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. 2015-Issue 3
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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