Alumni Review 2010 Issue 3 by VMI Alumni Agencies

VMI

ALUMNI REVIEW 2010-Issue 3

Contents

VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE Alumni Review 2010-Issue 3

IN THIS ISSUE . . .

This issue includes Class Notes covering the time period of Feb. 16 to May 15, 2010. Other than Class Notes, most stories and news in this issue were received in the February-May ’10 time frame.

FEATURES 6

New Market Day, 2010

Graduation/Commissioning

14 Ferrebee ’27 Tees Off 15 Otey ’87 Commands Wing 18 Kuehne ’01 Hikes the Trail 24 Spring Reunion, April 23-24

NEWS AND UPDATES

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

OEF/OIF: An Update

ATTENTION POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to: VMI Alumni Review, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450

Association/Chapter News

Periodicals postage paid at Lynchburg, VA.

Class Notes

154 Births, Marriages, Degrees 154 Most Senior Alumni 156 Taps 164 Alumni News

DEPARTMENTS President’s Letter

168 The Institute 172 VMI Athletics 175 The Foundation 182 The Keydet Club

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. VMI ALUMNI AGENCIES TELEPHONE NUMBERS The VMI Alumni Association: The VMI Foundation: The VMI Keydet Club:

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

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

162 Association Directory

2010-Issue 3

Editor: Hope Hennessey Assistant Editor: Traci Mierzwa Editorial Assistant: Brenda Stoner

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.

20 Spring Reunion, April 19-20

PUBLISHER The President of The VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

PRINTER Progress Printing Co., Inc. Lynchburg, Virginia

17 New Heights for Brown ’91

Volume 86, No. 2

ON OUR COVER Front Cover: Two cadets during the Class of 2010 Commissioning Ceremonies. Inside Front and Back Covers: At his class’s 70th Reunion, Col. Walt Edens ’40 ascended the sentinel box to lead his class in the Old Yell. Read more about this on the inside back cover. All cover photos by Kevin Remington.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Fellow Alumni, It is a great honor to be elected as your president. My most immediate predecessors, Rich Lykins and Jim Spellman, have left impressive legacies for me to follow. Both have set us on a course to support Vision 2039 and beyond. I am looking forward to continuing that vision, but the Alumni Association and I will need your support and involvement. If you have not visited VMI in the past two years, you may not recognize it, with all the new and remodeled academic and upBlanks ’67 graded athletic facilities. So, I invite you to visit the Institute, and get involved with an alumni chapter near you. Refer to the chapter directory on page 170, or if you are not sure of your nearest chapter, call the Alumni Association at 800/444-1839 and our executive vice president, Adam Volant, will be happy to help you. Most importantly, sign on to VMI Ranks, and update your contact information, so that we can find you and keep you informed. The goal of the Alumni Association is to organize alumni and, thereby, serve alumni and Institute needs. To that end, we have standing committees for Young Alumni, chaired by Steve Nakazawa ’03, and Senior Alumni, chaired by Bolling Williamson ’60, that are charged with establishing outreach initiatives to better serve those alumni groups. We also have a Placement Committee, chaired by Grover Outland III ’81, that supports networking events for alumni and cadets seeking employment. If you like working with young people, we have a New Cadet Recruiting Committee, chaired by Heidi Nagel ’02, which works with and supports the Institute Admissions Office to recruit new cadets each year. The success of this “team” and its impact on creating our current Corps is amazing. We should all be proud. They have truly helped recruit some of the best and brightest of the nation’s youth. My point in this letter is to make you aware of the many opportunities to serve the Institute and your fellow alumni, and we welcome your support and suggestions.

Sincerely,

Randolph M. Blanks ’67 President, VMI Alumni Association

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jeff Roach ’84, left, and Lt. Col. Scott Cole ’94, right, at Kabul International Airport in Afghanistan. Both work in the Air Operations Control Center at the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Joint Command Headquarters, which is located at the airport.

Operation

Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom The following alumni names have been received since the publication of the 2010-Issue 2 Alumni Review. This update does not include alumni names received after Feb. 20, 2010. Also, once the name of an alumnus has been listed in the Review, it will not appear again, even if the alumnus is re-deployed 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. Because we have to 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

2010-Issue 3

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 “OEF/OIF,” or go directly to http://www.vmialumni.org/oifoef.

Class of 1986

Fuller, Gerald Wayne Jr., Civilian Class of 1994 Grose, Michael D., Civilian

Class of 1987 Russo, Paul D. Maj., USAR Tertychny, Gerald P. Col., USA

Class of 1995 Barrero, Hernan Maj., USMC 3

Le ’82 Appears in Video Series Col. Son Le ’82, USAF, who, as of this writing, is serving in the Mideast, recently appeared in a three-part video series on the Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) – video on demand – which provides a connection between the media around the world and the military personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. In Part I of the series, Le spoke to a Canadian Broadcast Company-TV reporter about protecting NATO convoys in Afghanistan. In particular, he explained the significant threat that insurgents pose to convoys in southern Afghanistan, including stories about contracted companies paying off insurgents and committees investigating these stories. The video can be viewed online at the following link: http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=video/video_show. php&id=81434.

Le ’82

Class of 2000 Bicknell, Conrad C. Lt., USN

Class of 2005 Cirillo, Jonathan D. Lt., USN

Class of 2006 Freeman, Joshua E. Sgt., USAR

Class of 2007 Kosh, Gregory W. 1st Lt., USMC Yohe, John P. 2nd Lt., USMCR Hanks, Evan T. 1st Lt., USAF Photo at right: At Kandahar Airfield in southern Afghanistan’s Helmand Province, February 2010, were, from left, Maj. Joe DuBose ’96, USAF, chief of Trauma Surgery at NATO Role 3 Field Hospital; Maj. Charles Gates ’96, USAF, chief of Combat Plans, 3rd Force Protection WG, and provost marshal, Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan; and Maj. Hernan Barrero ’95, USMC, Regional Command (South), Plans. Photo at left: Capt. Brian Quisenberry ’81 with an Iraqi Security Forces major general at a dinner in Baghdad for U.S. and Iraqi forces. Below: Again, Quisenberry ’81, at Al Faw Palace in Baghdad, Iraq.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Col. Gerry Tertychny ’87, USA, right, with Maj. Gen. Qasim, commanding general of the Iraqi Army’s 9th Division. Tertychny is the U.S. Army advisor to the 9th Division.

Class of 2006 Brother Rats 1st Lieutenant Brian Lennon ’06, left, and Sgt. Josh Freeman, right, in front of an OH58D “Kiowa” helicopter in Iraq. Lennon flew this helicopter with F Troop, 1-230th Calvary Squadron, Tennessee Army National Guard. He recently completed his tour and is back in the United States. Freeman is with the 88th MP Company (USAR) and is planning to be back in the states by mid August 2010.

Evan Hanks ’07 is deployed (at an undisclosed location) as one of the three U.S. Air Forces Central depot liaison engineers.

While stationed in Afghanistan, John Collier ’09 asked Lt. Col. Joe Irby ’85, USA (Ret), VMI Foundation major gifts officer, for a VMI flag. Irby sent the flag, as shown in the photo of Collier above. According to Bill Collier ’72, who provided this picture, both Colliers were grateful and pleased.

Photo above, left: Class of ’87 Brother Rats Lt. Col. Paul Russo, USAF, left, and Mike Evans, right, at Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan, April 2010. According to Russo, who provided this photo, Evans is a civilian contractor (retired from the Navy), and Russo is stationed there as an optometrist at the Craig Joint Theater Hospital. Photo at right: Again, Russo ’87 and 1st Lt. Patrick

2010-Issue 3

Zanelotti ’08, USA, Quarter Master officer, during Zanelotti’s eye exam at the Joint Craig Theater Hospital, Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan.

New Market Day May 15, 2010

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Graduation Parade, Class of 2010

2010-Issue 3

7 All New Market and Graduation Parade photos by VMI, Kevin Remington.

247 Cross Stage at VMI Graduation

“I feel great. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time.” Jonathan Horne ’10 captured the sentiments of many as the gloves flew, following orders read by incoming regimental commander, Cadet 1st Capt. David Gerardo, relieving the class of 2010 of duty. The new graduates tossed their white gloves in a VMI tradition at the end of commencement exercises on May 16th. Crossing the stage to receive their degrees were 247 cadets. Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, in his remarks before the degrees were awarded, noted that 17 were distinguished graduates with Institute Honors, and 16 were distinguished graduates. Distinguished graduates must have a grade-point average of 3.5, and Institute Honors cadets complete an honors curriculum, including thesis. Three cadets received special awards: Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Bingley Barker Squire, First Jackson-Hope Medal for highest attainment in scholarship and the Commander Harry Millard Mason Academic Proficiency Award; Christian Michael Dolbey, Second Jackson-Hope Medal for second highest attainment and the Colonel Sterling Murray Heflin 1916 Academic Proficiency Award; and Army 2nd Lt. Weston Donald Whitcomb, the Society of the Cincinnati Medal for efficiency of service and excellence of character,

the Richard J. Marshall Award and the Sumter L. Lowry Award. Peay also remarked that 99 members of the class of 2010 had commissioned into the U.S. armed forces during ceremonies on May 15th or earlier in the semester. Nineteen more are expected to commission in coming months [at the time of this writing in May 2010]. The graduates included several members of other classes, most notably Jonathan Brandon Faff, who matriculated with the class of 2003. The entire Corps of Cadets stood and cheered as Faff, who had experienced multiple deployments since his matriculation in 1999, was finally able to receive his bachelor of arts degree in economics and business. Since VMI requires completion of the course of study within 10 years of matriculation, an exception had to be made allowing Faff to graduate. Sixth District Rep. Bob Goodlatte addressed the graduates, admonishing them to consider carefully the words of Gen. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, displayed above Jackson Arch in the VMI Barracks: “You may be whatever you resolve to be.” “Resolve,” said Goodlatte, “is a pathway through life that can lead not only to success,

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

but to happiness as well.” Commenting on references to the concept from sources as diverse as Benjamin Franklin and Spiderman, Goodlatte urged the graduates to make it central to their choices in life after VMI. “We ask many things of you, the most important of which is resolve. … Keep challenging yourself,” said Goodlatte. “Take the time in your life to be an inspiration to another. … In the end, you’ll be judged by your duty and your resolve to fulfill it.” In his remarks preceding Goodlatte’s talk, Peay noted the accomplishments of the class of 2010 in its duty of training new 4th class cadets, or “Rats.” “It was the best cadre and administration of the Ratline that I have witnessed in my seven years at the Institute,” said Peay. The Ratline concluded this year with Breakout during one of several winter storms that marked this academic year, noted Peay, with extreme cold and snowy conditions for what is usually a mostly outdoor event. “This Breakout … the ‘Blizzard Breakout’ … was tough, memorable and safe,” he concluded. Class valedictorian Alex Houser opened his talk with a catalog of the day-to-day activities his class had endured: 812 BRCs [breakfast roll calls], 140 Monday morning uniform inspections, 92 parades, 21 man-

2010-Issue 3

datory football games and one mandatory basketball game on a reading day. It felt like a lifetime, he said, but he was glad. “You are the closest friends that I will ever have the privilege of having, and I have been trying to enjoy every second that we have together before we go our separate ways to take whatever life has to throw at us,” he said. He urged his Brother Rats to continued accomplishments. “We are about to enter a world that has lost sight of what (continued next page)

integrity and honor truly mean,” he said. “We are about to enter a world where the focus is on finding the easy way out. I challenge each and every one of you to hold those intangible values close to your hearts and to execute them with precision every day.” An invocation and benediction was offered by Col. James S. Park, VMI chaplain, and the regimental band played musical selections including the national anthem and “The VMI Spirit.” Sloan C. Burns, 1st class president, also gave remarks and introduced Goodlatte. “We have taken the ‘road less traveled,’” said Sloan. Now, “we will all blaze our own trail and take the road untraveled.” Editor’s Note: The preceding article was written by VMI Communications and Marketing and appeared on the VMI Web site, www.vmi.edu. All graduation photos by VMI, Kevin Remington.

Valedictorian Alex Houser ’10 is the grandson of Bill Kornegay ’59.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Nearly 100 Cadets Commission in May Ceremonies Volunteering to serve in the armed forces while the country is at war is “an awesome responsibility,” said Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army, during VMI’s joint commissioning ceremony held May 15, 2010, in Cameron Hall. “It is also very humbling,” Chiarelli said. “Today’s officers have more responsibility than ever before.” After his talk, Chiarelli administered the oath of office to the 42 cadets commissioning into the Army. Lt. Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., director for operations, J-3, joint staff of the U.S. Marine Corps, administered the oath to the 23 cadets (continued next page)

2010-Issue 3

commissioning into the Marine Corps. Paxton spoke of five characteristics that are critical to Marine Corps service: candor, confidence, compassion, courage and commitment. “Regardless of your branch of service, remember, it’s one team, one fight,” Paxton said. “As a leader, you don’t

say ‘go do,’ you say ‘follow me.’” Vice Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, administered the oath of office to 12 cadets commissioning into the Navy, while Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force, administered the oath to 15 cadets joining the Air Force. Traditional pin-on ceremonies followed. Cadets joining the Army gathered in front

of Marshall Hall, while cadets commissioning in the Navy and Marine Corps met in front of Jackson Arch. New Air Force second lieutenants gathered in Memorial Garden. “It is a great feeling; I never once thought that I would be where I am today and have accomplished the things that I have accomplished,” said Air Force 2nd Lt. Carter Kunz, who said he has long wanted to serve. “After 9/11, it was pretty much a done deal in my mind,” Kunz said. Kunz, a self-described “prankster” in high school, served as cadet in charge of

he will serve as a special operations civil engineer. Ensign Rory Alfree, a native of Wilmington, Delaware, said a visit to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, one summer during high school convinced him to set his sights on the Navy. Alfree said he first heard of VMI while reading the book The Lords of Discipline, a Pat Conroy novel whose main character, a basketball player, attends a fictional military college based on The Citadel and plays against VMI. While studying civil engineering at VMI, Alfree also served as vice president

the Air Force ROTC Department’s Field Training Prep program, which prepares Air Force cadets for their summer “boot camp.” Kunz is heading to Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis, New Mexico, where

for defense on the Honor Court, acting as liaison between the defense and prosecution. Serving on the Honor Court bolstered his communication skills and professionalism, Alfree said. Alfree will remain stationed with the VMI Naval ROTC Department until he receives his training orders. He will enter the Navy explosive ordinance disposal community, traveling first to Panama City, Florida, for nine weeks of Navy Dive School training, before heading to Eglin Air Force Base for 42 weeks of EOD training. “The thing I will miss the most are the people,” Alfree said. “I have had a lot of good and tough times with my Brother Rats, and I would not trade that for anything.” New Marine Corps 2nd Lt. David Lochart said he was drawn to VMI because of “the structure, discipline and camaraderie that the Institute advertises.” Although VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Lochart had flirted with the idea of enlisting right out of high school, his guidance counselor suggested VMI. “I fell in love with the way so many different people could come together, and through hard work and determination accomplish a com-

mon goal,” Lochart said. “This is what drew me to VMI and ultimately the military.” Lochart served as a cadre member during the Ratline. This summer, he reports to The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, to begin training.

don’t have time to moan and complain about how hard the place is.” Among the Army’s newly commissioned cadets was John “Jack” Curtis Jr., whose father was a 1979 VMI graduate. Curtis attended VMI on a full football scholarship and didn’t decide to commission in the Army until the second semester of his first class year. “For the first three years of my cadetship, I focused on academics and football, and with my election to the Honor Court at the end of my third class year, I gained new responsibilities,” said Curtis, who served as Honor Court vice president for education, a position that allowed him to develop an education plan for the Rat Honor System. Curtis is attending the Army’s Warrior Forge Leader Development and Assessment Course this summer before learning his branch assignment in September. “The past four years have not been easy, but I would not trade them for anything,” Curtis said. (Editor’s Note: The preceding article was written by VMI Communications and Marketing. All commissioning photos by VMI, Kevin Remington.)

Also heading to Quantico will be Marine 2nd Lt. William Shannon. “The highlight of my cadetship was the relationships I’ve developed with other cadets, particularly my roommates, my Rats and the other members of the Honor Court,” Shannon said. “If you work hard at VMI and stay focused, you

2010-Issue 3

“600 Holes of Golf in Four Days? … You’ve Got to be Kidding!” by J. Bolling Williamson ’60 It all started innocently enough: two friends had just completed two rounds of golf and were relaxing in the locker room. “I feel pretty good,” said one. “I could go out and play another 18 holes.” “Bet you couldn’t play twice as many again,” countered the second. The gauntlet had been thrown down. Several days later, dawn found Smith Ferebee ’27, originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, standing on the first tee of Olympia Hills Country Club in Chicago, having bet that he could play 144 holes by the end of the day, shooting no higher than 95 on each round. That evening, he walked off the 18th green after winning the bet with an average score of 85. The date was Aug. 5, 1938. Word of the feat triggered a nationwide wave of golf marathons, which included 301 holes played in one day by a college student who puttered around the course on a motor scooter. Undoubtedly goaded by his golfing friend, Ferebee got serious and announced that he would play 600 holes of golf in four straight days. Furthermore, he would play in eight different cities, traveling from coast to coast. And finally, he put up his half of a plantation in Virginia that he owned with his friend.

injured leg which had been taped, his pace slowed significantly, and it was eight o’clock in the evening when he began his final round. A fire truck was brought onto the course to illuminate the fairway and green as he went around. Many members of the gallery who had gathered to cheer him on provided further illumination with flash lights, and flares were fired in order to follow the flight of the ball. Ferebee carded a 53 on the front nine but somehow found a reserve of energy as he made the turn. After barely missing a birdie on the 18th hole, a mighty roar went up when he sank his putt at 10:30 that evening for a 43 on the final nine holes. And not to be outdone, he took a short trip across Long Island to the World’s Fair Grounds where he completed his 601st hole of golf under the lights just before midnight. Ferebee had walked about 40 miles a day for four days and worn out two dozen pairs of gloves. His lowest score was 77, his highest 99 and he hadn’t lost a single ball. While his physician and other members of the entourage went into Manhattan to celebrate, Ferebee checked into his hotel room, hung a sign on the door that read “Do Not Open Until Christmas” and went to bed.

Naval Aviator

The First Day: 165 Holes

A day after the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, Ferebee joined the Navy. The Accompanied by his personal physician and same determination and grit that drove several other Chicago buddies (as well as felhim during his golf marathon propelled low wagerers, probably), Ferebee went to the him through flight school, earning him the West Coast where a DC-3 had been chartered distinction of being recognized as the oldest to take the group around the country. Early person without any previous flying experion Sunday, Sept. 25th, he teed off on the first ence to be designated a naval aviator. hole of the Lakeside Club in Los Angeles, and He was shot down during the waning after 84 holes, he sprinted to the plane which days of the war off the coast of Japan, sufheaded to Phoenix for his afternoon round. By fering several injuries, including multiple Ferebee ’27 that evening, he had completed 165 holes. fractures of his left arm. After the war, he entered the insurance The Next Three Days industry, within which, not surprisingly, he built up his company to become the largest agency in the nation. At dawn the next day, he teed off in Kansas City. Seventy-two Ferebee was a loyal and generous supporter of the Institute holes later, he left for St. Louis, accompanied by a stray dog that and served on the VMI Board of Visitors from 1966-76. In rechad followed him around the course that morning and nursing ognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Distinguished a pulled tendon in his leg. Flying to Milwaukee that night, he Service Award in 1981, which is the VMI Foundation’s highest nevertheless was able to play 72 holes the next morning, plus honor. The dedication of the Ferebee Lounge in the renovated three extra. Afternoon found him on his home course in Chicago Clarkson-McKenna Hall in Foster Stadium has further acknowlwhere he completed four more rounds. edged his efforts on behalf of VMI. He teed off in Philadelphia on Wednesday morning, Sept. 28th, Sources: and after 72 more holes, he flew to Long Island for his final four Sports Illustrated – June 24, 1974 rounds. By this point, the physical strain of the previous three days Time Magazine – Oct. 10, 1938 was taking its toll. Hampered by blisters and limping badly on his 14

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Otey ’87 Commands Airlift Wing in Arkansas From “Cockpit to Corner Office” Editor’s Note: The following article featuring Col. Gregory S. Otey ’87 appeared in a recent issue of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and is reprinted here with the publisher’s and writer’s permission.

On his fifth tour at Little Rock Air Force Base, Col. Greg Otey commands the 19th Airlift Wing. He’s a big fan of the workhorse C-130. by Kimberly Dishongh: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

As Greg Otey drove along Interstate 40 on his way to Arizona in 1988, his curiosity was piqued by a sign that said “LRAFB.” He was on his way from home – Roanoke, Virginia – to Williams Air Force Base in Mesa, Arizona, for pilot training. His car was packed with a microwave and every other thing his mother thought he might need for the next stage of his life. I got out of Nashville, came through Memphis, came across

fighter. If you’re not, it’s not going to happen, at least when I went through pilot training. So, I knew I was on a tanker/ bomber, heavy track. “I looked at all planes and I thought, ‘Wow, that C-130 – it flies low to the ground, it gets in the dirt, it has a great mission with the Army and … Pope Air Force Base is four hours from Roanoke, Virginia; I can get back to the East Coast.’ I said, ‘Look, I want a C-130 to Pope.’ I got my No. 1 plane to my No. 1 location that I put on my dream sheet. That’s not bad.” Another reason Otey chose the C-130 is that he identifies with it. “It’s like me. It’s determined. It’s going to find a way to do whatever you ask it to do,” he says. “If you have to shut an engine down, it’s still gonna fly. If you have to shut another engine down, if it’s not too heavy, it’s still gonna fly. If you put it in the dirt, it’s going to get back up out of the dirt. If you need to land it on a little 3,000-foot strip, it’ll find a way to stop and make it on the little 3,000 feet, 60 feet wide — it’ll do it.”

The Heart of a Pilot

the border and still remember this: There was a sign that said, ‘LRAFB.’ And I thought, ‘I wonder what that is?’ And it’s the sign down there on Interstate 40 that points up to Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville,” recalls Otey, now a colonel and commander of the base’s 19th Airlift Wing. In his fifth tour of duty here as an Air Force officer, he has had plenty of time to become familiar with the base. “I graduated in 1987,” he says. “And then I went to survival training up in Spokane, Washington, but here is the first place I came, because this is where everyone who flies a C-130 gets trained.” That pilot training proved to be challenging. “It doesn’t sound like a lot, but the plane was going 150 knots on a downwind, and I was always a little bit behind the plane,” he says. “There were guys getting sick and … having problems from that. I don’t have any problems from that – I’m like a kid in a candy store.” Otey says he struggled in pilot training, “and you’ve got to be in the top half of your class to stand a chance of getting a 2010-Issue 3

Otey graduated from [VMI] in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and worked as an engineer for a bridge contractor for eight months before getting a green light to start pilot training. Otey knew when he was 13 or 14 years old that he wanted to fly. He convinced his parents to let him get a private pilot’s license and did his first solo flight when he was 15 or 16. He knew then he wanted to make a career out of flying, but a northern Virginia doctor put his plans in jeopardy. As he neared graduation from VMI, the U.S. Air Force told him that he qualified for a pilot’s slot, so he scheduled the required physical exam. “This doctor looked at me when it was over,” he remembers, “and he said, ‘Yeah, you’re not going to be able to be in the Air Force, and you definitely can’t fly.’” The doctor told Otey that he had a bicuspid aortic valve; his heart should look “like a Mercedes Benz and have three cusps,” rather than having only two, as his did. “Well, I didn’t like that answer,” he says. “I was determined. I’d played football and basketball all my life – there couldn’t be anything wrong with me. I could run with the best of them.” He went for a second opinion, and a sonogram clearly showed three cusps. “It took going through that for it to happen. If I’d just said, ‘This doctor says this, and what he says is gospel,’ then I wouldn’t be right here,” he says from his office on the base.

Rats and Wool Uniforms VMI seemed an unlikely alma mater for Otey. When he started looking at colleges, he was interested in the U.S. Naval Academy. “But Annapolis was a long way from Roanoke,” he says. “And after I looked at it, I thought, ‘Man, I’m not sure I want to 15

land planes on a ship. I’m not sure that sounds like what I want to do.’” Virginia Military Institute sent him a letter, and he reluctantly agreed to go for a visit. “I can remember walking through barracks. A freshman – a ‘Rat’ – stuck his head out and said, ‘You don’t want to come here.’ Because it’s a pretty tough place,” he says. “The saying at VMI is that it’s a great place to be from but not such a great place to be at.’” Otey was not dissuaded. “Before I left, the head football coach looked at me, and he said, ‘Yeah, we’ll give you a scholarship to play football here,’” he says. “And on the ride back, I went, ‘They’re going to give me a chance to fly airplanes; they’re going to put me in civil engineering, which is what I want to do; and they’re going to pay for it.’ That’s probably where I’m supposed to go to school.” Lt. Col. Ken Walters has known Otey since college. “His techniques as a commander and how he is as a person are one and the same,” says Walters, Otey’s director of staff at Little Rock Air Force Base. “He doesn’t put on a different hat when he comes to work. If you meet him in person in his street clothes and get to know Greg Otey and then meet him in his uniform, it’s the same guy.” Walters says Otey often draws on his athletics background to get things done. “He’s very sports-oriented, and that’s kind of how he approaches leading this team, leading this wing – we’re a team – it’s Team Little Rock, and he’s the head coach,” he says.

Back in Arkansas Otey was deployed for Operation Desert Storm in 1991 shortly after arriving at Pope Air Force Base [north of Fayetteville], N.C. That indirectly landed him back at Little Rock Air Force Base for the second time for aircraft commanders’ school. On that trip, he spent his weekdays flying and his Friday nights meeting buddies at the Point of Impact Club, located below what was then the Officers’ Club. It was there that he met his wife, Lisa, who was a lieutenant in the Arkansas Army National Guard and worked with a Little Rock hotel handling government and military accounts. Otey left Little Rock a few months later to go back to North Carolina, and Lisa moved there a few months after that, while he was deployed to Sarajevo during the fighting in Bosnia-Herzegovina. “He’s pretty easygoing,” Lisa Otey says of her husband. “He doesn’t sweat the big things. He’s as strong as a rock. If any crisis comes up, he is even-keeled. He can make a decision really easy.” Though he has flown some dangerous missions during their marriage, she has found little to worry about. “I’ve always had great confidence in his ability,” she says. “If we were to have a squabble or a fight, he could leave and go to work and put that in a nice little package and set it aside and do his job. If anything were to happen, he just had this uncanny ability to do that. ... He’s unshakable.” They were married in May 1993 and have three sons – 14-year-old Jacob and 12-year-old Chris, who were born in North Little Rock, and 7-year-old Lukas, who was born during a later assignment in North Carolina. Otey says he “grew up” at Pope, flying with people who had far more experience than he.

After five years, he was up for a new challenge. The Air Force was looking for a few experienced people for a C-130 Weapons School at Little Rock Air Force Base, and he wanted in. “I was still a slick-wing pilot, which means there was no star or wreath on me. I had been in the C-130 world for five years, but I was young,” he says. He told a friend he was thinking of putting his name in the hat, and his friend scoffed, insisting it was a gig for more senior personnel. “Well, like I tell folks today, ‘The only way that you’ll know you’ll never get accepted for something is don’t put your name in the hat,’” he says. “So I put my name in the hat, and what my friend didn’t know was that they needed that experience, and they did; they had a couple of majors and guys with lots of flying hours – been flying for 10 or 11 years – but they had to have some youth. Well, I was the youth they took.” Starting up an intensive, graduate-level program like the Weapons School generally takes two years, but the team Otey was on did it in one. “That’s how I got a lot of this gray hair,” jokes Otey, 44, as he gestures to the only feature that shows his age. “What we did there, all we did, was lay a little foundation. But it was a strong enough foundation that it is now supporting something that is very, very good for the C-130 world. So, we were very, very proud of that.” Following that assignment, the Oteys spent a year at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, then went to Norfolk, Virginia, where he tried to figure out how to get back into the cockpit. The next stop was Ramstein, Germany, for 18 months of duty, before he returned to Pope. He led a squadron in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, deploying to Camp Snoopy at Doha International Airport in Qatar – just three months after the birth of their third son – and later flying into Baghdad.

Cockpit to Corner Office Everything Otey has done has helped prepare him for what he’s doing now. He has been wing commander at Little Rock Air Force Base since January 2009. Though he is familiar with the sights of the place he saw mentioned on a sign more than 20 years ago, he has a hard time containing his enthusiasm about some of them. “Isn’t that a beautiful sight? Look at all those beautiful planes. Look at all these beautiful babies,” he says, while driving toward the flight line and his own assigned plane, nicknamed Skittles because its tail is emblazoned with a color representing each of the base’s squadrons. He still loves to fly and wishes he could do it more often, but he has a larger responsibility. “My job now is not to fly,” he says. “It’s not like when I was an instructor, an evaluator or back when I was younger. My job now is to take care of the 5,000 airmen at Little Rock Air Force Base. What flying allows me to do is to get out and see one little sector of all the things that happen at Little Rock Air Force Base.” Editor’s Note: At press time, we learned that Col. Otey has been assigned to a position in the Joint Chiefs of Staff/National Security Council and is leaving his Little Rock command position in August 2010.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Evan Brown ’91 Climbs New Heights in Aviation Career Growing up in Clifton Forge, Virginia, Lt. Col. Evan Brown ’91, USA, never dreamed he’d have a shot at becoming an astronaut. However, the Army test pilot came pretty close last year when he and 46 other finalists were selected from more than 2,500 applicants to be considered for nine astronaut slots. While he didn’t make the final cut, Brown is content to have experienced the intensive selection process. “It was certainly an honor to be considered for the job, and I really appreciated being able to share the experience with some incredible people,” said Brown. “The PhDs, MDs and test pilots in my interview groups had resumes that were quite intimidating, yet they were all as humble as anyone I have ever met. I lost track of the number of Rhodes Scholarship finalists, Mount Everest climbers and so on, and it seemed like most of them also had diplomas from Harvard, MIT or Stanford.” Brown’s resume is impressive, too. He graduated from VMI with distinction and a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineer-

Evan Brown ’91 and his son, Connor, in the Shuttle Mission Simulator, sitting in the commander’s seat.

path, but it was a worthwhile risk to my career, and I’m fortunate that the test pilot community has welcomed me back.” In July, Brown and his family returned to Virginia where he works at the Aviation Applied Technology Directorate at Fort Eustis, which is part of the Army’s Research and Development Command. He serves as an experimental test pilot, flying different models of the UH-60 Blackhawk and the T-34C, a small tandem-seat airBrown’s father died in 1993, two years after he graduated craft used to perform from VMI. His supervisor, wife and a space mission pilot, safety chase duties beAir Force Col. Jim Dutton, conspired to create a display that pictured Brown and his father together “in space.” The hind aircraft undergophoto of Brown, as a cadet with his father, was taken at ing flight tests. VMI. Brown wrote about his surprise: “I didn’t know about “VMI prepared me it until I received [it] … a weightless photo floating in the well for my career and foreground with part of the International Space Station and helped me realize that the planet Earth in the background. Very cool stuff.” life owes you nothing,” said Brown. “If you ing. He went through the Army’s flight school following graduation hope to achieve your dreams, you must realize that if you’re not failing and was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as an OH-58 scout at something, you’re not setting your sights high enough.” pilot in an attack helicopter battalion. He commanded a brigade headquarters company in Korea before returning to Fort Bragg to command a UH-60 maintenance company. Brown’s selection to the Army’s Experimental Test Pilot Program led to a funded master’s degree from Georgia Tech and a year at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. He went on to test the CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Blackhawk at Fort Rucker, Alabama, before moving to Houston, Texas, to work at NASA in 2007. “Flight test perfectly suits my passion for aviation and my interest in learning how things work,” said Brown. “Human space flight is the ultimate level of flight test with the additional aspects of supporting scientific investigation and exploration. Therefore, it seemed natural for me to have an interest in applying for an astronaut slot in 2008.” Brown threw his name in the hat for a position to support six-month rotations on the International Space Station. He made it to the first round of interviews – 120 applicants who spent three days interviewing. The second round involved 47 applicants who endured a weeklong interview process, complete with thorough medical evaluations. While Brown’s pursuit of a slot ended after that step in the process, Photo above: Brown, right, standing in he hasn’t looked back and considers the experience worthwhile. Having front of an Orion spacecraft mockup with made the final cut would have involved extensive training in Russia Astronaut Scott Altman, commander of the and much time away from his wife, Mac, and two young children. most recent Hubble Space Telescope repair “Returning to being a test pilot is actually my dream come true,” said mission (STS-125). Inset: Brown in a prototype suit for the Constellation Program. Brown. “A test pilot is the perfect combination of being able to fly and developing new things. Working for NASA took me well off the beaten

2010-Issue 3

Hiking the Appalachian Trail is Life-Changing for Kuehne ’01 Last August, Jeff Kuehne ’01 joined the ranks of more than a retired lawyer who planned on sailing his yacht from Maine 9,000 people who have reportedly hiked the entire Appalachian back down the coast after he finished the trail. He found their Trail (AT). He began his journey in Georgia on March 8, 2009, and experiences enlightening, introducing him to opportunities he completed his through-hike to Maine on Aug. 20, 2009. never thought were possible. Along the 2,178-mile-long hike, he learned to enjoy the slow Kuehne also experienced the AT tradition of “trail magic,” pace of life on the AT, how to stay warm when the temperature unexpected acts of kindness hikers sometimes find along the dipped below freezing and how to properly care for his feet, an trail. He remembers a few times that a cooler would appear in important skill considering the tremendous amount of rain that the middle of the woods stocked with beer, soda and snacks and fell last spring. Initially a solo hiker, Kuehne also learned to enjoy typically unaccompanied by a note. the company of his fellow hikers, especially Stephanie Bowen, A little VMI magic occurred for Kuehne during his trip, as whom he met in New Hampshire and with whom he maintains well. The trail comes within 15 miles of Lexington near the a relationship. James River, so he contacted “The Appalachian Trail is The VMI Alumni Association something that has always to see if a room was available interested me,” said Kuehne. in Moody Hall. Not only did “I was first exposed to it during Carole Green, the director of numerous weekend excursions Moody Hall and vice president while I was a member of the for alumni activities, have a Boy Scouts. I remember how it room for the alumnus, she was always held in such revereven picked him up. ence among the adult leaders “At the prescribed time – and and how respectful they were in the pouring rain – Carole arof any through-hikers that we rived at the James River Bridge encountered on our trips.” with breakfast sandwiches The seed that was planted in hand to give me a muchwhen Kuehne was a boy grew appreciated ride to VMI,” said to fruition by late 2008 when Kuehne. “I spent two days at he decided to give it a go. With VMI meeting old friends and a leave of absence from his relaxing before I hit the trail job with Lockheed Martin in again. When I was a cadet, Springfield, Virginia, and three I never would have thought months of intense physical that VMI would be a place I’d training, Kuehne made the go to relax.” trip to Springer Mountain, Once he resumed his hike, Georgia, where he began a Kuehne was joined by Kevin journey of a lifetime. Hanna ’02 who came from Kuehne’s strategy of menVirginia Beach to hike with tally breaking down the trail him for two days. into manageable chunks paid “Hiking the Appalachian off, and he looked forward to Trail truly transformed the way reaching each of the towns Jeff Kuehne ’01 at the end of his hike – the northern ter- I view things,” said Kuehne. on the trail, where he could minus of the Appalachian Trail in Maine. The 2,178-mile “For me, it came at exactly the journey from Georgia to Maine took him just under five and refresh his supplies and enjoy a half months. (This photo previously appeared in 2010- right time in my life when I felt a home-cooked meal. He also Issue 1 of the Alumni Review, Class Notes section.) that I had more questions than found that visualizing himself answers, and I just needed to summiting Baxter Peak, or get away for a while. It took a Mount Katahdin, the final mountain on the trail in Maine, helped certain degree of faith to begin such a journey because of the him get through the low points. uncertainty associated with it, but it was important to take that “I was surprised to see how many people use the AT, whether first step and have faith that things would work out.” they are day-hikers, weekend-hikers or through-hikers like me,” Things have worked out for Kuehne following his journey. said Kuehne. “I chose to hike in solitude during the day, but then He and Bowen now live in the San Francisco Bay area, where I would meet up with other hikers in the evenings at campsites he is a systems engineer with Lockheed Martin, and she works and shelters along the way. The social aspect of the trail was for Fischer Investments. While the two aren’t planning another something that surprised me, but it ended up being something five-month hike anytime soon, they do enjoy hiking locally and that I enjoyed about the trail the most.” have an interest in exploring parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, the Among Kuehne’s fellow hikers last summer were a couple who equivalent of the AT on the West Coast, as well as the Camino had just returned from a Peace Corps assignment in Bolivia and de Santiago in Spain.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI Locket is Now Available for Purchase

Unique, One-of-a-Kind Jewelry Honors VMI Legacy and Tradition This magnificent Fabergé-style egg locket hides a surprise that would please the master himself. Fashioned from 925 (millesimal fineness) sterling silver and 24kt gold vermeil, this inaugural locket honors the service and legacy of the graduates and families of Virginia Military Institute. Featuring exquisite guilloché patterns covered with hand-applied Italian enamels, this locket is adorned with the “VMI” monogram on both sides. The piece opens to reveal the VMI shako, the traditional parade hat and recognizable cadet uniform item, hanging from a gold chain. This truly unique piece of jewelry was handmade in the United States by immigrant Russian master jewelers in the same style and tradition as the czar’s treasured pieces. Attractive and indicative of the quality expected by alumni, this special gift includes your choice of an 18- , 20- or 24-inch gold-filled chain, manufacturer’s certificate and an exquisite presentation box. Suitable for wear with formal , business or casual attire, these lockets are wonderful keepsakes and conversation pieces. The initial casting of 100 pieces will also include numbered certificates, along with the following special introductory pricing: VMI Locket Shako Pendant only

The locket is adorned with the VMI Spider monogram on both sides. Above, the shako is displayed.

$94.99 plus shipping $24.99 plus shipping

Shipping cost for Locket and Pendant: $6.00 ground, $15.00 overnight

To order, call 800/444-1839, or mail a check or money order to The VMI Alumni Association, Inc., P. O. Box 932, Lexington, Virginia 24450. To order online, go to www.vmialumni.org/vmilocket. About the manufacturer: For nearly two decades, The Artel Collection has provided the most creative, original and inspired assortment of egg pendants to major Fabergé exhibits across the United States. The manufacturer is currently the source of original egg pendants offered at numerous museum shops, jewelry stores and fine gift shops across the United States and abroad. 2010-Issue 3

When opened, the locket reveals the VMI shako hanging from a gold chain.

First Spring Reunion

April 18-20, 2010 Classes of 1940, 1945, 1950A, 1950B and 1955

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

2010-Issue 3

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

2010-Issue 3

Second Spring Reunion April 22-24, 2010

Classes of 1970, 1980, 1990 and the Honored Class of 1960

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

2010-Issue 3

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

2010-Issue 3

ASSOCIATION NEWS ASSOCIATION NEWS Board Bids Farewell to Lykins ’73 During his term as president, he renewed interest in collaboration within the VMI Alumni Agencies and was instrumental in the creation of the Joint Agencies Leadership Council, which is composed of officers from the VMI Foundation and Keydet Club. Together, the officers have shared information and sought opportunities to preserve resources and emphasize better communication. The group meets three

times per year and represents the interest of the respective organizations. Lykins completed his term on June 30, 2010, and is followed by Randolph A. Blanks ’67, who was serving as first vice president. Lykins will serve another two years as the immediate past president and remain a part of the Executive Committee for the Alumni Association during that time.

Lykins ’73 Richmond P. Lykins Jr. ’73 has completed his two-year term as president of The VMI Alumni Association. Lykins was elected second vice president in 2004 and later ascended to the role of president, following the term of James F. Spellman ’85. Prior to being named a top board officer, he served in other Alumni Association board positions, including regional director for the Deep South and president of the Memphis Chapter. Lykins, who is a pilot for FedEx Corporation, also served his class and the Institute for years as class agent.

Presenting a farewell gift to Lykins, far left, in appreciation for his two years as president of the association were then-First Vice President Randy Blanks ’67, center, and then-Second Vice President Bob Heely ’69. The gift was a print of the painting “Put the Boys In,” which was donated by the class of 1976 and hangs in the lobby of Moody Hall.

Longtime Editor Retires, Will Be Missed by VMI Community When Kathryn Wise retired this summer from her position as vice president and senior editor of The VMI Alumni Association, Inc., it was deemed by many in the VMI family to be the end of an era. For 37 years, the talented writer and photographer had a hand in keeping alumni connected to the Institute through her creative work on the VMI Alumni Review. “When I think of Kathryn’s legacy, it really is two things: her wonderful photography and her excellent contributions by way of the Review,” said Thomas A. “Mickey” Finn ’65. “Kathryn is the institutional memory of the Virginia Military Institute and its alumni. Her grace in adversity and in dealing with alumni is a high-water mark that will always be there in my memory.” Finn first met Wise when he was a cadet and she a student at Lexington High School. The stepdaughter of Col. Gene Wise, a chemistry professor at VMI, she went on to attend Southern Seminary and Junior College and Lynchburg College, returning

Wise with good friend Col. Mike Strickler ’71, assistant to the superintendent and secretary to the VMI Board of Visitors (BOV). Strickler presented Kathryn with the Meritorious Service Award and a resolution from VMI, signed by the superintendent and the president of the BOV.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ASSOCIATION NEWS to VMI during the summers to work at the VMI Museum. Her love participated in the Gulf War, by class, in both Operations Desert of the heritage of the Institute and her artistic skills came in handy Shield and Desert Storm. Prior to that, VMI had not kept records of when the museum moved to Jackson Memorial Hall. alumni participation in wars since World War II. Starting in 2003, In July 1972, Wise’s talents were recognized by then-new Alumni she initiated and her staff maintained a list of alumni participation Review editor, Col. Beverly Read ’41, who hired her in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. Since as his assistant editor. She was named associate then, every issue of the Review has included photos editor in 1986 and editor in 1990. and stories about VMI alumni serving in the Mideast As a class agent, Finn enjoyed working with his war zones. old friend on a professional basis and greatly apIn 2004, Wise was named a vice president of The preciated Wise’s knowledge of the Institute and her VMI Alumni Association, joining the ranks of two attention to serving VMI alumni. other vice presidents in the association, and in the Sal Vitale, agent for the class of 1961, echoed his summer of 2007, her responsibility as Review editor praise for Wise. ended. Then-Assistant Editor Hope Hennessey was “Kathryn knows as much about VMI’s history as promoted to Review editor, and Wise was named any historian alive today,” he said. “She also took the senior editor in addition to her formerly-named time to carefully read the class notes I submitted, vice president title. In this position, she continued Wise spoke to the asas well as to provide invaluable wisdom. I consider sociation board and to research and write the Taps section of the Review her as close to me as my Brother Rats, and I always guests following the and also continued her photography duties. Wise counted on her to take care of me.” says that she is proud of the pictures she has taken gift presentation, while Alumni Association Vitale remembers one particular set of class notes of alumni, whom she considers to be “the world’s that could have been disastrous were it not for President Rich Lykins best subject matter because of the character and Wise’s knowledge of the military. She caught what ’73, in the background, wisdom in their faces.” looked on. appeared to be a minor mistake in the listed military Wise was one of the first two employees to receive rank of one of Vitale’s classmates. Had it appeared an award from the VMI Alumni Agencies Appreciaas written, readers would have assumed the classmate had been tion Fund, which was established by Kay and Skip Roberts ’67. Upon severely demoted; Vitale is still grateful for the catch. the occasion of her retirement, she was presented the Meritorious Those on staff at VMI appreciate the work Wise has done for the Service Award and a resolution from VMI, signed by the superinInstitute, as well. tendent and the president of the VMI Board of Visitors, as well as Col. Mike Strickler ’71, executive assistant to the superintendent a resolution from The VMI Alumni Association. and secretary to the Board of Visitors, said he learned a great deal Col. Keith Gibson ’77, director of the VMI Museum, said Wise’s from Wise when he returned to work for the Institute in 1975. impact will have a lasting effect on the Institute for years to come “Kathy possesses an attention to detail, the importance of getting and that her firsthand knowledge of VMI events and people make the facts right, though it may take longer to get the job done, and her a great source of VMI lore. the significance – particularly with VMI – of historical research and “In the days before e-mail and other electronic communication, record keeping,” said Strickler. “She is a master at all three, and the Alumni Review was the only way alumni kept up with the Instifollowing those principles helped me greatly in my jobs as sports tute, and Kathryn was a major influence in what was, at that time, information director, public relations director and as assistant to a major leap forward in the quality of the magazine,” he said. “But the superintendent.” her greatest contribution might be her keen sense of the perfect Strickler added that under Wise’s watchful and artistic eye, image. Kathryn has taken some of the most evocative images ever the Alumni Review was transformed from a stitch- bound to a made of VMI … her ‘beauty shots’ capture the VMI experience.” perfect-bound publication in 1986. Since then, the magazine has continued to evolve, including significant changes that began in 2000 with the addition of two staff members. In recent years, it has become, as Strickler described, “the premier college alumni magazine in the nation.” “In her role as editor, Kathy oversaw Alumni Review production, including her own writing, editing and beautiful photography,” he said. “She also was at the helm during a virtual technology revolution,” said Strickler, which has brought about major advances – from manual layout to complete desktop publishing and digital photography – thanks to the efforts of Review staff and guidance from Progress Printing, particularly Danny Thornton Ms. Wise was delighted with the gift she received from ’78. “Throughout this process, Kathy always kept the traditions of The VMI Alumni Association during the association’s April VMI and the importance of the magazine as a historical resource 2010 board meeting. At right, Randly Blanks ’67, then-first at the forefront,” Strickler explained. vice president, helped present the gift. In 1991, Wise began and maintained a list of alumni who

2010-Issue 3

VMI Old Corps ...

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

... Back Then

2010-Issue 3

ASSOCIATION NEWS Ken Walters ’87, second from left, was promoted to colonel in the U.S. Air Force on April 1, 2010. At his promotion ceremony were, from left, Colonels Chris Hair ’83, Walters, Greg Otey ’87 and Adam Dickerson ’86, all of whom are stationed at Little Rock (Arkansas) Air Base, home of the C130 aircraft. According to Jim Dittrich ’76, who submitted this photo, Walters, Hair and Dickerson command three of the seven air groups on the base, and Otey is the wing and base commander. Dittrich also explained that Walters, who is a master navigator, is the director of staff for the 19th Airlift Wing, responsible for 17 wing agencies. “Our Arkansas alumni group is proud of Ken [Walters] and all our VMI colonels,” Dittrich wrote. (See article about Otey on pages 15 and 16.)

At the Froehling & Robertson 2010 Managers Meeting were Charlie Crim ’72, Sam Kirby ’71, John Pappas ’70, Chi Chi Ezekwe ’07 and Paul Bryan ’05, who was named the company’s Business Development Professional of the Year. Froehling & Robertson is a regional consulting engineering/testing firm headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.

The Arkansas Chapter had a good turnout for their May 1, 2010, picnic. Twenty-two people attended and kept a watchful eye on the sky, as a tornado formed east of the picnic site. According to Jim Dittrich, who provided these photos, “We ate at 6 p.m. and offered ‘tornado chasing’ for those interested.” Photo above: The threatening sky over the picnic site. Photo at left: Gordon and Pat Bailey ’69; Brad Allen ’00; Ken Walters ’87; Joe Irby ’85; Dave Walsh ’90; and Walsh’s sons, Reed and Spencer. In the background: Ken Walter’s son, Ryan, and Al Robinson ’77. Not shown and possibly under cover: Nita Clark ’43; Nita’s son, Andy, with his wife, Mindy; John and Sally Naill ’46; Carol Robinson ’77; Ted and Veronica Goodloe ’65; Herb and Laurie Guyton ’66; and Jim and Tish Dittrich ’76.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ASSOCIATION NEWS The VMI Oklahoma Chapter hosted a New Market Day event on May 15, 2010, at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. According to Chapter President Hamel Reinmiller ’98, who submitted these photos, there were 21 attendees, including the most senior alumnus, Bob Allen ’45, and the most junior alumnus, Stefan Deitrich ’07. “We also had a prospective cadet there,” wrote Reinmiller, “and a number of wives, friends and children.” Photo below: Bob Allen ’45, Stefan Deitrich ’07 and Ben McCarley ’46. Photo at left: Front row: Will Davis ’06 (co-recruiting coordinator), Taylor Farmer ’90 (chapter treasurer) and an unidentified provisional appointee (holding the flag). Back row: Reinmiller, Jay Foertsch ’76 (chapter secretary), Ben McCarley ’46, Stefan Deitrich ’07, Bob Allen ’45, Brian Kurtz ’98 and David Yockel ’90 (chapter vice president).

Young Alumni Plan Richmond Activities

It’s no surprise that amid the large population of alumni in Richmond, Virginia, many younger alumni are involved. Pictured at left are the officers and board of the VMI Club of Richmond with strong representation from alumni with less than 15 years from the date of their graduation. The group initiated a successful trip to the Strawberry Hill Races, including a bus trip that took attendees to and from the race at which Virginia college alumni were organized by school. At the time this picture was taken, members were planning for the race event and their involvement in the Keydet Club Silent Auction held on May 22, 2010, in Richmond. Photo at left, seated: Maury Denton ’07 and Adam Britt ’03. Standing: Keenan Entsminger ’02, Worth Bugg ’07, Chris Authier ’06 and Chris Walsh ’03. Photo below: Adam Britt is the Richmond Chapter president.

Photo at left: At the Quantico Club (Virginia) for an operational advisory group meeting were, from left, Marine Colonels Ken Gill ’84, Eric Rolaf ’82, Rob Gearhart ’80 and Jim Dillon ’86.

2010-Issue 3

ASSOCIATION NEWS Association Officers Meet to Prepare for Coming Year Newly-elected Second Vice President, Perrow ’96, Joins the Team The officers of The VMI Alumni Association met in June to discuss future goals and initiatives for the association. The meeting also served to prepare Edgar J.T. Perrow ’96, standing center, who was most recently elected to serve as the association’s second vice president. The officers’ wives joined them and benefitted from the opportunity to work together to prepare for the next year of alumni events and milestones. Pictured from left, seated: Jenny Lykins, Lush Heely, Holly Perrow, Terry Volant and Anne Blanks. Standing: Rich Lykins ’73, immediate past president; Bob Heely ’69, first vice president; Turner Perrow ’96; Adam Volant ’88, executive vice president; and Randy Blanks ’67, president.

Motorcycle Enthusiasts Are Invited to Join the VMI Alumni 5th Annual “Ride to the I” Oct. 2, 2010 Alumni and their guests are invited to be a part of the fifth annual motorcycle “Ride to the I,” which will take place on Oct. 2, 2010. As in past years, alumni can travel from chapter meeting points and then ride together to the Lexington Rally Point at the Tractor Supply Store located on Route 11 North. Riders will meet at the rally point well before the morning parade of the VMI Corps of Cadets and ride together, with escort, through downtown Lexington and on to the

VMI Post. For further details, specific routes and times, see postings on www.vmialumni.org. Potomac River Chapter McDonalds at Rt. 28, West of 234 Bypass TBA George Marshall Chapter McDonalds at Rt. 229 and James Madison Highway, Culpeper TBA

Richmond Chapter Windy Hill Sports Complex at Rt. 60, 1 mile past 288 (on right) TBA Roanoke Chapter Dick’s Sporting Goods at Valley View Mall TBA Lynchburg Chapter Boonsboro Elementary School TBA Other start points, when created, will be listed on www.vmialumni.org RSVP no later than Aug. 28, 2010, at www.vmialumni.org. Registration is $5 per bike and includes a “Ride to the I” commemorative pin. Football tickets and lunch options will be available on Post. Check www.vmialumni.org for further details.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ASSOCIATION NEWS The VMI Alumni Association: Young Alumni Committee Be a Part of the Best Young Alumni Group in the Nation! The goal of the VMIAA Young Alumni Committee is to proactively serve and support alumni who are within 15 years of graduation from VMI. Based on the unique perspectives of young alumni, the committee encourages participation in chapter and Alumni Association activities.

Young Alumni Committee Members Chair: Steve Nakazawa ’03 - NakazawaSJ@vmialumni.org Sam Stocks ’90 – sstocks@kbsgc.com Jamel Lynch ’94 – region2aetchair2003@yahoo.com Jonathan Atkins ’98 – jonathanatkins@vmialumni.org Dallas Clark ’99 – dallasclark@hotmail.com Tony Esteve ’00 – anthonyesteve@gmail.com Kelly Sullivan ’01 – kelly.sullivan@twcable.com Cy Dekeyser ’02 – vmicyhome@aol.com Doug Warner ’03 – douglas.warner1@vmialumni.org Phil Hampton ’03 – hampton.jp@vmialumni.org Jackie Briski ’09 – jbriski@vmialumni.org

Nine Ways Young Alumni Can Get Involved • Chapter events • Participate in VMI events • Chapter leadership • Sporting events • Help class agents • Help to plan your reunion • Get involved with new cadet recruiting • Take advantage of career services for job options, if available at your company: www.vmi.edu/careerservices • Take advantage of the mentor network: www.myinterface.com/vmi/mentor

Class Notes Due to Class Agent: Aug. 11, 2010; Nov. 10, 2010; Feb. 10, 2011 and May 10, 2011

Ways to Stay Connected with your Brother Rats • Sign up for VMI Ranks at www.vmialumni.org to find BRs and other alumni, events, job postings and information. • Look for VMI Alumni Association and Keydet Club Groups on Facebook and LinkedIn. 2010-Issue 3

CLASSNOTES NOTES CLASS

’35

Jim Sherman

Yes, it’s May 2010 and the class of ’35 has seven old bucks still rattling their horns, albeit with a little less fire and brimstone. Sadly, we were a no-show at what would have been our 75th reunion in April, but who wants to join a parade with cadet assistance on either side? Checking on our BRs, I learned from wife Clelia that George Freeman is doing just fine though still residing in the care unit, Harborside, but have their meals together daily. Also, St. John Arnold has been moved down to their floor, and they see him at every meal. Clelia added that their granddaughter had accepted a full scholarship from another college before being offered a full scholarship from VMI. I submitted my class notes to Lexington on May 14th including reference to BR Bob Evans whom I found ill with pneumonia, but still teaching at Yale Univ. Child Study Center. On May 17th, I received word he had passed away over the weekend. There has to be a message here for the remaining six of us – we are NOT indestructible. Ruth Lord, his “significant other,” is fine, and that’s the good news. Our Senator Harry Byrd says he is as good as can be expected and is now using a cane. But he remains highly concerned about the financial state of our country which he feels is moving in the wrong direction, i.e., the huge debt budget submitted to Congress last year, with a built in deficit of a trillion annually for eight or nine years. He would be optimistic except our debt will increase every year for eight or nine years before we can start getting out – little comfort. Ed Arnold in Houston, Texas, says he is taking it easy and basking in the success of his grandchildren. One, after graduating from the University of Texas, attended Fullerton Seminary in California and will be a youth pastor at a church in San Antonio. Ed continues his mall walking five days a week, albeit at a somewhat reduced pace. When I checked on Al Snapp, daughter 36

Linda advised he was in the same nursing facility, limited to a wheelchair, but is most fortunate that daughter Carol, a speech therapist, works there. Linda visits him every evening, and they have dinner together there – nothing in the world beats family! Jo Ann O’Hara continues to be the organizer of VMI activity at Westminster Canterbury in Richmond and uses her many talents to promote social activity there. Every senior retirement center needs a Jo Ann. You would never be found sitting on your hands. Barbara Meem is quite happy with her situation in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and has a companion full time. Understandably, she enjoys the scenic views of the area and appreciates the cultural advantages available, including popular classes for seniors. It’s an area I have always wanted to visit but left it a bit too late. I caught Ikey Knight just going out for breakfast. Daughter Hope was expected and then they were going to Raleigh to attend the wedding of a grandson and for the first time, see a two-year-old grandson. Ikey added, “Lots of relatives coming and it will be a fun wedding!” Sparky Carper is getting along very well, occasionally using a cane. She has grandchildren who will be graduating from high school and is looking forward to a family reunion. I think “B” Holt is as close to perpetual motion as I will ever see. After several efforts, I caught up with her having just attended a dinner held in the interest of reviving downtown Burlington. Also, she is determined to complete refurbishing of the second floor of her home, making it suitable for visiting family. A California grandson is coming in June to attend N.C. State as a student. Her Chapel Hill son developed a strawberry patch which surprisingly became a commercial operation. Also, he has learned to service swimming pools on solar power; obviously, an enterprising young man. “B” says they will be holding their family reunion at Atlantic Beach. Blanche Brown in Arizona says it has been very windy every day of late, otherwise her daughter, Roe, would be travelling to attend a yearly conference at Sedona, Arizona, and then off to Johan-

nesburg to work for a week – a very busy young lady. Peggy and I moved in April from Cambridge Building to “The Coventry” where they step up the services, including three meals a day and make certain you take your prescribed medications. We recently celebrated Mothers Day, culminated with a lovely buffet and enjoyed sleeping that off! And now BRs, please remember these are difficult financial times and the Institute needs our support, our full support. Please count yourselves among the faithful! If you are truly proud of your alma mater, stand by her. My very, very best, Jim

’39

Frank Parker III ’64

Out of the blue I received a nice note from Howard Golladay. I knew he had had knee replacement surgery, but now he informs me that he has also had heart surgery to replace a valve and a triple bypass! He must be doing well because the doctors said he was “good for another ten years.” His granddaughter, Jennifer, is obviously taking very good care of him. I had a long phone conversation with Bill Brand. He and Tickie are doing well. Tickie has had her hands full dealing with a major plumbing leak in her house in Tyler, Texas. The leak was the result of extra high pressure in the community water system and occurred while she was visiting in Florida. What’s worse is that it is the second time this has occurred while she was away. Hopefully, by the time you get these notes, she will have the house completely restored and back in it. Bill had also talked to Alex Morrison and Tyree Wright on their birthdays and found them both doing very well. Ira Saxe reports he continues to do well and still plays nine holes twice a week. His two sons, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren are doing fine. As a special treat, his son, Robert, took him to the Masters Golf Tournament this spring! Not only is he ahead of me on holes in one [6 to 1] but now he’s beat me to seeing the Masters. It’s hard to keep up with you guys. Speaking VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES of golf, my 15-year-old grandson missed going to the regional championship by one stroke and was declared the “Athlete of the Week” by his high school. Bert Brayshaw reports that Mary is at that point with her Alzheimer’s that they both will be shortly moving into an assisted living facility in Victoria, Texas. He’s doing fine; the doctors also say he’ll live to be a 100. My BR Hank Cronin ’64, son of your BR Hank Cronin, attended the class agents’ spring meeting for us. General Peay ’62 brought everybody up to date on happenings at the Institute. The Third Barracks is now fully completed and a new indoor track facility was due to be completed in 2015-16. VMI now grants degrees in 17 majors; the faculty to student ratio is 1:11; and 98% of the faculty has Ph.D.s. He reports that the endowment has rebounded some 35%; however, contributions are down almost 15% as a result of the current recession. Finally, the Register of Former Cadets is being updated and you should have received a call from VMI to request an update on your information. If you have not been contacted call the Institute. As a final personal note, by the time you see this in the Review, I will have had my aortic valve replaced; been fully recovered; and getting ready to travel to Russia in September with many of my Brother Rats and their wives.

’40

Robert Smith

And Crispin Crispian shall ne’er go by, From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be rememberedWe few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother Shakespeare, Henry V, ca 1599 Instead of Agincourt we have had and shared our lives’ battles. Instead of the feast day of Saints Crispin and Crispinian, our Band of Brothers had the days of our reunion to celebrate. It was the best of times – full of love, admiration and fellowship. No more distractive preoccupation with lives yet to be lived and worldly things to accomplish. We had just the sure, almost spiritual, feelings that we were together in the bonds of our brotherhood to celebrate, for perhaps 2010-Issue 3

the ultimate time, all that VMI has meant to us. No longer a crowd of honorable youths, we had pressed on up the hill with noble emulation about as far as we will go. And then there was that last heroic event that will be ne’er be forgotten, not by us, not by the cadets on the stoops and around us in the new Third Barracks, not by the other assembled reunion classes, not by the Alumni (or association?) staff. It was an indelible moment pressed into the memories of all who saw it. The cheers were spontaneous. The realization of everything that VMI means, the loyalty and determination it engenders, and the mettle of the leaders it fosters, was driven home by the heroic act of our cherished Walt Edens. When the time came for our class to pass in review before the 14th superintendent and then to march to the courtyard, Walt persevered, pushing his walker. His Brother Rats took turns assisting him. He addressed the stairs and ascended to the top of the sentinel box, tenderly assisted by his son, Sandy Edens ’72, with each step a victory cheered on by all. To describe the scene, Adam C. Volant ’88 executive vice president of The VMI Alumni Association, immediately issued an e-mail message to all alumni that said in part: “In 1939, he was featured on the cover of a popular magazine recognizing 100 years since the founding of the Virginia Military Institute. Since his graduation he went on to serve with distinction in the Army, fighting in World War II and even serving at VMI as a tactical officer. He went on to retire at the rank of colonel before leading a career in banking where he served with several regional banks in senior roles. Today Col. Walter Edens, VMI Class of 1940, is 91 years old and last week made the long trip from Colorado together with his son, Edens ’72, to return to Post to attend his reunion. “There are 24 living members of the Class of 1940, nine of whom returned to the Institute to celebrate their 70th Reunion. The class came to VMI as 250 matriculants and graduated less than 150 at the forefront of another World War. On Tuesday, April 20, 2010, the VMI Corps of Cadets marched parade stepping off at 4:30p.m. to the traditional sound of the adjutant’s call. Alumni from the classes of 1940, 1945, 1950A, 1950B and 1955 observed the parade and then, in the great tradition of

alumni, formed by class to pass-in-review before VMI’s 14th superintendent. The classes formed and were led by the senior class. Col. Edens, once the first captain and regimental commander in the Corps, is now the class president and marched with his Brother Rats needing a bit of assistance as he recovers from a broken hip surgery last year. “The classes completed their march and gathered around the new sentinel box at the center of the Third Barracks. Edens left his walker at the base of the stairs, and with his son behind him for support, ascended to be on top of the box to meet the current president of the first class. There they joined together to recognize the Class of 1940 to the applause and loud cheers of the entire Corps of Cadets gathered on all four stoops, as well as family, other alumni and visitors to the Institute. The first class president raised his hand and Barracks fell quiet, and then, with the pendant near to Col. Edens, he asked, “Are you Ready!” The Old Yell for our class followed, and then the other classes followed suit. At some time the Regimental Band and the Pipe Band played and the assembled sang the “Spirit.” Lastly the “Red, White and Yellow Floats on High” alma mater concluded the event. It was both poignant and glorious! The alumni office hosted us for two splendid dinners in the Moody Hall Executive Dining Room, with impeccable service, outstanding wine and drinks, and we thank them for such hospitality. Carol and Buddy Bryan ’71 and Sally and Tom Moncure ’72 were our hosts for the two evenings. Each gave us interesting briefings, and Tom, the son of our Brother Rat, brought much interesting memorabilia for us to see including framed copies of the Saturday Evening Post cover. Our five scholarship cadets attended. It was a real treat for us to see how mature and sharp they are, especially when we think back to our own cadet days – when more superficial things occupied most of our waking thoughts (or is that memory of how it was only the imperfect recollection that reflects our age). What they seemed to want to know was what advice we could give them to help them achieve a successful life. If anyone has an idea as to how to answer that question, please come forward 37

CLASS NOTES with it now – or soon before too long. Our cadets are: Fletcher Thompson ’10, grandson of our own Vester Thompson; Berley L. Rister III ’10, an honors physics major; Stephen Rhodes, ’11, grandson of John Wray ’42; Thomas A Schirra ’11, a most impressive scholar emphasizing Chinese and Japanese history; and James G. Goodwillie V ’12, third generation from a VMI family. Much more could be said about their outstanding achievements. All have written excellent letters reciting the facts of their cadet careers and showing appreciation for the assistance they are getting. As they write about their approaching graduation,

they go on to tell about their plans. One is to work at his engineering profession, two are to go into military service, one is to go to graduate school and one is to become a doctor. It is so heartwarming to know that we have contributed to these fine young people’s launch into life. The latest figures from John Cowart are that the principal amount of our scholarship fund stands at $447,237 and the Market Value is $371, 371. In January, Buddy Bryan wrote that we slowly continue to recover from the woes of the economy. Not in our class scholarship program, but also with us for dinner was Cadet A.J. Augustine

’13, John and June’s grandson; so there were six cadets with us. The greatest contribution to the loving ambiance that pervaded the reunion was the presence of all the relatives, children or spouses, and friends that came with the eight of us to join in the celebrations and fellowship. The atmosphere became at times almost spiritual. We all looked at these supporters, “minders” I jokingly called them, with delight in realizing that everyone had somebody to give loving support as we all revisited our joint and shared memories. So, let us take a look at the Minders. Walt had Sandy Edens and Sandy’s

Class of 1940 70th Class Reunion

Class of 1940: The following attended their 70th Reunion: John Augustine, Robert Barnes, Doug Cook, Walter Edens, Dan Flowers, Gordon Irwin, Sol Rawls and Bob Smith.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1940

Class of 1940: Bob Smith and Walt Edens exchanged a farewell handshake as Diane Dooley, his intended daughter-in law, beamed.

Class of 1940: Bob Barnes with, Michele Edelman, on his right and Julie Morrison on his left, traveled from Seattle, Washington, for the reunion.

70th Reunion

Class of 1940: With four of the five Class of 1940 Scholarship cadets at dinner were, from left, Fort Flowers, Danâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son; Bob Smith, class agent; and Buddy Bryan, vice president/major gifts, VMI Foundation.

2010-Issue 3

CLASS NOTES fiancée, the delightful Diane Dooley, to comprise their Colorado delegation. Bob Barnes was accompanied by his daughter, Julie Morrison, and his friend, Michele Edelman, to make up their Seattle delegation. The St. Petersburg delegation of John and June Augustine were joined by their son, John Augustine IV ’68, from Arlington, Virginia, for the trip. From Houston, Texas, Dan Flowers and Jean were supported by their son, D. Fort Flowers, plus Brother Rat Fred Flower’s son, Richard Flowers ’72. Dan gave the invocation as we began with Monday night’s dinner. Sol Rawls brought his lovely wife, Jean, and their distinguished historian son, Waite Rawls ’70. Doug Cook, his wife, Barbara, and daughter Jennifer travelled down from Ithaca, New York, to grace the occasion, and, wonderfully, made a side trip to Northern Neck and Irvington, Virginia, to see John Cowart on the way back! Bud Irwin and Ruth, accompanied by their daughters, Courtney, Dulcy and Kathy, were the largest delegation, and they assembled from places in Ohio and from Charlotte. Finally, Betty-Jane and I were minded by our daughter, Pamela, and son-in law George Dials, West Point ’67. We were a hybrid in our origins. The Dials came from Santa Fe, New Mexico, and picked us up in Hilton Head, North Carolina, for the leisurely two-day drive to Lexington. George saw VMI for the first time and through his West Point eyes concluded that it was much more than he had expected – as I knew it would be. We cherish our Sister Rats and were overjoyed to have Mary Stuart Gilliam and Adelaide Simpson join us for dinner Monday night. The next day came Jane Deaderick, accompanied by her and Bob’s daughter, Sally Thompson. They drove up from Richmond in time to be with us at the parade and attend the dinner Tuesday night. The totals of those attending the dinners were eight BRs with six Sister Rat wives, three widowed Sister Rats, six Cadets, about 14 “minders,” plus four hosts and hostesses from the staff and administration. The only way it could have been a more illustrious group would have been to have more of us. Reports were given during the reunion on those who had to cancel late after having made reservations. John Cowart had had a fall, but I have since talked to him and can confirm Doug Cook’s report that he is recovering and can now use his walker and 40

motor scooter. We got an update on Jack Camp during the event, and he has sent reassuring phone messages since. The latest is that he went to Boston to see a specialist in early May, and they have decided to not do any drastic treatment – just keep track and take measurements; so, Jack says he is the head of the Good Humor list. Frazier Baldwin’s doctors are trying to get his heart rhythm back to normal. At the time of the reunion he spent a few days in hospital and got a pacemaker, but is hopeful that he will soon resume his usual routines. He and Ginny are in the throes of moving to a two bedroom apartment at the Methodist Country House which is near their present home. It is described as “classic architecture, acres of manicured grounds, rolling hills and habitatrich woodlands echo its heritage as part of the original Winterthur estate.” The briefing given us Tuesday morning by Col. Dale Brown, director of construction was most impressive, and I came away feeling that the Institute has grown well and planned well over these past years. Mainly, everything seems to be enhanced and modernized to a surprising extent for a facility dependent so much on public and philanthropic financing. Telephone calls to BRs who couldn’t make the reunion provides the following updates on those that could be reached: Earl Brown reports that he is OK with no change; Jim Cheek is getting good care in his recovery from a broken hip, has a new friend, Jerry Holt, to help him daily and a service to transport him when he goes out of his assisted living apartment; Ben Hardaway was at the kennels when I called, but was reported as doing fine; speaking of canines, Chuck Wilson says he gets good reports on his physical condition, but he has unique terminology for the medics who help him get along so well with his therapy-he calls them “dog trainers;” Jerry Totten reports that he leads such a quiet life that nothing bad seems to happen to him – he uses a walker to get around; Art Wadsworth says that he is slowing down, but he was interested in my telling him about the reunion and was very sorry he didn’t make it. Finally it should be recorded in this recounting of the reunion that those in attendance thought about and toasted that part of our Band of Brother and Sister Rats at their homes who could not attend. The bonds

of VMI will always reach out and embrace every one of us whether near or far, within the spirit of our Class of 1940.

’41

Walter Richards

WAKE UP ’41! 2011 is just around the corner and with it our 70th! (April 25-26). Class of 1940 just had theirs with Walt Edens leading the review past the reviewing officers and up the Sentry box. Charlie Abbitt in Richardson, Texas, sounds like he might make it. Charlie moved into a retirement county after he tired of his cooking, and he likes three meals a day. He also has family nearby and that helps. Like many of us he has some problems; he has some problems like blood pressure and eyes but still can drive. Clem Booker says it is really nice down there in Florida but he is preparing to have his son drive up to cooler Massachusetts as he does every year. He wants to make the reunion. Frank Kirby sends along a bit of wisdom saying that we should not worry about the things we should have done but didn’t and think of the present and future. Not much change here in Richmond. I haven’t made the last few monthly meetings of the ’49s. Gladys says I can’t drive. I haven’t heard how Ed Hensley is. Remember the 70th on April 25 and 26. Keep the SPIRIT ’41.

Richard C. Horne III

’42

Charles P. Wilson

The time has arrived that the Alumni Review staff have reminded it is time to send another bulletin. I have sent several “messages” – “bulletins” – “notes” during the three months and have had little response. Two of our Brother Rats had children that reported deaths that the Alumni Association apparently did not know. The first was VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Dave Aston. I mailed you obituaries and comments from his daughter. The latest was from the son of Ralph Swecker. Ralph attended only one or two years and then transferred to UVa where he graduated in Pre-med and then to MCV where he graduated in Dentistry in 1944. After service in the Army he returned to his home town of Monterey, Virginia, and practiced dentistry for over 50 years. The penny postcards produced much information as shown in the report of the two deaths. I have forwarded copies of 15 or so to you and will get the remaining copies out next week, I hope. Charlie Purdum gave me a telephone call that lasted over an hour. For nearly two years after our graduation we were in the same outfit. Being EEs, we, like thousands of EE graduates from nearly 50 ROTC schools, were transferred to the Signal Corps. Most were sent to the Fort Monmouth Signal School for Officer training at Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey. (Future Brig. Gen. Richard Carter Horne III became the commandant of the school 26 years later.) Besides Purdum and I, the following also were transferred to Monmouth: Lloyd Leech, Dick Horne, Bruce Burnett, Lewis Porter, Blandy Crafton, Rolla Patton, Bob Goodman and maybe someone else. Dick Jeschke went to the Marines and Carlo Tosti to the Air Force. Willoughby Williams went into Intelligence. He stayed in the Army and retired as a brigadier general. But to get back to Purdum, he has given up motorcycles. Just two-doorsports stuff now days. He is still living in his original home in Syracuse, Indiana. A daughter lives only two miles away. He makes at least two trips a year to the Eastern Shore of Virginia where he says he has relatives. Also, he says he drives the 700 miles in a day, stopping only for one fill of the tank. But back to 1942 … We completed our instructions and the two of us were assigned to the newly formed 110th Mountain Signal Company which was part of the newly formed 10th Mountain Division. We reported on my 21st Birthday, Oct. 6, 1942. It was at Camp Carson, Colorado Springs. On December 4-6th, we were moved to the newly constructed Camp Hale at Pando, Colorado. Pando 2010-Issue 3

doesn’t exist anymore. It was about four miles south of Vail, which didn’t exist then. It was also about six miles south west of Copper Mountain, which also didn’t exist then. The area was called Wheeler. When we had maneuvers it seemed to me I always ended on Sugar Loaf Mountain, near Wheeler, at about 10,500 feet. The Copper Mountain Ski Resort includes it. The base camp at Camp Hale was at 9,300 feet. Virtually all of our training (except Rifle Range and the Signal Corps didn’t have much of that) was much higher. We became high altitude guys. On my 22nd birthday, I climbed Mount Elmore, the tallest peak in Colorado at 14,431 feet. My companion was Don Wheeler, a fellow 1st Lieutenant from Pennsylvania. You might say that I rose to my greatest heights. I didn’t fly higher than that until 1960. One thing I have never forgotten. It is a trip from Kansas City to Limon, Colorado, on Oct. 5, 1942. I had railed myself to Dallas to visit with a young lady I had met at Mary Baldwin and with whom I was infatuated. I left Dallas and flew to Kansas City (below 6,000 ft). Charlie and I had made arrangements about meeting in KC. Charlie had married in the summer at Monmouth, and he was driving to Colorado in his 1940 two-door (Ford I think). So, the three of us would travel from KC to Colorado Springs (some 600 miles) in the front seat. Another thing, Charlie Purdum has never ridden in a motor vehicle, automobile – motorcycle – boat – maybe airplane (debatable) in which he was not the complete driver (Pilot). Oct. 5, 1942, was no exception. Remember, this was 1942. No interstates, not very good state roads. Speed limit of 35 mph (where attainable). Very few service stations – no rest stops – at least none authorized – nor isolated. WE MADE IT! And still friends! Charlie and I finished our conversation with a discussion of afternoon living in the Four Score + eight or nine or 10 – maybe 11 years. Most of us, during that time of the day, imbibe a liquid compounded with things called gin or scotch, etc. As it was approaching 3:30 p.m., we adjourned our conversation. And so I adjourn this report … Jed Charles P. Wilson

’43

Jeffrey G. Smith

As I close these notes for dispatch, via the wonder of the internet, it is the 146th Anniversary of the Battle of New Market. Lest you forget, the members of the class of 1943 stood in formation at BRC 70 years ago today as we listened for the first time as the cadet adjutant called the roll of those who had died on the New Market field of honor. I deeply regret to report two recent deaths of individuals who served VMI and our class honorably and loyally. Horace “Hap” Vaughan died in Dallas on March 24, 2010. And Jean McClure, Bill McClure’s widow, died in Richmond on April 20, 2010. Bill Gottwald and John Halsey each sent me copies of Jean’s obituary from the Richmond Times Dispatch. Jean had been ailing for some time, and I doubt that she ever recovered from Bill’s death. Three very fine sons, two of who are VMI graduates, survive her. Hap’s death came as complete surprise. Early on I had him slated as a sure bet to attend our mini reunion May 18-20 this year. His youngest daughter, Carol (who made a memorable DVD of our mini reunion in April 2007) called to tell me. All three of his daughters (the other two being Anne and Linda) were by his side when he died peacefully. Not long ago, Hap was diagnosed with what I gather was a melanoma which had rapidly and fatally spread by the time it had been discovered. Hap was our superb and tireless class agent for many years. We will sorely miss him but are so very grateful that we knew him as our friend and Brother Rat. Our ranks remain dedicated but, to use a time-honored cliché, are thinning. As I write, the records of VMI list 44 members still alive in the class of 1943. Interestingly, the records list 54 widows of our classmates still alive. John Halsey sent me a copy of the newspaper obituary and the program for Keith Phillips’s funeral on Feb. 13, 2010, at St. Andrew’s Church in Newport News. The presiding clergyman was The 41

CLASS NOTES Reverend Robert D. Marston, son of Dr. life. I’ve chatted on the phone a few times On April 16, Gerry Asch called from Robert (Bob) Q. Marston ’44. Bob died with Bill (our Bill, that is), most recently his Boca Raton (Florida, that is) condo to in 1999, after serving as NIH (National on May 4. He likes his new abode and has report that all’s well, and he and Ann were Institutes for Health) director for five years met several very nice people in the process. to return to their New York (Long Island) and president of the University of Florida Nevertheless, Bill is still adjusting and not home around May before headin south for 10 years. quite up to the trip for our May mini. He and again for our mini reunion. Sunny Florida John saw Shirley and Johnny Van Ann will be keenly missed. has had the worst winter weather that Landingham at a Virginia Historical SoFrom Bob Rucker, I received a beautiful Gerry could recall, which resulted in many ciety party in early Spring. “Both looked postcard in mid-March showing the cathecancellations of their usual activities. well.” He closed his note to me by stating dral and bell tower in Firenzi (Florence to Despite the weather, a lot of tennis was “everything the same here … rushing off you non travelers) Italy. Bob and Marjorie played by the Aschs’ 14-year-old grandto play tennis.” That’s the way to go, John! and daughter Ann had just completed “a daughter. Gerry reports that she “was burnHe and the Van Landinghams will be at lovely 10-day trip to Paris, Rome and ing up the courts against many opponents the mini. Florence. Highly recommend the trip to all who were several years older.” In early March, Jane and I had a lovely of my classmates.” Having made that parOn April 16, an e-mail from Bill Nunn and restful 10 days in Cozumel, Mexico, ticular circuit a few times in my younger stated that he planned to attend the mini – basking in the sun and leaving behind years, I heartily second the motion. and looked forward to talking about a trip almost three feet of snow in our back and George Snead had a scare several weeks to France that he’ll be taking in June. The side yards. When we returned, perhaps a ago when after a brief spell of not feeling trip will celebrate the 65th Anniversary of foot had melted, and it took a few more his usual 100%; his doctor said he had the liberation of the Moselle River Valley weeks to see it all go. All the while our son congestive heart failure and ordered a very in 1944. Bill should be warmly welcomed continued on a special mission in Afghani- restrictive regimen. Well, after further for he was awarded the DSC (the Distinstan. To our relief (and that of his family), examination, it fortunately turned out that guished Service Cross – second only to he returned only a few days ago to resume George does not have heart failure, but as the Congressional Medal of Honor) for his his command in Germany. do many of our tender years, he has an ocgallantry under fire. Fast forward to May Frank Williams wrote that “outside of the casional erratic heart beat. On the whole, 10th when we had returned from visiting fact that I can’t get around very well without George is doing just fine, thank you, and our daughter, son-in-law and five grandthe help of two canes, a pushcart or a wheel he and Kitty are driving up from Lynchchildren in Charlotte, North Carolina, chair, I am still in pretty good shape. My burg for the mini. to find a gracious message from Bill on daughter, Meg, and her family our answering machine that he A NEW VMI TRADITION moved in with me and take very simply was not up to both the good care of me. I’m still able journey up here for the mini to drive short distances but my and the much anticipated trip son, Frank III, will bring me to France a few weeks later. He up to Virginia (for the mini reopted – as would I – for the trip Made in New Hampshire by skilled union). I still try to remain fairly to France. artisans, these distinctive clocks will active in the management of our Another good Roanoke Brother make a great graduation or retirement gift. timberland operations here in Rat, Jim Tapley responded to Jefferson I – $129 Clocks are made of cherry wood and Jefferson II (chiming) – $179 Georgia.” a note I’d sent him thanking Dimensions 11.5"h x 8"w x 4"d available in either burgundy cherry Just a month ago today, on me but reporting that “due to (dark) or antique cherry (light) finish. Income Tax Day, April 15, circumstances” Martha and he To order a clock, visit us at Bill Johann moved to a retirewould not be able to attend the www.nhclocks.com or call 800-808-9871. ment community, Saint Mary’s mini. He closed by sending his Woods. It is quite near his “best to all” who do attend. long-time home on Saint JuBack to May 10, after our lian’s Lane in Richmond. His seven-hour drive from CharWinchester I – $119 phone number is unchanged lotte, we got two telephone Winchester II (chiming) – $169 Dimensions 10"h x 8"w x 4"d (804/740-8931), but his new calls from Brother Rats, bearing address is 1257 Marywood sad tidings. The first was from Alton – $80 Lane, Richmond, VA, 23229. Bob Reveley who had early on Dimensions 10 .5"h x 10 .5"w x 2"d Bill’s son (Bill III) who lives in announced he was going to the Lexington – $199 Richmond, ranks at the very top mini. However, Bob’s message Madison – $72 (PERSONALIZED Lexington Regulator (chiming) – $249 when it comes to helping aging was that his older son (also Dimensions 5"h x 10 "w x 2"d PLAQUE IS OPTIONAL) Dimensions 23"h x 13"w x 3"d parents change domiciles, cope Robert) died two weeks ago in The VMI Alumni Association receives a generous with ailments and adapt to the California after a long struggle royalty on each clock sold! ever evolving facets of modern with cancer. Bob said that he

Handcrafted Clocks

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES was still very much down and that he simply could note cope with the mini. He asked that I pass along his best wishes to all. And I know that all join me in condolences to Bob. Bob’s other, younger son visits monthly. The second call was from Billy Bell who told me that he had to cancel his reservations for the mini for health concerns. Billy sounded his usual cheerful self, but for the past two weeks had a persistent fever, stomach pain and accelerated weight loss. The doctors have been running tests, the most definitive to be on May 26. We all hope and pray for the best, Billy. Another Brother Rat who needs our prayers is Baylor Gibson. He wrote on May 6: “Greetings Brother Rats. My plans to join you for the mini fizzled. The second chemo trial malfunctioned. My new address is: 9121 Duke University Hospital. The best thing I’ve seen here (besides the good looking nurses) is the VMI Alumni Review 2010 Issue 2. Thanks, Jeff for the outstanding class notes. (signed) Baylor.” My heart goes out to Baylor and Peggy. (Their home address is 442 Deming Road, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514.) Brian Bowen, a long-time, ever loyal Reunion attendee, plans on attending this one despite balance problems which require the constant use of a cane. He still lives in his and Jane’s home, and misses her every day. However, his children and grandchildren are of tremendous help both in keeping him busy and helping out in all aspects of his life. When I spoke with him on April 8, Brian was preparing to host a grandson’s 18th birthday (at Brian’s house). A few weeks later, Brian called to say he was taking the train from Lynchburg to our mini – a good way to travel. Moreover, it sets an example for all of us in continuing an independent life. I called Gordon Smith early last month for an update on the stroke he had suffered in Florida at the turn of the year. He sounded cheerful, upbeat and the hoarseness from the stroke was virtually gone. He’s walking, albeit with the aid of a cane, and he’s completed his PT regimen which might be a bit sore and painful were he still on it. In early March, as suggested by his Chicago area doctor, Gordon returned to Florida to have a check-up by the doctors in Florida who’d administered 2010-Issue 3

the clot-busting drug when Gordon had his stroke. The check-up went well, but while there he fell down and broke three ribs when he was inadvertently pushed by people in a hurry on an escalator. The hurt was subsiding but still occasionally acute when last we talked, but Gordon took it all in stride and good humor. He added that although he could not be ready for the mini, he is gearing up for the big 70th Reunion at VMI. On May 4, I received a welcome and surprise e-mail from my former dyke in our first class year: Jule Spach, class of 1946 from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. “It has been so long (67 years) that I doubt if you even remember my name – I diked you till April of ’43, got took in, joined the Air Force, flew B-24s in the 15th , shot down and POW at Stalag Luft lll. If I’m still going strong at 86, I hope you are too, and you must be pushing 90. Best regards.” As I replied to Jule, at 88 years of age I am indeed pushing 90, but feel fine and remember well the days of 1942-’43 at VMI and “Mister” Spach, in particular. Good memories of a good cadet and a brave man. As I reread what I’ve written so far, much of it is somewhat somber. So in a lighter vein, you should be amused by an extract from an e-mail from West Point graduate (class of 1951) Tom Foster regarding his retirement activities. It was passed along to me by one of his classmates. “I am currently puttering with the ultimate reckoning airport security screening (URASS) booth. This booth would replace the controversial full-body scanner adopted by TSA to screen airline passengers. This step-in booth will not x-ray you, but will detonate any explosive device you may have on you. Believe this will be a win-win for everyone as it would eliminate the question of racial profiling and a long expensive trial. Justice would be quickly served. All the passengers in the terminal would hear would be a muffled explosion followed shortly thereafter by an announcement over the PA system, ‘Attention standby passengers, we now have a seat available on Flight Number XX.’” A fair chunk of my time since the turn of the year has been consumed by arrangements for the mini due to start of May

18 and end May 20. For that I have often relied on Bruce Suter for advice and assistance. He is, in so many respects, our Rock of Gibraltar, steady and dependable. Bruce says his doctor recently told him that he’s in great shape. Bruce remarked that he feels a bit gimpy at times and that perhaps the doctor might be overlooking something. To which the doctor somewhat obliquely responded, “it was an interesting theory.” I had strong hopes until a few days ago that 13 Brother Rats would attend the mini plus two class widows. In what seemed a snap of one’s fingers, we went down to only nine Brother Rats plus the widows – 20 attendees in all, counting wives and a few adult children. We’ll say a prayer for those no longer with us and propose toasts to those living but who could not attend. Of this be sure, there will be no more minis till those of us able to make it to VMI for our 70th Reunion in April 2013. We hope for a record turnout at that event. Please take care of yourselves.

’44

Robert P. Jones Jr.

Having to get these class notes done and in Lexington by May 15th gives me a great excuse to put off a lot of the “honey dos” that are directed in my direction this time of year. Notice I said, “put off,” since they never go away. Back in mid February, Bob Smothers wrote me of an interesting coincidence he encountered. His retractable attic ladder broke, and he needed muscular assistance to fix it. Checking a flier he had picked up at the laundry/cleaners earlier, “Home repairs by Charlie,” he called Charlie. Charlie arrived the next day and told Bob his last name was Joyce. Further conversation revealed that our Charlie Joyce was his dad. Work on the stairs ceased while Bob and our Charlie’s son had a long discussion on history, mainly about his dad. Charlie III had not been in the LaJolla area long, having come there from AK, where he lost his shirt in some real estate investments and was starting over. Charlie III was going to come back to show Bob some of his dad’s stuff he had saved. I 43

CLASS NOTES haven’t heard from that visit as yet. Bob and Hazel were planning on going to England in May for the 65th anniversary of VE Day and the “Last Hurrah” reunion of his WWII 452nd bomb group. The Smothers then plan to go to Seville, Spain, to see a bull fight and visit some old friends there. They had lived in that area of Spain for sometime a while back. Also in February, I got a long letter from Dorothy Collins. She has appreciated my class news over the many years since Fred died, as they kept her in touch with VMI. She enclosed the letter in a package containing some things of Fred’s she had found rummaging in a closet: his sweater; a blue VMI necktie; and a red, white and yellow VMI umbrella. She hoped I could put them to good use, and I did. The sweater fit fine, I needed a nice blue tie and my favorite umbrella had just given up the ghost. She wrote that as Fred had received a regular commission, was married and they had a child, he did not return to VMI after WWII but finished his education at Rollins College with a master’s degree in counseling. Dorothy did note they had over 58 wonderful years together and helped to overpopulate the world. She now has 27 grand and great-grandchildren who are great company. Bruce Bowden sent me his new address after they moved to a smaller apartment and said that Bette Lea now had one of her favorite bridge groups in an apartment right across the street. Their new address is: 18616 N 99th Ave., Apt 2078, Sun City, AZ 85373 and telephone 623/815-9189. They held a two-day estate sale, which drew quite a crowd, to get rid of “stuff.” One buyer left his car door open to put his purchases in the back seat. Another prospective buyer ran into the door and pinned it back against the car body in the wrong direction. That drew more crowd which Bruce figured helped their sales. Harvey Sadow called to chat and gave me the good news that, health-wise, he believes he is out of the woods. That has been a struggle for both Harvey and Mary and is great news. Writing to express her appreciation for my efforts, Edwina Ragland said all was going well for her in Saint Croix. Her family siblings, children, grandchildren and friends are a real lifeline for her these days. 44

Dick Niess gave me a call while Anne and their two daughters were on a trip to PA. The ladies were visiting old haunts in that state, including Anne’s old family home built in the 1830s and featured in one of her books I wrote about previously. They both still miss their sailing days on the York River and Chesapeake Bay but stay happily busy in FL with all the activities I’ve described in earlier notes. While knowing she would be better off moving into a retirement community, Mary Stagg told me she still can’t bring herself to take that step. The big old house she’s in just holds too many great memories. Glad to see 2009 gone, Mary Easterly called to tell me it wasn’t a good year for her, and 2010 was going much better. She’s now traveling more and took a fun cruise to the Caribbean and the Panama Canal with a group from her WestminsterCanterbury retirement community. She and her two daughters journeyed to Sedona, AZ, for a filmfest – a different kind of program and very entertaining. They reviewed 36 films in 10 days and thoroughly enjoyed it. Mary said she had lost track of Scotty Haley and Bob Watt lately and would like to have their phone numbers. I gave her those. A card from Bob Watt sorta proves his brain is younger than ours. He wrote that he was amazed at how I remember so many birthdays. He hasn’t reached the stage that most of us are living in. Our memory isn’t that good. We only have to remember where we keep our lists. The Class Agents Conference was held mid April in Lexington, and Faye and I moved in with Betty Bond Nichols, as we do every year for a couple of nights. As expected, the hospitality was outstanding. It always is, and I conferenced while Faye and Betty Bond did their things. The VMI Foundation ladies had arranged a Friday afternoon tour of historic Herring Hall for interested class agent ladies. Faye really enjoyed that. They had more fun than I did. Most of the conference was dull and didn’t dwell enough on the human side of Brother Rat relations and how we can do things to enhance that. I like that side of this job. Saturday evening, the usual dinner with some of our Lexington folks took place at the Sheridan Livery Inn, and that livened

things up. Jim Doss, Scottie Haley, Ruthie Miller Ellinghaus with new husband Bill, Art and Bonnie Taylor, along with Bettie Bond, Faye and I all had a great evening of good food and very lively conversation, which a lot of you were part of. You know how that goes! It was great fun, and Ruthie’s Bill fit in like a well worn glove. All of us hoped it wouldn’t be as long as it has been until we could gather again for one of these affairs. On the way home Sunday, Faye and I stopped at Westminster-Canterbury in Richmond to have lunch with Tom and Juliet Hupp. Tom is pretty much wheelchair-bound, being full time on oxygen, but we found lots to reminisce over. Nancy Phillips dropped in after our lunch and broadened the scope of our remembrances considerably. We all agreed that this old stage of life can sometimes be more than a little hard to handle. Back in March, I learned from Ezra Trice that he was planning to get his other knee replaced. Recently, when I called to see how that went, Ezra told me the knee operation had been cancelled, because the medics had discovered he had an aortic aneurysm close to his heart that needed urgent attention. He had that repaired with the installation of stents, but his aching knee is currently and maybe permanently on hold. At least he’s fixed up to be with us a while longer. That’s a blessing. Ezra has a grandson who is seriously considering VMI for his continuing education after he graduates from high school in 2011. He is really happy to help all he can in this endeavor, since none of his sons ever wanted to seriously consider that choice, and he would have liked that. Jim Doss had his annual “Brother Reunion” of his brothers and their families in Williamsburg the last weekend in April and enjoyed that affair, as always. He didn’t try to visit us while down here, since he knew we had our older daughter and her husband visiting us from Indiana that same weekend. Recently a lady with The VMI Alumni Association called me to see if any one of our folks had reported a lost class ring. A class of ’44 class ring had been found in a parking lot in Whitestone, VA. I told her no but called Carolyn Weatherford, as she is our only member living in that area. VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Carolyn checked and gave me the telephone number of a 1952 alumnus living in Reedville who could tell me who attended a recent alumni affair in Whitestone. I haven’t talked to him as yet. Carolyn had one bout of successful surgery in 2009 but had to overcome a terrible problem at her house. The Reedville sewer maintenance folks had cut off her sanitary sewer pump to do some work on their system. When done, they left her pump turned off. Sometime later, a gurgling sound under her house alerted her to a lake of sanitary sewer liquid there. I won’t get into the details, but you can imagine the nightmare clean up that entailed. All is back to normal, but it wasn’t a pleasant experience. Her insurance did cover the cost. She is still engaged in trying to get her house sold, so she can move back to Richmond. A letter from Patricia Wen thanked me for the postcard reporting Jimmy Lamb’s death. She wrote, “We’re all getting old and fading away.” Patricia has moved to her apartment which is right next door to her daughter. They both really enjoy this arrangement. Also moving to an apartment is her son, Stanley Wen ’77. Patricia’s new envelope address and telephone number: Mrs. Wen Hung Chuan 8th Fl., No. 4, Fu-Gui First Rd. Beitou, Taipei, Taiwan Republic of China Tel. 2821-3079 That’s all for now. Take care of yourselves wherever you are. God bless all of you, and God bless America and VMI.

’45

Richard A. Matheis

Editor’s Note: The following class notes were submitted by John D. Williams, outgoing class agent. Our 65th Reunion of The Great Class of l945 has now passed and seems to have been enjoyed by the 36 who attended , including 15 Brother Rats, spouses and a few accompanying guests. Extremely important were our Sisters Ann Addington, Nancy Louis, Jean Pates, Jo 2010-Issue 3

Pittman, Mary Robinson and Chappie Thrift. Our classmates in attendance were as follows: Nate and Eloise Adams, Bob Allen and Kathy Allen Carr, Graham and Mary Barden, Vic and P.J. Bray, Hugh Dischinger, Joe and Kay Gantt, Jim Lewter, Doug and Sarah Ann Lindsey, Dick Matheis, Bob and Libby Moore, Jim Morgan, Doug and Kitty Quarles, Jess Reed, Sam and Charlotte Walker, Dan and Connie Walser, and John and Mary Ballou Williams. Most of the above arrived at our motel on Sunday afternoon, April 18 and departed early Wednesday morning. The weather was absolutely beautiful for the entire time. Certainly one of the highlights of our stay in Lexington was the lavishly catered luncheon on Monday by Kitty and Doug Quarles at their son’s home there, which is maintained because their grandson is a cadet in the class of 2010 and an active soccer player. How would we have liked to have had available a place such as this to hang out during our stay in Lexington! At the conclusion of our Monday night dinner at the Sheridan Livery Inn we had an open forum type of discussion in lieu of a guest speaker and many of the attendees, including Sisters, got up on their feet and provided a few comments. On Tuesday morning we departed by VMI buses to The Institute for a most informative briefing about completed and ongoing construction projects on Post. This was held in the auditorium inside the new Marshall Hall Leadership Center and was conducted by Col. Dale Brown, the director of construction. I think that our group was duly impressed, as I was, by the enormous amount of change that has and continues to go on at VMI. We completed bus tours of the Post and then arrived at the Mess Hall, Crozet Hall, for a private luncheon held in an upper level banquet room. At the conclusion of this luncheon, we held a class meeting and unanimously elected, appointed or railroaded Dick Matheis as our new class agent, and I know that he will do a superior job. I have agreed to help him for a period of time and will be sending out Birthday and Christmas greetings, but Dick will be the contact for class notes and general class information. Please give him your complete support and send him

any news on a frequent basis. His name, address and computer contact information are at the top of these notes. Tuesday afternoon we gathered for our class picture on the steps of Preston Library, followed by a Corps parade where we were seated in the Review Stands next to the oldest class, 1940, celebrating their 70th Reunion. For those of you not familiar with this ceremony, as the last cadets pass in review, the Reunion classes step out onto the Parade Ground as lively as possible, form up as best we can by class and march as orderly as possible into the new Barracks courtyard where each class, in order, has one or more representatives who climbs a flight of stairs to the top of the Sentry Box and leads an “Old Yell” for its class, backed up by the entire Corps who are aligning the stoops. This is quite an impressive event which can easily bring tears of joy into one’s eyes. Joe Gantt and Dick Matheis joined me atop the Sentry Box for the “Old Yell.” We followed this up by going to Alumni Hall (Moody Hall) for cocktails and dinner. The Superintendent, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, honored us by being our guest speaker. He held up his typed speech and announced that he would mail that to our entire class and our class was so special that he would rather speak off the cuff, and he did a superior job. He had obviously researched our class very thoroughly and was quite familiar with lots of our wartime records, VMI achievements and business accomplishments. He gave us a good picture of what was going on at VMI now and where it is headed. Bob Allen ended the evening by telling our gang about the latest honor bestowed upon him by The American Association of Petroleum Geologists at their annual meeting in New Orleans. Graham Barden, a long lost Brother Rat, was at our reunion, his first visit since leaving the Institute at wartime. He told me several times what a great time he and his wife, Mary, were having. They drove seven hours from their home in New Bern, North Carolina. Graham is a retired pediatrician. Dick Matheis’ wife, Sandra, was unable to attend because of an upcoming hip replacement, which has now been successfully completed. Jean Morgan also missed all of our fun festivities because of a fall from 45

CLASS NOTES 1

Class of 1945 2

5 4

65th Reunion 6

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES her wheelchair as she was leaving the dinner table, thus fracturing two bones in one foot. Jim says she is recovering well. Although the space was somewhat limited, our Hospitality Room at the motel

was a popular meeting spot. Jess Reed stepped up and shared the cost with me for stocking this room, and I feel badly that he did not receive any credit for this contribution. Also helping my wife, Mary Ballou,

Class of 1945 Reunion: Captions for photos on previous page.

Photo 1: From left: Jim Morgan and Nancy Louis. Photo 2: From left: Chappie Thrift and Kitty Quarles. Photo 3: From left: Hugh Dischinger and Nate Adams. Photo 4: The class of 1945 passes in review. Photo 5: From left: Doug Quarles and Sam Walker. Photo 6: From left: John Williams, Dick Matheis and Joe Gantt. Photo 7: From left: Mary Ballou and John Williams with Kay Gantt. Photo 8: On top of the sentry box were, from left, Dick Matheis, John Williams and Joe Gantt. Photo 9: From left: Jess Reed, Bob Allen, Dan Walser and Doug Quarles. Photo 10: From left: Jess Reed, Ann Addington and Joe Gantt.

with the food for this room was Ann Addington and Chappie Thrift. Many thanks to all! Another long lost Brother Rat has been heard from – Jimmy Adams of Shreveport, Louisiana, called me this week, and we had a great conversation. He is in good health and still actively working, practicing law and teaching real estate law. He has also taught some public speaking classes. Unfortunately, his wife, Jo, suffered a stroke about one year ago and is confined to a nursing home. Jimmy notified me of the death of our Brother Rat Walter Tucker on Jan. 7, 2010, which was confirmed by an e-mail to me from Bob

Class of 1945 65th Class Reunion

Class of 1945: The following attended their 65th Reunion: Nate Adams, Bob Allen, Bardie Barden, Vic Bray, Hugh “Dish” Dischinger, Joe Gantt, James Lewter, Doug Lindsey, Dick Matheis, Bob Moore, Jim Morgan, Doug Quarles, Jess Reed, Sam Walker, Dan Walser and John Williams.

2010-Issue 3

CLASS NOTES Wilkinson ’65 who had noticed that it had not been reported in our class notes. Joan Edmonds wrote to express her regrets that she would not attend the reunion, but to come back to Lexington without Bill would be exceedingly painful, as the two of them had attended every reunion from the 10th through the 60th. She sent her best regards to the entire class, knowing well that Bill would be smiling down upon us all. A nice note from George Stenhouse from Louisville reveals that his wife, Sylvia, is restricted with fairly severe arthritis and a bone marrow deficiency which makes her transfusion dependent. George had a light stroke two years ago which caused a little damage on his right side, but he is still able to talk and drive. Nate Adams and Eloise wrote about the reunion, making particular reference to the heart-warming presence of the Sister Rats and widows who showed their allegiance. He said that Bob Allen’s daughter couldn’t believe the strong bond that still exists between a bunch of old goats. Also, Nate wanted to know who would climb the Sentry Box steps at our next one, our 70th!! God willing, I hope that I will be one of them, joined by many others. Beth Welles has been busy moving from her residence of 22 years into a retirement home. She recently celebrated a big birthday and was invited to attend and officially open the Ball of the Marine Corps birthday with the aid of the Marine Bagpipers band. She was the oldest female Marine in attendance and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the evening, and sends her best to our entire class. I received a very nice letter from Dean Armstrong Jr.’75 who introduced himself as a Delta Airlines pilot. While recently in Honolulu, he visited the gravesite of our Brother Rat, James Taylor, a Marine Corps Corporal, who was killed during the battle for Iwo Jima, Feb. 23, 1945. A nice letter from Doug Pritchard explaining why he would not attend our reunion revealed that his wife of 62 years, Rosemary, was suffering from deterioration of the knee from chasing school children around for many years and is now mostly confined to a wheelchair. Doug did not say whether or not he was still singing in a barber-shop quartet, which he has done for many years. 48

Ollie Maggard wrote advising that he had been involved in a head-on auto accident and was beaten up pretty badly. His doctor has limited his travel ventures now so he will have to skip our 65th Reunion, but he will be ready for the 70th. Ollie, we all hope that you have a speedy recovery. Syd Bradford writes from Philadelphia that his two knees, traitors each, refuse to ease his walking, thereby forcing him to mate with his walker every hour except when snoozing or with his handy cane. I want to extend my thanks again to Joe Gantt and Jim Morgan for their work and assistance in making the 65th Reunion such a success. It would never have come about without their hard work. My time is running out to get these notes to Lexington. Don’t forget to give Dick Matheis your complete cooperation. I have enjoyed staying in contact with VMI and my Brother Rats for the past five years, and I thank you all for your support. God bless our Great Class of l945 and VMI. Contact information for Dick Matheis: Richard A. Matheis ’45 203 Bahia Point Naples, Florida 34103 (239) 777-7273 RMNaples@aol.com

’46

William A. Eliason

There’s an old saying that “no news is good news.” Well, I’ve got good news and bad news for you this time. The good news is, “You’ve got no news for me.” The bad news is, “no news means no column” this time. Maybe next time, if I get some news.

’47

Bill Hallett

The bugler reports for duty and on Feb. 10, 2010, sounded “Taps” for Thomas Moore Davis of Madison, MS. Tom matriculated from Jackson, MS, served in the U.S. Navy from 1944-46 and was graduated from Tulane University Medical School in 1951.

He was in private practice in Jackson from 1953 until 2005. In 1998, he received the Outstanding Teaching Physician Award from the American Academy of Family Physicians. He is survived by his wife, Quida, five children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Tom and Quida attended our 50th Reunion. On we go. On Feb. 28, 2010, “Taps” sounded for J. Carl Garrison Jr., who died in his sleep at his Sterling, Virginia, home. Carl matriculated from Alexandria, enlisted in the Navy after our Rat year, returned to VMI and was graduated with the ’49As. He worked for NASA in the early years of the space program until retiring from that organization in 1998. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve and retired as a colonel in 1981. An avid bridge player, Carl met Suellen, his wife of 22 years, while playing bridge. He is survived by Suellen, two daughters, two stepsons and one stepdaughter. He was a loyal supporter of VMI and of our class. Jo and John Ewell attended Carl’s funeral. (Editor’s Note: Obituaries for Mr. Davis and Mr. Garrison appear in the Taps section of this Alumni Review.) The new Marshall Hall is the perfect location for the VMI Hall of Valor formerly located in the VMI Museum in JM Hall. The Hall of Valor was established in 1967 to commemorate the service and sacrifice of VMI alumni in time of war. New display cases in the Hall of Valor include duplicates of all valor medals received by 1,100 individual alumni with a combined total of over 4,200 medals including seven Medal of Honor recipients. Lt. Gen. Lewis “Chesty” Puller ’21 with five Navy Crosses and one Distinguished Service Medal is our most decorated alumnus. Sixteen Bro’ Rats are honored there. The Purple Heart was awarded to George Akers, John Bates, Charley Early, Bill Hathaway, Tom Hawkins, Joe Seymoe, Al Smith, Bob Smith, John Timmins, Howell Thomas and Jim Willson. Five Bro’ Rats were awarded the Silver Star: John Bates, Bill Carper, Stock Fleming, Bill Hathaway and John Timmons. Six of our class were awarded the Bronze Star with V: Bill Carper, Stock Fleming, Bill Hathaway, Heinie Henzel, Al Smith and Charles Thomas. The Air Medal with V was awarded to Bill Carper and Al Smith. VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Al Smith also received the Legion of Merit with V, the Army Commendation Medal with V and the Navy Commendation Medal with V. A Gold Star in the lower left corner of an individual’s display case indicates that alumnus was killed in action. There is a Gold Star on the display case of these seven Bro’ Rats: George Akers, John Bates, Patteson Gilliam, Joe Seymoe, Bob Smith, Howell Thomas and John Timmins. VMI and the survivors of the class of ’47 are proud of all Bro’ Rats who served our country. A number of our Bro’ Rats received multiple awards of the same medal. Betty Lane and Gus Robbins escaped the last of February’s snow storms by making a two-week tour of southern CA which included one week at Newport Beach. They visited Gus’ granddaughter and his two great-grandchildren. They were unable to get in touch with Bill Glass and Al Smith. Questions of the quarter: When you become discombobulated, how long before you become combobulated again? Do you believe artificial intelligence will ever replace natural stupidity? In mid September 2009, VMI’s enrollment summary reported 1,500 cadets: 126 female and 1,374 male. There were 1,468 U.S. cadets and 22 foreign cadets; 15 of those are from Taiwan. Three years ago, the summary reported one cadet who didn’t know where he was from – probably will graduate with honors. Alumni and supporters of VMI hosted their annual reception in honor of members of the General Assembly in Richmond at the Library of Virginia. Dick Cavedo, Bill Hallett, Bill Phillips and Gus Robbins were among the alumni greeters and handshakers, hoping that those members of the finance committees would act favorably on the Institute’s funding requests. Following the “thank you” remarks of Gen. Peay ’62, members of the “Men in Gray,” a recentlyorganized singing group, entertained with three of their light-hearted numbers. Most of that group were first classmen without rank. Now that Fidel Castro, The World Health Organization and Jimmy Carter have praised the Pelosi/Reid healthcare reform legislation, we can relax while Congress reloads and redoubles its efforts to tax our retirement funds. Please let me know when you’re happy. 2010-Issue 3

Bill Haughton thanked me for urging him to get the Zostavax vaccination for shingles and then went on to threaten a malpractice suit if any problems arose. Then, on what he claimed to be a more serious note, Bill said, “The U.S. is not going down the tubes because of Obama” and told me to throw something in our class notes from “us left wingers.” Regardless of one’s location on either side of the political aisle, more sanity and less congressional greed will do much to solve current real and implied problems. Evidently, Bill will soon be a co-host on the Glenn Beck Show. On the occasion of the end of April full moon, Bettie Jacobsen treated Buck Cavedo and the Halletts to a “snacks and spirits” session; all were well behaved, and no problems were solved. Bettie is soon making a trip to Iowa to visit friends and in June will be treating her daughter-in-law and granddaughter to a trip to France; those three will have a great time. On May 3rd, Marty and your Scribe celebrated (took note of) their 58th anniversary. We were married in the Battle Abbey at Fort Sill, OK, where I was preparing for Frozen Chosen. Since I recently became 21 for the fourth time, it’s obvious that I’ve been well cared for. Talked with Priscilla Cabell recently. She thought a “bad” crab cake had inflicted much physical discomfort and caused many of her usual year-end activities to be left undone. Recovery now complete. Her six grandchildren are well and lived it up at the Easter egg hunt in her backyard. Son John ’90 is now finance director at Christ Church School. Following his post-VMI Navy tour, he earned his MBA at WandM. English is a funny language. In what other language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Is “all hands on deck” only for the acrobats? Lynne and Roger Rosenfield celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on a cruise from San Diego down the coast and through the Panama Canal. The celebration and the trip were both delightful, and there was time for on-shore shopping. Roger wanted me to guess who went; I didn’t. He and I talked of the time both of us had spent in post-war occupied Japan. He had been stationed in Sapporo on Hokkaido, while I was in Tokyo on Honshu. We were much

younger then! My phone rings late one afternoon and from across the continent and three time zones away, a somewhat familiar voice from long ago asks: “Who is this?” I said, “This is your old VMI roommate.” While scrolling his electronic directory, Jim “Double L” Willson had punched the code for Hallett rather than the one for home. He was at the grocery store trying to call home to ask Carol what it was that he had been sent for. It happens! Except for glaucoma, Dick Spencer says he seems to be OK: “Wake up, get up, check the obits and it I didn’t make the list, have breakfast and enjoy another day.” Sounds like a familiar routine. Dick was getting ready for a trip back to TX for a springtime visit with his sister. He was going to make use of the Allene and Lucius Dabney BandB during that trip and enjoy another session of “twice told tales” of their VMI years. Perhaps a few of the 48 survivors of our Rat year who became thirds in 1944 will remember that Dick Spencer, George Gelly and P.X. English were corporals of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd squads of the 1st platoon of “A” Company and roomed together in 115. When Gelly was drafted early in 1944, that left only 47 of us in the Corps when the 3rd class year ended in October 1944. Spencer went home to TX and was sworn in the Navy on Nov. 3rd. Be glad that Dick kept such good records and remembers where he kept them. Now, a special note for our widows. You may have recently received a letter signed by Mike and Monica Simmers, Parents Council Chairs, Society of VMI Family and Friends. That letter said you could become a member of that society by contributing a minimum of $100. Class agents/scribes were NOT told of that letter. Historically and currently, class agents are the designated beggars for the Foundation and Keydet Club, and thankfully, many of you have responded to my pleas by contributing. I thank you again! To join the society is your call. However, I wish you would stick with ’47. As far as I know, the society has no class notes, and I’d be leary of an outfit headed by chairs. I hope you read my New Market Day letter and have put the return envelope to good use. The Institute continues to depend on the generosity of its alumni and friends 49

CLASS NOTES to assure future success and continue to produce well-educated and honorable leaders. The success of our notes, or the lack thereof, depends on you. Please write. Just remember that anything is possible if you don’t know what you are talking about! I hope you have an enjoyable and relaxing summer. Stay well, keep smiling and age gracefully. Note these changed addresses: Lt. Col. Hans W. Henzel, c/o Alex Henzel, 568 Woodbridge Ct., Wake Forest, NC 27587 and phone 919/ 618-3232, and Mrs. Helen Early, 1899 Millers Landing, Tallahassee, FL 32312.

’48A

Dale E. Wykoff

On Feb. 7, 1944, 50 of us matriculated to start the class of 1948A. Of those, 12 are still with us. Two of the 12 said they were no longer in a position to contribute financially to the Institute. However, I am really pleased to say that of the remaining 10, eight participated in Annual Giving as of the end of March 2010, the highest participation percentage of any of the ’40s classes. In addition to those contributions from Brother Rats, the class also received much appreciated donations from Marian Andrews and Irene Sadler. I expected to report on the 1948A Scholarship for the present academic year, but unfortunately I found that the cadet to whom the money was given is no longer at VMI. I am waiting to see if there was any unspent money at the time of his departure and how those funds will be handled. Perhaps any residue will be added to the scholarship given for the 2010-’11 academic year. In any case, the support of the scholarship fund by all the Brother Rats is much appreciated. Please stay in touch.

’48B

Louis Castellano Jr.

Heard from Brother Rat Jed White, former class agent of years ago. He won’t be able to make the approaching reunion in October 2010, but he hopes to attend the 65th. We 50

all kind of reached the stage where probably no news is good news. Jed in his note has reported about his three children. Janet, the eldest, is an architectural historian and on the faculty of UNLV. Jim is a VO engineer at the headquarters of Edward Jones in St. Louis, MO. Doug, his youngest, is a lawyer with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Unfortunately, our Brother Rat Walter Dorsey passed away on Dec. 6, 2009. Walter was in the service during World War II and the Korean War and served as a judge advocate. He also was a practicing attorney and one of the political leaders in the state of Maryland. He is survived by his wife and three children. I remember our Brother Rat Dorsey in connection with an Honor Court proceeding in which he was the good guy, and however distasteful these proceedings were, they truly were the strength of the Institute. (Editor’s Note: Mr. Dorsey’s obituary appears in the Taps section of this Alumni Review.) At the present time, for our reunion scheduled for Oct. 22, 2010, we hope to have on board Savannah Walker, Lawson, Smith, Abner, Eldridge, Ramsey, Applin, Alberto, Ruffin, Loth, Michaux, Wolford, Nalven, Warrington and Castellano. The Alumni Office will send out a reminder in late July to all concerning the reunion. I have requested that the Alumni Office send to all of our Brother and Sister Rats an up-to-date roster. In connection with our reunion on Oct. 22, 2010, I am trying to schedule the following: Dinner on the post on Oct. 22, 2010, with entertainment given by “Men in Gray;” Lunch with the Corps on Saturday, October 23rd; Saturday, October 23rd, dinner at the Lexington Country Club with the Commandant of Cadets; Shakespearean presentation at the Gilles Theatre located on the post on the evening of October 23rd.

’49A

James Harrington

Honors for our Brother Rat Stan Millimet – and all of us! Stan writes: “My son, Scott, and his

wife, Janet, keep asking what I’d like for my birthday, and I kept telling them that I have everything I need. Then early last month I received an e-mail from him asking for a brief bio sketch to be included in a Memorandum of Understanding with VMI establishing ‘The Col. Stanley Millimet 1949A Scholarship at the Virginia Military Institute.’ My son and daughterin-law wanted to do something to ‘surprise me.’ And that certainly did! Then a week later I received a copy of the MOU signed by Scott and Janet, and Gen. Peay ’62, superintendent, and Brian Crockett, CEO of the VMI Foundation. A few days later I received a nice letter from the Foundation stating that the first scholarship from the Col. Millimet Scholarship Fund will be made in the upcoming academic year. Then next March or April Sunny and I with Scott and Janet will be invited to VMI annual Stewardship Luncheon. That will give us a chance to meet the first cadet who will benefit from the scholarship. As the letter states ‘What a special tribute to me!’ The MOU further states that it is established to honor Col. Millimet Class of ’49A. That beats the heck out of establishing it in my memory.” It does that. Congratulations! Stan had other news: “Unfortunately we received word that my brother-in-law, a WWII combat veteran was very ill, so we drove down to Pittsburgh to see the family – my sister, my brother-in-law etc. Yes, he was extremely ill but resting comfortably, so after two days we drove back. After a day at home we got a call that he had passed away. So back we went for the funeral and then again back home. Yes, we saw many of the family, but we hope our next get together is for a happy event. So we put on 2,000 miles in a little over a week plus. When I was younger, I’d drive that in the drop of a hat. But as the years add up the travel isn’t so easy. Other than having house guests for a short while and agonizing over income tax returns (and the direction that our great nation is taking) that’s all I have to report. Time keeps flying by, and I keep getting behinder and behinder. So I’m going to take a week or two and play catch up.” Margaret Anne Noftsinger (on Bill’s behalf) reports that she and Bill have just celebrated their 60th anniversary and stay busy with their youngest grandsons and VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES their lacrosse games – as many as four a week’s trip to New Orleans. The city is point of view, but information from our games a week. Margaret says, “we are still greatly changed but some of the old charm friends in the capitol was pretty scary. on our feet and moving about, for which is there, and we were able to take it all in California is no longer the Golden State, we feel blessed. We have no big plans as we walked the quarter and enjoyed the but a hangout for a bunch of scoundrels in ahead, just taking each day as it comes.” atmosphere in the city. The food was great, our legislature. A few dedicated are trying Allen Penniman has the same problem and Joanie enjoyed the shopping. It was a but are outnumbered by the takers. Our as we all have – lack of excitement and nice occasion and one where we were off little trip to Lake County was enjoyable as activity: Here’s his latest letter: “First of by ourselves without other family in at- usual – great weather, plenty of water in all, I know how difficult it is to perform tendance. Nice! the lake and a nice place to escape reality. the duties of class agent. Not only is this “There is not much else to offer, and I We received quite a bit of rain this winter person frustrated by our procrastination, close with an optimistic feeling about our and everything is green and overgrown. but also the fact that our class suffers from country and about the future. In spite of However, I like to do things outdoors and a decline in our numbers and in my case, a our handicaps, I know this to be the case.” will eventually clean everything up and severe decline in my activities. The point Joe Fil managed a detailed report in spite make the old place presentable. that I am making is there is less to write of inactivity: “Actually, nothing unusual or “I recently spoke with Thekla West – her about in my case. Yet I feel the need to exciting is happening out here. I’m mostly life is more settled and moving ahead. I comply and put something down for your involved with home projects. We recently also had a couple of conversations with benefit and to stay in touch with my classremoved all of our wall-to-wall carpets Charlie Tiller and Nancy. They were in mates. So, here we go. and refinished all of the old oak flooring. typical good spirits. Sue received a nice “I looked at my calendars for the first four It made for quite a change in appearance letter from Margaret Butler. She and Larry months of the year, and I see very little that in this old tent. We also finally finished raised a fine family, and they are helping is of great interest. It seems to me to be much the conversion of the carport to a garage. with her loss. Sue and I are nearing our the same thing, and I don’t mean that this I have lots of tools, and they are finally 58th wedding anniversary. Since Sue isn’t is all bad. We traveled less but our family organized in rollaways and cabinets. I’m in contact with an attorney, I’ve made endeavors continue to increase. We celebrate still involved with my public works and a reservation for a fine breakfast at the high school graduates in Kent, Connecticut, vector control volunteer activities. Sue and Golden Arches in celebration.” in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and in Canton, I attended a conference in Sacramento, Here at the Harrington household, as Georgia. These are three rising grandchildren which was interesting from a technical with Joe, I’m behind in my yard work. who will attend fine universities We have an evil weed (smilax) later this year. Fortunately, we in the area surrounding our will be able to attend two of the house that in the early growing graduation exercises. Then there season can grow as much as 18 are other family obligations inches overnight! I have a handy which include grandparent’s weedeater and a hedge trimmer, day and these are always fun. both of which work, but I have a We have young grandchildren, problem (old age) that limits my Actual size: so young in fact, that we see time at the controls. In between 15 1/2” X 10 1/2” their art work displayed on the tax returns, bookkeeping and X 7 1/2” deep classroom walls, crayolas at writing quarterly class notes, I their best! Stay within the lines! spend most of my time on home These are the most enjoyable and grounds maintenance. Ann, Choose from New VMI Jewelry Boxes days of all, young grandchildren fortunately, has regular tennis to Shown in walnut & VMI Ring Boxes, Plus – also available in cherry. that is, but it does mean that keep her busy, and she’s doing VMI Plaques – All Customized! See website for more options.s there are years ahead of school her best to keep me alive for the The Deluxe VMI Alumni activities, which as a parent weed cutting. And that’s about and now as a grandparent, we the most exciting news around must attend to. Burdensome at here. I did participate in building Our famous handcrafted Virginia “Keeping Box”, similar to English keeping boxes times, but always a great, great walls for a Habitat for Humanity found in colonial homes, is now available in solid walnut or cherry with the VMI pleasure. house – but I don’t know if it spider or seal with the graduate’s name/class year laser engraved into the wood. “I am also happy to report will stand up once erected. An ideal gift for graduates that will be seen and used for many years. that Joanie and I enjoy good David Flippin has written a health. With each day that I brief note, thanking me for the Hand-Made in Virginia make this statement, it becomes welcoming remarks I included in Order online: that much more important. Last the last class notes. He says, “We www.halwoodworking.com or Call Toll Free 800-755-8546 month, she and I celebrated our would indeed appreciate letters email: info@halwoodworking.com 36th wedding anniversary with from the old (they must be …

Keeping Box

2010-Issue 3

CLASS NOTES old or dead) bunch.” David says he not only enjoyed seeing his name among ours, but also seeing a lot of names that he had not seen for years. As reported in November, Charlie and Nancy Tiller got all broke up. Now, after a couple of telephone calls to straighten out a computer glitch, Charlie sends an update: “My regrets began when I slipped in our washroom on Nov.10, 2009, and broke my ankle in three places. After my stay in the hospital to put in some metal parts, I was shipped off to rehab until Jan. 15, 2010. Naturally the stay was to see that I could better understand Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year activities. The cast was finally removed after I got home and was replaced with the ‘boot,’ which is still part of my daily clothes. The ‘boot’ is scheduled to change to something else in several weeks. Nancy and I will start making plans to use some of our time shares. Above all, we are pleased to report that our doctor, your son-in-law, has gotten to the bottom of Nancy’s big problem. She had been over medicated resulting in all kinds of strange behavior. We are pleased to report that she is back with us at 100%. Joe Fil and I have been keeping in touch, and it is a pleasure to hear the good reports from him. Best to all.” My son-in-law, the doctor, has not helped me with my aging issues, but he has participated in giving me several talented grandchildren. I appreciate Charlie’s contributions to their future well-being. And Herb Johnston is still on the move: “We have had a beautiful spring in central Ohio. The flowers and flowering trees have been spectacular, and the cooler temperatures have extended the time they have been around. We are patiently looking forward to the time it is safe to plant summer flowers. We will be at the Outer Banks again this year – a little earlier than usual because of various schedules of us and our children. It is a special time for all of us to be together, and it is great! No hurricanes, please! We are looking forward to lots of O.S.U. football since there are eight home games this year. I’ll pass along some comments about the VMI Alumni Review that were made by several friends. They all receive similar publications from various universities and they were impressed by the input from the classes and the effort it takes from class agents.” Bill May has chimed in just in time: “Life 52

has been pretty routine since the year started. However, did have a good rabbit hunting season. Dogs did well, all 19 of them. Also my doctor told me last Friday, he was pretty sure I did not have cancer. I had assured him many times over the last 25 plus years that I would not accept any treatment in case of positive test results. He is a nice fellow, and I didn’t want to hurt his feelings. I am in the process of cutting 230 acres of timber now, so have been busy with that. The War Between the States has become very popular here in Virginia recently, so Dolores and I in the coming year will be refreshing our thoughts and traveling around the ‘The Lost Cause,’ starting tomorrow. Leave early in the a.m. for Harper’s Ferry. Generals Lee and Jackson, John Brown plus VMI. This fall a trip up the Hudson on a small cruise ship. Hope to do some teaching starting in September.” OK, now we’ve heard from all of our (few) regular correspondents. Let’s hope the summer will involve new activities and excitement for the next report.

’49B

Dan Smaw

In February, Bill Sweeney sent a newspaper article about the life and death of Bill Dudley who was an outstanding football player at UVa in the late 30s or early 40s. He and Bill Sweeney attended a devotional breakfast for over 50 years. I am sure all of you who keep up with sports know who Bill was. He also sent Bobby Thomason a copy, since he knew Bill well. The Sweeneys’ grandson, Bradley, got out of the Ratline 30 January. Weatherwise, it was a terrible day, with cold and snow, but the Rats accomplished everything the old cadets had them do. Buddy Marshall called in February to say June had been sick a lot in 2009 but was now doing well. They spent Christmas in MI, then back home where his 48-yearold snow-blower was working overtime to keep up with all the snow they had. Buddy had talked to Mark Casey and let him know he would be sending a clock – same as we received at the 60th. Boyd Guttery was in Atlanta in Febru-

ary, but his visit was so short, we did not have time to get together. He was planning to see the Pattons sometime that month. Leo Soucek wrote in February to say he was still trying to dig out from the heaviest snowfall on record in that area. They also had very cold temperatures and no power or heat for five days, making it pretty tough. He and Ev survived but barely. Ed Watling wrote in February that he was home recovering from open heart surgery – triple bypass. I am embarrassed to say I failed to follow up with a call to check on his progress. Hope I am forgiven, Ed? In early March, Louise and I went to Florida to visit Ding and Nobbie Patton for a few days. This year, it was a little cooler than we used to find it but not bad. As usual, we had a wonderful time and caught up on happenings since our 60th. Ding was in the midst of teaching Dave Ramsey’s finance course once a week at his church. When we returned home and picked up the mail, I had a letter from Rhonda Ferrell, long-time legal secretary for our BR Charlie Robinson. She informed me of Charlie’s death 17 January and wanted to let me know, since she had heard Charlie mention VMI many times over the years. Kathryn Wise from the Alumni Association office was kind enough to locate the obit from the Sherman, TX, funeral home’s Web page. He was survived by three daughters, four grandchildren, a sister, and several nieces and nephews. Lon Walter wrote in March that he worked at the precinct polls for the statewide primary. He was the Republican “judge.” He was at the polls at 0545 and got home at 2230 – no breaks. While it was an interesting day, he will think twice about volunteering again. His polling place was an Episcopal church whose rector was Rev. Margaret Waters. He mentioned to her that he had a classmate named Tommy Bowers. She lit up and said, “I know Tom Bowers – I used to work for him.” That was when Tommy was interim rector of St. David’s in Austin years ago. Jack Hayes wrote that he goes once in awhile to Las Vegas or Atlantic City but plays a lot of poker (tournaments) on the Internet. VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Country Lauerman started the New Year with a bang: pneumonia followed by a lengthy recovery period. He had talked with Mort Massie who keeps track of the Lynchburg group – George Dooley, Max Feinman and Bill Sweeney. Earthmole Lewis told Country that he, Jack Hayes and Country had never been informed of the eight demerit rule in their Rat year. Had they known, there would have been stiff competition for leadership in the Zero Demerit Club. Because of the oversight, the three of them joined (I think it means founded) the prestigious Ninety Plus Club. They were judged winners with Earthmole at 92, Country at 96 and Jack at 98. It was an adventure reaching those numbers and a wonder it did not get to 100 and dismissal. Harv Bradley called in mid March to say he and Barbara would be going to Boone, NC, for a celebration of the marriage of one of his granddaughters. He and Barbara had been to the Villages in FL the week before, when five inches of rain wiped out his plans for golf. They go down once a month. Greg Nelson called in March and mentioned that he had sent Tommy Bowers replacements for the hats he had lost – both his and Pam’s. He saw that the Glenn Miller Band was to play in Richmond 26 May, so he reserved a place for lunch and sent an e-mail to all the Virginia and Maryland BRs, inviting them to a one-day mini reunion. The response was so good, he asked Lon Walter to send an e-mail inviting any BR who happened to be in the vicinity to join them. So far, the Bradleys and Pattons are planning to attend. I will give you the results in the August notes. After setting up the lunch and everything, Greg and Kitty took off for two weeks in the Caribbean on the island of Anguilla. It is their fourth visit. Kitty’s daughter owns a villa there, and they rented it for two weeks. They swam most every day, dined at some familiar restaurants and tried some new ones, did some sightseeing, renewed old acquaintances and had a nice relaxing time. I talked with Earlene and Earthmole Lewis in mid April. Earlene said she is feeling fine and is glad to be through with all the chemo. Louise and I were in Lexington for the 2010-Issue 3

Class Agents Conference 16-17 April. We received briefings from Gen. Peay ’62, the dean and the executive director of the foundation. VMI continues doing well in spite of the reduction in funding from the state and other sources. Following the conference, we went to Charlottesville to meet our grandson, Andrew Timpner ’07, and his wife, Christin, for lunch. We had a very nice time together – first time in a year since we had seen them. Andrew is assigned to a guided missile cruiser based in Norfolk. All of you who have been our class agent in the last 40 years remember Kathryn Wise. She worked for the Alumni Review for 37 years, including time as editor and recently doing obits and other things. She retired last month, and the ’49Bs wish her well in her retirement. We talked with the Pattons in late April and were informed they were going to Virginia in May for a family birthday, a granddaughter’s college graduation and a visit to Wintergreen. The dates worked out for them to attend Greg’s mini reunion. Also in late April, talking with Harv Bradley, he said he and Barbara were going to Norfolk to visit his brother, then to the mini reunion and then a short visit to Williamsburg. He and Barbara had recently been to the Villages for their monthly visit. Benny Harmon was informed by Johnny Jordon’s nephew that Johnny died in a health care facility in Virginia Beach 22 April. He had been in ill health for quite a while. Johnny was a Brother Rat who left to join the Army, then returned and became a member and president of the class of ’51. Margaret Lee Overton wrote and sent the Richmond paper’s article on Johnny Jordon’s life and death. She said she is very happy in her retirement community – plays a lot of bridge, shops and eats out. Sounds like a true retiree. She is looking forward to Greg’s mini reunion and seeing all the BRs and SRs. In late April, Louise and I talked with Betty Lu Stephens. She said she is slowly getting her life together. In early May, Clint and Rose Anne Hurd were taking her on an extensive driving trip out West. I don’t remember everywhere she mentioned, but West Texas, Colorado and Idaho were included. I hope you all have a

great time and safe travel. Tommy Challoner wrote that he and Babe would be in Conyers, GA (about 25 miles from Snellville), for a retirement ceremony for his daughter, Susan, on 15 May. We plan to get together with them for lunch on the 17th. Virginia continues to reduce the amount they contribute to VMI, now at 15%, so it must be made up by Annual Giving and increased fees from cadets. Thanks to all who have contributed. My hope is that every Brother Rat will contribute, since alumni participation percentage counts when schools are being ranked nationally. Also, it would be nice to have the highest percentage among the 40s classes. God Bless America, VMI and ’49B.

’49C

Haywood France

I think most of the class was preparing for summer activities at the time these notes were being written, and for this reason, I received little news from the Brother/Sister Rats. I will report that Kendall is holding her own and tolerating the chemotherapy treatments well. She surely appreciates the prayers, cards, notes and phone calls from everyone. Faithful Stew Snoddy reported that he and Ann were well, and that his eyesight was improving all the time. He has received good reports from his doctor on the progress. Tom Hawkins called to report that he and Arlene had just returned from a cruise, and he was trying to recuperate. We discussed the new registry. Neither of us ever remembered paying for the previous copies, and we felt that some announcement on the handling of this issue should have been made. We realize the present economic situation, and we are hopeful that VMI got some return from the printing. I talked with E.J. Williams, and he says that he is getting along as well as can be expected. He is having trouble with his knees and is trying to evaluate the best way for handling the problem. He is also in the process of renovating his house so that he can move to a retirement community. By the time you see these notes in print, 53

CLASS NOTES you will be over the strenuous activities of summer vacation and the Institute will be starting a new fiscal year. You know you will hear from me in the coming year, and I will look forward to receiving your reports on your summer activities. Keep the Spirit.

’50A

Bill Moore

Our 60th Reunion has come and gone. We laughed, we cried, we hugged and we lied. All of us thank the “Bee Fifties” for including us in their Marshall Hall dinner. Old friends are the best friends. Those of us who have gotten to know Gen. Peay ’62 knew what to expect from his address to the two reunion classes, and we were not disappointed. Those BRs and wives from afar

who know him only from print or video left the dinner with a profound respect for what Gen. Peay and his team have accomplished and their plans for VMI’s future. Col. Tom Trumps ’79, commandant of cadets, gave us a detailed, no-punchespulled account of the state of the Corps at our breakfast in Moody Hall. You can imagine the questions he got from a bunch of 80+-year-old, very Old Corps alumni. Col. Trumps took on all comers with their questions and concerns and got a welldeserved standing ovation from an excited and motivated group. Buddy Bryan ’71, VMI Foundation VP, arranged for Col. Tim Hodges ’80, EE Department chairman, to bring us up to date on academic matters and gave us a tour of the remodeled Nichols Engineering Building. The improvements in functionality and looks of all the remodeled buildings are quite impressive. We then had lunch in

the new PX (PE to you old timers). This is another fine example of the remodeled/ replaced buildings at the Institute. Neither Archie Childress nor Red Turner ever envisioned a PX like this in their wildest dreams! Reunion Parade was a blast. Jennings Bunch led us in review, and our lines (line!) were pretty good and lively for a bunch of oldsters. We blew the top off of the new Third Barracks with our class yell. We are small, but we are mighty (loud!). Our class dinner on the balcony of the mess hall was the most delicious meal I’ve ever had at VMI. Even better than a Quarter Guard supper! Our gratitude and thanks go to Renee Adams and her staff who fed us so well while we were on Post. Our attendees were Harriett and Jennings Bunch, Barbara (Hugh) Barnes, Elliott and Nancy Hudgins, Charlotte (Harold) Logsdon, B.J. and Kenny Stagg, Gene Witcher,

Class of 1950A 60th Class Reunion

Class of 1950A: The following attended their 60th Reunion: Jennings Bunch, Elliott Hudgins, Bill Moore, Ken Stagg and Gene Witcher.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES and Anne and Bill Moore. Also, Charlotte Logsdon’s lovely daughter, Cheryl, was with us, as were Gene Witcher’s son, Lee, and Barbara Barnes’ son, Clark ’87. In addition to the events noted, perhaps our best moments were those spent talking, visiting with each other and phoning our absent BRs. A quick rundown on those who couldn’t be there: Dick Mandt is better, and his getting out of the extended care facility depends on his foot healing. He’s optimistic that’ll be soon. More good news: Dick Martin reports that the additional treatment he’s undergoing seems to be successful. His stamina is improved, and he sounds much better over the phone. Grandson Rick III has just completed his first year of medical school and has received his symbolic “white coat.” Carol and Bill Clark are “keeping up” down in Jackson, MS. I tried my best to convince Bill that the short trip to Meridian, MS, to board Amtrak to Lynchburg would be painless, but he was hesitant to take the plunge. The long trip prevented Beverly and Syd Stealey from being with us. Seems that any trip over 50 miles causes Beverly considerable discomfort. That’s a bummer! Syd does have a daughter, a retired Air Force colonel, nearby, if anything is going on in AK. These notes wouldn’t be complete without a special thanks to Carole Green (Bob ’67) of the VMI Alumni Office. We never would have gotten off the ground, much less fly, without her ideas, encouragement and hard work. Thanks and much love, Carole.

’50B

Robert White

Editor’s Note: The following class notes were submitted by Ralph Warren, outgoing class agent. On April 18th, the ’50B Brother and Sister Rats from all over the country began gathering for our 60th Reunion. We had good weather, excellent food, fun and informative activities, and a good old fashion great time! We have our Reunion Chairman Robin White along with his committee of Mary Buchanan, Jane Patton, Deedee Shepherd, Helen Talbott and Braxton Green along with Carole Green of the Alumni Office to 2010-Issue 3

reaction to the dinner as sent to Buddy Bryan thank for this outstanding reunion. ’71 in an e-mail: “I would like to say that It started on Sunday afternoon as the class Tuesday evening was unexpectedly one of the began gathering in the hospitality room at most profound experiences in my cadetship. I Cal Alto which was amply and graciously saw what I wish every cadet at VMI could see provisioned by Mary Buchanan and Helen during their cadetship. The VMI spirit among Talbott. Since Sunday dinner was on our the men and women associated with the class own, we broke into various groups and ate of 1950B was an eye opener and an inspiraat a number of Lexington restaurants. After tion, especially after hearing about their cadetwhich many of us reassembled in the hospiships, careers and life after VMI. I am greatly tality room to continue spreading the someindebted to their class for their support of my what enhanced version of our adventures/ cadetship, and I will keep in touch with their misadventures during our cadet days. class agent, as many asked that I update them Monday morning a few of us took off for on my future endeavors.” the traditional class golf tournament which Every time I get a chance to interface with had been arranged by Braxton Green and any of our ’50B Scholarship cadets I am imsponsored at the Lexington Golf and Counpressed positively and thoroughly convinced try Club by Jane Patton. The tournament was won by the team of Ed Oast, Bee Rhees that our ’50B Scholarships are more than and John Swink. worthwhile. Monday evening we all assembled at The attendees listed below were the Marshall Hall in the new Leadership and primary reason that this was one of our best Ethics Building for cocktails, dinner and an reunions ever: Steve Abramedis; William interesting and informative address by the Barnett; John and Gloria Berberich; Cary VMI Superintendant Gen. Peay ’62 which and Nancy Blaydes; Red and Ruth Bragg; had been arranged by Jane Patton. George and Martha Coffman; Carole Sue Tuesday morning a number of the class Coupland; Frank Cox; Richey Dickson and enjoyed the briefing on the completed and his granddaughter, Emilie DeWulf; Thomas ongoing construction projects at the Institute and Pat Drumwright; Jones and Connie given by the Director of Construction Dale Felvey; Jim and Nancy Flippen; Carl and Brown. Marian Galliher; Forrest and Evangeline At 11:00, we gathered for the traditional Getzen; Braxton and Judith Green; Thomas Memorial Service. This moving and emotional and Joyce Handy; Herb and M-M Harris; service was conducted by our Class Chaplain Mary Virginia Harwood; Bert and Marie Gloria Berberich in her usual thoughtful and Jolly; Augustus and Charlotte Jones; David professional manner. It is hard for us to believe and Lucile Jones; Tom and Norma Kelly that so many who meant so much to us are no with their daughter, Sue McKone, and her longer with us. Of course one of the highlights of the reunion was our march into the Barracks, led by Braxton Green, who, I believe, added a new command to the drill manual “OK guys, let’s go.” Once in the courtyard, Braxton and Tommy Kirk mounted the sentry box and led us in an “Old Yell” in magnificent fashion. Dinner Tuesday night was highlighted by having six of our ’50B scholarship cadets as our guests. Cadets Owen Trotman ’10, Even T. Rogers ’10, Carolyn Kenaley ’11, Brandon L. Butler ’12, Joakim K. Kiprotich ’12 and David G. Neal II ’12 were able to join us for Class of 1950B: Braxton Green, left, and Thomas Kirk leading ’50B in the Old Yell, durthe dinner. ing their 60th reunion in April 2010. The following is Owen Trotman’s 55

CLASS NOTES husband, Kelly; Bill and Catherine Kelly; Tom and Ann Kirk; Fred Kniesler and his son, Gregory; Joe Kohen and his guest, Joanne Roos; Mitch and Edie Lawrence; Dick Leithiser; Lee and Sally Lewane; Bob and Nancy Lynd; John and Terry Lyons; Ron and Barbara Madonia and Ron’s daughter, Michelle Madonia Darling; Alex and Mary Mitchell with daughter Stephanie, sons Aaron and Matthew ’02, son-in-law Scott Trotter, daughter-in-laws Rebecca and Lindsay, grandchildren Emily 6, A.J. 2, and baby Samson; Russ and Genene Morton; Bill Muir; Jack and Ann Nurney; Ed and Jean Oast; George and Nell Oliver; Vince Palazzo and Kay; Jack Parrott; Jane Patton and her daughter, Olivia; Tom and Eugenia Phillips; Bee and Franky Rhees; Sam and Betty Saunders; Deedee and Lola Shepherd; Fred and Jean Silver; Ed and Sarah Smith; Hoge and Laura Sutherland; John and Frances Swink; Helen Talbott; John and Ruth Taylor; Harold and Wanda Templeton; Randy Trappey with his guest,

Carita Boutte, and his granddaughter, Florence Trappey; Tux and Virginia Tuxhorn; Margery Van Ommeren; Betty Wagner and her daughter, Elizabeth; Ralph and Marilyn Warren; Thatcher and Patsy Watson; Robin and Alice White; Howard Wilhelm with his guest, Nancy Dahl; Ann Witt; and Dick and Julia Woodman. There were a number of others who had signed up to come but due to unforeseen circumstances were unable to attend. Mary Buchanan fell and broke her hip in early April. Yerbury and Jan Burnham had to cancel when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Don Kirsch fell in a sand trap while taking a golf lesson and broke his leg. Pete Meredith fell the day before the start of the reunion, so he and Susan had to cancel. Marty Michie became ill and had to cancel at the last minute. Bill Moorman had to cancel just before the start of the reunion also. At last check they were all recovering well. In my last notes, I failed to mention that I

had heard from Jerry and Jane Smallwood. Jane said that as much as they would love to come to the 60th, Jerry’s condition will no longer allows them to travel. In case you might not have been at our 60th Reunion and have not heard I am retiring as class agent. I have thoroughly enjoyed my 10 years as your class agent, particularly the chance it gave me to interact and get to know so many more of my Brother Rats but felt that it was time to pass it on. We are most fortunate that Robin White is the new class agent. I want to thank one and all for the great cooperation that I received as your CA. I want to thank Deedee Shepherd who has done such a great job as our class treasurer and taken care of flowers and/or what ever was requested for our deceased Brother Rats and helping in so many other ways. Also a special thanks goes to Bill Kelly for chairing two committees during my tenure, and Mary Buchanan, Jane Patton and Helen Talbott for their extraordinary support for minis, reunions and many other ’50B gatherings.

Class of 1950B 60th Class Reunion

Class of 1950B: The following attended their 60th Reunion: Ab Abramedis, Bill Barnett, John Berberich, Cary Blaydes, “Red” Bragg, George Coffman, Frank Cox, Richey Dickson, Tom Drumwright, Jones Felvey, Jim Flippen, Carl Galliher, Forrest Getzen, Braxton Green, Tom Handy, Herb Harris, Bert Jolly, AB Jones, Dave Jones, Bill Kelly, Tom Kelly, Tommy Kirk, Fred Kniesler, Joe Kohen, David Kovarik, Bill Kuykendall, Mike Lawrence, Dick Leithiser, Lee Lewane, Bob Lynd, Ron Madonia, Alexander “Ajax” Mitchell, Bill Moorman, Russ Morton, Bill Muir, Jack Nurney Jr., Ed Oast, George “Ollie” Oliver, Vince Palazzo, Jack Parrott, Tom Phillips, Bee Rhees, Sam Saunders, Deedee Shepherd, Fred Silver, Ed Smith, Hoge Sutherland, John Taylor, Harold Templeton, “Trap” Trappey, Bill Tuxhorn, Ralph Warren, Thatcher Watson, Robin White, Howard Wilhelm and Dick Woodman.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

’51

John Ross

This note covers the period Feb. 10 through May 11, 2010, and is in sequential order. Despite the February blizzard, which shut down the Capitol, I managed to leave birthday greetings for Jimmy Gonzales, Doc Laville, Taylor Hay and Maury King, welcoming them into the Octogenerian Club. I received an e-mail from Lee Duval apologizing for the delay in furnishing some requested information, which was due to unexpected abdominal surgery over the Christmas season. She reports her recovery is progressing well, and we trust it will continue. Doc Laville called to thank me for my birthday wishes. Johnny Gray called from Richmond and reports he is doing well with monthly blood transfusions. We both bemoaned the current status of VMI basketball. Jack Evans called to report on a visit with Johnny Jordan – no real change. (Editor’s Note: Sadly, John Jordan died on April 20, 2010. Jack Ross reports this later in these class notes.) Jack appreciated a phone call from his roommate Jackson Davis in North Carolina and hopes to visit him in the near future. I reached Billye Henson in Wise, VA, and Randy Thompson in Fairfax, VA, to extend birthday greetings. Billye is doing well, and we reminisced about Buck. Randy, one of the few surviving EEs, sounds good for the 60th. He inquired about Paul Robinson and remembered Cab Pratt. I received a note from Doc Laville, enclosing material related to his sister, Cpl. Germaine C. Laville, one of only two women Marines to lose her life during World War II. Doc sent a letter from the commandant which said, “She will always be remembered in the history of the Corps” and her “Citation for Heroism.” Doc concludes, “As an old Marine, I think you will now understand my feeling for that other Corps.” Woody Woodward reports from Tyler, TX, that he does not get around very well 2010-Issue 3

and is unlikely to make the 60th. Woody appreciated a Christmas visit from a daughter and a luncheon visit with Jean and Paul Robinson. When I reached Hap Higby in Bonita Springs, FL, toward the end of February with birthday greetings, he reported a serious back problem severely limits his activities. Hap requested contact info for Hob Richey, which I provided, and stated he sees Jane Catlin occasionally. I had a short call with Ursula and Jigger Baxley in Marshall, VA, who report they are doing well despite our February weather. I left birthday wishes for Joe Stump and Lew Beazlie on the last day of February. I also started March by leaving birthday greetings for Hank Quisenberry, Robert Trumbo, Pete Ames and Joe Tom Howard. However, I did reach Rav Marshall to welcome him into the Octogenerian Club. He and Sheila are doing well and had just returned from a trip to the Smokey Mts. I received a letter from Susan Sprado, Lou Franchi’s daughter, informing me her mother had died seven years ago, two years before Lou’s death. Obviously, we need better communication. Bob Nolley called and reported that Jeanne was recovering from a total knee replacement and doing well. I received an e-mail from Joe Tom Howard thanking me for his birthday card, reporting on a visit by Alice and Jim Close, and saying that his scholarship cadet had a 3.96 grade point average. I reached Jim Strickland on March 17th to wish him both a happy birthday and St. Patrick’s Day. Jim had another bad fall. He loves to hear from BRs and about the Institute. Jim recalled his deceased roommates – Bill Ellis and Johnny Minear. Marie had a chat with Carolyn McCallum on her birthday, and I wished her well. I wished Mila Bernich in Biloxi, MS, a happy birthday. Although her attractive house, the site of our mini, has been fully restored from the Katrina damage, she is still arguing with her insurance carrier. Mila has a vascular problem, which impairs her mobility and which will probably preclude attendance at our 60th. She asked to be remembered to the class. I once again failed to reach Ellen Nelson and had to leave a message.

I wished Richard Chaplin a happy birthday. He has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, which limits his mobility, but hopes to make the 60th and has some memory problems. Anita and he intended to celebrate at dinner with friends. I failed to reach John Herring and left him a voice mail birthday greeting. I wished Rufus Lazzell a happy birthday, and we had a long chat. Rufus is still very active in Republican politics and the cultural activities of his community, plus lots of volunteer work. He reminisced about the time he commanded a brigade in Alaska. When I received my April 2010 issue of Leatherneck magazine, I was surprised and delighted to see a full-page cover, color photo of two cadets in full dress and three USMC instructors in front of VMI’s Third Barracks, Lejeune Hall. The overhead caption reads, “VMI’s Legacy: Leadership.” Then, there is a seven-page article with color photos – “Virginia Military Institute: Grooming Cadets for Tomorrow’s Challenges.” The article and color pictures paint a very complimentary portrait of VMI – really great. I immediately called the seven other living Marine BRs to give them notice. In doing so, I learned Ed May is scheduled for back surgery on May 5; Gerry Eggleston was planning to spend Easter with his daughter in Roanoke; Johnny Gray had visited Johnny Jordan; Woody Woodward had just finished giving Sherlock his Easter bath; Paul Shrader intended to watch golf on Easter; Tom Wornham was unavailable; and Jim Connolly was his usual self. I welcomed Sid Hannah to the Octogenerian Club. He asked about his roommates – Dick McFarlin and Fred Anson. I reached Sam Bass a day late to extend birthday wishes. He is doing well and will make the 60th. Dew is recovering from pneumonia. I wished Bill Moore and Fred Taylor happy birthday on April 13th. Bill is considering the 60th. Fred asked about Dick Lawrence and had a birthday lunch with his brother, Arthur C. Taylor ’44, emeritus professor, mechanical engineering – VMI. Marie and I traveled to Lexington for the spring Class Agents Conference on April 16 and 17, 2010. The Institute looks great, as does the Corps. 57

CLASS NOTES On the first day, Gen. Peay ’62 made his annual and informative presentation. It was a vey positive report on the present status of VMI, followed by a no-holes-barred question and answer period. Then, we received detailed reports on the “Fiscal Challenges” facing VMI – very substantial; VMI Academic Programs – impressive; and the status of athletics – positive. All the presentations on the second day were devoted to the need for increasing alumni giving and communicating this need. On my return from Lexington, I called Maury King to give him a message from Bill Noell ’53 and his contact information. Maury and June are recovering very well from various health problems. Maury inquired about Skip Parks, Henry Pitot and Nancy Bell. I had a long discussion with Johnny Gray regarding details of our 60th Reunion in Lexington next April. On April 20th, I received a call from Vic Arthur ’75, nephew of Johnny Jordan, informing me that our Brother Rat had passed away that afternoon. I immediately posted this news on our class network. I know most of us were aware of John’s deteriorating condition, as a result of reports from Jack Evans and Johnny Gray. Yet, it was a shock to lose the president of our class. Johnny was a great president and BR. I was fortunate to room next to him in our first class year. I was always amazed by and admired his patience and concern – his compassion for others. He was always ready to help, and his dedication to the Institute and our class was boundless. Every BR I talked with after his death expressed similar sentiments. I know we all will miss him and trust that he will rest in peace. Extensive obituaries in the Richmond and Roanoke papers (copies furnished to me by Bill Hallett ’47 and Bill Dawson) clearly recognized Johnny’s concern for humanity. Johns’ memorial service was held April 25 in Galilee Episcopal Church, Virginia Beach, where he had spent most of his clerical life, followed by a reception. Representing our class was: Ursula and Jigger Baxley, Pat and Duane Holloway, Hilda and Jim Smith, Nancy and Jack Hill, and Pat and Johnny Gray. According to reports from Duane and Jigger, there was an overflow crowd of 7001000, including many VMI alums. 58

I subsequently sent Robin a note of condolence and sympathy on behalf of the class and made a contribution in memory of John to VMI. In the period following John’s death, I had many phone calls with BRs relating to our loss, during which I also learned: Jack Evans made a condolence visit to Robbin; Lang Sheffield has a mobility problem and may not make the 60th; Woody Woodward was enjoying a visit with a grandson; Jim Connolly once again was hospitalized for only one day, as a result of fluid buildup; Jane Owen reported that Rich was recovering from back surgery and faces knee surgery; Jackson Davis was scheduled for a defibrillator implant; Gracelyn Parks reports Skip has a reoccurrence of cancer; and Venetia Friend agreed to report to Jack the news. I also learned that Henry Bryan, Gerry Eggleston, Bill Caldwell, Rav Marshall, Sam Scott, George Cohen and Bland Wilson are all doing well. I was also able during this period to extend birthday greetings to Glennie Brown and to welcome Fred Anson and Bill Dawson into the increasingly crowded Octogenerian Club. Glennie subsequently sent a thank you note to Marie and me, which she appropriately closed, “Here’s to the VMI bond,” – how true. Toward the end of April, I received a note from Paul Robinson in which he commented how great the April 2010 Leatherneck issue was – extolling VMI’s leadership program. A few days later, Paul sent me a very interesting book, the Hard Corps by Stewart W. Husted, a retired VMI professor and graduate of VPI. It is very complimentary of the Institute’s leadership program and attributes its success to the VMI culture which cements (bonds) each class together and then maintains contact after graduation through the class agent system. I also received an e-mail from Rog Little, addressed to all surviving Marine BRs, commenting favorably on the Leatherneck article. At the beginning of May, I received the sad news from Charlotte Cole informing me that her father, Jim Strickland, had died April 30 at his home in Edenton, NC. Jim had been fighting Parkinson’s for a number of years and had recently developed complications from pneumonia. Memorial services were scheduled for May 8 in Edenton.

I immediately posted the foregoing information on the class network and informed VMI. Charlotte subsequently e-mailed a copy of the extensive obituary that was to appear in the Roanoke paper, which I forwarded to the Institute. I personally was able in a subsequent phone call to express condolences to Charlotte and through her to the rest of Jim’s family. I also made a memorial contribution to VMI. Jim was a great classmate and a real gentleman. He shall be missed – may he rest in peace. Marie had a nice telephone visit with Nancy Bell. I also managed to say hello. I called to wish Ed May a happy birthday and talked with Mary Lee, who reports that Ed is still hospitalized but doing well, recovering from back surgery. She intended to take Ed a cake and celebrate the day at the hospital. Homer Ambrose called my attention to the fact that Johnny Jordan did not have a brick in our class section of the VMI walk around the Barracks. I immediately called and arranged for a brick with John’s name to be installed. Marie and I attended a visitation for Leslie Powell, daughter of Jim Close, on the evening of May 5. There was an overflow crowd, but we managed to spend a few minutes with Jim and Alice to offer our condolences. The next morning, I returned a call from Johnny Gray. He basically repeated the description of John Jordan’s memorial service previously provided by Duane Holloway and Jigger Baxley. However, Johnny added that Walter Ames ’52 read the revised “VMI Doxology” that John used in officiating at Institute functions. Johnny also reported that he and Pat had just returned from a visit to VMI – saw a baseball game, met with the Hays and the Egg, and made some housekeeping arrangements for the 60th with the help of Peggy Hays. I had occasion to talk with Gloria Cowherd concerning a generous gift to VMI by her daughter, Margaret, in memory of our BR George. The Cowherd family had been most supportive of the Institute. Gloria reports she is well and adjusting to the loss of George. Marie had a phone visit with Nancy Bell. She is doing well and a favorable report from VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES her doctor was good news. Bob Nolley who is now at his beach place in North Carolina, had a number of suggestions for our 60th, which I asked him to take up with our chairman, Johnny Gray. He reports that Jeanne is still in physio for her knee replacement. Mary Lee May called to report that Ed had been discharged from the hospital and was in the Health Facility of Cedarfield. He is doing well and free of pain. George Cohen called from Connecticut inquiring about Jim Close. George and Marty are doing well and planned to return to Hilton Head in late May. I also furnished Jim Connolly and Johnny Gray contact information for Jim Close. I welcomed Skip Parks to the now-exclusive Octogenerian Club on May 8th, after talking to Gracelyn, who is doing well. Skip reports his doctors are considering various alternatives for treating his melanoma. He is very upbeat and will make the 60th – that’s the VMI Spirit. Just before sending this note to VMI, I received word from Mary Lee May that Ed had been readmitted to the hospital and was in ICU with complications of pneumonia. Remember our 60th. You will be hearing from the Reunion Committee in the near future. Hope you all have a great fall and holiday season. Semper Fi – Jack

’52

Nutz Navas

It is with deep regret that I inform you of the death of Helene Frances Patton, 78, beloved wife of William W. “Pat” Patton Jr. of 54 years on Friday, April 16, 2010, at a local hospital in Pace, Florida. Besides Pat, Helene is survived by son Curtis Patton of Frisco, Texas, daughter Susan Patton, of Richmond, Texas; grandchildren, Christopher, Kelley, Joseph, Brigit, Haley and Veronica; great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Nathaniel and Noah; and former daughter-in-law, LuAnn Patton of Frisco, Texas. Helene Patton was born in New York and resided in Pace since 1995. She was a devoted wife and mother. In addition, Helene was an avid reader, 2010-Issue 3

gardener and bridge player. Graveside services were held April 22, 2010, at Barrancas National Cemetery with Reverend David Lewis Pastor of Woodbine Baptist Church officiating. Walter Ames sold his home in Virginia Beach and will move into Westminster Canterbury also in Virginia Beach in June 2010. Henry Nanninga traveled up to the Institute in May, which he does almost every year around New Market Day festivities; he admits this is good for the soul. According to Hank, it inspires this Georgia boy to reconnect with his southern heritage by making these frequent treks from Savannah. His love of VMI is evident since he stays in Alumni Hall to be close to the Institute and enjoy the town of Lexington. Keep fit and trim.

’53

William C. Noell Jr.

Well, BRs, the Big News for this past quarter, is the retirement of our BR Bill Badgett from the Institute teaching staff as a member of the Department of English and Fine Arts. What is special about this, is that Bill has been on the teaching staff for 55 years; the longest tenure in the Institute history. Judy and I attended the retirement parade the last of April, and spoke with Bill afterwards. He thanked us for attending, and when I asked about his future, he indicated he would still do some part-time teaching of sorts, at his choosing and pace. I did send out an e-mail to BRs giving the nice review of Bill’s history that was read off at the parade. (Editor’s Note: A photo of Badgett appeared on page 2 of the June 2010 Institute Report.) It is also interesting, looking back into our graduation records, Bill received the Asa S. Dearing Medal for the highest proficiency in English and English Literature. In April, we also held our 3rd (of recent years) Richmond and Beyond Lunch. This was held at the Country Club of Virginia, and hosted by Warren and Win Koontz. There were 23 Brother Rats with a total of 42 in attendance – a very

nice size gathering and all seem to have an enjoyable time over the hour + lunch. The next lunch is to be scheduled on a Thursday at noon in about the middle of September in the Richmond area. Hosting and location to be determined later. In addition, tentative plans are to hold a Friday night leisurely dinner gathering and social hour, etc. early in April (Easter on 24th) next year in Richmond. This would allow more distance BRs and wives to make the trip, spend the night or weekend, and a longer period for all to visit and tell tales … maybe kind of a min reunion. Although the photograph of the Richmond lunch is shown, there are too many in attendance to list all the names … they were, however, in the e-mail summary I sent out, but I did leave out Mickey Woodward on the list. Warren received an e-mail from Chippy Woods’s daughter, Marbara, that Chippy could not make the Richmond lunch this time because he had recently had a stroke. She said he is progressing very well and is working very hard at a rehab hospital and at the time, was expected to come home soon. The damage was mostly to his coordination, so he was having trouble walking. Helen Horne has been having her medical problems recently but is now out of Life Care Rehabilitation and is doing well, according to Russ. He says she cannot do some of the things she used to do. The major things are, never cross legs, walk with toes pointed outward, never bend at waist to less than 90 degrees and must sleep with a pillow between knees. She hopes to be off the walker by the end of May and then on to the cane until strength is regained. This is all a result of Helen falling in March, breaking her hip and having a partial hip replacement. During all this stress, Russ had a small stroke and spent six days in the hospital. He says he is doing much better now and has gained all feeling and strength in his right side. An e-mail from Jack Trigg thanked me for his birthday card and said he needs credit for every year – as he is now 78. He and Peachy had planned to go visit Gayle Shorter in April but had to cancel due to terrible weather and tornados in the area. However, they are going to Dustin for R and R in early May. Jack 59

CLASS NOTES However, she says his health is good, and place medal for the 50-59 women’s age did say that his pacemaker is working he is doing well. Vivian says she is still group, she said her dad could have won fine thus far, BUT he is still grounded in the real estate business, but it has been his age group in the walking, but medals on golf for another couple of months. slow. When she sent the e-mail, she was were not presented to those walking, and Before this, he had his cataracts removed in Naples, Florida, with her girlfriend and they think Frank was the only 80-yearand had hoped this would revolutionize her husband from Denmark, enjoying the old there. He has already registered for his golf game – well, at least resurrect beautiful March weather. Bob has finally the next race in mid-July. An e-mail from it or even make it just a bit better. Said Vivian Frank said that Bob has fibulation joined the electronic world and has his he would have loved to have made the own e-mail address, which she set up for Richmond lunch, but that was impossible. of the upper chamber of his heart which him. Jean Bellinger sent me an e-mail is controlled by a difibulator, as Bob An e-mail from Bobby Miller said that saying she wanted to let me know that Oz had open heart surgery eight years ago. this winter when they left for a cruise in now has an e-mail address. the Caribbean, there was 18 Mickey and Betty Woodward inches of snow in his yard in have just returned from another Richmond. Said they had to cruise; this one a Caribbean one, go below Haiti before it was on the Oasis of the Seas, said to warm enough to go on deck be currently the largest cruise in swimwear. Bob stated ship in the world. Just before he was tired of shoveling the Richmond lunch, they spent snow this year … that can be two weeks in France sailing said for most of us here in from Paris down the Seine River Virginia. to visit the landing beaches at I received a e-mail from Normandy. Now they are preparFrank Spencer’s daughter, ing to go to Germany with their Sandy, along with a picture church group to see the Passion in regard to Frank and SanPlay, which is put on every 10 dy’s participation in the Tom years in Oberammergau. The Larner Memorial 5K run/ Woodward’s are certainly world walk in Staunton, Virginia, in travelers – whereas, we just May. She said that Frank has spent four days in Tidewater been walking and bike riding to support my granddaughter, all winter and spring, and has Class of 1953: Frank Spencer with his daughter, Sandy, at The Tom Larner Memorial 5K run/walk in Staunton, Sandy, in her 26-mile Charity really gotten into great shape. Virginia, May 2010. Race at Virginia Beach. Spent Although Sandy won the first one night on the ocean with the doors wide open listening to the ocean, one night in Portsmouth, one night in Chesapeake and one in Williamsburg. It was nice doing all that visiting – I did try to catch up with Peggy Skinner and Parker. We were certainly glad to get back to Lexington – then our three grandchildren arrived an hour after we were home for their scheduled oneweek stay while their parents went to California … fun, but tiring. A note form Peggy Skinner thanked me for the invitation to the Richmond lunch and expressed appreciation for what was said about Buddy in the last class notes. Although she was not able to attend this past Class of 1953: Members of the class gathered on April 22, 2010, for a luncheon at the Richmond lunch, she hopes to Country Club of Virginia in Richmond. be able to do so in the future. I 60

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Trivia: Graduation. It is interesting as to briefly overheard Parker Cross talking work, and such – but saving up for the big the changes these days in graduation and about Ann Artz, who is at Westmoreland 80 next year. However, Judy did award commissioning, as compared to our times in Richmond, has had some major medime with a phrase out of Guideposts on cal problems and that she is well on the that day: “The secret to growing older, is – still at 11:00 in the morning. Of course, recovery road. However, I did not catch learning to make wise adjustments, within the classes are much larger, so it is very up to him later to find out any of the spethe inevitability of decline.” good that they now have Cameron Hall cifics, and he and Anna are out for the commissioning and of the country now. graduation exercises, in lieu Judy and I just attended of Cocke Hall for us. Tickets, graduation parade, New Market however, are now required, parade and graduation for this which are scarce if you are year (first time since an adopted not a graduate or a professor. Rat graduated in ’91). In addiThe biggest difference, I note, tion, I attended the commissionis that when we received our ing of Cadet Elizabeth “Bess” commission, it was obtained Dobbins ’10 into the U.S. by all on the same stage, in Marine Corps. We have known our VMI uniform, after we reher since she was a Rat, through ceived our diploma. This day R.E. Lee church, as she sat on and time, the commissioning our row. She is on the Regimenis held separately from graduClass of 1953: Bob Morris ’10 after graduation with tal Staff, S-5, and is graduating ation … the day before. All grandfather Jim Morris ’53 and father Bob Morris ’81. with Distinction with a double to be commissioned meet in major and 3.487 grade point. Cameron Hall at 9:00 in their She was on the November page respective service uniforms of the VMI calendar with her for the “Swearing In,” then class ring, and recently on the each military group receives cover of the Marine Corps their “Bars” being pined on Magazine (along with anin their military uniform afother cadet and 3 Marine Corps terwards at various locations instructors), which contained on Post by the representatives a very good 8-page article on of their service attending … VMI. She will attend gradulike the Marine Corps/Navy ate law school before becomceremony was on the hill next ing a Marine JAG officer, and to Stonewall Jackson stature – although she has been accepted they all looked mighty good with a scholarship on Long in their respective uniforms. Island, Hofstrau, she hopes to The graduation is now held Class of 1953: Photo above: Cadet Bess Dobbins after get into WandM, where she is the day after the New Market the graduation parade with Bill and Judy Noell. Photo “wait listed.” Bess is a very ceremony at the Institute, in below: The regimental staff, including Cadet Dobbins, far attractive lady, very enthusiastic left, during parade. this case on Sunday the 16th and with a great personality. and then dismissal; whereas She gives the VMI women’s we had a Hop on Saturday cadet program a great picture and Monday nights, and as to what can be accomplished a final formation on “The by women at VMI. In addition, Hill” Tuesday after graduBob Morris ’10, the grandson ation, that of June 9, and in of Jim Morris and son of Bob between there was Sunday Morris ’81, also graduated. Baccalaureate services in Judy and I visited with them J.M. Hall. It was very nice after lunch at the Livery, where to return once again to the the family had gathered after VMI graduation weekend acgraduation. tives – they were impressive, Well, at the end of April, I hit as were the distinguished 79, which most of us are now military officers present to in that range. For this one, I speak and perform the comdid nothing special – only yard missioning. 2010-Issue 3

CLASS NOTES

’54

Bill Turner

“One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh, but the earth abideth forever … The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to the place where he arose … The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about toward the north; it hurleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits … All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come; thither they return again.” - ECCLESIASTES Have had a series of communications recently with “Pistol Pete” Lyons and they have been, well, “inspirational,” to say the least. Old Pete has never been anything if not entertaining. He has always been a special tonic, an elixir, an antidote for despair and despondency. The ‘Solicitor General’ of Riverside (California) has now written a book recalling his tortured past in law school, a tragic-comic expose, I think. It’s titled simply Torts and Suds, not to be confused with “Torts Reform,” a popular topic in some circles these days. I’m anxious to read it. Congratulations, Pete; writing a book isn’t easy. There are few things more intimidating than sitting and staring at a blank sheet of paper. President Reagan once said: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States when men were free.” It’s Saturday evening, and I have just returned from dinner with friends. Good food, good friends, and a couple of Bombay Sapphire martinis, shaken not stirred. Ah, how sweet it is. However, my euphoria was short-lived. I had a call waiting on my answering machine from BR John Mapp. It was not a happy message. John called to tell me that John “Jack” Cole had just died of congestive heart failure. It would be impossible for me to tell you how very much I hated that 62

call. (Editor’s Note: John Cole’s obituary appeared in Alumni Review 2010-Issue 1 on page 154.) I immediately called Jack’s widow, Jobil, who told me that she and Jack had been married for more than 53 years. She also said that when she first married Jack, she knew it was for life. Jack and Jobil had something, I believe, that eludes many, if not most, couples - a lasting, death ‘til we part’ kind of love. I think many of us when we first embark on the matrimonial voyage hope that will be the way things work out but, unfortunately, stuff happens along the way. There are eddies and whirlpools and quicksand and riptides, all kinds of obstacles that impede our progress, and threaten to capsize the boat. Sometimes it’s things beyond our control; at other times, the end of the journey is a result of our own dereliction, our own foibles and imperfections, false pride, arrogance, our reluctance to compromise. I am not suggesting there is no such thing as legitimate divorce – infidelity comes to mind. A sound marriage is built on trust, and when trust is destroyed, reconciliation is very difficult. Certainly abuse, both physical and mental, can be a legitimate deal-breaker. Obviously, Jack and Jobil were committed to staying the course, to overcoming any challenge, any adversity, to persevere to the end. In doing that, they demonstrated what a union between a husband and wife is all about, what it was meant to be. James Thurber describes love this way; he says that “love is what you’ve been through with somebody.” Although none of us can assuage the pain Jobil must feel at such a time, we can, I think, be with her and the children in a time of great sorrow, in our thoughts and in our prayers. The scriptures remind us that while pain and sorrow may come in the evening, joy will come in the morning. Friday and crucifixion may be here today, but Sunday and resurrection are coming. Let there be no mistake. Sunday’s coming. I am not a theologian. But I don’t have to be one to believe with all my being that that there’s more to life than what we know here for such a relatively brief span of time. The American author, Nathaniel Hawthorne, puts it this way: “Our Creator would never have made such lovely days and have given us the deep hearts to enjoy them, above

and beyond all thought, unless we were meant to be immortal.” I am also reminded of the words of Helen Keller, “I believe in the immortality of the soul, because I have within me immortal longings.” Jobil, the thoughts and prayers of everyone who knew and loved Jack are with you. He was a good man, a kind and decent man. By all accounts, he was also a faithful and loving husband and father. I am glad – and blessed – that I knew him, that I could count him among my special friends. Keep looking up. The sun will shine again. Believe. I know that Jack’s Brother Rats join me in praying that a merciful and loving God will hold you in his comforting arms now and forevermore. Just had a great conversation with Karl Klinar. You may remember that Karl was a pretty good basketball player when we were at the Institute, played center I think, and had a better than average hook shot. Karl pretty much supported my thesis regarding the reluctance of Don Colwell and Bobby Wentz to take more shots. (I told Don about this recently. There is still time. You can still do it, man. Shoot! SHOOT!) Matter of fact, Karl said he had to sit Don down once and “discuss” the issue with him. He said he told Don he (Karl), along with Bill Ralph, was being double and triple teamed all the time, while Don and Bob were often wide open. He’d pass it off to one of them, and they would throw the damn ball back at him. Karl didn’t say whether his little counseling session was efficacious or not, but he agreed that both Don and Bob were outstanding players. Got a very nice e-mail from First Captain Bill Dunkelberger thanking me for sending him a copy of our 55th Reunion booklet? (That parvum opus has been a best-seller, is now in its second publication.) Bill reports that he “read every word voraciously … and was infused with the spirit bond that our common experience generated and perpetuates to this day.” Bill said that he especially appreciated the direct and honest discussion of our human mortality. As if to emphasize his point, he offered the following lines from a poem that “Dunk” admires: “Winter’s cold alternatives with summer’s heat. Pain, likewise, follows every pleasure. Every appearance is (inevitably) followed by its disappearance. There is no permanent VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES experience in the realm of cosmic nature. One whose heart-feeling of me is steady simply allows all of this to be so …” Very deep but oh so meaningful, reminiscent of Camus or Kirkaggard or Jean Paul Sartre. Thanks Bill, for causing us to think and to consider the transient but orderly arrangement of life. Had a nice chat with Linda Cramer today. Linda is the widow of Al Cramer, who passed away some time ago. Although I’ve never met Linda, she sounds like a lovely lady. I’d like to meet her. Linda lives in Culpeper, Virginia, and has two children and three grandchildren, who live close by and are attentive. We talked a little about Jobil Cole, and Jobil’s recent loss. Apparently, Linda knows Jobil well and described her as a “beautiful” person. We agreed that it will be very difficult for Jobil to adjust to life without Jack. It is a lonely walk with the only way to get through is to go through. There are some scars that never heal, not completely. Linda and I also talked a little about Larry Dougherty and his sad passing. I roomed with Larry part of one year. My other roommates at the time were Wayne Boring and Minor “Botts” Lewis. Although I thought highly of all of them, I knew that unless I relocated it would be academic suicide for me. About the only thing on our minds, Larry, Minor and yours truly, were girls, girls, girls, partying and then more girls. We saw the pursuit of academic excellence as sort of a necessary evil, a by-product in our pursuit of academic excellence. As for Wayne, who knew what he was thinking? (I’m not certain that he even knew.) As I recall, for the most part he was noncommittal, though he would join in the revelry from time to time. The last time I saw Larry – it was at the Commonwealth Club in Richmond, a VMI function – I didn’t think he looked good. He was always so damn good-looking it irritated me. Anyway, I was concerned. It wasn’t long after that chance encounter that Larry died. I miss Larry a great deal. He was always one of my favorite people. I shall forever remember being with Larry, another cadet whose name I can’t recall “entertaining” our dates at the prestigious Buffalo Creek dancing and drinking emporium. I agree there are some (mis)adventures that are best un2010-Issue 3

remembered, and this occasion may have been one of them, nonetheless, there it is, reposing in my memory bank as a forever reminder of my wild and crazy “yout,” as they say in Jersey. And, apparently, there is nothing, absolutely nothing, I can do about it. Geez, those were the days my friend, we thought they’d never end. “Duty is the sublimest word in our language. Do your duty in all things … You cannot do more, you should never do less.” -- Robert E. Lee Just had a distressing conversation with the “Schubster,” William P. Schubmehl, who told me that Hugh White is not doing well. I don’t know the particulars, but I understand it’s pretty serious business.

Class of 1954: Class Agent Bill Turner wrote about the above, “I’m Maggie Turner. If you don’t send me people photos, you will see more of me.”

Hugh is an exemplary VMI man and a fine attorney. I know you join me in wishing him a speedy and complete recovery. Spoke with Connie Wentz Broeker a few minutes ago. Connie was in therapy following a knee replacement. Connie is doing fine. She always did have great legs, and I know this little surgical procedure will only enhance those features. Jack Fuller, my old “Roomie,” writes that he enjoyed the 55th very much and extends his gratitude to Bill Schubmehl and others for pulling it together. He says playing bridge with BRs and their spouses was a lot of fun. He especially enjoyed playing with his old high school classmate and Brother Rat, Buddy Bare, and extends a personal debt of gratitude to Nancy Gottwald for handling all the arrangements for the bridge sessions.

Jack also reports that his wife, Molly, suffered a mild stroke, and although she hasn’t completely recovered, she is progressing nicely. Jack and Molly spent a week at the beach in Destin, Florida, where they were joined by Jack’s two daughters and their husbands, both active duty servicemen, and Jack’s grandsons. (Too bad you couldn’t have seen Barbara Bramlet, Jack, who also makes her home in Destin.) Finally, Jack reminded me that he is retired from the Air Force, not the Army. Sorry, Jack, but nobody’s perfect. Had a really great conversation recently with Bob Lindsey. Bob and his wife are another of those “til death do we part” relationships. He said he and his wife have been married (to each other) for more than 50 years. Way to “hang in there,” Bob. Takes a lot of lovin’ and a whole lot of compromisin’. Heard recently of a couple getting a divorce based on “incompatibility.” He had no income, and she wasn’t “pattable.” That’ll do it. Henny Youngman used to say that the secret of a happy marriage is … “You go out to a nice dinner at least once a week, a nice bottle of wine, some flowers, maybe a little violin music. I go out every Tuesday; my wife goes out Thursdays. It’s nice.” Whatever works. I have a philosopher friend who says he’s finally concluded that an ideal marriage is one between a blind wife and a deaf husband. Bob also told me he’s legally blind, macular degeneration. When you’re having a “bad hair” day, consider some of our BRs. Your problems may not look so bad. Got an e-mail from Len Wagner describing a chance encounter he once had with Col. Frank Pancake ’38 during Len’s second class year. Len reports, “It was our third winter at the Institute, and he knew that spring was on the way, because the Corps was scheduled to go into white ducks in two weeks. We were in the process of assembling in class ranks in front of Barracks to be marched off to Nichols Engineering Hall by our very capable section leader, Wendle Snapp, when Col. Pancake and his four-legged escort showed up to inspect class ranks. I was standing in the first row, and when he approached me, he said: ‘Mr. Wagner, I can tell that you have not had those straight pants cleaned or pressed in the last two weeks.’ I smiled and thought to myself, 63

CLASS NOTES little does he know; these pants have not been cleaned or pressed all school year. He then told me to do an about face and go back to my room, put on my ‘running’ pants and report to class. This chance encounter cost me five demerits for ‘slimy’ pants and two demerits for being late to class. Because of the commandant’s extrasensory perception, I accumulated seven demerits in less than five minutes. Just one more day of character building, courtesy of our peerless and intrepid leader, architect of the ‘long, night march,’ climaxing a memorable step-off.” Len, stories abound pertaining to Col. Pancake. I still have a hand-written note from the commandant written in December 1951, just before Christmas break. It says something along the lines of … “Occupants of Room 333, this room was sloppy last SMI. It’s sloppy today. I’ll be back again tomorrow, and I will expect a great deal of improvement … before you depart on Christmas furlough.” Although he didn’t say so in so many words, I think I read a “Do you get my drift?” afterthought in his remarks. As I mentioned previously in these notes, my roommates du jour were BRs Larry Dougherty, Minor “Botts” Lewis and Wayne Boring. Need I say more? Anyway, thanks, Len, for sharing. “Easy” Ed Chandler, colonel, USA (Ret), sent me an extremely thoughtful and informative e-mail. Ed expressed his appreciation for my modest role as class agent. Thanks, Ed. I appreciate that, but I consider this “heady” position an honor, a privilege and a trust. My only fear is that I may not do the requisite justice to the trust which has been given me. Unfortunately, Ed also informed me that his wife is in an advanced stage of Alzheimer’s disease. As principle caregiver, Ed has turned his full time and attention to her support. As many of you know, Ed’s role is one of the toughest one can ever face. I am sure you know and understand fully that if the situation were reversed and your lovely bride were your principle caregiver, she would give you the same unconditional love and support you are providing her. That’s what it’s all about, love and fidelity. Be strong, Ed, and know that you are in our prayers. In closing, I’d like to ask you to do something for me and in the process, for yourselves and for those you cherish 64

most. Stop and consider the three most significant things you feel you have accomplished with your lives since graduating from the Institute, write them down and then send them to me. I will see that they are shared with your BRs. I am sure they would enjoy reading about them. The exercise might also help you to remember the three or four things you have done with your lives for which you would most like to be remembered. And finally, remember this: “A generation which forgets the past will have no past … and no future.” … Shalom

’55

Read Hanmer

I am happy to be able to report that our 55th Reunion was a success with, at last count, 135 in attendance – Brother Rats and their wives and sweethearts – and including Liz Barker, Barbara McDowell, Cathy Osborne and Sherry Sidney. We all missed those of you who could not attend and hope to see you at future events! First, a note about the spectacular weather throughout the reunion, in stark contrast with the miserable time we had in 2005. Next, and most importantly, I want to thank each of the members of the dedicated 55th Reunion Committee who made it all possible. Ron and Nita Bryan, Bob and Jane Bowden, Bill and Pattie Davidson, Dusty and Rody Rhodes, and Tom and Margaret Tait all provided sage advice and did all the heavy lifting in putting the program together and carrying it off without a hitch. We, of course, had able guidance from class agents Emeritus Casey Jones and Fielding (Moose) Tyler. Dusty Rhodes deserves a round of applause for arranging and procuring the magnificent polo shirts with the class logo emblazoned on the front. They were a big hit! And special thanks to Lois, who kept me going throughout. Since we are in the post-50th group of classes now, the reunion was held on Sunday 18 April through Tuesday 20 April, with our headquarters at the Lexington Holiday Inn Express, on North Lee Highway. The Inn provided an excellent venue for us and made for a convenient

base of operations. People began arriving early Sunday afternoon, and the hospitality room was well attended until late (but not too late) Sunday night with all of us catching up on current BR events, and dusting off anecdotes from cadet days and past reunions. Monday, 19 April found all up and about, with a goodly number of golfers at the Lexington Golf and Country Club (LGCC), others off to some sight-seeing around the area and a goodly group exchanging stories in the hospitality room. The first “official” activity was dinner at the LGCC. The Club had just installed a new chef, and he pulled out all the stops to put on a magnificent dinner. I can attest that my filet was the best I have had in many a moon. A highlight of the evening was the toast proposed by Marty Fisher, which I quote below: A Toast To the Brother Rats of ’55 To the ladies in our lives To the Ratline we endured To the camaraderie it insured To the brothers and wives who have gone before May they rest in peace for ever more To the Institute in glory grow And in the young forever sow Duty, Honor, Self Esteem And things worthy to redeem And now as we raise our glass Didn’t 55 years go by fast! We were entertained after dinner by an engaging local bluegrass group, the “Wonder.” We also were pleased to welcome Joe Irby Jr. ’85 to the dinner. Most folks returned to the hospitality room at the Holiday Inn for a nightcap and more palaver. On Monday, 15 BRs and two Sister Rats enjoyed the beautiful weather and scenery in a “shotgun start” round of golf at the LGCC. Ron Bryan organized the outing. Winners of the closest to the pin on five Par 3 holes were Mary Ellen Beale, Joe Cestaro, Skip Phillips, Bob Rennicks and Bill Davidson. Many thanks to Mary Ellen, Skip and Bob for donating their winnings to the class fund! Tuesday was a full day. Many attended a comprehensive briefing on the various construction projects around the Post and a preview of the continuing improvements VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES as part of Gen. Peay’s ’62 Vision 2039. All then gathered again at the LGCC for a sumptuous buffet lunch and then began migrating to the parade ground, where the class picture was taken on the steps of Preston Library. I was proud to see ’55 in proper dyke – blue blazers and tan trou – we out-classed all the other “reunioners” in our tonsorial splendor. The parade was spectacular, as usual, with the Corps standing tall. I may be prejudiced, but Delta (neé Dog) Company had the best lines. Please see nearby a couple of snaps from the event. The traditional Old Yell was carried out in the courtyard of the “new” new barracks, with the entire Corps looking on from the stoops. We were all inspired by Col. Walter Edens ’40, president of the class of 1940, who made it up the temporary stairs to the sentinel box and led robust cheers for the Corps and for ’40. Will we be as spry in 15 years? Topping it

all off was a moving rendition of the VMI Doxology. You can view pictures of the parade and courtyard Old Yells by going to www.vmialumni.org and selecting “Photo Store” on the main screen. Then select “2010 Reunion Candid Photos” and “2010 Reunion Class Photos” to see the selections. I’m a bit disappointed that there are only a few candid shots of ’55ers among the 200+ photos, but the courtyard coverage is good. After the parade and courtyard scene, all gathered at the new for Leadership and Ethics Center for dinner. The center’s spacious meeting area was perfect for the dinner, catered by ARAMARK. During the dinner, we viewed a memorable and moving tribute to fallen Brother Rats, prepared by Pete Haake. Pete has gathered photos from the Bomb to make a PowerPoint presentation listing each BR and the year of his death. It is accompanied by a rendition of “Taps.”

There was not a dry eye in the house. In attendance at the dinner were the two current cadet recipients of the class of 1955 Scholarship Fund: Nicholas Lizotte ’10, a computer science major from West Boyleston, Massachusetts, and Christopher Gearhart ’11, a mechanical engineering major from Edon, Ohio. Both cadets are impressive students and greatly appreciate the scholarship assistance we are providing. Our dinner speaker was Brian Crockett, chief executive officer of the VMI Foundation. Brian emphasized the significance the class of ’55 has had and continues to deliver in support of each other and to the Institute. He asked me to express his sense of gratitude to the Brother Rats of ’55. The case of the “Eddie Davis” scotch was brought up for clarification. Years ago, Eddie donated a bottle of scotch as a “tontine.” I had to research the

Class of 1955 55th Class Reunion

Class of 1955: The following attended their 55th Reunion: Stuart Adams, Ron Albrecht, Ben Angle, Robert Bancroft, Q.T. Barrett, Bob Beale, Mike Belenky, Jerry Bourke, Bob Bowden, Frank Brooke, Ron Bryan, Ken Carstens, Dick Castle-Walsh, Joe Cestaro, Bill Cridlin, R.G. “Dave” Crockett, Bill Davidson, Marty Fisher, Ralph Frye, Nick Goetzinger, Pete Haake, Read Hanmer, Norman Harris, Jim Hart, Sam Hill, John Hiner, Happy Hogshire, Joe Irby, Everett Irby, Ward Johnson, Casey Jones, Don Kulp, John Lathram, Edwin Lawless, Chip Lazarus, George Locher, Curtis Lucado, Charlie Luck, Bill Maddox, Sam Marshall, C.J. “Doc” May, Mac McCants, Bev McGruder, Joe Moore, Bill Nolley, Mich Pettyjohn, Skip Phillips, Bill Poffenbarger, Everette Powell, Larry Price, Bob Ragan, Bob Rennicks, Dusty Rhodes, Reg Ridgely, Jim Robertson, Sam Segar, Ben Semmes, Al Shattuck, Bill Shea, John Snapp, Dick Sutherland, Tom Tait, Skip Thompson, Fielding “Moose” Tyler, Carter Valentine, Bill Wainwright, Ned Whitlock, Tom Williamson and Dave Woolwine.

2010-Issue 3

CLASS NOTES term. The closest I could find is: “a club with the leadership and vision that Gen. not least, the Ethics and Leadership Center whose participants contribute equally (at Peay ’62 has exhibited over the last four has been a real success. Gen. Peay ’62 told perhaps a penny a week) to form a prize to five years in upgrading and expanding me that in looking back he wonders how that is awarded to the participant who buildings, athletic fields, on many other we ever got along without it, because of survives.” Since only one of us would parts of the Post. The upgrades have been the many types of activities that are now be able to claim the prize – the bottle of badly needed to correct inefficiencies, and available at VMI to have seminars, conferscotch – there would be no opportunity to enhance VMI to a level which it hasn’t ences, and to provide facilities for cadets for the “last standing” BR to crow to his seen in many years. Charlie continues, “If and alumni. All in all, it has been a great classmates as he drank the scotch (to say VMI is going to attract the right students, improvement, to the tune of about $200 nothing about the prospect that his docwe have got to have facilities that are tops, million in the last few years. This timing tors would prohibit drinking the scotch). as is the case in many institutions we com- could not have been better with the state So, it was decided at the reunion to pete with for our cadets. The new Barracks of the economy, as well as funds from the modify the rule, which now is: state of Virginia and alumni.” the last ten BRs should gather Nana Lou Sauder is moving Class of 1955 - 55th Reunion, April 2010 to decide the ultimate fate of to the Kendal at Lexington the bottle – divide it amongst retirement community this themselves or remand it to a summer. In cleaning out her smaller future gathering for attic, she found her Ring Figfinal disposition. Is that clear? ure dress! Nana Lou says she Meanwhile, the bottle in its has been in touch with Keith customized ammo box resides Gibson at the VMI Museum in my (climatized) basement. to see if he is interested in the Turning to other events – dress and other items she has eagle eyed Larry Price has uncovered. come up with another “Fred Stu Adams sent me a long Willard sighting.” According note: “On the way home from to several Louisville, Kentucky, the 55th, I thought (about) the newspapers, Fred was enjoyreunion. After a most pleasant ing the festivities occurring in time with old comrades and conjunction with the Kentucky Brers, with all the good natured Photo above: Clas of ’55 passed in review. Photo below: Derby. One picture had the capbantering, teasin, and tweakAt the reunion were, from left, Jerry Bourke, Sam Martion “Actor Fred Willard knows ing of war stories (accurate shall, Nick Goetzinger, Bob Bancroft and Peggy Parrish. his way around the Derby and embellished), it was a bit parties.” You’ve got a great PR of a down to get back into the man, Fred. routine. The slide presentation I received a note from John that Pete (Haake) produced Morace, who expressed regret was very poignant. (Many) that he would not be able to noted that it should be a feature attend the reunion. He enclosed of future reunions. I can only a very generous check for the speak for myself, (but) I would Class of 1955 Scholarship Fund. hope many, if not all, would Thank you, John. share my sentiments: It is my Ron Bryan passed on a note opinion, unbiased of course, saying that he had seen in the that this class is an exceptional Richmond Times-Dispatch that group, standing out among Yvonne Gooch, wife of Brother all classes the Institute has Rat Jack Gooch, had passed away. Jack have blended in so well with the Old Barproduced. It was mentioned at the dinner did not graduate from VMI, but attended racks, it is hard to tell where the Old BarTuesday that we have produced a high our 15th and 20th Reunions. He died of a racks were. I think it is great that they have percentage of medical doctors, academic massive heart attack on the first night of renovated the Old Barracks rooms, which doctorates, very successful businessmen, the 20th, at the Natural Bridge Hotel. has and improved conditions measurably clergy and military leaders.” Stu concluded A nice message from Charlie Luck. but not going overboard, such as adding his note with thanks to all past and present The Luck’s grandson, Richard, will be a air-conditioning. As you know, they are class agents and their distaff. second classman next fall. He is looking presently working on North Post and will My call for “vignettes” to include in forward to his Ring Figure in November. put in new athletic and drill fields, new these class notes evoked the following Charlie says he has been extremely pleased confidence course, and parking. Last but response from Bill Shea: “A vignette 66

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES or two? In the words of Charlie Brown, ‘Good Grief.’ The request could only have come from someone who was not a civil engineering major. In the unforgettable words of Col. Marr, ‘us engineers don’t need no English.’ Shades of leaving a classroom chalk board covered with Greek (at least to me) while trying to learn about some Roman dude named Calculus.” Bill, I’m constrained to point out that I was a Physics major, who only found out what “vignettes” were when I joined the State Department late in life. Bill Shea continues: “It was great to have the opportunities (at the reunion) to talk with all my Brother Rats and their guests. I hope to see some of them again at a football game this fall.” A quick note from John Dunseth. He had planned to attend the reunion but ultimately didn’t make it. John has moved from New Jersey to Old Greenwich, Connecticut. He says he hunts a bit, but his real love is “Trap and Sporting Clays.” His place is on the water, and all Brother Rats are invited: 20A Shoreham Club Road, Old Greenwich, CT – phone number 203/3449299. Most importantly, John has found a “great Lady,” Michelle, who is quite an outdoors person. Best wishes, John. That’s all for now. Keep those letters, e-mails and pictures coming. You, too, can be featured in your class notes.

’56

Richard M. Smith

I start these notes with a clean face! I shaved for the first time in two years to give Honey a Valentine present which pleased her and the Allisons, where we were staying. Now we can get on with business as usual and not get side-tracked as we have sometime in the past. My next visit in Florida was to Punta Gorda and Dave and Anne Blair. They have finally divorced themselves from the trawler upon which they lived and traveled for a long time. They have a very nice home and beautiful pool on one of the canals in the area. Dave flies frequently in his Canadian built light plane. We enjoyed a visit to a nature conservatory where many birds are restored to health after injuries. After lunch, I drove to Sarasota where I 2010-Issue 3

visited Judy Jones who is recovering from colon surgery. She was Harry Jones first wife who many of us knew while at VMI. I had gotten her address from her granddaughter at Harry’s funeral last month in Pennsylvania. She was pleased to learn we were there for the funeral. Later on, I had dinner in Tampa with Walt Tatum and his wife, Marie, and their son, Walt, who was there from Oklahoma City. Walt and his son are both retired USAF pilots. Walt Sr. teaches flying still. He and I got to play a round of golf at MacDill AF Base where Walt was post engineer some years ago. That evening, he and Marie joined Panel and Clair Jones and Ken and Virginia Halloway for dinner at the Colonade Restaurant overlooking Tampa Bay. Ken was at VMI one year before transferring to West Point and graduating in 1957. Ken remembers many of our BRs and is much more interested in the Institute than West Point. We all had a great time reminiscing of the past. The next day, I traveled across the causeway to Clearwater for lunch with Bill Snyder. Bill enjoys his German Sheppard that helps him in his volunteer work at the hospital ferrying patients from place to place. He has two sons living in the area to keep track on him. Bill helped me identify some of the BRs in a picture of them during our Rat year given to me by Bob Morris earlier. After going back across the state, I talked with Paul Gronroos, and we got a T-time for golf at Vero Beach. It turned out to be the best day so far weather wise. However, the course named Sandridge Dunes turned out to live up to its “dunes” name. Every time I turned around I was in sand! Neverthe-less we enjoyed play and had lunch. After living in New Jersey for many years, where he put together financial packages for both private and corporate people, he retired and moved to Florida about five years ago. He plays golf at courses up and down I-95 several times a week. His three daughters and grandchildren live in Washington, D.C., and in California whom he and his wife, Terry, enjoy visiting. Paul has kept himself in better shape than most of us. From Fort Pierce I traveled to Boca Raton and spent two nights with my cousin Bill ’58 and Vivian Gee. They live in a beautiful home in a gated community. Bill is retired from IBM and enjoys surfing the

web and reading. He prepared the personal history book for his 50th class reunion. Vivian is still working in real estate with prospective clients and doing very well. Their two sons, Steve and Mike, and grandchildren live in the area, and they enjoy their company frequently. Steve got us a game of golf on Boca Country Club, but the rain did us in before we could finish. We had a delicious lunch at a local sports grill and bar. The next day, I drove back to Vero Beach where I met Scottie and Ardis Boland for lunch at the famous Beach Grill facing the Atlantic Ocean. The area is filled with very upscale shops and bars and some fine hotels. The food was exceptionally good but if the weather had allowed us I would have preferred to be fishing with Scottie. He brought me a large box of tangerines as a going away present. I hope to get back this summer to go tarpon fishing with him in the Gulf. My next, and last visit, to a BR was in Palm City or Stuart, Florida, with Charlie and Helen Lavery. They too live in one of the fine gated communities surrounded by a golf course. I didn’t get to play but enjoyed a great visit in their home. Charlie and I talked a lot about our days playing football. He was one of VMI’s finest running backs and also played on defense. After college he went on to become a talented sports commentator for ABC Sports Network. He put together some of the fine

Class of 1956: Bob Brickner participated in the Chicago Annual Senior Track & Field 1500M event in September 2009.

CLASS NOTES Olympic coverage. Charlie is bothered attended the funeral of BR John A. Tipton dance was Sonny Schoen who had flown by some heart problems now which limit IV in Keysville, Virginia, at the Keysville in last night to Richmond from Atlanta. his participation in sports. Helen has been United Methodist church. Also in attenSonny and Johnnie had roomed together a fine tennis player and now at VMI three years and stayed is concentrating on golf. The close to the family. Don and Jo next day I packed my things Heslep and Motsy Foster had and headed north back toward attended the visitation here last Virginia after a very successnight. A donation will be made ful visit here. I recently saw a to the church here in his honor copy of an article which apfrom the class of ’56. John was peared in the Richmond Timesa strong supporter of VMI sports Dispatch Jan. 31, 2010. It told and an excellent tennis player. the beautiful story of how Les He was very competitive as I Belsha and Pat Ziletti had met found out when we played footafter both had been widowed ball against one another during as the result of an invitation high school days here in Southto dinner by a mutual friend. side Virginia. We will miss his After many years of marriage, friendly smile. I received a letter they both had grieved a long from Hoppy Holsinger saying time over the loss of a spouse. he and Sallie had attended the They were drawn to one anothVMI sponsored reception at the er gradually and after meeting Virginia State Library honoring Class of 1956: Attending the first reunion of VMI’s class many of each others friends the Virginia General Assembly. of 1956 in June 1961 were, from left, first row, Bob finally decided they were in The purpose was to allow them Johnson, Frank Cowen, Dave Montagna and George Penn. Second row: Bill Lamb, George Wier, Wes Foster love, and on July 21, 2009, to meet some of the Keydets and John Selinger. Third row: John Stone, Bob Irby, Tom they were married in Pat’s and make a plea for state funds. Dooley, Jim Foster, Jim Overton and Les Belsha. Fourth back yard. As Les’ daughter, They met some of the Keydets row: Dick Smith, Bill Higginbotham, Jack Pittman, Harry Susan, summed it up nicely: and VMI staff with whom they Jones and Ed Pendleton. Photo contributed by Motsy “They know what they have is were impressed. A copy of Foster. Seven in the group are now deceased. truly a blessing from above.” I our class roster was requested

Class of 1956

Photos clockwise, from top right: - Bob Morris playing golf. Class Agent Dick Smith visited Morris’ Florida home in February 2010. - Dick visited the Allisons, as well. Shown are Al and Anne Allison dancing. - Also in Florida, Dick visited Scottie and Ardis Boland in Vero Beach, where they went for lunch to the famous Beach Grill facing the Atlantic Ocean. Scottie is shown next to a boat.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES since they plan to drive South and on to Texas soon and want to visit a number of our BRs. Jere Real sent a letter saying he was having a challenging time adjusting to again teaching freshman writing at Lynchburg College. They are so young that mentioning names like “Charles Lindbergh, Steve McQueen and John ‘Duke’ Wayne” are unfamiliar to them. It is a new and different world they live in, but he says they gave him a good evaluation and some requested he be brought back to teach again. I also received a write up of an article in the magazine Rapportage on Jere as a renowned film critic. (Editor’s Note: See the Alumni News section on page 172 for an article on Real.) Honey Rector joined me for the 2010 spring Class Agents Conference along with 45 class agents and their wives or friends. We were enlightened to the needs and accomplishments at the Institute by the superintendent, staff and others. So much activity is going on here it boggles the mind of this senior citizen. The following notes are from Spider Allison: Bob Morris just got back from a cruise to Central America. He said Honduras and Guatemala made him feel like he was back in Vietnam. He will be back at his home in Hartfield, Virginia, for the summer. Bob said he really enjoyed Dick Smith’s visit to his Florida home in February. He said Dick really “cleaned his clock” on the golf course. Russ and Margarete Wiltshire leave mid-April on a two-week cruise thru the Eastern Caribbean, then in September they will spend a month in Germany visiting grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Two granddaughters are married to men in the military stationed in Germany. Back home, Russ has been elected to the Board of Trustees of the Artist Series of Sarasota (concerts). Spider and Anne Allison had a great spring filled with visiting VMI classmates. Dick Smith and Honey were weekend guests in early February. A Friday evening party that weekend included, Tony and Mo Nicoletti, Paul and Betsy Bark, Paul Gronroos, and Bob and Cathie Spurrier ’58. Les and Pat Belsha were guests for a couple of days in late March. They were on their way to a week-long golf school in Daytona Beach. Pat is determined to make a scratch golfer out of Les. Harry Jones’ widow, Linda, arrived to spend Easter weekend. She 2010-Issue 3

was on her way back to Honey Brook, Pennsylvania, after two weeks on the Florida West Coast. Spider and Anne felt really blessed to spend time with so many Brother Rats. Dave and Anne Blair checked in to say that life was good but the aches and pains were more frequent these days. Paul and Betsy Bark are spending about half the year in Florida and the other half in Texas. When they are in Florida, the Barks and Allisons go out for dinner together a couple of nights a week. George and Joyce Clark are accounted for, and they are fine but have no new news to report. I am disappointed to have to report another death in our class. Dr. Frank “Fritz” Wilson passed away on April 26, 2010, in Boerne, Texas, at the age of 75. I learned this in a letter from Jimmy Thurman. A copy of the obituary he sent will be forwarded to VMI. Fritz had been in ailing health for some time and had to use dialysis daily. Jimmy said he and Melissa were planning to attend the annual gathering at Sonny Schoen’s place in Highlands, North Carolina, with the Brawners, Dooleys, Mundys and Fosters. I received on May 9th my annual birthday card (76th) from my faithful BR Bob Brickner. As he always does, it was filled with wonderful tidbits of information and thoughtful comments. To attest to his suggestions to all of us that we would benefit from control of our weight and strength, he sent the results from the Annual Chicago Senior Track and Field Events September 2009 with 126 participants. Bob won the “Gold” in all eight of the 75-79 year-old-class events including 100, 200, 400, 1500 meter and 5K Runs. He also won the high jump, standing long jump and running long jump. He was interviewed on NBC and CBS TV as the results of the outstanding accomplishment became known. “Way to go, Bob.” This may make “Tiger” Jackson take a back seat! I talked with Fred Farthing and learned that Bill Tolley recently had back surgery at Duke University. Fred and Mary Jo had taken Bill and Else to dinner in Hampton shortly before where they reside now in the restored old Chamberlain Hotel. Bill has to use a wheel chair most of the time but with help can walk short distances. We wish him the best in

his recovery and return home. This does it for news of our class to date. I hope my notes on my Florida trip weren’t too boring, but it was a real lifetime highlight for me. Yours in The Spirit, Dick

’57

Clayton M. Thomas III

A strange thing happened on our way to VMI. Indicated by the calls, many of you are aware of my bypass surgery. I’m in rehab but doing well. I thank you for your kind thoughts and well wishes. There are too many to mention here, so instead, I’ll share the additional news received. A special thanks to Jay Musser for keeping everyone in the loop. Bob Alexander shared the two heart processes he experienced and the fact he now walks about three miles every day. That’s something for Dawn and me to aim for. Bill and Martha Batten wrote in February of their enjoyable visit with us. We especially love the joy that Disney gives to those who have not had the experience or at least not for a long time. Our most recent visit with Ken and Katie Dickinson was to meet the new member of the family, Bear. After bringing him and Puff catnip mice, we sat down to the most elegant meal with Katie and Ken. That was wining and dining at its best! Bob Fiske brought my class agent’s packet from VMI. He checked on me in the hospital several times to see if I was

Class of 1957: At the Southwest Florida Christian Couples Annual Dinner were keynote speaker, Coach Bobby Ross ’59, and Nat Pendleton.

CLASS NOTES behaving myself, and he helped Dawn VMI and says he doesn’t believe it’s looked was duly honored, VMI-style. with transportation. The grapevine says better. He even saw a parade and was not Nat Pendleton sent us a photo from that the United Way recognized various able to get used to the kilts on the band. He the SW Florida Christian Couples Anvolunteers of the year. One of the award wonders what they call the female cadets. nual Dinner Party, with keynote speaker, recipients was Bob for the American Red Bill Moore writes that Don’s recogniCoach Bobby Ross ’59, Saturday, March Cross. tion event was a great success. There 13th, at the Pelican Reserve Country Drewry and Joanne Fox wrote how were an estimated 300 people present. Club, Fort Meyers, Florida. they envied our winter compared to the Our class was well represented, and Don Jim Piggott writes of the enjoyable time rough one they experienced. he had at the appreciation event They recently returned from for Don Jamison. A couple of their 50th anniversary cruise weeks ago when he and Toni with their kids and grandkids. were in Roanoke, they had Sounds like a memorable fun drinks and dinner with Howard time for all. and Pat Lawrence and George Frank Gilmore reminds us and Shirley Sydnor. we’re at an age where little and John Quillen fell and broke his big problems seem part of life. better leg and is going to learn When the “old ticker” is back to walk again. John doesn’t give in shape, he invites us to visit up easily. when we’re out West. Warren Richardson tells us Lionel and Carol Lee Hanhe had lots of rain over the past cock were among many who Class of 1957: Bill and Betty Huffcut, P.D. and Ann Phil- 10 or so months. It’s almost like enjoyed Don Jamison’s recep- lips, Garland and Sally Sullivan, and Ben and Damaris ocean front property. He hopes tion in Lexington. He com- Elmore in Mary Ester, Florida. it stops so that he can get the mented that his daughter is on fields planted this spring. He is the team for bypass surgery at looking forward to another getNorfolk General. He is amazed together. that so much can be done with Garland and Sally Sullivan heart procedures. Many pagot together for dinner with P.D. tients generally come through and Ann Phillips and Ben and with flying colors. Damaris Elmore at Bill and John Kling has a positive Betty Huffcut’s vacation home view of his neuropathy which in Mary Ester, Florida. It turned affects the nerves. His motorout to be a virtual mini reunion. ized wheel chair and handiLarry Wise and his compancapped van help him to do ion, Barbara Cornell, took a just about anything. Perhaps cruise up to Nova Scotia and the future holds a bright, VMI, down the coast to Bar Harbor, pre-med MD who will develop Class of 1957: Dixie Thomas and Ken Dickinson at Dick- Maine, and other ports of intera cure. Last October, he visited inson’s home in Merritt Island, Florida. est. They really enjoy the cruise trips. A sad note in closing: Pete Wilson passed away March 6th. The service was at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Lakeland, Florida. It was well attended by the class of ’57, including Dixie and Dawn Thomas, Carl and Mary LeBourdais, Pete and Irene Riddle, Martin Anderson, Bob Fiske, Robbie Robinson, and Jim Snead. (Editor’s Note: Mr. Wilson’s obituary will appear in the 2010-Issue 4 Alumni Class of 1957: The class was well represented at Don Jamison’s appreciation event Review coming out in Novemin Lexington, Virginia. ber.) 70

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Wes Roberts

’58 “Summertime, and the livin’ is” … hot! At least it’s hot here in south Florida in the middle of May. In Virginia, however, it is still spring-like and some of our BRs took advantage of that weather. In April, 11 of our BRs held their version of the Masters’ at Ford’s Colony Country Club in Williamsburg. The competitors were Howard Savage, Bill Walker, Sam Woolwine, Brooke Doggett, Jerry Paull, Onza Hyatt, Joy Gray, Maurice Menefee, Charlie Hayes, Roland Tharp and Stuart Whitehurst. Joe Gray reported that the “short guys,” Jerry Paull and Joe outshined them all with their drives and short game (no pun intended). According to Charlie, Bill Kump either “lost his note or forgot to bring it,” so he was missing again. From the pictures, it looks like a good time was had by all. They vow to meet again next year, hopefully with more in attendance. More on golf later.

Class of 1958: Wes Roberts with a fresh catch of rainbow trout.

2010-Issue 3

George Shrieves reported that he and Harriett survived the cold winter by taking a cruise and trip to Florida. In May, they were scheduled to attend the Federal Highway Administration reunion for retirees, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Also in attendance were to be Jack and Lisa Sullivan. The Shrieves were scheduled to fly to Ireland for a one-week tour and return to the U.S. on the Queen Mary II, during which return, they will celebrate their 50th anniversary. In George’s words, “We are still not too old to … what?? ... drink.” Our BR Gene Grayson and the writer have had a long, ongoing challenge regarding fly fishing and our results. Brother Gene, who considers himself a perfectionist, and a “true professional” in the sport, has often chided this “country boy” for using cheese balls and marshmallows versus his top flies. The writer encloses a picture of his results. He has yet to hear anything from the challenger. The fish you see is a 19 ½ inch Virginia bred and raised rainbow trout, caught in the writer’s own stream, the South River, with a grasshopper. Top that if you can, BR Gene! No excuses about bad shoulders will be accepted. Back to our travelers. Ted Henry reports that he and Becky recently returned from a 10-day Caribbean cruise to Aruba, Bonaire, Grenada, Dominica and St. Thomas. Following their week-long stay

at their Myrtle Beach condo, they will go to Natchez to celebrate their daughter Noelle’s birthday. Earlier this spring, the Henrys attended the “Pilgrimage” in Natchez, when they open many of the antebellum homes for tours. Daughter Noelle put on a hoop skirt for the occasion and acted as a guide at the home of one of the families from her congregation. BR Gene Martin, our perennial traveler, reported that he and Peggy have their RV gassed up and ready for their three-month safari to the Rocky Mountain states. This will begin in June, during which trip they hope to see some of our BRs along the way. Tom Nance stated that he and Ru went on a seven-day cruise to Bermuda, which was attended by a group of 50 residents from their local area. In March, they were in south Florida where they attended the Key Biscayne tennis tournament. They have enjoyed watching this event for the past 14 years. Tom reported that they had dinner with Bob and Cathy Spurrier, who live about five miles away. Duke Bishop noted that he and Nancy visited their son, Dale ’93, who lives with his wife, Erin, and new daughter Mavis Jayne, (the 11th grandchild), in the Florida Keys. The Bishops then traveled on to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, to warm up from the miserable cold of the winter. Duke added that Jules Berman is planning his annual “Cruise In” in June,

Class of 1958: With fellow ball players, Tony Lash is preparing to charge.

CLASS NOTES Bill and Linda Holland are still fighting lie’s funeral now proudly flies outside her at Herrington Harbor, Maryland. their own health issues. Linda received sunroom doorway. Ewing recently retired Lee McCown wrote that he and Laura from her rescue work, as it was becoming a bone marrow transplant and after a attended the Don Jamison ’57 Appreciaprolonged stay in the hospital is going tion Reception on April 17. Lee described too much for her physically. She is proud for additional therapy from home. Note: I of the seven years she was able to serve. the occasion as a “truly memorable event think the initial diagnosis of Bill Holland I received a telephone call from BR honoring an outstanding teacher, coach was incorrect, as today he appears healthHans Meinig, my roommate our Rat year and mentor.” The function was held in ier, LOUDER, funnier and more the new Marshall Building. spiritual than ever before. His The event was initiated by a calls to me are extremely upliftformer tennis team member, ing, and I can only say I deeply who set up the Jamison Family Scholarship some years appreciate him. We all wish ago. An additional $130,000 them continued improvement. was pledged, which will go The above is the extensive toward continuation of the GIM list which we all hope will scholarship. not continue to grow. Before BR Jim Stilwell advised ending this column, let me take that he and his wife, Kay, are you back to the golf course and enjoying their recent move report that Moon, Brooke and to residency in a retirement Bill Holland played at The Holcommunity in Harrisonburg. lows Golf Course in Richmond He said they are glad to be recently. Note: The Hollows is back in the Valley and hopes co-owned by my son-in-law, to attend more VMI football Andy Bemis, whose grandfaClass of 1958: Several Brother Rats were in attendance games next fall. They are ther was James R. Bemis ’21. at the spring golf outing. They were, from left, front row, going to visit their daughter My two Bemis grandsons have “Moon” Menefee, Charlie Hayes, Roland Tharp and Stuart and son-in-law who are living provisional appointments to Whitehurst. Back row: Howard Savage, Bill Walker, Sam in Switzerland. They will take Woolwine, Brooke Doggett, Jerry Paull, Onza Hyatt and VMI. The red, white and yellow Joe Gray. advantage of the free lodging has special meaning at The and the opportunity to see the Hollows. country. Let me remind you all, that if when we pounded the stoops together. Tom Smyth, following his usual your addresses or e-mail accounts change, Hans reported that his wife, Rusty, is “aloha,” noted that he retired after 23 you need to let me know. There are a few having a knee replacement, and he opines of you that I am never sure that I reach. It years of service, from the Hawaii Dept. that it was necessitated by her dreaming of Business. He is the president of the only takes a minute. of pounding those same stoops. local chapter of the Military Officers Keep the Spirit! Dave Martin reports that Annie Mae Association of America and just returned God’s Blessings ... Wes had triple bypass surgery in December. from their annual conference in D.C. He Shep Shepard She is recovering nicely from the surgery, wonders how many of our BRs are in but she did experience a stroke during the the MOAA. Tom proudly reported that a granddaughter of his graduated from FSU procedure and now has loss of sensation in her left side. She has begun an extenin Elementary Education, magna cum sive rehab, and Dave says, “we are anticilaude. She accepted a highly competipating a regain in her lost sensation.” tive job on a Seminole reservation. Her We lost one of our Brother Rats last Billy Thomas advised that his wife, brother graduated 1 May from the Marine year and unfortunately did not get the Maritime Academy and will join the Mer- Mary Jo, was diagnosed with lung cancer. word in time for anyone to attend the She had surgery to remove the lower lobe memorial service. Tom Hughes passed chant Marine Reserve of the USNR. of her right lung, which is being followed away Thanksgiving Day. Tom, who was Upon hearing of the recent golf outing previously mentioned, our west coast BR, by a course of chemotherapy, which will terminally ill for some time, was always probably take four months. Bill said, “As Tony Lash, said he was sorry he missed a strong supporter of VMI, and Ann and I it but that his 65+ softball league recently you can probably tell, we did not go back made it a point to stop by Houston on our began its season. Tony is the “aggressive” to Roanoke this summer. Will tough it out way home to enjoy lunch with Tom and in the (south Florida) heat.” Bill sends fellow in the VMI shorts. Shirley. We’ll miss Tom; our thoughts and thanks for all the e-mails, cards, letters, Ewing Best checked in to say that she prayers are with Shirley and her family. flowers and gifts, and especially your is reminded every day of the class of ’58, We lost another dear person this past as the VMI flag the BRs gave her at Char- prayers. quarter. Andrea Loth, beloved wife of

’59

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Rusty, died in April. Andrea had been very ill the past several months and was confined to a nursing home when she passed away. Andrea was a devoted wife, mother and teacher, and for the past 17 years, a victim of MS. We’ll miss Andrea greatly, and our prayers are with Rusty and his family. ’59ers who attended the memorial service were: Ned/Bunny Addison, Eddie/Carolyn Barnes, Jack Barnet, Marvin/Elizabeth Boswell, Mort/ Audrey Eggleston, Charlie/Agnes Inge Carter, Leon/Marge Elsarelli, Eddie/Jo Anne Fall, Kurt Gloeckner, Jim McFalls, Billy/Sue Kornegay, Marvin Myers, Harlee/Barbara Pate, Bobby Ross, Mark/ June Smith, Robbie Sommers and Lee Wilkinson. Rusty was very appreciative of the support he received from everyone and sent the following message: “I can’t begin to tell you how much it meant to have the love and support of my Brother Rats during Andrea’s illness and passing. She had certainly suffered enough, and now she is in a much better place. My BRs and the ‘Brotherly Rat Love’ that was shown to all of us was just wonderful. I couldn’t believe how many BRs and SRs attended Sweet Andrea’s funeral, and I know all others were there in spirit. This love and comradery is worth every Ratline experience, demerit, penalty tour, hour of confinement, etc., but most of all, the great times we had and still have together. It is a bond that most people aren’t fortunate enough to enjoy and don’t really understand. My heartfelt

thanks, again, to all, and please know that I am here for each and every one of you. Yours in the Spirit, BR Rusty Loth Bear ’59. Spence and Beverly Tucker are both well and busy enjoying a glorious Lexington spring while fitting in a bit of yard work. Spence is currently working on a four-volume almanac about American military history. His Korean War encyclopedia has been published, and he is traveling to Korea this summer to give presentations at a symposium and several Korean universities, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War. The encyclopedia of the SpanishAmerican and Philippine-American Wars, edited by Spence, won the 2010 Society of Military History (SMH) Award for best reference work in military history. What makes it so special is that the award will be presented at VMI at the SMH Conference. Spence, you continue to make us all proud we know you. Every year, Chuck and Margo Cotton look forward to the first Saturday in May, and this year was no exception, as they got ready for the Run for the Roses. Their six kids and 11 grandchildren showed up for Derby Day. Chuck and Margo mixed mint juleps, cooked burgers and broke out the boxes of women’s hats from years gone by before the family left for the big race. Generally, Chuck and Margo sit in millionaire’s row with the other owners while the family parties in the infield, but this year they babysat the little ones and shed tears

Class of 1959: Shep Shepard stopped by Monroe, North Carolina, to enjoy an evening with Bonnie Pomponio and her family. From left: Bonnie, J.T., Matt, Ellen and David Pomponio with Shepard.

2010-Issue 3

from their living room while they listened to the band play Stephen Foster’s “My Old Kentucky Home.” Despite the rain and the mud, everyone had a ball. Jack and Gail Christie are once again happy grandparents; their daughter, Nicole, gave birth to a daughter, Cameron, recently – number twelve: 6 boys and 6 girls. Impressive, but the race has been over for years when the Hobsons posted 23 and started producing great-grandchildren. Nicole and her husband, J.D., recently moved to Charlotte, NC, so Jack and Gail will be seeing more of the eastern part of the country in years to come. By the time this article is published, Jack and Joy Angolia will have completed a trip covering the North Atlantic Rim – the same route taken by ship convoys sailing to GB during WWII. This is just a little of Jack’s obsession with WWII history. Jack submitted a picture of him standing next to a WWII gun on a mountainside, overlooking the harbor of Bora Bora. The guns were far too big to fit into his suitcase, but they would have looked great in his museum. Jack’s museum continues to grow, and he’s looking for help; he would like to have pictures of family members in uniform and a copy of their discharge papers which he will frame and display. If you’re interested, his address is: 3949 W. 151st Terrace, Leawood, KS 66224, 913/681-8508. If you’ve not seen Jack’s museum, you are in for a treat; it is full of WWII weapons, uniforms and paraphernalia of all types. Ed Thomas has removed himself from the gim; his P.S.A. reading is 0.3, and he has been able to walk around the house without a walker after successful knee surgery. When Ed was recovering at the Care Center, he acquired the nickname “The Music Man,” because he had all the people in the center singing. Good to have you healthy again, Ed. Since Jerry Booth retired from the practice of dermatology four years ago, he’s been playing lots of golf but had to have a hip replacement and lower back fusion. Jerry and Shay’s travels have been restricted to trips to and from St. Petersburg, FL, where they assist their daughter in the care of year-old twin boys. Sharing the lives of their three grandchildren is their biggest joy in life. Recently, Jerry had dinner with Mike 73

CLASS NOTES and Anne Krickovic. Mike still practices cardiology, and Anne continues to keep him straight as his office manager! Tex Carr continues to audition for a spot on “This Old House.” He’s almost finished turning a three-bedroom, one-bath, singleliving-area cabin into a two-bedroom, two-bath totally repainted home with a modern kitchen. He’s found good guys for carpentry, plumbing, electrical and painting and two students with some insulation experience. Tex wants everyone to know he pays the students; doesn’t want to show up on “Larry King Live.” Bob Baillio had his second cataract surgery, and all is good. So good, in fact, that he drove a bus for JMU one day and the next went on a trip with the men’s tennis team, visiting Norfolk, Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Good to get away from the cold weather. Lee and Marilyn Southard invited everyone down to Sanibel for the Christian Couples Club Annual Dinner where Bobby Ross was the guest speaker. There were so many things going on that week that not everyone was able to attend, but Mel/Jean Anderson, Lee/Marilyn Southard, David Goode and Sandy Owens, and Bobby Ross attended from ’59, as well as Nat Pendelton ’57 and his wife. Examine the picture accompanying these notes, and see if you can tell who was in A or F Company and who the “squat butts” from C or D Company were. Larry and Nancy Wood got a wonderful surprise; out of the blue, they received a call from Clentis Gupton, widow of our beloved wrestling coach and biology professor, Oscar Gupton. Gup and Clentis retired from VMI and moved to Las Vegas, AZ. After his death, Clentis moved back to Kendal at Lexington. Recently, she decided to visit friends in Vegas, as well as her daughters in Albuquerque. So, she drove to Raleigh, where she got a direct flight to Vegas. Talk about a free spirit; she got that spunk from Gup. Mike/Julie Vargosko visited Don/Carol Messner last winter, in what was supposed to be warm and sunny FL. Although a little chilly, it was a great visit. Mike met his son, John, in Myrtle Beach for a week of golf. Unfortunately, the weatherman had other plans, and he ended up with a fistful of rain checks, but they are good forever. 74

A course honored a 12-year-old rain check. So, if Mike can’t use them, he’ll bequeath them in his will. Bruce/Norma MacKenzie just returned from a week in Lafayette, LA, with Elderhostel. This program included trips into the swamp, and Bruce swears that he saw things that probably once lived in West Virginia. It was a terrific program. Next trip will be on American Cruise Lines sailing from Philadelphia to Alexandria – smooth-water cruising. Bill and Connie Nebraska visited VT to attend the confirmation of their oldest grandson and are now getting ready for another reunion in the Poconos; kids liked it so much last year they’ll do it again. Bill will make his annual fishing trip to Canada in late September. Lots of sympathy from Bob and Lois Hobson who have both been there, done that. Bob’s knee replacement went well; Lois’ not so. Best advice is be obedient to the rehab routine. Bob and Lois have a grandson who just returned from his twoyear Puerto Rico mission. They now have four great-granddaughters and one greatgrandson. The most recent addition came in March to grandson and his wife who are with the Maine Border Patrol. Bill and Susie Kirkland tried to get to the FL Group mini-reunion, but they had

already agreed to visit Bill’s brother in Hilton Head, and they don’t get to see him that often. They did make it down to Ft. Myers this winter, and while there, they managed to get together with several friends from OH. This was their fourth visit, and they’ve seen just about everything. So, next year, they plan to visit AZ. Since they don’t know anyone there, they can act like tourists. Bill, look up Ed Thomas, and he will give you the 35 cent tour. I got a wonderful surprise the other day – a note from BR Ted Harcke. Ted left VMI after the first year and went to USMA, graduating with the class of ’60. Ted is a colonel in the U.S. Army and is chief of Forensic Radiology at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, D.C. Ted is on active duty under the Army “Retiree Recall Program,” because he is a doctor with unique credentials. Recently, he was attending a meeting at Quantico and tracked down Gordon Keiser. Ted observed that Gordo has not lost his USMC fervor, even after 50 years; he thinks his blood is gyrene green. Gordo was one of Ted’s best buddies during Rat year, and they both signed up for the PLC program together. Gordo made it through, and Ted left to pursue an education at USMA. Gordo said that he almost left for Annapolis but was advised that VMI was

Class of 1959: At The Villages (Florida) VMI Dinner, during which Gen. Peay ’62 updated alumni about matters at the Institute. From left: Shep Shepard, Mary Alice and Ron Marley, Lee and Marilyn Southard, Bill Traylor, and Dave Goode (sitting).

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES a better USMC pathway. Gordo may not entitled, “Cadets Commission, Set Sights and Mary Pipes continue to call Memphis admit it, but a good part of his success in on Medical School.” Alex Houser ’10 is home. Noland is fully recovered from the the USMC was the training he received at Billy’s and Sue’s grandson and is neurological disorder that required the U.S. Army Ranger School. As a proud graduating this year. Dick Trandel is neurosurgery last year. He is the proud Ranger graduate myself, how can I not looking good and keeping busy working at owner of a little valve and pump implanted agree? his church. The class agent’s meeting was in his skull that discharges excess fluid and Spoke with Bill Fuqua, and keeps his brain working as it he’s doing great. Other than a should. They were kept close to little hand surgery, his health is home, because Noland’s mother good, and his love life is was terminally ill, and although improving. He’s off on a she prayed that the Lord would Caribbean cruise where he’ll bring her home, He seemed so visit San Juan, Haiti and other slow. Her prayers were interesting places. Bill gets answered in March. Noland and back to the Institute periodiMary are very excited about the cally and is impressed with the prospect of another granddaughprogress Gen Peay ’62 had ter, due in late June. They are made since he has been also looking forward to a visit Class of 1959: The Florida group met in Sanibel for the superintendent. Attended a from Rusty Loth who will visit Southwest Florida Christian Couples Club Annual Dinner at which Bobby Ross was the guest speaker. From Class Agents Conference in Memphis to see daughter Laura, left: Mel Anderson, Nat Pendleton ’57, Dave Goode, Lee April. Unfortunately, Ann a professor at Rhodes College. Southard and Bobby Ross. could not accompany me, since Noland has promised Rusty she was well into PT for her finger-lickin’ good eats. Noland knee. On the way, I stopped by still teaches graduate-level Monroe, NC, where I had courses at the seminary, while dinner with Bonnie Pomponio; Mary’s ready for him to retire her son, Matt; daughter-in-law, and get back to traveling the Ellen; and grandsons, J.T. and world. They would love to see David. We had a wonderful any BR who passes through evening talking about old times Memphis. Hal and Barbara and some of the crazy antics Dayhuff made a trip to Ft. we pulled at VMI. Matt is Benning, GA, to attend a doing great. Art would be ceremony for Barbara’s first proud; he’s in the medical husband’s OCS and flight billing business, and business classmates. It’s their 50th seems to be pretty good. anniversary since graduation Class of 1959: Jack Angolia with one of three WWII guns on a mountainside overlooking the harbor of Bora Bora, Bonnie is also doing well, from OCS. Barbara’s husband, French Polynesia, Tahiti. although she misses her friends Edward B. Cribb, was a back east. She makes it back to Mohawk pilot who was shot the coast periodically to catch up on all the great; we were brought up to speed on the down in Vietnam the very day he was to news, but her passion is helping to raise goings-on at the Institute and what can be have come home. Ed’s buried at the Ft. the grandsons. I’ll get Bonnie back for the expected in the future. You can imagine a Benning Cemetery. After his death, the next reunion. While in Lexington, I got lot of time was spent talking about the U.S. Army changed the policy and took together for dinner with Dick Trandel and budget shortfalls. All I’ve got to say to you pilots off the line when they were short Billy Kornegay. Sue was under the boys and girls is “keep up the good work.” timers. Following the ceremony, they went weather and could not join us, but Billy George and Bunny Mittendorf are in good to Ft. Rucker and viewed the aircraft he previewed his latest batch of Brother Rat health and enjoying retirement. They flew. First time the family has been Red from the Kornegay Cellars in spend half their time in Brevard, NC, so together for something like this. Ina Powhatan. Billy said I couldn’t break the they get to enjoy all four seasons in the Ingram reports that things in her life are seal for six months, so I’ll reserve my Appalachian Mountains, a very special fine but uninteresting. Unfortunately, she critique until later – being the wine place. Highlight of the year was contact has not learned how to cut off those connoisseur that I am. Check out the with roommate Fred Cavanaugh. Fred is bothersome birthdays; they just seem to article in the Alumni News Section about still mayor of Aiken, SC, and much keep on coming. Bud and Denyse Kramer Billy being named Citizen of the Year. involved in local issues. He and Lee are doing well, although Denyse recently Congratulations, Billy!! Also, the May celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary underwent surgery to remove three issue of the Institute Report had an article and continue to be in good health. Noland cervical discs in her neck and replaced 2010-Issue 3

CLASS NOTES them with metal discs and a plate. She was in a lot of pain and had to wear a neck brace for quite a while, but she is doing great. The doctor says it could be up to a year before she regains full motion of her neck. Meanwhile, Bud is doing a great job learning how to cook and clean the house. John and Anne Reed continue to prosecute child sex abuse cases in the Commonwealth Attorneys Office, Staunton City and Augusta County. They are also busy with their lifelong passion, Haiti. The vocation school that they built in 1995 was once three stories high but due to the earthquake is now only a half story. Time to start over! Speaking of starting over, their son, Jack, 5, enjoys playing with his niece and nephew of about the same age. John says his brother, James, is a retired doctor living in Waynesboro, VA. Ralph and Janice Rae Lawson enjoyed a wonderful Windmill and Tulip River Cruise that took them through the waterways of Belgium and the Netherlands. They arrived just before the Iceland volcano blew, but many of the other passengers were not so lucky; the boat was half empty. Their trip included windmills, millions of tulips and the red light district. Before the cruise, they were at HH and took a trip to Augusta for the Masters. Royall and Geri Geis enjoyed a wonderful trip to the grand city of Charleston for the Marine A4D jet squadron VMA-533 reunion. On the way, they stopped by VMI to attend the ceremony honoring Col. Don Jamison ’57 who was retiring after a career as professor of CE, advisor for the Honor Court, and captain and later coach of the VMI tennis team. After the ceremony, Royall and Geri drove to Charleston where they stayed with friends that Royall used to sing with while a member of the Alexandria Harmonizers 10 years ago. Together, they toured the only tea plantation in the U.S.A., took in the carrier U.S.S. Yorktown and a WWII diesel submarine. Royall found that the sub was not meant for people over 6’ 2”. On the hangar deck of the carrier was an F9F Panther jet similar to the F8F Cougar jet that Royall carrier-qualified in, and on the flight deck was an A4D with the name Capt. Stockdale on it! What a great tour. 76

Buckley. Andrew is a rising lacrosse star, and Buckley is a soccer star who can “bend it like Beckham,” having scored 6 of the 8 goals made. Not only are they stars on the field, but they’re also wearing stars in school. Needless to say, Bill and Yvonne are proud grandparents. Ann and I are doing well. Besides taking Ann to Home Depot to pick out numbers for our mail box, we’ve been very busy. We recently had supper with Janet Peschi and Deb Flynn, two of Art Pomponio’s three sisters. We found that Deb lives about an hour’s drive from us, and fortunately, Janet was visiting for a few months. Our family is doing great, and our grandchildren just seem to get smarter, prettier and more handsome each day. We’ll all be together the week of the fourth of July in Hilton Head to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. Until next time, you boys and girls keep those cards, letters and e-mails coming in. Yours in the Spirit, Shep Addendum: Late breaking news! Billy and Sue Kornegay’s grandson, Class of 1959: Larry and Nancy Wood got Alex Houser ’10, was selected as the together with Clentis Gupton, widow of VMI valedictorian for the class of 2010. our beloved wrestling coach and biology He has already been commissioned and professor, Oscar (Gup) Gupton. has been accepted to several medical schools on an Army scholarship. This note about how she appreciated being kept kid must take after Sue! Congratulations, Kornegays. in the loop about all of Watson’s Brother (Editor’s Note: See photo of Houser in Rats and their families. She was particuthe front section of this Alumni Review larly happy that she was able to attend with other graduation photos.) Andre Loth’s memorial service and see so many members of the Stonewall Class. Molly and Watson’s son, Gardner, will L. Edward Tolley have already walked down the aisle with his soul mate by the time this article is published. Congratulations, Molly. John and Teddi Martin just reached their 35th wedding anniversary, and to celebrate, Gentlemen Brother Rats: they are off on a riverboat cruise beginning “Of all our great reunions, this one was the in Passau, Germany, and ending in best.” This statement, or a very similar one, is Budapest, Hungary. They’re looking one made to me by numerous Brother Rats who forward to a great trip. Earlier this year, attended the Class of ’60 – 50th, and I‘m certain they visited Vero Beach, FL, where John that everyone there would agree. It was good to and Teddi had a surprise dinner with old see some 92 Brother Rats, their wives, Mrs. Reba friends, Otis and Arlene Pool ’60. Bill and Bayliss, Patrick Bayliss, Mrs. Bettina Graham, Yvonne Traylor just returned from visiting Mrs. Val Cochran, and Mike’s son, Eric Ondos. daughter Elizabeth and her family in Registration went smoothly albeit loud at times. Warrenton, VA, where they enjoyed the The schedule was flexible allowing plenty of time for visiting and reviewing our old stomping wonderful spring weather and the grounds. Buses were provided for transportation company of their 14-year-old grandson, to different activities and locations (someone Andrew, and 10-year-old granddaughter, They departed Charleston and headed to Chocowinity, NC, for a reunion with Royall’s two older brothers. They had not been together for several years, so it was a memorable occasion. Royall and Geri are back home relaxing, enjoying retired life and looking forward to swapping houses with a Scottish couple for the month of July, theirs being a penthouse in Edinburgh. The couples are also insured with USAA, so they can drive each other’s cars and still be covered. Molly Mundy Pope wrote a nice

’60

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES earns a gold star for this maneuver). The memorial service, led by Bob Graves and Ed Davis, was especially meaningful. The meals were scrumptious and the Sunday morning breakfast ended a perfect weekend. The weather was threatening upon arrival on Thursday and stayed that way until Saturday night when at last a little rain came and left the air with a clean smell of “mission accomplished”. I only wish that those absent could have joined us. We missed you Brother Rat. Jim Pittman, who did so much of the technical work to put together the reunion booklet, has began to assemble information for a DVD with pictures and information gathered from Brother Rats taken during the reunion. It will be available online upon completion. If you

have material that he can use, please forward it to him at jamespittman@comcast.net. Jim does not have pictures of the Homestead outing nor golfing activities. Pictures or information can be submitted via email attachment or CD. Computer geeks know other ways as well. For this reason, I will limit names and details relative to reunion activities in these notes to items of special interest trusting that more detail will be gleaned from the DVD as it is available. Jim French produced an excellent video that included pictures of all Brother Rats from The Bomb and various scenes, establishments, and sites of interest around Lexington. The video was set up in the hospitality room and ran continuously when the room was occupied. It was quite popular with everyone. The pictures

brought back many treasured memories and generated all sorts of war stories. A call to Wayne LeBlang, who couldn’t make the reunion, caught him returning from an appointment. He and Judy are doing great in their humble abode on the seventh hole of one of the six golf courses of their LaQuinta, California, and community! Tough life, eh? Wayne was excited to hear about numerous BRs. I caught up with Tom and Anna Marie Kurkoski who were unable to attend the 50th as a result of the stroke Tom suffered a couple weeks before the event. I must say that Tom sounds much better; his voice is essentially back to normal although he says that there are times when the vocal cords just don’t work to perfection. He was excited to hear how the reunion went and was so

Class of 1960 50th Class Reunion

Class of 1960: The following attended their 50th Reunion and are listed alphabetically: George Ax, Jim Bagby, Doc Ballard, John H. Barr, Carl Benner, Bo Bowles, Henry Brown, Neal Callaham, Ashby Chamberlin, Bob Clay, John Coughlin, George Coulbourn, Tom Daniel, Ed Davis, Tony Di Caprio, Ed Duncan, Bill Elliott, Bill Enniss, Chris Fleet, Vaughan Foxwell, James B. French, Bud Frith, Charles Gehring, Bill Giles, Jim “Eva” Gillespie, “Jeep” Goodwillie, Bob Graves, Jim Greathead, Don Hammonds, Phil Hamric, Nick Hester, John Hilliard, Jack Horgan, Sam Horner, Peter Houck, Bill Keens, Bill King, Bill Knowles, Thomas Kurkoski, Tom Leary, David Maddox, Earl Marquette, Dan Marston, Pete McGue, Roy McLeod, George Miller, Hap Miller, Sam Miller, John Moore, Joe Morabit, Mike Moss, Howard Moss, Dick Murphy, Fred Murrill, Jim O’Dell, J.C. Olsen, Michael Ondos, Bill Overman, Ridge Parks, Jon Parnell, George “G.G.” Philips, Michael Pitt, Jim Pittman, Otis Pool, James Powell, John Powell, Roy Quinn, Ed Roney, Howard Roth, George Salaita, Jim Savage, Jack Seamon, Jim Seeley, Steve Sewell, Phil Shiner, Henry Shirley, Mike Shoemaker, Joe Sisler, Guy Smith, Jimbo Smith, Joe Stewart, Ed Tolley, Jim Tumlinson, George Uhlig, Herb Vaughan, Alan Walker, Don Webb, Jack Willard, Troy Williams, Bolling Williamson, Andy Wise, Walter Witschard, Barry Worst and Denny Zay.

2010-Issue 3

CLASS NOTES appreciative for the cards and calls he received from BRs. He named many who sent letters and cards but couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remember all of you. I gave him an update regarding Jon Quinn and others. He commented that he had talked to Bill Keens just before the stroke hit him and had planned to see them at the reunion. Tom sounded great and so did Anna Marie.

I caught Don Duncan after lunch as he continues work with Dominion Power. Dunk was not able to make the reunion. He is busy reviewing upgrades in instrumentation and the turbines and generators at North Anna and Surry nuke plants to improve power output. Dominion refuses to let the man retire! Like many of us, Don has had some medical problems that

have been pretty well resolved, and he is back at it. Tough man! Although I missed Reed Myrick again, I spoke with Valerie and got the local scoop regarding the Arizona political scene. It sounds like McCain might have a tough time gaining another term in the senate. Val is a Tea Partyer and is having fun at it.

Class of 1960 50th Reunion, April 2010

Class of 1960: Bo Bowles, left, with Neal Callaham.

Class of 1960: Ed Duncan wearing his VMI cap.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES At the reunion I had the great fun playing golf with Jim Bagby, Guy Smith, and Bill King. I was the “D” player. The wheels came off during our back nine, but it was fun. I got a letter from Jim, who, as you recall, left VMI after two years to finish at the US Naval Academy. He confirmed that VMI remains his favorite of the two schools while his loyalty to the US Navy is solid. Jim, Guy, and Bill kept us in the hunt for low score and should my putting have been respectable then Sisler, Pool, Horner, and Long Ball Eric Ondos, Mike’s son, would have still won the money. Do any of you have good contact information of Ken Scott? Steve Slattery? I’m concerned that I cannot reach either. Neither attended the reunion. Steve’s absence was expected since he is in a rest home in Sacramento, but Ken, who lives in Heathsville, VA, should be reachable. Let me know if you have a recent contact with either. Thanks. Good news from Corvalis, Oregon, and John Fulton! Aspirin and cardura (?) keep his blood pressure in check while Christie is out stimulating the economy and polluting the air. The surprising thing is that Christie won’t drive the pick-up anywhere! Now, why is that? The family is doing great. I had forgotten that John was a Brother Rat of ’55 having left to return in ’57 and being adopted by us. We all enjoyed John’s presence with our gang. John expressed appreciation for calls from Henry Brown and Jimbo Smith regards the reunion. Alex Dunlap answered the first ring and spent half an hour updating me about him and Barb. He and Barb had some medical situations that prevented their attendance at the 50th. Both have improved to some extent but must remain cautious and attentive. He is retired but Barb still does some marketing and painting while battling low energy, muscle, and joint pain. I left messages for Warner Cole, Nick Delaplane (who is still at it with the Dept of Energy at Savannah River), Warren Haynie, Brad Lampshire, and Bill Driver, none whom could make the reunion. My contact information for Lenny Carmine, Tom Coggin, and Willard Gates is no good. Can anyone help me? I had a line on Coggin in Birmingham a couple years back but there is no listing for him there now. I think that Willard has a brother or Gates relative who attended VMI but all attempts to reach him have gone for naught. Herb Vaughan related a story about Warren Haynie, mentioned above. Herb was called to serve on a jury over in some time back. When the potential jurors were questioned by the judge as to whether or not anyone had a legitimate reason to be excused, Herb raised his hand and told the judge that “it was very inconvenient” to which the judge said, “Look

2010-Issue 3

around you, man. It is inconvenient for everyone! Lower your hand”. Next the attorneys for the defense and prosecutor had a chance to object to the jurors. One of the attorneys said, “Dismiss Mr. Vaughan”. Herb was surprised. As he passed the attorney on his way out, Warren Haynie whispered, “You owe me one, Brother Rat.” Jim Gibson was trucking along hitting on eight good cylinders until the big 70 arrived at which time urinary irregularities told him things needed a check out. Cancer of the bladder was diagnosed to which chemo did nothing to correct. Removal of the bladder was the action presented to which Gibby objected since a bag hanging on his belt didn’t match his dress code. He opted for a bladder repair by which the doctors took a portion of his intestine to patch up where cancer was removed! Ever heard of that? Recuperation has been slow (three months), but Jim feels that he is well on the way to better days. Joan is doing fine. Brian Kane has finally lost his Brooklyn accent! He keeps busy caring for the grandkids and obeying orders. He has retired from coaching and teaching in Midlothian but was not able to attend the 50th. He was glad to hear that the attendance was large and enthusiastic. Jean is doing better than the average. Ed Martin has had a medical situation that prevented him from attending the 50th. He is totally retired after the Air Force and work at Wright-Patterson. A trip to Las Vegas recently was a good reprieve from the normal routine. The two grandchildren and their parents are always a treat and return to their more active years. Tom and Judy Beavers, who couldn’t make the 50th, just had a family reunion in The Plains, VA. Their second daughter, Tammy, and her husband, a U. of Nebraska grad, from Iowa were there as were Karen, the oldest and Terri, the youngest. Daughter Karen had a stroke at age 35 that left her blind with some motor skills problems as well. Thanks to the expert work by the team at a Richmond rehab center, she is doing remarkably well and lives with Tom and Judy. Tom is still active with his ham radio hobby and does volunteer work with the local fire and rescue departments. He has reduced the three acre yard mowing to half that amount. Dave Bisset is going strong as he approaches the final year teaching U.S. History in the Va. Beach system. Dave has been an active recruiter for VMI in the area and has sent several good students to VMI. After 23 years in the Air Force and 20 years teaching, Dave is ready to erase the chalk board to concentrate on the seven grandchildren. He asked about Dave Haycock which prompted a call to Lancaster, California. Haycock was not in to answer.

Dick Hand was available when I called and we chatted for a spell. Dick was crippled (he can motivate via crutches) by an auto accident years back and thus was unable to make the 50th. Dick says that Roy McLeod, one of his roomies, calls him every-so-often to fill him in on action in Virginia and at VMI. There are three children and six grandchildren who are not too far away but far enough that their visits are not often enough. As I was unloading a pickup load of sand for my latest project, Tom Royster called from Round Rock, Texas. He agreed to call back later and in doing so filled me in on their trip to New Zealand and Australia. It was an extended trip and was one he and Jennifer will remember long into the future. The euphoria of the trip was short lived when they learned that Jennifer’s sister had had a turn for the worst in her battle against cancer. That necessitated another trip to her home in Florida. Tom’s manuscript for his book about Civil War letters and related correspondence, that has been his hobby collecting, is nearing completion. You will be advised when the final product is ready for distribution. He was amazed that their son, Tom, who lives in Florida, is a long distance bike rider and the grandson, 14, has joined his dad in the exercise that is usually for distances of 30 to 40 miles per trip. Ashby Chamberlin might have some advice for your son, Tom. And, as I drove back home from a trip to Dublin, Va., Bill Driver called and gave me an update on the many activities in which he and his family are involved. He expressed his regrets at not being able to attend the 50th and asked about numerous BRs. It is a long haul from Newberry Florida, and with all the goingson, he was unable to schedule. Bill says he is on a couple meds that keep him active and going although not at the pace of years past. Brother Rats, it has been an honor and privilege to work with the reunion committee. I have enjoyed the interface with so many who freely contributed many, many hours toward the successful program and continued support for the spirit of Brother Rats and the Institute. Do not hesitate to contact me at any time I can be of assistance. Rah Va Mil.

’61

Sal Vitale Jr.

There is excitement is in the air! Our 50th Reunion is only nine months away. It is hard to believe that we will soon be that alumnus we saw at parade wearing a red jacket, yellow pants

CLASS NOTES and white shirt walking down the sidewalk with the help of a cane. Do you remember? By now, you should have received a call from a Brother Rat on the 50th Reunion Campaign Fund Raising Committee, and I hope you were positive in your response. Please help our class be the first ever in VMI history to achieve 100 percent participation. You have heard me say many times before that we are special, and this is the time to show our strength as a class. I continue to be positive that we will have the largest number of BRs returning and will possibly set a VMI reunion record. Remember, “Brother Rats are forever,” so you short-timers or those who did not graduate with us for a variety of reasons or those who have never been back to VMI, this is your time to come and break bread with us. All are welcome – and I mean all – and I pledge that you will have the time of your life. If I sound redundant, I am. Being with my Brother Rats always brings joy to my heart. If you have misplaced your registration form let me know, and I will provide another. No excuses, and no quibbling; return your registration forms now. Now, for the news. “Facebook,” the computer craze, has provided a means to reunite people, and for us it has reestablished communication with lost Brother

Rats and even surfaced siblings of our Brother Rats. What a pleasure it was to “friend” Jon Austin, Gerry Austin’s son. Jon was only 6 yrs. old when Gerry passed away. Jon and Buddy Alligood are now friends, and Bud has shared some great stories and pictures with Jon. In September 2010, Jon and several of his Masonic brothers will visit the Statue of Liberty, and Bill Maurer (another Facebook friend) will be the tour guide. Speaking of Bud Alligood, Bud has been attending VMI baseball and basketball games. He went to see VMI play the third game in the series with High Point and enjoyed the game with Walter Stokes. As many of you know, Larry Wetsel is always going someplace. During his most recent trip to Montana to see his daughter, he visited with Gerry Mollock. Gerry is retired. He’s “fit” as Larry put it and hopefully will be returning for the 50th. I also have been in contact with Donna Fisher Tyler and Barbara Jean (Bootsie ’61) LeFon, and both widows are fine. Congratulations to Jimmy Ring’s wife, Frankie, who recently graduated with honors from Regent University with a master’s of divinity degree. Frankie was awarded the top distance education student in recognition for her academic excellence and exemplary display

Class of 1961: At the 50th Reunion Fund Raising Committee meeting in Lexington, Virginia, were, from left, front row: James Miner, Battle Haslam, Hershell Murray, Tom Alvey, Rhett Clarkson and Lee Badgett. Second row: P.J. Johnston, John Tharrington, Gates Richards, Sal Vitale, Don Rishell and Dude Copenhaver. Third row, Stu Woodcock, Don Wilkinson, Hollowell, George Henning, Jim Bickford and Ben Lynch. Fourth row: Ashby Taylor, Carl Hirsch, Dave Harbach, Graham King, Larry Wetsel, Rick Youngblood, Fred Ayers and J.C. Miller. Not pictured: John Woodfin and Hugh Gouldthorpe. Photo by Kathryn Wise.

Class of 1961: Larry Wetsel and Gerald Mollock reacquainting themselves in Bozeman, Montana, February 2010. of Christian character and commitment. Mike Carmichael is very proud of his wife, Suzanne. Suzanne continues to find time to care for all the family, including her very independent 93-year-old mother, while occupying leadership roles in nonprofit organizations that depend on volunteers to improve the overall quality of life in the community. Suzanne was recently elected to the Vestry of R.E. Lee Memorial Episcopal Church. Well, it finally happened: Dave Harbach retired from General Dynamics and relocated from Detroit back to his home in northern Virginia. Dave has had two successful careers, and I know that we all wish for him and Charlotte a wonderful time together. Congratulations to Bill and Shon Maurer on the arrival of their granddaughter, Emma Charlotte Maurer, the daughter of Adam Maurer ’95. Raine Gilbert has also become a grandfather for the sixth time – six granddaughters and not one grandson. Raine says that God has a sense of humor after giving his mother four boys. Battle Haslam wrote that Joe Engelhard, his Rat roommate till Christmas furlough, assures Battle that he’s coming to our 50th. Battle has been in touch with Keith Gibson ’77 at the VMI Museum concerning the re-interred Claudius Crozet remains and his stone marker across the road from Crozet Hall. There was a plan to install a medallion on the headstone, but it never happened. Battle has decided to personally sponsor the medallion which will be crafted by Gary Casteel, a sculptor who lives in Lexington and whose two sons graduated from VMI. We can always count on Battle to undertake some “good works” for BRs, their

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES families and VMI. Thanks, Battle. Snow was in the news during January and February, and Bill Braithwaite thought his sledding and snowball days were behind him (to say nothing of guard duty at 12 below), but four feet of snow in Annapolis, MD, is indeed unusual. Bill saw it as a minor inconvenience – no power outage or food rations, etc. Now, rain and flooding are causing lots of grief. Harbert Alexander said he was beginning to think that we have really irritated the “man upstairs.” Rain amounts of 12 to 15 inches during a 48-hour period flooded homes and streets all over west and middle TN, and tornado sirens went off for two nights. Harbert is glad he lives on a hill. I hope our BRs in Nashville, John McDougall and Dick Huneycutt, are OK, as I have heard nothing from them. Bill Maurer, who lives in northern New Jersey, was also happy to be living on high ground, as flooding was all around him. In New York state, Bill Hala had a total of 45 inches of snow on the ground, and by mid March, there were only patches of snow remaining. Then, the temperatures rose to the upper 60s and low 70s, and heavy rain caused severe flooding and lots of damage to the nearby village of Tuxedo, NY, which was completely shut off by flood waters. Bill escaped, all thanks to his 1000-foot elevation. Bob Coltrane thought we might like to know that in Yankee-land (PA), he has all four seasons: the rainy season, the muddy season, the dusty season and the snowy season, whereas, he said, “You all down in the Land of Sand and Sunshine have only two seasons – Hot and Hotter.” The snow has melted, the twit birds have returned and the trees are sprouting red buds. That’s how Bob and Loretta know that spring arrived, and they love it. Charlie Finnigan was very happy when he got a call from his old roommate, Kirk Dance. Kirk was well but confused after reading Charlie’s write up in Volume 1, 2010 of the Alumni Review. How could it be that with the extensive military training provided by VMI, even Charlie, after 20 years service in the USAF, would progress past lieutenant before retiring? It appears that someone (not me – I checked my notes) changed lieutenant colonel to lieutenant. Sorry, Charlie, but it did surface Dance! (Smile) Don Rishell finally caught up with Jim DiBella. Jim has been fighting cancer for the past three years and is just about clear of the disease. Jim did very little traveling, and that is why he wasn’t at the football reunions. I don’t know how many of you know that Jim reached the rank of brigadier general in the National Guard before he retired. I also heard that Jim is planning to be with us at the 50th. So, you BRs who know him, keep after him. Lynn and Shir-

2010-Issue 3

ley Hartford have finally created a foundation for Shirley’s Cat Sanctuary. It is a very large undertaking, and those interested in helping in this undertaking, let Lynn know. Golf has brought many Brother Rats together. Dick Stone and Ray Hanlein and spouses have been visiting and golfing together. Dick Stone organized a Brother Rat golf outing in Southport, NC, for May 16, and Sue and I plan to be there .Unfortunately, my deadline for class notes is May 15 for the this Review, and the deadline cannot be extended. So, I will have to report on golf and the Richmond gathering at Dick and Judy Youngblood’s on May 22, next time. … Sorry. Every once in a while, I forward an e-mail that may or not be accurate, and I can count on some of you to surface a more correct position. Sometimes, that is the only way to get a response from you, and during one of my last e-mails I did hear from Kent Modine, John Butler, Mike Wash, Troy Jones, Irv Wells, Tom Langdon, Jimmy Berger, George Ward and several others who I forgot. At least I know they are alive and reading my e-mails. On a more serious side, last year John Gangemi had someone steal his identity and used it to open a brokerage account and then laundered altered governments checks through the account. It took the government almost a year to realize the checks were altered, and then they seized the account. The brokerage company then went to John asking for restitution of over $250,000. When using sites like Facebook, John asks you to consider changing personal information like date of birth to just month and day. John is still working through this mess, and I did change my personal information on Facebook. Tom Whalen had his ski season end prematurely when he had a hard landing on a slope at Squaw Valley at the end of January 2010. Otherwise, his travel plans for this year include Mexico, Eastern Europe, United Kingdom, India and Nepal. Why stay home? Sometimes I think Tom is in competition with Wetsel to see who travels the most. Dick Lindquist remains in pretty good shape. He is still doing reading and speaking tutoring for his sixth grader, and she is doing real well. I spoke to Dick’s oldest granddaughter, Ruby Lee, who is a lawyer with Wilcox and Savage in Norfolk. I also finally called Bev Scott. Bev lives in Williamsburg, is in the consulting business and I feel sure he will return for the reunion. George Van Orden is very proud of his grandson, Kyle Van Orden. (His dad is the retired Marine CWO3.) Kyle, a senior, has made a name for himself on both the basketball court and the baseball field. Kyle was a starter on their basketball team, which finished second in the State Division 4 championship in a double-overtime thriller. Kyle is

also a pitcher for the Broadway High School Gobblers who are 8-0 and have outscored their opponents 94 to 12. If Kyle doesn’t suffer any injuries, George expects someday he will see Kyle pitch for the San Diego Padres! Nothing stops Lou Shuba! Those of you who have e-mail have seen the pictures of Lou’s bicycle ride from Washington, DC, to Gettysburg with the Face of America Bike Ride teams from all over the country. Lou was the top fund raiser for disabled American servicemen, and Lou thanks the Brother Rats, relatives, teammates and friends who contributed. Next year, Lou hopes to have a VMI team consisting of cadets, Brother Rats and alumni interested in supporting the fund raising event. Lou sums up his biking experience as follows: “NOTHING STOPS THEM (the Veterans). I’ve just had three of the best days of my life. Being with so many positive people who have been through so much adversity and continue to pursue life with so much enthusiasm is such an incredible experience.”

Class of 1961: Lou Shuba in April 2010 participating in the “Face of America Bike Ride for Disabled Veterans” from Washington, D.C., to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Photo by Jon Steckbeck. Since the last Review, Sue and I have done some visiting. At the end of February, I quail hunted with Skip McDannald and Ashby Taylor at Skip’s farm in Walkersville, GA. We had three days of good food and of course, VMI stories. Ashby has finally started the major restoration of his historic house in Craddockville, VA. Sue and I stopped to see Ashby and Sandra on our way back from Maryland and got there just

CLASS NOTES in time for lunch and a cured country ham sand- cool beer and great munchies. By now, most all of you know about Sleepy wich. Your Reunion Fund Raising Committee met in Lexington in March. For two days, under Hollowell and his recovery from near death. At the writing of these notes, he is still on dialysis, the leadership of Lee Badgett, we put a fund in a rehab facility and in good spirits. His famraising plan together for your consideration, ily says thanks for all the prayers, cards and and we had great time being together. Now, it telephone calls. Nelle Gouldthorpe had her last is up to you to accomplish the plan and achieve chemo treatment in Beaufort, SC, and is doing the results. The Virginia Woman’s Institute for extremely well. Hugh Gouldthorpe had foot Leadership (VWIL) held their 10th Military surgery, and by the time you read this, will have Ball at the Jackson Hotel in Staunton. The VMI had the pin out of his foot and will be walking Commanders, under the leadership of Col. again. George Ward had a heart attack back in John Brodie, played for the ball, and Brother early March, and in April, he again went to the Rat Lee Badgett was the guest of honor. Lee ER with chest pains. This time, it turned out made one of the most inspiring speeches I have to be pleurisy which is an inflamed membrane ever heard him make. It was a great evening, around the lungs. George is hell bent on making and being with Mike and Jan Bissell, Lee and the reunion. Ray Hanlein’s new knee seems Betsey Badgett, and Candy Monroe Wagner to be working well, as he has again started (Sem.’62) and Jerry Wagner ’62 made it even play tennis and golf. Buzz Bossart and John better. Brother Rat Mike Bissell has shepherded Purner are doing OK. John had his other eyelid this corps of cadets at Mary Baldwin for over fixed and should be seeing out of both eyes 10 years and has done a magnificent job. So, for the first time in years. My roommate Floyd if you have a granddaughter ready for college, you need to look into the VWIL program. From Staunton, Sue and I drove to Wrightsville Beach, NC, so that Sue could spend some time with her childhood friend, Linda Husk. Linda dated a few of our BRs when she attended Southern Seminary and was Sue’s maid of honor. As for me, I was lucky and stayed with Dick and Judy Youngblood at their condo in Wrightsville Beach. The weather was great, and Dick took me on a tour, by boat, of his old stomping grounds. What a treat. We made several trips with the Gibbings and Wetsels to Richmond for the Virginia Historical Society lectures. Larry has a van, and this allowed all of us to go together. Before the VHS annual Class of 1961: Ron and Fran Mcgarden party, we visited with John and Anne Nemar standing in front of a corner Woodfin who live near by. Both John and cabinet that Ron crafted, in their Anne are playing lots of golf and are in good Fairfield, Virginia, home, March health. My last trip to VMI was for the Class 2010. Agents Conference and Col. Don Jamison ’57 social. On the way home, I stopped in Fairfield, VA, to see Ron and Fran McNemar. Their restored old home is right on Route 11, and without realizing it, I passed it dozens of times. Ron is a very experienced woodworker and fine furniture maker and has a very unique Lionel Train layout. I saw Fran’s paintings, and she, in my view, has a wonderful painting style. It was a wonderful visit and long overdue. When not traveling, you will probably find Sue and me at the Gibbings’ Friday afternoon beer and cookies social. This get-together has been going on for some time now, and you never know who is going to show up. Sometimes, it’s Bill’s friends and sometimes Garland Payne, Class of 1961: In February 2010, Ashby Rabbit Patrick, the Wetsels and the Kerns Taylor and Skip McDannald went quail show up. So, if you are in Virginia Beach on hunting in Walkersville, Georgia. a Friday afternoon at 4:30 PM, stop in for a

Roberts is having trouble with a serious spine condition that is pushing on the L4 and L5 vertebra, causing severe pain in the lower back. So, please join me in praying for a speedy recovery of all our BRs and spouses, and there are more than the few mentioned. Prayers help! That is the news for now. Don’t forget to support our 50th fund raising campaign, and please send in your reunion reservation form ASAP. Stay well, and we want to see you again real soon. Gosh – only nine months to Our 50th Reunion. God bless our class and VMI.

’62

Jerry Burnett

Dear Brother Rats, I am happy to report that I received no adverse news over the last three months from any Brother Rat or family member about health problems or deaths. I received a note from Tony Curtis that Binnie Peay was at The Villages on January 9, 2010 to inaugurate the official VMI Alumni Chapter (The Villages) with Col. Walt Chalkley ’72 as President and Tony as Vice-president. Congratulations to all of the VMI family at The Villages and all of our Brother Rats who presently reside at The Villages. Speaking of Tony, he reports that as of May 11th only 99 Brother Rats have sent their Bios to him. His timeline is running out and he is going to start making one on one calls to each Brother Rat who has not responded to his request for the Bios. Please, if you have not responded, send, fax or email your Bio ASAP. Tony and Judy are doing our class a great favor in compiling these Bios for us to get closer as a class. More importantly, our offspring will enjoy reading about the Brother Rats and families when we are deceased. It is always nice to receive notes from Bill Bryant of the happenings in Williamsburg, Virginia as well as Doug Marechal in Waynesboro and Hollands County. I had notified you in my last notes that Edmund and Margie Strickler lost her father and her mother has gone to the Fredericksburg area to live with a sister. Edmund and Margie are in town as we speak listing the family property in South Boston, Virginia. We plan to go out to dinner next week. Edmund resumed contact with Charlie Montgomery, who lives in Gulf Shores, Alabama. He said Charlie’s excuse for not attending the 45th Reunion was that he did not have a woman so that is no longer valid. Charlie got married in January 2009. Barbara had a house in Gulf Shores as well. Barbara

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES teaches water aerobics at a retirement community. Charlie had his last knee replacement in September 2009. It has done well though he hasn’t had as much outside exercise like bike riding this winter because of the cold weather in Florida. Charlie retired as a teacher in the Alabama school system and he is enjoying his teacher’s retirement as well as Social Security. He plans to come to our 50th Reunion. Bill Mizell reported in on his golf game. He has been taking a series of lessons from Butch Liebler, long time pro at the Cavalier and has coached a few of the pros on the PGA tour as well as two of the top amateurs in the state of Virginia. He said Butch got him hitting the ball pretty well and Evan Beck, one of the state amateur stars, helped him with his putting. Bill won the Windholtz match play elimination tournament. 64 players, elimination matches from May until July and he won the event beating a 4 handicapper on the 17th hole. In September, his partner and he won the Member/Member. The crux of his message was that his game is a heck of a lot better. Joy and I are going to the beach in June for our 14th Member/Guest Tournament with Bill. We can’t wait to meet his new lady friend who he describes as a “cute blonde, real estate agent, and a lot of fun.” I will give you a follow-up report. John Shelhorse reports that he had spoken to Pete and Nell Tattersall. They discussed their “misspent youth in the horse business.” John said that Pete had had a lengthy and successful career as a trainer of thoroughbred race horses all across the country. Pete’s son, Tom, is very interested in VMI and would appreciate any of the Brother Rats putting in a good word for him with the Institute. Pete and John were planning on playing in one of the VSGA 1-day events at Birdwood in Charlottesville. Thanks a lot John for giving a heads up on Pete. I emailed you an attachment from the Keydet Club about the VMI Auction at the Jefferson Hotel at 6 p.m. on May 21, 2010. This is an excellent opportunity for the Brother Rats to meet and sponsor a table and donate items for the silent auction which has been a huge fundraising effort by the Keydet Club in the past. Please mark this on your calendar and plan to attend if possible. I also emailed you an attachment “Bricks –A Mark for All Time.” Unfortunately, when I emailed you I always receive about 70 undeliverable responses. I will briefly review my email. In 1998, VMI started a fundraiser called Bricks-A Mark for All Time. Donors who meet or exceed $2500 cash gifts since July 1, 1998 qualify for 1 brick with the inscription of the standard name of the alumnus. Approximately 95 of our Brother or Sister Rats elected to participate in this endeavor and have placed

2010-Issue 3

approximately 101 bricks on the walkway in front of the guard room. Some Brother Rats have qualified for a maximum of 5 bricks which can be donated to a needy or deceased Brother Rat. At present, we have 49 deceased Brother Rats. I am requesting that any of you who have additional unused bricks notify Pat Webb at the Alumni office that you will donate your unused brick in the memory of a deceased Brother Rat. Of course, any living Brother Rat not on the Class of 1962 brick report can always contribute $2500 to the VMI Foundation and has his brick placed along with other participating Brother Rats. Please let me know if you have any questions about the bricks. I enjoy being your class agent and I look forward to your notes. In the Bonds and Spirit of VMI, Jerry Burnett

’63

Michael J. Curley

An editorial note in opening…Peg and I are visiting family in Maine as I write these notes. (Yes, we are having a ball and attempting to set a lobster consumption record at the same time!) I am making my best efforts to do a thorough job and not miss anyone’s contributions. I am also happy to say that many of you responded to my recent solicitation for news…thanks! So, this is a test of technology and my addled brain…can I pull this off with just a Netbook, no printer and a lot of coffee? Let’s see! Sadly, I must lead off this edition of the Notes with news of the loss of two of our VMI ’63 family. Jim Hickerson lost his wife Susan after a very brief illness and Sharon Rountree (Tommy’s wife) lost her son Jeff to a brain tumor. Jim called while Peg and I were on the road to the Northern reaches of New England and we had a great conversation. He has already relocated to be near his sister in Charlotte NC

and promises not only to come to more VMI games but to provide us with contact information so that we can include him in our activities. Our prayers are with both families … Let me share some thoughts about the April Class Agents’ gathering in Lexington. First, if you haven’t experienced the new Leadership and Ethics Center, you must…it’s that simple! I am convinced that this facility will not only serve the Institute family well but it will also act as a magnet to leaders everywhere focusing on the VMI Leadership ethic. We met with Gen. Binnie Peay ’62 on Friday afternoon in the lecture theater for a State of the Institute discussion. A couple tidbits of interest; tuition is up to nearly $20,000, 2nd highest in the state. Enrollment is running around 1,540 cadets and there is currently a waiting list for the Fall Rat class nearing 100, each possessing a 3.5+ GPA or better. Friday evening we adjourned to the Banquet Hall for dinner and a splendid presentation by Captain Susan J. Rabern (USN, Retired), Acting Director of the Center in whom we can take great pride. I was joined for the dinner by Pam Traugott in Peg’s absence. Capt. Rabern ably led a discussion and presentation on the mission of the Center…money well spent! The center has become a hit with the cadets and that counts big time in my mind! Most of Si Bunting’s contributions are made on the run and composed on his beloved Blackberry. He recently wrote “Son Charlie Bunting ’01 married a young medical doctor, continuing strong VMI tradition of (male) graduates marrying above themselves. Father ‘63 and Diana enjoying laidback farm life in Fauquier County. We see Jay Adams ’66 all the time -- he has succeeded in the game of life as a result of the strong ratline experience we provided him. Warmest to all! Si” Also noteworthy was a recent note from him. “I just left Uniontown PA where the town fathers put on a ‘day’ celebrating George Marshall’s life and achievements. He is an enduring presence in the old town.” (mjc: Nice job, Si!)

Class of 1963: In April 2010, gathering in Lexington, Virginia, for the tribute to Col. Donald Jamison ’57, were, from left, Logan Jennings, Bill Jones, Judy and John Mills, Bunny Reynolds, and Leland Caldwell.

CLASS NOTES Just so that you know, Pat Kelly has evolved easy--summer in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, busty. Life is good. We’ve both actually retired. into the Class Ambassador of good will. HE’S and Chile isn’t the same as in Antarctica or even I spend two or three evenings each week teachEVERYWHERE! For example, I had already the Falklands. We left Dulles Airport in below ing English to two Korean immigrants; Beth is planned to include a number of his BR visitation freezing temperatures, arrived Rio de Janeiro to involved with both a social and a professional stories and then comes word that he is headed upper 80s. We loved seeing all we did--just didn’t organization (the latter allowing her to maintain to the west coast on business where he will try see enough. Returned to DC right after a light her RVT credentials, although she doesn’t plan to to see Pete Ippolito and Kenny Reams. Here’s snowfall, then three days later found ourselves in return to work). Family and travel occupy a lot his first contribution: “The Big K = tiny! That’s falling snow that totaled three feet over four days. of our time. One grandson may graduate from a funny vision, isn’t it? Gwen and I are heading My snow blower and I had a lot of fun! The en- George Mason University next spring. If he does, out the door this morning to spend the weekend closed photo meets your technical requirements. it will be in 7 semesters. And just think, he’s my with Chuck and Christi Weddinggrandson! His sister graduates from ton at their ranch in Mt. Calm, TX. high school in June, and has been ac(You remember Mt. Calm? That’s cepted to The University. Yeah, UVA! where the Branch Davidian comCan you believe we have three greatpound was located.) We spent our grandchildren? The oldest, a girl, is in anniversary in Ft. Lauderdale with first grade and is the sweetest kid in Bob and Crellin Byrd. Had a great the world. The others are boys, born dinner with the Byrd’s and Yvonne 3 weeks apart, and both are in their and Tom Myers ’64 who were gratwos. Great kids. Among our blessing cious enough to come over and have is the fact that I can still get down dinner with us. During that visit we on the floor and play with them, and were able in force ourselves on the then get up! OK, I’m not comfortable Byrd’s again - wrangling an invitawith this bragging but felt compelled tion to their cabin in North Carolina to provide you some fodder. I won’t for my birthday May 30th. They be upset if you don’t use it. But at Class of 1963: Harry and Beth Redd in Antarctica, are just ‘too easy’! Thank God for least my photo submission meets February 2010, with “twin peaks” known as “Uma” in BR’s. Almost had a mini in Austin your criteria. Harry” (Harry, you’re the background. “Yes, the peaks do resemble a reclining TX with ‘Doc’ DeLeo this month, assigned to conduct an online photo form,” says Harry. but the Buffer couldn’t make it at class for our Brother Rats who just the last minute. We’ll plan on that don’t get it, OK?): when he’s available again. Once again, I want to (mjc: Yes Harry, it certainly does!) I presume it’s Our very own circuit rider, Doug Sterinvite any of our BRs who are traveling in July obvious it was taken in Antarctica (or at least not rett writes: “Just a note to let you know that or August to drop by Ireland and let us by them a in Brazil). That’s Beth and me in the foreground. Rachel and I are in the middle of moving to a pint or two. Just give me a call on the cell or email. We’re on the ship’s foredeck. The twin peaks new home in Boone, NC. We are selling our Also sent you a few photos lately - don’t know if in the background are a nautical landmark and house in Harrisonburg. Effective sometime in they were in the correct format and density. No navigational aid named in honor of a secretary early June we will reside at 140 Goshen Creek excuse, Sir! I will attempt to do better, Sir. In the to one of the early Antarctic explorers. Her name Lane, Boone, NC 28607. (mjc: Thanks for the bonds, Pat”. Installment 2: “Here’s an interesting was Uma. The peaks are named Uma’s (respect- update, Doug.) We won’t have a phone except one. I’m meeting BR Bob Spence while we’re fully deleted…) apparently, she was somewhat my cell (540) 968-6466 until we get settled. We in Florida in mid-April. Turns out, have owned a small cottage right he’s had a few dates with my EX. beside the new place for 21 years. That’s how we reconnected. Joyce When I retired, it was too small told him she had been married to a and no room to expand. Now we VMI man. He asked who and then are buying a two story house about realized we were BRs. So Gwen and fifty feet away with two covered I will be going to Fort Myers area porches and a deck all overlookand staying with Joyce one night. ing a trout stream. The altitude is Will see Bob during that visit. Isn’t about 3,200 ft so the weather is life interesting? Enjoy it to the fullcool in summer and frigid in the est! Every day is a gift from God. winter. For those who might know Bet that’s a new one for the annals.” the area we are about a quarter of (mjc: Yup!) a mile from Samaritan’s Purse and Bob Byrd wrote to comment Operation Christmas Child. For now about the Kellys’visit(s) “A good I have no plans to work except to do time. Glad we could get together some restoration on the house and and celebrate Pat and Gwen’s angrounds. Rachel has kin folks in the niversary! Regards, Bob” area. We hope this is our last move. Class of 1963: In April 2010, Pat and Gwen Kelly enjoyed Beth and Harry Redd spent FebThis is not turning out to be a dinner in Florida with Bob Spence and girlfriend Joyce, ruary on a cruise to South America, banner year for Jim Taylor. He tells Pat’s former wife. Class Agent Mike Curley wrote, “How’s the Falkland Islands, and Antarcus “The Supreme Engineer wants that for out of the ordinary?” tica. “Packing for the trip wasn’t me get to work on my technical

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES writing again. He sent the message through my of the garage. Katlyn, in the first picture, is entire city and twenty five miles beyond. Saw horse. (mjc: Really?) Around mid-April, Bellac only 13, but she can do the work of two men Parliament, the Ministry of Defense, Winston spooked, sat on his butt, dumped me on my and a boy besides being the sweetest working Churchill’s grave and the castle where he was back, did a roll and then ran back to his stall. companion anyone can have. It has been a lot born in a cloak room during a party his parents Bottom line: fractured sacrum (broken butt) and of fun to do and the entire family is very proud attended. Visited the birthplace of Shakespeare lumbar vertebrae compression fracture. Looks of it because it is the result of family coopera- and Anne Hathaway’s house where he courted like I’ll make a full recovery but will have to tion; everyone lent a hand. (mjc: You can see her, and toured the Oxford University. Never limit my activities. I have another ultrawideall of Dave’s handiwork on the web at www. knew the University was a series of houses band radar technical book in progress that myphotoalbom.com. throughout the town of Oxford. Saw the dining should keep me occupied for the next year.” Taking the easy way out by responding to Art hall where a portion of Harry Potter was filmed (mjc: So Jim, isn’t Bellac the same horse that Phaup’s terrific web design, Randy Williams at the large dinner table. Toured two other did you in last year?) responded to our website (www.vmi63.net) castles and took two boat rides on the Thames Logan Jennings wrote about the delayed tribwith an address change and included the folRiver, and saw where Jack the Ripper killed his ute to Col. Donald Jamison ’57 Appreciation lowing Comments: “After a hiatus of 47 years I last victim. Dined at the Museum of Natural Event on April 17th at the Leadership and Ethics am pleased to have returned to my native state History and the Halls of Justice. And of course, Building on Post. “Note myself, Bill Jones, and I am looking forward to a long and happy no trip to London would be complete without Judy and John Mills, Howard Reynolds and retirement while being able to enjoy a closer tagging along behind the wife at Harrod’s. It is Leland Caldwell. It was quite a moving proassociation with family, VMI and other friends. truly a huge store selling everything from camgram attended by about 300 people that showed Maurine loves Williamsburg and is very enthuels to boats. All in all, a good time with friends exactly how much the man has done for VMI siastic about the opportunities the area offers. from the Class of ‘62…Bob Miller ‘62 was my since 1953 that probably not ANY CE graduate We’re looking forward to seeing more of ’63 squad leader my Rat year, and my Company knew about and he still is active on Post. The BRs in the future. (mjc: Welcome home, Randy Commander in the 101st Airborne Division event raised another additional $130,000 for his and Maureen…glad to have you all back!) Does after graduation. We are good friends today and family scholarship. Great talking to you today Pete Brunel ever do anything other than fish play golf together frequently.” and I’m glad to hear that the Bob and Bromby and hunt? Do you suppose Diana is the initiator Last minute news from Hobbs Goodwin: Earle are doing fine.” of all his trips? Sounds fishy to me! Whatever “Our trip across the Gulf Stream on Feb 15th As we often do, a reference to someone or some- works, I guess… Here Pete talks about the fish was fairly uneventful; however we had to wait thing is made by email and the avalanche begins. that got away. “Three days of fishing in LA this in Bob Byrd’s slip behind his home for 2 ½ Jim Hoge and Mike Smither started this one. past weekend. 140# Yellow fin Friday, Reds on weeks waiting for a weather window for the “I had a thought (amazing at this age) after our Sat, and then a huge day on Sunday---55# Wacrossing. Took three days sailing down thru the discussion about ‘Snuffy’. (mjc: Having a dumb hoo by yours truly, four Yellow fin up to 110#, northern Bahamas to Marsh Harbor (where we blonde moment, I bit and asked ‘Snuffy’ who?) A including mine where shark bit stomach, and were in and out of for the next few months). We few years ago you collected BR’s remembrances ten Black fin tuna. We lost four other good fish, anchored out most of the time at many different of marching in Kennedy’s Inaugural. How about but a fabulous trip. Pete Brunel.” “Hey Mike. Cays. Some were inhabited many were not. We now collecting remembrances of another event No, I don’t need help with the)#*#$(computer. harvested conch, fished, snorkeled, spear fished that occurred several months later, the great Just thought I would drop you a tidbit for the and explored in our dinghy. We are going from step-off of ’61, or as the Institute preferred to call next news.” Charlie Talbot continues, “Suzanne Hope town to Marsh Harbor today to provision it…just a little case of spring fever. It would and I traveled with Bob and Nancy Miller ’62 for our return trip to Florida. Expect to have be great to have these in the spring 2011 Alumni to London, England last October ’09. We saw weather for crossing on Monday the 17th. Heidi Review, which would be the 50th anniversary just about everything, from Big Ben to the is happy to be returning home and I guess I of the event, sort of as a memorial dedicated to London Tower, went up on the Eye of London, will be too. It will take about three weeks to get ‘Snuffy’.” (mjc: Great thought, Jim and Mike… a giant Ferris wheel where you can see the home going up the ICW. Only one Brother Rat you’re in charge!) Jim added that expressed interested in doing the Dave Glantz is in the news again trip with me and he was unable to discussing his Stalingrad trilogy on make it. Heidi and Hobbs” Mike www.historynet.com . “That guy is Smither reports that “Betty and I amazing.” are still adjusting to condo living One of the benefits of being your after selling our house last fall, but Class Agent is that I receive some very we did enjoy a good though shortinteresting pictures of great interest to ened ski season. We see Cindy and our BRs. Dave Gootee, my old Band Charlie Peckham on occasion, Company Commander, is my case in sometimes at their newly-rebuilt point. He writes: “Mike, here are a house in Alton, NH. They seem few more pictures of the recently to travel more than we do. We finished Camaro. The good lookgo south every other week for a ing women are my granddaughter couple of days to see our daughter and Agnes (aka AGGILU)…If you and her husband. In April we spent look closely you can see my next Class of 1963: Enjoying dinner near Gig Harbor, West a week in San Francisco visiting two projects. A ‘66 Thunderbird Virginia, in April 2010 were, from left, Bob and Anne with our son, and another week in Modarelli, friend Jean Guertin, Betty Smither, friend Dick Coupe under the car cover and a Tacoma/Seattle visiting friends. ‘30 Model A Ford in the right bay Guertin, and Mike Smither. While there we met Anne

2010-Issue 3

CLASS NOTES with this in mind, we’ve had oysters at least especially enjoyable…forgot to mention that! and Bob Modarelli for dinner in nearby Gig Harbor. Seeing them is always a treat for us, but once a week, sometimes twice a week if the fish Interesting enough, the restaurant, a converted monger got two deliveries. the eppi pen’s been ferryboat, served to ferry cars between Newport Bob had to hustle home early to call patients. on the ready rack as Lewane might say but it’s News and Norfolk in 1951! That’s all from Bob does well with new knees and hips; a still in the box. teak sends her love....” And from The Holy City for now. Pray for our troops result, no doubt, of excessive duck walks and Kirke White: “The best news for now is that I in harm’s way, our departed, and those on the squat thrusts performed in his late teens. His am hanging up the shingle and retiring Jun 30th. GIM. God bless! Curleyrat outlook is forever positive, however, and his patients love him, for good reason. Three years Will then celebrate with the entire family on an and counting till our 50th, so when, oh when, Alaskan cruise. Will have lots of time for golf, John R. Cavedo biking, hiking, and fly fishing for the rest of is the next mini-reunion? Everybody take care the summer. We recently bought a winter home of yourself in the meantime, and happy New down the street from my daughter and family so Market Day! I recently exchanged emails with Phil Marley will spend the winter in Las Vegas. Best wishes, who inquired about getting a Provisional Appoint- Kirke White” And the last word comes from a wise man in ment for his granddaughter. Once we took care of There have been numerous requests over time business, I asked him to expand on his reference CT, Bunny Reynolds: “Sent this link (http:// for updated photos of our BRs, with captions. to a heart issue. Thought you all might like to hear op-for.com/vmi/) to BR Smither and he thought Apparently, we’ve aged and don’t all look the his answer. “My ‘heart stuff’ is not good. I was it worthy enough to send to a higher power, so same. Except for me. As a result, there have diagnosed with congestive heart failure about six here it is. Check it out (if you are not already been two initiatives to help us identify each years ago. It has really slowed me down. Because familiar with it). If you like it, you may want other, and to share old and new memories. my situation is inoperable, I take heavy diuretics to include the link in the next Notes. Regards, First, beginning in April, we had a website and you know what that means. My health issues Bunny” (mjc: Agreed…it is a very interesting devoted to photos of our class. All with captions have just kept me out of the loop and I haven’t site…check it out!) identifying husbands and wives. Simply enter Finally, Peg and I arrived safely back in VA been in touch with my Brother Rats. Susan and home.rr.com/johncavedo. Don’t use “www” or I retired to Siesta Key, FL. It’s a beautiful place after a totally insane weekend in Portland ME. it won’t load. When there, check out all three and we have a wonderful view of the intercoastal Thank God, lobster is such a low cholesterol links, “About,” “Photos,” and “Links.” As time water way from our great room. The Gulf of and calorie food. Saturday evening, we feasted goes by, and depending upon the interest, the Mexico is right beyond our front door. I have at DiMillo’s Floating Restaurant and attempted site can be expanded to allow more sharing become an avid reader and crossword solver and to overdose on lobster…so much lobster, of information. At present, we have over 120 of course I still enjoy a scotch or two. The politi- so little time! Oh yeah, the family time was individual and group photos. All with captions. cal situations and the state of our As manager of this website, I’m the union keep my ire up and a sense only one who can add photos or writof humor keeps me going. I enjoy ten words. If you want to add a photo, reading about the happenings of merely email or snail a copy to me. my Brother Rats and families in Second, my wife, Sherrel, has your columns. You do a great job! started a PRIVATE VMI Class of Thanks for responding.” 1964 Facebook page. It is also full of It’s always fun hearing from photos. However, in this case, anyone Tom Whitford whose prose I in our class can add photos and comcan’t even begin to edit. “how are ments of their own. Sherrel merely you guys doing? things up here asks that a tone of tolerance be obare about the same. had a pretty served when stating opinions on any fair snow storm mother’s (in this subject. The site is available only to case ‘muther’s’ day seems more BRs and SRs of the class of 1964. It is appropriate). this was a week by invitation only. It has every private after we had a few days in the setting allowed. So you can be assured 80s. actually it wasn’t unexpected what you post (photos, opinions, etc) since it’s snowed mother’s day/ will only be seen by our class. graduation day for the past three Whether you are an active Facebook years. for some reason this year’s user or merely want to check it out for graduation is a couple weeks later. the first time, you can be assured of maybe mothers got fed up with absolute privacy. If you’re interested, wearing thin, open-toed, high there are two methods to join. First, heels through snow and slush?” If you already use Facebook, simply (mjc: Yup, that’s it, Tom!) He type, “VMI Class of 1964,” in the continues “on the good news facebook search box and click on front, teak finally had an allergy the request to join. That will send a test(s) and that came up negative request to Sherrel. She will confirm for oysters. of course, being the the request. good reporter, she felt it necessary Class of 1963: Pete Brunel with friends and stories about Or, if not a member of Facebook at the ones that got away. to confirm the doctor’s words. present, email Sherrel at jscave28443@

’64

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES yahoo.com. Then she’ll send you an official inviWJ Kitchen emailed, “We just returned from mini reunion in May 2009, Andy Feng, recently tation. At present, we already have over 35 BRs our two week stay in Arizona and had a great got married and travelled to Thailand for their or SRs who have logged on. By-the-way, this will time. Our weather, except for one rainy day, honeymoon. Dusadee and Tony took them out be the primary location announcing mini reunions was Chamber of Commerce. We were able to lunch and had a good talk. They said they in the future. to get a lot done, see friends and have some liked it in Thailand and wanted to come back. Marty Stango wrote, “Hilda and I have been time for ourselves. We will be working on the Tony, who has a home in the northern region of enjoying the record snow fall here in Fort Australia trip this week to see if we can put Chiengmai, told them to plan on staying there. Worth, over 12” during the past week. I am still something together that make sense and is Tony has often issued that invitation to his BRs. teaching graduate level healthcare economsomewhat cost effective.” One of these days… ics and financing online at the University of Tony Putamanonda keeps me up to date On his face book page, Bernie Hylton menPhoenix. We are scheduled to attend our oldest from his side of the world. “Despite all the tioned, as a volunteer, he finished picking up grandson’s graduation from medical school in political troubles Thailand has had recently, trash along two and a half miles of local and New York in mid-May followed two weeks Dusadee and I are still OK and in one piece. national park roads. He spent between twelve later by our son’s marriage near Philadelphia. Renovation of our home is about to be comand fifteen hours over several days. He ended The lack of prior planning to allow for one air pleted around Thai traditional New Year (called up taking two pickup loads to the landfill trip is a serious disappointment. But we will Songkran - April 13). We often think about the and recycling center. He was surprised that forge on. mini-reunions we are going to miss in Egypt so many people would trash such national “Our two German Sheppard Dogs are now 7 and Russia. To compensate, we are planning a treasures. Somebody, on Bernie’s face book and 8, which is getting on for German Shepvisit with our son and our only grand daughter page, asked him if he thought passersby pard’s. So when we get back from the big May in Sydney in July. And from there, we hope to might have thought he was on a work release events, we will probably add a new one to the take on a fourteen day cruise of South Pacific program. Bernie replied that the thought did pack. This time Hilda says she is going to raise Islands. Killing 2 birds with one stone I supcross his mind. Remember, no good deed the puppy as all of our dogs have seemed to pose.” goes unpunished. favor me over her. I keep trying to explain that Tony went on to say the Chinese guide on our Bill Taylor emailed “We purchased a propit is a carry over of the dyke system erty in downtown Yorktown last but she isn’t buying it. summer, and have been spending “We missed the 45th but plan on most weekends there trying to get being at the 50th. Last year was filled it up to speed. We plan eventually with other family obligations, to into reposition ourselves there, but clude a memorial dedication for my would like to keep my business father in Lewes, Delaware where he here in Fredericksburg up and had been the mayor from 1968-1992. running for two more years. You There is a park dedicated there to him know, “it’s a work in progress.” and a new memorial. When he passed Cliff Crittsinger and his New away two years ago, the town dediMarket Committee have been cated that day as Al Stango day. So it making a lot of progress. Recently was upon the first anniversary of that the entire group met in Lexington day that we attended the dedication of for a two day meeting to discuss a new memorial for him. details. Superintendent Bennie “Anyway, we continue to fight the Peay ’62 asked to join the group good fight against aging with our three and make a presentation. Of Class of 1964: At a February 2010 mini reunion in Juday a week routine at the local Y. That, course, he was invited and spent piter, Florida, were, above, from left, John Thornton, Bill the dogs, daily walks and the never over an hour discussing the award Garber and Tom Myers. Below: John Cavedo and Butch ending fix up tasks that Hilda assigns and its ramifications. The result of Nunnally. keeps me plenty busy.” the exchange was to understand Jim Brittingham wrote, “I had hip better his misgivings. Cliff and revision surgery on January 26 and am the group have already begun now in my first week of out patient working to address those misgivphysical therapy and doing quite well. ings and to assure that the award Joyce took great care of me for the four is approved. weeks I was recovering and staying in Harvey Sargent. “Things have the house to avoid the cold and snow. been rather crazy with us this past Our daughter Laura did double duty month plus. As I’m sure Sherrel by cleaning the snow off the driveway has told you, Dolores’ mom many times and taking the dog to do had a serious fall and she’s not pet therapy without me. My family doing well. Dolores was in New really looked out for me as I hobbled York for about three weeks and around the house with my walker. We returned home while I was in VA. were sorry to miss the mini-reunion Now we are sort of on standby at Don Carson’s home, but maybe and are not sure when we’ll have next year.” to return. We are planning on mid-

2010-Issue 3

CLASS NOTES May but conditions remain fluid and uncertain. It could as well be tomorrow? “My trip to VA was great! Had a nice visit with Hank and Elizabeth Cronin and their daughters. Then Hank and I drove to Lexington for the All Service School Track Meet. The Keydets beat Citadel. USCGA, USMMA and finished 4th. Felix Kitur ’11 and Hannah Granger ’11 both scored wins and Darren Webb is doing a great job getting the team ready for Big South this weekend. The team has a number of qualifiers for the upcoming IC4A and Big East meets. Hank’s ‘64 times would have won the 110 highs almost 50 yrs later! “While at the meet I ran into Dennis Merklinger ’62. He and I took the VA Dental Boards together in ‘68 and after practicing in VA Beach, he retired about 3 yrs ago and now lives in Lexington. Dennis is one of the I’s greatest all-round athletes (football, wrestling and track) in VMI history. He was SoCon heavyweight champ in ’62, Started at center on the 1961 football team and was a SoCon top 3 placer at the ’62 SoCon Championships in the Javelin.

I have never understood why he’s not in the Sports Hall of Fame? “Hank and I stayed with Tom and Helen Davis both nights. Helen went to the meet with us on Saturday (Tom was at the New Market meeting all day) and that night Cliff Crittsinger invited us to the Committee dinner at Alumni Hall. We had a great time and it was nice to trade old tales with all present, as well as chat with the three cadets on the Committee. I’ve attached a photo for the Class Notes and will list all the names at the end of this missive. “On Sunday Hank and I drove to Norfolk to visit with my Mom. We always have a great time updating her on goings on with ‘64 and hearing tales from WW II. She turns 93 this summer and remains in excellent health and sharp as a tack. She lives in the same apt. building as Ginny Williams mom and they dine together often. “We’d hoped to visit with Ron and Ginny Williams and Bill and Dyan Crone. Bill has kept you updated on Ron’s condition. Bill had eye surgery the day we wanted to get together

and wasn’t up for any carousing. Depending on the situation with Dolores’ Mom, I may be in Norfolk for a short visit shortly and hope to see them then. “The day after I got back to Boulder I came down with viral gastro-enteritis (food poisoning). It really knocked me on my butt and I was pretty out of it for almost a week. Also reinjured my shoulder so my triathlon plans are out the window. I am running again though and feeling pretty fit. “I’ve gone on long enough. All the best to you and Sherrel. I hear you guys are going to help Hank and Elizabeth buy a lot in Lexington this weekend. I hope something finally comes to fruition. Elizabeth has wanted to move for at least the last ten years.” Walt Sykes, “Memorial Day 2009, Karen and I went into Washington, DC, to see the WW II Memorial. We also visited the Viet Nam Memorial which I try to do every few years. I don’t believe that Frank Frosch’s name is on the wall since me was a reporter or maybe I didn’t remember the spelling properly. You will

Class of 1964 Egypt mini reunion May 2010 Photos clockwise, from top, right: -During the Egypt mini reunion in May 2010 were, from left, first row, Ed Seager, W.J. Kitchen, Bill Thompson and Joe Chompaisal. Second row: Tom Allen, Ken Dice, Dick Atkinson, Lee Fleshood, Tony Munera, Dan DeForrest and John Cavedo. - Attending costume night aboard the river cruiser were, from left, Lauranne Kitchen with Barb and Tony Munera. - First row: Sandy DeForrest, Roxane Spitzer Fleshood and Pongsri Chompaisal. Second row: Diane Thompson, Mary Jo Jordan, Lauranne Kitchen, Janice Seager and Sherrel Cavedo. Third row: Carol Allen, Susan Atkinson, Barb Munera and Barb Dice.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES have to refresh me with who was our third BR (Scarborough). I believe you sent out an email a year or so ago with his name. I asked Karen to point to Dick Butt’s name so we would be sure to find it. Using the site you provided below, I learned more about his service time. I thought he was missing in action once he was shot down and was never found. Is the site you provided saying he was captured and survived 10 years in the POW camp before passing on?” I replied to Walt that my thoughts were that Dick’s body was returned, but no one knew the exact date of his death. Do any of you have more information? The weekend of April 16th, I attended the Class Agent Conference in Lexington. They always provided us lots of data and encourage us to get more money from you guys. Good luck with that. While there, Sherrel and I met with Tom Davis and Hank and Elizabeth Cronin. We surveyed a lot Hank was looking at and also drove by Tom’s new home under construction. As of this writing, Tom’s house is “dried-in” and Hank made an offer on the lot which was accepted. So both of these Brother Rats will be living across the Maury, just outside Lexington. Bill Crone continues to provide updates on Ron Williams. Since the previous class notes, Ron had two “surgeries” on his brain. The first was non invasive but didn’t correct the problem fully. A second full surgery apparently did the trick. As of today (May 6) Ron is recuperating well and undergoing therapy. I hope most of you noticed the nice article in the past issue of the Alumni Review about the Economics and Business department. Floyd Duncan, as the head of that department, gets quite a few well-deserved accolades. Please read the article. On May 8th, the following arrived in Cairo, Egypt for a 15-day mini reunion up the Nile on a small river cruise boat: Tom and Carol Allen, Dick and Susan Atkinson, John and Sherrel Cavedo, Joe and Pongsri Chompaisal, Dan and Sandy DeForrest, Ken and Barb Dice, Lee and Roxane Fleshood, Mary Jo Jordan, WJ and Lauranne Kitchen, Tony and Barb Munera, Ed and Janice Seager and Bill and Diane Thompson. Joining as part of our group were two other couples (friends of Kitchen and Seager) plus a single woman friend of DeForrest (she and Mary Jo shared a room). Several of the couples also went on an earlier visit to Israel or later to the country of Jordan. The trip to Egypt included five nights in Cairo with a specific tour of key attractions there. Included were trips to Alexandria on the Mediterranean and several museums, mosques, churches and bustling markets. A highlight was a visit to the great Pyramids and the Sphinx.

2010-Issue 3

Next, after a flight south, we boarded a boat for a seven night cruise on the Nile River; heading back to the north (or down river). Along the way we were taken to literally dozens of temples dating back 3,000 – 5,000 years old. Some very well preserved. We observed that archeological digs were still going on to uncover even more hidden treasures. Finally, from the ancient city of Luxor, we were flown back to Cairo for one more night before boarding our flights for the long trip home. We ate well on the trip, though “Pharaoh’s Revenge” hit most of us for 6-12 hours sometime during the trip. The trip was especially safe. Made so by the government which provided security throughout all tourist activities (not just for our group, but evident everywhere). None of us ever felt insecure or unsafe, day or night. As is the case in every one of these mini reunions, there was plenty of bonding among Brother Rats and spouses. Everyone was keyed up for the next adventure. This was our 9th mini reunion with one to go (Russia this September). Six of the nine have been overseas. They’re great, inexpensive, and worth the time. Remember to keep your cards, phone calls and emails coming. I rely on you as you rely on me.

’65

Mickey Finn

It is a warm day in May as I prepare these notes and look forward to our 45th reunion the first weekend in September. I want to thank the committee for allowing me to attend their 3/27/10 meeting in Richmond. Which is a great lead into Charlie Russell’s’ wrap up of his committee’s work to date. Take it away, Charlie! “Well, let’s see ... Dees Stallings was ‘drafted’ in the final round to ‘seek out and identify some pleasant and informative Speakers’ for our Saturday evening. Likely interested in how I violated protocol by sending an email to the Governor, Bob McDonnell. Easley Moore is credited with investigating music and other potential Lexington area activities, but will likely be helping identify a ‘jazz ensemble’ for Friday evening and a 4-piece Classical group for Saturday. Bob Deaderick is investigating who hasn’t ‘showed up’ since we graduated: a role Bob fits, as he’s a practicing lawyer with ‘investigative bent.’ General Amos will help identify and, with my assistance, purchase varied sources and quantities of beverages from the Class VI Store for both the Hospitality Suite and Friday evening activities. Jeff “Wiggins”

Wilkins, former Air Force pilot, will plan and enable all those golfers (you know who you are!) interested in Friday’s outing (Captains Choice, Select Shot, I believe.). Not last or least is Mike Friski, who has advised me on what works and what didn’t work the last time. Mike has helped me understand the various scheduling and resource anomalies. He’s also helping identify local vendors who make all of this happen. Donny White reserved the Leadership Hall and Moody Hall for us and has planned our attending the Football Game that’s become part of a returning tradition for most Alumni. The final member, almost a ‘legend’ among Class Agents, is our own Mickey Finn, who has counseled me, guided me and advised me when I screwed up (something like Final Exams in 1965 as I recall!), who also has mentored me (at my age, can you imagine!) and friend in all of this. We, ‘the Committee’ hope that this particular Reunion exceeds all of your expectations! Jim Earnest sent a nice note regretting that he will not be able to join us for the reunion due to the date change from a mid September date to the current first weekend in September. Jim, we will be thinking of you. Under “who is surprised”, I received a humorous note from Bruddy “John” Baillio who, in a comment about the misplacement of a donation he sent to the VMI Foundation quipped, “Perhaps VMI remembers that I held our class record for accumulated demerits over four years.” I did not know that fact but now wonder if we might undertake an effort to make a list of “firsts” or “records” made by members of our class? Brud, thanks for the laugh! I mentioned it to Hank Cronin ’64 at the annual Class Agents meeting this April and he enjoyed it too! From Jack Mountcastle a nice response from my cry for help, “Thanks for the email reminding us of your update deadline. If you can find room, it would be very nice if you could say something like: “Susan and Jack Mountcastle are happy to have their son, Clay Mountcastle ’94 back in the States after a deployment to Iraq.” And, if the opportunity presents itself, you might mention that I made a point of wearing my VMI hat when leading a group of West Point cadets from the Class of 2010 around Gettysburg recently. The picture was taken on 22 April at Confederate artillery positions out in front of the Virginia monument where Pickett’s division prepared to advance on July 3rd, 1863. This is the sixth year that I have been asked to help in the conduct of a 2-day leadership development exercise at Gettysburg for cadets about to graduate and be commissioned as Army officers. Jack, not only that but we published the photo! Larry Rose reports that he is “Still working at ATandT Labs Research; just returned from

CLASS NOTES India, where we visited our eldest son who teaches Computer Science at the American School of Bombay - talk about a different way of life! We’re already looking forward to visiting him again next year at his new teaching gig in China (Shanghai). Setup the family reunion to be in France this summer - our daughter lives in Dijon. Our youngest is just graduating from college, so we can start to see the light (and retirement in a couple of years) at the end of the tunnel. Will come down to VMI for the reunion for sure - already booked a room. How ‘bout an Old Yell for ‘65!” See you soon Larry! Nat Ward sends his regrets with this flimsy excuse: “Hey Mickey: I was just back to my 50th last month at Christchurch School in Urbana, VA. Went there for 11th and 12th grades with summers in Vietnam. Only one other classmate out of 24 showed up. Main reason was that our class created a memorial to all those from the school who had served in the military (approximately 250 since 1921) so I was asked

to give the dedication speech which went well. So that will be my trip back east for this year. Guess I will see VMI at the 50th. That one year of prep for West Point at Sullivan and Braden’s threw an extra year between the two schools so they land on the same years. You guys have fun and give my best to Bill Ryan.” I received this rather lengthy note from Johnny Mac Marshall and have decided to include it in full because by chance Johnny Mac and his wife, Jamie attended the funeral of those who died in the crash of the Polish president’s aircraft. Here is his account in full: “Early in April, Jamie and I arrived in Poland about two hours after the crash that killed the Polish president. Needless to say, it was a very interesting time to be there, and the national mourning was quite reminiscent of what we experienced with JFK. Even the Polish people who didn’t like him were quite obviously sorrowful at this event. Of course, it is hard to imagine that most of the upper levels of the executive branch of

the government died with the president in the crash. At the ceremonies in Katyn that morning, though, was the really poignant photo moment. . .there were 96 empty chairs where the victims would have sat, each with a small Polish flag with a black streamer, and on the seats of the military there were caps with their ranks on them. Ironically some of those killed were descendants of the Katyn victims, and that made it hit home even more for the Polish people. As I told my students, though, one positive thing out of all of that was that now the rest of the world would know what Katyn had been all about and why there was such deep distrust between the Poles and the Russians. The aircraft had been completely reconditioned, new engines and avionics, by the Russians about six months earlier, and they had put in two updated black boxes [redundancy, considering it was the president’s plane]. The Poles took delivery and then installed their own black box to doublecheck the Russians’. Needless to say, there was

Class of 1965 Photo at left: Michael McBride with his l929 Old Town museum restoration near his home in Homer, Alaska. Above: McBride and his wife, Diane.

Above: Charlie Russell, second from right, and his reunion committee – from left, Bob Deaderick, Granny Amos, Bill Ryan and Jeff Wilkins – met over lunch near Richmond, Virginia, on March 27, 2010.

Above: Jack Mountcastle led a group of West Point “Firsties” around the Gettysburg battlefield.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES a bit of a surprise for the Russians when they found a third black box in the wreckage, but it did confirm what the Russian black boxes said happened. … a true accident in which the pilot was actually lower than he had thought. Then, of course, the Icelandic volcano blew up, and we had to sweat out whether we would leave Poland on time. As it happened, the week between the eruption and our departure was just long enough to let us come home with no problem. Jamie was able to carry out her duties with the alumni foundation that she had created for the university there, and it is moving along very nicely. We probably will go back in the autumn for a major alumni event [no lecture for me, I hope]. My lectures to the students went smoothly as usual, but this time I had a presentation to the Polish judges association as well on mediation in the USA. That was very interesting to me, considering how many of my former students are now judges in Poland. Makes one feel a bit old. This month, though, will mark a new chapter in our life. As you know [I think], I have been serving as a priest in the Anglican Diocese of Texas. It is a conservative [1928 Prayer Book] jurisdiction. In March, I was elected to serve as bishop coadjutor for the Diocese, and I will be consecrated on May 22, the Eve of Pentecost, God willing and lightning don’t strike. The closer it gets, the less qualified I feel myself to be to take this on, and the more overwhelming it appears. That’s the bad news. The good news is that I suspect that going through the Ratline is good preparation for facing the Almighty. It is ironic, it seems to me, that I am following in the footsteps of another valedictorian, Jonathan Daniels ’61, who sadly did not get out of seminary. That’s it for now except that David Bywaters and I are having supper tonight with Russell Proctor. His daughter is graduating from SMU this weekend, and he and his wife are here for the occasion. Another mini-reunion. See you in September.” Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us Johnny Mac. We look forward to seeing you too! Every once and awhile you receive a blessing that is unexpected. I received this one this morning when I opened my email. From Mel Brannan “Although (like Gordon Eubank) I transferred to MCV School of Pharmacy after our third class year, my memories of life at VMI bring me great pleasure and what I learned there as to real life experiences have served me well. After working in Richmond as a pharmacist for 5 years after graduation, I went back to graduate school at MCV in Pharmacology and earned a Ph.D. degree. Thereafter, I enter the pharmaceutical industry (1976) and worked in pharmaceutical research and development

2010-Issue 3

until retiring in 2002. Career opportunities took me from VA to PA, NJ and Seattle, WA before returning to Powhatan, VA upon retirement. My wife Jeanette and I have a combined family of seven children and 12 grandchildren; there is nothing I enjoy more than being a grandparent. Since being back in the Richmond area, I occasionally see some VMI alumni, which is always a pleasure. I do hope to attend our 45th class reunion and greatly look forward to seeing our Brother Rats.” (signed) Mel Brannan ’65. Mel, many of us will be looking forward to seeing you again at reunion 2010! Bill Murphy recently returned from a visit to his son Brian (a captain in the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas) during which he discussed the matter of a “Provisional Appointment” to VMI for his grandson, Aidan Christopher (14 months old). Bill reports that young Aidan seemed quite agreeable to the suggestion. Bill is still doing emergency management, security and certain environmental things for Westchester County New York, and has already secured the time off to attend the reunion. Even though the US Naval Reserve retired him in 1994, he still has a little over a year before the New York Naval Militia (where he is part of an exercise planning team for the Port of New York) clock catches up with him. These notes are short – I suppose everyone is keeping their “powder dry” for the reunion. We are expecting a large turn out and Janie and I look forward to seeing you there! God bless, safe travels, see you soon! For sure we will have an old yell together! ’65! ’65! ’65!

’66

Al Carr Albert Conner

For those who didn’t receive my e-report on the April Class Agents Conference, here’s a quick summary. Finances are looking better: endowment hit an historic low of $202M, but has rebounded back to $284M. The Foundation distributed $7.7M in scholarships last year and 81 % of the cadets are now getting financial aid. Cadet fees (going up again) are now paying for 45.7 % of VMI’s annual operations. Alumni Giving now accounts for about 36 % and state aid continues to decline – although Virginia has been solidly supportive in capital improvements and the new and modernized facilities continue to roll on. All told it costs about $64M/year to run the place. So financial challenges linger, but we’re making headway. We’ve hit 19,000 living alumni and this year’s goal is to reach 40 % of them giving to VMI. We in ’66 were close to 60 % last year. Thanks again to all who gave! VMI needs your support every year. Of course, it’s

about a lot more than money, and here are some observations from the back row of the class agents’ photo. Academics: I was very impressed with the Dean, BG Schneiter. He’s been at the “I” for 20 years and seems very energetic and interested. He provided us a good look at the faculty: although they’ve had no pay raises for four years, their morale is high and they do a great job teaching. They’ve put a premium on creating and maintaining better teachers. They’re all teachers – no pedants allowed – but they do hold themselves to a reasonably high standard of independent research (what the Dean referred to as “engaging in their field”). One thing I hadn’t realized before was that the Undergraduate Research Program is open to all cadets not just the best and brightest. That’s great because it encourages the “late bloomers” who don’t look as impressive on paper academically early in their cadetships. They are working hard for increasing the departments’ professional accreditation where such things exist. They’ve developed and hope to do more in forming partnerships with specific graduate schools (including law, business and medical schools) on the premise that, if they know and understand more about VMI and its many demands on the cadets, they’ll be more merciful on accepting their typically lower, hard-earned GPAs. I talked to the Dean later that evening and suggested that, given how impressive our alumni are in the general category of life achievements, the faculty could and should reach out for more of them to talk to and interact with the cadets. The faculty is now made up of only 12 % VMI grads and, while that doesn’t generally bother me, I think it might hold the faculty back in asking for help and thus missing out on a great teaching resource, motivator and inspiration. In his talk Brian Crockett, CEO of the Foundation, stated that the measure of VMI’s success is in the achievements of our alumni. The faculty should be aware of that and hopefully make use of the resource. Athletics: We received a good overall briefing on the athletic programs. The “red meat” (or should I say “red-white-yellow meat”?) thrown to us was a 23-2(?) VMI drubbing of very highly ranked UVA in baseball. We were ranked at 20-something nationally ourselves, but they were third or fourth. The only “concerned” talk I heard during the two-days was that, after last year’s successful 75th Anniversary Campaign, the Keydet Club might not do as well. Well, I bought in and “re-upped.” I also donated my expenses to the athletic operations fund – a first time event for me. Honestly, I don’t care if we have the big sports story or not – I too enjoy winning more than losing, but it’s not what winds my watch. I’m more impressed with the

CLASS NOTES number of youngsters actually getting a college education through sports and the sports helping produce better VMI men and women. You may remember I mentioned that VMI was ordered by the NCAA to come up with a seventh women’s sport (they’d been getting waivers). Well, it’s water polo. I think they have something like 47 % of the cadet women on athletic scholarships. Military: Commissioning is up to over 56 %. It’s probably higher, because that doesn’t count a number of grads who decide after graduation that they really wanted to get commissioned. So the school helps them get into OCS. Also a number are going into the Coast Guard. These aren’t reflected in the stats. One thing that might interest you is that the leadership was commenting on the extensive amount of cadet-time (a precious commodity, see below) is being absorbed by the ROTC (sounds like mainly Army) department in preparing them for Summer Camp. It turns out that the competition is huge for getting a particular branch or school and the ROTC stand is a major determinant; so they’re busting chops getting ready to compete. Other Observations: I continue to be in awe of the Superintendent and his general (no pun intended) approach and success in the position. When you take it all in and consider the academics, athletics and military achievements, new buildings, and modernizations/renovations (they’re down to the last academic building and finishing Old Barracks), it is amazing. Either by genius or good fortune, they got it done before the manure hit the economic fan. Gen. Peay ’62 still is eye-balling the ongoing actions and nothing seems to elude him; he responded to a question about pushing “alternative service” by saying something like, “Of course, any service is desirable; but I believe that our graduates can get the most from serving as commissioned officers, and then going on to whatever else they can or want to do.” I think that’s dead-on. The new Marshall Hall leadership and ethics activities continue to expand and go in new directions. I was impressed by the new director, Capt. Rabern, USN (Ret.). She strikes me as a real asset. She was speaking of an initiative they thought was going to be a hit – Friday night movies with leadership themes. The first one was a total flop with 3 or 4 cadet attendees. Instead of canceling the program or issuing calls for mandatory attendance, she went to the cadets themselves. When she asked what/who they’d like to see in a program, they all said “Marcus Luttrell!” She had no idea who they were talking about (nor did I). It turns out, in my case, that there are limitations to continually having your head in the 19th Century. Luttrell was a former Navy SEAL and author of Lone Survivor, an action which earned him the Navy

Cross in Afghanistan. They filled the 500-seat Gillis Auditorium and an overflow crowd of 600 filled the Hall of Valor to watch on closed circuit TV! She took this as a major lesson for the Center for Leadership and Ethics -- to get and stay connected with the cadets as their primary mission. Yes, this is our VMI that I’m talking about. Incidentally, former SEAL Luttrell talked and patiently signed books for three hours afterward until all the cadets had been talked to. By the way, she continued trying on the Friday night movie and about 40 cadets were coming out as we broke up for the night. Earlier that day, the Secretary of the Army had come to speak to the Army ROTC Marshall Award winners from all over America. On the way home through the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, spring was looking really good and Jane and I both commented on how privileged we are to be able to see witness God’s handiwork and to be the smallest part of VMI. (I consider VMI to also be part of that handiwork.) We had been down to Lexington on March 26th for a scholarship donor luncheon and the weather was not great – the highlight was breaking bread with Spence Wilkinson. Jane and I also enjoyed touring the new Barracks, PX, bookstore with Spence. Bill McClure had a place at the table but wasn’t present. He responded to my e-report sadly informing me that his mother had passed away. Bill had established a VMI scholarship in his parents’ honor, so we made a contribution from the class fund. If you’d like more information, please contact me. I’m going to assemble a list of existing scholarships related to our class and will send them out. Some of our BRs, like John Walters and George Dyer I specifically recall, have been good at making donations to class-related scholarship funds. On the “news of BRs” front, I hope that the lack of news on your part means that your lives are happy and contented. We could use a little more, however, and as a result I don’t have much except contacts to report. Had a nice call from Dick Goodall one recent morning. We enjoyed talking about all things VMI. Bill Gregory e-mailed and reported continued satisfactory recovery. Clark Reifsnider e-mailed to chide me for not knowing who Marcus Luttrell was and followed with his usual supportive comments. Received and e-mail from Nick Hoskot, who’s finding settling in “in the great state of Texas (yippee!)” -- if John Eberhardt is reading, do you recall the song? – as taking longer than he thought. Why don’t you Texicans all rally ‘round, kill an ox and invite him to the barbeque? Speaking of Marines (Nick and Clark), there’s another round of new exhibits being installed at the National Museum of the Marine Corps and the vast ’66 USMC

conspiracy might want to rally on the objective, check out their brick and view the new exhibits. Incidentally, the latest edition of Leatherneck magazine features VMI as its cover story – and don’t miss the appearance of curator Owen Conner as the “Corps duty expert” in the letters to the editor section holding forth on the history of USMC shoulder patches. My “Broker-Rat” John Walters also called but it was businessstuff and only tangentially VMI-ish. A few cryptic messages to friends (I feel like the French Resistance; hopefully I’m not unknowingly initiating the amphibious invasion of Cuba): Larry DeMeo, lunch is waiting and the Army of the Potomac cavalry tour is on-hold. Charlie Woodward, it turns out Ken T. Brunsvold ’64 was elected to town office in Occoquan; contact me for contact information. It’s nice to know that being my cadre corporal hasn’t held him back in life. My latest book, Union Army’s “Valley Forge” 1863: 93 Days That Saved America, has been accepted for publication (providing I chop it in half) and Jane Conner was the “Woman of the Year” in Fredericksburg. Finally, speaking of reunions, our 45th is approaching. Hopefully I won’t be on chemo again then – I’ve been chemo-free for two years now and my latest PET/CT results are good, meaning three more months of living between scans. That was my awkward way of alerting the Lexington BRs to “stand in the door!” and the rest of you to “watch this space” for details. Take care, Brother Rats.

’67

Jan Abernathy

There is never a best time to pass along the news of a Brother Rat who has died. Gene Touchstone died of a massive heart attack on 20 February. He had been continuing to improve since his bout with encephalitis and had been back at work for quite some time. Among those who were able to attend his service were John Lee, Don Brown, Rick Brooke, Larry Hardy, Barrett Graham, Bob Nablo and Mike Schlosser. John Lee sent a snapshot of BRs present but the quality may not be usable in the AR. Janet and Bob Nablo contacted me with how to go about finding a Cadet Piper for the funeral (the piper was Cadet Alex Crow ’11). Several of you sent remembrances of Gene. Tom Rhodes: “I was very sorry to hear about Gene. He was one of my heroes at VMI. Here was this good looking little dude who could kick everyone’s ass on a wrestling mat; but off the mat a nice, kind fellow.” Richard Stanard: “Gene’s gifts were many, but chief among them was his

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES always-sunny disposition, which lifted me when- of our favorite things to do was play piano duets. A message from Debbie: “We miss him dearly, ever I was in his presence although at the time, as I don’t remember when it started, but I would sit but know that he is now well and if there is a Cadets, I was too young to understand this was at a piano and Gene would sit on my right knee. I golf course in Heaven, he is playing and making happening. All I knew was that with Gene I could would play the left hand part of chopsticks and he holes-in-one. He loved VMI and all of his brothers be myself without reservation, and that likely as played the right hand part. We were awesome… there and was so proud to have been a part of such not we would soon be sharing a good laugh with and we knew it! I will miss you, Brother Rat. God a special place. I have always been amazed at the his dry sense of humor...while my feelings about Speed.” Vic Tambone: “I was very saddened by bond that the VMI brothers have. I truly appreciate all my brother rats verge at least on love, I have the news of Gene’s passing. I feel compelled to all of the cards, visits, flowers and memorials that known for quite a while now that there is a special write...not an anecdote, but a remembrance of a have come from his VMI brothers. My children place in my heart for Gene. I am so thankful to very fine gentleman and person. I remember Gene and I plan to bring Gene’s four grandchildren to have had Gene as my good and treasured friend.” rooming next door to me during our Rat year and visit VMI and to keep his memory alive. Jan’s Dixie Walker: “When we were Rats Gene and listening to the stories that he would tell about note: A contribution to the ’67 scholarship fund I dyked in the same room. Our ’64 dykes, Tom his encounters with Walsh, Murphy, Sipolski, maintained by the VMI Foundation has been sent Allen, Bill Davis and Otto Souder decided we Leech (’65 Cadre Corporals) and all of the other from the class account in Gene’s name. One also should put on a Christmas play. In the play, Gene infamous Charlie Company “rankers.” The bot- was sent for Dennis Graves. Speaking of our scholarship fund, I will was Mary, and I was the baby Jesus. As J.I. Or- tom line is that Gene was one of the most decent rison can attest, it was quite a sight, me coming human beings that I have ever met. He was also repeat a message sent by e-mail in April to up between two racks to be born to Gene. Gene the first BR that I saw during our last reunion and most of you…for those who are not on my list. will be missed.” Burt Palmer: “So sorry to hear he made me feel right at home as if there had never VMI received national ranking for the baseball about Gene. We became friends with him in High been a minute between that day and the day that I team placing 26th. UVA was # 1 in the same School thru wrestling. We were in different towns left at the end of our third class year. No need to poll. VMI played UVA a couple of days later in and different schools. First time I wrestled him he print any of this, I just wanted you to know how the week and beat them 12 to 3. But the REST pinned me in 30 seconds. Over the years I built up much I appreciated Gene. He will be missed, but OF THE STORY is that the leadoff pitcher for to 2 periods before he pinned me. My goal in high remembered as an outstanding example of the VMI was Cadet Jeremy Brown ’12. Jeremy school and at VMI was to last the full 3 periods. really good people we often meet. Thank you is the recipient of a significant tuition offset Never did and I tried to get out of his weight class. again for keeping me in the loop of the Class of from the ‘67 scholarship fund maintained by Never did that either. During the summer months 67. Jan’s note: The need to print Vic’s words is the Foundation. I bet Jimmy Breckinridge and during high school he would visit Roanoke and as important as any. John Hilsabeck: “Very sad Jimmy Rountree are still swapping high fives I would go to Danville and I think he thought to learn of Gene’s death. I was on the wrestling over the success of Jeremy and the entire VMI of me as “warm-up man” during the off season. team with him for four years where a number of team. Joan and I were on Post the day after the When I heard he would be attending VMI I told our Brother Rats endured daily workouts con- game for the annual Class Agent meeting. I was Dad I would rather go to UNC. But Dad had other ducted by Coach Gupton. I was not a very good able to meet Jeremy for the first time. He had plans for me. I remember the first night at VMI I wrestler (Bruce Weiner would pretty much kill recently sent me a very nice letter thanking ‘67 was talking to Jack Mundy, scared to death and me every day), but Gene was awesome. He was for assisting him with his college expenses. It is wondering how that “Damn” Touchstone was small but so very quick and really strong. Gene particularly gratifying to see where our contriholding out. Jack and I and some others from was co-captain (along with Bruce) our First Class butions produce results. When you are on Post Roanoke thought it was suitable for non-Roanoker year and helped lead the team to wins over much next time you might look him up. He is in room to be scared as we were. My thoughts and prayers bigger schools like UNC, UVA and WandM. I will 3312 (Third Barracks numbering system). go out to Debbie and the family of a truly remark- always remember Gene for his fighting spirit.” Neil Schlussel sent me a funny anecdote able man and a close friend. I will about bagpiper who got lost going miss Gene.” Barrett Graham: “Jan: to play at a funeral in the country. I just got your email about Gene. When he came upon two men leanAs for reminiscences, Gene and I ing on shovels next to small church were frequently getting blamed for he hurriedly got out of his car and each other’s sins as Rats. Generplayed his heart out for being so ally, the only way upperclassmen late never noticing there was no one could tell us apart was to stop one else there. When he left one of the of us in the Ratline, lift off a hat, workers turned to the other and said, and closely examine our nametags. “Never did see so much fuss over Jim Phlegar had the same problem. a septic tank installation.” Well, I He, Gene, and I were at the back thought it was funny. Neil also sent corner of Charlie Company and in some photos of a recent trip to were constantly under assault for Chile which I forwarded to the AR each other’s sins. J.I. Orrison: folks. Cliff Hedgepeth is still due to “Gene and I were friends from our send in a photo of his daughter in her Rat year when we both dyked in the VMI football jersey while she waits same room. Even though we were in tables at a Ruby Tuesday restaurant. different Companies and different There is a weekly habit during footClass of 1967: Gene Touchstone and Mike Ingelido at Academic majors, whenever there ball season to have all of the servers their 40th reunion. Sadly, Touchstone died on Feb. 20, was a social event we frequently wear their school colors on Saturday. 2010. See class notes for details. got together and “hung out”. One Greg Cavallaro ’84 asked his as-

2010-Issue 3

CLASS NOTES sistant lady at the Keydet offices to find one to exceptional business. The Old Courtyard is now Monica Chun with greetings from Florida. Ken send to Cliff. And she was able to send one with filled in and rebuilt some 18” higher in the center also sends this: “We spent Monica’s Spring “67” numerals. with new drainage. It has new concrete walks and Break in Disneyland. We both were last there Robert and June Klink had dinner with Carter a sentinel box that mirrors the one we knew but in the 70’s sometime……40 years ago. We had and Connie Melton in May. The Meltons were with reinforced sides and roof. Some things never a fantastic time…..two old futs enjoying Walt’s checking on their sailboat, stored in Deltaville, change though as Rats still must re-enter through dream like a couple of kids. Our next planned VA, preparations for the season. Rebecca Jackson Arch. I bummed my ankle during the visit trip is to New England on July 5th – 15th. Aloha, Schlosser sent me a message saying to not open and thus learned what the elevator in Third Bar- Ken” Gene Potter has a new reason to be a particular e-mail which might come in saying it racks is for…transporting alumni mostly. proud: “Jan, Our daughter, Emily, was recogwas from her about a health club offer. The scam On the health front Larry Hardy is on kidney nized as Army Female Athlete of the Year at the message never came. I had a nice phone chat with dialysis. He had a transplant around ten years AUSA convention in Ft Lauderdale earlier this Mike and assured him all was well. Dave Veazey ago but is on the list for a replacement again. year. Marilyn and I attended since her husband checked in. In January he made a drive to Texas Dave Bristow has retired. Allison Bristow sent is deployed to Afghanistan. I never saw so to see family. Taras Galysh sent me photos of the following: “Sons Gabe, Chris and I are off many generals in one place before. We both his newest computer and communication setup. to China for 3 weeks with a youth symphony continue to work about 30 hours a week and are I am not much for understanding tech stuff as I and then we will spend 2 weeks sweating in blessed with good health for which we are very am from the school of “please work when I turn Florida, three kids in college in the fall takes thankful. Gene” Doug Berry reports he has sold on the power”. But it looks as if he could give up most of the rest of our time.” J.B. Farley: the house in Angier, NC. Tom Gritzmacher: NASA a run for their money if they needed a “No new news, but greetings to all. Carol and I “Lucy and I are on the Rhein-Main-Donau backup to launch the shuttle. Allen Sprinkle sent are continuing to enjoy the grandkids and I’m Canal in Nurnberg this morning (13 May) half an informed message about the health care bill. looking forward to some good fishing with my way thru our riverboat trip from Amsterdam to In the exchanges between me, Terry Fowler and son Tom in the Sierras after a winter of great Budapest. Back home by the 21st.” Jim Rogers regarding Dennis Graves’s funeral snowfall. The streams should be great by midBob Hess writes: “I depart Los Angeles July arrangements, Terry mentioned his computer had summer. I’m sitting here restricted to the house 31, 2010 on a 7,667.5 mile roundtrip motorrecently crashed. He went on to say he was only today until a guy shows up to remove a hive of cycle crossing of the US to raise awareness putting “impotent” people back in his system. really angry honeybees near my for prostate cancer. The route card – dates and Glad to be in good company! Dan and Arlene deck. I sure don’t want to go out there! Regards cities for each of the 46 days – is posted on the Wells are building a retirement home in Old Fort, to all, J.B.” event website at http://tourdeusa.org. Bob hopes NC, near Asheville. They have sold their house Joan and I received a postcard from Ken and to connect with local TV stations and Brother and are living in an apartment in Rats at each stopover city. “(And Atlanta while she finishes out the maybe a place to stay. Right now school year. Randy Heneberger’s I have a tent :-) Any help you can computer also had a hard drive provide in connecting with the mecrash in March. Maybe now would dia in your town would be greatly be a good time to check out one of appreciated”. Bob’s mobile phone is the “restore” services I hear about 310.947.1910 and his direct email on the radio. Or maybe some of us is roberthess@mac.com. Jan’s note: should check with Taras! Bob’s info and numbers are printed When we were on Post in April I here with his permission. This info noticed several adjustments. First, will likely reach us by the AR in there are no more sentry walks outthe middle of Bob’s tour. I sent it side of Barracks at night. A sentry to all who are on my ’67 e-mail list is posted in each arch after SRC. in plenty of time for those who can Not certain how this affects those do so to check in with Bob. Bob running the bock and trying to avoid adds: “I have the cities but have detection, Bugle calls for outside not planned the actual route. I just formations are live but broadcast purchased a SPOT 2 Satellite mesfrom inside the Guard Room over senger system that will allow people the speaker system…Third Barto track me in real time on a Google racks Cadets cannot hear them map page. This is a bucket list trip.” otherwise. The ’67 “Bricks” section I assume Bob will also have his is currently full as are some other computer with him. classes’. There is a plan to adjust the These notes will close with a placement of all bricks in the works prediction that VMI football will but no one can say just what it is so improve over last year. All are far. I find the food in Crozet a vastencouraged to try to get to a game or --huge even---improvement over two. Ed Maxwell has invited anyone that in our day. Yet each evening the near Charlotte to come to the 20 NoClass of 1967: Ken and Monica Chun checked in with Dominos pizza delivery VW makes vember game with Gardner-Webb Mickey after a 40-year break during a trip to Orlando, continuous trips to the arches. And in Shelby, NC. I think he is offering Florida, in April 2010. Quiznos (part of the PX) does an lodging but I have not checked with

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Joyce so…. Anyway, there will at least be a ’67 get together of some sort and likely a tie-in with whatever the Keydet folks are planning. I will do my best to keep us informed. I had a brief e-mail exchange with Ed’s brother-in-law, Kip Jones. Kip was in New Zealand but I did not ask him why. I hope he was fishing and golfing. The VMI-Army game is still in the planning stages as I write this. But at least Jack Sheeran will be there. “Thought I’d update you on the goings on from Danbury, CT. As of June 30 I will be joining the ranks of the retired. After 38 1/2 years of sharing my knowledge with 13 year olds I have finally decided it is time to leave. I have totally enjoyed what I have been doing! Kids at this age are a challenge but they are fun to work with and eager to learn about the past and how it has affected the present. I can not conceive of a better place to be in this profession. Patty retired two years ago after 31 years as an elementary teacher. Other than traveling we don’t have many firm plans yet for our future. Our three kids are now out of the house. After graduating from Kent State, Mike has been working in NYC for tech support companies. Amy graduated from Penn State and stayed in State College to work in the Natural Health field. Scott is in California pursuing a career in the production end of the film industry. Hopefully I will be able to see some BRs at the Army-VMI game in the fall. Will definitely be there!” Jan Abernathy

Tom Hickey

’68

Ron Gallagher

May 2010: In August 1964 I came to VMI as a Rat football manager before the cadre arrived but a day or too after the football players arrived. At the first practice I saw that the rats all had their names on their helmets – after all, the coaches didn’t know them very well either. One rat football player stood out. Instead of his name on the front of his helmet, he had written, “A Bear.” Now this guy wasn’t the biggest player on the team, in fact he was far from it. I asked him why he had his nickname on his helmet and he said he said he had put it on his helmet to keep coaches from mispronouncing – he wasn’t he-bert, he was a-bear, Paul Hebert. In March, 2010, I was informed that Paul Hebert (Nairobi, Kenya) was selected by VMI to receive the prestigious Jonathon Myrick

2010-Issue 3

Daniels’61 Humanitarian Award for his work in humanitarian and development efforts throughout southeast Asia, Iran, the Philippines, Nepal, war torn Soviet Republics, Sarajevo, Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo and Ethiopia. When Col. Mike Strickler ’71 told me this, I immediately remembered our first meeting. As I write this in mid-May 2010, the date of the award ceremony has not been announced so I will let you know when I know more. In February after the earthquake in Chile triggered tsunami warnings for Hawaii, I sent Dick Rankin (Honolulu, HI) a note to check on him. Dick responded, “Thanks for your concern. My wife works for Hilton and she was at the Hotel orchestrating the relocation of guests to the 3rd floor and above. I took the pets on the boat to sea, the safest place. It was kind of like the 4th of July with all those vessels out there! But alas, there were no waves of any size! All is well and it was a good drill to go through!” Got a note from John Lester (Richmond, VA) right after I closed out the last set of notes. John wrote, “Sally and I will be in Jackson, WY for the next couple of weeks and I can save you from talking to the answer machine. The only news we have is that our son Lee is finally engaged to his girlfriend of 3 years. I am still here, maybe until the end of the year, but how many times have I changed that. Our civil/surveying business has not improved much at all since we last talked. The last time I was in Jackson, Sally and I had lunch with Skip and Kay Roberts (Lexington, VA) at a place in Moose, WY. I saw Dick Wise last week in one of west end’s best taverns and just talked to John Crim (New Market, VA) this morning. John said did we ever think that we would be this old.” In early March, a sharp-eyed John Crim wrote “Have been down south for a couple of weeks, and am home. Looking through the papers, I see in the 6 March Daily News Record of Harrisonburg, an announcement that one ‘Mary Virginia Breault, daughter of Frank and Valeria Breault of Dillwyn, VA, is getting married on 6 June of this year at JM Hall in Lexington.’” Barry Archer (New Braunfels, TX) wrote at about the same time, “Iris and I are doing great and in good health. I will retire from my position with the City of San Antonio at the end of May 2010 - just haven’t told anyone yet. No plans for the future other than travelling around the country visiting with our 5 children and our grandchildren. Please tell all BR’s that we’re just 15 minutes off of Interstate 35 - just west of New Braunfels, TX and we’d love a visit if anyone is in the area. A month later, Barry wrote about a visit from Hal and Sandy Switzer (Cambridge, MD) and updated his plans, “Hal and Sandy, Iris and I

had a great time catching up while they visited with us last month at our home outside of New Braunfels, TX. The Willie Nelson song that you reminded me of, ‘On The Road Again,’ forced me to go out and purchase a 2006 Honda VTX 1800S Classic Cruiser motorcycle last Saturday. I’ve got to have someone to blame for my foolishness. I wish I could say I was having a mid-life crises but it’s more like a late-life crisis if you know what I mean! At any rate, the purchase will now cause me to work an additional 2 months to pay for the beauty. So the plan now is to retire at the end of July instead of the end of May 2010.” Also got a note from Jack Bareford (Swainsboro, GA) who wrote, “When I was going through some old documents, I found the old newspaper wedding announcement for Bob McDowell (Friday Harbor, WA) and Lissa’s wedding that I was in.” I passed along Bob’s email address so Jack could share the clipping with him. Wayne Burton (Saint Marys, GA) gave me a quick update in early May. Wayne wrote, “I retired from Sandia National Laboratories March 1, 2010 after 30 years while on remote assignment for 2.5 years in South Georgia. However, the Navy Security Programs Manager hired me back as a part time consultant. Fish, work, beach, fish, travel, beach, work, fish... Life is good.” John Hart (Staunton, VA) wrote, “I will be part of the National Boy Scout Jamboree staff this summer. The Jamboree will be at Fort A. P. Hill in Caroline County, VA. I will be the Admin Chief for the Environmental Section of the Physical Arrangements Group. I will be there from 21-Jul to 4-Aug. The Jamboree is officially open from 26-Jul to 4-Aug.” In early April, Creigh Kelley (Centennial, CO) sent in an update, “Was emceeing and announcing the United Healthcare North Carolina Marathon a couple of weeks ago (21 Mar) and in the midst of being at finish area and then doing an awards ceremony, I noticed a guy with an Army shirt on...I was going to make a lame comment about USMA when I suddenly realized I was looking at Groovy Davis (High Point, NC)!! We spoke briefly but I promise that I will hook up with him properly if I’m asked back to the event in 2011. It was a wonderful event, great community and a real plus to see a friendly face that belonged to a BR! I’m heading to Norfolk o’dark early to hopefully sign off on a deal to create the Freedom Marathon in 2011 (to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project) in Norfolk...give me lots of trips and excuses to reunite with GTM brethren! Then back to Denver and then to DC to announce at the Cherry Blossom 10M on 11 Apr.” In early May, I sent out an email SOS for

CLASS NOTES class notes material from the April birthday boys. Ben Hedrick (Bethlehem, PA) responded, “Not much time to think about growing older. I am currently on a two-week trip to Estonia, Sweden, and Finland. Writing this from a guesthouse in Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland. I wanted to cross the Arctic Circle since we did the Antarctic Circle on our trip to Antarctica. Traveling with my wife, Marcy, and son Benjamin who is finishing his Fulbright, part of his doctorate studies, studying math education in Tampere. That’s it from the thawing Lapland (there is still some ice on the rivers here and 18 hours of daylight). Doug Schnabel (Nashville, TN) took a different approach. His response was, “No problem (to no phone call), better to not be reminded of 64 yrs!” Eddie Swink (Richmond, VA), though, provided good news, “On my birthday (65 and counting) April 10th, it was announced at Independence Golf Club, the VSGA facility, that the new Lodge was to be named the “Swink Lodge.” A little redneck from Rockbridge County now has a building named after him. I was quite surprised and honored. The Lodge is 2800 square feet that hosts golfing guests for overnight stays. My father (88 and still playing golf once a week) was there for the dedication along with all my family including one Hokie – he slipped through the cracks. By the way, VMI Alumni are having their annual outing at Independence Golf this week. I look forward to seeing them all.” Guy Wilson (Charlotte, NC) provided a lengthy response, “Travel for Gloria and me the last year includes Mediterranean cruise, Bahamas cruise, England’s Lake District, Cancun, Myrtle Beach and Williamsburg. The last was to see my son, an attorney in Portsmouth. We continue to split time between Charlotte, to be near grandkids, and Charleston, where I keep in touch with Howard Chapman. My son-in-law, CFO of Bojangles, was named CFO of the year in Charlotte for 2009. I have been retired five years now and have my golf handicap down to 7.2 at the moment.” Guy continued, “Just got around to reading Pat Conroy’s My Losing Season, after finishing new book South of Broad. Always appreciate Pat’s gracious references tom VMI, and I sure share his love of Charleston. Both were great reads, but the basketball story brought up many memories of VMI and my own year in Rat basketball. It came out around 2000, and included nod to the prowess of Kemper (Richmond, VA) and Powers (Malvern, PA) in the ‘67 clashes.” Guy concluded, “For the first time EVER saw reference to my and Denny Long’s (Bloomington, IN) dyke, Jack Wilkerson (the Aardvark) in Mickey Finn’s ’65 class notes! Jack worked

at HQ of Southern Baptist Convention for long time. Alum notes getting so large I wonder if they will eventually shift to expanded version online and ask you for short highlights … the magazine is becoming a book! It is very nice to see our register of alumni online now, at least with email contact information.” John Byrd (Richmond, VA) replied, “I get together with Berry Wright (Ashland, VA) every couple of weeks for lunch. Last December I performed a ventriloquist show for the Ashland Kiwanis Club, of which Berry is president. Last Sunday, Berry and I had lunch with Rick Brothers (Steamboat Springs, CO and Richmond, IN) and his wife Jane. They had spent a week at the outer banks stopped in Richmond for a few hours on their way back out west. Berry and I plan to visit Rick and Jane at the Outer Banks this coming July. I have not had many ventriloquist gigs this year. People who hired me in the past have told me they can’t afford me now. So, I used the time to build a new dummy from scratch (the first one I ever built). It is an old woman I call Aunt Tilly. She comes complete with a stick out tongue and is rather crotchety. I continue to enjoy retirement from the Commonwealth of Virginia. I have found my niche. Check out my website to see a video of some of my characters: www. john-byrd.com.” Tom Ricketts (Cary, NC) weighed in with, “Charlotte and I are continuing to enjoy retired life in Cary, NC. We just returned from a trip with her entire extended family to Richmond where we put her mother to final rest. We live very close to the Raleigh airport (RDU) and frequently host friends and family in our over spaced home as they travel through to various destinations. We are hosting a family reunion in Myrtle Beach this July. All the previous reunions have been held in Branson, Mo near my oldest brother. Being the nearest relative, we are planning this year’s event for some 43 family members. All that organizational planning with May Department Stores (now Macys) is paying off. My son-in-law is in the Army Medical Corp with radiation assessment. He is just completing his masters in nuclear engineering at U of Mo and is being posted to Aberdeen Proving Ground north of Baltimore in June. It will be great having them and our two granddaughters just an hour flight away.” Phil Lanier emailed, “Beck and I are moving to Austin, TX, in a couple of weeks. Our son and his family live there and we love the city. It also puts us a little (but not much) closer to our daughter in Denver. Earlier today The Review came in the mail and I was reading that Ken Pennington is living in Amelia Island, FL, and working adjacent to the oldest saloon in Florida. Small world - my wife, Beck, and I lived there

for a couple of years in the mid 70’s and I have had a few at that saloon. It was, and maybe still is, called the Palace Saloon in the little town of Fernandiana Beach.” And to close out this edition, Tom Norment (Williamsburg, VA) wrote, “Like a cheap wine, getting more sour each day and need to remain corked! Continue to legislate in VA Senate, litigate with major VA law firm and teach at William and Mary law school. In last year went to three wonderful weddings: Chips McCallum’s (Suffolk, VA) daughter, Buck Miller’s (Wilton, CT) daughter and my oldest daughter. There are blessings to maturing!”

’69

Walter Judd

Spring greetings to everyone interested in activities of the great class of 1969. It is midMay in eastern Virginia and summer weather is pushing in more and more each day. Bev and I are enjoying the early morning walks in the pre-dawn light and are starting to see more of our summer Hummingbird visitors. G.W. Updike suffered a heart attack in late April and died the next day. Rich Snow in New Mexico got the word from Malon Updike, G.W.’s younger brother in Charlottesville, and passed the message to others. As we did not find out until a week after the event, no one was able to attend the memorial service. We as a class,

Class of 1969: G.W. Updike, recently deceased, and Gary Moore at the April 2009 40th Class Reunion in front of their first class room. Updike roomed with Rick Snow, Rusty McNeill and Moore for their last two years at VMI. (Editor’s Note: See Taps section of this issue for Updike’s obituary.)

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES however, did send a memorial gift to VMI and BRs shared comments about G.W. with each other and remembered the wide smile and wonderful sense of humor. [If you did not get the announcement via email from me, you owe me a current email address. I sent out the obituary as soon as I heard.] See below for more detail about G.W.’s adventurous life. From the obituary in the Orlando, FL, papers, “G.W. graduated from Virginia Military Institute, and immediately entered the United States Army as a regular infantry officer in June 1969 serving until November 1979. He completed both Airborne and Ranger schools, Infantry basic and advanced courses, Command and General Staff College, the Army War College and a tour in Vietnam. He served in the United States Army Reserve for 19 years and retired in 2004 with the rank of Colonel. He was activated for Desert Shield and Desert Storm serving in Europe and Saudi Arabia. G.W. loved Scouting. He began Boy Scouts when he was 11, became Eagle Scout at 16 and has been involved in various roles since then. He was selected as a Silver Beaver in 2003 and the 2008 Eagle Scout Class Honoree. In addition to his job at Lockheed Martin, he taught evenings at Webster University and FIT.” While the Eagle Scout connection runs throughout our class, not many of us can boast of the Silver Beaver award. Well done, COL Updike. Sending remembrances from long ago concerning G.W. were: Gary Moore, Frank Novakowski, Bob Graham, Jim Hitchcock, Jim Long, John Zunka, Joe Lynch, Tom Hickman, Mike LaMar, Al Kaliski, Paul Curs (visiting beautiful downtown N’Djamena, Chad, when he wrote!), Paul Mathewson, John Power, Bob Sparks, Tom Jones (with some health comments below), Thornton Newlon, Chris Brothers, and Courtenay Welton (who related he first met G.W. as a friend of a friend in high school). Glenn White’s comment summed up our relationship with our BR: “G.W., as all have said, always seemed to have a smile for everyone and some kind of humorous comment. He exemplified the ‘glue’ our class has and what is best in all of us. When one of us passes on, a little of each of us dies. Let us all remember the best of times and the best in each of us.” Paul Mathewson’s tribute was one of the better reflections of G.W.’s life: “After ROTC summer camp at Indiantown Gap, PA., G.W., Rick Snow and I took a road trip out west. After hearing of G.W.’s untimely death, I was reminded of that trip some 40 years ago. That trip took us out to Yellowstone in Wyoming, down through New Mexico and on back to Virginia. Throughout the entire trip I cannot recall a single disagreement. G.W., as many have already observed, was always in good humor,

2010-Issue 3

ready with a joke or to laugh at yours and was a genuinely open and friendly person. Though I was saddened to hear the news from Florida, I was happy to know that those characteristics that made him so endearing as a young man, followed through in his life and resulted in a really good man who, obviously, was respected and loved by many.” Charlie Bryan and I exchanged emails during the winter and lamented the fact many new historians are wondering what form their future research will take. In the past scholarly research would involve reading letters and descriptions of activities germane to some now-deemed historical event. With so few people now sending letters (electing to use text messaging and phone calls instead), there is much less information accumulating for future use. For some topics only sketchy data will be available (emails or concise print media). Charlie used his treasure trove of love letters sent between him and his future wife Cammy as they were dating in college to illustrate his point. His references to national, state and local events in those newly discovered letters helped him reconstruct important events and items that happened “back when.” In a later message Charlie passed on other good news, “[don’t know if] you’ve heard, but I was just elected to the VMI Foundation Board. Wonders never cease!” Dennis Witt and Hugh Hopkins visited John Scott in Clearwater Fl for a spring baseball game. Hugh reported that John and Nancy have a nice place on the water and sent a picture of the occasion. Paul Mathewson sent an update message to former roomie Bob Heely, “We are doing well here. I just moved back to Park City from Phoenix, AZ. I took a job in Phoenix in 2007 but the

Class of 1969: Gathering in Clearwater, Florida, were, from left, John Scott, Dennis Witt and Hugh Hopkins.

economic downturn forced the company into bankruptcy in 2009. So, I moved back to our Park City home and am now looking for my last gig. Jess is doing some consulting work with her old employer in Salt Lake, and we rented out our house in Phoenix, so we are doing OK.” Another of our illustrious BRs checked in from northern Virginia after many years of living abroad. Joe Flanz said in response to hearing about G.W.’s passing, “it is unfortunate that we have to reestablish contact at such a time as this, but thanks for thinking of me. For eight of the last nine years, Michie and I have been living in Japan, serving in the U.S. Embassy. However, we are again living in the Washington, DC area. I am still employed by the Defense Intelligence Agency, although after 42 years of government service, I have decided to retire at the end of June. Afterwards, we hope to catch up on some travel and divide our time between the U.S. and Japan.” As I kidded Joe about his medals being included in the VMI Hall of Valor, some of his escapades as an intelligence officer must have taken him pretty close to the action. A rear area guy he was not, and he has the stories to prove it. Joe also commented on G.W.’s southern accent when they first met and reminded me of the many terms and phrases unique to the Barracks life of a cadet. Most of us were overcome by the new ways of talking but at least understood when the words were spoken. As Joe said, he as a new cadet from New York felt understanding G.W. and others with strong accents was “quite an experience.” Don Nelson did the math and says we are right in the middle of the graduated classes of VMI, “hmmnn....I noted the Alumni class ranges, comparing the oldest alumni Class (1926) to the youngest (2009), almost 2010. Let’s see: 2009-1926 vs. 1969; that puts us right on the ‘Alumni 50 yard line’.” When actual numbers of former cadets are considered, we are well on the way to the end zones! Just call us “Old Corps” and give us good seats at all the athletic events. Tommy Thompson, Bob Heely and Tom Hudson represented VMI and the class at the annual party in Richmond for the sitting members of the Virginia Legislature in February. BR Hudson has a big role in setting up that gathering each year in February. Although the new Governor did not attend the party that night, he and his staff have already visited the Institute in Lexington. Tom Catlett, Tommy Thompson, Dan Gibson and I headed to Williamsburg on 21 April for a baseball game between VMI and WandM. A little rain got in the way, however, and reduced a golf, BBQ and then baseball game day into golf-in-the-rain and BBQ. The Williams-

CLASS NOTES burg chapter leaders had to scramble to find a sheltered place for the BBQ when the “passing showers” hung around all day, but they found a fine place for the food and conversation. Roughly 60 folks showed for the event and all were well treated with good food and a chance to win a slightly used baseball jersey from past years. Four such jerseys were given away and a good time was had by all. Not sure if you have seen the statistics but VMI has won over 30 baseball games again this year and defeated a UVA team while they were ranked number one. Jim Long was there that night for the game in Lexington and sat next to a grad with a wellbehaved young son. Turned out the young dad was Carter Mackey, Gary’s son, who called dad with updates every inning. Ranked in the top 30 of the nation for several weeks, the Keydets have had a great season. Dr. Tom Jones noted he will send me some advice to pass along reference health issues for some of us persons with extra girth in our middles or more skin than necessary under our chins. He offered a list of medical tests and goals to be performed, links to disease prevention, and questions to ask one`s personal Doctor. I will publish anything he sends and offer it to any of you with weight issues. I agree with his assumption that we as a group and as individuals need to pay attention to the right medical solutions to keep us around for awhile. That is all for this time, BRs. Keep the news flowing to me and don’t be bashful on checking in if you have not called or written for awhile. For fun someday, take a look at the ‘68 Bomb on page 253 and see all the future doctors, dentists and PEs in the two pictures. It is an amazing story in itself. Yours in the Spirit ... Walt

Warren Grasty

’70 By now everyone should be fully recovered from what was definitely the best reunion yet. To all BRs who missed it, you simply HAVE to come to the 45th. There is plenty of time to plan ahead, so no excuses will be accepted. One or more stick checks are even being considered during this event. A suitable penalty for not being there is currently under review by Bob Copty, who has extensive expertise in matters such as this. Many thanks to John McLemore for serving as Class Paparazzo during reunion and for identifying everyone who wasn’t quick enough to escape his high-powered lens. (John reports that, thankfully, the only damage he sustained from the flooding that hit the Nashville area the

week after reunion was a couple feet of water in the crawlspace under his home.) And thanks to Chips Lanier for making these pictures, and other content, available on our Class Web Site www.vmi70.org. The granularity of these photos is incredible. So incredible, in fact, that I have decided to start up a sideline business doing airbrush retouches for a nominal fee. Depending on the level of effort, i.e., wrinkles, some of you will pay less, some will pay more. Much more. Thanks again to Ben Dick for making available the Foxfield Race tickets. Liz and I attended this event during the 35th reunion, and it indeed made for a special afternoon. Last, but not least, I want to say a special “thanks” to Bill O’Connor, my predecessor as Class Agent, who set a very high standard that will be tough to follow. If there is anyone who bleeds more red, white and yellow than Bill, I sure don’t know who they are. I am most appreciative of his kind advice on how to handle the pressure that comes with the job and find that the recommended daily 5th of Jack Daniels has a particularly calming effect. Rather than repeat the numerous reunion weekend highlights that were covered in my reunion update email, I want to relate some conversations I have had with BRs who could not make it to reunion. Joe Tenhet was disappointed at being grounded in Europe due to the eruption of Eoijdfdjkhsfqliskar, or whatever the heck the volcano’s name is. Lee Moon emailed from Jacksonville, FL where he is Director of Athletics at the University of North Florida. They held their athletics awards ceremony during reunion weekend, so Lee had to stay and watch over his fledgling Ospreys. Taze Taylor ran into Bill Chiswell a month or so before reunion. Chis’s bad hip was really acting up and kept him from attending reunion. Following hip replacement surgery the first week of May, Taze relays that Chis’ hip is progressing slowly but surely, and that he is looking forward to quail hunting this fall and seeing everybody at our 45th. Donnie Wheatley had his hands full, as usual, with various activities at Boys’ Home in Covington over reunion weekend. Fortunately, he and Bonnie were able to meet up with Larry and Penny Thompson and Ned Haley and Fricka Raycroft for breakfast Saturday morning. It’s hard to believe that Donnie has been Executive Director at Boys’ Home for 25 years. On Saturday, May 15th, I was fortunate enough, along with Carl and Julie Strock, to attend the celebration of Donnie’s 25-year tenure in Covington. The positive impact he and the others at Boys’ Home have had on young men at

risk during this period, and the love they have for Donnie, is truly amazing. Very few people find their true calling in life, and Donnie is one of them. Gene Freedman, a former roomie, checked in from Roanoke, where he and Mary had just returned from a trip to Anguilla a few days before reunion. Gene has scaled back his money management activities to work with only a few select individuals and is planning to start up an unrelated business. He has also acquired the sailing bug and recently helped a friend deliver their 42’ sailboat from Fr. Lauderdale to Block Island, RI via the Atlantic Ocean. It seems to me that this would have been the perfect application for a trailer, but I digress. Daughter Lauren works in Falls Church, and son Court is scheduled to get his PhD in microbiology and immunology this summer from the VCU School of Medicine and will be doing post-doctorate work at MCV. As is the experience with my son, I think this once again proves that intelligence is pretty much a generation-skipping phenomenon. Tom Halliday emailed from Marshfield, MA and CERTIFIED that he would be at the 45th reunion. Tom and I had the pleasure of sharing the same great dyke, Larry Wertz ‘67, who unfortunately passed away much too young. Dave Schmidt has been in Ohio since early March helping his mom through some medical issues and was unable to break away to attend reunion. The good news is that she is progressing very well, since she appears to be about as hardheaded as Dave. The impact of his absence was evident in the increase in the average golf score in Friday’s outing as well as in the average reunion attendee IQ. (You see, this is what happens when you don’t attend reunion. You leave yourself wide open for abuse like this.) Dave’s older son, Tyler, completed his Army schooling and is now assigned to the communications platoon within a medical unit in Korea. Tyler and wife, Jess, are expecting their second child- a girl this time. Younger son, Danny, will complete his Associates Degree in December at Northern Virginia Community College and plans to do some world traveling before continuing his education. Dave promises to return this summer to Northern Virginia to try and re-establish his credibility on the golf course. Also passing along their best wishes and regrets were Harry Bare from Colorado Springs, CO, fellow Tweet Chip Humphrey from Elizabethtown, KY, Tom Spink from Wilmington, DE and Jerry Woo from the Capital of the Confederacy. In non-reunion news, Gray and Nancy Chandler’s daughter, Tara, was married the weekend after reunion in Jacksonville, FL. Usually, Stix schedules weddings in the middle of hurricane

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES season to add to the drama. However, I hear that this one went off without a drop of rain, at least until the service was over. John and June Bailey, Jim and Judy Mawyer, Charlie and Margaret Walker and Gary and Lynn Weishaar all made the trek for the sole purpose of finally getting a free drink out of Sticks. The week after reunion was also a busy one for Burt and Susan MacKenzie, who moved from nearby Ashburn, VA to Kenbridge, VA, which is famous for….something, I’m sure. Earlier this spring, Jim Mawyer joined Burt MacKenzie and Herb Braun in the ranks of the recently retired. But before he could even book his first tee time, he ran headfirst into Judy’s en-

cyclopedic honey-do list. Jimi should resurface by September. Bobby Brown and his son, Pres, work for C.L. Lewis and Co., in Lynchburg, the company that is renovating the Commandant’s House, so that project is in very good hands. Betty is joining the board of directors of Boy’s Home in Covington to help them continue their 100+ years of service. Older daughter, Spencer, is a Neo-Natal Intensive Care Nurse in Pittsburgh, while younger daughter, Meg, teaches school in Richmond. A.C. and Beth Arnn will be heading to Korea in July to visit son, Patrick, who is an Air Force fighter jet pilot. From there, Patrick

will be heading to Afghanistan and then onward to Aviano, Italy for a three-year assignment. Daughter Sarah, who lives in Burlington, NC, recently received her master’s degree from UNC- Greensboro, and will be getting married next April. I assume Dad will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that this event does not conflict with The Masters Golf Tournament. Dick Cheatham is completing his book on “Citizen Leadership” aimed at young people (13 to 30 years old). The premise of the book is that there must be a much higher level of “Citizen Leadership”, as opposed to “Professional Political Leadership”, in this country if the Republic is to be sustained in a recognizable form

Class of 1970 40th Class Reunion

Class of 1970: The following attended their 40th Reunion and are listed alphabetically: Phil Anderson, Ed Andrews, A.C. Arnn, John Bailey, Al Bast, Bill Bott, Herb Braun, Bobby Brown, Dan Campbell, Tom Campbell, Bob Candido, Mike Carruth, Fred “Skip” Carver, Gray “Stix” Chandler, Dick Cheatham, Richard Clary, Frank Cleaton, Tom Cooke, Bob Copty, Ralph Costen, Steve Craddock, Don Crawford, Dave Curry, Bill Davis, Jim Dawson, Howie DeWolf, Paul Dickinson, Peel Dillard, Tom Ferguson, John Flemming, Bill Gearhart, Dewey George, Jim Gillespie, Les Ginn, Joe Girlando, Warren Grasty, Ned Haley, J.C. Hanks, Bob Hart, Reed Heddleston, Bob Hockley, Jack Hoffman, Dave Hoffman, Bill Huffman, John Jordan, Jack Kern, Bruce Kirchner, Al Kirk, Glenn Kuntz, Chips Lanier, David Lawrence, Tom Love, Jeff Lyon, Burt MacKenzie, Russ Marshall, Jim Mawyer, Steven McAuliffe, Leonard McClure, John “Smack” McLemore, Don McQueen, Dave Miller, Robert Moore, Tom Morehouse, Ben Morris, Paul Munch, Bill Murchison, Jim Nelson, Jerry Nickelsburg, Tom Norris, Bill O’Connor, Dennis O’Donnell, Ash Ormes, John Pappas, Bruce “Artie” Pates, Bob Patrick, David Payne, Ned Perrow, Fred Phillips, Bill Powell, Waite Rawls, Lew Reynolds, Bill Richardson, Bill Scherer, Kent Schlussel, Turner Scott, Cameron Seay, Jack Sheedy, Mike Sisler, Ned Snead, Mike Snead, Bob Spore, Neil Steverson, Carl Strock, Steve Talley, Taze Taylor, Randy Taylor, Joe Tenhet, Larry Thompson, Jay Tice, Ed Trinkle, Jerry VanLear, Roland Vaughan, Jon Vordermark, Wilder Wadford, Charlie Walker, Dixie Walker, Steve Waters, Gary Weishaar, Bill Williams, Gordon Williams, Chuck Wills, George Yurchak and Tom Zarges.

2010-Issue 3

CLASS NOTES 2

Class of 1970

Attending Their 40th Reunion 1

Photo 1: Leonard McClure, Don McQueen, John McLemore and Steve McAuliffe at Friday night’s party at the Lexington Golf and Country Club. Photo 2: Leading the Old Yell was Bill O’Connor with Ben Dick and Roland Vaughan. Photo 3: Bill O’Connor led the way. Photo 4: The Three Neds: Ned Haley, Ned Perrow and Ned Snead at Saturday night’s dinner at Moody Hall. Photo 5: Jim Mawyer, Bob Copty and Bill Gearhart before the Saturday class parade. Photo 6: Carl Strock, Roland Vaughan and Wilder Wadford at Friday night’s party at the Lexington Golf and Country Club.

100

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES into the future. Does the phrase “term limits” strike a familiar note? Dick is currently seeking a literary agent and publisher, so if anyone has a recommendation, I’m sure he would like to hear from you. I look forward to being one of the initial purchasers once this book is published. Who knows, I might even get the author to autograph it for me! Tom Clingerman checked in from sunny Solon, Iowa, where he just retired after 30 years with Rockwell Collins Avionics. He and Karen had planned on making it to reunion, but Tom got a unique opportunity to get back in the cockpit, as follows: “A man, who I taught to fly 25 years ago, called me and offered me a job flying part 135 for the Forest Service, carrying command and control personnel over forest fires. It’s just a summer job, but required getting back up to speed with my instrument flying and a check out in twin engine Aero Commanders. I jumped at the chance. After 30 years, I will be earning money flying airplanes again. I feel 20 years younger. I still don’t even know what it pays. I know I will get a salary and per diem- the amount doesn’t really matter- it’s one of those kind of jobs!” Call me old fashioned, but I get a little nervous whenever I hear a pilot use the verb “jump”. Moving right along, it turns out that, not only are Tom and Karen avid ballroom dancers, but Tom also plays the bagpipes and was looking forward to seeing the Keydet Pipers on parade. It seems that ol’ Cling was a closet Tweet after all! Their older son, a Marine Corporal, has completed two tours in Iraq and even has enemy video of his position under attack. Currently in the Marine Reserves, he is anxious to return to Active Duty. Their younger son recently graduated from Iowa State University and plans on attending culinary school so that he can open his own restaurant. Sounds like Ma and Pa Clingerman have done quite the job. Dr. John Flemming touched base to give me the inside scoop behind the picture of his own self and Col. Glenn Kuntz that appeared on page 4 of the previous Alumni Review. It was taken Thanksgiving Day, 2009 at the US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq. John was there as a civilian working in the Multi-National ForceIraq J5 Assessments Division, while Glenn had been recalled by the Army Reserves to work in the Iraq Transition Assistance Office at the Embassy. It turns out that John had contracted food poisoning a few days earlier, so all he could do was watch Glenn eat, which he reportedly did with much gusto. John said it brought back fond memories of his only other bout with food poisoning, which (I know you’re not going to believe this) occurred at beloved Crozet Hall and involved some “ripe” mayonnaise. John, we feel your pain. Way back in March, Bob and Kathy Candido

2010-Issue 3

hosted their annual O’Candido’s St. Patrick’s Day party at their home near Mount Vernon. In attendance were the usual suspects: Jack and Melanie Kern, Cameron and Mary Seay and Paul and Lynn Munch. As always, it was a magnificent affair with the best corned beef this side of Galway. (NOTE: Running “seay” through Spell Checker returns “seamy”. Sorry, but this is the kind of stuff you get when I don’t receive enough news to fill up the Class Notes.) As mentioned before, over 50 BRs are linked to the VMI’70 Facebook page. Bill Scherer and David Payne have posted some very nice pictures and videos there, including a YouTube video of the 2010 spring reunion classes singing “The VMI Spirit” and a video of the Class of 1970’s Old Yell in the Really New Courtyard. Facebook is a great way to stay connected to BRs. As an example, after posting some pictures from the trip Liz and I took to Costa Rica earlier this year, Ben Morris tagged me via Facebook from Costa Rica where his son is a homebuilder. He and Val were staying in a new home his son had built, but not yet sold, so that it wouldn’t sit unoccupied. Very tough duty, but Ben seems up to the task. That pretty much wraps up this update, other than Liz and I would like to extend an invitation to any of you who are traveling to, or through, Dulles Airport. We live less than ten minutes away, have plenty of room and would love to have you stay with us, or at least meet up for a beer or a bite to eat. In any case, we hope to see many of you at one or more of the upcoming Keydet football games. This should be an exciting year as Coach Woods and his staff have implemented a more pass-oriented offense and a lot of talent is returning. I particularly look forward to cheering on the Class of 1970 Scholarship awardee, Damiso Alexander ’10, as he wreaks havoc in opponents’ backfields. And don’t forget, if any of your contact information changes, or if you track down some of our missing BRs, please let either Ned Haley (ned.haley@gmail.com) or me (ClassAgent1970@aol.com) know so our BR database can be kept current. In the Spirit!

’71

James Kelly

I hope everyone has had a great summer up to this point. These notes will cover the period from 15 Feb., 2010, to 15 May, 2010. The 39th anniversary of our graduation date will occur this week [in May], as well as other notable events such as New Market Day. The red, white and yellow will float on high from many

venues, I am sure. I want you to mark your calendars for 29 April through 1 May, 2011. These are the dates which have been confirmed for our 40th Reunion weekend. We will have several ways to share ideas for activities, such as e-mail, Facebook and a group meeting at one of our home football games this fall. Kathryn and I were in Lexington in April for a Class Agents Conference. A large number of agents were able to attend this activity and received valuable information concerning the current state of affairs at VMI, with emphasis on academics, military and athletics. Friday evening, we attended a dinner in the Hall of Valor at Marshall Hall. This is truly an impressive facility for VMI and will provide an excellent setting to enhance the activities of the Center for Leadership and Ethics (CLE). Navy Capt. Susan Rabern is the acting director of the CLE and served as our main speaker for the evening. She captivated the group with her enthusiasm and presentation. I encourage everyone to consult the March edition of the Institute Report and the Alumni Review 2010-Issue 2 for information about recent programs at the CLE. Joining us for dinner were Pat and Mike Kelly ’73, Sal Vitale ’61, Larry Houseworth ’72, and Carol and Buddy Bryan. Buddy is currently serving as vice president of Campaigns and Stewardship for the VMI Foundation. I got an e-mail and a photo from Billy Seargeant ’68, a friend of our Brother Rat Graham “Corky” Coble. Corky is in Fredericksburg, VA, and, according to Billy, has a VMI “shrine” near his store office, featuring a 1968 Bomb, a shako and “other artifacts.” Jim Gearhart and his brother, Bill ’70, were in Georgia during the week of the Masters. They played some golf with Phil Ogden ’63 and also saw Jeff Yates ’78. Jeff has a son at VMI who completed his Rat year this past spring. Jim’s wife, Mary Crockett Gearhart, has a cousin, David Kellerman Jr. ’13, in the same class (’13), who is a direct descendent of New Market Cadet Charles G. Crockett, class of 1867. Jim reported that, although they are related, David is doing well and not within two demerits of being boned out, like he was in 1968. Back in late February, Lanny Gault announced that wife T.S. had coached another St. Catherine’s swim team to a state championship and was also named Coach of the Year for the fifth time! This gives her six state championships in the private school swimming and diving competitions: four at St. Catherine’s and two at St. Christopher’s. Quite a resume and it doesn’t look like she is slowing down at all. Bill and Margaret Ginder celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary this year and have been looking forward to the birth of a third

101

CLASS NOTES grandson (’32). Bill has been on a remarkable weight loss program and as of this writing, is down 53 pounds, with plans for dropping another 50 by the 40th. Bill and Margaret had dinner (low cal?) in Orlando, FL, with Larry and Lisa Brumback. According to Bill, Larry hasn’t aged a bit and is planning on being at the 40th. Bill also sent along a copy of one of those lovely first-day-at-VMI pictures we had to send to our parents. He and roommates Doug Petersen and Mike Smith looked like they were all having a great time being college freshmen. I don’t have any stats on how many of our classmates married their Ring Figure dates, but Danny Czupryna did and apparently that was a good decision, as he and Lori celebrated their 38th anniversary this past April. He also was among the last of our class to achieve the age of 60 and received a phone call from old roomie Bill Gentry who thought Danny could be the youngest member of the class of ’71. My records are incomplete, since about 10 of you out there don’t have recorded birthdates (I have notified Homeland Security), but I believe that our youngest BR is actually Ken Piernick. Danny is still in New York as the director of Materials Management and Purchasing at Saratoga Hospital. His oldest daughter, Jaye, is a manager of customer relations for an insurance agency in Albany, and daughter Ashley was just named Teacher of the Year in Union Grove, NC. Danny has a nephew who graduated in May from VMI which will make six VMI graduates in his family dating back to the class of ’48A. “Not too shabby for a bunch of good-ole-boy Yankees,” says Danny. “Soup” also reported getting his fourth career hole-in-one on a 168yard par three with a 7 iron. He claims that he could see that far, but I have no confirmation from other witnesses. This feat may pose a scheduling problem for Mike Strickler at the 40th Reunion golf outing. Several people are trying to get paired with Buddy Bryan whose foursome produced holes-in-one at two out of the last three reunions. Erwin Hanke had an ace at the 25th and Jim Gearhart at the 35th. The VMI baseball team got off to a blistering start for the 2010 season by posting the most victories in school history, including an upset win over then-number one ranked UVa. At the time of that victory, VMI was ranked in the top 30 teams nationally. Lanny Gault launched an e-mail campaign to get a group of our classmates together for a home game against Radford toward the end of April. The effort was a great success. Several BRs and guests were able to attend the game, and the weather in Lexington was scorching at around 85 degrees at game time. The campus was buzzing with all kinds of activities and every playing field and track seemed to be occupied. Even the Saturday

102

Afternoon Hiking and Gun Club was out front walking off PTs. Notice I did not say “marching.” These cadets enjoy being members of that club about as much as we did. The bad news that day was that VMI lost its 11th straight game, but the good news is that they came back on Sunday and snapped that losing streak. In the stands for ’71 were Gault, Biersack, Lockridge, Bryan, Hanke, Coleman, Haywood, Metzger, Wall, Coulter, Strickler, Rose, Morefield, Candler, Littleton and Kelly. On the same day as the baseball game, I saw Oscar Padgett in the VMI Bookstore. His son was seriously injured while away at school in West Virginia, back during the winter, and had been hospitalized in Roanoke. Oscar reported that Grafton was home and doing remarkably well. I know that Ozzie has appreciated all of the support from his Brother Rats. John Metzger has hosted a few gatherings at his estate in Vesuvius and at Natural Bridge, featuring the likes of Paton, Fogleman, Lindsey, Golden, Bryan and Littleton. Many of our nation’s problems have been discussed by this elite group of political scholars, and suggestions for improvement have been forwarded through the appropriate command channels. That will be about it for now. Enjoy yourselves, and be safe out there. Kathryn and I look forward to going to Hilton Head this summer with Lauren (’26), Ryan (’27), Chuck and Veronica. We will look for signs of Keydets on the beach and report back in the fall. I want to thank all of you who have supported VMI Annual Giving so far this year and encourage you to keep up the good work. I assure you that our contributions are being put to good use every day at VMI and that the concept of the “three legged stool” is working well. The quality of a VMI education has gained national recognition in large part because of alumni support. One out of every four cadets now at VMI would not be there without financial help. Many of us were in the same situation years ago, and VMI made it happen for us. It is our time now to do the same for today’s Corps. Let VMI and ’71 be heard from today … Jim

’72

Larry Houseworth

Fellow renegades – These notes cover Valentines Day through New Market Day 2010. After numerous stuttersteps, Spring has pulled herself together, and the view from high atop beautiful downtown Bethesda, MD, is magnificent … crystal blue with the distant din of B-town’s annual “Strut

Your Mutt” – summer is not far … I want to share just a bit of information from April’s Class Agents Conference. First, the current Corps of Cadets is the largest in history. At 1540 (projected, 2010-2011), it is almost 25% larger than in our cadetship. Academically, it’s very impressive – this year’s Rat class entered with a 3.4 average GPA and mid-SATs of 10601210. And here’s a significant indicator: 92 of the “wait-listed” applicants had a GPA of 3.5 or above! Thirteen degree-granting departments offer cadets 17 majors and 11-20 minors, depending on how they want to pursue their interests. Over 95% of the faculty has their Ph.D. (Bill Badgett ’53 is the only exception, and he’s finally retiring this year) and all teach. Brig. Gen. Wane Schneiter, dean of faculty, said that the Institute emphasizes teaching and scholarly engagement, not “publish or perish.” Every cadet is assigned a faculty mentor, and every faculty member mentors. With a student/teacher ratio of 12:1, all cadets – including Rats – are assured of being taught by PhDs. It was interesting to note the shift in degrees from our day to today’s economy. While we were oriented toward engineering and science, today only 48% of the Corps is science and engineering majors with 52% declaring liberal arts and computer sciences majors. VMI’s engineering curricula continues its national recognition, and the Business Department has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Business Education – only 5% of colleges and universities offering a business curriculum have received this honor. And, due to increasing demand, VMI will begin offering teaching certification for those cadets desiring to serve in public and private education. Out of state enrollment is up (45.3%), attrition is down, the number of foreign cadets is up and female enrollment is up (close to the goal of 150-200). Fifty-six percent of the graduating first class received commissions, including four into the U.S. Coast Guard for the first time. The Keydet Club, while touching on the success of VMI’s nationally ranked baseball program and Reggie Williams’ ’08 success in the NBA, presented a factoid that blew me away – 25.5% of male cadets and 47% (*47%*) of female cadets participate in NCAA athletics … A high point of the conference for your humble scribe was Capt. (USN, Ret) Susan Rabern’s presentation on the VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics. In addition to her Navy command time, Capt. Rabern was twice a senior research fellow at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces; assistant director and chief financial officer of the FBI (through the U.S.S. Cole attack, 9/11 and the anthrax attacks on Washington, DC); assistant commissioner and chief financial

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Title IX coordinator. Tom was head of VMI’s Air Bill Collier, were there at all hours – and apparofficer of the U.S. Customs Service; and then Force program as professor of aerospace studies ently, were pretty good nags at getting Mike to chief financial officer of the Agency for Interfrom 1998 until his retirement from the Air Force take care of himself. national Development (AID). While with AID, in 2002. Tom’s replacement is Col. Bill Grace Screenwriter and movie producer Rocky she served as deputy director of the Office of Military Affairs, Bureau of Democracy, Conflict (USMC, Ret, Texas AandM ’81), VMI’s outgo- Yost’s “Lilly’s Thorn” has received numerous ing professor of naval sciences and CO of VMI’s awards at indie-film festivals across the country. and Humanitarian Assistance. Navy ROTC Detachment. The VMI community Internet site imdBPro says “Lilly’s Thorn” is a In my opinion, Capt. Rabern is the perfect salutes Tom and Sally, and all of us wish you “quick paced Capra-esque tale where the little person with the perfect background to lead the the best of luck with all you pursue in the future guy, Lilly Nash, fights back a hostile takeover Center for Leadership and Ethics. Her mission is to lead the “(advancement of) understanding, … and Tom, you’re not escaping your role as by real estate mogul Hillary Thorn while visited by her long absent father. Only problem: Dad practice, and integration of leadership and charSupreme Reunion Planning Poobah! died 12 years ago.” Check it out – and when acter development at the Institute and to share Julie Gaulding continues her determined he’s cruising down Hollywood’s red carpet, insights gleaned from the VMI programs with recovery from a serious car accident. I was we’ll be able say, “… Yeah, but I’ll bet you a broader national audience.” If you haven’t fortunate to chat with her a few days after didn’t know about the time he … .” already done so, please check out the CLE on her return to the Gaulding farm. She sounded Jim Yolda continues to turn a hobby into a the VMI Web site. terrific and absolutely determined to get back semi-second career – his photographs have With all this shiny news, it fell to Brig. Gen. to work and back to tending their horses. Mike been assembled into several books published by Bob Green ’67, deputy superintendent for and son-in-law reconfigured chez Gaulding blurb.com. Check out “Snaps” and the others. Finance, and Brian Crockett, the VMI Foundato accommodate Julie’s wheelchair accesses His work is breathtaking – eagles, hawks, New tion’s new chief executive officer, to present and radii. He also asked me to pass along his England lakes, London bakeries – beautiful! more sobering information. The state faces a family’s supreme gratitude to BRs, spouses and Harold Plott sent along a photo of him, Roger $4.5B shortfall in the General Fund across the families who offered up words and acts of sup2010-12 biennium. VMI, as all other state colport. Mike’s roommates, Sterling Spencer and Hart and Lindley Vaughan at the ACEC-VA leges and universities, acutely feels (American Council of Engineerthis shortfall through reductions in ing Companies of Virginia) 2010 operating and maintenance budgets EEA (Engineering Excellence and re-prioritized capital forecasts. Awards) Gala at Richmond’s JefTuition increases (≅9% in-state) ferson Hotel in February. He says, must be kept to a minimum for the “Members of the VMI class of Institute to remain attractive, yet 1972 garnered three of the awards. faculty and staff salaries must be Lindley Vaughan and Roger Hart competitive to attract and retain the received a Grand Award for their best and brightest, and room has to projects and [I] received a Merit be found in the shrinking budget Award for [my] project … It has for unfunded mandates. All this, been indicated: ‘This is not a while the state’s contribution to the rose between two thorns but is an VMI mission has actually decreased example of two roses surrounding as a percentage of total costs from the thorn.’” “Roses” may a stretch, the time we were in school. As a BR; “Beaming pillars” may be Class of 1972: Phil Wilkerson, Gale Sommers and Walt result, the Institute relies on private more appropriate – but hey, I’m an Galanty celebrating Gale’s 60th. Photo by Meg Galanty. support accounts for 30% of its English major … lifeline. I ask that you remember Speaking of English majors this as you consider how you may (Moncure, too), I had a great chat be able to help, and to all those with Marshal Pinkard recently. I who’ve contributed throughout the tracked him down, ensconced in years in amounts large and small – Virginia Beach with Ms. Becky, thank you, the new lady in his life. He (Quick VMI sports updates: MASN credits Match.com (and, no doubt, will broadcast the VMI-Liberty game Becky’s limitless patience) with from Lynchburg at 7PM, Saturday, putting new sunshine in his life. Nov. 7th, and CBS College Sports He also shared a rib-busting story will broadcast the VMI-Army game from his mission trip to Kenya from West Point at noon on Saturday, (last issue). Discretion limits my Nov. 14th.) sharing, but suffice it say, if you’re To the throng’s news: By the time going to wash down an Ambien you read this, Col. (USAF, Ret) Tom with a drink to combat jetlag, steer Moncure will be a couple of months clear of large Dutch women … but Class of 1972: Lindley Vaughan, Roger Hart and Harold into a well-deserved retirement. – I’ve said enough … Plott were the Engineering Excellence Award winners at Tom’s served VMI for eight years “Cap’n” Jack Miller and the the 2010 American Council of Engineering Companies as deputy commandant for Cadet USCG Auxiliary continue to keep Virginia Gala, February 2010. Government, Inspector General and the waterways safe during Shuttle

2010-Issue 3

103

CLASS NOTES launches at the Cape; although, with this week’s launch, only two more remain. Does not bode well for the local economy – but our boy and Donna have their boat! Gale Sommers sent along a photo of him and roommates Phil Wilkerson and Walt Galanty celebrating Gale’s 60th at casa de Sommers. He says, “ … It was a great party, and it was good to have us together again after many years. The only one missing is Jerry Renfro, but he is MIA and has been for a long time.” Looking good, gentlemen. From former MIA BRs: I’ve very enjoyed hearing from Barry Garland and fellow Annandale High School alum Ted Bremer. Both are alive, well and politically vociferous – God bless you, gentlemen. Bob Patrick (class youngster) thanked me for his birthday card and reminded me that he’s 60 NEXT YEAR – not now – so, he’ll save his card. On your scribe’s front, I leave shortly to attend daughter Allison’s graduation from Columbia University where she receives an MFA in producing and theater management. If any of you have picked up Broadway tickets at Times Squares’ “TKTS Red Steps,” you’ve dealt with her graduate project and thesis. She starts June 1st as DC’s Wooly Mammoth Theater’s communications and new media manager. Son Michael just completed his sophomore year at Virginia Tech, majoring in hospitality and tourism management – and cars – and girls … he’s spending his summer working with EuroMotor Cars here in Bethesda. Assembly’s sounding. God bless each and every one of you and yours … Honored, Brother Rats – Rah Virginia Mil! … Larry

’73

Mike Kelly

It never ceases to amaze me how time seems to fly as we get older. I remember my folks always telling me that, but it is definitely a lot more realistic than I ever imagined! It is now New Market Day, and it seems like only yesterday I was writing the May notes in 2009! The first class is getting ready to graduate, and by the time you get these notes, the Cadre will have returned to the Institute for the next incoming Rat class, estimated to be about 500 strong! Then, it will be football season – the first game is against Lock Haven on Sept. 4, Labor Day weekend. We hope to see many of you this fall. This has really been a busy spring. Pat and I attended the Class Agents Conference April

104

16-17 and stayed an extra day to do some things around Lexington, including a leisurely ride down the Blue Ridge Parkway and a visit to Natural Bridge. Then, on May 9, my son, Derek, graduated with honors from Appalachian State University with a major in construction management. He starts work June 1 with Hensel Phelps Construction Company and will be assigned to the DC area. We are really proud of Derek and feel very fortunate that he has a great job waiting for him. Best of luck, Derek! (And since this was child number four and the last one to finish college, Mike gets a raise in June!) Pat and I went to another graduation this weekend to see my brother, Steve ’77, receive his doctorate of philosophy, professional counseling, from Liberty University. After he retired from the Navy a number of years ago, he became a certified counselor in Louisiana and started working on his Ph.D. Following the death of his wife, Cindy, Steve moved to Lynchburg to work in counseling and to finish his Ph.D. and has since re-married and settled in that area. I always hate to deliver stressful news in my notes, especially when it directly involves us or our families. Many of you received a note from David Northcraft stating that he had been diagnosed with leukemia at the end of April. Dave has been undergoing additional testing and said that it would be July before he would be 100 percent sure of his status. He feels fine, and his spirits are pretty good. Dave said he has changed his diet some and that seemed to help, and he just finished reading The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors and recommends it to all. He has also talked to a number of BRs who gave him “strict orders” to beat this disease, and he appreciates your notes and calls. Let’s all keep Dave and Susan in our thoughts and prayers. Dave and Susan attended a New Market Day celebration and cookout hosted by the area chapter president, Jeff Vordermark ’79, and said they had about 25 in attendance. Dave is also proud of his recruiting efforts and noted that three Rats (two men and one lady) are matriculating from his area this summer. One cadet from Wichita graduated this weekend; another from Wichita will be a first classman this year; and another will get her ring in November. Sounds like you all have been busy, Dave! Thanks for all your hard work. Tom Clark sent a note saying that his wife, Bonnie’s, mother passed away in March, and Roland Tiso said his wife, Judie’s, father died the first of May. Roland said Judie’s father was a decorated soldier from the Korean War. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you! Tom and Bonnie have been really busy this spring. In fact, as I am writing these notes, they

are in the Bahamas staying at the Riu Palace Paradise Island in Nassau for a week. They go to some of the neatest places! Tom also travels back and forth to Albuquerque on a regular basis to visit with his mom and said that the 83-degree weather and Mexican food were welcome relief from some of the weather they had this past winter. Roland’s oldest daughter, C.J., graduated summa cum laude from USF this spring. She hopes to get into grad school at the University of Ohio. Allie, Ro’s other daughter, graduates from high school in June with a 6.0 GPA, so it looks like the Tisos will become empty-nesters shortly! Although he isn’t 100 percent sure at this writing, Roland suspects that he will most likely be sent to Afghanistan sometime during the summer for a four-month deployment, so keep him in your thoughts and prayers! While he hates to be away from his family, Roland does look forward to a mission with his soldiers and the ISAF staff. Good luck, Ro, and be careful! I had a nice note from Don “Hap” Reisch who survived the flooding in the Nashville area. Apparently, they had a 1,000-year storm that dumped 14 inches of rain in two days. Although his neighborhood was an island for awhile, they sustained very little actual damage. Hap and his wife were actually in California at the time of the storms, vacationing with their daughter, Emily, and their son, Jake, VMI ’04, and his wife. They were visiting some of the best wine country in California, so they just had a glass of wine and didn’t worry about it. As he said, “What will be, will be!” Hap noted that he’s now been with DuPont 37 years – what did I say about time flying? Dale Kitchen is recovering from total replacement of his right knee. Thus far, he said everything is coming along quite well. The staples have been removed, and his doctor and physical therapist are pleased with his progress. Dale’s wife, Toots, continues with her special education. Their daughter, Kaitlin, will be a college senior this fall and is currently studying abroad in South Africa at Stellenbosch University near Cape Town. Kaitlin plans to attend one of the world cup soccer matches in June before heading home. Their other daughter, Cody, heads off to college this fall, so the Kitchens will become empty-nesters, as well! Pete Walters was in DC for New Market Day attending the GI Film Festival. The festival is timed to coincide with Armed Forces Day, and he said he would love to see part of the films, or all of the event, actually come to Lexington to coincide with Veteran’s Day, Founder’s Day and of course, the USMC’s birthday! Good luck with that, Pete. John Pinner said he and Ann were doing fine

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES and that all is well in Suffolk. He noted that Doug Huthwaite sent me a last minute mesin the past couple of years, with the construcMark Weiss had his gall bladder removed and sage (right at “press” time) to say that he and tion industry “going south,” he decided it was is doing well. John stays in touch on a regular Pat had just gotten back from Lexington where time to do something a little different. He has basis with Mark and Stuart Seaton, as well as they attended the New Market Day celebragone to work with Edward Jones Investments as Frank Joyce – all are doing fine. John wants tion. They drove down that morning from DC a financial advisor and soon will be opening an to set up a “mini reunion” for some football and commented about how many folks were office for them in Fincastle. Best of luck with weekend this fall where we could do some sericamped out at the New Market battlefield for your new career, Artie. ous tailgating. So, stay tuned for more details the re-enactment. Then, they got to attend Artie also sent me some news about our class on that as we get closer to this fall. the ceremony at VMI. That is a very moving president, Don Caldwell. As you may know, I had a message from Bill Stephens about ceremony! While in Lexington, Doug and Pat Don has been a commonwealth attorney in the William and Mary football weekend, which usually stay with Patty and Ron McManus ’57. Roanoke for years, but I haven’t heard from is Sept. 11. There will be a 10th Annual “Pup Ron was Doug’s eighth grade English teacher him. It seems that Don and Art have a mutual Cup” Golf Tournament held on Friday, Sept. at Randolph-Macon Academy in Front Royal, friend (the Botetourt County Commonwealth 10th, at the Viniterra Golf Club to raise money VA. Bill Van Deusen and Doug both graduAttorney) who, along with several police offor the Jeff Morgan ’80 Memorial Scholarship ated from RMA in 1969. While at VMI for the ficers, is a member of a local band, and Don and fund. Bill said anyone can play, and he hopes weekend, Doug said they went to the VMIArtie enjoyed a few adult beverages one night that our class will field a couple of teams. So, Winthrop baseball game, and he got to visit in listening to the band. OK, Don, the gig is up; please let him know if you can make it. Pat and the dressing room to see his name on lockers he drop me a note, will you? I have been trying to get to Williamsburg for has sponsored over the years. What a great way The lost BR award for this issue goes to several years. However, it seems like we just to help contribute. Thanks for the note, Doug. Tuck Bowie. Don’t think I have heard from can’t get our schedules straight. That weekend, As I’ve stated numerous times before, it is Tuck during my stint as class agent, and it was we’ll be returning from Las Vegas where we always a thrill to hear from a “lost BR” that I great to get caught up on his activities. After will be keeping the grandkids and visiting the haven’t heard from or haven’t heard from in a graduation, Tuck did civil engineering work for north rim of the Grand Canyon. I will have long time. This time around, I can report that AandE Consulting in Virginia Beach. After 22 to plan better next time! But for you golfers we have successfully gotten some information years in the business, a friend offered him an out there, Billy said this is a “must play” Rees on a couple of folks who have been “lost.” opportunity with The Terry/Peterson Companies Jones masterpiece! Go get ’em, guys! Though I haven’t heard from him in awhile, Art as the VP of land development. Six years later, I had a couple of short notes from folks. Chad Pendleton sent me a really nice note to say that Tuck became the president of the company, and Brown didn’t really have any new news but he and his wife, Phyllis, were doing well and while he admits that things may be a little slow said to say “Hi” to everyone. Rich Lykins said still live near Roanoke, VA. They are expecting now with the real estate market, he is surviving he was starting to “wind down” as he finishes their third grandchild this summer. Their son, and enjoying himself. He and Sandy have been his term as president of the Alumni Association Chris, and his wife have two boys, ages 8 and 5, married for 38 years and have two children, on June 30th. I know he has stayed really busy and are expecting a daughter in July. Needless Bryan and Katie, who are out on their own and with that, and we all owe Rich a big thanks for to say, they are all very excited. Artie said that live in the tidewater area. It was great hearing doing such a great job and representfrom you, Tuck, and I hope you stay ing our class so well!! Thanks, Rich. in touch. Enjoy some time off for a change. Well, summer is about here (it’ll be M.B. Adelson is still “back in school.” Dog Days when you read these notes!). I had reported earlier that he was Pat and I are getting ready for a vacaThey Were Heard working on his LL.M. degree in the tion and business trip combined. I have environmental law and policy program a meeting in Albuquerque in June, so From—VMI Alumni at FSU. So far, he thinks it “was worth we’re going out a week early to visit In the Civil War it” but hasn’t convinced himself that he SW Colorado, Mesa Verde, Cortez, Author: B. David Mann was ready for all that school work again. then on to Canyonlands and down to (‘46/49 - C) However, if things continue as planned, Monument Valley. I hope all of you This monograph details the roles he’ll be finished in December. I have have a really great summer and enjoy of VMI alumni on both sides of the also mentioned in the past that M.B. had your vacations. Civil War. Paper Back . . . . . . . $6.95 gotten to know Chris Gililand ’06 as I’m not sure what the near-term future Chris was attending FSU. M.B. recently holds for me. As are many states, North The Corps Forward attended Chris’ graduation, where he Carolina is struggling with its budget, Editor: Col. William Couper (1904) received his master’s in history. M.B. and at this point it appears that my Foreword: Col. Keith E. Gibson (1977) said it had really been fun working division of environmental health will be The gripping story of every cadet with a “younger” alum and hopes Chris split up among several other agencies and faculty member who marched will be able to stay in the area. M.B. is as part of the governor’s restructuring to New Market. also getting closer to seeing his dream and re-organization, and as of July 1, I Hardcover with Dust Jacket . .$49.95 of a German restaurant come true. He will be unemployed. While I expect a Paper Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$19.95 recently found a piece of property that pretty good severance package to tide All sales benefit VMI Museum & Alumni Association would be ideal and is pursuing getting me over, I have enough sick leave built it renovated and open. Good luck, M.B. up to get me to an “early retirement” of Order direct from Mariner Publishing Let us know when, and we’ll be there 20 years. (I spent 18 years in the private (540) 264-0021 ready to critique it for you! sector before coming to work with the www.marinermedia.com/bookstore.html

True accounts of VMI’s remarkable Alumni in the Civil War

2010-Issue 3

105

CLASS NOTES position until new guy arrives; Don Kilcullen’s son made corporal in the Marine Corps; Mike Andriani could not be there – was in Lexington with son just out of the Ratline. Charlie Gardner has acquired an old VMI wrestling kit. Jim Cottrell enjoys time with Fogleman ’71 at a shoot house/club in Lewisburg, WVA, and Tom Puskas is a Homeland Security TSA air marshal, special agent in charge. As always, a good time was had by all. Rick Hess has retired from PT ARMOR as of Dec. 30, 2009, but is staying on as a consultant for about a year. Rick plans to open a branch of Commonwealth Rescue Systems (CRS) in South Boston, VA. CRS is a business that sells rescue, police and fire equipment with the home office and original location in Harrisonburg, VA. Rick also plans to work part time for the Snookie Parker Halifax VA Sheriff’s Office as a deputy. Rick reports a Proud Parent moment: his daughter, Dani, is graduating from Eastern Mennonite University with an undergraduate degree in psychology. Thanks for the note, Rick, and watch Brother Rats … family and friends of the your six, always! class of 1974 – Greetings! Spring is in the air. George Van Laethem and family are doing Are you having a good time? Well, I hope so! well. Anna is still working in the guidance deAs I always say whenever given the opportupartment at the high school. George is back for nity, “Every day is a good day; some days are his 10th year coaching the girls’ soccer teams just better than others!” Especially if no one is and still working for CSC in the USJFCOM shooting at you! Now, for the news: J9. Daughter Ashley is now “medically retired” Bert Graham reports a February fall in a Roafrom NCAA soccer. Two more injuries to her noke parking lot – a black ice incident resulting surgically repaired right ankle made the deciin broken and dislocated bones in his right foot sion for Ashley. She will finish with a degree (and a severely bruised ego), requiring surgery, in chemistry and plans on grad school at one of plates and screws. A full recovery is expected in the following: Alabama, U of South Carolina, 12-15 months with related arthritis looming in the NCSU and Va Tech ... in that order. Thanks for future. Cherryl and the girls (twins the note, George! Rachael and Sara) kept an eye on Grandpa Parker reporting in Bert in Berwyn, PA, early in his – Phil Parker’s daughter, Molly, recovery. Bert laments to having lost delivered twins in early March – 14 the “clicker” control at key times, weeks early. The twins (Hunter because he had to watch American and Kaitlyn) were in the NICU at Idol for two hours recently, noting it Portsmouth Naval Hospital which would have been helpful if a BR had is one of the finest facilities in the dropped by to take a bat to his recountry according to Phil, because covering foot, as it would have been they deliver so many babies – apless painful than watching American proximately 3,600 a year! Wife Idol. Bert and Cherryl are happy to Randy was staying with Molly report empty-nester status. Tristan, and Bob, caring for their daughter, Rachael and Sara have all graduated Madeline, who is almost 2. Hunter from college and are all working. is doing nicely, growing each day Tristan is with Cuisine Solutions and slowly developing, just the in Alexandria, VA; Rachael is with way the docs want him to. Kaitlyn CH Robinson (Transportation and is having several issues that are Class of 1974: Social studies teacher Ted Telle with Logistics) in Philadelphia; and Sara somewhat more challenging but not prospective cadet Alexandria Gagnon at Kaiserslautern is with Coventry First (Insurance), life threatening. Happy moments for High School in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Ted has been also in Philadelphia. Bert is still the Parker clan. involved in new cadet recruiting for VMI since 1991. Alworking in Roanoke for the joint Juice Bones (Bruce Jones) and exandria is the first female to say “yes” to VMI. She plans venture of two Japanese firms (GE Sue took the train to Old Town to be an engineering major, run cross country and serve still has small interest) and commutAlexandria to visit son Matt in her country after graduation. ing back to the Philly area, as time early April. Juice went to the snack state.) I have also made some contacts with folks in the environmental consulting field that I used to work with and a few doors may open up there. I don’t think Pat will let me just stay around the pool all day, so I’ll be into something. Who knows? The department may decide to stick me somewhere rather than buy me out; we’ll see. I’ll let you know, but if you send me an e-mail at work and it bounces back, you’ll know why! I’ve had a good career and am in a lot better shape than many, so I’m not worried. Thanks for all your notes and support. I hope to see a lot of you this fall at some of the games. Pat and I are planning to attend the West Point game on Halloween. So, if you can, put that on your calendar, and we’ll try to get together up there. Take care.

’74

106

allows. Cherryl works for a small tech firm called Airclic located in the Philly area. Sorry about your fall, Bert, but glad to hear of your recovery. May you claim squatter’s rights to the “clicker” in the near future. Thanks for the update! The Grand PooBaah, Charley Banning, reports 16 BRs in attendance at a 27 Feb. meeting of the Potomac Area Breakfast Club: Bob Johnson, Mike Mahoney, Charlie Gardner, Pat Flynn, Wilson Johnson, Bill Minor, Rick Donahue, Tom Puskas, Arnie Leonard, Chuck Ward, Jim Huddle, Clint Anderson, Jim Cottrell, Don Kilcullen, Don Whitten and yours truly. Pat Flynn came the farthest (St. Augustine Beach, FL) followed, in order, by myself (Wilson, NC) and Don Kilcullen (Richmond ,VA); Chuck Ward (Charlottesville, VA); and Jim “Space” Huddle (Annapolis, MD). New members to this august body: Wilson Johnson and Bob Johnson. Class coins are a must for a gathering such as this, or one would be buying flap jacks and jo for the entire crew. “Space” slapped his class coin on the table, matched by me and 11 other BRs. Coin check: Mike Mahoney, Don Kilcullen, Jim Cottrell a little short … Tom Puskas secured three coins for other BRs … Wilson rec’d a coin from Space … all others had coins on the table. At the meeting, Arnie Leonard mentioned that he had a roster by rooms and may post with pictures and run a site like Facebook … may need to get to Kevin Nettrour to resurrect interest in our IT/WebSite team. Quick note on some attendees: Rick Donahue is a DoD acquisition professional in Crystal City, former ATEC dude … currently acting in an SES leadership

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES bar for coffee and ran into Marvelous Marvin Watts, his wife and two kids. Marvin was headed to DC for a spring break outing. Juice said Marvelous looked marvelous. Marvin told Juice that he didn’t make the last reunion because he was (spoken in Marvin drawl) jus bein’ kinda l-l-a-a-z-z-y-y. He was also propagandizing his young son, Jordan, with VMI virtue but not certain if he was buying. I am on that train to DC every week. I need to spend more time at the snack bar. What a great, small-world story. Thanks, Bruce!!! Send me a note, Marvin! I think it was John Smithey who sent me a 3 April Roanoke Times feature article on Roland “Crazy Laz” Lazenby. Laz has published his 60th book about sports, Jerry West, The Life and Legend of a Basketball Icon, which rose to number seven on the LA Times best seller list. What a milestone!!! Congrats, Roland. VMI’s baseball win over #1 at the time UVa generated lots of positive energy and e-mail traffic between Pat Flynn, Roland Lazenby and Terrell “Lukie” Williams. A tidbit from that traffic: Terrell had the good fortune to go to the Friday round of The Masters and describes Augusta National as heaven on earth. While there, Terrell bumped into Tony Farry ’75, Billy Hupp ’77 and Freddie Allner ’77. Bert Graham provided some interesting Randy Gleason news. Randy recently got remarried and his bride is Bert’s sister’s best friend from high school in Roanoke. Bert’s wife, Cherryl, is visiting Roanoke later in May, so Bert was trying to arrange a dinner with Randy and spouse. During the discussion, Randy mentioned that his oldest daughter is graduating from UVa in May and will go to work for Disney in FL shortly thereafter, and his oldest son starts at VMI in the fall. As a matter of fact, Randy was at VMI in early May trying to get his second son, who is 16, interested. They were standing on the front porch of Moody Hall, and Randy struck up a conversation with someone who looked vaguely familiar. It turns out it was John Baumgardner who was visiting VMI with his two sons. Bert mentioned that he had not seen or heard from John since he dropped him off in Roanoke in spring of 1975 after they completed FA OBC at Fort Sill, OK. I do not recall having heard from John lately. John, send me an update! I did receive a late Christmas card/letter with pictures from Chuck and Louise Ward … came in three days after notes were due in February. It looked like a fabulous trip to the Mideast … Galilee, Jerusalem and a symbolic baptism in the Jordan, among the highlights. Thanks for the card, Chuck. Taryn Diana Shelley, daughter of Pete and Susan Shelley, graduated from North Carolina State University on Saturday, 15 May, 2010, in Raleigh, NC. Congrats!

2010-Issue 3

I have heard that Cary Wallington has been sighted in the DC area. I hear that he is working at Booz Allen in Tyson’s Corner. Can anyone confirm this? While inquiring, some seemed more interested in the whereabouts of his sister – Pam, I think. Just in case you happen to run into one of these BRs, they are recent recipients of class coins: Stu Ashton, Kevin Newton, J.F.W. Caldwell, Paul Van Doren and Rob Bacon. On a sad note, Cliff Biram lost both parents recently. Cliff’s mother and father celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June 2009. Cliff’s father, class of ’52, attended one semester before following his VMI football coach to Mississippi State, a decision he had always regretted. Cliff lost his mother in October and his father in February. Please keep Cliff, Twana and family in your prayers. That is all the news for this spring. CLASS AGENT PLEA! Don’t be caught without your class coin. If you need one, send $10 (cost of coin and postage). 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 Web master), 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: This will be the swan song for your humble correspondent, as I pass the torch with a sense of abiding relief to my successor, Artie Nunn. As much as I love you guys, five years is enough. By now, I trust that all of you who do not live in Texas have made your arrangements to attend our 35th, while the quiet little town of Lexington has no idea what is about to descend upon it. Thanks again to Jelly Bear Taylor, Allen Morgan, Stewart Fleming, Guy Conte and everyone who worked to put this together. The springtime news follows in due course. Our old buddy Mike Garten, of NCIS fame, will not be joining us in September as he shipped out to Iraq for a one-year tour in March. Mike will be putting together the Iraq Forensic Science/Crime Lab Program. This seems a little overdue, but there you have it. He

will be serving in the same country with Chuck Wohlrab’s son, Phillip, a sergeant and combat medic in that particular theater of operations. Chuck, himself, is still in Kabul and was busy with the spring offensive, although somewhat non-committal about his plans, other than meeting Deb in Singapore for a week in June for a “parents only” vacation. Chuck’s daughter, Kirkland, is working for Sigma Nu at the national office in Lexington. Charlie and Lynn Kaune have bought a house in Pensacola, FL, which they plan to visit from Stuttgart when Charlie’s time is up in January 2013. Charlie has been working with Kevin Wright and Scott Lloyd ’76 in an effort to stem a full blown civil war in the Sudan. This did not deter him from the planning and execution of a New Market Day celebration – German style! Our highest ranking class member, Danny Darnell, phoned in from Hawaii to announce that he was doing everything possible to make himself available on Labor Day. This is no easy task, since he supervises a staff of 650, keeping track of 330,000 in the command working in the 35 countries within his area of responsibility! The general enjoys working with his boss, Adm. Bob Willard, and the two old fighter pilots seem to have hit it off rather well. Danny is involved mostly in strategic issues and public diplomacy which he exercises in various capacities, including entertaining the Secretary of State. Ken Gerard is in Cincinnati work’n, perk’n and having the time of his life. His work takes him to really low rent destinations like Kona and Honolulu when he is not watching his younger son play for the Wright State University Club Lacrosse Team. Ken is really looking forward to hearing the new versions of all the old stories and claims to have a memory so acute that any form of embellishment will be called to swift and sure account! Barry and Tigger Hughes were the guests of Jeff and Farashtah Abravesh for an April dinner in Reston, VA, where they continued a hallowed tradition of eating way too much. All of them managed to pause long enough to make a solemn vow to attend our Labor Day Reunion. Barry and Tigger welcomed their fourth grandchild, Conrad Burnett Hughes, in March and were planning on a visit from the Seattle branch of the family in July. Guy Conte, Kimo Wong and Al Koehler got together over plenty of red meat, libations and fine cigars in our nation’s capital. Al is working for the Department of Defense and raising two beautiful daughters, while Kimo and Guy are keeping their extracurricular activities on the down low. Kimo had heard from Paul “Moon Pie” Blair who had returned from the United Kingdom and is living in Lexington, KY, from which he plans to travel in order to consecrate our reunion. He was curious about

107

CLASS NOTES Tom Baur’s new status as KESAGI – lord of the dance and unencumbered sunbathing. Kimo had also been to Scottsdale to play some golf with Guy Conte and Jerry DeWaters, all of whom favored me with a late night phone call from an undisclosed location. You know that the three of them had been partying long and hard if Jerry was the only one I could actually understand! Jerry and Jelly Bear Taylor are the band sponsors for the upcoming reunion, for which we owe all of them a large measure of gratitude.

Former track and field great, Lane “Reggae” Pritchard, has been running his own real estate appraisal company for more than a year now and is still finding time to cavort with his 8-year-old daughter and lovely wife, as well as cracking heads and taking names in his bi-weekly martial arts class. Reggae has pretensions about being the best looking, most physically impressive specimen at the reunion, in which case he had better hope that Danny Dell’Osso doesn’t show up. Our class historian, Reggie Webb, took his family – Kathy, Mattie

and Cyrus – to San Francisco and reported that “the Gross One” is still a physical marvel who enjoys running marathons and walking on his hands to impress all of us old guys. Just to prove the point, Dell’Osso grabbed Reggie’s daughter for a quick 8-mile run across the Golden Gate Bridge just to work up an appetite before dinner. Reggie is the director of Signature Projects at the University of Virginia Darden School, which seems to mean that he goes anywhere he wants, anytime he wants and plays golf while he is there. I say

Class of 1975 Photos clockwise, from top, left: -Charlie Collins at the Texas Renaissance Faire. -John Young III with his father, John Jr., USMC (Ret); son Stephen; and daughter Michelle at the wedding of John IV in Plattsburg, New York, January 2010. -Class Agent Robert Mills asks, “How many Keydets can you spot at Steve and Sherry Chapin’s 1978 wedding?” -Russ and Terry Jackson and daughter Ashley, an Army first lieutenant, at Mt. Everest base camp, October 2009. -Robert, Edward ’07 and Valerie Mills above the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in the cloud forests of Peru, April 2010.

108

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES we put DeWaters, Webb, Fleming and Chris Smart together for some match play, place our wagers and see who comes out on top! Chris has been house hunting in beautiful downtown Buenos Aires, Argentina, in anticipation of his upcoming “retirement” from BP, the company currently engaged in a high profile project to pave the Gulf of Mexico. Chris was planning to join Apache Corporation sometime in July in order to have something to do between rounds of golf, which, I assume, is also available on the pampas of Argentina. Another former track and field star, Rich Mines, was on hand for the Col. Jamison Appreciation Day event held in April, where he had the opportunity to visit with Bob O’Connor and Sam Crim in his first visit back to the Post in a couple of decades. We still have no word on whether he plans to repeat that feat in September. Dr. Jim Schmitt was able to break free from his duties in Fort Carson, CO, to travel to Peru and hike the Inca Trail with his two sons, Eric and Chris, of the University of CO and USMA, respectively. Son Chris is with an armored unit in Fort Hood, TX, and Eric is a software engineer. This merry triumvirate enjoyed their first taste of roasted guinea pig, a Peruvian delicacy, as well as the scenic wonders of the Andean Cloud Forest. Traveling around the world in the opposite direction is Oscar Richardson and his wife, Anna, who is spending six months in Pune, India, commencing in June. Oscar is taking over a church in the sub-continent, while assuming the duties of the minister who is on sabbatical. This will absent the “Big O” from our Labor Day bash, but we know he will be with us in spirit. His old roomie, Ben Vanderberry, survived the dramatic Northeaster of November ’09, but his house did not fare quite so well. Ben and Ann live on the water in Norfolk and labored, along with Richard Meredith ’78 and other intrepid sand baggers, to save most of his property despite losing the pier and the floating dock. The situation was so traumatic that he had to promise Ann a new kitchen just to be able to stay in his waterfront locale. This did not prevent him from traveling to Steamboat to ski one or two runs a day in March – something he does between cocktails and posing for all of the people on the chairlift. Ben and Ann’s daughter, Weldon, is studying at Old Dominion University. Young Ben is finishing his junior year at Norfolk Academy and beginning the college search process, blissfully unaware that Ben has already decided where his young namesake will attend! Harry McKnight reported that he has hung up his whistle and will no longer be sprinting up and down the sidelines while officiating college football. He continues to train many new pretenders though, as many young up-and-comers are eager to learn from the master. Harry was

2010-Issue 3

on the lookout for Doug Harvey who, rumor has it, may have moved to Portsmouth, but this could not be confirmed at press time. Veteran class agent, Vic Arthur, and his wife, Tricia, have moved from Richmond to his hometown of Winchester, VA, where he occasionally runs into Jim Robinson. Jim is working for National Fruit, maker of Whitehouse products, and undoubtedly behaving himself. Tricia remains active teaching piano, and Vic has been pursuing other interests and opportunities which he will tell all of us about in September. Andy and Mary Love Dearman have become grandparents down in Birmingham, AL, and frequently entertain Mike Hunter and the boys as they form a joint enterprise to visit death and destruction upon the local deer population. Mike’s son, Budge, will be back at the Institute in the fall, where he will join his cousin, Billy Hunter’s son, William Crawford “Will” Hunter, an entering Rat and future member of the class of 2014. That means that he will miss Chip Louthan’s son Michael, a May 2010 graduate, but will no doubt make the acquaintance of many other friendly upperclassmen. In my opinion, there should be at least two Hunters at the Institute at all times in order to assure that tradition survives and debauchery flourishes! Larry La Monte is living in central TX, where he has embarked on a second career teaching second grade. Larry loves working with the kids and eagerly anticipates every day at work, despite the fact that the academics are a little bit tough. He laments being unable to attend the reunion since he lives in – you know – Texas. Perhaps he can get together with Charlie Collins and Bill Turpin in Houston. Charlie and Kathy celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in November, and Charlie has promised her a trip to Ireland. Apparently, they are unaware that they live in Texas and could never visit another state, let alone another country. Charlie claims that he continues to play summer league lacrosse, but I would need to see some evidence of that. His and Kathy’s eldest daughter graduated from Texas AandM in August, and Charlie has big plans for his youngest, 10-year-old Michaella, to follow in his footsteps at our beloved Institute. Charlie continues in his career with Genentech, marketing biotech medicines that he asserts have transformed oncology, immunology, virology and primary care throughout the land (which I guess means Texas). He also claims to be responsible for Genentech activities in Little Rock, Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Jackson (but we all know he lives in Texas). Ellett Smith reported from Vienna, VA, that his son, George, has graduated magna cum laude from Radford University with a double major and a double minor, while his eldest, Jason, is finishing his master’s degree in sociology at George Mason Univer-

sity. Ellett claims to have a hand in all of this academic prowess, but I am sure that his wife, Fran, who also happens to be the registrar for Navy medical education scholarships nationally, knows better than this. Dr. Keith Frey is working on a major technology project in Scottsdale in which he has managed to spend $70 million over the last three years. He claims that these meager responsibilities might affect his ability to attend the September reunion, which would make sense if he lived in Texas, but I think Scottsdale is in AZ. Fred Edwards, apparently oblivious to his status as a Texan, had planned to visit British Columbia with two of his daughters to do volunteer work on a Native American reservation north of Whistler. Fred’s oldest, Juliana, is in medical school at the University of Texas in Houston, and Rachel graduated from Texas A&M where she will also attend graduate school in medical policy and administration. Abigail is a junior at the University of Texas at Austin where she studies mechanical engineering, and youngest child, Jonathan, is working on a swimming scholorship in high school. Stewart Fleming had received an invitation to go fishing with his old roomie, Preston Sloan, who is now living in Abingdon, VA. I am not sure what kind of fishing you do with a golf club, but perhaps O.P. has figured something out. I just hope it does not involve goats. Bernie Cobb is president of Siovation (formerly Taylor Chemical), a company that manufactures industrial grade silicone emulsions. Bernie’s youngest daughter, Stacey, just graduated from Furman University, making him an official empty-nester who now has time to attend the reunion in September. CPA Heather Janes made it through tax season in fine form, despite attending seminary full time, serving as a student pastor in a local church and studying violin at the Eastman School of Music! Heather’s eldest son has taken a job teaching at the Grove School in Madison, CT, just a few months after receiving his master’s degree. Heather feels she might be a little too young to attend the reunion with all of us old guys, but perhaps she will change her mind. Dennis “Popeye” Lewin is still doing contracting work after retiring from the Naval Facilities Engineering Command in 2007. His bride of 29 years, Kelly, is still working at the command, trying to cover Popeye’s tracks. Their oldest son, Gary, from the class of ’04, is in Djibouti managing construction projects for the government, and his brother, Brett, UVa ’06, is a project manager for a medical services contractor in Washington, DC. Popeye and Kelly also see Bill and Edith Robson at all the local haunts and report that Bill has retired from the Army Corps of Engineers and is on the lookout for a job that is just as cushy as Popeye’s. At press time, Al and Sandy Morgan were

109

CLASS NOTES getting set to attend the big Keydet Club auction in Richmond, along with Jelly Bear and Sandy Taylor who plan to entertain Mike and Sloan Hunter for the weekend. The Morgans returned from gallivanting all over Italy, and now Sandy is running all over VA, entering a 5k here and a 10k there, while working on her certification to become a personal trainer with an emphasis on senior fitness. This is one senior who could use a little more fitness, having just returned from a trip to Peru and Bolivia where the two- mile altitude basically kicked my senior behind! I was able to meet daughter Valerie, who will be starting law school in the fall, at the end of her three-month stay in the Ecuadorian rainforest. Valerie met me in La Paz, Bolivia, where we knocked around for several days before crossing the border into Peru in order to visit the secluded islands of Lake Titicaca. From there, we ventured to Cusco, where we were joined by son Edward from the class of ’07, and headed down through the sacred valley of Peru to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. All of us feasted on alpaca and guinea pig which we washed down with copius amounts of coca tea in a constant effort to deal with the altitude. It was a wonderful adventure, and I look forward to hearing about each and every one of yours when we gather in Lexington for the much anticipated 35th. Until then, stay young, stay healthy and stay in touch!

’76

William Bhatta

Brother Rats: These notes were written on 15 May, 2010. Today, VMI honored the cadets that fought at New Market, and tomorrow Bill Brown’s son, Carter Lee Brown ’10, graduates from VMI! Well, short notes are better than no notes: Jimmy Lofton ’76, Tom Turlip ’76 and Ces Ferrer ’76 saved the day! Jimmy and Bonnie Lofton are doing well. Jim is counsel to the chief in the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. He is responsible for overall management of the Power Plants Initiative in the Environmental Enforcement Section, handling cases aimed at bringing coal-fired utilities into compliance with the Clean Air Act. Jim joined the Department of Justice 20 years ago from Maloney, Yeatts and Barr in Richmond, VA; he started as a trial attorney and became a senior counsel in 1997. He has also done extensive educational work in environmental law. Jim is the primary author of a primer for attorneys working on enforcement cases. He taught environmental law at the Washington and Lee School of Law in Lexington and teaches trial advocacy regularly at the government’s National Advocacy Center. The

110

Loftons have three children: Allison, an intensivecare-unit nurse in the Los Angeles area; James, a rising senior (and soccer player) at the College of William and Mary; and Kara, a rising freshman at Eastern University near Philadelphia (and also a collegiate soccer player). Brother Rats, before I continue with this update, go find your wife or significant other right now. I’ll wait a few minutes while you go and find them … Give the Alumni Review to them, point to the next paragraph so they can read it, then stand in front of them. Ladies, Bonnie Lofton is the editor of the Eastern Mennonite University alumni magazine. She knows how important these notes are to Jim’s Brother Rats. If the person standing in front of you has not sent an update to me recently, please follow Bonnie’s lead and send one in for him. You do not have to do it too often; once a year is fine. Thanks in advance for your support! Please hand the Alumni Review back to the guy standing in front of you. Tom Turlip sent this update via Facebook: Tom retired from the Air National Guard and from his previous civilian job with the Naval Facilities Engineering Command. He presently works as a construction manager for the Parsons Corporation. His daughter is a nurse. She is married and living in Charlottesville, and her husband works at the UVa hospital. Tom’s son is a sophomore at ODU. Debbie was recently inducted into the Virginia High School League Hall of Fame for gymnastics. She has been involved in the sport for nearly 40 years and is also on the national gymnastics rules committee. Ces Ferrer is a colonel on active duty in the Air Force. He is currently assigned to the Headquarters Air Force but matrixed to the Air National Guard Readiness Center, where he is the deputy surgeon general for Clinical and Operational Medicine. Ces has deployed three times to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. During his last tour in Iraq, he taught flight medicine to Iraqi doctors. Then, in Afghanistan, he implemented the same instructional program for the Afghan Army Air Corps. Ces said he is still married – 32 years – to his wife and best friend, Deborah. And now the BR Minute: I briefly spoke to Jay Foertsch and Garry Varney in Oklahoma. The most recent tornados missed them. Jay lost his electricity; Garry said he survived another one. Yai Kasemsant popped up on the radar screen very briefly – I noticed his name on a list of BRs recently making a donation to VMI; unfortunately, that’s all I can report. Jim Mallon, Rocky Glass, Maury Gatewood and Lee Godsey convened the Richmond BRC club a couple of weeks ago. Rocky and his wife had just returned from a week of RandR in the Dominican Republic. Recently, Jim and Susan Mallon attended an event at Marshall Hall (the Center for Leadership

and Ethics behind Smith Hall) honoring Col. Don Jamison ’57 (former CE Department head, tennis coach and faculty advisor to the Honor Court). They sat with Grigg and Cindy Mullen and also had an opportunity to talk with Kent Carrington. Two things are on the horizon: (1) Keep your eyes and ears opened for information about a mini mini-reunion this fall at a home football game. (2) By the time you read these notes, I hope the 35th Class Reunion Committee will be formed. There are approximately 481 days until the reunion in Lexington. Take care!

’77

Bland Massie

Rah Super ’77, Rah, Rah, Rah: Well, BRs, almost no news this time by the deadline for these notes and not enough imagination or energy to make it up or BS our way through it. But Moe decided to use this opportunity to encourage more of us to help with the info and to get current e-mail addresses. Those of you with current e-mail addresses have already gotten the notes with some of the summer news, as well. If you didn’t get the notes via e-mail, then send me yours at my e-mail address, and I will send you what I have. If you don’t have computer access, then drop me a note to have them mailed, or call and leave your address on my voice mail. Those outside our class may be able to get them on a VMI Web site later, assuming you even care. Rah, Rah, VMI, Whole Damn Class

Class of 1977: Cmdr. Stephen Kelly, USN (Ret), center, received his doctorate of philosophy, professional counseling, on May 15, 2010, from Liberty University. Kelly retired from the Navy years ago and has been involved with guidance counseling since that time. After his retirement, he began work on his Ph.D. and completed his coursework in December 2009. He moved from Slidell, Louisiana, to Lynchburg, Virginia, and is currently working as a certified counselor. Dr. Rick Kelly, Steve’s brother, took this photo. Steve’s other two brothers are Jim ’71 and Mike ’73.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES

’78

Tom Brown

Greetings to the great class of ’78! Another season is drawing to a close, so it must be time to report on class happenings. Just after the deadline for the winter notes, Tim Berkhimer sent along some news about a visit he had with BR Mark Gentile. Mark, his mom, his brother, Tony Gentile ’69, and wife all seem to be doing very well. Tim spent about three hours with them, shared some old war stories and told a bunch of tall tales about each of their times at the “I.” Mark seems to be doing as well as can be expected, and Tim was sure glad to see Mark. Tim copied all the pictures he could find from our reunion in April ’08, framed the best one and left all the rest. It sure seemed to light Gino up quite a bit. As Tim left, he talked with Tony and asked what more our class could do to help out. Tony and Bren said that what lights Gino up the most is when someone stops by to visit, as Mark really can’t get out of the house much. Along the same lines, Ronnie Milligan continues to lead the effort to help Gino as he battles MS. Ronnie coordinates the management of the donations you have made to assist Gino. Your continued support is greatly appreciated and makes life easier for Gino and his family. Thank you, Ronnie, for all you do, too. Jim Simons reported that he recently signed on as an adult advisor to the VMI Cadet Fishing Club in an effort to lend some support to Col. Lee Dewald of the Math Department, the club’s faculty advisor. In late April, the Cadet Fishing Club was asked to provide personnel to collect water samples from designated streams in Rockbridge County included in the Virginia Trout Steam Sensitivity Survey (VTSSS), a 30-year research project managed by the University of Virginia. The VTSSS project is intended to provide quantifiable data to support the long-term management of Virginia’s trout streams to ensure a sustainable population of naturally reproducing trout. Four hundred-thirty streams are included in this statewide survey. Overall, Max Guggenheimer ’90, president of the Skyline Chapter of Trout Unlimited, provided coordination and training in sampling techniques. On April 24th, armed with little more than a map, plastic bottles, coolers of ice and some beef jerky, Brent Bayliss ’11 and Tim Brust ’11 – Jim’s assigned cadet coolies – along with other cadets and adult volunteers went to the various sampling sites to collect their water samples. Jim was pleased to report that by the end of the day, the VMI Cadet

2010-Issue 3

Fishing Club had successfully completed its assigned mission, collecting water samples from all of the 23 trout streams to which it had been assigned as part of this important environmental program. I am sure all the fishermen out there appreciate your efforts. Buck Bartosik’s governor commuted his sentence; he is being released from NY and hopefully back to the south. Buck is moving back to TN from Waterford, NY, where he was finishing up the engineering for the demolition of two old nuclear facilities. He is now working at Y-12 in Oak Ridge, TN, on security projects involving upgrades to the computer security systems, physical protection upgrades to several buildings and reducing the protected area to about half of its present size. After two long winters in NY, he was ready to call it quits and head back south where the sun shines more than two days of the year, anyway, and so the job opening at Y-12 came at just the right time. His parent company may have another trick up their sleeve as they put his name in as the project manager for a reactor removal out in northern California. On the personal front, Veronica and Buck celebrated their 25th anniversary last May but put off going anywhere until November of last year when they spent 2-1/2 weeks in Hawaii. They spent the better part of two weeks on the Big Island and the last five days on Oahu. They did some hiking in Volcano National Park on the Big Island and got to watch lava flowing into the ocean from an overlook. Buck says it was way cool! He also said it was a good thing they went in November, since part of the road they drove on was closed as the surface lava flow changed direction in late April. Sounds like a hot time, Buck. Good luck with the relocation thing. Danny Thorton sent a quick “hey,” saying that he ran into BRs Jay Hutt and Chip Jamerson, along with their lovely brides, at a dinner dance and then ran into Jay again at a Hillcats (Lynchburg baseball team, for those of you outside of central Virginia) game … don’t see him for months, then two days in a row. And Jay Hutt reports no real news; he’s just missing all his summer yard help. His boys both decided to stay in Blacksburg and Harrisonburg – guess they figure being unemployed there is better than the same at home, which means painting and pulling weeds for the old man. Jay had dinner recently in Texas with J.K. and B.J. Whitmer. Jay says he had a VMI moment in Las Vegas. He spoke to a lady wearing a VMI sweatshirt, and when her husband turned around, it was Sam Woolwine ’81. Jay is pleased to report that they were all behaving. Mark Seely reports things are going well in Kentucky. His project is moving right along; they’re focusing on making major equipment

and material purchases and construction, with more than 600 people now working on the job. He says they were fortunate to not have too much damage from the flooding. Mark got 7.5 inches of rain in 48 hours, but the flooding was minor in most places and not nearly as bad as Nashville and some other areas. Mark went on his annual golf trip to Kiawah Island, SC, just outside Charleston. Stated the weather and golf were both fantastic and all had a blast. He had the pleasure of visiting the in-laws of one of his Bechtel project’s lab directors, Al and C.C. Fralinger; Al is Citadel class of ’54. Al wore his Citadel tee shirt and Mark his VMI hat, and they told stories for several hours. Mark says he got an e-mail from Bill Pearson, and it looks like he’s changing jobs and moving with Angel and the kids to northern Virginia. Alec Earle says that there is not much new news in the DC area. He is getting settled in and working hard in the new job. Alec is training for some Sprint Triathlons this summer which will culminate with The Nation’s Triathlon in Washington, DC, this fall. Do a mile for me, please, Alec. Paul Mitchell checked in to say that he jogged in the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K on March 28th with a time of 72 min., 47 sec. Paul states that this is about 10 minutes faster than the year before. Not since the 1980s had he jogged a length of that distance without walking a portion of it. Brother Rats Sam Saunders and Phil Fore also participated in that same 10K. Sam’s time was 68:25, while Phil’s was 85:25. Paul says he knows that many of our BRs are in great shape already. He hopes more will join Sam, Phil and him in the 2011 Monument Avenue 10K. Paul commented some BRs could use the event as a motivator for improving their fitness. Paul has offered to push Steve Oddi in a wheelchair, but the event’s organizers wouldn’t allow it. 10k … wasn’t that the amount of gold in our class rings, Paul? Nothing much to report from here. Still working for DHS ICE at the Bloomington, MN, office. Russ Johnson spent a couple of weeks at Guantanamo Bay preparing for a possible mass migration of Haitians after the earthquake. Russ said the base was pretty full with the relief flights, so that he ended up staying at the DHS jail, which was not being used. He reports the jail cells were clean and air conditioned. Some items gleaned from checking Facebook are: As of last count, there are 70 BRs with accounts. Terry Dorn has been on his bike again. He rode in the Tour de Cure that benefits the American Diabetes Foundation. Terry raised close to one thousand dollars. Way to go! Mr. Dorn has set a personal goal to ride 2010 miles this year. Very ambitious but we know he will get it done. 2010 … Aren’t those the number of calories in a case, Terry? Dave Lucado has

111

CLASS NOTES joined the crew, and I notice he has been doing some fishing in the Smokey Mountains. Andy Faulconer took a trip to Orlando and got his picture taken with Arnie Palmer. Bill Dunn enjoys getting great shots of mid-air refueling as part of his job. Tom Tanner and Ivan Coleman have been working on establishing a deeper knowledge of social networking. Greg Gearhart ran in the Blue Ridge Marathon in Roanoke. That included a 3,000-foot vertical change in elevation. He has done some mission work in Uganda. Allen Moore has done some traveling, including down to Gainesville, FL. Mark Bottomly has had wildlife encounters around his house, including a bear. Rich Tuell has been out in Howard County, MD, volunteering at a local wine fest. Scot Singletary traveled to the Big Easy and saw some basketball. Wes Shull enjoyed the labors of spring yard work. These are just some of the things I spied on your Facebook pages. I am pretty sure writing about all the games some of you play on FB is not why you read this, so I will bring it to a close. Remember, we have a class page on Facebook, as well. BTW, as you read this, it is time for notes again. In the Spirit …

’79

Michael Ogden

Hope this finds everyone safe and well. Below is the eulogy read by Mac Curtis at Frankie Lumpkin’s funeral service. Sorry that this missed the last issue of the Review. I thought it was worth sharing: “I have the opportunity to spend a few minutes with you to speak about Frank Lumpkin, someone we all know and loved. I had the good fortune to room with Frank for 3-1/2 years at VMI and enjoy his friendship, counsel, advice and good spirit for 35 years. I am representing his other roommates at the “I” – Steve McKenna, Massie Meredith and Tom Herbert – as well as the other numerous VMI alumni from the classes of ’76, ’77, ’78 and from ’79 (far too many to mention; we are here in force). My point is that for a school that is based on a caste system, a strictly hierarchical system, Frank bridged all classes. Everyone loved Frank, because he was straightforward, honest and self-effacing with a sense of humor and a gift of making everyone feel important. No one had more friends at VMI than Frank. “Now, let me give you an example of how people/classmates at VMI felt about Frankie. Tom Trumps, a classmate and current commandant of cadets at VMI, who is out of the country but emailed extensively over the last several days, said, ‘We both attended the same open house weekend

112

our senior year of high school, and we met then. I thought he was the coolest guy, and if someone like him was headed to VMI, then it couldn’t be all that bad ... and you know, that pretty well held true throughout our cadetship.’ “I asked and received numerous e-mails from classmates with memories about Frank. Greg Weaver reminded me that Frank and Steve were the only two ‘white guys’ in the Black Student Union; again, everyone loved Frankie. “Now, let me give you another shining example of ‘F’s’ magnetic personality, his ability to attract people and endear people without even trying. The year is fall 1978 … VMI football … it’s not going well, and the Corps is restless, looking for a way to get a victory. The editorial drum starts to sound through the VMI Cadet newspaper and in the stands during games, with ‘Put Lumpkin in the Game,’ because everyone believed he could make a difference ... Well, the outcome of this is: Not only did nine Brother Rats get two weeks confinement for ‘disrespecting the football team,’ but also U.S. Senator John Warner and his wife, the actress Elizabeth Taylor, held up a sign that said, ‘Put Lumpkin in the game.’ And if you asked any of those nine cadets who served that confinement and walked those penalty tours if it was worth it to support Frankie, they would say, ‘No problem ... it was well worth it.’ Believe me, and I speak for all of the VMI people here today, that is unheard of … that is the way people felt about UF. “There are numerous stories I could share, and believe me, many of us spent time on the phone in the last several days laughing ’til we cried. I am sure that all of you here today have a Frank story that is based on his outgoing, devil-may-care conversational style that included greetings such as, ‘How the hell are you?’ or my favorite … In 1978-ish after a soiree in Lynchburg and staying at an elderly grandmother’s house, we were on our way out Sunday morning when Frank turned to the 80-ish lady, firmly shook her hand and stated, “Your hospitality was superior,” which was meant in all sincerity but brought the house down and is remembered as a Frank quotable! “When I think of how friendship, real friendship should be, it includes dealing with the good and bad. With Frankie, it was done the right way. We had great times, as ushers in each other’s weddings, football games, fishing trips and all of those things that enduring friendships are made of. I know that many people here today feel that way and would probably be standing here telling what a great person and dedicated friend Frank was – Doug Mauck and the James River gang come to mind! “Let me share a Frank ‘giving’ story with you. Cindy and I were visiting with Frank and Patty in Charlottesville in the early 80s. Unbeknownst to us, after a long day/night, it was Halloween. Well, the kids starting knocking on the door for candy.

With no candy around, Frank couldn’t let the kids go away with nothing, so he began handing out albums instead. Can you imagine 6- and 7-yearold kids, looking in the bag after receiving a Jimi Hendrix album? That was Frank, the giver – never one to disappoint, always holding court. He just had this way of attracting people. “Now, intermingled with all of this was getting to know Frankie’s family, the Lumpkins. Lee Ann and Debbie – beautiful sisters who were very caring of Frank and the guys he would drag into the house on Chelmford. Everyone was always welcome, and it was a safe haven from the less than hospitable surroundings of VMI. Now, everyone in the house had a nickname; there was Nip and Tuck, or something close to that, and then Bubbie or Billy. For being so close in age, I never saw the sibling rivalry that you would expect ... I guess because a brother’s love, well, is a brother’s love, and Mrs. Lumpkin, Ann, kept it all together and made sure things happened the way they were supposed to. We were all included in the sisters’ and bothers’ weddings and major events and all felt as if we were part of the family. I truly believe – no, I know – that was the source that made ‘F’ special. “And I feel that is what made Frankie a good family man. We all watched Frank navigate the minefield to land the perfect woman to have as his bride, Patty. The perfect match, Patty and her great family. What a great marriage, between two wonderful families, and I know that Frank felt that way. We spent a fair amount of time on the phone talking about things. He was so proud and excited to talk about Fletcher and his exploits in athletics, particularly basketball. When he decided on H-S and the details of the coached ‘home-visits’ … Fletcher, he was beaming, as he should. In fact, I also think he saw it as a homecoming of sorts, with Uncle Billy graduating from there and your great-grandfather having left his professional mark on the school; it was perfect. And Maggie, he was so proud to have you playing for a state championship with your cousin as a freshman. It was great to see and great to see him soak that in, because he deserved it. And finally Patty … there was always Patty. Suffice it to say he adored you as a wife, mother and friend. “So, I will close now and know that we’ve all lost a great friend, Brother Rat, son, brother, uncle, husband and father. He’s left us far too soon, but we also must know that he is there with us – that goofy smile, the baritone voice, often saying things (honestly) that most people wished they’d said, always pushing us on to be good people, be the good person that he was ... and he was a kind soul. Frankie, we will miss you.” (Editor’s Note: Frank Lumpkin’s obituary appears in the Taps section of this Review issue.) Now, for news from around the class. In late 2009, Steve Lyon and his wife moved

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Ben Bauman writes, “I am back in Peachtree City, GA, after traveling to the Middle East and stopping in Virginia for a year in route to Georgia. My son, Ben, is working for the company that runs the lottery in 42 states. Oh ... there is no secret way to get the winning numbers, either; darn! Christina is graduating from high school this month and enjoying fast pitch softball. She will be attending either Georgia State Class of 1979: U.S. Senator John Warner and his wife, University or Savannah actress Elizabeth Taylor, holding up a sign with a message College for Art and Defor VMI’s football coach. See class notes for details. sign. I coach her team, and we are pretty good from Roanoke, where they had lived for 24 years, this year and having a lot of fun. Alana is doing well to Charlotte, NC. Steve is working for Fifth Third in college at Kennesaw State University (her grades Bank. Beth and Steve wanted to come to Charlotte are a hell of lot better than mine were at VMI) and to be near their daughter, Sarah. So, now they enjoying that more than her work! I still work for enjoy seeing Sarah a lot these days. She is workS.A.I.C. and support the Army Corps of Engineers ing for McColl Partners Investment Bankers right as a contractor. I work at Army Central Command across the street from Steve’s office building in HQs (old Third Army) at Fort McPherson, GA. We uptown Charlotte. Steve can have morning coffee are busy there, as you could expect, supporting the or lunch with his daughter now! Any BR who war effort in Iraq and Afghanistan. Overall, we are finds themselves in the area should give Steve and doing well!” Great news, Ben. Beth a shout! Bill Albro reports in, “I saw Bill Bersson (and A note from Russ Zech: “When Roland Zech ’13 his brother) at the SAME national conference in arrived at the big ‘I’ in August, he could run a decent Atlanta – both doing well. Bill was the host/moderathree miles (17:05), but he looked like the poster boy tor/speaker, as he has been involved in the chapter for starvation relief. The Marines, of course, weren’t there for years ... was trying to see Reggie Sadler in having any of that. So, 20 pounds of upper body Decatur, but we couldn’t hook up this time. A few weight later, he was starting to get close to what the weeks back, Reggie, Linda and the girls came by USMC was looking for. Close enough, combined as they were doing some ‘school searching’ in the with success in the GPA wars, to earn him a three- area. (It is that time for us with college-age kids.) year USMC scholarship. To say his dad, Russell, is We had a great dinner with them all, but it was a proud of him is putting it mildly. Number two son, week night, so we ended early. Bill talked to Noel Micah, is waiting for the Air Force to send him to Harris the other day. Noel was up at Andrews AFB loadmaster school – and waiting and waiting. Rox- working with them on the commissary. Noel wanted anne is finishing her reign as queen of the yearbook to come by the office, but I had to beat feet home to copy desk and looking forward to high school next meet the refrigerator repair guy and pack to go to year. To that end, she’s been taking the counseling Atlanta. Noel said he and the gals are all doing well staff to task to get all of the honors courses she wants. there, south of Richmond. I talked with ‘Smitty’ Apparently, they didn’t know with whom they were Smithson [recently]. He is back from Afghanistan dealing. I’ve taken a position as education director and endeavoring to get re-employed and get back for Gaylor, Inc. in Carmel, IN, while Heidi is hold- into a life of not being mobilized and deployed. I ing down the fort in Coral Springs, FL. Heidi is an sent Tim Bridges an e-mail note congratulating Army brat, so she has labeled this a hardship tour. him on his new position with AF Energy. (Tim was Anybody want to buy a house in Florida?” recently promoted to the senior executive service, James Owens reports not much happening over the general/flag officer equivalent in the governyonder in HOA (Horn of Africa) where he is cur- ment service world. He is now assigned as the rently stationed ... “The days are long, but the weeks deputy assistant secretary (Energy, Environment, pass quickly. The weather is starting to turn hotter Safety and Occupational Health), Office of the and muggier which makes things all that more Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installaenjoyable.” tions, Environment and Logistics, the Pentagon,

2010-Issue 3

Washington, DC. Congrats, Brother Rat!) Tim says he will be leaving Dayton and is reporting to the Pentagon around July time frame. I sent Tom Baltazar a note on Facebook but haven’t heard back. He is in Afghanistan and pretty busy, I would imagine. That’s all I can think about – my brain is smaller these days.” A recent April Norfolk lunch gathering caught Tom Herbert, Butch Manning, Ben Pim and Pete Underwood enjoying fresh oysters and a grand buffet. Joining in were Rhys Keller ’09, Gary Worley ’09, Andrew Stone ’05, Brett Thompson ’97, Jim Johnston ’83, Ken Baybutt ’80, Josh Priest ’80 and organizer Dixon Tucker ’80. (I missed the fun … dern day job!) A fun time was had by all and as usual, ’79 led the way with the most attendees. Speaking of Facebook, please consider joining. I joined last February as a way to keep up with all you BRs. We have a class of ’79 page, and about 80-plus of you have signed up. Just a suggestion from your always pesky class agent. All is well on the Virginia Eastern Shore. Renee is busy running the Northampton County Chamber of Commerce, and Matthew is taking the summer off from school to work. He starts back at ODU in the fall. James is still having a blast working at the II MEF Simulation Center at Camp Lejeune, NC, and continues school at nights and weekends in an attempt to finish his degree (that was interrupted when he joined the Marines) and break through that corporate “glass ceiling.” He made Dean’s List last term, so he seems to be handling the load. So, how are those annual physicals coming along, Brother Rats? Keep those cards, e-mails, Facebook posts and letters coming. Complete thoughts and sentences are a plus, as are pictures! That is all for now, BRs. I relay what I get. Stay well, and keep in touch.

’80

John Gibney Jr.

Hello, Brother Rats: These notes cover the period Feb. 16, 2010, through May 15, 2010, and include our 30th Reunion. The period began with a message from Tom Bersson who visited VMI on business. Tom’s visit included dinner with John Alerding and Gary Levenson. Andy Ludlum forwarded a message from Rob Gearhart containing the announcement of Rob’s retirement from the Marine Corps. Rob will retire as a colonel, and he’s asked Andy to do the Invocation.

113

CLASS NOTES George Condyles sent a message saying that he might not make our 30th Reunion. (He made it.) George and Harriet are now empty-nesters in Hanover County, VA. They also have a vacation home on Smith Mountain Lake. They will celebrate their 25th anniversary in September. Their daughter, Laura, who attended William and Mary on a four-year Army ROTC scholarship, graduated in May and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps. Their daughter, Alison, is a business major at Virginia Tech. The family is planning a trip to Greece this summer. George is the president and COO of The Atlantic Group, a company that designs and installs communications sys-

tems. George sees Vince Copenhaver who is the finance director for Franklin County, where George has his vacation home, and saw Bob Dalessandro at the Institute Society Dinner in November. March began with an e-mail from Larry Avery. Larry, a colonel in the Air Force, is again deployed, this time to Kabul, Afghanistan, where he is the director of the Office of Security Cooperation. Larry held a similar position in Iraq. He plans to return in September and to retire effective January 2011, with a separation date in October due to accrued leave. Jay Melvin sent a message saying that he and Trudy planned to visit NYC during Spring

Break for their daughter, Sarah. During their visit, they were joined by their son, Jason, who lives and works in DC. Patti and I joined them for lunch and then had dinner in a local Italian restaurant. Rob Quarles also sent a message saying that he was traveling to NYC for an annual two-day business trip. We were able to meet for breakfast. Dixon Tucker organizes alumni events in the Norfolk area and copies me on e-mail messages announcing their events. In March, the invitees included Ken Baybutt, Tom Bersson, Kirk Berkhimer, V Dunn, Boyd Gaines, Gary Kessler, Rob Leatherbury, Bill M’Coy, Ali

Class of 1980 30th Class Reunion

Class of 1980: The following attended their 30th Reunion and are listed alphabetically: John Alerding, Eli Alford, Phil Altizer , Eddie Baker, Ken Baybutt, Frank Bell, Martin Bernet, John Blankenship, John Blasser, Ed Bower, Dusty Boyd, Don Bradshaw, John Briggs, Don Briggs, Joe Brown, Paul Bryant, Paul Burkholder, Aaron Bush, John Caplice, Ed Carter, Steven Chace, Mickey Cole, Dan Conn, Chris Dombalis, V Dunn, Russ Early, Ed Elliott, Hugh Fain, Gary Fellows, Rick Fowler, Boyd Gaines, John Gibney, Dave Gleason, Ben Gore, Pat Griffin, Dave Hagemann, Michael Hall, Frank Hilton, Scott Hodge, Tim Hodges, Larry Hupertz, Steve Ikenberry, Tom Johnston, Ray Joinson, Robby Jones, Jack Keane, Matthew Keys, Steve Klinar, Ed Kopsick, Ken Kovarik, Walter Kreitler, Rob Leatherbury, Steve Letts, Gary Levenson, John Lillard, Bruno Loefstedt, Andy Ludlum, Mike Luning, Jim Lunsford, Forrest Marion, Louis McBride, Patrick McCarthy, Jay McCauley, Frank “Jay” McConnell, Jay Melvin, Phil Munisteri, Toler Nolley, Brian O’Neill, Kent Oelrich, Bob Osler, Mark Pauls, Rick Penn, Josh Priest, Rob Quarles, Dennis Quinn, Allen Ramer, Rob Robinson, Bill Roelofsen, John Runyon, Scott Sayre, Jackson “Tom” Slipek, Hal Snyder, Mark Sobota, Massoud Tahamtani, Jed TenHoeve, Dixon Tucker, Preston Vock, Bill Wallace, Jody “Wax” Weatherwax, Robert Wheeler, Bob White, Craig H. Wilson, Alex Woelper, Elliott Wolffe, Walt Wood, Bud Zirkle and Tony Zoetis.

114

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Mahan, Josh Priest and Tom Wilson. I spoke in March with John Caplice who was in New Jersey on business. John travels often to the NYC area, and we may attend a Yankees game this year. Larry Hupertz sent an e-mail confirming his attendance at the reunion. Larry wrote that all is well in northern Ohio, Vera and the girls are fine, and there is hope for the Browns. (Larry is a season ticket holder.) As March ended, Tom Bersson sent an e-mail with an attachment announcing the selection of Andy Brown to rear admiral (two-star) in the Navy. In a separate message, Andy wrote that he would not be able to attend the reunion due to a naval exercise. Andy is currently stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, as the director, Logistics and Security Assistance, J4, U.S. European Command. (See Alumni News for more.) April began with an e-mail from Steve Andrews noting that he could not attend our reunion, as he was taking his daughter, Virginia, to visit both VCU and Oberlin College to help her decide which school to attend in the fall. She chose VCU. Bert Schneider sent a message with a photo taken at a Three Dog Night concert he and Peggy attended in Arizona. Patti and I attended the annual Enrolled Actuaries meeting in DC and had dinner with Tuck Masker. Tuck was unable to attend the reunion due to work commitments. Walt Wood sent a message containing a four-page document outlining the work he and Mary Lynne have done over the past 10 years in Peru. Dicky Lockridge sent a message containing an update and noting that he could not attend the reunion due to spring football for his son. Upon graduation, Dicky spent three years at VCU-MCV and then two years at UNC Chapel Hill to earn his doctor in pharmacy degree. During that time, he met and married Judy, then did three years in the Army at Walter Reed. Dicky and Judy have two children, Lena and Richard Jr. Lena is in her second year of law school at UVa after graduating from UVa with a degree in economics. Richard is a sophomore at Davidson majoring in political science and playing football. Dicky and Judy live in Judy’s hometown of Lebanon, VA, where Judy, a doctor of physical therapy, runs her own clinic. Dicky closed by saying hi to everyone, especially John Blasser, Eddie Bower, Craig Cox, Tim Cox, Robby Jones, John Shuman and Hal Snyder. Bob White sent a message saying that he was unable to attend the reunion and passing along a hearty hello to all our BRs. Andy Brown copied me on an e-mail

2010-Issue 3

congratulating Joe Brown on his selection to major general in the Air Force, our second BR selected to wear two stars. Joe is currently stationed in Nebraska but does not yet know when he will be promoted or where he will be stationed. Congrats, Joe! (See Alumni News for more.) There were several messages sent to Col. Rob Gearhart regarding his retirement from the Marine Corps in May after 30 years on active duty. Passing along congratulations were Dan Conn, Dennis Hackemeyer, Frank Leech, Tom Kelly and Tom Gelles, who noted that Tom Kelly will also be retiring after 30 years of Marine Corps service. Ed Baker called to say that he could not attend the reunion due to commitments to his medical practice in North Carolina. Wade Stinnette called to say that he could not attend the reunion. His son, Walker, was accepted to several schools, and they were traveling to Auburn for a visit in advance of his decision. Wade passed along his best to all, especially Don Briggs. Frank Leech sent a message saying that he could not return to the U.S. from Abu Dhabi until August and could not attend the reunion. Rich Zott sent a message saying that he could not attend the reunion due to work commitments but sent his best from St. Louis to all of our BRs. And then, we gathered for our reunion. By all accounts, the reunion was a success. The committee was led by Pat Griffin and included John Alerding, John Blankenship, Paul Burkholder, Hugh Fain, Frank Hilton, Tim Hodges, Robby Jones, Gary Levenson, Pat McCarthy, Jay Melvin, Phil Munisteri, Rob Quarles, Scott Sayre and Bill Wallace. Most of our BRs stayed at our reunion hotel, the Sleep Inn, where we had a hospitality room and held check-in. Thanks to Rob Quarles for organizing check-in and for all who manned the hospitality room throughout the weekend. For those who arrived early, Tim Hodges organized a golf outing at Lexington Country Club, and Pat Griffin arranged for a canoe trip. Friday evening, we met at Moody Hall for a barbeque. Inside was available for dining, while a DVD prepared by Phil Munisteri showed photos from out cadet years sent in by our BRs. Outside was also available for dining and for smoking. Also invited were cadets who are family members of our BRs. This includes Ken Trotman, Beth Allen (Dan’s widow), Gene Scott, John Alerding, Tom Gelles, Bob Dalessandro, Bruno Loefstedt, Forest Marion, Dan Sweeney, Jay McCauley and Dennis Hackemeyer. Many of the cadets did attend.

Saturday morning began with a run organized by Walt Wood to Beans Bottom. Runners met at Jackson Arch at 0630 hours. A parade followed our class photograph, and we marched into the Third Barracks where Walt Wood scaled the Sentinel Box (from the outside, no stairs) to lead us in an Old Yell. After lunch (Crozet Hall), Gary Levenson led a tour of Third Barracks, Tim Hodges organized a second golf outing, Paul Burkholder arranged a walking tour of Lexington and John Blankenship arranged for a bike ride. Many of us cut the afternoon short and took a nap in advance of the formal dinner at Lexington Country Club that evening. Our featured speaker was Col. Tom Trumps (’80-1), commandant of cadets. Jody Morgan was able to attend and sat at dinner with me and Patti, Scott and Mary Sayre, and John and Anne Alerding. At dinner, Pat McCarthy led us in prayer and in remembering our deceased BRs, and Walt Wood and Hugh Fain addressed their BRs. Alex Woelper pinch-hit for Wade Stinnette and also spoke to the class. Finally, Frank Hilton presented Pat Griffin with a few gifts in appreciation of his efforts leading the reunion committee. Pat was appointed chairman of our 35th Reunion Committee. So much was crammed into two days that it has been difficult to recall the details of every conversation that occurred during the reunion weekend. At the risk of offending anyone omitted, I considered not listing anyone. With apologies to those not listed, thanks to Jody Weatherwax, Paul Perry and Robby Wheeler for their patience on the golf course. Thanks also to Larry and Vera Hupertz for a fun round of golf (I wanted to write foursome) that resulted in Larry buying Vera a new driver for Mother’s Day. It was nice to welcome Mike Hall’s new bride, Patricia, into our class and to spend a few minutes with Craig Jones at the parade. Thanks to Kent Oelrich for flying in from California and to Rick Fowler for his stories over breakfast at the hotel. It was also good seeing Ed Kopsick, Marty Bernet, John Runyon, Jed TenHoeve and Paul Bryant for the first time in 30 years. And was that Kirk Cole walking across the parade ground with a new baby? Finally, thanks to the Kansas City contingent, including Jim Lunsford and John Blasser, for being two of approximately 100 of our BRs who returned for the reunion. April ended with a return to reality in the form of an e-mail that included Jay McConnell, Mike Lunning and Rob Quarles discussing plans for a gathering in Lexington in the fall for a football game. In May, I spoke with Chal Glenn. Chal was

115

CLASS NOTES Class of 1980

116

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES unable to attend the reunion as it conflicted with college visits with his son, Josh. Josh chose to attend Clemson where he will join his sister, McKenzie, a rising senior, and their sister, Jennifer, a Clemson alumnus who is now a nurse in Charlotte. Chal also reported that Rick Gilbert’s son, Ross, is getting married in June in Dallas. Rob Gearhart sent a photo taken at Quantico of four VMI Marine Corps Colonels. All the best in retirement, Rob. Wade Stinnette called and said that his son, Walker, will attend Furman in the fall. Wade also said that his daughter, Langhorne, has gotten engaged and will be married next May. His daughter, Kathryn, a graduate of Presbyterian College, has secured employment with a credit union in Greenville. Congrats to Wade and Lannie. As the period closed, Karen Chace sent a CD with over 40 photos from the reunion. Some are published with these notes. The others are posted to the VMI Web site. Thanks to Jay and Trudy Melvin for hosting the Gibneys, the Griffins and Gary Levenson at their home for dinner on Thursday evening before the reunion formally began. In closing, these notes mark the end of my second five-year term and the beginning of my third five-year term as your class agent. It is a labor of love and a privilege to serve. It is also great fun to write that Patti out drove Paul Perry on the first

hole of the golf outing. Under threat of bodily injury, I am required to also report that Patti out drove me on the sixth hole. Your support is greatly appreciated. Enjoy the summer.

’81

Gerald Manley

Dear Brother Rats and Families, I am writing this on May 15th, a “mere” 29 years after our graduation in 1981. Our 30th Reunion is scheduled for 29-30 April, 2011 and already seems to be fast approaching. I look forward to celebrating yet another glorious and honorable milestone with all of you in “The Best Class in Barracks!” By the time this update goes to print, assuming I am doing my job properly, we will have already established a reunion committee and made strides on the planning. However, I will be more than happy to augment the team with anyone else who may desire to volunteer after reading these Class Notes. Please simply shoot me an e-mail, and we will work you into the fold! With that, on to our updates: Col. John Cawthorne will have retired from the Air Force by the time this makes print. John’s retirement ceremony is schedule for 25 May, 2010,

Class of 1980: Photo Captions

less than two weeks from the date I received his inputs. BR Jim Frishkorn and Ken’s lovely bride, Diana Pierro, are currently scheduled to attend. (Ken will be off-island that week preparing for his pending change of duty assignment.) I hope to have more on John’s celebrations in the next edition. John shared that he and Lisa will be moving back to Annandale, VA, where John plans to sign up for international environmental work with a large Fortune 500 engineering and construction firm. John has faithfully and honorably served for over 29 years. He has deployed for both OEF (Oman) and OIF (Baghdad), earning the Bronze Star on his last deployment. John commanded civil engineering squadrons twice, served at HQ AF Pentagon twice and had over 13 years overseas with tours in Germany, Turkey and Hawaii. He has earned two master’s degrees: MSBA with Boston University and MS of National Resource Strategy with the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University. Lisa has also been extremely busy supporting John and family throughout John’s illustrious career. Lisa will return to nursing at INOVA Fairfax. Their son, Dylan, will head off to NC State as a Park Scholar (4-year full ride) this summer. While John shared that there is a twinge of sadness that Dylan did not accept his VMI or USAF Academy appointments or even his UVa acceptance to attend Lisa’s alma mater, John is extremely proud and fully believes Dylan made a great choice and will do exception-

(Photos on previous page) Photo 1: Nick Gelles ’12, Karen and Steve Chace, Steve Letts and Tom Kelly. Photo2: John Caplice, Dusty Boyd, Margie Caplice and Trudy Melvin. Photo 3: Don Bradshaw and Mike Luning. Photo 4: Walt Wood, class president, climbing the Sentinel Box to lead an Old Yell. Photo 5: Front row: Tom Slipek and John Gibney. Back row: Dennis Quinn, Rob Wheeler, Craig Wilson, Gary Levenson and Larry Hupertz. Photo 6:Jody Weatherwax, Dave Hageman, John Caplice and Al Ramer. Photo 7: Frank Hilton, left, presenting 9 Pat Griffin with a gift for chairing the reunion committee. Photo 8: “The BB Run survivors.” Members of the class of 1980 and their support staff who ran to Beans Bottom during the 30th Reunion.

(Photos on this page)

Photo 9: Bert and Peggy Schneider backstage with the band Three Dog Night in Chandler, Arizona, March 2010. Photo 10: Sean Gallagher, chief of police of the City of Tenino, Washington, being sworn in by Mayor Ken Jones in January 2010.

2010-Issue 3

117

CLASS NOTES ally well in the NC State engineering program. NC State is John’s father’s alma mater, and John shared that his “old man is bursting with pride ... we can’t yet mention it much without him getting teary eyed.” Their beautiful daughter, Shanna, will get back into Fairfax County schools for her junior year and plans to play soccer. Shanna has started varsity during freshman and sophomore years. She was 1 of 2 Division All-star players from her high school this year. John and Lisa are rightfully very proud of Shanna. She demonstrates serious skills as a center mid-fielder with a great mind for playing strategies, as has been recognized by her coach for assists and as playmaker. (Good luck to you, John and Lisa! We look forward to seeing you back on the Mainland!) John also shared that he and Jim Frishkorn met up this March, along with two other retired AF colonels, and went hunting axis deer on the Hawaiian island of Lāna’i. They bagged two deer and even more importantly, many bottles of spirits and beer, shot clays and had a good ole time. John shared that he exhibited his marksman skills and was the official “deadeye,” as he nailed the bull’s eye with his first shot, using a 30-06 at 100 yards. Then, when shooting clays, he reportedly “kicked butt,” despite Jim “releasing clays before I called for pull … or was in stance … or even reloaded!” Good to see Fish still has “The Spirit!” Ken Pierro is also preparing to leave Hawaii. He sent his inputs while sitting on his lanai (they call that a “porch” out here in Virginia) surrounded by boxes, watching his time in paradise come to a close. Ken and family were preparing to leave Hawaii in May, bound for another small island – Staten Island! Ken is being assigned as the Maritime Security Operations planner in the New York Coast Guard office. Ken will be planning the waterside security operations during all the big events in NYC, such as presidential visits, UN General Assembly meetings, fleet weeks, Fourth of July and more! The job should keep Ken off the streets and golf courses for a while! Ken is looking forward to getting back to the east coast and being able to re-engage with some of the VMI activities he has missed while sipping Mai Tais on the Pacific beaches. Really feel sorry for you, Ken! NOT! (Serious note: Ken, we are very proud of you for being selected for such a critical position with the Coast Guard.) Bill Gavazzi chimed in with great words to share. Bill retired from the Army Reserve last summer as a lieutenant colonel. His last job was as a deputy commander for a Regional Readiness Command and as Bill shared, “a far cry from my days as a private at the ‘I.’” Bill has been the engineering manager for the Department of Veterans Affairs West Roxbury Medical Center for the past nine years. The job is keenly focused on operations with new problems every day. Bill has a lot of demands, visibility and pressure in

118

keeping facilities and utilities running but shared that, of all his projects, his favorite is the opening of New England’s first Fisher House, which will have its ribbon cutting on June 30th. Bill lives with his family outside Boston in Groton, MA. He also gives back to the community by volunteering on occasional weekends to teach local kids what it was like to be a Minuteman as a colonial re-enactor and has even been getting into a little blacksmithing. (It was great hearing from you, Bill.) Dave Taylor also sent in a great update. Since his retirement from the Air Force Reserve in 2006, he redirected his life outside of work toward Christian ministry. This summer, Dave received his Virginia district ministerial license in the Church of the Nazarene (COTN) and has partnered with a friend and senior pastor to plant a new church, Living Water COTN, in the West End of Richmond. “Making faith real” by ministering to men’s concerns, introducing urban ministry opportunities to the Richmond suburbs and helping people understand how to operate in God’s economy during these difficult financial times will be the focus of Dave’s personal ministry. He will also preach weekly at the evening teaching service and said he would love to connect with any of our BRs looking for a church home in Richmond. (God bless you, Dave! You are truly making a difference!) I received a welcomed update from Steve Thomas. Steve is living between Naples, FL, and Houston, TX, as he is still flying for AA out of Miami. Steve flies almost exclusively to South America, mostly Brazil and Chile. He has been spending a lot of time recently helping his mom, Mary Jo, and dad, William B. Thomas ’58. Sadly, Mary Jo was diagnosed with lung cancer and, as of the time of inputs, had recently undergone surgery and was getting ready to start chemo. Of special note about Steve’s loving mother, besides being at Mary Baldwin while his dad was at VMI, Mary Jo was the beautiful lady that handled all the flower arrangements and handed each of our dates their roses before walking through the arch at our Ring Figure! So, whether anyone clearly remembers Mary Jo or not, she had personal contact with virtually every one in our class, and she remembers our Ring Figure event fondly. (Steve, we pray that at time of print your mother has championed her cancer. God bless you, your parents and your entire family, BR.) John McKeegan shared a quick update and reported that he, too, was doing well but that his dear mother is also fighting cancer. He further shared that his grandmother is still kicking butt at 103. Other good news is that his stepdaughter is getting married in June. John shared in his faith and expressed that God has blessed his mother and family. He would love to get together with some of the guys and celebrate. (John, our sincere

prayers are also with you, your mom and your entire family. God bless you all.) I have had several e-mails since Christmas with Jeff Hamilton. As reported in last edition, Jeff was instrumental in coordinating the recognition awards for Col. Jamison ’57. The initial award event was postponed due to the heavy snows of this winter but was rescheduled and held in April. Jeff reported that the event was witnessed by a packed house in the new Leadership and Ethics building. Col. Jamison was presented with a great painting of himself dressed in tennis sweats with NEB in the background, as painted by Jeff Morgan’s son, Jake. Class of “’81 minus 4” representatives Chris Nash, Will Bynum, Ralph George, et al did a superb job of ensuring a magnificent event. Institute support from Gen. Peay ’62, Buddy Bryan ’71 and Mike Strickler ’71 was superlative. Gen. Peay presented a bronze plaque to dedicate the naming of the Fluids Lab in Col. Jamison’s honor. The lab is now known as the “Jamison ’57 Fluids Laboratory.” It was a very moving event for the good colonel, his wife, Priscilla, as well as their children, Mark and Lynne. Generals Morgan ’45 and Knapp ’54 were also in attendance with remembrances shared for Jay Sculley ’62, as well. The event raised more than $125K for the scholarship that Jeff organized. Expect to see additional comments in this edition or next. The event was especially moving for Jeff, as he had not been back to VMI since ’98 and shared that the Post looked great. Brother Rat Reg Ridgely and I seem to pass one another from time to time on the Navy Yard in DC. Reg’s son, Sam was accepted to VMI. Sam had a year of additional academic prep at NVCC and is scheduled for the Summer Transition Program at VMI. Sam was the defensive MVP on the NOVA Lacrosse Club, has refined his goalie skills and hopes to play lacrosse at VMI. Reg shared that he and his wife, Janet, are set to enjoy watching Sam experience VMI and learn some of the principles that have guided Reg through life. To end on a final Ridgely quote: “So -- the rip in the space-time continuum that occurred in 1979 (when I left VMI) has been repaired, the earth is now righted on its axis and will return to a normal rotation. I suspect global warming to be reversed. ...” My dear roommate, Mark “Sloppy” Gonsalves, is still in New York and pushing Sopranos Wine off any truck he can manage from New Jersey to Florida. (Just stay out of Arizona, Sloppy. Comprende, mi amigo?) He has hooked up periodically with Bobby Munno and his beautiful wife for evening drinks and socials. Sloppy shared that he enjoyed Bob’s stories about his latest position as site project engineer at a women’s prison near the Bronx (only you, Bobby!). Mark also shared that he was able to track down our other roomie, Johann Cooper, along with his beautiful wife,

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Maureen, and enjoyed a dinner celebrating Mark’s mother’s 75th birthday at the Mohegan Sun in CT. Johann’s son, Andrew, graduated high school this year, and his daughter, Allie, finished her freshman year at UCONN with a full track scholarship. Sloppy’s daughter, Meredith, will be working the summer in Chicago. C.P. Davis shared a few months ago that he, like many other BRs, has recently joined the Facebook crowd and that he can now get a better feel for how everyone is doing, while adding with humor “... clearly, a few of our BRs have too much time on their hands.” C.P. remains very busy as a partner at Succession Capital (private equity firm); board advisor to Procure, a UK consulting firm; and interim president of a performance textile company. All of his kids are doing great: Tyler is a sophomore at NC State; Courtney is a freshman at Country Day School; and Jack and Thomas, his “two little ones at 8 and 6,” are having fun times at Charlotte Latin. John Aulbach shared that his daughter, Kara, graduated on New Market Day from Liberty University with a BS degree in accounting and has enrolled in a master’s program in education. John’s son, Josh, is completing his 4th class year at VMI. Both are tremendous accomplishments, and John and Lisa are justly proud. John’s work and his Army Reserve duties are keeping him busy and on the road, both in Virginia and around the country. John and Patti Dixon report that they are also doing well. John shared that he successfully finished the academic year at Carson Long Military Academy. John pointed out the school changed from an “Institute” to an “Academy.” (Let’s hope VMA … I mean, VMI does not follow suit!) John shared that the academy had a great year and placed many graduating seniors in excellent colleges and universities across the nation for this coming fall. A few of the cadets decided to answer our country’s call and enlist in each of the different branches of service. John is looking forward to spending considerable time during the summer months at his home on Gwynn’s Island while helping Patti with her business in Gettysburg before next school year begins. Rich Wiggs chimed in with a great update. Rich and family have been living in northern VA for the past 13 years. Since retiring from the Air Force, Rich has been doing engineering work on several missile defense programs. Rich’s son, Brad, recently graduated from Bob Jones University (BJU) in Greenville, SC. Brad will be continuing his education at BJU this fall when he starts a master’s program. Rich’s daughter, Lauren, will be a senior in high school next year, and I am sure she is destined for great things, as well! (Thanks for the contact, Rich! Now, let’s work on your brother!)

2010-Issue 3

Marty Cristo shared that he had the opportunity to have a visit with Bernie and Lisa Banas and their son, Matt, at an AAU basketball tournament in Pittsburgh in April. Marty shared that Matt is a sophomore at Hershey High School with some serious hoops skills. Matt is already taller than Bernie (that says something to us Charlie and Delta Co. “squat bodies”) and is a terrific young man. Marty shared that Bernie and Lisa look great and are looking forward to a summer of off-season basketball. Thanks for the input, Marty, and best of luck to you, Bernie and Lisa! We look forward to hearing of more great things to come for Matt. Butch Hostetter shared that all is well with his family in Charlotte. His son, a UVa graduate, is getting married in October, so Butch and family are quite busy with planning. Butch also shared that he has been in touch with Jeff White. Seems that Jeff has been working on his golfing skills. Hope to see you on the links, Jeff, during up-coming events and even at the reunion! Thanks for the inputs, Butch! Fletcher and Karen Thompson wrote from LA (Lower Alabama). Fletcher, full of pride, shared the announcement of his son, Fletcher S. Thompson, graduating with VMI class of 2010. Young Fletcher is the third generation Thompson family VMI civil engineer. BR Fletcher shared his tremendous appreciation for the support provided to his son by Laura and Marc Barthello, Carol and Buddy Bryan, and Ms. Marge Austin, resident of Buena Vista and former Alumni Office executive assistant to Mr. Joseph Neikirk ’32. From Fletch, “They extended their time and interest throughout Fletch’s four years, and we thank them.” I also received word from Rich Nehls. Rich is doing well in Naples, Italy. Rich actually works for the Navy’s Regional Commander for Europe, Africa and South West Asia, a key subordinate command to the commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC). CNIC happens to be the vice admiral (3-star for you Army types) that I work for .So, hopefully Rich and I will connect in our travels from time to time to share “Old Corps” stories and some good Italian wine. Rich also works alongside another Keydet, class president from ’85, Jim Chartier. Always good to hear from John Locher, as well. John shared that he teamed up with Mike Denton, Jeff Davies and Ron Mislowsky for the VMI Richmond golf outing last April. John shared that V. Wood, Bruce Kitchen, Tim Nitz, Rick McCue, Hank Lee and Gary Morgan were also chasing the little white ball around. I received brief notes from Ken Herbert, Gene Loving and Brian Quisenberry. Ken, Gene and Brian have all volunteered to be part of the 30th Reunion Planning Committee. I believe others may have offered, and I will capture you and hopefully will have announced all the players by the time everyone reads this. Ken and I are also

looking to reinvigorate our efforts for a regular IHOP breakfast with other BRs in the northern VA area. Jeff Adler and Glenn Alexander have been known to hit the same “fine dining establishment,” and we are hoping to make it a regular event! (I think we threatened to take this on in the last Review, as well. Ken, Jeff and Glenn, please keep me honest on this one!) Lastly, as for me, I have seen Mike and Katherine Denton routinely this past academic year during quick and often late stopovers while on my way to pick up my daughter from Longwood University. Mike and Katherine are always gracious hosts – Mike always a true Brother Rat. I also connect with Grover Outland routinely. Grover is another that shows undying support for the “Mother I.” Grover does a great deal behind the scenes in assisting others through his vast and unparalleled network, as well as through his other VMI commitments, activities and leadership roles. (I thank you, Mike and Katherine, and you, Grove, for all that you do, not just for me and mine, but for VMI, Brother Rats, other alumni and current cadets.) I also hear from Roberta Digby, Rob’s beautiful bride (how’s that for a shout out, Berta?!), regularly on Facebook, though I suspect she ghost writes for Rob routinely. Digbys are all doing well and living life’s many blessings. All my roomies (Grover Outland, Mark Gonsalves, Johann Cooper, Rob Digby) and I, along with Mike Denton, Jeff Davies and John Ferry are currently trying to orchestrate another mini-reunion. I hope others continue to do the same and share the news, so that I can put in future Reviews. (I will publish just about anything you send me!) Such get togethers are always good for the soul – a little hard on the liver and often other body parts but very good for the soul! Well, BRs, that is all from me for now. Please keep the e-mails and even phone calls coming! We continue to move into that phase of our lives where our remaining parents will face medical challenges, as will some of us, as well. Please know that none of us is alone in these challenges, and don’t hesitate to call one another for support, prayer and comfort. We are bonded together through VMI; we are Brother Rats, no matter what may be our current station in life. Please stay well, and stay in touch! I remain yours in the Spirit of VMI and in the Bonds of ’81 … Jerry

’82

Charles Kause

The two-foot snowstorms and 12-foot piles of snow in front of my house are mere ugly memories, as life returned to somewhat normal in

119

CLASS NOTES northern Virginia with the warm winds of March. I progeny of our fellow BRs will be available to great-grandfather. Jay and his father continue have become a commuter into Crystal City, with a assist young Mr. Crumpler in his transition, as their tradition of going on a yearly pilgrimregular nine to five job. Riding the commuter train they will more than likely make up a good porage to Warm Springs, VA, for a father and son gives me time to relax and catch up on my reading, tion of the Cadre. fishing trip. When not rescuing disaster victims and I come home most evenings with enough enJay Wamsley dropped a note to keep me and fishing, Jay has been attending events ergy to deal with the Clown Prince and Daughter apprised of his activities. He did not have an held by the Tidewater Chapter of the Alumni of Darkness. I celebrated my 50th birthday by liv- idle winter. Jay is the branch chief assigned to Association. Jay has seen Doug Burdett and ing out a childhood fantasy. I finally experienced the Coast Guard Environmental Health Branch Brad Vanderwalker at quarterly luncheons a zero gravity environment, like astronauts when from the Public Health Service located in sponsored by the chapter in Norfolk. they train aboard the “Vomit Comet.” I boarded Norfolk. He was part of a Coast Guard team The competition remains fierce between a flight sponsored by Space Adventures, Inc., at supporting earthquake relief operations in Haiti George Mayforth and Jack Wainwright. Dulles Airport and flew over the North Atlantic off for over 30 days, where he was temporarily asBoth BRs were in St. Petersburg, FL, on April the coast of New Jersey, where the airplane flew signed duties as the Environmental Health and 25th to participate in the St. Anthony’s Triathseveral steep parabolic arches. Inside the cabin, Safety officer for the Coast Guard Port Security lon. Acting as their cheering squad was Dewey we experienced Martian, Lunar and finally Zero Unit. Jay’s other big news was the birth of his Martin, who made the schlep down from gravity just as the astronauts experience aboard first grandson, Keegan Lane Wamsley, which Clearwater. According to Dewey, his Brother the Space Shuttle and Space Station. The flight makes Jay’s dad, Jacob H. Wamsley II ’51, a Rat Spirit as a cheerleader was greatly assisted was too short in duration, though by generous Bloody Marys. It was I was relieved to return to Mother the only way Dewey could bring Earth without heaving my guts. himself to cheer for George. The Other than that, the only action and three of them had an opportunity adventure I had this past season was to visit and catch up at a post-race in pulling weeds, trimming bushes party. Jeff Judkins of New Tampa, and trees, and generally cleaning FL, was unable to attend the postup from the snow and preparing my race event but insisted on visiting palatial estate for spring. with George on Saturday evening for Tom Trobridge has emerged drinks and dinner. Dewey and Jack from hibernation, as well. Tom had a day on the water to wet a few retired from the Army as a colonel lines in Tampa Bay. The race has in the Signal Corps in 2007. He been earmarked as an Annual Event, landed a job as the assistant direcand thus, George, Jack, Dewey tor of Information Technology and Jeff will be together again next for the city of Alexandria. Since April. Dewey states he will also January 2010, Tom has been the participate in the race. As for Jack, Class of 1982: On April 3, 2010, Chuck Kause celdirector of Information TechnolGeorge understands he was trying to ebrated turning 50 by failing to eat M&Ms and drink ogy for Alexandria. He provides contact him during the race. Accordwater globules in a zero gravity environment at 30,000 leadership to the IT Department ing to George, Jack should have difeet somewhere off the coast of New Jersey. with an enterprise perspective in aled 1 with the area code, as he was IT policy, strategic planning and too far ahead of him. Jack replied his acquisition for the seventh largest age is catching up to him and was city in Virginia. lucky not to have dialed 911. But I keep running into Capt. John the Bloody Marys at the end of the Boyd, USNR, in Crystal City. race seemed to have changed Jack’s John heads the Navy’s biometrics disposition for the better. efforts within the Office of the Jack also wrote a note to tell about Secretary of the Navy. I know accompanying his mom and dad there are more than just two BRs (VMI ’55) to Lexington to celebrate lurking in the Crystal Underhis dad’s 55th Reunion. Jack also ground, but they must be busy brought along his son, Jay, to Lexbeavering away on their various ington to scope out the school and projects, or they hide real well. I chat with the professor of aerospace also ran into John’s old roomie, science on ROTC scholarships. With Scott Crumpler, on a fine spring any luck, Jay will be in the Rat mass day in Lexington. Scott’s middle of 2015. son will be joining next fall’s Dave Shutt is back home from Class of 1982: Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Jay Wamsley held Rat mass. He mentioned he was his stint in Iraq. For all of Dave’s a Haitian toddler during a humanitarian visit to multiple small villages outside of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Wamsley, becoming nervous about his son’s hard work over there, the Army an environmental health and safety officer, was temporarmatriculation, only because he had rewarded him by assigning him to ily assigned to Port Security Unit (PSU) 307. Members of such fond memories from back in the Army staff in Washington. He PSU 307 visited a Haitian orphanage to donate food and August 1979. I thought Scott had has moved his family from Alaska lift the spirits of the children. nothing to fret about since several to Woodbridge, VA, and must now

120

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES contend with horrific commutes and costs of living. Dave, however, is quite happy to be back home and has had several opportunities to see his son, Charlie, who is finishing up his Rat year at the I. It is great to end this short note with news that Dave has returned safe and sound. I think the only BR who may still be Harm’s Way is Dave Gallalee in Kabul. Then again, we have a couple of guys, like Bill Jennings, who make a couple of tours a year through Afghanistan. The Clown Prince graduates from high school next month and will be going straight to Northern Virginia Community College. He is making noise about going to VMI, but I am not holding my breath. As he considers his future, I will spend my summer playing with tomatoes and flowers.

’83

Jim Outland

As I write these notes, New Market Day is upon us, and VMI is preparing to send forth another class of “fine specimens” into the world. It is my unfortunate duty, however, to begin with news of the passing of BR David “Sticky” Combs who died suddenly at his home in Vienna, VA, on 2 April. “Stick” was a guy who flew under my radar while we were cadets at VMI, and I certainly regret not having known him better. A native of Wallingford, CT, David earned a BA in history before moving to Chicago where he was involved in the import-export industry. In 2005, he relocated to Virginia with his wife, Ralitsa. Joe Leonard recalls Dave during our cadetship as full of humor and a spirit that was always helpful and courteous. Those who knew Dave well – family, friends, neighbors and BRs – have consistently commented on his kind and generous manner which are traits fitting and true for any VMI alumnus. Such recollections of his demeanor prompted me to think of John Easten Cooke’s 1883 description of Virginians which should apply to each of you as VMI men, regardless of your native state: “Of the Virginians, it may be said that they have objected in all times to being rubbed down to a uniformity with all the rest of the world and that they have generally retained the traits which characterized their ancestors.” My impression is David would resonate with an “objection to being rubbed down by uniformity” and practiced well the honorable traits of character modeled by our alma mater. Several of you responded during this sudden and difficult time to support David’s family, and I wish to thank you on behalf of all of us. Marc Guevremont, who lives closest to

2010-Issue 3

Dave, together with Joe Leonard, Dave Powell and Carl Gibeault, all did a fine job in reaching out to Ralitsa during this difficult time. In addition, Dave Powell has also written a fitting obit for BR Combs; see the Taps section of this issue. Here is an excerpt of a note Ralitsa sent to them after the funeral: “I cannot begin to express how grateful to you Dave’s family and I are for your being there for us at this tragic time. You are good people and true friends. I know that your friendship was a great source of joy to David and by extension, to me. I know you won’t forget the memory of your Brother Rat Stick. He knows you are thinking of him, I am certain.” Unfortunately, Will Creekmur also suffered a great personal loss in February with the sudden death of his 19-year-old son, Ruffin, in an automobile accident. Will returned to Virginia from Arizona, where he now lives, to help bury his son and regrettably, I was not able to join him and the extended family for the funeral in Charles City Co. I know that a number of you have been in touch with Will over his tragic and sudden loss and also believe John and Linda Dodge and Cal Murray were able to attend services for Ruffin. In other news, many thanks to Skip Goodwillie for forwarding information from the VMI Cadet Life Web site concerning the formation of the VMI Knitting and Crocheting club which was started in the fall of 2009. The club’s mission is “to teach cadets how to use needles, hooks and yarn to produce quality handmade items to donate to local charities and to send to our U.S. troops serving abroad.” While the club’s mission is admirable, BR Brad Norwood captured my thoughts by observing, “Gen. Smith must be doing 200 RPM in his grave.” In fact, the imagination just runs wild with thoughts of how this activity would have been incorporated into our own “Old Corps” cadetships. Many possibilities were suggested – most notably from BR Vernon Perdue – that as members of the club, we would have probably knitted our own late-night sox. I’m sure someone back then would also have told me that “Ivan doesn’t knit,” but the Afghanis of today sure do, so maybe there is something to this new age club at VMI. Speaking of Old Corps activities, Bob Mednikov sent me copy from a 1933 Bomb which provides a timeline for the Corps trip to Richmond to march in the dedication parade for the Carillon War Memorial. Bob lives near the memorial which is located in Richmond’s Byrd Park. I especially enjoyed reading details of the all-night train trip, the successful parade the following day, the Saturday night GP and the subsequent return to post on Sunday. The following are some edited excerpts from a

1930s Barracks diarist: “Friday 11PM at Lexington Train Station - A and C companies are engaged in a pitched battle over possession of several day coach seats. Saturday 6:10 AM arrival at Richmond’s Main Street Train Station – The knell of coming day as the Keydets try to climb Main Street Hill, exhausted now. 9:30 AM Waiting for Parade – Parade should start any minute now. 9:35 AM Waiting for Parade – Parade should start any minute now. 9:40 AM Waiting for Parade – Parade should start any minute now.” After parade, the Corps is issued GP by the commandant for “a magnificent performance,” which prompted the following note: “11PM at The Mosque – Dancing is in order; shagging about in full dyke.” On Sunday morning, the return trip to Lexington starts at Main Street Station – “The train pulls out after a night of revelry. Only one man is missing, so let’s pull down the shades and sleep. 3:10 PM – Rain on the Keydets as they march from East Lexington back to Barracks. 3:30 PM Back in Barracks – With rusty rifles, wet clothes and blistered feet, 300 hays hit the floor with a bang.” Updating you on more current events, I received a note from Keith Sawyer. Keith and several other alumni are getting together in the New Bern/Jacksonville, NC, area and are working on starting a new Alumni Association chapter. “We are knocking around a few ideas and are soon to have a meeting.” Brett Allen also recently sent me an update. After living in the Detroit metro area for some time, Brett has decided to leave the auto industry and head for greener pastures working with his brother in San Antonio, TX. “I am enjoying the new challenges and developing a new career. I am happy but will be happier when my family gets here.” I know it has been a hard ride for Brett but still a classic case of “Never Say Die.” Please keep me updated, BR, and I hope things continue to go your way. I also received a brief e-mail from Craig Palmore. Craig now lives in VA Beach and had read with interest Steve Schaaf’s memory of BR Ray Rushton’s kindness during our third class year which appeared in the prior edition of class notes. Craig and Ray were Rat roommates, and he also recalls Ray being a good guy. They last saw each other during a chance meeting in a Charlottesville book store back in 2002. Speaking of BR Schaaf, our energetic “comrade” now has a new iron in the pot. Like many of us, Steve is watching with passionate interest the direction our country is taking. Unlike most of us, however, Steve is actually taking action on his concerns by teaming up with some like-minded associates and launching a business-political blog/Web site. The project is still in the works, and I hope to have more information as well as a URL by the

121

CLASS NOTES next class notes, but the intent is to provide an alternative viewpoint to political issues that are reported in the media. In Steve’s words, “The issues of today are too important to ignore – so tune in.” Speaking of “tuning in,” my Brother Rat-in-law Wade Branner was recently recognized with a VMI Achievement Award for his long service in the Sports Information Office. As you know, Wade is also “the voice of VMI,” providing color commentary for games broadcast over radio and streaming over the Internet. I saw a great photo of Wade with his wife, Elizabeth, while receiving the VMI Achievement Award from Gen. Peay ’62. Based on the background of the picture, it appears that the award was actually presented to Wade in the superintendent’s office, but I’m just not very familiar with those surroundings. Fortunately, there are a number of you all who are well acquainted with décor there and can verify this, based on your prior visits in the early 80s. Names like Hudgins, Warriner, Horan, Dunlap, Toler, Spartz, Keilty, Schaaf and Rademacher are a few that immediately come to mind. Here in the Richmond-area this spring, BR John Lashley and I have had a couple of chance encounters. We first bumped into each other on Easter Sunday while watching 10,000 plastic Easter Eggs being dropped from a hovering helicopter onto the James River High School Football field, courtesy of a local Baptist church. Seeing the low hover reminded me of the time BR Warren Groseclose hauled me around in his helicopter while stationed in Germany, except we didn’t get to drop any plastic eggs back then. Anyway, BR Lashley is still flying passenger jets for Delta, keeps a busy schedule and says he doesn’t get to drop any plastic eggs either. Surprisingly, my next chance encounter with John was after the national anthem to kick off a Richmond Raiders Indoor Arena Football game. A tap on the shoulder caused me to be greeted by the entire Lashley clan seated directly behind us. Thankfully, John had attended previous Raider contests, so was able to explain the finer points of arena football. An added bonus of having him there was the ease in finding my seat after half-time – just look for the guy in the red shirt with “Whole Damn Team” written on the back. Lt. Cmdr. Joe Leonard, USCG, and I traded some messages about things near his area of operations in Galveston, TX. As of this writing, the oil is still flowing in the Gulf, so Joe is a busy man. By the time you read these notes, I’m praying the actual spill will be over, but I’m sure the congressional hearings, finger-pointing and environmental mess will not. Unfortunately, I don’t have any background on the (as yet) unpublished photo of our BR meeting Ms.

122

Hillary Rodham-Clinton but can’t wait to learn all of the details. I do know Joe’s meeting with her was before and not related to the oil spill, however. Judging by the picture I’ve seen of the two of them, she seems quite happy to be in our BR’s company. So, he must have a way with Secretaries of State. Finally, I received an update and pictures from BR Col. Steve Amato, USAF, after VMI’s Spring Reunion Weekend. As the VMI Air Force ROTC Detachment commander, Steve has a “unique angle” to observe the goings-on at the Institute. “I ran into Skip and Stacy Goodwillie, Doug Wainwright and Tim Craul over the reunion weekend,” Steve said. “[Recently], BRs Mark Waters and Chris Eversman brought their sons to a VMI Admissions Open House. I also saw Chris Skiba who brought his daughter to my detachment, so she could be administered an Air Force test.” I was thrilled to get these updates, Steve, especially concerning the interest in VMI from some our BR’s kids – but the accompanying “unique angle” photo of class of ’80 President Walt Wood’s backside as he scaled the sentinel box for an Old Yell was probably too much information. Should any of you see Mr. Wood, please pass along congratulations on a successful 30th Reunion, and rest assured, gentlemen, that our own next reunion will not be far “behind.” And so, it is on Mr. Wood’s hindquarters that I must “end” this installment of class notes, “butt” in the meantime, I look forward to seeing you all (from the front) real soon. DRIVE ON!

’84

Barry Coceano

Hello, all! I hope this round of class notes finds everyone doing well. Before I launch into the notes, I wanted to let everyone know we have new recipients of our Class of 84 Scholarship – Flora and Eva Edelbrock. Our own Tom Anthony has been a longtime friend of the Edelbrock family and introduced Flora and Eva to VMI a couple years ago. The Edelbrock sisters are outstanding students and accomplished athletes who are extremely excited to matriculate this fall. I personally had the opportunity to meet Eva and Flora on two occasions. They are intelligent and outgoing young ladies who are well deserving of our class scholarship. If you have the opportunity to meet them while visiting the Institute, I am sure you will also be impressed and agree that they were the right choice for our scholarship commitment. Now to the notes. The first one to answer my plea for updates this past time was none other

than Alex Thompson. Always the unassuming and humble one, Alex provided me with the following on a couple of our BRs: “David Pruitt visited my place in Virginia Beach the weekend of Jan. 15/16. He ventured up from High Point, NC. We managed to fit in 18 holes of golf between two cold fronts. Jamie Shoemaker joined us for dinner Friday night. We invited Frank Kollmansperger to join us, but he was basking in the Naples, FL, sun on a business boondoggle. Nice!” Alex, you know better than any of us, since you roomed with Frank, that he is the master of the boondoggle. Some things will never change! Jeff Roach sent me a great note from Kabul, Afghanistan. Jeff wrote, “My wife just forwarded the Alumni Review over here to me. I have done a very poor job of communicating over the years and resolve to do a better job from now on. Had an awesome time at the reunion and only wished that Mary Ann could have joined me, because she has lots of great memories from our time at VMI. (She was my Ring Figure date.) The reunion was a class act, and I am grateful for all those that devoted so much time and energy into making it such a memorable event for all of us. I am currently serving in Kabul, Afghanistan, with the USAF. I have been sitting at Sheppard, flying as a pilot training instructor as a reservist for 10 years. For eight of those years, we have been at war, and I have been training lieutenants to go fight a war that I have never participated in. I felt led to volunteer for an active duty deployment, so I could do my very small part to support the war effort. My wife and kids are the ones making the sacrifice for me to be serving over here. It has been very rewarding to participate in the air campaign, although I am in a ground support role at the NATO HQ here and not flying, which I would certainly prefer, but I’ve been out of the F-16 for way too long.” Jeff, we are all very appreciative of the sacrifices that you and your family are making. Thank you for your service and for everything you are doing to defend our freedoms. Sammy Lowman sent me the following from the Star City: “My family is in Roanoke (wife Amy and two boys, Austin and Miles). Extremely busy with high school and youth sports. My oldest just made the baseball team at his high school (Patrick Henry High School – 9th grader made varsity!) despite the head coach being a Citadel grad! My youngest is gearing up for another season of lacrosse. It is going to be a busy spring. I see Ted Comer and his boys frequently at high school basketball games. I hope to get to Lexington to see the Keydets play baseball. They are having a terrific start to their season.” Sammy, congrats to your son for making the varsity baseball team as a freshman

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES – very impressive. Now, we need to ensure he stays focused on becoming a future Keydet baseball player. Oh, by the way, our Keydets baseball team is ranked #25 in the country and off to the best start in VMI baseball history (28-5). Additionally, 10 minutes ago, as I write these notes, VMI defeated the #1 team in the country (yes, you read that correctly, defeated the #1 ranked baseball team in the country), UVa! Newsflash … The elusive Carl Romano reported in from his home in FL with the following note. “OK, Barry; you have shamed me into sending you an update. I cannot remember the last time I sent an update, but here it goes: First of all, it was truly a sad year with the loss of Ron Abbit. I remember the first morning of Cadre, being sandwiched in a line with Ron. He always had a smile on his face and kind words for all. He will be missed. As for me, I am still living in Jupiter, FL, and working in West Palm Beach, FL. I am a partner in the law firm of Broad and Cassel, and I practice in the fields of banking and institutional lending, special assets and real estate. I have been an attorney since 1994, having gone to the University of Florida School of Law after ending my tour with the USMC. Although ‘I love the law’ and my practice, I am amenable to a change in professions. So, if you know of anything else I could do up in Virginia or whatnot, let me know!!! I am happily married since 1994 and have two girls: Francesca, 12, and Sophia, 10. Still trying to stay in shape by running, working out and biking. Right now, with the south Florida economy as it is, I have my head down and am working pretty hard to keep the business coming into the door. Hopefully, I will have time to take the family up to Highlands, NC, for vacation this summer. My girls love the area, and a very close friend of ours has a great mountain-view home up there where we stay. While there, we will do some rafting, hiking and fishing (and of course, shopping). This fall, hopefully, I will have some time to head up to GA and maybe NJ for some deer hunting. All in all, life is going well. I hope and pray that you and your family are doing well. Just funny how fast 25 years seemed to fly by.” Carl, thanks for the wonderful update. Let me know when you pass through DC on the way to Jersey, so we can get together for a couple cold ones. Chip Aker wrote the following from his home – 3,000 miles away – in AZ. “Warm greetings. I was disappointed to have missed the 25th Reunion. As you may or may not know, I live in central AZ in a suburb of Phoenix, the town of Fountain Hills. Until China knocked us off a couple of years back, we held claim to having the world’s tallest fountain in our town, hence Fountain Hills. My wife, Amy, and I moved

2010-Issue 3

here in early 2000 after serving with Campus Crusade for Christ in Costa Rica, leading a ministry training academy for Latin American ministers. I left Campus Crusade in February 2003 and started my own coaching and training company. Not long after we arrived here, we joined with five other couples to start a non-denominational, Four Peaks Community Church here in town. In June 2008, our pastor left the church, and I was asked to fill in for him on an interim basis starting in July of that year. Since then, I have become a permanent fixture on the staff of our growing church. I share the teaching responsibilities with another pastor on the staff, as well as directing our small group ministry and adult discipleship training. I am really enjoying being back in full-time ministry. I got my educational piece lined up as well, finishing a master’s in divinity degree last year, after putting it off for about a dozen years or more. I am relieved to have it behind me. I am the proud father of three boys. The oldest, Will, is a freshman in high school and a candidate for ‘Band Co.’ He is quite talented musically and was the first freshman ever nominated and selected from Fountain Hills High School for Arizona Central Region Honor Band, playing tuba. He was also selected to perform with the U.S. Air Force Band of the West at a recent concert here in the Valley of the Sun. Following in the footsteps of our oldest, our middle son, Seth, is also an aspiring tubist in the middle school band here in town and is showing more progress than his older brother at his age. The youngest, Sam, has already indicated his commitment to play the tuba as well. They must get their musical talent from my wife, because I have no such gift. I don’t see too many VMI stickers out here in the land of Arizona State and University of Arizona but would love to grab dinner or a round of golf with any Brother Rats who make it out here during the beautiful winter and spring seasons. I don’t advise coming to play during the summer, although the greens fees are great.” Chip, thanks for the note. Hopefully, we can get you back here for the 30th Reunion. I will ensure I get you in a foursome for the reunion golf outing with your old roommates – Greg Cavallaro, John Munno and John Ehrenberger. Chris Caplice wrote to report the facts behind his mysterious absence from the check formation for our 25th Reunion class photo. Chris let me know that even though he was in fact at House Mountain at the time of the check formation for the class reunion photo, he was authorized to be there and was thus in an “All-Right” status. Good thing … I will have that post-cadetship 10-6-30 removed from your Institute record, but you still need to bring coffee and doughnuts for the entire class at the 30th Reunion class photo formation as restitu-

tion for failure to notify the class agent of your whereabouts prior to the photo. The Tac officer may have given authorization, but as class agent, I was the proxy OOD, and even though I was being a good OOD and staring at the back of Gene Sampey’s head to block my vision, I heard the murmuring from the ranks that you were missing from formation; thus the Bone! Sorry, BR. Craig Peacock checked in with the following: “I just PCS’d back to Fort Belvoir, VA, last April from Fort Hood and am flying Fixed Wing King Air 200s at the Operational Support Airlift Agency. Will be looking to go to the UC-35 jet transition later this year. I finally got married a few years ago and have a 3-year-old daughter, Alexandra ‘Lexi’ Peacock, and an 8-month-old boy, Andrew William Russell Peacock.” Congrats, Craig; sounds like everything is going well. Jeff Duncan too answered my pleas for an update with the following note: “I’m making my contribution. I hate to see a grown man beg!! We are still in Salt Lake City and were enjoying the skiing until I ripped my ACL. I guess one of the local docs is going to reattach it for me. It’s tough getting old, or so I hear. Still working on my DBA, and Nancy is working on her nurse practitioner. That means everyone is in school, at least for another year. I recently discovered that I have been selected to be a resident at Fort Leavenworth as a student and not a prisoner. I should be going to ILE in February 2011. After that, who knows. The Army Reserve is getting back into the MEDEVAC business, and I have been asked if I am interested. We’ll see what happens. There isn’t much else to tell you, other than life continues to march along, while I limp. If you ever hear of anyone being in Salt Lake, tell them to give us a call.” Jeff, I know all too well about ACL injuries … not fun. I don’t envy your rehab but wish you the best working through it. Eric Harmon also wrote in: “Not a lot going on here. I’ve been out of the service since 1987 but working for DoD, supporting service members since then. I am the Installation Range officer at Fort Hood now, ensuring the live fire ranges and training areas are kept current and continue to support training requirements. I recently ran into Lt. Col. Adrian Bogart ’81, who is at Fort Hood, training deploying units on counter improvised explosive device defeat measures. Been in this job since 2004 after working as the Range Control engineer from 1997 to 2004. It’s a great job, working directly for the young men and women who train to defend this great nation. I haven’t been back to the ‘I’ but hope to make it there for the 30th Reunion, if all goes well. By then, my son and daughter should be out of college and in a posi-

123

CLASS NOTES tion to support me. Ha, wouldn’t that be nice!” Eric, great note. I know you’re spending some long hours on the range, but supporting the cause is well worth it … thanks for all you’re doing supporting troop training evolutions. The following two notes were sent from BRs who went all the way through Rat year with us before departing VMI. As I told both of them, always remember you made it through Rat year; you became a life-long member of the class of ’84. The first note is from Ekkul Vanadit ’84. “Thank you for your letter. I don’t know if any BRs remember me, since I only spent one year at VMI. Anyway, let me update my information. My name is Ekkul Vanadit from Thailand, a member of VMI class ’84. I left VMI after one year and went to Oklahoma State University and later to Tampa College in Tampa Bay, FL, and graduated with a B.S. in management. In 2003, I graduated from Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, with an M.A. in international security and civil military relations. I have been working with the Royal Thai Army for about 24 years, and my current rank is colonel. I have been with the Directorate of Intelligence, RTA, for most of the time and am currently working at Security Division, Directorate of Intelligence. I’m living in Bangkok, Thailand. I’m married and have three children.” The second note came from Bill Dunsing. “I’m with the Class of ’84, but in an odd sort of way. I fully completed my Rat year, but midway through my second year, my mom passed away. My dad was in very bad shape, and I felt the need to be much closer to him than the 14 hours I was. I transferred up to Syracuse University. (Talk about culture shock! – they had GIRLS there! – bye-bye GPA.) I graduated from Syracuse, served in the Army for 10 years as a Chinook test pilot, achieved the rank of Captain in the Active and Major in the Reserves. My family moved to Atlanta, where we opened our own awards and engraving business. We closed that 2.5 years later when I moved us to Cincinnati to take a medical services job. Two years later, I was without a job and managed to land a sales job with Pomeroy IT Solutions. About two years into that (notice a trend here?), I decided I was not a sales guy but more of an engineer. I transferred within Pomeroy from Sales to Network engineering, and since then, I’ve been a computer engineer. I left Pomeroy in 2007 to work for a startup IT company (Emerge IT Solutions), and that’s where I’ve been since. I’ve been fortunate on the family side – a wife of 22 years and two daughters – 17 and 19. My oldest, Lexi, is attending Eastern Kentucky University on a 4-year Army ROTC scholarship. She’s studying to be a nurse. My youngest attends Ryle High School, where she competes on their swim team. She wants to be an actress.

124

I’ve not stayed in touch with anyone from VMI since I left. I always felt “incomplete” since I didn’t graduate or get a class ring. Still, it brings me happiness to know I completed one of the most grueling and demanding freshman years in the nation.” Ekkul and Bill, once a BR always a BR! I am glad you’ve both done well. Please keep in touch, and also join us in a few years at the 30th Reunion, if you are able. Well, I have filled my allotted space for this edition and will close with one final update – my own. By the time you read this, I will have retired after 26 years of active duty in the Navy. It has been a wonderful journey, and I leave the Navy with nothing but great memories. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought the ride would last this long, the opportunities would be so plentiful and the friendships so great. As a leave, I can think of only one quote that summarizes my feelings, and that quote is from JFK – “I can imagine no more a rewarding career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: ‘I served in the United States Navy.’” Please keep the updates coming. Hearing from BRs and getting updates is the lifeline to successfully keeping everyone informed. You would be surprised to know that your BRs find your updates of interest … trust me; many have told me so. So, if you are reading these class notes and haven’t provided an update within the past five years, please take a minute to do so. My e-mail address is in the box at the beginning of this article. Until next time, good night, Dan Grillone, wherever you are.

’85

John Eckenrode

(This edition’s notes are written by Jake Spivey. Kudos to Jake for his help. Eck) Back in the spring I had coffee with Mark Boswell. Bos is doing well and he let me in on a little secret. Herff Jones has a lifetime guarantee on our class rings for resizing. So if you’re like Mark and I and your fingers aren’t quite as spindly as they used to be, contact Herff Jones and get your ring resized for free. It takes about 1 month to get it done. (herffjones.com) I have traded emails and phone calls over the past couple of months with Jeff Hill, David Campbell, Tom Rahe, Norb Jocz to talk about the Reunion and other stuff. Both Norb and Tom are working in the 5-sided puzzle palace in NoVA. Jeff is at VDOT HQ in Richmond and Bubba is still holding it together in the Florida panhandle (Panama City).

Back in March, Joe Irby, Shane Sullivan, H Shindle, Darren Sawyer, Tyke Arnold, John Adams and yours truly had a few beers and some pub grub in Norfolk. Shane is still leading his real estate and leasing company. Darren is the chief snoop (N2) for Commander, Naval Submarine Forces, Atlantic but, is getting close to retiring. H. struck out on his own doing mechanical contracting work. Tyke is living as a geo-bachelor in Norfolk with the family back in the Atlanta area and still working for Lockheed Martin since he left the USAF back in the 1990s. JA is the chief of engineering at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District. Rob was in town to finish up some professional military education at the Joint Forces Staff College, a final check in the box to make general. Good luck, Rob. Earlier in the day Joe Irby visited with Neil Lowenstein and Jeff Riddle. Tidewater residents have most probably watched BR Jesse Waltz appear in his company’s television advertisements. His company, JES Construction, specializes in basement, foundation and crawlspace repairs. I’ve seen their service trucks operating as far north as Fredericksburg. Jesse looks great on TV. Perhaps he will become the next Billy Mays! In April, Joe Irby, me again, Owen McIntyre, Kerry Kirk, John Eckenrode, Palmer Hamilton and Matt Daniel got together at the Dogfish Ale House in Arlington for some brews and to assist Matt with some ideas for artwork and graphics for our reunion. While we were quietly and calmly thinking great thoughts and doodling, Matt Carter and Steve Hagan called. “Sanka” is the Chief of Staff for the J3 Division at U.S. TRANSCOM amongst the cornfields surrounding Scott AFB, IL. Just where you’d expect a Navy Captain and P-3 pilot to be! Hook wanted to let us all know what wimps we were, drinking beer instead of tequila. Also in April, we had a great turnout for the Don Jamison ’57 Appreciation Event held at the Center for Leadership and Ethics. Participating from our class included Scott Bryant, Danks Burton, Pete Delano, Kelley Dillenberger, Kyle Goldsmith, Ken Hirlinger, Joe Irby, Gary Klein, Mike Lamore, Jay Lucas, Chuck McCarthy, Russ Orrison, Kevin Robles, Dave Stinnette, Jesse Waltz, and JJ Wranek. This occasion honored COL Jamison and his 40(+) years of service to the Institute. Alumni and friends participating in the event gave over $127,000 in cash and pledges for the Jamison ’57 Family Scholarship. The formal part of the reception culminated with a plaque dedicating the Fluids Lab in NEB to the Jammer. At the end of the day, there wasn’t a dry eye in the place. VMI was well represented this spring at Geronimo, the youth lacrosse organization in

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Richmond. Mike Locher ’84, Clint Hubbard, Roy Woolwine and Brett Hayes (all ’86) were among a slew of dads who brought their sons AND daughters out to learn “the fastest game on two feet.” I bumped into Hunter Elliott back on May 8. Hunter was looking good and all tan, having spent his previous weekend on the river at Deltaville, VA. Hunter told me his daughter is doing well. Thanks to all who prayed for this young girl. I had the privilege of being selected to attend a Navy Reserve senior officer course at the end of May. I got to listen for five days to 14 admirals speak, but the highlight of the week was having Jay Adelmann and Dave Tyler also brief us. Jay is the Chief of Staff for Commander, Naval Reserve Air Forces and Dave is the commanding officer of the Navy Reserve detachment serving U.S. Joint Forces Command. At the end of the month of May, I attended the Keydet Club’s annual auction at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. ’85ers in attendance were Joe Irby, myself and Suzanne, Chuck and Beth Ann McCarthy, Mark and Alston Williams and John and Catherine Whitty. Lastly, let’s keep in our hearts and prayers our BRs and their families who will be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan in defense of this great nation during the Reunion. COL Ralph Tremaglio is there now. COL WG Rowlett and Col Jay Malik and Col Rob Gardner will ship out this summer. Dave Tingley and I are working on ways to use the wonders of technology to send parts of the Reunion to you. Stay Safe BRs. The next set of notes will have a recap of the Reunion. I hope to see you all there.

’86

Clint Hubbard

These notes are being written in May. Snows have melted away, the leaves have returned, the grass is green, the birds are singing and I don’t know about the rest of you but I wouldn’t mind being a Rat again – at least the age of a Rat. Where has the time gone? Remember when we thought majors were old men? You will likely be reading these in print sometime in the fall of 2010; remember our 25th will be coming in the fall of 2011. I don’t have a date just yet, but I’m pretty sure it will be sometime in September 2011. Some of you hard-charging Army types may trumpet the edict “Rangers Lead the Way,” but for our purposes this quarter, with a dedicated former cadet private at the helm here, I’ll turn to a fellow F-trooper, and let Foxtrot lead the way! It was sho’ ’nuff good to hear from the

2010-Issue 3

pride of America’s coal country – that is, our BR Talbott, E.F. of Grundy, VA. Actually, he is now Talbott, E.F. of Richmond, KY. Ed and his bride, Michelle, are living in Richmond, KY, which is a few miles south of Lexington, KY. Michelle is pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Kentucky, so the Talbotts will be there for a few years. After VMI, Ed spent a few years in the U.S. Navy and then returned to Grundy where he ran the Buchanan County Internet services and IT program for a few years. With all that experience in IT, he has set up his own Web site (http://www.pbase.com/awuilaet) which is a fantastic site and chronicles (as BR Talbott says) “everything I’ve done in the past seven years.” I encourage you to check it out. Speaking of graduate school, a few years back Ed changed careers and attended the Appalachian College of Pharmacy (ACP) and is now, to my knowledge, our first registered pharmacist. (I realize we may have had a few guys who dabbled in pharmaceuticals over the years, but Ed is legit.) If you check out his Web site, you will see that BR Talbott was selected by his classmates to deliver the class speech at his graduation from ACP in 2009. You will also note that BR Talbott’s classmates in pharmacy school are decidedly more attractive than his classmates at VMI. I guess he figured if you’re going back to graduate school you may as well go with attractive women – and he did. There may have been some less attractive girls in the class, but Ed did well in getting the pictures of the good-looking ones on his Web site – attaboy, BR – Git-R-Done. Where I have to take issue with him is the pictures of his sister, who is also quite attractive, and I never recall her visiting VMI back in the day. That’s borderline BRF behavior, having a good looking sister and never bringing her to meet your BRs. As Dave Grimm might say, “I’m just sayin’…..” BR Talbott reports that Mike Davis is living in Martinsburg, WV, where he enjoys flying on weekends and is working in the computer security business. Jon French is down in Montgomery, Alabama; retired from the (Ed’s words) ch-Air Force and basically working the same job he had as a lieutenant colonel but now as a civilian. Scott “Scooter” Huff has taken his company global and now resides in China with his wife and kids – Ed calls it the Hazard-Hangzhou connection. Chris Kolditz is retired from the Army and is now working in the DC area. Among our remaining active duty brethren, Michael Lakos, USAF, checked in to report that he and his family are back in the CONUS in Colorado Springs, CO, but they miss Germany. Colonel Lakos is back at HQ Air Force Space Command at Peterson AFB, where he says he is “working with some old friends that have been

in the space operations career field as long as [he] has; so it’s like old home week back here at Space Central.” BR Lakos expects to be there for a minimum of two years and possibly longer – he reports his USAF career is slowly winding down. Michael said he recently attended the retirement of Pete Bernstein ’88 – that makes you feel young when youngsters like that punch out already. Michael also mentioned keeping in touch with Tom McCarthy who is at Fort Bliss, TX. We know where Jeff “Axman” Ax spends his time, but where the hay is Bernie Colacicco? Speaking of Axman, I recently had a business trip to San Antonio. I had some customers out for an evening on the town and while walking down the famed Riverwalk, I noticed a funlooking establishment with an owl motif. A quick duck inside and there on the wall were pictures of their most loyal customers – one gent resembled our BR Ax standing next to what appeared to be a very clean looking automobile. Another active duty BR who has been missing from these pages for a while is Dave McCarthy. Dave’s message recalled that he had checked in from Germany a few years back but since then, had done a two-year tour at Scott AFB and is now stationed at Camp Zama, Japan, where he has been since July 2009. Dave reports that he and his family enjoy Japan and try to get out to see the culture and scenery firsthand whenever they can. BR McCarthy reports he ran into BR Dave Shin as well as Mike Ceroli ’85 in Thailand during U.S. Army’s Cobra Gold ’10 back in February. Apparently, they were able to enjoy a bit of hospitality at some point in the exercise. Dave hopes to make a jaunt to Taiwan and hook up with T.K. Liu while he is “in the neighborhood.” Good to hear from you, Dave. Speaking of Japan, several of the Richmond regulars formed up to celebrate the class birthday in March. I know what you’re thinking – what can that possibly have to do with Japan? Well, here’s how it all fits together: the regular crowd of yours truly, Wayne Fuller, Gordon Poindexter, Pat Farrell, Tim Spivey, Paul Burch, Jon Moody, Jay Ball, Mikey Calkins, and our adoptee, Matt Morgan ’87, were quaffing a few cold ones when who walks into the bar but Dave Miller! BR Miller got wind of the event and made the trek from Augusta County – with him and Poindexter in attendance, there was a quorum for a meeting of the “Waynesboro First Class Privates Association” (WFCPA). To my knowledge, no official business transpired, but then again, the WFCPA is a relatively loose organization. Turns out that BR Miller was on his way to Japan for a business trip, and his flight left out

125

CLASS NOTES of the Richmond airport on March 17. Man, I bet his head felt like it was in a vise when he got to 30,000 feet, which is just about how high he was the night before! Dave has made several trips to Japan over the last quarter and managed to find a Japanese version of the bar “Cheers” somewhere over there, where he said they all holler out “Dave-Son” when he comes into the bar. Evidently, a few Sapporo’s or some sake can patch up any lingering differences from the whole Pearl Harbor-Hiroshima episode. And just to show how the threads weave into this tapestry called the class notes – English major, remember? – since we have mentioned Mark Hicks and Japan, the word on the street is that Col. J.M. Hicks is stationed at Yokohama Japan with the U.S. Air Force. If BRs McCarthy, Miller and Hicks can get together and either get T.K. Liu to come to them or have them go to him, that would be a good photo opp. My old roommate, Rob Padgett, checked in from central VA. About a year ago, Rob changed jobs, moving from Tri-Dim Filter Corp in Louisa to “a great job” (his words) with Dominion Power at the Bremo Power Station in Fluvanna County. BR Padgett is a safety specialist for Dominion; I guess we can call him the OSHA man. Rob reports that bride Lisa and their girls are well. Their oldest daughter, Lindsay, just turned 16, while younger one, Sarah, is12 but acts and looks 22 – Padge says he does keep a pistol ready! And in the three years we lived together, he always called me a redneck. What comfort that so many have joined me! To use a favorite Dave Grimm quote, “I’m just sayin’….” After the speculation in the last edition about some far-fetched happenings among the class of 1986, I got a reply from Utah. Troy Lanier checked in to declare, “It’s fun living in a place with strict rules, because you don’t have to commit a felony to break the law – kind of like being at VMI.” Which then lead him to the story of his most current escapade. BR Lanier, or ‘Father Troy’ if you prefer, reports that he and some of his fellow ne’er do wells are planning a trip to Lake Powell in June; four families and a 60-foot houseboat. That alone, BRs, is a recipe for disaster, but they’re taking it up a notch. Father Troy insists that kegs are the only way to go, but you can’t get kegs of real beer in Utah. So, this band of merry men is planning a boot-leg run to Idaho. BR Lanier then asks, “You getting the Smokey and the Bandit image? I’ll let you know how it goes.” Oh, I can guess how it’s going to go … While we’re updating Battalion Commanders, out of the blue I heard from Mike Castaldi. Make that out of the U.S. Air Force blue, where Col. Castaldi is currently working at the Pen-

126

tagon in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense. BR Castaldi says that working in the Pentagon is about like being a Rat with a radio – I can only imagine the analogy, since we all know what thirds eat. Actually, Mike says it’s amazingly a great deal and a lot of fun. He says he runs into VMI folks almost every day, to include BRs Steve Hall and Mark Hicks, as well as Jim Hickey ’82 (the guy who captured Saddam Hussein), Sean Le ’82, Jim Begley ’85 and some other guys from classes in the 1990s. BR Castaldi says it’s nice to be down here in friendly country. Speaking of far-fetched occurrences: what would you say if I told you that Louis Rucker actually wrote in? I know what you’re thinking: Rucker and Lanier? Both of ’em? No way … Well, that’s correct; no word directly from BR Rucker, although I did get an indirect update, courtesy of Frank Ladson. More on Louis ‘the wind’ Rucker in a moment; let me tell you about the Life of Ladson first. Frank reports that “all is well for the Ladson clan in South Carolina.” BR Ladson made a career change last spring and started a new job last summer as the senior aerospace science instructor for an Air Force JROTC unit at a high school. Frank says it is fulfilling, as it has allowed him to give something back by mentoring young men and women who really need the discipline and structure in their world. BR Ladson is assigned at a school that has about 900 students; 65% of them don’t have a positive male figure in their life, and 70% are on free or reduced meals. So, the need is great, and Frank feels that he can make a difference – my bet is that he can. Over spring break, the Ladson family went to the Outer Banks, and while driving around Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills, Sue spotted a VMI flag flying outside a BBQ joint. So, they went inside and found out the two owners were 2001 or 2002 grads. As they were talking, they asked Frank if he knew Andy Mason. BR Ladson was momentarily worried about getting handed a large outstanding bar tab, but instead they gave him Grape-Ape’s phone number. Long story short, Frank and Andy got together for a couple of cold ones and caught up on our days back at the “I.” According to Frank, BR Mason is doing well and seems to be enjoying the Outer Banks. BR Ladson says he talks with Stu Heishman quite often, and they have gotten together with their boys several times. Most recently, Frank and his son went to Charlotte last December to go to the Meineke Bowl game (UNC vs. Pitt) with Stu and his family. They had a big time and even saw George Foreman at a pre-game tailgate party. BR Ladson said he wishes he would have asked him for a grill. Frank also

stays in touch with his former roommate, Mike Necessary. Mike and his family are doing very well in Lexington, KY. Lastly, Frank reports he had his annual telephone conversation with Louis Rucker a while back. (At least someone is talking to BR Rucker – even if it is only annually!) Louis was vacationing with his family in Myrtle Beach in the spring, and he called BR Ladson – they were going to try and get together, but their schedules prevented them from hooking up. Frank reports that it seems as Louis may have a future star basketball player on his hands, as his youngest son is taking it up a notch. Be nice to hear that info from BR Rucker himself; wouldn’t it? Thanks for a super update, Frank. Well, time flies when you’re writing class notes; gotta get this sent in for submission. Take care, Brother Rats, and remember, the 25th will be here before we know it.

’87

Ernie Edgar

Brother Rats: As I write this for submission to the Alumni Review, New Market Day is just around the corner, marking the end of another academic year at VMI. In April, I had the opportunity to attend the annual Class Agents Conference and learn more about the state of our beloved Institute, what cadets are up to these days, and what challenges lie ahead for them and for VMI. The programs and opportunities cadets enjoy these days are truly impressive. More than that, though, this was the most upbeat I had heard our Institute’s leaders over the last few years. While there are still challenges ahead, it appears we have weathered the storm well so far. At the most recent Class Agents Conference in Lexington, I learned that Col. Bill Wanovich arrives in Lexington this summer as the professor of military science leading the Army ROTC Department. He will also occupy the old commandant’s quarters, which are undergoing final renovations now. So, I guess tailgates will be at Bill’s house until further notice! Col. Gerry Tertychny wrote in from Iraq, where he is an advisor to the Iraqi Army’s 9th Division – quite a change from being the professor of military science at Valley Forge! He sent a photo in which he’s posing with Maj. Gen. Qasim, the 9th Division’s commanding general. Gerry arrived in-country last December and heads home in December 2010, where he expects to join U.S. Joint Forces Command in the Norfolk area. Through Col. Dean and Lt. Col. Dawn

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Kratzenberg, word is that Col. Greg Otey where he owns a sheet metal shop. His wife, Drew McKone will change command out of the 19th Airlift Eleanor, and kids – Alex (14), Blake (12) and Liz Wing and move onto the Joint Chiefs of Staff/ (10) – are all doing well, and the kids are growNational Security Council staff in August. I ing quickly. As I write this, Al and Mike Hooper also happened to bump into Dean and Dawn will be enjoying their annual Santee fishing trip: at the starting line of GW Parkway 10-Miler “This event is a lot of fun. BS beer drinking and Greetings from Furman University! I am in April. We all finished and can still walk, but solving the world’s problems on a pontoon while attending the Graduate School of Retail Bank neither Dean nor I came near the John Johnson catching 40-60-lb. catfish. I would like to invite standard for half-marathon pace. Undaunted, any BRs who want to go to the Santee, outside of Management, and I am sitting in an air-conditioned dorm room, typing on a lap top that Dean is leading a VMI ’87 alumni team for the Charleston, SC, to call me, and we can set somehas wireless Internet! Not quite barracks life in Army 10-Miler in October. The early roster thing up.” He also heard that Paul Russo is in the 1980s! I have my own room, but I share a includes the usual gluttons for punishment: Afghanistan for a couple of months. He has also bathroom with another student. Not bad arrangeDean, me, Lt. Col. John Ferguson, Col. Dave kept up with Gay Elmore ’86, Cliff Coger and ments, but this morning, I woke up with a full Cochran, Mike Hooper and Cmdr. Macon Steve Tooker. He said, “I like to call Cliff on the bladder, the roommate was in the shower/toilet Snowden. Dean has also designed the team 15th and raise hell with the help that answers the with the door locked and well, there’s this sink T-shirt based on the design we used on those phone about my tax bill. They generally cut the … I guess some things never change! coffee mugs we all bought to support Ring conversation short and get Cliff to deal with the We finally broke ground on the McKone comFigure or Graduation way-back when. Dean disgruntled customer which I have represented pound last month, and we should be in the new also passed along a photo of our latest Ph.D., myself to be.” Alan’s nephew, Tyler, will be house by September/October. We are building in Jeff Temple. matriculating this fall. Dickerson, MD, which is a suburb of Poolesville, Paul Munson wrote in about the mini reunion Sounding Assembly! By the time this MD. Neither town should be familiar to most at Kevin Price’s wedding. Kevin married reaches you all in print, we will be just about readers. However, the next time you are lost in Jeana Birko on April 10 in FL. Paul, Doug two years from our 25th Reunion. Needless to the great state of Maryland, turn left and drive Messner, Reid Garst, Mike Jussila and their say, this is a big one for us, with a big posterfor another 30 minutes, and you will be close! wives were in attendance. Paul said, “It was a board check featured in the celebration. I’ll As I am writing this, my daughter is in good time, and yes, Natty Bos were procured have more details by the time you read this, Argentina on a 17-day vacation, and my son is by me and transported to FL. Taste about like but I propose we set up two groups to plan the somewhere in Washington, DC, celebrating his we remember.” Nuff said! Kevin and Jeana are weekend – one to plan the reunion activities 21st birthday. I felt bad for not being home for living in Indialantic, which is the beach side of and the other to honcho the class fundraishis birthday, but as it turns out, his plans didn’t Melbourne, and are hoping to buy a house soon. ing. If you have interest in one or the other, include parents anyway! According to Kevin, “The night before the wed- please let me know. I’ll pass on more planning My job has taken me into Richmond over ding, we had a bonfire on the beach, and Paul process details as I have them. the last couple of months, and I have had the was nominated to ‘negotiate’ with local officials In the meantime, as always, thank you again pleasure of spending time with the families of on all matters involving the legal specificafor all the e-mails, photos and news that you Bob Clark and Frank deVenoge. Both Bob and tions for the fire, sea turtle breeding season, have sent. Please keep them coming! … Ernie Frank have “overachieved” in their and a host of local rules made by selection of spouses, and I have Bubba and his cousins in Brevard enjoyed my visits, due mainly to County. Jeana was concerned that the hospitality extended by said my involvement with local officials spouses. Andrea and Amy – I love would result in me missing the and miss you both! wedding. We were also very happy Through the power of FaceBook, that a contingent of VMI made it to I have connected with the following our wedding. Some made a vacaBrother Rats: tion out of it, and we only wish that Bill Jasinski – The nutshell is: everyone had more time to enjoy “Married to Donna-sue; two sons; that week with us.” Tyler (16) and Elijah (13); living in In honor of John Nolan’s brief the Poconos (PA); working in NJ. return to the “good ole USA,” Al Was a self-employed contractor for Cowan hosted a New Market Day 15 years; now running a similar (Zollman’s?) party at his house in flooring company (Cramers Carpet Stephens City, near Winchester, One Floor and Home/Magnus VA. As advertised, Al had “good Anderson Master Floor Refinishers). food, good drink and some old Been a motorcycle guy since before stories, plus three extra bedrooms VMI, riding mainly BMWs. Active and plenty of floor space.” Dean member of my church; serving on and Dawn Kratzenberg, Bob the board of trustees. That’s about Eckhoff, John, Stewart and Scott Class of 1987: Jeff Temple, right, at his graduation from it.” Jones were all there at the last Old Dominion University, Virginia, on May 8, 2010. He Dan Wilson – Quick update: “My headcount I heard. earned his Ph.D. in engineering management. At left is wife, Margaret, and I have been Alan Tolley checked in from Temple’s faculty advisor. married for 19 years and have two Belmont, NC (outside of Charlotte),

’88

2010-Issue 3

127

CLASS NOTES boys, Bo (13) and Max (11). After VMI, I was a trooper with the Virginia State Police (VSP) before going to law school. After law school, I was in private practice for a few years before rejoining the VSP as one of their in-house attorneys. Hope everyone on your end is well.” Rodney Marks – “Doing well across the river in Leesburg. I work for FedEx. Still doing Air Force Reserve at Andrews. Rob Hays ’90 and I fly together over there. Our oldest son is headed to George Mason in the fall, and the younger son will be a junior in high school. I had a layover at the Omni in Richmond [recently] and had a few flashbacks of Ring Figure. Hope you’re doing well. Let me know, and I’ll come across White’s Ferry and meet you for beer.” Mike Vitulano – “I’m living here in Secaucus with my wife, Lorraine. She and I just signed a contract to buy a house in Nanuet, NY. She is a kindergarten teacher, and we were looking for a house that will be a reasonable commute for both of us. Beginning in July and after 43 years of being a Jersey resident, I will be settling in Rockland County, NY. I am still teaching math and coaching high school football. I also coach wrestling and outdoor track. I have been in contact with Todd Oakes and other BRs on Facebook. Todd, if you are reading this in the Alumni Review, I hope you can make it up to Jersey for your next business trip, so we can hang out for a while ... Mike” Sean Cantrell – “Still down in Richmond, running Marshall Mechanical and trying to raise a 6-year-old girl! And you’re an empty nester! Business is going well. We are doing residential and commercial HVAC and plumbing work. We did Walt Coleman’s house this spring. I see Tom Munno, Frank deVenoge and Mack Carr around town, as well as Bobby Clark. I’m getting ready to hire a VMI grad, Kaine Toomey ’10, as a project engineer; he starts May 23rd. Have you seen or heard the whereabouts of Lance Gilman?” Beatty Barnes – “After the VMI, I started doing stand-up comedy and have not stopped. I spent five years in the U.S. Navy (’87-’92) and was stationed with (Brad) Maak ’87 on U.S.S. Gunston Hall. I will be married 20 years in July. Two kids: Beatty III (13) and Ivy (10). Living in Norfolk, VA. That sums it all up. I have done many plays and have toured around the country. I’ll give more details later. I would have done this a long time ago but didn’t know if I was still in anyone’s thoughts. The time at the ‘I’ has always been special to me. I hold the school dear to my heart.” I hope you have enjoyed hearing from these Brother Rats! I encourage you to stay in touch, either through social media or by providing an update for the next Review! Take care! ... Drew

128

’89

Nathaniel L. Cross

Gents: It’s the day after New Market Day, and these notes were due yesterday. Ah, how things never seem to change. The good news is that it’s a Sunday, so I think we get some reprieve. Besides, you guys stepped up, and you shared a lot that is going on. So, let’s jump into it. How about Big Daddy Kevin Jones? Kevin and Robin had Morgan Elizabeth Jones on March 2, 2010. All is well, and we congratulate the family. Kevin e-mailed yesterday after taking his dog, Gen. Stonewall Jackson, for his morning walk, to wish everyone a great New Market Day. Kevin also mentioned the new release of “Invictus,” the South African rugby movie and something about the world’s greatest sport. Kevin, I think your movie watching days are soon to be limited to DVDs and the couch. You might want to have a talk with BRs Spieldenner and Cobb. I’m not sure what is in the water in Richmond, but our other two new dads wrote in to say that they had linked up for “daddy drink night.” Bob and Ken, you might want to give Kevin a shout before the next night out. I was able to have lunch with our ever-sobusy president, Ned Cox, in Richmond. Ned is working at a local law firm in commercial real estate; please don’t ask me more than that, because I could not keep up with him. Anyway, he, Sharon and their four boys are doing well, and Ned has mentioned trying to get a bunch of guys to a Richmond baseball game this summer. More on this social networking stuff in a little while. Ned recently took command of a training battalion that is located out of Fort Picket, VA. He said that his battalion has the only National Guard certified repel trainers, so he has to spend some time on the road in Indiana, as well as Fort Benning, GA. I received an e-mail from Jason Gray who has left Richmond and moved to GA: “I am still an Army civilian but have moved to Fort Gillem, GA. I took a new job as the XO to the CG of First Army … The job is exciting, fast paced and challenging and I know will benefit my career in the long run.” Jason has also stayed in touch with Mike Biliunas and Frank Campion; the three of them attended a Capitals game in DC this winter. Got a quick update from Matt Ans who got back last summer from two years in Pakistan and is now working at Headquarters Marine Corps. He has run into or spoken to Wayne Jones, Matt St. Clair and John Giltz, and all four of them have made the cut for O6. Not to

be left out from our Navy brethren are Mike Monfalcone and Joe Grealish. They both got picked up, and Joe has already pinned on the rank. Matt is living in Arlington and would love to get together with anyone in the area for beer and stories. Great job to all the BRs who are headed into the rare air of Eagles! From an earlier edition, it has been confirmed that Dr. Bill Bersing is a doctor! Bill wrote that he received his DM, Doctorate in Management, in organizational leadership from the University of Phoenix in May 2009. Sorry, Bill; sometimes good news doesn’t travel that fast. Anyway, he is living with his wife, Barbara, and their two children in Trieste, Italy, and travels extensively. I think the last e-mail was “back from Dubai and Korea before heading to the states.” Bill, glad to have you back in the net and would love to continue to hear from you. Trying to stay with an educational tone, I saw something online about Harlan Carvey and his recently published book. I called, and it turns out that Harlan has published several books. As far as I know, Harlan is the only published author for the class; he was a resident of NEB and dare I say it, Mallory Hall! Those of us who spent precious time in the Daniels Den and the hallowed halls of Scott Shipp might need to rethink a thing or two. But on a serious note, Harlan, that is excellent, and we are very proud of you. I am not going to even try to explain what his books are about, other than the field is computer forensic analysis. Harlan reports on the following events: “Had dinner with Jim Masella … Jim is out of Georgia and comes up to NOVA to teach as part of the Army Reserve.” He also “chatted” with Larry Nathan on Facebook, and Larry was headed to Quantico the last week of April. Lastly, he ran into Sean and Kristi Dooley on a Friday night and was hoping to cross paths with them again soon. Harlan, thanks for the update and the great example. Got an email from Raf Barsamian after he saw my picture with Lori in the last edition of the Review. Raf, now you just need to send us some news, but thanks for the kind words. I also got quick updates from our class bike racers, Trey Walker, who is training for a half Ironman in September, and Sean Raborn, who wrote in late April that he got hit with 4 inches of snow in Castle Rock, CO, and was ready for spring. Also had a quick phone chat with Eric Buchanan; found him and Meg in Salt Lake City, returning from a convention and catching a day of skiing. They are doing well, and Eric continues to grow his law practice, as well as participating in numerous speaking engagements. The following updates all came off of Facebook with more to follow on that: Kent Doan wrote in, “Just got back from a tour in Iraq as

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES a military advisor. Great tour – best job I have had in the Army so far. Right now, I am back working in my civilian job for the Virginia National Guard. Still live in Chesterfield and finally got all three kids into school this year. I see Tom Inge periodically; he lives in Blackstone. I referee lacrosse games in the Richmond area and bump into Tom Spivey doing that.” Kent, thanks for the update. I also received a good one from Tom Spivey. Tom has landed a job following the collapse of Circuit City. After 13 months, he got two job offers in two days – great news. He used some of the extra time to elevate his lacrosse refereeing level to NCAA Div 1 and did a UVa game in early May. Tom, not that the Keydets need any help, but will you do any games in Lexington? Great job. We look forward to seeing you on TV now. From Mike Harding: “My wife and I live in Centerville, MD, on the eastern shore. All is quiet here, and we love it. We have a 13-yearold daughter, Michaela. I am currently a pilot for the Maryland State Police, and my wife is a nurse anesthetist in Dover, DE. So, I hope I do not run into any BRs while on the job here in MD! I was planning on retiring last year and moving back to Wyoming. However, selling the house has proven to be a chore. …” Mike, Wyoming? What happened to Mechanicsville, VA? Please don’t take 15 years till we hear from you again! Mike Karns wrote: “I live in New Mexico and work on the civilian side as a supervisory border patrol agent in Alamagordo, NM. That work definitely keeps me young and in shape. On the military side, I was just recently promoted to lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve with the 321st Civil Affairs Brigade in San Antonio, TX. I am married with three boys – 19, 16 and 14. All incredibly differently talented but only going into the military over Mom’s dead body. I was all set to attend last year’s reunion and alumni rugby game until the Army sent me to Costa Rica. I follow the events pretty faithfully, but being out in the Wild West makes it hard to get east often.” Mike, I think there are some other guys (Kevin Jones) who wished you could have made the alumni game, as well. You have four years to plan for the 25th Reunion, so I expect to see you there. Thanks for the update. Lloyd Bell ran into Coleman Lawrence crossing the street in Midtown Atlanta. Coleman is at Norfolk Southern Railroad, and his building is across the street from Lloyd’s office. Says he looks the same, as does Lloyd … maybe they had a few drinks together? Lloyd also ran into Ed Rodriguez at a hotel restaurant in DC. Since both Lloyd and Ed live in Atlanta, this was quite the coincidence. Ed is in software sales and doing very well. Ed, drop us a line, and fill

2010-Issue 3

us in. Finally, Lloyd says that he has added a partner to his law practice and has found the work very rewarding. Thanks for the update, Lloyd, and hope to see you in Virginia soon. Al Versoza writes that he is “recovering from heart surgery and healing well. My battalion just deployed, and I will be following a few weeks later (I hope). It is a hard pill to swallow to be left behind, but I need to take care of my health first. Anyway, I did receive the clean bill of health from the surgeons and will be going through a medical evaluation board to deem me fit for deploying.” Al, by all means get your health back to where it needs to be. Barb and the class are glad that you are in good hands with your medical team. How about an update from the Land Down Under! Dan Schnock writes, “I have been doing well and living large in the land of kangaroos and boomerangs. I am currently on assignment with the Army as an exchange program office. I work as an instructor for the Australian School of Logistics and as the mess “Wine” member. It is a tough job, but someone needs to do it. The wife, Susan, and the kids, Daniel Wilson and Victoria, are enjoying the time and really have made some great friends. We will be heading back this year to Jacksonville, FL. I will be retiring on 1 March of next year. Guess I will have to find a real job for a living! … I caught up with John Gates who is living outside of Georgia. He just had his third future cadet and seems to be doing well.” Dan, thanks for the update. Great to hear from you and safe return travels. I do want to hear what the responsibilities of the Wine member of the mess entail. OK, you have waited long enough for the business news that I have. A couple of months ago, I asked Frank Campion to look into getting the class a Web site that we could call our own. Frank did, and lo and behold, he found Steve Chiles had already set up a Facebook ’89 page. Not being one who wants to reinvent the wheel, I asked Steve if the class could use his page as another form of communication, and he was more than willing. So, what does all of this mean? Very simply, you will still continue to receive your notes, and anything that I get will be written up four times a year in the Alumni Review. But if we want to get the word out fast or we are going to have a get together in a certain geographic area, then we will use the Facebook page. We also have a class site on the VMI Alumni Page, but there are already over 90 guys on the Facebook page. Lastly, I wanted the ability to speak to you directly as Brother Rats, should the occasion ever occur, and this gives me the best avenue. So, please check out your page, and check in with all the other BRs who are there.

Lastly, the ladies who put this book together are really doing a great job, and the lead times have been greatly reduced. In fact, you should get these notes before the next set are due. That’s a big change from years back, when it was six months late, at best. I share this with you, as these are your notes, and I can only put together what you send in. If something is missed or it’s been a while since you told us anything, now is the best time to drop me a line. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you. Nat

’90

R. Hunter Trumbo

Gentlemen, I think I’ve finally recovered from the exhaustion and hangover that resulted from our 20th Reunion. If my count is right, we had more than 90 guys in Lexington for the weekend. The weekend started with a cookout at Matt Schwarzmann’s house, which Joellyn insisted upon having, even though she had given birth just two weeks prior. The merriment followed with about 15 guys closing down the Palms Thursday night. Not that they asked us to leave, but they put up all of the chairs and mopped around our table, so we got the hint. There had been some early questions about what a spring reunion was going to be like, and the feedback received has been that with baseball, lacrosse and rugby games going on, there was more than enough to do on Post. It also gave us plenty of time to really catch up with each other and feel like we were back at VMI. I think the weekend highlight for me was dur-

Class of 1990: Gianna Grace, born April 3, 2010, to Matt and Joellen Schwarzmann.

129

CLASS NOTES ing Sunday morning breakfast, when we were recounting stories, and Cal Lloyd’s wife, Laura, turned to him and said, “I finally understand. It’s not just you; they’re all just like you!” In the weeks before the reunion, I heard from a lot of guys who were unable to make it, because they were deployed. Ley Havird was in the middle of final preparations for deployment and couldn’t make the trek from Travis AFB in California. Daren Payne wrote that this was the third reunion he has missed due to deployment. To top that, he claims that his roommates are no longer responding to his e-mails, and he’s feeling no love. If anyone’s at Camp Victory and wants to look Daren up, I think he could use some of that

BR spirit. We’ll also try to schedule the next reunion for after your retirement, sir. Mike Kimberly dropped a line that his deployment in Afghanistan would prevent him from attending the reunion. He let me know that he had gotten to see his roommate Mike Swanson when Mike K. had his battalion up training at Fort Pickett. He also had heard from Weedon Gallagher on the USMC birthday. (The former Kevin G. likes to call Mike to make sure he remembers.) I had received a call from a gentleman from a class in the ’40s who was hunting down Jefferson Kaster and got some time to catch up with Jeff. He let me know that he was unable to make the reunion, because his command was in

Bahrain and wouldn’t be back in time. Our BR John Golden lamented not being back to the “I” for an official function since graduation, but it has not been for a lack of desire. The USMC has seen fit to deploy him until summertime conducting “Phase Zero Counterinsurgency” in West Africa. He said that’s a fancy way of saying he is training African militaries. John added that he’s proud of his 17year-old daughter who got to sing for the Pope at Easter Mass in St. Peter’s this year. Last but not least, Raynor Garey reported that he had Guard duty on reunion weekend, taking a team of communications technicians to Alaska for a Vigilant Guard exercise. Raynor is a full-time technician in the NC National Guard

Class of 1990 20th Class Reunion

Class of 1990: The following attended their 20th Reunion and are listed alphabetically: David Amsden, Tripp Anderson, John Aydlette, Tom Bailey, Tony Baker, Sal Bora, Tim Bosetti, John Brethour, Brian Burchette, John Burleson, Gordy Byrne, Eric Carpenter, Sean Carty, Chip Chenery, Rob Clark, Jim Cox, Willie Crane, Jeff Crist, Dusty Crone, Mike Doczi, Rich Duke, Todd Eckloff, Tim Edwards, Chuck Ellis, Taylor Farmer, Laurence Farrell, Mike Faunce, Michael Ferguson, Carlos Fernandes, Pete Finan, Steve Fitton, Buddy Garbett, William “Gaz” Gaspar, John Hahn, Kevin Handford, Paul Hartigan, Quill Healey II, Matthew Hemenez, Michael Herbaugh, Paul Holland, Chris Huff, John Hunter, James A. Hynes, Todd Jacobs, Joey Jones, David Kaulfers, Rick Kimmel, Keith Kornegay, Paul Kricorian, J.P. Lanzillotta, Cal Lloyd, Bill Martin, Erroll Martin, Brian McCormack, Mark W. McSwain, Fred Minnigerode, Mike Mullori, Kelly Musick, Rob Oviatt, Garrett Peck, Joe Pittman, Charles Plageman, Karl Powers, Christopher Pratt, Tom Pugh, Mint Ralston, Trey Rhodes, Ken Robinson, Ken Ross, Greg Sandway, Chris Schinstock, Matt Schwarzmann, Andy Sewell, Hunter Shirey, Marshall Simpson, Chuck Smith, Scott Spellmeyer, Randy Jackson, David Stanley, Sam Stocks, Paul “T-K” Tallat-Kelpsa, Brian Tate, Garrett Thompson, Glenn Thompson, Hunter Trumbo, Peter Tunnard, Chris Watson, Trey Wetsel, Neil Whitmore, Tim Whitt, Chris Whittaker, Stephen Yarbrough and Tony Zang.

130

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES working at JFHQ NC in Raleigh. His expertise is tactical and emergency communications, so he gets to go “camping” a good bit. Last year, he went to Puerto Rico, and he almost had to go to Haiti. So, Alaska didn’t seem like too bad a deal. Tim Feagans dropped me a photo he took with Dr. Stinson Jones ’62 whom he ran into flying out to Colorado. Tim’s usually shy, but when he saw the VMI ball cap on the guy in front of him, he couldn’t contain himself. Tim is still in Dallas, and he and Sally are busy with their boys, work and the rest that life brings. Mr. Feagans was able to give me a full update about a lot of guys. He and his family have been able to consistently connect with Mark Dick, Jeff Moushegian and Bill Ator each summer. Bill is at Randolph AFB in San Antonio. (Tim says that Bill is screening phone calls for the Air Force and trying out their new lounge chairs.) Bill, Suzy and their kids have been up to Dallas to visit the Feagans a couple of times. Mark Dick is still active Army, Fort Detrick, and living out on the farm in Flint Hill. He had SGandL perform out there not too long ago, and his family is still running the Foxfield steeplechase. Jeff Moushegian is with RK Engineering in Roanoke and is hunting when he’s not chasing after his three kids. (Tim says to say a special prayer for Jeff’s wife, Tammy.) Jeff misses being an active Ranger but practices on the weekends around the house. Tim also indicates that he thinks Andrew McCaig will be on next year’s edition of “The Bachelor,” but they are having a hard time finding women he has not already dated. He says that, in truth, Andrew is doing well and recently competed in a transatlantic regatta in which his yacht finished 2nd out of 250 boats. Luis Del Valle has taken a break from his energy trading job in Manhattan and had redeployed with his Marine unit in early 2010. Luis made it to the reunion, so we know he’s back now Tim also saw Greg Hatchett and Mike Kemp during the last football season and said they are both doing great. Apparently, Mr. Kemp is still upset that EC Glass beat Cave Spring in 1985 … but some losses are hard to get over. Thanks for all the info, sir! I received a great update from Teri Hudgins about our BR Reed. Lt. Col. Hudgins is now the battalion commander for the 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB), and Teri sent along some photos as evidence. The 17th will be heading to Afghanistan later this year, so I’m sure Reed has his hands full. Teri’s kept busy with their son, Fraser Lee, and working as the G-8 for the 94th Division where she works with a number of VMI guys like Jay Higginbotham ’79, Trip Bowles ’87 and Skip Goodwillie ’83.

2010-Issue 3

We had a classmate looking for a legal referral, so I had a chance to chat with fellow Charlie Company survivor John Franklin. He’s an attorney in Fredericksburg, VA, and has five boys starting at age 11 and up to driving age. He said that he now knows what it’s like living in a fraternity house. He feels like someone in the house is always awake, and half of the furniture seems like it’s broken. I know that many folks who were able to make the reunion got to catch up with our BR Irving “Joe” Jones, who I asked to fill me in on what had gone on with him since he was at VMI. I remember Joe well, because he was a Lexington townie, and even as a Rat, he always had a smile on his face. Just prior to breakout, Joe ruptured three disks in his back during football practice but pushed through the pain for the next two years. He ended up needing to have major surgery our second class year and to take time off from VMI for recovery. To add to his challenge, during his recovery period, he was working under a 1973 Ford Thunderbird which fell on him, causing a great deal of damage and ending his aspirations to return to VMI or go into the Army. Joe shared that his time at VMI was part of the foundation of strength he needed to push through his ongoing recovery and that he was lucky enough to have two VMI alumni as doctors helping him on his way. Joe tells me that he has been blessed with

a great wife, Joanna; kids Josh, Joseph and Jessie; and his foster son, Robbie. He has spent 19 years working in mental health, mental retardation and substance services and has had the opportunity to create training standards that are now part of the standard process for all of Virginia’s Community Service Boards. He’s back in school at EMU getting a degree in Organizational Development and is toying with going into the seminary someday. The weekend of our reunion, Joe brought two community little league teams he works with to the VMI baseball game in their team uniforms. One of the VMI personnel from Cameron Hall noticed the kids and invited them onto the field with the VMI players. The kids were instructed to each take their respective positions on the field for the National Anthem alongside the VMI players and then got to enter the team huddle with the bright red VMI uniforms swallowing up the little blue uniforms. With a shout, they broke the traditional huddle, signaling the commencement of the game, and out emerged the little guys like ants with ear to ear smiles! Joe said that their enthusiasm for the game was still felt the next afternoon at practice and that VMI gave them an experience that will follow them the rest of their lives. My bet is that at least a couple of them will be Rats with the class of 2023. On a closing note, I do want to express my thanks to my wife, Stacy; Jim and Kim Hynes; Charles Plageman; and Matt Schwarzmann for all of their help with the reunion planning and execution. Without the help of this group, it never would have happened. I got a note from Rob Clark last week saying that our class scholarship funds are growing. If you need any information on that, please feel free to touch base, and thanks for giving to that fund, guys. Soon we’ll be able to make a direct difference in the lives of cadets. Keep in touch, Hunter

’91 Class of 1990: Tim Feagans, left, and his wife, Sally, were flying to Crested Butte and noticed a man putting on his VMI cap. This started “conversation, picture taking and back slapping” with the man, who is Dr. Stinson Jones ’62.

George Petty III

Summer is here. We have this lil’ fire pit in the back yard that everyone raves over when they visit for a fire. I didn’t think it too special when I put it together. I just went to Home Depot, found the cheapest cement curved blocks I could find, laid enough out to make a circle, counted them, then doubled that number. $42 and 20 minutes with a shovel let us have a fairly safe place to burn stuff and roast marshmallows. Tonight, Lorraine wanted a fire to roast some, but I wasn’t feeling excited about the

131

CLASS NOTES idea, since it rained the past four days – means mean, someone from our class will have a child own security detachment for your next deploylots of bugs. So, I decided to experiment. I was matriculating at VMI within the next three years. ment, Frank? recently given a Baby George Foreman rotisIt is conceivable that this fund can support that James Demers is a research pilot at the NASA serie. Hmmm … it comes with kabob stakes future Rat. Glenn Research Center. He says he might grab and browns a really nice chicken … turns out it Enough of business and back to the fun stuff a plane and hop over to Lexington for lunch, er, browns marshmallows really well, too, but you our BRs have been doing. Frank Mulcahy has training flight one day. I hope I get to see you gotta be quick getting them off the stakes! returned to the states with his wife, Sally, and when you do, Jim. Rufus Owen is getting to know fire pits and their two children, Riley and Franko. Frank I was unable to head to Lex when Matt Gadbugs really well. He started the Appalachian Trail has spent the last four years overseas – one in dis took a “men’s week” tour of the South with in April down in Georgia and plans to finish up in Baghdad and three in Naples, Italy. Currently, his boys in March. His oldest son, Evan, plays Maine this fall. You can follow his progress at his the Mulcahys are calling Naval Submarine a mean game of baseball. (By the way, did online trail blog: www.postholer.com/bigr. If you Base New London home. He is the Public you know that VMI absolutely crushed UVa at live anywhere near the AT, leave him a message Works officer there. His children are working VMI this April? Editor’s Note: See story in the to arrange a meeting with him to offer support. on their yellow belt in karate. Training your Athletics section of this Review.) Evan met with Warning, though: AT through-hikers the baseball teams at VMI, Duke, tend to carry the refined scent of the Florida and Georgia. Right now, boxing gloves from Beating and Duke is his choice. Matt works Bleeding class. as an engineer at H.B. Fuller. “I Jon “Spike” Watson deployed in haven’t invented anything new March with Ausgar Technologies by myself lately,” he wrote, “but Inc. on a contract through SPAWAR I have collaborated on some new (Space and Naval Warfare Systems products with my colleagues. Our Command). An ’03 grad, (first name company is pushing collaboration, not provided) Tamborino ’03, is on and it seems to be working well. his team. He should still be working Earlier this year, I took some adout of Bagram until sometime toward ditional training in engineering. I the end of the year. When you read do like the engineering side of the this in August, if you are soon headed business, and I may end up doing there or know of VMI folks there, more engineering work and less contact me, and I can provide Spike’s applied chemistry. Fortunately, our contact info. company is doing very well, and Now, some of you actually got a we are growing. We must have preview of these notes and the pichired 60 people in the U.S. in the tures before they appeared here in past six-months.” Matt’s wife, Jill, the Review. I already sent this letter reportedly enjoyed the time alone via e-mail and have begun to shoot without the guys but was glad to out e-mails on a bi-monthly basis. have them back again. Class of 1991: At the National Rifle Association ConvenThis letter is the first of them. So, if Tom Heffern took his clan of tion in Charlotte, North Carolina, in May 2010, were, you didn’t get an e-mail copy, or if it boys to VMI for Legacy Day in above, Matt Childs and Ian Connor. Below: R. Lee Ermey and Connor. arrived at a sensitive address, please March. Having met his boys last contact me with your preferred e-mail spring, I am certain if they go to address. A current e-mail address is VMI they will become very familimportant, because our 20th Reunion iar with penalty tours, which are is 29-30 April, 2011. Yes, we will have still being marched. I don’t think our first spring reunion in 2011. they have a Sergeant Lane saying, Another reason I need your current “PlatOOOONS HALT; PT leaders e-mail address is that we have begun dismissed; place yourselves on reto create a scholarship fund in the port for derEEElection of dOOTy; memory/honor of the class of 1991. I’m taking charge of these tours.” Dan Joseph, Pat Krug, Fred LehYikes, what a nightmare when that man, Dave Raucher and I will be happened. corresponding with you in the coming Rapid fire mention of notes remonths asking for your financial and/ ceived: Drew Preston is still with or intellectual support. I hope you the Navy in the UK and hopes read the letter the Foundation mailed to attend the reunion (hereafter, in June. If not, here is the synopsis: HTA). Charles Fuller should be we want $50,000 before 29 April, back in San Diego from Kabul 2011, so we can energize the class as I write. He plans to retire from for our 25th Reunion presentation the Marines in May 2011 and and most importantly, so the fund also HTA. Robert Shults, Todd can begin to support cadets ASAP. I Early, Eddie Insinna, Joe Gionti,

132

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Tim and Amy Pennington, Chuck Thompson, of the Marine Security Guard detachments in Far East? Thailand counts, right? Piya Evan Brown, Dan Robinson, Dave McSorley, Eastern Europe and EurAsia. I’ll be stationed Sirisuth said hello and mentioned contact with George Inge, Lee Baines, Eric Burks, Matt at the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt, Germany. Thanakorn Pheeraphan. From Taiwan, Gordon Metheney, Richard Coupland, and Chris Julio Craig Streeter just completed a successful Lee said hello and is seeking to re-connect with all dropped a hello. Oh, man, I’m leaving some command tour as the CO of HMLA 469 at Bruce English. Bruce? Are you out there? of you out; please accept my apologies. Cherry Point, NC. He will be heading out to Dave Raucher is doing some technical conBuck Sessoms says he has seen Mike Robert- Germany for service with USAFRICOM. I look sulting work in the IT industry. He explained it son in some “un-named cave” at the Pentagon. forward to downing a large German beer with to me, but I didn’t get it. I did catch that he was Buck, that was a nice article and picture of you him. Dan Kelley is doing well. He works for on his way to Sweden for a month. in the last Review. Booz-Allen Hamilton in northern VA. His busiKevin Rumsey reported from over the Rob Johnson penned the following: mountain. He ran the Cherry Blos“I am still flying for Atlantic Southeast som 10-miler with BRs Martin Airlines (part of Delta connection reHeinze, Rob Edwards, Chris gionals) based in Atlanta, GA. I’m still Edmonston, Jim Pugel and Chris in the Navy Reserve (still a lieutenant “Jack” Daniels. Kevin adds that commander; my promotions went Charlie Schindler ran the Charlotabout the same way they did at VMI). tesville Marathon in three hours, I’m currently the CO of a Navy Se10 minutes! He writes, “I bought curity Force unit based in Greenville, approx. 30 acres in WV just SC. And in case there was any doubt, south of Greenbrier State Forest. Ball Busting Bravo will always be the Planning a camping outing with Best company on the hill.” Heinze, Edwards, Chris Isakov Chris Wyatt plans on attending the and Edmonston in July. Hope to UVa-VMI football game at UVa on 25 do a little hiking, biking, canoeing Sept. Chris notes that the last time the and fishing. Greenbrier River Trail two met on the grid-iron was our Rat is very close. And Lewisburg is year. Several of you have said you a nice town, if we need a break. plan to attend. While it is not likely Primitive site – no facilities.” we can all sit together, we can surely Kevin will be attending the UVa Class of 1991: Kevin Rumsey, pictured in the center, is building a tree house on his 30-acre camping retreat in tailgate together before the game. game. West Virginia, south of Greenbrier State Forest. This photo If you are going, get in touch with Flip Secrist says he’s moving was taken in April 2010. me immediately, as the Review will from Fort Hood, TX, to PA to asbe delivered only 4-5 weeks before sume command of the U.S. Army the game. Corps of Engineers Philadelphia Lt. Col. Pete Dillon, USMC, reports the folness travels will bring him through Okinawa District on July 1st. lowing intel: “I will be departing Okinawa early later this week (May). Scott Day and his wife Here is Chuck Thompson’s blurb; he is marnext month (June) and concluding my tour as just welcomed a second child. Scott is living in ried with three children: “We live in the Los the G6 for 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. I will be the Bay area. Other BRs I have seen on the rock Angeles area and are doing well. I do part-time assuming command of Region 1, Marine Corps (Okinawa): Dave McSorley and Shay Ferrell. civil engineering, substitute teaching and am Embassy Security Group. Region 1 includes all Chip McLean is inbound.” my kids’ chauffer to all their various activities. I do really enjoy my family. I keep in touch with BR Chad Sutton. He’s a lieutenant colonel in the AF and is currently stationed at Fort Hood, TX. He’s married with three kids, also. I also Facebook back and forth with Mike Bunch (married with one child) and Roger Jarrell (not married but has a racecar-driving son); we have an occasional hoot, posting stuff on each other’s Facebook pages. I think it helps us feel younger. Awhile back, I did hear from Torry Brennan who’s in the Army (a lieutenant colonel, I think) and is currently in NVA somewhere. He’s married with two kids, is a tri-athlete and appears to be in better shape than when at the I. That makes at least one of us.” Justin Martin says his brother, John, had Class of 1991: Michael Milner, center, at the 2010 Joint Interrogation and nothing to do with the oil rig tragedy in the Debriefing Detachment’s graduation ceremony for the train-the-trainer course Gulf but may be called upon to help recover the in Baghdad, Iraq. Milner is with four officers from Iraq’s National Information pieces. Justin sums up his life: “Life here at the and Investigation Agency (NIIA). He is serving as the senior U.S. law enforcebeach is, well, life at a beach.” Besides looking ment advisor to NIIA. forward to the weather getting nice, Justin is

2010-Issue 3

133

CLASS NOTES anxious to plant the seeds from a watermelon I gave him last fall. This heirloom variety ripens late in the summer, early fall actually, growing to 20-25pounds of juicy, sugary delight. If you are interested in growing some yourself, send a request, and I will send some seeds. I will also share a few of my grandfather’s tomato seeds. I don’t know the variety; he has grown them for 30-40 years. They are amazing in flavor, size and color. Each vine can produce over 40 tomatoes, weighing from 1-1/4 to 2-3/4 pounds. These also take their time to mature, ripening in late August. Justin is also considering attending the UVa game. I hope he brings his reconditioned hot rod; I have yet to see it. Greg Booth is now stationed in Virginia Beach. Watch how much ink is used for his command title: Warfare Requirements Integration and Metrics (N85) Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek. Anyhow, he has met up with his roommate Steve Dudar at the Crystal Palace complex in DC and recently downed some suds with Stan Chien. I would like to end by saying that Dan and Chris Joseph are (were) expecting their newest prospective cadet in July. I hope it was a safe, healthy and delightful occasion. Again, my apologies to those I failed to mention. Please pass the word about the reunion dates and the scholarship fund effort to all BRs in your communication circle.

Adam Gregory

’92

Jonathan R. Price Jr. ’10 of Richmond, VA. Upon receiving notice of his selection, Cadet Price wrote in reply to VMI’s director of Financial Aid: “Thank you kindly for the great honor of this scholarship. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. I’ll do everything within my power to live up to the expectations of the class of 1992.” In March, Col. Brody, Andy Tate and I dined with Cadet Price at the 2010 VMI Scholarship Luncheon, held in the Hall of Valor at Marshall Hall (aka Center for Leadership and Ethics), a new building located behind Smith Hall. The luncheon honored Cadet Price and other cadet scholarship recipients for the ’09-’10 academic year. I can report that Cadet Price is an impressive young man who accepted an officer’s commission in the U.S. Navy upon graduating this spring. He’ll thereafter begin SEAL training with the next class. Mars and I were back in Lex a month later for the spring Class Agents Conference. In customary fashion, Andy overcame his shy, deferential nature and spoke up before the conference regarding a number of ongoing issues affecting our class and other alumni. Additionally, our Facebook group page (“VMI Class of 1992”) was exhibited to all class agents present, as an example of how to better leverage the Web for alumni purposes. As of this writing, our group page has 105 Brother Rats signed on as members. Please join the group if you haven’t already, and continue spreading the word. Lastly, I started a new job last month (April) as general counsel of VIP Development, LLC, a small commercial real estate investment bank

Andy Tate

Gentlemen: Here are the latest updates from your Brother Rats: Tony Sexton writes that “on 15 Jan., 2010, Lt. Col. Daniel Shipley took command of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232, the ‘Red Devils.’ VMFA-232 is the oldest fighter squadron in the U. S. Marine Corps and currently flies the F/A-18D out of MCAS Miramar in San Diego, CA. In late spring 2010, Lt. Col. Shipley and VMFA-232 [was deployed] to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.” Tony continues: “I’m still with the U.S. Secret Service, currently working out of the Los Angeles Field Office. This also happens to be about a block away from Bill Berry’s law firm. If that isn’t enough, Bill and I live about three minutes away from each other in the Hollywood Hills. We’re able to get our dogs together at the park every

134

now and again, and we compete in the occasional triathlon together, as well (sans dogs). As far as my old roommates go [other than Shipley], Jay Frey is the commanding officer of a U.S. Marine Corps Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) squadron currently deployed to Afghanistan, and Matt Humphrey is in Monterey, CA, at the Naval Postgraduate School working on his Ph.D. in physics or something just as ridiculously hard. On another note, I think this is the year most of our BRs turn 40. Happy Birthday to everyone!” Maj. Todd Pegg updates that he just got back from another deployment. Byron Crowell e-mails: “We had a new addition to the family back in November: Burke Edward Crowell squirted out on Nov. 2nd at 24 inches, which I think matches Perfetti’s birth length. And yes, that does make me wonder.” John Milstead reports: “Michelle and I are awaiting our travel date to Thailand to bring home our adopted daughter (Annie-Mai) – should be sometime this summer, fingers crossed. Her brother, Jack, is not so sure he’s ready to share the spotlight. I see Mike Morris and Harold Stills on occasion; they are doing very well. If there are any BRs in the Richmond area, have them drop me a line – I would love to catch up.” Cheng-Hsiang Ho writes: “I met Lance Yarborough here at Luke AFB. I am a Taiwan F-16 pilot stationed here as instructor pilot at 21FS, and Yarborough is a USAF DO of 62FS … I have changed my first name to Cheng-Hsiang (was Tsai-Tzu).” Back on Post, the Class of 1992 Memorial Scholarship was awarded this year to Cadet

Class of 1992: At the 2010 VMI Scholarship Luncheon held in the Hall of Valor, Marshall Hall, were, from left, Andy Tate; Cadet Jonathan R. Price Jr. ’10, of Richmond, Virginia, recipient of the VMI Class of 1992 Memorial Scholarship; Adam Gregory and Col. Brody (Honorary ’92), VMI music director.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Ellis, recently learned how to cut hair and had a short lived career as an in-house hair salon owner with her cousin. Chris was promoted to lieutenant colonel in early May, as well. All in all, the Kempers are doing well. I had lunch with Billy Terry in March. Billy owns his own company and offers a full range of investment and insurance options. I found it humorous that Billy wants to insure me, as he watches me eat deep Bill Cox fried catfish, scallops and shrimp while swilling Bud Lite. It was great to see him. He looks well and is doing well with his business. I recommend contacting him if you have investment/insurance needs. Let me know, and I will put you in touch. Dallas Grubbs sent a note from Hawaii where he Wow, has it been three months already? I hope was travelling on business and lookthese notes find everyone well. Withing for BRs. As he said, there were out further delay, on to the news. worse places to have a few extra days Charles Leggett had a son arrive on to kill than in Hawaii. I also saw Tom 1 March, 2010. Caleb James Kekoanui Kent in March at his house. It was Leggett has already received his progood to see him and look at his projvisional appointment for VMI for the ect with his racecar and street cars. class of 2032. Charles is moving on His brother-in-law was there and as from the military with a separation date it turns out, grew up with my brothersometime in January 2011. He didn’t in-law in Lynchburg. Small world. indicate what he would tackle next. Scott Eanes checked in at the last Rob Peterson sent a quick note. He minute: “I am due to transfer this sumqualified for the Boston Marathon by running a 3:09:51 in Albany, GA, in mer. After three years at U.S. Strategic March. Congrats on that, Rob; I doubt Command, I’m off to the Pacific Northmany of us could do it. Rob also let me west – Bremerton, WA – to be the asknow that he and the family are relosistant air officer (mini boss) on the cating to Cleveland, OH, in June of aircraft carrier U.S.S. John C. Stennis.” this year. Jennifer Howard sent me a Neil Osbon also sent a last minute nice note. (Apparently, Mike doesn’t addition. He is training for his first Class of 1992: Lance Yarborough and his wife, Mary Nell, know how to type, because I have triathlon. From Sills O’Keefe, I rewith Cheng Hsiang Ho and his wife, Iris Lin, at Luke Air never heard from him. Thank goodness ceived the following: “I married the Force Base, Arizona. some of you guys have diligent wives.) former Adele Logan, Ph.D. on 21 Nov. Anyhow, the Howards are doing well. in Clearwater, FL. The only BR who They are celebrating a major milestone. May 8th ger sent me a note. He and his wife had a baby girl could make it was Guy Berry, and we had a BLAST! marked the third anniversary of Mike and little on April 8th, Stella Lane Plogger, who joins her It was a lot of fun! Guy impressed my uncle, Tom Mikey’s kidney transplant. Everyone is doing well. brother, Jack, in the fold. David Timma let me know Saunders ’58, enough that Tom made sure that Guy They celebrated with a dinner that consisted mostly he and his wife are building a house in Bedford, VA, and his wife, Kim, joined us at the Marine Corps of things that are bad for you, from what Jen told where he is a pastor. They are enjoying the area and University Foundation banquet in February where me, but I am sure the dinner was healthier than my spending a lot of time involved with scouting, hiking we all had the chance to meet Pres. George W. Bush. average intake. Jen writes, “Mike is an amazing dad, and canoeing. Tim Ervin got in touch from Towson, Again, we had a BLAST! BTW, Guy has been and I am so proud of what he’s done for our son and MD, where he is living and working. He completed teaching strategy at the Naval Academy and just got our family.” I just wanted to second Jen’s comment. his first sprint distance triathlon on May 2nd. He orders to Afghanistan. He is spending the summer I cannot count how many of my friends who I have says his time wasn’t great, but he achieved his goals consulting on the establishment of the Afghan natold about Mike and Mikey’s story. It is truly mov- of finishing and finishing under two hours (1:52). tional military academy. He could probably fill you ing. Keith McGee sent a nice note, as well. Keith He is training to do another one in the fall and trying in a little better. Anyway, that’s all I’ve got. We’re has helped me tremendously in dealing with my to catch up with Brandon Freel for a training ride still enjoying the honeymoon stage and working on divorce, and I would be remiss not to mention his this summer. He spends the rest of his free time our house. Everyone is invited to come by before help and advice. In November 2009, Keith took over coaching son Matthew in baseball and daughter and after the ODU game in November. Cheers … as battalion XO for the 450th Civil Affairs Battalion Caroline in lacrosse. Chris Kemper got in touch. In Sills.” A few more quick notes: Jennifer and Max (Airborne) in Riverdale, MD. Keith says it was a December, daughter Mafra managed to swallow a Swoboda are travelling to Key West and trying difficult decision to leave the Chemical Corps where helicopter seed. Mafra was fighting respiratory to catch up with Cameron Briody during their trip. he had been serving, but he is finding Civil Affairs syncytial virus, and during a return visit to the Lee Clark took command of 3 BCT 10th Mounto be more rewarding and mission oriented. In March doctor, they took an x-ray and found a mass. One tain Division (LI) on April 22nd. Dan Hill is being 2010, Keith completed two water jumps in Key West day later, 13-month-old Mafra found herself under TDY’ed to Norfolk this summer, as rumor has it. with his new unit. His son, Eren, is doing well and the knife to have the mass removed, and lo and The Mueller clan will have relocated to Korea by growing up fast. Eren starts kindergarten this fall. I behold, it was the helicopter seed. Mafra’s sister, the time this goes to press. When you order Gogi, based in Richmond (adam@vipgroupusa.com). We do multi-unit development deals in college towns across the Southeast. Anyone else in the industry who wants to talk shop should feel free to drop me a line anytime. That’s all I have for these notes. Have a great summer. Best regards … Adam

’93

2010-Issue 3

second his question, “Where does the time go?” Matt Gill let me know what is going on with his family. His twins, Gray and Baylor Gill, turned 1 year old and received their first haircuts, having finally gathered permission from “the wearer of the pants,” which I take is not Matt. His son, Landon, is now 4, and Grant is 7. Matt and Britney recently returned from Grand Cayman where they went scuba diving. They recommend the place they stayed; it is owned by Jim Leavitt ’79 out of Richmond. The Web site is www.caymancastleguesthouse.com. Check it out. They have plans to go to Yosemite and North Captiva Island on the calendar for spring and summer. Matt says his business is going well, and the family is healthy – he can’t ask for much more. Eric Plog-

135

CLASS NOTES make sure you specify bulgogi – my advice for Korean food – also, red = spicy. As the comedian Mike Myers said of Scottish food, and I think it applies to Korean food as well, most of the dishes seemed to have developed from a dare. Lincoln Swineford let me know that he and Dan Hill were going to the New Market Parade. I wish I could have joined them. Dallas Grubbs sent a note from Gillette, Wyoming. He offers that anyone passing through should look him up. Let me know if you need his contact info. The Ackermans are moving back to their old house in Lex Vegas. I know, among others, I will miss their front porch view of the football field. I wanted to thank them for their open hospitality to all of us during football games and other VMI events. Literally, the door was always open. Thanks, Paul and Rhonda. You guys rock. Cameron Briody wrote in at the last second too. He is still in Key West and has seen both Keith McGee and Brad Briller recently. As I type this, Cameron is having dinner with Jennifer and Max Swoboda in Key West. I received this from Brian Melvin at the last minute and have copied his message here: “Last summer, I was selected for commander (O5) and was subsequently frocked in Dec. Basically, that means I get to wear the rank but don’t get paid for it yet. But after two years in NOVA and being stationed at Coast Guard HQ, I will be taking command of the Naval Engineering Support Unit in Portsmouth, VA on 30 July. We have enjoyed the last two years here and hope to get back after the three years in Portsmouth. On the home front, Jean and the kids (Kyle, 11, Connor, 9 and Cady, 5) have been keeping busy with school and sports. Kyle and Connor have both been playing football, basketball, and baseball all year round. Despite the long hours in my current position, I was able to coach both Kyle and Connor during the basketball season. Although I played maybe two seasons of bball as a kid, I found many helpful Web sites on how to coach, and it led Kyle’s team to an undefeated season and the championship. During basketball season, I took both teams to see VMI play George Mason here in Fairfax, where I

ran into Raleigh Trumbo and my Rat, Billy Edmunds ’97. Although the Keydets lost, it was a great game. Cady has been busy with dance class and swim lessons and is anxious to start kindergarten next fall. Doug Stransky touched base, too. He was married on April 24th to Gillian Laabs.” Congrats, Doug. As many of you know by now, Boo Lassiter’s family experienced a disaster in early May. Boo’s house burned down, and he lost everything. Boo has eight children. Boo contacted me about a VMI contractor to rebuild with. He didn’t ask for a handout; he didn’t ask for sympathy or whine about his situation. I thought we could do more for Boo than that and sent out a couple of communications explaining his situation. Within 15 minutes, Brad Briller called me on my cell phone and offered everything he could to help, including his home as a temporary depot for people to send stuff to Boo. Within a few hours, I had over 50 responses, wanting to know how to help. I received an e-mail from Douglas Burdett ’82 who runs the Hampton Roads VMI Alumni FB page asking me to join and post the communication there. Douglas had been contacted by Adam Volant ’88 at the Alumni Association. Frankly, I was astounded by the support and speed of the support. It reaffirmed my belief in man in the midst of a personally turbulent time for me. As far as myself, I am doing well and am in the midst of packing the house and relocating off the farm. It has been sold and is yet one more fallen soldier to my divorce. I am moving to Lynchburg but not sure where I will land, as of now. I have the pleasure and honor of being father to a beautiful, smart and talented little girl, Addison; an incredible extended family; and a strong group of friends. I cannot ask for more. I am still with Target Corporation and enjoying the job. I work with Jamie Joyner ’95, and we recently hired Scott Miles ’01. We joke that black holes form in the universe when we gather in my office for BS sessions. To those serving, I offer my now-old compliments; 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 Class of 1993: Eric Plogger’s son, Jack, holding Stella Lane.

136

1839. This will help defray the costs associated with returned mail. Paul Whitmore was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the USAF. For the last three years, he has been the chief of Satellite Operations requirements at HQ Air Force Space Command and for the last six months, the deputy division chief for Launch, Ranges and Networks. Paul has most likely one more assignment (likely Hawaii or Germany) before a probable retirement at 20 years. He hopes to attend seminary thereafter. Fred Barber is an infantry brigade combat team S4. His unit is deploying to Iraq. Fred lives in Hinesville, VA. His wife, Patrice, is a dentist with her own practice. The Barbers have a son, Patrick (named after both of them, PATrice + FredeRICK). Fred hopes to command a battalion someday. George Karavetsos and Marlene Fernandez were married in Miami, FL, on April 25, 2009. Brother Rats in attendance were Jim and Mara Hewitt; Dyke and Amy Taylor; Jennifer and Matt Ankrum; and Kevin and Lee Vermillion. Additionally, George’s godfather, Nicholas Kallelis ’57, was present. Congratulations to George and Marlene! Chris Reynolds is a Marine company commander. He is assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. J.P. Lynch recently returned from a trip to South Africa and Rwanda for his World Bank customer. J.P. has accepted a new job as director of Sales Engineering with Belden Inc. J.P. recently joined the VMI Alumni Association Board. Hernan Barrero is serving a year-long tour in Afghanistan. He recently came home for some RandR. He is stationed in Quantico. John Rudy is living in MA. He is working as a systems designer for Tencent Boston. John is currently producing a massively multiplayer online (MMO) computer game for a Chinabased company that will be released in China. John says he is “the guy that figures out how everything should work and then turns it over to

Christopher L. Doyle

I hope everyone is well. Please be sure to e-mail me if your address has changed. You can also notify the Alumni Association directly at 1-800/444-

Class of 1994: In April 2010, Berk Clare and Roddy Grant completed a 150-mile bike ride from Houston to Austin, Texas, that benefited the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES Zepko ’96 are in attendance and scheduled to graduate. Dave reports that the operational art instructor for the course is Dr. Bradford Wineman ’99. Upon graduation, Chris is off to USSOUTHCOM, and Rich will deploy with the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines as the battalion XO. Dave will stay stateside with orders to the Pentagon. Finally, Dave reports that another old teammate of mine, Drew Dunnington, Rick Killmeyer and his wife, Molly, had a baby boy. Sheppard Dean Dunnington was born May 5th, and he is Drew’s and Molly’s first child. Drew, I know you must be a proud papa. Congratulations to Dan Williams you and Molly! In April, BR and head VMI Baseball Coach Marlin Ikenberry took the Keydets to Charlottesville, VA, to play the number one ranked baseball team in America – the UVa Cavaliers – and the Keydets won 12-5! This is I have a couple of administrative notes to start the first win in any VMI sport over a number off. Please note that I have changed my e-mail one ranked team. What a huge address to rickkillmeyer@gmail. accomplishment! Please help to com. My account was hijacked, and support Marlin by becoming a my contact list was getting pummeled member of the baseball Diamond with spam. My hotmail account Club. Contact Donnie Ross ’74 or remains active, but I will reply to all Robert Crumpler ’07 at the VMI correspondence from Gmail. Also, Keydet Club. Thanks for making many of us are using LinkedIn. It our class look so good, Marlin, and is a very professional way for us to congratulations! stay connected. If you are a memI received an e-mail from Greg ber, please consider inviting me to Cavallaro ’84, CEO of the VMI your network. Finally, the class of Keydet Club, with an article about 1992 has a Facebook page. It is a BRs Lester Johnson and another very convenient way for us to stay football teammate, Jonathan Mayo, connected. I have some reservations who opened a restaurant in Richabout creating a page. However, I am mond, VA. Lester and Jonathan, leaning toward creating one. If any of along with Lester’s mother, Velma, you would like to volunteer taking opened Mama J’s in Jackson Ward that on, please contact me. Class of 1994: On April 25, 2009, Marlene Fernandez late last year. The article is about By the time you read these notes, and George Karavetsos married in Miami, Florida, at St. the challenges that many African our 15-year Reunion will be closing Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The reception was American entrepreneurs have in on 60 days. You all should have held at Grove Isle Hotel. Pictured with the newlyweds are today. It is a great article, and I received the invitation for the event. James and Mara Hewitt, Robert (Dyke) and Amy Taylor, have asked the Alumni Review Dan Williams, Thom Brashears, Jennifer and Dr. Matthew Ankrum, and Kevin and Lee staff to publish it in an upcoming Dave Fleck and I have worked hard Vermillion. Below: Marlene’s godmother, Presbytera Lisa issue. (Editor’s Note: The Review to ensure we have a quality event. Bobotas, and George’s godfather, Nicholas Kallelis ’57. staff is attempting to obtain reprint Greg and Joan Wright, parents of permission for this article, so fallen BR Greg Wright, have crethat it can be included in a future ated a Web site to honor Greg and Review.) Congratulations to Lester raise awareness of his sacrifice. Go to and Jonathan, and be sure to stop www.runningirish.com; its purpose at Mama J’s the next time you are is to raise scholarship money for the looking for a new place to eat. I Greg Wright Memorial Scholarship received a note from Ben Bird. He at VMI. The goal is $1 million for said he ran into Charlie Branch in the scholarship. The scholarship Seoul, Korea. Charlie arrived in will be awarded to VMI cadets who Seoul to attend his brother’s pronot only earn good grades but also motion to lieutenant colonel. For volunteer and serve our great nation those of you who are not aware, with enthusiasm, just as Greg did. If Charlie’s brother is U.S. Army year you have not visited the site, please group 1993 and is a classmate of do. There are some great pictures and stories of him. It is a very touching BR Bob Staley at West Point. Ben

the engineers, so they can make it work.” Travis McDaniel was married to the former Jennifer Whited on May 2, 2009. The wedding took place in Ocean Isle Beach, NC. Travis is working in industrial sales and also coaching running backs for Greer High School in Greenville, SC. Best wishes for a safe and fun summer.

’95

2010-Issue 3

tribute to Greg. His family did a fantastic job of building it. I am asking all BRs to visit the Web site and make the minimum pledge of $10. For those of you who are not aware, there will be a ceremony on Saturday morning, Oct. 2nd. The class will dedicate a plaque for Greg in the Memorial Gardens facing Cocke Hall. We anticipate having his parents at the ceremony. More details about this are in the reunion weekend flier, which was mailed to your home of record. If you did not receive it, please contact me. I have corresponded with Greg’s roommates for help in designing the plaque and getting his parents involved. My old teammate, Sid Mitchener, reports he’s busy with work at Vaco Partners and has three kids. Maj. Dave Johnson is completing Marine Corps Command and Staff College at Quantico, VA, with BR Rich Pitchford. Majors Chris Brinkac ’96 and Jim

137

CLASS NOTES also reports that “Ranger” Richie and Marc Kincer met up with him in Seoul. Apparently, Mark and Brian went to Thailand for a few days and then were able to travel to Korea afterward to meet up with Ben. Finally, Ben reported that he, Amy and the kids were still on schedule to move to Washington, DC, in June. Jano Rupert Carlson reports that he will not be able to attend our 15-year reunion. Jano is serving as the operations officer for a CH-53 squadron in Miramar, CA. Last summer, he was deployed to Iraq, and this summer, he will be heading to Afghanistan and is slated to return in spring 2011. Finally, Jano reports that he was selected for promotion to lieutenant colonel and will pin on in 2011. Congrats, Jano; we are proud of you. It could not happen to a better guy. David Scott Southall reports that his lovely bride, Laura, gave birth to a baby boy. Henry Scott Southall was born on Aug. 20, 2009. Scott said he and Laura are enjoying having the little man around the house. Scott is still located in Houston and continues to be successful working for AmStar Surface Technology. Also, Ante Sucic e-mailed me to report that he and his wife had another baby girl. Maria Sucic was born on May 7th. Congratulations to the Sucic family! In March, I was scheduled to have drinks and dinner with Dennis Lucente, Ray Jaklitsch, Elvin Cabrera and Jeff Wright. Brian “stick boy” Williams was unable to attend, as he has joined me in returning to the work force. His new job has him travelling back to his home state of Virginia; obviously, he could not make it. So, as the hour approached, all canceled on the dinner except for Jeff and me. Since we were disappointed that our BRs couldn’t make it, I must give a ribbing for the weak effort on behalf of Dennis, Ray and Elvin. Jeff reports that he continues to work at AMEC and is doing well. He and his wife, Michelle, are looking to take a Mediterranean cruise during the summer. “Stick boy” also wrote to me that BR Greg Graham lives in Chile and was there during the earthquake in February. J.B. Call saw an article

in the Gloucester-Matthews Gazette-Journal which said that Greg lived there and was a survivor of the disaster. I was unable to read the article, as it was removed from the Web page shortly after it was posted. I spoke with Kevin Price the day after I returned from the VMI Class Agents Conference. K.P. reports that he is waiting to be accepted into the Richmond Police Academy and expects to start sometime in the late summer or early fall. He is staying busy in the U.S. Army Reserve as a civil affairs officer. He hopes to make it to the reunion; it depends on his class date. Finally, co-class agent, Daniel Seymour Williams, sent me an e-mail from Camp Gurnee, WV, as he was ramping up for his deployment later this year. If you are in one of the garden spots of the world, such as Afghanistan, Iraq or some other country, and you want to read the Alumni Review, please go to vmialumni.org and read them online. All you need to do is register in VMI Ranks. Thanks for the updates, and keep them coming. I look forward to seeing all of you at the reunion in October. Don’t forget to donate to Running Irish in support of Greg Wright and the Diamond Club in support of Marlin Ikenberry.

’96

Rusty McGuire

What a great time this summer has been. I have been spending a lot of time of in DC where I get the chance to hang out with Christian Hoff, Peter Segersten and my Rat, Bill Steinbach ’99. It has truly been fun catching up. I have also heard from a number of BRs. Jim Zepko made the transition this past summer from being CO of Recruiting Station Los Angeles to being a student at Marine Corps

Class of 1995: U.S. Army Brother Rats in Seoul, Korea, were, from left, Maj. Brian Richie, Mark Kincer and Maj. Ben Bird, February 2010.

138

Command and Staff College. He said, “It has been a great year in school, and my family time has increased drastically.” Following graduation in June, they are heading to Camp Lejeune, NC. Chris Brinkac is also in Command and Staff with Jim. They are heading back to Florida for his follow-on tour after graduation. There are a total of seven VMI guys in Marine Command and Staff this year, and Jim said they are all doing very well. Nathan Straub and his wife, Stephanie, are heading to Naples, Italy, this summer, after three years inside the beltway. Nathan will be the assistant operations officer for NAVFAC EURAFSWA, managing Navy construction across the European AOR. He encourages anyone passing through southern Italy to drop on by and stay a night. Anthony Gray and his wife, Kerri, celebrated the birth of their first child in March. Her name is Sydney Autumn Gray, and she was born March 8, 2010, in Bristol, TN. Anthony says, “She is a beautiful little girl and is a blessing to me and Kerri.” Anthony is now an associate veterinarian in a small animal practice in Johnson City, TN. He made the switch from equine to small animal practice a couple of years ago. He really enjoys small animal practice and was recently certified as a veterinary acupuncturist. His wife is back at her job as a small animal emergency and critical care veterinarian after her two-month maternity leave. They live in Bristol, TN, and have been there for almost four years, since leaving Virginia Tech in 2006. Anthony does not see many BRs in TN, but one of the technicians in his practice is Tanya Wood, the wife of Jared Wood ’97. They all get together occasionally. Colin Boynton is heading out for deployment to be the officer in charge of a two, SH-60B helicopter detachment (HSL-44 Det 5) onboard the U.S.S. Oscar Austin (DDG-79) with the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman Strike Group. He said he has “five great junior pilots, three excellent enlisted aircrewmen and a spectacular maintenance team. I’m really looking forward to taking these guys out to sea and conducting whatever operations the COCOM throws at us.” Colin’s wife, Heather, and their lil’ girls are doing well and are looking forward to spending the summer in Lex with Heather’s folks. Christopher Noe is loving Baumholder [Germany]. He just got back from a brigade gunnery at Grafenwoehr for two months, and he is glad to be home. He will deploy to Afghanistan early next year. Chris moved down to be the brigade support operations officer this summer, which he says “will be a welcome change from being the brigade S4.” Melissa and their kids are doing well, and they are getting ready to make a trip back to the Richmond area this summer. Scott Shropshire is still in Fredericksburg,

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES VA. He is currently working for VDOT as an his running, but he can still put away a mean ing their third boy in September. Bart Filpiak’s area construction engineer for the district. He lunch!” wife gave birth to their first child, Norah “Dee” manages multiple construction and maintenance Corrie Brice is assigned to work Security CoFilpiak, shortly after midnight on Feb. 19th. She contracts in the northern region of the district operation (Title 22, so he works under the DOS) weighed 6 lb., 15 oz. and is doing great! (Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George and Caroas part of the United States Training Mission, Thanks … Rusty line Counties). His wife, Michelle, also works Saudi Arabia. He is living on a joint compound for VDOT. She is acting assistant district adJohn Duckworth in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Currently, he is workministrator for Preliminary Engineering. They ing with the Royal Saudi Land Forces, filling stay very busy at work and keep pace, but Scott the deputy G-3 for Training billet. He has been continues to pick at her, since she is a Hokie. there since January and will be there for a Scott said, “I remind her occasionally that since one-year rotation. He primarily works with the she is a designer, she is short sighted – she only director of training (a one-, soon-to-be-two star) Editor’s Note: There were no class notes has to see in two dimensions. When her plans and his deputy (a lieutenant colonel). Corrie’s received from the class of 1997 for this issue. come to me in Construction, I have to build it in family is still in Pulaski, and they do not know three dimensions. We have some fun with our where the Army will send them next. Hamel Reinmiller jobs, and our co-workers laugh at us when we Curt Bourn was making his normal commute have discussions on projects.” from Jacksonville to Atlanta to start a trip with In addition to VDOT, Scott is still in the Navy Delta and saw Lawson Fanney on the plane. Reserve. He is a chief petty officer and the asCurt said, “We had a good chat while strolling sistant officer-in-charge, senior enlisted leader from Concourse B to A; he’s doing well and for Amphibious Construction Battalion TWO, sporting the Grizzly Adams look.” Curt is still Detachment 107, in Raleigh, NC. He graduated in the reserves, and his squadron got some new As I reflect on New Market Day 2010 and from the Senior Enlisted Academy at Naval Sta- neighbors, with NAS Brunswick closing down look forward to the dog days of summer, I hope tion Newport Rhode Island in December 2008. and moving to Jax. One of those is VR-62, and that everyone is doing well and handling the Last year, he became the first Navy reservist their XO (soon to be skipper) is Rod Turbak heat! I have heard from quite a few of you and to obtain the qualification as craftmaster on ’93. Curt said, “I see him in the hallways am really enjoying keeping up with you on our the Navy’s newest Logistics Over-the-Shore frequently but refrain from giving old yells. class Facebook page! For those of you who equipment – Improved Navy Literage System. He always asks me, ‘Why is it when I see you, are not aware, we have started a “VMI Class This year, he deployed to Haiti in support of you’re never doing anything?’ My response: of 1998” Group on Facebook, and I invite all Operation Unified Response. He spent 29 days, ‘I’m a reservist.’” of you to join us. Please continue to call, write boots on ground, in Haiti. His assigned task Lee Freeman is finishing up at school in DC, and send pictures and news on your lives. I look was as officer-in-charge, Administrative Pier and he is off next for a hardship assignment forward to hearing from, seeing and updating and Craftmaster. Each time he got underway, to Fort Polk, LA. There are three other VMI our Brother Rats on each of your lives. he proudly flew the VMI colors from the mast. grads from ’89, ’99 and ’01 in his DIA school. For those of you who are deployed or in Prior to the battalion’s deployment to Haiti, a He also sees Chris Powell all the time, and he harm’s way, we wish you all the best and pray familiar name was assigned as executive officer, is also doing well. Mike Obadal told me that every day that you will stay safe and return Amphibious Construction Battalion TWO – home quickly. We miss you all! Lastly, if there Travis George is moving this summer from Cmdr. Greg Vinci ’93. Scott also ran into Cmdr. Hampton Roads due to Air Force PCS, and is anything I or we as a class can do for you or Matt Ott ’92 while deployed. your family, please let me know, and PLEASE Chris Antonelli and his wife had a new daughOn his return, Scott took the family on a continue to keep your contact information curter just recently. Mike and Christine are expectcruise. Their girls, Emma and rent on the VMI Web site at www. Macy, had a blast, and he and Mivmialumni.org, as that that will chelle got pampered in the spa. definitely continue to serve as our Karl Renne and his family primary means of communication, moved to Ouagadougou, Burkina and that’s the memo! Faso, recently. After the melt down First to report in was Aaron Sims of the government in Guinea, they who said that his lovely bride, were evacuated to Freetown, Sierra Carla, has recently delivered RobLeone, for several months and ert Andrew Sims (will go by Anhave since been re-assigned to the drew), born 7:10 AM on Sunday, embassy in Ouagadougou. Doug May 9; 10 lbs., 1.9 oz. and 20-1/2 Bartlett was recently promoted to inches. Carla and baby are doing VP of National Sales for Covidien’s well. Congratulations, Aaron!! respiratory products division. He Andrew’s arrival postponed Carla’s has scheduled a mini reunion with MBA completion schedule until Tinguely and Danielsen, who are next spring, but she couldn’t be any also both Covidien guys. Doug happier about it. Aaron’s brother, said he “had a great time hanging Wes, and he have started dabbling out with Jamal Thomas on a trip in real estate with acquisitions in Class of 1996: Scott Shropshire and Matt Ott ’92 in Haiti back to NOVA over Christmas. North Chicago, Birmingham and during the 2010 relief effort. He’s leaned up quite a bit with all Augusta, GA. They are planning to

’97

’98

2010-Issue 3

139

CLASS NOTES rent, restore and/or flip these properties as the market allows. Aaron is considering starting a master’s of engineering in construction management program this summer and is staying busy, to say the least. I suppose while I am updating my former roommates, I would be remiss in not reporting that Maj. Matt Baldwin is currently deployed and hopes to be back with Kristin and the kids in September. As I understand it, they have survived the flooding in Clarksville, TN, and are planning to rendezvous with Matt upon his return in Savannah, GA. Secondly, I got a brief update from Chris Buchness and Jen, who are having to remain on their toes with the addition of Gavin last summer; he is all over the house now and into anything and everything. They are looking forward to a summer vacation with the kids (Aiden, Paige and Gavin), as they plan to head out on a tour to visit family. Good luck and travel safe!! If your travels take you

through Tulsa, I trust you will let me know! Stop the presses: we have an update from BR Ting! Shawn wrote in for the first of many updates to come to report that he got out of the Army in 2006, after a stint flying Chinooks, and noted that he does not miss it at all. Shawn got married in January 2008 to Jennifer Velasco (who he met in the Army … HUA). They lived in Atlanta for one year, and he worked overseas (Afghanistan) as a contractor for two years. Shawn and Jen moved to Nashville, TN, in April ’09 for work, and most importantly, the Ting’s welcomed a new Steven Velasco Ting into the family in December 2009. Congrats, Shawn, and thanks for sending in your news. We look forward to seeing pics of the family soon! I have realized that we must be livin’ right, because the man, the myth, the legend – John Strock – has submitted his first update! John reports that … wait for it … he got engaged on March 6 of this year and will be married on Oct. 9, 2010, in Tappahannock, VA. John also noted that he will be relocating from the DC area to Stamford, CT, to begin a new job as vice president of Operations for the

ACE Mentor Program of America. Information on the program can be found at http://www.acementor.org/495. I hope there is a place to leave messages for the new VP on the Web site!! I am sure you will get some colorful stuff! Good luck with all of your wedding plans, and congratulations on all that has developed in your life. Take care and keep in touch! Ah, yes – the much anticipated John “Gonzo” Gonzales sighting was documented during a mini reunion that occurred at Travers “Buck” Clemons’ house for his son, Chase’s, third birthday party. VMI attendees were Buck, Mike Upshaw, Tim Trant and of course, Gonzo. By all accounts, good times were had by all. I am not sure if the ’98 boys or the kids had more fun at Uncle Buck’s house, playing in the river and getting earthy (bouncy castle always good). Buck and Kristina were gracious enough to host everyone with their kids (Chase and Piper). Kim and Mike Upshaw had the whole family there (Johnathon and Emily). Timmy Trant brought his daughter, Elizabeth, while Molly was home with their new son, who was just weeks old at the time, and of course, Karen and John brought both of their children (Camden and Cooper). Congrats to Timmy on their new arrival, and I am glad that everyone survived the weekend; it sounds like a blast! Brian Pearson and I have been in touch a few times, trying to connect on a few of his trips to and through Oklahoma. We did connect

Class of 1998 Photos clockwise, from bottom, right: -The Holloran’s newest addition, Sawyer Patrick. -Attending the wedding of Gardner and Stinson Mundy in Richmond, Virginia, April 24, 2010. were, from left, Sam Bernier, Tom Barnhill, Tom Cooke ’70, Lindsay Bruce, Brad Cooke, Stinson Mundy, Jeff Taylor, Chris Strock ’97, Billy Bott ’70, Gardner Mundy, Marshall Mundy ’56 and Todd Cooke. Also in attendance were Mike Strickler ’71 and John Dewey. -Shawn and Jen Ting with baby Stefan Ting.

140

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES once, but our beloved S-1 parked his RV (War Wagon) in front of my house in suburbia, which was fine until BP cameo’d as Uncle Eddie one morning. Anyway, we were unable to connect on this last trip due to the schedule of some general that Brian was traveling with (chopped liver here), but hopefully we can connect on his next trip through. Brian has had a tough few months, as his mother lost her fight with cancer in March, and Mother Nature has provided for significant challenges in executing her North Dakota burial plans. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Brian. I actually heard from Michael Violette’s lovely wife, Courtney, who explained that Mike is now a lieutenant commander in the Navy and is attending the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. God help us! The Violettes have a son, Charlie, who just turned 4 and a daughter, Maryellen, who will be 2 in June. I hope that all of you out there who didn’t get your update in will consider having your beautiful wives take care of that for you in the future! Thanks so much for the update, Courtney and Mike, and please take care, and keep in touch! Ed Allen wrote in to warn everyone that he is just back from a 16-month deployment to Iraq and will be at Fort Leavenworth this summer attending the CGSC. Be careful, Ed; my dyke, Bill Percival ’95, is an instructor up there, and I plan to come visit both of you! I was thrilled to hear from Neil Holloran who has a new son (Sawyer Patrick Holloran), who was born on 4/20/2010 (yes, he has heard the jokes). His wife, two daughters and newborn son are all doing great, but Neil freely admits that, after the third kid, sleep deprivation somehow becomes bearable. I think he may just be desensitized to the pain!! Anyway, Neil is still living in Fredericksburg, VA, and working at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren, VA, where he does program management work with Defense Critical Infrastructure for the Department of Defense. Brad Cooke wrote in to update us on the tough life in Steamboat Springs, CO! Apparently, it snowed for four days straight, just before New Market Day in Colorado! Brad noted that his wife, Shayna, gave birth to their son, Cyrus Sherwood Cooke, who was born Oct. 22 and is doing great. He got to go skiing a lot over the winter and was gearing up for a bunch of camping trips with Ma and Pa Cooke this summer. Brad wrapped up his teaching year in May and was looking forward to spending the summer with the family. Brad and Shayna made it back east recently for Gardner and Stinson Mundy’s wedding. Apparently, it was well-attended and represented by ’98, and the after-party went well into the night. We are waiting to hear details and see

2010-Issue 3

some photographic evidence from the wedding, Gardner! Jimmy Epps checked in to report that he and his wife, Olivia, celebrated their daughter, Addison Jade’s, 1st birthday back in January, and already she is extremely agile, on two feet and quickly becoming very well spoken. Apparently, her vocabulary is expanding exponentially, which keeps Jimmy and Olivia honest. Jimmy and Olivia are still living in Halifax County, VA, where they completed construction on their home just days before Addison was born. Jimmy built the entire home himself over the course of two years, and I can only imagine how impressive it is! The land where they built their home has been in Jimmy’s family for well over 100 years. Somehow, in his spare time, Jimmy and his dad continue to operate the farm. Jimmy left the state (VDOT) back in November to join BandB Consultants, Inc., as a structural engineer and project manager. Jimmy has been licensed in Virginia as a professional engineer since 2007 (God Help Us) and recently obtained a license in North Carolina. On April 24th, Jimmy and Olivia attended his brotherin-law, Grady Orr’s ’04, wedding in Corolla Beach, NC. Jimmy joined his sister’s husband and Daniel Runion ’02 at the wedding, and apparently, all had a blast. J.C. De Los Reyes checked in to report that he is still in Wellington (where he grew up) in the heart of Palm Beach County as a supervisor in Parks and Recreation. Things were going pretty well, and he was pretty busy when the city council decided they should take over baseball from the independent provider that was doing it two seasons per year. Plus, for some reason, they decided he was the man to run the city’s fingerprint and security background checks for all of their employees and volunteers. Naturally, these became additional responsibilities to his already heavy load, including boys basketball, girls basketball, adult flag football, summer camp programs, and two summer basketball leagues and camps, and he is the liaison to two independent travel programs. As for his family, his daughter, Gabi (1.5); his son, Antonio, (4); and his wife, Paulette, are all doing great. I did hear from Brendan Toolan some time back, who I believe is still deployed and working in Kandahar for the Validation Training Team. When his deployment is finished, it looks as though he may be headed to sunny Fort Sill, OK, at which time I am quite sure I will be able to glean a more complete report from him! My own update, I suppose, is that Tulsa is treating me great. My parents have relocated to Tulsa from Dallas, along with my grandmother from OKC, and it is nice to have the whole clan back together again. I am working like a dog

and busy with industry boards and charity work. I had an incredible opportunity to host Kris Dietrich at my house in February. Kris was in town on business, and we were able to take in an Oklahoma City Thunder NBA game in OKC and spend a few nights howling at the Tulsa moon! I also saw Kris’ younger brother, Stefan Dietrich ’07, at our Oklahoma Chapter New Market Day Event in Oklahoma City. In early May, I made it up to Richmond for the race and stayed with Todd and Christina Boykin and was able to spend some time with their two amazing children (Saddler Reese and Sara Grace). Todd is still working for Malcolm Pirnie (engineering firm) in Richmond. During that same trip, I caught up with Sean Williams at his house in Richmond on Friday night before the race. Needless to say, good times were had by all. Although I was unable to get together with Paul Sakellariou, I had a great chat with “The Greek,” and we are shooting to connect on my next visit to Richmond. Paul is doing well, bought a house and is finally settling down with Mrs. Right in Richmond! Congrats, Buddy!! That made my second driving trip to Virginia in a month (that was a little much), the first being my annual trek up to VMI for the Class Agents Conference. Thanks to Pat Webb, Gen. Peay ’62, Gen. Schneider, Col. Trumps ’79 and the amazing staff in the Alumni Office for a great weekend! It was an amazing couple of days on Post, and I encourage all of you to go back and see some of the changes. It really is quite impressive how our alma mater is developing! I got a few brief updates on Facebook to include a touch and go from Jason Doucette who is in Culpepper, VA; Gabe Hubble who checked in from Murfreesboro, TN; Jordan Clark who now hails from Salt Lake City, UT; Chad Novacek in Lincoln Nebraska; and a brief note from Joey Bates who is still in North Carolina and is about to embark on a three-week vacation to Italy. Can’t wait to see pictures from that trip!! 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 have started a Class Agent’s Discretionary Fund to be used for cards, postage, care packages, travel expenses, etc. If you would like to donate to our class fund, please send me a check made out to “BR ’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.)

141

CLASS NOTES

’99

William Steinbach

Brother Rats, I hope everyone made it through the winter and is enjoying the summer weather. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me. It is great hearing from you all. Dave Kaczmarek is in Afghanistan serving as the civil affairs officer for Task Force 1-101. Barry Williams just left Afghanistan and is en route to the land of big PX, as I type this. The Army is going to let him get over for the next 18 months, while he attends graduate school. He is excited to spend some time with family after numerous trips overseas. Ricco Espinoza is headed to Okinawa at the end of the summer. Ryan Thompson returned from Afghanistan in November and started a new job with a private consulting firm in Richmond. He is now doing transportation engineering, and he hangs out with Jason Crigler and John McMahon from time to time. Chris McGuire and his wife, Marlena, had their second son, Liam Michael McGuire, in October while he was deployed to Iraq. He is now home and has moved to Louisiana to train Marine reservists for an upcoming deployment. Chris Lowery tells me he finally made major last year and is serving as the brigade S1 for 1/1 Armor Division in Kirkuk, Iraq. John Wilcox was happy to announce that he and his wife, Nellie, added a new member to the family in April. Hannah Kim was born at 10:04 pm, weighed in at 7.6 lbs. and was 20 inches He was able to get a break from his current deployment and got home a few days before and headed back about 10 days later. He says it was an amazing experience. He found out he will be taking command of a civic affairs company when he gets back and will turn right back around and head out again. He is continually amazed by his wife who suffers through all these things with the same resolute determination. Thank God for her. Chris Lukanich and his wife are expecting their first child in January. Shane Stille is still living in the Tidewater area. He recently left Lindab, where he worked for almost five years as director of Operations, to be director of Engineering/Project Management at Minton and Roberson contracting. He claims things are going very well. He is looking to have another child next year, if he can convince the working wife. He also said Chris Colbow is working for USAID out of DC and was recently reassigned from fighting human trafficking to coordinating the funds for rebuilding Afghanistan. Jason Trubenbach sent me the following note:

142

“Things are going well. This summer I’ll start a one-year fellowship with Office of the Secretary of Defense, working across the street in Crystal City. Thought I’d be able to report a sighting of J.P. Pesare, but instead, I have to report the Gimp as AWOL. He spent almost five months in the DC area and never came by to visit. I had lunch with Jason Berg a few weeks ago; he’s doing well and enjoying the perks of his duty at Congress. He and his wife are expecting a baby very soon. I e-mailed a bit with Alex Marrone, who will begin Spanish language training at DLI this summer. He and his wife, Olivia, are expecting their third child and are very excited. Finally, I had to endure a tough TDY to Hawaii at the end of April but met and sat in on a presentation by Dr. Chris Caplice ’84, director of Transportation and Logistics at MIT.” I cannot believe Tube and Berg had lunch and did not invite me. They will be marching PTs around the E ring of the Pentagon on Saturday for such a gross oversight. Corey Kearse is expecting his second child on May 18th. He and his wife are planning on naming him Paul Franklin Kearse. Andy Fuller reports that he and his wife, Melissa, had a son, Matthew, in January. They are still living in Roanoke, and not much ever changes there. He saw Kris and Leah Turpin recently and their daughter, Ava. They are doing well and living in Lynchburg. Jon Rogers e-mailed me the following note: “I recently got a hold of David Dixon, principal of South Iredell High School in Statesville, NC, to let him know how I have some catching up to do, as I am in my first official year as a high school teacher out in the Pacific Northwest. I teach special education at Ingraham High School in Seattle, WA. I have initiated a behavior modification program focusing on my students’ personal growth and development. I can say that I have implemented pushups for motivational purposes but have yet to rack anybody’s chin in. I’m the assistant football coach here, as well. Good Times! I ran into BR Andre Curtis, safeties coach for the St. Louis Rams, here in Seattle before his game against the Seahawks week one of last season. We talked for an hour the Saturday night before his game on Sunday. Dre gave me the open invite to come to St. Louis, so I told him I’d have to take him up on it.” It is good to hear Jon has added pushups to his school’s curriculum. My only question is who is making Jon do pushups? Jeremy Obenchain is currently in Bahrain. He says he ran into John Buchanan ’96 at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command a few months ago. He also tells me that Mike Purdy is doing well and recently had a baby. He requested that I put out an APB on Coley Campbell, as he has not heard from him in 36 months. Coley, if you are reading this, call Jeremy and send me an

e-mail with your whereabouts. Cornell Lewis was recently in Richmond, VA, for a charity event for the James Farrior Foundation. James Farrior is the middle linebacker and defensive captain for the Pittsburgh Steelers. T-Bird was his teammate in high school, and they remain close friends. Unfortunately, I was not able to link up with T-Bird while he was in VA. Jared Linkous and his wife, Carla, gave birth to a baby girl, Avery Elizabeth, on April 15, 2010. Avery weighed 8 lbs., 9 oz. and was 20.5” tall. Mother and daughter are both healthy and doing well. Big brothers Brady (6) and Tanner (2) were excited and are taking good care of their baby sister. Jamie Kane tells me he regrets not being at the reunion this fall. He and his wife were waiting on their son, James, to arrive that week. He is now seven months old and keeping them quite busy. Jamie is working as a civilian employee for the Navy and back in school on Saturdays. Pat Geoghegan and his wife, Virginia, are on the move again and are moving to Boston next month (June) for a transfer with his company to open a new office there. He says it will be great to get back East! He has been in touch with Mike Maire and Steve Schwanke ’98 and is planning some NY and Boston excursions after they get there and settled in. Andy Fox had to go out to San Diego, CA, for work and was able to catch up with Steve Zembrzuski for a couple days. He says it was great to see him and catch up on old times. Many Ratline stories were retold and laughed at. Chuck Reinhold sent me the following: “Christen and I are now expecting our third child, bringing the count to two boys (almost 8 and 4) and soon, one girl (due Aug. 17th). Our 11th anniversary is coming up on May 16th, so a family vacation to Disney is in order. I recently was promoted to major in the Virginia Army National Guard. I will begin my new job at the Department of Homeland Security on 24 May. Other than that, life has been very busy, and I’m looking for ways to slow time down. I can’t believe how fast it goes and that 11 years have passed since we graduated. I hope all is well with you and all of our BRs and that you and them are just as blessed as I have been.” Mike McDermott sent me this note from the VMI of the North: “Not too much to update from here in West Point, NY. I am finishing up my second year as a TAC officer, trying to instill some modicum of discipline to this motley corps of cadets. I’ll be here for one more year before heading to ILE and will be filling that year as the superintendant’s aide. Should be an interesting job in terms of different perspectives and experiences, and maybe I can infiltrate a little bit of VMI into this academy. Haven’t seen any other classmates up here in a long while but am happy to put someone up, if

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES they want to make the trek up here.” Thanks for the invitation, Mike. If anyone wants to invade West Point, send me a note, and I will fill out the battle roster to send to Mike. Matt Irving and his wife, Kristin, had their first son, Arlo Todd Irving, on Aug. 22, 2009. Mirv tells me no need to worry; he took his looks from his mom. Thank goodness for Arlo. Paul Wills and his wife, Kerri, welcomed their first born, Mason, on March 11th. He says everyone is doing well and they are still in Richmond. Dan Payne sent me a last second update (yes, Dan, you made the deadline): “All is well here. Jack (3) and Gabriel (2) are keeping us busy. We love being parents. My painting business – Widespread Solutions, LLC – is growing. Our best year was last year! Thanks to all of the VMI support. I am happy to continue to remain involved in all of the Richmond events. The McShin Foundation – non-profit drug addiction and alcohol recovery organization we started six years ago – is growing as well.” I believe that ends this edition. Thanks, again, for all of the help in putting this together. If you do not see your name in the notes, send me an update! I also ask everyone to go online and update their contact information with the Alumni Association if you have not done so recently. (Go to www.vmialumni.org and get into VMI Ranks.) I hope everyone has a safe and prosperous summer and fall. In the Bonds … Bill

’00

Christian Arllen

Gents, By the time you read this message, our 10th reunion should be about two months away. A number of our BRs have been working to ensure the reunion activities and fund raising effort are fruitful and enjoyable, and I am grateful for their efforts. Hopefully, you have received several mailings and e-mail messages by this point with reunion information; contact me if the information didn’t make it to you. In addition to the class yahoo group e-mail distribution group, a “VMI 2k” Facebook group stood up recently to facilitate discussion among folks concentrated on the aforementioned social networking site. Nich Harding checked in from Monument, CO, where his wife, Kristen, recently gave birth, on Mother’s Day, to their new son, Caleb. I suspect Nich and his daughter, Gabriella, will have fun celebrating and planning Mother’s Day/birthday. Nich is working in the natural gas industry. Tony and Bethany Cerella are

2010-Issue 3

also in Monument, while Keane Jones and Ed Ekpoudom are on either side of Monument in Colorado Springs and Denver, respectively. Keane and Liz are doing well, while running to keep up with their three boys’ involvement with every sport under the sun. Joseph and Laura Carter welcomed their first child, Alida Mae, into the Carter clan on March 21, 2010. Congratulations! Justin Wood, Josh Spradlin and Sam McClure all live around Nashville, TN, and luckily their families and properties survived the recent flooding unscathed. Sam and his wife, Janny, have a 6-month-old son, Wyatt. Ms. Krysta Rahemba and Don O’Sullivan married on April 17th and enjoyed their honeymoon in St. Lucia. They will make their home in Balmville, NY, and Don tells me he is already planning home improvement projects. Michael Gereau checked in from USCG Air Station Atlantic City, NJ, where he is keeping busy. Jay and Josette Kearney moved from Reston to South Riding, VA, this past May to make room for their growing family. Their second child, Jackson, arrived in August, and he has a Provisional Appointment for the class of 2031. Jackson was sponsored by Jay’s father, John Kearney ’73, Will Warthen (Jackson’s godfather) and Jay. Jay recently caught up with Greg Fedor and Stu Staton along with their families at their kids’ birthday parties; they are all doing well. Jay keeps up with Will and reports that he is “good and busy with work and life, like the rest of us.” Winston Brown checked in with an update. Since his last stick check, Ms. Heather Burns of Jacksonville, FL, married Winston, and they are enjoying their 1-year-old daughter, Alyssa. They live in Pensacola, FL, and Winston is instructing on shore duty at VT-4 “Warbucks” in the mighty T-6 Texan II. He will be deploying again in 2012, probably on a big-deck out of Norfolk. Winston expects to make it to the Strawberry Hill races in Richmond with his Dyke, Matt Smith ’97. I hope you all can make it back to Lexington for the reunion in October! Christian

’01

be returning to the United States in July 2011 which means they’ll actually be able to attend the 10-year Reunion. Sam told me he is doing metal on metal, 15th Century combat reenactment with a bunch of British guys and it’s a blast. Sam stated all was as quiet as they could be with two babies. Tilman Bowling and his wife are the proud parents of a baby girl named Allison Erin Bowling born April 13, 2010. Taylor Mawyer and his wife, Laura, welcomed

Class of 2001: At Connor Curtis’ wedding on May 1, 2010, were, from left, John Pettry, Will Charlet, the former Megan McFarland, David Russell, the groom, Sam Laneave, Paul Carroll ’02, Ryan Welsh and Stu Patterson.

their first child, Jane, in September 2009. Taylor has been working as an IT manager at West End Orthopaedic Clinic for three years now and stated things have only gotten more interesting since the health care bill passed. Taylor suggested if you’re in the Richmond, VA, area and need an appointment, then shoot him an e-mail at tmawyer@weoc.com. Taylor informed me that Mike Andriliunas and his wife, Brooke, recently had a baby girl named Darby. Taylor and Mike also receive an occasional e-mail from Tom Sebrell, who is working in the London tourism industry and is developing American Civil War Tours in addition to other projects. Congratula-

Jason Whitaker

I hope everyone is doing well and that you are enjoying the summer. Before I mention some administrative matters, I figured you could read about the rest of the class. Sam Fishburne announced the birth of his baby girl, Bella Luchia Fishburne, who was born on April 4, 2010. Sam and his family are still stationed in the United Kingdom and are enjoying it. They should

Class of 2001: Scott Miles and his fiancée, Lisa Knust.

143

CLASS NOTES tions to Connor Curtis and his wife, Megan, is now a tie gang supervisor in the engineering settling in to life with a 14 month old and he is who were married on May 1, 2010. Attending department. Nate travels often from Ohio to thriving. I look at him each day and can’t even Connor’s wedding were John Pettry, Will New York and exclaimed “Who knew an LA imagine what kind of man he will be. I think he Charlet, David Russell, Sam LaNeave, Paul Bandit would ever become an Engineer, taking will do the institute proud.” Carroll ’02, Ryan Welsh and Stu Patterson. surveys and measuring for track geometry.” Scott Miles started a new job with Target Jared Kuhnhenn is currently stationed in Greg Martin and his family moved to Paris Distribution as a group leader in Stuarts Draft, Germany as an Armor Captain in the U.S. in mid-April and will be there for three years. Virginia. Scott said the “I” is well represented Army. Jared deploys to Afghanistan in June Greg is still playing with commercial nuclear there with Bill Cox ’93 and Jamie Joyner ’95 for his third deployment but plans to attend the reactors but specifically working for a major who is Col. Joyner’s son. Scott will be getting ten-year reunion. Howie Cook graduated from project in the United Kingdom. Greg told me married in September 2010 to Lisa Knust in flight school as an honor graduate on March 3, that Matt Frye had stayed with him and Caren Williamsburg, Virginia. Lisa is a family practice 2010. Howie is now a Blackhawk Medevac piat their house in Charlotte, North Carolina for physician with Riverside Medical Group. Jake lot for the Texas National Guard. Kevin Fromm a day in early April. Greg said Matt was doing Williams sent me the following, “Jake Wilrelinquished his Battery Command in early May quite well and was working hard on finishing liams and Dan Schindler recently spent the day after being in command for nineteen months his thesis at MIT. aboard the USS George H W Bush where Jake to include a deployment to Afghanistan. Kevin Drew Dickinson sent me the following and is an aircraft launch and recovery officer a.k.a. planned to take the rest of May off and was thought it was best to keep it in his own words. shooter. Jake is enjoying working on the flight heading to NYC for four days and then onto “You will be proud to know that this is the first deck and should deploy sometime next year. South Africa, Malawi, and Zambia for about time that I have sent an e-mail from home. It Dan is still working for the Whiting Turner conthree weeks of vacation. After vacation Kevin is quite an achievement for me and my wife is struction company in Baltimore as a superintenwas going to start clearing from Fort Bragg still laughing at me from trying to figure out dent, making the rounds to spend time with his and should be out of there by around early July. how to create a new e-mail. I think she still BRs whenever he can.” Kevin is looking forward to his next assignment believes I use slate and chalk. Everyone here in Thank you all for sending me your notes which is at George Mason University’s ROTC Roanoke is doing great. Ferg (Brian Ferguson) and pictures and I apologize for any delay in department in Fairfax, VA. Kevin will be an has proved that cloning is a reality...his son is a responding back to your emails. As a daddy of assistant professor of military science/executive carbon copy of himself (but still a surprisingly two five and half month old twin girls I have officer and also plans to work on getting his good looking boy). He and his wife are doing to admit I have not been checking my email or master’s degree. Kevin was excited to spend well and send you their best. Erin and I are Facebook page regularly. Dawn and I are doing the next three years in TRADOC well and relishing the joys of being and told me it will be a nice parents for our girls. They keep us break from his past nine years quite busy and seeing their smiles are of endless training exercises and definitely the highlight of every day. deployments. Will Alley and Please continue to update your his family are stationed at Fort profiles on the VMI RANKS website Lewis, Washington where Will so everything is sent to the proper is the battalion chaplain for the physical address. If you do not have 508th Military Police Battalion. a profile on VMI RANKS then please Chris Simpson and his wife sign up for one. By doing this it helps Kacie and one-year old son Conme and the Institute make sure we are nor are doing fine in Huntsville, contacting you at the proper address, Alabama. Chris is still supportphone number or email address. You ing the Missile Defense Agency can also find me on Facebook by as a contractor and spending searching my name or the email adsome of his weekends with the dress listed above. The Class of 2001 Air National Guard. Chris and also has a Facebook page where we his family will be buying a house can connect with each other as well. in May 2010 and spending most I will use as many of these mediums of June making minor updates to reach out to you all and keep you to it. Chris said they have been updated on class news. All of this living with his in-laws since continues to be very important as March which was fine, but they we approach the ten-year reunion. I looked forward to having their will need volunteers to assist in the own place again. Chris told me planning and coordination for the that Connor stood the other day reunion. Hopefully by the time you for about a minute which Chris get this Institute Review I will have described as awesome. Last a thorough understanding of what we December Nate Charles left need to do and what exactly I will Cleveland, Ohio and moved back need assistance with and have comhome to Troutville, Virginia. municated this with you via email and Class of 2001: Jake Williams and Dan Schindler standing Nate continues to work for the Facebook. by the U.S.S. George H.W. Bush. Norfolk Southern Railroad and I’d also like to share with you

144

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES that job postings are available to all alumni at vmialumni.org and include positions listed by alumni who seek to hire other alumni. For example, a recent posting announced a need for a senior construction manager and estimator for a VMI alumni-owned business located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Alumni who are registered at the site can post positions from their company or search for new opportunities using the job posting search function. A VMI group has also been created in LinkedIn and can be used as a resource for sharing connections related to employment. Keep up the great work in all your personal and professional endeavors. I look forward to receiving your updates for the August submission. Rah VA Mil ... Jason

’02

Salmaan Khawaja

Brother Rats, I hope that this edition of the Alumni Review finds you and yours doing well. I recently met up with Matt Thompson and Jason Breeding at our annual VMI Class Agents Conference at the “I.” Matt and Jason are both doing well and, as always, working hard. We are also starting to put together plans for our 10th Reunion, which is coming up sooner than we think. It’s pretty crazy to think about how fast time is flying by. As you know from previous class notes and letters sent, the VMI 2002 Memorial Scholarship fund has been established in honor of our fallen BRs. Please consider contributing to this scholarship fund, as it will help future cadets with the now-higher cost of a great education. VMI, like other Virginia colleges and universities, has been forced to raise tuition in light of our more general current economic status. During the Class Agents Conference, Jason, Matt and I, along with other class agents, heard from Gen. Peay ’62 and were amazed at the progress VMI has made in terms of improving its academic standards, Corps morale, the Honor System, the Class System, the Regimental System, as well as the noticeable improvements to the buildings on Post, among numerous other things. The new leadership building, for example, is excellent, and notable speakers have already provided the Corps with their insights and valuable lessons. While it is true that you don’t need a building in which to teach leadership, it’s always nice to learn in modern, up-to-date facilities. If you haven’t had a chance to visit Post lately, it is really worth a trip. For those far away, check out the

2010-Issue 3

VMI Web site. The Honor System remains strong, and its focus this year has been on education and the spirit of the code and honor in general, with an emphasis on the importance of not trying to find minutiae in the rules to break but rather to live as honorable citizen-soldiers. We were also shown pictures and told stories of Breakout for the Rat class. It was probably one of the most intensive and strenuous Breakouts in VMI’s history, except for ours, of course! What is that saying? “The older we get, the harder it was?” I’ll leave it at that. On with the notes … Tyson Williams wrote in with some wonderful news. Tyson and his fiancée, Ms. Kari Palmer, celebrated the birth of their first son, Brighton Briggs Williams, born on December 7th, 2009 in Lexington, NC. At the time these notes were written, Tyson and Kari are planning to get married in the spring of 2010. Tyson and Kari are living in Lexington, NC and recently he started his first company, TK Briggs Custom Design, LLC. Tyson and the family are hoping they’ll time to get back up to VMI for a couple games this fall. He also says hello to all! Congrats to Tyson and Kari! Alex Martin and his fiancée, Audra, are both still living in Minneapolis, MN. The happy couple has decided to get married sometime in the summer of 2011. Alex is doing very well, working for Toll Brothers Inc. as a division VP, where he manages all of the company’s real estate development activities in MN. In February, Alex, Audra, Pat Khattak and Pat’s wife, Samantha, vacationed together in

Class of 2002: Chris Lane and his 8-month-old son, Kemper, after enjoying a day on Chris and Jen’s sailboat.

Las Vegas and had a great time. Alex let me know that Pat and Samantha live in Cincinnati, OH, and Pat works for Proctor and Gamble in their marketing department and is having a very successful career. Brian and Beth Shepherd met with Alex and Audra for dinner in January in Denver, where the Sheppards live. Alex let me know that Brian, Beth and their two children are doing great. Mike Escobar is still in the Navy flying F/A-18 Super Hornets. I had the unique opportunity to watch a video of Mike landing a Super Hornet on an aircraft carrier, and let me tell you, I’m more than happy to stick to my day job. I am so impressed and thankful for the hard work that Mike, other pilots, and servicemen and women perform on a day-to-day basis keeping us safe. Mike is stationed in Japan, and when he’s not flying, spends time with his wife, Christine, and their two boys. Speaking of pilots, Alex also let me know that Christian Collamore is still in the Air Force flying jets out of Offut AFB in Omaha, NE. Christian is only a few hours away, and he and Alex get together every couple of months. Scott Watts is living in Chesterfield, VA, with his wife, Deidre. The happy couple was married in September of this past year. Scott currently works as a sales representative for Cintas. He said, “After seven years of pharmaceutical sales, I needed a change!” Scott continues to play soccer and is on a local men’s league team with T.J. Claytor ’03 and Don Ferguson ’00. Scott also keeps in touch with Wes Barrow ’99, and runs into other VMI alums from time to time. Scott says: “Hope life is good for ’02. Anyone heard from John Simmons?” If so, let me know and I’ll pass the word along. I was contacted by Jen Lane, wife of Chris Lane, recently. ’02 spouses need to pay attention to the following … Jen kindly provided me with a nice and detailed update as to what she and Chris have been up to since VMI and to let me know that they love to sail when the couple isn’t busy working hard on their family farm. After VMI, Chris worked in Georgia and South Carolina in production management for four years. He did the whole daily grind of stressing over deadlines, moving when promoted and answering to boss, on top of boss, who has another boss ... “which was overall lackluster with too many meetings and partings that come with moving so much.” Jen candidly let me know that Chris has always loved the outdoors, and getting dirty has always been fun for him (which just goes to say that nothing’s changed since his VMI days). Chris is a natural boss, too. He excelled at hiring and firing people and

145

CLASS NOTES enjoyed disciplinary meetings, which Jen assumes is because for Chris, “everything is black and white when it comes to the rules. Must be a VMI thing.” I’m sure Jen has heard all the stories where we definitely worked hard at bending the rules as well. The people who worked under him respected him and most became good friends. After working the hectic office life for awhile, Chris, out of the blue, got a phone call from his Uncle Stuart asking him if he would like to move to Caroline County, Virginia and work on the family farm. The Lane Farm is now a third generation farm with Chris’ grandfather, Pete, as the founder which was passed on to his son, Stuart, with the addition of Chris, Stuart’s nephew. Stuart is the baby brother of VMI alums Steve Lane ’73, and RB Lane ’75. So, Chris and Jen sold their house on the lake in Greenwood, SC, their boat and all of their possessions to live in one of the houses on the farm that used to be a fishing cabin for the weekends. That was a big adjustment for the family. At the time, Jen was pregnant with their first son, teaching aerobics and personal training in downtown Fredericksburg, VA while Chris farmed from sunrise to sunset. He learned how to plant the straightest rows of corn, which is a bragging right as a farmer (and I’m sure he learned a lot of that from marching around the “I”), how to drive 18-wheelers to market, and how to harvest their crop without losing too many ears of corn on the ground. And … while Chris probably won’t be a huge fan of his BRs reading this, he also learned how to get a tractor impossibly stuck in the mud. Chris also has his own moving company on the side, named LANECB02 Moving Co., LLC. I wonder how he chose that name? Chris’ new business venture is a produce stand which is named for his lovely wife Jen, called GreenHearts Farm Produce, where both will be selling local produce to the area. Chris and Jen have their own gardens which of course they compete with each other to see who has the best yield. He is winning by a long shot. “The man has a green thumb now,” says Jen. While growing corn, soybeans, barley and wheat, Chris and Jen are also raising their two boys, Pelham (age 3), who is named after John Pelham, CSA, JEB Stuart’s horse drawn artilleryman and Kemper (age 8 months), who is named after Brigadier General James Kemper, CSA. Jen let me know that “our two little boys are the best and are a great source of happiness to our family. Pelham is obsessed with trains, tractors, trucks and loves the outdoors especially sailing with daddy. It’s a little boys dream here. Getting dirty, riding the big tractors with dad, sailing

146

on the weekends and all the time in the world with his momma. Kemper is our sunshine. He is known as BBE, best baby ever.” While it sounds like their lives are busy enough, Jen also wrote and published a couple of books this year which are centered on healthy living and nutrition. The books are a two part series, In the Garden of Good and its companion journal. You can check them out at: http://www.bookemon.com/bookprofile/in-the-garden-of-good/48519. Jen is also working on another book, GreenHearts, which will be finished sometime next year. Life is very peaceful for the Lane family. “It is a simple life where the weather dictates everything we do. Chris seems very satisfied by his choice to abandon the traditional business suit in pursuit of happiness.” Good for you Chris and Jen! We are all very proud of your hard accomplishments and hope you continue to enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor for years to come. That’s it for the notes this go-around. I have realized that many BRs reading this are far too humble (or frankly don’t have the time) to write in to let me know what they are up to. Thus, I am nudging all spouses, significant others, family members, friends, neighbors, enemies, and what-have-yous to please drop me an email and let me know what your 2002 alum has been up to. Now I’ve found another population, aside from my patients, to try to cull information from! But seriously, take care BRs, and I am looking forward to hearing from you soon. In the Spirit, Salmaan

William Talley V

’03

Phil Kerns

Well, Brother Rats, it feels like it was just February and I was composing/compiling the last set of notes. Things have been busy here in the Talley household. We are in the midst of closing on a house the end of May and trying to move. Which as I know many of you can relate is quite a task on its own, but when you add in two kids, the end of school and dance recital it feels like trying to get a permit approved to leave on a fall weekend during football season! Things are well though, Billy is now mobile and pulling up on everything and Savannah is

desperately trying to keep him out of her stuff and we are desperately trying to get Savannah to put her stuff up so it stays out of Billy’s mouth! There is great news to report, on Sunday May 16th the final member of the Class of 2003 received his diploma. Brother Rat Jon Faff ’10 walked the stage and got the sheepskin this past weekend. While I was not able to attend a think we had a few BR’s in Lexington to support Jon. So officially 10 years and 9 months later 2003 is done! Congratulations Jon on your accomplishment, I can’t think of anyone else that would have gone through what you did. We are proud of you! This set of notes is a tad light so please be sure to get those updates into your company representatives. The next set of notes is due in mid August so you need to send your updates around the end of July. Alpha Company – Mark Carr (carrmarka@ hotmail.com). I caught up with Rich Eytel and his wife just had a baby girl, Madelyn, in November. She’s doing well. He said he was leaving the academy and going to the USS GONZALEZ (DDG 66) out of Norfolk and will be the Operations Officer. I also heard from Marc Motyleski who is in Japan about to come back to the states. Once he returns, he will heading to Kansas for Human Terrain Team Training, then off to Afghanistan. Bravo Company – Bill Talley (wht5@whts. com) Chaz Wagner has switched jobs and is now a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Alliance MEP Engineers. He has gotten very involved with competitive shooting and hopes to star in the sequel to “MacGruber”. Vicky Ortiz recently competed in the National Duathlon in Richmond, VA with Lara Tyler and also has a new job with a construction management firm is currently working on the modernization of a government building in DC. Vicky is also now in Falls Church, VA. Matt Bartles is still over in Afghanistan, 6 months into his tour, and is doing information warfare. He will redeploy in June back to the US after five years overseas. He is looking to transition to the Naval Reserves and taking on an engineering job in the fall. Most exciting in Bravo is that Rick Reid and his wife Marla had a son on October 22, 2009, Parks Neal Allen Reid. Congratulations! Rick is still down at Fort Bragg and loves it. Marla says everyone is doing well. Charlie Company – Brandon Matthews (matthewsbr03@yahoo.com) and Josh Hillsman (jhillsman@dominionpayroll.com) Josh Hillsman reports that he is expecting his second child, a son, in June. Congratulations Josh! He also reports that A.J. Rickel

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES and Will Belmont are doing well. A request has also been made by both Brandon and Josh that their Charlie Brethren need to send them e-mails with notes. Otherwise, Brandon said he will start composing sonnets and haiku poems to fill the section. Delta Company – Blake Traina (Stephen.b.traina@gmail.com) Dan McNair has had a lot going on. He finished up grad school at Georgetown and has now left the government and is working for General Electric. He is living in Arlington and from what I can tell is doing great. I got a message from Brendan Barclay. He is heading to Fort Bragg soon to take his next assignment in the Army. Christopher Mision is still working for the Army National Guard in Arlington. I did get a great note from Jon Anderson. He is currently a ROTC instructor at University of Georgia. He and his wife, Mandy, have enjoyed the birth of their first child (a boy named Ernest “Ernie” Anthony Anderson). He still has a few years left in the Army, so he is still waiting to see what his next assignment will be. John and Sam News-

Class of 2003

ome ’03 lead a Bible study for some of Sam’s fellow law students. I also spoke to Ruth Jun at a VMI alumni breakfast. She is living and working in the northern VA area and is doing really well. Echo Company – Matt McQueen (matt03notes@gmail.com) No notes reported by deadline. F-Troop – Dermot Gavin (gghr@aol.com) No notes reported at deadline. Golf Company – Doug Warner (douglas. warner1@gmail.com) Golf Company, as well as VMI as a whole, had a huge showing in Dallas, TX, on April 10th, 2010, at the wedding of Wes Swank and Allison Gerard. In attendance were Chris Bluhm, Dan Clark, Paul Quinn, Spencer Robbins, Doug Warner, as well as Mark Swank ’76 (Wes’ father), Jim McCoy (father of: James McCoy ’94, Jason McCoy ’97 and Kenneth McCoy ’96), Terry Wolfe ’77, and Jennifer Adams (wife of Chris Adams ’03). The wedding was nothing short of amazing, and was truly a first-class event! It all went off in true Keydet fashion, complete with a groom’s cake in the shape of a VMI class of 2003 ring - with all the details! It was a great weekend, filled with lots of fun, celebration, reminiscing, and of course, to quote Wes’

Photos clockwise, from top, middle: - Grant Best, born Feb. 15, 2010, to Garth and Sharon Best. - Parks Neal Allen Reid, son of Rick and Marla, sitting beside his provisional appointment certificate. - Ernest “Ernie” Anthony, son of Jon and Mandy Anderson. - Alumni at the wedding of Wes and Allison Swank were, from left, Jim McCoy (father of James ’94, Jason ’97 and Kenneth ’96), Mark Swank ’76 (Wes’ father), Doug Warner, the groom, Spencer Robbins, Paul Quinn, Dan Clark, Chris Adams and Terry Wolfe ’77.

2010-Issue 3

graduation speech, a bunch of us “cocky foulmouthed drunks.” Kyle Haire was supposed to be in attendance as well, but was unable to come because of training obligations with the Marine Corps in Miramar, CA! Yes, you guessed it: Kyle is attending “Top Gun” school. So, please pass along your congratulations to him next time you see him for being selected for this prestigious honor. While at the wedding, I had the pleasure of meeting Chris Bluhm’s fiancée, Ida Leonardi. She and Chris are going to marry this July in Hawaii, so please send them your congratulations, as well! That’s all from Golf Company, but as always, please send any updates to doug03notes@ gmail.com. Hotel Company – Rob McLean (rob. mclean03@gmail.com) This has been a bittersweet few months for Hotel Company. We are sad to report the passing of Eric Edwards’ father, Lane M. Edwards, on Tuesday, May 4th. Mr. Edwards died unexpectedly in Fredericksburg, VA, at the age of 55. Funeral services were held on May 7th. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Eric and his family for their loss. In other news, Will Johnson recently left for a one year tour in the Herat Province of western

147

CLASS NOTES Afghanistan. He is joined by Phil Lacey ’06, who happens to be the rat of our own Garth Best. Despite being marooned at Ft. Hood for the month prior to his deployment, Will was able to spend some quality time with Linsay, his wife of only six months, before leaving. Allen Maxey returned from Afghanistan in March. He and his wife Shelley have returned to Alaska and are settling down in Anchorage. Allen plans to apply for a residency in Anesthesiology this summer. Vince LaPietra graduated from the JAG officer basic course on May 4th in Charlottesville, VA. He will continue serving in the Army Reserve as a Judge Advocate in addition to working for the California Attorney General’s office in San Diego. Joe Pederson and I sure did enjoy having Vince around Charlottesville for the last few months. Matt Keck recently left Abbott Laboratories to join Patterson Dental Supply as a Territory Representative. He and his wife Komal are in the process of moving to their new home on Smith Mountain Lake, a short drive from their current digs in Roanoke. Last but not least, we are proud to announce yet another birth in the Hotel family. Raymond Grant Best was born to Garth and Sharon Best on February 15 at 9:27am. Baby Grant, who is also the grandson of Hugh Hopkins ’69, weighed in at 7 lbs. 11oz. and was 21 inches long. The enclosed picture shows he’s already done a lot of growing. Grant recently completed a tour of the Mid-Atlantic where he spent some quality time with Hotel Brother Rats Matt Keck, Jason Boncher and Rob McLean. Like any good Keydet family, Garth and Sharon took their new son for a tour of VMI. We cannot confirm if any admissions department personnel were part of this tour. Let’s hope so! Band Company – Jared Swanson (jswan03@ gmail.com) No notes submitted at deadline. Well Brother Rat’s that’s all for this edition. I hope that everyone has a great summer and stays safe. Be sure to get plenty of pictures from vacations and cookouts so that we can have them in the next issue. In The Bonds, Bill

Ryan Shealy

’04

C. Justin Roberts

Editor’s Note: There were no notes received from the class of 2004 for this issue.

148

Timothy Johnson

’05

William Ray

Brother Rats, On May 15, 2010, Will Ray, Seth Parker and I sat around the fire pit at Will’s parents’ home in Richmond, enjoying a good cigar and fine adult beverages reflecting on the fact that the following day would mark the 5 year anniversary of our reprieve from all duties, responsibilities, and abuse at the Virginia Military Institute. For Will and Seth, it was the first time the two had seen each other since walking across the stage five years ago. While I feel it has become annoying and cliché to say “Wow, time flies!”, I will say more than time passing quickly, the changes I have seen occur in the lives of members of our class in the two short years I have been writing the class notes have been significant. In only a few years, we have gone from being lowly cadets subjected to the abuses and “high crimes” of the Institute to company commanders, junior executives, husbands, wives, mothers, and fathers. Even the latest set of notes, while brief, conveys the incredible changes going on in our class’ life. Without further delay, here is the latest set of notes: Brother Rat Craig Wiggers (Honorary ’05) and his family are still enjoying living in The Netherlands and working with NATO. His brief deployment to ISAF went well with nothing significant to report. The Wiggers have been taking advantage of traveling around Europe and his children, Patrick and Marie have been actively involved with the local soccer programs as well as participating in the school band and drama club. Betsy has been actively volunteering at the school as well. Unfortunately, LTC Wiggers will be missing the 5 year reunion due to distance, but he certainly looks forward to getting the updates from the class. Sam Johnson sends in the following update: “Tom Hardinge and his wife, Missy, are expecting triplets in about two weeks! All three are girls, so Tom will have his hands full. They are living in Des Moines, Iowa where Tom works as a Project Engineer with the Baker Group. They have a blog at: http://livinginpursuit.wordpress.com. Jonathan Johnson, his wife, Lauren, and son, Brodie, are still in Alpharetta, Georgia where Jon works in IT and as a trainer. He and Lauren are actively involved in their church and loving life. John Streetman got out of the Marine Corps this

spring, and is staying in Southern California for the time being. He is actively pursuing a career in Law Enforcement with the LAPD. Andrew Stone just finished his MBA at Old Dominion University this semester. He has a great job with Towne Bank in Norfolk, and is coming up to Philadelphia in a few weeks so I can take him to watch the Phillies demolish his beloved Chicago Cubs. As for me, I am still in the Marine Corps, stationed in Reading, Pennsylvania as the active duty OIC for Battery I, 3/14. My wife and I are expecting our first child in late June. We’re all looking forward to the class reunion and by then we’ll have at least 5 new additions for the VMI community.” Fortunately, due to the absence of one wonderful assistant editor from the Alumni Review staff, Traci Mierzwa and my own inability to finish editing the notes on time, I am able to report on May 17th Missy Hardinge gave birth to three beautiful baby girls: Sienna Elaine (3 pounds, 15 ounces, 17 inches); Rowan Anna (3 pounds, 4 ounces, 15 ¾ inches), and Jovie Jane (4 pounds, 8 ounces, 17 ¾ inches): “Mommy and babies are doing well. Obviously, all are tiny; a lot smaller than we had thought as of last Thursday morning. Sienna and Jovie are both on supplemental oxygen; Rowan is not. More pictures to follow, I could not get a great shot of Sienna with all the commotion of the NICU. The nurses are currently performing precautionary x-rays to make sure their lungs are performing as they are supposed to. Missy is very sore, but doing well in recovery. More vitals to follow…all have 10 fingers, 10 toes, dark hair, all are pink, and all are crying…Praise God!” Gabriela Arraiz checks in from deployment where she has been in support of OEF since August of 2009. Currently, she is stationed in Kuwait and travels all over Kuwait, Afghanistan, Egypt and Qatar as a postal inspector for the 310th Human Resources Sustainment Center (HRSC) Postal Operations Division (POD). “God willing”, by the time you read this, she will have returned home to Orlando this July. At the time the notes were due, Jason Reinitz was still at Hurlburt Field and was due to move to Washington, D.C. in July. Until then, he was TDY to Homestead, where he saw Col. Adam Loveless ’86 get pinned on. Scarlett Collins Bean reported that Alex Gernandt was selected as the XVIII Airborne Corps NCO of the Year. The story can be found at the following link: http://www.army. mil/-news/2010/04/23/37894-xviii-airbornecorps-names-nco-soldier-of-the-year/ Ryan Clemens checks in with big news that he married Alana Claire Woodall of Gadsden, Alabama in a small family ceremony in

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES January. Unfortunately, no brother rats were In March, several of the Brother Rats gathered out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, with Ian present. He is still working at the Marion Miliin Richmond at Blackfinn for a surprise going serving in MARSOC and Jason with the 2nd tary Institute teaching chemistry and having a away party for Andrew Troy, who has been de- Recon Battalion. pretty good time and is looking forward to the ployed to the Middle East with the Army. Chris As I had mentioned in a previous edition of reunion this fall. Johnson, Jason Downs, Sean Moore, Alex Cor- the class notes, Seth Parker has been working Lawton Way graduated from William and rell, Brian Duncan, Greg VanPelt, Ben Melton, as a contract ROTC officer at the University Mary Law School on May 16th. of Richmond. Over the past school Also, after years of self reflection year, Seth and I have had the opand feet dragging, Lawton got enportunity to catch up a few times gaged to his longtime girlfriend, a month over drinks. He accepted Shelton Weatherford. A wedding the job as a temporary means for is scheduled for February 2010. employment while he waited on his Jon Proctor has followed a simiapplication package and interview lar path as Lawton as he graduated process to be completed by the FBI. from Ole Miss Law School in During the process, the opportunity May and became engaged to his to join the 19th Special Forces group girlfriend, Christine Vaughan, out of West Virginia presented itself who is a graduate of Georgia and Seth has chosen to leave the Tech and also graduated from University of Richmond at the end the Ole Miss Law School. Folof May 2010. He also has deferred lowing graduation, Jon relocated his acceptance into the FBI until he to Atlanta, Georgia where he has completes the 60 or so months of Class of 2005: Members of the class gathered for a going an internship. Special Forces training as the 19th away, pre-deployment party for Andrew Troy in RichAndy Stribling sent in the Special Forces group is a National mond, Virginia, on March 20, 2010. Pictured from left: following update: “I, Andy StriGuard outfit. When all is said and Jason Downs, Greg VanPelt, Josh Sullivan, Sean Moore, bling, recently moved in with my Andrew Troy, Brian Duncan, Chris Johnson, Ben Melton done, Seth will most likely be back and Tim Johnson. girlfriend, Mallory Doyle, of two in Richmond working for the FBI years into Centreville, Virginia. I while having his National Guard unfortunately broke my face in commitments. about twenty places on March 27th playing Divi- Josh Sullivan, Ian Dunlap, Jarrett Moran ’08, As for your class agents, there is nothing sion III Men’s Rugby and am the proud owner Tyler Crockett ’08, Salmaan Khawaja ’02, and new to report. Will and I did have the opporof three Titanium plates in my right cheek. I will I were in attendance that evening. Many of the tunity to attend the Class Agents Conference now retire from playing but want to be a Re- gentlemen in attendance, I have mentioned in in April at VMI. We had a very good trip and hydration Technician for the Warrenton Rugby the previous notes and there are no real updates productive time finding out what’s going on Club. I’m looking forward to seeing Brother Rats except for Ian Dunlap who will be deploying at the Institute, voicing our concerns and the in October for the Reunion. I would like say I to Afghanistan this summer in a support role concerns of our class to the various members am loving Reggie Williams ’08 playing in the and Jason Downs who will also be deploying to of the Institute, and learning from several of NBA. In Reggie We Trust! … I still want his Afghanistan some time in late summer or early the agents for classes pre-dating 1965 that Fajersey from VMI if anyone can help.” fall. Both Ian and Jason are in the Marine Corps cebook could very well be at communist plot

Congratulations to the Hardinges Class of 2005: On May 17, 2010, Missy and Tom Hardinge welcomed three girls into the world. From left: Siena Elaine, Rowan Anna and Jovie Jane.

2010-Issue 3

149

CLASS NOTES to overthrow the governments of the West and to enslave millions of people! Crazy theories aside, Will and I wish to express our desire to have you all continually updating us on what is going on with you and sharing your interests and concerns on ways that the Alumni offices can be of greater assistance to you. In addition, with a little under two months to go, we hope you all are making plans to join us in Lexington for the weekend of October 1st through the 3rd for our Five Year Reunion. We have a great weekend planned which we are sure you will enjoy that will give you plenty of time to reconnect with the Brother Rats and to view first hand the changes that have been made on Post in the last five years. That wrap’s up the latest edition of the class notes. I hope you enjoyed them and I hope to see you in October! Until next time ... In the Bonds, Tim Johnson

’06

Will Davis

Brother Rats, I have not received any information in time for the publication of the Review. Please send me updates along with photos, so I can share your information with the rest of the class. I look forward to hearing from you all. Ra VA Mil, Will Davis

’07

Sally Coffman Arciero

Well, Brother Rats, by the time this issue is printed, our Rats will have graduated the Mother “I” and moved into the world to take their places as future leaders in all walks of life, whether it be military or civilian endeavors. It seems like just yesterday we were matriculating the class of 2007+3 and discovering just what it meant to be dykes. I believe we can all take immense pride in seeing the VMI class of 2010 graduate and in knowing that we aided them during their first moments at our beloved institute. Before I begin the notes for this issue, I would like to offer heartfelt congratulations to the newest VMI alumni, the class of 2010. I know many of our BRs were able to get back to the Institute to see the Rats commission and receive their diplomas. I’m sure everyone who attended had a wonderful time

150

not only watching the festivities, but also catching up with one another. In other news, however, I heard from Ryan Young who has just finished his first year of grad school at George Mason University where he is studying Peace Operations Policy. He hopes to graduate in December and then move back abroad in order to do some more development work. He mentioned that he lived with Greg Schwartz and Rich Meredith in Arlington, VA. He passes on that they are both doing well. They had a VMI party not too long ago and Ryan says they had a nice showing of, not only BRs but older alumni as well. He also wrote that he sees Rob Jacaruso fairly often. Rob lives in Montgomery County, Maryland, where he works as a policeman. Their old roommate Corey Bafford is stationed in Okinawa, Japan, until June, but has been able to return stateside to visit several times. He will probably be stationed in San Diego when he leaves Okinawa in June and Ryan said that he, Rob, and Corey are planning on driving cross-country for his move. He also spoke with Kaiyu Shih who mentioned he may be returning to the states for grad school, but no definite plans there yet. Ryan also keeps in touch with Pete Relyea from time to time. Pete just finished hiking the Appalachian Trail and then got a job in New York. Ryan and Laura Hash ran into each other at a job interview in D.C. and she passed on to Ryan that she landed a contracting job and is being relocated out west somewhere. Thanks, Ryan, for the nice, lengthy e-mail. It was great to hear from you! Matt Upchurch also contacted me with the great news that he finally earned his pilot’s wings and will be stationed at Scott AFB in Illinois to fly generals, congressmen, and DVs around the country in C-21s. He saw Stefan Dietrich at Vance AFB, who also just recently earned his pilot’s wings. Stefan will be stationed at Fairchild AFB in Washington to fly KC-135s. I heard from Evan Hanks as well who says that he is currently deployed to an undisclosed desert location as 1 of the 3 AFCENT depot liaison engineers. He says he works with all aircraft in the AOR and he is having a blast. He should return to Robins AFB in July as a Special Ops aircraft engineer. Ryan Benson is just now finishing up a three year tour he spent at Langley AFB, VA. He will be moving on to Manhattan College in New York City to be a ROTC instructor. He says he is pretty excited about it. Wayne Huggins is stationed at Pax River NAS as an acquisition officer on the V-22 Osprey. He is also a full-time student through the Liberty Theological Seminary Distance

Program and is a part-time youth pastor at a local church there in Maryland. He is also engaged to Ms. Sarah Lewis, who he met at Mark Miller’s wedding. Congratulations, Wayne! Deuntay Diggs is starting his third year with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy of Patrol and is also currently in his second year with United Methodist Family Services as a mentor. He also mentions that he is currently engaged! Congrats to you as well, BR! Jamaal Walton wrote to say that he left his job at the University of Tennessee and moved on to Norman, Oklahoma. While in Knoxville, however, he was able to spend some time with Michael Rice and Brad Pruitt. Now, he works for the University of Oklahoma Sooners in the athletic department as the new Assistant Director of Marketing and Promotions. He looks forward to spending quality time with the class in the near future. Dana Daly finished his tour in Korea and is now stationed at Fort Myer, Virginia, Arlington National Cemetery, with the 3rd Infantry Regiment aka “The Old Guard” as a transportation officer. He lives in National Harbor, MD. Chris Waddell just moved to Ithaca, NY, where he works with the state of New York through the Office of Children and Family Services. He is a Youth Division Aide and he works with troubled and delinquent youth. He says he is currently engaged and they have a beautiful new son named Riley David Waddell, who was born on April 16. Chris writes that Riley is VMI class of 2032! By now, I’m sure we’ve all heard the news about Justin Trowbridge. He is doing great after being wounded in Afghanistan and is back stateside to recover. Best of luck to Justin and his family in the next several months to come. Our thoughts and prayers are always with you, Justin. Stay strong.

’08

Robert Hill

Hello, everyone. I want to apologize for not reaching out to all of you for this round of notes. I got a little tied up with finishing my master’s, and getting ready to work. I hope that by the time you read this, you all had a great summer. Our Rats should be heading back to VMI for their 1st class year, any day now, and for me, that hard to imagine we’ve been gone that long already. Cory Houck sent me a message shortly

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

CLASS NOTES after I submitted the last set of notes. I would like your help in class notes. Cory had just arrived the future. I have very few of your at Fort Richardson, AK. Cory email addresses, and that makes it finished OBC and Ranger school extremely difficult to contact some before driving from South Caroof you. Facebook is limited in how lina to Anchorage. 4300 miles easily I can contact our class as a later, and a ferry ride from Washmass and your emails would make ington, Cory arrived safely two it much easier to communicate. It weeks after he began his trip. would also allow me to keep you Another civil engineering maupdated on important matters such jor, Phill Yi finished his Master as fellow BRs who may have been of Science Degree in Environinjured overseas, are getting marmental Engineering this spring at ried, had a new baby, or anything Virginia Tech. On February 19th, of that nature. I realize some of you may wish not to be contacted Phill was engaged to Ester Baek all the time, and if you simply tell of Newport News. The two met me that in an email, I will respect while they both were at VT. Now that. With that said, before you Phill is working as an Assistant put the Alumni Review down, do Engineer at Hazen and Sawyer, me a favor and walk over to your P.C. in Fairfax, VA. Congrats computer, and send me a brief Phill on both the engagement and email with your contact informanew job. Class of 2008: Robbie Hill with his girlfriend, Lauren, tion. I would really appreciate it! Brett Skoog was married on at the Pennsylvania State University Graduate School Enjoy the fall and football season. March 6th to the former Andrea Commencement Ceremony. God Bless! Dryden in downtown Pensacola, Florida. Brett commented that August 14th! Congrats to you both! there was a strong VMI showing Ian Williams Jesse Burnette was featured on several for the best day of his life. The pastor for website in the last few months during the the ceremony was Rev. William Morris ’78, Iraqi Elections. Jesse is a platoon leader with and in attendance were Mr. and Mrs. Mike Company B, 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Boykin, and the groomsmen Bobby Hawley, Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne John Richardson, and Ryan Rose. The Division. Jesse was part of the team providI hope this edition of the Alumni Review Skoog’s are expecting their second child on ing security at election centers on March 7th. finds everyone well. I know I mentioned in My roommate, Matt Mitchell was also part my last notes that it had been a year since we of a QRF (quick reaction force) during the took the long awaited walk across the stage, elections and stayed busy. but that was written in February. As I am I received a note from Brett Whitsitt’s dad on writing this, it is actually about a week from early April. Brett completed his SEAL training being a full year. I can’t believe how fast this on February 12th, and earned his Trident pin. past year has gone by. All those who comHe is assigned to SEAL Team Seven, which is missioned (the majority of the class) should based in San Diego, California. To celebrate be done with training and ready to deploy if the moment, Brett’s entire family went sky- they haven’t already. And those who took the diving, including his parents. They had a great brave jump into the civilian world, myself time. Congrats to Brett. Hopefully for the next included should hopefully be settling down Review, I should have some news about more into a nice position as CEO of something SEALS from our class. somewhere. As I write these notes, I am preparing for As usual, I’ll start with those nearest too graduation tomorrow at Penn State. It was defi- myself. Again, Fort Drum likes to bring in a nitely and interesting experience after our time lot of VMI graduates and as I mentioned last at VMI. I am starting a job at HNTB as a struc- time Alex Kari has arrived in upstate New tural engineer with two other recent Penn State York. Initially, he was only supposed to be grads in Harrisburg, PA. I also made it back to here briefly before deploying, much like John the Institute for a few days in late April for the Collier. However, the area has enjoyed his Class Agents’ Conference. It was interesting company so much that his deployment dates to see the progress of the construction, both of have been pushed back twice. He hopes to Barracks and North Post. I would encourage all be in Afghanistan by late May early June. of you to take a minute and visit the Institute For part of his deployment, Alex will get to Class of 2008: Brett Whitsitt with website to see all the changes. see a familiar face. Jackie Morton and Alex his Trident Pin which makes him a As I mentioned before, I apologized for will be at the same forward operating base. Navy SEAL. not reaching out to more of you for these Jackie along with Andrew Washbish and

’09

2010-Issue 3

151

CLASS NOTES and he is now with a securities company in Dubai. Not a bad place to be. And a while ago I mentioned that Phil Noonan was substitute teaching. He is actually a full time teacher and from what I hear he is squatting around 400 lbs. Let me be the first to say congrats Phil! That’s all the news I have for now. Keep calling me, texting me, facebooking me. Just keep in touch! And I’m sorry if I left anyone out or forgot anything. If you think I did just get a hold of me. Also, if you changed addresses or you’re not getting your VMI mail let me know and I’ll get it straightened out. Oh, I almost forgot. I wanted to leave you with a powerful quote. Something you could think about until the next set of notes came out. But I can do you one better. This comes from Alex Kari, “Are you ticklish?” Stay safe and keep in touch ... Ian

Class of 2009: Bear hunting in Alaska were, from left, Mike Pasquale ’06, Dayton Blume and Jon Nagle ’06. Sean Peterson graduated EBOLC on April 16th at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Much like Alex has been having his dates moved around Chris Brown has been in the same situation. After graduating from Artillery school at Fort Sill, Chris made the journey to upstate unsure of his dates for Ranger school and Airborne. Chris, Chris’s father Ed Brown ’81, Alex, and myself got to catch up over dinner. After several glasses of water we all said goodbye and Chris got some sleep before taking a small vacation. While on vacation he learned that he would be heading to Airborne school on May 28th. Then from there he would be going straight to Ranger school. He will have some BRs with him the entire way with Trent Blackman following along to both schools. Then there will be a strong showing at Ranger school with Chris,

Trent, Nate Goldsmith, Finney Kimsey, Kevin Pelletier, Alex Oliver, and Brian Peeler ‘08. Daniel Brewer and Tom Duncan are already there having a blast and living the good life. Speaking of having a blast; Dayton Blume spent some time tracking down bears in Alaska with Mike Pasquale ’06 and John Nagle ’06. Kip Joerdens is also stationed in Alaska, but he has not managed to go bear hunting. Michelle Lukenbill is over in Dayton, Ohio with the Air Force. Starting in the fall she will begin work towards her masters in Applied Behavioral Psychology. As with Michelle, there are a few of our BRs who are continuing their education. As I have mentioned in previous notes, Andrew Rice is in law school in Virginia and Reza Eftekhar is in graduate school in Connecticut. Like Andrew, David Grey will be in law school this fall but in the much farther north city of Philadelphia. Now I have some corrections. In the last notes I wrote that Rammy Barbari would be attending law school. Well, he had a change of plans

’10

Matthew Allen

On May 16, 2010, 247 of the original 442 cadets who matriculated on August 19, 2006, as the Class of 2010 received their diplomas from Gen. Peay ’62 in the attendance of various distinguished guests, faculty, family and friends. During the classes four year tenure at the Institute, the class demonstrated extraordinary leadership from both the regimental and class systems to ensure that the legacy of VMI and the Class of 2010 will live on for the many years to come. 99 members of our class accepted a commission into the U.S. Armed Forces on May 15, 2010, and 19 more will be commissioned in the coming months upon completion of their training. Several members of our class will be attending various graduate programs and others will begin their professional careers in the civilian sector. Surely, in the coming years the Class of 2010 and the Institute will be heard from! Very Respectfully, Matthew L. Allen

The VMI Bookstore Class of 2009: Sean Peterson, Jackie Morton and Andrew Washbish at the Engineer Officer Basic Course.

152

Looking around for just the right gift? Outgrown your old VMI sweatshirt? Address: Manager, VMI Keydet Bookstore, 200 Lejeune, Lexington VA 24450 Phone: 540/464-7637 VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

“Put the Boys In…

and may God forgive me for the order.”

General John C. Breckinridge New Market, May 15, 1864

“Put the Boys In” by Don Troiani On a drizzly May 15th in 1864, a small Confederate force risked being overwhelmed by a larger Federal unit commanded by Franz Sigel near New Market, Virginia, in the Shenandoah. Suffering the combined effects of Union muskets and artillery canister rounds, the center of the Confederate line evaporated. Confederate Gen. John C. Breckinridge quickly realized his options: repair the gap in the line or fall back. With the young cadets from VMI as his only reserve, he hesitated, but then commanded, “Put the boys in,” he stated, “and may God forgive me for the order.” The young cadets advanced, cheering loudly, with many losing their shoes in the muddy field. The cadets engaged the Federals of Von Klieser’s Battery who attempted to defend their position. Moments later, Cadet Oliver Evans jumped up on a captured cannon, madly waving the VMI flag as the cadets cheered wildly, having helped rout the Union force. Afterward, Gen. Breckinridge rode up to the young men stating, “Well done, Virginians. Well done, men.” Don Troiani, one the finest military artists of this century, has created a beautiful and arguably the most historically accurate portrayal of the VMI cadets at the Battle of New Market in his latest work, “Put the Boys In.” The original oil is an 80”x 50” masterpiece which hangs in Moody Hall. Print Size: 19 x 29 inches. Including white border, the size is 23-1/2 x 32 inches.

The Cross of Honor

Order Your Copy of Troiani’s “Put the Boys In” Today! To Order: Call the VMI Alumni Association at 800/444-1839 or send check to Lisla Danas, VMI Alumni Association, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450. Make checks payable to: VMI Alumni Association UNFRAMED PRINT: $250 + $15 Shipping & Handling = $265.00 (VA & CT residents add $15.90) = $280.90 FRAMED PRINT: $545 + $100 Shipping & Handling = $645.00 (VA & CT residents add $37.20) = $657.20 2010-Issue 3

“CROSS of HONOR” VMI SPECIAL EDITIONS: There are only 400 “VMI Special Edition” prints of the total 950 produced. These prints, uniquely, have the “Cross of Honor” (shown above). In 1904, The VMI Alumni Association presented to each member of the New Market Corps or his descendant a bronze “Cross of Honor.” Description: Suspended from a bar bearing the words “For Valor,” is a cross which appears around the seal of the state of Virginia, “VMI Cadet Battalion, New Market, May 15, 1864.” On the reverse is engraved the name of the battle veteran. Please Note: Print numbers may vary from 1 to 950. 153

CLASS NOTES CARTER – A daughter, Alida Mae, to Laura and Joseph W. Carter ’00 on March 21, 2010.

BIRTHS JONES – A daughter, Morgan Elizabeth, to Robin and R. Kevin Jones ’89 on March 2, 2010. SCHWARZMANN – A daughter, Gianna Grace, to Joellyn and Matthew J. Schwarzmann ’90 on April 3, 2010.

FISHBURNE – A daughter, Bella Luchia, to Christina and Samuel T. Fishburne ’01 on April 4, 2010. WILLIAMS – A son, Brighton Briggs, to Kari and Tyson D. Williams ’02 on Dec. 7, 2009.

PLOGGER – A daughter, Stella Lane, to Angela and Eric S. Plogger ’93 on April 8, 2010.

BEST – A son, Raymond Grant, to Sharon and R. Garth Best ’03 on Feb. 15, 2010.

DUNNINGTON – A son, Sheppard Dean, to Molly and Andrew S. Dunnington ’95 on May 5, 2010.

HARDINGE – Triplet daughters, Sienna Elaine, Rowan Anna and Jovie Jane, to Missy and Thomas C. Hardinge ’05 on May 17, 2010.

SOUTHALL – A son, Henry Scott, to Laura and D. Scott Southall ’95 on Aug. 20, 2009. SUCIC – A daughter, Maria, to Marela and Ante J. Sucic ’95 on May 7, 2010. FILIPIAK – A daughter, Norah “Dee,” to Viranya and Barton P. Filipiak ’96 on Feb. 19, 2010. BUIS – Twin daughters, Erin Connolly and Clara Vawter, to Megan and J. Errett Buis ’98 on March 11, 2010. SIMS – A son, Robert Andrew, to Carla and J. Aaron Sims ’98 on May 9, 2010. TING – A son, Steven Velasco, to Jennifer and Shawn Ting ’98 in December 2009.

MARRIAGES O’KEEFE – Patricia Adele Logan to J. Sills O’Keefe ’93 on Nov. 21, 2009. STRANSKY – Gillian Laabs to Douglas J. Stransky ’93 on April 24, 2010. KARAVETSOS – Marlene Fernandez to George M. Karavetsos ’94 on April 25, 2009. MCDANIEL – Jennifer Whited to Travis N. McDaniel ’94 on May 2, 2009. O’SULLIVAN – Krysta Rahemba to Donald M. O’ Sullivan ’00 on April 17, 2010.

CURTIS – Megan McFarland to P. Connor Curtis ’01 on May 1, 2010. CLEMENS – Alana Claire Woodall to Ryan T. Clemens ’05 in January 2010. SKOOG – Andrea Dryden to Brett G. Skoog ’08 on March 6, 2010.

DEGREES Jonathan A. Proctor ’05 School of Law University of Mississippi University, MS May 2010

J.D.

Lawton B. Way ’05 Marshall-Wythe School of Law College of William and Mary Williamsburg, VA May 2010

J.D.

Phill H. Yi ’08 M.S. Environmental Engineering Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA Spring 2010 Robert P. Hill Jr. ’08 M.E. Civil Engineering The Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA May 2010

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 Richard D. Schmitz ’31 Ernest C. Johnson ’29 Thomas M. Zeledon ’30 William B. Walshe ’32 Richard C.Wight Jr. ’30 Howard J. Bell ’33 William R. Landrum ’34 James Heine ’34

154

Oct. 17, 1905 Feb. 24, 1908 May 19, 1908 Dec. 21, 1908 Nov. 30, 1909 May 26, 1910 Nov. 25, 1910 Dec. 3, 1910 Mar. 18, 1911

E. Lane Whitley ’34 Wayne C. Weaver ’33 Emmett J. Heerdt ’34 John D. Todd Jr. ’34 Richard H. McCormick ’34 Thomas St. John Arnold ’35 Alfred J. Snapp ’35 James E. Kirk ’36

April 1, 1911 Dec. 6, 1911 Feb. 27, 1912 June 30, 1912 Dec. 4, 1912 Sept. 8, 1913 Sept. 18, 1913 Oct. 25, 1913

Oscar E. Roberson ’38 Edwin T. Arnold ’35 James C. Sherman ’35 Gardner F. Goodwyn ’36 Randolph Tucker Jr. ’37 Robert W.W. Evans ’35 John A. Gialanella ’36 John H. Divine III ’36

Nov. 13, 1913 Feb. 7, 1914 Mar. 31, 1914 April 27, 1914 June 29, 1914 Aug. 7,1914 Aug. 28, 1914 Nov. 13, 1914

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENTS APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

Class of 2014 Joseph Michael Marianetti Jack William Neblett

Kenneth William Proctor IV Marty R. Stango ’64

Cousin Father

Great uncle

Class of 2017 Samuel A. Lowman Jr. ’84 Nathan Friedline ’00 Andrew C. Zolper ’87

Father Uncle Father

Berton G. Austin Jr. ’02 Paul A. D’Antonio ’82 Charles G. Simpson ’86 Patrick G. Simpson ’10 Christopher W. Simpson ’01 Andrew C. Zolper ’87 Andrew C. Zolper ’87 Andrew C. Zolper ’87

Uncle Father Father Brother Cousin Father Father Father

Jose M. Robles ’95

Uncle

Samuel A. Lowman Jr. ’84 Hoge T. Sutherland ’50B

Father Grandfather

Berton G. Austin Jr. ’02 Bryan Hornaman ’96

Uncle Uncle

Harry S. May III ’72 Joshua C. West IV ’64 Joshua C. West III ’28 Roy L. Peters ’64 Hoge T. Sutherland ’50B Andrew C. Zolper ’87

Grandfather Great uncle Great-great-grandfather Grandfather Grandfather Father

Bryan Hornaman ’96

Uncle

Paul A. D’Antonio ’82

Father

Sean R. Swineford ’95

Father

Joshua T. Lewis ’96

Father

Joshua T. Lewis ’96 Hoge T. Sutherland ’50B Hoge T. Sutherland ’50B

Father Grandfather Grandfather

Class of 2018 Dayton Brook Austin Mark A. D’Antonio Andrew Geoffrey Simpson

Robert Liddy Zolper Sarah Fleming Zolper Natalie Bowne Zolper

Class of 2019 Rodrigo Aristides Robles

Class of 2020 Miles Thomas Lowman Aidan Patrick Villavicencio

Class of 2021 Jacob Levi Austin Justin Bradlee Danhour

Class of 2022 Cody Robert Bartleson Noah Kai Owen Cross Harrison Lee Latta Marcelo Sean Villavicencio Andrew Thompson Zolper

Class of 2023 Bransdon Lane Danhour

Class of 2024 Joseph D’Antonio

Class of 2025 Randall McLane Swineford

Class of 2026 Cole Tristan Lewis

Class of 2028 Miles Benjamin Lewis Brendan Tyler Sutherland Sean Thomas Sutherland

2010-Issue 3

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

Class of 2029 Steven J. Watson ’05 John C. Neblett ’85

Class of 2016

Samuel Austin Lowman III Colin Sheffield John Ryan Zolper

APPOINTEE’S NAME Owen Robert Hedglen Vanessa Shannon Alexis Villavicencio

Capt. Robert J. Hedglen Jr. ’03, USMC

Father

Hoge T. Sutherland ’50B

Grandfather

Sean J. Collins ’01 Chad Lloyd ’01 Ralph L. Hollowell ’61 William T. Talman Jr. ’66, MD R. Cameron Thompson III ’74

Father Father Grandfather Cousin Grandfather

Class of 2030 Hudson Riley Collins Sadie Everett Lloyd Holden McGuire Talman John David Thumann II

Class of 2031 Ruth Elisabeth Bryson James Henry Harrell

Dale A. Bryson ’77 Joseph A. Harrell II ’97 Col. Edwin L. Dooley (Honorary ’01) Elizabeth Elaine Therese Harris Steven A. Harris ’01 Christopher S. Butera ’01 Reese Audrey Hedglen Capt. Robert J. Hedglen Jr. ’03, USMC Jessica Ann Johnson Bryan Hornaman ’96 Sabrina Isabelle Ridout Leslie P. Ridout Jr. ’68 Carter Thomas Rodriguez Bryan J. Rodriguez ’02 Waylon E. Ruble David A. Piening ’82 Jackson Adam Satterthwaite Wymer W. Manning III ’79 Wymer W. Manning Jr. ’54 John C. Manning ’83 James A. Manning ’90

Father Father Grandfather Father Godfather Father Uncle Grandfather Uncle Uncle Grandfather Great-grandfather Great uncle Great uncle

Class of 2032 Nicholas Matthew Burlew Alexander Greene Crittenden Margaret Hope Crittenden Samuel Talmadge Felvey

Floyd N. Roberts ’61 Charles B. Upshaw Jr. ’49B, MD Charles B. Upshaw Jr. ’49B, MD William T. Felvey ’01 Jones Felvey II ’50B Thomas S. Felvey ’52 Everett McIntosh Gibbons John M. Gibbons Jr. ’65 Parker Benjamin Jones Victor G. Barnes ’66 Benjamin F. Barnes III ’55 Michael Barnes ’80 Charles Barnes ’07 William Roberts Kaiser George H. Roberts Jr. ’68 Marshall Henry III ’65 Wesley Harrison Lawrence Herbert H. Guyton III ’66 Caleb James Kekoanui Leggett Charles A. Leggett ’93 Liam Liang McMurry Richard McMurry ’61 Carter Crane Reel Andrew M. Reel ’03 Adam L. Reel ’07 Parks Neal Allen Reid Richard N. Reid Jr. ’03 Henry Joseph Rodriguez Bryan J. Rodriguez ’02 William Thomas Scott William J. Scott ’97 William W. Scott ’63 Cameron Hayes Thumann R. Cameron Thompson III ’74 Riley David Waddell Christopher L. Waddell ’07

Grandfather Grandfather Grandfather Father Cousin Cousin Grandfather Grandfather Great uncle Cousin Cousin Grandfather Grand uncle Grandfather Father Grandfather Father Uncle Father Father Father Grandfather Grandfather Father

155

TAPS TAPS Prentis P. Smith ’29 Prentis Percival Smith ’29 of Newport News, Virginia, died on March 15, 2010. He was 103. Smith matriculated from the Denbigh area of Newport News and attended VMI for one month and 21 days. A lifelong resident of Denbigh, he was the son of the late Benjamin P. Smith and Mary Curtis Smith and the grandson of the late Dr. Humphrey Harwood Curtis and Maria Whitaker Curtis of Endview Plantation. He served his community as a rural carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 33 years before retiring in 1965. He was the Grand Marshall of Denbigh Day in 2003. Smith was predeceased by his wife, Edwynne (Eddie) Parker Smith, and a son, Benjamin Dennis Smith. He is survived by his son, James P. Smith, and his wife, Armanda Smith; daughter, Nellie Smith Schultz; grandsons, James P. Smith Jr. and his wife, Ann Smith, and Jeffery P. Smith and his wife, Jenifer Smith; granddaughter, Leslie Ann Smith; and greatgrandchildren, Parker Smith, Summer Smith, James D. Smith and Jenna Smith. His cousins who also attended VMI were Douglas C. Curtis, class of 1918, who died in 1978; C. Coleman Curtis, class of 1919, who died in 1962; Lloyd E. Curtis, class of 1921 (date of death unknown); and Simon C. Curtis, class of 1933, who died in 1986.

Francis F. Willingham ’35 Francis Fries Willingham ’35 of WinstonSalem, North Carolina, died on March 26, 2010. He was 95. Willingham matriculated from Winston-Salem and attended VMI for two years. He graduated from the University of North Carolina, earning a bachelor of science degree in commerce. He was employed by Indera Mills, from which he retired as president in 1980. Like many of his generation, he served his country during World War II and was a lieutenant in the Navy from 1943-46. Willingham was a life-long member of the Home Moravian Church. He served as a member of the board of elders, was chairman of the board of trustees from 1952-58, member of the central board of trustees, Salem Congregation, and chairman of that body from 1958-61. In conjunction with his church work, he was active with Salem Academy and College at the board level, including chairman of the Salem Trustee Executive Committee in the 1950s and 1960s. He also served his church as a trustee of the Moravian College and Theological Seminary and as a trustee of the Moravian Home

156

during its founding. In 1970, he was a trustee of the Moravian Music Foundation. His work as a member of the original board of trustees of Old Salem Inc. resulted in the restoration of that important part of WinstonSalem heritage. In addition, Willingham served as president of the Winston-Salem Community Chest (now United Way) in 1950 and vice president of the Chamber of Commerce. A member of the Winston-Salem Rotary Club for more than 50 years, including a term as president, he also served on the board of trustees of the Asheville School, as a member of the grant committee of the James G. Hanes Foundation, on the board of Senior Services of Winston-Salem and as treasurer of the Board of North Carolina Stroke Association. Willingham is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lucy James Willingham; sons Frank Willingham Jr. and wife Christine, Burton Willingham and wife Delby, and John Willingham and wife Donna, as well as granddaughters Virginia Peachy Willingham Beard, Cory

Willingham and Lucy Willingham.

William U. Kennon ’37 William Upshur Kennon ’37 of Mechanicsville, Virginia, died on Feb. 27, 2010. He was 95. He matriculated from Subletts, Virginia, and held a bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts from VMI. Kennon served in the U.S. Army during World War II, European Theater, and in the Vietnam War from 1941-68. He was awarded an Army Commendation Medal and two Legions of Merit. He served under Gen. Creighton Abrams in the Office of Chief-of-Staff as Abrams’ executive officer in 1966-67. He retired to Mathews County, Virginia, on the East River, where he spent his final years. He was predeceased by his wife, Sarah White Kennon, and her children, Sally and Billy Barnes; his brothers, Charles Randolph Kennon and Richard Randolph Kennon; and his sister, Constance Laird. He is survived by

E. Keith Phillips Jr. ’43 Edwin Keith Phillips Jr. ’43 died on Feb. 10, 2010, in Newport News, Virginia. Born in Newport News on June 14, 1922, Phillips was educated in that city’s public schools and matriculated at VMI in fall 1939. As a cadet, he was a member of the Officer of the Guard Association, American Society of Civil Engineers, the Episcopal Supper Club and the Hunt Club. He held rank, as well, serving as a cadet corporal, cadet sergeant and cadet lieutenant in his third, second and first class years, respectively. Literary matters seem to have interested him, as he was a member of the staff of The Cadet, the Bomb and the cadet humor magazine, Turn-Out. After graduating in 1943 with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering, Phillips was commissioned in the U.S. Army’s Corps of Engineers and served for three years in the South Pacific theater, leaving the service in 1946 as a first lieutenant. He returned home to Newport News in 1946, joining his family’s business, Benson-Phillips Company, a firm that specialized in providing commercial building products. He eventually became chief executive officer of the firm and retired from Phillips Jr. ’43 the company in 1984. Throughout his life, Phillips was active in business and civic affairs in the Hampton Roads area. He was a member of the board for the United Bank of Virginia and the American Bank, and he was involved in the Peninsula’s Junior Achievement program. He also was a consistent and generous donor to VMI. Education was a particular area of interest to him. He was a founder and trustee of Hampton Roads Academy, and he served as the chairman of the board for the Saint Andrew’s School. He also served on the vestry of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church and was one of the founders of Saint Matthews Anglican Church. He is survived by his wife, Lucy, as well as his children, Christopher K. Phillips ’68, Katherine Ann Phillips Feldl and John S. Phillips); four stepchildren, William Greene, Peegy Greene, Edmund Schoeffer and William Schoeffer; three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS his daughter, Anne Piland, and her husband, Jeff, of Old Church, Virginia; two grandchildren, Sally Weaver and her husband, Jeffrey, of Hatfield, Massachusetts, and Jethro Piland and his wife, Mary Catherine, of Old Church; and four great-grandchildren, Georgia Weaver, Oona Weaver, Ava Piland and Alex Piland. Kennon was the son of Charles R. Kennon, class of 1896, who died in 1965; the nephew of William G. Kennon, class of 1904, who died in 1946; and the cousin of John A. Moulton ’41, who died in 1994.

Charles S. Willcox Jr. ’43 Charles Sharp Willcox Jr. ’43 of Norfolk, Virginia, died on Jan. 8, 2010. He was 88. Willcox matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from VMI. He served as a lieutenant junior grade in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1942-46. Until his retirement, he was employed by Johns Brothers Security. He is survived by his wife, Judith Van Ranst Willcox; his children, Charles Sharp Willcox III, Joanne Willcox Gillingham, William Martin Willcox and Suzanne Willcox Gagnon; five grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. His father, Charles S. Willcox, class of 1917, died in 1934, and his uncle, Thomas H. Willcox, class of 1908, died in 1959.

Horace W. Vaughan ’43 Class Agent Horace Walter “Hap” Vaughan ’43 of Dallas, Texas, died on March 24, 2010. He was 88. Vaughan matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He served in the U.S. Army, field artillery, during World War II from 1943-46. Vaughan was a proud graduate of VMI and maintained a lifelong commitment to the school and his Brother Rats. He served as his class’s class agent for many years (most recently, from 1997 to 2004) and published multiple articles in the Alumni Review about his experiences at the Institute. Vaughan retired from Texas Instruments as a manager in facilities training. In this position, he inspired others to use their talents and interests to find creative solutions, while helping the company in the process. He is survived by his daughters, Anne Vaughan Powell and husband Robert, Linda Vaughan Ayres and Carol Vaughan, and son-inlaw R. Jack Ayres Jr. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Jennifer Lyn Ayres, Laura Anne Ayres, Christopher Scott Ayres and his

2010-Issue 3

wife, Kelley; his great-grandsons, Wyatt Walter and Cooper Scott Ayres; and many beloved nieces, nephews and their families. Vaughan was predeceased by his wife, Emily Bower Vaughan, who died in June 2002. He was predeceased by three brothers who graduated from VMI: William K. Vaughan ’31, who died in 1974; Frank C. Vaughan ’32, who died in 1986; and Maurice H. Vaughan ’33, who died in 2004. Vaughan is also survived by a nephew, David K. Hillquist ’65, who resides in Arcadia, Missouri.

B. Claiborne Christian ’44 Burnet Claiborne Christian ’44 of Williamsburg, Virginia, formerly of New Kent, died on Oct. 15, 2009. He was 86. Christian matriculated from New Kent, Virginia, and held a degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in World War II from 1943-46 in field artillery, and in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1946-68, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. A superintendent with Virginia Power, he retired after 38 years of service. He was an avid golfer. He is survived by his wife of nine years, Trudy Christian; a son and his wife, Claiborne Ashby “Chip” and Rita Christian; and four grandchildren, Clay, Mac, Caroline and Katherine. Christian was predeceased by his wife of 43 years, Jewell Francis Christian, and a brother, Robert C. Christian ’32, who died in 1986.

James C. Lamb III ’44 James Christian Lamb III ’44 of Advance, North Carolina, died on March 20, 2010. He was 85. Lamb matriculated from Warsaw, Virginia, and graduated With Distinction from VMI, earning a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. He was the son of Renee Soulie Lamb, who was born in Arcachon, France, and James Christian Lamb Jr., both longtime residents of Warsaw. Lamb’s college career was interrupted by his U.S. Army service in Okinawa during World War II. Afterward, he graduated from VMI, married and went on to earn two master’s degrees and a doctor of science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A professor of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, he taught for over 30 years at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the School of Public Health. He was predeceased by his wife, Martha Lee McGinnis Lamb, in 2002. He is survived by five children, Madeleine Carter Lamb, James

Christian Lamb IV, Charles Dabney Lamb, Robert Sherwood Lamb and William Brockenbrough Lamb; 15 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Gordon B. Mills ’45 Gordon Bush Mills ’45 of Louisville, formerly of Lexington, Kentucky, died on May 12, 2009. He was 85. Mills matriculated from Frankfort, Kentucky. He held a bachelor of arts degree from VMI and a bachelor of laws degree from Washington and Lee University. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a captain in the infantry. Mills was a retired stockbroker with UBS Paine Webber. He was a member of Lexington Country Club, Lexington Rotary and Immanuel Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Anita Daves Mills; his daughter, Elizabeth Hoagland and husband John; and three grandsons, John Jr., Gordy and Woody Hoagland.

Walter L. Tucker Jr. ’45 Walter Lowrie Tucker Jr. ’45 of Lovington, Virginia, died on Jan. 7, 2010. He was 84. Tucker matriculated from Sandidges, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He served his country in World War II from 1944-46 as a Seabee in the U.S. Navy during the reconstruction of Guam. Following Navy service, he started his career as an engineer for the Central Virginia Electric Co-op. He retired with over 40 years as general manager. Tucker is survived by his wife, Rebecca Saunders Tucker; six children, Frances Garwood and husband David of Afton, W. Lowrie Tucker III ’75 and wife Kathy of Greenville, Janice Goebel and husband Michael of Bastrop, Texas, John H. Tucker ’78 and wife Mary of Columbus, Ohio, Alice Reisch and husband Christopher P. Reisch ’79 of Harrisonburg, and Edith Delserone and husband Tony of Wexford, Pennsylvania; four stepsons, William Anderson and wife Anne of Richmond, Paul Anderson and wife Judi of Roanoke, David Anderson and wife Catharine of Midlothian, and John Anderson and wife Ginny of Lovingston; one sister, Alice Johnson of Charlottesville; one brother, Thomas M. Tucker ’48 of Amherst; 22 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Trenholm L. Brownley ’46 Trenholm Lowell Brownley ’46 of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died on Sept. 26, 2010. He was 84. Brownley matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and attended VMI for one year.

157

TAPS He served in the Marine Corps as a second lieutenant during World War II from 1943-45 and later earned an electrical engineering degree from Georgia School of Technology. Brownley was employed by E.I. DuPont. His career with DuPont spanned 35 years and included management positions in the United States and Europe. He retired in 1982. Brownley was a member of Galilee Episcopal Church and the Princess Anne Country Club. He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Imogene Shepherd Brownley. He is survived by Trenholm Lowell Brownley Jr. and Donna Masterson Brownley of Jacksonville, Florida, and by Julia Andrews Brownley of Santa Monica and Sacramento, California; and three grandchildren, Christopher Lowell Brownley of Laurel, Maryland, and Hannah Elizabeth McLafferty and Fred Shepherd McLafferty of Santa Monica. His brother, Claud Peterson (Pete) Brownley III ’39, died in 2007.

Thomas M. Davis Sr. ’47 Thomas Moore Davis Sr. ’47, M.D., of Madison, Mississippi, died on Feb. 10, 2010. He was 83. Davis matriculated from Jackson, Mississippi, and attended VMI for one year and three months. He earned his bachelor of science and doctor of medicine degrees from Tulane University Medical School, graduating in 1951. He served as a corpsman in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1944-46. In the early years, Davis did a rotating internship at Mississippi Baptist Hospital in Jackson and a general practice residency at E.A. Conway Hospital in Monroe, Louisiana. He was in private practice in Jackson from 1953 until 2005 and was an aviation medical examiner from 1964 until his death. Davis was one of four local family physicians instrumental in the development of the Department of Family Medicine at University of Mississippi Medical Center, and he remained with the department, on a full or part-time basis, until his retirement in 2005. He was an avid and respected teacher, as evidenced by the fact that he received the Outstanding Teaching Physician Award from the American Academy of Family Physicians in 1998. Davis is survived by his wife, Quida Jarrell Davis; five children, Michelle Lane Myrick and husband Chris of Starkville, Mississippi, Stephanie Lane Parkman and husband Jason of Madison, Mississippi, Thomas M. Davis Jr., M.D., and his wife, Amy, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Ruby Davis Lauderdale of Brandon, Mississippi, and Peggy Davis Ely and husband Mike of Brentwood, Tennessee; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

158

John C. Garrison Jr. ’47 Col. John Carl Garrison Jr. ’47, USAR (Ret), P.E., of Sterling, Virginia, died on Feb. 28, 2010. He was 83. Garrison matriculated from Alexandria, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in World War II, returning to VMI when the war ended. He later served in the U.S. Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of colonel in 1981. After graduating from VMI, Garrison worked as an engineer for Timber Company of America and AMF before joining NASA in the early years of the space program. Retiring from NASA in 1989, he then joined the engineering staff of the County of Loudoun, Virginia, and later pursued his interest in real estate. Garrison was a registered professional engineer and a licensed real estate agent/broker. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Suellen McFall Garrison; daughters Roberta Sue Brown and her husband Doug of Galena, Maryland, and Mary Lee Behrle and her husband Bill of Mays Landing, New Jersey; grandson Alex Brown; and his aunts Katherine Hutcheson of Alexandria, Virginia, Eveline Travers of Heathsville, Virginia, and Frances Travers of San Luis Obispo, California. He is also survived by his stepsons, Glenn Jackson and wife Terry of Strasburg, Virginia, and Bruce Jackson and wife Melissa of Clifton, Virginia; stepdaughter Sharon Jackson and husband Gomez of Oakland, California, and their six grandchildren, Brittney, Chelsea, Corey, Sydney and A.J. Jackson and Cézar Gomez; and extended family, Kathy Satterfield of Sterling, Virginia, Shirley Main and husband Pat of Purcellville, Virginia, two grandsons, Alan Main, Roy Cole and wife Christi of Martinsburg, West Virginia, two great-grandsons, and one great-granddaughter. Garrison was the nephew of Paul G. Travers ’34, who is deceased.

Walter B. Dorsey ’48B Walter Bryant Dorsey ’48B, Esquire, of Leonardtown, Maryland, died on Dec. 6, 2009. He was 81. Dorsey matriculated from Leonardtown, Maryland, and attended VMI for two years and one month. He received his bachelor’s degree from Western Maryland College in 1948 and went on to earn his bachelor of laws degree from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1951. After law school, he served in the U.S. Army

during the Korean War in the Judge Advocate General Corps. He ventured into politics by filing for the State’s Attorney position in 1954 on his way home from Korea. He won that election and was elected again in 1982, 1986, 1990 and 1994, before retiring at the age of 70. Dorsey had also been elected to the State Senate in 1958. Senator Dorsey was a third generation member of the Maryland General Assembly, having been preceded in service by his father, the late Circuit Court Judge Philip H. Dorsey, who was elected Senator for the same seat in 1926 and to the Maryland House of Delegates in 1930 and 1934, and by his grandfather, Walter B. Dorsey, who was elected to the House of Delegates in 1911. Senator Dorsey also served as deputy Maryland public defender during the late 1970s and assistant attorney general from 1962-66, trying condemnation cases for the state of Maryland. As a senator, Dorsey established the Youth Commission which later evolved into the St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks Division. In addition, he established Project Graduation in 1983 through the State’s Attorneys office which has been beneficial to thousands of graduating high school seniors. Dorsey owned and published the newspaper, St. Mary’s Journal, in Leonardtown, Maryland, from 1958-61. He also built several residential communities in southern Maryland, as well as developing several Checkers fast food restaurants with his family. Dorsey is survived by his wife, Brenda; three children from his first marriage to Jeanne Blackistone Dorsey Mandel: Philip H. Dorsey III and wife Donna of Leonardtown, Helen Marie Dorsey of Leonardtown, and John Michael Dorsey and wife Trisha of Green Bay, Wisconsin; stepchildren, Suzanne Edgar and Sheryl Lococco of Leonardtown, Maryland; five grandchildren, Walter, Bryant, Austin, Robert and Catherine; and two step-grandchildren, Tiffany and Amber. He was predeceased by his brother, John Rule Dorsey, who died in 1995.

Charles B. Robinson ’49B Charles Brice Robinson ’49B of Sherman, Texas, died on Jan. 17, 2010. He was 81. Robinson matriculated from Palestine, Texas, and attended VMI for one year and six months. He continued his education at the University of Texas to earn his bachelor of science, juris doctorate and bachelor of laws degrees. Following law school, he was commissioned in the Army and served three years during the Korean War. After his military service, Robinson practiced law in Houston before moving to Sherman, where he practiced law as an attorney for more

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS than 50 years. Recognized in 1962 as Outstanding Young Man of Sherman, Robinson served as president of the Grayson County Bar Association. A long term member of the Sherman Rotary Club, he was also a life fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and in 2001 received recognition by the State Bar of Texas for 50 years of service as a lawyer. He was active in the Covenant Presbyterian Church, having served as chairman of the Board of Deacons, as well as a long term member of the Session and the Chancel Choir. His involvement with the Sherman Chamber of Commerce and other local organizations was well known. Robinson is survived by three daughters, Rebecca R. Stallard and husband David of Boca Raton, Florida, Frances R. Pinkston and husband Jerry, and Emily R. Fancher and husband Eric of Dallas, Texas; four grandchildren; sister, Jane R. English of Houston; sister-in-law Virginia Higgins of Denison; three nephews; and two nieces. He was predeceased by his wife, Martha Strother Robinson, in 2004.

Harold E. Logsdon ’50A Lt. Col. Harold Eugene Logsdon ’50A, USAF (Ret), of Frisco, Texas, died on Nov. 29, 2009. He was 83. Logsdon matriculated from Bowling Green, Kentucky, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. He earned his master’s in business administration from George Washington University. His military career included active duty in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. In 1953, he graduated from the aircraft observer school at Ellington Air Force Base, Texas, as a celestial navigator. He attended the B-290 combat crew training school at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, and in 1953 was assigned as a combat crew navigator and training officer in the 307th Bombardment Wing (H), Kadena Air Force Base, Okinawa. Later stationed at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, his unit was responsible for conducting operational engineering evaluations on the B-47 aircraft bombing-navigation, fire control and communications systems. During his 30 years in the Air Force, he was a test navigator for various military aircraft and a commander in the 1998th Communications Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, during the Vietnam War. He served two tours on the Air Staff of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon during the presidencies of Kennedy and Nixon. Logsdon was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Force Commendation Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Logsdon.

2010-Issue 3

John H. Jordan Jr. ’51

The Rev. John Hartley Jordan Jr. ’51, D.D. (Honorary ’92), died on April 20, 2010. He was 82. Jordan, who matriculated from Kirkwood, Missouri, earned his bachelor of arts degree in history from VMI and held the office of class president. He received his bachelor of divinity degree from the Virginia Theological Seminary in 1958, as well as an honorary doctorate of divinity degree in 1992. Jordan served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1945-46. He was curate at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia, from 1958-60, assistant at Christ Church in Winchester, Virginia, from 1960-62 and rector at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Jordan Culpeper, Virginia, from 1962-67. He began his ministry at Galilee Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in 1967, where he served as rector until 1992. While at Galilee, Jordan was a deputy to the General Convention of the National Episcopal Church from 1973-85. He was president of the Standing Committee and served on the Commission on Ministry and the Commission on Human Sexuality for the Diocese of Southern Virginia. Jordan was head of the Community Services Board for Mental Health, Retardation and Substance Abuse for the city of Virginia Beach from 1976-78 and served on the Commonwealth of Virginia’s State Board of Mental Health, Retardation and Substance Abuse from 1985-93, serving as vice chairman in his last term. He was instrumental in founding The Sugar Plum Bakery, a business employing persons with special needs. He was also involved in the formation of the JCOC, a ministry to help those less fortunate in the community. Jordon was named the First Citizen of Virginia Beach in 1991. He received the Hampton Roads Youth Center Man of the Year award in 2000. In 2002, he received the Humanitarian Award for the National Conference for Community and Justice. In retirement, he served at Christ Church and St. James Church in Emporia, Virginia; Emmanuel Church, Portsmouth, Virginia; and St. Simon’s by the Sea, Virginia Beach. Jordan served on The VMI Alumni Association Board of Directors from Dec. 31, 1958, to Dec. 31, 1959, and was inducted into the VMI Sports Hall of Fame for wrestling in 1978. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Robbin Arthur Jordan; his four sons, John H. Jordan III of Virginia Beach, Carter R. Jordan and his wife, Janie, of Raleigh, North Carolina, Christopher C. Jordan and his wife, Michelle, of Athens, Georgia, and Timothy H.A. Jordan and his

wife, Courtney, of Richmond, Virginia; and six grandchildren, Christopher D. Andrews, Sarah C. Jordan, Caroline F. Jordan, John H. Jordan IV, Elizabeth R. Jordan and Robert E.A. Jordan. He is also survived by a sister, Katherine Rogers Moody, and her husband, Warren, of Fort Worth, Texas.

Ronald C. Coleman ’55

Ronald Curtis Coleman ’55 of Evansville, Indiana, died on March 12, 2010. He was 76. Coleman matriculated from Farmville, Virginia, and held a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from VMI. While there, he sang in the VMI Glee Club at the inauguration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He later earned a master of busiJr. ’51 ness administration degree from the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Coleman became the youngest works manager in the history of ALCOA and managed the Warrick County (Indiana) works for many years, during which time he received numerous awards. Under his supervision, the Warrick works received the U.S. Senate Quality Award. After retiring from ALCOA, he worked several years for AmeriQual. Coleman served on many community and corporate boards and had been active in the Tres Dias movement. He was a member of Methodist Temple and in his later years, attended American Baptist East Church. Coleman is survived by his son, Curt Coleman, and his wife, Lizzy, of Atlanta, Georgia; a daughter, Lynne Triplett, and husband Ed of Roanoke, Virginia; grandson, Evan Johnson and wife Amanda and their son, Cooper; and granddaughter, Layne Johnson.

John A. Tipton IV ’56

John Albert Tipton IV ’56 of Keysville, Virginia, died on March 4, 2010. He was 75. Tipton matriculated from Keysville, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from VMI. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1957-63. Tipton worked as a salesman for DeeringMilliken, Galey & Lord and Mister Coats. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Joan Swack Tipton; their children, Tammy TiptonNay, Lisa Tipton McCoig and John Howard Tipton; and grandchildren, Molly McCoig Bridgeforth IV, John Jacob Nay, John Patrick McCoig, James Justin Nay, Matthew Quinn Tipton and Lauren Elizabeth Tipton. He is also survived by a sister, Patty Tipton Pugh.

159

TAPS Tipton’s nephew, Sumner Riddick (Rick) Pugh III ’79, lives in Martinez, Georgia.

Albert H. Wilson III ’57

Albert H. “Pete” Wilson III ’57 of Lakeland, Florida, died on March 6, 2010. He was 75. Wilson matriculated from Newport, Rhode Island, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. He went on to earn a master of science degree from Stanford University. He was commissioned into the U.S. Army, Corps of Engineers, and served his country from 1957-78, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. Some of his assignments were: airborne combat engineer, military personnel officer for the Army Corps of Engineers, assistant chief of staff for the 82nd Airborne Division, deputy district engineer in Rock Island, Illinois, and commander of the 326th Engineer Battalion in the 101st Airborne Division. Other notable accomplishments were two tours in Vietnam, including one as advisor to a Vietnamese engineer battalion. After retiring from the Army in 1978, he moved to Lakeland to work for Agrico Chemical Company. In his 12 years with the company, he rose to the position of maintenance manager of the South Pierce Chemical Works. In 1993, he joined FEMA, working as a mitigation officer on numerous natural disasters. In 1996, Wilson married the former Ann Melville from Washington, D.C. Together, they joined the Peace Corps in 1999, serving three years in Jamaica as Peace Corps volunteers. In his Treasure Beach community, Wilson supervised the construction of more than 40 homes for struggling Jamaican families, rebuilt portions of the elementary schools and helped local fishermen by introducing them to GPS technology. Returning to Florida in 2002, he resumed his work for FEMA, responding to numerous natural disasters, such as relief work after Hurricane Katrina. He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Ann Melville Wilson; sisters, Marion Webster and Virginia Wilson; sons, Peter M. Wilson, David A. Wilson and Stephen C. Wilson; stepsons, Andrew M. Jurinka, Chandler J. Jurinka and Christian H. Jurinka; and grandchildren, Christopher M. Wilson, Emily Wilson, Daniel Wilson, Joshua Wilson, James Wilson, Samuel Wilson and Margaret Wilson. He was predeceased by his brother, William Christopher Wilson, and stepson, Capt. Werner H. Jurinka, USN.

Jerry Borst ’59

Jerry Borst ’59 of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, formerly of Pitcairn, died on April 30, 2010. He was 73. He matriculated from Pitcairn, Pennsylvania, and earned a bachelor of science degree from

160

VMI in civil engineering. Borst entered VMI on a football scholarship and lettered the four years that he was there. His career was in civil engineering. Borst is survived by his wife, Darlene Musser Borst, and his two sons, Alan Borst of Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, and Roger Lee Borst of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; sisters Mary Ann Buenting and Dorothy Miller. He was predeceased by his first wife, Ruth Cruickshank Borst, and brothers, Ray, Dean and Roger Borst.

Donald R. Hann ’59

Rear Adm. Donald Robert Hann ’59, USCG (Ret), died on Feb. 2, 2010. He was 73. Hann matriculated from Haddon Heights, New Jersey, and attended VMI for four months and 15 days. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Diatez Hann.

Thomas E.C. Hughes ’59

Thomas Edward Callis Hughes ’59 of Seabrook, Texas, died on Nov. 25, 2009. He was 72. Hughes matriculated from Danville, Virginia. He earned a bachelor of science degree in physics from VMI and went on to attain his master’s and doctorate degrees from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He entered the U.S. Army, armored division, and served from 1961-62. Hughes worked as an engineer for CSC, IBM and United Space Alliance for over 40 years. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Stewart Hughes; daughters, Deborah Martin and husband Neil and Hillary Stout and husband Marty; sons, Eric Hughes and wife Carol and Mark Hughes; brother, Howard Hughes; and six grandchildren.

Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and Henry County as a pharmacist for 31 years before retiring. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Martinsville and within the church, was part of the Men’s Brotherhood. He was a member of the Men’s Golf Association of Forest Park Country Club and a member of the VMI Keydet Club. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Holley Touchstone; a daughter, Wendy Touchstone Schilbe, and husband Joe of Richmond; a son, Steven E. Touchstone, and wife Meredith of Richmond; a brother, Edward Touchstone of Winchester; four grandchildren, Sam Schilbe, Davis Schilbe, Will Touchstone and Berkeley Touchstone; and father-in-law and mother-inlaw, Howard and Irene Holley, of Danville.

Godfrey W. Updike Jr. ’69

Col. Godfrey Waddell “G.W.” Updike ’69, USAR (Ret), of Orlando, Florida, died on April 24, 2010. He was 63. Updike matriculated from Charlottesville, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor of science degree in biology. He went on to earn his master of science and master’s in business education degrees from the Florida Institute of Technology. He served in the U.S. Army in both Vietnam and the Persian Gulf and retired after 19 years of service. Among his medals earned were the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Army Commendation Medals and three Bronze Stars. He was employed with Lockheed Martin at the time of his death. Updike is survived by his wife, Deborah Colvert

Dennis W. Graves ’67

Dennis Walker Graves ’67 of Manakin Sabot, Virginia, died on Feb. 5, 2010. He was 64. Graves matriculated from Robinson, Illinois, and attended VMI for three years. He was predeceased by his wife, Diane Graves.

Eugene N. Touchstone ’67

Eugene “Gene” Newton Touchstone ’67 of Martinsville, Virginia, died on Feb. 20, 2010. He was 65. Touchstone matriculated from Danville, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in biology from VMI. He entered the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant and received the Army Commendation Medal. He later enrolled in the Medical College of Virginia School of Pharmacy and earned a doctor of pharmacy degree in 1974. Touchstone served his community at the

In November 1978, Godfrey W. Updike Jr. ’69, right, received a certificate from the Old Dominion Chapter of the Society of Logistics Engineers at Fort Lee, Virginia, for a research paper he completed while enrolled in the U.S. Army Logistics Management Center/Florida Institute of Technology master of science cooperative degree program.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

TAPS Updike; four sons, Adam Michael, Joshua Gaven, Jacob Scott and James Eston Updike; and four daughters, Rebekah Paige, Abigail Kaytlyn, Deborah Christiane and Rachael Ann Updike, all of Orlando, Florida. Also surviving him is his mother, Frances Updike, of Charlottesville, Virginia, and a brother, Malon Sim, of Atlanta, Georgia.

Frank F. Lumpkin ’79

Frank Fletcher Lumpkin ’79 of Richmond, Virginia, died on Dec. 26, 2009. He was 52. Lumpkin matriculated from Midlothian, Virginia, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in economics from VMI. He was a member of the Society of Young Economists, played football for four years, lettering in 1978, and was in intramurals two years. He was employed with Performance Foodservice. Survivors include his wife, Patricia “Patty” Lane Lumpkin; his son, Fletcher; his daughter, Maggie; mother, Anne S. Lumpkin; brother, Billy Lumpkin; sisters, Lee Anne Judkins and Debbie Beard; mother-in-law, Carol Lane; sisters-in-law, Beth Banton, Mary Kay and Vera Lane; and brothers-in-law, Larry, Greg and Chris Lane. He was the grandson of Francis “Frank” L. Summers ’22 who was elected to the VMI Football Hall of Fame in 1972 just two years before his death in 1974.

David D. Combs ’83

David Daniel Combs ’83 of Vienna, Virginia, died on April 2, 2010. He was 48. Combs matriculated from Wallingford, Connecticut, and earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from VMI. He began his career as a customs broker in the import-export industry in Chicago and moved to Vienna in 2005. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Ralitsa; his mother, Patricia; brother, Donald Combs and wife Susan of Hampstead, New Hampshire; brother, Patrick Combs and wife Joanne of Wallingford, Connecticut, and sister, Laura and partner Rebecca Ceccarelli of Frassini, Italy.

Kyle C. McAfee ’07

Kyle Charles McAfee ’07 of Carson City, Nevada, died on Feb. 9, 2010. He was 25. He matriculated from Carson City, Nevada, and attended VMI for one year. McAfee graduated from Carson High School in 2003, where he excelled in both academics and swimming, earning varsity letters in both. While at Carson High, he received National Honors Society recognition and attended Boys’ State in 2002. At VMI, he played the trombone in the Regimental Band. He left VMI and went on to graduate from Western Nevada State Peace Officer Academy in 2006.

2010-Issue 3

An avid statesman with a keen sense for politics, he worked in the 75th Session of the Nevada State Legislative Assembly. He is survived by his parents, John and Susan McAfee; his sister, Erica; his grandmother, Iris McAfee; his grandmother and grandfather, Neal and Nancy Eddy; several aunts and uncles, including Mary and David Cole, Carol and Russ Mosser, Chuck and M.B. McAfee, and Jerry and Oreen Eddy; numerous cousins, including Andrew and Jonathan Eddy; Kim, Scott, Emily and Bridgette Beaton; Scott Mosser; Julie McAfee; Justin and Brad Tafoya; Kevin, Brian and Lauren Cole; and many friends.

Deaths in the VMI Family Alolphus G. Bradshaw II Honorary Alumnus ’77 Adolphus Gilliam “A.G.” Bradshaw II of Norge, Virginia, died on Nov. 20, 2010. He was 85. Bradshaw graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree in government. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in Europe. He retired as chief of civilian personnel at Fort Monroe in 1977 and after retirement, began raising Christmas trees. He was a member of the initial Planning Commission for James City County, on which he served for 39 years. He was also a member of the Ruritans since 1948, accumulating 50 years of perfect attendance with the James City Ruritan Club. Sadly, he was preceded in death by his oldest son, A. Gilliam “Butch” Bradshaw III ’71, who was killed en route to ROTC Camp in Pennsylvania during the summer of his second class year. Rather than leave VMI in his deceased son’s past, Bradshaw saw the positive influence that VMI had on his son and how he loved the Institute. He somehow felt it his obligation to take his son’s place in doing what he could for the Institute and the future of the Corps. He and his wife established a scholarship at VMI in memory of his son. From this dedication and service, Bradshaw was nominated by then Sen. Elmon T. Gray ’46 and seconded by VMI Foundation Executive Vice President Joseph D. Neikirk ’32 to be Honorary Alumnus for the Class of 1977. Bradshaw is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy Smith Bradshaw; his children, M. Anderson Bradshaw and wife Ann, Richard W. Bradshaw, Lawrence W. Bradshaw, Nancy B. Sheppard and husband Chuck, Philip E. Brad-

shaw and wife Melanie, Russell R. Bradshaw and wife Linda; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Fred Latimer Hadsel

Director Marshall Foundation Fred Latimer Hadsel, 94, Ph.D., of Lexington, a career diplomat and retired director of the George C. Marshall Foundation, died April 11, 2010. He had lived in Lexington since 1974. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Winfred Nelson Hadsel, in 2009. Current Marshall Foundation President Brian D. Shaw said that Hadsel had quite an impact on the Foundation by creating and nurturing three cornerstone projects: the Marshall Army ROTC Awards Seminar, the Marshall Undergraduate Scholars Program and The Papers of George Catlett Marshall. After his retirement, Dr. Hadsel remained active in the affairs of the Foundation until his death. Hadsel’s work at the Foundation included work on the completion of the authorized biography of Marshall by Forrest C. Pogue, who had been his colleague and mentor at the University of Chicago. His latest contribution to the Foundation was a history of its first 50 years from 1955 to 2005. He earned his undergraduate degree at Miami University, where his father was a professor in Latin. He held a master’s degree in history and international relations from Clark University in Massachusetts and a doctoral degree in European history from the University of Chicago. He also studied at the University of Grenoble, France, and the University of Freiburg, Germany. In later years, he was awarded an honorary doctoral degree at Miami of Ohio. During World War II, he served with the First Army as a combat historian in Europe. He later reflected that the military assignment changed the focus of his interest from history to international relations and from solely academic work to foreign affairs. He joined the Department of State in 1946, later entering the Foreign Service. He served as first secretary for African Affairs in London, deputy chief of Mission Ethiopia, ambassador in Somalia and ambassador in Ghana, retiring in 1974. He is survived by his three daughters, Christine Hadsel of Burlington, Vermont, Winifred “Kit” Hadsel Huffman of Lexington, and Jane Hadsel Spooner of London, England, and six Hadsel grandchildren.

161

THE VMI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DIRECTORY The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. President

Randolph M. Blanks ’67 4773 Charter Ct. Woodbridge, VA 22192 vmi67@comcast.net

First Vice President Robert A. Heely ’69 507 Westover Ave. Norfolk, VA 23507 bob_heely@wcbay.com

Second Vice President

Edgar James T. Perrow ’96 PO Box 3133 Lynchburg, VA 24503-0133 tperrow@perrowconsulting.com

The VMI Foundation, Inc.

Executive Vice President

Chief Executive Officer

President

Brian S. Crockett

Walter C. Perrin II ’62

Adam C. Volant ’88 P.O. Box 932 Lexington, VA 24450 avolant@vmiaa.org

The VMI Keydet Club, Inc. President

Chief Executive Officer

Charles F. Plageman ’90

Historian

Gregory M. Cavallaro ’84

Thomas W. Davis ’64 davistw@vmi.edu

Immediate Past President

Richmond P. Lykins Jr. ’73 1882 Elmhurst Dr. Germantown, TN 38138 vmi73agent@aol.com

Directors at Large

Terms Expire June 30, 2012 Bland Massie ’77 super77@vmialumni.org Heidi Nagel ’02 Heidimason@aol.com

Terms Expire June 30, 2011 Kenneth Herbert ‘81 kherbert81@cox.net Dallas B. Clark ‘99 clarkdb@vmi.edu

Terms Expire June 30, 2013 Jamel Lynch Jr. ’94 region2aetchair2003@yahoo.com Michael Soares ’75 mLodington@gmail.com

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 Stephen J. Barcik III ’85 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 steve.barcik@htds2.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

terrybowers@vmialumni.org 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

162

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 David R. Yockel Jr. ’90

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

Charles L. Ramsburg ’66 Charles L. Toomey ’74 Jonathan D. Atkins ’98 James A. Sharp ’93

Jerome M. Brinkley ’84

brinkleyj1@yahoo.com

Karl L. Klinar ’54 Donald P. DeLuca ’62

Birmingham Central Florida Mobile NE Florida - Jacksonville Southern Florida Tennessee Valley West Coast FL - Tampa Southwest Florida-Fort Meyer Greater New Orleans Mississippi

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 Rhys D. Williams ’07 P. Wells Griffith III ’05

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 rhys.david.williams@gmail.com wellsgriffith@gmail.com

William H. Cather Jr. ’65

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

William A. Madison ’90 John T. McCarthy ’87 J. Patrick Henderson ’99

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 Jason K. Gruse ’97

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

Douglas B. Warner ’03 Thomas A. Brashears ’95

douglas.warner1@gmail.com R. Rucker Slater Jr. ’88 thomasbrashears@roadrunner.com Douglas B. Warner ’03

Richmond Tri Cities

Adam N. Britt ’03 William H. Talley IV ’77

abritt@kbsgc.com wht4@whts.com

Samuel N. Stocks ’90 Augustus Robbins III ’47

Fredericksburg - Quantico Rappahannock Williamsburg Southside

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

Region X Hampton Roads Asa Page III ’79 vmi79@verizon.net Douglas Burdett ’82 douglasburdett@ yahoo.com

Region XI Metro D.C.

Sean Boyle ’91

boyle100@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

James A. Parsons ’80 David J. Trenholm ’70 H. Ali Mahan ’80 Oliver D. Creekmore ’66

Steve Nakazawa ’ 03

steve.nakazawa@gmail.com

Region XII Central VA

Hilbert Wilkinson III ’94 vmirichmondnetwork @gmail.com

Samuel Stocks ’90

sstocks@ kbsgc.com

Region XIII Rappahannock Eric Nost ’79 enost@cffc.com

2010-Issue 3

Vaipot Srinual ’72 Ching-Pu Chen ’85

163

ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS An April 2010 Washington Post article revealed that Alfred L. Rives 1848 was the true engineer of the Cabin John Bridge, also known as Union Arch Bridge, in Maryland. The bridge, a 220-foot-long granite, singlespan, masonry arch, was completed in 1863 with “Montgomery C. Meigs, U.S. Corps of Engineers” chiseled on the side – signifying that Meigs was the designer. Two Ohio researchers spent the past three years examining the bridge and discovered that Rives was the designer. Their conclusion is based on the fact that Meigs proposed a six-arch span – an American design style – and the single-span Cabin John Bridge was influenced by techniques taught in France. Meigs admitted that this technique was foreign to him. In fact, there are documents showing that Meigs planned on displaying Rives’ name on the bridge but changed his mind at the outbreak of the Civil War, when Rives quit the half-completed bridge project to return to his native Virginia and was named acting chief of the Engineer Bureau of Confederate States. Meigs’ son died at the hands of Confederate soldiers. For the full story online, go to: http:// www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/ article/2010/04/20/AR2010042004795. html?sub=AR Rives matriculated from Albemarle County, Virginia, and graduated from VMI, sixth in his class. He continued his education at the University of Virginia and École Polytechnique in France. Rives died Feb. 27, 1903. In March 2010, E. Cabell Brand ’44 was recognized for his service across the Roanoke (Virginia) Valley. He was honored at the Red Cross “Celebration of Heroes” banquet. During a March 24th interview on local news channel WSLS 10, Brand said that he spent his life devoting time to service the community. During his 50 years of professional work, he spent about 20 percent of his time doing something in the community, now he devotes all his time. Brand founded Total Action Against Poverty (TAP) in 1965, and many non-profit organizations have spun off, including the Child Health Investment Project (CHIP), Virginia CARES and the Virginia Water Project, all focused on aiding those in the low income sector. Brand ’44

164

Brand, who matriculated from Salem, Virginia, is a distinguished military graduate of VMI, from which he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He has received honorary doctorate degrees from Roanoke College, Washington and Lee University, Ferrum College, and an honorary associate’s degree from Virginia Western Community College. R. Jere Real ’56 was interviewed in the annual issue of Rapportage, the journal of the Lancaster Literary Guild in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, about film adaptations for literary works. Real was asked as a film critic to select a list of 25 outstanding films made from literary sources such as novels or dramas. Real credits the Lyric Theater in Lexington, Virginia, as influential in his film education because of its screening of foreign films during his cadet years. From 1969-99, Real was a professor at Lynchburg College (Virginia) where he created and taught two courses, “Film as an American Art Form” and “Film as a European Art Form.” Real matriculated from Jackson, Mississippi, and is a distinguished VMI graduate with a bachelor’s degree in English. Additionally, he received two master’s degrees in English from the University of Virginia and the University of Mississippi.

The American Revolution Center (ARC) Board of Directors has named John B. Adams Jr. ’66 as a new board member. The American Revolution Center is the first national museum to commemorate the entire story of the American Revolution and its enduring legacy. The museum displays its distinguished collection of objects, artifacts and manuscripts from the American Revolution era and offers programming, lectures, symposia and interactive learning for teachers, students and the general public. Adams matriculated from The Plains, Virginia, and earned his bachelor’s degree in history from VMI. In 1969, he attained his juris doctorate degree from Washington and Lee University School of Law in Lexington, Virginia. Adams, who is the president and CEO of the Bowman Companies in Fredericksburg, Virginia, served as president of the Keydet Club Board of Governors from 1991-93. He has also served as chairman of The National Theatre Corporation in Washington, D.C., and as president of Keep Virginia Beautiful, Inc., among other organizations. Several of Adams’ family members attended VMI, including his father, John B. Adams ’36; his uncles, George M. Brooke ’36, Thomas T. Adams ’60, James T. Adams ’27 and Samuel T. Adams ’37; and his cousins, George M. Brook III ’36, James T. Adams Jr. ’53 and Samuel T. Adams Jr. ’71.

Billy H. Kornegay ’59, Ph.D., has been named the 2009 Volunteer Citizen of the Year by the Huguenot Ruritan Club in Maxwell D. Floyd ’77 has been Powhatan County, Virginia. selected to head up the electrical Kornegay settled in Powhatan engineering and maintenance County seven years ago after group for Sakhalin Energy in retiring as the vice president and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia. technical manager of water and Floyd is employed by the Royal wastewater for Parsons CorporaDutch Shell Group – managing tion Worldwide, in Fairfax, Virpartner for the Sakhalin Energy ginia. One of his major contribujoint venture – and in his new role, tions has been to establish the Iraqi has agreed to a four-year assignFreedom Care Package Program, ment with Sakhalin Energy, living which sends an average of 1,000 Kornegay ’59 in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Sakhalin care packages a year to troops in Island, Russia. As head of the elecIraq and Afghanistan. trical group, Floyd is overseeing In a Powhatan Today article announcing all head office and field electrical engineers, Kornegay’s award, a resident of the community maintenance electricians and supervisors. was quoted as a saying that it is in Kornegay’s Sakhalin Energy’s assets include three offnature to “give, give and give some more, shore platforms, an onshore gas processing wherever he is needed.” facility, 300-mile gas and oil pipelines, and Kornegay matriculated from Powhatan a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant and oil County, Virginia, and graduated from VMI export terminal/tanker loading facility. The with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. LNG facility comprises two trains and is the He earned his master’s and doctorate degrees first LNG plant in Russia. In 2009, Floyd spent at Clemson University in Clemson, South seven months as the electrical engineering and maintenance manager at the LNG site. Carolina.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ALUMNI NEWS Floyd matriculated from Fairfax, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He is a registered professional engineer in Texas.

wardroom officer and stock control officer. As a lieutenant, he was assigned as supply officer aboard U.S.S. Leftwich (DD 984) during operation Nimble Archer. During operation Southern Watch in 2000, Grady P. Andrews Jr. ’79, PE, he served as supply officer aboard has been appointed Mid-Atlantic U.S.S. George Washington (CVN construction services manager of 73). Ashore, he was assigned to the Michael Baker Inc., serving the Naval Air Systems Command; the states of Maryland, Virginia and former Naval Aviation Supply OfWest Virginia. fice; commander, Naval Air Force, Andrews is responsible for U.S. Atlantic Fleet; Naval Supply construction management, conSystems Command and Comstruction inspection, cost estimatmander, Naval Air Forces. During ing, scheduling, constructabiloperations Enduring Freedom and ity review, dispute resolution, Iraqi Freedom, he was the operavalue engineering and safety for tions director at the Naval Inventory projects. Other responsibilities Maxwell Floyd at the entrance of Sakhalin Energy in Control Point, Philadelphia. He also include conducting business/ Russia. Floyd is overseeing the head office of electrical served as the director of Ordnance market analysis, winning and engineers. Supply / Fleet Supply officer at U.S. performing work, resource planFleet Forces Command in Norfolk. ning to execute work, and the Brown matriculated from Gloucintegration of construction services into other Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal ester County, Virginia, and graduated from Baker business units. with two oak leaf clusters, Air Medal, Aerial VMI with a bachelor’s degree in biology. Andrews began his career with the North Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Upon graduation, he was commissioned in Carolina Department of Transportation where Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Commenda- the Navy. he held various positions, including staff tion Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award In 1990, he received his master of business engineer and resident engineer. He is a retired with “V” device and silver and two bronze administration degree from the Navy Postsenior engineer officer from the Army National oak leaf clusters, Combat Readiness Medal graduate School in Monterey, California, and Guard and a registered professional engineer with three oak leaf clusters, National Defense in 2004, he attended the Stanford Business in Virginia and North Carolina. He has been Service Medal with bronze star, and the NATO School Executive Training Program. in the transportation construction industry for Meritorious Service Medal. Brown is a certified acquisition profesmore than 30 years. He has commanded at the squadron, group sional. Andrews matriculated from Williamsburg, and wing levels, in addition to holding variBrown’s awards include four the Legion of Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a ous positions on the Air Force Staff. He has Merit awards, four Meritorious Service Medbachelor’s degree in civil engineering. been the senior military assistant to the under als, and various other decorations. He is a 1989 secretary of defense for policy in the Office of recipient of the Navy League’s Vice Admiral Brig. Gen. Joseph D. Brown IV ’80, USAF, the Secretary of Defense, as well as executive Robert F. Batchelder Award. has been nominated for promotion to major officer to the supreme commander in Europe. general. Prior to assuming his current position, he was Yves E. Pollart ’80, PE, has been promoted As a brigadier general, Brown is the deputy the deputy commander of Combined Air Op- to vice president of environmental engineering director for nuclear operations, U.S. Strategic erations 6 in Eskisehir, Turkey. at RETTEW, an engineering and consulting Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Brown is a command pilot with more than services firm in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In this capacity, he is the principal adviser to 4,100 flight hours, primarily in the B-1 and As vice president, Pollart is responsible for the commander on issues pertaining to stra- B-52, including combat time in Operations furthering RETTEW’s external collaboration tegic deterrence and nuclear operations. He Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. and relationship-building with clients and serves as the command’s principal flag officer business partners; maintaining high levels responsible for management and oversight of Rear Admiral (lower half) W. Andy Brown of client contact; and the nuclear enterprise, overseeing personnel, ’80, USN, has been selected for promotion to identifying ways that procedural, equipment, communications and rear admiral (upper half). RETTEW can leverfacility requirements supporting the nuclear At the time of this writing, he is serving as age its resources and command and control system. director of logistics and security assistance, J4, broaden the firm’s Brown matriculated from Williamsburg, U.S. European Command, Stuttgart, Germany. portfolio of services to Virginia, and graduated with distinction from Prior to this assignment, he served as com- increase client satisVMI, earning a bachelor’s degree in history. mander of Fleet and Industrial Supply Centers faction. Additionally, He received his commission upon graduation in San Diego, California. he is charged with and later received a master’s degree from the According to the Unites States Navy, Brown’s staff professional deNational War College, in Washington, D.C. sea tour was aboard U.S.S. John F. Kennedy velopment, includIn terms of honors, Brown has been awarded (CV 67), where he served as disbursing officer, ing mentoring and Pollart ’80

2010-Issue 3

the Defense Superior Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with “V” device,

165

ALUMNI NEWS coaching project managers on effective client relationship management, and identifying areas of expertise that RETTEW could develop or acquire to meet the firm’s present and future needs in a wide variety of markets. RETTEW’s environmental engineering department is tasked with studying, designing and reviewing water treatment and storage facilities; air quality; acid mine drainage studies and remediation; wastewater collection, conveyance and treatment systems; and fluids management and flowback treatment systems that enable environmentally responsible natural gas exploration in the Marcellus Shale, a natural gas field in the Appalachian Mountains. With 30 years of experience, Pollart is a shareholder of the firm and member of the board of directors. He is a registered professional engineer in 10 states, a board-certified environmental engineer through the American Academy of Environmental Engineers, and holds both a wastewater and water operator’s license. He is secretary of the Susquehanna Township Authority, past president of the Pennsylvania Water Environment Association and former member of the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association Board of Directors. Pollart matriculated from Charleroi, Belgium, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He earned a master’s of engineering in environmental pollution control from Pennsylvania State University. On April 16, 2010, Judge William P. Johnson ’81 visited VMI to speak with the VMI Pre Law Society. Stating that, as a cadet, his membership in the society intensified his desire to attend law school, Johnson described to cadets his job as a federal district court judge in New Mexico. Due to his state’s proximity to Mexico, his court’s immigration and criminal case load is both unique and challenging, unlike most other states, he explained. Society President Cadet Jon Ferro ’10 coordinated Johnson’s visit and said that cadets benefited greatly from the judge’s insight and experience. Johnson matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and graduated with distinction from VMI earning a bachelor’s degree in economics. He

166

received his juris doctorate degree from Washington and Lee University School of Law. At a ceremony on April 9, 2010, then-Col. Scott F. Donahue ’83, USA, was promoted to brigadier general at the South Pacific Division Command Headquarters in San Francisco, California. As commander of the South Pacific Division, Brig. Gen. Donahue is the senior active duty Army general officer in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is responsible for a 2,473-member workforce and a $1 billion federal program that includes civil works, military construction and environmental restoration. The civil works program focuses on major watersheds in the region and leverages federal resources in partnership with state and local governments to improve navigation, flood damage reduction and ecosystem restoration. 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 U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in

Monterey, California. He joined the Army in 1983 and since that time, has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. Inside Business, The Hampton Roads (Virginia) Business Journal, has named JES, a company owned by Jesse P. Waltz ’85, one of the “50 Best Places to Work” in the Hampton Roads area. According to Inside Business, “Best Places to Work” honors companies in our community that go above and beyond to create a positive working environment for their employees from helping employees be healthier to making sure they have fun at work. In 1993, Waltz started JES – a foundation, crawlspace and basement repair company – with an initial focus on basement waterproofing, a business he learned while working for his father’s waterproofing company. Within a few years, he had expanded the company’s scope into structural foundation work and crawlspace repair. Waltz matriculated from Sunbury, Pennsylvania, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

Above: Scott Donahue’s daughters, Taylor and Morgan, unfurl the brigadier general flag. Below: Donahue with his daughters and wife, Nancy.

David C. Brown ’89 has been named Sales Representative of the Year for Hologic, Inc., which is the leading provider of women’s breast imaging systems, biopsy and cancer treatment products. Brown finished the year as the top representative in the Interventional Breast Solutions (IBS) Division of Hologic. He has also served the division as the national field sales trainer. Brown matriculated from New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in economics. Timothy O. Trant II ’98 has been named partner of Kaufman & Canoles, P.C. in Norfolk, Virginia. Trant is a member of the Real Estate Strategies and Environmental and Administrative Law practice groups. He counsels clients in real estate, environmental and business matters. His practice involves entity

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ALUMNI NEWS formation, contract development, joint ventures, acquisitions/dispositions, finance, zoning/permitting, construction, leasing, regulatory compliance/defense and general corporate governance. Trant matriculated Trant ’98 from Prince George, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He earned his juris doctorate from William & Mary School of Law.

Capt. Shannon P. Meehan ’05, USA, spoke to VMI cadets during his book tour of Beyond Duty in February 2010. Meehan spoke at Evans Hall on the Washington and Lee University campus in Lexington on the subject of his book and the emotional toll it has had on his life. During his presentation, he stressed the importance of publicly communicating the acts of war and the effects of war on soldiers. Meehan matriculated from Primos, Pennsylvania, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in English. While in the Army, he was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal with Valor and Army Achievement

Medal. Meehan had to take a medical retirement in November 2009. Eric J. Hunter ’08 has started his own firm, Hunter Financial Mentoring LLC. Hunter’s company specializes in helping clients to achieve financial organization by creating structure and a personalized plan of action for their finances. Working closely with his clients, he provides guidance and advice that move them from where they are today to where they want to be. For further information, go to www.hunterfinancialmentoring.com. Hunter matriculated from Amherst, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in economics and business.

... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcement ... Book Announcement ... Book Announcement ... Book Announcement ... The Moodys of Galveston and Their Mansion (Sara and John Lindsey Series in the Arts and Humanities) by Henry Wiencek. Texas A&M University Press; 1 edition, May 21, 2010. ISBN13: 978-1603441827. In 1900, just a few months after the deadly hurricane of September, W.L. Moody Jr., class of 1886, and his family moved into the four-story mansion at the corner of Broadway and Twenty-Sixth Street in Galveston. For the next eight decades, the Moody family occupied the 28,000-square-foot home: raising a family, creating memories, building business empires, and contributing their considerable wealth and influence for the betterment of their beloved city. In 1983, Hurricane Alicia damaged the mansion, and Mary Moody Northen, eldest child of W.L. Moody Jr., moved out so a major restoration could begin. When the mansion opened to the public as a museum, education center and location for community gatherings in 1991, it had been restored to its original grandeur. The Moody Foundation then commissioned award-winning author Henry Wiencek to write a history of the Moodys of Galveston and their celebrated home. Robert L. Moody Sr., grandson of W.L. Moody Jr. and nephew of Mary Moody Northen, contributes a foreword, giving a brief introduction and personal tone to the book, which

2010-Issue 3

also features 15 color photographs of the Moodys and their home. An epilogue by E. Douglas McLeod summarizes the family’s accomplishments and developments associated with the mansion since Northen’s death in 1986. Mary Moody Northen provided funding for the construction of VMI’s Moody Hall, which is named in honor of her father. About the Author: Henry Wiencek of Charlottesville, Virginia, is the author of numerous books, including The Hairstons: An American Family in Black and White, which won the National Book Critics’ Circle Award in Biography in 1999, and An Imperfect God: George Washington, His Slaves, and the Creation of America, which won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize in History. My Two, My Only Sons: Two Halifax County Soldiers in Southwest Virginia by Edwin B. Lawless III ’55. Warwick House Publishers, 2010, Lynchburg, Virginia. ISBN: 978-0-9842516-0-5. My Two, My Only Sons is a compilation of letters from A. Whitlocke Hoge and his older brother, Moses J. Hoge, along with newspaper articles, notations of military records and other sources that reveal the story of their service in the Confederate Army. The Hoge brothers were killed in the same battle at Cloyd’s Farm in Pulaski County, southwestern Virginia, May 9, 1864. This book does not attempt to put a 21st century spin on the 19th century set of circumstances. There were no records of grand battles, high sounding

strategy or political aspirations, but merely the story of two artillery men doing their duty in the cause to which they had given their utmost. While settling his mother’s estate, Lawless, the author of this book, discovered many letters and other documents pertaining to the military service of his great-great uncles, the Hoge brothers. Lawless researched and discovered distant cousins and other documents pertaining to the Hoges and compiled this memoir. About the Author: Edwin B. (Barney) Lawless III ’55 immersed himself in Civil War history while studying civil engineering at VMI, where he roomed in what had been Stonewall Jackson’s office during Jackson’s tenure as a professor. Lawless pursued a distinguished career in engineering and retired from Potomac Electric Power Company as manager of civil engineering. He is a registered professional engineer and a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers. During his career he served on numerous professional committees, was a pioneer in the use of tubular steel poles for extra high voltage transmission lines and authored many technical papers within the electric utility industry. He appeared many times as an expert witness on electric utility matters, particularly with regard to high voltage transmission lines. Lawless also collaborated on the publication of the IEEE Guide for Transmission Structure Foundation and Testing, for which the working group was recognized by the Power Engineering Society of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.

167

INSTITUTE INSTITUTE

Hebert ’68

Named Daniels Award Recipient

Hebert ’68

VMI alumnus and environmental engineer Paul V. Hebert ’68 has been selected to receive the Daniels Humanitarian Award. Hebert, who has devoted his career to humanitarian work in many countries, will receive the award in a ceremony at VMI during the 2010-11 academic year. The Daniels Award was established by the VMI Board of Visitors in 1997 to honor Jonathan M. Daniels ’61, who gave his life to save a young black girl during a voter registration drive in Alabama in 1965. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant personal sacrifices to protect or improve the lives of others. “This has come as a complete surprise,” said Hebert in his letter of acceptance, “and I cannot adequately convey my emotion to have been so honored with this prestigious award.” Hebert, who holds master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, has worked to promote development and support humanitarian action on four continents and in countries including Iran, Philippines, Nepal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Switzerland, Ethiopia and Kenya. Hebert has worked with agencies including the U.S. Army Medical Corps, Near East Foundation, World Bank, United Nations and World Health Organization. A resident of Kenya, Hebert is currently working as an independent consultant for Catholic Relief Services and other non-governmental organizations in East Africa in assessing success with community-based water resource management, sanitation programs and humanitarian funding. He is a member of the advisory board and organizing committee of the Dubai Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference for 2009 and 2010 and a contributor and speaker at the conferences in 2009 and 2010. Prior recipients of the Daniels Award are President James Earl Carter in 2001 and Ambassador Andrew Young in 2006.

New Market Medal Award Call for Nominations The VMI Board of Visitors welcomes nominations for the New Market Medal from alumni and friends of the Institute. The purpose of the New Market Medal, which was created in 1962, is to recognize individuals from national or international fields whose lives have displayed the virtues shown by the 1864 New Market cadets: duty, honor, devotion and leadership. The New Market Medal Award Committee is appointed by the board of visitors. It is scheduled to meet annually to consider nominations for the award. However, the committee is not obligated to recommend a recipient each year. If a recommendation is forthcoming, the committee makes its recommendation to the board of visitors. As a condition of the award, the nominee should indicate willingness to receive the medal during New Market Day ceremonies held May 15 at VMI, in conjunction with the Corps review on that date.

Past Medal Recipients 1962 – Lt. Gen. Charles E. Kilbourne ’66 1964 – Gen. of the Army George C. Marshall ’01 1965 – United States Senator Harry Flood Byrd 1971 – Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr. ’17 1974 – Virginia Governor Colgate Darden Jr. 1978 – Virginia Governor Mills E. Godwin Jr. 1980 – State Senator Elmon T. Gray ’46 1984 – The Honorable John D. deButts ’36 1994 – Robert H. Patterson, Esq. ’49C 2000 – Sol W. Rawls Jr. ’40 2005 – United States Senator Harry F. Byrd Jr. ’35 2006 – Former Sec. of the Army John O. Marsh Jr.

Nominations and supporting material should be directed to the chairman, New Market Medal Award Committee, in care of: Col. Michael M. Strickler ’71 Secretary to the VMI Board of Visitors Superintendent’s Office, VMI Lexington, VA 24450

168

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

INSTITUTE

Security Policy Course Draws Pakistani Ambassador to Post Louis Blair [a faculty member of the Pakistan brings to the United States is its downs in the past six decades. Despite what he called a “trust deficit” on International Studies and Political Sci- location on the front line of the war on ence Department] is known to be well terror. It offers a strategic location that is the part of Pakistan regarding the United connected, and he has brought those rela- of great interest to the United States. While States, Haqqani said the time to enhance tionships to bear in securing opportunities the two nations have been cooperating the friendship between the two nations has for VMI cadets to visit high-level officials in closely in the fight against al-Qaeda-linked come and that everyone can play a role in Washington, DC. However, the students he militants in the region since the Sept. 11, the success of the relationship. “As a superpower, America has a respontaught last fall in his course on U.S. security 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, policy for Afghanistan and Pakistan made they have experienced several ups and sibility to other countries; you must let the world know you aren’t arrogant,” an impression on a class visitor he said. “Enroll in foreign language that led the ambassador of Pakistan programs, and learn about other himself to come to VMI. cultures. You must give people the Asif Hussain, the counselor in feeling that you care as much as you Pakistan’s embassy who met with benefit.” Blair’s class, was impressed with the Cadet Dan Moerder was impressed cadets’ interest in what he had to say. that a representative of such an imWith his good word and an invitation portant country would take time to from Superintendent Gen. J.H. Binvisit VMI. ford Peay III ’62, Ambassador Husain “With the war in Afghanistan, PakiHaqqani came to Post in April as stan is vital to U.S. interests in the repart of the Distinguished Speakers gion,” he said. “I think that given how Series. He addressed nearly 500 many cadets will be military officers cadets about relations between the or government officials in a few years, United States and Pakistan and what it is important that we hear speakers the two nations can do to strengthen like Ambassador Haqqani in order to their diplomatic relationship. increase our understanding. A native of Karachi, Pakistan, “It was interesting to hear what he Haqqani has worked as a journalist, had to say on how we Americans need diplomat and political adviser. He to understand Pakistan better and assumed the role of ambassador make more of an effort to befriend the to the United States in June 2008. people,” concluded Moerder. He also is associate professor for Blair was impressed not only with international relations at Boston the speaker but also his speech. University and co-chair of the Hud“Speakers such as Ambassador son Institute’s Project on Islam and Haqqani address real world problems Democracy and serves as editor of cadets are likely to encounter upon the journal Current Trends in Islagraduation,” said Blair. “The ambassamist Thought. dor was charming, articulate, at ease, “The United States and Pakistan thoughtful and responsive to an excelare working to go beyond a translent set of questions from cadets. actional relationship to a strategic “He came across as pro-American one,” said Haqqani. “Pakistan needs and had a delightful story of his the United States for economic progearly friendship with the U.S., based ress and military capability, but we on time spent in the U.S. library in are partners because of our shared Pakistani Ambassador to the United States Karachi,” added Blair. “In fact, some values. It has been a dysfunctional Husain Haqqani visited Post in April 2010 as of my students thought this was the friendship, but the defeat of the Talipart of the Distinguished Speakers Series. VMI best of the major speakers to come to ban has brought us together.” photo by Kevin Remington. VMI this academic year.” He added that one of the benefits 2010-Issue 3

169

INSTITUTE

Reception

Room Opens in Former Subs Mess Faculty, staff, cadets and alumni now have one more place on Post to hold formal gatherings. The former Subaltern’s Mess – or Subs’ Mess – located in the lower level of Crozet Hall, has been renovated and redecorated as a reception room. Sixteen archival photos documenting the history and tradition of VMI’s mess hall from circa 1880 through 1960 are displayed on the walls of the room. “Forming up and marching down to the mess hall three times a day for meals has always been a part of VMI tradition,” said Col. Keith Gibson ’77, executive director of the VMI Museum, who selected the photos. The photos show cadets marching in formation to three different incarnations of the mess hall. The original mess hall, designed by Alexander Jackson Davis, was built in 1868 and destroyed by fire in 1905. The site was intentionally located away from Barracks because of the constant threat of fire in a mess hall. The second mess hall was constructed with a similar design and stood from 1906 until 1934, when a larger building was needed, prompting the construction of the present Crozet Hall. Photos on display chronicle the history of the three buildings, all located in approximately the same location as today’s Crozet Hall. Photos of the interiors of the mess halls show how cadets of different eras ate their meals together, being served family style by waiters and passing dishes around the tables. “Eating is socially a bonding experience,” said Gibson. “It is a proclamation 170

Sixteen archival photos documenting VMI’s mess hall history are displayed in the reception room. Photo above: Cadets at a meal, around 1904, in the original mess hall designed by Alexander Jackson Davis. Photo below: VMI’s second mess hall in 1915, after the first was destroyed by fire in 1905.

of trusting.” That camaraderie is captured in photos of cadets forming up, marching down and eating together. The furnishings, which were installed recently after renovation of the room, resonate with this sense of history. “We have done it with an eye toward the past to make sure we’ve captured the spirit of Crozet Hall,” said Col. Jim Joyner ’67, director of auxiliary services. The furnishings include cherry captain’s chairs, lamps bearing the VMI seal and a flag stand. A podium and built-in sound system make the room suitable for a variety of occasions.

Though plans for Crozet Hall called for a reception room in the basement, the renovation was postponed while the room was used for storage during the demolition of the former and construction of the current Lejeune Hall, when both the bookstore and the PX were housed in Crozet. The reception room now boasts an outdoor area and space for dropping off and picking up people attending gatherings within. When not in use by the VMI community, the room will be available for use by outside parties. VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

INSTITUTE

Institute Brass Performs in Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day by Col. John A. Brodie, VAMIL Director of Music

A brass ensemble of VMI’s finest musicians travelled to the Emerald Isle during VMI’s spring break for six performances and as much tourism as could be squeezed into six days. The “Institute Brass” arrived in Dublin, Ireland, on Sunday, March 14, 2010, and performed that afternoon for the general public at the St. Patrick’s Day’s Festival in Merrion Square. On March 16th, the cadets performed for the U.S. Embassy and staff at an evening gala, and on St. Patrick’s Day, they participated in the Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade, performing on a float for a crowd of 650,000 people. The parade was televised across Europe and also on Good Morning America in the states. The cadets also entertained students at a local high school in Cork where they were enthusiastically received, much like The Beatles must have been. They also played a noon concert at the Cork College School of Music. One highlight of their performances was an evening concert in Kinsale at St. Multouse, an Episcopal Church dating back to the 8th Century. While in Ireland, the cadets kissed the Blarney Stone, drove the Ring of Kerry and toured the Guinness factory. In Dublin and Cork, the cadets were billeted by the Irish Defense Forces (IDF) in army barracks, thanks to the generosity of Capt. Brian Prendergast and the IDF School of Music. Photos at right, top and center: On St. Patrick’s Day, the Institute Brass ensemble performed on a float in Dublin, Ireland, for a crowd of 650,000 people. According to Col. John Brodie, VMI’s director of music, who provided these photos, the cadets rode on the Gulliver’s Travels float, which was pushed by humans – “no motorized propulsion!” The parade was televised in Europe and on “Good Morning America” in the U.S. Photo at right, bottom: While in Dublin, the cadets also performed at the U.S. Embassy.

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

2010-Issue 3

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. 171

ATHLETICS ATHLETICS Cavalier starter, Whit Mayberry (1-2), took the loss, allowing five runs, four earned, on six hits through 3.2 innings. He was the first of six hurlers to see the mound for the visitors, with each of the No. 26 VMI Defeats No. 1 Virginia, 12-3, first four allowing runs. Phil Gosselin and Barr were the only Virginia players Before Sellout Crowd with multiple hits or an extra-base hit, as Gosselin led off the game with a double, and Barr slugged his first career home The top five hitters in the lineup went 10 pitch, and then made a great play to start run in the sixth. Brown cut short what appeared to be a for 21 with 10 RBIs as No. 26 VMI defeated a 1-2-3 double play. He really was able to promising Virginia rally in the first, as No. 1 Virginia, 12-3, in front of a record settle in after that and put up a couple of the right-hander induced a double play, crowd of 1,463 fans at Gray-Minor Sta- important zeroes for us. Chris Duty did an then got a strikeout to end the threat dium on April 14, 2010. The win was VMI’s exceptional job in the middle innings, and after plunking Steven Proscia with the first-ever over a top-ranked opponent. Jason (Farley) came in with some guys on In a showdown, pitting two nationally- and got a pop-up and a punch-out to keep bases loaded to force in a run. VMI used ranked teams for the first-time ever at us out of trouble. John Garrett worked a that momentum to take the lead in the VMI, the Keydets responded each time that scoreless ninth, which was good to see bottom-half, as Ballard drove home Roberts and Cory Spangenberg with a single Virginia cracked the scoreboard. The Cavs out of our bullpen.” jumped on top with a run in the first, but Sam Roberts led an offensive attack that up the middle before scoring on a fielding error at third base three batVMI answered with three in the ters later. bottom of the inning to take the With a 3-1 advantage, Brown lead for good. Virginia cut the settled in to allow just a single deficit to 3-2 in the fourth, but base runner in both the secVMI posted two in the bottomond and third innings. The half to maintain the advantage. scoring opened back up in the In the sixth, a John Barr home fourth, as Barr plated Jarrett run capped the visitors’ scoring, Hicks with a one-out single. before VMI sent 10 men to the A walk to Gosselin loaded the plate in a six-run sixth to put the bases and chased Brown from game out of reach. the game. Duty entered with “I was really impressed with the one out and struck out #2 atmosphere tonight,” said VMI Head Coach Marlin Ikenberry ’95 The crowd of 1,463 – the largest ever at Gray-Minor Sta- hitter, Tyler Cannon, and #3 after the win. “The community of dium – watched VMI beat University of Virginia on April hitter, Stephen Bruno, preserving VMI’s 3-2 lead. Lexington, the Corps, our par- 14, 2010. VMI got that run back in ents and our fans that were out here supporting us made a big difference battered the Cavaliers’ pitching staff for the bottom half, when Roberts hit his tonight. I didn’t realize how big of a crowd the most runs it had allowed all season. eighth home run of the season, a two-run it was until after the first inning, when we From the leadoff spot, Roberts went 2 shot that spelled the end of the night for put a three-spot and ran off the field. With for 3 with four RBIs, thanks to a two-run Mayberry. Justin Thompson entered and two nationally-ranked teams playing each home in the fourth and a two-run single retired the next four batters, keeping the other in the mid-week, it was really a nice in the sixth. Jordan Ballard drove in margin at 5-2 into the sixth. Barr’s home run with two outs in the atmosphere to play in.” three, while Graham Sullivan and Tanner Keydet sophomore Jeremy Brown al- Biagini each had a pair of knocks, includ- sixth proved to be Virginia’s final score of the night. VMI once again answered lowed two runs in 3.1 innings, making ing an RBI double in the sixth. his second start of the season. He gave “The top of our lineup did some damage in the home half, scoring six runs, the way to Chris Duty (2-0), who improved tonight,” said Ikenberry. “We had some most allowed in a single inning by the to 12-3 in his career by working three nice at bats in the first inning to get Cavaliers since the opening weekend of innings, allowing a single run. Jason ourselves a 3-1 lead. It was good to come the season. In the rally, each of the top five Farley retired each of the five batters out that aggressive early against a team hitters in the lineup had RBIs, including he faced, before freshman John Garrett like that. I was really proud of the way we a two-run single by Roberts, an infield worked a 1-2-3 ninth to preserve VMI’s swung the bats today. This was the best single by Spangenberg, a sacrifice fly by ninth-straight win. pitching staff that we have faced, and I Ballard and back-to-back doubles by Sul“I was proud of Jeremy Brown settling thought we did a nice job of seeing pitches. livan and Biagini. A leadoff home run by down after loading the bases with no And we hit their mistakes, which we tradi- Rob Dickinson in the seventh capped the outs,” said Ikenberry. “He made a great tionally haven’t done in the past.” night’s scoring.

Baseball

172

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

ATHLETICS Track and Field Kitur Cracks National Top Five at Liberty VMI’s Felix Kitur equaled the fifth-fastest 800-meter time in Division I this year, posting a 1:47.78 clocking, as he finished second on April 29, 2010, at the Liberty Twilight Qualifier. The event was hosted by Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. The 1:47.78 time was the second-fastest of Kitur’s career and also the second quickest in VMI history. It trailed only his 1:46.75 effort at the 2008 NCAA East Regionals, was the thirdfastest time in that region this season and tied Cory Primm of UCLA for the fifth-fastest effort in the entirety of Division I. Kitur’s time was bested only by freshman Robby Andrews of Virginia, this year’s NCAA Indoor Champion. The men’s 800-meters was expected to be the highlight of the Liberty Twilight meet, since it featured not only Kitur and Andrews, but also Lance Roller and Stephen Finley of Virginia, along with former UVa All-American Andrew Jesien, now competing for a club based in Charlottesville. The three current Cavaliers came in red-hot, as they had each been a part of UVa’s 4X800-meter relay win at the

previous weekend’s Penn Relays, in which Andrews chased down 2008 Olympian Andrew Wheating late in the race to give Virginia the win. The weather played a factor as well, as the conditions were calm and cool for the start of the event. Finley, a renowned steeplechaser, took the race out quickly and then dropped out early in the second lap. That left the lead for Roller, who handed Andrews the only loss of his young career at the ACC Outdoor Championships. Andrews held second with Kitur third, as the trio headed down the backstretch on the final lap. Going into the final corner, Andrews made a move for the win as he went to Roller’s outside. This left Kitur boxed in between the two UVa runners, but as Andrews took the lead, the VMI standout darted to the outside to get free. Unfortunately for VMI, Kitur’s furious kick came up just short, as Andrews prevailed by just .05 seconds in one of the fastest 800-meter races in the country this season. The race, which positioned Kitur well for the IC4A and regional meets, was mentioned prominently by such outlets as letsrun.com and Track and Field News.

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.

Hockey Team

Presents Check to American Legion for Legacy Scholarship Over $4,000 were raised as a result of The Military Classic of the South Charity Hockey Game between VMI and The Citadel in 2009. VMI won the hockey game, but the real winner was the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. When added to the previous year’s charity game proceeds, the fund now totals more than $10,000 in contributions. VMI Cadets Cowdry and Mendillo travelled to Raleigh, North Carolina, to present a proceeds check to the American Legion. Photo at right, top: Cadets Cowdry and Mendillo received an appreciation plaque from Commander Cook. Photo at right,

2010-Issue 3

bottom: Cowdry, Mendillo, Commander Clarence Hill, two Citadel cadets, and Project Co-Chairmen John Hunter and the Rev. Phil Taylor ’65. Photos by Larry Rozier, American Legion NC Department historian. (See photos of the hockey game on www.militaryclassiconice.com.) The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund was created to benefit the children of U.S. Armed Forces men and women who have been killed in action since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. This was the third annual match that The Citadel and VMI have played in support of the scholarship fund.

173

ATHLETICS Soccer Programs Announce 2010 Schedules The VMI soccer programs, both men and women, have announced their 2010 schedules. The women’s team, fresh off a 2009 season that saw them win a game in the Big South tournament for the second straight year, opens the regular season at home against Austin Peay. The Aug. 20, 2010, contest is set for a 4:30 p.m. start at Patchin Field, and the Keydets then welcome Old Dominion to Lexington a week later. The Lady Monarchs, who went 3-4-4 in the CAA last year, have never taken on the Keydets on the pitch before. After the battle with ODU, VMI hits the road for three straight games, taking on Longwood (Aug. 31), Mount St. Mary’s (Sept. 3) and George Mason (Sept. 8). In the finale of the road swing, the Keydets will be seeking to avenge last year’s 3-0 loss to Mason that took place in Lexington. Following a quick trip home to play Campbell on Sept. 11, VMI is back on the road to take on Howard in Washington, D.C. (Sept. 13). One final game at Patchin Field, a stiff test against Navy on Sept. 17, precedes a truly lengthy road trip, as the Keydets travel to Colorado Springs, Colorado, for a tournament hosted by Air Force. The hosts will also welcome at least Weber State, as the Keydets take on the Falcons Sept. 24 before playing a match versus Weber State two days later. From Colorado Springs, the VMI team heads to Clinton, South Carolina, where they will do battle with Presbyterian College on the first day of October. That game marks the squad’s Big South opener, and in fact, the Keydets do not jump out of conference play the rest of the year. UNC Asheville is the final opponent of the four-game road trip (Oct. 3), before Coastal Carolina comes to Patchin Field on Oct. 8. VMI and the Chanticleers battled in an epic game during the first round of last year’s Big South Championship, which was won by the Keydets, 5-3, on penalty kicks. Charleston Southern also comes to Lexington (Oct. 10), before Coach Bryan Williams’ team goes to Gardner-Webb (Oct. 15) and Winthrop (Oct. 17), the team that ended VMI’s season in 2009. Two of the final three games of the year are at home, as High Point and Liberty comprise the final weekend home stand, beginning on Oct. 22. A trip to Radford (Oct. 29) closes out the regular season, before VMI returns to Cupp Stadium for the Big South Tournament, scheduled for Nov. 4-7. The men’s soccer program, led by first-year head coach Richie Rose, will open on the road. VMI will face UMBC in Baltimore on Sept. 2 before traveling to Navy for a night game two days later, in a game that will mark the Keydets’ first game with the Mids since 1994. Following the tilt in Annapolis, VMI returns home for a long stretch of contests. That run opens with the second annual Jay Sculley Memorial Tournament, which will start on Friday, Sept. 10. The four-team battle will start with Liberty facing Marshall, followed by the Keydets taking on Saint Francis College. Sunday’s final day of action will see VMI close out the tournament against Marshall, with Liberty and Saint Francis taking part in the early game. The run of VMI home games is broken on Sept. 15, with the Keydets traveling to ACC foe NC State for a 7 p.m. contest, but VMI immediately returns home to play Adelphi just four days later, with a 1 p.m. game scheduled on Sept. 19. Last year, Adelphi bested the Keydets 1-0 in overtime in Garden City, New York. Mercer is VMI’s next opponent, as the Bears come to Lexington for a Sept. 24 game. The 4 p.m. start will mark the first meeting between the schools on the pitch, and Mercer is followed by Coastal Carolina nine days later. The Keydets’ Big South opener, against the team that ended their 2009 season, will take place Oct. 3 at 1 p.m. After the Chanticleers and Keydets do battle, VMI hits the road for five of its next six games. Trips to Gardner-Webb (Oct. 9) and Winthrop (Oct. 12) precede the lone home game in that stretch – an Oct. 20 matchup with

174

Radford. Big South opponent UNC Asheville is the Keydets’ next opponent (Oct. 23), before VMI steps out of conference for the final time, taking on Howard in Washington, D.C. (Oct. 27). The Keydets and Bison have played each of the last two years, with Howard winning the 2008 game on its home field and last year’s game at Patchin ending tied, 1-1. Big South action resumes on Oct. 30 with a trip to High Point, before the Keydets close out the regular season by playing host to Liberty (Nov. 2) and Presbyterian College (Nov. 6) at Patchin Field. The Big South Championship will be hosted by High Point and will take place Nov. 11-14 at Vert Soccer Stadium.

Men’s Schedule 8/23 – at Virginia (Exhibition) – 7 p.m. 8/28 – vs. GWU (Exhibition) – 4 p.m. 9/2 – at UMBC – 4:30 p.m. 9/4 – at Navy – 7 p.m. 9/10 – vs. Saint Francis (NY) – 4 p.m. (Sculley Memorial Tournament) 9/12 – vs. Marshall – 3:30 p.m. (Sculley Memorial Tournament) 9/15 – at NC State – 7 p.m. 9/19 – vs. Adelphi – 1 p.m. 9/24 – vs. Mercer – 4 p.m. 10/3 – vs. Coastal Carolina – 1 p.m.* 10/9 – at Gardner-Webb – 7 p.m.* 10/12 – at Winthrop – 7 p.m.* 10/20 – vs. Radford – 4 p.m. * 10/23 – at UNC Asheville – 2 p.m. * 10/27 – at Howard – 7 p.m. 10/30 – at High Point – 7 p.m. * 11/2 – vs. Liberty – 4 p.m. 11/6 – vs. Presbyterian – noon 11/11-11/14 – Big South Championships at High Point, NC

Women’s Schedule 8/14 – at Marshall (Exhibition) – 7 p.m. 8/20 – vs. Austin Peay – 4:30 p.m. 8/27 – vs. Old Dominion – 5:30 p.m. 8/31 – at Longwood – 7 p.m. 9/3 – at Mount St. Mary’s – 7 p.m. 9/8 – at George Mason – 7 p.m. 9/11 – vs. Campbell – 1 p.m. 9/13 – at Howard – 7 p.m. 9/17 – vs. Navy – 4 p.m. 9/24 – at Air Force – 7 p.m. 9/26 – vs. Weber State (Colorado Springs, CO) – 10 a.m. 10/1 – at Presbyterian – 7 p.m. * 10/3 – at UNC Asheville – 1 p.m.* 10/8 – vs. Coastal Carolina – 4 p.m. * 10/10 – vs. Charleston Southern – 1 p.m. * 10/15 – at Gardner-Webb – 7 p.m. * 10/17 – at Winthrop – 1 p.m. * 10/22 – vs. High Point – 2 p.m. * 10/24 – vs. Liberty – 1 p.m. * 10/29 – at Radford – 7 p.m. * 11/4-11/7 – Big South Championships at Radford, VA Home Games in Bold

* Denotes Big South Conference Game

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMIFOUNDATION, FOUNDATION, INC. VMI INC. Message from the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer Brian S. Crockett VMI produces the types of leaders that American business When Fiscal Year 2010 ended on June 30, 2010, I closed my first year as CEO of the VMI Foundation. It was quite needs – well-educated with a strong sense of honor and rockan experience. I enjoyed learning more about VMI and the solid ethics. To keep doing so, it must sustain excellence. To extraordinary manner in which it educates young people. I do that, it needs substantial private support. The VMI Founalso had the pleasure of meeting so many members of the dation, therefore, has been seeking to expand the number of VMI family. Alumni, family or friends, these people share an partnerships between VMI and leading corporations. In February 2010, SAIC – the Virginia-based Fortune 500 intense dedication to VMI and its cadets that is scientific, engineering, and technology applications truly inspiring. company – gave $100,000 in support of the Center In these early days of the new academic year, I for Leadership and Ethics, and the corporation’s want to share some thoughts about Fiscal Year leaders are interested in developing an even closer 2010. As you know, for the VMI Foundation and relationship with VMI. Editor’s Note: See article on its partner, the VMI Keydet Club, it was another page 185 about SAIC’s support. successful year. Many people can claim a share of These, of course, are just a couple of the highlights the credit for the agencies’ success. In the end, of FY 2010 for the VMI Foundation. I wish there were however, the lion’s share of the credit goes – as it a way to talk about each donation and commitment. always must – to our donors. This year, however, Each donor gives because of his or her own special we are especially grateful for their support, because relationship with VMI, and in those special relationthe challenging economy and its accompanying Crockett ships are some very special stories. uncertainties did not prevent these people from I am looking forward to my second year here on supporting VMI and its cadets. For this resolution, Post and to meeting more of you in the months ahead. In all of us on Post are immensely grateful. Many alumni and friends of VMI use planned giving – e.g., the meantime, I thank all of those donors who made a gift to estate gifts and trusts – to aid VMI. An excellent example of VMI in FY 2010. Your support was critical to VMI’s success the power these gifts have was the one made by the late Rob- in sustaining excellence and addressing its highest prioriert B. Rust Jr. ’34. In July 2009, we learned that Mr. Rust’s ties. Last year, for example, your generosity allowed the VMI bequest was a record-setting $14 million. Our already deep Foundation to provide financial aid to 787 cadets, more than appreciation for his foresight and generosity increased when half the Corps. I hope you will continue your support of VMI we learned that he directed the entire gift to fund need-based and that your example encourages more people to support this extraordinary college. scholarships, a critical need for VMI.

Continuing a tradition begun by the class of 1916 in 1966, the class of 1960 presented the initial proceeds of its 50th Reunion Fund to VMI at the Reunion Parade on April 24, 2010. Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, far right, and Richmond P. Lykins Jr.’73, then-president of The VMI Alumni Association, far left, accepted the gift on behalf of VMI and the VMI Alumni Agencies, respectively. Representing the class of 1960 were the co-chairman of the Class of 1960 Reunion Campaign and the Class of 1960 Reunion Committee, George G. Phillips Jr. (with microphone); the cochairman of the Class of 1960 Reunion Committee, S.M. Henry Brown Jr., second from left; and the co-chairman of the Class of 1960 Reunion Campaign, J.H. Tumlinson III, second from right. Photo by Kevin Remington.

2010-Issue 3

175

VMI FOUNDATION, INC.

Class of 1984

25th Reunion Fund Attains Success Although VMI alumni have heard that their loyalty to their alma mater is with few equals in the country, some might wonder if such is actually the case. After all, many other institutions have loyal alumni. Reunions at other colleges and universities seem well attended. Finally, the passion with which some alumni follow the progress of their schools’ football and basketball teams is intense indeed. However, if members of the VMI family ever need confirmation that the depth of interest that VMI alumni have in the Institute is extraordinary, they need only to attend a VMI reunion and watch a 10th, 25th or 50th Reunion class present its reunion fund gift to the Institute. Among the assembled Brother Rats, you see pride in their common accomplishment and a shared passion for the future of VMI. You also see participation in the effort at rates that truly standout. The class of 1984 recently provided a fine example of this sustained interest and willingness to support the Institute. On April 30, 2010, the class of 1984 closed out its 25th Reunion Fund campaign, ending an effort that had begun in the late winter of 2009 and that involved dozens of Brother Rats. In closing, the class’s fund brought in $2,020,652.65

in gifts and commitments. Of the 290 members of the class, 198 Brother Rats contributed to the fund, giving the class a participation rate of 68%. From the first meeting of the Reunion Fund Committee, it was obvious that this class was committed to making a strong statement in support of VMI through this fund. Thirty members of the class showed up for the meeting, and their interest in the work at hand was obvious. Under the leadership of five co-chairmen – Stephen E. Hupp, William R. Janis, James M. Morgan III, John R. Munno and Conrad K. Wharton – and further assisted by Brother Rats Greg Cavallaro, the chief executive officer of the VMI Keydet Club, and Hank Selman, the class agent, the committee set a number of ambitious goals. One of them was the establishment of a Class of 1984 Athletic Scholarship Fund under the auspices of the VMI Keydet Club. This scholarship matches the need-based Class of 1984 Memorial Scholarship. “Supporting our cadet-athletes through grant-inaid assistance is a stated priority of VMI; therefore, I was pleased that the committee set this as a goal,” said Munno, a member of the Keydet Club Board of Governors. After the initial meeting, the Reunion Fund Committee took up their task of

Class of 1984 giving an Old Yell at the 25th Reunion, September 2009.

176

Members of the class of 1984 attending their reunion, September 2009.

contacting Brother Rats and soliciting gifts and commitments with enormous energy. The committee’s effectiveness is evidenced by the amount on the check that the class presented on Sept. 5, 2009, at the Reunion Parade: $1,984,000. Making that gift even more special was the fact that 100% of the Brother Rats who attended the reunion made a gift to the Fund. “It was our determination,” explained Cavallaro, “that those who cared enough about the class and the Institute to come to the reunion ought to take the next step and support VMI financially.” Over the next several months, the class continued to raise money, bringing in an additional $36,650, pushing the fund past the $2 million mark. Added co-chairman Steve Hupp, who also is a trustee of the VMI Foundation, “We also focused on raising cash and commitments that would be realized in five years or less. We were fully aware that the current economic conditions had negatively impacted state funding to the Institute. Therefore, we really wanted to do our best to make up some of that shortfall by offering as much cash as possible in support of the Institute.” The class was successful in this as well, with more than 77% of the gifts and commitments coming in as immediate cash gifts and short-term pledges. The entire VMI family owes thanks to the class of 1984, not just for its excellent effort on behalf of VMI and the important financial support this gift will produce for VMI. It also owes them thanks for proving, yet again, that in terms of loyalty to their school and a willingness to help it, VMI alumni are indeed a cut above. Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, all articles in the Foundation section of the Alumni Review are provided by the VMI Foundation.

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. SAIC Presents $100,000 Gift in Support of Center for Leadership and Ethics The idea of “the VMI family” – that those who support the Institute and who seek to serve it encompass parents of cadets, faculty, staff and friends, as well as alumni – is one that has been around for many years. For at least a dozen years, the Institute and the VMI Alumni Agencies have made a deliberate effort to engage the non-alumni members of the VMI family more fully. The goal of this effort is to acknowledge their support and admiration of VMI, as well as to encourage them to take a more active role in supporting VMI. More recently, VMI and the VMI family also have sought to expand the definition of the VMI family to include corporations. The reason behind this effort is quite simple: American businesses often and quite plainly state that they are looking for employees who have a solid ethical background, have some acquaintance and experience with the demands of leadership, and are well educated. Often they add that American business and, indeed, American society need more leaders of that kind. In short, what they say is needed is exactly what VMI strives to produce. Furthermore, these corporations often are interested in supporting programs that improve the education that American students receive in leadership and ethics. In February 2010, this effort bore fruit when Rear Adm. Edward “Sonny” Masso, U.S. Navy (Ret), a senior vice president of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), visited Post to present the corporation’s gift of $100,000 in support of VMI’s Center for Leadership and Ethics. SAIC is a Fortune 500 scientific, engineering and technology applications company that serves

numerous U.S. government agencies and selected commercial customers in the areas of national security, energy, the environment, critical infrastructure and health care. The gift to VMI and the Center for Leadership and Ethics stemmed from a request made of the corporation’s leaders by its chief executive officer, Walter P. Havenstein. According to Adm. Masso, Havenstein asked them “to look for ways to reach out and support the service academies and VMI.” SAIC has many reasons for selecting VMI as one of the schools to support. First, the Institute is in Virginia, and SAIC’s headquarters is in McLean, Virginia. Masso stated other reasons: “VMI is synonymous with the highest standards of ethical integrity, academic excellence and moral grounding for the youth of our state and nation. It is attractive, because the goals and objectives of VMI’s Vision 2039 strategy cannot be as successful without support from the local and state community. Also, the many VMI graduates working in SAIC provide great service and support to the corporation.” SAIC decided to focus its aid on the Center for Leadership and Ethics because of a shared culture. “At SAIC,” explained Masso, “everything starts with integrity, maintaining the highest ethical environment for our employees and expecting the highest ethical behavior from our employees. The work of the Center for Leadership and Ethics, that is the preparation of future generations of principled, highly ethical leaders, therefore, aligns exactly with the principles of SAIC. Frankly, SAIC is awed by VMI’s commitment to leadership and ethics, and participating

in some small way to the effort to enhance VMI’s programs was very appealing to us.” Capt. Susan J. Rabern, U.S. Navy (Ret), the acting director of the Center for Leadership and Ethics, said of SAIC’s support, “Through this gift, SAIC is clearly helping to form the bedrock of support that is paramount to the success of our leadership programs at the Institute. In fact, we already have used some of the gift in support of the center’s programs by bringing Marcus Luttrell, a former Navy SEAL and author of the best-selling book, Lone Survivor, to Marshall Hall, an event that drew an overflow crowd. I am confident that the developing relationship between SAIC and VMI will expand our capacity to bring every cadet a broad understanding of ethics, teamwork, patriotism and duty.”

Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, praised SAIC for its support. “Adm. Masso and Capt. Bersson [Thomas F. Bersson ’80, a SAIC assistant vice president who helped in the presentation] were impressive in their grasp of what VMI is hoping to accomplish through the Center for Leadership and Ethics. In this, they demonstrate what SAIC as a whole understands: that the concepts of leadership, ethics and integrity must penetrate every facet of a cadet’s life. I am hopeful, therefore, that this gift represents the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership between the Institute and SAIC in the realm of leadership education.” Brian Crockett, CEO of the VMI Foundation, said, “This magnificent gift from SAIC demonstrates how attractive VMI’s extraordinary education and the exciting programs that underpin it are to potential donors. It also is an indication of a new and very positive trend in the relationship between VMI and the VMI Foundation. Working together will ensure that, over time, more and more corporations will be interested in supporting VMI.” On April 16-17, 2010, 48 of VMI’s class agents gathered on Post for the annual Class Agents Conference. Representing classes from the 1930s to the current decade, these alumni heard from various VMI officials, including Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, whose presentation was titled “VMI Today.” They also heard presentations from the VMI Foundation, the VMI Keydet Club and The VMI Alumni Association. Photo by Kevin Remington.

2010-Issue 3

177

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 Feb. 1, 2010, through April 30, 2010.

Mrs. Jeannette P. Alligood Mr. Charles H. Alligood ’61

Capt. R.T. Arnest Jr. ’46, USN Mrs. Richard T. Arnest Jr.

Capt. Paul D. Barnes II ’92, USMC Mr. Andrew Kvasnicka ’90

Capt. Paul M. Bayliss ’60, USAF Mrs. Paul M. Bayliss

Maj. Gen. Charles Beach Jr. ’40, USAR Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Tait ’55, USA (Ret) and Mrs. Tate

Mr. Eldon C. Benson Jr. ’54 Mrs. Eldon C. Benson Jr.

Mr. Walter E. Beverly Jr. ’47 Col. Maximilian Lamont ’49C, USAF (Ret)

Mr. Greg Biagini Ms. Vickie Biagini

Mr. George A. Bickerstaff ’43 Mr. Duront A. Walton Jr. ’71

Mr. Charles M. Brister Jr. ’11 Mr. Andrew Kvasnicka ’90

Mr. Trenholm L. Brownley ’46 Mr. Robert P. Jones Jr. ’44 and Mrs. Jones

Col. William J. Buchanan ’50B Mr. Mark H. Bryant ’77 Mr. Augustus B. Jones III ’50B Mr. Joseph J. Rizzolo ’75

Mr. Duncan M. Byrd Jr. ’65 Mr. James K. Maurer ’65

Col. William C. Carper ’47, USA F. Allen Cavedo ’47, DDS Col. Maximilian Lamont ’49C, USAF (Ret)

Mr. Peter J. Carty ’87 Mr. Robert D. Childress ’89

Mr. I. Lee Chapman III ’65 Col. Mrs. Steven Riethmiller ’63 and Mrs. Riethmiller Mr. Hugh H. Tompkins ’69

Mrs. Joyce M. Cofer Mrs. Isabel H. AtLee

178

Mr. Ronald C. Coleman ’55

Capt. Benjamin L. Angle III ’55, USA (Ret) Mr. John W. Barlow ’55 Mr. Ronald M. Bryan ’55 Mr. Benjamin C. Cubbage Jr. Amb. S.R. Hanmer Jr. ’55 Mr. Everett H. Irby ’55 Mr. James C. Lanier III Mr. Chip Lazarus ’55 Mr. Ned Whitlock ’55 Lt. Col. David F. Woolwine ’55, USAF (Ret)

Lt. Col. F.A. Collins Jr. ’44, USAF Mrs. Fred A. Collins

Mr. C. Tabor Cronk ’62

Mr. John L. Rowe Jr. ’66 and Mrs. Rowe

Mr. William E. Crumpler ’53 Mr. W. Scott Crumpler ’82

Mr. John A. Cummings ’64 Mr. William A. McVey ’64

Mr. G. Powell Davis ’48A Mr. and Mrs. Warren L. Rose

Mr. Harry C. deVenoge Mr. and Mrs. T. Glenn Wilson

Mr. Walter Dyke ’64 Mr. William A. McVey ’64

Mr. Wayne R. Eggleston ’88 Mr. David T. Hart ’91

Mr. William H. Emory Jr. ’43 Mr. William H. Emory

Mrs. Betty Erickson Col. Maximilian Lamont ’49C, USAF (Ret)

Mr. Claire L. Erickson ’47 Col. Maximilian Lamont ’49C, USAF (Ret)

Cadet John A. Evans ’13 Mr. and Mrs. Curtis W. Groat Ms. Henrietta C.M. Jones Mr. and Mrs. Brian M. McMasters Ms. Karen J. Murphy

Mr. Paul Lee Everett III ’61 Mr. John S. Cockey Jr. ’63

Lt. Mark J. Eyre ’90, USN Mr. Andrew Kvasnicka ’90

Mrs. Sara Forsyth Mr. W. Thomas Hawkins ’49C Col. Maximilian Lamont ’49C, USAF (Ret)

Mr. J. Carl Garrison Jr. ’47 Mr. Terry Agriss Mr. Hubert L. Allen Ms. Nora Pauline Brown Ms. Elizabeth Bussey

Mr. Carter C. Chinnis Ms. Erica D. Chizmar Lorraine DeBlasio Ms. Janice S. Dickstein Judge John F. Ewell ’47 Mr. and Mrs. Harold E. Gladstone Mr. William A. Hallett Jr. ’47 ISO New England Ms. Rena Jarrett Col. Maximilian Lamont ’49C, USAF (Ret) Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Landry Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lanham Mr. and Mrs. Paul Levy Mr. and Mrs. Dana H. Palmer Lt. Col. Frederick E. Palmer Mr. Gene F. Seevers Ms. Sharon A. Sevila Mr. and Mrs. James A. Smith Mr. and Mrs James F. Taylor Mr. and Mrs. George H. Williams Dr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Yarbrough Jr.

The Honorable Michael E. Gersten ’64 Mr. William A. McVey ’64

James Samuel Gillespie III ’94 Mrs. A.J. Graham Jr. Col. and Mrs. George Piegari

Mr. Dennis W. Graves ’67 Mr. L. Jan Abernathy ’67 Sgt. Maj. Douglas E. Berry ’67, USMC (Ret) Mr. John H. Holt ’67 and Mrs. Holt Mr. Ted N. Mervosh ’67 Mr. Hunter F. Taylor ’67

Mr. Dan H. Green Mrs. J.T. Stone

Mrs. Daniel Green Mrs. Isabel H. AtLee

E.M. Hanbury Jr. ’47, MD Col. Maximilian Lamont ’49C, USAF (Ret)

The Honorable Thomas P. Harwood Jr. ’50B Mr. John S. Gray ’51

Mr. William C. Hayes Jr. ’49C Mrs. William C. Hayes Jr.

James O. Hodgkin III ’43, DDS Ms. Gloria J. Beach Mr. and Mrs. Carroll G. Foley Mr. and Mrs. Walter A. Hitchcock Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John W. Mayhugh Jim and Susan Necci Mr. E.C.A. Wachtmeister ’71 and Mrs. Wachtmeister

Mr. Henry B. Holmes Jr. ’16 Mr. William G. Davis ’68 and Mrs. Davis

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Mr. Henry B. Holmes III ’41 Mr. William G. Davis ’68 and Mrs. Davis

Mr. Gilder S. Horne Jr. ’41 Mr. William K. Goolrick Jr. ’41

Mrs. Louis R. Hundley F. Allen Cavedo ’47, DDS

Lt. Joshua C. Hurley ’01, USA Capt. William R. O’Neal ’01, USA

Ms. Elizabeth C. Irby Mr. John R. Bryan Mr. Wadsworth Bugg III ’78 Mr. and Mrs. William R. Cogar Mr. Herbert E. Fitzgerald Mr. and Mrs. Bruce R. Hazelgrove Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Fayette Randolph Irby Jr. Mr. Harry G. Lee Jr. ’81 Mr. Charles S. Luck III ’55 and Mrs. Luck Mr. and Mrs. Ralph S. Major Jr. Ms. Ann H. Ormond West End Orthopaedic Clinic Inc. Mr. Kennon C. Whittle Jr. Evan and Bonnie Williams

Ms. Elisabeth B. Johnson Mr. C.E. Johnson IV

John W.C. Johnson Jr. ’49B, MD Mr. Charles W. Bragg Jr. ’50B

Mrs. R.Y. Johnston

Col. Maximilian Lamont ’49C, USAF (Ret)

Lt. Col. George L. Jones III ’55, USAF Mr. Gwynne H. Jones Jr. ’50B

Mr. Harry F. Jones ’56

Mr. C. Russell Mathews ’56 Mr. Kenneth McDonald Jr. ’56 Mr. J. Peyton Moore ’56

The Reverend J.H. Jordan Jr. ’51

Mr. Archibald M. Brown ’60 Mr. John P. Griffith Mr. and Mrs. Francis M. Hall Mr. William A. Hallett Jr. ’47 Mr. Waller H. Horsley Mr. Joe T. Howard ’51 Dr. and Mrs. C.M. Mahanes Mrs. William L. Nelson Mrs. William C. Overman Jr. Mr. Thomas J. Payette Mr. John J. Ross III ’51 and Mrs. Ross Mr. John K. Tiller Jr. ’54 Mrs. Richard F. Welton III John Williams ’45 and Mary Williams

Mr. Frederick F. Kaiser ’41

Class of 1941 Mr. Kenneth McDonald Jr. ’56

Mr. David N. Kaliski ’64 Mr. William A. McVey ’64

2010-Issue 3

Col. William U. Kennon ’37, USA The Honorable J. Randolph Tucker Jr. ’37

Mr. John D. Kitt ’01 Mrs. Mary G. Jones

Mr. James C. Lamb III ’44 Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Berkeley Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Berkeley III Mr. and Mrs. Howard S. Browne Mr. Robert P. Jones Jr. ’44 and Mrs. Jones Dr. and Mrs. John E. Joyner III Mr. and Mrs. John L. Keifer Sheree Lucas Ms. Mary J. Marinos Ohio University College Of Business Mr. Norman D. Radford Jr. ’65 Mr. and Mrs. James G. Stack Ms. Elizabeth L. Wright

Mr. Frank F. Lumpkin ’79 Ms. Ann N. Blair and Family Mrs. Patricia R. Cowan Mr. John S. Gray ’51 Ms. Brew P. Pearson Mr. Councill C. Rudolph II ’79 Mr. John M. Tabb Jr. ’82 Mr. J.C. Thompson ’79

Mr. Joseph A. Luongo

Old Dominion Chapter of the First Marine Division Assoc.

Mr. James H. Mavor ’90

Mr. Andrew Kvasnicka ’90

Mr. Kyle C. McAfee ’07

Mr. and Mrs. James Imatani Jr.

Mrs. William G. McClure Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Harman Mr. David L. Norton Mrs. Sarah H. Pearson Mr. John K. Tiller Jr. ’54

Mr. Thaddeus J. Meler ’48A Mr. Thomas R. Meler ’62

1st Sgt. Luke J. Mercardante ’07 Mr. Macon W. Michaux ’48B

Mr. Charles E. Moore Jr. ’41 Mrs. Charles E. Moore Jr.

Mr. James R. Moore ’53

Mr. David B. Stuart Sr. ’53

Mrs. Joseph D. Neikirk

Mr. and Mrs. Hunsdon Cary III

Col. William L. Nelson ’51, USAF Mr. John S. Gray ’51

Mr. E. Keith Phillips Jr. ’43 Ms. Carolyn S. Abbitt Mr. L.L. Alexander

Ms. Ann H. Austin Ms. Margaret S. Bryson Mr. and Mrs. William R. Carpenter III Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Whiting Chisman Jr. Mr. C. Marcus Cooper Jr. Dr. and Mrs. C.B. Courtney Jr. Col. and Mrs. Ivan R. Frey Mr. Herbert R. Green Jr. ’66 Ms. Ann C. Hankins Mr. Surry P. Harrison Judge James H. Harvell Ms. Doris A. Hill Dr. John R. Hogg Mr. John H. Holt ’67 and Mrs. Holt Mr. and Mrs. M. Quincy Holt Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Swanson Hornsby Jr. Mr. Robert P. Jones Jr. ’44 and Mrs. Jones Mr. and Mrs. Kemper L. Kellogg Jr. Ms. Laura E. Kostel Mr. and Mrs. James R. McNeil Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Meehan Mr. S.W. Nelms ’49B Mr. James H. Nicholson Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd U. Noland III Pembroke Construction Company Inc. Mr. and Mrs. David M. Phillips Jr. Mrs. H. Franklin Phillips Ms. Irene C. Range Dr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Sale Jason and Louis Silverman Southeastern Skate Supply Inc. Mr. and Mrs. C.R. Spencer Jr. Mr. C. Frederick Westphal Jr. Mr. E. Glenn White ’69 Mr. and Mrs. Walter W. Wildman

Cmdr. William R. Phillips ’47, USN

Col. Maximilian Lamont ’49C, USAF (Ret)

Mr. William M. Riddick III ’65

Col. Albert L. Lahendro ’65, USAF (Ret) Mr. William M. Riddick III ’65

William H. Romm ’43, MD Mrs. William H. Romm

Mr. C. Fred Rosenbaum ’58 Mr. Tarn M. Rosenbaum

Jay R. Sculley ’62, PhD

Col. and Mrs. George Piegari Mr. Walter H. Hylton III ’62

Mr. Stephen J. Simulcik ’89 Mrs. Rebecca S. Tate

Mr. James G. Sipolski ’65 Mr. Jack C. Cook Jr. ’65

Mrs. Thomas B. Stanley Jr.

Col. Maximilian Lamont ’49C, USAF (Ret)

Mr. Thomas B. Stanley Jr. ’47 Col. Maximilian Lamont ’49C, USAF (Ret)

Selden H. Stephens Jr. ’49B, MD Mrs. M. Palmer Bedsole Jr.

179

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Mr. Kirk G. Stewart ’65 Col. Robert E. Whaley ’65, USA (Ret)

Mr. Eivind O. Svendsen ’54 Mr. Francis E. Boeggeman ’58

Mrs. Barbara L. Tanzer Amb. S.R. Hanmer Jr. ’55

Mr. John A. Tipton IV ’56 Mr. J. Peyton Moore ’56 Mr. Charles C. Schoen III ’56

Mr. Eugene N. Touchstone ’67 Mrs. Deborah D. Aaron Mr. L. Jan Abernathy ’67 Mr. and Mrs. R.A. Bell Mr. Ross F. Gale Mr. and Mrs. William C. Garrett Jr. Mr. Thomas W. Leggett Jr. ’67 Mr. Ted N. Mervosh ’67 Mr. and Mrs. Samuel B. Nichols Mr. and Mrs. B.C. Plageman Ms. Joyce Price Mr. Thomas B. Rhodes Jr. ’67 Mr. and Mrs. Coy L. Saul Mr. Neil Schlussel ’67 Mr. John Harold Stone Jr. ’56 Mr. Douglass A. Taylor ’67

Mr. Ralph J. Tremaglio Jr. ’58 Mr. Tarn M. Rosenbaum

Mr. Jack T. Trotter ’47

Col. Maximilian Lamont ’49C, USAF (Ret)

Mr. Peter M. Vanderwerff ’62 Mr. L.B. Wilson Jr. ’62

Mr. DeWitt S. Worrell ’62 Fee-Only Financial Planning, LC Mr. George J. Gibbs Jr. Mr. Michael H. Griffin Mr. Andrew M. Kaz Mr. John C. McCue Mr. Colin Moran Mr. William S. Morris Col. and Mrs. George Piegari Col. Steven Riethmiller ’63 and Mrs. Riethmiller Dr. Robert J. Snyder Mr. Edward B. Willis ’66 Dr. Stewart S. Worrell

Fred B. Wright Jr. ’47, PhD Col. Maximilian Lamont ’49C, USAF (Ret)

Mr. Gregory R. Wright Jr. ’95 Mr. John W. Creedon Jr. Ms. Rickie S. Edwards Robin Farkas Esq. Mr. Jim Flinchum Dr. Arthur R. Jenkins Studio Graphics Inc.

Mrs. Fred B. Wright Jr. Col. Maximilian Lamont ’49C, USAF (Ret)

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 Feb. 1, 2010, through April 30, 2010.

Mr. Allan S. Wagner Jr. ’50B

Abbott Laboratories Fund

Mr. Robert L. Watson ’64

Air Products and Chemicals Inc.

Mr. Julian M. Weaver Jr. ’25

Alcoa Foundation

Mr. Richard C. Weaver ’21

Alliant Energy Foundation

Mr. Charles S. Willcox Jr. ’43

Altria Group Inc.

Mrs. Geraldine A. Williams

American Electric Power

Mr. Augustus B. Jones III ’50B

Buzz Birzenieks ’64 and Jane Birzenieks

Mr. Ronald L. Gault Jr. ’71

Mrs. William H. Romm

Mr. W. Thomas Hawkins ’49C Col. Maximilian Lamont ’49C USAF (Ret)

Mr. A.H. Wilson III ’57

R. Kirkland Hubbard Jr. ’57, DDS

Lt. Mark R. Wilson ’88, USN Mr. Macon W. Michaux ’48B

Mr. F. Robert Woollard ’72 Mrs. Marian P. Butler

180

Mr. Clinton T. Glover ’57

Mr. Jeffrey R. Joyce ’79

Mr. Robert A. Cheatham ’53

Mr. and Mrs. David W. Sewell

Mr. William K. Bhatta ’76

Mr. James R. Thrasher ’82

American Express Foundation Ms. Margaret M. Cowherd

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Mr. Reverdy H. Jones III ’68

Bank of America Foundation Inc. Mr. Alfred B. Cramer IV ’79 Mr. Charles J. Foster IV ’84

Mr. John G. Lester ’68 Ivan A. Marcotte ’83, PhD

BASF Corporation Stephen M. Andrews ’80, PhD

The Boeing Company Col. Randolph M. Blanks ’67, USAF (Ret) Lt. Col. Charles F. Toler III ’74, USMC (Ret)

BP Foundation Inc. Mr. Frederick Davison Jr. ’75

C&F Finance Company Mr. Steven D. Crone ’90

Capital One Mr. Alexander G. Blanton Jr. ’98

Caterpillar Foundation Mr. Wilson E.D. Shepherd ’50B

CNA Foundation Mr. John K. Whitmer ’78

Coca-Cola Company Col. Joseph P. Moan ’81, USAF (Ret)

Dominion Foundation Mr. David E. Ayers ’64 Mr. Kevin M. Cordray ’80 Mr. Richard A. McDonald ’78 Mr. F. Brian McNeil ’65 Mr. John S. Thornton Jr. ’64

The Duke Energy Foundation Mr. William G. Greig ’55 Mr. Kenneth R. Jordan ’65

Ernst & Young Foundation Mr. James S.C. Phlegar Jr. ’67

ExxonMobil Foundation

Mr. Charles H. Beckham ’43 Mr. William D. Dermott ’66 Mr. Joshua C. Hanks ’70 Mr. Charles W. Kause ’82 Mr. Thomas F. Lemons Jr. ’66 Mr. Horace L. Rose III ’82 Mrs. Horace L. Rose Jr. Mr. Edward M. Seager ’64 Capt. Michael L. Soares ’75, USNR Mr. Peter A. Tunnard ’90 Mr. James L. Whitehurst Jr. ’66

The General Electric Foundation Mr. Donald T. Doherty ’47

Genworth Foundation Mr. David A. Loy ’82

IBM Corporation

Mr. Thomas G. Allen ’64 Mr. T. Bryan Barton ’68 Mr. Joseph R. Brenner ’55

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

VMI FOUNDATION, INC. Mr. Richard G. Condit ’72 Col. Louis C. Delisio ’52, USAF (Ret) Mr. G.T. Durvin Jr. ’70 Mr. John Goode ’81 Mr. James A. Griffin ’63 Mr. James P. Hart III ’55 James C. Kyle Jr. ’57, PhD Mr. Nowell E. Loop ’59 Mr. Robert S. Miller ’53 Mr. E. Jeff Robertson II ’54 Mr. Tarn M. Rosenbaum Mr. Ira N. Saxe ’39 Mr. Ralph A. Warren Jr. ’50B Mr. Frank H. White ’59

Insurance Services Office Inc. Mr. Joseph R. Jones Jr. ’44

McKesson Foundation Inc. Mr. John G. King ’90

MeadWestvaco Foundation Mr. Michael L. Santoro Jr. ’69

The Medtronic Foundation Mr. Roger O. Hart Jr. ’99

The Merck Company Foundation Mr. C. Stewart Snoddy Jr. ’49C

MetLife Foundation Mr. Robert R. Baldwin ’63

Mutual of America Mr. Matthew Wright Atkinson ’80

Nordson Corporation Mr. John Scott IV ’69

2010-Issue 3

Norfolk Southern Foundation Mr. Harvey H. Bradley ’49B Mr. Phillip R. Ogden ’63 Mr. John R. Savage ’74

The Northrop Grumman Foundation Col. Victor L. Tucker Jr. ’65, USAF (Ret)

Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company Mr. J. Daniel Coogan Jr. ’59

Pfizer Foundation Mr. G. Chandler Williams ’68

Pitney Bowes Company Mr. Benjamin W.L. Semmes III ’88

PNC Foundation Mr. Chad A. Varanese ’99

Raytheon Company Lt. Col. Daniel J. Conn ’80, USMC (Ret) Col. Paul G. Munch ’70, USA (Ret)

SCANA Corporation Mr. John M. Cobb ’72

Science Applications International Corporation Mr. Ben M. Bauman II ’79 Mr. Jeffrey C. Carver ’71 Mr. Stephen E. Evans ’83 Lt. Col. Alan S. Fojt ’72, USA (Ret) Mr. Roy R. Heddleston ’70 Mr. John C. Leon ’73 Lt. Col. Lloyd W. McGrady ’69, USAF (Ret)

Shell Oil Company Foundation Mr. Ira P. Parkman Jr. ’66

Spectra Energy Foundation Mr. Michael J. Placzek ’81

State Farm Companies Foundation Mr. John D. Greene ’75

SunTrust Mid-Atlantic Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Dennis R. Howard Mr. Vincent A. Wood III ’81

Texas Instruments Foundation Mr. Michael J. Freeman ’77

Universal Leaf Foundation Mr. William E. Powell ’77

Verizon Foundation Mr. William D. Almy ’54 Mr. Francis E. Boeggeman ’58 Mr. Wayne D. Chiles ’65 Mr. George A. Farry ’75 Mr. R.N. Lineweaver III ’63

Wachovia Foundation Mr. Paul T. Sciacchitano ’72

Waters Corporation Andrew J. Young ’74, PhD

WellPoint Associate Giving Campaign Mr. C. Timothy Gundlach ’73 Mr. Ronald K. Milligan ’78

181

KEYDET CLUB KEYDET CLUB in 1999 and subsequently served as its president. He was also president of the Friends of Preston Library for two years and was an active member of ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out), a local gentleman’s club. Through the VMI Keydet Club, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth, Talbott married Helen Prior to her retirement, Helen worked William P. (Helen) Talbott has estab- Neese in 1987. Together, they enjoyed for J.M. Turner and later for Anderson lished the William P. and Helen Talbott supporting one of their favorite passions & Reed, an accounting firm. She was an Sr. ’50B Athletic Scholarship. By way of – VMI Division I athletics – with their active member of the Republican Party in this scholarship, Mrs. Talbott intends to time, money and love. They rarely missed the Roanoke Valley, serving as a convenhonor her late husband; to memorialize a football or basketball game, season after tion delegate several times and as a party the dedication to and love of VMI Athletics season. Talbott became known as the co-chairman in Salem, Virginia. She also that she and her husband shared; and to “sideline coach” at football practices, and has been very active in volunteer work. provide current and future cadet-athletes he and Helen attended every basketball Watching VMI’s young cadet-athletes the opportunity to gain a VMI education, game – home and away – for several years. compete at the Division I level, the Talincluding the opportunity to play sports at Health issues curbed the “away” travel, but botts recognized how a VMI education the Division I level. The scholprepared these young men and arship will provide financial women to have successful cagrant-in-aid for a cadet-athlete reers based on honor, discipline in any class, with preference and integrity. Because of their given to a member of either belief in the Institute and in the the VMI football or basketball cadet-athletes who represent team, who is recognized by the school on and off the playing his peers as an honorable field, Mrs. Talbott directed that and devoted Brother Rat and part of an IRA (established by teammate. her husband) be used to support Following in the footsteps of VMI cadet-athletes through the his brother, John R. Talbott Jr. establishment of this scholar’40, William P. Talbott matricship. ulated at VMI from Roanoke, Greg Cavallaro ’84, chief exVirginia, and graduated with On Sept. 2, 2006, Bill and Helen Talbott ’50B, left and ecutive officer of the Keydet the class of 1950B, receiving a center, received the Keydet Club’s Spirit of VMI award Club, acknowledged the scholarduring halftime of the VMI-Davidson football game. They bachelor of science degree in are shown above with Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, VMI ship by saying: “Bill and Helen civil engineering. As a cadet, superintendent, at right. were fixtures at VMI for many Talbott was a member of the years. Their love and support of football team for three years. VMI and its cadet-athletes were A veteran of the Korean War, he served in it was indeed rare to not see them in the infectious, and the relationships they the U.S. Army from 1950-52, attaining the stands, cheering on their beloved Keydets. developed with the young people whose rank of first lieutenant. He was awarded They opened their hearts and their home lives they touched extended far beyond a the Bronze Star Medal while serving with to countless VMI cadet-athletes, provid- cadet’s four years at VMI. They epitomized the 38th Field Artillery Battalion of the ing many home-cooked meals, a place the very best of the Spirit of VMI. Second Infantry Division from April 15- to relax and, most importantly, guidance “The Keydet Club and VMI Athletics Sept. 9, 1952. While in charge of a forward and council on how to survive, with honor will forever be indebted to the Talbotts, as observer party accompanying the infantry and determination, the many challenges Helen continues their generous support to the front lines, Talbott “was instrumen- posed by VMI. and devotion to the Institute which her tal in furnishing accurate fire support Both Helen and Bill have been long-time ‘Billy’ loved so much. This scholarship which aided in defending friendly troops leadership members of the VMI Keydet will serve as a reminder, for perpetuity, of and neutralizing enemy actions.” Club and both have served on its board of all that is good about the friendships, love After the war, Talbott was employed by governors. In September 2006, they were and family that are VMI.” J.M Turner and Company, Inc., in Roanoke presented with the Keydet Club’s highest as a civil engineer in construction and honor, the Spirit of VMI Award, in recogniEditor’s Note: Unless stated otherroad building. He worked for the company tion of their strong dedication and support wise, all articles in the Keydet Club for 41 years and retired as vice president of VMI athletics. section of the Alumni Review are in 1991. In addition to Keydet Club leadership, provided by the Keydet Club. Following the death of his first wife, Bill resurrected the VMI Roundball Club

Talbott ’50B

Scholarship Established

182

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

KEYDET CLUB Sawyer ’64 Establishes Soccer Scholarship in Daughter’s Honor Charles H. Sawyer ’64 has established the Susan O. Sawyer Scholarship for Women’s Soccer at VMI in honor of his daughter, Susan. The scholarship will provide grant-in-aid for a VMI cadet-athlete who is a midfielder on the VMI women’s soccer team, with preference to a cadet who graduated from (1) Dreher High School in Columbia, South Carolina; (2) a Smithfield, Virginia, high school; or (3) a Henrico County, Virginia, high school. Sawyer matriculated at VMI from Smithfield, Virginia, with the class of 1964, majoring in electrical engineering. As a cadet, he played football one year, participated in intramurals, and served on the Hop and Floor Committee for two years. Sawyer served in the U.S. Army for two years and was employed by

the 3M Company for 32 years as a sales executive. He has been an avid supporter of VMI athletics and is interested in ensuring that cadets of less fortunate circumstances are able to attend the Institute. In addition to daughter Susan, Sawyer has a son, Tom. Donnie Ross ’74, Keydet Club vice president, worked closely with Sawyer on the establishment of this scholarship. In acknowledgement, Ross said, “Chuck Sawyer has provided VMI women’s soccer with a gift of opportunity. Selected female cadet-athletes will benefit from Chuck’s kind generosity and concern for others. The Keydet Club is deeply appreciative of Mr. Sawyer’s vision for women’s athletics at VMI.”

Cure ’52 Honors Father and Grandson with Scholarship John Wilder Cure III ’52 and his wife, Mary-Dillon Dovel Cure, have established the John Wilder Cure Jr. ’23 and Robert Wilder Cure Memorial Men’s Soccer Scholarship to honor the memory of his father and their grandson. The scholarship will provide grant-in-aid for a VMI cadetathlete who is a member of the men’s soccer team and is majoring in a field of science or engineering. The late Cure Jr., who matriculated at VMI from Roanoke, Virginia, graduated from the Institute with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. As a cadet, he was a member of the Hop and Finance Committees and was advertising manager for The Cadet newspaper. He was also a cavalryman and served as captain of E Company in his first class year. Cure’s professional career was spent with Norfolk and Western Railroad. Rising to train master, he was responsible for all areas of operations from Roanoke to Norfolk. A quiet, humble and generous man, he touched the lives of many during his career. Years after his death, the family continued to hear from former employees and acquaintances who personally experienced his friendship, leadership and beneficence. Robert Wilder Cure, the son of James Dillon Cure ’78 and Cure Jr. ’23 grandson of the do-

2010-Issue 3

nors, was an enthusiastic, developing soccer player in the Lynchburg United Soccer league. He held a provisional appointment to the VMI class of 2007. He would have represented the fourth generation of the Cure family to attend VMI. John W. Cure III matriculated at VMI from John W. Cure III ’52 with his wife, Lynchburg, Virginia, and graduated with Mary-Dillon. a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. As a cadet, he was a member of Babcock & Wilcox in 1986, Cure, with the the VMI wrestling and track teams for one assistance of Mary-Dillon, formed Health year. He was also regimental adjutant and a Physics Consultation, Inc., which served hospitals and physicians in the fields of distinguished military student. He has been listed in the book, Who’s Who nuclear medicine and x-ray safety. After 20 gratifying years, he sold the company and Among Students and Universities. After VMI, Cure was awarded an Atomic several years later, retired a second time. Cure has been board certified by and a Energy Commission (AEC) Fellowship to Vanderbilt University, where he received a member of the American Board of Health master of science degree in nuclear physics. Physics and the American College of RaHe served in the U.S. Air Force for two years diology. He has served as president of the and then returned to Lynchburg, where he local Virginia chapter of the Health Physics was employed by Babcock & Wilcox, Inc., Society. He is an elder and past deacon of Quaker Memorial Presbyterian as a health physicist in charge of Church in Lynchburg. the radiation safety program at Upon completion of the its Lynchburg Research Center. scholarship agreement, DonHe retired from the company nie Ross ’74, Keydet Club after 30 years of service. vice president, said: “John Mary-Dillon Dovel Cure grew up and Mary-Dillon Cure have in Lynchburg and graduated from been extremely generous to the George Peabody College for VMI through the years. By Teachers, now a part of Vanderbilt establishing this scholarship University. She received a bachfor men’s soccer, they will enelor of arts degree in education. hance the program’s ability to After her marriage to John, she Robert W. Cure, be successful for generations enjoyed being at home to raise son of James to come. The Keydet Club is their three children – Allen, Paula W. Cure ’78 and grandson of the truly grateful for their loyal and James (class of ’78). donors. generosity.” Following his retirement from

183

KEYDET CLUB The 2010

Jeff Morgan ’80 Memorial Pup Cup 10th Anniversary Friday, Sept. 10, 2010 at The Club at Viniterra Golf Course This year’s annual Pup Cup will be a special event in recognition of the 10th anniversary of the death of Jeff Morgan ’80, whom this golf tournament honors. The Pup Cup will be held at The Club at Viniterra Golf Course outside of Williamsburg, Virginia, and will serve as the kickoff to a great football weekend that includes a pre-game barbecue before the 7 p.m. VMI vs. William & Mary football game in Williamsburg. VMI headquarters will be at the Hospitality House, across the street from Zable Stadium. The Pup Cup is held annually to raise funds for the Jeffrey J. Morgan ’80 Memorial Football Scholarship. Morgan was the executive vice president of the Keydet Club at the time of his death, a position he had held for nine years. He was piloting a small airplane, returning from a Keydet Club golf outing in Williamsburg, when his plane crashed into a mountain near Luray, Virginia. As a cadet, Morgan was a nose tackle on VMI’s football team. In 2001, he was inducted posthumously into the VMI Sports Hall of Fame. Cadet Joshua A. Wine ’11 is the Morgan ’80 Memorial Scholarship fund’s current beneficiary. Wine, a psychology major, is an all-conference defensive tackle for the Big Red team and also a heavyweight conference champion for the VMI wrestling team. Visit www.vmikeydetclub.com for more information on the Pup Cup, the pre-game barbecue and the VMI vs. William & Mary football game.

Crumpler ’07 Joins Keydet Club Staff as Assistant VP, Development Robert J. Crumpler ’07 has joined the Keydet Club staff as an assistant vice president of Development, effective April 2010. During most of the prior months in 2010, he served as a development associate for the Keydet Club, while completing his second year as the director of New Cadet Recruiting for The VMI Alumni Association. Prior to joining the Alumni Association in 2008 and following his graduation from VMI, Crumpler worked for the VMI Office of Admissions as an admissions counselor. There he was tasked with traveling to out-of-state recruiting events and working with students throughout the admissions process. In his new position, while learning all aspects of the development Crumpler ’07 process, Crumpler is focusing on young alumni involvement; educating and communicating the Keydet Club mission to current cadets and cadet-athletes; assisting with event planning; and serving as the Keydet Club liaison for the baseball and basketball programs. Crumpler was a Dean’s List student at VMI and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in history. He was a four-year member of the VMI baseball team and was an All-Conference honoree his first class year. He served as team captain during his second and first class years. About Crumpler, Keydet Club Chief Executive Officer Greg Cavallaro ’84 said, “He’s a bright, energetic and personable young man, and the Keydet Club is proud to have him and his lovely wife, Erica, on our team. By virtue of his age, he fills a big void in the Keydet Club and will facilitate development by concentrating on young alumni and current cadets. Robert has all of the tools – VMI institutional understanding, athletic knowledge, energy, passion, and interpersonal and communication skills – that make him a perfect fit and a great addition to the staff. His presence will allow Donnie Ross ’74, Coach Doug Bartlett and me to really focus on those areas of VMI athletic fund raising that will ensure our continued, successful support of VMI athletics. His presence has already been well received by alumni, parents, coaches, cadet-athletes and prospective cadets. I see the potential and promise for a very bright future for him in the VMI Keydet Club.”

Photo at right: Reggie Williams ’08, right, recently completed his first NBA season with the Golden State Warriors. In May 2010, he met John Kemper ’68, left, in Richmond, Virginia, for dinner. Kemper, a member of the Keydet Club and Full Scholarship donor, is a renowned VMI basketball player and Hall of Fame inductee. Above, the two are holding a display of Williams’ Warriors jersey, framed and autographed.

184

VMI ALUMNI REVIEW

Col. Walt Edens ’40 and His Heroic Act Class of 1940’s 70th Reunion, April 2010

The following is an excerpt from the May 2010 class notes of Class Agent Bob Smith ’40: “... And then there was that last heroic event that will ne’er be forgotten, not by us, not by the cadets on the stoops and around us in the new Third Barracks, not by the other assembled reunion classes and not by the Alumni Association staff. It was an indelible moment pressed into the memories of all who saw it. The cheers were spontaneous. The realization of everything that VMI means – the loyalty and determination it engenders, and the mettle of the leaders it fosters – was driven home by the heroic act of our cherished Walt Edens. “When the time came for our class to pass in review before the 14th superintendent and then to march to the courtyard, Walt persevered, pushing his walker. His Brother Rats took turns assisting him. He addressed the stairs and ascended to the top of the sentinel box, tenderly assisted by his son, Sandy Edens ’72, with each step a victory cheered on by all. To describe the scene, Adam C. Volant ’88, executive vice president of The VMI Alumni Association, immediately issued an e-mail message to all alumni that said in part: ‘In [November] 1939, he was featured on the cover of [the Saturday Evening Post], recognizing 100 years since the founding of the Virginia Military Institute. Since his graduation, he went on to serve with distinction in the Army, fighting in World War II and even serving at VMI as a tactical officer. He retired at the rank of colonel before [his] career in banking ... ‘Today, Col. Walter Edens is 91 years old, and [in April] he made the long trip from Colorado with his son to attend his reunion at VMI. There are 24 living members of the class of 1940, nine of whom returned to the Institute to celebrate their 70th Reunion. ‘On Tuesday, April 20, 2010, the VMI Corps of Cadets marched parade, stepping off at 4:30 p.m. to the traditional sound of the adjutant’s call. Alumni from the classes of 1940, 1945, 1950A, 1950B and 1955 observed the parade and then, in the great tradition of alumni, formed by class to pass in review, led by the senior class. ‘Col. Edens, once the first captain and regimental commander in the Corps and now the class president, marched with his class [with assistance from] his son and Brother Rats. The classes completed their march and gathered around the new sentinel box at the center of the Third Barracks. Edens left his walker at the base of the stairs, and with his son behind him for support, ascended to the top of the box to meet the current president of the first class. There, they joined together to recognize the class of 1940 to the applause and loud cheers of the entire Corps of Cadets gathered on all four stoops, as well as family, other alumni and visitors to the Institute. The first class president raised his hand and Barracks fell quiet, and then, with the pendant near to Col. Edens, he asked, “Are you ready?” ... ’ Smith ’40 continued, “The Old Yell for our class followed, and then the other classes followed suit. ... It was both poignant and glorious!” (See larger photo on inside front cover.)