Checkpoints June 2011

THE SPIN 22

Take a ride with the Falcon Cycling Club

WEBGUY: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE 28

Get the details on the world-wide phenomenon that takes parents into the heart of Basic Cadet Training

UNDAUNTED TRIUMPH 38

Five graduates serve as coaches for the 2011 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs.

FROM ENLISTED TO OFFICER 46

The Prior Enlisted Cadet Assembly builds their first heritage project.

ON THE COVER

C1C Brandon Odum leads the Falcon Cycling pace line during training season at the Academy. Photo by Lewis Carlyle

BY WILLIAM "T" THOMPSON, '73, PRESIDENT AND CEO

reetings grads, parents and other members. We have just finished graduation week at USAFA and have welcomed another 1021 graduates as part of the Long Blue Line. These young men and women have unlimited opportunities ahead ofthem but enter a challenging and rapidlychanging world both globally and domestically. They are also joining the most powerful and advanced Air Force in the history ofthe world but a service that is going through many changes with very different rules than when most of us were 2nd Lieutenants.

Our newest members come to an AOG that has also undergone major change since they entered the Academy four years ago. While change can often be unsettling for some, the consensus opinion is that the change we have endured has helped to move the association in a positive direction and is making us a stronger, better organization. While your Board ofDirectors and AOG staff can take pride in the progress we have made on your behalf, there is still much work to be done. To guide us in this process, your staffhas put together a four-year Operations Strategic Plan (OSP) designed to give you a stronger connection to the Academy, bring you a better alumni structure, and make us a stronger organization from both a customer service and financial perspective. As such, you can expect to see even more change as we implement the OSP with annual business plans over the next four years. As Winston Churchill once remarked, “There is nothing wrong with change ifit’s in the right direction.”

Speaking of a stronger connection to the Academy, I want to thank the many ofyou who listened to the Connection Project video, read the paper and took the time and effort to share your views. The response was surprisinglyoverwhelming and extremely positive. There is clearly a strong desire in the graduate community to connect with the Academy, particularly with cadets. There is also a concurrent aspiration among grads to connect with each other, both in the active duty service and in the business world. We received numerous comments from earlier grads, now retired, who expressed a longing to have had graduate mentors while they were on active duty. We have grads currently on active duty who have expressed that same desire. There are also a significant number ofgrads that have been reluctant to share theirAcademygraduate status on active duty, yet have been very proud ofthis significant accomplishment. It seems with some that the Connection Project paper has given them leave to express that pride.

Comments from grads now separated from active duty mirrored those expressed above. Our grads want a strong business mentoring, contact and information network. We want to help and be helped in both the corporate and entrepreneurial sectors. While these wishes are strong, there is also the general feeling that no structure, informal or otherwise, has previously existed to tackle these needs.

The AOG is committed to aggressivelyaddressing these and many ofthe other issues highlighted in the Connection Project paper. In fact, we have made considerable progress in building our networking infrastructure through the Chapter development program over the past year. We have doubled the number ofAOG Chapters around the world, from 31 in April of2010, to 61 today. But this is more than just a numbers game. We have also put in place a process to create strong, viable chapters and have created the incentives for chapters to develop strong networking components. Additionally, many of our new chapters are in communities that are the homes ofnearby Air Force bases, giving our active dutygrads an opportunity to connect in an informal but collegial setting.

We are also working with the Academy on a pilot Mentoring Project which will have our grads paired with cadets to pass on important leadership, character, and general life skills. In my view this is a critically important first step in helping our cadets to understand the true meaning ofbeing a member ofthe Long Blue Line.

A continuing challenge will be to address the processes in the Air Force concerning the unique status of the AOG and now the Endowment, in their partner-

ship with the Academy. It is clear that both Army and Navy have developed an understanding that values the relationship between theiralumni associations and foundation and their Academies. As a result, their administrations have crafted an approach which actively supports their membership and fundraising efforts. We still have a way to go to address these issues. Our Academyleadership is aware ofthese challenges and we are collectivelylooking at ways to conduct these programs so that we can best support our Academy in the most productive manner possible.

Many ofyou asked how you could help and have volunteered to get involved. I will close byasking you to join, or become more active in your local chapters. Attend the networking lunches and dinners. Ifyou are senior officers on active duty, reach out to the younger grads and give them guidance on how to have a successfill career. Come back to the Academy when you can and interact with cadets. Reunions, football games, NCLS and the upcoming Mentoring Program will all provide excellent opportunities. Hire grads in your businesses or help them get interviews. Become Sabre Society members and encourage your fellow grads to do the same. Byworking together and each doing whatever we can, we’ll create the connections that make us collectively, and the Academy, even stronger. Go Air Force!!! H

Joe

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Chairman’s

BY TERRY STORM, ’61

fjlle the nation and the graduate community rejoice in the demise of a reviled enemy, the recent deaths of Lt. Col. Frank Bryant, ’95, Major David Brodeur, ’99, and Major Paul Ambard, a USAFA professor, made clear that the war is far from over. We mourn their loss and grieve with their families. Colonel Bryant was assigned to the 56th Operations Group at Luke Air Force Base and deployed as an advisor to the Afghan Air Force. Major Brodeur flew F-l6s with the 18th Aggressor Squadron in Alaska, where he helped train other fighter pilots for combat. Major Ambard was a professor of foreign languages and, although not a graduate himself, had children in the Classes of2004, 2007 and now 2013. He was buried at the Academy cemetery in a solemn ceremony that included a saber arch by 44 cadets. Major Ambard was remembered as a humble man, a dedicated teacher to both his students and the Academy. We shall truly miss him.

Special thanks to the 28 percent ofthe membership who participated in our recent AOG election. Congratulations to the four directors who are continuing on the Board: Steve Beasley, ’93; Jack Fry, ’67; Bob Munson, ’73; and Mark Rosenow, ’03. We are especiallypleased to welcome two new Board members: Kathleen Rock, ’98 and “Orville” Wright, ’73, who will join us at our next Board meeting in August. We also greatly appreciate the other 12 very qualified graduates who volunteered their services to our USAFA community by running for director; we hope to incorporate their substantial expertise into our AOG structure. At the August meeting, we will elect Board officers and make committee assignments. Ifyou are interested in serving on a committee, please let me know.

We express our appreciation for our departing Directors: Tom Lockie, ’79; Pat Rosenow, ’76, Wild Bill Stealey, ’70; George Van Wagenen, ’67; and Jim Wheeler, ’64; they helped us move our AOG forward in the best interests of our members, graduates, cadets and the Academy as a whole.

The Bylaws were approved by 97 percent of our voting members. The new Bylaws are more userfriendly and provide for increased efficiency. We owe a great measure ofthanks to our entire BylawsTask Force, especially Chairman Rip Blaisdell, ’62, Brian Binn, ’72 (AOG Vice Chair), Gary Howe, ’69 (AOG Executive Vice President), Mark Rosenow, ’03 (AOG Director), Ron Scott, ’73, Tom Hayden, ’74 and Dick Sexton, ’60 President, Class Advisory Senate).

Your AOG Joint Coordinating Comittee team has entered into renewed negotiations with the USAFA Endowment team to prepare a new Memorandum of Understanding and Contract for Services since the current agreements expire at the end of2011. Recently retired General Steve Lorenz, ’73, is now the Endowment’s President and CEO, and we look forward to working with him. The Board extends its best wishes to departing President and CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Erv Rokke, ’62, and we thank him for his devoted service.

Your Directors also approved the nomination ofMr. Edmund Ladouceur for HonoraryAOG Membership. For 28 years from 1961 to 1989, “Mr L” was Associate Director ofCadet Chapel Music and subsequently served as Director of Cadet Choral Activities as well Director of the Cadet Catholic Choir and the Cadet Chorale. Many graduates remember that auditioning forthevarious chapelchoirs and the Chorale was simply part ofIn-processing. “Mr L” led both the Chorale and Catholic Choirs on national tours providing invaluable recognition for the Academy Under his direction, the choirs made numerous television appearances, sang with world-renowned entertainers and participated in many national events including the Miss America Pageant. To many cadets he was mentor, father figure and friend as well as a musical director. Mr Ladouceur is well known nationally for his musical skills and the AOG is pleased to welcome him as our newest Honorary Member.

We have also learned that another AOG Honorary Member, Ms. Nancy Burns, Chief, Development and Alumni Programs, will retire on 1 August 2011. As the AOG’s official portal to the Academy, Nancy has been an integral partner and a close friend. She has helped us provide support to the graduate community and to the Academy. Nancy’s dedication is unsurpassed and we wish her well.

I have been honored to serve as your Chairman for the past two years and look forward to continued progress in our efforts to enhance theAOG for the best interests of the entire USAFA community. I greatly appreciate the discussions with and guidance from the numerous graduates and other members of our community with whom I have had the privilege to interact over the past three plus years ofmy direct involvement. GO FALCONS!

Hello graduates!

As this edition of Checkpoints hits the newsstands, another class will have passed into the Long Blue Line, and I am happy to report that all is well at your USAFA. The Robin Olds (USMA ’43) Class of 2011 wrapped up four strong years at USAFA with a great graduation week and ceremony. We are all proud of this group oflieutenants, and I assure you that we have succeeded in our mission of creating a new crop ofleaders of character for the Air Force and America. You can expect great things from this bunch.

The class of2011 is entering the Air Force well prepared and well equipped for the challenges ofthe future—and as you all know, theywill enter an Air Force that is vastly different than the one you and I faced following our own graduations. These young men and women will meet challenges that are entirely new to a fighting force. With that in mind, I want to take a moment and talk to you about a major change

in DoD policy and how we are preparing at USAFA.

On December 22, 2010, President Obama signed into law legislation that provided for the repeal of Section 634 ofTitle 10 ofthe United States Code, a section commonly known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Once the President, the Secretary ofDefense, and the Chairman ofthe Joint Chiefs of Staffall certify to Congress that the services have completed mandated training and that our policies and regulations are consistent with standards ofmilitary readiness, the actual repeal will occur 60 days later. USAFA is currently following all official DoD guidance to train USAFA cadets and permanent party on post-repeal policy. Here’s our bottom line: USAFA is dedicated to executing this historical change with a focus on mutual respect and dignity.

This message of respect should not sound new to you; in fact, the official Air Force training program identifies four keywords/concepts to guide us

Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, 76

through the smooth implementation of repeal— the same concepts that should guide us all through any and all interpersonal relationships: leadership, professionalism, discipline and respect. I’m optimistic about our ability to implement the repeal of DADT. These are exactly the same qualities we strive to instill in all cadets, and as long as we keep respect at the forefront, we will succeed.

USAFA has proven its ability to implement major change in the past. Ofthe 926 graduates who threw their hats into the air with me and my classmates on June 2, 1976, none were women. Yet, 24 days later, 157 women entered the Air Force Academy for the first time. Integration did not happen overnight, but four years later, 97 ofthose young women graduated with the Class of 1980. Now, as we did then, we will follow the law and embrace the opportunity to allow a group of men and women to serve their country openly. Once the repeal is enacted, just as back in

1980, integration will require cadets, faculty and staff to move forward with acceptance and inclusion as our guides.

This policychange is in no way a small one—and we are well aware that significant change demands strong leadership. As we launch the Class of2011 into the officer corps and prepare for the arrival ofthe Class of2015, I’m confident we’ll embrace change and posture for success. I encourage open dialogue and frank discourse among all USAFA personnel and among the graduate community. The more we talk and think about how to handle situations that are bound to arise, the easier it will be to implement this new policy.

We need all grads to stay engaged, stay tuned and stay plugged into your local chapter associates. Keep your feedback flowing back through the AOG and help make USAFA even better than it is today! Thanks for your service and professionalism!

Philmont Memories

I enjoyed the article “USAFA Rangers” about Cadets at Philmont in the March Checkpoints. I went to Philmont in 1973 as one ofthe first members of an official summer cadet program. Prior to that time, many cadets had worked at Philmont during their summer leave. Dave Champa, a 1972 grad, was assigned to Philmont during the summer as a brand new Second Lieutenant, officer in charge. As 1 remember it, Dave did most ofthe work to get this program going as an official summer assignment. 1 travelled by bus to Raton, and a camp staffmember picked me up in a truck for the trip to Philmont. I couldn’t believe what a great summer assignment that was. Dave was the closest “officer” around, and it would have taken him a day to get to us! 1 was glad to see this program bigger and better when 1 returned to Philmont about 25 years later as an adult leader.

Thank you for a great article that brought back wonderful memories. Dave Champa, ’72, deserves much ofthe credit for this wonderful program.

Chuck Lucas, Class of1974

Air Force Villages

Air Force Village 1 and Village 11 were opened in 1970 and 1987 respectively. They are Continuing Care Retirement Communities that offer independent care, assisted living, 24/7 nursing care and Alzheimer and dementia care. Many ofyou contributed to fund-raisers over the years to provide enough money so widows would have a place to live and be cared for no matter what their financial situation was. Your support has made this goal a reality. We have widows and widowers who receive financial assistance for food, shelter or medical care based on need. I am a graduate of the AFA Class of 1962, and I am the first and only USAFA graduate resident ofeither Air Force Village in San Antonio, Texas. I am writing this general letter to members of the Association of Graduates because 1 want you as graduates, spouses, widows and widowers to know about what is available here at the Village. Normally, a retired military officer is eligible to live at the Village at the minimum age of 62. However, there are always exceptions for medical or other reasons. This means that about 5,500 graduates who retired or were honorably separated in the first twelve classes ofUSAFA are eligible to live at one of the Villages now. You can check out the details ofthe Air Force Village on the webpage

airforcevillages.com so I won’t elaborate on all there is here that could provide peace of mind and a great quality oflife in your senior years. I hope that some ofyou will think about how you will spend your senior years and how you will ensure you have all the medical and social support you may need. The Village will provide a couple ofcomplimentary nights if you visit and are interested in seeing for yourself. Ifyou have questions that I may be able to answer, please email me at dhallager@satx.rr.com.

Don Hallager, Class of1962

Lest We Forget

After reading the article, “USAFAWelcomes New Center for Oral History” in the March 2011 issue of Checkpoints I came away wonderingwhy there was no mention ofthe early establishment of an Oral History Program. In fact, the initial oral history program was begun in the 1960s under the Department ofHistory and was rejuvenated around 1995 by Dave Wagie as dean. Both times it suffered due to lack offunding. The most recent collection oforal histories started with a 50th Anniversary project, proposed by The Friends ofthe Library in 2001 and briefed by Brig. Gen. Caine to the Superintendent in January 2002. At that time it received funding from the Association of Graduates under the “Expect Great Things” project. Under the program, The Friends, in cooperation with Word One Associates, Inc., created a video history ofthe Academy on DVD. The DVD features artifacts and documents from special collections along with historical video clips from the National Archives and video interviews covering key events in the history ofthe Academy. These videos and subsequent transcriptions are also retained in special collections. Oral histories are an important way to preserve USAFA history and heritage. Time will prove they are a vital key in documenting the contributions ofthe Academyleadership and its graduates to the successes ofthe Air Force and the nation.

Andrew W. Biancur, Class ofI960

Checkpoints welcomes letters from its readers. Please limit your submission to 250 words. For your letter to be considered, you must include your name and gradu ating year, ifyou are an Academy graduate. Letters should be e-mailed to editor@aogusafa.org. Checkpoints reserves the right to edit all submissions.

STAFF DIRECTORY

3116

ACADEMY DRIVE, USAF ACADEMY, CO 80840-4475 (719) 472-0300

THE ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES

To e-mail a staff member, please use the first and last name. Example: Gary Howe gary.howe@aogusafa.org

AOG EXECUTIVE OFFICE

PRESIDENT & CEO William "T" Thompson, '73, Ext. 101, T.Thompson@aogusafa.org

EXECUTIVEVICE PRESIDENT Gary Howe, '69, Ext. 107

SENIOR VICEPRESIDENT FORBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Marty Marcolongo, '88, Ext. 146

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR FINANCE & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Alton Parrish, Ext. 123

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Ruth Reichert, Ext. 106

FINANCE

ACCOUNTANT Joyce Love, Ext. 110

ACCOUNTING CLERK Janice Baca, Ext. 111

COMMUNICATIONS

SENIOR VICEPRESIDENT FOR COMMUNICATIONS Bob McAllister, Ext. 142

EDITOR/PHOTOGRAPHER Lewis Carlyle, Ext. 140

SENIOR DESIGNER Sarah Larrabee, Ext. 144

CLASS NEWS & OBITUARY EDITOR Tom Kroboth, Ext. 133

ALUMNI

VICE PRESIDENT FOR ALUMNI AFFAIRS Corrie Grubbs, Ext. 105

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS Wayne Taylor, Ext. 150 DIRECTOR, CONSTITUENT RELATIONS Stella Grayson, '99, Ext. 121

CLASSPROJECTS OFFICER

To

VICE

BOARD

VICE

SECRETARY

TREASURER

'72

DIRECTOR OF WEB COMMUNICATIONS Troy Surratt, Ext. 125

SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR Jason Finkle, Ext. 124

PROGRAMMER/SYSTEMS ANALYST Gayatri Parepalli, Ext. 118

WEB DEVELOPER Toby Lortz, Ext. 141

DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS Jack Mueller, '70, Ext. 122

Pat Rosenow, '76

Tom Lockie, '79

Frank Schmuck, '88

Steve Beasley, '93 Mark Rosenow, '03 THE

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News

McDonnell Gift

The USAFA Endowment is pleased to announce, on behalfofthe U.S. Air Force Academy, a major gift in support of one ofthe Academy’s top-priority projects. Mr. Sanford “Sandy” McDonnell and his wife, Priscilla, have committed $1.5 million toward the construction ofthe new Center for Characterand Leadership Development. Mr. McDonnell was chairman and chiefexecutive officer ofthe McDonnell Douglas Corporation for seven years. He served in the U.S. Armyduring World War II, andholds degrees from Princeton University, the University ofColorado and Washington

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University. He is a co-founder and chairman emeritus oftheCharacter Education Partnership and a chairman ofCHARACTERplus, a public school character education program. Mr. McDonnell s grandson is a 2006 graduate ofthe Academy, currently serving as a C-17 pilot. (USAFA Endowment)

College Football Hall of Fame

Former Air Force football head coach Fisher DeBerry has been elected to the College Football Hall ofFame, according to an announcement from the National Football Foundation Board ofDirectors. DeBerry, along with the other inductees, will be honored at the National FootballFoundations Annual Awards Dinner in New York City at the WaldorfAstoria on Tuesday, Dec. 6. DeBerry served as head coach at Air Force for a brilliant 23-year career which concluded with his retirement on Dec. 15, 2006. His mark on the program, the Academy and college football is unmistakable. The 72-year-old South Carolina native and his Air Force program served as the epitome ofwhat is right and good in collegiate athletics. (Air Force Link) Kf

A letter from Bart I lola< lay, '65, l JSA ::A Endowtrlent Boatd Chai man

Dear Academy Friends,

This has been a remarkable year for our Academy.

In April, Coach Troy Calhoun, ’89, and our Air Force Falcon football team traveled to the White House to reclaim the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy We are all proud that the Trophy has been returned to its rightful home in Colorado Springs. Dr. Hans Mueh, ’66, Coach Calhoun and our team deserve a hearty congratulations for their hard-earned success.

But this past year was important for other reasons as well-many closely connected to our business at the Endowment. Most critically, 2010 provided concrete evidence that the cooperative agreement between the Endowment and the Association of Graduates is highly productive and has significant staying power.

Beginning in January oflast year, the Endowment assumed the principal fundraising responsibilities for the Academy. The Association of Graduates, in turn, has focused its attention on alumni and parent services, andthe complex business we call “friendraising.” This was a significant transition for both organizations, and as you might expect, not without challenges. We faced an integration of two large databases, the coordina-

Oppo it : ( rew < m inue wiAthletic Center nears completion.

tion ofmillions of dollars of outstanding pledges, and the effective communication ofthese changes to over 60,000 current and potential future donors. We also shared the difficult task of rebuilding confidence among the graduate community in our collective efforts to support the Academy-a job both organizations continue to take very seriously.

I am pleased to report that amidst these challenges, we exit the year having achieved every target established by the agreement between the two organizations and share a mutual commitment to continue our collaborative work. In the end, the proofof the value of our model can be seen in our record-breaking results. Specifically:

m We concluded the most successful fundraising year in the institution’s history, raising over $14.5 million in 2010, more thandouble the previous high water mark for fundraising in a single calendar year.

at Graduate donor participation increased by 17 percent, including an equal increase in the number of Sabre Society donors. This is a remarkable result and has hadthe effect of increasing unrestricted funding levels to the Academy by 19 percent.

■ We broke ground on the largest privately funded capital project in Academy history, the Holaday Athletic Center, exceeding our fundraising goals for the project ahead ofschedule. We are looking forward to the ribbon cutting ceremony in July.

■ We engaged with nine classes on projects to support the Academy.

h We maintained a cost offundraising ofless than ten percent, a remarkable level ofefficiency that our donors should continue to expect.

■ And finally, we launched the leadership gift Phase of the initiative for the newly expanded Center for Character and Leadership Development. By theend of the year, we had raised more than 40 percent of the total funds necessary to reach the project goal.

Indeed, 2010 has been a breakthrough year. I firmly believe that each of these successes can be attributed to two essentialfacts.

First, we have benefited from the extraordinary generosity of our donors. Increasingly, thecharitable giving to the institution by graduates, parents and friends is reflective ofthe national reputation of our Academy. In the future we will be called upon more often to provide substantive enhancements to those

resources available from federal sources. Like every great public university, private support will play an important role in our institution’s success.

And second, our positive results are a credit to the strength ofthe relationship with the Association of Graduates. We anticipate that our mutually supportive partnership will continue to drive greater levels ofengagement and participation within the various constituencies that care deeply about the future of the institution. Since the Endowment’s inception in July of2007, we haveraised over $35 million in support ofthe Academy, and expect the pace to quicken in the years to come.

In conclusion, I would like to acknowledge the ongoing dynamic leadership, both at the Academy and within our organization, which has enabled our success. Our Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, ’76, has demonstrated great vision in guiding our Academy over the past few years. We are very fortunatethat he is at the controls—and we expect many more positive developments for our school in the year to come. Also, our organization has flourished under the leadership of Dr. Erv Rokke, ’62, who has recently retired from his position as president of the Endowment. Though we will greatly miss Dr. Rokke, I am very pleased that Gen. (Ret.) Steve Lorenz, ’73, has come on board to lead us through our next chapter. We are pleased that someone with his credentialsand long standing connection to the Academy is heading our effort. His arrival signals great things to come for 2011 and beyond.

Thank you, once again, for your continuing generosity toward our Academy, the Association of Graduates and our ongoing efforts at the Endowment. We sincerely appreciate your support. 1 1

BREAKING NEW GROUND:

The Next Chapter Begins

Gen. (Ret.) Stephen Lorenz, 73, named as new President of the Endowment

The routine ofpacking and moving, settling into a new desk in a new office and getting acquainted with new colleagues while figuring out how to advance the mission has become all too familiar to Gen. (Ret.) Stephen Lorenz, ’73, over the course ofhis 37 years ofservice in the Air Force. Military service demanded relocations to numerous bases around the nation and beyond; however, with his latest relocation, that is no longer necessary. Lorenz, in his first position as a civilian, is taking the reins as the new president and chiefexecutive officer ofthe United States Air Force Academy Endowment.

His new office at the Endowment headquarters in Doolittle Hall faces the Academy, providing an unimpeded view of the Cadet Area, surrounded by greenery and framed by the mountains. Lorenz graduated from the Academy

By Ann Collum

as a second lieutenant and returns as a retired fourstar general, ready to devote his efforts to encouraging others to give back to the institution that gave them their start.

Lorenz considers this all part of a lifelong journey, one that started when he was nine years old. In 1960, his father was a captain in the Air Force, stationed at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado. Lorenz visited the fledgling Academy with his father and was instantly smitten. “I remember standing there,” he says, “under the bright blue mountain sky and pledging to myselfthat one day this was the place I would go to school. I didn’t know how I was going to get there, but I knewthat I was going to devote all ofmy energy to becoming a cadet at the most beautiful school I had ever seen”

On June 23, 1969, all ofLorenzs efforts paid off as he reported to the Academy as part of the Class of 1973. After receiving his commission, Lorenz put the work ethic and values he learned as a cadet into practice, using each new assignment to refine his ideas on leadership and how to best advance the mission.

Starting with his undergraduate pilot training, he progressed steadily up the ranks, taking on more responsibility with each position. “Early in my career, I realized that our profession—service to our nation—is a family business,” he says. “We are a family ofbrothers and sisters in arms. This is where we learn to support others, reaffirming our commitment over and over again as we live, train, sweat and bleed together.”

Endowment. “The Endowment has created a certain momentum at the Academy over the past year with the Holaday Athletic Center and fundraising for the Center for Character and Leadership Development,” Lorenz says. “I see giving back to the Academy and building a thriving culture ofsupport as part of a journey that we will all undertake as graduates, parents and friends of this great institution. Some extraordinary people launched us on this journey before I came into the picture, andthe success we enjoy is due to their efforts.”

"We are a family of brothers and sisters in arms. This is where we learn to support others, reaffirming our commitment over and over again as we live, train, sweat and bleed together."

Lorenz has commanded at every level of the Air Force over the course of his career, including various air refueling and air mobilitywings, Air University, Air Education and Training Command and the training wing ofthe Air Force Academy itself. “My time acting as the Commandant of Cadets was a proud milestone for me,” he says. “I never anticipated that I would someday serve my alma mater in that capacity. It’s been a remarkable run.”

Now retired from active duty, he is returning to the Academy again, to serve in his new role with the

“With the support of the entire Endowment team, members of our Executive Committee—Bart Holaday, ’65; Erv Rokke, ’62; Terry Drabant, ’65; Bill Wecker, ’63; and Bill Maywhort, ’68—worked with key players like the Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, ’76; Jay Kelley, ’64, of the Falcon Foundation, Phil Erdle ofthe Academy Research and Development Institute and William ‘T’ Thompson, ’73, of the Association ofGraduates, among others, to set us on this path,” he says. “I look forward to working with such a dedicated group of individuals as we start this new chapter ofphilanthropy at our Academy.”

Dr. Rokke, the outgoing president of the Endowment, shares Lorenz’s enthusiasm for the transition. “I can’t think of a better person for this position,” he says. “I’m honored that someone ofhis stature, with a long history ofadvocating on behalfofthe Academy and everything it represents, would accept the job.”

Aside from the gratification of working in support of his alma mater, one of the benefits of taking the position is getting to purchase what he jokingly refers to as his “starter home.” Without having to anticipate the next relocation, Lorenz and his wife, Leslie, finally bought their first house, navigating a procession ofrealtors and home showings to settle upon their first choice: a comfortable home in a quiet neighborhood next door to Pam and Erv Rokke. “We certainly didn’t plan it this way,” says Lorenz. “But it definitely drives home the point that working for the Endowment isn’t just a career choice; it’s all part ofthe family business.” S

Developing leaders of character has never been more important...

Your Sabre Society level gift to the Air Force Academy Fundwill provide the best possible resources in support of the Academy, its cadets, and the graduate community. The Academy's mission-developing leaders of character for our nation-is simply too important to leave to federal funding alone. The bridge between sufficiency and excellence is built by private funding. Generous contributions from graduates, parents and friends enable the AOG and USAFA Endowment to fulfill their missions of supporting the Academy.

VENTURE IN PALMER PARK

C1C Don Freeley charges full speed at the rock ledge, his full suspension mountain bike poised to leap over the obstacle ahead. He compresses the bike before using the suspension to launch his way over the rocks and into the landing zone beyond. Freeley lands in a cloud of dust, straight and clean, though shaking his head in disappointment. “Let me try that again,” he says. “I know I can do better.” He whips the bike around and pedals back to the top of the plateau for another try. In the next attempt, he clears the obstacle by a huge margin, his efforts captured in the camera. Humbly suppressing a smile, he nods in approval of the maneuver and we pack our gear to take on the rest of the park.

Visit the Air Force Academy on any given afternoon and the cadet cycling club is a common sight. The lycra-clad Falcons can be seen breezing up Pine Drive on their road bikes, climbing the steep incline to the Community Center, or running time trials on the main stretch of Stadium Drive. Ever vigilant with their training, the sight of bicycles has become as synonymous with the Academy as the constant supply of parachutes gliding high above the airfield.

Don Feeley and Emily Brown are two of the cycling clubs five seniors. They, along with C3C Wil Stover and C3C Zeb Hanley, sat down with Checkpoints to discuss their roles in the club, their love of the sport and the challenges they face on the bike. Hanley, a road racing and cross country mountain biker, begins with a brief overview of the club. “We are a competitive club at the Academy. We just got Limited on Season (LOS) status last semester, which enables us to opt out of intramural sports in order to train for cycling. Our practices normally last from about 4-6:30 p.m. every afternoon. Practicing as a team is very important, especially when were learning pace line tactics.”

With no coach to oversee their practice sessions, the cadets rely on themselves for training. Typically, the more seasoned riders mentor the younger riders. “We have two seasons,” Hanley continues. “In the fall, we have cross country and downhill mountain biking events, and in the spring we race road—team time trials, criteriums and road races. USA Cycling is the parent organization we race through. Were in the Rocky Mountain Cycling conference.”

Riders in the club consist of a cross-section ofroad riders, cross country mountain bikersand down hillers. Zeb is the training cadet in charge. “I create everyone’s workout logs and help coach the team.”

As one of the more experienced riders on the team, C1C Emily Brown takes new members under her wing and shows them the ropes from scratch. While many cadets who enter the Academy have strong athletic backgrounds, not everyone knows how to handle a ten-speed carbon fiber road bike in the middle of a pelaton. “I organize the team room and yell at people if the bikes are out ofplace,” Brown says sheepishly. She is the only member of the team who will be competing this year in the USA Cycling National Collegiate Road

Quick Fact: a pelaton is a large group ofroad riders who streamline off of one another for mutual benefit.

“I’ve been ridingbikes for as long as I can remember. It’s always been a part of who 1 am. .”

Championships in Madison, Wisconsin. What many people don’t know is that road racing is traditionally a team sport. Riders form a pace line in which they draft off one another to conserve energy, much like a flock ofgeese in formation. Historically speaking, if not for the efforts of the U.S. Postal Cycling Team, Lance Armstrong never would have achieved his untouchable seven consecutive Tour de France victories. Competing as a solo rider has proven challenging for Brown, who prides herself on forming mutually beneficial relationships with other solo racers at collegiate events.

Like many other members ofthe club, C3C Wil Stover is a long-time road cyclist who is steadily breaking into moun

tain biking. “I’m the public affairs coordinator for the team,” Stover explains. “We just finished promoting the Front Range Cycling Classic here on the Academy. I’m hoping to get into mountain biking as soon as I can pull together the money for a good bike.”

Team veteran C1C Don Feeley balances his time between roads and trails. “I race road and mountain,” he says, “though I’m kind of in retirement from road racing. These days I’m turning wrenches and handling a lot of the club administration. I’m more into the trail riding. I’ve been riding mountain bikes with my family for over ten years, and I rode bicycle motocross (BMX) before that. Getting out on single track trails and whipping between the trees is a completely different experience from anything I’ve ever known.”

The cycling cadets come from all walks of life, and each has unique origins to their various riding histories. Emily Brown recalls, “I’ve been riding bikes with my mom for as long as I can remember. It’s always been a part ofwho I am. I joined the team my junior year. Riding is a wonderful stress reliever. There’s a sense of freedom, and it’s just a great way to get around.” D>

Hanley chimes in, “I ran cross country and track all through high school, and after four years my knees and my ankles were about ready to give out. I needed a change so I picked up cycling. I love it because it’s an endurance sport and it requires a lot ofstrategy. Especially in road cycling, there’s the whole drafting component with your team. That always makes the races much more exciting.”

Wil Stover recounts, “I started riding road my junior year of high school with my dad in the hill country ofTexas. What I love most about cycling here is just having the ability to get out and get away from the Academy and see new places. It’s a much different experience from riding in a car. You’re actually making a more personal connection to the places you ride. You can take in the world a little slower than if you were just driving by.”

The notion of freedom as it applies to riding is a common thread among each of the cadets. Whether it be a long road ride through the countryside or a cross country mountain ride on single-track, they all manage to find some component of satisfaction in the sport. “From a physical standpoint,” Hanley says, “cycling is a lot easier on your body compared to impact sports like running. It’s a great way to get exercise without damaging your body except for when you crash, of course.”

The cadets at thetable echo a chorus ofguilty laughter as each is forced to recall a memorable crash ofhis or her own. In fact, the art ofcrashing is only one of many challenges that cyclists face on a daily basis. Freeley remembers a difficult time early in his USAFA career. “My first year at the Academy was a tough experience. That following summer I went home to ride mountain bikes with my family and I ended up breaking my collar bone in four places. I had it rebuilt with metal plates and screws and missed my entire sophomore mountain bike season, which is what I had been working towards for a year and a half. For four months I wasn’t allowed outside. Not being able to get on the bike and have that stress relief was really hard for me.”

accomplishment for me.”

Brown, a consummate road racer, discusses the issues she faces when climbing onto her mountain bike. “My biggest challenges are descending and cornering,” she laments. “I love climbing but I don’t like descending. I’ve read articles, watched tutorials and even sought advice from other experienced riders—I can recite all the technical skills from heart but it’s something I’m still working out on the bike.”

Hanley, who organizes the team’s training sessions, struggles with the same thing that every cadet faces while at the Academy. “I would say one of the harder challenges is just finding the time to train. Some of the guys we compete against are training upwards of 20 and 30 hours a week. We’re limited here at the Academy. To get a good workout you have to be on your bike for at least two or three hours a day. The risk of crashing is also difficult to overcome mentally. I crashed three times this season—twice during practice and once during a race. Crashing that much sometimes makes you second guess why you’re in the sport (it also costs a lot to fix your bike).” Yet another round of groans emanates from the other cadets at the mention of money.

“The biggest challenge for me,” Stover offers, “is pushing myself to my limit. As cadets, we don’t have much time to go out and train. Pushing ourselves beyond what we think we can do physically is a great accomplishment for me.”

Back on the road, the pace line of Falcon cyclists continues on, climbing west toward the mountains. They pedal in unison, falling back on one another’s support to persevere through the difficult times. As they round the top of the final hill, each cadet tucks into his drop bars to assume an aerodynamic descending stance. The pack breaks up as they sprint into the first 40 yards of the downhill, charging playfully for position. As gravity takes hold, they speed across the sprawling landscape of the Academy, that coveted sense of freedom nipping at their wheels. S

Left: C1C Emily Brown takes point on the Falcon pace line during practice. Brown was the only USAFA cyclist to compete at the 2011 National Collegiate Championships.

SAVED MY LIFE

YOU ARE THE THREAD THAT IS KEEPING US GOING

Basic Cadet Training (BCT) have been able to log on to Martys creation to get a glimpse ofBeast. Today, Marty is the Senior Vice President for Business Development at the Academy’s Association ofGraduates. In 2004, he was the AOG’s Director ofConstituent Relations. That summer, when the AOG was mostly set for the In-processing ofthat year’s new cadets, Marty had a copy ofthe daily schedule. As he looked it over, he realized he’d forgotten about some ofthe things new cadets were about to go through.

“As those memories came back,” he said, “I remembered how, to my family, it was as if I was in a black hole for six weeks.”

He figured the parents of new cadets were probably in the same boat and wondered ifhe could do anything about it. He’d had some very basic experience building what he calls “Fred Flintstone” web pages. He spent time at home on his dial-up connection working on one about BCT. Marty recalls the primitive beginning ofhis new idea. “So I went ahead and built this page and it had, ‘Here’s the schedule tomorrow, where they’re going to be getting up at blahblah blah, they’re going to be eating waffles for breakfast.’ At the time, I didn’t even know if parents would care about this.”

When Marty arrived at USAFA as a basic cadet in the mid-80s, his parents drove him from his home in New Jersey to the airport and put him on a plane to Colorado. “It’s a different environment now,” he explained. “In the ’70s and ’80s plane tickets were still running pretty high. I didn’t come out for orientation. The first visit to Colorado for me was the day I showed up and got yelled at. The first visit for my parents to Colorado was Parents Weekend.”

Marty said when he came to USAFA, not many people where he grew up knew about the Academy. “I was the first kid in my high school to go to the Air Force Academy.” His family and friends also didn’t have the internet to learn more about what he was going through. Parents were invited to local Parents Club functions to get information about cadets and Academy life. They often only came to Colorado to visit during Parents Weekend. His family had no idea what to expect.

“All they knew ofthe military was from Stripes and An Officerand a Gentleman which had come out in the past five years, so they thought that was the military.” Marty recalled, “So from the moment they put me on a plane in Philadelphia to when I finally got a phone call at Doolie Day Out halfway through, they had no news (except that my letters that would reach home six to seven days later).”

So early that summer in 2004, as he wondered ifhis parents would have appreciated being able to know what was going on when he went through BCT, Marty spent Friday and Saturday at his home computer on his dial-up account putting up a schedule ofwhat was going on with the basic cadets. Over the weekend his wife asked him what he was doing. When he explained she asked, “Is anybody reading it?”

Marty told her he didn’t know. She next asked him why he was wasting his time. Her questions led him to post a simple request: ifpeople were looking at his page, would they please email or call the AOG office?

The following week, Marty determined that his boss, Gary Howe, ’69, Senior Vice President of Operations, must have talked to the AOG’s Communications staff because he heard emails and calls were coming in about something called WebGuy.

“So I’m sitting in my office and Garypeeks in and he says, ‘Marty, Comm’s not down there. Have you heard of anything called ‘Web Guy?’ or something?”’

“Well, that depends,” Marty recalled as his reply. “Is it a good thing or a bad thing?”

Howe told him the AOG was being flooded with communications regardingWebGuy.

“It’s the best thing we’ve ever done,” Howe said ecstatically. “We’ve never gotten a response like diis.”

To which WebGuy of course replied, “It was me.”

Marty then had to explain the program and convince the AOG that moving away from its very professional, static website was a good idea. There were concerns that errors could get published without meticulous editing or that information that the Academy didn’t want released could go out. WebGuy had to convince the powers that

be that slowing down the process would kill it. The site began before Facebook or Twitter, before blogging was as ingrained in our culture as it is today.

“It’s quick and dirty, because that’s the way the new technology is,” he told them. “I said, ‘Look guys, take the risk. Have faith that as a graduate I’m not going to embarrass the Academy or the AOG.’”

To let users know that what they saw on the site was not necessarily gospel, WebGuy created a disclaimer. It hasn’t changed since 2004:

Istarted “WebGuy Notes” as an informal avenue to give families an “insidepeek” into BCT. Thephotos are “quick snaps”andthe commentary is written usingcolloquialIanguage. Thepremise is thatfamilies would rather have more informationprovidedfaster, insteadofwaitingfor intense editing With thatsaid, Iapologize in advancefor:

Inserting my NewJersey words/phrases

The “too dark”and “too light”and blurrypictures

The spelling!grammar errors.

Also, Ialways try topreface any information I receivefrom theAcademy with “likely, “ofien, “probably. ’’Also, I try to put a source ifpossible. This is mainly due to the ever-constant change here at USAFA. For example: ratherthan saying, “The sun will rise tomorrow, ’’experience at USAFA might cause me to say, “The BCTcalendar indicates the sun will rise tomorrow. Please continue to check back with me to see iftheAcademy haspostponedsunrise due to new security considerations.

During year two, the AOG staff was fully on board. No one from the Academy had complained, so for WebGuy there was no looking back. “I did two full years, didn’t release any super secrets, and everything worked out great,” said Marty. He explained that the Association of Graduates had its own website, but just like any other organization, it had trouble driving traffic to the site. WebGuy had people pouring in.

In its early stages, the program was merely a schedule of events and observations Marty made. When he had time that he could get away from work—after the bosses agreed WebGuy was a hit and deserved on-duty time—he’d head out to Jack’s Valley to capture the action. “I was going up there and looking around and saying, ‘Oh. There are some basics doing... something.’” He’d head back to the office and upload the information to his blog.

Then WebGuyexploded when it unwittingly entered the paradigm ofphotography. One ofMarty’s coworkers had an errand to run, and Marty asked him to take along a pointand-shoot camera and said, “Ifyou see something, take a picture out the window. I thought, ‘Hey, ifI can learn how to put a photo up on this blog, that might be good too.” D>

That coworker did indeed see a cadet, rolled down his car window and took a crooked picture. “We put that up, and then people went gaga over photos,” Marty recalled.

For the remainder ofthat summer, WebGuy traveled out to Jack’s Valley and shot 500 pictures. He posted them all. Six years later, during the 2010 BCT, the site posted 134,000 photos. “That’s why I’m tying up almost a terabyte and a halfofmemory,” Marty said. “We’re running out ofroom.”

In that first year, Marty was the blogger, photographer and editor for the pictures he shot. He compressed them and uploaded them to the website; and he did it all at home on his dial-up internet connection. “I’d hit ‘transfer’ and come back two hours later,” he said. “That was actually the thing that caused me to pay the extra money at home and get the internet connectivity with the high speed at the time—which was still slow.”

By its third year, the WebGuy site was moved in-house and the AOG brought in a technician to rebuild a more stable platform. The site has continued to evolve. For instance, much to parents’ delight, photos are now separated bysquadron so site visitors can quickly navigate to the pages where their cadets may show up. They then only have to sort through a few pictures instead of a few thousand to find their loved ones. The latest addition, made in 2009, was forums where site visitors can talk to each other.

“We added a forum for every squadron, had Aggressors through Jaguars, so parents could talk to each other about their own kids,” Marty explained. “Lots of upperclass parents were trying to give advice. Then there’s just general discussion: spring break is over, medical coverage for dependents ...”

Infrequently, WebGuy will post a picture to the forums and ask people to submit their funny comments, which he then posts for all to enjoy. From the beginning, though, WebGuy was hearing from parents. “That’s what caused it to go from me doing it at home on Saturday to Gary saying, ‘I don’t want this to become a fulltime job.’ And, of course, it’s a fulltime job,” he said.

The additional functionality ofthe new WebGuy site has largely been based on parent feedback. That feedback has not always been positive. One year—the second or third BCT WebGuy covered-Marty heard comments like “you’re killing us” when he crashed the server.

“I started to put up boatloads ofvideos. I didn’t know how you do Flash videos or whatever, so I would put up ‘here are the Barbarians doing the [obstacle] course.’ Now, 150 people would try to open that at the same time. When you have a 30 or 50-megabyte video and 150 people are downloading it... there’s something called ‘bandwidth,’” Marty explained with a laugh. “And you pay for that. The website stopped operating because there were so many people hitting it. Those are

some of the little hiccups we’ve had.”

WebGuy reports that the most hits his site had in one summer was 7.1 million. It had 136,000 unique visitors at one point. “We were trying to figure out how that could be, because we only had 1,300 cadets,” Marty said. The staff soon figured out it was mom checking in on her computer, dad watching from his machine at work with grandma and grandpachecking up as well. Several different people would be hitting the site, but all would be looking for the same cadet. Since those astronomical numbers were recorded, the IT staffmanaging the site has changed how hits are counted.

TodayWebGuy is more of a team effort. AOG staff members volunteer a few hours oftheir time to head out to JacksValleyduring BCT to take pictures. Even people who aren’t on staffhave participated. One summer a high school student whose brother had gone through basic needed volunteer hours for National ffonor Society. She gave a lot oftime to WebGuy.

These days, WebGuy now falls under the auspices ofthe AOG’s Director ofConstituent Relations, Stella Grayson, ’99. “That was my job when I started this program,” Marty said. “During that 40 days [ofBCT], does the job ofconstituent liaison go away? No. There was never a time when I would say, ‘Oh, I’m not going to do anything with my other duties.’”

Marty would shoot photos for WebGuy, but then when he returned to his office he’d hand his camera offto another staffmember to pull those pictures offthe camera to get them ready for any editing and uploading to the site. “WebGuy is one fulltime body that the constituent liaison is on the hook for, but other people help out when their jobs allow,” he explained.

Regardless of the number ofhits or the staffing requirements, to the parents offresh Air Force Academy cadets, WebGuy is worth all the effort that goes into it.

One father wrote to WebGuy, “Even as a 22 year Navy commander, it is still tough for me to send my only son off to college, let alone to the rigors and challenges of the USAF Academy. You and your team have done an outstandingjob keeping all us worried parents aware of the trials, demands and occasional smiles of our children as theybegin the transition into adulthood. I saw my son helping another cadet over an obstacle the other day, and I just lost it. I am so proud ofall ofthem! This is what teamwork and service are all about—and your team is an important part ofthe experience.”

Mom Leah Carey said she and her daughter were so connected to WebGuy and his crew that he became a lifeline. “It was helpful to know what was going on out there since we so rarely heard any news directly from our Basic,” she wrote in an email. She said the forums were helpful to her as well. “It was so encouraging to read what other parents

were experiencing, learning and wondering about. I felt like we weren’t alone in this challengingjourney. WebGuy’s lighthearted humor and bantering blog kept us from totally stressing out. It seemed like he was holding our hand and guiding us through the unfriendly territory of the unknown. Words are totally inadequate to express the depth ofgratitude we feel,” she said. “Even now it brings tears to my eyes. I have no idea what sacrifices WebGuy made or what his family endured, or the rest ofthe crew and their families. I would somehow likethem all to know that they contributed to an invaluable gift. Theyhelped us to live with a lighter load through a difficult summer.”

Dad Wayne E. Tonnesen said seeing pictures of his son on WebGuy one day drinking from a canteen told his family two things: one, their cadet hadn’t gone running off into the hills and secondly that he was probably staying hydrated. Tonnesen’s son had a signal he flashed to his parents when WebGuy caught him in the camera lens. “I knew he was going to be alright when he gave us the sign during the rope crossing hanging upside down and holding on with one hand. After seeing that, I knew he was going to be okay,” Tonnesen said.

Another parent said “thank you” falls completely short for all the work the WebGuy staffhas done.

“Knowing the injuries and pain my daughter has and is going through, being able to see her face has helped my wife and I stay strong. She ran the obstacle course with severe shin splints because she did not want to be sent home, and you got several really great pictures that day,” he wrote.

Marty said he received a letter from parents who had heard very little from their Basic, but what they were hearing was that their cadet wanted to quit, that he hated the Academy. But then those parents saw their cadet on WebGuy with his arms thrown around friends and with a big smile on his face. Days later his second letter reached his parents, and he reported that he loved USAFA.

Marty is a self-described introvert who really doesn’t like all the attention, ffe’s just glad he’s making the parents happy and helping them through their childrens’ transition out ofthe nest, ffe was shocked a few years ago when Barbara Gutierrez, the parents’ liaison at USAFA, said a state parents’ club had asked that he come speak at one oftheir meetings. He didn’t understand why they’d want him. They told him that they had put out the word that he was going to speak, and parents started coming out ofthe woodwork. One woman drove eight hours to see him.

Marty has been asked back again and again. Last year after his presentation, he had to leave quickly to make his flight home. The parents’ club president later told him that he overheard a high school student say that after hearing Marty’s presentation, he’d decided he was

Contemporary

Complimentary

Individually

Atmosphere of casual elegance

Exceptional fine dining

Award-winning Sunday brunch

Stunning mountain views

Personalized & friendly service

definitely going to attend the Air Force Academy.

Barbara said WebGuy is the most popular booth at the information fair held for parents in the fall. “The parents feel a huge connection to WebGuy, and its not only because he takes hundreds ofpictures ofthe cadets which the parents can view, but because he’s a genuinely nice and caring person! He’s an immense asset for the Academy, whether he’s out taking pictures or speaking at a parents’ club event. He’s a main link between the parents and the Academy. I’m not sure the cadets graduate and remember WebGuy, but I guarantee the parents will always remember him!” Barbara said.

George Primm, a past president of the northern Illinois parents’ club, said WebGuy changed the focus of the parent organization. When he joined the organization in the spring of 2007, he was told the club existed to help parents understand the process their new cadets would be going through when they joined USAFA. Parents used to rely on each other for that information. Now that WebGuy explains what’s going on, willingly answers questions and provides a forum through which parents can talk directly to each other, the club has changed.

“WebGuy modified our mission somewhat,” Primm said. “Now we focus on helping the parents get through the whole year and help them focus on the cadets.It’s freed up our time to do additional things.” Those parents seem to appreciate all the help they can get.

One mother wrote to tell WebGuy about a mix up during In-processing which led to her son being “spirited away” before she was able to hug him goodbye. This, she said, was tragic with a very large T and caused her to be depressed beyond good reason after she returned home. But then one day there was her son on WebGuy with a group ofcadets in tailoring.

“My son is the one on the left looking happy, excited and, most of all, just like I needed to see him,” she wrote. “You are a godsend. I don’t know ifyou always feel up to the challenge or at times ifthis just gets tiresome, but you have made me go from ‘oh this hurts’ to acceptance and pride in one day. Ifwhat comes out ofthe Academy is what you are, I will be more than satisfied.” 9

Graduation parties

Business meetings

Rehearsal

Wedding receptions

Private parties

Reunions

Service Academy

The SACC is the Service Academy Career Conference supported by the Associations of Graduates from the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Military Academy, and Alumni Associations from the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Previous conferences have been attended by hundreds of companies and thousands of alumni. Go to www.sacc-jobfair.com for a list of companies attending, the complete schedule and the online registration form.

Where will the SACC be held?

The next SACC will be held at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel, 1400 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, WA98101, (206) 621-9000 for reservations and ask for the SACC rate.

SACC Schedule of Events

Thursday, August 18

Howto

Friday, August 19 Registration

a.m. - All day

Saturday, August 20

Interviews only if directly scheduledbetween company recruiters and candidates; Companies will contact you directly regarding any on-site interviews during the SACC.

Registration

The SACC Candidate registration fee is $40. To register, submit a one-page resume (for recruiter's book) and pay online at www.sacc-jobfair.com. This limited resume is designed to give the recruiters an indication of your capabilities. It is NOT the resume you should bring to hand out to the recruiters at the conference. Registration deadline for inclusion in the recruiter's book is August 5, 2011.

Next Scheduled SACC

San Antonio, TX. November 17-18, 2011 For

(719) 472-0300

This year, the Warrior Games return to Colorado Springs. It is here that our wounded veterans come together to stand up in the face adversity and to share in the triumph ofovercoming their injuries. Some are missing limbs, others the power of sight, yet all share the same determination to challenge their bodies and their minds to accomplish things they may never have thought possible. As the athletes run, swim and cycle their way through the games, five Air Force Academy graduates stand behind them in support of their journeys to be the best they can be.

Cami Stock, ’98, is the common link between many ofthe graduates who have come together to coach at their years games. Her background in triathlon gives her the versatility to cover the wide array ofproblem solving skills it takes to coordinate the multitude ofsports for the Air Force training camp prior to the games. “About a year and a halfago I started working with team Semper Fi,” Cami recalls ofher history with the games. “They’re the nonprofit which helps the Marine Corps team. I worked with the guys on the track and the guys in the pool, and I just couldn’t pull myselfaway from it. I just fell in love with that side ofsports.”

Today Cami coaches for the Air Force. “My role as a coach started out as kind of a catch-all. I do a little bit ofeverything to work with whoever needs help. I also helped set up the facilities for the training camp and assisted with the selection process down in San Antonio, Texas. Once the athletes left the training camp in San Antonio we wrote them a training program that saw them through May up to the start ofthe games. I currently coach swimming and I help with cycling and track and field because my background is in triathlon. It was hard at first because wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, archery and shooting are things that I don’t

have any experience in. It’s been great to learn about them because they are very challenging sports.”

Maj. James Bales, ’01, is also a fellow triathlete and an orthopedic surgeon at the USAFA medical center. As a cadet, he was a four-year letterman in swimming at the Academy. In the years spent studying for his medical degree, he began training as a triathlete and has since turned professional. “The Warrior Games combine three ofmy passions,” Bales says enthusiastically. “It combines medicine, athletics and the military. As a surgeon, I tend to see these guys immediately after they’ve been shipped back to the United States after incurring their injuries and we are considering limb salvage versus amputation. To see these guys go from the point where they’re undergoing initial rehabilitation to the point where they’re competing and racing is really inspirational to me.”

Bales indicates that he’s wearing two hats this year. “I’m the upright cycling coach and the Air Force team physician.” The surgeon explains that there are three forms of cycling at the games.

“We have hand cycling, recumbent cycling and upright cycling. Upright cycling is broken into two groups: single and tandem.” (Visually impaired athletes ride a tandem bicycle with

Top, Lto R: Cami Stock, ‘98, coaches her swimmers during practice. MattSlaydon competes in shot-put.

Bottom: Matt Pirrello swims in the 50m freestyle. Tech. Sgt. Israel Del Toro competes in recumbent cycling.

a sighted pilot.) “Athletes are placed into these various categories according to their disability.”

One ofthe main challenges that all athletes face in Colorado is the altitude. “Were riding bikes at 7200feet elevation,” Bales says, “so obviously the altitude is going to be a factor for some ofthese people who are coming from sea level. After we acclimate them to the thin air we work on racing strategies. Cycling is like a physical chess game. Not only do you have to know yourself, you also have to feel out your opponents. You have to know your terrain and the distance ofthe course. When you combine all ofthose factors, that’s where your strategy really comes into play.”

In addition to his experience as an athlete, Bales cannot help but bring his medical knowledge to the table as well. He explains that amputations drastically increase energy consumption above normal, and that comes at great cost to the athletes. “As an orthopedic surgeon, knowing these numbers gives me a huge amount ofadmiration for these athletes! They are using a tremendous amount ofenergy to do what they do. At the end ofthe day all ofthese athletes will be successful. It’s exciting because we’re guaranteed that

a military athlete will win—naturally I have my own bias towards the Air Force.”

Cami explains that despite what may seem like insurmountable challenges, the athletes remain steadfast throughout the entire process. “The challenges we face are the same as any other coaching staffout there,” she begins, “There’s a really fine line between exhaustion and recovery; when an athlete is at the elite level, he or she walks that razors edge all the time. With the wounded warriors, because they are injured, recovery plays a heavier role. We coaches face the problem ofhow hard to push our athletes to give them the recovery yet still experience the rewards of reaching their limits.”

The athletes in the Warrior Games face a wide array ofinjuries, many ofwhich are compounded to include amputation, traumatic brain injury and PTSD.

Matt Slaydon is one such athlete who faces multiple injuries. A member ofthe Explosive Ordinance

Disposal squad in Kirkuk, Iraq, Slaydon survived a close encounter with an improvised explosive device which took not only his eyesight, but also his left arm. Today, more than three years after his injury, Slaydon

competes in shot-put at the games. His coach, Capt. Dana Lyon, ’06, explains, “With Matt Slaydon, our blind amputee, balance is a huge issue. Matt was left-handed, which is the arm theyamputated. We ve had to teach him to use his non-dominant hand to throw the shot-put. We get curveballs thrown at us left and right because the Warrior Games are still new and we re all still trying to figure things out.”

Lyon is part ofthe Air Force’s World Class Athlete program at the OlympicTraining Center. Last year, through a series ofcoincidental practice overlaps with wounded warriors from the Army, she wound up giving pointers to their athletes for the 2010 games. Not long after, Air Force athletes began approaching her for tips as well. “This year, Cami asked me to come on board with the Air Force team. I stumbled into it last year, but now it’s just a blessing to be able to work with these athletes. One ofthe biggest challenges they face is confidence. They all have different disabilities which put them into different classifications. It’s easy to look at the other athletes and say to yourself, 1 can never be as good as these guys.’ It all comes down to helping them find a way to do their best.”

The games cover a wide array ofsports, from swimming and cycling to track and archery. Maj. Charlie Toth, ’01, is the men’s assistant swim coach at the Academy, andthis year he’s helping to coach swimming for the Warrior program. “A lot ofthese athletes may have been recreational swimmers but none of them have ever reallycompeted before. It’s great to get back to some ofthe fundamentals ofteaching people

By the Numbers:

Increased Metabolic Costs of Amputation

Ankle Amputation: Increased 15%

Transtibial (Unilateral Below Knee Amputation): Increased 25%

Bilateral transtibial (Bilateral Below Knee Amputations): Increased 40% Transfemoral (Unilateral Above Knee Amputation): Increased 70% Bilateral transfemoral (Bilateral Above Knee Amputations): Increased 200% how to swim. You can really see vast improvements from Monday when they show up for training camp until the Friday before the games.”

Screams ofencouragement fill the aquatic center at the OlympicTraining Center as different heats of athletes dive into the water to swim for the finish. Cami Stock, Charlie Toth and James Bales all lend their support as their Air Force members charge through the pool. Toth says, “Both the attitudes and the competitiveness ofthese guys is just great. They all want to do great things, but it’s kind of a sliding scale. We have athletes with spinal injuries who have no use oftheir legs; theyjust want to complete the 50 meter swim. Then we have others who want to compete and win medals. From the day they arrive in Colorado, they’re all here to improve. It’s great to win medals, but the idea behind the Warrior Games is to give these guys an avenue to compete; that drive doesn’t go away just because there’s an injury.”

At yet another noisy venue on the other side of the OlympicTraining Center the sittingvolleyball

Left: Niki Marino, ’02, talks strategy with the sittingvolleyball team during a match. Capt. Dana Lyon, ’06, gives a pep talk during shot-put.

competitions take place. Men and women compete on the same team as the Air Force faces offagainst the Army, Marines and Special Operations Command. Niki Marino, ’02, serves as the volleyball coach. “I discovered my love for coachingwhen I started coaching here at the Prep School as a lieutenant,” she says. “Cami approached me last year about the Warrior Games, and at the time I didn’t really know anything about sittingvolleyball. I’ve known Cami for years and she’s a great person. Pretty much anything she ever asks of me I’m willi ng to do. I was a little worried at first because I wasn’t familiar with sittingvolleyball. It turned out to be fairly easy to adapt my knowledge to the sport. From there it all comes down to finding how people’s strengths can help the team.”

Niki echoes the sentiments of all the other graduate coaches when she talks about her athletes. “What stands out most to me with these athletes is that there hasn’t been a single complaint from any ofthem. They’re more focused and committed than any other team I’ve ever coached.”

With a host ofinspiring accomplishments under their belts, the wounded warriors continue to show us that no challenge is too great for the human spirit to overcome. Through hard work and perseverance these athletes continue to celebrate the spirit ofcompetition, serving as role models for service members the world over. “It’s an absolute joy to work with these athletes,” Cami exclaims. “Many have post traumatic stress syndrome or traumatic brain injuries and dealing with those issues is completely new for me. What’s most important to me is how these men and women grow as people after theycomplete these games. They’ll all face the same question: now what? I’ve become fit for this event, do I carry this through in my own life? Do I continue to grow as an athlete?”

Cami and her fellow graduate coaches are optimistic for the fixture. The Warrior Games are only in their second year, and already the fledgling program is garnering national attention. The stage is set for what will surely become one ofthe most successful programs in militaryhistory. “I’m hoping there will be more programs developed after the games that will help bridge the gaps so that these service members stay active and stay healthy year round,” Cami says, filled with pride for her students.

As our wounded service members continue to come home from the war front, the Warrior Games will be waiting with their next challenge. The future will see no shortage ofbrave men and women who are ready to step onto the field and prove to the world that they can achieve anything, and that nothing will stand in the way oftheir undaunted triumph. Wl

From top: Jennifer Stone serves at a sitting volleyball match. Air Force's Jason Morgan rolls towards the finish in the 800m wheelchair race.

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What inspired oui A hero’s welcome

Beginning the moment help is needed, from the battlefield to the innovation to emergency care. Like the rugged HeartStart MRx monito 'H-the-field use. The MRx reliably collects data and O seamlessly transfers it to where it’s needed. To learn

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The Prior Enlisted Cadet Assembly TO

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Written and Photographed by Lewis Carlyle

1C Jason Gabrick is not your typical cadet. He, along with 160 other cadets in the Wing, spent time in the enlisted corps before coming to the Academy. During his time in the Air Force he traveled the world, served in operation Iraqi Freedom and experienced things that most cadets entering the Academy straight out ofhigh school could only dream of. In his four years at USAFA, Gabrick found himselfundertaking a pioneering role in the history of prior enlisted cadets. Though many have come before him, not a single statue, plaque, painting or other physical piece ofevidence has existed at the Academy to commemorate the rich lineage of prior enlisted cadets. Until now, that is.

Recently, on the balcony overlooking the ballroom in Arnold Hall, Gabrick stands with fellow prior enlisted C1C Ricky Casburn in front of a glimmer

ing wall of polished plaques commemorating the names and class years of every prior enlisted cadet to graduate from the Academy. This heritage project is one of the many achievements of the Prior Enlisted Cadet Assembly (PECA), a club designed to strengthen the bonds between the enlisted core and the Academy’s future officers.

Gabrick explains that PECA has a three-part mission: informing airmen of the opportunities which lead to the Academy and a commission, improving the image ofthe enlisted corps to the Cadet Wing and providing real world Air Force experience at the Academy. “Right now,” Gabrick says, “there are about 160 prior enlisted cadets in the Wing, and we make up about 3.7% ofthe cadet population. We promote knowledge to current airmen about the opportunities awaiting them here at the Air Force Academy. Every year there are 85 active duty slots and 85 Guard and Reserve slots for airmen to come to USAFA. They don’t need to go

through congressional nominations like other civilian applicants; they can instead be nominated by their commanders.”

Casburn chimes in with an example from one oftheir recent recruiting trips. “Last year we made a trip down to Lackland APB where we were able to talk to people in basic training and inform them early on about the opportunities for the enlisted here at the Academy. There are a lot ofairmen out there who are eligible yet may not believe they have what it takes to come here. Airmen need to know that this is a realistic opportunity.”

Gabrick expresses his frustration in knowing that the Academy’s slot allocations for airmen and reserve are never fully filled. “We onlybring in about 50 prior enlisted per year,” he says. “Out of 170 slots, when we only fill 50, in my view its sort of a failure to get our numbers up and bring in airmen who are fully capable ofattending the Academy.”

While the current numbers may be low, Gabrick hopes to play a role in improving them for the future. In addition to recruiting for the Academy, PECA cadets also serve internal duties within the Cadet Wing. Gabrick explains, “We are charged with bettering the image of the enlisted corps in the Cadet Wing through prior enlisted cadets. A lot of cadets here don’t get much exposure to the enlisted corps; they don’t deal with airmen and staffsergeants, so having

those people as peers is a good step for us. Ricky flew on combat missions and I’ve deployed to Iraq. Our experience makes for a good impression on an 18-year-old cadet coming to the Academy right out ofhigh school.”

The third objective ofPECA’s mission statement is to better the Cadet Wing through mentorship and experience. Having served in the Air Force before coming to the Academy, prior enlisted cadets are the perfect role models for those who have never seen combat, deployed to a foreign country or even been inside a C-17 cargo hold. While the Academy remains unmatched in providing academic experiences in the laboratories and classrooms, nothing at USAFA can fully prepare a cadet for what he or she will face when the engines are screaming through the wake ofenemy fire in the line ofduty.

Both Gabrick and Casburn had a well-rounded time in the service before coming to the Academy. Gabrick recalls a briefhistory ofhis time in the Air Force fresh out ofhigh school in 2003. “As soon as I finished basic training I went to technical school for logistics. I arrived at my first duty station at Travis Air Force Base in California in 2004. In less than a year I was deployed to Iraq in support ofoperation Iraqi Freedom. I was there during the elections, so I had the pleasure and privilege ofdelivering the first elec

toral ballots to the voting booths. We did some humanitarian aid missions bringing food and supplies to villages. Here I am an 18-year-old kid in Iraq. That reallychanges your paradigm. Coming back home, I had an officer who really motivated me to look into the application process to the Air Force Academy.”

Casburn also joined up in 2003, taking a much different course ofaction. “I joined the Air Force as a loadmaster, so I went through tech school in Texas and then on to survival school.” Casburn was later selected to go on to special operations command and was stationed in Okinawa where he flew on air crews for two years. “I was fortunate enough that my commander, Lt. Col. Bradley Hammer, ’88, was a prior preppie, and he really motivated me to apply to the Academy. I ended up at the Prep School in 2006 with Cadet Gabrick.”

What most people may take for granted is that prior enlisted cadets end up going through basic training three times. The first of course is boot camp. After their service as airmen, it’s on to the Prep School basic training, and finally Basic CadetTraining at the Academy. Both Casburn and Gabrick reflect on their time at the Academy’s BCT and having to deal with being overseen by a younger and less experienced cadet cadre.

“Boot camp at Lackland Air Force Base was certainly eye opening,” Cas-

CICs Ricky Casburn (left) andJason Gabrick at theArnold Hall memorial wallforprior enlisted cadets

Prior enlisted cadets unveil the memorial wall at the dedication ceremony

burn begins. “Its your first experience into a new environment when you just leave home and you’re 18 years old. It was pretty frighteninghaving master sergeants getting in your face all daylong for six and a halfweeks straight. The Prep School was a lot different because people are generally in a lot better shape here in Colorado. They know they can push you. By the time we got up to the Academy, we knew what to expect. I was older than my entire training staff, so it was strange having guys who were younger than me yelling at me all daylong. It was certainly more humbling than I expected because I saw a lot ofcompetency in those guys who were doing the training.”

Gabrick echoes his friends sentiments, recalling that for Prep School basic and BCT alike, when all the cadre above you are younger than you (and in military terms less experienced) it doesn’t help with your pride. “It’s really a force to be humbled by. We were taking humble pie every day as freshmen. Ifyou don’t eat the pie, your peers will look at you with disdain, and that doesn’t help you or anyone else. As prior enlisted, we come to the Academy with a positive disposition and wanting to teach our classmates about the Air Force, but there’s a fine line between teaching and telling. For me, I came away with a few scars from some lines I crossed as a freshman, but it was a great lesson in humility and one ofthe most important things I learned at the Academy.”

In their four years at USAFA, the two cadets have been hard at work promoting the mission ofPECA. Not all ofit has been easy, especially considering the challenges they have faced as prior enlisted. “Going through the Academy is a grueling day by daygrind,” Gabrick says. “I know from personal experience that prior enlisted cadets sometimes carry the stigma of not having the academic foundation that most cadetshave. It had been seven years since I’d last taken a math class when I enteredthe Prep School. So it’s nice to have motivation and inspiration from others.”

Gabrick and Casburn explain that PECA has recently been restructured to have a budget, an organizational account, yearly dues and regular TDYs in which cadets go out to recruit airmen. “We have to catch them while they’re young,” Casburn says, “before they’re married or have children.”

Gabrick explains, “We also developed a website for the Prior Enlisted Assembly that provides step-by-step instructions for airmen who want to apply to the Academy. It covers all the regulations and has a list ofphone numbers to call.”

Perhaps the greatest undertaking that PECA has become involved with is their new heritage project. Feeling a strong personal connection to the project, Gabrick took the initiative to see it through to the end, rather than hand it off to the upcoming class. “The big push

for the plaque project,” he recounts, “was a looming absence ofany sort ofheritage recognizing the enlisted corps here at the Academy. It’s not a time to boast, but there’s something to be said for the prior enlisted who were veterans from Vietnam, the GulfWar, Iraq and Afghanistan. We have Purple Heart recipients among our prior enlisted cadets.”

When all ofthe paperwork for a memorial project was finally approved, Gabrick ran into yet another hurdle when he arrived at the Training Devices machine shop to submit his construetion documents. “The guys in the shop kind ofhad a good laugh when I showed up with this project. When I asked, ‘What’s so funny?’ they replied: ‘We can do this, but it won’t be finished until you’re a First Lieutenant.”

As it turned out, the staff at the base shop was completely overwhelmed and under-manned. An undertaking as large as the PECA heritage project would take years to complete. Refusing to be dissuaded, Gabrick reveals his initial impressions. “My first thought was that I have 160 prior enlisted cadets at my disposal who would love to give time and effort to this project.” Gabrick asked the staff at Training Devices ifthey would be willing to teach enough basic shop skills to allow the cadets themselves to complete the heritage plaques. “They were more than willing to help in that respect,” Gabrick beams. “I went down to the shop every

ClCJason Gabrick works on theprior enlisted memorial plaque in theAcademy woodshop.

C1CJason Gabrickgives his speech at the opening ceremoniesfor the prior enlisted heritage wall.

day for three months, putting in two hours a day to cut wood, lacquer, stain and sand. As time progressed, more ofthe prior enlisted came on board to do the labor and put the plaques together.”

Today, the heritage project is complete, its rows ofpolished metal gleaming in the sunlight that streams in through the north windows ofArnold Hall.

The wooden plaques are lacquered and hand-sanded, spanning almost the entire balcony which overlooks the ballroom below. The names ofevery prior enlisted cadet stand proudly before the world, earned by cadets and built by cadets.

“For the entire time I was here,” Gabrick recalls, “there wasn’t a single display on any wall that talks about prior enlisted cadets. For me, this heritage project became personal. Now, when Fm having a rough day I can look at this wall and say, ‘They did it and so can I.’”

Casburn couldn’t agree more. “We’re just trying to get the word out that this club exists and that airmen who are interested can contact us for guidance. Arnold Hall is a very public place, and having our heritage on the wall there is a great way to get the word out. IfI didn’t have a commander who encouraged me to apply, I never would have thought that I was the caliber ofperson who could come to the Academy.”

At the time ofthis publication, both Gabrick and Casburn are now proud second lieutenants. They first took their

r¥ i liSSII

places in the Long Blue Line as airmen and have now come full circle as officers. Today, they continue their pursuit of brave young men and women among the enlisted corps who show the talent, the courage and the ambition to join the ranks ofthe elite at the United States Air Force Academy. H

To learn more about the Prior Enlisted CadetAssembly andtheir mission, please visit www.usafapeca.com.

memories from Prior Enlisted Graduates

Being able to apply the attention to detail, leadership and other skills learned from my enlisted days made the Academy experience easier for me and as an officer has allowed my men and women to trust me more. Often it was because they knew I had their backs, even ifrisks were taken or a mistake was made. Empoweryour enlisted and civilians, guide them, and even allow room for mistakes; but most important—respect each person, praise their dedication and congratulatejobs well done. There is more than one way to achieve success, so do not stifle an airmans inqenuity. ■ ■ «SMHr w w

Maj. Jason "Cuebali" Simmons, '00 USAF Chief, Information/ Mission Assurance

HQ Air Force Special Operations Command

- When I retired in 2009,1 was very cognizant and appreciative ofthe opportunity to attend the Academy as a prior enlisted cadet. At first I was erroneously denied admission due to age restrictions, but perseverance rewarded me with an admission letter to the Prep School that I happened to receive on my birthday in June of 1986.1 was on cloud nine as I walked back to my dormitory from the post office at RAF Chicksands. What a life-changing moment! But the euphoria was soon tempered by the reality ofthe 5-year challenge before me. I met that challenge through perseverance and the support offamily and classmates. My 14 months ofenlisted experience enabled me with the confidence and discipline I needed to meet the challenge. From BMT at Lackland, to four months ofhighly technical training at Corny Station, Florida, to a first assignment overseas, those scant 14 months held a lifetime ofgrowth. I'm proud to be a prior enlisted Academy graduate. I thank everyone responsible for honoring the "road less traveled" byprior enlisted cadets.

9M mm fUmm piiiiiiii

Todd May, '91

ChiefMaster SergeantJohn T. “Todd” Salzman addresses the crowd during the dedication ceremony

The Marathon Memoirs

One graduate’s struggle to take on pilot training and the 2011 Boston Marathon

By Caroline White, '07

Ireached a major milestone in my life after the Twin Cities Marathon in 2009. With a time of2:45,1 qualified for the Olympic Trails. Not long after, I faced yet another milestone when I moved to Wichita Falls, Texas, to begin my long-awaited ambition ofpilot training. Saying good-bye to all my Colorado ties and hitting the road to Texas, I received a lot ofresistance from friends and colleagues. “What do you mean you’re going to pilot training? You qualified for the trials! I thought you were going to stay and train ifyou met the standard!” After hearing this for the hundredth time, I started to think, do I really want to leave the Colorado utopia along with my dreams ofbecoming a professionalathletefor a life I know little about?

It was an uncomfortable decision, but as my longtrusted mentor, Col. James Parco, ’91, explained, “Caroline, think about the conversation we are having: you are deciding between being a national caliber athlete and a pilot. Most people would dream to be in either situation. But the reality is, you have to close a door. You must make a decision; you can’t have optimum training and still become a pilot. Recognize that one choice will come at the expense ofthe other. Whatever you decide, go on that path, do it well, and stick with it.”

One of the two paths involved a lot of uncertainty, a lot ofsacrifice and a lot ofTexas. But the decision was already made. At the age of

12, I determined that flying would be the coolest disguise of a career anyone could have. As I matured, I recognized it would also be a fulfilling life, allowing me to serve others. Although there were many unknowns, I had to pursue the chance of being a pilot. Otherwise I would always live my life wondering what could have been.

PILOT TRAINING

It was necessary to embrace this change ofpriorities because pilot training would accept nothing less. I was not only starting pilot training, I was starting EURO-NATO JointJet Pilot Training (ENJJPT). Only the top candidates for pilot training who are selected by a special board go to ENJJPT, and that is not limited to the United States. Other NATO countries send their best candidates to ENJJPT as well, including Italy, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands, to name a few.

ENJJPT is a 13-month program that trains 250 students to become combat pilots for their respective countries. Students are evaluated constantly throughout the program with academic events, simulators and flights. Students fly the T-6 (a turbo-prop) the first half ofthe program and a T-38 (a dual jet trainer) the second half. At the end of the course, students fill out a “dream sheet” where they list their preferences for aircraft. Between their rank in the class and what planes the Air Force

has available, students are then given an assignment which they will fly or support the remainder of their career. Assignment trends change class to class, but the top halfget fighters.

Although the statistics were intimidating, I tried not to let it phase me and went in as confidently as possible. Hey, ifI can swim 2.4 miles in the Pacific Ocean, bike through 110-degree Hawaiian lavafields and top it offwith a marathon, I can do this right? Bring on pilot training!

Having a good attitude goes a long way, which allowed me to excel in T-6s. My assigned instructor (a Norwegian) and I got along great. He was strict and held me accountable for my mistakes, but at the same time was encouraging. It took an incredible amount of dedication. Students are bound by “crew rest” where they are not allowed to be in the squadron more than 12 hours (as a safety rule to make sure they have enough rest to safely operate a million-dollar aircraft). This 12 hour rule became a hindrance to me, as I wanted to work longer. The simulator technicians knew me by name as I was consistently practicing until closing. I sat in on every debriefI could, learning from others’ mistakes and trying to get ahead ofthe game.

Twelve-hour days also made running a challenge, but I seemed to fit it in (a typical wake up would include rising at 4 a.m. to get a ten mile run in before report time). I found running to be a necessary release from flying and was still averaging

Hey, if I can swim 2.4 miles in the Pacific Ocean, bike through 110-degree Hawaiian lava fields and top it off with a marathon, I can do this right"

Bring on pilot training! JJ

60-90 miles a week. No matter how overwhelmed I was with pilot training, I hadthe roads to look forward to. My legs and the concrete would fight out my pilot training frustrations, and I was always ready to face a new day’s challenge.

In January 2010,1 ran the Houston half-marathon and had a big personal record: 1:16:58. In February, I competed in the Armed Forces cross country championship and won for the second year in a row. Both my professional and athletic careers were going well. All the while, pilot training was a challenge, but I loved it. I was feeling positively about the future ofmy running and my Air Force assignment.

However, in June, we made the switch to T-38s and things changed for the worse. The T-38 was twice as powerful as the T-6 and twice the challenge. I became incredibly frustrated that I was not doing as well as I wanted. I no longer had my

From left: Caroline White, ’07, during pilottraining. White was assigned the F-15 Strike Egle.

T-6 instructor, and found my newT-38 IP to be ambivalent to me and to flying. Without my old instructor’s critiques and support, I became overly critical of my own mistakes. I grew overly apprehensive about my rank in the class and if I would be goodenough to receive a favorable assignment.

There were nights I would lie awake in bed, beating myself over the errors I’d made that day. My parents would call weekly to check in, and at times I wouldn’t answer the phone because I could not bear to explain to them how I was not as suecessful as I wanted to be. Running was also taking a turn for the worse. Texas summer temperatures were consistently over 100 degrees, making long distance training excruciating. I was feeling more and more like garbage on training runs. One day a friend asked me, “So do you think you are faster now than you were at the Twin Cities Marathon?”

I laughed with disappointment and honestly answered, “I wish I was in the same ballpark as the Twin Cities Caroline but I am not even close.”

In August, my coach, RandyAshley, brought the idea up ofcompeting in the New York City marathon. I nearly broke down in tears because I so badly wanted to have a good race there, but it just wasn’t possible. Flying was overwhelming, my running was deteriorating and things looked bleak. It seemed as though I had not closed one life door, but both.

But the race report doesn’t end here. Somehow I made it through. My coach supported me even though I wasn’t acting like the steadfast athlete he raised. I kept at it and continued the 12-hour days. In September, I was assigned a new IP and flying really became fun again. Surprise! I started perform

ing better. I also found a running partner who was actually crazy enough to wake up before 5 a.m.

Finally, assignment night arrived in October. Much to my surprise, it turned out to be one of the greatest nights of my life. After a lifetime of dreaming of being a pilot, and a year of seemingly insurmountable challenges, I was assigned the F-15C. Not just ENJJPT, but out of the entire Air Force, 12 individuals are assigned this yearly! I was out of control happy. It was an unreal moment. Of 250 students, there are usually only five females in the program at a time, and I was the first female in a long time to be assigned a fighter. I was truly honored.

Although my anxieties about flying were alleviated after graduation in November, I still had major reservations with running. I hadn’t raced since February 2010 and never felt 100 percent recovered from the summer. My coach encouraged me to look at upcoming races, and the Armed Forces cross country championship was coming up. Athletes from other services had run better marathons than me since Twin Cities, and I did not think I had a prayer ofcompeting again. Much to my surprise, I took the title for the third year in a row. This was a big confidence boostand pushed me to believe in myselfagain. I set my sights on Boston.

BOSTON

Randy and I met up to go over the course and talk specific strategy. It was at this point he told me, “I think you can break 2:40.” What?Areyou kidding me? I haven’t raced in a year, let alone run a marathon in 18 months. How couldyou think that?

From left: White winsthe U.S. Air Force Marathon. Afterthe 2008 Iron Man in Hawaii.

Randy explained, “Twin Cities was different; you had to hit that time to qualify. But now you have nothing to lose. You are already going to the Olympic trials, so don’t be conservative. Give it everything and see what you can do. You need to be confident in yourselfand your training.”

I was nervous about this plan because two years ago I ran Boston and the wheels fell off at the end as a result ofgoing out too hard. The gun for the elite womens start went off at 9:32 a.m. When you have marathoner Kara Goucher andthe Kenyans right there enticing you, things can get dicey. I was conscious to keep my strategy.

First mile. 5:47—Getfocused, slow down a touch

Second mile. 5:58—little more

Third. 6:02—good, keep it here.

The plan went perfect. The miles rolled along in the 6:00-6:05 range. I was feeling really comfortable here and the strategy was working out. The miles flew by effortlessly. I passed the half marathon point in 1:19:10. Awesome, ifI can hold this pace I will break 2:40. But I cant let the wheelsfall offagain. I’vegot to keep rolling. Before I knew it, I passed the 16 milemark holding 6:00-6:10s. This is where the real challenge begins.

The race doesn’t start until mile 17, where the course changes from a gentle slope into the unforgiving Newton hills. In retrospect, I probably should have been more nervous given my complete lack ofhill training. The only thing resembling a hill in Texas was a 20-foot overpass. I didn’t let that stop me, and I blew through the Newton hills in 6:02, 5:44 and 6:01. Sweet!Now to deal with Heartbreak.

Heartbreak Hill is renowned for being associated with pain. But this wouldn’t stop me, I was on fire. I powered through the marathon’s climax feeling awesome. Now it’s all down hill from here. Literally, after Heartbreak it was a gentle downhill slope, and I pounded out the miles. I ran miles 22-24 in 5:41, 5:50, 5:48. The strategy worked. Randy was right. I could do it.

The final mile started to present some issues. It was as though my body calculated the perfect pace for a 25.2 mile race, but not a marathon. At this point though, quitting the race was obviously not an option and I had to block out my body’s complaints. Luckily, there was a girl in the distance I could see and I reeled her in. She was the perfect distraction from my rapidly deteriorating body, and I blew by her with a halfmile to go. I ran mile 26 in 6:02 and met the overwhelming finish line roar on Boylston Street.

Approaching the finish line, I was confused by the clock, is that the normal start's clock? Or does that 2:37apply to me?

It didn’t matter, I cranked it in.

I crossed the finish line, tried to put my hands on my knees for support, but just collapsed and couldn’t get up. In fact, I was wheel-chaired to the medical tent... yes, I undoubtedly had nothing left to give that day. After being released, I met Randy and my cousin Whitney Hitchcock in the finish area. We were all jumping out of our skin with excitement. I ended up placing 20th overall and was the 5th American finisher. I also qualified for the Olympic Trials.

So what do you do after a major life accomplishment? Move across the country of course! I flew out of Boston and immediately hit the road to move to Oregon. I checked into my new squadron to start the next big adventure oflife: F-15 training. I’m enthusiastic to start the next phase oflife. When checking in, I was informed (repeatedly) that I was the first female to go through F-15 training here. I’m honored to be given such opportunity and to be blazing a new path.

It’sbeen a long road, it’s not even close to being over, and I’ve learned some very important life lessons along the way. First, words cannot speak to the importance ofconfidence. To take on challenges, one must unwaveringly believe in one’s abilities. Second, the past year and a halfhas showcased the importance of my loved ones’ support. The chances ofgetting through pilot training without my coach, my boyfriend, Ben Gilliland, and my family was approximately zero. I likely would have stopped running over the past summer if they hadn’t encouraged me through the setbacks.

On the flip side of the coin, I hope to provide that strength to others. Luckily for me, that often happens by mere circumstance. When running errands downtown in a flight suit, people stop me all the time to hear my story. It’s not unusual for a mother to point out “the lady pilot” to her daughters. My first day in Oregon, I got a request to speak to a Girl Scout troop. Others have given me so much strength and support, I find it imperative to give back and to build that in others as well.

I honestly could not be more hopeful about future running. The top American marathoner in the nation for this Olympic cycle, Desiree Davila (2:22), ran a personal best of2:37 at Boston three years ago. And I am one minute offofDeena Kastor’s (two-time Olympian and bronze medalist) best performance this Olympic cycle. Before, I was honored to even compete at the national level, but now I’m starting to believe I can do more than just compete. These legs weren’t lying to me, they have a future. Now let’s go find it. S

RICHARD LEWIS, '89, TAKES HOME THE 9NEWS LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD

By Lewis Carlyle

espite building his successful technology services company from scratch, Richard Lewis, ’89, does not come from a family of entrepreneurs. This self-starter had to learn much ofhis craft the hard way—bytaking risks, following his heart and getting a little less sleep at night. Since starting RTL-Networks in 2002, Lewis’s company has enjoyed healthygrowth with offices in Denver and Washington, D.C. He is also the chairman ofthe Colorado Black Chamber ofCommerce and was selected as this years recipient ofthe Colorado Leadership Alliances 9News Leader ofthe Year award.

“Honestly I was very proud,” Lewis says ofwinning the award. “I know some of the past award winners and they’re all superstars. Just being mentioned in the same conversation

as them is a good feeling. We all work hard to do what we believe is right and to make this a better place to live for everyone.”

Reflecting on the path he took to get where he is today, Lewis recounts the challenges ofstarting a business from little more than an idea and then molding it into reality. “Starting your own firm from zero is incredibly difficult,” he muses. “There are a number ofchallenges one faces, starting with financing. How do I fund these deals? I ended up mortgaging my house and even taking the title to my vehicle to a loan company for capital.”

As ifraising money wasn’t daunting enough, Lewis found himself facing other obstacles as wfell. “Time is another major challenge. I’ve worked for the Air Force for ten years as an active duty officer and I’ve also worked for large companies like Cisco Systems. In those situations, ifyou need something—such as business cards—you simplyplace a requisition order and it happens like magic. When you start your own company you have to make everythinghappenyourself. Considering you have to set up your own design, logo and email account, even something as trivial as getting a business card becomes a major project.”

Today, Lewis likes to joke about the employee roster in the early days of RTL-Networks.

“There was a CEO, a financial officer, a VP ofsales and marketing, human resources, you name it. The only difference between my company and others was that my name was in every single column ofthe chart.”

Academy adds yet another Leader of the Year to its ranks

The Colorado Leadership Alliance also named C1C Megan Hoskins as its 2011 Student Leader of the Year. The allianceworks to promote ties between college programs and the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

Lewis is also a single father with a 12-year-old son. “There’s very little time these days. I have to be very efficient with my time. When one is working, you have to make sure you’re focused; there’s no room to be distracted by other things that can take away from your business. There are also learning curve challenges. I don’t come from a long line ofentrepreneurs. A lot ofwhat I know I found out on my own from visiting the small business development center.”

Fortunately for Lewis, he had a great deal of experience to fall back upon from his days at the Air Force Academy. Like many graduates who have gone on to become successful in the private sector, he finds himself lucky to have receivedsuch lasting life experience at USAFA. “The Air Force Academy taught me something that I’ve been using all my life, not just in my own company but also in my time in the military: There is nothing one cannot do. A lot of us graduates feel that way. Ifyou can make it through the Academy, there is very little on this earth that you cannot accomplish. I say that because one ofthe things we learned is that most of the limitations in life are self-imposed. The Academy is excellent at teaching cadets to break through those limitations and realize that they are capable of more than they ever thought of.”

As much as Lewis enjoys the value ofself-reliance, he’s no stranger to the power of teamwork. “The Academy also taught me that I will only ever be as successful as my team will allow me to be. A lot of our success here at RTL has come from building and operating a great team.”

RTLs team, along with their steady success, has Lewis looking forward to the future ofhis company. “We’re looking for continued growth,” he says optimistically. “We’re segueing into thelocal energy market and we’re focused on that right now. I believe that we’re a $100 million dollar companywaiting to happen. There are a series of events that need to happen before we get there, but I firmly believe that we are well on our way.” 9

For more about RTL-Networks, visit them online at WWW.RTL-NETWORKS.COM

JSAJE is an exclusive web 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.

Not actively lookingfor ajob?

Sign up for Job Retriever and let it alert you when jobs according to your search criteria become available. JSAJE also contains a resume database through which companies can search for promising candidates.

www.jsaje.com

Academy graduate signs on as Washington Redskins cheerleader

AnAndrewsAir Force Base,Md., first lieutenant spends much ofher time in two uniforms: her Airman Battle Uniform and the burgundy and gold ofthe Washington Redskins cheerleaders. While 1st Lt. Sheriden Martinez, ’08, tries to keep her Air Force job and cheerleading separate, they sometimes inevitably mesh. Fortunately for the 11th Comptroller Squadron finance officer and second-year National Football League cheerleader, she also learns lessons in each job that apply in both worlds.

“They are two separate worlds,” Martinez explains, “but it’s amazing to me how much theycomplement each other every day. I take leadership lessons from the Redskins—from people like our director/choreographer and captains, our team leaders—and apply them to certain situations at work. Then, I’ll take work lessons like fitness, leadership skills, being a good follower in certain situations and having your life organized, and apply them to cheerleading. You wouldn’t think they’dcomplement each other verywell because they are so different.”

Martinez began cheering in high school and continued through her U.S. Air Force Academy career. She didn’t plan on continuing as an NFL cheerleader until she moved to the Washington, D.C., area. The Utah native, who grew up following the Seattle Seahawks, tried out for the Washington

By Randy Roughton | Airman Magazine

Redskins cheerleading squad because she had a lot of free time and wanted to meet people in the area.

“I didn’t know what to do with my free time,” Martinez recalled. “I’m an Academy grad; we didn’t have free time. I didn’t know what to do with myself, just watching TV and walking my dog. It was just something to do. I didn’t really think I would make it, though. I tried out with 300 to 400 other girls, and it’s a weekend process just to narrow it down to the final round ofgirls. There are probably 50 to 60 in the final group, and that’s a week-long process of narrowing it down to a big show at the end that’s open to the public. It’s a pretty long and intense process.”

The transition from collegiate cheering to the NFL wasn’t difficult for Martinez because she also has a background in dance. Professional football cheerleading is much more focused on dancing than are the high school and collegiate levels. The main differences for Martinez, however, have been getting accustomed to seeing NFL stars like New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady on the sidelines and cheering for a team of professional players. At the Academy, she was friends with many Falcon football players.

On game day, Martinez and her fellow cheerleaders arrive at FedEx Field in Landover, Md., about five hours before kickoff.

They have an hour-long practice before fans get to their seats, followed by an appearance at VIP tailgating events. They have a little time to relax before their pregame routine on the middle of the field. There are four short dances performed during the game, as well as an occasional halftime show. About ten cheerleaders also volunteer to appear with fans after the game on club level.

“It’s fun when [the Redskins] win, not so much fun when they lose,” she said. “Especially with the way the Redskins’ seasons have gone lately, we get a lot ofcredit for being out there in bad weather, during bad games. The fans are always so appreciative of us being out there and staying positive. Their feedback really does help to keep a smile on your face when the game’s not going so well. The Redskins are also always really good about giving tickets away, especially to military people, so there are always people from Andrews out there and from all over the military community. I think the Redskins not doing so well gives people the opportunity to go who might not otherwise, because the ticket prices are so high. Management does a good job ofkeeping the stands full.”

But game day is only part ofthe Redskins cheerleaders’ responsibilities. They also make numerous charity and sponsor appearances, in addition to practice and game performances. The lieutenant participated in a black-tie “Fight Night” charity event

in Washington and represented the Redskins at Super Bowl XLV in Dallas in February.

Martinez also was among the cheerleaders who visited the 101st Airborne Division on a two-week tour ofKuwait and Afghanistan last fall. She considers the tour, along with appear-

Previous page: 1st Lt. Sheriden Martinez at FedEx Field before a Washington Redskins game. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Tech. Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III). Left: Martinez performs with The First Ladies of Football, the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders, at the end of a quarter. (U.S. Air Force photos/Tech, Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III).

Martinez (far right), then a cadet cheerleader at the U.S. Air Force Academy, performs during a basketball game. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III)

ances at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, among the most rewarding experiences ofher two years as a Redskins cheerleader.

“I really think the trip to Kuwait and Afghanistan was lifechanging for all 11 of us who went,” Martinez said. “Just to be at the [forward operating bases] with the Army and seeing what they go through day to day, such as the route clearance and [improvised explosive device] guys out on the road going 15 mph for weeks at a time, was just astonishing. To meet them face to face and hear them say thank you and tell you that you made their deployment was just crazy to me because I’m so appreciative ofwhat they do. I’ve never deployed, so it’s very humbling as a military member to hear their stories and what they’ve been through, yet they’re all so positive.”

Just as Martinez uses her leadership abilities in the finance officeand on the FedEx Field sideline, her commitment to fitness also serves her well in both arenas. She is her squadron’s unit fitness monitor and has no trouble keeping in shape between the Redskins cheerleaders’ high-energy practices two nights a week and her squadron and individual physical training workouts at the fitness center on base.

“It’s always good to be a fitness role model, especially with the new PT standards,” she said. “One ofthe biggest things you hear from people who have gotten back from deployment is to make sure you’re in shape because you never know when you’re going to have to exert yourself to the fullest. [Being a cheerleader] definitely makes it easier. The two complement each other very well. PT on base helps with cheerleading, and cheerleadinghelps here.”

Martinez isn’t certain ifshe’s going to try out for a third year of cheerleading because it might not be compatible with her upcoming Air Force duties. She’s expecting a permanent change of station assignment soon and will qualify to fill a captain’s slot for deployment. While she doesn’t go out of her way to let people on base know what she’s been doing on many ofher autumn Sunday afternoons, the lieutenant is

proud ofher two years cheering for the Redskins and how it has helped her enjoy her time in the Washington area.

“Being a female in the military, there aren’t too many gi rls, especially other officers who you get to meet and hang out with,” she said. “It takes time to find themaround base and become friends with them. So diving right into about 40 other best girl friends was probably the best part. Being with most ofthem for two years now has made my D.C. experience amazing.

“I’ve learned to really balance the two—how after a hard day at work, to go to practice, be positive and leave everything from the day at the door,” she said. “Or vice-versa. At work, I can’t be thinking about something that has to do with cheerleading. I try to leave the other side behind while I do the job I have to do. It’s just a matter offocusing on the task at hand.” Sa

Martinez works out with her squadron during physical training at the AndrewsTactical Fitness Center. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III)

Legacy Planning

Working on creating or updating your will? After provisions to care for your loved ones, please consider helping future USAFA Cadets. You can leave a legacy to those who follow you as leaders in our Air Force and society, by simply including a bequest to the USAFA Endowment in your estate documents.

For sample language and general information please contact the USAFA Endowment office at 719.238.7510 or e-mail dale.zschoche@usafaendowment.org.

ENDOWMENT

Graduate Dependent Scholarships

Academic Year 2011 - 2012

THE GRADUATE DEPENDENT SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE REVIEWED 92 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS FROM AOG GRADUATE MEMBERS' CHILDREN. ALL APPLICANTS WERE EXTREMELY WELL QUALIFIED, AND AFTER EXTENSIVE INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION AND EVALUATION, 21 RECIPIENTS WERE IDENTIFIED FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN PURSUING POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION. EIGHT OF THE SCHOLARS ARE REPEAT WINNERS. NINE OF THE 21 STUDENTS ARE COMPLETING HIGH SCHOOL, AND 12 ARE CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS. THE WINNERS ARE LISTED BELOW IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. ASTERISKS

AFTER A NAME INDICATE THE NUMBER OF TIMES THEY HAVE RECEIVED A SCHOLARSHIP PRIOR TO THIS YEAR. INCLUDED WITH EACH NAME ARE THE NAME(S) AND CLASS YEAR(S) OF THEIR GRADUATE PARENT(S). EACH OF THE 21 WINNERS WILL RECEIVE AN AWARD OF $500 TO HELP WITH HIS OR HER EDUCATIONAL EXPENSES, FOR A TOTAL DISTRIBUTION OF $10,500.

GRADUATES WHO VOLUNTEERED AND WERE SELECTED TO EVALUATE THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS WERE OTTO CARROLL, 76, ROB CRUZ, '83, AND DEBBIE MCFARLAND, '95. THE AOG THANKS THEM FOR VOLUNTEERING THEIR TIME AND ENERGY.

Rebecca L. Babski - Miss Babski graduated first in her class of 239 at Isle ofWight, Va, High School. She is currently enrolled at the University of Virginia and has a 4.0 GPA. She is pursuing a B.S. in Biochemistry. (Ronald J. Babski Jr., ’85)

Ryan F. Boone - Mr. Boone was ranked first in his class of 131 at Marmion Academy in Aurora, Ill, where he maintained a 4.0 GPA. He is attending Claremont McKenna and taking classes to prepare him for a career as a Foreign Service Officer. (Daniel Boone, ’80)

Gabriella A. Cavuoti - Miss Cavuoti is a senior at WarrensburgHigh School (Warrensburg, Mo). She has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughouthigh school. Her goal is to get her degree in nursing with an emphasis in pediatrics. (Frank M. Cavuoti, ’85)

Alycia R. Crandall - Miss Crandall had a 4.0 GPA in high school and has maintained the same exceptional standards at Texas A & M University. She is studying Animal Science with a goal

to become a veterinarian specializing in large animal care. (Paul Crandall, ’91)

Joseph A. Gerner - Mr. Gerner is currently enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where is has a 4.0 GPA. His goal is to receive an appointment to USAFA so that he can achieve his ultimate goal ofbecoming an astronaut. (Andre A. Gerner, ’81)

Bradley L. Gross Mr. Gross is a wellrounded senior at Westfield High School (ChantillyVa). Although undecided on where he will attend school next year, he wants to study electrical engineering. (Harry Gross, ’83)

Jenna Hessert * - Miss Hessert was ranked sixth of256 at Northern Senior High School in Dillsburg, Penn. She attends Yale University where she competes on the track team. She has not declared a major but has a 3.59 GPA. (Peter G. Hessert, ’84, and Ruth A. Deniston, ’84)

Severine E. Kale * * - Miss Kale was ranked eighth of 351 in her senior class

at Alamo Heights High School in San Antonio, Texas. She is attending the University ofTexas-Austin and maintaining her stellar academic record. (Stephen Kale, ’81)

Emily Keeter * - Miss Keeter graduated from Winter Springs High School in Winter Springs, Fla, ranked 14th in a class of561. She is pursuing her dream ofbecoming an orthopedist. (Sandy Maloney, ’82)

William A. Kirkman - Mr. Kirkman is ranked first in his class of238 at Palmer Ridge High School (Monument, Colo) where he has served in multiple student advisory roles. His current goal is to eventually attend law school. (William H. Kirkman II, ’70)

Janelle P. Mansfield - Miss Mansfield is a senior at Chaparral High School (Parker, Colo) where she is ranked first in a class of 541. She plans to attend a top-tier university in the fall. (Robert Mansfield, ’86 and Juli Dahnke, ’86)

Joseph A. Marlin * - Mr. Marlin has kept a perfect 4.0 GPA throughouthigh school and at DeSales University where he is majoring in Computer Science. (John Marlin, ’81)

Mary C. McCullers - Miss McCullers is ranked first in her class of347 at Bloomington High School (Bloomington, Ill). Where she will attend school this fall has not been determined, but her goal is to obtain a degree in engineering with an ultimate goal of a career in the field of medicine. (RobertJ. McCullers, ’88, and SallyJ. Hirst, ’88)

Megan E. McElroy *- Ranked first of 423 in her class at Cordova High School (Memphis, Tenn), Miss McElroy was also active in varsity tennis, student government, high school theater and other leadership programs. She is attending Samford University, where she is studying business with a minor in theater. (Bruce BradleyMcElroy, ’72)

Quinton P. Metcalf - Mr. Metcalfhas a 4.0 GPA at Grace Christian School (Anchorage, Alaska). He plans to attend the University ofAlaska-Anchorage to studychemistry followed by medical school. (Shane L. Metcalf, ’87)

Nicholas J. Myers ** - Mr. Myers graduated from Madison High School in San Antonio Texas, where he ranked third of680 students. He attends MIT and is seeking a degree in Chemistry. (Elman B. Myers, ’88 and Lynda L. Davis, ’87)

Maureen C. O’Neill - Miss O’Neill attends Nerinx High School in Webster Groves, Mo, where shehas maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA. Her goal is to pursue a Bachelor ofScience degree in International Nursing through Saint Louis University. The first two years ofthis program will require her to liveand study abroad. (John O’Neill, ’77)

Jessica C. Richelieu - A senior at Mountain Home (Idaho) High School, Miss Richelieu has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA. When she starts college this fall, her ultimate goal is to become a doctor. (Rodney S. Richelieu, ’83)

Jane A. Rivas - Miss Rivas is a junior at the University ofIllinois/Urbana where she is working on a double degree in chemistry and in history ofart with her ultimate goal being to attend medical school and become a trauma surgeon. (RobertJ. Rivas-Pingel, ’74)

Brigitte L. Rooney Miss Rooney has a 4.0 GPA at O’Fallon, (Ill.) Township High School and is in the top 2% ofher class of628. She plans to attend the University ofColorado’s College ofEngineering, seeking a degree in environmental engineering. (Daniel Rooney, ’82)

Kacie A. Simpson - After graduating second in a class of464 from Byron P. Steele High School (Cibolo, Texas), Miss Simpson attends Baylor University where she is in the Bachelor of Arts program. Her goal is to become a physical therapist. (Donald R. Simpson, ’82)

* Asterisks indicate this person has previously won a Graduate Dependent Scholarship. The number ofasterisks corresponds to the number ofawards the individual has previously received. S

Chapter Spotlight

Celebrating the Academy's milestones

number ofchapters got together this year to celebrate the founding of our Air Force Academy. The Air Force Academy Society ofWashington, D.C., had two great events for Founders Day The weekend kicked offwith theannual Founders Day Dinner on Saturday, April 16, featuring the Air Force ChiefofStaff, Gen. Norton Schwartz, ’73, as the guest speaker. Over 100 graduates, guests and one nominee for the Class of2015 got together to enjoy a superb meal and great fellowship. As Gen. Schwartz remarked to the Class of2015 nominee, “you will have more fun tonight than any time during the next year at the Academy!” At the end ofthe night Eric Estrada, ’04, AFASW President, presented a certificate commemorating a donation the society made to the Air Force Aide Society in honor ofGen. Schwartz participating in Founders Day.

The festivities continued on Sunday, April 17, when the D.C. Society sponsored their first Founders Day GolfTournament at the Joint Base Andrews golf course. Over 56 golfenthusiasts participated in the charity event to raise funds for the USAFA Endowment. Estrada was happy to present a check for $8,000 to Gen. Ed Eberhart, ’68, a director ofthe Endowment.

l)VirgilStaponski, ’71, Gregory Shuey, ’68, and Col. John Riffle. 2) Right: Eric Estrada, ’04, Chapter President, with Gen. EdEberhart, ’68.

3) Right: Eric Estrada, ’04, Chapter President, presenting the certificatefor Gen. Norton Schwartz, ’73.

The Kansas City Chapter ofthe AOG had its inaugural meetingApril 2, with 34 people. In attendance were grads from 1963 to 1990, plus families ofthree appointees who will be entering the Cadet Wing this summer, and special guest Col. John Riffle, who was the Air Liaison Officer Coordinatorfor all ofthe ALOs in Kansas and Missouri when the Academy was first formed.

The Association ofGraduates is excited about our growing chapter program andthe success that it has brought to our graduate community in recent months. Wed like to extendthanks to all who celebrated Founders Day, and we look forward to serving you in the future! S

Send details of your chapter events to Chapter.Support@aogusafa.org, and it may be included in the Spotlight.

The Board of Directors ofthe Air Force Academy Endowment and the Association of Graduates on behalf of the Superintendent ofthe United States Air Force Academy

Invite you to join us for the s //A? y//^yy/y> syz/y.

Friday, the twenty second ofJuly Eleven o'clock

Ceremony at the Holaday Athletic Center Reception to follow

Attire: Business Attire

Military: Service Dress

Please RSVP (accepts only) no later than July 1,201 by visitin www.usafa.org and selecting “Online Event Registration.”

For questions, please contact Gina Simler at (719) 472-0300, ext. 200 or gina.simler@usafaendowment.org

THE

Falcon Law

Cadets travel to France to compete in international law competition

BY LEWIS CARLYLE

The stone bastions ofFortress de Najac stand high above the sleepylayers offog which drift across the southern French countryside. Green pastures stretch beydnd the stone walls ofthe Medieval town ofNajac as three Air Force Academy cadets make their way to the compound which resides just two miles outside of town. C1C Kyle Ames, ClC Amber Sells and C2C Erika Martin are visiting France to compete in the Jean-Pictet competition for international humanitarian law. Over 48 teams from six continents have come to pit their wits against one another in a series offictional scenarios involving matters ofstate, culture and economy. As representatives from one ofthe only undergraduate programs in the competition, the three cadets had their work cut out for them. Over the next few days, they would immerse themselves in the myriad ofdifferent ideas brought to the competition by post graduate law students from all across the world.

“We had a great time,” Amber Sells says enthusiastically. “One ofthe greatest experiences was the social interaction between the different teams. There were teams from Africa, Australia, Europe, Finland and many others. Interacting with all the various cultures was especially fun for me. Listening to their perspectives on situations and how theyvastly differed from the American perspective was very eye-opening.”

Erika Martin describes the basics ofthe competition. “Judges ofthe tournament would come up with scenarios each day. We competed from 8am until 6pm. There were typically two scenarios per day. We would be presented with documents outlining a fictional conflict occurring between two or more nations. Each team was assigned to a certain country as legal council. We had anywhere from five minutes

to one hour to prepare our analysis and make our case.” Erika explains that the cadet team would face anywhere from one to eight opponents per case. “We acted as legal advisors to the countries engaged in each fictional scenario.”

“Probably one ofthe most challenging aspects for us,” Amber adds, “were the roles we played in each scenario. We would range from national security advisors to Red Cross workers to government contractors. Based on our roles, we had to apply the law that would back up the position that we were assigned. We were competingmainlyagainst law schools and post-graduate programs from the United States and Europe. USAFA was one of the onlyundergraduate schools in attendance.”

While the Jean-Pictet competition is designed to challenge today’s bright young minds in all forms of conflict resolution, the international law forum is also flush with added cultural and social learning experiences. The isolated countryside location ofNajac was selected to have minimal distractions for the student attendees. Cadet Kyle Ames explains, “One ofthe goals ofthis competition was for the different teams to come together as whole. That’s why the events were held in such a remote location. We had teams from Iran, Kenya, the Ivory Coast—and then we had the United States, which is not currently regarded in the highest light internationally these days. Instead ofgoing out and absorbing French culture, we stayed in our combine and absorbed the cultures, view points and political issues ofthe other visiting nations.”

The cadets all agree that the competition was an outstanding learning experience which allowed them to grow both academically and socially. Erika recalls, “Even though we understand international law to a certain extent, it was interesting to see how different countries would come up with a

unique perspective on how to apply the law when faced with the same scenario.”

Kyle points out, “When you have all these countries together you notice different perspectives on almost everything. As Americans, we tend to have the mindset that were right all the time, whether it be in political, economical or social reform. The international scene sees things totally different. In fact, one of our scenarios hit pretty close to home when we were asked to represent the Secretary ofState for the U.S. during the invasion ofanother nation. One ofour competing teams was Iran. I remember one oftheir team members saying, ‘ah, this is just like real life.’ We all had a good laugh actually. There’s pretty much nowhere else in the world where Americans and Iranians can sit down in an academic setting and duel out legal issues in a nonthreatening environment.”

Most Americans face a great divide when it comes to the state ofaffairs in other nations. With two mighty oceans flanking our borders, it is easy to settle into an isolationist mentality with little more than the evening news to bring us sound bites on what is happening across Europe, Asia and beyond. Amber describes the experience oflearning about other nations first-hand from the people who live there. “After the competition was over and we had the chance to talk to the other teams and learn what they’re going through in their own countries. We made reallygood friends with a team from Greece and they gave us insights as to what is happening with their economy and how they are dealing with it on a daily basis. I found these personal insights to be very valuable.”

Despite all oftheir differences, many ofthe young competitors found that their appetite for popular culture and social networking was a common thread which brought them onto common

Top: Fortress de Najac peers over the French countryside where the Jean-Pictet competition for international humanitarian law takes place. From the left: C1C Amber Sells, C1C Kyle Ames and C2C Erika Martin at the Jean-Pictet competition for international humanitarian law.

The opportunity to attend the Jean-Pictet competition for international humanitarian law was made possible by the generous donations ofthe graduate community.

ground. “Everyone has a laptop,” Amber recounts. “Unfortunately, no one thought about bandwidth issues in a tiny town when over 150 visiting college students try to log onto Facebook. We pretty much crashed the internet for the entire town for two days straight. It turned out to be a good thing because it forced us to interact more with the other teams. We ended up making a lot offriends.”

The bandwidth dilemma brings to light another memorable setback the three cadets faced earlier that week. “When we first arrived in Najac,” Amber says, “they sent a cab driver to come into town and take us up to the competition compound. The driver came down, saw us and promptly drove off, leaving us standing on the street. We later learned that the cab driver had been instructed to pick up members ofthe military, and when he saw Erika and I—two females—he automatically assumed we were not the people he was looking for.”

The cadets share a good laugh at the memory of roaming the ancient cobbled streets ofNajac in search of new transportation. As it stands, the incident was one of many which helped culminate to an extraordinary cultural experience they shall not soon forget. S

Want to send holiday gifts to friends and clients? Now you can save 20% on all Harry & David gifts - just for being a graduate or friend of USAFA. Even better, a portion ofthe proceeds will go to the USAFA Association of Graduates.

To order, visit www.harryanddavid.com/go/usafagrads

Top: The three cadets (right) with the law team from Iran. Right: From the Left: C1C Amber Sells (far left) and C2C Erika Martin (far right) with the law team from Greece.

Twelve cadets and two instructors from the Department of Astronautics gave up their spring break this year in order to “Learn Space by Doing Space” Los Angeles-style. This event was sponsored by AOG gifts, the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) and the Aerospace Corporation and involved tours of SMC, Los Angeles AFB (LAAFB), Boeings Satellite Processing Facility, Northrup-Grumman’s F/A-18 Production Facility in El Segundo, Calif, the Joint Strike Fighter and Global Hawk test facilities at Edwards AFB, Calif, and a week-long, multi-disciplinary spacecraft design course. Gift funds covered cadet flights while SMC covered per diem, local travel and other arrangements. During their week, cadets learned what young AF acquisition professionals do on a daily basis in program management, systems engineering and

finance. The week even included a social event organized by USAFA graduates via two AOG Chapters, the local Southern California chapter and the “virtual” Space Affinity Group.

The experience centered on an integrated concurrent design plus alternatives for a real world midwave infrared (MWIR) imagery mission. Each cadet in the design course was paired with subject matter experts (SMEs) in the following areas: systems, astrodynamics, telemetry, tracking and command, command and data handling, attitude determination and control, electrical power subsystems, thermal, propulsion, structures, configuration, cost, flight software and payloads. The five-day course included three half-day study sessions spent in Aerospace Corporations Concept Design Center (CDC), wherein the design team used a given mission payload (in this case an MWIR camera) as its source of requirements to drive subsystem spreadsheet design iterations with manual SME/cadet oversight for

BY LT. COL DAVE RICHIE, '94,

LT. COL TOM JOSLYN, '92, AND COL MARTIN FRANCE, '81

full system iterations. It took a few iterations before the team baselined a feasible design—meaning that subsystem performance margins were acceptable for realistic cost and, thus, such a system could be built and expected to achieve mission success. Once a baselined system using default features was designed, the team then investigated a few alternative feasible designs to give the payload customer a feel for what major trade-offsand risks it needed to consider if evolving this concept to preliminary and critical design, build, test, launch and system operation. Then, after three days ofdesign iterations, the team presented its findings to a “project customer team,” consisting of 10 LAAFB company grade officers, Air Force retirees, andlocal industry leaders.

Cadets participating in this week-long activity from the astronautics and space operations major were: C1C Evan Wise (who will be assigned to Los Angeles AFB after attending MIT to earn his master’s degree), C2C Laura Henderson, C2C

Tony Alt, C2C Erin Dannemeyer, C2C Nathan Raymond, C2C Cody Gentry, C2C Kyle Kenerley, C2C James VonAhnen and C2C John Red. Other cadets included ClC Alex Chesney (operations research major, who will be a finance officer and worked with the Cost team), C2C Geoff Pamerleau (computer science major), and C2C Cody Wilson (physics major, who filled two roles concurrently: configurations and payload).

Partners of this activity enjoyed “win-win” results. For SMC, participation supported its goal ofattracting and developing future space professionals. This course extends SMC’s current sponsorship of space education and training programs with USAFA, provides cadets insight into potential career paths and exposes them to role models in space career fields. Participation by SMC junior officers in a training role provided them a leadership development opportunity. For USAFA, the

Space

course exposed the cadet participants to contemporary spacecraft design techniques beyond their classroom activities at USAFA, including concurrent design and systems engineering. These skills, targeted for cadets second class, are highly valuable in preparation for the Astronautics Satellite Design Capstone course (Astro 436/437) they will take during their Firstie year. Furthermore, since the design scenario was selected from a current real-world AF concept design effort, many of the cadets who participated in this course will eventually assume positions in an AF space program with high probability of tie-in to SMC. In fact, as discussed in the course, with its $9 billion annual budget, nearly ten percent of space funding in the United States (and five percent in the world) comes through SMC. Finally, for the Aerospace Corporation, the exercise supported the company’s broader goals of supporting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education; partnering in areas of common interest with outstanding colleges and universities; and assisting in educating its customer workforce (i.e. the USAF). Training cadets today produces educated and capable AF customers tomorrow.

The cadets did a fantastic job presenting their findings to the customer panel despite just three days ofpreparations. Both C1C Evan Wise and

C2C Cody Wilson noted that a small change to one portion of the design rippled throughout the design—a “minor” change to a single requirement can have a profound impact on not only the performance ofthe resulting system (and the trades necessary to ensure the result is feasible), but also on the total system cost and schedule.

Throughout the week, cadets gained insight into what the contractor goes through as requirements evolve and realized that the key to describing a design is actually by its requirements definition. Furthermore, they saw how spreadsheet design determines the realm offeasible requirements as CDC runs bound the government’s requirements from a representative notional/concept design to ensure contractors were working in realistic combinations of cost, schedule, and performance. Now, when cadets hear the term “requirements” they won’t run-they’ll embrace the process as capturing the features of a logical and feasible alternative design (a.k.a. the “design point”). In fact, spreadsheet design like this was used to form the basis for FalconSAT-3 (launched in 2007 and still operating) and validated its requirements based on the experiments it employed.

Cadets also gained an awareness of the professional interaction between the customer, SMC, Aerospace and the contractor. It was clear during the briefing that they’d learned much from their subsystem mentors. After the presentation, when asked by the panel how they liked the experience, C2C Nathan Raymond mentioned that he realized that the material he’s learning in class is exactly how they analyzed their system.

Faculty mentors learned from the experience, too. Lt. Col. Tom Joslyn, ’92, said, “It was a good mix ofeducation, tours, mentoring and ‘doing

space.’ During the week, there were several social activities with recent (and not so recent) grads who are space professionals. We had a good group that took the design exercise seriously and came up with a half-dozen iterations of an optical IR satellite design. I learned quite a bit about acquisition management, so I’m sure they did, too.”

“Our collective opinion from an aerospace perspective is that this was extremely useful in establishing an avenue for educational outreach with USAFA,” said Daniel Nigg, Aerospace Corporation, who is the director ofAerospace Corporation’s Concept Design Center within its Systems Engineering Division.

Nigg further thanked the cadets on behalfofthe entire CDC Space SegmentTeam, stating, “Their approach to tacklingvaguely-defined problems and helping to develop creative answers was very professional, despite the fact that they acted as our test subjects.” He’s already scoping next year’s version to build on this one.

Cadets made lasting contacts with industry experts in each subsystem group, something that will spawn future interaction as cadets apply their learning in the classroom and in the laboratory. They also gained a better appreciation of the caliher offolks they’ll be working with and leading— something that will serve them well on active duty since several may be stationed at LAAFB.

The most important benefit ofthis experience is to give relevance to their education and motivate them to learn more because they’ll be applying it very soon.

The head ofthe Astronautics Department, Col. Marty France, 81 said that this opportunity provides “great insight into the real astro world and helps [twodegrees] better prepare for their firstie year FalconSAT/ LAUNCH/OPS experience. We’re certainlydoing this again next year.” In short, from this activity, the cadets will come away thinking they worked pretty hard but still had a fun spring break and have a much better picture ofwhat waits ahead. S

Acknowledgements: Without the strongsupportfrom severalkey individuals, this activity would not have materialized. Especially noteworthy were Dr. JeffQuirk, Col. (Ret.), ’70, who originatedthe idea during a visit to theAstro Department in the Fallof2010, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Stan Rosen ’69, SES-2/Col. (Ret.) DougLoverro, 76, Col. Steve Pluntze, ’82, Col. (Ret.) Dave Swanson—Astro instructorfom 2003-2006; TestPilotLt. Col. (Ret.) Bob Kay, 78 (Northrup-Grumman)andformer CS-02AOC (1991-1993); AlbertAlfero, 79 Boeing;Maj. Elgin Manigo; Dr. Dan Nigg(Aerospace); Aerospace Director, Dr. WandaAustin; Mr. Gonzales; andMr. EdSalem.

Opposite from top, left: C1C Chesney learns cost analysis while the rest of the design team completes a CDC design run. USAFA Cadets emulate space pioneer Gen. (Ret.) Bernard A. Schriever (L-R): Mr. Matt Gonzales, Lt. Col. Dave Richie, ’94, C2C Geoff Pamerleau, C2C Tony Alt, C2C Cody Wilson, C2C Cody Gentry, C2C Laura Henderson, C1C Alex Chesney, C2C Erin Dannemeyer, C2C Nathan Raymond, C2C James VonAhnen, C2CJohn Red, C2C Kyle Kenerley, C2C Evan Wise, Lt. Col. Tom Joslyn, ’92, and Col. (Ret.) Jeff Quirk, 70. Lt. Col. Joslyn grasps the Global Hawk. C2C Kenerley and C2C VonAhnen stand tall before an early F-22. USAFA Cadets learn to build satellites the Boeing way (L-R): Front: C2C Laura Henderson, C2C Cody Gentry, Mr. Matt Gonzales, C2C Kyle Kenerley, Middle: C2C Nathan Raymond, Albert Alfaro, 79, C2C James VonAhnen, C2C Erin Dannemeyer, C2C Cody Wilson, Lt. Col. Dave Richie, C2C Geoff Pamerleau, C2CJohn Red, Back: C1C Evan Wise, C2C Tony Alt and C1C Alex Chesney.

Post Graduate Scholarships

The Academy’s brightest take on the next step of their education

This year, 92 cadets from the Air Force Academy will continue their education in post graduate programs across the world. The Air Force Education Requirements Board (AFERB) oversees this process through several programs. The National Competitive Scholarship Program (NCSP) places graduates at Draper Labs at MIT/Rice University, East-West Center at the University ofHawaii, Fulbright, Gates, Hertz, JFK, Marshall, NSF, RAND, Rhodes, University ofMaryland and University ofWashington. The Health Professions Scholarships (Medical, Dental and Nursing Schools) places cadets in post graduate medical programs, and theGraduate School Program (GSP) prepares cadets with teaching degrees so that they may one day return to the Academy as instructors. The following cadets represent just a few from the Class of 2011 who will go on to pursue post graduate education.

Gerhart Scholarship | MadelineJ. Goff

I am honored to have been selected as the recipient ofthe Gerhart Scholarship. This Scholarship was developed in order to send a new Second Lieutenant to study international relations in France. Not only will I have an improved education academically, but I will also have a broader understanding of international relations and cultural differences. As careers progress, those friendships with influential French figures will allow for a better flow of communication between our two nations and result in more effective working relationships. Another aspect ofthe scholarship is its intended purpose ofensuring that our graduates return to USAFA in order to work in the foreign language department and impart the love oflanguages and cultures on the next generation ofmilitary leaders. I look forward to the time when I return to the Academy and share my experiences with the future ofUSAFA.

The Alberta Bart Holaday Scholarship | JenniferA, Bandi

The Alberta Bart Holaday Scholarship provides funding for two years ofgraduate school at Oxford University in conjunction with Exeter College. The first year I am going to pursue a master’s in global governance and diplomacy, a program that will not only provide a solid foundation for further research in my second year at Oxford (masters in African Studies or International and

Comparative Education), but will also prepare me well for my future career as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Air Force. The masters in global governance and diplomacy would provide a knowledge basis of international relations, diplomacy, multilateralism and research methods and strategies that will prepare me for my immediate future as an intelligence officer in the Air Force. In light ofglobalization and the growing need ofinternational organizations, nongovernmental organizations and other keyplayers in global governance, power and influence has greatly expanded to include information power, asymmetric power, soft power, psychological coercion and natural power. As the most dominant single player in many areas of global governance, the United States, and particularly its military, needs to understand the nature ofthe global security environment and how to create sustainable development strategies that empower both local governments and populations to succeed.

Lawson Scholarship | Jessica N. Heilman

I will be studying American Literature at Colorado State University using the Lawson Scholarship. It is an exciting opportunity to go to school and continue my formal education beyond the Academy. It is appropriate to ask, what does the Air Force get out ofproviding me a master s in Literature?

Through the study ofthe arts, to include works of literature, we are better able to understand the human condition. Bystudying not only what the human race has created, but how as well, I will be a better officer. I am also very excited to get a master’s because my personal goal is to come back to the Academy and be an instructor in the English Department. I want to repay the Academy for what it has allowed me to do.

This degree will hopefullyhelp me accomplish my goal ofbecoming a teacher. But most importantly, this opportunity will make me a well-rounded officer, ready to join the Long Blue Line.

Nutter Scholarship | Jason D. Gabrick

Upon graduating from the Air Force Academy on May 25, 2011, I will be attending Indiana University and will be studying toward a master’s of arts degree at the IU School ofJournalism. I have selected the Global Journalism M.A. track and will be primarily focused on the effects of globalization in foreign broadcasting, public relations and advertising. The Air Force needs officers who can communicate well. My background and experience over the last eight years in the Air Force have prepared me both academically and practically for the rigors of a graduate studies program. This program will provide me the context by which I can serve the Air Force as a highly educated and credible communicator prepared for and educated in the growing effects that globalization is having on our military and our country. I hope to serve the Air Force following graduate school as a public affairs officer and will take what I have garnered from this experience and put it to its best use in the field.

Franklin C. Wolfe Fellowship

Kellan D. Bethke

As a recipient ofthe Franklin C. Wolfe Scholarship, I will be going to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California to participate in a 15-month masters degree program in European and Eurasian area studies. In that capacity, I will be continuing the course ofstudy I began at the Academy as a Foreign Area Studies major specializing in the Slavic region. A major aspect ofmy studies at the Academy has revolved around language. I have taken Russian language courses every semester at the Academy and have been blessed with some amazing opportunities for incountry and in-region travel and study. Most notably, I spent a semester in St. Petersburg, Russia, studying at the State Polytechnic University and have taken part in two month-long summer language immersion programs in Kiev, Ukraine.

I am delighted to be able to continue my studies at the Naval Postgraduate School. Russia and the area that once made up the Soviet Union are a very com

plex and dynamic region. Modern Russia is very much a nation in transition. Based upon the results ofthe current military reforms and the 2012 presidential elections, Russia could change drastically in the next few years. In addition, given its nearmonopoly on gas supplies to Europe and the potential opening of a northern sea route, Russia is very likely to become a major player on the world economic stage in the near future. Thus, it is vital to be able to understand and address Russia on a going-forward basis. Presently, the U.S. Air Force is one ofthe main fronts ofmilitary-to-military relations with its Russian counterpart, so Russian expertise is particularly significant in the modern Air Force environment. I sincerely hope that, due to my continued education in Russian and Eastern European affairs, I will be able to be a part ofthe continuing dialog and relationship between the United States and Russia in both a military and political capacity. K

Tony

he preservation of history and heritage is one of the key missions of any library. Thus it was only logical when The Friends of the Library was founded by Generals Moorman, Clark, Fagan, and Gatlin in 1987, that preservation of the Academy’s heritage and history would become a central part of their mission as well. Early activities ofThe Friends related to heritage included the publication of The Genesis ofFlight, which focused on the world renowned

Gimbel Collection housed in the Air Force Academy McDermott Library, as well as a series oflectures on various aspects ofboth Academy and Air Force heritage. This effort later took on a new significance for the organization as we looked to the 50th Anniversary of the Academy and the role that heritage should play in that celebration. We approached the event as a multi-year endeavor and projected four major efforts for The Friends.

Our first project to mark the anniversary was the production ofthe comprehensive DVD entitled Expect Great Things. The AOG agreed to help fund this project, which was subsequently contracted to Word One Associates, and its CEO, Jim Gaston, ’63. Drawing on materials in the Academy archives, the production traces high points throughout the first 50 years beginning with Gen. Nathan Twining s speech to the Class of 1959 on their first day at Lowry AFB. In it he noted that people would “expect great things” from the new institution. The production ends with comments from several prominent graduates on what the Academy meant to them. A key element ofthe DVD was an extensive video history interview project to include 24 individuals who were key in the founding and development ofthe Academy. Additionally, the project contains short interviews with 15 individuals who made important impacts on the Academys development. They include Hal Webster, who brought the first falcons to the Academy and taught cadets to train them; Brock Strom, ’59, the Academy’s first football All-American; Alonzo Babers, ’83, the Academy’s first Olympic gold medalist; Heather Wilson, ’82, the Academy’s first member ofCongress; and Charles Bush, ’63, Roger Sims, ’63, and Isaac Payne, ’63, the Academy’s first African-American graduates.

A second anniversary project, done hand-in-hand with Expect Great Things, was production of a volume containing transcripts ofall the video history interviews conducted in conjunction with the production ofthe DVD. This handsome leather bound volume resides in the Clark Special Collections branch ofthe McDermott Library and is truly a treasure trove ofAcademyhistory and heritage.

As The Friends worked on the production ofthis volume it became obvious that we lacked the financial means required to interview other members ofthe large

group ofpeople who had played an important part in the history ofthe Academy. To make matters more urgent, most ofthese folks were getting on in years. Fortunately, a generous bequest from the estate ofthe late Maj. Gen. Richard Yudkin to The Friendsenabled us to continue thevideo history project through the end of2010. This effort resulted in 35 video interviews ofkey individuals who were prominent in the history and development ofthe Academy, including nearly all living superintendents and deans, and most ofthe commandants, plus many others who played a key role in the history ofthe Academy

In these interviews Brig. Gen. Robert McDermott describes the origins ofthe academic program, Lt. Gen. Robert Warren tells how he dealt with the first major honor incident, Lt. Gen. A. E Clark tells how he handled threats to the Academyduring the Vietnam War, Gen. Ted Seith gives his rationale for moving basic cadet training to Jacks Valley, Col. Lee Black describes how he opened the Academy Prep School, and Walter Netsch tells how, as a 34-year-old architect, he designed theoverall layout and individual buildings ofthe Academy. Since giving their interviews, all ofthese Academy founders—McDermott, Warren, Clark, Seith, Black and Netsch—have passed away. But their insights and wisdom will never be lost, thanks to this oral history program ofThe Friends.

The third Friends project was the development of a web site documenting all 175 individuals whose names appear on the Memorial Wall. Now for the first time, family members, other graduates and squadron mates, and other interested individuals are able to learn more about the lives ofthese graduates who gave their lives for their country. The effort was spearheaded byJock Schwank, ’60, Andi Biancur, ’60, Dick Sexton, ’60, and Dick Coppock, ’61, and has resulted in over 25,000 pages ofinformation about these

heroic graduates. This project is ongoing and will be a major Friends effort for the coming years as more information becomes available about these individuals as well as any future graduates who give their lives for their country.

The final item in The Friends heritage project celebrating the Academy’s 50th Anniversary was the production of a very well received biography ofLt. Gen. Hubert Harmon. The Friends contracted with the well-respected military historian, Phillip Meilinger, ’70, to write the biography and with Fulcrum Publishing to have it published, with the aid ofthe Class of 1959, in time for the official celebration ofthe 50th anniversary ofthe graduation ofthe first class and the dedication ofthe Harmon statue. Harmon is not particularly well known outside ofAcademy circles, andthis new study offers real insight into the life and career ofthe man who will forever be known as the “Father ofthe Air Force Academy.” The Harmon biography has received very favorable reviews in a number ofscholarlyjournals and represents a significant addition to the literature on the Air Force and the Air Force Academy.

The sustained and comprehensive effort by The Friends not only has ensured documentation ofthe Academy’s rich history and heritage in a first-class way, but also has drawn attention to the vast resources in the McDermott Library. The library houses hundreds ofcollections ofdocuments, photographs, personal memorabilia and comprehensive archives relating not only to the Academy but the Air Force, the subject ofairpower, and the military in general. In addition to the Gimbel Aeronautical Collection, worldclass collections include those relating to Stalag Luft III, the RAF Eagle Squadrons, the art offalconry, the Southeast Asia POW experience and the World War II WASPs, to mention only a few. In order to assure the long-term preservation ofmany ofthe older and more fragile

with a strong foundation in criminal, family,

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documents in these collections, The Friends established a contract employee position, filled by a professional librarian, to facilitate this project. The dedicated funding ofThe Friends will make these national treasurers much more accessible while assuring that the highest standards ofarchival preservation are followed. According to Dr. Ed Scott, Library Director, “There is no way the Clark Special Collections Branch could have advanced so far, given its small staff, without this monumental contribution from The Friends.”

The Friends ofthe Air Force Academy Library are proudoftheir significant contribution to thepreservation ofthe history and heritage oftheAcademy during the 50th Anniversary decade and lookforward to equally significant contributions in theyears to come.

Ifyou would like more information about becoming part ofThe Friends and our excitingfuture, please contact us atfriends@usafalibrary.com or visit our web site at www.friends.usafalibrary. com.

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4C Waldo F. Dumbsquat double-timed past the Cadet Chapel. The soaring spires shimmered in the mid-afternoon sunshine, a dazzlingdisplay for the “touri” on the wall. Clutching his USAFA “awol” bag as he ran on the polished terrazzo marble strips, Waldo tucked in his elbows and generated six chins as a denizen ofthe Blue Zoo, he felt that it was his duty to put on a good show for the crowd ofvisitors. Tax dollars at work and that sort ofthing. And perhaps a girl would be watching

Taking a calculated risk (but not placing the decimal correctly), the doolie glanced at the audience leaning over the Chapel wall. His freshman transgression did not go unnodeed. A commanding voice from the wall stopped him in his tracks with one word.

“Stop!”

Waldo stood rigidly at attention, unsure ofhis antagonist’s identity. The voice, though, was definitely female.

The Chapel Guide regarded the fourthclassman with a bit of amusement. The doolie seemed cute, but she only dated firsties with ‘Vettes.

“Why are you gazing at my tourists, mister?” she demanded with feigned displeasure.

Even Waldo knew there was only one answer to a “why” question.

“No excuse, sir—ma’am!”

“That’s right. Now cage those eyeballs and report to your element sergeant. Tell him you owe him 70 squat thrusts for gazing.”

U\r 5 ?? Yes, sir-maam.

“Post away silently, dumb smack.”

Waldo resumed his pace toward the New Dorm, denied the opportunity to tell her it was “Dumbsquat.” He mused briefly on how such a simple name could be mispronounced so often. His arrival at the stairwell brought his focus to the next mission at hand: evading fourthclass “training” on the way to his room. Fortunately, except for the CQtrying to open the trunk room down the hall, the coast was clear. The doolie dove into his alcove and burst through the dorm room door. His roommates, “Regs” Buch and Warren Heels, sitting at their desks, looked up from the shoes and shoe polish in front ofthem.

“Guess what we’re doing, Waldo,” urged Warren. Waldo frowned. He had no time for guessing games. As if extracting Excalibur from the stone, he reached into his bag and dramatically drew out his prize.

“Cadet Issue was really busy, but I finally got my Post slide rule!”

Somewhere a band played and cannon fired. But not in this story.

Warren and Regs looked less than thrilled as they retrieved their slide rules from a desk drawer.

“Do you even know what a slide rule is for, Waldo?” asked Regs sarcastically.

“I’ve heard that it has lots of uses,” answered Waldo defensively. “Ifyou extend the middle part out, you can reach things in the back of the overhead locker.”

“Or get things that fall behind the desk,” chimed in Warren.

“It can help you draw straight lines—until you get to that clear sliding thing,” offered Waldo.

“No, no, no,” Regs chided his classmates. “The slide rule or ‘slip stick’ was invented by William Oughtred in the 1600’s. Let’s say you have to multiply 1970 times 76 times 37 you could do it on your slide rule.”

Warren turned the rule over in his hands. His distrust was only exceeded by his disdain.

“So you’re saying this piece ofwood and plastic is a calculator? Where’s the battery?”

Regs laughed. “There’s no battery! It uses the power of logarithms.”

“Come on, Regs. I know a thing or two about biorhythms. I’ve had Life Science class,” said Warren pointedly.

“Think of it as a mechanical analog computer,” offered Regs.

The mathematical usefulness ofhis new acquisition now soured Waldo’s enthusiasm. Playing with something was definitely more desirable than learning how to use it constructively. What was Regs thinking?

Suddenly the giant voice of Command Post filled the squadron. All activity came to a halt as vitally important information rushed out to the Cadet Wing.

“Attention in the Area, attention in the area. CQs please post. There will be a bonfire sponsored by the Spirit Committee after the evening meal. Command Post out.”

Waldo smiled broadly, his happy disposition returning.

“What’s up, Waldo? I haven’t seen you this excited since you started to lose your grip on the Tiltin’ Hilton!”

The doolie gathered up the slide rules and tossed them in his bag.

“I just thought ofanother use!” Waldo chortled. S

“Marathon Fit to Lead. 26.2 Transformational Ideas That Will Help You to Live Your Best Life NOW!” Mike

Matte, 75

Living a successful life doesn’t happen by accident. People become successful because they set goals, make a plan and build a route They’re on a marathon. Mike Matte’s book, Marathon Fit to Lead. 26.2 Transformational Ideas that WillHelp You to Live Your BestLife... NOW!will inspire readers as it takes them along on Matte’s marathon through life. He helps readers get their marathons started—to visualize and make a plan—and encourages them to keep going when they encounter problems and hit the “wall.” This is not a drystep-bystep self-help manual. Instead, the author shares his own personal journey, the ups and downs ofhis marathon. You will find humor, humility and victory as you read the pages ofMatte’s book. Matte, president and owner ofMarathon CEO, is an international keynote speaker who inspires his audiences to make conscious choices that improve their personal lives as well as their job performance. He uses the sport ofrunning both literally and metaphorically as he explores the root causes ofsoaring health costs and mediocrity in the workplace, while promoting mental, emotional physical and spiritual fitness. The author has completed more than 400 road races, including seven marathons.

Available at www.amazon.com and www.marathonceo.com, ISBN Number: 978-0-9843106-9-2

22 Lubianka Street Samuel Grier, 73

In 22 Lubianka Street sequel to Di Zhen, Samuel Grier continues his story of Rick Starr and Marly Cooper in the Starr Chronicles. Imbued with culture, romance and intrigue, 22 Lubianka Street is driven by current events and brings shocking realism to the terrorism that threatens the West. CIA analyst Rick Starr and geologist Marly Cooper arrive in Rome, Italy, to elope. Two seemingly unrelated thefts involving Rick result in the discovery of a terrorist plot aimed to wreak havoc across the world. But all is not as it appears. Sinister forces intend to use the plot for their own purposes. Rick must stop the terrorists even as he tries to prevent a hidden group from igniting open conflict. Take a wild ride with Rick and Marly as they get married in the world’s most romantic city while Rick is forced to confront the world’s most dangerous terrorists. Sam and his wife, Veronica, lived in Rome for five years. Sam’s descriptions ofRoman life coupled with his knowledge ofdiplomacy and foreign policy give 22 Lubianka Street rare and compelling authenticity. Also by Samuel Grier Di Zhen (Volume I of the Starr Chronicles) Narcissism in the Workplace.

Available at Amazon.com and on Kindle; receive a discount at www.samuelgrier.com.

Echoes ofMind

Thinking Deeply About...

n a hallway in Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Jim Heads home, the walls are barely visible. All the space is dedicated to the dozens ofAir Force Academy cadets who’ve called the house their second wm home. The long-time sponsor knows where they all are now. Some are in Afghanistan. One flies on Air Force One. One was a Rhodes scholar and a wing commander and now works in the financial sector. Some are retired.

Many ofthem are still very close with Gen. Head. Dr. DwightJohnson, the former director ofthe sponsorship program, guessed about halfofUSAFA cadets continue their relationships with their sponsors after graduation. “It depends on the relationship, on the cadet at the time,” he said.

Gen. Head said when he and Donna picked up their first cadets in the late 1960s, the sponsorship program was less formal than it has become. Col. (Ret.) Harry Strittmatter, ’70, and Dr. Ed Rashid, ’70, were their first sponsor cadets.

BY CRYSTAL ROSS

“Neither of us is from a militaryfamily,” said Col. Strittmatter s wife, Sue. “We ended up staying in for 30 years. Some ofthat was Jim and Donna.” Col. Strittmatter graduated from the Academy and went on to fly F-4s before going to test pilot school. He was the test wing commander at Eglin AFB and the commandant ofthe test pilot school at Edwards. “Eve been a squadron, group and wing commander. I’ve always treated the Air Force as a family. I learned that from Jim and Donna,” he said.

After 20 years, Dr. Rashid retired as a colonel and went into private practice in San Antonio, Texas. “Jim and Donna were unbelievable people who truly wanted to know about the cadet,” he said. “They counseled us as needed.”

Col. Strittmatter and Dr. Rashid were not much younger than the Heads when their sponsor relationship began back in the late 1960s. Head and his wife Donna came to Colorado Springs where his first assignment was teaching physics at USAFA. They

soon took on two sponsor cadets. “We were about the same age,” Gen. Head said. “I was 26, and they were 21. We were like big sister, big brother to them and their girlfriends.”

“They had a small house with only one bathroom,” Sue Strittmatter remembers. “Jim was the only person I knew who’d get up at 2 a.m. and be third in line for the bathroom.” Sue said even though everyone was close in age, “They were light years ahead ofus.”

“They were a lot more mature than we were,” Col. Strittmatter added.

“Donna was the first officers wife I’d ever met,” said Sue. “She was so aware she was a role model for me.”

Yet the two families’ relationship has been much more than that. Col. Strittmatter said with Gen. Head, there was no distinguishing between being a role model and being himself. “They’re remarkable people,” he said. “I learned more about being an officer from Jim than from any military training classes at the Academy. That was justJim. He was just down to earth.”

Dr. Rashid said ofGen. Head, “He showed us what it was like to be a good officer. He was a very positive force. It had a reallypositive effect on how you act as an adult and a military officer.”

After his first stint at USAFA, Gen. Head went to the Pentagon, England, Alabama, Ohio and New Mexico. He and Donna were gone for 14 years. He was on the colonels listwhen the Academy was looking for a permanent professor ofphysics, so the Heads returned to Colorado. “When we came back in ’87 we started sponsoring kids again. We picked up two cadets in the Class of 1990. They’re both still in. One’s a doctor and one’s a squadron commander.”

Mosdy he and his wife fed cadets and gave them an opportunity to unwind. “There would be lots oftalks about the profession ofthe Air Force, my experiences in the Air Force, my wife’s experience as an Air Force spouse. And ifthey ever got serious about a girlfriend (most ofthese were boys that we sponsored, although there were some girls too), you know, we’d talk about expectations on the spouse, what would they find in the Air Force.”

One cadet who got those benefits and a home and a family away from home was Lt. Col. Sean Murphy, ’92. Getting matched with the Heads was pure luck, he said. “I can’t think ofanyone else in my squad who had as close and steady a relationship with their sponsor,” Lt. Col. Murphy said. “They made us feel at home. Donna was such a great lady. She really became our adopted mom.”

Lt. Col. Murphy said Gen. Head was a mentor who kept cadets on the straight and narrow and taught them about being an officer.

The general recalled a time when Murphy was having trouble in physics. The struggling cadet said he’d asked his teacher for help on a homework problem, and the instructor asked ifhe’d read the book. “Gen. Head said it looked like my book had never been open,” Lt. Col. Murphy recalled.

The general, when telling the story at his kitchen table this spring, said, “So the next Sunday he brought his physics book over and we opened it and it went crack! That was an opportunity to discuss different approaches to learning.”

“When Jim finally retired, we all went,” Col. Strittmatter said. “There were guys who came from Japan. There were so many lives they both touched. I can’t imagine the impact they’ve had.”

All three men sponsored by the Heads say their relationships have lasted so long because they became part ofthe Heads’ family. That family connection continued when Lt. Col. Murphy’s cousin came to USAFA and requested the Heads as his sponsor.

Maj. David Buchanan, ’99, was a high school studentwhen his cousin graduated in 1992. He and his family came from Kansas to take part in the celebrations, which included a barbecue at the Heads’ home. Maj. Buchanan said that trip is what set him on the path to attending USAFA and joining the Air Force. Like Gen. Head, Maj. Buchanan is now on perma-

Above: Gen. Head in his home in Monument CO, with his historyofsponsoredcadets.

nent staff at the Academy after an initial teaching stint in the English department.

“I can’t think ofthe Academy without thinking of Gen. Head,” Maj. Buchanan said as he sat in a conference room near the superintendents office. “He didn’t graduate from here, but he’s a big part ofit.” Maj. Buchanan is now the deputy director ofthe Commander’s Action Group. “I have to give that all to him—myjob here, my success at the Academy,” hesaid of Gen. Head.

Each of the men impacted by their sponsor relationship was quick to point out the contributions from both the general and his wife. “Momma Head was great,” Maj. Buchanan said. “She was always so good at listening.”

“Donna was such a great lady,” Lt. Col. Murphy said. “She really became our adopted mom. She was so funny about being protective of us about the girls we dated. She wanted to meet them.”

The Heads spent a lot oftime over the past 20 years interacting with the Murphy family. Gen. Head swore Murphy in after his graduation. He and Donna traveled to Kansas when Lt. Col. Murphy and his wife, Bobbi, got married in 1994. They attended his graduation from undergraduate pilot training. When Murphy made lieutenant colonel, the Heads

PutnamUniversity

traveled to Offutt AFB in Nebraska, where Gen. Head pinned on Murphy’s silver clovers.

They flew back home on Saturday, and the followingMonday Donna was killed in a hit-and-run accident in the parking lot ofthe Child Development Center she oversaw. “They were a team,” Dr. Rashid said ofthe couple. “We were treated like family by them. Theyopened their home to us. They were very special people. Donna, she got right into your soul.”

Gen. Head said, “There was always a little different relationship between the cadets and me and the cadets and my wife. I was the colonel and she wasn’t, but that was okay with me. They had enough father figures in the cadet chain ofcommand.”

Dr. Rashid said the Heads truly loved being a part oftheir cadets’ lives. “At first you were a little surprised because you weren’t expecting it,” he said. “They never gave me any reason to lose that faith in them. They’re pretty selfless. They were totally dedicated to the Air Force and its mission. It wasn’t just lip service. When you see somebody like that, it makes you a better person because you want to emulate them.”

“The sponsor program does two things,” Gen. Head said. “It does something for the cadets, and it does something for the host family.” He said it kept him and his wife in touch with younger kids, either before they had their own or after theirs were gone from home. It also gave them an insight into what was going on at the Academy from the cadets’ point ofview, “which was something that was not always the same perspective that the department heads had,” he said.

“And I think from an institution’s point ofview, there’s kind of a third entity that is serviced from the sponsor program, and that’s the institution. I think the Academy benefits in giving cadets an opportunity to learn about the Air Force in an unofficial way,” the general said.

He said many cadets have sponsors who are either active duty or retired members ofthe Air Force, which gives cadets a unique chance to hear about people’s real world experiences and to learn what to expect from a military life. “There would be times even after kids graduate they’ll call back and want to talk through an issue: should I stay in or should I get out. So we were always happy to tellthem our experiences, knowing that their experiences were different. Some have stayed in and some have gotten out, but a lot of our kids we’ve sponsored have stayed in,” Gen. Head said.

Offthe top ofhis head, the general couldn’t remember exactly how many cadets he and his wife had sponsored over the years. “I would have to count. The number’s about 40, so it’s not huge, but it’s not insignificant at all. Most oftheir pictures are on the wall.” 9

Celebrating Great Leaders

The AOG hosts Founders Day and Jabara ceremonies

Air Force Academy history is filled with great leaders who have achieved incredible things. From day one in 1955, USAFA has produced the finest caliber ofofficers the world has ever known. This year, the Association of Graduates and the Academy have come together once again to celebrate three individuals who have shown what true service before selfreally means.

Our 2010 Distinguished Graduates, Max James, ’64, and General Ralph E. “Ed” Eberhart, ’68, celebrated Founders Day with friends and family at the Falcon Club to share their memories ofboth the Long Blue Line and civilian life. As recipients of the Academy’s highest honor, their names will go down in historywith the other Distinguished Graduates who have come before them.

In yet another ceremony at the AOG’s Doolittle Hall, Captain Michal P. “Ox” Polidor, ’04, was honored with the 2011 Colonel James Jabara Award for Airmanship. Captain Polidor, a member ofAir Force Global Strike Command, distinguished himself through heroic actions in an Operation Enduring Freedom sortie supporting United States and Afghan National Army ground forces.

It is the AOG’s distinct privilege to share the accomplishments of such extraordinary individuals. The Academy’s rich history ofofficers who go above and beyond the call ofduty is a testament to our ranks ofselfless heroes who stand up for their nation in times ofneed. 9

From top left: Max James, ’64, addresses friends and family at the Founders Day celebration. Gen. Ralph E. “Ed” Eberhart, ’68, receives a warm welcome at Founders Day. Capt. Michal Polidor, ’04, is the recipient of the 2011 Colonel James Jabara Award for Airmanship. These medals are given for the Distinguished Graduate Award, the Academy’s highest honor.

First Combat Aviators

By Col. (Ret.) Robert C. Dooley, '85

he monument to the first Americans to fly, fight, win and, for some, die in combat resides at the edge ofParis, France. Fortynine ofAmericas first combat aviators lie in rest at the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial, a majestic monument erected over 80 years ago to honor all U.S. volunteer pilots who flew with the French in World War I. These pilots played a significant role in the genesis ofU.S. combat air power, which ultimately led to the establishment ofthe U.S. Air Force. The future ofthe memorial is in serious doubt. The intent ofthis article is to emphasize what these men and the memorial represent to the U.S. Air Forces heritage and to draw attention to the memorials needs.

The United States’ first combat aviators were volunteers who flew with theFrench Air Service in World War I prior to Americas entry into the Great War. Most ofthese pilots transferred to the U.S. Army after America entered the war and they provided the backbone ofcombat experience for the fledgling Air Service. These gentlemen came from all walks oflife—Ivy League bluebloods, mechanics, farm hands and even an expatriate boxer. Despite their social differences, they were all equal ifthey could hack it in the cockpit, and the impact they made on aviation would resonate well beyond the end ofthe war.

There were 265 Americans volunteers who started flight training with the French before the U.S. entered the war (225 would get their wings and about 180 would fly in combat with French front-line units). These pilots, as a whole, would eventually be referred to as the “Lafayette Flying Corps.” As part of a strategy to get the U.S. to commit to the war, an idea was hatched to form an all-American fighter unit, give it copious media attention, and heighten awareness ofthe conflict back in the States.

In April 1916, after a concentrated effort by influential Americans in France and with the assistance of French military and government officials, the “N-124 L’Escadrille Americaine” (“The American Squadron”) was stood up. More than a token gesture on the part of the French, the squadron

Previous page: Four of the sixty-eightsarcophagi located in the crypt beneath the Memorial. (AFNS)

Left: Original members of the squadron with their lion mascot “Whiskey.” (Unknown)

went to the head of the line to receive factory-fresh Nieuport fighters, personnel and support equipment.

The initial squadron cadre was made up of seven American pilots under the command of a French officer, Capt. Georges Thenault. The unit did initial training at Luxeuil airfield, then quickly transitioned to combat operations. First blood was drawn on May 20, 1916, when Kiffin Rockwell shot down a German observation plane. Other kills wouldfollow andthe squadron would gain its desired notoriety in the press while participating in almost all major battles ofthe war.

In fact, the unit drew so much attention that the German ambassador to the United States lodged a formal protest with the U.S. government about the “American squadrons” operations, given that the U.S. was supposed to be neutral at the time. The incident led to changing the squadrons name to the “Escadrille Lafayette” or “Lafayette Squadron,” an apropos reference to General Lafayette’s and France’s assistance to the American colonies during the Revolutionary War.

The squadron performed on par with its French counterparts and developed its own identity, given its mix ofblue bloods and working-class members. The first squadron mascot was a lion cub named Whiskey, purchased by squadron members while on leave in Paris. They later got another one to keep it company, which theyappropriately named Soda. The animals were noted on deployment paperwork as “African guard dogs.” The squadron also kept a bottle of80-year-old bourbon whiskey on hand called “The Botde ofDeath.” Originally given to Kiffen Rockwell by his brother to celebrate his (and the squadron’s) first aerial victory, the onlypilots to swig from it were those who scored confirmed kills.

The U.S. ultimately entered World War I in April 1917. The squadron remained an all-American unit until February 1918, when most pilots in the Lafayette Flying Corps were given the opportunity to transfer to the U.S. Army Air Service. Most transferees were initially assigned to the 103rd Pursuit Squad-

ron, then farmed out to other U.S. squadrons to spread their wealth ofcombat experience to uninitiated pilots. Some former Lafayette members even went on to command U.S. squadrons during the war.

While most Lafayette Escadrille members remain obscure to history, Raoul Lufbery is a familiar name to most U.S. fighter pilots, having earned 17 confirmed kills during the war and also havingdeveloped a defensive tactic called the “Lufbery Circle.” He became a well known instructor to U.S. pilots after his transfer to the U.S. Army and was praised by Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, who said, “Everything I learned, I learned from Lufbery” {AirForceMagazine, 2000, “Rickenbacker,” Boyne).

Americas first black fighterpilot, Eugene Bullard, while not a member ofthe Lafayette Escadrille, was a member ofthe Lafayette Flying Corps. He left the farms ofGeorgia as a teenager, made his way to Europe and enlisted in the French Army at the outbreak ofthe war. While recuperating from wounds suffered in the trenches, he was given the opportunity to enter flight training and flew combat missions with a French Squadron.

Thirty-eight Americans passed through the squadron ranks during its existence as an all-American unit. Ultimately, 12 would die before the war’s end. Ofthe otherAmerican pilots flying with French units, another 46 would not survive the war. Many died wearingAmerican uniforms, having made the transfer to the U.S. ArmyAir Service. Lufbery himselfwas a U.S. ArmyMajor when he was finally shot down in 1918. In fact, 68 out ofthe 180 didn’t make it-proofthat the “glamorous” profession was, in reality, a most dangerous one.

The legacy ofthe Lafayette pilots continues todaywithin the U.S. and French Air Forces. The historical lineage ofthe 103rd Pursuit Squadron is directly tied to todays 94th Fighter Squadron flying F-22s at LangleyAir Force Base. The Lafayette Squadron itself never ceased to exist with the French-its current pilots now flyMirage 2000Ns based at Luxeuil Air Base, France.

A movement started in the mid-1920s to build a fitting monument to Americas first combat aviators and to symbolize the Franco-American militaryrelationship. The French government

granted eight acres ofland on the edge ofParis towards the effort, and with fundingprovidedlargelyby the wealthy families of many Lafayette pilots, the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial became a reality. It was inaugurated on July 4th, 1928, in a ceremony attended by an estimated 10,000 people.

The name belies the true intent ofthe memorial—it pays tribute to all American volunteer pilots who flew with the French. The names ofthe 68 pilots who died are etched on both sides ofthe grand facades ofthe memorial’s soaring arch. Beneath the memorial lies a crypt with 68 sarcophagi, 49 ofwhich contain actual remains (some pilots’ families chose to bury their loved ones closer to home—and for others, no remains existed). The crypt is also the resting place for its French commander, Lt. Col. Georges Thenault, along with French General Antonin Brocard, who was influential in establishing the squadron.

A $1.5 million endowment was provided in 1930 by an American, William Cromwell, to create a private Franco-American “Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Foundation” to care for the monument. The Foundation’s other missions were to provide for suitable ceremonies, to “keep alive in the hearts of men the spirit which inspired the members ofthe Escadrille Lafayette and the Flying Corps” and to educate French and American youth on the histories oftheir respective countries and the sacrifices men made in the defense offreedom. The Foundation continues to exist today, but faces serious financial challenges.

Eighty years took its toll both on the monument and the resources left to sustain it. In the late 1990s, its white surfaces were covered in black soot, marble floors were breaking up and the crypt was regularly invaded with water. Senior Air Force leadership took note and spearheaded an effort that lead to a U.S. government grant in 2003 of $2 million to renovate the memorial. The French government concurrently donated $1 million of its own.

The grants were a lifesaver for the memorial—but the challenge is far from over. This 80-year-old monument looks outstanding from an external point ofview, but renovation work revealed further problems needing repair that exceeded the grants’ funding.

Another challenge is sustainment. The Lafayette Escadrille Memorial requires systematic maintenance to prevent returning to its previous deteriorated state. Surfaces require periodic clean-

Top left: Memorial Day 2010 USAF-FAF ceremony at the Memorial. (AFNS) Right:Gen. Moseley and French Air Chief Gen. Abrial pay homage to Lafayette members buried in the crypt afterthe 2008 Memorial day ceremony. (AFNS)

ing and sealing, structural integrity demands regular inspections byengineers and someone has to cut the grass, provide security and pay the water and electric bills.

An effort was started about six years ago to find a long-term care solution for the memorial, buttressed by the steadfast support ofGeneral Michael Moseley and Secretary Michael Wynne. Ambassador Craig Stapleton, the U.S. Ambassador to France at the time, bolstered the effort byhighlighting the needs ofthe memorial to the Bush administration. The stars were lined up for presidential action to bring the monument under U.S. care until the unplanned change in USAF leadership. The lack ofsenior Air Force advocacy coupled with the change of the White House administration brought the effort to a quiet halt.

The Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Foundation needs a minimum of$100,000 a year to maintain the monument and its surrounding grounds. Unfortunately, the foundation has less than a years worth ofoperating funds left and lacks the resources to conduct active fundraising (total donations last year were less than $3,000). The fate ofthe memorial and the aviators buried there is unknown once the foundation is forced to cease operations.

The Marines have Belleau Wood, the Navy has the “USS Constitution” and the Army has battlefield monuments throughout the world that testify to their heritage and growth as services. The USAF also has a stunning memorial across from the Pentagon honoring it as a military service, but we’ve got another one honoring the actual men who represent our genesis-the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial. 9

Ifone has the means to assist thefoundation in maintainingthis memorial to America’sfirst combataviators, donations can be sent to the “Lafayette EscadrilleMemorialFoundation” at:

The Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Foundation

Attention: Maureen W McCarthy

126 Waverly Place #3E New York, NY 10011

Rob Dooley, ’85, was the U.S. Ambassador’s representative to the Lafaytette EscadrilleMemorial’s Boardduringhisfinalassignment as U.S. Air Attache to Francefrom 2007-2010. His work with the memorialheightened his awareness ofthe historicalimpactofAmerica’sfirstcombatpilots, along with thegrowingplightoftheirfinalrestingplace. His article is intended to educate the USAFAgraduate community on the direct relationship between thesepilots andthegenesis ofU.S. airpower (andultimately an independent Air Force), along with highlighting the memorialandits long-term care needs.

Top: A view of the Memorial in 2002 prior to its renovation. Bottom: A 2006 view looking onto the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial after its exterior renovation.

n A^»^*942, sixteen American B-25 bomSet^S®k offfrom the aircraft carrier USS BHBBI Hor|i$i^Mieir way to bomb the mainland

retaliation for the attack on Pearl four months before. The mission

Slillll "11 1 J C 1 ^pv 1*1 TX J ?) quicklygained fame as the Doolittle Raid, i^P^p^l^ptheir leader Lieutenant Colonel :tle. After the war the survivors ofthe original 80 men hosted a reunion every year to remember those oftheir number no longerliving. In 1959, the reunion took place in Tucson, Arizona and the citizens ofTucson presented the Raiders with a set ofsilver goblets inscribed with each crewmember s name both upright and upside down.

The Raider Reunion continues today, and an important part of each reunion is the goblet ceremony. During this private SeveralAcademygraduates are descendents ofRaiders. EdwardJ. York, ’70, was the son of“Ski” York. Eddiedof cancer. His son, Christopher York graduated in 04. Raider Dick Cole’sgrandson, Nathan Chal, graduatedin ’06.

Doolittle Raiders remember their fallen comrades

By C1 C PJ Hussey & C1 C Jordan Sheffer

ceremony the goblets of Raiders who died in the past year are inverted and the survivors drink a toast out of their own goblets to all the men who have passed. This year marked the 69th annual reunion, and CICs PJ Hussey and Jordan Sheffer had the honor of participating in the toasting ceremony by delivering each raider his goblet as well as guarding and answering questions about the goblets at the multiple social events that the Raiders took part in over the course of the weekend.

While the Doolittle Raid was important to the American psyche, which was in dire need ofconfidence during the perilous beginnings of 1942, their story and its legacy remains just as important to modern and future generations of Americans. The raid ofApril, 1942, was both

daring and courageous. It took 80 men who were willing to sacrifice everything they had in order to protect the livelihood oftheir fellow citizens. Little did they know just how important their raid would become. When reports surfaced that American aircraft bombed Tokyo, Japan, it reminded the Japanese people that they were not invincible and that the United States was capable ofstriking at the heart oftheir mainland in order to win the war. But above all, it gave America the confidence necessary to triumph against a seemingly unbeatable enemy.

For modern generations, and especially American servicemen and women, the Doolittle Raid and the 80 brave men who executed it provide an important reminder that the defense ofthe American cause is always worth the necessary sacrifice. The Doolittle Raid, like many ofAmerican history’s heroic accounts, should be understood by all as an example that whenever American freedoms are in peril, the citizens will rise up by every means available in order to defend them. Today, the raid remains a proud moment in Americas history. To understand what the Raiders accomplished for the safety ofAmerica is to understand that no risk is too great concerning the livelihood ofthe country. Todays generation and generations in the future have a great example ofservice to our country, exemplified by the courageous acts of80 airmen in the Doolittle Raid. S

Northwestern Preparatory School

SAT/ACT Enhancement

Candidate Fitness Assessment Improvement

“Northwestern Prepprovided me with an academicfoundation that raised my SAT scores by 200 points, as well as an ability to focus on the essentialpreparation to succeed at the Academy. As a result ofthe 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 ofthe #1 ranked squadron ofthe wing!

2002 USAFA Graduate Suzanne Durbeck,

Opposite: B-25 bombers crowdthe deck ofthe USS Hornet in the waters ofthe Pacific before the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo. Above: ClCPJHussey and C1CJordan Shef fer and Col. (Ret.) Dick Cole, one ofthe remainingfive Raiders who bombed Tokyo, April 18, 1942, at the 69h AnnualDoolittle Raider Reunion in Omaha, NE.

Not

Tommy L. Callies, '65

Tommy Leon Callies was born May 3L 1943 in Blythe, Calif, and entered the Academy from Howard, S. D. He was an Eagle Scout, musician, and vocal performer as well as all-state high school athlete both in football and basketball in South Dakota.

At the Academy, Tommy did a little bit of everything - he played soccer and ran track as a doolie. However, he later changed his major and his activities to the humanities. Tommy was the original Bluebard, starting the club on its way in the spring of ’62. He headed that organization from inception until he graduated. He earned a position on the Commandant’s and Dean’s Lists several times. He was an outstanding soloist with the choir and the chorale, and even served as president of the chorale. He also headed up the Audio Club and Radio station KAFA.

As a firstie, Tom was elected a cheerleader. After graduation Tommy completed pilot training at Vance AFB, Enid, Okla. and became a pilot in the Tactical Air Command.

During his second tour in Vietnam, he was conducting a strike missionwhen the F-4 he was piloting was shot down over the Quang Ngai Province of South Vietnam on Aug. 1, 1969. Tommy was presumed dead as his body was never recovered. His decorations include The Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart and the Vietnam Service Medal.

Tommy Callies

Tommyis missed byhis many classmates ofUSAFA Class of ’65, especially those who served in the 20th Squadron with Tommy. Tommy is survived by his wife, Barbara; son Tadd, daughter Kellie, his mother, Goldie, and sister JC. (’65 classmatesfrom 20th Squadron [Tough Twenty Trolls])

Donald M. Douglas, '65

Donald “Mike” Douglas passed away peacefully from lung cancer on Sept. 13, 2010. He was surrounded by family in the comfort of the Sherman House hospice facility in Phoenix, Ariz. He was born and raised in Mt. Carmel, Ill. and was a proud graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1965, 9th Squadron.

Mike will be remembered for his career professionalism and upbeat, positive attitude. His skills and love oflife served him well. He graduated from Pilot Training at Vance AFB, Okla. going on to serve 27 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring with the rank of Colonel. His first assignment was flying KC-135 air refueling tankers Wright-Pat-

For more current information about graduate deaths, please visit the AOG web site. wAvw.usafa.org.

If you know of a graduate’s death, please notify the AOG as soon as possible. There have been cases in which the association was not informed in a timely manner.

terson AFB, Columbus, Ohio. He transitioned to UH-1F helicopters and flew out of Cheyenne,Wyo. providing support for ICBM crews. His initial assignment flying helicopters was followed by deployment to Viet Nam flying the UH-1N helicopter gunships for the 20th SOS “Green Hornets” conducting Special Operations in support of Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols of the U.S. Army 5th Special Forces Group. Following his tour in Vietnam, he flew the UH-1N in Ogden, Utah, serving as Instructor Pilot, Chief of Standardization and Academic Instructor.

He completed a Master’s Degree in Operations Research in Dayton, Ohio, and went on to serve as an Operations Research Analyst on the F-16 Operational & Test Evaluation Team Edwards AFB, Calif. He was Flying Training Squadron Operations Officer at Ft. Rucker, Enterprise, Ala. and following that he moved on to become Logistics Program Manager for all U.S. Air Force helicopters and presidentialsupport aircraft,Warner Robins, Ga. His final assignment in the Air force was as Director ofAnalysis, AF Operational Test & Evaluation Center, Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque, N.M. He retired from the Air Force in 1992.

Following his Air Force retirement he joined TRW and subsequently retired from Northrop Grumman as a Senior Analyst in 2004. In 2005 he and his wife, Linda, leased their home in Albuquerque, N.M., bought a 40-foot diesel motor coach and “hit the road” spending 5 1/2 years touring scenic, historical and often majestic sights in this wonderful country we call home, the USA. They also enjoyed beautiful, spectacular Alberta and the Maritime Provinces of Canada. Mike often said, “This has been the best decision we ever made”. In those 5 1/2 years Mike was able to fully enjoy his lifelong passion, fly fishing. He and Linda filled their days along the road with sight-seeing, fishing, hiking and wonderful visits with children, grandchildren, and many friends.

Mike is survived by his wife, Linda, of Scottsdale, Ariz.; daughter Shannonand husband, Andy Weber, of Savannah, Ga.; son Jeff and wife, Sonjana, of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.; and step-son Rob Stinson and wife, Kelle, ofPerth, Western Australia. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Georgia (4), Hayes (1), Weber and Dagny (7), Kira (5), and Perie (5) Stinson.

A Memorial Service will be held in his honor at the US Air Force Academy on June 24, 2011. (Linda Douglas, Mike’s wife)

Ronald F. Miazga '65

Ron Miazga, a graduate of the Class of 1965, was sometimes known as “Zigga” on the football field and “The Great Bowaz”, in the 12th squadron. Ron came to the academy from Fairfield, Conn. He had an indomitable spirit capable of seeing the bright and/or amusing side of any given situation, even when others were having difficulty doing so.

He was fiercely proud of being a cadet and officer in the United States Air Force. While at the academy, he was a gifted and humble varsity athlete (even when he had to go against Notre Dame linemen who outweighed him by a hundred pounds). Ron was always

comfortable and supportive ofhis fellow athletes and classmates.

In life, everything does not go as planned. In adverse situations, Ron showed his spirit and compassion in helping others cope with difficult situations, often injecting humor to partially relieve tension.

After the academy, he earned his wings at Vance AFB. He then piloted KC135s at the 4252 StrategicWing/376 StrategicWing, 99 Air RefuelingSquadron until 1970. He went on to earn his Master’s degree in Human Resources at George Washington University.

When Ron left the service, he went to work for Xerox; first in sales, and then as a training manager at their training center in Leesburg, Va. where he met his wife, Sharyn. Later he worked as a training consultant in Denver, Colo. In 1989 he became the Director of Training for Univar Corporation. He was a wellknown and respected community force in the Mill Creek,Washington area.

Throughout his life, his enthusiasm for life and love of his family andhis friends was his hallmark. He is survived by his wife, Sharyn; his children Drew, Whitney, Chris, and Carylin; andhis sister Andrea. He will be greatlymissed, but the light ofhis spirit and character lives on in his family andall who have hadthe privilege to know and work with Ron. (CS-12 Classmate Bill Powers, Class of1965)

Robert A. Resting, ’67

I have learned, that ifone advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life hehas imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. Henry David Thoreau

Robert Alan Resling, age 65, suffered a fatal heart attack on Nov. 30, 2010 while in Danville, Calif., location of the corporate headquarters of Asia Pacific Airlines, for which he was vice president of Operations. He was born on July 3, 1945.

Robert “Airplane Bob” Resling has Gone West. The nickname “Airplane Bob” was an understatement for this massive aviation enthusiast.

Bob retired from the U.S. Air Force (Air Force Academy graduating Class of 1967) where heserved as a pilot in C-130 aircraft. He flew over 770 combat sorties in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, four Air Medals, and theVietnamese Cross ofGallantry. He made a full career out of the C-130, retiring from the Air Force Reserve at Peterson Air Force Base in 1995. An active pilot, Airplane Bob held an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with type ratings in ten transport category aircraft and possessed certificates as a Certified Flight Instructor, Aircraft Dispatcher, Flight Engineer, and Ground Instructor.

Bob was very active in the local aviation community and served on the Board of Directors for the Wings over the Rockies Air and Space Museum. He co-owned Platte Valley Airport near Hudson, where he kept the vintage Navy T-28C. He was a volunteer airshow coordinator, an aviation consultant to the US Intelligence community, and an award-winning aviationartist taking home “Best of Show”, “Best Pen and Ink”, and “Best of Space Command” for an F-4U Corsair drawing in a Peterson AFB art contest. At home he’s remembered as a guerilla cartoonist who drew his signature char

acters on available landscape like wine corks or tiny pumpkins, and frequently covered his three daughters' lunch bags with cartoons depicting light-hearted kid-friendly current events like the Broncos advancing to the Superbowl, or the Blizzard of ’82.

Even in his very last moments, Bob had passionate political leanings mostly borne of the fallout from spending his formative years fighting the war in Southeast Asia. His years in Vietnam had a profound effect on the way he lived. He furiouslyrelayed his theories and solutions to those closest to him or anyone else who was interested; but in spite of any current misgivings he was tremendously proud of piloting the C-130, and reflected on the of bird as a “government program that actually worked.”

Additionally, he was devoted to the Hmong people. In the early 1960s, theCentral Intelligence Agency persuaded the Hmong in Laos to join the U.S. in the Vietnam War. The CIA used the Laotian Special Guerilla Unit as the counterattack unit to block the Ho Chi Minh trail. 60 percent of the Hmong men put their lives at risk in the front line, fighting for the United States to block the supply line and rescue downed American pilots. Over eight years, 12,000 died fighting.

Bob worked tirelessly to get the U.S. government to recognize and respect the enormous sacrifice made by the Lao Hmong on behalf of the American people. No man was more highly admired by the Hmong leadership in the U.S. than Colonel Resling.

He is immensely missed by his family, his brothers in arms, and beer-tenders the world over. Fly high, Bob. Dad. Brother. Grandpa. Blue skies and tail winds forever. We love you. (Written by Bob’s three daughters, Laura, Amy, and Emily.)

Robert E Cutler, '74

Pastor Robert Elwood. Cutler, 58, of Meridian passed away Feb. 4, 2011 in Tampa, Fla. while visitingfamily. A funeral service was held on Feb. 12, 2011 at ChristLutheran Church, Meridian with burial at Dry Creek Cemetery.

Robert was born June 3, 1952 in Honolulu, Hawaii, a son of Ed and Til Cutler. He graduated from Central High School, Sioux City, Iowa in 1970. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science in History and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. on June 5,1974.

Robert married the love of his life, Judith Rebecca Ross, on May 17, 1975 at Columbus AFB, Miss. He graduated from pilot training in July, 1975. During his U.S. Air Force career he accomplished many things including being an instructor pilot in T37s at Columbus AFB, 37th Flying Training Squadron, “A” Flight, from January 1976 to July 1977; 14th Student Squadron, from July 1977 to October 1978. He was a pilot in EB-57s at Malmstrom AFB, Mont., 17 DSES, from October 197878 to September 1979, and a pilot in F11 Is at RAF Lakenheath, UK, from January 1981 to June 1983, and at the 494thTactical Fighter Squadron at Cannon AFB, N.M. from June 1983 to February 1986, with the 523rd Tactical Fighter Squadron.

During this time Robert receivedhis Masters of Arts in International Relations from University of Southern California in August, 1983. Robert then became the Air Liaison Officer at Ft. Benning, Ga. from March 1986 to September 1986; OIC 3/75 Ranger BTN TACP from September 1986 to June 1988; and OIC 2nd BDE, 10th MTN DIV TACP. He served as Senior Operations Duty Officer at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea from June 1988 to June 1989 with the 603rd TACCS. Robert was then at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho from June 1989 to September 1993 with the 366th Support Group.

Bob Resting

Robert Cutler

He served in Desert Shield/Storm from August 1990 to March 1991, retiring from the U.S. Air Force in September of 1993.

Robert then returned to school and received his Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo. on May 23, 1997. He came back to Meridian and was ordained at Christ Lutheran Church, June 29, 1997 and has been the Pastor from ordainment until his death.

Robert had many passions in his life, with his family and faith being the foremost important. Service to his country and church was always an important focus;however, his vibrant quest for life and sharing it with his family was the foremost ofRobert’s goals and aspirations. Robert was also very active with his community serving as a Cub Scout Leader, a Little League Coach, Little League Umpire, and treasurer of the Meridian Ministerial Association.

Robert is survived by his wife, Judith R. Cutler, of Meridian; his children Carrie (Zane) Bass of Nampa, Timothy (Rachel) Cutler of Boise, Andrew Cutler in the U.S. Air Force at USAFA, Colorado Springs, Colo., Thomas Cutler in the U.S. Army at Ft. Lewis, Wash.; his parents, Ed and Til Cutler of Tampa, Fla.; brothers and sisters Cathy (Bill) Most, Tampa, Fla.; Paul (Sue) Cutler ofElgin Ill.; Kimberli (Dana) Jensen of Lakeland, Fla.; Mark (Joann) Cutler of Kalispell, Mont.; and grandchildren Alison, Nicole and Beau.

Robert was preceded in death by his son Peter James Cutler. Memorials can be made to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Mo. or the Gideons. To share memories with the family please visit Robert’s memorial webpage at www.CoverdaleFuneralHome.com. (Submitted by his lovingfamily.)

PatrickJ.Ash, ’75

Retired Lt. Col. Patrick J. Ash, USAFA Class of 1975 (“Ignotum Vincere”), died Feb. 16, 2011 in Anchorage, Alaska.

Pat was born Sept. 21,1953, in Orange, N. J., the only child of Harry and Alice Ash. The family moved to Tom’s River where he graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in 1971. Following appointment to the Academy in 1971, he was a member of the Tiger 10 squadron and was active in the Catholic choir.

Following graduation, Pat earnedhis flying wings at Columbus AFB, Miss, and followed with B-52 training at Castle AFB, Calif. After B-52 training, he was assigned to Robins AFB, Ga. where he met and married Cynthia Leas, an Air Force nurse. Cynthia shared Pat’s journey for the rest ofhis life. Together they were stationed in the Philippines, Andrews AFB, Md.; Tinker AFB, Okla.; Elmendorf AFB, Alaska; and he retired at Andrews AFB in 1995. Pat also earned a Master’s degree in Personnel Management. During his flying career, he flew the B-52, T-38,T-39, C-12, AWACS, and C-20. While at his final assignment with the 89th Airlift Wing, he traveled extensively throughout the world transporting senior government officials and doing advance preparation for Presidential Air Force One travels.

After military retirement in 1995, Pat began a flying career at FedEx, which allowed him to return to his favorite place (Alaska) in 1996. He flew around the world as an MD-11 Captain and was on the staff of instructors at the Anchorage flight simulator. Pat was a FedEx flight safety committee member and an aircraft accident investigator. He was also one of the first pilots at FedEx to qualify as a Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) and worked closely with the Anchorage Police Department for FedEx FFDO training improvements.

Pat was a devotedCatholic. Blessed with a beautiful baritone voice, he was a key member of the choir wherever he lived. Pat and Cindy were also avid sports enthusiasts and supporters of the Baltimore Orioles, Alaska Aces (hockey) and Alaska Pilots (baseball). He took up hockey at age 35 and enjoyed playing in the “old men’s’’ leagues and later transitioned to refereeing. Pat and Cindy curled together, attended sports events throughout the US, and enjoyed scuba diving during many trips to their favorite vacation locale, Hawaii.

Pat was a caring man with a very generous spirit and had innumerable life-long friendships. He is remembered for his warmth and unique wry humor. Pat’s ever-positive outlook was an inspiration to his many friends and extended family throughout his life, especially during his three-and-a-half-year battle with cancer.

Pat is survived by his wife of 33 years, Cynthia Leas; his mother, Alice Ash of Lakewood N.J.; his son SMSgt John (Kay) Mister, and grandsons, Jay and Ben Mister, of Syracuse, Utah; and numerous friends and extended family around the world. His father, Harry Ash, preceded him in death.

Friends, family and many members ofhis FedEx “family”, attended Pat’s February 21st funeral service in Anchorage. Gary Janelli (’75) spoke about his long-time friend and fellow FedEx pilot. Pat’s memorial service was held at the USAFA cadet chapel March 14th with the original choir director, Mr. Ed Ladouceur, returning to honor Pat by playing the organ alongside the current choir director, Mr. Gary DeKler. Interment withfull military honors followed at the USAFA cemetery. Friends and family from the “lower 48” and many “’75ers” attended the Academy services.

Donations may be made in memory of Patrick Ash to St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 2901 Huffman Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99516. (Pat’s wife, Cynthia Leas, and son John)

Martin AnthonyRiggan, Jr., ’07

1 st Lieutenant Martin AnthonyRiggan, Jr., 25, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Dec. 22, 2010. Anthony was born to parents, Tony and Mary Jane Riggan, on April 9, 1985 in Little Rock, Ark. He is survived by his parents and sister, Maggie Riggan (and fiance Blake Chism), along with extended family and countless friends.

Anthony graduated from Pulaski Academy in 2003. During his time at Pulanski Academy, heserved as Senior Class President, Honor Council President, and Representative on the Varsity Football Leadership Council. Anthony truly exemplified theschool motto, “Honor Above All,” receiving the Principal’s Award, Outstanding Student Award for Overall Excellence, Quest for Character Award: Respect, in addition to many others.

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 soon as possible. There have been cases in which the association was not informed in a timely manner.

Fulfilling a life-long dream, Anthony attended the United States Air Force Academy, where he continued to excel personally and professionally. Anthony was named Outstanding Freshman for Squadron 36 and joined Squadron 2 for his remaining three years at the Academy, during which heserved in numerous leadership positions. In his senior year, Anthony served as Group 1 Commander for the Cadet Wing, overseeing 1200 cadets

PatAsh

AnthonyRiggan

and all activities going on throughout the Group. Anthony was also named Cadet Colonel, the highest rank possible for a cadet at the Academy.

Followinggraduation,Anthonybegan Undergraduate Pilot Training in Columbus, Miss. Anthony continued to succeed in pursuit of his dream, from the T-6 Texan to the T-38 Talon and finally to the B-1B Lancer Strategic Bomber. Anthony received the “Top Gun" Award for Formation Flying and was presented with the Leadership Award by the local Air Force Association in Columbus.

Anthony married his beautiful and supportive wife, Nicole Paterson Riggan of Monument, Colo., in March 2009. The couple moved to Abilene, Texas whereAnthonybegan his B-1 training. The Riggans moved to Rapid City, S. D. in June 2010 and Anthony was scheduled to deploy in January 2011 to Qatar.

Anthony’s classmate Dan Moseby wrote the following, “Anthony was a person that instantly brought a smile to anyone’s face and could change the tone of any room he entered. Anthony had a God-given talent to influence people and brighten their day with just a few words. His incredible work ethic yielded suecess but he never boasted about his accomplishments. He was a selfless man that would come to anyone’s aid without even being asked. His wisdom and ability to communicate and meet the needs of others showed a maturity well beyond his years.’’

David Pearce, Anthony’s close friend and 2006 Academygrad, wrote, “Anthony is unlike anyone I have ever known. The most important thing to know about Anthony is that he possessed an undeniable inner strength that came directly from his relationship with his Savior, Jesus Christ. Anthony’s confidence and ability to inspire others were unparalleled, and anyone that met him can speak to his positive attitude that naturally radiated to those around him and made them better. He just simply loved people, and you could not help but love him in return. He was a gentleman, a man ofcharacter and integrity who was known by setting a standard for excellence and achieving it through hard work.”

The epitome of a good-hearted man, Anthony loved others and was respected by all. Although he excelled in all areas of life, Anthony understood his foremost purpose on this earth was to know the Lord and to make Him known to others. Surely his Heavenly Father met him with the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Please consider the following memorial: “To His UnfadingGlory”

- The Anthony & Nicole Riggan Foundation, P.O. Box 13418, North Little Rock, Ark. 72113-3418. (TheRiggan Family)

Colin P. Shumate, ’10

2nd Lt. Colin Patrick Shumate passed away on Jan. 10th 2011 in Dayton, Ohio. His time with us was short, but he will be remembered for his unfailing loyalty and faithful friendship. Colin was born in Cheyenne, Wyo. to Jim (USAFA ’79) and Lori Shumate. He moved around the country with his Air Force family before settling in Colorado Springs in 2001. He achieved his lifelonggoal ofattending USAFA as a member ofthe Class of2010. His proudest moments were celebrated at Falcon Stadium on May 26, 2010 at Graduation and being commissioned by his Dad.

At the time of his death, Colin was a member of the 711 th Human Performance Wing, Institutional Review Board staff, where in a short period of time he became known in the unit as a dedicated leader and trusted friend.

Words seem inadequate to express how much Colin was loved and how much he will be missed. Perhaps the sentiments of his friends and comrades in Bull 6 say it best: “Your son was my rock and my hero”; “Colin was an amazing person who was always there for me”; “On my toughest days Colin’s confidence and personality always helped me get through”; “Colin was a great friend who always treated everyone with respect”; “His compassion and loyalty are unmatched and irreplaceable”; “A strong leader, he was fair and kind to us freshman, but not too kind”; “He was amazing and hilarious!” Colin cherished his Bull 6 legacy and the team who worked tirelessly together to make it a top-performing

squadron year after year. Three years on the Bull 6 Ultimate Frisbee intramural team yielded a Wing Championship, two finals, but most importantly a win over Navy’s intramural champs in Annapolis.

As his friend 2nd Lt. Travis Root recounted at Colin’s funeral, Colin was the truest of friends. Anything he had, he counted as yours too, from his PT jacket, to his Mom’s cooking, to even sharing his dog. More than him being funny—and God, was he ever funny—he was generous. He was a giver.

Last spring, Travis sprained his ankle pretty badly. He was on crutches, and Colin picked him up from the hospital. They needed to get to a briefing at Arnold Hall from Colin’s room far down inVandenberg. Travis hated those crutches; they hurt, and he couldn’t get anywhere fast. So Colin hoisted Travis onto his shoulColin Shumate ders in a fireman’s carry. He carried Travis all the way there. So it was onlyfittingthat, when the time came, Travis carried Colin home. It was an honor for Travis and a great blessing to Colin’s family. We will all carry him with us for the rest of our time here on earth.

Colin is survived by his wife of six months, Katy Toth Shumate of Colorado Springs; parents Colonel James and Lori Shumate of Colorado Springs; sister Carley, currently attending Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, Ind.; and devoted grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the USAFA Endowment. (Jim Shumate and Travis Root)

(Editor’s note: TheAOGdoes notalways haveall the information, such as placeofdeath, concerningthedeath ofa graduate. We onlypublish the information we haveavailable on each deceasedgraduate.)

At press time we learned of the deaths of the following graduates:

Maj. (Ret) Robert J. Huntsman, Class of 1962, who died on May 15,2011 in Richfield, Utah.

Lt. Col. (Ret) Warren G. Robbins, Class of 1962, who died on May 17,2011 in FederalWay,Wash.

Mr. Sherwin H. “Howard” Kraye, Class of1963, who died on May 14,2011 inAlbuquerque, N.M.

Col. (Ret) Thomas T. Rauk, Class of 1964, who died on April 13,2011 inWisconsin.

Maj. (Ret) Rehn M. Moncrief, Class of 1966, who died on March 9,2009 in California.

Lt. Col. (Ret) GergoryVarhall, Class of 1968, who died on April 15,2011 inAlexandria,Va.

Dr. Denton L. Mays, Class of 1969, who died on May 19, 2011 in Freehold, N.J.

Maj. (Ret) William O. “Rusty” Spradling, Class of 1969, who died on March 14,2011 in Henderson, Nev.

Mr. Arnold K. “Amie” Douville, Class of 1978, who died on Feb. 17,2011, in Leawood, Kans.

Mr. Ray I. Nakasone, Class of 1980, who died on March 24, 2011 inTucson, Ariz.

Lt. Col. FrankD. Bryant, Class of1995, who died onApril26, 2011 as a result of a shooting in Kabul,Afghanistan.

Maj. David L. Brodeur, Class of 1999, who died on April 26, 2011 as a result of a shooting in Kabul,Afghanistan.

2nd Lt. John T. Rice, Class of 2010, who died on April 18, 2011 inWestTexas.

2nd Lt. Peter A Sohm, Class of2010, who died on April 18, 2011 inWestTexas.

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of these graduates.

Pete Todd

1250 Big Valley Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80919-1015

H: (719) 531-5874

E-mail: petetodd59@comcast.net

Congratulations and best wishes to the Class of 2011. Join the fight and make us proud!

Herewith, a couple offascinating travelogues, both ofwhich arrived on 1 April. Really.

Bill Telfordwrote, “Annaand I recentlyreturned from a delightful cruise of the Hawaiian Islands. We flew into Honolulu, spent a night at the Hale Koa (marvelous place) and boarded the next day for a seven-day cruise. It was not on the itinerary, but we got to the Big Island two days after a volcano erupted and we got to see the lava flowing while at the Volcano National Park Museum (via closed circuit TV). A thrilling sight.

“Then, when we arrived at Kauai three days later, we expected an overnight stay in Nawiliwili port. Not to be. At 0100, the Captain left the dock and took us out to sea to avoid the tsunami that was heading towards the islands at 600 mph. Didn’t feel a thing but the port was damaged. Turns out that the Big Island got the bulk of the damage, so we were lucky. The kids were beside themselves trying to get in touch with us, but we were out of range of any cell phone towers. It allended well.

“Meanwhile, back at the ranch, we had the pleasure of the Jay’s company this past week. Judy is a member of the DAR in Matthews County. She is the president (called ‘regent’) of her District in Virginia and came to Roanoke to attend their annual State convention. They stayed with us Thursday and Fridaynights and then went on to the Hotel Roanoke. It was good seeing them again and having some time to catch up on how they are doing.”

The Jays, Telfords and friend.

Dick Carr followed up with reports on two separate trips. “Last September we went to the most famous of all passion plays: Oberammergau! What a fantastic presentation—800 actors not counting animals, presented five times week to an audience of 5,000, May through early October. Everyone in the village is involved. Our interest stems from the fact that Jean wrote, produces and has directed the passion play in our church for the last 9 years. We’re up to 80 actors. I play Pontius Pilate.

“Then in Dec/Jan we spent nearly a month in India and Nepal. It is difficult for Americans in the 21st century to get our minds around the customs of India: caste system, arranged marriages (95% today), outdoor public cremations, etc. Poverty is evident everywhere (900 million oftheir 1.2 billion make less than $2 per day) but the people are friendly and hap-

py. It was a joy to be in the small villages with them. Highlights besides the Taj Mahal included seeing a tiger in the wild in a preserve and flying in a small turbo prop up next to Mount Everest. Nepal is a beautiful country.

“Dennie and Trude See have joined the ranks of our classmates who have noticed it is cold up north. We had the pleasure of spending last weekend with them in their great new winter digs in Vero Beach.”

Finally, Art Elser sent me this harrowing cautionary tale, which should be of interest to all gentlemen of a certain age:

“On January 28th, as I was just starting out on a 5-mile hike to count critters out at the Plains Conservation Center in Aurora where I volunteer as a naturalist, I had a massive heart attack. Turns out that, in spite oflots of exercise and pretty healthful meals, I had a total blockage of one coronary artery and about 90 percent on two others. I had no prior symptoms that would point to a heart attack, so I was as surprised as anyone.

“I was fortunatethat I had just started out and walked back to the office and asked them to get an ambulance. The EMTs had to shock my heart twice on the way to Parker Adventist Hospital, and they had to shock me four more times in the ER. Once they got me stabilized, they did an angiogram and placed a stent in the totally blocked artery. Then they did a ‘Hypothermia Protocol’ in which they cooled my body down to 91 degrees and left me there for a couple of days before they warmed me.

“I wasn’t yet recovered from that when they had to put me under again because they needed to do an MRI to check on my brain function. Seems a nurse overstepped her authority to tell Kath that my brain waves were flat and I was a vegetable. Well, that obviously wasn’t the truth, so the hospital had to do the MRI to avoid liability, even thoughthey knew from an EEG that my brain was OK. So I never came out of the medically induced coma I was in before they put me down again. All this time I was listed as ‘critical but stable.’

“All that went well and finally on Wednesday, Feb. 2, I regained consciousness. After all those sedatives and anesthetics, I hallucinated most of that day, seeing little metal flying critters in my room and at the nurse’s station I could see from my doorway. I also couldn’t sleep because every time I closed my eyes, a TV type newsreel started running on the back of my eyelids. It was a really weird thing.

“The next day they transferred me to University of Colorado Hospital at the Anschutz Center in Aurora. On Saturday, Feb. 12, they did a triple bypass on my heart, which is now, thankfully,beating away nicely. I got to come home on Feb. 17th.

“I am now in the middle of my fourth week of cardio rehab eight weeks to go walking the treadmill and riding the stationary bike. I’m also walking on the non-rehab days and have increased my mileage to 2 1/2 miles a day. When I got home from the hospital, I could barely make it a halfblock, so I'm making good progress there.

“Had a checkup with my cardiologist last Friday and he said the recovery process would take a year. At the end of that time, they will reevaluate my heart to see if we continue with meds or install a defibrillator.

“So, I’m fine and getting better each day. I’ve never been depressed,just really fuzzy from allthe sedatives and anesthetics I had. Kath said I was under for a total of 39 hours, including the time at 91 degrees in the ‘Hypothermia Protocol.’ I will be under some restrictions for the next year. The doc has allowed me to drive, but Kath only pulls the chocks to let me driveshort distances. And she’s got a pretty short chain attached to the rear bumper of my Forester.”

Thoughtfor the Quarter: He who hesitates is not only lost - but miles from the next exit.

AJ. (Rosie) Cler, Jr.

5423 Myrtle Wood

Sarasota, FL 34235-4624

Phone: (941) 371-4843

E-mail: RCtherose@aol.com

Class Web Site: www.usafa.net/1960

“Followingprecedent established by the Class of 1959, Class President Andi Biancur proposed to our Colorado Classmates that we procure second lieutenant bars for the Class of 2010 and present them to each graduate at commissioning ceremonies during June Week,” wrote Denis Walsh, who was a member of the team working on this project. “Tony Bilello and Jim Bujalski volunteered for the design and procurement of these mementos, and a group of classmates performed the assembly in April 2010 (the top portion of the photo shows Tony Bilello, Dick Sexton, Ron Yates, Bruce Mosier, and DL Walsh performing assembly of the bars). Tony and Jim designed a beautiful and eloquent plaque which had detachable bars and included both class crests, with these words: ‘Presented by the Class of 1960, in recognition of adherence to the highest standards of the United States Air Force Academy and to continued service to our country.’

Sabre Society Donors

“Each of the 40 cadet squadrons had their own individual ceremony, at a different location, and all squadrons did the commissioning ceremony in Mess Dress on 25 May 2010. Andi assigned a time, squadron and location to our classmates, and there were two shifts of presenters, which included Andi Biancur, Tony Bilello, Jim Glaza, Leon Goodson, Roy Jolly, Wayne Kendall, Bruce Mosier, Fred Porter, George Pupich, Pete Roe, Gordon Savage, Dick Schehr, Dick Sexton, Jim Waddle, Denis Walsh, and Ron Yates; from ’59 were Larry Fortner, Max Miller, Ed Montgomery, Brock Strom, Pete Todd, and Chuck Ferrari, while Terry Storm from the Class of 1961 also helped. (In the photo, Chuck Diver is shown presenting bars to Rhodes Scholar Brittany L. Morreale, Class of2010).

“We planned for 1,100 graduates and actually presented 1,003 on 25 May 2010, andawarded bars to an additional dozen who graduated and were commissioned later; it was nearly a year beforethe final presentations were made. Superintendent LtGen Mike Gould (76) offered his personal appreciation, and stated that other key USAF General Officers expressed approval of our undertaking.” (As a final note, Andi has secured assurances from the next five classes that their classes will continue the practice of giving out the officer insignia at their commissioning ceremonies.)

“I’ve been separated from the class except for the first reunion and recruiting Gary Gulbransen and Susan as summer crew on our powerboat, Balding Eagle, going to and returning from Montreal.,” wrote Bill Siebecker. “We’ve made a decision to hang it up after nine years on the St. Lawrence Seaway, what with 15 locks each way and human aches and pains that make it less of a joy. We started cruising in 1990 and it has greatly enhanced our lives, what with all the wonderful people we’ve met and boated with and places visited. My outstanding First Mate, Nancy, has suggested that there was more to summer than boating. She is diligentlyworking on learning French, so Paris will undoubtedly be one of the world cities that we visit. Nancy has an undergraduate in pipe organ performance from Lawrence University, and a Master’s in choral workfrom Michigan. She gave up her church director of music position after 20 years and now performs concerts and recitals in Wausau and the Sarasota (FL) area, where we have a condo on Longboat Key.

“Our youngest daughter, Ann, is a CPA, and works for the Carlyle Group in Washington, DC; Jill, our older daughter, trains and breeds dogs. I’m

working about half time at Wilson-Hurd, mainly trying to stay out of peopie’s way and concentrate on capital, strategic planning and direction. We have an office in China and an engineer who speaks English very well to work on new sources and implementing new applications. Our biggest supplier of custom printed switches is in Singapore, and I have an ownership interest along with a German company that has other manufacturing businesses in China, which I visit twice a year. Our biggest opportunity is an electrocardiogram (ECG) Glove to replace the ten wire leads on the standard ECG machine. We developed the design from their prototype, and through designing an automated process that also meets FDA quality requirements, reduced the cost to be a practical application in the market place. We’re concentrating on the medical market and serve 12 medical equipment manufacturers. Our traditional business is printing and fabrieating aluminum and plastic sheets.” (In the left photo: Nancy with baby tiger at Thai Phuket Zoo. Right photo: Bill and Nancy, Phang Nga Bay, east of Phuket.)

“Again this year, MiniSki XXI2011 started offwith a bang on President’s weekend,” wrote Andi Biancur. “As it turned out, Utah experienced the ‘Perfect Storm.’ On Saturday, Utah received 12 inches of new snow, only to be repeated on Sunday with another 12 inches. On Monday, the weather broke clear, andresulted in every skier west of the Mississippi heading for the slopes. To avoid the ultimate traffic jam in the two smallish canyons on the west side ofthe mountains, we diverted to the Park City side, where we found record crowds but were able to get in a full day of skiing.

“The remainder of theweek returned to normal with more snow on Thursday and Friday which produced great skiing across all the venues. The crowd consisted of: Greg Boyington with June, daughterTiffany, sonin-law JeffLippa, grandson Reef; Andi & Carole Biancur; Howie Bronson; Jerry de la Cruz, daughter Anna Marie and granddaughter Sophia; Jim & Jeannette Glaza, Les Hobgood, and son Mike; A1 Johnson; Ralph Lalime, and son Chris; Bruce Mosier, daughters Debbi & Carrie; George & Diana Pupich; Earl & Pat Van Inwegen, daughter Kristen & friend Julie; Ron & Connie Yates; Gene & Jane Vosika ‘59; and, Bruce & Pat Hinds ‘61. With any luck, in 2012 a leap year we will avoid President’s weekend with MiniSki XXII beginning on 25 February.”

“Rosie, I would like to share with you the wonderful evening Sylvia and I spent Sunday night entertaining the Nogars in our home,” wrote Gary Sheets. “A year ago this week, Gay was operated on for cancer in her right hip. The cancer was so pervasive that they had to remove extensive bone in the hip and leg femur. As a result, Gay has no leg/hip connection, and she is unable to use her right leg. Ed must carry her to the bathroom and lift her into bed. They did get a new van and had it modified to enable drive-on and drive-off of a motorized wheel chair. It also provides a secure locking device so Gay can travel in the wheel chair, next to Ed. Their attitudes are amazing positive and absolutely devoted to each other (Gay has also retainedher inner and outer beauty, and is an absolute delight to talk to). We also understand that Bill Taylor has moved to our area, hopefully, we can get together. There is a North Texas AOG Chapter, but it is not very active. Perhaps we can get a Plano Chapter, for there are a number of graduates in the area.” (Gary and Sylvia Sheets live in Plano, TX, and their E-mail is: garydsheets@verizon.net.)

Visit www.usafa.net/1960 to view our “April 2011 Web Column.”

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY!

YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL (719) 472-0300X200.

Sabre Society

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

Planning is well along for our 50th Reunion, 2-6 November.The reunion website http://www.usafa.org/reunion/1961/1961.aspx and the Class Website http://usafal961.org/products.htm have the latest infermation. Hope to see all ofyou in November.

We should keep Jim Cassidy’s son, Jim; Gene Hopp’s wife, Annette; plus Art Kerr, and their families, in our thoughts and prayers as they deal with health issues.

The Class of 1961 DC Bunch met for lunch on 5 April at the Springfield Country Club in Northern Virginia. John Kohout, Charley Dixon, Hector Negroni, Bill Foster, Bill Stackhouse, Lowell Jones and Jack McDonough attended.

Mark and Ginger Anderson have a new goal: visit more National Parks. In mid-April they took a five-day swing through Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks in Utah, as well as the Grand Canyon and a side-trip to Sedona in Arizona. They give kudos to the Park Service for the quality of the facilities and the cleanliness of the grounds.

Bill Aylsworth had both hips replaced in 2009 and spent 2010 recovering and experiencing utter futility trying to regain his tennis game. A detached retina has alreadyrequired two surgeries, with a third operation needed after his eye has healed. Doingthings with full vision in only one eye has been less than fun. Still, Lil and Bill are both blessed and doing well.

Pat and Marilyn Buckley have been busy these past few months: two trips each to England and Spain, plus a trip to Brice Jones’ Telluride ski chalet to join Brice and Sally, Jimmy and Susan Poole, Charlie and Lynda Neel, Neal and Gwen Westbrook, and Sam Barazzone for five days of fun. As of this writing, they were in their new home in Velez-Malaga for HolyWeek processions and a short visit from Gene and Judy Davis. They planned to be in Albania on 27 April to attend the Dedication Ceremony for the new Nene Tereza Airport Tower and Air Traffic Control Center and return to Satellite Beach, FL, on 2 May to prepare for visitors.

Doug Cairns relishes the monthly Alabama GrayTag golf matches with Steve Ho, Ron (Reb) Jones, and Jimmy Poole at select, high-class golf courses around Birmingham and Montgomery. They invite you to join them when you pass through.

Jim Darnauer is enjoying retirement but has barely gotten started cleaning out 30 years of accumulation in their house.Travel and remodeling have kept him and Joy busy. They have installed solar power generation and are one ofthe first owners ofthe Nissan Leaf electric vehicle. The pump price no longer concerns them.

Dick Davis enjoyed parents’ weekend at College Station visiting his son and his family. Dick has two grandsons in the Corps at A&M. Completing his junior year, the elder received awards for Outstanding First Sergeant and The American Legion Award for Military Excellence. He will be company commander next year. Dick is very proud.

Tom and Anne Eller, and Terry and Carleen Storm enjoyed each other’s company on a cruise to New Zealand, Tasmania, and Australia in February and March. The Storms also visited Maui and Honolulu, extending their vacation to about a month. Tasmania was even more beautiful than NZ. In earlyApril Tom and Anne visited the Wilhelms and the O’Connors in Tucson for a few hours. In late May all of Tom and Anne’s children and their families will be in the Colorado Springs area to celebrate daughterJulie receiving her MBA, grandson Barrett graduating from USAFA, and son Dr. Robert (Lt Col select) andhis familyPCSing to Lakenheath. In late July, Tom and Anne will attend Tom’s last AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialists Conference as chair of the AAS Space Flight Mechanics Committee.

Richard Fairlamb and Byron Theurer spent several hours during two days in March/Apriltelling old fighterpilottales, supplemented with hand maneuvering. Byron gave Richard a photo of the F-102 Upgrade Class from early 1962: Lieutenants Clair Carling, Dick Fairlamb, Rich Mayo, Bud McCollum, Smokey Stover, and Byron Theurer. Richard’s historical files had no pictures from that era. Byron regularly flies his Schweitzer I35. Both he and Pat are doing well in St. George, UT, enjoying life and the great Utah outdoors. Richard was en route to/from Springdale, UT, for his oldest daughter’s 40th birthday.

Lou Hablas’ son took him and his grandson Patrick to the Wednesday practice round of the Masters golf tournament. Patrick (10) had a blast.

Visit the AOGWeb Site: www.usafa.org

Kate and Lou have a pretty full schedule for May and June. In May they visit their children and grandchildren in Virginia. In June they head to New Jersey for a seven-day cruise to Bermuda. In October, they have a reunion with Lou’s six sisters, surviving spouses in St. Paul.

Bob and Judy Heriza thrive: Judy with her decorating business, and Bob working with two disabled clients. He did complete his Magnum Opus (Man’s Flight Through Life). At this writing, it was at the publisher’s, and he hoped to have it available during May’s Graduation Week. It definitely will be available prior to November.

After graduating from USAFA, Larry Hollie spent 28 years in the rated arena: flying, manpower, aircraft delivery, and staffjobs. His wife (Gloria) and three sons, Frank, Lee, and Andrew, accompanied him to his assignments in Germany, Colorado, Alabama, and Georgia. Frank is a retired AF Lt Col; Lee, an electrician; and Chief Petty Officer Andrew retires in May. After retiring from the Air Force in 1989, they all moved back to the Memphis, TN, area where Larry and Gloria bothstill had family. Larry was then a manager for four years, followed by 10 years with a non-profit organization that works with mentally challenged individuals. He completely retired in 2005. Gloria retired in January 2010 after 31 years with the Civil Service. Their travel is mostlyvisiting family. Gloria’s rehabilitation is going quite well, following a partial hip replacement last November after she fell the day after Thanksgiving. Both are in good health.

Gene Hopp’s wife, Annette, in mid-April had finished six weeks of radiation and chemotherapy and was waiting a few weeks for a final MRI and diagnosis. They thank everyone for the concern, calls, and cards. Annette has always been in awe of our particular “Band of Brothers.”

Henry Howe happilyreports that his wife will retire on 1 July 2011. They will look for a home closer to their granddaughter in Georgetown, TX, and in early July tour the Lutheran heritage sites in the former East Germany, where Henry’s security clearances would not permit him or his family to travel. Then to Colorado in late July for a Lutheran Men’s Gathering in Denver and a visit with Peggy’s father in Ft. Collins. They also hope to visit their daughter, the DO of a C-130J squadron, at Kirtland AFB.

Dean, Jo, Wayne, and Mary Jones linked up in Southern California in March for a week of golf in Palm Desert, followed by a weeklong visit with some classmates in Tucson, where they enjoyed the company of Paul and Marilyn O’Connor, Jim and Nancy Wilhelm, and Tom and Susan Conley. The Tucson Group and some friends hosted a wonderful evening at the O’Connors, complete with a beautiful Arizona sunset. Wayne and Dean also toured the Pima Air Museum’s large collection of military aircraft, some ofwhich they flew.

Terry Jorris PCSed to Space Division at Los Angeles AFB in 1983 to work the Strategic Defense Initiative (StarWars) program, retired in 1989, consulted for two years, and then joined SAIC, where he just received his 20-year pin. His older son is a PhD AF Lt Col at the Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB, about to deploy to Iraq. His younger son (degree in Economics) is currentlyjob-hunting in Seattle. Terry’s daughter is a Mechanical Engineer in a power plant in Wyoming. Since he is enjoying Southern California, he will probably retire there someday.

Bob Kellock and SamanthaCarlson are flying to Hawaii in July to watch the 10 days ofTranspac 2011 finishes together. Bob is progressing towards the opportunity to retire from Boeing withoutjust walking out. Samantha continues her studies in Health Information Technology to become a HIT woman.

After a couple of months in the hospital, and receiving many good wishes and being in the prayers of so many Gray Tags, Art Kerr returned to a home magnificently modified by Holly to handle his new wheelchair situation. Physical therapists have started to make calls at his home with the objective of helping Art move toward his first goal: abandoning his wheelchair. They are working on it.

Chess and Patsy Mizell’s highlight last year was a 17-day Mediterranean cruise visiting Italy, Greece, Turkey, Israel, and Egypt—highlighting Biblical sites. They spent four weeks at a timeshare resort near Acapulco, Mexico, this winter and plan to go to PuertaVallarta next winter. Living on a TVA lake, their summer activities are boating-oriented. Chess hunted in Tennessee and West Virginia, and fished in Tennessee and Alabama—all without without much luck. However, his luck changed fishing for panfish and crappie on Florida’s inland waters. Their three sons and their families, including 12 grandchildren, wall help them celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this summer. They look forward to our reunion in November, as well as the 20th the Fighter Squadron reunion in San Antonio just before our Academy reunion.

In March, John Moore enjoyedattending his great-granddaughter’s (his daughter’s granddaughter) first birthday party. John’s daughter (Kristy Kniest) is Boeing’s Director ofPresidential Airlift (responsible for Air Force One, Air Force Two, and fourteen other large-size Boeing aircraft). Vicariously John and his wife, Sherry, get small glimpses into the interrelation-

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ship between Boeing, the Presidential Airlift Wing, and the White House. Meanwhile, John plays a little pool or a round of golf with local Air Force retirees, including Jim Tulis, who lives three blocks away.

Hector and Joan Negroni enjoyed a family Caribbean Disney Cruise to KeyWest, Turk and Caicos, Cozumel, and Bermuda with their five grandchildren. Hector may require a week to recover.

Charlie Thomascommissioned his cousin’s grandson at Stevens Institute on May 21 st following which he was their guest speaker. Charlie and Gina then left for four days in Rome and a week in Sicily.

Tom and Judy Wilson returned from their five-week“SeniorCitizens” Spring Break in Siesta Key, FL, to snow and cold. Tom is working on establishing a Minnesota Chapter of the AOG and should have completed the initial organizational meeting by press time. Two of their grandchildren, Mick Powell and HaleyWilson, are about half-waythrough the Academy.

Thanks to all who contributed. Our online version provides pictures and more than twice the details.

John W. “Jack” Jamba

4 Judy Court

Satellite Beach, FL 32937

H: (321) 777-5520 0: (321) 861-6279

Cell: (321) 432-1370

E-Mail: jwjamba@aol.com

Hi Redtags,

It’s a beautiful day in Florida and we’re just two days away from the next-to-last Space Shuttle mission. It should be a good one. Three of the crew members are USAFA grads and one of thesmall experiments on board were developed by USAFA cadets and their instructors.

First off is a letter from Ron Taylor. “Retirement is finally here my wife’s that is! I had a strokelast Nov and nearly died. Five and a halfweeks in the hospital and then open-heart surgery (a 2nd time) to replace my mitral valve. So my wife moved her retirement up one year. After 22 years in the Army, she now has 9 years as a Methodist minister, and the age to retire. We are headed to Alaska for a two-month vacation in our new RV (31 foot Class C). It is a fully organized tour of 18 RV’s; pet friendly, so our dogs go too. Thanks for keeping us informed all these years.” Ron and Bobbie have new motor home and two Goldador dogs Kota and Abi. Thanks for the update, Ron. God bless. Stay well.

36-degree weather to really appreciate it! This was one of the last big ship cruises to Antarctica because of environmental concerns. We had lots of good weather usually foggy and low clouds in the morning, but clearing and beautiful by noon.” Thanks Randy. Super scenery.

Got an email from Gail Peck, to wit: “Jack, nothing really new to report from Las Vegas. All is well and Pecks, Butchkos, Altmans and Bows are still getting together every two or three months. Skied with Rip Blaisdell andTuck McAtee at Steamboat in March and ran into Lanny Lancaster and PK at Nellis when they were here for the F-100 Super Saber reunion. Both looked great.”

Also got a copy of an email that Gail sent to George Larson concerning our 50th Reunion. Take a read: “My brother researched some old family 8mm movies and sent me a DVD. It includes clips of our graduation including the throwing of the Red Hats. Old 8mm grainy but unmistakable! I haven’t been able to figure out how to copy the DVD or to extract the appropriate clips. If this stirs interest for the reunion let me know and I will get our graphics geeks at work to figure out how to get either a copy of the DVD or the clips to you. I’m not wanting to wish life away, but I am looking forward to Oct 2012.” I’m sure some ofyou know how to help Gail. Please do so. Thanks, Gail.

Got a dispatch from Jim Mack. ‘Hi Jack, I hope you have something from our Redtag cruise in February to the Eastern Caribbean. At sea with our “brothers & their Babes” on Valentines Day was a treat! Check the picture to see how many guys you can name. Connecting with old friends is a bit more special and rewarding in the cruise environment.”

Got an email from Randy Schamberger. Pictured are him and his wife, Lieu. “Ok, you talked me into it, Jack. We did a 36-day cruise from Rome to Buenos Aires and then spent another 6 days there. Our cruise included 5 days of cruising off the Antarctic Peninsula.I’ve heard the Antarctic described as the “Arctic on steroids”. That’s a fitting description. Photos can’tdo it justice. You have to be there with a 360-degree panorama and

In the bottom row from left are Hal Rhodes, Dan Pemberton, Jim Mack, Tuck McAtee, and Bob Keighery. Top Row: George Larson, Rip Blaisdell, John Flanagan, George Lyddane, Mitch Eckel and Rudy Bow. Thanks, Jim, for the picture.

Got this election plug from EC Newman which he sent to the Alumni group in North Carolina. “Folks, Peter Bobko ‘62 of Oak Ridge, NC wrote to the Society to advise that his son Kit, USAFA ‘91 is running for Congress in the 36th District of California. Kit’s uncle is Karol Bobko ‘59. We try to stay apolitical in our communications, but feltthat there may be friends or classmates who would want to be aware and take action as appropriate.” Thanks, EC.

Chuck Cheeseman sent me this epistle. “Tuck McAtee flew his SX-300 into Chuck Cheeseman’s home ‘drome at Spruce Creek, FL, to attend a gathering there. Chuck took Tuck for a nostalgic drive in a red ‘62 Healey before they had dinner together at the gathering. Tuck reports that the SX-300 group is flying as a gaggle to Alaska again this summer. This will be the third trip for some.” Thanks Chuck for the story and the picture.

The Class of '62 is currently raising money to support the new Center for Character and Leadership Development. For more information to participate in this Class Giving Project please contact Razelle Doherty at RazelIe.doherty@usafaendowmerit.org,

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Got an email from Pete after his return from a trip to Egypt.Very interesting observations and experiences. “Pat and I just got back from Egypt last Wednesday (Feb. 2). Fortunately the first 10 days went fine, and we were in Aswan when the troubles started. Our tour company, after a few days, chartered a 737 to fly us direct to Istanbul and avoid the planned return to Cairo. Cairo airport was a mess, and there wasn’t even enoughground crew to turn the flights that made it there in any reasonable time period. Some people tried to contact the US Embassy, but that was in vain I’m sure they were swamped and the Egyptian government had taken down the Internet and some cell phone service. We saw a few peaceful demonstrations in Aswan and a few tanks enroute to the airport but nothing serious.

“The few Egyptians that we talked with were all enthusiastic over the attempt at overthrowing the government and hated the police.Why?They complained about government repression, lack of political choice, corruption, and lack of jobs for the young (50% under the age of 25). They had great respect for the Army, however. They had no answer to the question to who should replace Mubarak or how a transition should take place. They also felt there was little support for the Muslin Brotherhood. They felt the US response wasn’t adequate to meet the people’s objectives and was too supportive ofMubarak.

“My opinion, for whatever it’s worth, is that Egypt doesn’t yet have the foundation for moving quickly into a democratic process--things like the rule of law, independent judicial system, open access to the media, willingness to compromise, effective legislative process, fair elections, etc. However, they could establish at least some ofthese in a period ofmonths to have elections in the fall. Whatever happens, many will feel that the US policywasn’t helpful in the process... Good to be back.” Thanks, Pete, Good first-hand report.

Hold on everybody! I have another message from Pete. “The fund raising campaign for the RTB Class Gift in honor of our upcoming 50th Anniversary Reunion is underway. If you have not yet received the mailing, you should soon. We are supporting the Cadet Character and Leadership Developmentfacilitywhich should be constructed over the next two years. It will be an impressive facility (check it out when you get the letter!) and provides the class with the opportunity to contribute to the education of future Cadets. Some classmates have already contributed and with the support ofthe entire class, the RTBs will play a significant role in supporting this impressive new facility.” Thanks again, Pete

Lastlythere is some sad news to relate. OnFeb. 4, Karen Sporysuccumbed to a massive stroke. A celebration of Karen’s life was held on April 13 at the Academy. Please remember Huck and their family in your prayers.

That’s it for now. Please send me any items you may have before the next deadline which should be in three months. GO REDTAGS!

Norman I. (Skip) Lee

63119 E. Cat Claw Lane

Tucson, AZ 85739-2058

Home: (520) 825-7980

Cell: (520) 241-3498

E-mail: 54wrs@msn.com

termined start time of either 1pm or 5pm and depends on the TV coverage (Versus). Kickoff on the 24th is set for 1pm. The tailgate should start around 10 am and then, following the game, cocktails, dinner and the annual cup turning ceremony at Arnold Hall. According to the guys working the Class Gift project we can expect to see a good working preview of the Class Gift Kiosks with the computers and software installed. See the photograph and short blurb below. Bottom line, we need an early afternoon start time to accommodate our preferred mini format and schedule so, for now, annotate your calendars for the weekend of the 24th and the 10th More details will be available in e-mails from Bob in a couple ofweeks. Recent turnouts at the mini have been growing each year so don’t miss the fun. Ifyou want to be on Bob’s e-mail list and get in on the fun give him your e-mail address. He can be reached at Telephone 719-481-9693 and e-mail bchayes@comcast.net.The graveside funeral service for Jim McDonald was held at USAFA Cemetery on Friday, April 8th Jim passed away on 22 July. His daughter, son, and daughter-in-law were present. Classmates who attended were Jim Olson, Drue DeBerry, Jim and Eileen Fain, Jimmie Butler, Jim Hauser, and Bob Hayes.

Class GiftTeamUpdate: As I write this edition ofthe Class News the Gift Team is preparing for their Springmeetingbeginning the 26th ofApril. Lou Matjasko sent a status report plus several photographs of the new Kiosks that were recently installed in Arnold Hall on the 6th of April. Lou wrote “The kiosks are constructed of matching cherry wood and integrate elegantlywith the design ofthe displaycabinets and the adjacent surroundings. Power is in place and computers and touch screens are installed. Gil Merkle loaded the software into the computers before they were shipped and he will commission them on April 26th to assure proper operation.” Lou added: “I can alreadypicture cadets and others huddled around each one taking in our Heritage Display presentation. There are sections on the Commemorative Cups, JFK cup, Pat Wynne’s ring, the Baldacci Ceremonial Cabinet, the Gyr, and our turning ceremony. Bob Hayes was able to be there with Doug Logue, who built our other cabinets [and provided these pictures]. Scott Saxon of the Arnold Hall staff and Paul Martin, the curator ofcollections, provided their usual top-notch support.”

2011 Mini-Reunion: It’s not too early to start thinking about attending the annual mini-reunion. Bob Hayes and I spoke about the mini-reunion and he says the Falcon football schedule works best for having the mini during the Tennessee State game on Saturday, 24 Sept. The aspen should be at their best at that time. The TCU game will likely be more competitive but that game, scheduled for the 10th of September, has a to-be-de

Kiosks are in place.

AOG Election News: My thanks to all who voted in the recent election. Many ofyou received an e-mail from me, via the AOG, about the poor voting turn out. A goodly number ofyou let me knowthey were accepting the action item to vote which was very encouraging. More than one person asked about the 25% quorum requirement for passage of amendments to the Bylaws. I remember discussions about this number from the Blue Ribbon Council (BRC) commissioned by the AOG Board ofDirectors. The BRC submitted its report in January 2006 and the AOG membership adopted the recommended Bylaws on May 4, 2006. The BRC’s charter was, essentially, to propose governance arrangements for a membership nonprofitorganization such as the AOG. Our Ron Fogleman was a member of the BRC. You can get the BRC report online by going to the AOG website: Click on About the AOG tab and go to Governance, then Bylaws. There will be a link to the Report just above the Bylaws heading. Alternatively, you can putAOG Blue Ribbon Council ReportJanuary2006 in Google and the link will come right up. It’s all easy reading and explains everything.

Wyman Harris sent a note reporting that all is well with them. He said “Gay and I just returned from an expedition to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Great trip!” That trip with Buenos Aires and Santiago as added stops is on my “bucket list”. He also took the opportunity to tell me about a new book co - authored byhis daughter Lisa McCubbin and United States Secret Service Agent Jerry Blaine. A best seller, The Kennedy Detail, JFK’s Secret ServiceAgents Break Their Silence, included a forward by, Jackie’s agent, Clint Hill. The Discovery Channel has produced

Chuck Cheeseman and TuckMcAtee infrontofthe SX-300.

a movie based on the book that can be previewed at http://dsc.discovery, com/tv/the-kennedy-detail/_. I went to Amazon and read a number of reviews ofthe bookwhich is exceptionally well received. As Wyman put it, JFK dominated the politics of our time at the Academy and early on after graduation; to such an extent that he is an honorary member of the Class with a cup, turned over. I think this book would be a fitting addition to each of our libraries.

Hank Hoffman just published a memoir of his military and civilian career. The book is titledAimingHigh, Memoirofa ColdWarVeteran, and covers Hank’s life through 30 years ofservice from the USAF Academythrough four tours of service inVietnam and on through a career as a test pilot. You can download the book in .pdf format or you can order it in hardback or paperback; go to AimingHighby Hank Hoffman in Biographies & Memoirs. When there you will see two books by Hank with almost the same cover. One, Playing With The Boys is, according to Hank, a family memoir, the other is military. The one you would be interested in, he says, is Aiming High. I read the book and it is classically Hank. You will be entertained, enlightened and, maybe, wonder who were those guys anyway?

Given the current events going on in Libya and the Middle East, and this being the 25th anniversary of Operation El Dorado Canyon, I thought the following photograph might be appropriate. Two of our classmates had a hand in visiting their old digs at Lakenheath in 2006 is a fitting memory.

TheVenk and Sam

A slight correction from last time is required. When I stated that Garet Nenninger, Barney Bartlett and yours truly served as FACs in II Corps, RSVN during 1967,1 mentioned that we all worked out of Bao Loc during that year but not at the same time. That was not entirely correct in that Barney and I overlapped each other at Bao Lac for close to three months.

most 300 dead, several thousand injured and thousands without homes. North Alabama is still without power, telephones or Internet, because the tornados destroyed the main lines. (Those great big steel towers were bent up like pretzels.) The gas stations have gas, but no power to pump it. Thousands ofvolunteers are now busy cleaning up. Unfortunately, in the hardest hit areas, there really isn’t muchleft to clean up.

Founders Day: Al Larson sent in pictures of the Founder’s Day dinner and the Distinguished Graduate award for Max James. Alnoted that both DGs, Max and Ralph Eberhardt, were from Fightin’ Fourth. Further, the speaker introducing Ralph was General Mike Ryan, formerchief of staff, also from Fightin' Fourth. Pictured below at the dinner are Bill Sieg, Pete LoPresti, Darryl Bloodworth, Max James, and Al Larson.

The Fightin’ Fourth at Max James’ Distinguished Graduate Award ceremony.

1 st Squadron Reunion: Both Steve Muller and Dave Neal sent in Pics of a 1 st Squadron reunion held in Fredericksburg, Texas. Dave said they had a great time. Pictured in the front row are Bob Haley, Steve Muller, Gary Smith, Dave Neal, Vern Handel, and Bill Skaer. Back row: Lee Workman, Ron Olson, Bob Inglis, Mike Miller, Skip Robinson, Gary Sanderson, Parke Hinman, and Jim Wheeler.

1 st Squadronforms up in Texas.

Luncheon, Somewhere out West - Julio Echegaray sent this photo to Doug Jenkins, who passed it on. The gathering was a luncheon on Friday 2/25/11, location unknown, organized by Carver Sears. Attendees in the front row are Roger Dunn and Julio Echegaray, Back row: Gary Ganong, Carver Sears, Dave Ammerman, and Jon Prenez.

That’s it for this time. Thanks again to all for their inputs and remember ifyou are as old as I am it is time to move forward to the next tee box and have more fun!

Bob Hovde

206 Walker Ave.

Huntsville, AL 35801

(H) (256) 532-3923

(M) (256) 348-9794

bob@hovde.us Alabama

FACs 1967

Sad News: The AOG just sent out news that Tom Rauk passed away on April 13th inWisconsin after a battle with cancer.

Final Chapter of ‘Now You Know’: In the previous installments, Bill came to the Academy, got sick and was washed back a class. He then started on what would be a long career of pranks that were so audacious that they still stand today as examples cadet ingenuity and daring. (Dave Neal sent along pictures of the “Banner on the Chapel” prank, but we’re out of space this quarter.) Bill’s story continues:

Chapter 3 - Billy returns to '64 and other mischief.

After the cadets played intramural sports on the athletic fields we all had to walk back to the dormitory. We Doolieshad to run. Doolies were not allowed to use the elevator. We had to climb flights of stairs. The upperclassmen would all pile into the elevators. I would wait on the 6th floor and when no one was looking, I would enter the empty elevatorand scramble through the hatch in the top of theelevator (they all have one). After carefully replacing the hatch, I would take over command with the manual override. I would take it to the first floor and pick up a crowded load oftired, sweaty upperclassmen eager to get to their rooms, relax and get ready for dinner. I would take the load all the way to 6, bypassing allthe intermediate stops. I would wait without opening the door until everyone got agitated. Then I would take it back down and open the door on a solid brick wall. I could see them a little through vents and cracks and I could hear everything. It didn’t take long before they got very frustrated and a little worried. The combinations were endless. Eventually, I would return them to the 1st floor and open the door. 99.9% of them would bail. I would wait a couple ofminutes and pick up a new load. It was addictive like playing Pac-man (which hadn’t been invented yet).

I validated a course and went to summer school. I took an overload and the Academic Board voted to allow me back into the class of ’64. As far as I know I’m the only cadet to get turned back and returned.

I went out for the football team. I was so ignorant; I didn’t even know you were supposed to be recruited in high school. IfI had known, I could have gotten a scholarship. I was one of the bigger players at 200 pounds. As an offensive tackle I was playing across from guys almost twice my size. I remember one behemoth in particular. I was quicker and more agile. He rushed a pass play. I hit him low and hard and he crumbled. He came backthe next play and hit me with a forearm that broke my helmet and my jaw.

I appeared to be a jinx on roommates. Clyde Gregory flunked out first semester. Pat Boyle flunked out second semester. William Palikainen was a moose of a guy; he died of a heart attack in 1965. Pat Hardee was a Mormon. He didn’t even drink Coke. He died of cancer in 1987. Roger Laws decided he would rather get married and resigned ratherthan room with me. I lived alone more than one semester. Fred Olmstead was about the only one who survived and thrived.

One night that I would like to forget, Hardee and I planned to tape footprints across the side of the academic building. Hardee went over the side first and got a couple of footprints in place. He came back up and complained that it was too hard to hold onto the rope while balancing and handling the cutouts andthe tape. I should have better understood the situation. Ifthere was anyone qualified for this job, it was Hardee. His nickname was Spider. But it was my turn so I went over the edge. In retrospect we should have made a harness and swung down, but we just tied a noose around our midsection in case we slipped. After I put up a couple of footprints, I decided to abort. Unfortunately I didn’t have enough upper arm strength left to get up. I was hanging 5 stories above the ground. I outweighed Hardee by over 50 pounds, so he wasn’t capable of pulling me up. We decided he would go back to the squadron and conscript enough mass to pull me up. Meanwhile I’m hanging helplessly and my safety noose is slipping and cutting me in half. Finally the cavalry arrived. Hardee had brought John Galbreath and Ray Lennon (two of my football buddies) and Al McArtor (the future head of the Federal Aviation Administration.) They hauled up my limp bodyeffordessly. In the meantime the Duty Officer had arrived at the base of the building. Apparently he heard me screaming like a little girl. He was yelling up “You men stay there until I get up there”. We were all yelling “Yes sir” as we ran and limped back to the dorm. I never got caught and I graduated proudly with the USAFA class of 1964.

Histories: That’s it for Bill’s story. Go to the Class History site to read more about your other classmates.

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Hello Silver Tags! Since the last issue, we lost another of our beloved comrades. Mr. Ronald Miazga, CS-12, passed away March 3, 2011. He attended Fairfield Prep in Fairfield, CT, and helped lead their undefeated football team to the 1960 State Championship. Ron (aka “Bowaz”) played 4 years of Falcon Football (including the 1963 Gator Bowl) and was consistently named to the Dean’s andCommandant’s lists. After serving as a KC135 pilot, he left the Air Force in 1970 and pursued careers in marketing, sales, human resources and consulting. He last resided in Lynnwood, WA and was buried at the USAFA Cemetery.

Remembering and honoring the passing ofUSAFA graduates, I think, is an important function. I feel the ceremony in the Cadet Chapel is moving and appropriate. However, I’ll never forget the memorial at our 20th reunion. We gathered on Saturday morning below the terrazzo overlook. Fog was so thick we could only see about 20 feet. The CadetWing marched out and (I’m guessing) formed up somewhere in front of us. Then they began to call out the names of Cadets who had passed away in the previous year. As names were called out, the squadron to which the deceased had belonged responded, “Absent, Sir”. After the last name was called out, a bugler, unseen in the fog, played “Taps”. Afterward, it seemed all of us had colds and were sniffing, wiping our eyes, and blowing our noses. It was extremely moving and I think there could be no better tribute, when I pass, than to be remembered by my squadron and hear “Taps” played for me. As I said, I feel our remembrance ceremony is very well done,however, I think it would be a great tribute for the Academy to renew the Saturday morning ceremony. I’d certainly like my death to be noticed, not only by classmates, but by the entire CadetWing. I think current Cadets would also like to think they will be remembered not onlyby classmates, but by future cadets! Ifyou have an opinion, please let me knowwhether you feel this would be an appropriate remembrance and tradition for the Academy. Please send commentsto my cell phone or e-mail address.“You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.” -George Burns

Given that I have not received much input from classmates for quarterly issues of Checkpoints, I proactively turned to “Facebook” to find photos and any other items I thought might be appropriate forinclusion in my input. Since Facebook members post info that anyone can see, copy, print, or use for whatever purpose, I’ll use whatever I can find there. For those who haven’t yet joined Facebook, Get with it! It seems to be the wave ofthe future --1 joined after being accused ofbeing“curmudgeonly” and requests from kids and grandkids. You can post info, photos, talk, and virtually anything else within proprietary bounds. If you do, I can find you and cut and paste stuff for my inputs (as I have in this issue). The Academy’s “In Circle” site is also available for entering info.'There is nothingsafer thanflying it’s crashing that is dangerous”. --Theo Cowan

The following is Mike Krause’s “In Circle” in the “’65, Best Alive” section: “The Air Force Academy Society ofWashington (AFASW) had their annual Founder’s Day dinner on April 16th. Three members of the Class of ’65 attended, escorted by their wives. They were Bill Kemp, Tom Owens, and Mike Krause. AFASW also initiated a Founder’s Daygolf tournament on the 17th. We expect to have both events in mid-April next year. Planahead.” “Although golf was originally restricted to wealthy, overweight Protestants, today it’s open to anybody who owns hideous clothing.” —Dave Barry

From Steve Finch: “We left from Beijing and stopped in Shanghai, China; Naha, Okinawa; Taipei, Taiwan; Hong Kong; Nha Trang and Saigon (Now officially Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam; Singapore, and ended in Bangkok, Thailand. It was wonderful to see the difference in the places in the ensuing 34+ years. One thing I noted on the ocean was the tremendous increase in the amount of sea lane traffic. In allthe days at sea, I don’t think we went a single hour without a container ship being in sight. The port at Tian Jin was several miles in length, and I counted well over 100 ships at anchor there. The international trade is simply mind boggling. When I was flying over these waters, ships were few and far between.” “A well-developed sense ofhumor is the pole that adds balance to yoursteps as you walk the tightrope oflife.” —William ArthurWard

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Steve and Sharon Finch at the Great Wall.

Vic Grazier and Joe Koenig were able to get some good tickets for the first “First Four” games of the March Madness NCAAs this year. Unfortunately Vic’s (JSC team got beat by VCU. But they can say they saw the very first team ever to go from "First Four” to "Final Four". In April Vic and Marsha were in the DC area for the birth of their daughter Claire s eighth child, Micah. He and his siblings 4 brothers and 3 sisters] may end up at USAFA some day since not only is Grandpa a grad but so is their father Bob Bohla, 87. “The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.

ThomasJefferson

Joe Koenig has been a volunteer supporter with a non-profit ministry that organized a prayer gathering on the local county Courthouse Square for the National Day of Prayer. He encourages everyone to get involved in some local volunteer effort. They can use the help and expertise, just ask Skip Cox, retired in Texas. He and Susan have been in San Antonio’s Master Leadership Program MLP) this past year. It’s a useful program for persons who want to be more involved in serving the community. The MLP class meets all day, bimonthly, to learn about key issues affecting San Antonio. At the end of the year, there is an engagement” session where local organizations recruit the new MLP graduates to serve as directors on non-profit boards. It’s an effective way to bring retirees up to speed and harness proven leaders while they still have energy.

As I Hope you’ve gathered from my previous comments, I now understand the frustration of my predecessors, as class scribe, at the apparent unwillingness of our class to send snippets of their life, adventures, travels, mini-reunions, whatever. I always enjoy the photos and antics of classmates and assume many of you do too. Gimme a hand! Please?!? “I sometimes wonder ifthe manufacturers offoolproofitems keep a fool or tuo on their payroll to test things. --.Alan Coren 'contributed by Dick Husemannj Bruce. ’65, Best Alive

Ryan Denny 1635 Mary Todd Lane

O'Fallon, IL 62269

H: (618) 624-4255

W: (314) 232-5117

E-mai: yanden@aol.corr

Greetings, Redtags! I've got a new exercise program - picking up grandkids. Some ofyou may have already discovered this plan, and its potential

benefits. If you pick up a 25-pound granddaughter about 50 times a day. and a 45-pound one about 10 times, you can really build up some muscles or kill your back. At the rate I’m going. I'll either be doing TV ads as the “old guy with muscles ”, or I’ll be the poster child for the Scooter Store. If vou don't recognize either one of those references vou haven't been readJ Cj

J ing your AARP magazine.

Speaking of old guys with muscles. Jim Murphy has been climbing mountains on his bike. Jim says that he read with great interest Dorsey Price’s report of riding 10.000 miles in 10 days on his motorcycle in our last class newsletter. Jim said that he was really impressed by this feat I was impressed that someone read the newsletter but he’s pretty sure that Dorsey is not the only baby boomer in denial. Technically, we are all a little too old to be "baby boomers”, but Jim has always been young at heart.

Jim then described a bike trip that he recently completed on a real, human-powered bicycle. None of that fancy internal combustion engine stuff for Jim! He rode the Bicycle Tour of Colorado, pedaling 500 miles in 6 days with one rest day climbing a total of 33,000 feet ofaltitude. The first day was 106 miles with 8,300 feet ofclimbing. The attached picture is at the top of one of two mountain passes he climbed on that first dayj. Jim says that his wife doubled up on his life insurance and tried to have him put away because she knew that his mind had slipped the surly bonds of reality but he survived this adventure. Jim said, “My congratulations to Dorsey. I wonder if there are any other crazy classmates like Dorsey and me out there. If so. maybe they’ll tell us about it.”

Jim Murphy looking pretty good forjust pedaling to the top ofa mauntarn

A small contingent of 66ers was present in the White House Rose Garden when President Obama presented the Commander-in-Chief trophy to the Falcon football team.

Ed Shirley, Terry O'Donnell, Randy Jayne, Gar/ Palmer and Hans Mueh were on hand to help the team receive the honor for defeating both Army and finallyj Navy during the last football season. The picture was taken just before the President and the football team came into the Rose Garden. Since Hans was with the team, he didn't make it into this picture. Gary said that “In a moment of exuberance or idiocy, while the President was walking amongst the football team and the crowd, I announced that we should all sing the .Air Force Song.” Once they started singing, it gathered momentum and the entire crowd joined in. Gary claims that he was not wrestled to the ground and pummeled by the White House military aides, but he is pretty sure that he won’t be invited back any time soon.

The Class of '66 is currently raising money to support the new Center for Character and Leadership Development

For more information to participate in this Class Givinq Pro < J

/-N. please contact Razeile Doherty at Razelle.doherty@usafaendowment.org, 719-472-0300 ext. 222.

Gary Palmer, RandyJayne, Terry O’Donnell, and Ed Shirley in the Rose Garden, doing their barbershop quartet version oftheAirForce Song.

Jerry Allen is finally retiring as the Commandant of Cadets at Virginia Tech and moving to San Antonio. He said that he was getting season tickets for USAFA football games, so it looks like he is planning on spending some of his retirement time in Colorado Springs. When we were in pilot training at Reese AFB, Jerry used to hop in his ’Vette every now and then and race up to Colorado. It’s a little further to C. Springs from San Antonio, but it just means he’ll have to drive faster.

Hopefully, we are all planning on spending some time in Colorado Springs this September, because Mike Heenan and a host of other classmates are working to make our 45th Reunion another great event. There have been a couple ofmailings, and there is information on the AOG website (www.usafa.org) under the Class Reunion drop down. Sign up and we’ll see you all there. Until next time.. ..Happy Landings!

Larry Wilson

13100 Pinehurst Ave. NE Albuquerque, NM 87111

H: (505) 291-8949

E-mail: Lwilsn628@aol.com

Greetings folks - as I compose this, tornado and other bad weather warnings abound in the Midwest, while New Mexico has drought conditions. Not a fun spring thus far.

There was a nice range ofinputs this quarter. First, a victory ofsorts, reported in the Colorado Springs Gazette: over the years, Ralph Palmer periodically bought a copy of the current year’s Contrails, which had for many years included the US Constitution. In 2006 he bought one, and noted that it was not there. Ralph was... not pleased, believing that “...without it (in Contrails) the next generation of Air Force officers and community leaders might not cultivate a proper reverence for the Constitution.” Ralph learned that the decision to exclude it was based on space and priorities: other stuff was retained while the Constitution, which took up 40 pages of the book, was cut. Ralph was “outraged,” and in 2007 he began a campaign, “...writing to fellow alumni and top academy brass... and (theAOG), which funds Contrails.” He even “.. .offered to pay for printing ofthe next edition (an estimated $20,000) ifit would include the document.” No change. He next directed his campaign to then- Superintendent Lt. Gen. John Regni, who “...agreed the document was essential to Contrails and would be ineluded in 2009. But when Palmer cracked open the 2009 edition he found the original 1787 Constitution, which lays out the powers of the federal government, but not any amendments.” Still unsatisfactory. So Ralph took his campaign to the new superintendent, Lt. Gen. Michael Gould, “...saying, among many other things: ’General, I’m veryworried about the future of our democratic republic many Constitutional limitations on our military are now defunct or badlyfrayed...

Success! “The academy sent a reply in early January that it would provide the Constitution in pamphlet form to every cadet...” and subsequently “.. .said it would restore the full document to Contrails.

While Ralph is pleased, his response was tempered a bit: “My knees won’t do it anymore, but otherwise I’d be dancing in the street,” he said, but cautioned. “I’m a lawyer; I will believe it when it is actually done.”

From Pat Dowling: “Eleven members of 13th Squadron got together to watch the Falcons beat Navy in October. The next day the whole gang drove down to visit the widow of Gary Lorenz at their ranch in Cotopaxi, Colorado... It was a great win and an even greater party afterwards.”

From Brian DeLuca in Seattle: “I couldn’t let that Dirty Job photo (Art Tait) go unchallenged! For several years now, I’ve been a supporter/escort of the USAFA Boxing Team for their annual Seattle visit in January. The Team is the Prime Attraction at what is known as The Main Event an annual JanuaryBoxing Invitational Match at Seattle’sWashington Athletic Club. I suit up and join the Team for their weekend’s events. As a consequence, I have had to occasionally had to “take one for the Team” as the attached photo shows. The Ring Girls insisted that we have a photo taken together, so I overcame my shyness and succumbed... I was about to throw a hard right, but something blocked my arm.”

Caption: Brian DeLuca,fighting the goodfight!

Brian works for Boeing, on the Boeing American Tanker Team, helping development of the 767-derivative KC-46A for our USAF Tanker Fleet. “...Here at Boeing/Seattle, USAFA has a significant presence on this team (with) ...other USAFA Alumni contributors at our other Boeing sites, as well. Still making time for skiing locally and with air travel to The West and Canada...”

I had occasion to attend this year’sWing Open Boxing Championships

- first time since our cadet era. While the events themselves seemed much like the olden days, it seemed to me that the atmosphere had changed to much more of a “Hollywood” theme, particularly noted in the cadet announcer’s wearing a tux, with a ringmaster line of chatter, and - ta da - round cards paraded around the ring between rounds by comely females, in non-uniform formals. These young ladies were all noted to be cadets, student-athletes whose credentials included marathon running, sky diving, track and field, etc. Their introductions were fascinating, including their participating in such activities as “poetry reading,” “supporting world peace,” “cow tipping,” and “mud wrestling.” One ofthe cadets was announced as having a “1 V2 -year-old baby - and doesn’t she look great!” I understand that some or all of this chatter was intended as humor. Hmmmmm.

Sabre Society Donors

CS-13 gathering at the Lorenz home,following the Navy game. Roughly front to back are Ron Morishige, Beau Crosby, Rick Schmidt, FrankBlaha, Fred Milanovich, Ross Leonard, DaleHoekstra, Thom Evans, Buz Carpenter, Mark Stugartand Pat Dowling.

Others of our class I saw there included Jack Fry, Bob Muldrow, and Roger Carleton. Bob sent out his impressions of the Wing Open in his regular email and I won’t repeat it here, other than to comment on the changed fund-raising aspect ofthe event: in years past the Wing Open independently raised money for a range ofworthy activities. This year there apparently was a legal ruling that all the donations had to go to the Air Force Assistance Fund, rather than directly to this year’s chosen activity, the Wounded Warriors. Some restrictions were placed on the methods of receiving the donations. As a direct result, or not, this year’s Wing Open donations were down significantly.

From Roy Miller, describing the Academy’s recent Leadership symposium: “...always outstanding and this one was no exception... Lots of nostalgia classes in Fairchild Hall and Arnold Hall, lunches in Mitchell Hall, meals and drinks at the Falcon Club, athletic matches (Tennis & Hockey) at the Field House, lodging at Rampart Lodge, hikes around the monuments at Doolittle, etc... Many fond memories.” From a separate note from Roy: I was visiting the local Arabian Horse show in Scottsdale when a press photographer friend offered to take my picture next to a horse and rider that had caught my attention. I just happened to be wearing my flight jacket with extra patches (including my USAFA 20th Squadronpatch) and my Ron Paul 2012 cap Ron was an Air Force flight surgeon... Also.. .1 am wearing a Navy belt buckle that I got during a submarine cruise... on the USS Houston.”

Roy Miller and friends

A variety of sources have described a number of us and spouses who have had and/ or are having medical problems. Some of that comes with the chronologic territory. A word to the wise, and the less wise: take care ofyourselves and your significant others. Get the screenings that are appropriate for your age and gender, and your immunizations, and stop or cut down on your risky behaviors. We want to be around for a long time to come, to give good advice (ha ha) to our children, the AOG, politicians, and our successors in all things.

Alas myword limit has been reached. Take care. God bless the troops, and the United States ofAmerica.

n 111^7/^iMy u Sri pi /

Tim Davidson

9712 Hidden Valley Road Vienna, VA 22181-6094

(703) 255-5313

Fax: (703) 255-5377

E-mail: timd@erols.com

Class Website: www.usafa68.org

HELLO ’68! Attention in the Area! Hey you Baby Boomers! Time to stop thinking about yesteryear’s fabled times at the stag bar and amble, as you are able, with your new bionic hips and surgically replaced joints to your nearest Social Security office to sign up for Medicare. Can we really be that old?! And our spouses, significant others, children, and grandchildren collectively reply: “You betcha Senior Citizen!” Cue music fade-in with the Four Preps singing, “I was a big man yesterday, but boy you ought to see me now.”

’68 SALUTETO CHECKPOINTS EDITOR: As many classmates have mentioned over the years, our class column in Checkpoints has been a touchstone for latest class news, accomplishments, and days in the lives of very dear friends. It has provided a kind of glue that has bonded us together virtually, even though we may have been on opposite sides of the globe when we read about each others’ exploits. The gentleman at the helm, who massages our individual class columns into coherent articles for this award winning publication, is Tom Kroboth. Tom spent his early

Checkpoints Editor Tom Kroboth and Class Scribe years flying KC-135 tankers and has been at USAFA editing this lifeline to all Academy classes during both Mark Torreano’s and my tenure as your humble Class Scribes. So, after more than three decades of stellar service, it is my honor to send Tom a very sincere ’68 salute and our heartfelt gratitude for a job well done. [Editor’s note: Thanksfor the kudos Tim. A minor correction though. I did not “fly” KC-135s, but was a boom operator on them during my enlisted days. Started “booming” on KB-29s in 1955! Then couldn’t makeMaster Sergeant so they had to commission me to preserve my corporate memory (smile).]

’68FR HONORED AT USAFA FOUNDERS’ DAY BANQUET AND PARADE: As mentioned in my winter column, Ed Eberhart was named one of the two USAFA Distinguished Graduates for 2010. Several of the usual suspects from our gang mustered at our alma mater for the Founders’ Day banquet on 1 April and the parade on 2 April. To put the veritable icing-on-the-cake, we executed a successful rejoin at Carl and Debbie Janssen’s beautiful home in Monument after the parade to complete an outstanding weekend of festivities filled with tales of ’68 lore and legend.

During his banquet acceptance speech, Ed paid tribute to the Academy for the manifold opportunities it afforded him throughout his military and civilian careers and noted he was humbled by the significantrecognition and honor. He then expressed sincere gratitude to the Class of 1968 for its faithfulness to our nation and the camaraderie we genuinely share with one another. I believe it is fair to say we could not have been more proud of our stellar classmate and friend!

’68ers at the Founders’ Day Banquet. From left standing are Gene Rose, Gary Vasek, Al Blumberg, Bill Eckert, Dick Mosbach, Doug Wilson, Pat MeBride, Bob Denny, Steve Staley, Bill Maywhort and Tim Davidson. Sitting: Pat Russell, Frank Palermo, Rhip Worrell, Ed Leonard, Ed Eberhart, Steve Polk, Sam Bole, Steve McPhail, Bill Bowman and Tom O’Beirne. Not pictured: Mike “Fitzer”Fitzgerald.

By the time we arrived at Carl and Debbie’s abode, those who had been to the parade were easily recognizable by their sunburned faces and noggins. The co-host and sergeant-at-arms, Garry Dudley, greeted us at the door with his effervescent smile and manly handshake. In passing he noted “Torreano does not have a snow balls’ chance to beat me in the hand-stand competition at our 45th reunion.” (Scribe Note: And from Hawaii you could almost hear a “DeNiro-esque” reply from Mark in his best “Brooklynese,” You talkin’ to me, Dudley?!)

Another sound bite from our gathering included the very successful January release of a new best-selling book authored by Steve and Connie Staley titled FOCUS on College and Career Success. The book, several years in the making, instructs college students how to succeed in college and their future careers by using tools, audio visual exercises, and techniques that Steve and Connie have honed over their decades of experi-

Sabre Society Donors 38

ence in Academia. Congrats to Drs. Staley for their most recent contribution and life-long dedication to educating our nation’s college students.

While schmoozing around the living room, your Scribe caught up with Mike Parkinson. Mike and his wife, Marie, retired and moved their Beechcraft Debonair (and themselves) to Colorado Springs in September of2010.

Mike and Marie were married the day of graduation and have since moved 12 times. They completed second careers as academics after a stint practicing law together in Illinois. Their law practice included family law and both criminal law and prosecution. Their teaching experience ranges from teaching Illinois prison inmates legal research to advising Ph.D. candidates.

Both were on the faculty at Texas Tech, where Marie had a joint appointment teaching government courses for the Political Science Department and communications law for the College of Mass Communications. Mike had a dual appointment as associate dean for graduate studies and associate dean for faculty in the College of Mass Communications.

Since moving to Colorado Springs the Parkinsons have enjoyed connecting with classmates living in the area. Mike is a Founding Director ofthe Academy Endowment and does volunteer teaching for Cadet seminars. Marie says she is developing the fine art of“doing nothing.”

Throughoutthe two days ofget-togethers, PatRussellandI snapped a slew ofphotos which maybe found in full size and living color at our class website byclicking on “Reunions.” Please take a few minutes to check them out!

EAST COAST REUNION DATE SET: For those classmates and guests who are in the greaterWashington, D.C. area onl4 June, please accept a cordial invitation to attend the 2011 East Coast Reunion at Ed and Karen Eberhart’shome at 3444 Roberts Lane in North Arlington, V beginning at 6:30 PM. Should out-of-towners need a place to stay, please contact your Scribe for classmate lodging arrangements at your earliest convenience. Finally, RSVPs are requested by Ed and Karen by 7 June for planning purposes.

REESE AFB CLASS OF 70-01

REUNION UPDATE: At last count, 34 of 50 living UPT graduates from Reese’s Class of 70-01 and their guests are signed up to attend the upcoming reunion at the San Diego Embassy Suites Downtown Hotel from 13-16 October. If you plan to attend but have not registered your attendance, please contact Bob Daley or me.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: It is my sad duty to note the passing of our classmate Dr. Greg Varhall on 15 April from complications following a trip to the Pacific Rim three weeks earlier with his wife, Brigadier General Linda Urrutia-Varhall, ’84. Greg’s life was honored andcelebrated at the Old Post Chapel, Ft. Meyer, on April 26. He was laid to rest, per his wishes, at the Air Force Academy on 10 May. Our sincere condolences go out to Linda and theVarhall family.

THAT’S AWRAP: Mind the flak; keep ’em flying, and keep those cards, letters, e-mails, and photos coming in to Pat Russell and me. Please go to our Class Website to see photos included in this column in full size by clicking on Scribe’s Page. Ciao for now. Tim

SUM m iytj&jf/l

Lindsey Parris

616 King’s Cloister Circle

Alexandria, VA 22302

Home: (703) 836-3604

102177.1033@compuserve.com

Just this week, Dave Yost put the final touches on his 52nd consecutive quarterly report as CEO ofAmerisourceBergen. Nearly 14 years as CEO of a Fortune Top 10 company! Wow. Serious longevity for Dave, who plans to move on from the AmerisourceBergen helm this July, from a high-pressure job characterized in most companies by rapid turnover. Huge kudos to BrotherYost for touching so many lives in such positive ways with such superb leadership for so very long.

Our man in Alaska, Tom Case, is moving on from his position as president and COO ofAlaska Aerospace Corporation to become the next chancellor of the University of Alaska, Anchorage (UAA). Tom served previously as the dean of the UAA College of Business and Public Policy; in his position as chancellor, he will oversee the Anchorage campus as well as community campuses in five cities (e.g., Valdez and Kodiak) and several outreach sites, including Homer, Copper Basin, and Eagle River. Congratulations to Tom on the seamless moves from private to public to educational sectors, with top achievement in all.

On the other side ofthe USA, in Greenville, John Warner isVice President for Finance and Administration at the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and the Humanities. In that capacity, he has had occasion to synch up with State Senator Mike Rose, who has some state funding oversight responsibilities in this area. Isn’t it great when a plan comes together!

In Rockport, Texas, in the role of a public executive serving as its elected Mayor, is CJ Wax. CJ has had this position for nearly a year, and no doubt this lovely Texas coastal town is better off for having had a ’69er at the helm. Congrats to CJ and Susan for continuing their long two-ship career of public service, this time in the limelight and sometimes-fishbowl oflocal politics.

Chuck Hosmer is apparentlyflying bigjets for Air India, as he writes from Delhi to a cadre of ’69ers including Larry Alexander, Ray Haygood, Chris Hope, Bob Jones, Flip Keck, Pat Maher, Bill Maisey, Stan Mars, Jim Miller; Bob Rue, Bob Ruth, Val Scott, Blair Stephenson, Kirk Stewart, Denny Topper, Elton Humphreys, and Dick Padlo.

I had the pleasure ofplaying in the USAFA Founders Daygolftournament at Andrews AFB, with the benefits going to the USAFA Endowment. In the foursome were Skip Daley, still working with 3M, and Bill Dalecky, also keeping busy in the militaryindustrial complex. We won—but only raffle items that had nothing to do with the score we accumulated on Andrews’ West Course. As a trio, we were only slightly behind the individual raffle success of Ken Medlin, whose tickets were called so often he got more exercise during the awards presentations than he did on the course. Tip Osterthaler, Jimmy Cummings and Chip Ambrose, all strong volunteers, unfortunately had to bow out due to out-of-town commitments that arose something about working on 40-yard dash times in preparation for the NFL draft.

In late January, some ofthe usual suspects gathered for Roy and Lindsay Coppinger’s sometimes-annual get-together in Kona, Hawaii. Mike and Linda Beezley, John and Anne Buckner, Brian and Lizzie Nelson, Les and Connie Dyer, Bugs and Judy Forsythe, and a couple from Portland, friends of Roy and Lindsay, are shown below in the midst of the merriment. 11 thhour no-shows included Tom and Karen Fleming, Craig and Kathy Collins, and yours truly and bride. Much golf was played, many stories were told, some tennis balls were struck, Atlas Shrugged was vetted, and the evening dinners and libations so sublime that no trip to the volcano up near Hilo materialized. I hear Craig’s absence involved the requirement to place his trifecta bets in person (he picked VCU and Butler to make the semis, and Chari Schwartzel to win the Masters). You’ll note in the picture that Nels is atop a wooden step and almost on tiptoes just to be sure Dyer doesn’t tower over him. Is Les somehow continuing to grow taller while the rest of us shrink? Beware, Jimmy Love and Mike Thiessen!

Greetings, ’69! Though I am sure there is much news to report, comparatively little has filtered my way during this busy first quarter of the year. Cards, letters, e-mails, and calls are all welcome, 24-7.

MikeandMarie Parkinson on RetirementDay 2010.

Sabre Society Donors

Doing a quick turn back in Portland was Roy, who is one ofthe central planners of an annual February outing of some eight foursomes to Bandon Dunes (Oregon), at a time ofyear when the weather can be dicey and greens fees are low. Joining Roy for the fast turn from Hawaii was Mike Beezley. In addition, Craig Collins, his winning trifecta placed, was able to make the outing, as was Steve Cherry. The picture is historic in that it is the very first golfing shot in the Class of 1969’s section of Checkpoints that does not include John Buckner.

Steve draws the short strawforDesignated Driver Duty at Bandon.

Our own Schwartzel, the ’69er with the first name Gerry, and roommate Deni, have been traveling this year to destinations exotic (Argentina) and elite (Augusta, Georgia). Someone had to playAugusta’s 18-hole track into shape for the PGA pros, and Gerry sacrificed mightily to do his part four rounds worth!

Hope you all placed your votes for the AOG Board Membership and with regard to the proposed changes to the Bylaws. Thanks to Gary Howe for all his work in helping make the voting process so transparent and informative (readily accessible information on all Board aspirants) and tempering the hyperbole that characterized some ofthese votes and elections in the recent past.

Salutes and Best Wishes ’til next time. 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

Greetings Classmates! Remember thatphase“springtime in the Rockies”? Well there is no springtime in the Rockies! During March and April, the wind has been howling and gusting to 40-50 MPH almost everyday. Marilynkeeps talking about moving, but despite our doublewide being rocked violently by all the wind, the rest of the country doesn’t appear to be faring much better.

SawMike Lyons at several BB games. Bet many ofyou didn’t know Mike’s nickname was “Shot” because ofhis deadeye accuracy on the hardwood! Then again maybe it was because he could down more “Shots” than the rest of us. Bob Julsonnet retired from American a few years ago, and is living in the Ft. Lauderdale area with wife, Sharon. Phill Kolbe has written a couple ofbooks, both published by Dearborn, Investment Analysis for Real Estate Decisions, and Real Estate Finance, both of which he’s justifiably proud of. He’s down in El Paso. Don and Lendella Mills are expecting to be grandparents in Dec.

57

the Academy’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Mega-kudos Bob! One of my favorite people, Jim Conboy, will alsobe inducted. Jim was a real gentleman who loved his cadets andmade all of us better people with his gracious and caring manner.

Several classmates attended the Distinguished Graduate Award dinner to honor selectees Ed Eberhart and MaxJames. I am sure all of us rememberEd as a super cadet and one of those upperclassmen who we knew would be a success in the Air Force. Gary Dahlen and Seventy group sat with Christina Olds—Robin’s daughter. Gary said she is going to fly over in an F-4 at graduation. Christina is the author/editor of Fighter Pilot—a story about her dad based on his notes. Several classmates have indicated it is a great book.

Had some flashbacks watching the Falcon baseball team recently— thought I saw former Falcon stalwarts out there—Rex Levoy, Denny Hall, Chuck Weir, and All-American Dick Smithwick. Dick left us far too soon. He was a great classmate, roommate, and athlete.

Football schedule is out. We should have a great team, but October could be brutal. Away games at Navy, Notre Dame, and Boise State plus a home game with much improved San Diego State on Thursday night 13 Oct. I like our chances to crack the nine win mark, but will go with 8-4 and retention ofthe CIC Trophy.

By the time you read this, Bob Nieman will have been inducted into

Robin’s Legacy Lives On! From left areJackMueller, Keith Bennett, Christina Olds, Larry Bush, and Gary Dahlen.

It is always neat to get travel reports from classmates. Some guys obviouslyenjoy hitting the road. Larry and Marleen Bush went on yet another cruise before visiting California. Mike and Melissa Huber visited/spoiled grandchildren in Virginia and Texas. Jack and Margie Mueller also hit the cruise trail. Dahlens, Gilles, and Emerys hit the slopes too many times to count. I think they have cabins up there. They offered to have Marilyn and I come up—and stay in a tent they procured from the SERE crew. John Disosway has sent emails from over Baghdad, Auckland, Borneo, and places he can’t talk about or won’t while flying for Brunei Air.

Hope everyone saw the great article about George and Tom Rayl in the last issue of Checkpoints. As George will tell you, I kept him out of trouble during BCT because I wasan excrement magnet for getting in trouble. WC Weir kept me on track though with his motto—“You can never be too military.” Right!

John Rankin wrote to the editor of Checkpoints and said he read Waldo Dumbsquat before reading my class news article! Personally, I read the obits first to make sure I am still above ground. Seriously, I got to know Don Hall, the author of Waldo, when I was at the AOG. He really does a great job in capturing the humorous side of life at USAFA. If you have some ideas for him to write about, you should send him an email through the AOG. How about the following articles as a start: Moon over the Blue Fox Motel, My Four Years at the Kuchina Lounge, The Life and Times ofthe ArnoldHallRegulars, Secrets ofWinning the GhoulPool, Learning to Dance with Ella Raines, MyBlind Datefor(fill in the occasion), or The FinerPoints ofEtiquette - -What Mrs McComas Didn’t Teach Me. All other suggestions welcome and will be printed here!

We continue to get rave reviews for the Southeast Memorial Pavilion. We have raised a little over $100K in the last few months! We still need another $150K over the next year to reach our goal to do the interior ofthe building. Rick Puseman checked in with a great idea for raising funds for the class—more to follow!

GaryDahlen, at left, and TooeyEmeryrecentlypresented Lt Gen Gould, ’76 with a nice framed photo of the Pavilion.

Sabre Society Donors

We also wanted to honorA1 Burrell oftheAOG. A1 was the man who took all our ideas and made the Pavilion a reality. We can’t thank A1 enough for all he did for us!

&

Not pictured: Cas Casada and Tom Berry.

Seventy thanks Al Burrell for work on SEA Pavilion. From left are Gary Dahlen, The Phantom, Mike Torreano, Al Burrell

Condolences to John Soltis and his family. Marion recentlypassed away from breast cancer complications. All of us were glad she made it to the Reunion. One in eight women gets breast cancer, so ifyou are looking for a charity to contribute to this is it. It is a terrible disease as Marilyn and I can attest to from her experience over the past 18 months. Tony Marietta, Mike Lambert, and other classmates from CS-08 rallied behind John during his difficult time. Keep Jim and Debbie Mulford in your thoughts and prayers as Debbie is battling a serious illness.

Greg “John Dailey” Gilles and I teamed up to win the First Flight in The Masters Golf Tournament at the Academy. Wild Bill Stealey flew in and shot a smooth 78 while beating Greg Gilles, Mike Torreano, and me for medalist honors. I won the money and again took home the Sportsmanship Award for using a few expletives deleted after Wild Bill canned a 60footer. And he called it before hitting shot!

Heyguys—nobody offered to put me in touch with someone at a major defense corporation that had aircraft in SEA so I could approach them on purchasing a replica of the SEA map. Surely some of you can help on that. Please!

“It’s a Screw Job Seventy”—first me then Mike Torreano lose election to the AOG Board. Mike said, “Although I didn’t win election to the Board I appreciate everyone’s support and I’m proud ofmy Class!” We are proud ofyou Mike!

Have a great summer—hit ’em straight!

Paul D. Knott 5565 Lantana Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80915

H: (719) 570-9162

E-mail: pk71knott@gmail.com

I hope that you received Frank Morgan’s e-mail on the 40th Reunion preparations, and have added his “Presidential” e-mail to your Address lists. If not, put usafa71@gmail.com_ on your allowed list; it will have the information that you need. Go to the AOG website, under “Reunions” for the latest word as to what and when. Smart money as ofthis writing is on the 12th through the 16th of October, including the San Diego State game. Hal Sauer has two children getting married this fall, so hope that you can afford to make it, Hal.

Andy Ceroni renewed ties with Ormsby Ford, one of his BCT roomies. Ormsby returned to Jamaica after graduation. He now is a translator and visual artist living in Montreal, Quebec. For more info or to get in touch your own selves, contact Andy or me.

Twelve of us grads plus four brides and a daughter were honored to join our Legacy class of 2011 for their 100th night celebration held at Mitchell Hall. This was an interesting mix of formal dining-in toasts to all the heads of state represented in the class and a head table including the Superintendent, the Commandant, the Dean, and their Class Exemplar’s daughter, Christine Olds - and assignment night. I sat with my graduation squadron, whose AOC and AMT NCO presented each firstie an overhead photo of their first assignment

base with no identifying data as an appetizer. After dinner and a short talk by our guest speaker, (the A/C ofAir Force One, an ’87 grad) the firsties received their initial assignments and welcome packets. Some ofthem head out pretty quickly. One guy at my table won’t be going to UPT until a year from now. Interestingly, none of us could remember just what our class did for 100th Night. Are there any inputs from the crowd?

If you haven’t been back to Mitch’s recently, there are a few changes. First, my impression is that they don’t use the Staff Tower at all. Second, the windows have shades on all three walls. Third, it seems that the class lights have been replaced by several large video screens in strategic locations. Someone had the clever idea of using portable partitions to close in the dining area away from the regular dinner meal attendees, who were gone by our meal time. The food quality had the same high quality that I remembered. Since Michelle’s ice cream parlor downtown has closed, the closest equivalent that one will find in town was the “Mitch’s Mountain” that they served for dessert.

Gene Kraay, Jim Hogan, and Jon Greuser, all ofTucson, had lunch together recently. The Hogans and Kraays also had dinner at Jon’s home. Evidently Jon is, in Geno’s words, an awesome cook. (Who knew?) By the way, thanks to Jim for being Tucson AOG president.

Andrea and I had the pleasure of having lunch with Harry and Cindy Davis at a local Mexican restaurant. They’ve moved to Ohio to be nearer to family and grandkids.

GBA

Bob Bell 13 Pacific Ave.

Sinking Spring, PA 19608 (610) 678-3182/Fax: 678-4513

E-mail: rabell767@aol.com

Gentlemen - This will be one of the shorter columns you have read recently. In fact only one message has come in for you this quarter, with a few other items that will be added.

That one message was to report the ongoing efforts of our own David Tumino in the Lone Star Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s 2011 BP MS 150. David is completing his 10th year participating as a bicyclist on a 2-day, 150-mile ride in support of the fight against MS. Once again he has joined the team of Country Singer ClayWalker, BAMS, or Bike Against MS, and because of his own ever-growing fund-raising efforts, David’s position on the team has moved up from 123 out of 300 last year to 45 on the list of 300 this year. Last year he was responsible for raising $14,600 for the cause, which drove him to raise the bar even higher this year to a goal of $20,000.

Now, as you read this, the actual event has already taken place - it took place from 16-17 Apr 2011 on a route from Houston to Austin, TX. Here are some further details on the efforts to support a cure for MS - in 2010 over 12,000 riders participated, raising over 16 million dollars, adding to the accumulated total for the 27-years it has run an amazing 131 million since 1985. Especially significant is the fact that a full 83 cents of every dollar raised

and Gary Dahlen.

100th night attendees from left are Bill Blumberg, Linda

Pete Blake, Jennifer & John Severski, Andy Ceroni, Lance & Brenda Miller, Scotty Bowen, John Young (’69),Jo & Mike Hite, Chris Brims, Scribe, andJohn Kotura.

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37 Sabre Society Donors

38

goes directly to the research for a cure, a very effective use ofraised funds. If you care to donate (any amount is still gratefully accepted) you still can do so. To support David’s seemingly single-handed efforts at raising funds, just go through the national MS website and insert his name as a participant. Thank you, David, for your continuing work on behalf of those who need this breakthrough and the cure!

Another significant event taking place was the AOG vote which will no doubt be addressed elsewhere in this issue of Checkpoints. Our own Pat Garvey was a candidate for selection for the next term on the Board. Doug Brower is also keeping up with activity on our class’ behalf as well, sending out information as needed on various AOG subjects.

As we approach another milestone, the 40th year since our graduation, coming up in 2012, you might want to be ready to receive your planning information fairly soon. Ifyou have not updated an email address for the class to use, please consider making that possible as well.

Snippets in closing... I know that Russ Dennis recently retired from American out of Miami on the 737. (Not too many of us over-60 airline guys left out there any more, eh?) At my last American 777 recurrent training cycle, I was joined in class by Joe Gelinger, flying the 777 out of San Francisco. Joe commutes to work from Las Vegas. He also mentioned that Carl Puels was still flying with Southwest out of Ontario, CA, and likewise Roy Hendrickson, also with Southwest. Now all this last “news” from Joe is about nine months old, so it could have alreadybeen overcome by more recent events....

I also recently had the chance to chat briefly with John Wickham whether I helped with your question or not, it was still nice hearing from you, John.

Well, guys that about does it for this edition. I understand you’re all probably as busy as I think I am, so I will hope to get more news from out there on the next go-around. Take care.

Joe Kahoe

4140 Saddle Rock Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Cell: (719) 210-5568

joekahoe@gmail.com

http://73.texascomputerhelp.com

Class of ’73, news clips in this hard copy Checkpoints have been abbreviated, but your complete inputs are on our web site http://usafa73.org. VR, Joe Kahoe, CS-07

a wonderful job. John Duncan lives in Maryland and works at State in Washington. Sam Grier lives in the Springs, works for MITRE Corporation and has written several books. His latest book, 22 Lubianka Street, was just released. Drew Fetters is retired from an electric utility and does consulting from Carbondale, CO. Dave Fulk lives in California. Bob Glitz lives in his hometown of Des Plaines IL and works for AAR Aircraft Services.One of his daughters is at Providence College in Army ROTC and his other daughter is a 2-degree in CS19. Gary Hall lives in California and runs an environmental business. Bush Hanson lives in Sumter, SC and is an F-16 simulator instructor at Shaw AFB. His son is at Clemson in AFROTC.

Bob Hartman lives in California. Don Kanipe lives in Beavercreek OH and is an avid dancer. Ron Johnson lives in Tucson and flies for Southwest. Denny Maple lives in Phoenix and flies for Southwest. Jim Mateos flies 767s for American Airlines and lives in Dallas. Steve McCauley lives in Dallas. He has a son who is a USAF doctor. Fred McNeil lives in Memphis, TN and teaches Calculus in High School in Mississippi. Craig Patchin lives in Utah and is director of Shriner’s Hospital in Salt Lake City. “Randy” Randolph lives and works in Anchorage. John Rogacki lives in the Eglin area and is associate director of the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC). Tony Rogers lives in California. Steve Trent is a doctor and lives in Cheyenne, WY. Don Wetekam is retired, lives in Oklahoma City and is an Officer with AAR Corp. Don Ramm lives in his hometown of Chula Vista, CA, owns a T-34 Mentor which he and his wife, Tracy, fly and runs his own computer business.

John Kuconis: CS-19 reunion in Biloxi MS. I still live just North of Boston and work in Director’s Office at MIT Lincoln Lab. This list is unfortunately missing Vic Singleton, who passed away last year. Vic was a great friend...kind and compassionate. He is missed. Leo Aguinaldo is retired and lives in California. Erik Anderson is a consultant and lives in Tennessee. Chaplain Bud Blase retired in Fall 2010. He was the last CS-19 Class of ’73er on active duty. He is in San Antonio. His son is going to ENJPT after graduating from ROTC at Auburn. Chris Black lives in Atlanta and is a Delta simulator instructor. AJ Briding lives in Monument, CO and is a consultant. Dave Brown lives in the Springs and is still a practicing surgeon. Dave Brier lives and teaches school in Japan. Smoke Clark is a retired Delta Pilot, who lives in Atlanta, has several businesses, and coaches middle school basketball. Bryan planned the reunion and did

Steve Waller (CS-36): “It’s hard to believe we have been in one place for almost 14 years now. LSU and Baton Rouge, LA have been a good stop for us. I have been Director of Residential Life at LSU for four years and run on-campus housing responsible for 5,000 college-age children. Brian, our oldest, pinned on Major on Jan 1st. He started his maintenance officer career in 2001 and his first assignment was Ramstein AB, where he retired a C-91 had flown manyyears ago. His wife, Carrie, a full-time mom with a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old, is an award winning water color artist. Brian is stationed at AF Logistics Center at Gunter AB. Jon (USAFA ’02 and Major Select) is a C-17 IP at McChord Joint base. Jon and Sarah blessed us with a fourth grandson on Jan 31st, Joshua Charles. Jon and Brian are headed to Afghanistan this summer. Our youngest, Jason, graduated from LSU in 2007 and started that summer with a geology lab in Louisiana.”

Stalker Reed’s 60th birthday celebration and mini-reunionforSeagram’s Seven SQ. From left are Tom Grayson, Al Kinback, Mark Coffman, Stalker Reed, Bob Manson, Jimmie Amos, Al Nacke, Ted Munsch, and Steve Harman

Tracy (front seat) and Don Ramm (GIB) at Palm Springs “Gathering of Mentors’’ in March 2011 along with 13 other T-34 Mentors. Photo by Eric Van Gilder, www.vg-photo.com.

“37 Smilers” - From left are DougHulsey, Chris Young, Ed Heisey, Ron Hoskins, and GeoffMichael at a mini-reunion atWestPoint. GeoffMichael reports he is an AOG life member and “has never seen a photo ofthese guys appear in Checkpoints.”

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Class News

Susan Wigington: John started hiking the Appalachian Trail April 1 st at Springer Mountain, GA and hopes to finish the 2,181 miles through 14 states at Mt Katahdin, ME sometime around Labor Day... Go to Checkpoints web version for great trip photos and “the rest of the great story.”

Jim Callard: “Bernie Callaway and I went to a DarkAges party put on by Puget Sound chapter ofAOG. Bernie helped me move into a rental house in Anacortes. We plan on cruising San Juan Islands and points north toward Alaska this summer. Since Bernie was one of three squadron commanders of 10th SQ, which was honor squadron when we graduated, he was entitled to a lifetime AOG membership. They apparently had lost his address like everyone else did. He now gets his AFA magazine.”

Robert “RV” Mitchell: “I officially retired today from the AF Reserve. I retired from my job as a computer network manager for the State ofWyoming back in January, so no longer a wage earner. I plan to spend a lot more time sailing, motorcycling and kayaking. I’ve enjoyed retirement a lot and highly recommend it.”

Mike “Elder” Smith: “Amy and I are settled into a small apartment in San Diego, our home until May 2012, as we serve our mission for the LDS (Mormon) Church. We are working with military families, assisting them through challenges of military life in today’s world. One Marine and his wife have been married for 4.5 years and he has been deployed for over 3.5 year out ofthat time. You can imagine the stress on a new family. There are numerous families in similar circumstances. We are enjoyinggetting to knowthem and are grateful for the opportunity to serve them in some small way.”

Tom Kroessig is volunteering as an Ambassador Field Director for Promise Keepers in south Metro Atlanta where he is promoting unity among area churches.

Dennis Haugh: “There I was, with 3 men who had braved the slaughter on Iwo Jima and a ball turret gunner who had flown over Schweinfurt and completed his missions. I was in awe ofthese men.” Go to our web version for the full story and pictures.

Milton “Skip” Smith is an attorney in Colorado Springs. Son Josh, currently a freshman at Colorado College, is starting a three-year bio-tech program at University College London. Daughter Hannah is a high school junior. Wife, Karen, is finishing a PhD in Psychology. (Photo on web site.) Skip runs a scuba trip every year and Dave and Maria Barcus always go. Other grads welcome! This June it’s the Turks & Caicos. ssmith@shermanhoward.com.

Joe Brezovic

1209 Bayou Oaks Drive Friendswood, TX 77546

H: (281) 482-6860

E-mail: jbrezovic@comcast.net

Hello Classmates. Lean times all around the world, but it hurts most in your homes. I hope those looking for work find it! Those that are without it by choice, I hope you don’t have to find it! For those in industry, you may want to consider some multiyear programming (MYP) as espoused by Don Hoffman: “A no-brainer way to save money on defense items in lean times is through multiyearprocurements”, Air Force Materiel Command boss Gen. Donald Hoffman told attendees at AFA’s Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Fla. Those who object to MYPs are usually those who like to “diddle with programs every single budgeting cycle,” Hoffman said. But year-to-year funding plays havoc with costs because industry can’t plan workflow, raw materials, or workforce with any certainty. “I embrace multiyear assuming [the program] is ready, because it gives me that stability to execute,” Hoffman said. He added, “It’s been proven over and over again that it saves money.” There are threshold percentages of savings required to initiate a MYP, but “even if it saves one percent, we ought to do it,” Hoffman said, asserting that, “It’s not just the money you save, it’s the stability you put in the program.”

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Those keeping up with Stephen Lenzi, here is the latest photo from a celebration with Steve, Sam (19, glasses), Andrew (16), Suki. Steve showed the family around the Prep School last year. I recently noticed that the Prep School is still there, but sadly, the letters in the B Squadron windows are gone. The buildings on the other side of C Squadron are the new dorms for A and B.

At Disney World at Christmas.

One short note from Andy and LuAnn Galik. They live in the Houston area full time now. Last year, Andy retired after 29 years with ExxonMobil. I also have a Hello from Ron Garhart. As I understand it, he is inYorktown, VA, as a member of SAIC. Michael O’Connell is another short note sender. He is in Grand Junction where life is great. “Good snow in the mountains for winter skiing; now looking forward to another nice summer. I would recommend retirement to anybody. Plenty ofhobbies and volunteer work to keep busy. Best part is that almost everything I do is what I want to do!” John (wife, Karla) Brockman’s update showshe has been retired for a few years and is a business owner in Highland, IL. DaughterAngela is a Chili Manager; son Jeremy is USAFA ’03, currently a Capt serving as a C-17 Instructor Pilot at Charleston AFB; and daughter Stephanie is a Missile Launch Officer in training, soon to PCS to Minot AFB

I am catching you up with pictures as I can. Bill Yucuis, and Jack (JJ) Durran, I could not get this one in last issue.. .but here it is!

JJ and Bill at Buc’s Game.

Here is another picture from the Thanksgiving DC Dinner 2010 hosted by Blair Bozek. Phil Irish has the wide grin, Diane may be the reason - or it could be the reunion idea. (See photo at the top of the next page.)

I had the chance to walk around the AOG and cadet areas a few weeks ago. I wondered about not seeing mementoes that said Donated by Class of 1974. I learned that our donations as a class have been going toward the Leadership Training that started years and years ago. Our monuments are living and affecting others across the globe. Perhaps that knowledge will enhance your feeling of pride for our class?

Legacy note from Rich Bowman: The next Class of 2014 Legacy Project activity is now in the planning stages. The Class of 2014 will holdtheir Exemplar Dinner on 14 Oct 2011 at the Air Force Academy. The Class selected Lt Col JayZeamer, Jr. as their Exemplar. He won the Medal of Honor for

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Reunions bring reasons to smile.

piloting a B-17 mission in the South Pacific duringWWII. It's not too early to start planning ifyou’d like to attend the dinner and sit with your graduation squadron. The Falcons are playing a home game against San Diego State that weekend as well. The game is currently scheduled forThursday night, 13 Oct. The AOG will be taking Exemplar Dinner signups on their website starting about 6 weeks prior to the event. I’d love to see a great turnout, so get some of your old squadron mates together, plan a minireunion and I’ll see you in Colorado Springs in October.

Three classmates,William P. MurrayIVfrom Lockheed Martin FtWorth, Dave Hoglund in Grumman Palmdale, Dave Daley,Washington D.C., sent me the following information. Word spreads far and wide! Thank you all for keeping the commlinks working. I very greatly appreciate everyone’s efforts to keep us connected.

Another classmate now rests in peace. Those attending the last reunion heard him speak at the cadet chapel for our 35th Reunion Memorial Service. Robert E. (Bob) Cutler died of a heart attack on 4 Feb while jogging in Florida and visiting his family in the Tampa area. After serving in Desert Shield/Storm from Aug 90-Mar 91, Bob retired from the Air Force in Sep 1993. Following graduation from Divinity School, he pastored in Meridian, Idaho. His obituary is in the Gone But Not Forgotten section. I still remember hearing his voice as he spoke ofwhat was dearest to his heart in his living. One classmate wrote: “.. .But I will never forget Bob’s sermon to the Class of ’74 at our 35th reunion during the class memorial service. It was perfect for me, jarring for some, but a movingtestimony to the saving power ofChrist, yet spoken as a former fighterpilot with a son as a cadet.” Thank you, Judy, for sharing him with us, and may you be blessed with peace. A prayer for ’74: May each ofyou live long and prosper.

Jeff Chappell 14729 Birken St. Herriman, UT 84096 (801) 878-HOWDY jtmjbda@sbcglobal.net

Howdy Best Alive! The Dark Ages turned out to be pretty busy, so here goes:

We all know the sad news ofPatAshjoining the GBNF ranks, with initial notification from his FedEx brother, Gary Janelli. See details in this issue’s Gone But Not Forgotten section.

Bill Davis updated Matt “Kip” Fong’s throat cancer battle: Kip is in good spirits; when we visited, he was breathing through a tube and wasn’t able to talk, so he used the notepad function of an iPad to converse with us. He and Paula would appreciate hearing from classmates; she will read emails sent to pjadefong@aol.com.

Bill Murray reported on the inaugural Dallas area Dark Ages Party, attended by Dave and Chris Ehrhart, Charlie and Sherry Simmons, Randy and Melissa Caraway, Bill and Judy Murray, Marv and Cheryl Kobza, Stan Jones, and PerryLamy. (See photo at the top ofthe next column.)

28

Jim Corrigan: Eldest son Ryan is F-16 East Coast Demo Pilot at Shaw AFB, middle son Jake is on his way to Iraq in June with the Alabama ANG, and youngest son Mike is a contracting officer getting his master’s at the Navy Post Grad School. All of them will have served in Iraq after Jake deploys. They keep telling me they are trying to fix what our generation broke! No, I’m not too proud!

DarkAges Party

Juan Kambourian: After 40 years of government service, the last 30 with the State Department, I’ve finally decided to hang it up on 1 August. In my 12 field assignments with State and Air Force nine of them in Latin America I’ve lived longer overseas than back in the States. I will probably suffer from culture shock when I go back stateside. I will be departing my current posting in Mexico City on 6 May. Can’t believe I will be a civilian again; haven’t been one since I left high school. Had a chance to visit with Doug Fraser down at SOUTHCOM last month; it was good catching up. I plan to retire in northern Virginia and probably get a job with a beltway bandit.

Mike Magee: Not too much to report from PA. Still slugging it out for a contract with American Airlines, hanging on left seat of S80. Holly and I just did a Spring Break to Nassau, Bahamas with our 11-year-old Sean. The water park in Atlantis made it amazing: Six days sliding, floating, and consuming various beverages and food! We are now entrenched in lacrosse season (no water polo in his school). You guys are working on grandkids, while a few of us die-hards are still playing first-time dad!

Larry Bryant: I was thinking that we might need to start a Class of 75 “old geezer” club for everyone with artificialjoints. I joined the ranks with a hip replacement last week after encouragement from Bruce Fritzsche. I’m doing better each day, getting stronger, more mobility, less pain, not using crutches now. Just trying to learn to walk “normally” again. Other than that, I’m still working at USAFA as the faculty and cadet computer geek. (Disclaimer: Sent while under the influence ofpainkillers, so ifanything doesn’t make sense, pleasejust ask again.) Hang tough, Larry!

Dick Webber: My Change of Command/Retirement Ceremony will be 29 Apr with an effective date of 1 Jul giving me 36 years of active duty service. I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up, but I do know I want to do something full time in the cyber operations arena. While we are figuring out our next steps, Michele and I plan to hit the road in our RV to visit family, friends, and places you never seem to get to while you are on active duty in some ofthese high ops tempo jobs.

Chris Glaeser: Tim O’Connell and I will be going to Maj Gen Dick Webber’s retirement in San Antonio; 35.9 years or 13,113 days or 314,312 hours...wow. How about a survey identifying anyone else still on continuous active duty is Dick the last man standing? I know that there are about six classmates who have gone back on active duty last year, but don’t know ofanyone else who is still continuouslyactive. I’ll send photos and more after the 29th. (Since this is after Checkpointsdeadline, look for pics on ZoomieNation or in Fall Checkpoints.)

Tom Laurie: In the face of a bad economy, I started a new publishing company this January which isn’t very interesting except for the name, Attitude Check Press, LLC. Not to be outdone with that company name I released my first book this spring: The Losing Attitude for Dieters www. TheLosingAttitude.com. I guess when I retire from my second career in a fewyears I will have something to do!

Dale Hanner: I’m in the Air Force until Jan 13, as an ALO at Ft Leavenworth, KS; will go back to United/Continental after this if I live that long. I’m in way deeper than I ever expected. I’m in the AF contingent of the Army exercise-running gurus, travel a lot and basically coach ALOs at various Army bases as they go through our exercise. I have also been bamboozled into being the Detachment Ops Officer, so there's plenty to keep me busy. Paul Lotakis somehow wrangled a space shuttle simulator ride with one ofhis Alaska buddies, courtesy of Bill O’Keefe.

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Dallas

Paul Lotakis with guidon in the Shuttle sim.

Bill Lyerly received an appointment as a National Defense University Distinguished Visiting Research Fellow within its newly-established Center for Transatlantic Security Studies (CTSS) at Ft. McNair. Ebola Bill will be teaching at the NATO Defence College in Rome in June. Bill also reported on Jim Carlson’s swearing-in during a multi-service USAFA 75 classmate ceremony as a US Army Reserve Adjutant General officer, making Jim a true “Try-Service Officer,” having now “tried the USAF, USN as well as the US Army.” Congratulations to both of you that has to be some kind of record, Jim!

Mark Beesley served as lead for Gen Eberhart’s initiative for an Air Force AcademySociety of Washington DC (AFASW) golf tourney fund raiser for the USAFA Endowment. He put together a first class outing at Andrews AFB, which raised about $8,000. TerryYoung and Mark attended the White House presentation of the Commander in Chief’s trophy to the 2010 Air Force Falcons, celebrating our first service academy championship in eight years!

Finally, I’ll exercise my Scribely privilege to include this shot from the top of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia, with the class guidon, in a 45mph summer breeze. I’ll leave it to more fit and adventurous classmates to tackle the other continents’ highest points. Our 35th anniversary vacation was a great break from the Utah winter; Australia is Aussome!

info!) You can also send questions to me. I will make sure the Committee gets them.

Sad News: Jim Marg’s son Christopher died in March of heart failure at age 30. Pat Hanley’s wife, Joanna, has a suspicious mass in her lower left lung, discovered in mid-March. I don’t have any updates yet. Wade & Susan McRobert’s granddaughter, Colleen Susan, was born in Feb about 8 weeks premature. Please keep the Marg’s, the Hanley’s, and the McRobert’s in your thoughts and prayers.

Moving up/moving on: Byron Hepburn named as first director of San Antonio Military Health System, an office for overseeing clinical, educational and business operations for all military medical treatment facilities in the San Antonio region. Congrats Byron!

General Class Stuff: Jim Vincze sent a note with some suggestions for the 35th schedule. Del Cornali says he and Michele recently traveled to Dominica and had a grand time. Sorry I couldn’t include your pics Del. Rich King sent a photo of 76ers at the February AFA Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando.

JeffChappell with guidon atop Mt Kosciuzsko, Australia. In closing, from the laconic LarryDowling: Nothing to report. As always, it’s great to hear from you. Have a fun and safe summer and see you around the campus!

Dan Beatty

12196 Stanley Canyon Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80921

H: (719) 488-1962

E-Mail: whrlybrd76@aol.com

Da n. Beatty@usafa.af. m

http://www.AFAcademy.com/76

Fellow ’76ers,

It is springtime in the Rockies and we are enjoying the April snow.

35th Reunion update: 35th will be 7-10 Sept, basing at the Marriott on the north end oftown. Some info posted on Class of 76 website, including Marriott link, with more to follow. Still encourage joining Zoomienation/ inCircle (https://zoomienation.usafa.org. This site will be our primary connection to get the word out but there will also be email blasts from the AOG and snail mail notes. (So make sure the AOG has current contact

LarryNew, Mark Welsh, Rich King andJack Catton atAWS.

Rich saidWillie Shelton, Chuck Pinney, and Bob Grosvenor also attend but were not available for photos. Jim Dolan sends me regularupdates on his “Heroes on theWater” program. He is still doing great things for some of our wounded warriors by getting them out on the waterways and lakes around the country for fishing and kayaking. Ifyou haven’t already, google Heroes on theWater and check out the great work Jim is doing! Ernie Wollard says he will be at the reunion. Jack Catton forwarded a note thru Rich King about a dinner for the Falcon football team when they went to DC for the presentation of the Commander in Chief’s Trophy. Thanks Jack! Not sure how many attended but do know the team accepted the trophy from POTUS and brought it back to its rightful home here.

Truman Hedding hailed after a long absence. TJ volunteered for recall to active duty in Sept 09 and is finishing a deployment. Sent a pic of himself and Mark Welsh who was visiting his deployed location. Says he last visited with Mark 20 years ago at Hill. (Sorry I couldn’t include the photo TJ; had a lot of group shots this time.) TJ info’d Dave Clary on the note. Dave wrote back noting they were still alive and well but wondered “where did the hair go?” Bill Clifford had a reunion with classmate Fernando Burgos (from Santiago, Chile) in NYC over the holidays. Fernando is managing CorBanca NYC branch, loves the amenities of the city, and hopes to see a bunch of Reb 11 bubbas at the reunion. Bill also suggested we try to add a ’76 plaque to the Football Memorial Wall at Falcon stadium. Will see what we can do Bill.

I got a note out of the blue from Roger Renard, one of the French exchange cadets who spent fall semester ’75 with us. He says he has kept contact with several classmates over the years and intends to join us for our 35th in the fall. He spent 36 years in uniform, was a fighter pilot, retired 3 years ago as a Major General, and now works for NATO as a civilian as Deputy Director, NATO Research and TechnologyAgency. Will be great to have him with us in September. Bill Dunn sent a long article from Daytona Beach News Journal about installation of solar panels on his home. Good article Bill. Hope the energy savings are even more than you anticipate. Mike McGinnis checked in. Sent a pic from Mike Gould’s visit to the North Texas grad chapter luncheon a while back. Good luck on the chapter goal guys. (See photo at the top ofthe next column.)

Ed Gallagher sent an email address update. Randy Schavrien tells me he won’t be able to attend our 35th ; something about a daughter’s wedding on Sept 11th. Says son Scott finished his Afghan deployment and pinned on Captain in November. Congrats Randy! Will miss your mug at our 35th. Jim ‘Beak’ Hunt hollered; he is now VP for USAF Ops for Engineering Service Network, living in Payson, AZ.

Mike McGinnis,

Doug Fry is on our reunion committee, reports 2 of his 3 kiddos are Zoomies. Says daughter Major Kasey may have had her first kiddo by this printing, Doug’s 1st granddaughter, Anne Marie, future Class of 2032. Doug also spent time with Bob Bivens, Willie Shelton, and Russ Laney at the National Space Symposium. Brent Glines and Dave Arbutina say they will be at the reunion. Terry New sent pics of him, Mike Gould, and Jimmy Carter at the Las Vegas Founder’s Day dinner; also says he will be at the reunion. Mike Hauser sent a long note. 38th Sq had a mini-reunion in earlyApril in Las Vegas at the Mirage. Steve & Beth Stout and daughter Stephanie, Cliff& Joanne Smith, Randy & Sheila Roth, Roger & Ruth Rechsteiner, Mike Kelly & wife Georgiana Beverly, Harry & Melinda DeBruhl, Pete & Mary Ellen Kluck, and Mike attended.

Joe Wysocki is also working part of our reunion and sent a short note on his slice. Howie Thompson is at NORAD-USNORTHCOM, he thinks for at least one more year. Says Chris Reamy gave him my contact info. Ed Morley now at US CON, Frankfurt for the next 3 years. He had lunch with Ed Gallagher recently. Says Ed is headed to Cameroon this summer. Monty Lee contacted me with a reunion question. Finally, I sat with Chili & Kathy Chilton at Founders Day Dinner April 1st. Chili retired here and says he finally is getting all the boxes unpacked.

Well classmates, again time to stick a fork in it. #3 daughter & hubby should be at Hurlburt by the time this is printed. Will be nice not to have to fly across the Atlantic to see them and granddaughter.

Again, sorry I couldn’t accommodate all the pics this time. Send me your notes, inputs, address updates, suggestion, junk mail, etc and I will do my best to keep all of you in the loop. As always, if you are headed to the Springs, let me and the other locals know. Keep flying your flags and let our deployed troops know you have them in your thoughts and prayers. The Spirit of 76 is STILL alive and well! Until next time, Beatty.

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John “Lou” Michels, Jr.

4107 Harvey Ave.

Western Springs, IL 60558 (312) 463-3412

jmichels@lbbslaw.com

loumichels55@gmail.com

Warm (actually, really hot) greetings from the shores of Lake Michigan, where its 90° in mid-May and people are walking around mystified. Our winter ran approximately 12° below normal over the entire season; I don’t know why we would not expect our Spring and Summer temperatures to go in the opposite direction. The temperature swing happened so fast that most of the boats are not even out in the harbor yet. On to the mailbag.

Opening Statement: Steve Wittman (Betsy) continues to lead the consumer research and development effort at Proctor & Gamble. He recently made a swing through Chicago with his management team doing consumer “research”. This compares favorably with the previously described “research and study” that Rick Newton (Kathy) and Mark Clodfelter (Donna) engaged in at a bar in Eastern Europe somewhere. Specifically, Steve led his team on visits to the Field Museum, the Willis Tower, Magnificent Mile retailers such as the Hershey Store, Garrett Popcorn, and the Nike Store. His team also sampled dining at some of Chicago’s leading restaurants as part of his “research”.

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Society Donors

I will direct your attention to the blurb at the top of the column, which reflects my new business contact information. I have switched law firms, moving to an 800-lawyer national litigation firm, Lewis, Bribois, Bisgaard & Smith, LLP. The offices are nice, I am closer to the train station so that I don’t have to hike across the Chicago Loop in the summer time, and I am professionallybusy. All good.

Rick Sowers wrote me from his FedEx posting in the Sierra Nevada mountains to let me know that he was in remote contact with Bob Vendley (Nancy) during one of his Oakland trips. Bob pushes metal for U.S. Airways and is familiar enough with the Oakland terminal to know that this is where Rick frequentlyspends his evenings waiting to cover “burps” in the FedEx West Coast flight operation. Despite Rob’s best efforts, they didn’t connect, but Rick did manage to see Dave Zelenok (Kathleen). Dave has had some terrific jobs as a city planner, including a stint in Colorado Springs, and he and Rick connected in Sacramento. Dave was addressing a conference there of parties interested in learning about public/private city planning options. Rick reports that Dave was the key note speaker and “entranced” the crowd with a story of how he converted the entire services of Centennial, Colorado to the private sector in a few months. I assume successfully. Note to file - invite Dave to speak in Chicago, where privatizing public sectors is done in a slightly more Al-Caponish manner. Second note to file—also invite Dave to addressWisconsin legislature and governor in Madison. Wear Kevlar.

Rick came away from the presentation terribly impressed with Dave’s

Kirk Bell,

Mike Gould,Jim Dolan, BuddyLott, and Jim Rose

In the Top row are Mike Kelly CliffSmith, Pete Kluck, and Randy Roth.

Bottom Row: Harry DeBruhl, Mike Hauser, Roger Rechsteiner, and Steve Stout.

presence and rhetorical skills and overall knowledge of how to plan a modern metropolitan area. He quoted one ofDave’s axioms for city planners "if you don’t like what’s going on at the property next door, then buy it” and said that this likely has some application with Rick’s own efforts to put up a wind power unit on his property. Rick thoughtfully ineluded a picture ofhimselfstanding next to one ofhis turbines and I think he should invoke Dave’s name if not his presence in an effort to get the situation resolved.

Thanks again for the quick note Rick and by now, I hopeyou’re generat- ing kilowatts of green energy for you and the rest of your neighbors. It’s always funny how I am sure that every one ofthose folks would have voted for or, rather against, the establishment of some kind ofpower generating facilitynearby, but balk at the inevitable alternatives.

Car Callout: Jim “Masko” Maskowitz (Rita) decided to answer the challenge of showing that he still had what it takes, namely, his original firstie car. Masko even named his ’76 Corvette “Maggie”. Apparently this was the nickname that Jim’s dad attached to all ofJim’s girlfriends so it’s actuallyprobably more appropriate than most car nicknames. The aforementioned vehicle is below (what, you think I can get away with writing this without publishing the picture?).

Closing Statement: Time to put this one to bed. Again, drop me a line with what you’re doing and how you’re doing it. Photos are always welcome. I’ll hope to catch up with more of you in Chicago over the next few months as you come through here traveling, visiting, or just passing through. Be seeing you.

s I Jy at:

-ZSjH ^yissfp mw■Ar?,

Just for the record, Masko disclosed that this is actually Russ Rhew’s (Sharon) car, or at least the one that Russ purchased. Jim originally ordered a 4-speed manual, but received an automatic, while Russ ended up with the stick shift, which he found objectionable because he was headed to California. They ended up trading contracts and Masko is now calling out his trading partner by asking whether Russ still has “Masko’s” car. I note for your enjoyment that, although I can’t showthe picture because of space limitations, Miss Maggie still has what’s left of the original ’77 class sticker on her rear bumper (insert inappropriate comment here). Now that’s historic preservation. For those of you who are addicted to watching “Desert Auto”, the car has 104,000 miles on it, and the original L48 350 engine. Well done, James.

Rocket Man: Tom Jones (Liz) dropped me a line noting that he bumped into Steve Schwalbe (Ingrid) in Manassas when Steve was out there interviewing for American Public University Program Director’s job for Political Science. Steve got the job, by the way, which he will perform from his digs near Spokane. Tom has been working on asteroid research with the Ames Research Center over the last year, and has been making one appearance after another on Fox news as we try to get the last of the space shuttles up and running. By the time you read this, I am sure he made yet another appearance on Fox news as the space shuttle program closes out. And I see frequent notes on the class Facebook page for Tom’s appearances at the Smithsonian and other venues where he’s speaking about WWII aviation. Thanks again for the message, Tom and safe traveling to both you and Liz.

Bob Kay

40411 Tesoro Lane

Palmdale, CA 93551

Home:(661) 274-2201

Work: (661) 824-6426

Email: president@f4phantom.com

Greetings ’78ers. Unfortunately, I have to start off this quarter’s article with sad news ofArnie Douville’s tragic passing in February. Joe Bunecke did an amazingjob contacting people for Arnie’s USAFA funeral that was scheduled less than a week after his passing. Several classmates were able to be there to pay our final respects. Thanks to Joe and all ofyou who were able to attend and show ’78 support for one of our own. Debbie has asked that in lieu of flowers, please send donations to the USAFA Endowment, specifically designated to the Holaday Athletic Center Fund. You can either send a check to the Endowment at the AOG address or donate online at www.usafa.org.

Select GIVING at the top ofthe page then GIVE TODAY. Choose HoladayAthletic Center as the fund and please make a note in the Notes/Special Instructions box that this gift is “In Memory of Arnold Douville” for proper coding.

Heard from Dan Shick’s widow, Georgine, who brought us up to date with their brood. She keeps up with the class via this article and enjoys hearing how everyone is doing. She went on further to share how all her kids have grown yet “seem more and more hungry for memories of their dad.” She is requesting that anyone who knew Dan either at the Zoo or operationally please share as many memories as possible with her via e-mail (georgewho@aol.com). She recounted how Stu Patterson ‘76 told a most humorous story at Dan’s funeral that was a great mood lifter something about him dumping/burning fuel over London. Her kids love retelling that one and she would very much like to have more, especially since they are nearly all out ofthe house. Specifically, daughterBrittany is no longer on active duty (Reserves out ofHurlburt Field, FL) and works for Booz, Allen, Hamilton in DC; Aaron is in The Springs running an Edward Jones office; Adam graduates from college in May (past tense by the time this is read) and is looking for employment; Bethany is a freshman in college; Courtany is a high school junior, and finally, Christian is at a school for handicapped. Georgine is staying busy as a vision therapist staying in touch with Gary and Linda Hughes, Ron and Sharon Magnus and Jim and Anita Schlichting. Please consider helping out with any memories you might have!

Leo “Lucky” Kowatch said that he’s been “bouncing around trying to figure out what I’ll be when I grow up. After airlines, 8AF as Dep Chief Strategyplanning warheads on foreheads for OEF & OIF Nov 2001 to June 2004, then ‘consultant’ leading data link fielding for B-2, B-l and AC-130 until July 2007, then my present gig... where I still run into classmates.” His present position is a Senior Principal Engineer for L3Comm in Florida which sounds like a pretty good place to be.

Kevin Kennedy hung it up last summer and worked on an incredible “transition year.” He ran the AF Marathon just prior to his official retirement ceremony, was the seniorAF rep at a funeral for a fellow airman and friend as his last official duty (presented the folded flag to the widow) and was hired by aerospace giant Testron in DC. He and bride, Allison, bought a house in Williamsburg, VA (their first in 21 years after continuously living on base), qualified to run the Boston Marathon (not sure what his time was) and is seeking the next step in his personal ministry. I got tired just writing all of this! Johnny Weida is also hanging it up this summer as he and Bonnie also plan their post AF life. Thanks to you all for your many years of faithful service to our great nation!

On the active side, Dave “Limo” Scott is leaving the Pentagon and going to Ramstein as the USAFA DO. He’ll join Craig Gourleywho is the Reserve Mobilization Assistant (two star billet). Also, in the tradition of ’78 NAF (numbered air force) commands Larry Wells will pick up 9th Air Force at Shaw in the next couple of months (will probably have happened by the time this article is published). Congrats Larry...well done!

Speaking of well done, last year I mentioned that if you go to the AF home page and select “Air Force Senior Leaders” you would see four classmates...well that number is now five if you can believe it: Ed Rice (AETC commander), Dick Newton (Asst Vice Chief of Staff), Larry James (A2: Intel, Surveillance and Recon), Hawk Carlisle (A3/5: Ops, Plans and Re-

Sabre

quirements), and Bill Chambers (A10: Strat Deterrence and Nuke Integration). I would call that truly amazing.

That’s about it for this round gents...am “penning” this the day after Easter (hope everyone had a blessed day) which is also my final suspense day to provide the article to the Checkpoints editor. Seems I can’t get away from doing my research paper the night before.. .guess some habits just don’t go away!

Hopefully there will be some more great input this next quarter as we’re traveling to USNA for our son’s graduation and USAFA to put another one in the class of 2015 (oh my almost 40 classes after us...ugh!) in the next couple of months with plenty of pix so the threat is still there aplenty!

God Bless. ’78 is Great!

Mike Watson

6438 W. John Cabot Road Glendale, AZ 85308-1071 (602) 993-0840

michaelwatson@cox.net

Last time we merged for this quarter’s article, JR Dallas (Daren) was the class scribe. He requested a formation lead change and said if I didn’t take the reins he’d have to offer the position to one of our foreign exchange classmates because it was looking like this was a job no American wanted to take. JR’s smooth-talkin’ ways left me unable to say “No”. So, I’ll do my best for as long as this class scribe gig lasts and let him get back to his Abba karaoke competitions. “Mama Mia!” Comments/suggestions/dirty jokes are all welcome. Over-the-top praise of the author is OK. Criticism will reveal that it never occurred to the critic that the writer couldn’t care less what their opinion of the scribe’s writing ability really is.

Sabre Society Donors

Class unity means a lot! All 900 men who graduated shared the fact that we were the only ones who would ever wear the Class of ’79’s ring. The most recent Register shows 82 active duty, 32 deceased, and 324 retired. If you know of classmates who are not AOG members, speak to them about joining. ZoomiEnews, USAFA inCircle, Zoomie Nation, and the SACC are all ways to get/support/stay in-touch.

With limited space available to pen this article, I better make the most of it. I’m spinning my Firefall, Heart, and Boston LPs to stir up any lingering late ’70’s USAFA memory cells to ensure this is an enjoyable ride every time it’s my turn at the wheel. I promise NOT to make this article about me. However, what could be more fascinating that that! I could tell tales about plugging into tankers in my HH-60G Pave Hawk on moonless nights over open water w/no horizon but I won’t even mention it. I could go on about BOTH my sons graduating from USAFA (Classes of '07 and ’09) but it won’t ever come up. Working as a Financial Advisor for First Command Financial services is awesome and we’re always hiring but don’t look for any of that material here. You’ll never ever know that I slipped into and out of North Korea three times. And, yes, I’m still married to Miss Bonnie but come visit us here in Phoenix if you want to know how she’s doing. Nope, my articles will be ALL about you, the Class of 1979, the class God smiled down on to be the last all-male gathering.

Stars shine above. Per Air Force Magazine’s “Senior Staff Changes” section, MGen Neil McCasland is now Cmdr, AF Research Lab, AFMC, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. His predecessor picked up a third star upon departure so Neil should join '79’s other Lt Gens: Frank Gorenc, Bill Rew, Burt Field, Steve Mueller, and Robin Rand. No doubt, many of our current two stars will get their third stars, also. Any side bets on who gets to four stars first?

Fellow CSq-12 Dirty Dozen, and my roomie when Elvis died, Paul Diamond, sent this pic of ’79ers converging at the Diamond’s Colorado

location for an eight-course chef meal and plenty of refreshments. The occasion was to “celebrate” (?) their long marriages (all w/30-year anniversaries or thereabouts).

Pictured are Bob McGreal (Debbie), Mark Pimentel (Betsy ’80), Dale Burton (Sheila), Rex Keese (Gabe) and Paul Diamond (Bonnie). Every wife agreed that it’s been five or six of the best years of their lives.

Bud Vazquez ran into a bunch of classmates at the New Horizons conference (25-26 Jan 2011) in the Boston area. It is an annual “new business” event hosted by the Electronic Systems Center and Hanscom AFB. He admits to being more over-exposed than Lady Gaga in his own class article last Sept so he played photog only in this one:

Karl has been in Boston for some time supporting ESC engineering -

-now with Stanley Associates; Tony Haney is with MSE based out of DC; Paul Besson is a Vice President for General Dynamics IT division based out of DC; Greg Smith is a partner for Booz Allen Hamilton based out of DC; DJ Jowers runs the Boston Centech office; and Greg Roman is with ManTech out of Colo Springs.

John Pardo (Nancy) attended a Puget Sound Chapter of the AOG party and ran into Rick Wallace (Sandra) who is flying for Alaska Airlines and LeGrande Blount (Melanie) who just moved to the area last July and flies for Delta. John adds that Glenn Hanbey (Shari) is working tanker programs for Boeing. John sent a photo of Steve Wheeless (Vicki) and himself in Phoenix last March. John was there with his Air Force Junior ROTC drill team to compete in the AFJROTC Western Nationals. Steve is a labor lawyer in Phoenix.

Justin Rueb joined us for Thanksgiving. That guy can still eat Mitch’s

off by doing handy-man

From left are Karl Reichl, Tony Haney, Paul Besson, Greg Smith, DJJowers, and GregRoman (who is a Checkpoints virgin until now).

SteveWheeless, at left, and John Pardo

RandyMeyer (Barbara) hosted his annual Super Bowl party. Joining the gala was Phil Davis (Nora). (I took this picture so Bonnie and I would not be in it; see I told ya, no news/pix of me in my articles.)

Mountain all by himself. So, I had him work it

chores around the house that yours truly would never get near. JD is a PhD Professor ofIndustrial Psychology at the University ofWisconsin and will finish another semester teaching his classes in England. As one ofthe few conservatives at the school, he’s a student favorite.

John Susalla (Kathy) met us for dinner while making their annual pilgrimage to thePhoenix area to visit his parents and brother. Jon Fago (Cindy) also makes annual trips to the area to see his parents.

One of my Doolie roomies, Mark Steams, relocated from Alabama to Illinois. Sterno calls the Chicago area home as a President of AAR Corp solving KC-10 maintenance and logistics issues.

I played golf w/Walt Wright (Ingrid) last summer. We both agree that no matter how bad our last shot was... the worst is yet to come!

Feel free to assist in the writing ofyour quarterly Class News articles w/ phone calls/e-mail/snail mail. Otherwise, you’re subject to stuff I make up (I e: the Abba karaoke reference mentioned in the first paragraph). Pictures are great but ensure you name the old, fat, bald guys in the photo since none of us went to school w/any of them! Include your attempts at creative writing, too; it’ll likely be reprinted word-for-word like Diamond’s line above: “five or six ofthe best years oftheir lives”. No baby talk or fake swearing, though! Forget about “comfie womfie”, “heck”, “fudge”, “booya”, etc. Remember, this wasan “all-male” class.

For the next article, sent inputs to bud.vazquez@us.ibm.com. Fly Safe.

Don Myers

401 Chambray Hill

Peachtree City, GA 30269-4247 (770) 631-1429

E-mail: DMyers80@hotmail.com

ZoomieNation.usafa.org

FB group: “USAFA Class of 1980”

Fellow classmates, we have lost another of our own: Ray I. Nalcasone passed away in Tucson after a long battle with complications from viral meningitis.

Despite the above news, there was some good stuff to share this go around, so here you are:

Good on ya! Frank (Janet) Kenniasty sent an automated notification. “Dear Friends and Colleagues: I am pleased to announce that I recently accepted a position as senior counsel with Motorola Solutions, Inc.’s federalbusiness unit in Columbia, MD. Janet and I have relocated to the Washington, DC/Columbia area from Florida.”

In the last issue, Sue Helms was about to be inducted into the Women in Aviation Pioneer Hall of Fame. She was, and here’s a photo to prove it.

OurPioneer

Good deal. There are still some out there: Dave (Marla) Jones’ son earned a Georgia National Guard full-ride scholarship, plus a monthly stipend, to attend the Georgia Military College. He’ll be enlisted while attending (so the clock ticks toward retirement/pay). As long as he keeps his grades up, he’s got a slot at Ft. Rucker (flight school) afterwards. All this with only a four-year commitment! And he’s close enough to visit the family on weekends Dave said this is also a good thing.

Good times. I’m a member of a fraternity of current/former military pilots. We meet quarterly and have a luncheon-meeting. At the last one I attended, our guest speaker was Dr. Karl Ullman, a 92-year-old, WWII Me 109 pilot on the Eastern Front. His story was riveting. Also in the audience were two other folks of the same ilk: one of our members, Robert “Punchy” Powell, a WWII P-51 pilot that flew on D-Day; and a guest that day, an English WWII fighter pilot. What a treatto have all three of them in the same room of our small gathering. What history! Sadly, we’re losing so many of these warriors daily.

As of this writing, there are five surviving members of the Doolittle

Raiders. One of them is Lt Col Bob Hite. Bob was copilot of plane 16. He was captured by the Japanese and held prisoner for 3.5 years, where one result of his terrible treatment was a weight of 80 pounds at war’s end. Bob and I met in autumn 1980, when a pastor I knew (most correctly) thought I’d enjoy meeting a friend, one of the Doolittle Raiders. I was brought to Bob’s home after lunch on a Sunday and spent the visit intently listening to one of the men I’d so reverently learned about. At the end of the afternoon, he walked over to his bookcase, took down a book, pulled a pen from a drawer, and wrote something inside. The book was, Four Came Home, the story of the raid and the only four Raiders (ofmany) that survived internment by the Japanese. Bob showed me where he signed on several pages where his picture appears. He also inscribed it to me in the front. Finally, he said the book was signed by each of the Doolittle Raiders alive at publication who attended that year’s reunion in Colorado Springs! What a gift. It is one of my most cherished possessions.

Good news; better-than-good idea. Larry (Mara) Wolf and I chatted recently. He often flieshis Van’s Aircraft RV-8 into a little strip where one of my fellow pilots lives. It’s near their home in Cincinnati. This summer, Larry flew the RV-8 to the west coast with his daughter, hitting awesome places like Yellowstone and the San Juan islands. Their son graduated from the Coast Guard Academy two years ago. While there, he injured his back rowing and had an operation. He was assigned to a cutter after graduation, where his back was injured again; enough to be medically retired. He’s made lemons into lemonade by being the youngest of only 50 to be accepted into a special MIT program that combines an MBA with an MS in Engineering. Larry continues to fly for Delta out of Cincinnati where he’s lived for 24 years. He’s been numero uno on the MD-88 there for the last fewyears, so quality oflife is prettyhigh. Mara and he are considering moving to a larger hub wherethere is a better variety offlying, since Delta has shrunk at that location.

Before signing off, Larry asked that I pass this along: Only half our class are members ofthe AOG. I agreed, that’s pretty weak. Larry suggested we each make it a point to contact just three or four folks we know who aren’t members and encourage them to join. What a great idea! (The Registerof Graduates has a symbol nextto our names that delineates our membership status, so you can easily focus your efforts.)

Good fun. Because ofthe dearth ofinputs received this quarter, you will get to enjoy some of Dean (Carla) Eisberg’s seen around our house postings from their annual missive I saved it for such a “rainyday” as this.

Dean: What kind ofplane is that? Jeff: It’s a biplane. Dean: Why do they call it a biplane? Jesse: Because it goes byyou when itflies? Jeff: Because it has two sets ofwings.

Jeff, watching a football game: They’re on the 90 yard line.

Kim: Dad, your voice smells like peanut butter. Dean: Does my breath sound likejelly?

Jeff: Kim, aren’tyou going to eat more? Kim: No, I hate thefeelingofbeingfull. Dean: That’s one ofthe bestfeelings in the world. Kim, in disgust: You’re such a guy.

Jesse: What are you doing? Kim: Making cookiesfor Dad’sfriend in Afghanistan. Jesse: What about me? Kim: I’ll make someforyou when you go to war. Jesse: You won’t be able to mail things to me because we’ll be in secret spots with the SEALS; so you better make me the cookies now.

Carla, speaking of a woman: She’s an old lady. She’s in herfifties. Dean: Carla,you’re inyourfifties. Carla: No I am not. I’m 50. That is notIN myfifties.

Carla: Kids always love their mom more than their dad. Dean: No way, they love dads more. Carla: How many “Love you Mom” texts do you have on your phone? Dean: OK, you got me beat there.

Dean, teaching Jeff the fine art of driving: More gasJeff. You need more gas! Jesse in the backseat observing: Dad, never tellJeffheneeds more gas. He has too much already.

Kimmy, to Dean, Jeff and Jesse - who are eating Kimmy’s homemade ice cream and rhubarb pie: Idon’tknow whyIcookanything, you guysjusteat it!

Good... bye. As you can see, simply by looking for the bold-type last names, I received an extremely short supply of info from the roughly 400 of you who get this publication. If you have not sent me anything in the last decade, please consider doing so. It makes this article much more interesting don’t you agree? All the best. Don

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Class Website: www.usafa81.com

Reunion time is drawing near. The dates have been set 21-25 Sep with the football game against the mighty Tennessee State. I fought hard for a better football game, but the consensus among the out-of-staters was to focus on better weather?? Go figure. You know it is always beautiful here in Colorado. Your dynamic reunion duo ofBob Bledsoeand Scott Schafer have been burning the midnight oil with the AOG, hotels, and telecons to get thedetails worked out. Thank you very much! Now, it is of the utmost importance that you keep your contact information current with the AOG; stay in touch with your squadron reps; and talk it up! All I have to do is lock myself in the basement two weeks prior with a bucket of water; dunk my head in a tub of Rogaine; start running and lifting daily; lay offthe Leon Gessi pizza; and I’ll be good to go!

Sabre Society Donors 24

Class News: Steve Thalmann recently retired and is off to a civil service job at Los Angeles AFB. Steve will be at the reunion!

tween Italy and Spain. Jeffhas been withWorld Airways for 10 years since retiring and Tim has been withWorld for 22 years.

I got a nice update from Terry Adler. Terry is a professor at New Mexico State University, but I could tell by his email and after some research that his true passion is coaching basketball. He coaches the Mesilla Valley Christian Prep school team quite well. He has won back to back state championships and three in thelastfive years. His son Scott was a star guard on the team and will be playing at Air Force next. Terrywill be at the reunion! Way to go, Terry!

Steve Thalmann andfamily at his retirement.

Janice (Gunnoe) and Don Hughes recently returned from India in their ongoing efforts to help victims of child trafficking. Janice and Don are focusing next on aftercare for girls who have been rescued after being trafficked. They are committed to developing a comprehensive program that provides a foster home and legal, medical, psychological, social, and vocational support to these girls. Janice will be at the reunion!

Vance Gilstrap left his Missile Defense Agency position in Colorado Springs to move to Virginia and work at the Defense Acquisition University. He loves his new job, but understandably misses Colorado.

Tim McClain sent in a picture of Jeff “Taco” Bell and himself in the cockpit of an MD-11. They were finishing Jeff’s upgrade on a flight be-

I have not seen my good buddy Marty France in ages. Maybe when football starts. Oh, like many of you with sons and daughters that have gone or are at USAFA, my son Patrick is going into Rebeleven to follow in my footsteps. Vandy is undergoing a massive modernization effort that you’ll see this Fall. They are stripping it down to the beams section by section and renovating it completely. John Marlin and few others thought I had stepped down as scribe when I handed over Class Senator duties to Scott Land last issue. Sorry, you are stuck with me until you fire me. Maybe at the reunion? A man has to dream.

Reunion News: The schedule is out. Look at ZoomieNation and our facebook page, USAFA Class of 1981. I contacted the AOG about setting up a class webpage on their server. Be sure to make your reservations at the Embassy Suites and stay alert for reunion information.

Again, thank you for your inputs, support, and kind words over the years. I welcome your updates and pictures. Go Air Force!

Jim Ratti

2860 Arbor Pointe Drive Middletown, OH 45042

(937) 760-2333

rattijm@mindspring.com

Greetings Redtags!

Spring has sprung (a leak) in Ohioand I’ve dusted off the ark plans! I guess I shouldn’t complain, but it sure does make me happy to see the sun when it makes an appearanceevery ten days or so. Those of you who’ve spent any time at Wright-Pat know what I mean. The good news is that the rain doesn’t stop the e-mail from flowing, and there’s lots of news. So let’s take a look!

Owing to our advancing age and ever-increasing wisdom and maturity, retirements seem to dominate the news. Of course “competitive selection” for early retirement also helps! Gotta love that euphemism. Eddie McAllister sent a note and the picture from his retirement gala down at

Jeff“Taco” Bell and Tim McClain

Coach Terry and ScottAdler - Champs.

Eddie

Eglin earlier this year. Eddie was the Chief of Staff at the Air Armament Center and managed to draw a sizeable hoard for his ceremony. Pictured from left are Rick “Ice” Ingalsbe; Gail (Cooper) Allen; Eddie; Ron Mattson; and Andy “Hedley” LaMar. Also attending were Steve Wills, Gary Plumb, Steve Herzig, and Harry Leach.Eddie had a few ’83 grads there, too; most notably, the presiding officer, Brig Gen Bob “Woody” Nolan, Commander of the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards.

Eddie attended E-TAP (Executive Transition Assistance Program) in D.C. back in November with Harry Leach and Will Urquhart. He said ran into Dave “Opie” O’Meara at the Maxwell Rec Cabins in Niceville early this year, and they philosophized for a couple of hours. Eddie’s planning to stay in the Eglin area and is polishing up his resume while he figures out what he wantsto be now that he’s all grown up.

Another recent “competitively selected” retiree is Paul Ackerley. Paul came back early from a tour in “TheDesert” for his retirement and is back in the San Antonio area (at least for awhile) as future plans solidify. With prior enlisted time, Prep School, USAFA, and a nice, long commissioned career, Paul’s service spanned some 37 years. I guess it’s about time for “the second chapter” as his wife Dianna (Angeline) calls it.

A1 Zelenak retired last fall, and wrote from C-Springs where he’s going to school at thelocal community college to get certified in automobile restoration. He’s also working on what’s called a “Level 3 Certification” for high powered rocketry. Interesting combination... Al’s wife, Deb (Burden), retired three years ago and has since opened up an art studio in C-Springs. Ifyou happen to pass through the airport there, you’ll find some ofher sculpture on display. A1 and Deb are now officially empty nesters as their daughter is in AFROTC at Colorado State, looking forward to be commissioned next year as an intel officer. Their son is an infantry paratrooper with the 173rd Airborne, living life large in Italy.

Ricky Ingalsbe retired back in October and is now a Program Analyst working Long Range Strike issues at the Air Armament Center. Ricky had been in Baghdad back in 2007-2008 helping the Iraqis recruit, hire, train and field new police and border forces. An “interesting time, to say the least”, according to him. After that he was the Deputy Systems Engineer at the Missile Defense Agency up until his retirement.

Moving on to those who (as Eddie Mac puts it) are still “overachieving”, we find Joe Kim who is a BG in the Guard and was the Wing Commander ofthe 154th Wing at Hickam. He’s now the DeputyAdjutant General for the Hawaii Guard. Joe let us know that Bob Branyon was recently promoted to BG and is now the Chiefof Staff ofthe Florida Air National Guard. Mike Sinisi was in Hawaii to run (and compete very well!) in the Aloha Marathon and he paid Joe a visit, sending back this picture.

Brian Neal is in the D.C Guard and also made BG. He was promoted in April. And just before deadline I learned that Dave Fadok has earned a third star and will becomethe Commandant and President ofAir University at Maxwell. Way to go, Dave!

Got a note from Linda (Reinwald) Bailey updating us on her goingson. She and Mick live in San Antonio, where they both work in public education, and are trying to figure out how to best weather the looming budget cuts. Their eldest son, Patrick, got married in Pennsylvania back in March. Aaron has a job in the marketing department at Discover, and is in grad school finishing up a teaching certificate in Ohio. Andrew is in his second year at Duke, and James will have graduated from West Point and be headed to helicopter training by the time you read this.

By now you’ve probably heard that Heather Wilson has launched a bid for a Senate seat from New Mexico. It’ll be good to have her back inWashington. You can follow her on FaceBook at “HeatherWilson for Senate”, or look at her website, www.heatherwilson.org. Personally, I’m still holding

out for the ’82 gathering to be held in the White House. Go Heather!

Finally, I’m sure everyone has heard about the earthquake in Japan. One of our own, Dale Sonnenberg lives in Japan where he’s a GS-15 Deputy StaffJudge Advocate. He and his family were physically unharmed by the quake, but nonetheless affected. Here’s his tale, in his own words:

“My family took part in the authorized departure after ten days of uncertainty and strain on them. They are thriving in North Carolina while I continue my little part in the Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Recovery efforts. I am very proud of how the Japanese have responded to this unprecedented crisis, the trifecta. I am even more proud of our nation. Instead of sitting back and saying that Japan is the third largest economy in the world and can take care of itself, the U.S. has responded with an enormous surge of ships, aircraft, personnel, stuff and technical expertise unlike ever before, anywhere. It cannot but help strengthen our relationship and draw us even closer than we have ever been with Japan.

“The long hours fly by because you feel like you are achieving something. The hopes, prayers and tangible help of all Americans have been greatly appreciated by our Japanese hosts. I can’t tell you how many times I have been given heartfelt thanks, sometimes bypeople I barely know. While I hope no one ever has to go through something like this again, I am happy to say that I am here.”

And that’s about all the news for this quarter! Thanks for passing on all the news, and for all the hard workthat you do.

Until next time, be safe. Ratman

Jon Duresky

207 Knob Hill Drive

Warner Robins, GA 31088

Home: 478-953-3141

Cell: 478-396-7787

DureskyJB@aol.com

Greetings, Classmates!

Today’s column is brought to you by the letters “E” and “N,” which represent a common malady that is infecting our Class, the dreaded “Empty Nest Syndrome.” While some of us got a late start on the marriage/kids merry-go-round, the majority of the cards and letters I get from my small circle, and also info sent to me from other classmates who I did not know as well, mainly talk about what thekids are doing, how they are soon moving to and through college, and how they are both relieved and lonely at the same time. Sound familiar? And for you who are not there just yet, the other common theme of the ENers is to appreciate today. That sort of goes without saying, as we should all celebrate our blessings, in whatever form they take, every day.

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Now on to the adventures of a few of our Classmates. Here is a new twist on “Keeping up with the Joneses,” but in this case it is “Trying to Keep up with the Son,” starring Bob Ulich. His son Austin is the Georgia state high school champ in cross country and has a 15:15 pr in the 5K. Not too shabby! Bob challenged him to a race in the Peachtree Road Race! But, a caveat! Bob had to finish in less than double Austin’s time. Bob, still the picture of airline pilot health, won the bet!

Ray Blust gets a co-starring role in the drama, too. He tried to keep up with his son Matt as he prepared for AF Pararescue training! Many hours in the gym for those two. Matt made the cut; Ray did not need oxygen during too many workouts. Congrats to all four ofyou!

So there I was, trying to keep up with the above athletes, on a layover in Ft. Lauderdale, huffing, puffing, and hoisting in the well-equipped Sheraton fitcenter. Another old-like-me airline dude in there. We exchanged pleasantries. Then, a flicker of recognition came to us both. Mark Reinecke, fancy meeting you here! We happily spent the time talking classmates, and ENSyndrome. He lives in Dallas, andflies for a rival. Two kids out of college, one still in high school. Living the good life, he is.

Ditto for the ageless wonderMark Vahala. Ran into him on the C Concourse in Atlanta on January 2nd He looked great, as always, and is a new FedEx Captain to add to his good fortunes and bank account. His company even rewarded him andhis low seniority number with a per diem vacation during Christmastime in Tokyo. I guess you take the good with the bad!

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BGJoe Kim, at left, and Mike Sinisiguess which one lives inHawaii?

let alone with my daughter in the same flight. Immediately after the flight, Vinnie retired me! Vinnie is Vince Farrell, retired 0-6, civilian contractor, flying the QF-4. What a great retirement job!

Craig’sfini-flight. From left are the lead pilot, C2C Sydney Croxton, Col (Ret) Craig Croxton, and Col (Ret) Vince Farrell.

Karol Welling threw a big 5-0 party last fall in Peachtree City and here is the day-after recovery scene:

Even at the summit ofSpringer Mountain, the Air Force Academy is always on my mind! The Crew: Steve, Jon, Jeff, andAndrew.

at Northwestern), and to get this picture past the censors who love AFrelated stuff in photos. Short section hikes are like SERE on steroids, but with no aggressors, and all the food you can carry; you can eat! So all you Tourists out there, or other crazy people, who is “in” for next time?

Gotta mention Joe McReynolds, Bulldawg CS-13 bud. Sent me an email and this is hisfirst time ever to be mentioned in a Checkpoints article! Joe and wife, Pam, live in Littleton, CO. Joe is an Aerospace consultant at Buckley and in the AF Reserve at Tyndall, “two years and counting,” he says. Joe, here’s your name in Checkpoints, welcome to the Big Time!

Thanks to all who sent me infothat I could not use, but out of space. Keep the updates coming!

Until next year, my Friends. Health, Happiness, Wisdom, and Patience to you all. Jon Duresky

MikeJensen

12035 Milam Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80908

1-(800)-G0-AFA-G0

michaeljensen@remax.net

www.usafa84.com

www.twitter.com/usafa84

Welling

Not really, but I heard fromVince Compagno (Delta MD-88 checkpilot), Mavis (Thorpe) Compagno (gov’t contractor) and Steve Knoblock (C-5 test pilot for Lockheed) that a good time was had by all, and that I needed to publicly shame myself for not attending. So here it is. Sorry. Anyway, the picture is from a trip to New Zealand and Australia that Karol and Tom Kasson (Delta 737 Capt) took to continue the 5-0 Celebration. Make up your own caption suitable for the creature in the center. Anything I write would not make it through theeditor!

For those ofyou who sleep with prior issues of Checkpoints under your pillow as I do, and suffer insomnia because you do not know the answer to Wade Wheeler’s question in his last column (Dec 2010 issue), I have the answer! To refresh, Wade put in a picture of a cycling five-some, which ineluded one unnamed ’83er. The unnamed one is... Bob Stambaugh, avid cycler and outdoorsman, and in his spare time, Robins AFB ALC/CV until this June; then working on worldwide F-15 purchase and modernization. Bob and I only live 15 minutes apart, so we had lunch the other day. Since he is an 0-6, and I am an AirTran FO, I even let him pay, although I did fill out the Form 0-96, Sir! Next time, we’ll reverse the roles, and since you saw it here, it has to happen.

Calling All Tourists! No, not the kind who travel to the remote outposts of the world New Zealand, Thailand,London, Brazil, Mars, the Space Station, etc, enjoying those milestone celebrations of family events, anniversaries, birthdays. I’m talking about those lucky fewwho received “additional training” on Saturday and Sunday afternoons carrying their M-1 and reflecting on all that was good about our USAFA. I finally found a practical application for all that walking - hit the Appalachian Trail!

Last June, my brother, Steve Duresky (class of 1975, F-16 driver par excellence and too many other titles to list), me, my son Jeff (I’m the tallest and best looking; hope I don’t have to pull my Dad out of a river.. .again!), and son-in-lawAndrew (why do I have to carry half of Steve’s stuff?) spent some quality time on the Appalachian Trail. I proudly wore my Air Force Wrestling hat on the trek for numerous reason: to scare away bears, to make Billy “Scales” Walker laugh (he and Caroline are dealing with severe ENSyndrome now that daughter Kaela is soon heading to freshman year

Updates: By the time you receive this, the Class of 2011 will have graduated from our Air Force Academy. I know at least one classmate, Jon Wikstrom, will be in attendance watching his son. Wylie, join the Long Blue Line. I was able to see Jon, Wylie and a few members of 2011 over some Killians and Pizza while Jon was visiting. Another Minnesota Mad Man, Matt Johnson, was in town and we spent a week of hanging out with cadets, staff, and grads in the C-Springs area.

Out of the “Box”: I’vebeen following Greg “Box” Johnson and his endeavor to pilot the Space Shuttle Endeavour on its final mission. While waiting for lift-off, he celebrated his birthday, and by the time you read this in the magazine, the crew should be back safely on the ground.

Hall of Fame: Gail (Conway) Gray was inducted into the USAFA Sports Hall of Fame on May 14, 2001. Gail was a two-time NCAA Division II national champion in the 400- and 800-meters and a six-time All-American. She is a member of the three fastest 4x400-yard relay teams in Academy history and the two fastest 4x400meter relay teams. She earned three Academy Outstanding Competitor awards (1982-84) and served as the school’s cross country coach from 1989-91. Hoping to have a photo from the event for the mag, but I will have one on our website. Marv Jones went to the Hall of Fame Induction to honor Gail and was sitting with Melody Bell, Dan Rojas, Rob Langstaff, and Cathy Callaghan Rex representing our class of 1984.

Congratulations Gail on all your accomplishments. Speaking of accomplishments, we have more classmates making the news. I am told one of our own was very involved with finding and removing the mastermind of 9-1-1. Don’t think it prudent to publish his name here, but just wanted to point out we have at least more than one directly involved in that operation.

We also have a new 2-star: Sam Cox was awarded his second star this spring, congrats to Sam, Tammi, Claire and Patrick. I was able to get through to Ted Maxwell, who is still flying F-16s in the Arizona Guard in Tucson.

Getting old and stale? I hope not. I am referring to our class article and scribe. I enjoy getting the updates and want to get more, and I want to efficiently post what is important to you. So with that in mind, please keep me up to date with emails and happenings directly @usafa84 on Twitter. For those ofyou that use that site, follow @usafa84 and I will do the same. It will help me write more and better in the future. GO FALCONS! Jens

Karol

and Tom Kasson in New Zealand.

Frank “Q.” Williams

13209 Topsfield Court

Herndon, VA 20171

(703) 657-3227

USAFA1985@aol.com

Hey everybody

In thelast Checkpoints I didn’thave space to mention that I had changed jobs from a defense contractor to a government civilian. I am working on the Headquarters U.S. Air Force staff at the Pentagon as the deputy division chieffor space system operational capability requirements. It’s a great job that I love and I’ve been pretty busy, but I was able to attend the 54th Annual Goddard Memorial Dinner (black tie affair) in Washington, DC. SAF/GC determined that The 54th Goddard Dinner supported a non-profit organization’s scholarship program so it was deemed a widely attended gathering (approx. 2,000 people) and government folks were allowed to go. I was at a table sponsored by Inmarsat Government Services, Incorporated and dined with the president of the company and her husband. Not ten feet away from us at the dinner at a different table was Brig Gen & Mrs. Cary Chun. The Chuns are doing really well and Cary is working at the Headquarters National Reconnaissance Office in Chantilly, VA where he is responsible for the Mission Operations Directorate.

I was also able to take some time offfrom work theweek my kids were on Spring Break in April. During Spring Break we had a great time in Chattanooga, TN visiting family (mom, grand mom, sister, etc.) and seeing sights (TennesseeAquarium, Chattanooga Nature Center, Chattanooga Zoo, etc.).

On the way from the DC area to Tennessee we took a drive through the Virginia Safari Park and walk through the Safari Village. I posted several pictures taken with my iPhone from the trip on www.facebook.com.

George Weathersby has continued to pull extended active duty tours as a defense attache. And although George has come home from Beirut, Lebanon at the time of this writing, he will probably already be in Kuwait (again) by the time you are reading this. While he was home George and I had dinner on one occasion and went to see a movie on another. Ched Jones has left the defense contractor world in the Metro Washington, DC area to join the Defense Intelligence Agency staff in Charlottesville, VA. Danny Topp, his wife, Grace, and their daughter Jade have been in the Metro Washington, DC area for over two years now and they are enjoying it. Danny still works for Integrity Applications Incorporated and is supporting the National Geospatial-IntelligenceAgency.

I received the annual Kevin & Wendy (Link) Routhier Easter letter called “Routhier Ramblings 2011.” From the section called “Blurbs on the family”... Wendy: Manages Routhier home as Super-mom andWonderwife, serves on the board of directors forboth the debate club and the drama group, and tries to talk Kevin into ballroom dancing whenever possible. Kevin: Working and “making waves” in the County’s public safety radio shop, building a shed (one of those projects that expanded in time with prior issues and new ideas), fixingplumbing problems (the latest being a pin-hole leak behind the drywall...fun), and trying to stay one step ahead of the kids (which mostly requires just staying flexible). Daniel (6 Vz): Reading on a beginning level, loves Legos, Zumbuddies, and most any game the biggerboys are playing. David (10): In 4th grade, entertains himselfwith Legos and Zumbuddies, never sits still, and memorizes Scripture easily. Jonathan (11 Vz): 5th grade, draws beautifully - especially trees and Japanese-style cartoon characters, and started karate this spring. Noah (13 Vz): 8th grade, King of Puns (don’t know where he gets that from), does very well in school, and just grew taller than Wendy! Luke (17): Spent his senior year ofhomeschooling at a local community college, enjoying Calcuius and Chemistry, and headed to Virginia Tech in the fall to major in Engineering. Jordan (18 V2 ): Working two part-timejobs and getting ready tostart a third, sings on the worship team at church, and redecorated her room this year to express her personality. Josiah (20 in May): Sophomore, still loves Army ROTC, majoring in Leadership, and teaches at a ballroom dancing club at UR. Caleb (21 Vz): Graduating May 8th with a major in Political Science and minors in Leadership and Arabic. Won a statewide contest drawing the new redistricting plan (but the House of Delegates voted it down because it wasn’t partisan enough!). Best regards, Q.

Lawrence Cooper

2806 Erics Court

Crofton, MD 21114

410-451-6505

Cooper@astroguy.net

It’s June, so it’s my turn penning the Checkpoints updates. This particular issue has been especially difficult because all I’ve been hearing from the Class of 1986 is the sound of crickets. Bob Collela seems to get all the good stories. I figure there must be a conspiracy to make your friendly neighborhood assistant scribe feel theheat at deadline time, so I’m going to do what we all learned works at the Academy when we have a deadline and nothing to write - make it up! Just kidding.

First off: All of you are getting old. How old? Old enough that we have our 25-year reunion coming up this Fall. The dates are set, so save them and plan on being there so wecan all see how old we all have gotten. I'm definitely going to be there and I’m hoping you will all definitely be there too. MikeMeader is working the reunion details for us and I will post them on our class’s FaceBook and Linkedin pages as soon as they become available.

The Class of 1986 25th Reunion is Oct. 12-16, 2011. We get to see the Falcons vs. San Diego State on Oct. 15, 2011 and do all that reunion-y sort of stuff. For more info you can contact: AOG POC Emma Ross 719-4720300, ext 136 Class of 1986 Representative, or Mike Meader, Cell: 720-840-3537.

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Next, we do have 1 or 2 Vz updates. Austin Jameson writes that he’s just switched jobs: “I decided to take a new job at Goddard Space Flight Center as the Deputy Mission Readiness Manager for the NPOES Preparatory Project (NPP) currently scheduled to launch the end of October 2011. My background is space launch and space ops so I’m pretty happy with my decision so far. I’m with a new company called Qwaltec which specializes in training and simulation development and systems engineering.” Now some of you might remember that Austin has a brother Pat Jameson. By some strange coincidence Pat also happens to work at Qwaltec. Pat is also thelatest classmate to join our FaceBook group. Austin is almost entirely committed to going to the reunion, so that makes at least two ’86ers planning on being there.

Our resident scribe-in-chief, Bob is currently a professor at NDU, but is planning on retiring soon. He’s retiring, but he’s not ready to retire... like most of you he’s looking for something special to do. If you got any ideas, hook up with him. Now that I’ve said that, it just occurred to me that a lotofyou have retired, so you have no excuse... let me say it... not to come to the reunion. I’m going to be pushing this, cuz there’s a lotof people I would like to see and buy a round or two (of beer). And if you don’t like me bringing up the reunion, well... er... you can come to the reunion, I’ll share a drink with you, maybe tell a few Chuck Norris jokes, and you can tell me off.

As for me, I’m still at US Cyber Command. I’m also an assistant Scoutmaster with 57 Scouts in Troop 115 from Crofton, MD. Just last February, I took a dozen ofthem to Timberline Ski Resort in West Virginia. The picture belowshows me on the Timberline slopes with my 15-year-old son Alexand 6-year-old daughter Zarina. I have 15 boys getting ready to go to the Philm-

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Alex, Zarina, and Lawrence Cooper

ont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, NM on 6 August and we’re planning on a tour of USAFA on our way andshow two of them an alternative to USNA. I’ll have them all with me at the reunion too, so I’ll plan on seeing you there.

Lastly a bit of advertising - we have 148 members on our FaceBook page. Two joined as I wrote this. Also a USAFA Class of 1986 page debuted on Linkedln, so if you don’t want to be totally exposed on FaceBook, you can go for some limited exposure on the social network for professionals, Linkedln.

On deck for the next Checkpoints is our Designated Scriber Bob Colella. So please send him your updates, which will be thelast ones before the reunion.

Did I mention the reunion was coming up in November?

That’s all folks! Sincerely, Lawrence Cooper.

John & Carolyn Sammartino

3107 Woods Cove Lane

Woodbridge, VA 22192

H: (703) 492-5492

W: (703) 808-6234

jsammar@verizon.net

Whatsup ’87? Kind of a slow news period, what with three wars going on now, and after almost getting furloughed here in DC while awaiting Congress to do their job... Andy Garrobo checked in from Colorado Springs where he is a contractor working at Peterson AFB. He said that he was recently in sunny Long Beach, California and enjoyed a BBQ at Bill Page’s place, along with Chito Parong.

Jeff Frient says thatlife is good in the beautiful Chitown—“We have been here for 15 years now post-AF career. When I got done flying F- 16s, I went to business school and then moved here to work in the investment business. Jen and I have four kids with the oldest being a junior at Wake Forest and the youngest in 3rd grade. Would love to see any and all ’87ers who are coming thru the Windy City!”

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Pat Craig reported in via Facebook that she is in Corpus Christi, Texas, and is an IgniteIndependentAssociate. She is also self employed after retiring a fewyears ago and loves spending so much ofher time now with herchildren. Between that and home-schooling them she remains quite busy. She made good use ofher pilot bonuses while she was in the AF to cover adopting 2 wonderful kiddos, Garrett and Alexis. She is enjoying the blessing that being their mom brings.

Tom and Stacie (Wilson) Miller just got back from a wonderful trip to Rome where they got a chance to visit with their daughter Katie, a student at Catholic University in DC who is studying abroad this semester. Katie just finished up her junior year, and is quite the lacrosse player.

Tom and Stacie are also getting ready for the graduation of their oldest

Matthew andVirginia

I was TDY recently to Maxwell AFB, AL for the AFSEWPS course and had the pleasure of being briefed by Col PaulWade on the current Libyan campaign. Paul is an Intel officer and was looking forward to an assignment at the Russian Embassy, a goal that he has pursued since his days as a cadet; but as of this writing, he wasn’t sure if the assignment would hold up and he would once again be at the mercy of the assignment systern—good luck with that Paul!

That’s all we have this month. Rouse our classmates and get some folks that have never written before and shame them into sending us some updates! Thanks and Fly Safe!!

Craig McCurdy

46992 Smithwood Court Potomac Falls, VA 20165

Cell: (202) 570-3058

ccicdjmccurdy@ya hoo.com

The first letter is from Kip B. Turain, Col, USAF, Commander, 521 st Air Mobility Operations Wing, Ramstein AB, Germany. This picture is of a group of ’88ers that met at Travis AFB in early December 2010. Chris Pike, who is theVice Commander, 21st ExpeditionaryMobilityTask Force, continues to produce “10,000 pound brain” gems that I continually try to decipher and keep up with him on! Gary Gottschall is the Commander, 615th Contingency Response Wing, so is prepared to deploy in a nanosecond to far-away places to set up air operations. Jim Regenor centers the “Best to Date!” group, and John Payne is the Vice Commander, 615th Contingency ResponseWing.

Tom and Stacie at the Coliseum in Rome, Italy.

son, Nathan, from CS-16, Chickenhawks. He’ll be heading to pilottraining at Laughlin AFB, while our son Matthew (pictured with his girlfriend Virginia) will be commissioned in the Air Force and will be graduating from the University ofVirginia in May, heading to L.A. AFB to work on satellite programs! So ifwe’ve got any classmates out there at Laughlin or L.A. AFB, watch out for our boys and the next generation ofAir Force warriors! (See photo at the top of the next column.)

Ran into Wes Marchesseault around the halls ofthe NRO. Wes has been a contractor at the NRO for the last few years and is doing well with his many children; I believe he has six or seven now; no kidding!

Pike-Gottschall-Regenor-Turain-Payne

My travels allowed me to hook up with my Zoomie-Roomie, Dave Argyle. He is the Commander, 514th Operational Support Squadron at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. He and I flew, what I contend to be the most memorable ofmy flights, as my seeing-eye Instructor Pilot while deployed. I think I heard him kindly say to me, “What do you saywe...” a few times! The KC-10 was graciously loaned to the two of us byRickyMurphy, who was the Commander, 380th Expeditionary Maintenance Group at the time, and now doing yeoman’s work in HAF/A4 at the Pentagon. While I’m “TDY to Ramstein” I get to operate at the graces of another one of my Zoomie-Roomies, Tim Budd, who is the Commander, 86th Operations Group, and keeps the airfield active for all our Ramstein missions. And

while at a social function, I ran into another Bull-Sixer, Steve Vlasak, who is the USAFE Chief of Safety. I look forward to seeing more as my travels continue! Best to all, and Craig, thanks for’Scribing’!

Turain and Argyle in the KC-10.

The second letter is from Lt Col Michael A. Miller, DCMA, Afghanistan which manages over $6 billion in contracts that directly and indirectly support counterinsurgency operations. To our friends, family, and colleagues, thank you, thank you, thank you! Your outpouring of kindness has been overwhelming! I am the “envy” of those deployed with me because ofyou. For the past 5 months, I have heard comments like, “Wow, someone must really like you!” and “How many friends do you have?” and “That came from your company, they must really miss you that’s pretty cool!” I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture. Thanks to you, I am now working with units to send everything that I receive to outlying sites where mail has not been received in months. My hope is to make sure your care packages, filled with so many wonderful treats and comforts from home, are sharedwith those soldiers, sailors, airman, and marines who do not have a pipeline of“care”. Thankyou all for making it possible! As I close this note ofthanks, I’d like to share my “care” for you by sharing a prayer of blessing from Numbers 6:24-26 that expresses my heartfelt desire for God’s blessing upon each ofyou and your family: The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, Aiid give you peace. The attached photo was from a flight on a C-130 to an FOB - the flight was an ‘honorflight’ going on to pick up a fallen soldier. Thank you for your continued prayers for our troops’ safety and well being.

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again, and looking forward to joining the Air Force Inspection Agency at Kirtland AFB!

Miller with the C-130 Honor Flight.

Hope you had a great Easter with your family. Craig

Paul W. Tibbets, IV 1200 Blazing Star Court Albuquerque, NM 87116 (225) 754-2131

E-mail: p2a2tibbets@gmail.com or p2a2me.com

Class web site: http://www. usafaclasses.org/1989/

Hello classmates! This is my last article from our “undisclosed location” in Southwest Asia. In June I will return to the US and move the family from Louisiana to Albuquerque, NM. We are excited to be together

Chris Kulas and I enjoy some time together in theAOR.

Received a note from Alex “Gonzo” Gonzalez shortly after his return from Iraq last December. He is now working in an Air Force JROTC position at a high school in Houston and really enjoys it. A fellow ’89er, Jimmy “Smokey” Payne, is working in a similar position in San Antonio at the high school Gonzo’s daughter attends! Gonzo and Smokey will join forces this summer in San Antonio at a JROTC leadership camp. And the best news of all.. .Gonzo got married! In his words: “Met a wonderful lady after my divorce over a year ago and got married in August 2010” while on leave from his Iraq deployment. Great to hear from you Gonzo and congrats!

Gonzo and his new bride, Yuritzi.

Lastly, our very own Rich Lewis, President and CEO of RTL Networks, Inc., was recognized by the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation as the 2011 9NEWS Leader ofthe Year. From the foundation: “We are privileged to honor Mr. Lewis for his exemplary leadership and service. Mr. Lewis is known in the business community as an advocate for small business, youth, veterans and education in Colorado. Richard Lewis has been involved with, and has financially supported, over 40 non-profit, youth and educational organizations throughout Colorado. He volunteers his time in many ways, speaks on panels, attends classes for underserved kids, and just pitches in. He’s not afraid to roll up his sleeves and do the heavylifting and he serves as a fine role model to children and adults alike. Not only does Mr. Lewis personally give very generously also, committing a meaningful financial amount every year into the community, but he also casts the shadow of a leader by encouraging others to follow suit and step up to take ownership of their own philanthropic opportunities. Richard Lewis regularly takes a leadership position on committees and teams in raising funds for numerous organizations and he is also not above making himselfvulnerable to do so. Mr. Lewis is an emerging leader who has made many noteworthy and lasting contributions to our community and state.” Well done Rich, we are proud ofyou!

That’s a wrap for this quarter. Still looking for any retirement or deployment stories, so please drop me a note so I can pass them along. Keep those cards and letters coming. Best wishes to you and your families. Take care and God bless!

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Mike Shepherd

3801 Derby Circle

Quartz Hill, CA 93536

(661) 266-2133

michael.shepherd@edwards.af.mil

Class Web Site: www.usafa90.com

It is springtime and the beginning of the Air Force moving season as I write this, but honestly current events in the Middle East and Africa have much of our attention. I’m certain we have fellow graduates and friends deeply involved with actions overseas, and our thoughts are with them and their families as we await their safe return.

On the home front, the Air Force released the 0-6 lists, and that left some of us still in a blue suit very happy, humbled and (or in my case at least) surprised! I enjoyed all thefestivities at the Edwards club a couple weeks back together with Russell “Breaker” Hart and William “Idle” Power. As we celebrated our good fortune of having a hapless (but all around great guy) F-22 squadron commander with a line number 5 from the bottom organize the party, several ofthe lieutenants in attendance pointed out to the three of us ’90 grads how low our line numbers were. What they saw to be good luck made us quickly realize we’re getting pretty old! I received a couple of notes from a few of our other selects...

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I had a good time catching up with Andre Briere who is stationed out at McConnell AFB flying special ops KC-135s. “This is actually the third flying squadron that I was selected to command. Had a bout with cancer a couple ofyears back (everything is good now). The AF definitely took care ofus.” Andre sent us a great photo ofhis family including his bride, Cathy, son Andre and daughter Reagan from his promotion party.

The Brierefamily celebrates.

John Cairney may hold therecord for the longest job title thanks to BRAC while he serves as the “Deputy Commander, 818th Contingency Response Group Joint Base McGuira-Dix-Lakehurst” (He didn’t send it to me—I had to look it up!). As he describes the job, “I got here to McGuire this past summer byway ofCarlisle Barracks. I’m currently in the 818 CRG where we’re working on standing up a squadron or two of air advisors. My office is next door to Jay Updegraffwho has the coveted “90” line number. He’s out the door next month on the way to Maxwell. McGuire is one of two bases (Travis) being considered for the new Light Mobility Aircraft. I flew caravans in Iraq in 07-08, so I’m hoping the plane comes here. Javi Delucca is my counterpart at Travis and I know he’d like to have the same opportunity. We’ll hopefully have more info in a month or so.”

Besides the promotion news, there were other great updates from the class.

Rachel Sleeper Langas is in San Antonio holding down the fortwith the four kids 16, 13, 6 and 3 while husband Greg Langas is at Bagram AB, Afghanistan until July as the only staff pediatrician. I’m not sure who is busier with the children in their lives, but hats off to both for their service! Also deployed is Dave Almand, who will return from the AOR for a family PCS to MacDill, Jim Hicks sent a great update from Newport News (near

Breaker Hart, Idle Power andyour ’90 scribe.

Derek Abeyta (CS-38) is at Hanscom AFB and is enjoying life serving as the AFOTEC Eiaison Officer for ESC while eagerly awaiting word on his next assignment. His oldest daughter is a sophomore at Florida College studying to be an elementary teacher, his son is a junior in high school taking several AP courses and is a varsity wrestler and took fifth place in the regional competition. His next two daughters are in 7th and 5th grade and both are playing soccer year round, and his youngest son is in 3rd grade and took 4th in the state wrestling tourney for the 54lb weight class. Tabitha is busy being a stay-at-home mom shuttling thekids to all the different activities!

A little further away, Paul “Bullet” Barney chimed in from overseas, and is having a fantastic time: I’m sorry to have missed the reunion had a late PCS move, and now enjoying an out of career field opportunity in a MUNSS. Live in Belgium, attend Chapel at Geilenkirchen AB, Germany; son goes to school at NATO JFC Brunssum in the Netherlands and my boss is at Spangdahlem AB, Germany; they don’tcall it Tri-Border for nothing! P.S. they have cookie beer here, with a graham cracker flavor; and Gouda is a city too.”

The Class of '90 is currently raising money to support the new Center for Character and Leadership Development. For more information to participate in this Class Giving Project, please contact Razelle Doherty at Razelle.doherty@usafaendowment.org, 719 - 472-0300 6Xt* 222

GeoffGrizzard Geness with daughter Zoe Miranda, born on St. Patrick’s Day, 2011.

Class News

Langley AFB) Virginia where he runs two construction firmsthat just enjoyed their best years ever. Recently he had dinner with another one of our 0-6 selects, Matt Hurley, andhis new bride while Matt was TDY to Langely. Also, Jim caught up fordinner with his roommate Andy Dembosky when Andy was TDY to Langley from his new assignment at Creech AFB. And of course Jim passed on he was thrilled his doolie roommate Jay Aanrud made the promotion list.

Speaking ofroommate’s, myold roommate “Grizz” Geness Grizzard had the greatest news ofall. His daughter Zoe Miranda was born at home on St Patrick’s Day and weighed in at a comfortable 7 lb, 11 oz. Mom MaryAnn and big sister Sofia are doing very well. Kind of fun for me because now I share my birthday with his little one! (See photo on previous page.)

That’s our update for now. Hope you are enjoying a safe, relaxing summer while you read this. As always, please feel free to drop me a line anytime. Mighty 90! Flash

Carson Tavenner

6828 Raccoon Court Waldorf, MD 20603

(202) 231-2484

DSN: (312) 428-2484

Home: (301) 374-2752

Ca rson_wendy@comcast, net

Bold Gold,

Please forgive me. Between preparing for retirement, cleaning out my desk, moving out of my house, and packing for my family’s road trip across the states, I’ve not paid enough attention to getting a column input finished. Thank you to Tom Kroboth at the AOG for allowing me to wait until after my ceremony to get it done. We’re now on the road; I’m actually writing this in Ryan Farmer’s kitchen while he cooks pancakes and eggs for us. I’m loving the retired life already! Ryan is an operations research analyst with HQ AFMC at Wright-Patterson AFB. In a few weeks we’ll be in the Springs visiting with several more of you; by then the reunion preparations will be coming fast and furious.

I hope you all are getting more and more excited about the reunion!

Many thanks go to Thad Bibb, who officiated for my retirement ceremony, took a flag in the face (it was very windy, the stage small, the flags big...), demonstrated his ability to dig up facts about me that I didn’tknow were on the Internet (!) and otherwise did a spectacular job. Thanks, Thad! I was of course also thrilled to see other Bold Gold faces in the crowd. Many thanks and my gratitude to those who came to see me off in good Air Force fashion. Special recognition to Kevin Quamme who drove up fromNorfolk and Don Yu, my twoyear roommate, who flew in from Dallas. That was so meaningful to me, fellas! Thanks so much.

Sabre Society Donors

Of course I’m not the only person who retired recently. Joel Burt retired at Scott AFB on 4 March, and I received news of several others planning retirement later this summer, after achieving the necessary 9/11 education benefits.

There was also a great turnout in the Springs for a lunch at the Colorado Mt Brewery for receiving class input on where to hold the reunion. Attending were Christy (Leader) Holliday, Ben Kam, JeffMoore, Tim MeCaffery, Brian Peterson, Barry Brewer, Cyndee and Bill Price, Rahn Butler, Carlene Perry, Rob Ramos, Angie (Wallace) Suplisson, Rich Wood, Bret Heerema, Bob Kraus, George Halley, Ron Craig, Dave Sivinski, and Gordon Klingenschmitt. Special kudos to Bret Heerema who travelled the furthest for the lunch - he is stationed in San Antonio and was TDY there! Bill Price who just had double ankle surgery and hobbled to lunch on crutches! Bill heard “Free Lunch” and that was all it took, I guess! I’m out of time; many apologies for the rush order here. More fun in September! Your friend, Carson.

James S. Mehta

PSC 3, Box 1515

AP0 AE 09021

DSN: 314-489-6077

james.mehta@us.af.mil jamesmehta@earthlink.net

the 2 years we get to be here. Believe it or not, our 20th reunion is only a yearaway so start planning for it. We will need a lot of help from those who are in the Colorado Springs area to make this a great event. I know there will be more to come on that over the next fewcolumns.

Mymailbag was a little light this time. I only got one e-mail from Mike Kitching with a photo of an all “True Blue ’92” air crew flying for the 1 st Airlift Squadron, 89th Airlift Wing out of Andrews AFB. They flew a C-40 mission that transited Shannon, Ireland. I didn’tknow the AF let so many old guys fly on the same mission...

Wie geht’s? I hope this finds all of you well and enjoying the summer. My family is enjoying our time in Europe as we try to travel everywhere in

Class of 1992 Project? As you have seen, the AOG leadership is working hard to improve our AOG and the Academy. If you are paying attention to your e-mails from the AOG, you will see that there are several efforts to invigorate the graduate community to rally to make the AOG into a more robust and inclusive organization. Comparisons to the Military and Naval Academy alumni organizations show we lack in membership, networking, and giving back to our Academy.

In light of this, I have been approachedby some of our classmates to propose how the Class of 1992 can do its part for this effort. One suggestion was to make 92% life membership a class goal. We are currently at 43%, so this would require a full class effort. With our 20th reunion only a year away, that seems to be an obvious goal date if we choose to take on this challenge. Increasing membership would be a great first step toward assisting the AOG in continuing their vision and becoming more active in our participation.

One classmate who has again raised his hand to help this or a similareffort is Rick Bailey who is currently serving as our class’ AOGSenator. Rick asks everyone reading this to contact him via rickbaileyl3@gmail.com or to “friend” him on Facebook where there is a USAFA 1992 page. Of course, you can always contact me with your ideas and your desire to help out. It is the time for us to do something as a class and do our part to give back. The great academic institutions of our country all have strong alumni associations and a graduate community that is willing to give back with their time and money. Even though USAFA is federally funded, you will remember that there were a number ofprograms that all of us benefited from that were supported by the AOG. This is direct support to USAFA and the future of our Air Force who are cadets today. The second part of the AOG is to serve its members and the more graduates get involved the more all of us will get out ofit in the form of networking, mutual support, and professional and social events.

Ifyou have ever thought you should get more involved or do something to give back, now is the time. Please contact me or Rickand we’ll start organizing a campaign to get in touch with all of our classmates to encourage them to participate.

More Colonels! Well the results from another Colonels promotion board has been announced and again a number of 1992 have been selected for promotion—early I might add. Locally, here in Germany, Mike Florio was selected. Mike is the current commander of the 86th Security Forces Squadron. I know there were a number of other classmates also selected, but I don’t have a copy of the list, so someone will have to send menames they know of.

CS-22 Tarantulas. On a quick trip back to CONUS, I had the chance to crash over at Dave Kumashiro’s condo in Virginia. He’s finishing up NationalWar College and headed to an internship somewhere in the DC area this summer. Clearly, Dave’s academic work is not overly time consuming as he has taken up triathlons as a new hobby. As with everything Dave does, he is doingquite well in them.

Bob Seifert will be out here in Germany in late summer. It will be great to have him, Amy, and the boys in the area. I will now be able to lump him in the category of “old retired guys.” Congratulations, Bob!

From left are Lt Col Dave Beaver, Lt Col Timrek Heisler, Lt ColMike Kitching, and Lt Col Mike Connolly.

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Don Unwin continues to fly for FedEx andthe Reserve squadron at Scott AFB. Don andhis family have now been in St. Louis for quite a while and are enjoying life there. Don always does his best to make sure to make it to a good number of Cardinals’ games during the summer.

Finally since my input was so sparse Fm including a photo from some of my travels here in Europe. Here is a photo of Michelle, Sarah, Andrew (asleep), and me in Brugge, Belgium.

James, Michelle, Sarah, andAndrew in Belgium.

As always, it’s a pleasure to be your class scribe. But I do need your help...so drop me an e-mail and let me know what you and our classmates are doing. I look forward to hearing from you soon. God Bless, James.

Michael D. Sundsted

1805 Macadams Place

Alexandria, VA 22308

Cell: (240) 338-9839

Office: (202) 757-0080

Michael.sundsted@whmo.mil

Class Website: www.zoomienation .org-’’Class of 1993”

Greetings to the class that None Shall Surpass - NONUS SUPERATO! I hope this brings great tidings to all! Sorry for the lack of response last quarter—had a family emergency to attend to and was unable to get the information usually contained in thisfine article out in time. Was able to grab some time off andheaded to the White House Egg Roll for some fun over Spring Break though!

from USAFA, but I would like to point out the USAFA InCircle (www. zoomienation.usafa.org) is specifically designed to connect fellow classmates. Consider it Facebook meets Linkedln for Academy grads. It’s a great opportunity and my sell is for you to sign up (no fee required) and connect with the rest of the 87 members of our class who already have. This is important when it comes to REUNION time! Please everyone sign up (you already have a profile built) so it is much easier to communicate—we have the second highest AOG membership out of all the classes and we should be as connected! On to the class news!

First (and foremost) I would to congratulate Brendan “Modo” Harris and Troy Dunn for making the 0-6 list! From what I can tell (please correct me)—these two would be our first classmates to be selected for 0-6! ’93 - onward and upward. If there is someone who has attainedthis rank prior or that I missed on the list please let me know! Congratulations fellas—thanks for working hard and setting the standard!

I did hear from Brendan who was on a loooooongdeployment to Afghanistan. He is in scenic Kandahar and was scheduled to be home in late April. He is running the ISR (Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance) operations for Regional Command-South. His first task was to learn how to “speak” Army—he is typically the only “airman” around! Brendan states that the effort is going well with more ISR elements coming into the fray and doing great things.

I recently did a mission with Bruce Ybarra to Honolulu, HI. What a beautiful state. We did a lot of hiking while we were there to see the great sights ofWaikiki. We conquered “Nature’s Stairmaster” as well as the Kona Brewery. Also with us there, but not joining us for the early morning runs or Stairmaster was Sean Solly.

Mike and son Collin at the White HouseEaster Egg Roll 2011.

For those who got “spammed” by the AOG and by the USAFA InCircle Emails the past 6 months—it’s not an attempt to get money from you, but a request for participation. Over the past few months the AOG has been trying to shake the trees to goad members to vote on the new Board of Director members and also participate in the Zoomie Nation version of “Facebook.” Steve Beasley is currently serving on the board of Directors and is up for re-election. Not only was the AOG election count low (15% of the total membership), but they were seeking to have 25% participation. Outside of thefact that Steve is a member of ’93 he has done a phenomenal job in his career and the last year on the board. His number one priority has been to expand membership, focus the board on helping the members and cadets, as well as make the AOG the premier service academy graduate organization.

Sabre Society Donors

I am sure most of you have Facebook accounts with specific friends

Mike and Bruce after conquering “Nature’s Stairmaster”.

I went on a skiing trip with my family to Breckenridge, CO back in February to celebrate Kevin Kosefeski’s 40th birthday! Also joining us was Paul Copioli’s family. Kevin is doing some heavylifting for the Danaher Corporation. Currently he is involved in projects that bring other corporations under the Danaher umbrella. He had just closed a “big deal” while we were skiing. Nothing like bringing theoffice to nature! Paul has done very well with himself. He has done great things with his career after leaving the AF. He worked for a company in North Texas, but now is on his own so-to-speak. He is one ofthe smartest guys I know (yes, just like Brendan, but without the big words!). In fact when he arrived, he gave all the kids that were at the house with us “Hex Bugs” which he holds several patents for. So now my son says dad, how come you haven’t made any toys like

Kevin Kosefeski, Mike Sundsted, and Paul Copioli at Kevin’s 40th birthday.

Mr. Paul? You can see them at Target or WalMart or online. Anyway, Paul also works as a mentor for a Michigan University with a Robotics team. He helps smart guys develop rocketsand to his date his team is smoking the competition. It was great catching up with the fellas!

Got an update from Jason Mills who was also deployed to the desert, but as the Chief of Safety for the 451 AEW. He should hear about SQ/ CC soon. Good luck Millsy—as well as to all our other aspiring SQ/CCs! Steve Frank is the T-6 SQ/CC at Laughlin and Mike Mathes is the other T-6 SQ/CC there. Brad Bird (dude, you owe me an update) is the SQ/CC of the F-22 Sq (43 FS) at Tyndall. Thanks for doing ’93’s part for deployments—glad to hear all is safe in the AOR!

We did a mission through Germany in December 2010 and my former roommate, Phillip Tucker, took great care of us! He was a little surprised when we arrived, but in true 93 and SAMFOX fashionPhil hooked us up. He is doing great things at RamsteinAB as the Operational Support Squadron Commander. He, Amy and thekids are thoroughly enjoying their time overseas (Phil’s second tour to Germany). Teaching, soccer, scouts, etc, etc keep them all busy. Thanks for the hospitality Phil!

Just got an update from Dag Grantham who is now with Net Jets as an Assistant Director of Standards! Definitely a sweet gig in the corporate aviation world! He has summer plans of coming to DC to get the whirlwind tour. Hopefully wecan get the families togetherwhile he is here! Dag moved to NewAlbany, OH from Scottsdale, AZ in July 2008, was type rated in the CE-750 Citation X. Dag moved from Arizona and included transition from Fuke Reserves to the Ohio ANG at Springfield. Unfortunately, Springfield stopped flying F-16s and began transition to Predators. Dag is fortunate to have been hired for a position with theHomestead Reserves

93rd FS Makos. Dag and wife, Alicia, are doing great with two sons, Clay (11), and Chase (8). Dag spent a night with Adrian Clarke (his junior/senior roomie) andhis wife, Jen, and boys Dylan and Riley in January. He is the 7th ASOS SQ/CC at Ft Bliss, TX. He is doing great, but misses the F-15E. Thanks for the great update Dag!

I keep missing Tarry Trittschuh (still in the contracting abyss) who is constantly in DC on business. He and family are doing well.

Thanks for the great updates this session! I look forward to hearing from you via email or USAFA InCircle—sign up and get connected.

Craig Allen

440 Willow Court Warrensburg, MO 64093

H: (660) 747-8088

C: (660) 864-5374 keggerallen@embarqmail.com

Summertime in Texas! Greetings from sunny San Antonio. I’m leaving the B-2 for Faughlin AFB in Del Rio, TX this summer. I’vebeen hired back to AETC for a DO job in the pilot training world. Colleenand I will miss our Missouri friends, but we’re happy to be going back to Texas. Currently, I’m TDY to Randolph for a checkout with the 560th Cheetahs in the T-38C. I drove up on day one and the first person I saw was Jeff “Daly” Dalrymple. He was walking out of the T-1 squadron where he is enjoying being an instructor. He told me he had just taken a jet down to Puerto Rico for an air show. Jeff works in scheduling, so it wasn’t a surprise to me that he wound up on that trip. It was good to catch up with my freshman roommate. One of my T-38 PIT instructors is Mark “Cougar” Rusk. He and some of the bros in the squadron are determined to “re-assimilate” me into the Training Commandmindset. Cougar is an ADO and strangely I’ve often been scheduled to fly with him and other leadership often. I think they’ve had me on “double-secret probation” since I first showed up. Actually, it’s been a great time here flying with Cougar and the Cheetahs. Plus, I’ve been able to hit up several events here this spring, like San Antonio’s Fiesta weekand the PGA’s Texas Open at the nearby TPC course. USAA got us into the golf tournament for free...they must be carrying a big surplus in all those Subscriber’s Saving Accounts.

First up, I received an email from Chris Eden’s dad Tony Eden (’68), entitled “a flying legacy continues”. They had just been at Chris’s cousin, David Butler’s (’09) pilot training graduation at Vance AFB. Chris apparently provided some excellent mentorship to his young cousin who got an assignment to Hickam AFB, HI in the C-17. A solid USAFA legacy and flying tradition in that family. Congrats. (See photo at the top of the next column.)

Following the ’94 Elmendorfupdate in the last edition, I was notified by West “Strut” Stark that the contingent is even healthier than initially re

From left, Tony, David and Chris pin on David’s pilot wings ported. Strut said that he is there as the 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron commander. He also reported that Joe “Solo” Kunkel has been the 90th Fighter Squadron CC there for about a year now. Todd Tumidanski is there as well, in charge of C-17 maintenance for the ANG. Todd is also an airline pilot in Anchorage. Between last quarter’s update and this one, that brings the total to about ten ’94 grads in leadership position^ up in Alaska. I’m not sure what is drawing all these ’94 guys to Alaska, but it may be worth a new reality show like ‘Deadliest Catch’ or ‘Sarah Palin’s Alaska’...‘Red Hot Alaska’?

I heard from Sloan Henderson who is down at Eglin in Florida. Sloan said he is the Chief Engineer there for the JASSM-ER, which is an update to a really cool weapon that the B-2 and other jets can carry. He said he has been civil service employee and an AF Reservist since separating in 2001. He currently works for another classmate, Alex Gracia, who is the deputy of an Advanced Projects Office at Eglin. Sloan said Todd Riche is also there and that he’ll be taking over his program this summer. Sloan said that Todd has been at Eglin for a couple years working on the AMRAAM, which is a world-class air-to-air missile, if you’re unfamiliar. It’s good to know ’94 guys are developing bigger and better weapons for the AF. I asked Sloan when they were going to perfect the “sharks with frickin’ laser beams attached to their heads”. He said they tested a few in the Gulf down there last year, but the project was cancelled afterthe sharks accidently blew up some underwater oil pipe owned by BP.

Byron Miranda sent me a picture from USAFA. Apparently, he is stationed there as an Engr Mech instructor andhad dorm patrol duty on a recent Saturday night. During their routine sweeps, Byron said they found some ofthe tunnel doors open. They decided to investigate. He said they didn’t find any cadets down there, but that he did see something on the wall in the tunnels belowVandenberg Hall. Not sure who put it there and I only vaguely remember what it’s in reference to, but it’s an interesting picture.

Red TagB@—rds!

I’ve seen several people this spring. Brian “Nuts” Hazel is also a T-38 instructor here at Randolph. I caught up with him in the squadron when I first got here, but we didn’t have a chance to fly together as he was outprocessing for a deployment to the AOR. Nuts is doing a 365 in the MC-12 as a DO. I recently flew my fini-T-38A cross country from Whiteman. We made a stop at Nellis, which included a visit to the A-10 Weapons School bar. I saw Matt “Pancho” Villella there, who is the commander ofthe 561 st JTS andflies with the A-10s. Eric “Bulge” Bulger showed up at Whiteman in his AF G-5. He was flying CSAF around to several engagements. Bulge got to spend a night in Knob Noster, so Colleen and I got to catch up with him over a beer or two at Matty “Pratt” Whitney (’95) and wife, Megan’s, house. Good times; Bulge is the same as ever and doing great. He even

gave us a tour of the jet before they took off. Other notable events inelude receiving invites to June change-of-command ceremonies for Chris “Split” Colcord and Cary “Pistol” Culbertson. Split is taking over the 308th Fighter Squadron at Luke and Pistol is taking command ofthe F-16Weapons School Squadron at Nellis. An eventful summer is on tap. Keep me posted and send some cool pics! I only got two photos this time, so here’s one of Bulge and me in front of his G-5 airplane. Kegger.

team led by Mike Love (‘93)? Congrats, Mike and to all you WOBs. Somebody wrote a letter in the last Checkpoints about how much they loved the Waldo Dumbsquat stories. Who knew? Congrats to the Men’s Hockey team for making the NCAA tournament for a fourth time in five years! If anyone saw the picture ofTroy Simon (’92), you’d remember him. He was the guy that always stopped by the ramps tables when we were freshman and some clown was yelling at us; then Si would simply tell them to leave. Classic.

Commanding Attention: We all are getting older. Most of your 20th HS reunions are this summer. When did that happen? Lots of folks moving on to command; here are a few updates: Tim Thurston is leaving the Pentagon to be a Squadron Commander at AF Basic Training at Lackland and will be taking over the 322 TRS. Dave O’Malley is taking over the OSS here at Tyndall. Jay Sabia will be commanding at Hill AFB. Justin Hoffman will be commanding a U-28 squadron at Hurlburt. I got to attend Lance Wilkins’ (‘94) CoC for the drone squadron here at Tyndall. Aaron Lade took command of an OSS in Balad. Apparently, he grabbed the mike and moved out from behind the podium like he was thelead singer of a rock band. Not surprising...he is a rock star. “Hello CLEAVEIAND! Rock and ROLL!” Chad Bondurant is taking over the CE squadron at Luke AFB. Finally, Jon “Big Dogg” Rhone walked into my office the other day. He took over the Air Control Squadron at Eglin AFB. He and Tisha have two beautiful girls, Ryleigh (11) and Riana (8), and he has informed me he’s invested in a shotgun already:

100 Trieste Blvd.

Panama City Beach, FL 32407

W:(850) 283-4231 DSN 523

Home: 850.249.8820

Cell: (850) 499-8242 richard.koch@tyndall.af.mil traviskoch@yahoo.com

Sportstravaganza: O.K. I know many ofyou will say October is the best sports month of the year. You’ve got the NFL, college Football, and the MLB play-offs. I would like to make the case forApril. This year, I got to go to the Men’s Basketball NCAA Final Four in Houston, and then spend that Thursday and Friday at the Master’s in Augusta. How I got the tickets? I know a guy. Turns out, I was not the only grad in Northern GA for the Masters. I ran into Dag Grantham (’93) who is from there and was actually working the event. Lex Page (’67) was there too. Lex is famous for many things, most recently (March ’ll Checkpoints) he and a buddy recruited two Hooters girls to apply for the Zoo.

The highlight of the weekend was running into Joel Stephens. Joel was wearing a signed pair ofJohn Daley shorts, bragging about getting the Arkansas “Gripper ‘n’ Ripper” to come out of his Winnebago and have a few cocktails. No pictures from the event; cameras are prohibited on the grounds. Here’s a happy snap of me and Dermot Coll during halftime of the NCAA Hoops Championship game. Derm is doing great, and got to go to the Frozen Four in Minneapolis the following weekend (and another reason tovote for April). By the way, Derm is now the chairman of the NCAA Div I Lacrosse Selection Committee righteous!

The Beautiful Rhone Family

Random Updates: Turns out, Johnny “Rock and Roll” Northon is playing gigs at the Smithfield Inn in Poquoson, VA on Friday nights. Get there early to get a seat. He is on the ACC Staff and he and his wife, Christy, have an eight-year-old son, Anthony. Don Rhymer was the OIC of the Falconers when “Ace” flew off during the bowl game. He was interviewed on ESPN the next morning. Pretty cool. Don had gotten together with Chad Davis and Luke Cropsey but will send some more gouge next issue. Danny McAlister is in Baghdad as Brig Gen Handy’s Chief of Staff. James McHenryis married (Jackie) with three kids, Johnny (5), Ben (3), and Ciara (3 mo.) and is flying at Luke in Phoenix since 2007 as a Reservist. Chris Hummel, Don Kang, and Big Brad Glenn were all out at Luke not too long ago visiting Steve Boatright and the masses of ’95ers out there.

Kevin Wells wanted to share a picture from Osi Aniakudo’s wedding in Clearwater Beach, FL (7 May2011). It was a WildWeasel of a time. Here’s a picture \of, from left, John Silance, John’s lovely, pregnant wife Amy (congrats), Jason Houser, Mark Burns, Scott Campbell, Kim (Reed) Campbell (97’), Mike Halick, Kevin Wells, and Osi Aniakudo. Congrats, Osi. By the way, some of you guys will remember Jason Houser. He was that dude at the football games our Four-Smoke year with the obnoxiously loud oldschool car horn that always sat three rows behind me at all the games. Can I get a Hu-ZAAAH?

CheckpointsUpdate: First off, ifyou are looking for another good column to read, check out Pat Fox’s (’98). Is there a picture of the cadet sailing team on the front cover of this issue of the West Point Times.. .1 mean Checkpoints? No? How about the Wings of Blue National Championship

OKKegger, you gotyour tour, now get outta here before the boss shows up.”

R. Travis Koch

Sabre

Me and Derm in our “One shining moment...

CS-34 Celebration.. .but where’s the Bride?

We’re going to skip the Jon Hamby section ofthe update for some somher news. If you had not heard, our dear classmate, Frank “Bruiser” Bryant was killed on April 27, 2011 in Afghanistan. Frank was a stud. The Knoxville native was the 119-pound State FI.S. Wrestling Champ. He was an outstanding friend and leader both at the academy on the wrestling team and in his flying endeavors during his career. Frank’s interment was in Arlington National Cemetery on 20 May. The Air Warrior Courage Foundation (AWCF) established a college fund for Frank’s son, Sean. Direct donations can be given by visiting the AWCF website, http://www. airwarriorcourage.org/, selecting the “Donations” tab and then selecting the “Give Direct” button. Please annotate “Sean Bryant 529 College Fund” in the comments section. If you have any additional questions, you may contact AWCF at (877) 921-2923 or at awcf@airwarriorcourage.org. Janice and Sean, we are sorry for your loss and are praying for you in this trying time. We look forward to an eternal reunion with Frank but until then, “Here’s a Toast...”

Melissa S. Cunningham 5785 Ft. Wright Oval Fairchild AFB, WA 99011

657-1138

W: (509)247-1138/DSN:

H: (509) 244-9775

Melissa.cunningham@fairchild.af.mil fchdrider@msn.com

PCS time is just around the corner! Every time we get ready to move, I’m always amazed at how much “stuff” we have accumulated during the assignment. This will be our first move with kids. I know most ofyou are pros at that already, but Fred and I are bracing for impact because we are rookies. We are heading from Washington State to Washington DC with twins, a dog and a cat. It should be riot.

Speaking of life with twins, I caught up with Nicole (Ellingwood) Malachowski. She and her husband, Paul (he’s a LtCol, F15E WSO, ROTC Syracuse ‘92), were blessed with twins on 6 June 2010. Their cherubs are closing in on their first birthday. Twins bring double joy, double love, double giggles, and double the sleepless nights. She said their son Garrick“is a mellow litde man...who enjoys pulling up to stand on anything and everything... and likes to grin and show off his two bottom teeth.” Their daughter Norah is a feisty little filly (I’ve no idea where she gets it) who can crawl as quickly as lightning and eats like a horse.

2010 was a very interesting and challenging year for the Malachowski family. Nicole found out she was pregnant in December of ‘09. She had two ultrasounds, 10 weeks and 12 weeks, which showed the “baby” doing verywell. On 13 February, at 14 weeks gestation, she fell down an entire flight of snow-covered stairs during a DC blizzard on her way to work at SAF/IA. She required major orthopedic surgery immediately to repair numerous fractures in her lower left leg. Prior to the surgery, they gave heranother ultrasound where Paul and Nicole were pleasantly surprised to learn the “baby” was actually “babies.” The idea of twins sort of overshadowed the major surgery at least for the first day. It was nerve wracking to have major surgery while she was pregnant, but all went well.

After the surgery, there were some inconveniences such as being unable to use crutches because the movement caused “Braxton Hicks.” Nicole was put on strict home bed rest until the end ofMarch when her cast came off. Although bed rest sounds great in theory, it got old pretty fast. Nicole went into pre-term labor at 21 weeks gestation and was admitted

to Bethesda Naval Hospital. By the grace of God only and for some miraculous reason, she stayed pregnant 8 more weeks. The twins made their grand entrance at 29 weeks gestation...on D-Day, 6 June.

Essentially, Nicole contracted every 3-12 minutes for 54 days. Yes, you read that correctly, 54 straight days! It’s extraordinarily rare and while the physical toll was immense, the emotional toll was far greater for Paul and Nicole. Theirchildren stayed in the NICU for 6 weeks and were released to go home on 17 July. Since Nicole had not walked since February, she was unable to care for the babies herself. As you can imagine, for a Type-A fighter pilot, this was terrible. Her entire bodyatrophied during several months of bed rest, and she was unable to rehab her leg as required. In fact, she did not walk un-aided from 13 Feb through 26 Sept. Ifthat wasn't enough, she was also told she would never fly again.

Don’t worry, this is not all Debbie Downer news; the happy ending is coming! The Malachowski twins are healthy, happy, and hearty little ones. They are meeting every milestone and on the full-term babygrowth charts. The Malachowskis could not feel more blessed. They have defied statistics. There is no scientific/medical explanation for such a great outcome. Sometimes you just have to believe in miracles. The Malachowski family sure does!

Luck would have it that AF senior leadership decided to PCS Paul and Nicole together to an F15E base with the understanding Nicole would not be on flight status. Nicole met up with an amazing flight doctor, Dr. Cowley, and PhysicalTherapist, Maj Weiner... and, guess what? Back on Flight Status! They said it couldn’t be done. It took 4 months of PT, 6-8 hours a day...but, she’s back. She is a full-fledged, fully qualified F15E fighter pilot again. Looking back over thelast year she is very thankful. The USAF allowed her to do what she needed to do to bring her babies into this world and to convalesce back to health. Talk about the Year ofthe Air Force family. Go Air Force! She was also extremely thankful to all of our classmates who offered their love, encouragement, and prayer during the harrowing days. In particular, our classmate JD Hoskins, who was at Bethesda as a Med School student. He andhis wife kept tabs on the Malachowskis and brought over home cooked meals which really raised their spirits.

Nicole recently took the reigns as Operations Officer of the 4th Operations Support Squadron, and will be flying with the 336th FS. She will have her hands full during the day with work and also at night caring for the twins as Paul leaves in July for a 6-month deployment.

Paul and MandyBirch at the Goldsboro’s Famous Pig-in-the-Park event!

Also at Seymour Johnson are Paul and Mandy (Myers) Birch!

Mandyjust finished a 9-month active duty tour as the commander of the 4th Civil Engineer Squadron at Seymour Johnson in April and now returns to part-time Reserve status. Paul returned from a 365-day tour as a strategist working with the Afghan Air Force in Oct. He is currently the DO ofthe 335th FS at Seymour Johnson and will take command ofthe 4th OSS on 10 Jun. So, Nicole will be Paul’s DO. What a superstar '96 Team that will be!

Many of you are or will making major moves this summer. Please remember to update you address with the AOG as you settle in. Please keep me posted with allthe exciting things ahead with a quick email, note, or picture. Your inputs are what make this column great!

Happy Moving everyone! All the best and God Bless! Mel

JOIN THE SABRE SOCIETY!

YOUR MONEY HELPS FUND CADET WING PROGRAMS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE GO UNFUNDED. CALL (719) 472-0300X200.

Paul and Nicole Malachowski and the twins!

Sabre Society Donors 8

Melvin E. Maxwell, Jr.

14109 Kelly Drive

Bellevue, NE 68123

mel_maxwell97@hotmail.com

melvin.maxwell@offutt.af.mil

(13 Sabre SocietyDonors)

Greetings ’97ers,

Hope this update finds you well. News has only trickled in this quarter so the update will be short and sweet. Sean Bradley makes it into the update a class record three updates in row. In March, James Finlayson sent in this photo taken at a dining facility at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand Province, Afghanistan where he randomly bumped into Sean.

Sean Bradley andJames Finlayson in Afghanistan.

I went to the AFPC Commander’s Course at Randolph Air Force Base in April and ran into classmates Randall Ackerman and Bob Reimer. If memory serves me correctly, Randy is a Maintainer finishing up a tour at the Pentagon; Bob flies C-17s and was completing his AOC tour at USAFA both will take command of operational squadrons this summer.

Calvin Powell and wife, Lori, begrudgingly left Lakenheath in ’09 and traded in the F-15 for an MQ-9 in Vegas we’re told it’s kinda like trading in your Ferrari for a Prius, but hey, the needs of the AF come first, right! They will be at Maxwell forACSC when this comes to print. Kimani Jefferson is in Green Bay, WI with his wife, Marcie, and FOUR children: Helena, Pace, Joelle, and Evangelynn (and the fifth is likely arrived bynow)! He has started his own logistics firm, JAM Holdings, and is coaching wrestling at the local middle school. Ah...and he says: “If anyone is in town...MATT REYNOLDS...give me a ring!”

Mark Falsani is in the Idaho Air Guard flying A-10s, shooting things, snowboarding a lot and riding motorcycles. Dogg Mezziere is there too in the Idaho Air Guard about to start at Southwest. Jake Scherer recently went to Oregon to get his VA pension, buy a house and move back home! He says thatlife is AWESOME and he’s doing very well. Angel Santiago is still working International Affairs at the Pentagon and it’s a great gig. No life changing events or PCS in the near future but he is happily married and enjoying VA/DC. Diane (Carloni) Burch is a Major in the USAF Reserves and the Liaison Officer Director for the state of Massachusetts. ACSC correspondence complete, she will next be working for Westover ARB, MA as the Equal Opportunity Officer for that base. She completed the Disney Marathon in January and (according to her husband, Adam Burch) is just all around a bad ass. Adam is a contractor working for the Air Force as a Project Leader (read: kindergarten teacher) for the ITS program that upgrades the fiber optic/hardware for the communication networks on the bases. He’ll be working on Creech and Vance this year. Their kids Ben (8) and Maggie (5) are healthy, active, and, thankfully, take after their mother.

Sean Finnan and wife, Adrien, daughter Elbe (4), and daughter Marin (1 year) moved from the Pentagon to Fort Leavenworth, KS in January to attend the Army Command and General Staff College. In Sean’s class are fellow ’98ers Carlos Alvarado, Jen Phelps, and Shane Vesely. Ian Laughrey, after flying C-40s in the 89th Airlift Wing for three years, is attending the National Defense Intelligence College in Washington, DC. This past year, Ian and Melissa (Feyereisen) Laughrey (’97) celebrated their 11 th wedding anniversary by taking an unforgettable trip to Bora Bora and bringing their three boys to Disney World for Christmas! After taking one for the team and separating from the Air Force four years ago, Melissa is running a wound care clinic as a nurse practitioner and just recentlycompeted in the Nation’s Triathlon. Ian will be starting at the White House Military Office this summer for a three-year tour and is excitedabout sticking around DC for another 3 years! Joe Ferfolia, is working locally as a Program Manager at ManTech International while pulling a B-l Reserve gig in OKC. He is expecting his first daughter with his wife, Leanne, in February.

Mandy Scott Martin married Nick in Costa Rica in May and has been flying Snoopy 1 for three years. She’s recently accepted a job flying the Goodyear Blimp and moved to South Florida...and as she says: Life is grand! Ryan and Jenn (’99) (Schweer) Pirozzi are heading to Seattle to relocate for Ryan’s new job with Amazon. Stu Alley got out of the AF in 2007, when he took the VSP money and ran. He’s flown for Southwest Airlines for the last 3 years, and he lives on a family farm in Crossville, TN with his wife and kid. Wendy Volkland is in Hyderabad, India for 10 months...working for a US non-profit called Acumen Fund that invests in businesses serving the poor. She’s having a blastand learning a ton. Chris Baird is working as a data analyst for an oil service company in Norway with his wife andthree children.

Mini '97 reunion at theAFPC CC Course.

Two quick notes..Julio Negron is finally back from deploymentlong enough to send an update...Julio reports ACSC is winding down and next up is a trip back to Wright-Patterson where he will be the Fighter-Bomber Directorate, Deputy Director of Contracting (he also reports ownership of a new Honda Odyssey). Randall “Cheese” Johnston has joined the rest of us in 2011 and popped up on Facebook and is living down in Ft Myers, FL. That’s all I have for thisround. Until next time.. .Mel.

Pat Fox

1520 Pershing Dr., Apt. E San Francisco, CA 94129 pmf6@pge.com

Like last quarter’s update, this update is from Matt and Kerrie (Gribuski) Dunker. They received so many updates in January that we had to separate them into two issues. Enjoy...

Sara (Victoreen) Linck is in New Jersey with her husband, Scott, and three little ones (2 boys and a baby girl) Scott is an ASAM student at Joint Base McGuire-Lakehurst-Fort Dix. Sara is working as a reservist IMA at the Center part-time where she works with Jen Yates and Ryan Vander Veen. Rich and Erika (Cottrell) Tanner are at Travis AFB in California. Erika is full-time mommying Emma (6) and Mina (5), and Rich is really enjoying life as the DO of the OSS. Rich sees a lotof Greg Hietpas who’s a KC10 Reservist working in the tactics shop on long-term active duty orders. Greg andhis wife have two little ones. Rich also occasionally see Joe Aguiar, who is a traditional Reservist at Travis.

Joe Adamski left the Air Force in 2007 and went back to school, earning an MBA from Emory University. He is now working for the consulting firm A.T. Kearney in Atlanta. His first engagement for Kearny was working with the Air Force on fighter sustainment, though later he escaped that to go to Australia to work with a food company. Phillip Brown also left the Air Force in 2007, and is now flying for Southwest. He lives a bit north ofAtlanta, and has 2 kids: Cole is 4, andhis daughter Alex is 1 1/2. Phil and his wife recently had dinner with Joe Zingaro and his wife, LeighAlison, in Savannah. Joe left active duty and is now flying for Gulfstream. He does Reserve work as an ALO and a range officer at the bombing range there in Savannah.

Erik Eichen recently got married to Dawn Matterness. They are still living in the DC area, although Erik is expecting an assignment soon. Phil

Sabre

Smith recently returned from hisstudies as an Olmstead scholar in Brazil. He is back to the KC-10 at McGuire. Nate Hartley cross commissioned into the Army after graduation, but was medically discharged after an injury in training. He worked for Credit Suisse First Boston for a few years before getting his MBA from the University of Chicago. Since graduation he’s been working for Barclay’s Capital, most recently in London, and got engaged over Christmas! Roy Recker checked in and said he andFelicia (Thompson) Recker are headed to ACSC this summer. When they leave Seymour Johnson they’ll be caravanning to Alabama with Jen (Young) Fujimoto, and family.

The last update comes from Tom Hornik. Since 2007, Tom has deployed every year for 6-10 months with the Army in Afghanistan as a 14N (Intel). The lengthy deployments and TDYs have been difficult, but his wife of 10 years, Genevieve, and two kids, Mackenzie, 8, and David, 6, have been extremely supportive (see photo). Tom and family are currently stationed at CENTCOM, wherehis assignment included 9 months during 2010 of living in London the CENTCOM J2 sent Tom to serve as an intel liaison to our British allies.

Jason Simmons

107 Hands Cove Lane

Shalimar, F L 32579

Simmons@USAFA2000.com

Jason.Simmons@us.af.mil

Classmates,

I recentlyheard from Paul Schwennesen and Sarah (McGuane) Schwennesen this time around. Their ranching/beefbusiness has blossomed and they’re transitioning a half-million dollar business over to partners and employees to free up family time and to focus on the impending arrival of their third-born (another girl!). And if kids and ranching aren’t enough to keep busy, Paul was admitted to Yale for a second master’s program. He’s also a regular contributor to Fox Business News and is being published in allthe Libertarian rags. Meanwhile, Sarah is finishing up a “stay-ployment” as an Twelfth Air Force (12 AF) activated Reservist. They note that anyone looking for a “cool” place to hang out in July probably should not come see us in Tucson... I might have to come see this ranch!

James W. Busch

Cell: (830) 734-2411

DSN: 436-1785

buschfl6@yahoo.com james.busch@afcent.af.mil

Schwennesen Fab Four soon to be Five.

Dean Berck was in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and a chance run in with Eric Brinkman was too great an opportunity to pass up spending some time catching up. Dean is currently on an Olmsted Scholar studying at the Pontifical Catholic University in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Eric is flying C- 130s out of Little Rock these days. Dean notes that he and his wife, Angie, and are expecting a little boy in June, their daughter Grace is 6 years old andhis day job used to be F-15E IP.

Brian Lane is at Cannon flying the mighty MQ-9 and having fun with his baby boy, Brenden, that wife, Michelle, gave birth to on Dec 2d. Brian is finishing up a Master’s Degree with Embry Riddle and plans on teaching undergrad classes with them starting this fall.

Major Dave Brodeur

Class - this column is dedicated to the memory of our classmate Major Dave Brodeur, who was tragically killed in Kabul, Afghanistan on 27 April. Dave was a great friend, a talented leaderand a hell of a pilot. To the family, the thoughts and prayers ofthe entire class of 1999 go with you. Dave is survived by his wife, Susan, and two children, Elizabeth and David. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a college fund for Dave’s kids. I’d encourageeveryone to donate to this worthy cause. Contact the AirWarrior Courage Foundation, care of the Maj. David Brodeur 529 College Fund, Air Warrior Courage Foundation, P.O. Box 877, Silver Spring, MD 20918. The foundation can also be reached by phone at (877) 9212923; by fax at (301) 587-2923, and by email at awcf@airwarriorcourage. org. Dave we’ll miss you buddy. Here’s a toast...--James

(6 Sabre Society Donors)

Sabre Society Donors 64

My wife, Melissa, and I made sure to look up classmates hanging out in Fort Walton Beach (FWB) area, when we got to Eglin and Hurlburt, respectively, and have been able to meet up with Jason Goldberg, Summer Koons, David Adamson, and Susan (Murphy) Adamson... Dave and Susie at different times since they’ve been taking turns deploying. They remind me of the sacrifices our classmates make to continue wearing the uniform and serve. Granted, I realize many of you are serving in different ways today and we all appreciate that as well. Every time I turn around, I hear about a classmate doing something that would make our Long Blue Line proud.

Okay, getting back to the news and off my patriotic, class pride soapbox... as I was saying, I’m enjoying life in FortWalton Beach and hopefully can convince the wife of it becoming our retirement location some day. Who knows though, right? We’ll see, I guess it depends where life after the AF takes us; until then work hard, play harder. In doing so, I seem to keep running into Brooke and Jason Goldberg at 5K benefit runs that have beer (and Irish Wakes sometimes) waiting at the finish line. The Goldberg legacy now includes Camden (5) and Nettie (2). Jason is enjoying his eighth

Merchandise,

The Hornik Family

year at Hurlburt as an AC-130U pilot, and is now working at the 18 FLTS testing the mighty MC-130W.

Jason, Nattie, Camden, and Brooke Goldberg.

Well, that’s it for this time. I know you’re all busy, but please throw me a class news update via email or Facebook.

Cheers, Jason “Cueball” Simmons.

Faith (Hitchcock) Dunn

6423 NW 94th Court Johnson, IA 50131 Faithd03@hotmail.com

Looking forward to seeing everyone at our 10th reunion! Here is some pertinent information. Class of2001 10th Reunion, September 7-11,2011; Homecoming football game: AF vs. TCU on Saturday, September 10th Hotel: Embassy Suites, 7290 Commerce Center Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80919.

Call (719) 599-9100 to make reservations. Single/ Double rooms are $105, MountainView $115. Breakfast is complimentary and child care will be provided onsite (pre-registration will be required).

Please go to http://www.usafa.org/reunion/2001/ 2001.aspx to update your contact information. Additional details and schedule of events will be communicated soon.

Sabre Society Donors 5

Please contact the following people with questions: Jason Harris: JasonHarris@gmail.com or Faith Dunn: faith03@hotmail. com.

Thanks, Faith.

Amy Schultz Kauvar

235 H St. Salt Lake City, UT 84103 (215) 280-1760

amykauvar@gmail

Class Website: www.usafa02.org

(3 Sabre Society Donors)

(Editor’s note: We did not receive an inputfromAmyfor this issue. Please send heryour inputs and photosfor the next issue.)

Susan Helms and a quick update on everyone: Kate Helleberg is flying RPAs at Creech AFB, Elia (Burrill) Hickie is flying C-21s at Ramstein AB, Tenaya (Goc) Humphrey is flying C-17s at Dover AFB, and Dawn Hildebrand is an AMLO with the 82nd Airborn Division at Pope.

Susan Lynn (Doyle) Maly (703) 909-3830

USAFA2003@gmail.com

susanlynnl981@yahoo.com

Class Facebook Page: Usafa Zerothree

HeyBongers, hope this finds you doing well! Here’s the latest news: Elia (Burrill) Hickie wrote: “A few of us just got back from the 2011 JointWornen’s Leadership Symposium in San Diego (http://www.af.mil/news/story. asp?id=123246898) and had a great time. Here is an ‘03 picture with Lt Gen

Kate Helleberg, Elia (Burrill) Hickie, Tenaya (Goc) Humphrey, and Dawn Hildebrand with Lt Gen Susan J. Helms at the 2011 Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium.

Jason Cromar returned from a 7-month deployment last year to AlUdeid Air Base with the 37th Bomb Squadron as a the Squadron Medical Officer and OIC of Flight Medicine. He recently graduated from Harvard University School ofPublic Health with a Master’s ofPublic Health degree and is beginning an Aerospace & Occupational Medicine Residency at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio in June. Congratulations, Dr. Cromar!

Sabre Society Donors 6

In other news, we now have a class Linkedin page. You can find our group at: USAFA 03. Also, many of you have asked about the Connection Project, a progression ofideas designed to build loyalty, strength and unity among Air Force Academy cadets and graduates. You can learn more about the Connection Project on the AOG’s website. I hope this update finds you happy, healthy, and doing well! Take care, Susan

Breezy (Long) Heddinger

PSC 78, Box 4252

APO AP 96326

Home: (214) 261-2065

windyshort82@gmail.com

(2 Sabre SocietyDonors)

Even without watching the news, I can tell when the world is in a tumult--some ofAmerica’s best and brightest suddenly become busier than ever! We only have one update this quarter, but thankfully, it’s a goodnews story—we always need more ofthose in this world, right?

Capt Jason Spindler and his wife, Dr. Shana Spindler, welcomed their baby son, Zachary, to the world on December 22,2010 at 1515. They delivered at Bethesda Naval Medical Center, MD. Zacharyweighed 7 lb 12.6 oz.

duty engineer (62E), and has had all his assignments with Air Force Space Command. Shana recently transitioned from post-doctoral work at the National Institutes of Health into a career as a science writer. They look forward to being in the D.C. area for several more years before PCSing. Personally, I think Zachary might have a shot at leading the “Little Einsteins” one day—how can you beat that gene pool!

Jason, Shana, and ZacharySpindler in D.C.

Keep doing your thing, ’04, and keep taking care of each other. When you have a spare moment, please keep in touch, too!

Paula Delapasse

196 Cambria Drive Beavercreek, OH 45440 (225) 603-4450

jpdelapasse@gmail.com

Happy Summer to all of you! This spring has brought a lot of changes to everyone and I hope you are all doing well wherever you might be. We probably have classmates spread all across the world and we would love to hear from you! 1 got a few quick notes from people to share, please enjoy!

John Tamasitis is getting ready to punch out of the Air Force this summer and is heading to Law School at the University ofSouth Carolina. John will remain with AFOSI in the AF Reserves after separation. He was engaged in the beginning of March to Anna Lee Mohylsky of Destin, FL. He and Anna are excited to be starting their new life together in Columbia, SC. On another note, John will be taking back the duties of Class Scribe for these Checkpoints articles. Be sure to send him your news and other information for him to share with our class. You can findhim on Facebook or tombo012@hotmail.com. He may update that news next quarter but that should work for any contact information in the mean time.

Sabre Society Donors 2

Erin separated from the AF just in time to have the baby and Phil got home from deployment three days before the birthof his son! Talk about a lot going on that month! Phil, Erin, big sister ITadassah, and baby Joel PCS’d to Nellis AFB this April. Phil is excited to start flying as an aggressor for Red Flag. They are buying a home in the area and said to be sure to look them up ifyou are heading to Las Vegas!

John Tamasitis and hisfiance, Anna.

Chris Narvaez is currently deployed to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, running a medium truck detachment for the Army. He is responsible for sending convoys into Iraq to pull out American cargo. He is just a few months into this deployment. His wife, Erin, is expecting their second little girl in July. Theyalready have a two-year-old daughterAubrey to keep them busy! Good luck to you, Chris, and your family!

Erin Heinz Jackson and Phil Jackson have welcomed an addition to their family. Baby Joel Phillip Jackson was born on March 12 in Arizona.

Jami Hodge Fernandez has had a lot going on in the past year. She and her husband, John, have an almost one-year-old baby girl namedAliana. They are enjoying life as parents and seeing all the changes a little one brings. Jami separated, from active duty last, summer and is currently with the AF Reserves assigned to the 446 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at McChord AFB. She is transferring to the 34 AES at Peterson in the next few months and has been enjoying the Reserves in spite of the commute! John is currently deployed and is expected to return June 2011. In the meantime, Jami and Aliana have been enjoying spending a lotof time with her familv in San Antonio.

Rick Fry has been deployed since March to Bagram AB. He is working with the Army in the Combined Joint Task Force 101. He basically manages the money for theCommander’s Emergency Response Program in Regional Command East. He said it is an interesting program to say the least. Matt Diehl arrived about three weeks after Rick and he is doing budget work for SOCOM. Rick hasn’t seen too many classmates because he lives and works on the Army side of the base. Another new bit of news is that Rick was picked up for VSP this fall. He doesn’t know too many details except that he gets to come home from the desert earlier than expected!

Danny Way also sent me a short note allthe way from Italy! He and his wife, April, are stationed at Aviano AB. He said it is true what you’ve heard about Aviano...the living doesn’t get any better. Wine is cheaper than water and the house wine is always delicious. Travel is simple and the Italian pace oflife is slow enough to savor. Sounds like a great assignment Danny!! He is also out there with a bunch of other ’05ers to include: Danny Wynn, Kevin Anderson, Brad Zimmerman, Josh Cobin, and Kris Holstege. As I said above, I will be passing the Class Scribe dutiesback to John Tamasitis next quarter. Thank you to everyone for keeping in touch and being supportive of my efforts to keep the class news circulating. I have enjoyed this job for the past few years and cannot wait until our first official class reunion. Reminiscing about USAFA can be a fun time! Thanks again! Take care everyone and be safe!

Paula MaffeyDelapasse

Dayle (Morell) Hartung

185 Freeman St., Apt. 841

Brookline, MA 02446

daylehartung$gmail.com

Facebook group:”Feel the Fire"

Can you believe it has been five years since we all marched into Falcon Stadium and threw our hats in the air?! In some ways, nothing has changed—we are still at war, still in uniform and still watching funny you tube videos of cadets online. But in other ways, each of us has accomplished so much—we are professionals, husbands and wives, published authors, heroes, parents and friends. I have so many exciting updates to get to, thank you all for sending me this information!

First, JaylanHaleywas published inAirand SpacePowerJournal (Spring 2011 edition) while serving a six-month tour in Afghanistan with the Army and Marines. He seems to be keeping busy, as he is also starting a Sacra-

PhilJackson with his son Joel

mento area chapter of the USAFA AOG and wants any grads at Travis or Beale to get in touch with him (jaylan.haley@gmail.com).

Next, after finishing ENJJPT in '07 Andrew Gray flew the F-15C in Florida and then Alaska. He andhis wife, Taryn, were blessed with twin girls, Chloe and Peyton, who turned two on April 24th (see photo). This beautiful family is all currently stationed at Holloman where Andy is flying the F22. They have loved seeing friends as we keep moving across the country and look forward to watching the Falcons winin the fall. Theyhope to see more ofyou in the coming months and around the CAF.

The GrayFamily

Amber (Collins) Chen has been very busy as well! She is currently still deployed at Al-Udeid and plans to separate in about 3 months to move to Pingtung, Taiwan to live with her husband, Hsiang-Yu Chen (c/o 2008 Taiwan exchange cadet). They have a nice home in Taiwan and invite classmates passing through to come and stay! She also mentionedthat Choi (Williams) Messer is on her way back from her deployment in Afghanistan (FOB Salerno) to follow her husband, Adam Messer, to Germany. Sze (Lau) Miller was deployed in Iraq and has since redeployed back to Misawa, Japan shortly after the earthquake. Kim Templer also spent a lot of time in Iraq recently. Amber also ran into a quite a few people from our class while TDY out in Afghanistan, including George Goldwaithe, Rob Newton, Ashley Parker (pictured with Amber) and Mike Kellenbence. Also, Matt ‘Fold’ Tuchscher and Nick ‘English’ Barnhart are off fighting the good fight at an “undisclosed” location in Southwest Asia with the 37thBomb Squadron.

Donors

From left are Steve Haynes/CS-18, Susie (Bogrette) Haynes/CS-18, John Haney/CS-18, Ashley (Guthrie) Haney/CS-16, Cortney Piper, Jason Piper/ CS-18, William MacVittie/CS-18, Tony Lawrence/CS-18,and Mike Phelan/ CS-18.

In other wedding news, proud groomsmen Adam Swift and Andrew Baydala would like to congratulate Nicholas Tsougas on his engagement to Ms. Rebecca Black. The couple plan to marry at St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Washington DC on Friday, Oct. 21, 2011.

Finally, Tripp Johnson is down in New Mexico flying PC-12s with his wife, Carly (Siefken) Johnson. They just had their second child, named Hunter Benton. Carly is excited about getting out in May and being a fulltime mom for their family. Sam de la Rosa and his wife, Ashley, recently had theirfirst baby, Barrett Christian. In other baby news, Lance Anders andhis wife, Danielle, are expecting their third child. Finally, Jordan Firth andhis wife, Sarah, had their second child named Judah. Congrats to all the new parents!

As for me, I am finishing up my third (and last) year of law school at Boston University School of Law, and PCSing to the Joint Base Lewis-McChord JAG office to join my husband Daniel Hartung (c/o 2007) in August. I will likely be in Montgomery this fall or JAG school—hopefully I will see some of you there while you are at SOS. Also, I am trying to gage your interest in having an informal 5-year get-together this fall around the Springs, so if you are interested please contact me at daylehartung@ gmail.com oron Facebook. In the meantime, keep sending me updates --1 can’t wait to see what the next five years bring for all of us!

Casey (Bayne) Whitson

P.0. Box 3005

El Segundo, CA 90245 (310) 343-5969 checkpoints@caseybayne.com

Hi Class of2007,

By time you read this edition of Checkpoints, we will all be promoted to Captains andthe class of 2011, the first class that wasn’t there while we were, will have graduated. It’s amazing how time has flown by! It seems strange that it’s only been four years but so much has happened. It makes you wonder where we’ll be in another four. I know everyone is busy with life but if you get a few minutes pleases shoot me an email and let me know what you’re up to so I can include your update in the next Checkpoints.

Back in CONUS, Mike ‘COJAK’ Fech, Will ‘Kazi’ Louie, and Carl Chen are in the 34th Bomb Squadron flying B-ls at at Ellsworth. Be sure to congratulate Mike Fech - he recently made history supporting Operation ODYSSEY DAWN as the youngest member of the first B-1 flight to take off from CONUS and strike strategic targets in a hostile nation. While Carl Chen loves being a B-l WSO, he recently FINALLY got picked up for UPT! He’s heading for NAS Whiting in Milton, FL for Primary, but then he’ll more than likely end up atVance where some of our classmates may very well be his IPs. He would like to extend an invitation to any classmates heading to Montgomery for SOS to crash with him and his wife in their Florida home on the weekends.

William MacVitte is currently learning to fly the C-21 and will be stationed at Scott Air Force Base for the next 3 years. He recently attended Jason Piper’s wedding on 2 Apr 11 in Dallas, TX! Alongside Jason andhis beautiful bride, Cortney, were seven CS-18 grads (and one Proud Chickenhawk).

Please make sure to read the obituary section in this edition. Our classmate, Anthony Riggan’s obituary is included. His family and friends worked together to honor him with a beautiful tribute. Again please show your support and send condolences to Anthony and Nicole’s parents: Mr. and Mrs. Tony Riggan, 36 Bayonne Dr., Little Rock, AR 72223-9109, and Mr. and Mrs. John Paterson, 455 Indian Way, Monument, CO 80132-9451

In lieu of flowers, Anthony’s family has asked thatmemorial donations be made to any ofthe following charities: Anthony and Nicole Riggan Memorial Mission Scholarship, c/o BSU Alumni Association, PO Box 1832, Monument CO 80132, or Fellowship Bible Church, 1401 Kirk Rd., Little Rock, AR 72223-6004, or Pulaski Academy College Preparatory, 12701 Hinson Rd, Little Rock, AR 72212 (http://www.pulanskiacademy.org/podium/default.aspx?t=41032) or Nicole Riggan Memorial Theatre Scholarship, c/o Wells Fargo Bank, 481 Highway 105, Monument, CO 80132.

Sabre Society

Ashley Parker and Amber Chen

Sabre Society Donors 3

Engagements: Cynthia McDermott wrote, “Michael McKenna and I were engaged last May (2010) and are planning to be married this Octoher in Denver. We started dating duringprimarypilot training in Pensacola, FL in 2009 then both moved to Corpus Christi for advanced training. After winging, we moved to Little Rock AFB, AR and are flying C-130Js for the next fewyears. We are both scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan this coming May-September and are looking forward to the wedding when we return!”

Cynthia McDermott and Michael McKenna

Please continue to send updates my way! We’d love to hear what everyone is up to and where your careers are taking you.

Trenton Sandberg

450 Illinois Ave., Unit 2 Del Rio, TX 78840 (719) 646-9090

trenton.sandberg@gmail.com

(No Sabre Society Donors Yet)

Richter Class, Gabe Narduzzi and Anna Schnitger were married on February 20, 2011 in San Pedro, California. Several 07/08/09 grads attended (’08 grads in bold): Todd Small, Rachel Owen, Christin (Hart) Mastracchio, Will Deike, Bryce Luken, JasonAdams, Jason Belvill, Leah Pound, Jared Krueger, AndrewSaleh, Kara Garcia, Sam Grey, Stephanie Regis, JessicaSchroeder, and Corey Crowell. Anna and Gabe are both civil engineering officers. Anna is stationed at Elmendorfwhile Gabe is currently at Hickam (he’ll be moving to Elmendorf in August).

in class. Either way, you should send me stuff! It’s even okay to pimp your classmate.. .1 won’t tell.

Forrest Underwood

9220B Carlson St.

Del Rio, TX 78840

forrestunderwood@gmail.com

Facebook: Forrest J. Underwood

Classmates!

Thank you again for all of the input; our class has always brought it strong! It is amazing to see all of the amazing things everyone has done and continues to do. Keep up the good work out there!

If you happen to be a family member, friend, etc and would like to submit info for the next Checkpoints update for the Class of 2009 (HUB!), please feel free to send it my way: forrestunderwood@gmail.com. It’s our time, Forrest.

CONGRATS: Brooks Crane finished his MBA at Pitt in July 2010, married his fiancee Michelle (Roark) in August 2010, and is currently at MeChord AFB putting staples on target! Robbie Glenn married his fiance in March 2011 and is headed out to Luke AFB to fly F-16s!

Ryan Pinner won Group/Wing CGOQ and Group CGO ofthe Year as 2LT in acquisitions at Eglin for fielding next-gen ECM capabilities on AF aircraft in record time and leading AF support to Patriot Missile counter-ECM upgrades. Led engineering team fielding new bunker busters with highly improved reliability on B-2 and B-52. Became AF’s QF-4 program manager for weapons certification fielded new tow banner target for aerial gunnery practice at Tyndall forWeapon Systems Evaluation Program. Earned instrument rating in civilian world and got a pilot slot out of active duty. Heading to IFS 25 April and moving to Whiting in June. Probably the only guy in the class of’09 to get stick time in an F-4 too!

Dan O’Sullivan is a spacecraft engineer at Buckley AFB keeping the DSP satellite constellation alive and is being looked at for becoming the Chief of Engineering this summer!

Luke Kaspari andRichie Amisone are on the Air Force Rugby team. They are currently Down Under to play the Australian AF and New Zealand AF teams!

Spence Lee graduated from AFIT with a degree in Software Engineering and is off to LA to do Space and Missiles acquisitions!

Gabe Narduzziand Anna Schnitger

Ifyou’re interested in graduate social networking, you should definitely check out dothedive.com. Dan “DT” Taylor (07) has done an awesome job setting up a networking site that integrates with facebook to connect grads together through many different ways. DT is also using the site to promote 5-year class reunions (not in affiliation with USAFA or the AOG) in cool places like Las Vegas. Even if you think you’re not interested, you should go to thewebsite and check it out for yourself...my descriptive abilities are on par with a 5-year-old telling you about his new rocket toy. I’m not sure if this Was a slow news cycle, or I’ve become the smelly kid

Sabre Society Donors 1

ASSIGNMENTS: Alex Arbuckle - F-15E, SeymourJohnson AFB; Joe Atherton - T-6,Laughlin; Linsey Kinsinger - C-130J, Ramstein AB; Sam McKenzie - E-8, Warner-Robbins AFB; Sean Perry - C-17, McGuire AFB; Josh Reddis - F-16, Luke AFB; Joe Tomczak - T-l, Laughlin AFB; Christoph Totorica - C-130 E/H, Little Rock; John Wilhelm - MC-130, Hurlburt Field; Christy Wise - HC-130, MoodyAFB; Forrest Underwood - C-130J, Ramstein AB; Mike Mayor - T-l, Laughlin AFB; Pete Betz (DG) - KC-10, McGuire AFB; Aarron Henderson - C-17, McChord AFB; and Josh ‘FUNGUS’ Mason - C-130E/H, Little Rock AFB.

Also, Greg Jemo - MC-12/KC-135, MacDill AFB; Ross Jones - RPA, Creech AFB; AJ Muench- C-21, Scott AFB; Addison Harding -T-6, Laughlin AFB; J Moore - RPA, Whiteman AFB; TaylorTally- F-16, Luke AFB; Nick Grieco - F-16, Luke AFB; Phil Wilson - F-16, Luke AFB; Brady Augustin - F-16, Luke AFB; Scott Bogner - T-l, Columbus AFB; Adam Bergoo - C17, Charleston AFB; John Aronoff - T-38, Sheppard AFB; Ian Hurdle - T-6, Laughlin AFB; and Cam Koehler - MC-130, Hurlburt Field.

Also, Sean Shay - C-17, McChord AFB; Mike Peterson - C-17, MeGuire AFB; Tyler McMillian - NSA, Cannon AFB; Caroline Tetrick - C-17, Charleston AFB; Mark Bishop - C-5, Travis AFB; Ryan Christie - KC-135, MacDill AFB; Rob Consiglio - C- 130J, Dyess AFB; Dusty Danielson - NSA, Cannon AFB; Eric Davis - NSA, Cannon AFB; John Harvey - T-6, Laughlin AFB; Jordan Howen - C-17, McChord AFB; James Johnson - T-l, Laughlin AFB; Eric Miller - C-17, Charleston AFB; Drew ‘Kenny’ Powers - KC-135, McConnell AFB; and Dave Simon - C- 130E/H, Little Rock AFB.

Also, Ryan Sleeter - NSA, Cannon AFB; Matt Sparta - M-28, CannonAFB; Jason Booth - U28, Cannon AFB; Ty Clark - F-15C, Klamath Falls, OR; Kurt Rommel - KC-10, Travis AFB; Zach Shapiro - F-16, Luke AFB; Grant Smith - KC-135, MacDill AFB; Zach Thompson - T-6, Laughlin; Eric Vander Wyst - KC-135, Seymour-Johnson; Prezemek Strekowski - HH-60, Moody AFB; Brandon Jones - UH-1, Andrews AFB; and Jake Lowrie - F-16, Kelly Field. Tom Coker just finished IFF and is headed to F-15E FTU at SeymourJohnson in June. Liz Lofton is working on B-2s at Whiteman AFB. Brice VanRoekel is now the OIC ofthe onlyAF spacelift maintenance flight supporting RPP, ORS-1, TACSAT-4, and HTV-2B.

DEPLOYMENTS: Trevor Steen is currently deployed to Seychelles, Africa leading a combat comm team.

Craig Franke is deployed to Camp Phoenix in Kabul, Afghanistan doing engineering for the Afghan National Police/Army. Kelly McGowan is currently deployed to an unknown location flying the MC-12.

OTHER SPOOGE:

***Looking for some help from the ’09 Alumni***

Brian Williams (currently at Harvard pursuing his Masters in Public Policy), Erik Mirandette (’08), and Andy Richter (currently at Corpus Christi waiting for his assignment before he moves to Little Rock for C130 PIQ): These fine gentlemen have started a non-profit organization that uses the Internet to provide training and skill development for entrepreneurs and NGO leaders in the developing world. If you want to learn more, please visitwww.kushiri.org. Ifyou want to make a donation to support this work, or just ask some questions, you can email Brian and Erik at info@kushiri.org.

Hard to believe it’s been a whole year since we escaped from the Zoo! Not a lot to report this time. Biggest news is that Shea Speer and his wife, Danielle, got re-married in San Antonio. After eloping and getting married aboard a cruise ship this summer, they decided that to appease the families they better have a formal ceremony or be shunned forever. Mark Jordy and his fiancee Julia DeWilde were a little delinquent in reporting they got engaged after Christmas, but wanted to let everyone know they are getting married in May. Michelle Ernest and JoshTempel tied the knot as well. The couple is waiting to have a formal ceremony until Josh fin-

ishes pilot training. Ben Williams married his high school sweetheart in February. Braden Grose was his best man and Michael Langley served as a groomsman. Morgan Sayes and Jared Consolo (‘09) round out our list of marriages for this past quarter.

In other news, Tim Truong and Jae Kim (both stationed at Yokota AB, Japan) were not affected by the earthquake and following tsunami since they were both attending Logistics/Readiness Officer tech school with me down at Lackland when the earthquake hit. Both were eager to return to Japan and assist in the recovery process, and I am sure they are doing great things over there. As for me, I had a blast down in San Antonio for tech school these last few months, and along with Tim, Jae, Shea, and me, Nicole Mancos and Devon (DJ) Ford also earned their LRO badge. DJ went above and beyond, earningDistinguished Graduate from the course, so be sure to congratulate him when you get a chance! Enjoying 80-90 degree weather while my normal base was getting pounded with snow was great! Now I just have to find a way to get sent TDY down to Texas every winter! I was even luckyenough to catch the NASCAR race at Texas Motor Speedway the week before school wrapped up. I am currently awaiting assignment within the LRS back here at Mountain Home.

Speaking oftech school and follow-on assignments, Masha Scheglov drew a hardship assignment by drawing Andersen Air Base, Guam as her assignment for Combat Communications. She’ll be stationed there for two years. Juliana Bean (Jacobellis) also got her assignment for Communications Acquisitions; she’ll be going to Hanscom, MA.

With all the happiness our class has to celebrate, I hate to leave this class update on sour a note. However, I must regretfully pass on that our class has lost two of its best. Peter Sohm and John (J.T.) Rice passed away doing what they loved flying. The two were flying together in Texas when something happened to their plane and it crashed. I do not have any further details about the incident or what led up to it, but please keep Peter’s and John’s families in your thoughts and prayers, and offer comfort and support to MalloryMorgan (Peter’s girlfriend) as well.

‘Til next time, blue skies and tailwinds!

(Editor’s note: Would the class president or volunteer writers please contact Tom

Kroboth, class news editor, at Tom.Kroboth@aogusafa.org to appoint or find a volunteer scribe for the Class of 2011