Aumni Review 2015 Issue 3

VMI

ALUMNI REVIEW 2015-Issue 3

The Danube

by River Ship

MAY 25 – JUNE 03, 2016

To reserve, call 866-639-0079 or reserve online at http://vmi.orbridge.com

Discover, as is only possible aboard a river ship, the treasures of a river distinguished with more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other in Europe.

Prague Nuremberg

Regensburg

C ZEC H REPUBLIC

Passau Linz

G ER MA N Y

Danube River

Melk

Vienna

AUSTRI A

Budapest HUNGARY

Program Highlights

Your 10–Day Itinerary (subject to change) Days 1-2: En Route from U.S. / Arrive Prague, Czech Republic (R)

•

Travel with fellow VMI alumni on an exclusive VMI departure.

•

Discover Vienna, “Capital of Classical Music,” with a memorable concert, historic sightseeing, and a cultural tour of Schönbrunn Palace—included exclusively for our sailing.

Day 3:

Prague / Nuremberg (Embarkation) (B,D)

Day 4:

Nuremberg (B,L,D)

•

View Kaiserburg Imperial Castle and its quaint town center, or visit the Nuremberg Rally Grounds and grandstands.

Day 5:

Regensburg (B,L,D)

Day 6:

Passau / Linz (B,L,D)

•

Explore Regensburg’s many Roman, Romanesque, and Gothic structures, making it one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities.

Day 7:

Melk / Vienna (B,L,D)

Day 8:

Vienna (B,L,D)

•

See glorious Melk Abbey, one of the world’s most famous monastic sites— its library holding countless medieval manuscripts.

Day 9:

Budapest (B,L,D)

Day 10:

Budapest (Disembarkation) (B)

•

In Budapest, watch for the Heroes’ Square, the Fishermen’s Bastion, and the 13th-century Matthias Church, which you will visit with a local guide.

•

Enjoy the luxurious comforts and on-board amenities, including a fitness center, spa, whirlpool, salon, library, panorama bistro, and more.

What’s Included A 7-night cruise aboard the Avalon Vista. Full assistance of a dedicated Orbridge Travel Director as well as expert local guides. Sightseeing and activities, including special Orbridge-exclusive opportunities. All port charges, included excursion transportation, entrance fees to included sites, and gratuities to ship crew, cruise director, local guides, drivers, and porters.

Airport transfers for guests on suggested flights. 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners served with wine and beer.

Cabin Category

Standard Rate

Discounted Rate*

Category F

$3,999

$3,495

Category E

$4,399

$3,995

Category D

$4,799

$4,395

Category B

$5,399

$5,095

Category A

$5,699

$5,395

Category P

$5,999

$5,695

Suite

$6,999

$6,695

Double Occupancy

Contents

Virginia Military Institute Alumni Review

2015-Issue 3

In This Issue . . .

This issue includes class notes and news items covering the time period of Feb. 15, 2015, to May 15, 2015.

Features

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151st New Market Day

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2015 Commissioning

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2015 Graduation

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The Legacy of Jonathan Daniels ’61

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Howard ’02 Creates Retreat for Fellow Disabled Veterans

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Building Leadership Through Athletics

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Campaign Achieves New Milestone

16 First Spring Reunion: April 20-21 21 Second Spring Reunion: April 24-25

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Managing Editor: Jordan Moore Editorial Assistant: Elaine Wood ALUMNI REVIEW ONLINE www.vmialumi.org/alumnireview 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 PRINTER Progress Printing Co., Inc. Lynchburg, Virginia 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.

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

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Our Alumni Serving

Periodicals postage paid at Lynchburg, VA.

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Association/Chapter News

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Class Notes

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.

158 Births, Marriages, Degrees 159 Provisional Appointments 167 Alumni News

Departments 2

President’s Letter

165 Association Directory 174 The Institute

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PUBLISHER The President of The VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

News and Updates

160 Taps

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Volume 92, No. 2

179 Keydet Athletics 183 The Foundation 187 The Keydet Club

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

WEBSITE ADDRESSES Alumni Agencies: www.vmialumni.org VMI: www.vmi.edu ON OUR COVER Outside Front Cover: Second spring reunion parade, April 25, 2015. Photo by Jess Sorensen.

Inside Back Cover: Wreath laying before the New Market parade May 15, 2015. Photo by Micalyn Miller.

Correction: The cover photographer for 2015-Issue 2 is a member of the Class of 1969, not 1966. Our sincerest apologies to Don Mercer ’69 for this error.

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A Message From the President Dear Fellow Alumni, I hope this issue finds you well as summer winds down. In the following pages, you will find coverage of finals, graduation and commissioning. Please join me in congratulating our newest graduates, the Class of 2015! Take a moment to reflect on your graduation day, whether it was one year ago or 75 years ago.

The 151st anniversary of the Battle of New Market was held May 15. For the second year, the event was live-streamed on the Internet, providing countless viewers with the opportunity to join us in our ceremony as we honored those cadets who fought and the 10 who died on the field of honor.

Perrow ’96

In April, we were joined on post by many classes celebrating their reunions. For the first spring reunion, held April 20-21, we celebrated with the Classes of 1945, 1950A, 1950B, 1955 and 1960. Later that week, April 24-25, we welcomed back the Classes of 1965, 1975, 1985 and 1995 for our second spring reunion. During the second spring reunion, the Class of 1965 presented their 50th Reunion Campaign check to the Institute.

This issue features design updates, largely inspired by feedback from professional associations and alumni.

This new design strategy will allow for more photos to be displayed throughout the magazine. We hope you enjoy the fresh, new look!

In this issue, you will find an article on the legacy of Jonathan Daniels ’61. August 2015 marks 50 years since Daniels was martyred in Hayneville, Alabama. The Institute section of this issue highlights the awarding of the Jonathan Daniels ’61 Humanitarian Award to Rep. John Lewis, as well as past and future events hosted by the George C. Marshall Center for Leadership and Ethics and the Adams Center.

Also of interest in this issue of the Review is an update on the campaign. As of press time, more than $218 million has been donated to help achieve our goal. Please also take a moment to view the new members of the Foundation and Keydet Club boards. We appreciate the members of all Alumni Agencies boards – past and current – and thank them for all of their hard work.

In the Athletics section, you will be introduced to our new head basketball coach, Dan Earl, and a new addition to the football coaching staff, Tim Maypray ’10.

Many changes are happening on post, so be sure to come back for a football game in the fall to see for yourself!

Sincerely,

E.J. Turner Perrow Jr. ’96 President, VMI Alumni Association 2

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Above Left: U.S. Air Force Capt. Branden DeLong ’08, center, with Charles Walker ’70 and Jim Wood ’74 at a job site in Amir, Estonia.

Above Right: U. S. Army Capt. Robert Kelly ’08 participated in his battalion’s Transfer of Authority Ceremony in Afghanistan.

Our Alumni Serving Recognizing Those Who Serve Others in Their Communities, Country and the World In addition to recognizing those who have served in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom (as shown on the previous pages), the Alumni Association would like to pay tribute to other citizensoliders, who are, as Col. J.T.L. Preston said and as printed on the parapet, “an honor to our country and our state, objects of honest pride to their instructors ... and ready in every time of deepest peril ... .”

Those alumni whose photos and articles appear in this section of the Review could be members of the armed forces serving in non-combat capacities anywhere in the world, or they could be members of police and fire departments, doctors offering their

services to those less fortunate, alumni volunteering at food pantries or serving as Boy or Girl Scout leaders.

If you or someone you know is serving others, please submit a high resolution photo (3 or 4 megapixels, minimum) taken at the location you are serving or with the people whom you serve.

Along with the photo, please submit a caption that explains what your service is, where you perform it and for whom. Send these to the VMI Alumni Review staff at review@vmiaa.org or by mail to VMI Alumni Review, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450, Attention: Editor. We will review your submission and consider it for publication.

Are you or someone you know serving the community, country or the world? Send in a photo and a description of what you’re Are you orand someone you serving the community, country or the world? Send in a photo and a doing, where for whom.

See know instructions above. description of what you’re doing, where and for whom. See instructions above.

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Remembering the Battle of New Market

“Died on the Field of Honor, Sir!”

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151 Years Later: May 15, 2015

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150 Commission on New Market Day Approximately 150 VMI cadets commissioned into the armed services May 15, 2015, in a joint commissioning ceremony held in Cameron Hall.

Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, reminded those commissioning that their service is a fulfillment of the Institute’s mission of creating citizen-soldiers. “VMI is proud of you,” said Peay. “Our country is fortunate to have you and your decision to lead.”

The superintendent also referred to the significance of the day as the 151st anniversary of the Civil War Battle of New Market, in which 10 VMI cadets died of their wounds. For the past several decades, commissioning at VMI has been held May 15 in observance of the New Market anniversary.

Administering the oath of office to nearly 100 cadets commissioning as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army was Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, 35th vice chief of staff of the Army. Allyn, a four-star general with combat experience in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan, among many other locales, told the soon-to-be officers that they were entering the Army at a historic and increasingly dangerous time.

In such a time, officers of strong and principled

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character are desperately needed, Allyn noted.

“Your soldiers will follow you anywhere if they trust you,” he said. “You will earn their trust day in and day out by consistently choosing the harder right over the easier wrong.”

Commissioning as second lieutenants in the U.S. Marine Corps were approximately 20 cadets, who took the oath of office administered by Lt. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, deputy commandant for plans, policies and operations. The 38-year Marine Corps veteran humorously reminded those about to commission that they wouldn’t remember much about the ceremony, then told them to keep in mind three “ships:” leadership, ownership and mentorship.

All three are connected to one’s mindset, said Bailey. “Think good thoughts, because they become good words, and good words become good actions, and good actions become good habits, and good habits become a part of your character.”

Just under 30 cadets entered the U.S. Navy as ensigns, taking their oath of office from Rear Adm. James W. Kilby, commander of the Naval Surface Warfighting Development Center in San Diego, California.

Vmi Alumni Review

Like Allyn, Kilby stressed that those entering the service will be called upon and tested.

Roughly 50 percent of the Navy’s service members are deployed at any given time, the rear admiral said. “We are the first responders.”

Kilby urged the new ensigns to be guided by the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment. “Embrace them, reflect on them, not only in times of challenges but in all times, so they remain fresh,” he counseled.

Approximately 12 cadets commissioned in the U.S. Air Force during this morning’s ceremony, taking their oath of office from Gen. Darren W. McDew ’82, commander of the Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

“Today you commit to a profession that is more than a job,” McDew told the cadets. “It’s a higher calling. ... Your duty is leadership, pure and simple.”

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Class of 2015 Graduates More Than 300 Cadets One thing the graduating members of the Class of 2015, who gathered at Cameron Hall May 16, 2015, for commencement exercises, learned quickly upon arriving on post way back in August 2011 was that to survive the ordeal that is VMI, they had to band together.

But in case they had forgotten, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, quickly reminded them with his introductory remarks.

“Graduating from VMI is a great personal achievement,” he said, “but it is an achievement that cannot be reached alone. We must always recognize that success is not exclusively a matter of individual resolve.” But, Peay said, while the individual effort should be applauded, none of the cadets made their way alone.

Peay referenced the influences of faculty and family, and how their support is necessary for the success of any college graduate.

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For graduates of VMI, however, brother rats are essential for making it to graduation day and struggling through the inevitable failures along the way.

“When you are here at VMI, you will fail,” said valedictorian Henry Meredith ’15.

The Class of 2015 started with 509 on matriculation day four years ago. Many of them fell by the wayside. Those who went the distance, however, were able to persevere in large part because of the support and, as Meredith called it, “love” of their brother rats.

“With each other, we overcome these failures,” he said, adding, “Through failure, and through love, we grow. Never let this parting last. I encourage all of you to keep these relationships for the rest of your lives. ... Congratulations on overcoming the trials of this ridiculous place. You are strong and full of love

and more than ready to overcome any failure.”

That, as Farrell noted when he took the podium, is the history of VMI. In his address to the Class of 2015, Farrell, who is producer of the feature film, “Field of Lost Shoes,” made numerous references to those brave cadets who fought at the Battle of New Market. Those cadets, he noted, ultimately “failed” in their mission, but their commitment to duty, honor, and each other, should provide inspiration for all VMI graduates.

“Those New Market cadets are a part of you,” Farrell said. “Those children had the hearts of lions. Each of you will get it right.

You have history at your backs.”

Editor’s Note: The commissioning and graduation articles and related photos were provided

by VMI Communications and Marketing.

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The Legacy of Jonathan Daniels ’61

by Rich Griset, Contributing Writer

“...That’s what makes it so incredible – when ordinary humans step outside and do unordinary and heroic things.”

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Jonathan Daniels ’61, left, in Alabama in April 1965. Photo courtesy VMI Archives.

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In August 1965, a group of roughly two dozen people, some of them members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, were arrested for picketing whites-only stores in Fort Deposit, Alabama. Jailed in the nearby town of Hayneville, they refused to accept bail unless all members of the group were freed.

After spending six days incarcerated, the group was released suddenly and without transportation back to Fort Deposit.

As someone called for a ride, the August sun beat down on the group. Four of the activists decided to purchase soft drinks at a nearby store they knew served non-whites.

“The pavement was steamy ... We were hot, tired and thirsty,” recalled Ruby Sales, one of the four. “It was hot in a way that it can only be hot in the south.”

The others were Joyce Bailey, Father Richard F. Morrisroe and Jonathan Daniels ’61.

Before they could reach the store, they were halted by Tom Coleman, an unpaid special deputy sheriff. A pistol rested on Coleman’s hip, and in his hands was a 12-gauge shotgun.

“He was waving the shotgun and threatening to kill us,” Sales remembered. “[He] threatened to kill me, because I was in the front and in the most danger. Jon pulled me, and I tripped, and he was shot,” she said, recalling the horrifying moment. “...Tom Coleman didn’t stop at that. He fired at Father Morrisroe, who was holding Joyce Bailey’s hand.”

Morrisroe was severely wounded in the back during the altercation, and Daniels was killed instantly. Even with these serious offenses, Coleman was only charged with manslaughter. Richmond Flowers Sr., Alabama’s attorney general, was thwarted by the trial judge and later removed from the case when he tried to have the charge changed to murder.

The judge also refused to wait for Morrisroe’s recovery, which would have allowed him to testify in the case.

Coleman claimed self-defense against the four unarmed people he met in the parking lot Aug. 20, 1965. The all-white jury found Coleman not guilty and he was acquitted.

Flowers described the verdict as “democratic process going down the drain of irrationality, bigotry and improper law enforcement.”

Sales barely spoke for several months after Daniels’ murder. “He saved my life,” she said.

“He was very committed, but he was not an angel or a saint. What made him so wonderful was that he was an authentic human being with incredible strength ... That’s what makes it so incredible – when ordinary humans step outside and do unordinary and heroic things.”

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Daniels is now listed in the Episcopal book of contemporary martyrs for his actions. After Daniels’ death, Martin Luther King Jr. said, “One of the most heroic Christian deeds of which I have heard in my entire ministry was performed by Jonathan Daniels.”

Despite the traumatic event, Sales continues her work for social justice through her nonprofit, the SpiritHouse Project. The nonprofit has Jonathan Daniels and Samuel Younge fellows, typically college interns, working for it.

In a world where law enforcement sometimes targets minorities, Sales says that in some ways, things haven’t changed over the past 50 years. “We lived [then] in a climate in the south that is very similar to what we live in today,” Sales explained.

Daniels’ journey to Alabama came from his sense of duty to others. Born in Keene, New Hampshire, he graduated as valedictorian of VMI’s Class of 1961. Daniels briefly attended Harvard University before deciding to pursue the ministry. In 1963, Daniels began his studies at the Episcopal Theological School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

“Jon was a gentle man,” recalled Rev. David Ames, a seminary classmate of Daniels’ who is now retired from full-time ministry in Rhode Island. “He was studious. He was certainly committed to his understanding of theology and the mission of the church ...

He was a very likable guy; a very open and supporting person.”

Though friendly, Ames remembered Daniels as a young man with very firm opinions.

“He felt very strongly that Northern liberals should not just go down and march then not do anything,” says Ames. “He was moved very strongly to go back. He took a leave of absence from seminary to go down there and work on voter registration.

“The year before he did that, 1963-64, he was on a fieldwork assignment here in Providence, and he worked out of the cathedral building in Providence on race relations.”

Ames said even against the backdrop of a tumultuous time in America’s history, Daniels’ death had a profound effect on their seminary class. “[President John F. Kennedy Jr.] had been murdered, Jon was murdered, Martin Luther King Jr. was murdered, Bobby Kennedy was murdered,” said Ames. “It was a time of great strife in our culture, and what it said to us as a class – and there were 52 of us in our seminary class – really brought us together in a rather cohesive way and gave us a sense of needing to make a difference.”

Heeding Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s call, Daniels headed to Selma, Alabama, to march for equality. Afterward, Daniels and a friend missed their bus back north. At that point, Daniels decided to stay in Alabama and continue his social justice work.

However, it was through his field work in impoverished areas of Providence, Rhode Island, as a seminarian that Daniels saw his first glimpse of social justice ministry. This is where the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island chose to build on Daniels’ legacy, returning to help underserved areas of Providence.

The Jonathan Daniels House was created as a place for the diocese to play a role in the type of social justice ministry Daniels took part in during his life. The house is part of the Episcopal Service Corps, a network of over 30 similar programs across the country.

The Episcopal Church once operated several parishes in the capital city’s most impoverished area, South Providence – one of which Daniels worked in – but both eventually closed over the years. The establishment of the Jonathan Daniels House signals a return to the church’s social justice ministry in the city.

“This is very much what Jonathan Daniels did,” said Rev. Linda Grenz, the Rhode Island diocese’s canon to the ordinary. “It’s sort of living and working in the same environs that he did when he was in seminary and working in Cambridge.”

Founded in fall 2014, the Jonathan Daniels House aims to house young men and women who are devoted to social justice issues. The interns are required to spend at least 35 hours per week engaged in advocacy and social service work for underprivileged communities.

In its first year, the house supported two interns, both women in their early 30s.

“We find agencies that are prepared to host interns, offer them basically full-time jobs, then match the intern to the position being offered,” said Grenz. “One [intern] is working in an organization that serves mothers with children who are coming in off the streets and transitioning into housing. She’s preparing them to find housing, to find work, to be oriented.”

The other worked in an urban arts program, pairing teenagers with working artists in mentor relationships. Appointments last for an academic year, running August through June.

The diocese hopes to eventually expand the project to support four members.

“It comes out of this desire to honor the church’s work in Providence, as well as honor the work of Jonathan Daniels himself,”

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explained Rev. Gillian Barr, executive director of the Jonathan Daniels House. “We are trying to continue his commitment to living and serving alongside those who are living along the margins; helping young adults grow in their spiritual lives and understand the connection between their spiritual life and looking for justice in the community.”

The project was located in a three-bedroom apartment during its first year, but it will relocate to a former parish rectory in fall 2015. The diocese’s goal is to have a long-term rental situation set up in Providence.

Barr stressed the interns can come from any background of beliefs. “You don’t necessarily have to be an active Christian to be in the program,” said Barr, “but the program is done from a Christian spiritual perspective and includes worship, prayer and faith-based learning. You have to live in that for a nine-month period.”

To honor his legacy and continue in the work he gave his life for, the Diocese of Rhode Island wants to keep social justice ministry going.

“Jonathan Daniels’ life was transformed even by his initial work here in Providence,” says Grenz. “It was him as a young adult working with people in the streets on two levels; working with people who were poor and had many needs and also working across racial lines. It’s very clear that’s what encouraged him to take the stand he did in the civil rights movement with him being martyred.”

“What we’re doing is creating a house where other young people can walk in his footsteps ... where they can also have that transformative experience by serving those in need and taking a stand against racism and advocating for racial justice.”

Daniels with Rachel West in Selma, Alabama, in 1965. Photo courtesy VMI Archives.

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Howard ’02 Creates Retreat for Fellow Disabled Veterans

by Elaine Wood, Editorial Assistant On a lake in Chesterfield, Virginia, sits a house owned by James Howard ’02 boasting multiple modifications such as widened doorways, wheelchair accessible bathrooms and an elevator. It is also spacious enough to accommodate multiple families who need a place to stay when they are undergoing visits to the nearby McGuire Veterans Affairs hospital. Howard’s home is not just for himself to enjoy; instead, he has created it as a retreat for severely disabled veterans. With very limited help and an entirely volunteer effort, Howard has transformed an ordinary home into a place that these veterans can learn from one another about how to adjust to their disabilities as well as “just get away and get some rest and relaxation.”

Among the activities planned at the retreat are monthly barbecues with the McGuire VA hospital’s Spinal Cord Injury Unit, where Howard arranges for massage therapists to be present to attend to the veterans, as well as fishing on the lake and even hunting – activities that Howard admits people might think were impossible to do in a wheelchair.

Howard approached the idea of opening a retreat for veterans after he himself was paralyzed in a stateside service connected accident.

“I was kind of lost there, too, for a little bit – everybody goes through their transition period and tries to figure out what they’re going to do,” said Howard, who was in the military for eight years before medically retiring as a captain. After graduating from VMI, Howard entered into the Army as an officer and spent most of his military career as a combat engineer for the 82nd Airborne. He also served in the war in Iraq, where he was injured several times, was part of the advanced response to Hurricane Katrina and was involved with Special Forces training. “I learned a lot of things at VMI. Patience was one of them, and that ‘never quit’ aspect helped me through my military career,” said Howard. “I would rather do for myself than ask for help and continue to become independent and to help others.”

Howard’s house treats a diverse range of veterans, such as those with post-traumatic stress disorder, those who are paralyzed, amputees and a wide variety of other injuries and combat illnesses.

Howard’s business partner, Josh Lindsey, is also a disabled veteran

James Howard ’02, left, and Josh Lindsey, cofounder of VETSAU and Howard’s business partner.

Vmi Alumni Review

who earned multiple purple hearts from his service and who is involved with multiple organizations as an advocate for veterans. The house and the activities planned for the veterans are paid entirely out of their own pockets. “Any support we can get, people need to understand that every dime goes to feeding these veterans, to their travel, so they can participate in these recreational programs,” Howard stated.

Along with the retreat, Howard is heavily involved with other organizations created to help veterans. Howard founded Veterans & Athletes United, a nonprofit that he started in South Carolina three years ago.

He is currently making the transition to establishing its headquarters in Virginia and expects it to officially be considered a nonprofit in the state soon. One of the chief missions of Veterans & Athletes United is to create a memorial for soldiers who died while serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “It might have been something too big to bite,” Howard said of the memorial. “There’s all kinds of regulations, like you can’t build a memorial until 10 years after a war is complete and [the

Above: Howard, left, with Dennis Cabanting, who was wounded in Iraq from an improvised explosive device that caused paralysis and a traumatic brain injury.

Photo at Top: Skydiving trips are among some of the recreational activities that Howard plans for disabled veterans to experience.

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war] could go for the rest of our lives and my grandkids could be fighting it, so there’s a lot of things involved.”

Howard explained that not only is the physical creation of the memorial complex, the intent behind it is, as well. “We don’t want to over-memorialize anything. There’s a couple of other organizations out there doing the same thing, as far as building a memorial, but we’d rather one memorial be done and be done right ... but we don’t want to over memorialize where that money could go to help the living, as well.”

REACHcycles is another all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Howard created. The organization’s mission is to help disabled children and veterans adapt to using therapeutic bicycles.

This nonprofit was started in May 2014, and as of December 2014, the organization has already acquired over 30 bikes for those in need. He is also the Mid-Atlantic regional coordinator for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. In this role, Howard provides resources and support to paralyzed people within the nine states in the region. There is also a peer/mentor program in which Howard helps match those who have recently been paralyzed with trained mentors who are seasoned and experienced with being paralyzed, also.

He is also the co-chair for the foundation’s Military & Veterans Program, in which he helps ensure that veterans are receiving their benefits. The MVP program has a special focus on generations before Sept. 11, 2001, who “have not received the support that our generation has been fortunate to have,” said Howard. He also serves as a family case manager for the Quality of Life Foundation, in which he supports severely disabled veterans and their families that need 24-hour care.

Howard has taken on many roles – especially that of the citizensoldier – pouring his energy into multiple organizations and working toward helping other disabled veterans succeed in their transition.

“I always miss the military and want to be back there, but this is kind of a way to fill the void for me and give reason behind a retirement check... If I can’t be overseas doing my job with my buddies, this is a way that I found that gives me fulfillment and purpose.”

To learn more about Veterans & Athletes United, visit http:// www.vetsau.com/, and to learn more about REACHcycles, please visit http://www.reachcycles.org/.

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Building Leadership Through Athletics

by Dave Diles, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics

Diles There is no doubt that intercollegiate athletics has a special place in VMI’s history, culture and life. Cadets have engaged in intercollegiate athletics since 1866, when baseball came to post. The first college football game in the South was between VMI and Washington and Lee University. Some of the more prominent names in VMI’s history – Blandy Clarkson, Son Read, Robert Thomason, Howard Dyer, Bobby Ross, Ron Carter, Reggie Williams and John McKenna – are associated with intercollegiate athletics. The Institute’s anthem, “The VMI Spirit,” began life as a football fight song, and many of the other songs associated with VMI, such as “Hail Varsity” and “The VMI Doxology,” are deeply rooted in athletics.

The Institute’s intercollegiate athletic program reflects its intensely physical culture – which is a reflection of the Greek idea of a healthy mind and a healthy body that inspired the founders of the Institute. The sportsmanship our cadet-athletes routinely demonstrate in competition reflects the Institute’s determination to shape the character of its cadets. As the high number of alumni and friends attending athletic contests on post and elsewhere attests, intercollegiate athletics strengthen the connections within the VMI family and the bonds that alumni and friends have with the Institute.

Cadet-athletes constitute one quarter of the

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Corps of Cadets. A great many of these cadets are leaders in the Corps and highly accomplished in the classroom and laboratory. Subsequent to graduation, they go on to be leaders in their chosen career fields and active citizens in their communities.

Participation in athletics not only fulfills cadetathletes’ desire to compete and to excel, but also gives life to and reinforces the lessons learned in Barracks and throughout post about the value of teamwork, perseverance, persistence and selflessness. In short, at VMI, NCAA athletics is an extension of VMI’s education for leadership.

Any member of the VMI family would be proud of the young men and women who are our cadet-athletes. They accept the demands of being a cadet in the classroom and the barracks, as well as those associated with training and competing at the Division I level. They meet these demands with determination, perseverance and integrity. Our coaches are dedicated to their cadets and determined that the young people in their charge will stay the course and make the most of the amazing opportunities that they have.

Over the past decade, the Institute has renovated and expanded its existing athletic facilities and built new ones. VMI’s latest initiative, the Corps Fitness Training Center, will provide top-flight facilities for training and competition and include one of the nation’s finest indoor track facilities.

Although we can take pride in our cadetathletes, coaches and staff, we should recognize that VMI’s athletics program faces a very pressing challenge in terms of funding. Under Virginia law, public money cannot be used to finance intercollegiate sports programs. With its relatively small cadet population, VMI generates far less revenue from student fees than larger institutions.

In addition, VMI’s small size and rural location limit the revenue that the program can realize from ticket sales and sponsorships.

While the Keydet Club’s donors and endowments provide millions of dollars a year in support, during the 2014-15 academic year,

VMI could provide only 127 of the 148 “scholarship equivalencies” that the NCAA allows.

Every year, our coaches recruit young men and women who would make superb Division I athletes and benefit immensely from the opportunities offered by VMI. Unfortunately, because of a lack of scholarship funds, the Institute is unable to attract many of these young men and women.

If VMI’s athletic program is to be successful, our financial resources must expand. Raising additional support for VMI’s NCAA sports is an important part of the Institute’s current comprehensive fundraising campaign. There are two equally important goals. One is to enhance the funds available for athletic scholarships through both increased annual donations and new and expanded endowments. This will allow VMI to recruit top talent nationally and offer young people the privilege of competing at the highest level of collegiate sports while earning a VMI degree and the many benefits of a VMI education. Secondly, we should increase the resources for operational support of the Institute’s 18 NCAA sports teams. This funding will help our coaches and their staffs to take the steps necessary to develop a winning environment – and a winning attitude – for their teams and hone their cadet-athletes to a sharper competitive edge.

An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI includes a significant commitment to providing the funding to transform VMI athletics while maintaining a commitment to academic excellence and leadership development. Increased support from alumni and friends will help build an athletics program that is more competitive, more representative of the VMI spirit and better able to produce the leaders who will make the entire VMI family proud.

Please consider coming to VMI in the next few months to watch our cadet-athletes represent the Institute in various sports. I am sure you will come away impressed by their skill, commitment and that famous VMI spirit.

Vmi Alumni Review

Campaign Achieves New Milestone: $218 .7 Million

by Donald M. Wilkinson ’61, Campaign Chairman As proud as we should be of these numThanks to the genbers, another source of pride can be found erosity of alumni and in a fact related to our donors. It’s no surfriends, as of June 1, prise that the majority of those who have 2015, the Institute’s Total Gifts and participated in this $225 campaign are alumni. comprehensive funmillion Commitments: Of the 12,848 people who have made a gift draising effort, An $220 $218,756,233 or commitment, 7,845 are alumni. This Uncommon Purpose: $215 means that 5,003 or 39 percent of them are A Glorious Past, A • 12,848 $210 and staff. That is parents, friends, faculty Brilliant Future: The Donors strong evidence that the VMI family has a Campaign for VMI has $205 broader base than some might think.

• 210 gifts of Wilkinson ’61 raised $218.7 million. $200 $100,000 + The campaign’s successes tell me two key This means that the things: First, that the VMI family strongly campaign has raised more than $35.7•million $195 41 gifts of endorses the Institute’s extraordinary effort in gifts and commitments since the beginning $1,000,000 + $190 and women acato educate young men of its public phase in November 2014 and is demically, physically and morally. Second, closing in on its goal of $225 million. $185 they understand that to continue to do so, The campaign’s progress has been noth$180 to continue to be no ordinary college, VMI ing short of astounding. When this effort must – to use a business hit $205 million in February, many thought $0 term – continually improve and hone its competitive edge, and it would take several more months to reach that takes capital. the next milestone of $210 million.

On behalf of the campaign’s leadership, In March, however, alumni and friends I thank everyone who has already supmade $7.2 million in new gifts and commitported this critical effort. I also urge those ments. In April and May, respectively, they members of the VMI family who have not added $2.8 million and $3.3 million and yet participated to help us ensure a brilliant took the campaign past the $215 million future for the Institute. milestone and to its new mark.

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Total Gifts and Commitments: $218,756,233

$225

million

$220 $215

• 12,848 Donors

$210

• 210 gifts of $100,000 +

$205

• 41 gifts of $1,000,000 +

$200 $195 $190 $185 $180 $0

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First Spring Reunion

April 20-21, 2015 Classes of 1945, 1950A, 1950B, 1955 and 1960

Reunion

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Vmi Alumni Review

Second Spring Reunion

April 24-25, 2015 Classes of 1975, 1985, 1995 and the Honored Class of 1965

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Vmi Alumni Review

Reunion photos by Jess Sorensen and Elaine Wood

Association News Superintendent Visits Charlotte and Fayetteville, North Carolina On March 18-19, 2015, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, VMI’s 14th superintendent, traveled to Charlotte and Fayetteville, North Carolina. Peay met with area alumni at cocktail receptions that included more than 85 alumni and guests at each location. The Raleigh Chapter arranged for bus transportation and brought alumni, spouses and guests to the Fayetteville reception. The Charlotte event was led by Mike Anderson ’88, chapter president, who welcomed alumni and introduced the superintendent.

Lane Toomey ’74 provided an introduction at the Fayetteville event and was joined by Charlie Ramsburg ’66, who serves as regional director of the Carolinas. During his presentation, Peay reported on the “Institute Today” and also provided a summary of the current work and progress at VMI. Alumni were able to ask questions, meet other alumni and enjoy the opportunity to hear the latest VMI news.

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Association News

Lynchburg Chapter Valentine’s Day Hop The Lynchburg Chapter hosted its ninth annual Valentine’s Day Hop at the Boonsboro Country Club Feb. 7, 2015. More than 90 alumni and guests attended the black tie event, enjoying food and music throughout the evening. An Old Yell was given in memory of Peter Thornton, son of Melissa and Danny Thornton ’78.

From left, Skip Nay ’52 and Jim Cure ’78.

The VMI Commanders Jazz Band entertained the crowd.

From left, Cathy and Craig Carlock ’74.

From left, Mrs. Constance Dalhberg; Dr. Francis Teague; and Mrs. Ginny G. Harris, widow of Richard A. Harris Jr ’46.

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From left, Donnie and Barbara Ross ’74 with Joellyn and Matt Schwarzmann ’90.

From left, Matt Joyner ’91, Charlie Cathcart ’91, Charlie Schindler ’91, Col. Brodie (Hon.), David Manning ’91 and Larry Murray ’91.

VMI Alumni Review

Association News

North Texas – Dallas Chapter Hosts 1st Quarter Reception

Mike Waltz ’96, author of “Warrior Diplomat.”

The North Texas – Dallas Chapter hosted its 1st Quarter reception and movie event March 26, 2015, at the Beretta Gallery. There were 72 alumni, friends and family members present who reconnected and celebrated the citizen-soldier tradition of VMI. Porter Brawley ’04 and John Marshall ’65 coordinated the evening.

Waltz signed copies of his book, “Warrior Diplomat.”

Top Left: Matt McQueen ’03.

Bottom Left: Tom Diggs ’76 and Steven Joyce ’76.

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Association News

Clausen ’15 and Miller Join Alumni Association Team In May 2015, Matthew Clausen ’15 joined the Alumni Association as the new program outreach coordinator. In this role, he will be responsible for New Cadet Recruiting, Legacy Day and programs to further engage the Alumni AssociaClausen ’15 tion Board and alumni.

Matriculating from Peoria, Illinois, Clausen earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from VMI. During his cadetship, he learned how to play the bagpipes as part of the VMI Pipe Band.

Clausen was consistently selected for leadership

Instagram and Pinterest, by generating roles each year in the Corps of Cadets, unique posts each day. It is the Alumni including three years serving with Rat Association’s hope that her efforts will Challenge cadre. aid in reaching more and more alumni His personal drive and knowledge by delivering exciting and useful conof the Institute will be invaluable to tent on a daily basis. this position as he begins engaging Miller is part of the Alumni Review the VMI alumni network and meeting staff and a member of a joint social prospective cadets. media team composed of members Micalyn Miller came on board as from the Alumni Association, Founsocial media content creator in spring Miller dation and Institute.

2015. Miller hails from St. Marys, Miller also has a photography background West Virginia, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in graphic design and advertising from and will be capturing moments from tailgates to parades to daily life on post to share with alumni Concord University.

In this newly created role, Miller will craft and friends on various social media outlets.

Please join the Alumni Association in welcontent for all of the Alumni Association social coming these two new team members. media outlets, including Facebook, Twitter,

Follow us! #vmialumni

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vmialumni

/vmialumni

@vmialumni

vmialumni

The VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

VMI Alumni Review

Association News

Continued Success of Network Breakfast Expansion

by Eric Hunter ’08, Placement Officer, VMI Alumni Association For the second year in a row, three chapters – Potomac River, Richmond and Hampton Roads – held networking breakfasts on the first Saturday of VMI’s spring furlough. On March 14, 2015, more than 100 alumni and 25 cadets attended the events and were able to meet and network.

Thank you to Greg Brown, Skip Goodwillie ’83 and Sean Matson ’05, who were guest speakers, as well as alumni who took the time to attend the event. (Editor’s Note: See page 32 for photos from the Potomac River breakfast.)

Right: Sean Hingley ’07 welcoming guests to the networking breakfast in Hampton Roads.

The Legacy of New Market Impacts Texas Students In March 2015, eight high school students from the Brook Hill School in Texas crossed the New Market Battlefield. Stephen Dement, their teacher, led the students in search of locations where the VMI cadets exhibited acts of courage and character. They were not disappointed. Dement is a teacher of U.S. history at the school, as well as its founder. For the past five years, he has brought a group of students each spring to the Institute and battlefield. “Having studied the battle and these acts of heroism since I was a teenager, I now make this subject a required element of our coverage of the War Between the States. A small group of select students are Brook Hill School students at the New Market battlefield. then able to make the trip to the Shenandoah Valley to see the Institute and the battlefield impact their lives today,” said Dement.

The Brook Hill School is a coeducational day firsthand.” While on post, Col. Keith Gibson and boarding school for grades pre-K through ’77, director of museum operations at VMI, 12 and was founded in 1997. The school is also leads the group in an overview of the history the location of the American Freedom Muof the Institute and provides a meeting space seum – a 15,000 square foot facility on campus for the group’s discussions. “We are grateful that honors America’s heritage and those who for the hospitality and assistance provided by have preserved it through their service to our VMI and staff in helping to further inform nation.

“When our school was founded, we these students about this event and how it can

Announcing Graduate School Partnerships Virginia Military Institute has forged relationships with some of the best graduate and professional schools in Virginia and across the United States. These agreements offer a range of opportunities, including admissions concessions, internships, guaranteed interviews and, in some cases, guaranteed admissions.

Partnership institutions include Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Virginia,

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Virginia Tech, College of William & Mary, Florida State University, Norwich University, Arizona State and the Via College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Programs vary but include law, medicine, business, engineering, communications and other fields.

If interested in learning more about the available partnerships, please contact Atin Basu at basuchoudharya@vmi.edu.

believed that the study of our nation’s history was being sorely neglected by most educational institutions. We were determined that we would not go down that path,” Dement said. The museum chronologically covers history from the Revolutionary War to the present War on Terror. With over 600 artifacts on display, the museum is a draw for students all over East Texas. One of the galleries in the museum features the Battle of New Market and the VMI cadets. This gallery includes a number of related artifacts such as two model 1851 Springfield cadet muskets and an Austrian Lorenz rifle, as well as saddlebags belonging to Gen. Gabriel Wharton ’847, the binoculars used by Gen. John C. Breckinridge and a kepi belonging to New Market Cadet Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Edwards Woodbridge ’865. With almost 6,000 visitors last year, the legacy of New Market continues to impact students in the most unlikely places.

For more information on the school and museum, please visit www.BrookHill.org and www.AmericanFreedomMuseum.org.

VMI Veterans Transition Program Are you retiring or planning to transition from active duty military service to another job or career?

If so, The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. can help.

Please contact Career Networking officer Eric Hunter ’08 at ehunter@vmiaa.org, and discover how you can find a rewarding career in the civilian workforce through networking with other alumni.

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Association News

Charlie Ramsburg ’66 Meets with Chapter Leaders

On Nov. 20, 2014, Charlie Ramsburg ’66, regional director for the Carolinas Region, met with area chapter leaders. During the afternoon session, chapter presidents discussed chapter operations and effective ways to reach alumni. Chapters are an important way for alumni to develop connections with area alumni and are fueled by effective volunteer leaders. Ramsburg serves on the VMI Alumni Association Board of Directors and has also been a member of the Chapter Task Force, a newly created group aimed at improving chapters across the nation.

VMI Alumni gathered Feb. 13, 2015, in Jacksonville, Florida, at the home of Lee Moon ’70, University of North Florida athletic director, before the VMI baseball season opener against UNF.

Wilmington Chapter Annual Oyster Roast

Despite the rain, 55 alumni, parents, cadets and prospective cadets participated in the Wilmington Chapter’s annual oyster roast at the home of Sandra and Bart Williams ’85 March 14, 2015.

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VMI Alumni Review

Association News

Potomac River Chapter Networking Breakfast Nearly 70 alumni and current cadets participated in the Potomac River Networking Breakfast Saturday, March 14, 2015. The breakfast was held at the Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park. The guest speaker was Greg Brown, who serves as president, Corporate Resources International, Marriott International. Photos by Cassie Mulheron Photography.

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CLASS NOTES Richard H. Knight Jr. ’70

’35

Greetings from the Class of 1935! We hope everyone is having a nice summer.

Jim and Peggy Sherman are enjoying the warm weather in North Carolina. Nearby is a photo of Jim celebrating his 101st birthday. How would you like to meet this “misto” in the ratline? Congratulations, Jim! In our last column, I mentioned the Meem family, one of VMI’s distinguished families. The occasion was the death of Barbara Townsend Meem, the highly accomplished widow of James Cowan Meem II. I would like to take a moment to talk about the Meem family.

John Gaw Meem (1794-1873) married Eliza Campbell Russell (1794-1864), and they settled in Lynchburg, Virginia. John and Eliza had four sons, all of them Confederate

Class of 1935: Jim Sherman at his 101st birthday party.

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officers: Andrew Russell Meem, M.D. (a member of the VMI Board of Visitors and a surgeon; he died in uniform at the close of the war); Gilbert Simrall Meem ’886 (the father of Hugh Garland Meem, a mining engineer – the son died tragically in a mining disaster at 25); John Gaw Meem Jr. ’852; and James Lawrence Meem ’856 (He was killed at Seven Pines in 1862.)

John Gaw Meem Jr., had four “VMI” sons: John Gaw Meem III ’884 (he spent decades in Brazil and was a very prominent Episcopal missionary there) and James Cowan Meem ’885 (he was the senior engineer for the New York subway system) by his first wife; and Stephen Halsey Meem ’899 and James Lawrence Meem ’900 by his second wife.

John Gaw Meem III had two “VMI” sons: John Gaw Meem IV ’914, and our brother rat, James Cowan Meem II. The boys were born in Pelotas, Brazil (see above). John was the eldest and James the youngest of seven children. Nineteen years separated the boys, but they had the same mother. They were raised in Brazil and were living there when they entered VMI. (For a good group photo of John IV in cadet uniform, James II as a baby and their siblings and parents, point your browser to VMI Archives and follow the prompts.)

Let’s take a closer look at the older brother, John Gaw Meem IV. The 1914 Bomb affectionately acknowledges “John G. the Fourth” and records that he “intends ... to make the South American jungles resound with the noise of the building of railways, bridges and aqueducts.”

After the First World War, “John G. the Fourth” moved to New York but soon returned to Brazil and entered the banking business. However, after contracting tuberculosis, he moved to Santa Fe in the early 1920s in search of a cure. There, he began the study of architecture, concentrating on Pueblo and Spanish Colonial building techniques. Decades later, he was widely recognized as the most influential American architect of the traditional Southwestern style.

Today, hundreds of “John G. the Fourth’s” architectural designs and buildings can be found throughout the American Southwest.

His masterpieces include the Zimmerman

Library at the University of New Mexico and the Colorado Springs Fine Art Center.

He died in 1983 covered in honors.

Younger brother James, as we said in our last column, retired from the U.S. State Department in 1973 and resettled in Santa Fe with his wife, Barbara, not far from “John G. the Fourth” and his wife.

Returning now to John and Eliza: They rest in the Old Presbyterian Cemetery on Grace Street in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Many members of the family have joined them there. John and Eliza would be proud to know that 20 of their direct descendants attended the Institute, and 15 of them graduated. Perhaps Col. J.T.L. Preston was thinking of the Meem family when he penned the words that appear on the parapet.

(I wish to thank Col. Janet S. Holly, research librarian of the Preston Library, for helping me collect information on the Meem family.)

Speaking of New Mexico, our “senior man,” Eddie Arnold, is enjoying the New Mexico highlands and sends everyone his greetings. Eddie has a large and loyal family. Until next time, Rah! Virginia! Mil! Dick ’70

’36

Paul E. Munson ’87

Greetings to all. It is my sad duty to report the passing of Gardner F. Goodwyn.

Judge Goodwyn died Feb. 24, 2015, at the age of 100. He attended VMI for two years and received both his undergraduate and law degree from the University of Alabama. In 1941, Judge Goodwyn enlisted in the U.S. Army and served four years – two of which were overseas. Please take a few moments to read about Judge Goodwyn in the Taps section to read about a life well lived.

I have sent letters to the members of the Class of 1936. Mr. James Kirk’s letter was sent back to me with no forwarding address.

If anyone has that address or knows the status of any Class of ’36 members please let me know. Thanks very much for your help.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

’37

John Forsyth ’67

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 1937.

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Cody Hennelly

It is with a great sense of pride that I write these notes for the Class of 1938! Sadly, there is only one living member of the class, Mr. Henry B. Johnson, who is 100 years old as of Aug. 9, 2015. Absolutely incredible! As I write these notes, I have not had the chance to speak directly to Henry, but as far as I know he is well and living in Danville, Virginia. There are also 28 surviving widows of the class. More than likely, these wonderful women probably had no idea that they would forever be a part of VMI family when they said “I do” to their crazy Keydets so many years ago! I write this to keep Henry’s and the rest of the Class of 1938’s memories alive.

The men of 1938 started their 1st Class year in September 1937; much like they started their VMI experience four years earlier

Class of 1938: Effinger Herring winning the 100 yard dash at a state track meet in Blacksburg, Virginia, in 1938.

Sept. 10, 1934! Not knowing what the year would bring, they did as many of us who have passed through the Mother “I” have done before – wonder if the 252 member rat class would ever break out and if everyone would get a Corps pass in October!

Well, as the Sept. 20, 1937, issue of The Cadet reads, they did indeed get a fall furlough to Lynchburg to see none other than the major motion picture, “Brother Rat,” starring Ronald Reagan! From all accounts, the Keydets thought it to be nothing of the real Spartan lifestyle we men know of!

(Laugh out loud.)

As for many of the 1st Class cadets, the fall semester had come and gone, but what

Class of 1938: Col. Frank R. Pancake, commandant of VMI, right, with Maj. Gen. William H. Milton Jr. ’920, VMI superintendent.

Pancake served as commandant of VMI from 1951-54.

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would occur after the winter furlough would forever change the world. In February 1938, Adolf Hitler would abolish the War Ministry and create the High Command of the Armed Forces, giving him direct control of the German military, inevitably sending Europe into a tailspin. These events did not initially impact the 1st Class cadets, but as you will read, it took its toll just a few short years later. The spring semester saw all the usual Keydet activities: Hops (dances), chasing women around Lexington and eventually final exams. And, through all of the heartache VMI bestows on its cadets, the Class of 1938 would go on to graduate June 15. Frank R. Pancake, a 1st Class private, delivered

Class of 1938: U.S. Army Lt. Col. John Shanklin III, right, received the Bronze Star for meritorious service with the American 5th Army during World War II. He was killed in action in Germany April 8, 1945.

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Class Notes the valedictory address. Little to the class’ knowledge, Frank Pancake would go on to serve heroically in World War II and later become the VMI commandant from 1951-54.

The brother rats of 1938 would go on to impact society in every walk of life, with many becoming lawyers, doctors, engineers and career military officers – but only after 129 of the 204 original class members would go on to serve in World War II. Four of them paid the ultimate sacrifice and were killed in action. There is a reason why society calls this group of men “the greatest generation.”

Without hesitation, they risked life and limb to eradicate Europe and the Pacific of the Nazi Party and the Empire of Japan.

It is without a doubt that we, as alumni, are where we are in life because of these men!

They are truly the “Old Corps!”

The “Old Corps” lives on.

Proudly serving the Class of 1938, Cody John Hennelly ’10

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Frank Parker III ’64

Great news. I got the following email from Ira Saxe: “Frank, I turned 97 in February and am still going to the local gym to keep in the best shape possible. My left hip replacement last September is doing fine and

is stronger than my right hip. I’m still using a walker and guess my days of golfing are over.

Regards, Ira.” By the time you see this in the Review, Marcy and I will have taken one granddaughter with us to the Grand Canyon and other sites on a trip to Salt Lake City and back, and we took another grandson on a trip to Panama to see the canal and the rain forest.

Stay dry and keep in touch.

’40

Robert Smith

I’ve just had a heart pacemaker installed rather unexpectedly. This deadline came at a time when I’m busy writing, producing and getting ready to serve as master of ceremonies for a musical stage production with several performances. My time and energy, while returning, just won’t stretch any further, I’m afraid.

I have talked to Sol Rawls and Ben Hardaway, and they were doing OK.

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Stuart Seaton

Since my last Alumni Review report for ’41, Virginia and I have been in the process

Class of 1938: A gathering of alumni serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army during World War II met somewhere in the Pacific in 1945. This photo includes Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd ’917, Horatio C. Woodhouse Jr. ’36 and Bem Price III. 34

of making plans to move to a retirement facility.

On May 8, we moved into The Hermitage in Richmond. Our new address is: The Hermitage, 1600 Westwood Ave. Apt. E307, Richmond, VA 23227.

I have recently been in touch with several of our brother rats. All will be pleased that I was able to have a nice chat with Charlie Abbitt in May. Charlie retired from the U.S. Air Force at the rank of colonel after 22 years of service. It was great to talk with him.

I also talked with Bob Maling. He said that Mila’s health situation remains about the same.

Frank and Marilyn Louthan are back at home after their annual visit to Florida.

Unfortunately, Frank suffered a broken hip during this year’s visit. With proper medical care, to include surgery, Frank is now on proper therapy and is doing OK. While it might be a bit early, in 2016, we will go to our 75th Reunion. More info will follow as it becomes available.

Rah Virginia Mil – Rah VMI ’41!

Stuart Seaton

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Charles B. Miller

I was told that Tish Keppel had sold her apartment and moved to St. Mary’s Wood here in Richmond. I will check.

Last Christmas, I received a Christmas card from Andy Stumph’s wife, Louise, saying Andy’s sight prevented him from writing. Later I got a card from her advising that he died in his sleep Jan. 17.

Ed Jones has given up his house, where he had built a swimming pool for lap swimming, and moved to a retirement community.

Mary and I are off to a riverboat trip on the Mississippi – Memphis to New Orleans. My balance is so bad I have bought a walker. I still get credit for playing tennis most weekday mornings with players at least 14 years younger!

Harry Siebert wrote: “You must have overlooked my letters of past October.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1942: Harry Siebert in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Again for your information, as a D-Day, Omaha Beach Veteran, the World War II Museum in New Orleans invited me to participate in their oral history program on World War II events in which I was involved.

“That was almost two hours of recording my D-Day experiences and on to the battles of Isiany and the St. Lo break-thru.

This was quite an event in my life, and as a cavalry troop commander, it was a trying experience, as we had severe losses during these times. Enclosed is a photo – proof I was in New Orleans – at the vehicle display outside the buildings.”

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Jeffrey G. Smith

The deadline of May 15 for my class notes always stirs memories. Mostly about our cadet days at VMI, when I always felt a shivering sensation at breakfast roll call as the roll call of cadets killed at the Battle of New Market were answered in turn, “Died on the field of honor, sir!”

Now it seems my sad chore in each set of class notes to report the passing of one or more of our classmates – our brother rats. Fortunately, I have no reports of 2015-Issue 3

recent deaths, but our Brother Rat Wilbert Woodson (of Wilson, Wyoming) died Sept. 24, 2010. The Alumni Association could find no obituary. That leaves (by my suspect accounting) 23 surviving brother rats.

Vince and Betty Thomas are well and cheerful, notwithstanding Vince’s continued need for a wheelchair. They have a grandson completing his first year at VMI. According to the proud grandparents and my son (the dean at VMI), the

young Thomas has been doing very well.

Vince told me Dick Catlett is in Maine (as I write) savoring the cool breezes.

Gordon Smith has a pacemaker, as I expect many (most?) of us have at this stage of our lives. I do, for one. Well, he needs a new battery for it, and he’s had occasional spells of shortness of breath.

Do hope that a new battery helps. Gordon is preparing for his 95th birthday.

An admirer of his, a graduate of VMI in 1965, planned a big affair in Gordon’s neck of the woods (the greater Chicago area) June 6 (although Gordon’s actual birthday is June 10). It was a modest gathering of 92.

I had a long chat with Bruce Suter in mid-May. Aside from neuropathy below his knees, he is in reasonably good shape. He was in the hospital for a couple of weeks in December 2014 following a colon operation. As Bruce put it, “I lost a lot of blood,” but he is now in pretty good shape, I’m happy to report.

He stays very active in the goings-on at his retirement residence (about 300 fellow residents) in New Jersey. Active enough for a 94-year-old. And he doesn’t lack for a feminine presence.

Eighty percent of his “fellow” residents are women.

VMI, noble enough in its original concept, has prospered and changed far beyond what its founders likely imagined.

Class of 1943: Spring Hike 1940. Jeff Smith and Bill “Snapper” Andrew.

Above: Smith, left; Andrew right.

Right: Andrew, left; Smith, right.

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Class Notes The (circa) 1880 observations made by Maj. Gen. Francis H. Smith, first superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, extracted and quoted from his “History of VMI” (posthumously published in 1912) indicates Gen. F.H. Smith’s immediate task was discipline. No mention of academics.

“It is much more difficult to maintain a discipline now than it was 20 or 30 years ago. I find a sad change in the bearing of young men who come to us now. Parents no longer enforce respect to the fifth commandment of the Decalogue, as they did in former times. Boys rule their parents, and where want of filial respect and obedience exists, nothing but an iron rule (editors’ note: “at VMI”) will bring submission to such here.” (Maj. Gen. Francis H. Smith) I am sorry that I have very little to report. After all, it is you, my brother rats, who must share that blame. I plead that you tell me what is going on in your lives!

As a reminder of our past lives, I’ve enclosed a couple of photos of the annual rite that marked the beginning of spring for VMI cadets of our era: The annual spring hike – our spring break. No days off to head for Florida beaches.

I wish each and every one of you good health and contentment. We’ve shared many good times of which, I hope, we all have fond memories.

’44

Tom L. Peyton Jr.

We lost another brother rat early this year when “Slim” Galliford died Jan. 4, 2015, at his home in Naples, Florida. A summary obituary was published in the Taps section of the 2015-Issue 2 Alumni Review.

Walter Thomas Hyssop Galliford Jr. was born Jan. 17, 1923, in Portsmouth, Virginia, the son of U.S. Marine Corps Brig.

Gen. W.T.H. Galliford. He spent his childhood on various naval and Marine Corps bases where his father was stationed. Slim graduated in 1940 from Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth, where he was a member of the state championship debate team. He joined the rest of us in fall 36

1940 when we enrolled at VMI. After two years, he transferred to the University of Virginia. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and was assigned to the V-12 Program at the University of North Carolina. After being commissioned, he joined the 4th Marine Regiment of the 6th Marine Division on Guadalcanal. He remained in the Pacific until 1946, participating in the Okinawa campaign and the occupation of Japan. In a recent edition of these class notes, I included some comments from Slim about his encounters with VMI men serving in the Marine Corps overseas during World War II. He remained in the Marine Corps Reserve, once serving as military aide-de-camp to Gov. Linwood Holton. He retired from the Marine Corps Reserve in 1976 with the rank of colonel.

Upon Slim’s return to the U.S. after the war, he enrolled at the University of Virginia for graduate work. He earned a master’s degree in education there and, subsequently, a doctorate at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

He was a sprinter on the track teams at VMI, the University of North Carolina and UVa. Nicknamed “Mr. Lightning,” he was the fastest man on the 1943 UNC football squad. Some of Slim’s intercollegiate track records include winning the 100 and 220-yard dash events in 1944, 1947 and 1948 in the Big Six in Virginia. He held the record for the 100 yard dash with conference championships and set records at all three colleges, winning the Virginia State Championship all three years he participated. He ran for UVa in the Penn Relays at Franklin Field, Philadelphia, in 1943 and 1947. Following graduate school, he taught and coached at the Virginia Episcopal School. In 1951, he returned to Portsmouth, where he worked in the public school system until 1983 when he retired as assistant superintendent. Slim was married to the late Genevieve Marie Mulard Galliford of Paris, France. They are survived by a son, daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In the winter edition of the Alumni Review, I wrote about Dick Niess and some of his accomplishments; most particularly his lifelong interest and participation in

the U.S. Air Force sponsored Civil Air Patrol. I also mentioned Dick’s wife, Ann, and her participation as a partner with Dick in the Civil Air Patrol Program.

Ann also held the rank of lieutenant colonel and served in the patrol for about 50 years. Now, I must sadly report that Ann died at their home in Naples, Florida, Feb. 21, 2015. She and Dick had been married 68 years. Three children survive, together with four grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren. Ann Logue MacKinnon Small Niess was born in York, Pennsylvania, and was tremendously proud of her MacKinnon Scottish ancestry and the Small family, as well as their roles in the history of Scotland and York, Pennsylvania. From her published obituary: “Ann was an inspiration to those who knew her.

She was a lover of history, a homemaker, guiding force, volunteer extraordinaire and author. She wrote two books in her 80s – one a memoir of the history of her family home, Elmwood House in York, Pennsylvania, and one a novel based on events there. In her last days, she was finishing her third book. She was the epitome of the warrior spirit. She held to her values and made certain that her family inherited the attitude of standing up for what is right and giving from your heart selflessly. She was a lover of fun and all things drama.

She celebrated people and embraced them as they were.” Our sympathies go out to Dick and his family as they must adjust to the loss of this lovely lady.

The spring issue of the Alumni Review included a photo of a group of VMI alumni residents who were attending a social event at Richmond’s Westminster Canterbury. Among those present on this festive occasion were Mary Easterly-Miller and Juliet Goode-Hupp. From the smiles all-around, it appeared that the revelers were having a great time. It’s always great to see friends enjoying a richly deserved retirement.

Judy Beam reported from Wilmington, North Carolina, that she and some of her Landfall ladies recently returned from a Caribbean cruise, with visits to St. Thomas, St. Martens and other ports of call. Fortunately, all went well, avoiding some of the difficulties that seem to have plagued the VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes tour boat industry in recent times.

I have recently exchanged e-correspondence with Porter Hutto, daughter of Sophie Parker and our late Brother Rat Charlie Parker. Those attending our 65th Reunion may recall that Porter escorted her parents to that event, making it possible for them to attend. Porter reported that her mother is doing well in the Milwaukee area and remains very active with her artistic endeavors. Sophie also drops me a line every now and then, which I truly appreciate. Porter and her husband (a Washington and Lee University grad) vacation on one of the North Carolina barrier islands, not very far from Oak Island where I often visit Judy Beam. We hope to get together to talk about her dad and VMI. Bob Smothers, our indefatigable world traveler, continues his explorations with photographic reports (some spectacular) from Mexico and more recently in the Caribbean. What a bucket list!

A call to Bob “Egypt” Jones revealed that he and Faye have resumed their earlier plan to move from their current cottage to an apartment in the retirement complex where they now live. By the time these notes appear in the Alumni Review, they should be settled in their new “digs.”

This is a convenience move for them. Bob and I shared a few laughs over the process of scaling down one’s belongings when moving to more limited space. One usually starts a day’s effort with a four foot pile of “stuff ” that has been designated for the dumpster. But, first to make absolutely certain that nothing of real value is trashed, it’s a good idea to make a quick pass through the pile. Four hours later, after reading through some really neat stuff long forgotten about, finding some important documents that were once thought lost and other things that might be needed sometime in the future, only a very small pile has emerged as real trash. But what about all of the rest? Well, there are probably still some other things that one ought to hang onto ... maybe one should take another crack at the rest of the pile next week. Sound familiar?

Judy Beam and I recently went to Lexington, where I attended the annual spring 2015-Issue 3

Class Agents’ Conference. With almost perfect weather, the Institute looked its very best. An afternoon parade added to the ambiance, completing the scene that means so much to most of us. During the conference, the class agents were briefed by a number of the Institute officials.

These included the new commandant of cadets and the executive to the superintendent. Looking at all that goes on at VMI today, through the eyes of a member of the Class of 1944, there have been many changes since our time there. Yet, the central elements that have always defined VMI remain intact.

I am often asked how many members of the Class of 1944, as Bob Jones puts it, are still “vertical.” There are 22 former cadets on our current mailing list. We also have 43 widows on our list. At our Class Agents’ Conference, a handout caught my eye that gives quite a bit of information about the Institute today that some may find interesting. I have had it printed and it is being mailed to all with whom we correspond.

’45

William Quarles

The 70th Reunion for the Class of ’45 was an occasion of joy tinged with sadness: The death of class agent and Brother Rat Dick Matheis just weeks before came as a shock, as Dick was energetically putting the final touches on plans for the event. His final gift to the class, though, was a reunion where many good memories were recalled, from the poignant to the hilarious, during the daily events and the breaks at the Hunt Ridge Inn’s hospitality suite.

Eloise Adams (Mrs. Nate Adams II) welcomed the class with cocktails and dinner at her Lexington home on the first evening, as class members were still arriving and settling in.

Two eventful days followed, with a tour of the Stonewall Jackson House and dedication of the Class of 1945 plaque in the Institute’s Memorial Gardens Monday and cocktails and dinner at the Leadership and

Ethics Center’s Marshall Hall that evening.

On Tuesday, we attended a showing of the stirring new film, “Field of Lost Shoes,” recounting the Corps’ role in the historic Battle of New Market.

Next came our business luncheon at the inn, during which Bill and Kathleen Quarles (Doug and Kitty Quarles’ son and daughter-in-law) were cajoled into acting as our contacts for class notes and other class news and announcements. Then it was off to Preston Library and the Parade Ground for our class picture and the reunion parade. You’ll be glad to know we upheld the honor of the Class of ’45 as we marched into barracks for the Old Yell and the scaling of the sentinel box. John Williams did the honors of planting the class flag, and we strolled on down to the Crozet sub mess for cocktails, a Champagne toast and our concluding dinner.

Throughout the three event-packed days, there was time to reminisce over meals and our breaks at the inn. Dick Matheis was fondly remembered, as many of us had read his well-told memoir of his time as a German prisoner of war in his book, “Captured.”

A big vote of thanks to John Williams, who stepped in at the eleventh hour to assume Dick’s remaining duties. John, who was accompanied by wife Mary Ballou, summed up attendees’ thoughts about the reunion – it was great – and noted of Dick, “We owe him greatly for the five years he served. He got us into the electronic age.

He would have so much enjoyed the reunion.”

He added, remembering Dick: “One great memory was when the two of us were riding around Naples, Florida, in his Corvette convertible. We were driving and having fun while the girls went shopping.

Dick always kept several boats tied up to his pier on the canal – he loved his boats.”

Danny Walser recalled enjoying wonderful lunches with Dick and Sandra, who also attended Danny’s 90th birthday party, thrown by his family in Naples: “It was a great time.”

Daughter Tracy Nugent, who came with Danny, said at the reunion, “I haven’t seen Dad smile that much in months.”

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Class of 1945: Present at the reunion were James T. Adams, Robert W. Allen, William T. Curdts III, Charles H. Duff Jr., J.R. Cary Esser, Joseph I. Grantt, Robert G. Moore, James M. Morgan Jr., Douglas E. Quarles Jr., Josiah F. Reed Jr., G.D. Stenhouse, Daniel C. Walser Jr. and John D. Williams.

Class Notes

70th Reunion – April 20-21, 2015

The Class of 1945

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1945: The Class of 1945 plaque honoring fallen classmates.

Karen Redwine (Mrs. Morgan Roby “Bucky” Redwine Jr.) was grateful to Dick for interceding to get her a room at the inn when deadline difficulties arose – just one of the many ways he was here for all of us over the years.

Jeff (J.R. Cary) Esser recalled that he and Dick both ended up at LeHigh University

Class of 1945: The class gathered at the Memorial Garden wall for the dedication of the class plaque.

after the war, but “we both missed VMI.” Remembering Dick then and as our class agent, he summed it up well: “He will be missed by the great Class of 1945!”

Jim Adams also had a sad reminder for us, as his beloved Memory Jo Adams died last fall. But he said of the reunion, which daughter Janelle attended with him: “One

Class of 1945: The class enjoyed the reunion parade on a sunny afternoon.

2015-Issue 3

of the things I enjoyed most was watching my daughter experience VMI. She had never been there and she thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Bob and Fran Allen were accompanied

by Bob’s daughters, Katherine Carr and Diane Fuller, and by Fran’s son, Terry Menton, and wife, Barbara. Bob told us about some of his adventures as a petroleum geologist in the wilds of Oklahoma and graced us with gifts of small amber pieces from Colombia. Fran, the paleontologist of the family, explained that amber is fossilized sap that often contains a small insect trapped in the medium. Since it was traditionally regarded by the ancient Egyptians as a bearer of good luck, it was an appropriate talisman for our reunion.

Bill (William T. III) Curdts was part of the Richmond contingent – joined by son Bill (William R.) for the trip – and had us in gales of laughter with memories from 4th Class year and beyond.

Jeff Esser, whose son Randy accompanied him, said he enjoyed the reunion. “I missed the horses! But I was impressed with all the new training and athletic facilities and the general appearance of the Institute.” But, he noted, “Other than VMI, there’s not a lot to do in Lexington.” (Not much has changed in the old burg, eh?)

Lexingtonians Bob and Libby Moore 39

Class Notes

Class of 1945: Brother rats and their guests at the April reunion.

breezed in from their country home, Red Hill, to join the fun Sunday night. At the final dinner, Bob expressed his gratitude for still being a brother rat despite not having completed the four years at the Institute following the war.

Jim Morgan joined the reunion at the business lunch and afterward, as did Joe and Kay Gantt, who came over for the luncheon and stayed for the afternoon activities, bringing son Bob with them.

Doug and Kitty Quarles had come over from Charlottesville and brought the Winchester wing of the family (Bill and Kathleen) with them, leading to the younger Quarleses’ taking on our class notes et al.

Doug and Kitty also contributed greatly to our display table of memorabilia, as did Karen Redwine, who said she especially appreciated the chance to share memories with Bucky’s brother rats.

Dr. Jess Reed and friend Marguerite Wood

came up from Montgomery, Alabama. As we chatted during R&R time at the inn, Jess recalled how Doc Carroll routinely helped VMI graduates get into medical school, which, in Jess’s case, led to a degree from the University of Virginia and some pretty interesting experiences as a wing surgeon in Korea. Jess said he also fondly remembers those Sunday rides with Col. John “Crude John” Fray and how it was at the end of one of those rides – on a certain Dec. 7 – that he first heard the words “Pearl Harbor.”

As memories of Institute life came up, our class’ recollections include the tremendous disruption caused by World War II and its aftermath. Jim Adams told of what it was like to be class president when the Class of ’45 at VMI had dwindled to just four 1st Class cadets and of salvaging the organization of the honor system and the General Committee, both of which had fallen into some disarray during the war years. (Jim, in his role as class president, also firmly claims to have been the only ’45 ever to dine at the superintendent’s quarters.)

Bill Curdts weighed in with memories of Col. Mayo’s deadly accuracy with a piece of chalk, and the time when an oversupply of “purloined liquor” led to the demolition of an entire record collection when it was discovered the discs would “sail

Class of 1945: John Williams led the Old Yell from atop the sentinel box.

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes through the air with the greatest of ease” – kind of like (not yet invented) Frisbees.

Joe Gantt added that, after VMI, the discipline of the military in wartime was no big deal: “If you went to VMI, you learned what to think, what to say, what to believe – and we just did it.”

Among the class “sisters” were Karen Redwine, Anne (Mrs. Joseph C.) Addington and Jean (Mrs. Bruce Alvord Jr.) Pates, accompanied by son Bruce Alvord Pates III ’70, who shared with us some memories of his late dad, the colonel, and life in a traveling U.S. Marine Corps family.

Charlie (the Hon. Charles H. Jr.) Duff was sidelined by illness at the last minute and couldn’t attend. He was much missed, as was George Stenhouse, who couldn’t come but let us know he wants to hear your news.

We’d like to second that: For all who didn’t make it this time, you were very much missed – please help us keep the class connection strong. Send us your recollections and your news, please!

A final note of thanks to Lisla Cowles, director of alumni activities /reunions, who made sure we all got to all of our events, with our Class of ’45 hats and our VMI pins. It was great. Thanks, Ms. Cowles!

’46

William A. Eliason

By the time that you read this, we’ll be less than a year away from our 70th Reunion. Is that or is that not frightening?

Nonetheless, it is true, and we had better get cracking on plans. You will already have received my June letter requesting your wishes for the get-together, and if you have not already done so, please respond as soon as you can.

In April, I attended a VMI Alumni Association combined meeting of class agents and volunteers who are currently working very hard to add alumni strength to our Uncommon Goal funding effort. I cannot return to Lexington without experiencing the emotional distance that the magnificent and ever growing size of everything in and out of sight that Gen. Peay ’62 2015-Issue 3

and his outstanding staff and faculty are producing. It rivals walking into a dream world compared to our humble diggings back in the war-torn ’40s.

If you haven’t signed on for our reunion next May, please do so if only to experience that emotional high. Not to mention, of course, the high you will feel at realizing that your brother rats have grown as old as you have!

In early May, I had the good fortune to be invited to a reception at the beautiful estate of Tommie and Dick Atlee ’66 on the edge of the York River in Yorktown.

The occasion was to meet and hear from Scott Wachenheim, our new Keydet head football coach. I did indeed meet “Coach Wach” (as he likes to be called) and had a nice chat with him. I found him well aware of the challenge he faces and was extremely impressed with his sober confidence that he (and we) can restore the Keydets to a winning team. He had just finished spring practice and was very high on the spirit, capability and integrity of his players. No stranger to military education, Coach Wach is a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy class of 1984 (four years behind our son, Bill). He played four years (Honorable Mention All-American) and coached at the academy for a year before serving his tour of military duty. Most recently, he coached the offense at the University of Virginia, which has been superb under his guidance. His remarks at the reception displayed a, “We can do it!” attitude and a sincere dedication to using the military discipline and determination of our Keydets as the foundation for a renaissance of gridiron success. We had several players from John McKenna’s great teams present, but I’m afraid I was the only disciple of Pooley Hubert who showed up. It was a fun evening for all.

Haven’t had a lot of news to report. My first VMI roommate, (and now oldest friend) Jim Price reports that he attended the VMI versus the U.S. Naval Academy football game in fall 2014 in Annapolis, Maryland. A highly respected retired securities broker, Jim still knows how to cover his bets; his date for the outing was the widow of a Middie.

Gray Garland sent me a DVD of the 2014 movie, “Field of Lost Shoes,” which is a “docu-pic” of the participation of VMI in the Battle of New Market in 1864.

Although the film played in first run theatres, I had not seen it. It’s great and, as I earlier advised, is being circulated through our class. If you’d like to be in the “chain,” let me know. Gray reports that he is still active in his law practice and guiding the fortunes of the several corporations which he founded. Gray, like most of our class, was one of our “39-week wonders” who spent a year (or less) as a Keydet but who loves, supports and follows VMI with a passion. You guys are incredible!

Regards to all and you be careful; it’s dangerous out there! (Apologies to “Hill Street Blues.”)

Bill

’47

Gus Robbins

Spring has sprung in Virginia, and April and May have been gorgeous with azaleas, roses, rhododendron, dogwood and flowering cherry all in full bloom. After such an unusual winter, we were amazed that our plants even bloomed!

I had a good conversation with Bettie Jacobsen a few weeks ago, and she told me she is planning a move to Westminster Canterbury retirement community in Richmond, Virginia, in a few months. Several VMI ’47s already live there, so she will be in good company. She will give me her new address when she gets settled, and I will pass it on to you in the next class notes. Bettie’s shoulder has healed enough that, with the better weather, she is a regular player on the croquet court again. Here’s to a winning season, Bettie.

I need to make a correction to the last class notes, in which I reported three ministers in our class. Brother Rat Jock Maggard reminded me that BR Peter Burks should be added to the list. Burks was Jock’s roommate.

In a good letter from retired U.S. Air Force Col. Mort Mumma ’46, he filled us in on the career of our BR Joe Cimo mentioned 41

Class Notes in earlier class notes by BR Dick Spen- met this group at Limits Gates. However, 11 and the road to the mess hall. 3. That betcer. To paraphrase portions of his letter fighting was averted by the appearance of ter firefighting equipment be available.” to me: Joe and Mort ended up at the U.S. the commandant of VMI, who sent the Dale asked about the numbers of our class, Military Academy, in the then Class of ’47 Corps back to barracks. 4. At about 0315, and the best I can come up with was 195 ma(three year system). When Max Taylor, as the Corps filed into barracks, Cadet Pa- triculated, and at the moment, there are 38 as superintendent, put them back on the gliaro, who was carrying a torch, plunged surviving. Dale reports that 50 matriculated four year system, they both ended up in same torch fire-first down the mount of for ’48A and only six survive. The Class of the Class of ’48, which was basically the the extreme left cannon. Apparently, the ’48A entered in February 1944. younger half of the group that entered in cannon had been loaded at some previIn a phone visit with Peggy Reynolds, July 1944. After graduation, Mort went ous time, as the charge went off, burning she reported Joe is still “hanging in there” into the Air Force, but Joe was commis- Pagliaro on the face and body. Under the at the retirement and assisted living comsioned into the Army. He was stationed direction of the officer in charge, Lt. Mor- plex he moved to last year. He enjoys lookin Japan in 1950 in the 7th Division, but gan, the cadet was carried to the hospital ing through the VMI quarterly Review, he put in for transfer to the U.S. Air Force on a stretcher. Not more than four min- even though he doesn’t always recognize and went back to the Zone of Interior and utes elapsed between the explosion and the pictures. flight school. He eventually transferred the arrival of the cadet at the hospital. 5.

I hope you all have a pleasant summer back into the Army after changing Cimo Before an ambulance arrived at the hos- and stay covered in sunscreen when you’re to Seymoe. He was killed in a chopper pital at about 0340, Cadet Pagliaro died. out and about. Let me hear from you with crash in Vietnam, year unknown, as a Maj. Mallory, who had been summoned, tidbits I can use for the next notes ... please! lieutenant colonel. Many thanks to Mort was present at the death. 6. The flags were Best regards, for these additional notes. I remember flown at half-mast at Reveille in respect for Gus from my rat year that Mumma, along with Cadet Pagliaro. 7. Cadets Johnson, ApDale E. Wykoff Nat Wilson ’46, Jim Taylor ’46, Hartwell plin, Powers and Louis were sent to VPI Sweeney ’46, Bob Murray ’46 and others about 1000 to talk to the dean and make from the Class of ’46 being helpful to us amends for the rock throwing incident. 8. in the rat regime ... good memories have Duty to Furlough: Grunwell, A.B. 9. C.C. survived these 65-plus years.

Hartman, Cadet 1st Lt. Co. B, Officer of I also heard from Dale Wykoff ’48A, the Day. The 1948A Scholarship has been awardclass agent of ’48A, who sent a copy of “Recommendations: 1. That all cannons ed to Cadet Kyle Vardo ’17. He grew up the officer-in-charge log detailing the most on post be permanently plugged with lead. in the Smokey Mountains some two hours unfortunate accidental death of Cadet 2. That a speed limit sign be placed at west of Asheville, North Carolina. He is Pagliaro following a pep rally before the Limits Gates and at the junction of Route majoring in economics and business and Virginia Polytechnic Institute is a corporal in Company I. The and State University football amount given was $5,780. The game in fall 1944. The log balance of the 1948A Scholarreads as follows: “Midnight ship is now more than $135,000. to Guardmount 27 November Please remember to contribute to 1946. 1. At 0100, several VPI the scholarship by indicating that cadets were seen near the post a portion of your annual donation and the guard was awakened. to VMI be thus allocated. The The Corps arose, and the comclass agents’ meeting was held at panies took their positions. 2.

VMI April 17, a portion of which Unfortunately, several overI attended along with my daughter, zealous VMI cadets, identities Caroll Ann Wykoff. Afterward, we unknown, threw rocks at some met with John and Barbara Trumbo automobiles containing VPI cafor an enjoyable breakfast and chat dets, breaking windows and, acabout how there remain only five of cording to one report, hurting the original 50 brother rats who maone VPI man. 3. The VPI catriculated in February 1944. dets, together with some W&L Sarah Stagg has moved to a new students, seemed to be marchhome, and I will be glad to share Class of 1948A: On April 18, 2015, in Lexington were, from left, ing on barracks about 0230. Dale Wykoff, Barbara Trumbo and John Trumbo. her address with you.

Approximately 300 VMI cadets Please keep in touch!

’48A

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

’48B

Louis Castellano Jr.

At last count, I think we have 56 brother rats and 24 sister rats. We started with a class of approximately 180, and by the end of our 4th Class year, we were down to about 140.

As class agent, I am given a roster of what I hope are living brother rats. However, I called our brother rat John Spencer and found out from his wife, Anne, that he died in 1988. John was in the laundry business and lived in North Carolina all of his life. His wife, Anne, is still alive. They have three children and six grandchildren.

Efforts to reach Brother Rat Alfred Stupalsky have been unsuccessful. If any of you have any information about him, please let me know.

I received a return call from our Brother Rat Tom Tucker. Tom was in the farming business for about 50 years and also had a part-time insurance business. He lost his wife early on and remarried. Between Tom and his second wife, they have 25 children.

I reached out to Malachi Mills. When Malachi was 7 years old, he was hit by a truck and had 13 operations on his leg.

Notwithstanding, he was a football player at VMI, was in the real estate business and then in the corrugated steel business. He is in good health and would be very happy to hear from any of our brother rats.

Out Brother Rat Lou Schwartz is living in an assistive living location that is run by a Navy SEAL. Lou’s wife died a few years ago. For more than 30 years, he served as a credit manager for a concrete company.

When he arrived, the revenues for the concrete company were $2.5 million, and about 20 years later, they were up to $20 million. Lou left VMI after one semester and went into the Navy. He was in the Navy Reserve when Korea happened, but he wasn’t called.

Brother Rat Henry Nalven left VMI after one year. It was interesting because he went to a Navy enlistment office in the post office located in Lexington, Virginia, and tried to qualify for some position on 2015-Issue 3

a fighter plane. However, his deception caught up with him, because he had to be less than 6 feet tall, and he was 6 feet 3 inches tall. After the Navy, Henry went to work for Kraft Food for 38 years. His wife, Sonia, and he live in Flushing, New York.

Unfortunately, Henry has had Parkinson’s disease for the past eight years. He also recently fractured his hip, and so did Sonia.

He tells me survival was not difficult with the Parkinson’s disease, but it becomes difficult with the fractured hip. Sonia and Henry have two sons. One is a very prosperous Boston attorney, and the other is a computer programmer.

’49A

James Harrington

Joe Fil called – a nice visit, and as he promised, here’s an update on his status: “My son and daughter-in-law from Virginia visited and we all had a local family mini reunion.

“We have been very busy with doctors.

I had my right hip replaced twice (not too smart) and the right knee replaced. The old body is literally falling apart. Susie has slowed down a lot, and is now pretty much confined to a wheelchair. I finally gave my motorcycle away, as I quit riding almost two years ago. Sue and I decided to sell the lake house. This has really been a tough decision, as we made many additions and improvements to it over the past 30 years.

We loved it, as did the kids. Since we are all spread out and most of the grandchildren are grown and out of college, it really wasn’t being used. Ouch; another sign of getting old. We finally had our first greatgrandchild. Paul and Natalie had a beautiful girl, Adriana. All is well. Sue and I will be heading to Alabama in early July. Rebecca, our first born son’s daughter, is getting married to a longtime boyfriend, Alex.

She recently completed a master’s degree at the University of Alabama and is now employed as a teacher in Huntsville, Alabama.

It should be a fun wedding. We have met Alex, and he is a great guy.

“Our microwave just gave out and we are

going out to get another, so I’ll close here.”

Here’s a brief update from Herb Johnston.

“Sorry we don’t have any big news. Summer seemed to arrive today – 85-plus temperature. In our last note to you, we were in the thick of football playoffs. It was a great finish and the National Championship – you must feel the same way about Duke. Jeanne is still in a recovery mode, but we hope we can start traveling again soon. We might get back to the Outer Banks this summer. That would be a great 65th anniversary gift for us and our family. We will let you know how things go this summer.”

Charlie Tiller’s notes came in some strange format, but I’ve managed to decipher it: “I have had all kinds of difficulties with this computer, and more than likely they are on me and not the equipment. My big fingers are probably the trouble makers. Let’s give it a try.

“We have had a year – 2014 – that does not need many major recalls. On the bright side, our health seems to be much better. Nancy is walking better, and she says she feels better most of the time. As for me, the bailing wire and chewing gum seems to be keeping everything together. If we don’t develop some new something with a fancy name, I would like to get away to some place for a few days.

“The family reports are delightful. Our youngest granddaughter is a senior in high school in Zionsville, Indiana, and is very active in theater productions. Richie, her father, told us that she has been selected for the lead in ‘Oklahoma’ with an Indianapolis theater group. We are happy for her and also proud of her. This may be our trip! Joe Fil and I talked. I was pleased to learn that his hip replacement is doing well and that they may make a trip to a granddaughter’s wedding.”

Allen Penniman wrote to express his concern for my efforts as class agent and to philosophize about the difficulties of reporting activities for those of us in our dotage. Here is his current contribution: “In the early days (after VMI), there was too much to cover. In the middle years, activities were less frequent but more enjoyable.

We had nice events like family reunions and cruises and exciting trips to Alaska and South America. But the last few years, it is so true that our travels and activities 43

Class Notes and things of this nature are less frequent.

Where we were once producers, we are now gatherers. To be a gatherer, one must be more cautious and hold on to everything we have, especially fond memories.

“So what am I trying to say? It is that Joanie and I are in good health, which is the most important thing of all. In addition, we have a comfortable lifestyle and are surrounded by 47 of the greatest children, grandchildren and now three greatgrandchildren. They represent the totality of our interests and our activities. They reside from the west in Portland, Oregon; to the south in Louisiana; and to the far east in New York City and Boston. I have children in every time zone in this country.

They all have birthdays, and they continue to graduate from elementary school, high school and college. One of our graduating seniors this year has been accepted by Stanford University. I should add that one of our prime seniors will enroll at Louisiana State University, thank God. So where am I ... at home. And where is my family ... everywhere and doing good things. I send my best regards to all of you.”

As with the Pennimans, our Harrington family interests are mainly concerned with our children, grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren (but expecting one more by the time you read this). Only 26 (plus one more, soon) in our group, so Allen and Joanie are way ahead of us. Ours are scattered from Connecticut to Florida and Texas. As with the rest of our octogenarian brother rats, we “enjoy” the infirmities of old age, but so far we are not deterred. Since I have a habit of displaying my VMI affiliation on my t-shirts and caps, I often encounter another Keydet visiting our island – most recently, Jim and Susan Whitehurst ’66. It’s always great fun, and we welcome these visits, so y’all come if you can.

’49B

Dan Smaw

I received a call Feb. 9, 2015, from George Dooley informing me of the death the day before of Brother Rat Jack Evans. He had 44

received a call from Jack’s daughter, Deborah, informing him of Jack’s death. Jack was in the hospital with pneumonia when he collapsed and died. His wife, Pat, died in 2012, and Jack had mourned her death ever since. He had five children, six grandchildren and a sister. A graveside service was being planned for April at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas, with military honors. Our condolences go to his family on their great loss.

In February, Heather Stroup wrote that her mother, Jean Pack, died Jan. 2. She suffered a stroke Jan. 1 and died peacefully with her family around her. Jean had lived with Heather and family for the last 10 years. She always enjoyed the class notes and birthday and Christmas cards.

Our condolences go to Heather and family on their great loss.

Nux Enochs called in February to say he was going to Augusta, Georgia, to see Vaughn Maxwell who had had his third stroke. When Nux returned home, he wrote that he spent two hours with Vaughn, Isabelle and their son, Tex Maxwell ’84. He thinks Vaughn is doing well; his speech and thinking are clear, and he is working hard to recover his ability to get around on a walker. His spirits are good, and his sense of humor is still active. The nurses and orderlies all seem to be taking particular care of him.

Bill Sweeney called in late February and said he, George Dooley and Max Feinman are still having their once a month lunch meetings. They have been doing it so long that I guess they no longer get so loud that it disturbs the other diners.

Matthew Outland ’17, Grover’s grandson who was at our reunion last year, called in March since he is one of the callers the annual giving office uses. We had a nice conversation, and I assured him I would be contributing enough to belong to the Institute Society. He followed up with a card saying he enjoyed speaking with me, and he appreciated all the support he has received from our BRs over the years.

In April, I received a card from Brother Rat Perry Williamson – first communication since graduation – thanking for his birthday card and commenting that it is

time to “count backward on birthdays.”

Good to hear from you, Perry.

In early May, I talked with Lon and Doris Walter who are doing well. Doris is having trouble keeping the birds from eating her tomatoes, which are now looking good. A few weeks ago, their girls, Terry and Beverly, visited them for a week, which they enjoyed. Their next door neighbors have a daughter living next door to the Van Hooks in Charlottesville, Virginia. When they visit their daughter, Mac and Inge always have them over for drinks or a meal.

They think the Van Hooks are the most hospitable people they know – I am sure that is true.

Ding Patton’s email said he recently had lunch with Hayward France ’49C, and Ding mentioned that we had the ’49As with us at the last reunion since they were a small class. Hayward liked that idea, since the ’49Cs are a small class. Maybe we will have all the ’49 classes together at the 70th. I hope enough of us will be around to be there.

Louise and I talked with Ding and Nobbie recently. They were glad the weather was at last getting warm enough to sit outside. It looked like it would never get warm here, but finally it has. Ding talked with Joe Spitler after talking with us. Joe and Shirley are very happy with their new home and are glad they made the move when they did. Since they have a dog, they got a first floor unit. Joe has arthritis which limits his walking. He used to do big time hiking and climbing.

Charlie Upshaw and his grandson, Andrew ’06, have a picture of them together in the 2015-Issue 2 Alumni Review. It is with the ’06 class notes.

I called George Dooley to find out if he was going to present the Alonzo J. Walter Award to the outstanding Air Force cadet this year. He has been doing it for a number of years since Lon can’t make it up from Texas, and he is going to do it again this year. Jane has trouble with arthritis as well as with her hearing aids – I can relate to the hearing aid problems.

I talked with Izzy Maxwell May 8 (VE Day) and found out Vaughn is in a nursing home now and doing pretty well. She VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes sees him every day and usually takes lunch for them. He gets to do supervised exercise twice a week and does a lot on his own the other days. His goal is to get full time on a walker. She said his spirits are good, and his determination to get better is strong.

We all wish you well, Vaughn.

As you can see, these notes are probably the shortest I have ever sent in. I need info from each of you – email, phone or snail mail will do. Thanks.

Thanks to all who have contributed.

God Bless America, VMI and ’49B.

’49C

Haywood France

The Class of 1950A

Bill Moore

Our 65th Reunion has come and gone. I must admit that it was bittersweet. Jennings Bunch and I were the only two BRs to make it, and Jennings had to leave early as Harriet got ill right in the middle of the festivities.

I’m happy to report it was nothing serious, and that she is just fine now. Scared them for a while, and they decided – rightly so – to play it safe. At least we had one nice day together. The sweet part is the number of our “girls” that made it. Charlotte (Harold) Logsdon came all the way from Texas, and we spent the whole time together. Once Debra and I found out that she was going to arrive in Richmond Sunday afternoon, we made plans to come a day early so we could have Sunday dinner at the Southern Inn with Charlotte. She has survived her many surgeries in fine shape and spirits, and Debra and I just plain enjoyed her so very much. Clark Barnes ’87 drove his mother, Barbara (Hugh), up for our lunch in the mess hall, and even though Clark and 2015-Issue 3

the reunion, Debra and I spent eight days on Bequia, a small island in the Grenadines. All went well until the day before we left, when I came down with a debilitating cough and stuffy head. No fever or headache, just those two symptoms. The first leg of the return journey was a 100 mile hop from Bequia to Barbados in a small plane without a pressured cabin. The pilot took us up to 6,000 feet to ride a trade wind. When I got down to the tarmac in Barbados, I was as deaf as the proverbial door knob. This added insult to injury, as I was already miserable. Debra was a saint on that return trip, because I know that I am a bear when I don’t feel

65th Reunion – April 20-21, 2015

Editor’s Note: The Class of 1949C will no longer be submitting notes. Haywood France remains the point of contact for the class.

’50A

Barbara couldn’t stay very long, we had a delightful lunch. It was great to see both of them. And then, surprise, surprise! Who showed up at our class dinner with the ’50Bs but Joanne (Ed) Miller! She had been telling me all along that she just didn’t think she could make it. Her lovely daughters, Marie and Adrienne, drove her to Lexington from northern Virginia just for the evening. Even though it was short, it was definitely sweet.

I usually don’t take space in the middle of the letter to tell of the exploits of yours truly, but this time is exceptional, as I don’t know how many of you I’ll be able to contact before the May 15 deadline. The week before

Class of 1950A: Class Agent William R. Moore, center, with Debra Wood, left, and Charlotte Logsdon, widow of Harold Logsdon.

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Class of 1950B: Present at the reunion were Steven J. Abramedis, John V. Berberich III, M. Cary Blaydes, Charles W. Bragg Jr., Jones Felvey II, James H. Flippen Jr., Forrest W. Getzen, H. Braxton Green, Thomas R. Handy, Herbert L. Harris, Augustus B. Jones III, Thomas H. Kirk Jr., Frederick C. Kniesler, Joseph B. Kohen Jr., D.F. Kovarik, M.P. Lawrence Jr., Robert F. Lynd, Alexander J. Mitchell, R.S. Morton, William R. Muir, George L. Oliver Jr., Bernard S. Rhees, William E. Sacra Jr., Samuel E. Saunders Jr., Fred L. Silver, Edward L. Smith, Hoge T. Sutherland, John K. Taylor, Randolph J. Trappey Jr., William R. Tuxhorn, Robert A. White and Howard M. Wilhelm.

Class Notes

65th Reunion – April 20-21, 2015

The Class of 1950B

46

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes good. Now, about the time pressure between now and the 15th. The family beach house at North Litchfield, South Carolina, is vacant next week and I just found out. It is rented the rest of the summer through Labor Day, so Monday the 11th, I planned to be on the road to South Carolina. I’ll be a beach bum all week with whomever drops in. I’m definitely expecting my brother, Herman, to visit.

We used to hang out at the beach many years ago but not recently. I’ll have my computer and phone with me, so all won’t be lost so far as the class notes are concerned. Up on top of “my hill” near Lynchburg, everything is growing so fast and so beautifully that I hate to leave at this time of year, but as far as the beach house is concerned, it’s now or wait until the fall. Our son, David Moore ’86, and his wife, Jennifer, are building two new Moore’s Country Stores this year. They hoped to open the first one May 15. David is leasing and gutting an old Burger King and Stop In store in the Boonsboro section of Lynchburg. It’s his first attempt at leasing a location. As soon as this one is completed, he’s building one from the ground up in the Graves Mill section of Lynchburg. Busy, busy, busy! These two will make a total of six stores.

Gene Witcher called me just before the reunion to let me know he couldn’t make it.

When I got back to Lynchburg, I called him to find out why. Gene has been having some flare ups with his aortic stenosis and decided it would be unwise for him to attempt the trip. Kenny Stagg also called while I was in Lexington. I missed the call but found out that he and B.J. just couldn’t get their act together. He had surgery May 13 to remove a small cancer near his eye. He had the same procedure seven or eight years ago and now is having to do it again. He doesn’t expect any complications.

Bill Moore

’50B

Robert White

I was sorry to have to print the pictures of our brother rats who died in 2014 right at the time of our 65th Reunion, but there is no help for it. Considering our ages and those 2015-Issue 3

of our brother rats, there is no surprise.

As you know, the reunion was Monday and Tuesday, April 20 and 21. The nice thing was that most everybody came in Sunday, the 19th. This gave us the chance to be together for that afternoon and for dinner Sunday evening. We caught up on everything – family, health and how good it was to be together at such advanced ages.

Gus Jones generously provided hats and shirts for all of us and these gifts helped to set the stage for the great things to follow.

The location of our reunion was perfect, thanks to Braxton. The Wingate is new – or almost so – and as comfortable as possible, and with Ruby Tuesday’s restaurant right next door, the whole setup could not have been better.

The reunion was without doubt the best that I have ever experienced, and I have heard many others say the same thing.

Braxton and Judith pulled it off and deserve all the credit for the whole thing. We cannot thank them enough.

Here are the names of those who were there: Dr. Steven J. Abramedis, Mr. John V. Berberich II, John V. Berberich IV, Mary Berberich, Gloria Berberich, Dr. M. Cary Blaydes, Nancy Blaydes, C.W. Bragg (with wife and daughter Barbara), Mrs. William J. Buchanan, Mrs. Richard C. Couplan Jr., Nancy Dahl, Mr. Jones Felvey II, Connie Felvey, the Hon. James H. Flippen Jr., Mary Peccie, Nancy Flippen, Dr. Forrest W. Getzen, Evangeline Getzen, Mr. H. Braxton Green, Judith Green, Mr. Thomas R. Handy, Joyce Handy, Mr. Herbert L. Harris, Mary M. Harris, Mrs. Thomas P. Harwood Jr., Sally Harwood, Mr. Augustus B. Jones III, Charlotte B. Jones Col. Thomas H. Kirk Jr., Ann Kirk, Greg Kniesler Mr. Frederick C. Kniesler, Pete Kniesler, Dr. Joseph B. Kohen Jr., Joanne Roos, retired Lt. Col. D.F. Kovarik, Karen Kovarick, Mr. M.P. Lawrence Jr., Edith Lawrence, Colonel Robert F. Lynd, Nancy Lynd, Mrs. H. Norwood Michie Jr., Robert Michie, Mr. Alexander J. Mitchell, Nancy Mitchell, Matthew Mitchell, Lindsay Mitchell, Aaron Mitchell, Sam Mitchell, Dr. William R. Muir, Mary Muir, Mr. George L. Oliver Jr., Nell Oliver, retired Col. Bernard S. Rhees, Mr. William E. Sacra Jr., Helen Sacra, Mr.

Edward L. Smith, Sarah Smith, Mr. Hoge T. Sutherland, Laura Sutherland, Mrs. William P. Talbott Sr., Mr. John K. Taylor, Mr. Randolph J. Trappey Jr., Alfred F. Trappey II, Stephanie Trotter, Emily Trotter, A.J. Trotter, Lt. Col. William R. Tuxhorn, Virginia A. Tuxhorn, Mrs. Marilyn Warren, Jesse Arildsen, Linda W. Arildsen, Mrs. N. Thatcher Watson, Mr. Robert A. White, Alice White, Dr. Howard M. Wilhelm, Mrs. T. Foster Witt Jr. and Julia Woodman.

On the Monday afternoon of the reunion, following lunch at Ruby Tuesday’s, we saw the new movie, “The Field of Lost Shoes,” which tells the story of the VMI Corps in the Battle of New Market.

To tell the truth, the movie left me with a sad feeling. The part about slavery in the South was so ugly that the film was not redeemed, even by the extraordinary bravery of the Corps of Cadets.

That Monday evening, we were the guests of the Alumni Association for a dinner party at Marshall Hall. Other classes also having reunions were present. After dinner, Gen. Peay ’62, superintendent, gave a comprehensive report on the state of the Institute. Our school is better than ever, and its national standing is higher than ever in comparison with other colleges.

On Tuesday morning, we held our memorial service in J.M. Hall. This was truly a “homerun.” Before this service, we were treated to the performance of “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes by Cadet Dillon of the Institute Bagpipe Band. The service was conducted by Col. James S. Park, Institute chaplain. He was a graduate from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1972 and has been at VMI for 21 years.

In his “Reflection and Encouragement,” which was magnificent, he made a point that Tom Harwood also made once when he spoke to the class during an earlier reunion. That point is that our principle value as a class and to ourselves and the world is not that we are tough and strong (although we are both those things), but the fact that we love one another. That one thing says it all about our bond. And it also says why we know that all of those who should be here but are not with us are in our hearts.

Following the memorial service, we went 47

Class Notes to lunch in Crozet Hall. If you have not been there recently then you probably have not heard about how the cadets are fed. They do not march to their meals anymore but just go when they can. Crozet Hall is enormous, and the food is served buffet style. There is everything you can imagine to eat. There are meats, potatoes and vegetables. There are hot dogs and hamburgers and a huge salad bar from which you can take your entire meal if you choose. Take your choice on drinks – water, coffee, tea, Coca Cola – all of this – and as much as you want – and dessert.

We were not crowded nor were the cadets, and we enjoyed the occasion so much.

Later, we went to the Parade Ground for our class picture, which was followed by the Corps reunion parade and the ceremony in the courtyard. There, of course, each class gave a cheer, led from the top of the sentinel box with each cheer joined in by the Corps from their places on the stoops. We also sang the “VMI Spirit” and closed with the “Doxology.”

All of these things were heartwarming and confirmed what we already knew – that at that time and that place we were where we belonged to be, and together.

On Tuesday evening, we had cocktails and dinner at Moody Hall. We had planned to be at Helen Talbott’s beautiful farm, but we were just too many for her to accommodate.

It was a pleasant time and an appropriate finish to our reunion. During the dinner, it was announced that Yerbury Burnham, whom you know had recently died, had left a gift of $25,000 to the Institute.

All in all, this was the best reunion I can remember, and as we know, it was the result of all of the work and thought of Braxton and Judith Green. But what also made it possible, of course, were the people who came.

’51

John Ross

These notes cover the period Feb. 11, 2015, to May 10, 2015, and are basically in sequential order.

George Cohen sent me a long and newsy email. Marty and he are well. George reported 48

Class of 1951: At a Biloxi, Mississippi, mini reunion were, from left, standing, Sookie Hill, Bill Lauerman ’49B, Johnny Gray, Bill Leck, Jerry Eggleston, Bill Ellis and Jack Lowden. Seated: Coach Morton, Kirby Bernich (host) and Carl “Bounce” Carstens.

on his grandsons; one is engaged to be married shortly. Another is on a Navy scholarship at Auburn University, scheduled to graduate and be commissioned this summer, then he is on to flight school. The other is married with two sons and a daughter.

Marie and I received a very thoughtful Valentine’s Day card from Helen Adeeb in Neptune Beach, Florida. It sure is nice to have Helen back.

I had a long visit with Johnny Lyden in Mobile, Alabama. He is doing well in retirement but is physically limited by his macular degeneration. We reminisced about some of the pre-med brother rats, Joe Tom Howard and Jim Close.

Polly Shrader called to report she and Paul were in a serious auto accident on the way back to Pensacola after attending a memorial service for her eldest son in Atlanta, Georgia. Their car was demolished, and they were trapped for some time. Polly reported she is doing well, and Paul is still in recovery.

Taylor Hay called from Frankfort, Kentucky. He and Joanna are doing well. He asked for contact info for Gerry Eggleston, which I furnished. Taylor then lectured me on various medical remedies for Marie. When I inquired as to his credentials, Taylor replied that he has a C.S.D., which I understand translates to a common sense doctorate.

Tom Wornham surprisingly called from

La Jolla, California, to correct me, as I had called him Jimmy in my last notes. When I apologized, I then asked to speak to Pinkie.

Tom replied she was out, but they would call later. As of the deadline for these notes, I have not heard anything, nor can I find where I called Tom “Jimmy.”

I wished Maurice King in Hallieford, Virginia, a very belated happy birthday.

He and June are doing well, and I provided him with contact info for Henry Pitot and Jane Owen, which he requested.

I reached Randy Thompson in Fairfax Station, Virginia, to wish him a happy birthday. He and Gloria are hanging in there, but the snow and cold weather were getting them down. I had a long telephone call from Frans Kasteel in Lancaster, Virginia, in

Class of 1951: Doug Bartlett, Keydet Club vice president, visited Homer Ambrose at his home in Falls Church, Virginia, in spring 2015.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes which he informed me the sad news that Shirley died Jan. 18 after declining health for some time. Frans reported her memorial service was very impressive and well attended. I expressed my condolences to Frans and told him she would be missed.

On that cold and snowy Saturday, Frans and I talked for at least an hour. We covered VMI, religion and politics. Frans is still very active in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and is considering authoring a biography of a churchman.

I was unable to extend birthday wishes to Joe Stump, who winters in Florida, as I do not have a telephone number. I trust he received my birthday card.

I called Glennie Brown in Richmond for information, which she provided. She is doing well after recovering from the flu, which turned into pneumonia, but she is still weak. Incidentally, she is in Cedarfield, a continuing care retirement community with a large VMI cohort, including John Phillips and wife Eddy and Mary Lee May. I reached Henry Quisenberry in Enterprise, Alabama, to wish him a happy birthday. Jackie and he are both getting along and have no complaints.

I wished Rav Marshall, my Alexandria, Virginia, neighbor, a happy birthday. We hoped to get together for lunch when the snowy, winter weather let up.

Once again, I failed to make contact with Pete Ames on his birthday. I believe he is in California. Any help will be appreciated.

I reached Jack Lowden in Williamsburg with very belated birthday greetings. Jack hurt his shoulder, which limits his golf, but Barbara is still very active.

I left birthday wishes for Rufus Lazzell with his wife, Jo Jac. Shortly before Easter, I received a call from Bur Phillips, who had returned from Florida to Richmond with Eddy, where they joined a large VMI group at Cedarfield Retirement Community. He very thoughtfully wanted to thank me, which I appreciated.

As I informed you in my last notes, the Institute has scheduled our 65th Reunion for April 18 and 19, 2016. Jake Wamsley has alerted those on the network of these 2015-Issue 3

dates by email. Make your plans to be there.

I left birthday wishes for Sid Hannah and Sam Bass on their voice mails. Sam called, and we had a nice visit. He is well, and Dew is the same.

I noted an email from Dick Cole in which he reported no health complaints.

I wished Bill Moore in McLean, Virginia, a happy birthday. He is as active as ever – restoring and showing old cars, yard work and participating in a racing team.

I left birthday wishes for Fred Taylor in Richmond with his wife, Jackie. They are both doing well and thinking of downsizing.

I attended a class agents meeting in Lexington April 17 and 18. We received a very impressive and thorough report on the status of VMI. The Institute appears to be in great shape – well maintained facilities, modern equipment and technology, and dedicated and professional personnel.

Anita Chaplin called from Tarzana, California, and Marie and I had a nice visit with her.

Coach Doug Bartlett reported by email that he had a nice visit with Homer Ambrose, who was in great spirits despite his medical problems.

Win Baber, who does a great job as our email coordinator, put on his movie critic hat and reported that the movie, “Field of Lost Shoes” is worth viewing, but the book, “The Battle of New Market,” by William C. Davis, is superior.

I left birthday wishes for Fred Anson on his voicemail. Rose Marie, later that day, called to tell me that, as a result of a fractured hip, Fred is in a nursing home where she regularly visits him. I subsequently called Sid Hannah, his roommate, to pass on this news.

I left birthday wishes for Bob Martin in Henderson, West Virginia.

I called Bill Dawson in Richmond to wish him a happy birthday. His wife, Shirley, informed me that as a result of complications following surgery, Bill is in the rehab center Beth Shalom. He is quite weak, as he has been on a liquid diet since mid-February.

At the end of April, Paul Shrader called from Pensacola as a result of my inquiry to report that Polly and he are doing well in recover from their nearly catastrophic

accident. I informed him of the loss of his neighbor, Brother Rat Brom Nichol.

I finally reached Joyce Ratliff after many failed attempts. She had moved from Birmingham, Alabama, to Mountain Brook, Alabama, and the Institute did not have the new address. She was appreciative of the contact, and I informed VMI of the new address.

I checked with Peggy Hays and learned she is doing well, but Willard is still limited in his recovery from heart problems.

Ellen Nelson returned my call and reported she is doing well at Accomac on the Eastern Shore. She was preparing to leave for the state of Washington to attend the college graduation of a granddaughter.

I caught up with Joe Stump in Knoxville, Tennessee, to extend belated birthday greetings. He had received my card in Florida, but I had no phone number for him in that state – thus the long delay. Joe and Anna are doing fine and are very busy with grandchildren.

I was very glad to finally make contact with Jack Nichols in Asheville, North Carolina. His speech is much improved after throat surgery, but his overall health is another question.

I left a message for Rufus Lazzell with Jo Jac in Florida.

I checked in with Homer Ambrose. He is about the same and welcomes visitors. I intend to visit in the near future.

I was unable to reach the Egg, but I left messages on his home phone.

I reached Marion Carozza in Baltimore, Maryland. She reported on a trip to Italy and the good news that she had her driving privileges restored. She hopes to make it to our 65th, and I encouraged her to do so. I also hope that many of our sister rats will join her.

I also reached Gloria Cowherd in New Jersey and was glad to hear that she was doing well. I also took the opportunity to thank her for her continued interest and support in VMI. Mary Ellen Connolly returned my call, and Marie and I visited with her. She is doing well.

Before my editorial deadline, I failed to connect, despite multiple attempts, with 49

Class Notes Mary Batsakis, Barbara Ann Guthans, Julie and Henry Pitot, Tom and Pinkie Wornham and Ken Crisp (whose telephone number, I subsequently learned, is “no longer in service”).

Keep the news coming. Marie and I wish you a great summer. Hang in there.

Semper Fi, Jack

’52

James M. Mecredy

The class notes for the spring issue of the Alumni Review have been submitted, so now in the middle of February, I am starting to write class notes for the summer issue.

Bill Ruffin called to tell me about progress on the funds for the Moses Ezekiel ’866 Statuary Restoration Fund in the Norfolk Botanical Garden. The goal is close to being reached, and Bill is very encouraged with the progress. Personally, Bill is doing well with exercising two to three times a week. He has headed to Florida in the middle of February to play golf with Andy Dickinson among other warm weather activities, returning in March. He asked about Joe Craven whom neither of us has heard from in a while.

By now, most of you already know that Bill Massie’s wife, Anne, died Sunday, Feb. 8, after a long illness. Barbara Schwan, the wife of Alex Schwan ’56, called me about Anne’s death.

I received a letter from VMI regarding this year’s fundraising campaign, which included a paragraph about the Walter G. Robertson Jr. 1952 Memorial Scholarship Fund. This fund, currently valued at $175,406, provides almost $8,000 a year for a cadet. The Class of ’52 continues to make a difference for some cadet at VMI. Chuck Haley called to ask how many of our brother rats have bricks. My current count is 117, including 90 deceased brother rats. Chuck is taking a trip to Texas, so he wants to call Rob Gerdetz and needed his phone number and address. I told Chuck to take a picture so I can include it in the next issue of the Review. (So far, the picture has not arrived.)

Chuck asked if I had seen the movie, “Field of Lost Shoes.” It became available on Netflix last week, so we got to see it in the comfort of home.

Pat Spurgeon called me after reading class notes in the Alumni Review just to touch base. Pat has experienced two interesting careers after VMI. He went on to Emory and Henry College to receive a degree in English and ultimately a

Class of 1952: Members of the Old Corps pictured were, from left, Paul Lamb ’54, Jock Wheeler ’54, Bob Beale’55, Tom Vaughan’57, Johnny Mapp ’54, Zeke Finney, Bill Ruffin and Andy Dickinson.

50

Class of 1952: Jim Mecredy at the World War II War Memorial in Washington, D.C.

doctorate degree. This was after receiving a “D” in English from Sam Barnes at VMI. He received an injury in football which cut his football playing time short, so he spent the next 40-50 years coaching football and teaching English.

Both careers were very successful, especially coaching football. He was honored by the alumni of one football team for his help in the championship team the he coached at their 36th reunion.

Even though Pat did not graduate from VMI, he is still very appreciative of the VMI experience.

I was writing a birthday card for Skip Goldacker and realized that I have not talked to him since VMI, so I called him. He was not home but called me back in an hour. Skip spent 26 years in the Army and said he had some good assignments. He asked about several brother rats he remembers. He roomed with Chuck Coulson, and I had to tell him that Chuck died a number of years ago. He also roomed with Nutz and Fortunato. Since retiring from the Army, Skip spent 20 years officiating football, basketball and baseball, mostly for high schools.

Skip has a son running a successful bagel VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes and sandwich shop in Roanoke, Virginia, so look for his shop when you are in that area.

Charlie Piper called to request Nutz’s phone number, as Charlie is going to Washington, D.C., to a funeral for his friend being interned at Arlington. This high school friend was one of those imprisoned for seven years, along with McCain and Jeramiah Denton. The Pipers, like the Hollands and Haleys, are continuing to travel. The Pipers are now in Florida and heading for D.C., then home to North Dakota. Following a few weeks at home, they are headed for Salt Lake City, Utah; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Albuquerque, New Mexico. After that, they are flying to Greece and sailing the rivers in Europe.

Henry Nanninga sent me an article from the Savanah newspaper which reported the distribution from the Robert C. Tripp Fund. Bob designated over $40,000 to VMI for a dean’s scholarship. At about the same time, I received a letter from a 1st Class cadet thanking our class for the benefit he received from the Walter G. Robertson Jr. Memorial Scholarship.

Joe Webber recently had knee surgery

Class of 1952: Tolly Greer on his deck in his backyard.

2015-Issue 3

on his left knee. Joe reported the surgery went well, and he is completely recovered in three weeks with continuing exercise. This recovery is in contrast to similar surgery he had on his right knee in 2008. That surgery took him a year to recover from. Joe told me the difference is in advancement in procedures, and he just got the initial repair too early in development of procedures.

Charles Shoaf was buried in a family plot in Roanoke, April 11. Joe Webber gave an elegy, and Bob Caudle was able to attend the service in spite of recovery from a broken ankle that occurred as the aftermath of a fall from a slight stroke.

Bob was trying to get up and twisted his ankle, causing the break. Bob spent over eight weeks in rehab recovering from both the broken ankle and stroke. Bob’s wife, Esther Mae, informed me of the accident after learning of the funeral plans for Charles. The Caudles live in Roanoke, so they were able to join Joe for the service.

I received an email from Peter Milton in answer to a birthday card I sent telling him that VMI did not have his birthday record. He wrote that the card was very timely, as his birthday was the day before he received my card. Peter transferred from VMI to the art school at Yale University after two years. Peter’s father, William H. Milton ’920, was the VMI superintendent from 1952-60. Peter has a very successful career of teaching, art and printmaking, which is summarized on his website at: http://www.petermilton.com/. Peter says he is fortunate.

Dick Valack just finished reading the recent book about Coach McKenna, and his thoughts are worth passing on.

“I have just finished reading the book, ‘Best Regrets,’ which covers the 13 years of McKenna football that follows our time at VMI. What makes this an interesting book is that so many of the names of players (underclassmen during our time), coaches and Institute personnel are familiar, even mentioning our BRs Bill Brehany and Jim Byron, who graduated in ’53. After the first 50 or so pages, it moves on into less familiar years and teams, but the writing is terrific. It’s VMI as we knew it. You can’t help

but remember fond memories.” The book was published in October 2014 and is available through the Keydet Club. Dick suggested that all purchase it and have a quiz at the 65th Reunion. Dick went on to say, “The book was given to me by a good friend, Ariq Southworth ’94. He gave it to me when I broke my leg while on vacation in Florida Easter Sunday. I had an operation the next day replacing the ball of the femur and repairing the hip socket. I’m back in Cape Charles now going through physical therapy and tender loving care from my wife, Mary Catherine. I don’t deserve the kindness and care she is giving me. (I may have to stretch this out.)

You can’t beat these 80-year-old grandmothers.”

Bud Becker let me know that he sent the local Strasburg newspaper editor the results of the VMI versus The Citadel baseball game where a local boy, Ray Lopez, went five for nine, with two doubles, one home run, five runs, three RBIs, and two stolen bases to help VMI sweep a doubleheader Sunday at The Citadel with scores of 10-6 and 3-2. Bud follows local athletes who attend VMI, and when they contribute positively, he sends an email to the sports editor. He has been doing this for some time.

On April 29, I was invited to join 25 other World War II and Korean War veterans on an honor flight from Atlanta, Georgia, to Washington, D.C. We visited the war memorials. This was truly an honor for all of us. We departed from the American Legion Post in Conyers, Georgia, early in the morning of April 29 in buses to the Atlanta airport. We were led by six motorcycles flying flags and playing “America.”

An escort of six police cars gave us a nonstop trip to the airport by stopping all traffic through busy Atlanta morning commute. At the airport, we disembarked to ride in wheelchairs escorted by American Legion members. Arriving at the gate, we were greeted by a large number of people waving flags, cheering us and thanking us for our service. Many people, including the airport security, shook hands with each of us. Even the security people gave us special accelerated attention. We boarded a tour 51

Class Notes bus upon arriving in D.C. and were taken to the World War II Memorial. We had our picture taken and toured the memorial, either walking or in our wheelchairs. This was followed by good box lunches on the bus as we moved to the Iwo Jima Memorial; next the Arlington National Cemetery and the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We then toured the Korea Memorial, the Vietnam Wall and the Lincoln Memorial. We returned to the airport, where we had a hot dinner before flying back to Atlanta. We ended the day by returning to the American Legion Post, again with a police and motorcycle escort. This was truly an honorary experience, and I encourage each of you to sign up for the Honor Flight in your state. You can find the Honor Flight Headquarters in your state online by seeking: honor flights. I have included a picture of me at the World War II Memorial, Georgia section.

Zeke Finney and Andy Dickinson played their first Old Corps golf match of 2015 in late April. Zeke and Andy Dickinson started what they called “the Old Corps” many years ago, and they are still going with the same members. These included: Dickinson, Ruffin, Finney, Mapp ’55, Wheeler ’55, Lamb ’55, Beale ’57 and Vaughn ’57. Lou Drake ’54 subs.

They are fortunate that all are still together and playing. I understand from Zeke that he, Andy and Bill are doing well. Apparently Andy is their team authority on medical problems. A picture of the group is included with these class notes. Zeke also sent me a picture of Tolly Greer standing on his deck in the backyard, which I am including.

I called Jim Miller and Keith Durban on the occasion of their birthdays since I have not talked with either of them for a while.

Keith was not at home, but I talked to Jim to learn that he and his family are doing well. His wife had back surgery from which she has recovered. They have two sons and four grandchildren.

That is all of the news I have for this edition of ’52 class notes.

Your brother rat, Jim 52

’53

William C. Noell Jr.

Well, brother rats, although the address above is Lexington, I am sitting down at our place outside Knoxville, Tennessee, overlooking beautiful Norris Lake today. The weather is great, the lake is peaceful and we are catching up on some rest after several hectic weeks at home in Virginia, which is five hours away. However, will return to Lexington sometime after 11 p.m. Thursday in time to attend the New Market parade Friday and hear Bill Atwill’s (my roommate) grandson, Henry, sound off at the roll call: “Died on the Field of Honor, Sir,” for Cpl. Sam Atwill ’866. As you recall, Bill used to do this for his great uncle during our Institute days. Since I had a little input to the commandant in Henry getting to do this, I figured I should be there. Thus his parents, Agnes and Bill, and his mother, Ann, came from Richmond for the day to attend the event. However, it will be great to get back to the lake for the summer after the Memorial Day weekend, where life seems slower and less hectic. I very much hope all of you have a great and healthy summer.

The big event during the last quarter was

Class of 1953: Sut Sutherland and his grandson, Gabe ’18, at the University of Kentucky graduation of his granddaughter, Lauren.

our Richmond and Beyond annual lunch gathering at the Country Club of Virginia April 30, arranged by Warren and Winn Koontz. We had a great turnout – 41 BRs, wives and their friends – which also included four wives of departed BRs. It was definitely nice to have these ladies join us for the lunch. Attendees (besides Virginians) came from Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland and Ohio. This event will be held again in April 2016, but our 65th is not until 2018, so hang in there!

After the ’53 lunch, Agnes and Bill Atwill held a dinner party at their home for Judy and me, Jack Trigg and Elizabeth, and Ann and Bennett (Hampden Sydney College) Atwill, the parents of their grandson, Henry.

This was a great, formal coat and tie affair with an excellent dinner and wine. We also spent the night with the Atwills, as did Jack and Elizabeth. They left in the morning for a Washington, D.C., tour and visit, while Judy and I sat around the kitchen table visiting until after 12:30 before heading back to Lexington. The day before the Richmond lunch, Jack and Elizabeth came over from Lynchburg with Elizabeth’s daughter, Holly, and her husband, Dan, for a tour of VMI by

Class of 1953: Sutherland’s granddaughter, Lauren, at her commissioning at the University of Kentucky in December.

Lauren commissioned as a second lieutenant and is a nurse in the Air Force.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1953: Henry Atwill ’18 and his mother, Ann, on New Market Day, May 15, 2015.

your class agent. At completion and after cocktails at our house, the six of us dined at the Bistro in Lexington before they headed back over the mountain to Lynchburg. They were all impressed by the Bistro. On Jack and Elizabeth’s return trip to Birmingham, they stopped at our house for the night, and per their request, we again dinned at the Bistro after a social hour or so at the Woodduck house.

I received a telephone call a little over a month ago from Art and Susan Moncrief’s great-nephew in Houston, Weston Gloger, (name was misspelled in last notes) that he had been accepted at VMI. He is coming and is thrilled to be at VMI this fall. We hope he will be signed up to be the dyke of our adopted “rat” of three years, Jack Wilkins ’16. A couple of Sundays ago, we had our last lunch with Henry Atwill ’18 and Jack Wilkins ’16 at the Southern Inn before they

Class of 1953: Agnes and Bill Atwill with their grandson, Henry Atwill ’18, on New Market Day.

left for the summer, as after that, we were out of town until New Market Day. An email from Ed Brown noted that he and Ingrid were in Florida in January during all our cold, nasty weather in Virginia. The reason for Florida was that Ingrid’s daughter in Hong Kong has a condo in Naples on the gulf that was made available to them. However, when they returned to Williamsburg, they still had snow to contend with. Walt and Emily Sanders finally made their planned moved from their home in Athens, Georgia, to their retirement home in December. As of the Richmond luncheon, they had not sold their home and thus still had to maintain their beautiful landscaped yard. A week ago, I received a telephone call from Austin “T” Morgan just to say hi and to thank me for his birthday card. His and Martha’s health is still such that they stay close to home and

Class of 1953: The Class of ’53 held its annual spring “Richmond and Beyond” lunch at the Country Club of Virginia April 30, 2015.

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their doctors. I was sorry to hear his younger sister, Ellen, had died over a year ago with cancer. When we were in high school, Ellen kind of had a crush on me. I received an email from Col. Keith Gibson ’77, executive director of the VMI museum system, a few months ago asking me to come by and check out the VMI raincoat that Ellen Hofheimer had sent to him. He wanted to ensure that this was the type of raincoat that our class wore, as it had a short cape on it and there were none like it in the museum.

Seems this raincoat was worn only during some of the ’50s.

I received a package from Sut Sutherland with pictures and a note about his family.

Sut and Lucy went to the University of Kentucky in December to see their granddaughter pinned as a nurse, commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force and graduate from the University of Kentucky. Their grandson, Gabe ’18, was also in attendance.

Sut and his granddaughter’s father pinned the bars on Lauren, who is now stationed at Elgin Air Force Base on the gulf in Florida.

An email from Paul Fortin said to let all BRs know that all is well with him and Jane in Kansas. Paul also noted that last fall, they made a transatlantic cruise from England along the west coast of Europe (France to visit World War II beaches, Spain and Portugal). Before crossing the Atlantic, they stopped in Azores and Bermuda. In January, they flew to Rio de Janeiro to join a two week agriculture tour of western Brazil agriculture farms, ranches and companies. They toured the massive Itaipu Hydroelectric 53

Class Notes Dam and visited Iguassu Falls on borders of Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil before flying back from Sao Paulo. Also, the last time they were in Virginia and at VMI was for the 2014 graduation of their grandson, Brandon Zembles ’14. He was commissioned into the Army and accepted into the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Since his graduation, he has married and produced their first great-grandchild, a little girl.

An email from Fred Hauser noted they would not be able to attend the Richmond luncheon, as they had just returned from Germany, where Uschi’s brother died unexpectedly from a heart attack after they had just talked to him two days before on the telephone. Uschi’s son and wife were expecting a baby the week of the luncheon, so they were off for New Mexico.

An email from Webb Maddux noted they would not be able to attend the Richmond luncheon, as they do not travel much these days due to Helen’s breathing problems. She had a serious situation health-wise during December and January but has recovered considerably. However, she is now fairly limited in her activities, so they do not push it too much these days.

Last week, I ran into John Gilbert at Lowes. He said that he really enjoyed the Richmond lunch. I recall this was the first one he has ever attended.

For those of you on the class email, I sent out a compiled listing of nicknames for our brother rats about a month ago, which was put together by Bill Nelson. I think Ted Mariani, as the class historian, should add it to our class history records. Speaking of history and records of our class, I would like to compile a history of the great stepoff and midnight march in December after our Ring Figure. So, I would like for those who can still remember the happenings accurately to write up your remembrances of the great event and send them to me. I will edit and compile all into one accounting and furnish to Ted for our class history, as well as to brother rats. But it takes action on your part to accomplish this.

Class trivia and thanks: As most of you know, I have been writing our class notes now for 28 years, which seems kind of wrong. After all, I was a chemistry and 54

physics major, and it would seem this long and enduring task should have fallen on an English or history major, who are supposed to be very good at prose, not to a technical person like me – that of the hazardous materials field of regulations, specifications, shipping and emergency response. However, over the years I have received many very nice comments from you brother rats, as well as a few gifts at reunions and a framed citation.

Even roommate Dr. Bill, fellow chemistry major, has said I do pretty well for a chemistry major. For all of this, I wish to express my thanks for all your praise and considerations, and I must say I have enjoyed writing the class notes. However, sometimes it seems the next quarter due date comes too soon after the one just completed. As some know, I kind of fell into this job not by class selection, but because Ed Brown was being transferred to Brussels with AT&T, and I was moving to Lexington. So, I thought it would be nice for me to take it over for a short duration, since Ed Brown had been the class agent for 11 years. I assumed (?) it should be an easy task for a while, and here I am still doing it, as your 12th class agent. About 10 years ago, I talked with roommate Pete Cox (when he was on the board) about giving it up, but he convincingly said no, and it seems no one has yet had a passion to take on the somewhat hectic task. Of course, living in Lexington part of the time and being able to stop by the Alumni Association does help with the task. Bill Nelson said I had to make sure I was the last BR standing, in order to continue with the task? So, thanks for all of your support over the years!

’54

J.M. Perry Archer

Greetings, Brother Rats, There have been contacts from several members of the class. I got word from Peggy and Dick Trumbo concerning their activities in connection with the Aerospace Medical Association Foundation. Dick, who is a member of the AsMA, has for years helped arrange the Annual Fun Run held by the association. After a few years

of its not having been run, it will be staged this year in May as the Richard B. “Dick” Trumbo 5K Preventative Medicine Run. Quite an honor for both Peggy and Dick, in whose names there is now an endowed fund through the AsMA Foundation.

My wife, Shirley, and I attended the 2015 Class Agent Conference at VMI April 17 and 18. The Alumni Association works extremely hard for all VMI graduates, with a rather small, very talented staff. The meeting was pretty well attended. One of the most interesting things learned is that there has been an increase in alumni donations generally from those graduates who heretofore had not supported the Institute financially. The Corps looked good on parade. The improvement in the overall physical condition of cadets now, when compared with our time there, is striking to me. The Marshall Hall of Valor is beautiful and impressive inside and out. I drove by the rear of the McCrum’s Drugstore old location, where the Trailways bus station used to be. On Sundays, Alvah Mattox and I would join the Associated Reform Presbyterian detail to march to church. The Trailways bus left Lexington in the morning for Staunton.

As we went marching by McCrum’s, Al and I always broke ranks and ran up to catch the bus for Staunton, where we had girlfriends.

We would spend Sunday afternoon over there, and the girls would drive us back to VMI in time for CQ at 7:30. This was always flawlessly executed. (Thanks to Tommy Williamson for reminding me of this.)

And by the way – if any of you are wine enthusiasts, Virginia wines have really improved. You might want to try Rockbridge Vineyards. A real surprise for us.

I have been in touch with Lynn Seldon ’83, who has written a novel of VMI titled, “Virginia’s Ring,” that transported me back in many ways. Of course, much has changed at the school, but the emphasis upon and importance of the VMI class ring, uniquely crafted and different for each class, will never change. Our BR John Windle never removed his from his ring finger according to his wife, Lois. Both John and Lois have died now, as you know from previous Alumni Reviews.

I need to report the passing of several brother rats. The information on some is VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes sparse. Tommy Williamson reported that Byrd LaPrade died Jan. 28, 2015. Byrd left VMI in his 1st Class year to enter the Army Corps of Engineers. After two years in the Army, he worked with his family’s surveying firm in Richmond. He returned to VMI and graduated in 1958. Byrd then obtained a master’s degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and taught surveying there for a couple of years before moving to Vermont. Byrd surveyed Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort around 1972 using only 100 feet of flexible tape, a six-inch level and one helper. Claiborne Terry, Bill Schubmehl and Tommy Williamson had dinner with Byrd in Richmond in 2013 on his last trip to Virginia.

Roy Alexander died Feb. 28, 2015, in Houston, Texas, after a long illness. He practiced immigration law for many years and was known both nationally and internationally in that specialty, representing clients from all over the world. Roy was a distance runner and completed a number of marathons, as well as shorter distance races. We got together regularly for lunch and were close friends for more than 60 years. Roy and Jack Gary once crashed a big, fancy wedding at Houston’s famous Cork Club, where the entertainment happened to be Liberace. Our two BRs were welcomed enthusiastically by the bejeweled entertainer, although they did not know a soul present. Roy’s sense of humor was legendary. Jack Gary once was in Canberra, Australia, at the airport, acting as naval attaché to meet some dignitaries. As he was waiting, someone slipped up behind

him and said, “Excuse me for a minute. I’ve got to go to the sinks.” It was Roy. Jack had no idea that Roy was in Australia, and Roy had not known that Jack was there, as far as I know. Roy loved that kind of joke. Roy was an accomplished pilot – both single- and multi-engine qualified. He served for three or four years as a radar intercept controller in the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of captain. He was a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas.

Don Ferry died Jan. 20, 2015, in Medford, New Jersey. He was the owner of Ferry Associates Inc., an office equipment company. He attended both VMI and St. Joseph’s College.

Henry Hulme died Nov. 25, 2013, in Arlington, Virginia. Henry obtained a Master of Science degree in civil engineering and was active in the Methodist church. He had a 35-year career with the Virginia Department of Public Works, serving as director of transportation. After retirement in 1989, Henry served as managing partner of Zipnut Technologies. During his career, he received many professional honors. In 1989, he was named Government Civil Engineer of the Year. One of Henry’s sons, the Rev. Dr. Gary L. Hulme, made special note that Henry’s VMI cadetship was the bedrock for his father’s values of honesty, fairness, consistency, duty, obligation and responsibility, and these values were passed on to his children. The Institute has not changed in those respects.

Norman Plunkett died in Richmond Feb. 13, 2015. Norm was a retired civil engineer for the city of Richmond. He served in the

U.S. Air Force. He was also a longtime volunteer for Meals on Wheels.

Moving on with the sad tidings, John Barthelmess died Jan. 1, 2015. John served in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps. He practiced medicine in Tallahassee, Florida, for 29 years, from 1965-94.

Jack Sanguigni died Nov. 19, 2014, in Charleston, South Carolina. No particulars of employment.

Horace “Woody” Woodhouse died in Norfolk, Virginia, Jan. 2, 2015. He served in the U.S. Army, and he was a longtime private pilot. Woody was an accountant for a brief time and then moved into the manufacture and sale of lumber and related building materials.

John Wescott died in Ormond Beach, Florida, Jan. 19, 2015. John received his medical degree from the University of Virginia in 1959. He did his residency in urology and was a surgeon with the U.S. Navy, separating from the Navy as lieutenant commander in 1968 and moving to Ormond Beach. He entered the private practice of urology, eventually becoming chief of surgery at Ormond Memorial Hospital. He formed Atlantic Urological Associates.

All of these deceased BRs had children and grandchildren and were active and affectionate parents and grandparents.

We need to continue these notes in a positive way now. Whew. It is natural that people moving into their 80s are in the “fourth quarter,” so to speak. Some of us may feel that we are in overtime. That would be me. I do get good news from classmates continually.

Class of 1954: Bill Almy, Bud Bare, Tom Wallace, George Ford and their wives recently visited with one another at a mini reunion.

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Class Notes Bill Almy sent photos of a mini reunion held by him and his wife, Sue, along with Bud Bare and wife Jacque, Tom Wallace and wife Robin, and George Ford and wife Casey. All of them worked for Bell Atlantic.

Tom and Robin are moving from Maryland to Minnesota, and the gathering was in the nature of a send-off party for them. (By the way – remember that Almy, Wallace, Roy Alexander and I were members of the only undefeated lacrosse team in the history of VMI. We played Augusta Military Academy in May 1953 and prevailed 3-1. It was our only game. Rah Virginia Mil!) Tom Kane, who flew B-47s in the U.S. Air Force, reported that he has joined an organization of former B-47 pilots. He flew out of Biggs Air Force Base in El Paso.

Len Wagner called to discuss the Gottwald Resolution for a donation. Len said he has undergone three very serious surgeries – one for carotid artery work – but he is feeling fine now.

Jack Tiller reminded me of something that he and I will never forget – a private single-engine plane trip in the fall of 1957 from Richmond and Charlottesville to Waynesboro, then from there by car to Lexington. Out pilot was Jack Holcombe ’55. Before he picked up Tiller, he ran into another aircraft at Byrd Field and damaged his plane’s right wing tip badly, almost severing it. Not to be deterred, the imaginative and determined flier managed to tie baling wire on the damaged wingtip to hold it. He picked up Tiller in Richmond and took off, chasing the sun toward Charlottesville, where I had been to a UVa weekend. An hour or so later, they landed in Charlottesville. I boarded after calling my sister, Curtis, in Staunton to get her to meet us at the airport in Waynesboro in my mother’s car. She did not know where the small airfield was in Waynesboro. We had to be in barracks by 7:30 p.m. It was Sunday. You remember. (Holcombe appeared to be still recovering from partying in Richmond.)

At this time, it was about four in the afternoon. The October sun was streaking orange across the mountaintops west of Waynesboro; the sky was a beautiful blue.

The tip of the right wing was flapping, and we were bucking a strong headwind. Tiller 56

and I were watching the flapping wingtip, a bit worried. Pilot Jack, always cool as a cucumber, was amused that we were worried.

He was one of my roommates at the time, and had a calm way about him – very composed at all times (except when I played Gershwin’s “American in Paris” on the 45 rpm player in our room). So he was enjoying all of it. The mountains loomed. The sun sank.

The wind buffeted. The wingtip looked like it was coming off. And – we were running out of fuel!

This gets worse. It got dark. We saw the twinkling of the lights in Waynesboro. The field could not be seen, but our cool pilot said he knew generally where it was. Trouble was, there were no airfield lights at all. It was a grass field that allowed small planes to land – but in daylight, not night. We saw a dark square below. Finally, we thought we’d found it. He began to circle and to buzz the dark square that Holcombe said was the airfield. Finally moving lights were seen. They were headlights on a car being driven by the guy operating the airfield, who somehow had realized as he was going home (!) that a plane was about to attempt a landing. We began to descend. “Pull up!” Tiller shouted – we had almost hit a fence! Back around we went, then slowly down. Holcombe then touched that little plane down as perfectly as any aircraft I have ever been in – a perfect, smooth, 3-point landing and in almost complete darkness, broken only by a car’s headlights. Not enough fuel had been left for another pass by the field. What a pilot!

The fun was not over. It was 7:00, straight up, and we had 30 minutes to make it back to barracks. My sister arrived. I got her to get out of the driver’s seat, and we headed out on those 1952 two and three lane roads through Greenville, Steele’s Tavern and Fairfield to Lexington. My sister was so frightened at my speed and lane-changing that she huddled on the front floor of the car. We barely missed two head-on collisions on the 3-lane roads while passing cars.

When Curtis let us out at Washington Arch, the bugle was blowing quarters – CQ as I remember. Tiller and Holcombe and I took off running. The sentry yelled, “No running in the courtyard!” but we had made it.

Until next time.

’55

Read Hanmer

Well! Our 60th Reunion has come and gone. By all reports, it was a great time, and those of us who were able to attend sorely missed those of you who could not.

There was a strong turnout, numbering 53 brother rats and their assorted families and friends. Activities included gatherings in the hospitality room at reunion headquarters at the Holiday Inn Express in Lexington; a screening of the new movie, “Field of Lost Shoes;” a very moving class memorial service honoring our deceased brother rats; and the class dinner, which was held at the renovated Robert E. Lee Hotel.

And, of course, the traditional reunion parade, where we joined the Classes of 1945, 1950A and B and 1960 in rendering Old Yells in the courtyard. My very best thank yous to those who made it all possible, especially Margaret and Tom Tait for arranging the class dinner and acting as point for many of the arrangements; to Pete Haake for updating and presenting his very moving tribute to our fallen classmates; and to Bill Davidson, Moose Tyler, Marty Fisher and my ever faithful (and resourceful) wife, Lois, for all their help.

Bill Davidson sent, “Thanks to Margaret and Tom Tait for their efforts for our class evening at the Robert E. Lee Hotel. I want you to know that we made the housekeeping crew at the Holiday Inn a happy group.

I went down to dispose of any things left in the hospitality room. As you know, there were several items. I checked with management (head of housekeeping) to see if the ladies would want these items. There were Cokes, ginger-ale, bottled water, different kinds of spirits, beer, liquors, various snacks, napkins and paper towels. The head lady said that the girls would gladly take care of anything we left. They all thanked me very much for what we left for them.”

Dave Woolwine sent in a donation to the class fund, along with the following note: “It was a great reunion, even though I had to gimp around somewhat. You, VMI Alumni Review

Class of 1955: Present at the reunion were G. Stuart Adams, Quentin T. Barrett, Robert S. Beale, Robert H. Bowden Jr., Frank A. Boxley, Joseph R. Brenner, Francis D. Brooke, Ronald M. Bryan, Ken P. Carstens, Joseph M. Cestaro, George R. Collins, William B. Cridlin Jr., Ralph G. Crockett, William R. Davidson, Charles L. Echols Jr., James L. Ferrell, Martin C. Fisher, P. William Haake, S.R. Hanmer Jr., Norman S. Harris, Everett H. Irby, C. Cary Jones, Charles G. Kulp Jr., Edwin B. Lawless III, Chip Lazarus, Charles S. Luck III, Samuel W. Marshall III, C. Julian May, Beverly L. McGruder, Joseph A. Moore Jr., John S. Moss, William T. Nolley, Macon M. Pettyjohn Jr., Birch B. Phillips Jr., A.L. Poffenbarger, Everette A. Powell Jr., Larry E. Price, Robert M. Ragan, Robert S. Rennicks Jr., Wesley E. Rhodes Jr., R.H. Ridgely III, Samuel B. Segar Jr., Ben W.L. Semmes Jr., L. Terrell Smith Jr., R.C. Sutherland II, Thomas H. Tait, Moncure R. Taylor, Forest C. Thompson Jr., Fielding L. Tyler, Thomas G. Williamson and David F. Woolwine.

Class Notes

60th Reunion – April 20-21, 2015

The Class of 1955

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Class Notes Lois, Margaret and Tom Tait, Bill Davidson, Moose Tyler, Pete Haake, and others did a fabulous job. Our grandson, Aaron, was elected “Mr. Ponchatoula” at his senior prom. He’s looking forward to Louisiana State University next year.”

Mary Ann Walter wrote: “Thank you for the effort you put into the reunion. Mark and I both enjoyed all the activities. Mark was very impressed with VMI and wishes he had known about VMI when his first son was looking for a college. Andy ultimately went to Davidson College.” Connie and Ben Semmes emailed a vote of thanks “for planning and executing a perfect reunion.” Ben said the Semmeses enjoyed themselves and hoped that the rest of the class did, too. “The facilities were fine, and the logistics worked well. While we are all older, the company was great.” Ray and Kim Collins said, “Our thanks to you, Lois and the committee. Kim and I had a great, great time.”

Our late Brother Rat Eddie Davis spent a lot of time in New York City, where his father owned a bar and restaurant named Leon & Eddie’s. Eddie ended up with a bottle of Ballentine Scotch when the restaurant closed. He put wax on the top of the bottle to seal it and put it in a wooden ammunition box. The box had a plaque marked, “To the VMI Class of 1955.” Moose Tyler ended up with the scotch, to be drunk by the last man standing in our class as a “tontine.” It remained under Moose’s bed for a very long time, until Read Hanmer inherited it when he became class agent. Well, we took a bit of liberty with “the last man standing,” as Eddie said we could. Moose carefully peeled back the wax at our 60th Reunion and revealed the contents of the not full bottle dated 1946. A select group of scotch drinking brother rats led by Ken Carstens came forth for a finger of the Tontine Scotch.

Each drank his portion from VMI cups and all seem pleased; some less than others. The end of our class tontine!

Apropos Eddie Davis, Bing Barnes sent me the following note: “First, my regrets for not being able to attend the reunion. I would like to remember my roommate and good friend over the years, Eddie Davis.

Although I did not graduate (I left to join the Air Force during our 3rd Class year) 58

VMI has remained a positive force in my life, and I always look forward to the next Alumni Review. My brother, Rod Barnes ’66; my son, Michael Barnes ’80; and my grandson, Charles Barnes ’07, are anchors that focused my attention on the short time I spent at VMI.” I want to share the following tribute to Brother Rat Carroll Thackston from Frances Anne Thackston. She wrote, “I know Carroll’s class is getting ready for their 60th Reunion. Needless to say, I grieve over his not being a part of it. I want his class to know what a very special man he was. I met him when I was 16, and he had graduated from VMI. He was in my little hometown working on the N&W railroad. He was a fireman – shoveling coal into the firebox of steam engines. He was waiting for orders to go on active duty and working this job to pay his school loans off. He worked his entire four years at VMI for this education. His mother taught fifth grade and his father was not in his life due to a divorce. Carroll was a wonderful man, and I always gave VMI and his mother a lot of the credit. There really is something special about a VMI man. Carroll achieved many things in his life; among them, a federally recognized two star general and mayor of our town for many years. Our town has erected a flagpole that has a plaque in his memory and the commonwealth of Virginia has named our readiness center (armory) for him. He was a man of his word and always exhibited the VMI qualities. He had great humor and compassion for others. He was a true citizen-soldier. And, he remained a humble man who truly loved God, his country and his family. He might say that his biggest accomplishment was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, son-in-law, son, grandfather and friend. I know you will have a great time as you renew old friendships at the reunion. Maybe someone will recall time spent with Carroll and some of his stories about making the adjustment to VMI. You can ask Moose Tyler about the blooming idiot story. Thanks for listening. Good luck and good health to the Class of ’55.”

Bettye Jean McKemie sent a generous donation to the class fund, along with the following note: “First, I want to thank you for

the cards throughout the last almost 10 years since Jimmy died. It means so much to be remembered. He cherished his years at VMI and the wonderful friendships and memories. I only wish that I lived close enough to attend the reunions. The reunions are very special. I have been out of town and should have taken care of a card and donation before leaving but ran out of time. However, today I sent a card to your home address by priority mail to be delivered Friday. I hope it arrives before you leave for the reunion. If not [class agent note: it did not], I know the donation will be turned in for me in Jimmy’s memory. There is a homeless shelter here named McKemie Place in honor of Jimmy and his volunteer years for a group called Loaves and Fish. He was chairman of the board and served for many years. I help with this shelter furnishing meals, etc. It is a worthy cause. Congratulations to the VMI Class of 1955 on your 60th Reunion. Best wishes!”

Rosemary Coleman said, “Hi, to all far flung family and friends. In case you have noticed a silence from my corner, I’ll fill you in. I’m just out of about two weeks in the hospital and rehab for a minor stroke. Fortunately, I had excellent care and support on the local scene from the family, friends and church. While in rehab, I requested the driver simulator test, as I wanted to make sure I wasn’t compromised to drive. I passed! My only remaining symptom is feeling slightly tipsy in the balance department.

I’ve declared 2015 ‘the Ides of the 21st century.’ On the Ides of January, I tripped and broke my left wrist (clean, easy heal,

Class of 1955: Joe Brenner and Lois Hanmer at the reunion.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes could have happened to anybody). On the II and was a member of its first graduating moved into retirement communities and Ides of February, I had the tipsy episode that class in June 1950. He went on to attend others are considering doing it. I gave them was diagnosed as a stroke. As I write this, it VMI and graduated with a degree in civil a rundown of information about the Instiis Friday, the 13th (of April), so I am keeping engineering and a commission of second tute received at the recent Class Agent Cona low profile – so far, so good. I’m sending lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He obtained ference. I had the pleasure of spending two good wishes to all that the stars will realign a private pilot’s license with well over 700 nights with Betty and Jim Mann, who were and bring good health and happiness to all!” hours of flying time. Mr. Woodhouse was kind enough to look after me during and afa lifetime member of the Norfolk Yacht and ter my surgery for cataract removal.

Thanks for the update, Rosemary.

After returning home, I contacted BR I received a nice note from Alan and Barb Country Club and former member of the Daniels. “We hope both you and Lois suc- Norfolk Lions Club 24D and the Norfolk Charlie Thomas, who hasn’t returned since graduation. It was thought by some cessfully survive the historic winter months. Boat Club.

John F. Hiner died Feb. 4, 2015. John could that he had died. Chuck, as he is now As you are aware, we in the Boston area have set two records. The first is for snowfall, and accomplish anything he set his mind to do. called, lives in Skaneateles, New York. the second is for cold temperatures. We did, John graduated from the Virginia Military He and his wife, Joyce, whom he married however, survive. Barb and I planned to at- Institute in 1955. He worked at the Ohio De- right after graduation, have been there for tend the 60th Reunion. We, unfortunately, partment of Transportation as an engineer over 40 years. They have four children and were not able to attend due to the ongoing for 30-plus years. John retired with his wife eight grandchildren. Chuck flew B-52s and and deteriorating health of a family member in Sarasota, Florida, where they enjoyed saw a lot of the world with the Air Force. He for whom we are directly responsible. As for golfing together. John is survived by his wife, later worked for General Electric Co. before us, Barb and I are in great shape. Please ex- Mary Irene Hiner, and several step-children. retiring. After filling him in on some of the Finally, I was notified by H. Ross Ford’s BRs, he asked for Bob Bittner’s address and tend our sympathy and best wishes to Jim phone, which I was able to supply. He hopes Hart’s family. During our rat year, Jim and wife, Louisa, that Ross died Jan. 25, 2015. to join the class for our 60th next year.

I were roommates and experienced a great Richard M. Smith This is, without question, the shortest class and supportive relationship.” notes I have ever composed! I will add a few Now, the hardest part of being the ’55 class pictures, but maybe this will instigate more agent. We have recently lost the following contact with news in the future. I hope you classmates: all have a most enjoyable summer.

George Locher died peacefully Feb. 17, Yours in the spirit, Fifteen of us got together for a luncheon 2015. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Dick Ellen Burger Locher; children, George, John in Richmond April 22, 2015, as we usu’81 (Jody), Michael (Jan), Brian (Karen), Su- ally do when Jim Dillard comes from CaliClayton M. Thomas III san (Darrell) and Greg (Laurie); as well as 14 fornia to visit. I think we just enjoy seeing grandchildren. George was a proud member him laugh and tell somewhat funny stories! of the VMI Class of 1955, where he studied The group consisted of the Manns, Hescivil engineering and established many life- leps, Gottwalds, Belshas, Lambs, Roaches, Another beautiful day with a blue sky and long friendships. After VMI, he served in Motsy Foster, Dillard and me. Some have bright sunshine. I am on our lawn, the U.S. Army then returned to drinking my fourth cup of coffee, Glasgow, Virginia, for a career and I am at peace with the world. with the family brick business, I have written the birthday cards The Locher Brick Co., estabto the brother rats and widows lished in 1915. through May 17. Now, I will start Horace W. “Woody” Woodthe class notes due May 15. house, a lifetime resident of NorIn mid-April, Dawn and I drove folk, Virginia, died Jan. 2, 2015, up to VMI for the two-day Class following an active lifetime spanAgent Conference. After we ning 83 years. He is survived by passed Savannah, Georgia, the his wife, Nancy Owen Woodrains came, and we drove 400 house; son, H. Wilson Woodmiles in a heavy pour until we house III; three step-children; stopped for the night in Jonesville, and several nieces and a nephNorth Carolina. The next day, ew. Mr. Woodhouse attended Class of 1957: Ken Dickinson, left, and Dixie Thomas at Dixie we crossed into Virginia and sunthe Norfolk Academy when it Crossroads in Titusville, Florida. shine. Our first destination was reopened following World War

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Class Notes Class of 1956: The class held a luncheon in Richmond, Virginia, April 22, 2015.

Bill Lamb and Jim Mann.

John Roach and Jim Dillard.

Jim Dillard, Doug Gottwald, Motsy Foster and Jo Heslep.

Pat and Less Belsha, Betsy Gottwald, and Betty Mann.

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his sciatic nerve. Bill was feeling very confident with the surgeon, until he found out that he graduated from The Citadel.

Bill and Martha plan to go to our next reunion in 2017.

Bob Blocker from Markham, Texas, is still enjoying life on his ranch. At the end of April, he celebrated his 80th birthday in Vienna, Austria, with his sister who lives there, and his three daughters joined them: Irene Myers, Betty Mann, Betsy Gottwald and Jane one from Sao Paulo, Brazil; anRoach. other from Florence, Italy; and the last from Austin, Texas.

Roanoke, where we had a luncheon at Way to go, Bob! the Shenandoah Club before the memoWe received two notes from Ken and rial service for Anderson Wade Douthat Kathie Dickinson on Merritt Island.

III, who died March 26, 2015. The serThey sent a photo of Ken and me at Dixie vice at Saint John’s Episcopal Church Crossroads. We hope to get together there was well attended. At the reception before their next trip to Roscoe, South afterward, we paid our respects to Sis Dakota.

Douthat. We noticed two young grandSis Douthat sent a sweet note thanksons of Wade and Sis. I hope Sis will get ing the brother rats for the red, white and them provisional appointments to VMI. yellow roses. They were a reminder of Wade would have liked that. how special a place that VMI is and how After the reception, we followed Don great is its bonding power. “Wade was and Priscilla Jamison out of Roanoke to proud to have been a part of it.” find the road to Lexington. I was hopeJohn Poffenbarger sent us his new adlessly lost in downtown Roanoke. dress in Charleston, West Virginia. SuDuring our two days in Lexington, san and he are well and busy. we stayed with Dick and Sarah ColGarland Sullivan wrote from Hattieslier and their three Boston terriers. The burg, Mississippi, that Sally is recovering Class Agent Conference was attended by from a knee replacement and a stroke. about one-third of the agents, and few The doctor told them it could take a year traveled as far as we did. Despite the low for the feeling to return in her hand, arm, attendance, it was a successful event. leg and foot. She is making steady progOn our return home, we drove through ress, so please keep Sally and Garland in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, crossyour thoughts and prayers. ing the Blue Ridge Mountains at Luray, Let us close on the happy note that and spent the night in Warrenton. The our 60th Reunion in April 2017 is less next day, we drove to Lorton and took than two years away. John Whittle from the Amtrak Auto Train, saving us 800 Roanoke consented to be our reunion miles of driving. chairman. He will be the third chairman In the past three months, we have heard from Roanoke, as Wade Douthat was from several brother rats and widows. our 25th Reunion chairman, and HowBill and Martha Batten in Simpsonville, ard Lawrence was our 30th Reunion South Carolina, sent a batch of pictures chairman. They both did an exceptionof their place and especially their flower ally good job. We expect nothing but the gardens. Bill had gone to the spinal insame from John. stitute in Greenville and agreed to have Also, continuing with the tradition surgery on a disc that was pressing on of the hospitality suite at our reunion VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes headquarters will be G.E. and Ro Murray. They are a legend in their own time.

Finally, I can promise that Dawn and I will produce another reunion booklet.

This will be our 12th booklet. No other class can equal our record.

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Lee McCown

Spring has sprung, and Laura and I have begun our move from the condo where we’ve lived for 18 years to a house right across the street – not the usual trajectory for folks our age. But we are settling in, hoping for a quick sale of the condo and enjoying the extra 400 square feet in the house. Laura says it’s in all the right places.

A benefit of this move is having a wall big enough to properly display a folk art treasure Sam Witt gave me. Sam found this while roaming through Valley shops years ago, and it is a very interesting piece I am happy to have. No official documentation exists, but it has a “58” prominently displayed in its center, and it also has some interesting images – a huge eagle, a shadowy version of barracks, a laurel wreath, two cannons, two rifles (muskets?), two swords, two hands joined in a peace gesture, the U.S. and the Virginia flags and the dates of VMI’s founding and of the battle of New Market. Thanks, Sam! Had lunch with Alex Clarke at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts recently and caught up after many years. Alex again lives in Richmond, where he had a very satisfying career at Virginia Commonwealth University’s medical school teaching in the biomedical arena. He retired from there in 1992 and has just recently sold the company he started over 35 years ago. With Xuguang, his second wife, he has a son who is a freshman at the University of Virginia (none of his three sons were interested in VMI – the oldest went to Hampden-Sydney College and roomed with the son of Dan Brittigan ’55) and a daughter who is a junior in high school. He stays busy with his family and has kept his river place in the Northern Neck where he still likes to hunt and fish.

Ken Godfrey reported that he and Lorna 2015-Issue 3

are continuing their frequent travel that included a five-week trip to Florida and the Caribbean. While traveling, he came across a USA Today article reporting on the success of two members of the 1995 staff that worked under Bill Stewart when he was our football coach: Mike Tomlin, now head coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Dan Quinn, head coach with the Atlanta Falcons, whose wife, Stacey, was the head athletic trainer at VMI that year. The article called two coaches of this caliber coming out of a small school the equivalent of lightning striking twice in the same place. Donnie Ross ’74, former VMI athletic director, is quoted as saying, “They were going to be good coaches. I could tell.

Just the way they talked, the way they interacted with our players all the time – on the field and off the field. I knew it was going to be something good. Thank Bill Stewart for that. He’s the one who had the vision to hire them.” Stewart died in 2012, having capped his four seasons at West Virginia University in 2010 with the highest winning percentage in that program’s modern era.

While getting my annual eye exam from Robert G. King Jr., M.D., ophthalmologist, he showed me a book he has written called, “L-lysine and Inflammation,” about controlling inflammation through diet and added nutrients. Bob said he’s had great success with this in his over 50 years of practice. He welcomes your questions at BandBGifts@ aol.com.

This from Art Carnevale: “I celebrated my 80th on the Caribbean with Joan; my son, Bruce, who flew in from Aachen, Germany, with Bettina, his significant other; and my daughter, Cheryl, who flew in from San Francisco. If you wonder why I am a year older, it is because I stayed back in first grade. We have recently relocated to The Villages here in Florida – very busy! Still enjoying good health and pass on my very best wishes to all my BRs. My new phone number is 352-461-0331, and our address is 3474 Boise Run, The Villages, FL 32163.” Art, we keep meeting people who have moved to The Villages, and it appears the pace there might equal 4th Class year!

I talked with Dorsey Shipley who called, having lost his former roommate Bill Walker’s telephone number and wanting to get in

touch. Dorsey was with us for one year at VMI and then went on to Shepherd College for his Bachelor of Arts degree, then into the Air Force for four years, followed by a long career in aviation plus owning and flying Cessnas. He lives in Middletown, Maryland, near Frederick, where he grew up, and he was at our 50th Reunion. Dorsey has Parkinson’s but still walks every day. All his children live fairly close to him.

We can always count on Gene Grayson’s good memory to provide stories like this one. “Was looking at some old VMI stuff and found the picture of the famous ’58 class football team that challenged the rat team right at Ring Figure – bad decision. On the kickoff, I believe Bob Spurrier got the ball and was nailed. Ended up on crutches and barely made it to the dance. I started out as center and got hit so hard I knocked the quarterback down. Couldn’t get anyone to take my position. I remember (I think) Sam Witt, our quarterback, running for his life trying to hand the ball off to whoever would take it. The whole day was a disaster, and with Coach McKenna watching, the rats did not let us off easy – 49 to zero. We did some dumb things back then, and this one ranks at the top. It’s a wonder any one of

Class of 1958: Lee McCown with folk art gifted to him by Sam Witt. The art is now on display in Lee’s new home.

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Class Notes us survived! But it is also things like that that tie a class closer together when recalling that day.”

Sam confirmed he was one of the quarterbacks that day. As he put it, “The least skilled/experienced, to be sure.” As I recall, it was no shame for Spurrier to get nailed, as I believe he was hit by Sam Horner ’60, who went on to play for the Redskins. Didn’t they call this the Blood Bowl? Should have. Mostly our blood, too. No respect from those rats, who, of course, went on to have some great years on the gridiron after we were gone.

Speaking of Sam, his father, Samuel B. Witt Jr. ’918, figured prominently in a talk Tony Lash gave to a Navy and Marine audience, on the Marine Corps birthday, about Chesty Puller ’921, the great Marine who spent one year at VMI. “Puller chose the Marines because of his VMI company commander, Sam Witt,” Tony told them. “Of course, our BR Sam Witt III was also a VMI company commander.” The book Tony talked about is, “Chesty: The Story of Lieutenant General Lewis B. Puller, USMC,” by U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Col. Jon T. Hoffman.

According to our BR Sam, the elder Witt was indeed a Marine, having resigned his Army commission after graduating from VMI and enlisted in the Marine Corps, hoping to be sent into combat in France. After completing his basic training at Parris Island, he was instead commissioned a second lieutenant and assigned to train new recruits. When World War I ended that November, he remained in the Marine Corps until he was discharged as a first lieutenant in 1919. I am saving the almost unbelievable list of his achievements at VMI for another time. By the way, a number of you have fathers who went to VMI, and we are interested in those stories, too.

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Class of 1958: On the birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps, Tony Lash taught the U.S. Navy and Marines a lesson about the impact of Sam Witt’s father on U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller ’921.

Class of 1958: Art Carnevale celebrated his 80th birthday on a Caribbean cruise with his family. From left, front row, were his wife, Joan, and daughter, Cheryl. Second row: Bettina, his son Bruce’s significant other, and Art. Back row: Art’s son, Bruce. Class Agent Lee McCown said of this photo, “Art asks that we note his ‘nice tie.’”

Drew Troxler is taking an exciting trip down memory lane, going back to the places in Greece where he was born in 1936 and lived until 1938, then again from 1947-49 when his father was in the construction business. He described the upcoming itinerary this way: “I just have to go back to my roots. My two girls, my guardian angels [Chambliss and Mallory], have to keep me out of trouble on this trip from Athens to Serres in Macedonia, to Delphi and Corinthos and to a few islands.”

Bill Keefe reports that he is doing well, having recovered from the auto accident that took the wind out of him last year. (Bill recommends that those with cars valued at more than $15,000 pay for ‘gap insurance’ in case the person who hits you is underinsured.) “I’m taking a hiatus on the writing and have spent the last three weeks attending to matters that I had let slide while trying to get ‘The Infidels’ Revenge’ out the door,” Bill says. “My publisher has it in production with an ETA of about 180 days from the first of March, maybe 60 days less for the e-book version. I sent a beta version to Frank Norvell last week.

He called to say he had received it, liked the first few pages and will read all of it forthwith. Let’s hope it makes the best-seller lists. (What author wouldn’t?) It’s pretty darn good, if I do say so myself. Will keep you posted on progress.

“My next book will be a sequel to the first (‘PV-11’). I have a plot in mind and the main characters are in place, but it will be at least a month before I put my nose to the grindstone. Writing ‘PV-11’ was fun, and the sequel will be, too, but ‘The Infidels Revenge’ entailed a lot of research and was very hard work. I am exhausted.”

There was a good turnout of BRs for the Institute Society Dinner on Founders Day in Marshall Hall, including Brooke Doggett, Elizabeth VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes This from Drew Troxler: “Dodo and Ernie Edgar, Carolyn and was such a fine man and teacher, Bill Harshaw, Jack Payne and and that reminded me, when just Hella Kiiss, plus Laura and me. today I found a treasure while goJoining us at our tables was one of ing through some old letters, etc.

Laura’s friends, Lee Camp, a forThere was a beautiful, stunning mer member of the VMI Board of Christmas card from a year or Visitors and a delightful addition so ago from our beloved missing to our crowd. The latest capital brother rat, signed only ‘Buttercampaign was kicked off at the cup.’ God bless him and VMI.” dinner.

Earl Bennett, aka Buttercup, was We got to catch up on each other’s travels – Jack and Hella had Class of 1958: Alex Clarke gathered with his family for Christmas indeed a very fine man. Another been to her homeland of Estonia; 2014. Family members in attendance were, from left, front row: very fine man, Roy Palmer, has Ernie and Elizabeth on a Baltic Alex’s wife, Xuguang; daughter, Henrietta; granddaughter lost his dear wife, Joyce, and his cruise; Laura and I to Ireland. A Laura (daughter of Connor); and son, Connor. Back row: Alex; band of brothers hope he’s findson, Vasa; son, Alex; Carolyn, son Alex’s girlfriend; and Karen, ing strength and courage in these number of us moved to the bar of Connor’s wife. troubled days. the new Gottwald-owned hotels In the bonds, in downtown Lexington, called The Georg- a believable Southern accent is the bane of Lee es, where some of us were staying. Great bar every performer’s existence. Apparently, scene and beautiful rooms that we highly even the Southern actors have trouble with it, as they might be from Georgia but exrecommend.

Shep Shepard Speaking of Lee Camp, we went with pected for their role to sound like they’re her and her friend Jim Shields to see U.S. from Tennessee.) This year’s VMI comRep. John Lewis receive the Jonathan M. mencement speaker is Thomas F. Farrell Daniels ’61 Humanitarian Award. Lewis II, the producer of the movie, chairman/ Agnes Inge Carter’s husband, Charlie, has was selected for this honor because of his president/chief executive officer of Dobeen having some severe health problems that commitment to social justice and dedica- minion and a Uva alum.

Memories of Col. “Dodo” Dillard are have had him confined to a hospital bed since tion to the civil rights movement. He described his time 50 years ago in Alabama, never in short supply, and I thought a ’58 before Christmas. Agnes reported that since where Daniels was killed and Lewis was email flurry deserved recapturing here. being hospitalized, there have been many injured. His talk was alternately mov- Bill Harshaw kicked things off this time: gains, although he is still dealing with infecing, inspiring and very entertaining. As a “Lee, I was soft boiling eggs Christmas tion and pain. Agnes and Charlie recently enchild, he set out to be a preacher and used morning – in my hands usually over or un- joyed the company of Sam Woolwine ’58, to practice his skills on the family’s chick- der cooked – and remembered the three- who just happened to be getting rehab at the ens; encouraged by the way they nod their minute way to boil them to perfection. It same place Charlie was. Sam had been their heads, I suppose. He became a civil rights seems if you simply recite Henry V’s famous dentist when they lived in Richmond, and he activist while in college, and he urged the St. Crispin’s Day speech before the Battle of was greatly admired by Agnes’ late husband, audience made up largely of cadets to “get Agincourt, it’s exactly three minutes. More Tommy, from their VMI football days. Agin the way in a positive way.” The Rich- important and relevant to ’58 are the famous nes and Charlie want to thank all the VMI mond Times-Dispatch editorial page said lines near the end: ‘We few, we happy few, ’59ers who have contacted them. There were this about the occasion: “VMI commands we band of brothers.’ With thanks to Dodo.” phone conversations and messages, cards and Thanks, Bill. As a lover of soft boiled eggs, emails and all were greatly appreciated and the heights; Daniels and the inheritors of his legacy command the field of honor. I appreciate this advice. However, I will have enjoyed. Agnes says that Charlie is very fortuWe cannot conceive of a winner of the to look up the speech, as I don’t remember it nate to have been so kindly accepted over the Daniels Award more worthy than Lewis.” from 4th Class English. I’ll read it to Laura years by the VMI brotherhood. He religiously Movie critic Paul Royer weighed in on and hope I can pronounce the words and wears his VMI cap, given to him by one of his “The Field of Lost Shoes,” saying that keep the right tempo. Tempo? Whatever! three stepsons.

Bill Kirkland’s wife, Susie, has experienced he basically liked the movie, especially We will give it a try!

John Peters’ reaction was, “I like to think many health problems over the past few years the battle scenes, and thought it brought good publicity for VMI, but he hated the that Dodo made us all – including biology and recently contracted a case of pneumo“fake” Southern accents of the cadets and majors and a few civil engineers – better, nia that put her in the hospital. She’s on the Confederates. (Laura has more experience not to mention soft boiled eggs. Happy New mend, and Bill hopes her condition will improve in the months to come. Bill and Susie than I do with theater, and she says doing Year to you all, this band of brothers.”

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Class Notes have been overwhelmed by the support that many times before, they still continue to baseball game and dinner together. John and she has received from the class. Bill is ap- make new journeys and continue to fill more Chris Patane report things at the lake are preciative and said, “After all these years, the photo albums, so time will tell. They did do good. They are warming up the jet skis and spirit still lives in those who endured the Rat their annual visit to Siesta Key in mid-March blowing up the water wings while at the same Line together. It means so much to all of us where they have been going for the past 12 time attending grandkids’ high school and years to join old friends from their Chicago college graduations – life could not be better. when a brother rat or spouse is ill.”

Phil Sellers was laid to rest in Arlington days. They visited with so many of their old Buzz and Virginia Nowlin have submitted National Cemetery June 5. I will have de- neighbors who live in the general area that it their cabin reservations for the first week in June, and it has been approved. tails about the ceremony for the Mel and Jean Anderson recentnext issue of the Alumni Review. ly took a trip to South America Betty and her family have been with Monique Harnetty and Bob overwhelmed and very grateful Haines. They flew to Buenos for the outpouring of concern and Aires, Argentina, used the ship sympathy for Phil. She believes as a hotel a couple of days and he was a better man for having then cruised to Montevideo, Urubeen a member of the Stonewall guay. From there they went to the Class and believes the Class of ’59 Falkland Islands, Strait of Magelhas to be the best class in the hislan, Punta Arenas, Chile, Cocktory of VMI. burn Channel, Beagle Channel, Bruce and Norma Mackenzie Glacier Alley, Ushuaia, Argenwished everyone smooth sailing on Class of 1959: Mel and Jean Anderson, left, took a trip to South tina, around Cape Horn, Chilean the France riverboat cruise sched- America with Bob Haines and Monique Harnetty.

Fjords, Puerto Montt, Chile and uled for 2016. They would love to join us, but these days, they cruise only in kept them busy making the rounds. John and docked at Valparaiso, Chile. They then had the good old USA. Bruce and Norma are Teddi celebrated their 40th wedding anniver- a sightseeing day trip to the airport at Sannow Floridians since moving to Venice last sary by taking their family to Emerald Isle, tiago, Chile. They were truly blessed with great weather and smooth seas. It was even March. Trying to empty a house filled with North Carolina, for a week in June 2014.

John and Chris Patane met with Buzz and smooth cruising around Cape Horn. Most 40 years of junk is more difficult than they thought. Bruce said he is “too old to be lifting Virginia Nowlin and spent another great of the time, the temperature was in the high all this crap.” Now that they are Floridians, weekend together in Hot Springs, Virginia. 60s and, of course, in the 80s in Buenos Aithey plan to be more active in VMI ’59 activi- They had such a good time they made plans res and Valparaiso. The scenery was terrific; to meet again in Lexington and enjoy a VMI especially the fjords and glaciers, where they ties particularly the Florida group activities. saw thousands of penguins. Mel attended a Got a note from Jack Angolia, and all is couple of Pittsburgh Pirates spring games in well in Leawood, Kansas. Unfortunately, Joy Bradenton, Florida, with Carl Kasco, Bill had to undergo a total knee replacement, but Nebraska, Bob Haines, Dave Goode, Lee she’s in her final days of rehab and doing exSouthard and Nick Kallelis ’57. The Pitremely well. Amazing how fast she perked rates lost games – one to Baltimore and one up when Jack suggested a monthlong cruise. to Atlanta. That was not what Karl and Bill Eddie and Carole Barnes are happy as wanted to happen. Mel was cruising around can be – grandson Daniel, who lives in Tampa not long ago when he tried to move Sweden, was accepted to the VMI Class of into the turning lane. The SUV next to him ’19. The road from Roanoke to Lexington would not let him in and kept speeding up has seen a lot of Eddie and Carole over the as he tried to take the advantage. Mel was past 60 years, but nothing like it will see in getting a little ticked and made one last atthe next four. tempt, which was successful. No sooner had John and Teddi Martin thought about joinhe come to a stop at the light when the SUV ing their BRs for the France riverboat cruise pulled up alongside and asked who the VMI in 2016 but decided they had been to that part graduate was? When Mel admitted that he of France before so they passed. It’s unfortuwas the culprit, the driver identified himself nate because that is John’s favorite foreign Class of 1959: Patrick Hughes said that as Bill Gwynn’s son. Unfortunately, that was destination. Also, at this stage in their lives, even at 80, is it never too late to “fall the extent of the conversation, but I suspect they are not sure if they want to travel overout for PT!” it was Bill’s oldest son, David, who is a U.S. seas anymore. Although they have vowed 64

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Military Academy graduate and a very successful engineer in Florida.

Good to see the kid is doing so well.

John Reed will be taking yet another medical team to Haiti in June – his 28th year doing this.

This year, he will again be joined by two 1st Class VMI pre-med students. Those VMI Keydets who have participated in the past found it to be a life-changing event for them. Anne will remain home this year to shuttle 9-year-old Jack to his baseball games.

John, you are a credit to the Stonewall Class, and our prayers go with you on your journey.

Life continues to remain on an even keel in Fort Myers, Florida, for Lee and Nancy Southard.

Lee’s son, Todd, just celebrated his 30th VMI class reunion. A thing like that makes a guy feel old, considering we celebrated our 30th just a few years ago; didn’t we? Lee and Nancy are looking forward to the Sebastian, Florida, group mini reunion in September.

I received the following from Patrick Hughes, and he asked that I pass it on to all BRs: “I am tired of reading obituaries and illness messages, and I want you to listen to my story; it can be your story.

Three years ago, I realized that, after 27 years of military service and many years as a decaying civilian, I did not look ‘VMI’ anymore. I had spinal problems, one knee was always sore and I couldn’t sleep for the pain. I limped, had a belly and weighed 205 pounds. It was time to get with the program, so my Alzheimer’s wife, Kay, her “sitter” and I, went to the YMCA three times a week. They joined the cardio class while I lifted weights, as I did when wrestling at VMI. I struggled to walk a mile but basically followed the same routines I did while in the Army.

It took a while, slowly, gradually 2015-Issue 3

Class of 1959: The West Coast Florida Group got together with some Pittsburg Pirates fans to attend a Grapefruit League Pirates’ game.

From left: Dave Goode, Bob Haines, Mel Anderson, Lee Southard, Nick Kallelis ’57 and Carl Kasko. Present but not pictured was Bill Nebraska.

Class of 1959: Visiting the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, were, from left, Shep and Ann Shepard and Jean and Mel Anderson.

Class of 1959: Ann and Shep Shepard attended a neighborhood authentic luau in Melbourne, Florida.

and painfully at first. Now, my back is fine, my knees work fine and I weigh 186, jog a mile and I am still losing weight. My blood pressure is down, and I have no other physical problems. I love you all and don’t want to read a message about you. The picture shown was taken a year ago, and now I have a lot more muscle, but it should prove my point. Even at 78 years old it is never too late to ‘Fall out for PT!’” Ron and Mary Alice Marley met with Tex Carr and girlfriend Emily Hanzok in Jacksonville, Florida, to finalize their plans for the Stonewall Class 2016 French river cruise. They added pre and post trips to Nice and Barcelona, respectively. Tex has a former student who has been to Barcelona several times and has been a good source of advice.

Larry Wood has collaborated with Tex Carr, and they have come up with a winner. Years ago, Tex had our ’59 logo digitized and suggested Larry have the Virginia Military Institute added in a circle around it. They had several proofs made, and finally, after much discussion, selected two patches.

Photos were distributed to the class for purchase. When Jim Reed received his copy, he said, “We’ve sure gotten a lot of mileage out of that logo!”

Ralph and Janice Rae Lawson, at the time of this writing, are aboard a riverboat cruising down the Douro River. They spent three days in Madeira and three days in Lisbon before boarding the riverboat in Porto. Ralph assures me that as long as planet Earth holds up, they will keep cruising. Ralph and Janice Rae plan to attend the Florida mini reunion in Sebastian in September but will not be able to make the France riverboat cruise in 2016.

Bob Haines’ significant other, 65

Class Notes Monique Harnetty, was going to miss our annual Florida group mini reunion because of a family commitment planned for the same period. Monique missed last year’s get-together at Fernandina Beach, so she said, “Darn it, I’m going to attend this mini reunion one way or the other.” She told her family to change their plans, and she and Bob have made their reservations. Bob is still bragging about his granddaughter, Tiffany, who was the first woman to be selected for U.S. Air Force pilot training from the VMI USAF ROTC; was the first to receive that wonderful, new Bayliss Scholarship Award; graduated in May; and got married in July to a VMI grad of 2013.

Jim and Bet Vermillion are doing fine and enjoying their new digs in Williamsburg. Jim says there are lots of great golf courses in Kingsmill. The LPGA will be there in a couple of weeks, and it brings back a lot of happy memories when Jim, Bet, Ann and I attended LPGA tournaments to follow our mutual friend, no longer on the tour, Wendy Ward.

Good news is that Wendy was selected to be the co-captain of the next Solheim Cup team, along with Julie Inkster. Jim hopes they will be coming to Williamsburg.

Nowell and Sallie Loop are moving to a retirement community in Dallas, Texas, in early June. Hence, they have spent weeks going through the accumulation of 51 years of marriage and 39 years in the same house, going from 3,000 sq. ft. to 1,450 sq. ft. After weeks of calculations, Nowell has figured it does not fit. Who said you didn’t need calculus?

They will be happy when they get rid of all the things they have not used in years. Nowell and Sally were fortunate to sail through the Panama Canal from San Diego, California, to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, last November.

What an experience! After they get settled in, they are looking at maybe taking a land trip this fall. The grandkids keep them busy but young with so many events to attend. They are so fortunate to live close by and are able to watch them become young men and women.

They are blessed with good health and give thanks daily for that gift.

Jim Edmunds has been keeping busy trying to adjust to life without Mary Lew. In February, he spent 10 days in Phoenix, Arizona, with his son and his family. They visited Sedona and 66

hiked up a trail to a butte where the views of the surrounding red rocks that the area is famous for were spectacular. They also hiked in the Superstition Mountains, a little east of Phoenix. Jim has now caught the bug and is trying to hike at least twice a week on the trails around Walnut Creek. He lives about 5 miles from Mount Diablo – elevation 3,849 feet – which he has climbed, but not all the way to the top. In March, he visited his grandson, a freshman at USC, and in April, he joined his brothers for a family reunion. Finally in May he drove to Eugene, Oregon, to visit his granddaughter, a senior at the University of Oregon, where they hiked to a butte just outside of the town. Jim has more trips planned for the summer, but he is really looking forward to the river cruise with BRs in 2016.

Hal and Barbara Dayhuff are doing pretty well. Hal has a lot of medical stuff going on, but he is better – just has to be careful about what he does and where he goes. Doctor Barbara keeps him on the right course. He does not want to return to the hospital; he’s been there too many times, and he wants to be out and about. Hal and Barbara will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year, as well as their 78th birthdays. Life goes on!

Pete McWane has been working on “The VMI Memorial Ring Program since 2012 without much success. The program was established in 2012 to enable VMI alumni and their families the opportunity to recognize and continue the legacy of the VMI class ring. It was designed after a USMA program.

Alumni bequest their class rings to the Foundation, where they are sent to the company who is contracted to make the next year’s class ring. There, they are melted down and the gold is blended with the 2nd Class rings, or the gold is sold and the proceeds used to offset the cost of the rings for the class. Pete still sees class rings for sale on E-bay and feels this should not happen. If you want more info, get in touch with Pete or John Wranek at the VMI Foundation (800) 444-1839.

Bob Haines invited the trio of Carl Kasko, Bill Nebraska, and Nick Kallelis ’57 to the Bradenton-Sarasota, Florida, area to watch their beloved Pittsburg Pirates perform during spring training. This trio tradition began some 22 years ago, and they have always stayed in Bradenton, but this year they broke

tradition and stayed with Bob. While every day was exceptional and unpredictable, it seems that the Monday golf match was particularly memorable. They selected the Serenoa Golf Club because it didn’t have many water hazards, had a breakfast package included and was cheap. The match set Kasko and Haines against Kallelis and Nebraska.

The negotiations over strokes started immediately; a heart attack in 2010, a knee replacement in 2012, Bob had not swung a club since 2010. Duly noted, no strokes were given. The match began with a bingo, bango, bungo bet.

Carl kept saying something about staying in the fairway, as he’d aim straight, but managed to stay in the woods most of the front nine.

Bob, wanting to be the good host, followed him on just about every hole. They saw deer, sandhill cranes, playful squirrels and even found a few golf balls. The Bill/Nick team, on the other hand, stayed boringly down the center of the fairways – sort of. As they were waiting on No. 10 tee, the discussion grew to a fever pitch about giving strokes to Carl/ Bob. Nick/Bill didn’t want to give any, and Carl/Bob wanted a stroke a hole. With great consternation, crying, wailing and moaning by both teams, Nick/Bill gave them six strokes. The testosterone was flying now. The competitive spirit filled the air. Carl/Bob had a long strategy meeting followed by two brilliant tee shots into the woods. Nick/Bill hit so-so – just barely off the center of the fairways – and it was kind of like that all through the front nine. On occasion, Bill was heard mumbling to himself, “I can’t believe we gave them strokes!”

The score was back and forth – a very competitive match. At the 17th hole, Bill pressed, as Nick and Bill were down two. The bet was explained to Bob, and once again Carl/Bob went into another strategy conference. Clearly, the pressure was too much for the Nick/ Bill team, who were now both mumbling, “We shouldn’t have given them any strokes,” and, “Why did you press them?” Carl/Bob joyfully recognized their critical mental state and said, “Let’s whoop ‘um twice as bad.”

When you get two chemistry majors together in critical mass competition, what else could you expect? Nick/Bill were soundly whooped! The clubhouse bar cheered the victors, shoving beers in their hands while VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Nick/Bill found a table and sulked in a corner. The winners gladly snatched the two dollars from the vanquished, while Bill could still be heard moaning, “No strokes next year.” Every subsequent conversation, especially when they met Dave Goode, Mel Anderson and Lee Southard the following days for a baseball game, started with, “We ripped their knickers!” followed by, “Zero strokes next year.” Bill was hurting the worst, for he could be heard mumbling again in the corner or in the men’s room, “I’m not going next year unless we play no strokes golf.” Noteworthy was that Bill wore a pair of pink crocs everywhere. Some interesting results were observed. Women everywhere accosted him. One was 91 years old, another was bald, one had half-inch thick glasses, another had tattoos all over her body and arms, and one said (looking straight at Nebraska’s belt line, I think), “You’re big and man enough to wear them.” Clearly Carl was jealous of all the attention Bill was getting, so in the shops of Fisherman’s Village, Carl found a pair of crocs – not pink, but chartreuse. They found Carl later that day in the center of the Village’s grand center walkway where several dogs were raising their legs relieving themselves, thinking Carl’s crocs were grass around a tree trunk.

Ann and I have been doing pretty well – health is where it ought to be at this time in our lives. We are getting ready for a three week trip to the U.K. followed by a trip to Los Angeles, California, in July to support our granddaughter, Megan Shepard, who will be participating in the 2015 Special Olympics. We hope to see her on the gold medal platform. Look for her there. We recently returned from a trip to Virginia where we attended a class agent meeting and visited with friends and family. On the way up, we had planned to spend an evening with Bonnie Pomponio in Monroe, North Carolina, but at the very last minute, she called and said that the after effects of a knee replacement had her laid up. Sorry we missed her, but maybe next year. There is still time to sign up for two ’59 activities coming up. The first is the Florida group mini reunion, Sept. 8-10, 2015, in Sebastian, Florida. We currently have 14 couples signed up. The second is the The French Waterway riverboat cruise June 2-13, 2016. We currently have 11 people 2015-Issue 3

signed up. I would like to see as many as we can get at each activity.

Keep those cards, emails and letters coming in.

Yours in the spirit, Shep

’60

James A. Smith III

I want to begin my first class notes by acknowledging the wonderful job Ed Tolley has done over these past 25 years as our incomparable class agent. He was preceded by “Jeep” Goodwillie, who also provided us with stellar service. They raised the bar to a level that can only be appreciated but hardly achieved. These accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, for when the occasion has arisen, our brother rats have acknowledged them. So, again, in the privacy of your living rooms, give an Old Yell for Ed and Jeep.

When I returned home to St. James, North Carolina, from our 55th Reunion, I asked myself again, “What have you done by volunteering?” After volunteering, I suddenly realized I had violated two pieces of advice about VMI I had been given in my life. My father, James Arthur Smith Jr. ’927, advised when I headed to VMI as a rat, “Don’t be first, don’t be last and don’t volunteer for a damn thing.” Later, when I considered a possible teaching position at VMI as an alumnus, Lee Badgett ’61, who at the time was provost superintendent, advised, “Jimbo, don’t make any decisions about VMI while you are at VMI.” So, here I am, 55 years after graduation, 76 years old, while “at VMI,” volunteering to be our next class agent to follow our esteemed class agent who has done such an exemplary job over the years.

As so many of us feel and have expressed many times, those four years we had together – 1956-60, from ages 18-22 years old – consciously or subconsciously were monumental in our lives. We learned how to begin life honestly with commitment and in a community, not to mention the opportunity to acquire undying friendships – indeed, love – of our brother rats. Those feelings came alive for me that afternoon in Jackson Memorial Hall

when Ed was asking for volunteers to replace him. Somehow I felt it was time to “walk the walk” of all that VMI and my brother rats of the Class of ’60 have given me; not only as a cadet, but through the years, the true spirit of VMI. It’s “payback time.”

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be your next class agent. I’ll do my best.

Ed Tolley has, as you would expect, volunteered to help me get started. Hap Miller has already been invaluable with information technology. Both are “the wind beneath my wings” at this time. The staff of the Alumni Association has been very welcoming. I’m sure that over time we’ll become good friends.

Their assistance to class agents is invaluable.

As I mentioned at our class banquet, it is my hope that we will communicate with each other while we are alive more frequently than we have in the past, and not just through obituaries.

We like to hear what’s going on now. Much has happened to us all since 1960 and our reunions. Please write to me frequently and often. Also send as many pictures as you can to go in our class notes.

By the time of these notes, our 55th Reunion, April 19-21, has come and gone. Simply put, Henry Brown and G.G. Phillips, along with Ed Tolley, did a magnificent job.

Hap Miller, Jim French and Bill “Peanuts” Elliott helped, as well. By my count, we had 48 brother rats, some with or without wives; three widows, Mrs. Peter (Betsy) Houck, Mrs. Jimmy (Jackie) Savage, Mrs. Dick (Mary Anne) Murphy; as well as Jimmy Savage’s daughter, Jennifer Gentry. The brother rats and wives in attendance were: John (Toot) and Cecile Barr, Bo and Nancy Bowles, Henry and Linda Brown, Neal and Patricia Callaham, Bob and Lucy Clay, Henry and Ginny Shirley, George Coulbourn, Tony and Janice Di Caprio, Ed Duncan, Bill (Peanuts) and Jan Elliott, Bill and Jane Toker, Jim French, Clifford (Bud) and Jeanne Frith, Bill and Eileen Giles, Jim Powell, Ed and Kathleen Robertson, Jimmie and Carol Seeley, Steve Sewell, Joe and Ella Sisler, Bill and Phillipa Smith, James (Jimbo) and Ruth Smith. Ed Tolley, Herb and Terry Vaughan, Jack and Annaliese Willard, Don and Jane Hammonds, John (Nick) Hester, John and Linda Hillard, Sam and Lynne Horner, Bill 67

Class of 1960: Present at the reunion were John H. Barr, Bowlman T. Bowles Jr., S.M. Henry Brown Jr., B. O’Neal Callaham, Robert E. Clay Jr., G.I. Coulbourn Jr., Anthony Di Caprio, R. Edward Duncan, William A. Elliott, James B. French, Clifford F. Frith Jr., William O. Giles III, Donough C. Hammonds, John N. Hester III, John R. Hilliard, Samuel W. Horner III, William L. Kowles Jr., Thomas J. Kurkoski, W. Thomas Leary, David M. Maddox, Earl D. Marquette Jr., Edward A. Martin Jr., Roy G. McLeod, Richard S. Miller, John E. Moore, Howard T. Moss, William R. Mullins, James R. O’Dell, G.G. Phillips Jr., James A. Pittman, Otis R. Pool, John S. Powell, James B. Powell, E.H. Robertson Jr., Jimmie W. Seely, Stephen H. Sewell Jr., Henry G. Shirley II, Joseph F. Sisler, James A. Smith III, William G. Smith III, William J. Toker, L. Ed Tolley, Herbert E. Vaughan, Jack T. Willard Jr., Troy H. Williams, J. Bolling Williamson, Anderson Wise and Walter A. Witschard.

Class Notes

55th Reunion – April 24-25, 2015

The Class of 1960

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes and Suzanne Knowles, Tom and Anne Marie Kurkoski, Tom and Angela Leary, Dave and Ethelmary Maddox, Earl and Rosemary Marquette, Ed Martin and Elaine Benko, Roy and Sewell McLeod, Richard (Hap) and Mary Miller, John and Patricia Moore, Howard and Susan Moss, Bill and Charlotte Mullins, Troy and Mary Williams, Bolling and Theresa Williamson, Andy and Donna Wise, Walt and son Kevin Witchard, Jim O’Dell, George (G.G.) and Frances Phillips, Jim and Nancy Pittman, Otis Pool, John Powel, and Martha Hamlin.

A very special time was our memorial service in J.M. Hall remembering the 22 brother rats who died since our 50th Reunion. Bill “Peanuts” Elliott did a great job preparing a memorial pamphlet with obituaries of our fallen classmates. The highlights of our reunion, in my opinion – aside from the obvious joy of renewing old friendships and our memorial service – were viewing the movie, “The Field of Lost Shoes;” the Corps parade, with Tony DiCaprio and Ed Tolley climbing the sentinel box to lead us in the Old Yell; and our class dinner with an interesting talk by Gen. Jeffrey Smith Jr. ’79, dean of the faculty and deputy superintendent for academics.

Grace before dinner was beautifully given

by Henry Shirley. The weather held, so we had our parade that Tuesday. On Monday, five of us – Sam Horner, Joe “Bananas” Sisler, Otis Pool, Jack Willard and I – were able to play golf. No bets were placed, as we were negotiating “cart path only” due to wet fairways. Joe Bananas was given the Joe Bananas Golf Trophy by Toot Barr, his roommate. Toot and wife Celeste got to ride in one of Jim French’s refurbished antique roadsters. I’m sure there were special events for each of us, but these are the few I can remember.

The many events that have occurred during our past reunions have been recorded and kept in many photo albums collected by Dick Murphy. Mary Anne, Dick’s widow, brought them for us to preserve. There are some mighty young folks in the pictures from over the years, but my, how they have aged. I have the albums at home, and they will be on display at our 60th.

All of us who came back to Lexington were happy to have the opportunity to visit with 2015-Issue 3

old friends, to be seen and “not viewed,” occasionally discuss our current infirmities, left with an eagerness to “buy green bananas” and return in 2020 for our 60th Reunion.

Again, let me give many thanks to Henry and G.G. for their efforts.

Jeep Goodwillie contacted me immediately on my return home. He didn’t make the reunion due to his attending his grandson’s (Class of ’12) wedding. He and his wife, Linda, are alive and functioning in The Villages, Florida, and doing well. He gave up golf completely two years ago because of heart, eye and knee problems, but not before he started shooting his age at 71, had a couple of holes-in-one and got down to a 5 handicap.

He said he doesn’t miss golf because of other interests. He volunteers restoring an old 1880s home with his local historical society, volunteers visiting inmates at a federal penitentiary, is president of the local treasure hunters club (metal detecting mostly), is a member of the genealogical society and loves yard work.

His wife, Linda, stays busy with her interior decorating business and manages several homes for a property management company.

Nevertheless, she still finds time to bowl, play mahjong, and hand and foot (a card game) with several of her ladies. Jeep and Linda say their door is always open and welcome to brother rats.

Joe Morabit has had a tough time since February as a result of an unusual and rare accident that occurred while playing pickle ball, a “relaxed” tennis-ping pong-racket ball for seniors. Sam Horner brought me up to date. He suffered a crushed trachea, a broken shoulder, seven broken ribs, a collapsed lung and was critically ill. After much intensive care during a very critical period and necessary rehabilitation, he feels he is recovering nicely. I spoke with Joe at his home after our reunion in April. At that time, he felt he was about 80 percent recovered, and we are glad he is on the mend. He is president of the Georgia Senior Group and had been able to attend meetings. Sam reported he had started chipping. I can tell you from experience that Sam won’t be giving Joe strokes when he gets back to his full game. Joe knows we wish him well. Give him a call when you get a chance.

Just after the parade at our reunion, Howard Moss and Jim O’Dell caught up with the

first recipient of the Capt. Paul M. Bayliss Memorial Scholarship, the Class of ’60 scholarship we created in memory of our fallen Brother Rat “Eagle” Bayliss. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide assistance to VMI cadets who are pursuing commission in the U.S. Air Force in a rated career field (pilot and combat systems officers). It was awarded to Tiffany Ann Haines ’15, an international studies major from Waxahache, Texas. She is thought highly of by the folks in USAF ROTC. She is also very pretty and a lovely lady. This scholarship is funded solely by contributions from our class. There have been a few but highly generous significant donors thus far, but all members of our class need to contribute. So ... pony up, brother rats, no matter how small! Your contribution also goes toward our total class contribution to VMI. I have been given every brother rat’s birthday by the Alumni Office. I hope to call you.

I started this morning, April 26, with Otis Pool. He was visiting his sister. He has a great golf game and a lovely wife. I wish his wife, Arlene, would come and hang around Otis’ brother rats. We enjoyed being with her in Pinehurst last spring.

My next call was to Dick Evans. Low and behold, I got him and wished him well and happy birthday. I told him how we missed him over the years, that we want to see him and we will always remember his great game with The Citadel. It was good to talk with him after such a long time.

My next call was to George Salaita, but his telephone numbers in the roster have been discontinued or are out of service. I contacted George by email with a “happy birthday,” and he responded. He is still teaching history in Church Hill, Tennessee, which he loves.

He missed the reunion because of very little vacation time. He lost a month of school due to snow and was out for six months with an illness. He is on the mend.

Since our reunion, Bob Clay has finally gotten in touch with Dr. Manuel Seda in Phoenix, Arizona. He has not stayed in touch with VMI or our class. He now knows we miss him and would welcome him back to the fold. Bill Huggins, date of birth April 28, 1938, has no working phone number recorded and no email address. Anyone who can get in touch 69

Class Notes

1.

3.

4.

2.

5.

Class of 1960 1. From left: Joe Sisler, Jim French, John Barr and Hap Miller in 1960.

2. From left: Joe Sisler, John Barr, Hap Miller and Jim French reunited 55 years after the first photo was taken.

3. Some members of the class in the courtyard after parade.

4. From left, Joe and Ella Sisler and Otis Pool at the 55th Reunion.

5. At the reunion were, from left, Bo Bowles, Martha Hamlin (wife of John Powell) and Jim Powell.

6. Troy and Mary Williams at the 55th Reunion.

7. Jim and Nancy Pittman.

8. Lynne and Sam Horner at the 55th Reunion.

6.

8.

7.

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes should do so. We don’t want him to be lonely.

Phone calls with Andy Wise revealed he is back in Watertown, New York, and lawyering.

“Peanuts” Elliott returned to the North Country in Michigan, as it has thawed out and is ready to plant trees.

Jack Horgan called to say he was sorry to miss the reunion but had a small but significant facial surgical procedure requiring his absence. We all hope he remains handsome as ever.

On April 29, I spoke with two birthday boys, Vaughn Foxwell and Jim Greathead.

Vaughn was just coming off his tractor on his farm after doing some early morning chores. He says he is a “gentleman farmer.”

He was missed at our 55th Reunion. He was tending to the affairs of his mother, who was very ill during the time of our reunion. She ultimately died at the age of 103. He knows we are all thinking of him during this sad time and are with him in spirit. He obviously has great genes, so we’ll appoint him to be in charge of the “Green Banana Detail.” I’m sure he will be at our 60th. Jim Greathead was simply having another “good day” celebrating his birthday. He plans to come to the 60th. We wish him many more birthdays.

On April 30, I tried to contact Brother Rat Chan H. Yeh but was unsuccessful, as his listed phones are not functioning. Therefore, he, too, got a happy birthday email with hopes that he will reconnect with us.

I recently had dinner in Wilmington, North Carolina, with Henry and Linda Brown. It had been eight days since we were together, but we needed to have a brother rat fix. Henry is our class “techno geek,” as he has every

Class of 1960: Jim French’s 1928 Tudor.

2015-Issue 3

gadget known to man and is a true Apple disciple. He is very frustrated Linda won’t let him get an Apple watch. I would not be surprised to see one on his arm soon, however.

On May 1, I played golf with members of the Class of ’61 at Oak Island Golf Club.

Dick Stone ’61 sets up a golf outing for their class annually. Those rats looked mighty old.

On May 3, Ruth and I had dinner with Fred and Carolyn Ayers ’61 at St. James Plantation. Fred lives in Vail, Colorado, and sees Jack and Nancy Horgan frequently. We caught up on goings on in the Class of ’61, as well.

On May 8, I spoke to John Hilliard in Satellite Beach, Florida, on his birthday.

He and Linda were at our 55th, and like all of us, enjoyed renewing old friends. We hope to stay in touch.

As I bring my first class notes to a close, I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about our class’ financial contributions. As many of you know, there are members among us who have been, and continue to be, very generous to the Institute over the years – not only financially but with time and talent. You know who you are. Know that VMI is very grateful and that its mission and purpose are sustained through your efforts. Now, brother rats, the rest of us need to “pony up,” no matter how small or large a contribution we can make. There are numerous “rosters” of our class. The numbers I choose are: 180 members in our 1960 Bomb and 132 members on Hap Miller’s class roster as of today. There have been 204 possible contributors from our class (graduates, non-graduate members, widows) with 77 donors making 125 gifts.

The percent of alumni participation in 2014 was 40.49 percent. As of the 3rd quarter of 2015, we have 37.75 percent participation.

We can do better than that!

Specifically, I want to address the “Eagle” Bayliss scholarship, The U.S. Air Force Capt.

Paul M. Bayliss 1960 Memorial Scholarship, that is funded entirely by our class members.

The purpose of the scholarship is to provide assistance to VMI cadets who are pursuing a commission in the U.S. Air Force in a rated career field (pilot and combat systems officers).

The first recipient, Tiffany Haines ’15, is mentioned earlier in my class notes. To date, there have been only 21 donors out of our current 132 members – only 16 percent of eligible donors in our class. As a class, we need to do better. There have been some very generous donations made by a few. You know who you are, and please know our class, the Bayliss scholarship fund and VMI are grateful. I ask the 111 members who have not done so to please join those of us who have donated with a contribution no matter how small or large an amount that you can make. Any donation made goes toward the Class of ’60 VMI Foundation gift percentage, as well.

Until next time, stay safe and healthy. Please let me hear from and about you. Those of us still around want to stay connected. We don’t want to read about each other in an obituary. My address is: 3228 Sea Grass Court, St. James (Southport), NC 28461.

Home phone: 910-253-9254 Cellphone: 910-409-9324.

Come see Ruth and me when you can.

In the spirit, Jimbo

Class of 1960: Toot and Cecile Barr in Jim French’s 1928 Model A Roadster.

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Class Notes

’61

Sal Vitale Jr.

In case you did not remember, our 55th Reunion will take place Monday, April 18, and Tuesday, April 19, 2016. The reunion format will include a Monday night dinner for the class hosted by VMI, and Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, will be the speaker. On Tuesday, we will have the class picture, parade, lunch and our class dinner. Our headquarters will be at the newly remodeled Natural Bridge Hotel. So please mark your calendars, because you will be busy from Sunday, April 17, 2016 (for those that want to arrive early and play golf), until breakfast Wednesday, April 20, 2016, or later if you like. Registration forms will be mailed to you in September 2015.

From Feb. 10, 2015, when I submitted my last class notes, Sue and I have been run ragged. We left for Florida a few days before Valentine’s Day, and on our way, we visited with Hugh and Nelle Gouldthorpe at their home in Beaufort, South Carolina. We had a grand tour of the historic homes in Beaufort and a very enjoyable dinner at their favorite restaurant. In The Villages, we stayed four days with Warren and Kathy Copenhaver at their new home. Dude showed us around The Villages, including George Henning’s new house. On Valentine’s Day, we had dinner with the Copenhavers; Stu and Lee Crow; and Jud McLester and his friend, Suzanne Melin, at Miz Kathi’s Cotillion Southern Café, and it was great. Jim Harrison was in The Villages, but he could not join us. We missed the Bob Polk golf outing the next week in Orange County, Florida, because of family business. However, Lee and Stu Crow, John Miller, Ann and Don Rishell, Jud McLester and Suzanne Melin (Judd’s friend), Diane and Dick Stone, Jim Harrison, Kathy and Dude Copenhaver, Bob and Bronnie Polk, Mary and Spike Callander, Don Wilkinson, and Graham King were there. Rhett Clarkson missed the first day’s golf due to snow delays in the Charlotte airport and arrived the next day to 35 degree Florida weather in his Bermuda shorts and sandals. Rhett only 72

played nine holes and flew home to snow and to get warm. On our way back home from The Villages, we called Bill Gibbings for a weather report, and he advised us to hold up someplace due to the icy impassable roads in Virginia Beach, so we did. Fortunately, we were near Charleston, South Carolina, and visited with an old Saint Louis friend in “Summerville,” South Carolina. We did go to Charleston and stopped by to see if BR Tom Rutledge could join us for dinner, but he was not home. We finally got back to Virginia Beach in time to change our clothes and go to Maryland, where our daughter Cathy was going to be installed as a Circuit Court judge.

The function, called an “investiture,” was quite exciting in that she was the first Circuit Court judge ever to be installed by a governor of the state of Maryland (Hogan), and over 400 people were in attendance. According to the court administrator, this investiture was the largest turnout he had ever witnessed in the 40 years he was there, and they used two courtrooms and video to accommodate the crowd. Sue and I were very pleased that Dave and Charlotte Harbach, Carl and Becky Hirsch, John Tharrington, Dick and Judy Youngblood and Dr. Steven Abramedis ’50B (roommate of Col. Lewane ’50) were there. Cathy’s speech included a tribute to the red, white and yellow; VMI honor code; and the word “certified” as the basis of her core values. We are very proud! Immediately after the investiture, Sue and I left for Saint Martin for three weeks at our timeshare and, in my view, a well-deserved rest. We returned to the U.S. in time to have Easter with the family in Maryland and catch up with the over 1,700 emails I had received. On our way to Maryland, we stopped to see John and Sue Van Kesteren ’59 in Onancock, Virginia. John’s family business is farming and food processing, and he gave me a tour of the plant. My Sue enjoyed John’s wife, Sue, because they are both Southern Seminary graduates. John is a firearms person, and we enjoyed an hour of shooting on his private range.

In April, I was not able to attend the VMI scholarship lunch, at which time we get to meet the cadet who is using the Class of 1961 Memorial Scholarship. The current value of the principle is $83,395.55, and a special thanks goes to Rhett Clarkson, who

started the scholarship many years ago. For those who may not recall, preference for the scholarship is given to any and all 1961 VMI family members who are in need of financial help. As far as I know, no 61 family members are currently using the scholarship, and in accordance with our instructions, the Institute can assign it to a needy person. I was able to attend the April class agents’ meeting, and it was combined with the Alumni Association meeting. At the combined dinner, I enjoyed the company of John Gangemi and Harrison and Terry Fridley. John is the president of the Wilmington, North Carolina, Chapter and Harrison is chapter representative for the Allegheny Highlands. The next day, I visited with Jim and Carole Berger at their home.

All I can say is, Jim is coping! As April came to an end, Sue and I attended the Virginia Historical Society garden party along with Bill and Joyce Gibbings, Larry and Jeri Wetsel, and Larry and Joann Respess. In early May, Bill Gibbings and I visited with Col. Lewane ’50B in a rehab facility in Barco, North Carolina. For me, it was very difficult to see him in his current condition. Then it was off to the Southport, North Carolina, for Dicky Stone’s golf outing. This was the largest yet, with 25 brother rats, spouses and friends attending the two-day outing. The weather was accommodating, and our two meals together were great and the stories even better. Some of the non-golfing ladies had lunch and played bridge. Jud McLester flew his own aircraft to Southport. The threat of bad weather had us concerned, but all was OK. Those in attendance were John and Linda Butler, Bud Alligood and Peggy Hayes, Mike and Betty Pitt, Sal and Sue Vitale, Allison Drescher, Dude and Kathy Copenhaver, Ray and Sally Hanlein, Dicky and Di Stone, Bob and Bronnie Polk, Bob and Jeanne Burks, Kim Wise, Paul Johnston, Stu and Lee Crow, Kent and Bert Modine, Spike and Mary Callander, Fred and Carolyn Ayers, Jim and Blair Bickford, John “J.C.” and Bette Miller, Rhett and Jan Clarkson, Dick and Judy Youngblood, Bob and Suellen Reitz, Jerry and Charlene Eubank, Rod and Doris Hudgins, John and Irene Gangemi, Willard and Pat Hoskins, Don and Ibis Kern, Jud McLester, Judy Keen Taylor (Stone relative), and Jimbo Smith ’60.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1961: The annual golf outing dinner party was held April 29, 2015, in Southport North Carolina. Pictured were, from left, front row, as heads appear: Vitale, McLester, Willard Hoskins, Alligood, Dick Butler, Crow, Polk, Modine, Bickford, Drescher, Rod Hudgins, J.C. Miller, Callander, Clarkson and Pitt. Back row: Burks, Johnston, Hanlein, Youngblood, Gerry Eubank, Dick Stone, Reitz, Kern, Ayers and Copenhaver.

Things have finally slowed down for Sue, because she had another foot operation and is in a boot for at least six weeks. The next BR big event for us will be the Youngblood and Shuba parties, which will take place after these notes are due. Now for the rest of the class, I offer the following tidbits.

I remember, years ago, my folks talking about Florida and the snowbirds. Our class seems to have its share of them. In January, Lee and Betsy Badgett, Dude and Kathy Copenhaver, and George and Edna Henning spent time together in Key West, Florida.

From what I hear, the Badgetts may be joining Hennings and Copenhavers at The Villages. Edna Henning says moving is messing with her brain. She said the old house echoes with piles of VMI paraphernalia everywhere, and she keeps reminding herself it’s just stuff, but she gets lost in the memories the “stuff” brings up. We understand, but surely you never have enough VMI stuff. This winter, Bill Hala and his friend, Irene Karon, were also at The Villages for the month of March and had dinner with Stu and Lee Crow and Dude and Kathy Copenhaver. It seems between golf and eating, there isn’t much time to do anything else (smile) unless you are a dancing Copenhaver and at a neighborhood ’50s and ’60s sock hop, and you, the “Dude,” win the best male costume. After the Polk golf outing, Mary and Spike Callander headed south to Miami, where the temperature was a record low of 38 degrees. Along the way, they stopped in Port St. Lucie and had lunch with Harold and 2015-Issue 3

Cilia Kurstedt. The Kurstedts were snow birding in the house they purchased while we were all on the class cruise last year. Cilia would like Harold to retire, but Harold is finding that hard to do. My second semester 4th Class roommate, Tom Whalen, certainly said he had no difficulty in retiring in Incline Village, Nevada. Tom skis every morning at Northstar Ski Resort for about three hours if he is not a substitute teacher at the local high school. Tom’s son, Bob, retired from the U.S. Army Reserve (St. Louis area) as an E-8 after 30-and-a-half years of service. Thanks for your service. Tom visited his daughter in Powhatan, Virginia, to see about a place at

Westminster Canterbury in Richmond or in Virginia Beach but has not made a final decision. Bill Hala was finally back up on his skis at Mount Peter and said he felt like he never was off skis and was surprised at how second nature it still is. Several compliments Bill received from onlookers provided an added bonus, but the hardest part of skiing was getting into the darn ski boots. Either they shrunk or his feet got bigger ... and maybe his head, too?

Mitch and Jennifer Kot are still in Da Nang until the end of May. They have a great class of 32 business owners, and teaching marketing is exciting. Frank and Sandra Semans are fine with just the inevitable aches and pains. I was concerned about Frank when my emails to him were returned and calling his home got no response. Please let me know when you have a new email or address. My records and VMI are not always synchronized. Mike and Jan Bissell finally moved into their condo in late April and are now getting settled. Lynn and Shirley Hartford’s fundraising drive for Friends Forever, a Cat Sanctuary went well, and Lynn said thank you to the brother rats who helped make the fundraising successful.

Bill Braithwaite is still teaching full-time at St. Johns College in Annapolis, Maryland, and has classes Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as Monday evenings. Bill will try to make our 55th Reunion, and as he said, “Seeing old and dear friends – some for what

Class of 1961: At the Orange County National Golf Course in Florida Feb. 15, 2015, were, from left, around the table, John Miller, Diane and Dick Stone, Kathy Copenhaver, Spike and Mary Callander, Don Wilkinson, Graham King and Jim Harrison. Left row, seated: Lee and Stu Crow, Ann Rishell, and Suzanne Melin (Judd’s friend). Standing: Jud McLester, Don Rishell, Dude Copenhaver, and Bob and Bronnie Polk. Present but not pictured was Rhett Clarkson.

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Class Notes Bill Maurer was reappointed as a trustee the Armed Forces recreation facility with will certainly be the last time – is a priority.”

Should you be having trouble deciding on for the Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Ma- side trips to Hitler’s Eagle Nest, Dachau and sonic Library, and Bill is now chair of the mu- northern Italy. Larry and Joan Respess finalwhether to return for the 55th, think on that.

Holmes Smith is very proud of his grand- seum section. This museum may not be well- ly caught up with Stu and Sylvia Woodcock son, Holmes Garrett Smith, who is doing known to our BRs, but Bill thinks there are for lunch in Williamsburg, Virginia. Stu and well as a junior at Virginia Polytechnic and some Masonic members in our class and also Sylvia have been very busy since they moved State University in civil engineering. He is on a heck of a lot of BRs interested in American to Williamsburg. They are currently on local the rugby team and is the smart Smith; he and world history. Do check out the collec- TV commercials talking up their retirement stays on the honor society. “Rand” Farleigh tion to see some of the fine artifacts they have community. Larry Respess moved from San Diego, California, and is renovating a home has been very involved in a school security at www.nymasoniclibrary.org.

You know you are getting old when your in Williamsburg and will hopefully be in it by project and recently received a 110 percent success report from the Indiana Homeland son, Adam Maurer ’95, and your brother, the time you read this. Friday night beer and Security Committee for installation of the Jim Maurer ’65, are going to their reunions. cookies is still going strong at the Gibbings’ product in all Indiana schools. I have been Dick Hartman was busy in March making house. At the last one, Ken and Sue Patrick, reading about this security product, and it ap- maple syrup at his cabin. During May, the Charlie Fuller, Charlie and Anna Stevens, pears to be well thought out and engineered. week before Memorial Day, Dick has been Larry Williams and a few locals were there.

Good luck, Rand, aka Bootie! Fred and Car- hosting an annual fishing trip to his cabin for You never know who will show up, and an RSVP is not required. olyn Ayers’ home in Point Harbor, Battle Haslam attended his last North Carolina, was the location Foundation meeting of his 8-year for the annual get together of John term. The brother rats thank you and Linda Butler, Mike and Betty for your service to VMI and to the Pitt ’60, Kim Wise, and Alison brothers when we needed your Drescher. Lou Shuba and Alison help. Battle and Elisabeth had Drescher rode in the 2015 Face the pleasure of staying with Harof America Bike Ride, and what rison and Terry Fridley during a wonderful event it was again the Foundation meeting, and at this year. The weather was cold the Friday night fancy dinner, the (42 degrees), windy and overcast two were just getting seated when when they started out at 7 a.m., Hugh Fain ’80, the Foundation but that didn’t diminish the spirit president, took the mic and said, of the participants or Brother Rats John Tharrington, Ray Hanlein Class of 1961: At the Breakwater Cafe in Beaufort, South Carolina, “Tonight we have a special guest, Feb. 11, 2015, were, from left, Hugh and Nelle Gouldthorpe and a 3rd Class cadet, a biology major and Spike Callander who cheered Sue and Sal Vitale. from North Carolina.” Down the them on. The trio could not find Lou or Allison until Lou actually saw them. those 12 warriors who were stationed in D.C. hall from the Moody Hall entrance walked They never did see Allison. Drescher and in the late ’60s and early ’70s. The group is Wynn Faulkner Haslam ’17, crisp and Shuba said thanks to all the BRs who sup- now down to four regulars, and Dick will be shined, totally relaxed, to have dinner with ported them. They expect to ride again next heading up there again this May. Dick did his grandfather, Battle! Battle was absolutely year! Allison Drescher and Frank Deaner find time to take his wife, Sherry, on a cruise amazed and choked up as he hugged Wynn. are staying in touch and recently had lunch of the Western Caribbean and soon will at- After Battle’s farewell resolution was read, together when Allison was in Washington, tend a change of command ceremony for Elisabeth was given a tasteful gift, as were D.C. Ray Hanlein was at work again to his son, U.S. Air Force Col. Dean Hartman, the other spouses of the six board members make sure that all the medals of our brother currently stationed at Andrews Air Force completing their terms, including John Millrat, Capt. Marion Gilmer Runion, B CO, Base in D.C. Dean will be transferred to San er (though he was in Augusta, Georgia, for a 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, Antonio, Texas, so the Hartmanns will be certain golf tournament.) I heard that ElisaU.S. Army Republic of Vietnam, Army of on the road again. Tom and Barbara Phle- beth wrote a touching thank you note to the the United States are included in the Vietnam gar were off for three weeks to Italy, Greece entire staff, trustees and spouses, which she Virtual Wall. Several classmates brought to and Turkey on a Celebrity cruise, then flew asked Battle to read to the group Saturday Ray’s attention that Mickey was missing his to Munich, Germany, where they rented a morning during the session, and the board Silver Star award and the Aircraft Crewman car (GPS this time) and traveled to Salzburg, has chosen to print her note as an attachment Badge. The record is now correct thanks to Austria, for the Sound of Music tour and to the formal minutes of the meeting. As for Ray and Col. Keith Gibson ’77, director of then to a castle for dinner and Mozart mu- Cadet Haslam, Wynn is wrapping up his sic. Then it was to Garmish for four days at 3rd Class year as a biology major and high the VMI museum system.

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1961: On Feb. 14, 2015, at Miz Kathi’s Cotillion Southern Café in Wildwood, Florida, for Valentine’s Day dinner were, from left, Suzanne Melin (Jud’s friend), Jud McLester, Lee and Stu Crow, Sal and Sue Vitale, and Warren and Kathy Copenhaver.

ranking corporal in the S3 line. He has been advised that next year he will be the 1st Battalion S3 sergeant, so he will return his M14 to the armory and start carrying a saber! Way to go, Haslams!

I am hoping the class widows will make it back to our 55th Reunion. I did hear from Pete McCormick’s wife, Ann, and she is planning to be there. Hannelore Garrison made our 50th and hopefully will also be there for the 55th. I would like to see more widows attend, and I know they will be welcomed by all and have a great time. Mary Jane Roberts, the widow of my roommate, Floyd, has had a difficult winter in Vermont. She spent a mint on snow removal and had to have the roofs shoveled off and then had to have a big equipment vehicle pick up and move snow out of their driveway because the driveway started to get a little narrower with each snowfall. I hope all the widows were as excited as Mary Jane when she received for Valentine’s Day a valentine’s card from the VMI Foundation, signed

by Buddy Bryan ’71. This wonderfully sensitive thoughtful gesture by Buddy has been going on for years, and it is one of VMI’s ways of saying, “You are not forgotten.” Thanks, Buddy!

The sick list grows with minor aches and major problems. Most times, it is a concerned BR who brings the condition to my attention.

Lately, we had several issues with the heart and the big “c.” A special thanks to Ashby 2015-Issue 3

Taylor and Battle Haslam for taking the time to talk to the BRs and help them understand their options. Ken Templeton had bladder cancer three years ago, and it was under control until last December when it reoccurred and now is under control again. Ken has been dealing with lung disease, and it seems to be a little worse each time he sees the lung doctor.

Ken had to give up his paramedic license and stopped teaching, which he really enjoyed and misses the action. Ken was one of the top EMT instructors in the commonwealth of Virginia. A word of wise from our ’61 EMT:

“The pill the EMT carries on the ambulance for heart attacks is four chewable baby aspirin. However, never give aspirin to a suspected stroke patient, as it could kill them. They need a CT scan to make sure it isn’t a bleed. I [Ken] have five saves (brought back from dead) all due to the use of a defibrillator (shock). Also, call 911.”

Holmes Smith had his right knee totally replaced and was back working a week after the replacement, because he said clients had to be served. Bill Keech wishes to thank all of you for your heartfelt support during his trying time. “I will tell you that prayers do work, and we give thanks to our Lord many times over.” When Bill met with the doctors at Johns Hopkins, they wanted to run some more tests, which they did, and it showed that both kidneys flowed freely. The doctor said the operation was not necessary at this time. Bill just needs to take it easy and recoup. Please don’t stop the prayers, as Bill is not out of the doghouse yet. Dick Hartman was found to be in A-Fib full time, and two attempts to cardio shock Dick had to be aborted because of a persistent blood clot in his left atrial appendage. That not being trouble enough, Dick was diagnosed with a mild case of prostate cancer and radioactive seeds were implanted. Finally he is looking forward to having three basal cell carcinomas removed, and both knees need replaced.

Otherwise, Dick said, “I am still doing most

Class of 1961: On March 11, 2015, at the Fiesta Grande Restaurant in The Villages, Florida, were, from left, Bill Hala and his friend, Irene Karon; Dude Copenhaver; Lee and Stu Crow; and Kathy Copenhaver.

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Class Notes of the things I’ve always done.” Howard Dyer has medium to severe blockage in his arteries, but no surgery is required at this point and no stints. The blockages are being treated with a combination of exercise, diet and medication, moderate tennis and a daily one hour walk.

So the good news is Howard won’t be subject to any invasive procedures. For the record, Howard said in a written, notarized statement that he will no longer use his patented drop shot against opponents. He explained he has no desire to put his opponents through that kind of agony, especially given the agony he’s gone through with his heart problem.

The other bit of good news is his cardiologist verified that Howard indeed has a heart.

Tom Phlegar had a bad fall Jan. 19 and tore a lot of stuff loose in his shoulder. He doesn’t have full use of it yet and can’t play the banjo, but hopefully that will come back soon. If the physical therapy doesn’t fix the problem then it’s a new shoulder. Jim Berger is home recovering from kidney failure. He is also very weak, and his knees are shot. Hershel Murray is doing very well and is almost back to “his” normal. Gates Richards has early prostate cancer and is being treated with hormoneblocking medication. He feels fine, and his PSA is responding. Bud Alligood is 16 years post diagnosis of prostate cancer and is currently being treated with anti-androgen medication, and he feels fine! Walter Stokes did not make the golf outing in Southport. His heart operation seems OK, but I understand from reliable medical sources that he should consider a pacemaker. Walter’s PET scan showed that the cancer is localized where the esophagus meets the stomach and is inoperable. He started radiation and chemo. Walter says he will be back to golf shortly, and Battle Haslam and Ashby Taylor have been of great help to him. (What a class!) Kent Modine did play one day of golf at Southport. Ken is still recovering from his heart/valve replacement operation and is a little weak. The doctors are trying to see how to improve his blood counts.

Dennis Curtis has been going through heart issues and is recovering from valve replacement and bypass surgery. Dennis says he has had a strong desire for pork. (Smile.) Lots of extra prayers are needed for Sue Wells, who has been diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, which can cause all her 76

complications (weak legs, changed gait, lack of balance). A shunt will be inserted into her brain to relieve the pressure and improve her condition, and she will hopefully recover fully to their normal health.

I received a very nice thank you note from Janet Dance. Janet said the class flowers were placed between Kirk’s VMI portrait and their Ring Figure portrait. Kirk had been fighting bladder cancer, and he went so fast that the family was caught unaware.

I learned that Ed Tolley ’60 has retired from being class agent for 1960, and Jimbo Smith ’60 will take his place (if that is possible). I always enjoyed seeing Ed at the class agents’ meetings and wish Jimbo success in what I consider to be the most rewarding job an alumnus can have.

Got lots of pictures, so please don’t stop.

When I have too many pictures, I first use the largest groups and then use “first timers’” pictures. All pictures must meet the VMI’s quality standard, and no more than five pictures are allowed per issue. I keep all pictures not used and you may see some of them again at the 55th Reunion slide show.

Every time you visit with a brother rat or a BR widow, you and they will have a sunshine day. Call someone you have not heard from in a long time and see what it does for you and them. God bless the USA, VMI, the brother rats and all those warriors in harm’s way.

Tony Curtis

’62

Jerry Burnett

From Marcus Muth (Feb. 16): “Charlie, the feral cat, has elected to stay on the porch during the heaviest snow we have had in a while.

He is fairly tame now but still hangs with the dogs, and like the dogs, chases and harasses the other (non-feral) cat, Oliver. He also sleeps with the dogs in the dog house. ... Anyway: Snow is still coming down. People, pets and livestock hunkered down. Slow clearing

the road with a small open tractor and frontend loader, but we ought to be able to drive the half mile to the highway. Might get a little bit more, which could be annoying, but the true fearful stuff is the forecast for below zero temps and high wind chill factors. As for you smug Florida folks, well, you know ... I have a lot of VMI stuff on display and around the house. I think the New Market story was what attracted me in the first place. I always celebrate the anniversary of the battle in some way. Some years ago, I found a shoebox full of my old tin soldiers. I decided to try to add to the sets and fill in the missing or broken figures. One set I completed was a set of West Point cadets whose uniforms are like VMI’s, so I made a shadow box with a picture of the front of barracks and put the cadets in front marching back and forth. My son was with someone when they noticed the shadow box. The visitor asked about it and Paul said, ‘That’s VMI. That’s Jackson Arch.

That’s the front of barracks, and I think that’s my father marching off penalty tours.’”

Bill and Christa Harris: “We just got back from our 20 day cruise to Antarctica. The most beautiful scenery I have ever seen!

Unfortunately, we brought the cold weather home to St. Louis!”

From John Spence: “It is hard to believe that I am now 75! My family ‘wined and dined’ me at a Greek restaurant and then presented me with a cake with the number 57! This was a very nice mistake that was enjoyed by all. I don’t plan on missing our 55th!”

From Norm Halberstadt: “Please adjust the word ‘nobody,’ as in nobody ever retires to Buffalo! I have lived in Buffalo since 1970 after attaining my physical therapy degree from the Medical College of Virginia (now the Virginia Commonwealth University). I then spent several years practicing in Brooklyn, New York, followed by a few years teaching at Temple University with an assistant professorship and at the same time was director of rehab at the Albert Einstein Medical Center. Once in Buffalo (Western New York region), I was able to pursue that which was never available to me in Brooklyn or Philadelphia – hunting, fishing, hiking, etc. Having said this, I must confess that while Western New Yorkers are a hardy group, this winter – with record snow and record frigid VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes temperatures – has been a difficult time for many.”

From Marcus Muth: “A company I worked for had a salesman stationed there and he used to tell me all about the Buffalo winters.

We get nine or 10 inches here, and we are about shut down. My New Yorker brother gets a couple of feet and he just deals with it ...

If I remember correctly, the Buffalo salesman was later transferred to Tampa, Florida.”

Doug and Scott Fielder visited Tony and Judy Curtis on a Friday to see The Villages for real. At first, it was difficult to adjust from their retirement ‘village’ of 35 homes to the 55,000-plus homes here, but after an hour’s tour, they quickly grasped the overall development and programs. The very next day, John and Bonnie Shelhorse stopped by the Curtises for the weekend to further their decisions as to which Village they want to move into. As usual, there was a great deal of barracks reminiscing and the effect of Gen. Shell’s canceling the Corps polo team. (John was a competent rider!) They were en route to south Florida to visit Bonnie’s brother and his wife and were therefore able to spend 10 days or so on vacation while only paying for a couple of nights in hotels.

Marcus Muth wrote in April: “Dick Carlisle was a wonderful roommate. He’s in Dallas – still heavily into his beloved Episcopalian church. Not in the best of health. At this writing (Easter Sunday) he is undergoing treatment for pulmonary problems.”

From Fred Sullivan: “After six months in our home in Bradenton, Florida, Jeannie and I are back in our West Grove, Pennsylvania, home for the summer. It is good to renew old friendships and enjoy the cooler weather here. Some very good news from the Sullivan family: John Fallon Sullivan IV, grand-nephew, will be the fourth generation of John F. Sullivan’s to enter VMI. Our father graduated in 1929; brother, John Jr., graduated in ’58; I in ’62; nephew, John III, graduated in ’83; and son, David C., graduated in ’88. Grandnephew John F. IV, will matriculate from Raleigh, North Carolina, and be in the Class of 2019. I am hoping that one of my grandsons will continue the tradition, also.”

Bill Ritchie: “A special thanks to the Make a Wish Foundation, who sent my son and his family to Orlando, Florida, for a week. Will, 2015-Issue 3

our grandson, age 11, is battling leukemia and is thoroughly enjoying the foundation’s fun location and getting together with six of his cousins, and Terry and me, his grandparents.

Our second grandchild will be out of college next week – only 12 more to go. We invite all to go sailing if in St. Pete Beach, Florida. I’m still teaching Spanish and my artist wife is still painting. Enjoy your family now – not later!”

Don Arey: “I worked in the Medical Hospitality Building Wednesday last week, which entitles me to a free day, which I always do Friday. I am talking about the Lakeland Sun and Fun Fly-In Air Show. It is the second largest in the country after Osh Kosh and is a terrific event. If anyone wishes to come next year (mid-April), they can stay in our house and attend the show with me. I am not a pilot but rather an aviation enthusiast.”

Freddie Mangino: “Just a note to ask our BRs to keep me in their thoughts and prayers. I was diagnosed recently with a mass on my right kidney which is more than likely (90 percent) cancerous. I contracted pneumonia and went to a personal friend (and general practitioner) about the pneumonia. A sonogram disclosed a mass on my right kidney. After an urologist, a cardiologist and a vascular surgeon and additional tests/CT scans (three total) ... bottom line – kidney will be removed May 13.

Hopefully I will be in hospital for three or four days max. Best to all BRs!” Jim Richards: “I am involved in lots of yardwork this time of year. Fortunately, I have a new 60 inch commercial mower to help get over the spring growth surge. Only big news around here is that my twin nephews graduate from college in the next two weeks – Alex from James Madison University and Andy from VMI. I have really enjoyed watching Andy grow as he goes through the Institute and have been able to compare it with our time there. I am convinced it is an even better college now than it was then. I am still doing some shooting and firearms activity. I recently built an AR-15 rifle from scratch. Steep learning curve, but it turned out well.”

Bruce Seiling: “Sheila and I had a marvelous weekend with two of our sons and three granddaughters. Lieutenant Colonel Brett and daughter Sarah came in from Dayton, Ohio, for the Steeler Fest and to visit us. Derek

came in from Atlanta, Georgia, to run the half marathon in the Pittsburgh Marathon. He finished the 46th male in a field of 14,000 runners. Third son Captain Trevor is on his third deployment to Afghanistan with the Air Force this time – last two were in Army commands.

We have breakfast every Saturday with Per and Marita Madsen. Per is a field grade officer for West Point to assist in students gaining appointments to the U.S. Military Academy. I do similar work for the U.S. Air Force Academy.

I always suggest candidates consider applying to VMI as a backup plan.”

Ed Northrop: “Joan and I still work our business every day and stay very busy, which is our option. We play a lot of ‘party’ bridge. I play golf once a week and not very well! We remain reasonably healthy and spend time with our children and grandchildren, baby-sitting and watching their sporting events (soccer, baseball, football and dance recitals).”

Pete Pettit: “To your point about the VMI ID: I was golfing earlier this year wearing my VMI hat and jacket and this ‘old’ guy asked when I was at the Institute! When I said ’62, this ‘old’ guy said ’66. Maybe my eyes are bad?”

Doug Marechal: “I was down Friday afternoon for two committee meetings but did not stay for the dinner. I understand that I missed a good ’62 group at the dinner! I went back Saturday morning for board meetings (It’s nice to live only 45 minutes away!) Binnie speaks at all Alumni Association Board meetings and always delivers a powerful and accurate update on current activities and progress at VMI. We have much to be proud of! Recommend at our 55th Reunion we consider a tour of the new athletic facility next to Cameron Hall on Route 11, which will be open by then. Our ’62 group gets smaller every year, so there are several good motels in Lexington that can accommodate us. For favors, Signe suggests something masculine in pewter. She feels that it’s our reunion and not really the wives, per se. We use our glasses from our last reunion a lot and rather than silver or a plaque, stay with something male and likewise useful. By the way, I have VMI stickers on both cars, four riding lawnmowers and a Polaris Ranger (all-terrain vehicle) used in our second home in Highland county.”

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Class Notes

Class of 1962: Class Agent Tony Curtis said of this photo, “Charlie Muth and the dogs.”

Bill Fisher: “A quick note. Our daughter, Mary, and husband, Nathan, provided us our seventh grandchild (all boys) April 20, 2015.

Levi Fox Gillum is doing fine despite having ‘The VMI Spirit’ sung to him repeatedly by his tone-deaf grandfather.”

John Anthony: “1. Delivered two keynote addresses to international gatherings presently here in Saudi Arabia in April, where the most far-reaching changes in the country’s governance to have occurred in my lifetime unfolded over the course of a very few days – with the still relatively new King Salman (as of two months ago) naming a new crown prince, a new deputy crown prince and, among others, a new foreign minister (the first new one in 40 years and the first non-royal ever to hold that post) and a lowering of the average age of cabinet ministers from their mid-70s to their mid50s – all in one fell swoop.

“2. Spoke at three Capitol Hill briefings – one in March on Yemen and another one in April on Iran, both filmed live by C-SPAN, and a third May 12, on “After a Nuclear Agreement: Whither Arab-Iranian and UISGCC Relations?” in conjunction with the first-ever White House/Camp David Summit on U.S.-GCC [Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates] Relations May 13-14].

“3. Led a U.S. Central Command all-officers delegation to the sultanate of Oman in late February-early March accompanied by Autumn Anthony, my oldest granddaughter and daughter of my twin son, James Coleman Anthony II, namesake of my father, 78

James Coleman Anthony, VMI Class of 1925 (same as Walt Perrin’s father); Autumn, now 19 and at the University of Colorado at Boulder, is fluent in Spanish and French and has mid-level proficiency in Arabic; my two other grandchildren, Sarah and Lucius Anthony, are also fluent in Spanish and have a way to go before entering college.

“4. Attended VMI’s Annual Leadership Conference at the Center for Leadership and Ethics in March. Paul and Debbie Rhodes are looking forward to our 55th Reunion, however, we’re also looking forward to attending the VMI versus The Citadel game in Charleston, South Carolina, Nov. 7. We always have a good group of ’62 grads to eat, drink and be merry with! Brother Rats, put this date on your calendars!”

Ed Strickler: “If we come to the 55th, we will be RVing so won’t need a room. Souvenirs? Anything is fine. After Margie and I have gone to the ‘great RV Park in the sky,’ we will still be in Lexington for every reunion from now until eternity, as we have a site with headstone already in place in Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery. That way, we don’t have to worry about a place to stay. (And that, BRs, is serious future planning!)”

Spencer Elmore: “Last night, Patsy and I attended a formal dinner party with BR Dick Hoagland along with his wife, Carolyn, and several other mutual friends. We see Dick and Carolyn on a pretty regular basis since we both have properties on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This week, Patsy and I are going to Charlotte for the PGA Golf Tournament and from there over to Charleston to meet friends for several rounds of golf. Certainly glad we are able physically to keep up with the golfing activities we so much enjoy. Patsy and I have been fortunate to have been able to attend all prior reunions, so God willing, we do not expect to miss the 55th. We like the glasses we got for the 50th.

Maybe we can do them again. Hope we have a great turnout!”

Marcus Muth: “Around here, the VMI sticker on my jeep only makes the locals think I work for Van Meter Insurance. They plaster VMI all over the place. I think the class reunion souvenir should be something we could use. I recommend a John Deere tractor 85 horsepower or above with loader and

10 foot bush hog. You could get a group rate from Des Moines. Just sayin’.”

Dick Ward: “Jackie and I cruised the Caribbean again out of New Orleans in February, our 26th cruise, and are cruising again out of Galveston next week. It’s tough being retired.

We’ll visit with my roommate BR Weldon and Nancy Eddins over the Fourth of July at their stateside home on the Patuxent River in Solomon, Maryland. They spend about half a year there and half a year at their home in Kailua, Hawaii. I hope they have plenty of crabs for us, which they usually do unless Pat and Sharon Morrison visit them before us.”

Ken Murray: “Just a quick note to confirm that we (my wife Ann and I) plan to make the 55th Reunion. We would like to stay at the main motel where the majority of others are staying. As for memorabilia – frankly, we are trying to clear out the clutter and really don’t need anything – so think small. Perhaps a nice golf hat or golf umbrella.”

Ran Hamner: “I’ve had two outstanding VMI experiences since our last notes. First, I visited Lexington for De Worrell’s Memorial Handball Tournament in March. What a great turnout to honor De’s memory and legacy! I think some 38 players of all ages

Class of 1962: From left, John and Maudie Mitchell ’63 and Signe and Doug Marechal visited the Arlington Cemetery March 18, 2015, in order to see the Moses Ezekiel ’866 statue honoring the Confederacy.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes participated. Carolyn Worrell supplied the food and refreshments all during the tournament and later at the reception at her gracious home. We had such a good time. It was great to see Bob and Nancy Mitchell Friday night.

Binnie and Pam Peay were everywhere in attendance at Institute events all weekend. I also attended the North Carolina Chapter meeting in Fayetteville in March. Over 100 alumni and VMI supporters turned out to hear Binnie speak to the state of the Institute. If you have not heard him present on this subject, make it a point to do so. I have never been more proud or more impressed with VMI! Finally, in April, I made a visit to the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, for the first time. My son, Christopher, is a visiting professor there for this year and next. I met faculty colleagues and ‘students’ (mostly full colonels). They all represented so eloquently the quality and commitment of today’s leadership. There was enthusiastic discussion about VMI from alums and others. I also got to watch Christopher run the Gettysburg Marathon, his 21st. Last, Allison Bass and I just returned from a delightful weekend in Morehead City as guests of Ware and Belle Smith. They wrote the book on gracious living, and their summer home on the Inland Waterway is gorgeous. Ware shared stories of his conversations with two women they met in their world travels who turned out to be Ware’s dates for hop weekends. Must have been midwinters, Ware! Unforgettable!”

Skip Davis: “Sharon and I have survived another winter which, once again, was hijacked by the east. We just got back from a month in Palm Desert, California, and with 130 golf courses, lots of green grass and lucrative agriculture, it will be interesting to see what it looks like with a 35 percent water use reduction being mandated. This is definitely a critical situation which also effects Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Phoenix. We had a great time in Maui for several weeks, as well. Plenty of water and always enjoy the beautiful mountains and magnificent scenery. Next adventure is a trip to Great Britain and a cruise from Edinburg to Dublin via a northern route. Looking forward to seeing the ‘whiskey islands’ and savoring a little single malt at its source! Looks to be a great historical trip, and we have grown to like cruises 2015-Issue 3

where you board and stow your luggage and the crew does the rest. We have also taken Viking cruises down the Danube and up the Rhine in the past.”

Cal Seybold: “I suggest the reunion souvenir be a very nice appropriate class plaque with the classmate’s name to which we could attach coins or some other class event designators for each subsequent reunion, i.e., 55th, 60th, 65th, 70th, etc. We will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary with a ‘bucket list’ trip to Italy in October 2015; the theme/ objective of the tour is to visit the ancient Roman structures in Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum and environs, plus the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel outside of the tour.”

Cal Seybold will be inducted into the Mount Carmel High School Alumni Foundation Hall of Fame Sept. 19, 2015.

Bob Yearout: “I had an interesting encounter with Anthony Wadell. We met while doing some work for his company.”

Stan Henning: “My interest has been Chinese martial arts history. The Chinese paid my way to present a paper on the origins and development of Taiji Boxing in October 2012. I’m working with Wong Luman, VMI history department professor, to include Chinese martial arts in her Chinese history course. My wife, Mona, and I love Hawaii, and our son lives with us in Honolulu. Our daughter lives in San Francisco with her husband and daughter.”

Rosser Bobbitt recently took an intense two day disaster first aid course. Final exam: a victim, covered by hurricane debris with a broken lower leg, heart attack and possible spinal injury. The instructor said he successfully stabilized him and didn’t damage his spine.

Don Kane: “I still do white dove releases at weddings, funerals, graduations and other ceremonies. I have 18 pure white doves that I have trained to return to my home from as far out as 50 miles. It is a fun, break-even hobby that makes people happy. Website is CeremonialDovesofTidewater.com. I also do a lot of work with my church; such as coordinating Red Cross blood drives every two months and Stop Hunger Now meal packaging events twice a year. We raise funds for and package 30,000 meals to feed hungry children at each event.

“Sandy and I visited George and Maureen

Collins for a few days in March. We had a great time golfing and fishing. I caught a large sailfish, and he still beat me in golf with no mercy.”

Monty Williams: “I will attend whatever is planned. Carol and I survived the winter even though we had some snow. We have been to Minnetonka, Minnesota, to see grandchildren and just returned from a trip to the Big Apple, where we saw several plays and concerts (at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall). We are headed to the upper peninsula of Michigan and Mackinaw Island this summer to see how much has changed since I was there in the ’60s in the Air Force. I am enjoying being three quarters of a century old, although it’s hard to believe.”

John Shelhorse: “I talk with Pat Morrison often. He and Sharon hosted a dinner party Wednesday with Dave Plageman, Weldon Eddins, Bonnie and me. We were there for Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, grilled corn on the cob and lots of good wine. Weldon is a physical specimen with no pains or artificial joints. Basketball and then baseball at a very high level in college and the Army and then nationally competitive senior tennis must be good for you. Pat and Weldon had gone to a baseball game in Lexington and then made the time to drive to West Point, Virginia, to visit Joe Gedro. Joe’s health is not as well as his wife Alice would like it to be, but they said he remembered more about the old days than they did. It was yet another example of what good brother rats do.”

In the spirit of ’62, Tony and Jerry

’63

Michael J. Curley

From Mike Smither, an email: “Mike, Bob Heath died last Tuesday, March 24, 2015. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease last April and more recently with pancreatic cancer. His wife, Lynne, wrote in part, just before he died, ‘We had a lovely ceremony on the 21st to honor him with a circle of friends who have supported us. We also renewed our vows. It was my way of acknowledging him while he was still alive. There will be 79

Class Notes no funeral service, just the service of our love for Bob.’ He was the 345th matriculate in 1959 due to a broken arm, was in E Company, and studied biology. Lee Spessard and I roomed together with Bob for the three years following our rat year. (This is testimony both to our tolerance and to his strength of character.) We will miss him. Lynne invites email correspondence (bnlheath@comcast.net) but no phone calls for now. Mike.”

Quoting from a letter from George Delk dated Sept. 8, 1967, in Vung Tao, Republic of Vietnam, to his parents: “Here’s the story.

Saw X-ray. Humerus has clean break at the midway point from a bullet. Don’t think I will have a body cast just one for my arm ...

Will probably go to Japan last of next week ... learning to work left hand. Bob Heath is here in Medical Service Corps. I’m fine, so don’t worry; will tell you more when I find a typewriter. Hi to people and car. Love, Me.” Flash forward to May 2015, George wrote: “…then came Lynn Heath’s note to Lovingston, Nelson County, Virginia (a permanent patrol base according to George), saying, ‘The Candy Man was fading and to call him, he wanted to say hello.’” George continued: “Mike Smither and I started packing for a trip south to Florida.” They weren’t to make that trip. Lynn called and set up a three-way conversation in which George made a couple promises to Bob that may become a ’63 legacy. First, Bob would always be remembered as the last matriculant of the class (arriving five days late due to a broken arm he sustained during the summer). Most importantly, Beau (George) would always remember Bob for saving his life in Vietnam by bringing him two cans of Pepsi, an aluminum mess hall pitcher filled with ice and then popping “’em” for him to replace blood lost from a gunshot two days before. (“I can still taste the aluminum,” George said.) “Bob Heath was commanding officer of Hospital Company at Vung Tao and saw my name on the arrival list Sept. 6, 1967. He came to check if anything was needed. Six days later, he shipped me to Japan.” They talked about the wondrous feat of Mike and Lynn packing him off from New Hampshire, where they all lived at the time of our 35th Reunion. “He survived the trip and returned to the Institute.” (mjc: This was Bob’s only return to VMI, and for 80

the duration, he remained a very private and somewhat reclusive man, although embraceable to those he cherished.) On March 24, “I told Lynn that Judy and I were packing to leave for Florida and would arrive the next day. 20 Minutes later, Lynn called to say Bob was gone, at peace and at ease.”

Christi Weddington has been faithfully and ably reporting Chuck’s cancer treatment progress on the Caring Bridge website www.caringbridge.com. Her latest installment makes it clear that good VMI men are always ready for good humor, even if it’s at their own expense. Christi wrote, “And most notably, his 50-year comb over is no more!

He refuses to cut the remainder of his hair, and I told him he looks like a dandelion. His self-perception of his hair has always needed a reality check. (mjc: Yup!) This was a tough way to get it, unfortunately. We have had a number of guests visit the ranch and so enjoyed each and every one. We planned a trip to Virginia this next week, but it was to be followed with a trip to Colorado and then one day after we get home from there, we will leave for MD Anderson again. We finally conceded that two long trips back to back was just too much, so we are postponing the Virginia trip until a later date so that we can relax and enjoy the visits with family and friends a lot more and spend a bit more time there. I love going to Virginia in the fall and seeing all of the beautiful fall foliage, and Chuck has expressed that a fall trip would be something he would enjoy. We continue to make plans and pray that the right treatment will become available for Chuck. This summer will bring the two brilliant and exquisite college granddaughters to Dallas – just an hour and a half away from the ranch. We plan to see a lot of them in the next few months. OK, girls, you’ve had fair warning! Granddad expects to see you a lot!”

“Mike, hope I’m not too late,” wrote Doug Sterrett. “If so, just publish it the next time around. Rachel and I are still kicking and doing well here in Boone, North Carolina.

I spent eight months being treated for an aggressive prostate cancer this past year and another five months in physical therapy to gain back my strength. Aside from that, I have been working part time as an on-call hospital chaplain for the Watauga Medical

Center. I have really enjoyed this work, as it has kept me involved in active ministry. In addition, I have been teaching adult Sunday school classes, going deeper than most. I developed a class on ‘Why We Believe the Bible is the Word of God’ (available in PDF form if you have an interest) and am now teaching an overview of ‘The Four Views of Revelations.’ This, too, will be available in a month or so. I’ve done a lot of research (on these two subjects) and hope you will find them interesting (free for the asking). Our two sons, John and Joe, continue to live in Europe. Joe suffered an aortic dissection and had major open heart surgery at the Heart Hospital of London. He is back on his feet in Denmark, where he is an assistant professor of English literature at Aarhus University. We praise the Lord for his recovery. John continues to pastor a church in northern Scotland. May our Lord bless and keep the Class of 1963!”

In Mike Smither’s “regular as clockwork” contribution to the notes, he wrote, “Spring finally arrived after a long and cold winter; not as severe as other parts of the country, but we’re glad to have the warm weather again.

Betty and I skied in Courmayeur and Zermatt in March – two weeks of great weather and food and drink and skiing. Europe is expensive, but Switzerland is very expensive.

We put a dent in our children’s inheritance but had to go while we still can.”

In a later email, Mr. Smither continued, “In November, I stayed a few days in Lexington as guest of Peggy and Steve Riethmiller and also saw the Wellses and the Wilsons. I spent most of my time on post visiting the museums, classrooms, libraries and culinary establishments. The Club Crozet manager allowed me to take breakfast and lunch there. The food is varied and very good. And, as usual, I reviewed my records in the VMI Archives ... always a treat. (The demerit list never fails to amaze me; I don’t know how I had the time to walk off all those penalty tours!) From Lexington, I traveled to Virginia Beach, staying with Ghada and Beau Walker. We joined the rest of the Tidewater crew for lunch at the Hampton Yacht Club. A good trip all in all, and gave me a much-needed dose of Virginia.”

Peg and I enjoyed Mike Smither’s company recently as he transited to Richmond from Lexington for the New Market Day VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes festivities. While in Lexington for both the Thursday parade (commanded by the rising 1st Class) and the New Market Day parade, Mike sent an email. “Mike, greetings from beautiful downtown Lexington. The Corps looks like it needs the practice it is getting, with 2nds taking over the reins. I watched practice parade yesterday afternoon and hope for improvement.

It will come. In the meantime, we are blessed with good weather so far for graduation and New Market Day ceremonies. Friday parade is at 1400 hours and I am planning to Class of 1963: At the Hobbs’ residence in Sanibel Island, Florida, meet Bill Moore, Bill Wells, Kent in April were, from left, Bobby Spence, Hobbs Goodwin, Hinton Wilson and Steve Riethmiller for Lampley, Eddie Shield, John Mills, Dusty Custer and Bobby Byrd lunch Friday before parade. Can (seated). Class Agent Michael Curley said of this photo, “Rumor has it they are planning an assault on the bars of Cuba.” you also join? Thanks for the hay and the sinks Friday night. See you soon. Mike.” (mjc: Whadaya want to bet Mike was grading lines at both parades?)

“Sally and I (Frank Allison) have sold our condo on North Hutchinson Island, Florida, effective May 15, 2015. After that, our phone and Internet at that location will be disconnected, but we still have the same cell numbers. We can still be reached at (please see the online class directory) which is our Virginia number. We will be back in Class of 1963: At a New Market Day lunch at The Palms in Lexington Virginia on the 18th of this month. were, from left, Mike Smither; Sleepy Moore; Kent Wilson; Becki and Bill Wells; and Maggie Straub ’16 and her father, Charlie Straub.

Busy, busy times! Frank and Sally.” (mjc: We’ve missed you both; welcome home!)

Pete Brunel alerted me to a serious incident involving Doug Rowe that caused Doug to withdraw from a couple of Pete’s famed fishing ventures. “Let me share some issues with all. Doug Rowe had a bad accident a few weeks ago while inflating an air rifle tank.

The compressor piston somehow ‘backfired,’ so to speak, and broke his right thumb and caused soft tissue and nerve damage to his right hand. A few days later, he was also experiencing pain in his Class of 1963: In May, Artie and Ann Phaup explored the complicated tastes of Vin de Bordeaux while visiting the region in France. elbow area. More X-rays revealed 2015-Issue 3

that the piston had entered his hand and traveled up to his elbow, where it was lodged. Initial X-rays did not show it. He then had another surgery from wrist to elbow to remove the piston.

He has been undergoing all kinds of post-op procedures, physical therapy, keeping arm elevated to heal, etc.” He continued, “We’ve talked several times in the last few weeks, and yesterday he said he had to pull the plug on both trips. Doug has had a really rough time of it. He asked his physical therapist how long it would be before he regained about 80 percent of his right hand/arm (in view of fishing and hunting trips) – estimate was six to eight more months.” (mjc: Thanks for completing Peg’s surgery first, Doug!

She looks great!)

And from Doug: “Can’t make it (to the Richmond lunch), Mike.

In the past, Tuesdays were one of my surgery days, but now they are my hand therapy days.

Hopefully at some point that will change. Doug Rowe.”

“Just received the Alumni Review and read your class notes again,” quoting another email from Pete. “Like spaghetti, it’s even better warmed over. (mjc: Wow, thanks!) You have a fabulous gift for an electrical engineer, latent English major. I relived the Earle mini. For your information, Diana and I spent three days in suburban Mount Calm, Texas, last week at the ranch! Chuck made me mow his grass, just like Earle did! For your information, yards in Texas are 2-3 acres; Chuck said two. (mjc: Chuck lies!) He chewed me out for not raising the mower deck when I got to the St. Augustine grass ... picky, picky, picky ... a perfectionist 1st Class private – isn’t that an oxymoron? He still refuses to let me use his John Deere tractor to 81

Class Notes mow the pastures. P.S., Christi makes a great gumbo! I had the pleasure of viewing his Springfield 1851 with bayonet plus the infamous Norm Skinrood officer’s belt (picture in your notes); no other photos allowed; I tried. Christi apologized for not issuing another CaringBridge update, and I told her she was doing a stellar job. (mjc: She is indeed!)

Chuck doing well; yesterday was Monday, No. 2 of 3 Monday chemo treatments. He’s Mr. Iron Man! Wanted to be at VMI New Market Day and graduation of Luke Frizzell ’15, but my May is just too full. Chuck and Christi also deferring.” (mjc: Pete, thanks, and promise me you’ll never stop writing as long as I hold this chair, OK?) The Richmond Rats bimonthly lunch here in Richmond is gaining favor as is the Swamp Rats gathering in Hampton. The response is gratifying and conversation both lively and interesting. Si Bunting wrote in response to the mass email invite, “You’re great to do this, Mike. Wish I could be there. Spoke at VE gathering at National Mall yesterday – grand occasion! Five thousand-plus in attendance honoring our veterans. Warmest, Si.” (mjc: Si and everyone, Both Swamp Rat Randy Williams and I will tell you it’s not hard to organize these types of get-togethers – certainly not when balanced with the enjoyment of attending and seeing brother rats you would otherwise not see at the big events in Lexington, for instance. I know Jim Hickerson has been hosting a group in North Carolina for a long time now, too.) Buff DeLeo also responded to the invite, “Love to come, Mike, but Billy Wray and I will be in Texas May 1015. Hopefully I can make the next one. Best to the guys and God bless, my friend. Buffer.”

As I mentioned in my earlier notes and emails, “Field of Lost Shoes” is now available on Netflix and DVD. Pam James wrote, “We thought the scene in the movie where the very young cadet was picking up shoes in the field and the black man who was the baker at VMI gave him a hug was very touching. How ironic that this young fellow had fought to defend slavery and the black man who was still a slave comforted him. The information at the end of the movie stated the baker was eventually freed and stayed on as the baker at VMI. I’m using Larry’s email to tell you we recently rented the film, “Field of 82

Class of 1963: Pictured during the 55th Reunion were, from left, Bill Shaner, Betty Ann Shaner, George Delk, Bob Heath, Garland Massey (George’s date), and Patricia and Ralph Turpin. This was Bob Heath’s only return to the Institute in over 55 years.

Lost Shoes,” and really enjoyed it. I checked some family genealogy and discovered I had a first cousin twice removed who was a cadet at VMI and fought in the Battle of New Market. He was a private in Company D. He graduated from VMI in 1867. His name was John Jett Reid (mjc: VMI Ranks actually shows him as a member of that class!)

His maternal grandparents and my paternal great-great-grandparents were Captain William and Frances Walden from Rappahannock County, Virginia. Hope this finds you and Peg enjoying some nice spring weather.

It’s allergy season here, so I’m wishing we were at a beach in Virginia or North Carolina.” (mjc: No you don’t, Pam. A recent survey tagged Virginia as the worst state in the nation for allergy sufferers!) In another email, Pam wrote, “Here in New Mexico, we have snow in the mountains where it belongs, so no shoveling. Pam and I enjoyed a week at Taos Ski Valley, and I have been skiing locally at Sandia Peak, where I ski as a ‘super senior’ with free lift tickets. Also I enjoyed a trip to Crested Butte, Colorado, with a local ski club.

Hello to all Larry’s brother rats.” (mjc: OK, now I’m envious!)

From the “you never know where you might find a brother rat department,” Gary Eifried and wife Sharon “were wandering around the Charleston, South Carolina, area and pulled into a marina at Mount Pleasant.

There were two Coast Guard Auxiliary units there, so since we are also in the Auxiliary, we stopped to say hi. After talking for a while, it turns out that one of them is our Brother Rat Bob Weskerna who left after rat year. He is now the auxiliary commodore of Coast Guard District 7. He says the he is already on your hit list, but just in case you are lacking some info, I attached a scan of his card. (mjc: Good job, Gary.) A day later I thought, ‘We should have taken a picture together,’ (mjc: YUP!) but then that was a day later. But I’m doing OK for someone recently reported as deceased.” (mjc: That’s another funny story I’ll tell later.)

This year has really been a crazy year for temperatures, hasn’t it? Harry Reed contributed, “I hope you are surviving the deep freeze. As much as I like winter, I’m ready for spring. But I’m not so sure Mother Nature is quite yet. Stay warm, brother rat. Beth and I enjoyed your lengthy and newsy class notes. I do have one correction/clarification for one item you reported. Not that I expect any correction to be printed, but for ‘truth in advertising,’ I think I should bring it up anyhow. At the pre-football game tailgate party for the game Nov. 1 (Furman at VMI), I was, as reported, at the tailgate party. And yes, I was with a ‘friend.’ But it was a very special friend, my very best friend, Beth, and wife of over 52 years. Not quite sure how she got VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes and Joan Nunnally, went on a repositioning demoted (or promoted?) to ‘friend’ status, but Chiang Mai to visit Tony and Dusadee.”

Bob O’Hara: “We’d had an unusually cruise. Tom submitted the following: “Long just want to make the record right! And since VMI won the game handily, it was a good bad winter. Livestock hold up well if they days at sea punctuated with, ‘Let’s do this,’ or weekend to be in Lexington, too. Thanks for have the feed and water. This year, even the ‘Let’s do that,’ made this cruise memoraall you do for the class and for the ‘I.’” (mjc: freeze-proof waters froze; gotta break ice ble. Butch and Joan Nunnally didn’t let each day and extra hay. All the more reason I any grass grow under their feet, nor under Sorry ’bout that, Harry.)

We end with an announcement from Den- was unable to get to Tom Allen’s service but Yvonne’s or mine – on the go morning to night. Holland America’s ship ny Marchant: “Good morning, Zuiderdam was repositioned dear friends! This email is to anfrom Ft. Lauderdale to Rome nounce to all that I am getting marsailing March 16 and reaching ried to a wonderful lady March 1, Rome March 31, with port of 2015. Her name is Mair (sounds calls at the Madeira Islands, like Meyer) Gill. Details on how Portugal and Cadiz, Malaga and we know each other will come latCartagena, Spain, before reacher. She grew up in Wales. She and ing our destination. It was my first her husband came to the Colonies transatlantic crossing – had always about 50 years ago. Her husband wanted to do it on a sailboat. died seven years ago, and Karen Butch, Joan and Yvonne took dudied two-and-a-half years ago. So, plicate bridge lessons most days she is not a 21-year-old blond after and played several days. Formal my hordes of money. Haha. Please dress nights for dinner seemed keep us in your prayers.” (mjc: Rest Class of 1963: From left, Mike Smither, Billy Bob Pearson, Artie assured, we will, Denny. Congrat- Phaup, Mike Curley, Bobby Earle, John Mills, George Delk, Beau to be a hit with everyone except ulations from us all!)

Walker and Kent McCraney at the Richmond Rats bimonthly lunch me; I didn’t dress appropriately one night and wasn’t permitted God bless us all! Please remem- at the Rumble Seat Grill in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia. into the main dining room and ber our brother rats on the gim in your prayers! grateful to you and others that did. Marilyn, apologized to my wife and friends the next my wife of 48 years, still treats me better than morning. I hope I’m forgiven for my lack of I deserve. The three children are all doing etiquette. The flight home was long, with John R. Cavedo well; jobs, health plans, 401Ks and no crimi- several hours of turbulence which sickened nal convictions. Two grandchildren that can Joan and Yvonne. We’d all recommend a do no wrong. We counteract all their parents reverse repositioning cruise if you haven’t are trying to do and then send them back done one; fly to Europe and meet the ship It seems like only yesterday, but it’s been a home to be reprogramed. Still work one to when it’s sailing for the U.S. and the Caribtwo days per week in the court system, keep bean late summer or early autumn. Gainfull year since our 50th Reunion.

Jan and Paula Rudinoff reported on their a small commercial cow herd, hunt and fish ing one hour each day instead of losing an hour is great I’m told now.” trip to Thailand in the previous class notes. when I can, but not often enough.”

I received a short email from my roommate, Bob went on to say that being close to InterThe following came in later as a prequel: “Bangkok to Krabi. We decided to take state 95 in Emporia, Virginia, he welcomes Jeff Crump, in response to an invitation to three days off from our intense Thai sight- any brother rat to stop by for a visit heading join one of our mini reunions. “I’ll be in Florida the first week in March for our softball seeing and check out Hawaii’s beach compe- either north or south (or even east and west).

In early March, Butch and Joan Nunnally spring training. Nancy and I will be staying in tition on the Andaman Coast. Paula found a great deal that included three nights, four drove over from their home near Orlando Redington Shores (just South of Clearwater). hours of massage, a day boat excursion and to spend the afternoon with us. After lunch I won’t have time to make the trip over to the a daily breakfast buffet. Ao Nang is a resort at our place, we toured our condo complex Atlantic coast to say, ‘Hi.’ So, I’ll give you a town – tour operators, souvenir shops, res- and then settled down to a game of hand and tip of my cap as I get to about your latitude taurants, massage, music and advertising in foot. Lots of fun and conversation. Departed in Florida.”

Tom Sebrell emailed, “We are leaving for Thai and English. All languages are heard with all of us promising to get together more on the street. Playing tourist is fun, and we often since we’re only an hour drive apart. Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in mid-June for enjoyed our full day boat excursion to sev- Butch and I are going to attempt to put to- a short stay before going to a ranch east of eral islands in the Andaman Sea, where we gether occasional lunches with those nine of Cody, Wyoming, called The Hideout for a week. I will be moving and sorting cattle swam and explored. Weather was perfect. us who live in Florida.

Tom and Yvonne Myers, along with Butch most of the week while Penny trail rides, It was a good break before our travel to

’64

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Class Notes maintenance efforts in the National fishes and paints. I love this work Park, where we have already paintand find it very relaxing. Penny ed and repaired 4,000 linear feet of has no desire to spend all day in fencing all by hand. We also conthe saddle. tinue to pick up trash along the state “My youngest son, Andy, just highway monthly through the park, moved from San Francisco to as well.”

Bozeman, Montana, and took a Dick Atkinson, busy as ever, sent position at Montana State Unian update. “We seemed to have versity, where he went to school. stopped with the grandchildren, We will be going to visit him and and I think I told you about the one his family in August for a week. It great-grandchild born last fall. Suwill be my first time back since he san had bilateral knee replacements graduated in 2000. I think I’m as in January that required a long conexcited about his move as he is.”

Class of 1964: Don and Margaret Carson and Bob and Cathy valescence, so we haven’t been anyGeorge Warren let me know, Warren with Don’s 1932 Ford Coupe in Florida in March 2015. where much. She was fierce about “On April 18, Paula and I joined doing the physical therapy and is Bob and Cathy Warren and now back to walking a couple of Hobbs Goodwin ’63 at the Jupimiles with the dog and me every ter Pointe Bar and Grille, in Temorning. I had a nice trip to El Paso questa, Florida, for a performance – first time there – at the invitation

by Don Carson’s rock and roll of a former student who is now diband, Déjà Vu. An appreciative rector of a Healthy Living Institute audience gave the group multiple there at the University of Texas at standing ovations, and everyone El Paso and who asked me to be had a wonderful time.” on their Scientific Advisory Board.

Don Jones, a wonderful reThen there was a trip to Boston for source on all historical things in the American Society for NutriVirginia sent the following: “The tion meeting and a very nice per150th anniversary of the events at sonal milestone – I was elected as Appomattox Courthouse are now a Fellow of ASN; a great honor. A behind us. The commemoration was a resounding success with Class of 1964: At the 2015 presentation of the New Market Cadet colleague from Brazil came for the Legacy Award were, from left, Cliff Crittsinger; Cadet Jacob S. over 50,000 people in attendance Mizrahi ’15, award recipient; and Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, meeting and he and his wife joined Susan and me at Woods Hole for over the five days of events. In all, VMI superintendent. Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin. a few days. They were very imthere were 86 events throughout pressed with Cape Cod and complimentary the community. I spent the entire five days “Over the upcoming New Market weekin the National Park greeting many of the end, we will be hosting a tour being called of the American way of life and science, a visitors and answering their questions. On ‘The Appomattox Campaign,’ which is an serious discussion we had during the visit. I the first day of events, I met a couple with all-inclusive three day tour of Lee’s Retreat leave for the European Congress on Obesity a very strong Gaelic accent and discovered from Richmond/Petersburg. I have three re- in Prague Monday, May 3, and will get to see they were from Northern Scotland, the home nowned park historians as my guides and ac- several colleagues there with whom I am of my ancestors, and on their first visit to cess to places where most commercial tours doing a very interesting research project. the United States. Needless to say, I was do not go. Due to local college graduations, A grandson visited from Montana and I speechless when they told me that. Over we had to plan this tour for the New Market drove him up to VMI, Washington and Lee University and the University of Virginia. the balance of the event, I met many great weekend. people from all over the world and most of “In late August, we will begin a trip west He thought the VMI architecture was very all from the majority of the states. Diana with our first stop in St. Louis, where I have interesting and beautiful. (Is he crazy?) A split her time between the Museum of the two National Car Club Board meetings, California college likely will snap him up, Confederacy and the National Park, where and then off for a western adventure to visit but reading up on the Institute to tell him she managed the author’s tent for the Ap- friends and family, lasting for at least a month. about it made me appreciate it all over pomattox 1865 Foundation. This founda- Diana has never been west of the Mississippi, again (not being there, being from there).

“Recently, after hitting a decent drive, I tion is the fundraising arm of the park since so it is going to be a great time. they cannot do it themselves.

“In our spare time, we will continue our managed to hit a new five wood straight for 84

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes the first time ever and from a long way away landed on the green about 5 feet from the flag.

I was putting for a potential birdie and three putted – such is life. Garber, Sykes, McVey and I are planning a golf weekend this summer with all the usual trash talk. Garber will always be in the water, I will always be in the woods, McVey is lucky to drive past the lady’s tees and Sykes takes two days to play a round.”

Dan DeForrest passed on more information. “I am not sure that you reported on the mini reunion of room 141 last fall. I met with Charlie Suiter and Ron (the Tasmanian Devil) Rogers at Charlie’s home in Virginia Beach. The three of us roomed together for three years, and this was the first time we had all been together since 1964. My roomies were not able to attend the reunion last April due to some health problems Sylvia and Beverly had been experiencing. Taz and Charlie have aged gracefully and look nonethe-worse for wear.

“Following the Florida mini, Barb and Tony Munera visited with us in St. Petersburg. We went for walks, stayed up late and had a grand time. Sandy and I have started our annual trek north to our summer hunting grounds in upstate New York. We are at son Matt’s doing a little painting and electrical stuff. We are taking a slight detour through Indiana to help son Dan prep his house for sale. We are very happy to report that Dan is going to move to St. Petersburg in the next few months. When we leave Indianapolis for New York, I hope to be able to arrange a lunch time meeting with the Brittinghams and Hopkinses, as we will be passing through Columbus. The big family news is that daughter Michelle and son-in-law Jason are expecting twins toward the end of July. That means an abbreviated summer in New York for Sandy and me and a life changing event for Michelle and Jason who will become first time parents at the tender age of 45.”

In a subsequent email, Dan said, “Bill and Marion Garber came down for the St. Petersburg Grand Prix. We also took a day and visited the Ringling Museum in Sarasota.

They are trying to convert me to an auto racing fan. It was enjoyable going to the race with someone who knew what was going on. Sandy is going to attend next year.”

2015-Issue 3

Michael Degman sent his own chamber of commerce appeal with lots of reasons for visiting Alaska. “Ice breakup started on our rivers about three weeks ago. Today, there is no snow or ice in sight, just many low ‘earth’ heaps lying about here and there. Very hungry bears will soon be coming out of hibernation. Today, everything is brown in color.

Temperatures are in the low 30s at night and the middle 50s during the day. Spring has sprung, Alaskan style. Next we will be seeing tourists again.”

Sherrel and I have been to Alaska three times. First via an Inland Passage cruise from Vancouver, then a two month motor home trip in 1993 and finally a week visiting our son who was stationed about 100 miles south of Fairbanks. An absolutely gorgeous state.

We adapted a phrase: “Scenic overload.”

Bob Warren, a recent part-time resident of Florida, brought me up to date: “As you know, Cathy and I just finished our first winter in the Sunshine State. We bought a villa in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, last year and decided to share our time between Florida and New Hampshire. We had the pleasure of being able to spend time with Don and Margaret Carson, who are only a short distance away in Tequesta, and George and Paula Warren in Boynton Beach. Margaret was very helpful in introducing us to all the consignment shops in the Palm Beach area when we were furnishing our villa. We attended the mini reunion in Jupiter, Florida, sponsored

by Don and Margaret Carson for the first time and enjoyed spending time with all the brother rats and wives who were able to be there. During the mini, we hosted John and Sherrel Cavedo, along with Bill and Marion Garber. Bill and Dyan Crone stopped in for a ‘fly by’ en route to the mini. In early April, we drove to Key West, where our son, David, lives and spent a day sailing around the Island and enjoying the island cuisine. On April 20, we began our migration back to New Hampshire. We had the opportunity to visit with several brother and sister rats along the way.

We began in Savannah with an overnight at the beautiful home of Tom and Penny Sebrell on Skidaway Island and continued on to Charleston for a brief visit. Next, we stopped over in Greenville, North Carolina, at the home of our daughter, Kelly, where we

were faced with a significant ‘mommy and daddy do’ list. While in Greenville, Cathy, Kelly and I had dinner with Bill and Marion Garber in a great restaurant in New Bern, North Carolina. After Greenville, we headed for Portsmouth, Virginia, and my 55th high school reunion. From there, we went to Yorktown and spent a night with Bill and Betsy Taylor in their stately abode above the York River. Their home is actually in the battlefield of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. From Yorktown, it was on to Totuskey Creek off the Rappahannock River in Warsaw, Virginia, and the ‘rivah’ cabin of John and Ronnie Thornton. We were joined at the ‘rivah’ by Walt Sykes, who hosted Buzz and Jane Birzenieks at his ‘rivah’ cabin, which is only a short boat ride away. We are now back in New Hampshire, where we are ready to engage in mowing, house painting and completing the greens on the nine hole golf course we began last year.”

I had two nice, long conversations just this week. Jim and Joyce Brittingham continue to do battle with Joyce’s cancer. She is thriving; primarily due to a wonderful support group of family and friends and excellent medical care.

Bill and Dyan Crone have sold both of their homes – a condo in Portsmouth and a beach house on the Outer Banks. They’ve replaced both with a single house facing the sound just a few minutes from their former beach house.

Bill had a medical issue while attending the mini reunion at the Carson’s in February and is trying to get surgery scheduled. Nothing life threatening; just painful.

Cliff Crittsinger has never paused in his efforts on the New Market Cadet Legacy Award. At my request, he sent in a report on the situation. He continues to work hard to assure the award does, in fact, continue indefinitely. “I am writing this update on the CNMLA as I sit in one of the guest rooms of Moody Hall. I am on my latest semiannual drive from Denver as I work with the Class of 2015 in selecting the next recipient of the award. This is the first year it will be presented during the Institute Awards Ceremony, which was held two days before graduation.

“Several BRs have asked, ‘Why do you do this?’ Well, I knew this would be necessary from the beginning. As most alums will 85

Class Notes agree, it takes at least a full generation of cadets (four classes) to establish a tradition at VMI. This is especially true when you look at the CNMLA, and I am committed to seeing it through as necessary.

“You may recall that this is the only 1st Class award where BRs vote on the winner. In order for it to survive, the Corps of Cadets has to take full and complete ownership of the entire process since the Institute is not involved in oversight.

“During my visits, I meet with the General Committee and Selection Committee chairman of the three upper classes to discuss how to refine and improve the overall process. This year, I was fortunate to add the GC of the 4th Class of 2018, since they had been recently elected. I also continue to meet with those staff and faculty who have peripheral involvement such as the commandant, superintendent’s chief of staff, the 1st Class adviser and Col. Keith Gibson ’77, who is the executive director of VMI museum system.

“Last fall, Tom Davis and I met with the new dean, Brigadier General Smith ’79, to brief him on the award since he is in charge of the awards ceremony where it will be presented. He applauds the initiative taken by ’64 in creating the CNMLA and has called it the ‘missing cadet award.’ He loves the entire concept, the criteria and the underlying brother rat theme! We truly have a ‘friend in court’ for many years to come!

“As an aside, I am also working on supporting an initiative originated by George Rapport to have The Cadet newspaper room named after Frank Frosh, the only VMI alumnus to have been killed in combat as a correspondent. The rising cadet editor-in-chief is someone I have been following since his rat year, and he is 110 percent 86

Class of 1964: John and Sherrel Cavedo, left, with Lauranne and W.J. Kitchen in Kyoto, Japan, in June.

Class of 1964: Butch and Joan Nunnally and Yvonne and Tom Myers in the Roman Colosseum March 2015.

Class of 1964: At a restaurant in Thailand in March 2015, were, from left, Joe Chompaisal, Bill Bandy, Mary Jo Jordan, Pongsri Chompaisal, and Lauranne and W.J. Kitchen.

behind the initiative. I have also discussed this with the new commandant, and he is reviewing the space situation in barracks since next year will see a record number of cadets entering the Institute. Finally, I have met numerous times with the faculty adviser to The Cadet and he also is 110 percent behind this, regardless of the fact that he is not a grad! All said, there is no guarantee here as a number of challenges lie ahead.

My final comment goes to all BRs. The CNMLA fund needs your support in order to get it to the $50,000 level and attain full endowment status. At the moment, it is slightly over $15,000. I ask those of you who continue to send annual donations to VMI to consider a portion be directed to this fund.

Thank you.”

If you haven’t received at least two dozen emails from me, W.J. Kitchen and Tony Munera over the past 12 months regarding opportunities for mini reunions, that means you have not opted to be on the list of those wishing to be informed of such fabulous trips.

The Class of 1964 probably travels as a class more than any other 10 classes combined. The variety is virtually endless. From as few as two or three couples to as many as 40 people, have joined to travel to places near and far. Some expensive, once-in-a-lifetime trips and some very inexpensive get-togethers in places of interest, historical and cultural. And for those who like to travel with friends, we encourage you to go on one of these trips and invite along neighbors, friends or family. We travel so often that our group travel costs are well below industry standards. Just this year through the end of April, there have been four trips. Between now and December are six additional amazing opportunities.

If you would like to be added to VMI Alumni Review

Class of 1965: Present at the reunion were Granville R. Amos, David W. Arensdorf, John W. Ayres II, John M.B. Baillio, Harry J. Bartosik Jr., Richard L. Belt, Richard Bernstein, Fred T. Bishopp Jr., Melvin D. Brannan, Henry H. Brant, Jan C. Brueckmann, Joseph E. Bush, David W. Bywaters II, William H. Cather Jr., Wayne D. Chiles, Frederic W. Cochran, Duane L. Conques, Jack C. Cook Jr., Frank E. Crawley III, Donald L. Cummings, Augustine I. Dalton Jr., Robert H. Deaderick Jr., Thomas Dickinson Jr., Hugh C. Dowdy Jr., William K. Dunham Jr., Benjamin C. Dyer, James G. Earnest III, Larry P. Egan, Carl A. Ennis, Gordon B. Eubank, Russell S. Evans Jr., James C. Farley Jr., Thomas A. Finn, John G. Fitzgerald, Clifford B. Fleet Jr., David G. Frantz, John W. Frazer Jr., Michael P. Friski, J. Jeff Gausepohl, William R. Gedris, William P. Gibson, A. Ted Goodloe II, Conrad M. Hall, Caleb L. Hall Jr., James H. Hall, James M. Hammond, Eric M. Hart, Avery M. Hash Jr., Charles T. Hemphill Jr., Marshall Henry III, Bruce E. Herczogh, David K. Hillquist, Danny A. Hogan, James L. Hogler, Charles P. Hough, Thomas W. Howard, Winston O. Huffman, C. Carr Hyatt III, C. Ron Hylton, Stephen L. Irving, Richard W. Johnson, Godwin Jones, Kenneth R. Jordan, John M. Jordan Jr., David T. Kiger, John W. Knight III, Edgar C. Knowling, Joseph A. Kruse, Albert L. Lahendro, Robert M. Law, Thomas J. Lennon, Thomas S. Lilly, Imre Lipping, William E. Loughridge, J. Eugene Marshall, John M. Marshall, Richard C. Marshall Jr., Douglas D. Mathews, James K. Maurer, Joseph H. Mayton Jr., Daryl S. McClung Jr., Irwin H. McCumber, Reed D. McDowell, John S. McEwan II, Robert L. McMahon, F. Brian McNeil, Easley L. Moore Jr., Robert I. Morgan, Richard P. Moring, John W. Mountcastle, William A. Murphy III, Charles F. Nelson, Joseph W. Nichols, Peter A. Norton, John J. O’Keefe III, Ronald L. Obenchain, Robert R. Palmer, F. Byron Parker Jr., Michael R. Patterson, Gregory P. Paynter, Ronald D. Petitte, Harold M. Popewiny, James R. Porterfield Jr., Charles D. Price III, Ernest A. Pritchard Jr., Russell C. Proctor III, John R. Prosser, Norman D. Radford Jr., Stevens L. Ramsey, John Read, W. Gregory Robertson, Lawrence L. Rose, Gary S. Ross, Charles A. Russell Sr., William F. Ryan Jr., John C. Scafer, Wilmore S. Scott Jr., Warren P. Self, Michael L. Sexton, James G. Sherrard, Donald W. Sherwood, P. Phillip Shu, E. Jack Shuler, C. Louis Siegel Jr., James J. Sinclair, N. Stephen Smith, Charles E. Smith, Henry C. Smith III, Robert M. Southworth, Walton D. Stallings Jr., Douglas A. Stephens, Yates Stirling IV, Joseph S. Straub, Frank H. Sullivan, Marlin L. Sweigart, William G. Swindell, Donald H. Sylvester, Floyd T. Taylor III, Evert S. Thomas III, W. Douglas Thomas, James D. Thompson, W. R. Thompson Jr., Herbert Thornton Jr., Peter L. Trible, Victor L. Tucker Jr., James E. Turner Sr., Larry S. Umberger, Frederick O. Viele II, Robert Walker III, Byron W. Walker II, Nathaniel P. Ward IV, Richard E. Waters, Harwood Watkinson Jr., Robert E. Whaley, Donald T. White, Curtis W. White, William J. Wilburn II, John R. Wilkerson, Jeffrey A. Wilkins, Robert A. Wilkinson Jr., Douglas H. Williams, M. Anderson Williams, F. Henry Wittel Jr., James R. Workman, John G. Yager and Karl F. Zeller.

Class Notes

50th Reunion – April 20-21, 2015

The Class of 1965

2015-Issue 3

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Class Notes what we call our “mini reunion email” list, call or write me (my phone and address are at the top of these notes).

Thanks to those above who responded to my plea for class note input. For the rest of you, without hearing from you, there is nothing to report. Who among you wants to be responsible for an Alumni Review with no Class of ’64 news?

’65

Mickey Finn

Let me open these notes with thanks in appreciation for the leadership and members of Lou and Harry’s teams, including last minute volunteers! The 50th Reunion was a wonderful time for all. The turnout was 20 percent higher than planned and 40 percent higher than at any of our previous reunions! My thanks to all who came, because you made it time well spent for everyone you came into contact with.

From William “Scottie” Doane: “Hi, Mick, Thanks for the photo; I’ll send a note to Speedo Thomas and thank him for passing it on. Also, you should know you inspired me to get in touch with a few bro rats, specifically Frank Crawley, John Yager and Joe Kruse. I’ve traded lots of emails with Frank, a few with John and a phone call with Joe. Frank and John were physics major buddies, while Joe was a roomie. Frank and I also attended one year of graduate school together at the College of William and Mary.

“So, thanks to you for getting all this started! If you hadn’t called me last fall, I wouldn’t have taken the initiative to contact anyone. Now that contact has been made, it has been great recalling some of the fun times from 50 years ago with each of them. Frank lives in Greenville, North Carolina, a few hours from my father in Edenton, North Carolina. So I will probably see my dad and Frank sometime before Thanksgiving. I know you have lots of contact with so many more of our brother rats and are about to have a fun reunion! Have a great time!”

From my roomie Dave Thompson: “It 88

was good to see you this past weekend, even though we didn’t have much time to talk. Jewel remarked that you looked tired Sunday afternoon, and I hope you’ve had some ‘me’ time since then. Sounds like you have a busy May coming up.

I’ve attached some thoughts about our reunion and the state of the Institute today. Unfortunately, I felt like the place has morphed into something I hardly recognize. That applies to the physical plant and the Corps of Cadets. But, then, things have never been what they were. I imagine the first graduating class would be struck dumb if they could walk the grounds and see the Corps today.

“Everyone on the reunion committee did an outstanding job. This reunion was special. I particularly enjoyed talking to Duane Conques and Richard Timmons.

We sat with Nat Ward, Fred Viele, Phil Shu and Ron ? (forgive my memory) Saturday night. I had never had an extended conversation with any of them, so it was an experience that really made the reunion special. Take care, old friend (and roomie). Hope to see you at the next one.”

Willard Thompson commented about the reunion: “So many memories, reestablishing contact with so many BRs is a highlight. I am most impressed on how well our class has done since graduation.

We as a class have been positive contributors to society. I also was impressed with the positive changes to the educational and physical training experience for cadets.”

Larry Rose felt “the parade, the parade, the parade and following Old Yell! I was so happy they un-canceled the parade as the rain held off ... it was truly a great sight to see the new band and all the new companies march by the stands.”

Ron Obenchain agreed. “Watching the flawless, to my eyes, Corps parade and especially standing at attention with my brother rats for the first time in 50 years and with them saluting the colors during the playing of the national anthem.”

Jack Mountcastle was in a unique spot.

“Thanks so much for all of your hard work on this wonderful reunion! I think my favorite moment was seeing General

Peay ’62 step out of his office, look up at the sky and give sort of a papal wave of his hand. The rain stopped, the parade took place and we had a great time giving our Old Yells in the courtyard.”

Larry Umberger has a list of his highlights from the reunion. “First, the round of golf with Jack Cook, Irwin McCumber and Bob Law. They even used a couple of my shots – amazing. Second, having three sit down meals together was great.

It provided an opportunity for a long time of sharing with one another with Ken Jordan, Bill Gibson and Doc Huffman.

Don’t ask me to remember details though.

Third, it was also great to see so many of you and the brief conversations with a number of you. Fourth, Fi and I decided to do extra and go to the chapel service Sunday. We sat with a brother rat who shared three different very difficult things, and that having a relationship with God because of what Jesus Christ had done for him had brought him through those times.

And last, thanks to all who made our 50th a time to remember!”

This email from Conrad Hall to Harry Bartosik summed up a lot of the feelings Harry’s committee had for him. “Harry, your devoted committee enjoyed and appreciated and now misses, I might say, your direction, frequent contact and leadership. You made each of us feel important in spite of evidence to the contrary and occasional missteps in follow through. There is nothing like a tank commander to get the job done!

“The pre-eminent question now is how this ‘chair’ will work at the time of the evening when a cocktail is in order, preferably one containing gin or another, regrettably, of one’s preference. Depending on its location and proximity to the bar, utilization over the next few weeks will give us the answer.

Our reunion was one of life’s most memorable events. You made us proud to be members of the Class of 1965. In the everlasting spirit of the VMI Class of 1965 and as a brother rat, respectfully, Conrad.”

Barry Walker shared a secret here-to-for unknown. “You present us with a conundrum. I’m sure most of us would say the VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes one best ‘memory’ of the reunion was revisiting with our roommates and other friends from the class. Plus, there are many other memories which would rank as ‘the one best.’ Another great memory for me was the bike ride I took along Maury River Road, over to Steele’s Tavern and Vesuvius, back down to Buena Vista and back to the hotel. While at VMI, I hid my bike in the clothing store and would get it out on the weekends to ride around the countryside wearing just a sweatsuit so no one would know I was from VMI and out of uniform. This time, I didn’t have to hide.”

Bill Murphy provides this thoughtful recollection: “This is a tough one. The memory? I am sure that I was not alone for that moving memorial service in J.M. Hall, but, with all the tears in my eyes, I couldn’t tell how many others were present. There was one memory, which was unique. I can still remember forming for SRC, when 2nd Battalion was on the west side of barracks on cold, half-lit winter nights and hearing Binny Peay’s [’62] voice as battalion commander. [Nothing against Ed Carlson ’62, but many of us felt that if he had been tall enough to be in “A” Company, Binny Peay might have been the first captain.] Anyhow, here goes: It was my great honor and pleasure, on the edge of the parade ground, just before our Saturday morning parade, to have a few moments alone with General Peay, during which time I thanked him for the 150th anniversary New Market medallion which he sent me over Christmas (I was the first sergeant for the VMI Civil War Roundtable reenactors for the centennial battle reenactment on the Bushong Farm, near New Market, commanded by Ray Carpenter). I also told him that when his name appeared in the news (e.g., Commander of the “Screaming Eagles” in Desert Shield/Desert Storm; vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army; commander in chief, U.S. Central Command; etc.), I would turn to the man near me and proudly announce, ‘That’s my old battalion commander.’ I also thanked him for the advice and counsel he provided to me when I was preparing the 2005 U.S. Naval 2015-Issue 3

War College Symposium, ‘Where Do We Go from Here in the War on Terror?’ to include books recommended to be in the personal library of a military professional.

The most significant part of our conversation came at the end, when I presented him, on behalf of all of us, a VMI Class of 1965 coin. His warmly sincere appreciation, when he shook my hand and then examined the coin, will always be with me. [Thank you, Mickey, for the coins. BZ - well done.] The truth is that there was so much left undone, despite our actionpacked reunion, that I will not wait five years for my next return visit to VMI.” Jack Wilkerson’s comment was thoughtful: “My favorite memory of the reunion was talking to members of our class and their wives and hearing a little how their lives had ‘played its way out’ over the 50 years since graduation. I was especially touched how God had called many to serve in ministry, hear the success stories and great accomplishments and contributions of so many in our class ... Thanks again to the committee, as I believe it might have been our best!”

From Johnny Jordan, a reconnection: “My most cherished memory will be reconnecting with my roommate of three years, Doug Williams, and his wife, Anne, who Glenda and I had not seen since their wedding in early January 1966.

Doug and I were the fortunate ones who roomed with Jim ‘Moon’ Porterfield for most of our time at VMI, and I am sincerely grateful for all of the kind and deservedly good words that have been said and written about Jim in the last several months. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention being with Jan Brueckmann and Tommy and Mary Howard, who have been good friends of ours for many years.

The fact that the Class of ’65 was so well represented is something that should give all of us great satisfaction.”

Doug Matthews had to leave early but was so glad he attended. “Sorry I was unable to see you at the reunion. There were many I intended to locate and chat with, but there was so much going on I did not get to see all those I intended to find. I did see several of the BRs who were unexpected, and the

entire event was a real treat and it brought back a lot of memories. I did manage to see several of the class who I have had occasional contact with and that was very enjoyable even if the contact was brief.

“I was apprehensive about showing up for the reunion since I had not been to any of the others and had only an occasional interaction with any of the class. I told my wife about this, and she said not to worry, and she was right. I was very warmly greeted by everyone I reacquainted with, whether we remembered each other or not. Yes I am part of the Class of ’65 and will always be proud of the Institute and the Class of ’65.

“We had to leave after the class photo Saturday, which was not part of our plan.

On the way up to Lexington Thursday, I started feeling a little strange, and by Friday morning, I knew I was under the weather. By Friday night, I told my wife, Jane, that we should leave after the picture taking in the morning, as I would not even make it to the evening events. Once we were home Saturday, I was in bed for three days. I hated missing Saturday night, as I was

Class of 1965: John Cocke enjoying his passion of kite flying in Topsail Island, North Carolina.

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Class Notes hoping to track down everyone I had not found yet.

“As I said, seeing those BRs I had bumped into or communicated with from time to time was a highlight. Perhaps my biggest highlight was locating one of my roommates for the two years that I was there. We called him Richard back then, but when I looked in the Bombs in the library, he was going by Dick Bernstein. He, Jimmy Watkins (James Michael Watkins III) and I were roommates. I was disappointed that Jimmy was not there, but from pre-reunion information, he seems to be out of touch. If anyone knows his whereabouts, I’d love to contact him.

“For all those BRs who busted their rears to make this all happen, I’ll join the chorus singing praise to you guys. I know it was a lot of work and work well done. Kudos also to the Institute and the efforts they put into these events. It makes it almost a family affair. Best wishes to all and looking forward to the 55th.”

Lynn McMahon compiled this thoughtful comment on what the reunion was to him. “After almost opting out of our reunion, I was convinced by the huge number of brother rats who were making the trek back to the Institute that I, too, needed to be there. I am so glad I was a part of the reunion. It was the event of a lifetime, and I want to thank all of you who made this weekend so special. There were so many events which stand out, but I have three that are really memorable. It was great to see all my roommates, but I missed John Prosser, who had to travel back to Winchester to open the big Apple Festival in Winchester – at least, that is how I heard it. It was great to see Joe and Kitty Bush after 50 years. I need to mention that Joe was my best man, so maybe it was just 49 years. I was also glad that John Read, or Johnny as he is now known by, traveled all the way from New Mexico to join us. Great to see you, Johnny! The second thing that stands out is that my dyke, J.B. Meadows ’68, traveled down from Fredericksburg to see the boys from Club ’60. It was also great to renew old friendships, and thanks also to Tom and Lynn Lennon for taking good care of Jayne and me. But my favorite thing was to ‘parade’ with the Class of ’65 and enter the ‘old courtyard’ for a fantastic Old Yell ceremony.

I was in awe of all the Corps that had gathered with us to celebrate our reunion. I must admit, the Corps has not changed, even if some of the rules are a bit different. I was never more proud to be a graduate, and I must admit that the females in

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the Corps have earned their stripes and add some refinement to the Corps which was missing when we were there. Thanks to all for an unforgettable time.”

Donny White related, “Seeing so many brother rats that I haven’t seen in a long time brought back great memories of barracks life and the fun we had. I especially liked Saturday night. Easley Moore did a great job, particularly with the band. The music was great and reminded me of Moose Lodge parties and even frat parties that we crashed next door. I think captain AMO and his partner would have been on that dance floor all night. I thought Bruddy Bailo’s wife, Nancy, was the best dancer and even made Butch Hemphill look like he knew what he was doing out there.

I asked Rick Timmons if he had forgotten our many transgressions our 1st Class year, and he said that he still had his little black book. The golf tournament was a success – all 48 golfers showed up and we had a great time. The foursome of Fred Bishop, Peggy King, Reed McDowell and Ann McDowell were the winners of the golf tournament’s first flight, while Lou Siegel, Gene Marshall, Phil Shu and Charlie Russell were the second flight winners. J.J. O’Keefe won the closest to the pin for his great shot (4 feet 7 inches) on hole No. 2. The winner of the long drive roomed in 168 50 years ago. I promise our next golf tourney will be just as much fun but not nearly as complicated. Lou and Harry, you are the best!”

Dave Kovach told of a truly memorable moment for him. “My best memory of this 50th was a mini reunion the night before the festivities started. Don and Karolyn Cummings came through Bluefield, and we were able to have dinner together and some great conversation about current and old times. Haven’t seen Don since he was a TAC officer at VMI. What a great evening. Also, I put my VMI coin on the table, and Don didn’t have his! But I paid for dinner anyway; my hand was quicker when the bill came. My best to all.”

Floyd Taylor was short and on target. “I had a grand time. My respect for and pride in the Institute has been unwavering and well placed. The Class of ’65 is still something special. Rah Virginia Mil!” Carl Ennis: “Mickey, sitting here reflecting on the wonderful experience that was our 50th Reunion, I would like to echo your thoughts on the job done by Harry, Lou and all of the rest of the folks who labored long and hard and with such dedication. I will cherish and remember fondly

the time spent with our brother rats. As far as one special memory ... that is a difficult choice.

However, I do clearly remember standing on the Parade Ground as the Corps passed in review and in the background seeing House Mountain.

That scene evoked so many memories of experiences as a cadet. Secondly, it was very special to meet up with my roommate, Jackie Shuler, after 50 years. Wow! I would be remiss if I did not also thank you for your efforts as our class agent all these years. Again, what a great weekend spent with a very special group of people.”

Tommy Howard forwarded his most cherished memory. “Of course it has to be how great it was seeing how long our BR friendships have lasted, followed closely by how grateful all were for the committee’s hard work putting everything together. (Especially Vicki Gausepohl’s work all the way from California – she deserves a sidewalk brick. How’d she marry that guy?) I know that the future mini reunions and the 55th will be better.”

Doug Stephens sent his thanks and perspective.

“First and foremost, I want to thank you, Lou, Harry and the team of brother rats who made the 50th Reunion a very enjoyable experience for me and Linda. All the arrangements, the events and activities were well planned, and everything seemed to run very smoothly from our involvement. I know that a lot of time and effort on the part of you all was needed to make it turn out with the results it achieved, and I can’t thank all of you enough for what you did. The Class of 1965 is the best of the best!

“My memory of the weekend there will be the fellowship and personal discussions with many brother rats after being out of touch for the 50 years and listening to what they have done and accomplished up to this time. The VMI experience certainly does prepare one for the challenges of adult life, and I was very happy to talk with many about their experiences and what they have done. Again, many thanks for what you have done over the years to keep us together as a class and informed about everyone and everything. You certainly are the ‘glue’ that binds us together.”

Joe Straub added to these notes: “Mickey, hope I’m am not too late! Before discussing the memories, thank you and all the fellows that put it together. What an effort. And a special thanks to Harry Bartosik for his leadership. Also, thanks to General Hogan for getting 28 of 32 B Company men to return. ’65,’65,’65.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes “Here are some reunion memories, as I wait for the Master of Business Administration degree walk my son will make this afternoon in Phoenix, Arizona. It was great seeing all my 1st Class roomies: Tom Lilly, Jimmy Earnest, Ed Knowling and Mike Sexton. Tom, Jimmy and I spent all four years together. The three of us teamed up with Carr Hyatt to not lose the golf tournament, and had the handicaps applied, we probably had a shot at winning.

“I never tire of Ben Dyer stories: ‘No. 19 and Doctor Carroll, that is R.P. Carroll, ma’am,” Butch Everett and Captain Ridgeway, Easley and Captain Drudick, Blackjack with Jimmy and Tom, and the numerous stories of B Company’s Billy Riddick. Oh, and I almost forgot Judge Trible’s scaring the wits out of Charlie Snead’s clients in his courtroom and the rude awakening all our rat football players had at the loss of General Amos’ three front teeth. I can still hear Coach McKenna shout, ‘Yo, move it down 10 – keep playing.’ I am starting a collection of these jewels and have some dozen or so. They will be published in an e-book and also print. Please send yours to joestraub@mac.com.”

Chuck Hough did a great job pulling the available class data together for the reunion booklet. His remarks provide a wonderful closing story to our 50th Reunion. “The Sunday after our reunion, Ted Goodloe, his wife, Veronica, and I went to Lynchburg to visit John Cocke’s widow, Joan. We attended services at the Fort Hill United Methodist Church where John and Joan were married Aug. 19, 1965. We enjoyed lunch with Joan and her mom and shared our memories of many good times together. John and Joan enjoyed vacationing at Topsail Island, North Carolina. One of John’s passions was flying kites. Enclosed is a photo taken of John by one of their neighbors. He was known as the kite man. Mickey, Here is my memory of our 50th.

‘We are one!’”

Standing together as a class once again in the courtyard lead by our president, Lou Siegel, our vice president, Phil Shu, and our historian, Greg Robertson, we began the Old Yell for our class supported by ‘Proctor’s Virginia Battery, the Princess Anne Light Artillery.’ With Russell Proctor in command and color bearer Jeff Gausepohl standing tall while Bruddy Bailio and Richard Morning fired the volleys. Standing next to 1st Capt. Richard Timmons, I found myself thinking of the earlier service in Jackson Memorial

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Hall, of those who proceed before us, with all assembled that day for celebration of our class, the VMI Class of ’65, I was humbled and honored to be a member of the finest group of men I have ever been associated with. I shall not forget that moment and so it becomes my one best memory of our 50th Reunion. ’65, ’65, ’65!

In closing, here are two poems written for the Class of 1965.

I know you, the one-of-a-kind smile when one brother rat first sees another.

I remember like it was yesterday and my smile tells the story.

You smile back with pride and acknowledgement.

Remember the time ... the voices speak those most familiar refrains.

We are one.

Let us honor your spirit; the voices resonate through J.M. Hall.

Listen to the presentation of our gift; the voice booms pride and gratitude.

Sound adjutant’s call! The voice touches us deep in our subconscious.

The Corps of today marches, followed by the Corps of yesterday.

In our soul, we see the pass in review of all who marched since 1839 to those who will follow for generations to come.

We are one.

We smile when the photographer points our way.

In silence the hearts voices say, “I remember you and miss you, brother rat.” ’65! ’65! ’65! Hear the echo of the youthful voices from 50 years ago.

A cannon volley and all turn in celebration for the spirit cemented in our character.

We are one.

By Chuck Hough The Class of 1965 It started Sept. 13, 1961.

Haircuts, yelling, uniform fitting, rules, rules, rules.

We marched – everywhere.

We strained – all the time.

We set a record for time in the rat line.

Old barracks, new barracks, Red, the PX, pay phones, and open mailboxes.

We studied sleep deprived.

GC, EC, RDC, fifth stoop, trifling, drive the steps, chin in, chest out, rack ’em back,

“What’s for dinner?”

CQ, CCQ, FEI, SMI, stick checks.

BRC, DRC, SRC, training tables, air raid drills, square meals, sit on the edge, double time in and out.

Demerits and dykes.

Rat Bibles, blue books, suspenders and garters.

TAC officers, OD, OG, FTX, reveille, and taps.

PT on the stoops, company time, drill, drill, drill.

Air the hays, rack time, LA Beach, slide rules.

Go on pledge, mixers, hops, Thanksgiving VPI game, burn the woolies.

Memories pass in review.

We lived it all.

We survived it all.

Brother rats.

We are the Old Corps, certified June 13, 1965.

By Dave Thompson

’66

Albert Conner

As I write these lines, I’m happy on several levels. All kinds of activities are flying around related to our 50th Reunion April 20-24, 2016. As ’65 has completed their reunion, it will soon be time for us to “stand in the door!” So far, the only glitch encountered is the continuing problem of a lack of current email addresses for each of you. This is further complicated on my end by new computer difficulties in sending out my old mailing lists. On my most recent attempt to forward a reunion message from Woody Sadler with a questionnaire and tentative event schedule, I had to type in or key in each name from the latest list I have from the VMI Foundation or my individual contact list. Fortunately, the Foundation is helping us with regular mailing, so you’ll get the primary correspondence no matter what. However, you’ll be missing earlier emailing unless you’re on the list. You’ll be getting several contacts from BRs listed below for a variety of topics and thus it is critical that for VMI Foundation and your proud class agent to have both your email and regular mailing address for you to get all necessary communications.

The most important activity that needs to be going on is your making plans and preparations to attend our final official reunion and take your place among the BRs and SRs of ’66. This is the one that counts, as we say, and everyone is welcome and needed to close the circle. Here are the committee

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Class Notes reports. They will give you some idea of the large numbers involved and where we currently stand.

The Reunion Committee or “Team Lexington,” is headed by Woody and Lori Sadler, with BRs Cliff Martin, Eddie Willis, Al Carr and Paul Maini. This committee is scheduling and arranging all of the main events and interacting with the Alumni Association.

A tentative schedule of events has been worked out and sent to BRs via email. Activities begin Wednesday, April 20, 2016. We will be based at the newly renovated Natural Bridge Hotel beginning April 20 and registration continues throughout the reunion. There will be a reception at the Marshall Library from 1700-1900 on the 20th.

A daily, hourly free shuttle bus service will commence Thursday the 21st. A hospitality room will be available starting the 20th at 1900. Ample time is planned for you to visit in small groups (i.e., academic majors, companies, teams, ROTC groups, etc.) and with the entire class. At the same time, we want you to see all of the amazing changes in upgrades to academic buildings and new facilities of all sorts at the Institute. An optional New Market tour is planned for Friday the 22nd from 0800-1300. A parade takes place from 1630-1730, followed by an 1800-2100 banquet at the Marshall Hall Center for Leadership and Ethics and Hall of Valor. Saturday the 23rd begins with a 1000 class photo at Preston Library and the alumni parade at 1030-1130 (where we present the “big check” as honored reunion class). That will be followed by a 1200 barbecue, and more BR/SR time until 1800.

Sunday the 24th will have a 0900 memorial service followed by breakfast at Crozet Hall at 1000.

I’m not sure if it will be possible by the time you read this to participate in the survey sent out via email which will determine the scope of some of these events and other decisions, but try the link at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KCQQLVQ. The Outreach Committee or “Reunion Recruiting Team,” headed by Frank Louthan and Charlie Ramsburg and assisted by BRs (academic major reps) Joe Dictor (biology); Mike Talley, Mike Burton, Jim Hannah, Cliff Martin and Buddy Green (civil engineering); Woody Miller (chemistry); Ed Guida, Tom Lemons and John Crotty (electrical engineering); Hugh Adams (English); John Walters and Rob Ritchie (history); John Bolger (mathematics); and Tommy Harrel (physics). Their goal is to reach out to every possible BR to attend.

The Campaign Committee is headed by Rich

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Hines and includes BRs Jay Adams, Rich AtLee, Ty Bland, Pat Chang-lo, Pete Charrington, Al Conner, Ollie Creekmore, Terry Crump, Dick Goodall, Bill Gregory, Hap Hubard, John Jumper, Frank Louthan, Paul Maini, Bill McClure, Dan Phelgar, Donnie Reed, Clark Reifsnider, Paul Robblee, Woody Sadler, Tom Slater, Bill Talman, Marshall Taylor, John Turner, Randy Urmston, Jay Wegrzyn, Larry Wilkes, Spence Wilkinson, Randolph Williams and Eddie Willis. Their effort, too, will be in contacting as many BRs as possible.

The 50th yearbook staff, headed by Al Conner, is assisted by Reyn Young, Hugh Adams, Nick Hoskot and Ken Petrie. You’ll be sent a letter, questionnaire and sample individual page. The book will be disseminated electronically, and if there is further demand, we’ll have it printed by subscription. Along with an individual summary page for each BR, it will include photos, artwork and “then and now” cartoons. All questionnaires will eventually be turned over to the VMI Archives.

The 50th Reunion Documentary DVD Crew, headed by Ray Saunders and assisted by Al Conner, will be sent out as an invitation, memoir and “keepsake” to all BRs we’ve located. Ray conducted video interviews with Gen. Peay ’62 and other key VMI leaders in order to gain further ’66 perspectives, and filmed and photo’d much of the current post, and added home-movie, slide and individual photos “not previously published” for this memorable record.

Had a great call from our class president and an uplifting talk with both Marshall and Kathleen Taylor. Marshall had some surprise back surgery so is on the countdown clock with his rendezvous with the sentinel box in April 2016. When you pray, please throw up a prayer for our president to recover swiftly. And please don’t fail to mention the numerous brother and sister rats in fights for health or with grief and healing losses. Kathleen is one of our faithful prayer warriors and always makes me feel better when she adds her scriptural insights. I’ve also told Clark Reifsnider, class vice president, that as much as I appreciated the honor of standing in for him on the sentinel box at the 45th, that was this old paratrooper’s last trip up there. So Clark, too, must show and go up for the 50th.

I had a nice talk with Cliff Crittsinger. Cliff was in Lexington (which is probably a good idea given that his new home in Denver seems to have become natural disaster central) working on this

year’s conclusion of the New Market Cadet Legacy Award with the graduating class which his “other” Class of 1964 initiated at their 50th. Cliff can now mostly turn his attention to our reunion.

It has been a tough slug for him to maintain full BR-loyalty to both ’64 and ’66, but Cliff has managed it beautifully. His heart is with VMI, and I’m sure he bleeds red, white and yellow in common with virtually all of you.

I also had a nice email exchange with Ken Petrie, who signed on to help with the 50th yearbook project. Ken left us and finished with a degree in fine arts from Kent State in 1967. He was a graphic artist for 20 years and worked in real estate afterward. He paints landscapes in oils and acrylics.

He has been a member of the Washington Society of Landscape Painters since 1989. Ken, you may recall, designed our class banner during the 20th Reunion in collaboration with class agent emeritus John Walters and wife Sue. I should add that Ken also pointed me to some wonderful news items on Dick and the late, sadly missed, L.T. Goodall and their good works in Maryland.

Many other BRs have been in touch, mostly on reunion-related matters so, as all are listed above, I’ll pass on a recap of their names. I hope these notes find you in good shape and facing the challenges of this phase of life. I see and hear that you vary from surprisingly/disgustingly healthy to fighting the good fight. In my case, the past two PET/CT scans have been coded “stabile,” meaning the needle is stuck between good and evil, so the fight continues. No matter where you are on that spectrum, I wish you the very best and encourage you to reach out to Supreme headquarters with every prayer and wish and, especially, I hope that you will reach out to one another in every way possible. Don’t allow the lengthening shadows to turn gray and black before you’ve said what you want to communicate to each BR or SR. Connect or reconnect with each other in the unique bonds which link us to one another and our school through time and beyond. In short, “God bless our class and VMI.”

’67

Jan Abernathy

When on post for the spring class agent meeting in early April, we were able to see the first parade held since November 2014. It was a

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes cold, rainy and snowy winter in Lexington. The had a surprise birthday party for him. Mike and College of William and Mary after finishing high band and pipe band looked and sounded great, Marci Bagnulo and Joan and Jan Abernathy were school next year. Lynn says he is fully retired now but many platoons needed to practice their flank there to sing, along with many family and friends. and will be glad to field your medical questions.

In April, the Bagnulos had a local ’67 mini reunion He said he would especially like to help with the commands. We stood in front of Mallory Hall and watched a lot of confusion. I suspect the rats as Phil Gioia, from California, was their guest for ones where your physician uses words and phrases ... I mean 4th Class cadets ... caught much of the the weekend. Phil was on his way to Fort Benning that you ... LAs do not understand. blame for the “missteps.” But the day was clear, to honor one of his Vietnam troopers. Those who You will recall I sent the end of the year reminder the sky was blue, the grass was green and the trees told stories late into the evening included Phil, Bill letter with some of the changes on post mentioned along Letcher Avenue were blooming. and Jo Fleshood (who recently moved to Georgia above and included a reference about sentinels carI always look for changes when on post. I reto be near grandkids), Jamie Hannah, Brenda Orrying M-1 Garands instead of their issued M-14s. port that, sadly, it is no longer possible Some among you sent me rifle nomento kick in a door in barracks. Threeclature, weight differences and all sorts fourths of an inch thick plywood panof possibilities. J.B. Farley: “As to the els have replaced what we recall from reason for M-1 Garands, I can’t wait our days in the late 1960s. And you alto hear the reason for the guard team ready knew, there are no longer physicarrying them. Could it be any of the cal “stick checks,” as they went away following? years ago when the government pulled 1. The Garand is just a bit heavier so TAC officers away from barracks and its use could enhance the misery of a limited them to their military science sentinel in either hot or cold weather. duties down at the shed. (You should (Actually the weight difference is mimake a point of checking out the nor – unless a 20 round loaded mag is military science/naval science/aeroused.) space studies facilities when you can 2. The Garand is just a bit shorter so ... what an improvement!) Putting up it would be easier for shorter cadets to a hay rack is a little more challenging Class of 1967: At a ’67 mini reunion at Mike and Marci Bagnulo’s handle. as none have springs. They also have home were, from left, Bill Fleshood, Jim Rogers, Bob Flynn, Phil 3. The Garand is a better-looking just a half-inch thick plywood platform Gioia, Jamie Hannah, Jan Abernathy and Mike Bagnulo. weapon. so a pancake party could actually hurt 4. Everything was better in the Old someone. And all mattresses are 4 inch thick, rison (J.I. was in the hospital for a flare-up of his Corps, so this little bit of a reversion makes the old lightweight foam things which can make for fun ongoing cellulitis battle after the knee surgeries), hands feel good. on Wednesdays as a slip while trying to strap your Joan and me, Jim and Bootsie Rogers (who flew 5. Someone remembered that the M-14 can be hay to the rail means it sails away into the courtin from Richmond), and Bob and Peggy Flynn made to fire fully automatic and it has a 20-round yard much like a paper plane. And, did I mention from Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee. Bootsie was able box magazine and it was deemed unnecessary for in previous notes that all radiators have been reto visit the University of Georgia for the first time the guards to have that kind of firepower, even placed with motel-style heaters? What happened since her graduation. Bob brought the burgers without firing pins or the ability to make the weapto sweat parties as we remember them? Outside from his organic grass-fed beef herd. They were on automatic.” of barracks, I will mention that the expensive dothe best meat patties you can imagine. Bob has an I asked a sentinel, a young lad from Taiwan, and nated cannon restoration of Matthew, Mark, Luke arrangement with a local butcher to cut an order to he said it was because it was lighter. I asked the and John just a few short years ago will soon reyour requirements, wrap it and freeze it and hold it officer of the day, and he said it was because the quire a makeover. All eight wooden wheels have until you come pick it up and pack it in dry ice to M-1 was a better ceremonial rifle. I conceded his some degree of rotted wood that exposes both take it to your home freezer. His customers generpoint as the Marine drill teams all use M-1s but sides of the iron rims. If anyone has a love of canally start with buying a fourth of beef. asked if the sentinels were expected to perform non restoration and knows a cooper, this would In the May 2013 notes, I made reference to BR any silent drills or ceremonies. That got a blank make a good project. I have photos if you want “PopPop” going on a high school sponsored trip stare, as in alumni are not too bright. The new to see how bad the wood decay is. On a positive to Paris and London with his 15-year-old grandcommandant said (as I understood him) it was note, I counted 129 bricks in the ’67 section (just daughter and attributed the information to Lynn some combination of cadets not having to use and to the left of Jackson Arch as you face into Old Beaulieu. Two years later, I asked Lynn how the clean their personal rifles and convenience. I did Courtyard). You will hear more on the reunion eftrip went, and he said he envied whoever PopPop not really understand this, but I should have asked fort to fill in for deceased BRs or to complete your was, but it was not him. So I searched my old rewho cleans the Guard Room rack of M-1s that are own brick requirements and join the ranks with cords and discover it is John Goode. Laura Goode in so much daily use. At our reunion, I expect you your own brick. confirmed that the trip was much enjoyed by all will ask your own questions on this subject.

In March, Brenda Orrison and J.I.’s daughters and that Emily is now 17 and looking toward the On the wall of the Guard Room is a new set of

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Class Notes rules from the commandant for all alumni: Alumni Protocol for Visiting in Barracks – Alumni must sign in and out of the Guard Room except for special event weekends (home football games, reunion weekends, Parents Weekend) – Alumni are only allowed in barracks from 1300hrs-1900hrs Monday through Friday and 0900hrs-1900hrs Saturday and Sunday.

– Alumni are restricted to the first stoop. Requests for exceptions must go to the commandant.

– Alumni should not let rats out of the Rat Line or trifle with rats in any manner.

– Alumni will not enter a cadet room if they do not know the cadet.

– Alumni are not allowed in barracks if under the influence of alcohol.

– Alumni must escort their family and guests at all times while in barracks.

– Alumni visits are limited to 30 minutes.

– Alumni must follow guidance from uniform commandant’s staff members or Guard Team members. There should be no emotional rebuke.

I have suggested these rules be published for all alumni to read, but in the meantime, though fearing no violations from our class, I thought a reminder would be a good thing.

At the mini reunion hosted by Marci and Mike

Class of 1967: Pete Wells and son Jamie (U.S. Military Academy) with Pete’s grandsons, Nate and Jack, at the 2014 Boy Scout New Market Camporee.

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Bagnulo, it was brought up that Mike’s dad, Lt. Col. Aldo H. Bagnulo, was the commanding officer of 1321st Engineer General Service Regiment in World War II. This was an all-black unit. His dad wrote a book about the men called, “Nothing but Praise.” Joan has just ordered me a signed copy she found on Amazon. This mini reunion was a reminder as to why I suggest we try to come to Lexington at least two extra days next time. We never seem to have enough time to catch up with our friends from our youth and our limited time to do so is finally appearing on the horizon.

Recently, I have been able to speak to several of you on or near your birthday. Taras Galysh said he and Stephanie were snowed in again March 20.

Tom Mustard again thanked all for helping him through his health challenges with prayer. Ray Irvine says he is cured from his cancer and he and Anne took an Alaskan cruise. Ski Waskiewicz reports all is well with his family. He and Carol Ann celebrated their 39th anniversary this last year by attending a Dayton Dragons baseball game. They noted that, unlike last year, no trip by EMS to the hospital emergency room was required. They followed this by an exciting 24 day vacation with children Raina, Matt and Ollie in England and France.

They loved taking the Chunnel from England to France as they transitioned from one country to another. Stan is still working at Kone-Cranes, Inc. in Springfield, Ohio. Jay Mangan’s computer is still on the fritz. Howard Seal says things are good at The Villages, Florida. Howard’s granddaughter, Alison Ewing, graduated from James Madison Univeristy with a degree in medical administration. Howard and Chuck Krebs married sisters, and Alison is Chuck’s grand-niece. I reached Terry Fowler on his cellphone while he and Brenda were in Florida on a two night three day “free” vacation visit to check out a timeshare property. Having been to a couple of those in the past, I commiserated with him but was glad to congratulate him on his refusal to be closed. Bob Green (the other) sent me many emails and photos of his latest globe trek adventure in Japan. He was trying to visit the 88 temples on the island of Shikoku. He was through the first 53 with his latest email post with photos. I suggested the stories of his ups and downs be condensed for submission to a travel magazine. Susan Groseclose has relocated to North Port, Florida.

The VMI alumni folks think they have found our “lost” BR Robert Earl Hinkel and have sent him a letter to verify. Marie Howard has retired from 33 years of teaching German. Mike Ingelido has

six grandkids. Ed and Peggy Poe have three grandkids. Their son has recently been promoted to a senior vice president with Morgan Stanley. Mike Schlosser is winding down his law time toward 50 percent by this fall. Rebecca is president of the Symphony Guild in Greensboro, North Carolina.

A photo of Bert Burckard sitting in a Huey was not sharp enough to get in this issue. It was at the Army Transportation Museum. “Notice I had to hold my legs crossed. Don’t remember having had to do that 45 years ago. Also no 70 lb. rucksack, helmet or M-16 this time, either.” A phone call to Lew Reid reminded me that he left to go to the U.S. Military Academy after a year. Somehow I did not remember this. Lew said he hopes to come to the 50th. He is working on a car sharing business concept and has put a lot of his own money behind it. I will have more on this in the future as I suspect he would welcome investors.

Jamie Tate sent a note saying how much he really enjoyed the Christmas cards with the photos of the snow. Some of his best memories were walking guard at night in the snow and moonlight. He was contacted by VMI Alumni Company about joining them for the Sailors Creek reenactment in late March 2015. The Corps wasn’t actually there, but the Alumni Company will portray a Virginia Reserve Battalion. I haven’t heard back from him on this event, but when I do, I will post the information for all to enjoy in our notes. (Jan notes that I was not invited!) As I write this, Jamie is most likely in Belgium for his part in the 250th reenactment of the Battle of Waterloo. Bruce Weiner completed the sale of his dental practice to his two associates which has allowed him to cut back on his work hours. It was 36 years ago that he started his dentistry for children business in Fort Worth, growing it into a large practice that allows him to proudly leave a legacy. With more spare time, Bruce accepted a leadership position in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and serves as its trustee for the Southwest Region. Since he wants to teach part time at Baylor Dental School, he applied for and received a senior teaching fellowship there. Hollace is writing her family history in between their ski trips to the Rockies and summer trip to Italy so they could cycle along the Adriatic Coast. Bruce still takes a couple of golf trips each year with his BRs and got his first hole-in-one this past season.

I always like to see and hear what the next couple of generations are doing as the news applies to brother rats and to cadets, as they will be the next

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes leaders in our society. Spanning a couple of generations I report that Charlie Brooke’s son, Timothy, has been promoted to lieutenant colonel in his National Guard unit stationed in Greensboro, North Carolina. Tim is a full-time policeman in Bedford, Virginia. I hasten to add that one of the female cadets Joan and I have been following, Tiffany Haines ’15, is the first to receive a new scholarship in honor of U.S. Air Force Capt. Paul Martin “Eagle” Bayliss ’60, who was killed in action Nov. 7, 1960. Miss Haines was a Band Company lieutenant, vice commander of the VMI USAF unit, a private pilot and has been selected for fighter pilot training in 2015-16. Her grandfather is Robert Haines ’59. Congratulations to these young people and their families.

Robert Klink: “Having just moved into Sun City Hilton Head, there is now a quorum of three VMI graduates present: Andy Anderson ’63, Bob Ward ’67 and myself. Tonight we had an informal dinner meeting and then watched ‘The Field of Lost Shoes.’” Lynn Beaulieu asked me for info on our chemistry BRs. “Jan, thanks so much. I listened to J.B. Farley run through that class formation list three to four times daily for three-and-ahalf years (started off in engineering), and I had only forgotten two: Hubbard and Kerr. Not too bad, I guess. Do you know that we had six wearing stars at graduation – not I, of course – but a pretty incredible group? Thanks for the vocals this morning; not glee club, but quite good!” Jan adds that he was in the last reunion chemistry photo because he took first semester rat chemistry three times and was inducted as an honorary member. You should find an article in this issue on Doc Carroll. An email from Jim Wilson mentions that he is not a member of ’56 even though their class agent and the VMI Alumni Association folks still send him mail. There is a James W. Wilson ’56 ... sorry, Jim, but I will again remind all that you are a different person.

Joan has set up a Facebook page for VMI 67. It is a private page, so you will

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Class of 1967: Jan Abernathy, J.I. Orrison and Mike Bagnulo at J.I.’s surprise 70th birthday party.

Class of 1967: Dave Wilkinson and Paul Bouis at the initial 50th Campaign Committee meeting in November 2014.

Class of 1967: Chemistry majors plus two. From left, beginning with back row: Dave Wilkinson, Tom Coughenour, John Gupton, Bill Fleshood, Lynn Beaulieu, Wharton Ramsey, J.B. Farley, Jan Abernathy, Marie Wertz and Don Brown. (Jan and Marie are “honorary” members.)

need to send a request, but she is hoping you will do so. She said to tell you her goal is to have a photo of each one of us with our spouses and possibly family members on the VMI 67 site before the 50th Reunion in April 2017.

She is as excited about the reunion as I am! I have hundreds of photos over all of our reunions, but go ahead and send me any of yours – especially new ones of you and your family. The first I have received has come from Pete Wells. It is very helpful if you identify those in your photos, and you may add a caption if you wish. While getting prepared for the 50th Reunion, you will receive a letter or two from me as I try to update your information for class records. The process is a continuing effort to keep ’67 as up-to-date as possible. Just this week, I was able to “find” John Carnes’ address. He is on the books but somehow with no home address, but he now will get his Alumni Review and mailings. Lucky him! And I made a first time contact with Harry Easterly. He is a retired medical doctor still living in Massachusetts. And so far as general information goes, we seem to have come through another round of yellow post cards asking for your pertinent personal info for an updated Register of Former Cadets book. If you had any unresolved difficulty with a previous order, please contact the Alumni Association offices or let me know. The Alumni Association folks have been great with helping resolve any issues.

Take photos of your travels and send me a copy, as I use them throughout the year for the Review. Good quality photos are a sure way to get some recognition. I do the best I can to get in all the news sent my way.

Your 50th Campaign Committee and reunion volunteers will meet in Lexington this October. If you have any early suggestions for our reunion plans now would be a good time to let us hear them. Take good care of yourself between now and then as we want everyone who is physically able to be able to attend!

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Class Notes

’68

Tom Hickey

Chandler Williams (Midlothian, Virginia) provided a brief summary of the service for Paul Simmons: “Our class was quite well represented yesterday at Paul Simmons’ funeral. The service and reception were a true ‘celebration of life.’ The venue was a graveside service in rural Sebrell in Southampton County, Virginia, with a reception at the local community center. It was a display of true Southampton hospitality and respect for one of their native sons. The day was brisk and sunny. The funeral service by the minister was moving, and Peggy and Paul’s daughter, Kim, delivered a remarkable eulogy truly fitting for Paul. Paul’s wife, Peggy, sincerely appreciated such a fine brother rat representation. If I remember correctly, we had 10 brother rats attending, along with a number of wives. Peggy pointed out her son, David, and daughter, Kim, were both displaying symbols of VMI as part of their attire, and Peggy was wearing her ’68 Ring Figure pendant. Peggy had the funeral program display the VMI logo, and military personnel were in attendance to play “Taps” and present the U.S. flag to the family. It was said in the service – and obvious to all in attendance that Paul was devoted to his family, a pillar in his community and his church, and a man proud of being a veteran and VMI alumnus.”

Jim Polley (Stafford, Virginia): “Whenever we wonder where the time went this past year our answer is easy – we had a wedding! Son Charles and his bride, Elizabeth, were married Aug. 2 in her hometown of Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Charles was reassigned from Texas to North Carolina this past spring. In route, he went to Army Airborne School at Fort Benning. Jessica and I drove down to see him graduate April 17; exactly 45 years to the day I graduated. I pinned my parachute wings on him. Jessica and I flew to Berlin in early November for a high school reunion being held in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the wall coming down. My father was assigned in Berlin in 1961 when the wall was first built, and I went to the American high school there. All the historical landmarks looked familiar, but the growth of the city was phenomenal since I’d seen it largely covered in war rubble and wasteland. I

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continue to work full time but have been screwing up the courage to retire.”

Roddy Delk (Smithfield, Virginia): “At the end of April, Betty and I will be traveling to Normandy on a ‘bucket list’ trip, followed by several days in the Cotswolds in England.”

John Royster (Advance, North Carolina), from Susan: “John is in the home stretch now of his long and successful tax specialist career. He will fully retire at the end of May. In fact, May 29 will be his final day at the office. This seems to have been a long time coming, but the time is right now, his succession is in place – and to say he is eager to be finished is an understatement. He plans to be at the mini reunion in Lexington in April, too. We returned a month ago today from a trip of a lifetime that took us to Antarctica!

What an adventure! We’ve done a lot of world traveling in the past several years, and I think we both feel this was the best. This past fall, we drove to Richmond and spent a day and overnight enjoying the long friendship we’ve shared with Howard and Sally Donald (Richmond, Virginia) and Herb and Betty Laine (Chesapeake, Virginia). We intend to do that again in the next few months.”

John Hince (Bryan, Texas): “Gerry and I were attending the American Legion National Convention last August in Charlotte and were talking with some United States Automobile Association folks.

They asked to do an interview on camera. We did and forgot about it. A couple of weeks later, they called and said they would like us to be the cover family on American Legion/USAA magazine. I told them the only time we would all be together was during a vacation at Disney World. They flew their ‘crew’ to Orlando to do the photo shoot. The magazine went out to about 2.3 million members of the American Legion.”

Dick Wise (Richmond, Virginia): “On Jan. 18, 2015, a surprise birthday party was held for George Walton (Richmond, Virginia); his 70th.

Believe me, he was surprised as his lovely wife, Dietra, and his lovely daughter, Kyle, with a little help from yours truly, pulled the event off with consummate skill by using a dinner with my wife, Joyce, and me as the disguise. Dietra reported that Groucho behaved in complete character on the way to meet us – we usually meet them in his more trendy neighborhood – as he [griped] and moaned the whole time about having to cross over to south side to meet us. The party was at the Capital Alehouse in Midlothian, and if it

wasn’t for Joyce, he wouldn’t have a thing to do with it. He was even more surprised that there were more than two people, other than his family, in the whole world who gave a damn about him!

Those in attendance included BRs Kevin Henry (Winston Salem, North Carolina); John Kemper (Richmond, Virginia); Howard Donald and Bill Welsh (Ashburn, Virginia); and Charley Lindsey ’71, George’s rat, was also there. Unfortunately, Steve Fogleman ’71, Charley’s BR, was unable to attend but sent his best wishes, as did BR Phil Lanier (Lakeway, Texas). A couple of Groucho’s non-VMI friends were also in attendance. They seemed to be able to put up with our obnoxious behavior fairly well. One of them, David Walker from Salem, even felt that he had accompanied Groucho on an escapade that would have qualified to be listed on an unprintable resolution that was read by yours truly to disgrace Groucho.

Contact the class agent if you would like to read a copy of this outstanding document.”

Jay Slaughter (Frisco, Texas): “Creigh Kelley (Centennial, Colorado) was in town for the Rock and Roll Half Marathon, as his company was the organizer and he was doing the announcing. Andy Bradley (Azle, Texas) and Susan came from their home to join Creigh and me for a drink or two Saturday, March 21. Creigh had a grandfather commitment in that he went to see

Class of 1968: On April 17, 2015, Tom Jeffress ’68, right, visited the Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center and caught up with Billy Seargeant. Behind them are pictures of U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Carl Sitter, Korean War, and U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Van Barfoot, World War II – both Medal of Honor winners for whom the building is named.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes ‘Cinderella’ with his daughter and family; primarily the grandkids. The Bradleys and I had dinner together before they went home. Sharon had a previous commitment so she could not attend.”

John Byrd (Richmond, Virginia): “I am still sad about the death of Paul Simmons. Paul was an usher in our wedding, and I was an usher in Paul and Peg’s wedding. Paul helped me get my first job with the state as a teacher at Southampton Correctional Center. We lived in Southampton County for five years until we moved to Richmond. We started our family in Southampton County. My son and oldest daughter live in Chesterfield County. Our middle daughter lives in northern Virginia.

Margaret and I keep our 20-month-old granddaughter, Penelope, every Friday. It is so wonderful to watch her develop and change from week to week. We seem to notice so much more as grandparents than we did as parents.

“I am nearing the end of my reign as ‘Senior Idol of Greater Richmond.’ Recently, I appeared on Channel 6 in Richmond to promote the competition to select a new senior idol. The link to the video is on my website, www.john-byrd.com.

“I have had a lot of fun this past year. Earlier this year, I was featured in the Military Officers Association magazine. That article is also on my website. I continue to perform as a ventriloquist and experiment with building dummies.

So far I have only completed one that I use in performances.”

Smokey Beirne (Roanoke, Virginia): “I retired as electronic communications technician supervisor with the Virginia State Police in August 2011. I am active in four Freemasonry groups and was one of 57 District Deputy Grand Masters last year. Louise and I celebrated our 37th anniversary April 20.”

J.B. Meadows (Fredericksburg, Virginia): “I was fortunate to be able to visit the 50th Reunion of the Class of 1965 and reunite with my dyke, Lynn McMahon ’65, his charming wife, Jayne, and two of his roommates, Joe Bush ’65 and Johnny Read ’65. It was a treat to be able to share old memories and to discover what had transpired in our lives since leaving the Institute. For a while it looked as though the parade would be rained out, but the clouds parted just long enough to bring the Corps out on the field. In the course of the Old Yell, ’65 gave one for their dyke’s Class of ’68 – a satisfying conclusion to an all too brief visit with old friends.”

Ben Hedrick (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania): “Our

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European trip in April 2015 included Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia. These are the old Yugoslavian countries that broke up in the Dayton treaty after the war in 1991-95. Most of the countries have recovered nicely, but Bosnia and Herzegovina still have a long way to go. Many buildings are still not repaired from the bomb damage, and there are bullet and rocket damages in most of the buildings. We were three days in Sarajevo, which is a great city and somewhat depressing all at the same time.

“I had toured the old Czechoslovakian countries two years ago backpacking with son Benjamin, but this trip with my wife, Marcy, was more appropriate to my age. The Czech trip was also interesting because it was the countries I was guarding against in my missile site in Germany back in 1969. I met a great number of the people, and we drank beer, ate sausages and talked revolution while wishing confusion to our enemies.

“Number 1 son Benjamin is a Director of AP calculus and statistics at the College Board in Atlanta and will get his Ph.D. in math education from Stanford University in June. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Pennsylvania State University and his master’s from Duke University. He is also engaged to a beautiful young lady who has already received her Ph.D. from Stanford. An October wedding is planned in Buford, Georgia. Number 2 son Joe is doing a general surgery fellowship at the Mount Sinai hospital in Jamaica, Queens, but still has two years of residency remaining after he completes his

fellowship. He got his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees from Penn State and has his medical training at the University of Pennsylvania Medical.

“Marcy and I try to take one or two trips a year and want to do the tougher ones while we still can. Exotic is great and the goal, but we have backed off to using tour companies due to the comfort and not having to extend our limited brain power working out details for ourselves.

We have been using a group called Overseas Adventure Travel since they go where we want to go, contribute a lot of the trip money to setting up schools and other help to the visited countries, include dinners with families and their daily lives, do school visits and take no more than 16 in the group ... mention my name and get $100 off the cost of the trip.

“I identified almost exactly with Ken Pennington’s (Amelia Island, Florida) self-description, so other than contributing heavily to the economy, never having done drugs (other than smoking, a monkey I exiled in 1976) and never been arrested (no proof), my greatest accomplishment is my children.”

Bob Waldron (El Paso, Texas): “Sharon is now three-plus years from her last radiation and chemo treatments, for which we remain in awe of the grace of God. We finally have our first grandchildren, twin girls born at 32 weeks in July 2013. One got out of NICU in only a week or so, but the smallest was only 1 pound, 13 ounces at birth and had some twisted intestines that required surgeries and

Class of 1968: Future rats and alumni present at a chapter meeting in Hawaii May 3, 2015, were, from left, first row: Sarah Preston, Nathan Kirk, Will Soldow, Joe Grealish ’89, David Soldow ’92 and Kristen Kirk. Second row: David and Anne Preston, Tom Smyth ’58, Dick Rankin ’68, Cynthia Rankin, Cheryl Takata, Russ Takata ’74 and Jennifer Soldow. According to Dick Rankin, this is the first time in over 44 years that more than one cadet is headed to VMI from Oahu, Hawaii.

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Class Notes

Class of 1968: On March 16, 2015, Bill Osborne (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ’65) and Dick Wise were at the Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center visiting patients at the facility as part of their outreach program with the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The photo was taken by Billy M. Seargeant, who saw them coming out of the building. Seargeant remarked about the photo, “On Dick’s shirt is a combat infantry badge, since Dick was a platoon leader with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade and platoon leader and company commander in the 4th Infantry Division.” a stay until Thanksgiving week. She has since had a number of other medical issues, to include another twist, along with hip dysplasia that had to be corrected by surgery with three months in a body cast until January 2015. But now she is up walking and doing well – just a little smaller than her big sister. So our family has been graced with multiple miracles over these last four years. We benefited from a lot of support from many of our brother rats throughout this period for which we remain most grateful. We are still running our business and do not anticipate fully retiring anytime soon, but have peddled back a little from the full throttle of the first 30 years. All is well in El Paso, Texas.”

Paul Hebert (Steamboat Springs, Colorado): “We’re enjoying retirement in Steamboat Springs, skiing, biking, traveling and beginning to do some writing on personal history. Our daughter, Katherine, and family (two grandkids, 8 and 6) are here in Steamboat, which is great for Mayling and me.

Our son is still pursuing his music career in Denver. We just spent a great week with him and his girlfriend in St. John sailing, snorkeling and enjoying the coral blue sea. Mayling and I will be coming to Lexington in August for the semester and

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possibly for the whole academic year. I have been accepted to take the Floyd Gottwald ’43 Visiting Professor Chair for Leadership and Ethics, and I will teach once more in the Department of International Affairs. We look forward to being back in Lexington and the Valley for the fall. We visited Lexington in March to attend the Jonathan Daniels ’61 Humanitarian Award ceremony for John Lewis, congressional representative from Georgia. We did see a few BRs who were also attending the ceremony while we were there.

We enjoyed meeting this incredible man and to learn of his accomplishments over the years. We also hope to contact some of our VMI alumni in Colorado, as there is no official association as far as we know although we do run into VMI alumni now and again.”

Rick Brothers (Sedona, Arizona): “Jane and I have been retired in Sedona, Arizona, since 2010.

It took me three times to totally retire, but I am now there! I am doing some medical missionary work in Sonora, Mexico, with our Methodist church and some pro bono medicine on members of the congregation. Otherwise ... retired!

“My desire to hike down then up the Grand Canyon was successful last weekend. Went down South Kaibab Trail, stayed two nights at the Phantom Ranch, then went up Bright Angel Trail the next morning. I am also into studying the Anasazi Ruins of southern Utah, recently backpacking Grand Gulch 37 miles. Hard to describe here, but it should be on everyone’s ‘bucket list!’

“Jane and I see a lot of our three children and seven grandchildren – all are living within 30 minutes from each other on the front range of Colorado. Summer will be on the Outer Banks of North Carolina for three weeks with family and friends. I’m hoping to touch base with roommates John Byrd (Richmond), Berry Wright (Ashland, Virginia), Rick Butterworth (Hingham, Massachusetts), Bill Cobb (Pompano Beach, Florida) and Don Lynch (Virginia Beach, Virginia).

“We are still healthy and hope you and your family are as well. If you or any brother rats are in Sedona/Southwest ... mi casa es su casa.”

Vic Huang (Cupertino, California): “I’m active in working/consulting with ZAP Motors on electric vehicles, looking to build sales of Neighborhood Electric Vehicles in the U.S., while working on full size EVs in China and international. I am leading a project to go after a government bid for an EV fleet; a successful contract will be worth a lot of money and establish a good business. In

the meantime, I’m very active in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers on Standards in Sensors/Communications/Internet of Things, as well as Transportation Electrification – i.e., Industry infrastructure in electric vehicles. As many of the IEEE activities are held around the world, this provides us an opportunity to do some traveling and sightseeing, which Shirley tags along with me. So far, this year, we have visited Seville, Spain, for conference activities and made side trips to Cordoba and Granada. For July, a conference in Cambridge, U.K., and the fall will bring us to Yokohama, Japan. Last year, we had a chance to go to Istanbul, Turkey. Tom, looking forward to hearing more news from you soon and you take care! To all BRs, see you at the 50th!

If in the San Francisco, do let me know; drop me a line.”

Kevin Henry hosted and organized the W.B. “Groovy” Davis ’68 golf outing at the Lexington Golf and Country Club from April 17-19. While there were some late cancellations, 43 BRs were scheduled to attend for all or part of the weekend. If you’re interested in joining the group in 2016 and haven’t gotten on Kevin’s mailing, let him know so you can be added to his email list.

Kevin also shared that the William G. Davis ’68 Basketball Scholarship is fully funded thanks to the generosity of John Kemper.

’69

Walter Judd

Greetings, Brother Rats and friends of the great Class of 1969.

Spring has come to Eastern Virginia, and BRs are gathering in small groups to renew friendships and get caught up with each other.

We honor Charlie Bryan this month and highlight some of his recent exploits.

Wip and Barbara Priest attended a gem show in Tucson, Arizona, and visited with Dave and Darlene Couch. Wip wrote in April: “It has been a long time since I have checked in with you. I have been retired since October 2013. I am still doing some wetland restoration consulting, a lot of volunteer work and working with Barbara on our jewelry business. Life is still a little hectic. I have to work at slowing down enough to actually act like I am retired.

In the way of an update, Barbara and I had the

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1969: The inscription on the new Charles F. Bryan Jr. Home for History Wing, which is under construction at the Virginia Historical Society in Richmond, Virginia. Photo by Spunky Butler. opportunity to visit Tucson, Arizona, in February and stayed with Dave and Darlene Couch for a few days. Barbara and I attended the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show in conjunction with our jewelry business for a couple of days.

Then we did some sightseeing with Dave and Darlene, visiting Tombstone and Bisbee. We had a wonderful visit with them reminiscing about old times and solving all of the world’s problems on Dave’s back deck. I am enclosing a picture of us together in the Crystal Palace Saloon in Tombstone.”

Don Mercer also wrote in early April: “Last Tuesday, April 7, Bob Leibecke and Wayne Keesee came for a few days’ visit. On Wednesday, we drove over to Smithfield, Virginia, to meet Albert P. Burckard Jr. ’67, who was a company commander in Bob’s battalion when he was a platoon leader during the Battle at Fire Support Base Ripcord (http:// en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Fire_Support_Base_Ripcord). While Wikipedia shows the battle lasted for 23 days during July, my understanding is that it was much longer – beginning in mid-March and lasting till late July.

In any event, we had a wonderful afternoon as Albert’s guests at the Smithfield Inn for lunch and discovered that real men do eat quiche! After returning to my home that afternoon, Noreen prepared a delicious steak dinner for us, and we reminisced some more and had some good laughs about incidents during our cadetship. The attached image was taken by the new director at the Isle of Wight Museum in Smithfield. Bob headed to Washington, D.C., Friday to attend a reunion of his Army company in the 101st Airborne that fought on Ripcord,

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and Wayne returned to his new home in South Carolina. We had a ball!”

Tom Jones wrote in March: “Enjoyed my 68th birthday as other BRs are doing. I was at VMI for the Jonathan Daniels Award. It was a splendid emotional event. Bob Randolph ’67; Paul Hebert ’68, who received last award; Tom Davis ’64, former history professor; and some others of the Old Corps [were there]. Many former black cadets were there, and it was a blessing to see a diverse distinguished group of VMI men. After the speech by the award recipient, Rep. John Lewis, there was a luncheon at Moody Hall. Then we watched a documentary on Daniels [’61]. The producer of this was there and shared his thoughts about VMI and how he felt VMI influenced Daniels. Then a wreath was presented at the Daniels Memorial Arch. Then we saw a new play about Daniels.

Most of the actors and actresses were VMI cadets. I was very moved by the day and reflected how much the Daniels story means to VMI. I hope there will be a large gathering of VMI people for the 50th anniversary of Daniel’s death in Alabama Aug. 15.”

In late February, I sent out the following message to interested BRs: “Charlie and Cammy Bryan have both passed the good news to me that Charlie has been selected as the first Outstanding Alumnus for the history department of the University of Tennessee. There will be a ceremony with faculty, students (undergraduate and graduate), and some prospective donors to the department sometime in the afternoon (appears 1700-1830) Wednesday, April 22, at the campus in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Charlie will give a talk about working in ‘living history’ careers and will interact with students for a while. Later that evening, there will be a dinner for the Bryans with invited guests from the University. If the UT POC gets the time, he will set up a meeting with students and Charlie so they can talk informally. That would start around 1400 and would be completed in time for all to get to the Honors Ceremony by 1700.

While we may not be invited to the dinner, we are allowed to join the crowd for the honors or award convocation. I have suggested to Charlie that a few of us BRs might show up for the award ceremony and then meet with him again at breakfast the next morning. I am sending this message to BRs who majored in history or economics, as those two majors seemed to

spawn the most professionals in what could be considered ‘living history’ career paths.” I got back some interesting replies and Tom Buckner agreed to meet me in Knoxville and attend the activities with and for Charlie. Rich Schmidt wrote: “Thank you for this exciting information.

I wish I could attend, but I am scheduled for a medical procedure that week, and I cannot be there. Charlie certainly is deserving of this honor.

Back in October, my wife and I had the opportunity to visit Charlie and Cammy in Richmond for a couple of days. We had a wonderful tour of historical sites hosted by Charlie. The historical centers that Charlie directed during his career are truly impressive. Historical research and preservation under his leadership has thrived and he is a credit to VMI.” Jamie Totten was also scheduled for eye surgery at that time and unable to travel.

Spunky Butler replied: “Great news! But you forgot to invite the Charlie Bryan Lunch Bunch, also known as the Dairy Bar Irregulars (for more than one reason). We’ll invite you up whenever we decide on our next gathering. As an aside, the Virginia Historical Society is adding a huge new wing, and as I walked by the construction last week, they were just finishing the attached signage – it has been named in his honor. (See photo of the name on the building.) I told Charlie he is some guy to have the first families of Virginia entrust their sacred attic to a Tennessean all those years!”

Well, BRs, April 22 came and went, and I have a little to relate on the actual ceremony at the University of Tennessee. Tom Buckner drove many hours from the other side of Tennessee and met me at the airport near Knoxville around noon on the 22nd. We headed into town and found lunch and our hotel in short order. We discovered the Howard Dean building was in the next block to our hotel and arrived around 4 p.m. Charlie and Cammy came soon after and were met by several friends and former professors and friends in the area. While we greeted each other, caterers set up a fruit and cheese buffet and students took advantage. The honors ceremony/ convocation began soon after, and Charlie was introduced as the guest speaker. He compared the truths and the myths about history in our current times. It appears the proof is strongly for more history being available to us today than ever before. Charlie completed his talk and rested while promising undergraduate and graduate students in the department received their kudos. All in all, it was an excellent event and one left thinking UT

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Class Notes students were heading off to good careers. Tom and I enjoyed dinner together and then met with Charlie and Cammy the next morning for more banter. It is easy to say we enjoyed the company and chance to catch up a little. And I discovered I am part of the first families of Tennessee through a great (actually five greats) grandfather. Amazing what a little genealogical study can find...

Tom’s big news is the wedding of his younger daughter this summer. The Stanford University graduate met a California boy and will bring his family to Memphis, Tennessee, for the fun.

Besides golf, Tom is arranging a “staff ride” to Shiloh battlefield with a known expert leading the way for the visitors. I suggest he agrees with Charlie that history is a living topic and one to be explored as fully as possible.

Tom also passed to me the facts that BR Gordon James of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, had finished undergrad work at University of Tennessee (after his year at VMI) and law school at Vanderbilt University (with Tom years ago). Tom checked in with Gordon and invited him to come to the 50th. We keep searching for non-active BRs and sometimes get lucky to find one.

At church in February, I saw Bob and Susan Alexander, new, proud grandparents of a grandson in San Diego, California. They were setting the date for his baptism in June and were just radiant. Bob said they were in Lexington the week before and ran into Charlie Bryan and John Sebrell at a local restaurant. Both Charlie and John serve on alumni boards this year and attend meetings regularly.

John Sebrell took a little time off from VMI duties to help Sallie prepare their condo for visitors during Lexington’s Garden Week festivities.

Their condo was on the Lexington tour this year in late April. Although Yorktown was not a featured site this year for the garden clubs, our Celebrate Yorktown committee and garden club still developed a garden stroll, where five backyards in the community were open to visitors. I met Betsy Taylor, wife of Bill Taylor ’64, at our first house and then talked later with Poppet Nelson, a Yorktown resident and VMI mom (wearing her visor with the right letters!) about her son and his career since graduating from the “I” in the early ’90s. Again, VMI was heard from that day...

Beverly and I attended the annual class agent meeting in mid-April and met with the Alumni Association regional and chapter leaders. Bob and Lush Heely were there as the most recent

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past president, and Bob helped me ask the right questions. The report from the Institute was good, as the cadets are doing well and building projects are on schedule. The most optimistic news was about the current fundraising effort underway: The Campaign for VMI. While over $200 million has been raised or pledged, there is plenty of room for us to add to our already accumulating 50th Reunion fund. Go to the VMI alumni website to see the interesting short films about the school and its alumni and cadets.

Tommy and Nancy Catlett, as our class representatives, attended the early April luncheon for academic scholarship cadets and their benefactors.

They met the recipient of the Class of ’69 scholarship, 3rd Class Cadet Zachary Chase. When I mentioned to Zach about the Hall of Valor and our memorial room in Preston Library, he replied, “I used to study in there [the room in Preston Library] as a rat, and during my breaks I would look at the men who never returned from their tours of duty as a simple reminder of why I am there doing what I do.” Nancy told me Zach sat between Tom and Charlie Bryan and got bombarded with tales of the “Old Corps.” The speaker that day was a 1st Class woman attending VMI on a Gottwald scholarship and headed to medical college next.

She gave an impressive speech that spoke of her candor and commitment. Nancy cited her change from, “I can do this by myself,” to, “I can depend on others to help me get through this,” as representative of the values we learned as cadets so long ago. Thank you, Tom and Nancy, for standing in for all of us in the class.

Now to the lighter side of the class: Facebook!

Posting various events and pictures were Skip Steiner in Maryland who is still involved in his running activities and supports both Florida and Maryland sports; Bob Ladd in his clown shirt and with a cool motorcycle; Denny Clark with friends and relatives; Thornton Newlon with a huge fish reeled in by folks in Florida; Don Mercer with great pictures he took of the great outdoors Colorado-style and one with two daughters and grandkids; Mike Hanna watching eagles flying from great heights; and Lush Heely showing a picture of one granddaughter in an astronaut suit.

Several BRs sent birthday greetings to Tom Morris and Gary Mackey; Weasel Chapman posted a dog swinging at the playground (somebody give this man a job!); Cammy Bryan, Pam Churn and Gail Bush posting pictures of grandkids older

and younger; Chris Brothers touting the abilities of people overcoming apparent disabilities; Sallie Sebrell advocating Rockbridge Area Tourism and showing a few baby snakes; and Tom Ruffin playing weather forecaster for middle Tennessee.

Buddy Mawyer posted pictures of his wife and family near Mother’s Day (as did several others).

It is amazing how much some folks look like their moms or dads: Sallie Sebrell’s picture of her mom and dad on wedding day was telling. Someone will have to explain to our grandkids that they will look like us someday...

You cannot hide great fun on Facebook! On May 3, Gary Mackey posted pictures of the wedding of Lee Barnes’ daughter, Macie, at the Whalehead Club in Corolla, North Carolina. In the several pictures were Gary and Peggy Mackey, Drew and Carol Brantley, Bob and Lush Heely, Chalk and Iona Hardy, T.O. and Arlene Palmer, and of course, Lee and Denise Barnes.

As Gary said, “Is it possible that we all have actually been friends for nearly 50 years?”

Ken Fleming sent word via email in mid-April that he had sold his house in Kansas and was moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, to be closer to kids and family. Hope it all worked out well.

In early May, Scott Rhodes sent a note: “Amy and I were in Richmond last weekend to support Carl (older brother, VMI ’66) in a 5K walk/run fundraiser for Virginia Commonwealth University’s

Class of 1969: At the Isle of Wight Museum in Smithfield, Virginia, in April 2015 were, from left, Wayne Keesee, Albert Burckard Jr. ’67, Don Mercer and Bob Leibecke.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Parkinson’s research clinic. I walked with Carl, his shows him in ’66. Go look; it really is there in the Warren Grasty two sons, three of his grandchildren, our younger tiniest print in the book!

By the time you read this, it will be sort of old brother and several others on Team Rhodes. Amy cheered us on. Charlie Bryan was walking with his news, but in late March, El Cid stole our basketson and daughter-in-law. Carl has moved in to an ball coach! VMI then hired Coach Dan Earl pretty assisted living facility in Richmond. His Parkinquickly from the U.S. Naval Academy, so starting I hope this finds everyone making final prepason’s has gotten to the point where he and his kids this spring (with baseball), we at VMI have new thought it best for him to be closer to his younger head coaches in baseball, football and basketball. rations to attend our 45th Reunion the weekend son. Charlie looked good and was in good spirits.” Check in with VMI Keydets website to get more of Sept. 11-12, 2015. It is shaping up to be a treI discovered the secret to aging gracefully. On info on all of them. mendous weekend, although how tremendous The Campaign for VMI with its cool phrases my birthday in early May, I went to a luncheon of depends upon how many of us actually make it. the senior VMI alumni in the Williamsburg area. I to follow – An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious It doesn’t matter whether you stayed at VMI for a was the youngest person attending! It was a joy to Past, A Brilliant Future – is in the public stages month or for five years. Come and enjoy the fun. now and is seeking to reach the finish line in I hate to revert to using cheap tricks and games spend time with my elders all still vibrant and active in their retirement lives. I enjoyed it. Thanks to the near future. Any gifts made to the campaign to attract BRs, such as pin the tail on the Goodall of you who sent birthday messages in various count for our big check at the 50th Reunion. To-Me, Tuck Worsham ’67 piñatas and daddy-o There is a unique website for the campaign and bobblehead dolls, but I have been known to stoop forms. The Facebook greetings were great.

On May 6, Rich and Tommie Atlee ’66 hosted stored there are several interesting short films. much lower than that.

One unique event that will occur the Tidewater crowd and Keydet Club the Friday afternoon of reunion officials for a “meet the new football weekend will be a celebration of coach” supper. Coach Scott WachenDonnie Wheatley’s 30 years as heim and his son, Tyson (about to executive director of Boys’ Home graduate from Christopher Newport in Covington, Virginia. It will also University in Newport News, Virginia), recognize Dave and Helen Miller came to the waterside home and greeted for their significant support of Boys’ us with a rousing speech about new atHome. Donnie graciously extends titudes coming. He mentioned a sucan invitation all brother rats and cessful spring football campaign and the wives who would like to attend. Defact he will do his best to bring victories pending upon the response, we will to Lexington. As a former player and graduate of the U.S. Air Force Acadhave one or more buses available for emy, coach knows the life of a military the drive to and from Covington. On school football player. John and Jane second thought, to make it more authentic, let’s use deuce-and-1/2s.

Ishon made the trip from Hampton and In case you missed it in the last isbrought Bobby and Elizabeth Watts Class of 1969: At the Crystal Palace Saloon in Tombstone, Ari(now living on Virginia’s Eastern Shore) zona, in February 2015 were, from left, Dr. David Couch, Darlene sue of Alumni Review, congratulawith them. Tom and Gail Morris from Couch, Barbara Priest and Walter I. “Wip” Priest. tions to Cy Dolph, who was selected Williamsburg and I from the hometown

by Virginia Business magazine for of Yorktown completed our good showing from I have enjoyed watching them all and seeing the 2014 Legal Elite in the practice area of busithe class. I spoke with four members of the Class old friends and younger rising stars speak their ness law. For all the gory details, go to the Alumni minds. I cannot say you will get to be in a film News section of the previous issue. Also, as the of ’66 and met again Joe Dictor (New Kent, Virginia), Ron Clough (Newport News), Jim Pauls if you make a donation, but your chances go up more astute of you will observe, several pictures in this issue relate to items I talked about in the (Hampton) and Rich Atlee, our host. Ron even if you do!

Lastly, with our 50th Reunion just a few months previous class notes. admitted being the dyke for Drew Brantley. Jim In late February, John Bailey and I took in and I traded tales about the Wounded Warrior away and our class space in front of barracks filling up with names of BRs who have earned their the last two home basketball games in Lexingprogram supported by the Military Officers Assobricks, I must remind you to find a way to donate ton. Also in attendance were Herb Braun, Steve ciation of America and agreed to meet in Lexington in August for that chapter’s golf tournament. at least $2,500 to VMI so you can also be part Craddock, Bill O’Connor with son Billy, Carl Sharp-eyed John Ishon pointed out a small misof the brick sidewalk gang. I have more details if and Julie Strock, and Chuck and Penny Wills. print in the Alumni Review which arrived in late you wish to know more. Any gifts you make to In the previous game at Western Carolina University, Julian Eleby ’17 posted 43 points in the April (2015-Issue 2). While the editors and I have athletics or the Foundation count, so get with it!

In the spirit, Keydet’s 113-111 double overtime win and was BR Mercer in the Class of 1969 in our class notes Walt section, the very small print on Page 1 of the AR named Impact Player of the Week by ESPN. In

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Class Notes the first game we saw, the Keydets played another double overtime game against the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and came off just short.

Worn down by these two marathons, the Keydets ran out of gas in the last regular season game against Samford University. Nevertheless, a season with three wins over The Citadel can’t be too bad.

In other sports, the VMI boxing team won the U.S. Intercollegiate Boxing Association National title and three individual national championships at the University of Michigan in April. With only an eight-man squad, the Keydets defeated teams with upward of 30 boxers. In lacrosse, Tyler Prasnicki ’15 finished the year ranked No. 1 in the country in caused turnovers and led the Southern Conference with 3.71 groundball pickups per game. He was also named the Three-Legged Stool Winner, an honor bestowed by the Keydet Club recognizing a 1st Class scholarship athlete with the highest achievements in academics, leadership and athletics. Tyler is the first lacrosse player to receive the award. The VMI men’s rugby team won the 2014 Cardinal Collegiate Rugby Championship and ended the season ranked eighth in the nation among over 300 Division II college rugby programs. And in baseball in March, the Keydets beat the University of Virginia 7 to 6 for backto-back wins over the highly-ranked ’Hoos. In Charlottesville, no less.

In March, I received a nice call from Jeannie Vaughan saying that son Bear had just hiked to the summit of Mount Acancogua in Argentina with the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge organization (www.combatwounded.org). Mount Acancogua is the tallest mountain outside of Asia at over 22,000 feet, and was just the latest in Bear’s adventures with this organization, for which he handles the film and video. Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge is a leading source of clinically applicable research and training

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Class of 1970: Gordon Williams and Bob Grossman in Newport Coast, California, in March 2015.

Class of 1970: At the February VMI versus the University of North Florida baseball pregame event at Lee and Connie Moon’s home in Jacksonville, Florida, were, from left, Lee Moon, Bill O’Connor, Ralph Costen, Frank Cleaton, Gray Chandler and Warren Grasty.

Class of 1970: At Gray and Nancy Chandler’s February oyster roast in Orange Park, Florida, were, from left, George Ritko, Warren Grasty, Steve Craddock and Stix Chandler.

for evidence-based practice in orthotics and prosthetics, traumatic brain injury and psychological trauma for rehabilitating combat wounded and injured veterans. In his spare time, Bear helps Roland in his engineering firm, VAST Solutions. The Vaughans will be traveling to VMI to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary May 18 at Jackson Memorial Hall.

Speaking of weddings, April 11, David Schmidt and the former Katie Longshore finally tied the knot in Dayton, Kentucky. In attendance were George and Lisa Ritko, who reported that it was the local event of the year, with the only possible exception being the annual turkey shoot. Katie’s daughter, Samantha, plans to attend the University of South Carolina this fall, so Dave and Katie are looking to move to the palmetto state sometime soon, which should significantly increase their BR mooch-ability ratings. Samantha is 17 years old and will be working toward a double major. So that’s what it’s like being smart!

Current South Carolina resident A.C. Arnn reported he and Beth are anxiously awaiting the pre-reunion September arrival of Adelaide Joy Arnn to son Patrick and Jessica in Alaska. In June, he will tee it up with Tom Massey in the local VMI versus The Citadel outing. I’ll put money on that team.

I had a very nice email exchange with Dave Price recently. As you may not know (or care), we were the only two matriculants in the Class of 1970 from Cave Spring High School in Roanoke.

He is now a gentleman farmer in the mountains of western North Carolina; in Hayesville, to be exact.

Unfortunately, Dave had a heart attack a little while ago but is recovering nicely and hopes to make it to our 45th. As an added incentive, their middle daughter lives in Chesapeake, Virginia, with her Navy officer husband, so Dave and Priscilla

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes councils, boards and administrative bodies. He say he and Janie took a three-week cruise through can see their grandchildren on the same trip.

Hailing in from Smith Mountain Lake was Bill also responded to the email I had forwarded about Australia and Asia in February and March to celeRichardson, where he and Ann now live full time the VMI men who shaped World War II, which brate Janie’s 50th birthday. They hit three places in having sold their home in Roanoke in January. was written by his dyke and former Bravo Com- Australia, then went on to Sabah, Sulawesi, MaNot finding enough ways to spend money, they pany first sergeant, Phil Gioia ’67. Unlike many nila, Shanghai and finished up in Hong Kong. As have bought a fixer-upper in Clearwater, Florida, of us, he fortunately has kept in touch with his it turned out, they were the only Americans on the for the long Virginia winters. Ann has taken up dyke over the years and revealed to me that Phil cruise. Early last fall, Dave was laid off by Maersk golf, while Bill hones his skills doing stand-up was the inventor of the “Rat Man” cartoon in The Oil but landed on his feet three weeks later with paddling. Their son, John, along with his wife, Jes- Cadet newspaper. There was no mention of how Noble Energy. Now, not only is this a better job, sica, and the granddaughters, aged 7 and 5, live in Phil invests his royalty income. In any case, Turner the company name is much easier to spell. When Alexandria, and daughter, Blair, and her husband, and Kathy extend an invitation to any BRs who you’re hot, you’re hot.

Not to be outdone, Ned Haley Jorge, reside in Mexico City. chimed in that he and Fricka just reDon Crawford reported that Mark and Sandy Albright paid a visit for turned from a month in the Middle lunch on their way back to Florida after East (Qatar and Cairo, Egypt), Westvisiting their son and his family. Their ern Europe (Germany, Austria) and plans were to also mooch off Ed and Eastern Europe (Slovakia, Hungary, Marky Trinkle as they made their way Romania), which included an 8-day through Georgia. Don also updated me Danube River cruise. This summer, on his and Lois’ food blog, RecipeIdeathey will make a family visit in New England. In October, they plan a road Shop.com, where they post their latest trip to the great Southwest. Ned’s creations. They recently participated in son, Adam, and his girlfriend recently the “What’s Cooking” program with moved from State College, Pennsylvathe local Small Business Development Class of 1970: At the 2015 GOMBACS outing in February in Myrtle Center office, which helped them figure nia, to Corvallis, Oregon, where she out how to actually make some money Beach, South Carolina, were, from left, Warren Grasty, John now works as an adviser for internaBailey, David Schmidt, Gary Weishaar, Gray Chandler, Steve out of their hobby. Don is currently Craddock, Tom Massey, Tom Cooke, Mike Snead, Bob Costigan tional students at Oregon State Uniworking on a Big Red recipe, so it looks and Herb Braun. versity. Adam hopes to find an adjunct like we will have the main course covteaching position while he finishes writing a book. ered for our class dinner at reunion. Rolaids will be would like to partake in the many pleasantries of the Newport area. And now that their two daughSomewhat closer to home, a long-planned BR made available for purchase.

Joining the ranks of the retired – after two pre- ters are out of the house, you won’t have to sleep road trip to Memphis, Tennessee, in late April to partake in the local music and culinary heritage vious botched attempts – is none other than Tom in the garage.

From the timing-is-everything department, Tom finally came to pass, thanks to host Artie Pates.

Clingerman. As those of you who actually read this drivel every issue may recall, his most recent Morehouse tagged me saying that he unfortunate- Making the trek were John Bailey, Gray Changig was with the U.S. Forest Service the past five ly will not be able to make it to our 45th. It turns dler, Steve Craddock, Gary Weishaar and yours years, flying around fighting forest fires. He now out that he and a group of couples he knew from truly. We pretty much hit all the sites – Mud Isspends much of his time working with the Boy his Army days rented a villa in Umbria for early land, Sun Recording Studio, STAX Recording Scouts, where he has been a Scout Leader for September before our reunion date was made pubStudio, Gibson Guitar factory, the Museum of the past 25 years. He and Karen are planning on lic. They return the Saturday of reunion. I suppose Rock and Soul, the Lorraine Motel and, of course, making the trek from Iowa to attend our 45th I could take umbrage with this, but I’ll let it go.

Graceland. In truth, there is probably more muReunion in September, their first since our 25th.

Among the many area brother rats who will be atsic history in Artie’s man cave than in all of the Meanwhile, their eldest son is a Staff Sergeant tending our 45th is Dick Cheatham. He hopes that museums we attended. The man has some amazin the U.S. Marine Corps and also works in law Patti will be able to take a break from her extended ing (how should I say this?) slightly surreptitious enforcement in Arizona, and their younger son stay helping her mother in Oregon so she can join concert videos. On the culinary side, all I can say works in information technology at a local bank him. Dick would also like to dispel the rumors that is that multiple hogs met their maker during this chain. he actually starred in the Fox News “Legends and four-day whirlwind tour. Artie says his doors are Continuing his fight against retirement, Turner Lies” episode about Davy Crockett, although he always open to any BRs wanting to visit. We give Scott wrote in that he is still running an active law will be happy to attach his signature to any coonskin him a 4-star tour guide rating. practice in Newport, Rhode Island. It seems the caps you might want to bring with you to reunion.

Traveling all the way to the left coast in March, temptations of retirement haven’t quite yet offset Also, he anticipates that his much-awaited book on Gordon Williams connected with Bob Grossthose of being a puppet master in the political citizen leadership should be out any decade now. man on a trip to southern California. They met machinations of the various local government Dave Curry wrote in from Houston, Texas, to up at a Marriott timeshare overlooking the Pacific

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Class Notes he served eight years in the U.S. Air in Newport Coast, California, near Force and then started his lifelong Bob and Tari’s home in Ventura. As career in software sales. Memorial luck would have it, St. Patrick’s Day services were held April 14, 2015, in broke out while they were there, so Manchester, Missouri. His burial will they made the most of the free wine be at Jefferson Barracks at a later date. and cheese. Both Gordon and Bob are R.J. is survived by his wife, Robin; planning to make it to reunion. three daughters; two sons; and several And now for the Schlussels. Kent grandchildren and great-grandchilsays that Judy, having pretty much recovered from months of rehab on dren. On behalf of the Class of 1971, her multiply-fractured wrist, had to unI extend our sincere condolences to dergo foot surgery on St. Patrick’s Day. R.J.’s family.

In mid-February, we also lost a Once again, Kent has to be chief cook, member of the ’71 family with the house cleaner, laundry expert and death of Al Davis’ wife, Gray, who chauffer. So, you tell me, who are we had battled cancer for quite some to feel sorry for here? Anyway, accordtime. Gray earned three degrees from ing to Kent, “She got her driving privithe University of North Carolina, leges back after two months and is now including a Ph.D., and was a clinical starting to walk ‘straight’ but slowly.” research scientist involved with the He says they have cut back on their development of Acyclovir and AZT. travels for the time being and are stayClass of 1970: At Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennesse, in April 2015 She authored or coauthored more ing close to home until the reunion. were, from left, John Bailey, Steve Craddock, Artie Pates, Gary than 20 publications and traveled to Might I humbly suggest that you stay Weishaar and Warren Grasty. more than 29 countries. Memorial indoors, preferably in Bubble Wrap? services were held Feb. 14, 2015, at St. Michaels Recently, I joined up with John Bailey, Jim Jim Kelly Episcopal Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. In Mawyer and Gary Weishaar for a trip to Charlie addition to Al, Gray is survived by two sons and and Margaret Walker’s house in Corolla, North three grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers Carolina, on the Outer Banks to help get it ready continue to go out to Al and his family. for the rental season. Oh, by the way, we played I mentioned in the last edition of the class notes some golf, too, with Jimi having one of his best rounds to date. Unfortunately, this had absolutely These notes will cover the period from Feb. 15, that I was hoping to attend a luncheon in Richno positive impact on the rest of our games. mond with several brother rats who live in that 2015, to May 15, 2015.

Joe Tenhet kindly sent in some work he has had Each time I begin the May set of class notes, area. John Heisler has been the point man for a done trying to design an embroidered image of I am always reminded of our last official days number of years in organizing these gatherings. our class ring for use on polo shirts. The feasibilat VMI. Since this marks the 44th anniversary, Kathryn and I were in Richmond during the last ity of this for our reunion is being examined as certain pieces of those memories get a little more week of February to keep the grandchildren, Lauwe speak. Joe reported he and Silvia now own a clouded, if you know what I mean. There was ren ’26 and Ryan ’27. That was supposed to be a condo in St. Pete Beach, Florida, near the classic some mention in the newspapers here a day or so light duty trip ... get the children on the bus and Don CeSar hotel, so they split their time between ago that most cadets were away from campus over then spend free time in the “Big R,” such as gothere, Williamsburg and traveling. the weekend since they had already completed ing to lunch at Extra Billys with the guys. About In closing, for those of you who don’t already their exams. I remember back in May 1971, some the time we got to Richmond, my phone weather know, I am sad to report that John Burton’s wife, of us did have a few days that were unencumapp sounded an alarm and flashed its little red Liz, died in March in Suffolk, Virginia. Liz, who bered, and that Jerry Kelly invited several people light, etc. to announce a winter storm warning in was Al Johnson’s cousin, was a retired elemendown to a place his family had at Virginia Beach. Richmond with several inches of snow predicted. tary school teacher. Please keep John in your The house was appropriately located on 71st Chalk this one up for the weather guys, as 7 inches thoughts and prayers.

Street, about a block off the ocean. I am pretty of snow fell overnight, closed schools and made a That’s all for now. Let me know if you have any sure we had an enjoyable few days before heading general mess of everything. A flurry of emails folquestions about reunion. Also, be sure to check back to Lexington for finals weekend. lowed, and it was decided that the lunch was still out our Facebook page (VMI’70) for pictures that Sadly, I share with you the news that we have on in spite of the snow. Most of the guys reported either exceeded my five-picture limit or were not lost another brother rat. Richard “R.J.” Spence the main roads were clear and that it should not of high enough resolution to include, as well as died April 9, 2015, in Missouri. R.J. matricube any big deal ... I did have my Jeep on the trip pictures and comments posted by BRs. lated from Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, and was ... and then things went downhill. The restaurant In the spirit! a history major at VMI. Following graduation, did not open that day, and a tactical decision

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes was made to move to an Applebee’s out on West Broad. Heisler, Aldous, Patterson, Pearman, Clary and Kirby all made it. The rest of us ... well, we were all somewhere else. I understand that another lunch is scheduled for May 27, 2015, again at Extra Billys. I hope things go better this time around and that Heilser and the guys will forgive me for missing my chance to be there.

Somewhere near the end of February, I got an email from Charlie Forrest who has been off the radar for a while. Charlie visits his son in the Washington, D.C., area from time to time and was looking for a way to contact Doug Miles, also with a low profile. Steve Fogleman and Sharon Paton did come up with Doug’s number, which was relayed to Charlie. Will Wickun and Charlie had also chatted with each other and got up to date with things going on in their lives.

Barry O’Donnell has been with the Pamplin School of Business at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University for about 25 years. He recently sent a note saying that Tech was changing their focus a little, and the full-time Master of Business Administration program will be shifting to other campuses. The “Bear” is “disappointed” with that turn of events but is taking the high road and will be leading the effort to transition his graduate level work into the undergraduate program for Pamplin’s management majors. Bear says he still enjoys working with students and will remain at Tech for a few years. He currently has Geof Schelhorn’s daughter, Katie, in one of his classes.

Katie transferred to VT in the fall after switching her major to personal financial planning.

A good sized gathering of brother rats was held at the Metzger lodge during March of this year, with Haywood, Biersack, Kennedy, Schelhorn, Piernick, Litttleton, Ronayne, Wright, Paton, Golden, Lindsey and Noon all on board for the weekend. Lots of time was spent telling stories (word is that Paton was especially fired up) and making plans for the now annual fall mini at Metzger’s.

During the long and cold winter, a number of brother rats took some great trips and shared quite a few pictures on Facebook. Others shared grandchildren, videos, jokes, recipes, etc. Showing up on my page this time around were Clary, Guffey, Carver, Staley, Snyder, Kreamer, Haywood, Rose, Dunlap, Hanke, Caulfield, Mikula, Aldous, Kirby, Rovito, Brumback, Biggs, Ashman, Bryan, Acuff, Patterson, Martenstein, Gault, Groome and Jolissaint.

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On April 10, 2015, the VMI Foundation hosted a very nice Benefactor’s Luncheon to honor those who had sponsored scholarships or made contributions to endowment funds. The event was held in Marshall Hall, and in addition to the donors, there were several cadets attending who are the recipients of scholarship monies. I sat at a table with Scott Miller and six cadets who very much appreciated the financial support that had been provided them. All of these young men have done quite well at VMI. Scott and I were just slightly in awe of the preponderance of academic stars and ranker stripes on their uniforms. Also in attendance were Buddy and Carol Bryan, Speed Patterson, Bob Lockridge, John Wall and Rick Littleton. The keynote address was given by Cadet Harper Niver ’15, who attended VMI on a full honors scholarship. She spoke highly of the quality of education she felt she had received at VMI and was proud to announce she was accepted into medical school at Michigan State University.

Harper was also “adopted” by Carol and Buddy Bryan and given respite during her cadetship from the life in barracks. It was obvious they are quite proud of her. If anyone is interested in contributing to an endowment or scholarship, there are roughly 15 such funds with direct connections to the Class of ’71. Buddy or I would be happy to provide information as needed.

The week following the above mentioned event, Kathryn and I were back in Lexington for the Spring Volunteer Leader’s Conference for class agents and alumni chapter presidents. During our two days there, we were provided updates on a number of topics concerning VMI, including the Campaign for VMI, the VMI Foundation, Alumni Association, Keydet Club, capital improvement program and the status of the Corps of Cadets.

Support of the Campaign for VMI has been outstanding, and there is every expectation that the ambitious $225 million goal will be achieved. This is especially good news since the level of funding for VMI (and other state schools) remained relatively static. It is anticipated that faculty and staff will receive a 2 percent pay increase for the upcoming fiscal year. Some of the major concerns facing VMI include the overall costs of tuition and fees and the ever increasing cost of athletics. Currently about 1,200 cadets and 234 cadet athletes receive financial aid. Officials estimated that without financial aid, nearly 30 percent of the current Corps could not afford to attend VMI. The stated goals of the Campaign for VMI address the growing of

VMI’s endowment and unrestricted funds, ensuring sustainability and expanding the donor base of alumni as well as friends of VMI. I just received the giving totals for the end of the third quarter of fiscal year 2015. The Class of ’71 continues to demonstrate a leadership level of support for VMI, and I thank all of you who have made that possible. We have 79 donors (31 percent) as of this date, which keeps us in second place behind ’70, but we still have time to rally. Private monies account for nearly 85 percent of all funds received by VMI. I hope you will take note of the information above about the importance of financial support to so many of our outstanding young men and women at VMI. I encourage you to visit VMI’s website, study the information about VMI, watch the inspiring videos and once again get excited about what is truly “not ordinary.”

Rick Littleton was once again involved this spring with the Wounded Warrior Sporting Clays Tournament at Quail Ridge near Lexington. The event is sponsored by the George C. Marshall Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. I don’t have a listing of BRs who may have competed, but I feel sure that some of our regular shooters were involved in some way or another. The last time I saw Rick, we also talked about the possibility of an outing of the 71 Alumni Chapter (unorganized) at something like a Salem Red Sox game in Salem, Virginia. I also heard from a Pulaski alumnus, Brad Burrus ’96, who has stepped up to organize an “official” alumni chapter for the New River Valley. I shared with Brad a “history lesson” from the old days when there was a very active chapter in this area and told him about ’71’s independent activities. Those of you who live in or near the NRV should keep an eye out for upcoming events. Send me an email, and I will share with you what I know about how the organizational effort is progressing and any activities that might be planned. The New York Yankees now have a farm club in Pulaski (yes, “the” Yankees and yes, Pulaski) and could provide a venue for summer activity.

Mark your calendars for September 2016 as we begin to start serious planning for our 45th Reunion. Let me know if you have suggestions for how to make the weekend one that can be enjoyed by everyone. As an aside, I got word that the Class of ’85, at its most recent reunion, had none other than our BR Jerry Acuff as their motivational speaker.

Kathryn and I hope that each of you will have

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Class Notes an enjoyable summer, and we will look forward to getting together this fall. Let me hear from you and let VMI be heard from today.

In the bonds, Jim

’72

Larry Houseworth

Green ’67, and Walt and Debbie Chalkley ’72.

Having converted the Greens to the virtues of The Villages, Walt and Debbie turned their impressive sales guns on me. I have to admit, it sounds mighty, mighty tempting – but I need a few more years to get my golf game back before I can handle that level of competition. (Walt and Rick Hack, you have nothing to fear – yet...)

And to Brother Hack, a profound apology, sir. In my rush to meet our last deadline, I omitted this – “Hope all is well with you. I am doing well down here in The Villages. Walt and Debbie Chalkley and Rosanne (my wife of 39 years) and I try to get together at least once a week. Bob and Grace Bailey live down the road in Tampa. We try to eat lunch with them once every six weeks or so. I am keeping busy with some work (I had my arm twisted and am doing some consulting for my old company, Fluor Corporation). I really like the people there, so it’s not odious work. So I end up traveling about once a quarter and doing some work at home. I am selective about what I will do with them, but I am enjoying it. I am finishing up

Brother and Sister Rats, Progeny and Passersby, Greetings and salutations from deep within the cubicles. These notes cover snowy February through spectacular New Market Day. We knew this was waiting for us somewhere if we were patient ... really patient...

Much to report!

April’s Volunteer Leadership Conference was well attended, excellently run and a great opportunity to catch up with fellow class agents and chapter reps. We were presented the complete and unvarnished state of the Institute – the Foundation, Alumni Association, commandant, dean, athletic department, physical plant and cadet leadership. I can report that VMI is in a stellar state – a nationally recognized leader in academia, leadership and ethics. The Honor Code is held as a renowned standard, the physical plant provides current and future cadets with unrivalled facilities for academic and physical achievement, and the faculty is recognized for its commitment to direct engagement with all cadets. And all of this occurs in the face of the precipitously alarming decline in state and federal funding.

I’m proud to say that we, BRs, continue our role in contributing to the Institute’s success. (For an up close and personal Class of 1972: Jack Miller and Bob Weskerna ’63. look at the manifestation of alumni giving, check out the “Got a Minute” videos on the my second year of a four-year stint as the honorary colonel of the Ordnance Regiment. (Each branch Foundation’s webpage.)

At the conference, the usual band of Old Corps in the Army has an honorary colonel appointed suspects pontificated on our respective class’ by the Secretary of the Army.) It is mostly cere“proximity to the staples” (in the Review). Walt monial to keep traditions alive, mixed with a little Judd and Bobby Heely ’69, Warren Grasty ’70, mentoring and being part of Hall of Fame boards Jim Kelly ’71, Doug Huthwaite ’73 (filling in for and induction ceremonies. This position takes me Mike Kelly) and your humble scribe waxed long to Fort Lee several times a year. As you probably and eloquently on the way it was ... and if we know, I recently began my obligations as a trustcould handle the way it is. Dinner was delightful, ee on the VMI Foundation Board. I went to the with Bobby and Lush Heely ’69, Bob and Carole 175th anniversary dinner. I had a wonderful time

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and ate dinner with Tom Williamson and John Fick. Also saw Pete Ramsey briefly. Recently had a long conversation with Rich Flowers, who is coming back on the board and lives here in Florida (way down south). All of this ‘work’ is interfering with my ‘golf improvement program.’ I do try to play about three times a week, and my game has improved significantly. Lots of social activities. (I play poker with guys, once a week.) Our neighborhood (called a village) does lots of things together.

I belong to several patriotic organizations and try to support as many as I can. When our local Veterans of Foreign Wars honor guard executes a funeral ceremony (which is often), I try to write a ‘three star note’ to the next of kin. Rosanne and I belong to several clubs/organizations, as well. We have done a bit of traveling. Our son, daughterin-law and only grandchild live in Norway, so we go there once a year. Our house here is just about complete. It’s funny; when we bought the house, Rosanne said it was ‘perfect.’ We have spent thousands making it ‘more perfect-er,’ which I didn’t think was possible. We’re looking forward to Jan. 7 when the VMI Jazz Band will be here, and we are having a dinner dance.

Rosanne and I will host a cadet or two.” Ahhh, the Gods are smiling on you, BR. Quiet Bob Beerbower once reminded me that he and I made up two-thirds of the bottom of the English GPAs (No. three is still MIA).

But when Bob speaks, he speaks.

“Larry, thanks for the birthday card.

The 65th is a big one. I retired on my birthday after 42 years of flying (six in the U.S. Air Force and 36 with Delta). The last engine shutdown in Atlanta was tough; I told my guys I needed some time before facing the 294 passengers. My last flight was to Johannesburg; my oldest son went down there and back with me. Bonnie said the flight was too long for her. The week before, I had back to back flights to Paris (days one and two, Paris; day three, Atlanta; days four and five, Paris; day six, back to Atlanta). Bonnie went with me and stayed in Paris until day six. While I was flying, she went to Normandy and said she was moved by the trip. In March, she went on a back to back to Amsterdam and stayed over while I went home and back (she had another passport adventure, which I’ll tell about on a later date); my

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes two labs, Razzle and Dazzle, were glad to see me.

“Thinking back on career, I owe VMI. Had I not gone there, I would have never gotten into pilot training. I had no burning desire to fly and frankly didn’t know much about airplanes; however, once I got into it, I liked it. As an English major, I wasn’t trained for much else.

“In the 42 years, I ran into lots of VMI guys along the way. From our class; Bob Benham, Phil Clayton, Rick Griffith, Chris Kinsler, Jon Dimarco, Tim Poole, Tom Moncure, Alan McElroy, Tim Cleland, and one former classmate who received an after taps serenade our 1st Class year (that was a long day). From other classes, there are Phil Spivey ’60, Ken Steele and Jim West ’62, Ed Engle ’65, George Sebren ’68, Dixie Walker and Al Kirk ’70, Bob Petrola and Rick Siebert ’71, Dan Kornacki ’79, Scott Barger ’82, and Jewett and Jon Dodson ’83.

“I haven’t really planned much that I’m going to do in retirement. I cut lots of grass. (I have a Ford diesel tractor and a finishing mower.) I also, along with Bonnie, spend lots of time with our two grandsons who live very close to us. I’m trying to decide if I should wash my BMW motorcycle, which I haven’t ridden in three years, or pick up the golf clubs I haven’t used since I was 16. I still enjoy reading and read lots of books from our local library. Bonnie wants to travel, but I’ve already spent too much time in airplanes. An RV sounds good to me, but Bonnie’s idea of camping is a Holiday Inn without a color TV. “I enjoy reading about my classmates, and wish more would write to you (class agent note – uh, yeah, BR). A look in the mirror tells me I’m one of the non-writers, as this is only my second letter to you. Anyway, keep up the good work. As I’ve

Class of 1972: Bud Conklin at his retirement ceremony April 1, 2015.

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said before, ‘Better you than me.’” My honor and privilege, BR. Thought I’d share this from A.J. Fojt, a member of the 2nd Infantry Division (“Indianhead”) Association. Thanks to a Facebook post from Scott Lingamfelter ’73, A.J. represented the 2ID Indianhead Association at the funeral services of Cpl. Lindsey Lockett (503d Artillery Battalion, 2ID), returned home from Korea after 62 years. While his appearance appeared to concern some of the younger members of the rural Southside congregation, the elder parishioners expressed great appreciation and respect for the representation of the “second to none.”

A.J. told of Chris Jones’ wife’s granddaughter’s progress in applying to VMI. She has a provisional appointment and is optimistic about her chances for acceptance (remember, BRs, it’s far tougher to get in now than it was in the “Old Corps”). A.J. reminded me to remind you that there are many avenues for financial assistance for aspiring new cadets. While he and Karen are far too modest to say so, their Mary Martha Ball Scholarship is an excellent source of assistance for aspiring, out-ofstate young women seeking financial assistance.

And, as is always the case, we re-regaled ourselves with tales of harassing the Band Company 3rds our 4th Class year – **** cards and his coat-hangering shut corporals Ken Yorgey’s ’71 and Bill Beckner’s ’71 door, resulting in five demerit “late to formation” bones for each – ahh, the misty memories...

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Jack Miller (Division 17 Commander District 7) sent along the photo of him and Bob Weskerna ’63, commodore of District 7 U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. I swear I would have reconsidered my commissioning options if I’d seen Capt. Jack’s photos from “USCGA at work” back in 1970...

Roger Lodi sent a quick note, saying, “I do not often send things out, but I found this perspective on self and moral direction inspiring and thought-provoking. Hope that you find it personally beneficial as well.” (David Brooks’ “The Moral Bucket List,” The New York Times, May 30, 2015.) Thanks, BR. It’s a great article.

Thanks to Mike Parish ’77, I received this news of Buddy Conklin. “Bud Conklin ’72, DDS, is retiring this month after 35 years with the organization that has become Carilion Clinic. A reception was held in his honor April 1, with his wife Kathy in attendance. I’m including a couple of pictures that were taken; one of Bud making remarks and one of Bud receiving gifts. It is evident from the many remarks made at the reception that the Institute has been well and truly heard from these last three and a half decades through

Bud’s accomplishments. Among them, he has been instrumental in developing an outstanding hospital dentistry program in Roanoke, and his establishment of dental clinics in Roanoke has bettered the lives of many thousands who otherwise would not have had dental care. And because he has established these programs to function without him, he is leaving an enduring legacy through which many more thousands of people will continue to benefit long into the future. The Class of ’72 deserves to be very proud of Bud.” We absolutely are, Mike – thank you.

Well, that’s a wrap for now – the lovely Ms. Moore’s foot is impatiently tapping (and my email’s buzzing). I’ll not tax her indulgence further.

Take good care of you and yours, BRs. Until next time...

Rah Virginia Mil! Larry

’73

Mike Kelly

I think spring is finally arriving now. I pulled out my shorts and T-shirts (summer uniform) when we went to Florida in mid-April but had to get out the jeans and sweatshirts when we got back, as it turned cold again. Hopefully all of you are doing well and getting ready for some summertime fun! New Market Day is just a few days off as I write these notes; however, it will be August and matriculation time when you get this issue of the Review.

Pat and I have been spending some time in Greensboro, North Carolina, since we got back from Florida last month keeping our youngest grandson, Lachlan Aaron McMillan, who was born Feb. 26. My daughter, Kathryn, teaches at the American Hebrew Academy there and had only a few weeks remaining on the school year when her maternity leave ran out so we are keeping Lachlan so he doesn’t have to go to a day care before summer break. And I am reminded that I need to get to work on his provisional appointment – Class of 2037! He is a good boy, even if he sent Pat and me home with the pink-eye!

As I mentioned, Pat and I went to Florida in April where we visited my son, Derek, who moved to Orlando in November. We also visited with my parents and sister in Tampa and attended Roland Tiso’s daughter’s wedding in Tampa. Catherine and Michael Inzirillo were married April 18. It was a wonderful wedding and reception. Many thanks to Roland and Judie, who were the

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Class Notes greatest hosts. M.B. Adelson and his wife, Mary, were also in attendance, and we all had fun catching up and, of course, telling “war stories.” We also had a great time with “Pop” Roland Tiso Sr., who was the superstar of the weekend.

Roland said Catherine and Michael had returned to Chicago after a big honeymoon in Belize and life was turning back to somewhat normal in Tampa. Roland’s work changes from day-to-day, and he may have to go back to Central Asia late this summer. In the meantime, he continues his training and is preparing for the Tampa Bay Body Building Classic June 6. Good luck, Roland! You are the man!

M.B. and Mary Adelson said they hosted P.X. English and his wife for a couple of nights in April while they were visiting Tallahassee, Florida.

P.X. said that they had some great Buffalo wings and good hops and spun some wonderful stories about rugby, the Rat Line, the great American novel and other shenanigans that he would not further mention. Perhaps I should compare notes from M.B. as well as P.X.? I think they had a good time. P.X. planned to move to Greenville, South Carolina, to be closer to family, so if you are heading down Interstate 85 through the state, stop in and say hello. P.X. said the VMI red, white and yellow cocktail flag was being flown.

In the last notes, I mentioned Jim Ackley was having some health issues. I am pleased to report Jim sent me a note this week saying that he continues to improve and is so appreciative of all the support from the class and other VMI alumni. Jim suffered a hemorrhagic stroke Dec. 19 and was airlifted to MCV Hospital in Richmond, where he spent eight weeks in intensive care. In February, he was transferred to Lynchburg Baptist Hospital and began therapy sessions. He is now at home and continues to have some double vision problems which cause bouts of dizziness and nausea. He is seeking additional treatment either at the University of Virginia or Duke University

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Class of 1973: Mark Weiss was inducted into the Tucker High School Hall of Fame for his teaching and coaching career in high school athletics. At the event were, from left, Darrell Rickmond, Weiss and Tom Napier. Present but not pictured was Frank Joyce.

Class of 1973: On April 18, 2015, Catherine Tiso, daughter of Roland Tiso, was married in Tampa, Florida. Pictured at the wedding were, from left, Roland Tiso Jr., Roland “Pop” Tiso Sr., Mike Kelly and M.B. Adelson.

Class of 1973: Neil Carlson, left, and his wife, Jennie, traveled to Fort Polk, Louisiana, May 9 to visit with Steve Chaddick, right, and have an early New Market Day party.

during the summer. Jim said he still has some tough roads to travel, but a major constant has been the support and encouragement of his brother rats. Please keep Jim and Susan in your thoughts and prayers as he continues to get well.

Somehow, when I was putting together notes for the last Review, I “misplaced” Christmas letters from three brother rats. Pat discovered them after the deadline and notes were submitted.

My apologies to you guys!

Mary and Bill Stoner sent a nice letter to say they had moved to a neighborhood in the Trophy Club, Texas, area from Austin. It is closer to some of the kids and to Mary’s mother, and while they miss their old neighborhood, they enjoy the new house with a pool.

(Which the grandkids love!) They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with a trip to Monterey, California, where Mary participated in the Big Sur Half Marathon.

In addition to their Christmas card, Becky and Ralph Littreal sent a letter on their yearly excursions. Ralph continues to work for Lockheed Martin; however, part of the programs he works on are moving to Texas this year. They don’t plan to move to Dallas, and Ralph isn’t sure about that commute, so this may be a career changing year for him.

Becky has retired from teaching and is enjoying her new “freedom,” although she isn’t as keen on Ralph rousting her out at 4:45 in the morning to go to the gym as she once was. While they didn’t really go on a vacation in 2014, they do follow the San Francisco Giants and have been to their training camp in Scottsdale, Arizona. Becky is a big Giants fan!

And they made it back to Virginia for their annual Christmas and winter visit.

I had not heard from Sandy and Blake Thomas in a while, but they sent a nice Christmas letter, as well. They have built a hangar and “pilot lounge” at the Grass Roots Airpark in Groveland, Florida.

While they haven’t made the big move yet (as of Christmas), they were making plans for it. Blake is still working as a pilot for Southwest Airlines, and Sandy hops a ride whenever she can to visit family and friends. Sandy said they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in December. They met at the Air War

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes College in 1994 and got married halfway through the school year, and they have been having a blast ever since!

Mac Kirkpatrick spent some time at VMI in mid-May. His son, Clark, graduated May 16 with a major in modern cultures and Arabic language.

After graduation, Clark will go to Cambridge University to work on a certificate to teach English as a second language in foreign countries. He hopes to teach in Tunisia for a year and then travel by motorcycle “around the world,” as time and money permit. Mac said his daughter, Julie, just finished her second year at Temple University. Mac and his wife, Melanie, continue to travel a lot. Melanie and Clark spent a couple of weeks in Chile over spring break, and then Mac and Melanie motorcycled through Death Valley and parts of California.

Jim and Sharon Chalkley moved to Jacksonville, Florida. Jim is now the national accounts director at Apex Systems in Jacksonville. Jim said they decided it was time to get rid of the snow shovel! In March, Jim went to Wilmington and played golf with Rich Lykins, Bill Stephens, Yerry Kenneally, Mark Weiss and Tom Napier.

They all apparently felt like the courses were getting longer?

Bill Stephens said they were moving “part-time” to Pawley’s Island, South Carolina. While they plan to maintain a “presence” in Virginia for family and doctors, they plan to enjoy the Palmetto weather and beach scene most of the time. They also plan to attend The Citadel versus VMI athletic events in Charleston, South Carolina. “Misto” said that Mike Smith frequents Myrtle Beach often, and he welcomes any BRs coming to the area to join them in golf or a get-together for some seafood and wine. Billy said that perhaps we should start thinking about a mini reunion in Charleston after the Nov. 7 football game? Sounds like a great idea to me!

Tom Napier sent a note and picture about Mark Weiss. Mark was inducted into the Tucker High School Hall of Fame in Richmond in March. Mark was recognized for his teaching and coaching accomplishments at the school and joined a select group of folks chosen over the past 50 years to be in the Hall of Fame.

Mark, and his wife, Linda, were pleasantly surprised when Tom, Frank and Barbara Joyce, and Darrell Rickmond showed up for the ceremony. Stuart Seaton had planned to go but fell ill the day of the ceremony, so he passed along his recognition and congratulations to Mark, as did Dale Kitchen, who was working out of town during the celebration and also unable to attend. Congratulations, Mark!

Most of you probably saw my note about Paul

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Jalbert and his fundraising activities for the Virginia Commonwealth University Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center. Paul was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2008 and has been very active in supporting both research and support-group activities. Paul was very grateful to the many BRs and others who provided support toward his goal, which he exceeded. His team was the “Movn’ & Shakin’” 5K team in the race. Several of our BRs and a lot of alumni were participants. Mike Mackenzie and John Landry were two participants on his team.

Paul, we are really proud of you and your wonderful leadership in the fight against this disease.

Please let us know anytime we can help!

As you are aware, John Landry’s wife died last fall. John sent me a note to say he was doing pretty well, and he appreciated all the support he received from the BRs during his time of loss.

John said he had recently gone to Bill Boland’s house for dinner and was joined by Mike Mackenzie, Tom Napier and Paul Jalbert. They all had a great time and enjoyed rehashing old and new war stories.

In March, I attended an alumni function in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where Gen. Peay ’62 gave an update on the Institute to those attending. Pat was unable to go with me that night, so I rode on the bus with a group of alumni from the Raleigh area. We had a really nice time. Doug and Pat Huthwaite drove up from Kure Beach, North Carolina, to attend the event, and I had a nice time chatting with them during the evening. As it turned out, they had gotten tickets to the Celtic Woman show at the Durham Performing Arts Center the same night we had, so we were able to link up with them again the first of April to have dinner and attend the show together. Both of them have retired now and live in Kure Beach full time. We had a great evening together!

I had not heard from Doug and Beth Basham in a while, but I recently got a nice note from them. On April 12, they became grandparents, as Doug’s oldest daughter, Laura, had a boy named Brendan Warren. Laura and her husband, Tony York, live in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Beth said they probably would be spending more time further south. And Doug’s youngest daughter, Catherine, and her husband, Tim Sullivan, will present them with their second grandchild in November! Great hearing from you; please keep in touch!

Mark Skupien sent me a nice note to just say hello and stay in touch. He is doing well and looks forward to perhaps retiring the end of this year. He said he is enjoying life and was sitting

on his deck watching the horses graze and looking forward to the next reunion!

Neil Carlson said all was well in Louisiana. He and his wife Jennie celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in January. On May 9, they drove to DeRidder, Louisiana, to visit with Steve Chaddick. Steve was hosting a “pre-New Market Day” celebration and having a party at his house. Neil said they really had a good time catching up and amusing the young alums at the social with real Old Corps stories! Steve is still working with the G-3 training at Fort Polk but is thinking about retiring in a couple of years. Neil said he and Jennie were going off this summer to visit the “old country” and follow his roots in Scandinavian countries. They are really excited and looking forward to it. Hope you have a great trip, Neil, and be sure to give us an update.

I had not heard from John Pinner in a while, either, although I got a card from him and Ann at Christmas, but John sent me a note recently to say hello. John said they plan to vacation in Maine this summer and just kick back and relax for a while.

John mentioned he had discovered that he had a namesake, John Webb, who fought in the battle of New Market, and whose name is on the monument in front of the Nichols Engineering Building.

John said they look forward to the fall and hopefully seeing a lot of folks at some of the ballgames.

Tom and Bonnie Clark were traveling when Tom sent me notes this month. They were camping in New Mexico and then headed to Sedona and on up to the Grand Canyon. He said Bonnie was going to do the mule ride down into the canyon, but he did not plan to do so. Bonnie, is he “chicken?” They will travel on to Monument Valley and then head back home and will be doing some home renovations this summer.

Richard Bancke and his wife, Mary Ann, are moving to Omaha, Nebraska, from Sioux City, Iowa, in June. Mary Ann is retiring as a medical technologist, and Rich will be teaching at Millard South High School. Rich says he loves teaching and hopes to teach for many more years! In Omaha, they will be closer to two of their children and three grandchildren.

I also had a nice note from Rick Gribling. I had reported in the last Review that Rebekah’s father died. However, it was actually Rick’s father. Very sorry for your loss, Rick. Richard Lee was really a true combat hero, and I know Rick and his family will miss him and his wisdom. Rick said they have a big year planned with trips to Spain and then on to Edinburgh and Inverness, Scotland. Rick and I love Edinburgh! (We loved Inverness, too!) They plan to spend Christmas in Scotland with their daughter and son-in-law. Safe travels, Rick!

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Class Notes

Class of 1973: At the “Movin’ and Shakin” 5K in support of Parkinson’s research held May 2, 2015, were, from left, John Landry, Mike Mackenzie, Paul Jalbert and Emily Dickinson. Class Agent Mike Kelly said of this photo, “Paul was one of the major fundraisers for the event, which raised money for the Virginia Commonwealth University Parkinson’s Center. He was very grateful to all, especially brother rats, who helped in his effort.”

Class of 1973: On March 19, 2015, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, VMI superintendent, was the guest of honor at an alumni event in Fayetteville, North Carolina. In attendance at the event were, from left, Doug Huthwaite, Mike Kelly and John Kuchnia ’57.

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Dave Schwab is staying busy in Germany teaching school and following his acting career. He is still teaching for the Department of Defense and really enjoys his work. Part of his time is spent directing and participating in various plays and shows. Dave was recently awarded the 2015 Toppers Award for best actor in the play “12 Angry Men,” performed at the Hilltop Theater in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

Dave is very active in the performing arts. The Europe Toppers Awards are similar to the American Broadway’s Tony Awards. Congratulations, Dave!

Bob Poynor said that his wife, Sandy, continues to improve from her surgery, and they were looking at various options for long term cancer treatments; none of which were very pleasing. Overall, they are doing well and spending some time with kids and grandkids. One granddaughter, Wesley, will be graduating this spring from high school and going to Longwood College. Lana, the youngest, will be a junior in high school and enjoys playing soccer. His son, Jarrett, lives in Centreville, Virginia, and daughter, Cameron, is a nurse practitioner at McGuire Virginia Hospital, which is near Richmond. Bob’s work with the Air Force continues, but Bob isn’t certain what the future may hold for the services with so many things up in the air these days. Might be time to retire and enjoy the kids!

Ed Hall was looking forward to VMI’s graduation and swearing in a few new Marine lieutenants. He is still commander of the American Legion Post and president of the Old Post Rifle and Pistol Club, which was recently selected by the National Rifle Association as a Gold Metal Club.

Ed was really proud of that accomplishment. Ed said he is still working some as secretariat for an international telecommunications code assignment forum he helped establish in 1995 and remains active in the VMI college fairs in Maryland.

This issue’s “lost brother rat” award goes to Dick Clark! Dick and his wife of 41 years, Carole, live in Herndon, Virginia. He works as a civilian for the Navy at the Washington Navy Yard managing research and development contracts conducted by various universities for all of DOD. Dick said he is thinking about retiring, however, as he and Carole are now raising three of their grandkids and are having a blast raising kids all over again. Dick said the kids “keep him young and very busy” and can be a challenge. He has not been back to VMI in quite some time and looks forward to going back.

While their children didn’t go to school there, he has hopes that the grandkids may do so! Great hearing from you, Dick! Please stay in touch.

That is about it for now. Today is New Market Day. Rah Virginia Mil! Take care and be safe.

In the bonds, Mike

’74

Snookie Parker

Greetings Brother Rats, family and friends of the illustrious VMI Class of 1974!

“Sixty-three ... It hardly seems possible, and now I’ve noticed that the mileposts are beginning to clip by like fence posts on the side of the road.

What happened to those days when time crept by so slowly that a summer vacation from school felt like it lasted an eternity, and I was excited about returning to school in September? Perhaps that isn’t such a good analogy, and my memory is probably suspect regarding the excitement.” So says Rich Forbes, one of my 4th Class year roommates, in a short but poignant birthday writing he has recorded and sent to me – he and I turned 63 (May 6 and 10, respectively). Rich went on to talk about memory and old age. Never will happen to me. Did I tell you that Rich and I turned 63 last week? Appreciate the abundance of birthday greetings via Facebook and text – crested the 150 mark counting the belated wishes … mostly BRs and high school classmates (just finished our 45th high school reunion, so renewed high school friendships were fresh). Judge Nottingham really enjoyed himself at our high school reunion. It seems like every other picture I saw, Judge was in it with a different girl. Some things never change.

Speaking of Facebook birthday wishes, I did hear from one of my dykes who I have not heard from since graduation – Mike Davis ’77. Mike returned to New Market after serving in the Army, has been married for over 38 years, has three kids, four grandkids, is retired, flies some, plays golf and does some traveling now that his wife, Debbie, has retired from teaching. Great to reconnect.

Thanks for the contact, Mike!

Anyone know anything about Phoenix? I have been in Phoenix, Arizona, since late February trying to help the Department of Veterans Affairs effectively and efficiently deliver health care to our vets. I went out to do a process improvement project and ended up the interim vice president for data management for TriWest, the support contractor to the VA for the western part of the USA including, Alaska, Hawaii and Guam. The job – tracking and reporting on performance. It is getting better but still has a ways to go. Phoenix, however, is an interesting experience. There is lots to do: spring training baseball, D-backs, hot air balloons, Cave Creek, Carefree Highway/ Carefree, churches tend to be very contemporary, but I do miss the family, though. I feel like

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes I’m deployed. In June, I’m spending a week in Montana participating in a Custer’s Last Stand reenactment at Little Big Horn – a Christmas gift from a friend. It should be an interesting weeklong horse cavalry adventure. I’ll let you know!

Pat Flynn, Mike Cole and I are clipping right along with our business adventures. We have made some progress with our Ebola related Rapid Deployable Mobile Isolation Chamber – the Army has purchased and plans to deploy a unit to Kuwait, and we continue to be in discussion with U.S. Agency for International Development and Homeland Security. However, most of our recent activity has been with ServiceMax, a cutting edge Silicon Valley Field Service Management company. I am writing these notes while in San Francisco with Pat. We are here supporting a ServiceMax sponsored trade show event. I have to admit, I’m just the pretty face on this adventure.

Mike and Pat have been doing the heavy lifting ... and mostly Mike. If this all works out, it will be a win-win for the tax payer, the federal government, ServiceMax and us. Here’s hoping!

Good news to report about Mick Ernzen: He had a successful triple bypass surgery in February! I appreciated Debbie keeping us BRs posted.

Lots of words of encouragement were provided, especially from the Tidewater Area Breakfast Club members. Mick wrote, “Wish I could thank each of you personally ... for all the thoughts and prayers and correspondence with my wife and family ... It has meant a lot and meant a lot to me. Don’t believe there is any other school in the country that has classmates this close and concerned, and this was one more great example.”

Well said, Mick. We are all at that age – got to keep track of our tickers to keep those tickers ticking. Glad to hear of your new lease on life, Mick!

Enjoy the gift of time!

Got a short note from Hall Brodie. He updated me on an innovative approach to problem-solving we’ve been discussing; Hall had been wondering if one could have a consulting firm that was made up of a variety of smart people from various disciplines, and your business was to solve random problems for your clients. Well, an individual he knows, Clay, went to work for such a company that is in the consumer goods business – www. thrivethinking.com. They are using Clay’s engineering design background, problem-solving ability and creative skills to help their clients. It seems to be working for Clay. Hall claims Clay is as happy as a pig in mud! Might be something we might want to do!

In late February, I called to speak with Ron Stelmaczyk about meeting me in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to hear Gen. Peay ’62 speak to

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the North Carolina alumni chapter but ended up having a pleasant conversation with his better half, Marilyn. Ron was not able to make the chapter meeting in Fayetteville. Ron had recovered from his July 2014 hip surgery on one side and was about a week away from a hip surgery on the other side. Marilyn noted Ron has had more than his fair share of injuries and surgical repairs – both knees (and one twice), back and now both hips. I’m not surprised; this old airborne warrior is feeling the effects of too much time with a chute and a ruck while on jump status. As they say, you have to pay the band to dance ... and for many senior airborne warriors that bill is coming due.

Hope you are on the mend soon, Ron. Marla and I were supposed to join Bob “Turtle” and Susan Frank, Pete and Susan Shelley, and Will and Tricia Bynum ’77 on a beach/golf weekend trip in March, staying at Bob and Susan’s Topsail Beach home. I had to cancel due to work commitments with the VA in Phoenix. I know a good time was had by all. I’m not sure who came home with bragging rights. Thank you, Bob, for the invite.

Charley Banning wrote to say Debbie is about ready to retire. John Valenstein, the Banning financial adviser, has provided a promising picture, so it looks like Charley will be able to spend more time with Deb. At this writing, they were going to hook up with Red and Shelley Undercoffer for dinner at Maggiano’s. Red had returned from the Philippines (I think Red is sneaking back stateside under the cover of darkness), and Shelley came up from Lexington to meet him. Professor Jim “Space” Huddle has retired from the U.S. Naval Academy. He, too, was using John Valenstein as his financial adviser. John apparently told Jim he had enough to live on and “move on and not do any more harm.” Jim will be moving to Top Sail, North Carolina. What do you think – Space and Turtle on the same beach in North Carolina? The Potomac Area Breakfast Club is gonna miss him.

Charley claims that Dave Hickey passed through “ground zero” a couple of weeks ago. Dave was returning from a business trip to Delaware. Charley was able to resurrect Tom “Big Band” Cunningham to join them for lunch. I understand Dave and Linda are proud grandparents and often entertain the munchkins on sleepovers. Dave’s son, Matt, has decided to move into another professional area after having worked for Dave for so many years. I understand he wasn’t complaining about the management on the way out the door.

Mark “Brillo” Prentice, Bill “Misto” Shumate and Charley hooked up for a weekend at VMI and caught the VMI versus Wofford College basketball game. They ran into Tom Puskas and

Donnie Ross. Bill was missing Tim “Gunner” Gundlach. I understand Deb and Charley will be going to Tortola for a week on a Catamaran. Deb is taking swimming lessons to get ready. Should be an easy trip to pack for – a speedo! Cliff and Twana Biram visited Washington, D.C., for both business and pleasure. Deb and Charley met them for dinner. Cliff is working at the post office research and development center in Merrifield on this trip. Heads up: Make plans for the VMI cruise in 2016 – Deb and Charley are already signed up!

Class of 1974 took the trophy for most BRs on VMI’s last cruise out of Barbados.

The hunt for BR Kevin E. Newton! I sent an APB out thinking a search party – Jim Cottrell, John Smithey, Charley Banning or JFW Caldwell – may have insight on Kevin’s whereabouts. I did receive a promising website, made contact but no joy! http://www.lookupanyone.com/namelistings/ kevin-newton.html?recordid=08J7B3X3VWE Is Kevin off the grid? His BRs and the Institute want to know!

David and Susan Sheppard have moved to Wilson, North Carolina, the first week in May. Marla and I have been a quasi-sponsor for the move.

They had expressed interest in the area, so we have shown them around and introduced them to folks around town. We’ll get with Kent and Brenda Wheeless and start a VMI Class of 1974 Breakfast Club!

Speaking of VMI Class of 1974 Breakfast Clubs, The Grand PooBah of the Tidewater Breakfast Club, Paul Van Doren, reported on a Jan. 15 meeting. Close examination of the pictures provided evidence that they had a good turnout: Dave Sheppard, Steve Ham, Al Rasper, Frank Richardson, John McLaren, Henry Moncure, Sam Turner, Mick Ernzen, Chip Beaman, George Van Lathem, Bill Pennypacker and Chuck Cayton. Chip and Paul took turns taking the pictures.

You can tell by looking at the debris on the table that they all had a hearty breakfast at Dennis’ Spaghetti and Steakhouse. This was an unusual breakfast, as books were the theme of the day. Chip had a trunk full of his dad’s military history books to give away. Four or five BRs got all we could carry.

Chip claimed this didn’t put much of a dent in his dad’s collection. Paul was handing out free copies of books by Jack and Jerry Gaines, two of three exceptional brothers who are local to the community. There were a lot of takers for Jerry’s book, “40 Stories High,” which is the experience of mentoring high school students.

Regarding the March breakfast, there were 10 attendees, including John Crawley, Bill Pennypacker, Chuck Cayton, John McLaren, Frank Richardson, Mick Ernzen, Paul Van Doren,

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Class Notes Steve Ham, Gary Trinkle and Henry Moncure. the splendid moments of their lives, despite the One of the fondest memories of my time at VMI, fact that they spent so much of their existence in and there were many, was a time when Gray and I Henry brought a gift for everyone – a small jar of honey from his own hives. The label on these was, despair. I remember my classmate soaring with a were escorts for the queen and her court at the Aza“Bee Ware Honey.” Clever for an Institute grad. basketball in his hands. I remember him with aca- lea Festival the spring of our 4th Class year. I can’t The highlight was Mick’s presence after recently demic stars of excellence on his uniform, and I re- begin to describe how much fun it was to be in the having open heart surgery. Unlike the rest of his fuse to see him drunk and stumbling or so high on real world after the confines of our Rat Line; highdrugs that he would collapse, near comatose. Is the lighted by a clandestine attempt to visit our escorts BRs, Mick ate exceptionally healthy.

I received a short note from T.J. Wilson. He vision of hope we carry inside a characteristic we after hours – at their invitation, of course. These international queens of their respechappened to be at the Institute during tive countries were under tight security. the Class of ’75’s 40th Reunion and Suffice it to say, we survived, but it was had flashbacks to the good times we touch and go for a while. Thanks for the had at ours. T.J. was hoping to catch memories, brother rat! Rest in peace, up with Cameron “R.C.” Thompson my friend! in Lexington and perhaps catch a I thought I would end with the last burger at the Palms. wishes of Alexander the Great. On his Patsy Cottrell, Jim Cottrell’s mother, moved to heaven in March. Laurie deathbed, Alexander summoned his Gozzi gave us BRs notice. Patsy Cotgenerals and told them his three ultitrell will be laid to rest May 22 at Armate wishes: 1. The best doctors should lington National Cemetery. She will be carry his coffin. 2. The wealth he had interred next to her husband, Ronald accumulated (money, gold, precious Cottrell. Our prayers and deepest symstones) should be scattered along the pathy for Jim and his family. way to his burial. 3. His hands should Charlie Gardner passed along some be left hanging outside the coffin for sad news. It appears that our Brother all to see. Surprised by these unusual Rat Gray Eubank died last April in requests, one of his generals asked Naples, Florida. According to Charlie, Alexander to explain. Here is what he Class of 1974: At the Class of 1974 Tidewater Breakfast Club “The only reference I could find was meeting in January were, from left, Dave Sheppard, Steve Ham, said: 1. I want the best doctors to carry death after a long illness. Those who Al Rasper, Frank Richardson, John McLaren, Henry Moncure, my coffin to demonstrate that in the Sam Turner, Paul Van Doren, Mick Ernzen, George Van Laethem face of death, even the best doctors in remember Gray will remember him as and Chuck Cayton. Photo by Chip Beaman. a tremendous basketball player who the world have no power to heal. 2. I left us and went to ODC where he want the road to be covered with my led them to become the small college treasure so that everybody sees that national champions. He became a vet. the wealth acquired on earth, stays on At some point, his life fell apart and he earth. 3. I want my hands to swing in lost his license and became involved in the wind so that people understand drugs. It is a tragic story. His parents that we come to this world emptywere friends of mine, and he graduhanded, and we leave empty-handed ated from Norfolk Academy a year after the most precious treasure of all before Chip Beaman, Dave Stormont is exhausted – time. and me. I hope he finally found peace.

Time is our most precious treasure I don’t think he was ever married.” because it is limited. We can produce Rich Forbes on Gray Eubank: “I just more wealth, but we cannot produce finished reading the remembrances more time. When we give someone our Class of 1974: At the Class of 1974 Tidewater Breakfast Club time, we actually give a portion of our that several of my Virginia Military meeting in March were, from left, John Crawly, Bill Pennypacker, Institute brother rats had of another life that we will never take back. Our Chuck Cayton, John McLaren, Frank Richardson, Mick Ernzen, of our classmates who recently died Paul Van Doren, Steve Ham, Gary Trinkle and Henry Moncure. time is our life! The best present you can a mysterious death. He was a brilliant give your family, friends and your BRs mind, record holding basketball player, veterinar- gleaned from God at creation? Is this the reason He is your time. May you have the wisdom to give it. ian and, in the sorrowful end, a drug addict. It never abandons us and sends His son to redeem the Class agent plea! Don’t be caught without your seems that throughout our lives, the righteous faithful wrestler He finds within each of us? I have class coin. If you need one, send $10 (cost of coin man in each of us wrestles with the demonic self hope and faith in the ultimate victory of Christ in and postage). Please forward any news regardwithin for possession of our soul. For most of us, my life, and when I think of my friend’s horrid life ing births, deaths, illnesses, marriages and other the victor raises us in triumph to high places, but and tragic death, I know that there but by the grace significant events concerning your family and/or for a few the fall is horrific, and the price too bitof God go I. My savior has defeated the demon careers. Brother rats are interested and do care. ter and costly to contemplate. Even in death, we who would own me and delivers me before God the I know email addresses have a half-life of about find it hard to remember a friend in other than Father, pure and sinless as an unblemished lamb.” six months. Keep us current. Send your updated

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Class Notes email address to me snookieparker1974@earthlink.net, Charley Banning cbanning@cox.net or Kevin Nettrour (our webmaster) nettrour@accessus.net. Check out the website. Send me a note.

Yada, Yada, Yada and Yaba Daba Dooooo!

Warm regards, Snookie

’75

Robert Keller

It is hard to believe that we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of our graduation from the Institute this year. That happened May 17, 1975. A lot has happened since then, and we all have experienced and accomplished many things. It was just great to see so many of our class at the reunion in April, which I think goes down as one of the best we have had. I guess that after eight formal reunions and countless informal mini reunions, we have learned how to celebrate when we gather.

I have received so many letters from you all about this being the best gathering ever that I wanted to recognize those that made the reunion a huge success. Scott Risser was the one who arranged for the caterers, helped in the menu selection, arranged for the disc jockey and managed the communication with the VMI Alumni Association reunion staff. Allen Morgan ran the registration desk at the hotel, handed out the reunion shirts and took care of those who showed up without registering. Allen’s wife, Sandy, was by his side and is responsible for many informal pictures that recorded the event. Harry McNight was responsible for the red 40th Reunion shirts. Stewart Fleming organized the golf tournament Friday, and Glen Garland lead a walk around both the VMI and Washington and Lee University campuses on the Woods Creek Trail. Oscar Richardson and Paul Blair conducted the Sunday morning prayer service, while Keith Frey led the memorial Friday night to honor our 18 BRs that have died.

A special thanks goes to Cadets Ethan J. Zebron ’16 and Hamp Armstead Beddoes ’17, who shared with us the importance and impact of scholarships on their ability to attend VMI as we dedicated our Class of 1975 Scholarship Fund. The fund is off to a good start, and Guy Conte suggested we consider this as we do our estate planning.

A huge tribute goes to Artie Nunn, our class agent for the past five years who has done just a tremendous job. I have some big shoes to fill following Artie and the eight that preceded him. We also recognized Carol Green, who recently retired from the Alumni Association after many years of

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service. I don’t know if you ever had the chance to meet with or work with her, but she was always there to help in any way. She is most deserving of this recognition, and we all wish her the best in her retirement.

The reunion weekend started Friday, but there were a good number of BRs who made it into town Thursday night, and there were several impromptu gatherings around town. Tom and Peg Jones told me they met up with Bill and Ann Turpin at the Southern Inn – a good way to start the weekend.

On Friday, there were two planned events in the morning. The first of these events was a golf tournament at the Lexington Golf and Country Club, where six teams battled it out for 18 holes. In the end, two teams tied for top honors. One team consisted of Dan Shultz, Berne Cobb, John Maples and Taylor Slate. The other team was Tom Baur, Mike Soares, Tony Farry and Garland Isaccs.

The others that joined in were Dennis Lewin, Harry Barksdale, Danny Darnell, Glenn Furr, Dan and Sandy Brooks, Guy and Mary Conte, Billy Hunter, Mike Hunter, Robert Mills, Phil Marshall, Kimo Wong, Stewart Fleming, Ben Vandberry and Dan Heiken. I am sure that there was much going on at the 19th hole when the heat of competition cooled.

The second event was a hike along the Woods Creek Trail, which was conceived, planned and lead by Glenn Garland. Starting at Moody Hall, the trek lead down by Crozet Hall, by the old infirmary and faculty houses and then around the north end of post – along what we used to call the confidence course. Today, I believe they call it the leadership challenge course. It certainly brought back a lot of memories – both good and bad. We took the scenic route descending the hill down to the banks of the Maury River. We then climbed back up to the top. The climb hasn’t changed in 40 years. We proceeded onto the W&L campus and ended up at Waddell Elementary School.

Then, of course, we made our way back to the “I” with several diversions to restaurants and bars. Those who made the trek were Glen Garland and Robin Hollers, Bill and Ann Turpin, Tom and Peg Jones, Art Sigsbury, Mike and Teresa Mulligan, Jim McCriskin, Cary Bradley, Everett Ryder and Katie Schmitz, Lowery and Kathy Tucker, John Young, and my wife Paulette and myself. Bill Turpin said that according to his Fitbit, we walked over 14,000 steps, so the diversions were justified. Our class cardiologist, Jim McCriskin, fully endorsed the effort.

The Friday afternoon parade was canceled, so there was plenty of free time to either visit with one another or join in on the buying frenzy of

VMI goodies at the Post Exchange. It always amazes me that, for those of us that don’t get back here very often, how we will grab anything with the VMI logo on it and buy it with little discrimination as to the appropriateness, size, need or cost.

Grab and pay with the credit card and walk out with a big smile on our face and no idea what’s in the bag. Red, the PX pirate, would be proud.

Friday evening, we all met at Moody Hall for our class party. It was a grand affair with tremendous food and drink. Thanks again Scott Rissser. As you can imagine, it was a big crowd of old friends getting together and remembering things from 40 years ago. Guy Conte started the program portion with thanking those that made this all possible. He then paid tribute to Carol Green for her years of service to the Institute and especially to her assistance with our class functions over the years. Next came the deserving acknowledgment of Artie Nunn for his service as our class agent over the past five years. As I sit here at 3 a.m. and write my first set of notes, I have a much better appreciation for what Artie and his predecessors did. We all then held a memorial to honor our 18 brother rats who are no longer with us. Thanks, Keith Frey, for putting this together. Finally, Guy gave us the status of our class scholarship and encouraged our continual support. The DJ was introduced, and the party really began. There were those who danced, but the majority spent most of the time reconnecting with friends and roommates and caught up on the past 40 or so years. It was a great evening.

Saturday began with the class picture at 09:20 hr, or 9:20 a.m. for some of us. We were originally scheduled to form on the steps of Preston Library, but due to the rain, this was changed to Cocke Hall, where we all climbed into the bleachers for our class photo. We all looked exceptionally spiffy in our very classy red 40th Reunion shirts and our beige khaki pants. I am not sure though that we all would have met the prescribed specification of pantone beige color shade (code15-1225TCX) that Guy suggested in a specific response to Jerry DeWaters’ question about what exact shade of beige our pants should be. After the picture, we were off to the reunion parade as a hole broke open in the heavens and the rain stopped. I have heard that Gen. Peay ’62 has special pull in getting good weather for parades. The Corps looked quite impressive, and we all fell in at the end with the other reunion classes and marched into barracks. Dan Schultz served as our guidon in a most professional way, while Uncle Dave Schuyler kept the class cadence smooth and steady while he also entertained the crowd with his traditional war dance. Once we were inside barracks and it

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Class of 1975: Present at the reunion were Mohammad J. Abravesh, Dean H. Armstrong Jr., J. Victor Arthur III, John D. Bangs, Harry H. Barksdale Jr., Thomas S. Baur, Paul A. Bernard, Paul S. Blair, Ronald J. Bongiovanni, Cary S. Bradley, Harry L. Broaddus, Dan H. Brooks, Clarence T. Bryant III, Bernard L. Cobb, Douglas R. Conte, Guy F. Conte, Luther C. Daniels Jr., Daniel J. Darnell, Andrew J. Dearman III, Jerry J. DeWaters, G.J. Diamontopulos, George A. Farry, Michael R. Fleenor, J. Stewart Fleming, Philip R. Frank, Keith A. Frey, F. Glenn Furr Jr., Glenn E. Garland, Kenneth F. Gerard Jr., John D. Greene, Larry W. Groome, Nathan C. Hamner, Edward D. Heiken Jr., William L. Hendry III, James R. Hobbs, Charles W. Hoon, Joseph B. Hughes, William C. Hunter, Robert C. Hunter, Christopher D. Ingelido, Garland L. Isaacs Jr., Flod G. Jones III, Thomas M. Jones, Kevin R. Kavanaugh, Robert A. Keller, W.A. Kobus, Arthur J. Languedoc Jr., David E. Lape, Richard N. Law, Dennis L. Lewin, Charles M. Louthan, K.A. MacGowan III, John M. Maples Jr., Philip T. Marshall, F. Frederick Martin Jr., Thomas A. Mason, James W. McCriskin, Richard D. McFarland, Harry J. McKnight III, James M. Mesnard, Robert L. Mills, P. Allen Morgan, Michael J. Mulligan, Ronald J. Norman, Arthur B. Nunn III, Robert W. O’Connor, William H. Overton, John R. Plunkett Jr., Lane A. Pritchard, O.W. Richardson III, Thomas P. Ridley II, Leonard W. Riedel Jr., Scott O. Risser, William G. Robson, Everett G. Ryder, Daniel C. Schultz, David L. Schuyler, James C. Seitz III, John W. Sheffield III, John H. Siemens, Arthur J. Sigsbury Jr., Taylor A. Slate, Robert C. Slaughter III, Ellett M. Smith, Michael L. Soares, Gregory H. Stultz, Robert H. Taylor, Gary J. Taylor, M.W. Bolling Temple, William Terpeluk, Phillip J. Thorpe, Bruce E. Torbett, Walter L. Tucker III, William W. Turpin, C. Ben Vanderberry, Oliver L. Way, Reginald A. Webb, M. Kimo Wong and John L. Young III.

Class Notes

40th Reunion – April 24-25, 2015

The Class of 1975

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Class Notes

2.

1.

4.

3.

5.

6.

Class of 1975 1. On the Parade Ground during the 40th Reunion in April 2015 were, from left, Lane Pritchard, T.P. Ridley, Ronnie Norman and Robert Mills.

2. At the 40th Reunion in April 2015 were, from left, Oscar Richardson, Mike Hunter, Robert Taylor and Ron Bongiovanni.

3. Ben Vanderberry at the 40th Reunion with Cadet Ben Vanderberry ’15.

4. At Woods Creek Trail during the 40th Reunion were, from left, 2015-Issue 3

Mike Mulligan, Jim McCriskin, Cary Bradley, John Young, Glenn Garland, Bob Keller, Art Sigsbury, Bill Turpin and Tom Jones.

5. Doug Bartlett, Keydet Club vice president, center, met up with Gary Morgan ’81, left, for dinner in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

While there, they ran into Charles Hoon, right, from California.

Charles was still on the East Coast after the 40th Reunion.

He had not been back to VMI in 40 years before the reunion.

6. In Lexington in April 2015 for the 40th Reunion were, from left, Ben Vanderberry, Mike Hunter and Billy Hunter.

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Class Notes Andy Andisheh was also unable to attend the was our turn on the sentinel box, our class presi- and the trips home began. I think those who atdent did not let us down and scaled the now taller tended would agree that this was the best gather- reunion, as the project he was working on in Alstructure as nimble as a cat climbing a tree. In ing ever and again thanks to those that made it berta, Canada, was canceled due to the falling oil prices. He is lined up with a short-term assignmy opinion, he did the best job of any class in at- happen. tendance. Joined by Ronnie Norman and Artie Len Riedel was unable to attend the 40th, as he ment with Fluor Daniel International in Saudi Nunn, the Old Yells rang out throughout bar- was making a presentation seeking funds for his Arabia. He is still riding his bike and keeping fit. racks. The Old Yell regarding the diet of the 3rd nonprofit organization, Blue and Gray Educa- Good luck to you, Andy.

Class was exceptionally loud and was continued tion Society, that just produced the largest single Dino Armstrong told me his flight schedule has for some time by the 1st, 2nd and 4th Classes. gift ever – $50,000. He is also finishing up editing him returning to Rome after several years of not Some things just never change. We sang the “Spir- his next book with the National Geographic Soci- going to Italy at all. He is thrilled and promises it” and the “Doxology,” and then most headed ety, “A Guide to the Sites of the American Civil to drop me postcards from the places he visits. for their old rooms. My roommates, Tom Mason War,” which is scheduled for release in February Sounds like he could give Rick Steves a run for his and Tom Jones, wondered over to our room and 2016. He has also started on another book with money. However, the really exciting news for Dino found it occupied by female cadets. is that after 19 years as a first officer The report I got from them is that the for Delta, he is on the upgrade list for room was just as messy as we had kept captain on the B-757/767. He doesn’t it, especially after a Saturday parade. know when the training for this will From there, it was an optional lunch at begin, but he can’t wait. Sounds like a Club Crozet and a free afternoon. well-deserved promotion. He also told The class dinner was held that eveme at the reunion that he has been ning in the Hall of Valor, which is lodoing research on the different World cated in the Marshall Center for LeadWar II battles in Europe. ership and Ethics – a most impressive Bo Temple is very happy to have returned to Richmond, his hometown, facility. The dinner was, again, fabulous. The fun really began when Ronand to be among his immediate family nie Norman took on the role of Alex and other relatives. He spends his time Trebek, the game show host, and startdoing some consulting work as well as ed asking questions. First he wanted to sitting on four corporate boards. He know who traveled the farthest to atstill is traveling to Walter Reed twice tend the reunion. That honor went to a week for chemo, but that will stop in VMI Hall of Fame football player Ronnie Norman with Andrew Randy Franks, who came all the way mid-June. So far, all is going well, and Deal ’12, Keydet Club assistant vice president, and Greg Cavalfrom Bellingham, Washington. Next, his next scans are scheduled for later laro ’84, Keydet Club chief executive officer and executive vice Ronnie stated that there was a mistake this summer. He and Nancy really enpresident, in March at the Southern Conference basketball joyed meeting up with everybody and in our Rat Bible and asked if anybody tournament in Asheville, North Carolina. especially seeing his old roommates, knew what it was. Well, personally, I Ronnie Norman and Dan Heiken. thought that the whole book was a mistake, but I NGS, “A Guide to the Sites of the American RevBill and Ann Turpin went to the Boston area was wrong. Ellett Smith got that correct. Finally, olution,” which he hopes to release in 2017. He Ronnie asked who could recite the inscription on continues to travel and offers historical tours. He to see their son, Philip, graduate from Babson College in May. He also said he had breakfast the parapet. Dan Shultz amazed us all by getting is doing a program called “Thomas Jefferson: Viwith Steve Chapin May 7, and he is recovering up and getting it word for word. The final game sionary Enigma,” in October and a number of was name that tune, with the music being from commemorative programs that include the 180th well. Steve also wrote me, and he is most appreciative of the support, encouragement and the ’70s. Three couples volunteered from the stu- of the Alamo, 100th of Pancho Villa, the 140th of dio audience. Couple No. 1 was Vic and Patricia The Little Big Horn and the 75th of the War in the prayers he has received from his BRs and the Arthur; couple No. 2 was Uncle Dave and Tana Pacific from Pearl Harbor to Singapore. He thinks entire VMI family. He sends special thanks to Schuyler; and couple No. 3 was Dino and De- life is good, and with all that he is doing, it sounds Rob and Sandy Taylor, Ollie and Bonnie Way, nise Armstrong. After intense competition, the that way. Len’s wife, Pam, is approaching retire- and Bill for finding time to visit him in NashSchuylers prevailed. The rest of the evening was ment after over 20 years at Averett University, and ville. We are all thrilled to hear your recovery is they are planning to retire to North Myrtle Beach, going well. Talked with Jim and Linda Seitz at again spent visiting with old friends. Mike Mulligan did a video message for our BR Todd Sain South Carolina, in the next few years. Their the reunion, and he told me that he had to unwho could not attend this year, as he is battling daughter, Kat, is in her second of four semesters dergo bypass surgery last November. He looks cancer. Thanks to everybody who participated in at Duke School of Nursing, following an honors and feels great, and that is indeed good news.

Dev Miller was not able to attend the 40th, the message. Mike is going to Las Vegas in May filled undergraduate program at Randolph Mato run the Desert Grey Matter 5K, a fundraiser con Women’s College. Jimmy McCriskin, John as he just started government work and was not Greene, Phil Brozowski ’76 and Len are hitting able to get the time off. He sent his best and says Todd organized.

The weekend concluded with our traditional Vegas at the end of July for their second annual hello to everyone.

Chris Ingelido had to withdraw from the reSunday morning prayer service, led by Oscar Jim Berny Commemorative Weekend. They exunion due to the death of his father, retired U.S. Richardson and Paul Blair. Farewells were made, tend an invitation to all BRs to join them.

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Class Notes Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael J. Ingelido, April 28. He was buried at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Chris; his brothers, Michael J. Ingelido II ’67 and Daniel J. Ingelido ’70; and his niece’s husband, Van Trumpore ’89, attended the funeral. Our condolences to Chris and his family.

Dan Darnell passed along that he and Vickie had a great time at the reunion and wanted to extend his thanks to those who made it happen.

He wanted to make sure that the record reflected that he and his roommates in Room 111 – Harry Barksdale, Glenn Furr and Dennis Lewin and their spouses – were the last to leave Saturday night, and they shut the place down. The record has been set straight.

Doug Conte also had a great time and was wondering why he missed the last two reunions. He enjoyed meeting up with old friends Kevin Kavanaugh and Randy Franks but especially enjoyed getting to know BRs he did not know well when he was here. I believe he is looking forward to life after his career, and I don’t think he will miss another gathering.

Dan Brooks, a true Kentuckian, relayed how he and Sandy observe the first Saturday in May as a religious observance, the running of the Kentucky Derby. They honor the occasion with a derby party at their residence in Delaware. This year, Bernie Cobb and Barry and Tigger Hughes made the trip from Atlanta, Georgia and the D.C. area to partake in the festivities. Word on the “stoop” is Dan was rather shocked when Bernie, Barry and Tigger decided to split the cost of a Wells Fargo armored car to haul off their winnings. It seems that Bernie stayed a few more days to attend the Brooks Brandywine Fishing Academy, and it seems that the effort was successful, as they had trout for dinner. Dan let it be known that reservations are now being accepted for next year’s running of the roses.

John Green was able to send me a quick update between flights with Southwest Airlines. Big news here is John and Joan’s daughter, Heather, presented them with a grandson, Jayden Parker Kadesch.

By John’s calculations, he will be part of the Class of 2037 and, of course, go on to be a fighter pilot.

Their second daughter, Courtney, is getting married in August, and their son will be graduating from Towson University in 2016.

Speaking of grandparents, Guy Conte’s daughter, Holley, and her husband, Brent Nordman, are expecting a son, Brody, in May. Tom and Peg Jones headed to Baltimore after the reunion to check in with their son and daughter-in-law on another expected grandchild.

Robert Mills checked in to report he and Kimberly had just returned from a trip to Costa Rica.

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It seems they had a full agenda of zip lining, white water rafting, crocodile baiting, monkey feeding and other Central American pastimes. Soon, they are scheduled to be in Amsterdam to meet up with their children, Edward Mills ’07 and Valerie, and their respective mates. When they are all together, they are heading to Tanzania on safari and then to Zanzibar to snorkel and lay on the beach. Sounds like an awesome summer.

Charlie Hoon left the reunion Saturday night after the party to begin a five-day journey west. He reported they visited four battlefields and several antique shops before arriving for a week in California. Their ultimate destination is Montana, where he reported the fly fishing is good.

Rick and Suzanne Hening attended their youngest son’s graduation from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where Sam finished with a 3.78 GPA. Rick didn’t know GPAs went that high, based on the one he received at the “I.” They are leading a busy life taking in festivals, plays and an occasional VMI baseball game. His work schedule continues to change frequently and unfortunately did not allow him to attend the reunion. They are planning several trips this summer to be with and enjoy family, especially with their grandson, Ashton. He invites any BR traveling through Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to visit.

Oscar Richardson relayed it was great to see everyone at the reunion and how humbled he was by the achievements of our classmates and their families. He said it was amazing listening to the stories of each one’s successes. He felt especially blessed to meet up with the room 154 crew: T.P. Ridley, Harry McNight and Ben Vanderberry.

Speaking of Ben, he and Anna are proud parents of their son, Cadet Ben Vanderberry ’15, commanding officer of Company G. We were all wondering where that came from and all agreed it had to be from Anna’s genes. Of all the pictures sent to me for this report, the most recurring one is of Ben and his son after the parade.

I was informed Tom Baur, his son and two friends took first place in the Road and River Relay held every May in Lexington. It is a fourleg event (individual or relay) over a challenging 16.1 mile course in and around Lexington. It consist of four legs that include a 3.5 mile run, a 9.1 mile bicycle ride, a 2.2 mile canoe or kayak course and finishes with another 1.3 mile run on a trail course. Pretty impressive.

Speaking of impressive, I found out that Billy Hunter’s wife, Lee, an avid runner, completed her 20th Boston Marathon in April. They both looked forward to seeing their son, Will Hunter ’15, graduate this year.

I caught up with Gary Taylor and his wife, Rebecca, at the reunion. He is back to work serving as the vice president and chief operating officer at SERC Reliability Corporation. They are now living in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is still doing consultant work for Enext Consulting. Gary, Rebecca and I represented our class last November at the Institute Society Dinner. We sat with Gene Williams ’74, who has done some very impressive things with his College Orientation Workshop.

I also met up with John and Karen Richardson in Virginia Beach and spent a couple of days with them. Yulee is retired now, and I accompanied him on his daily walk around Mount Trashmore.

John and Karen were not able to make it to the 40th, but Glenn Garland, Tom Jones and I are planning a mini reunion sometime in the future in either the Richmond or Virginia Beach area.

Well, the shoebox is now empty, and I have run out of things to talk about. I want to thank you all for sending stories to pass on to the class. Keep in touch and take care.

’76

William Bhatta

These notes were written 39 years after we graduated – happy birthday! By the way, we will celebrate our next birthday at our 40th Reunion April 22-24, 2016! (During Hunt Ozmer’s birthday.) In the words of Grigg Mullen: “Damn, we’re getting old!”

Razz Waff told me his mandatory retirement date is still Dec. 22. Razz said, “...although when I finish my next 179 day order Sept. 30, Kathleen may issue a household executive order that I will declare victory and retire Oct. 1.” Back in January, Razz ran into Bill Ryals at a U.S. Army Reserve seminar at Fort Belvoir. Razz said, “Bill is a Corps of Engineers civilian retiree, recall; or as they officially call them, annuitants.”

Buzzy Moncure posted this message on the class Facebook page: “In 1975-76, Colonel Dillard taught a class called ‘Senior English,’ a course he designed. The textbook was one that started with the 25 most commonly misspelled words in the English language. If someone by chance has this old text I am looking for a copy.

Does anyone have a copy?”

Steven Joyce ran into Tom Diggs at a North Texas alumni function. During the event, they were able to watch “Field of Lost Shoes.” Steven said, “I had recently seen it, but on the big screen, you could make out all the details of

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Class Notes

Class of 1976: Tom Zeugner is now honored in the Hall of Valor located in the Marshall Hall Center for Leadership and Ethics. His medals, from left, are the Bronze Star with “V” device for valor; the Purple Heart; Meritorious Service Medal; and Army Commendation Medal. Tom was killed Feb. 27, 1991, in Iraq during Persian Gulf War operations.

Class of 1976: Jake Berberick helped his father, John Berberich ’50B, enter the barracks for the Class of 1950B Old Yell after the reunion parade at the 65th Reunion in April. Jake’s mom and sister also accompanied them to VMI. the battle that are not readily visible on TV ... well, to us old guys, anyway.”

In March, Ted Trout and his sister were in Leicester City, England, for the reinterment of King Richard III. Ted said, “We both fell ill but still managed the big events; the procession (which, fortuitously, passed right under our hotel window), the memorial service, the medieval music concert and the requiem concert.”

Andre Koneczny, on his way home from a business trip in April, stopped at VMI to visit his stepniece (she graduated in May). She gave him the latest barracks update from a female’s perspective.

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Class of 1976: Jim Mallon, Ray Ramos and Lee Godsey posed during a ski trip in February at the Crested Butte Resort near Gunnison, Colorado. Jim’s daughter, Molly (a Hokie) also flew out from Washington, D.C., and joined them. Class Agent William Bhatta said of this photo, “Jim said they had a great time, but the winter weather screwed up their flights home.”

Andre said, “Still does not compute to me that women are at VMI. I saw an upper-class woman walking through the courtyard in Old Barracks wearing a bathrobe ... that is hard to grasp.”

Hunt Ozmer lives in Fernandina Beach, Florida. He commutes to Jacksonville, working in sales for Advance Auto Parts. Hunt attended McNair’s graduation (his oldest daughter) from Hollins University in May. In May, the Richmond BRC met. Maury Gatewood was laid off from Philip Morris International and is looking for other employment opportunities. Lee Bradshaw enjoys retirement. He plays golf twice a week, volunteers at the local food bank and tries to keep up with three grandkids. Lee Godsey is still working at VDOT. Bob

Class of 1976: Billy Karnes attended The Citadel versus VMI basketball game with his son and grandsons. Pictured were, from left, back row, Billy and Andy ’05. Front row: William (Class of 2035) and Rawls (Class of 2032). VMI beat The Citadel 84-69!

Gleason became a new grandfather in April. He remains busy leading purchasing processes for the state government. Bill Danzeisen is still training VDOT employees. Charlie Keen is busy with his construction business. He is doing well, so he picked up the entire breakfast tab. Jim Mallon is still working at Dominion.

J.R. Mott extended his tour at U.S. Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany, for another three years. By the time you read these notes, he will have a BR neighbor – Mark Sculley. In June, Mark and his family moved from Brussels, Belgium, to Stuttgart, where Mark will start a new job. While Mark was assigned to NATO, he worked with Battlefield Information Collection and Exploitation. (BICES is intended to coordinate and exploit battlefield intelligence gathering among all NATO commands and participating nations.) If I told you any more, the Alumni Review would have to become a classified document.

Jack Christy completed his move from the Seattle area to the San Juan Islands (between Seattle and Vancouver, Canada). Jack said, “It’s now a 90 mile drive to go to a Mariner’s baseball game! Weather is good – sunnier than Seattle. Traffic is much better, people are friendly and crime is less.”

Mike Hilsgrove retired and plans to move onto 20 acres he purchased in Hudspeth County, Texas, about 60 miles east of El Paso. Mike said, “In my working career, I’ve been a research chemist, a navigator on B-52s, a chemical plant shift supervisor and at various information technology jobs for the last 20-plus

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes years; one of which had me in the White House for a couple of years.

My last stint was as a contractor doing IT for the Army.” He intends to make his property a model for sustainability and renewable energy. “I will put in solar panels and windmills that will be used to supply a unit that will pull water directly out of the air and use that water to supply my needs, as well as providing feed stock for an electrolyzer for H2 production. This will power a fuel cell to provide electricity 24/7. I will also be getting one of Elon Musk’s [chief executive officer of SpaceX and Tesla Motors] wonderful new batteries for the home. Eventually, when I get it all together, I will make the system an open source model usable anywhere in the world. Hydroponic greenhouse gardening and maybe experiments in algae are a more remote possibility later on.” Mike also plans to finish writing “...a number of books I have in various stages – from complete and awaiting editing to mostly done to still laying out. I will also start actually marketing the one I did publish, ‘Child of Shadow,’ somewhat more seriously.”

That is all for this edition of “VMI ’76 in the news.” When you read this in August, I should have more 40th Reunion details for you!

Parkway in Virginia. Tom claims it is a lot tougher doing this when you’re 60 and no longer in your 20s – no doubt.

Tom is considering the entire Georgia to Maine 2,200 mile trek when he fully retires. I had enough of the Appalachian Trail during the mountain phase of Ranger School.

Bland Massie has been busy. He had seen several commercials on the company, Plastics One, located in Roanoke. Plastics One produces cabling for the audio and medical cabling. If Class of 1977: At the celebration of Meg Marshall’s wedding were, from left, Billy Hupp, Buzzy Northern, Buster Pace, Meg, I read the website correctly, for those in the medical research business that J.J. Marshall, Joe Santelli and Tom Underhill. are in need of a new gadget to conduct research, Plastics One will build it. Bland either knew or looked it up and found that our BR, David Wallenborn, is the chief executive officer of that company. So, Bland traveled to Roanoke to see David. Bland had a nice visit with David and was given the special BR tour of the facilities.

Bland ran into Mark Bryant at VMI in front of Smith Hall after an Alumni Association Board meeting. As earlier reported, Mark is back from Hawaii and living in Fairfield, Virginia. Mark attended the class agent meeting for me while I was away on business.

Class of 1977: Rich Howell and family welcomed their son, Bland ran into Eric Hutchins, Chris Brennan, home from a deployment in Jordan. Pictured were, Nash and Chris’ Chris at the VMI from left, Addison Howell, U.S. Air Force Capt. Brennan Howell, spring football scrimmage. Chris, Dianne and Kellan.

Chris and Bland attended a lunch for me at sneas@ecslimited.com. Your brother rats former football players. Bland got to spend some want to know what you are up to. If you don’t time talking to Ray Brooks ’76 at the scrimmage, Steve Neas have anything to say about yourself, write about also. Bland wrote, “Mean Gene Williams ’74 was someone else. also at the scrimmage, but they wouldn’t let him Tom Orrell wrote to tell me is he living in Winput his pads on and hit anyone because the team chester, Virginia, and in his third year with the U.S. will need all their players this fall in Foster Stadium Army Corps of Engineers. Tom says his work is and didn’t want anyone hurt. The new VMI footgoing very well, and it is very rewarding, as well ball coach (Coach Wachenheim) fired up those in Brother Rats, I hope you all found time for a nice vacation as challenging. He plans on full time retirement attendance before the scrimmage. Hopefully, he is with your family or friends or both this summer. in a couple of years, which would actually be his what the doctor has ordered and can get our footAs I write on this fine spring day, classes at VMI second retirement; he previously retired after a full ball program winning.”

Bland, ever our ambassador, attended the are complete, exams are finished and grades have career at Verizon. Tom and his wife, Brenda, welbeen submitted to the registrar. This time reminds comed their first grandchild, Vivie, last year. As Lynchburg Chapter Valentine’s Day Hop and saw me how the word would go out in barracks once many of us know, Tom tells me that Vivie is a true Dennis Kocik and his wife, Karen. Dennis and grades were posted in Mallory Hall, and we would joy to him and all of his extended family. Vivie Karen live in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Bland attended Bill Talley’s surprise birthall run down to check the damage. Posted grades lives with her parents in Chicago, so Tom and are no more, which means the Bomb staff has an Brenda spend a lot of time in Dulles and O’Hare day party given by his wife, Meg. (Bland is reextra page to fill. There was not a Bomb in our airports. Tom is a hiker. With the spare time he has ally getting around; who is tending the dentist on weekends, he hikes the nearby Appalachian shop?) Bland could tell by the look on Bill’s years where there was not at least one photo showTrail. So far, he has logged over 200 miles, sec- face he was really surprised. ing a class full of ‘F’s in a rat calculus class.

Speaking of Mark Bryant, Mark and I took a Thank you to all who sent in updates. Updating tion hiking in one continuous stretch from Pennyour class agent is as easy as writing an email to sylvania down to Reid’s Gap on the Blue Ridge road trip to Roanoke and had lunch with Mike

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Class Notes Parish. As earlier reported, Mike has moved to the East Coast – first time since graduation, I think – and is working for Carillion Healthcare. It was really great to see Mike. At our meeting, his family had not made it east yet, but he had a contract on a house in Botetourt County and planned to be reunited with them once school was out.

Lee Foresman checked in! Lee thinks he and his wife, Giselle, are at least tied for first place with Mark and Mary Lou Hunt in the grandkid count.

The Foresmans and Hunts are at seven each.

(Does anyone have more?) The Foresmans’ next generation is spread from New England to Texas.

Lee is working for Federal Emergency Management Agency but just got a new assignment as the operations manager for all of FEMA’s East Coast Warehouse Operations. It is his luck that one of the warehouses is in San Juan. Seems like something always comes up that requires him to visit the San Juan warehouse in January. Lee has spent the last six years on one of FEMA’s Type 1 Incident Management Teams. As you can imagine, disaster deployments have kept him from many of the Super ’77 gatherings, including the last

Class of 1977: From left, Noel Harris ’79, Bill Powell and Eric Nost ’79 after a day of duck hunting on Tangier Island on the Eastern Shore.

Class of 1977: Don Browder with Dr. YanYong Phataralaoha in Bangkok, Thailand.

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reunion. One of the upsides of his new job is while still supporting disaster operations, he doesn’t have to physically deploy to the disaster.

He looks forward to not traveling as much (not sure he can say the same for Giselle) and being able to attend a host of activities, including the upcoming mini reunion.

Giselle and Lee are living outside of Front Royal, Virginia, on High Knob Mountain. They enjoy life there with a great view of the Shenandoah Valley in one direction and the terminus of the Skyline Drive in another. Most importantly, he is just a few minutes from some great fishing on the Shenandoah River. The Appalachian Trail runs across High Knob Mountain and a trail head is just up the road from the Foresmans’. Maybe Tom will stop by for a beer on one of his walks.

Lee has no immediate plans on retiring, but as he hit 20 years of civil service with the government this past January and turned 60 in May, he can retire without any hit on the pension. Lee calls time after that “happy meter” time. As long as his meter stays toward the right, he will keep working.

Sensei Tim Thompson and his Dragon Force National Karate Demo Team won first place gold medal in team demo at the 2015 Grand Slam Open National Karate Championships at King’s Dominion. His team also won first place at the 2015 East Coast Martial Arts Championships, and they were presented the Top Demo Team Award at the 2015 King George Karate Championships. Tim’s Ryoshin-Kan Karate School has been busy with karate classes, self-defense clinics, breaking clinics and demos at festivals. They are getting ready for their Karate Summer Camp Program that runs all summer. This camp is great for the kids, because it instills discipline, responsibility and commitment through martial arts training – the same traits taught at VMI. We should all be proud of the dedication Tim gives these kids through this program.

I received a series of very nice photos from Rich Howell. The photos were taken at the airport on the occasion of Rich’s 60th birthday (do we all celebrate our birthdays in the airport?) and greeting Rich’s son, U.S. Air Force Capt. Brennan Howell, returning from a deployment in Jordan.

The photo shows Rich’s other children; all seem to be doing very well. His oldest daughter, Addison Howell-Veit, is an elementary school teacher and youngest daughter, Kellan Howell, is a journalist with the Washington Times.

A final note from U.S. Army Lt. Gen. J.D. Johnson stated he plans to retire after 38 years in the Army July 10.

A mini reunion is planned for Oct. 10. Let me know now if you plan to attend. It is worth the

price of admission just to hear firsthand how Paul Ferrell and his SWOT team defeat the devious underhanded antics of ’75 to claim the prize “A” position for the “Mother of All Tailgates II.” Happy to be your servant, Steve

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Tom Brown

Greetings, Brother Rats, Time once again for all the news from around the class.

Jay Hutt says it is mostly the same around his place. His bigger news is that his parents recently sold their house – the home in which he grew up. Actually, they owned it for 20 years, sold it and bought it back a year later. Jays said he needs several beers to tell you how much fun it was unloading and, a year later, reloading a third story attic – in August, both times! The second ownership period was another 20-plus years, but they finally did sell it for good. Jay said a football championship sticker on the mirror in the bathroom he and his brother shared was still there. Jay said one of these days when he takes his grandchildren through his old hometown, maybe he’ll knock on the door, talk his way into the old place and find his championship reminder still in its place of honor.

Harry McClellan sent an update after several years. He and his wife are well. They are about to enter the empty nest stage, with their youngest of two graduating high school in June. Both are/will be attending out-of-state schools. Harry is hoping the nest will stay empty, and they won’t have boomerangs. One is an engineer, and one is a theater major. Harry said all the lessons learned on the first were useless with the second. He was writing from the Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association State Championships. Harry said it was a beautiful day for rowing. His daughter was trying to win a state championship, which would be the second of her career.

Harry works for a small company providing program management and technical support to the Army’s Night Vision Laboratory in Fort Belvoir and still helps out at his son’s former Boy Scout troop.

Tim Berkhimer reported life is good in Virginia Beach. His news is he is currently serving as visiting faculty for Continuing and Professional Education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Tim’s role is to support the assistant director of the CPE as he works with the American

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Public Works Association Mid-Atlantic Chapter (Maryland, D.C., Virginia, West Virginia) as they develop a Public Works Institute for the chapter.

The PWI is designed to provide those city, county and state workers who are interested in advancing their careers through education in supervision, leadership and management. The PWI will be taught in four three-day sessions over a two year period. Courses will be taught and broadcast from VT facilities in Blacksburg, Hampton Roads and northern Virginia. The first session is scheduled for late September 2015. What this caused was Tim wearing a VT golf shirt at the APWA Mid-Atlantic Chapter conference in Baltimore.

He thought he might shrivel up into a puddle of goo for wearing Hokie garb, but that didn’t happen! Tim invites any BRs who find their way to Virginia Beach to give him a shout. He says he would be happy to play tour guide and show all the best “locals” places for a cold adult beverage.

David Colonna said he is living a pretty boring life – still working as an anesthesiologist in Winston Salem in private practice. David said for an anesthesiologist, boring is a good thing. He has been on a couple of medical mission trips to the Dominican Republic in the last few years. Both of his daughters are starting graduate school at the same time, so he continues to fund higher education, but David is very glad to do it! His wife, Patty, is well. Yes, that same cute Patty who used to bring food from the University of Virginia to him in the biology building those many years ago!

David still jogs a little, rides his bike some, does some woodworking and occasionally punches holes in paper with projectiles of various calibers.

He wishes all of you the very best from Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Tim and Cynthia Pishad are enjoying Florida and looking for traveling BRs to come visit them near Cocoa Beach. They are planning a trip to Germany, the Netherlands and England in July and August for about 25 days. They have been trying for 15 years to do this trip, and now is the time.

Tim lost his mom in January, and it really hurt, but he says it also told him to stop delaying life and start living it.

In my travels – very limited – I did manage to meet up with a few of BRs. I had a nice visit with Rick Wolffe and Ned Riester at the Institute.

Both are doing well, and Rick is enjoying having a house in Lexington. I saw Mark Lowe at a local barbecue fest, and he is enjoying life. He was just was appointed to the local planning commission and is finding it quite fun. I occasionally run into BRs Jay Hutt, Danny Thornton and Bert Loflin around town. They are all doing well. I hope to hear from more of you before the next set of notes

2015-Issue 3

are due. Remember to join the 78 Facebook page.

There are only 86 BRs on there; let’s shoot for at least 100 by the end of summer. Hope to see you this fall at some football games.

As always, in the spirit.

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Michael Ogden

Renee and I hope this finds everyone safe and well.

For starters, congratulations to Grey Farthing, who is the new VMIAA chapter representative for the Palmetto Chapter, covering a good chunk of South Carolina, I believe.

Speaking from my experience dealing with our class, VMIAA ESVA Chapter and the Hampton Roads Region, your volunteer efforts in keeping VMI alumni engaged and informed will be challenging but very, very rewarding. Thank you and welcome!

Bill Albro wrote: “I don’t have much in the way of news from our classmates – been in phone contact with a few (Reggie Sadler, Sput Leadbetter and Noel Harris), and they are all doing fine and looking forward to the summer.

As for me, I continue to bumble along with work and chores around the house. No big trips or vacation planned right now, but I, too, am looking forward to the summer of beach trips, cookouts and all that stuff.”

John Kailey’s biggest news is that his oldest boy is graduating from high school May 22.

John said, “I won’t tell you how many years ago it was for me, almost on the same date. Just finished lacrosse season – 60 games as a referee – worse than the Rat Line in some cases. Oh, and yes, I am now being paid for staying alive; it is one of my lifelong ambitions. Our family hopes for a nice quiet summer, although my wife, Lisa, is due for hip surgery in June, which, again, is worse than the Rat Line.” Thanks, John. Congrats on your son’s achievement and sorry to hear about Lisa’s surgery. Hope all goes well.

Jim Harrington completed his graduate work at Old Dominion University and now has a master’s degree in electrical engineering. Jim’s daughter, Abigail, also graduated from college this month – Virginia Commonwealth University. Congratulations to you both! Jim added, “One late note for you. After our reunion last year, Brad Jones invited me dove hunting on his farm. We had a great day; shooting our limit in about two hours.”

Doug Doerr reported in: “Since the last time

I wrote, I have continued to remain busy with our scout troop – camping in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, in January; and two weeks later at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Our troop was busy collecting ‘frost points’ with the snow and cold. I use these months as a ‘graduation’ type exercise, particularly for the new scouts, so they learn they can survive in the cold. After returning from the campout, I told Corinne I was tired of the cold and suggested we get away from it for a few days. She asked me, ‘Where do you want to go?’ I told her I thought we should go to Pensacola, Florida. Well, I did not get ‘Cola’ out of the word ‘Pensacola,’ and she was on the Internet. We traveled to Pensacola during spring break, reliving old memories and visiting ‘adopted relatives’ in Pensacola and Biloxi. It was a

Class of 1979: Class Agent Michael Ogden said of this photo, “1979 legacy continues to grow as Sam Trumps ’15 added to our class’ number of son and daughter graduates.” After the May 16, 2015, graduation ceremony were, from left, Nancy, Sam and Tom Trumps. Sam is headed to Bloomberg in Manhattan, New York, to begin a career in finance.

Class of 1979: Tim Fitch and his wife, Mary, vacationing in the Turks and Caicos Islands in April.

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Class Notes civil engineering, logistics readiness, great trip, and we must make spring supply, transportation, and aircraft break trips a priority! As you know, and missile maintenance. He is also I have been working to return to my responsible for setting policy and VMI/Marine Corps weight standards preparing budget estimates that and am almost there. I don’t run any reflect enhancements to productivlonger, but I do ride a bicycle – a lot. ity, combat readiness and quality One of my close Marine Corps budof life for Air Force people. Condies and I have worked to accomplish gratulations, brother rat! What an a 100 mile ride at the Cap2Cap bike ride, held during the second weekend awesome accomplishment. Sadly, Tim’s wife, Cindy, was not able to in May. This is a series of loop rides share in Tim’s promotion after los– 25 miles, 50 miles and 100 miles ing her gallant battle with cancer. in length. We started from Rockett’s Cindy was interred in Arlington Landing in Richmond to ChickahomClass of 1979: Attending the ANG Engineering Conference in National Cemetery April 20. The iny Riverfront Park in Williamsburg Camp Dawson, West Virginia, were, from left, Al Pond ’69, Tim class’ thoughts and prayers are with and back again. We rode down to Wil- Doody ’83, Gary Shutt ’74, Noah Diehl ’04, Bill Kelly ’80, Bill liamsburg, averaging 15.3 MPH, and Albro, and John Vaughn ’05. you, BR. returned with an overall speed of 15.8 Renee and I have had a busy spring MPH. That meant we had to do better than 16.2 helping the yard recover from our strange winter. We vacationed just recently in Charleston, MPH on the return. Not bad for a couple of older South Carolina, with my youngest, Matthew, gentlemen! I was amazed at the number of people and his wife, Danielle. Fun town. Work continthat were older than us, yet smoked us! Gosh, ues at a challenging busy pace as we diligently they were fast!” For those of you who have not press with the training and certification of our seen Doug recently, he has really trimmed down East Coast Naval Forces as they forward deand looks great! Rah! ploy. I just had four ships added to my responDoug continued, “Our daughter, Kimberly, is sibilities, forming our mobile sea range: the getting married May 31, and Corinne has been USNS Prevail, Narragansett, Hunter and Hugo. busy with the planning of this major event in Who would have “thunk” the Navy would our lives. Her fiancé is a former Marine working in the cyber security world and is a nice trust a Marine with four ships? young man. I wish them much success and Brother rats, annual physicals, please. Nag, Class of 1979: Class Agent Michael Oghappiness in their lives together.” Congratulanag, nag. We were a tad sparse on notes this den sporting the 35th Reunion shirt. He tions to you and Corinne, and all the best to time around. I will do a better job of herding said of this photo, “Visiting our good Kimberly and her new husband! “rats” next time. buddies at that country club in South Carolina.”

Jim Elliott checked in with: “Brad Jones was Stay well, kind enough (OK, I had to bring dinner) to –M guide my 14-year-old nephew, Trevor Elliott, the chance to play golf back April 17 in the John Gibney Jr. this past youth spring turkey day. They bagged ‘Irby Cup’ (a VMI Richmond Chapter event) with Mory Wood, Howard Adams and Jim a 3-year-old gobbler that weighed in every bit of 25 pounds and sported an 8 inch beard. Leavitt. Mory, Howard and Jim are well. Only Brad did the calling, and Trevor took the bird Howard came away mentally scarred from the event after the lengthy duration of play. It took with one shot! It was awesome! We are headed Hello, Brother Rats, to Newport, Rhode Island, tomorrow morning a long time! Many old stories were told with These notes cover the period Feb. 16, 2015, for my son, Buck’s, graduation from the Naval the usual casual embellishments, and new stories were made. Always fun getting together through May 15, 2015, and are being written with Academy Preparatory School. You may recall our 35th Reunion less than four months away. he was recruited to play football for the U.S. with the VMI boys!”

Some really big news. For those who have not The period began with an email from Bert Naval Academy. He reports to Annapolis in late June for Plebe Summer and to begin his heard, Tim Bridges was recently promoted from Schneider with a link to a video of Bert driving Tier-2 senior executive service (major general his Corvette on a race track. Bert lives in Arizona, journey as a Midshipman student athlete. Not sure if the Keydets will be on Navy’s schedule civilian equivalent) to Tier-3 (lieutenant gen- and he added a note about staying warm; a refereral civilian equivalent) and was assigned by the ence to the harsh winter in the northeast. again during the next four years, but if so, I Secretary of the Air Force as the assistant depThe only other February communication was an hope to see some BRs at one of the games – uty chief of staff for Logistics, Installations and email from Robby Wheeler containing a parody and, of course, at our tailgate. I promise everyone will be well served if they do decide to stop Mission Support, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, of Marines at chow time.

Washington, D.C. Tim will be responsible to by for some hydration!” Thanks, Jim, and the March began with a conference call arranged by the chief of staff of the Air Force for leaderbest of luck to young Midshipman Elliott!

Pat Griffin regarding our 35th Reunion. ThroughChip Humphrey wrote in with: “I did have ship, management and integration of Air Force out the period, Pat arranged for several calls and

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes sent numerous email messages connecting our BRs who are planning the reunion activities. Participants included John Alerding, John Blankenship, Paul Burkholder, Hugh Fain, Dave Gleason, Frank Hilton, Tim Hodges, Robby Jones, Jack Keane, Gary Levenson, Pat McCarthy, Jay Melvin, Phil Munisteri, Rob Quarles, Scott Sayre, Dan Sweeney and Bill Wallace. Thank you to all for your time and effort.

Steve Andrews sent an email containing a link to a video of a fighter jet landing on a stool. Awesome!

I was copied on several email exchanges between Rob Quarles and Don Bradshaw. Rob lives in Tennessee but traveled to New York City, New York, at the end of March for a conference.

Don lives and works at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, New York. Rob’s conference was in Lower Manhattan, and we had dinner together on his first night in the city. The next night, a group met Rob for dinner. Attendees were Don Bradshaw, Larry Ciacci, me and Patti, and Matthew and Tanya Keys. A photo taken of the group did not meet publication requirements. Rob also traveled to Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he had dinner with Tom Bersson, Mike Lunning, Ali Mahan and Rob White. Rob is the president of the Memphis Chapter of the Alumni Association, and he sees

over 6,000 miles last year. Bill will not be able to attend our reunion, as he is expecting his first grandchild that weekend.

Dixon Tucker arranges VMI Alumni Association lunches in the Virginia Beach area. Our BRs on the invite list for the May lunch included Ken Baybutt, Tom Bersson, Boyd Gaines, Tom Johnston, Rob Leatherbury, John Lillard, Mike Class of 1981: At a mini reunion at the Chantilly, Virginia, Inter- Lunning, Ali Mahan, Josh Priest, national House of Pancakes were, from left, Jeff Adler, Gregg Dave Sadowski, Bob White and Tom Wilson. How did it go, Dixon?

White, Jim Langan, John Cawthorne and Joe Provenzano.

I spoke with John Alerding on his birthday. John and Anne are both teaching at VMI. John’s son, Johnny, has earned his wings and is now flying for the Air Force.

I spoke with Pat Griffin on his birthday. Pat reported on his many visits to VMI, and he noted the snow finally melted at his home near Boston, Massachusetts, and at his beach house in Rhode Island.

April ended with a call from Gary Levenson, as he was driving from VMI to Richmond to visit his newborn grandson, Landry. Gary will Class of 1981: At Ken Pierro’s Coast Guard retirement at the return as VMI’s deputy commanNational World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, were, from left, Cmdr. Ken Pierro; Ken’s daughter, Gillian; son, dant next year, a position he has held since 2000.

Kenny; and wife, Diana.

These notes are bookended by Bert Schneider, who sent an email in May with Phil Altizer who also lives in Memphis.

I spoke at length with Hugh Fain. In addition to a link to a video of Bert playing his late father’s the reunion and the rotten weather, we discussed mandolin.

I believe this is the shortest set of notes I’ve writthe VMI Foundation (Hugh is the president) and the VMI capital campaign. We also discussed ten over the last 15 years.

Thank you for your continuing support.

Renee, who retired from practicing law, and their three daughters. Joyce is getting married in June.

Trip Lloyd Audrey graduated from Boston University in May. Sally is in sixth grade. In Richmond, Hugh often sees John Blankenship, Dusty Boyd, John Caplice, Tolar Nolley and Al Ramer.

Each June, the North Jersey Chapter of the Dear Brother Rats and Families, Alumni Association holds a meeting at BalWe are in the grip of summer in the Old Dotusrol, where Elliot Wolffe is a member. The minion. The Institute is swinging into high gear meeting occurs after a round of golf. This year, Tolar Nolley plans to participate and will stay with the imminent arrival of the corps.

I am sad to share that four of our brother rats with Elliott and Amy. In April, I received an email from Bill Wallace lost a parent: John Locher’s father, George Locher ’55, of with an attached photo. Bill visited with Ed Kopsick at Ed’s home near Warner Robins, Georgia. Richmond, Virginia, died peacefully Tuesday, Class of 1980: Bill Wallace and Ed KopFeb. 17, 2015. He was 81. He is survived by his Ed provided a tour of the National Prisoner of sick at the National Prisoner of War wife of 41 years, Ellen Burger Locher; their chilWar Monument Park in Andersonville, Georgia.

Museum in Georgia in April 2015. dren; and 14 grandchildren. Born and raised in Bill wrote that Ed is an ardent cyclist who rode

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Class Notes Rockbridge County, Virginia, George was a proud member of the VMI Class of 1955, where he studied civil engineering. After VMI, he served in the U.S. Army then returned to Glasgow, Virginia, and began a career in the family brick business, The Locher Brick Co. George retired to Richmond, Virginia, where he worked in real estate sales, played golf and spent time with family. He volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and was a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Services were held Friday, Feb. 20, 2015, at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia. (His obituary can be found in the Taps section of this issue.)

Chuck Hoffert’s father died. Retired U.S. Army Col. Charles Edward Hoffert was 82 and a resident of Chester, Virginia. He died Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of over 50 years, Patricia E. Hoffert.

He was a retired Army colonel who served our country for over 30 years. He served two tours in Vietnam. During his service, he received a Silver Star, Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars and The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

He was Ranger qualified and earned a Combat Infantry Badge. Charles took pleasure in Civil War history and genealogy. A Mass of Christian burial was held Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Richmond, Virginia.

Bill Argiriou lost his father, Paul William Argiriou, Feb. 7, 2015. A decorated World War II veteran who participated in the D-Day Invasion of Normandy landing on Utah Beach, all the major battles in Europe and the Battle of the Bulge, he was awarded two Purple Hearts and the Chevalier de la Legion D’Honneur, France’s highest honor.

He was blessed with 90 years of vital and meaningful life – 61 of them shared with his beloved wife, Angela, who survived him. A funeral service was held Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015, at St. Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church. Born in New York City, New York, Paul raised his family in Huntington, New York, and retired with Angela first in Williamsburg, Virginia, and later in Lakewood, New Jersey.

Mike Plazcek shared that Douglas Scott, the father of his wife, Lynn, died in February. He was 82. Mike and Lynn are doing well. Their grandchildren are already 1 year old. (One in January, and the other in March.)

John Cawthorne has headed to greener pastures having left Michael Baker International, and he and Lisa are moving “south” this summer.

Bogey Bogart is now assigned to Special Operations Command, Africa, based in Stuttgart, Germany.

Bruce Kitchen shared that V. Wood, Grover Outland and he are scheduled to play golf together during the Keydet Club Leadership Outing.

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Ed Boylan reported he and his family are pretty much settled in to living in the Raleigh, North Carolina, area since their move from Texas last summer. It has been tough, because for the first time in their married lives, they moved away from their children. The children are doing fine back in Texas, but it is still hard on Ed and his wife, Linda. Ed had the opportunity to listen to Gen. Peay ’62 give a “State of the Institute” address in Fayetteville, North Carolina, earlier in the year. Ed shared that it was refreshing to hear about all the great things going on at the “I,” and he enjoyed meeting a number of alumni in the area. He and Linda had a great visit with Tom and Sandy Savage the first weekend in May. Tom had business in North Carolina, so Sandy stayed with Ed and Linda during the week until Tom could join them for the weekend.

Jim Waring ran into a few of our BRs since the last Review. In February, he ran into John Haithcock in Suffolk, Virginia, who was in town for a conference in his role as the director of the battle lab at the U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Jim said John is doing well.

In March, Jim had lunch with “Bogie” Bogart and Bull Smith ’95 at the Fort Eustis Club. Both are still on active duty with the Army as lieutenant colonels. Bogie and Bull were serving on the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Commander’s Plans Group at the time. In April, Jim and his wife, Catherine, attended a VMI Alumni Association event at Scope in Norfolk. It was the Norfolk Admirals last home game, and they ran into Mark Kanter and his son, Robert Kanter ’13. They had a great time catching up on old VMI stories. Mark and Robert are both doing very well.

John Dixon wrote to say that he and Patti are doing well. He wrapped up his sixth year at Carson Long Military Academy, and it was a good one. He is still teaching chemistry and physics in the high school and serving as a building officer. He was also very busy with Carson Long’s athletic department coaching varsity football, basketball, and track and field. Patti is enjoying working for PNC Bank, and they are both ready for a great summer at home on Gwynn’s Island. Patti developed a long list of tasks for John to attend to, including ripping-out all of the carpet and installing new hardwood floors and painting and installing a new dock.

Gunny Olsen reported in that he loves his new contractor job with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

Jeff Adler shared it was only four years and five months (as of May) before he can retire, and he is seriously considering relocating to the west coast of Florida when he does retire. He had the opportunity to lunch with Dan Pere, Bill Bird,

Class of 1981: Greg Wolven with his daughter, Katie, at an award ceremony at the University of South CarolinaAiken. Katie was named the Outstanding Graduate Student in Psychology for 2014-2015 by the university.

Class of 1981: At a gathering of brother rats at Leroy Selmon’s restaurant in Fort Myers, Florida, were, from left, Dan Pere, Bill Bird, Jeff Adler and Chip Chipley.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes and Chip Chipley while visiting in Fort Myers, Florida.

A mini reunion was held at the Chantilly, Virginia, International House of Pancakes March 15, 2015. In attendance were five BRs: Jeff Adler, Gregg White, Jim Langan, John Cawthorne, and Joe Provenzano, along with three of their wives.

Jim shared that he was moving to North Carolina in April.

Ken Pierro retired from active duty April 10, 2015, after 34 years of service in the Marines, Marine Reserve and the Coast Guard. The ceremony was held in the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. After enjoying his well-deserved terminal leave, he is hoping to find a job in the New Orleans area so his son and daughter, Kenny and Gillian, can spend more than two years in one place for once in their lives.

John Aulbach provided a quick update. In September 2012, he was selected by the Virginia Department of Health as the director of the Office of Drinking Water in Richmond. It has been a very interesting and busy time for him, implementing regulatory compliance and permitting oversight of approximately 3,000 water systems while also responding to the occasional coal ash spill and train derailment of Balkan crude oil. His wife, Lisa, completed another year teaching second and third graders at the Rockbridge Christian Academy, where she has had the privilege to work with small children and be a positive influence and role model to them. Their daughter, Kara, was married two years ago in June. She and her husband recently purchased their first house, and she started a local bookkeeping business in Rockbridge County.

Their son-in-law, Damien, is a licensed practical nurse and pursing his license to become a registered nurse while also active in the Virginia National Guard as a medic. Their son, Josh Aulbach ’13, is employed with Branch Construction as a project engineer and is actively involved with the renovation and rehabilitation construction of the “Pit” and Cocke Hall.

Greg Wolven traveled to South Carolina in midApril for a University of South Carolina-Aiken awards ceremony where his daughter, Katie, was honored as the USCA’s “Outstanding Graduate Student in Psychology for 2014-2015.” Greg and his wife, Ann, traveled at the end of April to her doctoral graduation ceremony in Phoenix, Arizona. Greg’s and Ann’s parents flew there for the event, as well. Ann now has a Doctor of Education degree in organizational leadership with an emphasis in higher education leadership from Grand Canyon University. Her dissertation was on the influence of texting and text-ese on students’ learning to write in standard English. In

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early May, Greg and Ann traveled back to USCA for their daughter’s master’s degree hooding ceremony. In between that, Greg flew to Asheville, North Carolina, for the IEEE conference. Their son is still working at Franciscan St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and living in Lafayette, Indiana.

The Lloyd house is winding down a hot summer.

I spent most of the spring playing the lord mayor with the Virginia Renaissance Faire, where I also took on the job of assistant director. My wife, Anne, spent most of her spring acting in professional theater. After reading some of my rising seventh and 10th grade children’s papers, it is clear to me that they need to read Ann Wolven’s dissertation.

’82

Will Council

Hello, Brother Rats and Family, I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer season. It is getting kind of crazy in my house as we get ready for another summer of fun at scout camp. Only this time, I will have the privilege of working there with both my kids! As I write these notes, I have just gotten back from an intense eight days of training at a Boy Scout National Camp School for the National Rifle Association Shooting Sports Director Program. My daughter, Dana, attends the same camp, but for the Project Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience Director Program. Hayden will be working at the Outdoor Skills Program, and my wife, Susan, will be enjoying the summer all to herself.

Hope I still have a place to come home to in a few months!

Andy “Blade” Balding is a grandpa! Although there were several photos of this big guy tenderly holding his precious granddaughter, I could not snag a large enough one to publish here. Andy did try to send me one of his other proud moments when he commissioned 2nd Lt. Grant Hosfield out of the University of Mississippi ROTC program. He is a fine young U.S. Marine who grew up with his sons, and Andy has known him since the boy was 8 years old.

Mark Ciarrocca and his roommates have now made a tradition of heading south for some golfing fellowship. Mark, Dave Shutt, Jack Wainwright, Jeff Judkins and Dewey Martin stopped for a photo to prove that it did happen during their third annual Florida St. Patrick’s Day excursion. It was great to catch up with the boys and eat Dewey’s championship barbecue. If you look closely at the photo, it appears that they are

at a putt-putt course. I don’t know about you all, but I envisioned something more posh that would require lots more walking and consuming adult beverages. But it is all about the fellowship.

Thanks, guys!

While I will be sweating it out at scout camp, Daryl Deke and Richard Woolwine will be cruising the Caribbean with their lovely wives.

Daryl notified us via the Facebook page that his son, Jeffery, recently graduated top in his class from Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. Not bad for a guy whose dad was a 1st Class private. Jeffery spent two years in the Navy, enlisted and recently supported combat operations on the carrier George H. W. Bush. (I recall Daryl and family went to see the returning son last fall.) He has now reported to Pensacola Naval Air Station, where he starts flight school. Very proud papa! Daryl will also be seeing Harry Bitzberger in July when his family will be staying at the Deke house for a week in California.

Keith Jarvis reported that Greg Picklesimer’s recovery has not progressed as initially hoped, and his mobility has been limited. He is still at home but is working part-time at his job from his home. His circulation issues in his legs have not improved, and his doctors believe it is due to a previously known aneurysm in his abdomen and a second unknown aneurysm in the same

Class of 1982: Robert Rambo portrayed Chief Attakullakullah in Cherokee Living History. Class Agent Will Council said of this photo, “What else could be more perfect for a history major than to present it in person?”

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Class Notes area. The doctors intend to fix these two in the coming weeks. We will hope to have better news from Greg after that.

Joe Poteralski responded to my Facebook plea for notes. His wife, Robin, had a cancer surgery in February. (I am trying for more details on that one, so keep them in your prayers.)

Joe is hobbling around on a gimpy knee. Their daughter was accepted to law school at Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. Joe is still supporting the VMI women’s water polo squad. They are a fine group of young ladies who were pleased to see him again – he brought the cookies again. Well of course they were glad to see you again!

Steven Varga says the past year has been a difficult one for his family. The late teen years for a couple of kids have been extremely challenging. It has taught him that we control very little in life, and what he does control, he is learning to give over to God. (Amen!) Steve fully tore his ACL in February and is currently opting out of surgery, trying to rehab and strengthen what is there to be able to continue to run and participate in Tae Kwon Do as much as possible. He plans to shift his focus more to Hojutsu Ryu now that his mobility is a bit compromised. [OK, I had to look this up ... this is martial arts and shooting! I love the sound of this ... ninjas with guns!] Steve and his lovely wife will celebrate 28 years of marriage in May. She is a wonderful woman who has put up with his moving and many various adventures.

For those who are not on social media with the class, we lost Sean Le at the end of April.

We received notice through the Alumni Association after his wife, Rita, sent them the information. Sean apparently died from a sudden heart attack, as this was completely unexpected. Several brother rats were able to attend either the visitation or the service, but I have only gotten an incomplete list: Robert Louthan, Bill Jennings, Joey Keyes, Chuck Kause and Larry Williams represented our class.

I just got the news within hours of this going to the editor that James Bailey lost his wife, Maggie, who also died suddenly. No news other than that.

Well, this has been a short and a mixed news series of class notes. Please keep in touch with your former roommates. We have now lost two BRs in the past six months, plus two spouses.

Let me know of anything you wish to share with the VMI family.

Sincerely, Will Council

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Class of 1982: From left, Bill Jennings, Cynthia Adams, Christina Steward-York and Dave Kohler dressed up for a Roaring ’20s party in spring 2015.

Class of 1982: From left, Dave Shutt, Mark Ciarrocca, Jack Wainwright, Jeff Judkins and Dewey Martin during their third annual Florida St. Patrick’s Day excursion.

’83

Hugh Daughtry

Brother Rats, As I write these notes, New Market Day and graduation have just occurred in Lexington.

Judging from the video posted by Scott Belliveau, the New Market parade was as impressive as always and the weather beautiful. Hope everyone is having a nice summer.

Robin and I spent the last two days soaking up rays at Quail Hollow Club for the Wells Fargo Championship. We were ambassadors – a fancy word for volunteers – assigned as laser operators. It

is a fun job inside the ropes that offers a fascinating insight into what goes on behind the scenes at a tournament. When Jim Nantz tells you the distance of Phil Mickelson’s drive or how far Rory McIlroy has to the pin, you can thank ShotLink and the volunteer operators.

I received an update from Todd Miles. After a two-year stint in Williamsburg, he and his wife are back in Charleston, South Carolina. They thoroughly enjoyed Williamsburg, but Todd’s family is in Charleston, so it is nice for them to be back home.

He reported his children are in college, and his oldest daughter, Keri, is engaged to be married this fall.

Todd is ensuring the wedding does not conflict with The Citadel game.

I hope the authorities in North Dakota are alert.

A hunting party consisting of Scott Horan, Jim Henry, Breck Gorman, John Gordon, Bill Cornett and Mike Laughon are descending on them this October. They have even included ’84 underclassmen John Karafa and Wilson Enoch to handle logistics (carry bags). Scott included a picture from a recent trip to Currituck, North Carolina, with Jim Henry in January. If the authorities are not ready, Todd Tudor is. He is in Bismarck and is saving cold beer for the group.

Anne Manley checked in just before heading to Austin, Texas, to see Jack and Anne’s daughter, Lillie, graduate from St. Edwards University. She had read about Mark Benvenuto’s book, “What You Need for the First Job, Besides the Ph.D. in Chemistry,” and thought he would be a good source of advice for Lillie. We got her in touch with Mark, and Teddy Gottwald was gracious enough to assist, also.

Lillie should be in good hands.

I think it is safe to say no trip to the West Coast is complete without seeing Will Creekmur in San Diego, California. Bob Mednikov and Mark Pappas enjoyed Will’s hospitality and Southern California’s weather. Bob and Will feasted on fish tacos overlooking the Pacific and thought about all those poor folks back in Richmond shivering in 3 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures. Mark also escaped the cold East to enjoy lunch with Will.

As always, there is a standing invitation from Will for any BR visiting the San Diego area to give him a call and do lunch.

Exciting news from Jim Outland: After a great career at AT&T, he has started a new opportunity by joining Trident Utility Contracting as a senior project manager in their Virginia Beach office.

Along with its sister company, Light Tech Inc., Trident provides outside plant services to telecommunications companies, utilities and other businesses across the Southeast. Jim and Jodie will be moving to their house on the Eastern

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1983: On March 17, 2015, several BRs met for lunch at Sine’s on Pentagon Row. In attendance were, from left, front row, Steve Amato, Tim Craul and Chip Shirley.

Second Row: Mark Sykes, Jamie MacDonald and Matt Waring.

Class of 1983: Will Creekmur and Mark Pappas in San Diego, California, in March 2014.

Class of 1983: Scott Horan and Jim Henry waiting on the ducks in Currituck, North Carolina, in January 2015.

Class of 1983: Bob Mednikov and Will Creekmur in San Diego, California, in February 2015.

Class of 1983: Ready for ESPN and the SoCon Basketball Tournament were, from left, John Dodge, Wade Branner and Richard Hewitt.

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Shore, and this new role will have him close to his parents in the Tidewater. Exciting times for Jim. Steve Amato checked in with a great photo of Steve, Tim Craul, Chip Shirley, Mark Sykes, Jamie MacDonald and Matt Waring. They were at Sine’s Pub in Pentagon Row with a late Saint Patrick’s Day celebration. I am sure great matters of national defense dominated the conversation, but Steve says they mainly told stories of the Old Corps.

It’s a light mail bag for this edition. As you read these notes, the Flying Squadron will be readying itself for the 2015 fall campaign under Scott Wachenheim, new head coach, and the vibe is good. Hope springs eternal in Lexington!

That is all.

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Class Notes

’84

Andy Protogyrou

I pray these notes find everyone healthy and happy as we begin our new football season at the Institute. If you have not returned for a fall visit in a number of years, you will be in for a treat. Greg “The Cav” Cavallaro hosts the Keydet Club tent next to the stadium on the hill, and this area becomes social central. Greg recently brought the new football coach to Norfolk, Virginia, and the 1984 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate motivated a bunch of 50 somethings to suit up this fall. I believe we are blessed to have him at VMI. He made sure to tell us that when he saw the Rat Line last November, it was much more difficult than anything he had ever seen at Air Force.

Speaking of the Air Force, I just received word from Jeff Roach. He is living with his wife, Mary Ann, in Wichita Falls, Texas. Jeff retired from the Air Force in 2011 and now serves as the chief of training for the Euro-NATO Joint Pilot Training program. He and Mary Ann are also team leaders for Orphans’ Embrace, an orphan ministry of their church. The Roach family, as a whole, has decided to give up sleeping, as it only seems to get in the way of their active lives. The Roaches have a 25-year-old son living in Rockwall, Texas, and their 21-year-old triplets (yes, you are not seeing double) are all juniors at Oklahoma Baptist University. It does not stop there. In December, they adopted their 16-year-old foster son, Trevor.

In 2007, they adopted their 10-year-old son, Matthew, from China. Jeff and Mary Ann recently returned from China with a beautiful 5-year-old named Caleb. Caleb is deaf, but by the time you read this, he will have had cochlear implant surgery. Jeff and Mary Ann, I know I speak for all of us in the class by thanking you for the positive things you do in this world through your faith in God and your ministry.

I also have been following Mark Johnston’s career via Facebook (an email would be nice).

Though at first appearance he and his beautiful wife, Tammy, travel the world to exotic locations such as Italy and Ocean City, Maryland, he really is a rock star at Lockheed Martin.

He was recently honored by the company for leadership excellence. He had to dress up in a tuxedo and have a photograph of his head shown real big on a stage. It seems to have been a very impressive evening for a great brother rat! Thanks for making us all look so good!

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Frank Kollmansperger has been terrific in keeping me apprised of what is going on in and around Mecca. Frank has a wonderful business as owner of Entry Guard Systems based in Richmond. He has a chance to do his legal business with Steve Reardon, his insurance with Alex Thompson and his accounting with Bill Hardy.

A VMI discount is in order but hasn’t quite made it to the invoices yet. Frank lives either across the street or right next to Hank Selman. He wrote he has to look at him every day, and Hank, the metrosexual, dresses up to walk his dog. Hank must keep Steve Reardon’s brother in business at Franco’s Fine Men’s Wear. Frank went on to tell me Lee Wimbish received a distinguished alumnus award at the Collegiate School in Richmond.

The award was so special that they asked Lee to speak to the student body where he proceeded to call out Frank and Steve Barsamian for their military prowess. It was understood the only other candidate for the award was George Woltz, but George lost the coin toss. Maybe next year as the field narrows, George.

In other news, Alex Thompson hosted Frank, Jamie Shoemaker and David Pruitt on a duck hunting trip in Chesapeake this past January. According to the scorecard that day: Ducks – 60, Humans – 0! I think they are blaming the rain and cold. As a former Air Defense Artillery officer, Frank was more familiar shooting missiles rather than plain shot at airborne subjects.

Frank saw Mark Morgan for breakfast, but Morgan was 45 minutes late. Sounds like a 5-1-5 to me.

Cadet Morgan, you are wanted in the commandant’s office ASAP. Morgan and Thompson owe each other a turnout, so please see to it immediately.

Class of 1984: Jeff and Mary Ann Roach’s youngest, Caleb, ready to matriculate.

Lastly, Chris Bruch, Kemper Wharton, Hal Hamner, John Dodge, Spencer Williamson, Warren Groseclose and Frank meet weekly for Bible study. The group was started by his dyke, Tom Mitchell ’79, and Frank DeVenoge ’88 a few years back with a bunch of other VMI guys. It has been a “game changer,” as Frank would say, in his life.

Guys, give me the when and where so any of us can pop in and get some old-time religion. Frank said, “VMI friendships continue to be a big part of my life. We are not getting younger, so I would encourage all to reach out with a phone call or email to a brother rat when something inside tells you to. Thompson, that means you.” Amen. On a sad note, Mike Locher and I both lost our fathers over the last couple of months. We all know dads love their boys. May their memories be eternal.

’85

Matt Daniel

Oorah, Gents.

By the time you read this, the VMI Class of 1985 30th Reunion will be history, and it may even be a distant memory. But I will ask you to reach back and recall those 2-3 days in late April (5 days for Bill Wieners) when we re-congealed with class as the class that the other classes envy. We are the tightest bunch to walk through Limits Gates. No one was like us; no one is like us. I rarely get so motivated about anything, but ’85 motivates me.

The notes will be moving on now to a digest of our 30th Reunion, held in late April 2015.

The reunion got off to a great start Thursday night. Joe (Beef) and Cindy Irby hosted about 40 brother rats, plus spouses, dates and guests.

Despite the cold and windy weather, Beef had a fire going in his outdoor fireplace, and no one fell into the pool which is now well-cleaned, post a nasty Mark Bornhorst Safari 2014 swim. Jake Spivey and Steve Hagan closed down the hospitality room around 0100 hours Friday morning.

Friday morning, Spivey, Meade King and 25 other BRs (Agent note: who apparently don’t work on Fridays) started the festivities with a game of “whackasmack” and putt-putt. Give or take a few late arrivals or early departures, the gang chased the little white ball around Buena Vista like they were chasing dates for homecoming in 1981.

Swing and a miss! Golfing performance proved to be as elusive as their inter-social successes were back in the day. An exception was Hugh Hill, who masterfully kept his approach shot to the 5th hole on the green and won the closest to the pin award.

It is amazing what we will call success these days.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Anyway, congratulations, Huge! Meanwhile, Mike Adkins was working on his approach off the green and prepping his flying monkey in a coatee costume and the shenanigans that accompanied it. Wish I had a photo to share.

The check-in at Le Chez Natural Bridge went without a hitch, and the class was primed for a great reunion dinner when, just moments before the ballroom was to open, a water leak sprung in the ceiling of the room. Undeterred, the quickthinking hotel staff moved one of the bars into the ballroom’s small lobby, setting up shop and keeping BRs and guests lubed up and happy. Reunion swag (including a VMI 85 Hawaiian shirt, gym bag, coffee mug or mason jar) was donned with spirit and pride.

Finally, the leak was plugged, the room was cleaned and the party continued inside the Jefferson Ballroom. Jake Spivey served as the master of ceremonies, coordinating a silent auction with merchandise and services donations from the class. The auction items were historic, athletic and memorable VMI stuff or things that our BRs crafted and donated for the purpose. From this effort, the class raised nearly $7,000 for the VMI 85 Scholarship Fund. After the silent auction, your class agent ran children out of the room with some too-raw language and semi-adult humor as he delivered an introduction for the guest speaker who was to follow. (Way to go Mattie D., never fail to offend. Apologies to any or all.) The evening’s speaker, Jerry Acuff ’71, was entertaining and enlightening as he provided remarks many brother rats could relate to when he commented on his academic and life’s journeys.

Retiring to the hospitality room (some with their newly-won silent auction trophies: see photo of Steve Hagan and Bushie Mac with his football helmet), it was a time for BRs to relive their past.

Certainly, Bush McIntyre couldn’t help but profess how much more successful the football team would have been if only he had been in the line-up.

Saturday’s rain caused some confusion and changes in the planned schedule of events, but the fun-run still had a few hardy souls out braving the chilly temperature and muddy conditions.

Todd Southard held the memorial service for our departed brother rats, after which the class photo took place. The photo this year was taken in J.M Hall due to weather, and it’s a classic. The juxtaposition of 130 or so 50-plus guys in front of the mural of the Corps of Cadets charging into battle at New Market is equally timeless.

After an on-off-on again parade (agent note: thanks to the flexibility of the Corps of Cadets for this) that stirred us mightily, our class accordionmarched (read: slimed) into barracks along with

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the other reunion classes (’65, ’75 and ’95). Your class agent and John Lee demonstrated one is never too old or foolish to succumb to peer pressure by climbing up the outside of the sentinel box. It was not a pretty sight (see photo with legs akimbo). With pinkies extended, Jake “Weak-Sauce” Spivey served as a surrogate for Jim Chartier and daintily pixied up the roll-in stairway to join the testosterone up top. The three then led Old Yells to recognize and honor the class of ’82, then the newly recognized class of 2018. During the cheer for ’18, the barracks erupted with enthusiasm, noise and vigor ... except for the third stoop denizens who remained stone-cold silent. (Some things never change.) Finally, the sentinel box trio recognized their own BRs and all was right with the world.

They all took the steps back down: wisdom.

The afternoon continued under cold, wet conditions, but that didn’t deter some BRs from watching the football team play its “Red versus White” scrimmage. (As is typical for VMI sports, no team won; no VMI victory on this day!) Some watched BR Tab Warlitner “putting the moves on” a bunch of younger, bigger, stronger and faster ruggers in the alumni rugby match. (Tab: don’t blame your class agent for these words “putting the moves on” and all of the suspect adjectives – that was all Brother Rat Spivey.) Incidentally, Tab showed them how it’s done with a silky b-t-b lateral pass to a teammate (agent offers in a sexy female voice: “Keith Stone, you’re so smooth.” Keith Stone responds: “Always...”).

To ensure that ’85 stayed reverent and in good graces, Father Kevin “Cubby” Fimian tagged in, while master Pastor Pete Sniffin tagged out.

Saturday night’s quiet entertainment (agent: yeah, quiet – we gotta do a Zollman’s next time) was interrupted by Mark “Action” Jackson and Steve Medeiros reliving some unauthorized edits to Steve’s official DayTimer calendar when Steve was posted to U.S. Southern Command. No kiddies present this time: good! Not to be shown up and ever the hip provocateur, Greg Enterline hijacked the stage and microphone while he entertained the class with his new moonlighting interest as a rap singer and striptease dancer. One could see the white man’s overbite from the back of the room. Unfortunately, we cannot un-see what we saw that night. Please contact Dave Twillie for any traumatic brain injuries that may be a byproduct of Enterline’s misbehavior. We probably have an eye doctor and shrink in our class, too, right? If so, please contact your class agent, because I am going nuts trying to scrub my eyeballs clean. A class action lawsuit is being kicked around. Contact me for details.

On Saturday night, we also had the opportunity to be addressed by Russ Stewart ’82. It was

good to see him and humorous to see how 51 and 52-year-old men still respond by sitting up a little more straight and reactively tucking their (multiple) chins in a tad as our former RDC president spoke to us. I will paraphrase his message. He said something to the effect of: “You guys are a kick-apse class. We knew it then, we have since rediscovered it and we are well-aware of it now. Now go out and do some amazing spit! Really, I challenge you, do something amazing; you have it in you as a class.”* Indeed, gents, we should take on his challenge, and I will volunteer to start a committee for the same if it is something we will want to commit to. Contact me with interest or ideas or both.

Sunday morning, folks made their way to breakfast then packed and headed for home.

In sum, we all had a great time at the reunion.

We marveled at Tim Bailey. What unholy deal did he make? Holy crud, that dude is a stud. Always was, but damn, I’d say he is in better shape now than he was in ’84 and ’85! In summary, it was a great reunion.

We think there were no: Major injuries: Scratch that, ask Borny, as a spill from the hotel van bruised or cracked some ribs.

Help received from Mark Carroll!

Arrests: But not so sure; I think we have to ask Paul Marsenison.

Hotel damages: That was because Tom Greenspon, Dan Murphy, Scott Vaughn and Chuck McCarthy were staying elsewhere.

Lost BRs: Someone tell me that Ching Pu Chen made it back OK. Lost equipment/gear adrift: Except for the bottle of whiskey that Neb Neblett won in the silent auction, left behind. Neb, Spivey says he’s got your back (wink).

Thanks to Jake and the rest of the crew for putting the event together.

As I always do when I reconnect with our class, I rediscovered my fondness for my classmates. BRs – the stories you tell? They are classic; I want to party with you guys.

Some stream-of-consciousness highlights of the tales you guys tell: Tales of flight-line hijinks; pizza that won’t stay down; the artistic spray-blasting of the bachelor officers’ quarters’ walls; kindergarten teachers; the furniture lost from a New Orleans hotel; the chase for the best beer ever; the spring break trip to Key West; shackles and hackles; the attempt at a booze cabinet behind the mirror; the hidden refrigerator in barracks; Helmet Head, Lurch and the Stoopies; cadet waiters; the dartboard; Estelle’s and the best hot dog ever; Zollman’s and the wet beaver parties (where’s your T-shirt?); sweaty Zdinak; the chaplain’s secretary and senora Sandy; the rising

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Class of 1985: Present at the reunion were Robert M. Adkins, Bryan J. Augsburger, Timothy L. Bailey, David T. Barthol, Hayden W. Bayer, James P. Begley III, Victor J. Bernet, Mark T. Bornhorst, Marvin C. Boswell Jr., William L. Bowman Jr., Jerry E. Brooks, Tracy W. Burke, Daniel H. Burton, David O. Campbell, Mark S. Carroll, Michael A. Ceroli, Michael G. Chang, Ching-Pu Chen, Tayloe M. Dameron, Matthew F. Daniel, Peter W. Delano, Kelly T. Dillenberger, John R. Dixon, John M. Eckenrode, Quintin D. Elliot, Robert D. Ellis Jr., Thomas J. Emerson Jr., Eric J. Enslen, Greg A. Enterline, Jeff A. Fraser, Philip A. Galgano, Maurice E. Gissendanner, Kyle H. Goldsmith, Jeffrey S. Golembiewski, Thomas S. Greenspon, Matthew P. Hadley, Stephen B. Hagan, George A. Halages, R. Palmer Hamilton, Brent Hearn II, Matthew S. Henderson, Jeffrey C. Hill Sr., Hugh R. Hill, Kenneth R. Hirlinger Jr., Glenn A. Hoffman, Michael J. Hulyo, David S. Hunter, Kenneth J. Hurst, Joseph M. Irby II, Mark W. Jackson, Kevin D. Jenkins, Michael E. Johnson, John H. Jordan, John D. Keenan, Meade B. King, Kerry D. Kirk, Michael J. Lamore, Solon J. Lane, Kevin Leary, John J. Lee III, Neil S. Lowenstein, Jay B. Lucas, John C. Malik III, Peter H. Mangerian, Samuel A. Maroon, Paul R. Marsenison, Charles L. McCarthy, Gary F. McClelland, Patrick L. McGuire, Robert L. McIntire III, Owen O. McIntyre Jr., Walter A.S. McMann, Stephen A. Medeiros, Kurt A. Minne, Thomas L. Montgomery, Daniel W. Murphy, John C. Neblett, Jeffrey D. Norris, David M. Olson, Russell H. Orrison, John V. Parente, Thomas C. Pully, Thomas H. Rahe, Gregory M. Renner, Devin S. Roddenberry, Graham C. Rose, Joseph L. Rose, Byron L. Ross, Wilfred G. Rowlett Jr., Henry L. Sanchez, Perry W. Sarver Jr., Warren W. Shindle, Augustus G. Shirley II, John J. Smart, Marvin W. Smith Jr., David T. Smith, Peter R. Sniffin, W. Todd Southard, James F. Spellman Jr., Joseph M. Spivery IV, David E. Stinnette, John A. Stuart, Shane D. Sullivan, Todd L. Thornes, William T. Tilling III, David L. Tingley, Ralph J. Tremaglio III, James A. Tribble, David A. Twillie, James S. Utterback, Scott D. Vaughn, Jesse P. Waltz, Tab M. Warlitner, William M. Wieners, James B. Wilkinson Jr., Gregory A. Williams, Cedric T. Wins, Christian J. Wolf Jr., David P. Wood, Michael C. Wooten, John J. Wranek III, Steven B. Wynn and Thomas F. Young.

Class Notes

70th Reunion – April 24-25, 2015

The Class of 1985

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Class Notes 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Class of 1985 1. John and Missy Dixon enjoyed the Class of 1985 30th Reunion.

2. Hook Hagan and Bush McIntyre. Class Agent Matt Daniel said of this photo, “Not quite sure what’s going on here.”

3. Class Agent Matt Daniel said of this photo, “Jake Spivey, 30th Reunion committee chairman, and John Lee, Class of ’85 vice president, poured the Class of ’85 historian (with

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of the ranks in Spanish class (!); Coach Clark King; Coach Tom Virgets; Coach Wade Williams; the infamous panty raid; Buzz Snyder; Weird Harold; “That’ll be a 5, 1 and 5 Mr. Lowenstein;” Goshen, NATTY BO!; the Dark Ages; the drum-outs; the drop-outs; the fail-outs; the bail-outs; the black-outs; the white-outs; the night-outs; the pardons; the number ones; the hops; the West Point game; the VPI game; the woolies ... man, did I hate woolies; the roommates; the blotters; the sinks – holy schnikees, the amazingly sick dysentery and punji-stick worthiness of our sinks! (Pink eye for all my friends!); family dining in Crozet; the Rat Line; the absolute madness but enduring friendships of those men we called Keydets; and especially those Keydets from our Class of 1985. Oorah, Devil Dogs, it is damn good to know you.

85 Dartboard: (A new AR Notes feature? You like?)

Mike “Monkey-boy” Adkins: Proof a man is never too old or tanned.

Bush McIntyre: Coming to an arena league football team near you soon.

Kerry Kirk: To be featured on “Tattoo Nightmares: Fairfax and Selfie Masters of Northern Virginia.”

legs akimbo) into the sentinel box in preparation for a few Old Yells.”

4. J.J. Wranek donned his 30th Reunion luau shirt.

5. Class Agent Matt Daniel said, “’85 tags the cannonball. Yes, that happened.”

6. Surrounding Brother Rat Ching Pu Chen on stage in J.M. Hall during the reunion were, from left, front row, Tom Greenspon, Ching Pu Chen, Matt Daniel, Jesse Waltz and Shane Sullivan. Back row: Joe Irby, Dave Hunter, John Parente, Chuck McCarthy, John Dixon and John Lee.

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Class Notes Hugh Hill: Tiger wants your phone number.

Jake Spivey: Best hat for the reunion ocho cinco! Olé!

Dave Wood: Great work on the swag!

Byron Ross: The new Keith Stone. You’re so smooth, Keith Stone.

The Georges Hotel: I hear that the bar staff quit en masse after Saturday night’s storytelling hour.

God bless you miscreants.

Annual Charlie Company Golf Safari is Aug. 6-8. *(As I am sure you are aware, Russ Stewart never said “apse” or “spit”) Yours in the spirit, –M

’86

Clint Hubbard

Let’s commence this month with news from the North and one of our most educated brethren.

Dan Hooker checked in from Rockland County, New York. Dan reported he feels sufficiently educated with graduate degrees now in business, religion and education. Well done! BR Hooker also reported he’s shifted from being educated to providing same – Dan is the senior naval science instructor at the North Rockland Navy JROTC Unit in Rockland County. He said a highlight of that tenure was taking his cadets for a field trip in New York City recently to visit the United Nations and the Council on Foreign Relations. There was no report on after-hours action with the youngsters on a field trip; perhaps BR Hooker is running a tight ship?

As previously reported, we have a few Air Force JROTC leaders from ’86, but Dan may be the first among the Navy/Marine Corps. Of course, for all we know, Jim Urie, Roman Malavet or Kenny Walpole could be running a JROTC unit somewhere. To borrow the famous cable (after the Battle of Leyte Gulf) from Admiral Nimitz to Admiral Halsey: “The world wonders.”

He may or may not be quite as educated as Dan, but BR Eric Whiteman is certainly paying for a lot of folks to be educated. BR Whiteman’s oldest son is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University (2014), commissioned in the Navy and is currently in flight school. The second oldest son graduated from the Institute this spring (2015), and he will also commission in the Navy and will be assigned to a ship out of Norfolk – the USS Forrest Sherman. (For history extra credit, who knows who Forrest Sherman was?) BR Whiteman’s third son just finished his rat year at James Madison University – although it probably wasn’t really a rat

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year! Eric said his baby is a high school junior, so BR Whiteman and his wife, Sue, are almost empty nesters. Eric stays busy working for SURVICE Engineering Company. He reported he ran in to Remy Thompson last summer at the graduation ceremony for Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach, and Remy “still looks the same.”

Eric closed with the invite that “anyone visiting Virginia Beach give him a call and/or check out the lifeguard stands,” because all of his sons either have served or are currently serving as a lifeguard.

Speaking of Virginia Beach lifeguards and/or extreme sports EMTs, did someone say “Larry Watson?” Larry stays busy on numerous adventures and surely doesn’t let any grass grow under his feet. Over the course of last year, he posted updates on Facebook from Florida and Australia, as well as numerous weekend excursions in the midAtlantic states. Apparently, BR Watson never got the memo that he is 50 years old!

Mid-April was time for the bi-annual “March Madness Golf Classic.” This worthwhile event is a joint venture started by Tim Keilty and Roy Woolwine in honor of their first wives, who were both victims of brain cancer. The event was started about 10 years ago and has grown and morphed over the years. More importantly, the event has raised over $550,000 for the Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University Hospital. That is quite a legacy for the memory of both Kerry Keilty and Paige Woolwine.

The March Madness Golf Classic is always a top-shelf event, and this year was no different. The golf outing takes place at the Fawn Lake Country Club in Spotsylvania County followed by a barbecue and beerfest at Tim and Colby Keilty’s home. The Keydet golfers this year included: Jim Frazier, Dave Grimm, Clint Hubbard, Jamie Inman, Jim Jenkins, Tim Keilty, Dan Monahan, Steve Thacker and Father Kevin Fimian ’85. No comment on the golf performance, but we all gave a good account of ourselves at the barbecue buffet afterward. (Note: That is not a misprint; Jim Jenkins was present. We gave him a “Hello, My Name is” nametag...)

In the “what’s happening to our boys department,” there will be enough VMI ’86 progeny at Hampden-Sydney College this fall that we should all be able to get into a fraternity party. Tim Keilty’s son will be a third classman, and George Sheild and Stew Barnes both have sons that will be rats there this fall.

At the New Market parade, I had the good fortune to run into Bill Anderson. Brother Rat Anderson is still living on the West Coast, but he was at VMI to celebrate the graduation of his son, Theo, who graduated with the Class of 2015. Bill

Class of 1986: VMI alumni members of the Delaware National Guard at a change of command ceremony in fall 2014 were, from left, Lt. Col. William Stegemerten ’94, Brig. Gen. James Begley ’85 and Col. Mike Castaldi.

Class of 1986: Lacrosse referees at an ODAC game at Lynchburg College were, from left, Marion “Cubby” Fox ’83, Eddie Semler ’79 and Tim Spivey. All are former VMI lacrosse players.

Class of 1986: Ron Jaworowski, left, visited Bill Anderson recently in southern California. They enjoyed their gettogether, and according to Class Agent Clint Hubbard they “had ‘hay-down’ and ‘GP’ for the duration of the visit.”

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes reported he recently had a visitor in the form of Ron Jaworowski. Bill said they had a nice visit with no interaction with local or federal law enforcement personnel.

Speaking of law enforcement personnel, our favorite retired policeman, Tim Spivey, is spending a lot of time as a lacrosse referee as well as assisting an old friend in the catering business.

BRs calling Glen Ralston! Come in, please, BR Ralston! Let us hear from you, BR Ralston!

While we’re at it, we could substitute Glen for John Rapacki, Tim Young, Dave Benhoff, Pat Farrell, Mike Grochowski, John Kiefer, Dale Powell and the list goes on...

According to the great oracle of wisdom (Facebook), I believe Tim Macaulay has one more college graduate in his house – his daughter has graduated from Hokie, Hokie, Hokie High – Tech, Tech – VPI! Congrats, BR Macaulay!

As of the end of the school year, the sons of Jim Taggart, Steve Hall and Dave Tyler have weathered their first year at the “Mother I” and are now 3rd Class cadets. They’re happy to be out of the Rat Line, but I’m not sure they know what they’ll be eating for the next year!

Well, men; such as it is, that is all for this installment. Mark your calendars for our 30th Reunion to be held in April 2016 – details forthcoming.

Wishing you and yours a pleasant summer. Hopefully a few of us will connect at some football games in the fall.

Take care, brother rats!

’87

Gerry Tertychny

Brother Rats, Amy Walters checked in from Lexington, where she now lives with her kids: Paige, who is a high school junior, and Ryan, who is a junior at the University of Alabama. On April 3, a building at Little Rock Air Force Base was dedicated in Kenny Walter’s name. The new Walters Community Support Center building is a $3.5 million renovation of the old base exchange building that now houses a new library, study rooms, classrooms, computer rooms, a teen and children’s activities center, The Airman and Family Readiness Center, and a coffee shop named “Wally’s,” which was Kenny’s call sign. In addition to family and friends, Jim Dittrich ’76 also attended. (Editor’s Note: See page 168 in the Alumni News section for more on the Walters Community Support Center.)

Jay Nagle emailed from Orlando, Florida, where he just became vice president of HDR,

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Inc., a firm that specializes in engineering, architecture, and environmental and construction services. Jay’s company is active at over 200 locations across the country and worldwide and employs multidisciplinary teams that include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists in the development of its products.

Adrian Garcia recently retired from the U.S. Navy and, as he says, is trying to figure out what he wants to do next, though reinventing himself is proving to be quite a challenge. Adrian’s official retirement was March 1, and he celebrated with a ceremony and party that was attended by Owen Curley, Jim Greene, Wilton Holmes ’79, Eric Davis, Ted Fishback, Pete Alvarez ’79 and Bob Hinson. Owen Curley, Al Pantano and Bill Trammel also live near Adrian in the Jacksonville, Florida, area. Congratulations to you, Adrian, and many thanks to you and your family for your service to the U.S. Navy and to our great nation!

Chip Bierman sent a great photo from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, where he and Dave Furness reviewed a recent graduation parade. Dave, who is currently heading the Marine Corps Legislative Affairs Office, served as the parade reviewing officer. Chip commands the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region.

I recently met up with Bryce Scott ’15. Bryce just graduated from VMI and served on the Honor Court as a second and first classman. Bryce is an impressive young man who was also commissioned into the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps. I’ve spoken several times to Bryce’s dad, Greg, who is justifiably proud of his son. Well done, Bryce!

As per Macon Snowden, “So there I was, riding the D.C. Metro on Mother’s Day to meet up with Tom Anthony ’84 and catch a Washington Nationals game. As I am about ready to get off the train at Navy Yard/ballpark, this guy walks

Class of 1987: Mark Bartholf, Tom Anthony ’84 and Macon Snowden.

Class of 1987: The Walters Community Center.

Class of 1987: Dave Furness and Chip Bierman.

Class of 1987: Owen Curly, Jim Greene, Adrian Garcia, Wilton Holmes ’79, Eric Davis, Ted Fishback, Pete Alvarez ’79 and Bob Hinson at Adrian’s retirement ceremony.

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Class Notes up to me. It was Mark Bartholf. championships and 4 top-five finishes Mark drove up from Richmond with at the state level. In 2013, he won his the whole family for the game. We 300th dual-meet victory. For his suscaught up as we walked the gauntlet tained excellence, resulting in many to the gate.” Macon sent a great photo of his wrestlers winning scholarships of him, Mark and Tom. I guess you at dozens of colleges, Roy has been never know where Mark is going to recognized throughout the years with show up. honors too numerous to list completeBob Phillips is out in Hawaii and ly, including The Washington Post has been the U.S. Army garrison All-Metropolitan Coach of the Year chaplain there for about 18 months.

(2004) and the VHSL Order of Merit In May, Bob moved over to serve as Award (2006). His commitment to the chaplain of the Pacific Regional coaching extended to the ‘offseason’ Medical Command. Bob admitted Class of 1987: From left: Lynn, Gerry, Jake and Tori Tertychny. and Olympic-style wrestling also. He that sometimes he has to remind myhas served as Director of the Gunston self that a bad day in Hawaii is better than a good Anderson, the Charlotte, North Carolina, Wrestling Club since 1994; his teams have won day in most places on the mainland, especially afChapter president, promised to keep an eye on numerous Greco-Roman and Freestyle state team ter the last winter we had on the East Coast. Bob Frankie. Mike and I were able to spend some and individual titles. He has held several coachalso just graduated from the Army War College time together at the recent VMI volunteer weeking positions for Virginia USA Wrestling, AAU, and is looking forward to spending some more end in April. Recently, the VMI Foundation and Junior National levels with great success. The time in sunny Hawaii. and the Alumni Association have invited both wrestling community quickly identified Coach Scott Jones’ son has been hanging out with a the chapter representatives and class agents to Hill as a leader and entrusted him with many posifriend named Will for about a year. Will was over VMI in the spring to network together. We were tions of responsibility. Just two examples of many: at the Jones residence at Easter and mentioned able to join Adam Volant during the volunteer’s he represented Virginia on the National High he wanted to go to VMI. When Scott asked him dinner. While there, I checked in on our legacy School Wrestling Rules Committee from 1997why, Will responded, “Because my dad went cadets, Cadet Kyle Taylor ’16 and 4th Class Ca2000, and was elected by his peers to be President there.” Turns out that Will’s dad is Bud Wimof the Northern Virginia Wrestling Coaches Asdets John Keppeler and Ryan Freiwald. mer ’84 and was John Ficarro’s dyke. It’s a small Dave Pitts wrote Adam Volant about the good sociation since 1998. One particularly noteworthy world – one where you cannot escape VMI. At episode that shows him to be the ultimate ‘full-sertime he had with Mark Bristol at a Tennessee Tileast, Scott can’t. tans game in Nashville, Tennessee, while Mike vice’ coach was a sudden vacancy that he filled in And last, our son, Jake, recently graduated Owen was visiting. Dave wrote, “Nashville is awe2009, when he stepped in mid-season to the highfrom Christopher Newport University in Newsome; we love it here. The energy in the town is profile job of head football coach. After finishing port News and commissioned as a Military Inthat season with four wins and a loss, Coach Hill amazing and growing like mad.” telligence Corps second lieutenant in the U.S. This past April, Roy Hill was inducted into the took his 2010 squad to the regional football final Army. Lynn, Tori and I are very proud of him Virginia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall and playoff appearances in the three years follow– guess it’s time to hand the ball off to the next of Fame at a banquet held in Wyndham, Virginia. ing before stepping down as Hayfield’s winningest generation. football coach by percentage. Finally, Roy Hill is Roy’s biography for the induction ceremony folI trust everyone is having a safe and enjoyable lows: “Roy Hill III Lifetime Service to Wrestling. a terrific teacher. He was the 1997 Teacher of the summer. Stay in touch.

Year at Hayfield, and most impressively, a finalist Roy Hill’s exceptional career as a wrestling coach In the spirit, alone is more than enough to merit Hall of Fame for Fairfax County Public Schools Teacher of the Gerry Year in 2002.” Congratulations, Roy! recognition, but when one considers his contribuOn April 26, T.C. Chau, chairman of the Viettions as a steward of the sport, his success in other Sam Tate sports and his extraordinary accomplishments as namese Community of Richmond, hosted a cera classroom teacher, the picture emerges of a man emony commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War dedicated to the service of young people. Coach Hill has been a loyal son of Hayfield Secondary held at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, Virginia. Sam Tate was invited by T.C. to speak as School since 1980. As a student-athlete (Class of Brother Rats, ’84), he excelled in three sports, as an All-District a representative of sons and daughters of Vietnam I hope this finds you doing well. By the time this performer in football and baseball and a district veterans. Sam’s dad, retired U.S. Air Force Maj. is published, you will be enjoying the last little bit champion/state qualifier in wrestling. He then Dr. Samuel W. Tate, served in Vietnam at Tuy Hoa of summer, sending the children back to school became a three-sport VMI Keydet, receiving his Air Base in 1967 and was awarded the Bronze Star and getting ready for fall. This spring was a banner Bachelor of Science degree in 1988. Returning to for his service. Additionally, U.S. and Vietnamese period for our class. A lot of brother rats were able Hayfield, he was a full-time biology teacher and veterans as well as former refugees from Vietnam to retain and refresh class connections. head wrestling coach by 1992. He proceeded to and their children participated in the ceremony.

Frank Charlonis recently called me to discuss build one of the dominant wrestling programs Sam stressed the importance of remembering the his transition plans from the Marine Corps. He in the Northern Region: his Hawks won 11 sacrifices of the men and women of both countries is currently in Waxhaw, North Carolina. Mike district/conference championships, 6 regional during the war and asked the audience “to use this

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Class Notes moment to mark a historically significant event in the lives of most those present and the fact that the war was fought in the hopes of protecting the human freedoms’ of a people.” Sam encouraged the participants to “to pass on that hope for freedom to future generations” and to “take great pride that regardless of where we were born, we all can live free under the American flag.”

Jim Teumler’s son is joining the 1 percent soon.

“My oldest son, Ryan, received his appointment to VMI but will report to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point at the end of June. Since Kim and I were Marines, we will struggle a bit during future Army versus Navy games, but I’ve already told him I’ll be cheering for VMI at any time they compete. We are so very proud of him!” Thorpe Whitehead recently left West Point and will miss mentoring Jim’s son from the orthodontist chair.

Thorpe expressed his congratulations to Jim and reported, “I am sorry to report that after a seven year tour at West Point, the Army moved me this past summer to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. I was in a witness protection program and was disclosed, so therefore the move. We had a great time there and made lots of friends and fond memories.

Congratulations to your son and his appointment.

I am sure he will be quite successful, and no, he won’t have to sweat it out as much as he would at VMI. He will sweat though. I knew that was your first question.”

Jim Florio, another proud dad, met U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Eric Marshall ’99 at the Girl Scout Father-Daughter Dance in Fredericksburg, Virginia. “Had a nice time and won a door prize: Free green fees for four at the Gauntlet Golf Club in Fredericksburg!”

John Scarpino experienced a disaster when “Feb. 16 my fencing academy, Nyack Fencing Academy, was damaged by a burst pipe. The pipe burst in an area where we could not shut the water flow off. Our floor, which is made of high-grade wood, was flooded and had to be ripped up. This was a really stressful event that could have destroyed my club and the business I run. I will say my training at VMI, which taught me how to deal with stress and get on with the tasks at hand, helped me a lot. My club is home to over 120 fencers who compete all over the country, and with the Summer Nationals coming up in June, we needed to rebuild quickly.

My landlord was very helpful and worked with the insurance company to get us up and running again.

It took over two months to rebuild. My students and coaches kept training at a local college while I put on my project management hat. I set a deadline for our grand reopening April 19, 2015, because we had planned a large tournament for that day. The day before the tournament, we were still working

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through the night to make my deadline. We didn’t quit, and we opened to a huge event that had 130 fencers all day on our newly constructed floor. My coaches, who come from some of the top fencing clubs around the world, can now get on with producing America’s best fencers. Currently, our students have scored over 10 national medals, and many have gone to get scholarships at some top universities around the country.”

Mark Snedecor expressed “many thanks to our BR Shawn Dooley – state representative, 9th Norfolk District at Commonwealth of Massachusetts – for his great tour of the historic Massachusetts State House and for all his help with my son at the U.S. Naval Academy.”

Eric Mize recently joined his BRs on Facebook with the following: “My wife, Jacque, and I are still living and working near Columbus, Ohio.

My oldest son, Caleb, graduated from Marietta College last spring and now lives in Puerto Rico.

My youngest son, Joshua, is in his second year at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (I missed our reunion to attend his plebe-year parents’ weekend there). I’m still with JPMorgan-Chase (an engineer, not a banker), and Jacque manages the adult-education program at a local refugee center. I haven’t sketched any class rings since 1986, but I have taken to painting oils on canvas one day a week. If any of you find yourself in central Ohio, look me up. It would be fun to reconnect.”

Navy Capt. Mike Coleman will be deployed again by the time you read this. “I am deploying for the Navy starting in August and will be in Djibouti until October 2016. I’ve been talking to a lot of my Navy buddies, and it would seem a whole lot of folks I know will also be deployed to Djibouti around the same time. It just goes to show how small the Navy is. My family is very supportive, and I’m working very hard to prepare for the deployment. I’m sure it will be a very satisfying experience all in all. Djibouti isn’t Japan, which is where I was last year, but I am still looking forward to supporting our nation. Before then, I have a couple of trips to Europe for NATO. While here, I keep up with Bill Cronenberg, Matt Wauben and Bill Nixon. I need to reach out to Mike McGraw and Todd Freiwald to get some shooting in before I deploy! Everyone be safe and thanks to our class for all we do for the nation.”

The monthly northern Virginia luncheon hosted by John Keppeler continues to draw a great sample contingent of usual suspects. The most recent outing was attended by Ed Wetherell, Jim Ring, Sam Tate, Rich Stone, Ted Wagner, Scott Stachelek, Jim Florio and special guest Mack Carr. Likewise, Mike Wood was able to

Class of 1988: Retired U.S. Navy Capt.

Sam Tate and Thanh “T.C.” Chau commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, Virginia.

Class of 1988: Roy Hill was inducted into the Virginia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Wyndham, Virginia.

Class of 1988: Jim Florio, Anna Florio, Cecilia Marshall and Eric Marshall ’99 at the Girl Scout Father-Daughter Dance.

Class of 1988: From left, Sam Tate, Mike Anderson and Adam Volant at the spring VMI Volunteer Leaders Conference dinner.

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Class Notes worldwide theme parks and the Disney enjoy a home-cooked meal and fellowcruise ships. I’m currently deployed in ship with Phil Jones during his travels.

Shanghai for the rest of the year working Dan Shrimpton has also been hosting an infrequent coffee connection of BRs at the on Shanghai Disneyland. If any BRs are Pentagon to just share about life. Recent out here, drop me a line. You can get my attendees included Hugh McGloin, Sam email from the alumni office. If any BR Tate and the long lost Kelly Alexander. is coming out to Disney World next year, Finally, other brother rats who briefly also drop me a line. I’d love to see you checked in via phone, email, Linked-In all!” Thanks for the invite, Jose. The van or Facebook included Dan Riley, Scott to John Adametz’s house will go through Griffea, Curran Bowen, Mike Bryant, Disney World first.

Kirk Dewyea and Chris Hannum.

Erick Ames recently celebrated 15 And lastly, Lew Sigmon is still globeyears with Capital One, where he leads a trotting around Europe. reporting and analysis team. “I leverage lots of math from my electrical engineerBrother rats, it was a pleasure compilClass of 1988: John Scarpino, his coaching team and the ing these notes. I hope they inspire you ing education, though I have yet to do fencers of the newly renovated Nyack Fencing Academy to keep in touch. Keep sending me your any differential equations.” His son, Jens, in Nyack, New York. notes and recollections so that we can is wrapping up his freshman year at St. keep the spirit of ’88 alive. As always, you can Alabama. We expect to transfer to our next as- Christopher’s in Richmond. Tim Spivey recently reach me at the following: signment with the Navy in San Diego in August refereed Jens’ lacrosse game. Erick also has a VMI 88 Facebook page (join 244 BRs and fam2015.” John spends his off time fly fishing, tying 9-year-old daughter. “We recently ran into Tim ily and growing) flies, building rods and teaching fly fishing. Note: Finkler and his three daughters at a YMCA camp571-659-0904 (home) Free fly fishing lessons to any BRs and anyone out. Tim is an endodontist here in Richmond. I 703-772-0854 (cell) who thinks they might be able to help John learn crossed paths with several alumni during my son’s samtate88va@gmail.com to hit a golf ball straight! John travels to Norfolk wrestling season. I caught up with Mike Murray regularly and runs into Bill Crone in Portsmouth, while he was refereeing wrestling matches at St. Virginia, and Dan McGrew in Charlotte, North Christopher’s. I believe Mike was on the verge of Steve Chiles Carolina. John wrote, “They both have wonderful taking a job in northern Virginia, as he was recentfamilies and are all doing great! In April, I had the ly out of the military. Dave Hart ’91 has a son who opportunity to attend the Virginia Fly Fishing and is transferring to St. Chris, and he is good friends Wine Festival in Waynesboro, Virginia. Stayed with my son. Roy Hill ’88 was recently inducted one night at VMI [Moody Hall]. Campus looks into the Virginia Chapter of the National Wrestling David A. Martin Hall of Fame. Roy has had an active and successgreat. It was a beautiful Saturday evening and enjoyed a beverage while watching DRC formation ful coaching career at Hayfield High in northern from the patio.” The baseball team looked almost Virginia. I saw Ken Cobb and Tom Hamner at a as good as the DRC formation. John also extends wrestling match at Collegiate. Ken noted that my son’s wrestling style was much offensive than mine an open invite to BRs who are visiting the MisHope everyone is having a great summer. Judging sissippi Gulf Coast. “We can hit the casinos and used to be. Jens placed third at 182 in the Virginia from the inputs on the class Facebook page, everyhave some fried whatever at the buffet.” If anyone private school states this past season as a freshman. one seems fairly busy these days ... so for those who wants to drive a van-load of us down to see John I’m enjoying watching my son and daughter as they contributed to the notes, a hearty thank you! And and take him up on his offer, let us know. grown from children into teens.” for those that did not contribute, you will get your Bob Bradford is still plugging away at Fort Lee Kudos also to Jose Corpuz, who, as a first time chance in the coming months. entrant to the notes, recently surfaced from the as the program manager for the Sustainment Battle The big news is James Black was selected for capdepths, proving to all you guys running silent and Lab. Scott Stables works in the other branches of tain (O-6) in the Navy Reserve. Congrats, James! deep that it is never too late to chime in. Who the battle lab, and Bob and Scott compare notes James and spouse plan on celebrating his selection knows, by writing some class notes, you could over lunch periodically. On the spouse front, Bob by running the Virginia Tough Mudder with Harwin a Disney Cruise or a trip to Disney World. wrote that his wife, Tracy, and Nat Cross’ wife, lan Carvey and possibly Jon Davis. The promotion Let Jose explain: “I got married to my wife, Alain, Lori, were recently on TV together during the Race is scheduled for early 2016, so mark your calendars in ’97 and we now have two kids: a daughter, Gilfor the Cure. Bob is looking forward to a golf game now. We expect James to hold the requisite promolian, who is 12, and a son, Elliot, 8. After leaving with Gordy Fox and Ren O’Ferrall. tion party.

George Armbruster is “living the dream in Wilthe ‘I,’ I went to grad school at the University of Staying with a nautical theme, John Adametz is Illinois and then worked for about 10 years as a liamsburg, Virginia, with a fantastic wife of 24 still in the Navy, currently stationed in Gulfport, field engineer/programmer making VR and video years and three sons,” hoping to talk one or two Mississippi, with the Seabees. “Karen and I are games. As of 2003, I’ve been employed by The of them into attending the “I” (assume that means the sons, not wife). George’s oldest just finished up doing great, and our son, Spencer, just finished Walt Disney Co. at Walt Disney World as a syshis junior year as a business administration major tem engineer designing, building and sustaining his freshman year at James Madison University. As at Birmingham Southern College in Birmingham, the interactive rides and attractions in Florida, the of this writing, George is laid up with a foot fusion

’89

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes surgery due to some arthritis but hopes to be fully back in action in a few months. He hopes BRs living in or visiting Williamsburg will link up.

George Bouchard gave a brief update. It has been “situation normal” since the reunion, besides expanding the pistol collection. George’s two boys, Matthew (13-and-a-half) and Anthony (11-and-ahalf), are looking forward to the summer. Anthony is testing for his black belt in Tae Kwando in May, and in June, Cristina and George celebrated their 23rd anniversary! Congrats, George and Cristina.

There seems to be a theme here on submissions.

Interestingly enough, we received a veritable plethora of mail in alphabetical order (last names ABC) this May and aren’t quite sure why.

Ned Cox chimed in that he is still with Troutman Sanders, spending most of his free time with his wife attending their four sons’ various activities.

Ned is still in the reserve and is currently assigned to the State Department, an interesting change of pace from his other assignments. Ned is a charter member of the breakfast club, as noted in last quarter’s notes page. “The Friday morning breakfast continues to go well, and while we never have a massive crew, we routinely have at least half a dozen folks. Those who have made it to the breakfast recently or are the regulars (included but not limited to), Nat Cross, Ren O’Ferrall, Tom Spivey, Ashley Fairchild, Gary Sibayan, Gordy Fox, Erick Ames (occasionally accompanied by his son), Kevin Jones, Tom Hamner, Tom Henning, Derek McCown, Dave Brown and Pete Lampman. We now meet the last Friday of every month so if anyone is interested in joining us, just have them send me an email (edwin.cox@troutmansanders.com), and I will forward them the details.” Great update, Ned. Thanks.

Eric Buchanan stays in touch with Nat Cross and family (his daughter, Rebecca, is getting married in July). Eric had a pretty busy year and will become president of the Tennessee Association for Justice (formerly the Tennessee Trial Lawyers) in June. Congrats, Eric! Well done! “Meg and I are doing fine, with our two labradors, but no kids. We welcome any BRs who want to visit Chattanooga to come stay with us or at least say hello.” Eric also has run into Lloyd Bell a few times at trial lawyer meetings, and he is doing great in his practice in Atlanta. Coincidentally enough, Lloyd wrote that practice is going well, and his case load is high this year. Lloyd and Coleman Lawrence had lunch recently. Coleman “lives near my office, and I see Fast Eddie Rodriguez around town, although now that he is married, he may be settling down. We are having a New Market pool party this weekend, which is a strange way to commemorate a battle!”

Ken Cobb is working as a project manager for

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capital improvement projects for Ashland Corporation in Hopewell, Virginia. Ashland is a chemical company which makes specialty ingredients for food and pharmaceuticals. “I am married to Maria, and we are kept busy with a 6-year-old (George) and a 2-year-old (Henry), VMI Classes of 2032 and 2035, respectively.

Work and family dominate my life these days, and both are going well. The values that VMI instilled in us help both at work and at home. I stay in touch with Mitch Fridley, and I see Tom Inge and Harrison Bresee for hunting and fishing about once a year.” Great update, Ken, thanks!

Mike Biliunas spent a March weekend in Lex Vegas with Jason Gray and Steve Joern. The Corps had their field training exercise that weekend so, it was very quiet in town. They spent their time going between Macados, the Palms and Devils Backbone Brewery. Mike plans on meeting with Ashley Fairchild very soon, since they live a few miles apart and have talked about getting together for years.

Thanks to everyone who wrote in. Have a great summer, and we look forward to hearing from you

by August for the fall Alumni Review.

’90

Robert Clark

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 1990.

’91

George Petty III

Well, gents, spring is here, and the Institute has sprung a giving campaign upon us. As our 25th Reunion will be next fall, why not make a pledge to class memorial so we can get that sucker funded? Giving to the Dave Williams/Class of 1991 Memorial Fund will count toward the campaign giving and class participation percentage, qualifying you for a name on a brick in front of barracks, on the placard check to be presented to the superintendent and will just make you feel dandy.

OK, enough of that. While the turnout for my annual gathering was limited, I am happy to report an increase of 50 percent in attendance. Stephen Smith joined Rufus Owen and Doug Yeabower at my house the last Saturday of April for some treats, reminiscing and regaling of exploits. Rufus and Doug notched new personal best times for the half marathon. The annual Park-to-Park half marathon is the last Saturday of April each year.

Class of 1991: Bill Booth, left, and Bill McClary in Kitsap, Washington, in March 2015. Booth gave McClary a tour of submarine USS Jimmy Carter.

These veteran runners rave about how beautiful and enjoyable this run is. Well, the ending was a bit sharp this year, as the weather turned to wintery-mix to include sleet. Last year was warm and a headwind. Stephen has been inspired by Rufus’ Appalachian Trail hike. He left us to put in south of Waynesboro for a weeklong hike.

Chris Wyatt retired from the Richmond Police Department this year. He has taken a more laidback position closer to home and is enjoying the extra time at home with family. I heard that Chris Cruz, Chris Eubank and a couple of others have retired from military service. Thank you, gentlemen, for service and good luck as you enter life as the citizen portion of citizen-soldier.

Roger Jarrell sent note that he scored a victory over Art-Carved. He was able to get them to admit he had purchased a ring. Scoring that point, he convinced them he had the standing, the time, wherewithal and the sheer orneriness to make them miserable in court. They relented and are replacing his ring.

Seems like there was more, but if I missed including something, ping me, and I will put it top of the list next time. Hope your summer went well.

William Woodward

’92

Andy Tate

BRs, Here are the latest updates from our classmates.

Received a great update from Matt Swanson. He is living in Chesterfield, Virginia, and is still in the Veterans Affairs Army National Guard where he

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Class Notes is a captain. Matt is currently assigned as the Future Operations Officer for the Joint Force Headquarters in Sandston, Virginia. He reports being done with the Company Command portion and now trying to master the “staff weeny” part of his belated military career. As a civilian, Matt works for the Virginia Department of Transportation as a project manager in the Central Office Project Management Office for Project Design and Development. Matt got his project management professional certification in February 2015 and has been at VDOT since 1997. He is still married to his wife, Ginger, and they are looking forward to spending more and more time in warm weather at the Rappahannock River. Their youngest child, Matt Jr., will graduate from high school next year. They have two daughters, Tori and Samantha, who have already left the nest. Matt and Ginger are proud grandparents of a 1-year-old grandson who is starting to try to dance and making up his own moves like Matt. Matt reported that he is collaborating with his grandson on moves when the music is right. Matt said he frequently runs into VMI guys from many other classes on drill weekends and has seen Major Mark Baush a lot lately. Matt said Mark is doing well, and they have worked the operations center together for some recent weather events where the guard was called up. Matt said he did not ever recall laughing so hard while conducting military operations thanks to Mark’s sense of humor.

I hope everyone has been getting my emails updating on the medical status of Stephen Morris.

I get frequent updates from his wife, Stephanie.

For those who have not heard, Stephen is battling leukemia. He and his team of doctors have placed him in a clinical trial at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. If anyone lives near Houston and would like to visit, please do so, but contact Stephanie first at 703-402-1200 or themorrises@cox.net just to make sure Stephen is up for visitors. They have been moving back and forth between the hospital and an apartment depending on the type of treatment he is receiving at the time.

Keith “Monkey” Frantz was able to visit Stephen back in March. Continue to keep Stephen in your thoughts and prayers as he battles through this disease. If anyone wants to receive updates on Stephen, they can become a member of his website at: http://tinyurl.com/stephenmorris. If you live in the northern Virginia area, there is also a website that you can register to help out with expenses or with their kids when Stephanie and Stephen are in Houston: https://www.lotsahelpinghands. com/c/722059/.

The VMI Alumni Association sent me a picture courtesy of Doug Bartlett, former lacrosse coach, showing Jack Collins and his brother,

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Doug, with former Buffalo Bills NFL quarterback and Hall of Famer, Jim Kelly, at a Miami Heat NBA basketball game.

Anthony Brinkley emailed that he recently took a position with a startup called Zero Point Frontiers, which does a little bit of everything but mostly aerospace. He is working with developers on mobile apps and trying to get his medical device product line moving forward.

Paul Gettle reported that in 2014, he and his family moved to Harrisonburg, Virginia, which means he is back in the Shenandoah Valley after 20 years! In January, he heard Brian Pettrey speak at the 50th anniversary of the VMI chaplaincy and got to catch up with him.

I also received a picture from Shannon Terhune.

Who would have figured that Shannon would make the jump from Navy officer and nuclear engineer to church pastor and theologian? Since his May 2012 retirement from the Navy, he has been hard at work as a full-time seminary student. On May 15, 2015, (what a coincidence?) Shannon earned his Master of Divinity degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

Shannon reported that “starting over again from square one in your 40s is a big challenge, but I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be, doing what I’m supposed to be doing.” Congrats on this significant achievement, Shannon!

Keith Peloquin reported: “Mid-2014 had me feeling like a rat during Hell Week (minus the light at the end of the tunnel) as I found myself going through a divorce, a job loss, a parent’s memory loss, and selling a home and two motorcycles I loved. On the bright side, I kept my chin up and out and was supported and encouraged in true VMI ’92 fashion by brother rats who were always there to lend an ear or a spare guest bedroom for me on a decompression road trip. I relocated back to Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida, to be near family and friends while job hunting, which went well. I am now happily employed flying a gorgeous Gulfstream G550 jet for a wealthy private owner in the Tampa area. Next up on my to-do list is finding a house in St. Petersburg to renovate and getting a motorcycle to stick in the garage. BRs visiting the Tampa Bay area are invited to give me a shout when passing through, and I’ll buy the beers!”

Tim Rodriquez hosted a New Market Day event at his home in Washington, D.C., for the local VMI alumni chapters. Approximately 15 alumni showed up with some spouses and children for a total of about 25 attendees. Tim Moore ’97 was the guest of honor and speaker at the event. Tim also sent in the enclosed photo of him and his family in Geirangerfjord, Norway.

I got an email from George Ross updating me

on him since we last saw each other in Kabul, Afghanistan. George reported that, since we last met up in Afghanistan in 2008, he has spent three years in Alaska, two years in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and one year in Italy working for U.S. Army Africa, where he currently resides. George said he

Class of 1992: Brendon Bock ’15 and Woody Woodward at the Benefactors Luncheon.

Class of 1992: Shannon Terhune at his graduation from divinity school.

Class of 1992: Tim Rodriquez and family on vacation in Geirangerfjord, Norway.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes definitely cannot complain about the assignments he has had in the Army, which have unwittingly provided him and his family an awesome quality of life over the past 17 years of marriage. George is not sure how much longer he will be in Italy or the Army, and his focus now is looking at options for a post-military career. He knows God has a plan, and he is prepared to follow it. The family is loving life in Italy with the culture, the people and especially the food. The only thing that irritates him are the drivers! His wife, Jenna, is busier than he is, and their three children Hannah (almost 14), Jonas (almost 12), and Gigi (10) – are trying their best to cooperate while they traipse around Europe. His current job has him traveling to Africa quite a bit, which keeps things interesting, but life is good.

In April, my wife Leslie and I had the pleasure of attending the VMI Benefactor’s Luncheon, where we dined with the current recipient of our class memorial scholarship. This year’s recipient was 1st Class Cadet Brendon Bock ’15, regimental S-5 lieutenant. Brendon was also a member of the Rat Disciplinary Committee this year. The following is a thank you note I received from Brendon after the luncheon that he wanted me to share with the class. Brendon will be relocating to San Diego, California, following graduation and would welcome contact with any of our Southern California BRs. He can be reached at: bockba15@mail.vmi.edu.

“I want you to know how much I appreciated the lunch and the chance to get to know you both this past Friday. I enjoyed sharing my story. I also wanted to reach out and let you know how much your generosity means to me. There is no obligation for you to give what you have earned to someone you have never met, and I am a firm believer in that. However, your donation is not going toward materialistic things or desires. Your donation is enabling me to achieve a goal I set out to accomplish four years ago, and I would not be able to complete this goal without you.

Class of 1992: At a Miami Heat game were, from left, David Collins; Jim Kelly, NFL Hall of Fame Buffalo Bills quarterback; and Jack Collins. David and Jack are the sons of George Collins ’62.

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There is no way I can thank you enough. You are proof that the VMI community shares a bond like no other college, and for that I thank you once again. You inspire me to work hard enough so that, one day, I can provide scholarship money to a cadet and help provide for them as you have provided for me.”

Please continue to send me any updates and pictures for inclusion in future class notes. Additionally, please let me know of any major life events such as marriages, births, deaths and advanced degrees so that I can inform the Alumni Review. If you have a change of address, let the Alumni Association and me know so that we can continue to make sure you get all VMI and class correspondence.

Best Regards, Woody

’93

Jim Sharp

I hope these notes find everyone in good spirits.

I will start off with one of our overseas BRs. Tom Nelson wrote in: “I am finishing up two years in the U.K. this summer. Liz, the children and I have seen as much as one can, leveraging every weekend and holiday available. It will be the first time back in the States, which will be a cultural shock in many ways, despite the fact that we speak the same language. We are headed to the Army War College for a year until the Army offers us our next challenge.” Something tells me the children will be a little shocked when their weekend trips change from Switzerland to Kansas. Regardless, they have had a big experience.

An older note I received but wanted to make sure I got it in the notes was from Erik Nilsson.

“We have recently returned from Sasebo, Japan, where I had command of an amphibious assault craft command (Naval Beach Unit SEVEN) for two years. The tour was fun but demanding. My family had a great time in Japan (probably more fun than I did), but we are happy to be back in ’Merica. We are living in the Chesapeake, Virginia, area and have been since May; but shortly after we got back, I joined up with the USS George H.W. Bush Strike Group on deployment as the deputy operations officer, and we promptly started dropping ordnance on ISIS/L.” I received a good note from Scott Coleman, who has a good gig with NASA. “This past weekend (May 9-10), my dyke, Glenn Dickenson ’90, was in town for a visit. We met up with Chris Hatcher in Galveston. Glenn is currently

the garrison commander in Stuttgart, Germany. I have not seen him since I was groomsman in his wedding back in ’94, and he looks almost exactly the same. Chris is also in the Army and working on his Ph.D. in microbiology at University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Our BR is wicked smart! I live a few miles away from Chris and see him almost every week. I am still working at NASA Johnson Space Center as a biomedical flight controller. If any BRs are in the Houston area and want me to take them on a tour of Mission Control and the rest of JSC, just give me a heads up, and I can arrange clearance for up to five visitors. I will need at least 72 hours’ notice, but it is no problem at all.”

I also heard from Dallas Grubbs, who resides in Gillette, Wyoming. Dallas is doing a lot of hunting and fishing and would love to see anyone that gets close to Wyoming. His oldest daughter is now driving, which makes him realize how old we are. I conveyed to him that he is not alone in feeling the years.

The following note is from Mike Howard’s better half, his wife, Jennifer. “As many of you may remember, Mike Howard donated a kidney to his son, Mikey, back in 2007. Mikey, now 12 years old, went into kidney failure again at the start of this year, and the Howard family was fortunate to receive another kidney for their son from living related donor, Scott Cunningham, (wife Jennifer’s younger brother), Feb. 4, 2015. Mikey has been thriving since and is back to mischief, school and baseball. He considers himself very lucky to celebrate three birthdays a year now, too!” That is great news of his recovery.

Since then, Mike has been gracious enough to help organize a Charlotte VMI/The Citadel golf game.

It was scheduled to occur earlier in May but was rained out. I will send a picture of BRs playing in the rescheduled event in the next notes.

Out in the Southern California region, I heard from Don Ford. “I was selected for promotion to colonel this past December and expect to actually ‘pin on’ in a little over a year. I am currently in command of Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38 and will be turning over command in June. I’ll be in the Norfolk area attending JPME II from June 22 to the end of August and then head back to California, where I will continue to work in Marine Corps aviation as the assistant chief of staff G-6 for the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing. The kids and wife are doing great. If any BRs are out in the SoCal area, they need to let me know, and I’ll drag them out for a beer or two.” Something tells me whoever takes Don up for his offer will not be limited to “a beer or two.”

One big surprise announcement I received was from Sills O’Keefe. I will let him use his own words. “I left both Norfolk Academy and

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Class Notes teaching after 16 years in June 2014. Now that I have decided to grow up, I have chosen to start law school in fall 2015. (Because that’s what you do when you are 45 years old.) Specifically, I’ll be enrolling at Washington and Lee University Law, which, of course, makes me a Mink. Forty-five years of VMI loyalty won’t shift next door that easily, though! Anyway, Adele, Jack and I are very excited to start this new chapter and have just bought a house out by the Country Club. If anyone needs a bed (or a beer) when they are in town, let me know. One thing that will be particularly fun is that at least one of my former students will be a classmate! She had better not call me Mr. O’Keefe!”

Personally, I think this is the first step into politics for him, but he denies it. Regardless, I will be calling him up in Lex to get a beer.

P.J. Ackerman dropped a line from old Lex. “I have been busy in the civil engineering department with record enrollment numbers. I am heading to Bolivia next week with 24 cadets for a four-week engineering project in a small village in the Andes. I will try to do better and send you some information and pictures.

“Sean Farley came to visit me and had coffee with my son, Jake ’18. I attached a picture, but it may be too blurry for you to use. Sean traveled from Arizona for the annual ‘Dudes Weekend’ at VMI: Raleigh Trumbo, Brandon Freel, Matt Williams, Harry Oldfield, Brian Piccioni, Tim Ervin, Dan Crawford and Jim Romasz. We ran into several more BRs all day, but I failed to write all the names down who visited our tailgate. I see Lee Clark often and just got word he is returning from the Army and will be the deputy for auxiliary services at VMI. Auxiliary services runs all the support services for VMI (food, uniforms, bookstore/PX and laundry), so Lee will be busy, but I am looking forward to seeing him here at the ‘I.’” It sounds like Matt Williams might not be able to make the Dudes Weekend at VMI this year. He chimed in: “You all enjoyed my previous gun pics from Iraq so much, I thought I’d continue the fun with yet another obligatory ‘I’m in a warzone with a gun’ pic, but this time from Afghanistan. Everything is going well so far. I arrived March 20, and I work in Kabul. My work/living space is in a compound near the embassy annex near the center of town. I’ll be here until at least September – maybe longer. Anyway, I hope everyone is well.”

I touch base with David Hoy on occasion.

The big news from him is that he and a partner started up Primal Brewery. Yes, you heard me, we have a BR who makes a crapload of beer and gets paid for it. He has already agreed to provide multiple kegs for our next reunion. Their brewery is located in Huntersville, North Carolina,

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right off Interstate 85. He does have a Facebook page for you to get more info on it. Dan Hill and his fiancée, Josie, dropped by the brewery for an afternoon of drinks. Other notable drop-ins have included Mike and Sandy Zamallis and Mike Morgan, so the word is getting out.

David Hoy, David Hurst and I attended the address of Gen. Peay ’62, superintendent, to the Charlotte Alumni Chapter. It was a good download of the status of VMI and the challenges they face. One major challenge the Institute faces, as with other universities, is funding and the continuing rate of tuition increases. This is a complex issue, but the Institute recognizes the issue and is doing what they can.

On an ending note, I think it is great tradition of the “Dudes Weekend” at VMI. I understand Raleigh is the circus ring leader for this event. I appreciate his work on this and will try to attend this year.

That is all from my end.

Jim

’94

Clay Campbell

Dear Brother Rats, As I write this, summer is upon us and the Class of 2015 will soon be leaving the loving arms of the “I” and moving off into the real world. Congratulations to all the fine men and women that walked the stage in May. Let us also take a moment to pause and reflect on those Cadets who paid the ultimate sacrifice over 151 years ago at the Battle of New Market.

I recently heard from Vince Porter, he has been living in northern Virginia for the last couple of years. He was selected to become the public affairs adviser to the NATO Allied Land Commander and will be stationed in Izmir, Turkey. The wife and kids will hold down the fort in northern Virginia, as Vince hopes to return there after deployment.

I had the opportunity to attend the wedding of Tony Lake ’89 to Liz Henley at VMI last month.

After the reception, I was able to stop by and visit with John Campbell and Sally. Mama Campbell and Sally made sure I ate again after just coming from a wedding reception, but I know better than to refuse those two ladies. Plus the food and company are always worth the trip.

I recently intercepted a text from Chris Gros and was able to track him and Chris Gibson down in an Irish bar in Fairfax. I have not laughed that much since the 20th Reunion, or that time I saw Gros naked in college. Brian Collins stopped by, as well, toward the end of the night, as he only lived a stone’s throw away from the bar. Brian is

Class of 1994: Sean Murray’s daughter, Sarah Natalie Murray.

Class of 1994: Dale Hybl, right, and Danny Felty at the National Security Forum.

Class of 1994: William “Junie” Harding and his son, Tre, at Tre’s North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University graduation.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes working for Business Executives for National Security, a nonprofit in Washington, D.C. Gros recently changed jobs and is employed with Toffler Associates in Reston. Gibson is working for Booze Allen Hamilton in Alexandria and is also the newest inductee into the Hall of Valor. It’s always good to catch up with BRs I have not seen in a while.

Aaron Scruggs reached out to inform me that he has moved from TTR Sotheby’s International Reality to Washington Fine Properties. He said he and the family are all well. So if you need high end property in northern Virginia, call Aaron.

Sean Murray sent me a picture of his cute baby girl, Sarah Natalie, born Sept. 5, 2014. He said mom and baby are doing well.

I also heard from another Sean – Mr. Ken doll himself, Goldsmith. He had shoulder surgery in April and is recovering and doing well. My report from Tammy is he is still riding the gim. If Doc Old was to handle your follow up appointment, he would give you a horse pill and call it bronchitis.

I ran into yet another Sean in Richmond this month – Sean Swineford +1. I had to meet him at Dominion Gun Range where he was working to pick up some unspecified materials. Sean and all of his piglets are doing well. Also, congrats are in order since I heard he proposed to Hope, and she said yes. Sean was getting ready to head to VMI for the 94+1 20 year reunion. I’m sure a good time was had by all.

I received an email from Douglas Estes last week. He just moved the family to Columbia, South Carolina, so he could take a job as the assistant professor at South University in the new graduate ministry program. He has four kids and reported that all are doing well.

I recently had the chance to dine with Eden’s finest at the Cracker Barrel in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He was fresh off a title bout with the woman who lived next door to him. You all know I’m referring to the undisputed light weight champion of North Carolina, hailing from Eden, North Carolina, Mr. Tim Bailey. Mendy reported that the action was better than the last Mayweather versus Pacquiao bout. Tim was, of course, the long shot

Class of 1994: Mike Moore officiating a college football game.

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but somehow pulled it out in the second round.

They were heading home from a visit with Chris Demetriades in Stafford, Virginia. I am proud of you, BR. The last time I heard tales of a fight that lopsided was the epic Rider versus Nicholls bout of ’06.

Fellow F-trooper Rich Clark sent me a note to pass on that he and family moved to Saint Augustine, Florida. He accepted a job with ECHO Global Logistics running the national sales and LTL group. He reported his wife and three boys have been enjoying the beach, and he has been doing some saltwater fishing. So anyone passing through the area, drop Rich a line.

Slim Jim Bratina, the man/boy formally known as Fat Jimmy, recently traveled to San Antonio, Texas, to visit his brother. Jimmy sent some nice photos of turkeys in full strut outback of his brother’s house. Maybe a BR should send his class agent an invite to go turkey hunting. Jim and Tiffany just celebrated eight years of marriage together.

My rat, “Fig” Newton ’97, just moved to the La Plata, Maryland, area to work a project to build a natural gas plant. He is moving Shannon and all the other Newtdogs to the area. Welcome back to civilization my brother.

I spoke to Danny Felty, and I learned he recently had the privilege to attend a Nation Security Forum at Maxwell Air Force Base as the guest of Dale Hybl. Dale is attending school there. We made plans to catch up in June at the Keydet Club outing.

BR Jonathan Rudy recently moved forward with his dream to open his own business. He founded Geek Out Games in central South Carolina. From what I’m seeing online, the business has taken off, and Jon is living the American dream. I wish only the best for you on your new undertaking.

I would like to congratulate Penny Gros, wife of Chris Gros, on her recent promotion to principle of JEB Stuart High School in Fairfax, Virginia. If only she would place her husband in detention once in a while...

Jason Nicholls just returned from the Yukon where he was filming, “Dr. Oakley Yukon Vet.” He is planning another trip to Disney World this summer to study his passion and to try and get more insight into becoming a furry. He is looking to have his own show and maybe establish a northern Virginia furry convention. Jason, I will inquire with the school to see if they have any of the old Moe costumes available for you to add to your collection.

Congratulations are in order to William “Junie” Harding. His son, Tre, recently graduated from North Carolina A&T School of Technology,

where he received an award for top scholar with a GPA of 3.96. Someone needs to introduce him to Mike Richardson.

Our class president, Phil Starling, recently took three months leave to look after his second son, Noah. He let me know that he is still playing rugby and recently played with the Washington Renegades in the Division 4 playoffs.

Matt Macneilly just moved his family from Alaska to Chesapeake, Virginia, where he is working with the Joint Staff. He has been spending time with Charlie Evans, and he even had the honor of officiating Charlie’s retirement ceremony. They even got Tom Busic to leave the comforts of Lynchburg to attend the ceremony. Matt reported that Charlie is a contractor working at Langley Air Force Base.

Mike Moore wrote that he has started a new job as a project manager at Solidia Technologies. He is also starting his fifth season officiating in the American Football League and his eighth season in college football. Look for Mike on ESPN; he will be the one in black and white stripes.

Clay Mountcastle recently retired from the Army and has moved back to the Richmond, Virginia, area. He is the assistant professor of military history for the U.S. Army Command and Staff College at Ft. Lee. I spoke briefly online with Sean Lanier about getting together a committee to help raise participation and contributions for our 25th Reunion.

Anyone who would like to assist or may have ideas, please reach out to Sean or me. We need everyone to pitch in, as we are only as strong as our weakest link; don’t be the weak link.

On a more somber note, I received a message from Kevin Miller. He and his wife, Amy, were expecting their third baby boy in July. Unfortunately, they lost the baby April 28 at 29 weeks. Please keep Kevin and Amy in your thoughts and prayers.

Always, Pig

’95

Thomas A. Brashears

Brother Rats, The 20th Reunion has come and gone. Many thanks to the 60-plus brother rats who made the trek here to Lexington. It was a good time and stories were created, and of course, many were told. The planning for the 25th, which will be a fall reunion, has already started.

The reunion got started with a hefty gathering of folks that Thursday evening. We started off at the

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Class of 1995: Present at the reunion were Charles E. Bayless, Michael L. Bernard, Geoffrey E. Blum, Scott T. Bosiger, Edwin A. Boyette, Charles E. Branch, Thomas A. Brashears, John M. Brooks, Stephen Chapman, Austin L. Clark, Bradley L. Coleman, Andrew S. Dunnington, Lakei C. Evans, Eric B. Fegley, Michael T. Fellows, Mark D. Hagan, James E. Harbuck Jr., Paul A. Hayes III, Christopher D. Hoskins, John C. Howland Jr., Jeffrey L. Hubbard, Marlin M. Ikenberry, Jeremy W. Ingram, Raymond F. Jaklitsch Jr., Scott M. Jewell, David A. Johnson, James N. Joyner III, Frederick J. Killmeyer IV, Shannon Mikal Lucas, Donald P. Maiden, Brett E. Matthews, Adam M. Maurer, Johnathan A. Mayo, Timothy D. Miller, David G. Mitchell, Michael J. Paxton, William D. Percival, Richard H. Pitchford, Kurt A. Polk, Arie C. Richards, Todd D. Rupright, Matthew W. Russell, Eric A. Schwartz, D. Scott Southall, Sean R. Swineford, Geoffrey A. Taylor, David B. Tillar Jr., Andrew B. Warren, Damian O. Wilborne, Daniel S. Williams and Christopher G. Yeatts.

Class Notes

20th Reunion – April 24-25, 2015

The Class of 1995

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Class Notes Southern Inn and eventually moved over to the Palms and occupied there for a good bit. We saw BRs we hadn’t seen in a long time. Mike Paxton made the trip all the way from Texas. It was the first time Mike had been to Lexington since a wedding not long after we graduated. Friday got started off with a great round of golf at the Country Club.

Included in our group was Sgt. Maj. Bill Goodson (HBR). The sergeant major has made every reunion and has been a consistent supporter of our class and VMI as a whole. He hasn’t changed a bit and could probably still outrun or outplay each of us on the basketball court. He and his wife are holding it down in New Jersey for at least the next few years.

Friday night, we had a nice cocktail party at the Lexington Golf and Country Club, and our BR Brad Coleman made some great comments about

Class of 1995: Celebrating the 20th Reunion in cold and rainy weather were, from left, Andy Johnson, Ryan Feeney, Ed Boyette, Sean Swineford, Mike Bernard, Geoff Taylor, Dave Fleck and Thom Brashears. the state of the Institute and put together a fantastic comparison of statistics between our class and the Class of 2018. Needless to say, the stats were eye opening and offered a fantastic perspective into how competitive admission into VMI has become. Friday night, the shenanigans continued at the Palms and throughout downtown Lexington.

The weather turned bad Saturday, but I don’t think that dampened the spirits. After the parade, Shannon Lucas and myself climbed the sentinel box, and we led the Corps of Cadets in Old Yells for the Class of 1992, the Class of 2016 (in our dyke line) and, of course, the best class to ever come through barracks, the great Class of 1995.

Saturday afternoon saw the VMI alumni rugby game and a very wet spring football scrimmage. I was glad that Rick Killmeyer, Jeff Hubbard, John Mayo and John Cross got to see the team in action. Coach Wachenheim really has the football team flying around the field and motivated beyond belief. Hopefully this fall, we will see the fortunes of VMI football finally start to change.

The poor weather continued for the tent party

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Saturday night. We had some great food and an excellent turnout, but eventually the rain and cold forced the party inside. It was like old times, with 30-plus folks packed into a hotel room. All in all, I think it was a good reunion. As we start the preparations for the 25th, please feel free to shoot me some comments about events, giveaways or anything else you would like to see at the next reunion. I can tell you the Friday night main event will be a dinner at the VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics. It will be sponsored by the VMI Alumni Association, and it will be a formal affair.

There will also be a football game that weekend and hopefully loads of great weather.

In the few weeks since the reunion, Larry Burris stopped by Lexington. He and I got to catch up a bit. Larry has finished up at the Naval War College and will assume command of 3rd Brigade in the 101st Airborne Division this December. It was great to see Larry. He noted Amy and his two girls are doing well and excited about the move.

I hope everybody has (or had) an awesome summer and will make their way to Lexington this fall to catch a football game. Let me know when you are in town. As always, be safe, be well and ’95, ’95, ’95!

’96

Peter Segersten

Good evening, Brother Rats!

I hope everyone and their loved ones are doing well. I’m definitely enjoying the warm weather after another cold winter.

Ken Mears and Jamal Thomas had a great time at the Texas Motor Speedway for a NASCAR race. Jamal had a great time with Ken and his family with some great grub and a great race.

Mike Waltz continues his appearances on nationally syndicated shows concerning subjects of national security and his experiences in Afghanistan. He recently spoke on shows concerning the release and trade of Bergdahl and the alleged Iranian nuclear ‘deal.’ Somebody at the Tyson’s Corner mall in Virginia spotted his book at a bookstore next to a biography of George C. Marshall ’901. Coincidence? I think not!

Jon Sherrod checked in to tell me he had a patch of skin checked out on his back. It turned out to be a small spot of melanoma. So, who better to have it removed than Dr. Chris Gorman! During the surgery, they agreed to have some beers in the future.

Rusty McGuire is keeping Louisa County in

check. He is frequently in the news concerning prosecutions of the usual suspects in the county. Great job, Rusty!

Mark Simonds reported on Facebook that Karl Painter issued a coatee/gray blouse challenge. The challenge is fitting in your coatee or gray blouse and posting it on Facebook or other social media. Yes, I will pass on that.

We have two new very happy fathers in our class as of late. Carrie and Eli Wahesh brought into this world a beautiful daughter, Reagan Grace, in April. Jon Dano and his lovely wife, Kelly, gave birth to a son, Charles John, also in April. Congratulations!

Mike Reed recently made a trip down to the Institute with his son. He visited his 4th Class year room and had a conversation of the current resident 4th Class cadet of the room.

While admiring the new central heating, he told a few stories about Jamie Edge. The banner on the smoke stack, the Christmas tree, Iraq and the piece in the museum about that guy who shared this room many years ago.

The cadet responded to a proud Mr. Reed: “Mr. Reed, It was very nice to meet you the other day.

I just wanted to let you know that your stories helped me remember why I am here, and why I want to be here. It is a legacy that each rat is forming. It is truly something to be proud of today that we stand on the same stoops and live in the same rooms as these men who have accomplished great things and some who gave all.”

Well, that is it for this round of the class notes!

Have a great summer!

Cheers, Pete Segersten

Class of 1996: Dr. Chris Gorman removed a melanoma/skin cancer spot from the back of Jon Sherrod.

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Class of 1996: Jon and Kelly Dano with their son, Charlie Dano.

’97

Class of 1998: Mr. and Mrs. Sean Williams.

David Zirkle

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 1997.

John A. Strock

’98

Hamel Reinmiller

Happy summer, Brother Rats!

As I compile these notes on New Market Day, I reflect on days past and days to come. We’ve shaped each other and we are who we are because of each other. The Institute brought us together and our bond has kept us together.

On to the updates...

Dave Benedick is leaving the Washington, D.C., area after 14 years. He started a new job with a consulting company in North Carolina in April and will be moving to Chapel Hill with the family after school finishes in June. He’s already been in touch with fellow Yankees that have relocated to Raleigh-Durham: Steve Schwanke, Sean Wilson and Jonathan Atkins, as well as Jim Peay, who is at Fort Bragg. However, I am very excited to announce that Jim was selected for a position at the Pentagon! He and Heather will pretty much be my neighbors come this summer!

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Sean Williams married the former Kathryn Goldberg May 2 on Libbie Hill in Richmond.

Thirty-nine and finally tying the knot.

Christian Craft met up with Dave Pouleris in Virginia Beach a few weekends ago for a bachelor party with an old friend from Richmond. He and Dave hung out at Chick’s Oyster Bar. Dave is a U.S. Marine Corps major and is working at Fort Story. He is doing well, and it sounds like he will be in the service for a few more years.

Dan Smith ran into Ernesto Sampson at the Westwood Club in Richmond for the meet and greet with Scott Wachenheim, the new football coach. Coach Wach was full of energy and left no doubt he is attacking and getting wins full speed ahead. One quote he likes to share: “If something is important enough, even if the odds are against you, you should still do it.” – Elon Musk.

Brook Barbour recently inherited his grandfather’s Volkswagen Westfalia camper, and after informing Alex Blanton and Keith Lawhorn, they decided to fly to San Francisco, California, to pick it up and make a cross country trip out of it (after receiving gracious permission from their wives).

Their trek took them down the Pacific Coast Highway, then west through Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Escalante National Monument, over the Rockies and through the prairies, and they made it in time for SRC at VMI on their last day of the seven-day journey.

Keith is running his own information technology firm and resides on his “gentleman’s farm” in Markham, Virginia, with his wife, Tina, and farmhands, Daniella, Marcella and Jack. Alex is with Hourigan Construction and lives in Richmond with Jaime and his kids, Matthew

Class of 1998: Class Agent John Strock said of this photo, “Craft and Pouleris hanging out like it was yesterday.”

Class of 1998: Brook, Alex, Keith and Keith’s hat made their way across the U.S. They timed their journey to end in front seats for SRC.

Class of 1998: Jim Peay, Matt Ott ’92 and their families met up with Doug Bartlett, Keydet Club vice president, at VMI in April 2015. From left were the Peay family, Heather (holding daughter Audrey) with son Henry and daughter Lauren and Jim; Bartlett; and the Otts, Nelson, Matt, Sophie and Amy. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes and Avery. They just completed a family trip to the Bahamas. Brook is with PwC and lives in Arlington, Virginia, with Mary Katherine and his kids, Hadley Jane and Alden. He is looking for any excuse to get the family into the Westfalia for another adventure.

I have recently joined the board for the Potomac River Chapter, and I look forward to continued service to VMI and our class.

That’s all I’ve got for now. Keep on truckin’!

’99

William Steinbach

Brother Rats, Happy New Market Day! After a long, cold winter, it seems that, here in Virginia, we have jumped right into summer – totally bypassing spring.

I got this note from Roger Hart: “Bill, hope this finds you well. I haven’t submitted anything for the Review in a while, so I figured this was a good excuse. I just returned from a 10 day trip to Greece where my Virginia Commonwealth University Master of Business Adminstration program had our international business trip. Also in my program are Matt Guise ’98 and Mike Moorman ’07. We spent five days in Athens and four in Mykonos. The attached picture is at our hotel on Mykonos. Pretty sick, eh? In other news, my family (Lisa and the three kids) and I are back in Richmond, Virginia, and I am now working for Biotronik, still selling pacemakers and defibrillators. I played golf recently with Jamie Meyer, Frazier Orgain and Jeff Holder at the VMI Club of Richmond tournament. We represented pretty well for the Class of ’99. I also talked to Hennigan not too long ago. He is living out in Abingdon now and sees Randy Eads quite a bit. I talk to Chris Reid (aka ‘Dirty’) pretty regularly, as well as Brannon Howle and Wes Barrow. Wes is building a house at a new golf course in southside Richmond and was just promoted at work. Brannon is now assistant vice president of information technology at the Federal Reserve. I also talk to Will Sarsfield regularly. He is married, has a daughter, lives in Richmond and is working hard for Atricure, a cardiac ablation company. Guess that’s it for now.

Hope to see some of you at the football games this fall. Oh, I almost forgot ... Aaron Hamilton is living in the Phillipines, is getting married and has converted to Islam. I still can’t seem to wrap my head around the idea of a redneck Muslim.”

Many are in shock about Aaron being engaged – myself included. Anxiously waiting to see if he actually goes through with it.

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Powell Harrison was married in France to the lovely Audrey Simonny. They held a reception for their friends and family in the United States at the Robinson Theatre Community Arts Center in Richmond, Virginia May 9. It sounds like it was a great event, and I am sorry I missed it.

I thought I would take this time to share with you all the impact that Cliff Flournoy and his story are having on other people. I received notes from two people this past month from outside our class regarding Cliff’s scholarship. I have shared these below.

I received this email from Worth Burns ’00: “Just donated to Cliff’s scholarship fund. In a couple of days, I will be seven years free from testicular cancer.

Hearing of Cliff’s death almost 10 years ago is the only reason I caught mine early enough. Hope that you are doing well. If you are down the Greenville, South Carolina, way, holler for a beer. Take care.

Hard core Alpha.” Thanks, Worth, and congratulations on beating cancer.

I also received this from Lye Peters ’97: “Just a note that I saw Mike’s message about Cliff Flournoy’s scholarship in the Alumni Review. I was looking for a way to give back to the Institute, because I feel like it is becoming extremely cost prohibitive for almost anyone. For those of us who remember Cliff and his friendship fondly, this is an outstanding opportunity to help at least one cadet in need. The world has been a poorer place since Cliff died, and I really appreciate what the class is doing to keep his memory alive. I will pass the word along for other alumni looking to focus their giving. Thank you both.

In the bonds and with my compliments, Lyle ‘Smoothy’ Peters ’97.”

Much thanks to Lyle. As everyone can see, Cliff meant a lot to many people, not just of the Class of 1999.

How to contribute: 1. Go to https://www.vmicampaign.org/scholarships. 2. Click the “Cadet Scholarships” button and type “Flournoy” in the search bar. 3. Click on the “R. Clifton “Cliff” Flournoy Class of 1999 Scholarship” and then click “Give Now,” and follow the instructions for a recurring donation.

In the bonds, Bill

’00

Matthew McComas

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 2000.

’01

Brandon Farris

Greetings, Brother Rats, I hope the summer is treating everyone well.

My wife Lorin and I had our first child, Samantha Virginia Farris. Samantha was born May 1, 2015, at 16:16. Mother and daughter are doing great; dad hasn’t slept in a month.

There was a memorial for Tony Conway March 6 at J.M. Hall. Thanks to all the BRs who came out.

We were pretty well represented, with Joe Gunter, Brandon Farris, Jack Hagel, Drew Carbone, Brad Thompson, Chris Simpson, Parker Reeves, Will Felvey, Fred Hair, Dan Lieber, Tony’s wife Amanda, Melissa Adamski, Natasha Miller, Melissa Williams, Jason Whitaker and B.J. LaFon in attendance. I’m fairly sure there were more of us there I didn’t catch; my apologies if I missed you there. Tony’s family and Jack Hagel spoke, and we followed up the ceremony with Jack and Cokes at Moody Hall. Jack represented our class well. I am copying his speech here for those that missed it: “As I look around this room (Jackson Memorial Hall), a lot of great memories come to mind. Not about anything that was actually said here. In fact, I can’t really remember much that was said on this stage. Instead, I think back to all the times I sat in this building next to Tony Conway, trying not to laugh too loudly.

“Tony always made mandatory meetings here more bearable – always by cracking the most perfectly timed jokes under his breath. We’re here today to celebrate that man, whose timing was so perfect but whose time with us was far too short.

So many people were touched by Tony during his 36 years. He moved them with passion and loyalty, with humor and humility. He approached everything with deep curiosity, drive and grace. He did it selflessly and happily. He was simply magnetic.

“Tony was the quintessential Renaissance man.

He could just as deftly defend on the soccer pitch as he could quote Tennyson in regular conversation.

He could swing a hammer as easily as he could draw a cartoon, design a webpage or capture a poignant moment through the shutter of his camera. He was a leader in the classroom, in the locker room and in life beyond.

“And he could make us laugh with that wry wit and endless ribbing. Everybody was a target. Heaven help the man bold enough to order a chocolate martini in Tony’s presence, or the cadet who was too slow to evade his well-aimed snowballs.

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Class Notes “The VMI bond is special. Relationships formed “Another thing that stood out about Tony is he ticularly at VMI. His passion transferred easily from at other institutions might fade with time. But those was more concerned with the team than with his the field to the sideline, and it was clear as he chased made here are lasting and can transcend any chalindividual performance and playing time. He just NCAA referees up and down the sideline in his chair, lenge. I think that’s evident when you look around wanted to win. That made him a great captain. objecting to bad calls. He was a nurturing coach. He this room. Tony was family. I knew that from the Being the captain of a VMI team isn’t easy. At knew better than anybody what his players needed to moment I met him almost 20 years ago. We were beother colleges, you just worry about your team on make the daily transition from barracks to the field. ing recruited to play soccer here. And I was skeptical the field. But at VMI, you need to make sure your And his knowledge of cadet life was invaluable. One about whether this was the right fit for me; whether team is doing the right things in the classroom, on former player told me that he wouldn’t have graduated from VMI – or become a professional I’d be able to hack it on the field or in barracks. soccer player – had it not been for Tony’s “My worries faded when I met Tony. He intervention. I’m sure there are other socgreeted me with an easy smile and a good cer graduates who owe their degrees to joke. I knew I could survive if guys like him Tony. would be around. He was so clear-eyed about “Of course, Tony always brought huwhy he wanted to attend VMI. His conviction was transmittable. I applied soon after I mor to the role. Each year, he’d give out got home from the recruiting trip, in large part the ‘Tony Awards’ – little mementos that because of Tony. And over the years, I came to poked fun at members of the soccer famrely on Tony’s good humor and friendship to ily. The ‘Red Cross Award’ went to the get through this unforgiving place. player who missed the most games to injury. A hemorrhoid ring went to a parent “He had that calming effect on so many people. A number of his classmates, team- Class of 2001: At Tony Conway’s memorial service were, who had recently fallen on his backside. from left, front row, Joe Gunter, Brandon Farris, Jack “I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Tony’s mates and friends reflected with me recently.

Hagel and Drew Carbone. Back row: Brad Thompson; They always come back to that smile, the Chris Simpson; Parker Reeves; Will Felvey; Fred Hair; Dan most prevailing trait: His courage. glint in his eye right before a quick retort; his Lieber; Tony’s wife, Amanda; Melissa Adamski; Natasha “It’s sad that ALS took Tony from us. habit of singing Rod Stewart at the top of his Miller; Melissa Williams; Jason Whitaker; and B.J. LaFon. But I think the fight against ALS was lungs; and his knack for carrying out a prank lucky to have Tony. We learned a lot with the coolness of Steve McQueen. I’m sure the parade ground, in barracks – to ensure that you because of him – and long before any of us had there’s still lingering evidence of his well-planned have a team on the field. even thought about an ice bucket. toilet paper attacks on the third stoop.

“Shortly after his diagnosis, he vowed to raise “Tony excelled in the captaincy because he could “Despite the good humor and hijinks, Tony was gracefully walk the line between team leader and awareness about the disease. And he did that with no clown: He approached life with an infectious inteammate. He wasn’t afraid to confront his buddies remarkable candor on his blog, www.dontshrink. tensity. This was most obvious on the soccer pitch, when he thought they needed to step it up. He was com, which touched people all over the world. where he pushed players to be their best every day an effective conduit between the coaches and the He provided an unflinching glimpse into life with – sometimes with words, always by example. this terrible disease. Everything from a blow-byplayers – without being a lackey. And he could al“As a player, he was ferocious on the back line. He ways keep the locker room upbeat with his humor. blow of having a feeding tube inserted to what it brought his best to each practice, and he didn’t care “He also spent a lot of time helping struggling feels like to not be able to say, ‘I love you,’ anymore. if it was before an important game when we were teammates get back on track in barracks and in the “You could tell that he particularly enjoyed writtrying to avoid injuries. I remember when Coach classroom – so much so that one of his co-captains ing about his visits to his urologist, whom he greet(Stephen) Ross moved me from striker to outside often worried that Tony wasn’t spending enough ed with: ‘Hey, Doc, how’s it hangin’?’

“His writing was raw and refreshing – especially midfield. The prevailing thought was not about time on himself.

“That selflessness is what helped Tony excel as a when juxtaposed against the image of bliss pormy new position. I was just happy I didn’t have to trayed by so many on social media. And that’s how coach at Rockbridge County High School, but pargo up against Tony in practice anymore.

Tony wanted it.

“He once wrote: ‘People need to have a much more realistic idea of what it’s like to live … through ALS. Know that ALS robs you of everything. It turns your spouse, partner, soul-mate, lover and best friend into your nurse. Every bodily function eventually becomes dependent on someone else for assistance ... It turns your friends and family into caregivers and victims in equal measure.’

“But he made the most of life while he could. He lived for every moment. And, by extension, he inspired us to do the same. “‘If ALS is to rob me of time,’ he wrote, ‘I’ll be Class of 2001: Adam Love holding baby Class of 2001: Brandon Farris and his damned if I let it take away my happiness.’

Kaylee Quinn Love. daughter, Samantha Farris.

“And he really lived it up. His bucket list alone

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Class Notes was inspiring: Drive a Bugatti: Check. Take Amanda to Ring Figure: Check. Fire the biggest weapon I can get my hands on: He got his hands on a tank.

“And let’s not forget his starring appearance on a ragtag team of classmates at the Conway Cup, the soccer tournament in his honor.

“Above all, the love for his family radiated from the notes he shared with all of us. Life can’t be taken for granted, and he reminded us of that.

“Amanda, Cora and Louise: He loved you so much. It was wonderful to see Tony so happy because of you.

“Amanda: You deserve a lifetime achievement ‘Tony Award.’

“Tony often posted letters to his daughters on his blog. And within these notes, I realized that Tony really left us all with a blueprint for a better life. They were simple rules, and they’re worth following: “Recognize that anger is a destructive emotion; bear its presence for as little time as possible.

“Never stop growing and continue to enjoy learning.

“Never take your personal safety for granted.

“Take time to appreciate a normal afternoon.

“Follow your heart.

“Cherish each other.

“Be kind, be happy, be full of love.

“Dance whenever the opportunity arises.

“And live every day better than the last.

“Thank you, Tony.”

Adam Love and his wife had their second child, Kaylee Quinn Love, April 27, 2015. Family is doing great, and Adam is working AGR as Brigade Engineer for the 2IBCT/28ID/PAARNG. Wilson Mustian is a major in the JAG Corps of the Virginia Army National Guard, and he is the brigade judge advocate for the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (the “Stonewall Brigade”).

Scotty Miles and his wife, Lisa, purchased a wine and craft beer store in Suffolk, Virginia.

The name is Great Bottles, and they have over 200 craft beers and over 300 fine wines. It’s a boutique store focusing on limited release and hard to find items. They also have a great selection of gourmet food items and gifts. Lisa is keeping her day job, and Scotty will be running the business.

If any BRs need gift baskets or want to have wine or beer tasting events, let Scotty know! He will even ship items.

After going quiet for a month, Parker Reeves weighed in as only Parker can. His comments follow unedited for your reading pleasure: “Gotel: we just returned from a bachelor party in Myrtle Beach for Justin Harber. Jim Bourie, Chris Simpson, Fred Hair, Josh Berk, Jason Whitaker, Landon Winkelvoss and I attended with no casualties. There was a contingent of

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VWIL ‘cadets’ staying at the same condo as us.

That is all that I can share of that weekend that can be printed in the Alumni Review. Harb will be married in June in Maryland, and it looks like it will happen...

“Tilman Bowling: have reconnected with Tilman as he has just moved home to Roanoke from northern Virginia. He is an ATC for the Roanoke and Lynchburg airspace. He’s back in Roanoke for a better schedule so he can spend more time with his daughter, Allison, who he is raising. He has met a young gal at the church we all go to and seems to be doing very well. Tilman, Ferg and I are going to go out and pound some beers soon.

“Drew Dickinson and I just celebrated ‘May the Fourth Be with You’ with our wives and kids a couple of weekends ago in Lynchburg. It was good to hang with him and catch up. He’s running the Carter CAT location in Lynchburg and killing it – a real rock star in the Carter dealership. He does not appear as confident with galactic bounty hunters as he does with your average heavy machinery operator.

“Nate ‘Nathan’ Charles successfully bailed out of the bachelor party for Harb a few weeks ago. ‘Life man, Life!’ I’d like to pretend and say that it’s OK, because he is a dedicated railroader and just got another promotion with Norfolk Southern and is moving to Binghamton, New York – which is all true – but it’s not. He’s still a flake, but we love him.

I am headed this weekend with Jenni and the kids to Hershey, Pennsylvania, and we’ll be spending a few nights with the Charles at his river front retreat before he moves on to New York later this year.

“And to make sure Brady is satisfied, Jenni and I are doing fine. She just survived another year of open enrollment, and I continue to win the hearts and minds of dental professionals everywhere. Our kids are healthy and happy, and we’re grateful for that. I’m taking the rest of next week off to build Max a tree fort with 180 degree visibility, zip line and interlocking fields of fire. We’re looking forward to getting the band back together at Harb’s wedding in June.”

Dan Schindler has been kept busy trailering his wife and daughters to their horse shows and getting in some tractor shows when he can. Dan recently ran the Frederick half marathon with a time of 2 hours six minutes. As he said, “Slow and steady.”

’02

Salmaan Khawaja

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 2002.

William Talley V

’03

Nichole Kramer

Brother Rats, This set of notes will be short in comparison to our last set as time got away from me, and I wasn’t able to put out my normal request for notes as I like to do. So here we go...

New Market Day just occurred and a fresh set of “cocky, foul-mouthed drunks,” at least as we were described 12 years ago, has graduated from the Institute and gone out to further the legacy of VMI. Since our last set of notes, we have welcomed a brother rat home, welcomed new additions into our class family and supported brother rats who have made requests for causes near and dear to them and their families.

Chris Drinkwater was released from quarantine April 14 after returning home from Liberia. Chris was in Liberia for approximately six months delivering medical aid as part of Operation United Assistance. I know he’s already had an opportunity to catch up with many BRs since he was deemed “clean.”

Trey Guy has been getting his daily workout in by participating in “Burpees for the Fallen” to honor the sacrifice of those that have fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan. Justin Phelps reached out for our support in raising funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association as his daughter, Aimee Reese Phelps, has been showing what the true meaning of brave and courageous is since she was 18 months old. I know that, as a class, we responded and helped to support both of these worthy causes.

Kyle Haire is on the mend after having some substantial surgery on his back in May. While I haven’t spoken directly to Kyle or Juli, it’s my understanding that everything went well, and he’s on the road to recovery so he can keep up with his two sons, Taylor and Jack.

I understand from Chris Adams that he and Jennifer along with their son, Jackson, gathered at the home of Mark and Libby Swank ’76 to celebrate Wes’ sister, Abbey, in March. He said it was great to see Allison Swank there, as well.

Tripp Robbins and his wife, Heather, welcomed a daughter, Samantha Rose, into the world March 9. Based on what I’ve seen on

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Class Notes

Class of 2003: Bill Talley visited the Great Wall of China in April.

Class of 2003: Tripp and Heather Robbins welcomed their daughter, Samantha Rose, into the world March 9, 2015.

Class of 2003: From left, Chris Drinkwater, Chaz Wagner, John Noonan, Drew Murphy, Pierre Ngankeu and Joe Pederson celebrated Drinkwater being stateside again.

Facebook, fatherhood is treating Tripp well, and everyone is doing fine. Congratulations!

That’s all I’ve got for now, so I hope everyone has a fun and safe summer. Keep sending in updates and photos, and I’ll see y’all in the fall on the Parade Ground for tailgating!

’04

Scott E. Campbell

C. Justin Roberts

Summer has arrived here in Virginia, and it is going to be a busy one!

Josh Montero wrote in January to say that 2014 had been busy, too. I’m sorry for missing the update in the last Review! Josh completed his master’s degree in leadership and management from Webster University. He and his wife, Kari,

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Class of 2003: Justin Phelps with his daughter, Aimee.

Class of 2003: Chris, Jennifer and Jackson Adams gathered with Mark and Libby Swank to celebrate Abbey Wing’s (formerly Swank) birthday. Present but not pictured were Allison Swank and Dustin Wing.

welcomed Annabelle to the family July 1, 2014.

The family moved to Quantico, Virginia, from Camp Lejeune as of August 2014. In September, Josh adopted his step-son, Tony. The Monteros closed out the year with Josh’s promotion to major. He’s been catching up with fellow BRs – Ross Garnet, among them – and the Monteros are looking forward to catching up with anyone else in northern Virginia.

Rob Wilson pinned on major June 1, 2015.

I’m told there will be pictures for the next issue of the Review.

Clarence Smith, Drew Hardin and Andy Harris gathered at the home of Jeff Zeigler ’93 in Austin to honor New Market Day and connect with fellow Central Texas VMI alumni. The crew sent off a member of the rat mass 2016+3, who will be headed to VMI this summer. Clarence and Andy have had a chance to hang out quite a few times since. Both have relocated back to the Austin area in recent years. They have had a few chances to hit the range across the Austin area.

If you recall from the last Review, Libby Olson was tripping around Nepal. She has been back stateside since late April and was out of

Nepal before the earthquake.

Derek Wiley became a father for the second time April 18, when his wife, Christina, gave birth to another son! Derek is working on a provisional appointment for Declan Grant Wiley to the Class of 2037.

Elizabeth and Matthew Mikula welcomed a new addition to their family, too! Laughton Elizabeth Mikula was born March 4, 2015, at Henrico Doctors Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. She weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces and was 21 inches long. Elizabeth is doing well. Matt is working on getting a provisional appointment (in the event Laughton wants to become a Keydet).

Laughton’s grandfathers, Ned Mikula ’71 and Jim Bradshaw ’77, and her uncle, J.B. Bradshaw ’09, and all extended family have met the little one and love her smile.

Harley Jennings and Nate Joslyn graduated from the School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth. Harley and his family will be moving to Fort Campbell this summer, where he will serve on the 101st Airborne Division staff as a plans officer. All is well with “Team Jennings,” and they are looking forward to their next adventure.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Matt Cage will be a daddy by the next Review.

I started my master’s in January. It remains a work in progress. I gave up my badge and gun but remain with Richmond Police Department as a civilian. The transition to civilian life has been a welcomed change. So far, getting used to wearing anything other than a uniform has been the roughest part. Misia and the kids are doing well.

We missed our trip to the derby with Tara and Jason Brinkmoeller compliments of the job change.

We’ll try again next year!

Take care. Be safe, and keep in touch!

Scott Campbell

Class of 2004: Laughton Elizabeth Mikula was born March 4, 2015, to Elizabeth and Matthew Mikula.

Timothy Johnson

’05

Class of 2004: The Montero Family on promotion day.

Class of 2004: Andy Harris ’04 and Clarence Smith ’04 at the range.

2015-Issue 3

William Ray

Brother Rats, As I write this edition of the class notes (albeit brief update), 10 years to the day have passed since we walked across the stage in Cameron Hall, received our degrees and departed the confines on the Institute to take on all the world has to offer.

Members of our class have experienced a lot of highs and a few lows, but I continue to cherish the time and memories we shared together in our four years at VMI and to hear of the wonderful paths each of your lives has taken. In just a few weeks from your receiving this update, we will head to

Lexington for our 10th Reunion and be together for a great but brief weekend. I hope you all can make the trek to Rockbridge for the weekend festivities. Yet, before I get into a quick summary of the reunion events, let’s get to the notes.

Matt Hendricks reports that he will be leaving Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Virginia, and to take a position teaching English at Chantilly High School.

United States Marine Corps Lt. Col. Craig Wiggers sends word that he retired from the Marine Corps in May, wrapping up 25 years of service. His family is planning to stay in Ithaca, New York, and he will continue working at Cornell University.

As I mentioned, this set of notes was brief. I know more is going on in your lives, so please send in your updates. Now, on to the reunion.

For those who still are not aware, our 10th Reunion will take place the weekend of Oct. 9 and 10. Preliminary events will start with a golf outing Friday for those who want to get into town early and play a round of golf. After golf, we will have registration at the hotel (Holiday Inn Express behind Applebee’s). The first official event of the weekend will be our class cocktail reception and dinner at the Marshall Leadership Hall on post.

Following dinner, attendees are free to venture out into town to visit the old watering holes and to catch up with the brother rats. As with the five year, buses will be made available to bring people back to the hotels.

On Saturday, we will have our class picture before the parade. At the parade, our class will be the honored reunion class. As such, our class will present one of those big checks to the superintendent. If you haven’t had the chance to give, please

Class of 2004: Central Texas VMI Alumni hosted a Rat Send-off.

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Class Notes do so. While we’ve set a goal of $205,000, I easily believe we can reach close to $300,000. If possible, it would be great to break the record for a 10-year campaign of $335,000. If you have not heard from your fundraising liaison yet, please let me know. Following the parade, we’ll lead Old Yells in barracks and head out to the Parade Ground for tailgating. After some tailgating, we’ll head down to Foster Stadium to watch the Flying Squadron take on the Samford Bulldogs.

After the football game, we’ll wrap up tailgating, head to the hotels, get cleaned up and head to the class cookout. At the writing of these notes, I still have not pinned down an exact location, caterers, band, etc., but that will be solved shortly and should be in the reunion packet you received in the mail. After the evening’s event, buses will be available to go into town or to go back to the hotels.

On Sunday, nothing official is planned, but more than likely extra tables will be made available at Berky’s for those who want to grab some breakfast on the way out of town. For online registration, visit http://www.vmialumni.org/page.aspx?pid=1346.

Well, that brings the latest edition of the class notes to an end. Please keep us aware of the events in your life no matter how small or large. Many brother rats tell me that receiving the Alumni Review is one of the highlights of their day.

Finally, before closing out the notes, I wanted to leave you with this little “poem” that I feel is quite apropos considering we’re having our 10 year reunion soon. Enjoy!

Buckling on My Boots and Spurs If I were a horses neck / I’d go to W and L. / I’d late date every Keydet’s girl / And then I’d shine like hell. / But I am not a horse’s neck, / And that’s the reason why / I am buckling on my boots and spurs / And going to VMI. / If I were a farmer, sir, / Then V.P.I. would lure. / I’d go and plant and plow and sow / And wallow in manure. / But I’m not so agricultural, / I’m telling you no lie, / So I am buckling on my boots and spurs / And going to VMI. / If I were a pansy, sir, / I’d tell you what I’d do: / I’d put on my pink silk underwear / And go to Virginia U. / But since I’m not a pansy, / A happier fate have I, / For I am buckling on my boots and spurs / And going to VMI. / Now I am a Southern gentleman, / I love my smokes and swill, / And every pretty girl I see / Gives me a hearty thrill. / My health is grand and I can stand / The Rockbridge corn and rye, / So I am buckling on my boots and spurs / And going to VMI. Well, that’s all for now. Remember, we’re all in this together. Until next time…

In the bonds, Tim Johnson

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’06

Shawn Driver

Brother Rats, Greetings from Constanta, Romania. I’m out here as a UH-60 Blackhawk company commander supporting Operation Atlantic Resolve. It’s never good being away from family, but the Black Sea in the summer is actually quite nice. My wife, Jamie, and daughter, Averie (1), are hanging out back in Savannah, Georgia, and spending time in New Orleans, Louisiana, with her family when able.

I’ve been talking to Andrew Upshaw quite a bit since I’ve been in Europe. He’s still working at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.

That place is probably one of the best assignments in the Army. Andrew extends an invite to any brother rat who can make it out for a visit.

Jeff Sale married Kelsey Stafford ’09 Oct. 4, 2014, at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Waynesboro, Virginia. They were expecting their first child July 24, 2015 (VMI Class of 2037). The VMI alumni in attendance at their wedding included: George Piegari (Hon.), Charles Ward ’74, Mark Dahlinger ’82, Jochen Granja, Sam Alvarenga ’07, Hatley Clifford ’07, Ryan Steptoe ’07, Abby Ward ’07, Brian Peeler ’08, Lam Ly ’08, Christina Cunningham ’09, Wayne Cunningham ’09, Stephanie Ortiz ’09, Derek Petereit ’09, Ateala Tuff ’09, Pete Saragnese ’09, Celine Ziobro ’09, Will Rowcliffe ’11, Hannah Gibson ’11, Noah Gibson ’11, Silvia Allen ’12, Michael Munson ’12, Sam Henke ’12, Jennifer Sing ’12, Jenna Pickett ’12, Carrie Wortham ’12 and Mike Coppolino ’16.

Rob Frazier left the Marines in 2012, and moved with his wife, Lisa, back to where they’re both from – Harrisonburg, Virginia. He is currently the director of health and human resources for the family business, The Frazier Quarry, Inc. This is their 100th year in business, and they plan to celebrate it right. He has two kids, Claire (3) and Noah (1).

He and his wife spend what little time they have outside of work volunteering for Court Appointed Special Advocates for Abused and Neglected Children. He’s also very involved in the Virginia Transportation Construction Association and sits in three aggregate producer sub-committees (Health and Safety, Environmental and the Aggregate Producer Leadership Committee). The VTCA is the aggregate producer/transportation construction industries’ trade organization and state level lobbyist. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it.

Class of 2006: Andrew Upshaw in Germany.

Class of 2006: Shawn Driver in a private jet while stopped for a refuel at Bucharest International Airport.

Class of 2006: From left, Andy Cochet ’05, Nate Parsons and David Sullivan ’08. Andy is a flight doctor, and Nate and David are instructor pilots in the T-6 Texan II at Randolph Air Force Base.

Rob had dinner with Dave Roberts recently.

He’s working in Charlottesville with the city Police Department as a patrol officer and a member of their SWAT team. His wife, Mary, is at the University of New England in Maine for medical school.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

’07

Class of 2006: Jeff and Kelsey at their wedding.

They are expecting a baby girl in September.

Nate Parsons caught up with a couple VMI guys at Laughlin Air Force Base: Andy Cochet ’05, David Sullivan ’08 and Shawn Riley ’14.

Andy is a flight doc in the Air Force and getting ready to move to San Antonio, Texas (Randolph Air Force Base). David is a flight commander in the 85th Flying Training Squadron. Nate is also a flight commander. They are both instructor pilots in the T-6 Texan II. Nick Saccone is currently deployed to Al Udeid and was scheduled to return to Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana in late July. While deployed, he worked for Lt. Col. Matthew Robinson ’92. They spent many hours reminiscing about the good old days at the Mother “I.” Nick plans on using his deployment money to purchase a new Audi A5 coupe. He will also be meeting the major’s board this year and hopes to PCS to another location in summer 2016.

Kirby Smith transitioned from active Army to the Army Reserve and now works full-time with the National Park Service at Historic Jamestowne in Williamsburg, Virginia, as a historical interpreter. He got married April 18 to Mrs. Leanne Holley Smith. They had a wonderful wedding in Charleston, South Carolina.

It was great to hear from everyone. It always makes me nostalgic for that drive up Interstate 81 through the Blue Ridge. Hopefully, I’ll be up that way soon visiting my family in Arlington, Virginia.

As I’m writing this, we have one year until our 10th Reunion. It took some of us a little longer to graduate, but the pride we have in the Class of 2006 goes beyond what date the diploma was handed to you. I wish you all good health and safe travels wherever you may be. I also hope the Army will let me join you at the reunion; it should be a wild time.

Shawn Driver

2015-Issue 3

Sally Bushore

Brother Rats, Chris Fields contacted me after the last set of notes to update me on his status. He joined the U.S. State Department as a Foreign Service officer, and in August, he will be headed to Athens, Greece, with his wife, Caitlin, for his first overseas posting. They will be there for two years and then most likely will transition to a new overseas assignment. He says if anyone is passing through Greece to look him up. His door will be open. Chris was kind enough to pass on news of Sal Sferrazza.

Chris met up with Sal and his fiancée, Patricia, for brunch. He said they will be married next year and are doing very well.

Matt Hopchak sent me a few photos as well as a nice update. He is stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland, as a captain in the Army. Matt’s wife, Ashley, gave birth to their daughter, Penelope Pearl Hopchak, last August. He has also started pre-requisite coursework for a Master of Science degree in computer information systems/cyber security and is hoping to attend Towson University, the University of Virginia or the College of William and Mary for his next assignment. For his 30th birthday, he ran the D.C. Rock ’n Roll Marathon. He says it was miserable, but he is enjoying the bragging rights he earned.

Deuntay Diggs is staying busy! It seems like he always has a very informative note to send me. This time, he completed a 250 mile trek from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Washington D.C., on a bike to honor fallen police officers and their survivors. He said there were over 500 law enforcement officers from around the country in attendance.

Rhys Williams has accepted a job in Dallas with Kosmos Energy, LLC, a publicly traded oil and gas exploration company currently exploring

Class of 2007: Deuntay Diggs surrounded by fellow bikers during his recent 250 mile bike ride to support fallen police officers.

for oil and gas in West Africa. He is the Manager of Investor Relations and intends to split his time between Dallas and New Orleans.

Nate McCall will be in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for the duration of the year. His wife, Katherine, and two daughters, Audrey and Freya, will be staying in San Francisco, California, while he is gone.

Chris Scott wanted to pass along that he is stationed in Ramstein, Germany, and his home is open to anyone visiting the area.

Matt Kania will finish his master’s degree in aeronautical engineering in September. He and his wife recently welcomed a son, Mason Andrew Kania, April 25.

Corey Bafford will be headed to Camp Lejeune in July to the 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment.

He said Sean Day works upstairs from him after just returning from a Western Pacific deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Ryan Hopping is working as resident (Boston) historian for Brown Brothers Harriman and Co. in Massachusetts.

Bryant Martin has been in the Army for three years now and was recently promoted to sergeant.

He has been working as an engineer stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. He is working toward becoming a warrant officer so he can do civil engineering for foreign and domestic projects, as well as tactical and defensive positions downrange.

Class of 2007: Josh Gauthier and Elizabeth Gauthier with their son, Noah.

Class of 2007: Matt Hopchak, center, at the end of the D.C. Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon with “Moose” Payne, left, and Nick Hopchak, right.

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Class Notes

Class of 2008: Amanda Moore ’09 and her new husband, Capt. Robert Kelly, along with Paul Childrey, far right, and other groomsmen at their wedding in J.M. Hall.

Class of 2007: Matt Hopchak and his daughter, Penelope.

’08

Robert Hill

Brother Rats, I hope these notes find you after an enjoyable summer. Congrats to Gerald Payne on his marriage to the former Ms. Shabrina Robinson Nov. 30, 2014.

Joining them at their wedding was Michael Watson ’07 as well as Dominik Browne ’02.

Shane Nunes checked in from Rome. In 2012, he left his position as a successful research chemist to begin studying for Roman Catholic Priesthood at a Connecticut seminary. In July 2014, his bishop sent him to study at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. Shane is having an exciting and blessing time. The biggest adjustment is learning Italian, as all of his classes are being taught in Italian. His studies in Rome will last four years. Philip Jones and his wife Christine were able to catch up with Shane over dinner while they were on a pilgrimage in Rome this past February. Shane is hoping his ordination to priesthood will be in 2018 for the Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Shane also had the pleasure of meeting Pope Francis, as he served him on Good Friday. We all wish you continued success in your path to priesthood.

Rob Kelly is back in Kabul, Afghanistan. As you may recall, Rob recently took over command of Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade and loves it. He says it’s been very rewarding and well worth the wait to lead a battery in combat. They are primarily doing infantry tasks – essentially “guardian angles” for the advisers in the capital city. They have been kept busy running missions on a daily basis. They have integrated with the British army, and his battalion

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Class of 2008: Nate Harris and Brandon DeLong in Brussels, Belgium. commander is a British lieutenant colonel. As part of the multi-national work, his NATO team includes Norwegians, Turks, Brits, Aussies and Mongolians, to name a few. Rob also mentioned Stanley Cheng returned from Qatar and is stationed in North Carolina with an F-15 squadron. Zach West has returned from his Ebola mission in Africa.

Paul Childrey, wife Alyson and son Jacob welcomed Wes to their family March 1.

Dan Boyd is moonlighting as a bartender as he goes to medical school in Tampa, Florida.

John Nikiforakis and wife Heather welcomed their second daughter to the family Feb. 21, Norah Eloise. Just 12 days later, John was deployed to Afghanistan. He is currently serving as a contracting officer in Bagram. John plans to start graduate school after returning from Afghanistan and hopes to be back for a Keydet football game. Congrats, John and Heather!

Branden DeLong is doing well in Europe. Nate Harris recently visited him in Brussels, Belgium. He also spent some time with Charles Walker ’70 and Jim Wood ’74 at a job site in Amari, Estonia.

Congrats to Jeremy Adams, who recently graduated from Wake Forest University with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in molecular genetics. He studied Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. By the time you read these notes, Jeremy will be in Cambodia serving with the Peace Corps. His assignment

Class of 2008: Shane Nunes with Pope Francis on Good Friday in Rome. will be with community health education, teaching people about disease prevention, nutrition and other health related topics.

Jeremy Clement and two partners launched a travel startup in April 2015. Project Expedition is the first truly comprehensive online tours and activities marketplace for adventure travel. After six years working for Bloomberg in London, Tokyo and New York, Jeremy secured significant angel funding and opened an office in New York. Project Expedition initially focused on Costa Rica and Belize but has rapidly expanded across other markets in Central America, with global regions in their sights. Through projectexpedition.com, travelers and adventurous alumni can book once in a lifetime activities, such as volcano boarding (think snowboarding in a volcano) in Nicaragua, canyoning in Costa Rica, and exploring the Mayan ruins in Belize and Guatemala. Jeremy spends most of his days dreaming about the expeditions he’s enabling for other people, so if you’re thinking of some adventures in Central America, give him a shout. Or, if you’re in New York, hit him up for happy hour and share some stories.

I spoke with my roommate, Matt Mitchell, in early May. Matt is doing well in Colorado Springs at Fort Carson. On March 16, 2015, he handed command of his company over to Dave Jacobs.

Congrats to the both of you!

I appreciate all of you who reached out to me for this submission, and I look forward to hearing from more of you the next time around. Until the next time...

’09

Bradley Simpson

Brother Rats: I hope this edition of the Review finds you and your families well. It has been a really busy time preparing the notes for this edition. I have heard from a lot of BRs for this one. It is always nice to hear from everyone.

Jackie Briski is still living in Athens, Ohio. After

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes a brief stint doing store-level human resources at a local Kroger, she has begun Kroger’s management development program in January. This course is a 20-week training program, so if all went according to plan, she was to finish training in late May. Then she said she will be assigned to the Kroger store as an assistant manager in Logan, Ohio.

Willie Bell has taken a job with Duggar Baucom as an assistant coach for The Citadel. Willie is jumping from Warwick High School, where he was a coach for their basketball team. Willie, I would like to congratulate you on the wonderful career jump, and we wish you the best of luck down in Charleston. We will be rooting for you, except when you play us.

I had the opportunity to catch up with Mitch Ress earlier in March. Mitch has just moved back to Virginia from California. He is starting a new job in Daleville, Virginia, with Altec.

Matt Edwards got engaged in May to Delanie Dolan. There is no date set for the wedding as of now, but they are tentatively planning on having the wedding next summer. Matt, from myself and the class, congrats.

Chris and wife Meg Sterbenz, welcomed their daughter, Eva Krystyna Sterbenz, into their family May 4, 2015. She was born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and weighed in at 6 pounds, 14 ounces.

Both Chris and Meg are doing well.

Daniel Johnson, got back stateside from his deployment in Afghanistan. Daniel is doing well and is glad to be back in the U.S. Justin Tammelin, got married to his new wife, Meg, at the beginning of May. Judging by the pictures on Facebook, it was well attended by our class.

Congrats to you and your new wife. Here’s too many more years together.

Also getting married was Sean Peterson in early May. Sean married Samantha Panzero in Cleveland, Ohio. Nick Kris, Stephen Nichols and Alex Kelley were in the sabre arch for Sean. Bridger Hodsen was also at the wedding from our class. Congrats, Sean and Samantha. We are all excited for you both.

More exciting news is that Chris Brown got engaged to Grace Pardo in early May. Chris is also in the process of transitioning out of the Army and will enter civilian life in Washington, D.C., in the beginning of June. Chris, I wish you nothing but luck in the career change and with the engagement. Congrats to you and Grace.

Barrett Luxhoj was back in Lex Vegas for his brother’s graduation in May. To date, there have been three Luxhojs to graduate from VMI: Barrett with our class, Andrew Luxhoj ’11 and now William Luxhoj ’15 – all within the dykeline. I know the entire Luxhoj family is proud. Congrats to all.

Kelsey and Husband Jeff Sale ’06 announced on Mother’s Day that they will be expecting a baby girl by the end of July. They have picked out the name Maria Leigh Sale. They have asked for everyone to keep them in your prayers. Kelsey and Jeff, congrats on the new milestone together.

2015-Issue 3

I myself had a bucket list opportunity in the beginning of April. I got to head down to Augusta, Georgia, for the Masters. My wife, Ashley Simpson, along with Daniel Simpson ’08, and his wife, Gina Simpson, all went down and got to take in all that is Augusta National Golf Club. Whatever anyone says, TV doesn’t do the place justice.

Jed Miller got his Master of Arts degree in human services counseling from Liberty University Online in May 2015. Jed will be PCS with the Air Force to Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, in August to be an operations officer for the 7th Force Support Squadron.

Brad Cooper has raised the minimum needed to open his brewery. Brad has signed a lease on a 6,000 square foot of warehouse space at 1717 Oak Lake Boulevard Midlothian, VA 23112. The permitting and equipment purchases started as of the middle of May. Rammy Barbari announced in early May that he officially opened Barbari Law, P.C. He is specializing in business, criminal, traffic and personal injury law.

He is now a one stop shop for all your legal needs in northern Virginia. Rammy, congrats on your new practice. I hope it is very successful for you.

Well, that about does it for this edition. It was really good catching up with everyone during this edition.

It is always nice hearing how everyone is doing. As always, ’09, stay classy and go out and be awesome.

’10

Class of 2009: Matt Edwards with his fiancée, Delanie Dolan.

Cody Hennelly

By the time this Review is printed, we will only have a short six weeks till our 5th Reunion! I can hardly believe it...

Over the last few months, I have been able to catch up with so many of you, and it has been awesome sharing in so many happy times!

Probably most notable of the adventures was my trek down to Omaha, Nebraska, in April for Ian and Megan Black’s wedding! Let me just say I landed Friday at 3:30 p.m., was at the rehearsal by 5:00 and the party didn’t end until I left at 12:30 p.m. Sunday! It took me three days at home

Class of 2009: Jake Riggs flying all over the country.

Class of 2009: Bradley and wife Ashley Simpson with Daniel and Gina Simpson ’08 in front of Augusta National Golf Club clubhouse.

Class of 2009: Alex Kelley, Nick Kriz, Mr. and Mrs. Sean Peterson, and Stephen Nichols at Sean’s wedding in early May. 153

Class Notes to recover. So, needless to say, it was awesome. Ian had Joe Simmers and Jason Barnes for groomsmen and made the mistake of inviting Gerald Popko, Eric Brigham, Even Rogers and me.

I told everybody about Joe last issue, so no need to bore everyone again (laugh out loud, but seriously).

Barnes is flying E-2 Hawkeyes off aircraft carriers for the Navy. We did a test landing on the bar top at the rehearsal dinner, and let’s just say he is not carrier qualified! (laugh out loud) Poppy is stationed down at Fort Stewart, Georgia. He is a military intelligence officer now and enjoys the night life of Savannah with his girlfriend, Aimee. Good thing he brought Aimee to the wedding, because that first night, we all got lost and Barney ran into a pole! Oh, yeah, Poppy, did I tell you who I ran into up here at the four aisle commissary I have here in Fort Greely?

Eric is still the strong arm of the law in Virginia!

He was probably the most reserved of us all at the wedding, although, he did have some funny stories.

I’ll let him tell y’all.

Even is still stationed in Colorado Springs with the Air Force. He is finally a first lieutenant now, so no more jokes behind his back! Of course, out of every one, he was the one who almost got us arrested outside of the bar by “hood sliding like Bo Duke” over some kid’s car, and in turn, that kid flagged down the police. Did I mention every one of the stories happened in the first six hours of us all being together? I can’t even go into the other 40 hours!

Joe said it the best: Two or three of us together is a good time, but any more than that, and s%*@ goes wrong ... quick! Anyway, enough of those fools!

I got a chance to catch up with Levi Swindel. He is doing great things out in Los Angeles County, California. He recently graduated from the LAPD Criminal Justice Academy and is now a patrolman at LAX. Pretty awesome, dude. Be careful out there!

Paul Bailey wrote in from our nation’s capital, where he is serving the public in an undisclosed government agency... Seriously, he couldn’t tell me! He did tell me that about a year after VMI, he graduated No. 1 in his class from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and received the Director’s Award. He also finished his master’s degree in public policy from George Mason University in December 2014 and took the LSAT for law school in June. Crushing it, Paul. Seriously impressive, my friend. Oh, yeah – even if that all wasn’t enough, he told me he got married to a beautiful young lady, Elena, at the National Cathedral. Jason Morgan, Fletcher Thompson, Matthew Allen and Rich Griffith ’11 were his groomsmen.

Jason Morgan just finished law school this past spring and should have taken the BAR Exam in July. By the time we read this, he should be

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Class of 2010: Carter Kunz skydiving out of a hot air balloon in the Nevada desert.

Class of 2010: Eric, Popko, Even and Cody at Ian and Megan Black’s wedding in Omaha, Nebraska, in April 2015. a practicing lawyer – crazy to think! (laugh out loud).

Garland Gray is in the same boat. Holding my fingers crossed as I write this for both of them!

John Safrit, Carl Josey, Eddie Ahmed and Clint Custer all wrote in for a brief moment to let me know they are well. Carl is still playing ball in Europe, and by all accounts, is living the dream!

Eddie wrote in from Fort Bragg, and we chatted a couple of minutes about the Army. I did just see on Facebook the other night that he and his wife had a little baby! Congrats, dude!

Clint literally just asked when the reunion was and said he can’t wait to get away from Rocket Artillery. (laugh out loud) James Ray wrote in from Hampton Roads, Virginia, where he is working at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard as a health physicist for the Navy.

Impressive, dude!

Class of 2010: Shawn “Kitti” Wongkachonkitti, Alex Houser and Ross Hussman at a VMI alumni function at Fort Bragg in spring 2015.

Sam Dobbins is in Richmond still and says he doesn’t plan on leaving anytime soon. He has been working in medical sales since 2010, and from what I gather, is exceptionally good at it!

Ed Burton chimed in from the Virginia Beach area and said he has been coaching a youth shotgun team.

Reid Satori is living in Houston, Texas. He is working for a private equity firm out of San Francisco, California, now. They buy single family homes, renovate and lease them with an end game of selling when the market rises in a few years. Sounds like you have a good handle on it, man!

Kyle Nikmard gave me the great honor of inviting me to his wedding this fall, but wouldn’t you believe it, it is the same day as the reunion! Total bummer, but Kyle, we will crush some brews soon, my man!

Lowell Patterson checked in from Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He told me he is doing well and making the best of everything – can’t ask for anything better!

Stephen Cauley helped me out this past April.

I couldn’t make it to the Class Agent Leadership Conference at the Mother “I,” so Stephen took the bullet for me! (laugh out loud) I haven’t heard anything from him regarding it, so I’m hoping it went well!

Bobby Davis penned in from Washington, D.C. He is still serving in the Navy and says now that he is closer to VMI, he is looking forward to the reunion! Can’t wait to see you there, my man.

Will Shannon has been crushing it in the Marine Corps since graduation and is now attending medical school at The George Washington University.

He also got married this summer! Absolutely incredible, my man! Good luck with the studies.

Dan Strausbaugh got out of the Navy recently, and last we spoke, was tinkering with the idea of road tripping for a month and then heading home to Maryland for a bit! I want to see pictures from the road trip, dude.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes wrote in from D.C. He is serving in the Old Guard as a company executive officer. Maybe he will get to meet Shia LaBeouf like Jon Buckland did last year! (laugh out loud) Well, that is it my friends. So many great stories and memories! Thank you all so much for including me in your lives! Hopefully I will get to see most of you in less than two months at our 5th Reunion!

Proudly serving the great Class of 2010, Cody

one of the first receivers of good news. This set of notes, it is to announce the birth of Josh and Samantha Bookwalter’s daughter, Emma Collette Bookwalter. Emma was born Feb. 27, 2015, at 19:06 in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Josh was deployed at the time of the birth, but he somehow managed to FaceTime in for the birth! Congratulations to the Bookwalter family! I also want to thank Sam for reaching out while Josh was away. I hope everyone’s wives and husbands have my email; it’s great hearing from everyone’s families, as well.

Allen McCown Another big congratulations goes to our newest doctors in the Class of 2011. Chris John, Andrew Luxhoj and Quinn Wicks recently completed medical school and are officially doctors. Chris and Class of 2010: Paul Bailey and his wife, Quinn graduated this past May from the Medical Elena, after their wedding in the naCollege of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia. Drew tion’s capital in summer 2014.

I was fortunate enough to visit post recently, and graduated from the Virginia College of Osteopathic Mike and Nicole Hutchings are up in the north I highly encourage anyone passing through to do Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia. Quinn will be east now. Mike took a job with GE Transportation the same. I was driving back from a meeting in heading to Detroit to Sinai Grace Hospital of Deas a process improvement team lead in PennsylRoanoke and was lucky enough to be driving back troit Medical Center in Detroit, Michigan. Quinn vania. That is a long title, dude. I had to read it a north around SRC during exam week. Springtime will be in residency in the Emergency Department couple of times to understand it! Ha. in Lexington seemed to stand still in time and the (or ER as it is most frequently called) at one of the Ben Brandt is up in the northern Virginia area, as cadets, the same. As I looked across the Parade busiest EDs in the United States. In an incredible well. He got a job with a civil contractor right after Ground, I looked at a set of familiar faces – only in turn of events, Chris also matched near Detroit for graduation. He says he likes it and is adjusting well! expression – as they gazed across the grass toward a residency in anesthesiology. Sometimes the VMI Sounds awesome, dude.

Moody Hall. The look was all too familiar, know- world is smaller than we could ever expect. While Yuwei Chang wrote in from Thailand – that’s far! ing the feeling of too many things to complete – a Chris and Quinn were at MCV, they had dinner He is flying E-2s for the Air Force. Pretty imprespaper, final assignment or to study for an exam. I with Dr. Warren Koontz ’53, M.D. sive, dude. Hope to see you back stateside soon! was glad to see these same faces, and despite seeing I also caught up recently with Matt Talbott, who Mike Caporiccio wrote in from Fort just finished his first year in med school Stewart. He said he is doing the logistics down in Alabama. Matt is doing well and thing down there. I did see via Facebook recently caught up with Dane Addison that he recently got a sweet motorcycle. Be and his younger brother, Christian Adcareful, man; us VMI guys aren’t known dison ’14, at The Players Championship to be the most responsible and cautious golf tournament in Jacksonville, Florida. people!

Matt also made sure to let me know all Chien Lin is up at GWU studying enthree of them practiced squaring corners gineering. He told me he’s gotten to see a and reminded each other to never forget few BRs while up there – most recently at to sound off. Matt also found a way to last year’s Marine Corps Marathon. From make it to the Daytona 500 and met up what I understand, he runs a marathon evwith Tom Pace. Tom still loves Florida Class of 2010: Brother rats at Ian and Megan Black’s wed- (what else is new). He informed me he ery year. Pretty epic, brotha! ding reception in Omaha, Nebraska, April 11, 2015, were, Nic Young is working in the Virginia was “never leaving this place” and that it from left, Joey, Barney, Eric, Ian, Even, Cody and Poppy.

Beach area as a legal clerk for a group continued to be a “constant good time.” called PRA. It frightens me to know so many of our the ’17 and ’18 classes wandering around, the faces Tom is enjoying work, and there are a number of BRs are in law. At least if Even Rogers ever gets me displayed the same grimace ours did, and I couldn’t Keydets working in his same unit. He went to Tallarrested, you guys can come bail us out! be more pleased about that. edega along with Justin Ong ’10 and Bryan Vance Matt Babcock and I did some chatting a few There is no better way to start off notes than ’13. Tom gave me an update on a number of Air months ago. I was able to get him some help from by congratulating our newly minted captains Force BRs, as well. Kevin Bocanegra just got to Jay Kearny ’00, Tony Esteve ’00 and Chris Haney that were recently promoted. There are too Moody and is preparing for a deployment. He’s ’00, as well as retired Maj. Gen. Joe Lynch ’69 for many to list for fear of missing someone, but I anxiously awaiting to hear where he’ll be ending his wedding this past month in D.C.! Some really hope all of you looked at the Army merit list up next. Keith O’Donnell has enjoyed his time at great gentlemen in the Class of 2000 and of course when it was published. It is incredibly humbling Scott Air Force Base, but he just got picked up for Maj. Gen. Lynch – thanks for all the help, guys! to see our BRs doing big things across the world a program called Education With Industry. Keith Hope to see you guys this fall at all of our reunions! and serving our great country. will be working with Lockheed Martin for a year Last, but not least by any means, Corey Morgan One of my favorite parts of this position is being on the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile/Joint

’11

2015-Issue 3

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Class Notes

Class of 2011: From left, Christian Addison ’14, Matt Talbott and Dane Addison.

Class of 2011: From left, Dr. Warren Koontz ’53, Dr. Quinn Wicks and Dr. Chris John.

Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile – Extended Range programs, learning about private sector acquisition business. Garrett Evans just got stationed along with Tom at Eglin. He is in maintenance doing “ammo stuff,” according to Tom. Justin Ong ’10 is doing helicopter testing and Bryan Vance ’13 is flying U-28s.

I was lucky enough to catch up with Eric Wittig recently, and I’m happy to say that he got married in February. He and Dani had a small family reception in Chesapeake, Virginia. Despite most Virginians complaining about the snow this past February, Eric and Dani enjoyed it from Douthat State Park during their honeymoon. They made the best of it and ended up with some beautiful wedding pictures in the snow. Eric and Dani are living in Richmond, close to a popular James River destination. They enjoy doing home improvement projects, and Eric has continued to develop his home beer brewing skills (along with many of our BRs). After tasting it, I am quite a fan of Eric’s brew nights. Congratulations to them both!

This winter was certainly cold on the East Coast, but Tom Louderback made sure to send me pictures of sunny California and Florida while traveling for his job with JLG, a division of Oshkosh Corporation. Oshkosh is the contract holder for the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected that I’m sure many of you are very familiar with. Tom works with aerial lifts in the sales department. In his travels, Tom caught up with Dane Addison in Florida, Adam Woloshuk in Las Vegas and Hunter Davis’ parents in New Orleans. Throughout it all, he was able to see his (and my) co-dyke, Alex Crow, before his deployment overseas.

After completing basic training, Ryan Buell got stationed in Fort Polk, Louisiana. He’s an infantryman in a reconnaissance platoon with 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.

As he wrote me, Ryan was working up toward a

deployment with his unit serving as a Squad Automatic Weapon gunner. While he’s been down there, he has seen a number of Keydets. Most recently, he caught up with Geoff Ranowsky (U.S. Military Academy ’12), and Geoff Dinneen. Ryan said he was lucky he was also able to catch Rob Jones before he left Fort Polk. He also crossed paths with Doug Nowak ’10. Ryan said he has yet to run into any enlisted BRs, and although Tom Davis is also in the 10th Mountain, he’s stationed at Fort Drum, New York – a little ways from Louisiana. Ryan said a good friend of his from high school will be at Polk soon. Aside from his prior hobbies, Ryan has taken up drawing for his platoon. I’m sure you remember his Keydet cartoons from our time in barracks. Right now it’s only garrison artwork, but he’s planning to continue drawing while in Afghanistan.

Brett Waldrop shot me an email to say things are great for him and A.J. in Germany. The two have a little over two years over there for A.J.’s commitment.

Brett is drilling with a Navy Reserve unit overseas while he’s there. For the time being, Brett is selling BMWs. He’s run into a few other VMI guys over there, including some members of our dykes’ class.

I hope these notes find everyone having a delightful summer and looking forward to football season.

I would love to hear from more people, and a huge thanks to my usual suspects who are always good for a quick email. Just remember it’s never too late, and I’d love to hear from each and every one of you.

Rah Virginia Mil, Allen

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’12 Brother Rats,

Bruce Howard

Class of 2012: Josh Visconti with his son, Noah, who was born April 25, 2015.

Class of 2012: The wedding of Bruce Leuthold and Elizabeth Brower.

First, let me say congratulations to the Class of 2015 for graduating. The graduation of our rats is not only a reflection of their success but also our own. It was our responsibility to mold them into VMI cadets, and we succeeded.

It was great to see how many of you showed up in Lexington May 16. I had the privilege of running into several of you; however, there were many I heard were there but was unable to see. It is great to know that on a historic day, there are many in our class that would travel to celebrate the induction of more VMI alumni.

I appreciate all the information that is sent my way. Eddie Coglio is training to become a police officer with the Henrico County Police Department just outside of Richmond, Virginia. By the time this edition is published, I believe he should be nearing completion. Good luck, Eddie.

Rich Griffith recently moved out to Montana.

I think he is enjoying the speed limit changes compared to Virginia Beach. Best of luck with

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes the new job, Rich, and I hope you enjoy the mountains.

Art Morrill will be deploying to Qatar in the fall with his National Guard unit. He will be joining another BR, Richard Sharp. Be safe, fellas.

Mike Gwinn will be arriving back into the States in July from his deployment. He will be at Fort Campbell, so if anyone is stationed near Kentucky, be sure to let Mike know. Also, Mike will be applying to law school in the fall, so best of luck with your next endeavors.

I’d like to say congratulations to Josh Visconti on the birth of his third child and first son, Noah.

Noah was born April 25, 2015. Josh is also now an adviser with Wells Fargo in Richmond.

Please continue to update your email and physical addresses. This really helps me to have updated addresses when trying to send out letters or other pertinent information. If there’s anything you would like to include in the next edition, feel free to email me or contact the Facebook group. I look forward to hearing from all of you soon.

Until next time, Bruce

’13

Charles P. Jones

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 2013.

Samuel Guidry

’14

Taylor Floyd

First off, I would like to congratulate the Class of 2015 on graduating.

I am sure they have their own class agent at this point who can congratulate their own class, but it took me a while to get around to writing my first class notes, so I figured I would take the liberty.

Now ... back to business.

Brother rats, as I write this, it has been exactly a year to date since we graduated, and as a class, we seem to be doing fairly well. I haven’t heard from too many members of the Class of 2014 since we walked across the stage, but those I have run into appear to be doing great.

2015-Issue 3

Class of 2012: At the 2015 Kentucky Derby were, from left, Andrew Deal, Xin Wu Zie, Tyler Brown, Collin Flaherty, George Piccirilli and Chase Worthington.

We had another wave of marriages and various military graduations since the last Alumni Review earlier this year. However, the only wedding I have gotten wind of is Tyler Spadine and his new wife, Hope Spadine. Congratulations from the Class of 2014 on your marriage!

I would like to apologize to all of our BRs serving in the Army, but there are simply too many of you graduating from too many different schools for me to keep track of all of you. Next Review, I will try to get a list of all the graduations and new ranks, positions, schools, stations, etc., but for now, please bear with me.

In other class news, Rodney Glasgow just returned to the States after playing a season in the Swiss Division 1 league. Rodney played on the team BBC Monthey and ended up making the playoffs this season. He was further honored for being a top scorer on the team and is now headed to Florida to continue training. Rodney said that he loved living in Switzerland and had some amazing opportunities to travel around Europe. In July, he will head out west to play in the Vegas Summer League. I think that the only man who can adequately sum up Glasgow’s achievements in our first year out of the Institute is Maj. Perry ’05: “Coldsteel!”

Glasgow wasn’t the only member of the Class of 2014 to play a season abroad. After bouncing between a few teams, D.J. Covington found his place in the Greek league. I tried to come up with some word for D.J. from Maj. Perry, but all that came to mind was, “Hey second stoop! Tuck your shirt in, D.J.!”

Lastly, but certainly not least, upon Ensign Morgan Walberg’s request to “make me sound cool,” I figured that I could take a few lines and say a few things about my BRs currently aspiring to be naval aviators. Aside from complaints that it took a little long to get into the air and a few complaints that there is more studying and harder tests than Turner’s Revenge, everything seems to be going

smoothly for those cadets from 2014 who branched aviation. Mr. Walberg was kind enough to share a few words with me regarding flight school. “After a lot of ground school, I’m flying pretty regularly and should fly the T-6B Texan by myself next week. There is still a long way to go, but training is definitely progressing, and ultimately, I’ll get to the point of dealing death from above – coming in to help my BRs on the ground!” For most of our BRs in flight school down in Florida, primary should be done by the end of summer, upon which the pilots in training will select their platforms, and after about another year of training, they will receive their wings.

That’s the majority of the news I currently have!

If any of you read this and have anything to add or feel like I have missed some important class achievements, please do not hesitate to give me a call or send me an email!

I hope that this finds everyone in good health and that everyone has a wonderful summer.

Until the next review.

Respectfully, Your class agents, Samuel Guidry and Taylor Floyd, and assistant class agent, Nicole Harding

’15

Johnny McDonald

I would like to introduce the Class of 2015 to the VMI alumni family. As of May 16, 2015, there are 306 graduates; 156 of which commissioned on or before May 15, 2015. Like usual, the class is hitting the ground running with some noteworthy tasks to be completed in the months following graduation. Luke Frizzell (U.S. Navy) is going to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in Coronado, California. Morgan Robinson (U.S. Navy) is going to explosive ordnance disposal training in Panama City, Florida. Chris Livingston has passed the New York police test and will become an officer for the NYPD. Additionally, the following individuals planned to get married shortly after graduation: John Richards, Alexis Wissinger, Parker Searing, Zach Jones and Daniel Nice. The class decided to highlight only these individuals, as we did not want to make the Class of 2014 jealous by outshining them, once again.

I look forward to providing a more complete update for the class in the next few editions of the Alumni Review as everyone gets settled in their post VMI lives. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to include anything in future editions.

Whole damn team, Johnny

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Class Notes

Births

Births

DANO – A son, Charles John, to Kelly and Jonathan M. Dano ’96, April 16, 2015.

STERBENZ – A daughter, Eva Krystyna, to Meg and Christopher A. Sterbenz ’09, May 4, 2015.

WAHESH – A daughter, Reagan Grace, to Carrie Heaton and Elias G. Wahesh ’96, April 9, 2015.

VISCONTI – A son, Noah, to Katie and Joshua D. Visconti ’12, April 25, 2015.

FARRIS – A daughter, Samantha Virginia, to Lorin and W. Brandon Farris ’01, May 1, 2015.

LOVE – A daughter, Kaylee Quinn, to Rachael and Adam T. Love ’01, April 27, 2015.

WACKER – A daughter, Avery Marie, to Andrea and Bryan Wacker ’03, Aug. 26, 2014.

WACKER – A daughter, Brenna Catherine, to Andrea and Bryan Wacker ’03, Aug. 26, 2014.

MIKULA – A daughter, Laughton Elizabeth, to Elizabeth and Matthew T. Mikula ’04, March 4, 2015.

MONTERO – A daughter, Annabelle, to Kari and Joshua E. Montero ’04, July 1, 2014.

WILEY – A son, Declan Grant, to Christina and Derek W. Wiley ’04, April 18, 2015.

Marriages WILLIAMS – Kathryn Goldberg to Sean M. Williams ’98, Oct. 4, 2014.

SALE – Kelsey L. Stafford ’09 to Jeffrey M. Sale ’06, May 2, 2015.

SMITH – Leanne Holley to Kirby T. Smith ’06, April 18, 2015.

Degrees Jeremy N. Adams ’08 Ph.D. Molecular Genetics Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, North Carolina May 2015

VMI’s 25 Most Senior Alumni According to the records of the VMI Alumni Association, the people listed below constitute the 25 senior alumni of the Institute. Please contact the Alumni Review staff if any errors are noted.

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William E. Cantrell ’926

Oct. 17, 1905

John H. Divine III ’36

Nov. 13, 1914

Richard D. Schmitz ’931

Feb. 24, 1908

Henry B. Johnson ’38

Aug. 9, 1915

Ernest C. Johnson ’929

May 19, 1908

Floyd S. Smith ’41

Sept. 7, 1916

Thomas M. Zeledon ’930

Dec. 21, 1908

Raymond W. Parks ’37

Oct. 6, 1916

Howard J. Bell ’933

Nov. 25, 1910

William R. Landrum ’934

Dec. 3, 1910

James M. Witt ’39

Dec. 23, 1916

Emmett J. Heerdt ’934

Feb. 27, 1912

Ira N. Saxe ’39

Sept. 18, 1917

Richard H. McCormick ’934

Dec. 4, 1912

James L. Lennox ’40

March 23, 1918

James E. Kirk ’36

Oct. 25, 1913

David R. Gaitskill ’40

April 9, 1918

Edwin T. Arnold ’35

Feb. 7, 1914

Preston T. Syme ’41

April 13, 1918

James C. Sherman ’35

March 31, 1914

Donald E. Hillman ’40

Aug. 24, 1918

J. Randolph Tucker Jr. ’37

June 29, 1914

B. Anthony Fisher ’40

Sept. 14, 1918

John A. Gialanella ’36

Aug. 28, 1914

William Middleton Jr. ’39

Sept. 20, 1918

VMI Alumni Review

Provisional Appointments APPOINTEE’S NAME 2019 Samuel W. Arrington 2020 Stirling Martin Neil Pauquette

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

Gary A. Weishaar ’70 Kurt C. Weishaar ’05 Nicholas B. Weishaar ’10

Cousin Cousin Cousin

Donald M. Martin ’13 Phillip R. Pauquette ’85

Brother Father

Kent R. Oelrich ’80

Uncle

2022 Shannon E.Straub

Charles E. Straub III ’63

Grandfather

Stephen C. Arnold ’92 Charles E. Straub III ’63 Frederick B. McNeil ’65 Todd C. Early ’91

Father Grandfather Grandfather Uncle

Stephen C. Arnold ’92

Father

2028 Kent Arnold 2030 Daniel L. Boehling Hunter C. Robertson Jackson S. Steele

2031 Carr W. Engstrom Rylann Norwood

William A. McVey ’64 Charles H. Dayhuff III ’59 Robert S. Steele II ’68 Robert S. Steele Jr. ’95 John R. Booton ’930 Frank M. Williams ’930 Marion A. Steele ’60 John D. Steele ’64 Lamar H. Waters Jr. ’84 Rollin A.D. Steele ’03 Carl E. Engstrom ’92 Nicholas Kallelis ’57

2033 Caiden T. Henderson

Charles H. Dayhuff III ’59

Thomas A. Morris

Phillip S. Morris ’96

Grandfather Greatgrandfather Grandfather Father Grandfather Grandfather Great-uncle Great-uncle Uncle Uncle Father Greatgrandfather

Spencer A. McLellan

Lucas L. Moore-Bravo Lucy A. Rosenthal Charles A. Russell III Silas M. Sweatman 2037 Leighton K. Crenshaw Cody P. Ferlis Luke B. Gorski Suzanne D. Jones Emily A. Kendrick Olivia L. Kendrick Isaac Scott Lingamfelter Stella L. Peters James E. Sebrell II

John G.Sebrell II Thomas E. Claytor Jr. ’03 Phillip S. Morris ’96 Gregg R. Kendrick ’89

Father Uncle Father

2035 Grayson M. Dayhuff

Charles H. Dayhuff III ’59

Robert W. Etheredge Jr.

Charles H. Dayhuff III ’59

John P. Hampton III Micah A. Swearingen

John P. Hampton Jr. ’03 Charles H. Dayhuff III ’59

2036 Owen Boss

Greatgrandfather Greatgrandfather Father Greatgrandfather

Nicholas Kallelis ’57

Benjamin R. Sherburne Oliver D. Sherburne Joseph M. Shrady Lennox C. Smith Slade A.D. Steele

George C. Seay ’929 William M. Seay ’36 John H. Cameron ’857 Frances J. Cameron ’886 William T. Sherrard ’849 Joseph H. Sherrard IV ’37 Robert S. Sherrard ’44 Joseph H. Sherrard V ’64 Robert S. Sherrard Jr. ’77 Joseph X. Bell ’38 Charles A. Brown ’73 Robert L.T. Williams ’74 Ernest H. Williams Jr. ’35 Easley L. Moore Jr. ’65 Francis J. Rosenthal III ’82 Charles A. Russell Sr. ’65 Jack L. Thompson ’67 Alec B. Thompson ’14 Joseph V. Arthur III ’75 Phillip S. Morris ’96 Paul A. Gorski ’72 Thomas W. Gorski ’03 Joseph W. Gorski ’00 Everett D. Jones ’00 Gregg R. Kendrick ’89 Gregg R. Kendrick ’89 Lee S. Lingamfelter ’73 John S. Lingamfelter ’08 Paul S. Lingamfelter ’12 Anthony R. Peters ’04 Thomas E. Sebrell II ’01 John G. Sebrell ’69 Thomas E. Sebrell IV ’64 Henry W. Stallworth Jr. ’04 Thomas E. Sebrell II ’01 John G. Sebrell ’69 Thomas E. Sebrell IV ’64 Henry W. Stallworth Jr. ’04 Joseph H. Doane ’04 John A. Ward ’92 Joseph H. Doane ’04 John A. Ward ’92 Richard W. Clarke ’73 Brandon M. Smith ’04 Robert S. Steele II ’68 Rollin A.D. Steele ’03 John R. Booton ’930 Frank M. Williams ’930

Fletcher E. Dreelin Charles H. Etheredge

Scott E. Campbell ’04 Paul E. Campbell ’78 Donald P. Dreelin ’59 Charles H. Dayhuff III ’59

Harrison T. Hillsman Cailyn Kreckman Wallace C. Martin

Joshua N. Hillsman ’03 Scott A. Kreckman ’05 Donald C. Seay ’70

2015-Issue 3

Joseph B. Seay ’32 Joseph G. Seay ’892

Greatgrandfather Uncle

2034 Thomas E. Claytor III Cole R. Ferlis Hope Q. Kendrick

Kellan Campbell

Wallace C. Martin (cont.)

ALUMNUS-CLASS

George H. Cameron ’864

2021 Ryan Redmond

2025 Jason Arnold Ryan Q. Straub Patrick P. Williamson

APPOINTEE’S NAME

Greatgrandfather Father Grandfather Grandfather Greatgrandfather Father Father Grandfather

Marshall P. Sullivan Beckett A. Suttle Samuel M. Ward

Marion A. Steele ’60 John D. Steele ’64 Lamar H. Waters Jr. ’84 Robert S. Steele Jr. ’95 David P. Sullivan ’08 Edmund R. Strickler ’62 Stephen A. Strickler ’68 Michael M. Strickler ’71 Elijah M. Ward ’01

RELATIONSHIP Greatgrandfather Great-greatgrandfather Greatgreat-greatgrandfather Great-great-uncle Great-great-uncle Cousin Cousin Cousin Cousin Cousin Cousin Cousin Cousin Cousin Grandfather Greatgrandfather Grandfather Grandfather Grandfather Grandfather Cousin Grandfather Uncle Grandfather Father Uncle Father Father Father Grandfather Father Uncle Father Father Grandfather Great-uncle Uncle Father Grandfather Great-uncle Uncle Uncle Cousin Uncle Cousin Grandfather Father Grandfather Father Greatgrandfather Greatgrandfather Great-uncle Great-uncle Uncle Uncle Father Great-uncle Grandfather Great-uncle Father

159

Taps Howard J. Bell ’33 Howard Jefferson Bell ’33 of Portland, Oregon, died March 2, 2015. He was 104.

Bell matriculated from Portland and attended VMI for one year.

He is survived by his children, Chriss Bell, Douglas Bell (Christine) and Patricia Bell Wollner; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, May Elaine Turnbull; brothers, Robert and Frederick Bell; and sister, Edna Ellen Bell.

Gardner F. Goodwyn Jr. ’36 Judge Gardner Foster Goodwyn Jr. ’36 of Bessemer, Alabama, died Feb. 24, 2015.

He was 100.

Goodwyn matriculated from Bessemer and attended VMI for two years. He earned both his Bachelor of Arts degree and his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Alabama.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Williams Goodwyn; daughter, Priscilla Anderson (Robert); son, Tyler Williams Goodwyn (Jeanie); and grandson, Cooper Anderson.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Col. Marvin Williams Goodwyn, and son, Gardner Foster Goodwyn III.

Glenn T. Foust Jr. ’38 Glenn Taylor “Jim” Foust Jr. ’38, M.D., of Tucson, Arizona, died Feb. 14, 2015.

He was 97.

Foust matriculated from Norton, Virginia, and graduated with distinction from VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. He earned his Master of Science degree from the University of Minnesota and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Virginia.

Foust was serving as class agent for the Class of 1938.

He is survived by his children, G.T. Foust, J. Foust and Jane Wolfe; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-greatgrandchild.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy, and his second wife, Midge.

William T. Ragland Jr. ’41 William Trent Ragland Jr. ’41 of Raleigh, North Carolina, died March 1, 2015.

He was 94.

Ragland matriculated from Raleigh and 160

attended VMI for one year. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

He is survived by his wife, Anna; daughters, Anna Ragland Hayes and Alice McKenzie Ragland (Duff McAdams); son, William Trent Ragland III (Wes); grandchildren, John Patrick Keenan, Anna Christine McKenzie Keenan, William Trent Ragland IV and Mary Suiter Ragland; great-grandchild, Guinevere Keenan; and brother, William McKenzie Ragland.

Earl F. Hogan ’43 Earl Fulton Hogan ’43 of Baltimore, Maryland, died April 13, 2015. He was 92.

Hogan matriculated from Goshen, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth.

Charles P. Bigger III ’45 Charles Purcell Bigger III ’45, Ph.D., of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, died Feb. 15, 2015. He was 91.

Bigger matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and attended VMI for two years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree, Master of Arts degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Anne Gassner Bigger; children, Charles P. Bigger IV (Marie), Elizabeth Maloan, Ann Moore and Rachel Meredith Jones (Max); grandchildren, Amy Kerchoff, Alice Friend Bigger ’45 Young, Mandy Bigger Apple and Jeremiah Bigger; three great-grandchildren; stepchildren, Dr. Christopher Belleau (Erin), Susanne Pritchard (Bill), Elaine Belleau, Amelia Walsh (Joseph), Anne Louise Belleau and Carole Warren (Gary); and 11 step-grandchildren.

Richard A. Matheis ’45 Richard Anthony “Dick” Matheis ’45

of Naples, Florida, died April 8, 2015. He was 91.

Matheis matriculated from Garden City, Long Island, New York, and attended VMI for one year.

Matheis was serving as class agent at the time of his death. He is survived Matheis ’45 by his wife, Sandra; and children and step-children, Terri Matheis, Todd and Anne Matheis, Lyn and Rich Johnston, Wesley J. Geissal, Mike and Dana Matheis, and Bruce and Leslie Hoffmeister; and brothers, sisters and their spouses, Alice and John Deegan, Robert and Janet Matheis, Doris Matheis, and Roy and Ginny Matheis.

He was preceded in death by his son, Scott Matheis.

Beverly R. Laws ’48A Beverly Rhea Laws ’48A of Houston, Texas, died March 28, 2015. He was 88.

Laws matriculated from Hundland, Tennessee, and attended VMI for one year. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of the South and his Master of Arts degree from New York University.

He is survived by his wife, Katie; children, Lauranne Laws Humphreys, Charles Laws, Rhea Laws and Janie Laws Macey; eight grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathy Leigh.

Brewster I. Evans ’49B Brewster Irvin “Jack” Evans ’49B of Georgetown, Texas, died Feb. 8, 2015. He was 85.

Evans matriculated from Columbia, South Carolina, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Texas.

He is survived by his sons, Mike and Mark Evans; daughters, Linda Lytle, Deborah Yates and Debra Evans; sister, Carolyn McCord; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia.

Robert D. Ellett ’49C Robert Douglas “Bob” Ellett ’49C of VMI Alumni Review

Taps Lynchburg, Virginia, died Feb. 23, 2015.

He was 90.

Ellett matriculated from Lynchburg and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his children, Martha L. Ellett, Jane R. Gordon (Baxter) and James T. Ellett (Tracy); brother-in-law, the Hon. W.W. “Bill” Sweeney (Nada); sister-in-law, Patricia “Pat” Shahrokhi (Farshid); and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

George S. Coffman ’50B George Serpell Coffman ’50B of Greenville, North Carolina, died Feb. 27, 2015.

He was 85.

Coffman matriculated from Elkins, West Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Martha Sydnor Coffman; sons, John (Pam) and Bill (Emily); and grandchildren, Sydnor Coffman, Harrison Coffman, Ned Coffman and Andrew Faulkner.

Quinter J. Herring Jr. ’50B Quinter Judson Herring Jr. ’50B of Normal, Illinois, died April 14, 2015. He was 85.

Herring matriculated from Fredericksburg, Virginia, and attended VMI for one year.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn.

Richard V. Madonia ’50B Richard Victor “Ron” Madonia ’50B of Titusville, Florida, died March 1, 2015.

He was 88.

Madonia matriculated from Baldwin, Long Island, New York, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Hofstra University.

He is survived by his children, Michelle Darling, Mark Madonia, Christine Turner (Chuck), Louise Madonia, Corinne Kuhlmeier (David), Susan Madonia, Michael Madonia (Kelly) and Denise Madonia; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marthe, and son, Richard Madonia.

2015-Issue 3

Vincent D. Palazzo ’50B Vincent Donald Palazzo ’50B of Holyoke, Massachusetts, died March 16, 2015.

He was 85.

Palazzo matriculated from Queens, New York, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his sons, Donald Vincent Palazzo (Laurie) and Paul Stephen Palazzo (Norma), and granddaughter, Francesca Palazzo.

He was preceded in death by his sister Gloria Vivian LaRocca, and grandson, Stephen Paul Palazzo.

Robert M. Reardon ’50B Robert Meighan Reardon ’50B, M.D., of Bloomington, Illinois, died Nov. 25, 2014.

He was 83.

Reardon matriculated from Brooklyn, New York, and attended VMI for one year. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center.

He is survived by his son, Robert M. Reardon Jr. (Laura), and grandchildren, Lee Meighan Reardon and Robert West Reardon.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian Velehradsky Reardon, and brother, John M. Reardon.

Reuben E. Vick ’53 Reuben Earl Vick ’53 of Windsor, Virginia, died April 6, 2015. He was 82.

Vick matriculated from Boykins, Virginia, and attended VMI for less than one year.

He is survived by his sons, Richard Vick and Geoffrey Vick (Belinda); six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tracy Lynn Rollins and sister, Carole Vick.

Anthony M. Vitale ’53 Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Anthony Michael Vitale ’53 of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, died Feb. 6, 2015. He was 83.

Vitale matriculated from Boston, Massachusetts, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from the University of Michigan.

He is survived by his children, Marina Vitale, Michaela Vitale, Anthony Michael Vitale Jr. (Donna) and Damian

Vitale (Katherine Smith); grandchildren, Amy and Martin Krecker, and Julia and Michael Vitale; and special family friend, Susanne Gwynn.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marina G. Vitale.

Roy Alexander Jr. ’54 Roy Alexander Jr. ’54 of Houston, Texas, died Feb. 28, 2015. He was 85.

Alexander matriculated from Houston and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from South Texas College and was named a fellow of the College of the State Bar of Texas.

He is survived by his children, Page, Kathryn, Roy, Berkeley, Courtney, John, Whitney and Alexis, and 10 grandchildren.

Waverley B. LaPrade ’54 Waverley Byrd LaPrade ’54 of Londonderry, Vermont, died Jan. 28, 2015.

He was 85.

LaPrade matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

He is survived by his daughter, Virginia Lee LaPrade, and grandchildren, Zachary Byrd and Lily Harding-LaPrade.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Fay Pool LaPrade, and father, William Waverley LaPrade ’904, who died July 20, 1952.

Norman C. Plunkett ’54 Norman Cadell Plunkett ’54 of Richmond, Virginia, died Feb. 13, 2015. He was 83.

Plunkett matriculated from Richmond and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Sallie Hughes Plunkett; daughter, Dr. Susan Elizabeth Plunkett; son, David Cadell Plunkett (Lisa); and sister, Beverley Boyd Plunkett.

John F. Hiner ’55 John Frederick Hiner ’55 of Sarasota, Florida, died Feb. 4, 2015. He was 82.

Hiner matriculated from Beckley, West Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. 161

Taps He is survived by his wife, Mary Irene Hiner; step-children, Stephanie Shannon (P.D.), Ed Waters (Brenda) and Chuck Waters; grandchildren, Arthur Hatem (Victoria), Nicole Hatem, Edward Waters Jr. and Michael Waters; and three greatgrandchildren.

George Locher ’55 George Locher ’55 of Richmond, Virginia, died Feb. 17, 2015. He was 81.

Locher matriculated from Lexington, Virginia, and attended VMI for three years.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen Burger Locher; children, George Locher, John P. Locher ’81 (Jody), Michael H. Locher ’84 (Jan), Brian W. Locher (Karen), Susan (Darrell) and Gregory B. Locher (Laurie); and 14 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Hunter Locher III, and sister, Arden Locher Davidson.

Anderson W. Douthat III ’57 Anderson Wade Douthat III ’57 of Roanoke, Virginia, died March 26, 2015.

He was 79.

Douthat matriculated from Roanoke and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

He is survived by his wife, Frances “Sis” Douthat; sons, Anderson Wade Douthat IV ’82 (Chrissy) and John Watson Douthat (Kelly); daughter, Anne Douthat Reiss (Carl); grandchildren, William Walcott Douthat, Ann Lockard Douthat, Elizabeth Hancock Douthat, Katherine Stuart Douthat, Anna Wade Douthat, Carl Anderson Reiss and Arthurr Johnston Reiss; and brother, James Fielding Douthat.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Douthat Goss, and his father, Anderson Wade Douthat Jr ’925, who died Aug. 23, 1943.

John M. Eggleston Jr. ’59 John Morton “Mort” Eggleston Jr. ’59 of Richmond, Virginia, died Feb. 14, 2015. He was 78.

Eggleston matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and earned 162

his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his daughter, Leigh Twiford (Kurt); son, John Eggleston (Malena); grandchildren, Madeleine and Carson Wiford, and Gabriel and Liam Eggleston; and sister, Sarah Frances.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey.

Robert P. Sellers ’59 Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Robert Phillip Sellers ’59 of Tallahassee, Florida, died Feb. 4, 2015. He was 77.

Sellers matriculated from Sarasota, Florida, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from Troy State University.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Spivey Sellers; son, Robert P. Sellers Jr. (Angie); daughter, Elizabeth Given (Robert); and grandchildren, Jessica Sellers, Kathleen Sellers, Parker Given, Phillip Given and Blair Given.

Peter W. Houck ’60 Peter William Houck ’60, M.D., of Lynchburg, Virginia, died March 10, 2015.

He was 76.

Houck matriculated from Lynchburg and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Anne Tweedy; children, Katherine Houck, David Houck, Heather Harris, Allison Kahl and Sarah Takacs; and 10 grandchildren.

Jeffrey H. Wolford Sr. ’63

Jeffrey Hunter Wolford Sr. of Round Hill, Virginia, died Feb. 17, 2013. He was 71.

Wolford matriculated from Alexandria, Virginia, and attended VMI for one year.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Wolford; sons, Jeffrey Wolford Jr., Scott Wolford, Matthew Wolford, Tad Wolford and Tyler Wolford; daughters, Meg Adams and Jo Wolford; sisters, Eggleston ’59 Jill Wolford-Hall, Janis Flynn and

Aimee Wolford Wright; 16 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Thomas G. Allen ’64 Thomas Glenn “Tom” Allen ’64 of Raleigh, North Carolina, died Feb. 13, 2015. He was 72.

Allen matriculated from Charlottesville, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; son, Bren (Caroline); and sister, Kay Hockman.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Susan, and brothers-in-law, Jim Copeland and Jay Hockman.

Leslie I. Barnhart ’65 Leslie Irvin Barnhart ’65 of Houston, Texas, died March 17, 2015. He was 72.

Barnhart matriculated from Houston and attended VMI for one year.

He is survived by his wife, Wendy Barnhart; brother, Paul F. Barnhart Jr. (Karol); and sister, Velda Wyche.

Paul W. Simmons ’68 Paul Wiseman Simmons ’68 of Courtland, Virginia, died March 9, 2015. He was 69.

Simmons matriculated from Courtland and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Bunn Simmons; daughter, Kimberly Simmons Pope (Mark); son, David Paul Simmons (Heather); and grandchildren, Meghan Elizabeth Simmons, Madeline Paige Simmons, Anne Jackson Pope and Tripp Westbrook Pope.

Jacob C. Pence III ’69 Jacob Carpenter Pence III ’69 of McGaheysville, Virginia, died Jan. 26, 2015.

He was 67.

Pence matriculated from McGaheysville and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Debbie; step-son, Chris Diehl (Layna); brother, John Stephen Farber Pence; and stepgrandchildren, Grayson and Gavin Diehl.

VMI Alumni Review

Taps Richard J. Spence ’71

Son M. Le ’82

Richard John Spence ’71 of Wildwood, Missouri, died April 9, 2015. He was 66.

Spence matriculated from Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from the University of South Carolina.

He is survived by his wife, Robin Ann Spence; daughters, Kathy McDonald, Crissa Petrovic and Bridget Johnson; sons, Casey Spence and Richard Spence; grandchildren, Brittany Moran, Olivia McDonald, Rose-Eve McDonald, James McDonald, Madeline McDonald, Elisa McDonald, Margaret McDonald, Ethen Johnson, Jillian Johnson and Brayden Hart; and great-grandchildren, Isabella Moran, Camila Moran and Nikkolai Strickland.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alburton and Ruth Spence, and his brother, Robert Spence.

Col. Son Minh “Sean” Le ’82 of South Riding, Virginia, died April 24, 2015. He was 54.

Le matriculated from Falls Church, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He earned his Master in Business Administration degree from National University.

(Editor’s Note: We have no further information on Mr. Le.)

2015-Issue 3

Hoke; daughter Erica Ryan; son, Matthew David Hoke; brother, Jeffrey Wayne Hoke (Lara); grandmother, Lucille McDowell; and parents-in-law, Joyce and Nolan Huffman.

He was preceded in death by his father, Vernon D. Hoke.

Anthony P. Conway ’01

Anthony P. Conway ’01 of Lexington, Virginia, died Feb. 20, 2015. He was 36.

Conway matriculated from Scotland and earned his Bachelor of Vernon D. Hoke II ’87 Conway ’01 Arts degree in English from VMI. Vernon David Hoke II ’87 of He is survived by his wife, AmanWaynesboro, Virginia, died Feb. 7, 2015. da Tardy Conway; daughters, Cora and He was 50.

Louise Conway; brother, Martin Conway Hoke matriculated from Waynesboro (Julie); parents, John and Pauline Conway; and earned his Bachelor of Science degree and his wife’s family, Claudia Huffman, in civil engineering from VMI. David Tardy, Phyllis Bennington, and He is survived by his wife, Lori Huffman Renata and Brian Kleinchester.

163

After Taps 1950s E. Roy Alexander Jr. ’54 by his children: Paige, Kathy, Roy, Berkley, Whitney, Courtney, John and Alexis Alexander Eben Roy Alexander Jr., immigration lawyer, Air Force veteran, VMI graduate, practical joker, charmer, best friend, big brother, beloved father of eight and grandfather of 10, died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015.

Roy was born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Eben Roy Alexander and Mary Louise “Webby” Webb, debuting as their first son and most untamable child. One of seven children, Roy distinguished himself as an adventurer and a maverick, consistently breaking records and rules to earn the admiration of his peers and, often, the ire of his teachers. From an early age, Roy reveled in pushing boundaries, and he had a healthy disregard for rules that set him up for a lifetime of successes – both personal and professional. His strong character dictated that he did things his own way, and he rarely let convention get in the way of that.

Roy was a passionate devotee of the military, initiated by a not entirely willing foray into military school, but he soon blossomed into it. He started first with a stint at Cardinal Farley’s Military Academy in Rhineback, New York, then went on to matriculate at VMI in ’54. He served in the Air Force, active during the Korean War, and achieved the rank of captain. Roy was a skilled pilot, and for years after the service, he continued to log his flight hours, sharing his love for flying with friends and family and anyone else who would dare to board his vessel. And as a son of the Republic of Texas, his affiliation to the armed services even predated himself. Roy’s dedication to the military was a lifelong vocation, giving him not only flawless posture and esoteric soldierly catchphrases but a family for life.

Roy was a mentor and counselor at heart, which likely explains why he was a practicing immigration attorney up until his death; devoting himself to his clients so that they could realize their own potential in this country. He served the Houston community for over 50 years, representing everyone from dignitaries and refugees, and earned an impeccable and international reputation as an immigration attorney. His clients became his friends, and he looked after them like his own family, often congratulating them on their fine decision to move to his adopted home state of Texas.

Roy was incredibly talented and accomplished, but some of his biggest gifts could not possibly be

164

quantified. His sharp wit and sense of humor was second to none and at its best bordered on outrageous. Always ready with a well-turned quip or phrase, Roy aimed to either scandalize or amuse his audience – oftentimes resulting in both. He was also an exceptional endurance athlete before it became the fashion, having run over 100 marathons and races in his lifetime and tackling his daily longdistance laps at the pool until his 84th year. Roy was also a natural with children, indulging them by talking with and not at them, and always taken in as one of their own once they caught a whiff of his active imagination and fits of fanciful storytelling.

Despite his military discipline and seemingly rigid ways, there was a soft underbelly to Roy that only got softer with age and showed itself in unlikely and charming ways. There was the gradual relaxing of his lifelong anti-cat policy when he started a “soup kitchen” for strays at his Heights office. Or that his favorite flowers were daisies, because they were so ordinary and unassuming; so devoid of pretension.

There was his love of Broadway show tunes, perhaps the only vestige of his New York childhood he had no problem reconciling to his very Texan love of country music. And also his lifelong love affair with deviled eggs, pickled herring, lox and popcorn, which later in life expanded to dalliances with mac and cheese, frijoles a la charra and pork tamales; all of which could be trumped by anything he could eat standing up at the sink. Roy’s proclivities and allegiances could always surprise in his friends and family and those that peeled back the layers got to know a truly interesting and multifaceted man.

Roy will be deeply missed by family, friends, clients and colleagues. Having served the Houston community for over five decades, he’s touched thousands of lives and no doubt made a difference to many. It was his devotion to serving his clients that propelled is law practice through his 85th year and if he could have filed a continuance on life, he’d still be at his law office, time-worn briefcase in hand. But everyone must retire someday, and Roy, we can only hope you’re finally at sea with the wind in your sails.

Creed W. Abell III ’56, Ph.D.

by Marjorie L. Abell Creed Wills Abell III, Ph.D., of Austin, Texas, died after a long illness Sept. 9, 2014. The son of Creed Wills Abell II and Evelyn Gibson Abell, he was born July 8, 1934, in Charlottesville, Virginia.

He was a proud son of Virginia, a state in which his family lineage dates back to the 1700s. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marjorie L. Abell; a son, Dr. Creed W. Abell IV, and his wife, Catherine Lukefahr Abell, of Houston; a daughter, Janice Abell Kinnear, and her husband, James, of

Hurst; and grandchildren, Creed W. Abell V, and Lynn Abell Guerrieri and her husband, Riccardo, of Houston.

After graduating from VMI in 1956, he entered Purdue University where he earned a Master of Science degree and developed an interest in medicinal chemistry. He next went to the University of Wisconsin, where he earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree and completed a postdoctoral residency under the direction of the renowned cancer researcher, Dr. Charles Heidelberger.

Upon completing his education, Abell served with the U.S. Public Health Service in Bethesda, Maryland, before accepting a position on the faculty of the medical school at the University of Oklahoma.

From there, he served 14 years on the faculty at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston where he developed the Medical Doctor-Doctor of Philosophy [program] in biochemistry and directed multidisciplinary research programs on schizophrenia. In 1986, he accepted a position as professor of medicinal chemistry at the University of Texas College of Pharmacy. While at UT Austin, he held the Henry M. Burlage Centennial Endowed Professorship in medicinal chemistry until his retirement in 2008, at which time he was named professor emeritus.

He introduced new courses and launched a new program in neuroscience at UT Austin and became internationally recognized for his contributions to the advancement of neurochemistry and neurobiology. His graduate course, molecular biology of the nervous system, was the first of its kind at UT Austin and served as one of the core courses in the College of Pharmacy’s graduate program. He helped pioneer interdisciplinary research efforts at UT Austin, serving as director of the institute for neuroscience from 1992-2004. He helped develop the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy program in neuroscience at the university.

His research focused on the workings of the central nervous system, particularly the role of neurotransmitters, chemicals that carry signals between the neurons in the body. His work contributed to the scientific information regarding diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. In 1984, he was the first to show where these proteins are located in the brain and the study provided the frameworks to better understand neurological disorders and psychiatric disorders. He held several patents related to his work and was the author of more than 125 scientific research papers.

Creed and Marjorie enjoyed a love for tennis where they earned a second place in state rankings in mixed doubles at one time. He enjoyed his Monday night game with a group of longtime friends at the Courtyard Tennis Club. He was a member of Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church.

VMI Alumni Review

VMI Alumni Association Directory The VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

The VMI Foundation, Inc.

Executive Vice President

President

Edgar J.T. Perrow Jr. ’96 P.O. Box 3133 Lynchburg, VA 24503-0133 tperrow@wwassociates.net

President

Hugh M. Fain III ’80

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

First Vice President

Thomas W. Davis ’64 davistw@vmi.edu

Immediate Past President

Second Vice President

Robert A. Heely ’69 507 Westover Ave. Norfolk, VA 23507 bobheely@yahoo.com

Asa H. Page III ’79 5321 N. Point Ct. Virginia Beach, VA 23455-6827 vmi79@verizon.net

Brian S. Crockett

The VMI Keydet Club, Inc. President

William A. Paulette ’69

Historian

Robert P. Louthan ’82 809 Lindsay Ct. Richmond, VA 23229-6823 rlouthan1@gmail.com

Chief Executive Officer

Directors at Large Terms Expire June 30, 2016 Joel W. Andrus ’04 jandrus@kemperconsult.com A. Damon Williams ’90 damonwilliams@msn.com

Chief Executive Officer Gregory M. Cavallaro ’84

Terms Expire June 30, 2017 Anthony U. Moore ’78 amor_78@comcast.net E. Sean Lanier ’94 av8sean06@hotmail.com Terms Expire June 30, 2018 Jessica J. Schmaus ’04 jessica.schmaus@gmail.com Samuel N. Stocks ’90 sstocks@kbsgc.com

Region/ Director

Region I Far West

Matthew Hemenez ’90 mrhemenez@cox.net

Region II Midwest

Jim Dittrich ’76 jfdinarkansas @aol.com

Region III Northeast

Patrick Griffin ’80 anchors80@ comcast.net

Region IV Mid Atlantic

Peter Charrington ’66

pcharrin@comcast.net

Region V Southeast

C. Patrick Haddock ’00 vmitranspo@ hotmail.com

2015-Issue 3

Chapter Name

Chapter President

President’s E-mail

Chapter Representative Trent L. Boggs ’83 Joseph S. Howard III ’97 Matthew R. Hemenez ’90 Russell Shun Takata ’74

Alaska Arizona Greater Los Angeles Hawaii Inland Empire Las Vegas Northern California Pacific Northwest Pikes Peak Rocky Mountain San Diego

Trent L. Boggs ’83 Kevin Black ’99 Terrence S. DeGray ’04 Russell Shun Takata ’74 Andre J. Gibson ’78 Kenneth S. Krynski ’89 Brian K. Andrew ’03 James R. Farmer ’68 Thomas R. Clark III ’73 William V. Trumpore ’89 Micah T. Wei ’99

tboggs@gci.com kblack@executive-command.com tdegray@gmail.com russell.takata@yahoo.com andrejg@aol.com krynskiks@pendleton.usmc.mil brian.k.andrew@gmail.com seattlefarmer@comcast.net vmiman@comcast.net vailkeydet@gmail.com mwei100@yahoo.com

Arkansas Bluegrass Centex

James F. Dittrich ’76 Gregory G. McDearmon ’99 Stephen J. Barcik III ’85

jfdinarkansas@aol.com ggmcd34@earthlink.net steve.barcik@htds2.com

Chicago

Daniel C. Young ’88 & Molly. M. Hastings ’13 Brian D. Skusa ’00 David C. Hagemann ’80 Jeffrey D. Vordermark ’79 R. Conor Evans ’02 Hamel B. Reinmiller ’98

dan.young@wfadvisors.com hastingsmm@mail.vmi.edu BSkusa@kforce.com dhag80@aol.com vordermark@juno.com conorevans@hotmail.com HBRvmi98@vmialumni.org

Daniel J. Fitzgerald ’89 Steven P. Weiss ’86 J. Micah North ’00 David P. Loduca ’81 Murray F. Hudson ’82

Daniel.Fitzgerald@hdrinc.com Steve.Weiss@LibertyIU.com j.micah.north@gmail.com loduca@pbworld.com murfh@urbaneng.com

Thomas R. Shaw ’78 Steven P. Weiss ’86 J. Micah North ’00 Robert C. Polk ’61 M. Douglass Payne ’73

New England NY City - Long Island North Jersey

John W. Wainwright III ’82 George T. Mosby ’97 Richard C. Wolffe Jr. ’78

anchors80@comcast.net gmosby@liquidnet.com RWolffe@tspcapitalmgt.com

John R. Gibney Jr. ’80 Kevin P. Sincavage ’87

Maryland Central Keystone Delaware Valley Western PA - Pittsburgh Southeastern PA

Thomas M. Wirth ’98 Robert P. Hill ’08 Frederick J. Killmeyer IV ’95 Thomas N. Gelles ’80 Frederick J. Killmeyer IV ’95

twirth@mragta.com rphill48@gmail.com rkillmeyer@mcintyre-group.com tng317@verizon.et rickkillmeyer@gmail.com

Thomas J. Hickey Jr. ’68 H. Larry Mays Jr. ’73 John T. Pace IV ’77 J. Mark Hennigan ’90 John T. Pace IV ’77

Augusta Appalachian Atlanta Coastal GA - South Carolina East TN - Knoxville Middle TN - Nashville Midsouth

Terence L. Bowers ’68 Thomas N. Daniel Jr. ’60 David R. Nagel ’01 Mark P. Parton ’08 Christopher R. Jones ’96 William E. Kirby III ’96 Robert P. Quarles III ’80

terrybowers@vmialumni.org tomdaniel60@charter.net nageldr78@hotmail.com partonmp@gmail.com crj2112@gmail.com ktkirby@comcast.net rpquarles@buckman.com

Raymond R. Lawson ’81 Campbell C. Hyatt III ’65 Charles C. Schoen IV ’86

Cleveland/Northern Ohio Detroit Kansas City, Missouri North TX - Dallas Oklahoma Rio Grande San Antonio SE TX - Houston Southwest Ohio St. Louis Third Coast (Corpus Christi)

John D. Christie ’59 Todd E. Arris ’87 James R. Farmer ’68 Katrina D. Powell ’06 William V. Trumpore ’89

Hugh R. Hill ’85 Christopher J. Whittaker ’90 J. Andrew Hardin ’04 Donald A. Noschese Jr. ’92 Stephen M. Chiles ’89 Mark A. Benvenuto ’83 Todd J. Jacobs ’90 Garry C. Varney ’76

Kevin L. Snell ’82 Charles S. Sanger ’82 Philip J. Altizer Jr. ’80

165

VMI Alumni Association Directory

Region/ Director

Chapter Name

Chapter President

President’s E-mail

Chapter Representative

Camp Lejeune/Crystal Coast Cape Fear Central NC - Raleigh Charlotte Club of the Triad Coastal Carolina, SC Palmetto, South Carolina Wilmington, NC

John A. Moder ’98 Charles L. Toomey ’74 Laurence B. Wilson Jr. ’62 Michael S. Anderson ’88 Terrin R. Tucker ’95 N. Aric Southworth ’94 Carl B. Hammond ’00 John P. Gangemi ’61

john.moder@gmail.com toomeyl@pinehurst.net lbebwilson@aol.com vmi2army@gmail.com tuckertr@hotmail.com aric.southworth@yahoo.com hammondcb@yahoo.com jgangemi@ec.rr.com

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

William H. Cather Jr. ’65 J.C. Nagle IV ’87 Rhys D. Williams ’07

billcather@bellsouth.net jay.nagle@parsons.com rhys.david.williams@gmail.com

William H. Cather Jr. ’65 John Nagle ’87

Charles M. Rogers IV ’83 Jason M. Goldstein ’02 James D. Friskhorn ’81 Scott A. Houser ’98 Bradford T. Herrell ’01 Herbert U. Fluhler ’77 Don L. Holmes ’66 Donald D. Carson ’64 Robert M. Bailey ’72

max.rogers@mobileinfirmary.org jmgoldstein@mactec.com james.friskhorn@cardnotec.com housersa@yahoo.com vmigrad1@hotmail.com huf2000@aol.com donlholmes@aol.com dcarson678@bellsouth.net bobngracebailey@tampabay.rr.com

John H. Friend III ’82 Grafton D. Addison III ’82

Lynchburg New River Valley Roanoke

Charles R. Schindler Jr. ’91 Gerald B. Burrus ’96 Andrew M. Reel ’03

vmimwc@comcast.net bradburrus@yahoo.com reeldadx2@gmail.com

Christopher M. Boswell ’00 Gerald B. Burrus ’96 J. Patrick Henderson ’99

Allegheny Highlands Blue Ridge Charlottesville N. Shenandoah Valley Rockbridge County Stonewall Jackson Valley

T. Troy Barbour ’89 G. Wayne Eastham ’76 James E. Duncan ’98 W. Douglas Thomas ’65 T. Keith Jarvis ’82 Jason K. Gruse ’97

troy.barbour@hcahealthcare.com weastham@carrhyde.com jim@realcentralva.com wdtllt@comcast.net jarvistk@vmi.edu jasongruse@hotmail.com

Harrison L. Fridley Jr. ’61 R. Edward Duncan ’60 Mark H. Bryant ’77 Kevin J. Callanan ’78 Lewis V. Graybill ’62 Roger A. Jarrell II ’91

Eastern Shore

vmi79classagent@aol.com dtyler4@cox.net joshua.p.priest@navy.mil ed.plucinski@hanson.com ghaste@associatedcontracting.com jrowe66@cox.net

Thomas F. Wilson ’80

Norfolk Peninsula Virginia Beach Western Tidewater

Michael S. Ogden ’79 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

John D. Kearney Jr. ’00 Christopher L. Haney ’00

Kearney.jay@gmail.com Stephen Traina ’03 christopher.haney@duffandphelps.com Henry J. Foresman Jr. ’76

Richmond Tri Cities

M. Keenan Entsminger ’02 Samuel L. Mattocks ’74

keenan_entsminger@ccpsnet.net samuelmattocks762@gmail.com

Marc L. Antonelli ’06 Augustus Robbins III ’47

Rappahannock Richard A. Duke ’90

Carl J. DeBernard Jr. ’94 Stephen E. Wilson ’68 George D. Dyer ’66 John E. Karafa ’84

carl.debernard@dhs.gov sewilson68@verizon.net spookfive@aol.com john.karafa@leebcorservices.com

R.C. Thompson III ’74 William F. Brent ’67

rduke517@gmail.com

Fredericksburg - Quantico Rappahannock Southside Williamsburg

Region XIV Pacific Rim

Taiwan Thailand

Ching-Pu Chen ’85 Vaipot Srinual ’72

chingpu@saturn.yzu.edu.tw

Ching-Pu Chen ’85 Vaipot Srinual ’72

Region VI Carolinas

Charles L. Ramsburg ’66 clramsburg@gmail.com

Region VII Deep South

Walter L. Chalkley ’72

waltchalkley@aol.com

Region VIII Southwest VA Bland Massie ’77

super77@vmialumni.org

Region IX Shenandoah Valley

Thomas K. Jarvis ’82 jarvistk@vmi.edu

Region X

Hampton Roads Michael S. Ogden ’79 VMI79ClassAgent@aol.com Sean P. Hingley ’07 sean.p.hingley@ wfadvisors.com

Region XI Metro D.C.

Douglas B. Warner ’03

douglas.warner1 @vmialumni.org G. Anthony Esteve ’00 anthonyesteve@gmail.com

Region XII Central VA

Hilbert S. Wilkinson III ’94 bretwilkinson@gmail.com

Charles L. Toomey ’74 Ronald R. Wall ’69 James A. Sharp ’93 Charles H. Alligood ’61 Steve E. Hively ’72 F. Grey Farthing III ’79 Henry Brown ’60

Brett R. Martin ’00 Raymond J. Pietruszka ’77 Don Holmes ’66 Robert M. Bailey ’72

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

William R. Charlet ’01 wcharlet@gmail.com

Region XIII

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Jim E. Henry ’68

VMI Alumni Review

Alumni News “Closer Look,” a segment of Public Broadcasting Service radio station WABE, interviewed Charles M. Williams ’53 alongside former Olympian Amy Begley March 20, 2015, about Williams’ participation in the annual AJC Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, Georgia.

Williams was one of the 60,000 runners in the race and is the oldest member of the Atlanta Track Club Elite Team who participated.

The Atlanta Track Club, of which Begley is the fitness coach, has over 21,000 members and is a member-based nonprofit organization focused on running and is also the second largest running organization in the U.S. Williams stated in the interview that, despite several medical setbacks recently, he is maintaining a vigorous workout schedule and can compete with those much younger than him. At 83 years old, Williams has 29 years of experience participating in marathons. He began training with the Atlanta Track Club for the AJC Peachtree Road Race April 18.

The race was held in early July.

Williams matriculated from Carmel, California, and graduated with distinction from VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in physics.

He earned his Master of Science degree from Stanford University and his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Texas.

Albert Burckard,” on the City of Hampton Roads’ website. The article described Burckard’s work as a performance artist, portraying multiple historical characters while giving walking tours. He portrays four characters per month and sometimes plays two characters in the same day.

One of the characters Burckard portrays is a Civil War correspondent at Fort Huger, a restored Confederate outpost near the James River in Smithfield. He plays this character on the first Saturday of each month and switches later that very same day to a Union soldier on a tour of the Battle of Smithfield.

Burckard also portrays Francis Marshall Boykin each third Saturday morning. This character is the owner of the 18th-century Boykin’s Tavern. After, Burckard becomes a 1958 missile man, leading a tour at Nike Park in Carrollton, a Cold War anti-aircraft missile launch site. Sometimes, he portrays Revolutionary War Col. Josiah Parker or Thomas Pierce, sheriff of Isle of Wight County in 1762, or a romantic southern poet laureate named Sidney Lanier. Twice a year, Burckard becomes the ghost of John Sinclair, a Revolutionary War privateer, on the Smithfield Ghost Walk.

Each tour, Burckard collaborates with Smithfield and Isle of Wright historian Tom Finderson to ensure authenticity and accuracy.

All of the tours are also free of cost except the Ghost Walk, with those fees supporting the 1750 Old Courthouse.

Burckard matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Master of Arts degree from the University of Arizona and his Master of Science degree from Old Dominion University.

Col. James V. Johnson ’59 was named professor emeritus by the University of Texas.

He attended the University of Texas School of Dentistry in 1958 as a student and still holds connections to the school 55 years later. Johnson has served as a resident, clinical instructor, surgical attending, faculty member, hospital service chief and residency program director for UT while also serving 28 years in the U.S. Army Reserve and maintaining a private practice.

On Jan. 28, 2015, Dr. Yanong In 1987, Johnson became chief of Phataralaoha ’77, Thai Pipe Industry oral and maxillofacial surgery at Ben Co. Ltd. managing director, discussed Taub General Hospital, and in 2007, Johnson ’59 details of a proposed Thai Pipe Scholthe hospital honored him by dedicatarship in support of a new graduate ing the James V. Johnson, D.D.S., M.S., Oral of VMI alongside a delegation of Royal Thai and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic.

Armed Forces senior officers – and fellow Johnson matriculated from Houston, Texas. alumni of VMI. He attended VMI for two years and earned The alumni delegation was led by Gen. both his Master of Science and Doctor of Surapong Suwana-adth ’79, deputy chief Dental Surgery degrees from the University of Joint Staff of Royal Thai Armed Forces, of Texas. board chair of the Telephone Organization of Thailand and president of the Thailand VMI Alumni Chapter. Accompanying both PhataAlbert P. Burckard Jr. ’67 was featured in an article titled, “The Many Faces of Carrollton’s ralaoha and Suwana-adth were five other VMI

2015-Issue 3

alumni, all high ranking RTAF officers: Col. Somkiat Sampan ’87; Pradermchai Ponlawan ’95; Surapap Prompattaraporn ’99; and Lt. Col. Wasan Patwichaichote ’98. Scott Bradley ’86, a visiting VMI alumnus from the U.S., also attended.

The scholarship will allow a VMI graduate to attend the Asian Institute of Technology and study in the fields of construction, engineering and infrastructure management, water engineering and management, environmental engineering and management, urban environmental management, and urban water engineering and management. The scholarship would provide the opportunity for a young American to experience postgraduate study in the context of Asia and to network with a broad range of Asian students at AIT, while living and experiencing the culture and society of Thailand.

Thai Pipe Industry Co. Ltd. is Thailand’s leading PVC pipe manufacturer. In December 2014, the company donated three academic scholarships that totaled $2.256 million Thai baht so students from Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar could attend AIT. Phataralaoha matriculated from Washington, D.C., and graduated with distinction from VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. He earned both his Master of Science and Master of Engineering degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

He earned his Doctor of Engineering degree from the Asian Institute of Technology.

Robert M. Digby ’81, chief executive officer of PayChoice, shared that The Sage Group plc announced Sept. 22, 2014, that it planned to acquire PAI Group, Inc. (PayChoice).

PayChoice has headquarters in New Jersey.

Since its founding in 1990, it has reached a size of 260 employees and 16 offices across the U.S. The company provides full-service as well as self-service payroll and human resources services to over 100,000 medium-sized businesses in the country through a direct sales force and third-party licensee channel. During fiscal year 2013, PayChoice earned revenue of $38.9 million. PayChoice has also developed ENCORE, a cloud-based payroll and reporting platform.

ENCORE launched in September 2011 and has mobile and web-based payroll applications that are operated from a single codebase for both its direct and licensee clients.

Sage, formed in 1981, provides small to medium-sized organizations a range of secure,

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Alumni News efficient and easy to use business Lynn Seldon ’83 in their March/April management software and services.

2015 Issue. The article titled, “ExThe company has more than 6 million perience Tidewater’s Rich Military customers and boasts more than 12,700 Heritage at These Sites,” discussed employees spanning 24 countries, inmilitary presence in southeast Vircluding the United Kingdom, Ireland, ginia over centuries, spanning from mainland Europe, North America, the Revolutionary War to the deploySouth America, Australia, Asia and ment of ships and soldiers today.

Brazil.

It mentioned the many museums, The acquisition provided a growth monuments, attractions and bases opportunity for both companies and Digby ’81 available in the area for visitors and was well received on all sides. named the top five Tidewater military Digby matriculated from Mountainside, New sites: The U.S. Army Transportation Museum, Jersey, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in whose collection of historic trucks, Jeeps, trains, economics from VMI. planes, helicopters and tugboats is so large that only 25 percent of it can be on display at one Charlie S. Luck IV ’83 was elected the 2015 time; Nauticus, a naval museum located on the chairman of the board of the National Stone, Elizabeth River that also allows visitors access to Sand and Gravel Association during the NSSGA the USS Wisconsin, the largest battleship the U.S. Board of Directors’ meeting at the association’s Navy ever built; the Military Aviation Museum, annual convention in Baltimore, Maryland, which contains one of the largest private collecMarch 18, 2015. In this role, Luck has outlined tions of history military aircraft primarily from a plan that calls for a task force to provide recom- the two world wars; the Virginia War Museum, mendations on a new board structure and rule a museum that documents America’s wars from changes to align the governance of NSSGA with 1775 to today and holds artifacts such as a 1776 the Rocks Build American strategic plan. letter from Gen. George Washington and a porLuck is the president and chief executive officer tion of the outer wall from the concentration of Luck Companies in Richmond, Virginia. camp at Dachau; and the Naval Station Norfolk Luck Companies was founded in 1923 under and Information Center, which hosts 45-minute the leadership of three generations of the Luck bus tours for visitors to see ships in their port at family and has embraced creativity, committhe world’s largest naval base. ment, leadership and integrity as its core values.

Seldon matriculated from Winchester, VirThe company strives to build a culture focused ginia, and graduated with distinction from on the success of others by inspiring its associ- VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in ates, customers, partners and communities to economics. positively impact their own lives and the lives of others around the world.

Neville A. Anderson ’84 was offered a seat NSSGA is a leading voice and advocate for the on the board of the International Southern aggregates industry. Its members are stone, sand Christian Leadership Conference Martin and gravel producers, as well as the equipment Luther King Jr. Peace and Non-violence Poor manufacturers and service providers who sup- People’s Coalition by Charles Steele Jr., presiport them, producing the essential raw materials dent and chief executive officer of the SCLC. found in homes, buildings, roads, bridges and The International Poor People’s Campaign public works projects. The association represents was created to ensure that the president, Conmore than 90 percent of the crushed stone and gress and national leaders of the U.S. work 70 percent of the sand and gravel mined annually together with all other nations to continue the in the U.S. In 2014, production of aggregates in initial works of the SCLC and its co-founder, the country totaled 2.17 billion metric tons with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Currently, the a value of $20.3 billion, with the industry em- chairman of the board is Mikhail Gorbachev, ploying 100,000 highly-skilled men and women. former president of the Soviet Union.

Luck matriculated from Manakin-Sabot, VirAnderson matriculated from Washington, ginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree D.C., and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in civil engineering from VMI. in economics from VMI. Tidewater Traveler magazine for AAA members featured an article written by W.

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Sheldon D. Johnson ’86 was featured in an article by USA Track & Field for competing in

the USA Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

The athletes who participated competed in 32 events during the three day meet held at the JPL Fast Track complex.

Johnson led the Virginia efforts alongside Stephen Chantry, Joseph Maline and Marquita Mines, who have each won national titles.

Johnson won the M50 weight throw with a heave of 17.35m/56’ 11” and outdistanced eight other competitors for the win. He also won the silver medal in the superweight throw with a throw of 8.53m/28’ 0.”

Johnson matriculated from Newport News, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from VMI. He earned his Master in Business Administration degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

On April 3, 2015, at Little Rock Air Force Base, a community center was dedicated to U.S. Air Force Col. Kenneth A. Walters ’87, who died May 19, 2012. Over 250 people were in attendance including Walters’ wife, Amy; son, Ryan; daughter, Amy; and mother and father. United States Brig. Gens. Michael Minihan and James Johnson attended the ceremony that was hosted by the base commander, U.S. Air Force Col. Patrick J. Rhatigan, commander 19th Airlift Wing. Representing the VMI community at the ceremony was Herb Guyton ’66, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Walsh ’90 and Jim Dittrich ’76.

Walters was well-known throughout the community of Little Rock Air Force Base, where he spent the last six years of his life.

He matriculated from Buena Vista, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from VMI. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the Air Command & Staff College and his Master in Business Administration degree from Webster University.

The unveiling of the Col. Kenneth A. “Wally” Walters ’87 plaque for the Walters Community Center. Photo by U.S. Air Force SrA Kaylee Clark.

VMI Alumni Review

Alumni News Robert L. Hildebrand ’88 was promoted to chief operating officer of Cai Mep International Terminal in southern Vietnam in February 2015.

Hildebrand was a member of the initial startup team for CMIT. He was later promoted to the position of operations manager, serving as the leader of essential front line productivities. He also served as the acting chief operating officer, taking on the additional responsibilities of both the technical and information technology departments.

Hildebrand has over 20 years of experience in the shipping and terminal industries, having previously worked with APM Terminals at the Port of Salalah, one of the largest transshipment terminals in the Middle East. He also worked with Maersk Pacific in Los Angeles, California.

Hildebrand matriculated from Bridgewater, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from VMI.

at Hayfield Award and becoming a finalist for Fairfax County Public Schools Teacher of the Year Award in 2002.

Hill matriculated from Alexandria, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from VMI. He earned his Master of Arts degree from George Mason University.

Engineering News Record Mid-Atlantic announced its Top Young Professionals for 2015 Jan. 20, 2015. Among the 15 award winners listed was W. Jeff Taylor ’98. This award recognizes ENR’s regional top individuals under the age of 40 who represent the best of the best in their construction and design careers by giving back to their industry and communities.

Taylor has held a career in heavy-civil construction that has yielded megaprojects worth more than $2.7 billion and has spent the past 16 years around fast paced design-build projects. He currently serves as the deputy project director for the 95 Express Lanes project in northern Virginia. In this role, he implements strong leadership practices and manages efficient business procedures to meet the project’s 29-month schedule.

Taylor matriculated from Chesapeake, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

The United States Steel Corporation named Joseph A. Swider ’88 general manager – innovation effective March 2, 2015. In this role, Swider will be responsible for developing meaningful strategic innovations and achieving significant growth in research, development and engineering. He will report to the senior vice president and chief technology officer and will be based at the company’s Pittsburgh headquarters.

Swider is joining the company with over 20 years of experience as a dynamic, resourceful and results-oriented Swider ’88 technology executive. During his career, he has generated value creation opporJames D. Bourie ’01 and Landon K. tunities with an emphasis on technology comThe National Wrestling Hall of Fame – Virginia Chapter announced Roy Hill III ’88 as mercialization for a wide variety of companies Winkelvoss ’04 recently launched Nisos operating in both international and domestic Group, a premier corporate risk advisory one of six inductees into the Hall of Fame and honored him with the Lifetime Service markets. He also spent four years in the U.S. Navy and research firm that brings expertise from the U.S. Special Operations and Intelligence as a surface warfare officer. to Wrestling Award.

Swider matriculated from Oakdale, Pennsylva- Community to help clients assess, mitigate During his time at VMI, Hill was a threeand remediate cyber risk. nia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree sport cadet. After graduation, he became a Nisos leverages its expertise in cyber and full-time biology teacher and head wrestling in mechanical engineering from VMI. He earned coach at Hayfield Secondary School, his alma his Master of Business Administration degree physical risk to introduce rigor and an analytical process to the field of operational from Virginia Commonwealth University. mater. While a student at Hayfield, Hill was a cybersecurity. Through risk assessments and student-athlete and All-District performer. He On April 2, 2015, 1st Mariner Mortgage advisory services, Nisos communicates with built one of the dominant wrestling programs in the northern region, with his team win- announced William E. Miller ’89 as the new executive, information technology, security vice president and producing sales manager and legal teams to assess the “cyber health” ning 11 district/conference championships, six regional championships and four top-five for its Bethesda, Maryland, office. The com- of clients and develop more effective security finishes at the state level. He also won his pany is a division of 1st Mariner Bank and postures.

This is achieved by placement and offers residential mortgage loans in 300th dual-meet victory in 2013. access in closed forums in the Dark Hill was recognized as The Washington Post all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Web, where cyber criminals discuss All-Metropolitan of the Year in 2004 and was It also operates 13 mortgage offices vulnerabilities against targets of awarded the Virginia High School League Or- in Maryland, Virginia and North interest. Using information derived der of Merit Award in 2006. He has served as Carolina. from cyber criminals, Nisos uses Miller is an award-winning, seadirector of the Gunston Wrestling Club since unmatched technical expertise from 1994, where his teams have won numerous soned mortgage lending professional. the Intelligence Community with Since coming on board at 1st Maristate team and individual titles. Hill has held a proprietary risk model in which several coaching positions for Virginia USA ner Mortgage, Miller has hired Ryan Nisos determines an organization’s Wrestling, AAU and Junior National levels. Schmidt ’12 and David Stradford He represented Virginia on the National High ’12, as well as a rising VMI 1st Class Miller ’89 level of cyber risk, and thus enables executives to make informed strateSchool Wrestling Rules Committee from cadet to serve as a summer intern gic decisions and uphold their duties. Finally, 1997-2000. He was elected by his peers as the for 2015.

Miller earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Nisos technical experts hold the ability to president of the Northern Virginia Wrestling Coaches, a position he has held since 1998. English from VMI and his Master of Business conduct source code reviews, firmware reHill has also been recognized as an excellent Administration degree in finance from San verse engineering, and malware analysis of proprietary software and hardware products Diego State University. teacher, earning the 1997 Teacher of the Year

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Alumni News to ascertain additional vulnerabilities and signatures.

Bourie is the chief executive officer and co-founder of Nisos Group. He previously served as the commercial director for a multi-national marketing firm in New York and as a strategy management consultant in Washington, D.C. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in international studies from VMI. Bourie earned his Master of Business Administration degree from EDHEC Business School in Nice, France, after completing a 10-year career in the military as a U.S. Army Special Forces officer.

Winkelvoss is the chief operating officer and co-founder of Nisos Group. He previously served over 10 years as a technical targeting officer and as an intelligence analyst for various agencies within the U.S. Government. Winkelvoss graduated from VMI with distinction, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in international studies. He earned his Master of Arts degree in international policy from George Washington University.

Latimer ’88: An Artist’s Journey After VMI

by Elaine Wood, Editorial Assistant One of the best ways to gauge the success of an artist is when a piece can be recognized without hesitation. If you’ve ever heard the expression, “That’s a Latimer,” then the work of art you are viewing was undoubtedly created by Kent Latimer ’88. Latimer has origins as a sculptor, but through the decades since his VMI experience, his art has evolved exponentially and now encompasses many different artistic avenues.

How does one become successful in a career that, on the surface, appears to be far removed from the curriculum of a military institute? For Latimer, the answer was obvious. “Putting yourself out professionally, as an artist, means facing a tremendous amount of rejection,” Latimer stated. “You have to be a fighter. You have to have, at your core, an unshakeable belief in yourself and what

you’re doing. VMI awakened that spirit in me.”

Latimer comes from a long tradition of VMI graduates on his mother’s side. His grandfather, Mike Vaughan ’33, was the most influential person in Latimer’s choice to attend VMI. Latimer’s time at the Institute extended to just a little over a year, and soon after, he discovered his unique talent and entered the art world with a strong presence.

“I am a sculptor by training, and I have always had a great fondness for turning objects on their heads. They say the purpose of modern art, at least, is to make people see the world differently.

For me, there was no more direct way to do this than to take ordinary materials and, without altering their known identities, group them together in such a way that they told completely new stories,” Latimer said. Latimer refers to the materials he uses in his sculptures as “common

Adam R. Glassick ’06, certified physician assistant, earned a specialty credential Feb. 11, 2015, called a Certificate of Added Qualifications from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Glassick is one of only 240 certified physician assistants to have earned this credential, with the NCCPA being the only certifying organization for PAs in the U.S. Certified PAs can take histories, conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventative health care, assist in surgery, perform a variety of procedures, and write prescriptions.

Glassick is employed at St. Vincent’s Medical Center Riverside in Jacksonville, Florida. He was among the first to be awarded a CAQ in hospital medicine. This distinction is earned by meeting licensure, education and experience requirements and then passing an exam in the specialty. He is one of only 36 certified PAs in Florida as well as one of roughly 800 certified PAs nationally to earn a CAQ since the program’s inception in 2011.

Glassick matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and graduated with distinction from VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.

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VMI Alumni Review

Alumni News objects,” instead of “found objects,” because Latimer’s successful series of drawings titled, although it is material that can be found or com- “International Demons.” Although this was monly seen by anyone, he has changed entirely not his usual medium of choice, he found to purchased materials. himself buying paper and ink and creating the It is commonplace for critics to state that inaniseries – one that he admittedly states he never mate objects cannot portray emotion, but when saw as more than a personal project. The series asked about if his art is intended to have an emotional response, Latimer stated, “My primary motivations for building the lamps are not emotional.

I’m driven by the mechanics of construction. That being said, I do very much want them to be dramatic in presentation. And while I’m not sure that I could say they present emotion, I absolutely believe that they can elicit emotion.”

It is common for Latimer to spend roughly three days on a piece, without pulling away from it once. That means no Internet, phone or errands, and sometimes, he even forgets to eat.

He also allots a great amount of time researching construction techniques before he even approaches the work of art, which he admits takes even more effort than the creation, because he has to find a distinctly different pattern that he hasn’t employed before. “I really lose myself in the work, and stepping out of it at the end of the day can be very disorienting,” said Latimer.

Recognition for his art is not scarce.

In 2011, Latimer was asked to participate in a gallery show during Fiber Philadelphia 2012. This event is a citywide destination in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for fiber artists and art professionals from around the world.

At the time of the event, Latimer was creating a body of work made exclusively out of zip ties. As a result of this appearance, he was asked to show his work in the main gallery of Above: One of Kent Latimer’s lamps, made from Snyderman-Works Galleries in Philacommon objects. delphia. “Any artist would be thrilled Right: A drawing from Latimer’s series, “Internato have an application accepted for tional Demons.” either one of these shows, and I applied to neither. Just one of these accomplish- gained so much visibility that Latimer claimed, ments would have been a shining stamp of art “I’ve had to come to terms with myself as a world approval. It was a life altering year and multimedia artist. That’s probably been the most completely changed the way I saw myself as an unexpected surprise of my life.” artist,” said Latimer.

This series of drawings continues to evolve.

Latimer’s art has also taken him across the When Latimer began the series, he used a techworld. In 2010, he was gifted a trip to Istanbul. nique of ink suspended in spit. He would place This trip wound up being the birthplace of a little blob of saliva on the paper and then he

2015-Issue 3

would drop in a tiny amount of two or three different inks and gently blow it in the direction he wished for it to go. Over time, that technique has changed to show what he refers to as a more “frenetic energy and ephemeral presence.” Instead of turning to conventional media, Latimer saw that the toothpicks he had been using to drop the ink onto the page could also be used as a drawing tool.

“It turned out to be perfect – I hold two picks together, like a quill, and I have to work quickly because the picks obviously do not hold much ink.” Because of this fast pace and the fact that the toothpicks are easy to lose control of, the lines that he draws are erratic and many accidental markings occur. “All of this feeds into exactly the kind of spontaneous energy I was hoping to convey,” said Latimer.

Although pursuing a career in art isn’t particularly easy and, at times, seems more challenging than it’s worth, Latimer encouraged those interested in the same career path.

He insisted that regardless of talent, the reason galleries reached out to him and why collectors of his art had such a strong response to his work is not because of his achievements but instead because of his enthusiasm and passion for his life and work. “As hokey as it sounds, live first ... do something that’s meaningful for you.”

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Alumni News

Hogge ’14 Completes TransAmerica Trail

By Elaine Wood, Editorial Assistant

Carson Hogge ’14 in Astoria, Orgeon, just after completeing his 4,414 mile bicycling journey.

For Carson Hogge ’14, a lot of spontaneity and only a little bit of planning went into his decision to take off and bike across the country just three days after graduating from VMI. Although Hogge had led a bike trip from Seattle, Washington, to San Francisco, California, with early high school students during his 4th and 3rd Class years, that was the extent of his cycle touring.

“The night before, my stomach was turning a little bit, because I didn’t know what to expect,” said Hogge, “but a big thing for me was to not plan out anything and to just go with it. A lot of that stems from having such a schedule and routine at VMI … it was nice to make my day up as I was going along with nothing set but riding my bicycle.” Hogge noted that the discipline and mindset VMI taught him to adopt played a huge role in his ability to successfully complete the trail despite its many challenges.

Hogge followed the TransAmerica Trail, which begins in Yorktown, Virginia, and finishes in Astoria, Oregon, totaling roughly 4,200 miles and crossing 10 states. Hogge began his trip May 19, 2014, and completed the trail July 19, just two months later. He averaged 70-80 miles of cycling per day. In total, Hogge estimates that he cycled nearly 4,400 miles after accounting for times that he strayed away from the mapped trail – either because a local had suggested an alternative route, or simply because he got lost along the way.

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Hogge didn’t navigate the entire trip alone, however, as he was accompanied by his brother rat, Noyan Erermis ’14, during the very beginning of the trip. Erermis cycled with Hogge from Yorktown to Lexington. From Lexington, Robert Hopkins ’13 accompanied Hogge until they hit the trail in Oregon, just shy of the finish at Astoria.

Because so much of the trip went unplanned, Hogge’s sleeping arrangements were always uncertain. Hogge stated this was the largest contributor of spontaneity on the trip with it being “almost like a game, and kind of fun.”

Shelter varied from pitching a tent in the yard of someone Hogge met along the way, local campgrounds and parks, and even an HVAC unit at a church. Besides the uncertainty of shelter, Hogge explained the trip was also expensive, since he had to purchase every meal each day.

He also had an almost insatiable appetite as a result of the excessive physical activity. “[The trip] definitely gave me more hope in humanity

… I was having people who would cook me dinner or give me a $10 bill and tell me to go grab dinner,” said Hogge.

The locations and sights Hogge experienced during the trail were varied. He stated the toughest terrain of the trail was in the Appalachian Mountains rather than the Rockies, which had a more gradual incline despite their much higher elevation. Colorado was one of his favorite destinations because of the mountains.

After arriving in Astoria, Hogge shipped his borrowed bike back to its original owner, hitchhiked to Portland, Oregon, and then took a flight to Colorado, where he now lives in Boulder. He currently works for Elevation Outdoors Magazine as an account executive, but Hogge declared his new full-time position will not hold him back from making time for cycling and other outdoor activities that he enjoys. “I would definitely do it again. Kind of like VMI, it’s tough to get through, but you look back on it in retrospect and realize what an amazing experience it was.”

Hogge in Berea, Kentucky. He had just biked over the Blue Ridge Mountains and was 800 miles into his trip.

VMI Alumni Review

Alumni News ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book A Head of Lettuce by David F. Kovarik ’50B. Doggone Graphics. 2015. ISBN: 9780-9906895-0-8. eISBN: 978-0-9906895-1-5.

Available at amazon.com.

The U.S. Army logistics supply troops hit the beaches of Lagun, an island sizzling in the Caribbean at the time of the Cuban missile crisis. Keeping the troops and their families in fresh produce is a problem, as the Army says only lettuce imported from the U.S. should be eaten. But who can wait for the supply plane? Like a lot of things in Lagun, the search for a head of lettuce leads to big trouble.

About the author: David Kovarik, licensed civil engineer and licensed private pilot on occasion, retired from the U.S. Army as a lieutenant colonel. During his time in the service, he was deployed to various countries including Korea, Vietnam (twice), Italy and Venezuela. In Italy, he was in charge of the U.S. Army port of Livorno. After he retired from the Army, he pursued civil engineering for the Virginia Department of Transportation as a traffic engineer. He now lives in Lake of the Woods, Virginia.

Civilization at Risk: Seeds of Strife by Ron D. Petitte ’65. Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

2013. ISBN: 978-1-4438-5296-8. Available at cambridgescholars.com.

While distinguished academies of higher learning, governments, politicians and the media struggle to find solutions to the imminent dangers posed to the Middle East and the world

at large, a devastating human rights war has unfolded with precious few warriors to combat it – let alone stem the brutal injustice that is of holocaust dimensions.

If there is any scourge that puts “Civilization at Risk,” it is the malignant disregard for the human rights of millions of people who suffer slavery and inhumane treatment at the hands of fellow human beings. With 30 million people in slavery today, 30 million seeds of strife have been sown, as the souls of these victims are seared beyond human recognition.

Human trafficking cannot be combated by indifference or ignorance but by the education of people worldwide, to awake them to this 21st century scourge as well as by instilling in people worldwide the courage and determination to stand and fight this evil as Augustine, Wilberforce and Lincoln did centuries ago.

About the author: Retired U.S. Army Col. Ron D. Petitte, DPA, is a tenured professor of politics and government at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee.

There, he heads the discipline, which he developed and has taught for 16 years. Petitte also directs the Bryan College Center for Leadership & Justice. His Justice & Mercy Initiative counters human trafficking, with a special emphasis on the plight of women and children.

Petitte presented a series of papers on the subject of human trafficking at three Oxford

Round Tables, held respectively at Pembroke, Lincoln and Harris Manchester Colleges at the University of Oxford in England. These papers collectively formed the basis for “Civilization at Risk: Seeds of Strife.”

Petitte’s doctoral dissertation, “One Hundred Years of Leadership in Administration: Contributions of Formative National Leaders in Public Administration from 1887 to 1987,” resides at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, as well as the George C. Marshall Research Library of VMI. Petitte earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He also earned a Master of Arts degree in management from Central Michigan University and a Doctor of Public Administration degree from Golden Gate University. He holds the Certificate of The Hague Academy Centre for Studies and Research in International Law and International Relations, The Hague, The Netherlands. He also holds a diploma from the University of Vienna and has studied at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

Petitte served as technical adviser for the armor battle sequences on 20th Century Fox’s Academy Award winning film, “Patton.” A graduate of the U.S. Army’s Command & General Staff College, his culminating service was as an Army inspector general at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. He is a recipient of the George Washington Honor Medal, awarded by Freedoms Foundation, in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. He currently serves as a teacher in the Jobs for Life prison ministry of his church, Westminster Presbyterian, in Dayton, Tennessee, where he serves as an elder.

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The Institute Jonathan M. Daniels ’61 Humanitarian Award Presented to Rep. John Lewis In remarks given after he accepted VMI’s Jonathan M. Daniels ’61 Humanitarian Award March 11, 2015, Rep. John Lewis counseled the Corps of Cadets to “never give up, never give in and never give out” in their quest to create a more just society.

The award is presented by the VMI Board of Visitors in honor of Daniels, valedictorian of the VMI Class of 1961, who was killed while saving the life of African-American teenager Ruby Sales during the violent struggle for civil rights in Alabama in 1965. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Daniels’ death.

Lewis, who has represented Georgia’s 5th District in Congress since 1986, was honored with the award because of his commitment to social justice and deep ties to the civil rights movement.

During his remarks, the son of Alabama sharecroppers reminded his audience that the need to get in “good trouble, necessary trouble” had driven him ever since a childhood vision of himself as a preacher had led him to preach to chickens in his family’s backyard.

As a young adult, Lewis went out of his way to meet Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., whom he described in a later meeting with cadets as an “older brother.”

Alongside King and other leaders of the civil rights movement, Lewis participated in the “Bloody Sunday” voting rights march March 7, 1965, during which he and many others were severely injured when Alabama state troopers, some on horseback, attacked the unarmed protesters with billy clubs and tear gas as they crossed a bridge in Selma, Alabama.

“I thought I was going to die on that bridge,” said Lewis, who required a hospital stay to recover from the beating he received.

Lewis also took the opportunity to put the Selma bridge incident in perspective.

The congressman said that when people tell him little progress has been made toward

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racial equality in this country, he tells them, “Come walk in my shoes. ... From someone who grew up preaching to chickens, to be able to stand near that bridge and introduce the first African-American president to that multitude of people, I feel more than lucky.

I feel blessed.”

But that sense of blessing didn’t come without a bitter and heavy cost. “The blood of Jonathan Daniels ... helped to bring us to where we are today,” said Lewis, who called Daniels, a seminarian at Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at the time of his death, “a beautiful spirit, a beautiful soul.”

Lewis likewise reminded his listeners that because of people like Daniels and others who stepped forward to make good and necessary trouble, the signs of segregation which marked his childhood, have long since disappeared from the American landscape.

Addressing the cadets in the audience, Lewis noted, “Your children, my grandchildren, will not see those signs. The only place you can see them is in a book, a museum or a video.”

With his lifelong commitment to optimism, Lewis took the opportunity to look ahead and envision a world very much like the one King, his late mentor, had lived and died for.

“Let’s do the best we can to create an America and a world community that’s at peace with itself,” Lewis exhorted his listeners. “Lay down the burden of hate and the burden of separation.”

As he concluded his remarks, Lewis quoted the late A. Philip Randolph, organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, who often said, “Maybe our forefathers and our foremothers

all came to this great land in different ships.

But we’re all in the same boat now.”

Lewis, a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, among other awards, is only the fourth individual to be honored with the Daniels Award since the honor was first presented in 2001. That year, former President Jimmy Carter became the inaugural recipient.

In 2006, the award was presented to Andrew Young, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and in 2011, to Dr. Paul Hebert ’68, an international humanitarian aid worker.

In addition to the awards ceremony and speech by Lewis, other activities on post in honor of Daniels included a wreath-laying ceremony in the Daniels Courtyard and a special performance of “Jonathan Myrick Daniels: the Martyr of Lowndes County” by the VMI Theater.

Among the many out-of-town guests attending the events were a number of people from Alabama. A special guest at the awards ceremony was Father Richard Morrisroe, a Roman Catholic priest who was severely injured in the attack that killed Daniels.

Lewis spoke to cadets in Cameron Hall following the acceptance of his award. VMI photo by Kevin Remington.

VMI Alumni Review

The Institute

Center for Leadership and Ethics Spring 2015 Conferences 2015 Leadership Conference On March 10-11, 2015, more than 150 participants joined us to share their experiences with servant leadership at this year’s leadership conference. “Honor in Service: Leaders Responding to the Needs of their Time” included speakers, plenary sessions and presentations covering all aspects of service from research and theory to practice. Invited speakers included keynote speaker Cathy Tisdale, president and chief executive officer of Camp Fire, and Dr. E. Scott Geller, professor of psychology at Virginia Tech.

Tisdale’s keynote address titled, “We Leaders.

We Dealers in Hope,” inspired by a quote from Napoleon, identified that the top four characteristics which describe a leader are: compassion, trust, hope and stability.

Geller, of the Center for Applied Behavior Systems at Virginia Tech, illustrated many societal norms for inspiring, motivating or teaching desired behavior while pointing out some of their pitfalls. He explained that “old ways of deterrent or punitive instruction may achieve behavior change, thus appearing successful, but oftentimes candidates, students and even athletes never internalize or learn to self-motivate.

What you get is an attitude that goes south.” He advocated that teaching requires the right set of circumstances so choices are their own reward and effort is lauded in the moment. Content from Geller’s presentation, “Seven Life Lessons from Psychological Science: How to Bring Out the Best in Yourself and Others,” is available for download as a PDF document, including a link to the slides and handouts at this website: http://www.vmi.edu/Conferences/Leadership/2015/Speakers/ Participating with the conference this year was our 2015 Leader in Residence, retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Rebecca S. Halstead.

She provided a witty, humorous and relatable walk-through of her pillars of leadership. Early in her talk, she quizzed the audience, asking, “What is the most difficult muscle to control?”

She revealed it is “the tongue.” She suggested practicing the “3-second rule,” which is to wait three seconds and think before you open your mouth. Another of her experienced-based observations was the need for leaders to “take

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time to rest along the way.” She explained many in athletics and the corporate world expend all their energy getting to the top and reaching their goals that they are spent by the time they arrive there. Finally, she emphasized that “leading oneself is a priority before leading others. ... Leadership is a choice.” Her remarks were an excellent transition to the awards ceremony which followed.

Additionally, student work was highlighted with organizations like Engineering World Health and Engineers Without Borders as part of the programming.

Programming concluded with the gathering of the VMI Community and distinguished guests to confer the Jonathan Daniels ’61 Humanitarian Award, commemorating the 50th anniversary of his martyrdom, to Representative John Lewis of Georgia’s 5th District. This award honors Rep. Lewis’ own considerable work during the Civil Rights Movement.

Registration included reduced rates for students and an option for attendees to attend the keynote/dinner only with Tisdale as the speaker.

The 6th Annual Leadership Conference will be March 7-9, 2016. The theme will be “Ethical Dilemmas in the Age of Machines.”

2015 Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair On March 28, 2015, 266 high school students came to VMI to participate in the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair.

This year was VMI’s third of five years participating with this conference as part of the Institute’s overall strategic mission to support STEM. The 2015 fair director was Maj. Geoffrey Cox, assistant professor, and the head judge was Maj. Randy Cone from the Applied Mathematics Department. Volunteers from across post and the commonwealth of Virginia helped with scoring participants in 17 categories of exhibits.

The governor’s award and grand prize went to Matthew Retchin and Michael Retchin of Mills Godwin High School in Henrico County for their project in the medical and health science category, “Identification and Characterization of HCC-Suppressing MicroRNA-1202 Using DeepMine, a Naval Deep Learning Algorithm.”

The second grand prize went to Ava Lakmazaheri of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria for her project in the electrical and mechanical engineering category, “Brain-Actuated Robotics – Controlling and Programming a Humanoid Using EEG.” Taking the third grand prize were Wyatt Pontius and Liam Wallace from the Loudoun

A VMI faculty member judging during the 2015 Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair.

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The Institute County Academy of Science. Their along the old boat tow ways from project, in the materials and bioenwhen shipping was the common gineering category, was titled, “Synmeans of transporting goods across thesizing an Artificial Biological Leaf the commonwealth, thus transport Capable of Evolving Oxygen through affects citizens, wildlife and water Photosynthesis.” resources. The panelists, each in Grand prize runner-ups were Kacey their turn, gave presentations on Price and Matthew Park. Price, of the various aspects of the spill ranging Roanoke Valley Governor’s School from the outline of events, to the for Science and Technology, won first impact on the James River, to policy place in the mathematical sciences issues and hindrances. The discuscategory for, “Prognostic and Diagsions were frank and provided some nostic Measure for Circuit Disruption suggestions on future policy changes in Alzheimer’s Disease.” needed to protect our communities.

Park, of the Thomas Jefferson High To receive notifications about pubCadet Tyler Brickles ’15 from Keydets Without Borders presented School for Science and Technology, lic events hosted by the VMI Center “Implementation of Waste Water Technology in Developing took the top prize in the microbiology Communities” during the Environment Virginia Conference in for Leadership and Ethics, please category with a project entitled, “Lassa an Energy Development & Efficiency breakout session April 2. contact Catherine M. Roy, commuVirus Sequence Diversity and Distribu- VMI photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin. nications and marketing specialist, tion in Sierra Leone.” at roycm@vmi.edu. Visit the CLE’s were in place and could serve as a model These projects are qualified for entry in the website at www.vmi.edu/cle, which features to reclaim water resources as well as create Intel International Science and Engineering links to its various social media pages. Articles job opportunities: Programs in New York in Fair May 10-15 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. and other center information are regularly partnership with land owners, South Africa’s Next year’s VSSEF will be held April 8-9, posted on LinkedIn to the VMI group. initiative to remove non-native, thirsty plants 2016. to help rivers and strands begin flowing Center for Leadership again, and more.

26th Annual Environment Virginia Watson shared his newest passion, foand Ethics cusing on best recycling practices from an Nearly 600 participants, including 40 exUpcoming Events: energy efficiency standpoint. He noted that hibitors, turned out for the 26th Annual Enin some cases, recycling may not be worth vironment Virginia Symposium. This year’s Academic Year 2015-2016 Theme: the effort when closely examining resources theme, “Making Connections: Environmen“Living in the Age of Machines” (i.e., water) used in creating, for example, tal Quality, Health and Prosperity,” showglass or textiles. He further explained it cased three plenary events and 37 breakout takes multiple times the amount of water to sessions. The conference opened once again Oct. 5-7, 2015 manufacture textiles in comparison to glass, with the Governor’s Environmental Excel4th STEM Education Conference which begs the question, why haven’t we lence Awards and the awarding of the 2015 figured out a way to recycle or reuse textiles?

Erchul Environmental Leadership Award, Dec. 11-12, 2015 The Lynchburg oil spill panel was comwhich went to Jack Frye, Virginia director Biennial Seiziémistes of the Mid-Atlantic posed of panelists Michael Gillette, Lynchof the Chesapeake Bay commission since Conference burg mayor; James Golden, deputy director 2011. He is honored for his lifetime career Mar. 7-9, 2016 for Operations, DEQ; Pat Calvert, Upper commitment to environmental issues across 6th Annual Leadership Conference: James River keeper, James River AssociaVirginia.

“Ethical Dilemmas in the tion; and Brett A. Burdick, deputy state coorPlenary panels included keynote speaker Age of Machines” dinator, Virginia Department of Emergency Sandra Postel, founder and director of the Management. The panelists discussed the Global Water Policy Project, and founder Apr. 5-7, 2016 issue of the oil spill for the sake of mapping of Leadership in Energy & Environmen27th Annual out the scenario of an emergency crisis and tal Design, Rob Watson. The symposium Environment Virginia Symposium highlighted the ongoing issue of transporting concluded with a plenary panel on “EnviApr. 8-9, 2016 bakken crude (or other dangerous chemicals) ronmental Crisis Management: Lynchburg Virginia State Science & Engineering Fair via rail. It was apparent that the crux of the Oil Spill.” issue lies between the need to protect the With her opening keynote address, Postel May 28, 2016 transport from would-be attacks and the provided participants with a great update 6th Biennial Stonewall Jackson Symposium community’s right to know for the sake of on global water issues. She reviewed sevproper, appropriate response. Rail routes run eral case studies where effective remedies

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VMI Alumni Review

The Institute

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District Commander Visits with Engineering Cadets

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Col. Paul Olsen, P.E., talking with engineering cadets in Crozet Hall.

On April 2, 2015, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Col. Paul Olsen, P.E., district commander, Norfolk District, spoke to select cadets from VMI and the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership program at Mary Baldwin College. His message examined and explained life as a commissioning engineer in the Army.

Among the variety of senior executives, researchers and career military veterans who come to speak on post concerning their leadership theories, best practices and how they mentor, one theme is consistent: Relationships.

Olsen’s message emphasized this, as well.

Before beginning his talk, he made sure to ask the cadets about their environment. He

questioned them on their typical day and asked other questions regarding their life and aspects about VMI in general.

From there, he offered some personal observations – among them, the diversity of the Corps. He described the VMI collegiate experience as a “cloistered academic environment.” In other words, their first assignment or command most likely would be very different from the VMI lifestyle to which they are accustomed. With that in mind, he urged them to “make connections” by focusing on transition. Olsen stated, “The military is a cross section of America and not like your environment here, which has some diversity,

so make sure you are able to relate. Start documenting everything about those in your command. You’ll gather this in conversation, so have a system for remembering that information.”

Olsen also discussed leadership opportunities, explaining to the cadets they would have their first real leadership opportunity when they take command of their first platoon. He cautioned them on their perceptions of what they would face “in the fight.” Olsen stated, “For example, as I entered the military, the Berlin Wall came down, and a year later we were in Desert Storm [therefore, I could no longer] envision a Russian over a wall ... it was now a war without a frontier. As an engineer, we were told that 60 percent of us were going to take on casualties.” As a leader, it is important to know how to command and lead everyone to complete the mission.

Olsen continued with some very practical tips and advice regarding career choices, leadership and what they were most likely to encounter on the job.

In conclusion, he explained that training would help them handle the expected, but knowledge, their education, would be their hedge against the unexpected. He explained, “...knowledge and experience should work together and mesh well. Realize, too, that if it doesn’t, it just isn’t meant to be. Keep moving forward (on your path). And then pay it forward.”

An Evening with Gordon Ball and the Beats

by Salena C. Chiep ’16 The George C. Marshall Library was full of excitement March 26, 2015, as cadets, faculty, alumni and friends packed the room for a lecture by legendary VMI professor and Beat Generation expert, Gordon Ball. Throughout the night, Ball moved with passion and enthusiasm as he told the story of the Beats, a group of writers deeply affected by the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union.

The John A. Adams ’71 Center for Military History & Strategic Analysis and John Biggs ’30 Cincinnati Chair in Military History sponsored the event that drew a crowd of over 100 people. The event was also available via live-stream to anyone with internet access. Online viewers could interact with the lecture by sending comments and questions through the Adams Center’s Facebook and Twitter pages or through email. It proved to be a fantastic night.

Ball is retiring in 2015 and will be sorely missed after having spent more than two decades inspiring cadets at the Institute.

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The Institute

Center for Leadership and Ethics’ 2015 Leader in Residence Each year, the Center for Leadership and Ethics selects a Leader in Residence. This person is a leader from the military, business or other discipline who can both observe and contribute to the study and development of leadership at VMI for a residency program. This is an integrated cadet program which enhances cadet life, challenges concepts of leadership and allows a healthy dialogue between the visiting leader and the VMI community across post.

The 2015 leadership themed week of events concluded with a Leader in Residence dinner and address. Special guest this year was retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Rebecca Halstead. Also sharing the evening and stage with the group was her mentor, retired U.S. Army Gen. James “Tom” Hill.

Halstead and Hill held a panel discussion featuring a mix of some prepared thoughts and Retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Rebecca Halstead presenting during the Leadership Confersome spontaneous discussion. Halstead stated, ence. VMI photo by Kevin Remington.

“We had wanted to do this for quite some time, but it just didn’t work out for other events, so when I got the call from Col. Gray [Center for themselves to selfless service. The one rule he said about it.” When she stated she was just passionLeadership and Ethics director], I proposed the he exercised – without exception or excuse – was ate, Hill explained that, for some people, passion idea, and we were finally able to do it.” how to deal with someone who was a liar. “This could be off-putting. “And that could make you During the hourlong discussion, guests enjoyed was a constant of mine as a leader. If you lied to lose your vote.” She realized he was right, and the panelists’ observations, sage advice, anecdotes me, you were gone. If you worked for me, you’d losing the confidence of her peers and superiors of practical experiences (and the lessons learned, hear this [rule] within your first two days.” was not worth it. She explained, “If you lose including conclusions on what they found did As an aide-de-camp, Halstead described herself your vote, you also lose your vote representing and did not work) and even some deal breakers. as a passionate person when she expressed her everyone whom you lead.” The advice not only Both Hill and Halstead shared that they kept ideas and views. One superior cautioned her by helped her correct how she expressed her opinmementos of their mistakes and failures which saying, “Don’t be so defensive.” She was shocked ions and views, but she was grateful for the tact cost the lives of those whom they led. Hill said, to be accused of being defensive, so she went to of the way in which the lesson was delivered. She “Great leaders have the ability to see beyond the Hill, her mentor, and asked him if this was true had enough feedback to take corrective action, immediate understanding of not just the ‘how’ of her character. His response was, “Becky, think but she also had to do her own problem-solving. of accomplishing something, but the She had to figure it out for herself. ‘why.’ This was an important ingrediThe lessons provided by Hill and ent in examining their mistakes and Halstead during the panel proved making it a conscious decision never worthy for the cadets and others to forget the people or the lesson. to think about as they continue on Hill also stressed the importance of their journeys of leadership and a leader to consider the words we use mentorship. toward and in the company of others. In one situation, he recounted a Editor’s Note: The Jonathan phone call conversation to a subordiDaniels Award article was first nate during which he was quite angry published by Communications & Marketing. The Gordon Ball in front of his superior. His superior article was submitted by the did not mention anything at the moAdams Center. All other arment, but he later provided some ticles in The Institute section feedback. He explained Hill needed were submitted by the Center Retired U.S. Army Gen. Tom Hill and Halstead speaking during to learn to “suffer fools more gladly.” for Leadership and Ethics. their hourlong panel discussion during the Leadership Conference.

Hill iterated that great leaders commit

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VMI Alumni Review

Keydet Athletics Maypray ’10 Joins Keydet Football Staff Tim Maypray ’10, the returner in 2009. He was selected for second his VMI career, he also compiled 10 games of 200 or more all-purpose yards. He holds recordholding standout team All-Big South as wide receiver in 2007 back and return specialist and quarterback in 2008. He was also tabbed the school single game record for all-purpose for VMI football in the Big South Freshman of the Year in 2006 and running with 346 yards against Charleston late ’00s, has returned to Big South Preseason Offensive Player of the Southern in 2007.

Maypray went on to the professional ranks post and will coach run- Year in 2009. after graduating from VMI and played three ning backs on the new Maypray holds the Big South career record seasons in the Canadian Football League, VMI football staff under for all-purpose yards with 6,129 yards. During making his debut with the Montreal Scott WachenAlouettes in 2010. He played on the heim, first-year Grey Cup championship team that Maypray ’10 head coach. season. In his first CFL game, he reMaypray, who turned a missed field goal 125 yards for assumed his new position Feb. 4, a touchdown, which set a team record. graduated from VMI in 2010 and reHe returned another that year for 118 ceived his Bachelor of Arts degree in yards and a touchdown. Maypray also psychology. While at VMI, Maypray played for the Ottawa Redblacks of the compiled a standout athletic career in CFL until August 2014. football, culminated by being selected A native of Madisonville, Kentucky, as the recipient of the VMI IntercolMaypray played high school football legiate Athletic Award in 2010 – an and basketball at Randolph-Macon award given to the most outstanding Academy in Front Royal, Virginia, athlete. Maypray reaped numerous where he later also briefly served as a awards as a receiver, return specialist, basketball coach for the academy. He running back and quarterback at VMI. also worked as a sales representative He was named first team All-Big South Maypray playing for the Keydets during his cadetship. in private business in 2012 and 2013. as a kick returner in 2007 and punt

Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, the articles and photos in the Athletics section of the Alumni Review are provided by the VMI Sports Information Office.

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Keydet Athletics

Earl Named Head Basketball Coach On April 12, 2015, Dr. Dave Diles, director of intercollegiate athletics, announced Dan Earl accepted the position of head basketball coach.

Earl comes to VMI from the United States Naval Academy, where he served as the associate head coach since the 2011-12 season.

His duties included serving as recruiting director, scheduling, scouting of opponents, game preparation and player development.

While at Navy, Earl used his experience as a dynamic recruiter to draw several talented student-athletes to Annapolis that were instrumental in the Midshipmen doubling conference wins in each of the first four seasons under head coach Ed DeChellis. Navy posted eight Patriot League wins in 2014-15 and defeated their rival, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, three times, which included a conference tournament victory over the Cadets.

Earl directed the Navy offensive sets and played a vital role in increasing scoring output of key offensive players. On the defensive side, Navy ranked 57th in the country in scoring defense in 2013-14 and had the second lowest turnover total in school history.

Earl becomes the 28th head coach in VMI program history that dates back to 1908-09.

“We started this process committed to several things,” said Diles. “First, to identify a head coach who would represent VMI with dignity and understand and embrace the unique mission of the Institute. Second, to find someone with high intelligence and previous experiences that have served as the appropriate foundation for assuming this leadership opportunity. And finally, to determine who best developed and communicated a plan for advancing VMI basketball. Coach Earl quickly emerged as our top candidate.”

“It is truly an honor to be selected as head basketball coach at VMI,” said Earl “I want to sincerely thank General Peay, Doctor Diles and the VMI administration for giving me this opportunity. I look forward to working with the team and to doing our part to teach young men on the court the great values that reflect the mission of the Virginia Military Institute.

My wife, Sheila, and my two girls, Mila and Alyssa, can’t wait to become part of the VMI and Lexington community.”

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Earl starred on the basketball court at Pennsylvania State University, where he helped the Nittany Lions to one of the most prolific winning periods in the mid-1990s before spending six years (2006-11) on the staff at Penn State as an assistant coach.

While coaching at his alma mater, Earl helped the Nittany Lions to an NCAA Tournament berth in 2011 – the program’s first in 10 years – and the 2009 NIT Championship squad that posted wins over national powers the University of Florida, the University of Notre Dame and Baylor University. The 2009 Penn State team won a school record 27 games, and the program

Dan Earl speaking at a press conference in the Center for Leadership and Ethics. also attained an NIT berth in 2007.

As an assistant coach at Penn State, Earl played a key role in recruiting outstanding talent that fueled the program’s success, as he served as lead recruiter for Tim Frazier, All-Big 10 guard.

Earl also helped develop All-Big 10 selection Talor Battle, who became the first player in Big 10 history to eclipse 2,000 points, 500 rebounds and 500 assists.

As a starting point guard under Bruce Parkhill, head coach, and Ed DeChellis, then-assistant coach, Earl battled injuries throughout his career but finished six years later with 1,256 points (15th all-time at the time), 574 assists (No. 2 all time), 194 career three-pointers (seventh all-time) and 491

3-point attempts (seventh all-time). He totaled two of the top season school marks in assists.

During his college playing career, Earl helped Penn State to perhaps the best five-year stretch in school history, as the Nittany Lions posted a record of 73-46 that including a 48-13 home mark. He served as team captain three times and helped Penn State to the 1995 NIT and a 1996 NCAA Tournament appearance from a squad that went 21-7 and earned a top 10 national ranking. Earl earned All-Big Ten honors twice and was a two-time Academic All-American.

Earl received a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from Penn State in December 1997 and earned a master’s degree in business logistics at Penn State in 2007.

Following graduation, Earl played professionally in Germany, Poland and Portugal. He also played stateside in the Continental Basketball Association and NBA’s Development League with the Roanoke Dazzle in 2001-02. Earl participated in two New Jersey Nets NBA preseasons in 2001-02 and 2002-03.

Earl also co-owned and operated Next Level Basketball Camps from 2001-05, which conducted camps and clinics in New Jersey.

The Earl family has deep roots in basketball, as Earl’s father, Denny, was a starting forward for Rutgers University in the mid-1960s, where he played under head coach Bill Foster and alongside the late Jim Valvano. Earl’s younger brother, Brian, started for Princeton University from 1996-99 and helped the Tigers to 95 wins – the most of any player in school history.

Brian currently serves as an assistant coach at Princeton.

“Dan Earl’s playing credentials at Penn State, in the NBA and in Europe are outstanding,” said Diles. “Earning Academic All-America honors underscores his experience in balancing the challenges of competing at the highest athletic level while excelling academically. His work as an assistant coach, and later earning promotion to associate head coach, represent continued achievement at the highest levels. Finally, after meeting Dan; his wife, Sheila; and their two young daughters, it became clear to me that VMI has found the ideal coach to recruit, coach and support the personal growth of our cadet athletes on our basketball team. Dan possesses a dignity that connects perfectly with the high standards of VMI.”

VMI Alumni Review

Keydet Athletics

2015 Lacrosse Season Recap

Prasnicki ’15 Although the 2015 lacrosse season didn’t turn out as planned, the Keydets found many positives throughout the season to build momentum and hope for 2016 and beyond.

“It was a disappointing season in the win-loss department but still very encouraging in almost every other facet of our program’s development,” said Brian Anken, head coach. “We continue to raise our academic profile within the department every year, and once again graduate outstanding young men who have been tested and excelled both on and off the field. This includes another large percentage of young men who will soon move into leadership positions in the U.S. Army.

“I’m proud of everything we continue to accomplish, but we still need to do a better job consistently transferring our off-field success to the lacrosse field. Analyzing our year-end statistics tells a story of the gaps we need to fill and where we failed to execute, but analyzing film tells a much better story of how well some individuals and units progressed each game.”

Heading into the final game of the season, VMI stepped onto the field with confidence against University of Massachusetts Lowell and came out with an 11-10 victory to finish the season with a win. Mike DeBlasio ’15 scored five of the goals for VMI, the highest single-game total of his career to earn Inside Lacrosse/Select Sector SPDR Division I Player of the Week honors. After scoring five goals in the game, DeBlasio finished the season with

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the most goals on the team, with 14 to end his career and 51 total goals over the past four years.

Tyler Prasnicki ’15 enjoyed another excellent season with the defense as he finished the year ranked No. 1 in the country in caused turnovers and led the Southern Conference with 3.71 groundball pickups per game. The Lexington, Virginia, native was also named the ThreeLegged Stool Winner, an honor bestowed by the VMI Keydet Club which recognizes a 1st Class scholarship athlete with the highest achievements in academics, leadership and athletics.

He is the first lacrosse player in program history to receive the award.

“Mid-season injuries forced us to make some significant personnel and systematic changes on both sides of the field,” Anken said. “I was thoroughly impressed with how resilient our players were as we made continuous tweeks throughout the year. This included position changes and definitely removed some players from their comfort zone. Despite the outcome of some games, this versatility will be a huge advantage for us moving forward in preparation for 2016.”

Wesley Sanders ’18 received postseason honors from the Southern Conference, as he was named to the All-Freshman team for his accomplishments during the year. A native of Austin, Texas, Sanders finished third on the team, with nine goals for the season and five assists, for a total of 14 points. He led the team in shot attempts with 69 for the season in addition to 12 groundballs and two caused turnovers in 14 games played, including 10 starts.

“Our youth at close defense (Andrew Stockmal ’18, Matt Eibl ’18), faceoff (Colby Lalicker ’18, Nate Kraemer ’18) and in goal (Joe Riccadonna ’18) gave these young players quality reps and will help accelerate their learning curve as we anticipate them taking on bigger roles next year,” Anken said. “Dan Bull ’16, Ian Marinacci ’16 and Pat Hine ’16 showed versatility having to take on multiple roles at different points this season. Wes Sanders had a very impressive year taking on the primary dodging role through the midfield. He is on track to be a special player for us over the next three years.”

The season was cut short for Dale Mattice ’17 midway through after he sustained an injury at the University of Richmond, but he started the

fall season well by receiving postgame honors against Washington and Lee University in the Lee-Jackson Classic. He was named the Worrell-Fallon Memorial Award winner on the VMI side after scoring three of VMI’s eight goals, doing so on just four shots.

The VMI goalies logged success throughout the year, stopping a season-high 22 shots in the March 7 loss at Richmond, the second time this year the Keydets went over the 20-save mark.

That last happened in 2013, when the team had three games of 20 saves or more.

Dan Bull ’16 once again had a strong season, starting eight of 15 games and logging 10 goals and six assists. His 10 goals marked the second highest tally on the team, landing just above Sanders and Brad Biondello ’15, who both scored nine goals for the season.Tom Nofi ’18 scored eight goals, while Eric Groleau ’15 (7) and Brad Nardella ’17 (6) rounded up the top scoring unit for the Keydets.

“The early end to this season has provided us a jump-start in preparation for 2016,” Anken said.

“We are bringing in a large recruiting class next year, and everything we do will be built around competing every day. That competition starts immediately for both new players and returners.

We will build on the positives from 2015 and certainly learn from mistakes. Saying we are excited for 2016 would be a huge understatement.”

Schubel Completes Boston Marathon VMI alumna Leah Schubel ’13 completed the 2015 running of the Boston Marathon April 20, 2015. Schubel, a multi-year letter-winner for the VMI track and field program during her time at the Institute, posted a time of 3:08.19 over the 26.2 mile course.

That was good for 346th place among the 12,307 female runners and 4,269th place out of the entire field of 27,165 starters.

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Dickinson Tabbed for SoCon Postgraduate Scholarship

Dickinson ’15

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MI track and field 1st Class Cadet Hannah Dickinson ’15 was named one of the recipients of the Mike Wood Graduate Scholarship, according to information released by the conference April 27, 2015.

Dickinson became the first Keydet to earn a postgraduate scholarship from a conference since women’s soccer’s Audrey Falconi ’10, who earned a similar honor from the Big South in May 2010.

Dickinson’s distinguished academic career included not only academic stars and multiple dean’s list honors but also multiple other laurels. She was named to the Big South All-Academic Team in 2013-14 for cross-country, indoor track and outdoor track and was one of five Keydets tabbed for this past winter’s SoCon Academic All-Conference Team.

Dickinson was also the first-ever Elite Eighteen honoree in VMI’s newly constructed academic honors program, receiving the award for cross-country, indoor track and outdoor track this past January; was one of six Keydets named to the VaSID Academic All-State team for 2013-14; and has been a part of

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the Phi Eta Sigma (freshman honor society) and Beta Beta Beta (biology honor society).

On the track team, Dickinson emerged as VMI’s top middle distance and crosscountry runner over the past two seasons.

After posting personal bests in five different track events as a sophomore, she finished in the top 13 in the conference in four different events between the indoor and outdoor championships. She then became the team’s top cross-country runner this past fall and in the process, entered the top 10 in program history in 5K times with her 18:27 time at the SoCon Championships.

Dickinson also excelled away from the classroom and track, having risen to president of Keydets Without Borders during the 2014-15 academic year. She was a part of two trips to Bolivia with the organization to help build a clean water system for the village of Pampoyo. She also held the rank of S1 staff corporal in the VMI Corps of Cadets as a 2nd Class cadet. Dickinson also volunteered with the Special Olympics and with the Daily Planet, a nonprofit charitable organization, in its health care center that serves uninsured and homeless patients, logging 300 volunteer hours.

Dickinson has been accepted into the Air Force’s health professional scholarship program to attend Eastern Virginia Medical School.

Long ’16

Track and Field Excels at SoCon Championships The VMI track and field teams excelled at the SoCon Outdoor Championships, which were held in Birmingham, Alabama, April 25-26. The men’s team finished fourth, while the women’s team posted a fifth-place result.

For the Keydet women, Kerisha Goode ’18 led the way with third-place finishes in both the 100 and 200 meters. Goode, a 4th Class cadet, broke the school record in the 200 in the event final by running a 24.66. She also was on one of the legs of the third-place 4x100-meter relay team, joining Bria Anderson ’18, Yaa Agyepong-Wiafe ’18 and Mia McClain ’18. Anderson had won the long jump previously with a school-record leap of 19 feet 6 inches. In addition, Renee Reives ’15 was second in the shot put and fourth in the discus throw.

The performances of Goode, Anderson and Reives, among others, helped the Keydets post 75 points – 23 more than the team has ever accumulated at any conference meet.

On the men’s side, Aron Long ’16 ran a 21.33 200-meters, the seventh-fastest time in Institute history, to win the title in that event.

He also finished second in the 100-meters, while teammate Quincy Murphy ’15 won the decathlon and was third in the 60-meter hurdles. Those performances highlighted a fourth-place finish for the team.

Goode ’18 VMI Alumni Review

VMI Foundation, Inc. Message from the VMI Foundation CEO

by Brian Scott Crockett One of my most cherished friendships always will be the one I had with the legendary and colorful basketball coach, Jim Valvano. We shared a common bond as student-athletes at Rutgers University. One of the things I admired most about Jimmy was the passion he had for his family, his players, his university, his sport – indeed, for life. I would imagine that, if asked, he would say he never worked a day in his life, because he loved what he did and did not consider it a “job.” Jim Valvano lived life to its fullest and, by example, encouraged those around him to do the same.

I count myself highly privileged to have been present when Jim delivered his electrifying acceptance speech after receiving the inaugural Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award at ESPN’s first-ever ESPY Awards March 3, 1993. It was an incredibly powerful expression of the true joy that comes from selflessly giving to family, friends and even total strangers and knowing that it has a positive impact on their lives. There are many memorable words from that speech, but the ones I will never forget are: “To me, there are three things everyone should do every day. Number one is laugh. Number two is think – spend some time in thought. Number three; you should

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have your emotions move you to tears. If you laugh, think and cry, that’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week – you’re going to have something special.”

I recalled that quote April 10, when many experienced a “Jimmy V.” kind of moment at VMI. Annually, the VMI Foundation hosts its Benefactors Luncheon at which we honor and thank those who have made a personal financial commitment to our Institute and to give those scholarship donors an opportunity to meet the cadets whose lives have been changed by their generosity. At the event, more than 250 cadets, faculty, staff and guests heard the heartwarming and inspirational story of Cadet Harper Niver ’15, an impressive young lady who, as the regimental S-2 captain, oversees academic programs that benefit cadets and who will be attending medical school this fall.

Delivering her speech with confidence and charisma, Harper made us laugh when she recalled the first question ever asked of her as a cadet, “Rat, why are you here?!” Harper spoke about her decision to come to VMI from North Carolina, knowing full well of the added expense of being an out-of-state cadet, but determined to reap the many benefits of VMI’s education and to spend her college

years in an atmosphere of honor and integrity.

Her words demonstrated the profound impact that giving at VMI has on the donors and the cadets, and she moved many to tears when she spoke of her gratitude toward her scholarship donors, Floyd Gottwald ’43 and Bruce Gottwald Jr. ’54. Their support, she said, allowed her to focus on academics instead of worrying about how she’d pay for the VMI education that she desired.

Harper ended her speech by reminding guests that the need for private philanthropic support is increasingly important to the Institute and its cadets. “With more and more deserving cadets finding the burden of a VMI education overwhelming,” she said, “you will continue to be their hope.”

I left the event profoundly grateful for the alumni, parents and friends who are truly passionate about our Institute and who take so much joy in contributing to the success of young men and women like Harper Niver. For when you combine that passion with VMI’s amazing education and hundreds of talented and determined young people who want to learn in an atmosphere of honor, integrity and service, you are, as my friend Jim Valvano so memorably said, “going to have something special.”

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Spinelli ’98 Gives to Support Cadets W

hen Michael H. “Mike” Spinelli ’98 accepted a scholarship to play basketball at VMI, he knew it would allow him the opportunity for success after he hung up his jersey. Now, with his medical career well underway, he is giving back to the Institute.

Mike, a solid 6 foot 8 inch tall center and forward, was as passionate about academics as he was about basketball. A dean’s list student for his entire cadetship, he majored in biology and planned for a career in wildlife biology. After VMI, he worked with the National Park Service in Yellowstone as a fish biologist and then joined the Peace Corps and served in Nepal.

Various experiences in Nepal prompted him to apply to the Medical College of Virginia. Upon graduating from MCV in 2006, he began his residency in internal medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center and became chief resident of internal medicine in 2010.

In August 2010, Mike moved to Bozeman, Montana, and joined the Bozeman Deaconess Health Group. He assumed the internal medicine practice of a doctor who served that community for 37 years. Mike began teaching with the University of Washington School of Medicine in 2010. In 2013, he became the associate director of Montana State University WWAMI, a branch of the cooperative program of the University of Washington School of Medicine and the states of Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. This program gives students residing in those five states access to high-quality, cost-effective medical education by decentralizing the educational process and sharing existing facilities and personnel in universities and communities. Mike was named a fellow of the American College of Physicians in 2013.

Mike donates to VMI by means of an electronic funds transfer, an option that is very popular among younger alumni. It allows them to make a gift in regular installments (such as monthly) drawn from a checking, savings or credit card account. “As a physician and medical educator, there are many demands on my time. Giving this way, therefore, lets me focus on my job and my family while ensuring that my support of VMI is consistent.”

We asked Mike a few questions about his experience at VMI and why he chooses to give back.

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Q: Why did you attend VMI? A:

My basketball scholarship had a lot to do with it. I was offered other scholarships, but VMI appeared to – and did – have a focus on academics and education as much as their focus on athletics.

Q: What are some of your special memories as a basketball player?

A:

We played some great teams, such as North Carolina, Wake Forest, Alabama and Georgia Tech. In the 1995-96 season, we were 18-10 and in two overtime games in the Southern Conference tournament. In my senior year, we beat Penn State and Virginia Tech, which were amazing games.

My best memories of basketball, however, are more mundane. VMI brings people together like few environments I have worked in. It brings a team together in ways that words cannot explain. I learned more lessons from my teammates – 1st, 2nd and 3rd classmen when I was a rat and from 4th, 3rd and 2nd classmen when I was a 1st Class private than anywhere else. I still keep in frequent touch with my roommates, and everyone at VMI knows of that bond. I speak with my teammates with less frequency. I learned more from my teammates and think about them more than they will ever know.

Q: What benefits did you derive from being a cadet-athlete?

A:

VMI works you harder in your first year than most people will ever work in their life. For athletes, there is a commitment and work ethic instilled in you that does not let up after the end of rat year. I am certain that my time at VMI as a cadet-athlete played a role in my being accepted by the Medical College of Virginia.

Q: Why did you start giving to VMI? A:

Our society would lose something if VMI ceased to exist. As corny as it sounds, it is true. I continue to get in debates with people about whether or not everything at VMI is right, politically correct or appropriate for the times we live in. Fact is, VMI forces you to think about those things. It pushes you to your limits. While much of it seems severe to outsiders, it is a supervised, structured environment with a defined purpose.

Q: Why do you give to the Keydet Club Scholarship Fund?

A:

First off, academics and athletics at VMI are not mutually exclusive, and any gift to VMI does something important: supports cadets. That said, the opportunity VMI provides to cadet-athletes is a unique one – to gain a great education and learn about leadership while playing an NCAA sport – and I would like other young people to have the opportunity that I did.

VMI Alumni Review

VMI Foundation, Inc.

Five Alumni Join VMI Foundation Board On July 1, 2015, the VMI Foundation welcomed four new members to its Board of Trustees: Richard W. Flowers ’72, George Piegari (Hon.), W. Gregory Robertson ’65 and Carl A. Strock ’70.

Richard W. Flowers ’72 previously served on the VMI Board of Trustees from 2004-12.

He is the son of the late Fred Flowers ’40 and the nephew of the late DanFlowers ’72 iel Flowers ’40, both of whom were well-known for their dedication to the advancement of the Institute and their participation in the work of the VMI Foundation.

Immediately after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering, Flowers commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps and served as a tank officer. He remained in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve until 1980, and his final assignment was as executive officer of the 4th Organizational Maintenance Company in Lima, Ohio.

Achieving the status of professional engineer in 1979, Flowers received a Master of Business Administration degree from Vanderbilt University in 1982. He then began work for Difco, Inc., a company in Findlay, Ohio, that manufactured specialized railroad cars. He eventually rose to become its vice president, directing its administrative functions including accounting, employee relations and quality assurance. While at the company, Flowers was awarded a patent on improvements in railroad car design.

After Difco was sold, Flowers attended Ohio Northern University’s Pettit School of Law and graduated in 1996. He was admitted to the Ohio and Federal Bars and was a member of many legal organizations, including the William Howard Taft Inns of Court.

Active in various community activities, he is the past president of the Findlay YMCA, Findlay Radio Club, Hancock Handlebars Bicycle Club and Findlay-Hancock County Safety Council. He is active in the First Presbyterian Church in Findlay and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was deeply involved in work of the Boy

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Scouts of America, serving at the troop level Council and was the faculty athletic repreand in various leadership posts, including as an sentative for VMI to the NCAA, the Southern Conference and Big South Conference. area vice president. He received many awards George published extensively and particifrom the BSA, including the Silver Antelope, pated in a faculty exchange program at the the highest scouting volunteer award given by Royal Military College of Science in the a region of the Boy Scouts of America.

United Kingdom. He also served for five years A certified flight instructor, he holds a comon the prestigious Army Science Board, which mercial pilot’s license with an instrument is comprised of approximately 100 rating for single engine aircraft and civilians who advise Army leaders gliders. He also has been a glider on matters pertaining to science. He check pilot with Civil Air Patrol. now works part-time as a consultant Now retired, Flowers lives in Fort in software engineering and project Lauderdale with his wife, Beth L. management for The Rushing Center Flowers, with whom he has three at Furman University. adult children, Eric L. Flowers, Gary Piegari and his wife, Melou, are F. Flowers and Ann Flowers Brodlongtime supporters of VMI Theater, beck, and five grandchildren. and Melou has performed in many In 1965, George Piegari (Hon.) plays.

They highly value the close became an instructor of mathematPiegari (Hon.) relationships they have developed ics at the Institute, beginning an association that would last more than 40 with many cadets. “For us,” he said, “it’s years and would end with his retirement in a great honor that to this day many former students still visit us.” Besides these long2007 as a professor emeritus of mathematics and computer science. Within those 42 years standing friendships, Piegari is most proud were two of what he describes as “periods for receiving three Distinguished Teaching of leave.” The first lasted three years while Awards, having the computer science laborahe attended Vanderbilt University in order to tory named in his honor upon his retirement earn a Doctor of Philosophy degree in math- and for being elected an honorary alumnus ematics. The second period lasted eight years, by the VMI Alumni Association (an honor given to only 25 other non-alumni). “I now during which he worked in the computer can add to that list being selected as a trustee industry and ended as a manager with Dun and Bradstreet, where he was responsibile of the VMI Foundation,” he said.

W. Gregory Robertson ’65 matriculated for their well-known database of corporate from Lynchburg, Virginia, and was a information. In 1986, he returned to chemistry major. He served his class VMI to help start the computer scias its historian and was involved in ence degree program. The program the Investment Club and the Hop enrolled its first majors in 1987 and Committee. In his 1st Class year, graduated its first majors in 1990. he was a cadet captain, commandPiegari served as the coordinator of ing the 1st Battalion of the Corps, the Computer Science Program and and was selected to Who’s Who of later was the head of the DepartAmerican Colleges and Universities. ment of Mathematics and Computer After graduation, he served in Science. the U.S. Army as an officer in the Besides service on the academic board while he was a department Robertson ’65 Air Defense Artillery branch and then attended the Darden School of head, Piegari was the chairman of several committees, including the Tenure and Business at the University of Virginia, from which he graduated with a Master in Business Promotion Committee, and numerous search committees, including that for the current Administration degree in 1970.

From 1970-84, he worked in the investment dean of the faculty. A longtime supporter of banking division of Goldman, Sachs & Co, VMI athletics, he headed the VMI Athletic

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VMI Foundation, Inc. and from 1985-89, he was an executive vice president and director of Thomson McKinnon Securities Inc., where he headed the firm’s investment banking and public finance activities.

In 1989, Robertson led the formation of the investment bank, TM Capital Corporation. Today, the firm has offices in New York, Boston and Atlanta and has completed more than 250 mergers, acquisitions and financings with a combined value in excess of $16 billion. Robertson serves as the chairman and a managing director of the bank. He also is a past President of M&A International Inc. Robertson has a long record of service to the Institute. From 1992-99, he was a trustee of the VMI Foundation and served as the Foundation’s vice president of fundraising from 1997-99. From 2006-14, he was a member of the VMI Board of Visitors. He was a member of the Audit, Finance and Planning Committee for seven years and was its chairman from 2007-11.

He served as chairman of the External Relations Committee from 2011-14, during which time the Institute rapidly expanded its communications and marketing efforts and museum programs. He served on numerous other committees and was the chairman of the committee that selected recipients of the Jonathan Myrick Daniels ’61 Humanitarian Award. He also has been closely involved with the Cadet Investment Group and is renowned as an excellent host whenever a contingent of cadets from the group visits New York City.

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Carl A. Strock ’70 commissioned as an infantry officer in 1972. and transferred to the engineer branch in 1983.

In his military career, Strock commanded many units including a U.S. Army Special Strock ’70 Forces operational detachment and a rifle company. He also commanded the 307th Engineer Battalion of the 82nd Airborne Division, which he led through Operation Just Cause in Panama and Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Saudi

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Arabia and Iraq; the Engineer Brigade of the 24th Infantry Division; and two Corps of Engineers divisions. In 2003, he served as deputy director of operations for the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq where he was responsible for reconstruction of civil infrastructure.

From July 2004 until June 2007, Strock was chief of engineers and commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He was the second VMI alumnus to hold that prestigious position. The first was Robert B. Flowers ’69, who was Strock’s immediate predecessor in those positions.

Joining the Bechtel Group in 2007, Strock has served as project director of the Sabine Pass Project in Louisiana, general manager for Bechtel’s civil infrastructure business and corporate manager of construction and president of Bechtel Construction Operations Inc. Since 2013, he has been a principal vice president in Bechtel’s government services business unit.

A professional engineer, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI and a Master of Civil Engineering degree from Mississippi State University.

Among his military awards are the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and two awards of the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal. His many professional awards include the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Professional Practice Ethics and Leadership Award and its Henry Michel Award for Leadership in Research.

Strock and his wife, Julie, have two sons, Chris and John, who graduated from VMI in 1997 and 1998, respectively.

Hugh M. Fain III ’80, president of the VMI Foundation, said, “I am delighted to welcome – and, in the case of Rich Flowers and Greg Robertson, welcome back – these men to the Board of Trustees.

They bring a wide range of experience in, to borrow a phrase from VMI’s history, ‘the varied work of civil life,’ as well as an intense dedication to the Institute’s improvement. I am sure that they will immediately make substantial contributions to the work of the VMI Foundation on behalf of VMI and its faculty, staff and cadets.”

VMI Foundation Bids Farewell to Six Trustees On June 30, six members of the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees, including one ex-officio member, concluded their service.

As president of VMI Investment Holdings, LLC, Daryl Deke ’82 was an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees. A member of the VMI Investment Committee since July 2007, he helped develop a new investment-management strategy for VMI and create VMI Investment Holdings, LLC, in early 2009. He became chairman of VMI Investment Holdings, LLC, in July 2010. Deke is principal and chief executive officer of New Market Wealth Management in Costa Mesa, California.

J. Battle Haslam ’61 served on many of the board’s committees. He was vice president–fundraising for fiscal years 2011 and 2012 and a four-year member of the Executive Committee. Haslam, a retired radiation oncologist, lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

John C. Miller ’61 served on the Finance Committee and the Executive Committee for seven and three years, respectively. He was the chairman of the Planned Giving Subcommittee for five years.

Miller is the president of the J.J. Kenrich Agency in Saint Louis, Missouri.

George M. Rapport ’64 was a member of the Strategic Planning Committee and was its chairman for five years. He also served on the Executive Committee and was the chairman of the Donor Relations and Communications Subcommittee from fiscal year 2012 through fiscal year 2015. Recently retired from a career in international finance, Rapport resides in Madison, Connecticut.

A current resident of Geneva, Switzerland, Robert C. Troxler ’63 served on the Finance Committee and Strategic Planning Committee. He was one of three leaders of the Class of 1963’s 50th Reunion Campaign, which raised a record-setting $20,086,063.63 in gifts and commitments. He is managing partner of Global View Investments, Ltd. Thomas H. Zarges ’70 served on the Nominating and Awards Committee and the Property Management and Gifts Committee. He was the chairman of its Corporate and Foundation Relations Subcommittee from Fiscal Year 2009 through Fiscal Year 2015. Zarges recently retired from URS Corporation and resides in Lexington, Virginia.

VMI Alumni Review

VMI Foundation, Inc.

VMI Foundation Hosts Annual Benefactors Luncheon 1.

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On April 13, 2015, the Hall of Valor in the Center for Leadership and Ethics was the venue for the VMI Foundation’s annual Benefactors Luncheon. At this event, more than 100 people who had established the endowments that support scholarships, professorships, chairs and other funds – or represented those who did – sat down with 93 cadets and many members of VMI’s leadership, faculty and staff. Also attending the event were the members of the VMI Foundation’s Board of Trustees who were on post for their annual spring meeting.

Guests at the event heard from Hugh M. Fain III ’80, president of the VMI Foundation, who thanked the donors for their generosity toward VMI as well as providing, in terms of supporting the Institute, an “incredibly strong example ... over many decades.” In a moving speech, Harper Niver ’15, a cadet captain who will attend medical school in fall 2015, described the influence that private money had on her decision to attend VMI and the impact it had on her ability to pursue excellence as a cadet.

Photo 1: Hugh M. Fain III ’80, president of the VMI Foundation, welcomed the audience to the 2015 Benefactors Luncheon, the 13th edition of the event.

Photo 2: Dexter Gilliam ’76, the chief administrative officer of American National Bank and trustee of the E. Stuart James Grant Charitable Trust, spoke with Cadet Joseph Burke ’18, one of four recipients of the E. Stuart James Grant Scholarship for the 2015 academic year.

Photo 3: Cadet Brendon Bock ’15 spoke with William O. Woodward ’92.

Photo 4: Guests at the luncheon were treated to remarks by Cadet Harper Niver ’15.

Photo 5: Mrs. Nancy Catlett, widow of Thomas Catlett ’69, spoke with Cadet Daniel Robinson ’16 during the early part of the event.

Photo 6: Cadet Tessa Schlichting ’15 engaged in conversation with Mrs. Guy Haskins Jr.

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Top Left: Cadet Nicholas Celfo ’18 and Mrs. Cheryl Doltz, whose family established a scholarship in honor of her son, Ryan Doltz ’00, after he was killed in action in Iraq in 2004.

Top Right: M. David Gibbons ’68, VMI Foundation trustee, and George H. “Skip” Roberts ’68, former VMI Foundation executive vice president, chatted with Cadet Amanda Smith ’17.

Bottom Right: William T. Wells Jr. ’73 and Cadet Rob M. Franzino ’15.

Class of 1965 Presents Initial Proceeds of 50th Reunion Campaign

At the reunion parade April 25, 2015, the Class of 1965 presented the initial proceeds of its 50th Reunion fund – more than $13.2 million in gifts and commitments – to the Institute. Presenting the gift were three class leaders: Harry J. Bartosik, chairman of the campaign; C. Louis Siegel Jr., president of the Class of 1965; and Thomas A. “Mickey” Finn, the class agent for the Class of 1965. General J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, VMI superintendent, right, accepted the gift on behalf of the Institute, and E.J. Turner Perrow ’96, president of the VMI Alumni Association, left, accepted it on behalf of the VMI Alumni Agencies. Photo by Jess Sorensen.

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VMI Alumni Review

VMI Foundation, Inc.

Honoring “Eagle” – The Class of 1960 Memorializes a Fallen Brother Rat dean of the faculty and deputy superintendent Almost immediately, a couple of people exOn Jan. 25, 2015, Cadet Tiffany A. Haines ’15 for academics, and Col. Dean Lee, the Air Force became the first cadet to receive the Capt. Paul pressed a willingness to cover the entire cost of M. Bayliss USAF 1960 Memorial Scholarship. the plaque. According to Williamson, however, ROTC detachment commander, Williamson The scholarship was established by the Class Moss had another idea. “He suggested limiting spoke at the presentation ceremony. In his remarks, he praised Bayliss’ character. “Beneath of 1960 in honor of their brother rat who was the amount of each gift so that it would be a class wide effort. We did, and we started hearing from that happy-go-lucky exterior was a steel spine killed in action. To some, those mere facts might illustrate a fairly straightforward story of a class people we had not heard from in a while, and and streak of determination a mile wide; the necessary attributes of a fighter pilot.” The coming together to honor him at VMI, but there soon, we were oversubscribed.”

The plaque was dedicated during the 50th Re- scholarship is important, he continued, because is a bit more to the story. “it keeps his memory and his example alive.” union weekend in a ceremony that was attended The scholarship has its roots in the efforts Reba Bayliss and Patrick Bayliss also attended of the Class of 1960 to honor Capt. Bayliss, by Bayliss’ widow and his son, a 1989 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a submariner. the presentation ceremony. Of the Class of the only member of that class to be killed in action during the Vietnam War. As a cadet, After the ceremony, discussion then shifted to 1960’s efforts to honor her husband, she replied, “These men have been wonderBayliss, nicknamed “Eagle” by ful with the memorial and the his class, was well-known for, as scholarship. I was reminded his history in The Bomb states, of that dedication service to“his happy, carefree way.” His day. I was overwhelmed then, brother rat, Bolling Williamson and I am overwhelmed now. ’60, who lived next door to BaylThis scholarship will keep Pat’s iss’ room for two years, recalled, memory alive, as well as help “I never saw him have a down other cadets fulfill their dreams day. I could be in my room … of serving their country.” wondering what in the world After the ceremony, Haines could go wrong next – the door said, “This is incredibly rewardwould kick open and in would ing, and I consider it a special walk ‘Eagle,’ hat cocked on the blessing. I didn’t realize how back of his head [and] in about special it would be, however, 10 seconds, everything would be until this day came and I was back on track.” able to meet the family and After working for an engineermembers of the Class of 1960.” ing company, Bayliss entered From left, Mr. and Mrs. J. Bolling Williamson ’60, Patrick Bayliss, Tiffany “The Class of 1960 has estabAir Force pilot training and A. Haines ’15, Mrs. Reba Bayliss, Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Clay ’60, and lished an extraordinary memograduated in March 1962. He Col. Dean W. Lee. Photo by Kevin Remington. rial to their fallen brother rat,” served as an instructor pilot before joining the 606th Air Commando what should be done with the money left over said Bryan, himself a former Air Force pilot.

“They not only created a physical memorial to Squadron, which was based in Thailand and from the fundraising effort to purchase and place flew modified T-28s in missions against the the plaque. The decision was made to establish their beloved brother rat at VMI, but through Ho Chi Minh Trail. On Nov. 7, 1966, Bayliss’ a scholarship, and representatives of the class their sustained generosity, created a living memorial to him here, as well.” aircraft was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire, and approached Buddy Bryan ’71, vice president of Williamson provided some final thoughts. he was killed. He left behind his wife, Reba, and the VMI Foundation. “During discussions about an infant son, Patrick, whom he had never seen. the scholarship,” Williamson recalled, “we de- “‘Eagle’ embodied what VMI was about. He was a patriot with the heart, commitment and Mindful of the approach of the Class of 1960’s cided that it would best reflect Bayliss’ legacy if 50th Reunion, not long after the class’ previous it were restricted in award to a cadet pursuing an determination of a warrior – these are the charreunion, Howard Moss ’60, also an Air Force Air Force commission who has been chosen for acteristics that VMI instills in its alumni. I am what is known as a ‘rated career field;’ that is, a honored to have known him and grateful for pilot and Vietnam War veteran, approached Williamson with the idea of honoring Bayliss with a pilot or combat systems officer. We also decided the opportunities to honor him and his legacy.” that such things as grades and rank would not commemorative plaque in Memorial Gardens.

Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, be determining factors. In a sense, we wanted a With another brother rat – and a roommate of the articles and photos in the FoundaBayliss’ – Bob Clay ’60, they drew up a basic good, all-around cadet who was as well-liked as tion section of the Alumni Review are ‘Eagle’ had been.” concept for a plaque and then contacted the provided by the Foundation.

Along with Brig. Gen. Jeffrey G. Smith Jr. ’79, Class of 1960 about the project.

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The Keydet Club Thoughts from the Club House

by Greg Cavallaro ’84, Keydet Club Chief Executive Officer A “new day” for VMI Athletics has inspired a “new direction” for the VMI Keydet Club’s annual funding efforts. At the spring board meeting, changes were made regarding repositories for donated annual gifts in support of VMI athletics which will enable donors, VMI, the Athletic Department and the Keydet Club to ensure that both annual funding needs and donor expectations are met.

The History Since its inception, the primary objective of the Keydet Club was to raise annual money in support of VMI’s NCAA athletic scholarships by soliciting support for the Keydet Club Scholarship Fund. In 1999, it was recognized that funding for the operational expenses needed for VMI to maintain its Division I athletic program would have to come from the private sector. The Keydet Club amended its bylaws to accommodate a collection of newly created Athletic Operations Funds. Team-specific AOFs were created to allow donors to support their team of choice. Over the last 15 years, the AOF has grown from $500,000 to an annual high of $1.63 million.

Over the 15-year history of the Athletic Operations Fund and associated team-specific AOFs, the unrestricted AOF diminished from a high of more than $1 million per year to a low of $234,500 in fiscal year 2014.

During the same period, donations to teamspecific AOFs grew from less than $200,000 per year to a high of $1.2 million in the past few fiscal years. This increase clearly accentuates the desire of donors to make gifts for the benefit of their team of choice.

The Need In the 2015-16 academic year, VMI’s scholarship equivalency (average of the in-state and out-of-state scholarship cost) will increase to approximately $36,700. This requires the Keydet Club to increase its annual fundraising efforts to maintain the same scholarship equivalencies offered in fiscal year 2015. The Keydet Club has averaged approximately

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$3.2 million per year for the past 10 years and must now begin raising upward of $4 million per year. This must be achieved while VMI and the Keydet Club continue to build the endowments for athletics from its current total of $45 million to more than $65 million during the final years of A Glorious Past: A Brilliant Future: An Uncommon Purpose: The Campaign for VMI.

The Plan Effective July 1, 2015 (fiscal year 2016), the Keydet Club made the following changes for its annual fundraising efforts and repositories: – Renamed the unrestricted Athletic Operations Fund to the Keydet Club Athletic Operations Fund.

– Created a Team Scholarship Fund for each individual team which restricts donor designated gifts to be used entirely for scholarships for that team.

The Keydet Club will maintain the longstanding and recognizable Keydet Club Scholarship Fund.

The Outcome Through the balance of the Campaign for VMI, supporters are encouraged to make five year pledges to the Keydet Club to allow the Keydet Club and Athletic Department to more accurately forecast future funding and increase support for VMI Athletics.

This is a critical opportunity, because when a coach makes a scholarship offer, it is for four years (or more) and funding must be in place to cover the commitments made.

The Keydet Club Board of Governors believes that by maintaining the Keydet Club’s annual development focus on the Keydet Club Scholarship Fund, the Keydet Club Athletic Operations Fund and specific Team Scholarship Funds, this will enable the Keydet Club and Athletic Department to ensure accountability and clarity to its donors which in turn will maintain donor confidence and increased support for VMI’s Division I athletic program.

New Keydet Club Board of Governors Members Elected At its June 2015 meeting, the Keydet Club Board of Governors recognized the officers for fiscal year 2016, the retiring board members and the incoming new board members.

The officers of the Board of Governors for the 2015-2016 fiscal year are: William A. “Bill” Paulette ’69, president; U. “Buzz” Birzenieks ’64, first vice president; Gerald J. “Jerry” Acuff ’71, second vice president; and Bland Massie Jr. ’77, secretary and treasurer. Joining the officers on the Executive Committee will be board members Paul A. Bouis ’67 and Daniel P. “Danny” Thornton ’78.

At the end of the meeting, Paulette recognized retiring members Kevin Henry ’68, Jimmy Long ’69, Thom Brashears ’95, Marshall Simpson ’90 and John Harper.

The new board members, effective July 1, 2015, are: Kemper Wharton ’84, Daren Payne ’90, Joe Sokolowski ’91, Jason Gruse ’97 and Joe Munno ’12.

Following is a brief biography of the new board members.

Jason K. Gruse ’97 matriculated to VMI from Saint Albans, West Virginia. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and business from VMI. During his cadetship, he spent time as a member of the baseball program, pre-law society and cadet work study programs.

Upon graduation, Gruse was awarded the Wheat ’21 postgraduate scholarship. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree in health care administration.

Gruse spent more than 10 years in the pharmaceutical/medical device business sector serving as a sales manager and trainer. He was recognized for multiple national sales awards, personnel development and leadership. In 2013, he made the decision to pursue a longtime career goal of opening his own business with Edward Jones Investments as a financial adviser. During this time he has been engaged in the development of market strategy growth.

In addition, he is active with Business Network International, the Homebuilders Association and Jaycees. He also serves as president of the Stonewall Jackson Alumni Chapter. He

VMI Alumni Review

The Keydet Club to Company E, where he served as a Master of Science degree in environmental encurrently resides in Charleston, West cadre corporal, rat platoon sergeant gineering from the University of Florida and his Virginia, with his wife, Lori, and chiland company executive officer. He was project management professional certification dren, Will (8), Bree (6) and Jack (3). He a member of the original Big Red Club, in 2010. In addition to his involvement in the is active as a youth baseball and basthe VMI Firefighters, Rat Training Keydet Club, Payne is president of the Society ketball coach and enjoys playing golf.

Cadre, Echo Company intramural bas- of American Military Engineers Savannah Joseph I. Munno ’12 is a native of ketball team for three years and ranked Post, past president of the Army Engineer AsRichmond, Virginia, and graduated among the Top 10 in PFT scores in the sociation’s “Hoosier” Chapter, a member of the high school from St. Christopher’s Corps all four years of his cadetship. Richmond Hill High School Touchdown Club, School in 2008. There, he won the member of the VMI Class of 1990 25th He earned his Bachelor of Davenport Award for the most outArts degree in history and standing athlete. While attending Reunion Campaign Committee, and Gruse ’97 a commission in the Army high school, he wrestled and played past chapter adjutant of the Military Corps of Engineers. baseball, as well as served as a public and Order of the Purple Heart’s Mobile Payne has held a variety of commotivational speaker and an ambassador for Chapter. mand and staff positions in Engineer incoming new students.

Other than chatting on the VMI Joe matriculated at VMI in 2008 as a full units during his 24-year military casports talk website, his favorite passcholarship athlete. During his cadetship, Joe reer, including command of 1-345th times include hunting, fishing, boating was captain of the wrestling team and an All- Engineer Battalion from 2011-13 and doing anything that allows him to Conference athlete. He was the class president and deputy commander of the U.S. spend time with his family. He and his Army Corps of Engineers District Sokolowski ’91 wife, the former Leigh Ann Woods, of 2012 and a dean’s list student. In the fall of his 1st Class year, he won the Keydet Club’s Three- in Mobile, Alabama, from 2007-11. reside in Richmond Hill, Georgia, Other assignments have taken him to with their children, Hayden and Landry, who Legged Stool award. He graduated the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea; attend Richmond Hill High School. from VMI with a Bachelor of Arts Fort Rucker, Alabama; Fort Hood, degree in economics and business.

Joseph M. Sokolowski ’91 matriculated Texas; Washington, D.C.; Fort Polk, from Orlando, Florida, in the summer of 1987. He After graduation, Munno joined the Louisiana; and two tours in Fort Stew- earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics Altria Group Distribution Company, art, Georgia. Payne served 31 months and business from VMI. He was on full athletic a subsidiary of Altria Group based in in combat in Iraq, in addition to de- scholarship for football and played all four years, Richmond, serving as a territory sales ploying to combat zones in Kuwait, receiving three letters as an offensive lineman. In manager. Altria Group is a parent Afghanistan, Egypt and Colombia. 2015, he celebrated his 23rd wedding anniversary company for Philip Morris USA, US He currently serves as the chief en- with his wife, Stephanie. They have a daughter, Smokeless Tobacco, John Middleton Company, NuMark and St. Michelle Munno ’12 gineer for the 3rd Infantry Division Taylor, who is currently a junior at Rockbridge at Fort Stewart, where he is Wine Estates. Munno works as a County High School. He was a resident liaison between customers and the company’s responsible for technical training, proof Buena Vista, Virginia, for two years management to provide business solutions for fessional development, certification in the early 1990s before moving to those accounts in Delaware and Maryland. He training and combat readiness of the Roanoke, Virginia. He then moved to has implemented groundwork to recruit and division’s 1,400 engineer soldiers and Harrisonburg, Virginia, and then North develop top tier cadet talent for Altria’s sales managing the division’s construction Carolina for the next 13 years before reinternship program at VMI. Munno has also programs. locating back to Lexington in December His awards and decorations include worked on Altria’s Political Action Committee 2008. He currently works as a business to educate employees on legislative issues that the Bronze Star (2), Purple Heart, banker and commercial lending officer impact their ability to do business in the U.S., Defense Meritorious Service Medal, at CornerStone Bank.

Meritorious Service Medal (4), the as well as help generate resources to combat C. Kemper Wharton ’84 attended Air Assault Badge, Parachutist Badge Wharton ’84 VMI on a baseball scholarship and policies and taxes that restrict business growth.

For the past three years, Munno has lived and the Combat Action Badge. Payne graduated in 1984 with a Bachelor also received the Bronze Order of in Wilmington, Delaware, enjoyof Arts degree in economics. Immediately folthe De Fleury medal from the Army lowing graduation, he served in the U.S. Army, ing hobbies that include CrossFit, Engineer Association in 2007 and the where he received qualifications as an Airborne softball and golf.

Aubrey “Red” Newman Leadership Ranger and achieved the rank of captain.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lt. award in 2001. He is a graduate of the Col. R. Daren Payne ’90 is a native He married Allison Ewing, and they have two Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced sons and a daughter – Conrad, Caleb and Libba. of Stafford, Virginia, and graduated Courses and the Army Command He and his family live in Richmond, Virginia, from North Stafford High School, and General Staff College. where he was a multi-sport letterand are active members of St. Mary’s Episcopal In addition to his degree from VMI, Church in Goochland, Virginia. He is a senior man participating in cross-country, Payne earned a graduate certificate vice president of investments at Merrill Lynch wrestling and track. He matriculated in environmental management, a and has been with the firm for 23 years. at VMI in 1986 and was assigned Payne ’90

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The Keydet Club

Keydet Club Hosts 2015 Jeff “Pup” Morgan ’80 Annual Leadership Outing The Keydet Club hosted its Jeff “Pup” Morgan ’80 Annual Leadership Outing June 5, 2015. The outing is hosted as a way for the Keydet Club and VMI to say thank you to its loyal annual leadership members for their financial support of VMI’s Division I athletic program. During the event, more than 175 members were able to enjoy golf at Lexington Gold and Country Club, sporting clays at Quail Ridge and tennis at Washington and Lee University’s Duchossois Tennis Center.

A record crowd gathered at Moody Hall for

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the featured event catered by the Southern Inn, which provided a fantastic culinary display. The program, which followed cocktails and dinner, included Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent; Dr. Dave Diles, director of intercollegiate athletics, who introduced all of the coaches; Dan Earl, head basketball coach; and Scott Wachenheim, head football coach.

“The continued growth and popularity of the Jeff Morgan ’80 Annual Leadership Outing is encouraging, as it gives testimony to the excitement surrounding VMI athletics today.

We are thankful for our generous leadership members,” noted Greg Cavallaro, Keydet Club chief executive officer.

If you are interested in joining us for this event in June 2016, please call the Keydet Club at 800-444-1839. Membership requires a minimum annual gift of $1,000 ($750 for the first year) for Big Red leadership membership.

If you graduated within the past 15 years, Big Red membership is available to you for a gift of $500 ($375 for the first year). Your gift must be made between July 1 and June 30.

VMI Alumni Review