CLASS NOTES game at VMI on Oct. 31. I declined his invitation, as I didn’t feel I was up to negotiating those stairs in the newly renovated Wes Foster Stadium. On the following weekend, Lou visited us at our home, shared a cup of coffee and reminisced over tales of our cadetship. Lou shared exciting news with us that he and Jean will soon be enjoying their son, Stephen, and family, who are returning to Virginia from Colorado. Stephen has been offered employment in this area Our motor-home-touring BR, Gene Martin, shared that he and Peggy visited Gene’s brother in San Antonio, TX, and also visited BR Jim and Peggy Poteet at their lovely home in the Texas Hill Country. Gene quoted our profound thinker, Jim, as saying, “Some days I sit and think, and some days I just sit!” There is a wonderful view of the hills from his front porch to do just that. The Martin’s son, Michael, is now assigned to the Air Staff at the Pentagon and was recently notified that he was selected to attend the National War College next summer. BR Gary Harris checked in from Pasadena. He reports that he spent a year + commuting to and from Boston, working on reorganizing an engineering project. Gary said he drew upon his VMI training to steer a major project back to its goal of building a “green product.” He and E.J. did a lot of jetting to and fro, but after awhile, found the jet lag a bit much. Gary stated that he met a wonderful collection of Bostonians. He enjoyed taking a 20-minute walk down Charles Street in the mornings and an 18-minute Charles River walk in the afternoons. Gary still sees Bob Susnar ’57, usually lunching on Fridays and getting their respective families together at various social functions. Also from the west coast, BR Tony Lash shares the following: “Another of the shining lights of ’58 has reached a pinnacle of achievement in the professional and civic worlds. Tom Saunders has been elected chairman of the board of the Heritage Foundation.” Tony continues, “For those of you not familiar with Heritage, it is one of the bastions of truth and freedom …” Congratulations, BR Tom! Annemarie and I were treated to lunch by BRs Bill Holland and Moon Menefee. They drove in from Richmond, and we 58
met them in Staunton at a locally famous restaurant, Mrs. Rowe’s. We did a lot of reminiscing, most of which you all probably heard, as Brother Bill was in true form in his “soft,” melodious voice.
Class of 1958: Above: Gary Harris and wife E.J. stopping by the famous “Cheers” Bar down the street from the Harris’ Boston Common apartment. Below: Gary Harris became a Boston Red Sox fan at Fenway Park.
building is all part of Gen. Peay’s ’62 Vision 2039. Unfortunately, it rained that night. Not withstanding the unpleasant weather, cadets, en mass, were present at every turn to guide parking and give directions entering the building. Cadets served as hat/coat checkers as well as wait staff. The meal was delicious, as were the hors’ doeuvres and wine served with dinner. Speakers included Gen. Peay and Thomas G. Slater ’66, president of the VMI Board of Visitors. The highlight of the evening, however, was the assemblage of our Brother Rats and their beautiful ladies: Ernie and Elizabeth Edgar; Drew and Joann Troxler, accompanied by their daughter, Chambliss; Onza and Becky Hyatt; Hull and Judy Negley; Dave and Annie Mae Martin; and the Roberts. This was Annemarie’s and my first attendance. I could go on ad infinitum; but you need to see it for yourself. (Editor’s Note: See a photo of the class of ’58 Brother Rats at the dinner in the front section of this Review.) As beautiful as this valley in Virginia is, weather-wise it can’t compare with the Sunshine State this time of year. Stay warm; keep the Spirit. We’re heading south! God’s Blessings … Wes
’59 The finale of our visit to Virginia was attending the Institute Society Dinner on Nov. 11. The dinner was held in the newly completed Center for Leadership and Ethics, which is located behind the Marshall Library. The dining hall was akin to a grand ballroom, and with decorations, enhanced by the beautiful ladies and the alumni in our “monkey suits,” it was a sight to behold. The wall behind the speaker’s podium is a gigantic screen, on which was projected a power point program of life at VMI. It was also used to feature the speakers and the entertainment (VMI Glee Club and Brass). This beautiful
Shep Shepard
Just before the deadline to submit this article, I received word from Peggy Smith that our Brother Rat Kenny had gone to be with his Savior and Lord. Kenny was diagnosed with a new kind of cancer just after our 50th Reunion and had undergone extensive experimental treatment but to no avail. The funeral was held in Troy, VA, and was attended by many of Kenny’s friends and Brother Rats. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Peggy and her family. After the deadline, I received word from Loretta that Fritz Orebaugh passed away 12 Oct. 2009. Fritz had heart complications for many years, but his sudden death was completely unexpected. Fritz was a mainstay in the New Market, VA, community, especially as a long-time supporter of the Stonewall Jackson Generals and New Market Rebels. Since I was not notified in time, his Brother Rats were unable to see him off, but our VMI ALUMNI REVIEW