CLASS NOTES been in existence for decades, there have not been many Americans in the program, historically. Ron was the only American to graduate this year, and there are two due to graduate next year, but they are actively seeking to change that. If there are any VMI alums who are in law enforcement and are interested, Ron is offering assistance in in applying. Ted Wagner has been serving in the reserve at the 80th Command in Richmond as the G6. He was recently joined by Mitch Fridley ’89 on the staff. So, you know the staff has vastly improved since the VMI guys got there. Ted had a great summer with his wife, Kim, on the Outer Banks. Ted’s job at TASC is going well. Ted stated that Joe Swider stopped by to check in and that they have worked together on projects in the past. Ted has also been a guest lecturer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and George Mason University. John Keppeler sent a short note of support and best wishes for everyone. “Now that I have retired, the most interesting thing in my life is my kids. The only new thing is that our daughter, Cecilia (Ceci for short), has committed verbally to play soccer for VMI. She is a rising high school senior and would matriculate fall 2015.” Walt Coleman ran in to Col. Jim Ring at the Richmond airport as he was there waiting for some of his team to arrive back from Afghanistan. Jim still looks the same and has been an attender periodically at the northern Virginia VMI ’88 monthly luncheons. I had the pleasure over the past few months to touch base with the following BRs on the phone, via email or in person: Eric Woodhouse was able to reconnect with football teammate P.W. Sarver ’85. Greg Connor sent me a note from his office in Hawaii. He continues to serve as a Navy captain. Col. Sam Russell and I shared memories of Terry Plunk and my conversation
Class of 1988: Brian Keith at the beach with his dog in May 2010.
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with Terry’s mom. Tom Ustach attended a Pacific Northwest alumni picnic in Seattle, Washington. They are organizing a shuffleboard tourney in his hometown of Portland, Oregon. Mark Snedecor’s son is a plebe at the U.S. Naval Academy. Hopefully, by the time you read this, we had a great VMI ’88 showing for the VMI versus Navy game and tailgate, VMI won and Mark’s son did not receive any privileges. Tom Kennedy and our families have been able to spend a couple of relaxing afternoons on the Potomac River boating and swimming. Our buddy, Lew Sigmon had a Second Amendment event in his backyard, and we are hoping to schedule some more this next year. A big shoutout to Rusty Sloane for helping me with birthday cards and Christmas notes. Believe it or not, it has been a year since our 25th Reunion and since you asked me to become class agent. Rusty has been a great help, and it has freed me up to have more personal contact with many of you. Finally, on behalf of our class, I reached out to a number of our VMI family who asked me to pass on their appreciation for our support and continue to keep in touch. Specifically, Romelia Keith, Erin McCumber, Tammy Boniface and Doris Plunk-Matthews. Additionally, Bill Cronenburg reached out to Mark Lamb’s sister. They all appreciate being included and sharing in your memories of their loved ones and our brother rats. Brother Rats, I hope you enjoy reading these notes as much as I enjoyed participating in the interactions they represent in keeping us all in touch. As always, you can reach me at the following: VMI 88 Facebook page (join 228 BRs and family) 571-659-0904 (home) 703-772-0854 (cell) samtate88va@gmail.com
’89
Nathaniel L. Cross
So, the reunion is over, or at least, it should be as you read these notes. I hope you had a great time. Unfortunately, I’m writing this in early August, so I don’t have any reunion news to share. However, you guys had a busy spring and summer, so let me jump in with the news. I got an email from Sean Raborn right after the May notes went in. You should see a picture of Sean and Natalie at the finish line of a six-day stage race in Breckenridge, Colorado. It seems our very own Greg Lemond kicked a little “fourth point of contact” and came in first with Natalie in the CoEdDue division. Way to go, Sean and Natalie. Natalie, Lori mentioned how good Sean looked. Maybe I need to take up mountain biking! Al Versoza sent in: “I happened to run into BRs Mike Masley and John Corley at Yongsan Army Garrison, Seoul, Republic of Korea. We had dinner together last night (May 30, 2014) at a small kimchi pot restaurant. I am pleased to report both are doing well. Mike is the Garrison commander for Yongsan and will be relinquishing command in July. He will then PCS to the Pentagon late summer. If I have it correct, there will be at least six BRs in the Pentagon (Brent Selnau, John Piedmont, Winton Smith, Steve Warren, Wuzzer Rader, Mike and me by the end of the summer.) “I ran into John Corley while walking to the Burger King the first day on the ground. We recognized each other immediately and ended up having a quick catch-up session at BK. John is the J8 at Special Operations Command Korea.
Class of 1988: Matt Wauben, left, visited Mike Coleman, Marie Coleman, Dan Shrimpton and Todd Robinson ’91 in northern Virginia.
VMI ALUMNI REVIEW