Checkpoints September 2009

'Wmmm

stats®!

■jpf'-P'A?

-

-

.

p^S-rJs

-jr'r

s^k % §?* V.-.,.;

:

A0;:0Ws

....

.

r .

!

Ull

Mils

-

n’irufVr

11:51

|

;

A

i

BUILDING A

ACADEMY .

:

:

■"//; ;•;•

■

•;

THE MILITARY

PREPARED YOU FOR

HOSTILE CONDITIONS. WE DO THE SAME FOR YOUR MONEY.

Better planning begins now

|

877-314-2255

|

usaa.com

With USAA's Global Opportunities Portfolio, you get just what you'd expect from a financial

organization founded by military personnel: an added level of security during volatile market conditions. Combining innovative risk-mitigation strategies with worldwide exposure of your assets, it seeks to shield you from severe market drops as it pursues long-term moderate growth. And it does all this at fees up to 40% below the industry average. To get started with a minimum investment of just $50,000, call 877-314-2255.

^4

.

•s':-

.

USAA INVESTMENTS

USAA Global Opportunities Portfolio is a service of USAA Investment Management Company (USAA), a registered advisor and broker dealer. © 2009 USAA. 93379-0809

-

,

S§8

:

ONE CHOSEN LEADER

■

ys a® iHpjUCi

Sgg S|

■'

■

laasMB

Large Cabin,

ULTRA-LONG RANGE

G450

Large Cabin

Large Cabin

Long range

Mid range

G150

Wide Cabin, High Speed

World-record altitude, speed and range performance, award-winning reliability and product support, the best warranty in special mission aviation and a long heritage of proven experience have made Gulfstream the special missions aircraft of choice for world leaders since the 1960s.

To learn more, call Buddy Sams, Senior Vice President, Government Programs

and Sales at 703-276-9500 or visit us at www.gulfstream.com.

■'

■•

'V

■ .

•,

tiki

.

S '.■

v

*

$

>

:

i; S 'V ■.■

■

.

iMBrnk

' •

y

'

f

;^v-

/»

.

■

■

BHh'“

Jl

’

VyrrLjg.

j

'

■ft!

1

| rr

* .

*

>

/ \

t -»<

|

|\ / 1 i®— |

|

1

CONNECTING THE ACADEMY

%m*mJ

18

Take an inside look at the man Communications Department.

LETTERS

4

CEO UPDATE

6

CHAIRMAN'S JOURNAL

10

Learn what it takes to produce the voice and vision of

THE NEW SUPERINTENDENT

12

the Academy.

NEWS

14

RICH MEDIA AND THE FUTURE OF

HISTORY AND HERITAGE

16

COMMUNICATIONS

CHECKPOINTS: DEFINING A GENERATION

22

26

From streaming videos to photo-casts, the Internet is

reshaping the way we share information.

ALUMNI RELATION

“1

34

WEBGUY, THE UNTOLD STORY

Go behind the scenes with the runaway Internet phenomenon.

THE IMPACT OF MAJOR GIFTS

MARKING THE MILESTONES: EVENT HOSTING AT THE AOG

54

Learn how your contributions are building better

38

educational experiences for cadets.

From commissioning ceremonies to weddings,

Doolittle Hall plays host to a plethora of events.

58

INVESTING IN A BETTER ACADEMY

Unrestricted gifts keep the Air Force Academy on

A YEAR IN THE LIFE:

AOG ANNUAL TIMELINE

the cutting edge.

42

CHOOSE YOUR LEGACY KEEPING THE CIRCLE UNBROKEN

46

62

Class giving keeps Academy heritage alive.

Class rings are a milestone in the life of every Zoomie.

SERVICE ACADEMY CAREER CONFERENCE

50

The AOG connecting grads with

WALDO DUMBSQUAT

65

civilian jobs.

MEET THE AOG STAFF

66

DINING GUIDE

70

HELPING HANDS

52

Bringing grads together with Customer Service.

BACK OF THE BOOK GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

76

CLASS NEWS

82

emotional and empirical arguments. You have presented a logical, well thought out proposal that must be implemented now. In the words of a true American

hero, “Let’s roll” and get ‘er done!

VR, Mel Reeves, Class of 1974

Evaluate the Process I was dismayed by the female 1988 graduate’s letter to

the editor published in June 2009, complaining that the

WebGuy

twenty-two candidates for the AOG Board of Directors were all white males; therefore, it was time to “evaluate

Thanks for the “window” on today’s start for the Class

the process.” These are candidates, not electees. How

Class, and I feel like I’ve had a small part in their first

would one change the process to get more women and

day in the USAFA cadet career. I’m planning to be out there to present at the Military History Symposium in late September, and maybe I can get to meet a few of these new folks at that time.

Again, thanks for making this available. I know I sort of relished the fact that we started 40 years ago, this past Tuesday (23 June 1969). Our class president, Bob Munson, sent out an e-mail that day noting the historical significance of what we were all doing 40 years ago, along

minorities to volunteer their time and effort as these

gentlemen have chosen to do? Frankly, I’m delighted that so many have stepped up to serve. If this woman is so convinced that white males cannot possibly represent the interests of all graduates, then perhaps she should become a candidate herself.

Stephen Reed, Class of 1984

of 2013. I’m a member of’73, this class’s Legacy

with a copy of the Steve Simon piece, “Class of’73,” Desert One

a

As a member of the class of 1973, I really enjoyed

Class Dedication to 2013, which I had the pleasure

Steven Simon’s June 2009 article, “It’s Time,” which

of authoring. That night, I had an amazing hour-long

highlighted the many accomplishments of the members of the Class of 1973. I know every class would be

phone call from my Firstie Year roommate. It’s true; you make friends, from Day One until graduation,

honored to be recognized in our alumni magazine. I

who will be your friends for the rest of your life.

also know that, when an article like this is written, you

’73 update newsletter, and a copy of the Legacy

Best wishes to you.

recognize everyone, but we missed one of our classmates who should be remembered. He is Captain cannot

Don Rightmyer, Class of 1973

Charles Thomas McMillan II, who is the only member of the Class of 1973 whose name is engraved on the

In Appreciation

USAFA War Memorial. He was killed on 23 April

We are the parents of Lt. Wilhelm R. Stern, Class of

1980 during Desert One while attempting to rescue

the American hostages in Iran. I am proud of all my

1982, who was killed in an aircraft accident in 1983.

We still feel his loss deeply and we are writing to say

classmates, but we must not forget those who went into

thank you to the AOG and to two special people for

harm’s way and paid the ultimate sacrifice.

easing our loss by keeping us connected with the Acad-

Steve Lorenz, Class ofl973

emy and its graduates.

We have been members of the AOG for over 26 years

and we eagerly await the arrival of Checkpoints to see

Empirical Arguments

what the cadets and graduates are doing these days. We

Dear Fellow Grad William Thompson,

visit the Academy when we can and are always warmly

I read your recent article about our current alumni association structure (or lack thereof) with great interest and offer the following: I truly appreciate

your candidness and in-depth research. You have

demonstrated a thorough understanding of both the

4

FT

(V

Association of Graduates dT UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

il

EXECUTIVE OFFICE

President/CEO: William T

#

Thompson 73 Senior Vice President for Operations: Gary Howe, '69

assisted and greeted by the AOG staff. One member of the staff calls us regularly to tell us what is happening at the

Academy. The Academy was Willie’s dream come true and being so well informed helps keep his memory

COMMUNICATIONS

Managing Director of

alive for us.

Communications/Senior Editor: Bob McAllister

On an even more personal level, we would like to

Editor & Photographer: Lewis Carlyle

thank Robert Reiter, ’81, and his wife, Maria, 82, for never forgetting us, or Willie, over all these years. Bob

Staff Writer/Editor: Ann Tillery Senior Designer: Sarah Larrabee

and Willie were close friends as cadets and were roommates at UPT when

Class News Editor: Tom Kroboth

Willie was killed. Bob later married

Advertising: Paige Buoye

Maria, Willie’s classmate, and they have kept us part of

Web Site: Matt Kleve and Rachel Dixon

their family. We are so thankful that they have never

forgotten us, or Willie, after all these years.

Losing a child is always traumatic and the pain of the loss never goes away. We hope that by thanking the AOG and Bob and Maria Reiter publicly we will let other graduates know how much it means to a parent to not be forgotten when your child, or spouse, passes away. Thank you for keeping us connected.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Terry Storm, '61, Board Chair Brian Binn 72, Vice Chair

Bob Munsen, 73, Secretary

Jack Fry '67, Treasurer

Rip Blaisdell, '62 Steve Dotson, "63 Jim Wheeler, '64

Roger Carleton, '67 George Van Wagenen, '67

Sincerely, SMSGT (Ret.) and Mrs. Harry T. Stern Parents ofLt. Wilhelm R. Stern, ’82

Wild Bill Stealey, 70

AVery Difficult Issue

Pat Rosenow, 76

To CEO T Thompson—I read your article “What I

Allison Hickey, '80 Mark Rosenow, '03

didn’t know” in the June Checkpoints and I want to

compliment you on a clear logical approach to a very difficult issue. While I have participated in a number of discussions on this problem, most suggestions do not have the clarity of your ideas. I think you have advanced the dialogue although the final outcome will

ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES 3116 Academy Drive

USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475

(719) 472-0300

DSN: 333-2067

Fax: (719) 333-4194

take more time.

E-mail: aog@aogusafa.org Web Site: usafa.org

James P. McCarthy, General USAF (Ret.) ARDI Professor ofNational Security

US Air Force Academy

Volume 38, number 2

Checkpoints (ISSN 0274-7391) USPS 898-080 is published quarterly in March, June, September and December by the Association of Graduates, U.S. Air Force Academy. (Phone: 719-472-0300, DSN: 333-2067. FAX: 719-333-4194, E-mail: editor@aogusafa.org.) A portion of your dues pays for your magazine subscription. Additional copies may be purchased for $2.30 each, plus $4.60 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.

The Editorial Board serves the Checkpoints mission by providing a top quali ty

Letters Submission Guidelines

Checkpoints welcomes letters from its readers. Please limit your submission to 250 words. For your letter to be consid-

ered,

you must include

your name

and graduating year, if

you are an Academy graduate.

Letters should be e-mailed to editor@aogusafa.org.

Checkpoints reserves the right to edit all submissions.

magazine to the Air Force Academy’s broader community. Together, the editor, Director of Communications, Senior VP and the AOG CEO collaborate to ensure

that all articles meet the standards of excellence readers have come to

expect of Checkpoints. The AOG reserves the right to publish or omit submissions at its discretion.

Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policy or attitude of the AOG, its officers or the editorial staff. The appearance of advertisements in this publication does not constitute an endorsement by the AOG of the products or services advertised. Copyright, Association of Graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy, September 2009.

5

iWP

'& 3 # -

gpp

.

:

T: #%||11

mgpy^ro A

t

.

paftSf

V

mb.:%[jtn M^yPf -

'*. feaSa-

-

-

hit -.. &£

| A

.

J

.

^^

V

■

_

-rr—*

^‘:2W&§&it i:

:

J-

TWW :

' ~

’.

(

‘;rcn

■fafe.

j

ifr**®**

'

u

-

>

,.

4

/-.•.

M ■

;

.

wg!i§ims0mMiM '

’~

'T o V~‘

if

o.ir'

(

J

-wm “

| p W]

•£t£y.

-

_..

,

1 I

mu

WX;:

IfSji

yv ••'■:■•■;■

-

v/.V/\.

W W Y

BY WILLIAM T THOMPSON, ’73

EVERYTHING WE DO SUPPORTS THE ACADEMY elcome to this

Directors, a new slate of officers, and I’ve just

tions and fund raising at the university level.

special edition

finished my first year as President and CEO.

of your Check-

The AOG has a new “enterprise-wide” model

points magazine.

of conducting its business, including, among

Through months of research, complete with days of interviews with heads of alumni associations and development offices across the

It represents the

other things, a new emphasis on steward-

'

|Hj;

ship, membership development and revenue

country, I’ve come to appreciate that there is a distinct method to how these organizations

enhancement. Our new business model has

are

the AOG. No, that is not a typo. It’s actu-

created a strong financial base as we begin

results for their universities. I’m fortunate

ally a play on words; “Knew” and “New,” two homophones, and they are both relevant as reasons for this special issue.

No one can dispute that many “New” things have occurred at both the AOG and the Academy over the past year. At the Academy, we have a new Superintendent, a new Commandant, a new Air Base Wing

emerge from these challenging economic times. This special issue of Checkpoints also

to have been

edge I’ve acquired during my year-long

Checkpoints. Here is the link if you missed

Commander, and of course, a new class,

tenure at the AOG. Since

that article or would like to read it again:

beginning of a “kNew” chapter at

2013. At the AOG, we have a new Board of

6

...

to

inextricably intertwined to maximize

taught by some of the best in

the business. From Harvard and Stanford

marks the beginning of a new era in our

to West Point and

communications efforts, which will be evi-

my counterparts eager to share their wisdom

dent as we incorporate a number of changes

and to contribute to my education. You have

over

the next several months.

The other “Knew” relates to the knowlmy arrival, I’ve learned an awful lot about alumni associa

Annapolis, I have found

also been exposed to this knowledge if you read my CEO Update in the last issue of

usafa.org/ ceo.pdf.

Banquet, the Founders Day Dinner, the Jabara Award Dinner, and a portion of the Ring Dance Dining-out, all of which comes out of “AOG operations.”

The AOG also provides services on behalf of the Academy that are usually funded by the Offi ce of the President at most other universities. An excellent

example is this very Checkpoints magazine that you are reading.

Universities provide a wide range of services to their graduates, which incudes publishing alumni magazines and establishing alumni associations to keep their grads connected to their institutions.

I recently received my alumni magazine from the University of the Pacific where I attended law school. I noticed on the back of the magazine that it was a publication of the university’s Marketing and Communications Office. Further investigation

revealed that this office is funded from the

university’s annual “operating” budget. I also have a best friend and Academy classmate who went to Tulane Medical School.

His alumni magazine, the Tulanian is ,

also produced and funded through the

university. Checkpoints magazine, however, is not funded through the Academy. It is

produced, published and distributed by the AOG, which picks up the entire cost from “AOG operations.” While it does generate some advertising revenue, it is a

I’ve also come to know how much the

direct financial support to the Superinten-

AOG does for the Academy. Shortly after

dent with additional financial support to

arriving to take the CEO job, I was asked

many cadet programs. But we also provide

by a grad, “How much of my contribution goes to support the Academy and how much goes to AOG operations?” The implication in the question, of course, is that “AOG operations” is distinctively different from Academy support. Spurred by

considerable indirect financial support to

When you begin to understand how

the Academy, and equally important, we

the university system generally works,

perform services on behalf of the Academy, all of which come from “AOG operations.”

it becomes clear that the AOG, from

the question, I launched into the research.

have averaged approximately $3 million dol-

What I discovered was eye-opening—but

lars a year. This average figure includes the

required Academy services, on the institution’s behalf, for which the Academy bears little or no costs. Maintaining the graduate database, new cadet Inprocessing, graduate

actually not surprising—now that I know

Memorial Pavilion which was donated to the

reunions and the class ring program are just

how the alumni business works. The real-

Academy in 2007. Additionally, the AOG has provided substantial indirect financial support by paying for numerous programs or functions for the Academy. For example, the AOG picks up the cost and provides the event staffing for the Outstanding Squadron

ity is that virtually everything the AOG does is in support of the Academy. Let me

elaborate and simultaneously, educate.

The AOG supports the Academy in many ways. Most of you are aware that we provide

Over the past five years, the AOG has

made direct donations to the Academy that

net cost center to the Association.

its “operations,” is providing numerous

a

few other examples of Academy support

provided by the AOG that, at a regular university, are born by the institution. “If you what the AOG does.” only kNew Before leaving this subject, let me ...

address two other related issues. I’ve been

7

asked why it wouldn’t be better to donate funds directly to the Academy and let them provide and pay for some of these services. The answer to that question is

that the Academy is a federal government

institution, and federal restrictions limit what the Academy can do with the funds

are

funded from “AOG operations.” The

corollary, of course, is if fees are diminished, our ability to provide many of the services that the Academy and our members have expect would also be diminished.

Should reunion support be reduced? Do we only come to

significantly increased my knowledge base over the past year and my present goal is to

share with you as much of the data as

you care to learn. As John Naisbitt has offered; “We are drowning in information

but starved for knowledge.”

Now I invite you to sit back in, hope-

fully, a relaxed and undisturbed setting and

profit organization, has more flexibility in

publish Checkpoints twice a year? Should we eliminate supportfor the Outstanding Squadron Banquet? These are some of the tough

how it can allocate its funds in support of

questions that would need to be answered

find informative yet entertaining features

Academy and graduate needs.

if fundraising fees or other revenue sources

which will increase your understanding of

it receives. The AOG, as a 501(c) (3) non-

learn even more about your AOG. You’ll

drop precipitously. As the old saying

the functions of the AOG while making

fees policy. The fact is the AOG does

goes, “There are no free lunches.” It also goes

request a fundraising fee for certain types of fundraising campaigns. I note, however, that

without saying that my goal is to preclude a

you proud of your membership in the Association. Our goal, quite simply, is to

reduction in the services you have come to

show you what your AOG does, how it

the fee the AOG has historically requested is

does it, and the tremendous positive effect

below the rates of both West Point and the

expect by growing our revenue and keeping the AOG financially strong.

Naval Academy. More importantly, the fees

I hope some of the brief information

I have also been asked about the AOG

were to

collected enable the AOG to better support

that I’ve shared has been as enlighten-

those previously mentioned programs that

ing for you as it has been for me. I have

that it is having on both the Academy and the graduate community.

iSABRD is the one-stop directory for Service

Academy grads looking to find professional careers itK grad-friendly companies.

Look for people you can count on! Make iSABRD your first choice if highly qualified professional

fellow Service Academy grads are what you seek.

8

>ur Vision

The Association of Graduates aspires to be the pri-

organization of United States Air Force Academy graduates and friends dedicated to supporting the Academy mission of mary

building leaders of character for the Air Force and the nation, and aspires to provide service and support for graduates and cadets.

Our Mission: To pursue our vision and to serve and support the Unit-

ed States of America, the United States Air Force, the United States Air Force Academy, and the graduate community by: a.

Working in partnership with the Academy to produce and foster graduates with an enduring commitment to integrity, excellence, and service to country.

b. Providing leadership, communication, and supportto all the Acad-

emy's graduates, and promoting camaraderie among them. c.

Promoting the Academy's heritage, our common traditions, and the accomplishments of our graduates.

Additionally, the Bylaws state that a core purpose of the AOG is: To work in support of the Air Force, the Academy and the graduates to raise private funds to support and develop Academy,

cadet and

graduate programs that would not otherwise be funded.

Association of Graduates BUILDING A

ACADEMY

Force, the Academy and our graduates, who are serving our nation across the globe, many in harm’s way.

We were distressed by the death in combat of Ft. Roslyn

Shulte, ’06, who was killed by an IED while serving in Afghanistan. Another young grad, Capt. Mark McDowell, ’05, died in an F-15 crash while also serving there, and 1st Ft. Joseph Helton, ’07, lost his life to an IED near

Baghdad. These brave officers join the Fong Blue Fine of graduates who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service

Chairman’s

to our nation.

The Board extends our condolences to their

families, classmates and many friends.

The AOG board has many substantive issues to address in this term. The international economy has had an

BY TERRY STORM, ’61 y distinct honor is to have been

chosen by my peers to be your

2009/10 Chairman of the Board for your Association of Graduates.

I am fully committed to our directors

continuing to formulate and

advance the strategic policies that assist our CEO and his

staff in accomplishing all of the facets of our AOG mission:

serving the Academy and its graduates while promoting our heritage. My education and experience can be of benefit to the

AOG; I continue to assist many associations with

their governance and management issues. Please refer to the AOG Web site for information on each of our Directors. Your AOG

Board has made a major commitment to

strategic policy governance, based on John Carver’s model

everyone’s. The CEO has made significant adjustments to AOG operations to meet the reduced budget requirements. We will also need to keep our contributions to the Academy strong, as the functions we provide for our cadets are absolutely integral to their Academy educational experience as they prepare for service to our nation. While our sister service academy graduate associations each provide some 50 of more than 70 functions to their graduates, your AOG provides all but 3, and we are seriously looking at providing those as well. Your AOG provides those functions with a much smaller staff and budget than the Military and Naval Academies.

Undoubtedly, the major issue facing us is the widely supported mandate for our graduates and the Academy staff to proceed forthwith to structure a central fund raising effort at USAFA.

Donors want a transparent donation process

that coordinates fund raising efforts by the several organi-

adapted to our AOG.

zations currently supporting USAFA. Our CEO, strongly

The Board was honored to host USAFA’s Superintendent, Lt. General Michael Gould, ’76, during our August 7/8

supported by the Board, is actively negotiating with representatives of the current fund raising entities, including

Board meeting. General Gould, a longtime AOG member

the USAFA Endowment, the Falcon Foundation and the

and Sabre Society donor, is a strong advocate for ensur-

upcoming athletic department non-profit. We absolutely

ing that the AOG is an integral part of the USAFA family.

must come to an

as

He makes certain that our CEO, “T” Thompson, is fully

agreement and structure that is a win-win for everyone, while ensuring the financial strength of our

engaged in the issues that affect all of us. We welcome General Gould to our Air Force Academy.

We were also pleased to be addressed by Falcon Head

AOG—our fiduciary responsibility.

Football Coach Troy Calhoun, ’89, whose staff was full into

graduates for the betterment of the Academy and the gradu-

preseason practice for his third year as our head coach. By

ate

now

the season is well underway; we know that our student

athletes in all of our collegiate sports well represent our Air

10

impact, and our investments have taken a loss, as have

The entire AOG Board, both continuing and newly

elected Directors, looks forward to representing all of our

community. We thank Mike Banks, ’92, Kevin Carmi-

chael, ’77, Steve Finch, ’65, and Mike Flynn, ’95, for their service. We are all invigorated to serve. GO FAFCONS!

■ ■

■' 7

'

'V

:

•

TO -

■

.

.

:erf

:i TW ■

Mil

III#

wm

I

X

%

::

■

n|

$ V

■

'

Pr'

■

'

■IBb

n

Advertising Opportunities Advertising with the Association of Graduates is your opportunity to align your business with the name recognition of the Air Force Academy and its graduate community. The Air Force Academy is one of our nation's most valued and visited national treasures, attracting countless tourists, parents and locals each year. Capitalize on this affinity and advertise today!

For more information, contact: Paige Buoye, Advertising

719.472.0300 or paige.buoye@aogusafa.org

Association of Graduates UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

-I..'

vv-.r./.v-.

■

.

flpHtlt

■.

:

.

■

aKcSiffl

MM IlllfSS*

:

:

mm

■

;

wmsmmmmwi

WMmmM ISIllli

I-

li

IS®' ;

M&£§Wmm

Wmff.

M

fl99fism$^sm§$

,

figM*1 §s | * fl§-5

Mllilllililll & I if s i Jlf.&i § ft Fiyp» I

■miliBsi

mmm

’ll

fiM '

"■

H

i

«»

y

/ 7/Woo

MNftftHHI

.

1

-

y

l&|p|

o

f,

:tfife: > o-

r ~

-

g®

-® i-.o

g ^

I

‘

ft

:

,

-

with two oak —»1 js Service Medal with oak leaf cluster

WsMssigm.

'

w&M

Commendation Medal

if3if3s9sSf8i:<■>:•

-

■'

■

.-■.■■

■:

■

■

■

-VS ''v\ ;.■■■■■■

HU

'

■

;

■

.

..

■.•■■■-;

Achievement Medal ' '

1

■'

•

:

f/rU

ar on Terrorism Service Medal

y i?

,

$• '-'"’IV®

r

w

!

,>

^

"^P-vv*.^“ <£

r/X^iV’

c

v '

'■

•

'■■

ttplgl

7 ; 7 y( 7 ;-; -

;

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS 2007 Senator Ted Stevens Leadership Award, USAF’s

'■'

■Sill

Top NAF Commander M|PPh|

fetfe

m%m

M

■

'ISMBsMM

mBIm hHh|

mt&M

1ES33S3

§m:§m mam

WMimsmm '

■

■■

'

.'

'; ■; V; ■.

.

■;■:

■

■

'

■

.

.

.

M

WsSm

WmmSm

§SS BM

■

HM

rJidL

13

Michael Ross, ’81, Honored with Portfolio Manager of the Year

Portfolio Management Institute is pleased to announce that

Michael P. Ross has won the 2009 Bill Eager Award as Portfolio

Manager of the Year. The Portfolio Management Institute is a member-driven non-profit organization. Members meet several times per year, listen to the opinions of economic leaders, and

share experiences for best practices with those who professionally manage portfolios.

Michael joined Smith Barney in 1987. His passion to create

portfolios, select securities, and monitor performance spurred him to co-found the Portfolio Management Institute, of which he is a past president. Michael holds a bachelor of science degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, and a master's degree from State University of New custom

York. He is a Senior Portfolio Management Director at Smith

Brigadier General John I. Pray Jr., ’80, Named USO Senior Vice

Barney and is based in San Jose and Bakersfield, California.

President for Entertainment

(Smith Barney’s Public Ajfairs)

The USO has named Brigadier General (Ret.) John I. Pray Jr., Senior Vice President for Entertainment. He will be responsible

Air Force Academy No. 7 on Forbes’ List of Top U.S. Colleges

for leading the USO’s world-famous entertainment program—a

The United States Air Force Academy in Colorado ranks No. 7 on

program that lifts the spirits of hundreds of thousands of service members and their families every year. Pray has more than 27

Forbes’ latest list of the best colleges in America. Most Colorado

years of experience in military operations, having commanded Air Force units at the squadron, group and wing levels. Pray also

served as Director of the White House Situation Room. He retired from active duty in 2007, when selected to become the National Security Council’s Executive Secretary. Pray earned a

bachelor of science degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy

and master’s degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Univer-

colleges rose on the Forbes list, which was posted at Forbes.com, from last year’s ranking. The annual ranking—compiled by Forbes and the Center for College Affordability and Productivity—rates 600 undergraduate programs “based on the quality of the education they provide, the experience of the students and how much they achieve,” Forbes said.

The Air Force Academy was rated No. 16 on last year’s Forbes list. (Denver Business Journal)

sity, the School of Advanced Airpower Studies, and the Air War

College. He also completed the senior executive program at the Columbia University Graduate School of Business.

Gregory Johnson, ’84, to pilot Shuttle Atlantis NASA has selected retired Air Force Col. Gregory H. Johnson,

Class of 1984, to pilot space shuttle mission STS-134 to the

Mullins, ’84, Takes the Reins of Special Operations Command Command of Special Operations Command, Joint Forces Com-

International Space Station. Johnson previously flew as a pilot

mand passed from the Army to the Air Force as Col. Wesley F.

STS-123 in 2008. He was born in South Ruislip, Middlesex, United Kingdom, but graduated from Park Hills High School

Rehorn relinquished command to Col. David A. Mullins, ’84.

in Fairborn, Ohio. Johnson has master’s

SOCJFCOM is a joint special operations force trainer and integrator, responsible for training conventional and special operations joint force commanders and their staffs on full integration of conventional forces to enhance warfighting readiness. (US Joint Forces Command Public Affairs)

on

degrees from Columbia University and the University of Texas, Austin. He was pilot of STS-123 Endeavour in 2008, which completed both launch and landing at night. He has logged 4,000 flight hours in 40 different aircraft. To date, Johnson’s space flight experience includes 250 orbits of the Earth, traveling over 6 million miles in 15 days, 18 hours, 10 minutes and 54 seconds. The upcoming shuttle mission

Cisneros, ’86, Heads Up 2010 Census Publicity Office

will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, or AMS, to the

Raul E. Cisneros has been appointed chief of the 2010 Census Pub-

space station. The AMS is a state-of-the-art cosmic ray particle physics detector designed to examine fundamental issues about

licity Office at the U.S. Census Bureau. The office manages the development of the 2010 Census paid media campaign in 28 languages and provides support for a $312 million communications contract for advertising services, public relations activities and the implementation of the partnership and Census in Schools programs. Cisneros previously served as chief of the 2010 Census Media Relations Branch where he was in charge of public affairs and media relations activities for next year’s national count. He has extensive public relations and leadership experience and has worked with private and public sector stakeholders at the national, state and local levels.

14

matter and the

origin and structure of the universe. The shuttle Atlantis’ STS-132 mission is targeted to launch in May 2010.

(Provided by U.S. Air Force Academy) James Smith, ’74, to become ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Brig. Gen. (Ret.) James Smith spent time in Saudi Arabia as a fighter pilot flying missions during Desert Storm. As a longtime Air Force officer, and most recently an executive for defense contractor Raytheon, Smith is also well versed in American military

hardware, the most important U.S. export to Saudi Arabia. He

serving as International Business Development Executive for Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems when President Obama

was

appointed him to be ambassador to Saudi Arabia, to which Raytheon has been providing weapons and services since 1966.

In January 2008, Smith joined a long list of “national security experts” who endorsed then Senator Obama for president. Smith made a higher profile endorsement of Senator Obama in March 2008, joining nine other high ranking military officers who came out in support of the President as the

superior choice on issues of

defense and national security. {Noel Brinkerhoff) Stan Brown, ’82, manages city council affairs while deployed in Iraq

Stan Brown, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, went back to war,

temporarily leaving his position as city manager of his Hall County town in Georgia for a six-month tour in Iraq. But he went equipped with laptop and cellphone, building plans and bid proposals. In going to Iraq, Brown took a bit of Oakwood with him.

While in Iraq, Brown managed to helped smooth the transition of British troops heading home, replacing them with American

soldiers. At the same time, he kept tabs on a sewer project, land

acquisition and a highway job back home. When he returned to his job June 29, city officials, friends and others in this town 40 miles north of Atlanta turned out for Stan Brown Day. To

appl ause and clicking cameras, Brown sliced a yellow ribbon encircling an old pecan tree outside City Hall that had been placed there in his honor. Then he affixed a new one to commemorate those who still fight, eight time zones away, in a place far removed from the rolling terrain of North Georgia.

Brown is unique, according to figures from the Georgia Municipal Association. There are more than 160 city managers in towns and cities across the state. None, says the non-profit organization, has managed to do that job from Iraq. Brown is likely to retire before getting more deployment orders. “Eve been honored to

Looking to advance vonr 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. Log on to JSAJE to browse job listings and contact employers.

serve,” he said. He also gave credit to the folks back home who

kept Oakwood moving along in his absence. “When you work for a mayor and council, it all comes down to trust,” Brown said.

Not actively looking for a job? Sign

“We’ve got good people.” (Courtesy of the Gazette)

up for Job Retriever and let it alert you when jobs according to your

Republican Tyler Russell, ’04, announces 2010 run for U.S. Congress

search criteria become available.

in Texas District 8

JSAJE also contains a resume

Tyler Russell formally announced his candidacy and seeks the GOP nomination in Texas District 8 for the U.S. House

of Representatives election of 2010. Tyler is a professional in

database through which companies can search for

promising candidates.

the local oil industry and a captain in the Air Force Reserves.

(Courtesy of Tyler Russell)

service academies

jobs electronically

.jsaje.com

New York Congressional District

Assemblyman Greg Ball, ’01, is a candidate for New York’s 19th Congressional District. Ball is currently serving his second term in the New York State Assembly, where he is ranking member of the committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions. ({Courtesy of Greg Ball) at

A service

§«#m

AOG Alumni Secretary was Captain Dick

Mathews, ’60, supported by four civilians

working out of Harmon Hall.

In 1968 the AOG became a Colorado

Senior VP Operations il

if

|

G ary Howe, 6v

nonprofit corporation, but Academy staff continued to provide most of the manpower until 1983 when Dick Coppock, ’61, was hired as the first non-active duty Executive Director. Checkpoints began as a two-page black and white newsletter, fund raising was

rudimentary, and a handful of staff did their best to service the graduate community.

The purpose of alumni associations everywhere is to fan the flames of

enthusiasm among the alumni to make the school better than it otherwise would be. Since the AOG’s inception, our role has changed rather dramatically. Now, ince its inception in 1965, the

44 years later, we are an organization of

Association of Graduates has

40 employees and $37 million in assets.

served the United States Air Force

We have a magnificent alumni house,

Academy. From its humble beginning to the flourishing service

Doolittle Hall, which has become an

the graduates of this institu-

integral part of the Academy.

From the very beginning, the AOG has been giving back to the Academy. Our first gift from graduates was the Gradu-

tion. I’d like to look back on the

ate War Memorial in the Cadet Area in

organization that it has become, the AOG has also proudly served

association with some thoughts on history,

1970. Keep in mind that there were only

heritage, and optimism for the future.

The Academy graduated its first class

about 5,500 graduates at the time, most

in 1959, and in 1965, Lt. Gen. Thomas

The AOG raised money and donated

Morman—the Superintendent at the

what we could, including airplanes and

time—stated emphatically that a college

sailplanes. From the start, our mission was to serve the Academy, support graduates, and promote institutional heritage—and that is our mission today.

should have an alumni association. And he created one with all the work being done by paid Academy staff. The first 16

of whom were still captains on active duty.

SIPS

mm

HpMHH

HBhI m

mmi

iMMmM

MlggBMy f gg "

MH

--

:

Promoting Academy heritage by recording the accomplishments of its graduates is one

of our most important roles. At most

colleges, the alumni association is a staff agency of the president that tracks alumni success. At the Academy, the AOG fulfills this role on behalf of the Academy at our own expense. Nobody has to tell a West Point graduate (or anyone else) what West Point graduates have accomplished. Here, the AOG is collecting the data, keeping the records and telling the story as it grows

interested in alumni association activities

The AOG organizes reunions, runs

when nostalgia kicks in, and nostalgia

Legacy programs and hosts a variety of

kicks in when your future becomes shorter

than your history. That’s when you begin

designed to get alums connected with these great cadets. They are the future

to ask

of the Air Force. From them will come

yourself: Where am I? How did I

get here and Who do I owe for it? That’s when alums begin to realize that their col-

lege gave them their start.

events

future Chiefs of Staff and other key military and civilian leaders.

As a grad myself, I’m always looking

Like all great organizations, the Associa-

forward to the next step for the AOG.

tion of Graduates foundation is its staff and

I hope to see Founders Day become a

volunteers. The employees we have here

worldwide annual event where graduates

the most hard working, dedicated people

get together and celebrate our accomplishments. I would like to see a graduate

I’ve ever seen. They do what must be done,

community that has pride in the Academy,

grads have become general officers; 29 have become 4-star generals, and three

and they do it willingly. They are great

that exhibits that pride and helps recruit

representatives of the Academy. All of the

the next generation of the Long Blue Line.

of them have become Chiefs of Staff of

AOG employees do extraordinary work and

I would like to see vibrant super chapters

the Air Force—including one following

represent USAFA well. We get really great compliments about our people.

in at least ten key cities and greater col-

and unfolds.

In a mere 50 years, over 500 of our

in his father’s footsteps. Our graduates

are

remarkable people. These are some of

laboration between AOG chapters and

have become civic leaders and elected and

The staff acts as a bridge between the

Parents Clubs. Grads, parents and friends

appointed officials in local, state and federal government, including the United States Congress. Our graduates have served with

of USAFA need to support the Academy.

of Honor. The proof of a school’s greatness

Academy and the graduate community and keeps grads connected to the Academy and to the new generation of cadets. I think the cadets of today are great, and it’s our job to point that out.

These kids are sharp. For example, Hila Levy was the number one graduate in

lies in the accomplishments of its alumni.

the Class of 2008. A woman from Puerto

were, and

You have to show that they have gone on

Rico, she spoke 4 or 5 other languages

to do substantial

fluently, was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and was a power weight lifter. She won the Rhodes scholarship and after

valor and have received every award and decoration the Air Force and the nation

offers, including the Congressional Medal

things. If it wasn’t for the AOG, no one would be recording or publishing our achievements.

We want all graduates to be part of the AOG and help us document the accomplishments of the growing Long Blue Line. Often, however, grads only become

In 44 years, the Association of Graduates

has come a long way. It is committed

to its mission of

bridging the gap between

USAFA and the Long Blue Line. We’re

cheerleaders for the Academy because these cadets today are as good as we ever

they will continue to brighten our horizons when they leave the Academy. Our grads have done really well and I’m glad I’m one of them, m

that, she will go to medical school. She is only one example of the extraordinary

young people who are ready to lead in the United States Air Force.

17

(Hi W:

Inside the AOG’s

Communications D e pa r t m e nt wu p tsj VY

,1.

i

1. IJL^JL %

X X

X 5

TT c O MIIjU F S TO THF C R ADIT C O M MIT JL W L/lAT P VX VJ i\i VjV/1V

A

A

Vi v/if

JL

1.. ilj

11./

k Jl

ACCf)fTATTr)\I OF v/i

JL~/

-

11? I

IS 1

X V-/ K*J XV 1 iuJv./\jli XX 1 v/i >

VO OF TFT F AIR OF AOADFMY OTIR .1 JL JL liX IjIVI X W A J.i\ FOR W l\\j.L/ VO U 1\ OOM-/ V W TFT \j\y iVI A x

/

JL JL—/

t

jl

1

.1.

i

IVji

MUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT IS TP HIJ B

;

H EI :i F

*

*

T

A11

INFORMATION IS OOT T FCT'

throughout the world. We, your AOG Communications staff, are constantly looking for new ways to communicate with the graduate community.

One of our most recognizable pieces is this Checkpoints magazine. Published quarterly and mailed out to members, Checkpoints features distinctive photography and in-depth articles about graduates, Academy history and culture, and the latest news in academic research and cadet achievement. We tell the stories of your Academy, your heritage and your milestones.

In a similar vein, ZoomiEnews provides the latest in

USAFA sports coverage, campus activities, graduate

accomplishments and upcoming events. It also covers

*

19

topics like “giving back” and highlights member services provided

by the AOG, like access to exclusive career networking tools. We send ZoomiEnews to the e-mail accounts of all graduates, cadets, parents, and friends every two weeks, in addition to making it available online at usafa.org/zoomienews. We also supplement ZoomiEnews with “e-mail blasts” to members’ inboxes to keep you informed about upcoming events and important Academy news.

The Communications staff maintains the AOG Web site, usafa.org.

You can explore AOG services, heritage projects, parent resources, events, and much more. Visitors can also view the Register ofGraduates and the online Directory, renew memberships, purchase merchandise and donate securely online.

We maintain ZoomieNation, an electronic social networking community available only to graduates. ZoomieNation allows graduates to leverage their network of USAFA connections to find jobs, housing, business associates and activity partners. Members can easily reconnect with old friends and classmates and join groups tailored to specific personal and professional interests, providing great opportunities for networking and mentorship.

Members can also follow the AOG on Facebook and Twitter.

We have set up a Facebook group under “USAFA Association of

Graduates,” and we are on Twitter as “AirForceGrads.”

bers to give back to their Academy. The AOG Case Statement, for example, outlines and explains the Academy’s needs and how member contributions can help.

We also produce radio ads and videos for the AOG. The radio

ads play on KAFA, the Academy radio station. Incidentally, anyone can listen to KAFA streaming online, through AOG support, at kafa.usafa.org. Our videos often feature interviews with

AOG staff and cover important events in the cadet experience

and can easily be found on the AOG Web site and on Facebook.

A recent popular video features an interview with Marty Marco-

longo, Class of 1988, the architect of WebGuy. We work hard to provide extensive coverage of USAFA events, from BCT to graduation. We go on-site to capture interviews, video and photography, so we can share the experience with you in our publications.

Look for us at football games, reunions, dedications, parades, and other events celebrating Zoomie Culture!

Communications staffers create a wide array of advertising and

We look forward to starting a new electronic newsletter this

promotional materials in-house for the Academy. We design mail-

fall, which will focus on AOG activities. Our commitment to

ers, brochures, and other

bringing members timely information through electronic media allows us to control costs while maintaining high standards of quality and ease of access. We will also produce a Graduate Guide this winter, highlighting services, programs, and events throughout the upcoming year.

From traditional print media to emerging technologies,

print media to inform members about AOG initiatives and gift opportunities and to encourage mem-

#

i

we,

the AOG Communications Department, are dedicated to

keeping you, our graduates, connected to your Academy in every way possible. S 111 i 11 i 11 (I i 1111 ( 1 ( 111 ((! i (111 i!) 1 i 11 i 11 ( 111 ! 11 ! 1 i I (11111 i I i 11 E 1111 (11111 f 1111111 (111111 f I

If You

Only Knew

•

•

The AOG Communications Department produces a

variety of services

m

...

#

#

#

X

•

Checkpoints magazine

•

The AOG Web site, usafa.org

•

ZoomieNation, a social and business networking site exclusive

\

to

%

1

Academy graduates

•

Brochures, pamphlets and mailers

•

ZoomiEnews

•

Videos and radio ads

•

Follow us on Twitter as "AirForceGrads"

•

Find us on Facebook under "USAFA Association of Graduates'

g \:v m mmmmBm 1

m /"’C

■

■

+M

a

gg

B=S '

—

mm

p%:Cr-\

§HIMhI ipp^'' ■fysi'\ Ji&l

mmmmmm

mmmm mrnm

MMNMMI m

:

mmmm

.

,

As cadets and graduates of the Academy, you hold integrity

in the highest regard. Your official ring is created with that

same

integrity by Jostens, your partner in expressing pride

in the United States Air Force Academy.

Jostens is proud to help the Association of Graduates BUILD A

ACADEMY

?

L.\

\

CHECKPOINTS

u^AF^^ds-on

-

NdtionoS Raglddr of Historic Places

Not Forgotten

pfismtti'h'ii Pwiiicfi tistikstim;

Checkpoints magazine is the Association ot Graduates’ signature communications I

niece. From its

1

nnmgs as a DiacK ana

.xi

e news prin

965 to the

award-winning publication you are reading today, the magazine has evolved into a visual showcase of USAFA, Yet despite its evolutionary track across the decades, his publication still seeks the same objective that it did at the time of its inception o tell the Academv and

Graduate stories

What most readers don’t know is that Checkpoints is the only major publication from the Academy which reaches the outside world. Senior leader-

ship, including the Superintendent, the Commandant and the Dean of Faculty, use it as a vehicle to disseminate their message to the graduate community. Faculty are able to share the latest in research and development. Cadet accomplishments are personified through human-interest stories; tales of valor in combat are recounted by grads who have fought to defend our nation, and the unending list of achievements within the graduate community are heralded for all to see. In short, this publication is the voice of USAFA. If the AOG did not produce Checkpoints the graduate community would have no way of knowing the Academy story Over the next few pages, you’ll witness the process we undertake to bring Checkpoints to life. The journey has always proven challenging, but the reward of sharing this great institution with the graduate community is ,

.

worth every moment. f>

22

.

.

Defining 2l Generation D

CHECKPOINTS

Research and Development Like many leading institutions, academics at USAFA are constantly pushing the

boundaries of research and technology.

From cycloidial wave energy to virtual air-

frame integrity testing, the Air Force has

always enjoyed a close partnership with the physical sciences. In short, there’s a lot going on here at any given time.

Part of our mission is to tell the

Academy’s story, and this is where our communications staff goes to work in the

field. We identify the academic programs which are making waves and we go

Headlines and Heroes As any reader of Checkpoints knows, a lot goes into each publication. The AOG is constantly receiving stories from our grad-

community. From promotions and

articles come to life and we make sure

accomplishments to tales of bravery in the far corners of the world, USAFA grads are always making new headlines. Accumulating the stories that happen outside of the Academy is one of the most important pieces to building Checkpoints.

that every angle of the story is covered.

uate

Members of the Communications

Department scour news feeds every day for traces of Air Force activity. Sometimes, such as the case of the Hudson River

Hero—Captain Chesley Sullenberger, ’73—a grad becomes a nationwide sensation overnight. In other cases, we rely on

tips from you, the graduates, to bring

forth the news of your fellow alumni.

24

straight to the source. We interview the professors, scientists and cadets who are doing the work that matters. We collect photographic information to create the visual aesthetic which makes Checkpoints

Worth 1000 Words The visual elements of Checkpoints are

perhaps the most engaging components of the entire publication. Seeing is believing, and with such a rich cultural, social and architectural history, the Academy never

fails to deliver some of the most

stunning visuals of any alumni publication. The running joke in the Communications Department is that the smorgasbord of photographic opportunities here makes our job “almost too easy.”

'

G‘::

Design and Polish Good presentation is essential to the success

of Checkpoints and the AOG’s ,

creative team are champions of layout and

design. With over 400 images and more than 60,000 words per issue, information

quickly become convoluted if not handled properly. Furthermore, each story can

is combed and re-combed to ensure clar-

ity, intent and grammatical integrity.

Press Production Once the magazine has been designed,

assembled and proofread, it’s off to the

printer for final production. The AOG issues over 29,000 copies of Checkpoints each quarter, and the numbers are grow-

Writing

ing every year. Not just any press can

Once the interviews have been gathered

handle this type of volume, and we take special care to ensure that each book is

and the photographs taken, it’s time

of the highest quality. From the initial

to assemble all of our information into

planning stages to the final product, the Checkpoints process comprises a rainbow of ideas, skills and people to complete.

It’s a journey we are proud to take each year, a journey that begins and ends with you, our graduate community.

stories. In our view, writing is the most

important part of any good publication.

It is the literary glue which binds the ideas

and images into a cohesive story. Our

editors work tirelessly to ensure that each story is a clear representation of its realworld counterpart here at USAFA.

25

■ . .

v.

mmami

m *-,\

mere

decade ago, the

idea of downloading a

streaming video

onto your hand-held

mobile device was a

thing of science

3 Cost of

Doing Business

fiction. Yet in the past ten years, the world has

The economic recession is teaching us many

changes in the way the human race communicates. Regardless of the genre, all paths lead to the same principal: technology has changed the way we exchange information.

The Internet can be a very overwhelming place, albeit a virtual place; but fortunately, the Web is still sprinkled with the occasional oasis where logic and reason prevail. In fact, your AOG is working hard to make our own online

lessons about conservation in a time of need.

seen vast

presence an essential, easy-to-use resource for all who visit.

With production costs soaring and revenue streams more

down, all businesses are looking for

effective ways of communicating with

their constituents. In almost all cases, transi-

tioning to the Web is the preferred solution.

We see this as a step in the right direction

for many reasons.

To begin, as natural resources become more

scarce,

digital information is stepping

up to carry the communications load. Paper is expensive, and cutting trees has adverse

environmental impact. Therefore, paper Put simply, rich media is a compilation of

audio and visual communication. Examples include streaming video, narrated photo slide shows, audio-casts and interactive Flash

publications are getting trimmed down as companies are reserving only their best material for print—this means that only the high quality work is going to press and reaching

Web sites.

you, the reader. (However, in many cases, the

Implementing these vehicles gives us the ability to raise the quality and presentation of our story telling. You’ll be able to listen to the voices of the airmen in Iraq and Afghanistan.

You’ll see the sights of India and China as

junk mail has simply been re-routed from the mail box in front of your house to the

mail box in your computer—no one said the system is perfect).

From the AOG’s perspective, money that

cadets navigate the noisy streets of New Delhi

we save on

and Beijing during their cultural immersion

channeled into other outlets, such as cadet

programs. And you’ll be able to witness the next generation of Air Force officers progress-

programs. Furthermore, porting resources such as the Register of Graduates to the Web

ing through the rigors of the Academy.

Just as National Geographic takes its viewers on

remarkable adventures to remote corners of

the Earth, your AOG will take its members on

unforgettable journeys of cadet and graduate experiences. From the proving grounds of Jacks Valley to the hat-toss in Falcon Stadium, the USAFA legacy will come to life in a flourish of sight and sound.

means

print communications can be

that grads have a fully searchable data-

base at their disposal at all times. All you have to do is visit

usafa.org and the entire graduate community is right there at your fingertips. cieo If ilg \ .1 Web documentaries are short, concise video

presentations that can be applied to any situation. Watch a two-minute video tuto-

rial on how to use your new digital camera.

Take a virtual video tour of a house you are

considering for purchase. Get a passenger seat

virtual test drive of the new Corvette. Follow a cadet through

day-in-the-life of Jacks Valley. The possibilities are endless, with web videos enabling communicators to deliver focused a

messages to their audience.

All of these avenues are culminating into a central theme:

the AOG is constantly improving its communications vehicles in support of the Academy and the

graduate community.

Un the Horizon

The AOG is taking careful steps to ensure that we approach these new technological paradigms with our graduate com-

munity in mind. Overall, our objective is to produce rich, engaging stories which exemplify the Academy’s people, history and heritage. We aim to take our viewers into the heart of the story and to share the achievements of this institution with the world. We look forward to helping old friends keep

"^1

in touch and to introducing the new

generations to come. The challenges ahead present a very exciting future. So here’s to the next inspiring story, the next great idea, and to the next step

'< i Ip n 1 I® f§J g ivy i fe®; §p mi P h i v.y'r.5 bS ?

i1

r>

l

p

5-t-

So,

-,,“,

t

*~i

’,j ,

g x

c.-,

,-.

J

^ si

,u u

:

pb

b P d3 o ?«* * £vqV« u 9 »~t rib ft pi p b b ?

forward for the Long Blue Line, fl

P$ v

<J 3 p, 2, C

j

;p£i

IIMilllplliliiSill K

w

fftpd

SS8S

pfrpr j

lit®

^maii n'r,i(

i

«

%

i

$

now

■*■

BSiitA

iHHI! ifgigB® cv

^) n ‘-bV-ft P v :

:

1

.o c C,? C> P

>

rdr,

r<

■yob 1

P2 -' A ft 'tb brb ft bt bW-> u .ft j

'-A >r<

'

i

Ayy-yA.. V-; V;

ikWW§MMWM$MM£

ere s no

;

•: : '; V y:'. P'P:'. : ':V:; .

VSiys:

■Hi

id* Colorado, place

*

IS81iS81#®§ft#t# pg®p$tg|i®l

pii#

VgMff

.

6 b ow ft w n A-rfj *

mmm

1 ’

n

1

^

$*

n

1

11"

n >1 u

j

i ft * M §

<

J

Hnj ft ftb S' p ft ".j J b ft c< t b\ M<; f 4>

|

>

n r

mmsm

ftlftlttffi

mmtmm DO-bb-VU'.seBb iBBip®

...t,bl.

lib*

ft“AA

Mpi u

r, >

-

"

n

i^Ufi

C'

.

'V-.'-- v y. ;

^'^ssBgi i-uW ft’3 -

:

■

§g§ta|

iisllilM ft ft b b j„» »i p

.

'■'-.b'

>j

3 o >:< w. >

:

Tony Marietta, ’70

...

Since 1975, selling Colorado

homes, homesites, and

l

p J. Pju

Mi® sa^fe

ivyy •», pH

recreational properties.

jt ':

s'; "

P?-r> u

w &3, QoUoO.3 brtV >3 p r„

n r

l

J*j‘

r _,

Orb 3 30 V S*V, .0 O* 1 u >-, ,y r$~ '

-

,

S ; -'. ; :-v-y.y-v-:

r

.;

(

P 3 n-(>'^ r, r !r^n ’-' -,

„u

_

r

u'

-

1

-

,-

<-

-

,

.

■

/*

tJ

f

>

>

_

i

'

■

2

'

'--■

■

bC3

u

l

w

~

1 3

-

■.■'

;

^

-

/

O ru n r / U C/u c

«

-

-.,.

-■

,

MARIETTA & COMPANY

:

■■:|;: :|;;p:y:;y.; I .

'•

!

'

'

:■

.

:

■■■y-vy: -OVj}v:MSv.:,; bu b :> o ; : ; u

>

u

-,

--

^-:..

-

n r

yy y-yy .■ '■

j

r,

::

-

.

-

>

_

■

y

;

y.;i'

-y

y

6189 Lehman Drive, Suite 200

-

yy.yy■y;;y '•.v.y'v

>

■■fpt;

,'

'

y;- yyyy ; :

::

.

’-<

-

y

:

-,

y .yyvyyyy.

y :

yp;

-

•■;■

■-

.

'

:

iyyyy

:

■■.

■

■■

y.

: ■■

■

,

-'.y—

»isi|fs|yy ays

■

v

■

y

Association o wmmm bh S3 D C

SiISpslII

WfiMmisimM&s

0-V

U

,w> P U.-,

719-472-0300

Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918 E-mail: usafa70@aol.com

719-592-9700

Independent Companies Working Together

Toll free: 1 -800-571 -1161

Northwestern Preparatory School Located in Southern California Post High School Service Academy Preparation Exclusively

Appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy and other Service Academies have been received by over 90 percent of our students.

SAT/ACT Enhancement

Candidate Fitness Assessment Improvement

“Northwestern Prep provided me with an academic foundation that raised my SAT scores by 200 points, as well as

ability to focus on the essential preparation to succeed at the Academy. As a result of the self-confidence I gained there, I became Outstanding Student in CST, Outstanding 2nd Class Cadet in 3rd Group, Team Captain of Women’s Fencing, and Outstanding Squadron Commander of the #7 ranked squadron of the wing! an

”

2002 USAFA Graduate

Suzanne Durbeck, Executive Director 1-800-367-8839 / www.nwprep.org / E-mail: nwprep@mac.com a#

Northwestern Preparatory School is proud to help the Association of Graduates BUILD A

A g/% ACADEMY.

Flying from the Black Hole: The B-52 Navigator-Bombardiers of Vietnam

By Robert 0. Harder U.S. Air Force navigators and bombardiers have long labored under the shadow of

pilots, their contributions misunderstood or simply unknown to the public. This was especially the case with the B-52 non-pilot flying officers in the Vietnam War. Yet, without them, it would have been impossible to execute nuclear war strike plans or fly conventional bombing sorties. Here, one of their own reveals who these men were and what they did down in the “Black Hole.” It is the only national work to detail the B-52 air war from the perspective of a navigator-bombardier. The book’s opening thrusts the reader into the thick of the war’s climactic 1972 Hanoi Christmas bombing, an operation so poorly planned it nearly became an epic disaster.

The author then offers a history of the navigator and bombardier specialty positions

beginning in 1940, along with the development of bombing techniques and evolution of bomber aircraft, focusing on the Vietnam-era B-52D. Final chapters return readers to the eleven-day Christmas War over Hanoi and Haiphong for an insider’s view of that defining battle, the last massed, heavy bomber raids the world will ever see. The author brings the book to a close with a discussion of the twenty-first century B-52H and its capabilities.

Available at: www.robertoharder.com. Discount prices available through: Naval Institute Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Book Sense/IndieBound. Also

available through bookstores nationwide. ISBN: 978-1-59114-359-8

Exceeding Expectations By Gen. Bill Looney, USAFA ’72 In an increasingly dynamic and competitive world, organizations of all kinds are continu-

ally looking for leaders who can most effectively inspire others to improve productivity and performance. Yet, meeting goals and objectives is no longer enough! Leaders who exceed expectations will be in the best position to emerge as the superstars of this generation.

General Bill Looney reflects on his experiences during his 40-year career and articulates his

leadership philosophy which is built around a very simple notion—the greatest leaders are those who not only exceed expectations, but also inspire others to do the same.

“Through a variety ofstories, Bill Looney has captured the importance leaders play in creating the right environment to allow organizations to exceed expectations. His reflections on leadership provide a wealth oflessons learned. Well done!”

—General (Ret.) Richard Myers, Former Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff “Bill Looney has it right, and his leadership approach works

...

L use it in my company. This

is a must readfor all leaders and those aspiring to leadership positions.

”

—Andrew C. Taylor, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

“BillLooney’s book offers an excellent “how to”perspective. Believe me, his common sense techniques will work for you.

—CMSgt (Ret.) Bob Gaylor, 5th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force ”

Available at: www.barnesandnoble.com,www.amazon.com

mmsi mHNMI ■

S£HHl

Hell Hawks! The Untold Story of the America Fliers Who Savaged Hitler’s Wehrmacht

By Robert F. Dorr and Thomas D. Jones, USAFA ’77 Conceived and activated in 1943, the 363th Fighter Group built a legacy unlike any other collection of aviators to take to the skies during World War II. Known as the “Hell Hawks,” most of the group’s young pilots entered combat when barely 20 years old. Their brutal, low-level war pitted the Hell Hawks and their rugged P-47 Thunderbolts against Hitler’s confident ground forces in occupied Europe.

Beginning just prior to D-Day, June 6, 1944, the Hell Hawks flew in close support of Eisenhower’s GIs as they advanced across France and into Germany.

The Thunderbolt men dive bombed German panzers, jousted with some of the Luftwaffe’s deadliest aces, strafed enemy gun emplacements, and blasted troop convoys and supply trains.

In 15 months of combat, the Hell Hawks and their brother close-air-support

groups inflicted a devastating toll upon the German air and ground forces. The Group’s 1,241 combat missions—the daily confrontation of sudden, violent

death—forged bonds between these men that remain strong sixty years later.

Hell Hawks! is the true story of this aerial band of brothers and their gritty, closequarters fight against Hitler’s vaunted military. Equal parts detailed historical record and edge-of-your-seat adventure novel, this book is the all-too-real account of bravery

and sacrifice in the air above the European battlefields of World War II. Available at: www.amazon.com,www.barnesandnoble.com, www.zenithpress. com, and all fine bookstores in the United States and United

Kingdom.

ISBN 978-0-7603-2918-4

Refiner’s Fire: A Fighter Pilot’s Journey

By Douglas H. Jenkins, Jr., USAFA ’64

Fly some of the world’s most exciting aircraft with fighter pilot Doug Jenkins as he takes you on an unforgettable journey through the skies over

Vietnam, Japan, Korea and Iceland. See what his experiences

taught him about life; what’s important and who is really in control.

Doug shares insights from a lifetime of service to his country, family and church. What’s important and what’s not? See for yourself in this exciting, poignant and insightful story. The Standard Edition contains black & white photos at the end of each chapter. The Premium Edition contains color photos at the end of each chapter.

Standard Edition available at: www.createspace.com/3384429 or www.amazon.com, ISBN 978-1442180918

Premium Edition available at: www.createspace.com/3380449 or www.amazon.com, ISBN 978-1442145276

31

Schoolhouses, Courthouses, and Statehouses: Solving the Funding-Achievement Puzzle in America’s Public Schools

By Eric A. Hanushek, USAFA ’65, and Alfred A. Lindseth, USMA ’66

Spurred by court rulings requiring states to increase public school funding, the United States now spends more per student on K-12 education than almost any other country.

Yet American students still achieve less than their foreign counterparts, their performance has been flat for decades, millions of them are failing, and poor and minority students remain far behind their more advantaged peers. In this book, Eric Hanushek and Alfred Lindseth trace the history of reform efforts and conclude that the principal focus of both courts and legislatures on ever-increasing funding has done little to improve student achievement. Instead, Hanushek and Lindseth propose a new approach: a performancebased system that directly links funding to success in raising student achievement. This system would empower and motivate educators to make better, more cost-effective decisions about how to run their schools, ultimately leading to improved student performance.

Hanushek and Lindseth have been important participants in the school funding

debate for three decades. Here, they draw on their experience, as well as the best available research and data, to show why improving schools will require overhauling the way

financing, incentives, and accountability work in public education.

Available at: www.amazon.com,www.barnesandnoble.com ISBN13: 978-0-691-13000-2

r

'4"i:"' s lf r rneedsthisbo °k 1

n

' C "'

Marr '°" !nttr

>mtional, lnc_

Never Fly Solo: Lead with Courage, Build Trusting Partnerships, and Reach New Heights in Business

By Lt. Col. Rob “Waldo” Waldman, USAFA ’90 You can’t climb to your highest potential alone.

Whether you are a senior executive, a mid-level manager, or entrepreneur, your success

depends on the mutual support of trusted partners to help you maximize your potential.

Fighter pilots call these partners wingmen.

In Never Fly Solo former combat-decorated fighter pilot Rob “Waldo” Waldman ,

shares business critical concepts for success in business and life. You’ll learn to: •

Recommit to the core wingman values of integrity, service, and excellence.

•

Transform relationships among colleagues into interdependent partners for success.

•

Take courageous action and ask for help during times of adversity and change.

•

Communicate effectively under high pressure conditions at work.

“This book bridges the gap between the fastpaced worlds of business and high stakes aerial combat. Authentic and inspirational, it’s a winningformula for successful

leadership everyone in business should read.

”

—Howard Putnam, Former CEO Southwest Airlines.

100% ofWaldo’s advance purchase profits will be donated to Veterans!

Available 1 Dec 09: Visit www.NeverFlySolo.com to advance order today.

If your company would like to sponsor Waldo on his Never

1-866-925-3616 or e-mail info@yourwingman.com.

Fly Solo book tour, please call

Return to Stanley Canyon Glenn Coleman, USAFA ’64 Pete Benedetto, the South Philly Renaissance man, and Dave Edwards, the mountain man from

the Montana Bitterroots, meet as cadets at the USAF Academy and challenge its Spartan environment. The fears and tears,

the upperclassmen, the system, the weird levity

...

these two new

friends encounter all the things that make an Academy experience unique.

Upon graduation, they attend flight school and become combat fighter pilots in an aircraft with a robotic wingman. In the war emerging on the Korean peninsula, they must face the drudgery and stress of combat and POW conditions.

Their trip leads them through many learning experiences, such as disarming a hand grenade, the

Tap Code, memory tricks, helicopter aerodynamics, and Artificial Intelligence eventually leading them back to Colorado as they return to Stanley Canyon.

Glenn Coleman uses his personal background and experiences as an Academy Cadet and Aerospace Engineering instructor, a special operations combat helicopter pilot, a jet instructor pilot and an ethicist to tell this intriguing and touching story of love and friendship between these two young Spartans. ...

Availabele at: glenncolemanl@tx.rr.com. ISBN Number—9781439253151 Glenns new book is a real barnburner! High tech, high intensity, romance, irony and poetry; it’s all there. There is an eerie quality to it, and he

really hooks the reader who wonders what this return to Stanley Canyon is all about. Great word pictures and character development, too. Don’t miss this gem!

—Doug Jenkins, author of Refiner’s Fire: A Fighter Pilot’s Journey

Join us in helping current and future graduates of the Academy receive the best service we can possibly

give them! Become a corporate sponsor.

It is a cost-effective way for you to communicate to your target audience that you stand behind what we do here at the United States Air Force Academy.

While you support us and what America’s greatest service Academy has to offer, we give you the tools and

get your company or organization’s name out to the public in the best way possible. A corporate sponsorship is very versatile and gives you many ways and forms to get your company the attention it needs. means to

Cozy landing minutes away

$88 excluding blackout dates

Air Force Academy 1-25 Exit 153

-

Interquest Pkwy

719 598.6911 .

www.hamptonafa.com 33

MM® I;l; v:

mm

mm

n '

}

\d-&c

mm

irilrS^r-

mrs 3&f -«p 3Cu*Wi

jigstii

mBaarfBqtSmggiC

Mfi./';'• .

nn

WEB PHENO ,:.

Vvi v-:

•

u

llSiiililliilSi::

i

ireSSsSl

'

tgEK-asSfis •j'O z< ■

-..

.;

-

in^H Sti&M D -£U fcfcfegg

a

.

.

■

.■'

f®Kf ?,Y :

■■■■■■■■

•

■

.

'".

;

•:

W§M(M00^SSM$S^M§lsM M

.

.

BWMBBMBBbMI

■

'’terS-Fi/

; ■

-V

^

-

■;

S§®(!

lilw|lp! '

:■• /..••

:

-;i

B«ls Wsi§iSm$ilm$i ■0r.-~

pon their arrival at the Air Force Academy, basic

cadets are allowed no contact with the outside world. For six weeks, these future officers endure

the hardships of Basic Cadet Training. For many

Academy grads, BCT represents a milestone of challenges they will never forget. From flight drills on the Terrazzo to the grueling obstacle courses of Jacks Valley, induction into the Air Force Academy is a rite of passage that all grads can look back upon with pride.

But what about those who have never experi-

enced the rush of an assault course? Or felt the

splintered surface of the climbing wall on their hands? What of those who have never had to dig down to their body’s last reserves to pull themselves through the mud—the booming voices of upperclass cadets ringing in their ears?

For those who will never set foot on the dusty hills of Jacks Valley, there is WebGuy, the outside world’s only window into the lives of the basic cadets as they endure the rigors of BCT. This photo-blog documents the challenges basic cadets face as they prove they have what it takes to enter the nation’s premiere service academy. Parents and families who part from their children at Inprocessing have come to rely on it as an essential

don’t know what’s going on at basic tr;

explains. “Many of these parents have n< about the military, and it’s up to me to educ!

them. That’s why this is so important—for the

non-military parents—we re their lifeline.’

Being a grad, Marty has a special connection regarding his own experience with BCT. “We

connection to their cadets’ first steps towards the

have a lot of parents and families who have never

Long Blue Line.

done a day of military service. My father did

In 2004, Air Force Academy graduate and

in some time ti

the Coast Guard; my mother didn’t

Vice President of Alumni Relations, Marty

Jknow aanything about the military and she was

Marcolongo, ’88, created a simple blog denoting the activities of the freshmen class during BCT.

■Scared to death when I came here.”

Little did he know that in a few short years the

of WebGuy,

program would explode into a national phenomenon, with parents and families across the nati

poring over tens of thousands of photographs depicting the challenges of basic training.

Amidst the melee of dirt, rifles and photos,

Marty took a moment to set down his camera and grant an interview to explain what it takes to

bring such a tremendous undertaking into fruition. “WebGuy is important to the parents, to the families, to tfig grandparents, because they really

It That memory alone was enough to prompt the “It was the day before Inprocessing and were

busy around here,” Marty recounts. “We were doing set-ups for Bed and Breakfast, we were doing set-ups for the tables, and all of a sudden I was at my computer after hours and I thought: I wonder if the parents would be interested in

what’s going on during basic training?” Marty smiles affectionately as he remembers, “When I came

here, my parents took me to Philadelphia,

threw me on a plane, and for six weeks I w:

mmmi

un

fjUv t' y'wg' ■

?v:

•

■

a

black hole

...

all they got from me were

handwritten letters.”

And so, nearly 20 years after his own romp through Jacks Valley, Marty began

laying the foundations for a Web site that parents could use to keep tabs on their cadets during basic training. “In the first year,” he recalls, “WebGuy did not start as a photo site; it was more of a blogging site and a schedule to keep parents informed on what the basic cadets were

doing. Then, about halfway through BCT, we stumbled across some of the kids under the dormitories doing rifle

drills

snapped a picture as we drove by and posted it on the site—peopie went crazy.” ...

so we

From that moment, the concept of

week span is a colossal effort. “It is a large

undertaking,” Marty explains. “We have information technology people getting the Web site to work properly; we have people with their feet in the dirt going out every day to snap photos. I’m typically out at Jacks Valley at 7a.m. to catch all the early squadrons, and then I’ll be blogging up to ten or eleven o’clock at night. That’s a 90 hour week, and that’s just me doing the face of the WebG that doesn’t take into account all the

WebGuy took on a whole new meaning, evolving from a mere events schedule to a visual essay of cadets wading through muddy challenge courses, learning to march and suffering the difficulties of BCT.

and families who benefit from the site are

“It wasn’t until year number two that

the staffs primary motivators. Without

we

got up to about 700 photos,” Marty recalls. “Then it skyrocketed up to 2500,

the AOG, that black hole which Marty

then 17,000, then over 30,000 in 2008.

slipped into during his own basic training would still be looming ominously above today’s cadets. The program is also a

We’ll probably take anywhere from

36

40-50,000 photos this year.” (WebGuy took 66,000 photos this year) For those who don’t know, doing realtime uploads of 66,000 images over a six

other contributors who are there to m sure

the system works reliably.”

Although it takes a tremendous effort to make WebGuy happen, the parents

favorite among graduates as well. “People

you’re snapping picture 3000 on a day when it’s 90 degrees and there’s dust and dirt everywhere, it’s tough to stay motivated. I may feel like skipping that last cadet because I’m tired, but knowing that

who have been in the military know what’s

this is someone’s child, and those parents

going on,” Marty says, “and WebGuy

are out

allows them to connect with the younger

helps me shoot that last photo. The payoff

generations. We’ve had grads from as early

is there when that parent sees her cadet.”

1965 who have looked at the Web site.

WebGuy is one of many AOG services which has enjoyed tremendous success since its inception. It plays a vital role in keeping parents connected with their

as

I even heard from a 1989 grad who I

trained when I was a cadet...”

Many of the grads Marty hears from indicate that basic training is just as tough as

when they went through it. “They get

to relive a

piece of it,” he says, “and they realize that even though society is changing around them, basic training is still basic training. The graduates who are looking in really appreciate getting a little glimpse of what’s going on. Being able to see

that is gold to them.”

Now in its fifth year, the WebGuy program has become a staple among those looking to be a part of the BCT experi-

Marty explains that it’s not always easy keeping a steady flow of images ence.

uploaded for hungry parents. “When

there glued to their computers, it

cadets. As a result, both parents and

grads alike go on to support USAFA well into the future by building friendships and establishing a family-fortified link to the institution.

“As draining as it is,” explains Marty, “it’s when a parent comes up to me and says you saved my life,’ I know that for the past six weeks, I was their lifeline, I was

their best friend, and that’s what it’s

all about. Parents are living basic train-

ing through my eyes to keep tabs on their cadet. Knowing they’re becoming a part of my family and I’m becoming a part of

theirs, there’s nothing like it. Until you experience that, you can’t understand the deep affection people have for the program. That’s why it’s so important.

That’s what makes it worthwhile, knowing

that I had a hand in helping some of these parents survive the summer.”

8

oolittle Hall, the headquarters of the Association of Graduates, sits

just west of

the Academy Falcon Club on Air Force Academy

grounds. Its placid, uncluttered symmetry of glass and steel belies the constant stream of activity that flows through its halls. Considered one of the top event sites in Colorado

Springs, Doolittle Hall hosts the events that form the cadence of a USAFA graduates life; namely, Inprocessing, training, commissioning ceremonies, graduation receptions, weddings,

professional transitions, and reunions.

Inprocessing Appointees arrive at the Academy in late June for the first day of their USAFA career, known as Inprocessing Day. The crowds gather at Doolittle Hall early in the morning for the student welcome and registration. Corrie Grubbs, Director of Event Planning, says, “It’s a huge undertaking. This year, 1,376 appointees arrived for Inprocessing. That number doesn’t include the parents, family and friends who came with them.” Tiffani Lusson, Alumni Relations Event Coordinator, adds, “We begin welcoming people as early as 6 a.m. and the last appointee gets on the bus to the Academy by noon.” The line often stretches for 600 feet, the length of two football fields, from the bu il ding.

For some appointees, their Air Force Academy experience begins when they arrive in town by themselves the day before Inprocessing. The prospect of spending the last night before the onslaught of Basic Cadet Training alone in a strange town, without family, can be overwhelming to young appointees. Fortunately, the Association of Graduates’ Bed and Breakfast Program is there to help. When these appointees arrive in town, they are greeted by their hosts as soon as they arrive. Hosts, usually graduates and staff affiliated with the Academy, provide meals and a comfortable place to stay.

Most importantly, hosts emotionally support and encourage their appointees as if they were family.

“Bed and Breakfast provides reassurance

usual the week before Inprocessing as staff

discussions with officer mentors about

parents that their son or daughter is not coming out here on their own, staying

members, from the CEO down, pitch in to

trust-building, servant leadership, and commitment to USAFA values. “LIFT

in a lonely hotel,” says Jennifer Ganzler,

get everything ready for the incoming class.

“We have added things in the last couple

Alumni Relations Event Coordinator.

of years like having the Academy radio sta-

here at this building,” says Corrie. “It is

“Grads come out of the woodwork as hosts

tion, KAFA, come and broadcast live from

through AOG funding that they are able

for the program, so it’s huge. People love

Inprocessing Day,” says Corrie. “Parents

to

this program. We typically match anywhere

who aren’t here can stream live from our

from 350 to over 400 appointees.”

Web site and hear all of the activities that

going on.”

leadership development. It’s a cycle—we give to the LIFT program and then they give to us by using our building, a loca-

Returning graduates welcome the

tion for these cadets to come and learn

to

The Bed and Breakfast program can lead

enduring friendship between the hosts and the appointees. “It has always been a good bridge to the Cadet Sponsor Program,” says Jennifer. Sponsors help the cadets adjust to Academy life throughout their four year career by providing a home to an

are

is done 26 times throughout the year

do these programs for character and

appointees and parents, share some of the Academy’s history, and answer questions.

how to truly be leaders.”

Graduates of the Class of 1959 stand by

reach the culmination of their academic

the Challenge Bridge next to Doolittle Hall

careers,

and meet with the appointees after they

nies at Doolittle Hall. Tiffani describes the

AOG staff also support the cadets as they

holding their commissioning ceremo-

away from home.

Inprocessing is an emotionally charged

have made their way down the Heritage

process: “The commissioning ceremonies,

Trail. The Class of 1959 funded the bridge

which happen the day before graduation, are

transition for appointees and their families.

and had a challenge inscribed, stating

sometimes held late at night because they

Tears flow as they say goodbye to each

what it takes to be worthy of the USAFA

have 40 different squadrons to route to dif-

other, and anxieties reach a crescendo. The

heritage. An appointee reads the challenge out loud to the others, and then they cross

ferent locations around the Academy. You’re

staff at the AOG strives to put everyone’s

looking at 40 graduates per squadron and all of their families.” Arrangements can quickly become complicated, but the AOG staff assist the cadets to make sure the ceremonies

go smoothly. “We open our building up for two

commissionings, which typically involve

300 people per event,” says Corrie. “The

squadron with the highest AOG membership receives the first time slot at 7:00 p.m. and the squadron with the second-highest membership receives the second time slot at 9:00 p.m. A lot of the cadets become AOG

members right away so they are continu-

ally involved in the Air Force community through the publications and the Web sites.”

As soon as the commissioning ceremonies wrap up for the night, the AOG staff

prepare for the graduation receptions

being held at Doolittle Hall. “The graduation receptions are a huge thing that we mind at ease. “The kids used to just go

the bridge to the buses that will take them

do here,” says Corrie. “We offer a venue

directly to the Academy, and the parents

to the Cadet Area.

that is right up the hill from the gradua-

couldn’t even see them off,” says Corrie.

for the cadets: the Class of’59 grads at the

tion ceremony that has the library lounge

“Now there is a lot of coordination to give

bridge before they get on the bus, telling them what they are becoming a part of, and the AOG re-emphasizing that from start to finish, they are part of the Long Blue Line,” says Corrie. “They get to see what true leaders these grads have become.”

for more intimate receptions and the other

parents an insider view of what their kids are getting involved with.” Parents are able to participate in activities with their children until the appointees go up to the second floor of the building to register.

“It’s such a great thing

areas

for larger receptions.” Graduates and

their families can choose the 6,000 square

foot first floor assembly area, the 3,500 square foot upper atrium, or the library

ing. Planning begins six months in advance.

Cadet Development

Arrangements are made with other depart-

Second class cadets return to Doolittle

lounge which offers a full-service bar and displays books and art showcasing the Academy’s heritage. Receptions are often held simultaneously throughout the day.

ments and

Hall for LIFT (Leaders in Flight Today)

“We did two receptions at the same time

training. LIFT prepares the cadets for military leadership by engaging them in

last year, one upstairs and one downstairs,”

The logistics for Inprocessing are stagger-

sponsors for the outdoor tents,

food, water, trash removal and information stations. The AOG suspends business as

explains Corrie. “We also held one with four

different cadets and their families. It was so great to see four cadets who succeeded and made it through this journey, celebrating with their families and friends.”

Marriage and Career

immediately asked if he could bring his officers here for an event.” She explains,

ness

with.” Ideally, this networking will create

“It’s an opportunity for us to offer a dif-

larger sense of community between the Academy and the local area. “Our goal is to

ferent venue for the Academy personnel

reach out to the community so the commu-

besides the Falcon Club or the Milazzo

nity gives back to the Academy because the Academy gives so much to the community,”

Doolittle Hall stays booked year-round.

Club, where people can come in and still do military functions, still feel a military

Graduates return to the AOG for their

presence, with a change.”

Special rates

a

states Corrie. aware

“We hope to make everyone

that many of the cadets’ programs

wedding receptions, promotion ceremonies, change-of-command receptions, and retirement parties. The events staff coor-

dinate with families months in advance

plan every detail. “We just hosted the change-of-command reception for our new Air Base Wing Commander, Col. Rick LoCastro, ’88, 10 th Airbase Wing,” says Corrie. “ffe walked into the building and was so impressed with the service and the history that we have in the library and the pictures throughout the building, ffe to

and early reservation windows are offered to AOG

members.

aren’t paid for by the government. Programs like character development and cultural

ffowever, ties to the military are not a

immersion are funded by grads, corporate

requirement to use the building. Anyone is

sponsorships and the community so that

welcome to schedule events like fundraisers,

cadets can have a well-rounded experience

conferences, and trainings at Doolittle Hall.

while they are here.”

Jennifer says, “We have started doing more community outreach to let people know that

Reunions

this building is also available to them. We

community for non-military func-

Perhaps one of the most valuable services the AOG provides is reunion support.

Reunions at the AOG are five-day affairs, usually held in the fall. Events staff split duties for hosting the reunions, which now total eight events a year. “It mirrors the way we plan for a wedding,” says Jen-

tions; the AOG recently hosted an

nifer. “You start about a year out, or some

after-hours networking reception for

classes choose to start two years out. We

the Colorado Visitors Bureau.

do plenty of meetings with the class com-

Doolittle Hall is also an ideal venue for

mittees and their representatives. We are

Events personnel

are

manage over 20 wed-

ding receptions

a

year at

starting a series of mixers to bring in local

venues, hotels, and

Doolittle Hal Doolittle Hall is available to the

business meetings; its three private con-

ference rooms feature updated audiovisua

equipment for presentations.

people we’ve been in busi-

talking about memorial ceremonies, dedications, merchandise, hotel accommodations, meals, and costs—a lot of logistics.”

Reunions also include offsite events, like

golf tournaments and football tailgates.

Reunions provide a chance for graduates to

reunite with each other and the Acad-

emy. “I think the most important thing about these reunions is that it gives these

classmates the opportunity to reconnect with their friends and to relive their four |§p!S||£

—

years here,” says Tiffani. “They also enjoy

Mo r

connecting with the cadets who are here want to see the

■llllllst®®*

changes from

they when they graduated to what cadet life is now;

0

■■

mmMann

like now.” Reunion classes will lunch with

cadets at Mitchell Hall to discuss topics

Vc V.°'

pli^U-Cp.

like the honor code and challenges that the cadets are facing.

As anyone can see, the AOG events staff

provides myriad services which support both the cadets and the graduate community. From the day they first set foot on the Academy, throughout their Air Force careers

and into the remainder of their

lives, members of the Long Blue Line can

always count on the AOG to ensure these important milestones are met with the class and dignity they deserve, ai

Nffill

mm

mMmHi mtmMi iltSltaiStiltAi "

Your trusted real estate professional in Summit Cm intv, Colorado.

■

Cornerstone Barbara Rankin Broker/Owner M

i

WWW.

lllllYY PPpI

41

§§ii«iii#iag

ill m

Mm

■

lil

H >>;c

■

m

B

V 1

.

..

Kh|

|«|||j§f

P £® •:

‘•■•W,

'

'

sfe

CLASS RINGS

100TH NIGI

Seniors cele "^.

V o

$S1P

Night. The 4( invited to cel

CLASS OF 1980 DEDICATION

Service Academy Career Confer-

In recognition of the leadership and

ence is a

motivation provided by the first female

installed Women ATO tributes in both

graduates of the five service acadigies, where top-flight Fortune 500 companies from corporate America

Arnold and Doolittle Halls.

come

Air Training Officers, the Class of 1980

■

job fair exclusively for ■

specifically to hire se ryice

academy graduates.

Jk

CHECKPOINTS AIR FORCE FALCON FEST,

FORT WORTH, TEXAS

RECOGNITA COWTOWN FALCON KICKOFF

Held in Forth Worth, Texas, the day before the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl. This venue provides the

opportunity for graduates, family, and friends to get together in celebration of the Air Force Falcons' achievements.

During Reco and Wings and become recog

nized fourth-class cadets

CHECKPOINTS

WmMRRm .

J§jgJf|§| .

•.

\?

:•,

•

■

•::•••:•.•.:•:■:

.■

••

■:

v;;

A; §1®®

:

■ .

WS8B3SgmR&m®paaaBsag : -

*11»1*IB '

■

'

■"

.

",

i,,"'

I

:

Held the first Thursday in April,

MAY

in celebration of the Founding of

the Air Force Academy. Over 200 C

.

■&§

Academy staff, graduates, and

SERVICEjACADEMY

CAREER CONFERENCE s®

lllpporters gather to mark the "y. -V'.'.

'

PPl '

■

occasion, as well as to recognize

JABARA AWARD DINNER

S^ffiteished graduates who have

The Air Force Academy and the

pprae extraordinarily significant

Association of Graduates estab-

contributions to our nation and/or

lished the Golonel James Jabara

their communities.

annual award, recognizing indi-

TEE ORIENTATIONS

viduals whose airmanship contributions are of great significance and set them apart from their

counterparts.

RIAL

OUTSTANDING

|EMONY 3 Academy

SQUADRON BANQUET

8

In conjunction with the Air Force

orial site

Association, the AOG holds the

fthe Acad-

annual Outstan

it, Lt. Gen. The dedi-

Banquet to rec ron who has ffll Uliill/ WttM -

-

.

n

conjunc-

J

Academy's pig military leader!

M lliltltlilip i •

and charac ter

s visionary ideas on urns and

developmen

RING DINING OUT

becoming

le of character. ipsfilgll

-

8»

■sw-gaga

Itillilglggl

MW

PHHtl

ttillife

'

wag

w-h

S^pfipm §f|®$

*

r

IMMRR NHHM1

p iiifeiplilli

umi

iiis

i

mm

I

fUNE/fUL

*

|

;

accepted to tie •

imz

BED & BREAKFAST

FOR NEW APPOINTEES A program designed for incom-

ing freshman traveling alone the day before Inprocessing. The AOG matches all appointees with a host

family who has either attended the Academy, currently serves in the Air Force, or works at the Air Force

Academy. Hosts provide appointees a

,

home and transportation from the

airport and to Inprocessing. This m. iMfro'F. '

program is a great trial period for

PARENTS WEEKI

both cadets and families for potential

HALL INFO FAIR

future sponsorship throughout the cadet's stay at the Academy.

'

TT-t

AOG BOARD MEETI

..

.

HIM

siig#

■MM

INPROCESSING # Held the last Thursday in June^

m

almost 1400 cadets arrive at Doojitf-

mm wmkmtismMk

tie Hall. This is an opportunity for

family to see the start of their child's education and basic training, as well as to learn about various cadet activities like cadet programs, cadet

clubs, and athletics. m

V> "V

WEBGUY COVERAGE

CHECKPOINTS

■

OCTOBER 1974, 1979 CLASS REUNIONS EXEMPLAR DINNER

The third-class cadets choose an Air Force figure who exemplifies the

type of person they wish to emulate and then celebrate their selection

during the Exemplar Dinner. The 40th Legacy class is invited to dine and celebrate with the cadets.

LANCE SIJAN STATUE INSTALLED

tv

ON MALL OF HEROES

v»

^

ipL

DONOR EVENT

A life-size bronze statue

^

PRE-GAME MIXER,

7 /

Friday before the first game to be played between the Air Fort on the

T

if-

■

r

V

3

Jj.

■

L

t

■*#

the eve of the Air Force versus Navy football game, providing an oppor-

1: tunity to meet the Superintendent I of the Academy and n more and CEO f issions about the r

Pre-Game Mixer; Minneapolis: Helc

-fjp't

Key AOG donors attend a dinner at the Congressional Country Club on

Honor winner Lance Sijan joir

other historic Academy figur the Class of 1964's Mall of Heroe

•;

,

i

A

i

i

Falcons and the University of I nesota Gophers. This mixer allows

graduates, donors, friends and

5REAKS GROUND

gather to meet one another and speak with the AOG President and CEO 'T' Thompson, 73.

UTHEAST ASIA

r

i

i

to

PROJECT The Class'oTi970 establishes a Southeast Asia (Vietnam War) Pavilion, to

CLASS OF 1989 DEDICATES

be dedicated on the Heritage Trail

VALOR MEMORIAL ON

during their 4Qth Reunion in 2010.

HERITAGE TRAIL

Emphasizing the importance of "Valor," the Class of 1989 dedicates a

Class of '89 Tribute on the Heri-

tage Trail.

1984,1989,1999 CLASS REUNION CLASS RINGS STONE SHOW CHECKPOINTS

TAILGATE, ANNAPOLIS Join the AOG as we gather with Air Force fansf|®lm across the country.

The tailgate Starts at 12:30 p.m. and is located on the gold side of the

parking lot. Go Falcons, Sink Navy!

NOVEMBER 1964, 1969 CLASS REUNIONS SERVICE ACADEMY

CAREER CONFERENCE AOG BOARD MEETING

‘

It- HI

V

'"'

■M |My^piiMplS##|M^ sHHf

;

pS

mmtf*

i|l|#lillitei@^li|g®@8$i8iiiiifelliiillil|i

mmdimmM

'

;

''

■ ■

:

^ jf

®fSiWt

SJssfflt

i

hH'

.

■ .

ISfMfj

.

;:-7

:

i77: :?;: ;

IfMNilhp '

"

' '

•

.

:

,:v.

■

■

.

Uli

j»j|l«lll

ttMtfl

■M mm§mSm

IlilfifjigfiM

:

IMSSMMmmmmM

gHttps

§nf^i§$

MB

aMBH WXSBiB

fefiitlli

‘- nv-,

■

$SP $ W W&MM&Mk

ifiim Si 6 ±i 7-3- To 7, ,’PA ■•

■■;■■;■ ■■;:■

;4

§0SsiS$WmkM

m ■:/

?•;

gli§§f

:

■HI

|§iigi® aw A^4P.

S

l®|ti|$|| \

^mmsisjmmm wmmmHKiitim

-

■,-^y:u -■■v/ri-

mmmmmi

Mitlllll

Wmmmmmm .

;

■

1

'

af' 3 ! '

:''" V.

Mi

l IBI

with a stone of their choice,” says McCa-

rthy. “Cadets usually choose their class color, but it is not a mandate. The class color alternates every four years between

AOG personnel search eBay

silver, gold, red and blue. You see a lot of

every day to locate and identify

rings in blue.” He helps the cadets choose from a wide array of stones for their ring settings, stating, “I have seen an emerald for $4,400 go into a ring, and then the cadet had to have it replaced. Emeralds are easily

chipped, I believe.” McCarthy adds, “Opals are

very fragile,

so

cadets will go through

two or three

opals before they realize that opals are not as durable as they would like.”

The month after the stone show, cadets

the Association of Graduates, Don McCa-

order their rings. They confirm their stone

rthy fields questions from people every day, but the only time anyone asks for his fashion advice is in January. That is when the Third Class cadets gather to make their

choice and pick their setting. It’s McCarthy’s of unique people,” he says. “When people go to the stone show or the ring ordering, they’ll say, ‘What do you think? Is this too

jewelry, but they want a really nice ring.”

describes himself as, “the point person,

Cadets see their rings for the first time

facilitating from the creation of the rings to the completed product.” He adds, “Then I help with the maintenance of grads’ rings and the class ring legacy.”

The AOG established itself as the

primary intermediary between cadets and class ring manufacturers in 1999, when

feminine?’ because a lot of guys don’t go for

at the

Ring Dining Out, a formal dinner held before the Ring Dance. Razelle Krug, Director of Constituent Relations, says, “We

(the AOG) receive about a thousand rings in

April. We have to coordinate with the squadron leaders to pick up the rings.” She also describes the ring presentation ceremony

it negotiated a long-term contract with

held at the Ring Dining Out: “The rings are

Jostens that significantly lowered prices for high-quality rings. The AOG also secures private funding that supports projects like

presented to the cadets, but the cadets can’t touch the rings at all. It’s a huge tradition where they christen the rings before they can

the class crests, Ring Dining Out, and the

put them on. The cadet’s date will take the ring out of the box and put it in the cadet’s

class ring displays.

McCarthy keeps everything organized

champagne glass. The cadet drinks

...

and

and on schedule, as various ring prototypes

catches the ring with his teeth, the cadet’s

shuttle back and forth between Jostens’

date takes the ring from the cadet’s mouth

representatives and the cadet ring commit-

while kissing, and the date puts the ring on

tee which

the cadet’s finger.”

approves the final design. He also coordinates concurrent activities for

different cadet class years. For example, the

Receiving a ring is often considered the highlight of a cadet’s career at the Academy.

Third Class cadets design their class crest

“It means so much to the cadets,” says Raz.

and review ring design prototypes while

“They have so much pride in these class rings that they have designed. It’s like a rite of passage when they put them on their fingers.”

McCarthy adds, “It is a symbol of what they

Second Class cadets finalize ring brochures and order their class rings.

“In December, there is a stone show.

Cadets can see a customized ring setting

have worked very hard for over four years.

six elements: the Polaris, the

eagle, the saber, the class year in Arabic numerals, the class

year in Roman numerals, and the class motto.

Two permanent collections of class

Hall and McDermott Library.

favorite part of the process. “I meet a lot

McCarthy has a hand in almost everything related to USAFA class rings. He

All class ring designs include

rings are on display at Doolittle

As the Membership Services Specialist for

class ring selections.

lost or stolen rings.

I

They are members of an elite group because not everyone can attend the Academy.”

Unfortunately, receiving a class ring doesn’t necessarily mean a cadet gets to keep it. Raz states, “I think the record for a cadet losing

vidual and send it to him or her,” he says.

“That’s why having their updated address is so important, even if they are not a

member. If their ring shows up on eBay, I need to get a hold of that person.”

ring is three or four hours after getting

This determination enabled McCarthy

it.” McCarthy devotes much of his time to

grad with his ring decades after it went missing. A graduate of the Class of 1986 lost his ring, shortly after receiving it.

Jostens replaced the ring for the grad. “Last

a

locating lost or stolen class rings and reuniting them with their owners. “Every day, I go on eBay to see if any rings are out there,” he says. “If so, I notify the class officers. If

ring display in Doolittle Hall. It includes one ring, worn by a graduate, from each class. The AOG is attempting to collect additional rings to create a heritage ingot.

A ring from each class will form the ingot.

When each new class’s rings are made, a piece of the ingot will be melted into the gold, creating a shared lineage between the previous classes and the new class.

to reunite a

“We ask for donations, which are appre-

year, I went online and found a ring on

ciated and encouraged, if grads no longer

anyone reported the ring lost to me, I would

eBay that was from a pawn shop in Sterling,

wear

call them

Colorado,” McCarthy explains. “I called the

donations are fully tax deductible.”

their rings,” says McCarthy. “The

go online to look at the ring.”

The AOG maintains a Web page that has

grad and let him know about the ring. He

Whether cadets are first receiving their

links to class rings found for sale and updates

looked at it online—it still had his name

rings or returning them to the Academy after a lifetime of loving use, class rings form a unique bond between generations

on

...

to

their status. Reports of lost or stolen rings

can

also be submitted to the AOG through

our

Web site: usafa.org.

Organizations and individuals constantly contact McCarthy about rings found in airports, public bathrooms, rest areas, and even under the seats of airplanes. “They will call us and the AOG gets them returned to us, so we can

verify the ring to the indi

engraved on it. He was just flabbergasted.”

McCarthy smiles and continues: “He was able to call the pawn shop and negotiate to

of graduates. A glance can tell a fellow

pay for the ring. The ring was sent to him, so he had two rings. He wore the ring he had

graduate much more than simply a person’s class and is often the catalyst that sparks instant camaraderie. With their rings, USAFA graduates travel the world, finding friends wherever they go. S

lost for a month and then donated it to us for our ring display.”

The AOG, with financial contributions from the Class of 1968, created a

.

SACC A Service Academy Career Conference hosted four times annually and designed to match our alumni

with employers interested in hiring service academy alumni.

JSAJE '

u

-

JSAJE for Alumni

-

Joint Service Academy Jobs Electronically is an Web site designed to al-

low you to browse through job listings and contact employers. It contains a resume repository

for graduates who are in an active transition mode, and a job retriever for those who prefer to remain in a passive mode. JSAJE For the Employers

-

JSAJE is also an exclusive job Web

site designed for companies in corporate America to advertise their career opportunities

directly to service academy alumni. Companies may also purchase access to a repository of resumes of graduates in an active transition mode. iSABRD An online Service Academy Business Resource Directory with over 36,500 active profiles

from USAFA, USCGA, USMA, USMMA, and USNA. An excellent resource for advertising career

networking, and building business connections.

Visit www.usafa.org for more informatio

MS*”-

-

ww

From Frontline to lifetime Earn a Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree from TUI

“I received my masters and PhD

from TUI while being deployed to

Bosnia, Kosovo, Africa, and Iraq.

I am so grateful to TUI!”

TUI is an accredited university specializing in flexible ‘No-Cost’ education programs that lead to

All-ABC

long-term civilian careers for active-duty military personnel.

High-quality and fully accredited bachelor’s

Specialized teaching methodology designed for active-duty military personnel.

and master’s programs.

Flexible programs geared to accommodate

No Cost to you means full military tuition

deployments, PCS and extensive TDY.

assistance of $4500 per year.

^HArmuEd

SOC/DANTES Affiliated

Business Administration • Computer Sciences • Health Sciences • Information Technologies • Education

www.tuiu.edu

•

Email: info@tuiu.edu

•

Call 800

CONNECTING GRADUATES TO CIVILIAN CAREERS

mong the long list of services the Association

of Graduates provides to the graduate com-

munity, perhaps one of the most important is the Service Academy Career Conference.

A joint effort between the service academies of the U.S. and Canada, SACC is

designed to place graduates face-to-face with recruiters from [Fortune 500]

companies. This job fair is designated for graduates only. This ensures recruiters that only candidates with

military leadership experience will be present. As one can imagine, SACC events are filled with highly qualified, indemand personnel (sacc-jobfair.com).

There are four SACCs each year. This year, they began in the Southeast in Savannah, Ga., in late February; the next event was in Washington, D.C. in May. The West coast conference took place in late August, in San Diego, Calif.

And the final SACC is in November in south Texas.

The program originated in the early 1990s when most of

Washington, D.C. in 1994 and was modeled after a job fair held at Georgia Tech. The main focus is educating graduates about the program while constantly seeking new companies to attend.

The primary objectives of SACC are to provide information to the graduate: Which companies are hiring? What types of jobs are available? And how will each candidate fit within this company? One benefit is that many of the recruiters from the various corporations are service academy

graduates themselves. Another great advantage that SACC provides over other conferences is its exclusivity. The companies attend because they know every candidate standing in front of them has graduated from one of the academies, and therefore possesses desirable characteristics. The candidates are ethical, well-educated, disciplined hard-chargers who are not afraid of a challenge and are experienced in

leading people.

SACC is often thought of as a resource exclusively for

the young graduate. In fact, many companies that attend are

often looking for people with 10, 15, or more years of

the services were experiencing a drawdown. Senior military

experience in a field. Defense contractors who attend are

leadership saw the need for the various alumni organizations to support graduates as they unexpectedly faced a

particularly interested in those graduates who have served to retirement because of their deployment, travel and cultural immersion history.

transition to a civilian career. The first SACC was held in

Candidates attending conferences can expect to see

companies from the following industries: engineering firms, government contractors, retail operations, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, communications, finance, insurance, education and consulting. Many of these companies are willing to repeatedly invest their

database where it is available to companies that purchase access to

the database, (jsaje.com)

All of our career opportunities programs-—SACC,

iSABRD, and JSAJE—are programs jointly created and

jointly run by the alumni organizations of the U.S. service academies. These academies share in the management

resources—both financial and personnel—to attend SACC,

of the programs and offer the same services and levels of

which means that they are finding and hiring good quali-

service to their constituents.

fied candidates.

Here at the AOG, Alumni Relations plays a strong role

We also have iSABRD (the Service Academy Business

in further preparing Air Force grads for life after the service.

Resource Directory) and JSAJE (Joint Service Academies

We assist in career opportunities, business networking, the

Jobs Electronically). The iSABRD program is designed

Graduate Dependent Scholarship program, travel pro-

as a

business-to-business networking tool, but has also

proven its value as a career networking tool. With profiles on nearly 36,500 service academy graduates, iSABRD is a

phenomenal way to find service academy graduates within, or with experience in, companies the job seeker is targeting. (isabrd.com) JSAJE has two components. First, it is a job site where companies can post their open positions. Service academy graduates can then access those job postings and contact the company if they find an interesting position. The second component is a resume repository. Graduates who are seeking new positions can submit their resumes to the

grams, affinity agreements and contracts for many of our services. Our staff enjoy working with graduates at all levels

of their careers. We also coordinate with the other service

academy alumni organizations on a regular basis.

Throughout all of the career programs available to graduates of USAFA, the AOG is working hard to ensure that we close the gaps between our grads and the companies who hire them. We pride ourselves on our ability to educate and connect graduates to their future careers, and we are constantly looking for ways to strengthen the bridges which connect the Long Blue Line to the world of civilian challenges ahead. 8

51

There is also a good chance you will

have ever called the Association of

purchased ^^^^puates then have or

an

item from its

already been fl^^p1^|e store,the staffyou of Customer Service.

f||fj||f|||bd by

ig “above and beyond” with patience

l81Stl@®ildetermination is the minimum stan>artment of

four, which

^feffiUes everything from giving directions to

and its graduates. Customer Service staff

keep track of the inventory, take orders, package and ship items, and manage billing. “We are our own mail-order com-

pany,” says Michele, with a laugh.

Customer Service also takes on a multi-

tude of other duties, stepping up to lend a

hand as needed. Employees handle all of

tion on hand. “A lot of times, the base

the incoming and outgoing mail for the

operator only has access to the department Ph one number, but we have personnel

AOG, help graduates who no longer have a

military ID card reserve tee times at the

tracking next of kin.

names

that we can give to people to call,”

Eisenhower Golf Course, and operate the

Customer Service has two primary func-

says Michele. “We keep lists of the AOC,

tions. The first, as described by Michele

the Squadron Orderly room numbers,

popular saber rental program. “The saber rental program is an involved process,”

Cowan, Customer Service Supervisor, is

how to get in touch with Chapel Ser-

relates Michele. “We have to make sure

“being the face and voice of the AOG. We

vices—anything you can think of.”

the sabers are kept in good condition and

are

the first point of contact for any com-

munication with the AOG, whether it’s

The other primary function of Cus-

that the baldrics and breastplates (the

official term for the sashes they wear) are

through e-mail, telephone calls, or interac-

managing merchandise.

The AOG sells squadron pins, Christmas

tion over the counter.” Customer Service

ornaments, shirts, hats, cadet sabers, mugs

home on the weekend and washing them.”

employees greet visitors and answer any questions that guests might have. “We have a little bit of knowledge about each department in the building,” says Michele, “Enough to answer basic questions like,

and other Air Force Academy-related

Graduates rent sabers for weddings or

items through the online store and at

the merchandise counter in the lobby of

military events that require a saber arch.

Customer Service ships the sabers any-

Doolittle Hall. All revenues from mer-

where within the United States. “We have

chandise sales help support the Academy

twelve sets of sabers that we send out,”

‘What’s my AOG number?’ and to talk

52

speak with an AOG Customer Service representative if you try calling the Air Force Academy. “For some reason, we’re one of the few phone numbers that people can find for the Academy,” Michele relates.

“When they call in, they are basically looking for answers to questions ranging from, ‘Ffow do I get a yearbook?’ to ‘My son is having trouble. Who do I call to discuss counseling services?”’ Acting as the de facto switchboard for the Academy has compelled the Customer Service department to keep an assortment of informa-

tomer Service is

clean, which involves staff taking them

people through registering for events or

says Michele. “From April to August, we usually have all of the sets coming in and

accessing the Web site.

going out constantly.”

I he AOG is the only organization that maintains a full graduate

Michele personally handles one of the

database in support of USAFA. This

AOG’s most important responsibilities, the

database holds graduate contact

Deceased Program. As the Deceased Notification Coordinator, she is the first point

information and biographical data.

of contact for anyone reporting the passing

The AOG safeguards the integrity

of a graduate. “I take the initial notifica-

and security of this database and

tion from family members or friends of the

works hard to keep it up to date

deceased. Sometimes, we just have people

through regular mail alerts and phone

who send us an obituary because it says that

addresses are correct, so they can receive

the person was somehow affiliated with the

invitations for the annual Memorial Cer-

Air Force Academy,” says Michele. “Once

emony and reception held on Homecom-

I get the information for the services, the

ing weekend. Next-of-kin are invited to a special reception with the Academy’s senior staff prior to the ceremony on the Terrazzo.

The AOG issues invitations, organizes the reception, prepares the brochure, and

memorials and the cause and location of

the deceased’s passing, I create an e-mail that I send out to the deceased’s class.”

Information is sent to the class as quickly

contact. Dedicated AOG staffers enter and track all data provided.

The AOG generates the electron c

Register of Graduates annually the information collected in the database. The register provides

biographical graduate histories.

possible. She also notifies AOG staff, the Superintendent’s office, the Mortuary

provides the ceremonial wreath.

Affairs Office, and the Falcon Founda-

Michele’s favorite experiences in Customer

Members may access a free PDF

tion. From that point, the AOG CEO

Service. After Hurricane Katrina ravaged

version of the Register of Gradu-

and the Superintendent’s office send their

the South, staff received a call from a

ates at the AOG Web site,

condolences to the family of the deceased.

gentleman trying to locate his niece. “He

Mortuary Affairs makes preparations for

wanted his niece’s address, so he could

Members can easily search for any

burial, inurnment or memorial service at USAFA, if that is the family’s wish. The

check on his parents, her great aunt and

as

a

This attention to detail led to one of

graduate and print any part of the file, at their convenience.

uncle. We didn’t have her address, but

Falcon Foundation is notified because

we

the deceased may have been a recipi-

Michele. “I sent them an e-mail saying

did have her parents’ address,” says

The Online Directory is also available

of one of their scholarships for prep

that this person was looking for them, and

school. Michele takes care of many other

I gave them his contact information. We

details, explaining, “We make sure that the

don’t give out our grads’ personal informa-

deceased does not continue receiving mail

tion; we try to protect them as much as possible.” In doing so, Michele reunited

ent

from us. I create a condolence letter from the AOG, and I request any moneys for

the Checkpoints magazine. Michele does not

family that had been out of touch with each other for a long time. The gentleman’s parents had already moved out of danger and were living with his niece’s parents. “The gentleman was so grateful, he actually sent me flowers,” says Michele.

take her responsibilities lightly: “It’s impor-

“He said that he didn’t know that we

tant to be as accurate as

would be able to connect him with his

flowers or the memorial donation, which I

forward to the appropriate charity.” After she has notified all parties, the Communications staff prepares an announcement for

possible, especially

if the deceased is killed in combat. It’s a very sensitive situation to take care of—to get things right and on time.”

Despite her impeccable professionalism, Michele can’t help being affected by her unique duties. “We don’t have too much direct interaction with people for the

a

family again.”

Whether they are coordinating a national saber network or reuniting rela-

tives, the AOG Customer Service employees are unwavering in their support of the

graduates and the Academy. “Our motto is ‘If we don’t know the answer to your

deceased program, which I’m thankful for

question, we know who does.’ We will

because I cry,” she relates. “I’ve been on the phone with the wife of the deceased

put you in contact with who you need to speak with,” Michele cheerfully explains.

and have just been crying right along with

“We take care of everybody. We keep the

her as she is giving me the information.”

parents happy, we keep the grads happy

Michele also makes sure that familv

or at

least, wc try.

usafa.org.

...

Hi

EDITOR’S NOTE: Names have been omit-

ted out ofrespectfor the privacy of the family.

to members at

usafa.org. Graduates

update their own information in the directory and can create customized searches for classmates. The directory provides the most current contact information for graduates.

Thcfmpact of Major Gifts on the ^ Cadet Educational Experience his is the age of high-tech military dominance, unmanned aerial

vehicles, GPS satellites and precision weapons. This is also the age of skyrocketing cost overruns, blown deadlines, and inoperative billion-dollar projects. These cost overruns and delays

reaching crisis levels, often causing critical defense projects to grind to a halt with little chance of recovery. The architect of many of the defense innovations that we rely on today has long been analyzing our current defense situation, consulting with other experts and top government officials, and reporting his findings. He has also devoted himself to making a way out of this morass by supporting the U.S. Air Force Academy through the Association of Graduates’ major gifts program, creating a new generation of Academy graduates who are specifically trained to overcome and eradicate these obstacles. %.

...

are

BEGINNINGS Dr. Paul Kaminski graduated from the Academy in 1964 and served as an active duty

officer for 20 years. With advanced degrees in Electrical Engineering and Aeronautics and Astronautics from M.I.T. and Stanford, he has been recognized as a pioneer of the first

Stealth aircraft program and has worked on the nation’s first Precision Guided Munitions and pioneered the creation of a reconnaissance satellite system that expanded intelligence

gathering capabilities from space. “One of those vehicles is still orbiting the Earth more than 20 years after it was launched,” says Kaminski, “producing very important intelligence for the Air Force and our country.” He also served as Undersecretary of Defense from 1994 to 1997, managing all Department of Defense research, development, and acquisition programs. Kaminski has also complemented his career by taking on responsibilities as an executive officer at several technology companies and as Chairman of the Board of the RAND Corporation, a non-profit research organization. His experience has made him one of the most sought-after systems engineers in the country.

Systems engineering (SE) is a holistic, “big picture” approach to the engineering of large, complex projects. It involves managing diverse tasks, such as determining the feasibility of a project at the start, selecting and integrating the most effective and appropriate hardware and software, and monitoring progress, testing equipment, and evaluating data, all with an eye on the bottom line. Systems engineers must understand the mission and have a broad,

interdisciplinary knowledge across many areas of engineering, like electrical, chemical and mechanical engineering. They support projects from beginning to end.

Kaminski’s extensive experience and discernment alerted him to a growing trend in the military. “I could see the need for a broader base of systems engineering skills in the Air Force,” says Kaminski. “I felt we had lost some of the base that we had established when we were developing our

ballistic missiles and our first spacecraft. We had reaped the benefits of the Apollo program

that excited many people.”

He connected this observation with the current state of defense. “My sense is that this loss

of SE domain experience is one of the reasons we are having trouble with major weapons sys-

terns,” Kaminski explains. “What I mean by domain experience is that you can’t just take a SE course

and suddenly move from spacecraft to aircraft to ground vehicles and expect to practice

equally well in all three areas. You have to get a deep understanding of the domain to be able to make the kind of tradeoffs and decisions that SE tools support.”

54

Seeking to strike at the roots of the problem, Kaminski started to look at the way many Air Force personnel get their start.

“When I looked at my experiences at the Air Force Academy, the entire agenda was appropriately devoted to flying and fighting,” says Kaminski. “But as I looked at where the Air Force was going, I felt systems engineering was going to make a real difference. It was

hard to get that kind of specialized emphasis at the Academy.”

This analysis led to his most generous gift to the Academy.

As a contributor to both the Association of Graduates and the

USAFA Endowment (he serves on the Endowment Board as a

Founding Director), Kaminski has a long history of unwavering support for the Academy. In 2006, he entered into a gift agreement with the

AOG, consisting of hundreds of thousands of

dollars, to establish the Paul and Julie Kaminski Visiting Lecture Seminar Series for Engineering and Systems Engineering through

the major gifts program. Major gifts are generally large, multi-year commitments that may be used to accomplish a specific priority at the

Academy or be used to meet the Academy’s most immediate needs. The Kaminski Endowment is one of many major gifts that the AOG efficiently manages to fund heritage, athletic, academic, and character initiatives. Currently, there are approximately 60 endowments administered by the AOG, and almost 400 major donors contributing at levels of $10,000 and up. In addition to the Kaminski Endowment, major gift contributions have established the Just-in-Time Teaching Endowment and the Memorial Pavilion. They also fund the Center for Character Development, the home of nationally-recognized enrichment programs like the National Character and Leadership Symposium.

“I saw a need and an opportunity,” Kaminski relates, “The best way I could think of meeting it was not by setting up a Chair, but by bringing back Air Force engineers, especially graduates on active duty, to talk to cadets about their experiences when the cadets were looking to choose a major.” The endowment fund provides for two annual lecture seminars; one drawing from any engineering discipline and the other drawing from systems engineering. Flis vision was two-fold: to provide every graduate of the Academy an appreciation for the tools and value of SE and to create a specialty

Endowments through the AOG support

track to attract cadets who would like to make SE their career.

a

wide range of giving to the Academy.

The Graduate Dependent Scholar-

REVELATIONS Kaminski’s hunch was validated in 2007, after he was asked by the U.S. Air Force to lead a National Research Council Task

Force, the Committee on Pre-Milestone A Systems Engineering, to examine the role that SE can

play during defense acquisitions.

Acquisitions involve anything purchased by the military, from a pencil to a satellite. The impetus behind the task force can be found in a recent The New York Times article reporting on a Government Accountability Office study of 95 military projects.

The study showed cost overruns of $295 billion, 26 percent over

budget, and an average delay of 21 months. The Air Force wanted to find out

why its projects were hemorrhaging money and how

stop it. The task force’s findings were published in 2008 and Kaminski was asked to give a briefing on the report at Corona

to

ship Endowment provides advanced education for selected children of USAFA graduates.

The Warren Sneed Endowment Fund helps support the AFA Wings of Blue team.

The Kissinger Endowment provides

funding to enrich the cadets' study of national security affairs.

The Tober Family Endowment Fund

supports the programs sponsored and supervised by the Department

of Aeronautics at the Academy.

that year, where Four-star generals gather to candidly discuss the lillillillllliliiil

'■:;

C.-xTy:-;:.

.

:

: :

AT

55

and being named the “architect of the Air Mobility Command Science and Technology Enterprise.” He then began what he refers to as “the most

fulfilling career I’ve experienced so far,” teaching

systems engineering to cadets. Lambertson became the Director of Systems Engineering in November 2008.

The SE program at the Academy originated because Air Force leadership had also recognized the same project man-

agement issues that Kaminski recently identified. In 2003, the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force came to the

Academy to discuss training programs. They had a long-term view of the situation: it took the Air Force more than a day to get into its current bind, and it was going to take more than a day to get out of it. “In our recent history with Acquisitions,” says Lambertson, “we, the Department of Defense, have done a

horrible job. Two hundred and ninety-five billion dollars over

budget on our major acquisitions programs—that’s the entire Air Force budget for two years. That’s why our Systems Engineering Program was created in 2003. We’re a big part of the solution. Our program helps to create, at a young age, systems thinkers.” This approach requires a rigorous curriculum that is responsive to the latest developments affecting systems engifuture direction of the Air Force. In short, the report castigates the Air Force for poor project management and for ignoring the basics

of sound planning from the get-go, leading to billion-dollar overruns

and missed deadlines. It cites the lapse of systems engineering

analysis and encourages the Air Force to train, recruit, and retain systems engineers. Most importantly, the Pre-Milestone A report recommends that SE processes be utilized in the early phases of all projects and provides a checklist of SE issues that should be addressed by each program. “The Air Force leadership took a big interest in that,” says Kaminski. “Seeing all of the four-stars light up and want to support systems engineering work gave me the motivation to come back to the Academy and see if I could put a

little more systems engineering emphasis in my gift.”

On March 3, 2009, Kaminski testified before the Committee

neering. Polls of Air Force engineers conducted in 2005 show that SE is the number one engineering need in the USAF. “Our program meets most of the needs detailed in the checklist from Kaminski’s Pre-Milestone A report,” says Lambertson. “Dr.

Kaminski briefed that checklist to Congress. At the Academy, the checklist items are specifically taught in the lesson plan.”

He goes on to explain what sets the Academy’s SE program

apart: “We were a great example of what the USAF is doing right about educating systems thinkers at a young age, at the

point of the 2009 legislation. We are different than the systems engineering programs at West Point and Annapolis. Our heavy emphasis on creating a foundation in classical engineering, is what makes the difference.” A cadet who focuses on SE as a

major must select an engineering focus area to build that

Armed Services panel of the U.S. Senate, which included Sena-

foundation, such as aeronautical, astronautical, electrical or

John McCain. Elis earlier work and testimony led to the Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009. “It’s very significant because it requires doing SE work at the start of every major Department of Defense program and includes a

mechanical engineering. The SE program graduated its first

strong emphasis on developing SE talent,” says Kaminski. Both houses of Congress passed the reforms unanimously, and President

being an officer, and every now and then, they will learn something about systems engineering. It’s all very tightly coupled.” The curriculum is balanced between intensive theory and hands-on application through real-world projects, with a focus on conflict resolution through communication.

Lambertson is intent on building up the SE program. It was accredited by ABET in November 2008. ABET is the recognized accreditor for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering and technology. “That is huge because in engineering circles, if your degree is not ABET accredited, it’s just not really a degree,” he says, laughing. “So, one of my master’s degrees counts; the other one—not so much, even though it’s an engineering degree.” The increased focus on reform from Congress has fueled his determination. “Many of the over-budget programs belong to the Air Force,” explains Lambertson. “We have many The Nunnprograms in jeopardy of a Nunn-McCurdy breach.”

on

tors Carl Levin and

Obama signed them into law in May 2009. In effect, this has

officially made the development of qualified systems engineers a national defense priority. The next challenge: How do we create enough skilled systems engineers to meet this overwhelming need?

SYNCHRONICITY While Dr. Paul Kaminski was sharing his findings with govern-

leadership, another Paul was diligently working on the quandary from his unobtrusive office in the Engineering Department at the Academy. Lt. Col. Paul Lambertson, Class of 90, has essentially had six different careers while serving in the Air Force.

His accomplishments include flying sorties to every continent on the planet (six times to Antarctica), leading three USAF units, ment

class in 2006 and has been growing ever since.

“The first thing I tell cadets is that I am privileged to be here,” says Lambertson. “The second thing I tell them is that my goal is to teach them about life and

McCurdy provision requires the Pentagon to justify a project when costs reach 25 percent over original estimates. If a project cannot be justified according to criteria, then it is closed down.

“The new reform legislation is like Nunn-McCurdy on steroids,” says Lambertson. This adds extra impetus to get more cadets involved in the SE program, so they can go out in their commissions and help rein in the excesses.

CONNECTION After becoming Director in 2008, Lambertson wrestled with the

direction the SE program would take. “Our program was at a

crossroads,” he says. “Are we going to continue as a major or not?

Can we create systems thinkers by putting SE topics in existing

AOG staff to amend the endowment to include awards and media

outreach—things to really get people excited about the program.”

Media outreach is crucial because the SE program may be one of the

popular majors on campus that nobody knows about. Lambertson only gets two chances to speak to the Fourth Year cadets, on the Academy’s bi-annual Major’s nights. He describes the effect that revamping media efforts has had: “After presenting our new Major’s Night message to the cadets, we had 75 people sign up for more information about systems engineering, and 11 Fourth Year cadets signed up for the major shortly thereafter. It’s all about communication—if the cadets realize something is important, they will jump on it.”

Lambertson adds, “Dr. Kaminski is very excited and happy about the media outreach and allowing his foundation to support this. We want most

to

engineering courses?” Lambertson found out about the Kaminski

grow the program and make it sustainable.”

Kaminski’s level of engagement and responsiveness is rare. He stays

Endowment and realized he had found a mentor in Kaminski. “I

in contact with AOG staff and Lambertson to constantly evaluate

e-mailed him and we’ve either spoken on the phone or by e-mail

his endowment so that it provides what is needed most, as quickly

at least

as

every month since.” Kaminski was equally delighted to find an ally for his mission. “I came back to put a little more energy into the SE program when Paul was assigned to lead SE work on the faculty,” he says, “As fate would have it, we immedi-

ately hit it off. I know it will take a while to see this program have impact at the Academy, but we have Paul Lambertson who is both capable and has incredible energy and enthusiasm.”

possible. “My work with the AOG has been a good and positive collaboration,” says Kaminski. “I think the intent of my gift has been diligently followed and I will continue to work with the AOG.” Lambertson shares Kaminski’s enthusiasm for the AOG’s support. “Without the endowment and mentorship that Dr. Kaminski provides to me and this program, we would be lost,” says Lambertson. “Let me reiterate: without the endowment, if we

had to rely on getting government funding—which might never come—we

MOMENTUM Dr. Kaminski and Lt. Col. Lambertson immediately began

brainstorming about ways to expand the Kaminski Endowment to better support the Academy’s SE program. “We realized we were not using the endowment to our full advantage,” says Lambertson. “The original endowment was written very narrowly, to just bring in speakers. I am working with Dr. Kaminski and the

to

would be lost. I can look to the Kaminski Endowment

give us this huge flexibility that we didn’t have before.”

As the program continues to unfold, the Association of Gradu-

ates will continue to

support these visionaries’ efforts every step of the way, helping to launch an ambitious new generation of systems engineers. These “big-picture” thinkers will ensure the financial and technological viability of tomorrow’s Air Force, tack-

ling tough problems with both expertise and enthusiasm. SI

57

mmsm i m

m wsm

: '•

-■ -,■

'--

‘

■t

~."~ v

V-

^ ,s r

‘

4 KShj $Ȥ1

r

i'

^-o c,

W '<

® “~

p ^mmPpp * &&&&■

,1SI^ fvii..

/ f >

-

-■

!

1

1

w&m ~-t m a ssspaa ss* a $ mwm •

•'•

'•"

■

•;:■<:•■ .:■■■•

mimmmmmmmmm.

'

'

r,

INVESTING IN A BETTER ACADEMY

UNRESTRICTED GIFTS: %

wArnm psmmm V r

•£s-c.<-Cf,f

ummer

research programs, the Sabre Drill Team,

WebGuy, the class ring program, the Parent Handbook, Contrails, Inprocessing, the cadet international travel program, and this magazine that you’re holding now: What do all of these things have in common? ,

3mmm

&£ ,~r-Xr r r hs-ii-fid 1

-

■

-

HHIK

Academy heritage. They are also all paid for throu

•fec#csrrfw i c

Mm 6 h-b$&r\

gUf

Sabre Society-level donors.

The Air Force Academy Fund

the annual unre-

stricted giving program established to raise funds '< Ar

~

_

2

through the Association of Graduates. Donors include graduates, parents and friends of the Academy. The

1

■III

AFAF supports areas like academic

programs, character development, admissions, athletics, cadet activities, and

graduate programs. According to Regina Clark, Direcmm

■

llllya 3 _<•

■

-•

i®®i

'Sflfeslisi r .-

..

.<

.-O-/--,,,-

'•

gift to the AFAF is supporting the entire Academy community.” The AOG accepts any donation amount to the AFAF; however, special recognition is given to those

If You

andCLES

Cadet International Programs Cadet Summer Research Proqrams

Distinguished Guest Speaker Program

kC‘fiyAO

1 -

WI&mM

■ill mH

W£ WjjSMM

wmmmmm ZypA

.

V?~(

8|t§g8f

'

:

.

pHSHHiPPS^I WS0§§i0S^iM$$i§i0li mmmimmm mm If w p||fj | ®§*f

Cadet?>qs|Tanzania ; !Wbp cultural immersion program. Here, Capt Brandon Lingle (left), C1C Nolan Brock, C1C Luke Connolly and C 1C Andrew Werner hike to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

: .

who donate $1,000 or more unrestricted annually. These donors

recognized at the Sabre Society level. This group is dedicated to providing extraordinary support for the Academy. are

Since the AFAF is “unrestricted,” its moneys are crucial to the

Academy because these undesignated gifts provide discretionary funds which enable the Superintendent to meet current needs and pursue unexpected opportunities. They also provide a larger spec-

HHIggfgg iffi.,;' $: y i >

-

■■

■

Q

MATCHING GIFTS M ft

fs

Many companies match charitable contributions made by their employees for free. Most companies provide a 1 to 1 match. Matching gifts support graduate, heritage and cadet programs such as cultural immersion and character development at the Academy.

WliUiililM

Learn more about matching gifts at our Web page, usafa.org

.

A new link has been added

that lets you see if your employer participates l r

r

cstri ,*!

WVV, r\AG*

t§s®®i§®i

IfppiS

in the Matching Gift Program.

IBM provides a 1 to 1 match for monetary

donations and a 3 to 1 match for equipment

purchases. Recently, the AOG received new computer servers through IBM's matching gift program.

This new technology, and the resulting increased capacity, enables us to provide our members with

online services.

faster and more reliable

-

v

trum of use,

funding programs ranging from graduate dependent scholarships to cadet clubs and internships with NASA. As the Director of Annual Giving for the AOG, Regina is often asked why donations are made to the AOG instead of the Academy itself. “Military academies are government entities and therefore, cannot fundraise,” she says. “The Air Force Academy can’t solicit funds or call donors like other colleges.” Government funding only covers the essential components to meet undergraduate educational requirements and to prepare for commissioning. Private funding pays for cultural immersion programs, cadet clubs, character development, and leadership training.

Government budgets are spread even thinner by poor economic conditions and the effects of wartime. Regina says, “We want to be competitive with and even better than the Harvards, the Stan-

fords, the MITs—all of the schools that our cadets are foregoing to attend our

Academy. We need to be able to offer the same level of programs and opportunities.”

Here is where the AOG steps in. “The need for private funding is there, the Academy can’t go out and ask for money themselves, so

there is a demand for a separate organization that is not part

of the government to do that on the Academy’s behalf,”

explains Regina. “We, the AOG, solicit funds on behalf of the Academy.

We are not a traditional alumni association, which is usually funded by the university; we are a separate non-profit and can’t rely on any support from the Academy.”

The most difficult part of Regina’s job lies in explaining the value of privately-funded programs to potential donors and the AOG’s role in supporting them. “If these privately-funded programs were taken away tomorrow, who would it affect?” says Regina. “We want people to understand the value of that unre-

stricted dollar. It enables us to meet immediate needs.” Private

funding is required to supplement government funding because it meets needs now; new government budget items often take years

to

approve. “There are times when the AOG has provided seed

development programs, leadership training, and cadet interna-

money for a program like Engineering 100,” says Regina. “Then it took off and was so successful that today the Academy receives

tional programs like travel and cultural immersion.

Regina outlines the AOG’s mission to meet these needs. “We

government funding for that program. We, as representatives of the Academy, can help draw attention to a particular need.”

year. Our goal is to take it up a notch every year,” she says, “even

The AOG expedites and facilitates the process of obtaining

though our donor participation rate is lower than our sister academies. Every time I see our numbers go up in fundraising, I don’t just look at it as money—I see it as more cadets, graduates, and families whose lives are being touched and improved. It’s a way for people to make an investment in the lives of individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving our country.”

Regina’s perspective and unwavering commitment grow from her personal experience. “I have family members who are gradu-

funding. The use of private funding has a long history at the Academy, but the AOG has organized fundraising functions under one umbrella. “This makes it easy for graduates, parents, and friends give back,” says Regina. “We are also able to support more programs because we have been able to grow as an organization; the to

resources we can now

provide to the Academy are greater.”

The Academy itself influences the AOG’s direction and momentum.

“The Academy has a Gift Opportunities list—a

ates, as well as some who are in the Air Force and who will be led

huge, thick book—that is the Academy’s wish list with millions of dollars of requests in it,” explains Regina. “The AOG doesn’t pick programs out of the sky and then say this is what we want

by Academy graduates,” she explains. “My brother is an ’03 grad; he’s getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan. I think of the training and experiences he had at the Academy and how that has hopefully given him a head start in preparing him for the challenges he will meet.” Regina adds, “Especially in war time—their lives are at stake. I want to do everything possible to help these young men and women. It’s a serious endeavor to be an Academy graduate.”

She pauses and laughs. “It’s not a fluffy job.” H

the money to go toward. There is a definite need.” She relates, “The Academy is requesting more funds than we are able to give to

them, so the more people who invest in the AFAF, the more

we are

able to raise more money for the AFAF this year than last

were

able to support the Academy.” The total unrestricted gifts

requested in the Gift Opportunities document for the 2009/10 academic year is over $5,686,326. Top requests include character

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR

DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE AWARD iHHj

The Distinguished Graduate Award recognizes exceptional graduates who have set themselves apart by making extraordinarily significant

contributions to our nation and/or their communities. It is a unique honor bestowed by the U.S. Air Force Academy and the Association of Gradu-

ates, recognizing graduates whose accomplishments are inspirational and elevate the reputation and standing of the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Distinguished Graduates should provide an example to all graduates and cadets of the standards we value and of the abilities that have made our

country and society great.

To be considered for the 2009 award, nomination packages should be

received no later than Thursday, October 8, 2009. Nomination packages have been standardized and all will have the following elements: ~

iiti!****#*

*

‘ ■

. .

.

<"

1

■ ■

-

.■

/ ’.

■

One page cover letter nominating the individual

■

Limited administrative/contact information

■

Two page typed narrative describing the nominee’s achievements

j

H

For more information, contact Wayne Taylor at 719-472-0300 or

wayne.taylor@aogusafa.org, or visit the AOG Web site at www.usafa.org/Heritage/DistinguishedGraduates.aspx.

61

iftstfiit iteisl 0 SMSi

iflSK-

fsmasm m&mmmm

8PI

■

'

■

y

'

v/-:. !

:

: -

.

';; i :

1

mm

1 mu

rami mSsssSH’is-iaS..,

tpi

jj Mg jfe* >

s

si

*

jlllf 33^ '<Z

HH

A STONE BRIDGE SPAN :

A

11

El NATURE TRAH

NDERFOOT AS PEOPLE AV t

‘

•

;

:

H

HI

U* tj"

-

•>

H1

Obr: i (J>* ‘

>

F; J~

! EL) ’

•

:

•

’

AI bA

"

h

A C A U h M Y bMIL h b At FA

-

BLY AT C ADE : S AS D IEY

STRIDE B r

-

The class has selected a project and negoti-

nationally-recognized program.” The Class of’73 contributes approximately $70,000 to $75,000 annually to bring in the best representatives to speak at the

the Academy. They have total control over where the money will be spent.”

The reason behind the need for private

THE BRONZE FACE OF •

held here at the Character Development

ated to accomplish it with the AOG and

S FOSSILIZED FERNS

•

money may be spent on when it comes in; it can’t legally be spent for anything else.

MEMC )R!AL

PAVILION AT T HE CEMETERY SHEET FRS MOURN-

ERS AS THEY PAY THEIR LAST RE SPEC TS DURING

funding is not always clear to graduates and others. Burrell explains this need: “The law states that a military person may not ask for or receive a favor or a gift—there is our problem. It is compounded by federal budget law, which stipulates how you can fund the military academies. It costs a little over $400,000 to get a cadet through

Center every year. It’s become a prominent,

symposium. The Class of’85 pays for programs like Leaders in Flight Today and the Academy Character Enrichment Seminar which offer leadership training to

cadets. “The Class of 2011 will be using these programs throughout their four years here,” relates Burrell. “Essentially, the Class of‘85 has mentored this class.”

Classes also donate funds to cadet

USAFA and into a commission. The

clubs, nurturing experiences they feel are

government funds only what is necessary to adequately educate at the undergraduate

valuable. Cadet clubs are not high-profile

level and prepare for commissioning; they don’t pay the whole cost.”

These restrictions put USAFA in a

recipients, but most of them are funded through private contributions. “They don’t sound important, but the cadets have a lot of stress and pressure to perform,” says

Burrell. “The average bachelor’s degree

These monuments are not the dusty

unique position compared to other colleges. “We have to give our cadets leadership training, character development, military studies, and so much more

vestiges of a bygone era or forgotten tradi-

because we are going to put heavy mission

tion; they are the stoic and spirited witnesses to the sacrifices and triumphs of those who

responsibilities on their young shoulders,” says Burrell. “They will become respon-

have gone before. Often simultaneously

sible for the lives of others. The Class of

poignant and stirring, these visible tributes

2006 is spread out all over the world—in

challenge every new class to contemplate and embrace their heritage and, in doing so, to forge their own place in the Long Blue Line.

Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kurdistan. They

Soaring Club; it would cost $70,000 to fund it for five years,” enthuses Burrell.

have to be language competent and cultur-

“It’s an aviation program in which cadets

ally aware. The government doesn’t pay

are not

A FUNERAL SERVICE,

requires 126 hours; our cadets need 168 hours to complete their degrees. Clubs

provide a setting for them to vent and enjoy their interests.” These clubs also provide opportunities for USAFA cadets to

to shine on the national

stage. “One club I would love to fund right now is the Cadet

for that.” Therefore, the AOG fundraises

just learning basic airmanship but competing at the collegiate level nationally,

additions to USAFA grounds, funded

for the Academy. “We are not funded

and our cadets have been national champi-

by different graduate classes though the Class Giving program at the Association of Graduates. Private sponsorship of projects at the Academy has a history

by the government or the Academy,” relates Burrell. “We do what the Academy

that extends back into the 1960s. Class,

remain unfunded but are necessary, each

Most of these monuments are new

or

restricted, gifts only support a specific

staff can’t do, which is to go out and ask for donations to fund those things that and every year.”

project adopted by the class. Each class

The money goes to a diverse array of

determines how the funds will be raised,

projects and programs. Different classes

how the money will be used, and which

have different interests, in terms of what

classmates exercise this control before a

they would like to fund. “The Classes of ’73, ’80, and ’83 are heavily into character development,” says Burrell. “The Class of ’73 is the flagship sponsor of the National Character and Leadership Symposium

single penny is raised. “Restricted money is tax-deductible,” says A1 Burrell, Class

Giving Officer. “We have a written agreement with that class that states what the

ons

nine of the past 12 years. This is great

visibility for the Academy and an important part of officer development. $70,000 over five years would pay for each year’s mandatory preliminary events and help cover the costs of sending our cadets to compete throughout the next five years.”

The initiatives that most people associate with Class Gifts involve heritage projects. The Class of’59 funded the

Challenge Bridge next to Doolittle Hall.

Newly arrived Basics read the challenge inscribed on the bridge and then walk across it as a rite of passage during 63

Inprocessing. The Class of 59 also built the Harmon Memorial, dedicated in April

projects is usually the class reunion. The

of this year. It features a statue of Gen-

class meets with an AOG representa-

eral Harmon, the first Superintendent of

tive to discuss the class’s priorities and

USAFA who founded the Academy while

contribution strategy. Class leaders are

fighting his own battle with terminal

encouraged to choose projects from

cancer.

It stands between Harmon Hall

and the Cadet Chapel in the Cadet Area.

The starting point for these heritage

the Gift Opportunities List, a book of

the Mall of Heroes, dedicated last year.

approved Academy needs. If the class is not interested in choosing from the List, an AOG staff member helps them identify

The Mall is located at the base of the

a

Core Values Ramp and features statues of

by USAFA. “Each class determines their

USAFA graduates Karl Richter ’64, Val

priorities,” explains Burrell. “A well-

Bourque ’60, and Lance Sijan 65. All were

selected Class gift reflects what’s important

killed in action and recognized for their

to

To the east, the Class of ’64 has funded

courage: Bourque was the first cadet sworn in and the first graduate to die in combat,

Blue Line in front of our cadets each and every day,” says Burrell. “When the cadets are near the Chapel, they see the Harmon

to project management to the

final dedication. «

The AOG assists each class during every step of the process. Class heritage projects have jumped from an average of one project

Memorial, and when they march down the

year to six or seven projects a year, which keeps the AOG staff on its toes. The AOG

ramp, they see the Mall of Heroes. They

also helps identify the project, raise funds,

a

Class gifts include the Harmon

Memorial, the Challenge

Bridge, the Mall of Heroes, and the Memorial Pavilion.

direction of the Academy experience and

project planning to reunions provides each class a five year timeline from project inception to a successful completion.

The AOG facilitates every step

of a class gift, from fundraising

their gift, they are able to influence the

the Air Force Cross, and Sijan received the

grads are establishing their own heritage while placing the importance of the Long

•

that group of graduates. And through

remain connected over a lifetime.” Tying

The AOG manages up to seven class heritage projects a year.

project important to them and needed

Richter was awarded the Silver Star and Medal of Honor. “With these projects, the

•

to the

grads. If you were to engage a private project manager, you might spend $60,000 to

$80,000 for that service alone.”

This professional diligence reaps large

rewards for Burrell. “It’s truly satisfying to see

Line.” The Classes of’66, ’67, 68, ’81, ’83, ’84, and so many others, have all contrib-

tion throughout. Mr. Burrell enumerates his

uted to the new Memorial Pavilion at the

the projects through the necessary agencies,

cemetery. Instead of having to hold services at the grave-site and suffer from exposure may honor the memories of loved ones with dignity while attending services in

strategize and supervise the fundraising, and handle any RFP and contracting needs. If the project requires construction, I serve as the project manager for the class. I’m involved from the initial planning through the project

grads reconnect with the AFA and to be excited about being who they are,” he says.

“A project needn’t be grandiose. It just has to be both achievable and meaningful to the grads. When that project is done, everyone in the class needs to hold their head high and be proud of what they’ve accomplished.”

It is this spirit that enables grads to leave the tangible marks of their most cherished values at USAFA, aligning the Academy’s

the Pavilion. The building also features a

dedication ceremony, which is usually con-

environment with their conscience and

garden and private composure room for the comfort of the bereaved family.

ducted at the next reunion.” He adds, “At the

internal convictions, adding more links to

AOG, all of this is included in our services

the endless chain of the Long Blue Line.

are

reminded of their role in the Long Blue

to harsh weather

conditions, mourners

and manage project progress and organiza-

duties: “I serve as an agent to the class. I staff

our

The Secret Life of

Waldo F. Dumbsquat yawned.

The bird colonel hated staff

meetings. They were always boring. Usually some Powerpoint ranger took pride in showing off the last computer course he took by fading and dissolving each image to the haunt-

ing notes of “Eye of the Tiger.” Waldo preferred the rugged durability of an overhead projector and anything performed

by the Air Force Band of the West. Technology is fine and dandy, thought the colonel, until somebody gets the blue screen

of death or loses their CAC card.

Just when Waldo thought the meeting couldn’t get worse, the new superintendent began reminiscing about his days on

the Falcon Football Team. The lieutenants in the room

squirmed uneasily in their chairs as not one had been born yet in the era the general recalled so fondly.

“I guess defensive backs could be really short in those days,” whispered one butter bar to another.

“If he mentions Jointness’ again, shoot me, please!”

“Maybe we could hear more about the Combined Federal Campaign, we never hear enough about that.”

“Did you notice he’s wearing his cadet athletic jacket today?

Is that in 35-10?”

Waldo smiled knowingly to himself. The Sup’t was a lieu-

“Why did you interrupt my pontihcation?” asked the General, just a bit irritated.

“It’s 2009 and ...”

“What’s the answer to a why question?”

The Dean looked as a puzzled as a basic cadet trying to open his mailbox for the first time.

“No excuse, Sir!” chimed in a second lieutenant helpfully.

“Way to pimp over the Dean, Mister. Now everybody get down and give me ten

except for you, Colonel Dumbsquat. I want you to fly lead on my 20th century ...

initiatives.”

“I’m ready to copy, General!” sounded off the colonel.

“I’ve got you five by five also. First, issue pointed parkas and slide rules to all cadets. Their magic money account didn’t take any TARP money, so it should be okay. Second,

bring back the real Mitch’s Mountain and the T-41 summer program. I also better see some mandatory spontaneous pep rallies. You got all that, Dumbsquat?”

“Yes, Sir!” “Good. Now find me a doolie. I want him at all the staff

meetings. Beat Navy!”

“Yeah, beat’em!” shouted a lieutenant.

The colonel saluted, did an about face and strode from the room. In the Sup’s elevator, the colonel uttered the magic

general and thus could do anything he wanted as long as the Chief of Staff didn’t see it.

Only the Board of Visitors

words “get your chin in” and transformed into the puny form

had more power

The freshman hurried to the Sup’s conference room. Waldo

tenant

...

or

the AOG.

“At least he’s not a Citadel grad,” offered one of the young Zoomies in an earnest whisper.

of C4C Waldo F. Dumbsquat—a wad by anyone’s definition. very excited and honored to be a valued member of the staff, called on for his insight and wisdom. He squared the

was

“Too bad he flew heavies.”

hallway corners and reported in to the table commandant— ah, superintendent.

“Sir, Cadet Dumbsquat, Waldo F., 762693K, reporting as

“... and so we usually ran the ball up the middle twice,

ordered.”

“Yeah, unfortunately he’s a 1976 grad. Those even numbered classes are always weak. Easy Beast, you know.”

passed on third down, and then punted,” summarized the general to his captive audience. There was mild applause.

The Sup’t continued. “Now ladies and gentlemen, I have some new

ideas to put on the table for consideration. I want

to honor my

predecessor’s work, by taking USAFA in a whole new direction for the 20th century.”

“Sir, it’s the 21st century,” offered the Dean.

“At ease, mister. Smoke’em if you got’em. Dumbsquat, I need a doolie around to keep me informed on what’s going

day to day in the Wing. So, give me Checkpoints.”

Waldo sighed.

“Sir, there are an infinite number of days until the Class of 2013 graduates ...” S on

65

mM

m

;

I*

H

tur> r

T. Thompson, '73

President & CEO i'''

l

H

IMl

.

'

'■

■'■

-'

r-'i-tfj?

'

organization. Our mission is to serve the needs of the Acade community, From customer service we

strive to bririci out the best of USAFA. new

important, Today's cadets are tomorrow's leaders, and ft Is receive the world-class education this institution is known for.

As our role in supporting the Academy continues to grow,

s

new

67

Regina Clark, Director, Annual Giving Sarah Larrabee, Seme© Designer J a n I ce B a ca, Acc o u n t i n g

'

i erk

a n a wn ri a ft, as s o c i a t ©, i j \ r© ct o r, u © v © i © p rn © n t © a i © fc?

La a v ©

.

»©

a\uv ta uainai

,

r" 1 ©! iu q e 1 mu © u

a ci Ha a ©a© ©©4©:'

© u © © 1 1 ill. © f \ (...) © f ii t.

Rachel Dixon Proq ra rn m ©r A n a iy st ?

A! Byrreil (Pass Giving Officer f

Am a

fcl ro w 11 S 1 : ew a rci s \1i p & M a tch I n q GI ft s C o o rd I n a t o r ,

Razelle Kriicj, Director Constituent Relations

Joyce f a ©

'

Accountant

Jason Pinkie, Systems Administrator

68

MiigigHi 8SilllStllil|§ll

hH

■

mmmti

'

••;, •';■ ;

bbbwmbbbb

V

fffi ■ -

rM

mmw-mpm

'

;

mmv'••

•'■

.

.

£:: vm^M

wW '.

■

mmur

*"

■

111

!

hmmmmm0ssmB

mmri

SiMSiS

Hi

fv'J;::

-

.

r

^fesnillt : : : : : : -::

wM'i

IlllillP ■

,•:

:

:.Z 'fr:-;Om *-

sSilI ■

'

.

ffeSi

■Mi imm

: v ; -.

‘'

’;.

Stefr-l

jiiii ■

3$§|§5 -pXdSy ppWM

&%&%!

-

.

_.

'

';

;/

■

m

IliBl

illfftl •

SBhI

find out more mt

his thoughts about running a great restauran

the passion that goes into it, the love of the t We have been in the business for 26 years, ar

love doing it! I enjoy serving people and seei reaction W$w£M MM

us mm

%

tosss.

since

thoughtfully, “We see families grow up. People who ate here as kids are now bringing their kids in to eat.”

seafood are cooked on an oak-fired grill to give them

Payne built his restaurant around what he refers to

The emphasis on making meals from scratch enables the

the perfect finishing touch.

affectionately as American comfort food. “Chicken fried steak is our most popular item. We also serve a real

Mason Jar to accommodate any dietary restrictions.

Payne

says, “We do get requests, and we are happy to tailor our meals to those requests. We can adjust the seasonings, take

mix of items like slow-roasted prime rib, fried chicken,

burgers, and reuben sandwiches.” Payne describes the philosophy that underpins his cuisine. “Most of our

out wheat

scratch, we serve blackberry cobbler that we make from scratch, and we serve real mashed potatoes. Salads are

products, whatever the requirement.” He also has an exacting standard for the ingredients that go into his dishes. “As much as possible, it’s local. Colorado has great potatoes, beef, and produce. Our food comes from the surrounding areas. We serve fresh Rocky Mountain Trout year-

made fresh. We never use bagged greens.” Steaks and

round: it comes in twice a week.”

menu

is from scratch—all of our appetizers are from

g ggvg

mmsmm

-

■

a

lli^ippia

; ■

v

^

WBmwmmnKgim

mmmm

-!

^

k

IIMMi

!§§§§!§

Itljiiwr"?**

■

1

-

*

.

Payne extends this meticulous attention to the level of service his restaurant offers

guests. “First of all,” he states,

“we hire for attitude. We want

people who are genuinely friendly, who are enjoying their job, that want to work here.

Then we train from there. We have a casual, quick service which we try to keep comfortable for guests and staff alike.”

Warmth and comfort are foremost in the

restaurant’s

welcoming atmosphere. Sweet tea is served in Ball mason jars, and the rooms are done in earth tones and woods, decorated in a style that

Payne calls “Colorado Lodge.”

Antique skis, baskets, snowshoes, photographs and quilts surround the guests as they dine next to large stone

hearths. The Mason Jar also adds nostalgic touches that allude to local history, like antique street signs which used to adorn the downtown intersections of Colorado Springs decades ago.

The Mason Jar recently opened another location just off of the Nevada and Highway 1-25 exit. The new location offers plenty of parking, a full-service bar, and is only minutes from the Air Force South Gate. The

Academy’s

restaurant also

gives a 10 percent discount to guests with a military ID. New specials will be featured, in addition to

the restaurant

staples. “We try to mix things up to keep it fresh, while keeping our core menu as consistent as possible,” says Payne. “We offer happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. which is something new for us that we don’t currently have at the

other location.”

The star of happy hour is the blackberry margarita, made from fresh blackberries and “This is the only one

tequila. Payne proudly states,

place in town to get one. It’s our number

selling drink.” The bar features plentiful seating on the

outside patio, as well as indoor

seating in an inviting set of

couches facing a large stone hearth. The bar consistent with the rest of the restaurant

the eight beers offered on

selection remains

menu. Seven out of

tap come from local breweries like Bristol Brewing Company of Colorado Springs, and many of the wines offered are made in Colorado.

With all of the excitement and growth over the last year, the Mason Jar has stayed true to its roots and its fans.

When asked what he loves most about operating both locations, Payne smiles and says, “The who people—those work for us and those who come into the restaurant. That is what it comes down to.” IS

73

Back East Bar and Grill

and a choice of campfire coffee, iced tea or lemonade. No one ever leaves hungry! After

Located only 2 miles east of the Air Force

enjoying a truly sumptuous repast, guests are

Academy, Back East Bar & Grill is the AFA’s Northside favorite in Colorado Springs.

thoroughly entertained under the stars by the world’s second oldest cowboy band, the legendary Flying W Wranglers. Their rich

When you are in the mood for an East Coast

atmosphere and homemade NY-style food, this is the place to come. The dough and sauce for our pizzas are made fresh daily with our 30-year-old family recipe. Our wings, Philly Cheese Steaks and Beef on

vocals and three and four part harmonies, BEST STEAK 2008

-

Gazette

BEST FINE DINING 2008

-

Independent

combined with superior instrumentation and family friendly humor, top off an eve-

ning long to be remembered. After dinner

Week sandwiches are the best in town. We

Serving PRIME Steaks, Fresh Fish and Classic Cocktails in a Chicago-Style atmosph ere in downtown Colorado Springs.

have true half-pound mouthwatering burg-

The best Midwestern corn-fed PRIME

ers, fresh salads and a great kids’ menu too.

Check out the AFA Basketball Coaches live

Strip Steaks and Honolulu Fresh Fish flown in daily. Sit in large curved ox-blood

Flying W on a Rocky Mountain High!

Reservations are necessary; please call

radio show every Thursday night (in season)

booths or an intimate horseshoe bar. Ice-

play poker on Tuesday nights. We have the Springs’ best bands booked every Friday & Saturday night, a full bar and a great drink

cold martinis, creative mixed drinks and

or

an

music and entertainment, guests leave the

(719) 598-4000 or 1-800-232-FLYW (3599). Or visit www.flyingw.com.

extensive wine list. Live piano music

more! This is the place to bring your family,

Tuesday through Saturday. Open MondayFriday at 11:00 for lunch daily and for dinner at 4:00. Two blocks from the Bijou

friends or any kind of party you are having.

exit east of 1-25 Downtown. Reservations

We can accommodate large parties and are a

appreciated. 31 N. Tejon. 719-227-7333.

local favorite for AFA parties. Independently

www.famoussteaks.com

menu! There’s no need to go downtown any-

and a fast paced hour of top-notch Wrangler

Jack Quinn's Irish Pub & Restaurant

owned & operated, we take special care in

everything we do. Voted best neighborhood bar & grill by The Independent, we have the

JACK QUINN’S Irish Pub & Restaurant

Flying W Ranch

best wait staff in town. We can’t wait to meet

you! 9475 Brair Village Pt., Colorado Springs, CO, 80920 (719) 264-6161

Specializing in traditional Irish fare and delicious American cuisine, this beautiful pub is owned by 4 USAFA Grads! The owners invite

backeastbarandgrill.com

you to step into the comfortable and welcom-

ing surroundings enhanced by mahogany, stained glass and an antique tin ceiling. The

Outback

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE®

Discover a world of bold flavors at Outback

Steakhouse. Our New Menu is bursting with new

choices, such as Savory Pepper Mill Steak,

Shrimp en Fuego and Crab-Stuffed Shrimp,

For 56 years, the Flying W has offered a

pub was created and installed by Irish crafts-

winning combination of picturesque natural

using authentic materials from Ireland, including a cozy fireplace opposite the main bar. Join us for live Irish music four days a week, and enjoy feasting on the best fish and chips in town or a tasty Irish Boxty. Sip on a perfectly poured import draft beer or ale or

surroundings, tasty cowboy trail fare, and unsurpassed western entertainment featuring the legendary Flying W Wranglers. Located at the foot of Pikes Peak and neatly nestled between the Air Force Academy and the Garden of the Gods, the Flying W" provides an unparalleled opportunity to step back in ,r

time to experience the romantic spirit of the

Old West and the American cowboy.

well as our classic favorites. We now offer

Wlien the dinner bell rings at 6:45 p.m.,

15 meals under $15, starting at $9.95. 7065

it is time to load up a cowboy tin plate and

Commerce Center Drive, Colorado Springs,

enjoy some great grub including our bar-

Colo., 719-590-6283

becued beef or chicken, terrific trail beans,

as

foil wrapped potato, buttermilk biscuits

74

men

choose from our fine selection of Irish whis-

keys and Scotches. Happy hour daily from 3-6 pm. Open at 11 am weekdays and noon on weekends; closing at 2 am. Sunday Brunch served from 12-3 pm. Banquet/party facilities will accommodate 120 dining and 160 for cocktails. Visit us at 21 South Tejon in beautiful downtown Colorado Springs. Call (719) 385-0766 or visit www.jackquinnspub .com.

AOG Merchandise

MEN'S ZiP-UP SWEAT JACKET Pro-Weave Track Jacket made of 80% Cotton and 20% Polyester for no-shrink washing. "Air Force"

applique across chest with "Academy" embroidered beneath. Available in Graphite or Dark Blue.

LADIES CHILL OUT ZiP-UP Fashionable and comfortable cardigan-style sweatshirt with a ribbed knit collar,

sleeve, waist, and pockets. The front is embellished with an "Air Force" applique across chest with

"Academy" embroidered beneath. A blend of 80% Cotton and

20% Polyester. An alternative to the traditional hoodie sweatshirt, available in

Antique Pink and Vanilla.

TRAVEL/DESK MUG Our 16 oz. travel mug is

constructed of double walled stainless steel and has a

thermos-style safety lid and a non-slip bottom. Perfect for your desk!

TRAVEL TUMBLER

9 CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT

Our 16 oz. travel tumbler is

A representation of the Thunderbird

constructed of double walled

Overlook on the Air Force Academy.

stainless steel and has a

2.75" in diameter, featuring the T-38

thermos-style safety lid and a non-slip bottom. Available in

Thunderbird on a gold sunburst and

background. The A-10 is also displayed in silver at the lower right. stars

cobalt blue or silver.

GOLF KEY RING Our trillium keytag is the

l\fpM/ items

m

w

W W

I

if ^n#

1

m

m

perfect gift for your favorite golfer. Divet tool and ball

m

marker separate from the

duuuu

magnetic keytag for ease of use on the

every day!

15% discount for AOG members

golf course.

OFF WE GO!

By Col. (Ret.) Arthur G. Witters and Col. (Ret.) J. Bryce Hollingsworth.

A firsthand account of how the United States Air Force Academy was created, designed and built.

Purchase these items and more at www.usafa.org

Not fortunate to meet Betty and they married, Betty added light and hap-

John Reeves passed away on May 2 from cancer diagnosed earlier this year.

In the high-pressure atmosphere of the Academy’s very

piness to his life, as he did for hers.

Work and career were no substitute for the dimension provided by

first Basic Cadet Training summer at Lowry, John remained unper-

his five children and eleven grandchildren.

turbed, humor and perspective intact even when the black asphalt got so hot it welded our shoes to the tarmac. The rest of us saw John as a welcome spot of cool among many softening under pressure.

derful humor we all know became more polished and gentle. Golf was one of his and B etty’s shared enthusiasms.

And so he remained for over thirty years wearing the uniforms of the US Air Force.

He was an early adapter and free thinker all his life, fond of fresh starts

In retirement, the won-

John’s even disposition, his piercing wit, and his readiness to engage any topic that could be a challenge all prevailed to his last hours.

He stands as a wonderful example for us all. He was happy to teach -

and to lead; also happy in his humility. He was proud of his family and

and new horizons. While a third-classman, John decided we needed a

friends, and generous sharing his insights built on a copious store of

cadet newspaper. The Dodo was hatched, named after the one flight-

knowledge, broad perspective, and the remarkable wisdom drawn

less bird we knew, symbolic of the

In this new chapter, John has found the peace he deserves, and he

years it would take before we got to fly.

This may be the legacy that lasts

remains a permanent part of our memories, our hearts, and the very

front ranks of the Long Blue Line. (Brad Hosmei; Class of 1959)

longer than any other from our class.

John’s first AF duty was in SAC. Having maxed the radar bomb scores, he moved to more congenial duty scoping hurricanes. Then to the Air Commandos (now Special

her of the United States Coast Guard. After high school graduation

Forces), where he spent his next

(New Richmond, Ohio), Chuck attended the United States Air Force

nine years, in and out of combat,

Academy, graduating in 1962. His class was known as the original RTBs. While attending pilot training at Webb AFB, Texas Chuck met his future wife, Ellen Sinclair, and they were married Jan. 9, 1964 at Luke AFB, Ariz. After completing F-100 training at Luke he was assigned to Ramstein AFB, Germany with the

while his reputation spread. In that unstructured world of special op-

erations, John’s staik integrity was John Reeves

from his very full life.

a crucial

advantage, and he contin-

ued to demonstrate that the reward for brilliant hard work is

-

more

Charles L. Turner; ’62 Lt. Col. (Ret) Charles “Chuck’’ Turner was born Dec. 30, 1940 in Crossville, Ala. to Theresa and JC Turner. His father was a career mem-

417th TFS. After two years in Ger-

hard work.

John then joined the small, select group of Army and AF officers

many he was sent to Vietnam where he served with the 615 TFS, 612 TFS

directed to work on the disagreements between the two services that troubled their cooperation in combat. He hatched a straightforward approach: explain to the Army and Air Force chiefs the choices they

and became the 9th member of the

would have to make to resolve the issues. That kept the heat off the staff and on the chiefs where it belonged.

year Air Force career, Chuck had the privilege of flying the T-37, T-38, F-

“Misty” Fast FAC group. During a 23-

-

and cor-

100, F-111, and F-4. His decorations

rect. It is a tribute to our AF that an iconoclastic John Reeves collected

include the Distinguished Flying

advocates in large number and increasing responsibility along the way.

Cross with One Oak Leaf Cluster,

John arrived at Kirtland AF Base, organizing and supervising joint

Meritorious Services Medal with

before ‘jointness’ was commanded to be a good thing. His

Two Oak Clusters, Air Medal with fif-

John spoke truth to power, and was reserved, witty, clear

testing

-

-

teen

work was so exceptional he was given a bigger challenge, to establish and command a joint task force involving over 1000 men and women

Chuck Turner

from all the Services, to test the value on the battlefield of what we call cyber warfare.

This was the early 1980s, and the skeptics were many and powerful. Nonetheless, the tests were conclusive and now

unimpeachable: Yes, cyber technology could ruin your war. John’s work in those years was prescient.

After retirement in 1986, John joined SAIC in Albuquerque, where his human and technical insights kept him involved in Air Force and Joint warfare issues.

John and his first wife, Sara, had established a warm family, but during this time John lost Sara to a sudden illness. When later, he was

For more current information about

graduate deaths, please visit the AOG web site, www.usafa.org If you know of a graduate’s death, please notify the AOG as

possible. There have been cases in which the association was not informed for quite some time.

soon as

76

Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Ser-

vice Commendation Medal, Na-

tional Defense Service Medal, Viet-

nam Service Medal with Two Bronz e

Stars, AF Longevity Service Award

Ribbon with Five Oak Leaf Clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

He retired from the USAF at Kirtland AFB, N.M. on Nov. 1, 1984 and

within days had moved to Lewisville, Texas, beginning a second cawith Texas Instruments.

Eventually his department at TI was purchased by Raytheon. He retired from Raytheon Systems Co. in 1999 in lieu of moving to Tucson.

In 2001 Ellen and Chuck moved to Heritage Ranch, a retirement community in Fairview, Texas, where he was known as a fierce competitor at cards, an active community leader, and “Hy-Boy” leader. His favorite role, however, was being his granddaughters’ beloved PaPa. He was suddenly taken from us on May 19, 2009 due to a massive heart attack. Chuck is survived by his wife, Ellen, daughters Christi Dale and Jill Turner, son-in-law Jeff Dale, and granddaughters Annie and Sadie Dale. He is also survived by his brother, Gary Turner, of reer

Buford, Ga. He was remembered at a memorial service at the First United Methodist Church in McKinney, Texas on May 28 2009 and a committal service was held at the Air Force Academy cemetery on June 12, 2009. (Ellen Turner, his wife) ,

,

Joe C. Cabulc, Jr., ’63

Robert O. Heavner, ’63

Col. Joe Grice Cabuk, Jr. slipped the bonds of this earth on April 12, 2009. Joe was a devoted husband and father and a dedicated aviator.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Grice Cabuk, Sr., Jane

Williams Cabuk, and a son, Joseph Wilson Cabuk. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Marsha Wilson Cabuk; two sons: Joe Grice Cabuk, III and his wife Michelle Wirth Cabuk; and Samuel Jerome Cabuk; a

sister, Camilla Grant and her hus-

band,

Herman Grant, Jr., and two

granddaughters.

Joe was born on June 14, 1941 and is

a

native of Oak Ridge, La.

He

graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1958, attended Northeast Louisiana University for one year, and then received a Congressional appointment to the USAF Academy in 1959. In 1963 Joe graduated from

the Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as a second lieutenant in the Air Force.

After the Academy, he completed

pilot training at Craig AFB in Selma, Joe Cabuk

Retired Gol. Robert (Bob) Heavner died on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009.

He now lives, eternally, with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Bob was a model USAF officer, and excelled in every role he fulfilled:

Christian, husband, father, grandfather, mentor, businessman, and friend. As a young man he wrote: “At my life’s end, no matter as a

when that occurs, I hope to have lived life to the full and to have used every ounce of my potential.” Without a doubt, he accomplished this aim.

Bob’s achievements began in high school where he was class vale-

dictorian, varsity football captain, and class president. At the Air Force Academy he was a Distinguished Graduate (11th of 499 classmates).

He then earned an M.A. in Economics from Georgetown University

and, later, a Ph.D. in B usiness and Economics from Stanford Univer-

sity.

Bob's Air Force career spanned 20 years.

During that time, he received the Silver Star and two Distinguished Flying Crosses for heroism as a pilot in Vietnam. As a White House Fellow during the Carter administration, he served as Special Assistant to the Director in the Office of Management and Budget.

After retiring from the Air Force, Bob moved with his family to Santa Barbara where he began the second phase of his career, first as a prolessor of Business and Economics at

Ala. and gunnery school at Luke AFB in Arizona, flying the supersonic F-

Westmont

businessman and entrepreneur.

With a passion for starting new businesses, he helped found companies

100 Super Sabre fighter-bomber.

After gunnery school, he was assigned to RAF Lakenheath AB, England as a fighter pilot and flew the Super Sabre for over 1,000 hours.

such as KSB Inc., Presentek Inc., and

During 1960-70 Captain Cabuk volunteered for Vietnam service

Vanguard Credit.

and flew more than 200 combat missions in the F-100 while based at Bien Hoa AB near Saigon.

merous

From 1970 to 1973 he was assigned to

and manufacturing industries.

fly the mach-2 FB-111. During this assignment he earned an MA degree from New York University at Plattsburgh. From 1975 to 1976

clear thinking, and ability to bring compassion to business relation-

Over the remainder of his Air Force career, he piloted the F-l 11 for

2,000 flight hours in various assignments, including tours at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho as commander of the F-l 11 “Top Gun” over

flight hours.

Joe was Past Master of Brookville Lodge #161 in Oak Ridge. In the Scottish Rite, he is a 32nd degree Knight Commander of the Court of Honor and Past Venerable Master. He was Grand M aster of the Grand

His

business colleagues remember him for his wide range of knowledge,

Joe completed the Naval Command & Staff College in Newport, R.I.

Center, LLC. At the time of his death he had over 8,000 total

boards and acted as a con

estate, ranching, restaurant, travel,

From 1973 to 1975 the Air Force assigned Joe to Plattsburgh AFB to

roe Air

He served on nu->

sultant to CEOs in the finance, real

Nellis AFB, Nev. to fly the mach-2 swing-wing F-l 11 fighter-bomber.

fighter weapons school and was also the commander of the 309th Tactical Fighter Squadron.

In 1981, Joe was promoted to full colonel and assigned to the staff of the Tactical Air Command at Langley AFB, Va. During 1982-83 he completed the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C. During 1983-85 he was the vice commander of the 20th Tactical Rghter Wing at RAF Upper Heyford AB, England. In 1985-87 he was the Wing Commander of the 513th Tactical Airlift Wing at RAF Mildenhall AB, England during the time when that wing participated in the American raid on the terrorist bases in Libya.

During 1987-89 Joe served his final tour of duty in the USAF as Deputy Director of Operations on the NATO staff at AirSouth in Naples, Italy. Joe retired as a command pilot with more than 4,000 military flying hours and received numerous military service awards during his 30 years in the Air Force.

After retiring in 1989, Joe, Marsha and their sons settled near Oak Ridge. In Monroe, Joe earned an Airline Transport Pilot certificate and was qualified to fly propeller and jet aircraft. During 1989-1995 he flew charter flights and was chief pilot for Fleeman Aviation, Inc. In 1995-2000 he was the president of Legacy Aviation, LLC. In 2001 Joe was the chief pilot and aircraft manager for Williams One CE-550. After Legacy was sold, Joe was the chief pilot and flight instructor at Mon-

College, and then as a

ships.

Bob Heavner

Bob was a great blessing to the community in Santa Barbara. He

devoted board member for the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission.

And he will be remembered at his church as one of the best Bible teach was a

ers

who ever taught there.

Bob met his wife, Elaine, during high school when she invited him to the Sadie Hawkins dance. This was the start of their 53-year romance.

In his words, his aim was "to love my wife sacrificially so that

she will become all that she can be and will never rogret our union.”

Bob’s love for his wife was obvious to everyone who knew him.

He was also known for his wonderful sense of humor and love of ice cream.

His daughters fondly recount the night Bob feigned engine

trouble with the family car. He stopped at a stor e to purchase a "part," which turned out to be a gallon of ice cream and chocolate syrup.

In addition to his wife, Elaine, Bob is survived by his daughters

Jocelyn Manullang, Kristin Nied, and Amanda Sullivan. His sons-inlaw include Ted Manullang, Robert Nied and Erik Sullivan. His beloved grandchildren are Alec, Abigail, Savannah, Shaye, Sophia, Cade and Adeline.

We will never forget you, Bob!

(Paul “Butch” Verdier, ’63)

John B. Torsey, ’65 John Brown Torsey died peacefully on the evening of Wednesday,

April 29, 2009 at his home in Bend, Ore. after a year-long battle with CNS Lymphoma. Funeral Services took place at the Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel in Colorado Springs on Friday, May 8, 2009. Eight of John’s former 15th Squadron classmates, along with other close

Lodge of the State of Louisiana in 2003. He was treasurer of Barak Shrine Temple Monroe, member of the Monroe York Rite bodies, the Red Cross of Constantine, and past president of Ouachita Chapter #528 National Sojourners. (Joe G. Cabuk, III, and Samuel J. Cabuk,

friends and relatives of Torse’s, were present to pay their respects to

Joe’s sons)

forgettable hearty laugh.

the memory of this beloved man. As a member of the Class of 1965, Cadet Squadron 15, he was clearly a leader among his peers, and was

cherished by all as a great guy with a wonderful joy of living and un-

77

He was bom on Dec. 21, 1943 in Starkville, Miss. Torse earned his

tinguished Flying Crosses, and later served as an instructor pilot in

high school diploma from the Manlius Academy in Syracuse, N.Y., then graduated from the Air Force Academy with a B achelor’s Degree of Science in Engineering in 1965. Although he was unable to accept

the T-38.

his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force due to a seri-

Aircraft, as a Flight Engineer. In keeping with his goal of flying, he

sideways” for five years with Flying Tigers, he flew the 0-2 with the Air National Guard. Upgrade to a window seat at Flying Tigers meant leaving behind military flying, but

learned to fly privately and owned a couple of small airplanes, in-

Jim continued to serve his country,

eluding a Pitts Special which he built himself. He began flying commercially with Pacific Southwest Airlines in 1973 and retired as a Captain for US Airways in 2000. His love of flying kept him in the Aviation business as the Chief Pilot for a privately-held 737 until his final battle with cancer began in 2008.

His family was a source of endless pride for Torse. His parents, Col. and Mrs. Joseph Leonelli, not only provided the solid founda-

eventually completing his military

ous

medical problem, he never gave up his dream of becoming a pi-

lot.

He went to work for the Boeing Company and later Lockheed

After leaving active duty, Jim worked for McDonnell Douglas in F light Test, before being hired by Flying Tigers in April, 1973. While “flying

service as a Liaison Officer for the

United States Air Force Academy.

He continued to fly for Flying Tigers,

and then following a buyout in

1988, for Federal Express. Jim flew as a

and Airbus A-300. He retired from

FedEx, and full-time aviation in

tion of his life, but were his heroes.

John was married to his wife, Janis,

December 2001. His grown children John, Kate, and Jenni; his

for 25 years and together they were

four grandchildren

able to witness all three sons, Peter, Joseph and John, turn into

James and Rena; and specifically his

-

Jim Wilson

-

Zach, Aubrey,

wife, Linda, were thankful for the

marvelous young men. The joy he

opportunity to spend more time with someone that meant so much

took in being with his children and

to them.

two grandsons was overwhelming

Retirement also allowed more time for his golf game, although his

to watch and this past year, the love

Club Championship at Victoria Country Club and many other win-

and participation shown by the

ning rounds would seem to indicate that no additional improvement

sons in his care has been

was

the mountains and snow sports.

ings of Christ and believed in nurturing such faith with prayer, reading, study, and fellowship with others. He was a person who believed,

inspiring.

Right behind family and flying was Torse’s great enjoyment for John “Torse” Torsey

Captain on the B-727, DC-8,

It

was

his love of skiing that

brought him to Bend in the early ’80s where he and his wife were able to raise a family and make sure they all knew how to ski. He was quoted as saying that the three most dangerous words in the English lan-

necessary.

Jim had a quiet, deep faith in God. He placed his trust in the teach-

and acted on that belief, that Faith was an action word. For Jim, words without action did not amount to much. He quietly passed these beliefs on to his children and grandchildren.

What Jim Wilson was to our family, he was to others; a good, decent

guage were, “Follow me, Dad!” Although he battled various forms of cancer since 1965, few were

man, with a ton of integrity. A person who was kind and considerate of

aware of it.

than accomplishments. A person who was not content to talk about doing one's best, but rather went out and did his best on a daily basis.

As we remember Torse, it is important that all who knew

him keep in mind the wonderful memories he has left each of us. For those who did not know Torse, they should understand that a great man and fellow USAFA

graduate has left our midst. He was a wonderful son, brother, husband, father and grandfather; a gifted and outstanding aviator; an intelligent, passionate, extremely loyal and witty friend; and ultimately, a tremendously decent, loving and cherished human being.

Anyone who knew Torse will never forget his hearty laugh and bigger-than-life persona. He was a unique individual, a man of deep and abiding convictions, with a large and generous heart. Our deepest love and sympathy go out to his wife and his family as they grieve for Torse. May God bless them all and provide them solace in dealing with this tremendous loss. (15th Squadron classmate and friend Dennis Murphy, Class of ’65)

James S. Wilson, ’65 James Scott Wilson passed away at home in Laguna Niguel, Calif, on

Aug. 14, 2008 after a two-year battle with cancer. His quiet de-

meanor, kindness, love for his family and faith in the Lord never wa-

vered.

Following his time at the Academy, where he played on the golf team, and his 1965 graduation, Jim graduated pilot training, eventually flying the F-4 in Southeast Asia and Europe. He was awarded two Dis For more current information about

graduate deaths, please visit the AOG web site, www.usafa.org If you know of a graduate’s death, please notify the AOG as

possible. There have been cases in which the association was not informed for quite some time.

soon as

78

those around him. Someone who was more impressed with character

Someone who we will miss in a deep and lasting manner. (John Wilson, Jim’s son)

Daniel G. Robinson, ’67 Dan Robinson passed away at his home in Middleton, Idaho on Sept.

19, 2008 after two-year-long fight with cancer. Dan’s memorial service was held at the United Methodist Church on Sept. 25,2008. Dan Roper and Hank Arnold, classmates from 17th Squadron, attended.

Dan’s

remains were laid to rest locally.

Dan was born on Oct 27, 1944, in Caldwell, Idaho to Delno “Deak”

Robinson and Hazel Gibson Robinson. As an only child Dan grew up in Middleton, Idaho graduating from Middleton High School as valedictorian of his class in 1963. While growing up and through high school, Dan was an avid participant in team sports playing both basketball and baseball; successfully at increasing levels of competition. He made the difficult look easy.

Robby entered the United States Air Force Academy in 1963 and graduated in 1967. As a natural athlete Robby quickly established himself as stalwart on the intramural fields and courts where 17th Squadron annually competed as one of the Cadet Wing’s best. Robby also consistently made the Dean’s List. During his time at the Academy Robby could always be counted on for a pick-up basketball game, a day of skiing, a round of golf or a fishing trip to local Colorado waters. On several occasions such as during survival training and weekend trips to the Conejos and the waters behind the Academy, Robby demonstrated the skills he had learned as a fisherman growing up approximate to the mountains of Idaho. While he easily caught trout the rest of us thrashed the water with no results. Robby’s competitive nature and love of sports did not stop with the Academy. During his time in the Air Force and later when he settled down in Middleton, Robby continued to pursue and excel at basketball, volleyball and golf.

After graduation from the Academy, Dan attended CU Boulder

where he received a Master’s D egree in Mechanical Engineering. Prom CU Dan was stationed in Sunnyvale, Calif, where he worked on several space programs. Dan then went to the Pentagon for an ASTRA

assignment. Following his Air Force commitment Dan headed home for Middleton. There he worked as mechanical engineer for J.R. Simplot and Swiss Village Cheese I n later years he wo deed as an engineering consultant in both the US and Canada.

Dan married and later divorced

Sheila T.

Hopkins. He has two daughters, Michele and Nichole, and four grandchildren: Greg, Ashley, Jacob and Joseph. In recent years Dan lived with his mother, Hazel, in the family home in

Middleton. Those of us who visited Dan there will always remember the

panoramic view from the family farm north to the mountains over-

looking the Boise Valley. It did not take long after spending time with Dan in his hometown to understand

the hold it had on him. It was a

sportsman’s paradise where Dan hunted pheasants and deer and fished for trout, salmon and smallmouth. The local golf course was readily available for Dan’s constant pursuit of a “decent round of golf.’’

At our recent class and squadron reunions Robby has been a very much anticipated attendee, picking up his guitar and playing the classics we listened to when we were cadets. Gathering around Robby we sang dozens of country and popular songs from days past. Whether it was “The Fugitive”, “Green Green Grass of Home” or Robby’s own composition “Very Definitely Maybe” his presence gave us the opportunity to make fools of ourselves and remember the good times we had together at the Academy Robby’s passing leaves all of us who were pr ivileged to know him with a void which will not be filled. We will not forget him. Robby’s easy manner and common touch made us all more comfortable just being ourselves. (Steve McCulloch ’67)

working right.” He eventually did find a bent pin and put it back together without any malfunctions, stating'ho w I’ve just sav ed six months wages.” When asked later about the event, you got the most hilarious story imaginable. This same approach explains why later in his 26-year Air Force career he was often referred to as “Mr. B-52,” a title he loved, as

he learned almost everything about his chosen weapon system from

dissecting parts and laboring over flight manuals.

What seemed to endear most people to Mike was his love of friends and especially his family Mike was a friend to all and a great husband and father. Within short order, Mike often talked of his beautiful wife of 28 years, Angelia, rambunctious sons Floyd and MAT, and darling daughter Kentia. Yes, of course, he presented them in stories ranging from eat-

ing a whole bag of Oreos with his three-year old (many years back) to the over-protective dad routine on Kentia’s Prom night (May 2009).

Some men may be destined for greatness, Mike was just born GREAT. Angelia lovingly said it best, “I can’t move now, as Mike has built everything in this house for me.” There lies Mike’s legacy, a kind, caring family man best known for his smile, laugh, inquisitiveness, and ability to make even the dullest of events into a comical story.

Mike will be greatly missed. I think that is why God brought him home at a young age; He just needed to hear many incredibly amusing stories from one of his finest creations. Rest In Peace My Friend.

(Justin Rueb, Class of’79 CS-12) -

Dan “Robby” Robinson

Frank L. Ott, II, ’80 Ft. Col. (retired) Frank “Spanky” Tamar Ott, II, 50, passed away April

23, 2009 in Niceville, Fla. After graduation, Spanky went to pilot training in Columbus, Miss, and became aT-38 IP, met Karen Beaudoin (she was a student at Mis-

sissippi University for Women) and they were married June 2, 1984. He went on to fly the F-16 and retired after 25 years of distinguished service. Frank’s distinguished service and valor in combat earned, among

others, two Air Medals, an Aerial Achievement Medal, Purple Heart, six Meritorious Service Medals and

Michael A. Thomas, ’79

National Defense Service Medal.

After his retirement, Spanky

On May 20, 2009, the laughter in the world greatly lessened as Lt.

transitioned to a career with Delta

Col. (Ret.) Michael A. Thomas (Class of’79 CS 12) died from complications associated with routine suigery. Mike, the oldest of three boys,

Airlines, where he flew 737, 767 and

lived his childhood in New Jersey, but his entry into USAFA in June

black belt in karate and volunteered his time teaching young people mar-

-

MD-88 aircraft. He went on to earn a

1975 must have been exceedingly hard because Mike was never with-

tial arts in the community. He was a

out a smile. Needless to say, he was

quickly conditioned to answer to “Hey you, smiling man.” All of us in Guts Squadron knew exactly who the cadre was addressing.

Frank “Spanky” Ott

fourth degree knight for the Knights of Columbus at Christ Our Redeemer

Catholic church.

Spanky is survived by his wife of 25 years, Karen Beaudoin Ott;

It’s not that Mike was a rope; it

daughter M. Joanna Ott Hendrix, her husband Captain Daniel

that Mike just loved life. His zest for life became even more

Hendrix (USAFA Class of 2004); son John Jacob (J.J.) Ott (USAFA Class of 2014); mother, Bobbie Bacon Ott; brother Major Karl E. Ott; and sis-

apparent when Mike would later

ter Robin Ott.

was

these rather mundane events into majestic comical sto-

spin

ries that made even the most stoic

of individuals

laughing.

their gut Yet, no one had a more

split

distinctive, uplifting laugh than Mike You did not have to wonder if he was around. You could hear

that Fife’s-Great

Faugh of his

whenever he was awake.

Mike epitomized the phrase “Service before Self.” An active commu-

nity volunteer and organizer, Mike gave his all to everyone he knew, which explains his tremendous impact on Civil Air Patrol youth and other organizations for which he earned numerous awards and recognitions. We will also never forget Mike’s childlike inquisitiveness about everything. For example, one day he completely disassembled the electrical system of his year-old Trans Am and had it strewn all over our Sacramento apartment because “something just did not seem to be

Spanky was laid to rest at the U.S. Air Force Academy on April 30, 2009. He will be remembered for his faith, leadership, his passion for aviation and service to country, loyalty to friends, and mostly his devotion and love for his family. He is missed by all and will live in my heart forever. (Karen Ott, Frank’s wife)

Sheldon G. White, ’92 Ft. Col. Sheldon “Shel” White, 38, stationed at Redstone Arsenal, Ala.,

passed away on April 3,2009. His memorial service was April 16th at the Redstone Arsenal Bicentennial Chapel, where Chaplain James Benson officiated and Col Alan Burke, ’84, presented the eulogy. Shel was to be laid to rest in his home state of Maine in June with full military honors.

Shel was born June 9, 1970, and graduated from Fee Academy High School in Lee, Maine, in 1988. Later that summer he began his cadet career with aspirations to fly. Those of us in CS-24 remember his wit, artistic abilities, and wide range of interests. After graduation in 1992, Shel was one of many given deferred entry into pilot training due to the pilot training drawdown of the early ’90s.

79

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

ment was Providence at work, for this is where he met the love of his

rica, Mark summited Mt. Kilimanjaro several years ago. Mark was a true engineer and craftsman, building items such as custom furni-

life and br ide, Lydia. At Hill AFB he became an official Air Force hot air

ture, a foundry, and a kegerator, and always trying to improve things

He was assigned to Hill AFB, Utah, while he waited.

This assign-

balloon pilot—how many of us can say we did that? He finally got as-

and make them more efficient. His other hobbies included photog-

signed to Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laughlin AFB, Texas,

With all of his talents, colleagues share that he was respected as

where he earned those coveted

wings and the top academic award.

He was then assigned to Vance AFB, Okla. as an Instructor Pilot.

Unfortunately while at Vance, medical reasons cut short his mili-

tary flying career, but Shel quickly refocused to tackle a broad spectrum

of assignments in the Air

much for his abilities as he was for his wit and sarcasm. An old friend “

I'll always remember your razor sharp posted the following online: wit, your intellectual curiosity, and your ability to create anything that you could visualize in your mind. I once asked you how you figured out how to make so many different things and you responded in your classic Graz manner by replying, ‘without guys like me, guys like you would still be scratching on walls in a cave....’ Of course, you were right, but my laughter was as much out of respect for how capable of an individual you were as

it was for your sarcasm....”

Mark is survived by his parents, Helen and Gary, brother Nicho-

These assignments ineluded Robins AFB, Ga. working on

las, grandmother Mary, many aunts and uncles, cousins, colleagues and good friends. He was greatly respected, well loved, and will be

Reserve training; Gunter AFS, Ala.

painfully missed and never forgotten. Mark was buried with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on July 9, 2009. (The family)

Force.

fielding worldwide communications and computer capabilities for Sheldon “Shel” White the President and US leadership; Offutt AFB, Neb., again developing command and control tools for senior leadership; then back to Alabama, where he was assigned to the Missile Defense Agency Warfighter Support Center at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville.

Jonathan C. Bayless, ’03 Captain Jonathan C. Bayless was born on Dec. 24th, 1980 a Christmas gift for his family. And that was the enduring theme of Jon’s life that of giving of himself to help others.

As he was growing up, Jon exhibited many talents: he was incredibly bright as well as a gifted entertainer. He had the lead in the school play at the age of eight, sang in the USAFA Show Choir, acted in the play Guys and Dolls, and played the lead role in USAFA’s production of Jesus Christ, Superstar. With all these talents, he could have taken any of several paths. However, Jon chose a special path, that of serving in the defense of his nation. You see, he knew that the God-given gifts of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness aren’t free, so he gave -

-

Lt. Col. White was the proud father of eight children: daughters

Boston, Christina and Temperance; sons Michael, Tatton, Tiberius,

Talon, and Tell. Three of his children are currently serving in the US Air Force (Michael, Tatton, and Tiberius). He was also a blessed grandfather of one grandson with another one on the way.

Shel was a dedicated family man, always full-throttle with his family activities, school, sports, church and community. He was espe-

dally willing to take-on the big projects with the children, such as raising a horse. Shel was a great husband, father, grandfather, officer, and leader. His family, our community, the Phantoms of CS-24, the Air Force, and our country will sorely miss him—until we meet once more

raphy and beer making.

of himself to ensure others could

in Heaven. (James Buck, '92, CS-24)

have these blessings.

After graduating the from the U.S.

Mark P. Graziano, ’00

Air Force Academy, Jon became a

Mark P. “Dash” Graziano, Major, USAF, was killed at the young age of

missileer joining the ranks of those

30, while flying a training mission at Test Pilot School at Edwards Air

providing America’s nuclear shield and sword. He quickly became an evaluator, ensuring the qualifica-

Force Base, Calif, on May 21, 2009.

Mark was a Distinguished Graduate of the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., Class of 2000, with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, and was a member of

tion of every crewmember on the

Sigma Gamma Tau, the National Honor Society in Aerospace Engineering. He attended pilot training at Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, Texas, graduating in September 2001,

own when he earned the title of in-

structor, where he could give of his amazing operations talents to help

Jon Bayless

others better themselves.

Jon’s abilities weren’t exhausted as an instructor

-

not even close.

He was handpicked to lead the scripts section where he gave of his

Air Refueling Squadron at Grand

Forks AFB in North Dakota for over

powerful intellect along with creativity to build some truly challenging scenarios. I’m sure many of our crews will tell you Jon’s scenarios

four years. During that time, he served many missions overseas in

stretched our missileers and made them stronger. As a leader, he always had an upbeat attitude and brought humor to a very serious

support of Operation Iraqi Free-

business. Even in the stress of a tough workplace, he gave of himself

dom and

through laughter to keep his troops running at full stride and let them know he truly cared for them.

Jon didn’t confine his giving to his Air Force duties. Many of us are privileged to have heard him sing and a privilege it was to enjoy his beautiful voice, especially when he used it to honor our country by singing the national anthem. He clearly understood the words in Matthew’s gospel about letting his light shine for all to see. We are honored to have been illuminated by his light.

We didn’t realize Jon’s true gift and impact on all of us until the day after he passed. When the 91st OSS, then the rest of the 91st Operations Group learned of his passing that day, we were amaz ed by the outpouring of emotion, and the gift of strength and support the members of these units gave one another. You see, Jon’s truest gift to all of us was friendship; both the friendship he gave to us and the friendship he taught us, through his lasting example, to give to others. Jon

in the KC-135 refueler, and was up-

graded to Aircraft Commander in less than three years. He also com-

Mark Graziano

pleted his instructor pilot upgrade.

From 2007 to 2008, at the 99th Reconnaissance Squadron, Beale AFB, Calif, he served as a U-2 Aircraft Commander Pilot #828 in many overseas missions, Squadron Training Officer, U-2 Instructor Pilot and TIn January 2009, he entered the Test Pilot pro-

gram at Edwaids. Concurrently, he earned his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Idaho.

Mark was an avid reader and was particularly well read in aviation, science, history, and many other disciplines. In addition to being certified in skydiving, and traveling to Europe, the Pacific, and Af 80

But he really came into his

and was then based with the 911th

Operation Enduring Freedom, flying 100 combat sorties

38 Instructor pilot.

force.

-

would be proud to know we learned a valuable lesson in life, that of

at the Academy to honor the character and leadership ideals that were

giving to help our brothers and sisters though both bad times and good.

As we remember Captain Jonathan C. Bayless and the gifts he

important to Roz. (Bryony Veater, ’06, friend ofRoslyn)

shared with us, we r ealize he lives on in all of us as w e share his memory.

At press time we had learned of the deaths of the follow-

Right now his voice is singing with the angels, and his music, as was his life, is truly a gift from God. Capt Bayless is survived by his mother, Ms. Rita Stonehouse, his aunt and uncle Lynn and Bob Bayless, and numerous friends and

ing graduates: Col. (Ret) Gary D. Lentz, Class of 1962, who died on June

teammates at Minot Air Force Base.

(.Lt: Col. Todd J. Schollars, Com-

mander, 91st Operations Support Squadron, Minot AFB, N.D.)

28, 2009 in Farmville, Va. Mr. Michael E Bradshaw, Class of 1963, who died on June

30, 2009 in Tyler, Texas Capt. (Ret) Robert V. Mahoney, Class of 1963, who died

June 26 in Temecula, Calif.

Lt. Col. (Ret) John J. Davis, Class of 1964, who died on Jan. 16, 2008 in Virginia. on

Roslyn L. Schulte,’06 1st Lt. Roslyn Littmann Schulte, Class of 2006, was killed in action

outside of Kabul, Afghanistan on 20 May 2009 by a roadside bomb and she was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

At the time of her death she was assigned to CSTC Afghanistan -

working with Afghan military officials teaching them how to gather and interpret intelligence. Roz is survived by her parents, Robert and Susie Schulte, brother Todd, and boyfriend Captain Bruce Cohn.

Roz grew up in St. Louis, Mo. and graduated from John Burroughs School in 2002 where she was an All-American lacrosse player. At the academy she served as Group Com-manderWing Super intendant, and womeiis lacrosse Team Captain. In 2006 she graduated the academy with a degree in Political Science with military and academic honors. Upon graduation Roz went to intelligence training and was subsequently assigned to HQ PACAF at Hickam AFB with the

613th AOC. One of my favorite memories oc-

curred when we were roommates and she was Wing Superintendant.

It was the first snow of the season, what most four degrees know as ‘First Shirt, First Snow’ and being on Wing Staff she was the biggest tar-

get on terrazzo. After warding off several four degrees attempting to

drag her out to the snow we thought

Roslyn “Roz”Schulte

in the

clear as Taps sounded. It was then that I made

we

were

the critical mistake, I opened the door and just as the deadlock clicked open two squadrons who had joined forces swept into our room, overtook Roz and proceeded to carry her outside. I remember her dazzling

smile as I tried to pull her away from 30-plus freshmen; her poise and grace evident even when being thrown into the snow.

Roz loved being in charge, but never sought to be the center of at-

tention. At her funeral her brother Todd remembered how one birth-

day she even hid under the table when it was time to sing Happy Birthday. At Roz’s funeral service, held in St. Louis, Mo. at Temple Israel on Memorial Day, it seemed Roz was once again attempting to shy away from the spotlight. Thick clouds covered the sky, matching the somber mood of the rain-drenched masses who could not be

deterred, by any attempts, from honoring such an amazing woman and the sacrifice she had made. As if to give her loved ones a moment of reprieve the rain stopped and the skies cleared just long enough for a 21-gun salute and flyover of a C-17 from Roz’s home unit at Hickam AFB.

Many of us didn’t realize it at the time, but Roz was a mentor to her subordinates, peers, and superiors often helping us to see the error of our ways without us knowing that we were ever really wrong in the first place. Her rabbi remembered her in pre-school as “Roz, the un-

stoppable force,” a statement that still rings true. The impact she made on every life she touched is that undeniable, unstoppable force that will define her memory.

Upon hearing of her death, Rep. (NY) Scott D. Murphy lamented before the House of Representatives, “Let us never forget the true costs of freedom that we so often take for granted.” Roz will forever be

remembered as a true professional, loyal friend, devoted teammate, and for her beautiful smile. never

Roz, we will miss you always, and will

take your sacrifice for granted.

A Memorial to 1st Lt. Schulte is being established through the AOG

Mr. Geoige N. Klimis, Class of 1976, who died on July 2, 2009 in Tarpon Spring, Ha.

Lt. Col. (Ret) Blaine S. Holman, Class of 1987, who died

July 23, 2009 in Los Angeles, Calif.

Capt. George B. Houghton, Class of 2002, who died on

on

June 23, 2009 in an F-16 accident near Hill AFB, Utah.

Capt. Mark R. McDowell, Class of 2005, who died on July 17, 2009 in an F-15 accident in Afghanistan.

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of these graduates.

Procedures for Submitting Obituaries on Air Force

Academy Graduates

The AOG has received numerous queries concerning the procedure for

submitting obituaries on Air Force Academy graduates. The chronology of events is outlined below.

Most often, the AOG is informed of the passing of a graduate shortly after his or her death, usually by a next of kin or a classmate. The AOG contact for

reporting a graduate’s death is Michele Cowan who may be reached at

Michele.Cowan@aogusafa.org or (719) 472-0300 extension 151.

Michele immediately updates the deceased’s record to ensure no future mailings are sent to the deceased, then notifies the AOG staff, the Superintendents office, Academy Mortuary Affairs, the deceased graduate’s class and the Falcon Foundation (in the event the deceased graduate was a Falcon Foundation Scholar). At this point the AOG President/CEO and the Academy Superintendent send a letter of condolence to the next of kin, the death notice is posted to the AOGWeb site and the graduate's folder is sent to the Checkpoints obituary editor,Tom Kroboth (Tom.Kroboth@aogusafa.oig and 719-472-0300 extension 133).

A few weeks after the letters have been sent by the AOG President/ CEO and

the Academy Superintendent, Tom sends a letter to the next of kin requesting an obituary for Checkpoints and a current photograph for inclusion in the next issue of the magazine. The letter explains that the article may be written by a family member, classmate or close friend of the deceased and includes a deadline for the next issue of the magazine.

If there is no response to the initial letter fromTom to the next of kin by the time the next magazine is published, Tom sends a second and final request letter to the next of kin after that magazine is mailed. If there is no response to the second letter, no further contact with the next of kin is pursued.

The length of the obituary is limited to 600 words or less to be mailed as a Word attachment to an email or included within the email itself. The photo may also be sent electronically as a jpeg (preferred) or tif but needs to be a minimum of266 dpi (dots per inch) resolution for use in the magazine. If the writer of the obituary does not have access to a computer, both the article and

the photo may be sent by regular mail in which case the photo will be returned to the sender once the magazine is published.

Normally, the wr iter contacts Tom Kroboth directly by email and the process ofhaving the article published begins. All obituaries published in Checkpoints are to be approved by the next of kin unless their whereabouts are unknown.

Once the magazine is published, the AOG sends a complimentary copy to the next of kin, and if a hard-copy photograph was provided, returns the photograph inside the magazine. The AOG also provides a few extra complimentary copies of the book if requested by the next of kin for family members.

Information Concerning Burial at the Air Force Academy Cemetery: The contact for Air Force Academy Cemetery Burial or Services is J anet Edwards, Mortuary Officer at the Academy. Her contact infer mation is Janet.Edwards @usafa.af.mil and 719-333-3323. Cell: 719-330-5800. Janet is familiar with all Academy regulations regar ding burial in the Academy Cemetery.

Finally, there is a kiosk at the Academy Cemetery that contains obituaries and photographs which have appeared in the “Gone But Not Forgotten” section of Checkpoints. These items are provided to J anet byTom once they appear in the magazine. If no obituary or photo has ever been published in the magazine, they also will not appear on the kiosk.

81

part, by far, was the 2+ days in Antarctica. Wasn't that impressed with most of the South American cities, just more big cities. Buenos Aires, Montevideo, and Rio de faneiro all reminded me very much of European cities, only dirtier and

decaying. “

Pete Todd

However, I'd do it again just for the time in Antarctica! Howl'd love to take a 40-50' sailboat down there and cruise the archipelago for a few weeks. Of course, I'm not so sure I'd like to cross the Drake Passage again in a40-50' boat.

We were on the MS Amsterdam and the force 8 gale during our crossing was moving that 750' ship quite a bit. Then again, if I could afford to own a 50' sailboat, I' d just have it shipped to Palmer Station and cruise from there!

“Met another zoomie on the cruise, Ben Menges (Class of ’98) and his bride, Emily. He's stationed in Peru on an Olmsted Scholarship. They are a delightful couple and outstanding ambassadors for both the USAF and AFA. They want

1250

me to visit them in Peru and I

Big Valley Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80919-1015 H: (719) 531-5874 E-mail: petetodd@comcast.net

just might take them up on that!

“It was surprisingly warm in Antarctica—well, above freezing during the day anyway—so I was in shorts most of the time. Folks kept taking my picture so they could show the Nutcase in Antarctica Wearing Shorts, They don' t know ”

“

what cold is; a tent at 12,000' in a Colorado winter is cold!”

Last March, Bill and Anna Telford did a little practice socializing to get into

After all the excitement ofthe 50th Reunion, the Class of’59 has apparently

“

returned to their burrows for extended hibernation on supplemental oxygen.

the swing of things for the Reunion. His report: Wayne and Bonnie J efferson have this time-share at Hilton Head Island and invited us for a stay. Dennie and

The absence of summertime correspondence requires me to shake out the old

Trude See were there for four days and, when they left, we moved in. (Got there

mailbag for some earlier news that had to be archived due to space constraints.

Given the imminence of another rousing Falcon football season, I’ll cast back to this gear's “Souper Bowl” party hosted annually by Craig and Ioann Schaum.

Craig reported, “Everyone had a ‘souper’ time, especially the McClain team as you may be able to tell from the picture.

just when the weather turned warm.)

“SinceTom and Karen Stack live in Savannah, we decided to do some

sightseeing and met them for lunch along with the Sees who were also staying in Savannah. We met at the restaurant'Lady and Sons,’ owned by Paula Deen, a famous Southern lady who has a TV cooking show. Personally, I went for the camaraderie, not the food. “

It was a pleasant respite and the conversation, as always, was great. We fol-

lowed that with a ‘trolley’ tour of Savannah and then back to Hilton Head. Next day, Wayne and I hit some golf balls while the ladies had a field day at the shops

They are the local version of a‘stimulus package TThe local shop owners hated to see them go. All in all, a fun couple of days.”

Brian Parker explains his beautiful surroundings in the accompanying photo as follows. Fran and I attended a fund-raiser at the Hilton representing the local American Legion Post 159, May 1. (It's weird how that 59 keeps popping up.)

ThreeTexas A&M females founded anon-profit called ‘Grateful Nation Foundation. The brother of two ofthem (twins) was seriously wounded in Iraq in 2003 and is still recovering. Check it out www.usgrateful.org. It's quite interesting.

One of the founders, Megan, briefed the Legion Post and “

’

“

the P ost became a sponsor. For several years, I have been ’

helping the ‘Salute Americas Heroes folks in getting the A&M Athletic department to host some wounded from Brooke Army Medical Center to one appreciation baseball, football, and basketball game each season. So I offered to share my The Happy Bowlers: Front rowfrom left are Pat Zaleski, Pill Gulledge, Carolyn

Rodgers,Phyllis PhillipsJaneVosika (kneeling), and GeneVosika.Second row: Charlie Zaleski, Charlie Rodgers, and John Gulledge. Third row: Kris McLain, Carol Thomson, and Dave Phillips. Fourth row: Bill McLain, and Larry Thomson. Top row: Joann Schaum, Craig Schaum, and Bob Hurley.

Chuck Ferrari took a holiday from climbing the Colorado “Fourteeners” last winter and reports on a most interesting cruise. “Linda and I are still detoxifying from the“ Munchie Marathon” on the South American cruise. The best

contacts for free food, transportation, admissions, etc When

asked by the Post Commander to represent the Post at the fundraiser in his

absence, I of course said that it would be a great hardship, but I would attend.

Ifyou pull up the site, you'll see what a wonderful evening these girls had

planned honoring wounded flown in by the Veterans Airlift Command. The guest speaker was Lt Michael Thornton, a Navy Seal Medal of Honor recipient.

“After the social hour, we found our table and gradually the table was filled with beautiful young Aggie sorority ladies. Megan had planned this to keep us old folks entertained. So, that's the story behind the picture eight beauties -

and me.

Brian’s suggested caption: Bragging rights,’ or maybe, 7 ain't as good as I once was, but I'm good once as I ever was, ’as in the popular song.

“We went to a Tango sho w in BuenosAires and Igot inspired.Ibelieve the young lady on the right is makingsome nonverbal comment about my Tango dancing!

I think the shorts and running shoes added a bit ofpanache, don 'tyou agree?’’

82

“Coincidentally, Megan's dad is Colonel Pete Bunce (USAF Ret), USAFA Class of 1979.1 was proud to meet him and congratulate him on raising such a fine family.

‘As Fran and I entered the corridor leading to the ballr oom, we saw that it was lined with the honorary Aggie Ross Volunteers in their for mal whites and

sabers. What a feeling of awe as they formed the arch of sabers for us

-

like

”

getting married!

Speaking of nuptials, Jack Bryan shared the good news at the 50th Reunion that he and Ms. Joan Zoppi were to be wed shortly! Congratulations to both of them and a warm welcome to Joan as she joins the ’59er Family.

To close on a more contempor ary note, on 25 June the Class of 2013 was

welcomed (and challenged) at the Challenge Bridge by the Class of 1959. Representing the Class weie Don Brooks, Jim Brown, M axMiller, EdMontgomery and Pete Todd (B ob Browning and Curt Cook were prepared to bat cleanup, but the in-processing finished before their “shift” due to a change in the Doolittle Hall schedule.) The new Supe, Lt Gen Gould, stopped by and thanked the Class for this contribution to the heritage of the Long Blue Line.

Thoughtfor the Quarter: “Moderation in All Things.. .including Moderation.” Petronius (?)

Clark and Shirley Walker

(Rosie) Cler, Jr. 5423 Myrtle Wood

A.J.

“Shirley and I moved to Tullahoma,TN in 1992. We’d been here three times while I was on active duty. After my Southeast Asia tour in 1968, we bounced between here and Edwards, with a remote tour to the Philippines and Korea. I retired from the 4950th TestWing at WPALB, worked for Mar tin-Marietta at Edwards and Orlando, then worked at the Arnold Engineering Development Center and finished my career building the X-43A* in Tullahoma. We have three boys, Pair ick, Keith and

Sarasota, FL 34235-4624 Phone: (941) 371-4843 E-mail: RCtherose@aol.com

Class Web Site: www.usafa.nel/1960

“My wife of 49 years and I are bringing number three and four grandsons (ages 12 and 13) to a hockey camp at USALAfrom 7-12 June. Both have played hockey since they were four years old, and have been on some championship teams. Two years ago they attended a camp at Michigan State, so we will see how it compares,” wrote JP Browning. On July 8th, JP wrote: “The camp could not have been more successful. They had a great time and learned a lot. What was nice is that Granny Carole and I were able to observe the scrimmages a couple of times .We may have another Academy recruit in the 12-year-old (his long hair may be a problem). Carole and I drove them up to the Pikes Peak summit; and we look forward to the time when our six- and eight-year old grandsons are ready for hockey camp. ”

Dennis. Patrick, the oldest, lives in Orlando and has one son,

1-1/2; Keith, #2, married anAPBratfromWPAFB, andfinished school at the U. of Cincinnati they have three sons, oldest 15, and live in Cookeville, TN; Dennis, ouryoungest, finished high -

-

school in California and college at Cal Poly, now works for Cisco Systems in the Raleigh-Durham, NC area and has two

girls and a year-old son.” (Clark Miles Walker’s e-mail: clarkwalker@lighttubenet). *(Lor those who don’t read Aviation Week Clark provided this brief explanatory on this aircraft: “The X-43, or Hyper-X, was a Hypersonic Scramjet, the first successfully flown integrated scramjet engine. I worked for this little company, Micro Craft in Tullahoma that built it. We had

Boeing as a subcontractor and a small company, GASL, on Long Island that actually built the engine .We built the vehicles and did the integration work her e in Tullahoma. They were then shipped to NASADryden to fly. We built fourvehides: a Mach five vehicle, two Mach seven vehicles and a Mach 10 vehicle. ”) ‘Attached is a picture of Roy and Barb J ollyin preparation for an amphibious ”

assault on Ketchikan, AK. This was aboard the good ship Amsterdam, wrote Chuck Diver. The cruise was 23-30 May 09; Seattle to Seattle with stops in “

Juneau, visit to Hubbard Glacier (six miles wide, 72 miles long), Sitka, Ketchikan andVictoria, BC.We didn't get to Victoria, 75 knot winds in the harbor. Miss Edie developed the NoroVirus, along with the official count of 72 others. It made the news in Seattle, and we saw the item on our Channel 7 that night. Edie was con fi ned to quarters for two days (no tours), and we got off the ship at 0800

Saturday. My understanding is that the name NoroV irus is a cover for about four different viruses.

”

"Last month (April) I proudly pinned 2nd Lieutenant bars on CT Douglass IV at Camp Ripley, MN after he had returned to his Minnesota Army National

Guard artillery unit from the two-month OCS course near Talladega RaceTrack, AL (actually, his younger brother, D ax, pinned one side on, as I pinned the

other). 120 of230 candidates made it through the course, 14 from Minnesota, three ofwhom will j oin CT in training this year for deployment to Afghanistan in early 2010. My wife, Brenda, watched with a couple hundred other proud family attendees," wrote CT DouglassIII of Stillwater, MN.

And now from George Elsea, writing from their summer home in Scotland: “Weather here is better than last year. We're doing fine with some interesting side trips to parts of Scotland neither of us has visited before. Last week we toured the Kinnard Head Lighthouse at Lraserburgh the first proper Scottish lighthouse (about 1787). While there we viewed the former site ofthe modern -

-

day anemometer and weather gathering gear which was blown out to sea in 1989 by a wind gust of 187 mph.

Claric and Shirley Walker are still travelling two years ago it was an Alaskan cruise, Hawaii for 10 days last year, and now New Mexico: “J ust got back fro m Santa Le Shirley's niece got married and had a ceremony on a Santa Le Southern RR excursion train out in the Galisteo Basin (High Desert) the train had four passenger cars, and a platform car for the ceremony! The train stopped an hour for the ceremony and to serve Champagne. It was really neat, wrote Clark (see photo at top of next column).

The bride and groom are both in their 40s, and the last ones in either family to marry, making it a big event. “It was a three-day celebration. Between festivities, Shirley and I toured Santa Le by foot. We both enjay histor ical sites and visited the oldest church in the U.S., the San Miguel Mission, founded in 1598.

We also spent a day in Taos, and then drove back through Chama, Rtgosa Spr ings and Alamosa, CO. The drive through the mountains was spectacular. It took two days to drive back to Tennessee As many times as I’ve been through East”

-

-

—

—

”

ern Colorado and Kansas, this was the

greenest I've ever seen them.

“

While vre’re going through our book cases, files and store rooms, deciding

what we do or do NOT wish to keep, we need to consider placing books, pam-

phlets and personal papers concerning aircraft, Academy, flying, or Air Force operations in a separate box; those boxes should then be consigned to the Special Collections Branch of the Academy Library,” suggests Andi, Jock and the AFA Library Staff. They will be happy to go through any collection (lar ge “

or

small), and retain items which enhance their collections, and all others

would then be put into an auction with proceeds going to the library. These items can contribute to our heritage and assist future cadets in countless ways.

(Contact Jock Schwankat jock@schwanks.net).

Renowned flute builder Lew Price said that “Our third annual NoNahme ”

Clan Sp ring F lute Festival went well, once again held in Garden Valley, CA on May 9,2009. Native-American flute placer MaryYoungblood, one of our 'fam-

ily’ of flute makers, flute players, and drummers, gave a concert and a ‘flute j am session. (Lew added: Did you know that Francis Scott Key was a great’”

“

great-great-great+ uncle of mine? My brother was named after him.” So, now you know!). There are over 100 “Flute Circles” in the world, and Lewis one of 83

Class News the foremost flutists, has written 12 books on flutes and also created an advanced computer flute design program.

Ify ou want the e-book OffWe Go, order it from the author Jon S hafer, ’59 -

-

-by requesting this book via E-mail: Starterl3@comcast.net.

Final Roll Call. Linda Marie Whitfield, wife of Howard McLean Whitfield, died June 1,2009 in Jamul, CA.

Earl N. “Nelson” O’Rear

50582 Stonington Drive

Granger, IN 46530-8243 H: (574) 273-2597 E-mail: enoandtjo@gmail.com Class Web Site: www.usafal961.org Lirst, some sad news: Charlene Granberrypassed away on 7 April. Born and raised in Sidney, IA, she moved to Denver after college to work in an advertis-

ing agency and was on a morning television show. Charlene and Carl married in 1961 and had four children. We all extend our condolences and best wishes to Carl and his family.

TomEller plans to appoint soon our 50th Reunion planning committee from among the most strongly interested ofthose who volunteer to serve. If you are

interested, please contact him ASAE Charley Dixon, BillFoster, Lowell Jones, John Kohout, Jack McDonough, HectorNegroni, JimRogers, BillSanzenbacher, andTwyWilliams attended the DC luncheon inVienna,VA, on July 1st and discussed the October MiniReunion. Lowell will send information to all attendees covering the changes,

with times and places for all events. Jim Rogers said that Tom Skillingwas

having surgery at the Cleveland Clinic on July 28th to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm. After a hospital stay of approximately 7 days, 6-12 weeks of recovery follow. They will keep classmates updated.

MarkAnderson’s golf game has improved, but he knows it won' t last. Their ’61 lunches continue on the 4thThursday of the month; he’s still flying the Cessna 210 (mostly around the flagpole), and he and Ginger will visit Argentina in August for about 12 days.

While Stu Boyd’s teaching at the university slows as the contract for the Hill ALB training nears completion, he is also teaching at the Regional Civil Air Patrol Staff College and doing training for their UtahWing. He also flies as aircrow and volunteers, providing one-on-one support for individuals in their depot maintenance wing although he is officially a member ofthe 'Wellness" team. Stu also serves on the staffoftheirlocal church and is a Chaplain for the Utah Civil Air Patrol. Their 25 acres keep him and Mamie

busy. They raise hay on some of their land, both selling it and feeding it to their animals. They are using the Parelli training system to work their three Loxtrotter horses.

Jack Br ightvisited his home town of Cedar Rapids, IA, and this year’s corn crop has the countryside quite green. He had a great time visiting relatives— even the ones he’s never seen before.

After his retirement from Lockheed Martin and 11 years in England and Al-

bania, Pat and Marilyn Buckley are settling into their new home in Satellite Beach, LL. They live 5 miles north of Gene and Judy Davis, who are introduc-

ing them to the local community, and 1 mile south of the Patrick APB South Gate. All four met with Charlie and Linda Neel during their recent visit to Plorida. Pat and Marilyn enjoy the water and have been getting local checkouts on sailing, motor boating, and kayaking on the Banana River and the Atlantic Ocean. In August they leave for New England, England, Albania, Italy, and Spain—returning in November.

Anne and Tom Eller recently returned from a Baltic cruise including Warnemunde, Tallinn, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Stockholm, Mel, and Copenhagen.They visited another Eller inTallinn—if they are actually related, the branch was at least 300 years ago. Terry and Carleen S torm were on a ship right behind them, but never in the same port at the same time. Tom will be teaching Physics at USALA again starting in August. This summer they attended Anne’s family reunion in Arkansas, To rris family reunion near Adanta, and the international Eller Family Association meeting in Nashville.

A July 9th White House press release named Bruce and PatHinds’ son, Bruce J. Hinds III, as one of 100 beginning researchers to receive “the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists andEngineers, the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on young professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers” this fall at aWhite House ceremony. Their son is a professor at the University of Kentucky, working with Carbon N anotubes.

JimHourin’s nephew John Hourin (Jack), his brother Tom’s son, is in the Class of T3. If any of our local classmates would like to be a Cadet Sponsor for Jack, please contact Jim. Bob Kellocksaid that when Samantha Carlson learned that the 100th anniversary running of the Transpac Race from Los Angeles to Honolulu was sellingberths, she applied and was accepted. Samantha sailed for Hawaii on June 29th, Bob flew there July 9 th, and they returned together July 19th. Afterthe 84

system safety lead for Bob's division retired, they asked Bob to take over begin-

ning in April. He agreed, for 6 to 12 months. He's enjoying resurrecting interest in system safety, practiced properly. At the end of April, Bob and Samantha went on the Newport to Ensenada Race with a friend and turned it into a great two-day vacation in Ensenada. They still expect to retire and buy an airplane, later.

Jerry Masonand Jo recently had a bobcat visitor who hung around the pool for about an hour—one reason why they can't have a cat or small dog. (PB, when you visit, better leave your little guys at home.) Their granddaughter Katherine, almost 14, just became Florida state softball champion (probably with a little help from her teammates). Having canceled reservations for a big European cruise, Jo and Jerry are now planning a more modest vacation to Albuquerque/Taos/Santa Fe in August. They hope to share an adult bev eiage with any Graytags in the area.

Joanie and LeeMcCleskey spent a great week tent camping on the Buffalo National River in northwest Arkansas in early June. Working with a local friend with a BIG tractor part ofthe time, the three ofthem cut, trimmed, pushed, and whatever, to clear from the trails the treetops and uprooted trees from a February ice storm. Later in June, they taught Vacation Bible School for a week, then again to children at a church in Galveston, TX, which Hurricane Ike ravaged. They also worked on the Galveston church building. As they were about to depart, Lee fell off their truck. Though no bones were broken nor casts required, he was still limping and popping pain pills in mid-July The last half of J uly, they attended a G eoigia family reunion and visited nine of their grandchildren in the No rthern Virginia area. Two more grandchildren are in Alabama while their dad, Lee and Joanie’s oldest son, is in Iraq for a year. The other two grandchildren were at Lee and Joanie’s for the 4th of July and are now home in Oklahoma.

Like many other ’61ers, SmokeyStover turned the "BIG70" recendy. He had a

great birthdaypartywith family and friends. Afine "Iloveme" slide show, set to ’50s and ’60s music and a special book full ofletters and pictures from the recent and long ago past helped recall many memories. Charlie Thomas, his first roommate (at Lowry), was a surprise guest. Who would have thought a guy from

Queens, NY, and Miami, AZ, would make great roommates and friends? You just never know. Great family and great friends. Nothing else really counts.

Jimmy and Susan Poolecelebrated his 70th birthday on July 1st in Beaver Creek, CO, with two of his children and their families. The Colorado cool

nights were a welcome change to the 100-degree days in Alabama. Highlights included a climb to the top of the “climbing wall” at Beaver Creek and a 10mile bike ride with the grandchildren.

Debbie and Les Schneider are busy, with four of their six children still at home Paul, soon to be 21, just surfaced If om a two-month cruise on aTrident submarine as a Missile Technician. Their four youngest (8-17) are enjoying summer with lots of swimming and sports.

Everyone but Les—he had to work— went on a float trip in mid-July. In August, they all plan a family road trip to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Les works for Flight Safety Int'l as a Training Center Examiner (Check Airman) ontheEmbraer 170/190. Business is slow,

but they look forward to new contracts and increased activity this fall. Debbie and Les just celebrated 15 years together on 7/7 and look forward to at least another 15. His excellent health makes them optimistic about those next 15.

Carleen and Terry Storm had a wonderful Baltic cruise over the 4th of July.

Terry got to see Helsinki and Stockholm and Carleen, Berlin: the countries of their ancestors. He appreciates everyone who voted for him for the AOG Board of Directors. Please send him your thoughts and comments.

Charlie and Gina Thomas had a family gathering (three children and four

grandchildren) in the Florida Keys in June. On July 9th, they flew to London to begin a 12-day cruise including England, Scotland, the Shetland Islands, Norway’s fjords, and Ireland. They are looking forward to seeing classmates during the next football season.

TwyWilliams reports a busy spring with litfie sailing. He and Nancy enjoyan occasional opportunity to baby-sit their sixth and youngest granddaughter, who lives about 4 hours away in Roanoke. They recendy returned Ifom a quick four-day trip to Santee, CA, to enjoy the wedding ofTwy’s oldest grandson.

With five sets of grandparents present, this is an international family in the making. Twy and Nancy took a breather, traveling to Maine to visit Nancy’s sister and husband in a fine old cabin on Green Lake near Ellsworth to enjoy reading on their porch overlooking the lake, fishing, cold water swimming, and of course samplingthe local seafood, especially the’Tobstah”. Nancy and her sister scoured the local shops for NE goods.

Tom and JudyWilson are using their computer daily to follow the BCT schedule and trying to visualize what their grandchildren are doing. The AOG website has a link to the" Webguy," who provides the daily schedule of the Basics and

variety of pictures—quite an advance from our Basic days. It really brings back some special memories and reminds him ofthe lifelong ties and friendships ofthe whole class of’61 that developed from those early "trying" days.

Like many of us, he wouldn't trade those experiences for anything—wouldn't necessarily want to repeat them—but is so glad we all went through it together.

Nelson andTeri O’Rear are looking forward to having their AF son, Brian (’85), and his family within driving distance. Brian is retiring from the Air Force and settling in Louisville, KY. Thanks to all contributors, We would like to hear what you others are doing, a

too.

John W. “Jack” Jamba 4 Judy Court

Satellite Beach, FL 32937 H: (321) 777-5520 0: (321) 861-6279

Cell: (321) 432-1370 E-Mail: jwjamba@aol.com

By the way, Bo and Nancy Ohmann stopped by Satellite Beach a month ago, Caroline and I had breakfast with them at a neighborhood restaurant. They came into town on a

Saturday evening just in time to see a Delta IV rocket launch. After breakfast the next morning I had to catch a plane to Newburgh, N YSo we only spent about an hour and a half together. It was great chatting with them. They were in a new huge camper. It was handy travelling around with their own hotel room. Even if they only get three miles to the gallon. Just kidding! He really got four miles to the gallon. Still kidding. I don’t remember what mileage he got. But overall it was a bargain, and well-equipped and comfortable.

Caroline and I were on a short vacation in North Carolina a month ago and

happened to meet a young man whose name was Tyler Chepolis. I found out that he was a cousin to the Chepolis brothers,William, ’59 and Bob who dropped out of our class Tyler’s branch of the family lost touch with the Chepolis brothers’ branch of the family. I found the address of the older brother in the Register to pass along. By chance, has anyone kept in touch with Bob? If so, let me know.

Moving right along, I have dipped into the 45th reunion photo album for a couple of pictures. The next picture is HeshAltman. He was all dressed up for a good time of reminiscing with his loveable classmates. I haven’t heard from him in a while I think he and his lovely wife Bobbi are still living in Las Vegas.

Hi Redtags. Two of our classmates passed away recently. The first one Ire-

ceived notification ofwas Chuck Turner. I received several emails about Chuck’s

passing. Here is one from Bob Staib that conveys our feelings quite well. “Fellow RTBs, The life of one of our own, ChuckTurner, was celebrated yesterday by his wife, Ellen, his family, and hundreds of friends in McKinney, Texas.

Four RTBs (Jerry Smith, Jim D'Entiemont,WaltHerter, and I) and three Reding Babes (Hlen Turner, Freddie Smith, and Lynn D'Entremont) were among those who honored Chuck's life. His photograph in combat flight gear was prominently displayed beside the pulpit. Chuck's pastor at First United Methodist Church, E)r. Jim Palmer, invited tributes If om those attending. With many parallels in our early ca-

(Webb, Luke, Huns in Europe and RVN), I offered some thoughts as a fellow RTB, Hun driver, and FAC. Chuck's ieers

uniqueness of being both an original Red Tag and an original Misty FAC were my focus, with special emphasis on the courage demanded of the Misty mission. The indomitable spirit ofthe RTBs was palpable in Chuck's life. A funeral service was celebrated on 12 June 2009 at 1000 at the Academy.”

Thanks Bob. Fitting words indeed.

I was also notified about the passing of GaryLentz. Col. Ret. Gary Dean Lentz, M.D., 69, of Farmville passed away Sunday morning, June 28,2009 at his residence. He was born May20,1940 in the Philippines, the son ofthe late Col. Ret. Emmert Carl Lentz, M.D. and Anna Lorraine Ley Lentz. He graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1962 and was a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Medicine. He served in the United States Air Force for 25 years. He then opened his private practice in Farmville where he worked for 12 years.

“Dr. Lentz was an avid golfer and enjoyed animals and the outdoors. He was preceded in death by his wife Eleanor O. Lentz, his brother Dana Carl Lentz and his grandson Kevin Michael King. He is survived by his sons John Sevier KingofSmithfield, Frank Scott King and wife, Rose, ofZebulon, NC, andBrian Richard King and wife, Susan, of Chester; a daughter Carla Ann Lentz of Richmond; grandchildren Christopher Ryan King, Alexis Nicole King, Kaitlin Brooke King, Keegan Hunter Jones andElle Anneliese Miller; and a sister Barbara Ann Gresham of Zionsville, IN. A celebration of his life was held July 2, “

HeshAltman at the 45th Reunion.

I also included a picture of Cliff and Jane Fallon taken at the 45th Reunion.

They had a great time there as you can see by the jovial smiles on their faces. I’m looking forward to the 50th reunion. There has already been a lot of chatter on the Redtag net. It looks like well get an early start to the planning for that one.

Cliffand Jane Fallon at the 45th Reunion.

”

from 6-8 p.m. at Puckett Funeral Home I don’t have any other information on Gary. If any ofyou do, Please forward it to me for publication.

I was reading the latest Checkpoints and came across a story about a new

Thafs it for this semester. Send me some information and stories for the next issue. Go Redtags!

author in the class, none other than Bob Davey At the last reunion, B ob told me about his novel that was in woric. It sounded like real attention-grabber. The title is “The MoonWar” and it’s about intrigue in space It was good to see that it had been published. Congratulations and good luck with it, Bob. My wife already found it listed on Amazon.

In the last issue I promised to provide a picture of the Barber Shop Quartet in which Phil Merkel and Dick Smull sing. (See attached picture.) Their quartet .

Norman I.

(Skip) Lee

63119 E. Cat Claw Lane

Tucson, AZ 85739-2058 Home: (520) 825-7980 Cell: (520) 241-3498

is calledThe Virginia Gentlemen.

E-mail: 54wrs@msn.com

Just after press time last April the AOG learned of the death of Joe Cabuk, Class of 1963, who passed away on April 14th in Florida. Services were held on

Apr 17th at the Oak Ridge Baptist Church, Oak Ridge, LA. Condolences may be sent to his

family in care of his wife, Mrs. Marsha Cabuk, 1625 Girard Rd, Oak

Ridge LA 71264.

The AOG recently learned ofthe death of Robert V. Mahoney, Jr., Class of 1963 who on the 26th of June passed away of cancer inTemecula, CA. Services were held July 7th at the Presidio Main Post Chapel in San Francisco. Condolences maybe sentto his family in care ofhis wife, Mrs. Janice Mahoney, 32956 Rhine Street, Temecula, CA 92592.

Thu will remember in March, Diff announced a “Gift Team”

Phil Merkel is on the left and Dick Smull is 2nd from the right.

(Borling, Caruana, Denend, Dotson, Fox, Johnson, Matjasko,Bill Simpson,leader Roth and DeBerryto advise) to consider a class gift to the Academy targeted for our 50th reunion. In April it was decided to reposition our Class Cups from the 85

*S

Class News AOG Building to a prime location in Arnold Hall. John Borling spearheaded the

search for and approval ofthe new spot which is at the north corridor ofA-Hall

overlooking the ballroom. The Gyr Falcon painting given to the Academy during our 40th Reunion will hang in the same location. On June 29th, theTeam met with the new USAFA Superintendent, LTG Michael C. Gould 76, to discuss the idea of tying the cups to the 1963 class history both oral and video; an idea that appealed to General Gould. With the cups, three portable kiosks or lecterns wirelessly connected with touch screens to the cups are planned. Drue Deberry observed this set up “... will satisfy our wish to preserve and display our class cups, preserve and make accessible our class histor y.” Mick Roth says “We are effectively turning the cups into an accessible history of our class with, hopefully, extensive detail on many of our unique and outstanding members.” On another related item, Lou Matjasko succeeded in finding a cup that matches our cups and after it is engraved it will be placed in the cabinet to recognize President John Fitzgerald Kennedy as an honorary member of the Class of 1963. John Borling added that the JFK cup, the 500th cup, will be inscribed as ours are but with Flonorary added and it will sit in the bottom right hand comer ofthe case.

To distinguish it, the cup will sit on a small replica of the Presidential Seal.

In the photograph theTeam members who participated in the 29 June meetings are pictured with William ‘T’Thompson 73, CEO of the AOG, celebrating the decision. ‘T’ was given the honor of being the first to toast and drink from the Baldacci cup stored in the adjacent cognac case. ’

Jim Diffendorfer, Denny King and Bob Hayes wanted to share their picture with us taken at Joanie's D eli in Woodland Park, CO. Bob and Charlie Ann drove from their home in Monument while Diff and wife Megan stopped off in Woodland Park for a quick visit with the Kings after a longer stay in Gunnison.

John Helinskiand Denny let it be known that Pat Caruanais the new Chairman

oftheB oard for Focus on the Family Ffrt confirmed he replaced Dr. Dobsonas Chairman who will continue to work with the ministry and be heard on the Radio. Pat says the responsibilities of Board Chair will not require a move to

Colorado Springs. Although he will spend more time in Colorado than in the

past Pat says he remains a beach-loving Californian. Congratulations Pat! John Heimburger reported on the graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2009: G raduationWeek was a pleasure and the weather and ceremonies in

Falcon Stadium couldn't have been better. Vice-President Biden greeted each of 1,046 new 2 / Lts and the Thunderbirds roared overhead precisely to the

split-second. The really extraordinary piece to this graduation ceremony was the gr aduation of three 1963 off-spring. Joining John’s son Kais on the stage during the happy time were Ralph Bacueand ByronBartlett' s cadets, Stephanie and Austin.

John and Chris found Kip Kippenhan and wife, Josette, sitting in the same section in the stands making a '63 cheering section for the new grads. It turns out that the Kippenhans came out to the graduation to support one of Kais 7th 1

Squadron classmates.

Two old G rads:John and Kip. From left are King, Hayes,Roth, Thompson, Borling, Matjasko and DeBerry.

Next Steps: theTeam is working to have the Gyr Falcon painting restoration

project completed and both the painting and the cups relocated to Arnold Flail

by October. The kiosks and lecterns will follow. An important step has been taken toward the development of a Class Gift for the 50th reunion. Great job!

Speaking of October, Bob Hayesisworkinghardtogetthisyears’mini-Reunion sorted out. The reunion will be held during the October 17th Wyomingfootballgame (game time is noon). Relocation ofthe cups to Arnold Hall will certainly cause the annual cup turning event to remain in flux. Otherthan that, I think we can expect the

normal mini-reunion routine to remain intact: tailgate two hours before the game andfollowing the game adjournment to Doolittle

Denny Fendelander wanted to let us know how much he and Som were disappointed not being able to make the reunion. They had a trip to India with some relatives and couldn't get back in time When Denny wrote his note they had just returned from a cmise from Singapore to Athens, taking them through the Persian Gulf, Gulf ofAden, Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Denny reported all was very interesting and no encounters with the pirates! He is working to put their India observations on the Class Web Ste. AAfe’re looking forward to the

pictures.

That’s it for now. Again, please to stay tuned to the Web Ste for more infermation on the mini-reunion and the Class Gift Project. Take care and we’ll see you in October.

Hall for cocktails and dinner.

This year’s mini-reunion festivities will be even more fun and

?

yz s

l&f ...JNt fi i m

Bob Hovde

*

|J

206 Walker Ave.

full of events since the Class of ’63 varsity football players chose

Huntsville, AL 35801

theWyominggame todedicatethe 1963 Football Plaque thatmany ofyou supported. Dean Hessand John Gavinare contacting team members about the event and to date they talked to SkinnerSimpson, JimLang, Jerry Tliies, Charles Gebhardt, ChiefNacrelli, JerryAhman, DaveNuss, and DeVere Henderson. Chief

(H) (256) 532-3923 (M) (256) 348-9794 bob@hovde.us

W

has been in touch with DannyEckels and Nick Arshinkoff ”

Bob pointed out to me, “flexibility is the key to airpower so please stay close to the ClassWeb Site for event updates and if you want to be on B ob’s e-mail list

lethimknowatbcahayes@comcast.net. Access the ClassWeb Ste is available through theAOG but betteryetjustwrite (or copy and paste) the URL (http:/ /www.usafa63.org) into your browser and click on'Go’. Once there don’t forget to bookmark the site for future ease of access.

November 4 87,2009 If you haven’t signed up yet, go to www.usafa.org, click on“reunion,” then click on" 1964” and do it. OK, OK, so I haven’t signed up yet but I have my hotel reservation! My main excuse is that Sandy and I just returned from a 25-day trip from Alabama to New Mexico, to Montana, to Wisconsin, to Alabama 6,954 miles! We decided to go see all of those things (e.g., Carlsbad Caverns) that we’ve been driving by all these years, because, “We can always stop and see that!’ We had a great time, and we’re eve n still marr ied! Glacier National Park was my favorite stop no TV, no cell phone no computer connection, and only one road across it! My other excuse is that I’m trying to decide if I want to sign up for golf in November. If I play, I hope I Reunion

-

-

-

-

-

-

get good teammates in my foursome, like last time. I need another one ofthose cool Eisenhower Golf Course shirts!

S ad News -Please keep Tom Morrisand his family in your prayers as they cope with the death of his son, Chr istopher, in June.

Class of 1964 45th Reunion Nov. 4

-

8,2009

Falcons vs. Army Thats two for both Bob and Denny. Nada mas for a while.

86

OldTrolls

-

As usual, the OldTrolls (May) quarterly lunch provides me with

Howie Cohen, Rod Wells, (Is that DJ hiding behind Rod?), Tom Morris, JimHermanson, Jerry Butler, Bob Beverly, and Doug Jenkins at least one photo

-

They’ll be in much better shape for partying than the rest of us. Usto Schultz said he couldn’t make it, but he was contacting classmates as he travelled and twisting arms to make sure everyone was coming to the reunion.

Fred puts on a great reunion practice one more time!

Nag OK, so one more nag before I go. SIGN UP FOR THE REUNION! See -

you there! /f\

Js

%

iflplSP

Rick

Hi

Zurbrugg

2929 Gavin Place

Duluth, GA 30096 Old Trolls Getting Readyfor the Reunion!

Biking forMS-Roger Neelandwrotethathewas participating (again) in the MS BikeTour, “because I want to do something for the people who have been diagnosed and because I want to do something to prevent more people from learning first hand what it means to live with this disease. Roger says that his “bionic knee and bionic hip” are still working, and he has been able to compete in some senior competitions last year including the Colo

(770)476-4437

Itflfepl.

E-mail: ezurb@bellsouth.net

-

”

Hey “65!

Please take amomentto remember Jim (James Scott) Wilson who, we just

Flight (MoodyAFB) in February2009. Brett gave a super talk. It was truly a great honor for Gator Flight members to have the National Commander visit. As Flight Captain of Gator Flight, I presented Brett with a historic aerial photo of Randolph AFB for him to take back to Daedalian Headquarters at Randolph AFB, Texas. Brett continues to make an outstanding contribution to our country through his unselfish efforts and terrific work for the Order of Daedalians

recently discovered, had passed in August of2008 in California. Jim was a 21 st Sqdn mate, and a one time roommate. He was an ardent golfer since before his academy days and was kind enough to call when he and his lovely wife, Linda, were on Hilton Head with friends on a golf outing several years back. We had a most pleasant get-together. Jim had a long, happy marriage, raised a houseful of beautiful ladies, and had great career as a pilot.

Jim was a consummate gentleman; a class act, who will be missed by many.

V\fe lost another terrific classmate in John Torsey. Dennis Murphy wrote: “...our classmate, formerCS 15member, passed away in Bend, Oregon on 29 Apr 09 after a long bout with cancer. He was bur ied at the Academy Cadet Cemetery on 8 May 09, after a beautiful and very moving funeral service at the Cadet Chapel. His funeral was attended by eight classmates (and fellow CS15 members):Will "Trav" Burneyand his wife, Arlis; Brian Esterby; Charles "Brown" Iingamfelter; Denny Murphy and his wife, Kathy Terry Nicholas Gary Silence and his wife, Sherri; Jack Stephenson;

and the Daedalian Foundation.”

and JerryWilkowski. In a memorable moment, the group

-

-

rado State Senior Games and the Huntsman International Senior Games in St. George, Utah. Roger’s goal of $2,000 for this

year’s MS ride from Ttenver to Ft. Collins and back was supported by our classmates through his website. Great work, Roger! (Personally, I thought bicycling and running were great if someone was chasing you!)

Georgia -Nick Lacey sent the following news of a Daedalian meeting at Moody AFB, Georgia: “BrettDula, in his capacity -

as National

Commander, Order of Daedalians, visited Gator

joined in an impromptu singing of the "Air Force Song" at the gravesite in honor oftheir departed friend and classmate.

Anyone who knew Torse will never forget his hearty laugh, wonderful sense of humor, and bigger than life persona. He was a truly unique individual, a man of deep and abiding convictions, with a very large, generous and loving heart. Our deepest love and sympathy go out to his wife, Janis, and his wonderful family as they endure the loss of a loving husband, father and grandfather. May God bless them all and provide them solace as they deal with this tremendous loss. Condolences maybe sent to his family in care of his wife, Mrs. Janis Torsey, 1933 SW Prestwick FI, Bend, Oregon 97702. Memorial contributions can be made in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Please attach tribute #23783048, or to 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105 the local Rirtners in Care Hospice at 2075 NEWyatt Ct., Bend, Oregon 97701.

--

”

Thanks, Dennis, It was easy to like Torse

MikePhillips: “All is well here is northern Virginia being a defense contractor pays the bills. Next month in August I will have been retired from the Air lor ce for 20 years how time flies Again, in M ay this year, as we have done for the last 10 years, we went to the Lakes Region of central New Hampshire to LakeWinnipesaukee for 2 weeks of bass fishing, lobster, shopping, and a few adult beverages. Towing a big bass boat 600 miles is troublesome but worth it.

—

-

Brett and Nick in Georgia.

Maryland- Paul Belmontwanted us to know that the East Coast contingent is practicing for the 45th also. He said that the group “had a delightful visit with FredGregory at his beautiful home in Annapolis. As always, we appreciate the hospitality and friendship that Fred extends to the Classmates in this region each year at this time. Naturally we missed Barbara, but I am pleased to report that Fred is still Fred at his best! He is also a great source of how things are going at the Academy since he is in very close touch with the two ofhis grandchildren currently attending the Zoo. This year there were ten of us in attendance. Lot's of talk looking toward to the big reunion coming up in November. I believe all of us are planning to attend. From left in the photo at the top of the next column are are Ron Growden, FredGregory, Jack Cole, Bill Haley, PaulBelmont, Geoige Anderson, BobLevins, Jeff Levy, Bob Christopher, and Dewey Bar ich On a more personal note, Paul said that Peggy retired in December from the Fairfax County Public Schools after 25 years. They purchased a second home in Colleyville, Texas (right near DFW) that is two doors away from their daughter Lesley, and their two grandchildren, who are21/2&ll/2. Paul and Peggy plan on splitting their time between the two homes. Paul said, “We have already remodeled the Colleyville house to create a nice "guest suite" yes, you are invited to

-

”

-

come visit, as are any of our classmates. See you at the Reunion, if not before!

MikePhillips and Dave Connaughton do Winnipesaukee in May2009.

87

News

Class

We stay each year inWolfeborq NH

-

a resort town

-

right on the lake that thrives

in the summer but rolls up the sidewalks in the winter. This year, another classmates of ours, Dave Connaughton, and his wife, Marilyn, came up from their

home in Wyndam, NH and spent a day at the lake with us. As far as work is concerned some of us from the class of '65 still are at it. I work for SAIC and -

says that it takes a lot of muscle to fly and that he has to lift weights at least three days a week to keep up the strength he needs to push and pull the beast through its aerobatic routines. Mike did not say that he was paying for gas with his

Social Security check—but, then, I didn’t ask.

-

support the Army's Rest and Recuperation Leave Program for troops in the CENTCOM AOR for over 6 years I've run (with major help from Air Mobility Command) the contract air flights from CENTCOM to the CONUS and back as of July we've had almost 800,000 troops participate in the program they --

-

-

--

days of R&R leave then go back to the sand box. I'm the only AF guy in a small group that runs the program and the only one that has a clue about airplanes. Frankly, the Army is quite ill equipped to do this work. For the next fishing trip --in mid July, I will be going to the upper New River in SW Virginia for a trip to catch a Muskie the fish of 10,000 casts. If I catch one, I'll send you a picture for Checkpoints let me know what the deadline for the next issue is. My trip is on 22 July.” Thanks Mike. It does me good to see you and Dave looking well and having fun.

Zoomienation: May your humble scribe make an unsolicited pitch for each of you to consider. Without prejudice, it seems clear that print media is rapidly going the way of the Neanderthal. The AOG’s annual Register ofGraduates is in transition and it is easy to imagine an all-electronic Checkpoints in the not too distant future. Being no fan of social networking web sites or 140byte thumb-sucking, it does make some sense to my shrinking cerebral cortex to; at least, make a small move in the direction of the “electronic community”.

The cleverly named Zoomienation.usafa.org seems to feel comfortable for a newbie like me. Natur ally, one has to sign-in and have a password, but it all seems pretty benign. We even have our own Group “65’s Best Alive” with 7 come home for 15

—

--

Mike Kennedy as he prepares to slip the surly bonds with his new toy.

Dan Larson writes that he has retired for the third time. He says that this time

there was no ceremony, dinner, or plaques. It sounded like the Beltway Bandit version of'old soldiers just fade away”. The contract ran out and Dan didn’t feel like chasing after a new one! So he put his Maryland house on the market and moved up to his summer cottage near Lake Ontar io. While Dan is settling into retirement, he and his wife, Karen, took a trip around South

members.

Dakota’s Badlands and Black Hills. At one point, they ended up in the middle

So, here is my plea, let’s make it easy and anticipate the inevitable, just log-on to Zoomienation, join the “65’s BestAlive” group and see the cars that we drove

of a heard of 1200 Bison. All that bull reminded him too much o (Washington

First Class year and post up yours! Let’s see those pictures ofyou and the grands

and that bill fish you caught at Cabo in June, you on your hog in Sturgis, or higher than a kite at Burning Man. At our age, it doesn’t matter.

Arecentpost (on Zbomienation.usafa.org-65’sBest Alive): From Jim Spittier: May 2009: “G ame on. The reunion is set for Wed Sep 29 thru Sat Oct2,2010for our 45th Reunion Itis the weekend ofthe Navy game. Usually early Oct is the best time ofthe year here so we anticipate great weather for the game, golf tournament, and any other outdoor activities. We are going to be at the Antlers Hotel again this reunion. It gives us the opportunity to go to Jack Quinn's onWednesday nightwith early registrants and also access to some good restaurants in the immediate vicinity. Thursday will be registration and cocktails and heavy hors d'ouvies (sic). Friday is Banquet and probably a band for dancing. Sat is game day and on your own for squadron gatherings Saturday night. Essentially we have blocked 100 rooms on THU, FRI & SAT. Once we open up registration we encourage

DC, so they moved on to Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse monument, and the Ellsworth Air Museum. Dan says that the 8th Squadron guys (formally known as “Evil” but now just “curmudgeonly”) are planning to get together in DC for the Navy game in October. He also promises pictures ofthe event

for our scrapbooks.

Speaking of squadron get-togethers, the “Seagrams Seven” Squadron had their 11th annual reunion in St Louis this year. Jim Simpson reported that the usual suspects, hosted by Randy Jayne and BillHudspeth, played golf, attended a Cardinal’s baseball game, played some mor e golf, ate a lot, and thought about some more golf. This year, they were able to visit with Bill Heitman, who has always been with the group in spirit, but has not been able to travel for the last fewyears because of his battle with Parkinson’s.

classmates to make their reservations quickly. We have to take down at least 80

night or we pay a penalty Ifwe go over 100 they can probably get us additional rooms. Lasttime we didn't quite make 100 anynight and we'd blocked 150. We didn't get dinged last time”.Thanks for the Heads Up, Jim and all your hard work (and of those other Colorado Springs helpers) on our behalf.

Be well, enjoy a colonoscopy, get a PSA, eat no meat and as the ROC would rooms per

say, “Cheers”, Rick.

Ryan Denny 1635 Mary Todd Lane O’Fallon, IL 62269 H: (618) 624-4255 W: (314) 232-5117

E-mail:

ryanden@aol.com

Greetings, Redtags! As I’m writing this newsletter, the baseballAll Star Game is being played here in St Louis. A local newspaper commented that the last time this game was played in St Louis was in 1966, and how much things have changed since then. Nokidding! Most of the people participating in todays All Star Game (including the coaches, owners, and officials) weren’t alive in 1966—just like most of the people in today’s Air Force weren’t alive in 1966. But, as always, somethings never change. The baseball players still love to play the game— and Air Fo ice pilots still love to fly, even if they have to use their Social Security checks to pay for the gas.

A case in point is M ike Kennedy, who says that he just can’t stop flying. Since he retired from the Air Force, Mike has been flying vintage aircraft and thrilling crowds at various air shows all ar ound the country. When his partner and flight lead retired from this business, Mike decided to go back in history and start a newWW

Seagrams Seven Spring Ring. Back row: Bill Dunne, Bill Hamm Jim Boney, Dick Guido, Randy Jayne, Bill Hudspeth. Front row: Jim Simpson, Bill Heitman, Larry Lundholm, Bob Gravelle.

Tom Markham and a group of ’66ers joined up at a B-17 event sponsored by the “Wings over the Rockies” Air and Space Museum at the old Lowry AFB. The guest speaker was Maj Nicole Malachowski (’96), the first female Thunderbird pilot. Tom says that she was a great speaker, and you can see from the picture below that she doesn’t mind hanging out with old fighter pilots. Tom is still finishing up the redevelopment of the former Lowry AFB,

II aerobatic act. He tracked down a 1942Vultee BT-13 Valiant in Wisconsin and

brought it back to his home inTennessee for his new air show. This aircraft, known as the “Vibrator” was a basic training aircraft that almost every WWII Air Force or Navy pilot flew on the way to earning their wings. Mike says that the BT-13 is a very large; noisy, thirsty, oil-covered bird—but a joy to fly. He also 88

Old fighter pilots surround a Thunderbird. MartyDaack, Tom Markham,

John Fall,Major Nicole Malachowski (’96),VicAndrews, Ron Boatright, and Ken Boone.

leading for the last several years. He says that the slow real estate market has delayed its completion until at least 2011 (or whenever he gets ready to retire).

If you were paying attention when you read the last edition of Checkpoints, you might have noticed that there was a mix up of a picture of a couple of us Redtags with a picture from the class of ’65. You all were probably wondering how JohnCasper and Lee Smithhad gone downhill so fast, and the guys in ’65 were starting to brag about howyoung their classmates still looked. Don’t worry, John and Lee are still as young and good looking as they ever were (whenever that was). Keep those e-mails coming. Until the nexttime... .Happy Landings! an effort that he has been

“.. .Can there be any better example of why we need leaders with honor? There should be no doubt among Air Force Academy graduates that, if one of us were in the chain of command, we would have stood up and spoken the truth. Sadly, I don’tthink we produce graduates todaywith that knee jerk reaction to always

speak the truth. I can think of no more important mission than to restore our Cadet Honor Code to the status it once had at USAFA of being the sine qua non of our Academy experience... His message of concern was forwarded to our ”

class AOG reps and others, and to BG (ret) Mai Wakin, who continues to be a force in issues of ethics and integrity in the military. Roy, thank you for keeping honor on the front burner.

There are two current requests for information from family members of classmates, and others. The first is from “... a niece of Jim Smith... Pam Ruprecht... email: pmprecht@me.com. It seems that"... their family does not have much

Larry Wilson

info about Jim's days atthe Academy and his AF days. They are especially short

13100 Pinehurst Ave. NE

of pics and would love to hear any stories you guys have about Jim... She has a house... in Park City... She would love to hear from any of you... Another ”

Albuquerque, NM 87111 H: (505) 291-8949 E-mail: Lwilsn628@aol.com

request is from a ’67 West Point grad who was a friend of Jim Steadman, and who is interested in communicating with family or friends of Jim. If any of you particularly from CS-04 wish to communicate with this individual, feel free to contact me, and I will try to make a connection.

In a bit of good business news “Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) announces its new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer: WW. (Bill) Boisture Jr... Afighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force (USAF), Boisture graduated from the -

Ah, summertime

in NewMexico the temps have been running in the 90s,

—

with rare thunderstorms to break the monotony. Thunderheads build over the mountains most days they are spectacular, but usually with no rain, or —

very spotty rain; sometimes with virga, the wisps of precipitation that evaporate before reaching the ground, visible in the distance as sheets of mist. The Rio Grande is still flowing fairly high though little snow pack remains. It is a nice time of year compared to many parts of the country and the world as it is very non-humid relative humidity in the high 20s is usually noticeable, and -

complain about it. How does all that compare to where you live?

This weather generally also accompanies some breakdown in my sprinkler system, so my lawn is spotted with brown where some sprinkler head has malfunctioned. And the problem is usually not noticed until the brown gives it away. As you may have surmised, I am not really a “lawn beautiful" guy...

But enough of that on with the class news: To begin with it appears that there are plenty of good golfers among the ’67 crew in the Colorado Springs area, including but not limited to Roger Carleton, BobMuldrow,Ralph Femrite, Jack Fry,Tom Griesser, AlDaines, and Rick Wfeizenegger. Some ofthem gather to play the Acad emy courses periodically, and it seems that they take turns taking one another’s money and passing it around amongst the group. Except that Ralph seems to pretty consistently end up with more than his fair share. Well done, Ralph.

Perhaps some have been keeping track this year was the 50th anniversary of the gr aduation of the Academy’s first class. O ne of that original gr oup, Jon Shafer, wrote a book about that experience, named OffWeGo... If you are interested, please check it out at your favorite on-line or other book store.

Another of our class bought the farm recently- Bob Fortin passed away after a courageous battle with lung cancer particularly scary as Bob never smoked. we

USAF Hghter Weapons School and the U.S. Navy FighterWeapons School

("Topgun" school). He earned his bachelor's degree in engineering management from the U.S. Air Force Academy and his master's degree in business administration from the University of New Haven. He was on the board of directors for the Association of Graduates of the Air Force Academy for eight ”

years and continues as a trustee of the Falcon Foundation... Well done, Bill!

And with that though I have a bit more input, I am out of my allotted space.

I will try to use other info in the next Checkpoints. Thanks for your communi-

cations, and keep the cards, letters, emails etc coming in.

Best wishes to all adios, my friends. God bless the troops, and God bless the -

United States ofAmerica.

-

-

-

Tim Davidson

9712 Hidden

Valley Road

S^jjgllp

Vienna, VA 22181-6094

S|M§§ fp-yiff

(703) 255-5313 Fax: (703) 255-5377

lppl|ff' /

Mi-iMMiti

E-mail: timd@erols.com

-

-

In a succinct tribute, he was described as a“... great guy, successful attorney

WELCOME CLASS OF 2009! The Class of 1968 salutes the newest members

of the Long Blue Line. Our hopes and prayers go with you to “keep the wings level and true.”

HELLO’68! Happy Holidays! What? You say the holiday season was months

ago! According to Dick Fast, it depends on your procrastination and excuse calendar. It was a treat to catch up on belated news from Dick and his family as they continue to enjoy life in the Big Sky Country. Happy holidays to you, too, Dick!

in Philadelphia, and more importantly a great father and loving husband of

three lovely ladies and Jane his constant companion.” I recall Bob from our OSI class. Another fallen comrade Godspeed, Bob. While Bob did not serve inVietnam, his death generated some communication about the YA’s Agent Orange registry: basically for all of us who did time in RVN, theVA is trying to collect information about health and disease incidence which maybe related to Agent Orange and / or other exposures. Ifyou were in RVN and have not yet contacted theVA about this please do. It may serve to benefit us and our comrades.

Bob Muldiow send a reminder of ”... our troops in harm'sway. Keep them in your prayers. This is especially significant when we realize some of them are of our own lineage...

His specific example is Jerry and Julie Wenner's daughter Kim, “.. .who is a doctor, over there... Kind of scary to know that the Wenners have a colonel for a daughter already...” Jerry and Julie and all others who have family members serving in today’s wars we pray for their safe return.

In a sadly offensive twist to contemporary life in the US it seems that there is a growth industry of claimants for VA and state benefits from people claiming to have been POWs. Except-they were not: “There are only 21 surviving POWs from the first GulfWar in 1991, the Department ofDefense says Yet the Department ofVeterans Affairs is paying disability benefits to 286 service members it says were taken prisoner during that conflict, according to data released by VAto The Associated Press... One might think that this problem could and should be reconcilable, but it seems that there are conflicting data bases of who is a POW, and the situation is complicated as “... it becomes political. Governors, Senators, Congressmen become involved on behalf of the frauds who have become local folk heroes in local communities... This apparently is being wor ked by theVA and DOD, with Congressional attention.

Stand by for more info as the story evolves.

Roy Miller reacted to some contemporary news and raised the question -

-

”

-

-

-

”

”

“USAFAR Us, Inc.” From left areLt Col Christopher Eden (USAFA ’94),nephew 2nd Lt David Butler (USAFA ’09), and classmate Col (Ret) Tony Eden.

ALL INTHE FAMILY : TonyEden sent greetings from Falcon Stadium where

he celebrated yet another USAFA graduation with a family member in the graduating class. This time it was his nephew, 2nd Lt David Butler. Adding to the family affair,Tony’s son, Christopher (USAFA ’94), presided over David’s swear-

ing-in ceremony. David is now assigned to Vance AFB to attend pilot training.

Christopher is stationed at Andrews AFB and performs DV flying duties with the 89th AirliftWing. Congratulations, Tony, and a special thankyou to you and your family for your steadfast service to our nation!

S.O.S!: For those unaware of our classmate Sam Gibson’s recent medical

trials and tribulations, I am passing along correspondence from Frank Moore and Sam’s daughter Stacy that explains the situation and details the most uigent 89

Class News needs ofSam and his family, Frankwrites: “Greetings all! For those who didn't

de France, Pat and company would have made Lance Armstrong proud with

know, Brother Gibson had two strokes around the first of May. U nfortunately, the first stroke went undiagnosed for two days. The second struck shortly there-

their six days of rides over McClure, Monarch, and Independence Passes on the mountainous roadways that make up Route 380. The smiley-faced photo

after. Jim Thompson and I had a very good visit at the end ofMay Jimdidalot

tells the story of their accomplishments at the summit of Independence Pass.

of legal work preparing and recording multiple powers of attorney, which was a tremendous help toSam and daughterStacy MVe all laughed, cried, and talked

Waytogoguys!

lot, and I feel Sam treasured every moment. V\fe sure did! V\fe also spent quality time with his awesome daughter, who lives in California, and his sister Jackiq who was up with husband, Alex, fromWilliamsburg, VA.

October 3rd immediately after the USAFA-USNAfootball game at Mike’s Restaurant and Crab House at 3030 Old Riva Road, Riva, MD 21140, Phone: (410)

“Sam is in the rehab wing of the hospital, doing a demanding regimen of therapy every day. He has good large muscle control, which makes for a prom-

Riva Road. All classmates and guests are welcome.

a

’68 EAST COAST REUNION:This year's East Coast Reunion will be held on

956-2784. The restaurant is located just west of Annapolis off of Route 50 on

ising prognosis. His speech was heavily affected. However, I have spoken with him twice since leaving last Thursday, and he is noticeably more understandable...also very promising. You can call or write at: Mount CarmelWest, Room 62,793West State Street, Co-

lumbus, OH 43222, Hospital Room Phone: (614) 459-7293 room#108, CellPhone: (614) 441-8422.

“He can take calls in the room or you can leave a message on his cell. He will be difficult to understand at first, but gets better as you get accustomed. Brother has mucho guts, and is working very hard on his communication. I am sure any contact will mean the world to him. I plan to go back in the next 3 weeks, so if any of you are thinking of going, please let

meknowand we maybe able to coordinate. Take care, andkeep those thoughts and prayers going. Thanks. Frank, H: (972) 780-7910, C: (214) 405-4026.”

In response to a follow up note to Sam’s daughter Stacy from FlashWiley

(USAFA ’65), Stacy writes, “As many of you know, over the past few months I’ve been dealing with one of the more difficult challenges in life, as I’ve tended to the healing of my father after he suffered from two strokes recently. Taking care of him has been a fairly consuming challenge that takes up a great deal of my time, energy and resources. In the meantime, as my resources begin to tap out

with no shortage of responsibilities still needing my attention in the caring of my father, I am for ced to find creative ways to give him the quality of care that any daughter would want for her father. To that end I am humbling myself to reach out to you for assistance.

“Being that my dad is in the hospital in Ohio and most of my work requires me to be in LA or other cities, I am

rapidly accumulating a great deal of travel and lodging expenses flying back and forth and staying for weeks at a time in Columbus. I realize that some of you or someone you know might have airline miles, hotel points, or rental car vouchers that you may not have a need for immediately. If this is the case I would love to discuss the possibility of me purchasing bulk amounts of them for a “less than retail” amount. Rapid Reward points or Companion pass on Southwest Airlines (especially), American, United airlines, or Hilton, and Marriott hotels are most appreciated because of the proximity and schedule conveniences, but truly, ANY points/ vouchers you might be willing to offer would be invaluable in helping me maintain my own remnants of stability (and sanity) during this extended period of care for my Dad. “To all of my Dads' Academy classmates, I've heard so much about all of you

throughout my life and I look forward to connecting with you personally in the near future My information is as follows: Stacy L. Gbson; 156 S. Meridith Ave., #117; Pasadena, CA 91106; 818.903.0680; Frequent Flyer #'s: American H36N062; Southwest-124721225. All My Best, Stacy Gbson” In answ ering Stacy’s request, if you hav e more than ample frequent flyer miles and/or additional hotel points, please consider Stacy’s offer. Any assistance you can render would be greatly appreciated!

-

Charlie Seifert and Polly Betor Tie Knot at Charlie’s Winery. From left are the Scribe, Karl and S usan Wh ittenberg, Polly and Charlie Seifert, Alex and David Prevost, and Sally and Mike Wagner.

HE SURE HAD SOME MIGHTY FINE WINE: No, I am not talking about J eremiah or any bullfrogs, but instead about a wonderful wedding in Virginia’s

Wine Country where Charlie Seifert tied the knot with his beloved Polly on

May 9th. Friends and family thoroughly enjoyed “sampling” freshly opened bottles of wine fr om Charlie’s own winery. To provide a ’68 flavor to the event, Karl Whittenberg sang a special love song for the bride and groom. It was a sight and night to behold!

THAT’S AWRAP: Mind the flak; keep ’em flying, and keep those cards, letters, e-mails, and photos coming in to Pat Russelland me. Please go to the Class Website to see photos included in this column in color and in full size Ciao for now. Tim

Lindsey Parris 616 King’s Cloister Circle Alexandria, VA 22302 Home: (703) 836-3604 E-mail:

102177.1033@compuserve.com This will be the final Checkpoints before the 40th Reunion, so I hope your games are in shape, your reservations have been made and “cool reunion gear” orders have been placed. Glenn Schlabs and company have done their usual non-pareil job to make our reunion all it can be.

Perhaps because of the incipient reunion, or my now-concluded too-long deployment to Columbus, I have less information to pass along than at any time heretofore my aging memory can recall. So, here you have what I have, and the rest we’ll make up as we go.

Tom Fleming has two amazing accomplishments to re-

port. First, he graduates with his law degree, earned among

consulting gigs too numerous to count, on August 1. He and Karen will have some pre-celebration with a tour of Califomia wine country and a drive down to Los Angeles, where his degree will be bestowed. Second, he has sacrificed his body on the biking trail, taking a warp-speed tumble into a mailbox to avoid hitting a bunny, and managed to escape with minor injuries (just several broken ribs, collar bone, hip, and punctured lung) that would have-on his doctor's author ity—killed most of us lesser-constituted mortals. The rabbit sent its appreciation in the form of limmy Cummingsarranging for several of us to chip in to buy him an AF Falcons cycling jersey. John Bucknervisited him in the hospital and reported that he looked terrific, considering. Heck of a way to get in shape for the Reunion.

Though Tom and I missed July dinner connections in DC, we spoke on the phone and he reports that he is doing peachy-keenly, as would any Georgian under similar circumstances and constitution.

Class of 1969 40th Reunion '68’s Mountain Bicycling Team. From left are RhipWorrell,M ike Burgamy, and Pat McBride.

Nov. 4- 8,2009

BICYCLING TRIO REACHES SUMMIT: Pat McBride checked in with an-

F alcons vs. Army

other ’68ers Never Grow Old story of his bicycling exploits in Colorado with classmates Rhip Wbrrell andTexBuigamy. While not quite the same as the Tour 90

InApril, several ’69ers gathered with friends inVegas to play the terrific courses at Wolf Creek, and Angel Park, and reports were that it again proved spectacular. Steve Cherry did his usual masterful job of arranging, and RoyCoppinger, Flip Keck, John Buckner, Mike Beezley, Craig Collins, David B ruce Andersen (and '63’s Mike Christy and John Flaluska) all enjoyed the fruits of Steve’s labors. Local Vegas resident Dennis Ryllconducted a hospitality check of the group at the Hofbrau House, and reports passing grades. The merry band carried with them the latest technological marvels of photography, with unmatchable picture fidelity but constrained to a limit of five visages in any single posed shot. So, with the assembled folks in the shots I was provided, there is simply no way to portray all the revelers (10 in number, including Dennis) in fewer than three shots. Using a sublime algorithm, I have maxed

TomOliver r eports from Carlsbad, CA that the company for which he is

COO, NEXT Proteins, is introducing new product lines, including advancedformulation protein drinks. He and Marci and their dancing-queen daughters are loving Carlsbad and encourage any ’69er passing through to stop for a visit.

Randy and JudyPercy continue to thrive in C-Springs, and Randy is stretch-

the number of different ’69ers available, without double appearances, in the

ing his orthopedic specialty around the world, just having returned from Japan and, on a volunteer basis, planning to teach ortho in Bhutan—providing the Army completes the necessary arrangements.

Talked to Charlie Baldwinr ecently, who is happily retired but continuing his stellar leadership in the spiritual realm, having recently lead a team to Haiti.

Anne Baldwin is an Arlington Lady, and our family was fortunate to have her oversight during my Mom’s interment at Arlington National. So nice to know Team B aldwin is there, either on the front or in thoughts, at such important

two shots below. Apologies to those (Craig and John, ’63) who are not por-

moments for our men and women in blue, and for all the brave men and women

trayed. And, guys, please purchase old-fashioned cameras, with “group-shot” capacity, for next trip.

who serve so ably and honorably Stand by for additional mailings from the Reunion Committee. Make your

plansearlySeeyouatUSAFAinearlyNovember. Essenon videri. Lindsey.

Dick Rauschkolb

130

Luxury Lane Colorado Springs, CO 80921 H: (719)761-5764 Cell: (719) 310-6928 Email: AOG70@comcast.net Richard Rauschkolb@usafa.edu I want everyone to know that writing this column on 15 July is severely cut-

ting into my practice time on the links—and I need every minute! Nevertheless, this time of year does bring back some fond memories. I spent all four summers in JacksValley. During Doolie summer, I screwed our classmate Chuck Weir and he had to do a million wind spr ints while tr ying to hold his loose fitting helmet on his head and carry his M-1—I laughed my butt off while not cracking a smile. Third class year was SERE and Air Base Defense. During the latter, Weir got me back by refusing to give me the sleeping bag we were supposed to share while doing guard duty I was freezing my buns off when Chuck woke up just in time to “kill” some of the enemy who were sneaking through our lines. During First and Second class year, Dusty Swanson, Terry Dessert, and I xVaiwB

used to deliver breakfast for the Doolies and then head to the

golf

course for a

quick 18 before taking lunch out to Jacks.

Golf wasn’t part of our official duties, but we had a helluva good time. Memories and friendships—are what the cadet

experience is all about as we approach our twilight years.

Bwiii.N'x--.,

'"'*9tici

4© Sabre Society Donors

We are close to a year away from our 40th Reunion. Make

Successful Hospitality Check. Bruce, Mike C63), Steve, Buck, and Dennis.

Hud Baer, out in Haymarket, VA, not far from DC, has decided to take up golf, spurred on in part by long-ago roomie ScottBench (who was and is one heck of a golfer, as you all know), and will take any and all offers to come out to his place to play his “small, executive” course

plans now to attend and put the squeeze on classmates, particularly those who haven’t been back. Unfortunately, I can’t give you a specific date until the football schedule comes out in March or April. We will shoot for the first weekend in October when we traditionally play Navy.

Speaking of golf, I lost some sheckles to Bob Mack and Wild BillStealey in May. Unfortunately, I also lost the Sportsmanship Award when I calledWild Bill an expletive deleted after he sank a 20-footer on the last hole to beat me by one.ARRGGHH!

John and Jackie Warner have relocated fromDanvers, MA to Greenville, SC,

Mark and Karen Miller were out for graduation. Mark commissioned his

where they are building a home on a mountain top and planning to settle down in fa mili ar climes for both of them. John, an active cellist, was tickled to have met the world’s greatest, Yo-Yo Ma, when the renowned musician per-

nephew who he had encouraged to come to USAFA since he was a youngster.

Mitch Mitchell was the cadet’s sponsor for four year.

formed in Greenville.

Mark Miller and Mitch Mitchell pin on member of the Class of2009.

JohnWarner rubs shoulders with the world’s greatest cellist.

From the east coast, Les Dyer and sonTodd (an F- 15 jock who will be attend-

ing Quantico for ISS) spent an evening on our deck swapping memorable tales over brews and dinner. The DC area can look forward to seeing Les up in these parts a few times over the next year. Meanwhile, at the annual Daedalians Convention in Seattle, Les was installed as a National Director. Congrats to Les on another of his

growing list of notable volunteer contributions.

Mark said Dave Palanchar did a great job prosen ting a gift to Vice P resident Biden, the guest speaker at graduation. M ark is still working for GE Aviation in Cincinnati and sees JimDockendorfoften.

In a moving tribute to our classmate Dick Christy at this year’s graduation awards ceremony, Terry and Janet Silvester (Dicks sister) presented the OutstandingWresder Award to Stephen Crozier, ’09. The award is given in honor of Dick who was captain of the wrestling team our Rrstie year. Terry, Janet, and 91

Class News Les and Sharon Hamblin also visited the FAC Memorial in the Sp

rings where

many of our fallen classmates are honored.

Reunion should be on the AOG web site for you to see You will be

impressed

by this structure and what it means to the Academy and future cadets. Please contribute to this worthy cause—it is probably the last major gift we will make as a class and one that will last for perpetuity. the Falcons have won a few Hope games by the time your read this. Rich and Nanci Downing will be having their annual ’70 mini-reunion after the Ar my on 7 Nov. address: 4341 Mountain Dance game (Downing’s Drive-COS-80908).

On a personal note, I hope all of you will keep Marilyn in your thoughts and prayers. By the time you read this, she will have undergone two months of a five-month chemo treatment for breast cancer. Then she faces surgery and radiation. Her goal is to make it to our 40th in great shape—and after 38 years I know she can do it!

Arriba Falcones!

Paul D. Knott

5565 Lantana Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80915 H: (719) 570-9162

Janet and Terry Silvester Present OutstandingWrestlingAward to Cl C Stephen Croziev

W: (719) 594-0100

Lots of travels by Seventy men this last quarter. Larry Bush went to N

E-mail:

ormandy

pk71knott@gmail.com

for the D-Day Anniversary. Must hav e been an awesome experience J oe Burke went to

Bangkok, Hanoi, and Sri Lanka on business. He said the trip to Hanoi

was filled with mixed emotions as he went to the Hanoi Hilton. In Sri

Lanka, he

addressed university presidents and deans from throughout Southeast Asia.

Joe and Diane now have eight grandchildren. But Bill and Brenda Manning

put Gary Baxter to shame as they have 16 grandchildren! YIKES! Bill and Brenda are in Idaho near the Snake River and Bill has the

luxury ofworking from home.

Phil Kolbe is a visiting professor at UTEP and playing Gen, U.S. Grant for his teaching. He even looks like him!

Dave and Donna Sterling visited the Dalmatian Coast (is that named after the dogs?). They also funded a day sponsorship on the DC NPR station that congratulated our class on its 39th Anniversary. Class act Dave and Donna!

GaryDahlen, J.B. Gannon, and Greg Gilles went of a big fishing trip to British Columbia. I gather they had to use some of their survival techniques on the trek, but they caught lots of fish. Roger and Sharon Hillvisited Tom and Sandy Raylin Merced.

SawTony andVal Marietta at our favorite Mexican restaurant. We had a good time catching up on old times. Their daughter Sarah is switching schools and will lead the Trinity University,Texas volleyball team. She also expects Gregg Popovich to give her season tickets and introduce her to Birdman Anderson of the Denver Nuggets. Tony is calling Pbpo to stop the latter.

Google Anderson and you will see he gives the word ‘Tattoo” new meaning. But he just signed an $11M contract Tony! I heard Popo and Erin celebrated one of their children getting married this summer.

Got some nice emails from Don Mills. He told me a

Hello again from Colorado Springs, where the only thing more fearsome to the class of 2013 than the cadres is H1N1.

Sean Rileysent along some information from a wonderful fundraiser that he and some of our classmates participated in: ‘Attached is a picture from a Pilots for Kids charity golf tournament held in Dallas on5/18/09.It was a beautiful day for a great cause plus we ended up having 6 classmates all playing. That's a

pretty good group of 71ers.

great story on how the

Academy really saved his life and now he wants to give back to our alma mater.

Perhaps the AOG will use it in an article.

With the graduation of2009, our legacy class, 2010, is running the Wing. That includes Brian O’Connor who made Supt’s list and was on a cultural immersion trip to South America this summer. Obviously, Brian must have gotten his smarts from his mom!

Mike (The Phantom) Huber recendy retired from P&G in Cincinnati and the Huber clan gathered for the ceremony. Poor Melissa! Mike was my roommate Firstie year, I can’t imagine having him around 24/7!

Dallas Pilots tradeYokes for Sticks in May “I'll identify each guy from left: DaveBrigman Dave is still flying 111 Inti for American and lives in Colleyville, TX. Charlie Brown Charlie missed —

—

just

the age 60 cut by a month and had to retire from Southwest back in Nov 07. He still lives in Lewisville, TX, does nothing but play

golf, fish, and drive Cindy crazy. B udge (Gary) Wilson- Budge lives in Midlothian, TX and is a triple dipper. He is retired AF retired Southwest (sort of), and retired Delta. He still works for SWA in their ASAP program. SeanRiley I am still flying 767 Inti for -

—

American, still live in Plano, TX, and made the age 60 cut. As a matter of fact, the day of the golf tourney was my 60 th birth-

day. Bill Van’tWout— Bill lives in Atlanta and is retired fro m Delta, although he still does some contract work for them.

Bill is the spring chicken of the crowd, not turning the big 60 until September. SonnyChilders Sonny made the age 60 cut and is still flying for Southwest. He lives in Granby, Texas.

He stays in shape by watching his wife Cathy run marathons.

“Other classmates in the DFW area that I can update you on: Rick Barton is still with American and still plying his legal trade. Chuck Brasher retired from American backin spring of’08. (When the market was at the top!) BillPurcell is also still flying with American and lives outside of Dallas. John Shiner still flying 777s for American out of DFW.” Thanks for passing this info along, Sean.

Life isn’t just a series of coincidences. If you have a chance to read Geno Kraay’s book (“The Olympian: ATale ofAncient Hellas”), do so! Ifyour knowledge of ancient Greece comes from “The 300”, or even “The Odyssey,” find this —

Mike Huber hangs it up to pursue phantom work full time.

Saw Jack Muellerat 2013 In-Processing. Jack is still working hard at the AOG in the IT business. Speaking of the AOG, Iwantto thank all me. I fell a few hundred votes short of

ofyouwhovotedfor

being elected to the board, but I believe the membership picked some good people. I hope the new Board members will get the organization back on track and make it a world class entity.

I want to again encourage you to donate funds to our class gift project. Send your donation to the AOG and make your check out to the Class of 1970 Gift Fund. We are several hundr ed thousand dollars short of our $1M goal. The

design of the SEA Memorial Pavilion that we are planning to dedicate at our 92

book. It’s a well-researched and even-better-written take on one of the more

pivotal events in our history. An overwhelming threat from the East was poised to destroy a way of life. (Sound familiar?) Without giving away too much of the plot, if s written from the point of view of a poet who had grown wealthy writing poems celebrating the rich and athletes. Today we’d call such a person a columnist. Anyhow, he attends the Olympics and crosses paths with a young boxer who sees winning as everything also resonant in this culture. The tale grows from this meeting. One more point: note the pacing of the story and consider the circumstances of its telling.

-

As you can tell, I really enjoyed the book and told Geno so. He was gracious

USASA sanctioned snowboard and freestyle ski competitions in New Mexico

for the past three years.

enough to reply, and now he has added me to his mailing list.

Father ofUSAFA Soccer and the Father of the Bride: Coach Eichin and Gene

Kraay.

Here is a photo from a very special occasion: From Geno, “Last week was

incredibly special for Marie and me. Our youngest son, Jesse, was married in Charlotte, NC. Our coach from 1967-1971 Hank Eichin, the REAL "Father of Academy Soccer" attended with his beautiful wife, N ancy, and their wonderPerful adopted daughter Maria. The event was in my son Jesse' s words "

-

—

-

feet." As special as anything was my reunion with Coach Eichin. We hugged for a good 60 seconds because neither of us could speak from the joy of seeing each other again after so many memories and so many years."

Tom and Julie Berry graciously opened their home to a bunch of us in July

for a relaxing evening of socializing and strengthening friendships. John & Jane Blind, Stev e DeHaven, Steve & Vicki Dziuban, Steve Mott, Larry S mith,

Darryl & Libb y Singleton, John & Elizabeth V\blf Andrea & I got together to discuss jobs, families tailgating and the state of the world.

One last classmate sighting. As Andrea was leaving the Academy hospital, she ran into RussLogan, who was at the pharmacy getting some medicine for his and Melody’syounger daughter. She just had surgery to repair a dislocation that shdd evidently first suffered in Romania so long ago. ,

His son Jake, 19 (on the right in the photo) is an up-coming sophomore at

Colorado Mountain College in Steamboat Springs and competed in the

snowslope event. Son Josh, 17 (on the left in the photo) just got back from a semester abroad in Chile and has just won a Congress-BundestagYouth Exchange scholarship to spend his senior year attending a high school in Germany He finished 8th in the skiercross at this competition event. Josh’s twin, Cameron, missed the “photo op” because he was in Italy studying and snowboarding in Turin.

N ext is the news from GaryGrant telling of a recent trip back to the Academy as he and his wife, Clarita, accompanied their daughter Samantha to in-processing for the Class of 2013. Gary has high hopes for her to be a little more successful as a cadet than he claims he was. And he also relates how he understands the way

his parents felt when they said goodbye to him so many years ago; yet that doesn’t make it any easier.

Classes start on August 6th; can football be far behind? GBA

Bob Bell

13 Pacific Ave.

Sinking Spring, PA 19608 (610) 678-3182/Fax: 678-4513 E-mail: rabell767@aol.com

Hello again classmates! So sorry we had to skip the last issue with a dearth of news, but alas we have some now, so even with

only a few messages for inclu-

sion in this edition of the news, let’s get started.

The first one to be heard from is Mike Grebbwith news on the recent com-

missioning of his son Kevin as a 2Lt in the Air Force via AFROTC at Georgia Tech. He completed a B.S. degree in Hectr ical Engineering and will be a development engineer atHanscomAFB, MA. The photo shows M ike with Kevin’s mom (Janet Meibuiger) doing the traditional pinning ceremony one day before graduation.

Gary admits that even with his bias as a grad, he is impressed with the way things are done nowadays at the Academy. The new basics are indoctrinated early- on with the concept that they are joining a special group, one with a long legacy. He says, of course, when we arrived in the summer of 1968, USAFA was barely in its teen years. Finally he wonders if any other member of the class of “’72 -best in blue" has a son or daughter in the Class of 2013. Oh yes, and Gary has purchased season tickets to USAFA football this fall, so he hopes to see any and all of our classmates.

We also have a short note from Doug Brower who finally had the opportu-

nity to attend a meeting of the Class Advisory Senate in person rather that via teleconference, which had been the norm oflate “Mush

”

sent out to his exten-

sive e-mail list an agenda for the meeting and an updated

draft of “Moving Forward 2009” which is the attempt at setting goals for the AOG and our Senate. If anyone of you has

anythingyou would like him to bring up, send him an e-mail at MushBrower721 @yahoo.com so he can try to get your issue before the CAS.

In addition there came a request from Jon Shafer, Class of

’59, author of an e-book entitled “OffWe Go” which he wants

clarify is NOT the same book that is being promoted on the USAFA In Circle website The one featured by the AOG is a paperback solely about the planning and construction of what is now the Air Force Academy. His book which is strictly an e-book and not available in hardcover or paperback for mat is officially titled “OffWe Go... A Cadet in the First Class From the Air Force Academy Looks Back. It is a retrospective of his to

Mike also noted that he retired from the Air Force in 2004 from the National

SecurityAgency. He then worked at the MITRE Corporation for awhile and is now on the staff of the Directorate of National Intelligence (DNI) inVirginia.

Earlier he had been on the DNI policy staff, but now works in the National Counter Proliferation Center.

The next to be heard from was Brinn Colenda reporting on the championship performance of two of his sons at the 2009 United States of America

Snowboard Association (USASA) National Championships at Copper Mountain, CO. Brinn himselfwas the NewMexico S eries Director in charge of all

”

life as a cadet from 1955-1959, and includes many remembrances, some of which are humorous while others are more serious and critical of the Academy. He reports that readers so far have enjoyed it immensely and wanted to make it known that the two books with similar titles were very different.

So that is all for now, class. Again, thank you for any and all information you can send out. I will make sure it gets passed along to the rest of the group.

93

Class News Joe Kahoe

4140 Saddle Rock Road Colorado Springs, CO 80918 Cell: (719) 210-5568

joekahoe@gmail.com http://73.texascomputerhelp.com Class of ’73, please continue to send pictures and stories about your lives...

families, careers, retirements, etc. Read the full article with many more pictures / links at http://usafa73.org. VR, Joe Kahoe, CS-07.

updated laboratory results indicating his stomach cancer (GIST) was a different strain that is much less aggressive. Not only will he be treated with oral meds, but the prognosis is for year instead of months plenty of time to take his buds on his beautiful new boat out of Tampa Bay. Way to go, Steve! We are praying for you and hope the fishing beer will augment the oral meds.

Mike Nishimuta reports: “Roger and Sandy Winburg visited Mike and -

Cather ine Nishimuta in San Antonio in May. Roger is one of 13 members of the AF Retiree Council representing several states around Ohio. He works with the local commanders and Retiree Activities Office directors, and visits installations to speak about issues concerning retirees and their dependents. Once a year they meet at AFPC at Randolph to consolidate retiree issues and brief the chain of command.

Two of our finest retired in June... Lt Gen J ohnRegni and Lt Gen J im Soligan.

Congratulations to both for your outstanding service to our country! (Look for pictures / words on our web site and in our next hard copy edition) Frank Klotz Gets Nuclear Nod: Defense Secretary Robert Gates nominated Air Force Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz to be commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, the new nuclear-centric major command that the Air Force is standing up to oversee its nuclear-capable

bombers and ICBMs. (story on website) Mike Nishimuta reported that General Steve and Leslie Lorenz hosted a party on Saturday, June 27 to celebrate the

40th anniversary of our entry to the Academy on June 23,1969.

27 grads and spouses attended the party at the Commander's

Residence at Randolph AFB. V\fe had the honored presence of

ranking classmate, General Norton Schwartz and Suzie, and AOG President "T" Thompson. Local classmates ineluded Chaplain Tom and B eth Blase (AFPC), John and Janet Collins, J im and M ary Cropper, Larry and CarolFaber, Bill and Karen Fox, Dennis and Kathryn our

Geesaman, Bruce and Valerie Johnston, Chris and LettLaudendale, Scott and Denis McLauglin, Kent and Sara Magnusson, Mike and CatherineNishimuta, Randy Putz, A.J and Andree Randft, David and Rebecca Schenk, Gordon and Kaia Schroeder, Kent and Cheryl Schwartz .From the Austin area came Frank

and Kathy Childers, Herb and Elizabeth Huber, Bait and Barbara Noble. Dallas and out of state tr avelers included B illDiffley, Carl and Diane Dofelmier,

J ackMcCalmont, Roger and Jackye Smith, and Charles and Mary LynnStewart.

Many great photos available atwww.usafa73.shutterfly.com. (See photo at the bottom of this page.)

FromBob Munson: Fortyyears ago, on23Jun 1969, it all began for the Class of ’73. V\fe are now the Legacy Class for the Doolies of 2013. The purpose of the Legacy P rogram is to “connect the current cadet classes with the classes that ”

graduated forty years earlier. (full story on website) A1 Kinback flew Stalker Reedin his C-172 to visit Steve Harman and Mary

Roger and SandyWinburg and Mike and Catherine Nishimuta.

From StephensMcCauley: I am pleased to help son Shane McCauley and Ms Danielle Sexton announce their plans to run-off together for a three-year tour at Hickam AFB Hawaii in mid-August. Additionally there is photo-evidence that Shane was actually "pinned-on" as a newly-minted Major last week. He hauledaway solid goldleavesworn by his Great-Great Grandfather, plus his Grandfather's, and a set from General DonWetekam. (great story and pics on web site) More from Stephens McCauley... "73Stories.com" offers a windowto our class legacy, and is our "no-cost" Class Gift to futur e graduating classes. Additionally, we share our own post-graduate histories for mutual inspiration (and entertainment). I also recommend the new (thriller) novel, Di Zhen, authored by our classmate Dr. Sam Lycurgus Grier. Also, my “in-processing roommate,” Gary Hall lives in Auburn (near Sacramento).

C ooper at their home inTampa, FL on June 27th. Steve received encouraging news

just a few days pr ior, when his doctor interrupted his first chemo with

Farewell lunch for Lt Gen John Regni: From left in the bottom row are Dale

Birch, Donna Felton, Dave Brown, Charlie Felton, Bill/Gerrie Gillin, John Regni, TThompson, Trapper Carpenter, Pam Munson, Amy/Mike Smith. Top row: Joe Kahoe, Eric Nickerson, Dennis/Virginia Haugh, andBob Munson.

From Geoff Michael... photo (on web site) taken by my father the night it all

started, at a meeting of future NH cadets in the spring of 1969. This may be the From left are Al Kinback, Steve Harman, Stalker Reed (all CS-07) on Steve

and Mary’s dock in Tampa Bay.

last photo of him taken with that much hair! It appeared in the Manchester Union Leader.

40th Party at Lorenz HomeJune2009: Base, Childers,Collins,Cropper,Diffley, Dofelmier, Faber,Fox, Geesaman,Huber, Johnston, Lauderdale, Lorenz, Magnusson,

McCalmont,McLaughlin,Nishimuta,Noble, Putz, Randft,Schenk, Schroeder,Schwartz (Kent and Norton), Smith, Roger; Stewart, and Thompson, T. 94

CS-31:TomandB etty Kennedy traveled to Charleston SC to visit with son, TJ, a Coast Guard Academy third classman and to tour the Coast Guar d Academy^ tall ship, EAGLE which was part of Charleston’s Harborfest, http:// www.charlestonharborfest.org/index2.html. While there, they enjoyed the hospitality and “B&B” at the home ofRich and ConnieHayes. (Great photo on web) From Bill Heely ...working for the Joint Warfighting Center, I took part in

NUWAIX 09 at EE. Warren AFB, which was the largest, most complex Nuclear Weapon Accident/Incident Exercise to date, (in the attached pic [on web site],

I' m the guy in the white shirt at the top of the stairs). The summer and fall look to be fairly busywith work at Ft Richardson, Alaska, Dushanbe,Tajikistan, and

back at Peterson AFB in time for the TCU game. Bill Craig Lady sends some old factoids from our 35th reunion. “Along with attending reunion activities, I did something I never imagined doing, getting married in the Cadet Chapel. Well, in July 08, Ann decided she liked that idea

taking John and his best friend for their first pilot training flight. They rented aC-172; 0700 brief, 0745 taxi. They did air work; stalls; 2G turns; OG pushovers, as well as touch and goes. Vic and Katie bought both boys log books to offidally capture their flight time (.9 hr. each). Their daughter Mary (1 lyrs) wants to go next. The parents confessed that it seems like yesterday when the daughters Becky andJessiewerekidsatthe20thUSAFAreunion. Katie wrote “I don’t think Vic will be physically able to make the 35th this year. Some former grad students Vic taught still keep in touch with “Dr. Vic". In spite of challenges, all is well with us. AsVic says; he maybe in pain but he does not suffer. This too shall pass. Below: Vic and D ave Wilson bringVic and Katie’s son John into the brotherhood of flyers! ”

put together an ops plan with the assistance of N ancy (Johnny) Whitaker, Joan (Don) Sutula, and Geri (Wild Bill) Gillin. On 19 Sep, our wedding ceremonywas officiated by Chaplain/Doctor/Colonel (ret) Robert A. Browning (Class of’59 and Chaplain at tJSAFA while we were there). All the 16th Squadso we

ron Chickenhawk reunion attendees were witnesses

along with Ken Bonn,

JohnPretz and Dave Floyd from Sq 6 and EdHeisey from 37th and their spouses.

Sharing this day with great friends and classmates made the day one of the finest of my life and a truly special reunion.

From Dave Muckley: “I am forwarding a picture (on web site) of six of us and spouses, taken in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on July 3rd, 2009. ...a mini-reunion for the 27th Squadron. KenVar gas and his wife, Hermila, served as our Calgary hosts, since they are long-time residents. Ken was one of our foreign ”

national students from Mexico and my roommate for several years at AFA. CS27 ’73 Participants included Ken Vargas and wife, Hermila; CharlieQuinnell and his wife, Denise; Bill Wilson and his wife, Patty; Bill Fox and his wife,

Karen; Bob Ucknor and his wife, Jenny; Dave Muckley, and my wife, Natalie We had a great time checking out the Calgary Stampede as well as the beautiful

areaofBanff. Dave Muckley, 156110th Street, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 Home: 310-798-5113 Cell: 310-920-0850 Fax: 310-374-7342.

Joe Brezovic

Dan Surber sent in an update from Odessa, Ukraine. He is on a project for

Raytheon. They just made him the chief engineer on several of these projects in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and the Ukraine. They are getting this one back on track after a brief derailment in their schedule. The team is getting back to where they trust each other and have a clear vision of where they need to go.

Our reachback also is getting in synch with this overseas team so he wrote he is hopeful that they will be hitting on all 12 cylinders by the end of June. [So, maybe he is gone already?] As for home, Dan and Sara just got #2 out of college and have 3 & 4 left to go. The twins are seniors at Purdue and look to be strong

1209 Bayou Oaks Drive

candidates for graduation in May 2010. Makes Dad and Mom very, very happy!

Michael Augustyn sent a short note when he came back from Kuwait where

Friendswood, TX 77546 H: (281) 482-6860 E-mail:

Three flyboys:VicJohn, and Dave.

he served on the Information AssuranceTask Force (IATF). Here’s the note: “Got back to the States 13 May Boy is it green here N ice to be back with the wife

jbrezovic@comcast.net

and kids. Kuwait was like being a Doolie on Academic Probation. It really ”

Hello Classmates! I hope you are reading this while enjoying good health or improving in your health! Some of us are already experiencingWarmnty Expiration on the Original Equipment... hey, but the overall system is still working!

Hurray for that!

Active duty comes first this round: The President has nominated to the Senate the following general officer for appointment to the grade of general with assignment as indicated: General Carrol H. Chandler- from Commander, Pacific Air Forces; Air Component Commander for United -

States Pacific Command; and Executive Director, Pacific Air Combat Operations Staff, Hickam AFB, HI to become the Vice Chief of Staff, United States Air Force, Pentagon.

Congiats Carrol! V\fe have another classmate who is retiring: Lt Gen N orman R. Seip. A hearty congratulations for the life you spent for us!

First is a long note [3 July]: Vic LaSaxon is still recovering from a car accident. He and 4 other vehicles were hit by a distracted driver. This happened in May, 2007, on the way to

brought back memories! Anybody else lost out there in the sands?

Jim and Helen Shamess sent in a family update. Jim talks about dentists, pliers, wir es, fists, and feet on the chest. Well, maybe Jim was exaggerating about the Doc’s feet on the chest. Yep, Braces. So he could look pretty for

Helen! Since Helen seems to be a wizard at creating memory picture books on

the Whlmart website, it's a good thing to look good. Oh, Jim warned us ahead of time! Their son Jon is in special tactics officer training. Static line jumping,

swimming 1000+ meters against the tide with rifle and gear, air traffic contr ol, etc. Worse than doing the Olympics without a crowd to cheer him on. Thanks Jon, for y ou and >our teammates may keep us safe a bit longer. Son Joe and wife, Sarah, include a tour of Dubai, Qatar, Jordon, Egypt, and a camel ride to the top of Mt Sinai. That was a break from his instructor pilot and wing CC exec jobs; a prelude to U-28 aircraft at Special Ops at Hurlburt Field, FL. Son Jeff and Jenny work with their group in the middle ofthe picture the three Grandchildren. Jenny home schools, while Jeff is finishing seminary, wo iking full time, reading ahead, helping the home school gym and other outdoor activities. All this just three hours away from Jim and Helen who are seated below on opposite ends!

—

his doctor’s appointment, which happened to be during the healing process, 10 months afterVic’s major back surgery. The accident broke his back in the lumbar and at the neck. Medics eased him out and took him to the emergency room. Vic’s medical team has done some surgery but decided to put offfurther surgery for a while. A walnut size tumor has developed at the base ofVic’s

skull/upper neck area that is putting pressure on the brain stem and spinal cord. In spite ofthis temporary setback, they remain very positive but took this opportunity to put their affairs in order. Vic and Katie wanted to acknowledge that over the years, many ’74 folks have given wonderful support and advice including CraigAnderson, who is a great friend. They are also blessed to hear regularly from Bill Casement, Tris Sevdy, G eorge Lawrence, and DomPaparella which always lifts Vic’s spirits. Other visitors include Sam Shutt and DaveWilson. Dave recendy helped Vic and Katie’s John celebrate his 13th Birthday by

Class of 1974 35th Reunion Oct. 7-11,2009

Falcons vs. TCU

Jim and Helen Shamess Family2008.

Another Christmas in the summer picture: Denny and Lin Hughesare center with their family around them. Denny is still on the go at ISt National Bank and doing well after the heart attack last summer. They have four grandchildren to

play with when Lin isn’t busywith undergrads at Methodist College Their new hobby together: non-competitive ballroom stance!

95

Class News 2009 USAFA grad Samantha and on my left her older sister, Kr isten. Kristen swore her

in, Arleen and I pin on her new rank. Sam starts pilot training at Sheppard AFB after summer leave, (see the pic, with lots of others, online at zoomieNation shortly after this printed version arrives). From Tom Fraley: I

nearly choked on my little chocolate donuts at breakfast this morning when I was r eading theStors & Stripes newspaper. I see this gigantic picture of Dick Webber smiling at me He's been appointed the USAF cyber commander. We all know Dick is a tremendously talented individual, and he also must have a great press agent as most general officer announcements only get a couple of par agiaphs and no picture From DaveWallace: Had the pleasure of attending USAFA Change of Command. Lt Gen M ike Gould, '76, assumed command from John Regni, 73.

Denny and Lin Hughes Family2008.

Dale and Ginny Burchby are still inviting classmates to visit in San Diego! He is still looking for crews to sail in the Bay! No change to their email. If you need

it, write me! Dale is still with Northrop Grumman for project management and

proposal work. He is on one now that should make 2009 fun to live through.

Son Kevin graduated from Amherst and is nowin Boston working with software for financial services companies.Valerie works with environmental studies. Melanie is pursuing an acting caroer, and tutors young children after school.

Last note: Homecoming is coming a few weeks from now

--

October 7th-

11th. Go to the USAFA AOG homepage and sign up! O h, please bring an extra calling card for the scribe, would you? I’ll be collecting them, probably in a basket by the sign-up and the head table at the dinner; this will really help me to keep in contact with 74 for 74!

Oh, By the way, there is a $50feefor reunion

signup after 7 Sept! May you live long and prosper.

with us.

A lot of class pride is being focused on Steve Marino's rising PGA-star son.

Paul Kent 18166 S.E. 41st Place

Issaquah, WA 98027-9717 Mobile: (425) 785-3586 E-mail: zooscribe@mac.com

Classmate Updates. From BentleyRayburn: Great news for our country, for our Air Force and for the Class of 75! The Senate confirmed Lt Gen

Douglas M.

Fraser for appointment to the grade of General. From Gary Whitfield: Seven

of us had the honor and pleasure of attending SOUTHCOM Change of Command for General Doug Fraser in Miami last week.

The 75 hooligans in the photo: GaryWhitfield, Mike Crider, Jim D ill, General

Doug Fraser, Bill Clark, Ma rk Scott, Robert Stewart, John Kearns.

And MG Eric J. Rosborg retired. From Chris Glaeser Karen and I have recently decided to embark on another adventure. I accepted a position with the International Air TransportAssociation (IAT A). As a result, we have been very busy disengaging from our house in Renton,WA and moving to Montreal in

Quebec, Canada. From Jim Hartney: Am passing along a picture of the everelusive Mark Gilliam and me.The pic is from the lOKin Richmond. We done good: 48 minutes flat. He drug me through most of it, as he always did when running the Academy roads in our Converse basketball shoes! From Chuck Schmitz: I’m back [from Iraq] .I'm still in the Guard, at least 1 year to go.

The scribe was flipping through his local newspaper when he saw a picture of Denny Mellen presenting a community award to the Good Samaritan who administered CPR to Denny while bike riding hillside trails last fall. The other biker most likely saved Denny from being a too-early GBNE From Phil Saenger This is me, with my wife retired Gol. (D r.) Arleen Saenger; between us is our 96

Bentley Rayburn, John Gaughan, Jim Burling, Larry Bryant and Dave Wallace—(Ma rlc Volcheffhad already left the building when we decided we needed a photo).

Wendell (Smokey) Baumansent in a belated lepor t of a very serious accident he had in February while attempting to dismantle a tree-stand chain mount after hunting season. His is recovering slowly, but he is very lucky to still be Considering the number of frustrated golfers (scribe included) in our class, the younger Steve’s accomplishments got our attention. From Ed Sienkiewicz: Congrats on young Steve's tie for 5th at the Zurich Classic. From Bill Murray: Just a note to tell you that I wondered over to the Bryon Nelson yesterday with one goal in mind: finding the son of our classmate Steve Marino! And I did it! I wandered up to Steve (6 ft 180lbs and bearded). I explain that I was a classmate of his Dads at USAFA and his eyes light up. He asks my name and we exchange casual conv ersation. I ask him if he wouldn’t mind signing my hat. He asked his caddy to grab the sharpie and signs right by Freddy Couples. I in retiring the hat.

The June 4th RollingToast. J im CarlsonReports: We had another first for an Academy class at our 34th anniversary since graduation. We had a 21 /2 hour "r oiling toast", care of classmate BobMiglin. We raised a glass to our Gone But Not Forgotten classmates. Our C-Springs group came out en masse and showed amazing class spirit, 34 years on!

June 4, 2009 To the best of my abilities (which means I' m going to leave out some names

inadvertently) from left are Jeff Neumann, Jim Carlson, Scott Hente, Bruce Mitchell Gary Jewell, Jim Burling, Gary Shugart, JD Barrowclough, Steve Morris, Mark Volcheff BillSpencer, E)ale Meyeriose, lee Colburn, LarryBryant, Jim Eken, M ark Wells John Loucks, Not pictured, but present at some point: Phil Pearce; Dan Chapman. Not pictured, but met up with: BillEstelle (with whom I stayed), and JerryBattazzo. Other reports: From Duane Lodrige: Bud Callo way and I will be toasting from the cowboy bar in Jackson, WY. From John Venable : Greetings and salutations 75 overseas classmates from Finland! From Bill Lyerly: (Meetings from Panama City, Panama. From Bill Davis: I'll be at 38,000 ft overWestMrginia at 1975 hrs tomorrow (headed west towards San Diego). Note to self: remember to toast (with coffee).

Trivia and Our Oldest Grad. The closing trivia from the last Checkpo in tsth a t enquired, "who is our oldest grad" did elicit some feedback, some correct, some close. First out of the gate, about the day the printed rag arrived, was --

from RickBenbow: I think it is me sometimes. But my answer is John Cass.

(note from scribe: Rick is correct). George Walrondgot a little concerned: This is one I do not want to win, but may actually be in the running. I was the old man in our doolie squadron. Close behind me in age is my current boss Ken Schnell. The zoomieNation electronic post started some conversation. From David Shields: I will guess that the oldest 75 grad is one ofthe prior enlisted P-school grads. Hard to say which one but I would go for George Cook, John Cass, Scott Arnott or my old p-school roomie, Mike Garrett. One of those should get me the prize. From BruceFritzsche: Our oldest classmate is

July for Ed’s tour in the consular section of the embassy. Says Paris sure beats Baghdad. Tim Brown says son David (09) is headed to pilot training atVance 33 years after his Dad and some 60 years after his Granddad. Tim & Jem are still

up in Puget Sound area and he is still with Southwest.

John Cass, AgreatMath tutor, BTW FromRussellTr inter: My guess on the oldest classmate is George Walrond From John Loucks: All I know is that Flamer (Dave Fleming) acted like he was the oldest. From Tony Mahoney: Haven't seen an

"official" winner, somymoney'sonMike Garrett. (Besides, he has a Harley just like mine! An excellent choice, BTW). J ohn Cassverifies “I always thought I was the oldest. 12/23/49.” The oldest giad from USAFA1975 will turn 60 this year. The rest of us are closing fast. Yikes!

More. The scribe had to condense 6000 words and lots of pictures to the required 1200 and 3 pics for his July 15th deadline. For “Guidon Guidance from Jim Carlson”, info on the progress of our 35th in 2010, and much more, go to zoomieNation to see the full version of this column shortly after the printed rag appears in your postal mailbox. I’ll put ALL the pictures I receive in an album on the site, and they will be in color.

Dan

Beatty 12196 Stanley Canyon Road Colorado Springs, CO 80921 H: (719) 488-1962 E-Mail:

whrlybrd76@aol.com Dan.Beatty@usafa.af.mil http://www.AFAcademy.com/76 Fellow’76ers, As you read this the Class of 2013 will have finished BCT. Unfortunately their “Doolie Day Out” was cancelled due to H1N1 virus.

Moving up/moving on. Mike Gould pinned on his 3rd star and became the USAFA Supt on 9 Jun. 30 ’76ers attended the change of command. Mike and Paula graciously broke away from their reception line for a minute to let us get this photo ofthe 76 crowd attending.

Heidi, Jem, Tim, and David Brown at David’s USAFA graduation.

BenThornson honchoed getting himself, Doug Fry, and Stan Rader into the Tri-Service Golf tourney at USAFA recently. Says they all had fun and play ed pretty well. Stan seems to think they can do better next year with a little more

timely‘liquid fuel’. Doug says they were phenomenally mediocre. Doug is looking at an opportunity to move to a small business set up, son Doug graduated from Columbia with an MBA, daughter Major Kasey Fry is the exec for her CCataNATOAWACS base, son Capt Matt Fry has flown multipleC-17 deployments for CENTCOM activities.

Jim Bomasent me an interesting article about rights of enemy combatants.

Good read, thanks Jim. Joe Shireyupdated his email address. Jerry McFarlane, Dave Berg, and Bill Swartz all report nothing to report. Garry Flemings has

started a small company in Omaha and seems to be having fun with that. (OBTW -1 appreciate your kind words Garry!) Larry Newis settling into his second career with

Boeing and is enjoying the role and the opportunities. Bill Hanson successfully defended his dissertation “PredictingWar, Predicting Peace” and is now “Dr Bill”. Congrats Bill! He is now a visiting professor at U ofOklahoma.

‘Papa’ Joe Mar chino and Becky are still in San Antonio. Joe recently hosted a workshop on USAFA faculty manning and had John Andrew in to address challenges with instructor manning at USAFA. John is USAFAVice Dean. Rob Sheridan was able to use some info I gave him and has been unable to find an excuse to leave the UK where he now works for a London

hospital. Bill Clifford

attended his fighter squadron reunion at USAFA and ran into PatAshenfelter,

widow ofBob who died in 1991. Pat sends her best to all. Bill just returned from the Hale Koa hotel in Hawaii (a military R&R facility) and recommends the place to all. A1 Patriquinis trying to dr y everything out in Maine; says if s been a wet summer so far. He played in the annual USAFA Alumni soccer match in May (cadets beat the old guys... .AGAIN!) Saw Brad Jones on a Delta

flight recently and they spent most of the trip playing “Do you remember.”

Joe & Anita Evans welcomed their 2nd grand baby, Yvonne Zariah Rose Sema on 3 Jul. Congrats Joe! Son Joseph is “flying his tail off” at Malmstrom in the Mike and Paula Gould with classmates at USAFA Supt Change ofCommand

UH- IN. RickCaballero is full up with American on a 767 international route from Miami. Says Enrique Saa evidently had an excursion/adventure in

Reception.

Mexico with Ricks Navion. Mebbe I can get the details from brother Saa for my

Willie Sheltonconfir med for 3rd star and moving to AssistantVice Chief of Staff and Director, Air Staff, HQ USAE Chris Reamy attended the pinning for

next article. Mike McGinnis is president of the Nor th Texas AOG chapter, Kirk

Howard ‘Dallas’ Thompson for his 2nd star in the USAF ANG. Kevin Chilton

(still at STRA7COM) says wife, Cathy was promoted to BG in USAFR and eldest

daughter was promoted from Doolie to C3C! Mike Worden retires from ACC Vice/CC with a retirement dinner 30 Jul at Langley and ceremony on 31 Jul. Lance Christian will at-

tend both events. Gongrats to Mike & Paula, Willie, ‘Dallas”, Chili & Cathy & daughter, and Mike!

Bell is on the chapter board, Buddy Lottis a past president. Jim Rose Jim Dolan, and Steve Stockdale are active members. Mike flies for American and has seen Made McNair, Jim Cross, Bob Vauglm, and Vic Simonin the system.

Henry Gegg lived in the area but has moved on to a job overseas. Mike says the ,

NTAAFAG is very active go to their website NTAAFAG.org for more info. Rich

King and Mike ‘Yama Dog’ Hoyes both sent me info from an ACC strategic vision discussion attended by Rich, Mike, Jack Catton, Wade ‘McBob’ McRoberts, Mike Worden, and JoeShirey.

General Class Stuff: Denny Shupewas profiled in the 2009

Super Lawyers magazine. Denny is a trial attorney and Chair of Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP’s Litigation Services Department. Randy Chang updated his email address and will take and early retirement and move from Atlanta to Fort

Collins in a few months. He plans to make a few of the USAFA games. Lee Cuevas has been racing his Porsche and is also retraining into the 757 for UPS since his DC-8 has been retired. Lee heard from Nat Millican. Nat had a stroke a few months ago and is

recovering at his home in Kentucky. Lee reports Nat is doing well and has a positive attitude. (If any of you want to contact N at let me know, I have his info.) E d Moriey crossed paths with Scott Thurner (a FEDEX MD-10 Capt) in late Apr on both southbound/northbound flights to Sao Paulo, Brazil, while Ed was escorting diplomatic material. Ed says he managed to eak out a passing grade in French from the State Department's foreign language school, and he and Julie arrived in Paris at the beginning of

Mice ‘YamdHoyesJackCatton, Wade ‘McBob’McRoberts, Mike Worden,Joe

Shirey and Rich King at ACC conference.

97

Class News ‘

Wade McBob’ McRoberts sent me a pic from a May CAF Airpo wer Sympo

-

sor.

I agree with you, Duff, it is unfair having your parents as your sponsor.

sium at Langley that saw the same classmates mentioned above and also Dave Clary, Bob Grosvenorand Jim Carterattending. Space doesn’t allow me to

Who covers for you?

post both photos, so I have included the most recent. McBob tells me Dave

near Destin in Florida.

recently returned from Iraq, Mike Worden is retiring, Mike Hoyes works for Whitney Bradley & Brown, and Joe works for ISE Consulting. Finally, Del Cornalli wrote from Seattle where he is a Java software developer with Amazon.com. He is very active with Disc Northwest in competitive ultimate.

He and Michele have recendy traveled to Greece, Costa Rica, Thailand, Italy and the Dominican Republic.

Well classmates, again time to stick a fork in it. Send me your notes, inputs, address updates, suggestions, junk mail, etc and I will do my best to keep all of you in the loop. As always, ifyou are headed to the Springs, let me and the other locals know. Keep flying your flags and let our deployed troops know you haw them in your thoughts and prayers.

The Spiritof76 is STILL alive andwell! Until next time... Beatty.

commutes to Tallahassee, working on a Ph.D. The Muirs met Rick and Kathy

On other travels, Duff and Mary saw Pete and Denise Mohylsky at their place Pete is a senior test engineer for Qualis while Denise

Newton at Hurlburt where Rick is pushing paper for SAIC in special ops. And

Duff wrapped things up by stopping in Houston to see Rob andYim Mansfield Rob is a Southwest captain operating out of Houston; Duff noted that Rob is

trying to resurrect their hurricane damaged vacation home on Galveston Island good luck with that, guys.

-

John “Lou” Michels, Jr.

4107 Harvey Ave. Western Springs, IL 60558

Office: (312) 861-7975

John.J.Michels@Bakernet.com

Greetings from the sun-speckled shores ofLake Michigan. As I write this, the summer is already half over. I’m particularly time warped by the flood of contact I’ve had with people I haven’t talked to in ages. Specifically, through

Duff’s Travels: A gathering ofZoomies. From the left are Duff Mary, Lee Gustin,Kathy, Pete Mohylsky,D enise, and Shar on and Steve Doveski (75).

Facebook, I’ve been in contact with any number of classmates, someofwhom

Bob Massey (Andrea) posted a short update on FB. He’s living in Tucson, but

even gave me

permission to write about them here.

FACEBOOK AND OTHER UPDATES:

spend most of his time flying his own airplane all over the place. His son is up in Seattie working on engines for the Orion rocket, and playing in a band while B ob’s daughter-in-law is on an oncology fellowship in the area.

Another child is getting marr ied, which Bob notes is keeping Andrea busy.

Bob’s role “I just write checks.” He notes their youngest daughter is headed for Sydney for a semester as an exchange student. It remains to be seen whether Bob will take his Cessna out to visit her -1 suggest adding air re-fueling capability to the bird ifyou decide to make the trip, and take real good maps.

I bumped into Dave Gragan on Facebook a while back and was able to set up a meeting with him during one of my Washington trips. Dave is the chief procurement guy for DC and, as the person who gets everybody stuff, is clearly in demand. I had a lunch with Dave at a civic get-together; you know things are going well when the mayor says hello to you from the dais. We had a ball catching up, although as I’ve previously noted, Dave looks about 15 years younger than I do. Unlike your humble scribe, whatever stress he’s experiencing is not having any effect. I also had a chance to have dinner with Lynn and Cynthia Scott while I was there their daughter is up in Boston and Lynn and Cynthia have fully embraced grandparenthood. Roomie, you are a better guy than I am by several miles, and aging far more gracefully, too. Lynn continues to expand his consulting practice on organizational development and leadership, while maintaining his position at RAND. Both of them look great.

Stuart Alexander (Elisabeth) wrote to update me on his latest project—setting up a nonpr ofit research organization to investigate the Shroud ofTurin.

His firm, headquartered in Raleigh, is collecting all research, artifacts, and anything else associated with the Shroud in order to provide a comprehensive assessment of this particular piece of religious history. Keep us posted, Stuart, this sounds more interesting than my average union campaign.

P at and Cyndee McVay were out at the Zoo to attend the graduation of their seems to

THE OLD SCRIBE’S MATT BAG:

Reaching down deep into the mailbag I come across a couple of letters that I haven’t pushed out to the rest of you. Some ofyou might recognize the gentleman in the photo below:

-

-

Andy Szkotak (Kristin) corresponded with me first about walking the Appalachian Trail in 1991. Last September, he completed the 2150 mile walk. No, he wasn’t walking the trail the entile time; he had time for some other activities in between. For one thing, he had six kids ranging in age from 30 to 5. He’s also running his own successful IT consulting business that takes him to all kinds of interesting places, and with lots of flexibility. Andy just got back from the Netherlands helping a clinical drug trials company manage website development. I’ll refrain from the ob vious joke about testing drugs in Holland.

Andy noted that he’s taken most ofthe last two years offjust “chilling.” That sounds terrific, and I’ll bet the benefits are pretty good too. Sharingthe ’77 wealth, Andy has worked for

youngest in June.

-

Bob Batchelor (Theresa) via email. Bob and his wife, among their other hob-

bies, care for abused horses down in Hor ida. Thanks, Andy, and congrats on

finishing the hike.

I got a message from Kevin Kenkel (Julie) who dropped me a note from Los

Angeles where he’s working for SAIC. He’s traveling between Phoenix and LA and has one son at Mines and one atTexas. Dawg noted that he is now basically working to put his kids through college. Yeah, been there He ran into Donnie Moore (Cindy) coming off a London trip for United. My business trips are never this good. Don related that he saw JohnReed (Vonnie) who’s flying 777s out of San Francisco, as well as Lee Gustin (Kathy) also working for United pushing 777s east on international routes. Apparendy CharlieButler (Lynn) chats on Dawg’s Facebook page; he’s flying for Alaska Airlines and living in Oregon. Great update, Dawg, thanks.

—

—

Duff Muir(Mary) wrote from the Springs. Last fall, Duff, Mary and the Gustins went to Boston for four days and, as Duff put it, “ate our way acr oss the city” Between bites Duff sawWally Zane (Renee) who flies Airbuses for United and has a son at the Zoo. Living in South Denver allows Wally to be his sods spon 98

Pat writes to say that he saw a lot of our classmates who had sons or daughters

graduating or came out to visit. Among them were Don and Vale rie M agee one of my old Chicken Hawk dorm mates. Pat also saw Dave Chaffee (Carolyn Ann) whose daughter graduated, and TC Jones (Lisabeth) whose son is now a second lieutenant. PatBurke (Denise) was theie commissioning his nephew,

as well. The

picture shows Dad McVay, whose uniform still fits, along with his sons Mke and Daniel, and Cyndee at the commissioning ceremony. Congratulations, guys I’m guessing it was a sense of triumph and relief all r oiled into one Pat tecendy got an SES promotion as well in his job at Offutt, so he’s now a general equivalent. I’ll have to remember to salute him the next time I -

MarkZamzow(3rdAirForceVice) and John AAfeida (was Deputy Chiefof Staff USFK atYongsan when they went through the class but recently moved back

see him.

CLOSE OUT: I’ve actually got some content this time around and I want to thank every-

bodyforit. SeemeonFacebook,ifyoucan. I hope the summer went well, and that the football season is going better by the time you read this. Be seeingyou.

I

*fp

, ■

w5

of hours with Mark sharing some very interesting stories about what he’s doing over there. Everyone mentioned above are Stalagers by the way.

Lots of GO stuff going on.. .this picture was from Garry Dean, who is staying fully employed at the Pentagon as the Deputy AF IG. He and fellow two-stars

Bob

to the Pentagon as the Ops, Hans and Requirements Deputy) attended CFACC

class together at lovely Hurlburt Field. Two of their instructors were our own KevinKennedy discussing his recent Afghanistan tour and Lance Undhjem who shared lessons from his recent tour as the CAOC Director in A1 Udeid.

Garry said Kevin and Lance did ’78 proud with their presentations.

Kay

40411 Tesoro Lane

v .

^ V

wmmf-

%sisSft ’4

V

assr I0*f •

.Ly

?

Palmdale, CA 93551

Home:(661) 274-2201 Work: (661) 824-6426 Email:

Robert.kay@baesystems.com

Greetings 78ers...

Unlike last quarter’s article, this one will NOT be brief so better get right to it.

Big news is two “35 years from the start of BCT” (can you believe it? Uh...the class going through now is 2013!) events that transpired in Our Nation’s Capital (D.C.) and in the Heartland (Dayton OH). Mke“Smacko”McMillieputtogether “Operation Great FalconXX-09” on the first of July with an exceptional turnout. All together, 32 members of our great class meet at Champps in Pentagon Row. Smacko also sent the excellent pic below.

From left are Garry, Mark and John.

Steve Sargeant also sent a great shot of’78ers at the recent Corona conference.

I think it’s safe to say that our class was BY FAR the most prominently

represented at the conference.. .standard. Anyhow, from left are: Ed Rice (5 AF/CC Yokota), lick Newton (AF/DP at the Pentagon), Steve Sargeant (AFOTEC/CC at Kirtland), Glenn Spears (12 AF/CC at DM), Larry James (14AF/CCVandenberg), Roger Burg (20 AF/CC at FEWarren), Hawk Carlisle (also recent 3-star and 13 AF/C C at Hickam), andTom Owens (recent 3-star and ASC/CC at Wright-Pat). Is there a pattern here or what??

Front Row, kinda from left are John Hicks (works at Johns Hopkins), Rick DiCocco (only one with visible red suspenders!), Bob Steele (War College

CINC), Dave Estep (Olstead Foundation Dir ector), USAFA Football Coach Troy Calhoun (was in town on business and stopped by to talk football and the

IndoorTraining Facility mentioned in the last article—you all should hav e received Dalbs letter by now), JackKucera (Climatec Corp CEO in Phoenix who was traveling with Coach Calhoun), Martin Allen (SAIC manager), Rick Lehman, Bo Martin, Wfryne Hermandorfer Middle row: Paul MeVinney (Dep A9L), Larry Morton, Smacko (in front of Larry), A1 Myers (Navy Staff), Jay Iindell (SAF/AQP), LynnHollerbach (SAF/AQPWcontractor working for Jay), SteveGoldfein (Senior Director at 20 Sabre Society Northrop), Mark Gibson (A30), Steve Knott, Jeff Cukr, Bob Donors Gray (inter national consulting) Last row: Chris Krisinger, JeffBrake, Dave Blisk Mark Brown, Steve Dalbey (civilian in OSD Policy), Chris Flood (Delta), Bob McMahon (A4L) and Larry Krauser.

Kevin Kennedy (J oint Capability Development director at JFC in Norfolk) and SigNelson (American) made it to lunch but had to leave before the picture was taken (hope I didn’t buffoon too many names or jobs). Given the success ofthis and past events, Smacko is talking about having another one during the Navy game Ify ou aren’t on his distro list, live in the area (sure seems like a boatload of you guys do), and would like to get on the list, please drop him a line at mike@mcmillie.com. These are turning into major-league events.. .well done as always Smacko! .

The Corona Dudes In other GO news, Paul Capasso is leaving Germany (C4 Director at Africa

Command in Stuttgart) for DC and an OSD gig; Joe Reynes is still in Iraq but

pinned on his second star in May; DougRaaberg returned from Iraq as the Special Asst to COMACC; Dave Scott has left Greece and will be working with John Weida (not sure exactly in what capacity but they are both in A3 / 5) at the Pentagon.

Last shot is from BrettVance who continues to greatly suffer as a civilian Test Pilot School instructor down the road at Edwar ds air patch flying F-16s andT-38s (guess someone has to do it).

Several guys met in Dayton at the same time and there was even a brief “teleconference” between the two locations to commemorate the moment. Unfortunately the pix that were sent came out too fuzzy to print here. Guys who showed up there however were Tom Owen (with bride, Mary Beth), Tony

Zompetti, Barry James, Tom Bell, Bruce Mahaffey, Ken Charpie, Mike Ausserer, Dave London, Phil Popovich and Dave Eidsaune (AFMC A3).

Smacko also forwarded a note from DaveLengyel (civilian in A9 at the Pentagon) relaying a very cool chance meeting between himself, JohnPuffenbarger (Pentagon OSD contractor) and MarkRichardson. Mark and Dave Mintz are both over in Iraq as civilian contractors on one-year tours training Iraqi AF pilots. As Dave tells it, Mark was on his mid-tour leave in the States and was on his way back to Iraq with a long Dulles layover before his pond crossing. Puff picked him up at the airport with Dave joining them at Puff’s house for a couple

George and Brett 99

Class News While suffering even more this past June when he was in Hawaii on vacation, he and his bride, Sherri, had lunch with George Ka'iliwai and his wife, Debbie. George is the PACOM J-8 at Camp Smith and travels extensively. Brett also assured me that there was absolutely no prior attire coordination but knowing both of these guys, I have my doubts!

Finally, John Shafer who is a ’59 grad, has written a very interesting e-book titled OffWe Go which is his personal recollection of life in the first USAFA class For $19.95, he’ll send yDU the pdf copy which is the ONLY way it can be ordered (not available in hard or paperback). His snail mail is : Jonathan S. Shafer, 7020 Half Moon Circle, #305, Hypoluxo, FL 33462 or e-mail him at starterl3@att.net if interested.

This is NOT an endorsement by the way; just passing on some info.

Whew...that’s all for this quarter. Many thanks for all the great info you guys sent in info. I even have stuff for next quarter since I’m out of space for this installment. Hope everyone had a great summer. ’78 is great!

John Pardo

1843 Miller Drive

DuPont, WA 98327 H: (253) 507-4889

C: (781) 439-2036

pardoJohn@hotmail.com

Iraq while Leftys oldest lives in Colorado Springs and just got married.

Unfortunately, not everyone is going to be able to make the reunion. Steve Grafalready had his Hawaiian vacation plans set, so he’ll be thinking about us while sipping M aiTai’s on Maui. Steve had dinner with Bob S iegrist (Carol) and lunch withWes Miller (Kathy) recently and reported both are well. Steve Wheeless (Vicki) also will not be making the reunion as it coincides with the fall school break and a trip to DC to visit the grandparents.

Butch Rayfleld (Karen) celebrated the one year anniversary of his kidney

transplant in the spring and will start practicing medicine this fall after a fiveyear hiatus. Scott Hay (Cindy) writes from Abilene, TX that with their four boys grown and spread out around the state, Cindy and he are enjoying the "empty nest." He is a partner in a civil engineering consulting firm and Cindy is a middle school Assistant Principal. Their oldest son and his wife recently gave them their first grandchild and their second son and his wife are expecting around Thanksgiving.

Mike “Trash” Ashley, sentwords and pictures ofthe Service Academies' Class of 79 Golf Tournament held on M ay 1st. USAFA had another good showing.

Sixteen Mighty Fine participants made the outing. Shown in the photo from left in the front row: JeffMcChesney (Diann),Greg Nemeth, Mike Roller, JT Calvin, andBob Edmonds (Ann). Middle row: DavidThomasson (Jacqueline), EdZanowicz(Theresa), Guy Walsh (Ann), Dan“Bubba” Baumgartner (Emily).

Last row: Mike Ashley, Ken Koehler (Nancy), Steve Newbold (Sabine), Jon Box (Lynn) andTreverAlbro (Tracey). Unfortunately Army won the trophy for greatest participation, so plan on being there next May and we can win OUR trophy back.

Greetings once again from the great Northwest and hope your reunion plans are complete and awaiting execution. For those of you who prefer crisis to deliberate planning, here is a repeat of some of the information JR Dallas (Daren) sent last article. The dates are 7-11 October. Everything you’ll need to know and do is on the reunion website at www.usafa.oig. Click on ‘Class Reunions’ link and select 1979.

Website

register reserve hotel room, select merchandize, order and print football tickets, payfor the golf tournament, andmore! Korky von Kessel (Kaye) is the man in charge. Any question/ suggestion you might wish to ask/ offer, use ‘forum’ link or email him directly at: kvonkessel@comcast.net.

Schedule Over the w eekend expect: a reception, golf tourney memorial service, class dinner, AFAtours/briefings, andsquadron get-togethers.Tailgate start time is approx 1500. Game time 1730. Saturday brunch maybe the way to go for individual squadrons. Ifyou have not already, send Korky a name of a squadron rep.

Open GolfTournament- Shotgun start at 0830 on Friday, 9 October on the Blue Course. Greg Sveska (Brenda) and JR have the plan. Email JR ASAP so he can get you on the list. The course allows a limited number of players but spots are available. Unless ‘pairings’ are sent to JR, he will pair guys with other squadron-mates. Email him at jrdallasfl6@yahoo.com.

In other, less uigent but just as important news, Mike “Rolls” Roller who is the Director of AF Programs for BF Goodrich met up with Maj Gen (sel) Andy Busch (Tomi) at the Goodrich Leadership Conference in January. Andy is moving fromVirginia to take the reins of the Air Logistics Center at Hill. Rolls Sabre Society adds that a group of 79ers meet every Saturday to run a couple Donors miles then commiserate over coffee. That energetic group includes Brian Koechel (Holly) who just joined Deloitte, Dave King (Anita) the energy czar at OSD, and Maj Gen Neil McCasland (Susan) who is moving to the Dir Spec Prgms, Office of OSD for Acq, Tech and Log. Roll’s #2 son Sam is in the class of' 12 where he enjoys the unparalleled hospitality of Mike “Omar” Bradleyand wife, Patti. Omar is doing well working from home for GD and owns a sweet Mustang hot rod. Rolls also mentioned that Tom “TMac” McCarthy (Jody) retired from the ROTC commander at CSU in May and John JT” Calvin (Kathy) retired from the Inter-Americas Defense College at Ft. -

-

USAFAsTeam at 79 GolfTournament

ScottGrunwald (Debbie) recentiy retired from Commander, AFROTC Det 060 at the University of Southern California. Officiating the ceremony was

otherthanMaj GenFrankGorenc (Sharon), Scott’s former roommate in Starship 19. Also in attendance was Mark Fish (Kathleen), who works at SAIC. Frank has just been nominated for his third star and is on his way to Ramstein to takeover as 3AF/CC. In other GO news, Maj Gen Randy Fullhart (Kathleen) is the Director of Global Reach Programs (Acquisition) and spent a weekwith Kathleen in Orlando celebrating wedding anniversary #30. Their son Stephen, a reporter / anchor in College Station, interviewed Secretary Gates earlier this year. Brig Gen Guy Wblsh (Ann) recently headed to Afghanistan to join two of our major generals, Steve Mueller (Debbie) andSteveHoog (Cynthia). Guy stood up the 451 st AEW as wing commander on 2 July. Late breaking news from Texas is that John Nips Nichols (Denise) recently pinned on Brig Gen. Go to www.149fw.ang.af.mil for more Also, Doug Robb (Gloria) was recentlynominated for Maj Gen, Jim Muscatell (Nancy) pinned on Brig Gen, Jan-Marc Jouas (Marion) pinned on Maj Gen and Maj Gen (sel) Robin Rand (Kim) is now the Dir Legislative Liaison, OSAE none

“

”

“

McNair.

From Colorado, ChuckFranceschi (Laura) writes that all is well. Their big

trip this yearwas to Des Moines, IAtovisittheirtwo oldest children’s families.. .to include five grandkids. From G oldsboro, NC,Wade “Lefty” Leathan (Sheila) adds that after missing the 20th due to aTDY he hopes to make #30. He retired out of Seymour Johnson after flying the F-4 and F-15E and has been flying with JetBlue since Jan 03. During commutes to NYC he occasionally runs into Nick Berdeguez (Cynthia) andRandyMeyer (Barbara) at JFK. Lefty and Sheila have six sons and one grandson, and Sheila's oldest is in the Army and deployed to

Frank Gorenc and Scott Grunwald TomTalbot’s (LeAnn) significant events recently included the engagement

Class of 1979 30th Reunion Oct. 7-11,2009

Falcons vs. TCU

and wedding of his daughter Megan, and the culling of a TetonValley moose In Ohio, fen Impellizzeri (Jill) is flying with Delta and living close to his three

children including a future F-22 pilot enrolled in AFROTC atWright State.

Meanwhile, in Michigan, John Susalia (Kathy) spent a lot oflast year compet-

ing in physically demanding events, flying for NWA and anticipating the merger with DAL. Brian Koechel (Holly) recently hosted a mini-reunion for the DC gang. At-

100

tendees included: Tom Griffith (Liz), Bubba Baumgartner, Tony Haney (Cheryl), Jim Mandziara, Jeff "Jammer" Moore (Patricia), Dennis Hilley (Chris), Buddha Vthtkins (Misty), Vance Skarstedt (Sandy), Mike Rhodes (Sarah), GuyWalsh, Jay Snyder (Jennifer), Jon Box and Neil McCasland. Finally Greg Nemeth writes that Ernie Haendschke, Mark Lane (Mae) and he—20th squadron 79ers—had a great ski trip to Mark's retirement mountain, Mt. Bachelor, in Oregon and here is the picture to prove it.

missed, and expressing condolences for being unable to attend, were remaining ’80 PTWOBs, Joe Hebert, TedOsowski, and Bob Chapman.” Regarding

photo #2, “I have attached [an] Ott Family Christmas Card with a fairly recent photo—unlike most of us, Spanky still looked like he did as a cadet. ”

Recent Ott Family Photo AF moves/promos. LGen(S) BobAllaidiceto Commander, 18thAF,AMC,

Greg Nemeth, Ernie Haendschke and Mark Lane See you at the reunion. Next up is Bud Vasquez (Molly) bud.vasquez.ibm.com or bud.vazquez@msn.com.

at

Don

Myers 401 Chambray Hill Peachtree City, GA 30269-4247 (770) 631-1429 E-mail: DMyers80@hotmail.com ZN=Zoom ieNation.usafa.org

Frank Ott’s celebration oflife was held near Eglin AFB before his internment at the Academy. Bill Peterson was kind enough to pick me up at the Ft. Walton Beach Airport and take me to the funeral service. Bill was in Franks cadet squadron and also wanted to be sure there was ’80 representation. Bill lives near Maxwell AFB and is retired-retired (for now). He’s enjoying implementing some advice one of his first sergeants espoused: Live for a year on your retirement salary to show yourself its possible. He hits the gym three times a week (“Just like when I was in the Air Force.”) or sometimes throws on a weighted pack and takes a hike. He spent most of his AF time doing expeditionary stuff: “I was expeditionary before it was cool.”

While Bill and I were eating lunch at a local place before the funeral, three other attendees, all from both the Delta and fighter communities, dropped in for chow: Tad Grisham, “Muddy” Waters, and “Louis ’’Lebeau. Seems Louis’ son is engaged to Frank’s daughter, Joanna. And Hank’s son, JJ, was heading to the Prep School. At the funeral service, to further represent the class, wereTomHeemstra and Chuck Wolfe Karen and the kids seemed to be doing well at both the funeral service and follow-on

reception.

The folks at USAFAMortuaryAffairs did a first-rate job to help honor our fallen classmate. AlWallace was coordinating with Wings ofBlue, where he knew Frank, to jump at the service. Unfortunately, winds were too high. A1

noted, “Frank is buried nearZen Goc, another beloved and missed ’80 graduate.” I used two of several photos he sent. Of the first, A1 notes, “As we all look like old geezers (except Karen) in the 80 PTWOB photo, the individuals in the photo at the reception are, from left, A1 Wallace, Scott German, JimCrump, John Reitzell (one of team’s OICs, US Army Captain in the days), Karen Ott,

Marty Jones (Airman at the time in 98 FTS),Tom Breen, and Deiek Hess. Sorely

Scott AFB; BGen Thomas K. Andersen, nominated to MGen while serving as Director, Plans andPrograms, Headquarters ACC, Langley AFB; MGen(S) Susan Y Desjardins to Director, Strategic Plans, Requirements and Programs, AMC,

ScottAFB; MGen(S) Susan J. Helms, nominated to MGen while serving as Director,Plans and Policy, Headquarters US STRATCOM, J-5, Offutt AFB; MGen(S) Stanley T. Kresge to Commander, USAF Warfare Center, Nellis AFB; BGen Joe Lannito AF Security Assistance Center of AFMC, Wright-Pat AFB; MGen(S) Susan K. Mashiko to Director, Space Acquisition, Office of the Under Secretary of the Al; Pentagon; MGen Christopher D. Miller to Special Assistant to the Vice Chief of Staff, USAF Pentagon; MGen(S) CD Moore to Director, Special Programs, Joint Strike Fighter Program, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, Pentagon; MGen(S) Doug Owens to Vice Commander, PACAF Hickam AFB, HI; BGen Charles K.Shugg to Vice Commander, AF Cyber Command (provisional), Barksdale AFB; BGen Janet C. Wolfenbarger, nominated to MGen while serving as Director, Intelligence and Requirements, Headquarters AF Mater iel Command, Wright-Pat AFB. Awesome! Oh, military info comes easy, but those in the civilian world: I need you to toot your horn just a little by providing me/us a sentence or two

when changes occur. Thanks.

More newish names. Russ Hodgkins responded to my desire for fresh meat: “I

retiring next month from active duty as an 0-6.1 have been the Commander ofCivilAirPatrol-USAFforthelast3 l/2years. Itwasagreatjob. Not only did am

I get to travel around and meet CAP volunteers from all over the countr y, but I was still on

flying status and was able to fly the little Cessnas that CAP flies. I don’t know how many of our classmates can match my record of being on active flying status for 22 of the last 29 years, but I’m sure there are some out there. V\fe are

fleeing the hot summers ofMaxwell AFB after retirement and moving to Amherst, NH. I haven’t found a job yet, as this is not the best time to be seeking newemployment. Abu may find me as a WalMart greeter if you’re in the neighborhood.

As for a family update, my wife of 24 years, Donni, and I have two sons. Gordon is 23, a graduate ofthe USAFA class of2008, and on his way to NAS Corpus Christi to finish SUPT in theT-44 this month. My younger son, Greg, is 19 and I will be dropping him off at USAFA to start in the Class of 2013.”

Mark Stephensis the Negotiating Chairman for APA (AALs union). He and his team recently took their concerns to Washington, visiting more than 20 congressional offices and having other DC meetings.

Kevin McNeight (Delta MD88 Capt) recently drove Kathy and me on the first leg ofour anniversary getaway. He’sanAFRESIMAatAETC. After finishing a large project there, he’s ready for a little downtime. He lamented being just a small cog in the wheel of the world’s laigest airline.

Through an oldYokota acquaintance, I found Mark Swisher: “I am weathering the airline storm as well as anybody, I guess. Still married to Barb, who’s back to work teaching school. We’ve been living in B runswick, ME for the last 15 years or so. Daughter Gabrielle just finished her sophomore year majoring in Social Work at Ohio University. Son J ohnny finishes his junior year of high school this week. Still flying for USAirways. Skiing all winter even though ifs not Colorado snow.

Sailing most ofthe summer on the coast. I've got a 60-year-old wooden boat that keeps me off the street and out of trouble. Strive Not!” Peggy (Dennis) Carnahan’s sister, a bigwig in the VA, was at a confer ence recently and met WillGunn, their General Counsel. She thought he was impressive. (See photo at top of the next page.)

Comms,revisited. We attempted to contact as many of you as possible when we heard the news of Frank’s passing—which is why the updated email addresses to Debbie (Dubbe) Gray (ddgray@embarqmail.com) are important.

By the way, Debbie is on the staff of the Defense Task Force on Sexual Assault in the Military Services: “We work for DOD (but our charge is from Congress) to develop a response to Congress on the issue of SA in the military. Sheworks ”

from home, but has been on the road a fair amount.

‘80 Wings ofBlue

At a crossroads. Peggy also sent a video link showing the CINC leaving Ma101

Class News

Dan, M ichael,Bobby, and Jennifer Bell at USNA. Will Gunn Presenting rine One and bypassing his motorcade to “press the flesh” with Bob and D ee

(Mahaffey) Steel and their brood. Peggy ended her email with the fact that many ofyou are on Face Book—and that it might be a source for Checkpoints.

ZoomieNation... Face Book... Linkedin... ? Class of’75 has 402 registered atZN! We have 78. It’s obvious we need to think through how w e will best communicate in the future. Standing by for your input/ suggestion.

it was the largest number of middies in the history of the Academy to be commissioned as marines -271. Their 3rd son, Bobby, is a third classman at USAFA

while son #1, Danny, (a USAFA grad) graduated from UPT and will fly C- 17s out ofH ickam AFB. Dan and I are still in mourning over the Redwings loss in the Stanley Cup finals.

[ I did miss Jake Jakobi’s annual lacrosse trekto Colorado. He did pass through

Colorado Springs, but I was camping with the scouts. Gregg Montijo left me a message while I was out of town, so I couldn’t

Rich Trentman

get together with him and Ryan Orian came to visit our Academy with his family, but, again I was out of town.

11102 Asbee St.

I do appreciate everyone trying, though!

Falcon, CO 80831-8170 Home: (719) 494-8438 Work: (719) 234-0754 E-mail: trentman@usafa81.com

Class Website: www.usafa81.com It is a beautiful Colorado Summer day as I wrap up my 31 st article for our

class I can’t believe that you have put up with my writing for this long. Iam looking forward to seeing all of you in 2011. The Academy looks great with the return oftraditional Colorado afternoon showers each afternoon. The class of 2013 is battling the swine flu outbreak as I’m sure many ofyou have read about.

Class News: Mike and Lori Bloomfield’s daughter Courtney is now a junior at the University ofTexas and will start nursing school this Fall. Their son Brian is starting his senior year in high school and plays water polo. Brian is considering USAFA and a few other Texas schools. Mike supports NASA’s vision to get men back on the moon as a contractor working for ATK. Amy Marker! is keeping busyworking for Cisco and travels extensively. Amy uses trips to keep in touch with friends and family. Amy always keeps in close touch with fellow Norther n Californians Bob and Silvi Steigerwald. Fellow Rebelevener, Danny Crewsreminded me of a camping trip several of us took before graduation. Thankfully, the photographic evidence ofAlex Baggett and I jumping into an ice cold stream in our birthday suits is long gone. Speaking ofAlex, he gave me a call in June while in town for his niece’s wedding. Alex and Sonia are back in the US and live in Tennessee Alex said Sonia is fond of Tennessee’s warm climate.

Another squadronmate, Terry Dickensheet, answered my one year old emails (feel the love). Terry was running the AFROT C D et at Mississippi St, but is now retired and teaching UPT students in the simulator at Columbus AFB. Terry and Dm are nowemptynesters like manyofyouhard chargers. Missy (Mraz) Robbins kindly complimented the gathering of’81 er 50-year-olds picture in the last issue of Checkpoints. Missy got a horse for her 50th and Tom was going to run a marathon. I got a short email from Janet (Peterson) Nichols. She lives in the DC area. CliffPerrenod is still working for General Dynamics in Los Angeles with KenHasegawa. Ken and family also live in LA. Ken should be close to retiring afewmonthsafteryouread this article. Ken promises an’81 picture soon. John Marlin has been driving across New England dropping his daughter at various Summer Camps. John celebrated his big 50th birthday this Summer.

Bryan Funke is enjoying retirement in South Carolina. Dan and Jennifer Bell were at USNA this Summer for their second son to graduate from an academy. Michael Bell graduated and will serve our nation in the USMC. Dan said

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY!

Class Business: Randy Wbrrall, Tony Lorusso, Chuck Phillips, and I have started initial planning for our 30th reunion in 2011. Many of you should have received an email from the AOG in July. Randy has gotten responses from our classmates already. Please let us know your thoughts or if you would like to volunteer as it does take some advanced planning to pull it all together. Ill be an on-site lookout for our class as we investigate banquet and hotel options.

Also, keep your address and email current with the AOG! I started a USAFA Class of 1981 group on Facebookfor us and already there are several classmates joining.

At the AOG Senate meeting, Bart Holiday, President of the USAFA Endowment (UE) gave a presentation on the UE’s mission and answered questions.

While the UE provides classes and donors with commitment of 100% of their

pledged dollars towards their desired projects, the UE has limitations and still harbors an unwillingness to work in full cooperation with our AOG. It is unfortunate, because we now have three large fund-raising organizations (AOG, UE, Athletic Association) working in par allel without a coordinated strategy.

At some point there must be a leader or board to oversee the fundraising and friendraising efforts or our institution will always lag peer colleges, academies, and universities. Also, realize that while the UE is committed to putting 100%

of pledged dollars to work, they are growth constrained and need endowment

dollars to maintain their limited staff. They also cannot respond to short notice funding requests to support our academy. Please feel free to email or call with any questions. Remember, I worked for several years at the AOG and still

stop byfrequentiy, so I am very knowledgeable on fundraising, services, and our AOG. The AOG is a great organization and “T” Thompson, the newPresident, is doing a fantastic job.

Thanks for all the emails and support! Keep them coming (with pictures).

Remember that our 30th reunion will be here before you know it. Also, Falcon football should be ready to go by the time you read this. Go AF! Jim Ratti

2860 Arbor Pointe Drive

Middletown, OH 45042

(937) 760-2333 rattijm@mindspring.com http://usafa82.org

Greetings Redtags!

It’s been a busy quarter, with lots going on. We have a newly-minted two-star

(more on that news follows), and we’ve also seen 82k pr ogeny become an

ever-growing part ofthe CadetWing. And it seems, the Class of’82 is swarming back to the COS area in droves. Dean Mills’ youngest son is one of the new

Doolies, and Deano said when he went up to USAFA to drop his son off for BCT it seemed like you couldn’t swing a dead cat around Doolittle Hall without

WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED.

hitting a Redtag. I’m pretty sure Deano still lives in the COS area, and he passed on that Jim Dahlmanjust retired and is living there as well. Deano also reports is and around mobile his terrible fall again, fairly thatTomLaValley up despite and injuries while serving as a missionary in Venezuela (see last quarter’s col-

CALL THE AOG FOR INFO.

umn). Deb Kiikhuff, Jan Rosko, and BG Tod Wolters (the newAFSCP A3) are

YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND

all at AFSPC. Sandy (Maloney) Keeter ’s daughter Emily is also in BCT (Flying 102

’

Tigers), and her other daughter Alyssa (Class of 08) is a 2Lt stationed at Peterson.

Dan Harrier’s daughter Jacque is now a senior, and is a falconer as well. Watch for her at the home football games this season! And, I learned that Paul Ackerman is the Vice Superintendant at USAFA, under the new Supt, Lt Gen

Stu

Mike Gould, Class of 76. Paul provided the welcome speech at an orientation

Sierra Madre, CA 91024

for the class of2013 in April. In the audience weie Gieg Tate(Command Chaplain for AFSPC, and father of C4C GraysonTate), Maggie Pelszynski (Chair of the Pediatr ics Department at Wilford Hall, and proud mom of C4C William Stover), and StevePearson (Dad to C4C Jon Pearson). Steve retired in 2001 and is working for L-3 Comm near Eglin AFB.

Pope

520 Ramona Ave.

stu_pope@yahoo.com

Ah, 2009. Ayear we’ll all remember, though, like most, I’m trying hard to forget parts of it already. The 40% market plunge over the past year has seem-

ingly been mirrored by a similar drop in class news coming my way. But, fortunately, it’s mostly news from folks you may not have heard from in quite awhile. Here goes: “

’

Howard Wass” Whssner reports a “Reb Rousingf of 5 good ol boys Yankee

-

and one

“

earlier this year. Whss, JimmyMar dis, Francis Bubba” Mclllwain, RandyMaxey, WoodyBeall and SteveMannall loaded up in a Beverly Hillbillies style truck provisioned with PBR and pork rinds and pro-

ceeded to traumatize the Deep South (well, the Florida Pan-

handle, anyway) with their neo-dink hijinks. Running out of steam, and gas, in Destin, FL, they hunkered down at the Silver Tower condos to r eflect on who’s up to what these

days.

Ringleader JimmyMardis is currently running the environmental division of Tyson Foods in Springdale, AR. Randy Maxey returned to his beloved Tennessee, did the Guard thing, was an ALO for USAFA, and is currently flying for UPS. WoodyBeall retired from his F-15 reserve unit, flies for Delta MGen Vautrinotand her cheering section.

Earlier I mentioned a newly-minted two-star. It’s none other than’Zan Vautrinot, shown right of center in the picture above with (L-R) her husband Bill Keller, MikeSinisi, and Doc Kimminau. The picture was taken at her promotion ceremony in the Pentagon back in June. Dave Goldfien was also on

the latest two-star list. Dave started with our class, took advantage ofthe stopout program, then returned and graduated with ’83.

Since I published Doc’s picture above, I should also tellvou that theKimminau

family is on the move again. Up until this past May, Doc had been filling in as the vice commander of the AFISR Agency in San Antonio. In May he PCS'd to the Pentagon to take over as commander ofthe Air Force Intelligence Analysis Agency (AFIAA). Doc’s family (Trish, ’83, and their three youngsters joined him in July.

I learned that John Ungate is a pilot for Delta, flying primarily international routes. John joined Delta in 1990, and is based out of Atianta. John says that there are several other Redtags on the Delta rolls. DanRooney is living near St. Louis and is still an avid runner. B ack in May he took part in a charity running event hosted by a local running club and took first in a 1 -mile race, turning in a 4:50 time! Dale Sonnenberg and Eddie McAllister are both in Japan. Dale wrote to me to update their e-mail addresses, but didn’t say what they each were doing. Eddie has a “state.gov” e-mail address, and Dale’s is a “usfj.mil” address, ifthathelps...

AbelBarrientes is the 4th AFVice Commander at Travis. He joined the Reserves in 1989 and has been doing Reserve duty atTravis ever since. He’s a pilot for Delta, based at LAX and living near Sacramento. Jeff Beeneretired last August, having served as Vice Commandant at USAFA for his last tour. He and his family returned to Texas where he’s been hiied to re-invigorate the flying and aviation technical portions of the program offered at Texas State Technical College inWbco. His oldest son just gradu-

and resides in Jacksonville, FL. Steve ‘Youda”Mann lives in Orlando, plays

golf, and flies for Southwest (in that order) .Wass Wassner is currently living in Berrien Springs, MI and is flying a corporate gig with Whirlpool.

Bubba Mclllwain recently retired from active duty and is working the civil service angle in the Little Rock area. His son graduated from Annapolis this year and is now a Marine.

Eventually finding a gas station and a half-bottie of Southern Comfort, the Rebel Rousers continued their road trip to Tyndall AFB, where they took over Daryl Roberson’s house, designating it their regional HQ.

Get out youryearbooks and decide who’s who

-

the choices areJimmyMardis,

Francis Mclllwain, Randy Maxey, Woody Beall, Steve Mann, and Howard Wassner. ”

Vince “Snake Farrell wrote in to relate his recent adventures. In addition to

sojourn to the South Pole with Paul “German” Sheppard (the photo seemingly disappeared into the ether, unfortunately), Mnnie reports he was “probably the last guy promoted to 0-6 who had only F-4 time” and retired a 2006

ated fromTexas Tech and was commissioned in the Air Force

from his final tour in Hawaii in 2008. He’s now flying QF-4s as a contractor at

by his dad. Steve Herzigretired in ’02 as the Deputy Director of the Engineering Group, 412th TestWing at Edwards, He’s now a team chief for the Advanced Systems Team, Special Projects Office, part of the munitions directorate of the AF Research Lab at Eglin. Doctor (PhD-type) Jim Simpson rejoined the AF as a civilian, working as an ops analyst for the 53 Test Management Group. These folks are lesponsible for managing ACC’s operational test activities at Eglin. Prior to that, he spent ten years as a professor in the Industrial Engineering Department of Florida State University And last but certainly not least, just because Heather Wilson is no longer in Congress, it doesn’t mean she’s out of the news There was a press release back in April announcing that she’d been selected to receive the National Intelligence Superior Public Service Medal. She received her medal from Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair at a ceremony at ODNI Headquarters in April. The award recognizes her years of service while a member ofthe House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and on the House Armed Services Committee. She served in Congress from June 1998 through Jan 2009.

So I guess that’s about it for this round of class news. I really enjoy hearing from all of you about your (and your children's!) exploits and successes. It’s

Tyndall AFB and will soon to be in a GS position.

hand to believe that it’s been 27+ years since we threw our hats in the air, and

Pole.

life just continues to get better.

Keep the news flowing this way, and until next time, be safe! Ratman

Vince also relates that veteran EWO Gary “Grass” Hopper retired from the AF earlier this year, but not before a fini flight in The Rhino” at Tyndall (with the

In search of the anti-Santa:Vince Farrell and Paul Sheppard at the South

“

103

Class News Snake Man as his front seater) .Vince and Gary crewed together at ClarkAB and e\en closed down George AFB together, so it was all very fitting. Oddly enough, Vince tried to get afore-mentioned Daryl Roberson over to his house for dinner with Gary, but Daryl was apparently still a captive of the Rebel R ousers at that time.

and now running anAF ROTC unit in Florida. Tim Shields: they played water

polo together at USAFA. He flies for United now and lives in Huntington Beach, CA. Bryan Holmes: they came from the same high school in Southern California and played water polo too. He nowflies for American and lives in Orange C ounty, CA. Eddie Pogue: they also played water polo together and he flies for UPS and liv es in Louisville. Darryl Webb: they had chance contact as he was retiring from the AF and moving back to Houston looking for employment.

They realized we did the Navy SEAL summer program together during their Jr year. Eddie Pogue was in SEAL training too. Walt Jurek:They were in the same basic squadron and he is now a senior engineering manager at Hewlett Packard in Houston. GregBauer: They were Econ majors together. Lives in Park City, UT and flies for American Airlines.

Snake and GrasshopperfIniflight in the legendary Rhino.

Mark “Hage” Hageman reports his daughter Estefania just graduated fro m

the American School in London and will be attending Northeastern Univer-

sity in Boston this fall. From what I can gather, Hage is currently putting together a merger deal where Germany buys Belgium, keeping Flanders while trading most ofWallonia to France for Alsace Naturally, I saw ColinMoffat recently. In fact, I had a couple of brews with him at Lucky Baldwin’s here in Sierra Madre yesterday. M of and his crew are currently en route from Park City to Chile, where he plans to reside until the whole Mayan calendar end of the world thing blows over in 2012.

Wade Wheeler writes the next article. B e sure tosendyour cryptic emails and inappropriate photos to wwade83@verizon.net.

Mike Jensen

yiSl

12035 Milam Road

Members.

39%

Colorado Springs, CO 80908

l-(800)-G0-AFA-G0 michaeljensen@remax.net http://www.usafa84.com

A1 Feliusent in a picture. Seen here are Albert, Christina-18, Cindy-wife of 25 years, and Michael-15.

Class of 2013: This is where I know I will not get everyone, but will do the best with what we have. John Denny and his wife, Gayle ’83, have a son in basic

training C4CWes Denny; they report that DwightGodwin from CS-13 also has a son at USAFA in Basic. TomWilson has daughter Ftaley, who is a 3rd geneiation USAFA attendee, following EdLorenzini, who had a son enter a couple of years ago.

With everything that is happening in the world today. I feel very fortunate to

be able to keep in touch with so many great and wonderful people. I hope you can take the time to take a weekend for yourselves and join us as we celebrate 25 years since we graduated from our UnitedStatesAirForceAcademy. Thanks for all each and ev ery one of you do every day. See you soon.... jens

Frank

Updates for the reunion can be found at www.usafa84.com. By the time you receive this, it is getting down to crunch time. We really have a tremendous turnout so far, but there is always room for more of“84”! Went over to check out to Commandants house. It is a beautiful setting for our classmate and his family. Sam and Tammy Cox, along with children, Patrick and Claire, and felines Nani and Kahuna, are making it available to us for lunch on Friday during the reunion fr om 11-1 .We then have the Senior Staff briefings which will be followed by the Memorial Ceremony and dinner at the Marriott. For the golfers, the Thursday Commandants Classic will be held at Eisenhower.

Last time we depleted the golf hostesses’ cart of just about everything they had for sale. Should be great weather.

Updates: Received a nice update from Rob Hemker, who has a son in 2011. He is on the Wings of Blue and while in town Rob ran into three of our classmates at his son’s "Blue

Suit" ceremony in May. The Blue Suit ceremony is when the 3rd class Wings of Blue "candidates" (also known asWings of Green) finish their one year of

upgrade training and are officially added to the team. At the ceremony the '84 gradshe saw were KentYohe (also has son classof2011 onWings of Blue), John

Curran(who sponsors Kent's son), and, of course, Sam Cox the Commandant was there. Kent and John were bothWings of Blue when we were cadets. Both Kent and John fly for Southwest.

Rob ended up in Acquisition after graduation and got out of the AF in 1990.

He has lived in Houston ever since and is in the recruiting business (head

hunter).

Other '84 people Rob has traded messages with over the past year or so: Bob Wright, who was head of Safety at USAFE (if that is what they call it still)

Class of 1984 25th Reunion HOMECOMING

Sept 23-27,2009 Falcons vs. San Diego State

“Q.” Williams 13209 Topslield Court Herndon, VA 20171 (703) 657-3227 USAFA1985@aol.com

Hi everybody

Right offthe bat let me say thanks to J ackie (Charsagua) Garciaand Charlene (Jardin) Harding for all of our inputs for this article.

In an e-mail Jackie said that on May 1,2009 she and her husband, Danny Garcia, attended the assumption of command ceremony for Colonel Mike

Black to take command of the White House Communications Agency (WHCA), also known as "The Voice ofthe President" at AnacostiaNaval Station in Washington, DC. The Garcias had the pleasure of meeting Mike’s wife, Wilda, and three children. Previously, Mike was the D eputy Commander of WHCA. The WHCA provides services to the President, National Security Council, White House Senior Staff, and US Secret Service. It’s quite a job, and Jackie says “Mike is the man to do it!”

Additionally, Jackie said that after many years she reconnected with Kerri (Broussard) Tashjian, who lives inTexas.

Jackie reported that Kerri successfully had her twin son and daughter graduate from high school in Abilene, TX. Jackie said Kerri gave her atip on howto reconnect via the internet with Shelly (Ginder) Grady, the matriarch of the Grady Family in Nebraska and mother of 11 children. Jackie said “the blog is much more efficient than yearly newsletters!”

Jackie also passed along that through her oldest brother Colonel Joe Charsagua (U.S. Army) who is an instr uctor at the ArmyWar College, she hears about 85ers passing through Carlisle, PA. Jackie said by the time we’d get to read the next CheclcpointsDale Holland should have graduated from the Army Wfrr College in the summer of2009, but she didn't know his follow-on assignment.

Jackie also passed along that Jim andYvette (Perez) Hrrri have moved to San Antonio, TXwith their two daughters. Jackie said that Jim took a governmen t position and Yvette is enjoying “retired life.”

Jackie said she heard from Pam (Lawson) awhile back. Jackie said Pam is a CPA for a large trucking company in Omaha.

104

Jackie said she heard from her dear friend SusanBessellieu. Sue is a CardioThoracic Nurse Anesthetist in Florence, SC and she enjoys her work. Jackie said she and Sue are already planning ahead to be in Colorado Springs, CO for our next class reunion in 2010.

Jackie says “it’s not too early to start planning!”

Moreover, Jackie said Tlsh (Dierlam) Norman now lives in Castle Rock, CO, with Dan and her kids. Jackie said Tish lives just down the street from Ruthan (Leuken) Thompson' s older sister, also a grad. She went on to say thatTish is a Colonel in the reserves and travels to Alabama often, in between being soccer coach for her youngest daughter's team.

For her last input, Jackie finally passed along some things about herself. She is working as a government contractor in Arlington, VA and she also helps to manage her husband's Charitable Trust as he walks around the country and

the world, meeting beautiful and interesting people along the way. Jackie said they enjoy the sites and sounds of the Washington, DC area but they live in

quiet and picturesque Leesburg, VA and plan to stay put at least until her daughter, Jackie Jr, graduates from High School in Leesburg. Then Jackie plans to go “off to world travels (the dr earn).”

Charlene sent an e-mail too. Charlene said “Retiree life has been awesome these past 4 years.” Charlene said she has been immersed in her kids’ activi-

ties, her community and just enjoying beach life. She said one semester was a bit crazy when her kids were involved in 9 simultaneous sports (including travel teams) so she said she felt like she’d been demoted to family Exec /Aide;

Donovan, Geeter, Cha^ and Hoolie Charlene sent a couple of additional pictures that I can not use in this article but I plan to use them in the next article. Please note that the AOG policy is to limit class articles to three pictures in a Checkpoints edition, unless it is during a reunion

period. And a grad has to be in the picture with any children. Thanks.

V\fell, that’s all I have for now. Until the next time, please take care.

Quintel

but she and Bill enjoyed it all. Charlene said the Harding kids now range from 4-18. Charlene said she told Christina she can go to any top college as long as

Bob Colella

she was on scholarship. Charlene said Christina got accepted into the USAFA

9301 Harness Horse Court

early and went there on a visit. But Charlene said while Christina was visiting USAFA, she was notified that she also got accepted into UCLA (full-ride) so “she caught the next plane out of there and never looked back.”

Springfield, VA 22153 703-455-3176 Rkascolella@cox.net

or

colellar@ndu.edu

Classmates! Attention in the Area, Attention in the Area

-

we have crossed the

Rubicon.

Proof? None ofyou write aboutyour “new spouses” (well some of you do), or new additions (unless it is a room to set up your trains in the basement), yet all of you write about kids going off to college and the increased need for fiber in your diet; however, most significant... .We have our very first 0-7 selects

from our class: bump-da-da-dum-da-da-dum: DickClark, Steve Kwast, Jerry

MartinezandTJ O’Shaughnessy. Jerry is unique in that he is the only 0-7 on the list who, according to the AOG Register of Graduates (which the scribe has to use to cross reference promotion lists to class

lists

-

manually) is still at Pilot Training atVance AFB Okla-

homa

-

that is a lot of 88 and 89 rides (not that I am familiar

with those... back in the day) but good on him; he must have run a hell of a snack bar to have made rank from O-1 to -

The Harding Family: Bill, Chase, Chris, Austin, Candace, and Char.

Charlene also wrote “Geeter Kyrazis from Daytona Beach, FL was in China

0-7 without a PCS. I would also note that only one is an AOG member

-

oh, the

Lake, CA for a business trip so we threw an impromptu poolside cookout for

shame, or perhaps the key to success will have to think that

85ers at my home in Manhattan Beach.” Charlene said cookout attendees

one over

included Michael“Murph” Murray andVonny Cameron who came from Huntington Beach. She said Mike “Hoolie” Hoolihan, also from So Cal, “rolled up in his stunning Shelby Cobra.” Charlene said Hoolie flies for FedEx. She also said Donovan" Pancho” Garcia lives near San D iego, and had just re-

turned from a trip to Russia and Europe and was able to stop by before jump-

ing on another plane. Charlene said they sat around and told exaggerated tales for a few hours, then broke out some classic Academy-era videos that are going to be a big source of embarrassment at the next reunion.

-

but maybe time to join?

I have been using Facebook as a means to gather information from folks, so if -

you arerit a member, you should join and then join the USAFA Class of 86 Group and then you will be reconnected with many ofyour old chums and classmates.

I heard from SERE buddy Mike Clark- ah the memories of sitting around the

campfire chewing on baby rattlesnakes we had found. Mike and family are enjoyingpost USAF life just south ofAnnapolis. Mike can be found flying around the world in a G550 or G450 as a contract pilot.

I also heard from Gary V\hlfe also a Facebook friend and a self proclaimed “Long time reader, 1 st time writer and after 23 years, here's my first submission to Checkpoints. I'm still AD, serving at NATO CAOC 8 at Torrejon AB. Been hero 3 years and am extended for 1 more. It's a great gig, 24 hr duty with 3 or 4 days off in between. I work as a duty controller in the Ops Center. Neat job, great coworkers, and great working conditions. I've been married for 18 years (wife Tess), and have 2 kids (Matt 14, and Tiffany 12). The kids go to the American School in Madrid. I stay busy on my free time by volunteering as Scoutmaster for the Boy Scout troop, which takes up a great deal of my time, but is well worth it. Madrid is a great place to live. The family loves it. I'm the only American at Torrejon, but have many American friends who work at GC-Land Madrid, the other NATO unit here, and the personnel at the Embassy Looking to go back to San Antonio and retire, and hopefully get a job as a GS or contractor at Randolph -

or one of the other bases there.

”

Dondi Costin (Reverend to all ofyou) checked in as well and sent along a

Geeter, Char, Murph, andVon

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY! YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND

CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT mULI) OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDEE

“

photo. He says: Hope ya’ll are doing well. Due to our advanced age, attached is a photo ofwhat's likely the last couple of 86ers to be squeezed through the AWC pipeline. Bill Ellisis the handsome colonel on the left (he's headed to the Pentagon). I'm the short chaplain on the right (we're headed to Spangdahlem).

(See photo at the top of the next column.)

(I also heard from former CS-32 roommate Daryl Hauck DJ is in command out inWright-Pat and should be on an 0-7 list here in the v ery near future: “Hope all is well in DC. We ar e now back at Wright-Pat in Dayton. Lesley is a Cardiac Nurse at Good Sam Hospital, Nathan is at CSU in Ft Collins, and Jay -

will start at Miami of Ohio this fall.

105

Class News

photo of the 87 ers that attended AirWar College in the 2009 class .From left are LavansoiVLC Coffey, Brian "BJ" Johnson, Paul Wade, Franz ’86ers bringing up the r ear at M/VC: Bill Ellis and Dondi Costin.

Next up Hiawatha “Wassie”Newtonchecked in-he retired from AD inDe-

cember 2006 and is working as a contractor at Vance AFB OK “Bob, you are the best scribe ever; wanted to let you know that I retired Dec 06 and am work-

ing as a simulator instructor atVance AFB, OK. I am still doing silk screening on apparel, mainly t-shirts: Way-Wear LLC website militees .com still pending.

I started an organization called Prayforthebands.org and the website is nearly complete but up and running. Still married to Dawn, 23 years last June. Son Joshua (19) is a junior at Oklahoma State Aerospace Eng and Daughter Tia.” I also heard from JeffWagner “Here's alittie 'bio' from me, Bob. I've always meant to send something in just never got off my butt to do it. Came to Tinker AFB, OK in April '99 (2 weeks before the big F5 tornado) to the depot flight test unit as a B-1WSO. Concerted (in place) to the Reserves (AGR) in 2002 when the unit was transferred to AFRC. Unit was populated almost exclusively by Zoomies until recently. Cary Montgomery, fellow' 86er, has been here with me the last 10 years. The rest of the guys are class of '90 or later. Hanning on retirement next June and will be staying in the OKC area. Still married to Debi, 19 years last month. Son Matt (16) will be a sophomore at Mount St Mary's HS and is coached in cross-country by Pat Rupel a 1976 USAFA grad and still current Academy marathon record holder. Son Andrew (10) will start 5th grade in the fall.”

Carl Martin checked in from So Cal with: “Still working for Northrop Grumman, but now an O perations M anager for the DSP Get to see Roger Teague every now and then, who is the SBIRSW ing Commander here at SMC. Also bumped into Ivan Thompson on base who is back in the reserves. My daughter Erica starts her Junior %ar at UCCS this fall, majoring in Psychology... (Free Psych care to figure out what's wrong with me!) Taking her out for a cruise to -

Mexico for her 21st B-day in November.”

And last up is Scott Curtis: “Still flying C-5s at Travis as a reservist on active duty orders. I'm taking a leave of absence from UAL. My main responsibility is flying Acceptance Check Flights for C-5s coming out of the glass cockpit avionics mod. I saw Kraig Evenson (86) and Chris Findall (87) last month: they came out with wives for an engineering conference in San Francisco. We did a little wine

tasting in NapaValley; it was nice. My 2 oldest sons Blake (22), and Hayden (19) are enrolled at Pepperdine University in Malibu... and loving it.

My youngest, Cale (14) is starting high school this year. Mylovely and talented wife, Christine, continues to faithfully serve in the role of CINC House; and is currendy supervising kitchen and bathroom renovations.

As for me, I am off to the Cape for another week of vacation but would advocate updating your AOG profile for the Register (some folks actually do read it) and hopefully some of you 0-7 selects and others out there will think about joining the AOG!!! ”

-

Cheers, Bob “Cactus” Colella Ezra Vance 7320 Brixham Circle

Castle Rock, CO 80108 Home: (303) 6885431 Work: (303) 304-1287

"Baron" Plesha, Dan Hancock, Steve "Bick" Dutkus,Tom Markland & Mike Hafer. Missing: George "Andy" Coggins I f you happen to decide to publish this pic do what you can to lighten it so I show up as more than a dot. All of the above are happily wearing the rank of Colonel.

—

“Quick coffeyhouse update: I departed Maxwell soon as able to rejoin the family in C-Springs. After depositing our oldest daughter at U SAFA for BCT, the rest of us will pack up and head out to Vandenberg AFB, CA where I' 11 next serve as the 30th Launch Group Commander assuring mission success for every--

thing launched off the west coast. Anyone passing through for any reason should be sure to look us up.”

God's Speed, Ezra Mark Peters

2437 Bedford Circle

Bedford, TX 76021-1823 (817) 937-9696

pylt@yahoo.com

Hello 88!

First, a Class of '59 grad, Jonathan S. Shafer, has written a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the graduation of the first class from the Air F orce Academy. H is

personal recollections of the four years spent by a cadet in the first class, as well as commentary about what has happened to the Academy and its Honor System over the last 50 years, are available as an e-book, OffWe Go. If inter ested, you may order it direcfiy from the author. An

Adobe .pdf file ofthe book will be emailed the same day your check ($19.95) is received. Send orders to: Jonathan S. Shafer, 7020 Half Moon Circle, #305, Hypoluxo, FL 33462; and Starterl3@comcast.net (203-865-7630).

Second, after 21 years and around 84 columns I have come to the conclusion that it is time to transfer the column to another ’88er with fresh ideas. While Eve enjoyed keeping up with the group, it’s become more difficult of late. For example; as I type this I sit in Panama City Panama, a bit of a hike to B edford, Texas. I have been taking stock of things and was surprised to see that I keep a stash of clothes in four different cities, to include one here.

With only a few days a month at home in Texas, two distinct jobs and major personal time constraints, something has to give. Even though compiling the column isn’t that time consuming, the reality of choices is such that the class would be best served by a “Scribe Change of Command.” I’m sure your Checkpoints editor, Tom Kroboth, will gladly entertain any offers; please contact him at tom.kroboth@aogusafa.org. Feel free to contact either of us for details on whafs inv olved.

In the interim, your trusty scribe is (still!) in dire need of Checkpoints inputs; write! please

ezravance@hotmail.com Paul W. Tibbets,

IV

Unit 9500, Box 48

Wings of Heaven, Finally I received a single input from LC Coffey. I must tell you that being our class scribe is one of the most difficult jobs I have ever done. I really have very little recourse but to beg you to send more info on yourselves. I don't have addresses except for a few people and even the people I do keep in touch with never send any updates V\fe are moving from Colorado to Austin,Texas Inmy new role, I will be busier than ever so if any one else wants to give this job a try, I would welcome the opportunity to pass on the responsibility. Now I understand how frustrating it must have been for Sharon.

I hope you are all well and life is treating you great. LC sent along this note and picture. "Hey man, longtime no talk to. Thought I should forward this 106

DPO AE 09624 Home: 011-32-2-251-2772 E-mail:

p2a2@skynet.be Class web site: http://www. usafaclasses.org/1989/ Hello classmates! Depending on the US Postal System and specific timing of the printing of this issue, you may be reading this immediately before or just after our 20th reunion. All the pertinent information on our reunion was shared with you in the last issue, and can be found on our class web site (listed above).

In the next issue I will give a full report on the reunion, and would appreciate

photos from those ofyou who attended which I can share with everyone in this article. Unfortunately, I will be unable to make it due to my PCS to Rome for NATO Defense Gollega Please note my new mailing and e-mail addresses above. I will miss seeing everyone!

The only update I received since the last issue was from our reunion committee gift campaign chairman Alexander “Gonzo” Gonzalez-Rojas, who was deployed to Iraq as a contractor to train Iraqi pilots. With Gonzo were LtColNate “Foghom” frauner, USAFA Class of 91 and 52 EFTS Sq GC and our own Lt Col Randy“ Frodo” Bristol, Sq DO. About 100 Iraqi AF student pilots were in the pipeline, to include new Iraqi first assignment IPs. Gonzo was teaching academics and conducting simulator flights, with the hope of getting in the air if all the required paperwork came through in time Nate left in Iuly after 1 year.. .mission complete, and Randy finished up a couple months later. Gonzo plans to be back for the reunion! some notes and

To fill space, I’ll give you a personal update My wife and I now own a frozen

yogurt shop. Our first day of business was in May and volume is slowly building. We even had a classmate stop by: Scotty Parent (but I wasn’t in-sorry!).

James Sanchez, Greg Hill (Kansas City Chiefs), Dat Nguyen (Dallas Cow-

boys), Carine Nguyen Our grand opening went well. Greg Hill (who has a show on a local radio station) made an appearance along with my brother-in-law. The hot weather is good for business and v\e’re trying to figure out howto keep people coming in the Fall.

Classmates: please send updates and photos, otherwise this will become the

quarterly frozen yogurt column!

Carson Tavenner 6828 Raccoon Court

Waldorf, MD 20603

Iraqi AF pilot trainers Frodo, Gonzo and Foghorn.

Thafs a wrap for this quarter. Best wishes to you and your families. Takecare and God bless.

(202) 231-2484 DSN: (312) 428-2484 Home: (301) 374-2752 Carson_wendy@comcast.net Fellow Golders, Due to the onset of early senility (or was it desperation?), I inadvertently

Class of 1989 20th Reunion

accepted two offers of help, one from Billy Barnes, the other from Matt Isler.

Round O ne goes to Billy.

HOMECOMING

A shout out to you all from Fairchild Air Force Base,WA, home of the SERE

Sept 23-27,2009 Falcons vs. San Diego S tate

School. As I write this, I must admit to feeling a bit blue about the fact that I just

relinquished command of an amazing squadron which I’ve called home for the last two years. It’s been the best tour of my career bar none! But a couple bits of good news, though. First, I don’t leave Survival just yet; I get to fly up to be the deputy group commander. Second, I relinquished command of the 336 Training Support Squadron to another stone-cold righteous Bold Gold class-

James Sanchez

mate William “Lance” Cook. Other classmates at Fairchild for the event were

8301 Emerald Circle

PatRhatigan (relinquished command ofhis tanker squadron here and is now at National War College), Brad Hamby (on his way to March AFB to take command of a combined Active and Reserve KC-135 squadron) and finally, Micul Thompson who flew into Spokane from DC to support his childhood friend, Lance. Lance and his wife, Angie, came to us from Hurlburt Field after a stint as the deputy group commander of the ISR Group there.

North Richland Hills, TX 76180

Cell: (817) 881-6357 Web: WWW.USAFA90.COM

alohatiger@gmail.com Not much news this time:

RussellMaclean: I'm chief ofthe strike branch in 8 AF stan/eval at Barksdale AFB and still flying the B-52. Looking forward to the AFGSC stand-up this summer /fall. Shannon

Krusejust finished his tour as 23 BS/CC at Minot AFB and is off to school this summer. Joey Medlingot married last year and is now re-qualled in the U-2 and is heading to Kadena AB to be the DO ofthe detachment there for a year. S ome news from an' 88er Tom Hesterman just had his change of command leaving the 20 BS/CC position -

for school as well.

I’m not sure what’s going, but it may be related to the move to F acebook (instead ofthe old USAFA90.com page). For I’m

i Sabre Society Donors

sticking with it, so please go to USAFA90.com to connect to our Facebook page Ifyou’re not on Facebook, it’s free and all the cool kids are signing up.

"Hey, Lance, maybe we should've used the '91 Class Flag instead!”

I occasionally hear great news on Facebook from old friends and former teammates from the Men’s Volleyball Squad like JohnKinsman (driving C-5s fromTravis with the Reserves), John Kara (living in DC going through Inter American Defense College), and JimGrieser (living around Seattle, raising 5 kids, and chasing his prodigy daughter as she plays tournaments of her own).

Chris Didier gave me news of his exploits in the desert. He’s been flying 107

Class News mighty Mud Hens and (according to him) getting bossed around by Army grunts telling him where to dr op his iron. He’s proud as can be of his wife, Laura’s, rising career as a jazz singer, and his 3 growing boys.

RodLewis says “We aie stationed at McChord AFB. I've been working as the Chief of Wing Safety & Acting Director of Staff. Our office was honored as the Air Mobility Command Safety Office of the Year and our Ground Safety unit

plane that becomes Air Force Two when the Veep is on board but usually shuttling Cabinet members around the world. He lives right outside the gate of Ft

won the Air Force level award

Rod he was still at the Pentagon running with scissors and no

We wrap up this column congratulating Chris Howard on his new job as President ofHampden-Sydney College and Callie (Calhoun) Molloy, inducted

protective eyevrear.

into the USAFA Athletic Hall of Fame for her incredible cadet and post-gradu-

(best in the Air Force) ’! Wow! And last time I saw

Thanks to all who sent me stuff so my one shot at the column was not the sound ofcrickets

chirping and could actually make

a dent in the

Checkpoints page.

Round Two goes to Matt (I passed him mater ial Id notyet printed, some of it a year old).

A quick update of our fighter community—despite the rapid drawdown in USAF fighter forces, we’ve got an impressive lineup in command. I n the F-15 world, Paul “Coma Villem is commandingthe 85th Test/Eval SqatEglin; Murray“Oid” Nance is commanding the 65th Aggressor Sq at Nellis, where he routinely flies his blue, brown, and tan F- 15s against Max “Freak”Morosko, who is flying the F-22 and commanding the F-22/F-15 Weapons School Sq there; and Matt" Torch” Esper is OpsO for the 71FS at Langley. Outside the cockpit, John Melloy is at Ramstein taking a break from F- 15s, has five kids (each ofwhom could easily front the covers of any magazine), and is nearing his last PCS somewhere before retirement.

Belvoir.”

We’ve also heard from EdWold working SAF/IGI as deputy; Craig Altonalso in the Pentagon; andDonYu intheDallas area with wife, Erika, and son Hunter

(4). Don’s flying for UPS and is a Reserve staffofficer at HQ lOthAFinFtWorth.

ation running performance. Callie’s an optometrist in San Antonio, working in the Reserves at Lackland AFB.

Thankyou, Matt, thankjouBilly. Unfortunatelywearenowrightat 1200 words Later, Bold Gold! Tav James S. Mehta

3802 Elbert Ave.

”

Meanwhile,

among our F-16

classmates, Ken “Francis” Ekmanis command-

ing the 79th FtrSq at Shaw; Doug "Cinco"DeMaio commands the 55th Ftr Squadron also at Shaw, and Dave “Ajax” McCuneand Dole "Syrian"Turner are commanding F-16 squadrons at Luke.

Jim Dutton is expected to BLAST OFF next spring in the Space Shuttle Discovery. Currently nasa.gov reports STS-131 (the fourth-to-last shuttle mission ever) is scheduled for March 18(+). Bold-golders are planning a mini reunion.

Watch the website for details.

Graduating NDU, Matt Isler (J-3-3) and ICAF sports star Chris Hillearned

Alexandria, VA 22305

(703) 738-4823 jamesmehta@us.af.mil jamesmehta@earthlink.net Hello 1992! Once again, another quarter has flown by. I am excited to announce that fourteen True Blue

grads have been selected for Colonel! I hope this Checkpoints column finds you healthy and safe as we endeavor in the 18th year since graduation. Unfortunately, yes, we are getting older.

Italian Vacation. Well, not really... I got an e-mail from Steve Martinez who is commanding the 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron at Aviano AB. He and his wife, Renae, and their two kids, Jacob and Julia, got there almost ayear ago and are

loving every minute of it. They came from Osan and enjoyed that as well.

There are some other’92ers there as well: Bo Bloomer (31 CES/CC); Lance

"Spike" Landrum, 510FS/GC; and Joe "Spunkin'" Delapp, 555FS/DO.

penalty duty at the Pentagon; Corey Martin and Angie Cadwell are off to the AFRICOM staff. Angie’s now a If ocked 0-6 and is offering her 2,450 sq ft apartment in Stuttgart as a “crash pad” for Bold Golders passing through.

In other news, Dan Maruyama is navigating the hurdles of an off-again CSARXprogram down at Hurlburt AFB. Rob Ramosis returning from Kandahar where he orchestrated UASs, rescue helicopters, a new C-130 Sq, and logistical support for an expanding US/NAT O footprint; Rob’s heading back to USAFA where he works for the Commandant. Also in C-Springs is a solid Bold Gold Lunch crowd including JeffMoorq Andreas Weisman, Carlene Perry, Christy (Leader) Holliday; Bill Price (Prep School), John Tokish (Med Group), Pat Donley (Military/Strategic Studies), Mike Veneri (Military/Strategic Studies), MarkGrotelueschen (History), MikeKazlausky (Athletic), Rob Block (Math), StephenAstor (70th FTS), RussBalka, JeffBoleng (Comp Sci), JimLove (Math), Eric Halt (Civilian); Art Romero; BillWosilius; and Rich Wood, who is a local

attorney. Hopefully this crowd can catch Rodney Lewis, stationed at McChord, as he passes

through USAFATDYfrom 23-27 Sept.

It was great to hear from Felix Caraballo (CS-06), who married Anne Marie Kanakkanatt (91, CS-06). They have two kids: Rachel (HS junior in Portugal)

and Alex (12). Felix is now “a GS-15 heading up an operations center and

special security division for a DHS component.”

Leon Butler and NateBrauner spent most ofthe past year training the new

Iraqi Air Force. Nate has returned stateside, and we look forward to hearing all about his adventures in the desert. Great job, guys!

From left are Lt Col Bo Bloomer, Lt Col Lance "Spike” Landrum, and Lt Col

Steve Martinez.

B o and his wife, Deb, and two kids got to Aviano pretty much the same time as

Steve. Spike and family (wife, Karin, and three sons) are on their way to Maxwell AFB for Air War College this summer. Spunkin' and his family (wife, Kelly and

kids) are headed to Luke AFB this summer. Thanks for the great update, Steve

Deployed. Michael Weiss who I frequentiy ran into around the Pentagon, deployed to Balad for ayear He had been around the Pentagon and Skyline for the past three years. He was one of the dedicated attendees for our periodic 1992 lunch.

CS-22 Tarantulas. I had dinner with Steve Wolf (USMC) and Bob Seifertin Old Town Alexandria in June. Steve wasTDYfrom EUCOM and Bob is just down the road at Andrews AFB. Immediately upon Steve’s return fromTDY, he

PCSed to Camp Lejune with Kaye and the kids. We had a good time getting

Nate (L) and Leon can attest to the difficulty ofgetting an IFR (Iraqi Flight

Rules) certification.

Ron Craig sent a great update on the Seagram’s 7 crowd—Ron’s in C-Springs working for Lockheed Martin IS&GS. Also back in the Springs are DrewPugh

and neighbor Dr. BenKam, who is on staff at USAFA hospital. Ron adds that

caught up. We even called and harassed Dave Kumashiro who is at Dover as the OSS commander. Dave was busy preparing to deploy and couldn’t join us.

Just last week, Dave deployed to Balad for 6 months. It was a nice mini-CS-22 reunion and it just makes me realize that we need get together more often.

Boredom has its benefits. Paul Williamshelped relieve his boredom while waiting for a flight to take off by e-mailing me while sitting on the tarmac in Miami. I’ll let him fill you in: “I'm stuck on an airplane in Miami on the ground hold for weather waiting to fly back to DC. I've been reading through the latest issue of Checkpoints and per your instructions I'm sendingyou an e-mail with some updates: ‘AJ Ajello and I just finished up ten arduous (insert sarcasm here) weeks at JPME-II in Norfolk, VA. As luck would have it, we were both in the same seminar. AJ is headed to take command ofthe 19th Weapons S quadron at the USAF Weapons School at Nellis. He's taking over from Jay Twitch’ Green, who is ‘

Paul Grimm “works for the Colorado State government in fraud control and

headed off for at least six months in either OIF or OEF. ‘Another good fr iend, Tom Dobbs, also recently relinquished command of

spends most ofhis time in freakishly long endurance events, like the Leadville 100-mile running race and Double-Length (!) Ironmans. Moles is flying the

the 316thTraining Squadron at Goodfellow AFB and is going to be doing a similar gig as Twitch.

108

‘

“Also at Goodfellow was Thomas "Krypto’ Hensley. He commanded the 315th. I'm not sure what his post command assignment is.

“Oleg Boruhkin has been deployed as part ofthe UN peacekeeping force in Georgia for the past six months. He should be back by the end of the month.

‘As for me, I'm finishing up my time at JFCC-ISR and just moving across the hallway of the Pentagon to J2T. I'm taking over for MC McClung (’93,1 think).

“If I think of any other updates I'll let you know because this plane is still sitting on the tarmac.” Thanks for the update; Paul! What a great way to relieve boredom...

Fast Burners. Nicole (Greenwood) Fostersent me an e-mail about the latest

0-6 select list. She and Dick Fulton wanted me to point out our classmates who v\ere selected. Just remember, in order to be selected, they had to be

selected two years early to 0-5 and two years early in this board.

CONGRATULATONS to our fast burners: Troy Brashear, Lance Bunch, Stan

Cole, Chuck Corcoran, ClintHinote, Joel Jackson Michael Koscheski, John Kubinec, Lance Landrum, Jim Meger, Richard Moore, Mark Polomsky, Tommy Roberts and Bill ,

Curt and Jennifer in celebration of their engagement.

2 July! Jennifer is also in the AF and they met while working at thePentagon.

,

Curt will be deploying to Afghanistan as a Provincial Reconstruction Team

Spangenthal. (I apologize if I missed anyone on the list. Please

commander with training starting in September and my deployment in 2010.

The wedding will be in Washington, DC when I return in early 2011. We wish

send me a note if I did.)

Pentagon sightings. Roaming the halls of the Pentagon I ran into Chris Clausnitzer.

Unfortunately, as is often the case; we were both on our way to meetings and didn’t have time to talk. I think she is working here in AF/A3. Also,fewweeks ago I ran into JD Leighton. We both pulled up to the bike racks outside the PAC at the same time I guess we’re both lucky to live close enough to the Pentagon to ride in. JD cross-commissioned into the USMC upon graduation and became a Marine Corps pilot. He’s now on the USMC staff here and hopes to get “paroled” back to the operational world sometime

the very best to you on your engagement and upcoming wedding!

Another update comes from Barksdale AFB. Duringthe Defenders ofLiberty Airshow earlier in the year several of our fellow graduates took a trip down memory lane. Dave Landry and wife, Melissa, daughter Savannah and son Lucas; Craig Blood and Debbie Blood (Lesman) with sonTyler and daughter

Alyssa; Andrew Travnicekand his wife, Sandy; as well as Elizabeth Chamberlain (Stark) andTy Chamberlain and their son Tyler.

next year.

Mike Rokaw e-mailed me while in the Pentagon... unfortunately, I was out

that afternoon. Mike was here for a meeting during a TDYto the area. He has two more years of Squadron command left at Los Angeles AFB. Hopefully, next time he’s in town we can meet up.

That wraps up another column. Don’t foiget to relieve your boredom and

send me an e-mail with an update about you and those you keep in touch with.

Have a great summer and tune back in next quarter. Until then, True

Blue.. .James.

Michael D. Sundsted

1805 Macadams Place

Alexandria, VA 22308

(240) 338-9839 Michael.sundsted@whmo.mil Class Website: www.highflight.com

Greetings to the class of1993! I hope your summer has gone well—I know for us it’s been real

busy. We have been under the perpetual never-ending addition

to our house and hopefully by receipt of this letter we’ll be complete! Lori,

Collin and I will be visiting Disney in August! Thankfully the fall brings us football—Falcon Football! Looks like a rather large contingent of USAFA grads from the Pentagon, Bolling AFB, and Andrews AFB are heading to watch the USAFA vs Navy game on 3 Oct 09. If you are in the area and can score some

tickets—enjoy the game with us! I remember seeing so many of our fellow classmates and graduates at the last one two years ago that I forgot to mention Dave Fujimoto! Fortunately, someone brought this to my attention—so if I have forgotten to mention your name please let me know. Also, this letter is pretty thin on responses—please, if you haven’t sent an update ever, or just haven’t sent one in a while please do so.. .your classmates want to hear from you! On to the

Deb is the MXS/CC andTy is the 20 BS/GC...both launching jets and deter-

ring our worst adversaries. Dave is protecting the Global Information Grid from the AFNOC...we all knowthat is a diceyjob these days. Craig and Elizabeth are reservists doing their part as citizen airmen and keeping our active duty spouses on the straight and narrow. Sandy and Andy both take their lives into their hands each day as they train up our future aviators. Elizabeth stated that it took at least one bottle of wine before they pulled out the 1993 yearbooks!

Thanks for the great update!

Unfortunately that is all the updates I received; please email me some updates ifyou haven’t in a while I have much more room to wr ite! I wish you the very best this fall and continue to lead the way as the best class from USAFA! Mike

Craig Allen

news...

440 Willow Court

Just an update on trying to keep everyone connected. Cur-

rently

’93 crew and kids enjoying post airshow activities.

we have

approximately seventy 1993 graduates on the

USAFA InCircle website—https://zDomienation.usafa.org/usafa/auth/login.

This website is a great way to keep us in touch with each other and is similar to

the Linkedln service. Please visit today and get grouped with the Class of 1993— if s definitely a fledgling site, but growing in popularity. If s a great site and will prove its worth with the upcoming 20-year reunion!

Just wanted to pass along congratulations to Curtis Velasquez. .Curt was engaged to Jennifer Judd on the N ational M all near theWashington M onument on .

YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND

CADETWING' PROGRAMS THAT /CHILD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDE CALL THE AOG FOR INFO,

Warrensburg, MO 64093 H: (660) 747-8088 C: (660) 86 4-5374 keggerallen@embarqmail.com Football Season’s Greetings. It’s been a great summer. A lot ofin-the-zone ’94 grads have pinned on Lt Col and those who didn’t give up on the time honored “2.0 & GO” technique back in the day, will pin-on soon too. Hope-

fully by now everyone has gotten over the loss of Michael Jackson, are no longer listening to ‘Billie Jean’ & ‘PYT’ on repeat on your iPod, and are now ready for football season. I think this will be the year Air Force snaps Navy’s winning streak and continues to beat Army. Time to break out those classic game-day T-shirts from way back in the day, if you actually still have one in your closet: “Silence of the Rams”; “TyDied”;“ Shoot the Seamen” (which wound up being recalled); and that old classic, “Beat Army” I managed to see and hear from a lot of people this summer. I was recently on an arduous, v\eek long,T-38 cross-countr y training mission. At a stop inTampa, 109

Class News I ran into Chr is Eden at the Embassy Suites happy hour. I learned that he’s

doing great and stationed at Andrews. He was a litde busy; however, as he was the aircraft commander of a large crew and this really nice looking Air Force 737 painted light blue and white. For some reason he couldn’t say who his passengers were...

At another stop, inSanAntonio, I visited with Mark “Cougar” Ruskandwife,

Jen. They were a couple days into their household goods arrival, sinceCougar has just returned to Randolph to fly the T-38 in the world famous Cheetahs.

Also, I was in the billeting lobby at Randolph for only five minutes before I saw two ’94 guys, AndyRatliffand Jason Vitas. Andy has been flying C-17s for quite awhile and had just arrived at Randolph for T-1 PIT. He’ll be going to Laughlin

trip from Wright-Pat where he’s doing a staff tour after having flown U-2s andT-38s. He and wife, Diane, are enjoying life in Ohio, with their daughter and son. Jason also said he’s seen Jeff Rengeland Scot Spann at Wright-Flat, both ofwhom work at the base hospital. The three reportedly got together for a golf outing. I asked Jason how he hit em and if he spotted them any strokes, but all he said was gambling was illegal atWright-Pat as an instructor. Jason was on a

’

and that he never sliced.

She and husband, M ike, have a little boy. Sarah (O'Daniel) Fortuna and husband, Jerry (‘95), are also in Ohio with their three kids. Sarah is a family practice doctor and Jerry is finishing his surgery residency. DannyPiper is in LA (Hermosa Beach) with his wife, Ellie, and their

orthopedic surgeon.

two kids. Deb (Hoium) Lindstrom and husband, Chad (' 96),

just moved to Boston where Chad is working as a physicist at Hanscom. Kelly reported that she and Drew are also headed to Boston for a^ear, where Drew will be doing a fellowship at BU. Get to F enway guys... Go Red Sox!

Apparently, our class has the market cornered on Force Support Squadron Commander positions. Brian Lewiswas recently at the Force Support SquadronWorldwide Conference in Keystone, CO and quite a few ’94 grads were in attendance. Brian sent the below picture from the event, which includes TadVannaman (Moody), JeffKr usinski (MacDiJl), Anthony Sansano (Barksdale), Debra Lovette (Seymour Johnson), Brian Lewis (Grand Forks), Melanie (McKillip) Lewis (Minot), and SteveZubowicz (Hickam). Leave it to the FSS community to swing a conference in Keystone Well played. One note Melanie and Brian are not related (other than both being FSS commanders at bases in North Dakota). Brian and Melanie did work together recently to help with the Flood Fight in Fargo, '09. He said the operation netted 9 saves and turned Grand Forks into a helicopter base nearly overnight. Nice work!

From left are Tad,JeffAnthony,D ebra, Brian, Melanie and Stev e.

The Vitas Family in Sanibel,Ha.

Joe Michalek and wife, Angela, checked in from Hurlburt Field where they

loving life in Florida (after two years at the Pentagon) with their three boys.

J oe is set to take command ofthe 6th SOS at Hurlburt later this summer. Angela organizes beach weddings, in addition to keeping up with all their boys’ football and baseball games. Their oldest son recently enlisted, with dad Joe doing the enlistment honors. Congrats! are

Brian" Burnt” Toth checked in from beautiful B alad AB Iraq. He is taking a b reak from his staff duty at U SAFE Weapons andTactics and is deployed there

with the 22 FS Stingers of Spangdahlem. Also there with Burnt is Brian “Hack” Jackson, and a lot of other USAFA grads. Beyond trying to stay out of the heat and dust storms, Burnt and Hack spend most of their time keeping up foreign

relations and flying four G, inverted dives in theViper.

Finally, Colleen and I made a trip over to Leavenwor th to attendTony

“

Fargo”

Retka’s Promotion Party and Pig Roast. Fargo and wife Stephanie; started

cooking a 153-pound pig at 4:30 in the morning the day of the event. By the time I arrived in the afternoon, the pig was ready and the cooking crew was well into a keg ofBlue Moon. It was an awesome time.. .the whole town knows we had an awesome time (as well as those of you we called late that night). thanks for all the this time. me stuff and root for Anyway, input Keep sending the Fightin’ Falcons this fall Kegger.

-

R. Travis Koch

100 Trieste Blvd.

Panama City Beach, FL 32407

Home: 850.249.8820 Cell: (850) 499-8242

richard.koch@tyndall.af.mil traviskoch@yahoo.com Aloha, ’95!

TheMichaleks

This is Buck (Christopher Buckley), checking in from Hickam again and in case you did not know already Trav is also one of our ’95 BTZ guys and will probably

Mike “Thick” and Tara (Dubilo)Traw were so happy with the write-up they

be pinning on some time soon. Also, in case yiu missed Trav’s hints, (both of

got in the last edition that they went for more press by coming over to Missouri to see Colleen and me in-person. They brought the kids and we had a great tour ofthe B-2 and also flew the simulator. Mike andTara managed pretty well at the controls of the sim, but their oldest son (all of 7 years old) won the flying

them), I’m the one who dropped the ball on the last article No worries, I hope to redeem myselfwith this creation.

Melissa and I are still here in Hawaii though I have moved from HQ PACAF to the 515 AMOW. Thafs in no way our big-

award. He quickly learned his way around the cockpit and kept asking me to

gest neWs though as in April we adopted Noelani Isabella

turn off the autopilot, so he could fly TheTraws also visited the house for

who has been an incredible blessing for us these past few months. (See photo at top of next column.)

dinner with us.. .eight kids total on the trampoline with no major injuries.

Good times.

Kelly (Healy) Wallace is currently at Travis AFB with husband, Drew, and their two girls. Kelly has had some interesting, chance meetings with ’94 grads oflate. She was recently on a Southwest flight and recognized one ofthe pilots wasWesHeadrick. Kelly was glad to have a classmate at the controls. Next, when Kelly and Drew had their second daughter in March, Kelly’s doctor happened to be Michael Cline. Michael is an OB & Family Practice doctor at Travis, where he and wife, Jenny, have four beys. Kelly also had several more updates on people she’d talked to lately: Adelle Belisleis atWright-Pat as an 110

Hawaii updates: Sonny Kim and his wife, Zoe, are here and if you go to www.jilljensenphotogiaphy.com and scroll to the baby pics, you’ll see their two adorable kids. Sonny

works at 13 AFas cloesWaltHattimer. In the 613 AOC areMike “Spades” Waite and Chad Fager. My fellow Nav Chris Lambert is the PACOM/J5 Exec at PACOM but lives down the str eet here at Hickam. At HQ PACAF Chris Ingleton just checked in after ayear at ACSC. Up in Stan/Eval are Bill Sullivan’94 and Brad “Fletch” Turner ’98, who aren’t ’95 guys but wake up each morning wishing

they were.

Group AOC. Also sticking around USAFA for a while are Melissa “Shock” (Hyland) May who istheAOCforCS-21 and her husband, Mike “Mach” May (CS-05AOC). DavePike is theAOC for CS-19 and Cheryl (Lamoureux) Ingber commands CS-39. Other non-AOC ’95 grads hanging around are Derm Coll in AD and PaulMorton who is a doc over at the Cadet Clinic. Great shot of KTP AOCs on the “Run to the Rock” this past Recognition.

Aloha from Buck, Melissa andNoelani.

Random Updates: Joel Stephens got re-married this past Spring. Melissa and I had the pleasure of meeting his bride, Allison, while she was here doing her Reserve tour at PACOM. She is an awesome person. By the way, if you ever use Joel to bet on the

ponies and lose, he’ll collect yrur losses immediately (I

thought Allison was here to break my thumbs). Now, if you win, well, that s a different story. No worries, Joel. Maybe I’ll call the Preakness winner again next year and you can send me one big check. Allison was thrilled to have gotten RichCarrell’s stamp of approval before her wedding. Rich, his wife, Carmen, and their two boys, Scotty and Sammy, are headed to Kadena this summer. On a very sad note, Rich and Scott’s dad, Sam, passed away earlier this year. Anybody who knew Sam Carrell knows he was an immensely proud father, but when it came time to hang out, he was just like one ofthe boys. Rich, Scott, I have great memories of playing hoops and drinking beer with your dad in P’cola and celebrating a great Iowa Alamo Bowl win in S an Antonio. He’ll be missed.

Jobie Turner, '96, wrote me to say that Rob Rossi has pulled him over three times at Scott AFB to come do Spirit missions with him. Rob is another BTZer

who should be pinning on in the near future as well. Also at Scott is Blake Rodgers who is a doctor with four kids to include two adopted from Ethiopia.

Jason (Stix) Evenson just graduated from the NavyStaff College and was stoked that he got to wear his wheel cap at graduation. JE is headed to D.C. to work at SAF/IA. He sent me a great photo from Murali Krishnan’s w edding in Boston this past Spring.

KTP AOCs from left am Cheryl (Lamoureux) Ingber, “Shock!’ May, Mike

Snodgrass, DavePike, “Mach”May,Dave LeRoy and “Morning”Wood. In front is ScottAllison ’94.

From the international side of the house, CarlosDellepiane and his wife, Maria Elena, have two kids and live in Lima and AlexCotto returned home

safely to El Salvador after a tour of duty in Iraq.

That's all I got from here in the 50th state. Jamie Moss has the next article so you can send inputs to him or to Trav who has moved down to Tyndall AFB since the last issue. Peace!

Melissa S.

if

Cunningham 5785 Ft. Wright Oval Fairchild AFB, WA 99011

i AIM* ’V

W: (509) 247-2525/DSN: 657-2525

Ay a

H: (509) 244-9775

Vy W M.

\mftr yf'

A

Melissa.cunningham@fairchild.af.mil fchdrider@msn.com

This has been an eventful summer for the Cunninghams. We finally took some much needed leave to

relax, visit with the family and recharge the bat-

teries after the first year in command. It has been an awesome year and it is amazing how much a little leave can do so much good. I think I’m going to put some more on the books. At the end of

June, Fred was blessed with the oppor-

tunity to take command of the 93rd Air Refueling Sq from Lt Col Pat Rhatigan (’91). Our families came out to celebrate the event and enjoy the 4th of July in Spokane, WA. It was a wonderful time I recently received an email from Bryan Gregory of the Rockin’ Roadrunners of CS-32. He was married last year on June 14th (Flag Day!) After a year of waiting to get the pictures back, they finally arrived and he sharing them with us. Below is a great photo of the '96ers/Roadrunners that were present to celebrate with Bryan and Bobbi.

JE, Murali and Sheila Krishnan and Dave QMalley atMurali’s wedding.

Congrats MK! Dave O is General Lorenz’ Aide at HQ AETC after a tour in the Raptor and a year at AFIT. Steve Klingman was also in attendance and is now atEUCOM. Stixis headed toD.C. to work at SAF/IA. InSAF/LLthesedaysare Tim Thurston, Josh Bowman, Bill Denhamand Andrea Themely (Rolfe).

Matt (Tooma) Liljenstolpeis finishing his AFIT degree and is taking my godson Max, plus Sus, Luke and Mya cross-country to Luke AFB to fly F- 16s.

Jeff and Jennifer Searcy welcomed Mary Ellen into this world on 11 April (same as Noelani!). She joins her big brothers J ohn and J ames in KeyWest, FL. USAFA Update: After 3 years back at the Zoo as an AOC, Mike Snodgrass is headed back to flying C-17s at McChord. Other ’95 USAFA AOCs leaving for other gigs include Chris Maddox(C- 17s at Altus), Dave LeRoy (KC- 10s at Travis), and Kim (Betts) Moncrieffe is joining her husband, Vic (’94), atAviano. Paul “Morning” Woodgot the short straw and is staying for a 4th year as a Deputy

From left are Sean Morgan (CS-32), his wife, Stacy,Ava Freeman (wife of

Clay), Clay Freeman (CS-32), my beautiful wife, Bobbi, me, Steve Lucas (CS32), and his wife, Jen. After 7 years in Security Forces, Bryan separated in 2003 and was lucky enough to get into business school at Stanford for an MBA. Since then, he’s been work-

Visit the AOGWeb Site

Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and More!

www.usafa.org

ing for DaVita, a For tune 500 healthcare company He runs a group of 30 or so dialysis centers around Northern California and Nevada and loves every minute of it. The position has provided a great leadership opportunity and business growth has been fun. He and Bobbi are living in beautiful Sacramento, CA. He also took time to give me a quick update on each of our classmates at the

wedding. SeanMoiganishappilymarriedtoUSAFAsweetheart, Stacy,with2 111

Class News kids inVacaville, CA. He is working for his church, as well as flying refuelers in the Reserves out ofTravis AFB. Clay Freemanis married to Ava with 3 boys that arejustas "energetic" as he is. They are stationed at MacDill AFB where he is

working with SOCOM and enjoying life in Tampa, FL. Clayjust finished up a tour as an exec officer for an AFSOC 2-star and will transition into a SOCOM

Resources position before heading back to the MC-130. Steve Lucasis married to Jen with two kids in Concord, CA. After a having a great time in the F -15,

Steve decided to separate a fewyears ago. He's now working for Genentech on

the operations/production side.

Enjoying the wineries ofbeautiful California. From left are Andy and Shelley Loving and Sherry and Randy Roberts.

In June, Andy and Shelley Lovingand the Robertsenjoyed a trip to Naggiar Vineyards in GrassValley, CA. Andy was the 9th Contracting Squadron C ommander at Beale AFB but was recently picked up for Command and General Staff College in Leavenworth. The Loving family pulls out this summer for the Last trip to Afghanistan (Piotron theRight).

I did touch base with Piotr Blazeusz and he sent some photos from his last

trip to Afghanistan. He was invited to travel with the presidential delegation to President Karzai, KAIA and the Ghazni province. His senior defense policy course ended in June and at the time of this article he was

feverishly wrapping up his final paper. Still no word yet on his next assignment, but if his track record is a good indicator it will be something very exciting.

I got a great note from Rob Ludington. He is currently stationed at McGuire AFB, NJ wo iking in the XP shop. When he checked in, he was in the final throes of an ORI that the base had been preparingforthelastyear I’m sure he is now thankful to have his “life” back since ORIs seem to take on a life of their own (even more so when you are in XP). When he can break away from the desk job, he still enjoys flying the KC-10. Ops tempo remains incredibly high for the unit with a 1:1 dwell so he is thankful for the time that he gets to spend with his wife, Allyson, and their 3 boys (Bradley-6,

Oliver and Elliot-twin 3 year olds). When Allyson is not busy with the 3 boys, she is stays very involved with various volunteer organizations around the base such as Key Spouse, Moms of Multiples, Officers Spouse Club, Mothers of Preschoolers and the list goes on. When I read his e-mail I wondered how

Allyson could do it all.

Rob frequently sees other ’96ers at McGuire including Mark Robinson who just PCS’d to the Pentagon (A3/A30C), Liz Clay who is serving as the 305 MXS/ CC and Tom Breen who is the 6 AS/DO. Recent graduates ofthe ASAM class that he’s bumped into around McGuire were Chris Lanier, Meg Martin and Kirk

move to Kansas.

TadClarksentmean e-mail as hewas pealing out ofNellis APR NVto attend National Defense Intelligence College (NDIC) at BollingAFB this year. Heand

Jenny have two boys Tad II (3) and Alan (2) and are expecting a baby girl in December. Tad has kept up with many of our classmates and provided a great update to share with you all. Neal Newell, his wife, Rebecca, and 3 children just left Sheppard AFB to attend ACSC at Maxwell. PK Carlton and his wife, Lyndsey, are wrapping things up at ACSC and will stay there for another year to attend SAASS. They just had a baby boy, PK Carlton IV. CurtisS L Amandis leaving Randolph and MattAyersis leaving Nellis to attend the NDIC at Bolling AFB. Jesse Friedeland his wife, Jen, just had a baby girl, Joslyn, and just left Nellis to attend AFIT atWright-Patterson. Todd Robbins is wrapping things up at Naval Postgraduate School at Monterey. Chris Clarkwill be joining the NDIC gang at BollingAFB next year too. John Coyle is still in Colorado with his wife, Charity, and 3 children. He's flying for FedEx and C-130's in the ANG at Peterson AFB. ChrisSheppard and his wife, Sherrie, are in DC. He's working for Northrop Grumman and flying F- 1 6's in the DC ANG. Dave Dutcher is a highly successful engineer for a water filtration corporation in Oregon. He is in charge ofa project taking place in Las Vegas right now. Finally, Tad bumped into Kent Leonard at Patch Night and he's preparing to leave for DC to be a Legislative Liaison as a Reservist.

As the summer is winds to a close, I know many of you have recently tracked across the country to new assignments and are getting the kiddos ready for a brand new school year. Please remember to update your mailing address with the AOG and if you can find time, send me some pictures and updates when you are finished unpacking the boxes.

Take care, Mel.

Reagan.

Melvin E. Maxwell, Jr.

756 Granite Drive

Ofallon, IL 62269

mel_maxvrell97@hotmail.com melvin.maxwell@ustranscom.mil

Hey all, Hope this update finds you well. I’m back stateside after completing a 179day to Iraq. Before redeploying I happened to run into a few classmates. I bumped into Wendy Miller and Mam Haulage at the DFAC at Sather AB in Baghdad. Wendy had about 3 months left of her year-long deployment as a member of CAFTT and was on her way out for R&R. Adam was TDY from Florida—if I remember cor-

Wonderful F amily Reunion Here is a great update on Sherry and Randy Robertstheir four beautiful chil-

dren: Race Austin, Annabelle andViolet. They have been stationed at Beale AFB, CA for the last two years where Randy serves as the Operations Flight

Commander for the Civil Engineering Squadron. The photo was taken after his return from a 6-month deployment to Camp Adder, Iraq.

Even though the deployment and CE gig keep him extremely busy, he’s been able to squeeze in a marathon, visits to Sequoia National Park, San Francisco, a Houston Astros game (that happened to be in Giants stadium), Monterrey, NapaValley, and Lake Tahoe 112

rectly, he’s a DoD civilian with the Special Ops community.

On my way out of Iraq, I spent three days at Ali A1 Salem in Kuwait and got to hang out with Julio Negron and Chris Rogers. Julio was nearing the end of his year-long deployment as the 386 ECONS commander. Chris was deployed if omfbkota on a 120-day rotation as the Wing Safety Officer.

MattSmith dropped me an email with some news. This past May, Matt got married to the for mer Roxanna Solis at St. Ann Catholic in West Palm Beach, FL. Matt (a prosecutor) and Roxanna (a public defender) actually met in court. Smitty pointed out before they started dating they had one trial case against each other and his won /lost record is (1 -0)!

Some notables at the wedding included Smitty’s brother Stephen Smith '94 whojustPCSedto KadenaAB and is flying AWACS (in picture to right of the groom), T. Donavan Kanak III who is currently stationed at Scott AFB flying

Jennifer (Petykowski) Mulder 535 Mallard Drive

Sumter, SC 29150 jpetykowski@msn.com

I guess my plea for inputs worked—thanks to everyone who contributed!

Matt and Roxanna Smith accompanied by a few good men.

KC- 135s (in picture, front left) and Isaac Oh (not pictured) who is living in

South Carolina and in the reserves and flying for Delta.

Kevin Templin wrote in to announce a new arrival. Kevin and his wife, Dionna, welcomed Owen Theodore Templin to their family on 18 May 09.

Owen was born in Warrensburg. He joins siblings Dawson, 6;Taylor, 4; and

Noah, 2. Dionna and all the kiddos are doing groat. TheTemplins are still at Whiteman AFB, MO with the B-2 and expect to be there until next summer

Congratulations to all of you who 've recently added a member to the family.

On to the updates...

Zachary Smith and his wife, Hande, are finishing up 3+ years in Brussels where Zach worked as an executive officer for two deputy U.S. military representatives at the US Military Delegation to NATO. He' s now a strategic planner covering political and abstract matters and will soon depart for Maxwell AFB to attend ACSC before returning to OSI. As you might imagine, Brussels was an awesome tour

—

great for travel, beer, choco-

late, and antiques!

JasonFuller made the move from F- 16s at Cannon AFB to

surviving minus 40 degree winters as an exchange officer in Canada. He’s aT-6 instructor, at the Canadian NATOFlying Training Center in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and will be there until Fall 2010.

He saw Jason Bell and Shelby (Arnold) Bell last December They are teaching pilot training at Sheppard AFB. J-Bell is a T-38 instructor and Shelby is now in the reserves as aT-37 instructor.

Aaron Tallman and his wife, Lindsay, celebrated the arrival of Coleton

Samuel on 15April '09. Aaron’s been flyingC-40CsatScottAFBforthe Reserves as an ART for 2 years now and loving every minute of it.

The Templinsfeaturing newest addition Owen.

ShiraWorley (Ravitz) wrote in with an update. Sbira and her husband, Jay Worley '96, aro living in Hatboro, PA. Jay flies C-17s with the Reserves out of McGuire and commercially with Netjets. Shira continues, “we welcomed our second daughter to the family back in September; her name is Sadie Jane. Big sister Miriam is doing well and getting ready to start kindergarten in the fall.

Being back east we were able to catch Samantha Weeks (Glinski) Thunderbird shows at McGuiro and Atlantic City in 07 and 08 which was a blast. We also took our girls to U SAFA vs Army completely geeked out in their Falcon attiro. Miriam ’

loved it, Sadie, well she was about 8 weeks old so we'll let her decide later!

Hopefully we'll get them to see the USAFA vs Navy this year.”

The Tallman Family Damian Schlussel just finished up his 2-year squadron commander tour

with the 27th Special Operations Security Forces Squadron at Cannon AFB and is getting ready to attend the Marine Command and Staff College at

Quantico. Chris Ayre was able to attend the change of command since he’s flying Predators with the 3rd Special Ops Squadron at Cannon. He also keeps in touch with Angel Santiago, who just finished his exchange job with the Netherlands Air Force and is now in the Washington DC area working on the Secretary of the Air Force Staff.

Phil Brown separated from active duty in Sep 2007 and is now flying for Southwest Airlines. Phil and his wife, Rebecca, his son Cole and newborn

daughter, Alexandra (31 May) aro now living in the Atianta aroa.

Shira and her daughters Miriam and Sadie Jane.

Continuing the theme of new additions, my wife, Louella, and I had our first child on Jun 25th. Our daughter Mikayla Leigh was born in St Louis. Mikayla is totally stoked about the AF-Navy game and hopes she will see Shira and her kids.

A few quick updates before closing: Ann Marie Contreras (Chaffee) reports

Alabama is hot.. .Pat Suermann is now at the Air Force Center for Engineering

and the Environment in San Antonio, TXand recently had a mini 97 CE reunion with Carlton Hendrix, Jeff Payne, andBrettVeselka who aro all with civilian firms and the reserves.. .Matt Berg is still busy juggling factory opera-

tions, nursing school and volunteer firefighting in Houston.. .Jason Johnson finished up AOC duty at USAFA and he and family are on their way to the Pen-

tagon. Thafs all I have for this round. Until next time...Mel.

Phil, Rebecca, and Cole Brown Chuck Rohrig is a business architect for USAA (developing innovation and

improving processes). He sounds like he’s enjoying it and earning certifications left and right -Six Sigma Black Belt and Business Manager staying ahead of the pack. He is also developing a USAA Careers Website targeting and tailored to separating junior military officers. Chuck wrote that Dan Polsgrove -

113

Class News is about to complete his PhD in Cosmology and is enjoying the wonders of

fatherhood with his son, Conley, born November 2008. At 8 months, C onley

James W. Busch

is already taking his first steps (not surprising considering Dan’s his father).

(830)734-2411

Viet Nguyen is currently the Wing Intelligence Officer for the 325 FW atTyndall AFB, FL. ffe met his wife, Carrie, while stationed at Ft Lewis,WA and married

DSN: 732-5142

buschfl6@yahoo.com james.busch@laughlin.af.mil

her after returning from a year remote to Osan AB, ROK. They have one son,

Christian, who was born while they were stationed at Eglin. After Eglin, they spent three years in the UK, while Viet was working at the Joint Analysis Center at RAF Molesworth.

JamieRhone recently took command of the 62nd Contracting Squadron at

(Five Sabre Society Donors)

McChord AFB. He and his wife (Ryaja) and son (Eriq) are loving the Great

Shiners work continues on our reunion. Reference the AOG website for all the latest happenings. Looking forward to seeing many of you there and in the

Northwest. Jamie mentioned that StevePipes and Candice (McBreyer) Pipes

just had their first baby, a girl in June. Todd Laddis about to leave McChord.

He and his wife also just welcomed a new addition.

SAF/AQ is sending LouRuscetta to the University of Tennessee to get his MBA. As part of the program, he recently spent a “residency period” in Japan.

He should graduate this December. Josh DeMotts and his wife, Patty, live about mile from the Ruscettas. Lou also sees SeanFinnanandWhde Henning quite a bit, since they also work in SAF/AQ. Roy and Felicia Reckerare back in North Carolina at Seymour Johnson.

They’ve got two girls, Maddy and Vicki. Ro y’s an FTU IE And now, in mostly his own words, Roy’s updates on others: Nathan "Hooch" Meadis on a 365 per-diem adventure to Southwest Asia. Shanna and his daughter Ella are keeping the home fires stoked while he's away. Mark "Stroke" Falsani is living large in Boise. He flies Hawgs for the Guard. When he's not flying 737s for Continental, hits the trails on his 3-wheeled mountain bike. Jennie Steldt is flying for the reserves at McChord. Todd "Utah" Sprister just left for Korea on a 2-year gigwith his family. Apparently, lOyearsatSeymourwasenoughforhim. Doctor Todd Schwartzlow, now a pediatrician, is getting r eady to leave England for

-

meantime keep me abreast of any Checkpoints-worthy news. James

Class of 199910th Reunion HOMECOMING

Sept 23 -27,2009 Falcons vs. San Diego State

Jason Simmons 3524 Lakeside Drive

Shro/eport, LA 71119 Simmons@USAFA2000.com Jason.Simmons@us.af.mil

ScottAFB. He scored a great wife, Alise, who is a nurse. John Boro wski is at

Wright-Patterson with his wife, Shannon, and their kids. He just won an award for being the smartest '98er in Ohio. Clint Henderson made it back to Spangdahlem last year to flyVipers he's not married yet (we think) but still ponders life on short final. Jenn ( Young) Fujimoto is a proud mama living in Hawaii. She and Fuj are roughing it on staff at Hickam.

-

I heard from LesHauck, who I last saw at Osan when we were both stationed

there.. .and apparently he’s still there. He’s been the Aide to the USFKCom-

mander for the past year and is currently moving to a new j ob, still in Korea.

Hopefully, he’ll get to spend a little more time with his wife and two adorable little girls in the new job. They should be moving back to the states next May. Danny Smith wrote in to say that Kevin Osborne is in now Afghanistan after spending a few months in Iraq first. He is married and stationed in Germany ChadLewis got picked up to be one of the initial cadre pilots for the F-35. He is on his way to Florida for the assignment. Javier Prats has been heavily involved in venture capital investments in renewable energy projects in Central Americafor the past eightyears. After dating for almost three years, he married Mariana Luna in April 2009. Jeff Findley and his family just moved back to Tinker AFB, where Jeff will be flying the E-3 AW\CS again. They are very excited to be back in a real city and are looking forward to buying their first house.Ian Laughreyand Knute Adcock ended up flying a C-40 from DC to Manas and Bagram. Ian flies with the 89th at Andrews and Knute flies with the

76th in Ramstein.

Classmates,

Running into folks more often as the AF seems to be shrinking... or maybe we’re all just going TDY more often. I’m at Barksdale working the 24 AF and AFNOC transition to Lackland AFB; I’m not sure personally if I’ll be following the unit and think it’s time to get some more varied experiences. I’m hoping to finish out my time here with a final job in the new AF Global Strike Command HQ, and then who knows where we’ll go from there. (Melissa says she gets to pick this time, since I selected this assignment in Louisiana y’all knowhowthat goes.) And on with --

other classmate’s class news.

Jason Goldbergat is at Hurlburt, now as an IP in the 19th SOS. Jason and wife, Brooke, welcomed the birth of daugh-

ter, Nettie, in January, and in July they celebrated their son's 4th birthday. Jason adds that his family is enjoying this time with him, one of his longest stints

without a deployment/long TDY. We hope you can continue staying local and hanging out on the beaches with the family, Jason.

Matt Schmitz recently completed his orthopedic surgery residency and then PCSed to Andrews AFB for work at Malcolm Grow Hospital. Matt and his wife,

Gillian, had a daughter, Kaylie, last year and she is almost one year old now.

Dan Scherdt and his wife, Stephanie, were married 13 July 2009, as you can see from the

photo, Two Grand was in full effect to help celebrate along with many other fr iends and family.

Ian Laughrey and Knute Adcock flying over Kazakhstan.

That’s it for this time around. I hope you are all enjoying the summer.

From left are BillyWilson ('01), Josh Imme COO), TJ Sonne ('01),Ameer Abbas

('00), Stephanie Scherdt, Dan Scherdt ('00), Scott Foreman (’00), Hilary Foley (formerly Thomas) (’04), Mark Enriques (’03), Bryan Foley ('02), and Aaron Walecnga ('00).

Dan also shared some updates from classmates that were visiting for the

wedding as well as some others. Ameer Abbas is still working as a network engineer for Avaya in Denver. Scott Foreman is working acquisitions at Los Angeles AFB. Josh Imme is flying C- 130s at Little Rock AFB. CarissaNiemi, J ason Moraes, and Rob Eklund are also flying KC- 10s at Travis Nathan Koran got selected for Phoenix Reach (AMC'scrossflowprogram) and is now atTr avis 114

AFB training to fly KC- 10s. Dan also got selected for Phoenix Reach last year

and is now flying KC- 10s and was able to stay at Travis (previously flying C-5s there). He hopes to spend a total of 6-7 years at Travis and adds that his wife,

for his story" Derrin of the N orth." The issue comes out in August, http: / /

harpurpalate.binghamton. edu.

Stephanie, has made a great name for herself as a teacher in the Sacramento area. Dan, Congrats to you and Stephanie!

Rob Ellis and family will finish up their missionary training in December and will then be full members of NewTribes Mission. They plan on departing for the foreign mission field of East Africa next summer. In addition, they are expecting their third child this August; this time a boy! Rob promises pictures after the new baby is born.

Elizabeth Fontenotmarried Jay Granier at Couples Swept Away in Nigril, Jamaica on Feb 23rd. She had met Jay while working on her PhD in Greenville, NC. Bessie also writes to report she successfully defended her dissertation and will officially graduate from East Carolina University at the end ofthe summer Congrats to her and Jay; it sounds like a very busy 2009 for them!

Jesse, Sarah, Ella and Owen Goolsby

Jimmy Page is a newly minted Special Agent with the Diplomatic Security Service and is moving to NewYork City in August. BryanGrangeris loving life in Altus and is expecting baby #4 in September! He is working in the C-17 FTU with JD Fariss, Steve Wick, John Damron,

and Isaac Adams. Cam and Julia Buell have been at Elmendorf for a year and love it. SinceVSPing in 2007, Julia took a year "off"

-

she’s had her hands full taking care of their son, Travis,

who was born in October 2008. She is now back to blue as a Traditional Reservist supporting the 477th Hghter Group, the first F-22 Reserve Component Unit in the AF. When not out salmon fishing or running up the side of a mountain, Cam is

Bessie Fontenot and Jay Granier I heard from Ryan (Bovvers) Goris in May, so that was a good blast from the

past. She and her husband are now both teaching for the Department of De-

staying busy as a new E-3 Evaluator Pilot which keeps him TDY throughout PACAF quite a bit. She gushes that” Travis is simply the best and the coolest thing that's happened to us! He's just as laid back as his dad but has that smirk-smile that lets us know he's watching and learning!” Here's a recent photo of all ofthem on a boat ride around Portage Glacier out ofWhittier.

fense atYokosuka N aval Base in Japan. Ryan teaches high school English and math and her husband teaches elementary school. They were expecting their first child in June 2009, so I’m sure they are having lots of fun with their little one Ryan was able to spend some time withVanessa Bartley back in Februar y; Vanessa recently PCSd back toTinker and is flying AWACS. Ryan noted that she doesn’t see too many classmates or USAFA giads in general on the Navy base there although it is nearYokota, if anyone is looking for another place to stop.

She also heard from Christine (Ellering) White recently and noted she had a baby this past winter. Like many others, both Ryan and Christine are on Facebook and many of us are finding that as a great place to catch up with others. I ’ll also gladly take updates from you via that means or mySpace, Zoomie Nation, or evenWindows Live. Hey, I’m trying to leave open a lot of options to contact me... and more importantly that your updates are getting out to our class. It is always great catching up with everyone. Take care and send me your class news!

Best wishes, Jason.

Julia, Cam and Travis Buell in Alaska.

Faith

(Hitchcock) Dunn

6423 NW 94th Court

Johnson, IA 50131 Faithd03@hotmail.com

Mike and I ar erit up to much. We went to Vegas in Ap ril to celebrate our 30th birthdays and had a blast. Mike went to Florida in June for B rant Baks wed-

ding. Jeff Feuring, GiveyKochanowski, Brent Greer and their families were also able to make it.

Just another reminder about the Facebook USAFA Class of2001 page I ereated -1 am getting a lot of great updates from it. I encourage everyone to check it out, join the page and keep the updates coming!

Mike Reilly wrote that Ryan McClain recendy graduated from F-15CWeapons School and is Weapons Officer for the 95th FS at Tyndall AFB, and he just PCSd toTyndall a month ago to be an F- 15C Instructor in the 95th as well.

Aaron Banks and his wife, Erika, welcomed their son Asa on June 25th. They

currendy stationed at Offutt AFB where he is a flight commander and Erika works as a contractor at USSTRATCOM. Sarah and Jesse Goolsby welcomed a boy, Owen, to the family on June 6th. They are enjoying watching older sister Ella take care ofher littie brother and Jesse was recendy awarded the 2009 John Gardner Memorial Award in Fiction from the literary journal Harpur Palate are

Visit the AOGWeb Site.

Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and more!

www.usafa.org

Givey Kochanowski and daughter Caroline, Mike Dunn, Brent Greer and daughter Gigi.

Other than that, we are just enjoying watching Grant grow up. That is all I have for now. Thanks again for all the updates! Faith 115

Class News

63%

Amy Kauvar 806 Magnolia Bend San Antonio, TX 78251 215-280-1760

amykauvar@gmail.com Class Website: www.usafa02.org

Happy Summer!

I have made it to Utah. Salt Lake City is beautiful. Dave and I are still getting setded and I will be starting work as a periodontist at the Hill AFB clinic later

this month. I am so glad to be done with residency and I don’t think I will ever wr ite another thesis What misery! Dave and I are looking forward to a life together not being residents,

and our honeymoon in Hawaii (finally) later this Fall.

Tim Johnsonwrites to pass along the announcement of

wwsu/m$>; «ci

being selected as a Regional Finalist for a position as aWhite House Fellow. He had an interview on March 17th inWashiabre Society ingtonDC. Let’swish him good luck!

Donors Kris Merritt has a prctty big update for his family. He and Erinn had triplets this year! Their three sons were born on 16 Feb 09 after Erinn, was on hospital bed rest for 6 weeks. The triplets stayed in theNICU for over six weeks. The three fraternal boys-Cooper, Lucas, and Noah are home now and doing very well, having about tripled their birth weights! Congratulations!

Unfortunately, all news is not good; our classmate George BryanHoughton, an F-16 pilot with the 388th F ighterWing at Hill AFB, Utah died in late June He was flying a nighttime mission when his fighter crashed over the Test and Training Range, a massive, rugged and remote west desert around Hill AFB. George is survived by his wife and his brother Patrick, a 21 -year old USAFA cadet, as well as by his parents who reside in Candler, NC, a tiny town near Asheville.

Let’s pray for their comfort and peace during this difficult time.

M ay you all be safe and never forget life’s fragility. Until next time, Amy.

Kate (Lyons), Scott and Grace Anna Cole

Craig and Ashley VanBeusekom were married in June in Shoreview, MN, where both Craig and Ashley grew up. Ashley's father performed the service and afterwards everyone had a great time playing some amazing games of cornhole and wiffle ball!

-

Susan

Lynn Doyle

■ 69 %* ,

(937) 760-1076 susan_doyle@post.harvard.edu

EthanWhite,Dave Burge, Walt ferret, LenWholey DanMorales, Ashley and CraigVan Beusekom, Oliver B ar field, and Erik Swenson

(No Sabre Society Donors Yet) Bongers, greetings from our nation’s capital! I hope you are enjoying the summer and finding some time to relax. For this update, we heard from more people across our class. Please continue to send me your updates and pictures whenever you have some free time! On February 7,2009, Justin Chandler married Marguerite Janosko at Highland Park Presbyterian Church inTexas.

They are currently stationed at Dyess with a follow-on assignment to Pope later this year. Grads in the wedding were Eric Briscoe; Ben Craycraft, Dusty Fahie, Rob Hairston, David Kluttz, and Major Ken Wray.

Keep the updates coming and take care. Susan Breezy (Long) Heddinger Cell: (719) 213-3205 breezy.heddinger@usafa-grads.com windy04@gimail.af.mil breezy. heddinger@usafagrads.com First and foremost, congrats to all those of us who passed our five year milestone in June and still have the honor of serving on active duty, beyond the basic USAFA commitment. I’m sure we have all had a long road—or roller coaster of ups and downs—along the way, but I still feel re-energized every

time I run into another classmate in uniform around various bases, or in the

desert. Our “kids” from ’06 and ’07 are starting to surface now, too—can you believe it? I think we’re getting old.. .and ain’t it grand that we’ve survived this

long. Cheers, happy trails, blue skies.. .whatever the appropriate catch phrase is these days, I’m proud to be serving with you.

Now, enough babble from me, and on to the real class news: Rich Stocker tied the knot with his wife Michelle on 14 J une 2008 at the U SAFA

Justin and Marguerite Chandler and wedding party.

Kate (Lyons) Cole and her husband, Scott, just had their first baby, a little girl

named Grace Anna Cole, on April 15. Kate separated from the Air Force a few months ago and now works at Shaw doing intelligence work in the contracting world. She sends word that Ellen Stimmel Robinson was married in Grand Junction, Colorado on May 16, so congratulations to her!

116

Rich and Michelle Stocker, June 2008

Chapel, and they hosted their wedding reception at Doolittle Hall. Rich is now flying with the 390th "WildBoars" F-15C Fighter Squadron at Mountain Home AFB, ID. Rich and Michelle don't yet have any children, but their two

dogs Zelda and George help warm their happy home. Congrats on your first year of marriage, and best wishes for many more to come!

LouGraffeo and his beautiful bride, Jessica Dick, were married on 30 May 2009 in the chapel atValley Forge Militar y Academy and Gollege in Wayne PA.

Among the wedding party were fellow '04 grads Luc Chandou, Stephen Thomas, BrianMoynihan, and myself.

Matthew Goldsmith and Chris Pucciajoined in as sabrebearers, and Chris’s wife, Kari (Thompson), came to celebrate with the happy couple, as well-Lou attracted quite a mini-reunion to his wedding and reception! The newlyweds recently PCS-ed to Florida and are both beginning new

are

staying really busy. Please send along some stories of fun summer adven-

tures in the lands of no color, recent PCSs, or

family news! We would all love to hear from you! We have enjoyed the year so far at Wright Pat and have finally started mnning into some classmates now that it is summer and good weather in the Mid-West!

I have gotten together with KarenLong,Tony George, Dan Carroll, and Rick Fry a few times and it was great to see old classmates! An update from Rick: Rick

and Annie Fry got married shortly after graduation and spent their first three years in the AF at Ellsworth AFB, SD. In August 2008, they moved to Wr ightPatterson AFB, OH where Rickis backto school at AFIT getting his master's

degree in cost analysis. Rick will graduate in March 2010 and is not sure about his follow-on at this time. On June 2,2009, they had their first child, Connor Fry.

jobs. Lou and Jess are sorely missed back in Abilene,

Felisa

but we all wish them the best!

Joe Brown is currentiy an intel officer working in AFSOC with Special Tactics Teams down at Hurlburt Field, FL. He and his wife, Johnena, are expecting their first child on 3 August. The photo is from the Bible Study that Joe helps lead at the Hurlburt Base Chapel, which has a large preponderance of Academy grads. Joe wanted to share with you all how blessed he feels that the grad community can connect people together spiritually, in addition to the other ways we might see and hear about in class news.

In the picture from left are Ted Meeker (05), JacobeKendrick (07), Rob Vogt

(Kansas State), Joseph Brown, Josh Peterson (05), JustinPendry (02), Chris Long (Penn), Adam Fossum (05),Tyler Johnson (05), and Eric Neuman (Clemson). Not pictured areBrandonBernardoni (05), ChrisVineski (08), and Johnny Reynolds (08). If anyone is interested in connecting up with these fellow grads, you can find Joe on the GAL, or email him at j.wellingtonbrown@

gmail.com.

(Hervey) Dyrud

5434 S. Monrovia Ave.

Tucson, AZ 85706

felisa.dyrud@gmail.com (719)352-5991 Facebook group:”Feel the Fire” Friends, This season finds us mourning another classmate, Roslyn Schulte, who was killed by the explosion of a roadside IED outside Kabul on May 20th. We stand

with her family in the face of this inexpressible loss. I pray her death will make each of us live our days out more purposefully determined that her sacr ifice will not have been in vain. It certainly will not be forgotten.

FromErin (Frazier) Boone: “Just a few days after getting home from a deployment in May, we heard about Roz's passing and as fellow Shadows from CS-07, we all rallied and

eight of us were able to travel to St. Louis for her service from

all comers of the CONUS and even overseas. There were dozens of '06ers there as well as a

large contingent of airmen from her unit in Hawaii; it was so amazing to see howboth Roz's Air Force family and the community of St. Louis itself came out to show support for the Schulte Family and for Roz's boyfriend, Bruce. It was an immeasurable loss for us all, and though it was amazing to see all of our fellow Shadows and classmates to catch up once

Joe Brown and Grad Buddies at Hurlburt Bible Study.

Happy 5 th Anniversar y, 2004, and I hope to hear from mor e of you again soon.

Paula Delapasse 196 Cambria Drive

Mem bars

again; there are no words to express how much we all wished it could be for a different reason. Roz Schulte was an amazing woman, so full of spark and& life, and she will live on in all of our hearts, minds, and Air Force careers for as long as there is still an RTB walking this earth... here's a toast...

1 ‘As for the deployment itself, I left for Baghdad the day after Sabre Soei Donors Christmas; my husband will have left for his Iraq tour at the end of July after a couple of months together. I had an awesome time in Iraq seeing all of the culture in and around the city and the stark contrast between the IZ and Camp Victoryjust a few miles apart. I either ran into or heard from quite a few fellow RTBs while I was there! Tim Cox and I saw each other in AlUdeid, and then in Baghdad I heard from Justin Taylor who was cruising around in his C- 1 7 and Shane Beckley who was on patrol as an OSI Spook at Balad. I even went out waving goodbye to an RTB as Magdalana Kellyreplaced me as the 447th AEG Exec! Now, I am still living the dream here in the Florida panhandle.”

Beavercreek, OH 45440

(225) 603-4450 paulamaffey@juno.com pa u I a. de la passe@w paf b. af. m i I

(Two Sabre Society Donors) Hey 2005ers! I hope this finds everyone doing well and enjoying their new Captain status! We had a quiet quarter though I am suro many ofyou out there

Erin at Uday Hussein’s home.

Visit the AOG Web Site

www.usafa.org Annie, Rick, and Connor Fry attending Connor’sfirst baseball game!

117

Class News July 3iri at the Academy Chapel. In attendance were fellow grads William MacVittie, Jason Piper, Steven Haynes, Susie Haynes, leva (B agdziunaite) Ashmore, and Lt Col Thomas Nicholson (Class of’92).

A correction to last issue: we stated that Jake Ashmore married leva Kuzmanaite.We sincerely apologize for any confusion, because his bride was of course leva Bagdziunaite.

Casey Bayne 6925 Clovercliff Drive Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

(310) 343-5969 checkpoints@caseybayne.com

Hi Class of2007!

I hope you all had a great 4th of July and are enjoying some much needed

time offfor the summer. I recently met up with a few girls from our class, Caitie

Shane Beckley atBalad.

Melanie (Thomasson) Frost is on her way back to USAFA to be an instructor in the Management department! Somewhat astonishingly, it is the class of 2013

Holliday, Kim Brady, Jocelyn Mitnaul, and Stephanie Hirst in Charleston, SC for the July 4th holiday. It was oneofthebestj uly 4th weekends I’ve ever had because I was reunited with some of my closest girlfriends from our class.

Thank you Reid Touchberry for being our chauffer for the weekend. You can see in our faces in the picture what an amazing/ crazy time we were having together! Remember to send me a picture and an update whenever you meet up with classmates around the country or world.

that has just in-processed (you start to realize why more “seasoned” grads look at you that way when you tell them what year you graduated).

Chris McClintock and Lizjaszczak got married this past February in Las

Vegas. It was, in the words of Liz, a fantastic wedding. When she wrote to us in May, she and Chris were really excited about their upcoming PCS toYokota AB Japan, and Liz was headed to her brother Drew Jaszczak's graduation from USAFA. All the best to you, Liz and Chris!

Bayne, Brady, Holliday, Mitnaul,H irst Reunion Here’s the latest and greatest from our class.

Liz and Chris

Weddings: Alicia Stirewalt wed JonKaskela on 28 November 2008 in San Antonio, TX. Jonah Reeger served as best man and fellow classmates Alison Bonanno, Arianne Morrison, Allan Sain, ChuckSetzer, Scott Skibitzsky, Trent Updike^ Danny Wfeeks, and Katie (Miller) Weeks were all present at this wonderful occasion. Alicia just completed a graduate degree at the Harvard Kennedy School and is now stationed at Kirtiand AFB, NM. Jon finished pilot training at Laughlin AFB and will be flying the F-15E at Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina.

Erin AAhrddr ip marriedTomSkinner onApril 18th in Mokelumne Hill, CA.

Other ’06 grads who joined them were Angela Hodgson, BenOsler, Casey (Clark)

Gerries, and John Gerdes. You guys are gorgeous!

Jon and Alicia KaskelaWedding Tom and Erin

Jennifer (Quintero) Caldwell graduated on June 12th as the Distinguished Officer Graduate from Airborne school at Ft Benning. She says, “Airborne..ALL THEV\AY!” Congrats to John and Ashley (Guthrie) Haneywho finally tied the knot on 118

Visit the AOGWeb Site

Merchandise, Gone But Not Forgotten and More! www.usafa.or g

Mica McCr aticand Kyle Myers were married 14 March 2009 at the Anthony

Chapel in Hot Sp rings, AR. Jenny (Guilford) Liabenow, Brandon Bond, Mark Ruther, and MattBeaubien were all members ofthe wedding party. Mica was assigned to Langley AFB,VA, for the past two years working as a communications officer at the 83rd Network Operations Squadron. Kyle finished UPT in February and is currently at Altus AFB for C-17 training. The two have recently received a joint assignment to McChorri AFB, WA and will be moving in August

Trenton

Sandberg

450 Illinois Ave., Unit 2 Del Rio, TX 78840 (308) 6 41-1430

trenton.sandberg@gmail.com

2009.

Richter Class, I didn’t really get any submittals...I resorted to a little facebook stalking/

messaging for this one.

CaseyBustamante is currently assigned to the 31 st Communications Squadron at Aviano AB, Italy. She has been taking advantage ofher location by doing quite a bit of traveling around Europe In the last message I received from her, Casey said she had just returned from a week-long trip to Lourdes, France.

Casey says the mountains near Aviano remind her of Golorado Springs.. .just a litde greener.

Mica and Kyle Myers Wfedding

Assignments:Andrew Teigeler recently graduated from UPT and is headed to Creech AFB, NV for UAS along with Michael Van Norman and Joe Ruotolo.

CJ Baran is en route to Hurlburt AFB, FL to fly the U-28. Andrew’s dad, Tom Teigeler (’79) pinned on his wings at their ceremony on 10

April 2009.

I would like to correct a previous announcement. Ryan

Bushnell will be flying C- 17s at Hickam AFB, HI. He’s excited to learn how to surf and play some beach volleyball these next few years!

Other Announcements: LtCol David C.Wetlesen (proud

father), USAFA Class of 1978 writes," Here is a picture of lLt Michael E. Wetlesen, and his brother, Capt Gabriel C. Wetlesen, Clearwater Christian College/USAF ROTC, Class of2005. Michael is a Security Forces officer at BagramAB, Afghanistan. Gabriel is a C-17 pilot flying out of Qatar. This picture was taken inside Gabr iel's C-17 when it was on the tarmac at BagramAB for about an hour on 12 June 2009.”

Casey Bustamante in Dublin, Ireland.

JoelMartin married Danielle Catazaro last October in Canton, OH. They’re both currently living in Houston, TX. Joel is currently in Grad School at Rice University, working on a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Joel’s research and thesis is on safety valves to support the oil industry and the grow-

ing need for more oil reservoirs in deeper locations in the Gulf of Mexico. He will be graduating from Rice this coming D ecember. Danielle is currently working as an RN at Memorial Hermann Hospital in theTexas Medical Center.

(See photo at top of the next column.)

A new www.usafa.org ♦Updated News Stories ♦Photo Galleries ♦

New Online Store

♦Electronic Register of Graduates (Membersomy)

stay connected Association of Graduates UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

I* f

■

Michael and GabrielWetlesen C17 Bagram.

Andy Waterworth writes that his beautiful wife, Angela (Sheffield) Waterworth, was selected for Tops In Blue. Tops In Blue is a performance group made up of active duty members of the Air Force that tour the country.

Angie is extremely talented and will be playing the keyboard, violin, and serving as the Tour Director. Unfortunately, Andy and Angie were only able to live together in San Antonio, TX for four months before Angie was selected and now she is never home. Andy is currently a contracting officer at Randolph

search us&FA.emr,

REGISTER NOW 2011 Bed & Breakfast

Hosts:

Register to host an appointee.

Appointees:

Register for B&B.

AFB, TX. Have a wonderful summer Grissom Class and don’t forget to send me any updates you’d like to see in Checkpoints'.

119

Brian Nichols and hisfiance, Gloria Interrante.

Joel and Danielle Martin

We

need

the

class scribe for the

volunteer to

a

Class of 2009.

Brian Nichols was recently engaged to be married to Gloria Interrante of

Albuquerque, NM. Gloria is a 2008 graduate ofthe University of Virginia, and also a 2Lt in the Air Force. She graduated from Intel School this spring and is currently assigned to the 19thWeapons School Squadron at Nellis AFB, NV Brian is currently in pilot training at Laughlin. He track-selected in June and is now flying the T-1. Their wedding is tentatively planned for June of 2010 in Richmond, VA. (See photo at top of next column.)

WhitneyCamp and Daniel Picard (07) were married on May23,2009 in Milan, TN.They met on the USAFA debate team, became debate partners, and then started dating in the spring of2006. Whitney is stationed in Arlington, VA at the

and

the

class

be

Volunteers

president

please contact Tom Kroboth, AOG Class News editor

at

Tom.Kroboth@

aogusafa.org

Thank

you.

Air Force Office of Scientific Research and Daniel is at Schriever AFB as a Sat-

ellite Operator. They are hoping for a join spouse assignment soon!

And finally, Steve Chandler, who lives across the hall from mq wants to say “what’s up.”

The AOG now has a website dedicated to class news. I have posted all of 2008’s class news on the website (including color photos!) for your viewing pleasure. The URL is http://news.usafa.org/news/2008. Send me good news!

l/O/l I DC file

:

q‘

1

your bloi information and

f(pf ►

ica

Receive up-to-date information on your reunion and alumni chapters

►

Ensure you receive the latest issue

of Checkpoints magazine and AOG information ►

Keep in touch with the current events and activities at the Air

Force Academy ►

Keep in touch with your classmates visit the AOG Web site

www.usafa.ore call

472 03(10 -

our bio

120

today

IT'S NOT OUR

□

RESPONSIBILITY TO SERVE YOU.

IT'S OUR PRIVILEGE.

Join USAA

|

800-531-USAA

|

usaa.com

As the premier sponsor of the Association of Graduates, we're committed to serve and

support Air Force Academy graduates and cadets with excellence and integrity. Our higher financial strength ratings 1 lower insurance premiums for property and casualty insurance, and fewer banking fees are what you would expect from a company founded by Military officers. We understand your unigue financial needs. We know ,

what it means to serve.

1

A++ (Superior) from A.M. Best Co., highest of 16 possible ratings; Aaa (Exceptional) from Moody's Investors Service, highest of 21 possible ratings; AAA (Extremely Strong) from Standard & Poor's, highest of 21 possible ratings.

Membership eligibility restrictions apply to purchase of property and casualty insurance. Eligibility may change based on factors such as marital status, rank, or military status. Applicants must meet underwriting guidelines.

USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates.

Automobile insurance provided by United Services Automobile Association, USAA Casualty Insurance Company, USAA General Indemnity Company, Garrison Property and Casualty Insurance Company, USAA County Mutual Insurance Company, San Antonio, TX, and is available only to persons eligible for P&C group membership. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its own products. Bank member FDIC. © 2009 USAA. cmfK-OQOQ

POSTMASTER: Send change of address to

Checkpoints, Association of Graduates, Doolittle Hall, 3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475

762280 DR JEFFREY A LARSEN 40 RAM GELT DR COLORADO SPRINGS CO 8092

mthi

* i s S i If i m

Rusinak Real Estate Nancy Rusinak

Vince Rusinak

Brother, R. Berthiaume, USAFA 73

USAFA '68 llBBiii

■■i

offers full service

property management services

We will work with you to find the best

destination REALTOR™, and manage

and specializes in rental and leasing

the logistics of moving as well as the

of single-family homes, townhomes

from anywhere

and condos in the Pikes Peak region.

to anywhere! Rusinak has helped

Our office is conveniently located only

sale of your home

-

minutes from USAFA.

thousands of Academy grads at a level of service and expertise

few others can give.

Sell or Rent Rusinak Real Estate is your

Rusinak is proud to

help the

Association of Graduates BUILD A

single source for selling, buying and renting in the Pikes Peak region. Serving USAFA graduates since 1988, Rusinak is locallyowned and dedicated to the complete satisfaction of you and your family.

ACADEMY fa

rl

M:

BBB f f*

[HE CHAMBER

HADING real estate COM TAN IM'

North

7150 N. Academy Blvd.

•

,.y vtif

Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (Near USAFA South Gate)

•

Phone 719-590-6131

MmmI illip