Alumni Review 2009 Issue 4

VMI

ALUMNI REVIEW 2009-Issue4

Class of of 2013 2013 Largest Largest to to Enter Enter VMI VMI Class The 490 incoming cadets who signed the matriculation book at VMI on Aug. 22, 2009, comprised the Institute’s largest class in its history.

More than half, or 54 percent, hail from Virginia, with North Carolina and Pennsylvania next best represented, respectively. There are 50 women in the prospective class, as well as 35 transfer students.

According to Col. Vernon Beitzel ’72, director of Admissions, the target for the class of 2013 is 460 students, and these incoming cadets were selected from a pool of 1,723 applicants, which is the second largest number of applicants in VMI’s history.

Also, nearly five percent of incoming cadets are sons and daughters of alumni, with 17 percent of the class having a connection to an Institute alumnus.

Nearly half of the incoming class, or 48 percent, attended the Institute’s Summer Transition Program, or STP, over the summer.

The STP is a voluntary, four-week program designed to improve the academic and physical fitness of incoming cadets. There is no military training during the program, but participants are required to live in Barracks and eat in the mess hall. (Article excerpt provided by VMI Communications and Marketing.)

Contents

VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE Alumni Review 2009-Issue 4

IN THIS ISSUE . . .

This issue includes class notes covering the time period of May 16 to Aug. 15, 2009. Other than class notes, most stories and news in this issue were received in the May through August ’09 time frame.

FEATURES 7

Patrick ’70: Veterans’ History

8

Wheatley ’70: Boys’ Home

12 Sessoms ’91 and Barnes ’93: Welcome Aboard, Mr. President

10

NEWS AND UPDATES 3

OEF/OIF: An Update

14

Association/Chapter News

22

Class Notes

124 Births, Marriages, Degrees 125 Most Senior Alumni 126 Taps 136 Alumni News

President’s Letter

141 The Institute 144 VMI Athletics 155 The Keydet Club

2009-Issue 4

The VMI Alumni Review (USPS 954-740) is published four times yearly in fall, winter, spring and summer by The VMI Alumni Association, Inc., P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450. It is sent to alumni and friends of the Institute without subscription.

ATTENTION POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to: VMI Alumni Review, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450 Periodicals postage paid at Lynchburg, VA. PURPOSE OF THE VMI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION To organize the alumni, the better to keep alive the memories of Institute life and—by their united efforts—to aid in the promotion of the welfare of the Institute, and the successful prosecution of its educational purposes.

540/464-7221 540/464-7287 540/464-7328

WEB SITE ADDRESSES Alumni Agencies: www.vmialumni.org VMI: www.vmi.edu

134 Association Directory

146 The Foundation

PUBLISHING OFFICE The VMI Alumni Association, Inc., Alumni Review Office VMI Moody Hall, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450; 540/464-7224 review@vmiaa.org

VMI ALUMNI AGENCIES TELEPHONE NUMBERS The VMI Alumni Association: The VMI Foundation:

The VMI Keydet Club:

DEPARTMENTS 2

PUBLISHER The President of The VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

PRINTER Progress Printing Co., Inc. Lynchburg, Virginia

10 Luck ’83: Steers Business

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Volume 85, No. 3

155

ON OUR COVER Front Cover: New cadets, class of 2013, taking instructions from upperclass cadets.

Inside Front Cover: A new cadet holding The Bullet, also known as the “Rat Bible.”

Inside Back Cover: A new cadet standing prepared for inspection. All cover photos by VMI, Kevin Remington.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT I always find the end of summer to be an exciting time of year here in Lexington. A new class reports, the Old Corps returns and the school year gets underway.

In this issue, you’ll find some photos of the Rat mass of 2010+3, as they matriculated to the Institute. Many construction and maintenance projects were completed during the summer in preparation for their arrival. Over 490 strong, this is the largest class ever to matriculate to VMI. I think you’ll enjoy feature articles on two members of the great VMI class of 1970. Bob Patrick ’70, who is the director of the Veteran’s History Project as part of the Library of Congress, explains why this is a dream job for a VMI history major and veteran. Also, read about the important work being done by Donnie Wheatley ’70, who is the executive director of Boys’ Home Inc., an organization that helps lead at-risk boys to become productive members of society.

Lykins ’73

There is an interesting feature story about Charles Luck IV ’83, a former motocross and stock car racer who is now leading the family business. Luck Stone has been handed down from Charles’ grandfather, Charles Luck Jr. ’20, and his father, Charles Luck III ’55. Also, check out the article written by Bolling Williamson ’60 on Capt. Buck Sessoms ’91 and Lt. Col. Richard Barnes ’93, both of whom pilot the helicopter that carries the president of the United States.

In the Foundation section of this issue is an excellent article about the late Robert B. Rust Jr. ’34. Rust was able to complete his cadetship due to some financial aid that he received. He repaid that support big time, with an unexpected bequest of over $14 million to VMI. This is the largest bequest ever received by the VMI Foundation.

Over the summer, we had some changes in alumni agency leadership roles. Charles F. Plageman ’90 replaces my BR, William H. Stephens Jr. ’73, as president of the VMI Keydet Club. See more details about Keydet Club leadership in that section of this issue.

Speaking of leadership changes, I would like to wish a warm welcome to Brian S. Crockett as he assumes the role of CEO of the VMI Foundation. We introduced him to the VMI family in the last Review.

As is customary, we start off this issue with coverage of our brave men and women engaged in the war on terror. I wish them Godspeed and safe travels until we welcome them back home, and I feel certain both VMI and their Brother Rats will give them a hero’s reception.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, so I close this message by wishing you a safe and happy holiday season!

In the bonds,

Richmond P. Lykins ’73, President The VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

U.S. Army Col. John Aulbach ’81, fourth from left, and Lt. Col. Tom Eberly ’74, second from right, in Tall Afar, Iraq, with the Iraqi general they advise, local sheiks and police officials. Aulback said, “It was fun explaining the purpose of the photo to the Iraqi hosts who understood that VMI is ‘like a large family or tribe’ … that’s putting it mildly!”

Operation

Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom An Update The following alumni names have been received since the publication of the 2009-Issue 3 Alumni Review. This update does not include alumni names received after Aug. 15, 2009.

Also, once the name of an alumnus has been listed in the Review, it will not appear again, even if the alumnus is redeployed at a later date.

Not all of the alumni listed are currently serving in OEF/OIF, but they all have served at one time.

Names and photographs are e-mailed to us almost every week.

Since we must have a cut-off date for each issue, your name and picture may have arrived past that date and therefore are not published in this issue; they will be published in the next issue.

Please send additions, corrections and photographs to the Alumni Review staff at: VMI Alumni Review, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450 (e-mail: review@vmiaa.org).

For a complete list of names that we have received, go to http://www.vmialumni.org and click on the link titled “Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.”

Class of 1977

Class of 1990

Johnson, John D. Maj. Gen., USA

McCormack, R. Brian Lt. Col., ARNG

Class of 1982

Class of 2002

Shutt, David L. Col., USA

Baber, David A. Capt., USA

Class of 1983

Class of 2003

Jones, Wilmer “Tracy” Lt. Col., USAF

Gavin, Dermot J. 1st Lt., USANG

2009-Issue 4

Class of 2006 Hills, Jesse E. 2nd Lt., USMC

Class of 2007 Litz, C. Alexander 1st Lt., USA

Class of 2008 Gray, Alexander T. 2nd Lt., USA Kelly, Robert T. 2nd Lt., USA 3

Walton ’04 Works

to Rebuild Iraq

by Rebecca Martinez The News Leader, Staunton, Virginia

Amy, his high school sweetheart, and got a civilian job. He didn’t enlist in the [Army] until he saw what trouble the military had recruiting during the surge in 2007. He thought it was his duty to put his officer’s training to use.

“I watched friends deploy and come back and deploy again, and to see them sacrifice so much, that was what inspired me,” Walton said. “I have soldiers that are 23 years old and on their third deployment. That blows my mind.”

On the Ground Lt. Glenn Walton, 26, doesn’t want you to forget there’s a Walton began doing recovery work in the community soon war in Iraq. after Iraq hosted its provincial elections in January. Under With increased stability in the country, much of the media Saddam Hussein’s regime, he said, Iraqis relied on the governattention has shifted to Afghanistan, where combat with ment to give them what they needed or went without. Walton insurgents is rising. Walton, whose parents live in Staunton, said he thinks the Iraqis’ participation in the democratic process [Virginia] volunteered to contact The News Leader to talk about has inspired them to take more responsibility for their fate. the ongoing efforts in Iraq in hopes that people in the Valley “They say, ‘I elected this guy. I want him to help me out will continue to support the with my problems,’” Waltroops. ton said. “That’s something “A lot of attention focused we’ve noticed a trend in on Iraq when the security since the elections. It’s situation wasn’t as good,” helped the Iraqis to become Walton said. “We want to more self-reliant.” make sure our soldiers Walton and his unit spend sweating out there are bemost of their days doing ing recognized for the hard reconstruction projects in work they’re doing.” the rural communities near Walton deployed last Ochis base. He says they meet tober, but to this date, he with local leaders, includhasn’t seen combat. Instead, ing a female city council he works with local leaders, member, to help plan public including city council memprojects and connect them bers, as well as mukhtars with local Iraqi contractors and sheiks, to help them to implement the plans. put together the pieces of The money for the projects their community that were Glenn Walton ’04, right, and Jeff Rhodes ’00, left, in Iraq comes from local budgets, torn by war. on Nov. 11, Founders Day, 2008.

“I had nothing to prepare Walton said. me for this,” Walton said, Of the presidential elecdespite his military training. “It’s interesting that we have to tions in the United States, Walton says the rural population learn how to do civil reconstruction and have security in mind. knows little more than Barack Obama’s name.

There’s still a little fight left in here. Trying to mix those two “Their response has been much more in response to their has made this a most challenging job.” (providential) elections,” Walton said. “It’s a rural area, and most of their international exposure is soccer. That’s what they The Call of Duty pay attention to internationally.”

Walton’s family has a long history of military service, startWalton’s mother, Esther Ann, heard about the sport’s popuing with his grandfathers and spreading out to his cousins. He larity in the community and encouraged Robert E. Lee High is the son of retired Navy Capt. David Walton Sr. and his wife, School to donate several years worth of old uniforms. Her Esther Ann, who live on their turkey farm in Staunton. His twin church, Olivet Presbyterian, then shipped them over to Salah brother, Gregory, is in the Army, and his older brother, D.J., is in ad Din Governate in Iraq. the Navy. Even Walton’s sister is married to a chief petty officer “He told me that the soccer uniforms would make so much on a naval submarine. more difference than bullets could make about the way that “A lot of military parents worry about their children adjusting people felt about Americans and what side they would ever and growing up right,” said David Sr., of moving his children take,” she said. “We plan to send another batch soon.” around the world during his decades of service. “It’s very gratifying that they are giving something back and didn’t hate Editor’s Note: The previous article featuring Lt. Glenn R. Walton what we did.” ’04 appeared in a June 2009 issue of The News Leader (Staunton, Walton graduated from Virginia Military Institute, married Virginia). It is reprinted here with the publisher’s permission.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Basketball Coach Duggar Baucom Visits Troops Editor’s Note: The following article appeared on the VMI Athletics Web site and is reprinted here with approval of the Sports Information Office.

During the month of August 2009, VMI Head Basketball Coach Duggar Baucom was part of an overseas trip to visit U.S. military bases.

Baucom was accompanied by other basketball coaches on the trip that was intended to lift the spirits of the troops and help with morale during this difficult time as combat operations are ongoing. Also on the trip were Agnus Berento, the women’s head basketball coach at Pittsburgh; Billy Kennedy, head men’s coach at Murray State; and Orlando Early, head men’s coach at Louisiana-Monroe.

“It is a huge honor to participate in this trip,” Baucom said prior to his journey. “I am thankful every day for what the men and women in our military are doing for us abroad. I feel very fortunate to be able to thank them face to face. I look forward to seeing some VMI alumni. It is going to be an experience of a lifetime.”

Baucom provided the following updates on his trip by way of twitter.com at duggarvmihoops: Update #1, Posted 3:07 p.m., Aug. 12: Just finishing up my first 24 hours in Qatar. It has been an awesome experience thus far.

The 13-hour flight actually went by a lot quicker than I thought it would. Met a career Navy guy on the flight who gave me a true perspective of the situation in the Middle East. He was very insightful.

Last night, we got settled in to our living quarters, which are actually 10 x 20 metal containers in a huge warehouse.

Just like a PODS unit that you would use for storage outside your house. Two people in there get kind of cozy.

Today, we had a meet and greet with the troops here in Doha. It was a wonderful experience. They were all so thankful for us being here; I thought it should be the other way around. Most are so young but so mature and focused. They are from all over the country, and they all have different specialties. The one common denominator is that they all seem to know their purpose and their overall goal. I was truly honored to be in their presence.

This afternoon, we had a briefing by the commander of the base who was very impressive. This place runs like clockwork. We also got to take a ride in a Stryker, which is an armored assault vehicle that hauls troops in combat. That was quite an experience. Once again, everyone was so professional and appreciative of us being here. Off to chow now. What an experience.

We are so fortunate to live where we live and have what we have and have these great people over here protecting us and our freedom.

Update #2, Posted 12:30 p.m., Aug. 15: We are now in Afghanistan and have been since Wednesday. I can’t disclose where … Very few opportunities to use the Internet, so my posts have been few.

We flew from Doha to Kuwait and dropped off 30 troops.

2009-Issue 4

In Kuwait, we picked up a few more troops and picked up two large armored vehicles called M-Raps. We were in a huge cargo plane called a C-17. It is a massive workhorse which hauls both cargo and troops. It was a four-hour flight from Kuwait to our drop point “down range.” The crew and pilots were awesome. I got to sit in the cockpit for takeoff and the first hour of the flight.

Where we are now is very, very hot and very dusty. We are sleeping seven people in our room. We have done a wide variety of things while here. We got to see a canine unit which has trained bomb dogs and attack dogs – very impressive.

We also toured all of our aircraft here, helicopters and fixed wing. We got to see the unmanned aircraft which protect our troops while on patrol and gather data while flying at high altitudes. Met a very nice colonel who gave us several tours, and tonight we are going to a barbeque with him. He is the wing commander for the unit here and a great guy, even if he is a Citadel grad, class of ’84.

In Doha, Qatar, standing in front of a Stryker assault vehicle, were basketball coaches from several colleges including, from left, VMI Head Coach Duggar Baucom, Murray State Head Coach Billy Kennedy, two British soldiers, Louisiana-Monroe Head Coach Orlando Early; Pittsburgh’s Head Women’s Coach Agnus Berenato; and Mike Smith from Jacksonville State. See accompanying article to learn about this trip.

Today, we had a meet and greet with many of the troops on base. Waiting on me was VMI class of ’98, Brendan Toolan.

What a great guy. He drove in to see me from his FOB – forward operating base – which is down range from this base.

He is a huge Keydet fan, and I am a big Capt. Toolan fan. He and his Ranger patrol are out keeping us safe at night. He is sharp and so professional. It makes me feel very secure having men like him protecting us.

This has been the best experience of my life. Meeting the troops, walking with them, talking with them and sharing stories with them have been incredible. They are all fearless warriors but compassionate and caring people. They all understand their mission, and they all do it well. We are all safe at night, because we have these great people who protect us and our freedom. (Continued on next page.)

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We leave here tomorrow, and part of me would like to stay and fight the good fight with these guys and girls. All of you at home would be very proud of them. Please pray for them and their families; they will all be very appreciative.

Update #3, Posted 2:27 a.m., Aug. 19: Heading back to the U.S. today. Excited to be headed home but also a little sad that this experience is nearing a close. Sunday night, we arrived at Al Udeid Airbase in Doha, Qatar, from Kandahar, Afghanistan. We flew in on a big, loaded C-17 cargo plane.

Al Udeid AB is the hub for our operations in the Middle East, offering support to both Iraq and Afghanistan. It is a huge base, with all branches of the service represented, along with a fleet of all types of aircraft.

On Monday, we toured the airstrip. We witnessed a B-1 taking off and then were able to get up in the cockpit of a B-1. It was estimated to be 130 degrees on the airstrip.

It was very hot but an exciting tour. I got a haircut at the BX (base exchange) and had lunch with a bunch of airmen. That evening, we had a clinic and a photo and autograph session. It was awesome. We had a large turnout and got to meet everyone there. The morale of the guys and girls there was great. They were so appreciative of us being there. Once again, that was so strange to me; we were the ones who were so appreciative to these troops for being there protecting us and sacrificing for us. I am going home today with my four coaching buddies; none of these soldiers or airmen are getting to go home and see their families and friends. I get to go home and see grass, sit in the air conditioning and feel rain. It will be a while before each one of their deployments is over and they get to experience these things.

These last nine days have left a lasting impression on me. It has been the experience of my life to spend time over here with the soldiers who are protecting our country and our freedom. They all understand they have a job to do, and they all do it well. They all have long days and do their work in extreme heat, usually over 110 degrees.

But they push on with their eye on the mission at hand.

They all look forward and count down to the time they return home. Many are fathers and mothers, and all are sons and daughters. Many have other jobs as their usual profession, but now they are all soldiers in a war zone.

The teamwork they exhibit is amazing, and everyone’s job is important.

We all should be so thankful we have these brave individuals protecting us. They are fearless and selfless. They all need our support and our prayers. I know I take a lot for granted, like grass and rain and air conditioning. We are all so fortunate to live in this wonderful place, the most powerful and prosperous nation in the world. When you see a soldier in uniform, please do me a favor, and just say thanks. You don’t know how much it will mean to them.

They are hugely responsible for protecting this wonderful place we live in.

See you back in Lexington soon. Go Keydets, and God Bless America.

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Top left: Vic Bernet ’85, M.D., was stationed in Iraq during summer 2009 as the officer in charge of a new clinic recently established in the International Zone.

He wrote that his work in Iraq was quite a change from his practice at Walter Reed, and he expected to be stateside in the fall.

Left: Class of 2005 1st Lieutenants Eric Kaltrider, left, and John Kite in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, with the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines.

Left: Col. Dave Shutt of the Multi-national Corps-Iraq command group, airborne somewhere over Iraq on Aug. 7, 2009, heading to the border of Iran.

Below: Tom Gleason ’01, USMC, center, in Ramadi, Iraq, is flanked by two South African special forces soldiers.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Patrick ’70 Leads Veterans History Project Robert W. Patrick ’70 counts himself a lucky man to have enjoyed three great careers – the first as an Army officer, the second as director of the National World War II Memorial and the third as director of the Veterans History Project, a position he’s held since 2006.

A program of the American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, the Veterans History Project collects, preserves and makes accessible oral histories and documentary materials from veterans of World War I through the current conflicts.

The authorizing legislation to create the Veterans History Project received unanimous support from Congress and the Senate, and it was signed into law in 2000.

“This is a dream job for a VMI history major and a veteran,” said Patrick, who retired in 1999 as an Army colonel after 28 years in personnel and administration. “Every veteran has a story, particularly war-time vets, and every story is important. Besides my wife, kids and my church, this is probably the most important thing to me.”

The mission of the Veterans History Project is no small task considering that the number of World War I and II veterans is quickly dwindling, as are older veterans of the Vietnam War. Patrick’s team has collected the stories of about 300 World War I veterans, 40,000 from World War II, 8,000 from the Korean War, 10,000 from Vietnam, and 1,000 from the Persian Gulf War and conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“It’s important to our country that we have this body of informa-

Bob Patrick ’70, left, with WWII Veteran Frank Nolte, on the day that Nolte presented his memoir to the Veteran’s History Project. Nolte asked Patrick to wear his WWII “Ike” jacket, which he asks of everyone who receives a copy of his memoir. According to Patrick, 25 members of Nolte’s family were there to witness the event. Photos

by Suzanne Nolte.

2009-Issue 4

tion,” said Patrick.

“We like to think these stories show what our veterans have done for our country and that they inspire young people to do something bigger than themselves.”

Patrick ’70 at the podium.

Patrick and his staff rely mainly on volunteers to submit these historical jewels, and he sees that as an important part of the project.

“Wisconsin Congressman Ron Kind was listening to his relatives talk about the war in his backyard one day, and the project was born,” said Patrick. “This project fosters an intergenerational bond and allows families a vehicle to record their stories, not only for their country but their own family histories.”

While most histories come from volunteers, the project staff meets with veterans who come to the Library of Congress to share their stories, and it’s one of Patrick’s favorite aspects of the job.

“One of the most interesting veterans I met was a man who emigrated from Austria; he was Jewish and getting a physics degree at Harvard in 1941,” said Patrick. “He joined the Army as a private and requested to be part of the infantry so he could help free his native land. He mentioned that later he worked on the bomb.

“We recently had an 88-year-old bring his family to hear the entry he recorded, and we’ve got a 98-year-old woman who’s scheduled to bring in the letters she wrote to her late husband during the war,” added Patrick. “Every contribution has value and meaning.”

In addition to the veterans who come in to share their stories, researchers, authors and academics who rely on the Veterans History Project as a research tool frequent the Library of Congress.

Several colleges such as Central Connecticut State University and Grand Valley State University in Michigan have included the project in their curricula, too.

“Anybody can do this,” said Patrick. “You don’t need a fancy studio to record these interviews. The most effective way to interview veterans is to video tape them, but we also accept audio interviews and first-hand oral histories, memoirs, diaries, photographs and letters, and other historical documents.”

To help volunteers prepare for and conduct oral histories, the Veterans History Project offers thorough instructions and tips on its Web site, as well as the forms needed to submit information.

“This is the largest oral history project in American history,” said Patrick. “We have more than 65,000 individual stories in our collection, and we receive between 100 and 200 entries per week.

Everyone should get involved, not only to preserve the past but to inform the future.”

To learn more about the Veterans History Project, visit http:// www.loc.gov/vets.

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W

heatley Embodies Citizen-Soldier Model as Boys’ Home Executive Director Donnie E. Wheatley ’70 had no intention of getting a college degree in 1959 when he came to live at the Boys’ Home Inc., a residential community for boys, ages 6 to 18, in Covington, Donnie Wheatley ’70, left, walking with Boys’ Home, Inc. Virginia. The 12-year-old son of a single mother from Clintwood, residents Ivan Damulira and Keith Wills. Wheatley counts Damulira as one of the organization’s success stories. DaVirginia, Wheatley needed the structure the home provided in mulira participated in the College Orientation Workshop order to succeed in life, and succeed he has. at VMI, which is a four-week educational enrichment and Robert Burrowes, then the home’s director, encouraged him to self-development program that takes place each summer. participate in the Boy Scouts, sports and student government, and The privately-funded, nonprofit program was started by Wheatley began to do well in school, too. With the encourageEugene Williams ’74 and encourages participants to set goals and attend college. ment of the staff and the assistance of Boys’ Home Board member and VMI alumnus Edmund Pendleton ’56, Wheatley entered the Institute in 1966 on a state cadetship.

“I had been back in the area for about “There were two aspects of VMI I found particularly attractive,” said Wheatley. “I could four years and was rising in the ranks depend on the Honor System to work, and because we all cut our hair and dressed alike, at MeadWestvaco, but I really wanted to I was not identifiable as coming from the Boys’ Home. Living the model of the citizen- make a difference in other ways,” said soldier there and seeing people operate as a unit was something I took to heart.”

Wheatley. “I was invited to apply for the Wheatley graduated from VMI job as executive director of the Boys’ with a degree in engineering and Home and was initially rejected.”

Wheatley added that an engineer with no commissioned into the Marine The Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia, awarded Donnie Wheatley Corps. While he planned a career in educational experience wasn’t quite the an honorary doctorate of letters degree for the military, the end of the Vietnam target the search committee had in mind. his dedicated service of 24 years as the War led him to seek opportunities He contacted the committee again – not for executive director of Boys’ Home Inc. In a elsewhere. He earned a master’s reconsideration but to share his thoughts letter to the Boys’ Home Board of Trustees degree in business administration on what the job should entail, as well as describing this event, the board president, William Rogers, wrote: “ … I could not have from Valdosta State College, and he provide his observations about the home. been more proud if Donnie had been one of did well as an engineer for Procter The resulting conversation led the commy own children! [He] received a standing & Gamble and MeadWestvaco Corp. mittee to change its direction, and in 1985 ovation after his curriculum vitae was read The latter company took him back Wheatley was named the Boys’ Home’s new to the audience by Bishop Lee of the Diocese of Virginia. I learned later that this is to Covington in the 1980s, where executive director. He moved back, along an extremely rare occurrence, but in Donhe became reconnected with the with his late wife, Mary, and his two sons. nie’s case, very well deserved. This gave me The Boys’ Home had gone through Boys’ Home. the opportunity to reflect on the positive imchanges since its pact Boys’ Home inception in 1906, can have on ‘the but Wheatley said boys’ … [it] is a special place, adthe change he made ministered and after taking the job served by special was a major one. people, with a Just as in the late special mission 1950s, the boys to benefit boys in need. …” Right: coming to the home At the ceremowere two and oneny, were Donnie half to four years Wheatley (center) behind in school. with former Boys’ Wheatley’s solution Home, Inc. Board of Trustees memto the problem was ber, John Waff, to build a school on left, and board the campus to help president, Wilresidents catch up, liam Rogers. so to speak, and to 8

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

increase their chances of academic success.

The program is working well, and most of the Boys’ Home residents are not only succeeding academically but exceeding expectations and transitioning into nearby public schools.

“We have employed newly retired teachers and a superintendent to lead the school, and our boys are gaining tremendously throughout the year,” said Wheatley of the school that opened in 2001. “There are no more than three students in each class, and our SOL (Virginia Standards of Learning) performance is phenomenal.”

Despite the growth in the Boys’ Home programming, the school’s mission has changed little over the years – its mission is to help at-risk boys strive to become productive members of society by developing their spiritual, mental, physical and social potential. What has changed is its move to being funded almost entirely by private sources.

The family Wheatley formed in the late 1960s at VMI has become part of his Boys’ Home family as Institute staff and alumni have shared their time, talents and treasures with the home as members of the board, consultants and even employees.

“Members of the VMI community have long supported the Boys’ Home,” said Wheatley. “I guess you could say I’ve pulled

a few more into the fold, including a lot of my Brother Rats.”

Wheatley recalls as a cadet that he enlisted the help of several fellow cadets to collect coins for Christmas presents for the boys at the home.

“One year, we collected four tube socks full of change that we gave to the home, and a local sporting goods store donated a carload of equipment for us to take up there,” said Wheatley.

“It was neat to see how excited the boys were to get the gifts, and it was rewarding for those of us who helped out.”

Some of those same men and others in the VMI community now serve on the Boys’ Home Board, including G. Chandler Williams ’68, Paul English III ’73 and Timothy Cordle ’79.

Also on the board is Juliana Strock, the wife of retired Lt. Gen. Carl Strock ’70 and Polly Williams, a VMI parent. Retired Lt. Col. Gregory Lemmer, who was an assistant professor of naval science at VMI, is the assistant director of the home, and his wife, Janet, is its director of development.

“VMI gave me an education and the potential to do lots of things with my life,” said Wheatley. “I consider both VMI and the Boys’ Home parts of my family. As for my role with the Boys’ Home, this is not a job for me – it’s a lifestyle – and my commitment to it is pretty high.”

On page 24 of the 2009-Issue 3 Alumni Review, we inadvertently ommitted the class of 1949C from the listing of classes attending their 60th Reunion.

We apologize to all class members, especially those who attended and who are shown below.

2009-Issue 4

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Former Race Car Driver, Luck ’83, Steers Family Business “We don’t have ambitions to become the biggest company in the industry,” said Luck, who goes by the name Charlie and often flashes a jaunty smile when he makes a point.

Luck, who still looks about as youthful as the 20-something who drove race cars, likes to talk about legacy and his three major aspirations for the company, which started with a single quarry in Richmond in 1923.

Taking Good Care of the Family Business / The company now has quarries and crushed-stone plants dotThird Generation’s Charlie Luck ting the landscape of Virginia and two other states. It also supStresses Luck Stone Values plies architectural stone from around the world at its Charles

by John Reid Blackwell Luck Stone Center stores in the mid-Atlantic.

Times-Dispatch Staff Writer “First, I want Luck Stone to be recognized in the world as one of the top values-based companies,” Luck said. “There are Charles Luck IV’s [’83] first love was the thrill of the race.

“I pretty much raced motorcycles or cars from the age of 12 until not many people willing to put in the effort it takes to build a I was 26,” he said. “It was something I loved passionately, and it values-based organization. It is a whole lot easier to run a business just off the numbers. totally dominated my life.”

“The second aspiration is to He raced motocross as a teenbe known for our strategic agilager and made the transition to ity,” he said. “What that means stock cars during his college is that we are known for reinyears at Virginia Military Inventing the business for the stitute, eventually entering the changes in the marketplace.

Busch Grand National Series.

“The third aspiration is, I Yet Luck always cared about want Luck Stone to be known his family’s business – Luck as a place where people come to Stone Corp., the stone-prodwork and achieve their wildest ucts company that his granddreams.” father, Charles Luck Jr. [’20], The goals may seem lofty founded in 1923. for a company whose primary At 26, Luck knew that spendbusiness is stone aggregates ing 250 days a year on the – quarried and crushed stone road and long days managing used for construction and a racing team wasn’t going to The above photo of Charles S. Luck IV ’83 appeared in road building.

Yet Luck, who work as a long-term career or the Richmond Times-Dispatch along with the article on has been president of the be conducive to the family life these two pages. company since 1995 and CEO he wanted. since 2000, said the business is Plus, he said, “I didn’t want ultimately about people – employees and customers. the family business to decline in the third generation.”

“We are in the business of building infrastructure that imLuck left racing in 1986 to join Luck Stone. proves people’s lives,” said Luck, who is described by employees He grew up working at the Goochland County-based busiand business acquaintances as an affable, curious and approachness. As a child, he often did odd jobs or cleaned up around able chief executive. the company’s headquarters and at its Boscobel quarry next As he talks, Luck likes to write out his thoughts on a whitedoor. Later, he worked at various jobs such as a truck driver board in his office at the company’s headquarters. and repairman during the summers.

The building, expanded and renovated in 2008, could vie for the Now 48 and the company’s top executive, Luck is leading Luck title of the Richmond area’s most beautiful corporate office. Its Stone as it adjusts to a recession after going through a period of crafted stone walls and tall windows overlooking the countryside expansion during the boom economy. Demand has weakened for reflect Luck’s belief that the company should be a place where its products, which are used in home and road construction. people want to work and where they feel inspired to be creative.

But ask Luck what his ambitions are for Luck Stone, and he Creativity is one of the company’s four core values, along with doesn’t respond with the typical list of business goals. Profit integrity, commitment and leadership. and revenue, market share and expansion – those seem only a The four principles are written down on the multicolored means to an end for him.

Editor’s Note: The following article, which appeared in the Richmond Times-Dispatch (Virginia), features Charles S. Luck IV ’83 and also mentions his father, Charles S. Luck III ’55, and his grandfather, Charles S. Luck Jr. ’20. It is reprinted here with the publisher’s permission.

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“Luck Values” cards that Luck hands out. “While those are just words, when you put them into action they are incredibly powerful,” he said.

The values are part of the legacy that he said was handed down to him from his grandfather and his father, Charles Luck III [’55], who has turned over the reins to his son as top executive but remains active as the company’s chairman.

Company founder Charles Luck Jr., who died in 1972, “was a big people person,” Luck said. “He always drove a large four-door car, and the trunk was full of things he would give away to people – golf balls, clocks, jewelry pins and rain gauges. He believed in hard work and treating others like you would want to be treated.”

After Charlie Luck joined the company in 1986, he held a variety of positions as he moved through a management-training program. The jobs gave him a chance to learn the business “from the ground up,” he said, and to get to know many of the company’s employees.

“He is approachable, and he is down to earth,” said David Hisey, who has been with Luck Stone for 26 years.

Hisey, director of global sourcing for the Charles Luck Stone Center business, spent 14 days in China with Luck a few years ago to meet stone suppliers there. “He is extremely curious about how things work and how to do things better.”

Hisey, a stone mason by training, said he never imagined he would end up traveling the world when he joined the company.

“I have learned a tremendous amount,” he said. “One of the things that Charlie and the Luck family do is they really give you opportunities to grow and to learn if you choose to take advantage of that.”

Curiosity is a key trait that defines Luck, said Michael Hinrichsen, a corporate accounts manager for Caterpillar Inc., which supplies trucks and equipment for quarries.

Hinrichsen met Luck through business in 2002 and has come to know him as a friend.

“We bounce ideas off each other. We can talk about anything, whether it is business, family or world events,” Hinrichsen said.

“Charlie is just a warm individual. He is very curious and always looking for ways of improving the business and ... his life.”

Hinrichsen said Luck Stone is known in the industry for innovative ideas.

One example, he said, is the company’s move several years

Charles Luck IV Born: June 28, 1960, in Richmond, Virginia Education: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Virginia Military Institute, 1983; attended Darden graduate business school, University of Virginia Career path: Manager and driver, Luck Racing, 1983-86; area manager for Luck Stone Corp.’s architectural-stone division, 1989-91; vice president of architectural-stone division, 1991-94; vice president and general manager of northern Virginia region, 1994-95; president and chief operating officer, Luck Stone Corp., 1995-2000; president and chief executive officer since 2000 Family: Wife Lisa, three children Hobbies: Hunting, travel, motorcycles

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ago to rebrand its architectural-stone division as the upscale Charles Luck Stone Centers, emphasizing the aesthetics of stone for home construction or improvement.

The late 1990s and early 2000s were what Luck calls “the go-go years,” when orders were coming in fast and the company was seeing enormous growth and adding facilities and employees.

After rising to about 400 employees in its first 72 years, Luck Stone’s employment jumped to about 1,100 by 2005.

That rapid growth was one reason the company formally adopted its values system about seven years ago, to make sure its core beliefs were not lost in the expansion.

Now, with the recession, adhering to the values is even more important, Luck said.

The recession has meant cutbacks for Luck Stone, including 150 layoffs and reassignments announced late last year. Luck called that the hardest decision of his career.

What Luck calls the “new reality” of the slower economy means the company has to be more nimble and focused on active, creative and innovative ways to please customers.

“We don’t want to have a ‘me-too’ philosophy, following everybody else,” he said. “We want to be the leaders in innovation.”

Charles Luck III said he believes the company is in good hands for many years to come.

“Charlie has done a great job,” he said, adding that his only concern is that his son works too hard.

Economic times are tough, he said, “but it will turn around.”

When he is not working, Charlie Luck enjoys time in the outdoors, especially bird hunting, and traveling with the family.

He and his wife, Lisa, have three children. Being outdoors, without telephones and televisions, “is a great way to connect as a family,” he said.

It also renews the optimism that Luck says is part of his upbringing.

While much of the talk at business cocktail parties is still “gloom and doom,” he said, “I have no interest in leading a company with that philosophy.”

“We only get to go around once in life,” he said. “And part of my wiring is that we are absolutely going to be a stronger company when we come out of this. We will have learned more.

Will have grown. We will have trained people, and we will have deepened our values.”

About Luck Stone Corp.

Headquarters: Goochland County Employees: About 700 Founded: 1923, by Charles Luck Jr. Locations: Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina Business units: • Construction Aggregates, which provides crushed stone materials for construction • Charles Luck Stone Centers, which operates retail centers providing architectural-stone products for home and landscaping • Lee Tennis Court Products, which provides clay tennis courts and court accessories • Luck Development Partners, a real estate development division that includes three business parks in Virginia

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Welcome Aboard, Mr. President

by J. Bolling Williamson ’60 Only the most capable and experienced pilots are assigned to Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), the squadron responsible for the helicopter transportation of the president of the United States, the vice president and other dignitaries. Several VMI alumni have served in this squadron, most recently Capt.

O.V. (“Buck”) Sessoms IV ’91, above left, and Lt. Col. Richard S. Barnes ’93, right.

Officers are accepted into the squadron only after a thorough evaluation and screening process, and before assuming the responsibility of flying the president, they must complete a period of intensive training to gain proficiency in three of the helicopter models used by the squadron. This takes up the first year of the assignment, and the pilots begin to serve as co-pilots during the second year. Evaluations are continuous, and only toward the third year, with approximately 2,000 flying hours in the logbook, is a pilot considered qualified for command of the aircraft.

Barnes completed his four-year tour of duty in August 2009. His path to this assignment began with commissioning upon graduation from VMI in 1993 followed by a tour of duty as a supply officer in an air and naval gunfire control unit, during which time he completed airborne training. An opportunity to apply for flight school presented itself, and upon receiving his gold wings as a naval aviator, he was assigned to a heavy helicopter squadron. He subsequently completed two deployments to Iraq where he logged some hard hours flying the CH-53 supporting Marine infantry units.

His duties in HMX-1 have been varied. Most recently, he served as White House liaison, a position which required him and members 12

of his staff to precede the president as part of the advance team with the Secret Service whenever a trip is planned. Preparations include getting clearance for the routes and preparing the flight plans, along with coordinating the support requirements for the aircraft, crews and support personnel. Generally, such trips take four days, which include a day of rehearsals. Barnes always kept his bags packed; he stated that he spent almost 500 nights away from home during his tour.

At least two helicopters are involved on a presidential trip – more, if a large party is included – and when long distances are involved, the helicopters are loaded aboard an Air Force cargo plane and flown to the destination. Foreign trips mean that the planning complexities are magnified by multiple destinations, different government agencies and procedures – a lot of hoops to jump through and a lot of moving parts to juggle. Barnes coordinated the president’s trip to the Middle East and Europe in spring 2009, a trip which began in Saudi Arabia and Egypt and continued with flights to Germany and France, culminating with a trip to Normandy to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. As a rule, the helicopters are used to fly the president from the airport to his ultimate destination. This meant they had to be on hand and ready when he arrived. The aircraft the president uses to get there then had to be serviced and flown ahead, so as to be prepositioned and waiting for him on the next leg of the trip – and then the whole process had to be repeated throughout the entire itinerary. With so many variables to contend with, it’s safe to say that Barnes was ready for some down time when he returned home.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Capt. Sessoms in front of a CH-46, which is a medium-lift tandem rotor transport helicopter – one of four types of aircraft that HMX-1 pilots fly.

The route that Sessoms took to this assignment was a bit more circuitous: He’s a “mustang,” a term respectfully used by Marines when referring to an officer who has served a term of enlistment in the ranks. After graduation from VMI, he enlisted in the Marines for a four-year tour, serving in a scout-swimmer unit for part of the time. He remained a reservist following his discharge as a sergeant, and after a year or so in civilian life, he was accepted to Officer Candidate School where he graduated with honors and was commissioned. After completing Officers Basic School – where he earned more honors – he was accepted for flight training and upon receiving his wings was assigned to helicopters.

Like Barnes, Sessoms has also logged some hard hours flying gunships and attack helicopters, with three deployments to Iraq and most recently to Afghanistan where he participated in a major offensive in the Helmand Province. He joined the squadron in spring 2009 and is presently undergoing familiarization training on the three helicopters he’ll be flying for the next four years.

Sessoms’ father, Oscar Van Pelt (Van) Sessoms III ’57, and grandfather, Oscar Van Pelt Sessoms Jr. ’27, also attended VMI, and his uncle, Louis H. Blair, holds the Mary Moody Northen Chair in Arts and Social Sciences within VMI’s Department of International Studies.

HMX-1 was established in 1947 as the first helicopter squadron in the Marine Corps. It is tasked with conducting tests and evaluations on flight systems and equipment and with providing support for training exercises at Quantico, Virginia in addition to transporting VIPs. But the culmination of years of training for the pilots is attained when they take command of a helicopter and transmit over the radio, “This is Marine One … ”.

Other VMI Alumni Who Have Piloted U.S. Presidential Aircraft In addition to Capt. Sessoms ’91 and Lt. Col. Barnes ’93, the alumni listed at right have also piloted aircraft that carried U.S. presidents. There may be others, about whom we are unaware. If you have had this assignment, please e-mail us at review@vmiaa.org with information about which president you served and when:

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Lt. Col. Barnes standing next to a CH-46 helicopter, which is used by the Marine Corps to provide all-weather, dayor-night transport.

Photo above and page 12: Capt. O.V. (“Buck”) Sessoms IV ’91 and Lt. Col. Richard S. Barnes ’93 in front of a VH3D helicopter. The VH-3D is a twin engine, all-weather helicopter flown by Marine Helicopter Squadron One (known as HMX-1), which supports the executive transport mission for the president of the United States.

Daryl S. McClung Jr. ’65 Lt. Col. Matthew C. Howard ’87 Pilot for President Ronald Reagan Pilot for President George Bush Col. Timothy W. Fitzgerald ’83 Pilot for President Bill Clinton

Maj. Wade J. Dunford ’95 Pilot for President Barack Obama

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ASSOCIATION NEWS ASSOCIATION NEWS

Superintendent Travels to West Coast In June, VMI Superintendent Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62 traveled to meet with alumni chapters in three cities on the West Coast. The journey began in Los Angeles, California, where the chapter had arranged for three chapters – Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego – to converge at a central location.

Chapter President Matthew Hemenez ’90 was assisted by officers of neighboring chapters, Jay Wegrzyn ’66 (San Diego), and Andre Gibson ’80 (Inland Empire). The reception was held at Trumps National Golf Club located at Rancho Palos Verdes where club General Manager David Conforti ’91 was of great assistance in accommodating the large turnout.

San Francisco was the location of the next reception, where alumni and guests met at a downtown convention center to get an update on VMI, Vision 2039 and the progress of programs on Post. Chapter President Todd Arris ’87 was pleased to have

the superintendent meet with local alumni and shared his appreciation in remarks to the chapter.

The superintendent then traveled to Seattle, Washington, and met with the Pacific Northwest Chapter. Randy Farmer ’68 acted as host for the evening, and alumni from a broad cross-section of class years were present with guests.

Following the Seattle visit with the chapter, Gen. Peay went to nearby Fort Lewis, Washington, to meet with newly minted alumni who were beginning their service in the Army with a summer assignment at the Warrior Forge for Army ROTC cadets. Assigned to train cadets in land navigation and soldier tasks, the new officers made special arrangements to meet with the superintendent during his visit. Cadets from VMI were also at Fort Lewis and took a few moments away from their training to get a word of encouragement from the superintendent.

Superintendent Visits Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

Superintendent Travels to West Coast

Superintendent Visits San Francisco, California

Superintendent Visits Seattle, Washington

Superintendent Visits Fort Lewis, Washington

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ASSOCIATION NEWS Atlanta Chapter Welcomes Col. Tom Trumps ’79, Commandant On June 6, 2009, the Atlanta Chapter held an event at the home of Walt and Mary Perrin ’62; more than 65 alumni and guests attended to renew ties and gain information. Guest speaker, Col. Tom Trumps ’79, commandant of cadets, provided an overview of the current programs at VMI and an update on Barracks construction, in addition to answering questions from the group. (Editor’s Note: Unfortunately, only a low resolution version of the photo at right was available at press time, which explains the small size.)

Photo at left: Near the Delaware National Guard Base in New Castle, Delaware, were, from left, Steve Powers ’68; Maj. William Stegemerten ’94, deputy commander, 166th Network Warfare Squadron; Lt. Col. Michael Castaldi ’86, commander, 166th Civil Engineering Squadron; and Frank Pinizzotto ’68. Stegemerten, who has since been promoted to lieutenant colonel, and Castaldi are both with the Delaware Air National Guard.

Correction: In the last issue of the Alumni Review, 2009Issue 3, on page 31 there is an error that we wish to correct.

The caption with a photo of Arkansas alumni and friends stated that Nita Clark is the wife of Billy Sunday Clark, class of 1942. In fact, Nita is the widow of Billy Sunday Clark, class of 1943. Gen. Jeffery Smith, class agent for the class of 1943, brought this error to our attention and wrote: “Billy was a prominent and respected member of our class – class valedictorian, star end on the football team and cadet officer. Commissioned as a field artilleryman in the Regular Army, he resigned after WWII and became a very well known attorney throughout his native state of Arkansas.” We extend our apologies to Mrs. Clark and our thanks to Gen. Smith.

Stay in touch with the Corps…. …on a weekly basis!

Independently Run

by Cadets Since 1907

Bill and Boots Wainwright ’55 recently hosted a family reunion. The last evening included the Fishers and Farthings. In the photo above are three generations of Wainwrights and Fishers, including several provisional appointees. From left, back row: Steve Fisher ’85, Sean Fisher ’93, Fred Farthing ’56, Bill Wainwright, Marty Fisher, Jack Wainwright ’82 and Doug Wainwright ’83. Front row: Anna Fisher ’20, Owen Fisher ’25, Jackson Wainwright ’18, Jay Wainwright ’15 and Nick Wainwright ’20.

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To order a subscription or find out more information on how you can support Cadet Publications, please visit www.vmicadetpublications.com or call 540/458-1839.

Thank you for supporting The Cadet newspaper!

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ASSOCIATION NEWS Alumni Staying Connected in the 21st Century

by Matt Schwarzmann ’90, Information Officer The Alumni Review is probably the finest alumni publication in the country. The Review staff always strives to bring you the latest news of what is happening on Post and in the lives of Brother Rats scattered around the world. Each quarter, alumni and friends of the Institute look forward to reading the magazine, and for many, it is the primary way they keep up with VMI and their classmates. While the Alumni Review is a valuable source of information, there are free Internet services that afford alumni other ways to keep in touch. It is our hope that alumni will also avail themselves of these services when keeping each other posted on what’s happening in their lives.

tunity to pay by credit card – and it saves time and money, since there is no need for Alumni Association office staff to process paper registration forms.

So, if you haven’t visited the agencies’ Web site lately, please do so at www.vmialumni.org.

If you have followed the news in recent years, you’ve probably seen stories about the online world of social networking.

Web sites like MySpace, LinkedIn and Facebook are among the most popular places for people to network with friends – past and present. These sites allow users to easily send messages and share photos with friends around the world.

Find Us on Facebook While Facebook began as a site that catered to college students, it quickly became the largest social networking site when it welcomed everyone to join. The Alumni Association and Keydet Club maintain group pages on Facebook, and there are many classes that have set up their own pages, as well, to keep BRs informed of what is happening in their lives. The Alumni Association group page has a list of most upcoming events with links to those event registration pages on the Alumni Association’s Web site. The Alumni Association and Keydet Club groups are open to anyone who wishes to become a member. Check them out in the groups section of Facebook at www.facebook.com.

Network with Us on LinkedIn LinkedIn is a social networking site that is geared to those interested in business-related networking. The

The VMI Alumni Agencies Web site can be accessed at www.vmialumni.org.

Check Out Our Web Site The VMI Alumni Agencies Web site is the first place you should go for information and activities associated with the Alumni Association, the VMI Foundation and the Keydet Club. By registering to become a member of the “VMI Ranks,” you will gain access to pages devoted to your class, the chapter with which you are affiliated, a life-long e-mail address and most importantly, a directory of all alumni. This is also the best place to update information about yourself, such as any changes in your mailing address, phone number or e-mail. If you wish to stay in touch, it is essential that you keep your contact information up to date.

Other features of the Web site include the Events Calendar, the ability to register for events and the ability to make a donation to VMI. Registering for events online is a great benefit to the user – it’s efficient and gives you the oppor2009-Issue 4

To access the VMI group on Facebook, go to www.facebook.com and click on the groups icon. From there, you can locate the VMI group.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS LinkedIn site offers the ability to network with others in your line of work or who share your business interests.

It also offers a searchable database of job opportunities.

The VMI Alumni Association group on LinkedIn is not open to everyone. LinkedIn users wishing to join the group submit a request, and group managers will check to ensure that the person making the request is a VMI alumnus before allowing membership. In this respect, group members can be assured that, if they’re dealing with another member of The VMI Alumni Association group, the person is a fellow alumnus. Visit www.linkedin.com to register, and then request membership in the VMI Alumni Association group.

Twitter Us If you are interested in quick updates on what’s happening around Post, check out the Alumni Association’s Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/vmialumni. Not familiar with Twitter? Twitter is a service that allows users to update followers on what’s going on – in 140 characters or less. This is a new communication medium for the Alumni Association, so it is taking time to figure out what our followers will find interesting. Many newer cell phones have applications that allow you to check Twitter feeds directly, which provide a great way to stay informed while you’re on the go. So, go to Twitter, and start following us today.

See Videos on YouTube Did you know that the Alumni Association has a video channel? Visit www.youtube.com/vmialumni to see some video footage of what’s happening around Post. Starting in fall 2008, reunion classes have been given Flip video cameras to use throughout the weekend. Some classes have created video messages for BRs who couldn’t make it to the reunion, as well as recording evening activities and Old Yells in Barracks. Once collected, the videos are combined, edited and then posted on the YouTube channel. Throughout the course of the year, other videos of significant interest to alumni will be posted.

Remember … Use Discretion A word of advice for users of the above services who are seeking employment opportunities: Many potential employers go beyond verifying your references when you apply for a job. They also check out your online presence and persona.

Whether or not your Facebook page is an accurate reflection of the kind of employee you would be, employers may not be keen to hire you if your comments and pictures are in poor taste or reflect a less-than-positive image. So, if you have an extensive history of commentary and photos on these public sites, particularly if you started using them when you were still in school, consider removing those photos of your nights at the Palms, for example. In these tough economic times, it would be a shame if your chance of landing that dream job were scuttled by a few “playful” pictures.

What Are Your Favorite Recipes?

Add Your Recipes and Memories to the New VMI Cookbook

The VMI Alumni Association, Inc., working with Morris Press Cookbooks, is proud to announce the creation of a new way to share recipes with the VMI family. All alumni, spouses, parents of cadets, widows, faculty, staff and friends of VMI are invited to participate in this inaugural project.

The book will be divided into sections with main entrees, desserts, tailgating recipes, bartending recipes and other tasty new ideas that you share. Morris Cookbook Press is the nation’s largest cookbook printing company and focuses on service to organizations interested in creating a unique way to share recipes and information.

Those who submit recipes will do so through an online tool that provides an easy, user-friendly interface for entering one or more recipes. Once recipes have been submitted to the site, input will be further refined and divided into sections for publication. The cookbook is not yet titled but will be a reflection of the larger VMI community, allowing both current and former cadets, along with all those who appreciate VMI, to contribute to this project. The hardbound book will be published with color sections, dividers and VMI-related information in a three-ring binder format that is convenient for display and recipe use.

Details of the book and directions on how to submit your recipes for others to enjoy can be found at www.vmialumni.org.

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2010 Class Reunion Dates April 19-20

Classes of 1940, 1945, 1950A, 1950B and 1955

April 23-24

Classes of 1960, 1970, 1980 and 1990

Sept. 3-4

Classes of 1965, 1975 and 1985 (Please note: This is a change.)

Oct. 1-2

Classes of 1995, 2000 and 2005

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ASSOCIATION NEWS Rockbridge Chapter Celebrates the 4th of July On July 4, 2009, the Rockbridge Chapter hosted its annual event at Moody Hall, joining the community in the Hot Air Balloon Rally. More than 200 alumni and guests came to the event to enjoy a picnic meal and the fellowship of alumni from Roanoke, Lynchburg, Lexington and the surrounding area.

Best of all, the group was wellpositioned on the Moody Hall patio to watch the fireworks displayed in the sky behind the VMI Barracks and were delighted by the evening’s finale.

Nashville Chapter Holds Picnic

Photo above: From left, Robert Ellis ’85 with John Manley ’64 and his wife. Photo below: From left, William Fuller ’87, Joshua Spradlin ’00, Steven Kidd ’94 and Kevin McClung ’87.

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The new, revitalized Nashville Chapter of The VMI Alumni Association gathered for a picnic on July 25, 2009, at the Edwin Warner Park located in Nashville, Tennessee. Eighteen alumni attended with their spouses, guests and children.

Chapter president, Trey Kirby ’96, commented that the picnic was a great success and included alumni from six decades. “Having both young and old alumni was appreciated by all,” he said. Chapter members were assigned food to bring as part of the potluck; games were played and the children had special activities. The Nashville Chapter has held recurring meetings to share information with alumni, to network and to reconnect with their experience at VMI. Photos courtesy Kirby.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

MC

aryland hapter

Pot Luck Dinner Aug. 15, 2009

Photo below: Dykes Scott McCarthy ’73 and Alan Mills ’76.

Photo above: From left: In the front row were Amber and Jerry Whitlock ’02 with their son (provisional appointee, class of ’29) and Patti and John DiGiovanni ’73. Middle row: Alan Mills ’76, Monica and John Wirth (provisional, class of 2031), Scott McCarthy ’73, Carol and Bill Shea ’55, Gale and Corey Regelin ’73, and Dave Gleason ’80. Back row: Tom Wirth ’98, Caroline and P.X. English ’73, Tom Hickey ’68, Chris Cramer ’82, and Patricia and Geoff Mitchell ’62. Photographer: Rosemary Hickey.

Photo below, right: From left: Seated in front were Alan Mills ’76 and John DiGiovanni ’73. Standing, middle row: Jerry Whitlock ’02, Scott McCarthy ’73, Bill Shea ’55, Corey Regelin ’73, Dave Gleason ’80 and Geoff Mitchell ’62. Back row: Tom Wirth ’98, P.X. English ’73, Tom Hickey ’68 and Chris Cramer ’82.

Alumni Meet in Thailand

1st Lt. Dermot Gavin ’03, NYARNG, left, with Thai army Maj. Surapap Prompattaraporn ’99 during Operation Cobra Gold 2009 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Cobra Gold is a two-week annual joint training exercise designed to promote regional peace and security.

Participants include the Royal Thai Army, Navy and Marines; the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force; and contingencies from the militaries of Indonesia, Japan and Singapore.

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Photo above: From left, John DiGiovanni, P.X. English, Corey Regelin and Scott McCarthy – all class of ’73 Brother Rats – had a mini reunion during the event.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS 1

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Jo Ann O’Hara, widow of the late Robert O’Hara ’35, sent in these photos of alumni and wives attending a recent cocktail party at Westminster Canterbury in Richmond, Virginia. Everyone seemed to enjoy the festivities.

1. Theda Royall ’37 2. Elizabeth Lee ’47 and JoAnn O’Hara ’35 3. Dee and Buddy Metz ’45 4. Judith and John Halsey ’43 5. Helen Moss with her son, Clinker Moss ’81 6. Marguerite and Taz Ellett ’44 7. Carol Cover ’35 8. Dick Wight ’30 9. Mary and George Hutter ’52 and Janet Dennis ’43 10. Barbara Guvenator ’56 11. Ann Artz ’53 12. Katie and Ed Hensley ’41 13. Anne (Addison ’54) Scott, Russell Scott and Bunny Tucker ’37 14. Nancy Phillips ’44 with her brother, Charles Miller ’42 15. Buddy Metz ’45 16. Jean Salley ’47 17. Page and Ben Harmon ’49B 18. Ed and Sarah Smith ’50B

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CLASSNOTES NOTES CLASS friend, Ruth Lord, and they will attend a musical about psychology playing on Broadway – Bob doubts that with that subject the amusement will last very long!

And each time we talk, he raises the subject of our next reunion, which presumably Yes, it’s August ’09 and time to crank will be next April. He is looking forward out the latest on ’35. I’ve counted noses to a full turnout, but I will have to take a and bless the Lord, all nine of us remain puff on that pipe he has been smoking. standing, to use the word loosely – not Ed Arnold in Houston, TX, continues shabby for 95-year-olds, give or take a few his mall walking in the a.m. and sits down months. And even those that are the most when he gets tired – three times the day handicapped among us have not lost their I called, and some days are better than zest for life, and that is a well spring of others. He does enjoy reading his Bible, satisfaction for me. very slowly as he has macular degeneraChecking on George Freeman, I got my tion, but has been assured he will not lose update from wife Clelia who says she is his sight, and he has no difficulty driving.

OK and that George is better. He remains in The heart medication he is on makes him “Seaside” where he is trying to walk with feel tired, but he has no aches or pains. And the help of a therapist three days a week. He a welcome change – his area of Texas has wants to return to his apartment with Clelia, experienced no flooding storms this season. of course, but currently is unable; however, Upon calling Bob Little in Sun City, AZ, she sits with him at lunch and dinner but I was concerned to learn from son Dave eats her own meals separately. that Bob is in declining health, can walk Much better news regarding Al Snapp, and with a walker but needs someone with daughter Linda e-mailed me on Aug.1st as him full time. Dave added that this tough follows: Dad has improved greatly in the last retired Marine is not in the best of health, six weeks. From being confined to bed and but he wants to be counted, and you surely wheel chair, he is now up and about are, Bob! … walking around the house. We As expected, wife Didda anare also able to make short trips swered when I called Leonard out for coffee, a meal, drives in Todd and confirmed she is the car, etc. We are fortunate “fine,” not quite the case with to have an excellent nursing Leonard. He has gone to a burn assistant here during the week center for skin grafts, off and (Monday through Friday) and on for many years. He had a a wonderful home health nurse Actual size: malignant skin cancer on his 15 1/2” X 10 1/2” who comes every Monday. Also, head requiring skin grafting X 7 1/2” deep most of our family lives in this which is taking an inordinate area, so children, grandchildren amount of time to overcome; and great-grandchildren are Choose from however it beats the alternative. always dropping in. Maybe Al New VMI Jewelry Boxes With hired relief, Didda gets Shown in walnut & VMI Ring Boxes, Plus won’t want to get any better – – also available in cherry.

VMI Plaques – All Customized! her three days out each week to See website for more options.s this beats sliced bread! shop and recharge her batteries.

St. John Arnold remains in The Deluxe VMI Alumni Leonard’s outings require musHarbor Way at Atlantic Shores, cular assistance, easing him in VA Beach, his physical condihis wheelchair up and down the tion about the same, but says he Our famous handcrafted Virginia “Keeping Box”, similar to English keeping boxes front steps, but it is important to is having a lot of trouble with found in colonial homes, is now available in solid walnut or cherry with the VMI visit one’s club now and again. spider or seal with the graduate’s name/class year laser engraved into the wood. his left eye which bothers him a And turning to the SRs, I An ideal gift for graduates that will be seen and used for many years. great deal and doubts the condiknow I will get a lot of action tion will improve. Altogether, he when I call Ikey Knight, as anticipates remaining in Harbor Hand-Made in Virginia family members are always Way, permanently – happily, he Order online: in the picture. Daughter Jill is has found a new girlfriend in www.halwoodworking.com or Call Toll Free 800-755-8546 recovering from knee surgery. the same facility, and they have email: info@halwoodworking.com Daughter Hope and husband, their meals together. I would

’35

Jim Sherman

venture this BR has a way to go and hasn’t lost a step! The news regarding son Tom is not encouraging – he takes an hour of radiation daily.

Our Senator Harry Byrd is amazing – still comes to his office every day and says that, for his age, his health is “pretty good.” As for his balance, he has to be a little careful but does not require a cane.

When our conversation turned to national issues, he expressed great concern about the huge deficit and virtually uncontrolled spending “which has to be curbed – a shameful burden to pass along to our grandchildren.” I remember so well that his father, Senator Harry Byrd Senior, served in the Senate for many years and was known as “Guardian of the Treasury.”

Bob Evans recently overcame a bout with pneumonia and said, “I could be worse” – I would have to go along with that, as pneumonia at our age is a very dicey thing, and he added that he hasn’t recovered fully. Bob is still teaching during the regular fall, winter and spring terms at Yale and enjoys his work. He has a birthday coming up this month and will celebrate it in New York with his dear

Keeping Box

22

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Mac, were expected for the weekend, plus sister-in-laws and a daughter. The previous weekend, they hosted a family pajama party in her apartment, and then they all went to a firehouse for breakfast. To keep fit for the fun, Ikey still exercises and attends aerobic and balance classes.

As JoAnn O’Hara is always on the go with her in-house reporting and photography work at Westminster Canterbury in Richmond, I was surprised and so very sorry to learn she had experienced an irregular heartbeat and fast with a flutter.

She had been in two different hospitals and under the care of an electro physiologist since February. Happily, she says the problem has been resolved, leaving her a little tired but recuperating. Perhaps it is a well timed warning to slow down and take time to smell the flowers.

“B” Holt has very busy days, so I find the evenings are the best times to call, and quoting her, “I’m not an early-go-tobedder.” Not withstanding, she recently underwent a thorough physical exam, scoring high marks. Right now, she is “taking it easy and getting her house in order,” and is planning to have the second floor refinished. Earlier this summer, the family gathered at Wild Dunes on the ocean in South Carolina, an annual family event, her West Coast son and family the only absentees, but they will be visiting her soon. Now I got a real charge out of this: Unfortunately, the class agent of her Agnes Scott college class passed away recently, leaving “B” and one other classmate as the only remaining members who have computers. It will be quite interesting to see who loses that contest!

It is always rewarding for us elders to welcome another family member into the rarified air of the 90’s club, but Sparkie Carper’s family went all out, renting a house in Charlottesville for a family celebration of her 90th birthday, including all of the grandchildren – super! She is still doing her thing in Roanoke, including volunteer Red Cross work and a little time at the bridge table.

Dora Williams has moved to an assisted living apartment at Cedarfield and is now using a walker, though she firmly states she could get by with a cane. When we talked she was looking forward enthusiastically to an annual family gathering at 2009-Issue 4

Nags Head, NC, together with relatives, always a popular and rewarding affair. She mentioned that one of her granddaughters who more recently graduated from W&M is now in London. And when we spoke briefly of “Judge,” Dora recalled how he loved to cook – that would move him up on most any wife’s wish list!

Blanche Brown has been living in a retirement facility in Farmington, NM, since she lost Bill in 2007 and is very happy with her choice. It helps that the meals are excellent and the menus provide choices.

Also, daughter Roe and husband Sam live some 20 minutes away and in close touch.

Blanche has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure but remains untroubled as older family members live on with similar histories. When I asked about Roe’s job, I was told she works for a huge conglomerate whose interests include diamond mines, gold, opals, coal and oil in the Gulf region. Bill’s brother, now 101 yrs. old, was the chief engineering test pilot for Cessna in Wichita. On his 100th birthday, he flew as a co-pilot.

Jeanette Newman lives in the Cap Sants Court Retirement Center at Anacortes, WA, just five miles from the Puget Sound Naval Air Base, and in the course of our conversation, I could hear the fighter planes flying in and out. My call was ill timed, as she was about to leave for lunch, but she inquired about our next reunion, presumably in April 2010, and said she planned to be there.

It’s always rewarding to learn what friends enjoy, so I listened with great interest as Barbara Meem mentioned things she enjoys: reading good books, sewing for gifts, walking with a walker alone, singing a marching tune and songs from way back, likes rhythm and loved dancing (Jim was a good dancer), enjoys standing up and dancing alone with no one watching – fabulous! And to make her summer, daughter Debra, two children and two grandchildren came to visit earlier.

As for yours truly and wife Peggy, she is the rabbit and I am the turtle, but I never catch up. Unfortunately, my feet and lower legs are swollen and semi-numb, so I walk as little as possible, but I do work out as able in our well equipped exercise room.

And as I am very arthritic, my rotator cuffs long gone and my neck very stiff and pain-

ful, I have had to give up dancing. So what is a BR to do? … read the “side effects” of prescription drugs, BEFORE taking, that is!

Bless you all … Jim

’39

Frank Parker III ’64

Another quarter with very little news about our Brother Rats and friends. I hope you all enjoyed Col. Alex Morrison’s picture on the inside cover of the recent Review magazine. Great picture!

Col. Bill Brand reports that he and Tickie are doing well, and Tickie is still traveling between Virginia and Texas.

Jennifer Platt, Col. Howard Golladay’s granddaughter, sent me an e-mail indicating that he recently bought a computer, so he can better communicate with friends and family. Howard did not make the reunion, because he was having a knee replaced. Jennifer told me that the replacement was successful, but now he is looking at heart bypass surgery. I’ll keep you posted.

Our honorary Brother Rat, Max Hopkins ’97, sends greetings from San Diego where he is now the branch head of Naval Gunfire at the Naval Amphibious Base, and his wife is the operations officer on the guided missile cruiser U.S.S. Bunker Hill. Mrs. Roberta Bigler sent me a message saying that she had a pleasant surprise when Max had lunch and a great visit with her while he was in Lexington visiting his family.

Ira Saxe reports some very good news in that he’s recovering well from the replacement of a 2006 hip replacement and has ventured back onto the golf course. He’s playing twice a week (nine holes) and is shooting his age (91)! I’m always happy with a 91 and probably won’t live long enough to shoot my age.

Finally, I’m sad to report the sudden passing of our BR Dr. Lawrence Mathews on 1 July at his home in Chester, VA. His obituary can be found in the Taps section of this Review.

I’m also happy to report that the Parkers are doing well. As of this writing in August, Marcy and I are looking forward to my 45th Reunion at the Institute in 23

CLASS NOTES September. I can’t wait to hear all the war stories (again) and catch up on what has happened in my Brother Rats’ lives in the last five years.

As always, keep in touch, and send me some news.

’40

Robert Smith

Now is the time to plan for our reunion!

Please put April 19 and 20 on your calendars, and perhaps also get the dates on the calendars of some progeny or friend who will accompany you and get you through any rough travel spots. Sell the idea to them and to yourselves! Think about coming to Lexington and the side trips on the way as offering many interesting opportunities and gracious living, in addition to the pleasure of seeing our Brother Rats.

Let’s all make telephone calls using the roster sent you recently, re-establish contacts and nurture our enthusiasm to come.

Betty-Jane and I have gotten on the schedule of the George Dials, our daughter and son-in-law, who have kindly agreed to accompany us on the reunion trip. He is a West Pointer, class of 1967, and visiting VMI interests them always. Our further offered incentive is the tentative plan to stop in Richmond, staying at the magnificent Jefferson Hotel and visiting the Museum of the Confederacy. I have been working on transcribing and annotating about a hundred Civil War era letters and notes associated with my great-grandfather. The originals and my work will be given to the museum, and I have spoken with Sol Rawls’ son, S. Waite Rawls III ’70, the executive director of the museum, about doing this, and he was very interested.

There is a lot of work for me to do yet, and I just hope there will be enough time.

Sol Rawls gave a good report on his health as indicated by his continuing to drive to Richmond when he needs to. His son had told him about my letters. Sol was always interested in history and is responsible for getting his son, Waite, interested. Waite told me the story that when he was only nine years old, Sol took him to the Franklin chapter meetings of the Civil War Roundtable which Sol led for many years. Waite was told 24

that he was too young to join, but when he persisted in wanting to, they said he could if he passed a test. That was for him to make a trip to the Museum of the Confederacy and to answer questions about it when he returned. He surprised them by passing the test and thus was able to join. The Rawlses are anticipating the 150th anniversary commemorating ceremonies for the beginning of the Civil War which occurred with the firing on Ft. Sumter in April 1861. That will be the next big April commemorative event after our Reunion.

Jack Camp was in Wrightsville and on an even keel, still faithfully following his therapy routines, when we talked. He is interested in history and was aware of and pleased with Waite Rawls III’s plans to establish satellite locations for the museum at Appomattox, at Spotsylvania Courthouse and at Fortress Monroe. Jack had kindly sent a copy of his book, While You Are Up, to Bob Barnes, and when I talked to Bob, he mentioned it appreciatively.

During the brief talks with Bob Barnes and his friend, Michelle Edelman, it was learned that he is doing all right but has slowed down quite a bit. With Michelle and his three daughters – Julie, Tucker and Debbie – frequently coming around to see him, he says his men friends at Horizon House want to know how he manages to have four such lovely ladies looking after him. They are jealous!

Walt Edens was in better spirits when we talked in the beginning of August and starting to think seriously about our Reunion! He still has to go into dry-dock for one more repair later in the month but is thinking about once again climbing up the ladder to gain the top of the guard house and lead us in an Old Yell! His situation began with a fall in mid-March, but it was shocking to learn that his recent medical problems were a result of a mistake made by his recovery care in the excessive dosage of a prescription drug they gave him.

It took him an additional 30 days in the care center to get over it. What a shame.

He was upbeat about his life in Albuquerque with son Sandy and Sandy’s friend, Diane, in their real adobe house with thick walls and classic flat roof. They are very cheerful and jovial people, always finding something to laugh about. The only thing is that he would prefer to live in Virginia.

The high dessert is not his cup of tea, but we talked about the charms of nearby Santa Fe – music, art and festivals. Still, it is hard to get used to the desert flowers with their teeny tiny blossoms when one is used to the verdant East.

John and June Augustine were excited that their grandson, “AJ,” was about to depart St. Petersburg for Lexington and football camp when we talked in early August. The players are coming in advance of matriculation to get ready for an early game in September. While AJ was an outstanding high school quarterback, coach has told him that he has six quarterbacks reporting and some may have to play different positions. AJ is about six feet, three inches and athletic enough to adapt to other positions.

John is hoping to go see him play this fall. He and June will also soon be going on their two military unit reunion trips to Colorado Springs and San Antonio, which I wrote about last May. John was quite happy about his now being able to read in spite of his vision problem by using his Optelec screen reader to enhance the images.

Frazier Baldwin and Jinny had just been enjoying some good family days when I called. Their youngest son, Lou, who lives in California, and his wife had just concluded a visit during which their daughter from Charlotte and their older son all came. Frazier and Jinny are continuing to work out on a M W F schedule to retain their fitness. We talked about family history, and he spoke of his gr-gr-gr-grandfather who was a Revolutionary War surgeon and whose son and grandson were also doctors. They settled in Winchester, VA. We also talked about the good old days when our businesses took us to Mexico in an era when it was nice.

Earl Brown was regretful that he has given up driving but comforted by the fine transportation services Carolina Meadows provides for trips to shop, medical appointments and the like. His days are filled with computer games and reading detective stories. He has two sons, one living in Charlotte and the other in Florida.

His daughter lives nearby in Raleigh, and he sees her frequently. I asked if he has written his memoirs, and he had but said he has not updated them in recent years.

They have been shared with his family. I hope we can get to see them.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES We are all thankful that Charles Beach is getting through toward recovery from a long period of illness. The last hospitalization for pneumonia and an infection was very hard, but he is beginning to walk around the block to build his strength back so as to match his clear mind. He expressed great appreciation for all his VMI support; including his cardiologist who is Carey Blaydes ’50B and who did the open heart surgery and pacemakers.

He got many calls and notes for his 90th birthday celebration on July 4th, including a thoughtful citation about his service to VMI arranged by Pat Webb of the Foundation. His party was necessarily limited to close family instead of the large celebration originally planned. He is staying with his son in Lexington for now, and his setters are being looked after at home in Beattyville. You can call him on his new “Jitterbug” cell phone whose number is 859/759-4351.

Matt Lyle died in May as most of you know, and a memorial gift was sent to our class scholarship fund in his honor. He had been with his daughter, Deborah, to whom we wrote a note of appreciation for having made a home for him in his declining years.

This column has included excerpts from the wonderful 184-page book in English and Chinese comprising Sun Chengcheng’s memoirs. It has now been sent to the George C. Marshall Research Library for safekeeping. The transmittal letter to Paul B. Barron director of Library and Archives, said, “His narrative contains many interesting WWII bits of information, especially his experiences while making the journey back to China from England during the wartime blockades and interdiction of shipping and during the battles against the Japanese and Chinese Communist after his return.” Our thanks went to the Vester Thompson family for making this gift to the library available. You could perhaps ask to see it while in Lexington.

In June, Jane Deaderick sent a generous memorial contribution to our class scholarship fund along with the news that she successfully sold her home and has moved. Her new address is 14303 Brandermill Woods Trail, Apt. #115, Midlothian, VA 23112.

Sol Rawls sent two articles from the June/ July edition of the paper In & Around Horse Country which told about Ben Hardaway 2009-Issue 4

being honored and about his hound, Roxanne, being crowned Grand Champion at the 62nd Annual Virginia Foxhound Show at Leesburg, VA. Some excerpts said, “The traditional Memorial Day fixture of the Virginia Foxhound Club’s annual show turned into a celebration of Ben Hardaway and the Midland Foxhounds. Mason Lampton (Ben’s son-in-law), the managing master and huntsman, was ringside with Hardaway to witness Midland Roxanne ’07 take the Crossbred title from their champion doghound, Keystone ’05. ‘I really liked Roxanne better – I thought she had a lot more quality than our doghound [Midland Keystone],’ says Hardaway. ‘He’s a little heavy, a little knuckly for me, but I can see how a fellow would like a big, heavy dog like that. I do like the bitches better than I like the dogs – they’re just a little more intelligent, quicker to learn and to settle into the pack, and they really hunt well’ …

Hardaway laughed when accused of being a ladies’ man when it comes to his hounds.”

In the second article in the same edition, we read, “On a sunny spring afternoon, with the historic Morven Park Mansion as a fitting backdrop, three well-deserving men were inducted into the Huntsmen’s Room of the Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America. The inductees were George Brice, Redmond C. Stewart and Benjamin Hardaway … Born in 1919, Mr. Hardaway’s wit and mental acuity are still sharp, despite the toll 90 years of vibrant living is starting to take on him physically. He jokingly refers to himself as a ‘Happy Cripple,’ and when he came to the podium, Ben eyed the crowd, grinned and said, ‘I’m glad y’all didn’t postpone this event!’” Don’t you just love Ben’s droll humor? I spoke to him recently, and he said that, somewhat mysteriously, he is feeling better than he had been. He was pleased that the nearby National Infantry Museum was opened at Ft. Benning on June 19 with a big dedication party attended by General Colin Powell and that the facility is splendid and made interesting by many audio-visual exhibits.

In early August, Evelyn and Andy Turner picked up their friend, Erma Gary (the widow of Bob Gary, a Richmond CPA, but earlier the widow of our Paul Coldiron) who lives in Deltaville near the Turners.

They journeyed north across the Rappahan-

nock to Northern Neck where they picked up John Cowart in Irvington and went on to nearby Lancaster. They all had lunch at the historic Lancaster Tavern which in colonial days was an “ordinary” tavern run by George Washington’s grandfather, Joseph Ball. (Editor’s Note: In colonial times, an ordinary tavern was one that served a complete meal at a fixed price.) They went on to Lively for a little gift shopping after that. So, it was a great VMI day. Andy had a fall in May but is back on his feet.

John Cowart’s son, John Cowart ’67, who is the founding executive director of the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation in McLean, VA, has now established a part time office in Belgium. He has promised to see that his father gets to the reunion, and Evelyn Turner has also said that she will give John a ride if he needs one. It is great that those plans are forming. John is going to get the names of our new scholarship fund scholars for inclusion in the next class notes.

Dressed in his sweater, Doug Cook was enjoying the balmy Ithaca weather when we talked. He coined a term by saying that his two “Minders,” by which he meant wife Barbara and daughter Jenny, were taking good care of him with special attention to seeing that his exercise does not have the adverse and unintended effect of increasing his appetite and causing him to gain. He was right up to speed with the very latest diet findings about exercise causing that danger. They are all well but have abandoned the idea of going to England for a visit to Barbara’s homeland this year. They are thinking positively about the reunion.

Dan and Jeanie Flowers were about to celebrate her youthful birthday on August 12 when I called. There was to be a gathering of their three children and most of their 11 grandchildren. Their two sons live in the Houston area nearby, and their daughter lives in Cheyenne. They currently have two grandchildren at MIT. Dan still goes to his office and swims regularly, but the real indication of his youthfulness is that he is still choir singing – with Jeanie. In case you disremember, it was not Dan but it was Fred who sang in the VMI Glee Club when we all were Keydets.

It was enjoyable to talk to Sister Rat Ruth Irwin when Bud proved to be otherwise occupied with important things whenever I called – like taking a shower or going to the 25

CLASS NOTES eye doctor. She described things as being on “an even keel.” Both are still driving, and they play a lot of bridge. If I got it straight, they have three daughters, one 15 miles away from Worthington in the German Village section of Columbus, OH, one about 100 miles away in the Atwood Lake area of Ohio and one in Charlotte. Then they have about three granddaughters and two grandsons, who are in Portland, Seattle, Denver and Washington.

Chuck Wilson was enjoying a visit from his son, Mark, together with Mark’s wife and son, when I called. They live in Washington state. Chuck sees a lot of his offsprings whose visits are enhanced by his home in Kingsland being located on the Llano River above where it feeds into Lake Linden B. Johnson. He has a water skiing boat and a golf cart that his grandchildren love. Chuck’s health is good, but he gets therapy for a bothersome hip and uses a walker for exercise walks.

In talking to Chuck Wilson, he inquired about Jerry Totten. I knew nothing recent about Jerry, because he has not been on the lists I receive from the Alumni Office.

So, I found him, using Switchboard on the Internet, listed as Jerry M. Totten, 1 Towers Park Lane, Apt. 502, San Antonio, TX 78209-6420, 210/804-2220, and called. He returned the call the next day with his son, Bill, on the phone with us. He said that he spent 30 years in the Air Force and then retired. For six years after that, he worked as a church administrator – with a second retirement coming about 1976. He came to our 50th Reunion but does not believe he can make the 70th. His wife, Mary, is recovering from a stroke, and both he and Bill are hopeful about the outcome. Jerry no longer drives, and I think son Bill said he has one brother and one sister.

Briefs: Nick Dominick was enjoying the short time he can spend at his computer each day when I called, and so we only talked briefly.

He was writing for his family newsletter publication and said that nothing much has changed. Gene Phillippi called me several weeks ago and was doing fine. Jim Cheek told me about his family when we talked.

His only child, his son, was in Spain at the time but lives nearby. He has three grandsons and one great-granddaughter. He regularly goes to the dining room for his three 26

meals. Eppy Powell has moved into an assisted living facility, and his new address is Ginger Cove, 4000 River Crescent Drive, Annapolis, MD 21501. His phone number did not change, and it is 410/266-8020. He uses a walker or scooter, plays pinochle and has a meal with Doris every day. She is fine but cannot hear well.

’41

Walter Richards

If you recall, in the last issue of the Review, I mentioned that Durland Clark had passed away but that we had no details.

Well, now we do, thanks to the diligent work of Kathy Wise and Brenda Stoner.

Kathy’s report of the obit appears in the Taps section of this issue. He passed away on March 23, 2009.We have lost another family member.

Marine Modisett died on July 28. No other losses that I’ve heard of.

Not having a correct phone number, I hadn’t called Pat after Nash Strudwick’s funeral, but Gladys wrote to her. Pat’s address is still 1109 S. Schuaker Dr., Apt. 225, Salisbury, MD 21804.

Had a letter yesterday from Bob Maling.

He says their traveling days are slowed and then turns around to say they spent three weeks this spring in Portugal seeing family and friends. Next month, he and Mila are taking a 10-day tour of the Canadian Rockies. Sounds like slowing things.

Well, he will be “90” tomorrow.

Frank Kirby has moved to an assisted living facility that can better supply his needs.

It is the “Harbor Edge” in Norfolk. The phone number is: 757/334-7151, I think.

Frank Baldwin is staying at an assisted living facility located on the grounds of the VA Hospital. He makes it to the ’40 First Wednesday meeting.

In another change, Douglas B.Green has moved from Hawaii to California.

The other day, I took a trip on the Internet into Preston Library. Remember how we used a chair to slide down the hill? Well, I found a picture of cadets using a sled. I ran out of paper, so I don’t have all the correct info. Anyway, I think it was a 1914 Rat Bible. It had songs and yells in it:

HULLA BALOO Hullabaloo - Rah, Rah Hullabaloo - Rah, Rah Hoo-Rah, Hoo-Rah V-M-I Keep THE SPIRIT ’41

Richard C. Horne III

’42

Charles P. Wilson

These notes are a challenge. To me – not you. I think I can say (but not certify) that, with the exception of the honorable Charles P. Wilson, whom we all know as “Jed,” there has been no voice report on other class members, except Charlie Chewning, through reports from Virginia, his lovely and caring wife. Charlie, by the way, is happy, comfortable and much the same as the last six months.

Back to the Brother Rats, we now stand at 40 living class members. Their physical conditions are apparently the same as my last report. Many of us have a full head of hair.

Jed, by the way, has volunteered to team with me to form a pair of class agents. Seeing as we were roommates at the Institute, it’s perfect as far as I’m concerned.

Perhaps these notes will generate some calls about condition, grandchildren, work habits, political beliefs and other non-personal habits like daily bath, schedules, the U.S. president, World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

It would be nice of you to send along a bottle of brain-sharpening liquor to inspire close study of your thoughts.

Mitzi, my Ring Figure date, keeps me well fed, clean but not too stylish as I once was.

I notice I’m getting close to rambling and will close these notes with my fondest regards to every swinging one of you, our “saints of ’42!”

’43

Jeffrey G. Smith

Dear Brother Rats and Other Readers: I deeply regret to report that two of our VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Brother Rats and two of our class wives have died since last I wrote on 15 May, but at the same time, I am grateful that 54 of the class of 1943 continue to march (in a manner of speaking).

Bill Hansbarger (two years as a cadet) died at his home in McLean, VA, on 17 May 2009. Jane and I attended his memorial service. Bill had a sterling reputation as a lawyer in the northern Virginia area.

His widow, Charlotte, told me that he’d declined chemotherapy after being diagnosed in July 2007 with lung cancer.

Dr. Fred C. Jones (also two years as a cadet) died 20 months ago, on 6 Dec. 2007. VMI had been unaware of his death until word was received that Fred’s widow had died on 27 June 2009. That led to some scrambling in the Alumni Office.

Fred was a third generation Arizonian who lived and died in the Phoenix area except for his two years at VMI, MCV (dentistry) and several years in the Navy as a dental officer, including Korean War service.

We all mourn the loss of Jane Bowen, Brian Bowen’s wife. As reported last May, she was bravely enduring a long struggle with lung cancer. She, along with Brian, was a delightful, lively and loyal participant in all of our class reunions, full and mini.

“I’ve just been released from durance vile!” So spoke Vince Thomas on 8 Aug. (2009), when Betty gave him the telephone to talk to me. Welcome news, because since my last notes, Vince had spent considerable and worrisome time in the hospital and nursing wing of their retirement home on the Norfolk waterfront. To review, some months ago, Vince had an aneurysm repaired. The repair was successful, but the healing process has long been complicated by leakage in the area of the wound. Three months ago, I wrote that Vince had just been released to their apartment but under a nurse’s frequent attention. Betty remained worried, as well she might. The leakage continued, and Vince returned to the nursing wing.

However, both Betty and Vince now sound decidedly optimistic that the healing is all but complete. Vince’s balance makes their attending this November’s Institute Society Dinner problematic (too many steps and too much bustle), but they are keen on a mini reunion this coming May (more on that follows).

2009-Issue 4

Vince updated me on the other two of our Brother Rats who live in the same retirement residence: Frank Bilisoly and Charlie Willcox. Each seems to be holding his own. Frank spends most nights in the nursing wing due to his severe balance problems, but he and Indie Bain managed a few days visit to their beach cottage this summer. Vince sees Charlie from time to time in the main dining room. Charlie’s emphysema continues to plague him.

Bruce Suter checked into the net on 3 Aug. to say he’d not much news but that all went well with Joan and him in their new retirement home. That is the kind of news I like to report! Their facility was ranked recently in the top five in the nation, and it’s only five minutes away from their son’s home. The female residents outnumber the males by five to one (“five” is a recurring word in this paragraph).

Thank goodness for that male minority.

In their rather brief stay, Bruce has had to pick up three women who swooned in his presence. Or perhaps one ought say “fainted,” because it was only “fair” (i.e., young) damsels who “swooned” in our childhood stories. We hope that the swooning or fainting, whatever the case, was only coincidental to Bruce’s presence.

Bill Bell underwent a cornea transplant, Bruce Suter also told me. That, of course, is delicate and serious surgery, especially at our age. He came through with flying colors. Doing well. They have moved from their cottage at Falcon’s Landing into an apartment in the main building. Bill plays the violin in company of three or four other residents (good for him!). As I understood Bruce, Bill now relies more on a walker than a cane. Effects of back surgery 10 to 15 years ago.

Triplets at VMI are rare, the records show, but there are currently three in the Corps.

Two male and one female rising second classmen named, respectively, Stephen, Thomas and Angela Redmond ’11. The Hodgkins, Jim and Sally, entertained all three at dinner recently (in Warrenton). I’d read somewhere that they are (by choice) in different companies in the Corps, and all aspire to serve as Army officers. Jim reports that each is an honor roll student, and all are up and coming cadet officers. Their parents must be proud, and VMI is fortunate in having such splendid young people.

Last June, I was called by Joe Reynolds ’47 who said that some misinformation had been recently printed about Peyton Thompson in Peyton’s hometown (Waynesboro, GA) weekly newspaper.

Perhaps, he suggested, I could assist in a correction. I agreed and wrote an e-mail to the editor of The True Citizen to ensure he had all the facts. In the 8 July issue, a terse “Editor’s Note” was published which I quote in full. “In a ‘Looking Back’ item published on June 24, covering Waynesboro native Peyton W. Thompson, we incorrectly identified his college alma mater as The Citadel. He actually attended Virginia Military Institute. The True Citizen regrets this error.” My e-mail was not acknowledged.

The “Looking Back” item referred to an item that had appeared in the paper 25 years earlier: “Peyton Thompson, who was killed in Europe during World War II, was honored by The Citadel for his service as editor-in-chief of the school’s newspaper more than 40 years earlier.”

Frank Williams (more on Frank follows) told me that Peyton’s father had once owned or published or was chief editor (or all three) of the The True Citizen.

Ironic. Peyton, an Army infantry lieutenant, was killed by enemy fire on Aug. 7, 1944, in France en route to join a unit as a replacement.

And about Frank Williams – He reports that he continues to need two canes but gets around very well despite that need.

Frank’s daughter, son-in-law and their three sons have moved into his house, so he has a lot of company and help and love.

He sounded like the proverbial “million bucks” during our recent telephone chat.

Cheerful and upbeat. He’s shaken off the ill effects of a heart attack triggered in large part by excessive blood loss from a colonoscopy gone awry.

My spirits are always buoyed by Bill Johann’s frequent telephone calls. His eyesight might be dim, but his spirit, inner resolve and interest in his Brother Rats and VMI are among the keenest I know.

Aside from his eyesight (which is no better or worse), he enjoys good health.

Bill frequently ends our chats with the reminder, “You know, we are lucky to be alive.” Yes, we are, and we are fortunate in our access to modern medicine, which one 27

CLASS NOTES hopes and prays that today’s politicians will not FUBAR for us seniors. Without that full and ready access, the ranks of our class today would be greatly diminished, perhaps nonexistent. (For those who need memories stirred, FUBAR and SNAFU were WWII acronyms widely known – and aptly used – by all ranks.)

Speaking of misinformation: Page 31 of the last edition (Issue 3, 2009) of the Alumni Review contains a caption on the photo of a group of Arkansas VMI alumni and friends which identifies our own Nita Clark as the wife of Billy Sunday Clark ’42! I’ve sent an e-mail to the editor, explaining that both Nita and Billy are proud members of 1943. (I believe the error was the fault of those who sent the photo to the Review.)

(Editor’s Note: Thank you, Gen. Smith, for pointing this out to us. We have included a correction note and apology in the Association News section of this Review.)

Sonny Litton, of the great southwestern frontier of Virginia, says that he is “still going” and doing well after his heart attack several months ago. He doesn’t worry about it any more but has given up driving an automobile and going to the office.

However, he has not given up exercise. Attaboy! His wife and daughter provide him tender and loving care and attention. What more could a man ask?

It was great to hear the voice of my old Company C comrade, Keith Phillips, when we spoke on the phone a few days ago. He was in good spirits, but neuropathy in his feet has been a cross to bear. He continues to drive, but the affliction has led to two serious falls in the recent past.

Fortunately, no broken bones or serious injury. Lucy is doing quite well. We spoke of a possible mini reunion. He is all for one but respectfully asks that he no longer have the Hospitality Room duty. And indeed he should not. Keith has done more than his share. Any volunteers?

In response to my plea to send donations ahead of the VMI Foundation’s 2009 Fiscal Year deadline (30 June 2009), Hap Vaughan called late in May to report he had done so – with pleasure. Many thanks, Hap, who said that he is feeling pretty well. He has had, however, to give up his bike riding and has become another member of our class’s growing Cane Brigade.

28

George and Kitty Snead have “downsized” and are moving from their cottage in Lynchburg’s Westminster Canterbury (retirement residence) to one of the apartments which, although not tiny by any means, is nonetheless smaller than what they previously occupied. The usual trade off: greater convenience and comfort for less storage. Accordingly, I have received two packages of VMI memorabilia from George, which, he suggests, may be of interest at our next reunion. And well they might. They are both well and continue to be involved in the many activities offered.

Jim Anderson’s daughter (Mary Alston) sent me Father’s Day e-mail on behalf of her father. Much appreciated! She went on to write that Harry and Lella Jones were eating lunch at the (Thomasville, GA) Country Club on Father’s Day with Jim. Lella showed him photos of some of our class members at a long ago picnic at Sunnyside, Jim’s parents’ home in Lexington.

I recall visiting Sunnyside a few times during my time as commandant. Jim’s father was my steadfast supporter and hosted a farewell dinner in my honor at the Robert E. Lee Hotel in August 1943. (With the concurrence of Jim and his sister, Sunnyside was sold some time ago to enable the building of “Kendall,” an attractive retirement complex. Several VMI alumni live there, prominent among them being Maj. Gen. Jim Morgan ’45 and his wife, Jean. Jim was dean of the VMI faculty.

Jim Anderson also wrote that his brother-in-law, Fred Bartenstein Jr., brother of our Brother Rat Bob Bartenstein, recently sent a very generous gift to VMI. And this just in from VMI: the summary of class contributions for the Fiscal Year ending 30 June 2009. Only 35 in our class contributed (a disappointing 65% but still better than most in the 40s; 1944 had 73%).

Sixteen class widows (God bless them) sent money. However, the overall total was a whopping $337,741. Only three other classes topped the class of 1943 amount.

We are fortunate (as is VMI) to have a fair number of Brother Rats whose very generous annual contributions enable our class totals to reach those heights. Bob Reveley stands far above in giving – and far, far above all others, there is Bill Gottwald.

Many, many thanks to one and all!

I received this interesting and amusing

e-mail from Hugh Dischinger ’45, brother of our Brother Rat Jim Dischinger. “After the war had ended, my (Hugh’s) P-51 Mustang squadron was at Clark Field, PI. A squadron of Aussie Mosquitos came through Clark on their way to Tokyo for occupation duty and spent a few days with us. The pilots were unconscionable braggarts and claimed their plane could run away from our ’51s. … A race was set up … The rules were that their Mosquito and our Mustang would approach the runway wingtip to wingtip at 1,000 feet, and when they got to the end of the runway, the pilots would pour on the coal and see which could get ahead of the other. The Mustang won easily, much to the chagrin of the Aussies. They were good sports, though, and freely shared their Australian beer with us. They were loaded with it, since they had emptied the gun and ammunition compartments in their wings and filled them with beer. Incidentally, the pilot of our P-51 was J.F.R. Scott ’43. You may remember him.” Indeed so. I recall Scotty’s telling me in 1947 or 1948 that he’d requested to extend his active duty in the PI so he could fly the new jet fighters.

And so he did – and then continued to fly many, many more years as an Air National Guardsman and senior executive of Baltimore’s international airport.

Hugh also wrote that he visited Jim (Dischinger) recently in his retirement home in Richmond. Jim was “doing OK, but slowing down; aren’t we all? He walks with a cane and had a route around the complex that he walked every morning for exercise … Please write, even if he doesn’t answer.”

And in conclusion, a concept for a mini reunion: Two nights, sandwiched in by three midweek days 18-20 (or 19-21) May 2010. Place: The Mount Vernon, VA, area.

We live in the area and would host one of the two class dinners at our home. The other at the Fort Belvoir Officers Club or the Mount Vernon Inn. There are many nearby attractions, such as the recent multi-million dollar revamp of Mt. Vernon, Gunston Hall, Woodlawn Plantation, Fort Belvoir, Old Town Alexandria and a new, conveniently located motel. I’ll be sending out more info in the fall via direct mail, perhaps before you receive this issue of the Review. I wish you all the very best.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

’44

Robert P. Jones Jr.

It’s August, hot and humid on this Tuesday afternoon. With my afternoon nap behind me and the due date for class notes looming, I have no more excuses for not typing.

In June, I had a kind note from Meade Bell thanking me for my class agent labors. He hopes that we can all gather for a mini reunion in the near future and mentioned that M.C. Wilhelm has some ideas.

We’ll have to see how that works out after the dust settles from all the work putting the last one together.

During a call to Bertie Hengeveld, she reported all was as well as age allows, but long trips and golf are now things of the past. The limitations placed on us by age and the resulting afflictions do take away some of the fun. We just have to find ways to change gears.

Not being able to drive and no bus service in Reedville, VA, Carolyn Weatherford has to depend on her daughter for most transportation needs. I need to explain her name to some of you. When she and Frank Moore got married after both of their spouses had died, they both agreed that a name change involved way too much red tape and at no gain. Thus, she remained Carolyn Weatherford.

As a follow up on my comments in the May class notes on dancing, Bob Smothers sent me a copy of one of his e-mails sent to many friends, his VMI roommates and Tom Peyton. He and Hazel had attended a Big Band dance and dinner on the old aircraft carrier U.S.S. Midway (now a carrier museum in San Diego) with nearly 500 other people. About 30 other couples and the Smothers entered a costume and dance contest which was mainly jitterbug dancing.

Those of you who have seen them dance know that as jitterbugs they do excel. The judges picked two couples as finalists. They were one of the two. The overall winner was then chosen by crowd applause, and Bob and Hazel won overwhelmingly. The Smothers each received a Sharpest Show Award for Best Threads and their performance during the dancing contest.

Bob also sent me a copy of his most 2009-Issue 4

recent literary accomplishment: a book entitled Whirly Girl. It’s a biography of Hazel with over half of it in pictures. The title is derived from her accomplishments as a fixed wing pilot and the fact that she is also a licensed helicopter pilot. It’s an excellent work, lovingly done and a wonderful memoir for all the members of their extended families.

Cynthia Cabannis called in mid June to let me know how much she enjoys our class notes. She is doing OK and now has eight grandchildren with another one on the way. Cynthia has also written a book: All About Grandma. My notes don’t reveal whether it is autobiographical or not, but she does know a lot about grandchildren; they’re a very large part of her life.

Freeman Lindsay’s daughter, Pan McWaters, wrote me a very nice note of thanks for the gift in his memory arranged from the Class of ’44 Fund to the VMI Foundation Fund and the Keydet Club Scholarship Fund. Pam, who was very close to her dad, said he really loved VMI and always looked forward to letters, cards and magazines that kept him informed of VMI “happenings.”

Soon after returning home from our 65th Reunion, Alex Monroe had to make a hospital visit with a slight stroke. After three days, he was released and he and Maryann headed to Port Aransas to live with their daughter, Cameron, and her husband, Rick. Those of you at our reunion met her there. The move had been planned to take place later, but Alex’s stroke just sped it up a little. Their address is now: 639 East Avenue B, Port Aransas, TX 78373 and telephone 361-749-3193.

Alex had noted in Cameron’s e-mail to Tom Peyton that he and Maryann had really enjoyed visiting with all the Brother Rats and renewing many old memories after so many years.

In late May, Tom Peyton journeyed to Wilmington, NC, for the annual reunion of Room 231 with Joe and Judy Beam. Tom and Joe are the only two still around of that group. Tom reported that Joe is still in a nursing facility and hanging in there.

As I do on most birthday cards, I admonished Harold Lockwood to have fun. He wrote to say he did and after 87 of them, most fun-filled, hoped to have a few more.

Marguerite’s back problem prevents them

from traveling, and they really deplore not being able to see all of us again. She is trying a recently approved back treatment to see if it will help her.

Tom Hupp and Juliet made a short vacation visit to Virginia Beach, and I tried to catch them there. I reached Tom Goode, Juliet’s son, when I called her home at the beach. He and I chatted a bit, and I found that he teaches at an American school in Germany and was there on vacation. I also learned that his great-granddad, John Thomas Goode, class of 1858, had served in the Confederate cause at the Battle of the Crater in Petersburg. When I later caught up with Tom Hupp, he said he was trying to stay as active as possible but was greatly limited by his pulmonary problem.

When Joe Warren died, I called his only surviving roommate, Nat Young, to let him know. Nat and I talked for quite a while, and I learned more about him meeting the lady who is still his companion.

At a retired military officer’s luncheon, he was carrying his plate from the buffet looking for a place to sit. He headed for a table with three women seated at it, and they invited him to join them. When they all introduced themselves, one said she was a BAM and explained the term.

There being no acronym for former female Marines (like WAF, WAVE, etc.), she had picked her own. It was BAM – Beautiful American Marine. One thing led to another, and Nat and the BAM started hanging out together as others have done.

Nat said they discussed marriage, and she said no; three times is enough. They live in separate houses in Gulf Shores, AL – both active and enjoying doing things together.

Nat says they’ll be at the next reunion.

I didn’t find out why he missed this one we just had. My gears (mentioned earlier) must be slipping a little.

Norma Robinson at the VMI Foundation called to notify me that Jim and Nancy Renton had moved. I got a new phone number from information and called to verify that it was correct, pass it on to VMI and chat, since I hadn’t heard from Jim in a few years. He and Nancy had just moved to a retirement community in Vancouver, WA. Many of us have made that change in life styles, and it does simplify life in some enjoyable ways. For Jim and Nancy, it also located their residence between children 29

CLASS NOTES and made visits with them more convenient to arrange. They were still engrossed in that inescapable task occasioned by many boxes waiting to be unpacked.

You’ve all read my comments on that in the past. Their new address is: 2905 S.E. Village Loop, Vancouver, WA 98683 and telephone 360-882-3634.

A note from Mabbot Warren expressed fondly joint thanks from her and her family for the flowers they had received from the class of 1944. They were the first ones they had gotten and graced the table in the living room for all visitors to see. Mabbot wrote that the last five months had been tough going. Joe was her soul mate, and she was devastated.

Mary K. Biggs wrote that the flowers she received were outstanding, and thanks for being the VMI link for so many. In her note to me and our class, she said, “Friends are angels who lift us when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.”

She asked me to pass this information on. Ed was retired from the service for his wounds received during WWII, and the family had requested a full military funeral. The Army didn’t get the request handled correctly. It was handled as if he had resigned from the service which is quite different than how it’s handled when the deceased had retired. I haven’t checked this and only mention it so those of you seeking a military funeral can get your ducks in a row ahead of time.

The VMI cruise from Barbados around the Caribbean in March was greatly enjoyed by Dick and Fran Meade. Dick was the elder alumnus aboard, and two ladies from the class of 2001 were the youngest.

The ship was the Royal Clipper, a brigantine with painted gun ports and bought from the Russian navy. Dick reported that the food was outstanding, the quarters and facilities were luxurious and all activities were handled in a really enjoyable fashion.

Their only regret was that this cruise trip ended so close in front of our reunion and kept them from making the second trip east comfortably.

The Meades are staying close to home nowadays and did invite Bruce and Bette Lea Bowden to celebrate their (Bowdens’) anniversary at a fine Scottsdale restaurant.

The Bowdens picked up Dick and Fran and drove to the restaurant. Dick paid the 30

bill, except for the parking ticket Bruce got for illegal parking there. Bruce took care of that. I haven’t had any report from Bruce on what it cost him. Dick did say that the four of them had their usual good time catching up on news and people.

After the reunion, I had a call from John Poindexter thanking me for the reunion report in my May class notes. He had really enjoyed it and wished he could have managed the trip. John is still traveling the recovery road from the problems he’s had after the fall he suffered a while back.

Jim Doss called to announce that his stroke recovery had progressed enough so he could proceed with his long overdue cataract operation. He was looking forward to being able to read the comics again. The Lexington crowd is pretty devoid of news this time of year.

Just in time for this edition, Hotdog Helmen filed a typed complimentary appraisal of my May effort. I liked that – especially from him. Having paid all their bills while in Aurora, he and Miriam were headed back to Monterey the Tuesday I started this quarterly typing. Hotdog wrote that hay production on his Monterey ranch had been practically nil this summer because of too much rain. His hired hands had just begun making hay (the kind you roll up in large bales) in earnest. He liked his birthday card and along with the rest of us, is grateful the good Lord lets us wake up each morning.

That’s all for now. Take care of yourselves wherever you are. God bless all of you and God bless America and VMI.

’45

John D. Williams

I just received a nice letter from Jan Warren advising that her husband, “Cotton” Warren, had died at home in Albany, GA, on July 5th from a blood disorder after 10 months of hospice. Many of you will remember a mini-reunion at their quail shooting facility in Georgia some years ago. This loss appears to be the only one for this past quarter, fortunately. Cotton and Jan have a grandson, Jon Anderson ’03, who is now in charge of the ROTC unit at the University of Georgia in Athens. As Jan says, this is much

safer than his two tours in Iraq. Jon and his wife are expecting a baby boy in October.

A letter from Ann Freidell lists her new address: 749-B Senda Verde, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. Other than the usual rigors of a move, she has been healthy and enjoying life. Ann did say that Verne Chaney has been under a strain since falling in his New York apartment. I have had several telephone conversations with Verne, and he likewise indicated that he was on the road to recovery.

Anne Addington is enjoying life at Virginia Beach and has had a steady flow of visitors consisting of her children and grandchildren. She is still playing golf frequently as well as enjoying the beach life.

Bob Allen continues his geological field trips with young students throughout Oklahoma and is thoroughly enjoying every minute of it. Bob is also enjoying attending the meetings of the newly-formed Oklahoma Chapter of The VMI Alumni Association.

It is mid August, and the heat has truly been turned up here on the East Coast, and news is quite scarce. Mary Ballou and I are both quite well, all things considered, and stay very busy talking with and visiting our eight children and 16 grandchildren.

It’s always somebody’s birthday! We have recently been by Amtrak to Connecticut and by car to Washington, as well as Roaring Gap, NC. Soon, we are flying up to Maine for several days visiting friends.

On our way back to Richmond from our weekend in Roaring Gap, we stopped in Lexington and met with Jim Morgan and began the first discussion of our great 65th Reunion that is planned around April 19th and 20th, 2010. There is much work to be done to make this one of our best, if not last, times together in Lexington. Joe Gantt has volunteered to head up the planning committee but was compelled to miss our very first meeting, mainly because I failed to give him adequate lead time for our luncheon meeting.

Our central hotel or meeting place seems to be picked by the VMI Alumni Agencies, and they will be most helpful in many other ways, such as guest speakers, daytime activities available, class pictures, catering, etc. We really need your input and would welcome hearing from you. Jim Morgan is an extreme asset, being in Lexington and knowing so many people. Jim and I have begun to get a list of remaining classmates for a booklet. After a fair amount of research, we VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES dard Johnston and John P. Campbell this spring and summer.

Paul Mark’s lovely wife, Joan, sent me notice that she was back on the Internet with the handle joanlmarks@msn.com for those of you with Internet connection. They are in good shape. Joan always was, and Paul follows her example, but I somehow never found his shape quite as appealing as hers!

Paul still goes out shooting birds (and William A. Eliason Thirds, if he finds any) and keeps his hunt club pack on his, as I recall, somewhere around 4,000 acres in Northampton County.

Paul was at VMI less than a year, but he always comes back for reunions, and last spring, he had the fun of accompanying his Greetings once more from the county that son, Paul D.C. Marks Jr. ’69, to his 40th founded the country. Last issue, our notes Reunion! Paul and the Camp Foundation, finished with a request for news and pictures for which he is a trustee, continue to support for this issue. I realize that some of you have the Institute with multiple scholarships each eyesight problems, but certainly not all of you. year. Camp Paper, which was bought many Or is it that single syllable words are a probyears ago by International Paper, closed up lem for you? If, perchance, I do have contact shop in Franklin this year, which I am sure with any of you, I get “rave” remarks on this created a gulp or two for Paul, although his column, but let me tell you, the old saying that interest was only personal and historical, not “no news is good news” is obvious baloney. financial.

When your Brother Rats charge you with proLast time, I reported that Larry Mauch’s ducing class notes, “no news” is just that – “no grandson expected to be accepted as the news.” And let me tell you, this month there is fourth generation of Mauchs at VMI. Sadly, such a small amount of news, that it is almost a childhood heart valve replacement and the “no notes!” Seriously, would you please try ensuing dependence on warfarin (Coumadin) to match your response to this plea the way resulted in a medical rescission of his apyou have so generously answered my please pointment. He was devastated by the news, for Corps support? I beg you not to force me but he has accepted without rancor and will to start filling this column with embarrassing pursue his desired law career, perhaps at UVa stories from your cadetship. Even if I have to or W&M. make up false notes, I have decided to put a Had a call from Fritz Crytzer from here note about each one of my Brother Rats at least in Williamsburg. I asked him if once a year! So you had better he was back here visiting, and he write or call. Be sure to check my said, “Hell, no; I didn’t like North new e-mail address at the top of Carolina, and we moved back!” this column.

Smart move, Fritz; I know Carol Most recent news is that Carol and I will only leave here feet and I attended the Western Tidefirst. We’ve never lived anywhere water Alumni Chapter’s anas close to perfection as it is here. nual New Cadet Reception lawn That was a bright group that party. This year, our Hampton landed at Jamestown 403 years Roads area sent 26 matriculates ago! I am told that Judge Notto Lexington in what is now the tingham was a cabin boy on the class of 2013, and they signed the Susan Constant! book just 71 years after we did.

This just in by e-mail from Mort Twenty of these brave and hardy Mumma: “Bill: A granddaughter, souls were at the reception which Abigail (Abby) Mumma, daughter is held every year in Portsmouth at the beautiful creekside home Class of 1946: Class Agent Bill Eliason and wife Carol of Morton C. Mumma IV ’77, escorted Joyce Yang, the featured piano soloist with the Wilmatriculated today at VMI. We’re of Barbara and Phil Smith ’72. liamsburg Symphonia, during her visit from South Korea. mighty proud of her!

As you know, we are probably find that we have 68 Brothers living today.

Kitty and Doug Quarles have volunteered to help me in Lexington in some, as yet undecided, way for our reunion. They own a home there in order to more frequently visit with their cadet grandson, Will Quarles ’10.

That’s about it for now, but please continue to send me some news. God bless our Great Class of 1945 and VMI.

’46

2009-Issue 4

the only NCAA institution which insists that ALL of their matriculates be in the upper level of academic, athletic and leadership skills. I assure you that this bunch, as they become the largest class ever to enter the Institute (almost 500 strong), will measure up. Elmon Gray will be glad to hear that the dominant sport preference is his first athletic love, baseball. Other sports were represented including one young Nordic giant named Sorenson from Suffolk who will attend on a football scholarship. He attended football camp at half a dozen other schools but settled on VMI largely because of the efforts of our new (last year) coach, Sparky Woods.

Vince Thomas ’43 was the oldest alumnus at the party. I keep asking him to stay home once so I can be the eldest attendant, but he always shows. Vince, of course, is an icon here in Hampton Roads. He was mayor of Norfolk for a number of years and is still a major factor in good works here in the area.

I have just received the final report of alumni giving for fiscal year 2009 which ended on June 30th. My gratitude and that of everybody in Lexington goes out to you for a magnificent response. Forty-six had 58% participation against an alumni average of 38% – not as good as the 62% we had in FY08 but still well above average.

A year-end report appears in the Foundation section of this Alumni Review.

The last issue was, I believe, the first issue since I became class agent that had no ’46 obituaries. Sad to report that will not be true for this one. We’ve lost Stod-

31

CLASS NOTES Cheers ... Mort.” Abby Mumma is 1946’s first female class descendant to matriculate.

Mort was called into service in 1943 and was appointed to West Point in the same class with Gen. Jim Morgan ’45. Jim had a physical problem and came back to VMI to graduate. Mort graduated the Point and retired as a bird colonel in the USAF. He is a loyal VMI Brother Rat contributor nonetheless and makes all reunions and many football games. He is native to Berryville (home of the Byrds) but now lives in Richmond. Mort also advises that, by chance, Abby was assigned his 1942 room 440 in the Old Barracks. If Mort was room orderly, it’s probably still a mess. Maybe she can get it cleaned up!

I’m still working on the update of the class directory. I’ve found that much of my data base is obsolete, and if you haven’t informed the Alumni Office of changes, there’s no way the directory can be as useful as it should be.

If you are polled for changes or corrections, make sure that you respond with any new information.

I love you guys dearly, and I deeply appreciate your expressions of gratitude for my class agent efforts, but you really need to “walk the walk” and not just “talk the talk.” These notes are a piddling effort at holding a class together. Please write or call, even if only to tell me your blood pressure and pulse. I need to know that you still care, because I’m sure that you do. ’Til next time.

’47

Bill Hallett

I regret to report that on May 21, 2009, Dan’s wife, Linda Collins Williamson, lost her long battle with cancer. She always did for others and was an inspiration to those whose lives she touched. Linda was a phenomenal dancer, accomplished artist, great cook, generous hostess and dedicated patron of the arts. Dan, our thoughts and sympathy are with you.

Also very sorry to learn that Virginia Floyd, Fred’s wife, died peacefully June 27, 2008, only two days following a massive stroke. Virginia died just four days after their 59th wedding anniversary. Son George and daughter Elizabeth live nearby 32

to help Fred over the rough spots. Two grandsons help a lot.

Fred and his son are still farming, although Fred admits that his son does most of the work required on the 600 acres on which they raise soy beans. Fred was a radioman in the Merchant Marine during WWII and remembers that Dan Williamson roomed with him for a while before “escaping” to West Point. Dan and Jim Willson visited with Fred and Virginia after the war and marveled at the peace and quiet of the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

Great to get a call from Jim Willson; that call came soon after the 63rd anniversary of our matriculating and first meeting in Barracks room 148. We spoke of the enjoyable trip to China he and Caryll made.

A side trip to Seoul, Korea, now a totally modern city rebuilt on the rubble remaining after the “police action.” For some of Jim’s Korea time, he served with the 1st Cav. Div. Their cruise ship also made a stop at Guadalcanal, now totally revived following the devastating combat which took place there during WWII. A fine picture accompanied the letter from Mary Anne and Jim Sizer who recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. A quarter century of learning and loving have produced a wonderful and caring couple, still enjoying traveling, although Woo Bucket admitted that shorter trips have become more to their liking.

During summer 2009, they’ll be spending some time in Chattanooga, TN, visiting with some of Jim’s relatives.

Sorry that I was not able to join Buck Cavedo and Bill Phillips at the New Market Day ceremonies which they reported were as colorful and inspiring as ever.

Your Scribe was involved with melanoma eradication surgery. So far, all reports are good; there are worse things than a nose job at age 83.

Alice and Ben McCarley traveled east for the wedding of one of their grandchildren.

Mary Alice Boyle, the bride-to-be, was recently graduated magna cum laude from VPI. Ben’s comment on that accomplishment was: “probably equivalent to ‘just’ graduating from VMI.” I’m sure his toast to the newlyweds was one of great taste.

A very interesting and entertaining letter from Dick Spencer telling that, during the evening of top-drawer Dixieland music at

Loew’s Vanderbilt with Mac and Joan Davis, he may have been the only “stranger” in the crowd, because most everyone there knew the other regulars. Mac had his clarinet and joined the band for a few numbers. Sorry that the Robbinses missed that wonderful time. Dick’s volunteer job in his county’s archives, processing early records and assisting patrons with their family research, make him wonder how he ever had time for “regular” work. “Whiskey” John Fuller would never believe that one of “Buzz” Marr’s boys had become so involved in history of the American Revolution. About seven years ago, Dick got involved in the Sons of the American Revolution and served as chapter president for two years, then state registrar for the TN Society, and is now in his fifth year in the “job.”

From over the transom: As he stepped to the podium to confer degrees on Graduation Day, the President of Baylor University announced that: “Honors are interpreted as follows: Cum laude is with honor, magna cum laude is with high honor and summa cum laude is with supreme honor. There is one other I plan to use in the future to be called magna cum pellidentium which means ‘by the skin of your teeth.’”

My reporting of Red Hanbury’s death triggered a few memories of days gone by for Bill Watkins. Superbunny said that he and Red rode the bus together the day they matriculated at VMI, that he and Red checked into the V12 at Duke at the same time, and Red was the first person he met at the gate of the Portsmouth Navy Yard.

He saw Red again at UVa; Red was in med school, and Bill was in law school.

Bill said that without Norma his days are mighty long; however, he is blessed with

Class of 1947: Mary Anne and Jim Sizer, 25th Wedding Anniversary.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES many Farmville friends and family members not too far away.

Dan Williamson called to report that he and Ridley Nichol had enjoyed a post-July 4th breakfast. The message Ridley sent to me cannot be repeated in this family publication. Dan said he was struggling on, even though his days without Linda were not getting easier. Toronto is a wonderful place, and Sarah Newsom’s grandson’s hockey team came in second there. The silver medals awarded were just like the ones awarded at the Olympics. On the way home, Sarah visited with daughter Boodie McGinnis and her husband; some of the fun there included a ride on the Erie Canal.

In an earlier edition, I mentioned having libations in the Commonwealth Club with Buck Cavedo. That reminded Dick White of his introduction to that establishment.

While hitch-hiking from UVa to his home in Norfolk, Dick was picked up by Colgate Darden, then president of UVa who asked Dick to have lunch with him at the Commonwealth. At that lunch, Admiral “Bull” Halsey had the pleasure of dining with former-cadet White and the former Governor of Virginia Colgate Darden. Dick said Bull was very quiet. Dick and Carol have a new address in Jacksonville, FL, and they are dividing their time between there and Carol’s former home in Natchitoches, LA. I called Dick later on to thank him for contributing to VMI and for sharing a memory of earlier times. We exchanged several “where is?” and “how is?” items.

Fortunately, Dick Spencer has a great memory and/or has kept voluminous notes.

His Rat year roommates were Jorge Sarmiento, PenDell Pittman, Don Doherty and Carl Vandervoort. Dick was the only one of those room 122 survivors to return to VMI in 1946. There were 47 of our class during the last half of the third class year, and they held their Ring Figure in October 1944 before 40 of them left for military service.

Louis (a.k.a. Lou) Hundley wrote that most of his news was bad. “Can’t control vertical spacing on my computer, suffer with arthritis in my hips, weigh more than I should and continue to worry as Katheryne’s memory problems worsen.” Lou enjoys living at Kendall and occasionally dines there with Heinie Henzel. No glasses are thrown.

2009-Issue 4

Summertime is grand and made even more so when Chi Mills ’48B came by to share a generous supply of tomatoes from his garden. We agreed how fortunate both of us are to have our children and grandchildren living nearby.

Good to report that Harry Lee has returned to “all duty” status following lumbar surgery to repair damage incurred when he made an early morning, unscheduled tail-first landing at his home.

Much data in the Honor Roll of Donors for FY 2008. Happy to see that 48 of us and five of our widows had contributed, and 10 of us have contributed every year for the past 20 – dedication and loyalty of the first order!

On May 16, 2009, 249 cadets received their VMI diplomas; of that number 131 were commissioned into the Armed Forces. As is the case in all institutions of higher learning, VMI’s tuition and fees are rising. Beginning this August, $17,982 is the tab for in-state cadets and $35,530 for those from out of state. Seventy-five years ago on June 14, 1934, Gen. William M. Cocke, class of 1894, addressed what was then the largest graduating class in VMI’s history, when 141 men received their diplomas. The following week, VMI’s mess hall was being torn down to be replaced

by Crozet Hall – the eatery of choice of our cadet days. That structure was one of four public work projects then underway on the VMI Post. On Aug. 22, 2009, VMI was expecting 500 to sign the Matriculation Book. At UVa, 3,300 freshmen were expected. In case you may have wondered, VMI has approximately 23,000 living alumni/ae.

Again, appreciation and thanks are in order. During the fiscal year ending June 30th, 37 Bro’ Rats (60% of the 62 now on our roster) and eight of our widows had contributed $37,746 to support VMI. Nearly $6,000 less than last year’s effort.

Even in these less-than-happy financial times, I hope each of you will contribute this year. Optimistically, I’m expecting every Bro’ Rat who was graduated to be a regular contributor in order to help our ever-loyal short-timers. We’re all in this together.

Readers, please become writers. Support VMI – indeed a worthy cause! Stay well, age gracefully and keep smiling.

’48A

Dale E. Wykoff

The other day while having lunch with John Trumbo, we noted that it was just 65years to the month since we finished the Ratline. It seemed an appropriate time to look back over the history of the class. In February 1944, we matriculated 50 cadets of whom 34 completed the first year. That was the fewest matriculates of any class since 1888. In 1944, there were 207 cadets and 698 members of the ASTP (Army Specialized Training Program) in Barracks. Of the 34 members of 1948A, 14 were graduated, the majority with the class of 1949C. These were Andrews, Casey, Davis, Franklin, Lacy, Meler, O’Neal, Patterson, Sadler, Shahun, Trumbo, Whitmore, Williamson and Wykoff. Again, of the 34, 13 are living today. (Graduates are marked “G”) Bond, Calhoun, Florence, Kritzer, Laws, McFeely, O’Neal (G), Patterson (G), Stagg, Trumbo (G), Whitmore (G), Williamson (G) and Wykoff (G). The class of 1949C had no matriculating Brother Rats or Ratline as a class, but after WWII, was amalgamated from Brother Rats from the classes of 1945 to 1949. It remains today a most viable and energetic class, in which Stu Snoddy ’49C held the class agent position from 2005 until March 2008 and then handed the reigns over to Haywood France ’49C. Of the ’48A Brother Rats who graduated with ’49C, all but Bob Patterson returned to the original Brother Rat class of 1948A. I recently called Billy Bond and found that he was off in New Mexico, fishing.

Billy still gets around admirably, and it is always a pleasure to talk with him and Betty when I can catch them at home in Texas. Mike Calhoun says he remains in good shape but is no longer involved in running for political office. He has always held strong political views about the role of lawyers in elective offices, as well as aspects of our current tax structure. Give him a call if you want all the exciting details! Don Florence is now residing with his daughter, Debra Pianka. They are about to go on vacation to visit another daughter in DC. We wish them well. Ed Kritzer lives 33

CLASS NOTES cardiac rehabilitation and seem to be back in in Lexington, VA, and it is always enjoyreasonably good health following my heart able to stop by to see Ed and Peggy. His attack in April. Both Alice and I are thankful Parkinson’s affliction is under better control, for that. and we all hope that he’ll be much more on Thanks to all the Brother Rats for their the mend soon. Bev Laws has had some difsupport of the Institute, the athletic program ficulty walking but is now able to get about and especially the 1948A Scholarship. The reasonably well. He and Katie are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary in August recipient for the ’09-’10 year has not yet been selected, but I shall let you know to 2009! They have five great-grandchildren. whom it was given and the amount as soon Bev recently visited the former home of his as I hear. father in Lynchburg, TN, and we agreed that we should meet there at the Jack Daniels Louis Castellano Jr. Distillery (in the hope that there might be a few free samples!). I tried to call Blake McFeely in California but was told that the number had been disconnected. That was Heard from Doug Hamner, and he is area code 760 and last digits of 2818. If 516/746-3340 looking forward to our reunion in November anyone knows their current number, please 2010. His routine is going to church, playing let me know. Dora Meler was recognized as golf Monday, Wednesday and Friday and an outstanding employee of Lehman Brothattending funerals. Doug reports that he is ers at the time they went out of business and getting shots for macular degeneration. consequently was offered a position with I have sent out notes to some of our Barclay’s Capital in New York City. She Brother Rats and was quite frankly anxious insists that all the stories of multiple million to hear from George Bell, but there has been dollar year-end bonuses didn’t apply to her. no response. If you have any information Too bad! J.Y. O’Neal has been a strong supporter of the 1948A Scholarship Fund, which about George, kindly let me know.

Received a return envelope from our we all appreciate. It is distressful to report Brother Rat John Krach, last residing in that he is having some vision problems which we hope will resolve themselves soon. Cleveland, Ohio. If you have any information about John, please let the Alumni Irene Sadler stays young by hopping back Office know. and forth to her ancestral home in Hawaii, Our Brother Rat John Lehr recently passed where she was when I called her. We all away. After leaving VMI, John was in the hope that good health will continue to allow Marine Corps for four years. her these wonderful annual visits. Paul and Recently received a note from Jeanne Sarah Stagg are hanging in there. We have discussions about the coming football season Pinkston advising that our Brother Rat Gorman is still in need of therapy and has and both agreed that, for the better part of 65 encountered some difficulty in securing years, we have heard, “The team may not be treatment with Norfolk General Hospital. much this year, but wait until next year, and Hopefully, by the time you read this report, it will be fabulous!” Anyhow, we’ll be seehe will be receiving the treatment that he so ing Paul and Sarah again this year at all the desperately needs. home games, I am sure. Janet Timberlake’s I suggested to Pat Webb of the VMI son, John, has been living with her since she Foundation that our Brother Rats be given a lost her husband and our Brother Rat, John, in 2008. She is adapting reasonably well, and summary of the third quarter contributions to VMI going back to 1930. I was hopeful that we wish her the best in these difficult times. contributions made to the Institute by graduBill Whitmore, now retired from a long and successful career as a family physician, ates for the past 70 years might increase the has again fallen and this time fractured his financial support by the class of 1948B. In femur. All the Brother Rats hope he’ll soon this connection, I am happy to report that I be back in good health, and I am sure that did receive a rather generous check from our Lamar agrees! Gilly Williamson was out Brother Rat, John Gulick. Quite frankly, I when I called, but Mary Ann says all goes thought it would be sent directly to the Inwell there on the main street of Edinburg. stitute. However, it is well on its way. These As for the Wykoff family, I have completed are extremely difficult times for many of us,

’48B

34

as well as the Institute, and I know whatever contribution you make will be both greatly appreciated and greatly needed. I am enclosing a quote from John’s letter: “This country needs schools like VMI.” There were several requests that a roster be sent to all of our Brother and Sister Rats for the class of 1949C, because some of our Brother Rats graduated with that class. I am happy to report that the Alumni Office has sent such a roster.

I heard from Henry Nalven who retired from Kraft Foods many years ago. He and his wife are taking a 30-day cruise out of Copenhagen.

I shouldn’t end this report without mentioning the tremendous cooperation that I received from Pat Webb, the vice president of Alumni and Reunion Giving. His efforts certainly make my job a lot easier.

’49A

James Harrington

Lawrence E. Butler: Larry died at home on Aug. 27, 2009, three weeks after sending the note included in these notes. As a consequence of the mysterious and arbitrary selection process back in 1945, I was assigned to room with Larry during our Rat year. It was a learning experience! In later years, Larry often spoke with pride about his military history classes, one-on-one with General Kilbourne, class of 1894. Larry was among our most faithful Brother Rats, and he will be missed.

Margaret Anne Noftsinger always writes a nice note and tries to keep us up to date with their large family: “Hi, Jim: Funny I should hear from you ’cause I just addressed an envelope to you. I have a great picture of Tom Stamey that Sarah Katherine and her sister got while visiting Tom. Will get it in the mail soon. Sarah Kate was telling her goodbyes to Tom. She is with a non-profit and does not have to live on the West Coast any longer. I will try and get a copy to you.

“We clan gathered in the ‘holy city’ over this past weekend to celebrate thee birthdays and two anniversaries and the return of Mary from her trip around the world. We had a great time, much laughter, too much food, a few tears and many photo shots. We were fortunate enough to have all but two VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES with us; a business deal and school kept them away, and … we could not argue with them. After all, someone has to work and maybe aid the cause. We are still plugging along. Bill is having a bit of trouble with his feet and legs, but otherwise all is a-okay.

We are grateful to still be moving and breathing. Our best to you and Ann. It was great seeing you and the rest of the ’49As last April. Fondly, Margaret Anne.”

I’m happy for Sarah Kate but sorry to lose our slender contact with Tom Stamey.

Maybe we can get Joe and Sue Fil to “Fil in” out there. Anyway, Joe has his own story to tell: “As usual, I messed up my computer and had to put it in the repair hospital – hence, my long delay. Our third son, Jonathan, had a major motorcycle accident and received major injuries. We have been quite involved with that, as you can imagine. He is now home and on the mend, but it will be quite a while before he can return to work. They have more tests to make, but we are confident that he will get back to 100%. We haven’t spent much time at the lake this summer because of Jonathan and other hospital adventures Sue and I have experienced. My latest episode was to have the lenses removed from my eyes and have them replaced with new multi-focal lenses. It worked out fairly well, and I no longer need eye glasses. California is experiencing its second year of drought. That, combined with stuff down here at home, has kept us away from the lake. I haven’t even put the boat in the water this year. Sue and I will be attending our grandson’s wedding in Maryland in October. We are also looking forward to this trip, as we hope to have all four boys and their wives there, as well. It will be a great family reunion. Joe, our oldest, will fly in from Korea. Now that I can see again, I hope to finish up on some of the endless repairs that remain half completed. I recently had 100 yards of dirt moved onto my lower lot, and that looks a lot more level and usable.

It was great seeing all at the reunion, and I enjoyed every minute of it.”

Larry Butler also has had a family summer. He writes: “We haven’t done much exciting this summer. Our youngest son had a tour in Djibouti, Africa, with the Navy and got back home in June. He ran a small medical clinic over there and also had time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. On Fathers Day, we were lucky to have all four of our 2009-Issue 4

children here and all 12 of our grandchildren, some who had never seen each other. Sarah, our youngest grandchild (4), wanted to know why all her cousins were so big and most were boys. There were five boys who are 6 ft.-4 inches. She was overwhelmed. We have spent quite a bit of time visiting doctors here to treat old age problems! We have planned trips in the fall to Massanutten for a couple of weeks in Sept. and then a week at Nags Head in Nov. We hope that your Camp Chaos went very well this summer. Give our best regards to Ann. Hope she has become a tennis champion by now. Our oldest daughter is going back to school and studying to become a doctor’s assistant. That is about it for us now.”

Yes, the Harrington’s “Camp Chaos” proceeded off and on throughout the summer, with grandchildren and stray relatives coming and going, some with very little notice.

These notes are being written in a brief quiet spell between visitations, but that will not last long. As far as Ann’s tennis is concerned, once a champion, always a champion. She is still active, which is more than I can say for myself. My excitement, in between family visits, consists of pool maintenance, grass cutting and general house repairs. We had a nice but brief visit from a rising VMI third classman, who was on our island at his grandfather’s house and saw my VMI flag. It’s good to be recognized and to know that the Institute still attracts stalwart youth, much as it did with us.

Allen Penniman sends his quarterly update, nicely put together by his able assistant: “In my last letter, I expressed my disappointment in that I was unable to attend our 60th Class Reunion. I do understand from those I have heard from it was excellent, and scheduling and weather allowed more time for the few of us to get together and to reconnect our lives. That would have been perfect for me and I am certainly sorry I was not there. I would like to comment on the pictures I received because I thought they were excellent. Honestly, I think some of us look better than we did five years ago. I am thankful for this.

“Mrs. Penniman tells me that no one is interested in anyone else’s physical ailments, and I am fortunate in that I have not had a lot of them in my life. I did tell you in my last note that I was going in for a knee replacement, and I had this done on the 12th of

May. I had thought about this before scheduling the operation, and my only comment is that I should have continued to think about it rather that committing my body to this. It was tough and if any of you have had this surgery, you know what I am saying. I was really out of commission for two months, and at this point, I am still trying to return to my normal routine. Beware of knee surgery!

“Other than that, everything seems to be going pretty well. Joanie and I are going to New Orleans this weekend – The Big Easy is always a fun getaway. After this, she will fly to Albuquerque to be with her children and grandchildren, and I will probably remain here at home. Both of us enjoy good health, and as my mother used to say, “Just be sure to remember that two and two equals four.”

She reminded me of this daily, and fortunately Joanie and I both do. I send each of you my very best wishes, and my hope is for your good health and welfare. I am very sorry that I missed our reunion, and if we try for 65, I will be there.”

For this issue’s trenchant comment on current events, we can as usual rely on Stan Millimet: “My mood swings between white hot anger and deep depression. Naturally I’m talking about the political scene. Too much news and too many talk shows … I think I’ll resort to prayer.” Stan goes on to fill us in on his family activities: “Since the reunion, Sunny and I joined a mini family reunion in Philadelphia. It was great seeing so many family members after too long a time. And next week, my son and daughter-in-law are coming in for a few days and bringing my twin grandchildren. We’re looking forward to that. Fortunately, the local air base (Selfridge) will feature the Blue Angels.

Since I’ve been unsuccessful in selling VMI as a path to an Army career, maybe after the Blue Angels I’ll try to sell them on Air Force ROTC at the Institute. Otherwise, all is quiet.

That’s fine for us senior citizens. We do think often of our dear Brother Rats and how great it was to see the magnificent few at the reunion. Bless each of you and your families.

Oops, that’s the Air Force Thunderbirds. Oh well, what would a dirty old tanker know about flyboys.”

Herb Johnston writes: “Our class notes that appeared in the last Alumni Review reminded me that I don’t have much more to add to what was in that write-up. We are getting ready to leave for our yearly trip to Nags 35

CLASS NOTES Head. Our children and only grandchild will be with us for about two weeks. We all look forward to being together and wish it could happen more often. I noticed in the Review that Hotz Lardon ’49B mentioned Tom Stamey and the VMI Commanders.

In checking the picture in the 1947 Bomb, I counted four of us from ’49A in the band – Tom, John Reints, Henry Phelps and me.

It was a good outlet for some of us who had severe confinement. The good news is that Jeanne and I are well, and the class had a 60year reunion! I hope I have more news when you request it in Nov.” And finally, we have a short note from Bill May: “We took a great small-ship cruise of a number of the New England Islands.

Starting from Providence, RI, we traveled by boat to Newport, New Bedford, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Bristol and Block Island.

Ate lobster almost every meal. We enjoyed many lectures and learning experiences.

Just returned from another cruise down the inter-coastal waterway to Albemarle Sound, Roanoke Island, etc.”

Brief but probably the most exciting activity we’ve heard of this summer.

Many thanks to those who have contributed to the Institute this past fiscal year.

We have a good record in terms of percent participation. And there’s still time this summer for any who want to accept my standing invitation to visit at our island retreat.

’49B

Dan Smaw

As is becoming too familiar, I have to start with the sad news that we have lost another Brother Rat. Jack Johnson died of natural causes on 18 June at his home in Auburn, ME. He had an outstanding career as a doctor at both Johns Hopkins and the University of Florida. He is survived by four children and 11 grandchildren. His son, Matt, wrote to let me know of Jack’s passing and also the effect his VMI time had on their family.

His guideposts for the family were duty, discipline, service and honor which Matt credits to his father’s VMI experience. Our sympathy and condolences go out to his family on their profound loss.

Boyd Guttery was in Atlanta for a week in May, so we managed to get together for 36

lunch at Chequers. We had a chance to catch up on each other’s doings and discuss some of the happenings at the 60th.

Tom Cooke wrote in May that the guide, Lloyd Craighill, for the ladies tour at Sunnyside Farm during the reunion was his cousin.

Lloyd was the one who brought a “cannon” to our 30th at the Econo Lodge. Firing it in the parking lot brought several 18-wheelers on I-64 to a halt while the drivers checked their tires. Lucky they never knew where the shots came from. Several of the ladies remembered him from the 30th.

Nobbie Patton had a new type of eye procedure in May to help with her glaucoma problem. It did its job. I talked with my ophthalmologist about the procedure, and he said I might need it one day but not as long as drops control the pressure.

I had a call from Joe Reynolds ’47 wanting Bobby Thomason’s phone number, since he had seen in an earlier Alumni Review that Bobby had had some medical problems. It was good to catch up on things with Joe, since we had not talked in quite awhile.

I talked with Danny and Beth Myers in June. Danny said the chemo treatments so far are keeping his prostate cancer in check.

He and Beth went to Silicon Valley over Memorial Day weekend for their 16th annual family reunion with their five children and nine grandchildren. Danny very kindly sent a copy of a book he put together on his life from early childhood to the present. I will not attempt to cover everything it does, but some highlights include time at VMI, West Point and graduate school, as well as the West Point cheating scandal, his time in the Army and the various pursuits he has followed since retiring from the Army. It contains numerous appendices and photographs – needless to say, it was very interesting, and appreciated.

Lon Walter told me in early June that he had been in the hospital for three days with a high fever and chills. Doctors were never sure what caused it, but it ran its course and left. Late in June, he and Doris went to Asheville, NC, for a reunion with Doris’ family. They had a fine time and really enjoyed the mountain air after the heat of Austin. He has been having trouble with one knee but is determined not to have knee replacement. So far, it is okay using shots.

Nux Enochs wrote to say his routine was the same – work every day that somebody

doesn’t want to go fishing. He rows his boat across the James River a couple of times a week. His grandkids are not too enthused about rowing – no motor, not much interest.

Nux is doing well.

I talked with Mark and Helen Casey in mid June. Mark had water on the brain and was to have a shunt inserted in early July to drain it into the stomach. I talked with them again in August and learned the operation took place in July, followed by three weeks in a facility for physical and speech therapy.

Mark is now home and doing okay. He sends his best to all the Brother Rats and says he would welcome hearing from them via e-mail. His address is mcasey2@mirr.com.

Keep progressing, Mark.

Earthmole Lewis and I have had several conversations covering his drilling an oil well or two and the BRs he has talked to.

Mostly they have concerned Earlene and the cancer that was discovered in one breast. It had spread to a couple of spots on her spinal column, but that will be treatable following surgery for the breast cancer. She is undergoing four sessions of chemo prior to surgery in October. We wish you well, Earlene.

The first week in July, the Smaws had our 6th annual reunion on the Outer Banks of NC. It works out that during that week, Louise has her birthday, so she gets a lot more attention than she would if it were just the two of us here. The week is always fun and goes by too quickly.

Charlie Upshaw and I had a long wandering conversation in early July. While we did not quite solve all the country’s problems, we gave it a try. Maybe we can do better next time, Charlie.

Ding Patton sent an e-mail from the Budapest airport on 13 July as they were starting home. He and Nobbie had been on a riverboat cruise and were scheduled to return home 6 July, but Nobbie fell and broke her ankle in three places. She had surgery, which included a plate, screws and a wire wrap, and remained in the hospital for a week. Their daughter, Cindy, was in the Czech Republic at the time and was able to join them and help with the trip home. Louise and I talked with both Ding and Nobbie since their return to Florida. Nobbie’s doctor said the operation was well done, but she has to remain off her foot for six weeks prior to starting rehab.

Harv Bradley called in mid July to see what he might have missed during his and VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Barbara’s trip to Gordonsville, VA. From there, they went to visit his brother in Norfolk. We determined he hadn’t missed anything of importance. He and Barbara also visited The Villages in Florida.

I had a nice note from Leo Soucek saying he and Evelyn were still looking down on the grass and staying slightly ahead of the aging process. Sometimes I feel as if the aging process has gotten ahead of me.

Jimmy Shepherd’s challenge to raise funds for the Walthour ’49B Scholarship ended with a total of $54,650 being raised.

Jimmy started this scholarship years ago and has been the chief contributor. His challenge in connection with our 60th Reunion afforded an opportunity for the ’49B Brother Rats to contribute, which they did in the amount of $19,650. Thanks, Jimmy, for your dedication to this project.

Greg Nelson wrote that in late July there was a luncheon at the Manakin Grill just west of Richmond. Mack and Inge Van Hook, Beanie Branch, Ben and Page Harmon, Nux Enochs, and Greg and Kitty were there. Everyone had a fine time with many stories (lies) going around.

Robert Liddell, Frank’s son, sent Mack Van Hook a photo of Frank and Mack taken at the 60th. Robert said he enjoyed the reunion, particularly seeing what all the Brother Rats mean to each other after so many years. Mack wrote Robert and told him of the times he and Frank had tangled in tryouts to see which one would represent VMI in the 145-lb class at the next wrestling match. He also told him the picture would mean a lot to his brother, Cloyd, who was the neurosurgeon on duty at the VA Hospital in Louisville when Frank was brought in following the plane crash.

For the FY 2009 ending 30 June 2009, we had contributions from 51 Brother Rats and five Sister Rats, giving us a participation rate of 62.2%. In dollar amount, we were third out of the 13 ’40s classes. My thanks to all who contributed.

God Bless America, VMI and ’49B.

’49C

Haywood France

First things first, I apologize to our Sister Rats Caroline Robertson and Georgia Hen2009-Issue 4

ing for leaving their names off the attendees list at our 60th Reunion. I hope everyone has recuperated from the 60th and is looking forward to the 65th. There was some mix-up with the class pictures and hopefully these have been cleared and everyone can view the good looking gathering.

(Editor’s Note: A great picture of the class taken during the reunion appears in the front section of this issue on page 9.

We, on the Alumni Review staff, hope that the class of ’49C will accept our sincere apologies for omitting the class in the list of classes celebrating reunions last spring.)

Kendall and I are slowly moving into our new digs in Harrisonburg and are adjusting to our new life style. Our house is best named the carom house, since we spend a great deal of time bouncing from one box to the other.

Shortly after the reunion, we had a great visit from Stew and Anne Snoddy and made the transfer of the ’49C records and pictures. The records immediately took their place among the other boxes.

I visualize that the worst part of the class agent’s job is trying to write the notes for the quarterly Review with no news to report. I received a B.S. degree from VMI, but I never learned how to use words to spread a little of it over a blank sheet of paper. I certainly appreciate the great work Stew did. Will gladly accept any news for inclusion in future issues.

We received a nice note (thank you) from Daughter Rat Kate which included several pictures she took during the reunion.

She not only did a good job taking care of everyone during the recent events in Lexington – she even made a record of it with pictures.

Unfortunately, there is some sad news to report. JoAnne Johnston, widow of R.Y. (Stud) Johnston, died on May 18, 2009.

JoAnne graduated from Madison College and the MCV School of Nursing. She worked for many years in the Roanoke schools.

For the fiscal year ’09 ending on June 30th, the class of ’49C including widows increased their donor participation to Alumni Giving from 56% to 74%. That was a great year, and we will be expected to increase that figure for 2010.

I hope you had a great fall and are looking forward to the coming New Year.

’50A

Bill Moore

The class of 1950A just got bigger by 10%! Anne and I finally got off of our duffs, followed up on a lead, and found Judy and Ralph Mooney on 85 very high acres in western Amherst County.

Lovely place with gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge to the west and Tobacco Row Mountain to the east. Fabulous location and less than 17 miles as the crow flies from where Anne and I live. I seriously doubt a crow could fly a straight line from us to the Mooneys. It would take a more powerful bird – like an eagle. I have more news from Ralph and Judy than I can get in one issue. We were all talking a mile a minute, catching up on the past 63 years.

My notes are dangerous - all mental. After our Rat year, Ralph joined the Army and became a staff sergeant in short order, as would have been expected of a VMI man.

He was sent to Korea before the Korean War and helped pry Japanese soldiers left over from WWII out of caves and the like.

After his tour of duty, he returned to Virginia Beach and spent his civilian life with Bob’s Sporting Goods in Norfolk. Twelve years ago, Ralph and Judy sold their family farm in the Oceana area of Virginia Beach and moved to the mountains of Amherst County. They had scoured the ABC counties of Amherst, Bedford, and Campbell for THE place they wanted and certainly found it. Returning to Campbell County, Anne and I had to stop while 10 unconcerned young wild turkey (not liquid!) hens crossed the road. Incidentally, Ed Olivares, Joe’s brother, lives near the Mooneys and is a good friend of theirs.

Those of you at our 50th will remember Ed, a West Pointer. Because of Ed, Joe was able to be there. Brother Rats, there are few thrills for your class agent comparable to finding a long-lost (misplaced, really) BR, especially one’s Rat roommate. Ken Hopkins, watch out; you’re next, wherever you are.

Dick Mandt reports lots of excitement around his place - a new haircut and a sore foot. He says his barber shop is the best news operation (read: gossip) in 37

CLASS NOTES Mooresville, NC. Dick greatly appreciates the concern all of you have voiced about him. He wants to reassure everybody that he feels great and has had no reoccurrence of his heart problem. He and Jeanne, like the rest of us, are looking forward to THE 60th and are determined to be there. Their son, Rich, will probably drive them to Lexington. We were reminiscing about our Rat year, when the subject of BR Ralph Mooney came up. Seems as if they had a competition as to who had to make the most trips to the QMD to have their blouses taken up or replaced. Dick recalls that he made seven trips to the QMD in four months for such services. When Dick went home to Charleston, WV, nobody recognized him.

He’s remained trim ever since.

Harriet and Jennings Bunch are still in a quiet phase – no trips recently. They had planned another China trip for later this year but decided against it – not because of any health problems. In fact, Harriet is getting some relief from her chronic back pain. Good news all around. Many of you may remember that we borrowed the class of 1940’s basic ring design for our ring. A new die cost $500 in 1948 and would have been a burden for our small class. Our class had heated discussions about which of our predecessor’s designs we liked best.

We finally decided on the class of 1940’s for two reasons. First, we liked the design, and secondly, we had ties to that class, because Dick Mandt’s brother, Bill, as well as two of our tactical officers, were of that class, Walter “Puss” Greenwood and Walter “Saturday Evening Post” Edens.

Jennings, as class historian, contacted 1940’s class agent and received permission to use their design. Appropriately enough, Jenning’s ring represents the class of 1950A in the VMI museum.

Charlotte Logsdon e-mailed me that Harold (“Loggie”) is comfortable, enjoys his food and is slowly progressing on the route Alzheimer’s always takes. She tells me that she’s not sure he still recognizes her but that the letters VMI usually evoke a little smile.

We and Loggie are blessed to have Charlotte and her loving care of him. In spite of so much time spent with Loggie, Charlotte has been able to visit her grandchildren in Medellin, Columbia, and took a trip to Mackinaw Island, MI, with her daughter.

We are all looking forward to her trip to 38

Lexington next April for THE 60th.

Nancy McWane (Hank) has been ill with some sort of tick-transmitted illness. Its neither Lyme disease nor Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Nancy couldn’t recall its name, but she is vastly improved and sounds good. Her daughter, Katharine, had just come in from Oregon for a visit when I called. Nancy, like the rest of us, is looking forward to THE 60th.

B.J. and Kenny Stagg are planning a trip to Israel and Egypt next March, but Kenny assures me that they’ll be back in plenty of time for THE 60th. Like a lot of us, Kenny has always wanted to visit the Holy Land, and he’s had the dream of visiting the Sphinx and the Pyramids since fifth grade.

Barbara Barnes (Hugh) recently had a hip replacement and is recovering nicely.

Four days in the hospital, two weeks rehab, then home and is doing virtually anything she wishes. She is planning on making some of the football games this fall, and Anne and I are looking forward to seeing her in Lexington.

Beverly and Syd Stealey are doing well up near the Arctic Circle. Rather than more far flung adventures, they traveled around Alaska this past summer and enjoyed it a lot. Our Wright Brothers’ Award pilot is still working on restoring his Cessna. Syd says it’s getting to be on a fits and starts basis now. They enjoyed a visit from Syd’s son and family for a week this summer.

Syd’s daughter, Jessica, an Air Force lieutenant colonel stationed in Alaska, plans to retire in the near future. Her husband has two more years to go. They and their two children plan to all retire to Alaska, no matter where the Air Force sends them in the meantime. Rick Martin told me that Syd’s hanger walls were box cars stacked two high. Close, but its actually shipping containers stacked two high. Syd says it works well with contents, and the wall is well protected from the weather.

Once again, voice perception tells me that Bill Clark is doing extremely well. He even verifies this. Although Carol has been fighting cancer for nine years, she’s upbeat, gets around well and is taking her treatments in stride. They’re looking forward to THE 60th, and I’m more confident than ever that they’ll be there. Bill and Carol’s grandson, Jason McNeil, and granddaughter, Caroline McNeil, are both being married this fall

and winter – Caroline in November and Jason in January. On behalf of our class, I extend our congratulations to Jason and our best wishes to Caroline. Carol and Bill are expecting a great-grandchild in March.

They’re thrilled to their bones, and they should be. Bill has a word of warning to any of us that may be considering a cataract operation using a variable focus lens – don’t. He has had horrible results with his and I’ve heard the same from others. The variable focus lens may not be ready for prime time – unfortunately.

Nancy and Elliott Hudgins have enjoyed a nice, quiet summer in New Bern, NC. Their son, Reed ’90 (Special Forces), will have to wait until September or October to take command of a battalion which will go heaven-only-knows-where. You can be sure that they will be deployed to the hottest of the hot spots. We’ll all be praying for Reed and his troops.

After all the snow and difficulties of last winter, Jackie and Dick Martin did drag their Airstream all over the West – to Albuquerque to visit Jackie’s grandmother, to Winslow, AZ, to see some dear Air Force friends and to the Bay Area to visit Jackie’s nursing school roommate. Whew!

And I think I’ve missed some places!

Rick’s grandson, Rick III, has completed his master’s degree and started medical school. The University of Washington has recently opened a branch medical school in Spokane, and Rick III was one of the first accepted. I’m still having to push our Rick a little about THE 60th. Help me a little.

Gene Witcher is surviving the terrible Texas heat of this summer. It hasn’t been easy. Gene reports several 103-degree days with many more in the upper 90s.

In spite of that, he’s upbeat, feels good and is raring to get to THE 60th. And he’s already making plans for a nice Christmas trip to visit friends and relatives. I hope the planning can keep his mind off the heat.

He is considering moving into a retirement home in a year or so while his health and mobility are still good. He says he needs to be realistic about time and tides now that he has lost his loving wife and companion.

Busy, busy, busy. Lots of everyday things going on for the Moores – nothing spectacular. Oldest granddaughter, Emma, off to W&M. Anne trying to keep two small granddaughters, Savannah and Allie, under VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES reasonable control. Me trying to get 10year-old Penelope to find time to pick her tomatoes. Frankly, I’d rather do it myself than to navigate her schedule of dance, guitar lessons, sports camps, etc., but that’s not the purpose of the tomato project.

Anne, Penelope and I did get in a nice, cool trip to Nova Scotia in July. I wish we could have sent Gene some of that pleasant Nova Scotia air. We had never taken Penelope to Cape Breton Island before, so this time, we concentrated on CBI. We wanted Penelope to experience Louisburg, Alexander Graham Bell’s home and laboratory at Baddeck, and the Cabot Trail. We got Louisburg done, Penelope lost interest in Bell, and we got fogged and rained out of the Cabot Trail. Good trip anyway – great people, delicious food and an extremely pleasant time. The Moores and Hudginses plan a mini reunion at our place at North Litchfield, SC, Oct. 7-10th.

VMI and Coastal Carolina play football on the 10th, Elliott and Nancy have a granddaughter (Elizabeth) at Coastal and Coastal is only 20 miles from the beach house. Perhaps we can’t call a get-together of two of us a mini reunion anymore. Two is no longer 20% of our class!

’50B

Ralph Warren

Start making your plans now for our 60th Reunion. The reunion committee of Robin White, Mary Buchanan, Braxton Green, Jane Patton and Deedee Shepherd are making good progress. A set of rooms has been set aside for us at the Hampton Inn. Monday the 19th following dinner in Marshall Hall in the New Leadership and Ethics building, Gen. Peay ’62, the superintendent, will address the class. Jane Patton has persuaded Lexington Country Club to stay open for our banquet on Tuesday the 20th. This is just the beginning, and you are not going to want to miss the good times that will be had by all who attend.

Tommy Kirk wrote the following from Vail: “We sold our home in October and moved to a marvelous community just north of Phoenix called Anthem. After 16 years as a ski instructor in Vail and upon reaching 80 (last November), we decided 2009-Issue 4

to move to warmer weather. We bought a lovely home on the golf course and are absolutely loving the area, the weather and the people. We are both playing a lot of golf and really enjoying the fact that we have two courses, two clubs and two health clubs that are world class. I am happy to report that we are both in excellent health and swim/workout 3-4 times a week – weigh a bit less than when we left the Institute. I am continuing to work a bit at my financial planning practice, though I have cut back quite a bit. Music is still the big thing in my life, and I play 2-4 times per week in winter, a bit less in the summer. Ann does a lot of volunteer work in the hospital and has run the senior golf program in Vail for the past eight years … she loves it. I neglected to mention that we are spending the summer in Vail – mid May to mid Sept. – so I have my old music group, and Ann her old golf job. Life is truly wonderful, and we are extremely blessed.

That’s about it for now. Do not know when we will get back to Virginia and VMI, but I never stop reflecting on the wonderful life lessons we gained at the Institute.”

Now that is a lot of good news. I surely hope that they will make it to the 60th.

The following e-mail came from Bert Jolly (As you can see, he is already thinking the 60th):“I’ll bet you don’t get too many contacts from the birthday cards, Ralph, but thanks. What really got my curiosity, though, is the peculiar formation the cadets were drawn up in the courtyard.

If you know, let me know. Marie and I had an interesting trip to VA the last of April for my 55th med school reunion at Charlottesville. Of our class of 70, about 40 are still alive. And of the 14 who were at the reunion, four were Brother Rats, including Cary Blaydes who is still practicing cardiology in Lexington, KY, and Frank (now Vaughn) Tweedy (We three lived together the first two years in med school), and Max Feinman who was a year ahead of us at VMI but in our class in C’ville.

Of course, it was a joy to see the guys, and the drive down from Dulles was just spectacular with the Dogwood and Redbud in bloom. Thanks for all your good work, keeping us West Coasters up to date with the Institute. Bert” Unfortunately, Bert, I can’t tell you a thing about the formation, but maybe

someone reading this might be able to. I certainly do appreciate the input.

Earlier in the year, Ralston Brooke had sent an e-mail to a number of the BRs, asking our recollection of the trip to Truman’s inauguration. He sent the following e-mail entitled, “Time takes its toll …

In this case, on our collective memories.

You all gave me an answer to my question about when we got up, left Lexington and got to Washington for Truman’s inauguration. I had my own recollection also. We were all wrong. I’ve come across a letter that I wrote home right after the event. It’s dated Jan. 22, 1949. Here are excerpts: We got to Washington at 8:30 and were free to do as we pleased until 11:30. It was bitterly cold when we got there and only warmed up a little the rest of the day. There were people sitting on the curbs along Penn. Ave. at that hour in the morning, and I suppose they stayed there ’til the parade was over around 5:30 in the afternoon. Ed Smith and I walked around a little and finally [ended up] in the lobby of the Annapolis Hotel for 45 minutes or so, just to rest and kill time. We were tired already, for nobody was accustomed to sleeping on trains and resting was difficult.

We had to get back to the place where we got off of the train by 11:30 to get our dykes, cartridge boxes, brass and rifles, all of which had been brought along in boxes.

Our detraining point was the old 7th Street Station which was about eight or 10 blocks from the Capitol. We got to the starting point … and started waiting. An hour and a half later, we finally moved off. Everything would have been perfect, except for the fact that the John Marshall Band was 25 yards in back of us while our band was about 50 or 60 yards up ahead. The drum beats of each were not synchronized, so for the whole three miles, we were continually changing step. It was terrible. We in the rear of the 2d Battalion couldn’t hear our band, so we had to keep in step with the men just ahead of us in ranks. There was so much noise en route that the commands for any manual of arms could hardly be heard, consequently those movements were quite ragged … We did alright in the crucial moment passing review before the President. He looked a little bewildered when we passed, but did applaud. Whether that was spontaneous or merely a formal39

CLASS NOTES ity, I don’t know … We left (Washington) about 12:00 ... got back here around 9:00 Friday morning. Everyone slept coming back; they couldn’t help it. We didn’t have to do anything all day Friday until supper.”

The trip back took nine hours, so I guess we can assume it took about the same time to get to Washington. That would mean we left Lexington about 11:00-11:30. Tom, you were right about the quarter guard supper, for they knew it was going to be an all night trip. My letter says that Felvey, Graham Lancaster, Foster and I had some blind dates for supper and a night club (!) of all things. (A bunch of big spenders!) I have a photo of all of us at the club, The Blue Mirror, and while the girls looked great, we looked pretty shot. Many thanks for your help, anyway.

Thank you, Ralston, for the update.

That’s it for now. See you next notes …

Ralph

’51

John Ross

This note covers the period May 11 – Aug. 11, 2009.

The day after I submitted the previous note, I had a call from Phil Barton. He still lives in Garden Grove, CA, where he retired, after a distinguished career as an aeronautical engineer. Phil worked on many important and secret government projects. He called to request that he be placed on the restricted e-mail network (class and Institute news only). Phil is in good health and goes to the beach on a regular basis of twice a week.

I filled Phil in on our April mini reunion and developments at the Institute. I also urged him to make every effort to make our 60th in 2011, which he promised to do.

I received a call from Gloria Cowherd concerning a memorial for George. I put her in contact with Buddy Bryant ’71 of the Foundation. Gloria certainly is following in the footsteps of George, who was a great supporter of the Institute.

I caught Henry Pitot just before he left for a dental appointment to wish him a happy birthday. He reports his leg is still bothering him but that he continues teaching, which he really enjoys. Julie was 40

working out at a health club and is still bothered by a gastrointestinal problem. I trust Henry’s dentist will give him good news for his birthday. It sounds like we can count on him for our 60th.

I noted Joe Tom Howard checking on Bland Wilson to see how Bland fared after the Alabama storms. Typical of Bland, he only complained about the T.V. outage, which prevented him from seeing the conclusion of the P.G.A. event.

Joe Tom also inquired about Roger Little. I called and first talked to Betty and then Roger. They both noted how fortunate they were that the storms had circled around St. Louis. I filled Roger in on our mini and how great the Institute looks.

I also reminded him of our 60th, and he sounds good for it.

A couple of days later, I was happy to wish both Jim Connolly and Claude Eley a happy 80th. Jim lives fairly close to me in Fairfax County, VA, where he located after retiring from the Marine Corps. Jim does a great job running our class e-mail network. Claude, who lives in St. Louis and not too far from Roger Little, reports that once again the recent tornado passed them by. Both Jim and Claude appear promising for the 60th.

On Sunday, May 17, Pat and Duane Holloway called Marie and me to report on the VMI graduation activities. They had just returned from Lexington, where they witnessed the graduation and commissioning of their grandson, Gordon Holloway ’09. They reported how impressive all the ceremonies were.

I reached Jim Close to wish him a happy birthday. He and Alice had just returned from Naples, FL, to Alexandria, VA, for the summer and are in good health. Jim reports he hears from Joe Tom Howard and John (Steed) Evans, and the latter has recovered from his hip replacement surgery. Jim and I made plans to lunch in the near future.

I called Gene Held in Shavano Park, TX, to wish him birthday greetings. He had celebrated the night before at his son’s house with three of his four children and 11 of his 13 grandchildren, all of whom live close to him. A fourth adult child and two grandchildren live in St. Louis. Gene reports his only complaint is a troublesome knee. He had agreed to consider our 60th and to work on his roommates, Lang Sheffield and Doc Laville.

I tried to reach Don Baldwin on his 80th and left birthday wishes with Jody, who reports they are doing well.

I finally reached Jack Friend on his 80th, after talking to Venetia. He has moved his office to his house and is working on a second history book. We had a great visit, and he assured me that he will try to make our 60th.

I also reached B.B. Nichol on his 80th.

When I inquired as to how he was, Brom replied, “Blessed.” He still feels OK, as does his companion, Jack the parrot, who is 19 and going strong.

Paul Robinson called from Florida to get contact data on Woody Woodward. Paul was leaving for Wisconsin by way of Dallas, TX, and intended to check on Woody in Tyler, TX. I reminded Paul that Pete Philp lived in Dallas.

I tried to reach Virginia Wick in Arlington, TX, and left birthday greetings on her voice mail. I still remember when Virginia passed on to me Bob’s wish that the class be informed that he was “peripatetic.” It was at Bob’s interment in 1998 at Arlington National Cemetery.

I also failed to reach Sam Scott on his birthday and left a voice mail.

George Cohen returned my call. He and Marty spent Memorial Day at his Hilton Head, SC, home where they enjoyed George’s new, great-grandchild. George reports he is going on the gim list – an aortic valve replacement at the end of May. I received a very thoughtful and appreciated call from Jim Strickland, who is retired in Edenton, NC. Jim is still contending with his Parkinson’s. He reports that he has learned how to fall without suffering any serious injury. Jim again mentioned that Ed May had called to check on him, which he appreciates.

I tried to reach Mrs. Perry in Winston Salem, NC, to wish her a happy birthday and wound up talking to her son, Fred. He said he would pass the greetings on.

I also failed to connect with Charlotte Marr in Atlanta and left birthday greetings on her voice mail. I also told her how much Marie and I enjoyed meeting her son, Tom Jr., at the April mini reunion.

I checked on Skip Parks, and he describes his health as fair to middling. He is walking well after his melanoma surgery and doing well in recovery from colon VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES surgery. However, he is still on oxygen for his emphysema and had a bad fall, leaving him bruised. I told him to check with Jim Strickland to learn how to fall safely.

George Cohen’s open-heart surgery was postponed as a result of his breaking out in a poison ivy rash.

Paul Robinson reported in from Neenah, WI, after stopping on the way from Florida to visit with Woody Woodward in Tyler, TX. Paul and Jean had lunch with Woody and an enjoyable visit. Paul noted that the first thing he did on arriving in Neenah was to get their heavy clothing out of storage, as the temperature was around 50 degrees. I also talked with Jean and told her how Marie and I thought she looked so great after her major surgery last year.

Pat Gray called on Friday, June 5, to check up on George Cohen’s surgery.

Marie told her of the postponement due to poison ivy. Pat reported that Johnny and Jack Hill were in Lexington for the Keydet Club’s Annual Sport Day, where they were staying with Jerry Eggleston. Pat also reported that Johnny required another transfusion, due to a low hemoglobin count, but otherwise he is as active as ever.

As a result of Pat’s inquiry, I called George Cohen and located him at Hilton Head where he is waiting out the passage of his poison ivy. He expected his surgery to occur around mid June.

I called the Grafs to wish Beano a happy birthday. I first talked to Ann, who is making slow progress in her recovery. Beano then reported he is doing well after his surgery. He even is back to his tennis. When I asked him how he intended to celebrate his natal day, he replied, “I intend to walk to the local beverage store and buy a lottery ticket, plus my favorite libation.” Incidentally, Beano share his birth date, June 6th (D-Day), with his sister, Phyllis, and my daughter, Kara.

I tried to reach Bill Hairston in Hickory, NC, on his birthday and was informed he was in Chicago. I asked to pass on my best wishes on his return.

There was a nice picture in the Institute Report of the commissioning of Gordon Holloway ’09, grandson of Pat and Duane Holloway, in the Army. This report also notes that around 52% of the May graduates were commissioned in the four services. In addition, some of the new 2009-Issue 4

graduates are participating in the new Coast Guard program, which leads to a commission. Marie and I called the Holloways to comment on the picture of their grandson and had a nice visit. Both Pat and Duane have had very good recoveries from surgery. Duane, ever the history buff, is now reading Plutarch, Vol. 1 after finishing Vol. 2.

In mid June, I wished Pete Philp a happy birthday and had a nice visit. He is as busy as ever in his volunteer activities and is looking forward to our 60th. Peter noted he has lost two of his three roommates – Bob Moss and Guy Agnor – with Duane Holloway, the survivor.

I also had a long and very enjoyable lunch with Jim Close in mid June. Alice had just finished a course in water color painting. Jim had some pictures of the very tasteful renovation of his cottage on the Northern Neck of Virginia. In my note in the 2009-Issue 1 Alumni Review, I mentioned the prominent medical-academic careers of Don Bennett, Jim Hamlin and Henry Pitot. Jim pointed out that I had omitted Bob Wick, who had established an aerospace medical residency at Ohio State.

I did some checking and realized that I also omitted Russ Green, a cardiologist and professor of medicine at the University of Florida. Unfortunately, all of the Brother Rats, except for Henry Pitot, are now deceased.

George Cohen had successful heart surgery on June 16, so when I called on June 20th to his Atlanta apartment to ask Marty to wish George a happy birthday, I was really surprised to learn he had been discharged that day from the hospital. Marty put George on the phone, and I was able to personally congratulate him. What a great birthday for George – to be discharged so quickly after such major surgery.

Three days later, George called me, and we had a nice chat. He sounded great and reported he was doing well with only some mild discomfort. George also reminded me he is a great-grandfather. Leigh Burton Cohen was born last January – the daughter of his grandson, Richard, and wife, Nicole.

I received a nice e-mail from Brom Nichol thanking me for a cartoon I had sent him. Brom reports his melanoma has returned. The doctors are going to try specifically targeted radiation to avoid

the spine. Brom still sounds great, and Jack the parrot is chipper as ever. Brom inquired about George Cohen and Skip Parks, and I replied.

I called Bill Nelson on June 25 to wish him a happy 80th, and talked to Ellen. Bill was picking up the mail. Ellen reports she and Bill are doing well. I told her how much Marie and I enjoyed visiting with them at the mini in April.

That same evening, Sam Scott called to get George Cohen’s new address in Atlanta. He needed it to send George a get well card. Sam and Jessie were leaving the next day to pick up her grandson in Atlanta, and Sam intended to call George.

Toward the end of June, I checked up on Skip Parks. I had a nice visit with Gracelyn, as Skip was resting. Gracelyn reports Skip is doing very well in his surgery recovery but is still on oxygen for his emphysema. I asked Gracelyn, who is doing well herself, to pass on Brom Nichol’s inquiry, and my best wishes to Skip.

I called Harry Bailey to see how he was doing and whether we could get together for lunch. Unfortunately, Harry is pretty well house-bound, looking after Lou. However, he is looking forward to a visit from his daughter, who lives in Norway, in the near future. He asked that he be placed on the restricted (class and Institute news only) e-mail list.

I immediately called Jim Connolly to pass on Harry’s request. I reached Mary Ellen, who then placed Jim on the line. I repeated Harry’s request to Jim and then inquired how the Connollys were doing.

Jim replied, “We are still chugging along.” I trust you all recognize what a great job Jim does for the class in operating our e-mail network and how time consuming it is.

At the end of June, Bob Nolley called from his North Carolina beach home. He and Jeanne are doing well. Bob sounds great, and his next check up at Hopkins is July 28. When I mentioned that Jim Strickland lives in North Carolina on the shore, he asked for Jim’s contact information, which I provided. In a subsequent e-mail, Bob reports he failed to reach Jim. In a couple of calls with the Holloways over the Fourth of July weekend, it appears they are progressing very well in their recoveries. They report on a major plumbing project to their home which 41

CLASS NOTES was just finished. Duane has finished his and Jim Strickland. Fred reports he is a happy birthday. However, the number reading of Plutarch and now is into Greek doing very well with his medication, and listed by VMI stated it is “not in service history. Pat and Marie exchanged current though Jim has some problems with his, he for incoming calls.” reading lists and reviews. hopes a new schedule will produce relief.

I was unable to reach Willard Hays to wish George Cohen called to report he is doMarie and Sally Carstens had a nice chat him a happy birthday, so I left a voice mail. ing well in his recovery from heart surgery. in which they continue to discuss book I was able to extend best wishes to Lang I noted in an e-mail from Jackie Quisenrecommendations. Sally seems to be doing Sheffield in Americus, GA. Some of his berry that Hank had a second total hip very well in her recovery from lung surgery. grandchildren were helping him celebrate. replacement. So, I called to welcome him I called Jane Catlin to wish her a happy I also extended condolences to him on to the double hip replacement club. He birthday on July 15th and asked her how she the death of his brother, Johnny Sheffield sounded great and is in physio rehab. was celebrating. She replied that she had ’50B. Lang reports his feet are giving him I checked on Paul Shrader and his back gone shopping for herself and had received a lot of trouble. Nevertheless, he is “supersurgery. Polly reports he is doing very well flowers and gifts from her children. She probable for the 60th.” and that she finally feels recovered from her reported that she had talked by phone with I again was unable to reach Dick Lawyear-old knee surgery. They intend to take a Charlotte Marr on the previous evening. rence in Austin, TX, on his birthday. I trip to Charleston, WV, at the beginning of I tried to reach Dick Cole on his 80th, think the number supplied by the Institute August and then swing by Lexington on the and Mona informed me he had just left for may be for a fax. way to Virginia Beach. They will then head a round of golf. She reported they were I reached Bland Wilson in Birmingham, home by way of Outer Banks, NC. both in good shape. Later in the day, I did AL, to wish him a happy 80th, only to be Ed May called from Richmond toward the reach Dick to extend birthday greetings. shocked to learn he had just been discharged middle of July and talked to Marie in my He was celebrating that evening with a from the hospital – a blood infection. I said I absence. Later in the same day, he called family cookout. In celebration of their 50th would call back when he could talk. When I again, and I had a long conversation with wedding anniversary, Dick is taking Mona checked two days later, Bland reported he is him. Ed reports that Mary Lee is still using on a visit to the Institute in September, using a walker to get around and is undergoa walker and has been fitted for an ortho- which is where he took her on their honey- ing physio at home for his legs. pedic shoe. Ed also reports that he had two moon – that’s the spirit!

Marie tried to reach Nancy Bell so we spinal procedures (injections) could wish her a happy birthday to relieve back pain and has had at the beginning of August and some relief. He hopes a third left a voice mail. will bring complete relief.

Ed May sent me an interesting The Mays reside in the same e-mail, criticizing the current retirement community as Glennames of the three Barracks. nie Brown, and Ed says she He suggests the Old Barracks plans to fly to Hawaii in Sepbe named for Gen. Jackson; tember and meet up with Tom the New Barracks (which is and Pinkie Wornham. a misnomer, as we, as second Nancy Hill and Marie exclassmen, moved into it 50 years changed e-mails on their Fourth ago this fall) be named for Gen. of July activities. Nancy also Marshall, class of 1901; and the reported that she and Jack had Third Barracks, an awful name, stopped in Lexington on the be named for Gen. Lejeune. I imway to a funeral in Radford, VA, mediately called Ed and told him, and had dinner with Willard and Class of 1951: Mona and Dick Cole at the 91st PGA golf “a great idea.” Bob Nolley conchampionship held at the Hazeltine National Golf Club Peggy Hays. curs. Let’s hear from you. While Bland Wilson called from in Chaska, Minnesota, August 2009. talking to Ed, he informed me Birmingham, AL, expressing that his back is much improved concern for Fred Anson and Jim Strickland Dick reports he talked with Gloria Cowafter a third injection and that Mary Lee is in their battle with Parkinson’s. He asked me herd, widow of his roommate, George, in doing well with her new footwear. to pass on to them his offer to discuss with June.

The class had a real shock at the end of them “deep brain stimulation,” which he has Jim Marshall called to get contact inJuly when Jim Connolly, our e-mail cofound effective. formation for Sam Scott. He reported that ordinator, collapsed and was hospitalized Bland says he does not travel well and Cindy had just been discharged from the for his heart condition. The outpouring of sounds questionable for the 60th. He reMayo Clinic, Jacksonville – an infection – concern by the Brother Rats was a testiported lunching with the Sacras on a few and they were taking a trip up the coast to monial to our appreciation of the great and occasions.

Cumberland Island, GA. time-consuming job Jim does for us every I passed on Bland’s offer to Fred Anson I tried to reach Ellen Johns to wish her day. Jim, thankfully, is out of the hospital 42

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES and doing fairly well. Amazingly, on his first day home, he proceeded to clear up the backlog of e-mails that accumulated during his hospital stay.

A final check discloses George Cohen is still having some post-operative problems from his heart surgery. Brom Nichol has completed a series of 20 radiation treatments for his melanoma and feels great.

Johnny Gray required another transfusion for his hemoglobin problem.

You will not receive these notes until next November, so Marie and I hope you had a great fall and wish you a happy and blessed holiday season.

Semper Fi – Jack

’52

Nutz Navas

It is with deep regret that I report on the death of Zack C. Saufley, retired major general, USA, Frankfort, KY, on 13 July 2009. Zack attended VMI our Rat year before leaving to attend and graduate from the University of Kentucky. He served in Korea. He served over 30 years in the U.S. Army Reserve. He served most of his career in the banking profession and rose to be president and CEO of Farmer’s Bank and Capital Trust Company. He is survived by his wife, Carol Singleton Saufley, two brothers and four daughters.

In the spring 2009 Hospice of Wake County Newsletter, David White received volunteer recognition. Dave is a member of the board of trustees of the Hospice of Wake County Foundation and a member of the Volunteer Ambassadors. He was named recipient of the Dr. William M. Dunlap Award in recognition of excellence in service to the hospice mission. The award was presented at the agency’s Annual Dinner on April 23 by a long time board member, Susan Rouse. Ms. Rouse noted that the award was special, because it is not presented every year and only when the board of directors deem that someone is especially worthy of recognition. In the newsletter is a picture of Dave and his wife, Mary Kee. In August, Zeke Finney arranged a golf outing for a couple of days at the beautiful Farmington Country Club in Charlottesville, VA. Zeke, Andy Dickinson, Lou 2009-Issue 4

Delisio and your class agent played 36 holes, with Zeke being the big winner and me being the only loser. We stayed one night at the club and ate all our meals there as well. It is a beautiful golf course and very challenging set-up. The VMI ’52 cruise on the NCL Majesty June 7-14 was a huge success, thanks to our peerless leader and mother hen, Sandra Pittman, who organized the trip and got each of us special rates. In addition, Sandra mediated any problems along the voyage. We spent the week traveling to Bermuda where we stayed for four days before returning to our port in Baltimore, MD. There were 19 of us representing the class and one couple who were friends of the Gorhams, Bruce and Joy Phillips. Walter Ames, John and May Dillon Cure, Frank and Evelyn Gorham, Hutch and Ann Hutchinson, Bob and Betty Lambert, Nutz and Barbara Navas, Gary and Sandra Pittman, Frank and Polly Tuck, Army and Barbara Wellford, and Cecil and Barbara Welsh made up our group. We had a class cocktail party, complimentary of Norwegian Cruise Line, one night on board ship. Again, we owe Sandra special recognition and appreciation for her tireless effort before and during our successful trip to Bermuda.

George and Nancy Bookman are in good shape in Lancaster, PA. They went to Ireland last year, and Nancy took two of their granddaughters and daughter to London. They have five grandchildren. A granddaughter attends Potomac Falls High School and oldest granddaughter is at Drexel. A grandson is at the University of Maryland, another grandson is at the Christopher Newport University and last grandson is at Franklin and Marshall University and is on the tennis team. I checked in with Yancey Clark in Danville, KY. He and Sunny just returned from a grand trip to France. They

both are in good health. Myles Hutchinson writes that he recently had another knee replacement. That leaves just one hip that has not been replaced while both knees and one hip are history! Modern medicine is absolutely wonderful. I remember the late movie actor Lionel Barrymore spent most of his adult life in a wheel chair before artificial limbs were perfected. Helen Meola sent message that W.D. had a knee replacement on 3 Aug. and is now in rehab. J.B. Hyatt sent him a VMI blanket which W.D. has been using in the rehab center since the air conditioning is too cold. Jan St. John writes that George lives alone at their home in Esmont, VA, with a pacemaker, a cane for balance (from peripheral neuropathy), five beagles and one ancient horse. He has declared their place the Independent State of Hathaway, not subject to any external government. Jan says, “I, on the other hand, with MS, live in the nursing home and research Fed. Regs regarding nursing homes, to go well armed to these directors to get the mandated care. I also work with a local Partnership for Improved Long Term Care. I have one slowly moving hand and a working jaw.” Their eldest granddaughter recently completed guiding a riverboat trip on the Snake River in Idaho. Youngest grandson Hunter is a VMI legacy 2020. Jan St. John is a gutsy lady.

Cam Barr sends news that their son, Eric, graduated from the Army War College class of 2009 and was selected to be an 06/colonel. He wrote Cam and Ginny, “I was recently assigned to the adjutant general’s primary staff as Virginia National Guard JFHQ-J7, Exercises and Defense Support to Civil Authorities, charged with designing, planning and executing operational concepts and capabilities; and to be the officer in charge of Virginia National Guard Emergency Support Function (ESF)

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CLASS NOTES #16 in which Virginia National Guard assists and provides military support to the governor and Virginia Department of Energy Services in times of a major or catastrophic disaster and/or civil unrest.”

Cam adds that he and Ginny are very proud of their son’s accomplishments.

Ed Wilbarger and Lila are back together again in Colorado after seeing each other only a few times a year because of their jobs. In addition, Lila was taking care of her mother who died in 2007. Her mother was a native Alaskan and had property in California. Settling the estate took almost a year. Ed, who is a very accomplished golfer, started to work on her game with positive results. She broke 100 on a par 72 course. She also had her second hole-inone. They have two daughters. Shari and her husband, Channing, bought Lila’s mother’s home in California and have done extensive remodeling. Daughter Julie continues on the faculty at the University of Wisconsin in Madison in the Occupational Therapy Department.

Foots Hutter in Richmond, VA, had a pacemaker installed in May to correct a slow heart rate. It is working fine, and he feels great. He had a great visit with his two daughters and their six children at Duck, NC, in July. On the first Wednesday of each month, he attends a luncheon with a number of senior VMI grads from class years in the mid ’30s to the ’50s. Tex and Darlene Spellings took a trip to Norway on a ship up the fiords to the “Land of the Midnight Sun.” They had a great trip and are now back home in Dallas.

George Robison recalled a visit from Pat Barry and Tom Birge in the spring of 1954 who were passing through the bay area on their way overseas to Korea for flight duty. George called some girlfriends, and they had a party at one of the girl’s parent’s home. Apparently, her father was a good sport and owned his own business – before the afternoon was over, he would be dubbed “Colonel Merner.” The afternoon had Tommy teaching them how to make and drink mint juleps. The recipe: syrup, crushed ice, the bourbon and pieces of mint. The secret of drinking: never let your glass go before half-full. After the party, Tom and the other pilots made it back to the base and on to Korea. George says, “I do not believe that any of us ever 44

forgot that afternoon of making and drinking mint juleps with Tommy Birge.” Pat Barry lost one of his eyes in a gardening accident almost 40 years ago. His sight has deteriorated to the point that he can no longer drive. But he still skis. He can only read with heavy magnification.

Keep Fit and Trim.

’53

William C. Noell Jr.

Brother Rats: It is sad to have to report the loss of our Brother Rat Tom Colvin in Sperryville on 8 Aug. Tom has been in poor health for several years, which I have noted in past notes. He came to VMI not knowing much about it but was sponsored by my father’s friend and BR, Giles Miller ’24 of Culpeper, who thought the Institute was a place Tom needed to go. Tom and I had several conversations on this subject in the past. Tom’s services were in Culpeper on the 13th which Judy and I attended. Also present were Fluggie Moore, Warren Koontz, Frank Spencer, and Betty and Mickey Mills. There was a very large family gathering at the services, and Tom’s three daughters gave very warm talks about their dad.

Judy and I did attend the Memorial Service for Wyatt Shorter in the Memorial Gardens at VMI on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21st. The majority of Wyatt’s family was in Lexington for the ceremony – Gayle, their sons, daughter, wives, grandchildren and some VMI friends. John ’91 spread Wyatt’s ashes in the gardens, and Chaplain Park held the memorial service. Then, many spoke of Wyatt’s life, along with a few VMI tales.

It was a very nice afternoon, and prior to the Memorial Service, the family attended R.E. Lee Episcopal Church with Judy and me. After the Memorial Service, we joined the family for lunch at the Southern Inn … had quite a group there, and we were able to visit with most of the family. Then John took some family on a tour of VMI, and Gayle and daughter and one son and family came to our house to relax for a while … then left for Gretna about 5:00 p.m., where they were staying, as they had had a service on Saturday at Wyatt’s family

farm at Callands. Parker and Annah Cross came up from Virginia Beach for the VMI service and joined us at R.E. Lee but had to leave before the lunch.

Regretfully, I have not yet found anyone that can trace the whereabouts of Harold “Bud” Golla, as mentioned in the last class notes. I did hear back from Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, PA, but not successfully. Bud worked at VFMA in the ’60s, and the last known address that they had for him is over 40 years old, when living in Wayne.

Bob and Bebe Cheatham were in Saluda, NC, in May to watch their granddaughter, Madison, compete in another horse show. Now that she is 13 (a teenager), she has to compete against riders up to 18, so this is a big change for her this year. Madison’s mother, Sallie, teaches horseback riding outside of Somerville, and they live with Bob and Bebe’s son, Ben, down the street from them in SC. Ben pulls the horse trailer with his truck to the shows.

As you can see, the news from all of you is kind of scarce this quarter … you all must have been busy traveling the world this summer. However, come Thursday, Sept.

17th, there will be another ’53 luncheon in Richmond. Spider Evans is in charge of this one and will be sending out notices in the near future to the Richmond area- and somewhat-beyond-BRs. This one, wives are going to be invited to join us. If you are not on the luncheon area list and think you would like to drive to one of the lunches, let me know, and I will put you on the list for future lunches … supposedly to be twice a year, as of current plans.

Judy and I were in Portsmouth the last of July for my granddaughter’s engagement party over the weekend. On Sunday night, we spent the late afternoon and evening with Parker and Anna Cross at their house at Sandbridge on the ocean. We got to walk on the beach and wade in the ocean, while Parker and Annah watched from their deck.

Parker served all of us a great deli dinner that he had picked before we arrived, which was preceded by frozen margaritas. They have just finished adding a new guest room and larger deck over the guest room – I told Parker he needed to have a reunion party on that deck. It is a great ocean house, and they stay there most of the summer up until about October – with periodic trips VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES back into Norfolk (just over an hour away).

About two weeks before we visited them, Warren and Ann Goddard and Spider and Bruce Evans spent a weekend with them at the ocean house. Warren’s medical problems are not getting any better, which I am sorry to say. However, he can still drive short spells.

In May, Judy and I, with two other couples from Lexington – one was class of ’62 – spent four days in New York City but stayed in Hoboken on the Hudson right across from the Empire State Building. We had a great time at shows, a Yankees game, great eating, etc., and the ladies enjoyed touring the 8th Floor of Saks (has its own zip code), the shoe floor, where shoe costs ran up to $1500 a pair – even a plastic flip-flop was a couple hundred dollars. Since then, Judy and I have spent most of the summer at our TN lake house, with daughter and three grandchildren. So, we have had a very busy summer … Addie Jay (8) and Jackson (11) learned to water-ski this summer. Judson (2) has no fear of water and paddles everywhere with his lifejacket on … even off the diving board. By the time you read these notes, summer will be over, and we will be heavy into football season … Tennessee and VMI, although we will not get to see but two VMI games this year.

Class Trivia: Sixty years ago, the class of ’53 matriculated into that military institute in the Shenandoah Valley known as the Virginia Military Institute. Except for a few

of our Brother Rats, we signed the matriculation book in Jackson Memorial Hall on 14 September 1949. We had no cadre to prepare us ahead of time, as is done these days. Instead, we had the entire Corps lined up, waiting and yelling as we came through Jackson Arch into this new/hectic life, trying to make it to the 4th stoop with our belongings. It was hard to believe that many of you appeared at VMI on that day without ever having seen the Institute before, but surprisingly, that is still the case this day in time with many who come to the Institute.

Our youngest BR was, of course, Poncho Gonzalez who hailed from Puerto Rico and had many tales to tell about his Rat year – not being able to speak English very well.

The first to sign in was William Purce who only stayed nine days. Bill Nelson was the first to stay, as third to sign in, while the last on that day, was Bland Massie at 254.

I was 243.

’54

Bill Turner

“For wild hilarity, commend me to a coterie of young female Presbyterians. An evening spent among them is like sitting upon an iceberg cracking hailstones with one’s teeth.” (John S. Wise, A VMI cadet) Seen About Town: Ran into Bill and Betsy Berry at the Virginia Historical So-

ciety’s (VHS) Annual Spring Garden Party held at the Virginia House in Richmond.

Both looked great. Also saw Bruce and Nancy Gottwald at a recent lecture at the VHS. They always look great, especially Nancy. For those of you who may not know, the VHS is considered one of the premier historical societies in the United States. For the past 20 years, its director has been a VMI man, Charles Bryan ’69, who is given much deserved credit for bringing the society to its current recognition and acclaim. Unfortunately, Charlie was forced to step down recently for health reasons. Unquestionably, he has left an indelible mark on the Society.

Had a great conversation with James Carney, son of Joe Carney, my “Roomie” for my last two years at the Institute and lead vocalist for the VMI Commanders.

Joe died about five years ago after suffering a fall at the Miami airport, triggering injuries from which he simply could not recover. It was evident that James loved his dad very much and misses him greatly.

We discussed Joe’s “velvet tones” and how he tried to get me to “harmonize with him on “Blue Velvet.” Joe was kind, but I’m afraid the nasal, country music quality of my rendering left something to be desired.

A couple of days ago, I received from Joe’s eldest daughter, Kathleen, a CD by the Commanders from our era, with Ted Benson on the trumpet and the “Cat” on vocals. Kathleen, who, along with her

Class of 1953 Photo above: Attending the memorial service for Wyatt Shorter held at VMI’s Memorial Gardens on Father’s Day 2009 were the Shorters, from left, Walter, Sara Kate, Peasley, Margaret Shorter Robinson, Gayle, John, Chris (holding Davis), TroieBeth, MaggieAlizabeth (in the stroller) and Caulder (standing on the stroller).

2009-Issue 4

Photo above: At Wyatt Shorter’s memorial were, from left, Jim Demers, John Shorter and Kai Torkelson, all class of 1991 and roommates.

45

CLASS NOTES brothers, inherited the racing business, told me that she has two sons, the youngest of whom is almost 10 and has her strawberry blond hair but “so many of Joe’s mannerisms.” She said that he “even yawns like him.”

I am absolutely certain I shall never forget Joe Carney, the “Lawrence, Massachusetts Hummingbird.” During our first class year at the Institute, I remember luring a couple of unsuspecting southwest Virginia chicks to campus and on discovering that two were a bit much for even moi to handle, would routinely send out for reinforcements. Three of the Brothers on whom I could always depend to rise to the occasion were John Benson, Jim Bramlet and Joe Carney. Despite the many physical and intellectual demands on their time – all dedicated LAs, you know – they would somehow find the strength, energy and endurance to come through. Friends like that are so hard to find.

Just had a telephone call from “The Mayor,” John Knapp. He’d recently returned from a trip to Israel. Said he had been made an honorary member of Washington and Lee University’s chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) National Leadership Fraternity. ODK honors those who have made notable achievement in positions of leadership. John certainly qualifies. He was mayor of Lexington from 2000-08. He is a past trustee of the George C. Marshall Foundation, Stonewall Jackson Hospital, the Stonewall Jackson Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce. He was a founding board member of LEAD Virginia, serves as vice chairman of the Virginia National Defense Industrial Authority and is a board member of Kendal of Lexington, a retirement community. Finally, John served as professor, as dean of the faculty, and as superintendent of VMI from 1989-95. Congratulations, John, on your latest achievement.

You done good. John’s following remarks arrived too late to appear in the Reunion Booklet: “BRs: First, thanks to the “Bills” – Berry, Schubmehl and Turner – and all the others who helped put together our 55th Reunion. It’s been 50 years since our first one in 1959, the same year I made Lexington my hometown. Since then I’ve been able to greet everyone back here 46

every five years – that is, until now. An opportunity to travel with family to the Holy Land was too precious to pass up, and I will therefore be ‘absent formation.’ The only significant event for me to report on during the last five years is that 31 December ’08 was my last day as mayor of the city after eight years in the job and some earlier times on council. Now, I am going to try retirement again, and I am sorry that I won’t be here to get the advice of those who think they have succeeded at it. Warm regards to all, John Knapp.” (Class agent’s note: John, as one who has already retired twice now from different venue, federal government and state government, in addition to a “gig” at George Mason University, I can only state the obvious, i.e., when people find out that you are “retired” and the price is right, there will be no shortage of “opportunities.” My advice is that you simply reply to all requests for your time and attention by saying, “Let me get back to you on that.” That will, at least, buy you a little time. Knowing that we are both “Type A” personalities (God help our spouses.), I imagine you will never retire, not completely. Good luck.)

Talked with Joe Siler. Joe had a bout with pneumonia, was hospitalized and unable to attend the 55th Reunion. But he says he’s “on the mend.” He had an unfortunate medical mishap several years ago that left him with a paralyzed vocal cord, so admits that his voice doesn’t sound quite the way it did when he was playing ball for the Institute. (I told him I thought it sounded better.) Joe left me to ponder his final words, “We’re living on borrowed time,” or something like that. Sounded pretty ominous to me.

Don Howard called to say that he has acquired a degenerative neurological disorder. Still, he seemed positive and upbeat.

Don reminds me that growing old ain’t no game for sissies. He is still doing what he does best and enjoys most, painting. By all accounts, Don is a gifted and creative artist. I continue to be amazed, even awed, by the talent resident in this VMI class. But more than that, I am almost “blown away” by the unbelievable courage I see and hear displayed nearly every day. It makes me proud to know that I am a part of such decency and dignity. I think God must have placed me in just the position He

wanted me in September 1950. Don, know that you are in our prayers. Never give up. Never, never, NEVER! Miracles do happen. And sometimes, attitude is more important than fact, almost all the time.

Had an entertaining telephone conversation today with BR Otto Nauman, whom I had neither seen nor heard from since leaving the Institute. On a sad note, Otto told me that he lost his younger brother several months ago. Otto, I know everyone joins me in extending our deepest sympathies.

On a happier note, he did relate a hilarious story involving himself, his roommates, Tommy Armstrong, Bob Price, and Bob Lindsey and the “spotless windows.” It’ll appear in the next set of class notes. A great story.

At this writing, approximately 64% of the BRs have contributed to the CY 2009 Fund Drive. That is a pretty fair showing.

Congrats!

Had lunch with Jack and Betty Tiller today. Nice. Jack and Betty are celebrating five years of marital bliss. They were high school sweethearts and parted when they were diverted by other “distractions.”

However, to prove that everything that goes around comes around, it seems like they’ve picked up where they left off.

Just finished talking with Barbara Ewing, Keith’s wife, who told me that the old second-sacker is doing well, still working his own business. Like me, seems totally unable to convince sons or grandsons to go to the Institute. I can relate. It’s the kind of place where “many are called but few chosen.” It’s hard enough to get through when you want to be there, virtually impossible when you don’t. Some of the unhappiest people I ever knew were there under familial duress. In my case, I simply didn’t know what I was getting into, which was probably a good thing.

Heard from Don Lamanna’s wife, Jan, that Don underwent a full colon removal but is recovering nicely. I am sure that Fran and Don would love to hear from as many of his BRs as possible. His e-mail address is: janlamanna@net.

Perry Archer reminds me that I’ve taken this job (class agent) in the Fourth Quarter.

Jeez, that might be an understatement; I think we might be in “Overtime.”

Had a brief but rewarding conversation with Bill Fulgham. Despite a series of VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES medical “challenges,” he sounded pretty good, voice strong, good sense of humor, great mental recall. He exemplifies the fundamental truth that all you need in the face of adversity is to maintain a positive attitude and continue enjoying each and every day to the fullest. Bill reminded me that he had once seen me at the golf course in Heidelberg, Germany, and that I was “with someone.” I asked him if it was male or female. Always the diplomat, Bill said he “couldn’t remember.” Bill said he was stationed at the military hospital there where Gen. Patton died and served with Parker Cross and Willie Allison, both VMI grads.

Just had a distressing telephone conversation with Ruth Miller who told me that Bill is in a continuing care facility fighting Alzheimer’s disease. To me, it was a heartbreaking revelation. Bill was one of the smartest – and kindest – people I ever knew. I remember well when my late wife, Bet, and I moved back to Richmond, I think it was in ’81. Betty had common variable agammaglobulinemia, a fancy term for an incurable immune disorder, with many attendant health issues, including pulmonary sarcoidosis. We needed a really GOOD doctor and didn’t know quite where to turn. I called Bill, who was then practicing (and possibly teaching) at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond.

I described Bet’s condition and asked him if he could recommend a doctor who might be able to handle a problem of her complexity. Bill told me he’d get back to me.

After a short delay, he called to say he had discussed the matter with his colleagues, and the consensus was that the only doctor in Richmond smart enough to handle the kind of medical problem I had described was a doctor named Steve Koller. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Koller became our doctor and remained our doctor and dear friend until his own untimely death at 43. There is not the slightest doubt in my mind that Bill Miller extended my wife’s life, both in terms of quantity and quality, by at least 10 years. And for that I shall forever be in Bill’s debt. That is why it is so hard for me to learn that he has contracted that which may be the most feared outcome any of us can experience. Please join me in extending our payers for Bill and his family. And if you get the chance, call 2009-Issue 4

Ruth and let her know she is not alone.

Just received an e-mail from Len Wagner letting me know that he and Betty had just returned from a great week at the Outer Banks of North Carolina. He said that one evening there, he decided to go to a local bar-b-que emporium, and when he drove up to the place, a VMI flag was flying. It seems the eatery is run by two Institute alumni, Richard T. Bruce IV ’01 and “Top” Palmer ’01.

Have just concluded a rewarding conversation with Al Mattox, whom I’ve not seen or heard from for too long a time. Al, a retired Army general, lives in Weyers Cave, Virginia. I’m not sure, but I think that’s somewhere west of Richmond in the mountains, not too far from where the Hatfields and McCoys had their “disagreement.” It’s beautiful country populated with some fine people, salt of the earth, but it helps to know somebody if you go there. Let’s just say you’ll be, well, more “comfortable” if you do.

Just got a wonderful surprise, courtesy of Perry Archer. He sent me a couple of CDs he taped a few years ago when he was singing with the Chuck Nolan Orchestra.

Didn’t even know he could sing. Great music, quite unlike what passes for music today, stuff like “Embraceable You,” Everybody Loves Somebody” and “That Old Feeling,” to name a few. Music you can actually understand; even the lyrics are intelligible. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I went to a wedding reception recently and simply could not understand a single word “sung” by the vocalist. Early in the evening, a waiter dropped a load of dishes, and five couples got up and started dancing. I asked the band leader if he could do any Glenn Miller or Tommy Dorsey. He just looked at me sort of funny and replied, “Say what?” Maybe I’ll play a couple of these discs from Perry Archer and Joe Carney at our next reunion.

Had a short chat with Bea and George Ramer a little while ago. Both sounded good, staying active. Like most of us, George is experiencing a few health problems but is obviously concentrating on “the glass half full.” I’m sure he would appreciate hearing from some of his BRs. Also talked briefly with the “Norfolk Flyer,” Johnny Mapp, who said he and Betty are doing fine. He said the most

significant thing that’s happened to him recently is that he “shot four birdies;” he didn’t say how many holes it took.

TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE: I remember one Saturday afternoon in Barracks that has left an indelible mark on my psyche that neither time nor space can ever erase. I was under confinement and somewhat restricted as to what I might do for entertainment when I was suddenly informed that I had a visitor in the waiting room. I soon learned that the “visitor” was a rather attractive young lady from one of Virginia’s finest finishing schools for young ladies. I had been dating the young lady for a few months and when not walking tours or under confinement, spending as much time with her as possible. Imagine, then, both my joy and expectation on learning that she was waiting for me in the visiting room. As luck would have it, we were alone, and so immediately began steaming the windows which happened to front the courtyard of New Barracks. Suddenly, it occurred to me that the silence had become almost deafening. There was no sound to be heard. I looked out the large picture windows and discovered that all stoops facing the windows were literally saturated by cadets in their summer whites. When they found out that I knew I had been “discovered,” they emitted what sounded like a Banzai shriek, followed by an almost terrifying round of applause that promised to continue until SRC. After alerting my “associate” to this somewhat startling revelation, she rose, very demurely, to her feet, smiled sweetly and curtsied to the by-then panting Corps, while I popped to rigid attention and rendered a slight bow. Of course, this triggered another round of appreciative applause. It was a moment suspended in time, one that will be with me ’til the end.

I wonder if my visitor ever thinks of it or me; maybe she’s even shared that story with her own granddaughters.

In closing, let me say that while I’ve been on this job for only a couple of months, I’ve already learned how “bittersweet” this experience will be. I’ve talked with guys whom I’ve not seen in a very long time. So many are struggling with a variety of health issues, trying hard to cope with life’s inevitable losses as best they can. I know that things will not get much 47

CLASS NOTES better. I am constrained to admit that I am closer to the end than to the beginning. In the last analysis, the only thing that really matters, the only thing that will endure is “love.” I think I must truly “love” the members of the VMI Class of ’54. And that love, that affection, that impenetrable, almost indefinable bond, seems to grow stronger and more enduring with every passing year. Thank you, God … I am truly blessed.

’55

Read Hanmer

55th REUNION. By the time you read this in the fall, you should have received notice of the opening of reservations for our 55th Reunion. Rooms will be available in the Holiday Inn Express in Lexington, beginning sometime in November, and details of how to register will be in the notice you receive from the Alumni Office.

Your Reunion Planning Committee is hard at work ironing out additional details.

Please note that the reunion festivities will be held on Monday, 19 April 2010 and Tuesday, 20 April 2010. The Holiday Inn will be available on Sunday, 18 April, so plan to come early and enjoy an additional day with your BRs and their companions.

Good news from the VMI Foundation. A letter from Pat Webb, VP for Alumni and Reunion Giving, indicates that good ol’ ’55 ranked FIRST among the classes in the decade from’50A through ’59 in total giving, with a participation rate of 70.69%!

Great going, guys and gals. What wonderful support for the Institute.

Our own Ben Angle has been inducted into the Augusta Military Academy Sports Hall of fame. Ben’s roommates, Reg Ridgely and Skip Thompson, attended the ceremony. Excerpts from the announcement: “Ben Angle of Rocky Mount [has been] inducted into the AMA Sports Hall of Fame … Angle graduated in 1951. While at AMA, Angle started on the school’s lacrosse team, once scoring five goals in a game with North Carolina University.

He was offered a scholarship to UNC, but turned it down to attend Virginia Military Institute. During a four-year athletic career at VMI, Angle established school, state 48

and conference track and field records.

As a freshman, Angle broke the state and Southern Conference half-mile record on the second time he ran the race. Angle ran the 880 in 1:52.7, which was 3-1/2 seconds better than the state record set in 1936.

Angle, a member of VMI’s Sports Hall of Fame, won outdoor state and conference championships in the mile and half-mile.”

Way to go, Ben! BR Frank Pilley also was inducted into the AMA Sports Hall of Fame for his feats on the tennis court.

The Physicians for Peace have recognized Sam Hill as an individual who has been key to the organization. An announcement read: “Sam has been with Physicians for Peace practically since its beginning. In celebration of Sam’s birthday in July, he was designated health care hero of the month. Sam has made significant contributions to Physicians for Peace in so many areas. First and foremost, Sam is one of those rare individuals who becomes lifelong friends with everyone he meets, and so he has been able to bring countless people into the Physicians for Peace family. Sam has long been the public face of Physicians for Peace. In 1995, Sam became our executive director, and more recently served as director of Development. He is a fundraising powerhouse who helped build Physicians for Peace into the global health organization it is today.

Tapping into his vast network of friends and contacts, Sam has almost singlehandedly brought in some of our most significant investors. He has also served his time doing hands-on work on mission trips in the Philippines and Haiti, all the better to explain the importance of Physicians for Peace international health programs to potential supporters.” Congratulations, Sam; you make us all proud.

Marty Fisher writes that he met Mary Ann Walter (Frank) and her five children, their spouses and assorted grandchildren at Virginia Beach recently. He said Mary Ann hopes to attend our 55th. I have added her to the class e-mail list.

I received a nice “hello” e-mail from BR H.G. “Merc” Hager. Merc found greener pastures during our 3d class year at Wesleyan University, where the rules on living accommodations were more to his liking. He remains in contact with Rat year roomies Bob Timms and Frank Moltz.

Thanks for checking in, Merc. We hope to see you at the 55th.

Leon and Zella Cock continue to enjoy retirement at Robson Ranch in Denton, TX, after 15 years of retirement in Las Vegas. Leon is glad to have been out of the market for the past two years, avoiding some of the losses others (including me) have suffered. Nice going, Leon.

Larry Price went to the National AAU Volleyball championships at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. His granddaughter played on the 15-year-old team. He said that Boots went to the DAR State meeting in Indianapolis, IN. She is district director of Southern Indiana and will be the local chapter regent next year. Boots then attended the National DAR Convention in Washington, DC, in July.

Casey and Sarah Jones flew to Portland, OR, to visit Casey’s daughter and found themselves on the same plane as BR Sam Marshall, who was on his way to Portland to give an address to the Acoustical Society of America. Casey notes that it is good to know that Sam is still using his technical expertise and is being praised for it.

Mac McCants and Bob Bowden are certified docents at the Military Aviation Museum, which features World War II aircraft.

Mac says he recently was lucky enough to get a ride in a B-17. I’m envious, Mac. Mac notes that the Valentines, Bowdens, McCants and Moose Tyler got together for dinner, and “the war stories flew!”

Charlie and True Luck have been very supportive of the new Marshall Center for Leadership and Ethics, which opened at VMI in May. Charlie wrote that his grandson, Richard, has commented on how pleased the members of the Corps are to have this outstanding building for use during their journey to learn about leadership and ethics. Thanks, Charlie and True, for all you do for the Institute!

I received a welcome message from BR John Barlow. He and his wife, Juanita, have been married for 51 years. John joined ALCOA in Tennessee, along with Dave Barker and Ron Coleman. After 21 years with ALCOA, John joined the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), retiring in 1994. John has been active teaching Junior Achievement at the elementary and high school levels for 40 years and is a certified National Track and Field official, VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES having been an official at most Univergoing to Argentina. I knew he was going Richard M. Smith sity of Tennessee track meets, and he has into a very serious surgery involving brain coached distance events since his two sons and back to remove an unusual cancer were in high school. He recalls being the mass. It was a 12-hour operation includF Company guidon bearer and receiving ing removing back muscle and replacing it awards for his work on intramurals while with some from his leg. They had to retie Once again, I start these notes by giving at VMI. He had made a room reservation some of the nerves from the brain, and he an account of attending the memorial for the 50th Reunion, but the onset of NH is now undergoing radiation treatment five service of our Brother Rat Windy White.

Lymphoma prevented him from attending. days a week, driving from Lynchburg to The service was held at Westminister CanUnfortunately, the lymphoma is getting Charlottesville. Ron was very upbeat and terbury Richmond. In addition to Marshall worse by the year. John, we hope you can hopes to beat the disease but asks for your Mundy, who gave one of the eulogies, Don prayers. I was in White Sulfur Springs, attend the 55th!

Heslep, Tom Undercoffer, Ken McDonald WV, last weekend and after playing some Tom Tait notes that he is now on the and I represented the class. An overcrowdboard of advisors for the Virginia Woundgolf nearby at Lewisburg, went on a tour ing assembly hall heard the wonderful ed Warrior Project. Way to go, Tom. We of the underground “bunker” below the remarks from his daughter, Allison, and can’t do enough for our great warriors.

Greenbrier Hotel, built by Eisenhower and sons, Rob and John. Sonny Schoen had On a more somber note, we marked the Johnson during the Cold War era. It was visited Windy last Friday and met Dootsie, passing of Frank “Bucky” O’Connor. quite an engineering feat and could house Please see Bucky’s obituary in the Taps the entire Congress. There were rooms his wife, and daughter Allison and son Rob section of this issue. to sleep in, bath facilities, a cafeteria prior to his death. He came to Virginia to A number of Brother Rats turned stocked with food for a long out for Dave Barker’s memoperiod of use and all the latest rial service in Columbia, VA, on communication, TV, decod17 July. In attendance were Stu ing and security equipment.

Adams, Bob and Jane Bowden, Large generators provided for Ron and Nita Bryan, Bill Cridlin, fresh air, water and incineraBill and Patti Davidson, Read tor needs. Anyone interested Hanmer, Tom and Margaret Tait, in going on a tour as well as and Dusty and Rody Rhodes. visiting the famous Greenbrier Liz and her family appreciated Hotel should avail themselves the hearty Old Yell for Dave that while attending our upcoming we rendered. The day after the mini reunion, since it’s only memorial service saw a wonderone hour from Lexington. The ful celebration of life event at following notes are from Al the family home. It was a fitting “Spider” Allison, my faithful occasion with a good mixture of Lieutenant (Ret. Col.): family, neighbors and friends, Class of 1956: Dick Smith at the base of Mt. Aconcagua, VMI ’56 Class Notes # 22: approximately 50 people in all. Argentina, on his 75th birthday, May 9, 2009.

John and Kandy Geiglein were BRs Ron and Nita Bryan, Bill and back in Germany again this past Pattie Davidson, Casey and Sarah summer visiting their son and Jones, and Tom and Margaret Tait were there, visit his mother’s first cousin on her 90th daughter. They took a 12-day cruise from as was Ron’s nephew, Buddy Bryan ’71.

Venice to Barcelona, which they really enbirthday. He had dinner with Don and Jo Canby Dautel checked in with a note to joyed. They planned to be back in the states Heslep, John and Joan Tipton, Les Belsha say that he is in touch with Jack Owen and and Pat, Bill Lamb, and Irene and Motsy by the end of August. Dave and Anne Blair Jerry Bourke. They seem to be doing as are both doing fine and are looking forward Foster. He learned of Windy’s death prior well as the rest of us 75-76-year-oldsters. to our class reunion in October. Bob Morto returning to Atlanta.

Bill and Boots Wainwright recently ris is now totally retired and lives in either I had the pleasure this month to visit my hosted a family reunion. The last evening Virginia or Florida, wherever it suits him daughter and grandchildren in Buenos included the Fishers and Farthings who Aires, Argentina, for my 75th birthday. My at the moment. Russ Wiltshire related a partook of some libations and dinner. One very sad story that happened to them which friend, Vernelle Lytton, accompanied me, result of the reunion was a picture contain- and we also got to visit the wine country reflects the violent time in which we live. ing three generations of Wainwrights and One morning in March while they were of Mendoza and the Andes Mountains.

Fishers! See the picture in the Association It was a wonderful experience. While out on their morning walk, someone broke News section of this Review. out their back door with a prybar. They just in Lynchburg, VA, over the 4th of July Please keep the letters, e-mails and calls weekend, I got in touch with Ron and Jane ripped it out of the frame, dead bolt and all. coming. We need pictures!

Stole all of Margarete’s jewelry, flat silver, Frinks whom I had talked with prior to

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2009-Issue 4

49

CLASS NOTES his and her VMI rings, and numerous other Jim Dillard saying he attended a luncheon made a commitment with a 39% participavaluable belongings. The police believe recently in San Diego, CA, with a number tion, exceeding our goal of 38%. they were in and out in five minutes, put of VMI alumni. He underwent back surgery The class of 1957 distinguished itself everything in bulk mail boxes and mailed it this summer and is much improved and with 105 Brother Rats and three widows to their fence within fifteen minutes. Russ hopes to get back playing golf in the near who made a contribution for FY 2009. says Margarete was really low over it for a future. He and Frances plan to make it to This marks the 10th year in the past 13 that long time but is finally coming out of it. We the reunion this fall. I look forward to see- our class exceeded the 100 donor mark. are all lucky that Russ and Margarete did not ing some of you to cheer on the Big Red in This is an extraordinary achievement. In return home at the time the robbery was in football this fall. two of the three years we missed, we came Yours in the Spirit … Dick progress, because the people who are comclose, with 98 donors. There are 161 solicmitting these violent home invasions don’t itable members in our class, and we have Clayton M. Thomas III seem to care who they kill. On a lighter a very respectable participation percentnote, Russ just had his cataracts taken out, age of 65.22. In FY ’08, we were 60.87%. and he says he can now spot a string bikini Let’s try for 70% in FY ’10. Thank you, on the beach a quarter mile away. George Brother Rats and widows, for your great and Joyce Clark checked in to say they are and faithful support to our class and to our This is our 11th August in Florida and both fine and have absolutely nothing new Institute. to report to the class. Paul and Betsy Bark by far the warmest. We live seven miles Letters from Brother Rats have been have been here in Melbourne in their new from the ocean, but we have had no coolscarce, but we had a friendly phone call Florida home most of the summer. Paul has ing sea breezes since May. The winds from Bill Batten who wants us to come finally bought a golf cart and is becoming come across the land from the Gulf of visit Martha and him near Simpsonville, accustomed to the laid back lifestyle. Anne Mexico and are warmer. Yesterday, the SC. In October, VMI plays football at and I have really enjoyed having them here. Alumni Review arrived with my May Presbyterian in Clinton. We hope to attend.

I have contacted Donnie Cash to have his notes. It is pleasant to read these notes as This is the closest game to us, and it is still trio play for us at the Sat. night banquet for current events and not as ancient history. a full day’s drive away. our mini reunion at Natural Bridge. If I can In May, I lamented how dry we were We see Bob and Edie Fiske often, as talk him into not singing, I think we will with no rain for weeks. The notes were they live three miles away in Halifax enjoy his music as much as we seemed to scarcely in the mail when we had five Plantation. We were delighted to see last year. While visiting my two sons and days of torrential rain and hundreds of Bob Fiske’s picture on the front page of their families in Colorado, I received a call homes and streets were under water. Now the May 24, 2009, issue of The Daytona from Scottie Boland. He was having a hard in August, I was going to say that we are Beach News-Journal. He was delivering time getting in touch with the Natural Bridge half way into the hurricane season, and Red Cross cleaning supplies to the May Hotel to make reservations for the upcom- we have yet to see a named storm. Let floodwater victims who were unable to ing reunion. Since I didn’t have the phone us not tempt fate. I will not touch that leave their homes. Some in our area had number with me, I suggested he go online observation with a 10-foot pole.

29 inches of rain in the five-day deluge.

Col. Patrick F. Webb, vice president, and should easily get in touch. I hope he We are enclosing a less heroic photo of doesn’t get a room with a leak in the ceiling Alumni and Reunion Giving, sent the Bob with Kay and Lew Diuguid, relishing this time! While in CO, I had the opportunity 2009-10 VMI Academic Calendar along a crab dinner in a restaurant in Baltimore, to fly fish with my son, Mac, and Everette with the figures for fiscal year 2009 which MD. Edie is the photographer.

“Meatball” Irby ’55. They proved to be bet- closed on 30 June. I am glad to report that Ron Kaye and Ruth Smith enjoyed ter fishermen than I, since each caught a nice VMI and our class did well: 5,052 alumni the memorabilia package we sent them.

18-inch brown trout. The rafting Escondido weather is very hot on my son’s boat was a thrill, and 90º during the day. On since, as a former guide, he is their trip to the dentist in July very skilled at handling rapids. for dental cleaning, they enjoy Later, I enjoyed being with my French roasted coffee before oldest son, Lt. Col. Scott Smith their appointment and stop for ’90, in Colorado Springs. He is Mexican food on the way home. deputy director of Planning for Life is simple, and Ron’s biggest NORAD and on his last tour complaint is that the San Diego of duty. He and his wife have Padres Baseball Team loses recently built a beautiful new more games than they win. home overlooking the Air Force In Joe Spivey’s birthday Academy and Pikes Peak. The Class of 1957: Bob Fiske, left, with Kay and Lew Diuguid card, I suggested that he and enjoying a crab feast in Baltimore, Maryland. The photo sunsets in Colorado are specAnn could celebrate with some was taken by Edie Fiske. tacular. I received a call from Chatham Artillery Punch. Joe

’57

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES wrote back that his recipe for Artillery Punch disappeared in 1961 and asked if we had the recipe handy, he would really like a copy. Fortunately, Dawn had saved the recipe and copied it for Joe. For those not familiar with the Chatham Artillery Punch, they will be pleased to learn that the unit was the oldest in the state of Georgia and the pride of Savannah. When George Washington visited Savannah in 1791, he was so impressed with the organization and the punch, he gave them “The Washington Guns” captured at Yorktown on Oct. 19, 1781. No one is sure how the heady concoction originated, but many believe that gentle ladies made up the first beverage. Then, one by one, officers of the artillery sneaked in and added this and that, thus creating Savannah’s most noted drink in two centuries. Dawn and I will include the recipe in our 55th Reunion Booklet in April 2012.

Larry Wise in Chesapeake, Virginia, wrote the sad news that his brother, Donald Grant Wise ’61, passed away on May 5 after struggling with pancreatic cancer since last August. He had purchased a couple of houses about a mile from Buena Vista on the Maury River where he and Larry could see the trout in the water and enjoyed fishing. Larry has been practicing law in Great Bridge since 1962 and hopes to continue to 50 years. He is partially retired, working three days a week.

This could be the summer of our discomfort. In late July, Dawn went to Halifax Hospital for rotator cuff surgery on her right shoulder. She is in rehab and in a great deal of pain. She is getting plenty of rest and lots of TLC, especially from our two cats.

I called the VMI Keydet Club and learned the 75th Anniversary Challenge continues to Dec. 31. The class of 1984 had 148 donors, and our class had 50 as of June 30. For the next six months, the goal will be for $75.00 contributions, and instead of total donors, it will be percentage of participation. The older classes like us have a better chance, and it levels the playing field. Any new contribution will be added to the 50 Brother Rats who have already contributed. If you give in 2009, I will not ask for a contribution in 2034 for the 100th Anniversary Challenge!

2009-Issue 4

Wes Roberts

’58 Hi, guys and gals! I am writing from hot and humid south Florida, in the middle of summer and about midway through hurricane season. Wish us well! The mail bag is a little light this time around, but it’s all quality news.

Bob and Cathie Spurrier submitted a photo of attendees to the 2009 Army Ball on June 14. Everyone looks dapper and beautiful, respectively, and Bob reports all are in good health. The Spurriers and Tom and Ru Nance dined together recently. Tom will speak for himself later in this missive. The Spurriers will be traveling to Kalamazoo, MI, to attend Cathie’s great nephew’s ordination as a Catholic priest.

Cathie had some health issues earlier in the year, but happily, they have been resolved.

Jack Cunningham reports that he and Jane flew to Seattle, WA, in mid May and spent five days with Roy and Joyce Palmer. Two of those days, the BRs spent flying in Roy’s new Christen-Eagle biwing airplane. During that time, Jack was introduced to loops, rolls and you name it!

It was almost too much for Jack’s stomach, but nevertheless, great fun! Roy also flew Jack up to and around Mt. Ranier … a spectacular adventure. Another day, the four adventurers drove to Mt. St. Helens and witnessed the totally devastated landscape of the mountain and 17 miles of land to the front of the blast. Jack said it is hard to believe that this eruption occurred 19 years ago and that the mountain still has strong seismic activity and is gradually rebuilding. Dave and Mara Pitkethly joined them for supper at the Palmers’ home for a fun-filled evening prior to the Cunninghams departure to Richmond. Jack reports that Dave still looks fit enough to be an Olympic competitor. Back in the early spring, Jack joined up with “Moon” Menefee, and the two took the Amtrak from Richmond to Union Station in WDC, where they did a full day of touring at the

Smithsonian Aerospace Museum and other sights. Jack says that this is, by far, the best way to travel to Washington.

In a brief note, BR Tom Nance reported that he and Ru got a dog (no description, breed or name attached). He reported that they have become tired of traveling, and as they live in a great retirement area, it’s nice to be home. That having been said, Tom speaks of plans for going to Nashville for a week; to Lake George, NY, the next week; and a future cruise to Bermuda.

(Nice to be home?) Tom reports that he and Ru are in good health. The Nance offspring are proving themselves, as their son-in-law finished an engineering degree at UF; their daughter is a physician’s assistant in Ocala, FL; and their son is in LA with a state government job. They hope the California budget doesn’t fall on him.

Another traveling pair, Ted and Becky Henry, just got back from the beach where they had a great time with friends and family. Next, they are heading for Europe to take a river cruise on the Danube from Budapest to the Black Sea. Ted said they enjoyed their Rhein and Mosel cruise last year and thinks this is the way to go … unpack once, great food, only 140 passengers on board and first class service … not to mention the scenery.

Reporting from Texas, Jim Poteet states all is well, but they are in desperate need of rain. Jim said that BR Gene and Peggy Martin stopped by to see the Poteets on their way west, and will be back through soon, as they return to their home in Florida. Jim said there are “big doings” at the end of October, as Earl Bennett and Bill Holland come west to get together with the Texas Rat Pack, Jack Boze and Paul Johnson (and anyone else???). Jim said if you hear a lot of noise, it will be that group but added that the Hill Country is really nice for old, lazy people.

Moving from the rowdy to the respectable, Ernie Edgar reports that he and Elizabeth had visited their daughter and family in Luxembourg the end of May. One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the American Military Cemetery just outside of Luxembourg City. Many of those buried there are casualties of the Battle of the Bulge and in the advance to the Rhein (including two Medal of Honor winners and Gen. George Patton, class of 51

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1958

Photos clockwise, from top right: -Attending the Army Ball at the Indian River Colony Club in Florida were, from left, Bob and Cathie Spurrier, Al and Anne Allison, Paul and Betsy Bark ’56, and Ken and Katie Dickinson ’57, June 2009, -Tony Lash and Merce Brooke, Ph.D., of the VMI Physics Department with the computer donated by Lash.

-Standing in front of their new C-141 Starlifter in 1967 were Bill Thomas and Earl Bennett, prior to their first mission to Saigon from Charleston AFB (South Carolina).

-Joyce and Roy Palmer with Jack and Jane Cunningham at Mount St. Helens in Skamania County, Washington.

-Ernie Edgar with his grandsons, Stephen, left, and Jake Bole, folding the colors at the American Military Cemetery outside Luxembourg, Belgium.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES 1907). Following the playing of “Taps” at the end of the day, Ernie and two of his grandsons had the honor of lowering and folding the colors, a distinct privilege and one they will always cherish.

Jerry Paull reported that he and a Marine buddy went on a self-guided trekking trip in Ireland during June. Jerry’s friend is a professor at Appalachian State, who hiked the Dingle Way. In eight days, they hiked over 100 miles around the Dingle Peninsula on the west coast of Ireland and added a hike around the Great Blasket Island off the Irish coast. (I hope you quaffed a dram or two, lads.)

Earl Bennett … you all remember him, that giant among men, sent a picture of BR Billy Thomas and himself in front of their then-new C141 Starlifter. He said that he and Billy always had a great time flying together, and they shared many laughs during those flights. He added, however, they always attempted to land for cocktail hour somewhere in the world.

Earl included a printout and picture of the late Col. Ross Blake. Most of you will recall Col. Blake as “Capt. Blake,” the TAC officer for D Company and an AFROTC instructor at VMI. He was also our advisor to the Armed Forces Club and guided us on a trip to Ft. Benning, GA. Do you remember our flying off the parade field in 2 DeHavilin Otters? Wow! What a buzz! Col. Blake was a member of the Daedalian Flyers, of which Earl is also a member. It is a fraternity of military pilots, formed after WWI. Col. Blake was one of many heroes listed as members of this organization but was unique in that he was shot down five times during WWII and Korea and spent time in German and North Korean POW camps. To fill out his career, Col. Blake also served in Vietnam. He held the Legion of Merit, DFC, Bronze Star, Air Medal and Purple Heart. To quote from his eulogy, “Col. Blake is wished fair skies and following winds on his last flight.” He was truly a national hero. (Do you all recall “Capt.” Blake’s mini car being carried down the PX stepwell … or was it up to the fourth stoop? I don’t think he thought it was too funny!)

BR Bill Thomas submitted in brief that he, Mary Jo, and Bob and Diana Jordan had a great weekend in Virginia Beach at Bill and Linda Holland’s beautiful home.

2009-Issue 4

They played golf, drank a lot, told some ole VMI war stories re: the Crow’s Nest, Stevesville, etc. He said that Bill Holland looks great and is living life to the fullest.

Our traveling Brother Rat, Walter Leach, reports that he has achieved his goal of riding “Big Red” (his motorcycle) in all of the contiguous 48 states. This last, long leg took 28 days on the road, covering 7500 miles. Walter highlighted that he visited the site at Franklin, TN, where a family had 1500 Civil War casualties moved from mass graves and reburied in their family cemetery. The wife tended these graves until she died. He thereafter spent one night in the Phoenix area, then continued on to Death Valley and Yosemite Park. He continued north to Washington state and swung through Utah and Colorado. He spent three days in the St .Louis area while Big Red was being serviced. Two days later, he was home. Big Red is now sitting in the garage, needing a thorough cleaning.

Bruce Haldeman, one of Greensboro, NC’s, fine citizens, reported in brief that he is getting in tennis two to three times a week after an injury layout. He is still working two or three hours a day and visits the beach sometimes and mountains other times … lucky to be breathing.

“Flyboy” Roy Palmer reported on his cruise with the Alumni Association this past March. He was aboard the Royal Clipper, the largest sailing ship in the world, sailing from Barbados. It has five masts, squarerigged sails and is a beautiful sight to behold.

Roy was at a loss for words to describe how wonderful the 7-day cruise was. There was talk of planning another cruise in 2011 in the Mediterranean on this same vessel or another clipper. Happy sailing, “Flyboy” Roy! (Editor’s Note: There is, in fact, another cruise planned. Watch for announcements in coming issues of the Review.)

BR Drew Troxler apparently lost his 1958 Bomb to water damage in his basement closet. He answered the offer of an extra copy of the Bomb, posted by BR Warren Yaun in the Alumni Review. He copied me on his letter to Warren, thanking him for his generosity. (BRs: Some of you may have extra copies of the 1958 Bomb, and others have lost theirs. Maybe you would be able to make a similar offer.)

Our physics master and BR, Tony Lash, recently returned to the Institute, where he

donated a sophisticated computer (DDC Computer??) to the Physics Dept. The purpose of Tony’s visit was to teach the faculty how to use this “machine.” According to Tony, this computer actually does “stuff,” i.e., input-output usage and writing programs for research, experiments, etc.

Thanks to Tony, the department will now be able to make a quantum leap into the future.

GIM Riders: Gene Grayson reported that his shoulder replacement went well.

It will take another month of rehab before he gets his fly rod out. He notified me and VMI, in turn, that BR Bob Buckland has moved. His new address is: 6816 Falstone Dr., Frederick, MD 21702. Another GIM Rider, Frank Boeggeman, who, following a wonderful 6-day cruise to Nova Scotia in early June, underwent triple bypass heart surgery on July 21. He made a remarkable recovery, and all seems well in the Boeggeman family. As to your “scribe,” I continue battling minor seizures; my treatment for osteoporosis is going into its second year. Hopefully, tests will show that the bones are getting stronger. Yep, Mom was right when she said, “Getting older isn’t for sissies.”

Our class is strong in body, mind and spirit. We are united by that bond referred to as “Brother Rats.” You all stay well, be in touch and “Keep the Spirit.”

God’s Blessings … Wes

’59

Shep Shepard

Euphoria from the 50th Reunion had not yet settled when word came that we lost the wife of BR Nevins Wilburn. Debbie passed away in June after a brief illness.

Deb was a lovely and talented lady who will be missed by all who knew her.

Nevins was very appreciative of the many calls and sympathy cards he received from his BRs and particularly Bruce Mackenzie who attended the Memorial Service representing the class of ’59.

More bad news; Kenny Smith was diagnosed with adrenal cancer. His tumor is large and will require chemo treatments.

Lonnie and Patty Martin suffered every grandparent’s nightmare, the loss of one of their grandchildren. They lost their 1553

CLASS NOTES month-old grandson, first and only child of their youngest daughter. They are, of course, devastated and going through some difficult times. Ed Thomas has been having pretty serious health problems. He had his gall bladder removed and is undergoing radiation treatments for prostrate cancer. When completed, he gets two knee replacements. Tom and Shirley Hughes are having their health problems as well. Shirley is completely invalided now with no use of any limbs. They have a day time caregiver while their daughter takes care of her at night. Tom says her Parkinson’s has progressed physically, but her mind is as sharp as ever, and her wit continues to be keen. Tom’s cancer is terminal, but he has known that for three years. So, all in all, he is “doing OK and hanging on”. Andrea Loth, wife of Rusty, was hospitalized for an acute UTI that led to sepsis. As of this writing, she is still in the hospital. Please continue to keep all our BRs and their family members who are ill and suffering in your thoughts and prayers.

After the reunion, I asked you to participate in the “Brick Program.” As you all know, for each $2500 donated to the VMI Foundation you may implant a brick, up to a total of five, in the sidewalk in front of the Barracks. I asked that you donate your excess bricks to our deceased Brother Rats, and your response was magnificent. We have 52 deceased Brother Rats, seven of which already had bricks on the sidewalk, and within 10 days, you generously donated 45 bricks, so that all of our deceased Brother Rats will be represented.

Orders have been placed, and they will be installed by the time this article is published. When you visit the Institute, check it out, and pat yourselves on the back for a job well done.

Jim and Sarah True still run the Failte Inn, a B&B in a small town between Towanda and Athens, PA. Both are slowing down but still are in fairly good health. Jim thanks BRs Ron Marley, Jerry Borst, John Engels, Ralph Lawson, Nowell Loop and Skip White and would like for them to know that they did not waste their time when they participated in his wedding ceremony at JM Hall 50 years ago. Jim and Sarah will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year.

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Congratulations, Jim and Sarah.

Jack Angolia gave the keynote address Memorial Day in MO. Jack said everything was going fine until he started talking about his brother who enlisted in the Royal Canadian Armored Corps in ’39 and fought with them throughout WWII. Jack said it was very difficult maintaining decorum while attempting, without success, to hold back the tears.

Bill and Yvonne Traylor felt the reunion was one of those occasions that you wished would never end. Maybe it was because at our age and advanced wisdom, we are not partying as much as we once did. Bill and Yvonne had their grandchildren visit from Warrenton, VA, and it was a blast. Grandson Boomer, 13, and Bill fished in Mosquito Lagoon and caught lots of trout. Boomer is also pretty deadly with his 28-gauge shotgun on upland birds. Granddaughter Buckley, 9, swims like a fish, loves to cook and is quite an artist. Both are into sports and doing very well in school. Bill observes how proficient they are in the use of computers and cell phones. He recalls as Rats how we struggled to understand the slide rule.

Yvonne is working closely with Bill in getting his new business off the ground, and he couldn’t do it without her. She not only takes care of all the finances but is also a fountain of ideas on new contacts and products. Whatever success they have will be greatly due to her participation, initiative and intellect.

Spence Tucker has had another two books published in the last several months: Rise and Fight Again: The Life of Nathaniel Greene, a biography of the Revolutionary War general who was probably second in importance only to George Washington, and the three-volume Encyclopedia of the Spanish-American and Philippine-American Wars. Spence is like the Energizer Bunny – he just keep going and going.

Don and Carole Messner, John and Chris Patane, and Carol’s brother, Bob, and his wife, Deb, took a river cruise from Budapest, Hungary, up the Danube to Nuremberg, Germany. They spent a couple of days in Budapest, which is where Carol’s grandparents were born.

After boarding the riverboat, they stopped at major cities along the way. One of their favorites was Regensburg, GE, where they

patronized the “Oldest Sausage” house, a 500-year-old establishment that got its start when the bridge across the Danube was built in the 12th century. Their next adventure was no less exciting when they had their grandchildren with them for a week without parental supervision. That’s always fun.

After celebrating our 50th Class Reunion, it was no wonder that many of our Brother Rats celebrated their 50th wedding anniversaries. Bill and Connie Nebraska renewed their vows at the Lexington Catholic Church where they were married 50 years ago while attending the 50th Reunion. That was just a prelude; the whole family gathered at the Skytop Lodge in the Poconos of PA. The grandchildren had a ball, while the women shopped and the men played golf.

Lee and Marilyn Southard also did it up big at Tides Inn in Irvington, VA, where they celebrated with Ralph and Janice Ray Lawson. They celebrated again with their whole family in Corolla, NC, where Lee and Marilyn renewed their vows on the beach with Todd, their minister son, presiding. Harry and Terry MacGregor celebrated theirs in June. It was a very special time for them, as all six children came and participated. Almost all of their wedding party was there including Dick Bingham. Larry Wood, their best man could not make it since he was doing grand parenting duty out in Las Vegas and neither could Jim Edmunds, with whom they have lost contact. Bobby and Alice Ross celebrated with a week at Hilton Head with all their children and grandchildren. Bobby and Alice renewed their vows on the day they were wed while visiting family in New York. The two events made for some very special memories.

Chuck and Margo Cotton also celebrated at Hilton Head, albeit not at the same time as Bobby and Alice. They had the whole family present for the occasion and had a great time reliving the past 50 years together. Joe and Pat Lawson celebrated their 50th with their three children and seven grandchildren in Bristol, VA. John and Betty Ann Thompson celebrated at the Greenbrier along with their whole family. The hotel and accommodations were great, and of course, it was great to have all the kids and grandkids there.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES With one son living in Europe, it is rare that they get all together at one place at the same time. John said his bride was as lovely and young looking as she was 50 years ago.

Although not in the best of health Tom Hughes flew to England in June to visit his ancestral homes. During the flight over, he developed a case of Venus Thromboembolism (VTE) and spent the entire two weeks sick. The blood clot that developed in his leg went to his lung, and he has been on blood thinners since. Despite not feeling well, he did manage to enjoy much of

his visit in England. He visited Stonehenge, 20 miles from his father’s birthplace, as well as Stratford on Avon and the Church of the Holy Trinity where so many of the Hughes line were “hatched, matched and dispatched”. Tom’s USA aerospace work continues and he has co-authored a paper to be presented at the International Astronautical Congress in South Korea in October. The subject relates to the Lunar Lander. Unfortunately his colleague will present the paper as Tom does not want to risk another case of VTE. Hang in there, Tom; our prayers are with you.

Nowell and Sallie Loop kidnapped their granddaughter and spent Memorial Day weekend in NYC visiting Sallie’s college roommate and her granddaughter from Adelaide, Australia. They did Manhattan, toured the Statue of Liberty, saw the Broadway show “Mama Mia,” visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art and shopped at the American Girl store – a jammedpacked three days in the Big Apple but lots of fun. Earlier in the year, Nowell and Sallie spent a week with relatives on the Inland Passage Cruise from Vancouver, BC, to Sitka, AK – cut short due to a family

Class of 1959

Photos clockwise, from top left: -Marilyn and Lee Southard, left, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at The Tides Inn in Irvington, Virginia. They were joined by Ralph and Janice Rae Lawson.

-Brother Rats visited Burke’s Garden in Tazewell County, Virginia. From left: Dick Phillippi, Jim Sam Gillespie and Harlee Pate.

-Don and Carole Messner, right, and John and Chris Patane standing outside the “oldest sausage” house in Regensburg, Germany.

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-Bud and Denyse Kramer, right, with a park ranger in Glacier National Park, Montana.

-Tom Hughes visited Stonehenge, England, which is 20 miles from the birthplace of his father.

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CLASS NOTES medical problem. Despite the setback, they were fortunate to see both Orca and humpback whales but didn’t see any bears.

They plan to return and finish the trip to Denali State Park. Labor Day found them in Washington, DC, where they took their 7-year-old grandson to see the sights – a “See America” family tradition they have done with all their grandchildren.

Robert and Pricilla Martin have recovered from the 50th Reunion, but things are as hectic as ever. Robert says he has the VMI Alumni Association to thank for reconnecting him with a high school friend from Lansdowne, PA. With all the active duty and pastoral moves, they had lost touch with one another. His friend got in touch with the VMI Alumni Association, and they have renewed their friendship and are beginning to catch up.

After the reunion, Robert and Pricilla drove to NC to visit their oldest daughter and her family. While there, Robert had the opportunity to baptize triplet girls in a local Episcopal Church. The family was a member at a church in FL where Robert served as rector. The details that go into this sacrament were demanding, but all turned out fine.

After the reunion, Ron and Mary Alice Marley stopped by New Bern, NC, and had a great visit with one of Mary Alice’s sorority sisters. Oldest daughter Tracy and her family are moving to Freeport, FL, where her husband will be the assistant fire chief for training. Tracy will continue to teach at a charter school, and their son, Sam, will be playing football for Freeport Junior High. The Marley’s anticipate making tracks to the panhandle to see their football star in action. Ron and Mary Alice took only one vacation trip this summer – to Hilton Head for a week. Ron says it was great, but you really need to be a golfer to get the full enjoyment of that place. They both continue to do lots of volunteer work, and it still brings them great joy and personal satisfaction. Later this year, Ron and Mary Alice will be in Daytona, FL, where Ann and I, along with Bud and Denyse Kramer, hope to link up for a week of debauchery, if we can still “debaucher.”

Jimmy and Linda Johnson are doing well, haven’t done much since the reunion. Jimmy works in the hospital several days a week, while Linda keeps the household going.

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Bonnie Pomponio celebrated her birthday at Wrightsville Beach, NC, with son Matt and his family, and they had a great time.

She took a road trip to VA, MD and PA to see family and friends. Bonnie was thrilled to hear all about the reunion and will always cherish the memorabilia from the memorial service that Jean Anderson sent to her.

Bob and Lois Hobson had a wonderful time at the reunion; only problem was it wasn’t long enough. They wanted the chance to visit with so many but just seemed to run out of time. On their way back to UT, they stopped in Branson, MO, and took in as many shows as they could, and Lois got to do some antiquing. Bob is not sure they will ever make the drive from UT to VA again. They put 5000 miles on the car and about 10 years on their bodies. When they stopped, Bob would turn off the engine and try to move his body. When he and Lois finally reached a vertical position, they would stand on opposite sides of the car talking until their backs decided it was time to move. Since returning home, they have been to OR to see their grandson and his wife. They stayed at the beach in Manzanita, and it was wonderful. They also have two grandsons on missions for their church, one in Aruba and the other in Brazil. The one in Aruba writes, “Do not believe the postcards.” They are not allowed on the beaches, and except for the beach, Aruba is nothing but a desert with cactus. Back home, Lois is working Bob hard since another granddaughter has decided she wants to have her wedding reception in their back yard. Bob did not realize this meant planting trees, removing, replanting, creating fountains, etc.

He thought it looked pretty good before, but now it has to be perfect! His granddaughter is pretty sweet, so he supposes that she is worth it. Bob and Lois also welcomed their third great-grandchild and first great-grandson, Crew Mathie, whose grandma is their oldest daughter. Bob was scheduled to have a pacemaker put in, but with all he has to do before the reception, he has postponed it until after the wedding. The Doc said Bob has a great orchestra, just a lousy conductor. Good luck, Bob; take care.

Max and Lee Ann Blanchard drove to Phoenix, AZ, for their grandson’s HS

graduation and a week later flew to Mason, OH, for another grandson’s HS graduation.

Four days later, they flew to FL to join their daughter and her family for a weeklong Disney cruise to the eastern Caribbean. They are now ready to stay at home and rest for a while.

John and Teddy Martin are still raving about how great it was to see everyone at the 50th Reunion. Again, they tip their hats to Dick Bingham, Bob Martin and Nolan Pipes for the memorial service honoring our deceased Brother Rats.

The opera world might have their “Three Tenors,” but the class of ’59 lays claim to the incomparable “Three Reverends” who have, over the years, served us well, and I can only echo what John and Teddi have said. The Martins traveled to TX in early June for the HS graduation of their oldest granddaughter and while there, took the opportunity to take the graduate and her younger sister for a 2-day stay on the Riverwalk in San Antonio. John and Teddi think the main reason we have children is the opportunity to enjoy and spoil grandkids! They have two more grandchildren in CO and two in Richmond that they are constantly working on!

Bill and Jenny Lee are fully enmeshed in the raising of their grandchildren. They had one batch visiting and another coming right after. Bill and Jenny continue to find great out-of-the-way places to visit. They recently spent a few nights at the Carribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Really a neat place, according to Bill – built in ’50 by the Puerto Rican Government in partnership with Hilton to promote tourism but has since been renovated.

Harlee and Barbara Pate took an extended visit to southwest VA’s “Mountain Empire” where they stayed with Dick Phillippi while his wife, Linda, was off playing at Myrtle Beach, SC. They got over to visit Jim Sam and Lucy Gillespie, and Jim Sam took them all for a guided tour of Burkes Gardens, a small community in Tazewell County located in the bed of an ancient sea known for its fertile land. They traveled along the Crooked Trail and enjoyed beautiful views, good company and exceptional music everywhere. Buzz and Virginia Noland report that nothing is new in their lives. Buzz is working a few days a week in Highland County as the part-time superVMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES intendent of schools. Buzz and Virginia continue to enjoy their life in Hot Springs, VA, just across the street from the Homestead and invite any Brother Rats passing by to stop in and sit a spell.

Joe Lawson and his long time buddy, Rogers McCall, are already planning to attend the 55th Reunion. Joe retired in‘04 after 44 years running his own management consultant firm, SESCO. Nowadays, he spends his time doing volunteer work, a little golf and honey-dos that his wife, Pat, never seems to run out of. Joe and Rogers get together each week at “Captain D’s” to enjoy each other’s company and share the latest good news.

Truman and Jackie Baxter are enjoying life tearing up golf courses in VA Beach. Truman had his first hole in one, a 167-yard par three. I didn’t know Truman could hit the ball that far. Jackie says Lloyd Thacker had a hip replacement and is doing fine.

Chuck and Margo Cotton thought it would be hard to top the 50th Reunion, but they did a good job of it when they got their family together at Hilton Head to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. It didn’t take Chuck long to recognize that he needs to do a lot of work on his golf game ever since his 13-year-old grandson, Shula, spotted him a stroke a hole and still beat him. Chuck shouldn’t feel too bad; Ann and I have known Shula since he was a baby and can vouch for the fact that he is a born athlete with the poise and coordination of a professional athlete. We all expect big things from him in the future. Chuck and Margo will join Ann and me in Hilton Head in October where they will show us the ropes for our upcoming celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary next year.

Bruce and Norma MacKenzie went to Halifax, Nova Scotia, with Caravan Tours for an exciting experience. When they returned, they rested up a bit before going down to FL with Elderhostel and the Okefenokee Swamp Program.

Bud and Denyse Kramer went on a 7800-mile motor home trip. They visited Glacier National Park, MT, and Mount Rushmore, SD. The Riverwalk in San Antonio, TX, was beautiful – the city has done amazing things with the waterway, quaint cafes and shops. Next was Las 2009-Issue 4

Vegas, where they left a little money on the table, and then beautiful Zion National Park, where they were dumbstruck by the red and orange colored rock on the mountain walls. While at the Grand Canyon, they stayed in a log cabin and nearly froze to death in the middle of June! In Yellowstone, they saw many wild animals from bison, to deer, bears, elks and wolves.

In Glacier, they saw snow on the peaks and mountain goats while driving on the “Going to the Sun Road” – a steep, narrow road that took them to the top of the mountain. The rest of their trip took them to northern Michigan, Canada and down the east coast where they visited family on both sides of the border.

Royall and Geri Geis are adjusting to Royall’s retirement for the third time. They spent a week in Hawaii at the Military Recreation Center with daughter Stacey, after which they flew to CA to take care of their grandchildren, Parker, 8, and Hope, 6, while Stacey and her husband went to the Caribbean for their wedding anniversary. Geri is still involved with barbershop singing and attended the SPEBSQA Society International Contest in Anaheim, CA, where she administered to a chorus from Chicago. Royall went along to provide a Marine Security Guard. Later they went to the Big Apple to see the revival of South Pacific on Broadway, and it was marvelous. Next they will travel to Vancouver, BC Canada, for a reunion of Geri’s college and Canadian friends, followed by another trip to NYC to enjoy the Christmas season.

But the most exciting upcoming trip will be next July when they will swap houses with a couple in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Bill and Connie Nebraska have been doing a bit of traveling this summer, as well. They traveled to Cleveland, OH, and VT to see their boys and their families. They try to get to see them about three times a year, just so the grandkids won’t forget them. They did make a side trip to San Antonio, TX, to attend the American Society of Safety Engineers Annual Conference. They make a “social” appearance at this function each year if they can, but since it is held in a different city every year, it sometimes is hard to do. Not this year – they had a great time sightseeing and visiting friends from the business world days.

’60

L. Edward Tolley

Brother Rats: Sadly, we lost another Brother Rat, BR Hugh H. “Buddy” Blackwell, on Friday, July 17, 2009. I had talked, for an hour or so, to Buddy only a couple months earlier. He was excited about our upcoming 50th Reunion and anticipated visiting with many Brother Rats who he had not seen since graduation. We told several “war stories,” laughed about the Col. Johns ’31 parade ground run following the nightly “bomb-in-the-courtyard” episodes, several Thanksgiving Day football games and associated Roanoke escapades, and trips to girls’ colleges. Many of you received the obituary sent to me by Kathryn Wise and forwarded to all e-mail addresses in my database. Buddy is survived by two daughters, Anne Blackwell Thompson and Kathryn Blackwell West, and three grandchildren. Both of Buddy’s parents are deceased, as are two sisters and one brother.

You will recall that Buddy was a civil engineering major. He had a career with Ingersoll-Rand Corporation in Georgia, Louisiana and Texas. In retirement, he lived in Danville, VA, belonged to the Moffett Memorial Baptist Church, was a member of the board of directors at Hope Harbor and was an active volunteer with God’s Storehouse. Buddy made his annual contribution to the Alumni Association a short time before he passed.

The trip to Texas was a grand success. We got our granddaughter married off to a very neat young man. The wedding activities were most enjoyable. In lieu of the traditional bachelor’s party was a combined family BBQ at the county sheriff’s home. It included karaoke, dancing, horseshoes, singing (some that I couldn’t identify) and a lot of just good wholesome fun.

No one was jailed!

Made the trip to visit Darryl Markland on the north side of San Antonio, where the deer and the antelope play. The deer were at it in the back yard as we sat and chatted. Was it hot?

Duh! Summers are always hot in that neck of the woods. Mark was gingerly walking on his right knee (an old Carroll Dale caused football injury acting up) but otherwise motivating with ease. A couple years back, when he had a queasy feeling that he had never previously experienced, something told him that he had better check it out with the doctors, he did. An immediate triple by-pass made him aware that he is not bullet proof. Everything seems to have worked out; he looks the same ole Mark, and we sat and talked for a couple hours about our varied careers, families and unique experi-

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CLASS NOTES ences. After an Air Force career of 27 years as a bio-environmental engineer, Mark worked in the environmental industry as a consultant and business executive for 13 more, enjoying it tremendously and doing very well. Unfortunately, Jean was bedridden with very debilitating back problems. Mark has serious doubts as to making the 50th.

Next on the visitation route was to Jon Parnell’s place in Georgetown, TX, north of San Antonio off I-35 about an hour. Jon has a half-dozen or so Arby’s Roast Beef restaurants scattered around Austin, Georgetown and San Antonio. Until Jon decided that he was running 24/7 and not enjoying it so much, he had three or four times as many Arbys. Jon is in excellent health, no doubt as a result of lots of good roast beef. Again, our chattering went on for a couple hours. He asked about many BRs; we told all kinds of war stories, laughed and cussed a couple times, maybe – maybe more! Jon is anxious to make the reunion to see all and his ole stomping grounds once again.

Tom and Jennifer Royster are now in Round Rock, TX, again in the San Antonio/Austin region of the hill country of Texas. Tom moved out of Florida to Santa Fe where he retired, but after a unique survey “of the best places to live,” he and Jennifer found Round Rock and went to Texas. No snow and ice, no lawn to speak of, very neat community and quiet.

After a delicious lunch prepared by Jennifer, Tom gave us a run-down of his roads traveled.

He has a very unique hobby that is collecting civil war letters and postage. It has turned into a book writing endeavor. His manuscript is about two inches thick and includes letters from General Robert E. Lee, General Stonewall Jackson and many other interesting people. The stamps are most interesting, as is the history of the origination of a Confederate Post Office and its ability to be a profitable government run department! The penmanship of various wives, men and children of folks of the era was perfect. Reminded me of my Dad’s emphasis on my ability to write and spell as a youngster.

You will want to get Tom to relate some of the stories that he has amassed in his research.

Bo Callaham was preparing to make a trip to Annapolis where his son, Scott, was to be promoted to Navy commander as a chaplain. We were not able to make our schedules match, but we’ll definitely see Neal and Pat at the 50th.

Bob and Betty Gianella were still running strong – Bob one way, Betty the other – so we had no time to visit. The Gianellas were going to visit the grandkids, since they had missed Father’s Day the weekend before. I think Bob was trying to finalize a deal to buy another coffee producing/packaging plant. They plan to make the 50th.

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Bill King had a company conference planned for three days, and thus I had to bypass making the Missouri City, TX, scene. We had a good chat by phone, and Bill is definitely still going strong.

Toot and Cecile Barr were out of town but returned the call, and we had a good chat. As you recall, Toot was in Virginia back in April.

The Barrs will be making the 50th.

Nance and I then made our way to Vivien, LA, where we spent the night with Fudd and Charlotte Caldwell. Fudd is still pumping oil from a gang of wells in the northwest corner of the state.

His son, Bo, has pretty much taken over as chief operator of the company, but Fudd still provides a lot of brain and some muscle power for the works. We ate a delicious and monster steak at their favorite restaurant followed by exchange of “what’s been happening.” I was in luck, because Fudd, et al, had “pulled a well” the day before we arrived, and so, next morning (at about 5:30 AM), I got to go out and witness reinstallation of a pair of valves in the well. Now, to replace two valves contained in an eight foot section of pipe in the bottom of a well over 1000 feet below the surface of the ground requires a great deal of know-how. Not to worry. The operation went like clockwork, and by 8:30 AM, the job was complete. I even got to “knock on” a section of the driving rod that causes the valves to actuate.

The chance to see how oil wells and the collection system works was a very rewarding experience for me. I’m sure that Fudd and Charlotte will make the 50th!

Much to my surprise and delight, Sam Miller called to say he was in Buena Vista visiting family and would come by the house. Man, does Sam look young! Well, what else do you expect from a “Charlie Co” man? We visited for over two hours going over our pre-VMI Rockbridge County days, as well as four years of maintaining the C-Co tradition. Sam worked for Northrop Grumman for 39 years as a radar expert and oddly enough, was stationed near Lancaster, CA, at the same time I was building a train terminal at Mojave, maybe 15 miles away. While living at Edwards AFB, California, with I-R, Sam worked on the B1-B bomber program. Previous to that, he worked on many versions of the F-4 aircraft for the Air Force, Navy and Marines whenever they had malfunctions. With the Air Force F-16 program, his main responsibilities were to report performance of the radar units associated. This man has had some very interesting assignments.

Except for short-time assignments, Sam has lived in Baltimore where he is retired. Goodwill now is in possession of his suitcases.

Carol Slattery sent me a card with the regrettable news that Steve Slattery is now in a nursing home being treated for Alzheimer’s disease, thus they will be unable to make our 50th

Reunion. Having attended our 40th Reunion, Carol had many, very nice words to say about VMI, the area and the people she met here. Our prayers go to both Steve and Carol for peace and comfort during such difficult days.

At VMI, Steve, Herb Vaughan and I dyked in room 119 (Wendy Whitfield ’57, Buddy Saunders’57 and Pete Riddle’57). Our nicknames were no-ass, candy-ass and iron-ass. Make your own call as to who got what name.

Jimmy Seeley called to update me on his list of six BRs to contact relative to the 50th.

The good news is that Small Man Worst, Walt Witschard and Carl Benner are planning to be there. Dave Lennon did not sound very positive, and voice contact with Carl Thornburg has not been made. Carl is in the Denver area, so we have some detective work to do or simply be persistent with phone calls. Jimmy and Carol are doing like most of us, i.e. taking our pills, making more notes, exercising (?) and everincreasingly, swearing at the evening news.

Now, BRs, by the time you receive this Review we will have a mere four months to get plumbed up for the 50th. Our goal is to have everyone physically able to attend to be there. Please review your booklet and schedule.

Make sure that you have sent us the various information requested. Get in touch with your roomies, teammates, company cohorts, drinking buddies, close friends, one and all. Should there be anything you would like to share with the class of ’60, don’t hesitate to call any of the committee, and let it be known. I am certain the event will be memorable and one you will not want to miss.

Rah Va Mil

’61

Sal Vitale Jr.

By now, you have probably realized that I prepare two sets of class notes. One set is without pictures for VMI publication in the Review, and one is sent to you via e-mail with lots of pictures of Brother Rats and other VMI alumni.

So, if you haven’t sent me your e-mail, you only get to see the version in the Review.

Since the May 14 class notes submittal date, events around the Vitale house got a little hectic. I was recovering from a routine knee surgery (the doctor replaced the worn out plastic between my two prosthesis), when, on Memorial Day weekend, I fell in the rear yard as I smelled my new roses. Sue was not able to get me up, so she ran across the street and secured the services of our oncologist neighbor.

When he saw me sprawled out with a limp right

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES leg, he said, “I am not an orthopedic doctor.”

I said, “Just help me up.” I tore the tendon completely off the bone in a split second. A week later, it was reconnected under the knee cap area, and the leg had to be completely immobilized for minimum of 30 days. During that time, I had difficulty sitting, and when I tried to take the two steps to and from the house, it was an event worth watching. To eliminate this situation, Brother Rat Bill Gibbings designed, constructed and installed a wood railing for me. It was a first class project and will remain in place forever. It is nice to have a BR a few houses away. I want to thank those of you who knew about my less than intelligent escapade and inquired almost daily of my health. It is also nice to have Doctors George Henning and Ashby Taylor on the recovery team. I am planning to have my adjustable brace off by the time Sue and I go to Alaska. Being in the house for three months was not pleasant.

The annual Richmond BR party was again held at Dick and Judy Youngblood’s house on the James River. Sue was not able to attend, because she was at Hood College in Maryland witnessing our daughter, Lynn, receive her M.S. degree.

Since I could not drive (due to my first surgery above), Bill and Joyce Gibbings took me to the festivities. This was the first time for many of us to meet Monica Durrette. Monica is completing her Ph.D. in counseling psychology. George Van Orden had his daughter, Lee, drive him to the party. Telling stories on George was fun. Those in attendance included: Jan and Rhett Clarkson, Russell and Gwen Stone, Bill Nelms, Hugh Gouldthorpe, Oscar and Caroline Mabry, Bill and Joyce Gibbings, Booty and Jane Farleigh, Dick and Judy Youngblood, Bill and Norma Phillips, Wyatt and Monica Durrette, John and Ann Woodfin, George and Lee Van Orden, Dick and Betty Jarvis, and Bill and Sue Daniels.

Some of the bunch are still working, like Durrette, Clarkson, Woodfin, Jarvis and Gouldthorpe, and they appear in tip top shape.

In June, Dude and Kathy Copenhaver returned to Bermuda to celebrate their first wedding anniversary. The ship was berthed in Baltimore. So, on their way back to North Carolina, they stopped to lunch with Ashby and Sandra Taylor on the Eastern Shore and then spent the night with us. It is hard to believe that a year has gone by since we witnessed their wedding. A trip to Delaware to visit the Winterthur Museum brought Brother Rats Larry and Jerri Wetsel, John and Doris Rudibaugh, and Bill and Joyce Gibbings together for dinner. John is retired from his business and is spending his time renovating a magnificent old historic house. Since John did business with the Norfolk and Southern Rail Road, Wetsel and Rudibaugh had many mutual friends, including

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one of my wife’s bridge partners.

I hope the e-mail sent out regarding Battle Haslam’s health reached you. Battle is “OK” and busy. Battle was asked to mentor four first class persons (two girls, two guys) in the Biology Department and spent six hours with cadets and their faculty; it was well received. Being a BR from the great VMI class of 1961, the Institute billeted Battle in the VIP quarters, now located in the lower level of the Protocol Building, and it was very nice. Battle’s generosity never ceases to amaze me. Steve Reithmiller’s ’63 (Chemistry Department) in-laws discovered a Steinway piano that Maury (Pathfinder of the Seas) bought for his daughters while he was on the VMI faculty. When Mike Bissell was commandant, he told Battle about the dire condition of the Maury piano .Well, you guessed it – Battle financed the total restoration, which was performed by a piano conservator in Annapolis, MD. The restoration took a couple of years, and when it was returned to VMI, it was placed in the commandant’s house exactly where Maury had placed it, and Battle was the first one to play it at the dedication ceremony. The piano is now on display in the museum. Battle loves to hunt, and so does his 14-year-old grandson, Wynn. This time, the hunting trip was a July safari in Zimbabwe – Battle’s third and Wynn’s first. Wynn quickly emerged as a phenomenal outdoorsman and hardworking hunter and took 11 animals, including a 1500-pound Cape buffalo and 2000pound giant eland; all were one-shot kills. It was a special bonding time for Battle and Wynn and a continuation of Mark Haslam ’91 legacy. You may remember Battle’s son, Mark, died unexpectedly at Christmas time in 2006, and Battle is dedicated to helping Wynn develop with a broad range of experiences.

The e-mails from you are a little slim on details, but at least you are communicating.

Ashby and Sandra Taylor visited with Battle Haslam not long after Battle returned from hunting in Africa. The Taylor’s have sons who live in Asheville. At a George C. Marshall Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America lunch meeting held in Moody Hall, Mitch Fridley ’89 introduced his father, Harrison Fridley who happened to be the Brother Rat of their guest speaker, and honorary chapter member Lt. Col. (USAF-Ret.) Jim Berger. According to a non-BR person in attendance, “Jim made a stirring presentation about his years as a POW in Vietnam, and the most fascinating part of Berger’s presentation was his candid response to numerous questions from members about how he survived in prison, how he communicated with other prisoners, how he was allowed to communicate with his wife, whether and how he received Red Cross support, and what he thought of Jane Fonda (not printable)

etc. Jim’s story is incredibly interesting, and he told it with emotion, eloquence and passion.”

Amen! Gerry Eubank’s son Chris Eubank ’91 is in Afghanistan commanding a battalion in the 82nd Airborne Division, and son Craig Eubank ’93 is a commander in the Navy Reserve and spends most of his time in Norfolk. Jim and Connie Oliver spent time in the UK visiting Jim’s brother. By the time you read this, he will have completed the Alaska trip with us. Bill Hala has managed to have an exciting couple of months. Bill managed to jackknife and roll his snow mobile he uses to pull a toboggan loaded with race equipment and thanks to a helmet, emerged in one piece. Helmets do serve a purpose, even for hard heads. Then, when Bill was moving his son’s household furnishings, the rear spring on Bill’s truck broke. After the truck was repaired, the mower deck was damaged by a tree root and needed welding.

When Bill and Sigrid left for Ontario, the brake line on the boat trailer broke, and after all that, Sigrid backed the truck into a parked car she didn’t see. Tom Whalen (my second semester Rat roommate) said the ski season ended very early this year, and he was saddened by it. In July, he was in China and then in November, he plans to be in Costa Rica and Guatemala cheering himself up for the next skiing season. Tom is still young at heart, single and enjoys seeing the world almost as much as skiing.

I planned to visit Joe Lisecki, my first semester Rat roommate, but it had to be postponed due to my knee and leg problems. I wanted to personally congratulate Joe for the book he coauthored entitled, Principles of counseling and psychotherapy: Learning the essential domains and nonlinear thinking of master practitioners, New York, NY, Routledge Publishers (2009) Joseph Lisecki, Gerald J. Mozdzierz, Paul R. Peluso. By the time Joe reads this, I hope to have made the visit to Chicago. Larry and Joann Respess were again visiting the children here in the east, and we had an opportunity to get together for supper. Larry may be thinking of retiring, and the Gibbings and I have suggested he come back east. (Lots of luck, I think, but who knows?). Larry called Roy Schall and according to Larry, they had a good conversation. Ed and Phyllis Hollowell took an eightday cruise on the bay, and it was super. Ed is still very active with the Coast Guard Academy and was pleased to learn that VMI will now have a Coast Guard commissioning ability .Did you know that Allison Drescher was an accomplished decoy carver? He carved a snowy egret for Sue Wells. Allison has been carving for many years and carved most of his hunting decoys. The annual old time music festival weekend at Tom Phlegar’s farm in New River was great with clear weather, a cold Friday

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CLASS NOTES night and a beautiful Saturday. The music was the best ever, and I hear Tom was dancing until the wee hours. Barry and Betty Orndorff were present, and Tom wished more BRs would take advantage of the event. There is no cost! Tom was persuaded to do it again next year. Dick Lindquist is enjoying his retirement in Florida.

Dick had been engulfed with paperwork and red tape necessary to allow his wife’s sister and her family to finally emigrate to the U.S. from Vietnam. Now that they are here, getting them settled and self sufficient has been pretty time consuming. Dick is very proud of his fifth grader relative who spoke no English in September ’08 and has just blossomed and become quite fluent in English during the school year.

The 1961 Red Book Addendum is a work in progress. As I remember, Jim Bickford received about 35 new stories and that brings the total to date to 165. Final delivery date for the Addendum is yet to be determined. Jim’s son, Chris Bickford, had a photography essay published in Burn Magazine which provides a platform for emerging photographers. His photo is entitled “Midnight Kiss Avenue C.” You can see more of Chris’s work at www.chrisbickford.com.

Still in the public limelight is Bill Maurer, the Statute of Liberty’s park ranger supreme. I saw Bill on five TV stations including Fox News and CNN on the opening of the crown to the public.

Bill has also written an essay on “Gilbert Stuart and the Woman Behind George Washington.”

It was published by The Early America Review, A Journal of Fact and Opinion, summer/fall 2009. To entice you, here is an excerpt from the book: “Mounted on the wall in the museum was a large and elaborate wall safe. Within the open doors was the gift of a Gilbert Stuart Athenaeum portrait of George Washington …”

Dick Stone has been in contact with several BRs who have been very quiet: Dick Hunneycutt and Honey Tarrall. Dick’s Rat year roommate, Dick Huneycutt, is well, and maybe we will see Dick and Rita at the 50th. Honey Tarrall manages to stay fit by snowshoeing about three miles to his “hut” near Vail Pass, visiting the red rock country in southern Utah in the spring and fall and in the summer hiking/ backpacking in the local mountains. Honey says that coming east is not on his agenda. I hope that all those BRs who want to see both men return for the 50th will start putting a little pressure on these guys. George Ward said that his current plans are to make it to our 50th, and it will be his first trip back. After spending years of not ever being in a hospital, George got rushed to the hospital for 12 days and a good deal of that time was in ICU. It turned out he had a big clot hit his lungs, and the doctor said the only explanation is, “I’m here by the Grace of God.” George also said that God will help

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him make it back to VMI and allow him to enjoy the grandchildren that hopefully will come from a recently married daughter. Several other BRs have surfaced, and I was very pleased to hear from them. John Moorcones is living in Arizona and contacted me through Face Book.

Yes, I am on FB and have reconnected with lost grade school friends and fourth generation relatives. Len Christie recently signed on to Face Book, and that is how I found out that Len is still in Oregon, just retired, still doing heart work in Haiti and watching his three sons mature. Charles Manly has had quite a career in the Texas Forest Service and the military and finally retired to a house on 38 acres of pine forest he had purchased many years ago in Texas.

During his stay in Germany, he attended the German hunting school and became a certified “Deutsche Jaeger.” Whatever that is, it sounds wonderful. I must ask Battle Haslam if he was ever certified. (Smile!) Ernie Johnson has an addition to his family: a grandson who Ernie says is VMI material. Jimmy Ring was disappointed when his grandson chose the University of Georgia in lieu of VMI. However, Jim is trying to recruit a pretty good football player for next year from Charleston, now at Fork Union. Bill Nelms is busy with the grandchildren, church activities and continues to work part time with his son, Jack. Bill also works out in the gym three days a week and goes dancing at least once a week. John Wiggins, who lives in Florida, has been dealing with a computer hacker who took John’s e-mail list and sent out e-mails saying that John is now the owner of a specialty discount house, and we should consider buying from John’s company. Getting this situation fixed is tough, so be careful with your e-mail list, and keep your security up to date.

Lou and Pris Shuba’s annual pig roast was better than ever. The home-grown, two-color sweet corn on the cob was to die for, and the fried flowers a gourmet delight, as well as the home brewed beer! Two pigs fed a hungry bunch of folks, and saving space for homemade desserts was difficult, but I managed. Jim McFalls ’59, Harry Shepherd ’58, Stu and Sylvia Woodcock, Larry and Jerri Wetsel, and Sue and I had a great time. Jim McFalls is quite the story teller, and it was fun listening to Coach McKenna stories. Carl and Becky Hirsch have been spending lots of time in Austin Texas.

During their last trip, they drove to Houston and met Troy “L.T.” and June Jones at the Houston Science Museum. They saw the Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit from China and then had dinner together. Ray and Sally Hanlein had a chance meeting at the Paul McCartney concert.

The Hanlein’s were drinking beer while waiting for the concert to start and watching some of the 60,000 people in attendance, and out of

nowhere, Don and Ibis Kern appeared. For a small school, we sure do get around. Ray said it was a great concert, and the three encores lasted 30 minutes. On Friday nights from 4:30 PM to 7:00PM, Bill and Joyce Gibbings host a beer and cookies party for all who want to attend.

Actually, quality beer, wine and great nibbles are served. During the last few months, Garland Payne, Larry Wetsel and a bunch of other Gibbings friends made Friday evening something to look forward to. So, if you are in Virginia Beach on a Friday, Bill says come by.

I get mixed reviews from you when I identify those on the “Gim List.” No one likes to hear bad news. It is my view that when you know that someone is having a health problem and you have gone through the same problem, a few encouraging words from you can go a long way to hasten healing. Knowing that someone else lived through a serious health condition is very helpful in giving hope, as well as comparing conditions and treatments. Cancer is a terrible word and engenders all kinds of issues and sometimes leads to a lot of nasty conclusions. However, many kinds are curable, and living proof of it is the best medicine to those who are currently coping. I know that several of you have supported each other through tough times, because you knew. Karl Zick has a cancerous growth on the right side of his throat, and extensive testing showed that it has not spread and is in a treatable location. Buzz Bossart has bladder cancer, and his doctors feel that since it was diagnosed at an early stage, a low amount of chemo and radiation for six weeks will take care of it. Joe Preston is doing better after his back surgery and can now walk almost a 1/4 mile without a walker or cane. It was very sad to learn that Doug Ballard, who we have not heard from in years, is in his 11th year of stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Doug is in a wheel chair; has dementia and is only a tiny version of his former self. Mike Pitt ’60 is recovering nicely from prostate cancer surgery (the seeds). Sue Wells is undergoing chemo and coping with her problem. Sue appreciates the calls, cards, flowers and prayers from Brother Rats and their wives. Andy Thacker got an infection in his system that finally settled in his knee. The remedy was two months of antibiotic infusions. The antibiotics had an adverse effect on several vital organs, and he is still recovering and expects to be at the 50th. John Purner is having more issues with his eyes and is under the care of a special eye hospital in Tallahassee, FL. John still manages to swim laps every day.

John Steadman has been going through hell with his back. It seems the doctors have trouble agreeing on what has to be done. John knows enough about back surgery that he plans to apply for a back specialist license. I wonder if Archie Ramirez, M.D., has ever talked to John about

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES his back? Sigrid Hala is still on the mend, and Bill says she is doing well. George Ward is scheduled for two hip replacements, so he can be more active and not be so prone to forming clots from lack of exercise. Jerry Eubank is dealing with several issues – macular degeneration and the onset of glaucoma, pleurisy and his lungs are not functioning at full capacity.

George Van Orden says that his doctors were able to determine that his heart is in good shape, and his problems arise from an irritation in part of his brain (not a tumor) that causes him to have seizures. Proper medication seems to have resolved the problem, and he will probably have to take medication for the rest of his days. Jim Harrison is getting around but not that well, due to post polio problems. Jim’s wife, M.C., is about the same. Ken Patrick has been cleared to have a kidney replacement, and now he is searching for a donor. Roy Schall is still waiting for a liver transplant. His health has improved enough that he has moved higher on the eligible list. As of the writing of these notes, both Patrick and Schall are going to Alaska. Please remember all our BRs and spouses in your prayers.

I was saddened to learn that Brother Rat Lee Everett passed away on June 29th in California.

Lee and Frank Semans worked together at CALTRANS and retired several years ago. The class was represented at the funeral by Lynn Hartford, Tom Whalen and Frank Semans.

Betty Everett was very pleased to see Brother Rats and the red white and yellow flowers.

Sometimes, it is at a time like this that you learn something about people that you didn’t know before. Tom Bradshaw said that not only was Lee a special guy, Lee introduced Tom to VMI, and that is why Tom went to our school. I talked to Lee several times during the past year, and we all hoped he would make it. You never know.

For those of you who may not have heard, BR George Henning has been elected to the VMI Hall of Fame. The official initiation will be at the HOF banquet on Friday evening Oct. 30, 2009. The next day, George will be honored during the review parade and again at half time during the VMI vs. Charleston Southern Univ. football game. George served as the football team doctor (gratis) for over 35 years. He traveled with the team to away games and was present for all home games. George has served VMI football longer than any person, past or present. Join me in congratulating George for his service to VMI. We have been through a lot together, and I hope that our 50th will bring back those BRs who have been missing. I am really looking forward to going to Alaska, and I am sure I will have some great BR pictures to share with you by e-mail. So, please stay in touch, stay healthy, and may God bless you and VMI.

2009-Issue 4

’62

Jerry Burnett

Dear Brother Rats: First, I would like to thank the 139 Brother and Sister Rats who contributed to VMI during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009 – 51.31% of our class made financial contributions to the Institute. I am especially pleased that 16 of our Brother Rats contributed over $3,000 each during this period. I am pleased that our class exceeded all other classes from 1960-79 in total giving. However, there were some classes that had 63% participation.

Our class ranked ninth out of 20 in percent participation for the classes of 1960-79. I would like to see our class lead the pack, since our BR Binnie Peay is superintendent.

Tony and Judy Curtis have sent out a request for biographies to the second batch of 50 Brother Rats. Please try to get them in on the deadline. Thanks to all of you who have copied your bios to me. I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of our Brother Rats.

Earl and Joan Severo sent a nice note recently. They have retired effective July 1, 2009.

After retiring from the Air Force in 1991, Earl started a space launch and satellite processing commercial company. This business entity, Spaceport Systems International, L.P. (SSI), manages and operates facilities at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The business has been in operation since 1993. ITT is the majority owner of the limited partnership. Earl retired as the CEO of SSI and ITT VP, Director Spaceport Operations. He will stay on as chairman of Spaceport Management Corporation’s Board of Directors. He said, “After 47 years in the space surveillance, satellite processing and space launch business, Joan and I are going to travel and see family and friends. We have four trips planned in 2009, including a one-month visit to our “old haunts” in New England. We will stay in our current home in Vandenberg Village on the central coast of California. I will keep you posted on our travels.” Earl, congratulations on a successful career and much happiness to you both in retirement.

In April, George Dyer ’66 invited all the former members of the VMI Southside Chapter of The VMI Alumni Association to an outing at his beautiful home in Henry County. Some the of the alumni present were Robert Bushnell ’73, Judge Samuel Hairston ’47, Clyde Hooker Jr. ’42, Gen. Carroll Thackston ’55, Mark Thackston ’92 and others who may have left before we arrived late. Our Brother Rats living in the area are Paul Ross and Charles Prillaman.

I had a nice note from Bobby Mitchell re-

questing addresses of all our Brother Rats who played football beginning in 1958. He said that a football reunion is being planned for September for the 1958-64 football teams to include players, trainers and managers. Bobby is the contact person for the reunion for the class of ’62. You may want to contact him.

John Anthony, founding president and chief executive officer of the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations and an adjunct associate professor of “Politics of the Arabian Peninsula and Gulf” at the Center of Contemporary Arab Studies at Georgetown University, has accepted an invitation to join the Department of State’s Advisory Committee on International Economic Policy. This is a two-year term which meets four times a year and serves the U.S. Government in an advisory capacity by providing insight, guidance and assistance to the department’s economic and foreign policy planning process. Congratulations, John. John and Cynthia spent a delightful two days in June in Chestertown, MD, with Jack Carles, Robert Evans, Geoffrey Mitchell and Bill Sydnor, along with their wives/friends. Jack had found a wonderful large house on a horse farm that the 10 of them rented and had all to themselves for the entire stay. He said, “Over the course of many conversations, none mentioned the 50th Reunion yearbook.” Hopefully, all have been contacted by now. Again you will all be interested in reading about our Brother Rats, so please get your bios in.

Butch and Mona Armistead are planning a two-week trip to Alaska in August where they will be joined by Walt and Mary Perrin. I hope you guys have a nice trip.

Howard Cobb sent me some pictures from his time as class agent from 1987-92. Howard and Nell are the proud grandparents of George Saffer Cobb born July 1, 2009, son of Maria and Kenneth Cobb ’89. Howard was at the VMI leadership outing on June 5th and saw Dave Plageman, Columbus Cartwright, Doug Marechal and BR Binnie Peay. I played in the golf tournament and saw Columbus and Doug but had to leave after the golf for a board of trustees meeting at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia.

Thanks for all your cards, letters and notes.

In the Spirit … Jerry Burnett

’63

Michael J. Curley

Wow! I hate to start off this quarter’s notes with news of a Brother Rat’s death but at this stage of life, although unpleasant, it’s a part of our life. I am very sad to tell you that Dan Ogle

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CLASS NOTES died of cancer on June 9th at his home in Washington, DC, after a long illness. Happily, many in his VMI family were able to speak with him in his last weeks and noted that he retained his wickedly effective sense of humor right to the last. About 10 of us were able to attend his remarkable memorial service at St. Alban’s in DC, where we listened to some interesting and entertaining eulogies that pegged his character and love of his fellow man. Most impressive to me was the apparent love between his beloved Missy, Dan’s children and his former wife, Linda. My hat’s off to Dan, for I have never been able to pull that little trick off. Although many nice tributes to Dan were forwarded to Missy, my favorite was an e-mail from Paul Thomson, his fellow Marine. “It was painful to read your announcement of Dan’s death last

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night. I spent a good part of the rest of the night thinking about the good times. I have a lot of very fond memories of our years together at the Institute on the Cadet Staff and trips to DC with Moose, J.J. and Beaver. He had many talents as a writer and a musician. I introduced him to his first wife. He stopped in Lexington when I was still in law school on his way back from Okinawa, and our paths crossed again in the Marine Corps when he was at the ceremonial unit at 8th and Eye. He was a dedicated supporter of VMI and a good man. We have all lost a great friend and Brother Rat. Semper Fi.” We love you, Missy, you’ll always be a part of ’63! Dan’s obituary appears in the Taps section of this issue. Sadly, I must also report the death of Bob Lineweaver’s wife, Sharon, on Aug. 13th. Our prayers are with you, Bob! In addition, I noted

in this morning’s Richmond Times Dispatch that Beau Walker’s mom, Christine Walker, died on Aug. 14th. Mrs. Walker was prominent in the art community in Virginia Beach for many years. We’re sorry for your loss, Beau.

As parents, we all know that it doesn’t get any worse that the loss of a child, at any age.

Unfortunately, Kyle and Ann Kiesau lost their 41-year-old son, Christian, to a tragic automobile accident earlier this month. Christian lived with his wife, Melony, and son Kyle in Stafford, VA, where he was a very active volunteer in the community. There is no understanding, Kyle and Ann … only prayers. We grieve with you!

A message from our webmaster and computer guru, Art Phaup: “We are now www.vmi63. net. In order to provide enhanced services, it was decided to relocate our Web host and at

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3 4

Class of 1963 5

Photo 1: At Lake Winnepesaukee in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, home of the Hargys, were, from left, Mike Smither, Bunny Reynolds, Moose Peckham, Don Hargy, Sleepy Moore and Yogi Doar, August 2009.

Photo 2: From left: Mike Smither. Yogi and Sherry Doar, Don and Karin Lee Hargy, Betty Smither, Sleepy Moore, Cindy Peckham, Bunny Reynolds and Moose Peckham.

Photo 3: Honored at their Benedictine High School 50th Reunion in Richmond, Virginia, May 2009, were Doug Rowe, Mike Curley, Randy Williams and John Yurachek.

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Photo 4: According to Class Agent Mike Curley, “Charlie Walton got a red light transport after an exciting ride aboard Hobbs Goodwin’s ‘Big Toot’ in August 2009. He’s OK, by the way!”

Photo 5: Wayne O’Hern and Yogi Doar, both USAF veterans, standing guard at the Air Force Memorial in Washington, DC, August 2009.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES the same time re-designate ourselves as www. vmi63.net as opposed to the former designation We are truly a ‘network’ of Brother Rats.”

Artie continued, “We had a great week in Duck with wonderful weather, food and family-ship.

I didn’t get a change to link up with Bobby and Brombey Earle, as our days were very active with the little ones at the beach and pool.” He also mentioned the unflattering editorial in a recent “Richmond Times Disgrace” (Mell Lacy’s term for the rag) regarding women at VMI and discriminatory treatment.

It was this article that produced a loud chorus of comments from the troops and a flurry of e-mails. My daughter, Britt’s, response was directly to the point and made me very proud!

She wrote, “Honestly, I think the STP program, or another physical fitness program that’s more localized, should be mandatory to get people in shape for the upcoming term, so that they don’t run into these kinds of problems. If you don’t prep, you can’t hang … obviously, you don’t care enough to be there (i.e., you care more about the title than the experience and rewards) to make the extra effort to be there. Make sense?”

Yes, my love, it certainly does, says your dad.

Jim Horn, who was with us for only our Rat year, is an amateur poet and frequently sends me his writings which are really quite good. He ends his most recent work, “…So just between you and me, Could be that Class of ‘63, Who are way beyond all measure, Something you should truly treasure.” This was followed by his usual signature, “James Thesarious Hilarious Horn, Class of 1963 Dropout, Which now is never funny, Because I ran out of all my money.” (mjc: Imagine the results had Col. Herbert Nash Dillard snagged him and managed to mold him into a contemporary poet?)

Everybody’s on road trips! Walt and Karen Kleine will be “in Tulsa for a few days in mid to late August for the birth of grandchild #21. (mjc: Holy Cow, that’s a lot!) Then we’re going to upstate NY to visit friends for about three weeks, then stop in Joplin on our way back to visit Karen’s brother and sister, then Tulsa again for a couple of days and then Dallas to visit more kids before returning home.” Kent and Celia McCraney are leaving “for a road trip of our own on Sept.14th and will be gone for three weeks to visit Celia’s parents (both 92) and then on to Nags Head for a week and Myrtle Beach for a week.

Our kids are joining us on the various ventures.”

Tom Snyder wrote me back in July with an offer to buy me a cup of coffee … all the way from Alberta, Canada. “Wonder if I might buy you that cup of coffee we missed out on last fall? If you’re around, I’ll be in Richmond for a family reunion at my brother’s this coming weekend and would love to catch up if we can manage. Let me know your schedule, and I’ll

2009-Issue 4

be in touch. I’m flying to NYC Tuesday to visit my son who is in film school and then in DC Thursday and Richmond Friday afternoon.” So, Peg and I hustled down to Tom’s hotel early one morning and had a delightful breakfast meeting with Tom … what a treat, one of my favorite guys – a good soccer and baseball player, too!

Did I mention that Tom has a fabulous bass voice and is still singing?

I can always count on Kent McCraney for a good laugh He’s definitely in the “retired” mindset. See if you can pick it up in this e-mail.

Kent writes, “When we came out here, I told Celia it would be a new house or a tent (yes, tent – not rent). I got sick of repairing stuff and wasn’t going to buy another existing house.

My son is going through that stuff now with an old house they bought. Not much going on.

Just hot trying to play golf twice a week. We’re supposed to get together with Walt Klein and Pete Brunel in August in Tulsa. Dates are up in the air right now. Guess we wait and see …

It has been 2 ½ years now since I worked and made any money. Living on retired military pension and social security. Glad I waited until 66 to start that. Still have my life and health insurance license but not sure I want to do that.

Thought about real estate (residential) but not sure I want to take the time to do that. I’m not looking at making a million or anything like that. Just looking for pocket change. Might get a part-time job doing something, but I’m too picky. Sounds like I’m going to be lazy for another six months, doesn’t it? Also, thought about writing three books, but again, it’s getting off my ass that is the problem. Aren’t you glad you asked?” (mjc: Can anyone hear that big yawn coming from down Kansas way?) Told him about Bob and Bromby Earle buying a side of beef from Mike Godfrey, and he continued.

“I think buying a side of beef is a great idea.

We did a quarter beef and a quarter hog years ago and had a freezer for years. Now, we just do the one fridge and eat out a lot (too much).”

Then suddenly realizing he had been writing for about an hour he said ‘Now, just think, in the time it took to write this e-mail, I could have written one of those books.”

“Charlie Walton fell from the bridge deck to the main deck on our boat ‘Big Toot,’” writes Hobbs Goodwin. “We were returning from a wonderful weekend on the water, and when we were preparing to dock at our home, Charlie slipped on the stairs going down, breaking five ribs. We had to call the rescue squad, as there was no way that we could remove him ourselves. He spent the first couple of days in the ICU at our local hospital but should be, as of today, in a regular room for another 3-4 days.

He is doing well, considering his injury, and is well taken care of. His humor is alive and well,

and he is comfortable. The phone number of the hospital is 800/296-8009. Rappahannock General, Kilmarnock, VA. Rah Virginia Mil, Rah, Rah, Rah!” (mjc: Where did that come from?)

Shortly after sending out the e-mail telling about Charlie’s misfortune, Buff DeLeo writes, “Charlie should know by now to wear his helmet and Kevlar vest when going out on a mission with Hobbs ... LOL. Give him my best, and tell him the Buffer appreciates his ‘service to his country’ very much ... LOL. Love to Mike but I’m heading for Basrah shortly. Give my best to Steve Riethmiller (mjc: Steve and Peggy held a get-together on the 50th anniversary of our matriculation, 9/9/2009!), and tell him I’d be honored to be there, if only ... Tell the guys to have one for the Buffer ... God bless!”

Don’t hear much from these two Brother Rats, so it’s a treat when they do write. From Tim Herty: “On Aug. 1st, my wife, Lois, and I came back from BBC’s annual ‘Corn Roast’ rides at The Union Mills Homestead in Westminster.

Ten months ago I was on the operating table undergoing total knee replacement for both knees.

Yet, there I was, climbing those hills around Long Arm Reservoir and riding down hills at an amazing 30 MPH. We followed it up with ‘Corn Roast’ Chicken, Tomatoes, Apple Sauce, Sweet Tea and all the roasted corn you could eat. Today, Aug. 5th, Lois and I registered to cycle the Sea Gull Metric Century (61.7 miles) in Salisbury, MD, Saturday Oct. 10th. Our rider numbers are 3534 (L) and 3535 (T).” (mjc: WOW, Good Luck!)

This could be the absolute first time I’ve heard from Carl Colonna. Even if his wife did the writing, I’ll count it as a 1st! She wrote, “Carl will be giving a lecture series in Wyoming in August and September and also will do a book signing. Carl and I just returned from a trip to the mountains of Virginia to see some old friends. We currently reside in Newport News, VA. I am still working as a Reading Recovery teacher in York County. Carl’s stepson, James, will be married in September 2009. Carl’s stepdaughter, Erin (James’ twin sister), is planning a wedding for May 2010. His daughter and my stepdaughter, Morgan, will be a junior in Smithfield High School. She is enjoying competition cheering. Last year, her team won the state championship. Needless to say, we have some busy times ahead of us. Carl and Rodney Hollowell ’61 talk every other day on the phone and see one another monthly. He resides in Hertford, NC. Hope this will do. Looking forward to seeing the next issue.” Thanks for writing, Jamie, and good luck at the races!

Let’s get the story behind a couple of the pictures. Mike Smither says, “Six Brother Rats enjoyed a reunion in July in Wolfeboro on New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee. Karen

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CLASS NOTES and Don Hargy moved there a couple of years ago, and Cindy and Charlie Peckham live not too far away. As Sherry and Yogi Doar were visiting the Peckhams, and Bunny Reynolds and Sleepy Moore were on their way back from a motorcycle trip to Quebec, Betty and I made a quick trip from the White Mountains to join them at the Hargy’s followed by dinner in town. (Charlie, Yogi, Bunny, Sleepy, Donnie and Mikie – sounds like six of the Seven Dwarfs.) Let us pause in silence for a moment of reflection. We will long remember the date of Wed., Sept. 9th, 1959 – the day that 345 of us signed the register at VMI. ‘The world will little note, nor long remember ... ’, but we remember and remember well. Fifty years ago. Damnation! The rest, as they say, is history. Everybody stay healthy. I hope to see you soon.”

Yogi Doar adds his two cents:“ … Just wanted to add a few things to Smither’s letter. Prior to visiting with Cindy and Charlie Peckham in NH and having a great evening and dinner with them, Don and Karin Hargy, Bunny Reynolds, Sleepy Moore, and of course, Betty and Mike Smither, Sharon and I stopped in to see Wayne O’Hern in Arlington. The service for Dan Ogle was two days before our trip, and we were disappointed that we couldn’t get there in time for that, as we really wanted to show our support for Missy.

However, as I mentioned to you earlier, we were supposed to have dinner with her while we were visiting with Wayne, but as you know, she tripped and fell at the church just prior to Dan’s service and got some bruises. So, she, unfortunately, had to cancel. (mjc: Missy later had three new teeth implanted for the ones she broke. How’s that for an entrance to your husband’s memorial service?)

Sharon and I are planning to be in Arlington on the 31st for the interment. Anyway, back to our visit with Wayne. As you probably know, he has been suffering for several years with a respiratory ailment. However, this time he seemed better than we have seen him in a while! He was a wonderful host and went with us to visit the new Air Force Memorial, American Indian Museum and 9/11 Memorial at the Pentagon. Quite a long day for him and us, but his stamina was much better than I would have expected. He has adjusted to his condition very well and knows his limits. It was a treat for us to be able to share the time with him and to see him in relatively good health. He has some great stories to tell about his time on the White House staff during Jimmie Carter’s presidency. We enjoy our yearly visits to the North Country. It’s amazing that there are so many of our Brother Rats there! I’ve attached a couple photos of our visit with Wayne.” (mjc: Thanks for contributing, Yogi!)

I’ve always enjoyed Bob Mathews and his self-engaging debates. When invited to come to Lexington by the Riethmillers, Bob replied in

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predictable fashion: “This is a fine idea. I have no reason to suppose I can really do this, but I might just get there, towing my little 13-foot Casita travel trailer behind me. A lot of links must be forged and then coalesce into hard metal. It could just come off IF: IF I don’t land a county government job to which I’ve applied …

IF I can get all the tax work I need to do done

by Labor Day …

IF I can pull together the finances, not insignificant for a cross-country road trip …

Oh, well; you get the concept.

Don’t add my name to your food-and-drink list just yet, but I’ll let you know as soon as I can.

Thanks for yawls’ imagination and initiative!”

Bob, you make my day worthwhile! Thanks.

That’s all from The Holy City for now. Pray for our troops in harm’s way, our departed and those on the GIM. God bless! … Curleyrat

’64

John R. Cavedo

By the time this Alumni Review arrives in your mail boxes, we’ll have already had our 45th Reunion. The write-up for that historic event will have to wait until the November submission (not arriving until Feb ’10). If I have your e-mail address, you’ll get the details three months earlier.

In the meantime, just a few more notes on the China trip from May 2-22nd. Bill Rodier did an excellent job of submitting notes for the previous Alumni Review. The trip reinforced in my mind the absolute joy of traveling with Brother Rats and spouses while seeing historic and magnificent parts of the world. If you haven’t joined one of five earlier mini reunions, you should consider seriously joining one of the future ones already being planned for 2010 – the Nile River in the spring and Russia in the late summer or early fall. After the reunion, the only information which will be passed out will be the specific itinerary and dates for future trips.

If you want to suggest a different specific trip, the ball will be in your court to initiate contact with me. I’ll be happy to help with all planning and coordination.

Rick Beirne e-mailed, “I’m working for URS under contract with the Corps, and in July, will be leading an URS QA team of eight others on the construction of a new 7th Special Forces Group complex at Eglin AFB. They are relocating from Ft. Bragg as part of the military realignment. Scheduled completion is August 2011, so as long as health holds up, I’ve got job security. I understand I’ll also be assuming responsibility for our fellows at Eglin AFB on

another task assignment and Tyndall AFB. I’m still buying cars; otherwise, I’d take the retirement route. I suppose between social security, reserve military retirement and 401K, I could do so. But the 401K took such a nose dive this past year, I can’t afford to retire just yet. I had a double by-pass three years ago, which kept me from returning to Baghdad as a URS employee.

Since then, I’ve met a younger architect who was granted a visa. I plan on bringing Sana to the reunion in September and show her around the Post. She’s hanging out at my house until she can buy a house with her sister (who came to the U.S. but returned to work in Baghdad as a green card U.S. employee).”

Rick went on to say he and his daughter have taken a few trips together. He did enclose a photo which should be in the Review.

Mike Grine e-mailed, “It’s been too long since I kept up on what VMI has been doing.

I live in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The word tahlequah is Cherokee for ‘two is enough.’ At the end of the ‘trail of tears,’ three Cherokee chiefs were supposed to get together to choose the new capital for the Cherokee Nation. Due to the thousands of Native Americans who did not complete the ‘trail (the reason is debatable), one of the chiefs didn’t show up. One of the two chiefs present said “Tahlequah,” so they chose Tahlequah as the capital. Tahlequah is located about 1 hour SE of Tulsa, so we’re in the NE corner of Oklahoma. I taught for 3 years at the local university (Northeastern State University) and decided to stay here after I left the university. I presently occupy some of my time teaching (substituting) in the public school system. I’ve taught all grades from K to 12th, but most of my time last year was in the high school. I’m amazed how different things are now in schools compared to how they were when we went through the grind, mostly (in my opinion) due to the vast amount of information available on computers. My son lives in Wimbledon, England. Last summer, I visited during the tennis tournament and attended two days of matches. The courts are a 20-minute walk from my son’s home. This year, I will visit during December, so we can spend Christmas together. Last year, my son’s wife delivered my first and only grandchild (a son), so I’m always happy to visit. They even trusted me to babysit one night, so they could have their first night out since the birth. It looks as if I’ll be laid up for knee surgery either late summer or early fall, so I won’t be doing any traveling until December.”

Wally Hawkins’ wife, Lilly, died on July 1st after fighting metastatic melanoma, stage 4, for well over a year. Lilly was the sister of BR Tom Faulkner. Wally sent in the following just prior to Lilly’s death: “I retired in January 2008, after

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES 40 years in human resources with Burlington had a lot of fun shopping in Larimer Square. top of that, I am traveling to national tournaIndustries. Being retired has given me a chance Dolores took the girls shopping in Boulder and ments with my softball team, and this is right in to spend lots of time with Lilly as her care another neat little town called Nederland (not to the middle of our busy season. So, I just did not giver. Sometimes she has to coach me on how be confused with Neverland!). We also went to feel that I should take off another weekend to to ‘help’ her. I am able to play tennis about Breckenridge to spend the day with Gary and be fair to my partner. I think I might try to make three days a week, as Lexington has quite a Carol Gosnell. They live at an altitude of 10,000 the five-0 reunion if I am still kicking. Give my number of seniors who play a pretty good brand feet which takes time getting acclimated. We regards to all.” of tennis. We use the indoor courts at W&L had a great time with both BRs and their wives.

He also said he wouldn’t recognize anyone during cold weather. When Lilly is able to, we In Boulder, we also saw Harvey’s son, Jon, and except possibly Tom Davis, since it had been visit our children. We have a son who lives his wife, Laura, who are expecting their first so long. He doesn’t remember seeing any BRs in Arlington, VA, and works for the National child in July. When we were in Breckenridge, since his Army days. Jeff’s memories of VMI Association of College Admission Counseling.

Gary showed us a framed copy of his famous are not that fond, but he would like to renew Our daughter is married to an emergency room VMI letter from General Shell where he was put acquaintances with many of his BRs. doctor and lives in Shelby, NC. We have a total on ‘Alumni Probation.’ You will recall that we Don Jones e-mailed that he had a physical of six grandchildren.” presented this formerly lost letter to Gary at our recently which turned out very well. He wrote, Bill Crone wrote, “Dyan and I have many 40th Reunion. In keeping with the occasion, he “I take no medication of any type, and the only fond memories of bountiful Thanksgiving hangs it in his downstairs bathroom over the toiproblem are these stupid cataracts of the aggresdinners spent with the entire Faulkner family let. We also went to West Virginia for Elizabeth’s sively growing type. One is gone, and the other when we were in school during those football family’s annual Fourth of July picnic – tons of is on its way out as of next week. My left eye is weekends. As you recall, that’s when we played great food and Blue Grass music. Elizabeth’s the worst because of Kara Konis, but that will Tech nose-to-nose and whipped them more brother-in-law plays in a local group. We stopped be partially fixed also, and then I’ll be as good often than not, and not only in football, but all off and spent the night in Lexington with Helen as new and on my way to make up for lost time sports. But that was secondary to the hospitality and Tom Davis. Of course, we also looked at a this summer, doing car related stuff and being offered each year by the entire Faulkner clan few houses in the area.” ready to make the 50th. By the way, we have to Dyan and me on Thanksgiving Day. What Jeff Crump, one of my roommates, in tickets for the VMI-Army game at West Point was so great was the Faulkner’s treating us like response to my kidding about how old we on Nov 14. Reservations are set, and maybe family, and Dyan and I eagerly looked forward were all getting, responded that poor eyesight some others would like to have a mini reunion to the gathering each year more than the game. helps when you look in a mirror. He will not be there also. We know of a great place to eat, and The food was great, but their family was simply coming to the 45th Reunion. “I am still working we can have a great meal before or after the magnanimous. I even recall them providing full-time and have a new partner in the practice game. Game time is TBA, as it is a nationally Dyan and me a change of clothes after the rain of law. My partner of 33 years died not too long televised game and an interesting one.” drenched game we won 6-0. What a wonderful ago, so my new partner and I are working hard Hugh Fuller will not be able to attend our family, and Lilly was just so much fun to be to continue the firm. (I suppose I could retire 45th. He sent in the following: “The 50th around. The Faulkner family will always be comfortably, but I really do like what I do.) On Reunion for my prep school has been moved special to us, and we mourn their loss.” from the usual reunion time in May to Tom Davis sent in the following: “Lilly the fall in order to coincide with the had fought a long and brave battle against school’s 100th Anniversary Celebracancer. I attended the funeral service for tions. That being the case, it puts the her in Lexington’s Presbyterian Church two reunions in conflict, and I have They Were Heard and was ‘very touched’ by one page in to choose. Since I spent eight years, the bulletin. People in previous days had almost all of my formative life, at St. From—VMI Alumni been asked to submit one word that, in Albans, I am choosing their reunion In the Civil War their estimation, characterized Lilly; I and will be unable to attend the 45th Author: B. David Mann counted about thirty-five words on that for my VMI class. I am sorry, as I had (‘46/49 - C) page, including these: courageous, strong, begun to look forward to being at VMI This monograph details the roles hero, genuine, love, nurturing, radiant, more than I had expected.” of VMI alumni on both sides of the inspirational and fun.”

Dyan Crone forwarded the following Civil War. Paper Back . . . . . . . $6.95 During the days immediately followfrom a woman named Rowena Prentice: ing Lilly’s death, many of you BRs sent “Just wanted to share this with you: I am The Corps Forward your thoughts and prayers Wally’s way. in San Antonio, TX, teaching and have Editor: Col. William Couper (1904) All of us can be grateful for the support Foreword: Col. Keith E. Gibson (1977) 51 young Army officers in my class. of family and friends during times of Well, there is this guy (Christopher AdThe gripping story of every cadet extreme grief. ams ’03) who graduated from VMI and and faculty member who marched In June, Hank and Elizabeth Cronin, loves, and I mean LOVES “Uncle Ron.” to New Market. together with their daughters, JenHe says Colonel Ron Williams will not Hardcover with Dust Jacket . .$49.95 nifer and Lindsay, went to Colorado to remember him, but he will remember Paper Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$19.95 visit Dolores and Harvey Sargent. Hank his dyke – Rob Mason ’00.

All sales benefit VMI Museum & Alumni Association wrote, “We stayed with them in their “So, I am telling you that he says beautiful new house in Boulder. Elizabeth Uncle Ron was the MOST LOVED Order direct from Mariner Publishing took the girls to Denver to see where she person ever in the history of VMI. He (540) 264-0021 lived when we met in 1973, and they could not say enough kind things about www.marinermedia.com/bookstore.html

True accounts of VMI’s remarkable Alumni in the Civil War

2009-Issue 4

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CLASS NOTES him and wanted to send his best wishes Ron’s way. Please pass this on – I thought it was quite a tribute to Ron’s career. Obviously, Ron touched many a life in the most positive way.”

Tom and Carol Allen had been signed up for two of our mini reunions (both the Rhine Christmas trip and the May trip to China) but had to cancel both at the last minute due to Tom being hospitalized for apparent strokes. We’ve

been worried about him. Carol responded to my request for an update of Tom’s medical status: “Things are fine here, thanks. Tom had another stroke two or three weeks ago and was hospitalized again, but he’s had TONS of tests since then and is now on new medication. Plus, he’s wearing one of those weird devices since he was diagnosed with sleep apnea. Apparently, this greatly reduces the chance of another stroke. So, he should have been wearing this before, but who knew? It just seems like it’s been one thing after another. But he should be ‘good to go’ now, and we’re looking forward to the reunion. The strokes were very minor, and you can’t even tell anything was ever wrong. I’m not emo-

tionally prepared to do all the planning for an international trip any time soon. But we may go away for a week in August. After the reunion, we’re going with some friends to Vermont.

We’ll see how those trips go.”

Richard Beatty wrote, “Karen’s daughter, Lori, was in a head-on collision, not her fault.

She was driving to get milk when another car missed a curve, crossed five lanes of traffic and hit her. The other driver passed a third car on a curve. The curve was clearly marked at 20 mph, and the third driver was doing 25. Lori was in a heavy Dodge Intrepid, and the other driver was in a smaller Ford Escape. Lori was forced back through an intersection and spun 180 degrees.

Both drivers were wearing seat belts and the air bags deployed. The other driver walked to the ambulance while Lori had to be carried. An MRI showed that her lower right leg and heel had ‘exploded’ into at least 15 different bone fragments. Lori spent the first night in Tacoma General Hospital where she was stabilized and then transported to Harborview Hospital.

Class of 1964 Photos counter clockwise, from top left: -Bill Rodier, Phyllis Weisser (John Cavedo’s sister), Cavedo, Dusadee and Tony Putamanonda, and Sherrel Cavedo at Xian China City Wall, May 2009.

-Hank Cronin, Carol and Gary Gosnell, and Elizabeth Cronin in Breckenridge, Colorado, April 2009.

-Rick Beirne in his office, April 2009.

-Delores and Harvey Sargent in Bolder, Colorado, April 2009.

-Dusadee and Tony Putamanonda, official portrait of his promotion, Thailand, 1999.

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CLASS NOTES Harborview is the best trauma hospital in the North West and one of the best in the nation.

Unfortunately, it’s also 35 miles away, so it has become somewhat of a commute for Karen and me. A couple of days, we left at 6 AM and didn’t return home until 8 PM. Lori has had three operations. I built a ramp so she can get her wheelchair into her home. She has several more operations to go, and we don’t know yet if she will stay at the hospital or come home and return later. Harborview is a great hospital, but being a trauma center, her operation dates and times are subject to triage, and she has been bumped several times. At this point, it appears that most of the bones can be re-set, but the cartilage has been damaged and won’t grow back.

So, she will have a lot of arthritis.”

Nelson Trinkle informed us of the death of his brother, Robert J. Trinkle ’50B. He died just one day before his 84th birthday which was to be on 27 June. “He was a U.S. Naval Veteran of World War II, serving as a Seabee in the South Pacific, and a Korean War veteran, serving as a first lieutenant in the USAF. He got his commission from VMI and was a chemistry major and second battalion S1. You may not know that he was the son of Col. Robert J. Trinkle, head of the Engineering department at VMI, who died in 1952.”

Roxie Webb wrote that he thought he would need to give up golf after 50+ years. His lumbar had fused. Since that time, we’ve talked on the phone, and he’s coming to the reunion. I saw his name signed up for the golf tournament.

Recently, he reported that he had hauled golf clubs to England and Scotland. Roxie was on the Rat golf team. He promised that in a later class note, he would provide some of his “hilarious experiences” during that time. Such things as wearing yellow golf pants, wearing shoes with spikes and trying to be unobtrusive while marching through Crozet Hall.

Again, it’s my privilege to serve as your class agent. Your continued help in sending e-mails and photos is the only way these notes can be the least bit interesting and informative. The next class notes will be devoted almost exclusively to the 45th Reunion. But that shouldn’t prevent you from sending other items to me – especially if you can’t make the reunion. Your BRs want to hear from you.

’65

Mickey Finn

Our 45th Reunion is just around the corner, and it is time to make sure you are there! Please note that the reunion is the weekend of Sept. 3-5, 2010. This is a change, so please make a note of

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it. Charlie Russell tells me that it will be the biggest turnout ever! Make sure you are there!

You probably read the article on the Alumni Association Caribbean Cruise of this past March 2009. The next cruise will be on the same ship, the Royal Clipper, and will sail from Rome, Italy, on May 21, 2011, returning on May 28. Jane and I hope to lead a great turnout of BRs, so plan to be aboard!

Thanks to many of you who have sent me contact information. For those of you who do not receive my “blast” e-mails, please get your e-mail address to me along with the best phone number to reach you with. I use the “blast” e-mails once a quarter to obtain information for this column and to notify our class of important events such as the next two. I will not fill up your inbox with daily trivia; I use the “blast” feature only for the above-mentioned reasons.

Our Brother Rat John Curtis “Raz” Rasmussen’s funeral on June 30, 2009, was attended

by BRs Charlie Russell, Bob Deaderick, Gene Marshall, Godwin and Sylvia Jones, Peter Trible, Lee Chapman, Al Orgain, Joe Nichols, Floyd Taylor (spoke at the service), Bill Wilburn (pall bearer), Russell Proctor (spoke at the service), Jack Mountcastle, Bruce Herczogh, Bob and Mary Lee Wilkinson, Joe and Sally Mayton, J.J. O’Keefe, Marshall Henry, Clyde Bragg, Bruddy Baillio, Cliff Fleet, Bennie Dyer and Bryan McNeil. Joe Irby ’85 of the VMI Foundation attended with the New Market Flag at the service and gravesite. His obituary is in this issue of the Review.

We lost Brother Rat Irving Lee Chapman, and the BRs at the service on July 28, 2009, were Lou and Joan Siegel, Conrad Hall, Godwin Jones, Al Orgain, Dees Stallings, Richard Marshall, Donny White, Bob Deaderick, Hugh Dowdy, Brian McNeil, Bruddy Baillio, Marshall Henry, Granny Amos, Irwin McCumber, Billy Wilburn, Peter Trible, Mel Brannon, Rich Moring, Jan Brueckmann, Bennie Dyer, Bruce Herczogh, Billy Loughridge, Jack Mountcastle, J.J. O’Keefe, Joe Straub, Doug Thomas, Jim Farley, Jack Frazier and Wayne Chiles. His obituary is in this issue of the Review.

Greg Robertson and Dottie arrived to visit us July 17-19. The purpose was to finish work on the VMI ’65 Memorial Fund draft prior to its final approval by your committee. It also afforded an opportunity for Greg and Dottie to see Bill and Carol Ryan and Will and Sandy Scott at a party hosted at the Ryan Athletic Center (Carol’s beautiful swimming pool – it takes the entire back yard). Everyone had a great time eating, drinking, swimming and just getting caught up.

Will and Sandy Scott have been residents of Wilmington since he came here to work

for GE’s nuclear fuel center in June 1969 and retired in January 2003. He still does part time engineering work for them on high temperature furnaces needed for the production of nuclear fuel. He and Sandy started a sail boat business in 1976 that they still operate today. Their daughter, Jennifer Williams, is a dentist who lives and practices in Southport, NC. Their son, Wilmore Sherrick Scott III, “Rick”, is a safety engineer for nuclear medicine and now works in emergency response for NC and lives in Greenville, NC. Sandy and Will work with animal groups that assist stray dogs and cats and sort donated feed for the animals, as well as ensuring that the network of distributors get the food to the care givers.

Jack Wilkerson is retired from active ministry as a Baptist minister but still active in part time support of other ministries. After a short stint in the Army, Jack worked a solid 28-year career at DuPont, prior to being called to serve the Lord. He and his wife, Brenda, enjoy living in Brentwood, TN, a suburb of Nashville.

Phil Taylor has once again scheduled the hockey game where VMI and Citadel alumni came together and collected over $6000 for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund.

The fund benefits children of service members who have died on active duty since 9/11/2001.

This new charity hockey game between old rivals is named “The Military Classic of the South on Ice.” Last year’s score: VMI 5, Citadel 0. The puck will drop at 4:30 pm on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, in Wake Forest, NC. Game tickets will be available at the door. All military personnel in uniform and all youth hockey players wearing their team jersey will be admitted free.

If you can’t come, please consider a donation.

100% of your donation goes to the charity.

Send checks to: ALLSF, 4441 Six Forks Rd Ste. 106/23, Raleigh, NC 27609-5729. E-mail Phil for more info: vicarphil@free-episcopal.org.

Thank you to John Schafer who pointed out that I misspelled his last name in the 2009-Issue 3 of the VMI Alumni Review and agreed to allow me to print this correction. My sincerest apology, John, and thank you for bringing the error to my attention.

On July 8, 1959, the first U.S. servicemen were killed in Vietnam. Nat Ward was a 17-year-old dependant at the time and was living in Saigon.

His father, Col. N.P. Ward III, was chief of staff of the Military Advisory Assistance Group (MAAG). Maj. Dale Buis and MSgt. Chester Ovnand were the casualties of a Viet Cong ambush raid on the MAAG outpost at Bien Hoa30 kms north of Saigon. Ward remembers his father coming home that evening and changing into fatigues. Despite his protests, young Ward was not allowed to venture north. Nothing more was really thought of the event until the early

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CLASS NOTES 1980s, when Jan Scruggs commenced his vision of pace and moving off in a new direction, and will see you at one of the football games this of erecting a memorial to the Vietnam dead. he went and resigned effective the beginning fall if Lynn is up to it.” Thanks, Harry. I do plan Originally, DOD had selected an Army captain of April. Well, after some discussion about to go to a game this year with my grandson. who had been killed in 1963. Col. Ward, ever making me the acting guy until someone could Bill Cather sent a nice note: “I retired as vigilant in retirement, protested strongly that the be found, they finally decided to promote me. scoutmaster last year after 23 years, and what a two soldiers under his command should be the After giving up all hope of ever being promoted great 23 years it was. I’ve hiked at least 1,000 first so honored. DOD consented and Buis and long ago and easing into retirement, here I am – miles of trail, biked all of the Natchez Trace from Ovnand are the first two names etched on the back working full time (and more) for the foreNashville to Natchez, backpacked the trails of Vietnam Veterans Memorial. seeable future. My fantasy of floating around Philmont, NM, and canoed a dozen rivers over As a result of the above, Jan Scruggs invited from golf course to golf course and travel has the years. I think I have helped make close to Capt. Nat Ward IV to be the guest speaker and been temporarily shunted aside. Well, maybe a hundred Eagle Scouts - each one influenced lay a wreath commemorating the 50th anniversary someday. We did embark on a three-week trip by the “character” I built while at VMI. This of the first Americans killed in the war. Honors to France in May, starting off in the Rivera all leads up to last Friday. Two weeks ago, I were rendered on July 8, 2009, at the memorial at Nice and taking a cruise up the Rhone and found out I had colon cancer. Friday, as I was in Washington, DC, where Ward and Staney Soane Rivers to Lyon and then over to Paris. rolled into the operating room, the last person I Karnow, a Pulitzer Prize recipient, were speak- Only took 1100 pictures and maxed out the saw standing over me was one of my Eagle’s, a ers. Each briefly related how they came to be in memory on my digital camera. By the end of second year med student observing the operaSaigon on that night and how neither was aware the trip, we were about to go out of our minds if tion, giving me the “thumbs up.” As of one week of the impact these two deaths evenlater, the doctor is confident he tually would have on U.S. history. got it all. Mia and I have two sons Ward later returned to Vietnam as an and a daughter with a total of four infantry recon platoon leader in early grandchildren and one more on the 1967 and hit a land mine resulting way. They all live within five miles in predictable loss. He was the first of us, so my Sunday afternoons are amputee to be retained on active duty spent making the rounds. Both of in the U.S. Army and finally took a my sons are project managers for medical retirement in 1973. Since Stewart Perry Construction, and my then, he has been practicing law in youngest, Robbie, gets to Richmond San Diego, CA, and since 1989 has fairly often and loves to stay at the been the executive director of the Berkley Hotel. Attached is a picture Mekong Education Foundation, Inc. of my son, Robbie, my grandson, which works in northern Laos on the Matthew, and I backpacking on the recovery of U.S. servicemen’s human Appalachian Trail above Fontana remains from the Vietnam War. He is Dam. Mia and I will see everyone married to Diane; their wedding was next September.”

Class of 1965: Bill Cather, right, with his son, Robbie, held in VMI’s Jackson Memorial Hall I had a nice talk with Henry C. left, and grandson Matthew backpacking on the Appalawhere they were the first of the class Smith III, Ph.D., CMA, CFE and chian Trail above Fontana Dam, North Carolina. of ’65 to be married upon graduation.

CCS, who returned my call to him (Class Agent’s Note: Bill Ryan and Mickey Finn were there for the occasion to make sure “Cloud” got it done. You see, the three of us spent a year together at Braden’s Prep in Cornwall-on-the-Hudson, NY, and along with Bill Gedris (who attended Braden’s that summer) were the first from that prep school to go to VMI since 1929. (Col. G.B. Ax who taught mathematics at VMI was the student.)

Harry Bartosik writes, “Thought I might take a minute to give you an update on what’s been up with us since the trip on the Royal Clipper.

BTW, we had a fantastic time and have signed up for the repeat trip in 2011. It was great seeing all of the guys from our class, meeting up with my dyke after 44 years and all the great alumni from the other classes. Remember, on the trip I had indicated that I probably would retire this coming September and that we would spend our time sort of floating between our places in Virginia, Alabama and Florida. Well, check out my new signature block. My old boss had been making noises about wanting a change

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we saw one more church, walled city or roman ruins. Of course, we had tons of good food and great wine all over France and managed to ship several cases of wine back to the U.S. Sorry to hear about Rasmussen and Chapman. Guess we really don’t know what’s in store for us at the end. At least Lee knew the risks that he was facing. We had some bad news yesterday. Lynn went in for one of her regularly scheduled office calls with her gynecological oncologist. We found out that she has measurable tumor growth in an area near Lynn’s liver. Since the trip in March, her marker numbers had been creeping back up, so it was not a total surprise. Most likely, Lynn will restart chemo next week or at the latest the week following. Her oncologist is also considering surgery, but we won’t know about that until she views the CD of the latest CT scan. Lynn and I have been through this before, so we know what to expect and how to deal with it. That’s all, for now. Hopefully, we

to update my records. “Smuff” was diagnosed in 2005 with Colin Cancer. After an operation and treatment, he has been cancer free for the past two and a half years. As an associate professor of accountancy, he teaches Cost and Management Accounting and Fraud Examination at Otterbein College in Westerville, OH. His wife, Stephanie, AKA “Dr. Sam,” teaches handgun shooting and raises quarter horses on their Rafter H-Bar-S Farms near Fredericktown, OH. He still is as puzzled as ever about why/how Easley Moore put a cream pie in the face of Lt. General Drudik at our 25th Reunion dinner. I remain astonished.

Our Brother Rat John Hill is still recuperating as I finish these notes. Please send a prayer for his full recovery. He is no longer in Atlanta’s Piedmont Hospital and is receiving physical therapy to help him regain his strength. To see how he is doing, visit this web site: http://www. caringbridge.org/visit/johnhill Our class participation of 55.24% in annual giving is up from last years 47.18%. Thanks to

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CLASS NOTES all of you for your participation. Please remember to send me an e-mail so that I can add your address to my book. It is also helpful if you have included the number you wish me to use to contact you directly. Jane and I are looking forward to the 45th Reunion and want to see you all there! All together, ’65!, ’65!, ’65!

’66

Al Carr Albert Conner

r.

In addition to BR Tom Slater manning the helm as president of the VMI Board of Visitors, I’m now proud to report that Governor Kaine has had the exceptionally good judgment to appoint another ’66 BR, General John Jumper, to the board. VMI will continue to be in good hands, and we wish them both our very best.

Tom says that the indoctrination training is not too bad, and John reports that he’s now preparing to give the BOV obstacle course a go.

For those who didn’t get my Aug. 10 classe-mail report, I’m happy to pass along that my favorite class had another great year. We climbed from 54.86% in 2008 to 58.75% in 2009. A total of 31 BRs contributed at the Leadership level of $1,500+. Thanks to all 151 BRs who participated and gave this past year.

And please keep VMI in mind for FY2010 (through June 30, 2010), as well – we only need all of you to give again and then get four more BRs to make 60 percent and 19 more to make 66 percent. You really can’t make a better investment in America’s future. I’d also ask you to do one more thing for our class and for me.

If you haven’t tried to track down or contact someone in our class who’s been on your mind or in your memory, please do so right away.

And encourage them to give me their e-mail or contact information and let us know what has happened in their lives. Please don’t miss these opportunities and seize them today. Finally, along those same lines, we’re starting a project to prepare an electronic “then and now” class yearbook which will collect and put together a full accounting of our entire original class in time for our 45th and 50th Reunions. The rough idea is to have “then and now (ouch!)” images and updates on how life has gone and is going for each of us. The plan is to give everyone a CD with the full E-yearbook at the reunion and mail one to those who can’t come. If desired, we can also publish it in hardcopy for the class and/or post/link it on a Website.

Right after my May notes departed, I heard from Dave Whitt who provided an update: “Ruth and I have had a hectic last five months.

First, after suffering from Alzheimer’s for many years, Ruth’s mom passed away here in

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Colorado Dec. 20 and wanted to be cremated and buried beside her husband in Maury Cemetery in Richmond. We had to delay everything because of the inauguration and didn’t get to Richmond until the end of January. Because we planned to eventually go to Florida, we drove. We raced east just ahead of the big ice storm that crossed the country. After a freezing burial, we headed south and stopped to visit with roommate Howie Lloyd. Howie fixes a super dinner. Ginny was out of town helping with Gulf Coast recovery efforts. Howie also showed us some of his wood refinishing work.

It’s great. From there, we continued south to Disney World where we relaxed. We headed home by way of Huntsville, AL, and stayed with roommate Paul Wagner and his wife, Lynn. We got to see their new home and hangar and also their new grandson. Then, we headed home to be here when our daughter gave birth to their first child. After 12 years of marriage, she and her husband decided to start a family.

They are not hurried in life. As Ruth and I have now survived it all, we just returned from a three-day trip to a fine hot springs get-away on the western part of the state. Now, I have to get to work to get a provisional appointment for the new grandbaby.”

Right at that time, I also heard from Ian Ackroyd-Kelly with an inquiry about locating the crash site for Vince Scott and Spence Wilkinson who was asking about the bricks program and our efforts to get bricks for deceased BRs. Thanks for your interest, guys.

I’ll be sending out a class e-mail on those issues soon. A follow-up e-discussion brought forth a great response. Reflecting on my Aug. 5th class update, Ian wrote: “You wrote in your e-mail about the class of ’31. It occurs to me that, to the present day Corps and to the Institute in general, we (that is 1966) must seem to be in some ways the reincarnation of ’31, given the involvement of our BRs in the doings of the place. With Jay Adams on the Marshall Board, both Tom Slater and now John Jumper on the VMI Board of Visitors and Paul Maini only recently retired from the Alumni Association, ’66 is most certainly heard from in more than just monetary support. I think that the group that first came though Jackson Arch 47 years ago this fall has really gone a long way to fulfilling the hopes that the Institute had for us.” Amen, and I’d add, look at a thousand other ways our guys (and Virginia Young) have served VMI as Foundation officers and trustees, alumni regional and chapter officers, legislative friends, adjunct teachers, advisory boards, class agents, recruiters, staff, coaching, establishing scholarships, supporting, donating, etc. I’m sure every class feels proud of its support to the Institute; but I think (and always have) that you are all

a special group among the special groups that make up our great alumni.

And speaking of such matters, the next day I heard from George Dyer. It turns out George is simply trying to breathe new life into an alumni chapter, specifically trying to resurrect the Southside Virginia Chapter, VMI. He hosted a luncheon on April 14, 2009, at Avalon in Horsepasture, VA. After a 20-year gap, this group just may return to life. George lists participants Clyde Hooker ’42, Judge Samuel Hairston ’47, Dr, Jerry Burnett ’62, Rockie Stone ’56, Robert Bushnell ’73 (commonwealth’s attorney) and Lt. Gen. Carroll Thackston ’55, mayor of South Boston, VA, among 30 other alumni and wives.

Heard from Larry Sonstein, who responded to my class e-mail. Apparently everybody else is visiting the Lloyds of Fayetteville. Larry reports, “Peggie and I recently sponsored her sister into the Greensboro, NC, Elks Lodge, so we decided to take a trip down for the event.

While we were there, we decided to drive down to Fayetteville to visit Howie and Ginny Lloyd, who we had not seen in many years. They are all doing fine, although Howie has managed to keep in shape rather then spreading out like I have! Since my youngest is currently stationed at the ‘VMI of the North’ teaching military science (and the scary thing is that he will retire in 23 months … talk about feeling OLD), Howie and I are talking about meeting at West Point for the VMI football game in November. Under the guidance of my son, however, we will probably sit on the ‘wrong’ side of the field. He reminded me that the weather in New York at that time of the year is not the best, and since West Point’s hospitality only provides seats under cover for the home crowd, we would probably do better sitting in the middle of the ‘enemy’ rather than getting our old bodies snowed upon (his words, not mine). Peggie is now hitting the five-year survivor point from breast cancer. We are leaving Wednesday night for an Alaska cruise with my eldest, his wife and another couple. Peggie retired as of Jan. 1, so we are both taking life in a more relaxed manner! It really hit home, though, last month when I received my Medicare card in the mail!”

Way to go, Peggie, and Larry, grab all of the Medicare you can get before they run out!

For all of you who haven’t stayed at the Lloyds, the address is … (just kidding, Howie).

Actually, to complete the circle of the ring, I heard from Howie and Ginny themselves! They confirmed the BR and SR visits to Fayetteville, and here’s their version of events: “Dave and Ruth Whitt stopped by in February for an evening of chat and steaks on the grill. At the beginning of August, Larry and Peggie Sonstein drove over from an Elks occasion in Greens-

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CLASS NOTES boro, NC. We had not seen Larry and Peggy since 1975 in Frankfurt, Germany – before kids, before gray hair, when we could probably still get into our coatees (if we could find them).

My, how the years have come and gone. I was reminiscing for several days afterwards, as our exchange of Barracks stories triggered more and more memories.” Howie then adds, “Not much else to report here. Looking forward to a bicycle vacation in Tuscany in September. Not looking forward to applying for Medicare next month.” If you guys are taking bicycle trips to Tuscany, I don’t think you need to worry about the ravages of time excessively.

You may recall that, in my last notes, I presented a somewhat confused blurb on Woody Sadler’s adventures in India. Woody took pity and sent me an article he wrote in The News Gazette on Aug. 5, 2009. Apparently, the first in a series of four articles, entitled “India: A Country on the Move,” it relates that Woody took a five-person group of non-Rotarians on a Lexington Sunrise Rotary Club-sponsored tour under the auspices of the Rotary International Group Study Exchange. After a grueling 25hour flight from Roanoke-New Delhi, they took off for Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, staying with Indian families all the way. A counterpart group visited western Virginia. If you would like a copy of the full .pdf article, let me know and I’ll e-mail it. Thanks, Woody. Incidentally, Jane and I have given talks on Civil War and Stafford history to several Rotary groups here in Stafford. If you guys are looking to join a get-up-and-go and get-things-done group in your communities, give them a shot. We always come away amazed at all the things they do for the community.

Cliff Martin continues to send out interesting updates from the Keydet Club on VMI sports happenings. Cliff passed along some other tidbits: “ … ran into Bob Odom in the Tractor Supply parking lot yesterday. He was cruising around in his new old country Cadillac. Now, he just needs to get a few cow chips on his boots, and he’ll blend right in with the locals.

Next Monday, I’m joining Bobby Cooper, Guthrie Smith and “General” John McEwen for a round of golf at the Lexington Club in a charity event for the local MOAA chapter.

May not win anything, but I’m sure we’ll have a good time.” Thanks to the magic of e-mail, Cliff sent an update to his update before presstime. The event benefited the Wounded Warrior Program, and Cliff adds, “We didn’t set any records, but as always, had a good day of comradeship and picking on Knox (McEwen). Also saw Paul Maini playing in another foursome.”

We hope Paul is enjoying retirement from his years with The VMI Alumni Association. (Apparently he is; see below.)

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Also among Cliff’s e-mails (and it turns out on review, mine) were “thank you” videos from Athletic Director Donnie White ’65 and head football coach Sparky Woods for those who gave and especially those who responded to the Keydet Club’s 75th Anniversary Challenge. Our class weighed in beautifully, and I want to thank my fellow Keydet Club rookies for joining up and helping them make their goal. The club’s e-mail ends with, “The Keydet Club would like to thank everyone who supported VMI’s cadetathletes and the Institute’s athletic program this past year. The accomplishment of obtaining this kind of support, in these uncertain economic times, reinforces that the Spirit of VMI is alive and that the VMI family can and will rise to the challenge when VMI needs it most!”

BR Jim Smith sent me a “forwarded” e-mail that really was something. I don’t usually dig into these things, but Jim’s accompanying note compelled me to look at it. I don’t know how long it will be available, but it was at http:// blip.tv/play/AYGJ5h6YgmE, and though it ran a long time, it really made an impression.

It was a view from the inside of a hearse taking the body of a soldier, SSG John C. Beale, home from arrival at an airport through several counties in Georgia. People – ordinary folks, service members in uniform, etc., were responding to a simple newspaper notice and just lined up on both sides of the road for miles and miles to pay their respects. If you need reassurance in the basic decency and patriotism of the American people – and I did that day – watch this video.

Thanks, Jim. Preston Graves contacted me seeking Bill Hawfield’s e-mail address. I’m not quite sure whether I do or not. Bill, if you’re reading this, and haven’t heard from Pres or me via e-mail, please contact me with info, and I’ll pass it on to Preston. Preston also adds, “If any BRs are traveling cross-country past Fort Smith, AR, Nancy and I would be glad to provide a place to stay.” You guys might want to give the Lloyds a break and stop by the Graves place.

Received a nice, newsy update from Peter Charrington who writes, “Room 423 (Cullen, Farley, Maini and Charrington) got together last weekend at Wintergreen, VA, for one of our annual get togethers, this one for men only, but on the 26th of Sept., wives and significant others will be joining together at Ray’s and Ann’s in Richmond to cheer on the Keydets against the Spiders. The weekend at Peter Farley’s at Wintergreen had about 36 holes of golf, an afternoon of fishing and storytelling at the 19th hole, and some great barbecued steaks “up on the mountain.” Yes, there was the usual reminiscing, but all in all, catching up on one another’s children and now grandchildren (can you believe, seven grandchildren between us?),

as well as some of the plans we have for the near future. It is always great to get together.”

Peter adds that Ray has recovered from his surgeries and is doing well, and he and Ann are pleased that their oldest, Matthew, is back in Richmond with two grandchildren, and Thomas is off to New York City following his graduate work at the University of Missouri. Peter Farley has been selling real estate at Wintergreen for 35 years. He has some of the finest properties in the area and continues to share time between Wintergreen and Virgin Gorda in the BVI while keeping up with his children, Kate, Peter and Jack. Paul Maini keeps involved with the baseball team in Lexington, keeping his Harley ‘road conditioned’ with his trips to visit Tracy in Va. Beach and Shannon in Fairfax, and Linda will be working at the Marshall Foundation in the near term as well as keeping up with Shannon’s family (two grandchildren) in Fairfax.” Peter adds, “Anna May and I are still plugging away at our jobs in Villanova, PA, but spending a little more time in St. John, USVI, and with our kids’ families, all who live within 15 minutes of us and one another, along with three grandchildren and looking forward to easing back in the near future.”

Nick Hoskot has moved to Texas and sends a report on his status: “My laptop has been ‘cranky’ here in south Texas! We arrived in June in the midst of the worst drought since the 1950s, and the temps have set records for the area all summer! Talk about ‘timing’? Living in a borrowed RV which is nice (rent free), except ‘things’ like the AC broke and had to be fixed/replaced … hope to get new home started soon.” Hang in there, Brother Rat. If Texas secedes as threatened, you can be the next commandant of the Texas Marine Corps. Yippee!

I’ve also heard via e-mail from Clark Reifsnider, Dave Adkins, Jim Hannah and Mike Burton. I can reliably report that they were all busy and vertical as of July and August, 2009, but little else. Perhaps they’ll send us an update at some point.

On the Conner front, the last and youngest of my sons is now married, and we photographed four generations of Conner boys at the reception. I can remember vividly when I was the youngest, and now I’m the oldest in such images. I consider myself a tribute to clean living, chemotherapy and a lot of prayers. My girl, Jane, has just published her third book, provocatively entitled “Sinners, Saints and Soldiers in Civil War Stafford.” She apparently is into alliteration (for the CEs, that means a string of words with the same starting letter or sound). Even for good Presbyterians, sex and violence still sells. I too am trying to crank out a book about the Civil War in Stafford County.

For the first time in the past decade, I’ve got

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES something to write about the Yanks. My book is called “Union Army’s “Valley Forge,” 1863: 92 Days That Saved America.” We are continuing to crank these things out to support our county museum and a budding Civil War park(s) here.

Take care, Brother Rats, and thanks for your loyal support to our class by keeping in touch and for your support for VMI in so many ways.

’67

Jan Abernathy

Great news! Terry Aldrich’s daughter, Sandy, was married 13 June in Jackson Hole, WY. Mom Susan writes, “Good to hear from you, and please keep me on your distribution lists even though I’m a rather quiet recipient. It’s wonderful how you are keeping the brotherhood intact.” Ray Irvine: “Can’t remember if I told you about my new grandson. He was born 28 May, 2009, in Zeeland, MI. Harsen James Gordon. My daughter, Sarah’s, first. Vance and Dawn Powell are coming over to our place for ‘Supper on the Porch.’ Been trading e-mails with BRs Jim Goodgion and Stan Waskiewicz.

Anne and I are hoping to head to the Southeast in September for a short holiday. Ray” Rob Gates: “By the way, I was trying to remember who spoke at our graduation. Do you remember who it was? Was it Earle Wheeler?” [Class Agent’s Note: Anyone remember?] “I find it interesting that New Market is still with me after all these years. I can understand how deployed troops would want to celebrate it, but why the rest of us? The only constant I can identify is that the longer we’re away from that place, the more important the salient aspects of our experience become. I believe that now I understand some of those really ‘crazy’ alumni. Every now and then, we experience the need to just reach back a little to remind ourselves that it all really happened. Maybe this is our (VMI’s) way of ‘reloading’ the magazine. Rob” Barrett Graham has “… finally learned how to use the Internet … Are there any Ratman shirts available? Please advise.” Joan keeps the Ratman inventory. Barrett was wearing his black 40th Reunion Ratman to court. Robert and June Klink have been busy: “June and I were fortunate enough to get two tickets to VMI’s 2009 commencement. We thoroughly enjoyed the Pipe Band, the Brass Quartet and the Men in Grey. The VMI Commanders stole the show. The valedictory address was mostly a one-man stand up routine which ended on a serious note. Everyone should read it when the AR publishes it. Gen. Petraeus gave a straightforward from-the-heart talk which recognized

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the uniqueness and importance of the VMI educational experience. I was able to have a word with Jim Joyner who was busy making sure all things were safe and sound. Bob Green anchored the commencement platform with dignity, and Jimmy Rogers represented our class well among the VMI Board of Visitors. I saw Bruce Weiner in Pinehurst the first week of June.” Robert also misplaced his ring during that trip, and I pointed him in the direction for a Josten’s replacement … an expensive replacement. Robert said he and June attended the balloon festival on Post the 4th of July: “… June and I took our first ever balloon ride at sunrise.

In our gondola was none other than Fred Smith and his wife, Judy. The wind carried us along the Maury River north of town. We planned to land in a field next to a church, but the wind shifted, and we landed in the parking lot of a large condominium complex. Fred and I were reunited with Tom Gritzmacher when he walked out of his condo to greet us. Talk about coincidences! Also, just spent a nice weekend with Tubby Wilkinson. He came to play in our member-guest golf tournament in Hartfield, VA. We won first place low net in our flight with his incredible putting.”

Most of you know Tex Young’s daughter; Miche’ Tentor passed away on 25 May after an 18-month battle with a geoblastoma. “I want to thank all of you for your support and prayers.

Tubby bent over backwards to help her when she was in MCV a year ago. Thank you all so very much. Tex.” George Elmore and John Pasco were able to attend the services. Terry Moore’s mother, Harriet Moore, passed June 7th. He and Beth are enjoying their retirement in Daphne, AL. In the Taps section of this AR is the announcement that BR Bill Harris died.

From Jan’s e-mail message at the time: “Recent deaths in ’67 have included three BRs who, for personal reasons we don’t know, kept their distance from the class. John Foret, Bill Pugh and Bill Harris should have been sought out for more inclusion. Please assist me with finding ‘lost’ or silent BRs that deserve our contact.

Let us make an effort to resurrect our ‘old’ friends. It is likely they need the contact. Jan” A number of you on the ’67 e-mail list wrote with memories of Bill. Doug Mills: “Carol Ann and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bill Harris. Bill and I dyked Rick Traugott ’63, a ‘five-year man.’ It was quite an experience for both of us! That’s when I really got to know Bill. He was a rock steady, unflappable kind of guy. I really admired his calm demeanor. I could always depend upon him.

This was part of the reason I selected him to be the Second Battalion adjutant for our first class year. Furthermore, he was a groomsman for our wedding; unfortunately I never heard from

or saw him again. I always hoped to see him at a reunion. He was a great Brother Rat! ” Phil Gioia: “Sorry to hear this, Jan. I remember him as a good man. Solid and quiet. There’s probably more behind that austere business about working as a flight instructor for L3…” Dave Johnson: “I am very sorry to learn of Bill’s death. The last time I saw Bill was at DaNang AFB, South Vietnam, in the fall of 1969. I was in A I working the I Corps area of operations supporting the 3rd Marine Division HQ at Freedom Hill. Bill was flying F-4 missions over North Vietnam. We ran into each other one day at the base. Bill was in his sweat-stained flight suit. We only had time for a brief ‘Great to see you, Brother Rat’ conversation. I lost contact with Bill after the war. I pray that he made it home safely and enjoyed his life after the war.” John Schultheis added: “Bill, Doug Mills, Tuck Oliver and I dyked in that five-year room together. I guess I am one of your ‘semimissing’ BRs. I did not graduate with the class ... got fouled up with ‘bones’ and Capt. Drudik and did not look forward to 10-2 and 60 starting my third year. John” Last of the sad news is that Dennis Graves’ wife, Brenda, died in early August. The good news is that Dennis has returned to us from the ‘Lost BR’ list. Finally, I learned that Andy Carter’s wife, Barbara, died from her battle with cancer two years ago. By the way, Drudik ended up as a two-star, and his son was an ROTC student at Florida when Mike Hall was the PMS there.

I never know what will appear in my e-mail.

Allison and Dave Bristow wrote: “Izzy Bristow is in the top ten entries for students going to prom in duct tape clothes. If she wins, she gets a $3,000 scholarship, as does the boy and the school. Remember, her whole dress is made out of duct tape, as is the boy’s jacket and vest.

(His pants are just covered with duct tape since he needs a zipper.)” Allison sent a photo and Website asking for votes. I am pleased to report that Izzy is now the national Duct Tape Queen.

Dixie and Bev Walker are planning a BR get together for the Presbyterian game at their place on Lake Hartwell, SC: “We thought that we would invite any of our BRs that would like to attend the game to stay at our place Friday and/ or Saturday night. I can’t promise everybody a bed, but there is plenty of space for sleeping bags and air mattresses. So far, I have tentative acceptance from my roommates, Garrett, Hobgood and Orrison.” Wow, Dixie, a sleep over … on the floor, no less! We will need a post game report and maybe a photo in the next AR. Pete Wells: “I have retired. Who is John Galt?”

Followed by, also from Pete, “From Ayn Rand’s ‘Atlas Shrugged.’” Jan’s note: Seems I knew this from reading it for Col. Brewster or Col. Dillard or Col. Tutwiler or Col. .... Not certain

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CLASS NOTES of Pete’s message here. Later, Pete added real news: “Doug and Jane Taylor came down from Egg Harbor Township, NJ, to meet Karen and me in Cape May, NJ, for dinner at the Ebbot Room of the Virginian Hotel on July 18th.”

From Tom Brown: “Jan: Thanks for your recent birthday card, although, but for the honor of it, I would rather be in Philadelphia.

Although I was at the Institute for only a year before transferring to Davidson, I still enjoy reading the alumni magazine and have tried to contribute a little each year to help with the percentage of alumni giving, which I know is very important. Some of my very good friends (e.g., Skip Roberts and Tom Boyd) through the years are VMI grads, and they have razzed

Class of 1967 Photos from top, right: -Bob Hess and his wife, Melissa, took a two-week trip through Italy and France. Bob rode his bike up the famed Alpe d’Huez for prostate cancer awareness. On the way, he carried the VMI colors to the shrine of the Madonna del Ghisallo, the patron saint of cyclists, near Bellagio, Italy.

-In Peterborough, England, the village of Holme, Phil Gioia visited the oncesecret OSS headquarters from which his father operated during the war.

-Jim and Ann Phlegar visited the pyramids on a sunny day, summer 2009.

-Attending the July 4th Hot Air Balloon Rally and fireworks celebration at VMI were, from left, Ted Jenks, John Lee, Henry Dickerson, Tom Gritzmacher, Jim Joyner and Bob Nablo. The VMI Alumni Association offered a family supper for alumni and their guests during the festive event. Photo courtesy Jim Joyner.

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me from time to time about not staying at VMI for the duration. I usually just say that I got my character built on a fast track plan. Although I dearly love Davidson where I am now on the board of visitors, I have to say that I continue to hold the Institute in very high regard and give all VMI graduates ‘extra credit’ in my evaluation of them, because I know just how damn hard it is to run that course. Best wishes – Tom Brown, Class of 1967 (sorta)” John and Judy Chiles report that a granddaughter, Addison Noelle Chiles, was born 23 Oct., ’08. “She’s the only baby I’ve been around who wakes up in the morning grinning from ear to ear. Of course she is beautiful. I also bagged my first deer on Oct. 23rd. Unfortunate-

ly, I was in my Odyssey on Route 295 on the way back from Lexington when I did it. I was lucky – I just caught the back end of the doe with my left front. There was $2,000 damage to the van and no damage to yours truly. The deer, not so much. Daughter Lisa is engaged and the wedding is planned for Aug. 4th on the beach in Hawaii. Our grandson, Gavin, is staying with us for a few months this summer. My sister, Judi, and I took Mom and Dad to Dad’s 70th VMI Reunion. Dad’s Brother Rats, Alex Morrison ’39 (Col. Morrison is a retired VMI professor), Bill Brand ’39 and Lawrence Mathews ’39, dad’s roommate Rat year, attended. The daughters of Beal Knight ’39, one of Dad’s roommates, attended. Betty Kadick, widow of Misha Kadick, another of Dad’s roommates, and her son, Michael, were there. Mom referred to the whole thing as ‘Our Reunion.’ All three of her brothers went to VMI – Bill ’29, Woods ’31 and John Talman ’39. Her brother, John, introduced her to Dad at VMI. General “Buddy” Shell ’31 used to stay at Mom’s folks’ house in Richmond during breaks when he was a cadet. So, “Our Reunion” was natural and correct for her. Mom fell and broke her hip in March, but she has rehabbed diligently and walked in to “Our Reunion” on her own power with the help of a walker. After all, she’s only 92. Mom and Dad are having increasing age related problems. It is tough seeing vibrant people suddenly decline. It was wonderful seeing them so happy.”

Randy Heneberger writes, “I attended the wedding of Jonathan Lee and Wendy Sniegocki on Saturday, 6/20/09, at the Rockbridge Vineyard in Raphine, VA. Jonathan is the son of BR John (Lighthorse Harry) Lee and his first wife, Anna. Other BRs and their wives who were in attendance were Henry and Mary Ellen Dickerson and Jim and Barbara Joyner. It was a wonderful outdoor wedding in a beautiful setting. BR John cleans up pretty nicely in a tux!” Bob Hess’ prostate ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway will be held next week, as I write this.

It honors John Foret. Bob wrote, “I was in Virginia last week and took my wife to see VMI for the first time. She now better understands part of my character.” I roomed with Bob for three years, and I am not sure I ever understood his character. He was a character for certain.

I recall a Saturday evening our second class year when Bob Ward and I had to strap him in his hay to keep ... well, not really for AR publication. Bob and his wife were in Italy and France this summer and saw the final stage of the Tour de France in Paris. The only BR I know who registered for the prostate ride is George Elmore. I didn’t know he even had a bicycle. Philip Foret, John’s son or brother (Bob was not sure), is registered. Pat and Marie Conley sent in a “Ciao” from a summer trip in

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Europe. A message arrived from Johnny Watt Vaughan’s e-mail offering to sell me some interesting things. I checked with him and got the following: “Sorry, I’ve been hacked! JWV” Bruce Weiner wanted to know how many matriculated in ’63 and how many graduated in ’67. My guess was way off. Here are the stats: 362 matriculated; 245 graduated; giving 1967 percentage of 67.68% who survived four years.

I don’t know how five-year men like John Schultheis fit into the figures.

Help me to be certain that ’67 gets five quality photos in every Alumni Review. Send your best shots to me, and I will do my best to get them in. Extras will be posted on the VMIAA Website. And no, I do not make the selections for being published; the staff does that, based on quality and some other stuff. I tried to get Jim Phlegar to send me a camel photo.

“I am not into camels. I saw a tee shirt in a bazaar I should have bought. It had a picture of the Camel cigarette logo on it. Below these words: ‘Nine out of ten men who try camels prefer women.’ Nuf said. We spent 11 days in-country. It was like a remedial cram course in ancient civilization. We came away with a better understanding of Islam after having the opportunity to speak with a number of Islamic people during the course of our trip. Everyone we spoke with were educated, English speaking people. Jim” John Bennett sent a note about looking up his ancestry: “I am told there is some Scottish blood in me somewhere; I know not. I tried the family tree thing, and one of the first things I turned up is there was a John Bennett in Oklahoma who got strung up for stealing horses.” Tom Rhodes got an unexpected visit from former President Bush!

I called Tom for a caption for the photo which should have accompanied these notes but did not hear back. Sam sent me a quote from Tom: “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming ... ‘WOW, what a ride!’” Two full pages from Chuck Shorter are edited to: “I finally started a new contract job on March 23 with IBM at Maersk Lines (Danish outfit) in Charlotte, NC.” He and Ruth were able to put some of his dad’s ashes in Pearl Harbor near the Arizona, thus fulfilling his father’s wish to be buried at sea. J.B. Farley: “Been a busy year so far for our family. Our daughter, Julie, and her husband are now the parents of twins, a girl and a boy, born in May. I had rotator cuff surgery in April and am recovering nicely. Should be able to fish again by late August!” Jamie Tate: “I ran into BR Bert Burckard at the New Market battle reenactment last May 16. I was attending as a member of the reenactment unit, 3rd U.S.

2009-Issue 4

Regular Infantry. Bert was attending as a Civil War newspaper reporter. We hadn’t seen each other since our VMI days, and it was a great surprise.”

Bev Walker says Dixie is in Johannesburg on business. Daughter Kate finished grad school and moved back home … again. Bob Randolph writes: “I will be returning to Cairo in the fall to finish a project creating a commercial mediation center in the Egyptian Ministry of Investment to hear disputes between foreign investors and Egyptian partners. Nina and I have enjoyed the periodic visits of Neil Schlussel who stops by on his frequent trips up and down the GW Parkway bicycle trail. Neil is a ‘buff’ inspiration to us aging 67ers.” Sam Heltzel is planning for the next reunion: “I am beginning to think of our next reunion in the fall of 2012! Please send me any sports stories you have to share!

You men of ’67 are the greatest of VMI graduates, and I am proud to call you ‘Brother Rat.’ Sam” Tom Coughenour asked how to assist a cadet from his state, SC, who had established residency in Virginia to cut her tuition in half but encountered a hiccup. I referred him to the registrar. Phil Gioia and the family are spending most of their summer on Puget Sound. Clams are abundant. His travels recently took him to England. See the photo of Phil at the HQ where his dad did planning in WWII. Ome Crawford is retired: “The truth be known, my wife would never abide me lazing about with her gainfully employed. I also dabble around with a little jewelry-making business, but my main concern is keeping myself ahead of our 20-acre spread at Lake Gaston on the NC/VA line and dodging phone calls to go to work. If you get a line on Mike Culpepper, I’d enjoy knowing what became of his misspent youth ...” I ask if anyone knows about Mike, as I do not. Mary Lou and Pete Van Note went on a 9500-mile, 48-day trip in their motor home during the spring to the Southwest and Northwest, called their “western trails” journey, where they followed numerous old pioneer trails, visiting over 30 national parks. Vic Tambone: “I sometimes still feel like the fifth wheel of our class, since I left after our third class year to attend USAFA. So, reading the news and watching from afar is always interesting to me.

You have no idea how much VMI means to me ... I am just sorry the dean kicked my son’s butt, and he had to leave after his third class year as well ... but he, too, learned a lot from the Institute, and it will serve him well in his life. Best regards, Vic.” Charlie Brooke: “I work with a community services board. I retired from the Postal Service and United Airlines and wanted to stay active. I transferred to the MR section to work in a group home with mentally challenged residents. I enjoy the job and still travel to

Europe and Australia frequently with my retirement benefits. I stay in contact with one Brother Rat, my cousin, Rick Brooke. I am a cancer survivor. My son is leaving for the Middle East today as a major in the Army Reserve.” Dave Veazey and fiancée Marie live in Newport News, and he bumped into Jimmy Ferrell recently. Jim Hayes has moved to Warner Robins, GA. Joe Stafford and Joyce are at their beach house in Bethany Beach, DE. Jim Waehler lives in their area. Jim is practicing civil law.

As a continuation of my suggestion that we can all stay young by following the careers of more recent VMI graduates, I offer the following: John Lee Pitts ’99 and his wife, Aurora, and daughter, Bryn, are off to western Africa as missionaries to a Muslim country. Zipporah McCann ’11 checked in from her summer VMI educational experience in Peru. (How come none of us got an exotic trip as cadets? VN does not count.) We received a great letter at Christmas from Eric Ham ’01 (his summer trip was to Morroco as a cadet) who lives with wife Martha in Whitefish Bay, WI. They both work for health care organizations. Eric was the last piper/drum major to play “Dixie” on Post. It cost him his stripes and a significant bone, as VMI had long since decided it was not PC to play the unofficial national anthem of the Confederate States of America. An alumnus put him up to it.

Much more was available for these notes than I could include. I literally had 18 pages to work with and am over my allowed space even after I edited out 2/3rds of your messages. I tried to name everyone, even when all of your information was not used. Bear with me. Keep your cards and letters and e-mail coming.

Tom Hickey

’68

Ron Gallagher

About 12 hours after I filed the May 2009 notes, I found two e-mails in my inbox. In the first one, Jim Burg (Prescott, AZ) wrote (in part), “My wife, Sharon, and I are taking a break and going on a cruise to Alaska, 5/22 to 5/30, aboard Princess Cruise Lines leaving out of Seattle. We badly need to get away. Serving at the VA hospital is highly rewarding, but (I’m) watching so many vets from the Greatest Generation pass away. Among these are many personal friends; others are younger vets that I’ve associated with for years.”

In the second, Les Martin (Hanover, PA) wrote, “My wife and I had dinner last night with Herb

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CLASS NOTES Brasington (Hillsboro, OR). He flew back from Mike plays golf a couple of days a week and Ron Stultz (Fairfax, VA) sent an e-mail when Oregon to see his mom in Richmond and to go fishes. When we spoke, he was just back from a Dean Foster, who was a good friend of his, to VMI for graduation. His cousin is graduating day trip to fish for bass in the Maury River near passed away. Ron and Dr. Foster had been close second in his class as a chemistry major, and the Buena Vista. since our days at VMI, so Ron really felt the loss. number one in the class is also a chemistry major.

Found one of my first class-year roommates, Bill Carter (Raleigh, NC) says he’s been able Apparently, the two battled back and forth for the Jack Falzone (Crystal Lake, IL) at home in to stay retired as a “Gentleman of Leisure.” His last four years academically. I have no concept July. He says he thinks he’s in his last year of daughter, Kate, is in her third year of law school of that at all. The young man is really sharp; the working and has established June 1, 2010, as at Ole Miss and in an exchange program at the Institute did good. Herb and Cathy live outside his planned retirement date. He and Elaine are University of Cambridge for summer law school.

Portland in a really cool type of development. planning a little travel and volunteer work.

Dale Pancake (Andalusia, AL) has been with Check out the Web site http://www.terrain.org/ Their oldest child, Jill, lives near Jack and Auburn University’s Dixon Forestry Education unscrew/10/. Their two boys are doing fine. Herb’s Elaine and has one son. Their daughter, Jamie, Center since the early 1980s. Dale is volunteerstill a self-employed executive in software pro- lives in Mesa, AZ. After retirement, Jack and ing and serving as president of the Board of gramming and has a new hobby, apiculture. That’s Elaine are looking to snow bird in a house they Habitat for Humanity in Covington County. ‘bee keeping’ to those of us lacking culture. He bought in Mesa a couple of years ago. Their They had just finished their first house in July tends 10 apiary – those are collections of bees. third daughter, Jaclyn, is an oncology pharma2009 when we talked. Plans are underway to His stories are still fascinating, and build a second house in October his life is an adventure to the rest 2009 and a third in the spring of of us. I got my questions about the 2010. Dale’s also the chief of the ‘Bee Movie’ answered. Boy bees local Volunteer Fire Department. don’t do all the work, and very Helen is a State Farm agent. They few bees can talk. Even fewer bees have 10 grandchildren who all live have a Jerry Seinfeld accent. Seriin Covington County. Dale gave me ously, Herb has great stories, and a little personal history. He moved to bee keeping sounds very interestsouth Alabama in 1981 after time in ing. Herb is the Webmaster for the the Peace Corps in Peru (1973-74) Oregon Apiculture Society at www. and Guatemala (1974-80). He’s been orsba.org.” able to use his somewhat rusty SpanLater, in July, I got a short note ish skills on a Habitat mission to from Les that read, “Tom Arensdorf Costa Rica in Feb 2009 and in Gua(Haymarket, VA) and I attended the temala and the Dominican Republic Class of 1968: Jim Polley during his sixth trip to GuanAT&T Tiger Woods Tournament on church missions. tanamo Bay (GTMO). Above: Polley at the gate to the living and were on TV, right behind Tiger A little story involving Ron area. Below: The court building.

Woods as he putted. We feel this Cowardin (Midlothian, VA): When should help both our golf games, getting ready to make August 2009 if not our chances to pick up hot calls, I was updating some reference chicks.” files. The VMI Alumni Agencies’ Spoke with Larry Stetson (TaAlumni Directory didn’t have any coma, WA) in July. He was just information on Ron. Totally mystiback from two weeks in London. fied, I tried the “Deceased Alumni” The Grand Canyon and an Alaska search, and sure enough, there he cruise are his next two destinations. was. Astonished does not describe Larry’s been retired for the last my reaction. So, I e-mailed VMI couple of years. So, to keep busy, that evening asking “when and he and Lynn became licensed foster where?” Kathryn Wise replied the parents, but they didn’t have any next morning that they had a vague, foster kids living with them when unsubstantiated notation – something we talked. In addition to foster parenting, Lynn is cist, is now engaged and also lives near them. about, “No, he’s not going to give you any working for World Vision as a grant writer. Larry Val Sledd (Poquoson, VA) said he hasn’t money, because he’s died!” back in 2007. Since and Lynn had joined the Museum of Flight on an decided quite yet on a retirement date, but it I knew I had talked with Ron in 2008, that night earlier visit and have kept the membership, so they won’t be long. He’s still doing the same thing I called him and was greatly relieved to speak were considering driving out to Everett, WA, to for Vanasse Hangen Brustlin. VHB’s business with him and get new contact information. visit an aircraft restoration facility. on the commercial side is pretty diverse, but Ron remarked that he wondered why he wasn’t In early June 2009, Mike Thacker (Roanoke, environmental work, roadway design, bridge getting the Alumni Review. I e-mailed VMI VA) and I teamed up in the annual Keydet Club design, highway department, national park the news that reports of Ron’s passing were outing, where we won for the second year in a service are their primary domains, and they’ve “greatly exaggerated!” I ask each of you to take row – nothing like hot putting to improve your been able to weather the recession. Constance is a minute and go to the VMI Alumni web page, score. Mike stays busy working for a landon the Poquoson School Board as the vice chair. www.vmialumni.org, and log in to make sure scaping company in the Roanoke area. Mulch Their son, Rick, is with Booz Allen Hamilton your “particulars” – mailing address, phone deliveries are down a little, but he still works in Arlington, VA, and their daughter, Valerie, is number and e-mail – are current. a couple days a week. When he’s not working, teaching 4th grade at Hampton Roads Academy.

But back to Ron. He is retired and doing a

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CLASS NOTES heck of a lot of reading, yard work but sometimes does some jewelry appraisals, special purchases for folks he knows. We talked a little about a recent Richmond Times Dispatch article about a Justice Department investigation into sexual discrimination at VMI. He found it remarkable that female cadets are required to do only one pull-up and male cadets five.

Ron, a wrestler at VMI, remembers doing 100.

I, on the other hand, remember doing 10. He’s in routine touch with John Van Landingham (Eugene, OR), Bill Besenfelder (Midlothian, VA) and weekly contact with George Squires (Richmond, VA).

Had a great conversation with Walt Jeffress (Fairfax, VA). Walt continues to be on the VMI Foundation Board serving as the VP for Finance Administration – the same position Bob Philpott had a few years ago. Bob Copty ’70 is the VP for Fund Raising. Walt says he’s happy that Skip Roberts (Lexington, VA) has joined the Investment Committee. Walt is an avid golfer. A 12 handicap, he recently won the Senior Championship at Kinloch Golf Club in Richmond. He plays in three or four Champions Tour Pro-Ams each year. In January, he played in the Hawaiian Pro Am with Bruce Litzke one day and Loren Roberts on another. In February, at the Naples, FL, Ace Group Championship, he played with Ben Crenshaw and Jim Thorpe.

Got a nice update from Dave Law (Reston, VA). Kate, Dave and their son, Matt, are living in northern Virginia. Matt hopes to play football at Va Tech. Dave is working with A. Morton Thomas & Associates as a safety management consultant to VDOT for the MegaProjects in northern Virginia and staying very busy. Kate is working in the marketing department for a large retirement home in Fairfax, VA, and they all miss living in the quiet beauty and laid back serenity of the Shenandoah Valley. Dave sees John English (Richmond, VA) and Jack Bagby (Floyd, VA) from time to time and rarely Joe Petitta (Safety Harbor, FL) if he is ever down in the Tampa area. Dave is still playing guitar (mostly folk music) in various “open mic” venues around northern VA. Dave, John and Jack still enjoy seeing other Brother Rats annually at the Labor Day Weekend, New Market Rat Parade event that is generously hosted by John and Cindy Crim (New Market, VA) who provide their front porch as the viewing stand, along with excellent dining, fine beverages and some pretty great live bluegrass, compliments of John’s sister. All in all, Dave says life has been really good to him and his family. He has three wonderful grandchildren, and they are considering retirement in Central America where the good life is still affordable. Their little Bichon, Sam, keeps them all smiling and very happy, as he walks Kate every morning

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and Dave every evening to keep them both active.

Got a series of e-mails over the summer from Hal Hostetler (Portsmouth, VA) giving updates on his and Brenda’s mission trip to the Lakota Indians’ “Standing Rock Reservation” that straddles the North Dakota/South Dakota border.

Class of 1968: Hal Hostetler was at the Lakota Indians’ Standing Rock Reservation that straddles the North Dakota/South Dakota border in July 2009. Hostetler is standing on a rock on the reservation with Sitting Bull’s Monument and grave in the background.

In early July, Doug Schnabel (Nashville, TN) wrote, “Been working for the TN Division of Forestry as the Forest Business guy for the past couple years. Trying to help the forest products companies in TN to keep going – losing battle lately. Doing some travel makes it fun. China twice to try and sell hardwood lumber, Vietnam this September for hardwood lumber exports, Ecuador to help with some sawmills and a major project in Belize. Designed, purchased, modified and installed a sawmill for some folks out in the boondocks of Belize. Fun and different; TN was nice enough to let me take time off without pay to do that. Still have a farm on the Piney River and now a house in Nashville, so plenty to keep busy.

Four children and only two grandsons so far. Had open heart surgery March 31 to repair my mitral valve that had gotten much worse, even though I have had a murmur since birth. Did one bypass while he was in there, too! So, good as new.”

Got a note via Facebook from Ben Hicks (Sterling, VA), our USNA alumnus, who wrote, “John (Frank) Andreas contacted me today. FOUND after almost 40 years!” I contacted John who did change his last name, but he wasn’t quite ready to be added to the e-mail list. At least I can take John off the “Have you seen them?” list.

Wayne Burton (Saint Marys, GA) wrote, “Carole and I had a busy summer. In May 2009, we visited our son, Craig, in Harrogate, England, where he works. We spent 10 days in Garmish, Germany, before going to Edinburgh, Scotland. While visiting the Edinburgh Castle, we ran into John and Ann Timmons (Winston Salem, NC). John had on his ’68 class cap which caught Carole’s eye. Pays to wear the VMI logo. Never know when you will meet an alumnus or a Brother Rat. Also went to Sterling, Scotland, and visited the William Wallace memorial. Remember Braveheart? Hope to catch the VMI/Coastal Carolina game on Oct 10.”

I got a note from Renee Hamilton reporting that Creigh Kelley (Centennial, CO) was inducted into the Colorado Running Hall of Fame on May 13, 2009. The citation read, “Creigh Kelley is Race Director of the 2009 Denver Post Colorado Colfax Marathon. Kelley has been a competitor, agent, race director, national consultant, announcer, broadcaster and leader in the national and international running community for 30 years. As a race director, he has helped manage, produce and directly assist with over 1,000 recreation special events throughout the nation over the last 29 years, including the past four with the Colorado Colfax Marathon.”

Jim Polley (Stafford, VA) sent a too short e-mail that read, “Just got back from my sixth trip to GTMO. We’re still trying to sort out the terrorist trials.”

To close this out, here’s some of what George Sebren (Niceville, FL) has to say about retirement: “This retirement life is pretty neat. I highly recommend it to anyone who has worked (?) for 40 years and is ready for some fun. [We took a] dive trip on a live-aboard to the Turks and Caicos Islands, just south of the Bahamas.”

’69

Walter Judd

Greetings, BRs and friends of the great class of 1969. Summer has arrived in eastern Virginia, and the humidity matches the temperature most days. Thank goodness for cold beer and warm breezes.

Last notes were focused on our 40th Reunion.

Please go to the class page on the VMI Alumni Association site (vmialumni.org) to see them,

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CLASS NOTES if you didn’t receive an Alumni Review. I told you about many of the activities of the reunion weekend, but I did not get to include all the stories I had to tell, so this edition will try to fill in some more info.

In my last notes, I was tight for space and had to leave out some words from Charlie Bryan’s Outstanding Virginian award ceremony immediately after the reunion. I did include the part about BR participation but omitted the part about Charlie’s brother-in-law and his part in the ceremony. Charlie suggested I left out one key VMI person – his brother-in-law, Dr. Battle Haslam ’61. Charlie wrote later, “In addition to being my inspiration to go to VMI, he was the pianist at the OVA ceremony, which included a rousing rendition of ‘The Spirit.’ Battle is a retired radiation oncologist from Asheville, NC, and is on the VMI Foundation Board.” Let the record say now we have the complete story!

As part of the reunion build-up, I communicated with many BRs who accepted tasks to contact others. John DuBose told me he was going to talk to every chemistry major and invite them personally. The e-mail trails that followed were hilarious. Amo Judd, Bill Romanchick, Lee Barnes, Gary Moore, Don Nelson, Paul Mathewson, Rick Snow and Bill Thorpe renewed ties and had some fun at the same time. Amo won the prize for best lines: “Took me 15 minutes to figure out what ‘Na’ was and another 10 to figure out why Romanchick was doing dishes. Col. Ritchey went to his grave trying to figure out why I didn’t go into lawn mower repair!”

After the reunion I spoke with Rick and Mary Ann Snow in New Mexico and got the following news: Rick had to miss the time in Lexington to be in San Diego building contracts for future work. Mary Ann reported she had graduated … again. She is now an official registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS).

That is a wonderful title and a neat job. As I am a new great uncle, I am aware of the work RDMSs do and the excitement they generate in expectant parents. Our little “peanut” from the sonogram turned, in time, into a little girl. M.A. also said Rick’s work as an artist sold well in their first community Art in the Park festival.

Hard to believe someone who is an expert in blowing up things is such an accomplished potter. Did I mention Rick and M.A. also grow grapes for local wines? According to Rick, they grow “bacco noir” grapes in the high desert area and trade them for cases of wine later. Harvest is a September event, if you are interested.

Heard from the roommates in room 111 – Wayne Keesee, Don Mercer, Bob Leibecke and Joe Spicer – about their short reunion in early August, conducted in the middle of the Maury River at Goshen Pass, among other sites.

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Don said it succinctly: “We identified all the world’s current and future problems while sitting on the rocks in the river. Beer makes it all crystal clear after so many years!”

Also talked with Paul Curs who had to miss the reunion because of job-related commitments at the last moment. Paul decided he still enjoyed flying, after mandatory retirement from an American airline company, and began work as a pilot for an airline company in Saudi Arabia. He flies all over the med-east and sees the petro-dollars at work. Recently, he wrote about trips to Palma de Mallorca off the Spanish coast, an overnight in Beirut in a decidedly not-five-star hotel (You can see why the city has been called [in the good old days] the “Paris of the Med”), Sharm el Sheikh (with world-class diving near jagged mountains, lots of orangetan sand and teal blue water), Medina (where the prophet Mohammad is buried), Jeddah, Paris, Corsica – off the Italian coast – and then later to Shannon, Ireland. Not sure of where your next vacation will be? Check with Paul on the most scenic places.

I am not sure you heard what happened to the beautiful, politically incorrect glasses the reunion committee (John Sebrell, Gary Mackey and Gene Beale) procured for us. Each BR got two larger glasses and had the opportunity to purchase more of the larger and smaller glasses.

Peggy Mackey set up shop on Saturday evening after the banquet and sold all the smaller ones.

We ended up with six larger glasses at the end of the affair to distribute later. Rick Snow, John Power, Scottie McMillin and Paul Curs ended up with one or two of them, so all are now gone. Each of those BRs had initially made plans to attend the reunion and had to drop out later for various reasons. If, however, you still want one or more of the glasses, talk with John Sebrell. He has the order forms and contact numbers. We expect you would have to purchase enough to make the deal work with the company, so talk to others and gather enough for a substantial order.

Bob Ladd, Rick Morris and Ken Houston undertook a meaningful exercise this summer.

They spent some time locating Rat roommate Frank “Danny” Daniels, so all could possibly take part in a ceremony at Fort Benning in memory of Frank Webb. As we are all aware, Frank Webb left VMI early and went directly into the Army. He was not yet 20 years old when he died in action in the Republic of Vietnam. Bob sent a report I have edited a little.

Please contact Biker Bob for the full story. “I got home this a.m. at 1 due to my poor selection of airports, but I have to tell you that my trip to Ft. Benning was more than worth any efforts and that I feel more at peace about Frank and Vietnam vets in general today. I met with Jim

Sheppard who served with Frank and has done such a good job recapturing and preserving the history of 1st Battalion 50th Infantry. While waiting for him in their hospitality rooms, I was gazing at pictures, stories, maps, etc. Of all those documents, I seemed to focus on An Bao – a Vietnamese village – more than anything else, due to the drawings of tanks, bunkers, etc.

I later learned that is where Frank died. Jim took me to meet John Topper who was Frank’s commanding officer. John is a wonderful man who I am sure was a great leader, and he was elated to meet someone who knew Frank before the war. John had visited Frank’s parents after he returned home and had a very high regard for Frank as a man and a soldier. In fact, everyone I met thought the world of Frank and spoke of his sense of humor, his sense of honor and the fact that he was a warrior but not an insane zealot. It would be great if, in two years when this memorial ceremony is held again, others of us could be there. These men (the 50th ID guys) were humble and kind and gave family members and friends special treatment while making me feel like a brother.” Well said, Bob. Biker Bob also sent me a picture of a beautiful mid-60s Mustang and then, when I reminded him of the stories, followed up with the name of the fifth year man who used to tear up and down route 250 and I-64 to and from Richmond in a soupedup Mustang. Do you all remember Bill Currence ’66 and all the stories? I still do and laugh.

Ward Carr sent me links to his American Sport Camp 2009 site in Germany. <http:// www.flickr.com/photos/24037976@N06/ sets/72157621804689184/>. Later I got to the site and saw pictures of the old coach in action.

Ward teaches American football, lacrosse and baseball to anyone in the Frankfurt area wanting to learn. He said he learned some patience while coaching the 13 girls (including his own daughter) who signed up for the football sessions.

Hugh Hopkins wrote, “Adrianne and I have signed up for the Med cruise in May 2011.

And I believe Anne and Dennis Witt have also signed up.” Those two BRs and wives joined Bob and Lush Heely last fall for the inaugural VMI alumni sailing cruise in the Caribbean and evidently liked it so much, they signed up for another adventurous tour.

BR Bob Heely in his new role as a vice president in the Alumni Association wanted to highlight the results of the Keydet Club new member campaign. 1800 new members joined, and the 75th anniversary fund raiser picked up some tidy change. Thanks to all the members of the class who joined the KC. There is definitely room for a few more.

Glenn White reported on the annual James River canoe trip: “We had a great trip, as usual.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Went from Howardsville to New Canton. ’Twas a rolling party, as usual. Mssrs. Baker, White, Robins, Blandford and Butler were in attendance. Caught and cooked more small mouth bass than we could eat! Skinny made lace cornbread that was excellent. Had a violent storm on Friday night that almost blew the tents down.

Robins and I had everything we owned soaked.

My sleeping bag was completely wet, and I had to pour the water out of my cot several times during the night! Needless to say, clothes lines were the first order of business when we made camp on Saturday.” Just a typical ride down the rivah … For those folks not permitted to canoe for days at a time, I suggest reading the book Journey on the James written by Earl Swift about eight years ago. One can get the flavor of the journey via the book.

At the early June Keydet Club Leadership outing, we also had a touch of rain to contend with. As in, it poured the whole day, those of us who played wore our complete wet gear/ rain suits the entire time. Jimmy and Beth Long playing with Art and Becky Bushey won third in their division and were the only ones from the class to place. Tom Morris, Reb Anderson’s cousin, Dr Jerry Burnett ’62, Andy Williams ’65 and I slogged it to the end and finished just out of the money. BRs Chapman, Thompson, T.C. Jones and Mackey decided to forego the wet and found other inside activities for the afternoon. Bunny Paulette also missed the golf but stayed for the dinner later.

Jimmy Long sent me a quick report on his summer golf outings. He met John Mitchell at Berkley Hall Plantation outside of Hilton Head in late May and then hit Pinehurst in late July with Art and Becky Bushey, Preston and Janis Painter, Aimee and Taylor Roberts ’67, Tom and Jane Mortenson (assistant dean of Admissions) and three other non-VMI couples. Jimmy is pleased to begin duty on the Keydet Club Board of Governors this summer, along with T.C. Jones, Chapman and Bushey.

Just love chance meetings with BRs. I was on my way home from a business trip to Germany in mid August and ran into Frank Easterly at the Delta waiting area. We chatted for 10 minutes or so and got a little caught up. He was sorry to have missed the reunion and asked about all of you who attended. He asked me who was the most interesting BR to attend. Hard question. I told him we still had plenty of “interesting characters” and gave some examples. His business takes him all over the world, and we shared some “we were there” stories.

It is time to wrap up this edition for the quarter with a short tale of interest. Biker Bob Ladd told us of his experience with the Vietnam veterans at Fort Benning. I got to visit the Bastogne, Belgium, area this summer and noted where Ameri-

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can soldiers had made history in a different type of war. The stories were still fresh and the memorials real. Our tour guide was a retired Army colonel friend of Mike Harper, and he used the “Band of Brothers” movie to set the scene for our tour of the battleground. It was an emotional and interesting tour with plenty of stories of the heroes that day. We finished our tour with a visit to the American cemetery in Luxemburg City to pay our respects at the grave of Jamie Totten’s granddad, Gen. George Patton, class of 1907.

Of course, the day was complete with reports of how air power had finally gotten to play and supported the Army and Marine forces holding Bastogne. Every war story should include how air power made a difference!

See you at football and basketball games this fall. Be sure to thank Ron Wall when you see him for leading our reunion planning team last spring. And be sure to send in a donation to your favorite of the three fund choices in Lexington.

Yours in the Spirit … Walt

’70

Bill O’Connor

Greetings to all from hot, humid Richmond.

Can’t complain too much this summer, as we have had an unusually mild summer through July, so a couple of weeks of hot August weather are probably in order. The news this summer was as about as sparse as money in the U.S. Treasury. Typically, this time of the year BRs are busy with vacations, retirements and grandchildren.

Herb Braun is the newest BR to take the retirement plunge. In July, Herb formally retired from the engineering firm R. Stuart Royer, a company that he, Gary Weishaar and Roger Hart ’72 brought about 20 years ago. To celebrate Herb’s retirement, his partners threw him a great retirement party at Roger’s house.

Attending from ’70 were John and June Bailey, Ralph and Marsha Costen, Tom and Jill Cooke, Jim and Judy Mawyer, and Paula and me. Herb was looking forward to reaping the rewards of his working endeavors by lowering his handicap and catching all the fish in the Chesapeake Bay. Congrats to Herb, and good luck to Susan!

Jim Spacek sent an update announcing that he too has joined the growing ranks of the retired: “Just a note to let you know I joined the retired ranks in February after having spent the last 25 years as the director of Public Utilities in Portsmouth. My career there was somewhat checkered, as I lost our regional water plant to flooding from Hurricane Floyd, putting the National Guard in the street handing out water

and shutting down several major defense establishments. It took 4-1/2 days of working around the clock to get service restored and regionally I got the nickname ‘Flood Stud.’ This ‘great too much’ was followed the very next year by the ‘great too little’ – the worst drought in our watershed’s history, during which I had to enact harsh restrictions and fines. A city council member bemoaned that I couldn’t get it right – first too much and then too little. I told him that if you threw out the two extremes, on average I was doing well – statistics is a wonderful thing!

My VMI training served me well during these times – hiding overwhelming panic and a very strong desire to break and run while still functioning and leading is certainly a learned trait honed by our time in the Ratline and four years at the ‘I.’” Thanks, Jim; it certainly sounds like your retirement is well deserved.

Bob Hawthorne and Ben Morris traded Facebook notes when Ben traveled from California to Washington on business. Bob gave Ben some good travel tips regarding DC traffic and recommended some good restaurants. Bob is now in Richmond, and Ben and Val still live in California. Speaking of Facebook, a good number of BRs have joined Facebook and post regular updates and photos. It is a great way to communicate and to stay in touch. Our resident IT guru, Chips Lanier, has set up a VMI 1970 site on Facebook which all can join. If you are not a member of Facebook, check it out; I think you will find it both entertaining and informative.

The VMI Keydet Club held their annual Leadership Outing in June, and ’70 had a good turn out. Attending were Bob Copty, Steve Craddock, Bill Gearhart, Herb Braun, Tom Cooke, Ralph Costen and yours truly. (Editor’s Note: See photos in the Keydet Club section of this Review.) For the first time in a long while, everybody behaved themselves, and there were no casualties. All of the coaches spoke at the dinner, and I can tell you that, to a man attending, everybody feels like the athletics at VMI are moving in the right direction. Look for a winning season in football this coming year as well as in basketball, baseball and track and much improvement in all the other sports. It appears that we have finally turned the corner.

As you all are aware, we will have our 40th Reunion next April. By now, you should have received some preliminary information regarding the tentative itinerary. Your reunion committee – Bill Gearhart, Bob Copty, Tom Cooke, Herb Braun, Ralph Costen and Ned Haley – have been hard at work planning for the 40th. We want this to be the biggest reunion yet and to get as many BRs to attend as we possibly can. Ned Haley is heading the “Lost BR” committee in an attempt to contact those BRs who have not stayed in touch or have not

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CLASS NOTES attended a reunion. If you would like to help Ned, please give him a shout.

I would like to thank all members of the class for the super gift-giving for fiscal 2009. Our class donated $256,697.70 to the various VMI agencies. We were fourth in gift giving for the classes in the 1960s and 1970s and had 48.29% of class participation. Thanks to all – next year, let’s double the contributions and participation.

I look forward to seeing many of you this fall in Lexington. Take care of yourselves, and please SEND SOME NEWS. Go Big Red

’71

James Kelly

These notes will cover the period between 15 May 2009 and 15 Aug. 2009.

Summer is rapidly winding down, but the “dog days” of August are here to remind us that quite a bit of warm weather still is ahead. Those of you who were football players at any level I am sure remember those first few weeks of summer practice, and that it was rarely a cool time.

Kathryn and I will have the grandchildren this week [in August] – Lauren (’26) and Ryan (’27). We always look forward to the opportunity to have them visit, so that we can spoil them for a while. I suspect many of you are inclined to do the same with your own little ones.

The big story of the summer so far has been the Keydet Club’s 75th Anniversary Challenge and the tremendous support from VMI alumni who increased their giving for the challenge and those who gave for the first time. Lanny Gault led an absolutely fierce campaign to generate donors from our class. We ended the challenge period with a total of 119 donors representing about 46 percent of BRs. This earned us a third place finish among all alumni classes. The class of ’84 won the overall challenge. Congratulations to those guys, and a huge thank you to ’71. I know the young men and women at VMI proudly wearing the red, white and yellow are grateful for the support. The Keydet Club raised $344,000 in gifts from 1,925 new donors. Membership now totals 3,950.

The surge of donors associated with the 75th Challenge also boosted our class total for overall giving to VMI. I am pleased to let you know that the class of ’71 (as of the end of the fourth quarter) led all classes in our decade (and quite a few others) with 148 donors, for a 57.59% participation rate. That is simply outstanding, gentlemen. Thank you so much for rising to the top, even when times are not the best for everyone. Last year, 5,052 alumni made contributions which allowed VMI to exceed its goal of 38% participation.

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Graduation at the UConn School of Law last May created a chance meeting of Steve Sanetti and Reeves Potts. Both had daughters in the graduating class. The girls knew each other but did not realize the connection between their fathers. Steve also had dropped in to visit Art Shelfer’s farm in Tallahassee, FL. Art has two goats which Steve says is “appropriate.”

An Old Yell for Dave Coulter who has been named by WakeMed as the top executive of its 156-bed Cary Hospital. Dave will oversee operations and strategic direction, as the Cary area continues to grow and the patient population increases. Dave lives in Cary, NC. Summer usually means not so many chances to see people or receive information. Hopefully, we can catch up during the upcoming football season.

A mini-reunion is in the works for Oct. 31st.

Kathryn, Chuck, Veronica, the children and I wish you all the best. Let me hear from you.

The next deadline for notes is 15 Nov. 2009.

Thanks again for all the support of VMI. GO BIG RED! … Jim

’72

Larry Houseworth

Brother and Sister Rats, families, friends …

These notes cover mid May through mid August. With blessed few exceptions, these summer days have been a treat – the global warming memo never reached the DC Weather Gods and this is one for the lovers, poets and wanderers. But I digress; you’ll get these just before Founders Day, as our thoughts turn to Thanksgiving and the holidays.

A quick personal note – I’ve been extremely remiss in my personal notes and birthday cards to you all. I apologize and sincerely hope that the impending resolution of my long-running domestic relations issues will restore some precious time and energy. You deserve it!

Business first … In spite of the economy, commitments to Annual Giving were very generous for Fiscal Year 2009. Last year, 5,052 alumni made a gift or commitment to VMI; that’s a 39% participation rate which was up 1% from the previous year – in spite of the economy. As for us, very impressive indeed, BRs! Fourth quarter FY09 participation was 44% – a significant jump from last year. Much of that success is attributable to the strong support given to the Keydet Club 75th Anniversary Challenge. Thanks to Gale Sommers’ motivation, 74 members of ’72 vaulted us from 14th to 6th place, besting both ’69 and ’70 – way to go, Gale! I say again – it’s not how much you give that counts – any amount, anytime, in whatever

form … and to all of you who’ve contributed, thank you from your class agent.

To the news – my friend, Carol, and I and Phil and Carol Wilkerson attended the blessing of A.J. and Karen Fojt’s wedding vows on the occasion of their 25th anniversary on June 13th.

It was a beautiful, simple ceremony attended by old Army friends, business associates and family. We were all treated to chauffeured transportation to chez Fojt for a delightful reception afterward. Bride Karen was radiant in cream silk, and the beaming groom presented each of the lady guests with bouquets – very, very nice!

In response to Bob Beerbower’s trip down memory lane in the last issue, Charlottesville Gentleman Jim (“Sneadsie”) Snead wrote, “I just read Bob’s piece in the Alumni Review. Ask him if he remembers a ride Thanksgiving 1971 from Lexington to northern Virginia. He, (Pete) Grojean, me and my future wife, 1962 Rambler with bald tires, trunk full of apples, two cases of beer and a Blizzard. Took 24 hours to get from Lexington to Fairfax.” A Currier and Ives moment, Jim. In response to the information I forwarded from Jennie and Roger Hart, Buzz Chacey lamented, “What is so scary is how young people are these days that can’t find any other way out.” On a more upbeat note, he says, “ …

I have some news (good). I am retiring from civil service after 35 years on the 3rd of June and am starting work with Ameresco to build a biomass cogeneration facility to provide steam and electricity to the Savannah River Site. So, I am not really retiring – just switching jobs – but it should be a great ‘green’ project to work on, and I am excited.” We’re happy for you, BR. Rick Hack is now senior vice oresident, Operations, Maintenance and Logistics for KBR Government and Infrastructure in Crystal City.

He says he’s working “… harder than I really wanted to.” I say it’s just further evidence of the art of the possible, General.

“Discount Captain” Jack Miller checked in from Cocoa Beach, Florida – twice. In early June, he sent a great informal picture of VMI Band members at the Rose Parade in Pasadena.

He said it was from “ … One of my 30+ year friends from Texas ... It is amazing that people, who have never been to VMI and know only what they read or hear and don’t know any of the cadets in the picture, still have considerable respect for VMI and what it stands for.”

And just before deadline, he sent me a second picture that looked like a Coast Guard recruiting campaign. (See photo.) And just to rub a little salt in the wounds, he tacked on a picture of a gorgeous 36-foot (?) Wellcraft – the latest “ … addition to the Miller NAVY! We are now up to four boats and a jet ski! If the Conch Republic ever invades Cocoa Beach, boy are they in trouble! Actually, I am going to make

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CLASS NOTES this Wellcraft a facility. That means that she will carry all the safety equipment and trained crew to assist the United States Coast Guard on patrols, the latest of which was security for the launch of the space shuttle.” A hearty Semper Paratus to you, BR – and that’s damn near a “Miami Vice” lookin’ “patrol” boat!

Our VMI Foundation member, Rich Flowers, wrote, “As you know, I periodically get back to the Institute and see several of our BRs. Usually, it is just Walt Chalkley and Tom Moncure, as I get in and out of Lexington and occasionally I call Phil Clayton at his House Mountain retreat. Walt’s retirement, a well-deserved rest from the regimented life, will take him away from the Institute. He was truly on parade every hour of the day. Just steps from the superintendent as chief of staff, Walt did an outstanding job in the chaos of construction and political demands on Gen. Peay ’62. I will miss Walt.”

Rich adds this: “At the 2009 national meeting of the Boy Scouts of America at Orlando Florida, I received the Silver Antelope for distinguished service to youth. Beth accompanied me on stage and was honored as well. The Court of Honor announced a litany of my regional scouting service, including leading camp inspection teams, national and international jamboree staff positions, regional committee work, my Order of the Arrow and scouting leadership with youth. Here is some background on the award: As a movement whose leadership is overwhelmingly volunteer, the Boy Scouts of America recognizes the need to acknowledge the invaluable services that men and women render to youth. Of the hundreds of awards that the BSA presents each year to those on the local council, regional and national levels, the Silver Buffalo, Silver Antelope, Silver Beaver and Silver World awards are the most prestigious.

Although the criteria are different for each of these awards, there is one common thread: The recognitions are granted for distinguished service to youth by one’s own peers in Scouting. The Silver Antelope Award, created in 1942, is granted for outstanding service to youth within the territory of a BSA region. The criteria are similar to those for

the Silver Buffalo, with one major difference: A recipient must be a registered adult member of the Boy Scouts of America. The awards are presented in connection with regional meetings or at other public functions within the region. The National Court of Honor bestows Silver Antelope Awards on the basis of the number of registered volunteers in a region. There were eight awards this year in the Central Region. (The Central Region covers western Virginia to Wyoming and Minnesota to Missouri). I have been involved in scouting over 50 years. (I still have a pack 304 membership cards from 1958 for my home church.) Currently, I serve on the Area 6 committee of the Central Region of the Boy Scouts of America, and the National Committee Representative and Wood Badge Coordinator of the Black Swamp Area BSA Council. My scouting awards include the Silver Beaver Award and District Award of Merit for service at the local council and district level and The God and Service Award from the Presbyterian Church USA, given for scouting service to Presbyterian youth. I also hold numerous scouting service awards for cub scouting and boy scouting leadership and international service. Sorry for so much detail, but sometimes it helps understand the award.” All of us former Scouts appreciate the significance of this recognition – and your BRs salute you, Rich – well done!

Just before the July 4th holiday, Emily (“the evil”) Griffith wrote saying “… Today (July 2nd) was Greg’s retirement lunch from the Corps of Engineers. It was quite an event, and I thought you would like a picture to see that he actually did retire. Now I get to introduce him to a Honey-Do list here at home. Our younger son is at LDAC in Ft. Lewis WA right now, and just FYI and for your prayer list, Jonathan Woloshuk, Mike and Cindy’s eldest, is in Afghanistan, very close to where the soldier was taken prisoner. She says that it does not sound like it is Jon, but we have the Mothers In Prayer on the prayer chain as I type. So please keep him in your prayers and his fellow soldiers serving there in Afghanistan.” Two days later, she wrote confirming that the missing soldier

was not Jon but one from a unit very close to his. Our prayers are with Jon and all our troops, and their families, around the world.

Tom Moncure dropped me a quick note to say that he “… just completed a nice visit with Chris Arey who came by Sunday to this morning (Aug. 10th) en route to some business in Charlottesville for the week. Took him through the Barracks construction, ‘new’ Lejeune Hall and gave him a tour of Post … much had changed since he last saw it at our 35th almost two years ago.” Indeed it has, BR – and for those of you who haven’t seen them, the new facilities are most impressive.

Walt Chalkley sent the following as he passed the VMI chief of staff reins to Col. Jeff Curtis – “All … Today is my final day at VMI. It has been a great assignment and working for Gen. Peay ’62 has been the highlight of my professional career. Debbie and I will pack up tomorrow and drive to our home in The Villages, Florida. If you should need to contact me, my e-mail address will be waltchalkley@aol. com, and phone number is 352/753-7425. Our new mailing address is 3136 Riverdale Road, The Villages FL 32162.” Now, he’s definitely earned the right to “get retirement right!”

Dick Valentine, eagerly awaiting the start of VMI and Alabama football as well as Jacksonville Jaguars training camp, passed along his new e-mail address – dick-val@att.net. I also got quick “all presents” from Mike Sadler and Cam Fine.

That’s a wrap – later, BRs. Yours In The Spirit … Larry

’73

Mike Kelly

I hope all of you are doing well. It is hard to believe that it’s already mid August. The summer is drawing to a close, and of course, when this issue of the Review comes out, we’ll be preparing for Christmas! Hopefully, I’ll be over my pool closing withdrawal by then! Took

Class of 1972 Photo at left: Flotilla Staff Officer Jack Miller in Cocoa Beach, Florida, summer 2009.

Photo at right: Gregg Griffith and his wife, Emily, at his retirement from the Army Corps of Engineers in July 2009.

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CLASS NOTES me quite a few years to learn to just chill out occasionally and do nothing but read a book and lay around the pool, but I’ve gotten used to it now and enjoy it!

Before I get into our class notes, I want to share with you news that the Kelly family experienced the loss of a loved one this summer.

My brother, Steve, class of ’77, lost his wife, Cindy, in June. Cindy battled against Leukemia for several months. Steve and Cindy have four children and four grandchildren. During Steve’s naval career, they spent several years in Lexington when he was assigned to VMI on the Navy ROTC staff. Although originally from Charleston, SC, Cindy grew to love the mountains in the Shenandoah Valley and southwest Virginia and was laid to rest at our home place in Pulaski. Please keep Steve and our family in your thoughts and prayers.

One of Steve’s Brother Rats, Phil Camper ’77, attended Cindy’s graveside service. However, he got away before I really had a chance to talk to him about his brother, Mark. I have not heard from him in ages. I still have an address for him in Charlotte, but I have not had any contact with him. So, Phil, next time you see Mark, please tell him to get in touch with us!

Tim Gundlach sent me a note in June about his new grandson. His daughter had a big baby boy last spring. Tim said Emerson Weldon Williamson, now 5 months old, weighs in at 25 pounds and is 30 inches long! While Tim’s daughter and husband both went to JMU, Tim is working to get Emerson a provisional appointment, and he feels certain if he continues to

Class of 1973: Tim Gundlach is the granddad of Emerson Weldon Williamson, who at 5 months old, already weighed 25 pounds and was almost 30 inches long. “If he keeps up that growth rate,” said Class Agent Mike Kelly, “Tim feels certain he could be a great athlete at VMI. In spite of the fact that Tim’s daughter and her husband are JMU graduates, Tim plans to get Emerson a provisional appointment to the Institute.”

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grow as he has this summer, he’ll make a great asset to the VMI sports program! As I’ve said before, aren’t grandkids great? Tim had been in Lexington for a meeting in June and got a tour of the new PX and Third Barracks and of course picked up a VMI cap for Emerson. Check out his picture in this issue of the Review.

As I mentioned in the last issue of the Review, Roland Tiso is in Pakistan. He works for the U.S. embassy as an Office of Defense representative in Islamabad, Pakistan. On May 20, Ro was working with Maj. Kipp Averett ’95, USAF, in delivering humanitarian relief supplies to the citizens of Pakistan who had been displaced as a result of fighting in the northwest frontier of Pakistan. Check out their picture in this issue. Roland anticipates leaving Pakistan in October and spending about a month in Afghanistan before heading home. He hopes to be back in Tampa by Thanksgiving. He also reported that his daughter, C.J., had gotten back home after a couple of weeks in Tunisia where she was part of a dance troupe serving in a U.S. engagement program. Allie also returned home from summer school at the Lines School of Ballet in San Francisco. Judie, his wife, spent some time in Colorado visiting family while the girls were away but has returned home and was getting ready for the school season. Hopefully, by the time this issue of the Review comes out, the Tisos will all be reunited in Tampa.

Don Reisch said he was trying to stay dry and cool in Nashville this summer. He’s been working with some other folks in the area to revitalize the Nashville alumni chapter. Last winter, they got together occasionally to watch some of the basketball finals and held a family picnic during the summer. Since the 101st Airborne is in Clarksville, TN, which isn’t very far away from Nashville, Don said they were able to have some alumni and their families from there join them. Don also said that he and Tom Napier exchanged e-mail on a regular basis, and he could vouch for Tom’s “still kicking.”

I had an e-mail from the “Pennsylvania Dutchman” saying he was hanging out at the USO at the Philadelphia airport waiting on a flight back to Germany. I scratched my head, trying to figure out and remember who that was but fortunately, I got another note the next day from the Dutchman, none other than David Schwab. David is still in Germany, working for the DOD, teaching at the military dependants’ school in Baumholder, Germany. He had been on a diving trip to the Cayman Islands where he spent seven days on a boat photographing the underwater sites. He said he was hoping to go on a dive trip this fall to Croatia and Malta.

Dave likes living in Europe and recently moved into a bigger house, so he has plenty of room for traveling BRs who wish to hang out some

with him. Thanks for the note, Dave, and I’m glad to hear you are doing well. If I can get Pat off of her love for visiting the British Isles, we might just come and see you!

Dave Sutherland sent a note to say John and Sarah Ciriaco and their son, Joe, came through the Indianapolis area and stopped to visit with them. They had dinner and did some catching up. The Ciriacos were on their way to Virginia for vacation and planned to stop over in Lexington on their way to Virginia Beach. Dave indicated he was having a pretty good summer and said to say “hi” to everyone.

In July, Bill Stephens completed his two-year stint as the president of the Keydet Club. One of his biggest promotions was the 75th Anniversary Challenge. Through Billy’s efforts, the club exceeded its goal of $3.55 million for athletic operations and scholarships. Its membership increased by more than 2,000 new members. The challenge was for donations of $75 which were being matched in kind. Billy offered a special “thank you” to all of our BRs who contributed.

While we did not lead the way, we were in the top 25 classes, and we had really good participation from the class. While Bill is “retiring,” he reminded me that Rich Lykins is still hard at it as president of the Alumni Association. You guys really make us proud!

I frequently get messages from Scott Lingamfelter. Obviously, this has been a very busy year for a politician! My favorite note from Scott said even his lawnmower had started refusing to turn to the left! Scott is doing well and has hopefully scared off his competition this year and can focus on more important issues than re-election. Scott said his wife, Shellie, was still teaching but like a lot of us, is starting to think about retirement. Their son, John, class of ’08, is a second lieutenant with the Air Force and is currently at Minot, ND. Paul, their other son, is a rising third classman at VMI and is a corporal in G-Company this year.

Ray Burton sent a note to say that he was still unemployed, but he feels good about the economy turning around and has several interviews lined up. Ray lives in the Chattanooga area and is an IT specialist with a background in the health insurance industry. Ray has been working with Guy Conte ’75 and Adam Volant ’88 to establish an alumni chapter in the Chattanooga area. Thanks for your work there, Ray, and we will keep our fingers crossed on your employment situation. Ray also encouraged folks to register with LinkedIn.com which he says is a very useful, professional working tool.

Since the VMI InCircle will be going away, this may be another way for folks to keep connected, and a number of our class members are members of LinkedIn. Ray also received a note from Jack Anderson’s

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CLASS NOTES at the football games this fall. Bill Stephens wife, Kris, but he did not have many details to healthy showing. All 80 rooms set aside for our was very complementary of Coach Sparks forward. I really like hearing from all of you. It’s class reunion have been reserved. I know there and expects VMI to have a very good football especially nice to hear about folks like Jack that are several BRs that plan to attend and have season this year. we haven’t had contact with for some time. yet to make reservations. Rooms on reunion Earlier this year, I mentioned that the class While I don’t have much “news” from him, I weekend are scarce, so making “shake-a-leg” was responding to the Keydet Club’s 75th Anhear almost daily from Bill van Deusen. If my arrangements could be a crap shoot ... i.e., if niversary Challenge, and Bill indicated that our Blackberry goes off between the hours of 10 you snooze, you lose! I suspect we will find class had done well overall. While we weren’t pm and midnight, it’s most likely a note, poem, room for all even if “the roomless” have to pile in the “top” 20 donor classes, we received a picture or funny story from Bill. I think that is in with Pat Flynn or Billy Haught. I’m not sure number of new donor contributions. As a class, his designated computer time! Thanks for the how the spouses will take that? we exceeded the Institute’s goal of 38 percent notes, Bill, and for keeping in touch. Almost Update on Tom Parker – Tom, a recent participation, finishing the year at 41 percent. fishing season, however, so his notes may slow recipient of a “Birmingham hip resurfacWhat this means, however, is that we still have down this fall, as he gets out on the boat. ing” (as opposed to a total hip replacement), I’m going to give this issue’s lost BR award to more that 50 percent of the class who have not reports that rehab is going well. Tom said he Danny Williamson. During the past few years, I contributed, at least for the past couple of years. was getting to the point that he could not walk have had comments from various BRs who had The Keydet Club’s matching 75th Anniversary up stairs anymore and was tired of planning seen Dan or been in touch with him. Last fall, I Challenge continues through this calendar year his day around not having to bend over and traded messages with his wife, as they were pre- [2009], so you still have time to get in those last pick up anything. Recovery should take about paring to come to the reunion. However, at the last minute donations. Please consider giving VMI a 3-4 weeks – in time to attend the reunion but minute, Dan had a kidney stone and was unable nice Christmas present! And thanks very much to without his Harley. Tom is, among other things, to attend. I got a great note from him this month. all of you who continually support the Institute. an elected official (ran unopposed), serves on Seems he took his son to VMI this Rhode Island’s Tiverton Budget summer. “Ike” matriculated Aug. 22, Committee, and now has exposure but he spent some time in Lexington to the rampant corruption and this past summer, as he is on the footspecial interest politics of Rhode ball team and was “transitioning” for Island! Ha! Welcome to politics! a few weeks. Ike’s football number Tom is still at the U.S. Naval War will be 74 – he tried for 73 but didn’t College as an associate professor get it – close enough, I guess. Dan of joint military operations, likes commented on the new PX, bookhis job and has a good group with store and Quiznos – and how nice which to work. I’m looking forward they are. He said that Ike was put in to some good stories and advice the new Third Barracks this summer, from Tom in September. Thanks for and it amazed him that in spite of bethe note, Tom! ing “new,” it was still like the “Old George Van Laethem wrote to Class of 1973: Meeting for breakfast on Aug. 19, 2009, to discuss the 2009 football season and the likelihood Barracks” we knew. Great hearing say that he and Anna may not be of a Keydet victory over the 2008 Division I-AA National from you, Dan, and please keep us able to attend the reunion this year.

Champion Richmond Spiders were, from left, Col. Stuart current on Ike’s progress.

Daughter Ashley is tentatively Seaton ’41, John McGinty (University of Richmond ’67), Pat and I went to Las Vegas for a scheduled to be playing soccer for Maj. Gen. Robert Newman and Stuart Seaton Jr. week in June and visited with my Francis Marion University against son, Scott, and his family. We did not UNC-C and Davidson in Charlotte, do a lot – stayed around his pool and NC, on our reunion weekend. Hope As you read these notes, summer will have played with the grandkids, primarily. It was a very it works out, but if not, we understand and will relaxing and enjoyable week. We plan to go back come and gone, and fall will be nearing an end. drink a “brewski” in your honor. in October for a couple of weeks and spend some Hopefully, we’ll finish with a winning football The Doktor of Space, Naval Academy Profesof that time in Death Valley and Yosemite and season, and the Running Roo’s will be off to a sor Jim Huddle, sent greetings from China. He then do some trick-or-treating with the grandkids great start! Pat and I want to wish each of you a and several academy cadets were there to witness before heading home. We also have been to Ft. very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah and a total solar eclipse. Unfortunately, mother nature Bragg some, as my other son, Derek, worked an a Happy New Year! (clouds) did not cooperate. However, I’m told internship there this past summer. We had dinner fun was had in Beijing, Xi’An, Jiuzhaigou, at the with him and Randy Marshall, who is a senior Giant Panda Research Center in Bifengxia and Snookie Parker project engineer for the Hensel Phelps Company in Chengdu. Should be a source for some good that is building the new USARC and FORSCOM stories at the reunion. Welcome back, Space! building at Ft. Bragg. It was great seeing Randy, An update on Stephen Heiderman, Roy’s oldand I appreciate his “looking after” my “baby” this est, provided by Barbara Heiderman. In July, summer. I am taking Derek back to Appalachian Stephen left for the Army National Guard’s Greetings to all. I am writing this edition of for his senior year.

Challenge Youth Academy program. He will notes on the eve of our 35th Reunion. We are on be in boot camp for the first several weeks at The fall schedule is filling up quick. Between short final for a fun weekend. Kudos to Donnie VMI, ASU and UNC football games, plus a Fort Pickett (instead of Fort A.P. Hill, as what it Ross for almost single handedly pulling things couple weeks vacation, it seems we are almost used to be) and then on to The Challenge Youth together. Looks like we are going to have a booked up. I certainly hope to see some of you Academy’s Camp Pendleton which is located in

’74

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CLASS NOTES Virginia Beach, VA. I’m sure it will be a character building experience for young Stephen.

Kudos to Stephen for accepting the challenge.

Red Undercoffer sends greetings from the land of scorpions, sand and 130-degree heat. If you have been watching the news, you know that elections are in progress, and people are holding their breath to see what happens. The rule of law, as we know it, is in conflict with regional history and culture … in other words, with the way things are done in this part of the world.

So, democratization will probably be a long and painful process. Red says that with everything that is going on, it appears that he may miss our reunion. Red sends his regards to all … and I say, “Whiskey for our men and beer for our horses!” Red’s family is doing well. His mother, now 94, is still going strong – driving, bridge club, women’s club, etc., etc. and seeming to age gracefully. Wife Shelley is riding herd on the children. Andrew and Brian are at VPI, Cole just finished his frosh year at Rockbridge County HS, and Cait just finished 7th grade and was inducted to the National Honor Society in May – kudos to Shelley. Red, we hope to see you at the reunion but will understand your absence. Perhaps we can treat Shelley to a pleasant weekend. Always saying a prayer for you … watch your six and return to us safe and sound!

I recently ran into Bob Johnson in the hallway of the Pentagon. Bob decided to stay on active duty after returning from Afghanistan in November. Bob was a member of a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Panjshir. Bob is now working as a staff officer in the Pentagon for HQDA G-8 in the QDR office. While overseas, his wife, Pam, moved to DC, got a job and rented an apartment on Capitol Hill. It turns out the House Minority Leader lives next door. So, Bob and Pam see him occasionally when his security detail picks him up to go to work. Bob did mention that his Task Force commander, VMI grad Col. Jonathan Ives ’80, just got picked up for BG, and his CJTF 82 commander, MG Rodriquez, made LTG and is going to be deputy commander under Gen. McChrystal in Afghanistan. Sounds like Bob has been hanging around some pretty impressive folks. Bob did report that his oldest son, Martin, got married in May. He is a doctrinal candidate at NYU, and his wife is the same at Johns Hopkins. His middle son, Jeremiah, graduated from Harvard in June. Bob’s current orders run out in January 2010, so he’ll have to decide whether to stay in DC or go back to North Carolina. Tough call … let’s discuss at the reunion!

Proud parent moment: Bruce and Sue Jones’ son, Matthew Brawner Jones, graduated magna cum laude from T.C. Williams School of Law in May. He is currently studying for the bar and is job hunting. I understand that Bruce continues to

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travel quite a bit with Northeast Solite Corporation and that Sue has semi-retired from the political scene and travels down to OBX (Kitty Hawk) where their oldest son, Bruce Jr., lives. Well done, Matthew! Where in the gene pool did that come from? Inquiring minds want to know!

Heard briefly from Phil Parker – he registered via Blackberry his frustration regarding the cumbersome delays associated with military base access. Phil was in southern California and had been on multiple bases in the span of two days. He experienced major delays time and again ... and thought that there must be a better way. Unfortunately, there is not.

Wilson Johnson is now working for the AF in Crystal City. That’s a far cry from Monck’s Corner, SC. Wilson and Anne, welcome to northern VA. I’m looking forward to seeing you at the next breakfast club soiree.

Rich Forbes continues to poignantly capture on paper the sights and sounds of VMI nostalgia. He wrote a short but moving piece via e-mail in July on his emotional stroll down memory lane at his son’s matriculation to VMI (Cadet Chris Forbes; he’ll be a second classman at reunion time). Rich just wrote a piece on the class of 1939 … reflecting on their 70th Reunion and the number of wives of the class of 1939 (Sister Rats) whose husbands have passed on, but they still attend. I look forward to seeing Rich and Ann at the reunion … and his son Chris, a VMI rugger, BTW! I understand that Pat Flynn and I may have an opportunity to work with Steve Ham this next year while providing Lean Six Sigma support to TRADOC HQs at Fort Monroe, VA. It’s a small world after all. I’m sure I’ll see Steve at the reunion before I see him at Fort Monroe.

On a sad note, the mothers of Rick Hess, Gary Trinkle and Al Vicory passed on since my last set of notes. Please keep these BRs and their families in your prayers.

I’m looking forward to this reunion. I expect to have a number of stories to report in my next set of notes. As they say, “Be There or Be Square!”

Again, Kudos to Donnie Ross for pulling all of the reunion details together.

That is all the news for now. CLASS AGENT PLEA! Please forward any news regarding births, deaths, illnesses, marriages and other significant events concerning your family and/ or careers. Brother Rats are interested and do care. I know e-mail addresses have a half-life of about six months. Keep us current. Send your updated e-mail address to me, snookieparker1974@earthlink.net, Charley Banning, cbanning@cox.net, or Kevin Nettrour (our Webmaster), nettrour@accessus.net. Check out the Web site. Send me a note.

Yada, Yada, Yada and Yaba Daba Dooooo!

Warm Regards … Snookie

’75

Robert Mills

Greetings, My Brothers: Welcome to the fall edition of your class notes. I was fortunate enough to begin the seasonal festivities with a late summer outing, the annual “Back to School” cookout at the home of Barbara and Phil Smith ’72 in Portsmouth. I had the opportunity to chow down on some barbeque with Dennis “Popeye” Lewin who, you may recall, dyked for Phil Smith and his twin brother, Bill, both wrestlers, who lived in that crazy room with renowned juggler Jim Bailey ’72. We were reminiscing about how Jim used to juggle bayonets, which was cool until he put one through his hand one day – dousing Ron “Bongo” Bongiovanni’s white ducks in blood, whereupon Bongo passed out cold on the Barracks floor! Ah, those were the days!

Where have they gone? Popeye has retired from NAVFAC Engineering Command and has gone back to work as the operations manager for a general contractor doing federal work. Popeye’s eldest, Gary ’04, is living in Portsmouth and his youngest, Brad, a UVa grad, is working in our nation’s capital. Popeye and I chatted about his old roomie, Lt. Gen. Danny Darnell, who is enjoying his new job as the deputy commander of U.S. Pacific Command for the Air Force in Hawaii. I also ran into Asa Page ’79 whose son, Brandon, is a first classman this year. Asa and Karen were full of tales about their cruise ship experience aboard the Royal Clipper which is the world’s largest fully rigged sailing vessel, a whopping 428 feet with five masts and 42 sails. They had fun partying with Jim Hobbs, Guy Conte, Kimo Wong and Mike Mulligan, as they cruised throughout the Caribbean with stops in Barbados, Grenada, Martinique, St. Vincent and St. Lucia. Reportedly, the group had a little bit of a challenge controlling Kimo Wong, whose favorite post-cocktail pastime was using the underwater observation window of the swimming pool to salute his fellow passengers with creative demonstrations of admiration and affection displayed in a distinctly lunar configuration. Fellow passenger Jim Hobbs was able to host shipmate Guy Conte for a weekend visit, just before the cruise, at Jim and Susan’s home on the eastern shore of Maryland. Jim has been promoted to group senior vice president and commercial banking manager of Washington First Bank in DC. Their daughter, Morgan Wells Hobbs, had just been accepted to the Cox school of business at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, as well as a summer study program in Oxford University. Their son, Ca-

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CLASS NOTES bell Hobbs, is working as the managing partner of Compliance Consulting Co. of Virginia.

Mike Mulligan supplemented his Caribbean cruising with a trip to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas to see Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood with his new bride, Teresa. They were joined by Todd Sain and his wife, Vicki, who had only recently moved to Sin City from Arlington. They are both working on behalf of the Huntington Learning Center. Mike plans to make it to some football games, including the gridiron contest at West Point. No doubt they will be joined by Frank Hillson, whose son graduated from The Academy in May 2009 and is stationed in Fort Hood, TX, training in military intelligence.

Frank is in his second year of Ph.D. work at Morgan State University in Baltimore and is commuting from his home in Wilmington, DE. Frank is also scheduled to get together with Don Bernardini who is currently the director of vocal studies at Grace College in Indiana and is still performing opera professionally, favoring audiences with his mellifluous tenor voice. Guy Conte also enjoyed the Caribbean cruise as well as a long weekend of golf with Jerry DeWaters, who is currently sporting a 6 handicap. Guy’s son, Christopher, should be receiving his second class ring (44 penny-weight these days) about the time you read this, as well as playing football for Coach Sparky Woods.

Bink Rush checked in from Haysi, VA, and fondly reminisced about his days in Band Company and playing guitar for the Commanders combo. He is still involved with his music on a professional level and also has a master’s degree from the University of VA. Bink teaches guitar, banjo and piano and also works as a radio jock! Bink had been in touch with his roommate, Jerry Irissarri, and visited him at his home out in Seal Rock, OR. I suppose that put him close to Dr. Randy Frank in Eugene, OR, and Charlie Hoon in Northern California.

These two have been keeping diligent watch over the Pacific Northwest, and Randy has been doing lots of trail running and hiking in Oregon and Washington. The doctor had also made a trip to Portugal for the European Psychiatric Association meeting, where he enjoyed the food, fun and festivity of Lisboa. Randy stays in touch with Artie Nunn, Uncle Dave Schuyler, Dr. Mike Fleenor and Doug Conte. Randy says that Mike is now back working full time at his hand surgery practice in Bristol, TN, and Doug was busy with his practice in a psychiatric emergency room in San Diego. Artie Nunn has been busy in his air-pollution compliance business, as well as agitating on the Internet, while Uncle Dave was looking forward to another year of shepherding his young charges through the perils of middle school in Roanoke.

Charlie Hoon spent nine days in Montana with

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his brother and sister floating the Blackfoot River and fly-fishing, catching trout and releasing them. He has also been out on the big water fishing for bluefin tuna and albacore and bemoaning his aging joints after struggling with those leviathans. He was preparing for his annual trip to North Dakota where, for some reason, our fine feathered friends do not receive the same benevolent treatment at the hands of their pursuer. Charlie is feeling great now that he has his cardiac plumbing all tuned up with some new stents and urges all of you to keep a close eye on the old ticker. Also exploring the West Coast was Andy Andisheh who celebrated his return to bachelor life by packing up his motorcycle and riding from Calgary, Alberta, down to Los Angeles. This took him three days and four nights and gave him a chance to visit with his sister and enjoy a little west coast sunshine.

Speaking of sunshine, Ollie and Bonnie Way are up to their old tricks, spending four days at Kennebunkport, Maine, next to the Bush compound, which Ollie would jog by every day, just to see if someone wanted to invite him for dinner. He came up empty, though and had to settle for four more days in Lennox, MA, hanging out and living the good life in a midsummer climate considerably more moderate than that of central Virginia. Bernie Cobb, president and CEO of Siovation & Reactamine Technology in Atlantic, enjoyed his annual fishing trip with Dan Brooks to Reindeer Lake in northern Saskatchewan, just below the Northwest Territories.

Danny landed a 46-inch northern pike which apparently (unlike Charlie Hoon’s aquatic prey) did not get released. Charlie Collins survived the merger of Roche and Genentech and is now covering accounts in Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi. Charlie continues to coach lacrosse and is gearing up for another season and trying to interest his youngest, Michaela, who has just entered the fourth grade. He is contemplating the move into coaching a girl’s squad which, for Charlie, may require a little sensitivity training.

Charlie was bemoaning the fact that his old roommates, John Costa, Danny Dell’Osso and Tommy Reeder, have been abducted by aliens and transported to another planet. In which case, he implores them to take full advantage of the high tech interstellar communications technology to let someone hear from them.

Lenny Riedel was feeling much better following his cardiac surgery and grateful for a second chance at a new lifestyle. He wishes to remind everyone that the symptoms he felt were nothing that he considered to be abnormal and that all of us should be communicating with our doctors about any little thing that is new, unusual or even inconvenient. To quote Lenny, “It ain’t whining, and it can save your life.” Len got together with his old roomie, Charlie Free-

man, a prostate cancer survivor, and the two of them were planning to attend the ODU football game for their first reunion in 25 years. Len has even resolved to make our upcoming 35th his first reunion ever and would like to know of any Brother Rats who are intrigued by the prospect of a Transatlantic crossing on the Queen Mary II, commencing Oct. 1, 2010. He also calls upon all of you historians out there to join him in touring WWII battlefields, particularly in Italy, Sicily, and the European and Pacific theater. Len’s daughter, Catherine, attends the Virginia Governors School for the Arts at Christopher Newport and is now in the Governors School for math, science and technology. She will be entering college in 2011. Finally, Len would like to hear from Jim McCriskin and Jim Berny if they can take the time from their busy schedules.

Heather Janes continues to receive top grades from both Divinity School and her violin work at the Eastman School with the University of Rochester. Her oldest son recently obtained a master’s degree and is certified to teach in New York. Salvo Lape reported that his son, David Jr., graduated from Radford in May with a B.S. in history and that the family had gotten together to cruise the Caribbean with stops in Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Dominican Republic and Haiti. Dave Jr. hit the jackpot when he won a 7-night cruise for two while playing Bingo one evening! Salvo’s daughter, Stephanie, and her husband, J.J., and daughter, Karen, all teach in the Prince William County schools, while Stephanie is interviewing for admission to medical school. Perhaps by now you would have seen Salvo during one of the football weekends in Lexington. Ronnie Norman is working as a government civilian at the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) in Crystal City, VA, and enjoying spending time with his new granddaughter in frequent trips that he and Margie schedule to Durham, NC, for that purpose. John Young reports that things are going well in Burlington, VT, and that his son, John IV, a Norwich ’07 grad and an Army first lieutenant, is stationed at Fort Hood, TX, with a brigade combat team after a year-long deployment to Iraq. He is engaged to be married to his longtime girlfriend, Sara, in nuptials that will take place in January in Plattsburg, NY. John III, John IV, Sara and Steven enjoyed a 12day vacation up and down the east coast, and John is planning to get together with some of his West Point buddies from General Dynamics to car pool down to the Army game on 14 Nov. Charlie and Lynn Kaune are busy in Stuttgart, Germany, together with Kevin Wright, planning contingencies for the Africa Command in an effort to be prepared for things that are most likely never to happen. Their primary focus is

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CLASS NOTES Sudan, and they have been working with many other Keydets of somewhat younger vintage in this continuing endeavor. Charlie invites all of you guys to get yourselves over to Europe for some suitable beverages and festive atmosphere before our time runs out!

Chuck Wohlrab reports that all is well for him in Kabul, Afghanistan, and that they had a good turnout for New Market Day where he joined Les Walsh ’80 and representatives from the class of ’88, ’91 and ’93. His daughter, Kirkland, is working for a Sigma Nu in Lexington, and his son, Phillip, at Wachovia Bank.

Phillip is a combat medic who is expecting to be mobilized with his National Guard unit sometime in 2010. Chuck continues to spend his vacations at his home in New Zealand where they had one of their coldest winters on record. Larry La Monte has been busy in Texas working on developing a lightweight carbon fiber modular tactical assault footbridge capable of spanning 22-foot gaps. Larry thinks it is likely that both this and the previous modular

foot bridge assault ladder that he developed for the Army two years ago will be picked up by the Marine combat engineering battalions much to his pecuniary delight. In the interim, Larry has been working as a substitute teacher in the local school district and wants Frank Hillson to know that he even taught Shakespeare at one of the high schools. Inspired by the wonder of this experience, Larry took the summer to become certified as an elementary school teacher and will be teaching second grade in Texas as you read this. Bill Kern has awakened to a similar proclivity and spent three weeks in July among the Birchwoods outside Oryl, Russia, living with and teaching 60 little kids from a nearby church. They spent the summer camping in a tent, eating in a field mess and hobnobbing with Russian veterans who, like Bill, had also spent time in Germany defending the motherland.

Rick “The Dawg” Law has been busy with the Miller-Coors merger and flying around the country. His son, Rusty, and his wife have one more year left in Germany, and his daughter,

Class of 1975 Photos counter clockwise, from top left: -Dan Brooks caught a 46-inch northern pike in Northeast Saskatchewan, summer 2009.

-Bernie Cobb and Dan Brooks holding a VMI flag on the Tyne River, Northeast Saskatchewan.

-Andy Andisheh and his worthy steed after a short trek from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to Los Angeles.

-Rodney Low loading a Burkanabie Elan armored car while training Senegalese UN troops for deployment to Darfur, Sudan.

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Whitney, is coaching basketball at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and considering a career switch to the medical field. Rick was looking forward to maybe getting back to Harrisonburg in the fall to spend some time with his old roomie, Reggie Webb. Chris Smart is enjoying his time in the United Arab Emirates near the Straits of Hormuz, playing golf, driving fast cars and relaxing on the beach with his favorite Australian malt beverage contraband, while occasionally working in the oil industry.

Playing 72 holes on a typical day has helped him match his career best round of 65, along with 12 more rounds under 70 this summer alone! I say we get Jerry DeWaters over to the UAE for a challenge match!

I am sad to report that Harry McKnight lost his mother in June, but that Ben and Ann Vanderberry and Oscar Richardson were there in Roanoke to lend him support. By now, Harry is deeply immersed in another season of officiating football. Allen and Sandy Morgan were in Buena Vista for a family reunion and stopped by Lexington to give their 12-yearold twin nephews a tour of the Institute. They were taking pictures in front of Old Barracks, when Glenn and Carole Furr came by, and the six of them spent some time speculating about whether or not the Barracks construction would be completed by August and exactly who it might be that was monkeying around with the traffic patterns that surround the parade ground.

Glenn offered the helpful tidbit that our fearless leader, Guy Conte, had been ticketed by one of Lexington’s finest for failing to stop at the stop sign below Club Crozet on Main Street.

All of you other scofflaws out there be warned!

Al had been in touch with Mike Hunter who just celebrated his 58th birthday by beginning a diet plan intended to shed 24 pounds by the time of our 35th Reunion in September. Mike has issued a public challenge to Uncle Dave Schuyler to join him in this brave and worthy undertaking. Our Brother Rat and author Doug MacGregor has just completed a new book entitled Warrior’s Rage. This is subtitled The Great Tank Battle of 73 Easting, an examination of the largest tank battle since WWII which was fought during Desert Storm and analyzes the strategic failures that led to the escape of a substantial portion of the Republican Guard. This is available for all of you military historians on Amazon.com. Doug has earned his Ph.D. and is the lead partner in the Potomac League, LLC in Reston, VA. Emily and I had the opportunity to host Allen and Sandy Morgan in a quick trip to the beach and enjoyed telling tales over some shrimp on the barbie and a few tasty margueritas before someone got schooled in pool basketball. We won’t mention who. Allen is a member of the

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES reunion committee that will be planning and implementing our 35th and was also very active in motivating our class to participate in the 75th Anniversary Keydet Club Challenge. We also had a chance to visit with the inimitable Wadsworth Bugg IV ’07 and the esteemed Marc Antonelli ’06 and their lovely girlfriends, Josie and Gail (The Unit), on a perfect summer day, spent body-boarding and beer guzzling on the beach before starting in on the tequila.

We missed their classmate, Edward Mills ’07, who is working in Dallas, TX, for CBRE and playing multiple sports between hunting trips to Kansas and west Texas and also looking out for his sister, Valerie (Columbia ’09), who is studying for the LSAT. Finally, Alan Hansen, our class photographer, editor and producer in residence, has generously agreed to collect all of the photographs and video memorabilia that you all will be searching for, collecting and hopefully forwarding, so that Alan can edit it into a photographic montage for the 35th Reunion. Please contact Alan by e-mail – hansen@a29.com or 1302 Hidden Brook Lane, Acworth, GA 30101.

The class has reserved the Lexington Golf and Country Club for some of our important functions, and class agent emeritus Robert “Jelly Bear” Taylor will be heading that committee.

We have been notified that the reunion date has been changed to Sept. 3 -5, 2010, which is Labor Day, so start now and rummage through those boxes and drawers and old mattresses for your photographic mementos. Please mark your calendars now, and do not let the opportunity pass to attend what is shaping up to be perhaps the best reunion on record! Also, your humble correspondent’s tenure will be ending next year, and it will be time to pass the torch! Interested candidates should submit their credentials to Guy Conte or me. If you experience only half of the fun that I have had over the past four years, it will be well worth it! Until then, be young, be safe and be in touch!

’76

William Bhatta

Brother Rats: These class notes were written on 15 August 2009.

After 24 years of service, Rich Hayes retired from Fairfax (VA) County’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services in April as an engineer with the Code Analysis Division. But the county hired him back as a contractor in the same position and salary for the next three years. Rich is also in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and has earned several

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awards and commendations during his service.

He is a coxswain on a vessel patrolling the Potomac River. In 15 years, he has rescued five people in minor search and rescue missions.

Rich owns and trains two French Brittany hunt dogs. The male dog has earned three American Kennel Club Junior Hunter Rosettes. If it wins one more, he will get a permanent Junior Hunter Title in his pedigree. That means Rich can supplement his income with stud fees.

Every time his dog wins a ribbon, the stud fee goes up. The fees normally start around $300 to 500, plus the pick of the litter. Rich says he feels like a Rat again – a retired Marine Corps sergeant major is training him to be a professional dog handler and trainer.

Mark Swank had lunch with Jeff Minch ’73.

His office building in Austin, TX, has at least a dozen U.S. flags around the perimeter, and in the conference room, there is the largest painting of the parade field/Barracks Mark has ever seen. Over the Memorial Day weekend while Libby and Mark were in Corpus Christi, Mark got a call from a VMI alumnus who had previously stayed at the Swank’s home in Houston.

To protect his identity, his name is Young VMI Guy (’??), and he is the assistant commander of a SEAL team. Anyway, Young VMI Guy just returned from deployment in Afghanistan and was partying on a lake with four others from his team near the Swank’s home in Austin. Since they were walking distance from the house, Mark told them where the key was hidden and gave them the house for the weekend. Libby was concerned when Mark hung up and told her he had just given the house to a bunch of Navy SEALs, but there was no damage done to the house. Both Abbey and Wes (’03) are doing well. Abbey is still the plant engineer on an oil refining unit, and Wes is managing director of one of the few remaining profitable hedge funds in Dallas. Mark has been battling a fox to prevent it from eating Rico, Libby’s three-and-a-half pound dog who plays in the yard. Here is Mark’s story: “Day 1 - Libby and I went around the corner to Iguana Grill, came home and checked the yard sprinkler system.

The fox started barking at me when I was in the driveway. Went and got the trusty pellet gun.

Came back, and he had moved further down the yard. Tried a long shot in the dark after a few Margaritas – missed. He stayed in place and barked. Got a flashlight and went out to the back near the woods searching for him. While I was in the woods, he came up behind me and started barking – I didn’t see him; scared the heck out of me. He backed up, went out the back gate but would stop, turn and bark at me from the other side of the back road. I gave up and went searching for another Margarita. Day 2 - Recognizing the fox always approaches

when I am in the garage with the doors open at night, I finally outsmarted him. Went out, turned on the driveway flood lights and within five minutes, he was across the street at the end of the driveway barking at me. Earlier that evening, I had re-zeroed the trusty pellet gun using the guardrail fence on the street as the target.

He was sitting right under my zeroing target.

Got him square in the chest, he squealed twirled in a quick circle and dropped down over the other side of the road. Day 4 - The fox came up from the culvert at the rear of my property, sat on a rock, barked at me once and then dropped back into the culvert. All that miserable time at Ranger school, learning to set “head space and timing” on an M2 .50 caliber machine gun, etc., gone to waste – my old first sergeant would be mortified. I stewed about the fox. I went inside to console myself with the Military Channel.

I went back out, and sure enough, the fox had once again taken up his position just across the road. Now, I already had the yard flood lights on. With twelve outdoor floods, seven decorative outdoor fixtures (another 23 bulbs), plus 21 low-voltage yard fixtures, I can light up my little patch of land like the Vegas Strip – all but the wooded “Badlands” where I had the flashlight encounter. In the clear floodlit yard, the fox came across the street toward me, while I was standing on the rear patio loading the gun.

He came within about 20 yards and just stood there. The trusty pellet rifle came complete with a telescopic scope (why?), so at 20 yards in the floodlights, a blind drunk (that’s me) could not miss this shot. Is this the dumbest fox ever?

Some form of animal suicide? He jumped and squealed, then fairly slowly staggered back across the road. I almost had time to reload and get a second shot but not quite. Day 30 - Over the past month, I have grown to like the fox. He is handsome and aggressive; we have had many talks at night when he sits in the yard. To be continued … ” As of Aug. 1st, Lang Meem has worked for MassMutual for 32 years, and in September, he celebrated 32 years of marriage with Molly. He is swimming United States Masters Swimming and competes every once in a while. Lang is still playing music, Fat Juke, for parties, but he is more selective when and where he plays these days. His daughter is at NC State and is a senior this year.

She dates Russell Wilson, the NC State quarterback and the ACC Quarterback of the Year. So, it is fun for Lang to go to the football games. Lang said NC State plays at Virginia Tech on Nov. 21st, so he plans to go to that game – he has not been to Lane Stadium since our VMI days.

Clyde Furr sent me a picture of himself, Keith Dickson and John Brody (Honorary ’92 and regimental band director) in their scuba suits off the coast of Virginia Beach. They dove on a WWII

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CLASS NOTES cargo ship torpedoed by a German u-boat. This is John Furr, who just finished a 15-month tour in their 25th wedding anniversary in June. They Clyde’s account: “The first dive was very enjoy- Iraq with the 1st Armored Division. Keith and toured all the usual attractions, and Ellen enjoyed able, but I missed the second dive. As soon as we Karen Dickson also attended the party. There their visit to one of Charlie’s favorite haunts, the stopped at anchor, the boat started swiveling 18 was a lot of BBQ, beer and fun. From Knoxville, Musée de l’Armée at Invalides (the old soldier’s different ways. I got sick as a dog, puked prior to they drove to Memphis, went to the Memphis home), which houses Napoleon’s Tomb and a the first dive, but felt well enough to gear up and Zoo, visited Graceland, listened to live jazz/ collection of artillery and medieval arms and arjump in. As soon as I got below the wave action, blues and ate some more BBQ. Then, they mor. Charlie went back a second day to see it all the tummy settled down, and I had a great dive. drove to Nashville, toured the Country Music again, while Ellen checked out the shopping. The On our assent, we made a safety stop at 18 feet, Hall of Fame and went to the Grand Ole Opry.

Archers managed to squeeze in an overnight trip where there is wave action, and I got sick again. The Curle’s went to an interesting restaurant to Normandy, visiting the cemeteries, Omaha Good thing I had not eaten anything for breakfast called the Aquarium, where the dining area was and Utah beaches, and Pointe du Hoc (scaled as I was tossing cookies through the regulator. By surrounded with fish tanks full of sharks, rays by the Rangers on D-Day). They borrowed the the time we got to the aft end of the boat, I was eels and a myriad of other type fish. They left battlefield guides from Gary Knight, who went so sick I couldn’t climb the ladder. The boat crew Nashville and went to Murfreesboro to visit famthere last year after his daughter’s wedding. took my gear and parked me out in the ocean on ily, then returned back home for a couple of days Charlie said he was amused watching French rea line. I’m tethered to this line, bobbing in the before they went to Savannah, GA, for the 4th of enactors dressed in U.S. Army period uniforms, waves, dry heaving, wishing for a quick end to July. Benjamin ’08 was finishing his deployment driving various antique Army motorcycles, jeeps this, smelling the diesel exhaust, when they fire training at Fort Stewart and had a few days off and trucks around the towns behind Utah where up the grill and start cooking hot dogs. Whole before shipping out to Iraq; so, they also visited the parachute landings took place. new level of ecstasy is barfing! I finally decided with him. (Ben deployed in July and already As for me, not much has changed. After Dabeing in the water wasn’t any better than being has conducted several convoy escort missions. vid ’06 returned from Iraq, the Army sent him in the boat; at least I wouldn’t be getting washed He says he’ll never complain about the heat in to his advance course and then promoted him to over by waves. So, back in the boat I went. Brody, Virginia or South Carolina again.) They visited captain. He will be assigned to Korea in Octokind guy that he is, approaches with a mouth full downtown Savannah, toured Fort Pulaski and ate ber for a two-year accompanied tour (with wife of hot dog to enquire of my status. I left him to great seafood at Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House. and kids). I am on my way to being a two-thirds talk to the sea gods. A few minutes later, Brody On Aug. 4th, the Curle’s celebrated their 30th empty nester. Laura will complete the nursing again approaches, this time eating Doritos. Had wedding anniversary. program at Virginia Commonwealth University there been anything at all to heave, he would Charlie Archer spent most of his time “on the in December. Now, I can start weaning her off have been wearing it. Lucky for him, the well bench,” at work this summer. While it is nice of the family payroll. And my youngest daughwas totally dry. So, I park on a bench, everyone to be home on the eastern shore of Virginia, ter will be a junior at Virginia Tech this year. is talking and having a great time, then gearing up he is hoping business activity picks up soon.

Michelle is still working with the financial aid for the second dive and diving. Clyde is sitting on His daughters came home from their summer office at the University of Richmond. If anyone the bench, wishing someone would cut his throat. jobs before heading back to school, and Ellen needs college financial aid advice, give me a Finally, the dive is over, the anchor comes up and helped the Virginia Department of Health track call. I am still working in Information Technolwe head back to shore. Once the boat is underway the swine flu in the region. Charlie said he has ogy at Altria Client Services; just started my and the rocking motion stops, I feel much better. not seen the Luckenbills this summer. They 12th year.

We finally dock and get on dry land, and all is well, have been busy keeping up with the grandkids And now the 1976 BR minute: Bob Keneally except I feel like I’ve been drug behind a pickup and spending time at their vacation home in welcomed his 10th grandchild in June. The truck in Texas. I was told by, I think, everyone that Delaware. Charlie and Ellen went to Paris for next one will arrive in December. With four I should have taken my Dramamine grown kids, their spouses and now the night before, as well as the day 11 grandchildren, he is trying to get of. I think I may remember that one a home equity loan to pay for all in the future. Oh, that reminds me. of the birthdays, anniversaries and At some point in my stupor, some Christmas presents. His son who guy I had never seen before gives just redeployed for the second time me two pills and says, ‘If you can from Iraq in April will be assigned keep these down, they’ll help a lot.’ to the 173rd Airborne Brigade in As I’m swallowing the pills, he conItaly where they will deploy to tinues, ‘I got these in Mexico; don’t Afghanistan in December. The know what they are, but they sure Richmond BRC Club met in May. do work.’ At that point, I was hoping Attendees were: Tom Hawthorne, for LSD or something similar. They Maury Gatewood, Lee Braddidn’t stay down long enough to do shaw, Lee Godsey, Jim Mallon any good at all, regardless of what and Kavie Thrift. Lee and Maury was in them!” updated everyone on the latest This summer, Mack and Paula federal tobacco legislation, and Tom Class of 1976: Pictured from left, Clyde Furr, Col. Keith Curle took a tour of Tennessee. provided everyone insight on the Dickson and Col. John Brodie (Honorary ’92), VMI music First, they traveled to Knoxville re-paving on I-295 with stimulus director. Dickson is teaching at the Naval War College in and visited Clyde and Mary Furr. funds this year. David and Barb Norfolk and lives in Virginia Beach. Furr owns a carpentry They attended the “Welcome Bass took a 10-day Baltic cruise in and construction business in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Home” party for their son, 1st Lt. June, celebrating their wedding an-

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES niversary and Barb’s birthday at sea. David said St. Petersburg, Russia, was very impressive, and capitalism seems to have taken hold – the streets were packed with Mercedes, BMWs and SUVs; the port was clogged with ships and the streets were lined with shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. Dyke Davies has been with Delta Dental as vice president, Sales and Marketing for the past 14 years. His youngest daughter, Betsy, was married in Roanoke on 11 July, making the Davies’ full-time empty nesters. Dexter and Sevanne Gilliam and Wayne and Caren Eastham were able to attend the wedding.

Betsy teaches kindergarten in Martinsville, VA, and her husband teaches at Magna Vista High School in Henry County, VA. The Davies’ oldest daughter, Meg, and her husband, Scott, live in Roanoke, so everyone is relatively close.

I hope everyone had a great summer. Rah Virginia Mil!

’77

Bland Massie

Rah, Super ’77, Rah, Rah, Rah …

Moe kept these notes short and semi-sweet.

These were due 15 Aug. ’09, and this past summer quarter was low and slow on the info.

(Sorry about the rhyme. Moe couldn’t help himself. Besides, it’s late). To spell it out for some of you, there wasn’t much happening in your lives, or most of you forgot to tell Moe! Mike Davis did e-mail me a picture of the foursome who played 18 May ’09 in Mark Bryant’s company golf outing. There was no mention of how well or not so well they did. In the photo he sent, the person on the far left was Mike’s future son-in-law, Reuben Trant ’02.

Ashlyn Davis and Reuben were married on 8 Aug.’09 in JM Hall. Reuben was the regimental XO his first class year. Moe wasn’t sure if the line up in the picture was by height or belly size. Enough said – the picture is worth a few thousand or so calories.

Speaking of golf, the Keydet Club had their annual Leadership Outing in early June. Moe and Will Bynum were the only ’77ers there.

Moe thought Super ’77 had some golfers who were leaders – let’s do better next year and make a statement about our participation as a class. We did OK relative to the other classes on the 75th Keydet Club Challenge. It has been extended until 31 Dec. ’09, so we still have the chance to come out on top. The Keydet Club was happy to report that its fundraising goal was met this past fiscal year. Thank you to all those who helped put them over the top.

Several other things have been “Super” about

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Super ’77ers. First, there was the appointment of our very own Kimber Latsha to the VMI Board of Visitors. Kimber received many e-mails, notes and calls from BRs congratulating him on his well deserved placement on the board. We all know he will represent VMI and Super ’77 honorably. A second Super ’77 BR to make us proud was Col. Eric Radford for his service to our country and receiving the Bronze Star. Eric must have shown the same bravery in Kuwait as he did on VMI’s football team. Who said a pretty boy couldn’t be tough? Not Moe! And last but not least is our highest ranking military BR Major General J.D. Johnson. J.D. has been responsible for those hero tributes Moe has had e-mailed to you all. If you haven’t been receiving them, it’s because VMI doesn’t have a current e-mail address. Oh well, your loss. J.D., thanks for what you are doing and have done for all of us. Hey, BRs, get the emails current, so you don’t miss out.

Moe wasn’t sure if his e-mail from Chris Nash about John Marshall fell in the “Super” category or not. Chris said, “One interesting tip for you about your boy Marshall I can share.

I do not recall when he started dating Hope,

the former Hope Lee and daughter of the most honorable Harry Lee ’47, but I believe it was after his first suspension. General Irby ’39 is quoted as telling Marshall, either after one of his numerous number ones or right before kicking him out of school, that he was ‘without a doubt, one of the worst cadets ever to matriculate.’ Well, lo and behold, you can imagine his response after getting the report from Irby. The next call he made was to Mary Baldwin to deliver the order that she was not to have anything to do with Cadet Marshall. I can attest to the accuracy of this tale, for I asked Mr. Lee a few years back about his reaction to the news that his little girl was dating the infamous Marshall, J.J., and this was what was reported.” Sounds pretty Super to Moe. Especially considering the way J.J. has turned out since he has grown up.

Okay, Moe realizes the last two words in that last sentence may not be completely accurate … yet. Keep working on him, Hope, and never say die.

The next notes will be packed full of our great fall on the grid iron and the results of the Super ’77’s Naked Golf Outing in Richmond. Tommy Cole and Buzzy Northen were the organizers,

The Heritage Captain’s Chair and

Heritage Boston Rocker Solid hardrock maple chairs and rockers bearing the VMI seal on the crown of the chair are now available.

The seal is engraved by a laser, and your chair can be personalized under the seal with your name and class year.

These chairs must be purchased directly from the manufacturer and are not available in Lexington through the Alumni Association.

VMI Engraved Captains Chair .................. $350 PRICES VMI Engraved Boston Rocker ................... $350 Optional personalization per chair ............ $25 Shipping and handling per chair ............... $29 * * For Texas, Rocky Mountain States and West, add $10.00 per piece.

To order by American Express, MasterCard or Visa, please call the manufacturer at 978/632-1301. Call weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. (eastern time). Credit card orders can also be sent by mail.

Please include full account number and expiration date.

To order by mail, write to The VMI Alumni Association, c/o Standard Chair of Gardner, 1 South Main Street, Gardner, MA 01440. Include check or money order, payable to “Standard Chair of Gardner.”

Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. For rush service (2-3 weeks delivery) add $25.

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CLASS NOTES and others served as the rabble-rousers and streakers. (Scary thought!)

Speaking of rabble-rousers, Moe is amazed at the amount of time some of you spend on the Internet (not counting the time spent on questionable Web sites), going back and forth at each other. You must either be retired or have a very understanding boss or be the boss. Whichever way, more power to you. There is still a lot of bantering between R.G. (Rick Greene) and Bustachop (Buster Pace). Hopefully, one of you will make the other cry uncle soon. Or more likely you will both cry simultaneously. Moe hopes someone is there to get that Kodak moment.

Moe had the chance to meet Brian Crockett in August. He is very enthusiastic about his new position as CEO of the VMI Foundation. Try to speak to him when you can, because he is very personable and knowledgeable. Moe knows he will fit in with VMI well.

Moe needs some help from our BRs locating several BRs who are missing in action or had bad addresses. Moe has seen George Borojevich but needs contact information and address. Has anyone seen Ken Hutton or Richard Barefield? If so, let them know Mother “I” wants them to report in or phone home.

Hey, BRs of ’77, Moe knew you might find this quoted chapter entitled, “Seven is the Perfect Number” apropos. It is from a book he recently read.

“Among Jews and Christians, Egyptians and Greeks, seafarers and motivational speakers, seven is the perfect number. It was the Pythagoreans, the disciples of the ancient Greek mathematician Pythagoras, who first applauded the perfection of seven because it was the sum of 3, which represents the triangle, and 4, which represents the square. And among the Pythagoreans, the triangle and the square were the two perfect geometrical forms.

Other ancient civilizations regarded seven as the number of perfection. The Babylonians believed the seven planets were arranged in levels on spheres of crystal, with the seventh planet existing on the highest level known as ‘seventh heaven’ – an expression we still use for being in a place that couldn’t possibly be any better. In the ruins of ancient Nineveh, the archeologist A.H. Layard (1817-1894) found clay tablets covered with charms, prayers and incantations that were supposed to be recited seven times in order to work.

Groups of seven occur at least 300 times in the Bible, one of the most famous being the formula that brought down the walls of Jericho.

For seven days, seven priests walked before the Ark of the Covenant, blowing seven ram’s horns. On the seventh day, they circled Jericho seven times. On the seventh circuit, they blew their horns and the walls came tumbling down.

And in ancient Ireland, a man was considered

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well-to-do if he possessed these seven things: a house, a mill, a kiln, a barn, a sheep pen, a shed for calves and a pigsty.

No matter where you look in high culture or popular culture, you run into sevens. The Seven Days of the Week. The Seven Days of Creation.

Seven Fat Years and Seven Lean Years. The Seven gods of Egypt. The Seven Horses of Mithra. The Seven Wonders of the World. The Seven Wise Men of Greece. The Seven Hills of Rome. The Seven-Branched Menorah. The Seven Lucky gods of Japan. The Seven Archangels. The Seven Sleepers of Ephesus. Seventh Heaven. The Seven Deadly Sins. The Seven Cardinal Virtues. The Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary. The Seven Chakras. The Seven Ancient

Class of 1977: Lt. Gen. Webster awarded the Bronze Star to Col. Eric Radford, left, while in Kuwait, June 2009.

Planets. The Seven Sisters of Constellation. The Seven Seas. The Seven Ages of Man. The Seven Cities of Cibola. The Seven Colors of the Rainbow. The Amish Dinner of Seven Sweets and Seven Sours. The Seven-Year Itch. The Seven Dwarves. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. The Seven Samurai. The Magnificent Seven. Trial of the Chicago Seven. T.E. Lawrence’s The Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

You get the idea. The Pythagorean rationale for why seven should be such a great number makes sense, but why it is regarded as an ideal number in virtually every corner of the world and in virtually every period of history remains impossible to pin down. It is enough to recognize that the appeal of the number seven is rooted deep in the human psyche, and who are we to question Nature!”

BRs, we have never had to question nature; we have always known that the answer is us.

And although the article is about the number seven, we, of course, have double sevens or twin sevens or seven times two or seven squared or whatever … Moe has done the

impossible and has pinned down the answer – SUPER ’77! Take that, Mother Nature.

Moe is cutting it short this time. He can hear the applause for that from all corners of the globe. For those of you really sick pups who would like more B.S., then send me a shovel full.

Moe doesn’t need an entire dump truck load.

Have a great Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. … Rah, Rah VMI Whole Da*# Class.

In the Spirit of VMI, Never Say Die! … Moe

’78

Tom Brown

I hope all are well, as it is time again to extol the happenings of the class of ’78.

Jay Hutt sent some interesting news: BRs Danny Thornton, Mark Lowe and Jay each had a child graduating from the same high school (EC Glass, Lynchburg) this spring – Danny’s only, Mark’s oldest and Jay’s youngest.

Pretty cool. Jay also tells that he sat on a plane recently from Charlotte to Lynchburg with Hunt Ozmer ’76. They had a good chat and have swapped some e-mail. Speaking of Lynchburgers, I ran into Danny Thornton at the store.

Danny tells me he went to the wedding of Andy Faulconer’s daughter. Tom Ferguson was also in attendance at the event. Danny and I also caught up with Bert Loflin at the Alumni Association Chapter’s spring BBQ. Bert is doing well and has become active in the chapter.

Matt Schell checked in from Palmdale, CA. He has new digs that are much larger than his previous abode and a mortgage that is more than a third less. I guess that is a positive side of the recent economic conditions. Matt is still teaching math at the high school level. He has visited with BR Bob Beaver in North Hills; CA. Matt says Bob is selling homes a lot more than he has been making real estate loans. Matt plans to be back at the Institute for a couple of football games at the end of October. He hopes to catch up with BRs during his visit back east.

Chip Schelhorn reported in from Jupiter, FL. Chip said that the family escaped the heat for a family reunion in Sapphire Valley, NC. They enjoyed the cool mountains and many of the outdoor activities not found in sunny Florida.

Chip was looking forward to the Keydet football season. Jeff Yates sent a short note that his son, Tyler, completed the STP (summer program for incoming Rats) and matriculated with the class of ’78 + 35. Jeff is a very proud dad.

Tom Sliwoski attended the wedding of Bob Kirby’s daughter in Norfolk in June. Tom also was down in Florida to do the Disney thing.

Bob visited with Class Agent Emeritus Glenn

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CLASS NOTES Dallinger. Tom was also looking forward to the football season. Harry McClellan sent a short note from his iPhone. Harry was at Boy Scout Camp Raven Knob near Mt. Airy, NC. He said the connection was real slow, so he could not send much other info. Thanks for the reply.

Bob Magnan says it has been an interesting summer, but on the whole, it is ending up well.

The good news is that Bob just had successful back-to-back angioplasties to clear up some blockages on an artery at the back of his heart, near the bottom. He had a similar procedure in ’97 for the “left anterior descending” artery (or as doctors say, “the big mo fo on the front”), and this was not nearly as bad, but Bob could tell “something” was up. Bob says the only reason it took two trips was that they were further down the line, and on curves, which takes longer to get done correctly, and you have a limit of 90 minutes of exposure to the fluoroscope contrast dye before you get kidney damage. He tells that it is truly an amazing world we live in when he can drive himself to the hospital, have heart surgery and drive himself home the next day!

Bob wants to send apologies to Dave Wrenn – “We’ve made a habit of NOT connecting when Dave is back in NJ, and this time I was in/out of the hospital. (I wanted those nurses to myself. He’s a buddy, he’ll understand.) Maybe it’s time to drive down to Brick NJ and listen to the good words of the Rev. Billy Morris, or as Tuffy Wright says, “I can’t believe that %!@(*) ***&## is a priest!” Bob’s other good news – He has been back to work nearly four years after the post-9/11 meltdown in financial

Class of 1978: Jim Mackin and Tim Berkhimer hit the waves at Cocoa Beach, Florida.

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services, and his job and company have made it through the financial firestorm of the last year. He works at Prudential on a small staff supporting the CEO and the chief operating officer for N. America, and things are busy, but busy is GOOD. Glad to hear all is well in your world, Bob. Mike Oelrich sends news of a “mini reunion” that our ’78 Band Company BRs had this past June. Mike says not much new in the “Pan” of Florida. He is still working F-15E test programs at Eglin AFB. His daughter just graduated college and is starting her master’s. His son is a sophomore in HS, and his wife is working full time as an occupational therapist. Mike has been “moonlighting” as a youth football coach the last several years in his spare time.

Allen Moore sent along a few details about the “mini reunion.” Tom and Ginger Tanner hosted Room 161 at his home on Smith Mountain Lake. This included Dave and Ellen Lucado, Greg and Judy Gearhart, and Mark and Ann-Ashby McKissick. Susan and Allen were included as honorary members, which was a huge honor. Allen says he cannot tell you how much fun they had. Allen also reports of Tim McGreer, Mike Witter, Dave Wrenn and himself having lunch in Crystal City. They get together once a quarter. If anyone in the DC area wants to join them, let Allen or Tim know.

Sounds like a good time. Who gets the check?

Alec and Sheila Earle are enjoying life in San Antonio. They have had a hot summer. Alec says San Antonio broke the record for number of 100-degree days in one summer, and that was as of the end of July. They are taking an Alaska cruise to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. That’s a great way to beat the heat, Alec. The Earles see Ralph and Mary Williams fairly often. Ralph just changed jobs and went to work for the Air Force as a civil servant. He is the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) civil engineer at Randolph AFB. Alec saw Robert Henkel not too long ago. Bob runs his own engineering consulting firm in San Antonio. Thanks for the ’78 San Antonio report, Alec.

John Forsyth checked in from across the big pond. He had just returned from TDY to the states. John believes that this is the first time he has sent an update for class notes. He retired out of the Special Operations Command Europe in 2005 after 25 years in the Army. John is now working for the Army and living in Stuttgart with his beautiful wife, Susan (West Point ’80), and their three children, Kaliko (18), David (15) and John (13). John says he’ll try to make it to the next reunion. (That will also be his first – he’s on a roll!) Thanks, John; we will reserve a room for you.

Mark Seely checked in from the Bluegrass State. He says that the weather was a little wet

there this summer. How else are you going to keep the grass blue, Mark? He is working on a project to design/build/operate a plant to get rid of chemical weapons. Mark says his golf game has kind of sucked this summer, but he got the opportunity to play Pebble Beach, which was absolutely amazing. Hole #7, the short par 3 on the cliff overlooking the ocean, is much more frightening in person than in the pictures. Mark is proud to say he shot par on #7. He did leave a couple of balls in the ocean elsewhere, though.

It sounds like my kind of golf.

Class of 1978: In June 2009, Tom and Ginger Tanner hosted Room 161 at their home at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. Attending were, from left, Dave and Ellen Lucado, Greg and Judy Gearhart, Mark and Ann-Ashby McKissick, and Allen and Susan Moore.

Tim Berkhimer tells me there was another ’78er in the sunshine state this summer. Jim Mackin and Tim made it to Cocoa Beach to test the waves. They had a great time at the beach with their daughters. Jim won third place in an all-British car show in Maryland with his restored ’56 MGA. Except for the bodywork and paint, he has done all of the work by himself.

Tim says it is a pretty sweet looking machine that Jim has put together.

As they say, that’s all the news that’s fit to print. Please keep in touch.

’79

Michael Ogden

Hope this finds everyone well and enjoying the fall.

Jay Virtue checked in from St Louis. All is well. He and the kids (still has three in school, so three more years of soccer, wrestling and Boy Scouts!) went on a whitewater trip in July

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CLASS NOTES and returned with all safe. Jay bought wife Debbie a new car. She was thrilled. Jay told Debbie she will only have to wait 15 years for the next one! Good luck with that line of logic, BR! Jay and Debbie celebrate 30 years of marriage on 1 Sept. Doug Doerr and Corinne also are celebrating 30 years of marriage! Congratulations to both couples. A wonderful accomplishment in this day and age.

Jeff Curtis writes that he has survived the first months as the new VMI chief of staff. Jeff lets on that there is definitely a lot of stuff that goes on at VMI we had no clue about as cadets. He and Betsy are moved in to 408 VMI Parade, right next to Tom and Nancy Trumps. Betsy won’t be in Virginia until October, so he is “bach’ing” it, he says. So, ’79 now has TWO places to crash when we all visit! How convenient!

From “El Commandante” (know he just loves to be called that!), Tom Trumps: “VMI is returning the largest Old Corps and matriculating the largest Rat class in its history this fall. So, here at the ‘I,’ we’re all pretty excited about what is happening here … young men and women really want the challenge that this place provides. We still have another year of construction, with Old Barracks renovations the focus for the entire calendar year. By graduation in May, we should be done, and all three Barracks will be online and in great shape. Unfortunately, could not come up with the money to replace the windows in Old and NB, so from the outside, will still look a bit rough. With Jeff Curtis and me living next door to each other, football weekends and tailgating should be a lot of fun for our classmates, if they position themselves tactically on the parade field. Looks like a great year a coming, high adventure for all. Again, all are welcome to stop by the house when in town.” You heard the man … door is wide open for visitors! Poor Nancy. Poor Betsy.

Bring flowers … or something potent to drink, as an offering when you stop by.

Brian McKeever writes from New Mexico: “I retired from the Navy in 2001 and served most of my time on ships out of San Diego and Long Beach. WESTPAC sailor! After retiring, I became a high school teacher in Arizona, and last year, we moved to Albuquerque, NM, where I teach high school civics/economics part-time.

Try to play as much golf as I can the other time.

Along the way, I got married, and we have one son who is about ready to begin his third year at West Point. Don’t know where I went wrong.

We are a real Navy-Army family.” WEST POINT! You do mean the VMI of the North, as my mother was fond of calling it?

Brian Lettieri, who left VMI in our second year because of a medical condition which made him fall behind academically, sends in a long overdue update. Since leaving VMI, he

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has been married to the same wonderful wife, Doreen, for more than 30 years (another 30 year marriage!). They have a wonderful son, Brian, and are living in sunny Southern California.

Brian has two jobs: one as a video editor for Fox Sports and the second as a deputy sheriff for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

(That knowledge could come in handy BRs!) So, needless to say, his life is very busy and demanding. Brian just recently added to the class e-mail list and was very happy that he remembers most of the names of his BRs. Glad to have you back in touch, Brian!

Another BR who I have not heard from in “like forever” is Butch Manning. He turned up at a VMI lunch at Norfolk’s Town Point Club where a few VMI grads meet up every now and again. Not to make us feel any older, but Butch became a grandfather a few months ago. The young lad (VMI class of 2028) is doing really well. Butch reports that “grandma and granddaddy look forward to spoiling the young man.”

Speaking of lunch at the TPC … Pete Underwood and Tom Herbert were also there.

Missing in action were usual attendees Asa Page and John Arthur. Good time was had by all and fun catching up with everyone. ’79 led the list of attendees with four. My goal is to get Jim Blank and a few other local BRs to attend next time. Are you guys reading this?

Parke Smith and wife are in the midst of a move from Houston to Denver ... something they have been trying to do for years. Both hope this will be their last move (although they’ve said THAT before, as have many of us!). Parke will still be with Parsons, so this isn’t a career change. Although he really misses Virginia, they both positively love the mountains, and Denver puts them much closer to family. Parke is looking forward to connecting with the VMI community there.

Frank Jester went to Boy Scout summer camp for 48 hours. (Yes, he fooled them into thinking he was mature enough to be counted as an adult leader, HaHa.) Frank wrote, “What memories were brought back by sleeping in an army cot with thin saggy mattress, marginal food, complete with peanut butter and jelly with all meals, just like the Mother I, and waking up to ‘Reveille’ and going to sleep to ‘Taps.’

Man, was I glad I only went for the 48 hours; don’t think could have stood the whole week.

When my son got home from a week of it, he smelled the way I think we did after cadre, or was it breakout?” Frank hurt his knee a couple months ago. That has cured fine. However, he blacked out driving in Norfolk in July and totaled his car. (Did I mention that Frank works for AFLAC!) Fortunately, it was only a single car accident and no injuries (except for the bark coming off the tree). He has no idea what hap-

pened. He has had every test they can run on his head and all the tests for the heart. The doctor doesn’t know what may have happened. Other than that, Frank and family are fine.

Larry Adams and some BRs met at Clyde’s Restaurant at Willow Creek, Broadlands, VA (otherwise known as Leesburg - I think!) back in July. Larry was staying with John Poffenbarger to attend his uncle’s (Lt. Col. Richard E Adams, Ret., USMA 1956) and his wife’s internment into Arlington National Cemetery.

Larry’s uncle died shortly after BR Higginbotham and was cremated, as was his aunt, a couple of years ago. Larry went up early to visit with John for a few days and was hoping to see Brian Tollie and a few others. Turns out John and Brian got everyone together: Ed Johnson, Rich McGruder, Tom Manley, Randy Hawkins, Phil Southers, Doug Doerr and Mike Staso. The visit with John and the dinner with the BRs was great. John and Larry also toured the Air and Space Museum’s Dulles facility and enjoyed that, as well.

Ed Johnson chimes in with ... “Not much is going on; same old stuff. Judy recovered from partial knee replacement in February and was given the thumbs-up by Ray Duffett at the reunion. She is still working part time at the library in Old Town Alexandria. Kate just completed her first year in her Ph.D. program at Michigan State and is working on assembling her committee. I am just beginning my fourth year as a federal civilian as the branch head for Manpower and Training for the Submarine Warfare Division on the Navy Staff. All is going well and looking forward to our next reunion.” Ed and I cross paths professionally a few times a year. Always great to see him. We have YET to figure a way to get out on the golf course together. Need to fix that.

Meade Spotts writes in his usual prose with news about this summer’s VMI Richmond picnic that included Bill Albro, Noel Harris, Jim Leavitt, Asa Page, Mike Thomas and Brian Tollie. “BRs and fellow Squids Leavitt, Page and Thomas spent most of the day Bogarting the kegs, while Albro and Harris took enjoyment out of the scenery along the river ... Albro did bring a couple dozen 5-lb. chocolate éclairs from the Wigwam Bakery in Waldorf, so many were glad to see him. Only Leavitt and Harris were (brave/foolish – pick one) enough to bring members of their families, but everyone seemed to survive, though much disappointment was noted, in that it really was a VMI Family Picnic and not [another kind of party], as erroneously advertized by earlier e-mails. Harris and family have relocated to Richmond, and local authorities have been notified. Tollie made the trek from Occupied Virginia and tried to bring along BR Alvarez, but he ‘spooked’ out on him at the

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CLASS NOTES last minute, leaving some BRs to theorize that he doesn’t really exist.” Meade further reports on the funeral service for Brad Jones’ dad, attended by Jeb Burton, Jim Elliott, Robby Patterson, Mory Wood, Meade and Hugh Fain ’80. “Many BRs attended the services for Brad Jones’ dad, Coach Frank Jones of U of R fame. It was remembered that while Coach Jones was responsible for many VMI losses on the gridiron, he also holds the Keydet Dad Record for fastest time getting several BRs with heavy demerit records back to Barracks prior to Sunday ‘Taps’ - 1 hour, 39 minutes, with speeds never below 90 mph. He claimed that he could have taken another 15 minutes off that time if we hadn’t made him take the Stuart’s Draft socalled short-cut.”

John Kailey shares that his oldest starts football this year. At 13, he is 1/4 inch shorter than John, and he only has about 8 lbs. on the lad.

Just imagine the groceries! John also quietly mentions that “the Army screwed up” and selected him for colonel. Congrats, Brother Rat! Lee Moise’s wife, Tammy, writes, because our dear Brother Rat is evidently pen shy: “Since it seems I always get the part of relating our news occasionally and playing catch up, here’s ours: Lee is still with the Buchanan County, VA, local government and has been promoted to deputy county attorney. Myself and our children are now in Peachtree City, GA, where we live right up the street from Ben Bauman and are near my relatives in Georgia. The motivation? The excellent school system here! With two who want to become doctors, we thought we’d take advantage of the Hope Scholarship. Our littlest one, Lance, 8, is our hope for VMI! Lee comes down for long weekends, and it seems to be working out fine. Our son, Spc. Kelly Wiles, who is at the University of South Alabama and who is with the 217th Military Police National Guard Unit out of Prattville, AL, has been deployed to Iraq this August. Please keep him in your prayers!”

Thanks, Tammy, and we certainly will, along with all of our service men and women serving in not-so-great places.

Life for Renee and me on Virginia’s Eastern Shore is as wonderful as ever. We have had a great summer and are enjoying meeting up with BRs. We had dinner in Williamsburg, VA, with Bob Sievert and wife Angela. What a blast!

Never a dull moment with those two. We are looking forward to trips to the “I” in October for a football weekend (OK, the tailgate parties!) and again in November for the Fall Class Agents’ meeting. The oldest, James, is doing great as a modeling and simulation analyst with the Marine Corps in Camp Lejeune, NC, and the bouncing baby 23-year-old, Matt, just returned home to finish up his business degree at ODU.

2009-Issue 4

’80

John Gibney Jr.

Hello, Brother Rats: These notes cover the period May 16 through Aug. 15, 2009.

The period began with an e-mail from Dwight Pearson. Psycho is a colonel in the Army Reserve, deployed in Iraq. He sent a photo commemorating New Market Day. Dwight also sent an e-mail with news of the promotion of Jonathan Ives on which he copied Chris Dombalis.

Jonathan is also a colonel in the Army Reserve who has been selected to wear a star.

Brig. Gen. Ives will take command of the 364th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) in Seattle, WA, after returning from Europe in 2010.

Congratulations, Jonathan.

Chris, who travels frequently for business from his home in New Jersey, responded that despite the economy, things are going well at work and with Jen and the girls at home.

We have another set of grandparents, Andy and Nicki Ludlum. Andy sent an e-mail announcing that their daughter, Heather, and son-in-law, Andrew, are the proud parents of a son, Gabriel Ludlum Wiley.

Doug Burton sent an e-mail in response to the letter that all class agents were asked to send in May. Doug reports that all is well in Benson, NC. Pat Griffin also responded to the class agent letter. Pat reports all well with Beth and the boys in the Boston area. Pat also volunteered to serve on our 30th Reunion Committee.

Gary Levenson, VMI’s deputy commandant, reported seeing John Alerding, Rob D’Alessandro, Tom Gelles, Dennis Hackemeyer and Bruno Loefstedt, as the VMI school year ended. All have children in the Corps of Cadets.

In May, Patti and I purchased a weekend house in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, about 100 miles west of New York City.

This prompted a call to Matthew Keys who, with his wife Tanya, lives in New York City.

Matthew works for a mattress company and helped us furnish three bedrooms. He reported that their two sons, who both live in Virginia, are doing very well. We are also planning to celebrate Matthew’s birthday later in August with beer and pizza on our roof deck.

June began with an e-mail from Scott Sayre in response to a birthday card. Scott reports all well with Mary and their children in Lexington.

Larry Avery also sent an e-mail after receiving his birthday card. Larry is a colonel in the Air Force who recently returned from Iraq. He

has relocated to Eglin AFB in Florida where he is the chief of staff, Air Armament Center. He plans to retire in 2010.

Ed Baker sent an e-mail after receiving the Alumni Review. Ed is a physician in NC. Ed wrote that Dianna has rejoined the workforce as a post-op registered nurse at a surgery center.

Their daughter, Katie, is a college student who has traveled to Ireland, Germany and Canada over the last 18 months. Their son, Charlie, has completed 8th grade with honors. Ed and Dianna also celebrated Dianna’s birthday with a cruise, and they plan to celebrate their 25th anniversary with an Alaskan cruise. Ed also takes a fishing trip with Dennis Loba each year, with this year’s trip scheduled for New Brunswick, Canada.

John Stallings sent a message saying that he and Elizabeth moved to Long Island. John works for JetBlue Airways. He suggested that we get together in the city for a beer and a burger, something we’re planning to do when our schedules are compatible.

Doug Walker sent an e-mail from his home in Nebraska where he is recovering from quadruple bypass surgery. Get well soon, Doug.

Chal Glenn sent a photo following a fishing trip he took to Key West, FL. Other BRs on the trip were Doug Conyers, Rick Gilbert, Robby Jones, Mark McLean and Allen Ramer.

Tuck Masker sent a message that included a photo of his son, also known as Tuck, following their trip to New Jersey where Tuck Jr. attended a football combine. Tuck Jr., who has outgrown Tuck-the-Elder, is an accomplished football player who earned an MVP award and was invited to a national combine in Oklahoma. Tuck also reported that his stepson, Kevin Snevely ’09, graduated with distinction and is pursuing opportunities with the Secret Service.

July began with an e-mail from John Hughes in response to a birthday card. John is being medically retired from the Army after 29 years of active and reserve service. John was injured in Iraq when his Humvee took evasive action to avoid a roadside bomb. John was awarded a Bronze Star for his service in Iraq and will retire as a colonel. John sends his best to all of our BRs with a special compliment to Matthew Keys. Enjoy retirement, John.

In July, Captain Tom Bersson retired from the Navy after more than 29 years of service.

Following the retirement ceremony, Tom hosted a cookout at his home. Our BRs in attendance included V Dunn, Dave Gleason, Mike Luning, Ali Mahan, Dixon Tucker and Bob White. Dixon sent a photo of the group. Tom also managed to work an “Old Yell” into his remarks. Tom and Amy will be staying in the Hampton Roads area. Their daughter, Beth, will begin her freshman year at NYU around Labor Day. All the best in retirement, Tom.

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CLASS NOTES Steve Andrews and I finally spoke after several e-mail exchanges. Steve and Cathy and their daughters, Virginia and Caroline, are spending a lot of time looking at colleges that Virginia is considering attending following her graduation from high school in June 2010. I don’t believe VMI is on the list.

Bill Wallace sent a short e-mail message saying that he’d like to serve on our 30th Reunion Committee and offering to help in any way he can. Thanks, Bill.

Elliott Wolffe made his annual visit to his boyhood home in New Jersey from his current home in New Orleans. Along the way, he stopped in Chattanooga, TN, and had lunch with Richard “Cowboy” Smith. Elliott reports that Cowboy is doing very well. Elliott’s visit to New Jersey meant that I got to play another round of golf at Baltusrol. As I wrote last time,

Elliott and Amy are engaged to be married. The wedding will probably take place this fall. Amy has fully relocated to New Orleans where her son attends Tulane.

Dixon Tucker organized a VMI lunch held at the end of July in the Norfolk area. Our BRs in attendance included Ken Baybutt, V Dunn, Mike Luning and Josh Priest. Dixon also wrote that he received his master’s in environmental engineering from Old Dominion University.

Congrats, Dixon!

Patti and I attended the Off-Off Broadway play, “Christmas Guest.” The play was written and produced by Jim O’Connor. Photos and an article about Jim and the play should appear in this issue of the Alumni Review, Alumni News section.

Phil Altizer sent an e-mail in response to a birthday card. Phil will complete 30 years of commissioned service in the Navy next year, and

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he will retire as a captain. Phil’s oldest daughter, Elizabeth, is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee where she runs cross-country and indoor and outdoor track. His youngest daughter, Katie, is a sophomore at St. Benedict Auburndale High School in Memphis, a school also attended

by Rob Quarles’ children. Phil sees Rob from time to time. Sadly, Phil lost his father in April.

Phil closed by noting that he’s been speaking with Tom Wilson, as Tom’s son is interested in becoming an Air Rescue swimmer in the Navy.

Tom Gelles called from a rest area in New Jersey. Tom and his family were traveling from their home in Pittsburgh to Cape Cod, specifically to Provincetown, for a family vacation.

Tom asked for contact information for Dennis Maguire. Tom also said that he’d be taking his son, Nick, back to VMI for Nick’s third-class year. I called Dennis who reported all well in

Class of 1980

3

Photo 1: In June 2009 on a fishing trip in Key West, Florida, were, from left, Rick Gilbert, Robby Jones, Chal Glenn, Mark McLean, Allen Ramer and Doug Conyers. At far right: Ryan McLean ’07, Mark’s son.

Photos 2 and 4: Jim O’Connor wrote and produced the OffOff Broadway play “Christmas Guest.” In July 2009 before attending the play were, John Gibney, left, and O’Conner (Photo 2) at dinner with friends in New York City (Photo 4).

Editor’s Note: See Alumni News for more on Jim O’Connor and the “Christmas Guest.”

Photo 3: Tuck Jr., son of Tuck Masker, left, received the quarterback most valuable player award for rising sophomores at the Regional National Underclassmen Football Combine held at Livingston, New Jersey, on June 12, 2009.

Photo 5: In July 2009 following the retirement ceremony of Navy Capt.

Tom Bersson in Norfolk, Virginia, were, from left, front row, Mike Luning, Dave Gleason, Tom Bersson and Bob White.

Back row: V. Dunn, Dixon Tucker and Ali Mahan.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Boston. (This preceded the Yankees sweeping the Sox in a four game series in August.)

My apologies to Ed Baker. Ed called my office from LaGuardia airport and left a voice message saying that he was waiting for a connecting flight. By the time I received the message, Ed had literally taken off.

August began with a phone call from Robby Wheeler after several weeks of phone tag.

Robby still lives in the Dallas area and still flies for American Eagle.

I’m still playing phone tag with John Stallings. He and Elizabeth and Matthew and Tonya Keys are supposed to join me and Patti for beer and pizza on the roof.

With another VMI school year about to begin, Gary Levenson called on his way back to Lexington from the home he and Karen share in Richmond. Gary reported spending a few days this summer in Lexington with Rob Quarles.

Finally, Dan Conn sent two e-mail messages.

The first message contained information about a Maritime Domain Awareness and Counter-Piracy meeting to be held in Ottawa in October that will be co-chaired by Jack Keane. In the second message, Dan reported that he and Marge are planning to visit VMI in September, are hosting their Oktoberfest on Oct. 3rd and their youngest has entered VCU as a freshman.

Thanks to all for your communication and support.

’81

Gerald Manley

Greetings, Brother Rats! I hope that these notes find you all healthy and happy! I must apologize in advance – I am crunched for time as I rapidly write the notes for this edition.

While one can always argue the quality of class notes when written by an engineer (me!), with work related travels and trying to get my daughter ready and off to her first year of college, to demands of some extended family issues, time has evaporated and tasks have caught up to me as I face the deadline … but, hey, its all good! So, my apologies if this input is a bit rushed or not as well crafted. With that, I’ll dive in with the writing: Let me start by sharing that the roommates, Grover Outland, Mark Gonsalves, Robert Digby and Jerry Manley, along with Mike Denton, Jeff Davies and John Ferry, converged on Rob Digby’s home in Alpharetta, GA, for a mini reunion in July.

Rob was an excellent host, much to the credit of his beautiful and caring wife, Roberta, and all of her preparatory work. We all arrived on a Thursday and kicked off the event with drinks,

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barbeque, stories and poker. Friday, we had a great round of golf in which the “Joint Service Team,” led by Lt. Cmdr. Mike Denton, won the day. Rob set us up on a fantastic white water rafting trip on Saturday, where we teamed up on two boats – the “wet boat” that overturned more than once with the novice “spooning” team of Mark “Rock The Boat” Gonsalves, Jeff “Cry Me A River” Davies, Rob “Why Do I Get Sloppy, Again?” Digby and Mike “Doing All I Can To Keep The Army Guys Dry” Denton.

The other, the “dry boat,” with the expert paddling team of John “Ballast” Ferry, Grover “Deliverance” Outland and Jerry “Captain, oh, Captain” Manley, navigated the waters expertly without the loss of the entire crew. Let it be known that in an attempt to balance out the skill sets between the two boats, the team of Ferry, Outland and Manley was handicapped by adding a 75-year-old minister and his wife to complement our craft. Still, we managed to expertly navigate all Class 3 and 4 rapids, losing the minister only once, while our other team, and I use the term loosely, seemed to have spent more time in the water than floating on top of it! There also seemed to be a mutinous attitude among the “wet boat” team, with more than one instance of one shipmate pushing the other into the drink. A motley and disorderly bunch, they were. (OK … while there may be a few embellishments or perhaps, a biased slant or two to this paragraph, it is based on some facts!) Regardless, we all had a fantastic time!

While our other roomie, Johann Cooper, unfortunately could not make the trip and was sorely missed, it was a mini reunion to remember … and Sloppy only had to be revived twice.

Always good to hear from Ed “Ebo” Brown!

Ed shared some positive news on his family. His mother is still going strong at 86! Ed shared that she and a number of her friends pull the Alumni Review out of their mailboxes and devour every issue; they even quiz each other and brief Ebo on the goings-on of all the Keydets they have known from their decades of involvement with VMI sons and grandsons (and the respective BRs, roommates and dykes) sports teams, special events, historical articles, deployment information, much more! (Ed, please tell those wonderful ladies that we love them all … wait, no need, Ed! They will be reading this, themselves! We love you, Ladies!)

Ed’s son, Chris Brown ‘09, reported to Fort Sill after an excellent series of graduation events.

Ed wrote that everything from the Baccalaureate Service to the Commissioning Ceremony and New Market Parade were all executed with precision. Ebo gave Gen. Petreus high marks for being both charismatic and practical as the commencement speaker. While Ebo was roaming Main Street on the Friday night before

graduation, he ran into Bruce Gottwald and his nephew, Thomas Gottwald ’09. While the young graduates were moving out of Barracks, Ed spent time catching up with Hal Worrell, commandant and professor of Military Science, in the courtyard. To top off the weekend, Rob Costello and his family hosted a number of ’09 BRs on graduation night at their cabin, so the new alums wouldn’t have to drive all the way home the same day. (Great updates, Ebo!) Rick McCue retired from NCIS after 25 years of service. BRs that attended the retirement ceremony in honor of Rick’s service were Reg Ridgely, Clarkson Meredith and Jerry Manley.

Rick had an incredible tour of duty serving our country in an extremely selfless and honorable manner. The best way to capture Rick’s service is to quote from the Congressional Record as introduced by the Honorable Eric Cantor of VA on 2 June 2009: “Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of my constituents, Supervisory Special Agent Richard J. McCue. After 25 years of distinguished and honorable service, he retires this month from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). In addition to his service with the NCIS, Mr. McCue has also served his country as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. Since Sept. 11th, Mr. McCue has volunteered for several dangerous overseas assignments, including being part of the first NCIS team in the nation to provide Protective Services support to Coalition Provisional Authority leadership in southern Iraq. During this tour, Mr. McCue conducted over one hundred missions in active combat zones, directly encountering both active fire and several improvised explosive devices. Among numerous honors and achievements, Mr. McCue was requested by name to formalize the Surveillance Detection Mission for U.S. Forces within Kuwait, as well as forces transitioning to the theater of operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In addition, Mr. McCue volunteered to serve as a forensic expert on the investigative/recovery team at the Pentagon after the Sept. 11th attacks, providing both his expertise and compassionate care for the victims of that attack. In honor of this selfless service, Mr. McCue received the Department of the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Medal as well as the Expeditionary Service Medal.

Please join me in recognizing Richard McCue for his distinguished service to the people of the United States. We wish him well on his retirement.” I have learned that this only scratches the surface of all that Rick has done for our country. (We are very proud of you, Ricky Moose!) Rick has given up his daily commute from Midlothian, VA, to Washington, DC, to stay in the Richmond area and join his beautiful wife, Colleen, in running MC2 Solutions, LLC.

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CLASS NOTES Trip Lloyd chimed in. Trip is still working in the Pentagon as both the chief of the CNO’s Crisis Action Team and one of the CNO Battle Watch captains. The latter has been taking most of Trip’s time, doing 12-hour port and starboards (for the Army and Air Force types, that means you are working 12 hours and off 12 hours on a continued cycle). Trip’s recall orders terminate in October, so he will be hitting the job market with a background in financial management. The Lloyd’s spent part of June in Wisconsin near Lake Superior with long sunny days, star-filled nights, allergies, cold water and ticks. Trip shared that Anne wants to consider moving there, and I am sure she was inspired by the sunny days and starry nights! At the time of his writing, Trip, his loving bride, Anne, their son, Liam (7), and daughter, Amanda (9), were all preparing for a nine-day cruise to the Caribbean. They planned on sailing out of Baltimore as their last fling before school started for the children and the PTA started for Trip. Of artistic note, the entire Lloyd family took part in a local production of “Annie,” giving them the special

memories of doing some theater as a family.

John Aulbach shared that he and his beloved wife, Lisa, are doing well. Their oldest daughter, Kara, will be starting her final year at Liberty University in accounting, while their youngest son, Josh, will be matriculating into the VMI civil engineering program. (another member of the Mass of 2013!) Josh attended the summer program and met several sons of our BRs. As John stated in his note to me, “81 has certainly been well represented in Barracks, and I am glad this is continuing.” (I couldn’t agree more, John!) John is still active with the Army Reserve with a current assignment as G7 in the 80th Training Command (TASS) with a national training responsibility for combat support and combat service support individual training to the Army Reserve, Army National Guard and Active Component soldiers. He has had several opportunities to visit with Scott Armstrong in Atlanta when traveling there to USARC HQ. Scott is back on active duty and currently assigned to FORSCOM HQ. He is hoping to come up for a football game and visit with BRs in attendance.

Bruce Kitchen continues to do an outstanding job with the Keydet Club and in keeping us informed! Bruce has put a lot of effort into the 75th Anniversary Challenge which has been extended through the end of the calendar year (and this edition of notes will be printed and distributed before then, so those not on e-mail distributions can sign up!). Contact Bruce if you are interested! Bruce, your efforts are truly appreciated! Bruce also shared that his son, Brett, matriculated this year along with John Goode’s son, John, into the “Mass of 2013.” (a.k.a. Mass of ’81 + 32!)

Gary Morgan, another great supporter of the class and the Keydet Club, shared that he was in Iraq (Al Asad) in April conducting a vulnerability study on contingency contracting for the Marine Corps. Gary wrote of the irony that he spent 21 years in the Army, and his first venture into a combat zone was as a civilian.

Gary also ran into USMC Brig. Gen. Paul Brier at the Quantico Exchange in August. (In the last edition, I reported that Paul was selected for the rank of BG. He has since been officially pro-

Class of 1981 Right: In June 2009 at a mini reunion where the group took a whitewater rafting trip on the Ocoee River (Georgia), were, from left, front row, Rob Digby, Mark Gonsalves, John Ferry, Grover Outland, Jeff Davies, Jerry Manley and Mike Denton. Back row: The rafting guides.

Below, left: At the Western T idewater Chapter’s New Cadet Send Off in Portsmouth, Virginia, August 2009, were, Below, right: Fishing in Costa Rica, Clay Wommack pulled from left, Robert Kanter, who matriculated into the “Mass in a large amberjack. Not shown is Wommack’s wife, Susie, coming to his rescue. of 2013,” with Mark Kanter and Jim Waring.

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CLASS NOTES moted.) Paul and his lovely wife, Rhonda, were at Quantico getting ready to PCS to Stuttgart, Germany, where Paul will take over as the commander, Marine Forces Europe and commander, Marine Forces Africa. Gary joked with Paul … er, I mean the BG, sir … about the fact that Gary is the senior investigator for the Marine Corps Inspector General and charged with investigating any allegations of misconduct against Marine Corps general officers … which now includes Paul. (Great e-mail, Gary. Good thing for Paul that the statutes of limitations have long expired for the brief period in his life from August 1977 to May 1981!)

Greg and Anne Wolven shared about their busy spring and summer. Greg took daughter Katie and son Chris to Raven’s Roost in Nelson County, VA, in May after Katie graduated 12th in her high school on the Academic Honors Degree. They went rappelling and shooting with Dixon Tucker ’80 and Jay Wamsley ’82.

On their trip, they made the required stop in Lexington to see the changes at VMI, then went to Virginia Beach with Greg’s brother, Jim, for a couple of days. Greg has been traveling between New Orleans, Kansas City and Minneapolis, giving presentations on various power engineering projects. As reported in the last Review, daughter Katie is attending Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, IN, and by all accounts, both Greg and Anne have survived dropping Katie off to start the new chapter in her life!

Their son, Chris, is now majoring in biomedical electronics and computer networking security, so they are not yet empty nesters!

Got a quick note from Mike Placzek. Not much to report on his end, other than his retirement may be held up. Seems Mike has some desirable skill sets that the USAF Reserve wants to retain. (Very proud of you, Mike, and will be especially so if you serve the full 30!) From Mike’s writing, you can truly pick up on the love he has for his bride, Lynn, and their wonderful son, Dan. We wish you all continued blessings!

In June, Dave Openshaw became president of his company, Ligon & Ligon, Inc, a privatelyowned construction contractor specializing in underground utilities in the Baltimore region.

(Congrats, Dave! Need to gather in Annapolis area to celebrate!)

Corky Mitchell wrote about hanging out with Rob Costello and his family and Danny Dorsey and his son down at Roanoke Rapids Lake at Cos’ trailer for Corky’s birthday in August. They had a great time! Corky shared that the Costello hospitality is unrivaled. They ate, had refreshments, ate, swam (after 30 minutes, of course), ate, more refreshments, then went on the boat and had more refreshments. (Great combination: drunken cadets, at any age, and a power boat!)

Bruce Gottwald shared that he spent a few

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days entertaining, or as Bruce more appropriately put it, being entertained by Clay Wommack and his family at Bruce’s house in Costa Rica. Bruce shared a great fishing story about how Clay was struggling with pulling in an amberjack in an open water expedition, until Clay’s wife, Susie, had to come to the rescue.

Without Susie’s steady guidance and fishing skills, Clay would be telling stories about “the one that got away!” (Here is to you, Susie!)

Adrian Bogart had a small and short ceremony on 18 Aug. at North Fort Hood where he assumed command of the 2nd Battalion, 393rd Regiment. (Congratulations, Bogie! Outstanding news from an outstanding battalion commander!)

Chip Chipley checked in and shared that his loving wife, Lisa, and their newborn, Vivia Belle Chipley, are doing well. Chip chats with Bill Bird occasionally, and they are trying to plan a get-together with Dan Pere and Mike Hatfield.

Brian Quisenberry reports that all is well in Lexington. He returned from annual training in Guam in mid June. He was there inspecting the Naval base and tenant commands on their explosives safety posture. Quiz also shared that he spent some time at Panama City Beach this summer with his family. He is enjoying his command and was looking forward to the August matriculation. VMI is bringing in a huge class, approximately 480 to 485 Rats, while work continues on Old Barracks, with a planned completion for next summer.

Jim Waring shared some quick updates. He attended the Western Tidewater Chapter’s New Cadet Send Off in Portsmouth in August with his daughter, Kailey, and his wife, Catherine. Jim shares that there was a pretty big turnout, and they ran into BR Mark Kanter and his son, Robert, who is also an incoming Rat. Jim and Mark talked for a long time and had great fun catching up on old times and providing Robert some survival “guidance.” Jim shared that he also received an email from his roommate of all four years at VMI, Greg Doyle. Greg and his wife, Kim, are doing well and are residing in Lexington, KY. I will end with a more solemn note in this edition. It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Scott Morris, brother to our dear Brother Rat, Ken Morris. Scott was an optician and the owner of The Morris Optical Co., in Gloucester. He had a tremendous love for his family, his history and as an avid member of the NRA, he loved his guns. I was blest enough that my schedule allowed for me to be present for Scott’s well-attended and heartfelt service in Abingdon, VA, near the Morris family home.

Ken did an amazing job honoring his brother, under the most difficult of circumstances, by providing childhood stories and other joyous recollections during the service. I have always respected Ken but do so even more this day

for the courage and love he showed from that church pulpit. Clinker Moss and I were both honored to join the Morris clan at the follow-on family reception. Ken, you have a wonderful family. You, your parents and your sisters, as well as Scott’s wife and children, are in our prayers. God bless you all!

With that, I will close. I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe summer Please keep the e-mails coming! Most importantly, if you have not received e-mails from either Bruce Kitchen or me, please contact us with your correct email address and other contact information! Our 30th Reunion is not that far away, and it is my goal to contact as many as possible as we begin the planning efforts. Perhaps more importantly, we will be able to keep you updated with periodic e-mails relating to more personal matters between BRs. Again, I regret putting these inputs together in such a rush and pray I did not miss any inputs. Contact me if I did … and send in those e-mail addresses!

In the bonds and with God’s blessings … Jerry

’82

Charles Kause

William Blake in his poem “To Summer” noted: “O thou who passest thro’ our valleys in Thy strength, curb thy fierce steeds, allay the heat That flames from their large nostrils! thou, O Summer, Oft pitched’st here thy goldent tent, and oft Beneath our oaks hast slept, while we beheld With joy thy ruddy limbs and flourishing hair.”

Well, I do not know about you, but I am ready for summer’s ruddy limbs and flourishing hair to depart. I entertained visions of ruddy tomatoes and flourishing peppers. But alas, my garden is stricken by blossom end rot of Biblical proportions. I escaped suffering major defeats at the hand of the blight currently scourging the East Coast, as I grow most of my plants from seed. But I have had no success in balancing my soil, water and fertilizer equation. Thus, I can grow vegetables until the cows come home; I just am unable to harvest edible tomatoes and peppers. Even the chipmunks and squirrels are staying away. My reject pile goes untouched by rodents and other varmints. My beans are anemic, and my cucumbers tapped out early.

My only success has been with sunflowers and basil; two plants that are easy to grow and forgiving of ham-fisted gardeners.

This summer has been spent preparing the Clown Prince for his epic tour of Western Europe. Six countries in three weeks. For all the culture and history he was exposed to, his

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CLASS NOTES favorite memories were of tee shirt shopping at every Hard Rock Café in the Rhine River Valley. He arrived home, tired and a bit wan, but within 48 hours he was back to his annoying self. He vows never to eat a croissant ever again. The Daughter of Darkness was banished to a two-week away camp, while the Clown Prince was in Europe. Thus, life within Schloss Kause was happy and carefree. Mrs. Kause and I reveled in a clean house and time to enjoy a nice meal, cocktails on the patio and the luxury of deciding what to do after work. It was a blissful vision of our future.

News from BRs dried up to a trickle this season, along with the rain, but I did communicate with a couple of guys.

Alex Kuchnia called me out of the blue one day looking for Randy Parker’s address and phone number. Alex is currently out of work and has been passing the time looking for his next gig while working off his wife’s punch list. He was in Kentucky, helping his father-inlaw with some chores and thought he would traverse the Ohio River to check up on Randy, who lives outside of Dayton. I received no word whether Alex was successful, nor did I receive an irate phone call from Randy for passing on his point of contact info. So, who knows if they ever synched up?

George Mayforth is a man of his word.

As you may recall, he and Jack Wainwright maintain a healthy competition training for and competing in triathlons. They update their progress via long-distance text messaging – Jack living in MA and George living in FL. George bested Jack when he registered to enter a triathlon in Klagenfurt, Austria. The event was sold out in 92 minutes, and Jack never had a chance on entering. I received a note from George with visual proof he competed in and completed the 2009 Karnten Ironman Triathlon with a finish time of 10:30:32. You, too, can see George in action at: http://www. marathonphotos.com/scripts/event_entry. py?event=Sports/GKDE/2009/Karnten. Type in George’s number, 2275, to see pics of him in action. George was kind enough to share some banter he had with Col. Dave Shutt, who is currently in Iraq on the MNI-C staff.

George, being a caring, sharing, BR, wanted to inform Dave of the passing of Jimmy Bedford, the former master distiller at Jack Daniels.

Dave, being a well-informed Army officer, was already aware of Jimmie’s passing and was mourning in his own special way: by being posted to Iraq, where he cannot imbibe any of that fine sippin’ whiskey. George was kind enough to forward an action photo of Dave, who appears as ageless and as roguishly handsome as ever.

I admit to being less than aggressive in

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churning up information on BRs, as I am in the process of looking for my own next work gig.

My contract with my client ends in December with no hope of renewal or re-competition. So, I have started engaging my own professional network and polishing my resume. I hope to get down to Lexington at least once or twice for a football game and to get out of the DC area.

The Daughter of Darkness has never seen VMI in all of its autumnal glory. She talks about joining the military to fly airplanes. She also talks about going to VMI to wave a sword and boss people around. Of course, as a proud former private, I have informed her she will discover her forward progress stymied early and often by those she will lead, if she continues to act like that.

I hope to see a few stalwart BRs at a football game or in cosmopolitan Lexington this autumn.

’83

Jim Outland

I hope you all are reading these notes during the cooler days of fall or early winter, because as I’m writing them, it is a hot and humid mid-August in central VA. The heat and slow days of summer, however, have not slowed you all down as far as updates are concerned, and for that, this class agent is grateful. First, I hope you received the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees’ invitation for all participating 25th Reunion Fund BRs to attend the fall Institute Society Dinner on Nov. 11th. The Institute Society, of which some of you are already members, is an association of dedicated alumni and friends whose unrestricted financial support to VMI is “above the ordinary.” Since I consider most of my BRs to be way beyond ordinary anyway, this invitation seems like just the venue for us to reconvene from where we left off from last year! Therefore, please clear your calendars for our 26th Reunion which we will celebrate in Lexington with our kind friends in the Institute Society on Founders Day! Also, I wanted to thank Richard “Bunny” Hewitt and John Dodge for leading the Class Blitz in support of the Keydet Club’s 75th Anniversary Challenge which closed on July 13th. Because of their efforts, the class of ’83’s donor count for this campaign was raised to 71 BRs participating which places us into eighth position overall among the alumni classes. Many thanks to the BRs who answered Richard’s and John’s call and stepped up to the plate to support our Keydets during these financially challenging times. And speaking of VMI athletics, I was also gratified to note this summer the promotion of our own BR Steve Ross to director of Athletic Academic Advising. The goal of Steve’s office is to ensure that VMI cadet athletes experience a

balanced program in which they excel athletically and academically. Besides providing counseling, advising and academic assistance to athletes, his team also serves as a liaison between coaches and the faculty. Considering Steve’s experience since graduation, I can’t think of a better person to help our student athletes realize success in balancing the unique challenges of VMI’s three-legged stool concept. As Steve said of his promotion, “I believe there are no shortcuts for academic success, and our office will make sure we provide quality support and accountability for our cadet-athletes.”

(Editor’s Note: See more about this in the Athletics section of this Review.) In other Institute news that only Liberal Artists will truly appreciate, BR Doug Wainwright let me know that Col. W.D. Badgett ’53 was named recipient of VMI’s Distinguished Teaching Award this year, which is his 54th year as a professor at VMI. Since starting as an instructor in 1955, Col. Badgett has taught 7,790 cadets and graded 15,580 papers. These statistics and his considerable years of service to the Institute are indeed worthy of recognition, but also significant are the long lists of today’s cadets waiting to get into his courses. Like many of you, I really enjoyed Col. Badgett’s classes but certainly hope my Fine Arts paper did not put him to sleep; if so, it would be reflective of my attendance at his Saturday 0800 Fine Arts lecture.

Something about the lights being turned off, the soft whirring sound of the slide projector (Col Badgett’s collection numbers more than 6,000 slides) and the power of the art displayed on the screen always combined to inspire my “deepest contemplation.” Unfortunately this summer, announcement was also made of the passing of Col. Albert Deal, professor emeritus of mathematics, who was also my instructor for Rat math. Besides remembering thrown chalk as a method to keep dozing cadets attentive, I also recall how Col. Deal could summarize an hour-long explanation of some bizarre mathematical concept with the following “puppy dawg” analogy: “Gentlemen, it’s like this: If you take won puppy dawg and put him togetha’ with anotha’ puppy dawg, how many puppy dawgs ya’ got?” Another of Col. Deal’s innovative techniques, remembered

by BR Cal Murray, occurred during our first snowfall at VMI. Of course, this event was a grand spectacle for temperate-region BRs who had never seen the white stuff before. In fact, I even recall seeing our Thai BRs engaging in animated discussion while gathered around a snow-covered leaf! Anyway, the distraction of falling snow during Rat business math finally prompted Col. Deal’s slammed fist on the desk and the command that all cadets from Alabama, Georgia, Florida and any other non-snow region be immediately relocated to sit next to the window. These cadets were then excused from the lesson to stare out at the snow. Every time Col.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Deal caught one of them looking over at the headed that way on vacation or business, please 25th Reunion this fall. My lacrosse teammate, board and paying attention to math, he would tell reach out to Matt at waring83@yahoo.com or call Chuck McCarthy ’85, was in attendance, as them to stop interrupting our class and to resume him on 703/242-9155. was Maury Denton ’07 who covered nicely for focus on the white flakes! He will be missed.

Brett Allen also checked in this summer to the fact that his dad, Mike ’81, had a better deal Another instructor we lost this past summer was let me know he was planning his August VMI that weekend mooching off of friends down at Dr. Dean Foster, professor emeritus of psychol- Metro Detroit BBQ at his home in Troy, MI. Lake Gaston. Thankfully, Rick McCue ’81 and ogy. BR Ivan Marcotte recalls participating in Brett and Tammy try to do the event every year wife Kelly were there to cover Mike’s unexcused Dr. Foster’s “sleep lab” which he assured me was and report it has been a good way to meet local absence, and they have just started their own the equivalent of existing in a sensory-overload and traveling alumni. Brett also confirms he security consulting business. Mark Boswell ’85 sleep-deprivation chamber. Ivan is confident the has prominently hung his VMI diploma in the savored the cool temperatures by the James, hav“sleep lab” inspired some of the CIA’s current in- bathroom where every man can read it, which ing just returned from his USAF reservist tour to terrogation methods that we hear so much about. seems like a thoughtful decorating idea.

Qatar; and Hugh Fain ’80 showed his mettle by Paul McCusker also remembers how he teamed In another summer get-together, my boys stopping the west-bound Norfolk Southern train with BRs Kevin Keilty, Dave Haskins and Tony and I had a grand time along the banks of the for Meade to pilot the hayride tractor across the Thompson to breathe life into a Pugeot sedan James for the VMI of Richmond picnic in July. tracks. Talk about excitement … for Dr. Foster’s industrial psychology project. Many thanks to the Meade Spotts ’79 famIn military news, I was glad to catch up with Despite Tony’s repeated beer runs and Keilty ily for performing great service in hosting this BR Col. Tim Fitzgerald (USMC). Tim’s daughswearing the vehicle was 99% complete, the now confirmed annual “tradition.” Combine the ter is a freshman at Gonzaga University in patient did not successfully revive. With a racket beautiful venue with perfect weather, great food, Washington state, and his other kids are in high like that, why would any cadet ever want to reach drink and games (to include long ball drives school, junior high and elementary. Tim has re100% completion anyway? Even though I never across the James), and everything is in place turned from Iraq and is now with the 1st Marine took one of his courses, I always felt obliged to for “a great time to be had by all.” I especially Expeditionary Force as the assistant chief of Dr. Foster for allowing us to shoot skeet at his enjoyed catching up with Brett Hayes ’86 who staff G-3, Operations at Camp Pendleton, CA. farm. The one caution was to “shoot all you want, could hardly hold his BBQ sandwich together In Tim’s words, “Great job, great people and but just don’t shoot the cows!” This pretty much at the excitement of being there. I also spoke lousy hours. Looks like the Marine Corps will left the barn door open for the likes of Tracy with Southside neighbor Sam Coleman ’88 and leave me here for one more year. You and Jim Jones, Steve Evans, Breck Gorman and me to “Frank and Hank” Kollmansperger ’84 and Ayers will be happy to know my son has decidblaze away. I think at one time, we had at least Selman ’84 who were anxiously awaiting their ed he likes to play defense in lacrosse. The stick six guns going on one trap. is bigger than he is … where did I In other news, ’83 continues to progo wrong? He initially was playvide our blood to the Institute, not just ing attack but decided it is better our treasure. By the time you read these to give than receive.” I actually notes, BRs Dave Warriner and Mark tracked Tim down in response to Sykes will have sons doing the “china request from the Alumni Review on-chest” stroll through Barracks. If staff who were looking for any there are any others I have overlooked VMI alumni that previously with Rats in the Corps, please let me piloted the presidential helicopter. know, and forgive the oversight on my As some of you may know, our part! These new cadets are actually BR performed this important duty replacing our now-new additions to the for President Clinton. alumni ranks from the class of 2009, I am also proud to report that who graduated on May 16. These new BR Col. Mark Waters (USA) “Sons of ’83” VMI alumni include retired this past August from Thomas Gottwald, Carter Murray the U.S. Army; so many thanks and Nick Cooper. are due to Mark and his family Class of 1984: John Brown, front, far left, and other In other news, BR Matt Waring for their years of service to our members of the Multi National Security Transition checked in to let me know they marcountry. Not to rest for even a Command-Iraq (MNSTC-I) Ministry of Defense Advisory ried off the oldest son on June 6th. In minute, Mark is now working for Team with, at Brown’s left, Simon Kershaw of Great BritMatt’s words, “Yes, it was D-Day. My the civilian firm IPKeys, which ain, MNSTC-I senior civilian advisor to Iraqi Minister of wife vetoed the cricket clickers, like has our own BR Mark Pappas as Defense Abd Al-Qadir Al-Mufriji, at front, center. Brown the 101st Airborne used 65 years ago, president. In Pappy’s words, “We was in Iraq from 2005 to 2008 in various capacities, as gifts for our guests.” I’m not sure are excited about bringing Mark’s from advising the newly formed Iraqi Special Operations why she vetoed cricket clickers as a gift level of expertise and professionForces, police forces and commandos as a combat adviidea, but my knowledge of groomsman alism into our growing family of sor in the field, to advising the Iraqi Joint Headquarters and Ministry of Defense Transition Teams in and around etiquette is only limited to “Show Up, associates.” Sounds like a win-win Baghdad. The mission of the MNSTC-I Ministry of Defense Shell Out and Shut Up!” Anyway, Matt deal to me and a great example Advisory Team is to build sustainable capacity and evaluworks at the Pentagon and is communiof the VMI bonds at work. In ate progress within the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, in both cating with BRs in the NoVa-Pentagon a similar vein, I want to thank military proficiency and administrative functions, as the area to restart an ’83 lunch-bunch that Mike Devens for passing along Iraqi Ministry of Defense and Joint Headquarters move periodically convenes around Crystal the notice of his firm’s need for a toward full transition and self-reliance.

City. If you work in the area or are qualified business developer. Also,

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CLASS NOTES kudos go to Dave Via for his efforts to energize VMI business networking here in Richmond.

Dave has started a “VMI Alumni Central VA” networking group at http://www.meetup.com/ VMIAlumni/. Besides networking meetings posted on the Meetup Web site, he hopes, as the “Meetup” member list grows, to schedule informal social networking gatherings in the Richmond area; so, stay tuned. The actions of Dave, Mike, Matt Waring and Mark Pappas are the kinds of activities that I hope will continue among us. Should any of you become aware of opportunities or needs for your business/department, please let me know, and I will distribute them, as appropriate. Also, please keep our younger alumni in mind as they seek opportunities within this challenging economic environment. Your assistance, advice and/or referral may be just the thing that helps a young person land their first job. That’s it for now. Keep your powder dry, and keep those updates coming!

’84

Barry Coceano

I hope everyone is on the road to recovery after our incredible Reunion Weekend. A big thank you goes out to our Reunion Committee Co-chairmen (Steve Hupp, John Munno, Kemper Wharton, Bill Janis and Mark Morgan) and our Lexington Godfather – Greg Cavallaro, for the exceptional effort this collective group put into making the reunion a first class event. 119 BRs attended, $1,984,000 was raised and we had 100% participation in the 25th Reunion Fund – a phenomenal show of force by the class of 1984!

I look forward to the opportunity to serve as class agent for the next five years, starting today. Since I missed the class notes timeline, I got space for 125 words – thanks, Hank! Reunion highlights will be in the next edition.

’85

John Eckenrode

Editor’s Note: There were no notes submitted from the class of 1985 for this issue.

’86

Clint Hubbard

In a few short days, it will be the 27th anniversary of our date with infamy – 18 August

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1982 – where has the time gone? Speaking of matriculation, one of the funniest stories I’ve heard was told to me by BR Tim “the Goat” Spivey. BR Spivey said his dad drove him up to matriculation and stopped in front of Barracks.

Mr. Spivey told Tim to get his trunk and take it into the courtyard and place it in the designated alphabetical spot. BR Spivey said he did as directed, and when he came back out, his dad had left; I reckon Mr. Spivey was making sure Tim didn’t quit on him!

Our lead-off batter this quarter is one of our remaining active duty BRs – Col. Michael “Biff” Lakos, USAF, as the signature on his e-mail notes. By the time this is in print, the Lakos family will have left Germany and headed back to Colorado Springs, CO, where Mike will be working at Air Force Space Command HQ as the chief of the MILSATCOM Division. He says that they are sad to leave Germany, as “it’s been a great four years.” Prior to his departure from Europe, BR Lakos led some other VMI alumni, as well as three local Boy Scouts, in a

Class of 1985: Kerry D. Kirk and his wife, Judy, met with Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander-in-chief of the U.S. Central Command, during their participation in the No Greater Sacrifice Foundation 2nd Annual Freedom Honors Event in Washington, DC, May 2009. Gen. Petraeus was the recipient of the Annual Freedom Award at the dinner. The No Greater Sacrifice Foundation supports the college education of children of those servicemen and women killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Also supporting the foundation in attendance were Terry Ormsby and his wife, Annie.

Battle of New Market Ceremony in Stuttgart, Germany. Michael says they withstood a downpour while he offered up a brief overview of the battle, “Taps” was played and a solemn ceremony was held to honor the 10 cadets who lost their lives during the epoch battle. It sounds as if the Institute was heard from – well done, BR, and welcome back to the U.S. mainland.

Well, he’s not on active military duty, per se, but our favorite special student CE major (well, one of ’em, anyhow) Fuller, GW is back from his latest deployment to Afghanistan. Under the e-mail title, “You can’t go anywhere,” BR Fuller sent a great story. Wayne says he was sitting in the Camp Gibson (Kabul) DFAC one morning having breakfast, when a gentleman walked up and asked him what VMI class he was in. This new gent introduces himself as a resident of Roanoke, VA, and a former DEA agent. He then tells Wayne about how, when he was with DEA, there was a VMI graduate that he relied on to no end.

The man asked, “Do you know Jeff Boobar?”

BR Fuller replies, “Yes, as a matter of fact, I do!”

The gent then proceeds to tell Wayne that BR Boobar is the man and is really going places with DEA. Here’s the great quote from Jeff’s former supervisor to BR Fuller, several years and many miles away: “Agent Jeff Boobar was the most squared away cat I have ever known! If I needed something important done, and I wanted to ensure it was done right, Agent Boobar was the man. Talk about a great guy to work with; no bull, does the job right the first time and no complaints.”

BR Fuller promised the man (Ray Melick) that he would pass along the good words. Of course, it is no surprise to any of us who know him that our BR Boobar merits such high praise.

This next item may not necessarily be a case of the Institute being heard from, but it could be an instance of the Institute will be heard from … The Chesterfield Police Department’s SWAT team has a new commander – our very own Tim Spivey. Sergeant Spivey was quick to point out that his new team recently captured first place, among 15 SWAT teams, at the Harrisonburg Virginia’s 9th Annual SWAT competition. BR Spivey noted that they placed first in six of the 10 events and 1st place overall. You can see BR Spivey with his boys hoisting the SWAT Garnett Andrews Cup in the photo accompanying these notes.

Like BR Lakos as noted above, another BR who is returning to the land of the 24-hour convenience store, Glenn Newcomb, will also be home by the time you read this. You will recall that BR Newcomb and his family were serving as missionaries in Thailand – they did a two-year hitch and had plans to extend for another year, but a good opportunity came up to re-enter the

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CLASS NOTES

Class of 1985: Michael Chang and wife Julie with their new baby, Mitchell, born on Aug. 8, 2009.

out and weekend laundry service assistance, not to mention dress shops and nail salons or as Jeff puts it, “You know – the important stuff to girls.” BR Smiley and other townie BR Jeff Ax had a lively debate on e-mail about college expenses for their daughters and specifically the cost of meal tickets for young ladies who don’t eat much in the mess halls at their respective schools. BR Smiley rubbed it in a bit with the note that at Roanoke College, his daughter will be able to cash in her unused meal plan so the money is not gone forever. With two daughters now in college, BR Ax has grown deathly quiet on his extra-curricular activities – perhaps he is even washing his own car now and by-passing the fine car washers at the friendly family restaurant with the owl motif; I think all of you dedicated readers remember which one Axman used to frequent.

After 5-6 years of commuting from Fredericksburg, VA, up to Reston, VA, on a daily basis, Rich Hill reports that HCA will be opening a new hospital in Fredericksburg just across from his subdivision, and his commute will go from two hours to about six minutes. That should give him plenty of extra time to help Mrs. Hill (Julie) with the laundry, cooking and cleaning. Or, maybe not …

Through a communiqué from Jim Outland ’83, I got an update on Tom FitzPatrick. As you will recall, Fitz is in Ethiopia working for the State Department which is building the new embassy with a cleared U.S. contractor. Tom is the project director for the State Department, so he supervises the overall operation and manages the contract for the USG. BR FitzPatrick says, “It is quite challenging and exciting; Ethiopia is an interesting place to work.” Another BR, Mark “Duke” Ellington, is also there as the LNO for AFRICOM. I’m

laying down $1,000 bucks that the two of them never dreamed they’d one day be living in the same town in Ethiopia, but isn’t it cool? Fitz reports that his boys toss lacrosse in their yard, but it is cost prohibitive to start a boy’s team there, given the equipment cost. So, they’ll have to wait until they return to the states to get into lax more formally. For the local girls, however, BR FitzPatrick was able to establish a team.

He found a shop in the Baltimore area that had bargains on girls’ lacrosse sticks and goggles, so he was able to get enough equipment to get a club going. It was truly an international team, as Fitz says he had 20 players from USA, England, Fiji, India, Peru and Ethiopia.

Well, that’s a wrap on this edition. Where, oh where are Tim Young, Karl Kuhrman, Al Miller, Roman Malavet, Paul Simroth and/or Tim Panoff?

Take care, Brother Rats, and send me some news.

telecommunications field, and Glenn seized the day, as well as the opportunity. He noted that they had accomplished all of their goals in their deployment and had enjoyed a very fulfilling tenure.

BR Newcomb noted the return was bittersweet, as they were glad to be coming home but had truly enjoyed the opportunity and the experience Ernie Edgar gained. I know we’re all sure proud of our BR for his service to making the world a bit better.

From the port city of Baltimore, MD, Steve Thacker checked in via e-mail. Toasterhead left Smith Barney about a year ago and has started Brother Rats: I hope you all enjoyed a restful his own firm – Chesapeake Wealth Management. summer and are enjoying the fall. As I write this He says “things are going well” which, given the for submission to the Alumni Review, the VMI current stock market, has to be good news. BR fiscal year has just closed, and the results are Thacker reports that Debbie and the Thackerettes in showing that the class of ’87 stood tall in its are all doing well – in his own words: “My family support to the Institute. On behalf of all of us, is great … girls are growing up fast. Sydni is 12 thanks to Paul Russo who took on a very time and entering 7th grade, Riley is 10 and entering consuming task to organize our Keydet Club 5th grade and Samantha is 8, entering 3rd grade.

75th Anniversary initiative. Thanks in large They keep Debbie and me busy, as they all play part to Paul’s effort, our class participation rate travel soccer and lacrosse.” Steve notes that (which includes all alumni giving to the FounDebbie at their school is the incoming chair of dation and the Keydet Club) was over 50%. I the parents’ association and occasional substitute don’t know that we’ll ever see teacher. BR Thacker closed with a tanCav doing any pushups, but it’s talizing proposition: “Looking forward a real testament to our class that to getting to VMI this fall and/or winter; we answered the Keydet Club’s perhaps a mini ’86 reunion is in order?” call and finished first among those I like the way he thinks! Anyone up for classes who do not have a Brother a New Year’s Eve celebration with your Rat as a Keydet Club employee!

BRs somewhere?

For those who have been folOne of our favorite townie BRs, Jeff lowing Kenny Walters’ progress Smiley, checked in with a humorous on CaringBridge, the news this account of his first born daughter headed summer has been great. Kenny off to college this fall. Young Ms. Smijust finished his latest round ley (I think, “Allie”) is headed off to of chemo and has made great Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia. progress against the tumors. In Jeff reports that despite the fact it is a June, he passed the Air Force private school and will cost him an arm Medical Review Board, and and a leg, his Army training of planning in July he came out on the Air ahead is paying off, in that he strategically placed his daughter within 50 miles Force Colonels Promotion List. from 90% of her relatives. BR Smiley is In a wonderful touch, Brother Class of 1986: Chesterfield, Virginia, Police Department’s banking on a consistent cash flow from Rat Col. Greg Otey dropped by new SWAT team commander, Tim Spivey, second from left, grandparents to cover miscellaneous colthe Walters’ house to give him shows off the team’s first place trophy. lege expenses such as mall trips, eating the bottle of champagne.

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CLASS NOTES Gerry Tertychny checked in from Valley Forge Military Academy, where he was the professor of military science, though not for long. He left in September to take a transition team over to Iraq (after three months in Fort Polk, LA).

He said, “Valley Forge is a great place, but it’s no VMI. I have two VMI alums working for me here – Capt. Jason Cole ’00 and Capt. Seamus Toolan ’99. Always good to have folks who speak the same language.” Gerry has kept in good touch with his roommates: Gray Wooten is a commander in the Navy and is teaching at the Armed Forces Staff College in Suffolk; Bill Berneski lives in Fairfax and works for CACI; and John Ficarro

Vernie’s promotion to colonel at the Pentagon. It was a great event hosted

by MG Bo Temple ’75 and attended by many officers and NCOs who have been stationed with the Reichlings throughout their career. Later that day, I joined Dean and Dawn Kratzenberg for Dean’s promotion party at the Irish Pub in Pentagon Row. Dean is stationed with the DoD team within the Department of Energy in DC, and Dawn recently made the lieutenant colonel promotion list in the Air Force. Jeff Temple and Macon Class of 1987: At the Reichlings’ house for a room Snowden were there, too, and Macon 124 reunion were, from left, Steve and Rebecca had big news about (finally!) getting Cade, on leave from Italy; T.K. and Mitch Farleigh; engaged! and Vernie and Julie Reichling.

Ed Ledford is also on the deployment is at Fort Belvoir where he is a DA civilian. Gerry list, which came up unexpectedly. He returned has seen Scott Jones a couple of times when he to Afghanistan in early June “on the McChryshad to travel to PA on business. Back in January, tal/Rodriguez team.” So, Marian and the kids Gerry went to SC to visit Andy Korol. He’s still have relocated from Fort Eustis to Charlottesin the Reserve and was on a one-year mobilization ville to be near her parents. Ed expects to be in at Fort Jackson – he just completed that this spring country “at least a year, likely two.” A very long and is back home in Fairport, NY. While Gerry was stretch. However, he hadn’t been there more there, they traveled to Toccoa, GA, and ran up Mt. than two weeks when he heard that our old Currahee (from “Band of Brothers” – “Three miles TAC, Roland Tiso ’73, is in Pakistan working up – three miles down!”). The one photo is of the in the Office of the Defense Representative, two of us at the start point and the others are from Pakistan (ODRP).

Ed said, “I haven’t seen him yet, but there’s the top (to prove we actually did it). only one Roland Tiso.”

Vernie and Julie Reichling have enjoyed Mike McDaniel checked in with me via a whirlwind summer. In June, they hosted a LinkedIn. He’s doing well “and business for In“Room 124 Reunion” with the Cades and the tel and IBM looks better every day.” I bumped Farleighs. Steve, Rebecca and family were into Mike before one of the VMI basketball back in the states on leave from Italy. TK and games last year. Mike has not made it back to Mitch joined them from Richmond. Vernie said, Lexington since then but is hoping to make it “We had a great time just catching up, since down this fall for a few home football games. we all haven’t been together since our 15 year Under the heading of finding a lost BR, Renny reunion – I think? Steve and Rebecca have one Renshaw sent me the following e-mail in June: more year in Garrison Command in Pisa, Italy.

“So, I’m in Sports Authority two weeks ago, and Steve extended for another year, so he will some guy says to me ‘Hey, Reardon.’ Puzzled, I have three years in command. They intend to tell him he’s got the wrong guy. ‘My mistake,’ he come back to Virginia after this tour. T.K. and said. ‘You look like someone from VMI.’ Long Mitch still live in Richmond. Recently, T.K. story short, Blair Shelton lives in Vienna.” moved back to his prior company and is now As I wind this up for another edition of the the lead electrical engineer in a small A&E Alumni Review, please keep in touch with all firm and is enjoying it. Julie and I are living in the details of the things you are doing and the Woodbridge. I will work on the Army staff for places you are going. I look forward to passing another year before moving to Memphis, TN, all that on to our classmates! … Ernie to take command of the Engineer District next July.” Vernie also forwarded a great shot of Drew McKone Room 124 and their brides.

Steve followed up with “an open invite for one more year to all BRs that want to visit Italy.” While they were stateside, Steve and Rebecca had dinner with Bobby and Tyler Eaton As I am writing this, the summer is drawing and their daughter, Josephine. Bobby is retired Class of 1987: Top: Andy Korol, to a close, and as you are reading this, the fall from the Army and working in Roanoke as the left, and Gerry Tertychny at the base is upon us! Time seems to go by faster every chief executive officer, American Red Cross, of Mount Currahee, Georgia. The year … before we know it, it will be time for Appalachian Blood Region. They are expecting middle and bottom photos prove that our 25th Reunion! As a reminder, our 25th another child this fall. they made it to the top! will be in the fall of 2013. So, block off the Then, on July 31st, I was honored to attend

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES entire fall, and standby for details!

The summer has been slow for catching up with BRs. I have traded some e-mails with Bob Clark and John MacMichael and hope to see them when I am in Sandbridge this fall. Congratulations to John for picking up O-6 and pinning on the eagles of a Navy captain! John and Joy live in the Virginia Beach area where they are busy raising their kids and sending them off to college. Those of you who are friends with John on FaceBook can see how proud he and Joy are of their family! Those of you who are not friends with John on FaceBook … I fully understand!

All kidding aside, FB has turned out to be a great networking tool for our class and for VMI alumni in general. Check it out, and consider joining the VMI Class of ’88 group! If you are on FB, then you’ve seen the corrected information for the different memorial scholarships that have been organized in Scott McCumber’s name. For those of you who have not seen the corrected information, please see the following: The Scott P. McCumber and Brian K. McCumber Memorial Scholarship Fund is a VMI scholarship administered through the VMI Foundation, Lexington VA, 24450. Any contributions to this fund are tax deductible and go to a VMI scholarship and not to Scott’s children.

Scott’s wife, Erin, set up the Scott P. McCumber Memorial Educational Trust Fund for their children, 537 Coalbrook Dr., Midlothian Va 23114. Donations are not tax deductible.

If any of you made donations based off of the erroneous information published in the last edition of class notes, please contact me, and I will work with the McCumber family to rectify any issues this may have caused you or them.

My sincere apologies go out to the McCumber family for the confusion caused by these errors.

Via FB, I learned that Chris Starling and Steve Neary have been selected for O-6 and have been assigned their commands. Congratulations, and Semper Fi! I received the following from Mike Owen: “Just a quick one … Ran into Jeff Dixon throwing trash out at the Stafford Landfill …

He’s working for another division of General Dynamics and still in the Reserve … I’m just south of Quantico and still work in Woodbridge for General Dynamics Land Systems … That’s all I have!”

And from Guy Gormley: “Hey, Drew. I still live in Fredericksburg. I work as a full time AGR at National Guard Bureau in the ARNG G-6 office. I am doing a nine-month deployment in Afghanistan with the Joint Task Force HQ as part of the NGB LNO team. I have a more detailed mission, but I can’t go into details. I will mostly be at Bagram.” If you are reading this and are in Afghanistan or know someone who is, look Guy up! Good luck, and give ’em hell, BR!

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This past Aug. 15th marked the 25th anniversary of our matriculation. A lot has happened to our class, to VMI and to our country since that day.

In spite of these changes, the friendships that we would forge over the next four years have remained strong. Take a moment to reflect on the impact VMI has made on your life … from matriculation to graduation and from graduation until now. Now, take some time to call, write or twitter a BR to see how they are doing. Take care, God bless and enjoy the rest of 2009!

’89

Nathaniel L. Cross

Thank you for the opportunity of being ’89’s class agent. I have big shoes to fill. I would like to thank Andy for 10 great years and two awesome reunions. Haven’t heard from a lot of guys, but here is what I know.

Gary Bissell forwarded an e-mail to me from Keith Sykes regarding the flag we sent him.

Keith wrote, “The VMI flag is AWESOME. The signatures and words are a true added touch.

It totally floored me. In fact, I have it pinned up on the wall behind my desk. Of course, everyone is asking about it. They can’t believe my classmates sent such a special gift to me because I missed the 20th Reunion. I remind them VMI is a special place, and the class of ’89 is a special group.” Hey, Keith, and all of our deployed BRs, thank you for your service.

I have been reading Neal Heimer’s blog about his training and deployment to Afghanistan. Neal left in early July for his tour and is working as a mentor to an Afghan physician with the ANP located in the northern part of the country. For a chemistry major, Neal’s blog is incredibly well written. Maybe he spent more time in Scott-Ship Hall than we thought. I believe Neal ran into Kent Doane during training at Fort Riley.

Lori and I had dinner with Bob Bradford and his lovely wife, Tracy, in July a week after he returned from Korea. Bob returned to Fort Lee “buff and in shape” (Lori’s words, not mine!) but is looking forward to spending some time with the family and making plans for retirement from the Army in the near future.

I had lunch with Mike Monfalcone in June.

He discussed his recent deployment to Baghdad and his efforts in working with the new Iraqi legal system. Mike also mentioned participating in the Virginia attorney general’s “Wall of Honor” Memorial Day Ceremony at the capitol.

It commemorated the 184 Virginians who have died in the global war on terrorism. There was a large write-up in the Richmond paper about it. Mike is still working for Dominion Power in their HR department.

George Armbruster and Gordy Fox met at the Virginia Small Business Administration’s Award Ceremony. George’s company, Fleet Imports, won the Veteran’s Award which means they have hired the most veterans – percentagewise – than any other business. Gordy was the keynote speaker and described his business trials and tribulations with a theme of “ordinary can become extraordinary.” There were 10-12 awards total for the state, so it is very cool that not only Brother Rats, but roommates, found themselves there. Thanks to Susan Armbruster for the photo and update.

I got a quick e-mail from Scott Leonard. He is currently commanding the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion for the Marine Corps in California. Scott, send me some more info, so we can catch up. Scott was also looking for any info on Derek McCown. Derek, can you help a BR out?

Billy Miller is still living in Maryland and has returned to the mortgage business working for Sun Trust. If anyone is looking to refinance or obtain a loan, give him a call. I believe he covers most of the states in the Mid Atlantic.

I have been riding bikes with Deputy Tom Hamner. Tom is in his third year working for the Hanover County Sheriff’s Department. Let this be fair warning for anyone driving on Hanover’s roads. Tom and Sharon are expecting their fifth child this fall. Good luck to you both, and let us know when to send the provisional appointment.

Staying with officers of the law, I spoke to Tom Fanshaw, a police officer in the Baltimore area, before the reunion. He was very busy with work and kids but sends his best to everyone.

Congratulations, Dr. (Ph.D.) Bill Bersing. Fill us in on the details and life in Italy.

In mid August, Mitch Fridley wrote: “The football team returns today, and cadre returns Sunday the 16th (Rats on the 22nd, old corps on the 30th), so my summer is over. Really, it’s been over for the past couple weeks. I’ve been producing all of the schedules, SOPs, training plans, etc. to get ready for the fall. All is well with me, and I love working at the Institute.

BR Bissell is mobilized to DC with the Army.

I think he is working in an operations center at the Pentagon. He gets home a good bit to see his kids. I know he keeps in very close touch with Wuzzer. John Piedmont is headed to Afghanistan to work in the Joint Coalition Headquarters in Kabul with the Marines. He’s already mobilized and heads over the end of August for a six-month tour.” I can add to Mitch that John has left for Afghanistan and will return in February. Mitch continues …

“Ken Cobb and his wife, Maria, had a healthy baby boy named George on July 1. Harrison Bresee is still working for Prudential in Williamsburg. Harrison, Rebecca and the two girls

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CLASS NOTES spent the night at my house on Friday. (I cooked a big spaghetti dinner, and the girls slept on two hays on my living room floor.) It was a great time catching up and polishing off a couple bottles of wine late into the evening. They were on their way to a family camp week in West Virginia. Tom Inge and I stay in pretty close contact. I know he is busy with his work and family. He’s planning to be up at VMI for the Environment Virginia Conference in October and is planning on making it to a football game or two this fall. Lloyd Bell is in Atlanta and has done some reorganization of his law firm.”

Mitch, thanks for the great update. Gary, Lloyd, Harrison, John, Ken and Tom, send us some info, so we can fill in the blanks.

That’s all the news I have for now. I am still waiting on VMI to send our class contact info.

Once I get that, I will start making some calls, but please, if you have news to share, drop me an e-mail or call.

’90

R. Hunter Trumbo

Greetings, Brother Rats: I hope everyone had a great summer and is enjoying the fall. The flow of incoming information sometimes slows to a trickle while everyone is on vacation, but I did hear from a number of folks and got to see a few as they passed through DC. My roommate, Brett Turner, was in town for more than a month, going to training at Fort Belvoir as he makes the shift from Army logistics to simulation operations. He dropped his family off in Fort Hood, TX, staying just long enough to get Cyndi and the kids set in an empty house and then jetting off to learn about playing computer games for the Army. (It sounds like that was part of his master plan.) In celebration of Brett’s return to the states, John Lanzillotta, Mike Trahar, Chris Schinstock and I took Brett out for an evening of reminiscing and storytelling at a local watering hole.

Speaking of watering holes, I dropped an e-

mail to Garrett Peck, because I had heard about a book he was having published: The Prohibition Hangover: Alcohol in America from Demon Rum to Cult Cabernet. Garrett said that it was a very fun, lengthy process, and he’s excited about seeing the book in print. When he first saw his title listed on Amazon.com’s pre-order list, he said he felt like Steve Martin’s character in “The Jerk,” running around yelling “the new phone book’s here!” Garret talks a bit in the book about how we used to hang out at Estelle’s as cadets (until third class year when the Virginia ABC raided it).

So, the book has been a lifetime in the making, and he started his initial research while we were at VMI … I wish I had had that foresight! I’m looking forward to reading it, sir. (Editor’s Note: A book announcement appears in the Alumni News section of this Review.)

I got a great update from Ley Havird at Travis AFB where he’s the deputy commander of the 60th Maintenance Group. His wife, Jenn, and his two girls, Avery (3), and Reese (18 mos.), are enjoying northern California. Ley’s job of keeping the C-5s, C-17s and KC-10s flying is keeping him very busy, but he’s finding time to coach a little league baseball team to keep his mind in that game, too.

Also in the Air Force, Gray Riddick sent in an update from Kirtland AFB in New Mexico, where he’s the director of operations and an instructor pilot in the CV-22 Osprey. He still can’t believe that Uncle Sam pays him to fly the Osprey. (Don’t tell, but it’s so much fun, he’d probably do it for free.) Gray’s enjoying life in the southwest with his wife, April, and their three daughters (9, 7 and 5). He said that with their dog, it makes five girls in the house that he’s happy to have running his life. He was able to make a quick connection with his fellow Delta Company BRs, Mike Roman and Paul Tallat-Kelpsa, prior to going over to the Middle East. Mike is married and living in Alabama with his wife, Heather, and son, Jake, where he’s a VP of an insurance brokerage firm.

T.K. is also married, and he and Annette have a little girl named Ava. He was working as an engineer for Boeing in Washington State but has since relocated to Ohio to be closer to family.

Mint Ralston touched base from Ohio where he’s been on inspector-instructor duty for the USMC. He’s part of a small group that helps keep Reserve units (in his case, an infantry Class of 1990: Members of the class of 1990 reunited for a pool party. Attending were, from left, Chuck Smith, Tim McLaughlin and Matt Hemenez. They gathered when McLaughlin, who lives in Spotsylvania, Virginia, visited California for his wife’s class reunion. Smith lives in San Diego, California, and Hemenez lives in Mission Viejo, California.

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battalion) ready to go administratively and operationally and helps set up their training. His group came up from North Carolina in 2007 and will rotate out in the summer of 2010. Mint said it has been a pretty big adjustment going from working on major Marine Corps installations for the past 17 years, then heading back out into “the real world,” but that it’s probably good preparation for when it comes time to retire.

Class of 1990: On VMI Founder’s Day 2008, at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, were Col. J. Marcus “Mark” Hicks, USAF, ’86, left, and Lt. Col. Larry “Gray” Riddick Jr., USAF. At the time the photo was taken, Hicks was the commander of Combined Joint Special Operations Air Component, and Riddick was his J3, operations director. Both have since redeployed.

Hicks is the commander of the 374th Airlift Wing, Yokota AB, Japan. Riddick is serving as a CV-22 Osprey instructor pilot and the director of operations, 58th Training Squadron, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico.

Taylor Farmer checked in from Oklahoma, where he and some other self-starters have gotten an OKC Chapter of The VMI Alumni Association going. Taylor is the treasurer, and Dave Yockel is the secretary. As one of their first events, they had a New Market Day celebration at a minor league baseball game with a pretty good turnout ranging in alumni from the class of 1945 to 2005. He also let me know that Dave was expecting his first child (boy) at the time, so my bet is that by now there’s a new little Yockel somewhere in OK. From the left coast, Chuck Smith, Tim McLaughlin and Matt Hemenez got together for a pool party during Tim’s visit to California over the summer. Tim was in California for his wife, Becky’s, class reunion and met up with Chuck (who now lives in San Diego) and Matt (who lives in Mission Viejo). Tim currently lives in Spotsylvania, VA. The Alumni Association let me know that our own Andy Beasley is being inducted into the VMI Sports Hall of Fame. For those of you that don’t know, he was a four-year letterman and starter at catcher, was named three times to All-Southern Conference squads, hit .288 with 10 homers

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES and 43 RBIs, and was a big part of VMI’s 1988 Southern Conference North Division title run.

Andy was drafted by the Oakland A’s at the end of our second class year but came back to VMI for his final year of eligibility and was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals after we graduated.

Last, but certainly not least, Charles Plageman and I exchanged e-mails a few times over the summer. He let me know that he has accepted the position of president of the VMI Keydet Club. The Keydet Club is lucky to have someone so committed to VMI taking the helm, and I know we’ll all be here to support him.

That’s it for this round of class notes, guys.

Please keep in touch and hope to see you in the spring at our reunion! … Hunter

’91

George Petty III

As I write these notes in August, summer has finally arrived in the valley, its warmth ripening the tomatoes and killing off the remaining sweet peas. It is amazing the peas lasted beyond early June – a testament to the cool summer until last week.

Also amazing was Evan Brown’s journey through NASA’s latest astronaut selection round. As you may recall from an earlier issue, Evan competed with over 2500 qualified applicants for what were ultimately nine slots. Here, Evan relates his experience …

“Thanks for checking in throughout the interview process. All the encouragement from you, other friends and family kept me going through the long wait! When I applied in 2008, I do not think I really believed anything would come from it. When I got the call for a first round interview (120 of the 3,500+ applicants), I was thrilled and would have been more than content with having reached that stage. During the interview week in early November, we got to meet a lot of the other folks undergoing interviews and appreciate just how stiff the competition would be. As a test pilot, I think I was in the only group that did not require an M.D. or Ph.D. to be invited for an interview.

The really amazing thing, however, was how humble all the interviewees and astronauts were. I was continually amazed at their varied and fantastic experiences and how they were still just as genuine as anyone from my little home town of Clifton Forge. One was an F-16 instructor pilot AND a space flight surgeon; one was a Ph.D. studying the origins of the universe; and another was an experimental test pilot who had been a Rhodes Scholar and had summitted Mount Everest last year. I only

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found out about the Everest thing by inquiring about his tightly-sealed sunglasses (snow blindness during the climb), and even then, I had to pull the information out of him. I was tremendously grateful for the experience, but rumor was that they would only bring back 40 for the second round interview and week-long medical examination, so I certainly did not expect to get a call. They had already brought two groups of 10 back by late January, and it looked like my odds were dwindling rapidly. I

was truly shocked when the selection office finally called, and it suddenly occurred to me that I was a FINALIST ... game ON! I still don’t know if I have wrapped my brain around that one. In what universe does something like that happen to me? Even though some aspects of the medical exam were not entirely pleasant, no one would ever complain because of the potential payoff. Thankfully, the anesthesia they gave us for the colonoscopy eliminated all memory of that particular procedure. Unfortunately, it did

Class of 1991

Photo above: Lt. Col. Christopher Gideons with his wife, Valli Vida, holding their children, Battle, 4, and Harper, 2, on the beach in San Clemente, California, summer 2009.

Photo above, right: Pat Kiely, left, and George Petty III met at Moody Hall on July 4, 2009, for the 4th of July picnic and fireworks.

Photo above: Lt. j.g.

Phil Lundberg ’06, left, and Cmdr. Steve “Whip” Blasch on board U.S.S. George Washington (CVN 73) in May 2009.

Photo at left: At a Virginia Beach gathering in May 2009, were, from left, Ben Dor man, Tom Heffern, Justin Martin, George Petty III and Todd Hubbard.

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CLASS NOTES not wipe out the memories of the preparation ... but enough about that. The calls to the finalists to let us know who would be in the Astronaut Candidate Class were finally made in mid June, after what seemed an eternal wait. They only selected nine folks to join the Astronaut Corps, and as you know I was not on the list. I must admit that I was disappointed for an hour or so after receiving the news, but I quickly took stock of all the blessings in my life and put the news into its proper perspective. I have two healthy and happy children, the love of a wonderful woman who continues to put up with me and a career that is already beyond any of my wildest expectations. Were I to mope for even a minute, I would deserve to be slapped. I still have a year left in my current job at NASA, and then we will be headed back to the real Army.

Our destination is yet to be determined, but I hope to be able to find another test pilot job.

Fort Eustis in the Williamsburg area may have an opening, so we may be returning to Virginia for the first time since graduation. I will keep you posted. As for NASA, they will probably have another selection board in a couple years, and yeah ... I will give it one more shot. Why not? Thanks again for all the support I received from you and the rest of our BRs. It really meant a lot to me! All the best, Evan” I finally heard from Dave Raucher. I am taking the easy way this time and quoting the notes directly from folks. He wrote: “I am in Dallas, Texas and have been since I got out of the Army in 1996. I am currently the chief information officer for a manufacturing company called Rotobrush. I have been an IT geek since the Signal Corps in ’94, so I love what I do. My wife, Rachel, and I just celebrated our second wedding anniversary and are doing great. It’s a second marriage for both of us, so we have a blended family, including two sons, both 14 years old and BOTH named Jacob. I also have three wonderful step-daughters: Jade (22), Chloe (19) and Naomi (19). My wife is a teacher and is getting ready to start a new school year. My boys are gearing up to start high school, and I stay very busy between my work and my activities as a Freemason.”

Recently, I spoke for a long time on the phone with Heath Wells. If I am recalling and typing this correctly (btw, I was astounded at the number of typos in the last issue-yikes!), he is serving directly under the pro consul for the Secretary of Defense. He is a major in the Army JAG Corps.

He continues to use his minimal spare time to renovate his townhouse in Old Alexandria. It is a nice location. When I visited there almost two years ago, he showed Lorraine and me how you can see the Washington Monument from his place. You had to go outside, turn left, jaywalk into the middle of the street stand on tip-toe and sure enough, there it was. Actually, it is not that

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difficult, and it is a really great area.

Buck Sessoms took some time off from flying his Marine Corps helicopters and sent this update. “I am currently stationed in Quantico (USMC) since Dec ’08 and living in Stafford.

Jackie and the kids (Car and Mandy) are enjoying the area, and it is good to be back in the Old Dominion. I don’t really count north of Fredericksburg as Virginia (that comment will stir up some Bees), but it’s as close as I could get! I know there are quite a few Brother Rats living up here and would love to start seeing old friends again. I have been in touch with Michael Robichaud who is working for Master Card and living in New York City. We plan on doing quite a bit of hunting this fall. We have a nice cottage on the Maury River in Rockbridge Baths and plan on being up there a bunch, as well. Just look for the VMI flag, if anyone is driving up Rt. 39. Talk to you soon.” (Editor’s Note: See the feature article about Sessoms in the front section of this Review.)

I have swapped e-mails and Facebook notes with John “Spike” Watson. He served in the Marines after VMI as a sniper for a few years before leaving for the civilian world. He said he once hopped a ride on Tom Hefffern’s bird, and that was really weird. I know what he meant, because I had that same feeling in the Navy as corpsman whenever I saw someone from the Institute in uniform. Spike currently lives in Fredericktown, OH, and says folks should look him up.

Greg Booth is rotating back to the states from Kabul soon. While there, he has seen Charles Fuller, Jim Pugel and Matt Childs. Matt will also be returning home soon. Matt and Greg were both in the area of the rocket attacks that made print and evening news headlines in early August. Both were unharmed. In fact, Matt says he had just returned from “Paktika Province and apparently slept through the whole thing.”

Ian Connor landed an exciting new job in CT were he now resides. He is working for O.F. Mossberg & Sons, the famous shotgun makers.

Omar Land sent me a link to a picture of Scott Smith shaking the hand of the Georgian president. Here is the caption from the Web site, www.daylife.com “Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili, left, shakes hands with Cmdr. Scott M. Smith aboard the U.S. Navy’s missile frigate U.S.S. Klakring (FFG 42) at the Georgian port of Batumi … The frigate arrived in Batumi to take part in joint training exercises with Georgian forces and in cultural events during the visit … the RIA Novosti Russian news agency reported.” If you wish to see the picture and actual link, please e-mail.

Chris Gideons just missed the deadline last time with this update/correction. (The deadlines for me to submit notes, news and pictures are Feb. 15, May 15, Aug. 15 and Nov. 15.) “Lt.

Col. Christopher Gideons is turning over (in May) his Camp Pendleton battalion, Advanced Infantry Training Battalion (AITB), where he served as the battalion commander, standing up the new unit from July ’07-May ’09. He is changing jobs at Camp Pendleton, heading over to a military transition team (MIT) where he will be deploying back to Iraq in September for nine months – working with an Iraqi unit.

Christopher and his family, wife Valli Vida and children, Battle, 4, and Harper, 2, reside in San Clemente, CA.” Steve Blasch wrote from the U.S.S. George Washington (CVN 73) where he currently serves as the ship’s Mini Boss. Also on the GW is Lt. j.g. Phil Lundberg ’06 who is the electrical division officer. The GW is home ported in Yokosuka, Japan. Steve reports a sighting of Steve Dudar who works at Ship’s Repair Facility Yokosuka.

Lorraine and I took the young ’uns (Emmett and Carmen) to VMI on July 4th for the extravaganza on the Parade Ground and the alumni picnic gathering. This is an annual event worthy of a holiday vacation. I must say, watching fireworks from the porch of Moody Hall while nursing a beer with your family around you is a cherished moment. We chatted with Amy and Harold Stills ’92 during the afternoon while their brood and ours played on the moonwalk bounce things. Later, during the picnic at Moody, Pat Kiely spied me, and we had a great time catching up and spinning yarns, none of which I recall, as I didn’t write anything down the next day. I do recall that he is in the Marines, a major, I believe, and is stationed at or near Quantico. Sorry, Pat. In May, I met with Ben Dorman, Tom Heffern, Justin Martin and Todd Hubbard in Virginia Beach. Todd and Wendy provided burgers and dogs, Lorraine made sugar cookies in the shape of V, M, I, 9 and 1. She even painted them red, white and yellow. They were a surprise to me and enjoyed by all. I think there were some shaped like a flag. Justin made an uber-cool entry to the event, as only the cool-one can. We gathered at the beach on the Virginia National Guard’s Camp Pendleton.

Todd, Tom, Ben and I were quenching our thirst in the heat, watching this guy standing on a surfboard, paddling it with a canoe paddle. He comes ashore, walks up and says, “Hey, guy; got a beer?” Too cool, I tell you.

That is all for this time. Apologies to those I did not mention above, with whom I spoke on the phone or in e-mails that were then eaten by my neighbor’s dog.

Get together, keep in touch and start thinking about the 20th Reunion, for it will be here faster than this summer has elapsed. Hope to see some of you at a game this fall.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Adam Gregory

’92

Andy Tate Tate Andy

Gentlemen: I hope these class notes find you and your families doing very well. Here are the updates I’ve received since the last edition: Lt. Col. Doug Vincent (squadron commander, 1-32 CAV) reports: “Irene and I are now stationed at Fort Campbell, KY, where I am commanding a ground recon squadron in the 101st.

Our first child, Alexander Mesa Vincent, was born 17 Jan. 2009 and is keeping us busy. I’ve run into Dave and Jackie Womack and family, who are moving in down the street. Should offer a prime opportunity for me to drink his beer and make tall jokes.”

Maj. Dean Case (USAR) writes: “I am nearly done with my master’s of science in defense analysis at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. After leaving here in December, my family will return to Hawaii where I will work at USARPAC, and my wife (who’s an Army nurse) will work at Tripler. Our children, Jackson (12), Kate and Lilly (both 10), love California but are looking forward to returning to Oahu.”

Anthony Brinkley updates that he “just moved from Sacramento, CA, to Huntsville, AL. It’s good to be back in the South, although the family is still adjusting. We decided that CA just wasn’t a good long-term place to raise a family. Hoping to do some recruiting at the local high schools for some prospective Keydets.”

Bryan Saunders reports: “Dick Richardson came down last weekend and played in the member/guest tournament that my country club has.

It’s now a five-year tradition. I also got to see Charlie Cathcart ’91 and spent some time with him. Dick has not changed since school!”

Bill Woodward sent me the following update awhile back, which should have gone to press sooner: “I made it down to VMI on 27 March for the scholarship luncheon. Got there in time for a briefing by Gen. Peay ’62. He spoke for over one hour, giving us a state of VMI presentation. Pretty interesting and he thinks most things are heading in the right direction.

Money will become an issue in the next few years, and he thinks VMI will be relying on alumni even more as money from the state, due to the economy, is flat lining or worse even, decreasing. After the brief, my son (Will Jr.) and I had lunch with Cadet Clayton B. Willig ’09 [recipient of the scholarship]. Willig is an

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outstanding young man, and we made a great choice in selecting him.”

Bill Sharp writes: “Jason Troxell and I descended on Dave and Jacque Womack when Dave took command of 1-506th Infantry at Fort Campbell, KY, on June 19, 2009 … We got to see Doug and Irene Vincent who live on post just a few houses away from the Womacks …

Doug’s son, Alex, was five months old then and nearly the same size as Doug. Dave’s girls are growing up fast, too. Stephanie and I just had our fourth child (a girl) back in April. Our older girls are 16 and 14, and our son is 7. Alex Luther stopped by last month to visit us here in Atlanta. Jason Troxell brought his family down for a weekend earlier this year. It seems like something’s happening every weekend around here lately, and I’m glad to see and hear from so many BRs. A lot of VMI guys have joined Facebook, and it’s been real nice to catch-up

with everybody.” More re: Facebook below.

John Ward reports: “Marlea (wife) and I had a baby boy. Townsend Meyers Ward was born on Feb. 5th, 2009.” Chris Bergen writes: “I’m up at NAS Whidbey Island again flying EA-6Bs. Great to be back in the PACNORWEST.” Mike Kirkmire updates that he’s still “living in Boise. Have become a fan of Boise State football (gotta follow the home team). Hope to make it back to VA next October for the BSU-VT game. Teresa is VT class of 1992. Did/survived my first triathlon in July (Olympic distance).”

Paul Gettle reports: “For the last six years, I have worked in Mobile, AL, as an aerospace quality engineer. In October, we are scheduled to move to Ohio where I will be training as a missionary airplane mechanic.” Scott McKenna writes: “I’m in Abu Dhabi these days, doing construction on one of the new islands out here but get my mail forwarded through our

Class of 1992 Photos clockwise, from top left: -John Ward and wife Marlea holding their new baby, Townsend Meyers, who was born Feb. 5, 2009.

-Maj. Dean Case and his wife, Nicole, in Hawaii.

-T rent Dudley with wife Sally, daughter Sydney and son Mason on their boat in Virginia Beach.

-Bill Woodward, right, with son Bill Jr. and Cadet Clayton Willig ’09 outside Barracks after the scholarship luncheon in March 2009.

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CLASS NOTES McLean, VA, office. BR Rodriguez is in the office there, too, if you are ever in the area.”

Todd Pegg is deployed with the VaARNG, is in Baghdad working for MNSTC-I and is being promoted to major. Bill Stone lives “in my hometown of Prince George, VA. I got married this summer (7/18/09) to Keyry Rivas. We honeymooned in Florida. I work as a shipping manager for Boar’s Head Provisions.”

Neal Corson writes: “I’m in the last month of my second tour in Iraq, and I’m ready to be home. I redeploy at the end of the month and then begin the process of selling my house and packing the family up and moving to Fort Stewart, GA. I hope to be in GA for a couple of years. Catty and the five kids are doing well and ready for me to be home. Brian McCarthy and I have been serving together in the same unit for the last four and a half years. He is getting ready to PCS to Fort Leavenworth. His wife (of about one year) is in the Army PA training program. Not much more to say about life, other than I can’t wait to get home.”

Late in May, my wife, Becky, and I spent the weekend with Trent Dudley and his family in Virginia Beach. Did some boating, steamed crabs, myriad beverages … great times (that is, until the drive-of-pain back to Richmond on Sunday). More recently, Trent says: “Will Current and his kids went tubing with me and the kids last week. He is doing well.”

As to Facebook, I joined the site recently and in no time re-connected with many BRs and other old friends. Given its utility and because it’s free, I started a group entitled “VMI Class of 1992” for soliciting updates from our class and generally encouraging communication among BRs. The response thus far has been solid. If you’re on Facebook now or going forward and not already a member, please consider joining our class group.

Thanks for all the feedback Brother Rats, and please keep the updates rolling in.

Best regards … Adam

’93

Bill Cox

Another three months have skirted by, and as we are all a little older, hopefully we are a little wiser as well. Again, I hope these notes find everyone in good company, health and humor.

First, my standard housekeeping blurb about pictures. Currently, each class is allotted space for five pictures, unless it is their reunion. They must be 300 DPI quality or better and should be maximized in size (height and width), so that they can be published. I do send all the

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pictures I have to VMI and “extra” pictures can be found online. Go to www.vmi.edu, then to Alumni Agencies and look for the Alumni Review. There is a link for additional photographs.

While they are not broken out by class, they will be there. If I can figure out how to put them on our class page, I will. Lastly, I plead again for everyone to update their contact information on the VMI Web site. The last e-mail I sent out had 193 invalid addresses. Also, almost every day, I get something back from the USPS for an incorrect address. If you can’t update your information online, send it to me directly, and I will pass on to the “I.”

Class of 1993: On Lake Winnisquam, New Hampshire, in February 2009 were, from left, Dan DeLawyer, David Youngclaus and Doug Bartlett.

Tom Michalow is entering the political arena.

He is running for Allegheny County Council (Pennsylvania). He says his election campaign is going well; he is up against a first term incumbent in a district of over 100,000 constituents. The campaign has caused him to cancel this year’s family vacation, but he has promised a Caribbean vacation to his wife, Wendy, to make up for it. (Now you have it in print, Wendy; hold him to it.) They have two children: Caroline, who starts first grade this year, and Matthew, who just turned 3. Good Luck on the election, Tom; we are all pulling for you. Jim Delk fired off a lengthy e-mail after being out of touch for 16 years. Jim was married in 2004 to Kathryn, and they now have three children – Sarah (4), Rachel (2) and Joshua (3 months) – and are living in Lakeland, FL. Jim spent three years with the Army in Germany and Hungary, to which he attributes his love of good beer. After the Army, Jim moved back to FL and spent a year traveling to Indonesia, China, Poland and Canada as a software trainer/installer.

He then moved to Chicago with Packaging Corp of America in what he explains as a “temp” job, while he figured out what he wanted to do with his life. Nine years later, he hasn’t gotten there yet but did meet his wife in Chicago, although she is from Tennessee (yeah, I know; go figure).

He says he isn’t using his chemistry degree much

other than teaching his nephews about sticking Mentos in Diet Coke bottles. (I should probably know what that would do, given that I studied chemistry, too, but I don’t; may explain my bottom of the class ranking. Hmm … ) Rich Goodman is back in the states serving as mission commander, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, as a lieutenant colonel. He and his wife, Mary Beth, are interested in helping out with care packages for deployed BRs. If you’re interested, gimme a call, and I will put you in touch. Brittney Gill sent a nice update for the Gill family. As you may remember, Matt and Britt had twin boys earlier this year to join older brothers Grant and Landon. Grant would tell you that there is one baby for each of them. Gray is his and Baylor “belongs to Landon.” They are now preparing themselves mentally for there to be four boys in the house. I was fortunate enough to spend a few days at Lake Gaston with the Gills, as well as Wes and Kim Bosiger and family, and Paul and Crystal Meadows and family. Kid Currie was supposed to be there, as well, but he pulled up lame and didn’t come down til after I left. I think he was afraid of my mad poker skills. It was a good time with good company. Wes is still with ABB in South Boston and struggling through this crummy economy with the rest of us. Paul is running his own IT business in Lynchburg and doing well. I ran into him at my dentist, who is one of his customers, and now I understand why my dentist charges so much. Carl Maupin sent a nice note from Leesburg, VA. He is a lieutenant with the Leesburg Police Dept. and is a watch commander in their Operations Division; Carl has been with the Leesburg PD for 15 years now. His wife, Heather, is also a police officer. They have three children: Caitlyn (3), Constance (2) and Chasity (13). I can only imagine the fear of the boys who will court their daughters in future years. Carl spent 11 years in the USMC Reserve, and after four knee surgeries, was honorably discharged last year. Carl is looking for Guy Berry and Ken Feeley, so you guys drop him a line. If you need his contact info, let me know.

Carl hopes to take Heather to VMI soon, as she has never been there. Dallas Grubbs is still in Gillette, WY, and will most likely never come home. He had just come back from Colorado Springs, where Sumner competed in the National State Games of America for gymnastics. He also keeps busy coaching little Dallas and his baseball team. He drew an elk tag for the fall and is excited about the prospects of the hunt. I used to hunt with Dallas a long time ago in King and Queen County, and I can guarantee you that he takes it much more seriously than most of us.

One particular trip, my oldest brother, Ned ’89, showed up to hunt but didn’t bring a shotgun. It was years before Dallas let me forget about that

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES one, if my memory serves correctly. Rod Turbak also touched base. He has relocated with Vicki and the girls to Jax, FL, where he is XO of VR-62 NOMADS which flies C130s. In August 2010, Rod will take over as CO, as long as he doesn’t mess up too bad. While he was in Pensacola for CO school, he ran into Chris Bergen ’92 who is going to command VAQ-133 out of Whidbey Island. Rod was in Lex Vegas over the 4th and saw Paul and Rhonda Ackerman during the balloon launching festival.

Rod invites those passing Jax to look him up.

Chris Reid welcomed a son, Owen Charles, on July 30th at a healthy weight of 8 lbs., 7 oz. Last I heard, all are doing well. Keith McGee sent a great update which I have taken the liberty of cutting and pasting here: “Things are going well.

I was able to go to VMI for the 4th of July with my son, Tom Nelson and his family. It was a good time and good to be back at the ‘I.’ In 2006, I stopped by VMI on the way home from my grandmother’s funeral and spoke to Dr. R.E. Burnett in the International Studies Department.

Turns out VMI set up a Science and Security Program in which they are doing more than we ever had, to include a summer course on Science Security and Intelligence, here in the District at George Washington University. Being on academic probation my entire cadetship, I felt like I needed to give a little back to the Institute and offered to see if I could help set up cadets with internships at my civilian company (Analytic Services Inc.) here in DC. 2007 was the first year, and we had five cadets; 2008, we had about seven; and this year, we had five. So, it has been going well and fully funded by VMI. This year, we also got two cadets (Cadet John Sheehan ’10 and Cadet Robert Stockman ’10) working in my office, deputy assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Chemical and Biological Defense and Chemical Demilitarization Programs and the Army Staff, G8. This year was great, because fellow BRs and alumni were able to assist. BR Lt. Col. Rick Barnes was commanding HMX-1. Forgive me if I don’t get it right, but he was in charge of President Obama’s Marine 1 helicopter. He gave them a tour and was able to get them suited up and attacked by the military working dogs. (Editor’s Note: See article about Barnes titled, “Welcome Aboard, Mr. President” in the front section of this Review.) Col. John Pollock ’85 is the commanding officer of the USMC Chemical Biological Incident Response Force stationed in Indian Head, MD, and was so gracious to set us up for a tour of his facility. He put the cadets through the paces, to include confined space drills, Level A operations, a 50-foot rappel tower and busting in some doors drills. There were other alums that assisted, and we appreciated their help. I hope everyone is doing well.” Wade McNichols let

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me know that he and his wife are expecting an addition to the family in January 2010. H. Wayne Lambert sent me a note from Morgantown where he teaches medical and dental students at WVU. He seems to be enjoying himself and says “getting paid to talk is a great way to live.” Sills O’Keefe sent me a note from Norfolk. He is engaged to be married to Dr. Adele Logan on Nov. 21 in Clearwater, FL. Sills still teaches at Norfolk Academy and coaches varsity sailing and middle school lacrosse. He mentioned a pretty large VMI contingent in the area to include Ron Williams ’92, Lloyd Taliaferro ’95 (Sills’ Ring Rat), Pete Mantz ’90 and Fred Minnigerode ’90. Sills has bumped into a lot of others in his ventures, including Erik Nilsson before he transferred to San Diego to command BMU1; Lou Petrillo who lives in Williamsburg with his wife, Jenny, and daughter; and Lee Girard who lives in Richmond. Sills just rotated off The VMI Alumni Association Board after six years and encourages everyone who has time to get involved at the local level. I second his recommendation. I was really bad about going to alumni events for over 10 years, and since I started going to Lynchburg area functions, I have had a blast. Dan Zawadzki sent me an update on his new job. He is now working for RedBox out of Oak Brook, IL, which is just outside of Chicago, from what I understand. He apparently knocked them dead during a five-hour panel interview, because they called him as he was driving back home from the interview with a verbal offer. Congrats, Dan. Bryan Shorter says hello from Panama City, FL. He was planning to have a local VMI picnic on Aug. 15th. He is an instructor ABM for AWACS and awaiting PCS to Vegas in the spring. He keeps busy with his sons, Derek and Cayden, teaching them how to

Class of 1993: Carl Maupin and his family at the White House Rose Garden.

work on his ’66 Chevelle. His wife, Elizabeth, is doing well with her own business but has her hands full keeping Bryan and the boys out of trouble. Jon Kucera sent an update from Durham, NC, where he lives with wife Katerina and sons Garrett (3) and Krystof (1). Jon is an environmental engineer with URS Corporation.

His wife is studying at Duke and on track to be a Ph.D. geneticist. Eddie Antoine let me know what he had been up to since graduation. After about 10 years with Kroger, Allstate and a health care company, Eddie switched to education. He taught middle and high school for Roanoke County and Portsmouth City for about three years and then took an HR recruiter position with Hampton City Schools. Growing tired of the traffic, Eddie moved to Blacksburg where he is the Human Resources coordinator for Virginia Tech’s Student Affairs Division. Tony Leone got in touch. He was married to his wife, Carrie, about a year ago and has been keeping busy traveling. Tony works in the Richmond City Council’s Chief of Staff Office. After pulling a stint on the Finance Committee, Tony is now assigned to the Public Safety Committee and looking forward to doing ride-alongs with the city’s finest. Tony caught up with Lee Yowell and was supposed to meet up with Kevin Link who was back in Virginia interviewing for a job.

Plans fell through for them to meet up, but Link did get the job and is now living in Roanoke.

Tony says he plans to make some football games this fall. I hope to see him there. Mike Wallace just relocated to New Orleans and is enjoying post-Navy life. He is looking into going back to school to get a Ph.D. in history or maybe taking a college admin post. He likes the sound of summers off, I think. Mike was getting ready to start studying for the GRE, and as he put it, “I’d rather stick hot pokers in my eyes.” I feel your pain, Mike, having just finished studying and taking the GMAT. What a beating that thing was.

Bud DaRin is back on this side of the big pond.

He is living in Reston, VA, and plans to be around the area for at least three years or so. Bud stayed with Dom Ford and his new bride in Hawaii (Camp Smith) and had a blast trying to surf. Dom is a lieutenant colonel now. I’m with Bud in his opinion that he always thought those guys were OLD. I speak with Craig Chwojdak a lot; he is in Richmond with his new job. He just finished redoing his deck in his yard, and I look forward to stopping by and drinking all his beer on it in the near future. Tray Petty once again sponsored the Lynchburg Area Alumni Assoc. picnic at his farm in Lynchburg. Andy Joyner was there with his young twins, as was Wes Bosiger, Paul Meadows, Tom Kent and Mitch Copenhaver. Tom is still with Buffalo Air Handling, and Mitch is a realtor in Lynchburg.

VMI was just ranked #10 by Forbes Magazine

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CLASS NOTES in their America’s Best Public Colleges survey and was ranked 79th for Best Colleges overall.

As for myself, we are all doing well. Addison is starting school at James River Day School and is looking forward to it. We recently added seven chickens to our farm, and Addison named them all after her favorite TV characters: Sam, Carly, London, etc. I was recently accepted to business school and am trying to figure out how to swing getting my M.B.A. and working full time, but it will happen.

Congratulations, again, to all those moving up the ladder in the military. I can’t say it enough how much we all appreciate the sacrifices you make and have made in the past. We are all better people for knowing you. To all those serving here and abroad, thanks. I don’t know what else to say. God bless the Armed Forces, VMI and the class of 1993.

’94

Christopher L. Doyle

Hello to all. While on a recent trip to Tampa, I ran into Clayton Ricks and Chris Myers on the same day. Clayton is a dentist in the Air Force.

He is stationed at MacDill AFB and has had several VMI grads in his chair. Clayton is leaving active service and will be opening a private practice in Tampa. He plans to stay in the Reserve.

Chris Myers is living in New Jersey and working for AON Benfield. He has earned the certifications of a chartered financial analyst (CFA) and a financial risk manager (FRM).

Congratulations to George Schreffler who was selected to command the Marine Corps’ 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.

George will be taking over from another VMI grad, Lt. Col. Scott Leonard ’89. George and Kelly recently arrived in Hawaii. George checked into Marine Forces Pacific. They expect to stay for a year before moving to California to assume command.

Berk Clare is living in Houston and working as a senior manager for DHL’s Finance Support Department. He has started competing in triathlons. He competed in an Olympic distance triathlon in August and trained for a half-Ironman in October.

Berk has been keeping up with Rody Grant.

Roddy is married, has a young son and oversees a recruiting/training function for a graphics company in downtown Houston.

Ro Browning wrote from New York to say that he has been kicking around with his Rat nextdoor neighbor, Steve Mills. Ro said he has been helping Steve use his Yankees season tickets and “squeezing out as many free beers as possible.”

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Ro also recently had a night out with Ed and Emily Henning in Atlanta. Ro says they’ve got a great house and are extremely happy.

Wayne Lambert is now living in Morgantown, WV, where he is teaching medical and dental students in the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy in the West Virginia University School of Medicine. His wife, Raine, is working as a part-time pediatrician, working three days a week. Wayne noted that his three kids love WV. Emma (age 8) is going into the third grade. Greer (age 5) will be entering kindergarten, and Lucy (age 2.5) is now out of diapers.

Wayne reported that he is finishing up a medical textbook entitled Lippincott’s Review of Medical Gross Anatomy and Embryology, and it will be released in the spring of 2010. He is the first of two co-authors. The book is geared toward properly preparing medical students for step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE). It is a huge project, and Wayne is looking forward to being done.

Way to go, Wayne! We look forward to seeing the book published.

Wayne and Chris Lagerholm were able to get their families together for a brief but enjoyable two days in Emerald Isle, NC, in late July. Chris is still working at the University of Southern Denmark where he serves as an associate research professor. Chris has two girls: Clara who is entering first grade and Grace who is three.

Apparently, Clara speaks Danish better than anyone in the family, especially because Chris can’t shed that thick Swedish accent.

Chase Thornton is working for Naval Facilities Engineering Command. He is a civilian structural design manager stationed at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. Since graduation, he has worked several engineering positions, both in northern Virginia and the Tidewater areas. Chase has a daughter, Caitlyn, and a son, Connor.

By the time you read this, we will have just had our 15th Reunion and be on our way to the 20th.

We have come a long way since Aug. 14, 1990.

Rick Killmeyer

’95

Dan Williams

Greetings from hot and sunny Philadelphia. I joined the 10 percent of unemployed Americans, as I was recently let go from my job. I have been busy planning my next move and training for an upcoming half-Ironman triathlon at the end of September. I have completed two

sprint and two Olympic distance races since May. This will be the longest endurance race I have attempted. Lizann and I just returned from a week-long vacation in Avalon, NJ. We had tremendous weather, and we recharged our batteries.

I spoke with Special Agents Sean Burke and Dennis Lucente recently. Both are doing well and love their careers catching bad guys. I also spoke with Brian “stick boy” Williams. He and Dana and new baby Teagan recently purchased a home about 15 miles west of our home here in Philadelphia.

I spoke with co-class agent Daniel Seymour Williams. Seymour is as busy as ever, managing two full-time jobs at Booze Allen and the National Guard and being a husband and father of two small children. Dan explained that his unit is awaiting alert orders for deployment to Afghanistan in June 2010.

Ken Jambor is attending the Air Force version of Army Command and General Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, AL. A few years ago, I reported that Rich Hauben was struggling with a back injury, and the Air Force actually removed him from flight status. Seymour reports that Rich has made a full recovery and has been reinstated for full flight duty. So, both Ken and Rich have great news!

I received a note from Larry Quentin Burris that he is home from his second deployment to Iraq and is headed to the Pentagon for his second tour in Washington, DC. I also received an update from Billy Kelly. He reports he is staying busy at work and raising his family.

Just as I was about to pull the trigger and submit these notes to the Alumni Review staff, I received a great update from my former roommate, Andy Johnson. Andy has been working for SAIC (Science Application International Corporation) as a scientist testing incendiary weapons since 2004. Andy continues to serve as a Marine reservist. He reports that he was doing some active duty work last year in Quantico, VA, and then suddenly was sent to the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS. At Fort Leavenworth, Andy ran into Ralph Ragosta, Bill Percival and Ben Lu. Andy reports that Ralph received follow-on orders to DISA (Defense Information Assistance Agency) in Washington, DC. Upon graduation, Bill was asked to remain at Leavenworth, not as an inmate but as an instructor.

Ben was selected for battalion command and has since returned to his native Taiwan. Since his graduation, Andy returned to his civilian job at Eglin AFB, FL. In July, Andy assumed command of field artillery firing battery at Seal Beach, CA. His battalion commander is Lt. Col. Charles Ellis ’90. Thank you for the great

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES updates, Andy, and congrats to you, Ralph, Bill and Ben. Great to see so many BRs making our class look so good.

a difficult time for all of us. Thank you again for your devotion to our beloved alma mater.

Godspeed … Rick

is almost as tall as Kelly. Sean just completed his M.B.A. in accounting from the University of Phoenix. Earning his M.B.A. was very challenging with everything Sean has going on. The next step is the CPA exam which he will start taking Rusty McGuire in October. He is looking forward to seeing what opportunities this degree may bring. He is actually interested in teaching some classes online right now and seeing what happens.

Colin Boynton is still in Jacksonville going through refresher training in the SH-60B It is hard to believe that it is time to write Seahawk helicopter at HSL-40. More imporanother update. I recently spent a week at VMI tantly, they just had their third baby girl, Laura and was thrilled to see all of the new improveElizabeth Boynton. She and his wife, Heather, ments and encourage you to visit. I saw Kevin are doing great. Their other children, Caroline Faust who serves on the commandant’s staff, Class of 1995: Lt. Col. Charles Ellis (5) and Sarah (2), love cuddling with the newest and he still enjoys his position.

Old Barracks ’90, left, and Maj. Andrew Johnson, addition to the family. Colin says that “after a was under renovation, and I wonder if it will be both USMC, on July 19, 2009, when year at war college, it’s great to get back into ready before matriculation.

Johnson assumed command of Oscar the cockpit again.” From the HSL-40, Colin is This update is going to announce a number Battery, 5th Battalion, 14th Marines, in Seal Beach, California. headed to the HSL-44 Swamp Foxes to be a of new babies, but I am proud to announce the squadron department head. commissioning of my former roomie and VMI Rob Deeds wrote me his inaugural update and Ring Figure record holder, Trent McMillian. told me that life is good. He has been married I hope you all read the end of season report on At 35, Trent finally earned his commission and to Rachael (USMA ’95) for almost 11 years VMI baseball from BR and head coach Marlin is on his way to flight school. Good things do now. They met in Germany where they were Ikenberry. I think if you ask Marlin if he was come to those who wait.

Sean Callahan wants to strain me for failing to stationed together in the Army. They have four pleased with last year’s season, he would say no, children – Robert, Jeffrey, Ashley and Kate – but great strides were made that will prove fruitful call him when I was in Lexington, but he told me and live in Petersburg. They own a construction for the 2010 season. Our team started the season that his wife, Kelly, and the kids are doing great. company that specializes in building comagainst the number one ranked UNC Tarheels. Their children both had birthdays on the 3rd of mercial playgrounds and also provides general The ’09 Keydets lost several starters from the July – Kortney turned 12 and Clay turned 9. He construction services, primarily to government year before, and by mid-season, injuries caught said they are both growing like crazy. Kortney customers. Business is good and up with our team. It was hard for growing for them. He talks with Marlin to find pitching depth in the A NEW VMI TRADITION Geoff Weidner and sees him fairly middle of the schedule. Next year’s frequently when he travels to northteam returns six starting position ern Virginia, where he stays at his players and several rising underfavorite hotel, the Weidner Inn. This classmen. To do your part for the fine hotel is located in Woodbridge. team, I would like you to recognize Made in New Hampshire by skilled Also, Geoff married Bree-Ann (St. and join the newest baseball booster artisans, these distinctive clocks will Denis) on 18 July ’09 at the Belmont club called the Diamond Club. It make a great graduation or retirement gift.

Country Club in Ashburn, VA. is an organized effort to maximize Jefferson I – $129 Bree is an awesome lady. Brian and and focus support for VMI baseball.

Clocks are made of cherry wood and Jefferson II (chiming) – $179 Dimensions 11.5"h x 8"w x 4"d Christine Dunn (who are expecting Membership includes pre-game and available in either burgundy cherry their first child in early November) post-game notes and coaches’ com(dark) or antique cherry (light) finish. and Chris and Michelle Antonelli ments. As a Charter Member, you To order a clock, visit us at attended. Rob was honored to serve will also receive a game ticket and www.nhclocks.com or call 800-808-9871. as Geoff’s best man. free admission to one of two games Mike Waltz managed to drop me and post-game cookouts. Please go a line between missions, and he is to www.vmikeydets.com, select in Afghanistan again. This time, baseball and look for the Diamond Winchester I – $119 he is serving in the east along the Club tab. Let’s support Marlin and Winchester II (chiming) – $169 Pakistani border. He is responsible our VMI hurlers!

Dimensions 10"h x 8"w x 4"d for several teams along the border Finally, Dan and I cannot say region. Mike has deployed numerthank you enough to all BRs who Alton – $80 Dimensions ous times, and we are thankful for were able to participate in the annu10 .5"h x 10 .5"w x 2"d him and all of the other BRs who al giving campaign. We received a Lexington – $199 have done so much in this war huge lift at the end of year, increas$72 Madison – (PERSONALIZED Lexington Regulator (chiming) – $249 Chris Kavanaugh is currently living our giving percentage by almost Dimensions 5"h x 10 "w x 2"d PLAQUE IS OPTIONAL) Dimensions 23"h x 13"w x 3"d ing and working in the small town of 10 percent! Our overall participaThe VMI Alumni Association receives a generous Svaneke on the island of Bornholm, tion reached 24%, with the total royalty on each clock sold! which is a Danish island out in the donations reaching $36,000! This is

’96

Handcrafted Clocks

2009-Issue 4

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CLASS NOTES middle of the Baltic. He is a month into his internship at the Svaneke Bryghuset (http://www. svanekebryghus.dk/uk/) brewery to finish up his Certified Brewmaster Course at the VLB-Berlin (https://www.vlb-berlin.org/cms/front_content.php?idart=175). Chris said, “I should be finished here in early October and from that point will have to decide for getting back to real work. There are some possible brewing opportunities here in Denmark, and there should be some back in the U.S., too. At the same time, my travel itch from working with KBR hasn’t really gone away, so I will have to weigh the pros and cons of each in October.”

Mark Foutz is still growing his industrial repair and coatings business and working a lot at Norfolk Naval, Oceana and Little Creek Bases.

He just got back from completing a contract at a coal mining operation in Kentucky. He drank some tasty bourbon with Jethro Piland ’96 at their annual party on the farm in Hanover County (THE county). He busted my chops for not attending – clearly my loss – but I will be there next year. Mark said, “Jethro has a little Rat puppy coming soon, and Mary Catherine was glowing and smiling as usual at the party with their cracker-jack little girl, Ava.” Matt Creech and his wife, Diane, welcomed their third son on May 6, 2009 – Matthew Brady (“Brady”) who joined big brothers Patrick and Grayson. Jim and Brooke Warf recently had their second son, Brandon Hewitt, who joins big brother, Little Jim. Matt who practices law in North Carolina serves as the Military Issues Committee chair for the Young Lawyers Division of the North Carolina Bar Association.

He reached out to Brother Rats on ways to help returning soldiers and helped create a program in North Carolina know as the “USERRA Project.” Over 20 attorneys now volunteer to help returning veterans, and the project received an award for its success.

John Pearce and his wife gave birth to their first child, Patrick John Pearce, on April 30th. Both wife and child are doing well. Christian Hoff still

Class of 1996: Kortney, Sean, Clay and Kelly Callahan at Sean’s master of business administration graduation in Phoenix, Arizona.

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works at the same campus at Booz Allen as John, so runs into him from time to time. John told me that J.J. Rivera’s wife gave birth in early July to a boy, Evan. Bob Swahn’s wife gave birth to a girl, Samantha, this summer, as well.

Joey DuBose recently returned from Iraq and immediately PCS’d to Baltimore with the Air Force, where he is assigned to work as a trauma surgeon at Shock Trauma between deployments and teach Air Force medics in pre-deployment platforms to get them ready to do their jobs in support of OIF/OEF. He was in Baltimore for two weeks and randomly ran into his old roommate, Wyndham Buerlein, his wife, Amy, and the kids who were killing time in Baltimore, waiting on a flight out of BWI. Joey said, “Wyndham and family look great … he just started a new job about four weeks prior and seemed very excited.”

Karl Renne and his family are moving to Africa. They are headed to Conakry, Guinea, specifically. Both Karl and his wife are Foreign Service officers for the State Department. They are being posted to the embassy in Conakry for two years. Their 16-month-old daughter is doing well and always active. Karl said, “If by any chance any BRs are going through Conakry (the chances are slim to none, I know), tell them to stop by the embassy and ask for me.”

Brandon Porter his wife, Dinah, and their children just returned from Sandestin, FL, with the family of Mike Bernard ’95. Mike and Brandon live about a mile away from each other in Franklin, TN. They had a lot of fun. Brandon’s children Delaney (9), Cassidy (7), Sadie (4) and his son, Silas (19 months old) all loved the beach. Brandon hopes to have coffee soon with Trey Kirby, as they go to church together in Franklin and see each other on a pretty regular basis.

Curt Bourn and his wife, Laura, welcomed a daughter, Avery Elizabeth Bourn, on May 20th.

Curt is still splitting time between the Navy and Delta. He does not see too many VMI types and was surprised to see Chris Brinkac on the front cover of the NAS Jax base newspaper. He had no idea they worked just a couple of hangars away from each other! They met up a couple times for lunch before Chris moved out of the area.

Christopher Noe is on the move again. They just moved to Baumholder, Germany (yes, it is their third move in two years). Chris took over as the brigade S-4 for the 170th Infantry Brigade (Heavy). Looks like things will be pretty busy for the next year preparing for the next deployment. He walked into the club on post and looked up and there was none other than a Spike Solovey original painting! In fact, the place is littered with them. The biggest print in there is the rat next to the heaters that you all may recall from our reunion.

Jared McCormick and his family moved to Fort

Lee in November after he returned from Iraq, and they are all doing well. He is currently working in Force Development in CASCOM, coming up with the ways to make the Quartermaster Corps still able to support the Army in the future, after all the cuts the Army is making. He has not run into any BRs, but he expects to see Mike Belenky ’97 soon, as he is supposed to be there for school.

Jared said, “If any BRs are in the area, my door is always open, and I can always get a kitchen pass to go hang out with BRs.”

’97

John Duckworth

Editor’s note: There were no notes submitted from the class of 1997 for this issue.

’98

Hamel Reinmiller

By the time you read this, we will be well into football season and another beautiful fall in the Shenandoah Valley, and I can’t wait! I have heard from a number of you and am enjoying keeping up with you on Facebook! For those of you that are not aware, we have started a “VMI Class of 1998” group on Facebook, and I invite all of you to join us. Please continue to call, write and send pictures and news on your lives. For those of you that are deployed or in harm’s way, we wish you all the best and pray every day that you will stay safe and return home quickly. We miss you all! Lastly, PLEASE continue to keep your contact information current on the VMI Web site at www.vmialumni.org, as that will definitely continue to serve as our primary means of communication, and that’s the memo!

Anyway, let’s get on to the business of our class. I received another update from Mark Redman who reported in from Fort Rucker, AL. Apparently Mark’s work in Alabama is drawing to a close, and he looks forward to moving on to his next assignment sometime in December. Mark noted that he attended Jason Duffy’s wedding in December ’08 up in Rochester, NY, and was able to catch up with Rich Ray and Jason before he tied the knot. Please keep us posted on your next assignment Mark.

Mr. Charles Houk wrote in to announce they were blessed with a baby boy (Jackson Houk) on June 10, 2009. (Yes, this is their third son for those of you who are counting.) Please keep us informed, and be sure to hold a table for me at “Southern Junction.” I look forward to sampling

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES the fare at your restaurant on my next trip down.

In the spirit of baby announcements, I heard from Tom Warburton who wrote in to share that they had their second child on July 29, 2009.

Reed (who is now 3) has a baby brother named Gray Oliver Warburton. Tom added that he has recently perfected the art of self-preservation by carrying out the various requests levied by Sarah and Gray. Congratulations to Tom and Sarah on the birth of their second baby boy!

I just have to mention that it has occurred to your humble correspondent that the June and July time frame is remarkably close to nine months following the infamous Class of 1998’s 10-year Reunion in Lexington! It really was a special weekend … wasn’t it guys!

Mike Lorence, of Fundraising Committee Fame, wrote in from Jackson to post that Erica is pregnant with their third baby girl. Congratulations, and we look forward to hearing regular updates on the girl’s progress in the future! Mike noted that, with his lovely wife, Erica, three daughters and their two female dogs, he has growing concern there may be a mutiny aboard the U.S.S. Lorence, and it would be perilous to defend himself. In preparation for such a day, he has reported to the drill field to commence selfimposed parade practice! Good luck, Mike!

As always, it is great to hear from people who haven’t checked in recently, and the update from Scott Houser is no different. Scott has recently been transferred to the Miami Division of the FBI where he is investigating health care fraud.

I am sure the episode of 60 minutes that you starred in will have aired by the time this publication surfaces, but we know you made us proud.

Please stay in touch, and thanks for all you do!

Another long lost brother reported in, Michael Ormsmith (formerly Smith) to share that his first child, Darcy Jane Madison Ormsmith, was born on June 30, 2009. Michael and Jessica are living in Chesterfield where he teaches physics at Monacan High School and she practices medicine. Michael is pursuing his master’s degree in education at VCU in his spare time, pursuing his calling to become a school administrator (god help us all). It is great to hear from you, Michael, and please don’t be a stranger.

The great Monk, Jason Mitchell, wrote in recently to share that he and his family are getting settled in Germany following their July arrival.

Jason is the Component Maintenance Squadron commander at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany and is manning the Class of ’98’s German Consulate! We wish you all the best during your deployment, buddy. Take care and keep in touch!

Gabe Hubble submitted his most recent update to report that he is still living in Clarksville, TN, with his wife, Stephanie, and their two sons.

Their most recent, Tate, was born on June 25, 2009. Connor, their eldest, will be 5 in October.

Congratulations, Gabe, and please keep the updates coming. Next time I am through there, we will all have to get together for a cold one.

Todd Cooke wrote in to submit photographic evidence of a mini-reunion in South Carolina

back in July with Brad Cooke and the one and only Gardner Mundy. I am sure your better halves were sick of you guys, following the week you spent together on Lake Keowee. The picture was priceless, and we are all glad to see you guys in such good form. Todd also reported that Brad and Shayna are eagerly awaiting a bouncing baby boy in October and that all is well for them in Steamboat Springs, CO! Brad added that he is going to be teaching history at a local high school in between hiking and skiing trips. Some of you may recall that Brad is still recovering from breaking his knee cap in half in a skiing incident at the end of last season. We wish all you guys well and look forward to seeing family photos and updates for our next edition.

I had the opportunity to catch up with Chad Novacek following his recent submission. Chad is working as a Study Abroad advisor for the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and has recently returned from a treasure hunting trip down the Guadalupe, where he reports the gold seems to be running out. Apparently, Chad has taken up Yoga and writing, which sounded somewhat frightening, but I look forward to hearing more reports from Lincoln in the coming months.

I always look forward to our regular update from General Brendan Toolan who wrote in this time to report that he is still in Afghanistan but is looking forward to returning home in November.

Brendan also reported that he ran into Brad Cook who is also in “the ’stan” and doing well. We look forward to having you home soon, General.

Class of 1998

Photo above: Gabe Hubble with his wife, Stephanie, just after the birth of Tate Wesley, June 2009. Photo top, right: Gardner Mundy, Todd Cooke and Brad Cooke during their trip to Lake Keowee, South Carolina, July 2009.

Photo at right: Rich Ray, Jason Duffy and Mark Redman at Duffy’s wedding.

2009-Issue 4

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CLASS NOTES There is always an entertaining update from Sean Williams who remains in Richmond, VA, stationed with Echo Company 2/224 AV BN, preparing for a late 2010 deployment. Sean and I are still enjoying single life, and I am looking forward to Sean’s Tulsa visit during football season! Stay cool, bro!

Chuck Fullam sent me a note to let me know that he is manning the class’s Montana Consulate and has taken up some white water rafting and camping this summer up in the mountains near his place. He reports that he and his family are doing well and that he periodically hears from Wally Cummings who at last report was is in Winchester, VA. Keep in touch, Chuck!

Dan Gibson wrote in to announce that he recently moved from Savannah, GA, back to Virginia to attend the Marine Corps Command & Staff College at Quantico. Dan noted that Jim Zepko ’96, Chris Floom and Brad Wineman ’99 (who is a civilian instructor) are all up there.

For those of you that don’t know, Dan and his wife, Ann, gave birth to their first son, Ian Patrick, on April 3, 2009. Congratulations to Dan and Ann. Please send photos for our next edition.

In keeping with the Marine Corps news, James Blanford wrote in update us that he has transferred out to the Marine Special Operations School to be the S-2. Furthermore, James reported that Jon Moder is there, as well, as the Assessment and Selection OIC and that Trey Mangus is still the S-3 over at the Marine Special Operations Support Group. And yes, we have another one!! James also reports that he and Corinne are expecting their first child in March 2010. Congratulations to you both!

Thanks in part to the forward thinking of Chad’s lovely wife, Chrissy, daughter Grace and son Tripp, I am able to report that Chad Flansburg is doing well and staying busy at Phillips Lytle (his law firm) and has recently been nominated for the 40 under 40 award which is an annual award sponsored by the Rochester Business Journal each year. Congratulations, Chad! But that’s not all ….. take your seats and buckle up ... Chad has announced his candidacy for the town board in Farmington, NY. Before long, we are going to have Brother Rats in every political district. We wish you all the luck on your Sept. 15th primary, Chad!

I am sure you are all aware that Ernesto Sampson is running for office in the 69th district of the House of Delegates in Virginia!

Saturday, May 9, 2009, Ernesto kicked off his campaign at O’Charley’s restaurant in Richmond. You should all check out his Facebook page and his website at www.sampsonfordelegate.com. Good luck Ernesto! Let us know how we can help buddy!

In a regular update from Todd Boykin, I learned that Todd is doing well and is still

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working at Malcolm Pirnie (civil engineering firm) in Richmond. Todd and Christina have full days raising Saddler Reese and Sara Grace, but somehow Todd has been able to do a great job with our Endowed Scholarship Fund which is growing nicely. I hope you guys are doing well, and keep us posted!

Last, but certainly not least, I received an update from Bob Heely ’69 regarding Bobby Heely who had just returned from a six-month deployment to fight the pirates off of the Somalia coast as the CHENG (Chief Engineer) of the cruiser, Lake Champlain. Bobby was recently selected for a Congressional Fellowship for 2010 where he will serve on the staff of a member of Congress. Bobby and Johanna are making plans for an October move back to DC, so be on the lookout, guys! Thanks to the Heely legacy for this update, and congratulations on your return home and your new posting, Bobby.

We look forward to hearing more updates on your ongoing quest to straighten out Congress!

I would like to congratulate each of you on the exciting news in your lives and thank you for writing in to share your news with our class.

If I have missed anyone’s update, please send it again, as I hope to have enough updates for our next edition to force Moody Hall to tell me I have to limit the size of our “Notes” … 98, ’98, ’98! I hope that the next few months bring health and wealth into each of your homes.

Please keep in touch, and let me know if you are ever passing through Tulsa in your travels.

(My door is always open.)

’99

Brad Wineman

Barry Williams is in Kandahar, Afghanistan, working as contracting officer for this tour.

Chris McGuire is back in Iraq until February but is expecting his second boy in October.

Eric Marshall just returned from his third tour in Iraq and is heading to Afghanistan as in intelligence officer for I MEF. Also in Marine news, Kevin Ryan reports that he got accepted to the United States Naval Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, MD, and is flying everything under the sun. Jason Berg is still working on his congressional fellowship for the Marine Corps and was just recently promoted to major.

Carl Trask is finishing his third year in Hawaii as weapons officer on the nuclear fast attack submarine U.S.S. Cheyenne. In April, he welcomed Alexander Kane, his second child, into the family. Charles Gallion is at NTC at Fort Irwin, CA, where he has moved up to division engineer with a promotion to major.

He notes that wife Parry spends most of her

time working on her master’s degree in public health and son Charlie is almost 3 now. Also out in California, Alex Marrone is stationed at DLIFLC in Monterey, CA, as the BN XO for the 299th Military Intelligence BN. Court Whitman also checked in but regretted to say the Army will keep him from reunion this fall.

Michael Polhamus and Jamie welcomed their first child, a daughter named Madelyn Kime Polhamus, on March 29th, 2009. Mike, Jamie and Madelyn are at home in Rochester, NY. Sager Marshall reports that Sager Jr. was born on Father’s Day, June 21. On Mother’s Day, Chris Work welcomed his first child, Blakley, 8lbs., 4oz. Proud father Chris just took a job with HDR Engineering, the same company as Wescott Bott.

Matt Hart is expecting a son in November and is staying busy with his first grade daughter, his Volvos, road biking and working with the Triad Chapter of the Alumni Association.

Ian Bobbitt checked in from South Carolina with wife Lisa and their two-year-old son and is still working at Michelin. Grant Eddy is also in South Carolina where he is working for Westinghouse. He and Marci just welcomed Robert Grant, their first, on Feb. 16. Andy Fuller is still doing construction management for an engineering firm in Roanoke and got married a few months ago. He and his new bride, Melissa, are expecting in January. Michael Wyler and his wife, Margaret, just welcomed their first born in August and just started a new position at a forensic engineering firm in the Houston area. Jason Trubenbach reports that he still meets up with Bill Steinbach on a regular basis at the Pentagon, but Charles Faulkner and Dale Durlach recently left for better jobs and schooling. He talked to J.P. Pesare, who’s down in Jacksonville, FL, with NCIS, and Randy Eads is staying busy as one of Tennessee’s and Virginia’s newest lawyers.

I also received this update from Jake Britt: I have been in touch with Robbie Trent and Jake Abell. Both of those guys are proud parents of baby boys! Robbie is having quite the time with his sleepless nights, and Jake Abell won’t return my calls, so I take it he is just as busy. I will be staying with both of them and Jochen Dunville at the reunion. I think Ryan Bogese and Billy Gage will be in the same house, as well. Needless to say, with a crew like that we might not make it to any of the events! I speak with Jeff Geisendaffer now and again. He is still in Raleigh doing the cop thing, and he let me know that his unit is going to be deployed again in 2010. I also spoke with the Mirv recently, and he is going to be a dad! Yep, the little Mirvling should be arriving any day now!

He and Kriston are very excited! I traded a couple of e-mails with Jay Witt. Jay is in Iraq with his Marine unit from Roanoke. Jay said everything was going well. He also said he missed his wife,

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES and Sophie) just turned 1 year old last month, and they are all doing well.

Kenny Stigler is enjoying the bachelor life in the Inland Empire area (between L.A. and Orange County, CA). He is still in the real estate business and has survived the roller coaster market. He was recently at the Donald Trump National Golf Course to hear Gen. Peay’s ’62 presentation on the status of VMI where he ran into Lei Wang.

Devon and Fran Jones are living in Richmond, VA, where he works as a program manager for LivePerson. Devon caught up with Jimmy Sheldon who is still flying for the Army and teaching classes at VMI. Jimmy is getting married next week, so by the time you read this ... congrats, Jimmy.

Ethan and Kim Graham relocated to Charlotte, NC, with their kids Connor (4), Maria (2) and Brigid (8 months). Ethan is now a LEED accredited professional and has taken a job as VP of Engineering for Comfort Systems USA Carolinas. He talks to Matt Vordermark regularly who is now living in Raleigh and working for Stock Building Supply.

Shawn and Krystal Fisher also live in RichChristian Arllen mond, VA, with their son, Cadenand (3) and daughter, Peyton (1). He is working in Medicaid health maintenance as a medical economist and financial manager. Shawn reports the family is doing well.

David and Sarah Hoffman are still in the Air Looking back over the past quarter, the Ryan Force, living in Las Vegas. They expect their Doltz memorial scholarship fundraiser tops my second by press time. Grace is now 3.5 years old. event calendar. Shawn and Erin Segreti hosted David caught up with Conrad Bicknell randomly the event at their home in Arlington, VA, this a few weeks ago and swapped a few stories. It past June. The Doltz and Klapatch families were turns out that Conrad is moving to Florida where both in attendance, as were numerous member he will be stationed at Tyndall AFB. Hmm … is it of the class. Shawn reported the fundraiser porstrange for a Navy guy to be hanging tion of the event was a success, and I can assure you the food and out at AF bases? company were excellent, as well.

Scott and Windsor Johnson are The roster of alumni present reads in the process of adding a daughter as follows: Chris and Jen Lucas, to the family to go along with their Tony Esteve, Matt McComas, two boys. Scott keeps up with Will John Palmer, Matt Keller, Rich Warthen and Jay Kearney often. and Mana Baltimore, Christian “Jay and his wife, Josette, just had Arllen, Shawn Segreti, Ben Kaler their second baby ... a boy, Jackson. and Joey Klapatch ’97.

Will is doing well.”

Anthony Cerella starts an 18Ben Kaler is now working for month master’s program at the the USMC as a civilian at Quantico Colorado School of Mines this Auand reports that Will Ward is also gust. Bethany, the twins and Tony stationed at Quantico and will be will remain in Monument Colorado getting out of the Corps to attend law while pursuing the degree. school. Ben is also keeping tabs on Details are scarce on Derek and Jason Maslow who is finishing up at Dave; Derek Engelhard lives in the FBI academy. John Pomfret and Atlanta, GA, and was married this Paul Lee see Ben around the office, Class of 2000: At the Ryan Doltz Memorial Scholarship past April, while Dave Epperly and they are civilians working for fund raiser in June 2009 were, from left, first row, Chrisis scheduled to get married this the USMC, as well. tian Arllen, Shawn Segreti and Ben Kaler. Second row: December in Roanoke, VA. Godspeed to all of you in harm’s Chris Lucas, Tony Esteve, Matt McComas, John Palmer, Micah and Nadia North are still way, and keep up the good work. …

Matt Keller and Rich Baltimore. in Dayton with kid number two Christian

Heather, and little son, Eli. Jay wanted me to pass on that while he would be missing the reunion, he would be there in spirit and wanted everyone to have a couple of beers for him. I told him I didn’t think that would be a problem. I also spoke with Woody Cromley; he was looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion. I have been in touch with Conor Powell, who, I am sure you know by now, is a reporter with Fox News. Conor is in Afghanistan right now, and I’ve seen some of his reports. I think Brian Williams should start looking for another job! Mike Wilson is doing well, and he and I recently had dinner with Mitch Flournoy, Cliff’s dad. We had quite the time! Mitch is doing well and might make an appearance at the 10-year! We told him that ’99 would be looking forward to seeing him. And finally, Nichole and I are doing well. We’re staying busy and Jameson is keeping us on our toes. We secured his provisional appointment already, and he is getting pretty good at push ups and mountain climbers! I almost forgot, I talk with Bill Steinbach all of the time. He is doing well and still with Booz Allen working in the Pentagon.

’00

2009-Issue 4

scheduled for arrival in October.

Don O’Sullivan purchased his first house and has started fortifying the place for the slew of BRs converging on him for the West Point vs.

VMI game.

B.J. Arvin spent the summer fishing and traveling (kind of makes me envious of teachers).

He spent a long weekend with Brian Skusa’s family in July and traveled in Texas in June.

B.J. is teaching at Donovan Jr./Sr. High School and coaching Jr. High softball, varsity girls’ basketball and varsity boys’ and girls’ track.

Brad Allen arrived at Little Rock AFB, AR, where he is the Maintenance OIC for C-130s, and he will head over to OEF this fall.

Craig Giorgis married the former Karen Bluemer in September 2008. They moved to California and had a baby boy, Owen Bennett, in June of 2009. Paul Keeton, Chris Abbott and Chris Gamble were present for the wedding. Craig is currently stationed in Afghanistan and is scheduled to return home in March.

Todd and Brittany Kennedy are still living in New Orleans, and they “LOVE it.” Both are teaching at Tulane where he is teaching English, and she is teaching Spanish. They have really gotten into Tulane football; it seems they are drawn to football experiences like those we enjoyed during our tenure at the I. Bobby and Alicia Kennedy are still living in McLean, VA, with Little Bobby and Caylie. Both Bobby and Alicia are changing jobs, and by publication time, Bobby will be working for ACSIM. John and Molly Ferguson are all packed and moving to Dyess AFB, TX. John is heading back to the B-1 school house and hopefully a hiatus from the deployments. Their twins (Dean

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CLASS NOTES for his fourth deployment to the Middle East this fall, as he is heading to Afghanistan. Rich Groen is doing well in Afghanistan right now, and his unit has been featured in a couple news television pieces over the last month with their excellent efforts to snuff out Taliban ammunition caches.

Thank you to everyone who sent in submisCongrats to Melissa (Graham) Adamski who sions and photos for the Review. I want to thank was married at Fort Belvoir, VA, on March all of you who have helped put classmates in 21, 2009, to Norwich alum Mike Adamski. contact with me over the past couple months. I Mike is a military intelligence officer in the continue to hear from more classmates, and as Army currently completing his master’s in your class agent, I look forward to having a way international affairs at Georgetown University. to contact each and every one of you to keep Melissa just separated from the Army in August you updated on our class and the “I.” A few of and is completing her master’s in counseling you told me this was the first time you had ever psychology at Bowie State University. Melissa sent in a submission since our graduation, and and Kelly Sullivan ran in a half marathon in I am sure everyone will be happy to hear about Annapolis, MD, on May 31, 2009. Good job, you and others you are in contact with. ladies. I’ll stick to the 10-miler, and that’s about Just an early reminder – we are two years it. Kelly reported that she is still living in northaway from our 10-year reunion, and I look ern Virginia, working for Time Warner Cable forward to seeing you all there. I plan to and was promoted in early 2009 to manager attend the class agent meeting in November of Integration for Technical Operations. Kelly and increase conversation with the Alumni Ascontinues to serve her term on the VMI Keydet sociation regarding the events for that weekend.

Club Executive Committee and as an appointed More information will follow. Please continue member of the Young Alumni Committee for to update the Alumni Association and me with The VMI Alumni Association. She encourages your most current contact information, so we anyone interested in getting involved at VMI can keep you all informed about the class and to contact her directly. In March, Kelly and Dr. the Institute. You can easily do this by creating Melissa Williams went on the VMI Alumni a username and password at the VMI Ranks at Royal Clipper Cruise to the Windward Islands www.vmialumni.org. By joining VMI Ranks which was a wonderful experience, and they you can learn about upcoming alumni events encouraged all of us to look into booking for nationwide, post job openings or search for the 2011 VMI Mediterranean Cruise. (VMI will jobs, and search the Alumni Directory to get in be sending out more information in the coming contact with others. We also have a VMI Class months.) Melissa is practicing at the Massabeof 2001 Facebook page which you can join to sic Regional Medical Center in Waterboro, ME. keep in touch with those who have signed up Kelly also stays in touch with Kim Herbert for it so far. As always you can reach me via who is attending physical therapy school. Kim my phone number and e-mail address above, as truly loves physical therapy and is excited about well as on Facebook. Now, to the notes! graduating next year and starting to practice.

In May, I went camping outside of Roanoke, VA, Dan Schindler and his wife, with Parker Reeves, Josh Berk, Adam Jessica, just moved into a new Belmont, Nate Charles, Brian Ferguhouse in Hampstead, MD, which son, Drew Dickinson, Jeff Akers, Jake is in a golf course community.

Copty ’02, Chris Copenhaver ’99 and Dan commented that his boss Patrick Henderson ’99.We had a great said Dan is probably the biggest time, good food, a few beers and of redneck in the neighborhood. Dan course told stories about our time at thinks his neighbors are getting the “I.” Also, there is nothing quite like used to his diesel engine when he seeing Nate Charles floating down leaves for work at 5:30 a.m. Dan the river in a small tube and exiting sees Tim Hackler every once and the water like the Creature from the a while. Tim moved to Hanover, Black Lagoon. On July 4th weekend, PA, with his wife and son, and he Josh Berk, Justin Harber and I celis going through the final stages ebrated Parker Reeves’ 30th birthday of his Secret Service training. at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. We He’ll be stationed in Baltimore, had a great time and send our thanks to Parker’s wife, Jenni, for getting the MD, which is the town he wanted.

Class of 2001: From left to right: Victor Zottig, Dan group together.

According to Dan, Tim is still the Schindler, Mark Bauserman, and Billy Myers during a Congratulations to Derek Bogdon same since school and has even Shenadoah canoeing trip, summer 2009. and his wife, Sara, who gave birth bought himself a nice John Deere

’01

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Jason Whitaker

to a baby girl, Madison Lee Bogdon, on April 10, 2009. Best wishers to Dan Campbell who married Melissa Nicole McClement of Frederick, MD, on May 16, 2009. The wedding took place at Calvary United Methodist Church in Frederick. Dan is deploying to northern Iraq in late August for 12 months with Apache Troop, 1st Squadron 4th Cavalry, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.1-4 CAV is part of the 4th IBCT (Infantry Brigade Combat Team) “Dragon Brigade” in the 1st Infantry Division based out of Fort Riley, KS. Dan is a platoon leader and an armor officer. He spent seven years as an enlisted soldier after he left the Institute, and this will be his first deployment.

Tom Gleason is currently serving a second tour in Ramadi, Iraq, with the 2nd Marine Division.

He served his first tour as a combat platoon leader. His current tour includes those duties as assessment officer for the Provincial Recovery Team. As of last week, he was elevated to the position of chief of operations. His current tour ends in January of 2010. He wants to further his military education at Quantico Marine Base for his next assignment. Jim Bourie just returned from his third tour in Afghanistan and his wife, Amy, just began her tour there in July.

Howard Cook just finished the first part of flight training and is waiting to start the blackhawk course. Howard believes he should finish training at Fort Rucker, AL, by December. He is in the guard, so he’ll be going back to his medical evacuation unit in San Antonio, TX. Howard ran into David Lopez in Miami this summer and said David is doing well and sends his regards to everyone. Fred Hair is still commanding a signal company down at Fort Stewart, GA, and headed to the National Training Center for a month-long rotation at the end of July. Fred will deploy again to Iraq later this fall. Charlie Bunting will be shipping out

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES tractor. Adam Belmont is still serving in the Army and is working in Washington, DC, and just moved into a place in Alexandria, VA. Dan also said that Price Lykins was still in California working for a chain of private schools. Ryan Cates and his family are having a house built outside of Charlotte, NC, and should be moving into it in October. Jake Williams is still in the Navy and should be wrapping up his schooling in September. Dan believed Jake’s next Navy home will be in Norfolk, VA, on board a carrier [possibly the new U.S.S. George H.W. Bush (CVN77)], and he will be a “Yellow Shirt.”

Billy Myers hopes everyone had a great summer and that the weather wasn’t too brutal wherever you are. Billy married Courtney Payne Frankhouser on June 27, 2009, at Jackson Memorial Hall. Mark Bauserman served as Billy’s groomsman, and also attending the wedding were Adam Love, Vic Zottig, Dan Schindler and Beau Mason ’00. Billy and Courtney honeymooned for two weeks in Fiji and are residing in Charlottesville, VA. Billy is an assistant project manager for Archer Western Contractors, and Courtney works for Intelliworks Inc. as a software implementation manager. Billy says he’s been very fortunate to find a beautiful, intelligent, young woman who is willing to put up with a guy from VMI. Vic Zottig is aggressively completing his Ph.D. at the University of Virginia, while Mark Bauserman is teaching the leaders of tomorrow in Luray, VA. Congratulations to Adam Love who recently became engaged to Rachael Wilson, with a scheduled wedding date in October 2009, and purchased a new home in Johnstown, PA. Billy was aware that Brandon Bowman was serving in Iraq.

Adam Stanley-Smith is still in Paris, France, working on an M.B.A. and a master’s in durable development at HEC Paris. Adam planned to come back to the U.S. for the summer and see Brady Daniels and Mike Judge for a bit.

Connor Curtis wrote to me from Nicaragua the day before he returned home to Charleston, SC. Connor is a contractor for the U.S. Department of State and travels from time to time to various embassies, doing software training and support.

Congratulations to Connor who got engaged this year to Megan McFarland. They plan to get married in May 2010 in Charleston.

Tom Sebrell is living in Liverpool, England, and was recently named “Consultant Historian” for Liverpool’s American Civil War Sesquicentennial commemoration for 2011 to 2015. Tom will be in charge of writing all the dialogue used by guides for the city’s bus tours, taking people to all sorts of Civil War sites in Liverpool. Tom has been featured in several news articles in England regarding American Civil War history and events surrounding it that occurred in England. Tom shared some of

2009-Issue 4

his Civil War knowledge and told me, “In case you didn’t know, nearly all the Confederate naval vessels were built there, including the C.S.S. Alabama, and the last Confederate ship to surrender, the C.S.S. Shenandoah, did so at Liverpool in November 1865, seven months after the war had ended. So, this should result in a large number of American tourists going to Liverpool soon and not just to see The Beatles’ houses!” Great work, Tom, in researching and uncovering the past and continuing to help us all learn more about U.S. and world history.

Seth Ford recently finished his residency in ophthalmology and began practicing eye surgery full time at the Cleveland Eye Clinic in Cleveland, TN. Seth is happy to report that his wife, Sarah, and 9-month-old daughter, Ellie, are doing very well. In October, Seth will be traveling to San Pedro, CA, to be a part of our Brother Rat Michael “Ears” Christensen’s wedding. Harri Jahkola is currently working at Dell computers in Amsterdam as a finance consultant. Harry also has a photography Web site, www.harrijahkola.com, which features a few shots from VMI! Thanks again to everyone for sending in your notes. I look forward to hearing from more of you and gaining more updated contact information for everyone in advance of our 10-year reunion.

Keep up the great work representing the values and ethics instilled in us during those “wonderful” years at school. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to all servicemen and women and their families and those in the government civilian agencies and private sector who continue to serve our country in harm’s way. Thank you, and enjoy the upcoming holiday season!

Sincerely … Jason

’02

Salmaan Khawaja

Brother Rats: I hope that this fall edition of the Review finds you and yours well. I must say that the airwaves have been a little silent lately regarding updates from ’02 BRs. As such, you will find these class notes to be somewhat short.

Now, while not hearing from many of you might make my task of writing the class notes somewhat easier, I don’t want this to be the case! So, help save your BRs from having to read my rambling on and on about life in Richmond, and please take some time to drop me an e-mail with updates as to what you’ve been up to and people you’ve come across. Pictures are always welcome, as well.

Now, on to the notes, of which I have two (see above for further chastising). But while these notes do lack quantity, there is surely no lack in quality of what our BRs have been up to.

Jason Breeding continues to work diligently enriching the minds of high school students as, what I hear, a quite wonderful teacher. In between grading papers, spending time with his lovely wife, Amber, taking care of their dog, Ellie, and writing numerous birthday and holiday cards, as well as other class agent duties, Jason somehow found the time to obtain an educational specialist degree in administration and supervision from the University of Virginia in August 2009. Congratulations and a headshake of respectful disbelief are certainly in order for Jason. He plans to begin work on his doctorate in educational leadership through Liberty University this fall.

James Howard wrote to let me know that after visiting the Airborne and Special Operations Museum many times, he strongly felt something needed to be dedicated to Capt. Luke Wullenwaber, who, as you know, was killed in action while serving in the War on Terror. James took it upon himself to commission, on behalf of our class, a memorial stone and had it placed this past June. Ryan Davis (3rd Group, Special Forces) and James held a memorial ceremony for the stone placement. James writes, “We thought back on how much of an influence Luke has been on our lives and everyone he knew throughout his life. A Theodore Roosevelt quote came to mind during the setting: ‘The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust, and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly.’ The memorial stone is placed at the front entrance of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum (www.asomf.org) located in downtown Fayetteville, NC.” If anyone would like to make a contribution, e-mail James at howard82nd@ yahoo.com. I want to take this opportunity to thank James for his gift of this memorial on behalf of the class of 2002. I’m sure Luke, his family and all of his friends are greatly appreciative for such a thoughtful gesture.

That’s it for the notes for this edition. Like I mentioned earlier, please feel free to contact me with information about you and yours to keep your Brother Rats in the loop and keep the VMI family strong! 02! 02! 02! … Salmaan

William Talley V

’03

Phil Kerns

Greetings, Brother Rats: I hope you and your families enjoyed the summer months.

On a funny note, I’m writing these notes on Aug. 16, which happens to be the 10-year anniversary

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CLASS NOTES of the day we first met cadre.

If there is a theme for this quarter’s notes, it must be Marriage Mania and Baby Fever! In this quarter alone, the numbers indicate that we have five couples expecting, five couples engaged to be married in the near future (myself included), two newlywed couples and three couples celebrating the birth of a child. It’s great to see our ’03 family grow. This summer has been incredibly busy, as Angee and I have been wrapping up final details for our wedding. By the time this goes to print, we will be married (Sept. 26 is the big day). We’ll be sure to submit some pictures for the next edition.

Bill Talley shot me a quick text message to inform me that on Thursday, Aug. 13th, his wife, Amie-Anne (Novak) Talley ’05, gave birth to their son, William H. Talley VI. Congrats to the Talleys! Brandon Matthews called and told me that he dropped by the hospital to check on them, and they were all doing fine.

Rick Reid and his wife, Marla, are doing well and awaiting the arrival of their baby boy, due at the end of October. Rick just moved to Fayetteville, NC, where he is working as a contractor at Fort Bragg. Vicki Ortiz is up in NOVA working for a large construction company, doing sheeting and shoring design work.

She and Chaz Wagner have been sighted, along with Doug Warner, at Nationals games, and she stays in contact with Juan Carlos Sanchez, as well. Seth Ostlund is stationed in Dayton, OH, at Wright-Patterson AFB. Seth finished up his master’s degree in chemistry at Florida State University in 2007. Seth also informed me that Andy Marsh is set to be deployed for the third time at the end of August.

Blake Traina e-mailed me with a bunch of updates from Mad Dog Delta. Dan McNair is much happier now that he has graduated from his M.B.A. program at Georgetown. Dan also recently bought a house in Arlington and is working for USSOCOM as a program analyst for Intelligence and Operations. Ruth Jun just moved to Stafford, VA, and is still working as an independent contractor for BAE. Ruth had some good news to share: she got engaged this June in Hawaii.

Congrats, Ruth! Ruth also heard

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Class of 2002: Above: This memorial stone, in memory of Brother Rat Capt. Luke Wullenwaber, was unveiled at a June 2009 ceremony. It is located at the front entrance of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Below: Ryan Davis, left, and James Howard at the unveiling of the memorial stone that Howard commissioned.

through the grapevine that Michelle Carrillo is back in California, and Mike Alexander is stationed at Bragg with the 82nd Airborne. On a sad note, Jon Anderson told Blake that his grandfather and mentor, Robert H. Warren III ’45, died on July 5th.

Jon related that all of his grandkids called him “Grumps,” and everyone around him knew his love for VMI. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Jon! Jon went on to report that he was in attendance at Chris Adams’ wedding on July 17th. In addition, Jon shared some good news – he and his wife, Mandy, are expecting a baby boy due Oct. 1, 2009, and promised to send pictures for the next edition.

Jon says he is enjoying Athens, GA, and is about to start teaching MSIII’s at UGA in the fall. John Roche is living in Stafford, VA, with his wife, Danielle. They are expecting their first child (a girl) in mid November. John is working for Booz Allen Hamilton.

John also said that he is going to Aaron Campbell’s wedding in early October (congrats, Aaron!) and says that he stays at Aaron’s place in Richmond every time he goes down there for National Guard drill. Andy Onello is doing good and working for Booz Allen Hamiltion as the HQ compliance officer for the Department of Homeland Security in DC. Andy says he is staying busy building out the compliance team and has just bought a house up in Maryland. He is waiting for the construction to be finished in October, so he can move in. Blake also asked that all Delta Company folks e-mail him at Stephen.B.Traina@us.army. mil with contact info.

Jet-setting BR Matt McQueen was happy to announce that Pat Schaerrer and his new wife, Audrey, were married on April 23 in Dubai, UAE. The wedding was attended by friends and family from places far and near to include VMI brethren Sean Griffis and Matt.

The ceremony and reception were held during a Dubai sundown and concluded to the tune of “Shenandoah” playing on a set of bagpipes.

Matt also added they indulged in the classic tradition of cigars and bourbon, which were enjoyed with the backdrop of Dubai creek and the downtown skyline for a truly memorable time. After their honeymoon,

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Patrick and Audrey returned to Malta where Patrick currently resides for work.

According to Matt, Sean Griffis is now living in Kiev, Ukraine, doing some consulting work and teaching English to fill in the gaps. Of course, the opportunity couldn’t be passed up, so Sean’s been availing himself to the generous exchange rate and keeping up cordial U.S. relations with the indigenous females. Sean passed along a few other updates regarding Will Ragland who is still working for the Obama Administration in DC as a political appointee in the Dept. of Education and Levi Spellman who is now in the Army as a journalist and stationed at Fort Sill, OK. On yet another continent, Matt attended the wedding of Chris Adams and his new wife, Jennifer, in San Antonio, TX, in July. (Congrats, Chris and Jennifer.) In attendance at the wed-

ding were Sam and Tai Newsome, Andy Alissandratos, Mike Haag and girlfriend Shelly, Spence Robbins, Jon and Mandy Anderson, and Wes Swank with his fiancée, Allison. All attendees stayed on the Riverwalk in downtown San Antonio for the wedding, and a great time was had by all. For their honeymoon, Chris and Jenn spent a week at Poipu Beach on the island of Kauai. Chris and Jenn have also planned a trip to VMI over Labor Day weekend for the first home football game of the year just prior to Chris being mobilized for deployment with his Texas National Guard unit. Sam Newsome is starting his first semester at law school in Athens, GA, which he says has been great so far but real busy. The Marine Corps has him on scholarship at UGA Law, and when he finishes in 2012, he’ll be a certified JAG officer. On the family front, his wife, Tai, and the kids are doing great! Andy Alissandratos and his wife, Catherine, are still in California.

Andy was scheduled to return to Iraq for a

third tour this fall with the Marine Corps. Mike Haag returned from his Europe posting with the Air Force and is currently stationed in Tucson, AZ. Since the wedding, Matt was happy to hear that Mike recently discovered he had a pet squirrel, and a trip to France was in the works … or, at least, that was the appropriate version of his e-mail. Spencer Robbins is still living it up in Florida. Wes Swank is glad to be in Texas where he’s living and working in Dallas.

Congratulations are in order for T.J. Claytor and his wife, Holly, who are the proud parents of a beautiful little girl, Ivey Anne Claytor. She was born on Aug. 6, 2009, at 1:23 a.m. She was 6 lbs., 11.9 oz. and 20 inches long at birth.

Baby and mommy are both healthy and home from the hospital. Joe Voorhees noted he had a busy summer down in Virginia Beach but spent a relaxing week in Edisto Island, SC (near Charleston) and a few days in Duck, NC. As summer was winding down in VB, Joe couldn’t help but reflect on the past few months of being forced to enjoy the sun and beach – someone had to do it; shucks! Nick Foster has been over in Afghanistan with the Air Force since late

Class of 2003

Photos clockwise, from top left: -At Chris Adams’ wedding were, from left, Spence Robbins, Jon Anderson, the bride and groom, Sam Newsome, Mike Haag, Wes Swank, Matt McQueen and Andy Alissandratos.

-The Talley family – Amie-Anne, Bill, new son Billy and Savannah.

-Tommy Baldwin and his wife, Tammy, with their new baby, Allison.

-Sean Griffis with Patrick and Audrey Schaerrer.

-At a Washington Nationals game were, from left, Nichole Kramer, Chaz Wagner and Doug Warner.

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CLASS NOTES April and hopefully will be headed home by the end of September. Upon his return, Nick will be moving over to England in the winter for another flying assignment. Matt also reported that Nick Shallcross dropped him a quick note to say hi and says that he’s back in Iraq with the Army, but all is well on his front.

I spoke with Doug Warner who said he hasn’t heard much from lots of Golf Company folks. He did say that he spoke with Josh Gonzales who said that he feels like he’s back in the Ratline now, as he’s in training for a new job, kicking in doors with the USG. I don’t know about you all, but I wouldn’t want Josh kicking in my door! Also, Doug ran into Chaz Wagner, Nicole Kramer and Pat Lavoie at a Washington Nationals baseball game. Pat is currently stationed at Marine Corps Barracks 8th, where I believe a few other ’03 guys are assigned, as well. Speaking of the Marines, Kyle Haire has recently been deployed to South Korea, where he’s flying missions for the USMC in his F-18 Hornet. Also, let’s extend congratulations to Tommy Baldwin and his wife, Tammy, who would like to announce their first child, Allison Marie, born on Oct. 29, 2008! Doug was recently elected VP of the northern Virginia alumni chapter, where, along with Brother Rat John Bocek, things are really starting to get exciting.

They’ve been working on lots of new alumni events, including a huge Founders Day function in downtown Washington, DC – stay tuned for more info! Doug asked that I pass along his email to Golf Co BRs, so that he could get more updates on them. Please send him an e-mail at doug03notes@gmail.com.

Dermot Gavin shot me a quick e-mail on our BRs from F-Troop. Dermot says Marco Midence is still living in DC, and Bill Netherton returned from Afghanistan and is about to PCS to Korea. Dermot says he ran into MacDonald at Camp Phoenix (Kabul, Afghanistan) recently, and he was doing well but not too happy that he was called back to active duty from the IRR. As for Dermot himself, he says that he is in Afghanistan with the National Guard from NY but volunteered to deploy with an infantry unit from Georgia. In his own words, Dermot says [being in Afghanistan with a unit from Georgia] “kind of reminds me of my first few months at the ‘I’ … I am a damn Yankee!”

Rob McLean wrote to tell me he is happy to report that, as a result of the recent flurry of weddings for Hotel Company, there are now a few more babies on the way. Daren Williams, Garth Best and Jeremy Ongley are all expecting.

(Congrats to all!) In other joyous news, Rob reports that Will Johnson was recently engaged to his girlfriend, Linsay, and will be married in December in Suffolk, VA. Cliff Cook will graduate in the winter with a Ph.D. in materials

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chemistry from George Washington University.

Jason Lambert is now stationed at Fort McPherson, GA, with the Marine Corps. His daughter, Trinity, is now 7 months old. Derek Overstreet and his wife are currently in the process of simultaneously building a new house and selling their old one. Following that, they will be taking a much needed vacation to Europe.

Ryan Shealy

’04

C. Justin Roberts

Brother Rats: Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to send me updates. Please keep the e-mails and phone calls coming, so that we can keep in touch. Also, I send my e-mails via the VMI Ranks Web site. So, if you aren’t registered, I would ask that you consider doing so. The number of replies I have been getting for the last two submissions has been down, so if you have any suggestions for Ryan and me, please e-mail me. I will try to work on soliciting news more on Facebook and other avenues, as well, in the future.

Without further delay, here is what our class is up to now. I recently heard from Joe Montagna, he is currently living in San Diego, CA, flying CH-53E helicopters for the Marine Corps and preparing to deploy with the 15th MEU in May 2010. Jason Quash attended the Military Intelligence Captain Career Course in January ’09 and upon completion of the course, PCSed to Hunter Army Airfield, serving as the 3 CAB BDE tactical intelligence officer.

He also recently got married to his wife, Jill Camacho Quash, and they currently reside in Georgia. Its looks like Jason will deploy back to Afghanistan in fall 2009. Geoff Peltier (one of our Brother Rats who left after completion of our third class year) signed up with the Army as an infantryman and went to the 173rd ABN Brigade for just shy of four years, doing deployments to Djibouti, Iraq, and while in Afghanistan, he ended up meeting up with Jason Quash. He recently finished the Special Forces Qualification Course and now is an 18B SF Weapons sergeant. So far, he has seen a couple of BRs; Derek Raymond was at the Q Course, and he ran into Sullivan on a jump with 7th SFG. Peltier is currently in route to 1st Battalion, 1st SFG in Okinawa, Japan, where he will be stationed for the next three years. Peltier’s cousin, Corey Houck ’08, is now in Fort

Sill attending the Field Artillery Officer Course.

Joe and Blair DiDomenico just bought a house in Clayton, NY. They are both still in the Army.

Joe completed the Maneuver Captains Career Course and Cavalry Leaders Course at Fort Knox, and he is heading to Fort Drum to be a company commander. It looks like Joe will deploy in January 2010 for his third tour in Iraq.

Congratulations to Keith Holman who just recently got married in Lynchburg, VA, to his wife, Linley Holman. Chip Satterlee was Keith’s best man and reported that the other VMI crew that made it were: Scott Campbell, Jason Brightwell, Jon Lessen, Adam Zimmerman, Paul Boulden, Jeff Durham ’05, Mark Miller ’07, Drew Wade ’07 and Byron Faidley ’07. Chip just moved to Colorado Springs where he will be the 1-22 infantry chaplain in the 4 Infantry Division.

I just heard from Brock Daniel, who has enlisted in the Army after spending the last five years as a civil consulting engineer. He will be leaving for Fort Leonard Wood, MO, on Aug. 24th for basic training. His MOS is military intelligence, and he will be conducting his additional individual training at Fort Huachuca, AZ. His initial training will be finishing up in April of next year with airborne school down at Fort Benning. Unfortunately, Brock won’t be able to attend the reunion. Good luck, Brock, and we will miss you at our shindig in Lexington.

Landon Winkelvoss reported that he attended the wedding of Terrell Jackson and the former Jessica Ronan in April. He said that it was a great three-day weekend and a lot of fun Jason Dorn lives four condos down from Landon with his wife. Jason recently passed the bar exam in Texas. John Berg moved to Denver, CO, with his wife, Gina, and they are cold.

Sean Duggan, a.k.a. “The Boston Brawler,” is getting married to Kathleen Jamieson in October, and that wedding should be a show! (I can always depend on Landon to report some interesting news.)

Congratulations to Sarah (Johnson) Bartholomew who was married to Curtis Bartholomew II on Jan. 2, 2009 (in Enterprise, AL) but is planning on having a wedding ceremony on Sept. 26th in the Pocono Mountains with her family and friends. Elizabeth Olson, Mariah (Green) Goodall and Erica Ardolino will be bridesmaids at her wedding. She is expecting Deanna Nieves; Doug Goodall; her Rat, Raevon Pulliam ’07; and her dyke, Brian Wright ’01, to attend. She is currently in the Army Reserve; she left active duty in January 2009. She is working for a civilian company called Appareo Systems LLC in Enterprise, AL, as a project manager.

Doug and Mariah Goodall are very excited to share the news that they are expecting their first

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES baby boy, due on Jan. 4, 2010. Mariah is finishing up her Ph.D. at the University of Maryland and hopes to finish up in May 2010.

In March, John Casper turned in his resignation from VMI. After working for VMI for five years, his official time with the Institute has now ended. John and Lauren moved to the Tidewater area where John is attending seminary to earn a master of divinity degree at Regent University. He was also hired as the youth pastor at Avalon Hills Bible Church in Virginia Beach. Lauren was hired as the new assistant to the vice president of Student Services at Regent, as well.

Well, that is all for now. Hopefully, we will have more to report from the fifth reunion for the next issue … Justin Roberts and Ryan Shealy

Timothy Johnson

’05

when updates are due. Without further delay, I will continue with the notes.

As of March this year, Andy Karnes is employed and living in California. He is working for a small defense company called Yorktown Systems Group at Fort Irwin where he is the planner in the post G-3 for the National Training Center. Things are going very well for him, as he adjusts to the California way of life.

Andy had the chance to take a weekend trip to San Diego to visit Henry Hak. Henry sold him one of his surfboards, making Andy “the most unlikely surfer in Southern California.”

Unfortunately, Will DeShazor’s and Duke Acors’ reign over the greater Charleston area social scene has come to an end, as Will recently was transferred with Norfolk Southern to Fairfax, VA. Yang-Hsi Tsai checks in from Pennsylvania where he is married and the proud

father of an 11-month-old baby girl, Allyson.

Tsai is currently employed with the pharmaceutical company, Merck & Co. Inc. The last few months have been an up and down roller coaster for Brian Duncan, as he was let go from the co-op. With the slumping economy, there had been about 24 people who had been laid off before Brian’s number was called. On the up side, it only took him three weeks to find another job.

He’ll be working as an in-school counselor and therapist in Orange County while also mentoring teenagers. These are kids who may or may not be at risk but need guidance to ensure they do not become at risk or worse. Brian is giving the new career a try to see if he may be interested in teaching and coaching. So, he’ll spend the next school year working on obtaining teacher licensure. Outside of work, Brian has been busy raising money for his local Ducks Unlimited chapter dinner and

William Ray

Brother Rats: I hope you all had a wonderful and relaxing summer and are enjoying the fall and all it has to offer. I apologize for the brevity of this set of notes, as the summer proved to be busier than expected for me, and I was unable to send advance notice of when submissions for the class notes were due. I promise to be more conscientious and send frequent reminders of

Class of 2005: Above: VMI gentlemen at Conor and Erin Heely’s wedding were, from left, Bob Heely ’69, Jim Heely ’71, Joe Pruce, Conor Heely, Chris Malta ’08, Lev Pobirsky and Andrew Thom.

Class of 2005: Below: Attending Marc and April Lyons’ wedding were, from left, back to front, Matt Smith, Brian Gorski, Tom Innes, Henry Lynch, Andy Karnes, Andy Barden ’03, Marc Lyons, Stacy Rostorfer ’04, Sean Ruppert ’08, Will DeShazor, Christian DeShazor ’04, Elliot Erbe, Shore Stokes, Dick Litwin, Ted Davis ’08, Steve Watson, Donnie Barbaree, Ryan King and Zach Carmen ’08.

Class of 2005: Conor and Erin Heely on their wedding day in front of Barracks, Sept. 28, 2008.

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CLASS NOTES fundraiser, where he is a committee member. His main goal is to set up youth education programs/ events for kids who are interested in waterfowl, dogs and any outdoor events.

Paul Bryan recently became engaged to his girlfriend, Dana Henritze. The two are planning a wedding in the Roanoke area for next June, so Paul anticipated the next year will be quite busy. He is still living in Roanoke and working as a business development manager for Froehling and Robertson, Inc. - a civil engineering consulting firm. In the past few months, his firm helped VMI finish construction of the Third Barracks and Marshall Hall, and he found it quite rewarding to be a part of those projects.

Marc Lyons married Miss April Bunn in Virginia Beach, VA, on June 13, 2009. He provides the following account of the festivities: “A beautiful ceremony on the beach with musical selections played on the guitar by Donnie Barbaree was followed by plenty of cold beers and strong libations at the reception. Still trying to pull together the puzzle pieces of all the crazy events that happened that evening, but that seems to be the case anytime Andy Karnes is involved in the story. April and I thank everyone who came to share in the special day.

Folks traveled well for the event – especially Ryan King who made the trip from Texas. Dick Litwin served as the best man for the ceremony and shared a speech in the true Dick Litwin long-winded fashion. Thanks, again; the memo-

Class of 2005: Marc and April Lyons married in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on June 13, 2009.

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ries made will truly last a lifetime.” of course, Will, Ian and myself. We had a great Brandon Fellers transferred from Valparaiso weekend of surf, sun, Eastern Carolina women, School of Law to the Richmond School of Law ’80s bands, law enforcement and geographiafter his first year. He also became engaged to cally confused on Sunday morning – we plan Jennie Schwalm over the Fourth of July holiday on having an anniversary of the bachelor party, weekend. She is from Richmond, and the two because we had so much fun. met in 2006. Brandon and Jennie had been dating As for your class agents, Will married Miss Emabout two and one-half years before he proposed. ily Miller on July 18, 2009, in Chapel Hill, NC. The wedding is tentatively planned for May 2011 The ceremony was held at University Presbyterian after he graduates from law school. He adds he Church on Franklin Street, and the reception is “happy to be coming back to Virginia, since followed at the Carolina Club in the UNC Alumni that’s where I will be taking Hall. The event turned into the bar exam.” Matt Kurz a bit of a mini reunion, passed the Virginia Bar in as a number of the ’05 the summer of 2008. Since gents were in attendance.

September ’08, he has been Ian Dunlap and I had working for CowanGates the privilege of serving PC in Richmond where he as ushers at the wedding. practices in the area of civil Others in attendance litigation, with a large focus were Ben Melton and on real estate litigation and his girlfriend, Courtney; construction litigation.

Ryan Murphy and his Conor Heely is stationed girlfriend, Rachel; Shore at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma Stokes and his girlfriend, as a naval aviator flying the Tara; Mike Parsons and E6-B Mercury with VQ-4 his fiancée, Kendra; Kurt (TACAMO). He married Weishaar; Sam Stephens Class of 2005: Yang-Hsi Erin Baker, a 2007 graduand his wife, Katie; Nigel Tsai in Times Square (New ate of Mary Baldwin, on Jeng; Chris Perry and York City) with his wife, YuSept. 28th, 2008, at VMI his girlfriend, Patrice; and Han, and daughter Allyson. in a ceremony officiated by Christian DeShazor ’04.

Chaplain Park. In attendance Needless to say, the cerwere fellow Brother Rats emony was beautiful, and Andrew Thom, Lev Pobirsky and Joe Pruce, as the reception was incredible and a great time. And well as Bobby Heely ’69, Jim Heely ’71 and Chris much like Marc Lyons’ wedding, many great Malta ’08. In May of 2009, Conor was promoted memories were made that weekend. Will and to lieutenant and is now an aircraft commander Emily honeymooned in Argentina. The couple with the squadron. will continue to reside in Chapel Hill, as Emily is Scarlett Collins Bean graduated from the entering medical school this semester. I promise Combined Logistics Career Course at Fort to have some pictures of the wedding for the next Lee in July and PCSed to Fort Bragg to be the set of notes, as the photographer did not have any BN S-4 for the 6th PSYOPS Battalion. Since ready at the time the notes were due. arriving at Fort Bragg, she has run into Danny As for me, I continue to work and live in the Fields, who is at the Special Forces QualificaRichmond area. This summer, on top of the tion School, and Alex Gernandt, who is a SSG fitness job, I managed a pool and coached a in 20th Engineers. Brother Rats Eric Kaltrider summer league swim team. Although it kept me and John Kite are currently deployed as part of quite busy, I had a blast, as the team did very Operation Iraqi Freedom 09-1, both serving in well and won both their regular season division Al Anbar Province with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Matitle and the championship title for the division. rines. Jason Downs graduated from dive school I don’t know what the next year has in store, in Panama City, FL, in August. Clint Alanis but if at all possible, I’d love to come back and ’03, roommate of Doug Bahrns ’03, was also in coach this team next summer. the same class. Jason is still stationed with the Well, that’s the latest set of notes. I apologize 2nd Recon Battalion at Camp Lejeune, NC. again for the brevity and promise to be more on The last weekend of June, I headed down task when it comes to compiling the notes in the to Surf City for Will Ray’s bachelor party future. I hope to see you all some time this fall weekend. The group stayed with Ian Dunlap at at a football game, and if I don’t, please drop his new condo which is just minutes from the me a line, so the class can know what you are beach. In attendance were Brian Duncan, Lawdoing these days. Best of luck to you all in the ton Way, Jason Downs, Brandon Ray (Will’s months ahead. Until next time … brother), Andy Miller (brother of the bride), and In the bonds … Tim Johnson

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Clark Dudley

’06

Editor’s note: There were no notes submitted from the class of 2006 for this issue.

’07

Sally Coffman Arciero

This year finds our Rats as the senior class at the “Mother I.” It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming the class of ’10 into Barracks.

We trained them well, and I think we can expect this school year to be an awesome one. I’m sure we are all very proud of our Rats as they assume the mantle of leadership and prepare themselves for their own graduation. Soon we will all be “grand-dykes” ... what a thought!

I actually ran into Lt. Vic Karpov at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, TX, recently. We were both stationed there. I have since moved on, but from what I understand, Vic is still set to be there a while. He just recently pinned on first lieutenant, as well, and is working in contracting.

I received an e-mail about Stuart Craft. Turns out he just graduated from United States Air Force OCS at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, AL, on July 22. The new Lt. Craft is currently stationed at Randolph AFB in San Antonio, TX, as he goes through Combat Systems Officers Training. He is due to graduate in April 2010.

Good luck with that, Stuart!

Vanessa Butwell dropped me a line about her upcoming plans. Her husband, Lt. Jeff Butwell ’06, will deploy by the end of August. Vanessa, meanwhile, was accepted to East Carolina University to pursue a master’s degree in physician’s assistant studies. They live together in Fayetteville, NC. Lt. Nick Engle and his wife, Eighmey, were kind enough to write and send a picture. They are living in San Antonio, TX, as Nick is stationed at Lackland AFB. They are enjoying life with their 16-month-old son, Kai. Just recently, Kai’s godfather, Lt. John Terminato, came for a visit. He had just returned from a deployment in Iraq. The Engles also passed on the news that John is stationed at Fort Hood in Killeen, TX. Josh Prible is back in the states after a long stay in Taiwan. He has just finished a master’s program in Taiwan R.O.C. He says that he was fortunate enough to attend a small reunion of sorts while he was in Taiwan. He wrote that his sponsor at Yuan Ze University is a VMI graduate, Dr. Ching-Pu Chen ’85. Before he returned stateside, Josh was able to travel around Taiwan and Thailand with his family, to include his brother, a member of the class of ’01.

Lt. Jose Lopez left his old assignment to become a Battery XO. He is stationed at Suwan Air Base in South Korea. He says it’s ok over there.

Catrina Helsel e-mailed to say that she is living in Norfolk, VA, and is to be deployed on the U.S.S. Winston S. Churchill in November. She mentions that her son is now 1. Wow, how the time flies! She says that Erin Hottle is to be married in September. She writes also that she was able to have dinner with Josh Van Cleef who had just recently finished a pilgrimage from Roanoke, VA, to Washington, DC, as a Franciscan friar. The following is a link to a newspaper article about his journey: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/28/AR2009072803220. html?hpid=artslot Until next time, Brother Rats, be safe and God bless.

’08 Class of 2007: Josh Prible with his family.

2009-Issue 4

Robert Hill

Hello to all of you. I hope you are having a great fall and our football team has continued to improve under Sparky Woods. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy the class notes, and if you haven’t communicated with me to date, this will give you an inkling to do so.

On May 29th, my girlfriend, Kristen, and I headed to Farmville, VA. I was a groomsman in Mark Miller’s ’07, wedding. Friday night

after the rehearsal dinner, the guys, including Justin Roberts ’04, Chip Satterlee’04, Mark, Jake Jackson, J.T. Piribek ’10 and I, headed to Richmond to celebrate Mark’s last free night.

While in Richmond, we met up with John Richardson and Mike McGann ’07, and at the bar, we ran into a few of our dykes, including Jason Downs ’05 and Sam Johnson ’05. The following day at the wedding, there was not a shortage of alumni, spread from the class of 1996 to the class of 2012. From our class in attendance was Andrew “Squeeks” Haines who finally graduated! A picture of the entire group is on the vmialumni.org Web site. (Editor’s Note: Go to vmialumni.org, log into VMI Ranks and click on the Alumni Association tab. Select “Alumni Review” in the pull-down menu. You’ll see links for the 2009-4 Review and additional photos.

The Miller wedding photo is in the additional photos section for the 2009-4 issue.)

The following week, Kristen and I headed to Austin, TX, for the wedding of my dyke, Preston McFaddin, to the former Ms. Jena Richelle Pierson. The day after the wedding while driving back through Texas, I had a chance to meet up with Rob Kelly and Phil McCloskey. Phil had just arrived at Fort Hood the day before and was spending the next few days with Rob until he found his own place. Rob had been at Fort Hood since May 11th and was preparing to head to Iraq where he will be until February of 2010 with Alec Gray. They are a part of the 1st Calvary in Baghdad. Luckily for Phil, his company had just returned from Iraq, so he will be at Fort Hood for a bit. Rob arrived at Fort Hood after spending time with Andrew Vezza and a few others at Fort Still for Artillery School. Phil was assigned to Fort Hood after attending BOLC III at Fort Knox with Matt Mitchell and Dave Jacobs. Matt is now waiting to head to Fort Benning for Ranger School. Dan Boyd and Dan McKeegan are both stationed at Fort Hood, as well, in the King Battery, 1st Squadron, 3rd ACR. (See photo of our BRs at Fort Hood.)

I spoke with Shane Cox on the way home, as well. Shane was heading from Roanoke to Fort Carson for his duty station. Shane anticipated being deployed within the next few months to either Iraq or Afghanistan. Adam Barr, who was scheduled to deploy in May, ended up staying in Germany. The commanding officer, where he was deploying, requested a captain rather than a second lieutenant.

John Sollock is beginning his second year as an assistant coach at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. John said that “coaching is tough but a lot of fun” and “there is no job better that I could be doing right now.” School is also going well, and he’s enjoying Colorado, except in the winter. You may recall that Jeremy

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CLASS NOTES Clement went to India; well, he’s back and had a great experience.

Matt Payne graduated from Army OCS on June 4th. He was selected for field artillery. In his e-mail to me, he said John Mark Pittman was eight weeks behind him in OCS, so hopefully John graduated on time, as well. He mentioned he was told he was a bit cocky at OCS but cited Wes Swank’s ’03 valedictorian quote about VMI cadets and stated it must be a true statement.

In August, Matt was nearing the completion of Field Artillery School at Fort Still. Matt Kokal is in the same class. Matt Payne will deploy no later than February, depending on if he is selected for Ranger School. Brian Peeler has also commissioned into the Army and is awaiting his orders to continue training.

Chris Haviley graduated from Sapper School

on April 3rd and was assigned to the 57th Rough Terrain Company of the 27th Engineer Battalion at Fort Bragg. He mentioned his company is the only company in the Army that jumps into trees. Currently, he is living in Fayetteville and is a platoon leader. He is scheduled to deploy in December or January. Roger Leonhart is also scheduled to be headed to Fort Bragg. Roger, Stephen Donaldson and Shawn Driver ’06 graduated from Ranger School on July 17th and are all very excited to be done.

Steven is currently finishing up Airborne School and will be headed to Fort Bliss. Shawn is a Blackhawk pilot at Fort Campbell.

Mike Karlson has been in Afghanistan since April. He is currently based in Kandahar. Also serving with Mike are Mike Fager ’07, Kirby Smith ’06 and Kent Monas ’04. He mentioned

in his e-mail that Alex Smith was serving in Iraq, as well. Mike is serving as the Echo Troop XO which is the forward support troop in the 1-17th Calvary Squadron, Task Force Saber.

His company provides fuel and ammunition to the entire group of helicopters in the squadron, as well as meals and vehicle maintenance.

Mike, you’re right; I probably shouldn’t add your shout out.

Jesse Burnette married the former Ms. Michelle Elkins on June 20th, 2009, in Marion, NC, at the Story Memorial Presbyterian Church. John Wranek ’85 was kind enough to send me a picture from the wedding. In attendance from VMI were the following: Danny Fields ’05 and Shore Stokes ’05, Raymond Kirchner ’10, Pat McGill ’07, Vinh Do ’11, Eric Hutchings ’77 and Brian McGill ’06, as

Photos clockwise, from top left: -Roger Leonhart, Stephen Donaldson and Shawn Driver at Ranger school graduation. “Congrats!” says Class Agent Robbie Hill.

-At Jesse and Michelle Elkins Burnette’s wedding were Danny Fields ’05, Shore Stokes ’05, Raymond Kirchner ’10, Pat McGill ’07, Vinh Do ’11, Eric Hutchings ’77, Marcus Carlstrom, Brian McGill ’06, Eric Hunter, Evan Roddenberry, Matthew Mitchell, Jarrett Moran, Andrew Sullivan, Jacob Widrick, Christopher Boyls-White, Chris Haviley, John LaRue, Jonathan Tishman, Patrick Zanelotti, David Jacobs, John Wranek ’85 and Christopher Campisi, Rutgers ’08.

-Class Agent Robbie Hill, left, stopped in Killeen, Texas, to see Rob Kelly and Phil McCloskey.

-At Fort Hood, Texas, were, from left, Alec Gray, Daniel Boyd, Dan McKeegan, Phil McCloskey and Rob Kelly.

Class of 2008

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CLASS NOTES well as Eric Hunter, Evan Roddenberry, Matt Mitchell, Jarrett Moran, Andrew Sullivan, Jacob Widrick, Christopher Boyls-White, Chris Haviley, John LaRue, Jonathon Tishman, Patrick Zanelotti and David Jacobs. Congrats to Jesse and Michelle.

Philip Jones was also married recently. He and the former Ms. Christine Flood were married in Lexington on Aug. 8th. Congrats to the two of you! Phillip is in his second year of law school, as well as serving in the Coast Guard Reserve.

Ben Curle was kind enough to send me an update on a few of our BRs before deploying.

Ben wrapped up Army Transportation School at Fort Eustis in December of 2008. Ben graduated with Jake Vishneski, Garrett Smith, Mike Karlson and Josh Wilson. Eric Swann was in the next class. That group of guys managed to dress up like penguins for Halloween and ventured down to Norfolk to party with a few West Point grads. After Ben completed school as part of the reserves, he started his trainee program with Norfolk Southern at Greenville, SC. During his program, he ran into Mike Boykin and Josh Patoka. In March of 2009, Ben was called to active duty with the South Carolina National Guard. He is currently serving as the 1st Platoon leader in the 1055th Transportation Company in Iraq. They are escorting numerous conveys around. Before heading to Iraq, Ben ran into Peter Blades at the PX at Fort Stewart.

Ben also gave me an update on several BRs he’s visited with since graduation. He visited Sean Ruppert in Charlotte. Sean is working with Bank of America and is doing well. Ben also headed to Steamboat Springs, CO, to go skiing with Nick Cutting and Frank Mariaro ’09. In numerous trips to Richmond, he saw Jim Andrew, Josh Gemedschiew ’07, Joel Keneipp and Jay Pontius. As I was writing these notes, Ben’s dad, Mack Curle ’75 (also the class agent) wrote me a note; they talked to Ben on Aug. 8th as Ben was completing a mission in Iraq as part of convey security.

Chris Malta is still living in downtown San Diego while awaiting deployment as the strike officer on the U.S.S. Princeton (CG 59). They are scheduled to deploy in the summer of 2010. Tim Hichak is stationed at Camp Lejeune as a platoon commander for the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines.

Phill Yi is still living in Newport News while working on his M.S. in environmental engineering which he will hopefully complete at the end of the fall term through Virginia Tech. Chip Chace has recently gotten back into VMI. He completed the spring semester with a 3.79 GPA and plans on graduating in December.

Congrats! Bryan Curry is currently working as a New York City police officer in Brooklyn. He said his life has been exciting since graduation.

Jason Pettengill and Peter Borchelt have finally

2009-Issue 4

started pilot training for the USAF. They are currently at Laughlin AFB and should be in training for about a year. They spend their free time in Del Rio and floating down the Bean Dip River.

Nikolai Howe is also busy with pilot school in the Navy where he recently selected jets. Brett Skoog finished OCS for the Marine Corps in May and had eye surgery on Aug. 13th before heading to flight school which starts in November.

Donnie Cowart is moving to Charlottesville, VA, to find a job and continue his running career.

Donnie had an outstanding senior year. He was named the Co-Big South Track and Field Athlete of the Year. According to the VMI Keydets Web site, he was also named an All-American and finished 12th in the NCAA finals in the 3,000meter steeplechase. He also qualified for the U.S. National Outdoor Track and Field Championship in Eugene, OR. His outdoor season was amazing, in addition to a great indoor season. Congrats to Donnie on his accolades.

Kurt Helfrich is in Texas for intel training in the Air Force. He mentioned how hot it is in Texas, but he loves the West. Lawton Drake is at Eglin Air Force Base for EOD school for the Army. He is living on the beach and blowing stuff up for a living, which doesn’t sound too bad. He is set to graduate on Nov. 10th. Kellen Travis is at Fort Rucker, AL, for Army Flight School. He left for SERE school on Aug. 10th for three weeks before returning to flight school for an additional 18 months.

Evan Lyne taught English in Madrid, Spain, for the summer and returned to Richmond on Aug. 23rd. He is looking for a government job in the DC area. Ian Morris has been deployed twice to Iraq since leaving VMI. He is currently serving with the 6th Marine Regiment. He will be leaving the Marines in March of 2010.

Tyler Anthony took a minute to express his feeling for Penn State. I guess he’s still taking the loss from 2008 pretty hard. Hopefully, by the time you read these notes, I’ve witnessed Penn State take it to Ohio State at Beaver Stadium. Tyler was close to graduating from Infantry Officer Course with Chris Alderman and Scott Sanders on Sept. 24th. Soon after, Ty will be heading to Afghanistan.

Will Flathers took some time to send me a note about a few Brother Rats while he’s in school in England. Clint Adams is in flight school for the Marines at Pensacola, FL. Joe Prinzinger visited Will in May for New Market Day and our 1st anniversary of graduating in a Sheffield Pub. Will reported that the majority of the EEs from our class met in Richmond around Christmas of 2008. Will’s research is on Air Traffic Control Systems, and it’s going well for him. He’s traveled to Ireland, France and Italy.

I am very happy with the amount of e-mails, Facebook messages and phone calls I received

for these class notes. I am also very excited to report that our class has done extremely well in giving back to the Institute since we’ve left. We have raised about the same amount of money as the class of 2007 since their graduation. You all answered the call in these tough times for each of us as well as the Institute.

As I write these notes, I am preparing to head back to state college for another year of graduate school at Penn State. I’m living at the fire house, and it’s been great. Thanks again for all your support and communications. Stay safe, and God Bless!

’09

IanWilliams

Brother Rats: Can you believe that we finally have our own section in the Alumni Review?

It doesn’t seem too long ago that we were in New Barracks courtyard screaming for cadre, and now we are alumni. I guess time flies when you’re having fun, right? Since graduation, most everyone I have talked with is staying pretty busy.

I think the biggest news from the class so far comes from Jillian Weatherford (O’Hara). She and husband Grant Weatherford ’07 gave birth to Maebry Elanie Weatherford on June 21st.

There have also been a number of weddings and engagements in our class. Josh Gerardo married his girlfriend, Heather, in Richmond, VA. Michael Harvey married his girlfriend, Erin, in Madison, VA. Corielle Parsons and Issac Putnam are engaged, as are Matt Hyatt and Roxanne Franck. Congratulations to all of you.

Those BRs who commissioned into the Navy have been very busy. Doug Trask is in Charleston, SC, at Naval Nuclear Power School. He is roommates with Justin Smith, and Drew Thompson is there as well. From all accounts, they seem to be doing more studying there than they did at VMI. Holly Giacolone is currently deployed with the Navy out of Pearl Harbor on the U.S.S. Paul Hamilton. Thelmar Rosarda gets deployed with the Navy out of Mayport, FL, in October.

Many of the Army second lieutenants were together after graduation. Daniel Brewer, Chris Brown, Gordon Holloway, David Schlaseman, Dave Radke, Tom Stauffer, Drew Miraldi, Zach Youngsma, Trent Blackman, Mark Gliebe, Hamilton Harris and Tom Duncan were all at Fort Lewis in Washington state to help with LDAC for the Army. When LDAC finished around the end of July, everyone scattered, mostly to Fort Benning or Fort Sill.

Brewer had to stay at Fort Lewis a little longer

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CLASS NOTES than expected before he could make the trip to with renal cell cancer. Chelsie says, “It’s a really officer for the RDC. Amanda Moore is still workFort Sill. He has never been in better physical challenging job, as anything with cancer is, but ing at VMI while completing her master’s. Grant shape. Alex Kari, Ricky Pfrogner and Jackie I’m really enjoying it!” Jackie Briski is teach- McManus will be teaching math at Fishburne Morton were helping with the Army’s Leader’s ing Spanish at Massanutten Military Academy Military School in Waynesboro, VA. Training Course at Fort Knox, KY. in Woodstock, VA. Apparently, they like VMI That’s everything I have for this issue. These Those in the Air Force have been placed around alumni at this academy. The head of the school is are written about three months before they the country. Kip Joerdens and Dayton Blume are class of ’80; the commandant is class of ’68; and are published, so I apologize for any mistakes sharing a place in Alaska. Both are stationed at the senior Army instructor is class of ’84. Chuck that I may have made. I understand that orders Elmendorf Air Force Base. They enjoy hunting, Karamon ’04 is with the Math and Admissions change, so feel free to correct me. Thank you fishing, hiking and taking in the scenery of the Departments, and Capt. Todd Baldwin ’06 is on to everyone who has kept in contact with me. If beautiful Alaskan wilderness. the commandant’s staff and is coaching football. you want your name in the notes, just send me Jed Miller and Nick Copper were both in Some of you may remember him as operations an e-mail. Stay safe, and stay in touch! … Ian Alabama for some training with the Air Force. Nick is now working in the 53rd Combat Communications Squadron at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. Jed will be at Keesler, MS, before heading to Misawa, Japan.

Nick Mims completed OCS for the Army in late July and is now a second lieutenant. Michael Kim (“Kim J.J.”) has completed Naval OCS. Jake Riggs is in flight school for the Navy in Pensacola, Florida.

Chelsie Kosecki is currently working for Novartis. Novartis is one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. She is a clinical research associate in their Oncology Unit and Class of 2009: VMI Superintendent Gen. J.H.B. Peay ’62, center, met with class of is helping with one of the newly 2009 lieutenants Gordon Holloway, Chris Brown, Nelson Lamb and Thomas Stauffer released drugs – Afinitor, which just serving at Fort Lewis, Washington, in June 2009. got approval in Europe for patients

BIRTHS CHANG – A son, Mitchell, to Julie and Michael G. Chang ’85 on Aug. 8, 2009.

COBB – A son, George Saffer, to Maria and Kenneth H. Cobb ’89 on July 1, 2009.

HAMNER – A son, Andrew James, to Sharon and Thomas N. Hamner ’89 on Aug. 27, 2009.

SPIELDENNER – A daughter, Jillian Elizabeth, to Brooke and Robert A. Spieldenner ’89 on Sept. 10, 2009.

YOCKEL – A son, Cole David, to Paula and David R. Yockel Jr. ’90 on July 12, 2009.

REID – A son, Owen Charles, to Nicole and Christopher R. Reid ’93 on July 30, 2009.

BOYNTON – A daughter, Laura Elizabeth, to Heather and Colin K. Boynton ’96 on July 27, 2009.

DOWDY – A son, Timothy Andrew Jr., to Shannon and Timothy A. Dowdy ’00 on June 6, 2009.

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KEARNEY – A son, Jackson DeVault, to Josette and John (Jay) D. Kearney Jr. ’00 on Aug. 12, 2009.

BOGDON – A daughter, Madison Lee, to Sarah and Derek P. Bogdon ’01 on April 10, 2009.

TSAI – A daughter, Allyson, to Yu-Han and Yang-Hsi Tsai ’05 on Sept. 19, 2008.

MARRIAGES MILLER – Amy Rebecca Gutkin to Kevin C. Miller ’94 on June 13, 2009.

CAMPBELL – Melissa Nicole McClement to Daniel E. Campbell ’01 on May 16, 2009.

LYONS – April Bunn to Marc B. Lyons ’05 on June 13, 2009.

MCFADDIN – Jena Pierson to Preston H. McFaddin ’05 on June 6, 2009.

TSAI – Yu-Han Huang to Yang-Hsi Tsai ’05 on Nov. 30, 2007.

SOUCHTCHENKO – Jennifer Renee Castellaw to Steven S. Souchtchenko ’06 on May 24, 2008.

GUY – Kelsey Gray Teeters to Richard C. Guy ’07 on Aug. 7, 2009.

MILLER – Mollie Manis to Mark W. Miller ’07 on May 30, 2009.

BURNETTE – Michelle Elkins to Jesse B. Burnette ’08 on June 20, 2009.

JONES – Christine Flood to Philip A. Jones ’08 on Aug. 8, 2009.

DEGREES Dixon W. Tucker ’80 Environmental Engineering Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA May 2009

M.E.

RAY – Emily Caroline Miller to William C. Ray ’05 on July 18, 2009.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENTS APPOINTEE’S NAME Class of 2014 Kyle Robert John Fleming

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

Timothy L. Snyder ’87

Stepfather

Class of 2015 Evelyn Blondell Bowman Jessica Marie Finn

William D. Ferguson III ’00 Thomas A. Finn ’65

Brother Grandfather

Joseph Harrell ’97

Uncle

Class of 2018 William Thomas Finn

Thomas A. Finn ’65

Grandfather

Class of 2019 Hannah D. Rioux

Joseph F. Rioux VI ’91

Joseph F. Rioux VI ’91

Father

Class of 2026 Claire Jing Cody

Robert M. Cody ’81

Father

Richard L. Bugbee Jr. ’73

Father

Class of 2028 James A. Rioux

Joseph F. Rioux VI ’91

Clyde M. Bryant ’62

Great-Grandfather

Class of 2030 Garrison McCourt Curley

Grandfather

Kenneth F. Houston ’69

Grandfather

Halbrook Frances Newton

G. Reynolds Young ’66

Grandfather

Benjamin Brannock Williams

Joseph M. Williams ’02

Father

Charles E. Ayers III ’97

Father

Alexander H. Ayers ’02

Uncle

James M. Ayers ’99

Uncle

Braden James Bairley

James R. Spacek ’70

Grandfather

Andrew Scott Baker Jr.

Frank A. Cleaton Jr. ’70

Grandfather

Gavin Lynn Garten Fane

James W. Garten Jr. ’74

Grandfather

Michael A. Garten ’75

Uncle

Matthew Garten ’84

Cousin

Baylor Hall Gill

Meredith M. Gill ’93

Father

Gray Matthew Gill

Meredith M. Gill ’93

Father

Harsen James Gordon

Ray E. Irvine ’67

Grandfather

Evelyn Jane Runnals Hurst

David L. Hurst ’93

Father

Isabelle Grace McAnany

Marty R. Stango ’64

Great-

Arianna Rainelle Pike

David O. Whitt Jr. ’66

Grandfather

Matthew Campbell Rowland

Dwight C. Rowland ’72

Grandfather

Ava Lane Seiling

Bruce G. Seiling ’62

Grandfather

Charles Edward Ayers IV

Father

Class of 2029 Trinity Olivia Seward

William A. Gore ’66

William Alexander Houston

Grandfather

Class of 2027 Christopher James Bugbee

RELATIONSHIP

Emily Sayuri Gore

Father

Class of 2024 Joseph F. Rioux VII

ALUMNUS-CLASS

Class of 2031

Class of 2016 William Harrell Murray

APPOINTEE’S NAME Class of 2030

Paul M. Curley ’94

Father

John G. Fitzgerald ’65

Uncle

Levi A. Smith

Dwight D. Smith ’92

Father

Lily Emerson Veech

William C. Creswick ’67

Grandfather

Maebry Elaine Weatherford

Robert G. Weatherford ’07

Father

Jillian C. Weatherford ’09

Mother

Charles R. Williams Sr. ’63

Grandfather

Charles Randolph Williams III

VMI’s 25 Most Senior Alumni According to the records of The VMI Alumni Association, the men listed below constitute the 25 senior alumni of the Institute. Please contact the Alumni Review should any errors be noted.

William E. Cantrell ’26 Prentis P. Smith ’29 Richard D. Schmitz ’31 Ernest C. Johnson ’29 Thomas M. Zeledon ’30 William B. Walshe ’32 Richard C.Wight Jr. ’30 John A. Chambliss Jr. ’31 Howard J. Bell ’33 William R. Landrum ’34 James Heine ’34 E. Lane Whitley ’34 Wayne C. Weaver ’33 2009-issue 4

Oct. 17, 1905 May 19, 1906 Feb. 24, 1908 May 19, 1908 Dec. 21, 1908 Nov. 30, 1909 May 26, 1910 Oct. 21, 1910 Nov. 25, 1910 Dec. 3, 1910 Mar. 18, 1911 April 1, 1911 Dec. 6, 1911

Emmett J. Heerdt ’34 John D. Todd Jr. ’34 Richard H. McCormick ’34 Thomas St. John Arnold ’35 Alfred J. Snapp ’35 Francis T. Follin ’35 James E. Kirk ’36 Oscar E. Roberson ’38 Leonard M. Todd ’35 Edwin T. Arnold ’35 J. Robers Little Jr. ’35 James C. Sherman ’35

Feb. 27, 1912 June 30, 1912 Dec. 4, 1912 Sept. 8, 1913 Sept. 18, 1913 Sept. 19, 1913 Oct. 25, 1913 Nov. 13, 1913 Dec. 10, 1913 Feb. 7, 1914 Feb. 28, 1914 Mar. 31, 1914

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TAPS TAPS tenant. He was a member of the glee club for four Robert Burgess Rust Jr. ’34, formerly of Front years, the track team for three years and the Bomb Royal, Virginia, died on April 22, 2009, in Char- business staff and was a member of the boxing team and swimming team for one year. lottesville, Virginia. He was 96.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the Rust, who matriculated from Flint Hill, Virginia, held a bachelor of science degree in civil U.S. Army Air Corps from 1941-45, attaining engineering from VMI, where he was a member the rank of major.

Prior to the war, he became involved in paper of the wrestling team and held the rank of D manufacturing, and after the war he returned to Company sergeant.

Rust was a retired division engineer with the that same field. He then attended the Medical Southern Railway Company, now the Norfolk College of Virginia Dental School, from which he graduated in 1950. He opened one Southern Corporation. He was a of the first family dental offices in member of the men’s class of the Chesterfield, Virginia, and practiced First Baptist Church in Front Royal. there from 1950 to 2000.

He was a volunteer for many years He is survived by his wife of 64 with the Potomac Appalachian Trail years, Evelyn Engleman Mathews Club and maintained trails in the of Chester; three children, Carol Ray, Shenandoah and the George WashBett Randolph and Larry Mathews Jr. ington national parks. A well known and his wife, Carla; six grandchildren, figure along the Appalachian Trail, Scott Rush and his wife, Stacy, Rob he worked for the maintenance and Westbrook and his wife, Martha, Dipreservation of parklands. He spent a Mathews ’39 ana Mathews, Elisabeth Westbrook, number of years at the Southerlands, Grant Mathews and Christopher Ray; a retirement community in Front two great-grandchildren, Austin Rash Royal, before moving to a nursing and Brandon Rash; a brother, Frank Mathews of home in Charlottesville.

Dequincy, Louisiana; and a sister, Betty Swift of He is survived by a daughter, Dr. Margaret Rust Atlanta, Georgia. of Denver, Colorado; a sister, Mary Lou Naisawald

Robert B. Rust Jr. ’34

of Lynchburg, Virginia, who is the wife of Louis Van Loan Naisawald ’42; two grandchildren; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. His brother, John A. Rust ’30, died in 1980. (Editor’s Note: See Foundation section for an article about Rust and his bequest to VMI.)

J. Terry Taylor Sr. ’37 James Terry Taylor Sr. ’37 of Akron, Ohio, died on July 24, 2009. He was 93.

Taylor, who was born in Cuba, matriculated from Cynthiana, Kentucky, and attended VMI for two years. He held bachelor of science and master of engineering degrees from the University of Kentucky. He worked in Akron for the B.F. Goodrich Company for 40 years before retiring in 1982 as director of customer service.

He is survived by a daughter, Trudy Baldwin; five grandchildren, Kelly Baldwin, Kate Baldwin, Emily Taylor, Matt Taylor and Andy Taylor; four great grandchildren; and a sister and brother-inlaw, Joann and Terry Noland. His wife of 65 years, Emily M. Taylor, died in 2005.

Lawrence G. Mathews Sr. ’39 Lawrence Grant Mathews Sr. ’39, D.D.S., of Chester, Virginia, died on July 1, 2009. He was 91.

Mathews matriculated from Huttig, Arkansas, and held a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from VMI, where he was the E Company first lieu-

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John K. Peebles ’39 John Kirkpatrick Peebles ’39 of Naples, Florida, died on April 29, 2009. He was 91.

Peebles matriculated from Nashville, Tennessee, and held a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI, where he was an F Company corporal.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1940-46. He served initially in the artillery before working for Army Ground Forces in the Intelligence Service. He attended the Command and General Staff College, and resigned his commission as a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve.

He was the owner of Kirkpatrick Lumber Company in Nashville for 35 years. He sold it in the late 1970s and retired.

He was a lifelong member of West End United Methodist Church and a member of the Belle Meade Country Club, and volunteered at St. Thomas Hospital.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Dean (D.D.) Peebles of Naples; a son, Ross Lanier Peebles, and his wife, Ann; a daughter, Irene Peebles Lowe, and her husband, Al; five grandchildren, Maggie Hayek and her husband, Aaron, John Lowe and his wife, Gretchen, Amy Martin and her husband, Todd, Kirk Peebles and his wife, Elizabeth, and Chris Peebles and his wife, Jennifer; and 11

great-grandchildren. His first wife, Martha Greene Peebles, died in 1998.

Durland E. Clark Jr. ’41 Class Historian; Class Agent, 1986-89 Durland Edward Clark Jr. ’41 of Beverly Hills, California, died on March 23, 2009. He was 89.

Clark matriculated from Strasburg, Virginia, and held a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from VMI, where he was the C Company captain and a member of the Executive Committee and the General Committee. He served for four years as historian of his class, and during his first class year he was a columnist on the editorial staff of the Cadet newspaper and historian on the editorial staff of the 1941 Bomb.

He was a member of the Second Class Finance Committee and of the tennis team for two years, and wore academic stars during his first and second class years.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1941-46, attaining the rank of major. An Army Air Corps pilot, he served with the Night Fighter Group. While involved in research and development he developed night dive bombing, blind landing and blind bombing systems and training.

He earned a J.D. degree from the University of Virginia in 1948. He also attended Harvard and MIT. He worked in exploration and production and in government affairs for Shell Oil Company in California from 1935 until he retired to Longboat Clark ’41 Key, Florida. He was, at one time, manager, government and industry relations, of Shell’s Western Operations. He was a member of the board of directors of the American Association of Landmen from 1954-65 and he was a former chairman of both the Beach Committee and the Ethics Committee for the Town of Longboat Key. He is survived by two daughters, Patrice (Mrs. Robert Cole) of Bellevue, Washington, and Hilary Clark of Pacific Palisades, California; and two granddaughters, Carolyn and Annalise. His wife, Patricia Judge Clark, is deceased.

William H. Hansbarger ’43 William Henry Hansbarger ’43 of McLean, Virginia, died on May 17, 2009. He was 86.

He matriculated from Linthicum Heights, Maryland, and attended VMI for two years. He transferred to the University of Maryland where he received his

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS bachelor of arts and juris doctorate degrees.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-46.

He was a partner with the law firm Baskin, Jackson and Hansbarger.

He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Weiss Hansbarger of McLean; three children, C. Scott Hansbarger, Hope Alice Hansbarger and her husband, Brian Reed, and Laurel Starr Butterton and her husband, Robert; and a sister Lucille Henneberger.

He is also survived by two grandsons, Will Butterton and Liam Reed.

Fred C. Jones ’43 Fred Charles Jones ’43, D.D.S., of Phoenix, Arizona, died on Dec. 6, 2007. He was 87.

Jones matriculated from Phoenix and attended VMI for two years.

A veteran of World War II and Korea, he served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy from 1943-46 and in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps from 1950-52.

He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

He attended Pomona College before coming to VMI, and after leaving VMI he earned his doctorate in dental surgery from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1945.

He established his dental practice in Phoenix after World War II. In all, he practiced dentistry and oral surgery in Phoenix for over 45 years.

Jones gave volunteer dental work to the underprivileged at Maricopa County Hospital, Cottonwood Medical Center and St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, where he was honored with their Sisters of Mercy Award in 1991, as well as the Mercy Physician’s Honoree Award in 1993.

He was a member of All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Mid-Town Rotary, the Phoenix Country Club and the Valley Field Riding and Polo Club.

He is survived by his wife, Marianne Jones of Phoenix; two daughters, Ann and her husband, Pete Scardello, and Trish Padelford; a son, Graham Jones; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Margaret Jones Colquitt.

James E. Biggs Jr. ’44 James Edward Biggs Jr. ’44 of Wichita Falls, Texas, died on July 9, 2009. He was 85.

Biggs matriculated from Wichita Falls and attended VMI for three years. He was an F Company Corporal. In the fall of 1945 he was deployed to France to serve in General Patton’s Third Army where, coincidentally, he came under the command of Frank J. Lee ’42, M.D., who was his next door neighbor in Wichita Falls. Biggs was wounded by shrapnel in Germany and spent time recovering in a hospital in England before being shipped home.

He was awarded the Purple Heart.

Biggs earned a master’s degree in engineering

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at the University of Texas in 1947 and moved in 1950 to Vernon, Texas, where he went to work for the W.T. Waggoner Establishment as the firm’s engineer and surveyor. In 1953 Jones and Robert E. Mathews formed Biggs & Mathews Inc. Consulting Engineers in Wichita Falls. The firm’s first major project came when it was selected to supervise all construction of the Lake Arrowhead dam, spillway and other facilities. Biggs retired in 1990, but the firm continues to this day.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Kathryn Carroll Biggs of Wichita Falls, to whom he was married in 2001; a daughter, Anne Biggs Gerhiser, and her husband, Carl, of Greenville, South Carolina; three sons, Jim Biggs and his wife, Cathy, of Wichita Falls, Bob Biggs of Houston, Texas, and John Dale Biggs and his wife, Donna, of San Antonio; six grandchildren, Katie Biggs Lang and her husband, Blair, of Dallas, Amy Gerhiser Sidaoui and her husband, Khalil, of Abu Dhabi, Laura Gerhiser Hensel and her husband, Chad, of New York City, Gene Gerhiser of Miami Beach, Florida, and Jason and Lauren Biggs of San Antonio; a brother, Robert Dale Biggs and his wife, Barbara, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Mary K.’s daughter, Kathryn Carroll, and her daughter, Breanna Gayman, of Denver. His first wife, Joy Florey Biggs, died in 1997.

Ethan B. Stroud ’44

subsequently earned an LL.M. in tax law from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. While in law school he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Stroud worked as special assistant to the Attorney General in the Tax Division of the Department of Justice in Washington from 1952-56. He served as tax legislative attorney for the Treasury Department in Washington in 1956 and returned to Dallas in the late 1950s to enter private law practice. He worked with the Gardere firm, now Gardere Wynne Sewell & Riggs, before founding the firm of Stroud & Smith in the 1960s.

His clients included the Dallas Public Library, the Housing Authority of the City of Dallas, Braniff Airlines, Transamerica Airlines, Vaughn Petroleum and Dallas Ceramics Company, now DalTile.

Among his celebrity clients were Craig Morton, at the time the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, and Mickey Mantle. Stroud served on the board of directors of the Dallas Public Library, the Dallas Museum of Art and Hillcrest Bank. He was a member of Brook Hollow Golf Club and the Lyford Cay Club in Nassau, Bahamas.

He is survived by his former wife and great friend, Joanne Stroud Bilby; their three children, Ethan B. Stroud and his wife, Carol, Eric M. Stroud and his wife, Sara, and Natasha; a stepdaughter, Robin Walker; and three grandchildren. His wife, Mimi, died in 2006. His father, Ethan B. Stroud Jr. ’13, died in 1949, and his uncle, Thomas A. Slack ’20, died in 1974.

Ethan Beden Stroud ’44 of Dallas, Texas, died on May 3, 2009. He was 86.

Stroud was a member of the VMI Joseph T. Warren ’44 Keydet Club Board of Governors Joseph Turner Warren ’44 of Radfrom 1988-94. ford, Virginia, died on July 1, 2009.

Stroud ‘44 Stroud matriculated from Dallas He was 85. and attended VMI for three years. He Warren matriculated from Delaheld a bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts from plane, Virginia, and held a bachelor of science VMI, where he served as editor of the Cadet news- degree in civil engineering from VMI. paper and was a writer for the Turn-Out, the cadet A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. humor magazine. While at VMI he was a member Army from 1943-46, attaining the rank of captain. of the boxing and wrestling teams. His education Warren spent his career with the Virginia Deat VMI was interrupted by World War II when he partment of Highways and Transportation. One of volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy. As the the first people in the department’s engineering top graduate of his Naval Midshipman class, he and training program, he managed virtually every requested and was granted the quickest route to level in the department and retired as director of combat: attack amphibious ships. He was com- operations. missioned an ensign and assigned to shipboard He is survived by his wife, Mabbot Perkins duty as a Naval Officer in the Pacific Theatre of Warren of Radford; a son, Joseph Warren Jr., and Operations. He was aboard an amphibious landing his wife, Helen Cardwell, of Franklin, Kentucky; ship at the Battle of Leyte Gulf on D-Day, Oct. a daughter, Mary Anne Diehl, and her husband, 20, 1944. He survived an enemy airplane crash Edward Diehl, of Richmond, Virginia; three that took the life of the ship’s commanding officer grandchildren, Christopher Warren, Jennifer Vaand many of the crew. lerga and Mark Harmon and his wife, Sara; and Following World War II, Stroud earned an LL.B. two stepchildren, David Ridout of Radford and degree in law from the University of Texas. He Robin Borkowski of Savannah, Georgia. His first

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TAPS wife, Anne Stover Warren, died in 1989. Warren’s great-uncle was Harry Ashby Hatcher, class of 1892, and his brother was James M. Warren ’46, who died in 1992.

John P. Campbell ’46 John Parkman Campbell ’46 of Luquillo, Puerto Rico, died on July 20, 2009. He was 85.

Campbell matriculated from Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and attended VMI for seven months.

A veteran of World War II, he was a corporal in the U.S. Army from 1943-46.

Campbell graduated from Harvard University and was last employed as the regional sales manager for the Sprague Electric Company in North Adams, Massachusetts. He was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Williamstown, Massachusetts.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sarah Davison Campbell; four children, Breck P. Campbell, Daniel H. Campbell, Sally P. Campbell and Andrew S. Campbell; four stepsons, Chip Ruthven, Perry A. Ruthven, Todd A. Ruthven and Andrew B. Ruthven; 13 grandchildren; a brother, Richard H. Campbell Jr.; and a sister, Joanna Crocker. His first wife, Nancy Hafely Campbell, died in 1976.

Edward J. Hammond ’46 Edward James Hammond ’46 of Tulsa, Oklahoma, died on May 18, 2009. He was 86.

Hammond matriculated from New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and attended VMI for one year. He was a member of the football and wrestling teams.

His education at VMI was interrupted by World War II. He served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1943-46. A navigator, he was awarded one Air Medal.

Hammond earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Penn State University in 1949. He was a professional engineer who spent most of his career in the national and international construction business as a manager and owner of various companies engaged in projects for the oil, gas and chemical industries. He was the owner of Tank Services Inc. He was active in the Tulsa Opera, the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges and the Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority.

He is survived by four children, Deborah Hammond Emanuel and her husband, David, James D. Hammond and his wife, Dianne, Victoria A. Hammond, and Timothy E. Hammond and his wife, Kathleen; and five grandchildren, Sarah A. Hammond, Tara L. Hammond, Leah H. Emanuel Allen and her husband, Mark, Edward J. Hammond II and Timothy E. Hammond Jr. His wife of 58 years, Mary Virginia (Ginny) Hammond, is deceased.

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Stoddard P. Johnston ’46 Stoddard Pintard Johnston ’46 of Pebble Beach, California, died on May 14, 2009. He was 84.

He matriculated from Charleston, West Virginia, and attended VMI for seven months. He went on to receive his bachelor of arts degree from Yale University in 1950.

A veteran of World War II, he served as a technical sergeant in the field artillery from 1943-46.

He served as a first lieutenant during the Korean Police Action from 1951-52.

Stoddard was president of Channel 2, Inc., Oakland, California, applicant for TV Channel 46 (CBS) and a partner in KBOQ. He is survived by his wife of six years, Jeanne Gomez Davis Johnston of Pebble Beach; three sons, Bruce Lee Johnston of Carmel, California, and John Stoddard Johnston and his wife, Linda, of San Diego, a daughter, Azile Kelly Johnston of San Francisco; two grandchildren, Carlyn and Christopher Johnston of San Diego; a stepson, Jordan Lee Eller; a sister, Lee Johnston Norton of San Diego; a brother, Davis Lee Kennedy of Washington, D.C.; and a sister, Patricia Kennedy Grimsted of Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was predeceased by his first wife in 1979 and an uncle, Henry D. Lee ’21, died on Aug. 13, 1973.

John F. Lehr ’48B John Frederick Lehr ’48B of Old Lyme, Connecticut, died on April 27, 2009. He was 81.

Lehr matriculated from Hamden, Connecticut, and attended VMI for one year. He received a bachelor of arts degree from Yale University in 1952.

A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a staff sergeant from 1945-49.

He was a manager in commercial operations and government relations for the Southern New England Telephone Company until his retirement in 1989.

Lehr is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy Lambright Lehr of Old Lyme; two sons, John F. Lehr Jr. and his wife, Kellie, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Richard D. Lehr and his wife, Karin, of Belmont, Massachusetts; and six grandchildren, Julia and Nathaniel Lehr of Fayetteville, and Nicholas, Christian, Holly and Dana Lehr of Belmont.

John W. Sheffield Jr. ’50B John West Sheffield Jr. ’50B of Americus, Georgia, died on July 1, 2009. He was 80.

Sheffield matriculated from Americus and held a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI, where he was an A Company sergeant.

A member of the Monogram Club, he was a member of the track team for four years, the football team for four years and the wrestling team for one year. During his first class year he was designated a Distinguished Military Student.

In addition to VMI, Sheffield attended Harvard Business School. A veteran of Korea, he served in the U.S. Army from 1951-53, serving as a captain of a tank battalion. He was a captain in the National Guard in Americus, and directed the troops in winning many honors.

Sheffield was president of Sheffield Hardware Company for many years. He was a member of the board of directors of the Bank of Commerce in Americus, and an active member of the First United Methodist Church, where he served as a member of the board of stewards and as a Sunday school teacher in the Young People’s Department.

He was a classroom reading mentor at Cherokee elementary school. He was a member of the cast of 14 consecutive plays which were performed to raise funds for the Friends of Lake Blackshear Regional Library, and was a volunteer and member of the advisory board at the Rylander Theater.

He served on the Americus city council and as mayor pro tem for many years, and as mayor of Americus for two terms. He was a member and past president of the Americus Rotary Club and the Southern Wholesale Hardware Association.

He and his brother and father built Lake Collins, which they named in honor of his father-in-law, James Chalmers Collins, and together they developed the area around Lake Collins.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Jean Popwell Thames Sheffield of Americus; his daughter and son-in-law, Jean Collins Sheffield Buchanan and Jim Buchanan of Americus; a son and daughterin-law, John West Sheffield III ’75 and Debbie Sheffield of Birmingham, Alabama; a brother and sister-in-law, Langdon C. Sheffield ’51 and Kathy Sheffield of Americus; three grandchildren, Chip Sheffield of Birmingham and Pagie Buchanan and Jay Buchanan, both of Americus; his stepchildren, Teresa Crabtree, Joy Anne and Mike Murphy, and Johnny and Laura Thames, all of Montgomery; a brother-in-law and his wife, Julius Powell and Mary Edna Popwell of Americus; his stepchildren, Teresa Crabtree, Joy Anne and Mike Murphy, and Johnny and Laura Thames, all of Montgomery, Alabama, Kathi and Sonny Odom of Alex City, Alabama, and Tip and Ann Thames of Prattville, Alabama; and numerous step grandchildren and step greatgrandchildren. His first wife, Nell Page Collins Sheffield, died in 1988. His father, John West Sheffield ’26, who died in 1993, was a charter member of the VMI Sports Hall of Fame. His great uncle was the late Edwin D. Sheffield, class of 1896.

Robert J. Trinkle Jr. ’50B Robert Jacob Trinkle Jr. ’50B of Wilmington, Delaware, died on June 26, 2009. He was 83.

Trinkle matriculated from Lexington, Virginia, and held a bachelor of science degree in chemistry

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS from VMI, where he was the first lieutenant and adjutant on the Second Battalion staff. He was designated a Distinguished Military Student during his first class year.

A veteran of World War II and Korea, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-46 and in the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1951-53. During World War II he was a naval Seabee in the Pacific Campaign, and during the Korean War he worked in reconnaissance photography.

He had a 40-year career with the DuPont de Nemours Corporation, specializing in imaging management. He developed a system for measuring light through x-ray film; this system is used today throughout the world.

Trinkle was a Little League coach and a Boy Scout leader, and was a member of the Classic TBird Club and the Wilmington Power Squadron.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Nancy Neumayer Trinkle of Wilmington; and two sons, Robert Jacob Trinkle III and Herbert Bradley Trinkle, both of the Wilmington area; and a brother, Lt. Col. Nelson C. Trinkle ’64, USAF (Ret), of Ashland, Virginia. His father, Col. Robert J. Trinkle ’14, died in 1953 after a 32-year career at VMI, where he was a professor of electrical engineering and of mechanical engineering. His uncle, Lacy L. Trinkle ’11, died in 1984.

Robert J. Young ’50B Robert John Young ’50B of Deland, Florida, died on July 10, 2009. He was 81.

Young matriculated from Enid, Oklahoma, and held a bachelor of arts degree in biology from VMI where he was a member of the Officer of the Guard Association and of the International Relations Club, and served on the circulation staff of the Cadet newspaper. He served on active duty in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and continued as a Reserve officer, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1988. He then returned to Enid and attended Phillips University and the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a master’s degree in general biology. While at OU, he was a member of Beta Theta Pi social fraternity.

Young worked for 32 years as a biologist for the U.S. government. One of the original environmentalists, he joined the Environmental Protection Agency as a project manager when it was formed in 1971. After retiring from government service, he moved first to Virginia Beach, Virginia, and then to Deland. He and his sister were partners in the family business, Young Valley Farms. He was a supporter of the Enid Symphony Orchestra, the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center and the Sons and Daughters of the Cherokee Strip.

He was fluent in the international language of Esperanto, and attended numerous Elder hostels

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throughout the world. He was a member of the Friends of the Circus.

He is survived by his sister, Joan Young Harper of Enid; a nephew, Brig. Gen. Gil Harper, USA (Ret), and his wife, Kris, of Charleston, South Carolina; a niece, Nancy Harper Hockemeier and her husband, Curt, of Skillman, New Jersey; and six great nieces and nephews.

Zack C. Saufley ’52 Maj. Gen. Zack Church Saufley ’52, USA (Ret), of Frankfort, Kentucky, died on July 13, 2009. He was 78.

Saufley matriculated from Stanford, Kentucky, and attended VMI for one year. He subsequently earned a bachelor of science degree and a master of science degree in agricultural economics from the University of Kentucky. A veteran of Korea, he served in the U.S. Army from 1952-88, attaining the rank of major general. He served as a platoon leader in the 40th Infantry Division in Korea in 1952-54 and as a company commander in the 100th Division during the Berlin Crisis in 196162. He then served over 30 years in the Army Reserve, culminating in his promotion to major general and commander of the 100th Division. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the U.N. Service Medal, the U.S. Distinguished Service Medal, the Kentucky Distinguished Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters.

After his retirement from the Army Reserve in 1988, he served as a civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army from 1988-94. His civilian career began as a faculty member at the University of Kentucky in the College of Agriculture from 1957-71.

He was then appointed a vice president of Farmers Bank & Trust Company where he remained until 1988, eventually serving as president and CEO of Farmers Bank & Capital Trust Company, as well as president and CEO of Farmers Capital Bank Corporation. From 1989-95 he served with Whitaker Bank Corporation as vice chairman and as chairman of the board of State National Bank of Frankfort. Upon retiring from banking he operated Church’s Grove Farm, where he achieved Master Conservationist status and won the national regional Environmental Stewardship Award for innovative land conservation practices in beef cattle farming.

He served as a member, trustee, treasurer, board director or board chairman for numerous organizations, including Lees College, the Kentucky Bankers Association, the Kentucky Financial Institutions Board, the Kentucky Military Affairs Commission, the Ralph E. Mills Foundation, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, Boy Scouts, the Salvation Army,

the Rotary Club, the University of Kentucky Business Partnership Foundation, the Kentucky Independent College Fund, the Kentucky Military Museum Committee, the Commonwealth Small Business Development Corporation and the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority. He was the recipient of the University of Kentucky Distinguished Alumnus Award and was appointed to the Kentucky College of Agriculture’s Scovell Society. He received the Governor’s Outstanding Kentuckian Award, the Frankfort Community Development Award, the Leesoman Award and the Frankfort United Way Leadership Award, and was named a Society of Van Meter Fellow, a Lee’s College Presidential Fellow and a University of Kentucky Fellow.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Singleton Saufley of Frankfort; four daughters, Jessamine Saufley, Claire Lancaster and her husband, Ken, Carrie McNamara and her husband, Robert, and Jennifer Keith and her husband, Timothy; a son, Zack Church Saufley Jr. and his wife, Susan; seven grandchildren; five step grandchildren; one great grandchild; and two brothers, Henry Rowan Saufley III and his wife, Barbara, and George E. Saufley and his wife, Connie. He was married for 52 years to the late Yvonne Yates Saufley.

Rufus W. Marks ’54 Rufus Wayne Marks ’54 died on May 23, 2009.

He was 78.

He matriculated from Indianapolis, Indiana, and attended VMI for five months and two days.

David M. Barker ’55 (correction)

Editor’s note: We apologize to the family of David M. Barker ’55 for two errors that appeared in his obituary, which was published in the Alumni Review 2009-Issue 3. In paragraph three, line one, the typo “CLOA” should have read, “ALCOA.” In paragraph five, line four, “Evansville, Illinois,” should have read, “Evansville, Indiana.”

Frank J. O’Connor ’55 Frank Joseph O’Connor Jr. ’55 of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died June 3, 2009. He was 75.

O’Connor matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and held a bachelor of arts degree in biology from VMI, where he was a corporal during his third class year. He was a member of the basketball and baseball teams during his fourth class year and of the Officer of the Guard Association during his first class year.

He earned an M.D. degree from the University of Virginia in 1959. He served his internship at North Carolina Baptist Hospital and at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, from 1959-

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TAPS 60. He served as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps from 1960-62 and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. He then was a surgery resident at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, from July 1962-June 1963, and served as a Research Fellow in urology at Bowman Gray from July 1963-June 1964. He was a resident in urology at North Carolina Baptist Hospital and at Bowman Gray from July 1964-June 1967.

O’Connor practiced medicine in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk area. He served as an instructor in urology at the Eastern Virginia Medical School. He served on the executive committee of the General Hospital of Virginia Beach from 1973-74; as chairman of the pharmacy committee of the General Hospital of Virginia Beach from 1974-75; and on the infectious disease committee of the General Hospital of Virginia Beach and served as its chairman from 1976-77. He was director of surgery at the General Hospital of Virginia Beach from 1978-79, 1979-80 and 1980-81.

He is survived by a daughter, Margaret C. O’Connor; two sons, Charles S. O’Connor and his wife, Rebecca, and William J. O’Connor and his wife, Sabrina; a grandson, Stuart O’Connor; and a brother, Tommy O’Conner.

Wyndham R. White III ’56 Wyndham Robertson (Windy) White III ’56 of Richmond, Virginia, died on May 22, 2009.

He was 75.

White matriculated from Hartsdale, New York, and held a bachelor of arts degree in English from VMI. During his fourth class year he was a member of the basketball, baseball and football teams. As a third classman he was a member of the golf team, which he served as manager during his first class year. He was a member of the banquet committee of the Class of 1956 Ring Figure, and during his first class year he was co-editor of the “Outrage” section of the 1956 Bomb.

He earned a master’s degree in business administration from the Darden School of the University of Virginia in 1961. He began his career working with the International Paper Company, after which he worked for most of his life in the garment industry in Manhattan.

He retired as a vice president of Forstmann & Company, a textile concern.

He was a member from 1983-88 of the board of directors of Daytop Village in New York, which provides drug-free counseling services, and, beginning in 1994, the board of the Virginia Foundation for Exceptional Children and Adolescents. He was active in Alcoholics Anony-

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mous groups in both New York and Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Lloyd Call (Dootsie) White of Richmond; a daughter, Allison White Twente and her husband, Stephen Twente, of Richmond; two sons, Wyndham Robertson (Rob) White IV and his wife, Chris Birdsong White, of Richmond, and John Owen White of New York City; a sister, Sydney Radcliffe White of Colchester, Vermont; four grandchildren, Luke Owen Twente, Graham Harrison Twente, Ali Russell White and Wyndham Robertson White V; and his step-children, Jan and Bobby Wiltshire, Jimmy Hazelgrove, Dan and Polly Hamel and Scott Hamel, and their children and grandchildren. His first wife of 35 years, Lois Owen White, is deceased. His father, Wyndham Robertson (Windy) White Jr. ’26, died in 1980. A charter member of the VMI Sports Hall of Fame, he was considered one of VMI’s great all-around athletes.

Hugh H. Blackwell ’60 Hugh Hamlett (Buddy) Blackwell ’60 of Danville, Virginia, died on July 17, 2009. He was 71.

Blackwell matriculated from Wytheville, Virginia, and held a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI, where he was an F Company corporal. He served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1960-62. He then began a career with Ingersoll Rand Company that took him from Georgia to Louisiana to Texas.

He retired to Danville, where he was a member of Moffett Memorial Baptist Church and the board of directors at Hope Harbor, and volunteered with God’s Storehouse.

He is survived by two daughters, Anne Blackwell Thompson and her husband, Jimmy, and Kathryn Blackwell West and her husband, Jay; and three grandchildren, Christopher Covington Thompson, William Douglas Thompson III and Jane Elizabeth West. Three nephews are also VMI alumni: Harry M. Moore ’81 of Richmond, Virginia, Benjamin K. Irvin ’83 of Roanoke, Virginia, and David H. Irvin ’85 of Staunton, Virginia.

Paul L. Everett III ’61 Paul Lee Everett III ’61 of Elk Grove, California, died on June 29, 2009. He was 70.

Everett matriculated from Suffolk, Virginia, and held a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1962-64.

Upon returning to the States from Germany, he began his career as a civil engineer when he moved to California to work for the California Department of Transportation. He retired as a senior bridge engineer in 2003 after 39 years of service with Caltrans. He was a member of the

American Society of Civil Engineers, Professional Engineers in California Government and Sons in Retirement El Dorado Branch #23.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Womble Everett of Elk Grove, who was his high school sweetheart; a daughter, Beth Everett Eller and her husband, Rick, and their children, Andrew and Ashley, of Sacramento, California; a son, Paul Lee Everett IV of Wilton, California; a sister, Elizabeth E. Gordon, and her husband, Jim, of Suffolk, Virginia; a brother, C. Taylor Everett, and his wife, Bekah, of Waverly, Virginia; and a niece, Beth C. Russell of Hopewell, Virginia.

Two of his cousins are the Honorable Elmon T. Gray ’46 of Waverly and Garland Gray II ’73 of Williamsburg, Virginia.

Donald G. Wise ’61 Donald Grant Wise ’61 of Portsmouth, Virginia, died on May 5, 2009. He was 70.

Wise matriculated from Portsmouth and held a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from VM1, where he was a member of the wrestling team and the Monogram Club for four years.

Wise continued his education at the Marshall Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in canon law and a J.D. degree in 1963. He then joined his father and brother in the law firm of Wise, Wise and Wise in Portsmouth, where he practiced for 40 years.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, B. Kimberly Wise of Portsmouth; four daughters, Ann Wise Sheppard and her husband, William, of Suffolk, Virginia, Dawn Wise Edwards and her husband, Steve, of Caswell Beach, North Carolina, Dani Wise Johnson and her husband, Brad, of Pittsboro, North Carolina, and Lara Wise Hondros and her husband, Mark, of Wilmington, North Carolina, seven grandchildren, David Grant Kidd, Dylan Wise Edwards, Morgan Marianna Edwards, Virginia Dare Johnson, Kimberly Rose Johnson, Luke Weber Hondros and Waverly Drew Hondros; Ins brother, H. Larry Wise Jr. ’57 and his fiancée, Barbara Cornell, of Chesapeake, Virginia; a sister, Sandra Wise Hanna and her husband, Dr. Ira R. Hanna; three nephews, Edward Wise, Brant Wise and Richard Hanna; and a niece, Stephanie Moore.

Stephen W. Veasey ’63 Stephen Wallace Veasey ’63 of Snellville, Georgia, died on March 15, 2007. He was 66.

Veasey matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and attended VMI for one year.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Veasey of Snellville; two daughters, Alice Marie and her

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS Daniel J. Ogle ’63 Former Executive Director, VMI Keydet Club Daniel James Ogle ’63 of Washington, D.C., Sportsmen’s Club (now the VMI Keydet died on June 9, 2009. He was 69.

Club), a position he held until 1975. He was Ogle matriculated from Des Plaines, Il- instrumental in the establishment of the VMI linois, and held a bachelor of arts degree in Sports Hall of Fame, which had its genesis history from VMI. He was a first sergeant in the desire of then head football coach Bob during his first class year and was a member Thalman to rekindle enthusiasm and interest of the VMI Commanders in the Institute’s athletic and the judo team for three program. According to The years. He was a member of Corps Roots the Loudest: A the Cadet newspaper staff History of VMI Athletics, for three years, and during

by Thomas W. Davis ’64, his first class year he was Ogle and Thalman traveled designated a Distinguished across the United States Military Student. and talked with alumni A Vietnam veteran, he about the idea, and the served in the U.S. Marine charter for the organizaCorps from 1963-69, attion was issued on July taining the rank of captain.

28, 1972.

Ogle ’63 His service included assignAfter leaving VMI, Ogle ments with the Third Recon worked as a salesman for Battalion in Okinawa and a number of Washington the Ceremonial Guard Unit at the Marine area companies, including Edward Don Barracks in Washington, D.C., where he was and Company, ML Marketing Inc., Wilkins the commanding officer of H&S Company. He Coffee and, lastly, Royal Cup Coffee, from was a company commander in the First Recon which he retired in 2002. He was an active Battalion, First Marine Division, in Vietnam member of American Legion Adelphia Post in 1968-69. He was awarded the Bronze Star 38, where he was a past three term comMedal with Combat “V.” mander and member of the executive comAfter leaving the Marine Corps in 1969, mittee. He attended St. Alban’ s Episcopal Ogle came to VMI to take over a newly Church in Washington, D.C. created position as an assistant to Col. He is survived by his wife, Missy Alden Arthur M. Lipscomb ’34, the VMI direc- of Washington, D.C.; a daughter, Forrest tor of admissions. He was subsequently Burgdorf of Vesuvius, Virginia; a son, Blake given the additional responsibility of being Ogle of Roanoke, Virginia; two grandchildren, VMI’s financial aid officer and served as Tylar and Taber Burgdorf; his first wife and associate director of summer sessions. In the mother of his two children, Linda Frazier; 1971 he became executive manager (now and the family of his late brother, Joseph L. called executive vice president) of the VMI Ogle Jr. husband, Craig Sheets, of Roanoke, Virginia, and Rebecca Veasey Schimandle of Snellville; a son, Daniel Bennett Veasey, and his wife, Jennifer, of Loganville, Georgia; five grandchildren, Lauren Schimandle, Bennett Veasey, Quinton Sheets, Savannah Veasey and Olivia Schimandle; a brother, William M. Veasey, and his wife, Ruth, of Brevard, North Carolina; a stepsister, Bonnie Livingston, and her husband, Tony, of Miami, Florida; a stepbrother, Al Cook of Tampa, Florida; one niece; and one great-niece.

2009-Issue 4

Walter R. Franke Jr. ’64 Walter Royden (Topper) Franke Jr. ’64 of Salem, Virginia, died on July 5, 2009. He was 67.

Franke matriculated from Galax, Virginia, and attended VMI for four and one half months. He earned a bachelor of science degree in mathematics and religion from Lynchburg College in 1964.

From 1964-66 he attended Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas, and from 1966-69 he and his wife, Beezy, were missionaries in the Congo,

Zaire. He served as a bush pilot for Disciples of Christ Christian Church before returning to Brite from 1971-73 to receive his D.M. degree.

He served as minister of education at First Christian Church in Carrollton, Texas, and as minister at Pecan Springs Christian Church in Austin, Texas, and from 1978-86 he was senior pastor at First Christian Church in Salem, Virginia. He was associate regional minister in the area office in Roanoke, Virginia, before joining Lynchburg College in 1991 as the vice president of external affairs.

Among his survivors are his wife, Bernice (Beezy) Franke of Salem; two daughters, Krystin Mann and her husband, Andrew, of Turks and Caicos Island, British West Indies, and Katie B. Faussenmagne and her husband, Chris, of Atlanta, Georgia; and three grandchildren, Grace and Kate Mann and John Faussenmagne. His father, Walter Royden Franke ’36, died in 1965.

I. Lee Chapman III ’65 VMI Foundation Board of Trustees; Honor Court President Irving Lee Chapman III ’65 of Richmond, Virginia, died on July 24, 2009. He was 66.

Chapman served as a member of the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees from 1998-2006.

He was elected in 1976 to a two year term as a member at large on The VMI Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Chapman matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and held a bachelor of arts degree in English from VMI, where he was president of the Honor Court.

A Vietnam veteran, he served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1966-68. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

Upon returning to the states, he earned a M.B.A. in 1970 from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, where he was president of his class and served on the University’s Honor Committee. While at UVa, he was named to Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), the national leadership honor society.

He joined Blue Cross of Virginia in 1979 as vice president of finance and subsequently was promoted to senior vice president in 1981 and executive vice president in 1983. He was elected president of Blue Cross in 1986. Before joining Blue Cross,

Chapman ’65

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TAPS he was executive vice president and senior credit officer for Bank of Virginia’s Eastern Region.

Earlier, he was associated with Central National Bank as senior vice president in charge of the Personal Banking Division. After those careers he owned and operated several businesses.

Chapman was chairman emeritus of the Greater Richmond YMCA. He held leadership roles in the United Way and served on the board of St. Christopher’s School.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Mary Whittle Chapman of Richmond; two sons, Lee Chapman and his wife, Martha, and their children, Michael, Anna and Molly, and Michael Chapman and his wife, Catherine, and their daughter, Hartley; a daughter, Sara Waechter, and her husband, John, and their daughter, Mary Page, all of Richmond; a sister, Sally Crumpler, and her husband, John, of Norfolk, Virginia; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. His father-in-law, B. Randolph Whittle ’37, died in 1988.

John C. Rasmussen Jr. ’65 John Curtis Rasmussen Jr. ’65, Ph.D., of Corolla, North Carolina, died on June 30, 2009.

He was 66.

Rasmussen matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and held a bachelor of science degree in biology from VMI. A Vietnam veteran, he served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1966-67. He was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division and was awarded the Combat Medical Badge. He earned a master’s degree and a doctorate in modern European history from the University of Georgia. From 1973-80 he was a staffer for the late Rep. David E. Satterfield III of Richmond, Virginia, serving in various positions in both Satterfield’s Washington, D.C., and Richmond offices. Under Satterfield’s chair-

manship patronage, Rasmussen served with the Democratic Research Organization in Washington. From 1981-85 he was legislative director for the late Rep. Joe Skeen of New Mexico, and later in 1985 he worked briefly for Sen. Phil Gramm of Texas before moving over to the Energy Office of the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce. He traveled to the Far East and the Middle East to further the department’s mission to open foreign markets to U.S. exports. The Tariff Liberalization Team that he headed in 2000 earned the department’s Bronze Medal Award for Superior Federal Service. He served with Commerce until his retirement from federal service in 2001.

He was a member of the Westmoreland Club in Richmond and a non-resident member of the Fredericksburg Country Club.

He is survived by his younger brother and only sibling, Dr. William Meade Stith Rasmussen, and his wife, Maria Payne, and her two children, Elizabeth Maria Joynes and Alexandra Mercedes Joynes; and two nephews, Drury Alexander Stith Rasmussen and his wife, Lea Schon, and Marc Emerson Townes Rasmussen. His uncle, William Meade Stith Jr. ’33, died in 2007, and his cousin, John E. Townes Jr., class of 1907, died in 1970. His cousin is William Meade Stith III ’71 of Portsmouth.

Scott P. McCumber ’88 Scott Paris McCumber ’88 of Midlothian, Virginia, died on April 11, 2009, in an automobile accident. He was 42.

McCumber matriculated from Midlothian and held a bachelor of arts degree in history from VMI. A member of the Bomb staff for four years, he served as its head photographer during his third class year, its photo editor during his second class

year and its managing editor during his first class year. He was a member of the football team during his second class year.

A veteran of Operations Desert Storm/Desert Shield, he served as a lieutenant junior grade in the U.S. Navy from 1988-91. At the time of his death he was a business unit leader with Philip Morris U.S.A., for which he had worked for 17 years.

He is survived by his wife, Erin D. McCumber of Midlothian; two children, Kelsey Scott McCumber and Miles Paris McCumber; his mother, Patricia McCumber Gross and her husband, Kenneth; his father, Irwin H. McCumber ’65 and his wife, Linda, of Midlothian; a sister, Shannon McCumber Cobb and her husband, Matthew; four nieces, Madison, McKinley, Maylie and McClaine; his mother- and father-in-law, Diana and Gary Donahue; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Kelly and John DePew, Candace and Phil Andrie, Meredith and John Gavin, and Karl Uftring; nine nieces and nephews, Taylor, Peyton, Bryce, Kylee, Seth, Meredith, Griffin, Lane and Emerson; and aunts and many cousins.

Jordan P. Amos ’05 Cpl. Jordan Paul Amos ’05, USMC, of Dry Fork, Virginia, died on June 18, 2009. He was 25 and was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, where he died in an accident.

After leaving VMI, Amos attended Danville Community College before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps in February 2006. He served two tours of duty in Iraq.

He is survived by his parents, Paul and Susan Amos; a sister, Caitlin, of Dry Fork; his paternal grandparents, Norman and Mavis Amos of Callands, Virginia; his material grandfather, Giles Gregory of Danville, Virginia; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

DEATHS IN THE VMI FAMILY Dean B. Foster, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Psychology Dean Benjamin Foster, Ph.D., professor emeritus of psychology at VMI, died on June 6, 2009.

He was 89.

Foster joined the VMI faculty in 1961 and served until his retirement in 1985. He served for many years as chairman of the department of psychology, philosophy and religion, and in 1983 he received the Institute’s Distinguished Teaching Award. His citation noted that he was an “unorthodox but highly effective teacher,” one who stimulates his students to learn and think for themselves.

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He graduated in 1942 from Indiana University, where he was president of Kappa Delta Rho fraternity, and received his Ph.D. in psychology from Cornell University. Prior to coming to VM1, he spent 20 years in industrial research. He served as director of laboratories and director of research, United States Testing Company, in Hoboken, New Jersey, from 1952-61. He did extensive work in sleep patterns which he began in 1957 when he was named research director of the nonprofit Sleep Research Foundation, whose headquarters moved

to Rockbridge County when he came to work at VMI. Foster invented special beds for infants and bedridden people, and worked as an experimental psychologist on the compatibility of students and in other areas, including the study of odor. He brought a number of distinguished people from many professions into his classes at VMI in industrial psychology. Cadets in his classes benefited by going one on one with lawyers, doctors, soldiers, government leaders and athletes, among others.

He was active with the VMI Alumni Agencies, which he helped in many areas, including fundraising, recruiting, publications and research. He contributed several articles to the Alumni Review, most notably “Action and Learning: Synonymous

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS in VMI Psychology Department” (Fall 1973) and “Col. Robert Patrick (Doc) Carroll: A Retrospective” (Fall 1993). In addition, he conducted a long range study of VMI’s classes of 1970 and 1971, beginning with their matriculation and continuing for 10 years following their graduation. A 1983 article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch about this study, which was sponsored by private donations to the VMI Foundation, began, “Its graduates may not be the paragons of greatness described in so many of what Dr. Dean Foster calls ‘wearying anecdotes’ about the Virginia Military Institute, but neither do they march in lockstep for the rest of their lives.” (That article was reprinted in full in the fall 1983 Alumni Review.)

In the 1970s he turned the land around his Rockbridge County home into an energy laboratory for

Foster

Col. Albert L. Deal III Professor Emeritus of Mathematics Colonel Albert L. Deal III, professor emeritus of mathematics at VMI, died on Aug. 1, 2009.

He was 71.

Deal joined the VMI faculty in 1962 and served until his retirement in 2003. He received the VMI Distinguished Teaching Award in 1984 and 1995 and was department head for five years from 1969-74.

Deal, who earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1959 and 1962, respectively, received his Ph.D. in mathematics in 1965 from the same university. When VMI decided to add computer science to the mathematics department, he decided to go back to school and get his master’s degree in computer science, which he received from the University of Virginia in 1988.

He taught as a visiting lecturer at Mary Baldwin College for three years, and taught in the VMI Evening College and in the Summer Sessions. He also taught an intermediate level course of Microsoft Word for the faculty and staff at VMI. He served on no less than 13 major faculty/staff committees at various times during his career, and volunteered for six years as Al Deal, left, at the the Athletic Depart-

ment ticket manager. At the time of his retirement he received the VMI Achievement Medal with four longevity knots in recognition of his extraordinary service to VMI for 41 years.

While Deal was originally a civilian clothes clad professor, he voluntarily donned the Virginia Militia uniform until he had to revert to civilian clothes when he began his battle with multiple sclerosis and had to be in a wheelchair.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Loretta Chittum Deal of Lexington; his sister and brother-in-law, Becky D. and Arthur Burgess of Hickory, North Carolina, additional family members, including Caroleen C. Cornwell and her husband, Eddie, of Buena Vista, and Gordon and Peggy Chittum of Amelia, Virginia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

blackboard with Cadet Jerry L. Codutti ’76. (Photo by Gary K. Freedman ’74.)

rural homeowners, using seven types of homemade, renewable energy: solar, wind, flowing water, Ross M. Blake methane, alcohol, hydrogen oxygen from electrolyAir Force ROTC, 1957-59 sis, and wood. He and the Rev. Bernard Bangley Col. Ross M. Blake, USAF (Ret), of O’Fallon, collaborated on several community productions Illinois, died on June 18, 2008. He was 97. for which Foster wrote the lyrics and Bangley the Blake was a captain and assistant professor music. The productions were performed by a group of aerospace studies at VMI from of local singers under the direction of the 1957-59. A pilot, he fought in World late Rob Stewart, professor of music at War II, Korea and Vietnam, and Washington and Lee University. was a POW in Germany. He was He is survived by his wife of 66 years, awarded the Purple Heart, the Legion Maxine Pace Foster of Lexington, of Merit, the Distinguished Flying who is a noted landscape painter; four Cross, the Bronze Star Medal and children, Gig Foster and Lance Foster, the Air Medal. both of Harrisonburg, Virginia, Janne Following his retirement from the Robinson of Lexington and Liane Air Force after 30 years of service, Fauber of Staunton, Virginia; and seven he sold real estate for Plaza Realty, grandchildren. worked at Zale’s Jewelry and acted Blake

2009-Issue 4

in many productions at the Looking Glass Theatre in Lebanon, Illinois. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the VFW, the Order of Daedalians, the Disabled American Veterans, American Ex Prisoners of War and the Military Officers Association, which he served for 25 years as treasurer. He served on the O’Fallon zoning board.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marsha Nance Blake of O’Fallon; fours sons, Bruce Nance Blake of Annapolis, Maryland, Leslie Ross Blake and his wife, Janice Fielder, of Waldorf, Maryland, Blair MacKenzie Blake of Los Angeles, California, and Duncan Lamont Blake and his wife, Vickey, of Los Angeles; and two grandchildren, Christopher Blake and Meredith Blake, both of Waldorf. Blake was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

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THE VMI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DIRECTORY The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. President

Richmond P. Lykins Jr. ’73 1882 Elmhurst Dr. Germantown, TN 38138 vmi73agent@aol.com

First Vice President Randolph M. Blanks ’67 4773 Charter Ct. Woodbridge, VA 22192 vmi67@comcast.net

Second Vice President Robert A. Heely ’69 507 Westover Ave. Norfolk, VA 23507 bob_heely@wcbay.com

The VMI Foundation, Inc.

Executive Vice President

President

Walter C. Perrin II ’62

Adam C. Volant ’88 P.O. Box 932 Lexington, VA 24450 avolant@vmiaa.org

Immediate Past President

James F. Spellman Jr. ’85 jfspellman@vmialumni.org

Brian S. Crockett

The VMI Keydet Club, Inc. President

Charles F. Plageman ’90

Historian

Thomas W. Davis ’64 davistw@vmi.edu

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer Gregory M. Cavallaro ’84

Terms Expire June 30, 2010 Jamel Lynch, Jr. ’94 region2aetchair2003@yahoo.com Michael Soares ’75 mLodington@gmail.com

Directors at Large

Terms Expire June 30, 2012 Term Expires June 30, 2011 Kenneth Herbert ‘81 kherbert81@cox.net Bland Massie ’77 super77@vmialumni.org Heidi Nagel ’02 Heidimason@aol.com Dallas B. Clark ‘99 clarkdb@vmi.edu

Region/ Director

Chapter Name

Chapter President

President’s E-mail

Chapter Representative

Russell Shun Takata ’74 Matthew R. Hemenez ’90 Todd E. Arris ’87 James R. Farmer ’68 Thomas R. Clark III ’73 Jay C. Wegrzyn ’66 Andre J. Gibson ’78 Trent L. Boggs ’83 Joseph S. Howard III ’97 Kenneth S. Krynski ’89

russell.takata@yahoo.com mrhemenez@cox.net tearris@gmail.com seattlefarmer@comcast.net vmiman@comcast.com jcwegrzyn@yahoo.com andrejg@aol.com tboggs@gci.com jhoward211@cox.net krynskiks@pendleton.usmc.mil

Russell Shun Takata ’74 Raphael S. Barsamian ’89 Todd E. Arris ’87 James R. Farmer ’68

San Antonio Centex Chicago Kansas City, Missouri North TX - Dallas Rio Grande SE TX - Houston Southwest Ohio St. Louis Detroit Little Rock Bluegrass Third Coast (Corpus Christi) Oklahoma

Robert R. Costigan ’70 Jeffrey L. Minch ’73 Jeffrey T. Golden ’99 Jeffrey D. Vordermark ’79 Timothy S. Feagans ’90 Alexander E. Woelper ’80 Joseph J. Leonard Jr. ’83 Michael A. Demers ’80 Harry W. Gore Jr. ’72 David C. Hagemann ’80 James F. Dittrich ’76 Gregory G. McDearmon ’99 Walter J. Kleine ’63 Hamel B. Reinmiller ’98

bcosti@mindspring.com jminch@littlefield.com jeff.t.golden@smithbarney.com vordermark@juno.com tfeagans@marcusmillchap.com alexw@enconinternational.com Joseph.J.Leonard@uscg.mil michael.demers2@wpafb.af.mil goreharry@vmialumni.org dhag80@aol.com jim_dittrich@leisurearts.com ggmcd34@earthlink.net WKleine@STX.RR.com HBRvmi98@vmialumni.org

Jimmie V. Thurmond ’56 Jeffrey L. Minch ’73 Donald A. Noschese Jr. ’92 Todd J. Jacobs ’90

Greater Rhode Island New England NY City - Long Island North Jersey

Patrick L. McGuire ’85 Matthew L. Camfield ’94 Robert A. Munno ’81

magsvmi@email.com matthew_camfield@msn.com ram81vmi@aol.com

Patrick L. McGuire ’85 John W. Wainwright III ’82 John R. Gibney Jr. ’80

Thomas M. Wirth ’98 Duane E. Williams ’66 John D. Kearney ’73 Allan R. Berenbrok ’80

twirth@mragta.com dwilliams@pa.net kearneyjd@msn.com allan.berenbrok@tetratech.com

Thomas J. Hickey Jr. ’68 Lester C. Martin ’68 John D. Kearney ’73 Robert A. Lane ’75

Terence L. Bowers ’68 Thomas N. Daniel Jr. ’60 Charles C. Schoen IV ’86 John R. Savage ’74 Richmond P. Lykins Jr. ’73 William E. Kirby III ’96

tbowers68@comcast.net tomdaniel60@charter.net cschoen@ironwoodins.com

Raymond R. Lawson ’81 Campbell C. Hyatt III ’65 Charles C. Schoen IV ’86 John R. Savage ’74 Richmond P. Lykins Jr. ’73 Charles S. Sanger ’82

Hawaii Greater Los Angeles Bob Clingenpeel ’69 Northern California Pacific Northwest bclingenpeel1@ Rocky Mountain gmail.com San Diego Inland Empire Chapter Alaska Arizona Las Vegas

Region I Far West

Region II Midwest

Fred Lehman ’91

Fredrick.Lehman@ morganstanley.com

Region III Northeast

Felix Wolkowitz ’75 fwolkowitz@ wolkowbraker.com

Region IV Mid Atlantic

Baltimore Central Keystone Grover Outland ’81 Delaware Valley outland@ Western PA - Pittsburgh techusa.net

Region V Southeast

Guy Conte ’75 guyconte@ gmail.com

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Augusta Appalachian Atlanta Coastal GA - South Carolina Midsouth Middle TN - Nashville

vmi73agent@aol.com ktkirby@comcast.net

Nathaniel P. Ward IV ’65 Peter H. Lyons ’54 Marcus Bruce Paine ’81 Thomas D. Kelly ’50B John D. Christie ’59

Walter E. Woelper Sr. ’42 Steven P. Weiss ’86 Michael A. Demers ’80 Robert C. Polk ’61 Mark A. Benvenuto ’83 Hugh R. Hill ’85 M. Douglass Payne ’73 Michael A. Davis ’06

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

THE VMI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DIRECTORY

Region/ Director

Chapter Name

Chapter President

President’s E-mail

Chapter Representative

Club of the Triad Cape Fear Central NC - Raleigh Charlotte SE N. Carolina/NE S. Carolina Palmetto, South Carolina Coastal Carolina, SC

Benjamin A. Booth ’03 Charles L. Toomey ’74 Michael J. Tutor ’96 Michael S. Anderson ’88

benjamin.booth@volvo.com toomeyl@pinehurst.net mike@tutorresumes.com mike.anderson@allentate.com

Jerome M. Brinkley ’84

brinkleyj1@yahoo.com

John R. Fisher ’89 Charles L. Toomey ’74 Jonathan D. Atkins ’98 James A. Sharp ’93 Karl L. Klinar ’54 Donald P. DeLuca ’62 William H. Cather Jr. ’65

Birmingham Central Florida Mobile NE Florida - Jacksonville Southern Florida Tennessee Valley West Coast FL - Tampa Southwest Florida-Fort Meyer

William H. Cather Jr. ’65 James G. Joustra Jr. ’76 Charles M. Rogers IV ’83 Michael T. Fellows ’95 John A. Weekes Jr. ’97 Herbert U. Fluhler ’77 Larry L. Fluty ’78 Bradford T. Herrell ’01

billcather@bellsouth.net jim.joustra@walgreens.com max.rogers@mobileinfirmary.org michael.fellows@mac.com jweekeslaw@gmail.com huf2000@aol.com lfluty@tbegroup.com vmigrad1@hotmail.com

New River Valley Lynchburg Roanoke

bmadison@themadisonfamily.net William A. Madison ’90 Christopher M. Boswell ’00 cboswell@aquaduckshoes.com Christopher D. Copenhaver ’99 chrisc@protossecurity.com

N. Shenandoah Valley Chapter Charlottesville Blue Ridge Rockbridge County Allegheny Highlands Stonewall Jackson

W. Douglas Thomas ’65 James E. Duncan ’98 G. Wayne Eastham ’76 Thomas E. Jenks III ’67 T. Troy Barbour ’89 Roger A. Jarrell II ’91

wdtllt@comcast.net jim@realcentralva.com weastham@carrhyde.com tedjenks@comcast.net troy.barbour@hcahealthcare.com rjarrell@spilmanlaw.com

Kevin J. Callanan ’78 Mark H. Bryant ’77 R. Edward Duncan ’60 Lewis V. Graybill ’62 Harrison L. Fridley Jr. ’61 Roger A. Jarrell II ’91

Eastern Shore

lbcpa2@verizon.net dtyler4@cox.net joshua.p.priest@navy.mil ed.plucinski@hanson.com ghaste@associatedcontracting.com johnrowejr@verizon.net

Thomas F. Wilson ’80

Norfolk Peninsula Virginia Beach Western Tidewater

Robert W. Leatherbury ’80 David G. Tyler IV ’86 Joshua P. Priest ’80 Edward M. Plucinski ’86 Gary J. Haste ’77 John L. Rowe Jr. ’66

George C. Marshall Potomac River

Sean P. Boyle ’91 Thomas A. Brashears ’95

boyle100@comcast.net R. Rucker Slater Jr. ’88 thomasbrashears@roadrunner.com Douglas B. Warner ’03

Richmond Tri Cities

James R. Smith III ’93 William H. Talley IV ’77

rrsmith@bbandt.com wht4@whts.com

Samuel N. Stocks ’90 Augustus Robbins III ’47

Fredericksburg - Quantico Rappahannock Williamsburg South Boston

Carl J. DeBernard Jr. ’94 Richard A. Duke ’90 Peter J. Kokolis ’96 George D. Dyer ’66

carl.debernard@dhs.gov rduke@mcguirewoods.com Peter_Kokolis@ml.com spookfive@aol.com

R. C. Thompson III ’74 Robert B. Powell ’63 John J. Kokolis ’96

Region XIV Pacific Rim

Thailand Taiwan

Vaipot Srinual ’72 Ching-Pu Chen ’85

chingpu@saturn.yzu.edu.tw

Europe

Italy

Steven G. Cade ’87

steven.cade@us.army.mil

Region VI Carolinas

Lane Toomey ’74 toomeyl@ pinehurst.net

Region VII Deep South Jim Joustra ’76 Jim.Joustra@ Walgreens.com

Region VIII Southwest VA Turner Perrow ’96

tperrow@ perrowconsulting.com

Region IX Shenandoah Valley Ted Jenks ’67 tedjenks@ comcast.net

John H. Friend III ’82 Grafton D. Addison III ’82 Christopher R. Jones ’72 Raymond J. Pietruszka ’77 Andrew M. Neff ’79 Brett R. Martin ’00 William A. Madison ’90 John T. McCarthy ’87 W. Ware Smith Jr. ’62 J. Patrick Henderson ’99

Region X Hampton Roads Asa Page III ’79 apage3@cox.net Douglas Burdett ’82 douglasburdett@ yahoo.com

Region XI Metro D.C.

Sean Boyle ’91

boyle100@comcast.net

Steve Nakazawa ’ 03

James A. Parsons ’80 David J. Trenholm ’70 H. Ali Mahan ’80 Oliver D. Creekmore ’66

steve.nakazawa@gmail.com

Region XII Central VA

Robert Louthan ’82 rpl@aocp.com

Samuel Stocks ’90

sstocks@ kbsgc.com

Region XIII Rappahannock Eric Nost ’79 enost@cffc.com

2009-Issue 4

Vaipot Srinual ’72 Ching-Pu Chen ’85

135

ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS In April 2009, the Yale Child Study projects were closed due to lack of funds. chapters in medical texts, matriculated Center honored Robert W.W. Evans Chaney solicited the aid of medical col- from Radford, Virginia, and graduated ’35, M.D., for his years of dedication and leagues and friends to re-open the projects from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in service by hanging a portrait and establish the foundation. biology. He earned his medical degree of Evans in one of the classChaney matriculated from from the Medical College of Virginia in rooms. The center is part of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Richmond. the Yale School of Medicine graduated from VMI with a in New Haven, Connecticut. bachelor’s degree in chemSuper Lawyers of Virginia, a publicaEvans matriculated from istry/pre-medical. He con- tion of Law and Politics, Inc., recognized Lynchburg, Virginia, and is tinued his education at Johns Albert M. Orgain IV ’65 along with 16 a distinguished VMI graduHopkins, where he received other attorneys from Sands Anderson ate with a bachelor’s degree a master of public health and Marks & Miller, P.C. as a super lawyer.

Evans ’35 in chemistry. He earned his medical degree.

Super Lawyers is a listing of outstanding medical degree from the Unilawyers from more than 70 practice areas versity of Virginia in 1939.

In February 2009, Richard who have attained a high degree of peer H. Dean ’64, M.D., received the high- recognition and professional achievement. est award for service – the Medallion of Super Lawyers magazine names attorneys Merit – from Wake Forest University, in each state who received the highest North Carolina. point totals, as chosen by their peers and In 1987, Dean joined the Wake Forest through the independent research of Law University School of Medicine as chair & Politics. of the department of surgery and Wake Orgain specializes in aviation and Forest University Baptist Medical Center transportation law, including insurance as chief of surgery. coverage, product liability law and risk In 1997, he became the university’s management. senior vice president for health affairs, Orgain matriculated from Richmond, Photo above: The unveiling of the and in 2001, he became the first president Virginia, and graduated from VMI with portrait hung at the Yale Child Study center. and chief executive officer of Wake Forest a bachelor’s degree in English. He atUniversity Health Sciences. tained his juris doctorate degree from During his tenure, the clinical and Washington and Lee University School Verne E. Chaney Jr. ’45 received the research missions at the medical center of Law in 1971.

Sir Edmund Hillary Humanitarian Award grew substantially, and he led an effort that in June 2009 for his “long-term commit- included acquisition of land and expansion Creigh J. Kelley ’68 was inducted into ment to humanitarian endeavors.” He was of the Piedmont Triad Research Park in the Colorado Running Hall of Fame in also acknowledged for his “devotion to the Winston-Salem.

May 2009. betterment of mankind,” as stated in the Dean, who has authored and co-authored Kelley is the race director of the 2009 award citation. over 300 articles in scientific journals and Denver Post Colorado Colfax Marathon. He According to the Dooley Foundation Intermed International Web site, Chaney established the Dooley Foundation in September 1961, after the death of Thomas A. Dooley.

In 1955, Dooley was a physician who assisted with Operation Passage to Freedom in Vietnam and then opened a clinic in Laos. Dooley’s wish was, in his words, to “take care of people who are sick, in areas where they have little or no chance of receiving medical aid.”

Chaney met Dooley in September 1960, when he volunteered in Vietnam and Cambodia to help Dooley establish surgical On June 30, 2009, Charles H. Dayhuff III ’59, second from left, and Frank procedures, train local health workers, and Williams, son of Francis B. Williams Jr. ’43, right, presented the VMI Eagle Scout Certificate to Antonio and Max Coria at the Flint River Council (Georgia) assist in the care of children and villagers Court of Honor. As a member of the Eagle Board of Review, Dayhuff helped displaced by the war. to select these young men for this honor.

Dooley died in January 1961, and his 136

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ALUMNI NEWS has been a competitor, agent, race director, national consultant, announcer, broadcaster and leader in the national and international running community for 30 years. As a race director, Kelley has helped manage and produce more than 1,000 recreation special events throughout the nation over the last 29 years, including the past four with the Colorado Colfax Marathon.

Kelley matriculated from Westport, Connecticut, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in English. He continued his education at the University of Southern California where he earned his master’s degree.

David C. Coulter ’71 has been named the top executive of WakeMed’s Cary Hospital in Cary, North Carolina.

Previously, Coulter had been a senior vice president and administrator of the health system’s main Raleigh campus.

At Cary, he will be responsible for overseeing the hospital’s operations and strategic direction as the population of western Wake County and patient volume increases.

Coulter matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in English. In 1975, he received his master of health administration degree from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond.

Lt. Gen. Richard A. Hack ’72, USA (Ret), has been inducted into the 2009 Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame.

The Ordnance Corps’ purpose is to support the development, production, acquisition and sustainment of weapons systems and munitions. It also provides explosive ordnance disposal during peace and war and superior combat power to the U.S. Army, according to the Ordnance Corps’ Web site.

Hack was commissioned through the VMI ROTC program in 1972 and served from 1973-76 in a series of assignments as maintenance platoon leader and shop officer in the 530th and 514th Maintenance Companies at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and with the 596th and 903rd Companies in Germany. Over the next 25 years, Hack advanced through the ranks, traveled around the world and in 2001, returned to the U.S. to serve as Army Materiel Command chief of staff and deputy commanding general.

2009-Issue 4

He is the recipient of four Legion of Merit awards, five Meritorious Service Medals and three Army Commendation Medals.

He retired in 2005 after 33 years of service.

Hack matriculated from Fort Lewis, Washington, and earned a bachelor’s degree from VMI in history. He earned his master’s degree from Florida Institute of Technology in 1982.

Correction: In the 2009-3 Issue of the Review on page 167, we wrote that Graham L. Undercoffer ’74, USA (Ret), had served two tours with the Marines in Anbar, Iran.

In fact, those tours took place in Anbar, Iraq, rather than the Anbar province in Iran. Our apologies for this error.

The Off-Off Broadway show, “Christmas Guest,” written and produced

by James V. O’Conner ’80, made its New York debut in July 2009.

James V. O’Conner ’80 has written and produced the Off-Off Broadway show, “Christmas Guest,” which made its New York debut in July 2009.

O’Conner is a former journalist and has written for The New York Times, Investor’s Business Daily and other publications. He has also written two other plays, “Milk for Gall” and “Proceed to Checkout,” and four screenplays.

O’Conner matriculated from Pelham Manor, New York, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in English. He earned his master’s of business administration degree from Manhattan College in New York.

Col. Scott F. Donahue ’83, USA, has accepted command of the South Pacific Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer.

Prior to this position, Donahue served as XVIII Airborne Corps Engineer and as director of the Multi-National Corps Iraq C-7.

In his current position, he works closely with congressional members, cost-sharing partners, architect-engineers, construction contractors and members of the Corps within a budget of over $40 billion, including $9 billion of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus dollars. These funds create jobs and enable the Corps to repair and improve critical infrastructure built during the Hoover, Roosevelt and Eisenhower eras. In a press release from the Corps of Engineers, Lt. Gen. Van Antwerp stated, “We are in the midst of the largest infrastructure investment this country has seen since the New Deal, and Col. Donahue [is overseeing] the Corps’ program in one of the largest and fastest growing regions in the country.”

Donahue matriculated from Waterford, Virginia, and is a distinguished graduate of VMI with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He earned his master’s degree from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.

He joined the Army in 1983 and has received the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

D. Scott Gines ’83 has been named interim vice president for institutional advancement at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

He previously served as the university’s athletic director, a post he assumed in August 2007.

Prior to joining Texas A&M, Gines was director of athletics at Fairmont State University in West Virginia, and before that, at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota.

A former head baseball coach at VMI and Radford University, he founded Virginia Baseball Camps, Inc. in 1985, a summer father-son baseball camp that has been featured in Baseball Weekly (2002) and Nikkei Marketing Journal (April 2005). He continues to operate the camp today with a staff of 125.

Gines matriculated from Spring Arbor, Michigan, and graduated with distinction from VMI where he earned his bachelor’s 137

ALUMNI NEWS degree in English. He also holds a master’s degree from the University of Virginia and a certificate from the Sport Management Institute, and he is a fellow of the Higher Education Management Institute through Peabody College at Vanderbilt University.

Capt. Stewart B. Wharton III ’87, USN, was the guest speaker for the Memorial Day Service at Jefferson Park, West Virginia.

A Navy Commendation Medal recipient, Wharton has served in active and reserve forces, spent time in the Mideast and recently ended a tour at the Pentagon.

Currently, he is West Virginia’s Naval Emergency Preparedness Liaison officer, acting as disaster management coordinator on the governor’s extended staff.

Wharton matriculated from Ranson, West Virginia, and earned a bachelor’s degree in history while at VMI. William E. Miller III ’89 has joined SunTrust Mortgage, Inc. in Rockville, Maryland, as a loan officer.

Miller specializes in residential mortgage lending solutions, including purchases, refinances and various types of loans. He provides residential mortgage loans in 37 states including Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, as well as Washington, D.C. Miller matriculated from Berryville, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in English. He earned

a master’s of business administration degree from San Diego State University (California) in 1996.

Pictured above: At Womack’s promation were, from left, Bill Sharp ‘92, David Womack ‘92, Doug Vincent ‘92, Jason Troxell ‘92 Pictured below: Lt. Col. David Womack ’92, at left, receiving the battalion colors.

U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonels Douglas G. Vincent and David B. Womack, both

class of ’92, have assumed command within the 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Vincent is leading the 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, and Womack is heading the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment (Air Assault), 4th Brigade.

Vincent and Womack have quarters in the same neighborhood, and Vincent attended Womack’s change of command.

Vincent matriculated from Lighthouse, Florida, and Womack matriculated from Vinton, Virginia; they both graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in history.

From April 30 to May 3, 2009, Maj. David C. Underwood Jr. ’94, USA, participated in the Wounded Warrior Project “Soldier Ride,” which is designed to help participants with the physical and mental wounds of war and to raise awareness for the project mission. The bicycle race begins at the White House and ends in Annapolis, Maryland. Underwood is pictured above at the start of the race with President Obama.

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Forensic Cardiovascular Medicine

by Basil M. RuDusky ’55. CRC Press, 2009, Boca Raton, Florida. ISBN: 9781-4200-9431-2 (Hardcover).

Forensic Cardiovascular Medicine draws upon Basil RuDusky’s ’55 vast experience to provide coverage of the clinical aspects of cardiac disease in a forensic context. The book emphasizes some of the most frequently encountered cardiovascular medical problems facing 138

the medical examiner or forensic medical specialist, while also placing special emphasis on those conditions and disease states that are apt to be overlooked, misdiagnosed or tardily considered.

It covers death certificates, autopsies and the role of the medical examiner; presents 25 case studies from the author’s experience to illustrate concepts, including cardiac trauma, vascular abnormalities, specific cardiopathic disorders; and toxic, physical, technical, epidemiological and

social influences. It also contains the first complete classification of myocardial contusion and blunt cardiac trauma, as well as a special section on the cardiovascular effects of breast cancer therapy.

About the Author: Basil M. RuDusky, M.D., has served as a consultant for the federal government, corporations, insurance companies and independent medical service agencies.

He is on the manuscript review board of VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ALUMNI NEWS ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcement ... ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... several medical journals and is associate editor of Angiology, the official international journal of the American Society of Angiology and the International Academy of Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/ Hemostasis.

RuDusky matriculated from Alden Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from VMI. He continued his education at the University of Pittsburg where he earned his medical degree. From 1959-62, he served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps.

Introduction to Environmental Engineering by Richard O. Mines ’75. Prentice Hall, 2010. ISBN-10: 0132347474; ISBN-13: 978-013247471.

In Introduction to Environmental Engineering, First Edition, authors Richard Mines ’75 and Laura Lackey explain complicated environmental systems in easy-to-understand terms, providing examples and an emphasis on current environmental issues such as global warming, the failing infrastructure within the United States, risk assessment and hazardous waste remediation. Some of the key topics: Environmental Engineering as a Profession; Introduction to Environmental 2009-Issue 4

Engineering Calculations: Dimensions, Units and Conversions; Essential Chemical Concepts; Biological and Ecological Concepts; Risk Assessment; Design and Modeling of Environmental Systems; Sustainability and Green Development; Water Quality and Pollution; Water Treatment; Domestic Wastewater Treatment; Air Pollution; Fundamentals of Hazardous Waste Site Remediation; and Introduction to Solid Waste Management. This book is appropriate for engineers interested in a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to environmental engineering.

About the Author: Richard O. Mines Jr., Ph.D., P.E., matriculated from Hot Springs, Virginia. A distinguished Air Force ROTC graduate, he earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from VMI. He lettered in cross country, indoor and outdoor track for three years.

In January 1977, he earned a master of engineering degree in civil engineering from the University of Virginia before returning to VMI where he served as a civil engineering instructor for two years.

In July 1983, Mines completed his doctoral degree in civil engineering at Virginia Tech.

His specialty is environmental engineering, focusing on the design of water and wastewater treatment systems. Mines worked as a process engineer for a number of years with two international consulting firms: CH2M Hill and Black & Veatch. Presently, he is a professor of environmental engineering and director of graduate engineering programs at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia.

Dr. Laura W. Lackey, graduate of the University of Tennessee Knoxville, is the co-author of the book.

2076 – A Novel of the Future by Stephen F. Schaaf ’83 (under the pen name of Stephen Forsyth). Booksurge.com, August 2009. ISBN: 1-4392-3672-0.

Schaaf ’83 In the year 2075, America is shattered by an “accidental” nuclear war – and the ensuing environmental catastrophe.

A terrorist mastermind has commandeered a French nuclear missile complex and is threatening to incinerate the few surviving American cities.

All that stands in the way of a second holocaust is Special Recon Team Five and their commander, Lieutenant First Class Montana Gantry. Fitted out in their newly perfected invisible combat suits, Team Five departs on its perilous and unpredictable adventure – a combat mission planned by Gantry’s lover, the attractive, impetuous Jan Gleeman.

The gritty dialogue of 2076 comes to life in the artwork of Thomas Pachuta – treating readers to a clear vision of a tormented late-21st century world.

Take a heart-pounding journey through this sci-fi thriller as the rich narratives of technology, love, warfare and the postArmageddon environment jump from the pages of 2076.

About the Author: Stephen Forsyth ’83 has been around the military all his life: He is the son of a Navy fighter pilot and father of a U.S. Marine. Immediately entering the Navy upon graduation from VMI, he was designated a student naval flight officer.

After earning his wings, he trained and qualified as an A-6E attack bombardier/ navigator. Forsyth’s service includes four extended deployments aboard the U.S.S. John F. Kennedy and U.S.S. America, 139

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He went on to earn a master of science in space systems technology degree from the Naval Postgraduate School while still on active duty. Leaving the service after 11 years, he now works as an engineer and adviser on technology and defense projects.

The Prohibition Hangover: Alcohol in America from Demon Rum to Cult Cabernet by Garrett C. Peck ’90. Rutgers University Press, 2009.

ISBN-10:0813545927; ISBN-13:978081354927.

The Prohibition Hangover examines the modern American temperament toward drink amid the $189-billion-a-year industry that defines itself by the production, distribution, marketing and consumption of alcoholic beverages. Based on primary research, including hundreds of interviews, Garrett Peck ’90 provides a panoramic assessment of alcohol in American culture and history.

About the Author: Peck, a distinguished VMI graduate, matriculated from Carmichael, California, and earned a bachelor’s degree in history.

While at VMI, he was a contributing writer to the weekly newspaper, The Cadet.

He served with the U.S. Army in Germany and was stationed near the Mosel River, one of the prime wine-growing regions in the country. He earned his master’s degree in international affairs at George Washington University and has 14 years of marketing experience in the telecommunications industry.

Peck is a freelance writer for the alcoholic beverage industry and public speaker on alcohol issues. He also led the Temperance Tour of prohibition related sites in Washington, D.C., which has been highlighted on Maryland public television’s “Artworks This Week.” His articles have been published in The Washington Post and in 26 alcohol-related publications. He is also contributing to the Cultural Encyclopedia of Alcohol due out in 2010.

Beyond Duty: Life on the Frontline in Iraq by Shannon P. Meehan ’05 and Roger C. Thompson, VMI English professor. Polity, 2009. ISBN-10: 0745646727; ISBN-13: 978-0745646725.

by various Sunni and Shia factions. He was celebrated by his senior officers and decorated with medals. But when the U.S. surge to retake Iraq in 2006 and 2007 finally pushed into Baqubah, a town virtually entirely controlled by al Qaida, Meehan would make the decision that would change his life.

This is the true story of one soldier’s attempt to reconcile what he has done with what he felt he had to do. Stark and devastating, it recounts first-hand the reality of a new type of warfare that remains largely unspoken and forgotten on the frontlines of Iraq.

About the Authors: Capt. Shannon P. Meehan was a leader of a tank platoon for the storied 1st Cavalry Division of the U.S. Army. He graduated from VMI with distinction, having also studied at Oxford, and earned the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and other military honors while serving in Iraq.

Roger C. Thompson is a professor of English and fine arts at VMI. He is an award-winning nonfiction writer and has published both academic and non-academic work in a variety of journals.

Under the blazing Iraqi sun in summer 2007, Shannon Meehan ’05, a lieutenant in the U.S. Army, ordered a strike that would take the lives of innocent Iraqi civilians. He thought he was doing the right thing. He thought he was protecting his men. He thought that he would only kill the enemy, but in the ruins of the strike, he discovers his mistake and uncovers a tragedy.

For most of his deployment in Iraq, Lt. Meehan felt that he had been made for a life in the military. A tank commander, he worked in the violent Diyala Province, successfully fighting the insurgency

140

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

INSTITUTE INSTITUTE electrical engineering from VMI. He re- from the Institute. He ranked second tired in 2005 as the 17th chief of staff of academically, receiving the second the U.S. Air Force. He was a fighter pilot, Jackson Hope Medal, was the president commanded an F-16 fighter squadron, of the class of 1977, was a lieutenant commanded two fighter wings and was on the 2nd Battalion staff in the Corps commander of U.S. Air Forces Europe and of Cadets and was co-captain of the Gen. John P. Jumper ’66, retired chief Allied Air Forces Central Europe. During wrestling team. He received his juris his career, he accumulated doctorate degree from the University of staff of the Air Force 5,000 flying hours and more of Pittsburgh School of Law. He was and resident of Burke, Virthan 1,400 combat hours. He instrumental in founding, and has ginia, and Kimber L. Latsha earned a master of business remained active in, the Central Key’77, a founding principal administration destone Chapter of The VMI of Latsha, Davis, Yohe & gree from Golden Alumni Association.

McKenna P.C., a law firm Gate University.

Prior to entering priheadquartered in MechanDuring his cavate practice, he served icsburg, Pennsylvania, were detship, Jumper as a prosecutor and as a appointed to the VMI Board achieved the rank special assistant United of Visitors in July 2009 by of lieutenant and States attorney while on Gov. Timothy M. Kaine.

Jumper ’66 participated in acactive duty with the Judge Reappointed to the board tivities including Advocate General’s Corps, were Elizabeth Lee Camp the Newman Club, U.S. Army, from 1981-84. of Richmond and Marshall Following his tour of acMundy ’56 of Roanoke. Going off the intramural basketball and the Latsha ’77 tive duty, Latsha served for board after eight years were Bob Mc- VMI Firefighters. He was a Distinguished Aerospace Student five years in the U.S. Army Dowell ’68 and Bruce Morris ’78.

Jumper, who is currently a member of and received the Air Force Vice Comman- Reserve. He is recognized nationally as one of the leading attorneys in long-term the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees, dant’s Award as a first class cadet.

Latsha graduated with distinction care law. earned a bachelor of science degree in

Two New Members Appointed to VMI Board of Visitors

VMI Retains Spot Among Top Public Liberal Arts Colleges As announced in August 2009, VMI kept its place in the top rank of liberal arts colleges in the latest ranking released by U.S. News & World Report.

The Institute was named the No. 3 public liberal arts college in the nation, coming in behind the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. This is the same position VMI has held since 2007, when federal service academies were added to that category for the first time. Previous to that, VMI held the No. 1 position for six years running.

Among all public and private liberal arts colleges, VMI moved up in the rankings to No. 62, rising from the position of No. 71 it held last year.

The ranking puts VMI firmly in the 1st Tier of colleges nationwide. The No. 62 position is the highest ranking VMI has ever held among all colleges.

U.S. News considers such factors as a college’s reputation, as rated by aca-

2009-Issue 4

demic leaders nationally; the retention of students; class size; the quality of the faculty; the quality of students; financial resources; graduation rate performance; and the alumni giving rate.

VMI’s engineering programs were once again included in the magazine’s list of the nation’s best undergraduate engineering programs at schools whose highest degree is a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The Institute placed No. 19 on that list this year, up from last year’s ranking of 21st. The rankings in the engineering category are based exclusively on the reputation of the program.

Earlier in August, VMI ranked as No. 10 in Forbes Magazine’s list of America’s Best Public Colleges, just behind such institutions as the U.S. Military Academy, the University of Virginia, and the College of William and Mary, but ahead of many other well-respected schools.

VMI Seeks Commissioning Information for Classes of 1990-2009 In order to more accurately reflect commissioning percentages at VMI, the Institute is seeking to uncover those alumni who have commissioned in any branch of service following their graduation through an Officer Candidate Program or other commissioning avenue. VMI believes that there may be a sizeable number of alumni in this category. If you commissioned after graduation, by some means other than direct commission through VMI ROTC, please contact Lt. Col. Gary Bissell ’89 in the Registrar’s Office by e-mail at bissellga@vmi. edu or by phone at 540/464-7263.

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INSTITUTE Renovated Barracks Greeted Returning Corps Most cadets who arrived on Post for fall semester found their quarters greatly improved. The completed renovation of New Barracks and ongoing construction on Old Barracks, in addition to the recent addition of Third Barracks, has given almost all cadets updated living spaces.

Lt. Col. Dale Brown, director of construction, said the renovations constitute a “significant improvement to cadets’ quality of life. In addition, the improvements to the common areas like the Barracks study room, the relocation of the mail room, the relocation of the barber shop, etc., will provide improved services, all within Barracks.”

Improvements to the New Barracks include renovation of cadet rooms, new bathrooms and showers, and replacement of the parapet on the backside of the Barracks. Work completed on Old Barracks includes renovation of bathrooms and replacement of the roof, but renovation of some Old Barracks cadet rooms is continuing into the semester.

Brown noted that the renovation of the

rooms does not provide any additional amenities, but an updated heating system, improved lighting, fresh paint, refurbished flooring and new fire sprinklers have gone a long way to improve cadets’ housing situation.

In Old and New Barracks, the new hot water heating system, which uses vertical fan coils, allows cadets to more easily control the temperature in their rooms.

Brown noted that the construction around Old Barracks causes some inconvenience for cadets.

“The continued work in Old Barracks through the 2009-10 academic year, while significantly reduced, will continue to mean limited access to certain areas within Old Barracks,” said Brown.

“In addition, there will be added travel distance and time for cadets in rooms where stoops are blocked off from the Old Barracks Courtyard.”

Cadets’ rooms are not the only quarters seeing renovation. Construction on the commandant’s quarters is also progressing apace. The renovation of the commandant’s quarters includes the replacement of the back porch as a family room and construction of a new front porch.

“Historically, there was a front porch on the house,” said Brown, “and the new porch is intended to restore the historical appearance of the house.”

Renovation and construction in Old Barracks began graduation day and continued throughout the summer.

VMI photo by Kevin Remington.

Other improvements to the commandant’s quarters include upgrades to the mechanical and electrical systems within the house and replacement of the roof.

Construction on North Post, including the $15.1 million Military and Leadership Field Training Grounds, is underway.

“For the cadets, the improvements to the whole North Post Training Area represent a huge improvement in their outdoor training activities,” said Brown. “This complements the improvements to their indoor training facilities located in Kilbourne Hall, Barracks and Marshall Hall.”

[As of August 2009], Brown said that design for renovation of the post hospital is just beginning, while the science building renovation design is about 65 percent complete. Efforts to secure funding for these projects are underway.

North Post Groundbreaking Ceremony Begins Training Facilities Expansion and Upgrade On Sept. 9, 2009, ground was broken for a project to expand and upgrade training facilities for VMI. “This project provides a capability for the entire Corps of Cadets in terms of their objectives, their team goals and their fitness,” said Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent.

“It will provide facilities for ROTC, our NCAA athletes and our club sports athletes.”

The project, which is expected to be completed during the summer of 2011, will provide improved facilities to train cadets in military, athletic and leadership skills. The $15 million state-funded project known as the Military and Leadership Field Training Grounds will support military and training programs offered through the Institute’s Department of Physical Education, ROTC and the Commandant’s Office.

Located in VMI’s North Post area along Woods Creek, the project will include obstacle courses, a high ropes course, a baffled

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firing range, three multipurpose drill fields that can be used for military training and club sports, and improvements to the existing rappelling cliff. The project will require the excavation and leveling of some areas. In addition, the road along Woods Creek from Jordan’s Point to near Anderson Drive on VMI property will be closed to traffic.

Pedestrian access to the Woods Creek Trail will not be affected, though at certain times as the project progresses, the trail will be realigned to accommodate the construction.

Cadet cars that park in the construction area have been relocated to reserved spaces on and off Post.

Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, the articles and photos in the Institute section of the Alumni Review are provided by VMI Communications and Marketing.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

INSTITUTE

Gender Diversity Effort Wins Gold In 2004, VMI began a many-pronged it in the form of broad support from all initiative to improve recruitment and VMI offices involved with recruitment of retention of female cadets. cadets and their experience in the Corps.

That effort brought results, raising the Goetz and her partner in the Communumber of women applicants from 87 nications and Marketing office, Maj. Kate in 2003 to 169 in 2008 and increasing Crossman, Web communications designer inquiries from women 110 percent in and editor, went to work to create the first that time. recruiting materials targeted to women That effort also brought VMI a National who would most likely “thrive” at VMI. Grand Gold Medal from the Council for “One of the only consistencies that Advancement and Support of Education we found is that they are independent (CASE) in the diversity programs category people,” said Goetz. this year. VMI’s entry, a summary of the entire program and recruiting materials targeted specifically to women, was displayed during the CASE Summit for Advancement Leaders in July and will be posted online as a model program accessible to CASE members.

A CASE representative noted the supporting statistics and the low cost of VMI’s program, which was from the start an in-house operation.

The program began with the hiring in 2004 of a female admissions counselor dedicated specifically to the Maj. Amy Goetz, left, and Maj. Kate Crossman were the design team. recruitment of women. The superintendent’s recruitment and retention conference in 2006 gave members of the VMI staff the opportunity to hear The admissions brochure developed by from women who had experienced VMI the Goetz-Crossman team offers prospec– alumnae and current cadets. tive female cadets the opportunity to de“That was an eye-opener,” said Maj. fine themselves instead of being defined Amy Goetz, assistant director of Market- by others and emphasizes the wide range ing in VMI’s office of Communications of activities – military, athletic, academic and Marketing. Goetz served as the – in which cadets must take part. moderator of the female focus group The brochure matches photos of female during the conference. It helped her get cadets leading rope-climbing training, a handle on where VMI could improve working in the chemistry lab and on paits strategy. rade, with key words and their definitions “We might be recruiting women,” said – courage, strength, intellect and purpose Goetz, “but we weren’t retaining them. – and quotes from female cadets.

So, what were we missing in our comThe brochure has a special message for munication?” women who are considering matriculatMeanwhile, focus groups held by the ing at VMI: Communications and Marketing office “VMI encourages women to explore helped create the opportunity for a tar- facets of their character they might not geted marketing program, and a formal otherwise explore at another college,” initiative endorsed by the superintendent, said Crossman.

Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, and VMI’s “It’s about achievement. It’s about comBoard of Visitors put some muscle behind ing out on top in character and strength.

2009-Issue 4

They’re pursuing courage and intellect,” added Goetz.

Other marketing materials were e-mail messages inviting prospective female cadets to visit VMI and a mall kiosk advertisement targeted at women as part of a larger campaign.

Part of the initiative is to portray what Crossman called “an honest look” at the VMI experience for women, and part of it is to nurture women through the admissions process.

Breakout sessions during Admissions Open House events offer women the opportunity to talk to female cadets, and they sleep in Barracks with the cadets.

The cooperative nature of the effort extended from the Goetz-Crossman design team to Col. Stewart MacInnis, director of Communications and Marketing; Col. Vern Beitzel ’72, director of Admissions; Col. Thomas Trumps ’79, commandant of cadets; then-chief of staff Col. Walt Chalkley ’72; and the superintendent.

“This award is confirmation of VMI’s efforts to encourage more women to matriculate and graduate from VMI,” concluded Goetz.

Editor’s Note: As announced in a June 2009 press release, VMI’s Office of Communications and Marketing also received three bronze awards from CASE on July 9: one each for admissions publications, for the VMI admissions Web site and for advertising campaigns conducted in northern Virginia and the Tidewater region.

Earlier this year, the office won three awards from Higher Education Marketing Report in its national Admissions Advertising Award competition: a gold award recognizing the excellence of the office’s contribution to a direct mail advertising campaign as part of the Institute’s recruiting effort; a silver award for a family of publications supporting recruiting; and a second silver award for the Institute Report, VMI’s internal newsletter. Congratulations, Communications and Marketing staff!

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ATHLETICS ATHLETICS Ross ’83 Promoted to Director of Athletic Academic Advising Stephen Ross ’83 has been promoted to the position of give them a well-rounded education in the classroom, on director of Athletic Academic Advising, effective August the athletic fields and in Barracks.”

2009.

Ross, who graduated from VMI with a degree Ross, who joined the Athletic Academic in economics, was a starter and co-captain of Advising staff in January 2006, will work with the 1982 Keydet soccer team. He holds a masSenior Woman Administrator Elizabeth Igo ter’s degree from the University of Arkansas. in the department. The longtime VMI staff After graduating from VMI, he served member also has spent 17 years as VMI’s head four years in the U.S. Air Force, at which men’s soccer coach, served as an economics time he was a team member and coach teacher and acted in various other capacities, of the Little Rock, Arkansas, Air Force including tactical officer and officer-in-charge Base soccer team. Ross returned to VMI as part of the commandant’s staff. In addition, to teach economics in 1987 and has been he has advised several committees on matters employed by the Institute since that time. of cadet behavior.

“I believe there are no shortcuts for academic “I truly believe in the VMI three-legged stool success, and our office will ensure that we (athletic, academic and military), and our ofprovide quality support and accountability Ross ’83 fice will work within the VMI system to keep to our cadet-athletes,” said Ross. “I hope every cadet-athlete working to balance all three to impart many of the same lessons that I areas,” stated Ross. “We have to appreciate that young men learned at VMI from the caring faculty members and staff and women choose VMI for many different reasons. VMI can who reached out to make a difference in my life.”

VMI Names New Senior Woman Administrator

Elizabeth Igo has been promoted to senior women’s administrator of the Athletic Department.

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VMI has promoted Elizabeth Igo to the position of senior woman administrator (SWA), as announced July 2, 2009, by Athletic Director Donny White ’65. Igo replaced outgoing SWA Sherry Baucom, who has accepted a teaching and coaching position at nearby Rockbridge County High School.

“I am happy that we had an excellent candidate, Elizabeth Igo, ‘in house’ to replace Sherry Baucom as SWA and academic advisor to Athletics,” offered White. “Elizabeth has performed very well in tickets, marketing and game management during her four years in the VMI Athletic Department. Moving to the SWA position should be a natural fit for her and should be a positive for our coaches and female athletes, as well.”

Igo was promoted from the position of assistant Athletics director for Facilities and Game Management, a title she received at the beginning of the 2008-09 academic year. She has also served in roles related to ticketing and compliance during her four years at VMI. Her current position is more academically oriented.

“I am excited to work closely with our

cadet-athletes in the academic realm,” stated Igo. “This is a great opportunity to use my background in athletics and my familiarity with the demands of VMI to help athletes and facilitate communication with both coaches and faculty.”

Igo replaced Sherry Baucom, who had held the position for the previous four years.

Baucom had also served on the Big South Conference Board of Administrators and Council of Senior Woman Administrators, as well as the VMI Athletic Council. In addition, she had been an advisor to the VMI Student Athlete Advisory Committee during her time as SWA. “Sherry Baucom was a terrific employee,” said White. “She worked well with our students and cared deeply for not only their academic and athletic achievements but for all areas of their lives. She will be greatly missed.”

Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, the articles and photos in the Athletics section of the Alumni Review are produced by the VMI Sports Information Office.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ATHLETICS

VMI Wins 2008-09 Big South Institutional Sportsmanship Award As announced on July 6, 2009, VMI has been named the winner of the Big South Conference’s annual Institutional Sportsmanship Award for the 2008-09 athletic season.

VMI receives the honor for the fourth consecutive year and has claimed the honor all four years of the award’s history. The overall winner is determined on a system recognizing the highest percentage of the maximum possible points an institution is capable of achieving for each team award. The team awards were voted on by Big South student-athletes following each conference championship.

VMI, which was honored with six team sportsmanship awards in 2008-09, was tops among the Big South membership with a 33.66 percentage of the maximum points received in its sponsored league sports. VMI

was voted by Big South student-athletes as the top sportsmanship team in men’s cross country, football, men’s basketball, men’s indoor and outdoor track and field, and baseball in 2008-09. Liberty University finished second with a 32.89 percentage, followed by Gardner-Webb University at 25.53 percent.

“This award reflects the commitment on the part of the Big South Conference and its members to the important values of sportsmanship and ethical conduct,” said Big South Commissioner Kyle B. Kallander. “It is important that we not only emphasize our desire to conduct our athletic competitions in a sportsmanlike manner, but also recognize those who do it the best. Congratulations to VMI and all the team winners!”

Committee Formed to Study Women’s Sport Addition Athletic Director Donny White ’65 has announced plans for the formation of a committee to study the addition of a new NCAA women’s sport to begin play in the 2011-12 academic year. When it takes the field, the sport will be the seventh women’s athletic program sponsored by VMI, which competes on the Division I level. The addition of the sport will bring the Institute in full compliance with NCAA standards which require seven men’s and seven women’s sports for membership in the Division I ranks.

VMI, which is fielding six women’s sports in 2009-10, had been granted since 1997 a series of waivers by the NCAA to conduct its Division I intercollegiate athletic program with fewer than the required women’s seven sports.

The committee will present its recommendation on sport selection to VMI Superintendent Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62. A decision on sport selection will be made after carefully evaluating competitive, recruiting, facility and revenue related issues and their impact on the Institute and its educational mission while fulfilling NCAA guidelines.

“We are happy to begin the process of 2009-Issue 4

starting another women’s sport at VMI,” said White. “Our task is to compare women’s sports that are classified as NCAA ‘team sports’ and select the best one for VMI. Our

Audrey Falconi ’10 helped lead the 2008 squad to its best season ever, including a postseason win in the Big South Tournament.

women’s programs have made significant progress in competing on the Division I level. Our soccer team finished second in the Big South Conference last year, while cross country and track continued to show marked improvement. We are confident that the seventh women’s sport will fit in well, be competitive, and meet the athletic interest and abilities of VMI women. This committee is scheduled to meet starting in September with the goal of presenting a recommendation to the superintendent early in 2010.”

VMI, which fielded its first women’s athletic program a month after females were first enrolled in August 1997, sponsored sports in soccer, cross country, indoor track, outdoor track and swimming during the recent 2008-09 academic year. Rifle, which had competed as a co-ed team, is fielding a separate women’s team beginning in 2009-10, bringing the current total of women’s sports to six.

Following the committee findings and a selection of a seventh sport, a coach will be hired no later than July 2010 to direct the program and begin the recruiting process in preparation for play the following academic year.

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Class of 1959’s 50th Reunion Fund Raises More Than $7 Million

The class of 1959, seen above marching in the Spring ’09 Reunion Parade, made a magnificent gift to VMI through its 50th Reunion Fund – $7 million.

Whenever the officers and staffs of the VMI Foundation and the VMI Keydet Club tally up the results of any fiscal year, they always give special attention to that year’s 50th Reunion Fund.

One reason is that, in any fiscal year, the 50th Reunion Fund is the last of the year’s three reunion funds – 10th, 25th and 50th – to be completed. Furthermore, a class’s 50th Reunion is its final “milestone” reunion, and therefore, the 50th Reunion Fund represents its last collective effort for VMI. “There’s a very special air about these funds,” said Patrick F. Webb, the VMI Foundation’s vice president for Annual and Reunion Giving. “It is, to an extent, a valedictory moment for a 50th Reunion class. They’re looking back at more than five decades of fellowship and friendship, and they’re thinking of what VMI meant in their lives. This breeds a collective determination to come together and do something of lasting value for VMI.” When the class of 1959 began its 50th Reunion Fund drive, there never was any doubt that this class would mount a memorable effort. “Every class has its own character, and considering how readily the Brother Rats of the class of 1959 relate stories about how the class stuck together as cadets, ‘unity’ is one word that comes to mind immediately when talking about the class of 1950,” recalled Webb.

The class of 1959 came together again in the spirit expressed in the foreword of its edition of the Bomb: “The alumni of VMI have good reason … to back her loyally as they watch her growth, knowing that she will continue to make notable contributions to a free society.” After meeting on Post in early 2008, the Reunion Fund Committee, 21 strong and led by Robert J. Ross, set an ambitious goal of $5.9 million in gifts and commitments and 100% participation.

The centerpiece of this effort was the class of 1959 Stonewall Fund, described by Ross in a letter to the class as “flexible and forward-looking.” The fund was conceived as a means for the 146

class to come together in support of a few programs affecting the academic, co-curricular and athletic components of the VMI education. According to the class agent, Philip G. “Shep” Shepard, the root of the fund’s name is the fact that the formidable offensive line of VMI’s undefeated 1957 football team included Brother Rats such as William N. “Nick” Ruffin, Jerry Borst and James McFalls.

“They were described as being like a stone wall, and so, out of pride in our Brother Rats, we adopted it for the entire class.”

Of the money donated to the Stonewall Fund, 40% is earmarked to support the Class of 1959 Football Scholarship, which will be awarded annually to the cadet-athlete who is the starting quarterback. The direction of this scholarship stems from the fact that, during the four years the class of 1959 was in Barracks, VMI football enjoyed winning seasons in three of the four and won the Southern Conference Championship in their third- and first-class years.

Another 40% of the Stonewall Fund will establish an endowment to support the Institute’s academic and co-curricular programs with the revenue from the endowment spent at the discretion of the superintendent. The final 20% of the Stonewall Fund will establish the Class of 1959 Dean’s Discretionary Fund with its revenues to be used by the dean of the faculty in order to advance VMI’s academic programs.

Starting on New Market Day 2008, the Reunion Fund Committee began the work of contacting Brother Rats, answering their questions about the current state and future direction of the Institute, and urging them to give. The effort continued throughout the rest of 2008 and intensified as the reunion approached. The reunion itself – which included the traditional check-presentation ceremony on April 25 – provided only a brief respite in the committee’s labors as they continued to work through June.

The result of all this work was stunning: $7,062,539 in gifts and commitments, besting the fund’s goal by more than $1.1 million.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Included in the total are more than $1.5 million in immediate gifts and more than $5.5 million in commitments. Participation was excellent, too, with 84.52% of the class making a gift or commitment.

“Considering the state of the economy and the lingering effects of the financial crisis,” said Shepard, “the class did a great job coming together in support of the fund and VMI. The work done by Bobby Ross and his committee was simply outstanding. They put in countless hours of work for more than a year, and their efforts reaped a tremendous success.”

At the bottom line of any 50th Reunion Fund, however, are its effects on VMI. Certainly, the football scholarship will help VMI fulfill its overall goal of attracting and retaining the high-quality cadet-athletes and to fielding successful teams that win in “the VMI Way.” Brig. Gen. R. Wane Schneiter, VMI deputy superintendent for academics and dean of the faculty, praised the component of the class of 1959 Stonewall Fund that establishes the dean’s Discretionary Fund. “In such challenging fiscal times, the class of 1959’s gift will significantly enhance our ability to teach and mentor cadets and offer developmental opportunities for faculty. Because the class is allowing such latitude in using the gift, we will be able to address specific immediate needs that fall outside normal planning and budgeting cycles, or which might not be funded in competition with larger Institute initiatives. We are sincerely grateful for such a generous and unrestricted contribution to VMI academics.

“The class of 1959, the Stonewall Class, deserves the thanks of all members of the VMI family, on- and off-Post, for providing financial support that will have an enormously positive effect on all aspects of the VMI education,” said Brian S. Crockett, chief executive officer of the VMI Foundation. “I thank them, too, for providing their fellow alumni a wonderful example of truly rock-solid commitment to VMI and its future.”

Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, all articles in the Foundation section of the Alumni Review are provided by the VMI Foundation.

2009-Issue 4

Sustaining Success

by Brian S. Crockett, Chief Executive Officer, VMI Foundation, Inc. Fiscal Year 2009 was a good year in terms of private financial support raised on behalf of VMI. Overall alumni participation increased, spurred in no small part by the Keydet Club’s 75th Anniversary Challenge. Thanks to a large gift received late in the fiscal year from a recently deceased alumnus – a gift made more welcome because it provides our cadets with increased scholarship aid – the VMI Foundation received an astonishing total of $30.7 million in gifts and commitments. Even without this bequest, considering the depth and persistence of the recession and the uncertainty the recession has spawned, the amount of gifts and commitments entrusted to the VMI Foundation would have been more than respectable. I thank all of you who rightly saw the need for increased private financial support for VMI and made a gift or a commitment in Fiscal Year 2009.

This success notwithstanding, the fact remains that the VMI Foundation has an immense challenge before it. VMI’s leaders have resolved that, even in this recession, the Institute will continue to pursue the wide-ranging improvements to VMI’s programs and facilities known as Vision 2039. Undoubtedly, VMI has the leaders, faculty and staff to bring these programs to fruition. What it lacks, however, is the money to do so. In all likelihood, public funding of VMI will continue its decline. Furthermore, at a time when many families are struggling economically, VMI has elected to limit increases in tuition and fees. Thus, the only source of revenue that has the potential to expand is private financial support. Put another way, in order for VMI to sustain and improve all of its programs, the VMI Foundation – along with our colleagues in the VMI Keydet Club – needs to build on its recent successes.

Alumni participation has been gaining strength in the past few years. That said, an increase in the number of donors is an essential building block of future success. So, the VMI Foundation will work to add new donors – be they alumni, parents, faculty, staff or friends – and return former donors to the rolls of active supporters of VMI. Future success also demands that the VMI Foundation retain donors, transforming what might be an instance of generosity into a life-long habit of generosity. To that end, we will engage in a sustained effort to persuade those who give in support of VMI to keep doing so. We also will be showing our current and potential donors the many ways they can use planned giving to support VMI. Many donors are accustomed to giving a certain amount of money year after year.

While we appreciate this consistent giving, the fact remains that VMI needs a steadily increasing amount of private money to sustain its excellence. The VMI Foundation, therefore, will ask these donors to examine their giving and their financial circumstances in hopes of persuading them to increase the amount they give to VMI. In doing these things, and everything else necessary to ensure VMI has the private money that is crucial to its future success, we will be looking for new and innovative ways to improve our own practices, to include the adoption of new technologies and the implementation of organizational changes. Two things will never change, however: the dedication and devotion of the VMI Foundation’s officers and staff members.

Finally, the success enjoyed by the VMI Foundation is largely owed to the VMI family. In the relatively short time I have been on Post, I have seen how pride in the Institute’s history, an abiding interest in its daily life, and a boundless devotion to VMI and its cadets are common to alumni, faculty, staff, parents and friends. These shared attributes bind these people together and inspire them to work to ensure the best possible future for VMI and its Corps of Cadets. I look forward to engaging every member of the VMI family in the vital work of the VMI Foundation. I do so because, truly, the Institute’s future is in the hands of the VMI family.

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. VMI Foundation Enjoys Success in Fiscal Year 2009 In Fiscal Year 2009, which closed on June 30, 2009, the VMI Foundation received $31,692,394 in gifts and commitments, besting the amount provided by donors in Fiscal Year 2008 by more than $8 million. This figure includes more than $904,000 the VMI Foundation accepted on behalf of the VMI Development Board.

“At a time when private financial support is becoming ever more important to VMI, this is splendid news,” said Brian S. Crockett, chief executive officer of the VMI Foundation. “The trustees, officers and staff of the VMI Foundation worked diligently throughout the year to engage as many members of the VMI family as possible and bring them the message that VMI needed their support. I am thankful that our alumni and friends responded so well.”

Crockett went on to mention some of the items of good news imbedded in the larger success. “All told, donors gave more than $18.6 million in cash. That figure includes gifts of $15.3 million to restricted funds and endowments, an increase of more than $2.5 million over the Fiscal Year 2008 figure. Moreover, the Foundation Fund, which provides unrestricted money for VMI’s academic and co-curricular programs, received $2.44 million, and among those who gave to the Fund were 3,540 alumni. Fiscal Year

2009, therefore, is the fifth consecutive year in which the Foundation Fund has received more than $2 million.”

Of the more than $13 million in pledges and other commitments received by the Foundation in Fiscal Year 2009, more than $4.7 million went to restricted funds and endowments. “Many of the restricted funds and endowments provide support for scholarship aid to cadets and academic support to VMI’s faculty,” pointed out Crockett. “So, this is excellent news for both our cadets and faculty.”

Commitments made through planned giving totaled more $7,895,074. “Colleges need a robust planned-giving program if they are to have the means to ensure themselves a better future. Based on the success of the VMI Foundation in this area last year, VMI’s future looks strong indeed.” Furthermore, donors pledged more than $411,000 to the Foundation Fund. “Pledge numbers like that demonstrate a strong commitment to VMI on the part of many alumni, especially those who are part of the three classes – 1998, 1983 and 1959 – who raised money for VMI through, respectively, the 10th, 25th and 50th Reunion Funds in FY 2009.

Gifts and pledges to the Foundation Fund always are an important part of any Reunion Fund. It also reflects the ongoing success of the Call Center, a program

through which cadets contact alumni by telephone and ask them to support VMI,” said Crockett.

The VMI Foundation also can lay claim to a share of the outstanding performance enjoyed by it and the VMI Keydet Club in terms of alumni participation. “5,052 alumni made some form of gift or commitment to VMI. That means a most impressive participation rate of 39%,” Crockett said.

“Many people deserve credit for this success, such as VMI’s leaders, faculty and staff who ensure VMI is a vital, dynamic institution that provides an extraordinary education as it adheres to its best traditions and so is worthy of the support of our donors,” continued Crockett. “Then, there are the donors – the men and women, alumni and non-alumni – who are interested in and excited by VMI’s progress. Their generosity will realize immediate and long-term benefits to VMI and the Corps of Cadets.

Finally, there are the officers and staff of the VMI Foundation. Led by our president, Walter B. Perrin II ’62, supported by the board of trustees and other volunteers, and inspired by thousands of selfless donors, these wonderful men and women put in long hours in support of a great American institution.

“As impressive and heartening as these figures are, I hope they do not cause anyone to lose sight of what they ultimately mean: accelerated improvement of VMI’s academic and co-curricular programs and, in turn, a better education for the young people in VMI’s Corps of Cadets,” concluded Crockett.

Class of 2009 Graduation Gift to VMI

At the 2009 Graduation Parade, the class of 2009 presented the superintendent, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, far right, with its graduation gift. Making the presentation on behalf of the class were John Tagg, historian; Barrett Luxhoj, vice president; Andrew Rice, treasurer; and Finney Kimsey, president.

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VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Record $14 Million Bequest from Robert B. Rust Jr. ’34 Will Fund Scholarships During his lifetime, the late Robert B. Rust Jr. ’34 often related Nowhere in the memorandum or any communication with a story about his time as a cadet. According to his niece, Mrs. the Foundation, however, did Rust make mention of the amount Gretchen N. Arnold, the effects of the Great Depression were of the endowment he intended to support the scholarship. In such that, some time in his third class year, Rust learned that, late June, Rust’s attorneys informed the VMI Foundation that, “although his family had saved for his education, there was not under the terms of his will, the bequest to VMI was worth the enough in the account for all four years.” magnificent sum of more than $14 million. “Mr. Unlike many tales of young people, higher eduRust’s exceptional gift puts him among VMI’s cation and money in the 1930s, this one ended most generous donors,” said Brian S. Crockett, happily. Robert A. “Buzz” Marr Jr. ’18, then an chief executive officer of the VMI Foundation. assistant professor in the Department of Civil “It also is the largest bequest ever realized by the Engineering and a man well known for decades of VMI Foundation.” service on the faculty and for always being ready While some might be surprised that a civil to assist cadets and alumni, heard of Rust’s probengineer who worked most of his career for a lem. “Col. Marr took an interest in this problem railway would have the ability to make so large a and found a scholarship that could support my gift, it was no surprise to Mrs. Arnold. “He closeuncle,” said Mrs. Arnold. Marr had uncovered ly followed the stock market,” she recalled, “and the James H. Maxwell Scholarship. This scholardaily, he read Barron’s and the Washington Post. ship, according to Col. Diane B. Jacob, head of A great way to get a conversation going with VMI Archives, was established by Miss Mary E. him was to ask him about the market.” He did Rust Jr. ’34 Maxwell in 1921 in memory of her brother, James, so because, she explained, Rust began investing a cadet who had died in a swimming accident in in the 1930s. “His work with the railroad meant 1881, to provide aid to “two needy and deserving that he moved around quite a bit. Owning shares young men – one from West Virginia and one from Virginia.” of companies gave him a sense of being connected. ” Rust also With this financial support, Rust finished his education, taking was particular about the stocks he purchased. “He only bought a degree in civil engineering. He eventually joined the Southern into businesses that he knew, that he could understand,” said Railway – according to Mrs. Arnold, in no small measure because Mrs. Arnold. Thus, he never made faddish investments, such it employed a large number of VMI alumni, to include his brother, as many made during the 1990s’ “tech boom.”

John A. Rust ’30 – and spent his professional career with it.

Many future cadets will have reason to be thankful for Rust’s As mentioned above, the memories of how a professor’s as- acumen as an investor and his desire to do for them what sistance and the generosity of someone unknown to him had others did for him. “A gift of this size will have an immensely allowed him to stay at VMI remained with Rust for the rest of positive effect on whatever activity it supports on Post,” said his life. As Mrs. Arnold put it, “Obviously, Col. Marr’s action had Crockett. “In this case, the Rust Scholarship eventually will add a big impact on my uncle.” In 1997, he acted on that memory, approximately $630,000 in additional scholarship assistance for contacting the VMI Foundation through his attorney about cadets; that’s an increase of 15% in the scholarship assistance establishing a scholarship with a bequest. In April 1997, Rust currently available to cadets.” signed the memorandum of understanding – an agreement VMI’s director of Financial Aid, Col. Tim Golden ’71, said, between a donor, the VMI Foundation or VMI Keydet Club, “VMI has been blessed with many alumni and friends who and VMI concerning the purpose, funding and administration initiated endowments that provide ongoing financial support of any endowed fund – establishing the Robert B. Rust Jr. ’34 to our cadets. Their support, which assists 40% of the Corps, Scholarship. In that document, he mentioned the support has been crucial and remains crucial in a time of economic that he received as a cadet and required that the scholarship’s uncertainty and decreasing support from the commonwealth recipients “shall be of good character, have superior academic of Virginia. This gift from Mr. Rust continues this admirable potential and have need for financial assistance.” legacy of generosity and will have a significant impact in helpThe fact that her uncle established a scholarship makes sense to ing make VMI affordable for future cadets.”

Mrs. Arnold. “He believed in education, and I think he liked the idea After remarking on “the interesting parallel between the time of providing young people with the same opportunity he enjoyed,” when my uncle received his scholarship, the Great Depression she said. That he did so through a bequest also seems to match and now, in the midst of a serious economic downturn,” Mrs. her uncle’s personality. “He was not a man to want attention. As Arnold concluded her thoughts on her uncle’s gift by saying, his history in the Bomb states, he had a ‘retiring nature’ and ‘in a “All in all, it is a simple but wonderful thing: the repaying of a measure, he has kept the light of his abilities under a bushel.’” kindness across the years.”

2009-Issue 4

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VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Memorial Gifts The VMI Foundation, Inc., and the VMI Keydet Club, Inc., received the following gifts in memory of deceased alumni, parents and friends during the time frame of May 1, through July 31, 2009.

Mr. W.H. Blackwell Jr. ’50B Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B

Mr. Edwin H. Bodenheim II ’71 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71 Mr. Kirk Roselle Murray ’71

Mrs. Celia Branch Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Mr. Alfred S. Aldrich Jr. ’67 Mr. John J. Sheeran ’67

Mr. Howard M. Allen ’52 Mr. John S. Gray ’51 Mr. Kirk Roselle Murray ’71

Mr. Michael Andersen ’87 Mr. Henry T. Loving ’87

Mr. Edwin H. Artz Jr. ’53 Mrs. Edwin H. Artz Jr.

Mr. Robert Emerson Balch ’71 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Mr. David M. Barker ’55 George R. Collins ’55, DMD Mr. Burton J. Conway ’55 Amb. S.R. Hanmer Jr. ’55 Mr. Chip Lazarus ’55 Mr. Charles S. Luck III ’55 and Mrs. Luck Mr. Samuel B. Segar Jr. ’55 Mr. Palmer N. Stearns Jr. ’55 Mr. Harry C. Valentine Jr. ’55

Mr. Michael J. Baxter ’71 Mr. Robert A. Haywood ’71

Mr. Nathaniel Beaman III ’46 Mr. Nathaniel Beaman IV ’74

Mr. Matthew R. Beebe ’38 Mr. Charles Clark III ’90

Col. Herbert E. Bell ’51, USAF Mrs. Herbert E. Bell

1st Lt. William B. Bell ’67, USA Mr. John J. Sheeran ’67

Col. Thomas W.C. Birge ’52, USAF Ms. Sandra Chee Mrs. William D. Clingempeel Mr. William P. Diehl Jr. ’52 Mr. John S. Gray ’51 Mr. Kyle M. Holt Ms. Maureen D. Husk Ms. Jacqueline S. Jordan Ms. Janice K. Knutson M.A. McCarthy Mr. and Mrs. P. Ray McInnis Ms. Pam Milan Ms. M. Germaine Parra Lt. Col. Walter J. Reed Jr. ’55, USAF (Ret) Ms. Kendra E. Wright

150

Mr. James E. Brophy ’56 Mr. Harry F. Jones ’56

Mr. Henry A. Bruno Jr. ’72 Mr. Richard S. Bryan ’72

Col. William J. Buchanan ’50B Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B Mrs. Allan S. Wagner Jr.

Mr. Robert J. Cabaniss Sr. ’44

Mr. Durland E. Clark Jr. ’41 Mr. Harold P. Clark ’41

Mr. Linwood H. Clark Jr. ’56 Mrs. Judith Bryan

Mr. Adrian A. Cmerek ’06 Ms. Chun Cmerek Mr. and Mrs. Patrick R. Rios

Mr. Jordan D. Cohen Mrs. Shirley R. Cohen

Mrs. Nancy Crowder Coleman Mr. and Mrs. Andrew P.H. Farquhar

Mr. Richard C. Coupland Jr. ’50B Mrs. William J. Buchanan Mr. Richey S. Dickson ’50B Ms. Susan B. Sawyer Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B

Mrs. Robert J. Cabaniss Sr.

Kenneth W. Carrington ’50B, MD Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B

Mr. C. Nelson Catlett ’42 Mr. Walter E. Woelper Sr. ’42

Mr. I. Lee Chapman III ’65 Ms. Ann D. Brockenbrough Mr. Carter C. Chinnis Mr. Langdon T. Christian IV Mr. John J. Dickinson Sr. ’56 Mr. Robert R. Fair Mr. and Mrs. William D. Gravitt Mr. Alexander Hamilton IV Mr. Samuel W. Hill ’55 and Mrs. Hill Mrs. Susan P. Himburg Mr. and Mrs. H. Winston Holt III Ms. Arlene Ingram Mr. and Mrs. Marc Jacobson Mr. and Mrs. Budford La Touche Mr. and Mrs. James H. Lowe Ms. Polly T. Marshall Mr. Henry M. Massie Mr. William C. McAllister Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McSweeney Mr. Ronald K. Milligan ’78 Ms. Elizabeth Bond Minor Mr. and Mrs. William Minor Mr. and Mrs. Ron Nash Mr. Russell L. Rabb Jr. ’63 and Mrs. Rabb Mrs. Melissa Ralston Mr. Carl E. Rhodes Jr. ’66 Mr. W. Marshall Simpson ’90 Mr. Thomas G. Slater Jr. ’66 Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Snyder III Dr. and Mrs. E. Armistead Talman Mr. and Mrs. James M. Wells III Edward J. Wiley Jr. ’52, MD

Mr. Junho Chi ’87 Mr. Henry T. Loving ’87

Mr. George T. Cowherd Jr. ’51 Mrs. George T. Cowherd Jr. Mr. John S. Gray ’51

Mr. Edwin Cox III ’53 Mr. James M. Cox ’90

Mrs. Edwin Cox III Mr. James M. Cox ’90

Mr. G. Powell Davis ’48A Mrs. Charles A. Andrews

Mr. William G. Davis ’64 The Honorable Robert G. O’Hara Jr. ’64

Mrs. Frances C. Denman Mr. Raymond O. Denman Jr.

Col. Herbert N. Dillard Jr. ’34 Mr. Carson L. Tucker ’70

Mr. Robert J. Doland ’41 Mr. Harold P. Clark ’41 Mrs. Robert J. Doland

Sgt. Ryan E. Doltz ’00, ANG Mr. Christian A. Arllen ’00 Col. Thomas W. Davis ’64 Mr. Eric L. Ham ’01 Capt. Benjamin J. Kaler ’00, USMC Mr. Matthew S. McComas ’00 Capt. Asa H. Page III ’79, USN Mr. Jonathan R. Palmer ’00 Capt. Anthony J. Rayome ’00, USMC Mr. Shawn T. Segreti ’00 Mr. Martin O. Silman ’00

Mr. Henry S. Dunbar III ’48B Mr. Ronald L. Gault ’49B Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71 Mr. H. Douglas Hamner Jr. ’48B

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Donald J. Dunlap ’54, DMin

Mr. Dan H. Green

Mr. Ralph Echols ’21

Eugene R. Griffith ’55, MD

Capt. James C. Edge ’96, USMC

Maj. Brooks S. Gruber ’87, USMC

Mrs. Lillian W. Enochs

Col. Oscar W. Gupton

Mr. Paul Lee Everett III ’61

Lt. Col. Carroll B. Guthrie III ’67, USA

Mr. Glendel W. Cock ’54

Mr. Gordon Echols

Capt. Asa H. Page III ’79, USN

Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

The Honorable Elmon T. Gray ’46

John Fenton

Mr. Graham L. Undercoffer ’74

Lt. Russell C. Flournoy ’99, USN Mr. Gregory G. McDearmon ’99

Mrs. William W. Foulkes Jr.

Ms. Michelle G. Bunch Mr. and Mrs. John J. Crist Jr. John D. Steele ’64 and Robert S. Steele ’68 Maj. Stephen A. Grzybowski (Ret) and Mrs. Grzybowski Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Hill Mr. Ralph M. Hostetter Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Miller Col. and Mrs. George Piegari Precon Construction Company Mr. John N. Thomas Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Leslie W. Trevvett

Lt. Col. Fleming M. Fox IV ’67, USAF Col. W. Terry Fowler ’67, USAF (Ret)

Mr. Douglas C. France III ’71 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Mr. Jesse F. Frosch ’64

Mr. Howard M. Lloyd Jr. ’66 Mr. C.P. MacDonald III ’64

Mr. Benjamin R. Gardner ’64

The Honorable Robert G. O’Hara, Jr. ’64

James Samuel Gillespie III ’94 Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63 Col. and Mrs. George Piegari

Col. B. McCluer Gilliam ’40, USAR

Col. John A. Augustine III ’40, USAF (Ret) and Mrs. Augustine Mr. John J. Marshall ’77

Mr. Steven Wayne Good ’71 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Paul J. Graham

Mr. Graham L. Undercoffer ’74

Zach T. Gray III ’50B, DDS Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B

2009-Issue 4

Mrs. J.T. Stone

Mr. John P. Griffith

Mr. Henry T. Loving ’87

Mr. Kirk Roselle Murray ’71

Mr. John J. Sheeran ’67

Mr. Briscoe B. Guy

Mr. John S. Halsey ’43

Mr. Howard R. Hammond

Col. Glenn B. Hammond ’69 and Lt. G. Barry Hammond ’06

Col. Leroy D. Hammond ’57 Mrs. Leroy D. Hammond Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63

Mr. William H. Hansbarger ’43

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Close Maj. Carlyle M. Lash ’70, USA (Ret) Mr. James L. Patton ’49B Ms. Hazel D. Peacock

Col. Marcus W. Hansen ’50B, USA Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B

Mr. William W. Harris ’67 Mr. L. Jan Abernathy ’67

Cmdr. Allen B. Higginbotham Jr. ’79, USN Ms. Holly Haney

Mr. James Hume Jr. ’42 Mrs. James Hume Jr.

Mr. Charles M. Hunter ’36 Steve and Jane Blair Mr. and Mrs. Bill Bonner

Lt. Joshua C. Hurley ’01, USA Capt. Asa H. Page III ’79, USN

Mr. Larry R. Jefferson ’72 Mr. Dwight C. Rowland ’72

John W.C. Johnson Jr. ’49B, MD

Col. Daniel G. Smaw III ’49B, USA (Ret)

Mr. John D. Kitt ’01 Peyton Jones

Mr. Ernest E. Kritzmacher ’50B Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B

Mr. Lawrence R. Lenz ’69 Mr. Louis E. Sidney ’69

Liviv Librescu

Mr. Alan S. Baumgartner ’57

Mr. Gordon H. Lloyd ’66

Mr. Howard M. Lloyd Jr. ’66

Cmdr. H.M. Lloyd ’23, USN Mr. Howard M. Lloyd Jr. ’66

Mr. Marion D. Lucas Jr. ’41 Mr. Frank G. Louthan III ’66

Mr. Matthew Lyle, Jr. ’40 Class of 1940

Lt. Col. John S. Manley ’83, USAF Ms. Glenys R. Anderson Mr. David S. Clarke ’83 Sara and John Daugharty Mr. E. Hugh Daughtry III ’83 Mr. Stephen M. Goddard ’83 Col. and Mrs. James L. Iken Mr. and Mrs. T. Brendan Kemp Lt. Col. Thomas F. Manley II ’79, USMC (Ret) Mr. H. Clarkson Meredith III ’81 Mrs. Lisa Morgan Ms. Gwyneth A. Newport Mr. Grover C. Outland III ’81 Mr. A. Eugene Sanchez Ms. Robin Stutts

Mr. Earl G. Martin

Mr. and Mrs. Wallace W. Ring

Mr. Joseph E. Martin Jr. ’72 Philip Jacobs Family

James D. Massie ’55, MD Mr. David T. Massie ’92

Mr. Charles W. Mathers ’62 Capt. Asa H. Page III ’79, USN

Lawrence G. Mathews ’39, DDS

F. Allen Cavedo ’47, DDS Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Nelson Chandler Mr. and Mrs. William J. Chandler Jr.

Mr. Dan L. Jordan ’67

Capt. Donald J. Mattaro Jr. ’66, USA

Mr. Samuel P. Jordan Jr. ’64

Mr. Robert V. Mazzoni ’71

Mr. John J. Sheeran ’67 Samuel P. Jordan Jr. ’64 Family

Clark King, PhD Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63

Mr. Howard M. Lloyd Jr. ’66

Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

S. Christa McAuliffe Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63

151

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Mr. Scott P. McCumber ’88 Mr. Irwin H. McCumber ’65

Mr. John McKenna

Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63 Mr. Claude W. Roberts III ’58

Mr. N. John McManus ’50B Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B

Mr. William L. McMillan III ’08 Capt. Asa H. Page III ’79, USN

1st Sgt. Luke J. Mercardante, Honorary ’07, USMC Capt. Asa H. Page III ’79, USN

Dr. H. Clarkson Meredith Jr.

Mr. H. Clarkson Meredith III ’81

Mr. H. Norwood Michie Jr. ’50B Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B

Mr. Giles H. Miller Jr. ’24 Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63

Mr. Lowell T. Miller II ’93, USANG Capt. Asa H. Page III ’79, USN

Mr. James P. Milton ’66

Mr. Howard M. Lloyd Jr. ’66

Mr. Jeffrey J. Morgan ’80

Col. Thomas W. Davis ’64 Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63

Mr. John L. Morgan ’55

Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63

Mr. Alexander H. Morrison II ’66 Mr. Howard M. Lloyd Jr. ’66

Mr. H. Albert Nance Jr. ’67 Mr. John J. Sheeran ’67 Mr. L. Neil Steverson ’70

Mr. Daniel J. Ogle ’63 Mrs. Frances W. Arehart Mr. Lance V. Bevins ’63 Col. George H. Blood ’63, USA (Ret) Ms. Gayle A. Carson Mike Curley ’63 and Peg Mr. William A. Hallett Jr. ’47 Mr. Gus A. Ladas Ms. Bonnie S. May Mr. Donald F. Mayer Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63 Mr. and Mrs. Jim Myrick Mr. Charles R. Potter Col. Steven Riethmiller ’63 and Mrs. Riethmiller Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Roeder Royal Cup Inc. Mr. Paul R. Thomson Jr. ’63 Mr. and Mrs. William M. Wilkins

Mr. Pakdi Pannorit ’87 Brother Rats from the Class of 1987

Louis S. Pappas ’72, MD Col. Christopher R. Jones ’72, USCGR Mr. David H. Kennedy ’71

Mr. Frank M. Parker Jr. ’39 Mr. David H. Kennedy ’71

Mr. H. Merrill Pasco ’37 Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63

Mr. C.H. Patton ’50B Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B Mrs. Allan S. Wagner Jr.

Dr. Jackson L. Sigler

Mr. Robert N. Petrola ’71 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71 Mr. Philip G. Hannum Jr. ’71 Mr. Kirk Roselle Murray ’71

Mr. John A. Phillips ’58

The Reverend James H. Newsom Jr. ’47

Mr. Thomas B. Phillips Jr. ’50B

Mrs. James H. Newsom Jr.

Mr. Michael C. Northrop ’86 Northrop Family

Frank J. O’Connor Jr. ’55, MD

Capt. Benjamin L. Angle III ’55, USA Robert H. Bowden Jr. ’55, MD and Mrs. Bowden Mr. Ronald M. Bryan ’55 Class of 1955 Mr. Samuel W. Hill ’55 and Mrs. Hill Mr. Samuel B. Segar Jr. ’55 Mr. Harry C. Valentine Jr. ’55 Lt. Col. David F. Woolwine ’55, USAF (Ret)

152

Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B

Col. John W. Ripley

Mr. Edgar James T. Perrow Jr. ’96

Col. Herbert E. Ritchey

J.J. Kleinschuster ’64, PhD

Mrs. Lucy Catlett White Robins

Mr. Robert P. Jones Jr. ’44 and Mrs. Jones

Mr. Steven S. Robinson ’87 Mr. Henry T. Loving ’87

Mr. Howard L. Satterwhite ’41

Ms. Margaret T. Belcher Mrs. Richard A. Harris Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Satterwhite

Mr. George R. Schell ’58 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Col. E.R. Schowalter Jr. ’51, USA Mrs. Edward R. Schowalter Jr.

Jay R. Sculley ’62, PhD

Mr. Spencer H. Elmore ’62 Mr. Thomas E. Martenstein ’71 Mr. H. Clarkson Meredith III ’81 Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63 Gen. J.H.B. Peay III ’62 Col. and Mrs. George Piegari Mr. W. Ware Smith Jr. ’62 Mr. John E. Woodward III ’78

Mr. Fred C. Segesman ’64 Col. Thomas W. Davis ’64

Mr. Andrew Percival, Jr.

Mr. Kerry R. Newberry ’70 Mr. W. Diehl Jones ’70

Mr. Benjamin E. Renton ’50B

Mrs. John A. Phillips

Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B

Mr. J. Robert Philpott Jr. ’68 Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63

Mr. Robert A. Raeburn ’51 Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B

Mr. Michael J. Ragland ’69 Mr. Howard M. Lloyd Jr. ’66

J.C. Rasmussen Jr. ’65, PhD Mr. and Mrs. Larry P. Egan

Mr. Reed A. Remington ’71 Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Mr. John W. Sheffield Jr. ’50B Mrs. William J. Buchanan

Mr. Walter W. Shorter ’53

Gordon & Shirley Corcoran, Glenn Corcoran & Family, Walter Shorter & Family and Laurie Humphrey & Family Dr. and Mrs. R.A. Hester III Mr. and Mrs. John Mazzanovich John M. Sheffield Mr. and Mrs. Mark E. Waldo

Mr. Manley O. Simpson Jr. ’42 Mr. Walter E. Woelper Sr. ’42

Mr. Robert C. Smith ’60

Mr. B. O’Neal Callaham ’60

Mr. Steven D. Smith ’92 Mrs. Steven D. Smith

Mr. Harold K. St. Clair ’63

Paper Mill Department, MeadWestvaco Corporation, Covington, VA

Capt. Rodney H. Stone ’66, USAF Mr. Howard M. Lloyd Jr. ’66

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Mr. Ethan B. Stroud ’44

Class of 1944 Ms. Debbie Crady Mr. Robert P. Jones Jr. ’44 and Mrs. Jones

Mr. F. Nash Strudwick Jr. ’41 Class of 1941

Maj. Paul R. Syverson III ’93, USA Capt. Asa H. Page III ’79, USN

Mr. William P. Talbott ’50B Col. John G. Barrett (Hon. ’44) Mrs. William J. Buchanan Mr. Richey S. Dickson ’50B Mr. John S. Gray ’51 Mr. Wilson E.D. Shepherd ’50B Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B Mrs. Allan S. Wagner Jr.

Mr. Robert L. Tannen ’67 Mr. John J. Sheeran ’67

Capt. John R. Teal ’94, USA Maj. Lee C. Freeman ’96, USA Capt. Asa H. Page III ’79, USN

James S. Undercoffer

Mr. Graham L. Undercoffer ’74

Mr. James G. Unger ’60 Mrs. James G. Unger

Mr. Willard Van Ommeren ’50B Mrs. William J. Buchanan

Mr. William E. Vick ’63

Mr. Howard M. Lloyd Jr. ’66

Dorothy S. Vicory

Mr. Graham L. Undercoffer ’74

Mr. Allan S. Wagner Jr. ’50B Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B Mrs. Allan S. Wagner Jr.

Mr. Joseph T. Warren ’44

Mr. and Mrs. Arnold B. Graboyes Ms. Lois S. Graboyes Gulfstream Mr. Ewen J. Hill ’51 and Mrs. Hill Jack and Mary Hodge Mr. Robert P. Jones Jr. ’44 and Mrs. Jones

Miche Tentor

Mr. J. Albert Watkins ’47

Mr. James L. Thomas ’50B

Mr. Julian M. Weaver Jr. ’25

Col. William E. Todd ’38, USAF

Mr. Richard C. Weaver ’21

Mr. L. Jan Abernathy ’67

Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B

Mr. Richard C. Brown Mrs. Linda Hutton Ms. Janice Whittington

Mr. Christopher A. Touhill ’85

Lt. Col. James B. Chartier ’85, USMC

Mrs. Leontine M. Trappey Mrs. William J. Buchanan

Mr. Ralph J. Tremaglio Jr. ’58

Mr. John W. Trumbo ’48 and Mrs. Trumbo

Mr. Robert J. Trinkle Jr. ’50B Mrs. William J. Buchanan Mr. Yerbury G. Burnham ’50B and Mrs. Burnham Mrs. Allan S. Wagner Jr.

Mr. George T. Trumbo II ’75

Mr. John W. Trumbo ’48A and Mrs. Trumbo

Mr. Dan M. Tucker ’44

Mrs. Rose Tucker Brig. Gen. A.C. Tychsen Lt. Col. Charles E. Tychsen (Ret)

Mr. Bruce W. Undercoffer ’76 Mr. Graham L. Undercoffer ’74

Mr. Charles Undercoffer

Mr. Graham L. Undercoffer ’74

2009-Issue 4

Mrs. J. Albert Watkins

Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Col. Siegfried Weing

Mr. Kirk Roselle Murray ’71

Mr. Larry W. Wertz ’67

Mr. John J. Sheeran ’67 Mr. William E. Welsh ’64

Mr. John S. West ’50B

Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B

2nd Lt. Mark C. Whittier ’66, USMC Mr. Howard M. Lloyd Jr. ’66

Lt. David L. Williams ’91, USN Mrs. Alexander Casimes Capt. Asa H. Page III ’79, USN

Lt. Mark R. Wilson ’88, USN

Naval Postgraduate School Foundation Running Club Mr. Kevin Pavlish

Mr. Donald G. Wise ’61 Mr. Frederick H. Ayers III ’61 Mr. and Mrs. M. Sands Cassada Mr. Bruce R. Cherry James S. Cranford ’61, MD Mr. Roland W. Dodson C. Alison Drescher ’61, DDS Mr. and Mrs. Ira R. Hanna

J. Battle Haslam II ’61, MD Ms. Carolyn L. Honeycutt Mr. Benjamin P. Lynch Jr. ’61 Mr. John C. Miller II ’61 Mr. John L. Rowe Jr. ’66 and Mrs. Rowe Mr. Edward D. Smith Mr. James E. Weatherford Lt. Col. Robert F. Williamson Sr. ’61, USA (Ret)

Mr. Sherrill A. Witt ’66 Mr. Howard M. Lloyd Jr. ’66

Mr. T. Foster Witt Jr. ’50B Mr. John K. Taylor ’50B Mrs. Allan S. Wagner Jr.

Mr. DeWitt S. Worrell ’62 Mr. Charles W. Beale III ’64 Mr. Spencer H. Elmore ’62 Mr. Randolph M. Hamner ’62 Mr. James E. Herring Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63 Mr. Robert T. Mitchell Jr. ’62 and Mrs. Mitchell Col. and Mrs. George Piegari Mr. Laurence B. Ritter Mr. George W. Robbins III ’62 J. Mott Robertson Jr. ’62, MD Mr. W. Ware Smith Jr. ’62 Ms. Annelliott Willis and Mr. James Nida

Mr. Gregory R. Wright Jr. ’95 Capt. Asa H. Page III ’79, USN Mrs. Renee M. Schwerdt

Capt. Luke C. Wullenwaber ’02, USA 1st Lt. Ryan P. Hickey ’02, USA Capt. Asa H. Page III ’79, USN

Mr. Elliott I. Young ’59 Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63

Matching Gifts The following companies or related foundations have made contributions to VMI, matching the gifts of alumni and friends listed under each.

These gifts were received during the time frame of May 1 through July 31, 2009.

Abbott Laboratories Fund Mr. Clinton T. Glover ’57

Alcoa Foundation Mr. T.F. Drumwright Jr. ’50B

Altria Group Inc. Mr. William K. Bhatta ’76

American Electric Power Mr. Jack M. Burnett ’45 Mr. C. Michael Thacker ’68

AT&T Foundation Mr. James M. Outland ’83

153

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Bank of America Foundation Inc. Mr. C. Knox Hubard ’69 Ms. Michelle Salomon Mr. Matthew C. Spencer ’97

Bank of Essex Mr. Dennis P. Traubert ’72

The Boeing Company Col. Randolph M. Blanks ’67, USAF (Ret) Mr. Andrew M. Gillespie ’88 Mr. Jeff Hanna ’52 Col. Albert L. Lahendro ’65, USAF (Ret)

C&F Finance Company Mr. Steven D. Crone ’90

Caterpillar Foundation Mr. David A. Pitts ’88 Mr. Wilson E.D. Shepherd ’50B Mr. C. Randolph Williams Sr. ’63

Chesapeake Corporation Foundation Mr. Harry H. Warner ’57 Mr. Hugh V. White Jr. ’54

ChevronTexaco Corporation Mr. Gary E. Pittman Sr. ’52

Cisco Systems Inc. Capt. Paul K. Tallat-Kelpsa ’90, USA

Coca-Cola Company Col. Joseph P. Moan ’81, USAF (Ret)

The Delta Air Lines Foundation Mr. W.R. Beerbower ’72

Dominion Foundation Mr. Rudolph J. Bartol ’79 Mr. W. Farhad Bigdely ’80 Mr. H.A. Curle Jr. ’76 Mr. O. Preston Sloane III ’75 Mr. John S. Thornton Jr. ’64

The Dow Chemical Company Foundation Mr. Roderick W. Kallgren ’48B Mr. Ronald L. Wagner ’62

The Duke Energy Foundation Mr. Kenneth R. Jordan ’65

Energy Services Group Mr. Ronald E. Gallagher ’68

The General Electric Foundation Mr. Jennings B. Bunch Jr. ’50A Mr. Robert L. Hobson ’59, PhD Maj. Gen. Richard E. Leithiser ’50B, USAR

154

GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Mr. Robert D. Clingenpeel Jr. ’69

The Harvey Hubbell Foundation Mr. Erwin Hanke ’71

IBM Corporation Mr. T. Bryan Barton ’68 Mr. Joseph R. Brenner ’55 Mr. Richard G. Condit ’72 Mr. Christopher S. Cramer ’82 Col. Louis C. Delisio ’52, USAF (Ret) Mr. G.T. Durvin Jr. ’70 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Elder Mr. William L. Gee ’58 Mr. John Goode ’81 Mr. James A. Griffin ’63 Mr. James P. Hart III ’55 Mr. James E. Henry Jr. ’68 Mr. James C. Kyle Jr. ’57, PhD Mr. Nowell E. Loop ’59 Mr. Richard R. Mandt ’50A Mr. Robert S. Miller ’53 Mr. E. Jeff Robertson II ’54 Mr. Tarn M. Rosenbaum Mr. Ira N. Saxe ’39 Mr. Frank H. White ’59

MeadWestvaco Foundation Mr. Michael L. Santoro Jr. ’69

The Merck Company Foundation Mr. Tracy W. Burke ’85

Nationwide Foundation Mr. Wymer W. Manning Jr. ’54

The New York Times Company Foundation Mr. B. Drummond Ayres Jr. ’57

Norfolk Southern Foundation Mr. Harvey H. Bradley ’49B Mr. O. Raymond Martin V ’71 Mr. Phillip R. Ogden ’63 Mr. Lawrence E. Wetsel Jr. ’61

The Northrop Grumman Foundation Mr. Steven A. Barsamian ’84 Mr. Kevin Pavlish

Pfizer Foundation Mr. William R. Haeberlein ’61 Mr. Thomas H. Selman III ’84

Pitney Bowes Company Mr. Benjamin W.L. Semmes III ’88

PNC Foundation Cmdr. and Mrs. E. Wayne Jeffreys

Public Service Electric & Gas Company

Mr. James J. Schaffer III ’77

Raytheon Company Mr. Kashka Ashford

Regions Financial Corporation Mr. Robert W. Jenvey II ’78

Shell Oil Company Foundation Mr. Kenneth K. Kauffman Mr. William L. Nuenke ’57 Mr. Ira P. Parkman Jr. ’66

State Farm Companies Foundation Mr. H. Lee Barnes Jr. ’69 Mr. J.G. Goodwillie III ’60 Mr. Quinter J. Herring Jr. ’50B

T Rowe Price Associates Foundation Inc.

Anne M. Whittemore, Esquire

The Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation Col. Walter P. Lang ’62, USA (Ret)

Trane

Mr. Warren W. Michelsen ’87

The UPS Foundation

Maj. John W. Diggs ’80, USAFR

Vectren Foundation

Mr. David R. Ames Jr. ’85

Verizon Foundation

Mr. Bruce D. Cohen ’83 Mr. William K. Kays Jr. ’55 Mr. W.B. Kuykendall Jr. ’50B Mr. Ralph T. Minor ’97 Mr. Daniel W. Murphy ’85 Mr. I. Thomas Orrell ’77 Mr. Eugene Scott Jr. ’80 Mr. Ben W.L. Semmes Jr. ’55 Mr. David T. Wagner ’82

Wachovia Foundation

Mr. James M. Flaherty ’96

Washington Group Foundation Inc. Mr. Courtney Apperson Jr. ’69, PhD

WellPoint Associate Giving Campaign

Mr. C. Timothy Gundlach ’73 Mr. Ronald K. Milligan ’78

Xerox Corporation

Mr. Kenneth E. Dice Jr. ’64

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

KEYDET CLUB KEYDET CLUB VMI Alumni and Friends “Never Say Die”!

FY09 Fundraising Goals Met Not realizing what was going to happen to the economy this past year, the Keydet Club Board of Governors agreed in June 2008 to provide VMI with $3,550,000 to fund scholarships and operations expenses for its intercollegiate sports programs in fiscal year 2009, an increase of 4.4% over the prior year. As things got worse, both the Institute and the Keydet Club Board and staff recognized the challenges ahead. But as CEO Greg Cavallaro ’84 kept repeating, “We will get it done. The SPIRIT will bring us through.” And he was right. The VMI Family stepped up to the plate, and the FY09 goal was exceeded! Keydet Club members’ contributions of $3,550,999 were directed to the Institute in support of our Division I teams following the

close of the year.

75th Anniversary Challenge Leads the Way

Early in the fiscal year, as the economy got worse, it became apparent that challenging times called for some “out of the box” thinking if the Keydet Club was to have a chance of meeting its goal of $3.55 million. It was time to look to the entire alumni body for support. With the buy-in from five generous alumni – Sen. Elmon Gray ’46, Bernard Bossard ’56, Gil Minor ’63, Tom Slater ’66 and one anonymous donor – the Keydet Club’s 75th Anniversary Challenge was created. These VMI men agreed to match every participant’s gift with an additional gift of $75.

Athletics is an important component of the VMI educational experience, and being part of the NCAA Division I program provides visibility for the Institute to a nationwide audience.

Although the time might not have seemed right, the Keydet fans answered the call for support. The number of Keydet Club donors grew from 2,600 in FY08 to 3,950 last year – a 52% increase!

A large part of the growth in the number of donors was due to the 75th Anniversary Challenge. Over 3,100 members participated in the challenge, and 1,925 of them were new donors, responsible for more than $344,000 in new gifts. Some other stats: VMI alumni donors to the Keydet Club increased by 67% (or 1,200); and overall alumni donor participation to VMI through the Keydet Club and the VMI Foundation increased by nearly 12 percent, pushing VMI’s percentage of alumni participation up to 38.8%.

The contributions made by Keydet Club donors were allocated as follows: Scholarship grant-in-aid – $2,005,966; and Athletic Operations Fund (AOF) – $1,545,033. The AOF gifts were further allocated as shown top right.

As of early August 2009, scholarship grants-in-aid are being provided to 195 cadet-athletes in the 2009-10 school year. VMI is funding close to 80% of NCAA allowable scholarship equivalencies across all sports programs.

After closing the books on FY09, Cavallaro said, “There were 2009-Issue 4

AOF – Unrestricted AOF – Academic Support AOF – AD’s Discretionary AOF – Baseball AOF – Basketball AOF – Football AOF – Lacrosse AOF – Rifle AOF – Men’s Soccer AOF – Women’s Soccer AOF – Swimming AOF – Track AOF – Weight Room AOF – Women’s Athletics AOF – Wrestling

770,962 74,458 70,670 107,207 66,383 182,071 66,612 1,458 31,735 62,438 8,161 39,323 250 213 63,085

some who feared the Keydet Club would not make its goals due to the poor economy the nation has suffered these past several months, and VMI prepared for a 15% shortfall in Keydet Club contributions. Your staff, however, remained confident, because we talk to or meet with alumni and friends every day, and it was evident to us that the VMI Spirit, Never Say Die attitude and Keydet pride were as strong as ever.

Looking Ahead Looking ahead, fundraising for Keydet athletics over the next two years will continue to be challenging. One reason is that the Institute may see further cuts in state aid, which will place demands on alumni and friends for funding other needs at VMI. In addition, spendable investment funds will be reduced, because a three-year average return is applied for funding purposes, and the 2008-09 dip in the market will affect the investment funding for two more years.

Cavallaro noted that the Keydet Club has already opted to reduce its operating budget for FY10 in light of the potential for economic struggles this year and next. Measures taken include: media guides will not be mailed to those who can access them online; the annual Scholarship Athletes Recognition Banquet will not be held this year; and staff (including all Agency staff) will not receive pay or cost of living increases.

Facing another tight year, the Keydet Club Board and staff remain optimistic. VMI has in place a great coaching staff that is bringing in the right kind of student-athletes for our military environment, so things are looking bright for another exciting season of Division I athletics. The Spirit of VMI is alive and well, as evidenced by the outpouring of support in the stands from Keydet Fans at events held this fall.

In addition, the Keydet Club’s successful 75th Anniversary 155

KEYDET CLUB Challenge has been extended through the end of calendar year 2009, with the focus of class competition now placed on “percentage” of class participation. The class of 1984 won the “number” of class participants’ competition that ended in June 2009, with the classes of 1987 and 1971 taking the second and third spots, respectively. The class which has the highest percentage of participation as of Dec. 31, 2009, will be recognized during halftime at a basketball game. It was in the fall of 1934 that the first scholarships were granted to cadet-athletes (football), and the excitement of Saturday games has not diminished over the years.

The Keydet Club will also sponsor a second auction in Richmond, Virginia, on May 21, 2010, to raise funds for academic support needs. The first auction, held in Richmond in 2008, was a huge success, and it was followed by one in Norfolk in 2009 – again, a big success. To discuss auction items and sponsorships in support of the auction, contact Keydet Club Vice President Doug Bartlett at dbartlett@vmiaa.org or 1-800/444-1839.

“We are so appreciative of all the alumni and friends who helped us reach the funding goals for VMI in FY09,” Cavallaro said. “Our team of Keydet Club members is now nearly the size it was back in the 1980s, which proves that the VMI Spirit is as strong as ever. Our whole family takes such pride when our young men and women don the Keydet uniform, and I know that together we are setting the stage to make VMI Athletics competitive and successful across the board. I hope every member in 2009 stays with our team in 2010 and beyond, and recruits a few more Brother Rats and friends to join us. We can and will continue to achieve the unthinkable and overcome the obstacles before us.

We can do all of this and win the VMI way … with honor, integrity, leadership, broad-based participation and discipline – that’s the Spirit of VMI. That’s what the Institute is all about.”

Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, all articles in the Keydet Club section of the Alumni Review are provided by the Keydet Club.

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Keydet Club Welcomes New President and Board Members On July 1, 2009, the Keydet Club Board of Governors welcomed a new president and six new members to the board. After serving as 1st vice president for the past two years, Charles F. Plageman ’90 took over as president, replacing William H. Stephens Jr. ’73 in that role.

The other officers of the board for 2009-11 are: U. “Buzz” Birzenieks ’64, 1st vice president; Joseph W. Keyes Jr. ’82, 2nd vice president; and Gerald J. Acuff Jr. ’71, secretary and treasurer. Joining the officers on the Executive Committee will be board members Kelly K. Sullivan ’01 and Bland Massie Jr. ’77.

New board members, effective July 1, 2009, are: Thomas A. Brashears ’95, Kevin J. Henry ’68, James W. Long Jr. ’69, Andrew J. Mulcunry ’94, Lewis E. Preston ’92 and Daniel P. Thornton ’78. Returning board members who will serve a second three-year term are: Gerald J. Acuff Jr. ’71, Michael C. Eden ’82, Lois W. Ford and Thomas C. Jones ’69.

Following are brief biographies of Plageman and the new board members.

Charles F. Plageman ’90 Charles matriculated at VMI from Richmond, Virginia, in 1986, and graduated with his class of 1990, earning a bachelor of arts degree in economics, With Distinction. A four-year letterman in football, he received a National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete Award as a first classman. In addition, he served as class president and regimental commander.

Following graduation from VMI, he worked in Richmond in commercial lending positions at Signet Bank, First Union and Bank of America until 2001. He received an MBA from the University of Richmond in 1995. After serving as vice president of finance for a small sports turf company, Plageman purchased RPM Graphics, Inc., a commercial sign company in Ashland, Virginia, in 2003. In 2008, he Plageman ’90 purchased West End Signs in Richmond.

Plageman is a former board member of St. Joseph’s Villa and Benedictine High School. He is also a past president of the Richmond Chapter of The VMI Alumni Association.

He and his wife, Jill, have two daughters, Livvy and Susanna. They live in Richmond.

Thomas A. Brashears ’95 Thom matriculated at VMI from Arlington, Virginia, and graduated with his class of 1995, earning a bachelor of arts degree in history. As a cadet, he was a member of the VMI swimming team. Following graduation, he served in the Army as a field artillery officer for 11 years.

Highlights of his Army career include two commands within 1st Armored Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He returned home from Iraq in July 2004 and subsequently reported for duty at the VMI Army ROTC Department. While at VMI, he served as an advisor to the Rat Disciplinary Committee and tactical officer for Alpha Company, and he was selected to coach VMI’s club basketball team.

In November 2005, Brashears retired from the Army and Brashears ’95 moved to northern Virginia where he has worked since 2006 VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

KEYDET CLUB as a Department of Defense contractor in support of the Department of the Army’s Training Support Directorate, the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Department Organization (JIEDDO) and most recently, as an associate for HealthNet. In his current position, Brashears serves as the deputy program director/executive officer for the Department of Defense’s Military & Family Life Consultant (MFLC) Program. The MFLC program supplements mental and behavioral health for the U.S. Armed Forces, along with personal financial counseling.

Brashears also serves as the public address announcer for all VMI home football games and volunteers as an assistant football coach for Massanutten Military Academy.

He is married to the former Bethany “Jill” Glick of Dayton, Virginia, and together they own Java 23, a small coffee house located in downtown Lexington.

They have one daughter, Alanah Jonelle, and four dogs: Molly, Barney, Roxy and Maggy.

was a member of the Pioneer Investment Club and served on his class’s Ring Figure Committee. He played tennis and soccer for one year, managed the tennis and wrestling teams for three years, and was a member of the Monogram Club.

Following graduation, Long worked briefly in the banking industry before joining Double Envelope Company in Roanoke. Over the next 24 years of working for Double, he and his family lived in three different states, and he rose to the position of sales manager. He was asked to join Double Envelope’s sister company, Convertagraphics, and for the last 14 years he has served as the regional sales manager for the company.

Long has served as class agent and is a past president of the Roanoke Chapter of The VMI Alumni Association.

He is a member of Windsor Hills Methodist Church where he currently serves on the Staff Parish Committee.

Long and his wife of 38 years, Beth, have two daughters, Holland and Maggie, and two sons, Wilson and Byron.

ticed law in Columbia, South Carolina, with Haynsworth, Baldwin, Johnson and Greaves, LLP. In 2003, he returned to Virginia to become a member of the law firm Macaulay & Burtch, P.C., where he focuses his practice on Labor & Employment law.

He is a member of the Advisory Board of the Litigation Counsel of America, which is a trial lawyer honorary society.

He also is a past president of the Williamsburg Chapter of The VMI Alumni Association.

Andy, his wife, Kelley, and sons Drew and Connor live in Richmond.

Lewis E. Preston ’92 Lewis matriculated at VMI from Rocky Mount, Virginia, and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in history and a minor in English literature.

In his Rat year, Preston “walked on” the basketball team, after playing just one season in high school. At the end of his last season at the Institute, he was a 1,000-point scorer and a school record holder in four categories. In Kevin J. Henry ’68 Andrew J. Mulcunry ’94 his first class year, he led the Keydets Kevin matriculated at VMI from ArAndy matriculated at VMI from Vir- in scoring (16.7), rebounding (7.1), lington, Virginia, and received a bach- ginia Beach, Virginia, in 1990 and gradu- field-goal percentage (.540), freeelor of arts degree in history. During his ated with his class of 1994, throw percentage (.800) and cadetship, he was a member of the VMI earning a bachelor of arts blocked shots (48). His career football team for three years. degree in history. While a high game was in 1993 against Following graduation, he served in the cadet, he served as class The Citadel, when he scored U.S. Army from 1968-71. He is a recipi- historian and editor-in37 points while adding 15 ent of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, chief of the Cadet newsparebounds. He was also a great Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal per, and he was a company defender, holding the VMI reand Meritorious Service Medal. executive officer. cord for blocks (202), including Henry is a senior vice president for He was the distinguished a school-record 65 in 1992.

Republic Mortgage and Insurance military graduate from the Preston was a two-time AllCompany in Winston-Salem, North Virginia Army National Southern Conference selection, Mulcunry ’94 Carolina. He previously served on the Guard Officer Candidate leading the league in blocked Keydet Club Board of Governors from School and served as an shots twice and finishing as its 1992-98. infantry officer in the Virginia and second all-time, shot-blocking leader.

He and his wife, Carolyn, Alabama National Guard. He finished at VMI live in Winston-Salem.

In 2001, he graduated from with averages of the University of Alabama 10.6 points and 5.7 James W. Long Jr. ’69 School of Law with honors. rebounds per game.

Jimmy matriculated from While in law school, he served He was inducted into Roanoke, Virginia, in the fall as the editor-in-chief of the the VMI Sports Hall of 1965 to become a member Journal of the Legal Profes- of Fame in 2007. of the great class of 1969. sion and was a member of the After VMI, Preston At graduation, he received Moot Court Board. played professional a bachelor of arts degree in Following graduation from basketball in EuLong Jr. ’69 Preston ’92 economics. While at VMI, he law school, Mulcunry prac- rope for four years.

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KEYDET CLUB He returned to the states to become assistant coach to Pete Strickland (one of his former VMI assistant coaches) at Coastal Carolina for two years, before moving to Notre Dame as a member of Mike Brey’s staff. While at Notre Dame, he helped the Irish to a 118-70 (.628) mark and saw postseason play in each of his six years in South Bend, including three NCAA Tournament appearances and a Sweet 16 showing in 2003. In 2006, he became an assistant to Billy Donovan for the Florida Gators and was a part of their National Championship team that saw three players selected in the first round of the NBA draft.

Currently, Preston is an assistant coach for Ed DeChellis and the Penn State Nittany Lions. In his first season there, the Nittany Lions won the NIT Championship, downing Baylor 69-63.

Preston is known in the sports world as a strong recruiter, motivator, role model and developer of post players.

He is married to the former Angela Sangermano. They have two daughters, Alexandra and Emma.

Mind, an internet service provider Daniel P. Thornton ’78 Danny spent his youth in Amherst and graphic design firm in Forest, County, Virginia, where he attended Virginia.

Thornton was a founding board memAmherst County public schools. He matriculated to the Virginia Military In- ber of Community First Bank in Lynchstitute in 1974 and was a distinguished burg and is currently the chairman of graduate of the class of 1978, earning the board of Select Bank, a recently chartered community bank a bachelor of arts degree in serving the greater ReEconomics. As a cadet, he gion 2000 market area. He served on the Honor Court is also a founding board and was listed in Who’s Who member of CornerStone Among Students in AmeriBank in Lexington, the can Universities. He served area’s only locally owned eight years as an officer in community bank. the U.S. Army Reserve, risThornton currently serves ing to the rank of captain. as president of the YMCA He began his professional career at VMI, where he served Thornton ’78 of Central Virginia and has done volunteer work for two years as assistant to for the Lynchburg Chamthe director of Admissions. He then returned to Lynchburg, Virginia, ber of Commerce, The United Way, in 1980 where he began his career with the Lynchburg Chapter of The VMI Progress Printing Company. Currently, Alumni Association – of which he is a he is the National Accounts executive, past president – and other nonprofits after serving for nearly 20 years as in the community. He, his wife, Mevice president of Sales and Marketing. lissa, and son Peter live in Bedford He also owns (and helped found) In County, Virginia.

Ayers Family Establishes Lacrosse Scholarship Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Ayers Jr. of Richmond, Virginia, have established the Ayers Brothers Scholarship through the Keydet Club. It recognizes and honors their three sons who attended VMI and were members of the VMI lacrosse team: Charles E. Ayers III ’97, J. Mason Ayers ’99 and Alexander H. Ayers ’02.

The scholarship will provide grant-inaid for a VMI cadet who is also a member of the VMI lacrosse team.

Ayers explained why he and his wife, Sally, established the scholarship: “We are forever indebted to the Institute for what it has done for our sons and the part VMI has played in their growth and development as young men. VMI’s reference to the ‘three-legged stool’ is special – academics, military and athletics.”

Charles, a goalie, was a three-year letterman and team captain in his first class year. He is ranked for career records in saves. He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in mechani158

cal engineering. Today, he is a licensed professional engineer and an associate with Baskervill and Son PC where he is the HVAC department manager. He is married to the former Lois Swindell Wootton, and they have a son, Charles Edward Ayers IV. Mason, an attackman on the lacrosse team, was a four-year letterman and played in the USILA North/South Senior Game in 1999 – one of only six VMI lacrosse players to do so. He is ranked for career records in goals, assists and points. He graduated from VMI in 1999 with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering and a minor in mathematics.

He also graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a master’s in business administration in 2008. Today, he is the assistant chief financial officer for J.E. Liesfeld Contractor, Inc. He is married to the former Marie-Claire Bouquet, and they have a son, James Mason Ayers Jr.

Alexander was a goalie on the VMI lacrosse team. He lettered during his only year on the team. He transferred to Hampden-Sydney College his sophomore year and lettered the three years he was there. Alexander graduated from Hampden-Sydney with a bachelor of arts in managerial economics in 2002.

He earned a law degree from the Appalachian School of Law in 2008 and passed the Virginia State Bar in 2009. Today, Alexander is an associate at his father’s law firm, Ayers & Stolte, PC. He continues to play lacrosse for the Richmond Lacrosse Club, in which he also helps run the program.

On receiving the scholarship from the family, Keydet Club vice president Doug Bartlett said: “It amazes me when I realize that the bond between the Ayers family and VMI began over 16 years ago. Now, with the establishment of the Ayers Brothers Scholarship, it is assured to last beyond our lifetime. The Keydet VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

KEYDET CLUB Photo at right: The Ayers brothers, from left, Alexander ’02, Mason ’99 and Charles ’97.

Club is most appreciative of this gift from the Ayers family that will benefit the VMI lacrosse team. Not many parents can claim three sons as VMI alumni, nor as VMI lacrosse alumni. The establishment of the scholarship is an enduring statement of Charley and Sally Ayers’ pride in their sons and VMI. It was an honor to have been the lacrosse coach at VMI for 21 years and to have coached all three sons, but it is equally satisfying to continue to serve VMI with my involvement in this scholarship as a Keydet Club vice president.”

2009 Leadership Outing a Success

The Keydet Club held its annual Leadership Outing on Friday, June 5, 2009.

The event is a special “thank you” for those alumni and friends who make gifts of $1,000 or more ($500 for young alumni) in support of VMI’s intercollegiate sports programs in the current fiscal year.

A golf tournament was held at the Lexington Golf & Country Club, followed by a scrumptious cookout at Moody Hall. Winners of the tournament were: “Doyle ’34 Flight,” Mike Thacker ’68, Tom Hickey ’68 and Bruce Kitchen ’81; and “Miller ’24 Flight,” Jim Joyner ’67, Jim Phlegar ’67, Joe Gray ’58 and Jim Morris ’53.

Photo above, at left: Golfers relaxed after a day of golf, awaiting the announcement of the tournament winners. (Photo by Maj. Rick Mattoso ’96) Photo at left: Leadership members and class of 1970 Brother Rats, from left, Steve Craddock, Bob Copty, Bill O’Connor, Bill Gearhart, Herb Braun, Tommy Cooke and Ralph Costen.

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KEYDET CLUB

Leadership Outing Snapshots

Photos from top right, counter clockwise: - From left, Rhett Clarkson ’61, John Woodfin ’61, Greg Cavallaro ’84 and Jerry Eggleston ’51.

- Pat Taylor ’64, Howard Cobb ’62 and Rob Taylor ’75 enjoyed their dinners, while (background) David Plageman ’62 and Assistant Football Coach Don Woods talked about … what else … football!

- Class of 1996 Brother Rats who endured the rain showers for a fun game of golf were, from left, Rick Mattoso, Turner Perrow and Chris Antonelli.

- From left, Chris Boswell ’00, Jerry Eggleston ’51, John Munno ’84, Barry Coceano ’84 and Johnny Gray ’51 helped themselves to some of the delicious food at the cookout.

- From left, Ron Bryan ’55, Scott Southall ’95, Bill Davidson ’55 and Tom Tait ’55. (Photo by Maj. Rick Mattoso ’96)

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