CLASS NOTES
’89 Class of 1987: Room 430 Rat roommates, from left, Brig. Gen. Chip Bierman, USMC; Gerry Tertychny; and Bill Berneski at Bierman’s promotion on July 10, 2013.
Class of 1987: Col. James Bright, USMC, and his family when he assumed command on Aug. 14, 2013. on August 17, 30 years to the day after Gray and the rest of us signed the matriculation book. Jack McCarthy and John Phillips have sons starting out as Rats, and Ashley Abernathy also dropped off his nephew to begin the VMI experience. Gray, Jack, John and Ashley all got together on Bill Wanovich’s patio to drink some beers and listen to the screaming coming from the Barracks. So, the class of 1987 is well represented, through some descendants in the class of 1987+30. The madness continues. Congratulations again to Dave, Chip, James, Gray and Drew on your impressive accomplishments and many thanks to you and your families for your dedication and continued service to our country! Still haven’t gotten over to see Neal Robinson. Scott Jones, where are you? Please check in. In the spirit, Gerry
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Nathaniel L. Cross
Gents, I can tell it is the depths of the summer months as the communications have been limited. As you read this we are only a couple of weeks from Thanksgiving. Just to give you perspective, I’m watching my not-too-happy teenage son cut the grass after being forced out of bed around 10:30 a.m. Way too early for him! Anyway, those of you with teenagers can relate. To those who have not yet reached that age … just something to look forward to! Speaking of looking forward, how about Sept. 12-14, 2014? We are now less than a year out which means you need to have that weekend blocked out. I’m not sure how much you will have received regarding plans by November, but be sure that we are working on it. I do know that Ashley Fairchild and the Reunion Campaign Committee have already met. They will be responsible for helping us raise our financial gift, as well as where we will designate those funds. There are two pictures with this article. One was sent in by Rob White and shows him, James Black and Paul Mele at the U.S. Army War College. Great picture, guys, and thanks for sharing. Rob added that he, Simone and the kids are heading off to Ankara, Turkey, to take a position in the Office of Defense Cooperation. You guys be safe and send us some pictures of the family while you are there. Brief side bar while I’m talking about the war college, it is official that Mitch Fridley is there this year as a resident student. Back to pictures, how about Billy Miller and Buddy Schmeling chilling at Peter Lugar’s steak house in Brooklyn? I’m now hoping that Buddy can hook us up with some steaks for the reunion. What do you think, Buddy?
Class of 1989: From left, Cmdr. James Black, USN; Col. Paul Mele, USA; and Col. Rob White, USA, at the U.S. Army War College on May 11, 2013. Not sure how it happened, but Mitch sent me an update on a couple of guys, and I will share those now. From Paul Pardew: “Currently still in Italy. Got one more year and Josh is a senior. Like his father, he is a scatterbrain about what to do, so hopefully he figures it out in the next 12 months. Kelly and the rest are doing great, enjoying their summer.” I have seen some of the pictures that Kelly has posted on Facebook, and it looks like the Pardew clan is getting to see a lot of Europe. You guys keep having fun, and we’ll see you next summer back in the good old U.S.A. From Wayne Jones: “Checked out of Parris Island on a Friday and into the Office of Legislative Affairs on Monday. Serving as the director of the Senate liaison for the Marine Corps and will be working for Brig. Gen. Dave Furness ’87. My, how things have changed. Family is good, don’t know where we are going to live yet. Wearing a suit four days a week and actually look forward to Fridays, when I get to wear my service uniform. Haven’t ridden in a while – brought my bikes but living in Bethesda with Christine’s relatives until we figure it all out. Nate graduates next year and will go to West Point. He was recruited to play lacrosse. Got an Army dog on my hands, but I
Class of 1989: Over the 2013 July 4th weekend, the Billy Miller family visited with Buddy Schmeling. Above, the group is relaxing at Peter Lugar’s Steakhouse in Brooklyn, New York, where Schmeling is the general manager. USA Today recently named his restaurant the best steak house in the country.
VMI ALUMNI REVIEW