Alumni Review 2016-Issue 2

VMI

ALUMNI REVIEW 2016-Issue 2

Contents

Virginia Military Institute Alumni Review 2016-Issue 2

In This Issue . . .

This issue includes class notes and news items covering the time period of Nov. 15, 2015, to Feb. 15, 2016.

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Features 6

In Memory: Vincent J. Thomas ’43

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Nunn ’43: Extraordinary Heroism in France

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Producing Leaders of Character: The Center for Leadership and Ethics

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Leidos/General John P. Jumper ’66 Leadership and Ethics Fund

10 Okoye ’13 Becomes an Olympic Athlete 11 Campaign Message from Donald Wilkinson ’61

News and Updates

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Our Alumni Serving

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Association/Chapter News

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Class Notes

144 Births, Marriages, Degrees 145 Provisional Appointments 147 Taps 152 After Taps 155 Alumni News

Departments 2

President’s Letter

153 Association Directory 161 The Institute

172 2016-Issue 2

167 Keydet Athletics 169 The Foundation 173 The Keydet Club

Volume 93, No. 1

PUBLISHER The President of The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. 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 Periodicals postage paid at Lynchburg, VA. MISSION OF THE VMI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION To organize the alumni and old cadets of VMI into one general body to keep alive the memories of Institute life and, by their united efforts, promote the general welfare of the Institute and the successful prosecution of its educational purposes.

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: Preston Library, viewed through spring foliage from the Parade Ground.

Inside Front Cover: The band on the Parade Ground during a spring parade, with House Mountain in the background. Photos by Micalyn Miller, VMIAA.

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A Message From the President Dear Alumni and Friends of the Institute, As I write this final letter to you as president of the VMI Alumni Association, my two-year term is nearing its close. Robert P. Louthan ’82, who has served as your first vice president since 2014, will soon take over in my place. I know he will execute the role commendably, and I look forward to watching his continued success.

In early 2016, many feet of snow blanketed the Institute and many of you on numerous occasions.

By April, we were all ready for the beauty of warm spring days on post. As this magazine goes to press, we prepare to welcome back several classes over a week’s time. The Classes of ’36, ’41, ’46, ’51, ’56 and ’61 are scheduled to visit with us first, followed by the Classes of ’66, ’76, ’86 and ’96, with the Class of 1966 celebrating its 50th Reunion. Spring reunions are a great way for the cadets to end the year and for the 1st Class to see what they have to look forward to in decades to come as they make their final preparations to transition after life at the Institute.

This Review profiles one outstanding alumnus who is no longer with us. Since the last issue, Vincent Johns Thomas ’43, former president of the VMI Board of Visitors and longtime mayor of Norfolk, Virginia, has died. Thomas was admired for many accomplishments in his life, and he was unceasing in his efforts to provide service to the Institute. Thomas is remembered in the In Memory section.

Perrow ’96

Some other items of notable interest in this Review include: • An account of the heroism displayed by Arthur B. Nunn ’43, a platoon commander in Company A, 135 Engineer Combat Battalion, who was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross for “extraordinary heroism.”

• The exciting journey of one of our recent graduates, Stanley Okoye ’13, who qualified to compete in the 2016 Summer Olympics playing basketball on the Nigerian National Team.

• Articles chronicling the importance of the Center for Leadership and Ethics and the role it plays in cadet development, as well as a generous gift that will further enhance cadets’ experiences through the center.

• An update on the Campaign, as well as several newly-established scholarships within the Keydet Club.

• An extensive Our Alumni Serving section, full of photos showcasing alumni serving our country at home and abroad.

In closing, I wish to thank our Alumni Association Board of Directors. They have produced a Strategic Plan to help guide our agency through the next several years. The hard work and dedication of committee chairs and their committees will certainly pay off in the years to come.

This has been a truly rewarding and humbling experience for me, as I have tried to follow in the footsteps of John B. Adams ’36, my grandfather and past president of the Alumni Association. Not a board meeting goes by during which I do not look at the plaque containing the past presidents wondering how I can hope to measure up to those before me, and I want to thank the alumni for their support and encouragement during this endeavor.

Lastly, I wish to thank my loving wife, Holly, and our children, Epps, Caroline and Tripp, for their tolerance and understanding while I was away on association business. I loved our visits to Moody Hall, and I know our children will have lasting memories of being at the Institute.

To Bob Louthan and his wife, Kathy, I wish you the absolute best in your term as president; it has been an honor and a joy to work with you.

In the spirit,

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

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Above: United States Air Force Lt. Col. David Short ’97 serving as the deputy group commander, 451st Air Expeditionary Group, in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Right: United States Army Special Forces Staff Sgt. Chris Richman ’04 in Afghanistan.

Our Alumni Serving Recognizing Those Who Serve Others in Their Communities, Country and the World The Alumni Association would like to pay tribute to our 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 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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Above: Photos taken by U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Andrew W. Baity ’10 during his WestPac Deployment in the Pacific Ocean, following missions in support of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The aircraft pictured is an AH-1Z Viper, the newest variant of the AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter.

Baity’s squadron, HMLA-169 is one of three squadrons in the Marine Corps currently fielding this new helicopter and one of two to operationally deploy with a full “upgrades” detachment – meaning both upgraded AH-1 Cobra and UH-1Y Venom (Huey) utility helicopters.

The ship pictured is the USS Anchorage (LPD-23). Baity was stationed aboard that ship for the better part of seven months as her aviation detachment. Lt. Cmdr. Keith Tate ’04 served as the ship’s operations officer during Baity’s deployment.

Below: During Baity’s recent WestPac deployment, several alumni had the opportunity to gather for a photo. The missions were in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. The location is classified. Alumni pictured were, from left, U.S. Air Force Maj. Justin Wolfe ’98, U.S. Air Force Capt.

Hunter Davis ’11, Baity, and U.S. Navy Cmdr. Nathaniel Straub ’96.

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From left, U.S. Army National Guard Col. Doug Messner with Virginia Army National Guard Lt. Col. Weedon Gallagher ’90 at Fort Pickett in January 2016. Gallagher recently took command of the Virginia Beach-based 329th Regional Support Group.

United States Army 1st Lt. Benjamin Howard ’12, to the right of the Christmas tree, stationed in Iraq commanding a Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System platoon from the 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, New York, along with his group, was awarded a Combat Action Badge. This CAB was given for events that occurred in September 2015 and is presented to soldiers who personally engage or were engaged by enemy forces during combat operations. The TUAS platoon was also commended for over 2,000 hours of 24/7 flight operations without an accident.

In front of the Sultan’s Inn Dining Facility at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Jan. 10, 2016, were, from left, U.S. Army Capt. Chris Nelson ’07, U.S. Army Maj. Derek Raymond ’04 and U.S. Air Force Capt. Stefan Dietrich ’07.

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In Memory: Vincent J. Thomas ’43

by Scott Belliveau ’83, Director of Communications, VMI Foundation On Nov. 7, 2015, Vincent Johns Thomas ’43, former president of the VMI Board of Visitors and longtime mayor of Norfolk, Virginia, died in his hometown. He was 93.

Thomas was born in Norfolk Sept. 20, 1922.

He matriculated at VMI in 1939 after graduating from Maury High School, where he was a standout athlete in tennis and basketball, as well as the president of his class for three years.

As a cadet, he majored in electrical engineering and was a distinguished graduate, receiving the John H. French Medal for Pure Mathematics. He was a member of the VMI basketball team, playing forward on the team that won the state championship in 1943. He won the VMI Individual Intramural Trophy in tennis in 1942 and 1943. He also was president of his class – a post he maintained until his death.

After graduation, he became an officer in the U.S. Army’s Signal Corps. He became a specialist in radar and attended advanced electronics school at Harvard University and radar school at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

He served in the Pacific Theater, introducing new and modified radar, and was discharged in 1946 at the grade of first lieutenant.

When he returned to Norfolk, he joined his family’s firm, Johns Brothers, Inc., a coal dealer and coal export agent. During the next 50 years, he helped transform the company by moving into the fuel oil, heating and air conditioning, and electronic security businesses and rose to the position of chairman of the board, which he was holding when the company was sold in 1996.

As admired and respected as he was as a businessman, it was his service to Norfolk, the Hampton Roads region, and Virginia – to include his service to VMI – for which he is best remembered.

Thomas was passionate about public education, and he devoted much of his civic service to that field. From 1960-72, he served on the Norfolk School Board, and he was its chairman from 1964-72. He was a member of the Virginia School Boards Association and its board, as well as the National School Boards Association, where he acted as chairman of the Council of Big City Boards of Education.

He served on the Virginia State Board of Education from 1972-76 and was its president for two years. He was the chairman of the Governor’s Commission for the Education of the Handicapped. In 1969, the Virginia

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Thomas ’43 Education Association recognized his service by naming Thomas as the state’s Outstanding School Board Member. He played a key role in the development of the public television station, WHRO, in 1961 and served as its board’s first vice chairman.

In May 1976, Thomas was elected to the Norfolk City Council and was chosen by the council to be the city’s mayor – on the 27th ballot – two months later. According to Norfolk’s current mayor, Paul D. Fraim ’71, Thomas often would describe himself as “Landslide Thomas.”

Thomas was instrumental in the revitalization of Norfolk, a city that, in the mid-1970s, was beset by financial problems, the departure of many residents and a moribund business climate. Working with other members of the city council and area businessmen, he focused revitalization efforts on the downtown waterfront, resulting in the creation of Town Point Park and the Waterside Festival Marketplace in 1983, which Fraim described as “the projects that saved downtown.”

Thomas was also instrumental in the building of Norfolk’s World Trade Center – the city’s first new office building in a decade – and residential developments which sparked a resurgence that continues to this day. He also played a major role in the effort that persuaded the newly formed Norfolk Southern Corporation to establish its headquarters in Norfolk.

Thomas did not confine his activities to Norfolk, however. According to Fraim, he “was an early and ardent proponent of regionalism.” Thomas helped establish the Southeastern Public Service Authority, which is the solid waste management agency for more than 1 million people in the Hampton Roads area, and combine the then-independent ports of Norfolk, Portsmouth and Newport News into the Virginia Port Authority, now one of the largest ports in the United States.

Retirement from public life did not end Thomas’ service to the Hampton Roads region. He was the president of the Greater Norfolk Corporation and the Virginia International Terminal, as well as chairman of the Future of Hampton Roads, Inc. He was also on the boards of the Planning Council, the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation, the Hampton Roads Naval Historical Foundation, Virginia Wesleyan College, The Face International Corporation and The Tidewater Scholarship Foundation. He was a founder of the Virginia Tennis Association. Whenever asked why he served his hometown and region so devotedly, Thomas quoted a friend, “Community service is the rent you pay for the space you take in the community.”

Fraim described the Institute as “another of Vince’s great loves,” and Thomas served it tirelessly. He was a director of the VMI Alumni Association and its president from 1969-71, during which time he was an ex-officio member of the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees.

In 1976, he began eight years of service on the VMI Board of Visitors and was its president from 1980-83. He is credited with recruiting Gen. Sam S. Walker ’45 as superintendent, as well as supporting many improvements in the Institute’s academic, athletic and military programs, and its physical plant. He headed the Leadership Gifts Committee for The VMI Campaign, and, from 1990-96, he was a trustee of the VMI Foundation. He played a major role in establishing the forerunner of today’s Foundation Fund. In 1976, Thomas received the VMI Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award. In 1984, the Daughters of the American Revolution presented him with its Medal of Honor.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Carroll Thomas; a daughter; a son; two brothers; a sister; and seven grandchildren, including Cabell B. Thomas ’18, and numerous nieces and nephews.

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Nunn ’43: Extraordinary Heroism in France

by J. Bolling Williamson ’60, Contributing Writer

“Lieutenant Nunn boldly stood in view of the enemy [and] rushed the position.”

Nunn ’43 Extraordinary Heroism in France There are very few positions in an Army ground combat unit that are not hazardous.

Some are definitely more hazardous than others, and the job of clearing mines falls in that category. Any non-engineer who has gone through the training exercise of probing for dummy mines with a bayonet has a profound respect for the courage to deal with the real thing.

The courage required to clear a path through a minefield at night while being fired upon is practically unimaginable.

Arthur B. Nunn ’43, a platoon commander in Company A, 135 Engineer Combat Battalion, was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross for “extraordinary heroism” while undertaking such a mission. His unit had arrived in Europe in late summer 1944 and initially joined XX Corps (commanded by Gen. Walton H. Walker ’909), which was a part of Gen. George S. Patton’s [’907] Third Army.

Moving Across France Following the breakout from the Normandy beachhead in early fall 1944, the Third Army pushed eastward through France and Belgium

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toward Germany. They were moving through territory the Germans had occupied for several years, and the American troops encountered fierce resistance as the Germans dropped back, fighting from well-prepared defensive positions.

The Germans made extensive use of land mines as a combat multiplier to offset any numerical superiority the Americans had and delay their advance. It was a safe bet that whatever area they withdrew from had been liberally sown with mines and booby traps. To make matters worse, they introduced non-magnetic, wooden and even glass mines that confounded the American detection equipment. The combat engineers were kept busy clearing a safe passage through those areas, in addition to building bridges and performing other tasks to keep the advance moving as it headed eastward south of Paris toward Germany.

The Advance is Stalled The Americans were stopped by a series of heavily fortified positions near the town of Metz, located between the Moselle and Seille rivers near the border. These defenses were extensive and consisted of a number of forts and observation posts with connecting entrenchments and tunnels, and the German command selected this as the location where they would reorganize their force and attempt to contain the American advance. The Americans were stalled for several weeks, and after several unsuccessful efforts to break through the German positions, they decided to launch an attack from a different direction. There was one problem, however: The planned route of attack would expose the American northern flank to enemy observation posts located on high ground near the town of Berg. When the

soldiers advanced toward those observation positions to clear them, they encountered a minefield on the outskirts of Berg. Nunn’s platoon was ordered to clear a path through it.

The engineers would be operating under cover of darkness, but flares clearly revealed their position to the enemy, and they came under heavy fire. The citation set the scene: “During action against the enemy-held town of Berg, France, Lieutenant Nunn led his platoon of combat engineers on a hazardous mission of clearing the path of attack through the mines and booby traps. The platoon advanced through intense fire over heavily mined terrain brilliantly illuminated by flares, but as they reached the first buildings of the town, they were pinned down by a hail of automatic weapons fire.

Upon determining the origin of fire, Lieutenant Nunn boldly stood in view of the enemy, rushed the position and, with hand grenades, killed the startled defenders. His heroic action made possible the advance into town.”

The Metz defensive positions were taken, and the American advance continued, but the action exacted a heavy toll on the engineers.

By December, one in four had been either wounded or killed. More tough fighting lay ahead: The Battle of the Bulge would take place in six weeks.

Postlogue Nunn retired from the Army in 1946 with the rank of captain and worked in Roanoke, Virginia. He died in Aug. 9, 2014, and his obituary noted that “throughout his life, Bill Nunn carried with him a deep love of God, of family, of country and of VMI. He was a patriot and a Keydet until the very end.” Nunn was one of two members of the Class of 1943 to be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

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Producing Leaders of Character: The Center for Leadership and Ethics

by Major Kim Connolly, for Programs and Conferences, Center for Leadership and Ethics

W

hat is the magic formula that produces a VMI graduate? Some say that character is formed in barracks, where cadets learn perseverance from matriculation day to graduation day. Others point to the many opportunities cadets have to develop leadership skills, from cadre to regimental staff to club and NCAA athletics. Ask any VMI graduate, and you will get a different answer.

The Center for Leadership and Ethics enhances VMI’s system of leadership training by offering cadet programming focused on leadership, ethics and character development.

A robust schedule of conferences and speakers on challenging topics of national and international interest are key components of this programming. The center, which is entering its seventh year of operations, continues to evolve in its offerings as it seeks to support and provide synergy with the Institute’s many leadership and character development opportunities.

“Our goal is to educate, engage and inspire our cadets into becoming citizen-soldiers by providing a wide array of opportunities to learn from national and international leaders and by challenging them to explore their moral and ethical foundations,” said retired U.S. Army Col. David Gray, director of the Center for Leadership and Ethics. “In addition, our long-term goal is to share insights from VMI’s system of leader development with a wider national audience.”

Toward this end, the center supported two major initiatives in 2015. The first was the establishment of an ethics team, which competes much like a debate team in ethics competitions across the country. The second was to expand cadets’ exposure to broader issues of leadership by supporting their attendance at conferences at peer institutions and the service academies.

As part of its efforts to identify and quantify VMI’s historic system of producing leaders of character, the center researched and produced an inventory of leadership opportunities for cadets and is available in printed form and online.

“The Leadership Inventory is our baseline for understanding the many paths cadets have to learn leadership skills,” noted Gray. “In order to become a leader, you must first learn how to be a follower, and beginning with rat year, the VMI system provides ways to follow and then lead. The center’s mission is to engage even more cadets in taking on leadership roles both large and small.”

Another important way the center educates

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Giving cadets the opportunity to hear and learn from national-level leaders in a variety of fields is a critical component of the programs of the Center for Leadership and Ethics. Here, CLE director Col. David Gray, left, spoke with Ray Kelly, former New York Police Department commissioner, Nov. 2, 2015, during Kelly’s visit to VMI. Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin. and inspires cadets is through the Leader-inResidence Program. This initiative brings leaders of character whose distinguished careers within the military and/or private sector exemplifies the citizen-soldier model. Annually, one invited leader conducts a residency at the Institute during the spring semester. During their stay, the Leader in Residence interacts with cadets, faculty and staff in a variety of formal and informal settings including the classroom, in barracks and during athletic activities, such as club sports.

Additionally, the Leader in Residence delivers one major presentation, open to the public, on a topic related broadly to leadership.

The residency aspect of the program allows cadets and faculty to explore the full range of leadership issues the leader has faced during his or her career. Both the Leader in Residence and members of the VMI community benefit from a mutual exchange of ideas to test their understanding of leadership concepts, explore how these concepts have been used in practice and investigate the broad range of challenges faced by leaders today.

In order to sustain these efforts, the center relies on strong donor support. For example, this past year, the center received an endowment from the defense company Leidos that honors the ethical leadership provided by retired Air Force Gen. John Jumper ’66, the chief executive officer of that company. “General Jumper is a strong supporter of the center’s mission, and it is very appropriate these funds are earmarked to support travel expenses for our cadet ethics team,” said

Gray. “There are so many other opportunities to expose cadets to ethical and leadership challenges through the diverse speakers we bring to the Institute, our engaging conferences and opportunities to send cadets to other leadership conferences. Often, the only barrier we have to accomplishing these goals is financial, as we are a relatively new entity at VMI. We are honored to receive financial support from several alumni who understand the importance of our mission.

I’d like to see classes ‘adopt’ the center and make it the focus of its philanthropy support of the Institute, as is done at leadership centers at other military colleges.”

In the coming years, the center intends to leverage partnership opportunities with other VMI departments to engage cadets in experiences that explore different forms of leadership. “We are especially focused on providing more opportunities for non-commissioning cadets to have real-life experiences in leading their peers and others in the community,” stated Gray. “That takes resources of time, talent and treasure – the treasure being the critical support that we receive through donations to the VMI Foundation. We know that our alumni and the parents of current cadets and alumni have great appreciation for the ‘magic formula’ that produces those distinctive VMI graduates, whether they enter military service or serve their country and community as a citizen. Wouldn’t the world be a better place with our cadets and alumni being examples of leadership and ethical decision-making on a larger stage?”

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Leidos/General John P. Jumper ’66 Leadership and Ethics Fund

by Scott Belliveau ’83, Director of Communications, VMI Foundation On March 7, during the 2016 VMI Leadership Conference, “Ethical Dilemmas in the Digital Age,” representatives of Leidos made the formal presentation of the Leidos/General John P. Jumper ’66 Leadership and Ethics Fund to VMI. Leidos is based in Reston, Virginia, and provides scientific engineering, systems integration and technical services in the national security, health and engineering sectors.

Leidos established the fund in honor of Gen. John P. Jumper ’66, who, after retiring from the U.S. Air Force as 17th chief of staff, served on the board of directors of Science Applications International Corporation and, in March 2012, became its chief executive officer. In that positon, he guided the separation of the company into two entities and remained the chief executive officer of the entity which became Leidos.

He retired from that position in July 2014.

The fund will enhance the work of the Center for Leadership and Ethics by supporting cadets’ participation in national ethics programs and Retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Bill Lay, chief of staff and prior chief ethics/compliance ofcompetitions. According to Michael Coogan, ficer of Leidos, presented the corporation’s initial gift to VMI March 7, 2016, during the 2016 the director of corporate responsibility for Leadership Conference, “Ethical Dilemmas in the Digital Age.” General John P. Jumper ’66, Leidos, the money will help cadets prepare for center, in whose honor the gift was made, was present, and Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, accepted the gift on VMI’s behalf. Photo by Steve Hanes. and travel to these events.

Asked why Leidos decided to honor Jumper As for honoring Jumper, Coogan explained, “Throughout his Air Force in this manner at VMI, Coogan explained that there were numerous career, General Jumper was an extraordinary leader who exemplified reasons, one of them being the shared commitment of VMI and Leidos moral and physical courage and selfless dedication to the nation. At to develop and promote strong ethics and leadership programs within SAIC and then Leidos, he continued to be a strong leader who provided a their organizations and our nation. He stated, “While ethics are important wonderful example of ethical behavior to every employee. Furthermore, to all companies, they are especially important to Leidos, given that the there is no doubting his intense loyalty to VMI and his willingness to preponderance of our business is with the federal government – which serve it. Establishing a fund in his honor that supports the Institute’s is to say, the American people. More to the point, much of that business Center for Leadership and Ethics was a perfect fit for General Jumper, is with the Department of Defense and the intelligence community, and VMI and Leidos.” that means we’re involved in the government’s weightiest responsibility: Coogan stated that the fund will provide benefits that “run both ways.”

The defense of our country.”

He continued, “Through participation in ethics-related events, cadets will Since 1984, when SAIC created its Employee Ethics Council, said be exposed to the highest level of ethical programming and competition Coogan, “our leadership placed a premium on behavior and values.” in the nation. At the same time, they’ll be able to share the many insights To that end, Leidos’ industry-leading ethics and compliance program that they have gleaned in barracks and through the Institute’s own leader– which combines policies, procedures, training and communications ship and ethics programs at the national level.”

– touches every aspect of employees’ conduct. “The program stresses “This gift from Leidos is extremely appreciated,” said Retired U.S. Army responsibility and accountability. Compliance is everyone’s responsibility Col. David Gray, director of the CLE. “It will help support our ethics team, at Leidos – top to bottom – and managers at all levels are responsible for which was established last year and competes much like a debate team in behaving in the manner they expect their teams to behave. Accountability ethics competitions across the country. It also will expand our cadets’ opgoes hand-in-hand with authority at our company, and managers are portunities to attend conferences at places like West Point and Annapolis held responsible for everything their organizations do – or fail to do.” where they’ll discuss issues related to leadership and ethics and learn new Leidos’ commitment to promoting strong ethics is not restricted to the and valuable lessons in those fields.” According to Gray, these experiences confines of the workplace. It is equally committed to promoting ethics will ensure that the CLE “keeps expanding its ability to prepare cadets for and leadership programs through charitable giving which, whenever lives of honorable and resolute leadership and to put VMI at the forefront possible, is combined with employee volunteerism. In fact, it is one of of the much needed national conversation about ethics.” the company’s four main philanthropic thrusts.

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Okoye ’13 Becomes an Olympic Athlete

by Elaine Wood, Editorial Assistant

With the 2016 Summer Olympics quickly approaching, Stanley Okoye ’13 can’t resist being enthusiastic about the incredible opportunity to play basketball for the Nigerian National Team. “I’m most excited about walking on that track during the opening ceremony in front of the whole world,” he explained. “I’ll be representing Nigeria but also those who have always followed and supported me throughout my career, regardless of their nationality.” For Okoye, playing basketball professionally was always his goal; however, after two severe knee injuries during both his junior and senior seasons of high school, he began to believe he would have to put his dream on hold as schools began wavering in their interest. “...Not too

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many people know that I originally decided not to pursue college basketball before I committed to VMI ... and [that] the only school that gave me solid interest was VMI.” This support from the Institute and its belief in him having the talent and ability to be a successful player – despite previous injury – allowed Okoye to realize his dream once again and pursue it wholeheartedly. But attending a military college that was academically, physically and emotionally stressful while simultaneously trying to achieve heightened athletic success is a challenge not many would want to take on. “The toughest thing is trying to balance being an approachable and passionate teammate [who] wanted to be viewed as a brother, versus trying to put

on a face that the underclassmen feared.

I’ve always been an approachable guy, and I like to help others, but on the hill, there are times where we can’t be that person.”

It is easy to understand that the challenges of juggling such a complex college career taught Okoye lifelong lessons. One of the biggest was dealing with time management.

As a cadet-athlete, there is pressure to adhere to strict schedules, and as Okoye put it, “at VMI, there is a cost to everything ... time is very limited, and cadets are forced to perform under pressure.”

Okoye did just that, rising to the challenge and earning the prestigious VMI Keydet Club’s Three-Legged Stool Award, as well as being named the 2012-13 Big South Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Year. “Those awards meant the world to me. Coming into VMI, I didn’t think that I would be in the running for such awards.

The Three-Legged Stool Award could have been given to many other individuals that year, and to hear my name called that night made me really appreciate those [who] helped me get into that position.”

With a solid college career behind him and a positive and team-conscious attitude, it was inevitable that Okoye would be receiving offers to play professionally post-college.

Since graduation, Okoye’s career has taken him a multitude of places, including Greece, Israel, Australia, Italy, China, Tunisia and the Ivory Coast. He has seen firsthand and experienced many different cultures, whereas before his basketball career, he had only ever traveled to Nigeria.

Currently, Okoye lives in Italy and plays for Bawer Matera. With this team, he holds a leadership position which allows him to score, rebound and play great defense. But it also means that he must consistently motivate the team and lead by example while he’s on the court. This aspect of his position inspires and humbles Okoye, who stated, “I haven’t had a role like this since I played at VMI. I get to be myself again on the court, playing with love and freedom.”

Although playing for Bawer Matera is a huge accomplishment in itself, Okoye’s opportunity to play in the Olympic arena

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undoubtedly stands out to him as remarkable.

He highlighted that, like himself, a somewhat surprising feature of the Olympic team is most of the players are first-generation Nigerians who were born and/or live in America. Because of this, there is an increased feeling of brotherhood, as they are able to relate with one another about what it is like to grow up in a Nigerian household.

Okoye’s role as reserve wing when qualifying the Nigerian team for the Olympics during the 2015 AfroBasket Championship (FIBA African Championship) meant that “[his] job was to basically come in the game and play with energy, offensively and defensively.” Over the course of the tournament, Okoye saw his role mold into becoming one of the main motivators during the games.

Although it meant that by the end of the tournament, he was playing less minutes than he originally began the tournament with, he stated enthusiastically, “I would do it all again.” He also explained that qualifying for the Olympics was in part due to the team wanting to redeem themselves after competing in the same championship in 2013 with unsatisfying results. “We were strongly motivated to go out there and be the champions of Africa,” he explained.

It is obvious that playing for the Nigerian team during the 2016 Summer Olympics is something Okoye has vigorously worked for. Yet, it is apparent that amid the success, he keeps a humble spirit and emphasizes that the love of the sport and the ability to be a good teammate is of huge value to him as a basketball player. He consistently referenced that the support of others is what led him to this point in his career, and he also strongly encouraged cadets interested in following a similar career path to stay committed despite the challenges. Emulating that ideal of hard work and passion to the fullest, Okoye concluded, “Even though I was born in the U.S., I know that I make my family more proud when I’m able to represent Nigeria. Playing for the national team, we don’t get paid. It’s all for the love, and it is more rewarding.”

Message from Donald M. Wilkinson ’61 Campaign Chairman “Red, white and yellow floats on high/The Institute shall never die/So now Keydets, with one voice cry/God bless our team and VMI.” Whenever I hear the “VMI Doxology,” it conjures up many memories and summons immeasurable Wilkinson ’61 pride in me. At times, I wonder how its author meant “the Institute shall never die” to be understood. Do they express an earnest hope, a firm determination or an incontrovertible fact?

I ask myself this because VMI has had some near-death experiences. At VMI’s founding, the Panic of 1837 delayed its opening and almost prevented it altogether. VMI quite literally rose from its ashes after the Civil War and survived an economic “panic” in the 1870s. Either of those events could have ended its existence.

After World War I and five decades later during the Vietnam War, many questioned the value of military colleges and recommended the Institute be closed.

Not only did the Institute survive those threats, it went on to thrive and become the vital and robust institution that we know today.

Indeed, right now, VMI has never looked better and never been stronger. But, we can’t let the Institute’s current condition lull us into complacency, thinking that the issue of the Institute’s survival has been settled for good.

Some will always argue there is no true need for VMI. There are plenty of colleges and universities that can educate young people to be engineers and scientists and prepare them for careers in a wide variety of fields. The service academies and ROTC programs are capable

of providing the Armed Forces with a sufficient number of junior officers. The survival of American intercollegiate athletics does not depend on VMI fielding teams. But all of this misses the point.

The reason VMI has survived for more than 175 years is simple: We are no ordinary college.

People want the values of VMI. They want it because they see in the Institute a manifestation of our country’s founding values. They want VMI because it stands for honor, service and sacrifice. They want it because our nation values the leaders of character and ability that VMI has graduated since 1842. If the Institute fails in any way to live up to the high expectations this country has of it, it will not survive long.

That places an inescapable burden on the Institute. It must do what is necessary to ensure that its academic, athletic and leadership programs remain strong. It must be able to attract the talented and dedicated young people who aspire to be citizen-soldiers and make sure that a VMI education is never out of their reach because of its cost. It must have the unrestricted funds to take advantage of every opportunity to maintain excellence and meet critical needs.

And in turn, that gives the VMI family the awesome responsibility of providing the private funding to meet these requirements. That is why we launched An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI. This effort has raised more than $269 million in gifts and commitments from more than 14,000 alumni and friends. I am thankful for this outpouring of generosity for these members of the VMI family. There are many more opportunities to participate in this campaign and do your part to ensure that “the Institute shall never die.”

Photo, opposite page: Okoye after winning the Afrobasket Championship in Tunisia, Africa, in September 2015.

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Association News Superintendent Speaks at Richmond Holiday Event On Dec. 14, 2015, alumni gathered at the Country Club of Virginia for a social evening that included a keynote speech given by Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, VMI’s 14th superintendent. Alumni and guests traveled from Richmond, Petersburg, Williamsburg and Rappahannock Chapters to take part in the event. More than 180 were present for an evening that also included brief comments by Mr. Jim Rogers ’67, recent recipient of the Distinguished Service Award and member of the Campaign for VMI Executive Committee. The club was decorated for the holidays and brought a festive atmosphere to an evening filled with VMI fellowship.

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Vmi Alumni Review

Association News

Hawaii Chapter Celebrates Founders Day The Hawaii Chapter held a Founders Day get-together Nov. 15, 2015, at the Hale Koa Hotel. Pictured at the event were, from left, seated, Rebecca and Jenn Soldow, daughter and wife of Dave ’92; and Emily and Kwabena Gyimah ’98. Standing: Will Soldow, prospective cadet; Tom Smyth ’58; and Cheryl and Russ Takata ’74.

VMI and Citadel Alumni Gather in Panama City Alumni from VMI and The Citadel gathered at the Bonefish Grill in Panama City, Florida, Nov. 11, 2015, after the Keydets versus Bulldogs football game that took place Nov. 7.

Pictured at the event were, from left, Neil Rodenbeck, Citadel ’82; Beverly Rodenbeck; Wayland Patterson ’80; Al Lewis, Citadel ’69; Marilyn Lewis; Don Baughn, Citadel ’68; Barbara Wells; Bob Wells, Citadel ’72; Barry Mines ’84; Bill Swift, Citadel ’62; Jerry Walker, Citadel ’71; Renee Pappas; and Jim Pappas, Citadel ’66.

Alumni Celebrate Founders Day at the Pentagon Alumni present at the Pentagon gathered in the courtyard to celebrate Founders Day in November 2015.

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Association News

Rappahannock Chapter Hosts Holiday Dinner Members and guests of the Rappahannock Chapter met and enjoyed a Christmas holiday dinner and presentation at the Mathews Yacht Club Dec. 6, 2015. The speaker, J. Bolling Williamson ’60, a member of the chapter, described his display at VMI that recognizes the 86 alumni who have been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross or Air Force Cross for valor in combat. He then presented the stories of 10 alumni, some of whom received multiple awards of the nation’s second highest award for valor, and one of seven who was awarded the Medal of Honor by Congress.

Pictured at the event were retired U.S. Army Col. Steve Wilson ’68, chapter president, left, and Williamson.

Los Angeles/ Orange County Chapter Hosts Rose Parade Picnic

The Los Angeles/Orange County Chapter hosted a picnic at Bolsa Chica State Beach for cadets and VMI staff visiting Pasadena, California, when the VMI Regimental Band and Pipe Band appeared in the Rose Parade. It was an informal event with over 20 alumni in attendance, including alumni from the Inland Empire and San Diego Chapters. It allowed the cadets to hang out on the beach and have down time. Some local alumni brought soccer balls, Frisbees, ladder toss, Boogie boards, etc., as beach games for the cadets. Firewood was also brought to light the fire pits for s’mores.

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VMI Alumni Review

Association News

Alumni in Seoul Celebrate Founders Day Alumni in Seoul, Korea, gathered at the Hard Rock Café to celebrate Founders Day. Pictured at the event were, from left, Elijah Ward ’01, Warren Neiland ’02, John Wilcox ’99, Casmir Honorowski ’14, William Brubaker ’14, Jason Quash ’04 and Will Moeller ’07.

Southern Florida Chapter Hosts Founders Day Event The Southern Florida Chapter hosted a Founders Day event in November 2015. Pictured at the event were, from left, Pirooz Borojerdi ’79, Bill Cobb ’68, Gabriela Arraiz ’05, Maurice Pipkin ’04, Richard Lindquist ’61, Scott Houser ’98 and Jim Zepko ’96.

Taiwan Chapter Hosts Founders Day Reunion The Taiwan Chapter held a Founders Day alumni reunion at the Liyan Banquet Hall at the Garden Taipei. Alumni in attendance were Ching-Pu Chen ’86, Chwan-Jiin Lee (Gordon Lee) ’91, Hong Kao ’91, Peter Fang ’93, Yi-Chun Wuu ’93, Shenn-Rong Shyong ’94, Jing-Long Lu ’95, GuanJiun Jang ’95, Shytaur Shyu ’96, Jung-Chun Lai ’96, Chwan-Shing Pan ’00, Kuo-Ruey Liang ’03, Kaiyu Shih ’07, Ying-Chie Hsieh ’08, Hsin-Sheng Lee ’09, Lieh-Hao Wu ’10, Hung-Xin Li ’11, ChingHang Chen ’11, Cheng-Wei Kuo ’12, Shun-te Shih ’13, Pin-Fen Chen ’13 and Yi-suan Lai ’14.

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Association News

West Coast Florida-Tampa Chapter Host Watch Party and Celebrate Veterans Day Right: The West Coast Florida-Tampa Chapter hosted a watch party for the VMI versus The Citadel football game at Ducky’s Sport Bar in Tampa, Florida. Although VMI was defeated on the gridiron and Citadel alumni outnumbered VMI alumni by four to one, the watch party was one of shared camaraderie, good fun, momentary excitement and humility. VMI alumni pictured at the event were, from left, holding the VMI banner, Bob Bailey ’72, Denny Sullivan ’72 and Phil Valenti ’66. Behind Phil, face not showing: Whit Owens ’83. Seated: John Freiermuth ’72. In attendance but not pictured were Paul Thompson ’01 and his wife, Isabela, and son, Nicholas; Grace Bailey; Pam Sullivan; and Betty Valenti.

Left: The West Coast Florida-Tampa Chapter alumni gathered on Veterans Day at Panera Bread Company to celebrate a day of honor to the nation and the Institute. Stories of cadetship and careers entertained the group for over two hours. Pictured at the event were, from left, Mike Zanetti ’02, Roland Tiso ’73, Martin Andersen ’57, Jim Snead ’57, John Scott ’69, Ernie Edgar ’87, Whit Owens ’83 and Bob Bailey ’72.

Photo by Nancy Scott.

Wilmington Alumni Celebrate Founders Day An estimated 22 alumni and wives met Dec. 7, 2015, at the Ironclad Brewery in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina, to celebrate a belated Founders Day and watch the VMI basketball team play Butler University.

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VMI Alumni Review

Association News

Wilmington Chapter Holds First Old Corps Breakfast The Wilmington Chapter held its first Old Corps Breakfast Jan. 12, 2016, at the Boat House in Wilmington, North Carolina. The chapter will continue to meet for breakfast quarterly. Present at the event were Dick Stone ’61, Henry Brown ’60, Bill Corr ’58, Doug Huthwaite ’73, Jim Phlegar ’67, Bill Todd ’68, Don Jebbo ’65, Greg Griffith ’72 and John Gangemi ’61.

Legacy Day 2016

by Eric Hunter ’08, Career Networking Officer, VMI Alumni Association

by Matthew Clausen ’15 Program Outreach Coordinator VMI Alumni Association

What is the point of networking? Many will tell you that you need to make sure you are constantly networking, whether for career reasons or to have a reliable point of contact who can help you when you need something. But if that is the focus and reasoning behind all the effort, I can see it not bearing much fruit.

I suggest changing our thinking, because I believe the point of networking is about others. How have I helped others? How have I connected others? How have I worked to find out about needs of others? These are questions that need to be asked in order to help stay focused on the main goal.

I often lose focus on others and think too much about myself. When this happens, the joy of networking turns into work and excitement turns into dullness. Conversations are not rich because my attention is on how this person can help me rather than how I can help them, and events are only viewed as successful if I gain something from them.

Instead, I need to ask questions to learn about the other person and needs they currently have. True success comes from meeting one new person, because that is one new person I am able to help connect with my existing network.

One quick story: A group from VMI was in New York City for spring furlough a couple of years ago. While on the subway one evening, one of the leaders felt in his heart to stand up and start speaking; however, he began to think about himself – how it would look if he did so and what he would say. After talking himself out of doing it, he got off the subway at his stop. At that moment, it hit his heart that he was thinking solely about himself, and he did not consider the person who may have needed to hear what would come out of his mouth.

The next time you are at a networking event or meeting someone new, be sure to think about that person and how you can help them. For we all know and have heard, it is better to give than to receive.

For 21 consecutive years, Legacy Day has proven to be a resounding success, giving young students and children of alumni the opportunity to experience life as a cadet.

Legacy Day is held with the hope of instilling a passion in those who participate to one day join the ranks of citizen-soldiers at VMI. As in years past, Legacy Day began in Moody Hall, where all of our young participants were given mementos of their adventure and allowed to participate in games. Before starting the trek to barracks for tours, many of our young guests were given an opportunity to try on uniform items that are common to a VMI cadet’s wardrobe. After exposure to life in barracks, dinner roll call formation formed up promptly on the bricks, and our enthusiastic visitors marched down to eat lunch in Crozet Hall. To wrap up the exciting day’s activities, we visited the obstacle courses on North Post. If you have any desire to attend or support this event in the future, please contact Matthew Clausen ’15, program outreach coordinator for the VMI Alumni Association, at (309) 989-3236 or at mclausen@vmiaa.org.

Networking – It’s About Others

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Association News

Westminster Canterbury Richmond Hosts Fall VMI Party The Westminster Canterbury Richmond retirement community of Richmond, Virginia, hosted a fall VMI party. Guests included John Taylor ’50B; new residents True and Charles Luck III ’55; and Bettie Jacobsen, widow of Ted Barry Jacobsen ’47. Westminster Canterbury Richmond’s medical director, Dr. Danny Walker Felty ’94, joined the group of alumni for cocktails, as well.

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1 4 3

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6 9 7 10

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1. John R. “Bunny” Tucker Jr. ’37, Ann Artz (widow of Edwin H. Artz ’53) and Suzanne Pollard. 2. Bettie Jacobsen (widow of Ted B. Jacobsen ’47) and Jackie Whitmore (widow of John E. Whitmore ’42). 3.

Maggie B. Moore. 4. John S. Halsey ’41. 5. Harry G. Lee ’47 and wife Elizabeth. 6. R.B. Barnes ’54 and True Luck (wife of Charles S. Luck III ’55, not pictured). 7. George C. Hutter ’52 and wife Mary. 8. Ed Smith ’50B and wife Sarah, and Buddy Metz ’45. 9. Lucy Phillips (widow of Keith Phillips ’43) and Juliet Goode-Hupp (widow of Henry T. Hupp Jr. ’44). 10. Russell and Ann Scott (widow of Fred Addison ’44). 11. John Taylor ’50B, Jo Ann O’Hara (widow of Robert G. O’Hara ’35) and Benjamin F. Harmon III ’49B. 12. Charles B. Miller ’42 and wife Mary Easterly-Miller (widow of Harry W. Easterly Jr. ’44).

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VMI Alumni Review

Association News

Tucker ’95 Discusses Former Triad Club Chapter Presidency

by Elaine Wood, Editorial Assistant Terrin R. Tucker ’95 was named president of the Triad Club Chapter of the VMI Alumni Association in summer 2012, after having previously served as its vice president in 2010 and 2011. He served in this position for roughly three years before Matt Creech ’96 was announced as the new president. During Tucker’s time in this position, the chapter saw extensive growth and success – in large part due to Tucker’s passion to see the chapter flourish.

When asked where his motivation to become chapter president came from, Tucker stated, “It came from a desire to get involved with supporting VMI in other ways than just financially. We also had a chapter that needed younger alumni to continue the efforts established by Charlie Ramsburg ’66 and Bud Alligood ’61.” It was this dedication to preserving the qualities of the chapter set by his predecessors that helped Tucker progress the chapter while also focusing on motivating younger alumni to get more involved.

This involvement came in the form of casual and formal events, to include rat send-offs, Founders Day dinners, golf outings, athletic contests and senior alumni luncheons. The more formal events were usually attended by

30-50 people, while smaller events attracted 5-15 attendees.

Gathering alumni from the local area is no easy feat, as alumni of all ages and backgrounds have competing schedules. Tucker insisted the best way to conquer scheduling conflicts was to keep in contact through electronic systems, such as Facebook, the chapter website and LinkedIn. “For the more senior alumni,” Tucker stated, “we tried to hold a luncheon every other month to continue to keep them engaged with chapter news and VMI news.”

In an effort to further aid the chapter’s growth, Tucker set goals for greater alumni involvement within local high schools through talking with prospective VMI students, JROTC cadets and guidance counselors to promote the benefits of a VMI education. “I’m most proud of the work we’ve done in helping grow the number of cadets from the Triad area and the engagement that we’ve had with their families in supporting our efforts and activities,” explained Tucker.

Tucker enthusiastically encourages other chapter presidents to allow members of their respective chapters to take ownership of

Tucker ’95 various duties, because by doing so, there is opportunity for them to feel more engaged, and “they add value to being a member of the local leadership board.”

If you’re not already involved in your local chapter, please see pages 155 and 156 of this Review to get in contact with your chapter president and see what you can do to get involved and reconnect with VMI and fellow alumni.

Annual Daniels ’61 Pilgrimage to be Held Aug. 13, 2016

The annual pilgrimage recoginizing the death of Jonathan Myrick Daniels ’61 will take place Aug. 13, 2016, in Hayneville, Alabama. This will be the 20th year of the pilgrimage. If you are interested in attending, please email Tom Jones ’69 at t3uptake@ yahoo.com for more information.

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Contact Jackie Flint to place an order.

1-800-444-1839 • jflint@vmiaa.org Shako Pendant

$34.99 plus $6 shipping ($15.00 if overnight) Includes an 18 inch gold-filled chain

VMI New Market Battlefield Tartan Scarf : $45.00 plus $5 shipping Necktie : $40.00 plus $5 shipping

“Put the Boys In …” $250.00 unframed art plus $20 shipping (VA & CT residents add $16.20 for tax)

VMI Mailbox

Original VMI mailboxes available to purchase as a single door or have it incorporated into a wooden coin box. Wood used will be red oak and you can choose walnut or oak stain.

VMI Stemless Wine Glasses

Single 9 oz. glass - $10.00 plus $5 shipping Set of 2 - $18.39 plus $8 shipping Set of 4 - $35.00 plus $10 shipping

Wooden Coin Box - $65.00 plus $12 shipping Single Door - $35.00 plus $7 shipping *Price includes customized number on glass.

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Vmi Alumni Review

CLASS NOTES Richard H. Knight Jr. ’70

’35

Greetings from the Class of ’35!

More than half a year spans the submission of notes for the last issue (Nov. 1 deadline) and the publication of notes in this issue (May), which is why we are still talking about Thanksgiving and Christmas past!

Eddie Arnold, Jim Sherman and their families enjoyed both holidays in the company of their many friends and family members. Eddie made good on his promise to break out the cooker and roast some turkeys, while Jim and Peggy dined in splendor in their retirement home.

Dr. Tom Arnold wrote that Eddie enjoys New Mexico’s high-plains desert and mild winter in pursuit of his favorite pastimes: Shootin’, ridin’, and ropin’. Eddie is still quite a horseman, but when I asked him, Eddie would neither confirm nor deny that he played the lead in John Ford’s silent classic, “The Iron Horse” (1924). Eddie has quite a history.

In more “modern” times (1941, only 75 years ago), Gen. Jeff Smith ’43 recalled a hilarious event in barracks life that involved “First Lieutenant Eddie Arnold ’35 – one of the better regarded tactical officers.” For the complete story, turn to “General Jeff’s” class notes, page 40, in the 2016-Issue 1 of the Review. (Gen. Smith, it may be a good thing that Eddie never served on one of your selection boards.) (Editor’s Note: Before going to press, we learned the sad news that Eddie Arnold died March 13, 2016.)

Jim and Peggy are doing fine, and Jim does not show the least bit of wear for having served three full terms as ’35’s class agent! Jim and Peggy like to exercise, and they maintain an active social calendar.

Eighty classes have graduated since 1935.

In an open letter in that year’s Bomb, the editors, Clary Holt and Jim Meem, a couple of 21-year-olds, offer their sage advice: “Look around you, and say farewell to those cold, stern barracks – your home; farewell to House Mountain, to the rolling hills which surround ... Soon you will be gone from this 2016-Issue 2

Class of 1935: Class Agent Dick Knight ’70 said of this picture of Eddie Arnold with a horse, “Cowboy up!”

place, some of you never to return. But before you go, be thankful to the mother of men who has taken your youthful mind and molded it into maturity, steeled you for the shocks of life ... As you leave, some of you to the far corners of the earth, remember to keep that intangible something known only to those who have worn the gray – the spirit – alive and burning.” And that is what they did.

Always remember that you are from old Virginia. “No place on Earth do I love more sincerely.”

Until next time, we pray that God will bless the VMI family and the Class of 1935.

Dick Knight ’70

’36

Paul E. Munson ’87

As time goes on, the number of alumni grows fewer. My last information for the Class of 1936 was that Jack Baylor, John Divine, John Gialanella and James Kirk were still with us. Information has been difficult to obtain, but I have learned that Frances Divine and Lee Gialanella, spouses of two of these alumni, have passed on. I have provided information from their obituaries for anyone who may know them.

Frances Russell Daniel Divine died April 13, 2010. She was born in Gordon, Georgia,

Sept. 21, 1917, and was the only child of Abner Beatrice Strozier Daniel and Jesse Wiley Daniel. She moved to Orlando, Florida, when she was four. She graduated from Rollins College, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, and took graduate courses at Columbia University in social work. She was employed as a social worker in the state of Florida before she married and resumed her work once her children were grown.

Frances was active in her community and church, serving as president of the PTA at her childrens’ schools and ordained as an elder at the First Presbyterian Church. At the time of her death, she had belonged to the church longer than any other member. She had a deep curiosity about many things in the world and was passionate and knowledgeable about her numerous interests. An avid birder, she also grew orchids. Survivors include her husband, John H. Divine III; daughter, Beatrice Divine, of Atlanta; son, John H. Divine IV, along with daughter-inlaw Pepper Hair and grandson John Cummings Divine of Charlotte; and son, Daniel Divine of Clermont.

Lee Gialanella, 103 years old and a Bellville native, died Oct. 21, 2014. She enjoyed cooking and baking old Italian recipes. Lee was born Sept. 6, 1911, in Belleville, New Jersey, to Pasquale and Philomena Abalone.

On Nov. 11, 1940, she married John August Gialanella and he survives. Lee was a teacher with the Summer Avenue Elementary 21

Class Notes School for many years. She was a member of St. Elizabeth Roman Catholic Church in Tecumseh. Lee is survived by her son, John Gialanella, and daughter-in-law, Sue, of Birmingham, Michigan; sister, Gloria Cosgrove, of Belleville, New Jersey; and four grandchildren.

It is important we remember those who have gone before us. In many cases, we are standing on their shoulders so we can go farther.

’37

John Forsyth ’67

In December, your class agent learned of Judge J. Randolph “Bunny” Tucker’s passing. Judge Tucker was the pre-eminent Class of ’37 representative, touching every facet of the VMI experience throughout his entire life, which spanned more than a century. He was the sole surviving member of the Class of 1937, so it’s fitting that we pause to recognize Judge Tucker for his many contributions to the Institute, his native state of Virginia and to the United States of America.

In fall 1933, 177 young men stepped through Jackson Arch to forever be joined in a common experience. That experience changed each, and each went forth from Lexington to change the world. The Class of ’37 were all members of America’s greatest generation. As such, they answered their nation’s call to arms and served honorably throughout World War II. Some stood in the gap on foreign shores to protect their country and their loved ones back home. Others worked on the homefront to turn America’s industrial might from peace to war and then back again to peace.

Some were airmen, soldiers, sailors and marines. Others were doctors, engineers, farmers, lawyers, merchants, professors, railroad men and scientists. One became a judge. Some came home, while some made the ultimate sacrifice. Through it all, they were men who lived their lives following the highest principles that were ingrained into their character while attending the Institute. There is little doubt that they carried 22

the tenets of the citizen-soldier with them the rest of their lives.

Judge Tucker’s passing closes this chapter of the Virginia Military Institute known as the Class of 1937.

My father, J. Frank Forsyth, revered VMI and was proud to serve as class agent toward the end of his life. Likewise, it has been my honor to serve as the ’37 class agent these past few years. This being the last ’37 notes column, I thank everyone for your support and goodwill as we endeavored to keep communications among classmates vibrant and enjoyable. God bless the Class of 1937.

’38

Cody Hennelly ’10

Hello from the Old Corps, It is hard to believe that by the time you all read this, the great Class of 1938 graduated 78 years ago! Unbelievable. I spoke with Mr. Johnson today for a brief couple of minutes. He said he is doing well.

We spoke about a dear friend of his who wrote a memoir before he passed titled, “Biplanes to Bombers.” The story recounts the friend’s time in World War II as a pilot. Henry said he really enjoyed reading it. We laughed together a couple of times about how Henry thought he was the oldest alumnus, but there are a few guys even older than him! He just said it is incredible.

Unfortunately, that is all I have this go around. The Class of 1938 wishes you all well.

The Old Corps lives on, Hennelly ’10

’39

Frank Parker III ’64

Ira Saxe continues to be well and had a good time with family when he celebrated his 98th birthday recently. His hip is OK, and he gets around pretty well with his walker.

Roberta Bigler wrote, “Roanoke has

been through one storm with snow, and they say another is almost here. Until roads have been cleared is the time to stay inside snug and warm with plenty of food. Always enjoy receiving the latest issue of the Alumni Review.”

Marcy and I spent the week before Christmas with my brother rats, W.J. Kitchen ’64 and John Cavedo ’64, along with their wives, Lauranne and Sherrel, cruising up the Danube and down the Main Rivers visiting the Advent [Christmas] markets. We started in Vienna and ended in Nuremburg. The markets were amazing, and the weather was cold but all-in-all nice for December. These mini reunions are a great way to enjoy travel and keep in touch with your classmates.

’40

Robert Smith

As I begin this, I first want to say we are thankful for the fact that our precious few are hanging in there. As for me, I am managing and perhaps am getting my heart problems under control. My dear BettyJane, who has been looking after me for 74 years, is an increasing joy to me every day because she takes such good care of me.

Sol Rawls is now a man of greater vision; although I’m sure we always credited him as being outstanding in that capacity in the past. Thinking it would be questionable, he has now had the second eye done and does not require any lenses to help him read. As my grandchildren term it, “He has got two new Cadillacs.” When asked for any news he had, he said that things were going on “as usual,” except he doesn’t try to keep up with what is happening in Lexington as much as he did.

Jacqueline Friedlander telephoned me recently just to say hello. She was in her apartment in Atlanta, having just returned from her summer place in Cashiers. She is keeping the same routine that she and Matt always did – going back and forth with the seasons. She still plays bridge a lot. And it is great, too, that she holds such high regard for VMI – just as Matt did.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Ben Hardaway is still being looked after kindly by Beverley Miller, and I talked to the two of them on a speaker phone setup Feb. 15. They reported that Ben has no major health problems, and they are able to get around as usual, going out most days.

Recently, while I was working on a biographical note about my work for the Navy as a principle naval architect at the Norfolk Navy Yard during World War II, it came to mind that our Brother Rat Bill Darden’s sister, Winifred, worked in my group. I had not thought about that in many years. And it may be an item of news to share now, because there was no way in those days long ago that news about her would have been reported to the class. What I have just written about her addresses an interview question about how I secured the vital attention to accuracy in our work that was needed. In response, I wrote, “Yes, it was a challenge, because accuracy was so important, but the persons in my section had a great esprit de corps that led them into working with great care that knowing the lives, effectiveness and safety of the ships was all a part of our responsibility. Somewhat typical of the kind of committed persons working in my section, which eventually numbered about 45 people, was Winifred Darden, the sister of our honored Brother Rat Bill Darden, who had already suffered the fatal crash of his B-24 and his crew in California in 1943 before she joined us.

Many of our people were motivated like her for various reasons so that imparting the importance of the necessary attention to accuracy was easy.” Thought this little tidbit might be of interest to you. Many will remember that Bill Darden was photo editor of The Cadet and a great BR. The fact that he was active on our newspaper probably derived from his father being an editor of the Portsmouth Star, and Bill used that newspaper as his permanent address when he went off to war.

An email came in recently from Mary Moser, daughter of our wonderful BR James E. Moser. She wrote, “I am the daughter of James M. Moser Jr. ’40. As you know, my dad passed away in 1991, but my mom, Margaret J. Moser, is still 2016-Issue 2

around, and though her memories are dimming, our family has many great memories of VMI. My father was very proud of his time there and took us there many times as kids. Thank you for your kind remembrances for my mom after dad passed. She always showed me your cards proudly. Thank you! Mary Moser.” What a sweet note; it just made me want to give her a hug like she was my own.

That is a remarkable thing about brother rats. Those that are still here in old age find they have all become one family and understand each other. I guess that’s because only the aged and impaired can appreciate our special ... oh, no, never mind!

’41

Stuart Seaton

Before submitting these notes, I checked with the Institute as to what date this Alumni Review would be mailed out. I found out that it would be mailed in May, which is after our 75th Reunion. Therefore, coverage of the reunion activities will be included in future notes.

In preparation for the reunion, this will allow me more time to call some personally to “drum up” more attendance and get more information on brother rats’ present interests and activities, etc.

In the spirit of VMI and ’41, Stuart Seaton

’42

Charles B. Miller

These notes were due the day after Valentine’s Day, and your class correspondent has been busy. On Feb. 5, he celebrated his 95th birthday. On Feb. 11, he celebrated the third anniversary of his marriage to Mary Easterly, and Feb. 13, he celebrated the last of 25 missions over Europe in 1944. So, Charlie asked daughter Lindsay Miller to get in touch with the six remaining brother rats on the Class of ’42 mailing list. Her report follows.

To get some background, I did what I

liked to do as a girl: Look at The Bomb for the Class of ’42. There were pictures of all the guys with their hometowns, majors, military units and, for some (though not all), short descriptions. I got in touch with as many of Dad’s classmates as I could and asked if the description still matched.

Paul “P.X.” Geary was the first to respond.

This was his description in The Bomb: “Quick – active – very much alive – quick-witted – humorous – always with a smile – proud that he’s a chemist – and a Yankee – sincere love for the hay.”

“The Bomb description didn’t fit then, and it still doesn’t,” emailed Col. Geary.

“I’m still mobile – no cane, no walker.

A martini every other day and still a little rock and roll. Almost no wrinkles – strangely enough. I am blessed to have Vi as a companion, so life is good.” (Note: He sent a great picture of him and Vi, but the resolution was about 56 pixels, not enough for a decent quality picture in the Review. If there is interest in a higher resolution picture, current email addresses for Col. Geary and his friend, Viola “Vi” Zumel, are pxg45@hotmail.com and violazumel@yahoo.com.)

Jed Wilson was about to sit down for dinner when I caught up with him at The Hermitage retirement community in Richmond.

Here’s what The Bomb said about him: “If there is anything you wish to know about Clifton Forge ask Jed – Always ready to talk on any subject – Helps to keep classes from becoming dull – Likes to ride – Spends little time studying – Full of original and clever ideas.”

Is that still a good description? “No,” he said. “That one died out. Please send another one!”

Jed said he is still fond of Clifton Forge, even though he left there before he left VMI. He is in pretty good health and still does water aerobics.

I tried calling Jack Patton in Cumming, Georgia, where he moved about two years ago to live with his daughter, Judy Patton O’Donnell. Judy said Jack had moved again last November to the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. He is living independently at Bridgewater Retirement Community. She loved The Bomb’s description of her father: 23

Class Notes

Class of 1942: Pictured at the 50th Reunion were, from left, Joe Drewry, Jack Whitmore, Charlie Miller, Harry Siebert and Sutton Mullen.

“The womenfolk of Richmond suffered a hard blow and the surrounding female institutions gained immeasurably when Jack came to Lexington four years ago – managed to scrape by his studies, be a capable lieutenant and still have more than his share of fun.”

Class of 1942: Charlie Miller at the 70th Reunion. Photo by Tommy Wilson’s daughter, Carter.

24

Jack does not do email, so Judy is mailing this information to him at his new address: 210 Virginia Ave. #303, Bridgewater, VA 22812. Jack’s phone is 540-237-4135.

Bob Goodman sent the following: “Hi, Lindsay. Nice of you to help with the VMI job. Charlie has been doing good work for Class of ’42, and I hope his absence from the job is short-lived.

Living in Texas with no opportunity for associating with my brother rats presents a difficult problem of finding something that would be of interest to you or them. My activities are probably following the usual pattern of: Selling the home, moving to a retirement community, giving up driving, leaning more and more on the walker, etc. My wife is a victim of Alzheimer’s, and we live in separate apartments on the same floor, but the Alzheimer’s unit is on our floor, which allows us the freedom to visit and dine together as we choose. I’m glad to hear Charlie and his wife are doing well, and they should be especially proud of the fact they have made a success of marriage in the senior stage of life. I hope in the replies you are getting that you are finding most my group to be in good health and mobile. Thanks for your note. I hope you are getting more useful information from the others than from me.”

Finally, I read the description of my dad, Charlie Miller, with more appreciation than I had as a child. “‘A veritable powerhouse in his own inimitable way’ – At least that is what Drewry says about him – friendly – fond of women – plays with fire (works) – Jackson’s Battery – even though he comes from Richmond – Charlie has always been one of the boys.”

That mention of Jackson’s Battery once would have rolled right past me. And I probably should not say more, in case the statutes of limitations have not expired. But if you want details, you can read them in the new book about Dad’s life, written and published with Mary’s inspiration and guidance. Just a year and a half after VMI, he was flying B-17s over Europe, surviving 25 combat missions, going on to survive 28 more combat missions flying B-29s over Japan. For this and many other reasons, he calls his book, “Lucky Me.” And I am a lucky daughter to be your guest correspondent for this issue of the Review.

’43

Jeffrey G. Smith

Good news first. I have no deaths to report. We – our class – is holding at (by my unofficial verified count) 22 survivors. As I said before, about two squads.

As I begin these notes, we (in northern Virginia) are experiencing a record breaking snowstorm. It’s well on its way to at least 2 feet. And it is cold, cold, cold. I live (cozily) in an apartment at the Fairfax – an extremely well-done retirement complex which caters primarily to retired Army officers. However, a “minority” of a few retired Navy, Air Force, Marine and CIA retirees also reside. The Fairfax was founded by the late West Point (January 1943) graduate, Lt. Gen. Frank Camm. Our Brother Rat Jim Anderson was the aide-de-camp for Frank’s father, a one star general, during World War II. Small world.

And as I conclude these notes in midFebruary 2016, we are in the grip of brutally cold weather. The thermometer on my balcony rose to 10 degrees by 11 a.m., and I heard on the TV that it might top off at only a few degrees higher.

Here I am going on and on about the weather as if there that were all there is write about. Fortunately – or perhaps unfortunately – there are a few other tidbits. However, I am compelled to comment that if your poor old class agent depended only on the initiative of brother rats to keep him informed, I’d be in very poor shape.

I had a rather long chat with my “cousin,” Gordon Smith, not long ago. I’m happy to report he was his usual cheery, ebullient self. He religiously sticks to his three times per week workout.

I tried to call Jim Tapley a few minutes ago (at 540-774-5773). The operator said that number was no longer active.

I will pursue this further in the next issue of the Alumni Review in class notes.

Note: I am sure that Jim is OK, or the VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Institute up until that time. He alumni office would have inserved in the Navy for the rest formed me. of the war. Remaining in the I checked Bruce Suter into Naval Reserve, he was called the net a few days ago. You to active duty for the Korean will recall that Bruce did alWar. He continued to serve in most all the heavy lifting for the reserve for 18 years. While our class reunions. He did a at VMI, he was a member of lot of very good things, which the varsity track team, winning apparently he is continuing in honors in hurdles. After active his retirement complex a very World War II service, Larry few miles from the New Jerattended Washington and Lee sey shore. He keeps busy after Law School, receiving a Bachrecovering (which was news elor of Laws degree in 1948. He to me) from a ruptured colon began his career in the brokerabout a year ago. He was in age business in 1949 with the critical care for three weeks and Class of 1943: Bill “Snapper” Andrew, right, and Jeff Smith – rehab for two. He’s fine now. brother rats, roommates, and members of the VMI Horse Show Merrill Lynch firm. In 1954, he opened the first Wheat SecuriHe and Joan were off to a Val- Team – at practice in early spring 1943. ties office in Norfolk, where entines party.

My son – happily retired Army Brig. of the Horse Cavalry were on polar ends of he developed his experience in municipal Gen. Jeffrey G. Smith Jr. ’79 and currently the spectrum. My own grandfather’s career project financing. In 1976 he co-founded the deputy superintendent at VMI – is en- was shaped by their ‘debate,’ the conclusion the firm of Municipal Advisors Inc., from gaged in writing informative and intrigu- of which made it possible for my father’s which he wrote and sold bonds that fiing various papers on the Cavalry, both professional success and personal happi- nanced the City of Virginia Beach Exin European and United States armies. ness.” (My son writes of my decision to pressway, Canterbury (both buildings) and Not so incidentally, my father was the last transfer to the infantry, despite my father’s the Chesapeake Municipal Courthouse, as well as many other municipal and comcommander of the 5th Cavalry Regiment career as a cavalry officer.) when it was purely Horse Cavalry.

More and more, my class notes are more mercial projects in the mid-Atlantic area.

He sold the firm and retired in his 80s.

I quote from one of my son’s papers: like history lessons.

Just as I was finishing these notes, I re“In contrast to the Infantry-centric armies From what I hear from other VMI sourcof 19th century Europe, then, the Cavalry es, more graduates from other classes ap- ceived a note from Carol M. Jones, daughter of our classmate Bill Mills, advising in North America (the United States) was preciate my notes than my classmates. that her father died Jan. 21, 2016. She the decisive combat arm –but at certain Good luck and goodbye for now. wrote that Bill fell and broke his hip at the times, in particular places, under special Jeff end of October, and his health went on a circumstances. Its success and role in the Tom L. Peyton Jr. downward spiral thereafter. Bill was one Indian Wars, its close identification with of two former World War II Army Specialthe expansion and maturation of the naized Training Program (ASTP) soldiers tion, and its absorption into the cultural who returned to the Institute after the war identity of the new nation, fed a sense of to complete their studies for a bachelor’s entitlement among not a few of its cadre, and contributed to the well-known relucThrough our postcard notification sys- degree and were subsequently adopted by tance on the part of several of its leaders tem, all should have received word of the the Class of 1944 alumni. Although not to cede too much stature to the forces of death of our Brother Rat Larry Wales. experiencing the rituals of a Rat year, Bill mechanization and its motorized, ar- Some of the details are provided in the earned our respect by his attitude and demored steeds.

Taps section of this issue. Here is ad- votion to VMI and his willingness to sub“Two key figures in this transitional period ditional information from his published mit to the often constraining features of were General John J. Pershing, recently re- obituary. Lawrence Butler Wales Jr., 93, this unique institution. A formal obituary turning hero of the U.S. Expeditionary Force died Jan. 4, 2016. He entered VMI from was not available as of this writing. If one in World War I and his protégé, George C. Norfolk, Virginia, and was a longtime res- becomes available, more information will Marshall [’901]. While they shared a life- ident of Virginia Beach. Larry attended be provided in the next Class Notes.

I must also report the death of Marlong bond only somewhat constrained by VMI for three years and entered military Marshall’s initial position as Pershing’s key service in 1943, with the majority of the guerite Lockwood, 93, who died at her subordinate, their views on the proper role Class of 1944 that had remained at the home in Brownwood, Texas, Nov. 15,

’44

2016-Issue 2

25

Class Notes

Class of 1944: Class Agent Tom Peyton at his “farm” in the northern Shenandoah Valley in May 2015.

2015. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Harold Lockwood; three children; four grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. A memorial service celebrating her life was held at the First Methodist Church in Brownwood. Marguerite graduated from the University of Texas in 1943, where she was a member of Chi Omega Fraternity. She served her community as chair of the Brownwood Hospital Board, president of the local Twentieth Century Board, member of the Brownwood Library Board and Brownwood Women Board.

She and Harold served the First Methodist Church as greeters for over 50 years.

Harold was among those brother rats who married after we left the Institute in 1943 for World War II military service. After the war, the Institute made an accommodation to permit those who had married to return to VMI to complete their education. The limits of this arrangement included that returning former cadets who had married would receive their education attending regular classes as civilians, they would not live in the barracks – being required to find their own housing off the VMI grounds – and they would not be required to be involved in any Institute military activity. Marguerite and Harold lived in the Lexington area for the school year 26

1946-47, with Harold graduating in June 1947. They returned to Lexington many years later for a class reunion, and I remember talking to them over lunch about their experiences during that “year.” It probably wasn’t very funny at that time, with all of the makeshift living required in a Lexington that was ill-prepared for the postwar period, but they laughed a lot in reminiscing about those days.

I had recent conversations with Harold Lockwood, John Irby and Dick Niess (electronic with the latter), all having recently become widowers and currently going through a period of bereavement and adjustment. By and large, under these difficult circumstances, they seem to be in control of their respective situations.

Nonetheless, I am certain they would welcome a supporting phone call or note, if you are so inclined.

I had a recent phone conversation with Jim Doss from where he currently lives in his new home in Ark, Virginia. He is under the watchful eye of his daughter and seems to be very pleased with the arrangement; although, it was undoubtedly difficult to leave Lexington after so many years and the established friendships made there.

In a greeting card, Meade Bell wrote that his three children and Ginny’s five have made them a very large family. With their husbands and wives, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, the family now totals

38. He said that they are blessed, because all have good health, jobs and have done well in getting good educations. He also reported that he still knows all of their faces and names. He has high hopes for all of this to continue and closed with the comment that he and Ginny are about the same as they were at our 70th Reunion.

Bob “Egypt” Jones wrote that he and Faye are enjoying life at The Chesapeake, but commented that their major problem is that neither of them can drive, making for a few difficulties. He also said that they have more to do than they wish and find that each task takes far more time. Any of this sound familiar?

The Christmas greeting this year from Fran Meade (the traveler) included another of her poetic works, telling of her recent trip to Ireland and concluding, “...That now’s the time to make that move. So don’t say I didn’t warn ya. Come spring, I’m off to California to start a new life on the farm, in the ‘bunkhouse’ with all its charm. Though it will be my very own, I will no longer be alone.”

Somewhat cryptic, so we will have to wait for the next issue of class notes to learn more about this.

Included with these notes is a group photo of the Helmen family taken last July in Fort Worth, Texas, on the occasion of the wedding of one of Bob and Miriam’s grandsons.

The senior Helmens are seated on the right.

As I write these notes, they continue on their

Class of 1944: The Helmen family gathered in Fort Worth, Texas, in July 2015 for the wedding of Bob and Miriam’s grandson. The proud grandparents are seated on the left.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes nomadic trifecta between Florida; Monterey, Joe Gantt and his wife, Kay. John said it during the fall by a 1st Class cadet in a was wonderful seeing them. John also had fall semester class on World War II taught Virginia; and Chicago.

Also included is a photo of myself taken surgery – a left shoulder repair in November by Col. Bradley A. Coleman ’95, Ph.D. last summer here on the “farm” in the north- – and has recovered quite nicely. He noted Booby reported that interesting questions ern Shenandoah Valley when the weather that having the ability to move his shoulder included: Why did he attend college at VMI? How did Gen. Kilbourne ’894 imwas much different from the snow and cold without pain is a blessing – and how! press him as superintendent? What did he William “Jim” Cocke reported that bouts experienced this winter. It’s being enclosed to demonstrate to Egypt Jones that I am still with rheumatoid arthritis have been prevent- remember about the Rat Line, Pearl Har“vertical,” too; but also to say a few words ing him from being the active person he’s bor and the experience in World War II? about photos for our class notes. Over time, used to being. He misses not being able to He mentioned that one of his most unforI have received a number of photos that I sail or play golf but enjoys watching TV – es- gettable memories at VMI was during 4th would have liked to use but couldn’t because pecially the amazing comeback in the Amer- Class year, when a 1st Class cadet caught their quality or clarity were not up to pro- ica’s Cup. And he added that the arthritis has violating the honor code was drummed out in the middle of the night ducing a printable product as seen – 2:30 a.m., as he recalls. It’s an in the Alumni Review. For photos event no one who ever heard sent by means of the Internet, prothat drum roll in the barracks vide in JPEG format with high rescourtyard has likely forgotten. olution of 300 dots (dpi) or greater The cadet interviews are part and as large in dimension (width of the ongoing project to add and height) as possible. For printed to the VMI at War files in the photos, have them printed on high Preston Library Archives. Bequality photograph paper. For phosides Booby, both John Wilto captions, I will work with the liams and Joe Gantt have been sender to develop necessary and interviewed by cadets from Col. appropriate wording. I hope that Coleman’s class – as have Cary the foregoing is not intimidating.

Esser, Hugh “Dish” Dischinger Looking through the Review, one and Russell Newton. These incan observe that photos are an imterviews are in addition to the portant part of telling our story.

Currently there are 20 brother Class of 1945: This truck body, manufactured by Westech after conversations with Lisa Tracy Bob Pettigrew’s retirement, has a haul capacity of 450 tons, and at the reunion in April 2015. rats and 43 widows on our mail- its tires measures 9 feet in diameter.

Lisa contacted brother rats who ing list.

In the meantime, thoughts to consider and not interfered with one favorite activity: He had not been at the reunion – and some observe: 1. Stay off all ladders. 2. Use all still enjoys trading on the stock market. Jim from the reunion for whom additional inhandrails where provided (stairs, bathrooms, says his sons and step-son – David, Bill and formation was needed – to set up the interetc.). 3. If you have them, use your cane or John – were very helpful after the death of views for Col. Coleman’s class. She also walker at all appropriate times. 4. Take all his wife, Inez. Jim went to live with David talked with Jim Morgan at Kendal in Lexin Albuquerque, and then moved to Phoe- ington; Robert Moore and his wife, Libby, medications as and when prescribed.

That’s about it for this time. Please re- nix, near Bill. This year, he has moved into at their home in Lexington; and Doug member to support the VMI Alumni Beatitudes, an assisted living facility in the Quarles in Charlottesville for the project.

She spoke with Dick Matheis before his Agencies with your generous gifts. We re- Phoenix area. death, as well. All of these interviews, inEiland “Booby” Anthony sent an update main a vital part of the team. to let us know that his wife, Jane Hender- cluding those from the reunion (Jim Adson Anthony, died in February 2013. Jane ams, Bob Allen, Bill Curdts, Jess Reed, William Quarles was from the class of 1944 at Hollins Col- Joe Gantt and John Williams), should be lege, and she was Booby’s Ring Figure in the archives by the time you read this.

Meanwhile, in much the same vein, we date. That occasion happily led to their 68 years of marriage. At the age of 91, he heard from Bob Pettigrew, who shared still enjoys driving around town to attend exactly the kind of information that the We heard some great news from John Wil- church, Rotary Club meetings and to gro- VAW project is looking for – including liams for this issue. He and his wife, Mary, cery shop. He lives alone, but his children some rather exotic early years: Bob was raised in the West Indies, in Haiti, where took a drive in October 2015 to Skyline Drive stay in close touch.

Booby also told us he was interviewed his father, after resigning from the U.S. and then on to Lynchburg to have lunch with

’45

2016-Issue 2

27

Class Notes Navy, established and managed a sisal plantation (Dauphin Plantation) from 1927 until the end of World War II. There being no schools where he lived, Bob and his two sisters were home-schooled for the first eight pre-high school years. With no local doctors either, he said, medicine was a home health care affair, as well.

His four years of high school were at Hackley, an all-boys boarding school in Tarrytown, New York, just a few miles up the Hudson River from New York City.

Bob started at VMI in fall 1941, joined the Marines at the end of his 3rd Class year and was ordered to Cornell University under the Navy V-12 program. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering in 1944, served eight weeks of boot camp in Parris Island, South Carolina; was sent to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for officer’s training; and then ordered to the Naval School of Oriental Languages at the University of Colorado in Boulder to learn Japanese in preparation for the invasion of Japan. Of course, he noted, that never happened.

After his discharge from the Marines, Bob worked construction in New York; Philadelphia; and Princeton, New Jersey; took off a couple of years to study music at the Lamont School of Music in Denver; worked in the Climax Molybdenum mine in Climax, Colorado, on the Continental Divide (elevation 11,400 feet); and then went back to work as a construction engineer on large industrial projects in Montana, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas. Then came the Korean War. As a Marine reservist, Bob was ordered to Quantico, Virginia, as an instructor training new Marine Corps officers.

After the war and a short stint as a construction engineer in Denver, the uranium boom erupted on Colorado’s western slope and in southeast Utah. Unable to resist, Bob participated in the formation of a small drilling company, Primary Mineral, out of Moab, Utah – both contract and exploratory (wildcat drilling). When the boom subsided, Bob started a real estate venture in Wyoming.

That led to 10 years as a consultant for the state, as he organized and operated the Wyoming Industrial Development Corp., a small-business development corporation that 28

provided development financing. In 1976, Bob joined a group of investors in a small oil field service company, which he ran for the next 15 years. During that time, the company evolved into a supplier for large equipment manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Kamatsu and Euclid, etc., specializing in dragline buckets and dump bodies for large mining vehicles – for which he sent us a picture that could vie favorably with anything out of “Star Wars,” we think! Bob retired in January 1991, but said the company, originally known as WOTCO, continued to thrive as Westech and was eventually bought by an Australian firm, Austin Engineering.

If there are any members of the class who have not yet been interviewed and who want to join the VAW project, please let us know – contact us and we’ll pass it on. The current interviews are aimed at capturing not only war memories, but also your recollections of the Institute – how you came to VMI and what that experience meant to you.

And meanwhile, it is great to be getting your news to share. Please keep those calls, emails and notes coming!

’46

William A. Eliason

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 1946.

’47

Gus Robbins

News continues to be scarce, but here’s what I have for this quarter.

I heard from Peggy Reynolds that dear Brother Rat Joe Reynolds died the week of Feb. 1, 2016. Joe had been in failing health the past few years and was living in a retirement home near their home in Atlanta. A few weeks before, he had a bad fall which required surgery, and he just never recovered from that, Peggy said.

Joe will be remembered by brother rats for his clever poems regarding our class that so amused us at class reunions. His ode

to Brother Rat Hallett was particularly funny. Joe had worked for Southern Bell in Atlanta his whole career, becoming a regional and district manager before his retirement. Besides Peggy, he is survived by one son, Andy, in Atlanta.

I enjoyed several calls and notes from you brothers at Christmastime and gleaned a bit of news to share. Bill Phillips continues to enjoy life at Westminster Canterbury in Lynchburg and gets around fairly well with his cane and walker.

John and Norma Burton in Charlotte, North Carolina, reported the birth of their first great-grandchild, a boy, in April 2015, making Christmas very special for them.

Their oldest grandson is getting married in Charlotte later this year, so they have another festive event to look forward to.

Jim and Carol Willson continue to hold first place in the “hit the road” contest. (If there is such a thing!) Their travels last year took them from coast to coast and then out of the country for a two week stint in France, including four days in Paris and stops in the Loire Valley, St. Malo in Brittany, the Normandy beaches and Mont St. Michel. Jim wrote that traveling and connections on airlines was much simpler in the old days! We can all attest to that.

Eva Simmons (widow of Brother Rat Carl) is close behind the Willsons in her activities. She has enjoyed motor trips with friends for visits in Connecticut and Pennsylvania, as well as an extended trip to New England, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, Canada. She is very fortunate that living in Oakcrest Retirement Home in Parkville, Maryland, affords her closeness to her family and friends.

Brother Lucius Dabney and Allene had a houseful over the Christmas holidays with four of their five family groups visiting them. To quote Lucius in his Christmas card, “I have always considered that to be able to say, ‘We were rats together,’ describes the finest relationship that any people can have...” Thanks, Lucius!

In the 2016-Issue 1 Alumni Review in the class notes on page 41, there is an interesting part of the Class of ’44’s notes that mentions our deceased Brother Rat Bobby Turner and his wife, June. Betty VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Lane and I tried to contact June when we were in Isle of Palms in September but did not know that she had moved back to Milwaukee. Seeing that she is now residing at St. John’s on the Lake, I will try to contact her in the near future.

Our 70th Reunion will be April 24-25, 2017, at the Institute. Please let me know if you are interested at all in attending. I realize that it is over a year off, but just an expression of interest would at least be helpful at this point.

Here’s hoping you had someone you love – whether it be a spouse, friend, child, dog, cat – with whom to share Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14! I am just getting these notes due Feb. 15 in under the wire. Only three months until the next notes are due, so keep those cards and letters coming!

Best regards, Gus

’48A

Dale E. Wykoff

John and Barbara Trumbo enjoyed the wonderful weather in Florida while the rest of us underwent some frightful days of heavy snow and miserable temperatures.

They’ll be back to Stuarts Draft, Virginia, before long – not that I wish them any bad weather for the remainder of spring.

Gilly Williamson remains in his assisted living quarters, and we all hope he’ll be back to regular living conditions soon.

I heard from Blake McFeely several times with news about living in California. Except for using a cane, he’s getting about well and says hello to the remaining few from ’48A. Mike Calhoun seems to have disappeared into a retirement home in Miami, and I have been unable to contact him.

Barbara Trumbo said she had a long chat with Dora Meler, who is working two days a week at home in New Jersey and three days in New York City. She recently underwent shoulder surgery and expects to undergo therapy for several months.

Lamar Whitmore has been keeping in touch, and I recently sent her pictures from a class reunion at the Trumbos’ home, now 2016-Issue 2

many years ago. We all look so much younger! Out of the 52 who matriculated in February 1944, five still are with us; four of whom are in retirement homes. So goes life.

’48B

Lionel T. Wolford

I received a message from the VMI alumni office that the VMI Regimental Band was to participate in the Rose Bowl Parade New Year’s Day. I was only able to watch the parade for 30 minutes and, unfortunately, did not get to see the VMI band; however, later, I was able to see a YouTube video of the performance, and it was great.

As most of you know, the VMI Regimental Band was formed in 1947 by our Brother Rat Dick Eichhorn. Before this, VMI’s musical needs were provided by Bill, the bugler, and a small group of professional musicians who also held other jobs on post.

Dick Eichhorn was my roommate, and I remember him as a serious and dedicated musician. On numerous Saturday afternoons, Dick, Willie Parker and I would walk from the barracks to the movie theater in Lexington, passing Lee Chapel on the way. As we approached Lee Chapel, Dick would stop and say, “Pick me up on the way back.” Willie and I would proceed to the movie, and on the way back, we did pick Dick up. He played the organ in Lee Chapel all afternoon.

I can still see the smile on Dick’s face when he entered room 156 one day in early 1947 saying, “I’ve been authorized to start a cadet band.” He found enough accomplished cadet musicians in the barracks and began training. Within a few weeks, he had put together a workable unit. If I remember correctly, both the old post band and the new cadet band participated in weekly parades. The performance of the cadet band improved rapidly, and the old band faded away. The VMI Regimental Band had been formed, and Dick Eichhorn was promoted to cadet captain. A short time before graduation, the Army assigned a highly competent warrant officer to further develop the band. I don’t remember

his name, but he was around for quite a while and did a great job.

Dick and I were not only roommates, but we were two of only three ’48Bs to graduate in 1947 with a degree in chemistry. The third was Doug Markey.

Forty-one years passed before Dick Eichhorn and I saw each other again. The first ’48B reunion I was able to attend was the 40th in 1988. The first event at the reunion was a full-dress parade in honor of Dick Eichhorn for founding the VMI Regimental Band. I viewed Dick from a distance and met up with him at the ’48B social. I congratulated him and stated it was good to know that my old roommate was held in such high esteem. He looked at me, with no recollection, and exclaimed, “I never roomed with you.” I insisted that we were roommates our 1st Class year at VMI. He responded, “Absolutely not! I roomed with Danforth, and you are not him. I roomed with Willie Parker, and you are not him. And, I also roomed with a guy from a little, bitty town in Louisiana, and you are not him.” Wow! I was upset. Eventually, our wives, Marion Wolford and Kay Eichhorn, arrived on the scene and gave me some support. Gradually, a sheepish grin appeared on Dick’s face, and he remembered that, indeed, I was that guy from Louisiana. We spent much of the remaining time at the reunion recalling our struggles in the chemistry courses we took.

At this time and for quite a few years, Dick did an outstanding job as ’48B class agent.

Dick Eichhorn died in March 2004. He was successful in business and maintained a strong interest in music his whole life.

To my knowledge, two brother rats died recently: Al McCauley, from Bedford County, Virginia, was with us our first semester until he left for military service. He did not return to VMI after the war but did enroll at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and earned a degree in chemical engineering. He worked for DuPont out West, where he was known as a Virginia gentleman but also as a Westerner at heart.

Judd Lawson, from Newburgh, New York, died in June 2015. Judd and his best friend, Bob Duke, roomed in 215 – right next to me in 217 – our 4th Class year.

Judd was notable in appearance, having 29

Class Notes a head of jet black hair. Some unknown ’48A thought he looked like “Mickey Mouse,” and the name stuck. At the beginning of the second semester, I considered rooming with Mickey and Bob Duke, but I was leery of rooming with Yankees.

When the opportunity presented itself to room with Charles Brown, I jumped at it.

By the end of our third semester, Charles Brown and many more left for military service. Bob Duke, Mickey, Billy Guin and I moved into 156 as roommates. They were all great roommates. Mickey and Billy were soon called to service, but both returned to VMI and graduated.

I next saw Mickey 20 years later in 1965.

Mickey had returned to Newburg, New York, where he married Helen and had a family. I was working for GAF in Binghamton, New York, also with wife and family. Marion and I decided to take the kids to the World’s Fair in Queens, New York. On our return trip, we stopped to visit the Lawsons and had a great time.

Our paths crossed again at the VMI versus the U.S. Military Academy football game in West Point, New York, in 1978. Alumni from VMI had a party at the Thayer Hotel after the game. I remember Helen making me stop drinking and eat a good meal before Marion and I drove back to New Jersey, where we were living at the time.

Mickey, Helen, Marion and I all attended the 40th Reunion in 1988. One morning, we met for breakfast at the reunion motel. The restaurant had a reputation for notoriously slow service. After sitting for an hour and receiving no service, Helen suggested McDonald’s. Everyone enjoyed that call by Helen. Mickey attended the 50th, 60th and 65th Reunions. Mickey loved VMI, was a true friend to me and will be missed by all.

I received cards from Jim Warrington and Lou Costellano and phone calls from George Ramsey and Charles Brown.

George sounded great and reported he attended three VMI football games, including the two that we won.

Charles also sounded great. He is still in the oil business and goes to work every day. We could not agree on how long we roomed together. I thought that we 30

were in room 209 our second semester 4th Class year and in room 156 our first semester 3rd Class year. He remembered being at VMI three semesters and rooming in room 209 but said he never roomed on the first floor. So, we must have lived in room 209 for second and third semesters.

Whatever, we had some great times visiting Hollins College, and he was the best roommate I ever had.

’49A

James Harrington

Since my last set of class notes, we have lost Tom Stamey and Charlie Tiller. Tom was a great credit for the class, the Institute and the world of medicine. Charlie had written of travel plans for my November notes but left us unexpectedly. The ranks are thinning.

Thanks to Allen Penniman, there is at least an entry in this report. He wrote: “As usual, I took a look at last year’s comments made, and so I will start from there to see what I can put together. It is not much, but it is all I have. The last quarter of 2015 consisted of a number of visits by various members of our family.

It is a task for Joanie and me to travel to see them, so we ‘bait the trap’ with an airplane ticket or so and they come in droves.

What a treat this is for us. We have had children, families and mothers with children. Too numerous to count. It is just the grandest way for the two of us to keep up with our families in a most direct manner.

The visits usually last four or five days, and those with little children stay a day or two less. It seems the little ones are more tiring than when I was younger trying to raise my five. Of course, 65 years on my ‘make and mileage’ are bound to have had an impact. I do fine as long as I can squeeze in about an hour’s nap time each afternoon. The Christmas season of joy and love and presents came and went.

We were out of town for Christmas Day, traveling to Covington to spend the time with Gordon and Susan Atkins and their children. It was a wonderful time for all of

us to come together and we never crowded the true meaning of the day by other activities. This was just as it should be.

“One interesting family story. My son, Graham, who lives in Canton, Georgia, has a son who has been admitted to Stanford University. As you might guess, he is an exceptional young man and highly motivated academically. After some consideration, his father and I have decided to attend Father’s Day at Stanford. We will travel to Palo Alto the last week in this month. William, my grandson, called me to tell me how happy he was that I was coming to visit him at Stanford. He is an interesting young man, and he thanked me for sending him there and complimented me for ‘coming to Stanford.’ He talked about the three generations of Pennimans visiting at the same time. I am looking forward to this trip.

“Joanie and I closed 2015 in good physical shape. Sometimes there is an ache or a pain here or there, but we still enjoy good health. For that, I am eternally thankful.

This year the Class of 1949A will begin its 68th year since being graduated. There are only a few of us left, but it is quality and not quantity that we must be proud of. Joanie and I send our best wishes to one and all and our hopes for another good year.”

There’s scant news from the Harrington household. We do enjoy basketball during the Carolina season and were seriously disappointed with the untimely end of the Carolina Panthers’ otherwise spectacular season. As spring approaches, we hope to have more news from our scattered family and will share what we have when we have it.

As for the remaining few brother rats, I hope they “recover” in time to send us something for the next notes.

’49B

Dan Smaw

These notes cover the period from late October 2015 through early February 2016.

George Wolfe sent me a copy of the email he wrote Greg Nelson about the tailgate party the Nelsons had on the Parade VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Ground at the VMI versus Wofford College football game in October. There were about 13, including the Nelson family, Nux Enochs, Benny Harmon and Buddy Marshall. When George was leaving, he ran into George and Jane Dooley and Ronnie Gault’s son. He left early so he could get home before dark.

Ding Patton wrote about the Institute Society Dinner, which they attended along with Grover and Teancy Outland and Nux Enochs. He said the food and the part of the program that showed individuals who had benefited from the Foundation was good. The remarks Gen. Peay ’62 gave were uplifting.

Barbara Jeffries wrote in November and sent a copy of Bob’s obituary from their local paper. He suffered a massive heart attack out of the blue with great brain damage. They took him off life support and followed his clear final wishes. Bob and Barbara had lived in the same house on Sleepy Hollow Road in New Canaan, Connecticut, since 1963. That must be something of a record for living in the same house. They had three children, three grandchildren and a host of friends around the world. The class sends their most sincere condolences to the Jeffries family on their great loss.

I had a long conversation in December with John Hayes. We discussed our various medical issues and came to the conclusion that the best thing for exercise for us is a treadmill, as long as it is run slowly and you use great care getting on and off.

John has had a dislocated hip but had made a trip to Las Vegas. He and Paula are doing well.

Nux Enochs called Jan. 11 to let me know that Vaughn Maxwell died that morning, Vaughn suffered from a stroke for the past five years, during which he had had several additional strokes. He kept his sense of humor and love of talking about anything VMI. Vaughn was president of our class, ’49B. Like many of us, he was called to active duty as an infantry officer and served at several installations before going to Korea in October 1951 as the Korean War was going on. He returned to Augusta, Georgia, in 1953. He is survived 2016-Issue 2

by his wife of 56 years, Isabelle; three children; five grandchildren; a sister; and several other relatives. A memorial service was held Jan. 15, 2016, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Augusta. We offer our sincere condolences to the family on their great loss.

Thanks to all those who sent Christmas cards and notes. It is from them that most of the remainder of the notes come.

Before Christmas, we talked with Lon and Doris Walter, which is always special since Lon and I were roommates for four years.

The Challoners noted that the year seemed to go by fast. Glad is a full-time resident of Commonwealth Assisted Living.

There are various activities there that they both enjoy participating in. Tommy takes a little time with his garden, helped by a young man they have known since he was a child. Their five children are doing well.

Our grandson, Andrew ’07, sent love, and his daughter, Gwendolyn, age 4, wrote a note on the card that I am having trouble deciphering. They were here Thanksgiving.

Dave and Margret Briggs wished us a merry Christmas and thanked us for keeping them in touch with their BRs. Benny Harmon is having some macula issues but otherwise is still moving. He will be helping out at the fall mini reunion.

John and Paula Hayes wished us a healthy happy New Year.

Greg and Kitty Nelson reminded me that 2016 is the year of our next mini. I am looking forward to it, since two or three years is a long time between reunions – particularly when we had so many yearly ones.

Inge Van Hook finally joined Mack in retirement from tennis. They both get around reasonably well and can keep the yard in fairly good shape. Their first greatgrandchild lives an hour away – easy spoiling range. Their 2nd Class cadet grandson maintains a 3.95 GPA and has excellent standing in the Army ROTC program.

Their soldier grandson has qualified to try the Army’s Ranger Course.

Nux Enochs visited Vaughn Maxwell then went to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, to go fishing with Tex Maxwell ’84.

He went to New York shortly after that to

visit his two daughters and have a picture taken with one of the Rockettes.

Joe and Shirley Spitler have four of their children living in Colorado. Two are still in Alaska. All visited them during the year, plus a couple of grandkids and three great-grandkids. Joe still plays Native American flute and went to a festival in Flagstaff, Arizona, in June. Shirley is still knitting. They are looking forward to 2016 and hope for the best.

The Benedicts had a wonderful Thanksgiving in Richmond visiting one of their daughters and family. A daughter from San Mateo, California, visited them shortly after their trip to Richmond. In July, they went to Washington for a week, topped off with dinner over falls you could hardly take your eyes away from. They both had cataract surgery on both eyes in the fall with good results. Risqué and Bob Jeffries were roommates, so it was sad to see that Bob had died.

On Feb. 3, Liz Lauerman called to say that Country died that morning. For the past six months, he had been in bad shape with lots of pain. His service was Feb. 12.

Boyd Guttery attended as the honorary pallbearer. Our sincere condolences go out to the Lauerman family on their great loss.

Izzy Maxwell called and told me about Vaughn’s service and the activities that took place before and after. We had a good conversation and reminisced about all the conversations we had had most every three months in the last few years. She said Nux was at the service, as were quite a few of their son’s BRs – Class of ’84.

I received a message from Peter Watling ’84 saying his father, Ed, died peacefully.

His four sons – Peter, Ted, Chris and Rick – and a daughter-in-law, Sandy, were with him. He had been admitted to the hospital on his doctor’s advice and had gone from the emergency room to the ICU at the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington.

His viewing was at the chapel at Murphy’s Funeral Home in Falls Church Friday, Feb. 12. Our sincere condolences are sent to the Watling family on their great loss.

Thanks to all who have contributed to Annual Giving.

God bless America, VMI and ’49B. 31

Class Notes

’50A

Bill Moore

Most of the BRs and our widows are doing fine and “keepin’ on keepin’ on,” with two notable exceptions. Jennings Bunch is being plagued by back trouble. A Dexa scan revealed a very low “T” score in his lower back and hips. When I talked with him, he didn’t know at the time whether he has small incipient vertebra fractures or not but was to find out soon. I’ll keep my fingers crossed and call if there’s anything to report. Jennings has always been so healthy and mobile that this news comes as a surprise to me. The other BR having severe problems is Ralph Mooney. His wife, Judy, told me that he has been in and out of the hospital with severe pain as the aftermath of shingles. And he has had the shingles vaccine. His shingles centered on his face and head, even affecting his brain.

He has been in terrible pain that his doctors are having a difficult time managing.

I had planned on going up into the Blue Ridge where they live Feb. 15 to personally check on him. However, we got 6 inches of snow, which put my trip on hold.

Otherwise, the rest of our BRs and gals seem to be doing well. Dick Mandt is still flourishing in his extended living home and still enjoying old movies and reruns of “Gunsmoke,” “Bonanza” and the like with his son, Richard, most afternoons.

One of his toes has been bothering him a little, but Richard assured me it is nothing to be concerned about.

Nan Hudgins told me she and Elliott have been hunkered down for the winter and don’t venture any farther from home than is necessary but are doing fine. She reminded me that Elliott is now 90 and joins that elite club, along with Syd Stealey and Gene Witcher.

Charlotte (Harold) Logsdon enjoyed a comparatively mild winter in her home near Dallas. She was still waiting for spring, though. Charlotte always has a lot of friends and family she loves to visit. She sounds great and assured me that she is.

32

Joanne (Ed) Miller said the ebb and flow of her family’s activities drives her nuts!

Seems the activities of her children and grandchildren are all over the place. Even so, she is well but misses not driving.

Nancy (Hank) McWane is still taking care of her 200 acre farm in the Lynchburg area and assured me her children will have to drag her off her place to get her to move to any other home. I have only a tenth of the acreage she has, but I feel the same way she does about it. Nancy sounds great and is doing fine.

Kenny Stagg was recently in the hospital for some tests. He doesn’t know anything yet but will let me know when he knows.

Mary (Joe) Ripley reported she’s been pretty quiet and has been concentrating mostly on keeping warm! We have had some cold weather here in Virginia this winter, and sometimes we all can get the winter blahs. Mary, it’ll get better. That famous Pennsylvania groundhog said it will.

Syd Stealey reported a very mild winter in Alaska. They sent it all down to the East Coast! He and Beverly are cozy in their new assisted living quarters and are both well. Not much news but then that’s good.

Had a lovely conversation with Jackie (Dick) Martin recently. She’s still very active and sort of ticked off that her peers and friends of her generation have almost without exception let themselves go to “pot” without being active enough to prevent it. Makes companionship difficult. I know, very few of my peers have taken the necessary steps to stay physically active with some exceptions, of course.

Barbara (Hugh) Barnes is one of the few exceptions. Not that she is so physically active, but she’s still so lively mentally. She says she can’t do all the things she’d like to do, but who among us can? She counts her blessings and keeps on doing what she can, like volunteering at the hospital and keeping up with current events. She realizes her limitations and lives with them or works around them.

That’s it for this time. After reviewing these notes, I believe I got something from everybody. I just realized – everybody but Debra and me! We attended the VMI Valentine’s Day Hop here in Lynchburg and

had a ball. The VMI Commanders played, and Debra and I danced the night away.

I was the oldest alumnus there. We have so much fun together. I’ll give our alumni credit. Debra is amazed that so many VMI people dance. Most men just don’t dance anymore. When Debra and I go out, we’re almost always the first couple to break the ice – sometimes the only ones. I don’t claim to be a good dancer. Both of us like to dance, and as long as she is happy with me, I’m than more than happy with her. She is a wonderful dancer. There’s an old saying that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. I’d like to add that the way to a woman’s heart is through the dance floor.

There is no class agent for the Class of 1950B. If you would like to be the class agent, contact John Wranek ’85 at 800/444-1839.

’50B ’51

John Ross

This note covers the period Oct. 30, 2015, to Feb. 10, 2016, and basically is in sequential order.

I was pleasantly surprised at the beginning of this note period to receive a call from Beetle Travers. He left us for service and then returned to VMI to graduate with the Class of 1955. He provided current contact information in Virginia Beach.

Beetle reported he is in good health. He lost his wife 20 years ago but is fortunate to live in close proximity to his children.

I received a very nice “thank you” letter from Marie Ambrose. She reported that Homer’s interment at Arlington will be in April.

Marie had a call from Nancy Hill and learned that she and Sookie are doing well.

John Phillips called to report he and Edwina returned to Richmond from their Florida home and to inquire about the Institute Society Dinner. I told him I would be unable to make it this year due to a conflict with a scheduled medical visit.

As usual, Roger Little wished Paul VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Shrader, Tom Wornham and me a happy birthday via email Nov. 10 (the Marine Corps birthday). I wish there were more, but sadly only the three of us are surviving from the 1951 class commissioned in the Corps at graduation.

I left birthday wishes for Des Wray in Staunton, Virginia, and he called shortly thereafter to thank me. Des reported he has a heart problem and does not expect to make it to the reunion.

I received a note from Beverly Beazlie reporting she has moved back to Ohio from Florida and providing new contact information.

I reached Walt Carraway in Plano, Texas, to wish him a happy birthday. Although he has been fighting lymphatic cancer for 11 years, he sounds great. He is doubtful for the reunion.

Sam Scott called to report that his speech problem is improving and that Bill Lauerman ’49B has been moved to an assisted living facility.

At the beginning of December, I wished Paul Robinson in Neenah, Wisconsin, a belated happy birthday. He and Jean are remaining in Wisconsin for the winter to be near her doctors. She is doing better, and they are looking forward to returning to Florida.

I failed to reach Ken Crisp on numerous occasions to extend birthday wishes.

On Dec. 3, Dorothy Bailey called from Orlando, Florida, to report that Harry had fallen a number of times and required back surgery. He is in good spirits in a health facility, looking forward to a visit from his Norway family.

I reached Beetle Travers on his cellphone to wish him a happy birthday. He hoped to make our April reunion.

Rose Marie Anson called to report that Fred died Dec. 15. I extended condolences, reported the death to VMI and made a memorial contribution in his memory. I remember Fred as one of our all-around best athletes.

I reached Bounce Carstens at work (that is correct) to wish him a belated happy birthday. He reported that Sally’s health is gradually improving. He and Jim Enochs are making plans to attend the reunion.

2016-Issue 2

I wished Jigger Baxley in Marshall, Virginia, a happy birthday Dec. 25 and, at the same time, a merry Christmas to Ursula and him.

On Dec. 28, I made my last birthday call for 2015 to Tom Wornham in La Jolla, California. Tom – who was in my electrical engineering section and was commissioned with me in the Marine Corps by his father – sounds about the same.

Backing up to late November (specifically Nov. 30), when Marie and I received our first Christmas card from Dick Cole, I discovered that VMI had failed to provide me with sufficient cards for the class.

Consequently, some of you received traditional cards and some received VMI note cards stamped “merry Christmas.”

In any event, I mailed 115 cards and notes (68 BRs and 47 SRs).

Marie and I received, in return, numerous beautiful cards and letters wishing us well and merry Christmas, and at the same time providing a wealth of news. For example, Dick Cole reported that he and Louise are in good health and intend to make the reunion.

Fred and Marilyn Watson in Weatherford, Texas, reported Fred had spinal surgery and is not able to travel.

Renate Higby in Bonita Springs, Florida, reported she is “doing all right” but is bothered by arthritis in hands and knees.

Nancy and Sookie Hill report that Jack is still able to get around and is in good spirits but is troubled with arthritis in both shoulders.

The Hayses report that Willard is slowly recovering from his heart problem.

Marie Ambrose sent a long and touching personal Christmas letter concluding, “Love – that’s what Christmas is all about.”

Bounce and Sally Carstens, Henry and Joan Bryan, Mary Ellen Connolly, Anita Chaplin, and Pat Holloway all connected love with Christmas, as did Pat Parker Gray.

Paul and Jean Robinson, Phil Barton, Jack and Joyce Evans, Lee Duval, Glennie Brown, Maureen Leck, Robbin Jordan, and Jo Jac and Rufus Lazzell all expressed thanks for keeping in touch. Bill Moore expressed it as for me: “Thanks for keeping the Class of ’51 together and informed. Although I graduated from that

‘other school,’ you can count on my continued support for VMI.” Jim and Cindy Marshall, in the spirit of Christmas, included a check for VMI, which I immediately forwarded to the Institute. This would be a wonderful tradition to establish – let’s hear from you on this suggestion.

Jigger and Ursula Baxley, Barbara and Jack Lowden, Gib and Marilyn Gibson, Pete Philp and many others noted how they were looking forward to the reunion.

My neighbors, Rav and Sheila Marshall, expressed it: “Save the New Year’s celebration for April 18 and 19 in Lexington.”

Jim and Alice Close are in the process of downsizing, and they recently exchanged letters with Frances Howard. Incidentally, their card was “an original watercolor by Alice.”

We also received a card from Marion Carozza in which she displays her beautiful Palmer Method penmanship.

I also received a card from Beverly Beazlie with her new contact info. Sid Hannah wrote that he missed Fred Anson’s memorial service due to health problems.

He noted Fred “suffered for a long time, and I’m sure he is in a better place.”

Eddy and John Phillips sent a card with four family pictures – one of interest, comparing John’s 1951 VMI ring with that of his grandson, Ben Dalton ’17.

Rog and Betty Little sent their greetings from St. Louis, and Ellen Nelson did so from Accomac, Virginia, wishing a merry Christmas to all brother rats.

Finally, Jake Wamsley in wishing us “a great Christmas and all good things in 2016,” noted he has moved to a retirement community and provided his new contact info.

At the beginning of January, I received word from VMI that we lost another brother rat. Straud (Jack) Davis died Jan. 3, 2016. I called Laverne, his wife, to express my condolences and that of the class and made a memorial contribution to VMI. Jack had been ill and hospitalized for some time.

I failed to reach Jack Lowden in Williamsburg to wish him a happy birthday Jan. 3, but did leave a message for him.

I wished Ray Moncrief in Georgetown, Texas, a happy birthday. He does not believe he will make the reunion, but he did request 33

Class Notes info about his roommates, George Cohen and Bill Caldwell, which I furnished.

I left birthday greetings for Bob Nolley in Richmond, Virginia.

I then received a long and newsy Christmas letter and card dated Dec. 29, 2015, and received Jan. 5, 2016, from Harry and Dorothy Bailey chronicling from their wedding in October 2014 to present. Harry, as a result of a laminectomy performed last November, is in recovery which is expected to take some time.

I called Johnny Blakemore in Richmond and wished him a happy birthday. We then spent some time discussing our favorite hockey team – the Washington Capitals.

Johnny reports he is in good shape, but seeing doctors like all of us. He is looking forward to the reunion.

I called Dave Kneessy in Indianapolis by mistake, but then we had a long and interesting conversation. Dave does not think he can make the reunion.

I then reached Henry Bryan in Port Huron, Michigan, to extend birthday wishes.

He reminisced about his boyhood in Alexandria and how it has changed, which I enjoyed as a fairly new resident. Henry had both a father and brother who were federal judges. I had the honor or whatever to appear before both of them in my lawyering days.

Bob Nolley returned my birthday call right in the middle of the 2016 blizzard, and we had a rather long call discussing the weather conditions in Richmond and Washington, D.C. Bob is a definite for the reunion and intended to give Glennie Brown a ride to Lexington.

I reached Jim Smith in Glen Allen, Virginia, with belated birthday greetings. He and Hildegarde have settled into their retirement community. Jim is doing fairly well, but due to Hildegarde’s inoperable rotator cuff injury, they will not make the reunion.

I received a very thoughtful note from the Anson family thanking us for the memorial contribution to VMI for Fred.

Marie Ambrose informed us that Homer’s interment with full military honors was April 29, 2016, at 9 a.m. at Arlington National Cemetery.

Roger Little sent Paul Shrader and me 34

an article with pictures from the Leatherneck Magazine reporting on the 1923 joint VMI and U.S. Marine Corps re-enactment of the Battle of New Market. I called Roger to thank him and noted I had seen the article in the October 2015 Leatherneck.

I called Jake Wamsley to discuss some details of the reunion and learned that he is well-settled in his new retirement abode and keeping busy.

Sam Scott called to let me know that Bill Lauerman ’49B, who graduated with us, died. (Editor’s Note: Bill Lauerman ’49B died Feb. 3, 2016. His Taps entry will appear in the 2016-Issue 3 Alumni Review.)

I left birthday greetings for Gibson Gay in Bradenton, Florida.

I wished Jimmy Gonzales in Kenner, Louisiana, a happy birthday as he prepared to watch the Super Bowl. He is doing well. Earl Patton and he may make it to the reunion.

Just before closing this note, I received word that we lost another brother rat – Gerald F. Eggleston, who joins Homer Ambrose Jr., James H. Evers, Straud Jackson Davis and Frederick G.L. Anson – all of whom have died since Jan. 1, 2015.

May they rest in peace and may loving memories sustain their survivors.

Marie and I wish to thank all of you who remembered us during the past year and to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2016.

Semper Fi, Jack

’52

James M. Mecredy

John Taylor wrote to say that every time he hears from me, we have lost someone, and ages 84-85 seem to be a difficult time.

He went on to say he is in good health and still doing very limited work for Merrill Lynch and is the only one on his team that is over 50. He expected to be a new grandfather of twin daughters soon.

Red Austermann thanked me for the birthday card and wished he had something exciting to pass on. He said their

lives were strictly routine while they endured record-breaking heat/drought along with the rest of California. They are looking forward to a return of the rainy season, which should shortly be getting underway. The only problem about this is the possibility of El Nino, which just might give them much more rain than they could wish for. Their two cats and a golden retriever continue to bring them much pleasure, and they are convinced that a house is not a home unless a pet is in residence.

Red also sent me a Christmas message.

Peggy Stallings wrote that she moved into a new address. At the time of writing, she had spent a hectic week getting everything done, and the movers were coming the next day. She feels breathless from going through many cabinets and closets and an enormous amount of personal pictures, etc. covering her life and Jim’s life. Some of you can surely identify with that.

Bill Gordon wrote to thank me for sending out the obituary for Skip Nay. If you didn’t receive it from me by email, you can read it in this issue of the Review. It is a nice tribute to a wonderful brother rat. Skip died Oct. 6, 2015, after an acute stroke. Up until the stroke, he was doing well.

Jim Wiley wrote that he just returned home following a great two days at the Institute. Carole and Jim were there to celebrate Founders Day and enjoy all the festivities. He is impressed that VMI “ain’t what it used to be.” They enjoyed being with Cecil and Barbara Welch and Gary and Sandra Pittman at the Institute Society Dinner – lots of memories. No other members of ’52 were there, but they talked about everybody. Jim said he still gets teary-eyed at parade, as most of us do.

That was so many years ago. Jim and Carole also attended a truly gala affair in December in Richmond. General Peay ’62 was the special speaker at a meeting of The Richmond Chapter of The VMI Alumni Association. It was very well-attended and enjoyed by all. The Alumni Association always does a great job. Carole and Jim dined with “Foots” Hutter and his wife.

He hardly recognized George, as his face was all bandaged up. It seems he fell in the bathroom and damaged his face and head, VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes primarily. He is a real trooper and seems to be doing OK. I called Foots to convey my support, as I suffered a similar incident. I fell in the parking garage of a hospital and was taken to the emergency room where they took good care of me. Foots and Mary have moved to assisted living and are doing well, with no more TIAs since April 2015.

The Class of ’52 was well-represented in the memorial service for Bob Lambert by Zeke and Sarah Finney, Army and Sarah Wellford, George Hutter, and Cecil and Barbara Welch. There were many people at the service, because Bob and Betty had friends from business associates, Boy Scouts and church, as well as VMI. George Bookman is suffering from dementia, and in January did not even recognize Nancy, his wife. Bud Becker let me know about Bookie’s condition. Warren Meola also called to ask for Bookman’s phone number, as he knew about Bookie’s illness and wanted to call Nancy to inquire. Warren is doing well enough for his age and grade. At this point in our lives, I am always glad to hear some of our brother rats are staying healthy. (Editor’s Note: George Bookman died Feb. 14, 2016. His Taps entry will appear in the 2016-Issue 3 Alumni Review.)

We were saddened to learn that Joe McCarthy died Nov. 26, 2015 (Thanksgiving Day). Zeke Finney called me and left a message, because we were away Thanksgiving Day. Also, Andy Dickinson sent me an email that Joe died at Westminster Canterbury in Lynchburg. As many of us knew, Joe had suffered with severe kyphosis for several years. That and a number of complications finally ended his life.

Langhorne, his loving and caring wife, expressed sadness but acceptance of his long struggle. There was a funeral at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lynchburg Saturday, Dec.12, at 2 p.m. Zeke Finney, Andy Dickinson, Army Wellford, Mitch Mays and Bill Massie attended the funeral.

Cecil Welsh sent me a copy of the memorial service for Bob Lambert. It contained Bob’s picture, the words for Psalm 121 and the words to the song, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” It also included 2016-Issue 2

Stonewall Jackson’s quote, “You may be whatever you resolve to be,” the Boy Scout oath and Bob’s obituary.

In addition, Cecil sent me two news articles: A Jonathan Daniels ’61 story and the VMI versus Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Thanksgiving Day traditional game. I especially related to the game tradition, because we lived in south Roanoke and always walked to the game. The stadium was about five blocks away. After the game, we had Thanksgiving dinner at our home with two or three generations of VMI graduates and Keydets. I think it was in 1940 that VMI won 28 to 0. The phone rang during dinner, and my father’s VMI roommate, Tazewell Elett ’906, being closest to the phone, answered: “The score was 28 to nothing.

What else did you want to know?”

Dick Chamberlain died Oct. 30, 2015, and I attended the vigil service held in Augusta, Georgia. He came to Augusta in 1978 to serve as chief of laboratory science at the Veterans Affairs Hospital and associate professor of pathology at the Medical College of Georgia.

I had not heard from Bo Perkins in some time, so I called him. He and his wife were sitting comfortably in their condo when he answered. They are both doing very well and enjoying life. He told me that he had a VMI ring from 1849 that a patient gave him about 20 years ago. It is inscribed inside: “One of 25, 1849.” Bo is going to send me a picture of the ring and a picture of himself on his birthday, Dec. 14. (I am still waiting for the picture.) He told me to give brother rats his phone number, and he would enjoy talking to anyone who calls.

I called Cecil Puckette, as I had not heard from him in a while. It seems I picked a bad time to call him. He had just gone to the emergency ward with a hernia, requiring an operation. He returned my call four days later to tell me about the hernia, and he was pronounced fully recovered. Also, he and Carolyn recently moved into a retirement home and are hoping their home sells soon.

Al Marchand wrote he never thought he would make it to 87. He gave up golf in 2014 and now watches his grandsons excel at golf. The older one is at Louisiana State

University on the golf team and is doing well. The younger one, age 16, is in high school and is looking at colleges. He says that both grandsons have long passed his level of expertise. Al, it seems you are a good coach.

Howard Williamson wrote that he is in good health, and his wife, Bernie, is stable with Alzheimer’s. Howard was involved in a car accident in which he rear-ended another car while they were both making a right turn. No one was hurt, but because it was a moving violation, Howard had to take a five hour class so there would be no change to his driving record. There were about 50 people in the class, and it seemed the great majority were there because of running red lights. I have observed that running red lights is a common occurrence in Augusta, as well as in Tucson, Arizona.

I received a number of Christmas cards and notes. Pat Powers wrote that she had some balance and memory problems from which she has recovered. I also received a card from Bill and Estelle Gordon.

Ed Wilbarger and Lila had an eventful 2015. Lila had a successful operation and treatment for breast cancer, and they both are enjoying golf. Ed tries to keep fit by walking, stretching, weight training and especially walking the golf course. His score stays better than his age. Their children, Julie, Shari, Peter and Jerry are doing well.

Their granddaughters, Mai and Aamoreena, are almost full-grown.

Eva Tuck (Win Tuck’s widow) writes that she is doing well and pleased that all of her grandchildren remembered her birthday.

Natalie Long wrote she is very comfortable in a gated community with everything easily accessible and one daughter and Bob’s boys nearby. There is nothing like Edisto Island when living with Jim, and she had to drive 40 miles to civilization, which was fine when she had a loving companion.

Gary and Sandra Pittman wrote that all of their family had a healthy and busy year. They visit their cottage often, and they went to Bermuda in March 2015.

They visited France and England in October, returning to Miami on the Norwegian Escape maiden voyage.

Mary Shoaf wrote about the changes in her life since Charlie’s death and the 35

Class Notes memorial services. She is secretary of the Board of the Atlanta Classical Orchestra and has been busy with concerts by each of four finalists. She spent 10 days in August with her daughter, Susan, touring the Canadian Rockies by rail. In the fall, she went to Nantucket, remembering wonderful times there. Finally, she planned to spend time with her family before her son, Charlie, before he made a career move to London.

Walt Ames wrote that he is recovering from his long term bout in a wheelchair.

I also received Christmas cards from Chris Holland, Cecil Welsh, Yancy Clark, Mary Lane, Jeff Hanna, Dick Valack, Carol Clingempeel, Jim Miller and Betty Gladstone.

Jane Wright wrote announcing two greatgrandchildren – boys.

Henry Nanninga’s Christmas card was a photo of his VMI 52 Georgia license plate with a note to pray there will be someone left for our 65th Reunion.

Sandy O’Connor was recovering from surgery in November, plus her house was flooded by a leaky water heater.

John Taylor wrote that his first grandchildren (twin girls) were born Dec. 1, 2015, and life is good.

Ann Hutchinson wrote that she had to give up music and requested prayers.

Lou Delisio says he is still playing golf, but not well!

Charlie and Joan Hogge are well and continuing as ombudsman visiting the nursing home.

Ann Brown sent us a Christmas card wishing us everything money can’t buy – love, health and peace.

Clarence Redman sent a Christmas card but did not say anything about recovering from injuries in 2014. I called him in January and confirmed he has recovered. Both he and Harriet are doing well.

I got a call Jan. 6, 2016, from Rob Gerdetz wishing us a happy New Year and bringing me up to date on his activities.

I received a Christmas card of Nutz Navas and his family by the ocean. Nutz is looking good. Zeke Finney sent a page of pictures of his family with their wishes for the New Year. Zeke also continues to send me emails of interesting events in the world.

36

Vann Boudreaux writes that life is good in Erath, Louisiana. He has been retired since ’89, and they have a little acreage. He does rural life: Cutting grass and feeding horses, chickens and two dogs.

Russ McCarthy starts a new bucket list every year. His list for 2016 forward is to be in good enough health to enjoy his 70th high school reunion, travel to his 65th VMI Reunion, travel to Cuba (his parents took him to Cuba in 1939) and cruise the upper Mississippi River during fall foliage season.

Bob Yore sent a Christmas card saying he was sorry for missing my phone call, because he and Carol were away visiting their greatgrandchildren. They are in good health except for a few creaks and groans.

I called Alice Magee for her birthday and left a message. Later, she called me back.

She had been at an exercise class, which she attends twice a week, and she reported she is in good health. Her family came to be with her for Christmas. It was good, but she has grown unaccustomed to a lot of activity, so maybe Christmas should only come every other year.

Clarence Redman and Harriet are both well and looking forward to spring when they can renew their golf games. Clarence is doing a good job of staying “fit and trim” – he weighs a little less than he did when at VMI. We should all do the same.

Dewey Nolan died Dec. 30, 2015, of lung cancer. He is survived by his wife, Fran; four daughters; and seven grandchildren. I talked to Dewey a year ago, and he seemed to be doing well at that time.

I recently called brother rats and sister rats for their birthdays. Betty Gladstone still lives in Morehead City, North Carolina, and is able to walk around even though she has scoliosis.

Dick Valack wasn’t home, so I talked to Mary Catherin. They are well, and Dick works every day helping people with income taxes.

Russ McCarthy was up late the night before I called him, so he was still asleep. Patricia confirmed they are both healthy.

Boyd Guttery told me he is holding his own with a spinal disability which affects his ability to walk.

I had a long talk with Shirley Buchanan

(Buck’s widow). She still lives on the farm in Chesapeake, Virginia, that she grew up on and is fighting to keep the developers and a local black bear off. She is continuing in good health in spite of a fall a few weeks ago which left her with sore muscles. The bear is hibernating at present, and the game warden has been trying to trap him. She has stopped feeding the birds, because the bear has taken both their feed and feed stations.

She has named the bear “BB,” meaning bad bear. Turkeys, deer and foxes continue to be around.

I tried to reach both Bill Ruffin and George Robinson without success. Hopefully I can track them down before you receive these notes. Andy Dickinson told me that he recently talked to Bill and was going to send me Bill’s current phone number.

Alice Magee sent me her definitions of “old age.” Here is one of them: Just before the funeral services, the undertaker came up to the very elderly widow and asked, “How old was your husband?”

She replied, “98. Two years older than me.”

“So you’re 96,” the undertaker commented.

She responded, “Hardly worth going home, is it?”

I do not have any photos this time. Stay healthy, remembering we have a reunion in 2017.

Jim

’53

William C. Noell Jr.

Brother Rats, We lost another BR this past quarter.

Actually, it was in April 2015, but I did not find out about it until after Christmas, when Elizabeth Jones left a message on my phone that Ernie had died April 2.

She had thought their daughter had notified VMI. If you will recall from past notes, Ernie had leukemia and was under treatment when I talked to him last fall at his home in Banner Elk, North Carolina.

Foy Braswell said he and Ernie attended grammar and junior high together in Kingsport, Tennessee. Ernie also talked Foy into coming to VMI. We also lost Luke VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Witt just before Christmas, and according to the telephone call from Will Allison, Luke got up that morning, went and turned up the thermostat, then went back to bed, and when Stuart went to get him up, he was gone – apparently a heart attack. The services were held in Hollywood Cemetery on the James in Richmond. I was not able to make it due to a strained leg bringing in a 10 foot Christmas tree, but our class was represented by Parker Cross, Will and Christina Allison, Warren Koontz, John Evans, Fluggie Moore, and Ann Goddard. I wrote both Elizabeth and Stuart on behalf of the Class of ’53. This month, Jim Eads lost his wife, Barbara, after a long illness. If you recall, Jim came to our last reunion only for one evening to visit with his roommate Dabney Coleman, as he did not want to leave Barbara for the weekend. There were services in Manakin-Sabot which were attended by Parker Cross and Warren Koontz.

I sent Jim a note on behalf of our class. An email from Frank Spencer’s daughter, Sandy Morgan, said that her mother now has fast growing terminal cancer, and she is now placed with Hospice. Right after Christmas, she had a pacemaker installed, and when she recently had to have it checked due to problems, they found the cancer.

I hope all had a great Christmas and New Year celebration. I assume you noted that I did not send out Christmas Cards this year. I decided to retire from that task after 28-plus years and just stick to our own personal card with pictures and Christmas letter (130 or so). I did send out a New Year’s email to those on the class email list. As I write, I am also considering retiring from sending out VMI 2016-Issue 2

Class of 1953: At the Beachams’ home with Bill and Judy Noell for the Super Bowl were Jackson, John Gaston ’19, Weston Gloger ’19, Judson, Henry Atwill ’18, Addi Jay, Jack Wilkins ’16 and Mary Jude.

Class of 1953: At a Super Bowl viewing party were, from left, Jack Wilkins ’16, Mary Jude, Henry Atwill ’18 and Judy Noell.

Class of 1953: Bill Noell’s granddaughter, Addie Jay Beacham, trying to take a selfie of the Super Bowl group.

birthday cards ... do we really need reminding from VMI just how old we are these days? As I write these notes, I start my 29th year as your class agent. Hard to believe that I have lasted this long at it, and as my roommate Bill Atwill says, I am a chemistry/physics major, and not an LA, so how come? An email notice has just been sent noting that the April spring ’53 lunch in Richmond will be on the 28th this year at the Commonwealth Club in downtown Richmond.

As I send in these notes on the day after Valentine’s Day, the snow is coming down steadily here in Lexington ... right now it is about 5 inches. Just hope we can get on the road tomorrow to go back to Tennessee.

I received a nice Christmas card from Rhoda Bigner thanking me for remembering her and the widows with cards over the years. A card from Jim and Marilyn Meek said they are now in a “continuing care” retirement community outside of Washington, D.C., and so are now a lot closer to VMI to visit. Gayle Shorter noted that Jack Trigg was keeping me posted concerning her surprising heart problems. Elizabeth and Wes Gray are still bouncing around the country – California, Cape Cod and Adirondacks on family events, but they are still in Maryland in summer and Florida in winter. Issue to come visit when you happen to travel their way.

Bob Cheatham issued a very long and informative Christmas letter this year. He is definitely not slowing down in all of his activities – despite missing Bebe very much – but he does have a lot of family to help keep his spirits up, and his news is too long and detailed to report in these notes.

An email from Russ Horne noted that as of Feb. 19, he and Helen have been married for 60 37

Class Notes took Weston Gloger, John Gaston and their years and have 11 grandchildren and five reception at his house was much warmer.

Recently, Henry Atwill ’18 came for a friend, Chuck, to lunch at the country club to greats. Russ said he has been in remission for 10 years, and has learned to live with chili dinner at our house and very nice visit. celebrate the end of the grind. his urostomy.

In reading the class notes for ’54 in the past However, our other cadets, Jack Wilkins I had to have some surgery in the middle of ’16 and Weston Gloger ’19, were out on issue (2015-Issue 4) I would like to make a January but conversed with Dr. Jack Trigg a 20 mile rat/dyke Sunday hike. Nice way correction: The great step-off was called by before and after. This has kind of slowed me to spend a Sunday. For the Super Bowl our class, not the Class of ’52, as it was our down for a while. It was in Knoxville, and this year, we had a very nice dinner/snack Ring Figure where the “stick-check” was during the time, they had 15 to 17 inches gathering at Jennifer’s and family, along made on that night, which had not been of snow here in Lexington, which I gladly with “our” cadets; Jack Wilkins ’16, Henry made in recent Ring Figure nights. The missed. When we came back to Lexington, Atwill ’18 and Wes Gloger ’19, along with step-off was called on the night after Ring about half of it was still on the ground, but his friend, John Gaston ’19. The cadets had Figure – Sunday, Dec. 1 – when the same my loving grandson of 18 shoveled our walk a permit to be out for the Super Bowl until TAC officer was on duty – “Short S.” Wilson, and thanks to this, “Stoop” and drive before we arrived home.

The first weekend in January, Prillaman and I received penalty when we had family company, a tours for being “late from returnthree-story pine tree came down ing from permit,” as we watched on our house while we were sitthe sun come up sitting on rocks ting in the great room visiting. out in the Maury at Goshen Pass.

Surprisingly, it hit such that no Those who came back to barracks, damage was done to the house changed and then left, “ran the – broke deck rails, but just rested block” and received stiffer penalagainst the house. We sure were ties from Col. Frank “Flapjack” lucky on that one. We decided to Pancake ’38, our commandant, get a new dog last fall, after having who looked like the tide was comtwo for 14 years and doing withing in, as his pants were purchased out for four years – kind of an off the shelf for his height and thus undertaking to take on a 2 month too short. Years later, I sat directly Class of 1953: VMI first edition Wedgewood Centennial dinner old puppy at our age. So our life plates mounted in the dining room of Bill and Judy Noell’s home. behind Col. Pancake at the footand travels now have a little addiball games when we both had seational complication. He is light golden and one hour after completion, or they could son tickets and became friends. half Retriever/half Labrador, and he came watch in Crozet Hall – such a “country club” And yes, we assembled in J.M. Hall at from a Mennonite farm northwest of Har- these days. Jennifer, as always, put together a 12:30 a.m., went back to our rooms, got our risonburg. Judy and I attended the grave- very nice spread, and we all enjoyed watch- M-1s and such, started our midnight march side service for Jerry Eggleston ’51 here ing the game on their very large TV screen at 1 a.m. out the Goshen Pass road – a 12 in Lexington, and it was quite cold – just – twice the size of ours. And of course, since mile hike (6 out and back) long before the above freezing and with a steady wind. The we went to Tennessee games when Peyton interstate was built, and we did not make Manning was playing, we do root for Pey- friends of the farmers that night. Seems they ton and the Broncos (Colts in the past, but I did not appreciate our counting cadence and am still a Redskin fan from my high school yelling in the middle of the night, waking days), and were very glad to see Peyton win. up them and their chickens and livestock, as We have also become “parents” again this well as the Lexington neighborhood. We reweek, as we spent three hours at the ortho- turned to barracks at 4 a.m. in time to clean dontist here in Lexington one afternoon with up, maybe a short nap, and go to BRC and Weston Gloger ’19 in an emergency, since class. The incident even made the Los Anhe tripped and seriously damaged his front geles Times, reportedly (?) on the front page, teeth on a brick walk. We had to take him as well as local and state newspapers. After I out for a “soft” dinner and have had many moved to Lexington, Bob Wentz ’54 in the communications with his mother, Kim, back alumni office and I had planned to write up in Houston. This was only the initial trip to the complete history of the step-off together the orthodontist, as right now it is touch and (we were friends in our Portsmouth days – Class of 1953: Weston Gloger ’19 warmgo. The rats became 4th Class cadets the day his wife’s father and mine were BRs) and ing up for the Super Bowl. before Valentine’s Day, so the next day, we record specific details of all the happenings 38

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes in barracks that night, but he died suddenly have been a good one. Ollie is the senior (Sept. 8, 1990) before we could initiate the alumnus in Colorado Springs for the Auproject. I still think that maybe our class, to- gust rat send-off party. The party is held at gether, should compile the story.

Historic trivia: The included photo in these notes is my set of VMI Wedgewood dinner plates – a set of 12, first edition, that I inherited from my father, Class of ’924. As you can note, they are now mounted over our fireplace in the dining room; however, for years they were stacked out of view in the dining room corner cabinet. They were produced for the 1939 centennial and were produced in blue or mauve – mine being blue. They are very nice dinner plates with VMI scenes starting with the Old Limits Gates, but we do not use them Class of 1954: Artwork by Wendle Snapp. for fear of an accident, and they are basically non-replaceable. I noted that the Red Leg Brewery, which is owned by Jerry Eggleston ’51 had three of the plates, another VMI alumnus, Todd Baldwin ’06. in mauve, mounted on his kitchen wall. The Anyway, he said he and Ellie are active but alumni office has a few sets of the plates that not moving “as quickly or as often” as they they use on special occasions. In November once did. Yep, we can all relate.

Len Wagner got in touch and brought me of this centennial year, the Saturday Evening Post was published with VMI staff officer ca- up to date on his long career as a structural dets in full dyke on its cover, with an article civil engineer. He and his family worked for inside about the Institute. (I have a copy that Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock I framed which Norman George sent me Company in support of shipbuilding for six years, then for the Corps of Engineers in several years ago.)

Tulsa, Oklahoma, on dam design, but after only four months there, he moved right back J.M. Perry Archer to Newport News when Langley Air Force Base called him to go to work with Tactical Air Command in the civil engineering department. The Wagners moved again into the ranch house they had just left. Len said Greetings, Brother Rats, Continuing to receive a good number of they became known in the neighborhood contacts from you. Ollie Hux wrote that his as the family that went on vacation and wife, Ellie, is the girl he took to our Ring Fig- took all their furniture with them. While in ure – they have two married granddaughters Tulsa, Len became a professional engineer and four great-grandchildren. Ollie won- with accompanying licenses, a major acdered how many BRs are married to their complishment. From 1962 until retirement Ring Figure dates? His grandson, Ben Da- in 1993, Len worked with TAC maintaining vis, just received his Doctor of Education base facilities, including runway and new degree. He is assistant director of student construction, working to keep the airplanes organizations and programming at Arizona flying. Buddy Addison, a captain at the State University. Just after high school, Ben time, spent a tour as exec to Len’s brigadier was with Ollie at our 45th Reunion. As Ol- general boss. Buddy got a call one day from lie says, the smartly dressed cadets were not the deputy of operations that he wanted to enough to get Ben to VMI. Bet he would discuss the general status of construction

’54

2016-Issue 2

at one of the TAC bases. You’ll remember that Buddy could clown around with the best. He told the DO that the general was hard of hearing, and to please be sure to speak up loud and clear to him. Then Buddy told the general the same thing – that the DO was kind of deaf and to speak up good and loud. But neither was hard of hearing. When the DO and the general met and talked, Len said the shouting of the loud voices was heard all over the hall of the building. Hilarious. Len also ran into Al Mattox at the Richmond Army National Guard base commanded by Al. Got cards from Gen. Jack Gary; Bob Hanson; Caroline Barthelmess; Ray Hellmer; Connie Via; Horace Edward “Chip” Mann, son of Horace “Pete” Mann III; Bob MacGregor; Bill Guy; Wendle Snapp; and Don Howard via his wife, Bonnie. Bonnie wrote that Don has a medical condition that prevents his communicating at this time.

Much has gone on with Don. He and Bonnie live in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Don has become an artist of much note, specializing in mixed media, and his productions are unique and nontraditional. Taking print, collage, drawing assemblage, papier-mâché, textiles, wax, found objects and more, Don has produced an exceptional body of unusual, even unique work. An award, called the Don Howard Award – Mixed Media, has been established for the annual Marblehead Festival of Arts, its inaugural award presentation having occurred in July 2015 for its program from July 2-5. The award will be a permanent, annual presentation.

While we are discussing artists, Wendle Snapp sent his Christmas card, designed by him from one of his own paintings. He is putting much time into painting and for backdrops for his toy soldiers, e.g., the Battle of Waterloo. Wendle makes most of his own molds, casting in lead. Not only does he make the soldiers, but he constructs the buildings, cart skids, etc.

Bill Guy news, via wife Helen, who writes that Bill suffered a very bad fall last summer in Massachusetts and broke his neck. They 39

Class Notes would appreciate anyone who might write to them. The address is: 221 E. Clinton St., Jackson, AL, 36545.

Bob McGregor, who attended VMI for only our 4th Class year, sent much news.

He has traveled the world speaking in support of what he calls ethical capitalism, and this year as co-chairman for what is known as the Caux Round Table of the Global Business Leadership Group. He and his wife, Mari, just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Those wishing to do so can use the Internet to learn about the Caux Round Table.

Heard from Horace Edward “Chip” Mann, the son of Pete Mann – both Pete and his wife, Anne, have passed on, but their son reported he has been honored to

meet and to work with his foster brother, Dwight Pearson ’80. Chip says that he has been honored to meet and to work with many of Dwight’s BRs, who embody the ideals of (the commonwealth of) Virginia to “such a high degree.”

Pete served with and retired from the U.S. Army, reaching the rank of colonel.

He and Anne were married for 56 years.

Although he did not graduate from VMI because of health problems, he worked his way through the ranks of the Virginia National Guard (Army) and the U.S. Army.

He graduated from the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks in 1978. He retired in 1992 as a colonel, and then was awarded the rank of brigadier general for the Virginia State Forces. Pete served in

Class of 1954: Don Howard, above, and some of his artwork.

40

many civil and religious capacities in responsible positions in Chesterfield County.

Connie Via sent a note and said he liked the Christmas card with the photo of the barracks, statue (of Stonewall) and the cannons. Caroline, wife of John Barthlemess, wants “Doc’s boys” to know of John’s death, and that he loved flying his own plane and hunting. She said that VMI helped John become an adult after his father’s death – John was only 16 at the time his father died.

I got word that Jim McDowell has died. Jim was living in Staunton at Birch Garden Assisted Living. He was a much loved teacher for 38 years at Eagle Rock High School and Weyers Cave Elementary School. Jim graduated from Augusta Military Academy before attending VMI. After graduation from VMI, he attained his Master of Education degree from the University of Virginia. Jim was on the wrestling team at VMI. Jim has received many glowing tributes. It seems this quiet guy positively affected many young lives.

Al Mattox has written two very interesting articles concerning women’s roles in combat and whether, given their having been assigned to piloting combat aircraft, serving on naval vessels, and in ground forces areas and arenas, they should be subject to the draft. The recently announced decision by the Secretary of Defense to expand access of females to additional combat roles, the question arises more pointedly as to whether they come under the Selective Service system. The prospect of capture and abuse, writes Al, is only one of the issues that needs to be considered. He says that there appears to be no conflict between the “right to be assigned to combat” and the “obligation to be conscripted.” Litigation by the American Civil Liberties Union against the Department of Defense is pending on this question. Contact Al for more information, copies of the articles and/or discussion. He has high praise for the valuable service of women in the military.

Ray Helmer, who lives in Houston, is working constantly as an engineering expert testifying in some heavy litigation. As a former trial lawyer who hired and used expert VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes witness testimony, and also testified as a legal expert, I know the stress that is involved.

After 50 years of litigation, I retired – had enough of that pressure. Not Ray. Talk to him and you will know what the word “enthusiasm” really means. June, his wife, assists him. Don’t know how many of you experienced what Ray and I did one night.

Plenty, I guess. We had both been sent to G.C. on top of Old Barracks for a bit of punishment, or correction, if you want to call it that. No memory of what our infractions were. The room was dark, kind of steamy and very loud. Punishment was being meted out in various ways to us transgressors – pushups, calisthenics, all given to the “guests” with the usual shouting by the old cadets. In my case, my torturer made me lean at an angle against the wall, supported by my index fingers, until I collapsed, at which point it began again.

I remember that one guy passed out over to my left and was dragged off to the side.

Strange as it may seem, Helmer was wearing Bill Dunkelbergers’ shoes! This happened because Ray had mentioned to him the trouble with G.C., and Dunk had insisted that Ray wear the shoes, polished, of course, to the nth degree. No one did a mirrored spit shine better than Dunk, our future first captain. Perhaps he thought G.C. would treat Ray kindlier if he was “running.” Anyway, the shoes were larger and longer than Ray’s, and in the dark, he tripped entering the torture chamber. The spit shine on one shoe was badly scratched.

Ray didn’t tell me what Dunk said when he saw the damaged shine, only that he was “really disappointed.” (Hmm – fill in the blanks.) Ray also recalls another night. He and roommate Don Lamanna went into Lexington one Saturday night and enjoyed some John Barleycorn or the like, maybe at Washington and Lee University in a frat house. They didn’t want to go through one of the arches – weren’t walking too straight.

Instead, they went back of barracks, passing behind the superintendent’s house, and then up and onto a very tall wall. Oops – they both fell off. Somehow nothing was broken when they hit the ground several feet down. Ah, to be young again. ’Til next time.

2016-Issue 2

’55

Read Hanmer

I’m getting cabin fever. As I address the keyboard to attempt constructing these class notes, which will appear in the May 2016 Alumni Review, we in Falls Church, Virginia, are still in the grips of a very cold – if not the coldest – winter in recent memory. ‘Tho they are almost gone now (mid-February), the drifts of snow reached 3 feet or more.

Usually, by this time of the year, there are crocuses in bloom and things are looking up.

Speaking of the snow, Dave Woolwine, ever the faithful correspondent, wrote that his son, Steve ’84, got 30 inches of snow in Fairfax (not far from Falls Church). Dave also provided an update on his grandson, Aaron, who is at Louisiana State University. He made the dean’s list in his first semester majoring in chemical engineering. Aaron, who had an outstanding high school football record, is on an academic scholarship and has decided not to risk injury by continuing with football.

I lay the blame on the weather, but I have only a few items to report in these notes.

Remember, I can’t just make up items. The purpose of the class notes is to keep your classmates abreast of your comings and goings, and if I don’t hear from you, I can’t spread the word!

Having said that, I must apologize to Tom Williamson for my failure to report his changes. Tom wrote: “About a year-and-ahalf ago, August 2014, my wife, Kaye, died (cancer and COPD) after a long illness. I waited a year then began to look to move closer to children. I am now in a retirement village, Arbor Acres in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. My daughter, Sarah, lives here. It has been a wonderfully easy move, and I am most happy. I recommend such change. Hope to find some VMI connections in the Winston-Salem area. Best wishes and peace, Tom.” Any of you near Winston-Salem, please contact Tom at tgw1934@gmail.com.

Sam Marshall reported on his recent health problems: “Last month (January), I had my

annual visit with my primary doctor. He asked when I had last had a stress test. I said, ‘Never.’ He said he thought it would be a good thing to do. I had virtually no symptoms but agreed and did it. I failed! Next step was catheterization. I failed that, too – numerous coronary blockages arose. The next step was surgery last week in Richmond. I have six bypassed arteries. I didn’t even know they did that many. I’m writing this short medical history so that any brother rats who think they have no symptoms of coronary disease might want to ask their primary care provider if a stress test might be warranted. Yes, the postsurgical rehabilitation is long and painful, but I have years of life that I probably would not have otherwise. I would be glad to share my experience in more detail to any brother rats.”

Walt Reed said, “Sorry I couldn’t make the reunion, but old age has introduced us to the ‘big c” – my sweet Loli in the lung and myself to leukemia. We decided to sell our house in Vacaville, California, and move to Tampa, Florida, where a daughter and many nieces and nephews live. There is a well-known cancer center, the Lee Moffitt Center, in Tampa. We both hope for the miracles to happen there.”

From Leon Cock: “By the time this comes out, we should begin thinking about our 65th Reunion in 2020. By then, President Trump will be running for his second term in office, and America is great again.” Leon, let’s not rush things! Leon noted he and Zella celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary in February, and his 82nd birthday looms. He said: “No flowers, please; send chocolates.”

This is starting to sound like an elder-care column. Barney Lawless wrote: “I’m still hobbling from my knee replacement, and Helen just had a hip replacement. We limp around together on our walkers. It’s hard to dance that way. My 10-year-old grandson won a trophy in the Cub Scout pinewood derby. And that’s about it. I try to contain myself in all the excitement.”

Stu Adams continues to care for Norma.

He wrote: “It seems that Norma’s memory problems continue to worsen, although her physical health seems to be good. I am scheduled for cataract surgery Feb. 22, and if all goes well, the other eye about a month later. I have delayed knee replacement because 41

Class Notes of the caregiving for the memsahib but have recent visitor at Wes Foster’s, and Wes was three children and six grandchildren at their reached a point that it is advisable to check doing fine health-wise. Marshall also visited Stafford home for Bob’s 81st birthday. They into that. I see the orthopedic surgeon in at Jim Brawner’s place in Maine and enjoyed look forward to seeing us at the 60th Reunion.

May for consultation. If Medicare does not the lake scene. He has been in touch with the I’ve been trying to work with the new director deem me ineligible because of the cost/ben- family of Stan Okoye ’13, former VMI bas- of reunion activities but for some reason can’t efit analysis (as too old and decrepit), I will ketball star and professional player, whom get much response to my request for informabe looking at one then the other of my knees Marshall provided a scholarship for. He looks tion. I will make my concern known to other sometime after that. I should have done it a forward to seeing him play in the upcoming people on the class agents’ staff to see if I can decade ago, but concern for the bride pre- Summer Olympics. He sent his best to all his get a little help. We had a short meeting in cluded. I do value seeing the news and events BRs. (Editor’s Note: See page 10 of this Re- November with a number of classmates who will help me with the upcoming reunion. An of the ‘active’ brother rats and greatly regret view for an article about Okoye ’13.) information packet went out to the the thinning of the ranks.” Stu, we class around the first of February. are all pulling for you and Norma.

We had another meeting Jan. 29, As seems to be the usual closing 2016, of the reunion committee for these class notes, I must report in Richmond with the following on the following losses: BRs and some wives: Les Belsha, John W. Barlow died Jan. 21, Don Heslep, Doug Gottwald, Bill 2016, in Maryville, Maryland. He Nelson and Motsy Foster. Fred is survived by his wife of 57 years, Farthing couldn’t make it. InforJuanita Grindstaff Barlow; sons mation needed to prepare for all and daughters-in-law, Scott and events was discussed and will be Angie Barlow and Gary and Hope Barlow; and grandchildren, Dar- Class of 1956: The Reunion Committee members at Willow Oaks included in the packet to be sent Country Club in Richmond Jan. 29, 2016, were, from left, Melissa out soon by the VMI director of ren, Jessica and Bridget Barlow. and Bill Nelson, Doug Gottwald, Pat and Les Belsha, Motsy Foster, alumni activities. Les and Pat BelAlfred Wright Stuart, of Char- Dick Smith, and Don and Jo Heslep. sha had just returned from a cruise lotte, North Carolina, died Sunday, Pete Jennett got in touch to tell me he and to the Caribbean Islands, which they enjoyed Nov. 1, 2015. He is survived by his four children, Sarah Park Rankin and husband Rich- Sue had visited Tony Waring recently. They with a large group.

I had a long chat with one of my favorard, Amy Madison, Julia Martin, and Peter were on their boat and used Tony’s power Stuart and wife Elizabeth. He is also survived outlet to charge their battery. Their generos- ite BRs, Bob Brickner. He is enjoying life by his brother, David Stuart, of Portsmouth, ity allowed them to take Tony out for din- in Tulsa, Oklahoma, since he moved from Virginia. He was preceded in death by his ner at a “hamburger” place! Tony has plans Chicago. None of the storms that frequentwife, Mary Louise Moyers Stuart, and his for a river cruise with two of his sons. Both ly pass through that part of the country Tony and the Jennetts plan on being at the have bothered him. He keeps in shape by sister, Agnes Yore.

William “Bill” Hwayu Soong died in Sep- 60th Reunion. On Veterans Day at the VMI tember 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. I don’t Founders Day Institute Society Dinner, our remember Bill, who only stayed at VMI for class was represented by Don and Jo Hesa short time. I’m in possession of an exten- lep, Motsy Foster and Larry Weinerth, Jim sive bio sketch and will forward it to anyone and Betty Mann, Bill and Melissa Nelson, Marsha Abell (Creed Abell’s widow), and interested.

I’ll close for now. I hope everyone has myself. It was a most impressive turnout of had a good spring and has interesting plans alumni, and we learned that the campaign had reached the incredible amount of $239 for the future. million. A large crowd witnessed another impressive parade by the Corps earlier that Richard M. Smith afternoon. Only one cadet fell out, and one cannon misfired!

I had lots of Christmas cards from BRs and SRs which I enjoyed catching up on.

Class of 1956: Dick Smith’s VMI ChristMarshall Mundy got in touch to tell me he Bob Morecock emailed that he and B.J. were mas tree in December 2015. Isabelle and Jennifer Rector, Honey’s granddaughwould be unable to join us ’56ers at the In- spending Christmas Day at their daughter’s in ter and daughter-in-law, decorated the stitute Society Dinner due to a legal case he Richmond and later returning to their Mattatree with over 500 lights and balls. had to be present for in Roanoke. He was a poni, Virginia, home. They had the family of

’56

42

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1956: The Farthings who gathered for golf at Fort Eustis in summer 2015 were, from left, Fred Grey IV, Fred and Fred Grey III ’79.

working out at the local gymnasium and cooking his cholesterol-free meals. A blood disorder requires him to have frequent tests.

He has been in touch with the VMI Foundation about setting up several more scholarships. His financial arrangements keep him busy working with lawyers. Bob has talked with several BRs recently, particularly to wish them well on their birthday. He talked with Walt Donovan, who has quite a collection of VMI memorabilia, and has agreed to put together a collage of our class. All we have to do is send him some of our old snapshots. So anyone who will take the time to gather them, send them to: Walter F. Donovan, 8168 Saddle Crest Dr. Mechanicsville, VA, 23111. Bob is undecided about being at the 60th Reunion. By the time you read this, we will have concluded our reunion get-together. I hope as many as possible make it safely.

This concludes my brief report.

Yours in the spirit, Dick

’57

Clayton M. Thomas III

At Christmas, we hear from many brother rats. Bob and Ginny Alexander in Exton, Pennsylvania, are well and preparing for their annual trek to Scottsdale, Arizona, to escape the cold.

We received a beautiful card from Martin and Lynn Andersen in Valrico, Florida. They continue to look after Kay 2016-Issue 2

Schwendinger, Charlie’s widow.

Karen Ashbaugh, Jack Maticic’s widow, has relocated from Rochester, New York, to Seattle, Washington, to join their son, Max, on the West Coast. She felt like a pioneer driving 2,660 miles across the country by herself. Part of her motive for such a trip was the wicked winter weather in February 2015, when the average temperature was 12 degrees, and she locked herself out of the house while shoveling 8 inches of snow with two cakes in the oven.

Joan Atkeson in Monterey, Virginia, is happy that we have finally moved at long last. Now we can enjoy ourselves.

Martha and Bill Batten in Simpsonville, South Carolina, sent a two page newsy letter about their pets and holiday preparations.

Dawn and I hoped to visit them in April on our next trip to VMI. Nancy Bain declared that the leaves were not as colorful this autumn as most years. She continues to enjoy life in Amherst, Virginia.

Sam Barker in Murrell’s Inlet, South Carolina, is doing well for one who was given only 18 months to live by his heart doctor.

He is still with us and looking forward to a trip to Maryland and Pennsylvania. This will be his first trip since his four-week confinement to a hospital in August 2013.

Al and Carolyn Baumgartner in Powder Springs, Georgia, celebrated Al’s 80th birthday with 91.8 percent of the family attending in Ogleby Park in Wheeling, West Virginia.

The star of the affair was their 4-year oldgreat-grandson, VMI Class of 2033.

Bill and Kathy Benson of Rome, Georgia, reported that his eye cancer is gone thanks to an expensive radiation machine.

After that, Bill had a bout with skin cancer but after surgery won that battle, also. Since Kathy attended Mercer University, they watched the VMI versus Mercer football game closely on TV. Jose and Carmen Chioco in Norman, Oklahoma, claimed that Carmen is stable in her medical condition and now uses a walker and a wheelchair, as her mobility is limited.

Jose has a caregiver for her three days a week.

Bob and Susan Christopher on Northern Neck share VMI info with the local high school Jr. ROTC and also keep in touch with a rat at VMI from their area

who is a grandson of a close friend who died four years ago.

Wiley and Nancy Clapp wrote from Minden, Nevada, that Wiley still works full-time in the firearms industry, and Nancy still rides her three-wheeler.

Don and Judy Coombs drove to New York in August and also had a great time at VMI with his other three roommates.

The Coombses had a busy year with three graduations and a wedding. All is well with them, and they still enjoy life in Comanche Trace and Kerrville, Texas.

Tony and Gretchen DiCesare from West Long Branch, New Jersey, are well and happy, and he continues to work in his dental practice two days a week. Tony also is a deacon at his church, performing baptisms, weddings and funerals.

Ken and Katie Dickinson from Merritt Island sent some pictures from their last visit to Plantation Bay. Since we have moved to John Knox Village, we are much closer to them. When they visit us again, they can also visit Bob and Dot Wood, our “roof mates” (next door).

Lew and Kay Diuguid from Baltimore asked if we live in assisted living, why doesn’t John Knox unpack the boxes?

Drewry Fox hopes we are enjoying life in our retirement community. He just moved into one himself in Pennsylvania. Sadly, Joanee died May 16, 2015.

Clint and Belkis Glover in Antioch, Illinois, missed seeing us at the Institute Society Dinner. The Corps of Cadets and

Class of 1957: Cindy and Mo Levine at the Great Wall of China.

43

Class Notes VMI looked great. The Glovers usually brother rat, Thomas K. Massey, died Dec. course, his prize photo was with President spend the month of January in Mexico, 4, 2015, apparently due to a heart condi- George W. Bush at his annual Warrior but not anymore. Their son and family tion. It had been several months since Open Golf Tournament in Irving, Texas.

Betty talked to Tom, and she was aware As the president pulled Sonja into the have moved back to the States. golf cart, she sat on the horn, and they Patti Hammond in Lexington, Virginia, he had some health issues.

Lucy McCormack in Virginia Beach had all cracked up as the Secret Service agent is thankful for good health with the help of a new pacemaker acquired in October. to finally stop sending Christmas cards. took the photo.

We received a beautiful Christmas card She enjoys visits from grandchildren and Macular degeneration in her left eye three great-grandchildren. She said farewell to a years ago has progressed to her right eye. from Bill Nuenke. In January, Wayne Nugranddaughter who left to seek her fortune Lucy can’t read fine print or see what she enke, Bill’s son, wrote the sad news that his father and our brother rat in New Zealand, and Patti atdied Jan. 13. He was surrounded tended the beautiful wedding of with love and care during his fia grandson in Indiana. nal days on Amelia Island, FlorTwo years ago, John and Mary ida. Wayne said Bill enjoyed the Ann Hughes from Athens, Alacards and letters over the years bama, went to the Von Trapp that we sent.

Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont, Joe and Sue Moody in Rafor Christmas. It was great fun leigh, North Carolina, sent seasinging Christmas carols and son’s greetings and two pictures songs from “The Sound of Muof six grandsons, who look like sic,” and every bit as wonderful excellent candidates for proviwas their drinking 12-year-old sional appointments. malt before the open fire. This Bill and Florine Moore sent a past Christmas was much quieter.

Class of 1957: Sonja and Jay Musser with President George W. photo of the handsome Moore Nick and Carmen Kallelis in clan, all 17 of them. He also sent Gastonia, North Carolina, had Bush after Sonja sat on the horn. information that Bob Susnar had a busy year with trips to Virgindied in December 2015. Bill is our ia, Niagara Falls and Alaska, as Bereavement Committee chairwell as a mini reunion with Don man, and he also notified Tom Coombs, Ray MacKay and Carl Vaughan, who sends flowers to the Schladitzin in Lexington. widow, and also notified Russ DaAt Christmas, Ruth Smith vis, our class president, who sent a from San Marcos, California, sympathy card to Cheri. remembered the fun she shared Pat and Dudley Price have exwith Ron Kaye as his caregiver changed the cold and snow of the for 25 years. She attended her Shenandoah Valley for the sun and college reunion in September warmth of Punta Gorda, Florida. and enjoyed being back in BufGood move! falo, New York.

Ed Powell sent a beautiful picHoward and Pat Lawrence ture of his family in Burlington, from Roanoke sent a picture of North Carolina. Sadly, Betty died their clan from their son’s back- Class of 1957: Skip Richardson’s youngest granddaughter. in July 2013. yard in Atlanta. Counting the Pete and Irene Riddle, in Mahwah, New dog, Amos, there were 16 of them on Me- is writing. She donated Rod’s VMI class ring to a cadet who will be a 1st Class ca- Jersey, will be returning to Florida around the morial Day. Cindy and Mo Levine in Westminster, det next year, because he cannot afford a first of the year. “It would be funny if we ran Colorado, sent us a picture of themselves ring. Also, she gave him Rod’s 1st Class into you at Disney World.”

Skip Richardson in Tidewater hopes things and the Great Wall of China. They enjoy cape. Lucy felt really good about this.

Jay and Sonja Musser took two delight- were as good for us this past year as they traveling but have given up biking for a stationary bike. They are still awaiting our visit. ful trips: An August cruise to Alaska and a were for him. He sent a picture of a beautiful Betty Mixson in College Station, Tex- December trip to Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. granddaughter (his youngest), swinging in his as, received a call from Allison (Tom Jay also sent a picture of his red, white yard. His oldest granddaughter is in her third Massey’s daughter) that her father and our and yellow birdhouse in Irving, Texas. Of year at “Ol Miss,” majoring in chemistry.

44

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Skip sent us for Christmas a box of goodies full of wonderful things to eat.

Pat Saunders in Petersburg, Virginia, wrote a cheery note telling us not to worry about the unpacked boxes; she still has a few from a move in 1988. She had a very pretty autumn, as the leaves were beautiful.

Carl and Joyce Schladitz, in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, just greeted their second great-grandchild. Hunter is Virginia born and bred, so Carl got him a provisional appointment to VMI. We received a photo from Tidewater of the family of Jack and Jo Trant. What a handsome group!

Tom and Brenda Vaughan in Williamsburg have sent flowers to the widows of Bob Susnar, Joe Davidson, Wade Douthat, Jim Bryant and Archie Burnham. Tom reminds us that the florist needs a phone number with the name and address of the deceased.

Lynn and Bunny Wiggins in Portsmouth, Virginia, sent a picture of “grandchildren galore.”

Finally, at Christmas, Frank and Anne Holmes from Memphis, Tennessee, sent us a huge box of goodies. Our cup runneth over!

’58

Lee McCown

At the mini reunion in October, one of the most interesting class memories I heard discussed was the impact my good friend and roommate, Paul Royer, had on the band.

Most of you know what an outstanding musician Paul is. He has moved from trumpet to tuba for the most part and sometimes plays with the Doctors of Jazz in Richmond, a very good New Orleans style jazz group.

I asked Paul to explain how he became the only cadet in VMI history to head up the Regimental Band, during a critical time – the making of the “Mardi Gras” movie at school and marching in the Rex parade during the New Orleans Mardi Gras. While BRs at the reunion extolled Paul’s role in upgrading music at VMI, he credits his classmates for their contributions. Here’s his modest account: “In fall 1954, the Regimental Band had 2016-Issue 2

about 50 members and 14 rats, including me, Balderson, Bishop, Grasso, Holt, Leach, Negley, Phillips, Robertson, Rose, Shipley, Steigerwald, Sukey and Yaun. The band totaled about 65 members and provided two separate bands for guard mounts.

“In our 3rd Class year, the band shrank in size. At the end of the year, Ron McManus ’57 (new first sergeant) and I (new supply sergeant) met with admissions and explained that the band desperately needed more members. The Admissions Office then assigned incoming Class of 1960 rats with musical experience to the Regimental Band upon arrival at VMI. This added about 25 or so musicians. I believe we had three platoons in 1956-57 as compared to two previously.

“In our 1st Class year, we added more rats and reached about 90 members. The band director, Chief Sweiki, died over Christmas, and I returned to find that, as executive officer, I was asked to direct the band. Mardi Gras and a trip to New Orleans encouraged a few people (Earl Bennett and a few others) to change companies and finish the year in the band.”

In addition to his Regimental Band duties, Paul led the VMI Commanders, who played for the filming of the dance scenes in the movie. Paul appointed me as business manager of the Commanders, and I remember the dance scenes as our best payoff that year. Twentieth Century Fox

Class of 1958: Tony Lash found a Hokie to watch the U.S. Military Academy versus the U.S. Naval Academy game with at the Dodge City Saloon, which is owned by the president of the local Navy alumni chapter, in Vancouver, Washington.

paid us handsomely! Of course, all of us spent our proceeds wisely.

As we all age, the more thoughtful among us ponder the people – most long gone – who were the biggest influences for good in our lives. Charlie Hayes is one of those who pondered this, and by now you have heard of his effort to honor Doc Carroll with a bronze bust of him to be displayed in Carroll Hall. “Doc” trained a lot of men who went on to careers in medicine.

He had great influence on many others, as well. Fundraising progress at the time of these notes was going very well. Thank you, Charlie, for heading up this worthy cause.

Bill Keefe reports the following: “My big news is that my second novel, ‘The Infidels’ Revenge,’ is out as an e-book and in hard copy. It is available through www. amazon.com and bookstores like Barnes & Noble. Alternatively, if any of our BRs would like an inscribed copy, they are welcome to contact me directly. Unlike ‘PV11,’ which is science fiction, ‘The Infidels’ Revenge’ is an action story about jihadis attacking the USA and, in due course, getting their just comeuppance. It is much more than just a barn burner, though; it is well-researched and points out a number of things our country can and should do to protect itself against terrorism. Enjoy!”

At the mini reunion in October, Don Cuthrell reported that he, Ernie Edgar and Hunter Clarke decided to trade suggested books, “Sort of a Class of ’58 book club,” he said. “If any of our BRs would like to share their favorites, they are welcome to email me (doncuthrell@ gmail.com) their selection(s), and I will add them to the club list. I will be happy to send on any and all recommendations.

A brief review of any selections is helpful but not required.” Don had neck surgery and is hoping for plenty of time to read during his rehabilitation period.

Stirling Williamson jumped on the book club idea, and some of his reading will also take place during rehab after rotator cuff surgery. “I feel very lucky, with the aid of modern medicine and pharmacology, to be as healthy as I am,” he said.

In other mini reunion news, Ted Henry reported that on the way home, he and Becky 45

Class Notes had a short visit with Nick and Carmen Kal- addition to the academics and ROTC, Mi- and Jack in Naples while there to see their lelis ’57 in Gastonia, North Carolina. Ted’s chelle plays on the girls’ club rugby team. daughter and her family. “Our time together was much too short, but we managed daughter, Millie Kittrell, sent him the adja- In the spirit of the Institute!”

The Charlie Hayes offer of a Bomb for to have more than one cup of coffee and cent photo of a sign honoring “Stony” near a Duke Energy generating station named anyone needing one prompted this re- goodies to take up most of the morning.

Lincoln, also in North Carolina. Millie’s sponse from Dave Pitkethly: “Mine is in Both are enjoying the Naples scene, and great shape. I did not graduate with our their current plans are that they will be husband, Ben, works for Duke.

Roy Palmer is keeping up his extensive class, so I did not have a ’58 Bomb. A staying in Naples until late summer before travels, most recently a 12-day pilgrimage couple of years later, I got a message from heading back north. It was great to be with to Israel. “The tour included Galilee, Naz- Bill Harshaw, and he was trying to get a them, short as it was, and catch up face to areth, the Dead Sea, Bethlehem and Jeru- VMI hay rack. (I think we were both at face. Despite our usual aches and pains, salem. The last five nights were at a hotel Walter Reed at the time.) I still had my old we were the best looking 80-year-olds in inside the wall in Jerusalem. I celebrated hay rack, and Bill had an extra copy of the Barnes & Noble.”

Jimmy (and Gene Martin, too) are still my longest birthday on the return trip. It Bomb. So, we made a trade. It was a great started in Jerusalem and ended in Seattle, trade for me, because I have a ’58 Bomb plagued by their backs, so their travel is lim26 hours later.” Roy sent a great picture in pristine condition, and I would be sur- ited. Gene said he would love to have visiof himself in an artfully arranged heads- prised if Bill still has my old hay rack.” It tors at his home in Bradenton, Florida. A recent event has definitely lifted carf, but it did not meet Alumni Gene’s spirits. His son, Michael, Review requirements of at least was promoted to colonel in the 1MB resolution. (I have received Air Force. This son served as an a number of great pics that were enlisted man in the Air Force beturned down for publication for fore college and was headed to that reason. Don’t let that deter his first post after basic training, you from sending them – somewhere his father’s BR was the times we are surprised at accepranking officer. Gene called this tances – but don’t be hurt if you BR to alert him to Michael’s ardon’t see your submission in the rival. Michael got off the bus and Review.) was called out of the line to face Three ’58 couples made it to Col. Earl Bennett, who warned the Institute Society Dinner in him that he’d better not mess up!

November: Carolyn and Bill It’s hard to picture the affable Harshaw, Becky and Onza HyEarl being menacing. att, and Laura and I. I have no A very nice woman, Elizabeth idea what we men talked about, Class of 1958: Jack Payne and Jimmy Moore see each other more Clark Gathright, who has countbut Laura tells me she, Carolyn often now that they both have places in Naples, Florida. less ties to VMI, contacted me and Becky did that old Virginia who-do-you-know thing and found out that does sound like you came out best in that for help in finding a certain Prince Charmsomeone Laura knew 50-plus years ago trade, Dave – at least in the long run. I ing ’58. Her father was Ben Clark ’931, is related to Carolyn, and Becky grew up left school with a Bomb, my hay, a chair who taught in civil engineering at VMI in Clarke County, which was Laura’s beat and my shako. Besides the Bomb, the only for years, and her grandfather was Col. when she was a reporter for the Winchester thing I still have is my shako. By contrast, T.A.E. Moseley, who taught in the Spanmy son, Derek ’89, lugged all his furniture ish department from 1919-56. Her uncle Star. was Thomas Moseley ’39, and her son is Frank Boeggeman reported on “very and uniforms back and still has them!

Jack Payne and Jimmy Moore are both Emmet Gathright ’86. Her mother, Bim good news which makes Elaine and me very happy and proud – our granddaugh- spending time at homes in Naples, Florida, Moseley, was secretary to three superinter, Michelle, has been awarded an ROTC and got together in December for lunch and tendents: Kilbourne ’894, Marshall ’915 scholarship at American University ef- a visit. “Jim lives only about a mile from and Milton ’920.

“We put up girls for the hops (at 450 fective the spring 2016 semester. She is a Helle [Kiiss, Jack’s fiancée] and I,” Jack sophomore majoring in Middle Eastern said. “I have become a new snowbird with Institute Hill across the alley from the Culture and the Arabic language. Upon a Florida license plate that reads, ‘58 VMI.’” hospital) over the years, and I will always graduation in 2018, she will be a second Jack and Helle have a big trip coming up – a consider ‘450’ as home, as it was for my family from 1919-56 when my grandfalieutenant in the Army and have a four- monthlong cruise from Bali to Tokyo.

Elizabeth and Ernie Edgar visited Jimmy ther retired,” she said. “I love going back year military obligation. At American, in 46

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes to Lexington to horse shows, as I learned to ride there at VMI – my first horse being a cavalry horse when they disbanded VMI cavalry in ’48. You might possibly even remember me, as I ‘took the review’ at most parades from ‘the cannon ball.’”

Here’s her story on Prince Charming: “Drew Troxler’s dad, [P.D. Troxler ’926,] was a friend of my family. I was a member of the Fairfax Hunt, living in Vienna after my grandfather retired. Presuming on the family connection, I asked Drew to be my escort to the Junior Hunt Ball. I have not kept up with the family connection over all these years but have never forgotten Drew. He could waltz like Prince Charming!” A great way to be remembered, Drew, and thanks to Elizabeth for contacting me. She will see this, as she reads her son’s Alumni Review. She and her husband live in Albemarle County.

Intrepid Charlie Hayes did the following detective work about a BR: “I was asking Dave Pai if he had any recent news from William (Yum Chor) Fu. He said that he had lost track of him. I went on the net and Googled Yum Chor Fu, M.D., Hong Kong, and his name came up with an address. I wrote him a letter, and sure enough, he answered with the email. He got his Doctor of Medicine degree at MCV and became a surgeon. The rest is in his email.

He said that I was free to forward it to anyone I liked. If he is up to it, I am going to try to get him to come to the 60th. I would like to spend an afternoon with him talking about his career.” Here’s Fu’s email: “Brother Rat Charles, What a sudden surprise! Have not used the words brother rat since we graduated from VMI. Remember Jim, Bill Holland and [George] Takach, the blond hair guy? Very much so.

Moreover, I regret I have not got in touch with Dave Pai. Yes, Charles, the Chevrolet was the first car I owned, a gift from my late father for my struggling through VMI. After practicing medicine for 25 years in Hong Kong and in 1995, I immigrated to Vancouver, Canada, as a retiree. I did enjoy myself there but didn’t feel I would live there forever. Now, I am back here since 2003 until thy kingdom comes. In my age, just like you and I, we all have medical 2016-Issue 2

ailments. Other than the usual essential hypertension, I enjoy the well-being. As you may know, I have been very active in sports, e.g., golf, Taekwondo and Tai chi, etc. Due to overexerting myself in all those years, I did not realize I had injured my left hip, right knee and lumbar spines.

I was in a wheelchair for three months due to prolapsed discs L1 to L5; the only good one was L3. Fortunately, I have recovered so much, so I can play a few holes of golf now. Long flight is out for the time being.

Can’t promise you in 2018.

“Fu means teacher or mentor. The Chinese Kung Fu practitioners call their teacher Sifu. Keep in touch. Hello to all the old friends. Treasure my youth at VMI, William.”

Had a nice conversation with Bill Kump, who plans to sell his Newport News house in the spring and move to his wife’s hometown of Marlinton, West Virginia. He will work as a minister at the Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort, which his brotherin-law manages. As a young lawyer, Bill worked with the developers of Snowshoe.

Robby Robertson’s wife, Pat, sent the happy news of their success in selling their house so they could move to a much desired condominium: “On April 1 (my birthday), we received a contract. On April 3 (Good Friday), we looked at 14 houses and put a contract on one. On April 5 (Easter Sunday), we were to receive their response. We were sitting in church when the minister read Jesus’ words, ‘Today, you

Class of 1958: Ted Henry’s son-in-law spotted this sign in Lincoln, North Carolina.

will be with me in paradise.’ The home we were waiting to hear back on was a patio home in Paradise Villas. I elbowed Richard and said, ‘Do you think that means our contract was accepted, and we will be in Paradise today?’ It was, and we are happily settled in Paradise!

“Life is good and pleasant these days.

We both have the usual aches and pains but are grateful for what we don’t have.”

Well said, Pat. Gates Sykes’ wife, Janice, reported that Gates is doing great. “He and some friends still bike 25 miles twice a week on the rail trail. This summer, he and a friend took a three-day biking/camping trip on the C&O Canal. In September, we had a family cookout at the cabin for his 80th birthday.”

Thanks, Janice. I enjoyed my 80th in October with 35 family members, including those who came from Ecuador. The most popular place to be at the party in our new old house (1890s) was at the 13 feet by 8 feet world map we installed in a long hall. I highly recommend this combination of décor and education. The welltraveled grandchildren put markers on the places they had lived in or visited. Most of the others put markers on the places they want to live in or visit. We have not discerned who marked Yemen but plan on some geographic counseling when we do.

Sandy Yon says she didn’t travel much this year. “There was no one who wanted to go anywhere. A friend of mine and I did spend three weeks in Japan in April and were lucky enough to be there for the cherry blossoms. I had lived outside of Hiroshima right after the war, and I had always wanted to go back to see the city and to visit the Peace Memorial Park.

“Hiroshima is now a city of millions of people, filled with beautiful parks and buildings, and the Peace Memorial Park was most impressive. It was so different from the city that I had seen in 1948, totally destroyed by the atom bomb in 1945.”

Sandy is joining the ranks of ’58 authors, working on a book about her life of travel.

Her future travel destinations include a Danube River cruise and a trip to Cuba, where she hopes to capture photographs of the old cars and the old women smoking cigars.

47

Class Notes Sandy, please, while you’re there, could you be on the lookout for my 1956 orange and cream colored Chevrolet Bel Air? In his most recent report, my intrepid adjunct class agent, Jan Woodman, said he has talked with his former roommate, Tom Nance, who has resumed playing tennis after knee work. Tom was having his 80th birthday party that December week.

Jan said Roy Palmer visited with G.E. Murray ’57 in Bedford after the mini reunion and then spent a few days with Jane and Jack Cunningham in Richmond before returning home.

Jan ventured from his home in Lewes, Delaware, to Alexandria for a pleasant Thanksgiving dinner with all five daughters, their spouses or significant others and children, and Jean.

As I close, I have just learned of the death of BR Howard Savage, who waged a bold fight against cancer. Our thoughts are with Joann and the family. Howard really wanted to come to the mini reunion and the 60th. Howard and Joann were extremely helpful in the success of the 55th Reunion. We will all remember Howard as the fighter he was. Being in Howard’s section in civil engineering classes our 1st Class year, I remember that he always asked questions of the instructor and frequently questioned the answers!

Let’s all make being at the 60th Reunion a priority. It is set for April 22-23, 2018, a Monday and Tuesday.

Let’s also try to keep what are now called health “issues” from becoming what we used to call health “problems!”

Onward and upward!

Lee

’59

Shep Shepard

It is with a great deal of sadness that I tell you we lost our BR Don MacWillie.

Don suffered from Hepatitis C since Vietnam, where he received tainted blood after being wounded. Judy said Don put up a brave fight and did everything he could to make sure she would be cared for. She 48

said her family was thankful for the many cards, messages of condolence, and the beautiful red, white and yellow floral arrangement. Don was the love of her life, and she misses him terribly. She asks that we all take care of others and cherish one another. Our thoughts and prayers are with Judy and her family.

Bob Hobson had a total shoulder replacement and is rehabbing. He has to have the other shoulder done, but it won’t be a total replacement. They spent time with their daughter in Georgia, where their son-in-law was selected to head the School of Accountancy at the University of Georgia. Lois isn’t happy with their “cookie cutter” senior living neighborhood, so they plan to move soon.

Mike and Julie Vargosko trekked across Pennsylvania to Pittsburg to visit Don and Carole Messner. The highlight of the visit was a World War II display at the Heinz History Center showcasing the massive contribution Pittsburgh industry made to that momentous effort. Mike said a tank was needed for the display, so one of the local folks loaned them his M4 Sherman Tank. Mike, an old M-60 Tank commander, had the opportunity to demonstrate his familiarity with this descendant from the horse cavalry. Mike and Julie are doing well; despite age related ailments, they are thankful their offspring are doing great.

I had a nice telephone conversation with Tommy Klemenko. He left his home in New York with his kids and has moved to Franklin, Virginia, where he lives on his son’s property.

Ann and I, as well as Lee and Nancy Southard, traveled to South Carolina to attend the VMI versus The Citadel game.

Alice Burke, Nancy’s mother, joined us, and during ensuing conversations, we found that Alice was an original “Rosie the Riveter.” It is where she found her true love, Nancy’s dad, who, at the time, was her boss. We laid over in Jacksonville at JAX NAV and met with Ron and Mary Alice Marley and Tex Carr and Emily Hanzok for dinner at a great little crab house. Ron agreed to arrange a dinner and called Tex Carr and the lovely Ms. Em. He spoke with the manager of

the RL Trent seafood house and was told that they did not take reservations. That is until Ron informed her that we were from VMI, and all VMI men were rich, famous and handsome. She immediately made an exception. We had a wonderful evening, and as always, Alice added a great deal of class to the occasion. The Keydets played well, but not well enough to beat The Citadel. During the game, I noticed that many VMI cadets sat down and talked to Col. William Wanovich ’87, the commandant, who was sitting a few rows in front of us. I couldn’t take it any longer and slid in beside Col. Wanovich and told him how much I admired the rapport he had with the cadets. I told him that when we were at VMI, the last person in the world I wanted to talk to was the commandant, Col. Glover Johns ’931. We also ran into Tiffany Haines ’15, Bob Haines’ granddaughter, who is newly married and on her way to becoming a pilot. The Stonewall Class had only the Shepards, the Southards and Rusty Loth.

Tex Carr and Emily Hanzok recently returned from a cruise to Columbia, Panama and Aruba. They enjoyed a memorable trip to a banana plantation and many delicious drinks onboard the ship. Emily’s best friend and her husband joined them, making it extra special. The Panama Canal locks, built in 1914, were impressive and just wide enough to take their ship. The new locks will be able to accommodate much larger ships – even our aircraft carriers. Tex has again proven his resistance to electrical shock. As a 2nd Class cadet in electrical engineering lab, he touched the high side of a 600v transformer – not to be repeated. This past fall, to reset his heart from A-Fib, he was given a shock of 50 Joules. It didn’t work, so they upped it to 200 Joules. He now knows what a surge protector feels like.

Bill Kirkland wrote that Susie seems to be getting better each day and hopes 2016 will be a better year than last. Cec MacArthur and son Gordon are still in Conroe, Texas, and doing just fine. Lon and Patty Martin continue to do well in that lovely town of San Antonio, Texas. Jo Anne Dreelin Anstett has been enjoying her time at the Outer Banks visiting her family. Bill and Betty Huffcut ’57 dropped a line, and all seems to be well in the Huffcut family. We hope to see VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes more of Bill and Betty next year when our granddaughter attends Florida State University. Art and Ginny Brandriff are doing their best to keep up with the younger folks and feel they are gaining on them. Sonny and Skippy Bishop are doing well and looking forward to the Florida Group mini reunion in October. Paula Barcik reminded me that it has been three years since we lost Steve. She reminisced how much Steve loved VMI and how much she enjoyed coming to the reunions. We hope Paula will join others who have lost their loved ones and continue to join us at our reunions. Bonnie Pomponio is beginning to like Monroe, North Carolina, and is enjoying her two grandsons more and more every day. Bill and Jennifer Lee are enjoying the cool weather in the panhandle this time of the year and send their best wishes to everyone.

Eddie and Carolyn Barnes are doing well and are looking forward to the VMI ’59 French Waterway Cruise in June. Jerry and Shay Booth recently traveled to St. Petersburg, Florida, to visit their daughter, where they got in a lot of golf and sunshine. John, Anne and Jack Reed are all happy to be home in Fishersville where the living is easy and the kids are the smartest in the country. Jim and Elizabeth Reed spent a wonderful Christmas visiting and exchanging gifts with John, Anne and Jack.

Harry and Ann Ray love living in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they have so many good friends.

Carl and Phyllis Kasko look forward to getting together with BRs later on this year in Mount Dora, Florida. Bill and Mary Kessler checked in from the home of the Queen Mary and report that all is well. Marvin and Patty Myers wish everyone good health and happiness as they enjoy life in Mecca. Bud and Denyse Kramer 2016-Issue 2

Class of 1959: Ralph and Janice Rae Lawson enjoyed a toboggan ride while visiting Madeira, Portugal.

Class of 1959: The Shepards stopped for dinner with BRs in Jacksonville on their way to the VMI versus The Citadel game in Charleston, South Carolina. Pictured were, from left, Tex Carr and Emily Hanzok; Mary Alice and Ron Marley; Ann and Shep Shepard; Nancy and Lee Southard; and Alice Burke, Nancy’s mother.

Class of 1959: Mike Vargosko, an old tank commander, at the Heinz History Center in front of a World War II M4 Sherman Tank.

enjoy the beautiful weather in Central Florida and also wish everyone good health and happiness. Dick and Linda Phillippi are doing well. Ann and I always appreciate the “touch of Virginia” they send to us each year in the form of some country-style hickory smoked Virginia ham. Ann gets homesick when their generous gift arrives. Thanks for thinking of us and giving us a little taste of Virginia. Dick and Judith Irons send their love and best wishes to all and hope that the love of the Christmas season remains with us for the whole year. I received a nice note from Ned and Bunny Addison accompanied by a beautiful family photo. Ned’s father was a VMI graduate, Class of 1920, and their grandson will be a VMI graduate, Class of 2020. The legacy continues. Charlie and Agnes Inge Carter are doing as well as can be expected, as Charlie is still recovering from that nasty infection he had last year. Agnes is so grateful to Tommy Inge for her four wonderful children and 12 fantastic grandchildren. Dom and Carleta Underwood send greetings from “The Swamp” in Gainesville, Florida. John and Chris Patane are looking forward to spring and some decent weather; they’ve had enough. Truman and Jackie Baxter sent their best wishes from Virginia Beach. Walt Ferony continues to keep busy herding his kids and grandkids. Jimmy and Linda Johnson are practicing the Texas Two Step while anxiously awaiting the return of the Bluebonnets and Indian Paint Brushes in the spring; a sight to behold.

Mel and Jean Anderson are as busy as ever. As I scribe this article, they are currently on the high seas heading for South America and an exciting rounding of Cape Horn. They took a few friends along for the ride: The Nebraskas, 49

Class Notes the Southards and Bob Haines and Mo- which he was instrumental in saving from de- wills, estates, disgruntled heirs, etc., and just nique Harnetty. The next publication of the struction back in 2013. They got the exterior to keep him humble, he represents indigent of the building painted this year and made people charged with crimes. Rogers keeps in AR will disclose what went on.

Brad Willard reminisced about the days some significant interior renovations. Billy is shape by chasing a fuzzy yellow ball and stays when he owned Willard’s of Saba and how also involved in anything that has to do with involved with the community by helping with sorry he was that more BRs did not take ad- veterans. Sue is active in the local Woman’s the parks program for area youngsters. Susan vantage of it; only two BRs visited Brad on Club, the Bakers Guild and performs good retired from Sullins Academy, where she Saba: Billy Walker and Mike Brooks. Ann deeds whenever she finds them. Their most was a passionate educator. She was an adand I will always regret that we did not take rewarding event was grandson, Tyler, who junct professor at King University, taught at advantage of the opportunity to visit Brad on got a kidney transplant. He’s doing well but the William King Regional Arts Center and taught at the King Summer Scholar Program will take time to get back in shape.

Saba and enjoy such a beautiful place.

Harry and Terry MacGregor rejoice in at King University. Welcome to retirement Bud and Susan Mease have stuck to the Midwest this past year visiting their son in Yel- their blessings, which include six children, and the good life. Ralph and J.R. Lawson lowstone and a daughter in Colorado Springs. 20 grandchildren and two great-grandchil- had a busy year that included a cruise on the One of the trips to Colorado was to attend dren. Their year was filled with gradua- Douro River and a trip to Madeira, Portugal, the retirement ceremony of their son-in-law, tions, track, weddings, baseball, etc., as where they enjoyed their first toboggan ride. who completed 21 years in the U.S. Air Force. well as a successful hunting season. Harry Ralph worked on his golf game and lowered his handicap by seven strokes. J.R. Bud said it was a fast 21 years, and does water aerobics classes. Ralph Ann and I can only say, “Amen.” and J.R. met Buzz and Virginia We remember in the late ’80s when Nowlin in Lexington where they he and his future wife, our niece, attended a basketball game, which would come down from Stillwater, VMI won. They also ran into HarOklahoma, (Oklahoma State Unilee and Barbara Pate while at the versity) to San Antonio to visit us. game. George and Marie O’Neill Bud and Susan celebrated Bud’s can’t wait for spring, but in the 55th class reunion at The U.S. meantime, George has been orMilitary Academy at West Point ganizing classes for seniors and and then cruised the St. Lawrence plans to retire from his deanship Seaway. Susan has been fighting a this spring. His reign as president good fight against the big “c” this of the homeowner’s associayear, and our thoughts and prayers tion has passed, but he has now have been with her all the way.

Bob and Barbara Nicholl con- Class of 1959: Ann and Shep supported their children after they taken on the job as “keeper of the fessed they have not been good completed a cold and windy Melbourne half-marathon. Pictured gate.” Marie likes that because it were, from left, Shep Shepard, Christine Ellegood, Phil Shepard keeps George from “running the communicators over the past ’83 and Ann Shepard. block,” of which she’s been told years, but they intend to change.

Bob is a retired city manager, having a life- was asked to return to Vietnam with his he was quite proficient. George and Marie time membership in the International City old battalion buddies but elected not to. He spent a great weekend with George’s dyke, Manager’s Association. His longest stint was may participate in a mission trip to New Mark Graybill ’61. They relished retelling in Dunn, North Carolina, for over 16 years, Guinea, if healthy. Whatever you decide, stories of the 1958-59 eras – both on and off the football field. Fortunately, they were but he has also been the first town manager we thank you for your contribution. not politicians pandering for votes, because Penn and Betty Whitescarver love condo of Glasgow, Virginia, and town manager of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. After serving in living. They enjoy the warm south Florida they would never have passed the media’s various interim positions, among which was weather. Penn’s clean water business is ex- truthiness bar. Their accuracy was reflected Carolina Beach, River Bend and Hope Mills, panding, so he will probably work forever. by their foggy recollections of reality. “Not he is finally enjoying retirement. Barbara has He is now a landlord, having purchased that we were telling falsehoods! Neither of us retired from many years of teaching high three rental properties for “snowbirds.” invoked the, ‘Certify,’ card. Heaven forbid!” school math. Thanks to Bob and Barbara for Betty enjoys golf and plays in a league in Shortly after Mark departed, a package arbringing us up to date. I hope we see more Maryland and two in Florida. Golf, her rived from their son, Sean, filled with gifts ladies group and her season theater tick- for George’s 78th birthday. When he opened info coming in the future.

Billy and Sue Kornegay never seem to ets keeps her out of trouble and enjoying a it, he was totally smitten with an afghan that Helen, Sean’s wife, crocheted for him. Now stand still. Billy is involved in the restoration great social life. Life is good.

Rogers MaCall is still practicing elder laws, Old Man Winter can do his worst, because of the Powhatan War Memorial Building, 50

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes George will be wrapped up nice and warm.

Chuck and Margo Cotton are doing well and over the years have learned how to do less but enjoy it more. Aside from the doctor visits, they don’t get out much, but the kids and grandkids come to visit often. Chuck is in a therapy group at their church, and compared to the others in the group, they feel very fortunate that Chuck is doing as well as he is. Hal and Barbara Dayhuff are doing pretty well considering Hal’s health issues. They don’t travel much, because he can’t take the chance. Weather is a big factor. Memory loss, Prostate cancer, Agent Orange, scoliosis of the spine, congestive heart failure and pneumonia keep Hal out of the wind. He has spent a lot of time in hospitals and does not want to get far from his doctors. Barbara is his caregiver, and he always obeys her orders.

Verne and Brenda Keefer reached a milestone: Verne finished the house he has been working on for the past decade – Brenda would say past few decades. I have written about Verne’s house previously, but to refresh your memory, Verne bought the property, cut the trees, set up a saw mill and milled the timbers, hand cut, fitted and joined the timbers with joints secured by large wooden pegs, and framed the house. Once the framing was completed, he worked diligently over the next several years to finish the interior. Verne and

Brenda celebrated the occasion by inviting BRs and their spouses for a get-together.

Jim Edmund’s grandson, a University of Southern California sophomore in the School of Cinematic Arts, attended the Sundance film festival in Utah, so Jim enlisted Bob Hobson to be his emergency backup.

Things are going well for Jim. The holidays, the first without Mary Lew, were hard, but being around family helped a lot; fortunately, his daughter and her family live close by.

Jim’s looking forward to the French River Cruise in June. He’s staying a few extra days so he can take in the 24 Hours Le Mans the weekend following our cruise. Max and Lee Ann Blanchard are doing well for old folks.

Lee Ann has had some rotator cuff pain, but physical therapy is helping her get back in shape. While attending their grandson’s graduation from Miami University in Ohio in May 2015, Max had some heart problems, so they inserted a stint and everything has been a-OK since. The MS seems to be progressing so slowly that he hardly sees any change at all. Of course, when they removed his lower right leg in 2011, it slowed him down a bit. Max has lunch every week with some former Air Force buddies, but because it is so difficult to find good wheelchair facilities in hotels and on aircraft, they have pretty much stayed close to home, where Max plays

Class of 1959: At a housewarming for Verne and Brenda Keefer’s new home were, from left, Linda Phillippi, Vern and Brenda Keefer, Jim and Bet Vermillion, Jim McFalls, Rusty Loth, Patty and Marve Myers, Ginny and Art Bandriff, Dave and Sandy Goode, Joanne and Baldy Fall, and Barbara and Harlee Pate.

2016-Issue 2

on his computers. Nowell and Sally Loop have gone through some big changes this past year, beginning with downsizing to a senior retirement center. Nowell never realized how much “stuff” a family can accumulate in over a half-century of living in the same house. They’re now closer to their children and have no homeowner responsibilities; someone even changes the batteries in the fire detectors. Their son, a Stanford graduate, got tickets to the Rose Bowl, and Nowell got to watch the parade on-site for the first time after years of watching it on TV. It could not have been any better, as he sat with his two sons in the end zone. Larry and Nancy Wood enjoy the everyday excitement of the Las Vegas strip. The weekend before Veteran’s Day, over 1,000 bike riders rode down the strip to honor wounded veterans. The ride was organized by “Ride 2 Recovery,” an organization to promote the bicycle as a vehicle for helping veterans heal. This was Larry’s second time riding in it. Of the three routes: 70, 40 and 20 miles, Larry rode the 40 miles in 2014 and the 20 miles in 2015. Larry challenges his BRs to sponsor him next Veteran’s Day with contributions of $1 per mile. The money goes to support participating wounded veterans.

Patrick Hughes hopes that someone may recall that he wrote a parody of Ernie Ford’s “Sixteen Tons,” titled, “Sixteen Tours.” It was published in the VMI Cadet paper and got him a lot of harassment. Pat lost his and is asking for your help in finding a duplicate.

Bill and Yvonne Traylor continue to run their chemical business in Orlando and retirement doesn’t look like it’s in their near future plans. Bill recently talked to his rat dike, Bill Menefee ’56, of Luray, Virginia, for the first time since graduation. After Bill’s graduation, they went their separate ways. Bill M. was very good to Lonnie Martin and Bill T. Last year, Bill T. decided to locate Bill M. He called him, and they had a wonderful conversation. They have talked since and will get together the next time Bill is in Virginia.

I also have fond memories of Bill Menefee ’56, having served with him in both Vietnam and Germany. Bill was instrumental in getting me a great job in Heidelberg. The perfect job to complete a tour of duty in Germany, and I will forever be grateful to Bill for that.

John and Teddi Martin have settled into a 51

Class Notes predictable routine marked by ever-growing appreciation of family and friends – not my words, but John’s, and well said. Teddi continues to volunteer at St. Francis Medical Center, the annual Garden Week of Virginia, plays bridge and enjoys her gardening. John keeps going with golf, Virginia Historical Society lectures, volunteer chaplaincy work, reading, Civil War Roundtable, and lunch with Retired Old Men Eating Out and the VMI brother rats get-together. Healthwise, Teddi is recovering from surgery for torn meniscuses on both sides of her knee, and John is recovering from a fall and fractured knee cap. Take care, folks.

John and Pat Van Kesteren love their new digs in the foothills of the Sandia Mountains, where it is not uncommon for bears to create excitement in their small community. During the past year, John and Pat have traveled back and forth between New Mexico and Virginia visiting friends and family, as well as a trip to Hawaii for an Air Force reunion. The kids and grandkids are all doing great and scattered from Australia to New Mexico to Virginia. Mountain biking has excited John, and he participates in as many events as he can.

Stay healthy, my friends. Ann and I are doing well. Visits from our kids and grandkids keep us feeling young. We are looking forward to the Stonewall Class French River Cruise in June, where we will join a dozen BRs for a cruise from Marseille to Lyon.

No sooner had I submitted the class notes when I received word that my dear friend, Brother Rat Chuck Cotton, had died from cardiac arrest. As you know, Chuck suffered with Parkinson’s disease for the past decade, but he always faced it with courage and determination. Chuck was one of the gentlest and kindest persons I have ever known, and he will be greatly missed. Ann and I have spent some of the most memorable moments in our life with Chuck and Margo and attended so many Cotton family reunions, the kids and grandkids thought we were part of the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Margo and the whole Cotton family. Please keep them in your prayers.

Keep those cards, letters and emails coming in.

Yours in the spirit, Shep 52

’60

James A. Smith III

Greetings from St. James Plantation.

It is Nov. 2, 2015, as I begin this session of our class notes. Issue 4 of the Alumni Review was just received. Simply put, we need more photographs of each other. We are allowed five photographs per issue, and I’m afraid all I had to show were pictures of the Smiths. Please help me out. You may not think you are photogenic, but we want to see each other! Henry and Linda Brown just returned from Lexington with guests to show them the Institute and go to the VMI versus Wofford College football game. They sat behind Jim O’Dell, Howard Moss and Tom Daniel. Howard told Henry that his wife, Susan, has recently been selected as the Volunteer of the Year for Surry County, Virginia. We all know Howard married up. Also, he learned that Tom Daniel recently published a novel, “Angelica Blue.” It is available from Amazon. Congratulations, Tom! Later that day while at dinner at the Southern Inn, the Browns saw Walt Witschard and his son, Kevin. They were a long way from Oregon.

On Nov. 2, I received a wonderful email from Larry Puckett. He had responded to Ed Tolley’s “lost and found brother rats” request in February 2015 in preparation for our 55th Reunion, but somehow it was lost in our transition.

I have copied what Larry wrote Ed for you all to enjoy: “To catch you up a bit: Following graduation, I married Anne Dukes, my high school sweetheart (Brother Rat George Uhlig was best man). Worked for DuPont.

Got my Master of Science degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree in physics at Georgia Tech. Had two children (one of each type). Served my two year ROTC obligation in the Ordnance Corps. (Yes, the Army transferred me from my VMI commission in armor to work on weapons research and development.) Spent most of my career as a civilian in Department of Defense R&D. (In fact, when Jay Sculley

’61 was assistant secretary of the Army R&D, I sometimes briefed him in the Pentagon.) Hobbies include racing sports cars (sometimes raced against Paul Newman, the actor, but he always won) and also, sailing, which led to my wife and I retiring (she retired from a teaching career) and circumnavigating the globe on our sailboat in the years 1997-2002. We avoided the African (Somali) pirates, but our sailing was cut short by Sept. 11, 2001, when we were off the coast of Libya. We decided to sail home! Since then, I have been working as a consultant to defense contractors – still am. More importantly, I’m still married to my high school sweetheart, and she, too, is healthy. We have been fortunate. Take care, and all the best to you.” Thank you for the update, Larry.

On Nov. 5, I spoke with Fred Murrill and wished him a happy birthday. Fred said he is doing well, other than being “a little creaky.” He was taking care of his three dogs as we spoke. On Nov. 6, I caught up with Fudd Caldwell, in the oilfields of Louisiana of all places, celebrating his 78th birthday. His wife, Speer, gave me his mobile number. Fudd allows that he seems to be moving fast but, in reality, is moving slow. I thanked him for trying to keep the price of gasoline down, but in reality he would like to see the price of oil go up. “What you make on the peanuts, you lose on the popcorn.” We should all be so industrious at our age! Fudd has been very generous to the Institute. On Nov. 8, I tried to phone Railroad (Robert R.) Hamilton on his birthday but was unable to get through due to phone difficulties.

He got an email instead with the hope that he had a special day. Founder’s Day at the Institute, Nov. 11, is George Coulbourn’s birthday. I got up with George all the way on the West Coast in the great northwest near Seattle, Black Diamond, Washington. I spoke to him from the VMI Post Exchange while sitting with Henry Brown and Peanuts Elliott. Peanuts and George were classmates in Suffolk High School.

George was well as we spoke. He has endured some significant cardiovascular procedures over the past few years but is doing very well. He is very fit! Also Nov. 11, Ruth VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes and I and an 11-year-old grandson attend- for 22 years, then worked in the aerospace from the VMI Alumni Association regarded the festivities at the Institute for Found- industry in Huntsville, Alabama, for the ing the death of Dr. Chan Yeh in August ers Day. The Corps looked great. I must past 30 years. He made a nice contribution 2015. He has been remembered fondly by admit that I love the parade. Company A to our class flower fund. Jim is another ex- many of our brother rats. On Nov. 18, I looked mighty sharp. Later that evening, ample of how much it means to us at our called Reed Myrick in Tempe, Arizona, to we attended the Institute Society Dinner, stage in life to be of service somehow. On wish him a happy birthday, only got to an sans grandson. Also in attendance from Nov. 18, we were all reminded that this day answering machine. We wish him well and our class were Roy and Sewell McLeod, in 1966, “Eagle” Bayliss was shot down many more birthdays. If anyone knows Reed’s email address, please forBo and Nancy Bowles, Bolling ward to Hap Miller and me. On and Theresa Williamson, Henry Nov. 19, I spoke with Herb “Pee and Linda Brown, and Peanuts Wee” Vaughan and wished him and Jan Elliott. A fine time was a happy birthday. Pee Wee and had by all. I recommend taking Terri hold down the fort in The a grandchild – or anyone of an Villages. Herb’s granddaughter, impressionable age, for that matAnne, in Richmond plays field ter – to visit VMI and Lexington. hockey and soccer. Trinity EpisThe VMI Museum in Jackson copal School’s field hockey team Memorial Hall, the Marshall is coached by Herb’s daughter, Museum and an assortment of Margie Snead, and went 20-1 activities and sites on post and in this season and won the VirLexington are well worth the trip. ginia Independent Schools AthOn Nov. 12, I attended the Class letic Association title. Two of his Agent’s Conference. grandchildren, Anne and Sally I will write about this in an Class of 1960: Brother rats and wives in attendance at Andy Wise’s “end of year” letter to you all. funeral in Watertown, New York, were Bill “Peanuts” and Jan Snead, play for their mom. Anne I called G.G. Phillips Nov. 11 Elliott, Bob and Lucy Clay, G.G. and Frances Phillips, Jack Horgan, has signed a letter of intent to to see if he and Frances would Jack Willard, Jimbo Smith, Bo Bowles, and Bolling Williamson. play for the College of William & Mary next year. Margie was be coming to Lexington for the the captain of the soccer and event, only to find that he was lacrosse team her senior year at three days post total knee reWilliam & Mary. She was an Allplacement and certainly not up American Soccer player and is in to travel. I wished him well, as the Atlantic Hall of Fame at WilI have had a knee replacement liam & Mary. I guess Herb benmyself and know what he will be efited from rooming with three going through. My sympathies football jocks at the Institute! On also to Frances during G.G.’s conNov. 21, I spoke with Phil Spivey valescence. On Nov. 16, I spoke in Hoschton, Georgia. We spoke with Jim Gibson on his birthday. of Eagle Bayliss. Phil was in the It has been at least 55 years since Air Force, stationed in Thailand we had seen each other. He is doand, at one time, coincidentally ing well and has had a successwas responsible for transporting ful recovery from bladder cancer a few years back. He and Joan Class of 1960: At the VMI versus Wofford College football game the “remains” of fallen pilots to were planning a birthday dinner were Jim O’Dell, Tom Daniel, Howard Moss and Henry Brown. Vietnam. He noticed a name of Bayliss on one of the caskets and at a seafood restaurant in Tappahannock, Virginia. They are frequent while flying a mission in Laos. As a me- told the officer in charge that he had a classdiners there and comment on the beautiful morial, many of our classmates, through mate at VMI named Bayliss. The officer John MacLeod waterfowl and Chesapeake their generosity, started The Captain Paul told Phil that the deceased had indeed gone Bay paintings hanging there. On Nov. 16, Bayliss Class of 1960 Scholarship. I have to VMI, as his class ring was on his hand I also caught up with Jim Schaaf and his written about our class’ need to fund this in when found. So Phil transported Eagle to wife, Ruth. Jim was celebrating his birth- a letter earlier this year, as well as an “end Vietnam before Eagle’s coming home. A day by mentoring and tutoring inner city of year” letter. Let’s all pony up and con- small world! Phil is healthy and enjoying children. After VMI, he was in the service tribute. I received a delayed announcement life in Georgia, and it is hoped that he will 2016-Issue 2

53

Class Notes return to the Institute to see all of the changes made since 1960. On Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving, I caught up with Henry Brown visiting in Raleigh with his son. It’s difficult to find a birthday gift for Henry, as he has every “techie” gadget known to man.

I wished him the hope that his family and Linda would continue to spoil him and for him to have many more birthdays. Since we live so close together, we catch up often.

Henry has been a true and most reliable servant for the Class of ’60 over the years, and we are grateful for his service. Bolling Williamson spoke at the Mathews Yacht Club Annual Holiday Bash Dec. 6 about VMI alumni who have received the second highest award for valor. I want to remind all that Bolling is responsible for the complete display of VMI’s Distinguished Service Cross honorees in Kilbourne Hall that is outstanding. I spoke with R.L. “Stubb” Stubblefield Dec. 2 to wish him a happy birthday. R.L., as he likes to be known now, has lived in Mobile, Alabama, for 40-plus years. He worked with a chemical company during that time.

We were chemistry majors together. He and his wife have two sons who live in the area. I wished more birthdays for “Stubb” and hope he will stay in touch. I spoke with Jim French Dec. 2, one day after his birthday. He had spent the day working on his “old car,” a Model A Ford, replacing a generator. It was hard work, but he loves doing it. I tried to contact George Miller Dec. 2, his birthday, but due to telephone connection problems in his area in San Clemente, California, where he lives, I could not get through. He got an email birthday greeting.

On Dec. 3, I had a wonderful phone call from Ashby Chamberlain. I had mistakenly called him with an incorrect birthday date, but he returned my call. Ashby is still working as a country club manager in Bethesda, Maryland, and remains “young.” He says it keeps him off the streets. It was good to catch up, and I look forward to his “official and correct” birthday call. On Dec. 12, Bill Toker got a birthday phone call, but I didn’t get to speak to him. He emailed that he is in good health. Bill celebrated his 78th birthday with his wife, daughter and grandson in his favorite restaurant.

During the Christmas holidays, I received 54

cards from Wayne LeBlang; Kathleen and Ed Robertson, who are well; and Dr. Ed Martin, who related that he is enjoying retirement, having recently taken a European river cruise. I got a wonderful email from John Thompson from San Antonio, Texas.

It’s been awhile since we’ve heard from John.

John and Lin Hilliard wrote that they are well. John volunteers at the 45th Space Wing Public Affairs Office at Patrick Air Force Base, conducts tours at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, works at the Air Force Space and Missile Museum and escorts the news media onto the cape for rocket launches. Lin is active in Coastal Poodle Rescue.

Bob and Betty Gianella’s card came from the “Federal Witness Protection Program” with a nice letter from Bob. Bob and Betty live in Waco, Texas. Their card reminds us all that Bob is 100 percent Italian and has “connections.” I have memories of Bob getting Italian “care packages” from home when we were in school. He gave me, a boy from Alabama, the first peperoni I ever ate. Bob still works four to five days a week and says, for an insulin dependent diabetic, he is doing well. Bob and Betty have been married 50 years and have two children. Their oldest is a doctor of social work, and the youngest is a doctor of physical therapy. He said he sees Mike Moss a couple of times a year when Mike stays in Arizona during the winter. It was good to hear from and about him. Jeep Goodwillie and Linda continue to do well but have moved to Summerfield, Florida, from The Villages. Linda is active with her decorating business and property management. Jeep is trying to perfect being lazy.

They looked forward to becoming greatgrandparents in May. On Dec. 14, I spoke with my roommate, G.G. Phillips, and wished him happy birthday. He was spending his birthday having Frances drive him around doing Christmas shopping, as he is one month postop from a total knee replacement. He was doing well and committed to the necessary physical therapy. Frances, as we all know, is and has been a wonderful caretaker of George over the years. Some more Christmas cards came in from Ed Tolley, Jay Jarrett and “Dick” Griffith, who has kept up with brother rats he graduated with at Culpeper High School. Mike Shoemaker’s

card contained a donation to The Bayliss Scholarship. Bill and Bev Driver in Newberry, Florida, wrote that they have three sons who work in the financial world living in Paris, Philadelphia and Atlanta. They have eight grandchildren, good health and spend most of their time working with their seven horses. Jim and Carol Seely’s card from Orange Park, Florida, related that they have had a full year with his flying, time spent with children and grandchildren and celebrating their 53rd wedding anniversary. Jimmy flies his biplane, The Spirit, and is reconditioning a P-40 plane. Sky King, eat your heart out! Joe Morabit was heading for Florida for January and February, but no pickle ball. Ed and Sheila Davis’ card from Charleston, South Carolina, said they are moving to a retirement community with their four children nearby.

Ed has had health issues, but he said progress is being made. Carl and Barb Benner from Anthem, Arizona, wrote that life is good despite the usual aches and pains we all seem to have. Barb is active with bridge, book clubs, etc. Carl has a 13.5 golf index. Not too shabby. Jim “Eva” Gillespie wrote that he is well.

He missed our 55th, as he was doing grandparent duties. George and Ginny Ax in Clifton, Virginia, are healthy and have been traveling to Italy, Sicily and Rhine River. George is active in the Sons of the American Revolution. The Rev. Bob “Bobby” Graves and Jane live in Pensacola, Florida. Bob has “retired” but remains active as a supply priest in towns in Alabama, as well as Pensacola.

Bobby is the No. 1 “soul saver” of the Class of ’60. Reed and Valerie Myrick in Tempe, Arizona, have four children and 13 grandchildren living in Arizona. Reed is still pursuing outdoor activities, although with less vigor than before, but he still goes to the gym daily and is in “excellent” health. More Christmas cards came from Bo and Nancy Bowles, G.G and Frances Phillips, Peanuts and Jan Elliott, Howard and Susan Moss, Ed Tolley, Jay Jarrett, Bill and Sue Huggins, Bolling and Theresa Williamson, John and Fran Olsen, Jon Parnell, Mike and Betty Pitt, Jon Quinn, George and Evie Uhlig, Bill and Sue Huggins, Jim Pittman, Bill and Sue Knowles, Tom and Ann Kurkoski and Bill and Joan King. On Dec. 21, I spoke with Bo Bowles on his birthday, wishing him many VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes more birthdays. He had a visit with Mike and Mimi Moss in fall 2015, and it was good to hear about them. Bo and Nancy are healthy, and he is working mighty hard.

Chris and Linda Fleet from Front Royal, Virginia, wrote that he has been healthy and safe. They have been active in outdoor activities with camping trips to Utah, Nevada and West Virginia, and they are kayaking when they can. Chris is a retiree from the Federal Highway Administration. On Dec. 29, I had a birthday conversation with Ed “Robbie” Robertson in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, with wishes for many more birthdays. Robbie and Kathleen were at our 55th and plan to be at the 60th. He is healthy. I missed Tom Leary by phone, but he got an email happy birthday. He was in the hospital with pneumonia but has recovered. Tom has been to all of our reunions over the years. On Dec. 30, I spoke with Art Grafton’s wife, Donna, for his birthday call. Through her, I wished him a happy birthday and many more. On Jan. 2, I spoke with our class scribe, “Hap” Miller, on his birthday. Hap is well and was enjoying his day. I’m sad to report that, Dec. 30, Andy Wise in Watertown, New York, died after a 17 year bout with Prostate cancer. I had the valuable experience of visiting with Andy in Watertown three weeks before for two days.

I will always be grateful for our time together.

His funeral service was held Jan. 5. Our class was well represented. Besides myself, along with G.G. and Frances Phillips, his roommates, others in attendance were: Peanuts and Jan Elliott, Jack Willard, Bob and Lucy Clay, Jack Horgan, Bolling Williamson, and Bo Bowles. Our class sent a beautiful red, white and yellow flower spray. A VMI flag and the Class of ’60 reunion hat were atop his casket in the funeral home. Andy loved VMI and his brother rats. We will miss him. His complete obituary is in the Taps section of the Alumni Review. I spoke with Bill Giles Jan. 4, whose birthday was Jan. 3.

Bill lives in Midlothian, Virginia. He said his Parkinsonism is under control with medication. On Jan. 5, I spoke with Tom Kurkoski in Endicott, New York. Tom had a slight stroke some time ago but seems to have completely recovered and is doing well. On Jan. 5, Jim Bagby in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina, got a voicemail birthday wish, and he 2016-Issue 2

responded with an email. He is doing well. I spoke with Nick Hester in Richmond, Virginia, Jan. 6, and am happy to report he is doing well. I also spoke with Dr. Ed Davis in Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 6 – his birthday, as well. He also is fine. Just after the first of the year, I received a nice note from Alex Dunlap along with a contribution to the Eagle Bayliss Scholarship. Alex and his wife, Barb, live in Woodstock, Georgia, with their three children and six grandchildren nearby. All of their grandchildren have provisional appointments to VMI. Alex continues to do consulting work with a construction business he started in 2008. He and Barb continue to work as it is “fun,” and it keeps them out of mischief. In his spare time, Alex works at writing. He has had one novel, “Pipestone,” published (available through Amazon), and is working on another at this time. Barb works with her art, photography and graphic design. It was good to hear from and about the Dunlaps. I went to the Dominican Republic on a surgical mission trip from Jan. 9-22. I had access to emails only, so no phone calls, but I was able to wish birthday wishes to Chris Fleet Jan. 9, Ashby Chamberlin Jan. 12, Jerry Lawson Jan. 12, Dave Bissett Jan. 14, Pete McGue Jan. 14, Bob Gianella Jan. 16, Ray Crickenberger Jan. 16, Tom Daniel Jan. 16, Ed Tolley Jan. 17, Troy Williams Jan. 19, Dave Lennon Jan. 22, George Ax Jan. 24, Buddy Frith Jan. 27, Denny Zay Jan. 28, A.F.E “Al” Smith Feb. 2 (but no phone number or email address), Joe Morabit Feb. 10, Jon Parnell and Ed Martin Feb. 12. Recently, on their way to Naples, Florida, Henry and Linda Brown had dinner with Ray and Terri Crickenberger in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

As reported earlier, Ray and Terri have moved from Greenville, North Carolina, to Hilton Head to a house they are renovating.

It’s Valentine’s Day, and I hope each of you gets to share it with someone special in your life. Earlier, I got a great email from Earl Marquette. He and his wife, Rosemary, spent the month of January in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. On their way down from Maryland, they spent time in Charleston, South Carolina. They had dinner with Roy and Pat Quinn, catching up on current and old times. Ed toured the Naval Museum

at Patriots Point as well the USS Yorktown and the submarine, USS Clamagore. Further down the road, Ed contacted John Hilliard in Satellite Beach, Florida. After security clearances, John gave Ed and his son, Stephen, a tour of the Air Force Station at Cape Canaveral with a history of all of the launches that have taken place from the Air Force Station. Ed further wrote that he has been in touch with Edwards Smith in Vermont.

I have previously written about Ed’s woodworking. His website is www.edwardssmithfinewoodworking.com. I suggest checking it out for some beautiful pieces.

This brings this edition of our class notes to a close. On Feb. 18, 2016, 1st Class Cadet Andrew Day ’16, an outstanding AFROTC cadet, was to receive the Capt. Paul Bayliss “Eagle” Class of 1960 Memorial Scholarship award. There will be more about the event along with photographs in our next edition. Stay safe, healthy and in touch.

In the spirit, Jimbo

’61

Sal Vitale Jr.

This past year has been very difficult for the country and the class. Losing several brother rats, spouses and several close friends made me stop and think how fast time is going by – how frail life is at our age.

Therefore, I pledged to myself that if there is someone I want to see or talk to, I do it that day and before the sun sets. By the time you read these notes, our 55th Reunion should be well underway, and in the next Review, I will be able to report to you who was there and what a great time we had. Now for some great news!

On Feb. 2, Don Wilkinson tied the knot with his lady, Elaine Werner, and Judge Napolitano (of Fox TV) administered the vows. Bud Alligood proposed to his lady friend, Peggy Hayes, and the wedding was held on Valentine’s Day. Battle Haslam and Elisabeth are sorting out details, and I hear the marriage date is getting closer. There are a few 50th wedding anniversaries that I know about, so join me in congratulating 55

Class Notes back in Lexington for the Institute David and Charlotte Harbach, Society Dinner, and we had the Spike and Mary Callander, and second largest turnout of brother Jim and Renate Mowery. Unforrats, to include: Willard and Pat tunately, the Mowerys are in the Hoskins, Hugh Gouldthorpe, Grand Caymans during our reCarl and Becky Hirsch, Stu and union. The Callander 50th anniSylvia Woodcock, Hershel Murversary present to them was a trip ray, Ed and Phyllis Hollowell, on the Rhine. Time does fly fast, Bob and Bronnie Polk, Bob and and it’s hard to believe that Tom Sue Ellen Reitz, Ben and Diand Annette Jones have been anne Lynch, Dave and Charlotte married for four years. Annette’s Harbach, Dick and Judy YoungEnglish has greatly improved. She blood, Bill and Marcia Keech, is still teaching German to private Class of 1961: Catching up at the Angus Barn wine room in RaBill and Joyce Gibbings, Larry students, as well as teaches classes leigh, North Carolina, Dec. 5, 2015, were, from left, front row, at the Penobscot language school. Linda Butler, Sal Vitale, Dick Hurley and Sue Vitale. Back row: and Jerri Wetsel, Ray and Sally Hanlein, Ken Ayala, and Don If that isn’t enough, Annette is Dick Butler and Bonnie Hurley. and Elaine Wilkinson. very involved in teaching 3 to 6 Ed Hollowell is on the downside of his hip year olds swimming at the local YMCA, as unfortunately had to forgo a visit with Fred well as teaches life skill lessons to mentally and Shelia Kressierer as planned. Fred and replacement rehabilitation, and this past and physically disabled children. (There is Sheila Kressierer are adjusting to being ag- year, Ed taught boating classes for both the still hope for Tom.) Sue and I have been ers, but as Fred said, it is not golden with commonwealth of Virginia and the Coast doing our best to attend as many brother titanium knees, hips and a pacemaker. Fred Guard. The commonwealth now requires rat functions as possible. The dinner at the still travels to Cleveland three times a week boating safety classes for everyone. Phyllis is Swinging Bridge Restaurant in Paint Bank, to help as the treasurer for the Redeemer an active member of the Waynesboro ReVirginia, was a great success, and we plan to Crisis Center and is currently president of publican City Committee and chief cook do it again next year. Attending were Har- the homeowners association, while Sheila and gardener. Hershel Murray and Bill rison and Terry Fridley, Dave and Charlotte is busy teaching Bible study and in charge Keech are both doing well. When you think Harbach, Jim and Connie Oliver, Mitch of food for church dinner home delivery about all they both have been through mediand Jennifer Kot, Tom and Barbara Phle- for sick members. The next week, we were cally this past year, it was great to see them gar, Harold and Cilia Kurstedt, and Barry and Betty Orndorff. Tom Phlegar had the restaurant arrange the tables so the ladies could sit together and not be overwhelmed with our old stories, and it worked.

Mitch and Jennifer Kot are finally settled in their renovated house in Georgia. Jim and Connie Oliver are spending a lot of time with the grandkids and traveling with Jim’s brother. Barbara Phlegar is recovering from a knee replacement, and Tom has taken good care of her. Harold Kurstedt has reduced his management assignments, and the Fridleys enjoyed their trip to Paris. The day after the Swinging Bridge dinner, we drove to the Cleveland Clinic for Sue’s meeting with her doctor. Sue and I especially appreciated the Fridleys’ offer to stay with them so we could get an early start driving to Cleveland. I am happy to say that Sue Class of 1961: At the Institute Society Dinner at VMI Nov. 11, 2015, were, from left, first will not have to make the trip for another row, Willard Hoskins, Hugh Gouldthorpe, Carl Hirsch, Stu Woodcock, Hershel Murray and Ed Hollowell. Second row: Bob Polk, Bob Reitz, Ben Lynch, Dave Harbach, Dick two years. We were in and out of the docYoungblood and Sal Vitale. Third row: Bill Keech, Bill Gibbings, Larry Wetsel, Ray Hantor’s office so quickly that I was able to get lein, Ken Ayala, Don Wilkinson and the class flag. on the road early (drive in the daylight) and 56

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes very surprised that a few old timstanding and straight. I have talkers at the dinner noticed that Bill ed to both, and they are deterand Joyce Gibbings were back. mined to be with us for years to “It’s been a long-long time” for come. Bob and Sue Ellen Reitz them also. The Gibbingses still had a great time at their first Instientertain B’s and friends at their tute Society Dinner. They also atFriday night beer and cookies, tended the VMI versus The Citaand most nights they have a del football game and visited with crowd. Larry and Jerri Wetsel Bob’s roommate, Bobby Wincontinue to travel in and out of the slow, and his wife, Susan. Reitz is country, and they are very difficult the service officer at the American to keep up with. Larry recently reLegion in his county and the point turned from Montana, where he of contact for any veteran needing acquired a new puppy for Jerri. assistance. Since Bob got his quoMaybe this will keep them home? ta of deer this year, he will not Willard and Pat Hoskins look have to request food stamps. great and staying busy volunteer(Smile.) Bob and Bronnie Polk ing keeps them young and sharp. were in Florida for the winter, and Class of 1961: Dyer grandchildren and their grandfather at a family We have been with Ray and Sally Sue and I, along with several others, joined them for some golf. gathering in Amelia Island, Florida, Dec. 14, 2015, were, from left, Hanlein several times in the past front row, Amelia Dyer, 15; Howard Dyer; and Kirsten Dyer, 22.

More on this event in the next Re- Back row: Hunter Thomas, 22; Gaines Dyer, 20; Benjamin Thomas, few months for fun stuff and funerals. They stayed with us for view. Stu and Sylvia Woodcock 22; and Bryan Barksdale, 16. The Thomas boys are twins.

Sue Wells’ funeral, and even stay very busy in Williamsburg, though it was a sad time, we enwith Stuart being the president of joyed having them. Hugh Gouldthe residents’ association and Sylthorpe never seems to change. He via serving on various association has more energy than the Enerand community committees. gizer bunny and still gives inspiraSylvia is also a Mary Washingtional talks. The morning after the ton Foundation Board member.

Institute Society Dinner, I attendI asked Ben Lynch when he is ed a class agent meeting, while going to retire, and he said probback at the Wingate Motel, Brothably never. (Most attorneys say er Rats Polk, Gibbings, Hirsch, that. I wonder why?) Ken Ayala’s Reitz, Hanlein and Youngblood decision to leave a senior retirewith spouses and Sue enjoyed a ment facility for a regular apartcouple of hours together. Sue said ment with normal people is payit is during times like this that even ing dividends. He feels and looks after 50 years, there is always better, and Ken has been a regular something new to learn about at brother rat events that are withsomeone. VMI admissions hosted in his driving environment. In lieu a recruiting program and a sleep of Carl and Becky Hirsch’s travels in barracks night for high school to Texas for the holidays, the famjuniors interested in VMI the ily gathered in Greenbelt, Marysame week as the Institute Society land. Their grandsons are very tall Dinner, so Sue and I stayed over (Texas water) – one in college and Class of 1961: At Graham King’s funeral in Hinsdale, Illinois, Nov. one maybe looking at VMI? 6, 2015, were, from left, Paul Holland ’90, John King ’90, Bob to see my grandson, John Mason (a swimmer), attend the activities Becky’s attempt to stock up at the Polk, John Miller, Joe Lisiecki and Doug Popp. with his mother, Barbara (Southcommissary in anticipation for the big Washington snow was a challenge, and it times. Judy Youngblood is enjoying her new ern Sem ’89). We attended a few of the partook three hours to check out. Then there was kitchen and singing an old song verse, “It’s ents’ briefings and were very impressed with the long gas line! Twenty-four inches of snow been a long-long time.” Dick is still traveling the speakers – especially the presentation by accumulated in the Hirsch yard, and the back and forth to Wilmington, North Caro- Col. Keith Gibson ’77 on the history of neighborhood kids dug them out several lina, for his condo board meetings. I was VMI. Grandson John was assigned a room 2016-Issue 2

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Class Notes on the fourth stoop, and when he knocked on the door, a female cadet answered. Oops!

They assigned him another room, and again, it was a female. (In the “old days,” that could have been fun, I think? Smile.) John finally got squared away, and he said it was a very enlightening weekend. Thanksgiving was quickly approaching, and we were off to Valley Forge Military Academy and College to pick up our grandson, Cadet Mark Muckelbauer, “Sir.” Before dismissal for the holiday, we were treated to a wonderful Military Tattoo, which featured the VFMA&C Band, the Washington Memorial Pipe Band (established in 1939) and Highland Reel Dancers, who were daughters of the pipers. The whipped cream on the cake was the performance by the exciting United States Army Drill Team, 3rd U.S. Infantry (Old Guard).

We barely digested our turkey, and we were off to Raleigh, North Carolina, where we saw grandson John Mason swim 100 yards and 200 yards butterfly at the regional meet. Some of the best swimmers in the

East participated, and John did well. The facility was, in my view, outstanding. The Angus Barn in Raleigh is a sprawling upscale steakhouse in a barnlike setting with an opulent wine cellar, lounge and cigar bar, and in December, it is decorated unbelievably beautifully for Christmas. Brother Rat John and Linda Butler picked the place, and Linda was actually able to get a reservation for Dick and Bonnie Hurley and us. Needless to say, we had a great time. The VMI Alumni Association Christmas party was well attended, and BRs Wetsel, Vitale, Bickford, Gibbings and spouses represented 1961. On our way to Maryland to be with our kids for Christmas, Sue and I stopped by to see Andy and Peggy Myruski and had a wonderful visit. Grandma and grandpa Myruski are enjoying their new “little ones.” We look forward to visiting Myruski and the Naples, Florida, crowd a few weeks from when these notes are due and hope to have lots more news for you.

This year, we hosted our version of an Italian

Class of 1961: At the annual brother rat sweet tea dinner at the Swinging Bridge Restaurant in Paint Bank, Virginia, Oct. 31, 2015, were, from left, front row, Dave Harbach, Harold Kurstedt, Tom Phlegar and Barry Orndorff. Second row: Jennifer Kot, Connie Oliver, Sue Vitale and Betty Orndorff. Third row: Terry Fridley, Charlotte Harbach, Barbara Phlegar and Cilia Kurstedt. Fourth row: Harrison Fridley, Jim Oliver, Sal Vitale and Mitch Kot. 58

New Year celebration, and Larry and Jerri Wetsel, Bill and Joyce Gibbings, and Larry and Joanne Respess joined us. The evening was so exciting that when the ball came down, we drank the Asti and then all went home to sleep. Unfortunately, haste to the bed sometimes makes for a problem, and poor Joyce Gibbings, when retiring, got tangled up in her slacks and fell and chipped a bone and fractured her femur. A 911 call and a trip to the hospital was the Gibbings’ way of bringing in 2016. Excitement comes in many ways. (Smile.) Rina VanOrden, George’s daughter, passed the bar exam and got her dream job in Richmond with a small intellectual property (copyright, trademark) firm. I stay in touch with Marina VanOrden, and she said that the driver who killed George VanOrden in the car accident several years ago still has not come to court. The guy keeps changing lawyers, and the court gives the new lawyer more time to “prepare.”

What a shame! Nancy Phillips (Sam’s wife) is finally moving from Purcellville, Virginia, to be closer to the children. Cleaning out 40 years of possessions is an unbelievable experience and not for the faint of heart. Barbara Jean LeFon had a wonderful trip to Germany. Bootsie and Barbara used to make this trip every year, and since Charlie died, Barbara Jean has kept up the tradition. Jim and Frankie Ring’s family are doing great.

Frankie is still very active in Kairos prison ministry as a chaplain. Their son, Jim Ring ’88, finished his two years as a brigade commander at Fort Belvoir and is traveling around the world visiting his troops. He is now at Fort Pickett. With the passing of Mimi Williamson, the Rings are relocating their residence to Virginia Beach. Dave Martin has been silent for years, but his grandchildren are very active. Dave posted on Facebook of his granddaughter, a junior at Ridgewood, New Jersey, High School, who placed second in the state of New Jersey Cross-Country Championships. In doing so, she now holds the school’s record as the fastest girl runner of all time in the state championships. My 4th Class roommate second semester, Tom Whalen, is enjoying the tons of snow El Niño blessed the Lake Tahoe area with. When Tom is not skiing, he is a substitute teacher at several high schools and says VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes teaching keeps him young, busy and even adventurous enough to take a seven night cruise to Cuba. Paul and Debbie Johnston are doing OK, but Paul did not ski this year due to his concussion at Steamboat last year.

I know how much he loved his skiing. Lee and Betsy Badgett are enjoying Florida. Betsy said even on the greatest days, it beats the cold in Colorado, and with all of the brother rats at The Villages, adjusting has been made very easy. Archie Ramirez is volunteering his time at several Veterans Affairs hospitals around the country. When I talked to Archie, he said the VA is short doctors, and his surgical expertise is needed. During the holidays, Archie took a break on the ship and sent a picture from Milford Sound Rotorua, New Zealand. Tom Rutledge sent me a 2016 calendar featuring his family property, “Green Cove,” in Chase City, Virginia. For about 200 years, the family has maintained the five bedroom main house, guest cottage (converted old tobacco barn) and other sleeping space. No one lives at Tom’s farm except 65 Black Angus cows, two “happy” bulls and about 65 calves born every year. Tom does have a farm manager and staff taking care of the property. Tom and his friend, Cynthia Deaton, (we met when we cruised from Charleston to Bermuda) did enjoy spending Thanksgiving and Christmas week there. It is a picture book property. Lynn and Shirley Hartford continue to be heavily involved in the cat rescue operation and just passed the seventh year anniversary, in which they have rescued over 2,000 cats and kittens. Lynn was elected to the board of directors of the Auburn, California, Volunteer Orchestra, and he is excited about being part of this organization which attracts international talents. Donna Tyler Fisher, widow of Bob Tyler ’60, stays in touch with me, and it is appreciated. (Bob graduated with ’61.) Donna said the challenges of aging are an experience, but every day is a blessing. Geraldine Nicholas (Moore) is enjoying her life with her daughter, Karen, and the boys. Geraldine flew out to Seattle, Washington, and had a wonderful visit with Dennis’ Army friends. Then Geraldine took the grandkids to Walt Disney World and spent some time with Dennis’ sister in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Lou and Priscilla Shuba had a 2016-Issue 2

very busy year with Lou’s hip replacement, carpal tunnel surgery and a six page rafting trip on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. They topped off their trip west with a visit to Estes Park, Colorado, for the Celtic Fest. Bill and Sandy Puette attended the Ferrum football game and saw a couple of brother rats, but he didn’t say who. Bill is still serving on the North Carolina environmental management commission. Congratulations to Mike and Janice Bissell on the arrival of their 17th grandchild and their second great-grandchild. I guess the children are taking after the parents – lots of kids.

Mike and Jan are enjoying their new condo in Haymarket, Virginia. David and Edwina Thomas are enjoying being home with the family in Marshall, Texas. Both are very active participants at the gym where David is the self-appointed social secretary for the “coffee clutch,” and Edwina is the cake baker for birthdays and other life events. (What about working out?) The Thomases have always been assisting the poor, and Dave continues to serve on the board of the local food pantry. Retirement has allowed them the time and impetus for prayer, as well as activities. Amen to that! I only wish I could publish all the family pictures I receive, but as you know, I am limited to only five pictures per Review. I love family photos, and John and Linda Moore’s picture with the grandkids was wonderful. So were the pictures of the Jim and Renate Mowery family. I decided to use the Howard and Dianne Dyer family picture, and I hope you can see why. Howard is back in shape, and Dianne is feeling much better. Which youngster(s) will bring honor to the Mississippi Gambler clan? John and Doris Rudibaugh’s picture is also quite impressive. The family enjoyed a river cruise which followed the Lewis and Clark Trail, and during Thanksgiving, they enjoyed their third Disney cruise. John and Doris enjoyed the winter months in Florida. Jim and Ann Miner had a wonderful trip to Paris and Normandy, and when you think life cannot be better, Jim Miner was honored by being selected as a guardian to escort a World War II Marine veteran on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. About 75 World War II, Korean and Vietnam veterans spent the day visiting celebrated war memorials, such as the Iwo

Jima Marine Corps Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Ben Birindelli’s research and findings of the World War II Small Landing Ships (LSM and LSMRs) was submitted to the Admiral Nimitz World War II Pacific Library and added to their archives. I cannot say enough how blessed we are that Dennis and Jerry Curtis are back with us.

Dennis’ idea was to have a class flag signed by as many BRs as we could reach, and I am happy to tell you we currently have over 100 signatures.

It is difficult to find someone who is not on the gim list for something, and this has impacted the attendance at our 55th Reunion.

Harvey and Joanne Curlee are ambulatory with just a little arthritis in Harvey’s back and knees. Len and Kay Martin are doing fairly well, but Len’s medical situation is keeping them close to home. Fred Stephenson, who did not graduate with us, has had a very difficult year with Prostate cancer, diabetes, allergy problems and a whole host of other medical problems. Tim and Sandy Bryant are doing OK except Tim broke his leg in Nags Head on vacation, and the journey back was difficult. Ben Birindelli was involved in an automobile accident which resulted in three weeks in the hospital and rehab in Richmond, but unfortunately he is no longer driving. Oscar Mabry’s knee replacement is working fine, and he is driving. Ashby Taylor had his knee replaced recently and is doing outstanding. Doug and Mollie Popp received their greatest Christmas present when Mollie’s ENT oncologist said that, based on the pathology results, she is cancer-free and no chemotherapy or radiation therapy is indicated from this point on. Gerry Eubank returned from the Adirondacks and had part of his face removed for a melanoma. All the cancer is gone, so life is good. Please keep Barry “MBE” Smith in your prayers, as he was diagnosed with MDS, and as he put it, “I haven’t been given a ‘sell by’ date.” As for the others previously reported on, their conditions remain the same.

As I said in the beginning, this past year has been very difficult, especially for the class. Since the last Review, we lost Brother Rat Graham King, Sister Rat Sue Wells and Grandma Mimi Williamson, who you know as BR Robert Williamson’s mother.

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Class Notes As per his son’s remembrance, Graham King’s “relationship with VMI had its highs and lows. Graham’s father, VMI ’931, handed Graham a one way bus ticket to Lexington and a night’s lodging at the Lee Hotel.

The next morning when Graham looked out his window, he said to himself, ‘I didn’t know there was a penitentiary in town!’

Graham was the 64th brother rat to sign the book, and upon entering Jackson Arch, ‘he walked into barracks, whereupon his suitcase broke, and all his underwear spilled out, much to the cadre’s chagrin.’” Needless to say, I was shocked when I learned of his passing, especially since I recently got an email from him while he was in France. We were supposed to get together over a drink and compare knee replacement scars. Graham King cared deeply for his brother rats, and he loved the Institute and was a true gentleman. Representing the class at the funeral in Hinsdale, Illinois, were Bob and Bronnie Polk, John Miller, Joe and Mary Ann Lisiecki, and Doug and Mollie Popp.

A celebration of the life of Sue Mead Summerson Wells (Sue Wells) swelled the walls of the little St. Aidans Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach. Several hundred friends and associates came to pay their last respects.

Sue Wells, as many of you may know, was a fighter, and she spent months in and out of the hospital giving it her all. What I didn’t know was when Sue was at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Sue was designated the sweetheart of Sigma Chi and one of the most pleasant people on campus.

Of course! Representing the class at the service were Robert and Pat Williamson, Larry and Jerri Wetsel, Stu and Sylvia Woodcock, John and Linda Butler, Kim Wise, Wyatt Durrette, Ken and Sue Patrick, Bill Gibbings, Jeannie Drescher, Bob and Susan Winslow, Mike and Betty Pitt, Ben Lynch, Jim Bickford, Don Kern, Ashby and Sandra Taylor, Jim and Frankie Ring, Alison Drescher, and Sal and Sue Vitale.

Once upon a time, there was an event called the Oyster Bowl, and many VMI people came to Norfolk to gather at the home of Robert and Pat Williamson for a pregame party. Always present were Robert’s father, “Pop,” and mother, “Mimi,” and they got to know us and our children and, for many 60

of us, our children’s children. Mimi, at age 95, was still sailing with Robert, and her last time with us was the Jonathan Daniels ceremony in August. She was 98 years young.

Every time I have a bloody mary at brunch, I’ll think of her.

There have been several VMI people who have influenced my life, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank one great alumnus, Gerald Eggleston ’51. Gerry was the person who encouraged me to become more active in the VMI Alumni Association and the class, and I just learned of his passing as I was completing these notes. Good bye, good friend.

Tony Curtis

’62

Jerry Burnett

Tony Curtis: I’d like to start off by thanking BR Ed Howe, DDS and fellow Villager, for coming over and helping us for a few hours, stamping, labeling, sorting and stuffing over 300 VMI ’62 Christmas cards! Thanks also to Bill Mizell for a wonderful post-Thanksgiving stay over in Virginia Beach and all the tours of local fame!

Buck Bradley: “This is a display of football helmets at the Jack Mason Tavern and Sports bar in Clifton Forge, Virginia. I obtained the VMI helmet, after a contribution to the Keydet Club, and the owners and patrons wanted it placed front and center and in between the Virginia Tech and University of Virginia helmets. This pub is a fun place to visit, and all classmates should pay it a visit when they get a chance – right on I-64 West about 30 miles west of Lexington. Later this month and into April, Louise and I will be taking a cruise up the Mississippi River on the American Queen from New Orleans to Memphis. We love river cruises and have taken many of them all over Europe. Will keep you posted on the results of this one.”

Gary Kaylor: “For the first time ever, my team of five guys won the 3 on 3 Basketball

National Championship in the 75-plus age category in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in July 2015! After winning the National Championship, two of my teammates and I were invited to play in the International Games at Disney World in August 2015. There were teams from 40 different countries at these games. Brazil, who we beat, won the bronze medal. Russia lost to us in the finals and took the silver medal, and USA took the gold! I was one of the two leading scorers for the USA and am now a world champion! I have a picture with my two national teammates holding up the team trophy.”

Jerry Wagner: “Lewis Graybill organized a dinner at the Peninsula Grill in Charleston, South Carolina. Here are pictures of ’62 BRs Lewis, Columbus Cartwright, Doug Marechal, Jerry Wagner, Paul Rhodes and Dennis Merklinger. At the Charleston dinners were the following: the Rhodeses, Wagners, Cartwrights, Marechals, Lewis Graybill, and Irene and Dennis Merklinger.

Bill and Linda Faistenhammer ’74 joined us, also.”

Ed Strickler: “Margie and I just returned from a 21 day river cruise in Europe with Grand Circle Cruise Lines. I had never been to Europe before, and it was a great experience. We flew into Belgium and spent three days in Bruges before catching the ship in Amsterdam. While in Bruges, I took a tour of the Flanders Field area. That night, I went to the ceremony at the Menin Gate, which is held every night and honors those killed in World War I. The entire area was very moving. After a day in Vienna, we went to Prague, Czech Republic, via Bratislava, Slovakia. We spent three days in Prague, which is a beautiful city. Many of the things that impressed me were the unbelievably beautiful cathedrals in nearly all of the cities. It takes them 800-900 years to build them, but they do it right! Also, many that had been bombed in World War II were restored completely. I am going on an African safari (photographic!) next November with a friend. We will visit Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. I am not going to mention that I am a dentist, as the lions over there would probably want revenge for Cecil. Attached is a picture of Margie and me at the Melk (Austria) Abbey and an interesting license VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes plate in Wertheim, Germany. I know the plate doesn’t have anything to do with the Institute, but it caught my eye.”

Ed Beirne: “Debbie and I visited the National September 11 Memorial & Museum last year Christmas Day (2014). I would definitely recommend it to anyone who has yet to visit it on their next trip to New York City.”

George Collins: “I appreciate the photos.

I went to Wall Street frequently, taking Amtrak from Baltimore to Newark and catching PATH to the World Trade Center. This is the first time I have seen the new center and the complex.”

Joe Weakley: “Once again, my wife’s steel pan groups have the honor and privilege of performing at a VMI basketball game halftime Dec. 30, 2015! The game will be telecast on ESPN3. The pan group performed last year and have performed this year with the James Madison steel pans. Even though the Keydets were on Christmas break, there was a pretty good crowd. All seemed to have enjoyed and appreciated the Pans’ performance. The kids were excited about the whole venture! The Pans are scheduled to do halftime at Luray High School and tentatively another high school. Other than that, the main thing I have been enjoying is going with my wife, Theresa, to various venues with her steel pan group, Patsy’s Pans.

There are 10 members who range from fifth grade to 10th. They are a real pleasure to listen to, and some of our BRs were at the VMI basketball game at which they performed to witness the performance. Ms. Jamie Severns, associate director of athletics for external affairs, was most instrumental in getting them for the VMI performance. She also graciously got members of the wrestling team to assist in helping the kids to get on and off with their instruments.”

Bill Fisher: “After delaying any travel due to the repairing damage from an unusual spring hailstorm and later redoing our kitchen, we finally hit the road for a week near the Smokey Mountains National Park in Tennessee. In November, we invited ourselves for a two week stay over Thanksgiving with family in Poway and Encinitas, California. Made a lot of sights in San Diego area and attached is a picture of us on Encinitas 2016-Issue 2

Beach. Next stop will be at BR Tony and Judy Curtis’ home in The Villages!”

George Collins: “Thanksgiving in Fisher Island, Florida, with family – first boat to finish in Performance Handicap Racing Fleet Class in the Ft. Lauderdale to Palm Beach Race. However, we were corrected over by the smaller planning boats in our class.

Like in golf, winning gross but losing net.

We did take home the storm trysail trophy as the first STC boat to finish. Christmas we spent 10 days with children, grandchildren and daughters-in-law at Caneel Bay. We welcomed 2016 there, as well. This month, the race boat again won first to finish in PHRF A and lost to the smaller planning boats in the Ft. Lauderdale to Key West Race. A key development for me recently was to regain a full golf swing after almost three years of very little play and painful half swings. All this was due to a near deadly infectious disease attack in 2013 which required back surgery. And then last summer, cracking three ribs and getting a big tear in my rotator cuff, all earned while racing offshore in the Annapolis to Newport Race. This was Havana night this past summer at a charity event in Connecticut. I was still on my cane but made it disappear for the picture. Maureen went to Cuba last spring with the Metropolitan Museum of New York. I refuse to go to that place while the rats are still in charge. Cool sailing in Miami!”

Bill Harris: “I joined the old man’s club this year by getting Prostate cancer. I just had Brachytherapy radioactive seed implantation therapy for my Prostate cancer. Everything went smoothly, so I feel great now! I’d recommend this approach for all who are OK for it. No side effects like the surgery, and it was totally painless.”

Cal Lloyd: “Ann and I have spent the majority of the last three months in Roswell, Georgia, supporting our new grandson. We are even planning to get a condo there as a second home, as it is also closer to our son and family in Chattanooga.

We return to Tampa on occasion for our dance commitments.”

Don Arey: “I am currently an assistant professor of surgery at the University of South Florida medical school in Tampa and also the University of Central Florida medical

Class of 1962: Bill and Donna Fisher in Encinitas Beach, California.

Class of 1962: Ted and Betty Cooley at the Karen Blixen Museum in Nairobi, Kenya.

Class of 1962: Gary Kaylor and his teammates with their trophy after winning the 3 on 3 Basketball National Championship in the 75-plus age category.

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Class Notes school in Orlando. Both positions are as a enjoy Christmas for what it is and not make pastoral care at Galilee Church in Virginia volunteer. I am still a serious cyclist but no it a politically correct issue. Along the way, Beach. BR Alex and Cathy Raney also atlonger run as of three years ago. Have some security was tight in Strasbourg – both the tend, and we see them frequently. I’m now health issues but do not have cancer and city police and the Gendarmerie sealed off part-time (spending most of my work time nothing hurts. Donnie III is a professional the city center where the Christmas Market on the Army’s new handgun) so Kate and I basketball instructor for NBA and Magic was. Stopped and inspected all cars and bags have more time together, which is super. Our and has taught basketball on all continents entering the area and a heavy presence at the son, Max, and his wife, Kasia, visited over except Antarctica. Weeb is a practicing oph- market. Brussels again was an armed camp. Christmas from Brussels, Belgium. Our Bosthalmologist in Tampa with three kids, and At the Christmas Market in the main square, ton daughter and her spouse and our NorAndreae is a practicing pediatrician in Jack- they probably had a reinforced platoon pa- folk daughter were also in the house – what a sonville with two kids. Life has been good. trolling constantly. Because of parties at great Christmas!”

Marcus Muth: “Snow is gone for now, and Sorry that I am not as loyal and enthusiastic our hotel, we had two soldiers posted at the Charlie, the once most feral of cats, snoozes about VMI as many of you, but I will try entrance. That said, it did not constrain our harder in my remaining years. Weeb and I movements in the least, and we had a great in front of his happy place. He spent a couple rode in the Horrible Hundred (75-mile ver- time. Have enclosed pictures of Nancy and of years under this old smokehouse until he sion) in mid-November out of Clermont, me in Riquewihr, France, The Black Forest adopted us. It’s now 63 degrees, bright and Florida. I hope to do the ride into my 80s, if I (we had more snow here in Lake Ridge last out of the wind – ideal way to spend the afweek) and Bruges, Belgium. Betty and I are ternoon at the old homeplace.” am lucky enough to live that long.”

Doug Marechal: “Nice Thanksgiving at Ed Northrop: “I provide the below ar- very busy with Duplicate Bridge, my skilled ticle from the national Veterans of Foreign and unskilled in-home care business, a little our mountain home in Highland County, Wars magazine for your information and golf and much travel. We are accredited Virginia, with our son, Eric ’92, and famconsideration. Obviously massive editing Duplicate Bridge instructors, directors and ily visiting. We spent Christmas in Florence, required. During the period Nov. 1 through Bronze Life Masters. We travel the world South Carolina, with them. Have seen some Veteran’s Day and through Pearl Harbor teaching on cruise ships and just returned VMI basketball games; great new coach, Remembrance day, our company supported from South Africa and Kenya. We usually and the team plays hard! They’ve had a few successes but tough competition back in the the VFW’s ‘Unmet Needs’ program, which take three cruises a year.”

Ted Cooley: “The attached picture was Southern Conference. I visited Columbus supports our veterans and their families. We raised almost $12,000 from our six restau- taken at the Karen Blixen home and muse- Cartwright in the Augusta Hills Hospital. rants. We also worked with the local VFW um in Nairobi, Kenya. She is the author of He’s had a successful knee replacement and to place the MIA/prisoner of war table in ‘Out of Africa.’ I always wear my VMI hat, is doing well. We had 24 inches of snow hit each location. Tony, this is not about me; it’s and it is always recognized. Our three sons Virginia two weekends ago, but spring-like weather again this week! I have the VMI about our Burger King team and our local and four grandchildren are all well.”

Rosser Bobbitt: “Kate is priest associate Alumni Association Board meeting this communities’ willingness to step up and conweekend, Feb. 5-6, and I’m positribute to a cause we feel strongly tive Binnie’s report will be very about. Several BK franchisees positive. His shoes are gonna be across this country are supporting very difficult to fill someday! We’ll this effort, and we have raised milvisit our second son in Durango, lions of dollars doing so. In 2014, Colorado, this spring.” we raised $4,700.”

Ken Murray: “It’s hard for me to Bob Miller: “We made the believe, but in a couple of weeks it Grand Circle Travel Rhine River will be 15 years since I retired from Cruise from Nov. 25-Dec. 9, 2015.

Caterpillar, and Ann and I moved As it was just after the Paris terto Lake Oconee at Reynolds Planrorist attack and our first stop tation in Greensboro, Georgia. was Strasbourg, France, and our Am still managing to play golf last one was an extended stay in three or four times a week (with Brussels, it was interesting. The lots of strokes) and enjoying the Gluhwein and Brats just didn’t relatively mild four season climate. have the satisfaction factor at the Had a great trip to Paris and NorChristmas Markets they would mandy last October and can highhave if there had been snow on ly recommend Gate 1 Travel for the ground. It was fun, though, Class of 1962: Ed and Margie Strickler at Melk Abbey, Austria. anyone looking for great value and and good to be where the people 62

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes very good accommodations, etc. Also read a of Barbara, his bride-to-be, and serving as works. (I was an LA, after all); Finally, I couple of books lately that heavily reference train commander of the Berlin Express run- will not be attending 55 for various reasons.

VMI and were most informative/enjoyable: ning from the Wall to West Germany. Then, (None of which include health or jail).”

Ware Smith: “That’s me, and I survived “The Generals” by Winston Groom (about John and Kristine Candler stopped at Snake Marshall ’901, Patton and McArthur), and Acres for the night on their way home from this ski fall! Wanted to let you know we had “Rebel Yell” by S.C. Gwynne (about Stone- Eastern Shore. I told Kristine that I first met a recent visit with the Coulbourns. Tom wall Jackson). Best to all and looking for- John when I saw him crying in the Rat Line. looks amazing.”

Skip Davis: “Being older sure has some (Haha!) It sounded good at the time. Finally, ward to the 55th (ugh – too old, too soon)!”

Joe VanDeventer: Julie and I welcomed Allison and I went down to Destin, Florida, surprises! Sharon and I doubled up with two the birth of our first grandchild, Grace for some golf with dear friends. On the way surgeries – one knee and hiatal hernia repair.

Ann Van Deventer, born Jan. 2, 2016, to home, we stopped in Atlanta and stayed with Both of us are on the mend, but bounce back Timothy (Norwich ’03) and Stephanie Van Tony Bueschen and his wife, Norma Jean. is not as fast as it was in the Old Corps. To Deventer. Grace was born in Middletown, Tony went to UVa med school after our 2nd our brother rats facing health issues, we wish Connecticut, and was one month early, Class year. He and I were on the tennis team you and your families the best. My hat is together. They were wonderful hosts, and we off to Tom Coulbourn and Carpie for their weighing 6 pounds.”

Cal Seybold: “Cal and his wife, Roxanna, told lots of Institute stories. It was so much amazing courage and the wonderful progress Tom has made. We’re looking forward with eldest daughter, Calina, visited Ameri- fun to renew old VMI friendships!” to seeing all of you soon.” can Samoa in February 2016 Jim Richards: “Flo and I have where his son, Clinton ’92, and spent a good part of the fall seahis wife, Wendy, are living. Clint son in South Carolina helping is the current U.S. Army Pacific, our daughter with recovery from American Samoa Detachment, a total knee replacement that had battalion commander. The trip some complications. I served on involves brief stays in Honolulu, the county tax equalization board Hawaii, both going to Pago Pago, again last year and have been American Samoa, and returning!” called again to serve as an elder Ran Hamner: “This has been in our Presbyterian church. I’ll be an outstanding three months going with my brother to the Daywith visits to VMI and brother tona 500 again this year.” rats. I started off by taking AlMott Robertson: “This time last lison to Lexington for the WofClass of 1962: George and Maureen Collins at Havana Night, a year, Diane was in the early recovford College game. This was her charity event, in Connecticut. ery phase from a major left ankle first exposure to the Institute and John Shelhorse: “I’ve been serving as fracture from which, I am happy to report, all it represents. We enjoyed the warm and gracious hospitality of Binnie and Pam for senior clerk for the Virginia House of Del- she has had a good recovery. We were able to the parade and the game. What a wonder- egates Appropriations Committee during take a really nice Tauck tour to Switzerland ful way to meet VMI up close and personal! the legislative session for the last eight years, from Aug. 20-Sept. 2, 2015. We started in We stayed for the weekend with Carolyn and each year our Brother Rat Peay comes to Geneva, went into Italy briefly from the canWorrell and were joined by Bob and Nancy the General Assembly session to support his ton of Ticino, and then to St. Moritz, then Mitchell and Ware and Belle Smith for din- legislative team in promoting the financial on The Glacier Express through the Alps to ner. The Mitchells have a grandson rat, Jack- needs and requests of VMI. As we would Interlaken and ended up in Luzern. Here is son! Great name for a cadet! We met him at all expect, he and his staff do an outstanding a picture of Diane at the Matterhorn from Bob’s barbecue tailgate, and he was smiling job of representing the Institute. They host a a site above Zermatt. Here is a picture of and laughing. I don’t remember doing that reception at the Library of Virginia each year me at ‘The Top of The World,’ the observaas a rat. Outstanding young man! Weekend by invitation to the senators and delegates. tion area of the Jungfraujoch – 11,333 feet was perfect up until Mitchell’s car wouldn’t Bonnie and I look forward to attending Feb. above sea level located above Interlaken and start Sunday morning. Permit must have 18, which, by coincidence, is my 75th birth- Grindelwald. In Williamsburg, Virginia, we see Patsy and Bowles Pender several times a expired. In December, we joined Dennis day. Sound familiar?”

Jim Wood: “First, I’m not dead – actually year and have celebrated birthdays. We also Easley to go to the Campbell College basketball game. Dennis and I dyked the same 1st in pretty good shape. (I would say in good are able to see Nell and Howard Cobb when Class cadet. We had a great time for dinner condition but that’s too much of a stretch). we are in Richmond or they venture down and the game. Dennis told wonderful stories Second, I got a new cellphone (same num- to Williamsburg. We enjoyed a New Year’s of his time in Germany, winning the heart ber); now all I have to do is figure how it Day open house hosted by Cynthia and Bill 2016-Issue 2

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Class Notes Bryant, which was a great way to start off the New Year. Then it was the Alexandria family here at New Year’s weekend, and the Richmond family in January.”

John Anthony: “I am headed back out four days from now, this time to Oman, again as escort for a delegation of U.S. Central Command Officers en route to an area among other sites adjacent to the Hormuz Strait directly across from Iran. Since the last set of notes, I have chaired two meetings in Washington at the offices of the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations in conjunction with the North American Bridge Network established by Saudi Arabian Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, who appointed me chair of the North American group of recipients of his philanthropic contributions. Am pleased to report major progress in physical mobility, albeit still with the use of crutches, and pleased also with further progress on the pain management front, for which my specialist doctors at the National Rehabilitation Center Hospital claim the treatment levels (read meds) are the highest of any of their patients.”

We are now only one year away from our 55th Reunion, April 23-25, 2017 – be there!

In the Spirit of ’62!

Tony and Jerry

’63

Michael J. Curley

Sad news always comes first, doesn’t it?

The Class of ’63 lost three of its own this quarter: Fielding Lewis Marshall III, Joseph Vincent Dellapenta Jr. and Charles Foreman Weddington Jr. Lew Marshall died Friday, Nov. 13, 2015, after a 15-year battle with neuroendocrine/carcinoid cancer at his home in Milton, Georgia. Lew is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dolores Marshall; two sons; and five grandchildren. He attended VMI and American University. Lew has resided in the Atlanta area since 1970.

He was active in many community associations, including director of the YMCA and Boy Scouts.

Joe Dellapenta died Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015. A native of Hampton, Virginia, he 64

had been a peninsula resident all his life.

Joseph served in the U.S. Army Special Forces during the Vietnam War and retired as a lab technician from Newport News Shipbuilding. He was a member of St. Jerome Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Belen V. Dellapenta, and is survived by two sons, Joseph Vincent Dellapenta III of Newport News and Jeffrey Alan Dellapenta ’97 and his wife, Heather, of Virginia Beach; sister, Claudia Melgaard, of Hampton; two brothers, Gerald Dellapenta of York County and Donald Dellapenta of North Carolina; and a granddaughter, Leilani Belen Dellapenta. John Mills and I attended the visitation on the 9th, and his focus in life was clearly visible: Proud leadership in the Boy Scouts of America, dedication to his children and a wicked sense of humor that he displayed numerous times during swamp rats’ lunches at the Hampton Yacht Club. Did I mention Joe was buried with his favorite gnome?

Joe was a man of gentleness, humility and dedication. We will all miss him!

Chuck Weddington went peacefully home to his savior, Jesus Christ, Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015. Chuck was born July 8, 1941, in Pecos, Texas, to Charles and Dorothy Weddington Sr. He graduated from Waco High School with the class of 1959 and graduated from Virginia Military Institute, Class of 1963. After serving 20 years in management with Montgomery Ward, Chuck followed his true entrepreneurial passion and started Roundtable Corporation. As chief executive officer of Roundtable, he owned several restaurant chains, primarily Dairy Queen, throughout Texas until his retirement. Chuck considered his greatest accomplishment his family. He was a devoted father, grandfather, husband and friend.

Chuck was loved by so many, as his infectious spirit and amazing personality made everyone he knew cherish their relationship with him. His one-of-a-kind laugh defined him, as he truly was a one-of-a-kind man.

His strong belief in God, family and country allowed him to live life to the fullest. He loved playing golf and spending time with his lifelong friends. As an amazing husband, father and grandfather, the importance

of teaching life values through his actions made him our hero and most trusted friend.

He was the heart of his family and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Christi Weddington; daughter, Christine Weddington Wood and husband William; three sons, Charles “Chase” Weddington III and wife Stephanie, Cary Weddington and wife Holly, and Cliff Weddington ’96 and wife Cathie; and 10 grandchildren. And how do we remember and describe Chuck?

Bigger than life ... you bet! Chuck has left the building, and he left a big hole in all of us!

Paul Quinter emailed me right after the last notes were submitted to VMIAA Nov. 1, 2015. “Let Ippy, aka Pete Ippolito, know that I traded emails with Alex Scott just before the 50th, which my health wouldn’t cooperate with my traveling. Alex was living in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. Alex and I grew up 10 miles apart on the Jersey Shore; our schools were high school rivals. Give my best to our BRs.” I can always count on Bonnie Reeder and look so forward to her sweet notes. “You do such a nice job with the class notes, Mike. Kenny and I so enjoy catching up with everyone in this way. Feel

Class of 1963: Grandfather Artie Phaup traveled to Lexington Nov. 21, 2015, for football with his grandsons, Andrew and Turner. Class agent Michael Curley said of this photo, “Get ’em early, Artie!”

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Comments from my friend Jim Hoge that so bad that your job calls for sharing deaths want to stay in touch. Have had some conand illnesses; it’s all so sad. Very thankful tact (two dinners) with Bob Spence. Con- I truly appreciated; thanks, Jim! “Thank for the Founders Day parade and tribute to nie and I bought a house at 2011 Sterling you so much for your medical advice to vets. So appreciate the efforts of those who Glen Court, Sun City Center, FL 33573 me a few months ago, Mike, that I should filmed this impressive day. Watched the en- and plan to spend the cold months there. go ahead with cataract surgery and not wait tire thing. Seeing the parades always takes I have 98 percent retired from my law firm any longer. Based upon your experience, you us back to our youth at VMI; we are so en- and turned it over to Jeff Riddle ’85 to car- described the procedure as ‘nothing to it.’ deared to our VMI friends and all we experi- ry on. John and Judy Amos say they have Well, I had both eyes done two days ago. I was in and out of the hospital in enced. Well, maybe not the penala little over 90 minutes, and there ty tours so much! Sending lots of really was nothing to it. Now, for love to you and Peg, and all good the first time in over 60 years, my wishes for a wonderful Thanksgivvision is almost perfect and will ing and Christmas. Thanks again only require a slight distance corfor all you do. Kenny sends his rection. And thanks to Medicare warmest regards and thanks.”

Senior Advantage, the total cost to “Hey, Curleyrat; great talking me was only $350. So many, many with you and hope the chocolate thanks to you for easing my mind cake was as good as I was reabout the whole thing. I should membering. We’ll be arriving at have done it years ago. Thanks Staples Mill Road Amtrak station again, Doc.” Jim followed up at 5 p.m. and need to be back at with, “I am definitely grateful. It’s the station by 9 p.m. Teak and I almost like a miracle, being free of are sure looking forward to seeing you guys, even for such a Class of 1963: Carolyn and W.O. Jones at dinner with the ’63 the need for glasses after so many years. I opted to have my near vishort time. If we’re running late, groupies the evening before the Institute Society Dinner. sion corrected to 20/20, as I read I’ll give you a call. Tom ’n’ Teak and use the computer a lot. I’ll get Whitford.” That’s all it took to progressive lenses in a few weeks transform four hours of waiting for distance vision. I was also havin the cold Amtrak station into a ing problems big time with glare wonderful dinner for four at The and night vision. In fact, I almost Rappahannock, where we gorged had two accidents driving at night on Chesapeake Bay oysters while when we were in Richmond in Tom and Teak chose the healthiOctober. That was what promptest dish on the dessert menu ... ed me to ask about your cataract s’mores. They were good! Si Bunsurgery experience. Thanks again, ting and I sometimes exchange Doc.” (mjc: No, thank you, Jim!) gripes about today’s technology; I never pick the right Christmas our last one ended with this quote gifts! This year, I wanted to do from Si. “My word processor is a something different and somefountain pen I get my news from what stupid for my five nephews a Zenith transoceanic portable.”

Bunny Reynolds wrote in early Class of 1963: Denny Marchant and soon-to-be bride, Mair, were and a couple of other weird people like my buddy, Tom WhitDecember, “FYI, the fund is mov- also in Lexington for the pre-Institute Society Dinner. ford. I sent each a 1 pound fruiting up in value. We should learn in February who the current recipient is. leased a house in The Villages from January cake and challenged them to find the most to March and will be spending time there. I unique use. Actually, I preferred they build Hope all is well with you guys. Bunny.”

“Dear Mike, my old email was hacked, am doing a lot of walking and bike riding a reasonably-sized but nevertheless safe treand I haven’t gotten around to reregistering along with golf in Florida and hope to keep buchet and launch those suckers throughout with you. Your latest letter reminded me of going. Thank you for all you do for the class, the neighborhood. Stale enough, they functhat fact, and the death of near friends has and my apologies for not keeping in touch. tion quite well as doorstops, for instance. prompted me to assign greater value to stay- Regards, Bill Cowardin.” (mjc: So who says I also directed them to our local Science ing in touch with those we love. I’m back that being a lawyer means you never have to Museum of Virginia website to read an account of their experiments with fruitcake with a new email, billyc41@icloud.com, and say you’re sorry? Wrong movie, huh?)

2016-Issue 2

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Class Notes Judy and I are stocking up on science (www.smv.org). I received Paddy’s – why, you ask? Pat all sorts of replies, and of course, and Gwen are coming to town the weirdest was from the Whitfor a week. Perish the thought ford rat. (mjc: For historical purI would not have on hand the poses, it should be noted that it elixir of the gods for the Irish was Whitford who christened me lad. I’m looking forward to “Curleyrat” during a soccer game Gwen and A.J. (their border colat Georgetown our 4th Class year.) lie) – not so much the Big K. I Tom wrote: “Hey, Curleyrat: Sorjust signed a contract for “The ry it’s taken so long to thank you Good Thief,” the fourth book for the fruitcake. Tripped over my in the Morgan Westphal mysown feet, landed really hard – for tery series, due for release late an old guy, anyway – and pretty this summer. Volume 3, “Seal of much sprained every muscle in Confession,” was published in my back. But enough aspirin, August 2015 and will be showheating pads, cold compresses Class of 1963: Rarely spotted in surroundings other than tailgatand cusses every time I moved ing, Lynn and Charlie Straub joined the ’63 crowd for dinner ing up in the Book Announcement section of the Alumni or even considered getting out of Nov. 10, 2015.

Review. After receiving royalty bed and things are back to normal. Teak is probably happier than me. The not being fully versed on the operation checks for books published so far, I’ve defruitcake, however, brings up another mat- of the body at 74-75 years old, is curable! cided the way to make writing really pay ter entirely: A dark secret I’m not proud of Pres Holtry is third with a serious event. is to quit! Pass the Paddy’s, please. Pres.” but feel compelled to admit regardless of “I had a medical episode late last August (mjc: Sounds like the ’88 VW Vanagon that should be right in there with most I am restoring, Pres, as that car I so love the shame. I like fruitcake!” Damn!

Segue into a short discussion of those other guys and gals our age. A no-warning has developed into a ‘hole into which one on the gim. Whitford’s the first with neu- faint resulted in a fractured nose and a throws money...’ Peg’s not happy!) Fourth ropathy. Next, according to Pete Brunel, pacemaker a few weeks later. So much for on the gim? That would be me! I tripped is Bob Troxler. “Pete and all, thanks for having been a runner and working out five recently while visiting my vintage VW in your feedback, regretted but consistent times weekly. I’m now battery operated the shop – a not too infrequent outing for with evolutions on my side, which made and considering adopting JPK’s dissolute the old gal. Landed on my right kneecap it problematic that we could have worked lifestyle. Pass the Paddy’s, please!” (mjc: (That’s right, the replacement knee!) and things out, either. This last weekend, I Hope you’re well now, Pres! How did that noted some discomfort, slight swelling took a monster tumble on the slopes up in visit from the Kellys go?) Earlier, Pres and redness for a couple of weeks; but not Megeve (our mountain place) in the snow wrote, “Mike, Greetings from the ‘zone.’ to worry, I’m a 75-year-old stud, and I can certainly stand a little pain. Well, and, among other things, broke that was until just a couple of my collar bone and another days ago when everything grew bone up in the neck area; plus, to the max, swelling, pain and if you saw my face, you would redness. My ortho doctor says run for the hills. Stitches all over! cellulitis, and now I’m on masSuspect I would be functional by sive doses of antibiotics. Why your target date, but who knows, do I feel that I’m going to do the and also, my leg is in bad shape. same c-diff routine just like I did Not a good way to begin the ski when treated for pneumonia a season! Finally, Trox (our boat) couple of years back? Damn! It’s is still awaiting confirmation as not my fault, I’m three quarters to when we get into dry dock of a century old! (very few large dry docks in the You’ve heard this from me middle of Burgundy), so we many times. I absolutely adore have vulnerability there, as well.

Mike Smither. Given today’s That said, I think that by mid to technology, he would never have late June we should be operaClass of 1963: Bill and Becki Wells visited Lexington Nov. 10, 2015, graduated. In spirit, Mike is still a tional so if your plans change, for dinner with other ’63 groupies. cadet today! Listen to this: “Once let us know.” Trox’s complaint, 66

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes again the South, which doesn’t want it, gets happy to get together. The recently-received parade and football game ... a beautiful day, the snow. Those of us who want snow for Alumni Review showed a photo of Mag- and we almost won! Everyone thoroughly skiing are going hungry. Go figure. I am re- gie Straub ’16 with our BR Wayne Brooks’ enjoyed the outing. Attached are two phominded of the winter that we did not parade grandson, Michael Brooks ’19. What a pic- tos: Art, Andrew and Turner (in front). Stay between Christmas furlough and spring fur- ture! (mjc: Appears in the 2016-Issue 1 Re- warm, Art.” (mjc: We all know now what lough due to snow on the Parade Ground. view.) I know Charlie is proud, and I am cer- drives us, don’t we?) Last week, I received Not sure of the year or the duration we were tain that Wayne is also proud. Hell, we are Paul Thomson’s email with a heavy heart. off, but we cadets were not disappointed. all proud! You go, girl! You go, guy! Bunny “Hi, guys. I have decided to retire in light of We did formal inspections on the stoops Reynolds also wrote in the class notes that the need to devote more time to my caregiver but little else. Probably drove Pegleg and he had a listing of company and room as- role at home. I have not gotten a computer Snuffy crazy, and they probably made up signments for our 1st Class year. I remember hooked up at the house yet, so in the short for it in some way. Anyway, those of you returning from spring furlough after our rat run, you can contact me at prthomson.pt@ in harm’s way I hope are well and warm. year to find that we had to room by compa- gmail.com. I will advise as soon as my new It’s cold up here in the frozen ‘nawth,’ but nies (till our 1st Class year). As I always re- system is up and running of the newest email grass shows in some places, and there’s no turned to barracks as late as possible, room address. Hope all is well with you and yours, snow in the forecast. Aargh.” A follow-up: in Company F was full, so I had to room Paul.” (mjc: May God be with you and Liza, “P.S. Watch the webcams. They might not immediately next door in Company E. New Paul!) Exciting news from Frank Allison: be that visible now (1845 hours), but I’ll bet roomies were Lee Spessard and Bob Heath. “On Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, the Class of ’63 tomorrow will show lots of snow. Maybe Wanting to keep our room together for the is having a mini mini at Geckos restaurant we can all go there and tell them how much next year, I submitted a permit to change in Sarasota, Florida. Those invited are Bill snow we had back in the Old Corps.” Later, companies. Surprise of surprises, the per- and Connie Cowardin, Frank and Sally Alstill: “Mike, when are the notes due? And mit was approved. Sad as I was to leave F lison, Dave and Anne Vogler, Susan Marare you sending a reminder? If you send Co (my heart will always be with F Co), I ley (Phil), Bob Stocks (Brenda is playing in the class a reminder, would you consider was happy to keep the status quo, and we a golf tournament that day), Hobbs Goodwin, Mike Spencer, and Bob Spence. Dusty asking for stories from our cadetship? I say remained roommates through graduation.”

Bless my friend, Artie Phaup. Like the and Christi Custer were invited, but they this because I read class notes from other classes – especially from the Old Corps, the Energizer bunny, he’s behind the scenes run- are flying out that day to return to Ohio. I really Old Corps. (mjc: I’d like that; who’s in ning and improving upon the class website, have been in contact with John Cocky, Bob charge?) Some of their classes send accounts tracking our brother rats and never asks for Byrd, Hobbs Goodwin and Bob Spence, of their time in barracks, and most are really any recognition. I have not found a way to and they are all doing well. Keep in touch, interesting – funny, poignant, revealing and bring him to the fore until I received this Frank Allison.” Sending pictures! all very interesting to read. That’s probably email from him: “Mike, I spoke with Charlie John R. Cavedo why I wrote in the last notes about our first Talbott and Phil Vaughan over Christmas. resurrection; I always love to hear others talk Both are staying busy and aging well, conabout their experiences, and I wrote hoping sidering all. Charlie has his horses to care for responses or for tales from the past.” for, and Phil is still going strong with his clock business. Back Nov. 21, I took my two (mjc: Consider it done, Mike!)

And now, Mike Smither’s quarterly contri- grandsons and their dads up to VMI for the It’s fun being the class agent. So many bution to the written word: “OK, of us, to prevent old age from if neither you nor I can find my creeping up, keep active with November accounting of Beau all sorts of things. From Bernie and my visit with Chuck, I’ll add Hylton walking literally hunthese recent observations. Beau dreds of miles every year; to Walker and I drove to Richmond Jeff Crump staying enormously in November following the Instiactive in league play softball; to tute Society Dinner to see Christi the Atkinsons, Kitchens and and Chuck Weddington. They Muneras traveling extensively; were staying with Bromby and to the Nunnallys and McVeys Bob Earle, and we saw them going back and forth among for a quick visit. We reminisced Class of 1964: At the celebration of life of Joyce Brittingham in family; to the Warrens, Carsons and swapped stories – most of Ohio in December 2016 were, from left, Sandra and Jerry Reid, and Crones hosting all sorts of which were true. It was good to Bill and Betsy Taylor, Jim Brittingham, Janet and Ed Seager, and events at their homes – it’s just see them, and I believe all were Leslie and Chris Hopkins. exciting to be able to keep track.

’64

2016-Issue 2

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Class Notes Unfortunately, one of our own, Joyce Brittingham, died after a long and heroic battle with pancreatic cancer. Jim and their daughter were with her through the long struggle. Ed Seager submitted the following: “The celebration of life service for Joyce Brittingham, wife of Jim Brittingham, was held Sunday, Dec. 13, in Ohio. Attending from our class were Jerry and Sandra Reid, Bill and Betsy Taylor, Chris and Lesley Hopkins, and Ed and Janice Seager. Jim and Joyce’s daughter, Laura, and her husband, Mark Nelson, as well as a large crowd of friends and family, were present. There was also a large contingent of canines in honor of Joyce, Jim and Laura’s work with therapy dogs in the area. It was a lovely service that reflected Joyce’s ever-present good cheer and positive outlook. There was a reception at Jim’s home following the service, and I’m sending a couple of photos of our brother and sister rats taken there.”

Following up with Jim, we had a long telephone chat. At the present time, with his daughter’s help, Jim plans to stay living in his home. He continues to battle diabetes and heart issues.

Don Jones, a great correspondent, wrote, “On Oct. 17, at the Museum of the Confederacy, Appomattox, we had over 600 people in attendance plus 10 tradespeople making shingles, working as blacksmiths, making shoes and dulcimers, as well as pressing apples for cider. In the cabin itself, we had two ladies cooking over the open hearth fire making stew along with some potatoes. It was an overall great day which included free admission to the inside exhibits. There are two other locations in Richmond; that’s why the museum carries this title.

“As for Veteran’s Day, we will have our next to last Brown Bag Lunch talk, which I have been scheduled to present. My subject for this one is Capt. Henry H. Wirz, commandant of Andersonville. I will be discussing if he was a scapegoat or a criminal for the happenings at this prisoner of war camp. It has been an interesting research project and a good learning experience for me.

“If you need any other information on the cabin please let me know, and I can provide 68

it. One thing for sure, it will definitely enhance the museum’s educational opportunities to teach young people that not all southerners lived in large plantation houses and had many slaves. The first three groups who have been here since we opened it have been impressed and learned a lot.”

Dick Atkinson provided an update: “I am in Los Angeles at Obesity Week, the annual meeting of several scientific societies concerned with research and treatment of obesity. This is a bittersweet meeting for me, as I am ending my six year terms as regional vice president of the Obesity Society (North American group) and as a member of the board of trustees for the World Obesity Federation. It has been very busy but very rewarding. Giving me some solace, this should free up enough time for one more game of golf each week – maybe if I can get that much practice, I can hit my ball as far into the woods as Bill Garber does.”

Dick’s Christmas card revealed much more: “This has been a busy travel year for us. Had a number of professional meetings and talks in the U.S. and international trips to Prague, Germany and Brazil. Susan came along to Florianopolis and Tubarao, Brazil, where we were very graciously hosted by Drs. Daisson and Fabiana Trevisol and her father, Wilson Schuelter. We got to see some beautiful beaches on a side trip – better than

Rio! There were two trips to the Hume house in Woods Hole, Massachusetts; the second of which we took Susan’s mother, which was a very gratifying experience for all of us. Our bucket list trip this year was an African safari in Tanzania with a pre-trip to Ethiopia. We traveled with several VMI friends on an OAT tour, highlighted by seeing huge numbers of wild animals and the Serengeti Plain – the trip of a lifetime! See some of the pictures below. We have had many blessings this year; one of the best of which has been being close to 10 of our grandchildren and seeing them often. We just finished a Caribbean cruise with Barbi and her family, and that was a great opportunity to spend some time with Barb, Duke, Jacob, Scott and Alexis without soccer or other games interfering (Cate had to stay home for college exams – bummer).

Cate is a sophomore at Gordon College in Massachusetts, and Jacob and Scott are starting to think about college. Carrie and Dave are living, perhaps temporarily, in Redding, California. Dave continues to work nearly nonstop at keeping his battery business open. They are nearly to profitability, but it is a continual source of stress in finding operating funding. Carrie’s son, Stephen, presented us with our second great-grandchild, Xander Wilkins. Debbie is in the process of moving from her small farm near Charlottesville to Richmond, so we will love to have

Class of 1964: On Easter Island in January 2016 were, from left, Carol Allen, W.J. and Lauranne Kitchen, Mary Jo Jordan, Bill Bandy, and Barb and Tony Munera.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes them closer. Teller is living in Redding, California, and plans to go back to college next year with his earnings. Kirsten is visiting Redding and staying with Carrie and her family there for two to three months. Heidi, Abi, Christine and Ian continue homeschooling and taking care of all the animals.

Susan continues her theophostic ministry, volunteering for the Red Cross, multiple Bible studies and full-time grandmothering. Dick continues as editor for the International Journal of Obesity and for Nutrition and Diabetes, but thankfully his six-year terms on the Council of The Obesity Society and Board Member for the World Obesity Federation ended in November. He also runs his company, Obetech, and is consulting for two others, ImmunArray and Obesity PPM.” Andy Colyer emailed, “Thought I would drop you a note about what we have been up to. As 2015 comes to a close, Kathy and I will have been on four ocean cruises, to include passage through the Panama Canal, both sides of the Central Americas and western Mexico. The picture I included was recently taken as we completed a Crystal Cruise of western France, Spain and Portugal. Afterward, we spent three days in Lisbon before coming home.”

Bill Taylor and I had a nice phone conversation. He’s still working full-time. The health care business keeps him busy. The paperwork is more lengthy and the number of clients has decreased, but the time spent is the same.

Betsy is doing fine. Her previous bouts with A-Fib have stabalized.

All-in-all ,they are happy in their new home in Yorktown.

Tony Putamonanda: “Greetings from Bangkok. Thanks for the well wishes you sent. 2015 is going by too fast. Either that, or we all 2016-Issue 2

Class of 1964: At the Thornton family reunion in Virginia in December 2015 were, from left, back row, Stuart, Sarah Kenoyer Hayes, Macon and Allen. Front Row: Ronnie and John.

Class of 1964: In Holly Hill, Florida, in January 2016 were, from left, Marty and Hilda Stango, Sherrel Cavedo, and Butch and Joan Nunnally.

Class of 1964: Andy and Kathy Colyer during a cruise of Western Europe in November 2015.

have been just too busy with our lives. For Dusadee and me, 2015 has been a good year. We continue to be as healthy as we could wish to be. All our children and grandchildren are doing well. The two of us have been on the go almost constantly: Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia, Seattle and Alaska, and recently Turkey. But we did manage in our spare time to repaint our home in Bangkok and put in additional landscaping for the home in Chiang Mai.” On Dec. 7, Sherrel and I flew to Vienna, where we met Frank and Marcy Parker (who had arrived a day earlier). Also accompanying us was a couple we had met in our new condo here in Florida, Lee and Lynn Swenson. After two nice days looking around Vienna, W.J. and Lauranne Kitchen joined us in time to board our river cruise boat. For the next seven days, we traveled up the Danube and then the Rhine Main canal, stopping in Linz, Melk, Passau, Regensburg and Nuremburg, with a side trip to Salzburg. The Christmas Markets in each city were wondeful – the best being the last in Nuremburg (largest in Europe). Twice we were entertained by concerts in cathedrals; once by a boys’ choir (not Vienna; but comparable) and an organ presentation which was spellbinding. The weather was unseasonably warm, never dropping to freezing. Only one day with a little rain. We had all bundled up so no one got cold. River cruises are the way to go.

Mary Jo Jordan sent a nice Christmas letter chronicalling their travels literally all over the world. Her children and grandchildren all prosper. She and Bill Bandy are looking forward to another year of traveling.

Al and Pat Fiorini have bought a winter place in Naples. Their entire 69

Class Notes family was able to join them for Christmas.

Jack Trossback reported that they had made several exciting trips during 2015: A cruise to the southern Caribbean, a Pacific coast cruise and a Viking River Cruise out of Amsterdam. Their grandchildren are central to their lives, and all are doing well.

Ed Seager described several travel opportunities over and above their annual month in Barbados – one to Eastern Europe combining rental cars and river cruising and another to New York where they celebrated their 50th anniversary.

Gary Spoden sent a nice long note. He’s also in Naples. He described his 55th Reunion at St. Stephens in Alexandria. He saw Hank Cronin there. The two of them plus Ken Brunsvold and Tom Sebrell all attended and went to VMI together.

Butch Nunnally sent a long Christmas letter. He and Joan have had a lot of time with children and grandchildren, all of whom have had happy, successful years. They still enjoy splitting their time between Richmond and the Orlando area (actually Oviedo).

Bob Warren reported that, while in New Hampshire, he and Cathy worked on their nine hole golf course. Like other of our brother rats, Bob has split his time between the north and the south. Living part-time in New Hampshire and the rest in Florida seems to be their new lifestyle.

Bailey Rathbone sent a nice card for Christmas. Last spring was a rough patch for him, but with walking assistance now enjoys much better health. And, as with many of us, spends a lot of time with grandchildren, enjoing every moment.

Jan and Paula Rudinoff sent: “We have changed our email address to rudinoff@ hawaii.rr.com, so please update our contact info.

“The major event in our year was the declining health and subsequent death of Paula’s mother, June Boranian, Sept. 29, 2015, at age 89. We were her primary caregivers with assistance from Joshua, Holly and Mele Ulukau. Hospice became involved in August, and Eve, Paula’s sister, came and shepherded her mother through the final weeks to her death while we were in Venice, Italy. June had a good life and death. She was never a burden, and her choice to support us in our 70

lives as we traveled did much to allay any guilt. She was a worthy model for aging and dying. We celebrated her life at St. Michael’s Dec. 9, 2015, with family and friends from Hawaii and the mainland.

“We love traveling and spent much of 2015 on the road! Destinations included Thailand in February visiting Jan’s VMI classmates, Tony and Joe, and their families; France in May; June cruising Alaska (again!); Transatlantic cruises in the spring and fall; and September and October in Venice, Italy, where we made new friends, visited museums and churches and joined Club Delfino where Paula danced Zumba, and Jan worked out in the gym.

“Our children and grandchildren are all well. Christopher and Thor remain in Stockholm. Sarah and Elizabeth are in Seattle.

Jeff and Sara Jo are in Honolulu, and Joshua, Holly, Chloe and Sabryn live next door to us in Lihue.”

At the end of January, Sherrel and I hosted a lunch for a couple of BRs who live relatively close to our condo in Holly Hill (adjacent to Daytona Beach). Butch and Joan Nunnally, Marty and Hilda Stango, and Bob Warren joined us. It was fun getting together with the perfect size group. Among other things, we discussed the upcoming mini reunion at the Carsons’ in March. Several of those of us living in Florida hope to establish a bimonthly luncheon. More on that in the months to come.

Andy Tucker called to get me caught up.

He’s had a recurrence of back issues, plus he spent nearly a month trying to fight off a nasty virus. But he’s very interested in pursuing the series of lunches for those of us living in Florida. He also told me he tries to stay in contact with Doug Walker.

I also had a nice talk with Doug on his cellphone (804-514-3481). He’s currently in rehab. Many of you know the culmination of his long term circulation problems in his leg resulted in amputation. He’s being fitted with a prostethic device which will eventually allow him to get around with a reasonable amount of independence. As he tells me, at least it was his left leg, so driving a car won’t be an issue.

He wanted me to pass on his appreciation for all the calls and letters he’s received. King

vonSchilling and Butch Nunnally both call him on a regular basis, as does Andy Tucker.

Jerry Reid is also a regular correspondent.

Sandra is bravely continuing her years’ long battle with cancer. They’ve put thousands and thousands of miles on their car going back and forth to doctors and hospitals.

Again, they appreciate all the good wishes their brother rats send.

If, like me, you read not only our class notes in the Alumni Review, but many of the notes from other classes (particularly ’61 to ’67), you may have observed the emphasis on various groups getting together. I know that’s true with our class. But often, I don’t hear of these gatherings until well after the fact. So, if any of you happen to run across another, drop me a line. People are interested in who is doing what.

While it’s a relatively long way off, it’s never too early to think about our 55th. Where will it be held (Lexington or another place entirely)? What activities interest you? The sky’s the limit. Let your imaginations run wild.

’65

Mickey Finn

These notes were pulled together in February and have been more difficult to prepare than usual. Perhaps it is just better that you know there is bad news, good news and some humor in this column rather than try to explain the why.

Bob Wilkinson reported: “We lost our Brother Rat James Louis Hogler Jan. 11, 2016. His obituary is in this edition of the Alumni Review. Present for the evening visitation and/or the funeral service the next day were: Irwin McCumber, Richard Moring, Charlie Russell, Chuck Hough, Bob Southworth, Wayne Chiles, Harry Bartosik, Fred Bishopp, Dees Stallings and Bob Wilkinson. Alex Schultes called but could not attend due to a previously scheduled appointment.

“His Arlington burial will be May 11 at 1 p.m., with a reception to follow at Fort Myer.”

Doug Thomas called to report our Brother Rat Forrest Ambrose Norman died Feb. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes 3, 2016. His obituary will be in the August edition of the Alumni Review. Forrest met Linda Woods on a blind date arranged by his roommate, Doug Thomas, in 1963.

They were married 50 years at the time of his passing. Doug and his wife, Lucia, attended the service Feb. 6. Brian McNeil traveled from Richmond to attend the service.

Michael Degman opined on the wonders of Alaska: “Fairbanks has several seasons, and not all of them have to do with bears, forest fires or temperature extremes. We also have ‘collision season’ from Oct. 1 through March 31 each year.

“On the June solstice, the sun is at its highest point in the sky for every location in the Northern Hemisphere. In your neck of the woods, it is about 74.5 degrees above the horizontal surface of the Earth, and at that time for us, it is 15 degrees above the horizontal surface of the Earth. It is much lower for longer in the winter. For us, the sun in the winter is at the horizon, thus directly in a driver’s line of sight when headed southbound. Winter snow and ice are only the beginning of excuses for creative driving habits. There is a way you can beat it while driving around town besides traveling before sunrise or after sunset. You don’t look directly at the sun, but off-angle to the left or right or down at the road bed. That enables you to use your peripheral vision; the rods in your eyes will pick up shadows coming out of the glaring sunlight much faster than the

cones in your eyes pick up colored objects in glaring sunlight. Glaring sunlight wipes out your vision, but peripheral vision beats the glare, just so long as you go about 10 mph slower than the posted speed limit. It takes some getting used to. Last Thursday, I got rear-ended by an accelerating driver just up from Minnesota. He thought he knew everything there was to know about driving in the winter. He was looking directly into the sun, couldn’t see anything in front of him and bang! It was a rude awakening for him.

My car is in the repair shop through next Wednesday.”

Rusty Evans wrote, “First, Ann Gordon and I thoroughly enjoyed the 50th Reunion.

Thanks to all of the organizers – especially the fundraisers. Ann Gordon graduated from Mary Baldwin College, and she marvels at VMI’s organization and its ability to raise money. I am so proud of the appearance of the post and the emphasis on grounds maintenance. We took the optional post tour Saturday afternoon which was guided by General Peay [’62]’s special assistant. No doubt the superintendent allows no clutter.

“I liked the picture of Jimmy Workman and Charlie Smith, who were my buddies from Newport News. We rode the Tidewater bus home from Lexington many a time. When we graduated, Barry Walker, whom I enjoyed seeing, skipped the bus and rode his bicycle home to Norfolk.

Class of 1965: Members of the Class of 1965 at the wedding of Russ Proctor’s daughter, Eleanor, at the Commonwealth Club in Richmond were, from left, Gharda Walker, Beau Walker ’63, Jan Orgain, Greg Robertson, Dorothy Murphy, Pat Proctor, Eleanor Proctor, Russ Proctor, Frazer Orgain ’99, Corbin Orgain, Richard Moring, Mimi Moring, Nancy Baillio and John Baillio.

2016-Issue 2

They were some tough guys.

“Last year, I went on a Southeast Asia cruise, which included stops in Vietnam.

On a visit to a monastery and a farmhouse in North Vietnam, I met an NVA infantry captain. His picture in his uniform was in the house just above his Buddhist altar. He was so happy to meet an American soldier that he hugged me. We are enemies no more, but 49 years ago I would have killed [him]. Time heals most wounds.”

Larry Rose wrote: “My wife, Connie, and I are heading down south later this month to visit Bob and Linda Whaley – gonna catch some fish! We visited Big Pine Key last year for a few days – photos attached. Couldn’t find a good one of the two of us together! Go Keydets.”

Speaking of traveling, Bob Morgan reported, “I arrived on an LAN Airlines Dreamliner flight from Miami this morning, Feb. 9, and am now in a delightful 10th floor airbnb apartment on the Alameda in Santiago de Chile. Leaving Saturday for Buenos Aires on the Norwegian Cruise Line Sun. I guess I’ve been ’round the bend so long that I’m finally realizing the dream of going ’round the Horn. Four days in the Abasta district in Buenos Aires at the end of the cruise. I’m determined to learn to tango. The former Hastyfoot Tango 6 is on the way to becoming Twinkletoes Tango 55. One does tend to live in hope!?”

Norman Land did not make it to the 50th Reunion and offered this excuse: “I’m sorry that I missed the reunion, but I wasn’t in good health and eventually had a heart valve replaced in October 2015. The doctors used a cow vein, and I now sometimes have the urge to moo. After 41 years of teaching and research, I retired from the University of Missouri-Columbia Aug. 31, 2015. I continue to make books: My latest is a collection of fictional stories by Renaissance authors about Renaissance artists.”

Class agent note: Excuse accepted, but I cannot offer up the “Fable of what happened to Master Pitas Payars, the Brenton painter.” Funny it was!

Charlie Russell reported from Germany: “I’m gratified that we had a chance to visit together as a class, especially in light of the recent news regarding Jim Hogler, Rusty 71

Class Notes Fitzgerald and Forrest Norman. We really are a special group of inspired souls who have accomplished a lot together!

“I’m still working here in the Stuttgart region of Germany – not far from where the first German panzer division formed up. I’m also near the Mercedes factory, so I hope to get a visit in.”

Dave Thompson contacted me with a text message Saturday, Jan. 30, that his wife, Jewel, died about 7:35 p.m. that evening. On Feb. 9, he wrote, “Of course, life is a little bumpy with Jewel gone.

She was so much a part of my life that I often feel disoriented and challenged to keep up with all she did. Patricia and Wendy are coping fairly well, but we all still have our moments. We have yet to move back into our house but expect to be back in and settled down (everything done, furniture purchased, items moved back in from storage, etc.) by the end of March – maybe before. I hate to keep reading news about the passing of brother rats.

Of course, at our age, that’s inevitable. Life, after all, is terminal.” Dave has just published a poetry chapbook, “Poems of the Heart,” which is available from Amazon.com and Lulu.com. It is quite good; I urge you to get a copy.

John Lee attended the funeral of his sisterin-law, Nola Lee, the wife of his twin brother, Bob Lee. Nola died at 2 p.m. Jan. 29. He wrote, “Some sad news from Louisiana. My nephew, Noell, called yesterday afternoon about 2 p.m. and told us that Nola had just died. They had moved her to a hospice facility from home yesterday morning.” John followed up with a second email Feb. 3. “We traveled to Baton Rouge Tuesday to be with Margit and Noell. They are doing well and are at peace with Nola’s passing. There were some sad times and many that brought laughter. Margit commented Friday night, ‘I wonder what kind of trouble Bob and Nola are getting into up there.’ Helen replied that heaven was not a place where one gets into trouble. Saturday’s memorial service (Feb. 6) was very honoring to Nola and was well attended by friends, church members, high school classmates, neighbors, business associates and, of course, family from North Carolina, Virginia, Texas and Florida. Both Noell and Margit spoke about Nola, as did several friends.” John, thank you for sharing this information, as many classmates knew and will miss Nola.

Joe Straub related a great VMI story: “I have an American Legion mate in the Class of ’61 who gave me a University of Virginia program from

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Oct. 13, 1962. He said that he had another program from 1941 with Boss Pritchard ’41, a VMI running back who went on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles for a period. I told him that I had a brother rat who I thought was the son of Boss Pritchard and that I would confirm this fact and get back with him.”

I had called Bucky Pritchard for the 50th Reunion and learned he lived within two hours of Blacksburg. I vaguely remembered that he and I had talked about Boss when we discussed the reunion about a year ago. I phoned him and he explained that the rumor was started when we were rats that Boss was his father. Then we both began remembering we had previously discussed this, and he was not kin to this line of Pritchards. The discussion then took a twist. He went on to say that his father graduated from Virginia Tech and was a talented sprinter. He was so good that he had lowered the time for one of the short track sprints and gone to the trials to determine the USA track team that would represent America in the 1936 Olympics. He pulled a hamstring and did not become a teammate of Jessie Owens in Germany.

Danny Hogan sent many of us this email, but I thought it should be repeated here: “Today, I received the February 2016 issue of the Air Force Magazine published by the Air Force Association. One of the articles was titled, ‘Flexibility in the Storm,’ with a lot of information about the air campaign against Iraq in Desert Storm. A key element of the campaign was ‘tank plinking,’ which involved placing a laser spot on an Iraqi tank and sending a bomb with a laser-homing guidance system to destroy that tank.

“I learned that the F-111Fs tried the first ‘tank plinking’ Feb. 5, 1991, with targets in the Medina Division of the Republican Guard. The F-111Fs were components of the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing, commanded by Col. Tom Lennon. Tom flew that day and reported he hit seven tanks out of eight shots. Pretty impressive. The article reports that by the end of February, Col. Lennon’s F-111Fs were destroying up to 150 tanks per night. This was a huge contribution to creating a safer environment for our ground troops when they invaded Iraq. I thought this was very impressive and information that would be appreciated. Honors to our ’65 classmate, Tom Lennon!”

It is a cold President’s Day in North Carolina as these notes are closed. It is more difficult to pull

these notes together when so many deaths of our VMI ’65 family have to be reported. As you read this, it is spring and you are encouraged to send in information about yourself and family, as well as our special family, the Class of ’65! ’65! ’65!

’66

Albert Conner

I had a surprise six-day hospitalization in February, so my note writing for this edition has been disrupted. On a routine Coumadin check, my numbers had shot up beyond emergency room levels, and they wheeled me down to see what had happened. After upper and lower scoping and numerous blood tests, they determined I was anemic. After my first blood transfusions and some frozen plasma (Cool, man!), everything returned to normal. Once released, I couldn’t get to my PC to search for notes.

The only items I can recall are a special thanks to BR Ray Saunders for the extraordinary job he did on our 50th Reunion keepsake DVD. Also, I owe an apology to BR Jim Pauls for failing to get an article and pictures in.

My case hasn’t been helped by the attachment of a wound vacuum to my long suffering, radiation induced chest wound. By the time you see this, our reunion will be nigh. It is too early now to know whether I’ll be able to join you. But I will whisper a prayer for those attending and those unable to be there. God bless our class and VMI.

’67

Jan Abernathy

My recent (last fall) reminder that you might want to ask for Provisional Appointments for your grandchildren sparked a rush to get the certificates by Christmas. I doubt we as a group are finished adding names, but in November and early December, the following BRs sent in requests: Jimmy Rogers, one; John Gupton, three; Jamie Tate, two; Don Brown, one; Chuck Keblusek, two; Pete Wells, two; Jim Wojcik, one; Taylor Roberts, two; Bob Ayers, one; Mike Miley, two; Mort Barnwell, one; Dave Wilkinson, three; and Burt Palmer, seven. Terry Fowler has three

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes “pending” while he is out of town. Congratulations to all! Most of these appointments were in early enough for the certificates to arrive for Christmas stocking stuffers. Watch for the names in the May issue of the Alumni Review in the Provisional Appointments section.

Within the last few months, several BRs have been on European river cruises down either the Rhine or the Danube. Terry Moore and Capers Dixon’s photos were great, and some should be included in the AR if they pass the editor for quality.

Capers: “Kris and I went on a Viking River Cruise in June 2015. We flew into Amsterdam and on to Nuremberg, Germany. Boarded the ship and visited Regensburg and Passau, Germany. Then to Austria: Melk and Vienna. Sailed by Bratislava and ended the voyage in Budapest, Hungary.

Loved the trip. Everyone should put this on their bucket list. Highly recommend the cruise line.”

Terry Moore: “Beth and I just returned from our European river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. Great fun! We also had a wine tasting in the Prince-Bishop’s wine cellar in Wurzburg. We only had 63 passengers on board the Tauck cruise boat,

Class of 1967: Proud Grandpa Tom Coughenour and his granddaughter, Heide, at her opening night as Annie in the traveling show of the same name.

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so we were not crowded; and the weather could hardly have been better. Interesting, especially to engineers, were the locks. We went through some 66 locks, and the water level changes ranged from 4-and-a-half feet to over 74 feet and take from 45 minutes to one-and-a-half hours to go through.

Anyone taking a river cruise will also experience low bridges, which causes the boat to lower its wheelhouse and all physical items over 3 feet above the top deck. This allowed us to clear the low bridges by as little as 6 inches. When the water gets too high, the cruise changes to a bus/ coach; and also when the river gets too low and the boat’s draft is too much for the river’s depth.

We had an open bar in the lounge, so we could ignore the close encounters. We made multiple stops along the way, such as Bratislava, Vienna, Melk, Passau, Regensburg, Nurnberg, Bamberg, Rothenburg, Rudesheim, Cologne and on to Amsterdam. Lots of castles on the Rhine to see from the boat. Just wish we could have stopped and gone through some of them. Now comes the tough part – losing the extra 10 pounds I gained and sorting through the 2,000-plus photos I managed to take. Terry.”

John Shea: “Peggy and I have been trying to enjoy one foreign travel a year for about the last six years. Last October, we took a Viking River Cruise on the Seine and Rhone rivers in France.

Saw a lot of old towns, castles (chateaus), churches and drank spectacular wines. Not a bad thing to say about the trip! We are planning to go to Australia and New Zealand in October 2016.

Peggy has wanted to go, and I will be interested to see if I can recognize anything since my R&R in 1968. I have a request for a lead on obtaining a VMI flag (approx. 1 foot by 2 feet) to fly from our boat. I see them often in the pics in the class notes.

I have been on the Web to the VMI store but have not located a source. Well, hope you have a good, mild winter. I will try to keep you posted on the events on the commonwealth of Cape Cod.” I add that John did find a flag.

Other historical travels, from Pete Wells: “Karen and I came to Charleston for a visit this weekend (November). Being a Hilton Honors member, I booked in the Embassy Suites Historical District. Our hotel building was built in 1822 as an arsenal. In 1849 the South Carolina Military Academy was founded here. It became better known as The Citadel. It operated here until 1865 when the Union took it over.

It resumed operations in 1881 and continued

Class of 1967: Terry and Beth Moore on their Danube cruise. here until it moved to its present site in 1922.

We had a tower room. Pete.”

Jim Rogers’ recognition during Founders Day celebrations was well deserved and a pleasure to participate in. Close to 50 BRs and their wives, along with Jim’s family members, held a pre-event dinner for him the night before the convocation and parade in his honor. All of 1967 can take pride in Jim’s personal accomplishments and share in his honor at being one of us – rather, us being associated with him. Thank you, Jim, for all you do for ’67 and VMI as a representative of our class. And a special “thank you” goes to Mike Ingelido for his organizational skills in putting the event together.

Hunter Taylor: “Jimmy Rogers and I have been lifelong friends – high school, VMI and shared quarters during our four years in grad school at the University of Virginia (it was fortunate for Jimmy that Mike Ingelido didn’t call on me to make comments) – to the extent that my daughters regard him as Uncle Jimmy. I forwarded your message and link so they could see Uncle J. on his big day.

Of course, our daughters have seen many VMI parades, so the oldest (Katie) who lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, with husband and two children, sent this question. I immediately realized that you are the

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Class Notes perfect one to provide an answer. Cathy and I very times and, as an English major, I mostly have my request with their BRs, and more than 60 much enjoyed catching up with you and Joan. a few basic writing skills and the ability to use alumni responded.

A phone call to Jim Cain required me to leave You’re doing a great job as class agent, and we spellcheck. Chuck: “I want to say how much I look forward to the 50th. Rock on in the spirit.” enjoyed reading your article in the most recent a voice message. Jim later emailed a response: “It was a very pleasant surprise when we returned Katie said, “Cool video, Dad, thanks. What is Alumni Review about Doc Carroll. I don’t bethe significance of the kilt and bagpipes?” Jan’s lieve you were a biology major, yet you relayed home from a month in France. We did a wine trip answer: In 1987 (I may be off a year) the Pipes some typical stories about old Doc. I remember through the Loire, Burgundy, Rhone and Borof the Athol Highlanders were making a tour of interviewing with him when I visited for the first deaux. Drank a lot of great wine and ate way too the U.S. as part of a visit to the 350th celebratime with my father in 1962. I am certain there much wonderful French food. Great trip. Hope all goes well Tuesday. Jimmy’s a great tion (may be off 50 or so years) of guy and well deserving of the honor.

Athol, Massachusetts, and they had Sorry I can’t be there. I did attend a a retreat parade with the VMI cadets. good VMI update in Falls Church There was a lot of pipe band buzz in late September. Things have rebut no activity at that time. Ten years later, a cadet, Donnie Hasseltine ’97 ally changed at VMI over the past 50 – a high school piper – came to VMI. years. Peay’s [’62] update and your He wanted to start a pipe band, but photos are stark contrasts to the way it the superintendent was Gen. Knapp was when we were there. Seems like a ’54, and he said, “No cadets in skirts softer, gentler place now. Maybe that’s while I am supe.” He was replaced good. Not sure.”

by Gen. Bunting ’63 the next year, A note from John and Sandy Lee and Si Bunting said, “Yes.” It took mentioned that son Barney went back some time to get basic funding and to school in January 2016 to James such, but eventually, Donnie, with Madison University. help from a kilt plaid design special- Class of 1967: Pete Wells and Jim Waehler catching up.

Chuck and Clare Malley: “About me ... just retired from U.S. Steel Corp ist, got the New Market tartan woas an environmental engineer. Until ven. It has all cadet uniform colors now, I thought perhaps that I was the (black/cadet gray/white), all VMI only BR still working to pay Social Secolors (red/white/yellow) and the colors of Marine green, Army green, curity benefits for other BRs. We are Navy blue and Air Force blue. But looking at moving from Toledo to the above all, the warp and weft are Charlotte, North Carolina, area so as spread over the blood red base repto be close to our two daughters who relocated to the Charlotte area. There resenting the blood of cadets who are three other reasons to move from died at New Market in 1864 and the northwest Ohio to North Carolina/ blood of all VMI men who have paid South Carolina. They are called Janufor our freedom by dying in combat over the years. VMI might have been ary, February and March. After 50 late to add a pipe band to the Corps, years in leadership positions, I’m lookbut they are the best ambassadors ing forward to a part-time ‘bagger’ job ever. They look and sound great and at Harris Teeter grocery store. I’ll also never lose. They are often given an pursue a part-time job as a certified Class of 1967: Jim and Marie Waehler, standing, with Darlene honor position in a parade (either the flight instructor. Yes, the Federal Aviaand Steve Young. first unit or the last, and yes, it is an tion Administration must be crazy to honor to bring up the rear of a parade) and were are many untold stories about him during his cagive me a flight instructor license. Really looking in the Tournament of Roses Parade in January reer there ... would be interesting to know how forward to the next reunion in 2017 and seeing in California. Major Donnie Hasseltine is a cahe got connected to VMI despite his disability BRs – 50 years – really!” reer Marine.

Doug and Carol Ann Mills: “We’re heading for and how his influence grew throughout the state.

Chuck Keblusek commented on the Doc Car- I was one of 12 to 15 in our class who went to Boston for the holidays. Our youngest daughter, Sharron, and her husband, Matt, moved to Lexroll article I wrote for the Alumni Review. It is medical or dental school on his recommendaon page 166 of the 2015-Issue 4 Review. I am tion. Interesting, but a strange man at times.” ington, Massachusetts – a historian’s dream!”

I add that I solicited every class agent from not certain how I was tagged to write the article Bo Traywick: “News update as I am back to beyond taking first semester rat chemistry three Doc’s tenure for material asking them to share single status (my normal condition) all friendly.

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes New book coming out soon: ‘Virginia Iliad: The Death and Destruction of “The Mother of States and Statesman.”’ (Another monument to political incorrectness!) Best regards, BR Bo.” Bruce and Hollace Weiner: “Life is good. We continue to be grateful to be upright, ambulatory and active. Big news of the year was birth of fourth grandchild in 2015. Big trip 2015 was biking and hiking in Lake Geneva, Switzerland.

I work two to three days per week treating children and grandchildren of former patients. I am on the board of trustees of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Annual golf trips with VMI buddies and local best friends. Hollace is still working on writing the family history. She is volunteer coordinator of the Fort Worth Jewish Archives and stays in shape by swimming laps with her Masters Swim Team.”

I received a glossy happy New Year 2016 card from Ken and Monica Chun. On one side there is a photo of Ken and Monica snorkeling at Black Rock, Kaanapali Beach, Maui, and on the other side they are standing by a Styrofoam snowman who is holding a surfboard advertising Mama’s Fish House. Since that card, I have enjoyed many Facebook photos of the rest of their trip, and I am jealous!

Fred and Judy Smith are continuing their “See America” tour in their RV. “Thanks for the update on Wharton. Glad to hear he is back at work and just happy to be mobile.

We have been traveling through Florida from Marco Island to Sarasota, to Tampa, Ocala, Destin, Nirvana, Pensacola and then on to Mobile, Alabama. Now we are in New Orleans for 12

Class of 1967: Tuck Worsham with his 4th Class cadet grandson, Rives Worsham ’19.

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days getting ready to join our tour group with Adventure Caravans.

“On the way over today, we stopped at the Infinity NASA Stennis Space Center in Mississippi and took a tour of the rocket testing facilities that they used to test the rocket engines for the Saturn V and the Space Shuttle engines and are currently getting ready to test the rocket engines for the flight to Mars in the future. We didn’t actually get to see a test, but it was pretty impressive. We got an added treat when our tour guide asked us if we would like to meet an astronaut, Frederick “Fred” Haise, who was the lunar module pilot for the Apollo 13 mission, April 11-17, 1970. He also was the test pilot for Shuttle test flights in 1977. It was a great honor to shake his hand. Thanks for keeping me posted, Fred.”

I asked Phil Gioia what he was doing currently, as I seldom see him on the military history channel with insights and commentary any more.

“First and foremost, along with Lianee, I am riding herd on a high school junior, a sixth-grader, a 2-year-old wirehaired dachshund, a 19-year-old tabby cat, and two goldfish. Second, I am running two companies: www.pathfinderpartners. us: Technology assessment for intelligence and defense community clients, and www.dutybound. us: Specialty food for the military (not MREs).

“Third, writing military history and running an old soldiers luncheon group that meets about once every three months – always with a unique speaker. The next meeting will feature Oberfeldwebel Eberhard Woerz of the Luftwaffe who will speak on ‘Flying the Messerschmidt Bf-109 in World War II.’ All veterans in the San Francisco area are always invited.”

Speaking of pilots, Tom Rhode’s flying club in Texas scheduled a speaker who was a Blue Angels alumnus. Tom was planning to take him on a flight together in Tom’s acrobatic plane.

I sent a photo of Tuck Worsham and his 4th Class cadet grandson, Rives Worsham ’19, to all with email last fall. For everyone else, I am hoping it will make the AR cut here. Some comments from those who saw it the first time: Mel Wright: “I remember that most rats of 1970 wanted to give Tuck a big hug.”

Phil Gioia: “Odd; the Worsham kid doesn’t at all look like a sadist.”

Ray Irvine: “Looks like Tuck’s grandson is a big boy!”

Tex Young: “At least someone in Tuck’s family is taller than 3 feet 2 inches ... just kiddin’, Tucker;

enjoyed seeing you at Jimmy’s dinner. Tex.” Tom Richardson: “From the steely eyed, most feared, never let a rat see you smile head of the Rat Disciplinary Committe to a beaming ‘rat granddaddy’ in only 47 short years. I don’t think I’ll ever recover.”

Rives is on a soccer scholarship. Tom Richardson also sent me a “late” card (Christmas or maybe birthday) saying he and Betty were just leaving to go for two weeks in the warm Caribbean.

My call to Carter Melton found him enjoying the sun in his Florida winter quarters. When I spoke to Terry Fowler, he was in a real estate time share presentation in Florida and was grateful for the interruption, as I think he convinced his “presenter” that the call was an important business associate. I got the feeling Terry was anxious to get to an afternoon golf game. Jim and Marie Waehler visited Lexington last fall and stopped to have lunch with Steve and Darlene Young in Bridgewater, Virginia, and later with Karen and Pete Wells in Burke, Virginia.

Phil Gioia sent me a long objective review of the movie, “13 Hours,” and gave it high marks for accuracy and content.

Tom Coughenour: “It’s grandpa brag time!

My granddaughter is traveling with a troupe performing as Annie in the musical show. Her opening night is Dec. 29 in Providence, Rhode Island, and from there it’s to all points in the U.S. and a few stops in Canada. She’ll be gone for at least six months and perhaps longer. Heidi is 11 and travels with a family member.”

Wharton Ramsey sent all of you a very sincere “thank you” to the class for the prayers, gifts, visits and support he received during his ordeal. At this time, he continues physical rehab but is back at work close to his previous schedule.

Times are a-changing, as this year, email Christmas cards came from many, including Forsyth, Kanitz, Brent and a couple I cannot recover as I close these notes. But thanks to all who sent holiday greetings in any format.

I finish this final section with two short messages. First, today, Feb. 14, 2016, welcomes nearly 500 new cadets into the Corps, as their Rat Line ended today. Second, do not forget to join brother rats at our 50th Reunion the last weekend of April 2017. The committee is working on the possibility of early days or late days for those BRs who want to spend extra time telling their stories. Let me know if you would like any assistance with finding a contact for an old (really old) roommate.

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Class Notes

’68

Tom Hickey

Wayne Burton (St. Marys, Georgia): “Carole and I enjoyed a three day reunion with my roommates, George Buzzard (Waynesboro, Virginia) and Norma and Lew and Joyce Yeouze (Peachtree City, Georgia) in Charleston, South Carolina, at The Citadel game. Also had dinner with Buzz and Nancy Sprinkle (Greer, South Carolina). Ran into Bob Mills (Orange Park, Florida) at the pregame lunch. The Citadel officials said this was a record attendance at a football game. They were amazed at the number of VMI supporters.”

From MineralWellsIndex.com, Nov. 8, 2015: “There will be a ‘welcome home’ reception for Korean and Vietnam War veterans at 10 a.m. in the Ram Stadium press box. Veterans of these two wars are invited to attend as special guests to eat, meet and socialize before the Veterans Day program.

“Guest speaker is American Legion Department of Texas Vice Cmdr. John Hince (Bryan, Texas), a 1968 graduate of the Virginia Military Institute with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. He also received the Distinguished Military Graduate Award.

“Hince then entered the U.S. Army in June 1969, where he became a fixed-wing aviator and intelligence officer. He served a one-year tour of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Hince was honorably discharged in August 1973, attaining the rank of captain.

“In 1974, Hince began his career as a secondary teacher and coach. He continued his education and in 1977 received his Master of Education degree from Mississippi College. He remained a teacher through 1990 and in 1991 became a middle school administrator, where he remained until his retirement in 2005. Hince has been active in the American Legion for many years.

“His most recent achievements include being a post commander for two years, district commander for two years, division commander for one year, and is currently serving as American Legion vice commander for Texas.”

Mark Groth (Richmond, Virginia): “Things here are going well. I’ve been retired since 2007,

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and I’m so busy I don’t know when I had the time to work before! Diane is still working but is planning on retiring next year. Kids are doing well and are employed and out of the house!”

Jack Falzone (Crystal Lake, Illinois): “I retired from Baxter International July 1, 2010, and we are enjoying retirement. We have been wintering in Mesa, Arizona, for four months and spending time with two of our four grandkids. When we are not traveling, we spend the remainder of the year at our Crystal Lake home.

I’m looking forward to the next reunion.”

Brad Butt (Glastonbury, Connecticut): “I have been a self-employed management consultant for most of the last 20 years. At this stage in life, it is great to reflect on the good people you have met along the way. VMI is part of that for me.”

Bill Todd (Wilmington, North Carolina): “Kathy and I are really enjoying retirement here in North Carolina and visiting our children and grandchildren spread across the country. Please let all of our BRs know if they are ever in Wilmington, North Carolina, area to look us up. Golf is right out the backyard, and the beach is about 10 minutes away.”

Steve Wilson (Mathews, Virginia): “I met with Tom and Carol Boyd (Washington, D.C.) Oct. 24 at the Mathews Yacht Club with Godwin Jones ’65 to interview him for membership. We had a nice visit; Carol is recovering well from hip replacement. I continue to serve on several volunteer boards – immediate past commodore of the yacht club, secretary of the Mathews Memorial Library

Board of Trustees, editor of the Mathews County Historical Society’s ‘Historic Homes and Properties of Mathews County, Virginia’ series, and member of the New Point Comfort Lighthouse Preservation Task Force. I am also undergoing treatment for Prostate cancer at the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute. Will finish treatment Dec. 4. My family has no history of Prostate cancer, so I was surprised when a biopsy revealed the cancer. A friend told me that exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam is linked to Prostate cancer, and we have many brother rats who served there.

My advice? As we mature, get a PSA test regularly, especially if you served in Vietnam. I’m very fortunate to have the HUPTI close by – one of eight such facilities in the nation.”

John Warwick (Virginia Beach, Virginia): “I am still working full-time for the state of Virginia and having a good time. Health is holding up pretty good, but it’s all maintenance from here on.”

Lewis White (Virginia Beach, Virginia): “I retired from consulting engineering at the end of January 2016 – a career change, not retirement.

I have been teaching high school physics at the Friends (Quaker) School in Virginia Beach since February 2015. I am also on the board of trustees there. I plan to become more involved with the environment – specifically climate change.

I had lunch with Don Lynch (Virginia Beach, Virginia) [recently].”

David Wagner (Littleton, Colorado): “I turn 70 this year. Where did the time go? This year, as you know, Feb. 7 is an important date (other

Class of 1968: At a surprise birthday party for Dick Wise at Hallsley Community Center in Midlothian, Virginia, Nov. 7, 2015, were, from left, Howard Donald; George Walton; Kevin Henry; Tom Hickey; Maurice “Moon” Menefee ’58; Dick Wise; Bogey Holland; John Kemper; Bill Welsh; and Steve Fogelman’71, Dick’s rat dyke. Present but not pictured was R. Stuart Cottrell ’70.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes than our birthdays). It is, of course, Super Bowl Sunday. I think I now know what it is like to have a birthday on Christmas Day. With the Broncos in the Super Bowl, everyone is focused on that event. Not much has changed this year.

My wife and I are going to Maui at the end of this month for a couple of weeks. I have my spring golf trip to Orlando in April. We had a wonderful trip to Italy last October. We spent a week in Tuscany and five days in Rome. So far, there are no international travel plans this year.

The only big event on the horizon is my retirement from the School of Mines Foundation, which is scheduled in May. I have been involved with Mines for 17 years, first as a trustee for the school and always as a member of the foundation governing board. I have been chief executive officer for 14 years. It was all as a volunteer.

I think I am ready to do something else. I do not know yet what it might be. I was asked to run for city council in our little town, but I am no longer interested in politics. So, I am going to take some time to select my next hobby.”

And now some updates that I have excerpted from Christmas letters.

Hal Switzer (Blanco, Texas): “In February 2015, we went to Alpine, Texas, for the annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering (always a hoot). We took a few of our friends (about 10) with us this year and had a great time using the open fire pit to grill our steaks and drink a little adult beverage. In May we went on a Caribbean cruise returning to the Blanco River flood, where our little river had risen 40 feet in 30 minutes. We had no significant damage of any kind and were able to help with efforts of clean up. We have also been able to slip over to Dallas to see Jay and Sharon Slaughter (Frisco, Texas), rode over to El Paso to visit Bob and Sharon Waldron (El Paso, Texas), and had a visit with Andy and Susan Bradley (Azle, Texas).”

Jim Polley (Stafford, Virginia): “We (went) to San Francisco for a reunion of the classes of the early 1960s from the U.S. high school in Berlin, Germany. This was a bit different from most such reunions because of the time and place we went to school. For instance, the movie, ‘Bridge of Spies,’ had just opened, and it was about the exchange of a Soviet spy for an American U-2 pilot that occurred in Berlin in 1962. My father had told me that as a military duty officer that night, he’d been sent down to the bridge to watch the exchange. When I told that to several former

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classmates, they responded that their fathers had been part of the CIA team making the exchange.”

Di Johnson (Humble, Texas): “Suzie and I continue to enjoy retirement as half and halfers summering on Keuka Lake, New York, and wintering in Kingwood, Texas. We stopped along our annual trek to soak up the blues in Memphis and soak up other stuff in Kentucky along the Bourbon Trail. Summer highlights were lots of great visiting friends. Changes? Hmmm ... let’s see, I got a new right shoulder, tried a beard, discovered I like skeet shooting and Suzie found us a supercute, new pup – a Chorkie (part Chihuahua and part Yorkie) – named Lil’ Bit. We are heading to Hawaii for our 30th anniversary in March.”

Back in January 2016, I had VMI mail you a letter about our upcoming 50th Reunion. Volunteers are needed for all committees: Planning, attendance and fundraising. I promise you, you will enjoy our reunion even more if you are part of its planning and execution. Contact me to volunteer or for more information. If we don’t get enough volunteers, I think the 1960’s Selective Service draft notice read, “Greeting, ...,” so I may have to use something like that. I know, though, that each of you will feel it an honor to be “drafted” into this noble effort.

’69

Walter Judd

Greetings, BRs and Friends of VMI’s Class of 1969.

It is midwinter and cold in eastern Virginia when these notes are submitted. We pass words of another BR passing and then cover BR mini reunions, holiday communications and fun times in different venues.

Brother Rat David Hargrove, who attended VMI for two years, died Jan. 21, 2016, in Newport News, Virginia. He was a graduate of Old Dominion University, and according to his obituary, he obtained two master’s degrees and was a retired college biology professor. He is survived by one daughter. I heard from his ex-wife several years ago that David was living in a nursing home in Newport News, so I visited him there.

He had slowed down then and apparently ended his days there. We, as a class, made a memorial donation to the VMI Foundation in his name.

My wife and I visited with BR Jim Woods and

Class of 1969: John Sebrell, left, and Bill “Bunny” Paulette vacationing in Key West, Florida, in February 2016. his wife, Marilyn, in Colorado Springs in late October 2015. We met for dinner and enjoyed eating bison and plank-cooked salmon at a restaurant and then finished the evening back at their house with apple crisp made freshly by Marilyn. After a small hiatus of contact (only 45 or so years!), it was fun to get caught up a little. Jim retired from the Army as an infantryman after assignments all over the world and stayed in the area of his last assignment (Colorado Springs after Fort Carson).

Jim is a Vietnam vet who worked with MACV in I Corps. The two raised a son and a daughter and now enjoy two grandkids in Houston (with son) and one new grandson (with daughter) in Colorado Springs. Jim worked with Fish and Wildlife Corps for several years and had a stint with the railroad in Colorado. While working in Denver’s Rocky Mountain Arsenal for several years, Jim became the expert on controlling prairie dogs – very free-spirited critters who love the rocky, sandy soil of the western states. And in his spare time, Jim built a ’65 Shelby car. It is a beauty!

Nov. 11 is VMI Founders Day and a day for recognizing the people who have made large contributions to VMI in time and money. In 2015, the Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award went to Jimmy Rogers ’67. He was honored at convocation and then a parade. Several of us attended the parade and got a jump on catching up.

Bunny Paulette, Charlie Bryan, Mike and Martha Santoro, Fred and Claudia Downey, Tom and Elizabeth Jones, and I stalked the sidelines,

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Class Notes greeting many and enjoying the show. Later, the starting to think about retirement, so don’t ex- grandson. He is a single granddad now and is still practicing. One daughter is his office manager and same crowd met again for supper in Marshall pect any announcements in the near term.

Hall, the Center for Leadership and Ethics. Bob My first Christmas card came immediately after medical records expert. The other daughters are a and Lush Heely, Courtenay and Ellen Welton Thanksgiving from John and Nancy Scott, who lawyer and an accountant. For those who remem(just back from a trip to Iran!), Cammie Bryan, had a fun year in 2015: “Dancing, skiing, trav- ber Jack’s cheerful New York accent, be pleased to Beverly Judd, and Carolyn Paulette were all at eling, visiting and kayaking are life’s wonderful hear he still has it. the dinner and evening festivities. We sat in back, and fulfilling activities,” said the short letter.

Let’s look into messages I received from Christas usual, and consumed good food and wine and The travel was to the Patagonia region of South mas cards and see what BRs told me. Harold laughed a lot. We also had several cadets join us America (Argentina and Chile), the dancing and Jane Fleischer in San Antonio, Texas, sent at the tables, as we met the regimental command- was the tango (on the same trip) and the skiing a bright red card with a drawing by their son, er, the 2nd Battalion commander, the Company was in Vail, Colorado. Later, in mid-February, Kirt. Frank Novakowski checked in from snowy E commander and executive officer, the 1st Class Brant Collins reported he also was on the way Michigan. Who has ever heard of drinking wine historian and a water polo athlete from Michigan. to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. I also in the African bush? That’s what Rudy and Judy Segaar did last year on their trip to southern AfQuite a group! Beverly and I met Cammy Bryan got a photo in early February of mile marker at lunch with Sallie Sebrell and were pleased to “0” (in Key West) held up by John Sebrell and rica. They toured South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nasee Cammy looking so good. She is battling on Bunny Paulette. Go while you can, BRs. mibia and Botswana, and they got their picture and doing well so far. taken at the Cape of Good Hope, Before attending the parade, I walked a far piece from the mountains of to post and met Don and Noreen Woodville, Virginia. Rudy also conMercer at the VMI Bookstore. Don tinued his reenacting in the U.S. and is working out some arrangements Belgium. Bomber and Becky Hudson to make his photographs available to (address is now North Chesterfield anyone visiting the store and sharing vice Richmond) joined forces with the net proceeds with VMI. More Spunky and Linda Butler (Doswell, later when the deal is more firm. The Virginia) in November for a tour of Virginia Beach couple did not stay for Rome and the Amalfi Coast of Italy. the parade, as they were heading to Spunky suggested the two BRs kept another engagement in West Virginia a comic act going the entire time later that day. and received superior accolades; i.e., On the day following the formal acthe entertainment award, which was given by the rest of the travelers at the tivities, I met with the Alumni Assoend of the tour. Tommy and Becky ciation annual giving team with other class agents for a morning gathering Class of 1969: Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, also visited family in Colorado near and sharing of ideas. We heard from held its 50th reunion for the class of 1965 in May 2015. Pictured the Rocky Mountain National Park. various agencies and leaders of fun- at the reunion were, from left, Preston and Janis Painter, Bob Pat Branch continues to serve in and Bobbie Biddle (Bobbie was the classmate, not Bob), and Richmond as a financial counselor to draising or funds-pending organiza- Jim and Beth Long. many of us. Tom and Karen Buckner tions at VMI. The facts are clear: As of Memphis, Tennessee, enjoyed a wedding of In early December, I got a call from BR Jack the commonwealth of Virginia spends less on college tuition and fees, the state schools have to Robb in Rochester. We had a terrific conversation their younger daughter and the arrival of more pick up revenue from other sources. VMI is lucky about VMI baseball (thanks to David Reid for grandchildren. Geoff and Frances Taylor wrote to have us, the alumni, to help fund the many keeping up with Jack over the years) and got a little from Richmond; Mike and Mary Giles from Bosscholarships and costs of activities to the extent caught up. After three years at VMI, Jack finished ton area; and Dana and Kaye Swatts from Orlanwe do. I have details if you need more info on at the State University of New York at Brockport, do, Florida, and backwoods Montana. Don and then taught for three years. Then it was off to Italy Noreen Mercer call Virginia Beach home, but he what you can do to help.

On Nov. 29, I joined BRs Drew Brantley, T.O. and the University of Bologna for medical school. doesn’t sit there long most years. Don continued Palmer and Chalk Hardy at the Christopher He said there was a fairly large American popula- his “quest” to shoot pictures in all 59 National Newport University gym in Newport News, tion at the university, and most of his studies had Parks, and he added 24 more in 2015. I am truly Virginia, to support Webb Hatch’s men’s bas- enough English (lecture in Italian; texts in English) inspired by his magic with a camera and hope ketball team from Frostburg State University. to get by. He did a residency in internal medicine he gets to complete his quest. Amo and Margy While Webb’s team did not win this one, they with much younger folks back in the States but Judd of new/old Cleveland, Ohio, completed a managed it fine. Now he is an internal medicine house renovation this year, and from the before were fun to watch and usually competitive.

This division 3 action shows a lot of talent and specialist with his own office in Rochester. Jack and after shots, they did a very nice job. Loved has three daughters, four granddaughters and one Amo’s comment on the card: “Doing a great job. speed – just not as much size. Webb was just

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Makes all the Judds look good.” We do whatever we can to help, BR. Jim and Beth Long in Salem, Virginia; Peyton and Gail Brown in Lynchburg, Virginia; and Mike and Leigh Harper in Bowling Green, Kentucky, all sent beautiful cards and letters. Larry Riegner wrote from a new address in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, and announced he had married Ellie. Larry, I need a little more info! John and Carol Edenfield of Stockton, California; Courtenay and Ellen Welton from Richmond; and Tom and Elizabeth Jones of Macon, Georgia, all sent cards. John and Marie Mitchell of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Art and Becky Bushey of Keswick, Virginia; and Coach Webb Hatch of LaVale, Maryland, sent season’s greetings. Sam Hoffman of Goochland, Virginia; Joe and Jenny Howard of Los Alamos, New Mexico; Wayne Keesee of Travelers Rest, South Carolina; and Bill and Jane Kirkpatrick of Simpsonville, South Carolina, all sent cards. Lloyd McGrady sent me the most poignant card this year: Many empty park benches covered in snow (kind of like a class gathering in a few more years) and then brightened it up with a picture of three BRs – Mike Maguigan, Rig Burroughs and Lloyd – with wives at dinner at Lake Oconee, Georgia.

L.R. and Barbara Williams sent word that he will retire from his dermatology practice June 1, 2016, and move west somewhere. He is trying out Tucson this winter and plans to enjoy Sun Valley, Idaho, for summers. Myrtle Beach will lose a fine coach, athlete and physician with Rawl’s retirement. Joe and Michie Flanz sent an entertaining note speaking of overcoming health issues and Joe making the trip to Turkey for the hundredth anniversary of the Gallipoli landings (see your World War I history, pilgrims!). Joe continues to give a donation each year in memory of Lee Galloway, Mike McCrory and Corville Nohava.

Roxanne Wilson, widow of BR Mike McCrory many years ago, enjoyed a busy year as mom, grandmom, daughter of 90-year-old mom and wife of Rep. Joe Wilson of Columbia, South Carolina. She and Joe welcomed their eighth grandchild this year and got to travel to Assisi and Naples, Italy, area to visit family. My good bud, Pat Webb, recently retired from his post at VMI and ’69 from Texas A&M, remembered me this year. (At one time, there were alumni of the class of ’69 from The Citadel, Texas A&M and the U.S. Military Academy all working at VMI.) Pat’s successor John Wranek ’85, also an Army colonel, sent me a card. It was a real treat to hear

2016-Issue 2

from Pat Browning, widow of BR Wynne, and hear of her busy year to come.

It is not often I get a note from the family of a BR who has passed on, yet I was pleased to receive a note from Libby Holmes, John Baker’s daughter. The words that caught my eye were, “Dad was so proud of VMI.” I know he was, Libby, and we all respected your dad.

In early January, I got a quick email from my contact in the valley, Jim “Maverick” Long. Mav told me about the crowd at the VMI versus Samford University basketball game Thursday, Jan. 21, in the evening. Mav and Beth met Tommy and Nancy Catlett for a pregame meal and then joined Lexington residents Ralph and Mary Alice Wright and John Sebrell at the game. The Keydets appeared to enjoy playing at home and won handily. A few nights later, Tommy Jones wrote me and said he had attended the game at Mercer University in his home of Macon. We were not so lucky that night. Tom sent me a photo of a Mercer player in which Tom was seen in the background. He was appropriately attired in his red VMI shirt.

In early February when the skies were gray and snow was expected, I got a cheery call from Kirk Materne in Naples, Florida. Kirk related his positive experiences in business and life in general after VMI – mostly as a businessman in the New York area. His VMI friends still make him smile, he said, and I think that says a lot. We may not have enjoyed the time at VMI and may not have been the best military cadets, but we all gained

from the experience and certainly remember our BRs. Kirk said he hoped to get to Lexington for the 50th, even though traveling there from Naples is usually a pain. From some places in our great nation, the phrase, “You can’t get there from here,” comes to mind, with several accents and a big smile.

The same day as my call from Kirk, I got a short email from Jay Hoenig in Scottsdale, Arizona. He and Bob Clingenpeel were playing golf regularly, and he invited me to slip on over. I wish I could have hopped on over, but again, the distances were too great for a spur of the moment trip. Plus I had just returned from Denver and meeting my second grandson. Bob Heely and I are trying to get in some practice for our March Military Invitational golf event in Williamsburg, and Mother Nature is making it hard! Jay said he is expecting the arrival of his second grandchild soon, and Bob just welcomed another grandchild to his family.

My golfing buddy, Tom Morris, is taking time away from the course this winter and working in a new job – caretaker for his wife, Gail. Gail had one back surgery before Christmas and a second in early January at MCV. Last word I got, she was recovering slowly but glad to be experiencing less pain.

Dave Couch sent me notice of a Tucson mini reunion. “We’re going to have a mini reunion in February with Wip and Barbara Priest and Paul and Becky Mascot coming out for gem show and staying with us.” Later: “We spent time at

Class of 1969: From left, Wip Priest, Paul Mascot and Dave Couch in Tucson, Arizona, in mid-February 2016 for a mini reunion in the warm Arizona sun.

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Class Notes the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show (largest in world), the desert wildlife museum and the ski area on Mount Lemon outside of Tucson. We’re visiting the Tubac art festival today and having a last night barbecue at Hacienda Couch tonight.

We’re also enjoying the weather, with daytime temps in the 80s and humidity 7 percent.” Wow, great reasons to gather.

I chatted with Frank Easterly through email and learned his daughter was born Nov. 12. Attendees at the 2015 Founders Day dinner later in November offered a toast to baby Jordan.

Tommy Thompson related he stepped down from his long career with SunTrust Bank at the end of January. He will keep his hand in the business and work with BR Bruce Gregory for insurance products. T.B. moved to the “country” (near Courtland) a few years ago and now is the genteel farmer/hunter in Southside Virginia. T.B.’s VMI golf tournament will move to a new date in May this year, as last fall’s edition was snowed out.

I am not sure when the product will appear in the Alumni Review, but several former pilots in the class under the leadership of Paul Curs are putting words on paper about their wartime experiences as Forward Air Controllers in Southeast Asia in the early 70s. Much of what they can now write has been declassified through the years, so the effort is not hindered by official-dom but more by old and sometimes not-so-great memories. Lee Swats, Tom Reynolds, Don Mercer and Paul are collaborating on the article. Of course, all of the memories honor the efforts of BR Jack Kennedy, who was also there with the others. Paul found a photo of Jack, Frank Easterly and Paul taken in early August 1971. All looked very young and very warrior-like. Of course, the uniforms and haircuts were reflective of the time: Jack and Paul in flight suits and Frank in those summer rip-stops or all cotton fatigues. Frank recalled, “Jack let me tag along on a trip from Da Nang to Pleiku in his Cessna O-2 Skymaster. He had arranged to meet Paul there. I recall it was a day trip. He was fearless and tried to make me airsick with his aerial acrobatics that day. No dice! Paul had some good stories to tell about his sorties into Laos.” I remember those fatigues well, as this was before the current BDUs or anything mottled in color came out.

At some point, we will have to gather all the BRs who served as pilots and let the tales begin!

Tony Gentile (C-130s), Wayne Keesee and Gordon Bailey (tankers) with Air Force experiences, Nick Psimas in his Navy helicopter and Ned

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Caldwell in his Army fixed wing aircraft. I think Geddes MacLaren also flew helicopters for the Army, but I will have to confirm that. CWO John Campbell for certain was an Army aviator in helicopters. I checked with four other BRs with Air Medals and discovered the Army awarded those medals for participation in activities that involved air operations. I have always thought that VMI men were at the front in every war fought to date leading the operations. I confirmed that thought again through the inquiries about the air medals.

Our BRs were directing ops from the helicopter observation post and got recognized for their actions or were using the air to get to the action on the ground. Mike Harper, Joe Flanz, Bruce Beaulieu, Jamie Totten and Jim Hitchcock got into an email trail remembering the criteria for the air medals and the situations they survived because of air support. We certainly acquired varied experiences after leaving the sanctuary of the Institute.

By now, every biology major from our class and every class during the tenure of Doc Carroll should have received notice that many interested persons want to honor Doc in special ways. A committee has begun to collect money for a bust to be created and placed in the biology building. There will also be a plaque created naming all the contributors to the Carroll Fund. It is not so hard to believe – but impressive nonetheless – to note all the professional degrees and business recognition earned by “Doc’s boys.” Please check with me if you need more info about the initiative or to find out where to send your donation.

Every notice I get from VMI says the Campaign for VMI is going well. Remember, every gift you make now counts toward our 50th Reunion check. We want a big number on that check, and you play a part. As the fiscal year ends in June, now would be a good time to start or continue your gifts to the many activities and funds at the Institute.

In the spirit, Walt

’70

Warren Grasty

Once again, I have to begin class notes with sad news. In October 2015, Mickey Payne died in Wetumpka, Alabama, and in February

2016, Billy Webber died in Ashland, Virginia.

Mickey roomed with Dave Curry, Dave Nuckols and Artie Pates 4th Class year and left VMI early to get married. He had evidently been in bad health for a while. Billy, who was in Company B and played rat football, left VMI after the first semester and joined the Navy. He and Lew Reynolds roomed together 4th Class year.

Lew said they didn’t know each other before VMI even though they played football against each other in high school. By all accounts, Mickey and Billy were very solid guys. Our sympathy goes out to their families.

With this being the first class notes since the Christmas holidays, I want to thank everyone who sent us Christmas cards, even though it was somewhat disappointing that none included any money. Hardly in the spirit of the season, I might add. In any case, it sounds like the year ended up very well for many of us, as follows.

Dave and Pam Lawrence wrote that they welcomed their first grandchild, William Alexander Lawrence, in the Phoenix area June 29.

In Dave’s first full year of retirement, they fixed up and sold their home of 19 years, moved into their “retirement” home in Lancaster, California, and continued renovations on an old farmhouse in Tennessee while also managing their apartments. Also celebrating the birth of a grandchild, their fourth, were Jim and Judy Mawyer, who welcomed John Harding Mawyer, son of Todd and Laura Mawyer ’01, Nov. 4, 2015, in Richmond.

Phil and Carolyn Anderson reported that they had the pleasure of hosting their 6-yearold grandson, Stanley, at their home in Big Canoe, Georgia, for a whole month this past summer. They also helped Stanley’s family move into their new home in Waverly, Pennsylvania, with Phil driving the U-Haul containing daughter Sarah’s “heirlooms,” aka stuff Phil and Carolyn didn’t want anymore.

Robert and Emily Moore’s Christmas greetings included some details about their trip to Australia and New Zealand. They visited Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hobbiton in New Zealand and a number of Australia’s coastal cities. In Sydney they took in “Tosca” at the opera house, saw a giant clam at the Great Barrier Reef and got to hold a baby kangaroo in one of the wildlife parks. It sounds like they certainly got their money’s worth on this trip.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1970: The 2016 GOMBACS group in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, were, from left, front row, Herbert Braun, Snead Luck, A.C. Arnn, Gary Weishaar and Gray Chandler. Second row: David Schmidt, John Bailey, Bill Huffman and Jim Mawyer. Third row: Bob Costigan, Tom Cooke, Reed Heddleston, Warren Grasty and Mike Snead.

Present but not pictured was Tom Massey.

The weekend of the VMI versus The Citadel football game in Charleston, South Carolina, in November made for quite a road trip. We rented a house in Mount Pleasant for four days – complete with swimming pool – with the Baileys, Chandlers, Weishaars and Margaret Walker (Charlie had just started a job in Bahrain). On Friday night, we were invited to an open house at Tom and Jan Zarges’ beautifully restored home on Tradd Street in the heart of Charleston. On Saturday, we did a double mooch at both the pregame tailgate and the postgame oyster roast hosted by Dallas and Mary Richards ’96. They certainly have the party thing down to a tee. David and Katie Schmidt met up with us at the stadium, having driven down from their new homestead in Orangeburg, South Carolina, where they had hosted George and Lisa Ritko a few weekends before. As we were leaving the stadium, we ran into Dixie Walker.

Also starting a new job in the Middle East was Phil Jornlin. In January, he began a threeyear assignment in Amman, Jordan, and was pleased to discover that the Embassy’s regional security officer is Jason Kight ’92.

Founders Day brought with it the VMI

2016-Issue 2

Foundation’s annual Institute Society Dinner at Marshall Hall on post. Joining Liz and me were Reed and Carol Heddleston, Bill and Marilyn Huffman, Paul Munch, Ned and Florence Perrow, Waite Rawls, Kent and Judy Schlussel, Jim Spacek, Carl and Julie Strock, and Tom Zarges. Word must have gotten out about our class, as we were safely tucked away in the far back reaches of the ballroom in Marshall Hall. Fortunately for everyone involved, the food was too good to be thrown.

Paul and Judy Dickinson spent Thanksgiving in Deltaville, Virginia, on the Chesapeake Bay. In Paul’s words, “On Friday, we walked about a quarter mile from our rustic cottage to the palatial palace of Rich and Kay Clary for coffee.” Ever vigilant for streamlining opportunities, I thought about replacing the phrase “palatial palace” with palace2 but was afraid I would lose the LA’s among the readership, so I didn’t.

Speaking of palaces, Dick and Dee Hamlet recently downsized to a smaller home on the Cypress Point Golf Course in Virginia Beach.

(Mooch alert!) Dick said that after more than 50 years of playing golf, he finally broke 80 and then repeated that feat twice more. Too

bad I can’t buy one of those rounds from him.

After 40 years in the Norfolk School System, Dee is enjoying her new job teaching at Old Dominion University and said she has about half of the ODU football and basketball teams in her classes. There was no mention of what these remedial courses might be. Anyway, they are gearing up for the upcoming season at their beach home in Nags Head, North Carolina, where they frequently run into T.O. Palmer ’69 and Chalk Hardy ’69.

Glenn Kuntz sent in indisputable video evidence of Jesse Glidewell as they posed on the slopes of Park City, Utah, where Glenn now resides. I still don’t understand why people pay good money to be cold, which is why I am writing these notes from Stix Chandler’s deck in Orange Park, Florida. In shorts.

On the good news front, Jim Nelson provided this report from scenic Madison County near Charlottesville. It seems that Jim has been the game clock operator for Madison County High School’s basketball teams for years, and several times a year he would see Steve Friski when he worked their games as referee. Having not seen Steve for several years, Jim assumed he had “retired” from his officiating duties.

However, at this season’s opening game, there was Steve, all decked out in stripes and ready to go. In talking afterward, Steve related that he had suffered a stroke two years ago that, among other things, significantly impacted his ability to speak. He had a tough couple of years regaining his lost capabilities, including losing 50 pounds, but his goal of being able to once again officiate games helped get him through it. Jim said that Steve looked great and there was no indication that he had ever had the stroke. Well done, Steve!

The first Thursday in December brought with it Peel Dillard’s annual oyster roast at his farm near Tappahannock. Joining me in taking full advantage of Peel’s and his friends’ generosity and culinary skills were Herb Braun, Jud Collier, Andrew Deal ’12, Lanny Gault ’71, Bill Huffman, Waite Rawls, Donnie Ross ’74, Carl Strock and Wilder Wadford. Donnie, Andrew and I stayed overnight at Peel’s home and played a round of golf on the way home, fueled by a mega-caloric breakfast served up by Peels’ Marine Corps flying buddy, Tom Blickensderfer, who reportedly is in no way related to our very own Lefty Blickensderfer.

In mid-December, the Potomac River and

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Class Notes George C. Marshall Alumni Chapters held a joint VMI holiday dinner in northern Virginia where Carl Strock was guest speaker. Carl was joined

by Julie, brother John and son John ’98. Also attending were Howie and Barbara DeWolf; Ted Mervosh ’67; Ash Ormes; Dave Pitman’s brother, Jim ’60; Donnie Wheatley; and Gray Chandler’s cousin, Randolph Williams ’66. It was a very nice event with Carl’s talk passing the “no dozers” test with flying colors.

In early December, Dick and Linda Knight were in Virginia Beach celebrating an early Christmas with Dick’s 92-year-old mother. While there, Dick found out that the 1775 Battle of Great Bridge was being commemorated that Saturday in Chesapeake, Virginia, near the battlefield.

Since his chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution was a co-sponsor of the new Rappahannock SAR Chapter and his fourth great-grandfather, Lt. Col. Lawrence Taliaferro, commanded the Culpeper Minutemen at the battle, he decided to go. To his surprise, the president of the new Rappahannock Chapter, who was there to place a wreath on the memorial, was none other than Carl Strock, who is currently in first place for this issue’s Multiple Mention Award.

Also in December, Donnie and Bonnie Wheatley visited with Dave and Helen Miller in the Nashville, Tennessee, area. The reason I know about this is the whining email I received from John McLemore bemoaning the ill treatment he received from this dynamic duo, to wit. Earlier that day, Smack’s assistant had received a phone call from a “prospective bankruptcy client” asking if Smack was going to be in the office that day so that they could meet. The assistant said he would be in the office all day and to stop by later that day.

Of course, the “potential client” never showed up. When Smack arrived home that evening, Carolyn, aka good bones and teeth, greeted him with,

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Class of 1970: At Peel Dillard’s annual oyster roast Dec. 3, 2015, were, from left, front, Bill Huffman, Peel Dillard, Herb Braun and Donnie Ross ’74. Back row: Waite Rawls, Carl Strock, Warren Grasty, Wilder Wadford, Lanny Gault ’71, Jud Collier and Andrew Deal ’12.

Class of 1970: Bill O’Connor, Bill Paulette, Jim Chapman and Ralph Costen at the 2016 Palm Springs Classic.

Class of 1970: At the 2015 Institute Society Dinner in Marshall Hall were, from left, Waite Rawls, Carl Strock, Kent Schlussel, Reed Heddleston, Warren Grasty, Jim Spacek, Paul Munch, Ned Perrow, Bill Huffman and Tom Zarges.

“You’ll never guess who stopped by today.” After Smack incorrectly proffered Muhammad Ali, Carolyn said that it was none other than Donnie and Bonnie Wheatley. They said they had hoped to take him out to lunch, but since he wasn’t there, they were going to have to move on. Then Bonnie pulled GB&T aside and whispered, “Actually, Dave gave Donnie a $20 bill and told him to take Smack and you to dinner at a good meat and three just down the Hillsboro Pike from your house. He warned Donnie not to go over budget. If your husband ordered Coca-Cola with his meal Donnie was not to let him have pie.” Well, you can imagine the outrage that ensued.

Smack immediately smelled a rat, as this was eerily similar to the wellhoned Ed Trinkle hit and run scam that so often befell him over the years.

You know the deal. You return to your office from a meeting and see a business card on your desk: “Dropped by to take you to lunch, but you weren’t here. Tough luck; I was buying on the company’s card.” Life is so unfair.

Meanwhile, Cameron and Mary Seay, on their way home from a Christmas trip to see their younger daughter and family in Wyoming, stopped in Wentzville, Missouri, near St. Louis and visited with Wade “Weenie” Scott, Cameron’s rat roommate, and his wife, Joanne. Weenie, who left VMI after two years and joined the Navy, planned to retire soon. Hearing from and about long lost brother rats like Weenie is one of the best parts of being class agent.

In response to the proposal by Charlie Hayes ’58 to establish some kind of memorial to Doc Carroll, Dan Campbell sent in some of his remembrances.

Little did I know that Doc had entrusted Dan to be curator of the biology department’s salamander collection, which was ensconced in a small building next to the biology building. Dan also remembered Doc’s recommendation about how to achieve proper military bearing, i.e., walk around like you

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes have a 40 pound bucket of sand in each hand. I imagine that works pretty well until you have to salute. Anyway, he also said that Doc’s course in Greek and Latin roots/prefixes/suffixes was one of the most useful courses he took at VMI. Hopefully at least a bit more useful than thermodynamics was to me. The proposed memorial is a bronze bust of Doc, but Dan thinks a more technologically savvy and appropriate memorial would be a holographic image of Doc trying to hit the spittoon on the opposite side of his office.

I think this idea may have somehow been influenced by all those hours spent alone conversing with salamanders.

On the first day of what has become our annual vacation on St. John in January, Liz and I took a stroll on the beach at Salt Pond Bay just down from our rental cottage. We had walked no more than 20 paces when a voice cried out, “Did you go to VMI?” It turns out my neon yellow VMI hat had caught the eye of Peter Charrington ’66, who was sitting in the shade with his lovely wife, Anna May. They own several properties on St. John and vacation there every winter as well.

What a pleasant surprise.

Also in the Caribbean recently were Russ and Elaine Marshall, who went via a cruise out of Baltimore. They were caught up in the January blizzard that hit the East Coast when they left and ended up spending the weekend holed up in

a Baltimore hotel. Undeterred, they are headed out on another cruise at the end of February and have another one in the Mediterranean lined up for July. Russ says that when he is on land, he enjoys being able to catch many Keydet games on ESPN-3.

Kent and Judy Schlussel bailed out for Buenos Aires just in time to miss the aforementioned blizzard that left upward of 2-and-a-half feet of snow along the East Coast. From there, they went to Ushuaia and the Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the Western Hemisphere and is the “end of the Americas.”

A great place for a penal colony, which it was, with a remarkable resemblance to a large structure in Lexington, Virginia, according to Kent.

They then took a 90 person boat across the Drake Passage to Antarctica and had nine Zodiac trips, landing on the continent seven times with three “tours” of places where there were no landing spots. While there, Kent earned his polar bear certificate by taking the “polar plunge” in 39 degree water. They wrapped up the trip with a boat ride through Iguassu Falls in Argentina/Brazil.

In April, they planned to take their fourth trip to Haiti to work in a medical clinic in the north of the country, assuming Kent has recovered from his polar plunge by then.

Early February witnessed the 2016 version of GOMBACS in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Class of 1970: At dinner at Charlie Walker’s beach house in Corolla, North Carolina, in November 2015 were, clockwise from front, Gray Chandler, Charlie Walker, Herb Braun, John Bailey, Jim Mawyer, Gary Weishaar and Warren Grasty. Photo by Mike Snead.

2016-Issue 2

Unfortunately, one of the founding fathers, Charlie Walker, was still ensconced in his job in Bahrain, so he missed this week of mirth and glee.

However, his spot was admirably filled by Bill Huffman, who ended up winning the weeklong competition, which got him absolutely nothing.

Also on the roster were A.C. Arnn, John Bailey, tripmeister Herb Braun, Gray Chandler, Tom Cooke, Bob Costigan, Reed Heddleston, Snead Luck, Tom Massey, Jim Mawyer, David Schmidt, Mike Snead and Gary Weishaar. We were all pleasantly surprised to see none other than Stuart Cottrell waiting for us the first day.

Stuart was on his way from Richmond to Savannah, Georgia, and left a few days early to reconnect with everybody. He is a retired tug boat pilot and still does his boating magic when he is in the mood. As most of us had not seen him since 1967, it was a real treat to catch up on things and retell some tall stories.

A.C. and Beth Arnn celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary by attending the Outback Bowl game in Tampa on New Year’s Day to watch the University of Tennessee, their next favorite team after VMI, defeat Northwestern University. That sure beats the heck out of an anniversary dinner at the Moose Lodge. A.C. is kinda, sorta, maybe thinking about retiring in a year or three, but most certainly before granddaughters Adelaide and Charlotte start driving.

Or maybe buy their first homes.

Bob Costigan was looking forward to a muchneeded respite from his first winter in the Chicago area, where he and Judy moved to last year from San Antonio. However, this was the coldest GOMBACS trip on record, with one day being even worse than Chicago, according to Bob. After GOMBACS, Reed and I rode with Stix to Orange Park, Florida, for a few more rounds of golf and the annual Chandler oyster roast, with Liz flying down from northern Virginia.

A few days afterward, Gray, Nancy, Liz and I planned to meet up with Steve and Emily Talley in St. Augustine, Florida, for lunch. As many of you know, back in November, while motoring down the Inland Waterway in Florida en route to the Bahamas, Emily fell on their boat and broke her hip, which required immediate surgery. Given the extensive rehab schedule, they became temporary residents of Ormond Beach, Florida. Our lunch was to occur the day after these class notes were due, so I’ll have to include an update on Emily’s progress in the next issue.

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Class Notes Speaking of Stix, shortly after his well-documented double pulmonary embolism scare in December, he received a call from Gary Bubb.

Stix copied me on his email response to Gary, from which I quote: “Good to talk to you yesterday and your retirement to Taylor County, Georgia, now raising Black Angus cows with your wife pitching hay, with only two lawyers in the county. How lucky can you get! My old high school buddy, Andy Montague, at Buffalo Junction, Virginia, also raises Black Angus cows (four pictures attached) and vegetables for sale to Whole Foods stores.” If it appears that I am simply filling space, you would be correct. You see, this is what happens when I don’t get any better material to use. Luckily, at least I had enough pictures so that I didn’t have to include any of Andy Montague’s cows.

That’s about it. Be sure to check out the VMI’70 Facebook page for pictures and comments posted by our BRs. Also, if you are not on the brother rat email list, just send me an email at ClassAgent1970@aol.com so you can keep up with BR and Institute related news.

In the spirit!

’71

Jim Kelly

These notes cover the period between Nov. 1, 2015, and Feb. 15, 2016.

As you receive this edition of the class notes, it will be very close to the 45th anniversary of our graduation from VMI. Our celebration of that milestone will be held the last weekend in September 2016. I look forward to our gathering and hope that you have already made plans to be in attendance. Right now, it is just a few days past Groundhog Day, and thanks to winter storm Jonas, the prediction is for an early spring. We only got a foot (give or take) of snow, but our friends in northern Virginia and northward took a pretty good pounding. Other than some pretty cold periods, this has been a pretty mild season, and some areas already had trees and flowers in bloom. I hope that, wherever you are, you have had a good start to 2016.

I am saddened to report that in recent months, the Class of ’71 has lost two brother rats and two family members of classmates. Thomas F. “Tom” Gutherie died Dec. 8, 2015. Tom, a civil

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engineering major, matriculated from Belmar, New Jersey, and participated in numerous activities during his cadetship. Following graduation, he was involved in the telecommunications business for over 20 years. A mass of Christian burial was held Dec. 14, and Tom was buried in Saint Catherine Cemetery in Sea Grit, New Jersey.

He is survived by two brothers and his longtime companion, Kim. William A. “Bill” Atkinson died Dec. 10, 2015.

Bill was a history major and matriculated from Akron, Ohio. After serving in the U.S. Army, Bill worked at the Harris-Hillman Special Education School near Nashville, Tennessee. He is survived by a sister and two nephews. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

On Sept. 9, 2016, Charlie Roder’s son, Charles Roder III, died. On Dec. 18, 2016, Imre Volgy’s wife of 42 years died following a long illness. On behalf of the Class of 1971, I extend our sincere condolences to each of these four families.

After my November deadline for class notes, there were three football games remaining on the Keydet schedule. On Halloween, we lost at home to Wofford College with a score of 41-20.

On hand for the game were Patrick, Beattie, Kirby, Gault and Rudy Glass, who has been off our radar for some time. The Citadel game in Charleston, South Carolina, brought out a number of our classmates who witnessed a pounding from the opponents. VMI was without its starter at quarterback and also gave up six turnovers. The 139 crew (Gault, Lockridge, Wall and Littleton) made the game and were joined by Billy Rose and Al Davis. Tom Gutherie had driven down from New Jersey to visit some friends, do some motorcycle riding and catch the VMI game ... sadly for the last time. We closed out the season toward the end of November with a tough 24-20 loss against Western Carolina University. On a brighter note for the Big Red, Coach Wachenheim and his staff signed some very promising recruits. Altogether, 17 players were signed – seven defensive (including a 6 feet, 2 inches tall, 20 pound linebacker from Pulaski County), nine offensive and one kicker.

The bios on these young men indicate that they are going to bring some size and speed to our team in coming years. The signees also have some very strong academic credentials, as well.

Kathryn and I always appreciate the many Christmas greetings and updates from people we don’t get to see very often. Included in this year’s collection were Wadsworth, Sanetti,

Bryan, Czupryna, Kardian, Stallings, Berkness, Gearhart, Rose, Krug, Turner, Zirkle (Danette), Neville, Hannum, Hyche (Jan), Patrick, Clampitt, Truesdell, Good (Jo Ann), Price, Honeywell, Kern and Ronayne.

Larry Truesdell has retired after 27-plus years with Honeywell (on top of six years in construction and 10 years with VDOT). Larry kept good records of his travels – more than 112 road trips for Honeywell totaling 9.32 years. The Truesdells have now settled into a 55-plus community in Ellicott City, Maryland. Bill and Gail Stallings recently completed their dream home in Savannah, Georgia, and have joined a boating club in the area and hope to travel to Hilton Head and other nearby islands. (As an aside, our grandchildren, Lauren ’26 and Ryan ’27, were both born in Savannah and lived there about five years before Chuck was transferred back to Richmond, Virginia. Kathryn and I loved Savannah.) Dave Krug sold his home in Waterford, Connecticut, after 32 years and has moved to a smaller home closer to the water – Thames River near New London. Dave and Karen are enjoying retirement and remain quite active in their church in Groton, Connecticut. Rick Littleton has officially retired (after an unsuccessful previous attempt) from G&H Contracting. His last scheduled day was Jan. 29, 2016, and his last project was a major renovation on one of the elementary schools in Pulaski County. Rick and his old roomies were planning a small celebration in Lexington with the VMI versus WCU basketball game. On game day, Rick was joined by Lanny and T.S. Gault, Bob and Maureen Lockeridge, John Wall, Dave and Martha Kennedy, Ken and Marie Coleman, Ned and Anne Mikula, and Jerry Acuff and his son, Ryan. Mouse also reported that Ned’s son joined him in the practice of law. Rick also sees Bill Gentry and Herb Whitley fairly often.

On Jan. 3, 2016, several BRs got together for the annual northern Virginia Christmas/New Year celebration. This year’s event was held in Reston at Clyde’s Restaurant and included John and Laura Metzger, Steve and Dianna Price, John and Debby Nilon, John and Debbie Caulfield, Ken and Bernie Piernick, Steve Fogleman, John Paton, and Carl Biersack. Metzger also announced that due to the 45th Reunion in the fall, he planned a small gathering of BRs at the Lodge the weekend of March 17-20.

The town of Wytheville, Virginia, is the birthplace of Edith Bolling Wilson, wife of

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes former President Woodrow Wilson. On the occasion of the 100th wedding anniversary of the Wilsons, the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Foundation and Museum hosted a celebration.

Local actors portrayed the happy couple, held a reception, gave out wedding cake and then attended a special dinner which featured dishes that would have been popular at such occasions 100 years ago. The role of Woodrow Wilson was played by our Brother Rat Jim Gearhart, and he was featured in local newspapers and on television. Jim has been very active in his community since his retirement, but who knew he was a budding actor? All along, we just thought he was a railroad engineer. Check the website for the Bolling Wilson Hotel and the restaurant called Graze on Main for more information.

Jim Neale shared an update on Jack “Jules” Walklet. Jules has not yet fully recovered from a stroke he suffered in 2014, but he is making progress. He has moved back to Berkley, California, and has published a book, “Rafting the Mississippi, Up the Creek 1972.” The book describes the adventure that Jules and Tom Gutherie had along the river a year after our graduation from VMI. More information is available at hourglasspersonalhistories.com.

The unofficial southwest Virginia VMIAA chapter, headed by Rick Littleton, planned an outing at the VMI versus The Citadel game in Lexington in February. The Keydet baseball team also has a three game home stand the same weekend. The group will gather at Salerno’s for lunch and then proceed over to the game of their choice.

A report will follow in the next set of class notes.

We are in the process of combining our lone wolf operation with the newly revitalized New River Valley Chapter of the VMIAA headed up by Brad Burrus ’96, fellow Pulaski dweller.

Hopefully, both groups will benefit from our combined efforts to support fellowship and maintain our ties to VMI. I recently received the second quarter report of Annual Giving for Fiscal Year 2016. As I expected, our totals were considerably better than at the end of the first quarter. We had 73 donors total and an alumni participation percentage of 28.74, which moved us into second place just slightly behind the Class of ’70. One of these days, we need to put those guys in our rear view mirror. As always, I want to thank each donor for your support of VMI. With our reunion coming up this fall, it would be a great time for those who have not yet

2016-Issue 2

done so to qualify for your personal brick. These are placed along the sidewalk in front of barracks and are arranged by class. Bricks are added each year in time for class reunions. If you have questions about where you stand with regard to getting your brick, by all means contact the VMI Foundation for details.

Most likely by the time you receive this set of class notes, you will also have received our reunion schedule, registration information and other pertinent details. With the help of our BRs in Lexington and the VMI Alumni Association, I am in the process now of working on the “nuts and bolts.” I hope the 45th will turn out to be one of our best reunions and that we will have a great few days together.

Let’s hope the groundhog got it right and we have a great spring. Take care of yourselves.

God bless our team and VMI. Jim

’72

Larry Houseworth

Brother Rats, Families, Friends and Passers-by, Spring’s notes are wrapped up during another mid-Atlantic rebuttal to global warming. But there’s a heaven-sent light at the end of the tunnel – pitchers and catchers report in three days ... thank you, oh great powers.

Business first. As a 2.0 English major, I need big, bright pictures to grasp a lesson – particularly one involving large numbers. Here’s what I get from the Foundation’s latest Annual Report: VMI’s operating expenses exceed $83 million per year.

Tuition and fees, state and federal funds, and other incidental incomes cover only 74 percent of this requirement. Increasing tuition and fees would price VMI out of the market for many deserving young men and women, and, with the increasing cost of government (no comment), there are fewer and fewer state and federal resources available to support education. This leaves private support...

Last year (Fiscal Year 2015) alumni and friends contributed over $56 million to VMI – the second highest total in history. And of the funds provided to VMI by the Alumni Agencies, 51 percent went to financial aid, 27 percent to instructional services, 10 percent to intercollegiate athletics, 5 percent to cadet services, 3 percent to leadership programs, and the balance to the VMI Museum,

faculty support and Preston Library.

With slightly less than one in four of us participating, we still contributed just north of $300,000 in FY15. While this is the most generous of the ’70s classes, just $100 from half of the rest would provide over $20,000 to seed future tuition for needy cadets, supplement faculty sabbaticals and athletics, fund research activities – all of which is applied, at the donor’s direction or as unrestricted, to the needs of the Institute. I personally thank each of you who have participated and ask those who’ve considered participating to reflect upon what VMI has provided to you ... and I thank you, sincerely, for your consideration, BRs. To the news. The Christmas holidays brought a flood of family news from our throng. And judging from the family photos, we go on record as the youngest looking grandparent generation since the invention of the camera.

Your humble scribe: Lovely Marie and I had a delightful (quick) visit to visit her grandson, daughter and son-in-law in Denver; then on to San Francisco for a pre-Thanksgiving with my daughter, Coast Guard son-in-law and son, Mike.

And just before sailing away with our annual Delbert McClinton-hosted family, Marie and I spent a great New Year’s holiday with Bob and Linda Stransky at their beach home in Southern Shores, North Carolina. As is customary, the war stories were colorful, the ladies were far beyond patient, and old-time frivolity abounded.

The Fosters: New grandson Will arrived in March and took his parents, Ann and Keith, to visit his grandparents on Christmas Eve. Good work, Will! He’ll have a new girl cousin in mid-February.

Chris and Betsy organized another birding trip to Alaska and visited Anchorage, Nome, Seward and the Denali Highway and National Park. They and their friends spotted the rare bluethroat thrush and the slightly less rare grizzly bears (six) and one of only 48 wolves in the 6 million acre National Park. In August, Chris booked a romantic Parisian getaway for their 42nd anniversary – only to have the ISIS terrorists strike the night before they were to arrive. Undaunted, but somewhat uncomfortable due to the tragedy, they flew in with no issues and spent a delightful getaway strolling the quieter city enjoying the museums and sights. Well done, Chris.

The Henningers: Zeno and Jo-Ann announced that, after an arduous five-year search, they’ve found a stateside home for their impending retirement. They wrote that, from their future home in

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Class Notes Brunswick, Maine, “it will be a difficult drive to cousins, eight times removed)! Penny’s decision two of her board duties. She still heads up a site for Brugge, Belgium, from there, but Brunswick has to retire from her nursing career allowed her and an annual food drive (in competition with Dave, its own charm. Good news is we have a splendid Herb to move her mother into their home. But she who runs another). Additionally, she still bowls guest room, and the search for the perfect broiled says they still have a vacant guest room, and they with her Army group and the “senior group” haddock is a great pastime. So entering our 34th encourage family and friends to visit any time. (rrrrr) and is busy with the gourmet group. If this year in Bitburg, our school consolidated with an Herb said they’re “…on island time now.” Ah, la is “retirement,” I need to get in shape ... now.

The Coxes – Vin and Amy had the pleasure of adjoining elementary school. We went from 170 dolce vita.

The Cobbs: John and Mimi’s note said they’re watching Keydet football beat Mercer University students to almost 700 with accompanying staff.

The transition has been interesting. Jo-Ann directs both enjoying retirement and were spared damage in Macon, Georgia. They were visiting daughter from spring’s South Carolina floods. They also and son-in-law who went to med school at Mercer. the mathematics lab for the entire school; a busy heartily recommend a Disney Cruise for any BRs They all went to the game, which was the first for week.” They spent time this summer visiting famtheir three grandchildren. How monumental that ily in the U.S., expertly avoiding the authorities as and families with grandchildren.

The Halls: Dave and Sue’s letter described a “... was for the kids – a VMI win at their first game! I they barreled around in a rented Dodge Charger. crazy, fun, sad and busy year ... fast-paced and we want those kids to travel with the team.

Zeno said their three-and-a-half decade EuroKen Chacey: Buzz wrote that all is pean back-packing adventure is fading well and very busy in South Carolina into the sunset as retirement approach“with a new construction project that es and Jo-Ann’s native New England adds capacity to our existing biomass beckons. He says they’ll be 12 miles cogeneration facility at Savannah Rivfrom the L.L. Bean retail headquarters, a half-hour to the coast and only 4 er Site (which makes it the largest one miles to the nearest Dunkin’ Donuts ... of this type in the country) and will and closer to the Shenandoah Valley. hopefully hear some good news about Welcome back to the left side of the a solar project with South Carolina pond, guys.

Electric and Gas.” He’s also been busy The Colliers: Bill and Pam were with a couple of nonprofits, trying to joined by good-looking grandson Wilwhip a case of planar fasciitis and is now back to 20 minute runs four times liam (the VII) in their photo card. Wila week; plus swimming (came in secliam and his parents moved into a new home in Mason, Ohio, with mom and ond in his age group in the 1.2 mile dad, Will ’06, who is with Omya InSavannah River Gator Fest swim. Life is good, BR. dustries. Bill and Pam’s son, John ’09, The Pools – Tim and Regina’s family is still assigned to the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg. In October, he returned Class of 1972: Gathered together at Ducky’s Sports Bar in Tampa, photo belongs on the cover of SouthFlorida, to watch the VMI versus The Citadel football game were, from his third deployment (in six years ern Living ... personal opinion. from left, Denny Sullivan, Bob Bailey and John Freiermuth. of service) to Baghdad, Iraq, where he The Pagoneses: His Honor and manage to keep up, barely.” They wrote of renova- Joan’s smiling, black-tied and elegantly bejeweled was advising Iraqi Army engineers. Salute.

The Williamses: George and Mary Jane’s year tions, dust and total confusion at their house. Then picture had them looking positively presidential. sounds like a retiree’s how-to. A Christmastime a “...trip of a lifetime to China ... Shanghai to BeiThe Worrells: I lost count of the grandchildren family reunion in Puerto Rico; RV-ing through jing, cruising the Yangtze, the Three Gorges Dam, pictured in Norm and Joy’s tree card.

Florida and the Keys; two weeks in Costa Rica; an Great Wall and the Terra Cotta Warriors, Chinese The Griffiths: Greg and Emily’s photos of sons, extended-family week in Nags Head, North Caro- Opera, pandas.” Then there was a 2ID Reunion daughter-in-law and grands was a warm smile-fest.

The (Phil) Smiths: Phil and Barbara’s entourage lina; and topped off with several weeks in the fall in San Antonio where they met up with the Fojts RV-ing in the Great Smoky Mountains National and (Chris) Joneses. On a somber note, Dave lost was highlighted by three of the cutest granddaughPark. All the while baby-sitting grandchildren and his mother in June, and he and Sue returned to ter smiley faces. helping out with kids’ home renovations. I know Washington, D.C., for her interment at Arlington I also heard from Doug Nichols, Al and Betty it’s a tired cliché, but aren’t you glad you retired so National Cemetery. While there, they were able to McElroy, John and Darlene Martin, Paul and gather at the Fojts’ with the Wilkersons for Karen you could finally get to work?

Elise Gorski, and Phil Clayton and Ava Tucker.

The McCullochs: Herb and Penny’s year was and A.J.’s renowned German cuisine. Dave conWell, time, tide and editor’s deadlines wait for full – moving her mother, renovating their place tinues to work as the director of the Emergency no man – particularly your humble scribe. Be and grandchildren. And ... sound adjutant’s call Management Center for Bell County, Texas, still well, BRs; be there for you and yours, and Rah … our esteemed BR discovered, through daughter volunteers with the Rotary Club and the Method- Virginia Mil! Kara’s research on Ancestry.com, that Herb and ist Church, and now leads their gourmet group.

God bless you all, his brothers are related to Robert E. Lee (third Sue has lightened her load as term limits removed Larry

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes and six grandchildren. Last year, he said they all went to an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic and had a wonderful time. Howard also has a great-grandchild. He and Glenda are enjoying life and have invited anyone coming to the Indianapolis area to stop in for a visit. Great hearI hope that you all are doing well! It is just being from you, Howard! Keep in touch. fore Valentine’s Day as I write these notes, and it I mentioned in the last edition that E.D. (Rusty) is snowing a little at the moment; however, it will Woomer and his wife, Janet, were retiring and moving to the Asheville, North Carolina, area. be spring when these notes reach your mailbox, Rusty told me they bought a home on the side of and hopefully sunny and warm. It seems like the mountain near a golf course and overlooking once the holidays come and go, we just sling-shot the valley in nearby Weaverville. They don’t miss into the New Year, and time moves along quickly.

Texas and are taking their time unpacking boxes; It is always nice writing the February notes, beafter all, he said, they are retired! Rusty has been cause I get a lot of cards and letters from you all in contact with P.X. English, who retired last for Christmas, and it is a great time to catch up on year and moved to Greenville, South Carolina all of the class activities for the year. (just down the mountain), and hopes they can get In fall 2015, Pat and I attended the Founders together soon.

Day celebration and Institute Society Dinner. We Bob Poynor planned to retire from were joined by Bill and Judith Bothe Air Force in May after a comland, Garland and Ann Gray, William Wells, and Robert Sciacchitano. bined 42 years’ experience with his It was a wonderful evening and great military and civilian service. Bob and to see everyone – especially Robert, Sandy said they love “our little house whom I had not been in touch with in our semi-rural setting.” Bob thinks for quite some time. I had a picture that between doing home chores and to include in this issue; however, my riding his motorcycle, he’ll enjoy rephotographic skills were not quite tirement. He is working on his final enough to make it to the Review! reports and doing a briefing for what Pat and I enjoyed the holidays with he calls the “increasing technological Markus Ydreskog, the exchange stutribalism” in the Air Force and hopes to leave a message on how some dent from Sweden who is living with things can be improved through docus during the school year. We got to visit with the kids and grandkids over trine publications. Good luck with the Christmas, and Markus and I went to paper and retirement, Bob. Florida to the Russel Athletic Bowl I had a Christmas letter from Blake (Pat had to work) and watched the and Sandy Thomas (and Pratt, the University of North Carolina get beat Class of 1973: Ed Hall holding two Butterball turkeys he won at cat). Blake has been talking about up by Baylor University (looked simi- a pistol shoot in November 2015. Ed hit the string holding them retiring for some time and has finally lar to the Carolina Panthers against together using a 22 pistol at 15 yards. Class Agent Mike Kelly said said August of this year is going to be of this photo, “He is probably the first in our class to have the disthe Denver Broncos.) We stayed tinction of wearing the ‘Turkey Medallion’ to future club shoots.” it with Southwest Airlines. He and Sandy have actually moved from Texwith my son, Derek, in Orlando, and were joined by Derek’s girlfriend, Lisa, and my all of these families in your thoughts and prayers. as to The Villages in Florida and live in a combrother, Rick. We also went to Tampa to visit Based on the notes I received, 2015 was a very munity with an airport in their backyard. Blake with my parents, sister and family, and we had busy year for most of the class, with a lot of folks is probably the only BR who needs an airport our “Christmas” there. I was in Pulaski in Januretiring and moving. In fact the “lost brother rat” at his home. One of his biggest challenges in ary when the great blizzard came through – 18 award this month goes to Howard Frank, who moving was getting his four airplanes from inches of snow, 3 foot drifts and a negative 5 sent a message about his retirement from the Houston to The Villages. Best wishes on the retirement and getting settled. degree wind chill! Brutal! We are now planning Army and federal government after 41 years of John Kearney hasn’t fully retired; however, for our spring break trip, and after the past few combined service. I really can’t remember when weeks of snow and cold weather, I expect we’ll I heard from Howard last, but he and his wife, he left the insurance company he worked for as be heading south again. I plan to be in Lexington Glenda, recently moved from Indianapolis to their trial attorney after deciding he was tired Fishers, Indiana. Howard has two step-daughters of being stressed out every day. He and Helen in early April for the class agent’s conference and

’73

2016-Issue 2

Mike Kelly

hopefully get back in May for New Market Day. We lost another brother rat last fall. John Cullipher died Nov. 11 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Tim Hughey sent me the note about John, as he and Wesley Carr went to high school with him. John left VMI just before Ring Figure, and Tim said he lost contact with him. Later, Tim learned that John had graduated from Old Dominion University, entered the ministry and lived in the Colorado Springs area.

We came very close to losing another BR. Joe Duffy was involved in a serious automobile accident last year. His car was struck by a pickup truck that was out of control. Joe was pinned in his car and ended up spending a lot of time in the hospital and rehab. He is currently home, using a wheelchair and undergoing physical therapy.

John Kearney and Malon Updike sent notes saying they lost their mothers last year. Please keep

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Class Notes While M.B. Adelson says he isn’t ready to retire, Greenville, South Carolina. He attends some sold their house in Springfield, Pennsylvania, his wife, Mary, indicated that she will call it quits of the ballgames when VMI visits South Caroand moved into a one-bedroom apartment in nearby Chadds Ford where he is doing private this summer. Their kids and grandkids are out lina schools and sent me a picture of a mini practice and looking for work as an arbitrator and doing well in their jobs and in school, so they reunion he went to before The Citadel game. In are contemplating how to handle their approachor mediator. Their kids and grandkids have setaddition to P.X., representing the Class of ’73 tled in Stowe, Vermont, and northern Virginia, ing changes. M.B. will probably do less litigation were Tim Gundlach, Yerry Kenneally, Dave so they are enjoying more time with their famand more academic work, but they look forward Sutherland, Doug Payne and Billy Stephens.

P.X. said he had a great time visiting with the ily. John said life is much better! to a changing lifestyle.

Dean Smith said he had retired but was John and Ann Pinner sent a nice Christmas card Midlands/Palmetto Chapter at their Founders working again full-time at the Orlando Temple and note to say they plan to retire this year and Day oyster roast and visited with Tim McCoof The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day move back to Georgia to be closer to their family. nnell. Tim and his wife, Tricia, live about 10 One person I don’t think is ever going to reSaints in their program to feed the poor. Dean miles outside of Lexington, South Carolina. said he has eight children and 18 grandchiltire is Roland Tiso. I visited with Roland and P.X. said he is working to help establish an Judie when I was in Florida after Christmas. alumni chapter in the Greenville area. Tim also dren, so he stays pretty busy.

I had a nice Christmas card and letter from Ro and I had lunch. He had started working for sent me a note about the oyster roast and said that he and Tricia enjoy being semi-retired and Ralph and Becky Littreal. I previously noted another government contractor and was in the process of packing his bags for a yearlong tour living in South Carolina; however, they conthat Ralph was retiring from Lockheed Martin in San Jose, California. Becky also retired in Iraq. He is currently at Balad Air base in Iraq tinue their work with Comfort Keepers. from teaching school, and they are Dave Sutherland also sent me a enjoying traveling and visiting with Christmas card and note about The family and friends. They have been Citadel game. He also had attended to the NASCAR race in Phoenix, VMI functions before the Ball State up to Yosemite and over to the wine University football game and the country, Ralph took a motorcycle Butler University basketball game. trip to Las Vegas and, of course, I had a nice letter from Jim Ackthey have been home to southwest ley. Last year, Jim had some serious Virginia for a visit over Christmas. health issues as a result of a stroke They are really enjoying their time and spent a lot of time in the intentogether. sive care units in Richmond and Bonnie and Tom Clark likewise are Lynchburg. Jim was pleased to reenjoying retirement and traveling. Afport that he was now “back” and no ter spending some time in Albuquer- Class of 1973: Members of the class at a pregame party in Charles- longer considered a “stroke patient” que helping to move Tom’s mother ton, South Carolina, before The Citadel game were, from left, Tim on the mend. Life is back to normal, into an assisted living facility, they re- Gundlach, Yerry Kenneally, Dave Sutherland, P.X. English, Dough and he and Susan are planning for turned home to Colorado Springs to Payne and Billy Stephens. Class Agent Mike Kelly said of this photo, their daughter’s wedding this June “Thanks to P.X. for the picture. He said he thought our class had in Charlotte. Great news! Jim once find their driveway blocked by 3 feet the best showing at the pregame.” again expressed his thanks to all of snow! As they watch the snow melt, they are busy planning a trip to Scotland in June working for a security and life support services of our BRs and friends who stayed in touch with him during that time period and provided and a trip east this fall in their RV to tour Civil War company as a corporate planner assigned to thoughts and prayers for his recovery. Likebattlefields. I hope you will be able to head to the the quality management office. I was in contact Raleigh area for a visit! Sounds like a great year with him on his birthday (Feb. 2 – Groundhog wise, I had a great letter from Dave Northcraft Day!), and he was in Baghdad for a party at the who is thankful to now be in his fourth year ahead.

Milt Salter is planning his retirement now and U.S. Embassy. Ro said he thanked the ambasof remission. While Dave has to take regular has indicated to his employer that he’ll retire the sador for throwing him a party, although it was medication, he feels wonderful and is able to end of next year. Milt is a financial planner and for a meeting of the American Chamber of do all the things he enjoys. Susan, who retired adviser and travels the southeast. He wants the Commerce. Roland said he was staying pretty last year, has a new job – keeping babies in the company to have time to find his replacement busy, and between work, going to the gym and afternoons! She is having a blast and is able to and transition over his accounts. Milt said he put surfing the Internet, time was moving pretty get off when she needs to. They went to Den32,000 miles on his car last year and felt like he fast. He misses his “girls,” but he does love bever over Thanksgiving to visit with their son, had put 32,000 miles on himself, so perhaps it was ing in the middle of it! Best of luck, Ro; keep Daniel ’10, along with his wife, Jennifer, and time to slow down. He spent some time over the your head down and hurry back home. their granddaughters, and spent some time at holidays visiting his brother in Maryland and then I hear from P.X. English fairly often. He Estes Park before coming home.

Christmas with his sister near Bristol, Virginia.

Mac Kirkpatrick said his son, Clark ’15, is enjoying his retirement and relocation to

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes has taken a job in China teaching English as a second language. Although Clark majored in Arabic studies, he was not successful in finding a job in the Middle East, but he is really enjoying himself in China and learning Chinese. Mac said their adopted daughter, Julia (who is from China), is now in her third year at Temple University and doing well. Mac also told me that before Clark left for China, he met a young lady named Maleeka who was homeless and moved from place to place working various jobs to take care of herself. The Kirkpatricks were very impressed with her determination and ambition to make something out of herself and offered her a “home” and family. She is currently working part-time and pursuing an education for a career as a sonogram and MRI technician. She is doing very well, and while Mac and Melanie are adjusting to having another teenager in the home, they are very proud of how it is working out. What a great story, Mac! God bless you all for your kindness and best wishes to Maleeka.

I had a note from Dave Schwab lamenting the loss of our BR Tom Stockbrand last year. Dave talked about the good times he and Jim Davidson had with Tom, especially while working together on the hop and floor committee. In his note, Tim Hughey talked about the good times

he and Wes Carr had with John Cullipher, who died last year, as well.

Mike Burke said he attended a meeting in Austin in January and met up with Jeff Minch for dinner while he was there. Jeff showed Mike around Austin and gave him a tour of some of the buildings Jeff was instrumental in rehabbing.

Mike was really impressed and praised Jeff for helping Austin become the city it is now. Mike is still teaching English; however, he is now teaching “online” and refers to his students as “24 very demanding imaginary friends!”

Ed Hall sent a note and a picture to say he had won two turkeys at a pistol shoot in November.

Apparently the turkeys were tied together with a string, and whoever shot the string got to keep the turkeys. Ed, being the good Marine he is, hit the string using a 22 pistol at a range of 15 yards. He now gets to wear the “Turkey Medallion” to all club shoots.

Steven Smith dropped me a note to say he and his wife, Patricia, are still working and live in Columbia, South Carolina. He was excited to learn that so many of our BRs were in the area, including E.D. Woomer, who was one of his roommates. He looks forward to getting together with some of the guys in the near future.

Chris McGreer sent me a note about his

Class of 1973: Mike Kelly gave provisional appointments to his two youngest grandsons at Christmas. Pictured, were, from left, Nicholas Kelly, Class of 2026; Daniel Garcia, Class of 2035; Mike Kelly; Lachlan McMillan, Class of 2037; and Conner Kelly, Class of 2028. Kelly said of this photo, “Hope we are all around to celebrate the 200th anniversary of VMI!” 2016-Issue 2

progress in working to establish the Quarry Institute, a military college instilling biblical world views. He is currently living in Colorado Springs. Information on the school can be found at info@thequarryinstitute.org.

I had other cards and messages from R.B. and Becky Newman, John and Kathy Riding, Paula and Joe Wyatt; Rodney and Lana Miles, John and Michaela Sykes, Bill and Mary Stoner, Glen and Renee Younes, Richard Bugbee and family, Tom Burke, Susan and Klaus Worrell, Reuben Trant, Doug and Pat Huthwaite, Scott McCarthy, George and Renee Goodwin, William Wells,Tom and Suzi Napier, and Tom and Lois Jennings. Thanks, guys; it was great hearing from everyone! One really nice card I received came from Clissa England, John’s widow. Clissa still lives in North Chesterfield, Virginia, and said she was doing well. Great hearing from you, Clissa. Please keep in touch.

You will be reading these notes just before New Market, and I hope that I get to see many of you there for the celebration. While we live in a troubled world, it is always heartwarming to see how tradition and honor still thrive. I also want to remind you that June is the end of the fiscal year for VMI. If you have not made a contribution to the Institute, please consider doing so, as VMI counts on your support to continue these honorable traditions.

And since it is close to New Market, I want to end with a poem Dean Smith sent me and asked to include in my notes. Dean said he wrote the poem after being inspired by a tree on the New Market battlefield and a display in the visitor’s center: “Here I stand, I can do no less/But for one side or the other? No, neither is best/With cannon and mount they had come from both sides/And one from the other it was for me to divide/But neither would let me stand in their way/Neither could I stop, not the blue nor the gray/They had sought each other and then they had found/But how dearly two had clung to me before they met the ground/One gray, one blue, now fighting no war/And I’ll stand here over their graves for time and more/For I believe they have found how fruitless war can be/I have known all along, but I’m only a tree.”

Thanks, Dean.

Take care all, and be safe out there.

In the bonds, Mike

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Class Notes and Anna Van Laethem, Bill and Linda Faistenhammer, Craig “Snapper” and Cathy Carlock, and Donnie and Barbara Ross. Understand Ricky and Page Kastelburg attended the game, but I did not have an opportunity to run into them. Also saw Mike Hunter ’75, Billy Stephens ’73, Tim Gunlach ’73 and Yerry Kenneally ’73. Postgame activities included dinner with George and Anna while watching the Louisiana State University versus the University of Alabama game. Any excuse to visit Charleston is a winner; a bi-annual trek to the VMI versus The Citadel game has become a tradition for the Parkers. See you there in 2017!

David Sheppard, Kent Wheeless and I attended a first ever VMI alumni luncheon in Washington, North Carolina. David and I followed up with a

round of golf at the Cypress Landing Country Club. Kent wanted to play but is in line for a new left knee. Kent is doing well and is umpiring softball/baseball for all ages, as well as volleyball. He noted the pain in his knee has been restricting his mobility, so he plans to get a brand-new one.

Mike Cole and Debbie stayed at the Pat Flynn bed-and-breakfast in St. Augustine Beach, FlorGreetings, Brother Rats, Family and Friends of ida, mid-November. Following Billie Haught’s the Illustrious VMI Class of 1974!

These notes cover the period Nov. 1, 2015, departure, they arrived from Pennsylvania in through Feb. 15, 2016. As usual, lots of news over coats and sweaters to 84 degree weather. This was the Christmas holidays; more than I have room supposed to be a quasi-business meeting, starting to address, so some notes will be cryptic, sumwith oysters and ceviche with a few cool ones at Salt Life Food Shack on the beach. Started telling marized and generally in chorological order as fish stories, and the subject of bone fishing came received. Here goes! up – had to call Tommy Anderson to confirm the Received some good news from Rich Forbes. bone fishing hot spots. Pat opened the In July, doctors notified Rich he had Monday morning business meeting tumors that were likely malignant – a with an 8 pound, 14 ounce big mouth complete surprise and shock. With bass – a tough day at the office. I know lots of prayer and a little treatment, the Mike must have been worn-out reeling cancer has been successfully removed, in all those bass – like catching tuna. and there were no additional signs of Confirmed Jim Roper is living well tumor anywhere. What a relief. in Denver, Colorado, after receiving a Some other health related good return to sender note. news: On Nov. 6, 2015, Cliff Biram’s I took Marla, Olivia and nephew triple bypass was successful. Bobby (9) to the Western Carolina versus Cunningham wrote: “Great news allVMI football game in Lexington on around: Lynda Gardner’s knee surgery Ring Figure weekend. Superb football Charles says went without a hitch.

I’d say our class got its Christmas gift Class of 1974: Skiing in Park City, Utah, in January 2016 were, from weather – cool, crisp! Saw Gene Wilearly! Obviously if something like this left, Tracey and John Crawley and Allen “Al” and Judy Rasper. liams in Wal-Mart pregame, who was could happen to Cliff, it could happen looking for warmer attire – as were to any of us.” Amen, brother; calls for we. Saw Donnie and Barbara Ross, healthy lifestyles and routine checkups!

Bill and Linda Faistenhammer, Mike Marla and I traveled to Charleston, and Sarah Fisher, and John “J.R.” South Carolina, for the VMI versus Welsh at the game, along with Mark The Citadel game. Sunny and 80s – Hall ’75, Tom Mason ’75 and Bland beautiful weather, especially for No“Scooter” Massie ’77 and wife Jane.

VMI ’74 Tidewater Breakfast Club vember. Great weekend, even though met Nov. 21 at Mom’s Kitchen. Atthe result of the game was, again, disappointing. Lunch at the Rutledge Cab tendees: Sam Turner, John McLarCo, dinner at 39 Rue de Jean, breakfast en, Al Rasper, Paul Van Doren, Steve at the City Marina Grill, and we were Ham, Bill Penneypacker, and Vicoon the hunt for a painting to go over ry and Gary Trinkle. (Photo on the our fireplace in the living room ... and a VMI Class of 1974 Facebook page.) football game. At game time, we found George and Anna Van Laethem’s out that our starting quarterback would daughter, Ashely, passed the bar and not play (on concussion watch). The was sworn in Nov. 25. good news, however, was the game was Mike Mahoney is retiring to Myrtle not a blow out – felt like VMI was in Class of 1974: Mike Andriani, second from left, received the Intel- Beach, South Carolina, in September the game to the end. Take away one or ligence community’s National Counter Intelligence Team Award after 42 years of public service. Shag two plays, and VMI would have won for best CI support to supply chain protection from Lt. Gen. James heaven and more golf courses than Clapper, far left, director of National Intelligence. the ballgame. Seen at the game: George gas stations! We’re coming to visit!

’74

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Snookie Parker

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1974: Pat Flynn caught a big mouth bass weighing 8 pounds, 14 ounces.

Don Sharpe has recovered from his bout with pneumonia over the Christmas holidays – glad to hear you are on the mend!

Andy Young’s knee is progressing nicely after surgery. Good news for the golf gods!

Paul Van Doren has published a wargame on the award winning Command Ops game engine.

The game is called “Knock on All Doors.” Of course, it’s about the Battle of the Bulge!

Al and Kathy Vicory are now living full-time at The Villages in Orlando, Florida. Al is still working part-time for Stantec Consulting but on a glide-path for full-time retirement. Kathy is fully engaged with the local Honor Flight chapter. They are having way too much fun. I’ve threatened to visit soon and monitor/regulate their fun meter!

Ed Blake has been retired for three years now while wife Jamie continues to work as a special education administrator for the public school system.

Bob Johnson checked on BR Bob Trost in Arlington Cemetery – confirmed he got his wreath (see photo on the VMI Class of 1974 Facebook page). Thanks for checking, Bob! Chuck Collins got married over the Christmas holidays – congratulations, Carol. Something about Grand Street American Restaurant in the Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri – pleasant memories. I recall my graduate studies at University of Missouri – Kansas City adjacent to the Plaza – too much fun! Congrats to the newlyweds!

I heard Jim Cottrell and Cynthia were outrunning the human sacrificial priests of Chichintza, Mexico! A unique and interesting place to visit!

Stay mobile!

Glenn and Grace Green enjoyed the Christmas holiday in Hawaii with their two sons and their

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families. Also, Grace’s new novel is out: “Leaving Cub Creek.” Well done, Grace!

Had a nice exchange with Phil Parker just after Christmas. Got some insight for our family visit to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, (we stayed at the infamous Grove Park Inn).

Turns out that Phil and Randi Parker had just moved from Black Mountain, North Carolina, (near Asheville) back to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.

May see them on a Pittsburg trip in June!

Joe McCoskrie is on several oversight committees at the National Churchill Museum and is honing on his golf game for a three-peat at our 45th and is being encouraged and therefore contemplating a run for mayor of Fulton, Missouri.

Joe and politics – that should be interesting!

Snapper Carlock is recovering from double knee surgery. Hopefully fit to fight soon!

The Crawleys (John and Tracey) and Raspers (Al and Judy) were on the slopes in Park City, Utah. Slopes of Utah ... I wonder where the snow bunnies, Mark and Gwen Hays, were?

Red Undercoffer is again on the pointy end of the spear in West Africa ... on post with the Nigerian Army, checking the perimeter each night before going to bed. Stay safe!

Small world story: John and Diane McLaren were driving from Atlanta to Norfolk and stopped on the way at a Cracker Barrel in Emporia, Virginia, for dinner. Low and behold, John White was on his way to Fayetteville, North Carolina, from Washington, D.C., and happened to stop at the Cracker Barrel in Emporia. What are the chances – same place, same time? What an unexpected treat! Now for some Christmas notes.

The Banning Christmas Gazette reported that Deb is officially drown-proofed. Testing occurred off a catamaran in the Caribbean. Nice edition!

Well done, Charley Banning!

Bill and Judy Candler survived a tornado in July with minor damage to the house – lost 20 trees. Bill is now working for Springfield Clinic, went on a medical mission trip to Belize and spent a week hiking the Appalachian Trail in Georgia this summer. Kudos, Bill!

Mark Hays has retired! Now shoots, camps, backpacks, skis, hikes and works out. What a life.

Wife Gwen is a Delta gate agent and ski instructor to support her travel and ski addictions. Sailing in the British Virgin Islands; two trips to Maui; hiking in the Alps; and visits to Verona and Venice, Italy – it’s a rough life. Thanks for the note, Mark!

News from the Kilcullens: Don and Patti

Kilcullen’s son, Mike, is out of the Marine Corps after eight years and is home working on a physical therapy degree. Don is semi-retired and working as a substitute teacher – favorite subject: English as a second language.

Tom Mascot is on short final for mandatory retirement from Southwest Airlines – more golf and fishing. Is that possible? The family enjoyed an eight-day British Isle cruise in August.

Daughter Becca passed the Arizona bar in October. Daughter Liz is back working with her old boss, Jon Kyl, former Arizona senator. Wife Patti keeps all on track and the home fires burning.

Thanks for the update, Tom! Pete and Penny Meredith are doing well. Pete says he is not working as hard as he used to. Son Pete and son-in-law Page are in the family business now lending a helping hand. Pete has seen David and Penny Stormont recently. David is back building houses on the Outer Banks after a 5-year retirement. Understand he is really enjoying it!

I received a nice note from Sister Rat Anita Moore. She has retired from teaching school and is enjoying travel, as well as all the sights and sounds D.C. has to offer. Travel included Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina; two weeks in Japan visiting son Patrick; and a Moore family breakfast in New Jersey. Also, Marine son Rob is now at Twentynine Palms.

Pete and Susan Shelley continue to work in Raleigh, North Carolina, but are considering

Class of 1974: Thomas Forbes Jones, Class of 2038. Class Agent Snookie Parker said of this photo, “Congrats to the grandparents, Bruce and Sue Jones.”

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Class Notes retirement – mostly Pete. Susan, the information technology wizard, is working hard keeping her small banks in business!

Nice Christmas note from Ken and Betsy Terry. Ken is still flying and Betsy has not slowed down one bit. They’re getting older but enjoying kid and grandkids. They do have plans to celebrate their 40th anniversary on a Rhine River Cruise in June 2016.

Bob and Jeanne Slupik sent Christmas greetings from Canyon Lake, Texas. All is well!

Mark and Michelle Prentice sent their Christmas greeting. Mark attended Jim Sarver’s retirement party. Since he is now retired, Jim plans to secure a 35 foot sailboat, sail down the Intracoastal Waterway to Florida, then over to the Bahamas. He is in need of a crew, because his wife, Jill, won’t go more than 50 miles from the grandkids. I understand that golf buddies Mark Prentice and Mike Foley have volunteered. Alas, they are going to need some help! Mark also noted a Bill Shumate, Bob Benninger and Charley Banning rendezvous in Lexington to view a basketball game. Should we alert the authorities?

Gary Trinkle has been retired for one full year – golfing, hiking the Appalachian Trail, Alison’s honey dos and gym, with a nice trip to St. Croix in March. They’re headed to Norway in 2016!

I received a nice note from Sister Rat Susan Dennett. She is doing well in Dublin, Ohio, and is staying busy. She planned to make the VMI cruise down the Danube in May. Awesome!

A Mike Andriani update. In 2015, Mike led

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s Technology Protection Division as its division chief and was recognized by the director of National Intelligence, Lt. Gen. James Clapper, with the prestigious Intelligence Community’s National Counterintelligence Team Award for Best CI Support to Supply Chain Protection. It was the very first national award to be won by the NGA Office of Counterintelligence. In recognition of his leadership, Mike was appointed Aug. 9 as operations center director for the NGA Operations Center.

Mike was also recognized for his leadership efforts with promotion to the rank of Knight Grand Cross within the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a Catholic Order that supports a continued Christian presence in the Holy Land. Within the EOHSJ, Mike currently serves as the order’s representative to the Catholic Archdiocese for the Military Services, headquartered in Washington, D.C. Mike flew out to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to promote his son, Mike III ’13, to first lieutenant! Wife Lera continues to stay fully engaged in the nurse/investigator career field.

Thanks for the update, Mike.

Tim Bosse is still a principal with Booz Allen Hamilton, overseeing staff and business in “Army West,” or everything in the Mountain and Pacific time zones. Tim is currently living in Seattle but maintains the retirement home in north Georgia.

Wife Pat splits time between both coasts and has managed to adjust to coast to coast living. Tim is scheduled to be back on the East Coast this summer to take over all of Booz Allen’s Army

Class of 1974: Pictured at the Tidewater Breakfast Club meeting at The Lunch Bell Jan. 23, 2016, were, from left, clockwise around the table, Gary Trinkle, Paul Van Doren, Mike Hogan, Bill Pennypacker, Chuck Cayton, Al Rasper, Steve Ham, Henry Moncure, John Crawley, Frank Richardson and Chip Beaman.

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Training and Doctrine Command business. Both Bosse kids are grown and married. Carrie is a registered nurse and lives with her husband and two children at Fort Benning, Georgia. Brian graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and is now an infantry major just leaving grad school in Boston and reporting to the Pentagon. Brian had three combat tours, so he earned his grad school break.

Lane and Karin Toomey are still hunkered down in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Karin is the marketing web-geek for the Moore County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Lane continues to support the XVIII Airborne Corps staff in what we now call the Corps G-37 (Futures). Retirement discussion is underway. Karin is ready, but Lane still enjoys what he is doing. Like they say, it’s not work if you enjoy what you are doing!

The VMI Tidewater Breakfast Club held a Jan. 23, 2016, meeting! Attendees: Frank Richardson, John Crawley, Steve Ham, Gary Trinkle, Bill Pennypacker, Chuck Cayton, Chip Beaman, Mike Hogan, Henry Moncure, Paul Van Doren and Al Rasper.

Don Ferrell, the semi-retired defense contractor/pig farmer, is enjoying life on his farm just outside Appomattox, Virginia. Early morning and late at night, he is tending to his hogs; during the day, he is the president of Slate River Corp, which provides ship damage-control training and training aids for the Navy – currently engaged in refitting the Nimitz-class carrier the USS Abraham Lincoln. Don is on the cusp of marketing his pork on the Internet and will be passing through Wilson, North Carolina, on his hog delivery run to Wallace, North Carolina. I’ve offered the finest North Carolina barbecue, which many insist is right here in Wilson, but I believe Don prefers a burger and some beer! Looking forward to catching up!

A Michael Ashley update: Mike is a chiropractor in Bothell, Washington. Wife Debbie will have her 30 years at Harborview Medical Center in 2017. Their oldest granddaughter got married in August 2015. Their youngest granddaughter was born in early June (they only have two). Mike and Debbie are waiting for news about a great-grandchild. Eldest son David is an empty-nester at 39.

Other son Daniel finally got orders to his first real (non-training) duty station at MacDill Air Force Base near Tampa, Florida. He has a degree in Arabic and another in political science. Mike did try to contact Dr. Will Hiltz – couldn’t get past the front desk. Will lived next door to Mike our 4th

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Class year and has been MIA to the Institute until recently. I understand Will spent some time in Israel from 1971 and beyond. Will is a psychiatrist in Washington state. Thanks for the update, Mike!

Thomas Forbes Jones, Class of 2038; congrats, Bruce and Sue Jones!

Andy and Marcie Eason update: Andy’s daughter, Jennifer, is back from a 2-year mission trip to Haiti and is off on a mission trip to the Congo.

Son Chris leaves for Afghanistan in March. Assume Andy’s January neck surgery went well!

Thanks for the update!

Mick and Debbie Ernzen have moved from Virginia to their house on Gaston Lake (Littleton, North Carolina). We are looking forward to motor boating from our place to theirs this summer!

Henry and Peggy Moncure took a Rhine River Cruise to celebrate their 20th anniversary!

Thanks for the Christmas cards: Von and Maria Bashay (San Antonio, Texas), Chip and Cathy Beaman (Chesapeake, Virginia), Ed and Jamie Blake (Kilmarnock, Virginia), Bob and Lisa Braren (Marco Island, Florida), Tom and Marilyn Brewster (Brown City, Michigan), Hall and Benda Brodie (Atlanta, Georgia), Craig and Cathy Carlock (Lexington, Virginia), Mike Cole and Debbie (Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania), Susan Dennett (Dublin, Ohio), Mike and Sarah Fisher (Rochelle, Virginia), Rich and Ann Forbes (Nashville, Tennessee), Jim and Robin Garten (Oro Valley, Arizona), Randy and Martha Gleason (Salem, Virginia), Bert and Cherryl Graham (Berwyn, Pennsylvania), Russ and Mary Stuart Harlow (Lexington, Virginia), John and Lemoyen Hunter (Birmingham, Alabama), Bruce and Sue Jones (Richmond, Virginia), Ricky and Page Kastelberg (Richmond, Virginia), Sam and Colleen Mattocks (Petersburg, Virginia), Mike and Clay Morrissett (Roanoke, Virginia), Kevin and Cindy Nettrour (Mascoutah, Illinois), Steve and Pat Orr (Walkersville, Maryland), John and Suzanne Pate (Chesapeake, Virginia), Bruce and Peggy Pence (Salem, Virginia), Frank and Jeanee Richardson (Newport News, Virginia), David and Sue Sheppard (Wilson, North Carolina), Jon Smithey (Roanoke, Virginia), Russ and Cheryl Takata (Waipahu, Hawaii), Ted and Susan Telle (Germany), Charlie and Tommie Toler (Pensacola Beach, Florida), Lane and Karin Toomey (Southern Pines, North Carolina), Paul and Rose Van Doren (Suffolk, Virginia), Chuck and Louise Ward (Charlottesville,

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Virginia), Don and Barb Whitten (Manassas, Virginia), and Ted Zajac (Avon Lake, Ohio).

Thoughts to consider: Are we getting old or what? Are we on the back nine of life? Don’t put things off too long. Do what you can today as you can never be sure you’re on the back nine or not. Some things to ponder: 1) Life is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. 2) Your kids are becoming you, and your grandchildren are perfect. 3) Going out is good, but coming home is better. And finally, old is good in some things: Old songs, old movies and, best of all, old friends.

Class agent plea! Don’t be caught without your class coin. If you need one, send $10 (cost of coin and postage). Please forward any news regarding births, deaths, illnesses, marriages and other significant events concerning your family and/ or careers. Brother rats are interested and do care.

I know email addresses have a half-life of about six months. Keep us current. Send your updated 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 a cold day here in Tampa as I open the shoebox on this Super Bowl Sunday and put together our class notes for the May edition of the Review.

For those of you above the Florida/Georgia border, let me qualify cold by Tampa standards: 55 degrees with a steady 20-plus knot wind.

I was again very fortunate to be able to attend the Founders Day activities in November at the Institute and really blessed to be invited to stay with Scott and Barb Risser. For those of you who have seen their place, you know what I mean when I say that it is a 5-star accommodation with a million dollar view. The Rissers are very active in the Lexington, VMI and church community. They both serve on their church’s site development committee and are active in several bible study groups. They serve as docents for the Stonewall Jackson House, and Barb helps out in VMI, Rockbridge County and

Class of 1975: Ronnie Norman and Rick Henning at the VMI versus the University of North Carolina - Greensboro basketball game Jan. 17, 2016. their church’s museum. Scott is active with the Lexington Rotary Club and the local Habitat for Humanity. And, on top of all that, Scott and Barb are also in the Cadet Sponsors Program and sponsor cadets in each class. Their newest cadet is a rat (at least as of this writing) and is on the soccer team and, as long as the fall soccer season was active, was not able to be with them much. Two of the remaining three will graduate in the spring; one on schedule with a degree in international studies and the second will graduate in three years with a degree in applied mathematics. All are great young people and are regular visitors on free weekends and furloughs. I don’t remember a program like this when we were there, but it sounds great.

I was really fortunate to meet up with several BRs during Founders Day. In the morning while at the PX, I ran into Greg and Karen Seldon. It seems that Greg was returning from a business trip with Karen and decided to stop by the PX and load up on VMI clothing and accessories.

While there, he asked if I had had the opportunity to read his brother’s (Lynn Seldon ’83) book, “Virginia’s Ring.” Well if you remember back to our 40th Reunion, Lynn was there signing his book. And if you also remember, the line was really long and impatient me couldn’t wait. Now I figure there are many who have the book signed by the author, but how many have the book signed by the author’s brother? So I got Greg to autograph my copy. If you haven’t read it yet, I recommend that you do. It is a good read.

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Class Notes At the Founders Day convocation ceremony held in Cameron Hall, I met up with Chip Louthan.

Chip was accompanying his parents, Frank and Marilyn Louthan ’41, to the festivities as the recipient of the 2015 Distinguished Service Award, James E Rogers ’67, is a close personal friend. Frank Louthan ’41 himself is the 1992 recipient of this prestigious award. It was great seeing Chip, but it was a short visit, as he and his parents were on a schedule.

Following the convocation was the parade that is reported to have had an unusually large crowd – both in attendance and through an online live broadcast via VMI’s first webcast of a parade. That evening was the annual Institute Society Dinner, and I am proud to say that our class was well represented. Gary Taylor, Mike Soares, Jimmy and Susan Hobbs, and I attended the event. Mike was staying with Tom and Judy Baur, and Judy attended as Mike’s guest. We all had a great deal of fun, and it was nice having a meal together.

While in Virginia, I headed over to Richmond to visit my sister and her family and was able to attend the funeral services for Abby Bernard and spend some time with Paul Bernard.

It was obvious that the community of Warrenton held Abby, Paul and Chris Bernard ’08 in as much regard as we all did. The turnout was overwhelming. Those attending from our class were Larry Hendry, Freddie Martin, Rich McFarland, Stu and Maryann Fleming, Vic Arthur, Dave Schuyler, Harry Broaddus, and me. The service was a great remembrance and tribute to Abby’s time with us and was highlighted by Nard’s hilarious story of how he and Abby meet. We all miss you, Abby, and our hearts are with you, Paul and Chris.

Tom Mason has been keeping me up to date with reports on the football team. He and Mark Hall travel up from Roanoke to see the games,

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Class of 1975: Class members at Abby Bernard’s funeral speaking with Mrs. Wheeler, Abby’s mom, were, from left, Dave Schyler, Vic Arthur, Bob Keller, Larry Hendry, Mrs. Wheeler and Harry Broaddus. Photo by Sherry Reinhart Conner, Abby’s roommate from Southern Seminary.

Class of 1975: Class attendees at the Institute Society Dinner in November 2015 were, from left, Gary Taylor, Bob Keller, Judy Baur, Mike Soares, and Susan and Jimmy Hobbs.

Class of 1975: With Chip Louthan, far right, at the 2015 Founders Day Convocation Ceremony were, from left, Chip’s mother, Marilyn, and father, Frank ’41.

and he tells me that things are looking very promising with the new coaching staff and the team overall. He reported that while the team is young, they are also bigger and faster. He sees a lot more enthusiasm and fight in both the coaching staff and team members.

Al and Sandy Morgan reported that they had a great fall at the home football games and at the final game, the Class of ’75 was well represented by Mike Hunter, Uncle Dave Schuyler, Tom Mason, Mark Hall, Len Riedel, Bob O’Connor, Tom and Judy Baur, Scott and Barb Risser, and Art Nunn, along with his wife, Judy; daughter, Pammy; and her fiancé, Jonathan.

While there were not a lot of marks in the win column, it sounds as if it was a good year with the promise of a better next year.

Al and Sandy Morgan also let me know that the VMI family lost someone who was quite influential to all of us while we were cadets. Jane Patton, the wife of Red Patton, died this past fall, and the Morgans – along with Robert Mills, Oscar Richardson and Tom Shultz – attended the funeral.

Red, as you no doubt remember, ran the PX during our time at school, and as I remember, he was lovingly known as Red, the PX Pirate.

In October, Billy and Lee Hunter hosted a gathering of our BRs at their home for the wedding of their daughter, Polly, to Mr. Payden Emmett.

Those in attendance were Tom Baur, Bobby Hunter, Ben Vanderberry, Steve Chapin, Robert Taylor, Ron Bongiovanni, Mike Hunter and Allen Morgan. Congratulations to Billy and Lee, and I am sure it was a good time.

Received a really positive update from Rick Hening on his recovery from hip replacement surgery. After some setbacks in October during Suzanne’s birthday, it sounds as if Rick is moving forward, full steam ahead.

The family was altogether for Thanksgiving with sons Sam and Andrew, along with Andrew’s wife, Tiffany.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Rick and Suzanne learned that they were to be grandparents again with the arrival of their third grandson in June 2016. After he got the go-ahead to drive again, he and his son, Sam, have been attending local high school football games, as well as several VMI basketball games, including the heartbreaking loss to Campbell University where they met up with John White ’74, “Snookie” Parker ’74, Kurt Wheeless ’74 and David Shepard ’74. They also attended the VMI versus the University of North Carolina-Greensboro game.

While there, he ran into Ronnie Norman in the parking lot and had a nice visit. Ronnie was up visiting his daughter and son-in-law, who is an assistant basketball coach for the UNCG Spartans. While at the game, Ron was watching the big screen and saw a young man with great team spirit, and beside him was a man in a VMI hat.

It turned out to be Rick. As Rick’s recovery progressed, he was able to resume his referee duties by refereeing six Upward basketball games, keeping his streak of 18 years alive. He would have done more, but his work schedule did not allow that. He stated his mobility with his new hip is pretty good, and from the sounds of his activities, I would have to agree. Another added bonus for Rick and Suzanne is that their son, Sam, is living at home and practicing his cooking abilities on them. He is part of a cooking club and is also taking cooking classes at the local community college. As Rick says, “Good eats are a mainstay!”

Speaking of joint replacements, Ronnie Norman joined the club in early December with a knee replacement. It seems all went well with the surgery, and the follow-up therapy sessions also were successful. Ron thanks everybody for all the kind thoughts and prayers. It seems that Rick and Ronnie are not alone in the joint replacement club. I received word from Dan Schultz that he had hip replacement surgery Dec. 17, 2015. This was for his left hip. He had the right replaced six years ago, which was also the time that John Maples had his left hip replaced. Dan said their wives talked them into it, because they looked like a pair of book ends hobbling down the street.

John also had the right one done. Dan confirmed the rehab is no joke but maybe is a little easier the second time around. Dan did challenge Ronnie to a race at our next reunion. At this rate, it might be a crowded field of runners in that race.

Ellett and Frances Smith celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary in December. They returned to the church in Asheville, North Carolina, where

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they were married and renewed their vows. The renewal was even officiated by the same priest who married them. Ellett reported that he and Frances are still in northern Virginia, and he is still working for DARPA. Speaking of wedding anniversaries, Tom and Peg Jones visited with Yulee and Karen Richardson in Virginia Beach to jointly celebrate their 40th anniversary. I fondly remember both of their weddings, and as I remember, we all had a great time.

I want to thank all of you who sent me Christmas cards. The notes and pictures were great.

Tad MacGowan, who lives in Annapolis, has been doing some dingy sailing. He did a 10-mile sail in his dingy, and that went so well that he has moved up to an Olympic-class Laser with visions of taking on larger portions of the Chesapeake. In December, Tad, Bev, their children, his 91-year-old father, all siblings, and most of the nieces and nephews meet in Wintergreen for a grand family reunion.

Tony Farry sent me an update on his and Teresa’s activities. Tony is still caddying, and Teresa continues her part-time work. They have become empty nesters this past year and spent much time in updating their house. The proud parents report that all of their children are doing well and that life is good.

As you all are no doubt aware, both VMI bands

participated in the Rose Parade, and members of our class were there to welcome and watch them at the reception and the parade. Art Sigsbury, Charlie Hoon and Clayton DePuey met up in Huntington Beach to welcome the bands at the VMI band reception and rehearsal. Art reported that one of the drum majors is a relative of Rich Flowers ’72 from our dykes’ class. Art also relayed that several of the cadets rented surfboards and wet suits and surfed the Pacific. Charlie attended the reception with two of his daughters and two granddaughters, and they all were impressed with the bands. Art attended the parade and said that the bands’ performance was spectacular. Hopefully, you all may have either seen them on TV or watched the YouTube videos. (I hope this counts toward Band Company’s Garnett Andrews [’890] score!) Sigs also had the opportunity to spend New Year’s Eve afternoon with Randy Frank walking around Sunset Boulevard having lunch, a few beers and catching up. Randy was in town with his wife, Terry, to visit and spend New Year’s with their son, Zack. Several days later, Randy, Terry and Zack began a California road trip going to San Juan Capistrano to meet up with Doug Conte and his fiancée, Monica, for a late lunch and a walking tour of the town. The high point of this tour was stopping at President Richard Nixon’s favorite Mexican restaurant, where Doug and Monica

Class of 1975: Alumni at the home of Billy Hunter for the wedding of his daughter, Polly, to Payden Emmett in October 2015 were, from left, Tom Baur, Miles Manley ’16, Ryan Poffenbarger ’16, Bobby Hunter, Ben Vanderberry, Steve Chapin, Billy Hunter, Robert Taylor, Ron Bongiovanni, Mike Hunter, Allen Morgan, Budge Hunter ’10, Will Hunter ’16 and Bill Davis ’70. Present but not pictured was Tom Lilly ’65.

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Class Notes showed them the president’s favorite table. Doug told me he and Randy are planning a future trip to New Orleans to visit the National World War II Museum there. When Randy and Terry returned to their home in Bellingham, Washington, they had the pleasure of a visit from Mike Fleenor’s son, Skyler Fleenor ’14, who was in town on a long haul delivery from Chattanooga. Randy reported that they shared some spirited political discussions followed by generous portions of Dungeness crab and Sockeye salmon. Randy is not sure that they were able to send Skyler back to Texas converted to a northwest political philosophy, but at least they sent him back with a proper introduction to northwest ‘eats.’ Randy and Terry really were the traveling duo, as they started back at Thanksgiving by going to New York and Philadelphia to visit with their son, Sam, in Brooklyn.

While there, they were able to meet up with Billy Kobus. Randy and Billy had a great day smoking cigars and wandering down Eastern Parkway to Prospect Park. Bill placed a call to Guy Conte from a McDonald’s on Flatbush Avenue and got an update on Guy’s cookie venture. Randy added that nothing says elegance like sipping coffee at a fast food restaurant in Brooklyn and catching up with your brother rats. They finished up this trip with spirited political discussions over dinner with Sam and one of his roommates.

Bill Robson sent a note letting me know that their return to Florida was delayed until February. It seems that Bill had a heart attack while he was mowing his lawn in preparation for their winter exodus to The Villages in central Florida. It sounded as if he got excellent emergency care, as several stints will get him back in action and down to Florida. We should all think twice about doing the grass from now on. Get better, BR. Ken Gerard sent his best to everyone from Cincinnati and reported they fared well from the great blizzard of 2016. He, his wife and their youngest son traveled to Columbus to see the Keydet basketball team take on Ohio State University. He reported that while the score was pretty ugly, the team played hard the entire time. He also stated that it was nice to see a fair number of VMI spider logos in the crowd.

While Ken did OK with the blizzard, Rich McFarland did not. He says that he had to dig out from 24-plus inches of snow. Maco is still on the hunt for his retirement career, and he is spending his weekends exploring the back roads in the Shenandoah Valley looking for the answer. Maco

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was in Talkeetna, Alaska, late last summer for a long weekend visit with his son, Josh. Josh was there for the summer as a summer geologist internship with BP. Mark Skuby sent me another blizzard report from his home near Philadelphia and reported that they received 20 inches. Mark and Eugenia have been stimulating the economy lately due to several weddings in their family. In October, daughter Stephanie was married, and in late January, daughter Martha was married. Their third daughter, Julia, is finishing her clinical fellowship year as a speech pathologist in Philly and is living at home until she completes her studies. Mark told her she can’t get married until he recovers financially in about five years.

After observing Guy Conte, Jerry DeWaters and Bernie Cobb developing a strategic plan that had them playing golf in January and February in Arizona, Dan and Sandy Brooks decided to develop their own strategic plan for surviving winter 2016. Conveniently, the weekend of the great blizzard of 2016, they managed to be in San Francisco, California, hanging out with their oldest son drinking bottomless mimosas. That was followed up by two weeks in Barbados for the company’s partners’ meeting. They engaged in many non-winter activities, such as snorkeling, surfing, fishing and swimming, as well as year-round activities, such as continuous eating and drinking.

In an amazing example of cultural exchange, they brought the bottomless mimosa culture to Barbados. Dan and Sandy are currently accepting nominations for next year’s location if BRs have any suggestions.

Got word from Dino Armstrong that he has finally been promoted to the captain’s seat in the Boeing 757/767 for Delta. It has been a long process, and Dino related that being older does not help with taking in all of the information. He utilized a familiar VMI term, “suck it up,” and persevered. He will be doing a lot of domestic flights now, so if you are flying on a Delta 757/767, look in the cockpit for Dino. He said he will make sure you are well taken care of. He and Denise are off to Europe in May to further explore the Danube.

Congratulations, BR! Keep sending those great post cards.

Len Riedel wrote that all arrangements have been made for the third Annual Old Guys Las Vegas Trip in May with Jim McCriskin, John Green and Phil Brzozowski ’76. This is open to all BRs, and the format is a ‘spouse-tolerated stag

party.’ How much trouble can a bunch of old guys get into? They will, however, miss their annual breakfast with Todd and Vicky Sain. That will be sorely missed. Len is also planning several trips for his business that include the 140th anniversary of Custer at the Little Big Horn, a historical tour of the Mother Road, Route 66, and America’s entry into World War II in Honolulu, Guam, Bataan Corregidor and Singapore. His book for National Geographic, “The Civil War, A Traveler’s Guide,” went on sale in February and is expected to be a big seller at over 100,000 copies in the first three years. Len also reports that the annual room 334 reunion was held at VMI in the Hotel Moody.

Charlie Freeman was unable to make it this time and was put on report by his roommates, Len and Bob O’Connor. They were able to visit with Al and Sandy Morgan while they were there, as well as take in a meal at the Natural Bridge Hotel and several visits to the Paramount. It sounds like Charlie will be walking penalty tours for much of the next room 334 reunion.

I received a quick note from Andy Andisheh, who has finished his temporary assignment in Saudi Arabia with Flour in November and has been looking for new opportunities since. Currently (February) he is in the Philippines to marry his fiancée so she can join him in Canada in a few months. Congratulations, BR, and good luck in the work hunt.

I received a really nice email from Bink Rush.

Bink left in the first semester of our 2nd Class year, finished his degree at another college and got his master’s degree at the University of Virginia.

Over the years he worked as a teacher, but as you remember, he always had a love for music. While a cadet, he played in the Commanders. He was at our 20th Reunion and hopefully he will make it to the 45th. It was great to hear from Bink.

Robert Mills sent me a rundown on his fabulous post-reunion travel adventure that he took with his offspring to see all of the animals in Tanzania, followed by a side trip to Zanzibar for some snorkeling and beachcombing. Their flight was diverted, and they were stranded in Ireland for a night, but he made the best of it with some food and a few pints. In November, he was on the move again with the kids and did a helicopter trip on the Grand Canyon, a bit of gambling and carousing in Vegas, and a few days in Los Angeles.

After that, he was off to Raja Ampat, Indonesia, to film the huge oceanic manta rays and other assorted aquatic creatures. Conditions were more

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes upper Amazon River. Ted said, “Had rustic than anticipated (three weeks an amazing time. Machu Picchu is of noodles and rice), and he was glad right at the top of my man-made to return to civilization at Christmas. wonders list, and the Amazon River He was able to get together with Oswas incredible. One of the biggest car Richardson, Ben Vanderberry surprises was the food. Some of the and Rob Slaughter post-holidays for a best I’ve ever eaten.” After returning little libation, and they all had a good from Peru, Ted had to move his mom time. He was also able to make a footinto long-term care and his dad into ball game and spend some time with assisted living. Ted said, “Looking Al and Sandy Morgan and Andy and after them is turning into a halftime Mary Love Dearman. I don’t know job. Good thing I’m retired.” Ted is how you could pack more than that involved in a three-year project with into a year. the Forest Service and National Rifle Vic Arthur sent me another blizzard Association to eliminate recreational report, and he and Tricia are the winsport shooting on the east side of the ners in the snow department. They had an astounding 37 to 40 inches of Class of 1976: Hank Foresman, left, and John Strock at a northern Huachuca Mountain range. He said, “Just too much opportunity for an snow. Vic said that when he went out Virginia VMI Alumni Association meeting last December. accident and too many irresponsible to shovel, the snow was over his waist.

When he woke up the next day, he felt like he had to serve Virginia in some capacity in the future. shooters. It’s sad, because I used to shoot on the been in a fight and lost. He wisely took the day off. He still works at the Department of the Army in east side of the Huachucas. The Forest Service Tricia continues to teach piano lessons to school- Washington, D.C. His wife is an administrative will build a new shooting range as a trade-off.”

Jim Joustra retired from Walgreens in January aged children in their house, and he is with Navy law judge with the Social Security AdministraFederal Credit Union. He says that their home is tion in Columbia, South Carolina. Henry said, 2015 after finishing the Walgreens Boots Alliance always open to BRs and their loved ones.

“I am not happy with the separation, but I am so merger. He started his own company, Verkenner, Ollie Way reported that he and Bonnie have proud of her for gaining this position, as I believe LLC, which enables him to bring to market some been blessed with their third grandbaby in De(prejudiced, I am sure) she will be fair and impar- interesting and innovative solutions for a variety of medical issues. He spends about 50 percent of cember. Margaret is the daughter of Lawton Way tial in her judgments.”

Mark Sculley was No. 2! Mark said his new his time working for his new company. Sharon ’05 and Shelton. Ollie and Bonnie are headed to California in April on a Chamber of Commerce position at U.S. European Command as the lead abuses him with honey-do lists the other 50 pertrip and planned to see Art Sigsbury while there. foreign disclosure officer has been fun and recent of the time. Jim has been scuba diving quite Well, the shoebox is empty and that is good, as I warding since he arrived in Stuttgart, Germany, a bit in retirement and is working on his master am out of space. Keep up the good work, guys. in August 2015. He has been working to enhance scuba diver rating. Andrew (son) is a production See you in the spring. our nation’s relationships with partners in the manager at Sony Pictures Animation in Los Anregion, given the changing landscape regarding geles, California.

William Bhatta Grigg and Cindy Mullen reported little change Russia, terrorism and Middle East immigrants.

The man gets around. Mark said after an “...inin Lexington, Virginia. Grigg is working hard at VMI, but now he is talking about retiring soontensely interesting and eye-opening trip...” to Israel, “...skiing in Austria provided the right dose er rather than later. Cindy is still bookkeeping of relaxation to balance the busy week.” Mark’s around town and loving it. Grigg III (son) and It seems like every time I write notes Feb. 15, wife, Bernadette, is mastering Italian and SpanAccacia (his wife) are working at VMI and are there is snow outside. This year in no exception; ish; Daniel (son) is a JROTC cadet at Stuttgart happy with their jobs. Andrew (son) and Melissa it is snowing outside.

High School and still plans to attend VMI (Class (fiancée) are in Albuquerque, New Mexico. AnHenry Foresman was BR No. 1 to check in of 2022); Christian (son) is taking college courses drew started a master’s degree in elementary edufor 2016! Henry recently graduated from the and involved with a German sports wrestling orcation, and Melissa is doing postdoctoral work Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at ganization; Virginia (daughter) is still working at at a Veterans Affairs hospital. By the time these the University of Virginia. (Henry likes “instiStihl in Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Julian ’09 notes are published, they will be married!

Here is a Bhatta update: I started my 18th tutes.”) Henry said, “I was the elder statesman is united with his almost-Ph.D. wife in Arlington, year in Altria Client Services as an information of the group. I was very impressed by the 20- and Virginia.

Ted Mouras was No. 3! Last November, Ted technology functional lead providing – as I like 30-somethings I was in class with who truly embrace – regardless of political views – trust, ci- and his wife, Melanie, spent three weeks in Peru. to say – enterprise solutions through technology vility and respect in politics.” Henry is not sure They visited Lima, the Nazca Lines, Cusco, the and stuff. I still enjoy the work and do not plan to if he will ever run for political office but hopes Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Iquitos and the retire until the work fun-o-meter begins to drop.

’76

2016-Issue 2

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Class Notes On the other hand, Michelle (my wife) will retire from the University of Richmond financial aid office later this year. Son David ’06 was just selected for major and will attend Command and General Staff College this summer at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Allison (youngest daughter) is a freelance graphic artist making bazillions of dollars every year working in the Boulder, Colorado, area. Finally, I must finish these notes, because Laura’s (middle daughter) husband just called and said she is beginning to go into labor.

So, very quickly, here is the BR minute update: Andre and Lois Koneczny are now grandparents.

Kristen, their oldest daughter, had her first baby last year – Harper Paige. I heard from Kurt and Cindy Lukenbill in December. Their 11 grandchildren keep them on their toes! Kurt is still working at RBC Wealth Management. The family’s Christmas letter said, “...he will work until he is 70, because he doesn’t do that much work.”

Jake Berberich had prostate surgery in December and is doing well. Jake said, “Surgery was done with the Da Vinci robotic system – five or six holes in the abdomen. Otherwise, the holes have simply messed up my symmetric six pack washboard stomach.” Recently, Jake said his PSA level was zero, and the prognosis was good, but “...there is a learning curve on how to manage the rearranged internal plumbing – enough said on that!” Jim Mallon hosted the quarterly Richmond BRC in December. Lee Bradshaw, Bill Danzeisen, Maury Gatewood, Rocky Glass, Bob Gleason, Lee Godsey, Tom Hawthorne, Al Kinker, Tom Moody and Kavie Thrift attended. Al Kinker plans to retire in November, and Lee Bradshaw is loving retirement.

Official announcement: This is first call for anyone who would like to assume the class agent role this fall. My second 5-year tour ends in September. Looking for a volunteer or a nomination.

Have a great spring and summer! Stay tuned for the class notes published in August – they will cover our 40th Reunion.

’77

Christmas boxes for deployed soldiers. This year, they assisted over 200 families. J.D. Johnson sent his regards to Terry and Debra for their efforts.

J.D. wrote: “Terry and Debra: Thank you and your church for all you do for deployed soldiers.

As we’ve talked before, your thoughtfulness and generosity makes such a huge impact on our soldiers and their families. Very well done, also, teaming with the Air Force JROTC program – reinforces those people’s thinking along the right lines of service to others. Also, well done on the angel program; I am positive that makes a huge difference for kids who would otherwise not have anything special for the holidays. Well done, BR. J.D. and Cheryl.”Terry and Debra Wolfe Super ’77 rock stars!

I received several kind notes during the Christmas season. The first was none other than Joe Molina. Joe reported the Molinas officially became empty-nesters in December 2015 as their grown sons, Tom (25) and Dan (22), have moved on to live off the grid, purchasing a small farm in northeast Florida. Joe and Vicky get to keep Samson the wonder dog. A life in service to family, church, academia and our beloved nation now comes full circle as Joe returns to (the roots of his formation) an environment of service and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Joe accepted a position as chaplain at The Citadel. For those traveling to Charleston, South Carolina, contact Joe when in Charleston and he’ll give you the 50 cent tour.

During the Christmas season, a video floated

Steve Neas

Brother Rats, As I write these notes Feb. 13, the day before Valentine’s Day, the high for the day has topped out at 20.5 degrees and (as my father

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would say) the wind doth blow. Today is also Breakout day for the rat class. Breakout these days is a daylong event, beginning with a sweat party at 0500, then a host of physical activities ending with the rats assaulting the upper class on the Parade Ground, where the 2nds and 3rds are entrenched behind a sandbag wall – less chance to injure or maim someone than making the way up to the 4th stoop.

In my current employment position, I do a fair amount of travel. I have great flexibility on where I travel and when. Yesterday, I returned from a trip to Houston. (My work plan is to travel south in the winter and north as the temperature rises.)

The best part of the visit was having dinner with Terry and Debra Wolfe. We talked of many things. One of Terry’s stories was about Andy Tarr. Andy, like I, would sleep through most of his classes but show up in Terry’s room after taps the night before a test and borrow his notes to study by. You may remember Andy had academic stars ... I did not. I was interested to learn that Terry’s company crossed paths with my company many times. Thinking about why a small Texas-based structural firm would be working on the East Coast, it occurred to me that Terry is a master of his trade and, as such, is widely sought after. It made me think that as we all cross the 60s line, we must all be masters in our careers. We are those old men we used to talk about with reverence ... or maybe not, in some cases. Terry and Debra have organized their church to assemble

Class of 1977: At the 2015 Institute Society Dinner were, from left, Eric Hutchins, Bland Massie, J.D. Johnson, Mort Mumma, Mark Bryant and Kimber Latsha.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1977: Chris Perry conducted the Richmond Symphony in “Sleigh Ride” during their Christmas concert. around of our own brother rat, Chris Perry, conducting the Richmond Symphony in their performance of “Sleigh Ride.” It is an awesome video, and if you are on Facebook, you can find it under the VMI Class of 77 page. Chris did an excellent job. Well done, brother rat.

Since Mark Bryant moved back to Rockbridge County, he has immersed himself in VMI life.

Mark began working as an officer-in-charge in barracks last fall. He is on duty for a week, then off. It is a lot of nighttime duty. Then, this semester, Mark picked up teaching a 4th Class biology course. Class of ’77 continues to affect the Corps.

Thanks for your service, Mark.

Max Floyd wrote. Max is living in Bahrain and working in Saudi Arabia. He has acquired a ham radio license and has a set up. Max reported his ham radio station is working great and is making literally thousands of contacts from Bahrain.

Tim Mishkofski checked in. Tim and his wife, Stephanie, live in Colorado Springs. Tim works at Norad-Northcom, and Stephanie is working as a nurse. They boat when they can on Lake Pueblo.

They are able to get together with other alumni at a local brewery owned by Todd Baldwin ’06.

Mike Meise sent a nice Christmas card. Mike is living in Roanoke and has three children. His oldest recently graduated from Virginia Tech.

His second son is a 3rd Class cadet at VMI. His daughter is in junior high.

Tom Pender continues his life as an administrative law judge for the U.S. International Trade Commission. He balances that weighty task with grandchildren, his farm in New Market and travel.

I found an interesting article in “Above the Law” where Tom “bench-slapped” a litigator from Apple in their suit with Motorola. When not

2016-Issue 2

sanctioning uppity attorneys, Tom is planting an orchard in New Market and traveling the world.

I attempted to squeeze an update from John Barr. All I could get was he just got back from the U.K. working on an overseas job with the Air Force. He is now working at Andrews with Rick Wilson. End of message.

Jim Hugar recently moved from Woodbridge, Virginia, to Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Jim is working for the U.S. Army Petroleum center.

Sensei (and brother rat) Tim Thompson and his Dragon Force National Karate Demo Team recently performed an awesome halftime karate show at Old Dominion University men’s basketball game in front of a sold-out crowd of 8,642 cheering spectators at the Ted Constant Center.

They also won the first place Team Demo Trophy at the World Fall Classic Martial Arts Championships. He is also busy with teaching classes, camps and seminars at his Ryoshin-Kan Karate School in Virginia Beach, Virginia, as well as getting ready for upcoming tournaments and karate shows. His karate school is currently celebrating their 36th anniversary.

Not much other news; we remain hunkered down waiting for spring.

Steve

’78

Tom Brown

Greetings to all in a hopefully warm and glorious spring! As I write these notes, another snowstorm rushes through, and I hope all of you survived your winter well. Many cards came this Christmas and many thanks to those senders: Ron Dolan, Dave Gray, Terry Dorn, Tony Pileggi, Bob Wright, Dac Colden and Garry Spencer.

Ron Dolan said he plans to continue traveling this year with stops in Florida, as well as a ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hope to see you, Ron. Dac Colden is in Indianapolis and does sales. He and Katie have been doing some traveling with family. Bob Wright is in Plano, Texas. Tony and Monica Pileggi are still in Fredrick, Maryland.

Terry and Beth Dorn have been traveling in Japan this winter; I guess to avoid the snowstorms. Dave Gray is in Yorktown and has completed 26 years with Pfizer. He continues as an adjunct professor at Averett and Strayer Universities.

Ronnie Milligan checked in from a VMI trip to

St. Lucia where they celebrated their 60th birthdays. Ronnie said that eight BRs plus one University of Richmond grad and wives went.

Attending were Jeff and Terry Yates, Bill and Barbara Grove, Steve and Audrey Oddi, Billy and Kim Way, Bill and Gay Hardy, Jerry and Janet Harris, Joe and Barbara Tulskie, and Ronnie and Laurie Milligan. Also pictured is Mike and Debbie Noble, the token University of Richmond spider. He said a good time was had by all, but it was exhausting.

Leland Horn said not much to report in Dallas.

He is still working hard at getting himself moved over to the Cape Canaveral area (closer to family).

Leland shuttles back and forth to Seattle now for his job – some remote, some on-site up there.

Tom Tucker sent along that his work continues to go well at Edward Jones in Warrenton. Tim Pishdad and his wife, Cynthia, popped into my office a while back. It turns out they have family in Warrenton. Tom and wife Krista went to St. John, Virgin Islands, for a vacation in February, and Tom highly recommends it as a great, laid back place to relax. Recently, Tom got the honor of performing with The Piedmont Symphony doing the “Beatles and Friends” Rock Symphony.

He says it’s nice to still be playing at this level!

Banco!

Paul Mitchell has had a very challenging time this past year and sent along the following: “‘The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away;’ an excerpt from Job 1:21. In previous class notes, I had proclaimed the good news of my January 2015 wedding to Janice Hagen and the August birth of our darling Eva. On Sept. 25, as Janice was preparing to take Eva to a scheduled pediatrician appointment, she collapsed and died. It was totally unexpected. I was in Marshall, Michigan, at the time. My motherin-law, Gwen Hagen, went to my condo the following day at my request to check on Janice, as Janice had not responded to my text and phone messages. Gwen found her daughter, Janice, deceased. Eva, who had been unattended for an estimated 25 hours, was found peacefully asleep. Gwen called 911 and called me with the terrible news. By then I was in Columbus, Ohio.

“Don’t take your loved ones for granted.

Show your love and appreciation whenever you can. They can be taken from you in a moment and your life turned upside down. Janice’s cup overflowed with love. She loved her many family members and her many friends dearly. She

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Class Notes

Class of 1978: In St. Lucia for 60th birthday celebrations were Jeff and Terry Yates, Bill and Barbara Grove, Steve and Audrey Oddi, Billy and Kim Way, Bill and Gay Hardy, Jerry and Janet Harris, Joe and Barbara Tulskie and Ronnie and Laurie Milligan. Also pictured are Mike and Debbie Noble, the token University of Richmond spiders. was born to be a wife and mother and loved those roles. The spirit of VMI was evident in the week following her death. Her family and I were honored that many of my BRs attended her viewing, including Ronnie Milligan, Steve Oddi, Billy Way, Bill Grove, Bill Hardy and Carl Esche. I also received many cards, phone calls and emails from other BRs. You guys gave me much emotional and spiritual support during my time of need, and it was greatly appreciated and uplifting. Thank you. Your cards are already included in a scrapbook I am making for Eva to show her how greatly her mother was loved and how sad people were at her passing.

“I continue as an extra board driver for the Richmond terminal of Estes Express Lines, a national company, having its headquarters in Richmond, and having Billy Hupp ’77, as its chief operating officer and senior vice president. My job takes me all over the country on this side of the Mississippi. I enjoy the overall adventure of the job and listening to audiobooks while driving. During the five days a week I am on the road, Eva is cared for by her grandmother, Gwen, and others in Janice’s family. Without their help, I would have been in an impossible and desperate situation.

Gwen is a retired pediatric RN, so Eva is in loving and competent care 24/7.”

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you, Paul.

This concludes the news from around the class.

Please remember to send along your happenings.

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Also, please join us on our class Facebook page, VMI 78. There are 97 BRs there. Hope you have a great New Market Day. In the bonds, Tom/EZ Bear

’79

Michael Ogden

Happy New Year, BRs! Hope this finds everyone safe and well. Time to make my pitch for annual physicals, mainly because I got off my butt and got mine done last week.

William “Smitty” Smithson wrote that Nov. 1 was his official retirement from the active Army and U.S. Army Reserve service. Smitty had 30-something years of service with two combat tours, a couple of Combat Infantryman Badges and he “only hit one land mine, so all-in-all, not a bad a run.” Congratulations, Smitty, and thank you for tour service to our country! He discovered, much like several of us military retirees, that “the ability of the Army and Defense Finance and Accounting Service to process retirement packets in a timely manner and then get you paid is a pain in the ass. I assume it will be straight one day...” Don’t we all! His youngest son, Walker, appears to be headed to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in the next year or so.

“He did a cost analysis of doing two years at the local community college versus going straight to

Tech. What a good boy; save Dad some cash.”

Smitty mentioned his two nephews: Conner is a Washington and Lee University grad and now is a Marine Corps second lieutenant in the infantry, and the other, Mike, is a U.S. Naval Academy grad flying Marine Corps helos. (Two Marines, eh, Smitty? Not too shabby!) He finishes, “Being a VMI guy, I thought it was only fitting to send Mike’s new baby son a conditional appointment to VMI.” But of course!

Jim Harrington penned, “Over the past two years, I have been traveling on the first of each month from Virginia Beach to Staunton and Roanoke to review the progress of two ongoing construction projects. As I make my way across the commonwealth, these travels have brought me through Lexington, where I take a break from the drive and have lunch. In the past, I have visited with Jeff Curtis and Tom Trumps. These days, Jeff Smith serves me a coffee from his cappuccino machine. On my return trip, I pass through Buckingham County and visit with Brad Jones at his farm. On my last trip, Brad had a shotgun and hunting jacket ready for me, and I was placed in a dove field for the evening shoot.”

Sam Murphy contributed: “In keeping with tradition of ’79’s commitment to whiskey, I thought it time to share my personal connection. For the past five years, I’ve had the privilege of working with a very dedicated team at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. As manager of Historic Trades, we represent Washington’s entrepreneurial spirit at our demonstration sites. In addition to demonstrating GW’s commitment to agriculture on our pioneer farmer site, creating tools in our blacksmith shop and operating an 18th century water powered gristmill, my team shares the story of Washington’s role as distiller-in-chief. At least twice a year (March and November), we make Washington’s recipe rye whiskey in the 18th century style. We also have at least one brandy run per season. By the time this reaches print, we will have already finished our March run, but should anyone be interested in seeing how whiskey or brandy was made in Washington’s time; I’d be delighted to take any BRs through to see the process. (We’re thinking of doing a run in June and again in October.)” What an awesome job, Sam, and I am sure you will have some BRs visiting to sample the “product,” to, ya know, make sure it is safe for the public and all.

Mike Staso returned in March from another seven months of retired-life traveling throughout

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes the snowstorm hit us. He keeps threatening to to make the Ride to the “I” this year. Anyone else Southeast Asia, including Borneo, Burma, Cambodia, Thailand and the Philippines this go around. get together with me to play some golf in 2016. who is thinking about making the ride, let me Tough life there, Mike. Renee and I are most envious! Hopefully that works out.” I might suggest a ’79 know, and we’ll see if we can get a ’79 contingent!

Don Zimmer checked in with: “After retiring from golf outing this spring! Bet we could round up a Thanks, Richard! few foursomes! I’d make the drive!

My 4th Class year roomie and fellow soccer the Army after 30 years as a colonel, I am now the John Kailey survived officiating football and is player, Eddie Semler, wrote, “I am retiring – my country manager in Kenya for Military Profesnow into lacrosse season. He recently started with second after the Navy – from Saint Gobain Feb. sional Resources Inc., Engility Corp, from Alexan29. I will just be officiating college lacrosse and dria, Virginia, responsible for training field grade the Treasury Department as a civil servant. (Welofficers from Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya come to the club, John!) John said, “I will begin some high school lacrosse throughout the spring to hike the Appalachian Trail this year – ever see and early summer. Then summer tournaments in and Uganda for service on the Africa Union Military Mission in Somalia to defeat Al Shabaab, an the movie, ‘Walk in the Woods?’ That is, if my left June and July. Then I am not sure what I am goAl Quada and ISIS affiliate. This training is fundknee will cooperate. Oldest boy was accepted to ing to do, but probably something. As Glenn Higed by the U.S. government. My oldest daughter is Kennesaw State University. Could not persuade gins says, ‘These are our prime earning years.’ I a freshman in college studying journalism, and I him to go to the ‘I.’ Seems to me that 40 years ago suspect after retirement from Saint-Gobain, my have a 10th- and third-grader.” First, great to hear last month we got out of the Rat Line, and yes, I blood pressure may return to normal. I keep started a 10-6-25 the day after. I was always known looking for Renee’s sister to marry, but can’t from you, Don, and secondly, you represent anfor my timing. Oh, and started a non carb diet. seem to find her. Oh, well; not everybody is as other BR who has an unusual and exciting “second career.” lucky as you.” Well, thanks, Eddie!

Mark Cheek is still working at the I’m a really lucky guy, for certain! He continued, “They gave me three VMI Honeywell Hopewell Plant (now 29 lacrosse games to officiate again this years). He works there with Chuck spring. Can you believe that? My asBillingsley but as Mark puts it, “He has to be much older than me, besignor must know about VMI honor, character and integrity!” cause he has been working here for Henry Rogers pontificated (the about 35 years.” Thanks, Mark.

Marine’s big word this issue): “I’m Maybe you can prod Chuck into a Texan now, living just outside of writing something for class notes Dallas with my wife of 32 years. We next time? have four kids and eight grandchildren Steve Lyon has great news from who live within three hours of Dallas Charlotte! His daughter, Sarah, and in different directions. I’ve been the her husband had their first child, Jane Elizabeth, Feb. 4, 2016. Steve and Class of 1979: From left, Mike Thomas, Asa Page and Jim Leavitt corporate chaplain at Interstate Batat Jim’s home on Grand Cayman Island during their annual diving Beth’s first grandchild! Congratula- expedition. teries for 24 years and just love it. It’s pretty amazing how quickly time flies. tions! Steve said, “Being a grandfather is the best job I have ever had! It comes with all Looks like Iraq was good for me, at least regarding Do you remember when Council Rudolph said in his address at graduation that we had been so kinds of great perks! Jane was one month early, weight – maybe I should go back?”

Claude Fore said he is “still here, teaching math anxious to get out, yet right now we wish time but mom and baby are both doing quite well.” would stop? Then he reminded us that time does Steve said Beth has never been happier, and he and science to juvenile delinquents in Fort Lauthinks she is even glad she married him now! derdale. Extremely challenging and exhausting, not stop. He was sure right about that.” Thanks Steve and Beth are both “looking forward to but also very rewarding.” He said he has finally for checking in, Henry. Sounds like you got a watching Jane grow up and being part of her gotten settled in in Fort Lauderdale. Thanks and wonderful life going in Texas!

Doug Doerr scribed, “The last few months young life!” great hearing from you, Claude!

Chip Humphrey started off with: “No real John George dropped a note saying he is still have been pretty much normal here in northern news from here.” He continued, “Things are goin the job market. He had a car accident, but no Virginia; however, there are changes in the near future. I have elected to stand down as the scouting well in Richmond. We had 2 feet of snow at parties were hurt, which is good news. He also reour home in Goochland County (northwest of ports that the woodworking shop is in high gear. master of Troop 1390 at the end of summer camp in 2016. After 15 years as scoutmaster, it is time Richmond) when the ‘blizzard’ came through a “All-in-all – surviving!” couple of weeks ago. As you know, us Virginians Checking in from Fort Pierce, Florida, was for a change. This is a good time, as when we reare not used to dealing with that magnitude of Richard Toft. He is busy with veterans’ groups turn from camp, we begin planning for the next snowfall. My new ergonomic snow shovel rethere. He helped form an AmVet Rider’s chapyear, and this will allow the new scoutmaster to ceived quite the workout. I did run into Howard ter in Jensen Beach. They raise a lot of money develop his plan. Also, our daughter, Kimberly, is Adams a few weeks ago. I believe he made the for veteran organizations like Operation 300, with child and is due July 23. Corinne informed move to a new home here in Richmond before Wreaths Across America and others. He hopes me with a memo that my priorities ‘are going to

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Class Notes change...’ (snicker). I just returned from the Winter Encampment at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, where we camped out in temperatures down to 19 degrees, but the wind chill took it down to -5 degrees. The temps were so cold during Saturday that they canceled the other activities and ordered everybody to depart, citing temps never as cold before. Sunday, they were forecasting -20 degrees.

This was a good call to cancel, as 11 to 17-year-old boys, not 58-year-old scoutmasters, should be out in those conditions. Work here is going well. I am now working for ManTech International and am working on updating physical training standards for the Marine Corps. It is interesting work! So many Marines max the pullups (20) and crunches (100 in two minutes) for our Physical Fitness Test.

I have witnessed Marines doing 34 pullups and 120 crunches in two minutes. Remember when we use to do that? I certainly do not! I remember Pete Underwood used to be able to do over 20 pullups, but I don’t think he ever did 34. He used to do one arm pullups, however!” (Why, yes; I do! I did manage the 20 pullups and then 80 situps on my final PFT some 18 years ago, but the run was a sloppy 20:30!) Thanks for all your great work with the scouts all these years. I am certain you will be missed!

Jim Elliot reminded us that he became a grandfather for the first time July 6, 2015. A little girl named Avery Grace. Absolutely beautiful, aka looks nothing like Jim, so we are told! Jim wrote,

Class of 1979: Jeff McLean is flanked by brother, Mark ’80, on the occasion of Jeff’s induction into the Florida Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame Jan. 8, 2016.

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“Over Christmas, my son and I ran into Mike Thomas at Greentop Sporting Goods. Mike was resupplying his ammo stash in preparation for the zombie apocalypse! I was there with my son, Buck, USNA ’19, looking at firearms for the same reason! One of Buck’s options after graduation is the Supply Corps. Mike had no problem sharing his experiences as a supply officer. Seriously, it was a great ‘chance meeting’ that we all had, and we vowed to do some hunting together next season. Also over the holidays, we got an invitation to go duck hunting with Meade Spotts. Actually, I called him and told that he needed to take me and my son, so like a good BR, he took us! And is normally the custom of hunting with Spotts, my son and I hunted, and Spotts ate and ate and ate!

Gotta love consistency! Good time had by all.”

To close out my ramblings, I ran into Tim Cordle in the VMI bookstore (he was there for a visitation weekend with his son and I for VMI Alumni Association Board of Directors meetings), and among the pleasantries, I reminded him about class notes, and he came through! Tim wrote, “I don’t know if I ever reported that I changed firms over three years ago – joined Schafer Cullen Capital Management of New York (but work in Williamsburg) as a managing director and portfolio manager of mutual funds and separately-managed accounts. My job takes me to the money centers in Europe. I boarded a jet bound for Atlanta in Paris last Friday morning, and a fine gentleman across the aisle from me volunteered to let a French lady’s son sit in his seat, which was next to her. That move placed him beside me, where he could see my class ring, and I was reintroduced to our BR Ralph Briggs from Orlando. He travels often to many destinations in Europe developing business for Lockheed Martin. Ralph is doing great and enjoying life in Orlando. It was a great pleasure and comfort to share the trip home with him. I stay in touch with our BR Gleb Taran of Vienna, Virginia, whom you might know returned to full-time service with the Department of the Navy last year.

He oversees the construction of embassies and government facilities in foreign countries – Iraq most recently (last year). He keeps me updated on the northern Virginia alumni activity. I also heard from Brian Tollie last fall; he was in town visiting and is also doing well. His sister-in-law is a neighbor. It was good to hear from him, and I hope to get with him when he returns.” Thanks, Tim, for an awesome addition to the notes! You are setting a fine example for our BRs. (Hint, frickin’ hint!)

Life on the Eastern Shore of Virginia continues at a wonderful pace. Renee and I had a fantastic holiday. Between “social events,” parties, birthdays and visiting family, our dance card was booked solid from Halloween through New Year’s, anniversary and a local tree burning shindig. All great fun! Serious social butterflies. We enjoyed gathering with part of the local ’79 gang: Asa and Karen Page, Jeff and Linda Minnix, Jim and Sarah Harrington, John and Teresa Colonna, and Pete Underwood (Anita was in Hungary) at the annual VMIAA Hampton Roads holiday party. Great group, great time!

As always, brother rats, you and yours keep safe and stay well. Did I mention annual physicals?

–M

’80

John Gibney Jr.

Hello, Brother Rats, These notes cover the period Nov. 1, 2015, through Feb. 15, 2016. As I type, the temperature in New York City is below 0 degrees Fahrenheit!

The period began with two email messages from Mark Grubber. In the first message, Mark asked about Tommy “Big T” Earle. In the second message, Mark wrote that he retired from the Federal Bureau of Prisons after 27 years and is retiring to Missouri to pursue a quieter life.

I spoke with Gary Levenson, VMI’s deputy commandant, who said that he saw Hugh Fain, Pat Griffin and Rob Quarles at The Institute Society Dinner. Hugh is the president of the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees. Gary also said that Rob’s son, Fielding, attended an admissions event at VMI, and Rob’s daughter, Arkell, was married in October in Charlottesville. Gary also had dinner with John Alerding. John lives in Lexington and teaches at VMI. On Nov. 10, Tom Gelles sent a happy birthday email to our BRs who served in the Marine Corps. Tom also sent a video that included his role in a Marine Corps League birthday ball.

Steve Andrews sent an email to a link to an article regarding Joe Brown. Joe, a major general in the Air Force, and his wife, Sue, died in a plane crash in April 2013 (hard to believe three years have passed). Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota renamed their training center after Joe. I spoke with Andy Ludlum, who said that he

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes agent’s responsibilities is to send to each BR and Caitlin. Terry and Kelly Stoneman sent a and Nicki celebrated their 35th wedding annia Christmas card. I receive many in response. card with multiple family photos, as did Elliott versary on a cruise to New England. and Amy Wolffe.

The period ended with a text message from They arrive as cards, cards with photos, cards Steve and Cathy Andrews wrote that in addiJohn Alerding. John and his wife, Anne, share with notes and cards with enclosed summaries of the year that has passed. a wedding anniversary date with me and Patti. tion to their daughters, Virginia and Caroline, Cards arrived from Larry and Rose Ciacci, being home for the holidays, Virginia brought December began with an email from Matthew Keys and an attached video of his new Vince and Sheila Copenhaver, Rob and Rebecher 18-month-old dachshund.

Dusty and Lisa Boyd sent best wishes for the dog, Hudson. Matthew and Tanya live in lower ca D’Alessandro, Matthew and Tanya Keys, holidays.

Manhattan but will be relocating to Don Bradshaw, who lives and a home they bought in Virginia. works in Brooklyn, wrote about getDave Hageman sent an email with a photo taken at a wedding he ting together in 2016. attended in the Detroit area. Jody Pat and Beth Griffin also wrote Weatherwax was also in attendance. about getting together during 2016.

I spoke with Tuck Masker on his Tim and Becky Mecredey wrote birthday while Tuck was driving that they plan to be in New York through Washington, D.C., traffic City May 1 and would like to visit on his way to meet Robby Wheeler with me and Patti. for dinner. Wheelz is a pilot who Dennis Milsten wrote that 2015 flies out of D.C. I also received a was a busy year, but he and Donna text message from Andy Ludlum hope to visit VMI during 2016. with photos of Andy and Tuck after Class of 1980: From left, Josh Priest, Ken Trotman, Tom Bersson, Bert and Peggy Schneider wrote they completed a ride through the Peyton Campbell, Brian O’Neill, Bob White, John Lillard, Mike from Arizona that they were having Luning and Boyd Gaines at a Norfolk, Virginia, Christmas party. our cold weather.

Purcellville, Virginia, area.

The Hampton Roads chapter of Robby Wheeler wrote that he is the VMI Alumni Association is very flying for American Airlines out of active, and several of our BRs parD.C. but still lives in Dallas.

John and Anne Alerding enclosed ticipate in their events. Dixon Tucka page of photos and notes in their er often organizes chapter lunches, card. They live in Lexington and and he copies me on the invitations. both teach at VMI. John’s son, I received two separate email mesJohnny ’12, completed F-22 trainsages from Tom Bersson and Ken and JoAnn Trotman – each with ating and is stationed at Langley Air Force Base. tached photos – following the chapter’s Christmas party held at the Aaron and Nancy Bush noted in Norfolk Yacht Club. Our class had their letter that they celebrated their 35th anniversary in October. Their the highest number of attendees, year included two beach vacations. not including Ali Mahan and Dixon Their grandson, Micah, will be two Tucker. They were: Tom Bersson, in May. Their third granddaughter, Peyton Campbell, Boyd Gaines, Areina, was born in October and John Lillard, Mike Luning, Brian Class of 1980: Andy Ludlum, left, and Tuck Masker after completjoins her sisters, Ava (5) and AnaO’Neill, Josh Priest, Ken Trotman ing a ride in Purceville, Virginia, in November 2015. and Bob White. JoAnn Trotman leigh (3). They welcome anyone in added that their son, Owen, a captain in the Gary and Karen Levenson, Phil and Lynn Lothe Hershey, Pennsylvania, area to visit.

Marine Corps, returned from a deployment in gan, and Bill and Ginny Roelofsen.

Ed and Dianna Baker sent a note from the El Salvador and was next deploying to Norsmall, historic town of Kenansville, North CaroChris and Jen Dombalis sent a card with picway. Their son, Alex, will graduate from VMI tures of their daughters, Taylor (14) and Alexis lina, where they relocated in 2014 when Ed left in May. (10). David and Diana Hageman sent a card private practice to join Vidant /East Carolina Jack Keane also sent photos taken at a similar containing several photos, including one taken University. Dianna has retired from nursing. gathering in D.C. Jack got together with Joe Belat our reunion in front of our spirit sheet. Phil They celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary koski, Mike Harper and Bob Liguori for dinner and Kathy Munisteri sent a card with multiple in September. Their daughter, Katie (25) is a – the first time they were all together in 35 years! family photos. Rob and Traci Robinson sent a hairstylist in San Diego, California. Their son, As you probably know, one of each class card with a photo of their daughters, Maddie Charlie, is 21 and lives in Greensboro.

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Class Notes The Kelly family letter spelled out, “J-o-y,” as they had some big moments during 2015. Bill is an engineer in San Antonio, Texas, and Patty is retiring from home schooling. They added two grandchildren who live in the San Antonio area and have two others who live in North Carolina.

They celebrated the New Year with the occasion of Erin’s wedding.

Brian and Kim O’Neill sent a paper photograph of their family with an update of their year. They made annual family visits to Lake Gaston, Long Island, Connecticut and Maine, as well as to our reunion. Brian is retired from the Navy and works as the deputy director of Submarine Operations at SUBLANT in Norfolk.

Tracy and Jennifer Wilson included in their card a look back at 2015. Their daughter, Siena, is 11 and in fifth grade. Ellie is eight and in third grade. Both are active riding horses and playing piano. Jennifer has a new management position with the International Monetary Fund. Tracy has started his own consulting business.

Mark and Darlene Sobota sent a page of photos with their letter recapping 2015. The highlight of their year was the birth of their grandson, Anden, in March. Mark is retired from the Air Force and was promoted in April to GS-15 as director of engineering for the Acquisition Center of Excellence at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

Walt and Mary Lynne Wood sent an update on their lives in Peru where they founded a ministry. Walt is executive director of Team Peru and the president of the Andean Ministry Association of Peru Board. Mary Lynne is an AMA Peru board member.

January began with a call with Wade Stinnette

on his birthday. Wade reminded me that the last time we spoke, he and Lannie were riding out a hurricane at their home in Columbia, South Carolina, which they survived unscathed, although they had no Internet or television for 10 days, so they stayed with their son and daughter. The hurricane also postponed Lannie’s surgery to repair a broken elbow. Wade is a partner in an investment firm in Columbia.

Ray Joinson sent a text from Atlanta, where he and Carla were attending an American Historical Association conference. The photo was taken in front of Gibney’s pub – no relation.

Patti and I had dinner with Matthew and Tanya Keys, where Matthew lamented the fate of the Redskins. Matthew also said that Phil Munisteri’s son, Connor, was named captain of the Assumption College lacrosse team.

In late January, the northeast was hit with a blizzard – Jonas dumped over 2 feet of snow on NYC. I had storm-related calls with John Alerding, Gary Levenson and Jay Melvin in Lexington and with Tom Gelles in Pittsburgh – everyone fared well.

I have become acquainted with a childhood friend of Tolar Nolley. He sent to me a photo of Tolar taken at a birthday party – in 1963!

At the end of January, I spoke with Chris Dombalis and Dennis Maguire, who share a birthday. Chris is still traveling extensively in his position with a shipping company, although his office is near his New Jersey home. Dennis is a contractor in Boston where he reported business is good. His daughter, Hannah, attends College of the Holy Cross.

February brought an email from Hal Snyder containing 2015-2016 seasons’ greetings from

Class of 1980: Bert Schneider with his wife, Peggy, and Three Dog Night in Tucson, Arizona in August 2015.

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Braddock Heights, Maryland. Hal and Kathy’s daughter, Margot, works in London and was married in England. Their son, Hunter, completed a yearlong Fulbright Scholarship in Greenland and now works at the Harvard Business School. Their son, Connor, completed his 4th Class year at VMI. Hal is a dentist who retired from the Army.

Kathy oversees the dental office administration.

The last messages I received began with Eli Alford asking about any statutes of limitations on responding to email messages. Eli lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he is the chief operating officer for a company that works in clinical research. Eli had not been in touch with his VMI roommates, but I responded with a reference to Tom “Gunny” Kelly, and Gunny then joined in the messages noting that he still lives in Fairfax, Virginia, and still works for the Navy Federal Credit Union.

In closing, I receive numerous photographs for possible inclusion with each set of class notes. All class agents are limited to publishing five photos, except for class notes following a reunion, when we are allowed 10. Upon receipt, I send the photos to the Alumni Review to see if they meet publication requirements. If a photo fails, I return it to the sender and attempt to obtain a photo that can be published. Please try to send photos attached to messages rather than embedded in a message, as embedded photos typically fail. Also, try to send the highest resolution possible.

Thank you for your continuing support. Please keep in touch.

’81

Trip Lloyd

Dear Brother Rats and Families, Winter has finally released its grasp on the Old Dominion. Those of us who still have schoolaged children are reminded that summer is coming. We have our 35th Reunion in four months.

It is with sorrow that I share the passing of Lucille Loving, Gene Loving’s mother. Jerry Manley represented the class at the services held at Bethel Baptist Church in Palmyra, Virginia, Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016. Lucille Conner Loving of Palmyra, Virginia, died Monday, Jan. 4, 2016, at the Martha Jefferson Hospital at the age of 85.

She was born Oct. 31, 1930, in Halifax, Virginia, and graduated from Brookville High School in

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1981: Ken Pierro, right, and Gabe Mastrobuono at a job fair in Philadelphia.

Lynchburg, Virginia. On April 2, 1953, she married Calvin Eugene Loving, and together they had four children. She worked for over 30 years as an administrative assistant for Centel Telephone Company and Sprint. She was an active member, pianist and trustee for Bethel Baptist Church. She is survived by her children, Cathy Loving Husni, Lisa Loving Rogers, Calvin Eugene Loving Jr. and James Mark Loving; 10 grandchildren; and sisters, Jane Conner Hopton and Mary Lee Conner Miles. She was predeceased by her husband, Calvin Eugene Loving Sr. Rick “Moose” McCue shared that he is enjoying retired life after his career with NCIS. Now he is mostly a stay-at-home dad with his youngest of five, Gabe. Gabe is in middle school, and Rick had the chance to coach his son’s school basketball team. Rick confessed he didn’t know anything about basketball – having only coached football and track – and was recovering from knee replacement surgery, but he said he had a blast.

Jeff Adler arranged a Class of ’81 brunch at the Nautilus Diner in Crofton, Maryland, Sunday, March 6, hoping to pick up some BRs that live in Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and other states north of the MasonDixon Line. The electronic banter leading up to this was an amazing collection of witticisms and collegiate ribbing, some quite revealing. At this writing and barring life events, Gunny Olson, Dave Openshaw, Andy Jackson, Ken Herbert, Jerry Manley, Grover Outland, Trip Lloyd,

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George Depaoli, Joe Provenzano and Jeff Adler planned to be in attendance.

Ken Pierro retired in June 2015 from the Coast Guard after 24 years, with an additional 10 years with the Marines (active and reserve) before that. After an exhaustive job search that included counsel and support from many BRs – especially Grover Outland, John Cawthorne, Pete Tranchik and Joe Moan – he accepted a position as an operations manager with Amazon in the Seattle area. Ken shared that one of the high points of his search was running into Gabe Mastrobuono at a job fair in Philadelphia.

Gabe was recruiting and Ken was handing out resumes. To quote Ken, “Lacking Gabe’s charisma, I avoided sales positions and gravitated toward logistics and manufacturing. It was great to run into a BR in that venue!”

Ed Boylan shared that he and Linda are still adjusting to life back East as they continue to settle in to living in Raleigh, North Carolina. Ed has been able to get back to a few football games and experience all of the changes on post. He planned to make it to a few basketball games, as well.

Ed shared that he and Linda miss their children back in Texas; however, they went back to visit in March for their son’s 30th birthday. After being in field sales for over 20 years, Ed moved to a “home office” job. Ed shared, “This old dog is learning some new tricks as I handle the day-to-day operations of a small pharmaceutical company.”

Scott Falls reported from Arkansas that he

Class of 1981: United States Army Col. Adrian Bogart at his promotion.

retired from Uncle Sam Jan. 1, 2016, with just under 36 years of service between the Marine Corps and the FBI. On the subject of retirement, Scott said, “I think I can get used to this.”

Bogey Bogart was deeply honored to have the commander of Special Operations Command, Africa, Brig. Gen. Don Bolduc, officiate his promotion to U.S. Army colonel and administer his oath of office Jan. 8, 2016. Bogey shared what many of us know: “This promotion is a greater honor to serve our great soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, coast guardsmen and civilians.” He is now the commanding officer of a special operations team in SOCAFRICA. Brian Quisenberry had the opportunity to eat lunch with Jeff White in December in Birmingham, Alabama. They had a great time getting caught up with each other. Jeff lives in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

John Owens reported he finally put in the request to retire from the Army Reserve Dec. 31, 2016. He joined the USAR May 15, 1981, the same day our class graduated from the Institute.

He will have 35-and-a-half years of military service and 24 years of active federal service. He credits his time at VMI as a really big help in having such a successful Army career. He and his wife, Robin, plan on retiring in the Morehead City, North Carolina, area.

’82

Will Council

Greetings to everyone!

I am back in Richmond for the third time in the past month. I came up from Tennessee after the New Year to visit family and friends, not realizing I would return for medical emergencies for both parents within weeks. My dad survived an episode of his pacemaker zapping him three times trying to synchronize his top and bottom halves. Then, just as we got him settled back into his retirement center’s health wing, my mom had a full blown heart attack. They say it happens in threes, so let’s hope I am not next.

The first trip to town right after the New Year, we were able to get a few BRs out for a beer.

Dave Kohler was the host of our gathering – sort of – since we met at one of his former properties downtown. He is still with Dominion

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Class Notes Power or Energies. He loves the job but loves traveling around on vacation better. He escaped Richmond this past summer to avoid all the spandex and bicycles of the World Championships held here and went to the Gulf of Mexico and then further south.

Jim Cosby told me that he has joined the parent ranks of Boy Scouts of America. His son is a Tenderfoot, and Jim went on their first backpacking trip in the Shenandoah Mountains. I give Jim high credit in sticking it out on the first trip. Nobody told the parents they needed to bring their own food, so Jim and another dad hiked out, drove into town to buy groceries and returned to the campsite in the dark. Keep it up, Jim! You may still make scout master yet.

Jeff Modisett, my former roommate, is working too hard in my opinion, but it is paying off.

His engineering and construction company is doing well, and Jeff had just finished signing the paperwork to become the president of it at the end of last year. Jeff informed me that Tara has her own company now working with pharmacies and gets to go speak at conferences in south Florida. Jeff needs to relax sometime and go with her ... hint. Oh, and I need to apologize to Jeff’s kids since I got their names and identities wrong last time. Sorry, Alex! Alex is the daughter and is a nurse now in New York City. According to her brothers, she is living in a hobbit hole of an apartment but still living the dream.

Emmett and Lynn Heltzel came out. It is always great to see our sister rat at any gathering.

Nothing new from their household, but they will be celebrating when daughter Caroline weds her VMI man. Big date is in June! I am pretty sure the wedding colors will be red, white and yellow.

Dave Reynolds came in, and this was the first we had seen him since our 5th Reunion. Dave gave us a great rundown on what he has been doing since we saw him last. He had been working for the FBI in the logistics field for the past seven years. We tried to recall the other BRs who have worked for the agency, so I know we had at least two others. Dave told us a little about his job interview with them, which made us all glad we did not have to take that lie detector test ourselves.

J.J. Nau retired at the end of December after 28 years as an air traffic controller. He is keeping busy building furniture in his garage. They are going to be grandparents for the first time in July. And by May 2017, they will have a new daughter-in-law. So life is good in the Pacific

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Northwest, and J.J. is already thinking about our next reunion.

Joe Poteralski was just about the only classmate to actually submit something for the class notes. His biggest news was a promotion at work from financial analyst to senior accounting assistant. Fancier title; same cubicle. (He said that, not me.) That being said, I think Joe has been disappointed in the lack of snow this winter.

The temperature has been mild and they have had a whopping 7 inches of snow for the season.

Northern Virginia beat that by three times! Joe’s son, Matt, has been accepted to three colleges, but VMI was not on the list. It’s time for college interviews, and he wants to make an informed decision as to where he will be spending the next four or five years (five year plan includes a Master of Business Administration degree). Alexmarie, the law student, is busy with classes, lining up a roommate and an internship. She’s looking at corporate law and wants to move to Virginia/ Maryland/Washington, D.C., area. Robin is staying healthy. They are both looking forward to an empty nest come summer. Papa Joe is still the proud supporter of the women’s water polo team, which will be returning to the area in April. They are happy to see someone (anyone who shows up with homemade cookies, I recall) show up in northern New York. Joe reported that Curtis Nichols is out in the Utica area and has a daughter attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, an excellent engineering school in Troy. It would be good to meet up with him soon. Joe will be returning to VMI in the spring for the theatre’s production. Thanks for all the news, Joe. Since I have been trying to write these notes away from my desk and home, I had to resort to extreme measures and call up some BRs. Having never failed me in the past for news or photos, I called Bill Jennings to confirm if I had posted his last update from November. Bill was snowed in at home, and he admitted that he had not read the latest issue which was sitting on his desk at work. But Bill was good on his word and did tell me he caught up with Jim Zahn when he took a motorcycle trip to Florida back in December.

Jim does check his Facebook, but he hasn’t been to a reunion or seen anyone from the class since graduation. We need to encourage him to be more active. Jim has been doing fairly well in the banking business, and he gets to work from home a lot. He has recently finished a new house on the inner coastal. So, next southern region class

meeting will be held at Jim’s house, right?

Bill and I got into discussing bikes after he said he also heard from Danny Clymore, who is interested in buying Bill’s Lowrider motorcycle. Sorry, I only ride the non motorized type. But Bill has also been mountain biking as well as road biking, so we will have to get together some weekend in the spring and spin a pedal together.

Clearing out my email folders, I found another one from Bill that should have made it into the last series of notes. Bill had been to The Citadel game and saw lots of BRs in attendance. Duke Addison was there, along with Jay Roach and Brad Walker. He spoke with Brad a bit. Brad is running his own firm up in Maryland. They are doing project management and cost accounting for the government. He has one daughter who is 19 and in college in NYC. His other daughter is in fourth grade.

Holy cow! How do you do it, Brad? David Loy also came down from Forest (Lynchburg). David and Bill only live a couple of miles apart and never see each other. John Friend was also there, although Bill only spoke to him briefly. Dick Moore was down there with his wife for a breast cancer survivors’ meeting. Dick’s wife is a survivor, and a fellow survivor invited them to visit. Dick was grousing that there was no beer at the game. He missed the pregame party at the baseball stadium where beer was served. Bill ran into several members of the Class of ’79 at the pregame. Hope they did not drop you for pushups, Bill.

I got a very nice Christmas letter from Susan Lausten. It has been since right after our last reunion when we lost Perry to cancer. Susan said the family is hanging in there. She has returned to work full-time. Her daughter is set to graduate from physical therapy school and is now engaged. Her son has finished school and has now moved out and works in New York City. Thank you, Susan. We do think about you often, along with all of our other VMI widows.

Joe Bouchelle messaged me through Facebook after my plea for notes. His daughter, Kathryn, got married this summer. Her husband is from Colorado and is going to Southern Virginia University. Where is that picture you promised, Joe? In December, Joe successfully – and finally – defended his dissertation at the University of Virginia! So he now has a Doctor of Education degree in higher education. Still dean of students and still scout master! (For the record, that is Joe’s fifth time as scout master.) Life is good! Thanks, Dr. Joe.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Last but not least, rumor has it that the General Committee for ’82 met in Richmond recently.

Apparently our fearless leader, President Harry Bitzburger, has taken up a new hobby in coaching volleyball! Harry was in town for a coaching clinic and caught up with Bob Louthan and Jeff Modisett.

In closing, I hope these notes find you all well and enjoying life with family and friends. Our next reunion is less than two years away and should be a fall reunion. Hey, and no big check to write to VMI, either! Please keep in touch with each other. Share the good news when you can, and always take lots of pictures. Many of you keep asking how to get in touch with me to send all these notes and pictures. Well, look no further than the box at the beginning of these class notes.

Sincerely, Will Council

’83

Hugh Daughtry

Brother Rats, These notes cover the period of November through mid-February. Life is good here in Charlotte, even if the Panthers didn’t bring back the Lombardi Trophy. We are all through dabbing and chanting, “Keep pounding.” It was quite a run, and there’s always next year! Robin and I are truly empty nester’s now, as son Zach graduated cum laude from North Carolina State University in December in business and will be starting at Bank of America. We are very proud and happy, as daughter Cameron, a buyer at Belk, and Zach are both here in Charlotte.

Ivan Marcotte, Bill Cornett and I are excited to welcome Tony Thompson to town. Bank of America Merrill Lynch has seen fit to move Tony to Charlotte from London, and we initiated him with his first boy’s night out with us recently.

As I finish these notes Feb. 13, social media is awash with news of the rats breaking out of the Rat Line. I am sure our Brother Rats Derek Patterson, Brett Allen, Chris Hair, Breck Gorman, John Sullivan and Jim Outland are proud and relieved at the same time. Their sons moved from being rats to 4th Class cadets. In honor of their achievement, see the photographs in this update from matriculation provided by Scott Belliveau.

Unfortunately, only five pictures are allowed per

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update, so I will have a special cameo of Jim and Ben Outland in the May updates. Congratulations, Class of 2019!

I must admit, it is fascinating to see the pictures readily available of this year’s Breakout ritual and wonder how ours would have appeared 33 years ago if Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, etc. were around. I think a video of me bouncing off Carl Wittig ’80 in Ghetto corner would have gone viral quickly, and a lot of other pictures that could have been taken would have made recent events at The Citadel pale in comparison.

I am saddened to report the passing of Kevin Caulfield. He suffered a stroke in early December, entered hospice and died Dec. 28, 2015.

Kevin was living in Leesburg and had most recently been an emergency room nurse at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland. Local BRs rallied and were able to visit Kevin and get the word out to the class, as those of you

in the Yahoo group know. Special thanks to Will Creekmur and Steve Amato, who stayed in contact with the family – particularly Kevin’s brother, Bill Caulfield ’82 – and made sure we were aware of what was going on. Several were able to attend his memorial service, including Ray Johnston, Steve Amato, Jack Belz, Mark Heslep, Ed Kluckowski, Mark McDonald, John Sullivan and Al Toler. Great memories were shared of Kevin’s dry wit and great sense of humor. Kevin leaves behind his wife, Angela, and three children, Gabriella, Kevin Jr. and Sophia. The class made a contribution to an educational fund for his children.

I will now turn to the Class of ’83 literary corner.

If my count is correct, our class has now produced four published authors: Lynn Seldon, Dave Powell, Mark Benvenuto and Dan McGuire. Pretty impressive, considering two are not even LAs! Lynn and Cele Seldon had an interesting and

Class of 1983: At matriculation in August 2015 were, from upper left, clockwise, Breck and Robb Allen, Chris and David Hair, Brett and Rob Allen, John and John Sullivan, and Derek and Luke Patterson.

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Class Notes stressful December. I think you can say that Lynn out-kicked his coverage with Cele, as she contributed a kidney to a cousin in need. What a selfless act. The procedure went without complication, and the organ took immediately. A lot of prayers from the class were answered. Lynn and Cele have the house at Oak Island on the market and have taken up the life of nomads for the next few months. Florida, the North Carolina mountains and Europe are on the itinerary as they decide where to start the next chapter.

I spent a Sunday afternoon reading Mark Benvenuto’s latest book, “Twisted Tales from VMI – Real-Life Stories From the Virginia Military Institute, Barracks, Post and Downtown.” In the preface, Mark tells us he has changed the names of the characters, though many of the character’s names have the same initials as the real-life person they represent. This is probably a good idea, as the statute of limitations has not run out on some of the acts described in the various stories. If you are familiar with any of the antics he describes, and you will be, it is not hard to guess who is who. It is all there: Viking night and food fights in Crozet, chemistry-enhanced room bombs, running the block and some of our favorite TAC officers. Once started, I could not put it down and enjoyed many a belly laugh. This is definitely a must-read.

Dan McGuire’s book arrived courtesy of Amazon last week: “Marching Orders: A Tactical Plan for Converting the World to Christ.” Dan is currently the associate professor of theology and ministry at the University of Great Falls, Montana, after completing a career as a Marine Corps infantry officer. His book is patterned on the standard five part operations order that we have learned so well from Cal Murray during football season. I have not had a chance to read it, but I cannot wait to throw it out in my Bible Study group. For my Tar Heel, Wahoo, Wolfpack, Tiger, etc. buddies, our studies will take on a more martial flavor.

The holiday season brought cards and updates from several of you. Steve Hodak, a class agent’s best friend, dropped a holiday greeting to me. In addition to wishing me a merry Christmas, he updated me on Brad Norwood, who is in northern Virginia and suffering a pretty vicious commute to Mechanicsville. Brad is restoring an old car (I have been following his progress on Facebook).

If you run into Brad, Steve suggests you ask him about the “tootsie roll” and the gas gauge incident. Sounds like Mark Benvenuto could write his next book on alumni twisted tales.

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Quick updates came in from Mark Jamison, my Florida Air Force roomie. His card had the perfect family pictures from 2015. Robin and I were able to spend some time with Jammer at the Samford University game last fall. His son, Joe, is at Davidson College, just outside of Charlotte, and his daughter, Kyra, plays in the band at Michigan. His wife, Elizabeth – or should I say Dr. Jamison – just knocked out her Doctor of Philosophy degree at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Jim Outland’s card had the definite VMI flavor.

Two sons in the Corps will do that.

Brent and Lisa Donahoe checked in from Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, where Brent says they’re “living happily ever after.” Nothing puts me in the spirit like a card that ends, “Season’s greetings, stay in touch, Semper Fi!” My 4th Class year roomie, Karl Van Stavoren, and his wife, Shannon, checked in from Fayetteville, North Carolina, and we got a nice card from Steve and Mary Amato.

Phil Shepard sent a great card with their 2015 review as a poem. Phil and Isabelle have sons at George Mason University and VMI and one in the workforce. You will recall that daughter Megan won two gold medals at the Special Olympic World Games and was featured on ESPN. Roomie John Geis and his family appear to be avid Gamecock fans. Their card had the Columbia tailgate theme with very handsome children.

Fellow Charlotteans Bill and Stephanie Cornett’s card featured their boys: Bryant who is at Clemson; William, a 2nd at VMI; and soon to be college student, James.

A card from Dave and Cindy Warriner is going to have at least one picture featuring lederhosen. Dave and son Lt. David Warriner ’13 do not disappoint.

The long range update award goes to Trent Boggs. Trent is in Eagle River, Alaska, just outside Anchorage. Trent and Sheri enjoy the high adventure lifestyle of Alaska hiking and fishing and completed the Mount Marathon race July 4.

Daughter Rebecca graduated in December from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in business. Daughter Nicole is studying engineering at California Polytechnic State University, where she is on the track team.

Finally, Robin and I got a War Eagle update from Joann and Milton Scarpa. They are in Theodore, Alabama, just south of Mobile. Volleyball is big in the Scarpa family, as daughter Emily, a senior at Auburn University, works with the team;

daughter Jessica is an assistant varsity volleyball coach in addition to teaching fourth grade; and Milt refereed at the Girls’ Junior National Championships in New Orleans.

That wraps it up for now. If I missed an update from you please forgive me; I’ll make it up in May! As always, drop me a line with an update when able. Remember the Institute in your giving and get back to Lexington for a visit. You will be impressed with what you see.

That is all.

’84

Andy Protogyrou

As the timeless speech goes, “The weather will cool, the leaves will change and you will still be rats. Thanksgiving will come, and the semester will end, and you will still be rats. Christmas furlough will come and go, the Dark Ages will begin and you will still be rats. You will awake to the dark for BRC and go to SRC in the dark and you will still be rats.” Frankly, with minor variations on the theme and what we remember, the speech has not changed. Since we first heard it in 1980 and consecutively after that for three years, it remained true to its message. Rats will remain rats for months until Breakout. This past weekend, the rats broke out. Theirs was a horrendous ordeal that began at 0445 hours and ended sometime before SRC. A new class was born, and I am proud to say my daughter, Demetra, is a part of it.

Recently, I ran into Keith Mangum’s wife, Catherine, in Lexington. She was visiting Lexington and said they live in Richmond. Keith is well and doing information technology work.

He was helping coach their son’s middle school rugby team, and that was why he did not make the trip. I had the opportunity to play dress up in a tux and have dinner at VMI for Founders Day with Greg “The Cav” Cavallaro and Marlene and Steve Hupp and his daughter and sonin-law (a recent VMI grad). The young couple is absolutely brilliant, and I promise makes us all very proud.

I spoke to Steve Reardon and learned he and Denise were recently snowed in up in New York. As I was about to tell him how sorry I was about his ordeal and inability to flee the land north of the Mason Dixon line, he came

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes clean with me and said they were stranded at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in the city and were forced to get extra massages at the spa. He was now sore because he had one too many by someone named Olaf. Steve and Denise have wonderful children, with his young VMI grad, Gregory ’14, in Petersburg. Clare graduated from the University of Virginia and is a litigation paralegal at McGuireWoods looking to go to law school, and Mary Catherine has finished Radford University. They still have two babies at James Madison University; one is set to graduate this May and the other is a freshman. Seeing Steve in Lexington with his children, as often as I do, is a beautiful sight.

Congratulations to you and Denise for such a beautiful family. Steve let me know he is going on a pilgrimage soon to the Holy Land; however, he will not have his travel partner, Bill Janis, with him this time.

I saw Sam Browne at a football game this fall, and he looked great. Sam is a bigwig at the Energy Department in Washington and can make internships happen for STEM majors.

He is my new favorite brother rat. I recently followed his trip to Islamabad and elsewhere out there and realized when someone tells you not to eat the bean salad, you take their advice or your life in your own hands. Glad to know he made it back safely to enjoy the snow.

Finally, Ken Gill sent a Facebook message.

He and Pam received an early Christmas present from his son and daughter-in-law. They were blessed with the arrival of their grandchild, Gabi. Congratulations, Ken. I believe a provisional appointment is in order! To all, please stay in touch and thank you for allowing me be our class agent.

Yours in the spirit, Andy

’85

Matt Daniel

Greetings, Brother Rats, Loved Ones and Curious Onlookers, Congratulations to the Class of 2019! They broke out Feb. 13, 2016.

I’ll start with a note from our golf safari-meister, Jake Spivey: “This year, the safari will be held over the weekend of Aug.4-7. Those dates

2016-Issue 2

are Thursday night (early arrivals) through Sunday morning. Please check your calendar and mark the dates. The planned format is the same as last year; why mess with a great thing?

Friday: People-watching and rare, potato chip flavor searches at Wal-Mart, followed by floating down the Maury River. Saturday: Golf, barbecue, shooting while drinking or drinking while shooting. (I can’t remember which is first: ‘Hey, pass me a beer,’ or, ‘Pull!’)” (Agent: And then the annual chewandspit-off between Jack Emerson and Steve or Scott Medeiros or both.)

“Adult libations and global and U.S. problemsolving will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.” (Agent: This year, we will debrief the great rigged Nichols Engineering Building Egg Drop Contest of 1985. Our speaker, Col. Jack Page, will defend the results. Mark Jackson, Paul Marsenison and Mark Bornhorst will challenge.) “Sunday: A big breakfast at the Lexington Diner, balcony cleanup, then hours of driving home to dry out.”

On to other business.

We discovered from LinkedIn that Marc Boswell is a Minuteman ICBM Initial Qualification Training distinguished graduate. Boz, correct me if I am wrong, but is this a late add to your LinkedIn profile?

Also from the world of social media came a notice that our own Todd Thornes has picked up a new certification. Todd is now a certified professional coach with an Institute for Professional Empowerment Coaching stamp of approval and bona fides. As such, BR Thornes specializes in career transition.

Brother Rat John “J.A.” Adams wrote me a note from “my Blackberry from somewhere in Romania.” (James Bond, he is.) J.A. sent that last November, he took over as the deputy district engineer and director of Programs and Project Management at the United States Army Corps of Engineers Europe District in Wiesbaden, Germany. He travels a good deal in this new position supporting United States Africa Command and United States European Command.

Their main focus currently is completing the Aegis Ashore facility in Romania and starting the next one in Poland. There is still considerable military construction taking place throughout Germany and Belgium for new schools and the Landstuhl Hospital replacement.

He added that “the programs we execute have not been of this magnitude since the fall of the

Wall. The district supports EUCOM and AFRICOM objectives, as well as the Israel Ministry of Defense.” Props to the Adams family (Agent: snicker) for their profound support on this huge career move for BR Adams. They will PCS to join him after the 2015-16 school year. He added that “it is with great relief that we are excited to share that our eldest, Brooke Adams, was recently accepted at the University of Virginia. No barracks life for her!”

And to continue to add John Adams news, Dave Barthol shared with me that BR J.A. was recently awarded a letter of appreciation from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for his work in support of Arlington National Cemetery.

We are proud of you, BR. Wahoo-Wa and Rah Virginia Mil, J.A. Andy Valenzuela sends some news with respect to the Annual Charlie Company Golf Safari 2016. In his own words: “Happy New Year to you, too. Hope you and your family had a great Christmas, as well. I know I have said this every year for the past three years, but I am planning on being there. It’s on my calendar. My flying schedule was so (Agent: colorful words) before, but I am now flying the 747 and have a life. I can actually plan for those days off. Thanks for wrangling all this and making it happen. You’re a good man. Thanks. Andy V.”

Class of 1985: John Adams received a certificate of appreciation from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for his work with Arlington National Cemetery.

Photo by Dave Barthol.

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Class Notes

Class of 1985: At the National Defense University’s Capstone Program were Brig. Gen. Jim Begley, left, and the Hon. George Foresman ’84.

In the you never stop learning category, Chuck Chappell returned to school and earned his Master of Arts degree in strategic foresight from Regent University. Now we know who to ask, “Who will win the 2016 presidential election?”

Continuing our ’85 FOGO Watch (flag officer/general officer, as opposed to the lacrosse “FOGO” some are accustomed to): A nice note from Brig. Gen. “General Jim” Begley told me that he was recently in Suffolk, Virginia, attending National Defense University’s Capstone Program. When he was there, he ran into the Hon. George Foresman ’84 (former undersecretary of preparedness at Department of Homeland Security). George is a senior fellow at the National Defense University. Do you guys remember George? I do; well done, sir!

Now it is time for some fresh Sanka news: It seems that somehow we may have missed that Rear Adm. Matt Carter was promoted from rear admiral lower half (RDML) to rear admiral upper half (RADM). Did I get that right, Sanka? Your second star?

Walking down one of the wedges of the Pentagon in December, I found myself among U.S. Army things. Army stuff everywhere. I was really hustling hard to get out of there and back to my U.S. Marine Corps comfort zone when I ran into a bunch of framed faces on the wall. Nothing but Army people and things and

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voices and lingo and uniforms in all directions.

I became short of breath. I was horrified until I saw a comforting and friendly face on the wall staring back at me. It was among several photographs chronicling the U.S. Army G-8 senior leadership staff that I saw Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins looking back at me. I felt better. My breathing calmed, and I scurried away back to my hole in another Pentagon wedge after giving Ced a quick nod, grin and a thumbs-up.

Here is the link to that picture: http://www. g8.army.mil/about_us/leadership/.

Dave Tingley sent that he will out-shoot, out-chew, out-cuss, out-float and out-drink everyone at the ACCGS next year. He specifically called out Darren Sawyer, Bill Wieners and Spencer Williamson.

Dave Wood sent: “No ACCGS for me this year. I’m busy eating mangos and chasing kangaroos Down Under. I moved back in early January to start a new job as director of technology for Ephox.com. Bernadette and my kids will join me in June. Just so you are adequately jealous, I’ve attached a photo of my typical walk into work each day. Good luck with the safari, and stay in touch.” (Agent: But he did not attach the photo.

C’mon, Dave!)

Some notes from BR Paul “I’d Like to Buy a Vowel” Grgas: “After a wild global adventure in the Navy for 28 years, I am now engaged in a new wild adventure teaching seventh- and eighth-graders in a remote area of San Diego County. With about 80 percent of my students qualifying for free breakfast and lunch, many rarely leave this mountain/desert area. A trip to Catalina Island in May 2016 is a once-in-alifetime opportunity for most. If interested in supporting our next generation, please see this link. https://www.gofundme.com/warnerkidstocamp. If you have any questions, please send me a note. Note: 100 percent of donations support these students. Many thanks! Paul ‘I’ll Buy an E, Pat’ Grgas.”

And finally, regarding the elusive Mike Steen, we did some digging and found that he is the education director at the Watermen’s Museum in Yorktown, Virginia. The Watermen’s Museum is an ideal addition to any school field trip visiting the Historic Triangle area. In their words, “Our field trips are designed to make learning a fun, hands-on experience. Schools sometimes request special programs to address the interests of older students, preschoolers or

those with special needs. We are happy to work with your school to help teachers find ways to bring their teaching objectives to life. Call our education director, Mike Steen, at the museum for more information.” Give Mike a call and tell him to come to the ACCGS! Be good, BRs. Keep the faith and have a great spring! I hope to see you at the ACCGS in August or before.

RVM ’85, Matt Daniel

’86

Clint Hubbard

You know what passes faster than a VMI weekend? The quarterly deadline for class notes in the VMI Alumni Review. Here we are again, and ready for an update. First, a mid-February weather report: It’s been an ultra-cold week in Virginia, and we got about 3 inches of snow again last night. This is about three weeks after the 2016 snowzilla storm barreled up the East Coast and poured down about 14-plus inches of snow from North Carolina to Maine.

Yes, that was a bit of stalling, because there’s not much else to tell. This won’t take long; you should be able to read this installment while walking in from the mailbox.

The highlight of the Christmas season was the BR Christmas party at the home of Bob and Kirby Rainer. You will recall they recently got hitched and also moved into a new home not far from Bob’s optometry practice. Attendees at this superb bash included the following BRs and their ladies: Paul Burch, Wayne Fuller, Gordon Poindexter, Clint Hubbard, Jon Moody, Jeff Morgan, Glenn Newcomb and Scott Wagner. It seems I could be leaving someone off the list, but unfortunately, I did not write everyone’s name down at the time. We all wondered where Robert “Santa” Nussey was this year?!

Dave Miller and Todd McCullough spent a bit of time together in the fall on their biannual trip to Colorado for hunting elk. They have been doing this for several years now and have a group of six to 10 guys that make the trek from Virginia by truck. The season opened on a Saturday morning, and at about 3 p.m. EST that very afternoon, I got a text with a photo of BR McCullough and a nice

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes retirement for active service. Bobby 6x6 bull elk. Ol’ T.W. got the only shot is currently suffering through a tour fired on the trip by anyone and made it in Hawaii at the Tripler Army Medicount – he downed the beast within an hour or so of shooting light. cal Center in Honolulu, where he After his return to Virginia, BR serves as the command chaplain Miller began making a weekly trek there. Bobby’s achievements, includto Richmond from his home near ing a Master of Divinity degree from Waynesboro. Dave’s son is a student Southwestern Baptist Theological at Virginia Commonwealth UniverSeminary, a Master of Science degree in counseling from Columbus State sity in Richmond and rather than pay University and a Master of Strategic rent, Dave and Shelly bought a small Studies degree from the U.S. Army house for their student son. Dave was War College, coupled with his seroverseeing renovations on the place and spending his weekends working vice in the U.S. Army as a field artilat the house with alternate side trips to lery officer and a chaplain in a wide Lowe’s and Home Depot. variety of units, make him the ideal Class of 1987: In Nicaragua were, from left, John Boughton, Owen On BR Miller’s off-time in Rich- Curley, Jon McLean and Andy Zolper. choice for this position. He and Tracy are the perfect role models for cadets. mond, we were able to arrange a to major general making him, I believe, the first Congratulations to you, Bob, and many thanks get-together with a few BRs to sample some cold barley soup. The attendees included Jon Moody, of the Class of 1987 to achieve two-star rank. to you and your family for your years of service!

Wayne Fuller, Jay Ball, Gordon Poindexter, Mark is currently serving as the commander, Dean Kratzenberg is on the move again. After reScott Wagner and Hubbard, R.C., your dedicated Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, Air tiring from the U.S. Army back in October, Dean Force Materiel Command, at Tinker Air Force and his wife, Dawn, moved down to Louisiana. class agent.

If you’re starting to notice a pattern about the Base, Oklahoma. Before his command in Dawn has now been selected for promotion to same list of BRs getting together for a few drinks, Oklahoma, Mark served as the commander, colonel in the U.S. Air Force and will be assumthen you know we probably need to expand our Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, in Riching the duties of vice commander of the 377th list of friends. Those of us in the Richmond area mond, and as a career logistics readiness offiAir Base Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base in are fortunate that we are able to congregate when cer, he has commanded units at the squadron, Albuquerque, New Mexico, this summer. As an we can – which, in reality, is really not as often as group and wing level, and he has served in loAir Force spouse and with nothing else to keep gistics staff positions at the Joint Special Opwe would like it to be. him busy, Dean can now focus his efforts on erations Command and at Headquarters, U.S. The oracle of Facebook still shows Ed Talbott coordinating golf tournaments, orchestrating and Larry Watson accomplishing things of much Air Force. Congratulations, Mark! wine tasting events and leading motorcycle Colonel Lapthe Flora was also recently seyounger men; they are our unofficial class studs. road trips throughout the southwest. Bob EckStill no word from Glen Ralston, Gordon F. lected for general officer rank and will be prohoff also recently visited the southwest United moted to brigadier general. Lapthe has been States, where he met a new friend in Arizona McKinley, Roman Malavet or Jim Urie.

Jon Aycock has recently started a charitable serving in the Army National Guard since our – see photo. foundation, The Timothy Aycock Melanoma graduation and is currently the commander of Mark Bartholf also recently relocated. Havthe 91st Troop Command at the Army AviaResearch Foundation, to honor the memory of ing lived in Richmond for many years, Mark his brother who succumbed to melanoma a few tion Support Facility in Sandston, Virginia. As and his wife, Tiffany, have moved to the Huntsan infantry officer, Lapthe has served mainly ville, Alabama, area, where he is working as years ago.

All right, men; such as it is, that’s the report for in the 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry, including this quarter. Hope 2016 is shaping up well for you command of that battalion. Lapthe also served and yours. Reach out to a BR and/or your class as executive officer, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, as the 29th Infantry Division’s agent to share an update. Take care, brother rats. director of operations and as the Joint Force Gerry Tertychny Headquarters – Virginia director of strategic plans. In addition, Lapthe has completed overseas deployments to Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan. Well done, Lapthe!

As many of you already know, U.S. Army Col. Bobby Phillips has been selected to be the Brother Rats, Class of 1987: Bob Eckhoff with his United States Air Force Brig. Gen. Mark new Institute chaplain and will be moving with new friend.

Johnson was recently selected for promotion his family to Lexington this summer after his

’87

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Class Notes Day to recognize those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our great nation.

In the spirit, Gerry

’88 Class of 1987: Owen Curley test driving a potential command car. the program manager supporting the Center of Army Leadership’s Multi-Source Assessment and Feedback Coaching. Mark and Tiffany are about two hours from Tuscaloosa, where their two girls are students at the University of Alabama, and he is enjoying putting his experience to use coaching people in leadership and running the program.

Jon McLean and Owen Curley recently spent some time this winter visiting Father John Boughton down in Nicaragua. John has been a part of the Franciscan Mission in Nicaragua for many years, where he and his colleagues minister to the local population and serve as chaplains at a local government-run hospital and at the regional prison. Jon posted an interesting photo of Owen behind the wheel of a VW “Thing” like the one Capt. Tate used to drive around campus back in the day.

Bill McCarthy and Adrian Garcia were able to get together down at Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. In his email to me, Bill described Owen Curley as “AWOL.” No doubt Owen was usedcar shopping in Central America.

Our 30th Reunion is now less than a year away and is scheduled for the weekend of April 28-29, 2017. Make your reservations now if you want to stay with Bill Wanovich or Bobby Phillips.

I trust everyone has emerged from the Dark Ages in good health and good spirits. Hopefully, you will be able to take some time off this summer to relax with family and friends. Remember to pause for a moment May 15 to remember the 10 who fell and to take a minute on Memorial

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Sam Tate

Brother Rats, By the time you read this, VMI graduation will be upon us, and our legacy cadets will either be leaving VMI for their next challenge or moving up to the next class and summer training, internships and jobs. Congratulations to both the cadets and their VMI ’88 parents for persevering through the challenge.

The holiday season was launched in superb fashion with an early Thanksgiving feast at John “A.J.” and Rosemary Williams’ house in Annapolis, Maryland. We skipped the traditional turkey for pulled pork and other traditional southern fare. We had a great showing of BRs from the Maryland/Virginia area, as well as spouses. Hugh and Regina McGloin hosted their annual Christmas party later in

Class of 1988: Rusty Sloane, left, and Al Cuellar. Class Agent Sam Tate said of this photo, “Clash of cultures and so much more.” the season. Brian Hatheway and his wife, Kristina, were able to join us in between overseas postings with the State Department. Mike and Karen McGraw rounded out the season with a New Year’s Day party attended by Hugh Brien, Hugh McGloin and Brian Hatheway.

News from our brother rats: Dan Salyan was at VMI recently for a prospective cadet orientation. “I caught up with Adam Volant in his office for local happenings. The funniest part of the weekend is that they host a lunch for the students and parents in Crozet Hall. So, my son and I grab our tray and go to the far corner to get a table to ourselves.

Class of 1988: At the annual McGloin Christmas party were Brian Hatheway, Hugh Brien, Michael McGraw, Chris Long, Dan Shrimpton, Sam Tate, Hugh McGloin and Tom Kennedy.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes There was only one other parent and high school student at our table. The funny part: It was one of my old cadre corporals ... Ernie Edgar ’87.

Hilariously coincidental! Can you imagine taking your high school kid to an open house, sitting down for a meal and the only other person at the table is your cadre corporal and his son?!”

Stephen King was just announced as the 4th county administrator for Rockingham County, Virginia, effective July 1, 2016. This is a great decision by the county where Stephen is a dedicated servant and a solid community supporter.

For those who have been following the John Gillespie saga the last several years, John finally left Africa in 2015 and is “now spending most of my time working projects in Afghanistan, but from the relative safety of Winchester, Virginia.” Glad to have you home, John.

Bill Burns started a Facebook group in Boston for area VMI alumni. His first meeting included five other area alumni. If you are going to be in that area, let Bill know.

Al Cuellar has completed his transition from the Navy and moved to Oklahoma. “As you may recall, Holly and I (along with Isabella, Holy Cross, class of ’18) took a huge leap of faith and wanted to explore life after the Navy in a calm, cool and quite little place in middle America.

We were blessed to have an amazing 26 years with the Navy, and now it was time to see what was on the other side – the corporate side. Actually, the manufacturing automotive side, or more specifically, the business of ‘mobility,’ as Michelin likes to call it. Holly continues to serve as the rector of the board of visitors at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia.” Al and Holly took the opportunity of being closer to Texas to visit Rusty and Luckie Sloane for a quick 18hour turn around at the last minute

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Class of 1988: At a frocking ceremony in Quantico, Virginia, in honor of U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Steve Neary were Steve’s wife, Tracy Neary, and children, Riley ’19, left, and Christian, right.

Class of 1988: Jeff and Edie Dixon welcomed Georgia to the VMI ’88 clan.

Class of 1988: At a mini reunion at the Williams’ home were Lew Sigmon, Michael Owen, Michael McGraw, Hugh McGloin, Michael L. Wood, Doug Jacobsen, Bill Burns, Tim Hooper, John Bordelon, Scott Stachelek, Steve Neary, Drew McKone, John Williams, Sam Tate, Hugh Brien, Richard Stone, Michael Bryant, John Keppeler and James Florio.

to get out of Ardmore, Oklahoma, for the night. Al and Holly made the two-and-a-half hour trip south to The Broken-8 (Sloane ranch) in Maypearl, Texas. Luckie wrote, “We made our way to a dive café/ bar for an evening of fellowship and Texas country music. Somehow, Al managed to get us past the line of patrons waiting to be seated in the restaurant by grabbing silverware and menus and escorting us to our table. Dinner conversation consisted of politics and solving world problems, which we easily conquered.

After dinner, we made our way back to the bar side and spent the evening laughing, dancing and laughing some more! Sunday morning called for bloody marys and an amazing coffeecake that Holly just happened to throw together before they left Oklahoma. A few last minute pictures in the pasture and the Cuellars were on their way home with promises to return for the Texas Independence celebration in March.”

In the life milestones department, there were three significant events of about a week of each other in January and February.

First, Congrats to John and Christine Wright. They are the proud parents of Samuel Arthur Wright. Samuel was born Jan. 21 and weighed in at 6 pounds, 9 ounces and was 19-and-a-half inches long. Congratulations as well to Jeff and Edie Dixon, who welcomed Georgia into the VMI clan in early February.

Finally, Steve and Tracy Neary finally got to enjoy pinning on a star to each of Steve’s shoulders at a frocking ceremony promoting Steve to U.S. Marine Corps brigadier general.

Steve, Tracy, Riley ’19 and Christian were joined by their VMI and Marine Corps families at a ceremony at Quantico in February. On hand to represent VMI ’88 were fellow Marines Lew Sigmon, John Keppeler, John Williams and Wayne Sinclair. Congratulations, Neary family, and we wish

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Class Notes you all the very best as you embark on your next chapter of Marine Corps life.

Brother rats, it was a pleasure compiling these notes. I hope they inspire you to keep in touch with each other. Keep sending me your notes and recollections so that we can keep the spirit of ’88 alive. As always, you can reach me at the following: VMI 88 Facebook page (join 260 BRs and family and growing) 571-659-0904 (home) 703-772-0854 (cell) samtate88va@gmail.com

Steve Chiles

’89

David A. Martin

By the time you read this, it will be summer, but as I put pencil to paper, it is now late January and record snowfall has hit the area – battalion snowball fight, anyone? Many of us in northern Virginia are snowbound; our government ground to a halt as 34 inches fell around Washington, D.C. Nonetheless, it is clear that many BRs took advantage of the time at home to write in without prompting! It never ceases to amaze me. This quarter, a record number of updates came in from BRs whose last names start with R and S! Usually, I have to reach out and threaten people; i.e., “Reunion is coming, we need someone to head up X-committee, and (insert your name here) was mentioned, but this quarter that did not happen. We have a great update in store for you and thanks for all who wrote in.

Before we get to that, a few housekeeping items: Please keep us informed on your mailing address. As much as I love getting mail and Christmas cards, I don’t need to get cards from myself. Returned cards, that is. Kind of like putting your cellphone in your pocket, setting it to vibrate and calling yourself from a landline; it’s a unilateral cycle ultimately devoid of meaning. Please keep your mailing address current. You can do this via the VMI alumni website, where you can also find the

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email and contact info of your favorite longlost BR. Worst case scenario (and I do mean worst case, because it generates more work for us), just email your email address changes to Steve Chiles (sorry, Steve)!

Now, for the big news. Mitch Fridley continues to excel like a North Korean test-rocket.

Like Brig. Gen. select Paul Pardew, Mitch seems destined to have a building named after him on the Parade Ground. Mitch was selected to command 3rd Brigade, 104th Division in the United States Army Reserve. The 104th is a training division responsible for molding the future senior leaders of our Army Reserve, and Mitch will be the jam in the jellyroll of our Army’s ROTC training. Congratulations, Mitch, and good luck.

Not far behind in the name-a-building-contest is Steve Warren. Many of you might have caught his press briefings from Iraq over the holidays. United States Army Col. Steve was the spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve for a spell.

I think we would all agree that our esteemed regimental commander, Matt St. Clair, is also in the running for the building contest. Toast, after commanding the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, took command of the Ground

Class of 1989: Natalie Raborn led Sean into the aid station during day three of an extremely difficult, six-day mountain bike race held in Breckenridge, Colorado.

They took fourth place in their category.

Combat Integrated Task Force, which was the Marine Corps’ yearlong assessment of a gender integrated reinforced infantry battalion in June 2014. The unit trained in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for about eight months before conducting the formal performance assessment on various training areas in California, to include the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center commanded by BR Scott Leonard. The assessment was complete in May 2015, and in July, the colors of the unit were cased. Once deactivation of the unit was complete, Matt received orders to Norfolk, Virginia, where he is the fleet Marine officer to the commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. He and Melissa bought a house in Suffolk and are enjoying the Tidewater area. Matt, in prep for the next reunion, joined the Tidewater Pipes and Drums to get his bagpiping to the next level.

Let’s see ... we need a Navy guy to complete the name-a-building cycle. Winton Smith wrote that Ed Herrington, after 26 years in uniform – including three command tours of the USS North Carolina, USS Hawaii and USS Emory Island – was selected for the Senior Executive Service. Now, he is responsible for the Navy’s propulsion and training program in Prototype Operations and Training Naval Reactors. Pretty impressive, Eddie, and congrats on SES – a flag equivalent rank in the civilian federal service.

Shifting gears a bit from success stories now, a few short years ago when Nat Cross conned us into taking on the role ... oops, let me start over. I mean ... a few years ago, when Steve “Chinese Beef and Pepper Night” Chiles and I were discussing receiving the class agent baton from Nat Cross, one of the things we wanted to do was hear from BRs we have not heard from for quite some time. So, it always warms the cockles of our hearts when someone writes in out of the blue. Two BRs in particular have proven that it is never too late!

Kudos to Dave Royer, a first-timer who has proven, once again, he has the power of the pen befitting an English major when it comes to scripting a yarn. “Admittedly, as far as I can recall, I have never contributed to the class notes. However, with the old adage, ‘Better late than never,’ in mind, I am happy to provide the following update, which hopefully will be of interest to the class. Just back from Paris,

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes I now split my time between Charlotte, North school senior with her eyes on the University an assistant football coach. I got to one of his Carolina, (company headquarters) and Lynch- of Maryland, UVa, Wake Forest University games and then spent the next day moving his burg these days in my role as general counsel and Tulane University. It will be an emotional girlfriend and family down the Eastern Shore, spring for decisions. Jack, my youngest, is to- Maryland. They are all doing great, and Pete is for AREVA, Inc., part of the AREVA Group, a world leader in nuclear energy. The work is tally on the team and seems to find the easy looking forward to being able to find a teaching always interesting and I am privileged to serve way around things. He will make a great Key- opportunity back in Richmond after his year is along some very intelligent and dedicated peo- det. Had a great chat with Steve Chiles last up. I catch up regularly with Quinn Donovan ple, including Bob Cole ’91 and a few other night. He has been offered a great job back in out in Sonoma Valley, where his wine making VMI alum. I see other VMI alum from time Akron and will be able to move back into the continues to be a passion. It has been since the fall since I have talked to Fitz (Dan to time, including Charlie Schindler Fitzgerald), but I am sure our paths ’91, Trey Petty ’93 and my dyke, will cross soon. For myself, I am in Dave Moore ’86, to name a few. the last two days of work with my Looking forward to this year’s ancurrent company and am making nual VMI Valentine’s Day Hop in a transition after six years from a Lynchburg. Anne and I have two small general contracting company daughters, Ashlin (20) and Hannah working primarily with federal gov(18), attending the University of Virginia (could not convince either ernment to a medium size A/E one to pursue VMI, so they had to firm. I found deciding to leave a job settle for second tier). It’s hard for and search for one while working to me to relate to the fusion of higher be harder than Ranger School. Boy, education and fun they’re experiencdo I miss easy days of the ‘I’ and the Army and war.” John, absolutely ing. We have another daughter, Satop notch, and thanks so much for die (15), a freshman in high school this! and my final hope – a VMI Class of John Piedmont is likewise good 2023 appointment! Wishing all of with spinning a yarn, and wrote, our BRs a prosperous and healthy “I see several of our BRs on a rou2016!” It’s always such a delight to hear from folks we have not heard tine basis, and we try to catch up as from in a while, so thanks, Dave! best we can. Wuzzer Rader, Brent The cockles of my heart are Selnau, Winton Smith, John Giltz warm and growing red-hot now! and Al Versoza all work in the PenThe snowfall in northern Virginia tagon. Al is on the glide slope to and being snowbound for a week is retirement in a few months. (By the driving me crazy ... is this an email way, he’s also an FFL-holder, so if from John Osborne in my inbox? Class of 1989: Members of the class gathered last summer at An- you’re looking for a gun purchase – gelo Biviano’s home in Floyd, Virginia, for the third annual Floyd Am I snow-blind? Am I dehydrated Wiffle Ball Championships. Brother rats present at the event were and you should be – toss some busifrom shoveling too much snow? Are Angelo Biviano, George Bowles, Kramer Reeves, Norman “Bud” ness to BR Versoza.) John Giltz my provisions running “dry” and Schmeling, Tim Spence and Todd Tilley, along with honorary and Winton Smith are bookends: is scurvy setting in? (Help, Quinn classmate, Alan Baragona. Pictured were, from left, back row, They are the executive assistants Grey Spence, Ava Reeves, Lily Reeves, Lydia Biviano and Max Donovan! Send your finest, ASAP!) Schmeling. Second row: Wyatt Schmeling, Augie Biviano, Mimi to the Marine Corps’ and Navy’s Yes, it’s true; this is not a hallucina- Reeves and Henry Spence. Front row: Tamittica and Thomas. logistics heads, respectively. Wayne Jones is in the United Arab Emirtion. After 25 years of not writing an update, John – out of the blue and with same house they were in. He and the family ates till later this year and then will head to a no prompting whatsoever – wrote in that the are excited. I met up with Lowell Wilson while post unknown for what I expect will be his last Osborne family is growing and enjoying the visiting my family in Cincinnati in November. tour in uniform. Paul Pardew, waiting patientfact “we have stabilized out of the Army back He is looking good and as funny as ever. In ly to get promoted to brigadier general, is also in 2010, now in Annapolis, Maryland. The the summer, Pete Lampman and I linked up headed to United States Central Command Baltimore VMI Chapter is pretty active, and for a day in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, soon. As shown in the previous class notes, a week doesn’t go by with someone popping where both families were vacationing. Found Nat and Lori Cross came up in the early fall up on LinkedIn or calling. My oldest, Emma, out that we still have same love for beer. He has here to Leesburg and we had a great time. I’m is at Wagner College on Staten Island in her since moved to the Eastern Shore, Maryland, hoping they’ll come in the spring, too.” second year. Maria, my middle child, is a high for full-time job teaching English and being Kramer Reeves reported that grand times

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Class Notes were had last summer as Angelo and Amanda Biviano, along with Tim and Phyllis Spence, hosted a rousing weekend of whiffle ball and storytelling in Floyd, Virginia. “The cool mountain air at 2,500 feet elevation was a refreshing escape from the summer heat from whence many of the participants came. Norman ‘Bud’ Schmeling and boys along with Todd Tilley; George Bowles; and former VMI English professor, Alan Baragona, joined Kramer and Amy Reeves (daughter of Buddy Bryan ’71) and family in what turned out to be an epic weekend of sport and leisure with the Bivianos and Spences. The festivities started Friday evening at the farm house home of Tim and Phyllis just up the road in Check, Virginia.

Goats, donkey, chickens and all welcomed the crew as we all enjoyed a smoked meat fest, beautiful mountain views and the excitement of preparing for the next day’s big game. Saturday morning, the whiffle ball tourney began at the Biviano compound, inclusive of a perfectly manicured ballpark, covered bleacher seating, homerun fence, backstop and chalked base paths. The competition began with an exciting kids’ matchup that featured many youngsters’ debuts in a fairly matched, well-played opener. The main event started thereafter with Bud Schmeling on the mound facing former VMI pitching legend Todd Tilley in a dual for the ages. Although Bud’s team moved into a commanding 12-4 lead, Todd was able to shut down the opposing offense, setting up an extrainnings masterpiece. Ultimately, Todd’s team, The Floyd Homers, became back-to-back champions with a final score of 13-12 in extra innings. Most valuable player, Angelo Biviano, was the winning pitcher and had the gamewinning single in the bottom of the eighth. Of note were smash hits by both Tim and Phyllis Spence and a quite respectable production from Alan, George and Kramer. The day finished up with a feast, more late-night (albeit questionable) story-telling and disc jockeying that lasted well into Sunday morning. Already in the works is planning for the fourth annual tournament scheduled for July 2016.”

Steve Stafford, en route to a Belize vacation, managed to find the time to write that he recently sold his home to a Class of ’69 guy who shall remain nameless, but happens to be a retired lieutenant general, and also sold his engineering firm that he started back in 2003, buying

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a small townhouse in Williamsburg. Steve took a job working for the College of William & Mary as the senior civil/structural engineer, where he reviews all construction and renovation plans for the campus.

Sean Raborn and his wife, Natalie, recently completed the BreckEpic Mountain Bike Stage Race, a six-day stage race held in Breckenridge, Colorado, that is no cake walk. In fact, they took fourth place in their category. Sean sent a picture of “Natalie leading us into the Aid Station about an hour from the finish, Day 3.”

Sounds like a complete blast, Sean! Sean did manage to relax, recently taking a break from the arduous Colorado ski season to spend three weeks in Australia.

Allan Stoneman dropped a line and suggested that someone should write a nostalgic story in the Review about our time at VMI. I used poetic license and edited the story he suggested ... actually, I deleted it for content, as these notes aren’t about me nor my nightly sweat party with the Rat Disciplinary Committee 4th Class year. The notes should be about everyone. Thanks, Allan; this is an excellent suggestion! So, let’s start the tradition by recalling Allan fervently searching for a back door exit when Estelle’s got busted by the “ABCman.” Anyone recall the Beastie Boys playing on the jukebox: “You gotta fight, for your right, to party?” Great idea, Allan. Let’s keep up that tradition in the future.

Tom Spivey, perhaps the most prolific ’89 Facebook page guy, is finishing up his fifth year on the Chesterfield Police Department.

As a “five year man,” he was recently promoted to senior officer and selected to be a school resource officer. In his 17th year as a lacrosse referee, he has likewise moved up to the collegiate level and continues to fight the Civil War, reenacting with his son, Tom Junior.

Thanks everyone for keeping the class updated. See you on our class Facebook page.

’90

Robert Clark

As I write these notes, I learned this February morning that the Class of 2019 is breaking out and becoming 4th Class cadets. Congratulations to each of the rats, including those sons

Class of 1990: United States Army National Guard Lt. Col. Brian Woodford recently deployed to Fort Bliss, Texas. and daughters of our BRs who were among those breaking out.

Only some brief notes this go-around, so don’t hesitate to drop me a line and let me know how you are doing.

Congratulations to Charlie Tujo, who recently retired from the Air Force after 25 years. He is now a radiologist for the Air Force as a civilian.

Colonel Mint Ralston checked in from New Orleans where he works with a Marine Corps Support Facility. Mint is working toward his retirement in September 2016 and is already working to chart his course post retirement.

Stay tuned...

And finally, it was great to hear from Lt. Col. Brian Woodford, whom I have not heard from in some time. He has been busy for sure; he finished up his battalion command, started War College and got married. He also deployed to Fort Bliss, Texas. If you’re in the area, give him a call!

Until next time, Rob

’91

Chuck Story

Guardmount has formed on the bricks, and a new sentinel has been posted. I want to start out this round of class notes with a nod of thanks to George Petty for his service as our class agent for the last few years. In the last couple of weeks, I

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes in Phoenix with his wife, Heidi. Their girls (14 have received a crash course on all the work that and 10) are active soccer players and are keeping this role performs for us. If you are like I was unthem busy. He recently transitioned to a position til about a month ago, you probably don’t realize with Republic Services as the vice president of muhow much there is that goes on behind the scenes.

We have been served honorably, tirelessly and nicipal sales after 20 years in the defense industry. sometimes thanklessly. Thank you, George. I hope Good luck with the fortress you’re no doubt conI can march this post in your footsteps well. structing around the house to keep the boys away.

If you haven’t received your new magnet and letTodd Hubbard and Buck Sessoms regret to inform us that they will not be in attendance at ter yet, mark your calendars (again) for our 25th the 25th because they will be pulling guard duty Reunion. The new date is Oct. 28-29, 2016. The with the National Guard and Marine Corps, redecision was made after a lot of work by Tom Heffern and Dave McSorley, in conjunction with spectively, marching post in a foreign land. Buck our dyke, Adam Volant ’88. Twenty-five years. requested that we take care of Jackie during the Let that sink in a little bit. A lot of our BRs in reunion. Charlie Schindler, Michael Robichaud the military have reached O-6, and at least one and Ed Dunnington have been conscripted to of our dykes has received his first star. We have find a cardboard cutout of Buck for Jackie to carry become the men who molded and shaped us lo around all weekend. those many years ago. Many of us have gone on Drew Preston is working for the government Class of 1991: Wai-Kin Tong being sworn in as a U.S. Army inspector general for to similarly outstanding levels of leadership in the and Navy doing security work for the Strategic the 412th Theater Engineer Command corporate and nonprofit worlds. The Class of 1991 Programs related to the Navy’s Nuclear Weapin September 2015. has begun to leave its mark on our society and the ons Programs. history of the Institute. This October is Joe Gionti and Spike Watson sent in a time for us to gather, celebrate, honor a picture from some time they spent toand commemorate. Please make plans gether recently. Spike and his son were to be there if you can. in town to root on Joe’s son, Nikolai, How do we prepare for that? How in a tournament. They did their job many of you haven’t spoken to your well, he brought home the title in the roommates in six or eight months 125 pound class. (years)? Time to reach out with a Chris West recently received a wellphone call, a text or a Facebook mesearned promotion in the Naval Crimisage. Let the best class in barracks nal Investigative Service, heading up show up strong around the sentinel Class of 1991: Pictured at New Year’s Eve in 1995 or 1996 were, a couple of programs in the Quantico from left, Jon Greenspon, Matt Amato, Chris West, Andy Collier, Headquarters. He and Tamara moved box this fall.

Chris Cruz recently retired from the Tim Collier ’94 and Tom Kent ’93. the family from Norfolk to Richmond Navy. He and Carol recently finished (northside), where she is now the construction on their new house in director of stewardship and evaluVirginia Beach, Virginia. He is now ation at St. Andrew’s School. They a senior vice president for Operation have posted an open invite for BRs Smile, an international medical charbreezing through town to stop by. He passed along word that A.J. Nazrio ity which provides free surgeries to and Frank Mulcahy are indeed still children in developing countries who out in the ether somewhere. are born with cleft lip, cleft palate or I ran into Jon Greenspon, Rob other facial deformities. Vicky and Sayegh and Tom Spivey ’89 at a laI were fortunate enough to run into them on a recent trip to Lexington. crosse tournament in Richmond last We broke bread and told old Rat Line summer. Jon is coaching and teaching stories to our boys in a coffee shop at Fork Union Military Academy. Rob on Nelson Street. I think we laughed is coaching with a club team in Richmore than they did. We may not have mond. In his spare time, he enjoys long done a good job of recruiting a couple hikes in the mountains, sunsets, pupClass of 1991: From left, Joe and Nikolai Gionti with Spike and pies and important duties as a special of new cadets.

Dillon Watson when Spike and his son were in town to root for Richard Coupland was kind Joe’s son, Nikolai, in a tournament. agent with the FBI. enough to drop me a note. He is still I have had the privilege of spending

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Class Notes to see if a date has been set for our some time in the woods or the duck 25th Reunion. He has been working blind with Bob Cole, Charlie Cathfor Chicago Bridge & Iron Company cart, Charlie Schindler, Ken Draper, in Houston, Texas, for the past three Buck Sessoms, Michael Robichaud, years as an estimator (imagine that Pat Madigan, Bucky Bridges and ... a history major staring at spreadMike Jeffries this past fall and winter.

It was pretty much what you would sheets all day long). He suspects his imagine it would be when you think days are numbered, though, due to of that crew all in one place at the the downturn in the oil industry, so same time. he volunteered to oversee the planSimilar shenanigans were had with ning of the reunion since he will Rob Edwards, Chris Edmonston, most likely have some time on his Marty Heinze, Chris Isakov and Jim hands. No official word yet, but we Pugel, who gathered in upstate New suspect it will occur in September York this past fall for a hunt weekend.

2017. If you would like to help with Rob did a poor job of reporting in on the reunion, please contact me or the results. Is it safe to assume more Andy, as we will need help with enbrain cells died than deer, boys? tertainment, shirts, event planning, Jon Milner sent a Christmas card bail, etc. We will send out informafrom the northern Virginia BR battion by snail mail, so be sure you don’t throw out anything from VMI. talion. He is busy learning how to be Stephen Morris was laid to rest at a civilian again and raising a beautiArlington Cemetery Feb. 10, 2016. ful family.

BRs in attendance were Scotty Todd Kuchler and his wife, Sandra, Price, Theo Androus, Dan Franare busy making us all jealous living in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Todzen and Keith Frantz. It was a clear, die, book your hotel room now. Pack sunny day, and the ceremony was the Winnie and head up the coast. See executed with flawless precision.

Stephen’s father carried his remains you in October. from the ceremony to his final restI had to travel to Atlanta last year Class of 1991: VMI alumni as part of the 29th Infantry Division ing place, which is in direct line of for a conference. The good that came with the Virginia Army National Guard at the Warfighter exercise sight of the Air Force Memorial. out of it was dragging John Duffy in November 2015 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. out of hiding long enough to have Top: From left, Todd Pegg ’92, John Roche ’03, Jim Palmer ’09, Flowers were sent on behalf of the dinner and catch up. June is busy Doug Stransky ’92, Todd Hubbard and Mark Baush ’92. class to Stephen’s wife, Stephanie, managing a household full of boys – Bottom: From left, Jim Palmer ’09, Todd Pegg ’92, John Roche following the ceremony. We hope ’03, Doug Stransky ’92, Chris Doss ’94, John Parson ’01 and Todd some young and one young at heart. the ceremony brought some closure Hubbard.

John coaches them in lacrosse when to a very emotional and trying time he’s not busy with his duties at Cisco. several years. Drop me an email, a phone call for their family.

Wai-Kin Tong was recently sworn in as a U.S. or find us on the Class of 1991 Facebook page.

Monkey said they did not get much of a Army inspector general for the 412th Theater Rah Virginia Mil! chance to catch up after the ceremony, but Engineer Command in September after complethe did have some updates. Scotty Price is the director of special projects for Theo Androus ing his training at the Department of the Army William Woodward and his company, Larnaca Properties LLC, a Inspector General School at Fort Belvoir over the real estate investment and development comsummer. He was previously with the 411th Engipany in Washington, D.C., that focuses prineer Brigade at New Windsor, New York. With marily on distressed assets in transitioning his new post, he will be the Troop Program Unit Andy Tate neighborhoods. One of the projects Scotty led officer and chief of inspections for the 412th.

If you’re passing through the Roanoke/Lexthis past year was the installation of bee hives ington/Lynchburg area, give me a heads up. I’m on the rooftops of several of Larnaca’s apartalways up for breaking bread and catching up. ment buildings. Their first harvest of organic honey received a perfect score in the taste catDon’t be like Dan Joseph and Jamie Weist and BRs, sneak into town unnoticed. There are a lot of Here are the latest updates from our classmates. egory of a local honey competition. Scotty is you out there we haven’t seen or heard from in Keith “Monkey” Frantz checked in with me also leading a Larnaca initiative to work with

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes the Veteran’s Administration to provide hous- Group Atlantic at Little Creek, Virginia, July 9, Kuwait as a forward air controller (Airborne)/ 2015. Dan ‘Knuckles’ Shipley assumed command weapon systems officer in an F/A-18D. We ing and workforce development for veterans in transition and other segments of at-risk popu- of Marine Aircraft Group 12 in Iwakuni, Japan, missed having our commands overlap in AfJuly 10, 2015. It was fitting to hit these mile- ghanistan during 2010 by one week. At the lations.

Dan Franzen is working at the Johns Hop- stones within 24 hours of each other on oppo- time, Dan was commanding VMFA-232 flying kins University Applied Physics Laboratory site sides of the world. Throughout our careers, F/A-18Cs, and Jay had command of VMU-3, in the Asymmetric Operations Sector Tailored both flew F/A-18s for the Marine Corps. Our an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron. Both Systems Group. No idea what the hell that is, paths would intersect many times, even though of us are quite humbled to be in our current but Monkey hopes Dan is working on the age we were only stationed together for a short time commands and welcome any visits from BRs.” Jeff Galon reported that “Anhtuold problem of why his dryer eats three socks each month and if the an and Linda Nguyen were in San light really does turn off when the Jose, California, visiting family for refrigerator door is shut. Dan had the Chinese New Year, which hapto explain to Monkey that the big pened to coincide with Super Bowl spiral sticking out of the ground weekend. I invited them over to my where the Navy Annex used to be house in Santa Clara for a short viswas the Air Force Memorial. It was it. Karen Galon and Linda Nguyen Monkey’s first time back to Virginia got to hear us reminisce about the since 2004, and he was amazed at ‘I’ from 24 years ago. Despite living how much the area had grown. a mile from Levi Stadium, neither Dan reported he retired from the of our families had tickets to see Air Force in 2014 and started workthe Super Bowl in person. But being at JHU-APL. The lab does all ing in each other’s company was a sorts of contract and research work Class of 1992: United States Marine Corps Col. Dan Shipley as- great highlight ... it certainly made for the government; it is like being sumed command of Marine Aircraft Group 12, Marine Corps Air that stupid ‘puppy, monkey, baby’ Station Iwakuni, Japan. a defense contractor but without commercial bearable.” I saw on our all the money. He continues with class Facebook page that Anhtuan nuclear command and control projand Linda met up with John Broects, which he worked during his die out at the Rose Bowl Parade on last six years in the Air Force, and New Year’s Day when they were out he is also working cyber security there to see their son, Douglas ’19, projects, too. Dan said it has been and the rest of the VMI Regimental a great transition. He has been livBand march in the Rose Bowl Paing in Arlington for several years rade. now and plans to stay as long as the Mike Starling let me know that he commute to Maryland is bearable. finished his fifth Marine Corps MarDan thinks he knows what is goathon in October. His family caught up with him at mile 16 in front of ing on with Monkey’s socks. “Best the Lincoln Memorial. Mike and guess about Monkey’s socks is that Jenny’s kids are Shawn (11), Brenna his dryer is one of a small batch of (17), Sarah (9), Caroline (14) and wormhole experiments the governClass of 1992: United States Marine Corps Col. Jay Frey ’92 assumAndrew (17). ment funded a few years ago. There ing command of Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Atlantic, Doug Vincent reported, “All is were some bugs in the design. The Little Creek, Virginia. well here at VMI, and it is great recent gravitational wave findings should help resolve those bugs, unless there is at the Pentagon. In 1999, for example, we were constantly running into our BRs who come to only one of two F/A-18 crews going through visit and whose sons are at VMI (yes, we are something different about Monkey’s socks.”

Jay Frey sent me a great update on him and Dan the prestigious Weapons and Tactics Course; officially old). I heard from Chien Feng “Race” Yu, my roommate, and I am happy to report Shipley, which is quoted here: “Dan and I wanted Dan even missed the graduation to deploy to to update the class on quite a unique day for us this Hungary to fly combat operations in support he has been selected for major general (one past summer. VMI started quite a connection for of [Operation] Allied Force. We were fortunate star) in the Taiwanese Army and should be us beginning as classmates and then roommates to meet up while airborne on combat missions promoted this summer. I believe he will be the from 3rd Class year on. Jay ‘Chewy’ Frey assumed over Iraq. Dan was flying F/A-18Cs off the first general officer in our class, so great news. command of Expeditionary Warfare Training USS Constellation, while Jay was flying from As for me and my family, we will leave VMI in

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Class Notes colleague, Ivan “Al” Moore ’78. And after four months off during his transition, Kevin is now back in the Pentagon as a defense contractor working within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence. Kevin plans on sticking around northern Virginia for a few more years, so look him up if you happen be in the Dulles/Washington, D.C., corridor.

Kelly Holbert also chimed in. Kevin was blessed to pin on O-6 in May at the Air Force Memorial. Jon Pardew, who flew into D.C. Jim Sharp from Denver for the event. Kelly graduated from Army War College earlier this year and is currently serving at Headquarters Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. “We were recently notified that we will be headed to Pope Field, North Carolina, this summer, I hope these notes find all in warmer weather where I will be the 43rd Airlift Group comthan at the time of my writing.

It is February, Class of 1992: Anhtuan Nguyen and Jeff and the winter has finally shown itself. I think mander. I was unable to make ‘dudes’ weekGalon in Santa Clara, California. everyone knows that John Timmons’ wife, end’ this fall, but was lucky to have Brandon Gerri, died in January. As John and Gerri met Freel and Jim Romasz keeping me linked-in to May 2016 as the Army moves us to Fort Benwhile we were at school, she was friends with all the ‘festivities’ via Periscope. I plan on being ning, Georgia.” a lot of our BRs and their wives. John and his there in person next year!”

Got a quick update from Lance Parnell sayDallas Grubbs dropped a line. “Slowing ing he was in Houston and has been working family are in our thoughts and prayers. I have included a picture of those BRs who attended down here in Wyoming thanks to energy prices on the oil fields since 2012.

I received a thank you note from the winner the service. It is always reassuring that our class being so low. Business is still staying busy, and rallies during these times. as the calendar page turns, I am already dreamof our class scholarship, Tyler Krug ’18 (son of This was a relative light installment on notes. ing of another elk hunt.” If you recall from the Andy Krug). Having met Tyler at multiple taillast edition of notes, Dallas was guiding Paul gates over the last two years, I know I speak for Kevin Smith retired from the Air Force efMeadows and Craig Currie (aka the odd couple the committee in saying he well represents the fective Dec. 31, 2015, concluding 22 years of active duty service. His ceremony was held ... never seen two people make more fun of each ideals of VMI. I am relaying his note below: “Dear 1992 Memorial Scholarship Committee, in the Pentagon Oct. 23 and was attended by other) on a cow elk hunt last season in WyoBryan VanDeun and Rich Borden, as well as ming. They had a great time catching up and I would like to thank the 1992 Memorial Scholarhis dyke, Brian McCormack ’90, and his office were actually successful in their ventures. Based ship Committee for selecting me for the scholaron Dallas’ comments of the fitness ship for the 2015-16 school year. I am of Paul and Craig, it was more akin honored to have been chosen by the to a hiking weight loss program than committee. The funds from the schola guided hunt. arship will help me attain my goal of Dave Hoy’s Primal Brewery in becoming a VMI alum and following Huntersville, North Carolina, is in a long line of successful graduates turning into a pilgrimage for the to make a difference in our nation. I Class of ’93. The latest pilgrim was plan on attending medical school after Lincoln Swineford. There is talk of graduation and serving as an Army a mini reunion in the spring. I’ll send officer in the Medical Corps. The out an invite if a date is selected. scholarship will put a dent into the As for me, things are staying busy in many funds needed to carry out this Charlotte. I am doing a fair amount plan. The sacrifices you have all made of travel for work and am trying to to fund this scholarship in honor of reach out to BRs as I travel across the your fallen brother rats is a testament country. I was in East Texas in Noto what the BR spirit is all about. I hope to carry on the legacy of the Class of 1993: At Kevin Smith’s retirement ceremony were, vember and looked up Phil Grant. from left, Bruan VanDeun, Kevin Smith, Rich Borden and Brian He is living just north of Houston Class of 1992 with the highest integ- McCormack ’90. and is running for judgeship. We had rity, honor and self-discipline.”

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 I can inform the Alumni Review. If you have a change of address, let the Alumni Association and me know so we can make sure you get all VMI correspondence.

Best regards, Woody

’93

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1993: At Gerry Timmons’ funeral were, from left, Max Swoboda, Kevin Smith, Blake Svendsen, John Timmons, Brian Cox, Matt LaBell, Tom Kent, Steve Thrasher, Gerry Bingeman and John Timmons ’68. a good time catching up. I was very impressed with the amount of work he is putting into his political race. Hopefully by the next edition of notes, we will have a judge in our class.

As always, thank you to our BRs who are serving our country in uniform.

Jim

’94

Clay Campbell

Dear Brother Rats, Let me start by saying that writing these notes took me back to a time and place long ago. I am having flashbacks of 3rd Class year while rooming with Mike Richardson, Matt Fedowitz and Pat Aluotto (room 369) and starting on my term paper the night before it was due. I’m just glad I don’t have to use Richardson’s word processor to type this out. Someone would have thought that by using Richardson’s word processor, some of his smarts would have entered my body from the keyboard, but it was not to happen. So, here I sit the night before notes are due to VMI and I am dipping, spitting, drinking bourbon and thinking about going to the X to grab a calzone and see if 90210 is on the TV. I mean, come on ... the notes aren’t due until tomorrow morning; I have all night. I am thinking I might see

2016-Issue 2

Class of 1994: Sean Lanier, left, and Wayne Lambert caught up at a West Virginia University basketball game.

Class of 1994: Rob Coleman and Dave Underwood.

Class of 1994: Class Agent Clay Campbell said of this photo, “Tim Bailey getting tips for his new career path.” if I can teach Cash to blow the five minute call on a bugle in the morning and see if I can still get up, get dressed, hit the head and still be in formation on time.

I hope that everyone had a great Christmas and was able to spend time with family and friends. Let me apologize for the late birthday cards and the incredibly sloppy Christmas cards that I sent out. I have a great excuse this time and will explain. I had a moment when I thought I was still young, and I strapped the old rugby boots on and hit the field with Jon Jacobs ’90; my brother, Cris Campbell; and the Roosters Rugby Club. I am not as good as I once was, but I was on that day as good once as I ever was ... i.e., I broke my right hand and went into a cast. Thus the cards sent I had to write with my left hand.

I was able to meet up with Rodger Jones for lunch in Manassas in January. We met at Red Robin and spent almost two hours hanging out and catching up. Rodger has done very well in the mortgage industry and is looking great.

I also got in touch with a fellow F-Trooper, Rick Franco ’95, through Facebook. He has started a company, Turkey Fan, and seems to be quite busy.

On another note, Tim Bailey has decided to follow his dream of giving everyone the opportunity to experience the wonders of making their own pottery. As Tim put it, it makes him feel like Patrick Swayze in the movie, “Ghost.”

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Class Notes

Class of 1994: John Campbell, Jim Todd, Rob Coleman, Dave Underwood and Dave Truslow caught up in Lexington.

Class of 1994: Clay Campbell playing rugby.

He said he loves getting his hands on the clay, to which I stated TMI, and he needs to stay at least one state away from me at all times.

I also heard from my roomie, Chris Doss, who has started a nonprofit called the “six head.” it is more like a support group for young men with a quickly receding hairline. Chris told me the struggle is real, and he wanted me to pass along a message that you are not alone; bald is beautiful. Brother rats, that is the reason I am growing my beard; I am going with the comb up, thus using my beard to cover my bald spots.

I received word that Dave Underwood was able to catch up with the always elusive Rob Coleman. Dave just celebrated his eighth alive day from his wounding overseas. Dave Underwood, Dave Truslow, Rob Coleman and John Campbell were all able to meet up with Jim Todd on his way through Lexington while taking his son around on some college visits.

Wayne Lambert met up with Sean Lanier at a basketball game at West Virginia University. I was told the weather was not very cooperative.

I also heard from Anthony Underhill. He currently resides in Melbourne, Florida, where he works for the Aerospace Corporation and has three sons. He is still active in the Navy Reserve and is a lieutenant commander.

Last, let me throw out some class business. I would not ask anything from you that I’m not doing myself. I ask that any BR who has the ability to please consider signing up and donating to the Institute. You can make it as easy as setting up a draft from your account for $19.94 per month – more if you are able. It is a small thing to ask that you give something back to a place that has given us so much. I will not force

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this down your throats, but as the saying goes, you get out what you put in. VMI has helped every one of us in one way or another, and it is up to us to ensure that the tradition continues by helping her to produce more young men and women to follow in our footsteps.

Class of ’94, Pig

’95

Thomas A. Brashears

I write these notes on the Monday after Breakout. The Class of 2019 was born Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016. It was about as cold as it has been here all year, and these young men and women were

up and at it starting at 5 a.m. Anyway ... now it’s hard to believe that we are over one month into the second semester (it will be over by the time you read these notes).

Last week, I was able to link up with Rob Davis and Todd Glasser after a home basketball game. Rob is still working up in the national capital region, as is Todd. Todd is promotable to O-6, but not quite sure when he’ll pin on yet.

The Navy has treated him well.

Earlier in the fall semester, Jay Ferriola stopped by on his way to Roanoke. We caught up for a bit, and it was good to see him. Two of his uncles were with him, both retired from the New York Police Department and very impressive. Brad Coleman just signed a contract to write a book and continues to do great things across the street from me in Scott Shipp Hall. The cadets really enjoy the

Class of 1995: After a VMI home basketball game were, from left, Todd Glasser, Thom Brashears and Rob Davis.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes classes he teaches. Also, John Stann was in town with his son during the first semester. John’s son was attending an Admissions Open House weekend and hopes to matriculate this next fall. Hard to believe we’re old enough to have kids in college, but I guess we are.

I traded emails with Alan Dean not long ago. All is well for him – still flying.

Mike Bernard was able to make it to Fort Campbell for Larry Burris’ change of command. Larry took command of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team in the 101st Airborne Division. Larry, Amy and their two girls are doing very well and excited about this great opportunity.

Well, that’s about it for this update. Brother Rats Joyner, Coleman, Ikenberry and I will do the best we can to hold things down here in the Lexington area. Do your best to get back to the Institute, and when you do, please stop by and say hello. Take great care, and ’95, ’95, ’95!

Peter Segersten

’96

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 1996.

Tim O. Moore

’97

surviving happily now on palm grass basket profits and plan to soon go into business with Kevin Valerie and Dan Owens selling palm flavored sauerkraut to the Kroger Corporation. Kroger is excited about this venture and said they intend to especially push the sauerkraut in regions where VMI alumni are concentrated, as they will have a dedicated audience; especially if they put a picture of Stonewall Jackson on the label. It’s all in the works, however, and Kevin and Chris have asked that we as a class maintain complete radio silence regarding this money-making scheme, because they don’t want any thieving sauerkraut corporations out there to take their idea.

Francis Buser has decided to run for president.

Last time he called me, he said, “Well, based on the number of people running for the office, I figured I would give it a shot.” How cool is that?

His plan is to outwit Donald Trump – which, for Buser, shouldn’t be hard to do. He also said if it doesn’t work out, he’ll just impersonate Trump and people interested in voting for him won’t even know the difference.

John Jenkins, Ed Ramatowski and Matt Smith, or the God wing of ’97, all seem to be doing quite well. Their robes and collars look quite good and haven’t a single stain on them yet.

They continue to move in the faith and bring a sense of purpose to the class as a whole. Lucky for us, we have these guys on our side; it helps to add brasso to any tarnish that may have occurred during our cadetships. Also, they told me that if

anyone needs confession, they are always open for business.

Cary Micheal bought a multimillion dollar house down in Florida with his family. It is an awesome pad right on the water. It has a boat ramp, a dock and plenty of room for his brother rats. He informed me that anyone who wants to crash the pad can do so anytime, day or night – even on holidays. Then he woke up.

Brad Davis plans on being Buser’s running mate. He says the doldrums of Marine Corps life have really gotten to him. He and Donnie Hasseltine said they are just tired of being war dogs; having to be bad@#$ all the time can really get to a man. Every now and then, it’s nice to just fade into the scene and be average. I get it, because I’m just an average guy myself. Anyone else out there feeling their pain?

Pattana Punmongkol joined the band Journey.

They were looking for another lead singer.

Jamie Jeter plans to surf around the world.

Joel Harding is now black ops – his whereabouts known only by a select few Sherpas. In speaking with one of them, the only thing they would tell me is he will soon be leading them on a crusade to build a cabin atop Mount Everest, because just climbing it wouldn’t be enough for Joel.

Pete Gagliardi plans on doing a sequel for “Rocky,” it will be called “Rocky 36.” In this version, Sly Stallone is ancient and has somehow become the Micky of the team. Also, Apollo Creed comes back to life and roams the halls of

David M. Hudock

Wow, what a class notes session this was. So many people replied; my inbox was blowing up. The Class of ’97 is in the house and doing amazing things.

Kevin Ash, Rob Worrell, Chris Hobbs, Chuck Ayers, Johnny Weekes and maybe John Newt “Dogg,” and I guess a couple of dudes from the Class of ’98 went to The Citadel game this year. It was said that the town of Charleston, South Carolina, will never be the same again. While there, Kevin took up residence as a basket weaver on the market shops, while Chris Hobbs pedaled his wares. The two are

2016-Issue 2

Class of 1997: At the Alumni Association pregame event before the Keydets versus The Citadel football game Nov. 7, 2015, in Charleston, South Carolina, were, from left, Kevin Ash, Rob Worrell, Chris Hobbs, Justin Wolfe ’98, Charles Ayers, Erik Seaman ’98, Troy Mosby and John Newton.

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Class Notes Madison Square Garden as a zombie in search of Russian brains. Sounds like it is going to be a very good movie.

J-Dogg King is now selling low-riders in his spare time. He said he just can’t beat the extra money he makes; plus the clientele who buy lowriders tend to be some really interesting people.

What’s not to love?

Taylor Edwards bought the Mall of America.

He intends to turn it into the largest free-range nightclub in the world. Tripp Costen went into business with him on the venture.

Addison Hagan ran to Europe and back. When asked how he did it, he just said, “I just kept runnin’ and runnin’ and runnin’,” in his best Forest Gump voice. I’m not sure he will ever tell us how he got across the ocean, but some suspect he got on a boat and with a treadmill and ran on it for 156 hours straight. When asked about this, he simply stated that he didn’t want to showboat – get it?

Jim Wrenn, Joe Steele and Andy Clark formed an elite drug busting unit named Cobra Ops Unit Metal Gear Solid Snake. Not sure where the reference comes from, but I swear I’ve heard those words together somewhere before.

Tommy Haskins is getting buff. He started an Internet craze by challenging people to work out duels. It appears to be working, because Reese Edgington and Phil Zoffuto took on the challenge. They are now all competing in local weightlifting and body building competitions with hopes of achieving the big time – a spot on American Idol.

Ryan Earley, Rick Hezel and Scotty Weisiger joined the WWF; they forgot they called it WWE and sometimes just WW now. Hulk Hogan and the boys have been waiting for a call back for months. When asked about it, they just said, “No worries, we will take down The Rock.”

Slemp, enough said.

Jack Polce built an ark. He said he is ready for anything now.

Dale Moore and I finally decided we were brothers. He just realized, however, that his father was John Travolta based on his manly and quite sexy chin dimple.

Maurice Spencer is the man. Warren Johnson is a baller. Brett Ogletree, hell yes. Eric Woolley lives!

Cliff Shifflett and Stock Dinsmore ... who knows? It was said that on graduation day, both men rode off on their horse into the sunset.

Their images are stilled burned in our hearts

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and minds forever, though. One day, maybe we will see them again. I hope that day comes in spring 2017!

David Harback called. He said he intends to open up a business in Las Vegas in the near future. Apparently, the running he’s been doing has given him a boost of energy, making him ready to tackle new ventures. As the conversation came to a close, he mentioned the name of the business, but the phone started to cut out, all I caught was Harback’s House of Corn. I can’t for the life of me figure that one out, but whatever; more power to you Dave, and good luck.

Dave Hudock is a boss. It’s hard to believe, but Dave finally decided to stop wearing underwear. Nice work, Dave. We support your decision whole-heartedly, brother rat. If you come up with more money saving, sustainable ideas, please, by all means, be sure to share them with us. Love ya, man!

As for me, my side business of making gravy has really taken off. I just can’t believe that after almost 20 years of being out of VMI, I just figured out that making gravy was so lucrative.

Who knew.

Hope everyone enjoys the class notes. Take care of your families and loved ones, and be looking forward to the reunion during spring 2017. Tom Wagner is planning a doozy of a reunion.

John A. Strock

’98

Hamel Reinmiller

Hello, gentlemen! I hope everyone made it through the cold winter relatively unscathed.

As I write these notes, I’m watching the snow fall again, knowing that I’ll be out there shoveling my driveway for the umpteenth time.

Ready for spring!

This is the year most of us turn 40! Daniel Smith celebrated his 40th in Richmond, Virginia, Jan. 2. Adam Werner and I, along with our wives, were present for a pregame party at the Siegel Center before Virginia Commonwealth University basketball blew out George Mason

University. The big shot that he is, Dan put us in the athletic director’s suite for the game. Later that night, we toasted at the beautiful and historic Jefferson Hotel and capped it off at the new Quirk Hotel. Adam pointed out the cadets graduating from VMI this year were born when we were rats.

Thanks for that thought...

Dan also reported that he ran into Avi Hopkins at his weekly Team Excel mentoring meeting at Varina High School. Avi is the new director of development for Avail, the management group for Team Excel. At the time, Avi and his wife, TaNisha, were expecting their daughter, Cambrie Alyse Hopkins, any day. She has since been born, and mother and child are doing great. Congrats, Avi, on your promotion and birth of your daughter!

I heard from Dave Benedick, who relocated to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, last year. Dave was recently in contact with Clark Twiddy, who will have had his first child by the time I submit these notes. Clark, a Dare County, North Carolina, resident, was also elected last year by the Senate to serve on the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges for a term of six years. The State Board of Community Colleges serves as the governing authority for the North Carolina Community College System. Twiddy was elected at the recommendation of Sen. Bill Cook, R-District 1.

Congrats, bud!

Dave also tipped me off to the news that Cmdr.

Bill Fallon will assume the role of new executive officer of Strike Fighter Squadron 154, the famed Black Knights. He makes the transition by the way of Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Command as the branch chief at J5 Directorate. He began his career with VF-31 flying the F-14D Tomcat and transitioned to the FA-18F Super Hornet in 2005. He also completed tours at the Naval Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific, VFA-32, VFA41 and the College of Naval Command and Staff (source: Lenmore Navy News). Way to go, Bill!

Collin Ludmer touched base with a quick but fantastic update. A former P3 Orion aviator with the Navy, Collin is now an orthopedic physicians’ assistant and will be working the NFL combine with the foot and ankle surgeon for the Green Bay Packers!

Thanks as always to those who submitted notes. It’s great to hear and share all the exciting news from our brother rats. Feel free to send me news and updates any time.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1998: John and Betsy Strock, left, with Anna and Dan Smith celebrating Dan’s 40th birthday at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond.

’99

William Steinbach

Class of 1998: Curt Russell, Sean Williams and Mark Redman met up at American Taphouse at Willow Lawn in Richmond, Virginia.

Mark enjoyed a day off while at Fort A.P. Hill for gunnery training.

to cover up all of Cam’s hair. I told him they need to write a corporate grooming policy, and I would be happy to help. He said he will add it to the agenda for the next meeting.

For those of you not on Facebook, Aaron Hamilton actually went through with it and got married. Wasting little time, his new wife, Fannie, is now pregnant. Congrats to the newlyweds on their pending newborn!

Once again, sorry the notes are so short this time – that is entirely on me. However, in the future, if you have something to share like Cam, Chris and Patrick did, please send to me immediately. Do not wait for me to send a reminder for class notes. Hope everyone has a wonderful spring. Until next time...

In the bonds, Bill

’00

Jim Boatright

Hello, Brother Rats, Brother Rats, It is hard to believe another few months have I apologize for not getting out the reminder passed since the last set of notes, which were for class notes before the deadline. I was out on the heels of the 15th Reunion. As I write for annual training, and then I was laid up sick this update, the holiday season and New Year for several days when I got back. What kind of are behind us, and spring is right around the jacked up unit has annual training in the wincorner. I hope everyone received their Christter? Oh, yeah. Mine does. Due to all of this, I mas card, and if you did not, it most likely missed the deadline for sending out the call for means I do not have a current address or you updates. However, I do have two items of note to report. are overseas. I have been reaching out to many Patrick Henderson, Chris Copenhaver and of you to track down addresses for BRs who Cameron Tabor hosted a software developare off the grid. Anyone is welcome to send address updates to classnotes2000vment off-site planning and team building event in January at Snowmi@gmail.com, and I will get them shoe Mountain Resort for their to VMI. It has been great to hear company, Protos Security. Cameron from so many of our classmates, and I hope all of you will consider is still in desperate need of a haircut providing updates for class notes if and a shave. Cam told me that they you have not checked in recently. ran into a current 2nd Class cadet With that said, it was great to there. When Cam told him there hear from Bubba Massie that he is were several ’99 guys there with stationed in Oahu, Hawaii, with the him, the 2nd replied, “Oh. A bunch 25th Infantry Division at Schofield of old guys.” I told Cam that if he Barracks. Bubba said he should be didn’t look like he had just crawled moving in summer 2016 but will not out from under a bridge, maybe he know until early 2016. would have gotten some more reI sent a birthday card to Matt Black spect. Cam said he told the guy to and received a nice note and family rack his chin in. Doubt the poor photo from his wife, Erin. She updatsap knew what that meant, the way Class of 1999: At Snowshoe Mountain were, from left, Cameron things are going these days. Patrick Tabor, Chris Copenhaver and Patrick Henderson. ed that Matt works as an engineer at said they wore helmets while skiing James Madison University, and their

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Class Notes family of five relocated from Yorktown, Virginia, to Harrisonburg, Virginia. Matt and Erin have three daughters, Emma (5), Annabelle (3) and Josie (1).

Mike Goldman checked in and said he is working hard doing the “corporate (mergers and acquisitions) transactional law thing” and keeping busy at home with his three kids (ages nine, seven and four) and all their activities. Mike also has a nephew who is a 4th Class cadet this year, so he is trying to keep his spirits up and keeps telling him he can make it.

Jason Miller wrote to say that he and his wife, Staci, along with their two sons, August and Cavan, are living in Leesburg, Virginia. Jason owns three restaurants in the Leesburg area, which keeps him busy. If any of you are traveling to or through Leesburg, be sure to make a stop at one of Jason’s restaurants.

It is always great to hear from Todd Kennedy.

Todd has been living in New Orleans for nine years. His wife, Brittany, is a native New Orleanian with dual French citizenship. Todd is an assistant professor teaching film studies in an English department at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, which is about an hour from New Orleans. Brittany teaches Spanish at Tulane University, and they have a three-and-a-half-year-old son, Dylan Kepa. Todd says the first name is for Bob Dylan and the middle name is Basque, which he is known by. Todd said the family loves living in New Orleans very much, and they can’t imagine leaving. Todd stays in contact with Jason

Class of 2000: Matt and Erin Black with their three daughters, Emma (5), Annabelle (3) and Josie (1).

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Clough, who comes to New Orleans most every year to visit. Jason and Todd both lived in New York City following graduation, where they became good friends after not getting along all that great at VMI. Jason lives back home in Jefferson, Missouri, and practices law.

Nhan Nguyen sent a note and updated that he is currently living in Oklahoma.

Chris Boswell and I traded several notes back and forth, and I was happy to contribute to his fundraising efforts for Mustaches for Kids. The picture included with the notes tells the story.

Great job, Bozz. Chad Welch checked in and said he has not submitted an update “in many years,” so it was great to hear what is new in his life. Chad and his wife are living in Washington, D.C., and are both lawyers. Chad’s wife practices with a large firm, and Chad is an assistant United States attorney for the District of Columbia (criminal division). Chad enjoys skydiving, and both he and his wife are training for Ironman Chattanooga in September 2016.

Chuck Minski sent me a note and updated that he moved from Memphis, Tennessee, to Corpus Christi, Texas, in August. Chuck started his command pipeline for Training Squadron 27, VT-27, which is one of five squadrons that teaches Navy and Marine Corps student naval aviators the first stage of flight training flying the T6B Texan II, which is the Navy’s new flight trainer. From Texas, Chuck went to Pensacola, Florida, for Aviation Command training, which ended abruptly when he was assigned as the senior member of an aircraft mishap board following a T6B Texan II accident in Las Cruses, New Mexico. Following the mishap, Chuck assumed the duties of executive officer of VT-27. The next week, he began flying again for the first time in nearly four years, which was a welcomed and exciting assignment. Chuck says there are more than 60 instructor pilots and more than 150 students that must be trained in the next six months, so he has his hands full.

Jay Kearney updated that he and Josette are still in Chantilly, Virginia, where Jay is riding the cyber wave with Department of Defense. Jay has two children, Gianna (8) and Jackson (6), who keep them busy between school, scouts and sports. Jay also took over the George C. Marshall Chapter in northern Virginia and said he has been able to catch up with Matt Keller and Tony Esteve on a somewhat regular basis. Jay also stays in touch in Will Warthen, Scott Johnson, Ross

Fuller and Clint Mundinger, who lives close by.

Clint and his wife, Kristie, have two little ones.

I was wrapping up notes and was very glad to receive last minute updates from Bobby Bartolomeo and Colin Mahle. Bobby and his wife had a son, Jake, in December 2014. He is doing great and keeping his parents busy. Bobby is a lieutenant with the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office and works in the Criminal Intelligence Unit. He graduated from the FBI National Academy 260th Session in Quantico, Virginia, in June 2015 which is a 10week law enforcement executive leadership program. Thanks for the update, Bobby!

Colin Mahle’s wife, Charlsey, sent a note and says they, along with their two daughters, Claire and Cameron, are currently stationed at Fort Drum, New York, and serving in the 10th Mountain Division. Colin is the brigade S3 for 1st Brigade Combat Team, and he is currently deployed to Iraq and will return in early summer. The family is looking forward to PCSing this summer to somewhere more southern. Hearing from Colin’s wife is a great reminder to us all that we have brother rats and other members of the VMI family and beyond that are serving or have served our great country. Please pray for their safety and for the safety of their families back home.

’01

Brandon Farris

Greetings, Brother Rats, By the time you read this we will be a few short months away from our 15th Reunion Oct. 28 and 29, 2016. I hope those on the East Coast survived Snowzilla. I look forward to seeing everyone soon.

Steve Kolenich and Maddie are expecting their second child in July.

Charlie Bunting reported his movie, “The Preppie Connection,” was picked up for North American Distribution by IFC Films and was to premiere in theaters in late March. Charlie is a producer on the film and will shoot his next movie, “Upstate,” in fall 2016. “The Preppie Connection” screened at The Middleburg Film Festival in October 2015. Andy and Katie Rogers, Aaron Mitchell, Natasha Miller, Amanda Conway, and Kurt Ayau came out to support the film.

United States Air Force Lt. Col. (select) Kenneth Carmichael’s wife, Tanisha Carmichael,

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 2001: United States Air Force Lt. Col. (select) Kenneth Carmichael enjoyed the Christmas holiday in Stuttgart, Germany, with his wife, Tanisha, and children, Maliah (7) and Elijah (9).

Class of 2001: Carmichael enjoyed Halloween in Stuttgart, Germany, with his wife, Tanisha, and children, Maliah and Elijah.

Class of 2001: Eric Ham and his wife, Martha, with their daughter, Allison.

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Class of 2001: Brandon Farris and his wife, Lorin, with their daughter, Samantha.

Photo by Drew Carbone. is part of the Armed Forces Network Morning Show in Stuttgart, Germany. The operations manager and program director heard her professional aircheck and her vlog and had her come in for an interview about five months ago. 102.3FM has tens of thousands of willing and eager listeners. According to Kenny, Tanisha feels fortunate as a military spouse to have the ability to follow her dreams and wishes as the family serves overseas. Lieutenant Col. (select) Carmichael is the future operations branch chief at Defense Information Systems Agency Europe following his successful squadron command in southwestern Asia.

Eric Ham and his wife, Martha, live in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, with their 5-year-old daughter, Allison. Eric is a director of human resources with Aurora Health Care, and Martha is a medical social worker with Columbia-St. Mary’s, also a health care system. Eric and Martha celebrated their 10 year anniversary in June 2015. According to Eric, Wisconsin seems pretty far removed from VMI, but it isn’t. They’ve hosted Kevin Fromm, Vic Zottig, Erich Miller, Tom Graham and John Niederhaus over the years. John completed his Doctor of Philosophy degree at the University of Wisconsin. Eric had a graduate school class with Martin Conway, Tony’s brother, at Marquette University when he first moved there, and Martha worked with Martin’s now wife at the hospital.

Regarding our upcoming reunion, Eric said, “I guess VMI doesn’t always look best in the rearview mirror.” In my opinion, the jury is still out on that one.

Justin Walskey wrote, “Skak, Fromminator, Mothership and Whiskey met in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to say goodbye to

Class of 2001: Charlie Bunting with his parents, Si and Diana Bunting, at the world premiere of “The Preppie Connection” at the 2015 Hamptons International Film Festival. The movie will be released by IFC Films in spring 2016.

Skak’s bachelorhood. Large amounts of beverages were consumed, and we played Cards Against Humanity. Surprisingly, no pictures or other evidence is available – including memories – for the three-day event.” Thankfully, Kevin Fromm chimed in with a translation: Steve Skakandy, Luke Pernotto, Justin Walskey and Kevin Fromm were present for Steve’s bachelor party in Myrtle Beach Jan. 22-24, 2016.

After seven years as a special agent of the FBI, Justin Prior left the government for the private sector. Justin was happy to report that Amanda, Jackson (12), Jaymeson (7) and he will be relocating to the Richmond, Virginia, area in May 2016 from Cincinnati. Justin is now working for UnitedLex (www.unitedlex. com) as a director of cyber risk solutions.

Over the past couple of years, Price Lykins has been living the San Diego sweet life. However, he is now switching jobs/companies and leaving Hilti and San Diego and headed to SiteOne Landscape distribution in the San Francisco Bay area. Price isn’t sure exactly which part of the bay he’ll be in yet, but he said, “Looking at the real estate costs, it looks like I am most likely to be living in my car...”

Price is excited for the new challenge and bigger paychecks and looking forward to telling everyone about it at the reunion.

Thanks again to everyone who wrote. If you don’t get constantly harassed by my emails but would like to, please send me an email at wbrandon.farris@gmail.com, and I will add you to the distribution list.

Brandon

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Class Notes

’02

Salmaan Khawaja

Brother Rats, I hope that this edition of the Review finds you and yours well. As I write these notes, we are experiencing hopefully the last major East Coast snowstorm, and by the time you all read this, I hope you are enjoying the spring! On to the notes: Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Sgt. Dic Donohue – who, as you know, was critically injured in the Watertown shootout following the Boston Marathon bombings – announced his retirement from the MBTA police in February 2016. Dic noted that he is “forever grateful to my fellow first responders and the doctors who saved my life.” We as a class, community and country cannot thank Dic and his fellow officers enough for their service. It goes without mention that so many of our brother rats have put their lives on the line in service to our country and to protect our freedom, and we not only remember our fallen but also those who continue to serve and to protect every single day. As I write these notes, Kim and Dic are expecting a new addition to the

Donohue family, and I am excited to post a birth announcement soon. Congrats, Dic and Kim! The 2002 regimental commander and allaround amazing guy, Matt Thompson, and his wife, Laura, welcomed another child into the world Feb. 3, 2016, at 6:15 p.m. Walton Matthew Thompson is a healthy baby boy and, at birth, weighed in at 9 pounds and measured 22-and-ahalf inches. Matt said, “Walt’s been sounding off with, ‘Pass and review,’ ever since he was born!”

On a separate note, Matt has taken on a new professional role as the vice president of security and strategic solutions with Xcelerate Solutions.

There’s an announcement about his position on their home page: http://www.xceleratesolutions. com/. Congratulations to the Thompson family!

Angela Vizzi kindly wrote me to note: “My academic journey is now complete. I received my doctorate of education in February 2016.”

Congratulations, Dr. Vizzi! That’s an amazing accomplishment!

Jim Cowardin married Miss Brittney Chason in October 2015 at St. Johns the Evangelist Catholic Church in Warrenton, Virginia. It was a beautiful ceremony and reception, and I had the honor of being Jim’s best man. Numerous VMI folks were in attendance, and the farthest distance traveled award goes to Maj. David Troxell, who came in from Alaska. Also in attendance were

Class of 2002: Proud parents Matthew and Laura Thompson welcomed their son, Walton Matthew, to the world Feb. 3, 2016. Class agent Salmaan Khawaja said of this photo, “Walt is already looking great in VMI gear!”

Larkin Scott and Brad Haywood ’03. The father of the groom is James Louis Cowardin Jr. ’71. Congrats to Jim and Brittany, and we wish you a wonderful life of happiness and joy! The wedding was preceded by a fun bachelor’s party which was a deep sea fishing trip out of Oregon Inlet in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We caught a very large blue marlin – among other things – and there’s a video and pics online of said fish so nobody can claim it was one of those fishing stories...

Those are the notes I have for this round. Please feel free to email me with pictures and updates so we can keep up with all your goings-on. It only takes a few minutes to shoot me a line! Best wishes to all of you and yours. ’02! ’02! ’02!

In the spirit, Salmaan

’03 Class of 2002: Alumni at the wedding of Jim Cowardin to Miss Brittany Chason were, from left, Maj. David Troxell; James Louis Cowardin Jr. ’71, father of the groom; Brittney Cowardin (née Chason), bride; Dr. Salmaan Khawaja; and Brad Haywood ’03. Present but not pictured was Larkin Scott.

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William Talley V

Brother Rats, It’s been a slow quarter for notes. The lone entry was Jared Swanson on behalf of the folks in Band Company. Thank you, Jared, for continuing

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 2003: John Bocek and fiancée Stephanie Brown attended the Organization of American States Ball in February 2016.

Class of 2003: Doug and Sarah Warner represented the class at the Institute Society Dinner in November 2015.

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to put out the call for notes and sending in updates!

Jared reported that Greg Sphunder is getting out of the Army after 12 years of active duty – six years infantry and six years aviation – and will be going to local trade schools over the next three years and continue to grow his apartment rental business.

Also, Steve Nakazawa has stayed very active over the last few months. He made the trek out to California for the Rose Bowl Parade to check out the VMI Band and also caught up with Marco Midence while ringing in the New Year.

Steve, Chaz Wagner and I caught up over some football late in the year. I know Steve caught up with BRs over the holidays, as well.

If you’re up in the northern Virginia area, be sure to reach out to Steve!

Just after the last set of notes were due, the Institute Society Dinner was held at the Institute. While I couldn’t make it this year, I know Doug Warner and his wife, Sarah, were in attendance and represented our class well. Doug also traveled to Africa in late January, and from what I could gather from Facebook, he visited some of the same areas that Ace Ventura traveled back in 1995.

John Bocek and his fiancée, Stephanie, stepped out on the town in February, and while I’m pretty sure they were somewhere in the Washington, D.C., area. They looked to be at a gala event somewhere in Europe based on their attire. It reminded me of the movie, “True Lies.” I just kept picturing John Noonan posted outside the venue in a van like Tom Arnold in that movie.

I got a chance to catch up with Brandon and Audrey Matthews over the holidays and met Wyatt. Thankfully Wyatt resembles Audrey more than Brandon! Everyone was doing well, and Brandon was working on growing his beard out so he could look like Uncle Si from “Duck Dynasty.”

Last, but certainly not least, Matt McQueen surfaced in public for an astonishing three times in one month! There was visual evidence that he caught up with Derek Brown, Steve Nakazawa and John Bocek while in the northern Virginia area in late January early February.

Well, folks, that’s about all I have for this set of notes; however, I urge you all to send in any and all updates, photos, etc. Feel free to get them to me via Facebook, email or even stat via the supernum on duty in the PX. Until the next set, Rah Virginia Mil ’03, ’03, ’03!

Class of 2003: Doug Warner proudly displayed the colors while on a trip to South Africa in January 2016.

Class of 2003: Bill Talley, Steve Nakazawa and Chaz Wagner tailgated at the Washington Redskins versus New York Giants game at FedEx Field in December 2015.

Class of 2003: Class Agent Bill Talley said of this photo, “Matt McQueen’s image, captured as proof that he is alive and well, at a rare public appearance in early 2016.”

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Class Notes

’04

Scott E. Campbell

C. Justin Roberts

John Ginder and his wife, Amy, became parents for the first time Dec. 29, 2015, when they welcomed their daughter, Lillie Ann Ginder, to the world.

Jessie Seguin picked up his promotion to captain in the Minnesota National Guard Jan. 6. He is currently serving as the Battalion S2 for 1-125 Field Artillery, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division.

Bree Guiterman and her husband, Justin, were expecting a baby girl due in April 2016! Justin graduates from Marine Corps University Command & Staff College in June.

Ross Garnett and his family are still hanging out at Quantico while he is there for the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College. The Garnetts may be heading to Japan in summer 2017.

Jason Brinkmoeller was recently named vice president for Semper Tek Inc., a veteran-owned construction company servicing Veterans Affairs hospitals and military bases in the southeast region. Congratulations!

Major Jason Quash, along with his wife, Jill, and their three boys are finishing up a two year

Class of 2004: United States Army Special Forces Staff Sgt. Chris Richman in Afghanistan.

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tour in Korea, where Jason served as a battalion executive officer and battalion S3. They will be heading to Fort Riley, Kansas, next where Jason will become the new deputy G2 for 1st Infantry Division in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

Chris Richman wrote from Afghanistan with his ODA. Just before his deployment, he bumped into Matt Sanders around Christmas at the movies in Baltimore. “If I remember correctly, he is working as an EMT in Maryland and has a real nice girlfriend.” Chris hasn’t come across any other VMI alums in country.

Jim Bean is currently in Iraq with the 82nd, and was counting down the short days until he can leave ... again. He wrote, “With the new unit coming in to replace us, I have gotten a chance to see one of my rat roommates, Harley Jennings, quite a bit. Today, I was giving a PDSS brief and realized that Aaron Childers ’05 was the incoming brigade executive officer. We caught up quite a bit after the brief since we have not seen each other since 2005. After the brief, Colin Mahle ’00 heard Aaron and I talking about knowing each other from VMI and identified himself as an alum, as well. Of course, we all felt old then. Where have the years gone?”

Jonathan Saburn had two updates. “I am now in Afghanistan and have been for two months.

Additionally, in October 2015, I earned my Command Qualification Designation, a significant milestone for my Naval career.” Congratulations!

Gary Cutler reported that “all is well here in Wiesbaden, Germany. Erin, the girls and I have been able to do a fair bit of traveling throughout Europe over the past few months and plan to do so this spring. I was thankful and fortunate to have been selected for the major and resident intermediate level education lists this past fall, so we’ll be in Germany until next summer. If anyone finds themselves near Frankfurt am Main, we’re always up for a beer!”

It’s never been “a” beer! Congratulations on both lists!

John Puvogel mentioned the Facebook conversation in reference to Matt York. “He missed my wedding 10 years ago; I saw him once in a photo at the White House like five years later and haven’t seen him since.” The search continues, but the photo at the White House may be the most recent sighting since the bonfire in Noah Diehl’s backyard at the 10th Reunion. On a side note, the Diehls are in Kansas and doing well at last update.

John Puvogel is scheduled to finish grad school at Old Dominion University in December with a master’s degree in engineering management. His daughter, Kinsley, turned four in December. His daughter, Ellyson, turned one in March 2016. Ashley is still working two jobs – the first for pay at ODU, and the second raising Kinsley and Ellyson. John is busy, but satisfied, working for U.S. Special Operations Command in Virginia Beach.

VMI baseball’s new head coach is our own Jonathan Hadra! If you get the chance, go catch a ballgame! View the baseball schedule at http:// www.vmikeydets.com.

Speaking of sports, The VMI versus The Citadel football game is the weekend of Nov. 12, 2016.

The Institute Society Dinner is the night before, Nov. 11. Misia and I are planning to be in Lexington for both. We’d love the company!

Take care! Be safe, and keep in touch!

Scott Campbell

Tom Hardinge

’05

Timothy Johnson

Brother Rats, I imagine that your first reaction after reading in the last Alumni Review that I would be taking over class notes for 2005 was, “Who?” I don’t

Class of 2005: Eli Duncan, born Sept.

29, 2015.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 2005: From left, Paul Bryan, Chris Mendillo ’10, Jonathan Johnson, Andrew Stone and Sam Johnson showing off their rings at Andrew’s wedding reception.

Class of 2005: Andrew and Jennifer Stone on their wedding day.

We made it back to post for our 10th Reunion blame you. My four years at VMI were spent our daughter, Lola, was born. Despite the many running largely under the radar, rarely straying great things I learned throughout my cadetship – in October, and it was such a pleasure seeing outside the comforts of the close-knit friendships both in and out of the classroom – nothing could and catching up with so many of you. I, along I made and the confines of post in the heart of have prepared me for having four daughters in less with Jonathan Johnson, Sam Johnson and our wives, rented a 100-year-old working farmRockbridge County. You might not recognize my than two years! face, but I’m sure you all can remember the sound I am currently working as a licensed profeshouse outside of town for the weekend. Having of my pounding drum marching the Corps to sional engineer in Iowa, and in my spare time, I lived with those guys for two years (and each breakfast on cold Virginia mornings! So that be- enjoy home brewing my own beer and playing still with our then-girlfriends/now wives), we were able to pick up right where we left five or ing said, I believe a proper introduction is in order. guitar. I just surpassed 10 years with the comBen Melton was quoted in the previous Re- pany I started with after graduation, and Missy even 10 years ago. Although we missed out on the hotel scene, we were able to enjoy everyview saying, “Life has a funny way of spread- and I will be celebrating our 10-year annivering us across the world in ways I never thought sary this summer. Missy, who was previously thing the reunion had to offer and spend addipossible,” and for me, personally, that could not a public school teacher, homeschools our girls tional time catching up with each other. be truer. Having graduated with a degree in me- and teaches dance part-time, and we all enjoy Having just married the weekend before our rechanical engineering, I immediately moved from traveling and camping together any chance we union, Andrew Stone wasn’t able to join us in Lexmy hometown in Maryland out to Des Moines, can get. But enough about me! ington in the fall. He said, “I do,” to Ms. Jennifer Iowa. I took a job as a design engineer Harr at the Williamsburg Winery Satfor a full-service mechanical contracturday, Oct. 3. From what I’ve heard, the ceremony was epic, along with the ing firm in August 2005 and married reception, which was without power Missy (then Florer) in June 2006 affor most of the night due to Hurricane ter having dated long-distance since Joaquin. The band livened things up before 3rd Class year. Some of you and energized the crowd with acousmay even remember her serving on our homecoming court with me, reptic guitars and tambourines. Everyone joined in singing and dancing with resenting Band Company. candlelight and iPhone lights to carry After living the newlywed life for a on the memorable night. Needless to few years, we were shocked to learn say, the newlyweds were honeymoonthat we were expecting triplets. In May 2010, our daughters Sienna, Rowan ing in Turks & Caicos while the rest of and Jovie were born. A few of you us were giving Old Yells for ’05 and may have met them when we returned cheering on the Keydets on post. in October 2010 for our 5th Reunion This past summer, Sam Johnson when they were just four months old. transitioned off active duty in the Ma(What were we thinking?) We were rine Corps and moved to Charlotte, further surprised less than a year later North Carolina, where he could be when we learned that we were expect- Class of 2005: Tom Hardinge with his wife, Missy, and their closer to extended families in both Tendaughters, Lola, Sienna, Rowan and Jovie in summer 2015. ing our fourth child, and in May 2012, nessee and South Carolina. Sam works

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Class Notes

Class of 2005: From left, Ian Dunlap, Tim Johnson and Brian Duncan at a beer hops festival in Culpeper, Virginia. as a project manager for Duke Energy helping to close down retired coal plants. He commented, “Charlotte is a great city, and I get to connect with fellow BRs Jay Coleman, Alex Correll and J.B. Thompson on a routine basis. I’m still serving in the Marine Corps Reserve as the operations officer for a Reserve Artillery Battalion out of Bristol, Pennsylvania. If you’re ever in Charlotte, please look me up.”

After living in the Houston area for the past two years, Jonathan Johnson, along with his wife, Lauren, and their two children, has moved back to Florida. “As the oil prices began to drop, we saw the writing on the walls as a consultant for an oil company in Houston. I felt it was time to attempt to spread my wings and try my hand at consulting on my own. It allows me to work from home, and since I can work from virtually anywhere, we decided to move back closer to family. We are currently ‘visiting’ family in Cape Canaveral, Florida, as we are looking for His guidance on the next steps in our lives. My business is growing slow but sure.”

James White recently left the engineering firm he has been with since graduation and started a new role as a consultant with GHT Limited in Arlington, Virginia. Jim, Whitney and daughter Ellie are preparing to welcome a baby brother to the family, due later this summer. Congratulations, Jim! Matt Noreus checked in from Missoula, Montana: “I left the Army this past July and started working for Merrill Lynch a few months back.

Talked to Eric Huggard a week ago; he got out this past summer also and is living in Orlando, Florida, working as a facility manager. I still keep up with

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Rory Opanasets from time to time. He is back up in Boston after finishing his Master of Public Administration degree at Seton Hall. Other than that, I have been spending a lot of time doing a remodel on my home.”

Brian Duncan reached out and sent his regards from Culpeper, Virginia: “Big changes have taken place at my house, as my wife, Emily, and I welcomed our first child, Eli, into the world Sept.

29, which is why I was unable to make it to the reunion. We’ve been having all of the fun of learning to be parents after spending the first week at the NICU at the University of Virginia. I’m planning on getting back to the ‘I’ sometime this coming year since I have to go down for the cadet-athlete banquet because there is a football scholarship named for my father and me. Hopefully some of ’05 will be in town to have a beer with.” If you will be in the area, make sure you let Brian know!

Danny Fields was not able to attend the reunion in October, so I dropped him a line to see how things were going since his transition out of the Army Special Forces two years ago. He reports that he has since moved to Houston, where he is now in a Leadership Program at GE Oil & Gas. The program recruits heavily from the special operations talent pool and gives candidates an opportunity to rotate through multiple roles over the course of the two-year program. Danny works on high visibility projects managed by senior leaders in the business, so it really gives veterans an opportunity to use many of the skills they perfected in the military while also building business and financial acumen. If that wasn’t enough to keep a man busy, he is also attending a Master of Business Administration program at the Jones School of Business at Rice University, which leaves him with very little personal time. But he made it a point to mention that he will be finished with school by the time we have our next reunion, so he should be out of excuses not to attend in 2020. We all hope so, Danny!

That’s all I have to report in my first edition at the helm. Thanks to Tim Wray and Tim Johnson for their years of hard work and dedication to our class and for giving me this opportunity to serve; I can only hope to do half as good of a job writing as Tim has these past eight years. I am sincerely looking forward to working for you and being a part of your lives to help convey the bonds we all share as classmates!

Rah Virginia Mil, Tom Hardinge

’06

Shawn Driver

Brother Rats, A big thanks to everyone who sent in updates. It’s great to hear from you all.

Chris Rogers reported to the USS George Washington and put on lieutenant commander rank back in September. He recently transited from San Diego, California, to his station in Norfolk, Virginia, via the Strait of Magellan at the southern tip of South America. Before reporting to the GW, he was on a minesweeper in Bahrain.

A trend I’ve noticed since doing the class notes is that some things don’t change. From Chris’ trek across the globe to Wilson Nance whispering, “Thirds eat s@$#,” before smashing a pie in the face of Capt. Jim Thoms ’05, the fact is that we’ve managed to stray far from the Institute only in a physical sense. It doesn’t matter where we are or what we’ve ended up doing. Our loyalty to our class and our brother rats runs as deep as ever.

On Feb. 9, Lee Cook and his wife had a beautiful baby girl. She weighed 8 pounds, 10 ounces and was 21 inches long. Her name is Monroe Adrian Cook, named in honor of our Brother Rat Adrian Cmerek who died over Christmas furlough 2004. Thanks for the update, Lee.

Class of 2006: Monroe Adrian Cook.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 2006: Wilson Nance, right, and Jim Thoms ’05 during a Marine Special Operations Command unit function.

Congratulations on the new addition, and my best to mom and babe.

In November, I was just getting back from a 9-month training exercise away from my family. That sucked. I suspect we’re going to have BRs who won’t make the reunion for similar reasons. I am, however, in fact happily writing this from my couch in Savannah, Georgia, drinking cold Yuengling while my 2-year-old daughter watches the Disney Channel.

Many of our updates have to do Class of 2006: Lee Cook and family. with BRs sacrificing time with their families in service to our nation. The truth is, we’re all fighting some battle for the future – be it our own or our family’s. Regardless of the struggle, you have to take the good with the bad and appreciate what you have while it’s there.

The bad is surely to come, but as Chis Chin reiterated a couple of months ago, “Tough times don’t last.”

For C.L.S. – rest easy brother, Shawn

’07

Jon Pool was kind enough to send a photo of him and Tom Goehring, along with their two new additions.

Tom’s son, John Henry Goehring, was born Jan. 14, 2016, and Jon’s daughter, Emmylou Marie Pool, was born Jan. 22, 2016. Congrats, guys!

Jose Lopez left active duty in April 2015 and moved back to Naples, Florida, for a while. He recently moved to Lee’s Summit, Missouri, where he is beginning a new career as an immigration services officer with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Sally Bushore

BRs, There aren’t very many updates to convey this time, but here goes.

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Class of 2006: Chris Rogers with Raymond E. Mabus Jr., the secretary of the Navy, in the Strait of Magellan.

Class of 2007: In attendance at Matt and Tricia Upchurch’s wedding were, from left, Nohelia Martin ’08, Danny Plitnik, Jon Schmidt, Laura Hash, Matt and Tricia, Matt Schreibfeder, Matt Williams, and Quincy Washa.

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Class Notes

Class of 2007: Matt and Tricia Upchurch.

Class of 2007: From left, Tom Goehring and son John with Jon Pool and daughter Emmylou.

Class of 2007: Raylan James Bachman.

If anyone lives in the Kansas City area, make sure to look him up!

Corey Bachman and his wife, Elisse, recently welcomed their first child, Raylan James Bachman, in November. Corey says that after attending grad school in Pennsylvania, he and his family have relocated to Manassas, Virginia.

Matt Upchurch is newly married. He and his new wife, Tricia, tied the knot in St. Louis, Missouri, in August. Several BRs traveled to celebrate with the new couple for the big day.

Matt wrote that Jon Pool, Matt Schreibfeder, Matt Williams, Jon Schmidt, Danny Plitnik, Quincy Washa, Laura Hash, Tommy Goehring and Nohelia Martin ’08 were all there.

Matt and Tricia are now living in Delaware at Dover Air Force Base, where Matt is flying the C-5M SuperGalaxy.

Hope everyone is doing well, and don’t forget to shoot me an email if you ever need anything.

In the bonds, Sally

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’08

Robert Hill

I hope everyone has thawed out from the cold winter. I would like to start by asking everyone to continue to pray for Jared Gastrock and wife Laura and their three little girls. In January, one of their daughters, Lyla Grace,

underwent surgery to correct a Chiari I malformation. Since the surgery, her recovery has been difficult and included return stays to the hospital. Please continue to keep them in your prayers, and I hope to be able to provide another update in the next edition of the class notes.

The Sain family will be expanding – possibly even by the time you read these notes. Brian and wife Kathleen Resetar ’07 are expecting their first child, a girl, in May. Joe Pickenpaugh and wife Monica welcomed son Paul to the

Class of 2008: A few Keydets taking a break from celebrating the Houck wedding were, from left, Steve McKenna ’79, Kevin Sullivan, Tim Mitchell ’77, Gleb Taran ’79, George Condyles ’80, Paul Quinn ’90, Roy Sadler ’79, Graham Forbes ’07 and Cody Davis ’11.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes world Feb. 4, 2016. Paul was born at Business Administration Program for Executives and will be attend00:39 hours, weighing in at 7 pounds ing class on the weekends in Philaand measuring 20-and-a-half inches delphia. Thanks for your service, long. Congrats to Joe and his family.

Brett, and best of luck with the new Also adding to the family were Jessie and Brandon DeLong. Their daughposition.

Jason Pettingill and family are ter, Madison Kay, was also born enjoying life living outside of Feb. 4. They are currently living in Washington, D.C., in Alexandra, Ramstein, Germany, through 2016.

Virginia, near several of our BRs. Congrats, Brandon and Jessie!

Jason mentioned having dinner Alexa (Bernas) Kopf is now workwith Phil Jones, wife Christine and ing for Pharmatek Laboratories, their son, Jack. Jason also had the Inc., a pharmaceutical developer and pleasure of attending the wedding manufacturer in San Diego, Califorof Jay Pontius on New Year’s Eve, nia. Soon after starting, Alexa met along with Chris Beyer. This past Mackenzie Perkins ’15 at a networkClass of 2008: VMI alumni who gathered at Andrews Air Force ing dinner and ended up getting her a Base to celebrate Founders Day were, from left, Nick Engle, Dan Founders Day, Jason, Nick Engle ’07, Dan Williams ’11 and Terresa job at Pharmatek, as well. Alexa also Williams ’11, Jason Pettingill and Terresa Simmonds ’14.

Simmonds ’14 got together at Anfinished her Master of Science degree in pharmacology and toxicology from Michigan Williamsburg, as Cory is stationed at Fort Eu- drews Air Force Base. stis. In attendance at the wedding were Steve State University. Congrats on your accomplishLauren and I also had the pleasure of attendMcKenna ’79, Kevin Sullivan, Tim Mitchell ing a Central Keystone Chapter event in Harments, Alexa!

Lauren and I had the pleasure of heading ’77, Gleb Taran ’79, George Condyles ’80, risburg Jan. 9, hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Gerald west via Denver to Colorado Springs for the Paul Quinn ’90, Roy Sadler ’79, Graham Hempt. Their son recently graduated in 2015 wedding of Matt Mitchell and the former Ms. Forbes ’07, Cody Davis ’11, Garland Gray (Greg Hempt ’15) and their two younger sons, ’10, Donnie White ’65, Gil Minor ’63 and George and Gerald, are now part of the newly Arelene-Raquel Cruz. VMI was well representBobby Ross ’58. Congrats to Cory and Laura! ed by Giles Hohn, Matt Russo, Jared Siebinaformed Class of 2019. This was a great opporBrett Whitsitt is headed home. Brett is leav- tunity for the chapter to see our local rats afler, and Jarrett Moran at the wedding Dec. 12, 2015. Matt will be deploying to Afghanistan in ing the Navy SEALs after nearly eight years ter sending them off in August. Thanks to the the near future. Congrats to Matt and Arelene- of service. He’ll be transitioning back to New Hempt family for hosting us.

York from Germany in the coming months.

Raquel (and the new addition on the way)!

Until next time...

Speaking of weddings, Ira “Cory” Houck Brett is taking a position at J.P. Morgan in New God Bless and stay safe!

York working in the investment banking - levwed the former Ms. Laura Condyles of MeBradley Simpson eraged finance group and begins in May. He chanicsville, Virginia, June 27, 2015, in Williamsburg, Virginia. The two now reside in was also accepted into Wharton’s Master of

’09

Class of 2008: Keydets gathered in Colorado Springs Dec. 12, 2015, as Matt married the former Ms. Arlene-Raquel Cruz were, from left, Giles Hohn, Matt Russo, Jared Siebinaler, Matt Mitchell, Robert Hill and Jarrett Moran.

2016-Issue 2

Brother Rats, I hope this edition this of the Review finds you and your families well. I trust that everyone had a wonderful holiday season, wherever you may have been throughout the world. I have had numerous opportunities to catch up with a lot of our class since the last printing of the Review. I got a chance to catch up with Dayton Blume right after I submitted the notes for the last issue. Dayton had the honor of promoting Christopher Cashen ’11 to captain while they were deployed to Kuwait.

I myself have a good bit of news to share. In May 2016, my wife, Ashley, and I will be expecting our first child, a girl. If the calculations

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Class Notes

Class of 2009: Members of the class at Kyle and Courtney Johnson’s wedding in early September.

Class of 2009: Roxanne Hyatt showing off her article in Her Magazine.

worked out in my head (which I am terrible with math), if she decides to go to VMI she will be the Class of 2038; oh, so close to that magical year 2039.

Daniel Johnson had the opportunity in the middle of January to give the old “Mother I” a fly over. He was able to get a bunch of pictures of Lexington and the Institute. One of the pictures is posted below, and the other can be seen on our Facebook page. Daniel will also be relinquishing the guidon in April after almost two years in command and heading overseas to be part of the multinational force observers in Sinai this June.

David Downing and his wife, April, gave birth to their second child, a healthy baby girl,

Class of 2009: Dayton Blume got the chance to promote Christopher Cashen to the rank of captain when they were both in Kuwait.

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Class of 2009: Alex Oliver with his wife, Sarah Nelson, and their dog, Bella, after they got married.

Kennedy Ann Downing, Monday, Jan. 25, 2016. Kennedy weighed in at 7 pounds, 2 ounces. April was in labor for less than an hour-anda-half and had the baby in less than 20 minutes after arriving at the hospital. David and April are wrapping their time up in Germany and expect to be moving back to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in late summer 2016.

Brad Cooper said things are coming along more smoothly with his brewery, Steam Bell.

He told me there were a few construction delays (miles and miles of red tape with the local government) that have propagated into most of his contractors being double booked. He wanted me to let everyone know that the grand opening for Steam Bell Brewery was looking to be in late March or early April.

Like I said in the last edition, Kyle Johnson got married to Courtney Blowers in early September.

I had notes in the last edition about the wedding, but due to some last minute complications with the pictures, I didn’t get a chance to get the picture in, so here it is. It was a great wedding, and it was well attended by our class, as you can see.

Again, congrats to the both of you.

Alex Oliver tied the knot with Sarah Nelson in Charlottesville, Virginia, Friday, Dec. 18, 2015. They only had one guest in attendance – their dog, Bella. Alex and Sarah, I want to congratulate the both of you and wish nothing but the best for you. We are all happy for you.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 2009: Daniel Johnson flew over the Institute in mid-January. Class Agent Bradley Simpson said of this photo, “Hopefully he woke all the sleeping cadets up.”

Class of 2010: Lucas Whitman with his girlfriend, Jordan, and son, Caleb, after his graduation from the Roanoke City Police Academy Dec. 18, 2015.

If you’re in the local area of Columbus, Georgia, and you need something to read, you should pick up Her Magazine. When you pick it up, you should be spotting a familiar face. In January 2016, Roxanne Hyatt started writing fitness and wellness articles in the magazine.

Well, that is all I got for this go around.

Thank you to everyone who reached out and let me know what you crazy people are doing.

I hope everyone is doing well, and like always, stay classy, ’09.

’10

Cody Hennelly

How the time flies ... by the time you all read this, we will have graduated a full six years ago already! I guess I better start planning the 10th Reunion! As always, I love getting to catch up with all of you; please keep shooting me texts and emails about your adventures. Any who, let’s get started.

I got to catch up with Chris Martin again.

His update is a little old, but I always like writing about marriages and Keydets doing crazy stuff. Chris got married back in June 2015 to Stephanie in Leesburg, Virginia. The reception was in Dulles, Virginia, and he said it was one to remember – plenty of ridiculous

2016-Issue 2

Class of 2010: The Institute was well-represented at Chris Martin’s wedding by, from left, Racheal McElligott; Allen McCown ’11; Matthew Mawyer, groomsman; Deuntay Diggs ’07, best man; Chris Martin; Ross Hussmann; Iain McPherson ’13; Mitch Messick, groomsman; and Mario Giordani ’11. Present but not pictured was J.B. Burleson.

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Class Notes

Class of 2010: Above and right: Chris Martin and his wife, Stephanie, at their wedding June 20, 2015, in Leesburg, Virginia. all the power to him! Captain Rob Keydet antics. Stephanie and Chris Stockman is an artillery instructor both started new jobs recently. at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. His wife gave Chris works for Sightline Media birth to their son in late December.

Group as a copy editor, but our BRs Steve Kerr is in medical school in will more likely know it as Military Greensboro and doing well. Steve, I Times (Army/Navy/Marine Corps/ just thought you were a pretty face – Air Force Times). Stephanie works congrats on being smart! And finally, for Arlington County Public Schools Capt. Arturo Harvey is operating beas a school counselor. More recently, Chris caught up with Capt. Mitch low the radar in Europe doing who Messick and his wife, Allie. They’re knows what, but he is alive and well. back from Germany, where Mitch Owen said he will probably run into was stationed. He is tentatively movhim over in Norway! Take some pictures, man! ing to North Carolina. Chris also That does it for this round! I hope spent a weekend with Matthew Mawyer at his cabin in southwest Virginia, to see so many of you this spring and summer. My door is always open – where he said he had the pleasure of come visit, shoot me a call or email, insleeping on a VMI hay. I don’t know vite me out, whatever (laugh out loud). how you and Matt both fit on there, Class of 2010: Chris Mendillo and Yuwei Chang getting some but hey – whatever works! Have fun, much needed BR time while in Taiwan.

Mizpah, you two (Matt and Chris).

Cody Captain Andrew Baity wrote in from the Paup not long ago. He is living and working in Allen McCown cific. His squadron is one of three in the U.S. the northern Virginia area and recruiting BRs Marine Corps currently fielding a new heli- to the private sector. Something about taking copter and one of two to operationally deploy over the world (laugh out loud). But seriously, (You can see pictures of his squadron in the shoot him an email if you are interested in Our Alumni Serving section in the front of this doing some spooky stuff. I got up with Capt.

“It feels to me like we just graduated yesterReview.) Sounds wild, dude; keep crushing it!

Owen Trotman briefly; he is doing pretty well.

Captain Karsten Bloomstrom is alive and He just finished up a tour of duty in El Salvaday, but I haven’t wrapped my head around the well in Japan. I caught up with him recently fact so much has changed for us already.” In dor, and now he is heading to Norway (lucky). about helping out the Class of 2016 with a Finally, this spring, he will be headed to Monsitting down to write these notes, this sentence Breakout video. Even six years after leaving the terey, California, for Naval Post Graduate resonated with me. As I type, we are months “I,” he is still molding young ratties! Karsten School. Keep grinding, bro! He filled me in on away from our 5th Reunion. So much has and his wife, Meg, just celebrated another ada few things. Captain Shawn Fox is continuing changed, and yet much has stayed the same. dition to the family not too long ago – Kara. to pursue Special Forces in the Army and do- The feeling when seeing brother rats has not Congrats, you two, and keep the beautiful ing well; I don’t know where he gets the time changed, and the antics have done anything but family photos coming! Kenny Green popped between hunting and posting selfies, but hey, slow down. Much like VMI, a lot has changed,

’11

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes but so much has stayed the same.

It was great to hear from Ben Schaefer, who let me know he got engaged to his girlfriend, Sydney. The two traveled last spring to Barcelona together, and that is where he proposed. Ben and Sydney will be married in June 2016 in Essex, Connecticut. Last year, they moved from Washington, D.C., to Boston, Massachusetts, so Ben could pursue his Master of Business Administration degree at Boston College. The move also took them closer to Sydney’s family, who reside in Connecticut. Congratulations to both of them!

Caleb Gibson reached out and said he spent a busy summer taking a class but was able to see Bryan Mayberry when he was stateside for his brother’s wedding. Bryan is stationed in Italy and has been enjoying his time in Europe. Caleb, I believe, accurately called them his “misadventures” in Europe. Although he is enjoying Italy, he did complain that the Italians do not have much of an affinity for good beer or scotch. Caleb was also able to see another one of his 4th Class roommates, Corey Filla, when he was on a business trip in St. Louis, Missouri. Corey is doing well in Missouri, and if anyone is passing through, he asked that they hit him up!

As all good things must come to an end, Tom Pace has separated from the Air Force and has left Florida. Tom’s photos and stories from Florida were enough to make anyone jealous; he definitely made the most of his time there.

After leaving the Air Force, Tom moved to Fort

Class of 2011: Ellie Thomas Sargent, daughter of Stephen and Kelly Sargent, born Nov. 28, 2015.

2016-Issue 2

Worth, Texas, and began work as a systems engineer for Lockheed Martin. Tom expressed that he is now living the dream as a contractor.

Congratulations, Tom! Brodie Gleason has also taken a civilian job, working for a construction company as a project manager in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Brodie finished active duty last year after returning from deployment.

In November 2015, Alex Crow returned from being underway for quite some time and Japan before that. Luckily enough, Alex and I were able to catch a concert in Richmond, meeting halfway between where we live. He’s doing well and is very glad to be back in the states. Alex is now stationed in Norfolk and working on his ship in dry dock. When I spoke with him, he was in the process of planning a trip to Europe.

A lot of good things are happening for our brother rats career-wise. Burt Bacheller was happy to report he had taken a new job working for Boeing in a finance rotation program.

He has a colleague whose daughter just broke out and is Class of ’19. He’s really enjoying his job and has carved out time for a fitness program to get back into VMI shape but has also started playing the piano again. As Burt put it, “So I don’t seem like so much of a meathead.”

In all actuality, Burt is a skilled musician who enjoys playing. As if he wasn’t busy enough, Burt is hoping to buy a house in the D.C. area (“As long as it doesn’t bankrupt me,” he added),

and is planning to start a master’s program in analytics this fall at American University.

Hope you’re able to make it back to Lexington for some rugby matches this year!

I was lucky to catch up with one of our deployed BRs recently. Ryan Buell is currently deployed with 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division. Ryan is a team leader and M240 gunner. Aside from his deployment, he said regular life is at a standstill, but he’s doing well. To Ryan and everyone else, stay safe; we can’t wait for you to be home.

As I’m sure you noticed, for the first time since we graduated, there were no notes in the last issue. I apologize for this, but as there were so few, I combined the submissions from that issue into this one. I greatly enjoy writing the notes, and hearing from every one of you is the highlight of this position. I would encourage everyone reading this to reach out, even if it is just to say hello to the class. I never get sick of hearing from brother rats. Stay safe. I hope to hear from you soon.

Rah Virginia Mil, Allen

’12

Bruce Howard

Brother Rats, I hope this edition of the Review finds you

Class of 2012: In attendance at the wedding of Shane and Martha Perry were, from left, Martha, Samuel Thomas ’13, Joel Chapman, Franklin Van Valkenburg ’13, Matthew Meadows ’15 and Shane.

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Class Notes them, at least) are graduating and and your families well. It has been moving on to bigger and better a fast-paced winter with plenty of things. I wanted to start off by saysnow, but here are some updates from our class. ing congratulations to the Class of I was a little late on this one, but 2016 on this achievement and good Alex Stalnaker finished NATO luck in all of your future endeavors. training this past fall. He is now a It’s crazy how quickly time flies platoon leader for an artillery battery by and all the wonderful things and, based on his pictures, seems to happening in everyone’s lives. On be having a great time in Europe.

Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 26, Keep up the good work, Alex.

2015, Fred and Jenna Vilushis welCongratulations to Shane Perry comed their baby girl, Clarabelle and his wife, Martha E. Maddox.

Laine, into the world. She weighed The newlyweds were married Nov. 7 pounds, 6 ounces. Jenna men14 in Charlotte, North Carolina. tioned in her email update that their Martha is from Healy, Alaska, and daughter “has definitely been worth the happy couple met while Shane the loss of sleep!” Congratulations was stationed at Eielson Air Force to Jenna and Fred, and good luck Base. Shane is currently stationed at in the next chapter of married life!

Fort Belvoir, Virginia, for his assignUnfortunately in this edition, I don’t just have good news to share. On ment at the Defense Logistics Agency Energy Headquarters. I have no Class of 2012: Max Yates with other officers in Kuwait.

Oct. 30, 2015, Ben Sykes died. My idea what that means, but it sounds thoughts and prayers go out to the Sykes family in this time of mournofficial, so congrats, Shane! His ing. Words can’t really describe the wife, Martha, recently started a job shock most of us experienced when at Reagan International Airport as a customer service agent for Alaska we heard it. We’re all still young, Airlines. I am happy to hear about and Ben had so much ahead of your success, Shane, and I wish both him. I thought the most appropriyou and your wife the best. ate thing to do to honor Ben would Max Yates is currently deployed be to include a short write-up about to Kuwait and is working on his the kind of guy we all knew him to master’s degree in international be. Chris Wunsch was Ben’s roomrelations at the University of Oklamate and truly says it best in the statement he volunteered below: homa. Good luck with your degree, Max, and hopefully you’ll still have “Ben was a roommate and good friend of mine. Together, we shared more love for the Keydets than you will for the Sooners. Be safe, man. many great memories at VMI and Alex Mason has logged over 1,700 were just beginning a new chapter hours as a pilot, and last year he Class of 2012: Alex Stalnaker in Hungary after NATO training. at Virginia Commonwealth Unireceived his transport multi engine versity dental school. Ben loved certificate. Alex is currently an airline pilot for the biology department and highly respected Charles P. Jones many of the faculty there. Ben was polarizing Delta Connection. Congrats on your achievein how serious he could take his studies, yet ments, Alex, and keep up the good work. be so apathetic toward everything else. Given I appreciate everyone who sent in updates, the high stress environment of VMI, it was reand thank you to everyone who has sent me his or her new personal information. I have upfreshing to have him around during the tough dated all of the contact info sent my way into times. Ben could make marching penalty tours Brother Rats, the Alumni Association database. I wish you It’s hard to believe, but as I write this, our an amusing experience. From when I first met all the best and look forward to hearing from grandrats, the Class of 2019, are breaking out Ben our rat year, I admired above all else his you soon. of the Rat Line (Feb. 13, 2016). Even harder honesty. Close friends and roommates of ours In the bonds, to believe, by the time you read this, it will understood that Ben went beyond your typiBruce cal brother rat loyalty. I truly believe that I and be May 2016. This month, our rats (most of

’13

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 2013: There was a significant VMI showing at the wedding of Donnie Martin and Rebekah Hupp in Richmond, Virginia. Pictured at the event, were Cole Hylton, Steve Hupp ’84, Kyle Hylton, Stephen Hupp Jr. ’16, Justin Dalton, Robert de Wolff ’16, Billy Bacci, Jackson Sain, Billy Hupp ’77, Sean Rogers, Thomas McConnell, Rebekah Martin, Donnie Martin, Pete Kniesler, John Wilson, Tim Quinn, Brian Bullock, Ian McGee, Sam Craig, Leah Schubel, Joe McConnell ’82, Paul DeValk ’10, Fred Vilushis, Hunter Colt, Jenna (Moye) Vilushis and Grigg Mullen ’76.

Many of you will tell us stories of how dumb your rats are at times, and we’ll just remind you how dumb you were when you were a rat, just like our dykes still remind us that we were – even to this day.

I have also just heard that the Class of 2019 has come together for their first Old Yell after the conclusion of their Rat Line, so congratulations on a successful Breakout. I know that you will all make a great addition to the Institute.

There are two people that I promised to put in the last class notes but, unfortunately, let down. Therefore, let me take a moment to mention Ashley Hill and Lacey Zembles.

Congratulations are in order for Ashley Hill and Sgt. 1st Class Eric Graves, as Ashley gave birth to her first son, Nolan Blake Graves, Aug. 16, 2015. He weighed 9 pounds, 2 ounces, and was healthy and happy! Congratulations as well to Brandon and Lacey Zembles, who gave birth to a healthy baby girl, Bryan Elizabeth Zembles, July 12, 2015. I know that both of those are announcements are a little belated, but thank you both for being so understanding, and let me apologize again for missing the last notes. I would also like to mention that Mr.

some of my BRs would not have walked across that stage May 16, 2013, if it wasn’t for Ben. And for that, I am truly grateful to have known him. Ben will be missed dearly. ‘Kei Kei.’” Rest in peace, Ben; we will miss you.

Samuel Guidry

’14

Taylor Floyd

Brother Rats, For starters, I would like to apologize for missing the last class notes, and to anyone I have not managed to keep up with in the last few months, I hope everything is going well. It’s always hard to keep in touch with everyone now that we’re super busy alumni, even with all of today’s technology. I’m really not sure how other class agents stayed in touch with what was happening with their BRs back in the older classes.

I’ll get the hang of this one of these days.

2016-Issue 2

Class of 2013: Fred and Jenna Vilushis with their daughter, Clarabelle Laine.

Congratulations to our rats, the Class of 2017, on finally getting your coveted class rings and surviving ring week without too many A1s. Welcome to the brotherhood. I know that I speak for all of the Class of 2014 when I say we are all extremely proud of you and maybe a little astonished that you actually made it this far. I cannot wait until next year when you will have an opportunity to mentor your own rats.

and Mrs. Hitchcock were expecting their first child at the end of February 2016, so we welcome the newest member of the future Class of 2034! I thought I would give you pre-emptive congratulations, because I will inevitably forget if I don’t say so now. Lastly, congratulations to all our BRs who are just now moving out of their parents’ houses; y’all are the real MVPs. I encourage anyone to email myself or Nicole

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Class Notes

Class of 2014: Nolan Blake Graves, born Aug. 16, 2015.

Class of 2014: United States Air Force 2nd Lt. C. Russell Timmons with his parents, Chris and Deborah Timmons, after receiving his wings upon completion of flight school in Pensacola, Florida, Aug. 28, 2015.

Harding through our VMI emails or Facebook with any class news, announcements or suggestions that you would like to have in the Alumni Review. Someone please do something cool so I can stop writing lame jokes and have to continuously apologize for having worse notes than 2015...

’15

Johnny McDonald

Brother Rats, For starters, I would like to congratulate everyone who graduated in December! Enjoy your freedom before life takes off on you like it did for Quinn Ellis, who recently admitted, “I never thought I would say this, but I kinda miss the ‘I.’” He didn’t mention anything about missing Crozet’s food, though...

The following people have been married (and

142

notified me) since graduation; be sure to congratulate your BRs: Derrick and Candra Ziglar, Jan. 16, 2016.

I know there have been others who have gotten married, so please be sure to send me your anniversary date, as well as your spouse’s name, so I can update your information.

Additionally, Katheryne Austin is now engaged to Will Ruck and is attending medical school with Nick Platamone and Mark Collie.

Katheryne assures me that this is going well for all of them. Keep up the hard work, guys! Also, Alex Falten is attending Navy Officer Candidate School, graduating April 15.

Also, I would like to take a quick minute to congratulate Dic Donohue ’02 on his retirement from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority police department and wish him luck as he takes on the next chapter of his life. Our class really looks up to Dic, and we feel a special connection to him since he spoke at our class dinner for Ring Figure. We really respect the sacrifices

he has made and are thankful for the time he spent with us, showing us how they party in the Old Corps.

Those are all the updates I have for this edition.

Remember, as you all are getting married, moving on with post-VMI education and completing your initial military training, please send me an update. You can email or call me at any time to send some good news or just catch up and chat.

As always, please spread the word about the Alumni Review and the Class of 2015 Facebook page to your group of friends.

Whole damn team, Johnny

Class of 2015: Derrick Ziglar Jr. and his wife, Candra Yael (Galloway) Ziglar, on their wedding day.

VMI Alumni Review

2016-Issue 2

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Class Notes

Baby Keydets

Marriages

REID – a daughter, Addilyn Irene Wood, to Marla and Richard N. Reid Jr. ’03, Oct. 8, 2015.

GINDER – a daughter, Lillie Ann, to Amy and John C. Ginder ’04, Dec. 29, 2015.

DELONG – a daughter, Madison Kay, to Jessica and Branden D. DeLong ’08, Feb. 4, 2016.

PICKENPAUGH – a son, Paul, to Monica and Joseph G. Pickenpaugh ’08, Feb. 4, 2016.

SARGENT – a daughter, Ellie Thomas, to Kelly and Stephen A. Sargent ’11, Nov. 28, 2015.

VILUSHIS – a daughter, Clarabelle Laine, to Jenna Moye Vilushis ’13 and Frederick R. Vilushis ’13, Nov. 26, 2015.

HOUCK – Laura Condyles to Ira C. Houck IV ’08, June 27, 2015.

MITCHELL – Arlene-Raquel Cruz to Matthew B. Mitchell ’08, Dec. 11, 2015.

ZIGLAR – Candra Yael Galloway to Derrick A. Ziglar Jr. ’15, Jan. 16, 2016.

Degrees Alexa A. Kopf ’08 Pharmacology and Toxicology Michigan State University 2015 Angela L. Vizzi ’02 Administrator Leadership for Teaching and Learning Walden University 2016

MS

Ed.D.

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

Floyd S. Smith ’41

Sept. 7, 1916

Richard D. Schmitz ’931

Feb. 24, 1908

Raymond W. Parks ’37

Oct. 6, 1916

Ernest C. Johnson ’929

May 19, 1908

James M. Witt ’39

Dec. 23, 1916

Thomas M. Zeledon ’930

Dec. 21, 1908

William R. Landrum ’934

Dec. 3, 1910

Ira N. Saxe ’39

Feb. 9, 1918

Emmett J. Heerdt ’934

Feb. 27, 1912

James L. Lennox ’40

March 23, 1918

Richard H. McCormick ’934

Dec. 4, 1912

David R. Gaitskill ’40

April 9, 1918

George W. Meador ’35

Jan. 1, 1913

Preston T. Syme ’41

April 13, 1918

James E. Kirk ’36

Oct. 25, 1913

Donald E. Hillman ’40

Aug. 24, 1918

James C. Sherman ’35

March 31, 1914

B. Anthony Fisher ’40

Sept. 14, 1918

John A. Gialanella ’36

Aug. 28, 1914

William W. Middleton Jr. ’39

Sept. 20, 1918

John H. Divine III ’36

Nov. 13, 1914

Robert L. Spear ’41

Oct. 21, 1918

Henry B. Johnson ’38

Aug. 9, 1915

Richard H. Peake Jr. ’41

Oct. 31, 1918

VMI Alumni Review

Provisional Appointments APPOINTEE’S NAME 2020 Charles D. Hurst Dayln Montgomery 2021 Julianna L. Jones

ALUMNUS-CLASS

John L. Bocek ’03 Anthony W. Montgomery ’02

RELATIONSHIP

Cousin Brother

Alexander Tate George Tate

John D. Cook ’40 James P. Tate III ’67 James P. Tate III ’67

2022 Andres Corchado Emily A. Jones Ryan P. Jones Shannon R. McKenna

James P. Dawson ’70 Perry E. Jones ’87 Perry E. Jones ’87 Wayne D. Chiles ’65

Grandfather Father Father Grandfather

2023 Laura Brock Anna G. Rader Samuel G. Reilly

Charles S. Smith ’90 Charles L. Shumate ’64 James E. Rogers ’67

Uncle Grandfather Grandfather

2024 Ethan T. Hubbard Andrew D. McKenna

Oscar B. Palmer Jr. ’67 Wayne D. Chiles ’65

Grandfather Grandfather

2025 Shan Xue Strong Ibañez Aidan F. Moriarty

Ramil B. Ibañez ’90 Charles E. Miley III ’67

Father Grandfather

Jeffrey M. Jones ’95 James A. Cook Jr. ’41

2027 Margaret P. Adamson Joshua C. Groppe

Charles L. Shumate ’64 James R. Porterfield Jr. ’65 Oscar B. Palmer Jr. ’67 Reginald C. Morrison Jr. ’56 Reginald C. Morrison ’925

Jonathan G. Casarotti ’93

Mason B. Rader Brice L. Shumate Hayden M. Stamp 2028 Annie L. Adamson

2016-Issue 2

Grandfather Step-grandfather Grandfather Grandfather Greatgrandfather Greatgreat-greatgrandfather Uncle

Collin M. Ludmer ’98 Scott M. Ludmer ’90 Charles L. Shumate ’64 Charles L. Shumate ’64 Paul W. Stamp ’02

Father Uncle Grandfather Greatgrandfather Greatgreat-greatgrandfather Father Uncle Grandfather Grandfather Father

Vincent C. Adamson III ’96 Stephen P. Adamson ’67

Father Uncle

Vincent C. Adamson III ’96 Stephen P. Adamson ’67 Reginald C. Morrison Jr. ’56 Reginald C. Morrison ’925 John T. Crow ’864

Colton Ludmer

Daniel T. Barber Julia L. Moriarty

Oscar B. Palmer ’67 Charles E. Miley III ’67

Grandfather Grandfather

Joel J. Britt ’99 Nichole E. Britt ’02 Collin M. Ludmer ’98 Scott M. Ludmer ’90 John T. Gupton III ’67 Eric A. Schwartz ’95 Paul W. Stamp ’02

Father Mother Father Uncle Grandfather Father Father

Vincent C. Adamson III ’96 Stephen P. Adamson ’67 Ryan J. Feeney ’95 Ryan J. Feeney ’95 Eric A. Schwartz ’95

Father Uncle Father Father Father

David A. Bates ’98 George B. Colonna Jr. ’44 David M. Colonna ’78 John T. Newton ’97 Charles W. Keblusek ’67 Scott E. Keblusek ’01 Oscar B. Palmer ’67

Father Greatgrandfather Great-uncle Uncle Grandfather Father Grandfather

Troy M. McCrary Finley C. Shumate Caleb B. Whitman

Jesse A. Barnard ’02 James A. Wojcik ’67 Oscar B. Palmer ’67 Joel J. Britt ’99 Nichole E. Britt ’02 Thomas A. McCrary III ’91 Charles L. Shumate ’64 Lucas M. Whitman ’10

Father Grandfather Grandfather Father Mother Father Grandfather Father

2033 Jude C. Amato MyKenna S. McDaniel Liam T. Salmon Whitman M. Shumate

Steven L. Amato ’83 Oscar B. Palmer ’67 John T. Gupton III ’67 Charles L. Shumate ’64

Great-uncle Grandfather Grandfather Grandfather

David A. Bates ’98 George B. Colonna Jr. ’44

Garrett C. Dowler Peyton G. Dowler Oliver L. Palmer Russell Samms Lilyan J. Sayers Jonathon W. Wells

David M. Colonna ’78 John T. Newton ’97 Matthew P. Dowler ’05 Matthew P. Dowler ’05 Oscar B. Palmer ’67 Alexander D. Samms ’03 John E. Sayers Jr. ’72 Peter D. Wells ’67

Father Greatgrandfather Great-uncle Uncle Father Father Grandfather Father Grandfather Grandfather

2035 Emilia G. Dawson Daniel W. Garcia

James P. Dawson ’70 Michael A. Kelly ’73

Grandfather Grandfather

Henry Ludmer Aidan K. Salmon Tom Schwartz Nolan W. Stamp 2030 Ella R. Adamson Addison Feeney Brooke Feeney Ben Schwartz 2031 David A. Bates Jr.

Hayden L. Keblusek Dalton C. McDaniel

John T. Crow ’864

Carson G. Troch

ALUMNUS-CLASS

2029 Jameson Britt Uncle Greatgrandfather Great-uncle Grandfather Grandfather

2026 Abbigail L. Barrett Andrew C. Collins Auston K. Filyaw Nathaniel J. Groppe

APPOINTEE’S NAME

2032 Breece W.P. Barnard Addison J. Bennett Campbell A. Blackburn Cailin Britt

2034 Gibson L. Bates

RELATIONSHIP

145

Provisional Appointments APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

Virginia A. Sayers Liam K. Simakhov

John E. Sayers Jr. ’72 Vadim K. Simakhov ’03 Jefferson D. Smith IV ’05 Anthony J. Schmaus ’03 Jacob H. Wamsley III ’82 Jacob H. Wamsley II ’51

Grandfather Father Cousin Godfather Grandfather Greatgrandfather

Steven L. Amato ’83 Corey J. Bachman ’07 Jason E. Boone ’04 Edmund R. Strickler ’62 Dermot J. Gavin ’03 James P. Dawson ’70 Jacob H. Wamsley III ’82 Jacob H. Wamsley II ’51

Grandfather Father Father Great-uncle Father Grandfather Grandfather Greatgrandfather Grandfather Grandfather Greatgreat-uncle Cousin Cousin Cousin Grandfather Uncle Grandfather Grandfather

Quinn R. Salmon

John T. Gupton III ’67

Grandfather

2036 Weston R. Ayers Everett A. Shumate Leanna E. Wells

Robert L. Ayers ’67 Charles L. Shumate ’64 Peter D. Wells ’67

Grandfather Grandfather Grandfather

David S. Clarke ’83 Benjamin R. Clarke ’15 Taylor S. Roberts ’67 James R. Cottrell ’74 Craig H. Covert ‘87 Andrew J. Czaplicki ’08 Roy F. Dornsife Jr. ’68 Roy F. Dornsife Jr. ’68 Brian E. Duncan ’05 Richard E. Duncan ’60 Ashley R. Hill ’14 Harold M. Hancock ’76 Harold R. Hostetler Jr. ’68 Ryan D. King ’05

Grandfather Uncle Grandfather Grandfather Father Father Grandfather Grandfather Father Grandfather Mother Grandfather Grandfather Father

Robert A. Benson ’72 Christoph Lohr ’08 Michael A. Kelly ’73 Jeffrey B. Morrison ’99 Taylor S. Roberts ’67

Grandfather Father Grandfather Father Grandfather

2037 Hiram H. Adams Preston S. Byrd Henry M. Cottrell Michael A. Covert Zane J. Czaplicki Daniel K. Dornsife Finley E. Nelson Eli J. Duncan Nolan B. Graves Dalton J. Hancock Sophia G. Hostetler Shepard H. King

Benson R. Lintz Juergen A. Lohr Lachlan A. McMillan Creighton W. Morrison Desmond S. Roberts

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Jackson H. Wamsley

2038 Lucile Amato Raylan J. Bachman Lillian T. Boone Luke M. Ericson Sean F. Gavin Andrew L. Guthrie Garret S. Harrington

Herbert A. Hyman III Thomas F. Jones

Decker M. Smith Mattocks Smithson Georgia G.Yolda Sophie T. Young

George R. Van Laethem ’74 Bruce W. Jones ’74 John J. Curley ’36 John G. Balch ’68 Robert W. Sagnette Jr. ’68 Robert E. Balch ’71 Charles W. Keblusek ’67 William H. Smithson ’79 James J. Yolda Jr. ’72 John L. Young III ’75

RELATIONSHIP

VMI Alumni Review

Taps John R. Tucker Jr. ’37

Andrew J. Metz ’45

The Hon. John Randolph “Bunny” Tucker Jr. ’37 of Richmond, Virginia, died Nov. 27, 2015. He was 101.

Tucker matriculated from Richmond and graduated with distinction from VMI, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts from VMI. He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from Washington and Lee University.

He is survived by his sons, John Randolph Tucker III and Carter Harrison Tucker (Peggy); grandchildren, Carter Harrison Tucker Jr. and Margaret Randolph Tucker; and sister-in-law, Analaide E. Wilkinson.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Wilkinson Tucker, and sister, Byrd Harrison Tucker.

Andrew John “Buddy” Metz ’45, O.D., of Richmond, Virginia, died Jan. 16, 2015. He was 92.

Metz matriculated from Richmond and attended VMI for two years. He received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry.

He is survived by his children, Anne Innes (Tom), Sally Johnston (Ken), Mary Hickman (Steve), John Metz, Kat Markey (Jim) and Carole Holland (Mark); and grandchildren, Tom Innes, Philip Innes (Sarah Gray), Will Blaylock, Paul Johnston, Kathryn Johnston, Julie Johnston Muir (Randy), Leigh Hickman Lovett (Lane), Steve Hickman, Andrew Hickman, Molly Metz, Mitchell Metz, Lainey Metz, Peter Markey, Thomas Markey, Jack Markey, Elizabeth Holland, Kate Holland and Grace Holland.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Delores “Dee” Rogers Metz, and sisters, Ione Oswald, Pat Kelly, Ellen Mitchell, Mae Holstrom Kelly and Virginia Lowery.

Laughton W. Nuckols II ’39 Laughton Watkins Nuckols II ’39 of Glen Allen, Virginia, died Dec. 26, 1995. He was 81.

Nuckols matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and attended VMI for two years.

(Editor’s Note: We have no further information on Mr. Nuckols.)

Vincent J. Thomas ’43 Vincent Johns Thomas ’43 of Norfolk, Virginia, died Nov. 7, 2015. He was 93.

His obituary appears in the front section of this Review issue.

Lawrence B. Wales Jr. ’44 Lawrence Butler “Larry” Wales Jr. ’44 of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died Jan. 4, 2016.

He was 94.

Wales matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from VMI. He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from Washington and Lee University.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Ganzel; sons, Peter, Larry and David; and grandchildren, L.B., Bennett, Marla Sydney, Beckett, Sarah, Pete, Amy and Kayla.

He was preceded in death by his son, Mark.

Frank M. King ’45 Frank Marshall King ’45 of Clearwater, Florida, died Nov. 26, 2015. He was 91.

King matriculated from Alexandria, Virginia, and attended VMI for two years. He earned his Bachelor of Environmental Engineering degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

(Editor’s Note: We have no further information on Mr. King.)

2016-Issue 2

Dabney T. Waring Jr. ’45 Dabney Taliaferro Waring Jr. ’45 of Charlottesville, Virginia, died Nov. 25, 2015. He was 90.

Waring matriculated from Alexandria, Virginia, and attended VMI for two years. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Barton Waring; son, Robert Latane Waring (Elizabeth Miles); daughter, Anne Dabney Waring Erwin (David); grandchildren, Tyson (Suzanne), Trevor, Jamie and Nubia; great-granddaughter, Avayda; and brother, William Lowry Waring (Marilyn).

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Lucie Waring Hicks Hughes and Grace Waring Putney.

Maurice C. Ashley ’46 Retired U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Maurice Cavileer Ashley ’46 of Annapolis, Maryland, died Dec. 1, 2015. He was 90.

Ashley matriculated from Wappingers Falls, New York, and attended VMI for one year. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his Master of Arts degree from Columbia University.

He is survived by his wife, Gabrielle; daughter, Valerie Ashley; sons, David and Robert;

and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, John.

Raymond D. Clifton ’49A Raymond Dare Clifton ’49A of Columbia, North Carolina, died Nov. 26, 2015. He was 88.

Clifton matriculated from Lorton, Virginia, and attended VMI for less than one year. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Strayer University.

He is survived by his daughter, Susan M. McRae; grandson, D. Bryan Muthler (Christine); and great-grandchildren, Nate, Evie and Ezrah Muthler.

Charles M. Tiller ’49A Charles Milton Tiller ’49A of Waynesville, Virginia, died Nov. 5, 2015. He was 88.

Tiller matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Penn Tiller; sons, Randy (Victoria) and S.M. Ritchie (Julie); daughter, Suzanne Tiller Pence (Stephen); grandchildren, Max Sam, Caitlin, Christine, Sara, Alexander, Clark and Megan; and greatgrandchildren, Hailey, Jackson and David.

Robert S. Jeffries Jr. ’49B Robert Semple Jeffries Jr. ’49B of New Canaan, Connecticut, died Nov. 16, 2015. He was 87.

Jeffries matriculated from Lynchburg, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with distinction, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Robert (Cindy), Chris (Ed Hawkins) and Andrew (Christie); grandchildren, Eve, Grace and Imaya; and sister, Marion Bruce Stokes.

Vaughn L. Maxwell Jr. ’49B Vaughn Leon Maxwell Jr. ’49B of Augusta, Georgia, died Jan. 11, 2016. He was 86.

Maxwell matriculated from Augusta and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Isabelle Robertson Maxwell; children, Isabelle Maxwell Croft (Chuck), Vaughn Leon Maxwell III ’84 (Marianne) and Margaret Maxwell Boilini (Dr. Henry); grandchildren, James Maxwell Croft, John Willson Croft, Hayden Michael Boilini, Andrew Maxwell Boilini and Isabella Alexis Boilini; and sister, Barbara Maxwell MacMillan.

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Taps Frederick L. Silver ’50B Frederick Lafayette Silver ’50B of Old Hickory, Tennessee, died Nov. 7, 2015. He was 86.

Silver matriculated from Columbus, Georgia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Jean Silver, and sister, Nell Reece.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Maxine.

Frederick G.L. Anson ’51 Frederick Glen Linkous Anson ’51 of Ironton, Ohio, died Dec. 15, 2015. He was 85.

Anson matriculated from Ashland, Kentucky, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from Purdue University.

He is survived by his wife, Rose Marie Dressel Anson; daughters, Lynette (Susan) AnsonBriggs and Kim (Elek) Karnai; grandchildren, Emily Karnai, Joshua Karnai and Hannah Karnai; and sister, Sue Lewis.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Vincent Karnai.

Stinnette, William Walker Stinnette, Charles Lewis McCarthy Jr., Caroline Rose McCarthy, Meredith Patricia McCarthy, John Thomas McCarthy Jr., Robert Huntley McCarthy and Virginia Lewis McCarthy; sister, Ann McCarthy Goddard; and sister-in-law, Helen Lewis Holt.

He was preceded in death by his son, Joseph White McCarthy III ’81, who died July 22, 2002.

Dewey H. Noland Jr. ’52 Dewey Harrison Noland Jr. ’52 of Portland, Maine, died Dec. 20, 2015. He was 86.

Noland matriculated from Alexandria, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Frances; daughters, Laura Noland Bushey (Robert), Lela Noland Baughman (Andrew), Frances Noland Ryan (Peter) and Mary Lillian Noland Jensen (Hans); and grandchildren, Matthew and Susan Baughman, Brendan and Ian Ryan, Clare and Peter Jensen, and Margaret Bushey.

Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Master of Arts degree from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his son, James “Jay” McDowell III (Faith); grandsons, James IV (Amber) and Nolan H. McDowell; and sister, Neville M. Thompson.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Kennedy McDowell, and brother, Robert C. McDowell.

Alfred W. Stuart ’55

Alfred Wright Stuart ’55 of Charlotte, North Carolina, died Nov. 1, 2015. He was 82.

Stuart matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and attended VMI for two years. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Carolina, Master of Science degree from Emory University and Doctor of Philosophy degree from Ohio State University.

Stuart is survived by his children, Sarah Park Rankin (Richard), Amy Madison, Julia Martin and Peter Stuart (Elizabeth); grandchildren, Ernest S. Jones Jr. ’53 Stuart ’55 Straud J. Davis ’51 Louisa and Emily Sloan, Isaac Rankin Ernest Siler “Ernie” Jones Jr. ’53 Straud Jackson Davis ’51 of Southern Pines, (Becca), Will and Anna Madison, and Clara of Banner Elk, North Carolina, died April 2, North Carolina, died Jan. 3, 2016. He was 86.

Jane and Elizabeth Maynard; and brother, 2015.

He was 84.

Davis matriculated from PhiladelDavid Stuart.

Jones matriculated from West Palm phia, Pennsylvania, and earned his He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Beach, Florida, and earned his BachBachelor of Science degree in electriLouise Moyers Stuart, and sister, Agnes Yore. elor of Arts degree in history for VMI. cal engineering from VMI. (Editor’s Note: We have no further He is survived by his wife, Laverne information on Mr. Jones.)

William M. Washington ’55 Brady Davis; children, Elizabeth William McIntosh “Bill” Washington ’55 Brady Davis, Julia Kathryn Davis of Riverton, New Jersey, died Nov. 20, 2015.

William L. Witt ’53 (Kevin Oshinski) and Jonathan JackHe was 82.

William Luke Witt ’53 of Richson Davis (Rebecca Boucino Davis); Washington matriculated from Riverton and mond, Virginia, died Dec. 18, 2015. and grandchildren, Alexander Brady earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from VMI. He was 84.

Thierer, Samantha Rose Davis and He is survived by his children, John WashWitt matriculated from Richmond Emily Kathryn Davis.

McCarthy ’52 and earned his Bachelor of Arts ington (Anne), Charles Washington (Balinda), Joseph W. McCarthy Jr. ’52 degree in English from VMI. He earned his Richard Washington, Catherine Hickey and Joseph White “Joe” McCarthy Jr. ’52 of Bachelor of Laws degree from the University Laura Russell (Alan); and siblings, Maureen Lynchburg, Virginia, died Nov. 25, 2015. He of Virginia.

Ring, Kathleen Mohar and Thomas Bradshaw. was 84.

He was preceded in death by his wife, MarHe is survived by his wife, Stuart Handy Witt; McCarthy matriculated from Lynchburg and brother, John Temple Witt; sister, Isabella Guth- garet “Nancy.” earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history rie Witt; and sisters-in-law, Mary Ballou Wilfrom VMI. liams, Sarah Pillsbury and Ann Crittenden Witt.

John W. Barlow ’55 He is survived by his wife, Langhorne Lewis He was preceded in death by his brothers, John Willis Barlow ’55 of Maryville, TennesMcCarthy; children, Charles Lewis McCarthy Thomas Foster Witt Jr. and Allan Lindsay Witt. see, died Jan. 21, 2016. He was 83. ’85 (Beth Ann), John Thomas McCarthy ’87 Barlow matriculated from Silver Spring, (Jennifer), Langhorne McCarthy Stinnette Maryland, and earned his Bachelor of Science James McDowell Jr. ’54 (Wade), and Laura Alma McCarthy and fiJames McDowell Jr. ’54 of Staunton, Vir- degree in civil engineering from VMI. ancé Dale Holland; grandchildren, Langhorne ginia, died Oct. 29, 2015. He was 83.

He is survived by his wife, Juanita Grindstaff Stinnette Stevens (Will), Kathryn Chafee Barlow; sons, Scott Barlow (Angie) and Gary McDowell matriculated from Fincastle,

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VMI Alumni Review

Taps Barlow (Hope); and grandchildren, Darren, Jessica and Bridget Barlow.

Armand P. Brodeur ’56 Armand Paul Brodeur ’56 of New Bedford, Massachusetts, died Dec. 29, 2015. He was 83.

Brodeur matriculated from Fairhaven, Massachusetts, and attended VMI for less than one year.

He is survived by his wife, Vivian; children, Steven Brodeur (Eliane), Barry Brodeur and companion Carolyn Lacerda, Susan Brodeur (Christopher Cool) and David Brodeur (Lynne); grandchildren, Michael, Jeffrey, Carolyn, Lauren and Andrew Brodeur, Allison Munise, and Mackenzie and Madison Cool; sisters, Joyce Brodeur and Patricia Dube; and brother, George Brodeur.

Christian F. Dreyer Jr. ’56 Retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Christian Frederick “Fred” Dreyer Jr. ’56 of Niceville, Florida, died Dec. 22, 2015. He was 81.

Dreyer matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from the University of Arizona.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret “Marge” Pelham Dreyer; daughter, Cathy Chilton (Kevin); son, Chris Dreyer (Brenda); granddaughters, Madison, Mary Cate, Megan, Morgan, Allie and Bailey; sisters, Mary Louise Drittler (Dave) and Christine Dreyer; and brother, Larry Dreyer.

He was preceded in death by his brother, John Henry Dreyer.

Clement R. Mathews ’56

New York, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from Hofstra University.

He is survived by his wife, Maureen; children, Anthony, Darlene, Keith, L.J., Kelly Anne and Matthew; grandchildren; and brother, Donald.

Jasper F. Holmes ’57 Jasper Franklin “Frank” Holmes ’57 of Memphis, Tennessee, died Dec. 28, 2015. He was 81.

Holmes matriculated from Memphis and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Memphis State University.

He is survived by his wife, Anne Stauber Holmes; daughter, Catherine Holmes McKnight (Rick); sons, Kenneth C. Holmes and Andrew F. Holmes; grandchildren, Mary Christine Maddox (Miles), Jeffrey H. McKnight (Julie), Bradford T. McKnight, K. Curtis Holmes, Michael A. Holmes and Mary E. Holmes; great-granddaughter, Charlotte Anne Maddox; and sister-in-law, Lane Driscoll.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Charlotte Holmes.

Thomas K. Massey ’57 Thomas King Massey ’57 of Houston, Texas, died Dec. 4, 2015. He was 81.

Massey matriculated from San Antonio, Texas, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston and a Master of Science degree from Harvard University.

He is survived by his children, Kent, Allison and Jennifer.

Clement Russell Mathews ’56 of William L. Nuenke ’57 McMurray, Pennsylvania, died Nov. William Leonard Nuenke ’57 of 22, 2015. He was 80.

Fernandina Beach, Florida, died Jan. Mathews matriculated from Cecil, 13, 2016. He was 80.

Pennsylvania, and earned his Bachelor Nuenke matriculated from Chicago, of Science degree in civil engineering Illinois, and earned his Bachelor of Mathews ’56 Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Lula; from VMI. children, Patricia Bessios (Anthony) and Russell He is survived by his sons, Wayne (Joey Mathews (Gigi); grandchildren, Russell Achille Lynn), Michael (Kim) and Doug (Pam); nine and Ginger Scarlet Mathews; and sister, Ardis grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and Mock (Jim). brother-in-law, Tom Kielma (Anne).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Eleanor Nuenke.

Anthony J. Nicoletti ’56 Anthony Joseph “Tony” Nicoletti ’56 of Indialantic, Florida, died Jan. 20, 2016. He was 81.

Robert R. Susnar ’57 Nicoletti matriculated from Locust Valley, Robert Richard “Bob” Susnar ’57 of

2016-Issue 2

Pasadena, California, died Dec. 7, 2015.

He was 81.

Susnar matriculated from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Cheri; daughters, Jessica and Nicki; and sons, Stephen Susnar and Robert R. Susnar III ’87.

Donald M. MacWillie Jr. ’59 Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Donald MacGlashan MacWillie Jr. ’59 of Killeen, Texas, died Jan. 25, 2015. He was 79.

MacWillie matriculated from Carmel, California, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from the University of Central Texas.

He is survived by his wife, Judith Elizabeth Kaetzel; daughters, Elizabeth Fangman (Duane) and Karen Simmons; son, Donald MacWillie III (Sherri); grandchildren, Austin Coachman, Evan Coachman, Christopher Irwin, Jennifer Irwin, Donald MacWillie IV and Melyssa-Anne Stricklin; and sister, Nancy George.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Stephen MacWillie; sister, Bonnie Rintz; sonin-law, Collis Simmons; and grandson, Cody Simmons.

Anderson Wise ’60 Anderson “Andy” Wise ’60 of Watertown, New York, died Dec. 30, 2015. He was 77.

Wise matriculated from Watertown and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Stone Wise; sons, R. Halsey Wise (Lisha), Mark Jennings Wise, David Anderson Wise (Karen) and Graham Douglas Wise; grandchildren, Richard Halsey (Hale) Wise Jr., Olivia Anderson Wise, Coleman Robinson Wise, Harrison Joseph Wise, Fuller Anderson Wise, Emory Douglas Wise, Claire Jennings Wise, Ethan Renzi Wise, Anderson Michael Wise, Lawson Douglas Wise and Elizabeth Graham Wise; and siblings, Suzanne Wise Hawley, Richard S. Wise ’68 and Henry Alexander Wise Jr. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Joanne Smith Wise; father, Henry A. Wise ’927, who died Dec. 13, 1982; and grandfather, Jennings C. Wise ’902, former VMI commandant of cadets, who died Feb. 20, 1968.

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Taps Graham O. King ’61 Graham Oakes King ’61 of Burr Ridge, Illinois, died Nov. 1, 2015. He was 75.

King matriculated from Chicago, Illinois, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Indiana University and attended Dartmouth University.

King was survived by his wife, Leola; sons, John Graham King (Grace) and Gregory Eklund King (Susanne); and five grandchildren.

Joseph V. Dellapenta Jr. ’63

James L. Hogler ’65

James Louis “Jim” Hogler ’65 of Manassas, Virginia, died Jan. 11, 2016. He was 72.

Hogler matriculated from Falls Church, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

He is survived by his son, James Louis Hogler Jr., and sister, Janet L. Hogler.

He was preceded in death by his King ’61 daughter, Cynthia Lynn Hogler.

Joseph Vincent Dellapenta Jr. ’63 of Newport News, Virginia, died Dec. 6, 2015. He was 74.

Dellapenta matriculated from Hampton, Virginia, and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from VMI. He is survived by his sons, Joseph Vincent Dellapenta III and Jeffrey Alan Dellapenta ’97 (Heather); granddaughter, Leilani Belen Dellapenta; sister, Caludia Melgaard; and brothers, Gerald Dellapenta and Donald Dellapenta.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Belen V. Dellapenta.

Fielding L. Marshall III ’63 Fielding Lewis Marshall III ’63 of Alpharetta, Georgia, died Nov. 13, 2015. He was 74.

Marshall matriculated from Mobile, Alabama, and attended VMI for less than two years.

He is survived by his wife, Dolores Marshall; sons, Lewis Marshall (Bonny) and Keith Marshall (Lisa); and grandchildren, Sydney Marshall, Tyler Marshall, Alex Marshall, Clay Marshall and Ayden Marshall.

Charles F. Weddington Jr. ’63

Kelsey, Drew, Connor and Kendall.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Rick Weddington.

Floyd E. Coates ’66 Floyd Eugene Coates ’66 of Scottsburg, Indiana, died Feb. 16, 2012. He was 67.

Coates matriculated from Seymour, Indiana, and attended VMI for one year. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Hanover College.

He is survived by his wife, Anne Coates; daughter, Elizabeth Coates Allen (Randy); step-daughters, Rebecca Byars (Mark) and Sarah Rupe (Steve); step-son, Stephen Gibbs (Michelle); grandchildren, Chris, Seth, Ashlee, Tyler, Brooklyn, Savannah, Mariah, Bailey, Katelyn, Chase, Andrew, Mallory and Emily; and sisters, Esther Bryan, Judith Lewis, Nancy Yheulon and Cecilia Mellencamp.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sandra Coates, and brother, Kenneth Coates Jr.

Lawrence A. Wilkes ’66 Lawrence Alan “Larry” Wilkes ’66 of Alexandria, Virginia, died Jan. 5, 2016. He was 71.

Wilkes matriculated from Warrenton, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Arts degree from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Carol S. Wilkes; son, Lawrence Gordon Wilkes; daughter, Anne Joline Wilkes; and brother, Gerald Wilkes (Barbara).

Charles Foreman “Chuck” Weddington Jr. ’63 of Mount Calm, Texas, died Dec. 29, 2015. He was 74.

Weddington matriculated from Waco, Texas, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Christi Weddington; daughter, Christine Weddington ’63 Weddington Wood (William); sons, Charles Weddington III (Stephanie), Cary Weddington (Holly) and Clifford Weddington Michael G. Shepard ’68 ’96 (Cathie); and grandchildren, Lauren, KathMichael Gregory Shepard ’68 of Mechanicerine, Chance, Bradley, Meghan, Christian, sville, Virginia, died Jan. 2, 2016. He was 69.

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Shepard matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and attended VMI for two years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Old Dominion University and his Juris Doctor degree from the College of William and Mary.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Wilburn Shepard; sons, Justin G. Shepard ’89, Grayson M. Shepard and Garett W. Shepard; and grandchildren, Stuart E. Shepard and Zoe E. Shepard.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Jeffrey S. Shepard.

David E. Hargrove ’69 David Eugene Hargrove ’69 of Newport News, Virginia, died Jan. 21, 2016. He was 68.

Hargrove matriculated from Hampton, Virginia, and attended VMI for two years.

He is survived by his daughter, Clare Hargrove; sister, Jonnie Hargrove; and brother, James Gibbons.

Robert G. Luttrell ’69 Robert Graydon “Bob” Luttrell ’69 of Urbanna, Virginia, died Nov. 13, 2015. He was 69.

Luttrell matriculated from Heathsville, Virginia, and attended VMI for two years. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Sampson Luttrell; daughter, Katherine Luttrell Hight (Chris); step-daughters, Stephanie Hughes Cooke (Allen) and Stacie Hughes Lowery (Doug); granddaughter, Kackie; step-grandchildren, Gabriel, Cooper, Grace, Aiden and Eli; brother, John Leslie Luttrell (Ernestine); and sister, Nancy Spencer Luttrell.

William S. Webber III ’70 William Slade Webber III ’70 of Ashland, Virginia, died Jan. 24, 2016. He was 68.

Webber matriculated from Ashland and attended VMI for four months.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara F. Webber; sister, Nancy W. Allen; stepdaughters, Lauren Douglas, Leash Escobar and Krista Bourne; stepson-in-law, Bennie A. Bourne; and six step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brotherin-law, Kenneth L. Allen.

Mickey R. Payne ’70 Mickey Roger Payne ’70 of Wetumpka, Alabama, died Oct. 1, 2015. He was 67.

VMI Alumni Review

Taps Payne matriculated from New York, New York, and attended VMI for one year.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Payne; son, Andrew Payne (Charity); stepsons, Clinton Cagle and Chadwick Cagle (Izza); stepdaughters, Stacey Zuazo (William), Joy Cagle; and seven grandchildren.

William A. Atkinson ’71 William Albert Atkinson ’71 of Nashville, Tennessee, died Dec. 10, 2015. He was 66.

Atkinson matriculated from Akron, Ohio, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his sister, Margaret “Peggy” Tometich, and nephews, Matthew and Gregory Tometich.

Thomas F. Guthrie III ’71 Thomas Francis Guthrie III ’71 of Sea Bright, New Jersey, died Dec. 8, 2015. He was 66.

Guthrie matriculated from Belmar, New Jersey, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his companion, Kim E. Tagliareni, and brothers, Christopher B. Guthrie (Marguerite) and Anthony P. Guthrie.

He was preceded in death by his former wife, Catherine Gilmore.

John A. Cullipher ’73 John Allen Cullipher ’73 of Colorado Springs, Colorado, died Nov. 11, 2015. He was 61.

Cullipher matriculated from Chesapeake, Virginia, and attended VMI for two-and-ahalf years.

He is survived by his wife, Billie Cullipher;

2016-Issue 2

children, Joshua and Erin; and sister, Sue Cullipher Jones.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Sheila Kerr.

’83 and Kim Sykes; sister, Abigail Megan Sykes; and grandfather and step-grandmother, Janice and Beverly Gates Sykes.

Kevin J. Caulfield ’83

VMI Family

Kevin Jude Caulfield ’83 of Ashburn, Virginia, died Dec. 28, 2015. He was 55.

Caulfield matriculated from Springfield, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Angela; children, Gabriella, Kevin Jr. and Sophia; sisters, Andrea, Maura, Sheila and Erin; brother, Bill; and mother, Sheila.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bill.

Shawn Michael Cain of Lexington, Virginia, died Nov. 27, 2015. He was 43.

Cain worked as an information technology technician at VMI. He is survived by his companion, Priscilla Campbell; son, Aayron Cain; father, Joe Cain; mother, Debbie Kotan; step-father, Pat Kotan; and brother, Brad Cain.

Christopher L. Stone ’06 Christopher Lloyd Stone ’06 of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, died Nov. 11, 2015. He was 31.

Stone matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and graduated with distinction from VMI, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics/business.

He is survived by his parents, Riki and Dennis Stone; brother, Robert Keith Stone; sister, Katherine Stone Kapinos; sister-in-law, Lindsey Hutter Stone; brother-in-law, Matthew Austin Kapinos; and grandfather, Keith Reed Stone.

Benjamin G. Sykes ’13 Benjamin Gates Sykes ’13 of Centreville, Virginia, died Oct. 30, 2015. He was 25.

Sykes graduated with distinction from VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and attended the Dental School at Virginia Commonwealth University.

He is survived by his parents, Mark D. Sykes

Shawn M. Cain

Kathleen M. Dunlap Kathleen Meredith Haggerty Dunlap of Lexington, Virginia, died Dec. 2, 2015. She was 94.

Dunlap worked as a secretary in the mathematics department at VMI for several years during the 1950s.

She is survived by her son, James G. Dunlap Jr. (Sharon); daughter, Kathleen Jane Dunlap; grandchildren, James Bryan Dunlap (Kelley), William Grantham Dunlap II (Jill) and Mitzi Hardy Penick (Whit); great-grandchildren, Meredith Marie and Elizabeth McKay Dunlap, William Grantham Dunlap III, Jackson McQueen Dunlap, and Macy Louise and Brady Whitmore Penick; and brother, Robert Haggerty.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Dunlap; son, Robert Dunlap; brother, Bernard J. Haggerty; sisters, Florence Smith and Virginia Haggerty; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Payne Haggerty.

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After Taps 1930s John Randolph Tucker Jr. ’37

by J. Bolling Williamson ’60 Following the announcement of the death of Judge J. Randolph Tucker ’37 in November 2015, his family received the following email: “It is with sadness that we and other Belgian people have learned about the death of our friend, John. Of course, he was 101 [years old], but for us, he was immortal and will continue to live for many years again. John did not just [leave] us, but went on a trip back [to] go and meet Helene and his fighting companions. We often think to him when he was in our world. We will never forget him, for eternity.”

The message was sent by Pierre Deghaye of Mons, Belgium, the town liberated in 1944 by troops under Tucker’s command. After locating and restoring the actual tank used

by Tucker when he first entered the town, its citizens invited him to return to Mons for the 45th anniversary of the liberation, and even travelling to Richmond with the restored tank to visit him in summer 2000.

1950s Anthony J. “Tony” Nicoletti ’56

by Jack A. Prizzi ’56 I was privileged to attend the memorial service for Tony Nicoletti ’56 at Danford’s Hotel and Marina in Port Jefferson, New York, Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016. The room was filled with pictures of Tony and his family: His baseball caps, including a couple from VMI; other memorabilia; and notably, a letter from the VMI chaplain.

The service itself was elegant and dignified.

We began with a processional of the family followed by The Lord’s Prayer. Tony’s brother, Don, gave the first reading and shared stories and remembrances about when he and Tony were boys growing up. Matt, the youngest son at age 29, gave the eulogy. He told everyone about Tony’s belief in and emphasis on a strong, close and united family. To Tony, the family was everything. It was certainly evident in that room.

Matt also told a story about Tony’s last days.

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Tony had been in a private hospice for more than seven months – unable to speak and in a state where he was not awake and did not recognize members of the family who visited him every day. At some point, days before he passed, he shocked the children by awakening, recognizing them and telling them that he loved them. He turned to Maureen, his wife of 33-plus years, recognized her and told her he loved her.

The service continued with Keith, a decorated retired Army lieutenant colonel who served in the Gulf War, presenting the American flag to Maureen. Kelly, Tony’s youngest daughter, concluded the service and stepped out onto the deck with her brothers and sisters and released balloons into the air as “Taps” played inside.

When I arrived and walked into the room, it was abundantly clear who was in charge.

I went to Maureen and introduced myself.

Now, I probably had met Maureen at our 50th, but I did not remember her. I am sure it was likewise for her. Other than our 50th, the last time I remember seeing and speaking with Tony was about 12 years ago when he came to a New York-Long Island Chapter dinner meeting.

Immediately after introducing myself, it was obvious that she was both surprised and pleased. She said, “Oh, you will sit with the family!” I was then introduced to other family members. Keith was charged with taking care of me. I was to sit with Don and his wife during the service. When the family procession was about to begin, Maureen motioned to me to walk in with the family. I tried to decline, but she said that I was a “brother.” She led the procession, and Don and I escorted her, one on each side with her arms in ours.

Maureen could not have been more gracious, charming and attentive. We spoke about Tony, how they met and married and about their 10 grandchildren. She told me how much Spider had helped her in Florida.

Both Keith and Don wanted to know about VMI. Tony had suggested that Keith go to VMI, but that did not appeal to him. With each promotion, Keith would tease his father about their respective military rank. Don asked if we pulled any pranks at VMI. Of course, I told him about Doc Hardy and the explosion while making one of our Class of ’56 bombs and the overnight restoration of the room. Naturally, there was an element of disbelief.

I knew then, and after a few days of reflecting,

that this warmth that I received and felt from the family was not about me. It was for Tony. And it was for VMI ... and especially, for the entire Class of ’56.

1960s James R. Berger ’61

by J. Bolling Williamson ’60 Jim Berger’s experience as a prisoner of war for more than six years honed his determination to overcome challenges. In 2005, he told a young girl who had worn his POW bracelet that his period in captivity caused him to realize that “... if somebody else can do something, so can I. I may not be as good, but I can do anything anyone else can.” He added that his experiences at VMI started him on the way to that kind of thinking.

Following his release in 1973, he was returned to flight status and served for a period as a flight instructor. Among his students were South Vietnamese cadets, a group he specifically wanted to help. On numerous occasions he stated he felt his purpose in life was to serve and help others, and he carried that attitude into retired life in Lexington, where he was active in community affairs.

Berger’s military career was characterized by valor, as well as fortitude. Early in his deployment to Vietnam, he earned a Distinguished Flying Cross and later a Silver Star on a mission involving an attack on an enemy convoy. Despite sustaining hits to his aircraft from ground fire, he continued to press the attack until he had expended all his armaments. Although totally defenseless and with “complete disregard for his safety,” his citation stated that he then “... continued to make multiple dry passes against the defenses in order to draw enemy ground fire away from the other aircraft in his flight.”

Berger and his crewman were shot down a week later. Because of the overcast, the other planes in his flight saw only saw one parachute, so he was declared MIA; his wife, Carole, didn’t know he was alive until almost a year later.

She raised their sons and became active in the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia until his return.

Jim Berger was a patriot and a warrior: When circumstances conspired to put him in an unimaginably demanding situation, he was equal to the challenge and kept the faith.

He died Oct. 9, 2015.

VMI Alumni Review

VMI Alumni Association Directory The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. President

First Vice President

Edgar J.T. Perrow Jr. ’96 tperrow@woodardcurran.com

Robert P. Louthan ’82 rlouthan1@gmail.com

Executive Vice President

Immediate Past President

Adam C. Volant ’88 avolant@vmiaa.org

Directors at Large

Robert A. Heely ’69 bobheely@yahoo.com

The VMI Foundation, Inc. President

Second Vice President

Hugh M. Fain III ’80

Asa H. Page III ’79 vmi79@verizon.net

Chief Executive Officer

Gregory M. Cavallaro ’84

Terms Expire June 30, 2016

Terms Expire June 30, 2017

Terms Expire June 30, 2018

Anthony U. Moore ’78 amor_78@comcast.net E. Sean Lanier ’94 av8sean06@hotmail.com

Jessica J. Schmaus ’04 jessica.schmaus@gmail.com Samuel N. Stocks ’90 sstocks@kbsgc.com

Chapter Alaska Arizona Greater Los Angeles Hawaii Inland Empire Nevada Northern California Pacific Northwest Pikes Peak Rocky Mountain San Diego

Director: Matthew R. Hemenez ’90 Chapter President

Trent L. Boggs ’93 Kevin Black ’99 Terrence S. DeGray ’04 Russell Shun Takata ’74 Andre S. Gibson ’78 Kenneth S. Krynski ’89 Brian K. Andrew ’03 James R. Farmer ’68 Todd M. Baldwin ’06 William V. Trumpore ’89 Micah T. Wei ’99

President’s Email tboggs@gci.com kblack@executivecommand.com tdegray@gmail.com russell.takata@yahoo.com andrejg@aol.com krynskiks@pendleton.usmc.mil brian.k.andrew@gmail.com seattlefarmer@comcast.net todd.baldwin1@gmail.com vailkeydet@gmail.com mwei100@yahoo.com

Director: James F. Dittrich ’76

Region II – Midwest Arkansas Bluegrass Centex

James F. Dittrich ’76 Gregory 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 Stephen 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

Cleveland Detroit Kansas City, Missouri North Texas – Dallas Oklahoma Rio Grande San Antonio Southeast Texas – Houston Southwest Ohio St. Louis Third Coast (Corpus Christi)

Region III – Northeast New England New York City – Long Island North Jersey

Central Keystone Maryland Southeastern PA Western PA – Pittsburgh

Region V – Southeast

Director: Patrick J. Griffin ’80

John W. Wainwright III ’82 Christopher J. Brandriff ’06 Richard C. Wolffe ’78

Region IV – Mid Atlantic

2016-Issue 2

President

William A. Paulette ’69

Joel W. Andrus ’04 jandrus@kemperconsult.com A. Damon Williams ’90 damonwilliams@msn.com

Region I – Far West

Augusta Appalachian Atlanta Coastal GA – South Carolina East TN – Knoxville Middle TN – Nashville Midsouth

Brian S. Crockett

The VMI Keydet Club, Inc.

Historian

Thomas W. Davis ’64 davistw@vmi.edu

Chief Executive Officer

jwainwright38@comcast.net christopher.brandriff@jpmorgan.com RWolffe@tspcapitalmgt.com

Director: Peter R. Charrington ’66

Robert P. Hill ’08 Thomas M. Wirth ’98 Frederick J. Killmeyer IV ’95 Thomas N. Gelles ’80

rphill48@gmail.com twirth@mragta.com rickkillmeyer@gmail.com tng317@verizon.net

Director: C. Patrick Haddock ’00 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

Email: mrhemenez@cox.net Chapter Representative Trent L. Boggs ’93 Joseph S. Howard III ’97 Matthew R. Hemenez ’90 Russell Shun Takata ’74 John D. Christie ’59 Todd E. Arris ’87 James R. Farmer ’68 Hershel H. Lackey ’07 William V. Trumpore ’89

Email: jfdinarkansas@aol.com 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 Thomas R. Shaw ’78 Steven P. Weiss ’86 J. Micah North ’00 Robert C. Polk ’61 M. Douglass Payne ’73

Email: anchors80@comcast.net A. Bruno Loefstedt III ’80 John R. Gibney Jr. ’80 Kevin P. Sincavage ’87

Email: pcharrin@comcast.net H. Larry Mays Jr. ’73 Thomas J. Hickey Jr. ’68 John T. Pace IV ’77 J. Mark Hennigan ’90

Email: vmitranspo@hotmail.com Raymond R. Lawson ’81 Campbell C. Hyatt III ’65 Charles C. Schoen IV ’86 Kevin L. Snell ’82 Charles S. Sanger ’82 Philip J. Altizer Jr. ’80

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VMI Alumni Association Directory

Region VI – Carolinas Camp Lejeune/Crystal Coast Cape Fear Central North Carolina – Raleigh Charlotte Club of the Triad Coastal Carolina/South Carolina Palmetto, South Carolina Wilmington, North Carolina

Director: Charles L. Ramsburg ’66 Paul M. Webber ’00 Michael A. Ceroli ’85 Laurence B. Wilson Jr. ’62 Michael S. Anderson ’88 T. Matthew Creech ’96 George T. Mosby ’97 Carl B. Hammond ’00 John P. Gangemi ’61

Region VII – Deep South Birmingham Central Florida Greater New Orleans Mississippi Mobile Northeast Florida – Jacksonville Northwest Florida Southern Florida Southwest Florida – Fort Meyer Tennessee Valley The Villages – Florida Treasure Coast West Coast Florida – Tampa

William H. Cather Jr. ’65 John C. Nagle IV ’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 vmi81@comcast.net 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

Norfolk Peninsula Virginia Beach Western Tidewater

vmi79classagent@aol.com dtyler4@cox.net joshua.p.priest@navy.mil ed.plucinski@hanson.com ghaste@associatedcontracting.com jrowe66@cox.net

Director: Douglas B. Warner ’03 Director: G. Anthony Esteve ’00 John D. Kearney Jr. ’00 A. James MacDonald ’83

kearney.jay@gmail.com macvmi83@yahoo.com

Director: Hilbert S. Wilkinson III ’94 Director: William R. Charlet ’01

Samuel B. LaNeave ’01 Samuel L. Mattocks ’74

Region XIII – Rappahannock Fredericksburg – Quantico Rappahannock Southside Williamsburg

troy.barbour@hcahealthcare.com weastham@carrhyde.com jim@realcentralva.com wdtllt@comcast.net jarvistk@vmi.edu jasongruse@hotmail.com

Director: Michael S. Ogden ’79 Director: Sean P. Hingley ’07

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

Region XII – Central VA Richmond Tri Cities

shduerson@gmail.com bradburrus@yahoo.com reeldadx2@gmail.com

Director: T. Keith Jarvis ’82

T. Troy Barbour ’89 G. Wayne Eastham ’76 James E. Duncan ’98 W. Douglas Thomas ’65 T. Keith Jarvis ’82 Jason K. Gruse ’97

Region XI – Metro D.C. George C. Marshall Potomac River

Director: Bland Massie ’77

Samuel H. Duerson III ’86 Gerald B. Burrus ’96 Andrew M. Reel ’03

Region X – Hampton Roads Eastern Shore

Email: waltchalkley@aol.com

billcather@bellsouth.net jay.nagle@parsons.com rhys.david.williams@gmail.com

Region IX – Shenandoah Valley Allegheny Highlands Blue Ridge Charlottesville North Shenandoah Valley Rockbridge County Stonewall Jackson Valley

Director: Walter L. Chalkley ’72

Paul M. Webber ’00 Charles L. Toomey ’74 Ronald R. Wall ’69 James A. Sharp ’93 Charles H. Alligood ’61 Eric L. Duncan ’99 F. Grey Farthing III ’79 Henry Brown ’60

William H. Cather Jr. ’65 John C. Nagle IV ’87 Rhys D. Williams ’07

Region VIII – Southwest VA Lynchburg New River Valley Roanoke

webberpm@gmail.com mceroli@thekratosgroup.net lbebwilson@aol.com vmi2army@gmail.com tmatthewcreech@gmail.com GMosby@liquidnet.com hammondcb@yahoo.com jgangemi@ec.rr.com

Email: clramsburg@gmail.com

slaneave@gmail.com samuelmattocks762@gmail.com

Director: Richard A. Duke ’90

Brett R. Martin ’00 Raymond J. Pietruszka ’77 Don Holmes ’66 Robert M. Bailey ’72

Email: super77@vmialumni.org Dennis A. Hackemeyer ’80 Gerald B. Burrus ’96 Alan G. Soltis ’79

Email: jarvistk@vmi.edu 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

Email: vmi79classagent@aol.com Email: sean.p.hingley@wfadvisors.com Thomas F. Wilson ’80 James A. Parsons ’80 David J. Trenholm ’70 H. Ali Mahan ’80 Oliver D. Creekmore ’66

Email: douglas.warner1@vmialumni.org Email: anthonyesteve@gmail.com Stephen B.Traina ’03 Henry J. Foresman Jr. ’76

Email: bretwilkinson@gmail.com Email: wcharlet@gmail.com Marc L. Antonelli ’06 Augustus Robbins III ’47

Email: rduke517@gmail.com

Carl J. DeBernard Jr. ’94 Stephen E. Wilson ’68

carl.debernard@dhs.gov sewilson68@verizon.net

R.C. Thompson III ’74 William F. Brent ’67

John E. Karafa ’84

john.karafa@leebcorservices.com

Jim E. Henry ’68

chingpu@saturn.yzu.edu.tw

Ching-Pu Chen ’85 Vaipot Srinual ’72

Region XIV – Pacific Rim Taiwan Thailand

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Ching-Pu Chen ’85 Vaipot Srinual ’72

VMI Alumni Review

Alumni News The Marblehead Festival of Arts in Marblehead, Massachusetts, recently named an award in honor of Donald F. Howard ’54 titled, “The Don Howard Award for Mixed Media.” This award, which recognizes Howard’s important contribution to the arts and his many years of artistic contributions to the festival’s Mixed Media Exhibit, will be presented annually at each festival. As stated by the festival’s website, “The Mixed Media Award is given to an artist who shows the mastery and mystery in combining a variety of media” and will be given to a deserving artist each year. The 51st Marblehead Festival of Arts will be held July 1-4, 2016.

Howard matriculated from East Point, Georgia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard University.

G. Marshall Mundy ’56 was recently selected by his peers for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America® 2016 edition. Mundy has been included in the Best Lawyers in America for 29 consecutive years since it was first published in 1987. Mundy also holds the AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell, which is the publication’s highest rating for legal ability and ethics. He is a fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and an Advocate in the American Board of Trial Advocates.

Mundy matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia Law School.

Retiring mayor of Aiken, South Carolina, Frederick B. Cavanaugh Jr. ’59, was honored in two articles published Nov. 15 and Nov. 23, 2015, in the Aiken Standard newspaper. Cavanaugh was first elected mayor of Aiken in 1991 and served in that position for 24 years, during which he successfully developed the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center and redeveloped the Toole Hill and Citizens Park. He also participated in the city’s efforts with curbside recycling, needs within the Aiken Department of Public Safety and keeping taxes low. One article stated that Cavanaugh is especially proud of the Character First initiative he helped institute within the city. Character First recognizes traits such as honesty and forgiveness and was established within every public and private school in the county.

2016-Issue 2

Virginia Historical Society Honors Alumni Three former trustees of the Virginia Historical Society were honored by the society with education funds in fall 2015 as part of their The Story of Virginia Campaign.

The late Elmon T. Gray ’46 was honored with the Elmon T. Gray Fund for Virginia History.

Gray, who served in the Virginia Senate from 1976-92, was passionate about the democratic process. Therefore, this fund will support programming relevant to the documents he considered most important in understanding American history: The Declaration of Independence, the Virginia Declaration of Rights and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. Gray matriculated from Waverly, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from VMI. The William W. Berry Educational Fund was established in honor of the late William W. Berry ’54. This fund supports educational initiatives, including school field trips, conferences and educator training resources. The main focus of the support will be on the Story of Virginia Teachers Institutes offered annually by the VHS. Berry matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. The late Hugh V. White Jr. ’54 was honored with The Hugh V. White Jr. Outreach Fund, which supports history education outreach programs to schools and other student groups throughout Virginia who may not have the means necessary to travel to visit the VHS. White matriculated from Holland, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. A formal farewell reception for Cavanaugh was held Nov. 22, during which he was presented with the Order of the Silver Crescent from South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.

Cavanaugh also received resolutions from the South Carolina Senate and House of Representatives, a certificate of appreciation from Aiken Public Safety, and gifts from the Character Comes First in Aiken program.

Cavanaugh matriculated from Aiken and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. Lynch’s Ferry magazine, a journal of Lynchburg, Virginia, history, commemorated the life of Peter W. Houck ’60, M.D., by dedicating its fall/winter 2015 journal entirely to him.

The edition covered the life and works of Houck, who died in March 2015. A beloved physician and publisher, the issue further highlighted Houck’s legacy as a researcher, author and champion of Lynchburg’s resources. He was known for working to preserve the region’s heritage while also seeking to enlarge it by providing local historians with forums to exchange information and share their work.

The journal also includes multiple written tributes to his character and success from those who worked with or knew Houck.

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.

Donald F. Lynch Jr. ’68, M.D., was designated emeritus professor of urology by the Board of Visitors of Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia, Sept.

16, 2015. He was recognized for a career of accomplishment and contribution to EVMS and continued scholarship and service. Lynch, who retired from the U.S. Navy in 1991 as a captain, served as a flight surgeon in Vietnam and the Pacific and as chairman of urology at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. He held a private practice in Danville, Virginia, and then at EVMS, predominantly in the subspecialty of urologic oncology. Lynch retired as chairman of the Urology Department at EVMS in 2011.

He matriculated from Tampa, Florida, and attended VMI for three years. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Virginia.

Gordon James III ’69 joined Brinkley Morgan’s business litigation practice as a partner Jan. 7, 2015. Brinkley Morgan is a full-service South Florida law firm established in 1975.

James has over 40 years of professional experience. He is a Florida Bar Board certified specialist in civil trial law and has handled high-risk cases and regional litigation management in commercial, drug and medical device cases and product liability cases. He is a member of the Broward County Bar Association and is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the American

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Alumni News scheduled meetings and receptions in professors and recognizes leadership in their Bar Foundation. James serves on the respective fields and loyalty to the university the nation’s capital. board of governors of Nova SouthProfessional Warranty Service Cor- and their department. This position also aleastern University’s Shepard Broad poration is headquartered in Chantilly, lows resources to support the chair holder’s Law Center. He previously served Virginia, and is the leading provider research. as president of the Broward County Traver is the founding director of the Vilof new home warranty products and Division of the American Board of administrative services to the largest lanova Center for the Advancement of SusTrial Advocates, president of the tier of domestic residential construc- tainability in Engineering and the Villanova Florida Defense Lawyers AssociaUrban Stormwater Partnership. He holds the tion firms in the U.S. tion and chairman of the editorial distinctions of diplomate, water and resources Sommers matriculated from Brownboard of Trial Advocate Quarterly, as well as previously serving in the Sommers ’72 stown, Indiana, and earned his Bach- engineer and fellow in both the American Socielor of Arts degree in math from ety of Civil Engineers and the Environmental Broward County Guardian Ad Litem program. James also held the rank of captain VMI. He earned his Master of Arts degree and Water Resources Institute. In 2014, Traver was honored with the ASCE’s William H. in the U.S. Army Reserve, Military Intelligence from Ball State University.

Wisely American Civil Engineer Award, which branch.

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael A. Burke recognizes individuals who have exhibited James matriculated from Signal Mountain, Tennessee, and attended VMI for one year. He ’73 was one of 102 educators honored at the continuing efforts to better the technical and 2015 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Awards professional activities of the ASCE. earned a bachelor’s degree from the UniverTraver matriculated from Haddonfield, New sity of Tennessee and his Juris Doctor degree ceremony held Nov. 22, 2015. The Emerson Jersey, and earned his Bachelor of Science Excellence in Teaching Awards program began from Vanderbilt University. in 1989 and is sponsored by Emerson, a diversi- degree in civil engineering from VMI. He The law firm of Clarke, Dolph, Rapaport, fied global manufacturer and technology leader. earned his Master of Science degree from Villanova University and his DocHull & Brunick announced that partner Cyrus Annually, the program honors educator of Philosophy degree from Penn A. Dolph IV ’70 was chosen for The Best tors in the St. Louis, Missouri, area State University.

Lawyers in America® in trusts and estates who excel in their field. Recipients are for 2016. Dolph’s firm was awarded the First selected by their schools’ administraMark S. Sobota ’80 was recently Tier Ranking from “Best Law Firms.” This tion to celebrate their achievements promoted to director of engineering, and dedication to teaching. Honorees ranking is its highest honor. Dolph was also Acquisition Center of Excellence, selected for inclusion in Virginia Business are eligible to apply for competitive Air Force Life Cycle Management magazine’s 2015 Legal Elite for taxes/estates/ grants designed to fund educational Center, in Wright-Patterson Air Force projects that reflect the pillars of the trust and elder law.

Base, Ohio. The center encompasses Dolph is AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Emerson brand – technology, innovaAir Force program executive ofRated and works with advising clients in tion and leadership.

Sobota ’80 10 ficer directorates across seven Air Burke matriculated from the Philipbusiness transactions and the planning and pines and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree Force bases and is the single center responsible administration of estates, foundations and in English from VMI. He earned his Master for total life cycle management of Air Force airtrusts. of Arts degree from the University of North craft, aircraft avionics, engines and munitions; Dolph matriculated from North Post Office, command, control, communications, computCarolina at Chapel Hill.

Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts ers and intelligence weapon systems; and Air degree in English from VMI. He earned his Force information management systems.

Juris Doctor degree from the T.C. Williams The Acquisition Center of Excellence’s misSchool of Law and his Master of Laws degree sion is to provide expert advice and hands-on asfrom Marshall-Wythe Law School. sistance to the AFLCMC acquisition workforce and leadership to instill credibility, excellence On Oct. 29, 2015, Gale F. Sommers ’72, and innovation in the Air Force acquisition and chief executive officer and president of Professustainment process for weapon systems. sional Warranty Service Corporation, was an Sobota is a 22-year U.S. Air Force veteran. honored guest at the White House Middle He retired at the rank of lieutenant colonel Market Executive Fly-In in Washington, with senior noncombat aircrew and parachutD.C. Eleven middle market chief executive Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael Burke ’73, ist aeronautical ratings. His final assignment officers – representing a wide scope of inright, receiving his Emerson Excellence in was at U.S. Special Operations Command dustries from glass and metal contractive and Teaching Award. in MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, where full-service trucking to contract security and he helped develop and test Army, Navy and plastics and chemical solutions – were invited Villanova University recently appointed from across the country to attend. Together, Robert G. Traver ’78, Ph.D., as the Edward A. Air Force special operations forces weapon they discussed middle market issues with senior Daylor Chair in Civil Engineering. The Edward systems used in Operation Enduring Freedom administrative officers over a day-and-a-half of A. Daylor Chair was created in 1994 and honors and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

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Alumni News He matriculated from Royal Air Force station Upper Heyford, England, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology.

Robert P. Louthan ’82 was featured in a Richmond Times-Dispatch article Nov. 14, 2015, regarding his founding of VeteranCrowd, an online investment portal that matches veteranowned businesses with investors who want to invest in their projects. VeteranCrowd is one of a growing number of online portals seeking to allow for a wider range of potential backers to invest in businesses and become stakeholders.

The company currently employs four full-time staff members and has a five-member advisory board, with most being veterans or coming from military families.

Louthan matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and graduated with distinction from VMI, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. He earned his Master in Business Administration degree from the University of Virginia.

of Philosophy degree in exercise physiology from the University of Maryland.

from 1989-92, participating in Operation Desert Storm during the Persian Gulf War. Vitulano matriculated from Secaucus and graduated from VMI with distinction, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. He earned his Master of Arts degree in education from St. Peter’s University and his Master of Arts degree in math education from New Jersey City University. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

John E. Karafa ’84, owner and president of Leebcor Services, LLC, attended a Nov. 6, 2015, ceremony commemorating completion and grand opening of the U.S. Navy Atlantic Fleet’s first Littoral Combat Ship Logistics Support Facility, as well as the arrival of its first operational crews at Naval Station Mayport, Florida.

The logistics support facility cost greater than $15 million and covers 59, 444 square feet over two stories In January 2016, Dustin H. Deof administrative support facility. vore ’94 was named by Kaufman & The facility includes classrooms, Canoles, P.C. as the chair of the firm’s an operation watch floor, a library, lender representation practice group, administrative office space, video Devore ’94 which offers legal guidance to some of teleconference rooms and a crew Virginia’s largest banks, credit unions lounge to support the LCS mission at Naval across the country, and many local and regional Station Mayport. institutions.

In 2008, Karafa started Leebcor Services, Devore serves as a member of the firm’s headquartered in Williamsburg, Virginia. Williamsburg office and also as co-chair of Leebcor is a federal general contractor that the firm’s credit union team. In this role, he provides design/build and construction ser- works closely with credit unions on regulatory vices primarily to the Department of Defense and lending issues. He also has a real estate throughout the country. practice that represents businesses, real estate Karafa matriculated from Macungie, Penn- developers and individuals. sylvania, and earned his Bachelor of Science Devore matriculated from Erdenheim, Penndegree in civil engineering from VMI. sylvania, and graduated with distinction from VMI, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in history. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the College of William & Mary School of Law.

On Nov. 18, 2015, The University of West Florida Center for Research and Economic Opportunity announced that Mark H. Roltsch ’83, Ph.D., was named assistant vice president for research and director of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. He was also granted a faculty appointment as associate professor in Teach For America announced Ranthe Department of Exercise Science and dolph C. Raine Jr. ’10 as one of the Community Health.

2015-16 Teach For America Capitol In his position, Roltsch will work Hill Fellows in November 2015. Raine with CREO to implement a vision for joined Teach For America in Charlotte, sponsored research and establish comNorth Carolina, upon graduation from prehensive programs and procedures to the Institute. Following his time in the John Karafa ’84, second from right, at the ribbon cutting cersupport research goals and activities. emony for the Littoral Combat Ship Logistics Support Facility. classroom, he joined the National Corn For the Office of Research and SponGrowers Association, where he served Secaucus High School in Seacaucus, New as the manager of public policy and regulasored Programs, he will be responsible for asJersey, named Michael L. Vitulano ’88 the sisting faculty and staff in obtaining external tory affairs in the Washington, D.C., office. funding for research and scholarly activities Secaucus High School Teacher of the Year.

Raine will spend the next year working in Vitulano graduated from Secaucus High School and financially overseeing funded projects. the office of Rep. John Kline of Minnesota, in 1984. He has taught mathematics for ninth supporting his work as the chairman of the Roltsch matriculated from Dumfries, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree through 12th grades at SHS since 2000. He also House Education and Workforce Committee. in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his works as an assistant coach for the SHS varsity Raine matriculated from Richmond, Virginfootball team and outdoor track and field team. ia, and graduated with distinction from VMI, Master of Science degree in kinesiology from He served as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in history.

James Madison University and his Doctor

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Alumni News

. Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ...

Huntin’ Camp Cookin’: Basic to Balkan by William G. Crisp ’63. The Recorder newspaper. 2015. Available via The Recorder at (540) 468-2147 and recorder@htcnet.org.

As the author noted in his introduction, “When I was teaching at the Virginia Military Institute, I asked my students to make their point immediately, so here is the point of this book: ‘Huntin’ Camp Cookin’: Basic to Balkan’ is intended for anyone who needs to cook fairly simple but, when required, abundant and delicious cuisine for guests at a somewhat remote location with focus on outdoor activity.”

Crisp begins with such staples as squirrel stew and potato soup and ranges to recipes encountered during his work and residences in Europe, Italy, Croatia, Austria and throughout the Balkans: Spaghetti carbonara, wiener schnitzel, biba’s djuvedj, cheese omelette with cvarci and Jane’s Black Sea shish.

He stresses that most preparations should run no more than an hour.

About the author: William G. Crisp matriculated from Staunton, Virginia, and was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in history. Crisp served as a rifle platoon leader with the First Cavalry Division (Airmobile) in Vietnam and subsequently as a U.S. Foreign Service officer in Zagreb, Yugoslavia. He worked for 25 years as an East European business specialist with the Economist Intelligence Unit in Vienna, Austria. Four of his suspense novels have been published, along with his most recent nonfiction, “Air Assault Sharing Military Experience.” He apportions his time with his wife and daughters between homes in Staunton and the village of McDowell, Highland County, Virginia.

Reagent Chemicals-Specifications for Reagents and Standard Grade Reference Materials, Eleventh Edition, Chair Paul Bouis ’67. Oxford Press. January 2016.

ISBN: 978-0-412-3045-3. Available from Oxford Press, Amazon and the American Chemical Society.

The American Chemical Society

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Committee on Analytical Reagents sets the specifications for most chemicals used in analytical testing. Currently, the ACS is the only organization in the world that sets requirements and develops methods for determining purity of reagent chemicals. These specifications have also become the de facto standards for chemicals used in many highpurity applications. Publications and organizations that set specifications or promulgate analytical testing methods – such as the United States Pharmacopeia and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – specify that ACS reagentgrade purity be used in their test procedures.

The ACS Committee on Analytical Reagents evolved from the committee on the Purity of Chemical Reagents, which was established in 1903. Analysts at that time were disturbed by the quality of reagents available and by the discrepancies between labels and the actual purity of the materials. The 11th Edition represents the transition occurring in the technical book business where printed editions are being enhanced or in some cases replaced by digital forms. This edition may be the last sold in print version.

About the author: Paul Bouis was born in Nice, France, and immigrated to the United States in 1951. Raised in New York City, he migrated south to attend The Virginia Military Institute, and graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. He returned to the Institute to teach chemistry and to coach track before entering the military. Paul served for two years as an infantry officer, including a tour of duty in Vietnam as a military adviser to a regional infantry battalion. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in physical organic chemistry from the University of Tennessee in 1974. He spent his entire chemistry career in industry while teaching as an adjunct at various colleges. He has been chair of the Committee on Analytical Reagents since 1992.

He and his wife, Lois, reside in

Lexington, where he is an academic adviser for Keydet athletes.

Wilderness Reflections: A Pursuit of God’s Lessons in the Field by Jeff Vordermark ’79. WestBow Press. June 2015. ISBN: 9781490882161. Available via www.westbowpress.com, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kindle, and www.christianbook.com.

God is the ultimate teacher, and if we choose to allow Him, He will touch your life in eternal ways while you sit shivering in a tree stand waiting for deer that never shows. I have come to treasure these moments, and journeyed closer to God as a result of my time in the wilderness.

“Wilderness Reflections” is a collection of short stories that grew out of a mutual love for the words of the Bible and adventures in the outdoors.

Men’s souls seem to be in conflict between the demands of their everyday lives and their recreational pursuits.

Sunday church time can seem to be more about duty than community, and the call of the wild can all too often reach into the pews and distract us from our heavenly goals, but the two need not be separated. This book is for those who can find evidence of God’s teaching not in the confines of a building, but in the vastness of the wilderness.

The stores ultimately reflect my personal journey from having church on Sundays, to having it when I venture afield any day of the week. I’ve heard other hunters refer to this as “the church of the woods.” In this church, however, is where I find meaning and make clarity of the muddle of everyday life. The results have, in part, been captured here, and while the lessons inside may ultimately be meaningful only to the author, the telling may benefit others as well.

About the author: Jeff Vordemark matriculated from California and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He received his Master of Arts degree in national security affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School. He served in the Army in various capacities as a Mideast foreign area officer and has lived and travelled extensively in the Mideast and Africa.

An outdoorsman at heart, he writes recreationally while teaching fellow hunters and fisherman.

VMI Alumni Review

Alumni News

Cavalero ’06 Cast as Lead Actor in Nickelodeon Comedy

by Elaine Wood, Editorial Assistant

On a road trip traveling from Los Angeles, California, to the Washington, D.C., area, Tony Cavalero ’06, now a successful actor, couldn’t help but reminisce over the phone about what it was like when he first made the cross country trip, from the opposite direction.

He explained that although his exposure to theatre began as early as his middle school years – being cast as the lead in a comedic play that earned him recognition at the Virginia Theatre Arts Festival – the idea of becoming an actor only really began during the summer between his 3rd and 2nd Class years at VMI. “I vacationed to Los Angeles and met a couple of actors,” stated Cavalero, “and they seemed like normal people ... and I thought, ‘Well, maybe I can have a shot at this thing.’” But having been involved with lacrosse at VMI after being a three-sport athlete in high school and holding serious plans to commission as an army officer upon graduating the Institute, pursuing a future in acting seemed like a very far-fetched dream. That is, until he decided to just take the plunge and go for it. “I spent the full summer [after graduation] working as a lacrosse director in Maryland ... then drove across the country during the fall of ’06 with everything I owned in my car ... my only game plan, in my mind, was I could get a career in history or maybe something having to do with the military [to financially sustain myself],” stated Cavalero.

Led by his adventurous and determined nature, Cavalero quickly dove into his dream upon arriving in Los Angeles. Through an acquaintance, he was recommended to audition for The Groundlings, an L.A.-based improv 2016-Issue 2

sketch comedy theatre. Cavalero explained, “Basically, you go through this school, and you earn your master’s degree in acting.”

The focus of the school was improvisation; specifically, acting that focuses on having no written scripts and relies entirely upon the actor or actress performing “in the moment.”

The Groundlings is also recognized as the catalyst for successful acting careers such as that of Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy, to name a few.

Becoming a part of The Groundlings, while desired and appealing to anybody interested in a career in comedy, is not easy to obtain or attempt, however. Cavalero was quick to point out that this aspect of the school emulated his previous experience with VMI, stating, “They’re similar in that The Groundlings is a very arduous school. It’s not just about breezing by. Everything is pass or fail. There are four levels, and they’re all very difficult.” He explained further that once you first audition into The Groundlings, you are entered into the basic level, which you can take up to three times. If you pass, you are pushed to the intermediate level. This is followed by the Writer’s Lab, which Cavalero had to wait six

months just for an opening to become available.

At this point in the process, each actor has only one chance to pass, and at this level of the school, there is only a 50 percent pass rate.

Despite the rigorous system, Cavalero made it past the difficult Writer’s Lab. This brought him to a stage of The Groundlings that tests a person’s patience and passion, as he had to wait two years before he could progress to the next level, called the Advanced Writer’s Lab. At this stage, the actors are expected to create and perform two different shows, which get voted on and yield a small 30 percent pass rate. After completing these already extensive steps, Cavalero was then accepted into the junior company. As part of the company, he was expected to participate in performances held every Sunday. “You perform your own sketches,” explained Cavalero. “You write all your own material. You’re reevaluated in that company in six months.” He also mentioned that the junior company is also where he met his wife, Annie, who was a fellow student at the Groundlings.

He joked that not many can put together how going to a military institute could benefit his progress at such a school, but he was

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Alumni News quick to point out, “It gave me such a unique perspective compared to the people that I was taking classes with ... I had this ‘tough guy’ background to draw upon and coaches and military leaders and officers to draw upon.

Not to mention, I was on time; people could trust me to complete tasks given to me – that’s a big deal in Los Angeles.”

After continuing with The Groundlings, Cavalero eventually earned the prestigious honor as a member of their main company, which is a role he has held for a little over three years now. Around the time he became a main member of the company, he also started seeing his acting career pick up pace. “I got to audition for Saturday Night Live. Now, this was kind of what was the ‘big break’ for me, because when I got to fly out to New York and test for SNL in front of Lorne Michaels and Seth Meyers on the big stage, that’s what got me my big agency and manager, and then the auditions to actually prove myself, ” Cavalero conveyed.

Combining the network he had established for himself at this point in his career with his reputation for complete reliability, Cavalero saw himself earning roles on reputable TV shows such as “Modern Family,” “New Girl” and “Hart of Dixie,” until eventually, he was given an audition to and then cast as Dewey Finn, the lead character for the new Nickelodeon series, “School of Rock.” This role stands out significantly to Cavalero, who reminisced, “I remember specifically being in barracks my 1st Class year with all my lacrosse buddies in my room laughing our butts off at that movie. Jack Black is literally one of my heroes. And the fact that [earning this role] happened like it did ... it’s just wild.

I loved [Jack Black’s] part, and it’s a part that I feel like is right up my alley.” Dewey Finn, Cavalero’s character, is a teacher who gets his class of preteen students to learn how to play rock music and subsequently form a band. Cavalero explained that while he will try to emulate the role previously held by Jack Black, he is excited to bring a fresh perspective to it and his own unique personality.

“Pretending to be a teacher is great, because I love working with kids, and I’m also a kid at heart. Any of my brother rats [who] knew me at VMI knew that was the truth ... I was telling more jokes than you can imagine behind the scenes and being a goofball,” he explained.

When it comes to accepting roles, Cavalero admitted things have changed since he first arrived in L.A. At first, he would have accepted

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any role in order to be able to support himself, but now, he has earned the luxury of choosing which roles he really wants. “I try to follow my heart on most things, and if I get something from my agent that my initial instinct is against, I usually say no and don’t take a lot of time to overthink it. I usually find something similar to what I usually play onstage at The Groundlings or that is a great opportunity,” stated Cavalero.

But he also doesn’t shy away from a challenge or the chance to step outside of his comfort zone. He emphasized, “Comedy is definitely something that is a natural fit for me ... I’m not just going to jump into these crazy dramatic roles that I don’t think I’m prepared for, but it’s something I would like to explore in the future.

Coming from VMI, I think [dramatic roles] are definitely something I could tune into.”

Despite his natural inclination toward comedy, Cavalero knows that whatever his role might be, what sets him apart from the rest of

Hollywood is something that he whole-heartedly believes VMI instilled in him – reliability.

“I think it’s the professionalism and discipline that I got from VMI that makes me stand out from other actors. I bring a certain joy with me – or try to, at least. My physical comedy, ability to improvise and write for myself ... those three things are really critical when I get hired. And they don’t have to worry about me not showing up on set the next day.” Regardless of the high rate of failure for those who attempt a similar career in acting, Cavalero was encouraged due to the persistence learned at the Institute. “I was thinking if I can get through VMI, I can get through anything ... that little bit of ego boost coming from the toughest military school in the country went a long way.” He concluded, “You’ve got to keep your head down and work hard.”

School of Rock premiered March 12, 2016, and airs on Nickelodeon Saturday nights at 8:30 p.m.

Tony Cavalero ’06 on post in January 2016. Photos by Micalyn Miller.

VMI Alumni Review

The Institute Cadet-Designed VMI Saber Prevails 50 Years Later

by Elaine Wood, Editorial Assistant

It is a familiar sight for any spectator who has watched a parade at VMI: A glint of silver as cadet officers march past, leading their platoons. Their stark white gloves grasp the brilliant gold hilt, drawing the sword to the right shoulder and later to their right hips, until eventually the parade draws nearer to an end, and it is returned to rest on their left in its sheath. It is recognizable for guests of cadets attending Ring Figure, who walk under a canopy of silver as they enter into the building, excited for the night ahead. The VMI saber and its significance are immediately apparent to anyone who sees it. It is felt by any cadet who earns the right to wear it. What may not be so apparent and is lesser known is the history behind its unique design and its creators.

The year 2016 marks 50 years since the current design that we see today was proposed and presented by a small, eager group of cadets who envisioned the potential for the saber to represent the true VMI experience.

In the 1960s, the VMI Saber Committee was formed to follow through on that potential. At the head of this proposition was Clifford A. Crittsinger ’64, who pioneered the efforts of the redesign. “Coming back as a 1st classman, I had attained the rank of lieutenant, platoon leader ... when I got [to VMI] and settled in, I looked at the sword and said, ‘Wow.’ The blade had these cartoon-like characters on it and seemed unmilitary,” stated Crittsinger. He immediately brought it to the attention of William T. Talman ’66, regimental commander.

Upon inspecting it further, the observations of Crittsinger were justified to Talman, and they decided the issue should be addressed somehow. Wasting no time or effort, Crittsinger brought the matter directly to the superintendent, Gen. R.E. Shell ’931. “I pitched the idea and explained why, and [Shell] came back and approved it,” noted Crittsinger. As a result of this meeting, Shell allowed full responsibility for the new design of the VMI saber to be

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given entirely to the volunteering cadets of the Saber Committee. The committee included six cadets in addition to Crittsinger and Talman: Jameson T. Hannah ’67, Frank L. Kuchuris ’67, Philip J. Gioia ’67, Marvin E. Thews Jr. ’68, Guy A. Wilson ’68 and Maurice M. Gompf ’68.

The committee met together over a span of a couple of weeks to discuss the direction of the new saber design. Previously, it was estimated that the sword’s design hadn’t been changed since the 1920s or 30s. There was also the astonishing fact that “VMI” was not actually written on the saber, either. “What we wanted to do was commemorate New Market and make sure that was on the blade, because the 100th anniversary of the Battle of New Market took place when we were cadets, and we also wanted to have the Latin motto of the school – Consilio et Animis – appear on it somehow, as well as Virginia Military Institute,” explained Gioia. Gioia’s personal involvement with the design of the new saber in large part came from the fact that he was known amongst his classmates as a bit of an artist. Specifically, he was recognized as the cartoonist for the comic strip, “Ratman and Wombat,” a parody of Batman and Robin that poked harmless fun at the Institute, appearing multiple times in The Cadet newspaper.

Elaborating on the details they felt should be included, Gioia worked the committee’s ideas for the saber into an original sketch, which he then presented back to them for approval. “I don’t recall [the design process] being difficult at all,” stated Gioia, whose drawing easily fit

Above: The Saber Committee presenting Gen. R.E. Shell ’931, then-superintendent, with the new saber design. the desires of the committee. With the committee in total agreement, Gioia’s sketched design was sent off to N.S. Meyer in New York for production. “... [F]rom then, it was out of my hands; It was Cliff and others who had the liaison with N.S. Meyer from New York; but when we got back our sabers, there it was, and it was definitely neat to see that design on the blade,” Gioia excitedly stated.

As Gioia highlighted, cadets taking on the changing of a fundamental piece of VMI history wasn’t necessarily unordinary given the context of culture at that time. “You have to remember that when we were cadets, it was a time of great societal change,” he stated. The Vietnam War was in full swing, with many protesting and demonstrating against such issues.

The Class of 1967, Gioia’s class, entered VMI the year that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, and the Kennedy administration and the New Frontier were pertinent social issues. Change was an underlying theme of the time, and it certainly contributed to the cadets’ desire to update the saber so that it reflected

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The Institute the strongest statement of what VMI stood for.

“We wanted to keep it simple and dignified,” noted Crittsinger.

After the committee’s hard work cementing the design, Crittsinger pushed forward with the unveiling. Working closely with the Institute’s public relations office at that time, he was able to arrange for a photo to be taken of the VMI Saber Committee as they presented Shell with a framed copy of the design.

At their reunion in spring 2016, 50 years later, Crittsinger echoed this ceremony by presenting the design once again during the 50th Reunion for the Class of 1966. The purpose goes beyond just a reminder of a job well done, because as Crittsinger explained, it’s important “to have something on permanent display that actually dates the saber as an integral part of the cadet Corps.” Now that these details have been brought back to light, cadets will be able to attribute a history and a timeline to the creation of the current saber, and it is no longer an enigma.

Crittsinger remarked, “It’s just personally amazing to me that [the saber] hasn’t changed since. It’s the same saber [the saber committee] designed.

That kind of makes the committee feel good, because we made something that lasted so long.”

Above: The official drawn-up design of the VMI saber was framed and presented to Gen. Shell by the cadets of the Saber Committee.

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Libutti 2016 Leader in Residence

Libutti The VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics announced retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Frank Libutti as the 2016 VMI Leader in Residence. Libutti, a native of New York and a graduate of The Citadel, has had a lifetime of distinguished military and private sector service roles, exemplifying the ideal qualities of a citizen-soldier. Libutti visited Feb. 29, March 4 and again from April 11-16, 2016.

His post-Marine Corps appointments with the New York Police Department and the then-newly created U.S. Department of Homeland Security focused on counter-terrorism information analysis and protection, topics which we will highlight during this year’s 6th Annual Leadership Conference: Ethical Dilemmas in the Digital Age. At the time of his retirement, Libutti served as the commanding general, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific/Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific/ Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Bases, Pacific and Commanding General Marine Forces Central Command headquartered at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii. An infantryman, Libutti has served in North and Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Horn of Africa, and in the United States in operational and joint staff positions.

From January 2002 to May 2003, Gen. Libutti served as the New York Police Department’s first deputy commissioner of counter-terrorism. In September 2003, he served as the first undersecretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection Directorate at the newly created U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In September 2005, he became chief executive officer/chairman of the board of Digital Fusion, a publicly traded company valued at $61 million with approximately 300 employees. Digital Fusion centered on information technology initiatives and support for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. Currently, Libutti is serving as chief executive officer/ president of PS&S Global, a full-service engineering firm that is a service-disabledveteran-owned small business located in Warren, New Jersey, where his focus is on environmental restoration, energy efficiency operations and strategic security solutions.

Libutti’s personal decorations include: The Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Distinguished Service Medal (first award), the Silver Star Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters, Legion of Merit with gold star, Purple Heart with two gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Republic of Korea Chonsu Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. Libutti was also presented with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, by the Emperor of Japan for service dedicated to the security of Japan and the mutual cooperation between Japan and the United States.

He is the recipient of the Audie Murphy Patriotism Award, as well.

As part of the center’s Leader-in-Residence Program, Libutti’s schedule will include meetings with select cadets, faculty staff and other employees as part of the center’s mission to provide leadership and professional development opportunities at VMI. Conversations will also provide opportunities to have a mutual exchange of ideas on leadership. For more information regarding the Center for Leadership and Ethics’ Leader-in-Residence Program, please contact Col. Patrick Looney, deputy director, at (540) 464-7361.

VMI Alumni Review

The Institute

VMI Army ROTC Program Receives Prestigious MacArthur Award Each year, U.S. Army Cadet Command selects the ROTC programs from around the nation that best exemplify the ideals of “duty, honor and country” as advocated by Gen. Douglas MacArthur. On Feb. 3, 2016, Cadet Command announced the selection of VMI’s Marshall-New Market Battalion, Army ROTC, as a MacArthur Award winner.

The award signifies the VMI’s Marshall-New Market Battalion as one of top programs in the nation for school year 2014-15.

The award is based on a combination of the achievement of the school’s commissioning mission, its cadet retention rate, its cadets’ performance and standing on the command’s National Order of Merit List.

Of the 275 senior Army ROTC host programs nationwide, one program is selected from each of the eight ROTC Brigades. VMI Army ROTC belongs to 1st Brigade, the brigade responsible for all of the junior and senior military colleges.

VMI Army ROTC was also selected for this honor in 2013, as well as several times previously since the award’s inception in 1989.

The MacArthur Award, awarded awarded to tothe theVMI VMIMarshall-New Marshall-NewMarket MarketBatallion, Battalion,Army ArmyROTC. ROTC.

The Friends of Preston Library Preston Library has an active friends group which supports library resources, services and facilities. Membership is open to the public. Interested individuals are invited to join or make a donation to the Friends of Preston Library online.

Please visit the webpage at www.vmi. edu/friends. Thank you for your support.

Contributions made to Friends of Preston Library support library needs and make significant enhancements to VMI’s academic program, which directly benefits cadets and faculty. In addition to providing

academic resources and funding for other improvements, the friends organize and host stimulating programs for cadets, faculty, alumni and the community at large.

Recent programs have been by New York Times bestselling author, S.C. Gwynne, who wrote “Rebel Yell: The Violence, Passion and Redemption of Stonewall Jackson,” and noted southern historian, Dr. William C. Davis, who wrote “Crucible of Command: Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee – The War They Fought, the Peace They Forged.”

Center for Leadership and Ethics Upcoming Events Academic Year 2015-2016 Theme: “Living in the Age of Machines” May 28, 2016

6th Biennial Stonewall Jackson Symposium

June 5-7, 2016

Applied Mathematics Conference: “Inverse Problems”

Oct. 4-7, 2016

5th Annual STEM Conference Editor’s Note: The Libutti article and upcoming events were submitted by the Center for Leadership and Ethics. The ROTC article was submitted by the Army ROTC Department. The Breakout, Indoor Training Facility and SCHEV Award articles were first published by Communications & Marketing.

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Week of Nov. 7-10

7th Leadership Conference Exact dates TBA

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The Institute

Class of 2019 Breakout

Temperatures were in the single digits as the firing of Little John awoke the new cadets for Breakout Feb. 13, 2016. The cadets headed to North Post at sunrise to work their way through physical training stations and then to Foster Stadium and Cameron Hall for more. In the culminating event, the cadets built a ramp to the Third Barracks sentinel box out of sandbags previously arranged to represent the classes of ’16, ’17 and ’18 in each of the barracks courtyards. With the ramp built, they then spelled, “19,” with red sandbags to represent their own class. VMI photos by John Robertson IV, Kelly Nye and H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

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VMI Alumni Review

The Institute

Indoor Training Facility on Track for LEED Gold Certification

The five roof monitors visible along the top of the Indoor Training Facility are a key component of the building’s innovative passive downdraft system. VMI photo by John Robertson IV. The sheer volume of the 7.8 million-cubicfoot Indoor Training Facility looming above Main Street represents a formidable engineering challenge – how to keep the building comfortable without incurring ruinous electric bills.

The answer has come in a unique system that takes advantage of natural air currents.

“The passive downdraft system is designed solely for a high volume area. It’s based on the fact that we have, in a space like this that’s 50 feet tall, layers of air that don’t need to be cooled,” said Col. Keith Jarvis ’82, deputy director of construction. “We only need to be cooling the air at the levels that are occupied – at the main level and then also at the mezzanine level, where there’s the warmup track.

The system essentially works on convection – the fact that hot air rises.”

The form of the building emphasizes the importance of this function, with the prominent ribs atop the structure functioning as roof monitors.

“The roof monitors serve a couple of purposes,” said Jarvis. “One of the purposes is to let the hot air out through louvers, and the secondary purpose is to let in ambient light.”

In addition to energy savings provided by the passive downdraft system, the operations and maintenance costs are much lower compared

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with the mechanical systems that would be required by a traditional cooling system.

This is just one of the design elements that has put the facility on track to achieve Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Gold certification.

“The state mandates that we achieve LEED silver, but, with the efforts of the contractor and the planning and design elements, we’re on track to achieve LEED gold, which is the next step up,” said Jarvis.

Other design elements include a green roof covering a portion of the facility.

“All the rainwater that normally would fall on the roof and go through the gutters is being collected by the green roof, so we don’t contribute excessive amounts of water to the stormwater system,” said Jarvis.

Cisterns are part of the design as well, collecting rainwater for use in irrigating the landscaping around the facility and serving as a source of potable water to support the building’s operational requirements.

Bioretention structures visible on the slope behind the facility will take the runoff that comes down from residential areas uphill and filter it through the planting medium before discharging it.

Apart from the design of the structure, efforts

of contractors on the site to minimize environmental impact are vital.

“The contractor does a lot of work toward LEED certification during construction,” said Jarvis “Of the trash that’s being generated, right now we’re consistently converting about 90 percent of it to some sort of recycling or repurposing effort, and we’ll continue that throughout the course of the construction.”

Another LEED element that the Institute has pursued is conservation of natural outdoor spaces as part of the Indoor Training Facility construction as well as the renovation of Cocke and Cormack halls.

“We’ve set aside over 353,000 square feet of land in perpetuity to not be developed,” said Lt. Col. Dallas Clark ’99, Institute planning officer.

“We’re partially offsetting the environmental impact of these projects by preserving this land.”

More than 5 acres of land have been set aside on the slope between Crozet Hall and the Woods Creek to offset the impact of the Indoor Training Facility, in addition to the 2.9 acres between the North Post firing range and Jordan’s Point preserved as an offset for the Cocke and Cormack hall renovation projects.

Both the Indoor Training Facility construction and the Cocke Hall renovation are expected to be completed sometime fall semester.

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The Institute

Assistant Professor Receives SCHEV Rising Star Award Major John David, assistant the Johns Hopkins University professor of applied mathematApplied Physics Laboratory ics at Virginia Military Institute, and using algorithms to find was selected to receive a 2016 optimal meal delivery routes Outstanding Faculty Award for the Valley Program for Agby the State Council of Higher ing Services Meals on Wheels Education for Virginia.

Program.

David, who has been teachThanks at least in part to the ing at VMI since 2011, was one Applied and Industrial Mathof two recipients statewide to ematics Program, cadets who’ve receive the Rising Star Award, worked under David have found an honor bestowed on faculty employment, graduate school members showing extraordiplacement or internships with a nary promise at the beginning number of prestigious compaof their academic careers. Selecnies and institutions – among tion for the Rising Star Award them the Johns Hopkins ApDavid is based on performance in plied Physics Laboratory, Masfour areas: teaching, discovery, integration of sachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln knowledge and service.

Laboratory, NASA and JP Morgan.

All of the honorees were recognized at an Discovery, or research, is another area in awards ceremony and luncheon held at the which David has made substantial contribuJefferson Hotel in Richmond in February tions. Since 2007, when he received his doctor2016. Just before that ceremony, the honorees ate from North Carolina State University, he will be introduced on the floor of the General has published 11 peer-reviewed articles and Assembly. nine conference proceedings.

As a teacher, David has received stellar evaluIn addition, David recently signed his first ations. Cadets in his classes have praised him book publishing contract for “Predicting for his willingness to help them find answers Conflict: A method Approach.” This book without giving too much assistance, as well takes hundreds of quantitative and qualitaas his deep knowledge of the subject matter tive descriptors of each country for the last 70 and lively, engaging manner in the classroom. years and describes how to apply data mining David has also developed a new class in and machine learning techniques to predict mathematical modeling and is currently workinternational conflict. ing with VMI’s Department of Economics and David’s efforts to pass on knowledge have Business to develop a new minor in business not stopped at the classroom door or with analytics. the publishing of papers in scholarly jourAt VMI, one of David’s most well-known nals. Even before his arrival at VMI, he was contributions is the Applied and Industrial contributing to the growth of knowledge in Mathematics Program, which allows cadets his field. Since 2005, David has mentored 61 to use the skills they’ve learned in their applied individuals doing independent research – an mathematics classes to solve real-life problems average of six per year. That number has infor corporations and nonprofit organizations. creased to seven per year since David joined Among the many projects carried out under the VMI faculty. the aegis of this program have been predicting The OFA program is administered by tire rubber performance using neural networks SCHEV and funded by a grant from the Dofor the Goodyear Tire Co., building software minion Foundation, which has fully supported to design search routes for piracy detection for the OFA program since 2005.

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VMI Alumni Review

Keydet Athletics 2016 VMI Football Schedule Sept. 3

at Akron

Sept. 10

at Morehead State

Sept. 24

at Bucknell

Oct. 1

MERCER* – Reunion Weekend

Oct. 8

ETSU* – Parents Weekend

Oct. 15

at Samford*

TBA

Oct. 22

at Chattanooga*

TBA

Oct. 29

FURMAN* – Homecoming

Nov. 5

at Western Carolina*

Nov. 12

THE CITADEL*

Nov. 19

at Wofford* HOME GAMES IN CAPS

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TBA

TBA

TBA 1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

TBA 1:30 p.m.

TBA

*Denotes Southern Conference Game

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Keydet Athletics

Keydets Announce 2016 Football Schedule U

nder Scott Wachenheim, second-year head coach, VMI football will open the 2016 season against the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio, Sept. 3. The Keydets announced the 11-game slate Jan. 28.

It will mark the second straight year that VMI has opened a football season against a Mid-American Conference opponent, as the Keydets started the 2015 campaign at Ball State University.

VMI and Akron will be playing for the first time since 2011.

The Keydets will play four home games and seven road contests.

After the opener at Akron, the Keydets will travel to Morehead State University Sept. 10 and Bucknell University Sept. 24 for games sandwiched around a Sept. 17 bye week.

VMI will open its home and Southern Conference schedule Oct. 1 against Mercer University. Other games at Foster Stadium include East Tennessee State University Oct. 8, Furman University Oct. 29 and The Citadel Nov. 12 in the “Military Classic of the South.”

The Oct. 1 home opener is the latest such game the Keydets have played in Lexington since the 1968 season, when VMI played host to Villanova University Oct. 5.

All but two 2016 foes – Akron University and ETSU – were 2015 VMI opponents.

Tickets for the 2016 home season will go on sale in the spring and can be accessed at www.vmitickets.com. Kickoffs for the four home games will be 1:30 p.m.

Brown Named Director of Athletics Equipment and Services Lenny Brown was named VMI director of athletics equipment and services and began his duties Jan. 18.

Brown replaced Jimmy Mason, who served 35 years as VMI head equipment manager and retired following the conclusion of the 2015 football season in late November.

In his new position, Brown oversees all aspects of VMI athletic equipment and apparel and works closely with the football program.

Brown supervises equipment acquisition, design, inventory and repair, and assists the VMI coaching staff with the design and selection of uniforms. Brown coordinates and supervises laundry services and oversees the fulfillment of footwear and apparel contracts.

Brown comes to VMI from Iowa State University, where he served as assistant director of equipment operations since 2012. At Iowa State, Brown implemented Cyclones Athletics purchase orders though Nike Gameday and

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other vendors; supervised 12 student managers and three laundry workers; executed the assembly, fitting and repair of athletic equipment for all athletes; and served as social media director for Iowa State Equipment Operations. He also assisted in travel and practice operations, including bowl game activities.

Brown served a 13-month stint at American University from July 2011 through August 2012, where he was assistant equipment manager and oversaw the equipment and clothing distribution of 16 varsity sports.

Brown received a Bachelor of Science degree in apparel, housing and resource management and later earned a master’s degree in education in health promotion from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Brown was a threetime qualifier for the Athletic Directors Honor Roll and was also a dean’s list student. He was recognized as 2010 Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

While at Virginia Tech, Brown served as

a graduate assistant for the Hokies football program from 2009 through May 2011 and assisted in many aspects of the equipment operations, including student-manager work assignments, visiting team equipment liaison, equipment and clothing distribution, and testing prototype equipment and footwear for Nike.

Brown is a certified member of the Athletic Equipment Mangers Association.

“I am very excited to be joining VMI,” said Brown. “Being from the area, I am very familiar with the rich history and tradition that this Institute holds. I look forward to being a part of it and helping it grow.”

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.

VMI Alumni Review

VMI Foundation, Inc. Message from the VMI Foundation CEO

by Brian Scott Crockett

Motivation: It’s a familiar word in business and the military. Motivation can mean a general desire to get things done or a strong feeling of “get-up-and-go.” It also can mean the reason or reasons why someone does something – what inspires them to do a certain job or serve in some capacity. It is a sought-after quality that is prized in any organization.

For me, both meanings apply to working for VMI and the VMI family. Sure, it’s my job, but going to work is never a chore to me. It is never something I dread thinking about on a Sunday night. Whether I am headed to post or on the road engaging people on VMI’s behalf, I want to get something done for the Institute that day.

I want to accomplish something that will make VMI a better place.

But that’s only part of it. If someone were to ask me what I love about my job – what inspires me – I would have to tell them it is not so much a “what” that motivates me. Instead, I would say it is a “who,” and in fact, it is hundreds of them.

There is the cadet who turned down scholarship offers to several prestigious colleges and universities because he was certain that VMI would be the best place to begin the pursuit of his dreams. There is the alumnus who, when I meet him, declared that after donating a relatively small amount of money every year, he’s ready to make a five-figure gift to endow a

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scholarship, because he wants to give back to a college that profoundly transformed him. Then, there are the parents whose cadet received a “full ride” to VMI on a merit scholarship who, after their cadet graduated, donated the equivalent of what their child received for use in the merit scholarship program. I’ll never forget the widows of alumni who come back to the Institute for the reunions of their husbands’ classes. Or a volunteer leader who works and lives in Europe, but who happily travels thousands of miles to serve on a VMI board or to help organize his class’ 50th Reunion Campaign. There are the professors, coaches and staff members who consistently go the extra mile (and more) to educate and mentor cadets. And there are the class agents who provide inspiring examples of service by giving countless volunteer hours to their work on behalf of their brother rats.

I feel privileged that I know all these people – and hundreds more – and I am grateful for the motivation they provide me every day. But I have it somewhat easy. Really, it would be hard – if not entirely impossible – not to be motivated when you work on post and deal with such people every day.

The people who truly inspire me – who I often am in awe of – are the men and women, alumni and friends, who are not able to come back to post often but are still motivated to support

VMI. Their best means of keeping up with the Institute might be the VMI Alumni Review or maybe the Institute’s website. Yet, during the life of An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI, they have stepped up in so many ways and at so many levels. Some have given millions. Some have given thousands. Others have given less than $100. They have supported scholarships, given unrestricted money through the Foundation Fund, aided the regimental band, created professorships, given to an intercollegiate sports team and so on.

They don’t have the daily VMI experiences that I have to motivate them. But, they know in their hearts that VMI has been valuable to our nation. They know VMI adheres to a strict code of honor; it stresses selfless service, and it strives to graduate honorable, purposeful and resolute citizen-soldiers.

They want to be part of what VMI does.

They want to help it continue its important work. So, they give generously and, at times, sacrificially.

I am thankful for all of our donors for what they do for the Institute and its cadets. They help advance a great American college. I am also thankful for the example of selfless generosity that they give the VMI family and for the example of motivation that inspires all of us.

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VMI Foundation, Inc.

Class of 1990 and Class of 2005 Close Reunion Campaigns Class of 1990: The Class of 1990 presented the initial proceeds of its 25th Reunion Campaign during their reunion parade. The three members of the class who presented the gift were Rob Clark, class agent; Hunter Trumbo, Reunion Campaign chairman; and Charles Plageman, class president. Accepting the gift on behalf of the Alumni Agencies and VMI, respectively, were Hugh M. Fain III ’80, Foundation president, and Turner Perrow ’96, Alumni Association president; and Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, VMI superintendent. Photos by Micalyn Miller.

Class of 2005: Timothy M. Johnson, chairman of the Class of 2005 Reunion Campaign Committee, along with Paul T. Bryan and Shore A. Stokes, committee members, made the presentation of the initial proceeds of the class’ 10th Reunion Campaign. Accepting the gift were Warren J. Bryan ’71, vice president of the VMI Foundation, far left; Robert P. Louthan ’82, first vice president of the VMI Alumni Association, second from left; and Peay, far right.

On Dec. 31, 2015, the Class of 1990 and Class of 2005 concluded their respective reunion campaigns, ending many months of effort on behalf of VMI. According to John J. Wranek III ’85, VMI Foundation vice president for annual and reunion giving, the final result for the Class of 1990’s 25th Reunion Campaign was $1,095,915 in gifts and commitments with 208 of 357 brother rats donating, totaling a 58 percent participation rate. As for the Class of 2005, 120 of 266 brother rats (45 percent) donated $257,635.

“Both of these classes responded so well to the leaders of their respective campaigns, taking to heart the message common to all reunion campaigns: Those who followed you into barracks deserve the same support that you received as cadets from those who preceded you into barracks,” said Wranek.

Each campaign had its own aspects that made it special. For the Class of 1990, it was the support the brother rats devoted to

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the Class of 1990 Academic Scholarship, a merit-based scholarship, and the Class of 1990 Athletic Scholarship. “Increasing merit-based scholarship aid and the grant-in-aid assistance for cadet-athletes are two long-standing goals of the Institute and two of the priorities of An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI,” explained Wranek. “So, we welcomed the decision of many brother rats in this class to give to these already-established scholarships.”

Another important aspect of the Class of 1990’s effort was that many of the gifts were in the form of cash or short-term pledges. “Usually, a 25th Reunion is when alumni begin to use various planned giving vehicles, such as trusts and bequests, in support of VMI, which means that gifts might not be realized for decades. By giving immediately or over just a couple of years, the Class of 1990 put more of its money to work for VMI right away.”

The Class of 2005’s 10th Reunion Campaign

stood out for the fact that it beat the goals for money raised and participation that were set by the Reunion Campaign Committee, headed by Timothy M. Johnson ’05. In the case of the former, the goal was $205,000; in the latter, it was 40 percent. The class ended up raising $257,635 with 120 of 266 brother rats – or 45 percent – participating in the campaign. “This was an excellent outcome,” said Wranek, “and the Class of 2005 made an excellent contribution to the Institute’s brilliant future.”

“The effectiveness of strong volunteer leadership in ensuring the success of any effort to help VMI is reflected in the success of these two classes’ reunion campaigns,” said Brian Scott Crockett, chief executive officer of the VMI Foundation. “The leaders of these efforts made a solid case of support for VMI and its cadets and worked tirelessly to engage their brother rats. Thanks to what they did, the Institute will be a stronger college.”

VMI Alumni Review

VMI Foundation, Inc.

Alumni and Friends Support Regimental and Pipe Band Rose Parade Appearance On the morning of Jan. 1, 2016, thousands of the Institute’s alumni and friends watched the television coverage of the Tournament of Roses Parade in anticipation of seeing VMI’s Regimental Band and Pipe Band make their second appearance in the world famous event. As they had eight years previously, both bands marched and played for two hours over a route of more than 2 miles. The bands drew enthusiastic applause from the 1 million people who lined the route and received the President’s Award for their performance. And again, the bands benefited from generous support from alumni and friends. In fact, of the $96,000 that the trip cost, $76,000 of it came from the VMI family.

The fundraising effort that led to this superb support was conducted through the VMI Foundation’s Annual and Reunion Office. According to John J. Wranek III ’85, vice president for annual and reunion giving, the initial mailing was sent in late October to various alumni and supporters of the bands, including alumni who were members of the regimental band during their cadetship.

“The response to the appeal was immediate and generous,” said Wranek. “Within a few days of sending this appeal, we began to receive gifts.” Furthermore, some alumni who knew that the band would need private support to make the trip a success also contributed.

“Without receiving an appeal, some alumni came forward with donations,” Wranek explained. In the end, within approximately two months, 289 alumni and friends supported this effort.

Colonel John Brodie (Hon.), VMI’s music director, described the response of the VMI family as “extraordinary,” stating, “To raise $76,000 in two months on the basis of one mailing is exceptional. I don’t know if any college has supporters who would be as responsive as our alumni and friends are ... frankly, I was overwhelmed.

“I want all those who donated to know how much everyone who made the trip appreciated your timely and generous support – especially our cadet-musicians.

They performed superbly and represented the Institute in excellent fashion. I am sure they will remember this experience for the rest of their lives. So, thank you.”

This support of the band’s appearance by alumni and friends at the Rose Parade reflects the consistent generosity of the broader VMI family and its effect on the Institute. Alumni and friends readily come to the Institute’s support just as eagerly as those who responded to this appeal. And, just as these donations made the bands participation in the parade possible, private support makes it possible for VMI to offer an extraordinary education to every cadet.

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VMI Foundation, Inc.

Marjorie S. Davis: “To Learn More About Themselves and the World” would better his understanding of himself and the world around him. He spent a month in Taiwan and two months in Mongolia. After graduation, he spent seven weeks travelling – first to Oxford, England, and then on to Egypt and eastern Africa. He wrote in his travel blog, “I was grounded, yet I’d been leaning always towards something I hadn’t experienced before.

And in losing my balance sometimes, I learned many things. About the world. About myself.”

Recognizing the profound impact that Ericsson’s time abroad had on him, Davis directed that the endowment support cadets participating in the VMI’s Office of International Programs’ Summer Study Abroad program, with the first preference to those studying Arabic or Chinese.

“I made this gift to honor Ericsson and to celebrate his life and accomplishments,” she said, “and to provide cadets opportunities to learn more about themselves and the world through language and cultural immersion. I also wanted to give back to VMI, which provided Ericsson a physically, academically and mentally challenging environment in which he excelled. He learned what he was made of and what he could achieve, and the change over four years was profound. Graduating at the age of 20, summa cum laude with Institute honors, he served his country and led an incredibly active and productive life. A mother could not be more proud.”

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Marjorie S. Davis, left, with her son, Ericsson W.K. Davis ’10, at Ring Figure.

Cadets’ parents witness the transformative power that just four years at VMI has on their children. This makes them among the Institute’s most loyal supporters. Some are so impressed by VMI’s influence that they are compelled to donate to the Institute, ensuring that future cadets have similar experiences.

In late 2015, retired U.S. Air Force Col. Marjorie S. Davis established the Captain Ericsson W.K. Davis Class of 2010 Memorial Endowment in honor of her son, U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Ericsson Davis ’10, who tragically died in an aviation accident in 2014. As a cadet, Ericsson was a member of the rifle team and served as an S-2 lieutenant. Upon graduating from VMI, he commissioned into the Marine Corps. Academically, he followed a somewhat unorthodox path, majoring in civil and environmental engineering and minoring in Arabic.

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Describing his study of Arabic as a “minor” somewhat belies his commitment to it. In the summer of 2007, Ericsson participated in the VMI summer study abroad program in Fez, Morocco, and received a Department of Defense grant. The grant enabled him to continue his Arabic studies by interning at an engineering firm in Cairo, Egypt, the next summer.

At the time of his death, Ericsson was an aviator and adjutant of a squadron that flies the MV-22 Osprey. He was also refreshing his Arabic language skills in the expectation that during his unit’s deployment, they would be applicable for their understanding of Arabic culture.

His mother highlighted Ericsson’s love of travel. He believed that immersing himself in different cultures and taking on new challenges

Davis, right, administered the commissioning oath to her son.

VMI Alumni Review

The Keydet Club Keydet Club Honors its Most Generous Benefactors

On Jan. 22, 2016, before major snowstorm Jonas canceled all of the weekend’s activities in Lexington and around Virginia, the Keydet Club and VMI planned to dedicate a new addition to the Keydet Club Wall of Honor in Cameron Hall which recognizes The Spirit of VMI Award winners, The Three-Legged Stool recipients and the past presidents of The Keydet Club. Visitors to Cameron Hall will notice the addition of new bronze plaques next to the existing Wall of Honor recognizing those (with permission) who have so generously supported the Keydet Club and VMI athletics.

Increasing the athletic endowment in the

Keydet Club has been one of the highest priorities for An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI. It is energizing to see so many alumni supporting both the annual and endowment fundraising efforts for athletics. This will have positive, long-term implications on athletic funding in the years ahead.

Before the launch of the campaign, only five individuals in the history of VMI had given gifts in excess of $1 million. Nowhere on post are donors in support of athletics of this level specifically recognized. In addition to the number of new $1 million-plus donors

over the past few years, there are a number of people who will soon be eligible to allow the Keydet Club to recognize them and further promote support for our cadet-athletes in this way.

“As of January 2016, over $50 million has been gifted and committed in support of VMI athletics, and meaningfully $31 million has been in current cash gifts for annual and endowment support. These 11 VMI men have played a significant and major role in the Keydet Club’s continued ability to support the Institute’s intercollegiate athletic program, and for that, the Keydet Club will be eternally grateful,” noted Greg Cavallaro ’84, Keydet Club chief executive officer.

The honorees are presented in the order in which their total given in support of athletics exceeded $1 million and the header accompanying the bronze plaques reads:

In Appreciation for Benevolence Exceeding $1 million in Support of VMI Athletics Elmon T. Gray Class of 1946

Donald B. Heslep Class of 1956

P. Wesley Foster Jr. Class of 1956

Albert Edward Fiorini Class of 1964

G. Gilmer Minor III Class of 1963

Kenneth F. Johnson Class of 1962

Bruce C. Gottwald Sr. Class of 1954

William A. Paulette Class of 1969

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William Thomas Hupp Class of 1977 Stephen E. Hupp Sr. Class of 1984 Garland Gray II Class of 1973

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The Keydet Club

Keydet Club Board of Governors Achieves 100 Percent Participation in The Campaign for VMI At the close of Fiscal Year 2015, all members of the Keydet Club Board of Governors had made gifts and pledges in support of An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI. Their collective support totals over $10 million of the now $50 million realized so far in support of athletics in the campaign.

This level of engagement speaks volumes to the passion and commitment members of the Keydet Club and the Keydet Club Board have for VMI athletics, coaches and especially the outstanding cadet-athletes who are the direct beneficiary of the Keydet Club’s efforts.

Wachenheim Set to Highlight Keydet Club’s Annual Leadership Outing The Keydet Club will host its Annual Leadership Outing June 3, 2016. The outing is the Keydet Club’s way of saying thank you to all of its generous annual leadership members. The day includes the following special events: Lunch: Provided for all participants at the Lexington Golf & Country Club.

Golf: The golf outing begins with a shotgun start at 11 a.m. Friday at the LG&CC. On-course complimentary beverages are provided.

Tennis: Play takes place at the Washington and Lee Duchossois Tennis Center (indoor) or the LG&CC tennis courts (location dependent on weather).

Sporting Clays: A fun time shooting clays with Coach Doug Bartlett at Lexington’s Quail Ridge.

Dinner and Cocktails: Enjoy one of the best meals and events of the year at VMI’s Moody Hall with fellow leadership members, VMI coaches and cadet-athletes. Scott Wachenheim, VMI head football coach, will share recruiting news, his expectations for the 2016 season and all of the excitement surrounding VMI football.

If you are not yet a leadership member in the Keydet Club, it simply takes a leadership gift between now and June 3, 2016, to join. Leadership membership levels are listed in the column to the right (a special 25 percent discount is given for first time members moving up in their level of support).

From left: Ed Johnson ’79, Cal Murray ’83, Ed Kluckowski ’83 and Paige Williams.

Keydet Club Leadership Membership Levels $1,000 Big Red ($750 for first-year members)* $1,875 Letterman ($1,400 for first-year members) $3,000 Flying Squadron ($2,250 for first-year members) $5,000 Spirit ($3,750 for first-year members) $7,000 Sportsmen ($5,250 for first-year members) $12,000 Scholarship ($9,000 for first-year members) $18,000 In-State Full Scholarship ($13,500 for first-year members) $36,000 Out-of-State Full Scholarship ($27,000 for first-year members) *For young alumni (classes that graduated 15 years ago or less), the annual gift amount is $500 ($375 for first-time members).

From left: Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent; Bobby Ross ’59; Bill Davidson ’55; and Brian Ross ’99.

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If you would like to bring a spouse/guest to the outing and/or dinner, please note that this is a special privilege provided to Flying Squadron and above members. Go to www.vmi.edu/keydetclub to make your gift, or call the Keydet Club at 800-444-1839.

VMI Alumni Review

The Keydet Club

The Elmon T. Gray ’46 Athletic Scholarship Established Garland Gray II ’73, in conjunction with his son, Garland Gray III ’10, has established The Elmon T. Gray ’46 Athletic Scholarship to honor his late father, Sen. Elmon T. Gray ’46. The scholarship will provide grant-in-aid to a cadet-athlete on the VMI football, baseball, track and field, or wrestling team with preference given to those who matriculate from Virginia – speGray ’46 cifically Southside, Virginia.

Elmon Gray matriculated at VMI in 1942 from Waverly, Virginia. He left VMI in 1944 to serve with the U.S. Navy. After being discharged as an ensign in 1946, he returned to VMI to complete his degree, which he received in 1947. During his cadetship, he participated in the Monogram Club and was a member of the baseball team.

After VMI, he joined his family’s business, Gray Lumber Company, based in Waverly. Originally centered on timber and lumber, it expanded into a diversified real estate holding company, becoming GrayCo in 1992.

Gray served as the corporation’s president for many years and was its chairman at the time of his death. He also served on numerous boards, including Virginia Electric and Power Company, First and Merchants National Bank, James River Bankshares Ltd. and Universal Corp.

In 1972, Gray became a member of the Senate of Virginia, filling the same seat his father had held. During two decades of senatorial

service, he was a member of many key committees and was widely respected by colleagues of both parties. In March 2009, VMI recognized his service to the Commonwealth by presenting him with the Harry F. Byrd Jr. ’35 Public Service Award.

In 1980, the VMI Board of Visitors awarded him the Institute’s highest honor, the New Market Medal. He was presented with the VMI Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award in 1977 and the VMI Keydet Club’s Spirit of VMI Award in 1991. In 2007, the Institute further honored him by naming its renovated baseball field Gray-Minor Stadium. In October 2007, he was also recognized for his dedication to VMI and his achievements in academics, leadership and athletics when he was presented with the Keydet Club’s Three-Legged Stool Award.

“Senator Elmon Gray ’46 was, without question, one of VMI’s greatest leaders. He helped to advance the Institute in countless important ways for a long number of years. Much of what he accomplished and assured has had a profound impact on funding for VMI athletics at the Division I level,” noted Bill Paulette ’69, Keydet Club Board president. Greg Cavallaro ’84, Keydet Club chief executive officer, added, “It is meaningful to see Senator Gray’s son, G.G., and grandson, Garland, further impact the Keydet Club’s support for VMI athletics through the creation of this major athletic scholarship endowment to honor and perpetuate the memory of Senator Elmon Gray ’46.”

Jeanette P. Alligood Athletic Scholarship Established The Keydet Club is pleased to recognize one of its newest scholarships to be established: The Jeanette P. Alligood Athletic Scholarship. The scholarship was established in 2016 through the generosity of Charles H. “Bud” Alligood ’61.

Alligood matriculated at VMI from Hampton, Virginia, and majored in history. As a cadet, he attained the rank of sergeant and participated in the VMI Band and Glee Club.

Alligood served in the U.S. Army for two years, attaining the rank of captain. His professional career was spent with Burlington Industries.

Alligood met his wife Jeanette Patton in June 1959. She was his 1959 Ring Figure date, at which time they became engaged.

Shortly after graduation, they were married. Before Jeanette’s death in December 2008, they had been married for 47 years.

He named this scholarship in her honor and to perpetuate her memory, their love and their collective support of VMI. Alligood has been an avid supporter of VMI athletics, a generous member of the VMI Keydet Club and is interested in helping future generations of VMI cadets attend the Institute.

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Jeannette and Bud Alligood ’61.

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The Keydet Club

William H. Blair Jr. ’64 Basketball Scholarship Established The Keydet Club is pleased to announce the the first Keydet to ever be named First Team establishment of the William H. Blair Jr. ’64 All-Conference (Southern Conference) in 1964.

Basketball Scholarship. The scholarship was He was also named to the All-Tournament Team in the Southern Conference Tournament in 1964. established through the generosity of Blair’s wife, Kathie; daughters, Kristie Galic and Candace Blair led the 1964 team to the Southern ConferBlair; and brother, Paul S. Blair ’75. The scholar- ence Championship before losing to Princeton University in the NCAA Regionals. ship will be awarded annually to a member of the VMI basketball team who best exemplifies the spirit, determination and a commitment of excellence – characteristics of the members of the 1975-76 championship team – with preference given to an athlete from Kentucky.

Blair matriculated from Whitesburg, Kentucky, after attending Randolph Macon Academy. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. As a cadet, Blair played a year of rat basketball and lettered on the varsity team all three years. He was the starting forward for those three years while serving as co-captain of the team his 1st Class year. He led the Keydets in scoring during The 1975-76 VMI basketball team. his 2nd Class (19.9 points) and 1st Blair was named head coach at VMI in 1972. In Class years (18.0 points per game). Blair scored 1,023 points in his career, and he is No. 9 in 1974, he was named to the VMI Sports Hall of career scoring average at VMI with 17.3 points Fame. During the 1975-76 season, Blair led the Keydets to the most memorable season in VMI per game. Blair was named Second Team AllSouthern Conference in 1963, and he became basketball history. His team won the first-ever

regular season conference title before capturing VMI’s second Southern Conference Championship. VMI beat No. 9 University of Tennessee in the first game of the NCAA Tournament before beating No. 17 DePaul University in the second round to reach the Elite Eight. With only one win away from reaching the Final Four, Blair’s Keydets fell to third-ranked and undefeated Rutgers University. Blair would leave VMI to become head coach at the University of Colorado for five seasons before embarking on a dozen years of being an NBA coach, including head coaching stints with the New Jersey Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves.

“Coach Bill Blair’s accomplishments while a cadetathlete and coach at VMI are truly amazing and give VMI basketball a legacy of excellence,” remarked Greg Cavallaro ’84, Keydet Club chief executive officer, who was instrumental in working with the Blair family in funding the scholarship. He added, “It is fitting to honor Coach Blair and to celebrate all he accomplished at VMI and in his distinguished coaching career.”

Brian J. Swiencinski ’88 Baseball Scholarship Established The Keydet Club is pleased to recognize one of its newest scholarships, the Brian J. Swiencinski ’88 Baseball Scholarship. The scholarship was established through the generosity of Brian J. Swiencinski ’88.

Swiencinski matriculated from Fairfax Station, Virginia. He was a member of the VMI baseball team from 1985-88. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from VMI. Swiencinski truly enjoyed the friendships he made while at the Institute, and he is very grateful to his baseball coach, Paul Maini ’66, for providing him with guidance

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and friendship throughout his cadetship.

Upon graduation, Swiencinski started his career in pharmaceutical sales with Boehringer Ingelheim. Harvey Sadow ’44, Ph.D, was president of the company, giving Swiencinski his first opportunity in the health care community. Swiencinski spent 25 years with various medical device companies, including Medtronic and Baxter Healthcare, before starting his own pharmacy business. He is now the owner of five independent pharmacies with sales, known as Worth Medical.

Swiencinski currently resides in Dallas,

Texas, while also having a home in Newport Beach, California, with his wife, Nidia, and daughter, Stefan. He plays golf regularly and is involved with various charities, including Repay and the Olga Sinclair Foundation.

Swiencinski now serves on the Keydet Club Board of Governors.

“I have enjoyed getting to know Brian and being a part of his engagement with the Keydet Club, and I really appreciate his generosity and interest in advancing VMI’s baseball program,” remarked Andrew Deal ’12, Keydet Club assistant vice president.

VMI Alumni Review