CLASS NOTES Bettie Jacobsen loves cruising on the small barges of Europe’s rivers and canals and has just returned from Germany. Bettie says it is much better to sit on the barge deck and sip a drink than to follow the barge on the bicycle path! When she is at home in Richmond, she plays league croquet twice a week and works out at the gym regularly – would be nice if we could all be that active! Bettie and Jean Salley got together this summer for a good visit over lunch and caught up on the news. Jean has some knee problems but is putting off surgery as long as she can. Brother Rats and Sisters – please remember I can only report on news you send me, so keep those cards, letters and e-mails coming! Here’s wishing you all a great fall season, and who knows, maybe this year VMI will have a winning season!
’48A
Dale E. Wykoff
We were deeply saddened to hear of the death of our much-respected Brother Rat, Commander Don Florence, USN, on April 14, 2013. After two years at VMI, he was offered and accepted a scholarship to play football at the U.S. Naval Academy. He later earned an M.A. degree from George Washington University. Don experienced ongoing ill health in his later years and was under the care of his daughter, Deborah Pianka,
Class of 1948A: Don Florence at the 60th Reunion in 2008.
for the last seven years. We last saw Don at our 60th Reunion in 2008. He was buried at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. With the loss of Don, we now have nine surviving Brother Rats. Our 65th Reunion in April 2013, was attended by John Trumbo, Paul Stagg and Dale Wykoff. Attending were: John’s wife, Barbara; Paul’s wife, Sarah; and their daughter, Valerie Ford. Dora Meler, daughter of our Brother Rat Ted Meler was, as in the past, a very welcome addition.
’49A
James Harrington
Class of 1948A: 65th Reunion Snapshot
At the 65th Reunion were from left, Joellyn Schwarzmann, wife of VMI Alumni Association Information Officer Matt Schwarzmann’90; Barbara Trumbo; Dora Meler; and John Trumbo.
2013-Issue 4
Col. Stan Millimet died July 22 after a lingering illness. Stan had 30 years of Army service, including service in Korea and Vietnam and was awarded numerous decorations. Several years ago, his children honored him by establishing a scholarship fund at VMI. I sent our usual class flowers – three roses, one red, one white and one yellow – to his funeral. Sunny has written to thank the class. Here’s some of her letter: “(Stan’s) master’s degrees were in logistics (via the Air Force) and business. His postmilitary job was with the tank division of Chrysler, and when General Dynamics replaced Chrysler, he became program manager for the Abrams tank for Egypt. He retired from GD in 1994. He was a military person through and through– loved his country and loved what he did. He was a student of history and could have taught anything from the Civil War forward. He always tried to induce any young person with which he spoke, including our grandchildren, to go to VMI, but never succeeded. He was buried in his dress blues. He loved you all and VMI. Best wishes, everyone. Sunny.” We’ll miss our talks, our e-mails and our friendship. So long, soldier! At my request, Bill May represented us at the Class Agent Conference this spring. Here’s his report: “As usual it was an event marked by astonishment at the many positive changes that the Institute has enacted since the class of ’49A graduated. I was impressed by the leadership of all those who are now in charge of VMI’s future. I was blown away by the individual cadet physical fitness programs and training facilities for all cadets. Certain rewards and honors go to those who excel. VMI now stands very near the top in the schools in its class as to excellence in academics. As to expansion of the physical plant, the Post is now a city within a city. New buildings and newly refurbished older buildings are supporting a very modern updated curriculum, a curriculum that includes many long-term aspects. I urge my ’49A BRs to visit the Institute and see for yourself a sort of miracle that is now happening. When I visit the Post now, I can’t avoid the crazy thought that I would like once again to be a new cadet just beginning the VMI experience. “Dolores and I will be cruising the New England islands with the American Cruise Line in June. We have vacation cruised with 37