for now. Look“

”

ing forward to next year’s reunion!

Lastly, here’s a short note from Chris Kubickfrom September: “Just wanted to drop you a quick note and let you know I’m back at Langley. I was the CC ofthe 9th Intel Sq until last month; now I’m the Deputy CC of the 497th Intel Group (DGS-l,forthosewhoworkISR). Life is good, and the family is doing well. The girls really like Virginia and are glad to be back. Hard to believe our 20th reunion is next year. Only been here two weeks, so I’m not sure ofwhat other grads are in the area, though Mike Shields is here as the CC ofthe 36th Intel Sq. Ran into Georgia and John Ruckle when I was back at Beale where he was in training for the Global Hawk.” Chris can be reached at: DSN 575-3997, or 757-225-3997.

Thanks, again, to all that wrote. Remember that it’s your column—I just put it together. Please send me a copy of your annual “Friends and Family” letter!

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James Sanchez 8301 Emerald Circle

39 %

Members

North Richland Hills, TX 76180

Cell: (817) 881-6357 Web: WWW.USAFA90.COM

alohatiger@gmail.com

(Two Sabre Society Donors) On November 12,2007 (last week as I write this) Paul Comeau passed away.

Carson Tavenner

-42 V

6828 Raccoon Court

'Member*

Waldorf, MD 20603

A

(202) 231-2484 DSN: (312) 428-2484 Home: (301) 374-2752 tavenner@hotmail.com

Greetings, Bold Gold!

I’m in the mood to write more of a thought piece this time. A few of us had a great lunch conversation at the Pentagon last week, and it really got me thinking. In the months that pass by so quickly we often lose track ofhow much time has passed. Lives change, children grow, parents age, there is great joy and there is great sorrow. Our lives have been connected for so many years now through the professional bond of service to the nation; most often on duty leading the most powerful air and space force the planet has ever known. We’ve also served together off of military duty, as friends have maintained contact through

academia, business, politics,

we fol-

or whatever

pursuits low. The joys have come with the building of families, the accomplishment of career goals, and the thrill of many vie-

1991 leading the future ofaviation testing and development.

Test) at Edwards AFB. Lynn Gawell, Chief of the Knowledge Exploitation Div. at the National Air and Space Intel Center, Wright Pat AFB. James Hanley, HQ AMC Test and Evaluation, Scott AFB. Angie (Wallace) Suplisson, Commander of the Holloman AFB High Speed Test Track; Rod Todaro, Ops Officer for the

419th Flight Test Squadron (Bomber Flight Test) at EdwardsAFB; Hank Griffiths, IPT Lead for the F-35 Air System Verification and Certification, Crystal City, VA; and Todd Levine, Ops Officer for the Alien Storage Facility outside Las Vegas.

tories both great and small. There are so many ways in which we celebrate and

give thanks!

But we are also not without sorrow in our lives. Has even one of us not felt a sting or wound since we parted ways? Our class has lost seven of our members since we tossed our caps toward heaven; I trust most of us knew at least one as more than an acquaintance. Where we have grown close as a class, I think it has been primarily at the hands of mutual suffering.

In between the joy and the sorrow, I’ve noticed three major themes occurring in our lives these days, none of which should be a surprise to anyone.

They are the maturing of our children, the aging of our parents, and the achievement of new professional heights.

When a child is eight or younger, we easily relate to them as being important people in our lives. Something happens as they age; we are better able to examine ourselves as being someone in our child’s life. I can remember when I was Jacob’s age, what I thought of my own father, as well as what I thought of my friends’ fathers. I can recall what these men did, and sometimes what they said, and their wide range of ethical behavior excellent as well as deplorable and how it shaped my own life (they were rarely aware of how much they influenced me). So, I remind myself, it is with Jacob.

I would like to return to the other two themes in our lives, the aging of our parents, and the achievement of new professional heights, in future columns.

This is one of the few places we have to connect with the exact same age demographic, and perhaps we should use itinwaysotherthanjustgradnews? Please let me know what you thought of my taking time on this, whether I should do this more often or not, or just stick to the grad news.

The Pentagon lunches (1 st Thursdays) have worked out again, and a small crew is routinely showing, though rarely the same group. J.R PorierandSteph Brinley helped me kick it off. November saw J.R again, Rod Lewis, Sue (Rank) Foy, Doug Sersun, Glenn Wright, two others I’ve neglected to remember... and I recently bumped into Kurt Gaudette, Mike Lawrence and Chris Parent elsewhere in the Pentagon.

I’ve taken the time to go back and do a full survey of the news and contacts that have come my way over the past months, and there’s really quite a few! In the interest of time and space, I’m going to simply list folks who I’ve heard from, of, or remember seeing, followed by where they’re at or some particularly interesting detail so here goes: Mark Livelsberger and Andreas Wesemann, back in the desert; Cliff Gyves, Arlington VA; Rod Cousins, Wliiteman; Ryan Farmer, AFRL Wright-Pat; Wayne Cooper, CC at MacDill; Todd Levine, Las Vegas; Todd Hamilton, F- 16s at Shaw, along with Chris “CICYM” Gough, Doug “Cinco” DeMaio, Pete “Gyro” Fry, Hilary Feaster, and Ken “Francis” Ekman; Don Strickland, northern CA; John “Smash” Schaefer, Mtn Home F- 15Es; Chris Smith, Chicago suburbs and supply chains; Don Yu, flyingforUPS; DaveDamrath, Fisher-Price/Mattel back home in Buffalo, NY; Karen (Perez) Ernest and Troy Thomas both at Fort Meade; Nick Kootsikas right here in my neck of the woods, working Civil Air Patrol at Andrews; and Mark Maldonado switched over to the JAG Corps from being a pilot (over four years ago) to concentrate on law, and has been working at DOJ as an attorney for counterterrorism (and is with the DC ANG).

The Society of Experimental Test Pilots held its annual symposium at Disneyland and flight test folks from all corners of the country made appearances. It didn’t take long to realize they had quite the contingent from 91, so, after a little catching up, most of them stood still long enough for a photo -

-

-

-

What, you don’t believe that!

I ’ll close with a reflection on a new and challenging assignment: Billy Barnes

shared this perspective from his first few months as the commander of the SERE Support Squadron. “... not only do we train the usual SERE students but we’re also the tech school for SERE Specialists. Last month we went to Tillamook, OR for Coastal Phase (littoral and Open Ocean Survival). Along with floating in 20- man rafts in 10-foot swells, we also do parachute jumps into the ocean. We have two Zodiacs and a 16-footer.. .the SS Freakshow, used to fish jumpers and equipment out of the water.”

“Oddly enough, over the last month, my worst discipline problem has been grads. On five separate occasions I have had problems with grads from ’04 and ’05 (all pilots) being disrespectful and unprofessional with the school staff/ instructors and insubordinate with their SRO. I swear these kids have an outrageous chip on their shoulders. One was caught going through his F-16 Dash One, while going through resistance Academics.. .makes me wonder ifwe were ”

anything like that when we were lieutenants...

Yes, Billy, I’m sure we were!

Thanks for reading, folks! Now that you’re done, please put this down, go online, and update your information on our USAFA 91 web site. Thanks, and see you next time!

James S. Mehta

3802 Elbert Ave.

Alexandria, VA 22305

42%

Members

(703) 697-4511; DSN: 227-4511 james.mehta@ogn.af.mil jamesmehta@pentagon.af.mil jamesmehta@earthlink.net

Happy Holidays True Blue class! I hope this holiday season finds everyone prosperous in life both in spirit and endeavors. Michelle, Sarah, and I have enjoyed the first several months here in DC and I have been happy to see so many familiar faces in the Pentagon. I was able to get on the ’92 e-mail list I had heard of and locate a lot of people. Elaine (Riley) Sersun initiated the list and has been the one who has organized the ’92 lunches. My timing was pretty good and Elaine organized another lunch in Oct, so I got to go. About 15 of us met at one of the food courts in the Pentagon and had lunch together. It was good to see so many familiar faces and even a few not so familiar ones. It was a good turnout, but there are more ’92ers in the Pentagon so hopefully we will have an even better turnout next time. We even got a great photo!

’

(thank you, Bill!).

From left are Troy Larson, C-17 Production Test Pilot with Boeing at Long

Beach. He’s also flying the C-17 as a Reservist out at March. Aaron Reed, Ops Officer for the 418th Flight Test Squadron (Tanker/Transport Flight Test) at EdwardsAFB. ToddEricson, AF Flight Test Center, Detachment 3. BillPeris, Ops Officer for the 445th Flight Test Squadron (F- 16/T-38/C- 12/KC-135 Flight

First Row: Cindy Stein, Michael Weiss, James Mehta, Rick Bailey, Oleg

Borukhin, Donna (Ward) Boyce, KrisMeyle, Alberto Cruz, JimDryjanski, and MarkSlocum. Back Row: Dave Lindsay, Pete Doty, Elaine Riley, Kevin Westburg, Paul Williams, and Tim Stong.

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Visitor from Europe. I got a surprise phone call at work from Steve Wolf

recently who was TDY to the Pentagon. Steve (cross-commissioned to the USMC) PCSed this summer to Stuttgart, Germany where he is assigned to EUCOM. We had him over for dinner that night and we had a great visit. He, Kaye, and the kids are enjoying another assignment in Germany. With two boys already, Steve and Kaye were happy to welcome their third child, Rachel, in the Spring. Steve has already been back to the Pentagon TDY since that first visit and should be here TDY once a quarter. I look forward to getting together with him much more often here in DC. Go Air Force, Beat Navy! Well, it was a good thought; too bad it didn’t turn out that way. A number of us from the DC area made the trek out to Annapolis to see the Falcons take on the Midshipmen. Even though the Falcons had a great season, they lost to Navy. I guess the Commander in Chief’s trophy will have to wait one more year. I went to the game with Dave Kumashiro and his brother and his family. I didn’t run into too many familiar faces, but got an email from Keith Reeves afterward with a photo ofhim with some classmates.

Keith is currently on the ACC staff working requirements. He rode up to the Air Force vs. Navy game with the Alberto Cruz, and hooked up with a couple other classmates.

Michael D. Sundsted 1805 Macadams Place

87 % Members

Alexandria, VA 22308

(703) 768-5664/Cel I :(240) 338-9839 E-mail: Bravecwboy@cox.net Class Website: www.highflight.com

Happy Holidays ’93ers, Nonus Superatol Hope they have been great for you.. .for those who are deployed or are in harms way we thankyou and send our prayers to you and your families.

What a fall! Can’t believe we lost to Navy.. .what a game! I ran into Brendan Harris, Lisa (Lau) Proscoe and Kelley Vanderbilt there. We all had a great time catching up. Some even enjoyed my tasty Oktoberfest Homebrew—Kelley! I am sure all were as excited as I was to see that we absolutely thumped Notre Dame! If we can just beat SDSU handily we’ll have a great Bowl Game! On to the news...

First and foremost, I am happy to announce that our class President, Wispy Speros (“Bill” in the legal world) and his wife, Amanda, are the proud parents of a beautiful baby girl named Isabella Lena!

Wispy says he is happy that Amanda was solid as a rock because he was a wreck! Congrats and we can’t wait to see some

pictures (hint)!

Received an update from Rich Benda. He is currently the Chief of Current Operations for the 23 OSS at Moody AFB. He and his wife, Suzanne, have their hands full with four kids

From left are ChuckFord (Air Staff), Alberto Cruz (JFCOM), me (ACC HQ

Staff), Clarence Lukes (Air Staff), Enrique Cruz (D.C. area) and GaryJenkins (Air Staff).

Making a difference. I got an e-mail from Steve Whyte and his wife, Steph,

announcing they have started a foundation called A Place Called Home (APCHM). Steve and Steph have been working for a while and have finally gotten APCHM started. It is a non-profit charity supporting Foster and Adoptive Children. Here’s an excerpt from their announcement, “No child ever

chooses to be bom to a family that does not care for them. Every child deserves to be in a loving home with a family to guide them and help them fulfill all that they are supposed to do. It was because of this APCHM was formed. We are so thrilled and thankful to all of you who have supported us with your thoughts and prayers. This is a dream come true and we are so excited to see what God will do with it. Please feel free to check us out at www.apchm.org.” What an amazing undertaking! It is very exciting and gives me pride in the kind of people who make up the Class of 1992.

Small (Pentagon) world. Dave Kincaid e-mailed me with some info not

realizing I was in the Pentagon. He is working

in the Air Force Legislative Liaison office on Capitol Hill. He

(ages 4-9). After his T-38C tour at Vance, Rich went to a year of A-10 requal, followed by a year remote vacation in Korea and then to Moody. Since his return he has had a significant impact in helping the Flying Tigers transition from Pope to Moody and the A-1OC. While being qualified in that aircraft he had the opportunity of “lifetime” when he met with the first Flying Tiger Commander, BGen (ret) Tex Hill.

Rich has run into several of our ’mates. Dave Abegg is living in south Florida and has been out of the AF for several years. Trevor Matsuo is at NPS in California. Mike Meyeris Chief ofPlans at Osan still loving life in theA-10. Lamar Settlemires is still at Tinker faithfully serving as an AWACs Mission Commander.

Travis Mason is living in South Carolina. Rob Borchert is living in Minneapo-

lis, MN and Mark Nassir is at Langley AFB. Phil Tucker bumped in to Jason Mills at the Colorado Springs airport. Both are doing well. Phil is currendy the AOC for CS-39 at our alma mater! Go Cool Campus Rads! He will be departing there within the next year for a TBD assignment—can’twaitto see where he goes. Jason is currently the (ahem), Executive Assistant to the Vice ChiefofStaffofthe Air Force! He lives less than 15 miles from myhouse. Hopefullywe can get together soon and have a tasty beverage! Jason bumped in to Rico Pietrykowski who recently started with Southwest Airlines.

Matt Yocum says everything is going well with his assignment and he’s even had a litde time for fun. As reported in the last edition, he and his wife, Ann Marie, have enjoyed a scuba diving jaunt in Egypt as well as entertaining all the dignitaries. Matt has had continued success with Marvel Comics and is looking to mid-Decemberwhenhisfirstbig“breakthrough” comic, Memorial Day, will be released. Excellent work! I forgot to include the picture last Checkpoints'.

4

was one ofthree ’92

grads who recently interviewed to be the Sabre Society Donors Air Force mil-aide to the Vice President. Of the six applicants, three were from 1992—Mike Grismer, Dan “D-Day” Simpson, and Dave. Dan and Dave were selected for additional interviews with the VP’s personal staff and ultimately, Dan was selected and should be “carrying the football for the VP.” Congratulations Dan! Dave has been in his present job for over a year working for the Air Force House Liaison Office and hopes to get a Squadron Command in summer of ’08. Dave and I have been trying to synch our schedules so we can meet for lunch but have not been successful yet. Hopefully, I can write in the next column that we finally had lunch on Capitol Hill.

I saw an e-mail come to my office Workflow box (if you ever worked at the

Pentagon, you will understand this) sentbyTimStong. I had not seen Tim in

long time. He and I were smacks in CS-39 once upon a time. I sent him a reply, then headed off to the gym. After my workout, who do you think I ran into? If you said, “Tim, you are right. And, he had not even seen my e-mail yet. So years went by without having any contact, then I saw an e-mail from a very

”

him and ran into him all within an hour! Tim was one of those who made it to the Pentagon lunch I mentioned earlier.

I mentioned Rob Tobler last column. He, Leisa, and their three kids PCSed to Andrews AFB shortly after we arrived here this summer. They are living out th

Chesapeake Bay and Rob is in the 89 at Andrews. The Toblers visited us for our open house in Oct. We hope to get out to visit them sometime soon.

If this column looked a little short, you’re right. So I’m not going to worry about repeating what I wrote last time since many of you apparently didn’t read it. Please don’t forget to write me a short note and tell me about yourself and the other ’92 grads you meet along the way. Until next time, enjoy the near the

wonderful season, James.

126

Matt and Ann Marie in fsrael.

Mike McClung checks in from the Pentagon where he works on the J2 Joint Staff. He enjoyed his Director of Ops tour with an RC-135 intel squad at Mildenhall and then went to IDE at AFIT. He enjoys the DC/Maryland area with his family, wife, Angela, and three girls, Taylor, Tori and Tatum. Also in the DC area is Karim Moore who works for a local engineering firm and most

notablya contestant on Jeopardy—I’ll take 93 stars for $500 Alex! Heandhis wife, Lesa, have two boys. Also, congratulations go to Mike for receiving the cabinet-level innovation award from the Director of National Intelligence.

Thanks for leading the way Mike! Congrats!

th his remote to Korea. Brian Murphy is attached to the 88 FTS flying IFF as a member of the 80 th OSS. Todd Bolinger is here flying T-38Cs and is on his way to IDE. They are welcoming a new addition to the Bolinger family soon.

IDE: Dave O’Malley is at AFIT in Ohio. Steve Klingman is at ACSC, with Damon Anthony and Dylan Baumgartner. Dylan is writing USAF doctrine

(WTFO?) and is enjoying classic reruns of the movie Airplane. The Baumgartners just finished a two-year tour at Osan, traveled to eight countries in the Pacific region and scuba dived in five

of them. Dylan is amongst other ’95ers Doug Musselman and Stephen Reny there at Maxwell in ACSC. Josh Hetsko is enjoying a year at the US Army’s CGSC at Ft. Leavenworth, KS. Rusty Driggers is there as well. I couldn’t fit the whole IDE list here, but congratulations to all that made it to school.

5

Sabre Society Random Update #1: Matt Liljenstolpe is at Randolph, as Donors well as Brad Glenn who’s manning the F-16 porch. Chris Buckley has departed Randolph, then Ecuador, and is enduring a hardship tour to Hickam. Speaking of being on the shoreline (albeit

Mike and family at theDNI awards ceremony.

Dan Overland has checked in from Alaska! Dan left the AF for another calling -Dan has become a minister. He is really focused and enjoys the endless possibilities. He will be three hours from Anchorage by car, but only 20 minutes

by airplane. He is enjoying that he will be flying again.. .no jets this time, only a Navajo, Seneca, Maul and Piper Pacer. They are hoping to add another Pacer and a DHC Beaver. Congrats on your career move and best wishes to you and your family!

Dan ran into Steve “Dallas” Horton on his Thunderbird farewell tour in Duluth, MN. Also, Steve Chambal just changed jobs at Wright-Patterson, OH

and is working for a 4- star—onward and upward Steve! st RodHynesopinesfromtheUSArmy’s 101 Airborne. Oursharp Army Major recently returned from another OIF deployment. They deployed for a full year and flew thousands of hours in support of coalition forces. He is still flying the AH-64D Longbow Apache and is the Battalion XO. He was promoted below the zone to Lt Col (no doubt)! He updates us on Jim Orahood who is living in

San Francisco. If anyone is in the Fort Campbell area, please look him up!

Thanks for returning safely and unscathed!

Brian Allen writes fromTuscumbia, AL. He is working for ATK as a PM on an Israeli Defense Program as well as finishing up his MBA! He ran into Luke

Ahmann and noticed he had pinned on to Lt Col already. His is in Burlington, VT flying F-16s.

James Bruce dropped us an email letting us know he has finished law school at the College of Charleston and he is still a C-17 IP/Squadron Exec. He and

wife, Stacey, are planning on starting a family soon!

Hope everyone has a safe Holiday and great winter! Mike

setts. Congratulations!

Random Update #2: Chad Feucht has departed his work on the F-35 with th Lockheed MartinAero in Ft. Worth, as well as his stint with the 457 FS. He just returned from a two-month tour to Balad doing great work dropping iron and isTDY to Tyndall in route to Elmendorf AFB. Congrats on F-22 selection and

good luck with your move to the great white north. He says the Feucht family is looking forward to their upcoming Alaskan adventure. Chad will be a fulltime Lockheed Operations Support guy and part-time Raptor pilot in the USAFR. Karl Koch will be PCSingfrom Aviano to Luke by the time you read this to begin his AETC transition. Karl’s doing well and is now married. Karl and wife, Amanda, have a daughter, Angelina. Also at Luke are Rob Bradeen and family. They will be departing Luke soon onward to greater USAF assignments. Tim Piccin is now flying Vipers in the Reserves at Homestead. He traded in his Ferrari for a Porsche. Look him up if you’re in Miami. Also in the Reth serves is Mike Bachtell is flying A- 10s with the 47 FS at Barksdale. Jim Gourde is up and flying with the Arkansas Guard, as well as working a cushy contractor simulator training job that keeps him home. Jim and Amy have three little ones, girls ages 6 and 4, and the “little man” age 2.

Random Update #3: Tristan Lai is still in, and is doing quite well as a 2006 medical school graduate and nowfirst-year anesthesiology resident at the USAF’s flagship hospital, Wilford Hall, in San Antonio. I wish I could say as much for his fantasy football team, but nonetheless thanks for racking up my “W” column in FF. Tristan has been married for four years to the former Michelle Weiss of

Glenbeulah,WI. The Lais have a beautiful 14-month-old daughter named Kaitlyn Rose. Speaking of our class of 1995 doctors, Dr. Josh Bobko and wife, Glenda,

C.C. M. Masotti PSC 116, Box 215

farther North), is Drew Rydland flying F-16s on a Norwegian exchange to Bodo, Norway. If you haven’t seen him speak Norwegian, search the USAF webpage andwatchthevideo. Good stuff. MuraliKrishnanjust graduated the MIT Sloan School of Business with an MBA and got hired by Bain in Massachu-

77% 1111 ii in b© its

APO AE 09777 W: +33-1-43-12-26-69 or

areout.

JoshishalfwaythroughisemergencymedicineresidencyinD.C. They

plan on being there until at least 2010. Dr. Pete Michaelson and family are doing well at WPAFB. Pete’s a staff ENT surgeon and says to send all nose jobs his way.

Check out Pete’s recent foray into deer hunting below.

202-536-2780, 1 (for English) X2669 Cell: +33-6-25-74-69-13

cc.masotti@yahoo.com

(Two Sabre Society Donors) (Editor’s note: Unfortunately we did not receive an input from C.C. bypress time. Please send her your information for the next magazine.)

R. Travis Koch

5304 Sports Club Lane

Suffolk, VA 23435

Members

Home: (757) 686-2607

Cell: (850) 499-8242

richard.koch@langley.af.mil traviskoch@yahoo.com (Scribe Update: As I take a short and much needed break, Jamie Moss will be filling in for this winter Gold Tag issue. Additionally, Chris Buckley will be penning the upcoming spring article. Keep forwarding your info to either Jamie, Chris, or me; we’re all on the global. I’ll be back writing the fall update.)

Thanks Travis. Start making those college tuition checks out to my two boys. th Cha’ching! After my remote to Bahrain, I’m here at Sheppard in the 89 FTS flying amongst many ’95ers enjoying the AETC life. I’ll start with the near rocks at ENJJPT.

Here at Sheppard: Brad Seger has stepped out of active duty flying Vipers in

th Alaska and has joined the Total Force, as a Reservist flying T-38Cs with the 97 FTS. His family has settled in well on their return to North Texas. Jason Evenson th is here at Sheppard, as an IFF IP with the 88 FTS. They have four kids ages 1 through 7 and are doing well. Steve Lygren has returned to his T-37 ways after

Dr. Pete Michaelson bagging a buck on opening day2007.

Random Update #4: Drew Morrison is flying Seymour Johnson F-15Es in the desert and is rumored to be engaged. Congrats! Nick Guttman is still flying the Eagle. The Guttmans are stationed in Elmendorf enjoying the strange day/ night Alaskan lifestyle and those balmy spring days with four feet of snow. Rob Teschner is working at the CAOC-7 in Larissa, Greece, on an accompanied remote. Rob is married to the former Miss Diane Pack (as of Jan 2005) and they have an almost two-year-old son named Michael. Rob finished up ACSC last year and is TDY a lot to Italy, Germany, etc.

Visit the AOG Web Site

Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and More!

www.usafa.org 127

Navy CS: Carmeron Caroom, Jonathan Downing, and William Fry ASAM: Chris Lanier, Meg Martin, Kirk Reagan, and Allison Trinklein German CS: Paul Baker Korean CS: Matthew Simmons NDIC: James Hughes, Jon Plasterer, and Thomas Ste Marie NPS: Thomas Davis, Jeremy Quatacker, and Todd Robbins

PhD: Jasin Cooley, Ryan Hall, and Kristi Lowenthal

Chris Bisbano and Curtis Green armed and dangerous.

The Englehart Family (Family vacation in southern Germany) I received an update from our classmates Ellen (Miller)

Chris Bisbano and Juan Robinson while atBagramAB, Afghanistan.

Random Update #5: Chad Green is a first officer with Southwest. The Green family is enjoying San Antonio. Chad runs into Paul Songy and Scoop Sciantarelli as well as Ron Storey every now and then. All are F.O.s at Southwest. Adam Velie is working in Colorado Springs doing fantastic work with Booz, Allen, and Hamilton, a civilian consulting firm to the DoD. Chris Bisbano is currently TDY to Afghanistan and has become Bagram’s 1995 social butterfly, into Robinson and Curtis Green.

Steve is Juan running Boatright doing well at Nellis. Brian Bradford is now a lawyer and is doing well. Kevin Mosley and Donny English are also attorneys on the East Coast. Carmine Punziano is flying with FedEx and with the Reserves. Anyone heard from Corbett Magotra?

Pete Swanson has returned to Minnesota as a financial Donny Kang? analyst.

He’s teachingyouth hockey andkicking my butt in fantasy football. I hear Johnny Fontenot is flying at Laughlin. Tom Colvin and Dan and Raquel Wasilausky are all still in enjoying what the USAF has to offer.

Well, that wraps it up from here. I hope this finds you and yours safe for Christmas and the New Year.

Stay Gold and Godspeed! Jamie

Melissa S.

Cunningham

15660 Candle Creek Drive

Monument, CO 80132

(719) 487-3071/DSN: 333-4405

Melissa.cunningham@usafa.af.mil or melcunningham@msn.com

Happy Holidays Bricks! Hope all is well and that you are enjoying some

downtime. We are having another white Christmas in Colorado. Unfortunately, it will most likely be our last for a while. After two awesome years, Fred’s AOC tour is coming to an end next summer and he needs to get back to flying. I’m sure our next assignment will be great, but man, Colorado is tough to beat!

I saw the message traffic on the recent schools list publication and it looks like there are some great folks coming in this summer to start the AOC program and many others are headed to different IDE programs. Congrats to all the TABs headed for school: AOCs: Shawn Anger, Joe Howard, John Orchard, and Jeff Schreiner ACSC: Lisle Babcock, Clay Bartels, PK Carlton, Rich Dwyer, Tommy Gates, Russ Gorecki, Robert Kelly, Doug Seymour, John Vargas, Brett Waring, David Winebrener, and Parker Wright.

AF Legislative Fellows: Juan Alvarez, Martin Daack, Jennifer Hammerstedt, Chad Igl, Nicole Malachowski, and George Schwartz AFIP-AMC: Tony Caparella, Robert Hilliard, and Chris VanHoof AFIP-DC: Chris Nemeth and Brandon Wilkerson AFIP-SOF: DougDistaso AFIT: Kevin Beeker, Steve Fino, Brian Pardee, and Dan Walls Army CS: Bob Bryant, Joyce Storm (Gange), Sean Martin and Stephen Matthews 128

Englehart and James Englehart. They began dating while at USAFA and were married just days after graduation. Theymissedoutonour 10-yearreunion because theywere in the midst of moving overseas. Now, they are now living in Bucharest, Romania.

Ellen is a Foreign Service officer with the U.S. State Department, and James works for SAIC. TheybothworkattheU.S. Embassy in Bucharest. Theyarrived in July 2006 and will be there until summer 2009. They have two children, a son (Marcus, age 7), and a daughter (Megan, age 2).

Ellen was active dutyAF from 1996-2003. She attended graduate school at Texas A&M University and after graduation then went on to AF Intel School. Her assignments included F.E. Warren AFB and Holloman AFB. Ellen deployed to Vicenza, Italy during Operation ALLIED FORCE. In 2003, she decided to separate from the AF to join the Foreign Service.

James was active dutyAF from 1996-2005. He earned his MA from Troy State University. James’ postings included F.E. Warren AFB and Holloman AFB. James deployed to Sigonella NAS, Sicily during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. In 2005, he decided it was time to separate to keep the family

together and he joined SAIC. They have enjoyed many blessings and opportunities since graduating from the Academy. If you’re ever backpacking through Eastern Europe, you have a place to stay in Bucharest. Just give them a shout at jmzandln@aol.

I also got an e-mail update from Kelly (Gargac) Aldrich. She and her husband, Joe (VMI ’93 grad), along with their two dogs, Shadow and Lady, are enjoying all that New Mexico has to offer. Joe is a major in the Reserves and also works for Northrop Grumman. Kelly pinned on major 1 Oct and is a Reserve IMA for the Airborne Laser System Program Office (SPO).

In her spare time, Kelly started her own business: Kelly Aldrich Photography She is selling greeting cards to local (www.KellyAldrichPhotography.com). shops, participating in art shows such as the annual New Mexico Veteran’s Art show, and attending arts and crafts fairs. They also have stayed very busy by volunteering for church activities, includingVacation Bible School where Kelly directs the skits as well as takes hundreds of photos of the kids. Some other very exciting news: Kelly and Joe are expecting their first baby on 31 March.

Let’s hear it for the Falcons! Joe and KellyAldrich with Kevin and Nicole McGowan attheAFA v. UNMgame.

Kelly and Joe met up with Kevin and Nicole McGowan at the AFA v. New Mexico game in Albuquerque. Unfortunately the Falcons lost the close match, but it wasn’t for lack of cheering. The McGowan’s PCSed to the HQ Air Force Safety Center (AFSC) at Kirtland AFB, NM in July, 2007, from Winnipeg, MB, Canada where Kevin was serving an exchange officer tour as an instructor at the Canadian Forces Instrument Check Pilot School flying the C-90. Currently, he is an Action Officer, or Flight Accident Investigator, working in the Flight Safety Division. He is also assigned as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the C-17, C-5, and C-141 andanAssistantSMEfortheMQ-1 andtheMQ-9. Butwas keeps Kevin and Nicole most busy is attempting to keep up with their 18-monthold daughter Emily. Kevin misses flying, but has thoroughly enjoyed the time at home and the new job.

classmates enjoying themselves over the weekend. The vignette was documented by Brad Holtmeier and stars Tim Murphy. Appearances are also made

by DJ Leary, Julie (Thode) and Brian Mulloy, Matt Anderson, Todd Eilers, Rusty Hoss, Jeremy Potvin, Alex Pupich, Mark Kilgore, Lee Guthrie (C-17 exchange pilot in Australia) and Matt Horin (living in Florida, doing oil rig work for Shell).

Here are some notes I gathered on some folks over the reunion weekend: Tanji Johnson remains a force to be reckoned with in the fitness world and is pondering relocating to Los Angeles. An update to the American Gladiators television program is in development and

Tanji is in the running to be a Gladiator.. .keep your fingers crossed for her. Jerry Hallman is at Fort Lewis in WashingThanks to his enlisted time and the four years at the Academy counting toward his total active duty service time, Jerry is only four years away from retirement... sweet deal.

Ty Barbery lives in Spokane and works for Edward Jones.

Marcus Randall and family recently PCSed back to the Colorado Springs area. Olin Lau and family are in Oklahoma City but may also be returning the Springs area soon. Dennis Uyechi is at Shriever.

He and his wife were expecting their first child in November. Jason Johnson and Laura Goodman are AOCs at the Academy.

J ackie Percy moved from Spangdahlem and is at the Academy in Family Practice and is looking forward to a November trip to Bali with her family. Felix ton.

“Keeps getting bigger everytimeyou see him” Johnfinn, Chris Anastasio, Dom Martin, Carol Palmer, and Matt Quatrara are all in the DC area. Matt is out and is practicing law in Virginia. Kim (Reed) Campbell is at Nellis but her photograph and story of her April 03 A-10 mission is prominently displayed at the Jen Caballero (Spindlej, Melissa Cunningham (Davidson), Lori Rasmussen (Edinger), Kerre Meffre (Ellis), Andrea Vinyard, Melissa Phillips (Baumann) and Tracy Coyne (Dupree) at the Courthouse for Kerre and Ludo Meffre’s

wedding.

Last May, a small contingent of bricks headed out to Avignon, France to attend Kerre Ellis’s and Ludo Meffre’s wedding. Ludo’s family did an incredible job hosting all of Kerre’s American family and friends. We had a wonderful time exploring the Meffre family vineyards and sampling the different wines.

The wedding was beautiful and the service was conducted in English and in French. Ludo’s father made a touching speech welcoming Kerre to their famfly which sent all the girls looking for Kleenex. We were all very impressed that Kerre memorized her vows in French. I know from helping Kerre study for Astro 310 that this was no small feat. Just kidding Kerre. The reception following the wedding was one for the books. When we left the following morning at 6 am to catch a train, the party was still going strong. Since the wedding, the Meflre’s have a new addition to their family, a beautiful baby boy, Cassidy Meffre.

Congrats to Kerre and Ludo!

That’s all I have for this article. Please include me on your Christmas updates!

Have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year! Ciao, Mel

Melvin E. Maxwell, Jr.

Women in Military Service for America Memorial in DC which I saw on a recent TDY. Shannon Cary and her husband are Hill AFB... Shannon just got out, and at the time ofthe reunion, was four months pregnant with her first son. Shannon

going to Anna Barr’s upcoming wedding in Portland.

Jeff King is at Keesler AFB. My first semester four degree roommate Dave Dengler is in Hawaii with his wife and two kids. Matt Malouin works as a bond trader for Merrill Lynch in Manhattan and judging by the size of the rock his fiance was sporting at the football game, Matt is doing very well for himself! Jen Brannan is a Reservist C-17 pilot. Someone told me Jimmy Fuller and family are at Scott AFB along with Chris Kay who works for the AMCIG. Kristin (Stovall) and Vic Pereira and their two daughters are at Davis Monthan. Jim Thomas is a pilot for Southwest Airlines and is in the Guard in Jackson, MS. Omar Velasco is working Comm at Lackland AFB and is busy with three-yearold twin boys.

was excited to

Ran into a few of my CS- 13 classmates.. .Mitzi Braswell is at Nellis. Karl

Gregor is out and lives in Boston. Rob Torres (stationed at Laughlin) and his wife and son Samuel sat behind me during the first half of the football game.

That is about all I could remember.. .send me your post reunion news and notes so I can get them in the next update!

72 % Members

756 Granite Drive

Ofallon, IL 62269

mel_maxwell97@hotmail.com mel.maxwell@ustranscom.mil

By the time this is in print, hopefully you are all enjoying a wonderful holiday season. I’ve got a bit more news than last update thanks especially to our 10 -year reunion weekend this past September which started off with that great

Air Force overtime victory over TCU. Itwas greatto see everyone all grown up.

I must say, as a class, we still look pretty good... some a little bigger, some a little

grayer, but still looking good nonetheless. Go to www.youtube.com and search USAFA 97 for a clip entitled “Murph pigs out” for a video glimpse of some our

Louella and Mel at Notre Dame Stadium.

On a personal note, I’d like to mention that former classmate Louella lively and I have recently become engaged. Louella coached volleyball for four years at Notre Dame so the Air Force-Notre Dame football weekend in No-

vember seemed like a great time to pop the question. Louella said “yes” and the Falcons dominated Notre Dame so it was a great weekend all around.

Thanks to Wendy Palatinus who made the trip to South Bend to spend the weekend with us and watch the game. Additionally, there was a Nikki Harris (stationed at MacDill) and Matt Smith sighting in South Bend.

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. Four Degree Grim Reapers Reunited: Louella Lovely, Jason Puckett, Mel,

CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

Chris Kay, FelixJohnfinn and DaveDengler.

129

nouncement never ran. So, here it is: Connor Reid Johnson was born on Febth

ruary5 ,2007atMikeO’CallaghanFederalHospitalonNellisAFB. Brandon is in the F- 15E division of the 422 Test and Evaluations Squadron. I have at-

tached their original family photo as well as an updated version.

Lastly, I heard from Lori Powell, Calvin Powell’s wife. They are stationed at RAF Lakenheath andhe is flyingwith the 493d Grim Reapers. Their son Jackson is3 l/2nowandgrowinglikeaweed. PT’senjoyingbeingbackin an Operational

squadron but is also currently the OSO flight commander in the OSS. They love living in England and have been traveling Europe as much as possible!

Nikki and Smitty taking in the AF victory over Notre Dame.

Well, that is about all I have for this go round. Again, send me your post reunion news so I can get them included in the next update. Until next time...Mel.

Karin McWhorter

8243 Oasis Bloom St. North Las Vegas, NV 89085

(702) 476-4304 mcwhorters@hotmail.com

Lori, Jackson and Calvin Powell at a Chateau in the Loire Valley, France.

That is it for the updates this time. When you are sending out your holiday

Happy Holidays! It is hard for me to believe that it is already the holiday

greetings, shoot me an e-mail for the next update. Have a great holiday season —Karin

season. It is crazy how much faster life moves

lately. We are finally completely settled in Las Vegas and adjusting to our steady stream of visitors. Vegas is a lot more popular than Korea for family and friends! As far as classmates go, I recently ran into Russ Brown, who just left active duty for the Reserves and is making the transition from KC-135 to UAVs with a local Reserve squadron. I also heard that Kirby Ensser and family are headed to the area, but haven’t seen them yet. Ok, now for the updates—

James W. Busch 1697A Borneo St.

Clovis, NM 88101

(505) 693-2266 DSN: 681-6521

Buschfl6@yahoo.com james.busch@cannon.af.mil

lots of new babies!

Chris Olsen wrote that after about eight years of receiving birth announcements, he finally got to write one. Chris and Susan (Canady) welcomed a very healthy son, named Micah, th on the 12 of September.

Lastlheardtheywereadjustingto life with baby and doing great.

Sabre Society Boners Charley and Melissa (Cabot) Parent are also new parents nd to a baby boy. Ryden Stewart was born on July 22 They couldn’t be happier and although they enjoyed traveling and saving money, they wonder why they didn’t start a family nine years ago! They are currently in Monterey, CA where Charley is a Japanese student at DLI. Melissa separated in Sep 05 and is an IMA with HQ USFJ at Yokota AB. They will be heading back to Japan in March where Charley will be an exchange officer with the Japanese Air Self Defense Force in Nagoya. .

Class

well, after a two issue hiatus here we are again, fresh from Andersen AFB, Guam and another AEF. And it was there, halfway around the world in the -

jungles of the western Pacific where I ran into our very own Scott Weyermeller.

After some time as an engineer, Scott had his eyes done and got PQ. He went UPT at Sheppard and then on to the mighty B-52. He and his family are now at Barksdale where Scott is an aircraft commander and scheduler. We took a sweet picture

together in front of our respectivejets but it’s lost on the Andersen

AFB server somewhere.

Sean Baerman, nowyour official alternate scribe so you don’t go without an

article when I take a vacation, writes from DM: After two years in Korea, I’m at the FTU now with every other Zoomie in our year group that flies A- 10s. We had Teague Connor in February in Korea. Paul Brown is going to be the next A-10 West Coast Demo pilot. Chris Rust just got picked up forWIC. Will

Reynolds and Andy Kamataris just got here from Alaska (this summer) and Korea (lastmonth), respectively. Mike Bullard is ALMOST officially out ofthe AF, with a future life TBD.

Chris and Susan (Canady) Olsen and son Micah; and Charley and Melissa

(Cabot) Parent with son Ryden.

I also got an update from Carrie Johnson, wife of Brandon Johnson. She

actually wrote to me before my infamous computer crash and her birth an-

Sean, his wife, Mandy, and their son Teague Connor.

Other than Sean, I haven’t heard from many on active duty. I’m guessiri you all are busy just like me. I did hear from a few of the growing number of retirMichelle Nunez wrote to say this: I separated from AD into the Reserves about three years ago and have been able to come back to Schriever AFB here in Colorado Springs as both a government contractor and a Reservist in Space Command dealing with satellite operations. Between that and an almost four year old I stay pretty busy these days. We recently built a house in Monument outside the North gate, and are here for the long haul. In my sister-AD squadron, I ran into Rob Giles and Dan Rios. Both are doing well, but like me, have ees.

The Johnson Familyshortly after Connor's birth and a more recentphoto of

Carrie, Connor, Brandon and Audrey.

130

taken the AF up on their Force Shaping offer. Rob and his family separated in the summer and took a job in California, but it was great to catch up with him for the 18 months or so we had together. Dan Rios and his wife, Jen (’99), recently welcomed their third daughter to the family. Dan also recently separated this summer and headed with his family back east. Finally, Jake Lacock also took

advantage to Force Shaping and transitioned to similar govt, contractor job up at Buckley AFB in Denver at the beginning ofthe year. Also ran into Charlton Warren and Matt Tarabarrelli, both ofwhom live in my neighborhood. Charlton is halfway thru a special-duty tour of sorts, working as one ofthe assistant coaches with the football team. Matt and his wife are expecting their first this fall. Matt just transferred to the Reserves in August, but is still teachingthe cadets at USAFA how to fly. Thanks Michelle for all the news! Another retiree, Ben Glon, separated in Feb 2006 and took a job with BearingPoint in Washington, D.C. He had originally intended to separate in November of2005 but Hurricane Katrina got in

the way when he was stationed at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. He stayed on to assist in recovery operations until Feb ’06.

Tim Kline finished law school at the University of Kentucky and will be moving with his wife to NYC where he’s taking a job with a mid-town firm. He saw Hans Larsen last summer, atMcGuire. Hans is flyingC-17sandhas two handsome and rambunctious little

boys. His wife, Angela, won the yard of the month award several times. Chris Malpass, his wife, Rebecca, and their three kids have taken the bonus, gotten out of the AF, and Chris is going to fly for a small private “timeshare-style” airline. They plan on settling in Colorado Springs. Great update Tim and best of luck in the big city.

Lastly, in case you didn’t know or missed the last installment, we have a direct line to the AOG via our own Rob Mishev. Rob sent the followingupdate: Kathleen Smits (Burke) isseparatingfromtheAFandtheCEDepartmentinAugustand will be going to get her PhD at Colorado School of Mines. Matt Ayers, after seven years as an acquisitions ranger and one teaching at USAFA, is leaving the DFM family and AF in September to be a full-time student in theological and intercultural studies (Pasadena and Colorado Springs). You can contact him at matthew633a@gmail.com. D’Anne Spence (Emmett) is helping out the Superintendent as his Aide-de-Camp. Steve Clark is separating from the AF and the Math Department and is headed to Boston to work as a consultant for an ops research firm. Shawna Bowshot (Wartner) and Scott Bowshot say hello!

Shawna is in the Bio Dept and Scott is separating in Sept and is figuring out what

Dave Anderson

after a PCS from Tinker. Dripps and Rory Stein spent the summer flying to-

gether for a rotation in the desert before Rory took the VSR He spent some time with his parents shortly after and just got hired by Continental Airlines. He should be starting training before the end of the year.

As September, Dare’ Rapanotti turned GREEN and is currently stationed at FT Jackson, SC for six months of personnel training. Follow-on is still TBD, but she will probably be heading to Iraq for a 15-month deployment. She is engaged to an Army Captain and will wed sometime next year. In her spare time, she started her own business with Mary Kay Cosmetics.

Brent Stark decided to take advantage ofVSR He separated Sept 1st and got hired by Southwest Airlines. He has enj oyed a few months of vacation while waiting to start with Southwest. He also found time to propose to his wonderful girlfriend Lisa and will be getting married next July in Seattle.

Please submit something to me when you read this or anytime you think about it. You don’t have to wait to get an email; you can send me your “Class News” at any time. As for me, Capt / Dr. Melissa Hergan and I are planning a big wedding for April on Barksdale AFB. Other than that, you may have seen me in Airman magazine or elsewhere “updating the AF’s antivirus protection”.

I’m having fun as a Crew Commander and part-time Combat Ops Division

Chief as we look at merging AFNETOPS with the AOC community.

I look forward to hearing from you! Thanks. Jason

to do with his life! Rob Mishev, after a string of paper cuts, Tongue & Quill

overdoses, and using too much PowerPoint, will be separating in Aug (rmishev@gmail.com). He is going back east where he will live in Manhattan, work for McKinsey & Company as a consultant, and amplify his contempt for the Yankees. Rob also volunteered to be the 1999 class senate officer and is looking for any thoughts you might have to strengthen the AOG. Please visit the

Faith Dunn

(Hitchcock)

67 %

Members

6423 NW 94th Court

Johnson, IA 50131 faithd03@hotmail.com

1999 blog at http: / /usafal999.blogspot.com/ and share your ideas, which Rob

will advocate to the Class Senate and AOG Board. To learn more about the Class Senate, please visit http: / /www.usafa.org/about/ClassAdvisorySenate .aspx or contact Rob directly.

With that, the Busch clan is out the door to Luke AFB where I’m sure I’ll have

the chance to catch up with many more of you. Until then. James

Hey there ’Olers. I got tons of updates this time so I won’t waste anytime getting to them!

Mike Gosma wrote a quick line that he and Matt Hepp just graduated from the B-course atLuke AFB. He will be movingto Shawwhile Matt is going to Misawa. He also ran into Paul Kileen who will be an IP at Luke for awhile.

Jason “JW" Simmons 3524 Lakeside Drive

Shreveport, LA 71119 jason.simmons@us.af.mil Simmons@USAFA2000.com

Notmanyupdates this time, but considering my email address is now blocked by most email providers, it’s no wonder. So, from here on until something better comes along, I’ll only be sending out a class news update reminder to the USAFA2000Yahoo Group. Classmates can join by emailing USAFA2000subscribe@yahoogroups.com and following the link provided by Yahoo (no need to create a Yahoo account). And now for the news...

Dave Anderson separated in June and moved back to Colorado with his

wife, Jena, and their two daughters, Camille and Ava. Dave’s

working for IBM in Boulder and is completing a Master’s Degree in Information Systems with the University of Colorado at Denver. Here’s a picture of Dave on one ofhis many trips to Iraq last spring. (See photo at top of next column.)

Tom Bozung and Tracy (Tinianow) Bozung are both working at Davis-Monthan AFB. Tracy is working in the primary care clinic after completing her family medicine residency.

Tom is flying HH-60 Pavehawks with the 55th Rescue Sqd. They added another dog, Emmy, a yellow lab, to the family, which will expand again in late May with the birth oftheir first child. Then Tom leaves in June for a three-month deployment to Iraq.

Aaron Dripps is on his second deployment with the JSTARS. He and wife Amy, daughter Ashley (4) and son Caleb (2) are settling into Warner Robins

RaulandAngela (Feldman) Ochoa sentan update abouttheirverybusyyear.

After PCSing from Anchorage to Little Rock AFB in the beginning of the year, they both deployed to Afghanistan. They got home in August and spent their much needed R&R with family and friends in Phoenix and Knoxville. After settiing in for a short time, Raul left for SOS in October and Angela just missed him when heading to SOS the next month. They’ll get to spend some time together before heading out for another deployment in April 2008. Raul heard from Andrew Ignash he was an SOS Instructor at Maxwell and just separated from the AF in October and started his dream job in Tampa, FL working for a company -

that manages the Florida wetlands.

Jesse Goolsby is at school at the University of Tennessee with a follow-on to USAFA- he and his wife, Sarah, welcomed their first baby

(a girl named Ella Jane) in July. Kylene Grove is at Nellis AFB attending school.

I heard through the grapevine that Stuart Stanton is getting married in Decern-

ber. Dave Schichtle finished up as the 355th Wing’s exec at Davis-Monthan AFB and was selected to go to law school under the AF Excess Leave Program. He’s in the second year of law school in Lansing, MI and got the chance to do a legal

internship at USAFA last summer where he ran into a couple classmates Brian -

Mills and Janee (Gianotti) Homan.

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Amy (Heskett) Manley got out ofthe AF in April of2006 and is keeping busy being a mom to two boys, Coleman (4) and Wyatt (2). Stephen finished up his FAIP tour at Little Rock in Oct 2006 and is now flying C- 130s in Japan at Yokota AB. He was deployed shortly after their PCS and has also upgraded to aircraft commander and started his Master’s Degree.

Mike and I are doing well. We moved into our new house in November and are excited to finally settle down. Grant is keeping us busy especially now that he is crawling and pulling himself up

-

seems like he

gets into everything! We

recently went to Jeff Feuring’s wedding in San Antonio. It was a beautiful ceremony and we had a great time. We caught up with Jason Feuring and Brent Bak at the wedding. Jason just got back from Afghanistan and will be heading to Nellis early in ’08 for Fighter Weapons School. Brent recently PCSed to Eglin where he’s flying F-15s for the 60 th FS. He’s been living with Brent Greer for a couple months before he finds his own place. Word on the street is that the Greer’s are expecting their first child in the spring. And last, but certainly not least, Givey Kochanowski separated in September and took a job with the US Forest Service in Alaska. Stein and his wife, Chelsie, are having a ball with their baby girl, Caroline.

Well, that’s all for this edition. Thanks for all the updates this time and please keep them coming. Hope everyone has a happy and healthy holiday season.

Take care. Faith

Amy Schultz 806 Magnolia Bend San Antonio, TX 78251 215-280-1760

The Manley Family: Amy, Coleman and Wyatt.

Barry Weaver applied for Phoenix Horizon and switched from C-17s to the C-130J. He’s at Little Rock completing his training for that airframe. Amanda (Jones-Greco) Moga got out of the AF in Sept 2007. She took off some time to travel to airshows with her husband Paul (’95) who is on the F-22 Raptor Demo team. Eric Music is flying F-16s at Shaw AFB, SC. He is married to Christy and they have two girls, Nicole and Emily. Jeremy Ferguson is at Ramstein AB, Germany with his wife, Melanie. They should be getting an assignment back

aschultzdmd@gmail.com Class Website: www.usafa02.org Red Tags! Happy Holidays!

Carlos Jayme sends a warm hello from Soto Cano Base, Honduras. He is an Exercise Officer for with Joint Task Force Bravo. He is planning on coming

home in January of 2008. Carlos, his wife, Jen, and son Lance send there holiday wishes to all.

to the states next year.

Jamie Flood wrote me a good update. After an assignment at McGuire, a short stint at A1 Udeid, and two years in Germany, she separated under the VSR Her last assignment with OSI was at Andrews AFB and she is still in the DC area where she'll work for a government contractor doing counterintelligence after taking about a month off traveling to Istanbul, Cairo, Munich and Italy (Aviano). Some updates on people she keeps in touch with: Melanie Ecung separated under VSP and was accepted to Moorehouse Medical School in Atlanta, GA. Sally Maddocks is flying C-5s at Dover AFB and is engaged with the wedding planned for February ’08. While at SOS, Jamie ran into Mike Pontius who is flying B52s at Minot and is happily married. Kelli Chock actually got engaged while they were at SOS and was on his way to Spangdahlem to fly F16s.

Ryan McLain is flying F-15s in Florida and was PCAing to be an F-15 IP Matt Ihlenfeld separated and is flying with the Illinois ANG and was looking into either law school or an MBA program. Rob Reinbach is flying C- 130s out of Yokota and is married and had a new baby in March. Mike Mulligan is married and still flying the B-1. Tim Pikas is married with two kids and is the OSI Detachment Commander atVandenburg AFB. Amanda Hall is flying choppers at Fairchild and just recently got married. Tony Metters was stationed at Spangdahlem but he separated underVSP as well and is working as an IT manager with USAA in San Antonio. Tom Kanewske is getting married soon and still flying A-lOs. Jamie ran into Joe Lopez and Joe Monaco a fewmonths ago in San Diego. Both Joes are married with kiddos as well. Joe Lopez took the VSP and separated but Jamie’s not sure what he is doing now. Joe Monaco is still flying the C-17 at Charleston AFB. Josh Slade also wrote a quick update that he also separated under VSP. He and his family were in Hawaii for 10 months and then moved back to the St Louis area where he is working as a Senior Systems Engineer with a small company named Qbase. His wife, Jamie, got a job with her old employer and they are building a house that they look forward to living in for more than three years! No more kids yet but he said their son Camden is getting a puppy for Christmas so that will do for now.

Jamie, Josh and Camden Slade in Las Vegas.

132

The Jayme Family Sarah Albright was married to Chris Hiserman this past June in San Francisco. Chris is an ’00 Stanford ROTC grad Sarah met while

stationed at Travis AFB. I was honored to be one of Sarah’s bridesmaids. Other USAFA friends who attended the wedding included Molly (Erickson) Martinson and her husband, Kurt Martinson (’01), Nicole Green, Jared Broddrick and Adam Chitwood (’03). Sarah and Chris are both out of the Air Force and currently reside in Boston, MA. Nicole is living in Washington, DC now after returning from a one year of teaching English as a second language program in Vladimir, Russia.

Hmm Yet Sabre Society

Also, big congratulations to Molly and Kurt Martinson on their one-year

wedding anniversary! Here is a photo from Sarah’s wedding. From left are Molly Erickson, Sarah Albright, Chris Hiserman, Amy Schultz, Nicole Green and Jared Broddrick.

Please take some time write me a quick email with an update of your recent events and some wonderful holiday stories.

Wishing all of you and your friends and families the best during the holiday season and into 2008! Lots of love and cheer—Amy

M Susan L.

Doyle

69%

Members

PSC 54, Box 2341 APO AE, 09601 01139 349 896 0521

DROP the longest running humanitarian airlift in history. Every year since 1952, Op CHRISTMAS DROP provides food, tools, books, fishing supplies, clothes and toys to 59 remote islands around Guam. He is currently looking for T14

personnel parachutes and would appreciate it if anyone has some they can spare.

Thanks again to everyone who submitted updates. Keep up the hard work and have some fun while you’re at it. Take care. Ciao Susan Doyle.

—

Susan.Doyle@aviano.af.mil

Greetings from beautiful Italia! Susan Doyle here. Thanks to everyone who provided updates.. .our classmates continue to represent the Class of 2003 throughout the Air Force. Pete Cossette and his wife, Sarah (Halberg), are now stationed at Aviano after moving from Mountain Home when it lost its F-16s.

Sarah is an advance practice nurse at the hospital and Pete flies F-16s in the 555 FS, Triple Nickel. He just returned from AEF 7 to Kunsan, Korea with fellow Bonger pilots Aaron Johnson, Dave Auston, Joe Iisanti, and Rob Whiteside and intel officer Greg Maly. John Harris just arrived at Kunsan AB, Korea in midNovember and will fly F- 16s with the 80th FS, the Juvats, for the next two years.

Breezy (Long) Heddinger Cell: (719) 213-3205 Dyess AFB,TX windy04@gimail.af.mil

71 % Members

At the end of November, Katharine (Holley) Lubinski, who cross-commis-

sioned into the US Army upon graduation, leaves with her husband, Craig (USMA ’04), for a 15-month deployment in Iraq. Craig will be the brigade battie captain, and Kat will be the support battalion communications officer.

To prepare for their tour in the desert, they spent two months at the National

Training Center in California’s Mojave Desert (see photo). Take care of each other out there.

A happy Halloween Hem Shot ofGerard Carisio in Kandahar; Afghanistan.

Gerard Carisio is an aircraft maintenance officer and married the former Ms. Kara Kinsch in July 2005. They PCSed from Dover to Kadena in September 2006. He is currently serving as the OIC of the 33rd Helicopter Maintenance Unit and deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan. The HH-60G Pave Hawk Medevac missions he generates support the Army and have saved almost 80 lives since the beginning of the deployment. Jesse Stubbs upgraded to aircraft commander last year and is currently deployed to A1 Udeid until Thanksgiving. He will be home for the holidays with his wife, Staci, and return to A1Udeid in January for another 60-day tour.

Steve Suppe has lived in the California Bay Area for the last

four years and works for Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory as a computer programmer. He still plays a bit of the guitar and otherwise enjoys “being awesome. Nate Murphy married Kristin (Goldman) in October2005. To assimilate Nate into Jewish culture, Kristin brought him to his first Bat Mitzvah this past May. They live inWest Hartford, CT and do not plan to have children anytime soon.

Nate currently works at Travelers and attends UCONN Lawin the evenings Russ Fette, his wife, Carrie, and their daughter Annabelle are in sunny, muggy, and buggyValdosta, GA at Moody AFB. Russ flies the A-10 with the 75 FS and is gearing up for his first deployment. In November, the Fette family attended Simon and Brittany Ritchie’s wedding in Silver Spring, MD. Also in attendance were Brian Staniszewski, Ryan Olish, Justin Jones, and Lunchbox. Brittany is an Army doctor and Simon is stationed at Travis. Dusty Fahie is still in Altus, OK with one C-17 Checkride complete. He will finish and return to Pope in a month and then PCS at the end of January to Dover AFB, DE. Mike and Chelsea Strasser are the proud parents of Liam Strasser, who was bom in March. Mike is flying Strike Eagles with the 492 FS out of RAF Lakenheath and is joined by Staci Cotner, who recently arrived and started MQT, and Dave VanYpren who is expecting his own ‘little one’ in a couple months.

Keny and Tane Ruffin also welcomed the newest members oftheir family on October 29th 2007! By the grace of God, Keny returned home from Balad in time to see the births of twins Tabitha Grace and Lydia Faith and quotes Psalm 127:3, “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.”

Charity Winters is still stationed at Andersen AFB, Guam and continues to seek creative outlets for her writing. Her most recent piece, “Not Home Yet,” tells of her experiences running convoys in Iraq. It will be published in the December 2007, issue of the Naval Institute’s Proceedings and will be her second creative essay published by the magazine.

Also at Guam, are Adam Rector and his wife, Virginia. They just celebrated their fourth Anniversary with a vacation to Hawaii and have two dogs, a Great Dane named “Callie” and a Black Lab named “Grace.” They spend a good portion of their free time diving in the wonderfully warm and clear waters surrounding Guam. Adam is currently seeking an MBA and Chelsea is pursuing a Bachelor in History. Adam is also the Maintenance Operations Officer for the 36th Munitions Squadron and the vice president for Operation CHRISTMAS ”

Leigh-Anne (Withers) Fitzgerald may soon be back in uniform as a member of the USAF Reserve. Always looking for ways to give back, she’s currently spending her extra time coaching youth soccer. Ryan Fitzgerald, her hubby, is training in the RC-135 at Offutt AFB and should be done by Jan ’08. LeighAnne and Ryan moved to Omaha in July and really love it there. They have kept in touch with several other classmates and have been kind enough to share their news. AJ Kuhle is an assistant coach for the Denver University Men’s Basketball team, working under none-other-than Joe Scott! Marci (Freund) Walton is a C-130 pilot, currently deployed and staying very busy. Marci says some ofher favorite flights are taking people out of the sandbox when they get to go home after long deployments. Melonie SanPietro recendy separated fromActive Duty life, but she jumped back into Reserves as an IMA, working as a Logistics Officer at Andrews AFB. Chris McCarney married his high school sweetheart, Katie Bufalino, on 11 Aug 07. He also separated from the AF and is now working in Chicago with KPMG LLP, an international network offirms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services.

John (BJ) Wimberley is flying C- 17s out in Tacoma, WA, and he recently got engaged. Brook (Taylor) Kolarcik’s daughter Hannah just turned one year old, and Brook is due again in Jul ’08. Becky (Lewis) Barner’s son Jake will turn one year old in Dec ’07, and she is due with her second bundle of joy in Apr ’08. Becky is still working as an Intelligence Analyst in support of the F- 15s at Eglin AFB, where her husband is also a pilot. Can anyone say Super-Mom?!

Katie Dildy and Luke Goossen were married on 1 9 Nov 06, on a beach in the Bahamas (see photo) and they separated from the Air Force with the force shaping program that same fall. Since then, they have moved to Boston and are actively involved in the community. Luke now works for BAE Systems, new countermeasures and missile into integrating warning systems military aircraft, andKatieworks for Target Corporation. The Goossenswere also happy to share news of other classmates and friends. First, a handful offolks are now on the other side ofthe

stand-up room in UPT. Pete Catsulis and Rich Greig are putting our friends from ’06 through the T-6 portion of UPT at Vance AFB. Erin Shay FAIPed to Columbus AFB and is still hoping for a shot at flying the F- 1 6 after that. Thomas Chapman, Steve Mwesigwa, and Justin Hand are burning holes in the sky over Del Rio. Second, we have news of more classmates seeing the world through the AF lens. Chris Marslender and Chris High are flyingF-16s out of Spangdahlem AB, Germany and Chris is also currently engaged. Justin Banez recently returned from his second deployment in Iraq—welcome home! Lee Alexander is flying C- 17s and incredibly difficult to get a hold of because he is always

somewhere over the Pacific. He also got hitched this summer—congrats!

Adam Burk is flying overseas in South Korea.

Third, we have more news of classmates crossing out ofthe blue, representing the success of ’04 in the civilian sector. Ed Louis walked away from the office in uniform in Sep ’07, and returned to work the next day in civilian clothes with basically the same job. He still resides in Enid, OK. Delavane Diaz, Rhodes Scholar, is also a civilian now and was last seen heading towards her hometown of Tampa, FL. Marianne Lawson has been out of the AF for a little over a year and now lives in Houston, TX. Eric Estrada resides in San Antonio, where he is working his way into the Real Estate industry, and Chris Sheehen, also a civilian, has returned to his roots in Massachusetts.

As for me, I am simply enjoying living under the same roofwith my husband, Michael, for the first time in two-and-a-halfyears. Ifall goes according to plan, we may even be able to deploy together in spring of ’08. In the meantime, please keep sending in your news for Checkpoints —families really should try to stay in touch as much as possible. ’Til next time.. .Happy Holidays, and best wishes for the NewYear.

Paula

Delapasse 103 Raymond Circle

72 % Members

Warner Robins, GA 31088

(225) 603-4450 paulamaffey@juno.com Paula.Delapasse@robins.af.mil

ing classmates were in their wedding party: from left are Janie Lamed, Kristen (Beavers) Zeligs, the newlyweds, Josh Jewett, Jared Jones, and Mitch Adams (’04).

Congratulations you two; that is so exciting!

Kaelin Blunt Armstrong and her husband Ryan Armstrong (’03) recently participated with the AF Cycling Team in a ride across Iowa. They pedaled over 500 miles in one week! They had a good time handing out AF stickers, footballs and recruiting freebies to kids along the way.

Happy Holidays! I hope everyone has many special reasons for celebration during this time of the year! I know I have been lucky enough to see a lot of friends and classmates lately which has brought back many good memories.

I recently spoke with Jessa (liegl) Charron and she caught me up to speed with their exciting news. Chris Charron and Jessa are expecting a baby boy before the end of the year. New baby Charron should be a late Christmas present, due Dec 30 th They are both stationed at Vance AFB. More baby news, Phil and Erin (Heintz) Jackson just welcomed their first baby girl, .

Hadassah Grace Jackson, on Nov 12 th Phil, Erin, and the None Yet new baby are all doing well. Phil and Erin are both in San Antonio right now; Phil is flying and Erin is a BioenvironSabre Society Donors mental Engineer. In October I ran into Marika (Beach) Scott at a wedding in Oklahoma City. She recently separated this past spring after working in Services at Travis AFB. Her husband, Winfield Scott (’04), is stationed at Travis flying KC- 10s and Marika now stays home with their six-month-old baby girl Jaden Beach Scott.

There have been a lot of weddings lately as well. Emily (Haag) Bulger married Andy Bulger of Claysburg, PA in her home town ofWichita, KS. After our graduation, Emily went to the University of Pittsburg where she received her master’s degree and is now currentiy stationed at Geilenkirchen NATO Base, Germany as a finance officer. A whole crew of grads attended the wedding celebration and we all had a blast. .

They rode from the western border all the way to the eastern border and dipped their tires in the Mississippi River!

Thanks for the updates and keep them coming! Take care everyone!

Felisa

(Hervey) Dyrud 20 Myrtle Ave. Cambridge, MA 02138 (719) 352-5991 Felisa.dyrud@gmail.com

73% Members

Merhaba2006!

If you haven’t found us yet, “Feel the Fire” is on Facebook! Join the group to get a reminder each quarter to send in your news for Checkpoints. On our end, biggest news is that my stud of a husband, Peter Dyrud, made it through Phase II ofCombat Rescue Officer tryouts and has been selected for the pipeline. We are very thankful and excited.

Feel the Fire, Felisa.

Oscar Mayhew sent in a picture of the AFIT graduating class: From right to left are Adrian DeFreitas, Christopher Patterson, Amanda DeVano

(Rasmussen), Rashanda Rashash, Oscar “SelfProclaimed Cool Guy” Mayhew, Bridgett Whitting, Bronywn Oliver (now Ouper, as of 22 Sept). Not pictured Those pictured: Amanda Young, Julie Honeycutt, Carmel Patton (’04), Emily

(Haag) Bulger, Christine Todd, Amber Hoffman, Jennifer Ford, Dawn Hamack, Taylor Sciulli, Cookie Day, and Paula (Maffey) Delapasse. Another wedding update came from Eric Swenson. Katie Williams and Eric Swenson got married on Aug 4 th in Laguna Beach, CA. Katie is currently a maintenance officer at RAF Mildenhall and is applying to go to medical school. Eric just got his assignmentforF-16satLukeAFBwhichhe is really‘stoked’ about! The follow-

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134

(but also graduated): Stephen Koether and Ginny Miller.

Amy Gilliland was accepted to AFIT atWright-Patterson AFB. She will be starting her master’s in Financial Analysis in Aug 2008. Jaylan Michael Flayley (formerly Jesse Rogers) left for Texas in mid-November to train into the Intelligence AFSC. James (Jimmy) Baker just finished SERE and will leave soon for his assignment to KadenaAFB to fly the KC-135.

William (Mac) McVittle informed us that John Haney graduated from UPT at Vance and is heading to North Carolina to fly the F-15E.Jason Piper also was in his class and is headed to Phoenix to fly the F -16. Ashley Guthre graduated iabre Social

Ryan Moore married the lovely Tina Dokmo on 2 Sept at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado. She joined him at Columbus AFB where Ryan is at pilot training.

Sarah Clapp finished her MA in psychology at Connecticut College this past summer and also married David Gribbin (Class of2007) in July.

Casey Bayne 7363 River Pointe Drive, Apt 14North Little Rock, AR 72113

on the 16 Nov and is

Dollars heading to Charleston to fly the C-17.

Susie Crespo reports that her fiance, Chris Foote, graduated from pilot training on Nov 16. He received his first-choice assignment of

(719) 930-5066 checkpoints@caseybayne.com

KC-135s at Seymour Johnson AFB, NC. He also received the Air Force Association Award. (She’s very proud of him!)

Linsdey Bergeron sent us a note from Qatar where she is deployed until next August. She got to go to Baghdad in November to work at Camp Victory and Baghdad International Airport doing what she calls “fun intel work.”

(No Sabre Society Donors Yet) Hey Class of2007!

I just wanted to update you on some recent marriages from our class.

Most recently, Andrew Vasquez married Jessica Beene on Oct 20th at the Air Force Academy Chapel. Fellow’07ers Scott Gross, Brandon Wilson, and Grant Scholl were groomsmen.

Michael Lebowitz got engaged over Labor Day weekend to Arielle Dani Fishman. He is currently in pilot training at Whiting Field NAS. Here is a picture of the two of them, and another of Megan Malcom, Joe Tuholski, Heidi Vermillion, Katie Loffer, and Michael Lebovitz. It was taken in Baltimore in July 2007 while Megan was visiting Katy at Andrews AFB, Joe and Katy were Hospital Administrators at Andrews, Heidi was in Grad school, and Michael was on casual at Andrews.

AndrewVasquez and Jessica Beene Ryan Glasgow married Rebecca Mills on July 21st in a small but beautiful ceremony just outside of Brighton, CO. Chris Weston, ReidTouchberry, Brian Brown-Dymkoski, and James Kellenbence served as groomsmen for Ryan on this special occasion.

Also over Labor Day weekend, Luke Robertson became brother-in-law to Jameson Voss. Luke’s wife, Krista Robertson, is the only sister of Jameson’s wife, Lacey Voss. Luke and Krista met because of Jameson and Lacey’s wedding as they were both in the wedding party.

Ryan Glasgow and Rebecca Mills

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Luke and Krista wedding, Jameson Voss on right) 135

Jesse Ziegler married Amanda Westley on June 16th in Pelican Rapids, MN. Steve Boyd and Brett Vongroven were groomsmen.

Jonah Reeger married Laura Mihalacki on June 2nd in Dawson, PA. Jon Kaskela, Johnny and Rachel (Adams) Nep, Scott Skibitsky, Trenton Updike, Allan Sain, Daniel Quinlan, and Alicia Stirewalt were all present at their wonderful day.

Jordan Wilhelm and Dustin Smith

Jonah Reeger and Laura Mihalacki

Jordan Wilhelm married Dustin Smith (’06) on June 3rd at a gorgeous weddingheldatthe Tapestry House inFort Collins, CO. Kim Brady and Lisa Rowland were beautiful bridesmaids and Geno Salazar served as a groomsmen.

Eligibles for USAFA Cemetery Burial: (From page93.)

Other ’07ers who were married: JeffWest and Janelle Hyde; Theo Zacour and Shonnalwaniec; KailinTuscano and Kelly Kwan (’05); JayMedenwaldt and Lindsey; Jenny Guilford and Brandon Liabenow (’06); Diane Banks and Rob Percy; Gilberto Perez and Angeline Teope; Rachel Adams and Johnny Nep; and McAllister Gentry and Lisa.

I know that most of us are busy with our jobs, tech school, or playing Icarus at ASBC but if you have any stories or updates you want featured in Checkpoints please send them my way!

1.12.4.2. If the service-connected parent is deceased and interred

in the Academy cemetery, was receiving more than one-half of his or

1.12.1. A wife or husband.

her support from the widow or widower of the deceased service-con-

1.12.2. A remarried widow or widower.

nected parent.

1.12.3. Dependent unmarried children under the age of 23.

1.12.4. A dependent unmarried adult, defined as one whom at the

1.12.4.3. Was receiving such support from some other source because of the

prior death or inability of the parent or parents to provide

time of death was over 21 years of age, incapable of self-support due

such support.

to physical or mental condition, and who meets any of the following

(Anyone wishing further information or clarification should write the USAF Academy Mortuary Affairs Office at 10 SVS/SVMM, 9023 Academy Drive, USAF Academy CO 80840, or call DSN 333-3323 or

conditions: 1.12.4.1. Received more than one-half of his or her support from

the service-connected parent.

commercial (719) 333-3323, or email: Janet.Edwards @usafa.af.mil.)

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at Wake Forest

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