CLASS NOTES classmates. A follow-up call enabled Bryan to get some good feedback from Phil on a contractor recommendation. This reminds me of the wise old alumnus who once said, “VMI grads may be few, but we are everywhere.” BR Keith Sawyer is also one who fits that description these days. Keith updated me that he recently landed a position as quality technician in Dubai with Flour Corporation. He is expecting an additional follow-on assignment with Flour in Afghanistan, but the exact location there will be determined later. Skip Goodwillie reports his son, James ’12, launched a new company called Bluebaggs. com, which is a business based on the merger of e-commerce and social media. Skip says we should describe the venture to our kids as “Pintrest with shopping” – and they’ll get it immediately.” I sure as heck don’t know what that means, and I guess Skip didn’t either, because his son just told him, “Dad, you’re from a different generation.” I’ll just echo Skip and say, damn, it’s come to that. Unfortunately, bad news seems to come in threes, and the past months have been no exception, with the untimely deaths of Alan Toler’s wife, Ann (Spike), and Ivan Marcotte’s son, Mitchell, as well as the passing of Bubba Hazelgrove’s father. I wish these BRs peace as they mourn their loss and know they appreciate so many of you who have reached out to express condolences and offer assistance. Our reunion is approaching in the spring. I hope you all are able to clear your calendars to attend during the dates of April 26-27, 2013. Look for more information in the mail from the VMI Alumni Association, as well as other information we will distribute via the VMI83 distribution. That’s all for now. In the Spirit of ’83 – Jim
’84
Barry Coceano
What a better way to spend the day than hunkered down over the computer writing class notes, while Hurricane Sandy wreaks havoc outside. I want to start off with an apology … the notes are short this time. No, not because the hurricane is destined to knock out my electricity shortly, but because I only received a couple updates this time; hence, there isn’t much to work with. I’m optimistic that I’ll get a flood of notes prior to the next deadline! Speaking of next deadline, do you all realize that our 30th Reunion will be one year from this coming spring? That means
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I’ll only have four more set of notes to write before handing the baton off to the next class agent. Yes, that’s right. I’ll be looking for a replacement as class agent, so if you would like to nominate your next class agent, here are the names of a couple guys that I believe would excel in the opportunity. To vote, please send me an update with one of the following names: Chris Caplice, Tom Anthony, Mike Locher, Tom Graham, Alex Thompson or a write-in candidate of your choice. Your vote will only count if it’s accompanied by an update. Hey, if I have to use bribery to get updates, then you at least have to give me points for initiative. Tried that “initiative” line with Dr. Chang once … didn’t work, still got a “D” and decided that majoring in history would be more conducive to an on-time graduation! Now, for some updates: A few weeks ago, I attended the VMI-Navy football game over in Annapolis. Wish the outcome had been better, but it was great seeing a number of BRs. Those who I either saw or spoke to were (to the best of my memory): Carter Jordan, Carlos Zamora, Bill Janis, Doug Nichols, Cecil Criss, Steve Ljubenko, Steve Hupp, Andy Protogyrou, Craig Peacock and Cyril Lepecha. I’m sure I missed some, so please don’t be offended if I failed to mention your name. My 51-year-old brain no longer has the memory capacity it once did, and even then, some would challenge that there was much capacity to begin with. Recently, I had the opportunity to represent our Class of ’84 Athletic Scholarship at the annual Keydet Club Scholarship Banquet. Greg Cavallaro and the great team of professionals he has in the Keydet Club front office did a tremendous job organizing and executing a 5-star event for over 650 scholarship athletes and their families. I am proud to announce that the new recipients of our class scholarship are Rats Daniel Bull ’16
Class of 1984: Mark Collie ’15, son of Dave Collie, and Mary Carter Jordan (USNA ’14), daughter of Carter Jordan, at the VMI-Navy football game in September 2012. Collie and Jordan were roommates as cadets.
and Austin Bull ’16. Both are members of the VMI lacrosse team, and they are cousins from the state of Ohio. After meeting these two wonderful young gentlemen and their families, I know they will do a tremendous job representing the Class of ’84 Athletic Scholarship. Also on hand for the banquet were Mo Khandan-Barani and Steve Hupp. Both Mo and Steve have graciously donated and/or endowed annual athletic scholarships. Additionally, both have sons who are Rats this year. To Steve and Mo – thanks for your generous contributions and efforts to make VMI the great school that it is today! Ken Gill sent me the following update: “I am retiring from the Marine Corps on 1 Nov. 2012 with 28 years and seven months service. I have loved every minute! Pam and I are staying here in Hampton Roads and have a home in Chesapeake.” Ken, congratulations on your retirement from the Corps, and thank you for your 28+ years of service. I know there are many companies out there who’ll be fighting over you as a potential hire, so don’t stress the job hunt. Jim Dixon sent me the following note the other day: “My daughter (Gingy) is a freshman at W&L, and that provides Leslie and me with the opportunity to visit Lexington from time to time. I see lots of cadets when in town and observed that they look sharp and seem to be full of pride. I’m hoping my daughter will get to attend Ring Figure one day, but only if her date is a complete gentleman!” Jim, no doubt Gingy will be going to Ring Figure. If you don’t mind, I’ll head up the selection team reviewing potential dates – water-boarding will be part of the interrogation (I meant interview) process. Frank Kollmansperger checked-in from Richmond with the following: “Hi, Barry, hope you are doing well. Life is good here. I was watching our boys hit golf balls a couple of weeks ago and looked up and saw Chris Bruch there. He has recently picked up the game, and while I am not a golfer, his swing looked very good. Have tried to keep up with all the men, and I mean men, from room 101. Mark Morgan, Alex Thompson, Bruce Hauck and Jamie Shoemaker are great. Selman is Selman. He is a very proud papa of a Benedictine sophomore. Thomas Selman loves it. Be good.” See, told you they were short this time. Don’t forget to send in your ballot (and update) for class agent … need to keep in the spirit of the seemingly never ending presidential election season. Until next time, goodnight Manny Mendez, Barry Mines, Bobby Rosedale and Steve Pilotte, wherever you guys are.
VMI ALUMNI REVIEW