2016-Issue 3 Alumni Review

VMI

ALUMNI REVIEW 2016-Issue 3

Contents

Virginia Military Institute Alumni Review 2016-Issue 3

In This Issue . . .

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

Features 6

In Memory: Frank G. Louthan Jr. ’41

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In Memory: Gerald F. Eggleston ’51

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Sikorsky Takes Flight with Schultz ’75 as New President

10 Commissioning and Commencement 12 Corps Life

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13 Chaplain’s Office 14 Campaign Message from Donald Wilkinson ’61 15 First Spring Reunion: April 18-19 21 Second Spring Reunion: April 22-23

News and Updates

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Our Alumni Serving

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Association/Chapter News

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Class Notes

160 Births, Marriages, Degrees 161 Provisional Appointments 163 Taps

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170 Alumni News

Departments 2

President’s Letter

168 Association Directory 177 The Institute 181 Keydet Athletics 185 The Foundation 187 The Keydet Club 2016-Issue 3

Volume 93, No. 2

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: John Gialanella ’36 saluted the flag at a parade during his 60th Reunion April 18, 2016. Photo by Elaine Wood.

Inside Back Cover: Photos from New Market Day 2016. Wreath photo by Micalyn Miller. Corps marching photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

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A Message From the President Dear Fellow Alumni, VMI is, more than anything, an idea that this nation needed in 1839 – and still needs today – educated and honorable young men and women to become citizen-soldiers. Before there was a class system, a Rat Line, the honor system, or New Market, VMI was simply an idea.

On April 19, 2016, World War II veteran John Gialanella ’36 led the Corps of Cadets in an Old Yell for his class on the occasion of his 80th Reunion from the summit of the sentinel box. For one shining moment, there was one Corps spanning nine decades. You may have seen the video, but you cannot appreciate the deafening roar in the Old Barracks courtyard or catch a glimpse of the many teary eyes. This tradition is uniquely VMI, and it never grows old. That idea, spawned in 1839, is still relevant, and we are part of a truly special school.

Louthan ’82

A few days later, the Class of 1966 presented the Institute with a transformative gift of more than $40 million from their reunion campaign efforts. On May 15, 2016, we remembered the Battle of New Market on its 152nd anniversary, and the following day, more than 300 cadets graduated. Approximately 54 percent of the Class of 2016 have already commissioned in the armed services or will commission by the end of summer 2016. Within this issue, you will see coverage of the spring reunions, the New Market Day parade, commissioning and graduation.

This Review also profiles two outstanding alumni who are no longer with us. Since the last issue, Gerald F. Eggleston ’51 and my father, Frank G. Louthan Jr. ’41, have died. Eggleston, former executive vice president of the VMI Alumni Association, was an active member of the Lexington community and continued to serve the Institute after his retirement in many capacities. My father considered it both a great privilege and a responsibility to serve VMI on the Board of Visitors and through the VMI Foundation. Both of these men are remembered in the In Memory section of this issue.

Some other items of notable interest in this Review include: • An in-depth profile of Dan Schultz ’75 and his new position as president of Sikorsky, the company responsible for creating our military’s helicopters.

• Articles exploring Corps life and the importance of the Chaplain’s Office, as well as the creation of the Dominion Citizen-Soldier Scholarship at VMI. • Upcoming events sponsored by the Center for Leadership and Ethics, as well as coverage of the ethics team’s participation in the third annual Military Ethics Case Competition at the U.S. Naval Academy.

• Highlights from the Athletics section include the 2016 football schedule and recaps from spring sports.

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

I close with a word of thanks to Turner Perrow ’96, and his wife, Holly. Turner has been a great mentor to me these past four years preparing me to serve as president of the Association, and he will continue to serve in significant ways as immediate past president. His guidance and leadership in setting the new strategic direction for the Alumni Agencies will be felt for years to come. Many thanks to Turner, and to Holly for serving as a gracious first lady.

In the spirit,

Robert P. Louthan ’82, President The VMI Alumni Association, Inc.

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Vmi Alumni Review

Major Alicia Williams ’03 shooting with Staff Sgt. Chris Richman ’04. Williams is a surgeon assigned to the Special Operations Task Force in Afghanistan. Richman is part of the SFODA working with the Task Force to ensure their weapons are zeroed. The Mk12 rifle is Richman’s, and the target was 1,000 meters away.

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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Left: Matt Graham ’10 and U.S. Navy Reserve Lt. Dustin Schultz ’07 onboard the USS Kearsarge in an undisclosed location in the Middle East.

Right: At the Airpower of Hampton Roads Air Show, Joint-Base Langley Eustis, April 2016 were, from left, John Alerding ’80; U.S. Air Force Lt. Johnny Alerding ’12, safety officer for the F-22 demonstration; an F-22 “Raptor” pilot in the 94th Fighter Squadron; retired U.S. Air Force Col. Steve Amato ’83, former professor of aerospace science at VMI; and Steve’s granddaughter, Riley Amato.

Members of Task Force Normandy, 3-116th IN, Virginia Army National Guard, deployed to Qatar in support of Operation Spartan Shield were, from left, Capt. Mathew Wright ’10, Spc. Michael Gilley ’13, Capt. Peter Brookes ’08, Sgt. Joel Hutchens ’12, 1st Lt. Alex Symons ’11, Cpl. George Mrofchak ’14, Spc. Richard Sharp ’12, Cpl. Arthur Morrill ’12 and Capt. Brandon Price ’07. Wright, Brookes and Price were all commanders together for the three line companies deployed with the Task Force.

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Col. Lapthe Flora ’87 Promoted to Brigadier General

United States Army Col. Lapthe C. Flora ’87 was promoted to brigadier general at the National D-Day Memorial June 6, 2016, in Bedford, Virginia.

Flora, a native of Saigon, is the first Vietnamese boat person to be promoted to general officer in the U.S. Army and the second of Vietnamese descent.

He most recently served as the commander of the Virginia National Guard Bowling Green-based 91st Troop Command and will serve as the assistant adjutant general for Strategic Initiatives.

Flora’s wife, Thuy, and daughter, Christine, pinned on Flora’s new rank, and Maj. Gen. Timothy P. Williams, the adjutant general of Virginia, administered the oath of office.

“I am keenly aware of the historical significance of today’s ceremony and am deeply grateful for the honor and recognition, but today’s event should serve as an affirmation of faith in the American Dream,” Flora said. “The possibility in this great nation is boundless; the American Dream is real, only if you dare to pursue it with laser-focused hard work and perseverance.”

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Photos by Micalyn Miller and Alfred Puryear.

Above: Brig. Gen. Lapthe Flora ’87 addressed the crowd.

Below: Flora’s wife, Thuy, left, and daughter, Christine, right, pinned on Flora’s new rank.

Right: Many VMI alumni were present at the ceremony.

At VMI, Flora earned his Bachelor of Science degree and commissioned in the U.S. Army Reserve in 1987. He later transferred to the Virginia Army National Guard, where he served in every staff position within 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, including commander of the battalion.

Additionally, Flora served as the 116th IBCT executive officer, 29th Infantry Division’s director of operations and as the Joint Force Headquarters – Virginia director of strategic plans and policy. He has successfully completed three overseas deployments to Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan.

Flora’s adopted father was an officer in the 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division who landed on Normandy 72 years ago, and part of the reason he chose to have his promotion in Bedford was to honor his father’s military service.

In his civilian capacity, Flora is the senior applications engineer with Night Vision business of Harris Corporation in Roanoke and holds six patent awards related to the AN/PVS-14 and AN/AVS-9 night vision goggles.

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In Memory: Frank G. Louthan Jr. ’41

by Scott Belliveau ’83, Director of Communications, VMI Foundation Frank G. Louthan Jr. ’41, former president of the president of Everett Waddey Company. He later him with its Distinguished Service Award. In 2012, the Institute bestowed its highest honor, the became president of Richmond Engineering VMI Board of Visitors and former president of the New Market Medal, on Louthan in a ceremony VMI Foundation, died April 12, 2016. He was 95. Company, from which he retired in 1986. He was on New Market Day. It was the 50th anniversary also a founding partner of Wintergreen Resort.

A life-long resident of Richmond, Virginia, Louthan was an exemplar of the active citizen. of the first presentation of this honor, and LouLouthan matriculated to VMI in 1937. As a cadet, he was a member of the track team, then He was a longtime member of Kiwanis Interna- than is one of only 14 recipients of the medal. tional, rising to become governor of the Capital In 2012, then-BOV President Paul D. Fraim ’71 coached by the legendary H.M. “Son” Read described Louthan as “a true VMI icon” and said ’916, and ran the 440-yard dash. He was a cadet District, which encompasses Virginia, Maryland, corporal and cadet sergeant, and during his 1st the District of Columbia and Delaware. He also he “clearly exemplifies the qualities set forth ...

Class year, he served as a cadet lieutenant in served as a board member of the Richmond in 1962, those of leadership, determination, and Company E. He participated in many other Community Foundation, the Port of Virginia, loyalty which were displayed by the Corps of activities, including the Hop Committee, the the Richmond Port Authority and the Virginia Cadets at the Battle of New Market.”

The Institute’s current leaders praised Louthan Veterans Services Foundation. He also was an Glee Club, the Second Class Finance Committee for his dedicated service to VMI. General J.H. elder in Richmond’s First Presbyterian Church. and the Monogram Club, and he was the busiHis service to the Institute was extensive. He Binford Peay III ’62, the Institute’s superintenness manager for The Bomb. A civil engineering dent said, “He was a strong leader, steadfast served as a member of the VMI Board of Visimajor, he received the First Jackson-Hope Medal tors from 1972-80, and was the president of the in his actions, passionate for the Institute, and for the highest academic achievement in his class whose leadership was felt in so many areas over BOV from 1977-80. From 1977-91, he served as upon graduation. a trustee of the VMI Foundation and was the so many years.” George P. “Pete” Ramsey III Like millions of other young Americans at the time, Louthan was called into service after organization’s president from 1987-91. He was ’72, BOV president, described him as “a practical graduation, becoming a field artillery officer one of the leaders of the Institute’s first compre- leader who led through thought and reason. He in the U.S. Army. His unit was assigned to the hensive fundraising effort, The VMI Campaign, set an example that all presidents of the Board Third Army under Gen. George Patton ’907 which ran from 1977-90 and raised more than of Visitors since have been trying to emulate.”

“Frank Louthan simply loved VMI to the very $150 million in gifts and commitments. and landed in France in late June 1944. He core of his being,” recalled Hugh M. Fain III ’80, In 1992, in recognition of his service to the Instisaw action in Operation Cobra, the Falaise Gap action and the crossing of the Seine. After tute and his energetic and visionary leadership in VMI Foundation president. “I don’t think a day Operation Dragoon-Anvil, the Allied landings support of VMI, the VMI Foundation presented passed without him thinking about the Institute and how he could support it.” in Southern France, his unit was His son, Robert P. Louthan ’82, reassigned to the Seventh Army who became president of the VMI and participated in its campaigns Alumni Association in July 2016, through V-E Day. In April 1945, said of Louthan, “There wasn’t a during the Seventh Army’s drive conversation, there wasn’t a dinner on Munich, Louthan witnessed we had in which the subject of VMI the liberation of the concentradid not come up. We often joked that tion camp at Dachau. An earlier our father had a mistress. She lived in obituary stated that this event had Lexington, and her name was VMI.” “a dramatic impact on his life; Louthan is survived by his wife, recognizing the evil to which we Marilyn Reaves Louthan; five are capable and knowing the need children, Frank G. Louthan III for human understanding.” At the ’66, Lynn Hill Slabaugh (who end of the war in Europe, Loutwas previously married to the late han’s unit was in Austria, and he B. Richard Hill ’68), R. Reaves had obtained the grade of major.

Louthan, Charles M. Louthan After the war, Louthan served in ’75 and Robert P. Louthan ’82; 12 the Army Reserve until 1958 and grandchildren, including Frank left service as a lieutenant colonel.

G. Louthan IV ’91, Michael R. Louthan returned to Richmond Louthan ’10, Christopher Blake after the war and embarked on Louthan ’14 and Mason A. Loua successful business career. He worked for a number of compa- Reviewing the Corps during the New Market Day parade after Frank than ’18; 10 great-grandchildren; nies, including Concrete Pipe & Louthan ’41 received the New Market Medal May 15, 2012, were, from and numerous nieces and nephews.

Products, which was founded left, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent; Frank G. Louthan III Memorial donations may be made and led by his Brother Rat Stan ’66; Louthan; Robert P. Louthan ’82; and Col. Thomas H. Trumps ’79, to the B. Richard Hill ’68 Track then-commandant. VMI photo by Kevin Remington.

Scholarship at VMI. Navas, until 1961 when he became

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In Memory: Gerald F. Eggleston ’51

by Scott Belliveau ’83, Director of Communications, VMI Foundation

Eggleston ’51 on an educational tour for alumni and guests in France in May 1984, just before the 40th anniversary of D-Day. While visiting Fort Driant during the trip, a French officer gave Eggleston a beret and taught him to salute.

On Feb. 8, 2016, Gerald F. “Jerry” Eggleston ’51, former executive vice president of the VMI Alumni Association, died at the age of 90. Born in Antwerp, New York, in 1925, Eggleston graduated from Watertown High School in January 1944 and enlisted in the Marine Corps. He served until his discharge in 1946 and saw action in two major engagements.

A resident of Watertown, Henry A. Wise ’927 encouraged Eggleston to apply to VMI, and the young Eggleston matriculated in 1947. As a cadet, he was a standout athlete, playing football and wrestling for four years.

As the captain of the wrestling team in 1951, Eggleston led a squad that posted a conference record of 6-1 and an overall record of 8-2 and won the Southern Conference championship.

He also played on the intercollegiate lacrosse

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team that VMI fielded for one year in 1950.

After graduating as a history major with a minor in English, Eggleston returned to Watertown and entered the construction industry. In the months of January, February and March, he served as the part-time clerk of a committee in the New York state Senate, of which Wise was the chairman. In 1955, he joined the E.I. DuPont de Nemours Company, and for 10 years, he worked in sales in various departments.

In 1965, he embarked on the career path that would eventually bring him back to VMI when he became the director of alumnae relations for Penn Hall Junior College and Preparatory School in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. In 1970, he became the director of development for Boys Home in Covington and assumed responsibility for its public relations and publicity.

In 1973, Eggleston became the alumni secretary of the VMI Alumni Association. During his 14 years of service, he created the New Cadet Recruiting Program, and in 1976, he developed the S-5 Visitation Weekends for prospective cadets (now known as Open House weekends).

He helped establish new chapters for the Alumni Association and revived several defunct ones.

He edited the Register of Former Cadets and organized educational travel programs for alumni, and in 1979, he was named the executive vice president of the Alumni Association.

In 1984, Eggleston planned an educational tour of World War II battlefields, including Omaha and Utah Beaches and Metz, just before the 40th remembrance of D-Day. Partnering with Security Travel Company, he gathered a group of 50 to visit and recount the events which occured at those sites. Eggleston retired from the Alumni Association in October 1987 and served as a consultant until 1989.

“Jerry is an inspiration to everyone who has served our alumni,” said Adam Volant ’88, current executive vice president and chief operating officer of the VMI Alumni Association. “He was devoted to constantly improving how the association serves the alumni and the Institute. So much of what we do today was developed under his leadership, and we are grateful for it.”

Eggleston kept serving VMI in his retirement and was instrumental in the establishment of the Eugenio Lopez ’51 Visiting Chair for Asian Studies, which brings a scholar from East Asia to VMI for one semester.

A citizen-solder in the best VMI tradition, he was an infantry officer in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1951-63 and left service in the grade of captain. Eggleston served as chairman of the Electoral Board of the City of Lexington for nine years. He also was a member of the Rockbridge Volunteers Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and secretary of the Virginia Society of the SAR. Eggleston is survived by his children, Nancy Eggleston Brand, Cynthia Eggleston Robertson and Gerald S. Eggleston ’76, as well as three grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. His wife, the former Anna L. Hileman of Lexington, predeceased him.

Memorial donations in honor of Jerry should be made to the VMI Keydet Club.

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Sikorsky Takes Flight with Schultz ’75 as New President

by Elaine Wood, Editorial Assistant For VMI alumni who commission after graduation and pursue a career in flight – whether for the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy or Marines – the name synonymous with flight is Sikorsky. Headquartered in Stratford, Connecticut, the Sikorsky plant creates our military’s helicopters that, as Dan Schultz ’75 emphasized, “Bring home people everywhere, every time.” The importance of this statement is all too relevant to Schultz, who served as a Marine Corps pilot of the CH-53E Super Stallion. After joining the civilian workforce with Lockheed Martin in 2006, a decade of hard

Schultz ’75 during flight school.

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work and determination saw Schultz earning the role of president of Sikorsky, after its recent acquisition by Lockheed Martin in 2015.

This full-circle story excites Schultz greatly, as he is an avid fan and supporter of the technology and innovation that Sikorsky promises and consistently delivers to its clients. “I was part of the acquisition team that helped buy Sikorsky,” stated Schultz, “and we were very excited, because [Lockheed Martin] didn’t have a helicopter company. As part of an airplane company that builds joint fighter and space systems ... [Sikorsky] was a really good fit inside the company.” But even though he played a role in gaining the helicopter company that he was already personally connected to, he was still humbled at being elected its president.

In this significant role, with so much added responsibility, it is clear that Lockheed Martin made the correct choice in asking Schultz to take charge. He showed overwhelming passion for the brand, as he explained, “One of the things about Sikorsky that is really neat and fun for me, being a helicopter pilot, is that we have one of the Marine Corps’ largest programs in all the Department of Defense: The CH-53K, which is going to be the world’s largest heavy-lift helicopter.” This new technology adheres to the company’s innovative instincts, because Sikorsky believes fully in better-equipping and preparing our service men and women. Schultz elaborated, “Our number one priority that we always think

about every day at Sikorsky is how to develop systems that are safe and reliable for our war fighters. How do we develop the systems that are going to take them all over the world and defeat the enemies of the United States and bring our soldiers, sailors and Marines back?

That’s what we think about every day.”

Sikorsky’s helicopters are impressive in their production, having been perfected for each and every pilot who enters into their cockpits.

Schultz was quick to point out that in aircraft manufacturing in the past, the aircraft was built, and once complete, a pilot would fly in it to check out the progress. This would seem like an adequate process, but Schultz highlighted how Sikorsky’s approach excels the manufacturing process. “The dynamic components that we build are built in our labs.

We use systems engineering integration labs, and what these labs have is full-on cockpits, all of the dynamic components, all the hardware ... every piece and component is inside this building. When we set up a new helicopter, we test it for hundreds and hundreds of hours before we ever put a pilot into it,” Schultz discussed. He continued to testify that, “It’s not just making sure the hydraulics work or the oil works, we put the helicopter together and we run it before we ever fly it, and I think that makes a much safer development of new technology.”

The company is also innovatively approaching one of the most significant parts of a helicopter: the blades. “You may or may not

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Photo opposite page: Schultz speaks with the commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert B. Neller.

know this,” elaborated Schultz, “but when a [helicopter] blade is moving forward in flight, it starts to approach supersonic speed. A lot of people don’t realize that the tip of a helicopter blade can actually break the sound barrier.”

Studying how this affects a helicopter, Schultz described that Sikorsky is trying to experiment with how a blade moves the air around it.

“We’ve been experimenting and working with how to sweep the tip of the blade back and curve it down. This creates a dihedral, and what happens is if that is done, the blade can go faster, but without reaching supersonic.”

Schultz expanded on the importance for this technology and stated, “You don’t want the blade tip to go supersonic because it will send a shock wave down the rotor head. So, this technology will enable our helicopters to be more efficient and fly faster.”

Sikorsky’s impact is being felt in the commercial sector, as well. Even though one might think that the military sector would differ from the needs of the commercial sector, Schultz revealed that many of the company’s helicopters are dual use. One particular machine he highlighted for this purpose is the S-92. “It can do search and rescue, help submarine warfare, has a mission systems package and yet, it can fly commercial helicopter operations for oil and gas, fly VIP and is also the presidential helicopter going forward,” stated Schultz. In explaining this helicopter

The CH-53K is the next generation of heavy lift helicopters for the United States Marine Corps. It combines power and versatility to fly a wide variety of missions on land or at sea. more, Schultz mentioned that the S-92 hosts the same blades that are notorious for being equipped on Blackhawks. Being an image of strength and quality recognizable by anyone who has ever been in the war arena, it is easy to see why Schultz emulates a passion for this helicopter that Sikorsky also stakes pride in.

“I’ve flown in Blackhawks, I’ve flown them myself, and it is an incredible helicopter,” Schultz emphasized, “I’ll tell you how committed we are to the Blackhawk – when you drive up to our plant in Stratford, we have one sitting up at the front gate.” He further explained, “We are up to 2,135 Blackhawks in the fleet, and over 4,000 in the world, and I’ll tell you, anybody who has been anywhere in combat will tell you that when they heard the sounds of the Blackhawk, they knew it was a reliable helicopter coming to get them.”

Schultz with an S-76D™, one of Sikorsky’s commercial helicopters, on the front helipad at Sikorsky’s headquarters in Stratford, Connecticut.

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Although Schultz’s role is less hands on at this point in his career, he understands that his current role as president means using his personal experience and relevance to these aircraft alongside other leaders of Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin in order to continuously progress their product. But that doesn’t lessen his personal investment in what Sikorsky pursues in the least. Although previously mentioning numerous helicopters that Sikorsky produces, Schultz doesn’t hesitate when confirming his favorite of them all is the one he began with. He stated, “Well, [the one I’m most invested in has] got to be the CH-53E Super Stallion. When you look at it flying, it’s very powerful. It can in-flight refuel, it can lift heavy lifts, carry 35-55 combat loaded Marines in the back and carry all cargo in the Marine Corps ... it flies at really long ranges in hot weather, cold weather, in the snow or in sand storms. And we’re building the super cousin to it, the CH-53K, and that’s going to take it to the next level. I’m a fan of the 53 series. It’s the workhorse of the Marine Corps.”

When reflecting back on how he got to where he is now, Schultz mentioned VMI’s ability to prepare him for the worst was what played a huge role in his success. “VMI put me in great physical strength, but more importantly than that, it made me mentally tough. There wasn’t anything the Marines could have done that would have been different than what VMI prepared me for,” he joked. “But more importantly, when things got tough later on in life, I think VMI taught me to trust one another as part of a team and in something bigger than you. And I was always able to apply that [in my career].

And for that, I’m always grateful to VMI.”

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Class of 2016 Commissioning and Commencement Ready to continue their pursuit of lives of service and honor, more than 300 members of the Virginia Military Institute Class of 2016 received degrees in a commencement exercise held May 16, 2016, in Cameron Hall.

Of the graduates, approximately 54 percent have already commissioned in the armed services or will do so by the end of the summer. Nearly a quarter of those graduating earned either Institute Honors, which requires completing a cross-disciplinary honors curriculum and writing an honors thesis, or the designation of distinguished graduate, awarded to those with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

In his remarks to the graduates, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, praised the Class of 2016 for its leadership. He noted that, thanks – at least in part – to the class’ careful management of the Rat Line, the rate of attrition among 4th Class cadets in fall 2015 was among the lowest in history.

“Be on parade 24/7, care bone-deep about people and lead from the front,” he said. “People will hold you to a higher standard because you are a VMI graduate,” said Peay.

Also addressing the graduates was valedictorian Zachary Heard ’16, a mechanical engineering major who will commission in the U.S. Army this summer. Heard gave an emotional farewell not only to his brother rats but to the entire VMI community, noting, “The people at VMI make it the phenomenal institution that it is.”

The keynote speaker, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, addressed a graduating class for the second time. Kaine, a former Virginia governor who now has a son serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, said that just as members of Congress confront hard choices on a daily basis, so will VMI’s newest graduates. “You will face tough choices by the dozens, hundreds and thousands,” he said. “Will you rely on your own constitution – the values

and the principles that have been shaped by VMI, by your families and by your mentors?”

The senator urged the graduates to hew to the strict moral compass that VMI has developed within them, saying, “Do not fall victim to the belief that that compass ... can be compromised in a time of crisis.”

During the commencement exercises, three members of the graduating class were recognized with special awards. The First Jackson-Hope Medal for highest attainment in scholarship, along with the Commander Harry Millard Mason Academic Proficiency Award, was awarded to Army 2nd Lt. Joseph LaMagna IV ’16, an Institute Honors graduate who received a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical and computer engineering with a minor in applied mathematics.

The Second Jackson-Hope Medal for second highest attainment in scholarship and the Col. Sterling Murray Heflin 1916 Academic Proficiency Award were awarded to Army 2nd Lt. Matt Tonkinson ’16, also an Institute Honors graduate. Tonkinson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with a minor in national security.

Receiving the Society of the Cincinnati Medal for efficiency of service and excellence of character and the Richard J. Marshall and Sumter L. Lowry awards was John Zippel ’16, who served as a prosecutor on the Honor Court and was involved in numerous community service projects during his cadetship. Zippel received a Bachelor of Science degree in applied math with a minor in business.

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Commencement and commissioning article and photos courtesy VMI Communications & Marketing.

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Corps Life

by Retired U.S. Army Col. William J. Wanovich ’87, Commandant of Cadets

W

hen people think of the commandant of cadets, they probably first think of one thing – discipline – and one place – barracks. Many alumni probably recall the commandant as a distant (if they were fortunate or smart), somewhat enigmatic figure who was best avoided.

Truth to tell, although I held rank as a cadet, I shared that attitude to an extent.

Returning to VMI as the professor of military science in 2010, I soon saw that the commandant’s job was much wider in scope than just running barracks and overseeing the Rat Line.

And while I would not change the traditional title of my position or move my office out of barracks, I think that a more apt job title might be “commandant of cadets and director of Corps life.”

Corps life is a broad term, because it must be. If it involves cadets and takes place outside the context of NCAA athletics, it’s an element of Corps life. It takes in the class system, to include the General Committee; the Officer of Guard Association, Cadet Peer Educators, and elements of the Honor System. VMI’s vaunted and popular music programs, to include the Glee Club, and the Club Sports program, which includes our successful rugby and boxing teams, come under Corps life, as does the the Chaplain’s Office, rat training, new cadet military training, the Cadet Marksmanship Program and the Emergency Medical Technician program.

Plus, there are the dozens of clubs and cadet publications, such as The Bomb and The Cadet.

As you can see, Corps life encompasses a lot, (and the list above is not all-inclusive), and it demands countless hours of work – not only from my immediate staff but also the coaches and advisers charged with helping see that these activities are well and properly run. All of these men and women take their responsibilities very seriously, because they know that these programs are integral to the overall VMI experience; they are what make the Institute “no ordinary college.” They also know that through their participation in these programs, cadets gain confidence in their physical abilities and build in themselves an appreciation for their own potential as well as get vital leadership experience – all of which will stand them in good stead no matter what career they pursue or what activities they engage in after graduation.

The programs that are offered through Corps life are diverse and demanding, but VMI would

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Colonel William J. Wanovich ’87, commandant, in barracks. not be VMI if it were not for those type of demands. Those demands constitute the basic parameters of cadet life, and the Institute’s military system constitutes that which makes VMI incredibly different from the vast majority of other colleges, or to borrow a current phrase, “no ordinary college.”

Sure, it means that cadets’ days are full in a way that the days of their millions of counterparts at other colleges never are. It means that the young men and women of the Corps of Cadets must plan their time carefully and strive to strike a balance between their academics and everything else they must do and want to do. But ask yourself a question: What’s more impressive – someone juggling one ball, or someone juggling several?

It speaks to the character, intellect and endurance of our cadets that they are multi-faceted.

They are smart. They are fit. They are disciplined. They are imbued with an ethos of service. They are resilient. And all these attributes are bound by honor.

Admittedly, when people think of the Commandant’s Office, they think of VMI’s military character. While I certainly am conscious of forming the “soldier” in the term “citizensoldier,” I also am devoted to forming the “citizen” as well. It only makes sense. More than half of our graduates will accept a commission, but most of them will not serve a full career as I did. Historically, about 20 percent of any class will do that, and even those alumni will return in time to pursue one of “the varied walks of civil life.”

Take our EMT program. Right now, approximately 45 cadets take part in it. Their training is rigorous, taking up almost 150 hours and requiring them to return to the Institute during the summer to perform it. These cadets then provide medical support throughout the year on post. They are there for cadre week, the Rat Line, rat training and all other activities from football games to parades. Some actually ride along with local fire and rescue services. An indication of their accomplishment is the fact that, this past spring, the commonwealth of Virginia agreed to certify our EMTs, who often return to their homes to serve rescue and fire departments with no need for additional training. In a sense, this sums up the entire ethos of what we tell every cadet: Serve us now. Serve this community now. And then return to your own community to serve.

As you’d expect, a program as extensive as Corps life is expensive to run. However, thanks to careful management and stewardship of the funds we receive from VMI and to the extensive private support we receive from alumni and friends, we have been able to sustain the program’s excellence and to expand its offerings.

The donors who make gifts to these programs are not just providing cadets with a healthy outlet for their energies. They also are improving the ability of the Institute to provide its cadets with the experiences that make them into that extraordinary breed known as VMI alumni: Men and women who will make their marks in their chosen careers and who take it as their special responsibility to serve and to lead.

Vmi Alumni Review

Chaplain’s Office

by Scott Belliveau, Director of Communications, VMI Foundation

Colonel James S. Park served for more than two decades as chaplain to the Corps of Cadets.

One of the components of cadet life is the Chaplain’s Office, which was headed

by Col. James S. Park, the John M. Camp 1905 Chaplain to the Corps of Cadets, from 1994-2016. Over the summer, Park was succeeded by Chaplain Col. Bob Phillips ’87, retired U.S. Army.

As you’d probably expect, this office is responsible for providing cadets of all religious backgrounds with the opportunities to nurture a genuine, personal and meaningful faith, as well as attending to their spiritual needs. In this guise, the Institute chaplain serves as the liaison between local churches and VMI and helps guide the many cadet religious organizations. Each Sunday throughout the year, the chaplain conducts a non-denominational worship service in Jackson Memorial Hall.

Yet, there is more to the work of the “Chap.” The chaplain and the associate chaplain, Maj. John P. Casper ’04, are often the first people cadets turn to when they experience personal crisis, the deaths of loved ones and any number of other significant life events. Also, they often help cadets arrange

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transportation for doctors’ appointments and emergency furloughs.

Since fall 2006, the Chaplain’s Office has supervised the Character Counts program, which is planned and executed by cadets under the leadership of the chaplain. Throughout the academic year, cadets act as mentors and instructors to middle school students in the Lexington area, advocating strongly ethical living and teaching universal values that help build sound character.

The Chaplain’s Office also provides instruction in leadership ethics to the cadets who have been selected to serve in leadership positions. Each year, approximately 150 of them receive this instruction, which is focused on building relationships with subordinates, leading by example, being people of integrity, and other topics related to leadership and providing role models of character.

Cadets taking part in mission programs are supported by the Chaplain’s Office. For example, Park and Casper have led mission trips to New York City, during which cadets were trained and worked in places such as homeless shelters for families and soup kitchens, as well as directly helping the homeless on the streets of Manhattan.

The chaplain and the associate chaplain, as well as adult volunteers, meet regularly with small groups of cadets in places like Crozet Hall and the PX, and they also organize numerous small events involving meals, speakers and musicians. The office also provides cadets with materials like books and DVDs that help them build character and develop spiritually.

During the Summer Transition Program, the chaplain hosts and sponsors a number of events that help the young people who attend STP build meaningful relationships with their brother rats, introduce them to VMI’s demands and build their confidence as they draw closer to beginning their cadetships.

What some might find even more surprising than the true scope of the activities of the Chaplain’s Office is that, beginning in 1994, it has been funded entirely by private support. Much of this money comes from

endowments established by alumni and from annual donations to the Chaplain’s Discretionary Fund made by members of the VMI family. The endowments include the John M. Camp 1905 Chaplain’s Fund; the Class of 1983 Chaplain Charles Caudill Fund, which was established by that class as part of its 25th Reunion Campaign; the William L. Cooper ’52 Christian Witness Fund; and Jonathan M. Daniels ’61 Seminary Scholarship Fund, which was established by Dr. Lee Southard ’59. VMI also directs some of the money that is generated by unrestricted endowments and gifts to the Foundation Fund to support the Chaplain’s Office.

This money has important effects on the work of the Chaplain’s Office. For example, the support from a recently established endowment allowed the creation of the associate chaplain position. “With the opening of Third Barracks and the increase in the size of the Corps, we needed to ensure that we could meet the expectations that cadets and their families had of the Chaplain’s Office,” Park explained. “Without that gift, we could not have done so.” There are more direct effects on cadets, too. According to Park, “Cadets don’t have opportunities to earn money; therefore, we use private donations to help them do things like participate in retreats, conferences, concerts and ministry opportunities at little or no personal cost.”

Park, who is frank on the importance of private support, stated, “Private gifts are the foundation on which the Chaplain’s Office rests. It has been able to expand its services and programs because alumni and friends value the work we do and realize its importance to cadets and their education. Apart from this support, only the bare minimum of chaplain ministry responsibilities could be accomplished every year. I am grateful to God and to all those who have supported what we do for cadets and the Institute.”

Background photo: Jackson Memorial Hall hosts a non-denominational worship service on Sundays, conducted by the VMI Chaplain’s Office. VMI photos

by Kelly Nye.

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Message from Donald M. Wilkinson ’61 Campaign Chairman This spring, I returned to post for my class’ 55th Reunion. It was a great time that reacquainted me with my brother rats as well as the Institute and our cadets. Reflecting on the weekend, it struck me that, although the Institute has evolved markedly since my days as a cadet, its essentials – the structure of cadet life, the rhythms of the academic year and the pursuit of its mission – are unchanged.

That duality of embracing change yet preserving values is the reason why VMI continues to flourish and has gained a reputation as a leading national institution. It is why it can keep graduating highly-educated, confident and honorable citizen-soldiers filled with purpose and resolve. It also is why alumni of all ages connect so readily and enthusiastically with cadets and vice versa. During my reunion, I was struck by how easy it was for alumni and cadets to slip into conversations about the Institute, share stories about their time in barracks, talk about the cadets’ plans and discuss the benefits of a VMI education. The two groups have a mutual understanding, because they have shared the experience of barracks and the spirit of the Corps.

While I cannot be sure what cadets think of alumni after such encounters, I am sure that the vast majority of alumni come away from them thinking quite

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highly of cadets and with a renewed confidence in VMI’s ability to fulfill its mission. They see immense promise in these terrific young men and women, and are sure they will make their marks on the world, adding to the astounding record of success and service that our alumni have compiled since the first class graduated in 1842.

It strikes me that this enduring enthusiasm prompts our alumni and all members of the VMI family to share a commonality of purpose and to be so generous in their giving to VMI. Alumni and our many friends see VMI as a special place in today’s world with an extraordinary mission that does so much for these wonderful young people. Therefore, they are keen to invest in our venture, to ensure that the Institute has the financial resources necessary to continue to advance its uncommon purpose – graduating citizen-soldiers.

If you are enthusiastic about the Institute and its cadets, but have not yet participated in An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past. A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI, I ask that you join with the more than 14,000 alumni and friends who have chosen to stand with the Institute. It is an investment that you will never regret making.

Vmi Alumni Review

First Spring Reunion

April 18-19, 2016 Classes of 1936, 1941, 1946, 1951, 1956 and 1961

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Vmi Alumni Review

Second Spring Reunion

April 22-23, 2016 Classes of 1976, 1986, 1996 and the Honored Class of 1966

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Vmi Alumni Review

Reunion photos by Micalyn Miller and Elaine Wood.

Association News VMI and Citadel Alumni Gather in Panama City Twenty VMI and The Citadel alumni gathered Feb. 18, 2016, at Ferrucci Ristorante in Panama City, Florida, for a dinner featuring guest speaker Joe Oglesby, a historian with ties to both VMI and The Citadel.

Hampton Roads Chapter Hosts Old Corps Luncheon and Networking Breakfast Right: The Hampton Roads Chapter gathered March 2, 2016, at Simply Fresh for an Old Corps luncheon. Pictured were, from left, clockwise, Lionel Hancock ’57, Lee Barnes ’69, Jim Pauls ’66, Charles Winstead ’72, Tip Palmer ’72, Terry Berglund ’71, Dick Hamlet ’70, Ed Blair ’72 and Ben Vanderberry ’75. Picture

by Bob Heely ’69, the host of the event.

Below: On March 19, 2016, the Hampton Roads Chapter held a networking breakfast at the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center. Neil McNulty, author of “The Quick 30/30 Job Solution, Smart Job Search Tips for Surviving Today’s New Economy,” was the guest speaker for the event and autographed his bestselling book afterward for attendees.

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Association News

Rappahannock Chapter Hosts Dinner with Guest Speaker Forty-five members and guests of the Rappahannock Chapter enjoyed dinner and a meeting at the Mathews Yacht Club April 11, 2016. The speaker was Charles F. Bryan ’69, Ph.D., former chief executive officer and president of the Virginia Historical Society, who spoke about “Those Distinctive VMI Types.” After his presentation, Bryan offered for sale autographed copies of his book, “Imperfect Past.” Pictured at the event were, from left, retired U.S. Army Col. Steve Wilson ’68, chapter president, and Bryan.

Alumni in Tampa Attend The National College Fair

Sunshine state alumni gave up a sunny, 75-degree February afternoon to support the Institute’s recruiting effort and manned the VMI booth at the Tampa area National College Fair. Recruiters from more than 150 schools nationwide attended the event. The Institute’s curriculums were represented by, from left, Hartnell Paultre ’15, John Kudrysch ’15, Bob Bailey ’72, Vernie Reichling ’87, Jim Bean ’87 and Ernie Edgar ’87.

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Wilmington Chapter Hosts Annual Oyster Roast

Approximately 50 alumni, parents, cadets and prospective cadets participated in the Wilmington Chapter’s annual oyster roast at the home of Sandra and Bart Williams ’85 March 20, 2016.

VMI Alumni Review

Association News

Wilmington Chapter Hosts Old Corps Breakfast In attendance at the Wilmington Chapter’s Old Corps Breakfast at the Boat House Restaurant in Wilmington, North Carolina, April 26, 2016, were Tom Peyton ’44, Chris Holland ’52, Greg Griffin ’72, Dick Stone ’61, Bill Todd ’68, Henry Brown ’60, Lance Bevins ’63, Tom Tolbert ’66 and John Gangemi ’61.

Pacific Northwest Chapter Portland, Oregon Branch Hosts Spring Social

At the Pacific Northwest Chapter Portland, Oregon, branch spring social April 9, 2016, were, from left, Wes Thomas ’07; Tom Ustach ’88; Jay Smaaladen ’88; Karen Bill ’07; Walter Witschard ’60; Tony Lash ’58; Pete Farmer ’68, chapter president; and Sam Carney ’02.

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Association News

VMI Brass Quintet Performs at The Villages

Above: From left, Bill and Debbie Neal ’76, and Bob Bailey ’72.

Above: The VMI Brass Quintet with Col. John Brodie (Hon.).

The VMI Brass Quintet, under the direction of Col. John Brodie (Hon.), played at the Waterfront Inn at The Villages for an estimated 50 VMI alumni and guests March 18, 2016, while on spring furlough. This is the third consecutive year that cadets have performed in The Villages.

Above: At the event were, from left, Alan Vicory ’74, Walt Chalkley ’72, Don Holmes ’66 and Bernie Groome ’71.

Left: The VMI Brass Quintet preparing to play.

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VMI Alumni Review

Association News

Regan ’08 Transitions to Civilian Career

by John Regan ’08 My recent transition from the U.S. Army to a managerial position at UPS Mail Innovations was ultimately successful due to the support and influence of many people – in particular, my fiancée, Warzinski; several Regan ’08 Melissa mentors; and a significant amount of effort on my behalf by the VMI network.

When I first made my decision to transition from active duty after nearly eight years as a field artillery officer in the Army, like many others, my first experience and contact with the civilian job market came through a military headhunting firm. While I did not ultimately complete my career search through that firm, it was a valuable learning experience and had many ancillary benefits to my professional development.

The greatest benefit I found using this firm was the focus on professional development and the training program that I was able to participate in leading up to a career conference. Much like my time in the Army, I found that a great deal of

knowledge – about corporate America in general and supply chain management in particular – can be gained simply by diving into business books and periodicals. This familiarity with corporate America proved invaluable during my interviews with hiring managers and was instrumental in my ability to successfully translate military achievements into corporate terms.

Perhaps the greatest lesson I learned through this process was to treat network development and making connections as a deliberate act. Instead of browsing LinkedIn looking for people I already knew, I had to alter my focus to seek out and engage with people of influence within the field I had chosen to pursue – supply chain and distribution. In order to make that happen, I reached out to many connections: Fellow veterans, former teammates and coaches, and brother rats. Some of these interactions were structured due to the nature of the connection, but the most effective conversations were fellow alumni who themselves had made a successful transition from the military to the business world. The VMI Alumni Association and the career networking officer, Eric Hunter ’08 – conveniently, a brother rat – were able to facilitate a connection with

several well-placed alumni and tap into their personal networks.

In retrospect, it’s almost as if my transition was in two stages. The first stage was the education and training afforded to me by the headhunting firm, and the second was using my personal and professional network to explore a much wider range of opportunities after that program culminated. Each segment of the transition built upon prior experience and knowledge. Without the training through the headhunting firm, I would not have had the preparation to interview successfully, and without the connections made during the networking phase, I would never have been in the room to win a job. Regardless of the path a career transition may take, my two main pieces of advice are simple. First, take advantage of all the resources you have at your disposal such as transition firms; nonprofit organizations, such as Hire Heroes USA; and professional organizations, such as the VMI Alumni Association. Second, if you have the opportunity, begin deliberately building your professional network with intent and a specific end-state in mind.

Regan currently lives in Centennial, Colorado, with his fiancée.

Maryland Networking Dinner

by Eric Hunter, Career Networking Officer Colonel William Wanovich ’87, commandant of cadets, took the time to be the guest speaker at the Maryland Networking Dinner May 5, 2016, in Columbia, Maryland. William Seiferth ’87 gave a great introduction and set the stage for him to speak. As Wanovich began, he admitted that when accepting the position of commandant, he wondered whether or not he would be remembered in the lives of cadets – as was the case with memorable commandants that came before him. He then shared that he was “in” when cadets started calling themselves POWs: “Prisoners of Wanovich.” This was in response to the Corps having to form up for Breakfast Roll Call a couple of years ago in very cold conditions.

There were more than 35 alumni in attendance, making it the largest turnout for a networking dinner to date, and Wanovich gave everyone what they were looking for, which was a great overview of all that was happening on post. From the daily schedule of the Corps to club sports and construction, many areas were covered. He closed by reading statements from a few current cadets, and it was clear that the Institute is continuing to mold and produce honorable men and women that will go out into the world and make a difference.

Thank you to Bill Miller ’89, with 1st Mariner Mortgage for sponsoring the dinner and to all the alumni who took the time to attend.

If you would like to host a networking dinner for your chapter, please contact Eric Hunter ’08 at ehunter@vmiaa.org.

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Save the Date: New England Networking Dinner Thursday Sept. 22, 2016 29

Association News

Continued Support of Networking Breakfasts

by Eric Hunter, Career Networking Officer Networking breakfasts were held for the third consecutive year on the first Saturday of VMI’s spring furlough. On March 19, 2016, more than 90 alumni and 35 cadets attended the events and were able to meet one another and network.

Thank you to the alumni who took the time to attend; Bob Louthan ’82, Alumni Association president, and Neil McNulty for being guest speakers; AXA Advisors; AOC and MassMutual Greater Richmond for sponsorships; and the local chapters for their leadership and support of the events.

Bob Louthan ’82, Alumni Association president, shared lessons learned from his career with the group.

Patrick Coor ’13 spoke with current cadets.

Pictured at the event were Josh Visconti ’12, left, and Nick Chavis, MassMutual Greater Richmond representative.

Pictured at the event were, from left, Matthew Keller ’00, Liam Connor ’00, Greg Fedor ’00 and Ed Johnson ’79.

Guest speaker Neil McNulty signed copies of “The Quick 30/30 Job Solution,” which he co-authored.

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Pictured at the event were, from left, Matt Winks ’10, Scott Jones ’12 and Steve Watson ’05.

VMI Alumni Review

CLASS NOTES

1935

Richard H. Knight Jr. ’70

Greetings from the Class of ’35!

Eddie Arnold (Feb. 7) and Jim Sherman (March 31) celebrated their 102nd birthdays in style, surrounded by friends, family and wellwishers.

Eddie’s family prepared a banquet, which Eddie enjoyed together with his birthday presents and all of the excitement that attend these happy events.

Jim and Peggy’s retirement center hosted a luncheon, and Jim used the occasion to reminisce about his World War II experience, which, as we have noted in these pages, was extensive. Days later, I spoke with Jim and confirmed that he was working on his written memoirs, which will focus primarily on the war.

Nothing could have prepared me for the news I received that Eddie had passed peacefully into the waiting arms of the Lord March 13, 2016. Eddie was active and engaged until the very end.

Edwin Thomas Arnold Sr. was born in Savannah, Georgia, and raised in Norfolk, Virginia.

He graduated from VMI with a degree in electrical engineering. The 1935 Bomb recorded that Eddie “had a pleasing personality, a broad sincere smile, and a happy greeting for everybody.

As a brother cadet and roommate, none can excel

Class of 1935: Eddie Arnold and the willow tree he had just planted in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in April 2012.

Class of 1935: Eddie Arnold’s willow tree March 13, 2016.

him in consideration, morals and courtesy.”

Unlike so many of his brother rats who returned home after graduation, Eddie accepted an Army commission in the cavalry and reported for active duty. He had several interesting assignments over the next few years – including VMI – and was stationed in Europe for most of the war. He was awarded the Bronze Star and several other decorations for his wartime service.

Eddie was at Fort Knox, Kentucky, in 1942, when events brought him to Nashville for a day. There, he met Madge Wise at a local ice cream parlor, and they were married four months later. They were married 61 years.

After the war, the Arnolds settled in Lufkin, Texas, where they raised three sons: Walter, Tom and Bruce. Eddie worked in several fields, including insurance and investments, banking, and real estate.

Eddie and Madge were devout Christians and active in church. His faith sustained him during the 10 years that he was Madge’s primary caregiver.

Eddie moved to Albuquerque five years ago, at the invitation of his son, Dr. Tom Arnold.

That is where I met Eddie and Tom, and it was a day I shall never forget. Eddie, together with the entire Arnold family, enriched my life.

A memorial service with full military honors was held in Albuquerque, and a second memorial service was held in Webster, Texas, where Eddie and Madge quietly rest, lovingly remembered by three generations of family; all of them grateful for that encounter in the ice cream parlor many years ago.

I wish to thank all of you for your interest in this column. We are yielding slowly, but we are not giving up. Until next time, our very best wishes to you and yours.

Dick Knight ’70

1936

Paul E. Munson ’87

Class of 1935: Jim and Peggy Sherman on Jim’s 102nd birthday.

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Class of 1935: Madge and Eddie Arnold circa 1943.

Greetings to everyone. It looks like better weather has decided to arrive. I have some exciting news to share. Recently, you may have seen the video of an alumnus climbing the sentinel

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Class Notes box during a reunion weekend. That was none other than John Gialanella of the Class of 1936.

This was John’s first reunion he had ever attended, and he had a great time. I had the chance to speak with both John and his son after the reunion.

Let me take a moment and thank the members of the Class of 1941. John was the only member of 1936 attending, and John’s son said the Class of 1941 really went out of their way to include John and his son in their activities.

This was, of course, great to hear, but not really surprising, given the bond VMI folks share.

I had the opportunity to talk with John about his service during World War II, also. After graduation, John worked on various highway

projects as an engineer. Then, using his words, “On Dec. 7, the [Japanese] bombed Pearl Harbor, and Dec. 9, I had a letter telling me to report for duty.” John was in the Army in the 77th Division, known for the Statue of Liberty on its patch. He served in combat in the 306th Field Artillery in Guam, Okinawa and the Philippines. After the war, he served for a time in the occupation of Japan.

John currently lives in Michigan. He still drives and does his own shopping. His son said John is still very independent. John, you are an inspiration to us all. Thank you for being one of those who saved the world.

I hope to have more information on other members of 1936 in the next Review.

1938

Cody Hennelly ’10

Nothing new to update for the Class of 1938.

Mr. Johnson is doing well and sends his regards to everyone in the VMI community!

The Old Corps lives on, Cody Hennelly ’10

1939

Frank Parker III ’64

80th Reunion – April 18-19, 2016

The Class of 1936

Ira Saxe sounded very chipper on the phone.

He reported he is doing well, even though he requires a walker to get around. He has plenty of household help to get him out and about the area.

By the time you read this, Marcy and I will have made our journey to Seoul, South Korea, to attend the Rotary International Convention and tour that part of South Korea. Of special interest is to visit the Parker-Pintail Bridge over the Imjin River Northeast of Seoul. This bridge was named after my father, Frank M. Parker Jr., who died in the area during the Korean War. I’ll report on the visit next time.

Keep in touch.

1940

Robert Smith

Class of 1936: John Gialanella.

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One of the values we hold dear is to be grateful for life’s blessings. To illustrate, a note in May from Sol Rawls’ son, Waite Rawls ’70, shows unique appreciation for his father.

It also showed that, at its best, this blessing can be a well-traveled two-way street through the equal appreciation of father and son for each other. Waite wrote to me, “My father is doing well. I enjoyed your comments about his new

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Cadillacs in the most recent Alumni Review, so I thought I’d give you another story on him ...

If I go over to Lexington and don’t give him a report, there will be h... to pay later. On a recent trip, I watched the parade. (And as) I was walking back to my car, I thought I would go ahead and call him. When he answered, before I could give my report, he said, ‘The parade looked nice.’ I responded, ‘How in the world do you know?’ He told me he had watched it livestreaming on his iPad and continued that VMI needs to work on the audio, because he couldn’t hear the band well until it got out in the middle of the Parade Ground. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have an iPad. And, if I did, I’m not sure I would know how to watch something ‘live-streaming.’” So Waite was grateful for his father’s adeptness in using the latest technology, and Sol was grateful for Waite’s attention.

As you probably know, Waite is the co-chief executive officer of the American Civil War Museum in Richmond that is such a treasure in it preservation and promotion of Confederate history. Our class has long been blessed to have both Sol and his son, Waite, linked to our lives. They are both outstanding VMI men that we are close to and that we appreciate.

It seems a possible paradox that the status of my health has become something to report on in this column – after all, what could be less interesting? But then, at this age, most of us have only a little of other types of news, and that, I suppose, has now made our health a legitimate “topic of interest.” As I write this, plans are being made to do a lung operation to put in a permanent drainage stent so as to keep my lung functioning.

(Lest you be alarmed, they say I don’t have lung cancer.) Finding something to be grateful for in this day and age is easy when the medics begin to explain things, and the patient is moved to ask incredulously, “You can do that?” Life in our time gets ever more amazing; not only because of live streaming, as in Sol’s case, but also because of life extension in so many others – like me!

In February came an appreciated and thoughtful note from the daughter of James M. Moser Jr. in Silver Springs, Maryland. She wrote, “Hello from the daughter of Alum. As you know, my dad passed away in 1991, but my mom, Margaret J., is still 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

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there many times as kids. Thank you for your kind remembrances for my mom after my dad passed. She always showed me your cards proudly. Thank you! Mary Moser.” Mary lives in Silver Springs, Maryland, and I have her phone number if you should want it.

Ben Hardaway was at his home in Midland, Georgia, and he showed much of his usual spirit when we talked but with somewhat diminished initiative. He volunteered no big future plans this time as he usually does. And, in the past, he has mostly led our conversations in the direction of his sporting life plans with the result that his wife’s name, Sarah, did not usually come up. But, this time, I began to realize that something had changed. Upon investigation I found that indeed, Sarah McDuffie Hardaway, his wife of 69 years,

died in February of last year. She was an active member of the arts and education community in Columbus and a Sweetbriar College graduate. I have written occasionally about one or the other of their four daughters, but we have not often spoken about Sarah. His caretaker and assistant, Beverly Miller, is helping him at home, as usual, and he is keeping up with the young child of his protégé, Shannon Whitworth, the singer and entertainer.

I have mentioned in the past that Lisa Tracy, the granddaughter of Gen. Kilbourne ’894, is doing a series of interviews to record for the Institute’s archives some historical events that relate to VMI men who were cadets at the time of Gen. Kilbourne’s service as our superintendent.

I have now learned that Col. Diane Jacob at the

75th Reunion – April 18-19, 2016

The Class of 1941

1942

Charles B. Miller

15 Souder Court Richmond, VA 23227 804/200-1459 cbrucemiller42@gmail.com

Class of 1941: Stuart Seaton.

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Class Notes VMI Archives will be the person receiving these records. I do not know much more about this project, but it seems to me that contributions to it should be broadly encouraged. With that in mind, I have been thinking what I might add to these records.

First, I’ve thought that my five years of service as a principle naval architect at the Norfolk Navy Yard would not be noted unless I originated such records and sent them to Archives. So, I did. And I found it very satisfying that my contribution to the war effort has now become a part of the archive.

Then, I began to realize that those of us who provided service of a classified nature, such as my roommate, E.I. Williams, may not have been archived because his career story would be classified information and hard to come by. I have the impression that Eddie headed the Office of Strategic Services and CIA office in Berlin from the time we began the joint occupation of that city.

And then he went on after the war to significant responsibilities at the Langley Headquarters until his death. His CIA service is now being archived.

I have now noted that Winifred Darden, sister of our BR Bill Darden, joined my section as a naval designer at the Navy Yard after her brother met his early death as a pilot. She worked hard and contributed much. The fact that I had been close to Bill was of some comfort to her and her mother at the time.

And I have now recorded, as an example of the VMI faculty’s extraordinary help for graduates, some of Gen. Medford G. Ramey’s [’922] assistance to me during the war and noted his extraordinary responsibility for security for the entire Hampton Roads Complex during the war. Perhaps his vast security responsibilities were in the Archive already, but if not, now they will be; at least on this small anecdotal basis.

1941

Stuart Seaton

On April 18-19, 2016, our great Class of 1941 had its 75th Reunion. As a short summary, we registered in at the Hampton Col Alto in Lexington. That evening, we, along with other reunion classes, joined for dinner at the VMI Marshall Hall Center for Leadership and Ethics

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Hall of Valor for an address by Gen. Peay ’62, superintendent.

On the morning of April 19, there was a showing of “The Field of Lost Shoes” at the Gillis Auditorium at VMI. Following this, we had lunch at the home of Suzanne Read. Later, it was back to VMI to take class pictures. The reunion parade was followed by an Old Yell in barracks and then directly to the sup’s mess for our class dinner in Crozet Hall. Our speaker for the dinner was Col. Keith Gibson ’77, executive director of the VMI museum system. His address was most meaningful and appropriate. With this address, I ended the reunion portion of the gathering.

However, I personally wanted to use this venue to make a gift to the VMI Museum. The gift is the casson cup made from the first round fired into Germany by the 463rd Parachute Field Artillery Battalion in World War II. The cup was then turned over to Col. Gibson.

For additional news, we were saddened by the news of the death of our Brother Rat Frank Louthan April 12. Frank was an outstanding member of our class and community. Reference page 6 for additional information on Frank in this publication.

In the spirit of VMI and ’41, Stuart Seaton

1942

Charles B. Miller

Our oldest brother rat, Harry Siebert, reported he recently passed his annual physical with flying colors. The doctor at Veterans Affairs said he should keep doing what he’s doing and come back next year. Harry went to renew his driver’s license and that went just as well. The new license is good for seven years – until he is 103. Said Harry: “Those guys are optimists.”

Saw Geline, Alex Williams’ widow, at the funeral of Frank Louthan ’41 in Richmond. She still has that wonderful smile and is driving her own car.

Jack Patton has been promising to come from Harrisonburg to Richmond for lunch.

In helping me with the class notes in the last issue, my daughter, Lindsay, asked some of my brother rats if the descriptions of them in the

1942 Bomb still ring true. Bob Goodman sent quite a thoughtful response, but it arrived too late for the last issue. So here it is now, along with how our yearbook described Bob in 1942: “Quiet in barracks but has a way with the women when he gets outside – studies hard – one of the few fellows from Texas who is not constantly talking of the wonders of the great open spaces – good natured.”

In 2016, Bob wrote: “Sorry it’s taken me so long to reply. Out-of-town company, doctor appointments, etc., prevent retired folks from retiring. That’s an interesting question. I have drafted several replies and found nothing satisfactory.

“The problem is interpreting the phrase ‘quiet in barracks.’ That was certainly true at VMI, since in retrospect, I placed good grades ahead of making friends, and making good grades seemed to take all of the time. I was a good example of how to lead an unbalanced life. Those days have long gone. I do know now how to make friends and lead an ‘unquiet’ life.

“For example, after returning from overseas in 1946, I enrolled in graduate school at the University of Texas, which, because of its size, depends on fraternities for its social life. The year after I joined my fraternity, I was elected president. I won’t bore you with the rest of such results, but they all happened because of what I learned at VMI about the need for friends, participation in extra activities, etc. So, in short, the description in The Bomb still applies, except for the quiet in barracks.”

There are seven brother rats still on the Alumni Association’s active mailing list. They are, from oldest to youngest, Harry Siebert, Charlie Miller, P.X. Geary, Bob Goodman, Jack Patton, Jed Wilson and Fred Love. Lindsay wondered why the 1942 Bomb had no description of Fred.

The reason is Fred left VMI after two years, went to medical school, served in the Army and worked for many years as a general and vascular surgeon in the U.S. Public Health Services. Through the years, Fred has stayed close to his brother rats. He lives in Delray Beach, Florida, and not long ago had lunch with my old roommate, Harry Siebert.

And I just had lunch in Richmond with Fred’s old roommate, Jed Wilson.

I move pretty slowly these days. At around the time of my 95th birthday, I had my annual physical, and the doctor said to keep doing what I’m doing and come back next year.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

1943

Jeffrey G. Smith

genjeffrey@aol.com

It is with thanks to the good Lord that as of the moment I am able to report no deaths of our brother rats since my last class notes. By my unofficial reckoning, we hold at 25 class members surviving. Hang in there, brother rats!

We have always paid due attention to those to whom we have pledged our love in our marriage vows. And thus it is with utmost sorrow I report the April 29 death of Anne Heller, widow of our Brother Rat Fritz Heller. Sally Hodgkin, Jim’s widow, kindly sent me Ann’s obit in the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Four children, eight grandchildren and one greatgranddaughter survive Ann. As I recall, Fritz Heller was once the writer of our class notes. And he did so with diligence, élan and humor.

The thought recently crossed my mind that perhaps we survivors might want to have a reunion. However, on second thought, the likely burden (believe me, arrangements would be burdensome) would probably fall on me.

Sorry, good friends, but I am not ready to volunteer for that additional duty.

I was delighted to have an interesting call from Bill Gottwald April 19, 2016. General Binnie Peay ’62, superintendent, invited Bill and his brother, Bruce Gottwald ’54, to join him for a briefing and tour of the latest upgrades (planned and completed) at our alma mater. Among what Bill reported: There are now approximately 200 female cadets in a total Corps of 1,700 (12 percent). Approximately half the Corps major in the fields of engineering, biology, chemistry, physics and other technical disciplines. The rest major in business, English or other non-technical subjects.

Chemistry majors have an entire imposing, superbly equipped building of their own. I suspect that it is not coincidental that supergenerous (and self-effacing) Bill Gottwald was a chemistry major as a cadet.

The tour given to the brothers Gottwald included VMI’s recently completed modern ranges for practicing pistol, rifle and machinegun

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marksmanship. The facilities are second to none for any U.S. military college, including, my guess would be, West Point.

Bill Winter reported (as of May 3, 2016) he is practicing what he has preached for his long years as a physician; namely, taking good care of himself. He said he feels fit as a fiddle and is enjoying life. His son, Bruce – a practicing physician and former U.S. Naval aviator – dutifully calls him weekly to check on his father’s health (among other things).

I had a very pleasant chat with Jim Tapley – he from his home in Roanoke, me waiting to watch the 2016 running of the Kentucky Derby (won by Nyquist). Both Jim and his wife, Martha, are in good health, which is the most important news I can report about them. (Or any of us!) The Tapleys have two sons – one in California and one in Georgia.

Jim enjoyed reading David McCullough’s “1776,” which the author viewed as a companion piece to his earlier biography of John Adams. I’ve read and enjoyed both the Adams biography and “1776.” I highly recommend to all my readers that if you have not done so, you ought to read both books.

Gordon Smith and I shared our mutual frustrations in getting rid of a pernicious plague of aging no matter how much one exercises: Fat centered near one’s belly button.

Gordon has macular degeneration – the dry type for which no cure has yet to be developed. My late beloved wife had the “wet” type, which was held in check by periodic injections of medicine into her eyeball. It was very effective and painless. Gordon’s eyesight has fortunately held up to the extent he can drive locally.

A blessing which we all pray will continue.

Gordon’s poor eyesight has not hindered his reforestation contributions to the local environment. As I understood him, he and a helper are replanting and caring for some 400 evergreen trees. Good for him!

On May 9, 2016, I completed a delightful conversation with Dick Catlett (he in Richmond). He is, according to him – and I take him at his word – in “pretty good shape.” He reached 95 years May Day, May 1. (I’m close behind, as my 95th will be Oct. 14, 2016.)

Both Barbara and Dick keep active. Dick exercises “almost every day” (they live close to their country club) on a stationary bike and lifting weights. Wistfully, he said that he

plays his beloved game of golf only “once in a while.” He began to play in 1934! Many (perhaps, most) of his golfing buddies have died.

Dick, as I have often written, “loved to practice law” which, as I also believe I’ve reported, he no longer does. He and Barbara planned to spend the month of July in Maine, continuing (as I understood) a custom of 40 years!

My notes are brief, because contributions to them have, as sadly is ever the case, been hampered by my brother rats’ perennial failure to provide news. Perhaps you can empathize with my uneasiness when I receive an email from the Alumni Review every three months announcing the deadline for the next set of class notes?

On that wistful note, I bid you adieu, adios, auf wiedersehn, sayonara, goodbye til the next three months go by.

1944

Tom L. Peyton Jr.

In the last issue of the Alumni Review, we reported the death of our adopted Brother Rat Bill Mills but did not have the copy of a regular obituary notice to rely on in providing material for these notes. Bill’s daughter, Carol M. Jones, has advised that one was not prepared but sent me additional information that I could use for the Taps report, which appears elsewhere in this issue of the Review. After his military assignment in the Army Specialized Training Program at VMI, Bill was subsequently commissioned and served as a supply officer and troop train commander. Upon separation from the Army, he returned to VMI and graduated with many of us in 1946. Most of his employment after graduation was with the York International Corporation as a sales representative. He retired from York after 43 years.

Carol advised that Bill was very proud of being an Episcopalian – a great man of faith, serving in many capacities over the years. He was an expert on Stonewall Jackson and was a docent at the Stonewall Jackson House in Lexington for many years. His remains were interred May 31 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Roanoke, Virginia, next to those of his late wife, Betty. During their visit to Virginia, Bill’s great-grandchildren

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Class Notes

Class of 1944: Bob Smothers and friend Mei Kitchen enjoyed a trip to the Amalfi Coast. had an opportunity to visit VMI. Our indefatigable traveling classmate, Bob Smothers, is at it again. As I write these notes, he and his friend, Mei Kitchen, are off on a trip to southern Italy and then on to Greece. He has sent some wonderful camera views of Sorrento and the spectacular Amalfi coast so far, together with shots of themselves and some of the mouthwatering fare displayed in local street markets. A photo of the travelers accompanies these notes.

Art Taylor wrote with a commentary on the academic prowess of part of his family – primarily his son, Arthur III, and grandson, Arthur IV. His son currently teaches at Old Dominion University – well-prepared by graduating from Washington and Lee University and then Old Dominion.

He also has two degrees from Virginia Tech and is currently working on a degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Art’s grandson graduated from the University of Virginia and is now finishing his last year of medical school at Ohio State University. His grandson was to be married in Lexington May 28. Art stated the obvious: “I believe we, as a family, have covered all of the major schools in Virginia.” Art and Bonnie continue their lifestyle pattern of dividing their time between Lexington and Camden.

Patricia Wen wrote from her home in Taiwan that she has had some health problems but under a doctor’s treatment and care has gradually recovered. She is now able to go shopping and take in

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a movie once a week. The former in particular being an essential activity for the ladies. Patricia mentioned several of her family members whom she follows with great interest.

Dick Doom wrote recently to bring us up-todate. He now lives alone in the same area, Serafina, New Mexico, in more modest accommodations than when he and his former wife, Victoria, shared their ranch. Victoria is now the sole owner of the ranch. He reported he is in excellent health, getting regular checkups every six months. Dick enclosed a photo of his B-24 bomber crew in World War II. Unfortunately, the quality of the photo is not good enough to include in these notes, but it is easy to recognize Dick with large VMI letters clearly showing on a sweater he was wearing. He said that they were badly hit, with two engines shut down and other damage over Linz, Austria, Jan. 8, 1945. Four crew members were killed, and he spent from January to October 1945 in hospitals in Italy and the U.S. Dick has been through some tough times, but his letter was cheerful and upbeat.

In late April, while visiting in Wilmington, North Carolina, I had the pleasure of joining eight local VMI alumni in an “Old Corps” breakfast. This was part of a VMI local alumni chapter event, ably managed by John Gangemi ’61, chapter president, and Henry Brown ’60, chapter representative. Most of those attending were graduates from the ’60s, so I mainly listened to the discussion. Much of this was about major reunions for classes of their era. Having gone through the arrangements for major reunions with our class, I was interested in making comparisons. This was one of many recent opportunities to observe how much the Institute has changed since we were cadets. I think it is possible to conclude that the main core of what VMI is all about remains pretty much the same, but many, many details have been changed. Hardly surprising, considering all else that has changed all around us in the past 70 or so years.

Judy Beam and I went to Lexington April 8-9, where I attended a class agents’ conference. The Institute looked to be in its usual tip-top shape that we have come to expect these days. Although chilly, the weather cooperated so that the Corps of Cadets was able to have a parade – always a stirring spectacle. I seemed to be the only class agent from classes that graduated in the 1940s or earlier – probably very few from the 1950s. Anyway, it was a useful conference, and one went away

feeling that, although there are always many problems to solve, a lot of good things are happening at the Institute.

I signed an Alumni Association prepared letter recently going out to members and friends of our class on our mailing list. I hope you will take the time to read it and carefully consider the impact that even a modest gift can make on the lives of these and future remarkable young men and women. Each year, the Institute must perform a carefully structured financial balancing act to factor keeping the costs of tuition and related expenses at a reasonable level, receiving reduced financial support from the commonwealth of Virginia and the uncertainty of financial support from federal sources, offset by the generous voluntary support from alumni and friends. Believe me; every gift from the latter, no matter how small, is very important.

1945

William Quarles

We got a really nice communication from Sister Rat Janet Russell, who is living in Prairie Village, Kansas, and shared her fond memories of her husband, William “Bill” Hamer Russell, who died eight years ago on his birthday. He left behind

Class of 1945: Mr. and Mrs. Bill Russell in November 2000 in front of Old Barracks.

Mrs. Russell said of this photo, “Photo is fuzzy, but the memory is quite clear.”

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes three daughters, who Janet tells us have expanded the family to 19 great-grandchildren. Like most of us, Bill’s VMI career was interrupted in 1943 by bigger things in the form of World War II, which took him to European Theater of Operations, where he served in France, receiving the National Defense Service Medal and the Overseas Service Ribbon. Bill was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant in 1946 and graduated from VMI in 1948 with his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. He went on to earn his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri.

His business career brought him to Kansas City in 1948 with the international Milling Co. Subsequent service was with The Great Western Paint

Company, Hallmark Cards White Weld and United Telecommunications/Sprint, from which he retired as a vice president.

Janet reminded us that Bill was an avid golfer – a past director of the Kansas City Senior Golf Association and co-founder and past vice president of the Junior Golf Foundation of Greater Kansas City. He also was an honorary alum and trustee of the Barstow School and served as a director for many organizations, including Helping Hand and Goodwill Industries, Jones and Babson Mutual Funds, Investors Mark Series Fund Inc. of BMA, and the Buffalo Funds. He lived a very fulfilling life.

Looking back on their 58 years together, Janet remembers him most for his “impeccable

character, sense of humor and love of life and family.” She also treasures many VMI experiences. One in particular was the VMI trip to the Netherlands with several of Bill’s brother rats and their spouses, including Mary and John Williams. “Loads of fun,” she said. She also recalls driving up to VMI from Williamsburg one Thanksgiving holiday. She sent us a picture of her standing with Bill in front of barracks with the cadets lined up. The picture is blurry, she noted, but the memories are crystal clear.

She has been back to visit VMI several times over the years and has walked the “brick” walk.

She told us she was looking forward to visiting again – this time for her granddaughter’s graduation from Washington and Lee University right

70th Reunion – April 18-19, 2016

The Class of 1946

Class of 1946: From left: Tommy Layman, Bill Eliason, Mac Lacy, John Naill and Norval Marr.

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Class Notes before Memorial Day. She said, “Bill would be so thrilled to know that (granddaughter) Madeleine was that close to VMI. He would be proud that she will be taking her medical boards soon. She is also a music major with leading parts in many of the musical performances at school. And she also was a paid piano accompanist for one of VMI’s choral groups this past year!”

Jess Reed got in touch from his home in Montgomery, Alabama, to share some of his travels with Marguerite Wood. They’ve been together for five years now, and he told us they had a “real” vacation in June 2015 shortly after the 70th Reunion – a 12-day train trip through the Canadian Rockies on the Rocky Mountaineer. This fabulous trip started in Seattle and ended in Calgary, with overnight stops at five-star hotels along the way. Jess told us, “A helicopter tour through the Rockies near the end of the trip was one of the best times on the journey,” and, he added with a laugh, “Amazingly, everything was on time, even Delta...”

Jess said he still attends medical meetings, and he and Marguerite continue to have fun traveling. Besides the Canadian venture, they’ve visited Nashville in the past year and made it back to VMI again last November.

It’s great to be getting your news to share. Please keep those calls, emails and notes coming!

1946

William A. Eliason

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

1947

Gus Robbins

his two sons, Marshall and Stewart; their wives; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and brother, David ’50. Stock was officially a member of the Class of ’49C, but as I always say, Class of ’47 still claims you. Stock saw battle in both World War II and the Korean War. A memorial service was held May 21 at Oxford Presbyterian Church in Lexington at 11 a.m. and memorial donations may be sent there to 143 Oxford Lane, Lexington, VA 24450.

One of my few but faithful correspondents in the class, Lucius Dabney, sent a newsy note at the end of February revealing that, even in Vicksburg, the winter had been unusually cold, which kept him from working on his vintage automobiles.

He and Allene were going to New Orleans for a conference of the Federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, as Lucius remains active in his law practice. Lucius reminded me of the time many years ago (maybe about 1975) when Jane and I were in New Orleans for the VMI versus Tulane University football game when we looked around to see who was joining in the VMI Old Yell, and there stood Lucius and Allene! He also reminisced about matriculation day at the “I” when he signed the book and marched off to room 142 to join up with roommates, Davidson, Gelly, LeBlanc and Tonkin. He believes the lessons learned rat year have served him well through these many years.

Thanks to those of you who returned the questionnaire about the 2017 reunion in Lexington; of those who responded, there were 10 definitely hopeful and interested and eight definitely not – mostly for travel and health reasons. Unfortunately, that leaves about 50 of you who I haven’t heard from. I need to make arrangements with the Alumni Association soon, so I really need to hear from more of you.

Have a great summer and drop me a line or two, please.

Yours truly in the spirit, Gus

1948A

Dale E. Wykoff I hate to start off with sad news, but I need to share with you that our BR Stock Fleming died April 21, 2016. Stock had been under medical treatment for several years but continued to live on his small farm outside of Lexington. His wife, Jean, died several years ago, but he is survived by

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I couldn’t locate Mike Calhoun for several months, as he moved to a retirement home. Then, he suddenly reappeared! Being an old politician,

his picture appeared in the Miami Herald as he met with Ken Russell, Miami commissioner, at Mike’s residence, Bay Oaks Retirement Home, 435 NE 34th St, Miami, FL 33137. Mike said he is delighted with his new home, has his car with him and is in good health!

The 1948A Scholarship has been awarded to Cadet Steven Seay ’18. His major is applied mathematics, and he plans to be an actuary upon graduation. He expressed his thanks to all the donors to the ’48A Scholarship program.

Not much news from the remaining few of us.

Please keep in touch!

1948B

Lionel T. Wolford

Recently, I received a call from Tommy Tucker.

He is doing well and living alone. Some of his children live nearby and, according to Tommy, keep him well supplied with food. He mentioned he plays duplicate bridge twice a week. Tommy and I were bridge partners at VMI and also close friends. The opening words of his call were, “Thank you for teaching me how to play bridge.”

I did not say so, but I think he taught me more than I taught him. We also talked about some of our adventures at ROTC summer camp at Camp (now Fort) Campbell, Kentucky, which we attended shortly after our June 1947 graduation.

After the phone call, I reminisced about summer 1947, the six weeks at Camp Campbell and the months following that summer. Immediately after graduation, I returned home to Louisiana.

Shortly thereafter, I received a phone call from Bob Lacey ’48A. Bob’s father had given him a new car (very, very rare in mid-1947), and he invited me to drive to Camp Campbell with him. I made my way to Texarkana, Arkansas, then Lacey and I traveled across the entire state on the little, narrow roads of that day. I do recall dodging quite a few razorback hogs along the way. We spent the night at Johnny Eldridge’s house in Augusta, Arkansas, and proceeded to the camp the next day. This was the first ROTC summer camp after World War II. The VMI contingent was about 30-35 strong and were put into a company which included about 50 each from Yale and Cornell University

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes and seven from Harvard University. The officer in charge was Maj. Frank, a very tough and vocal military man from the Cornell program.

All seven of the Harvard cadets thought Maj. Frank was unreasonably abusive. They resigned in protest and went home. To this day, I have no respect for Harvard men when it comes to military matters. On the other hand, I considered the Yale and Cornell cadets up to the task.

I now speculate that the Yale cadets could have been classmates of future President George H.W. Bush.

Strangely, I do not remember much about brother rats at Camp Campbell. But there are a few things I remember. I remember Al Loth was made cadet company commander. I remember pulling kitchen police duty with John Gorman and washing a lot of dishes. I remember “Baron” Felix von Gemmington earning an expert medal with the 45 caliber pistol even though everyone else could barely hit the target. I remember caddying for Bob Duke one weekend at the post golf course. I remember a weekend trip to Nashville with Tommy Tucker. On our call, Tommy discussed calling Larry Howard, and he invited us to his parent’s home for Sunday dinner. Larry’s father was a prominent lawyer and lived in an impressive mansion. Tommy and I were greeted at the front door by the butler and were escorted to the parlor to meet Larry and Mr. and Mrs. Howard. They were very gracious. Later, we sat down for dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Howard at each end of the table, Larry and I on one side, and Tommy opposite us. Tommy noticed that the cook kept opening the door and looking around but then backing out of the door. Eventually, he realized what was taking place. There was a buzzer button under the table for Mrs. Howard to call the cook when needed. Unaware of the buzzer, Tommy accidentally pushed it several times when he stretched his legs. We laughed again, sharing this memory. This was the last time I saw Larry.

At VMI, Larry was a star man, academically majoring in electrical engineering. I believe he died in the late 1990s. At our 65th Reunion, Sonny Lane told me that Larry served in the Marine Corps as a captain.

Upon completion of our six-week program, Bob and I boarded his ’47 Ford club coupe and drove back to Texarkana. From there, I made my way back to Louisiana. With my earnings from camp, I was able to purchase my own car,

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a green ’42 Ford club coupe. I then renewed my acquaintance with the beautiful Marion Dolan (I believe we first met in the second grade). By January 1948, I accepted a position as a chemical engineer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in New Orleans. Marion and I married in June 1948. Marion’s father was a decorated regular Army officer and her brother was a West Point 1945 graduate. All my life, I felt lucky she was willing to settle for a VMI guy. After our honeymoon, we made our home in a small apartment in the uptown section of New Orleans. Soon thereafter, we received a call from Bill Bercaw. He and Jim Morrison ’45 (first captain our 1st Class year) were in town for a week. They were recently commissioned regular Army second lieutenants and were awaiting transportation to their overseas assignment (Puerto Rico). We made the rounds of the bars, restaurants, sporting events, etc., and had a rousing good time enjoying New Orleans’ offerings. Together, Bill and Jim presented us with a parting gift – a beautiful cocktail shaker which still resides in my liquor cabinet.

Bill Bercaw died in 2011. I would like to relate some shared experiences. We were never roommates, but we did study together, and I probably would not have advanced to our 1st Class year without his help. Bill went on to become captain of Company A and worked successfully to make it the best company. Company A won the Garnett Andrews Trophy, which Bill personally accepted from Gen. George C. Marshall ’901.

Wow! Another remembrance of Bill occurred one Sunday in early spring 1947 when I was officer of the day. I took my place opposite Jackson Arch to receive the morning report for the breakfast formation. I noticed one of our Civil War cannons (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) missing! This disturbed me greatly. As the Corps marched down the hill to breakfast, I made my way to the guard house and tried to call the officer in charge. I was still trying to reach him when the Corps, led by Company A, returned from breakfast. As I stood in Washington Arch, Bill halted his company, ordered left face and said, “I don’t know what you guys are doing, but I am going to get that cannon. Dismissed.”

Bill hurried toward the Washington and Lee University campus, followed by his entire company. The next five companies did exactly the same thing, as I helplessly continued trying to contact the officer in charge. I redoubled my

efforts, and finally, about a half-hour later, he showed up (with a sleepy look on his face), and I made my report. All I got back was a confused look. We started to make a plan, but our problem was solved. Looking south toward Limits Gates, I saw a mass of gray-coated cadets pouring through the gate and spreading onto the Parade Ground. In the middle of the gray mass were two pajama-clad figures towing a cannon. A lone cadet was riding atop the cannon.

Within minutes, our cannon was returned to its proper place as the cadets calmly headed to their rooms with their mission completed, the officer in charge went home and I returned to my duties. I quickly learned the missing cannon had been found in front of a W&L fraternity house.

A large group of cadets forced their way into the house, awakened the inhabitants and scared them away. The place was then trashed. Two of the fraternity members were retained to tow the cannon back to VMI. As far as I know, no disciplinary action was taken, but we all had to chip in $5 to repair the damage. It was not until our 60th Reunion that I learned the cadet riding the cannon was Doug Hamner.

Back to 1948 and New Orleans. Before the end of summer 1948, Marion and I experienced another VMI encounter – Albie Barksdale called.

Albie had just married Jan in Texas the day before. They were spending the night in New Orleans while on the way to Virginia. Marion and I met Albie and beautiful Jan at the Napoleon House in the French Quarter. In no time at all, we had the piano player playing, “The Spirit of VMI.” We moved on to Pat O’Briens with even better results. They played our song, including a second chorus, and the whole crowd joined in singing our fight song. In appreciation, Jan presented the pianist, Pauline, with a bouquet of flowers from her wedding.

Back to the present. I received a call from George Ramsey in late March. George said he must be getting old, because his son, Peters Ramsey ’72, is 65 years old. He also mentioned he had visited the Boonsboro Country Club with the intention of playing a few holes of golf. A threesome invited him to play a round with them. He joined them and shot an 83 on 18 holes. Wow! That does not sound like an old man to me!

Brother rats, please call or send notes. I will gladly enjoy including all current news and others’ reminisces in our next edition.

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Class Notes

1949A

James Harrington

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.”

Margaret Anne Noftsinger helped me locate Bill May. We had a nice telephone visit, during which Billy said, “Hello.” They are doing as well as most of us are at this age.

As for our Harrington group, we are both expanding and contracting. We have sold our “winter” quarters near Pinehurst and are now pretty much full time at Bald Head Island. We have a newly graduated grandson (University of Miami) who is visiting as I write, and we anticipate a new great-grandchild soon. I have a four-generation photo from last summer and look forward to a new one this summer.

And that’s all I know for this report.

Bill May has moved. Sadly, his longtime companion, Dolores Keaton, died in February, and Bill has moved into a retirement community out of necessity. When I spoke with him, he was still feeling the loss, and he would probably appreciate a note from each of us. His address is 2206 Birch Glen Court, Midlothian, VA 23112. Bill doesn’t do email and has not yet sent me his new telephone number.

This from Herb Johnston: “I wish I could write you a long and interesting note about the exciting things we are doing. However, because of Jeanne’s health, we haven’t done much. We are both able to do things with a minimum of outside help and use nearby restaurants for good, almost daily, meals.

Dan Smaw I’m still involved in several old activities (Investment Club, music, Torch Club, church and Battelle retiree meetings).The best thing, however, is staying in touch with our children by phone, email and their visits to Columbus, with Christmas being the These notes cover the period from early Februmost recent. Jeanne gets out about once or twice a week, at the most. A one-hour outing can really ary 2016 through mid-May 2016. be tiring. We keep hoping for significant During the period, we lost Ikey improvements in her health and that I Humme in early March and Jean Wolfe don’t have any major health problems.

March 26. Our sincere condolences go Hopefully my next note to you will conto the families of both of these faithful sister rats. The Pattons, Vankhooks and tain some interesting news.”

Striblings attended a memorial service I can count on Allen Penniman, who for Jean April 2 in Stafford, Virginia. wrote: “As usual, I took a look at last Jean was to be interred in Arlington year’s comments made, and so I will National Cemetery Tuesday, May 17, start from there to see what I can put toat 2 p.m. gether. It is not much, but it is all I have.

Ann Stribling had thyroid surgery last The last quarter of 2015 consisted of a fall. It was cancerous, so she has been number of visits by various members of in the chemo process since then. She is our family. It is a task for Joanie and me weak but able to get around. We wish to travel to see them, so we ‘bait the trap’ you the best, Ann. Bill is in good health with an airplane ticket or so, and they and mowing their lawn. come in droves. What a treat this is for I received word April 10 from Glenna us. We have had children and families Allen that John died April 1. He atand mothers with children. Too numerous to count. It is just the grandest way tended VMI for a year and was one for the two of us to keep up with our of the group of ’49Bs that entered the Class of 1949B: Charlie Upshaw, center, with son Charles, left, families in a most direct manner. The and grandson Andrew Upshaw ’06, right.

Naval Academy, graduating in June visits usually last four or five days, and 1951. Upon graduating, he entered the

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1949B

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Air Force and served until retiring in March 1979.

John was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of pneumonia and kidney failure. When he was not responding to treatment, other doctors were called in, and it was discovered that he had a type of cancer that spreads rapidly. His ashes were interred at the Dallas Fort Worth Cemetery. Our deepest sympathy goes to his wife, two children and two grandchildren.

In early May, I received an email from a brother rat I had never heard from – Perry Williamson from Arlington, Texas. He had just received the Alumni Review and enjoyed reading the class notes. It is always nice to receive a note from a BR you haven’t heard from in years. He plays 18 holes of golf two or three times a week, so he is in pretty good shape. I hope to hear from you again, Perry – don’t wait too many years, though.

We talked to Ding and Nobbie Patton recently and found them doing well. Ding and Nobbie are on Greg Nelson’s mini reunion committee and were going to Lexington to arrange for the time, place and menu for the two dinners.

Greg and Kitty Nelson celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Greg said they had a very good time while there. For those of you who are planning to attend the mini reunion Oct. 2-4, 2016, you need to let Greg know. He needs the number of who will be there, so he can figure out the cost. As of now, 17 BRs and one possible are signed up.

Charlie Upshaw’s son, Charles, sent me a picture of himself, Charlie and Andrew ’06 taken in early May. Charlie is now living at the Lenbrook Health Care Center in Atlanta since he has been having a little trouble remembering things. In his room is a picture of him at the VMI versus Mercer University football game last fall, where he had a great time and saw VMI win.

Thanks to all who have contributed to Annual Giving.

God Bless America, VMI and ’49B.

1949C

Haywood France

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

2016-Issue 3

1950A Bill Moore

Class notes are pretty short this time around.

No earth-shaking news from either the BRs or our widows. When you reach our ages and stages in life, no news is good news, but still, there is some news.

Nan Hudgins corrected my comment that Elliott had joined Gene Witcher and Syd Stealy and had reached the milestone age of 90 when the last issue of the Review went to press. He was only 89 at the time. Sorry, Nan. They are still limited in the distance they travel from their home base in New Bern, North Carolina. Elliott doesn’t drive anymore and while doing fine around the familiar areas of home, Nan is not comfortable venturing too far afield. They still enjoy many of the things they have always enjoyed doing close to home, such as lunch and dinner with friends.

Their granddaughter, Elizabeth, has given them a great-grandson, who is very taken with his greatgrandparents. Elliott and Nan recently enjoyed a visit from both. Their son, Lt. Col. Reed Hudgins ’90, has made another trip to Afghanistan – probably on some special operations business. He can’t tell his parents much about his activities. Seems as if our military strategy these days is to depend more and more on the special ops people and less and less on what we all knew as regular forces. I can see that in this era of pinpointing targets for drones and missiles that this is the way to go in fighting the irregular forces of our enemies. I’m glad to report that Nan is still in good health, and so is Elliott, when you consider all he’s been through.

Charlotte (Harold) Logsdon is her usual buoyant and upbeat self, although she told me that she has not made many trips lately. Been sticking close to home and enjoying the Texas weather – rain and floods instead of the recent periods of extreme drought. The headlines of the nation’s extreme weather make me glad to be snuggled up against the lee (east) side of the Blue Ridge.

Joanne (Ed) Miller is having a touch of cabin fever. She has been so used to going places and doing things that being relatively cooped up in

an apartment (although an extremely nice one) is not exactly her cup of tea. She told me her weekly physical therapy visit is her present version of excitement. At least that helps her joints and muscles, keeps her going, and assists in losing a little weight. She told me her grandchildren are all growing up. Her youngest is a senior, I believe, at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and another, Alexandria, recently graduated from the University of Virginia and is looking at medical schools.

Gene Witcher is finally going to insist that his cardiologist do something about his aortic stenosis. He’s been putting Gene off too long already, and Gene is beginning to have some symptoms of early congestive heart failure. He’s a candidate for transarterial valve replacement rather than the traditional open heart surgery that I had. Gene and I had a long conversation about the necessity of doing something about his stenosis before his left ventricle is damaged. Much progress on the TAVR procedure has been made in the past two years. It now is a much less invasive procedure than open heart surgery, and the recovery is much shorter and less intensive. It allows the cardiovascular surgeon to perform valve replacements on much older and frailer people. I may well be looking at TAVR when my pig valve replacement wears out. The expected life of the pig valve is about 10 years, and I’m almost four years into that period. I’ll be 95 when my 10 years is up.

Under previous guidelines, few surgeons would perform open heart surgery for a valve replacement on a 95-year-old, no matter how healthy they might be. Good luck, Gene. You have many talented cardiovascular surgeons in the Houston area. Go for it.

Syd and Beverly Stealey are doing well in their new independent living digs. Of course, Syd misses his workshop and the airplanes that go with it, but it was time to make a change while they both are in good health. They reported an unseasonably warm spring in the land of the midnight sun.

Barbara (Hugh) Barnes is doing remarkably well in spite of the small aches and pains that we all have in this stage of our lives. She keeps active, still volunteers at the hospital, and keeps her interest in the people and things around her. I told her that the biggest reason I would like a wife in residence is so I could have someone to put ointments and lotions on my back and shoulders to alleviate my long-standing torn rotator cuffs. Heck, I don’t even have any rotator cuff muscles or tendons

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Class Notes

65th Reunion – April 18-19, 2016

The Class of 1951

Class of 1951: Present at the reunion were: Sampson H. Bass Jr., Henry L. Baxley Jr., Carl R. Carstens, George L. Cohen, Richard H. Cole, James L. Enochs Jr., Gibson S. Gay, Willard M. Hays, E. Jackson Hill, Frans R. Kasteel, R.M. Little II, John W. Lowden Jr., James H. Marshall, Richard F. McFarlin, J. Robert Nolley Jr., Peter L. Philp, Paul H. Robinson, John J. Ross III, Alden A. Scott and Jacob H. Wamsley II. 42

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes anymore. She told me about a device that you can load up with lotion or ointment and reach your whole back and shoulders. I’m going to find one.

When I do, I’ll give you a report, as I suspect I’m not the only one who has trouble reaching those places.

Jackie (Dick) Martin is enjoying good health and an active life. Her dog of many years is getting feeble with old dog ailments and, naturally, that saddens Jackie. It keeps her closer to home than she would normally be. Last time we talked, I promised to send her some Jim Dandy grits, which I promptly forgot to do. Jackie, the grits are on the way. Enjoy. I’ll also share my secret of cooking grits with all of you. Cook them in chicken broth instead of water. Just don’t add the usual salt. The chicken broth is plenty salty.

Speaking of cooking, I caught Nancy (Hank) McWane doing exactly that when I called. She was having some friends over for lunch. Thank goodness her health is extremely good, as she has a strong commitment to her farm and needs all the strength and stamina possible. I can relate to that, although she has about 10 times my 20 acres to look after and keep up.

Both Kenny and B.J. Stagg are doing well. Kenny has had some kidney problems, but I’m glad to report that his doctor appears to have it under control. B.J. is as busy as a one-armed paper hanger with the itch. The Richmond real estate market must be firecracker hot. Kenny told me that when she lists a desirable property in a good neighborhood, she usually has one or more offers above the listing price before the day is over. Whew! Sounds like 2007 all over again.

Jennings and Harriet Bunch have a great-grandson in the Baltimore area whose first and second names are Ryan Jennings – named after our BR, of course. They recently made a trip to Baltimore to visit this branch of the Jennings family. While there, they had a picture made of them in front of the dual equestrian statue of Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee in the Druid Hills Park. How many of you remember the Corps trip we made in 1949 (I think) to dedicate that statue? That was the last time we saw our long-lost BR Kenny Hopkins. He was at Johns Hopkins (no relation) after he left VMI. Jennings’ back problem is much better, and they both are still active and reasonably healthy.

Debra and I are still going strong and enjoying every moment. I recently helped her build and install a gate on her deck. Sounds like a honey do

2016-Issue 3

project, doesn’t it? Perhaps I’m getting domesticated again. I have a lovely year-old border collie puppy that will domesticate me if Debra doesn’t/ can’t. She’s such a joy (both of them). Collie’s name is Piper, and she has plenty of space to run here. Border collies need a lot of space. I’ve had border collies before, and I can assure you that my deer, geese and groundhog problems are well taken care of.

Back to Debra and me. We had a great week in April at our family beach house at North Litchfield, South Carolina. Not much swimming yet. The bottom of the ocean was still very cold.

Colder than the water. The sun, sand, seafood, old friends and just the two of us being together were absolutely wonderful. Never mind the nonswimming. My health is still good, and I can still do a lot of things I’m used to doing, like cutting acres of grass and the like. I will be replacing my right knee in November. It’s just plain worn-out.

The cartilage has been thinning for years and has now reached the bone-on-bone stage. It doesn’t pain me much but has become unstable. I want to have it replaced while I’m fit and in good health and before the pain gets serious. I’m not going to fool around with steroid injections, as they are just a stopgap treatment. Son David Moore ’86 and his wife, Jennifer, are building the sixth Moore’s Country Store in the Lynchburg area and are doing big things with the old family business that my dad started in 1926 and Anne and I ran for 39 years. Till next time.

1950B

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.

1951

John Ross

This note covers the period Feb. 10 to May 10, 2016, and is basically in sequential order. It started with the sad news that we lost another brother rat; Straud Davis died Jan. 3, 2016. Jack, who was in my electrical engineering section, had been fighting health problems for some time. I called Laverne in Southern Pines, North Carolina, to

express our condolences and made a memorial contribution to VMI in Straud’s memory.

At the beginning of February, I wished Jimmy Gonzales in Kenner, Louisiana, a happy birthday. He and Earl Patton were still considering the reunion.

Then, I was shocked and saddened to learn that Feb. 8 we lost our senior brother rat – Jerry Eggleston. Jerry, known to all as the “Egg,” won a lasting place in the hearts of all who knew him. He was an outstanding athlete (wrestling and football) and a true friend to all of us.

He will be sorely missed. Frans Kasteel wrote that Jerry’s family “must be very proud of him, and so should the Class of 1951. Both Anna and he were generous human beings.” I concur.

I was unable to wish Taylor Hay a happy birthday, as his answering service informed me that he is not taking calls.

I wished Randy Thompson in Fairfax, Virginia, a happy birthday. Randy, who was in my electrical engineering section, will not make the reunion, as he suffers with spondylitis.

I failed to reach Joe Stump at the end of February with birthday wishes. I hope he received at least one of the two birthday cards I sent to him.

As a result of an inquiry from Win Baber, I have been trying to reach Tom Wornham in La Jolla, California, as emails to Tom were returned “undeliverable.” I finally reached Pinkey, Tom’s wife, who reported they both are doing well and are aware that their computer is not working.

I reported the foregoing to Win, and we then had a nice visit. I learned he and Betty are in the process of downsizing and will not make the reunion.

At the beginning of March, I failed to reach Henry Quisenberry in Enterprise, Alabama, to wish him a happy birthday but did leave a birthday greetings message.

I wished my Alexandria, Virginia, neighbor, Ray Marshall, a happy birthday. He and Sheila are looking forward to the reunion.

I failed to reach Pete Ames with birthday greetings, as I do not have any current contact info. Can anyone help? I understand he is in California. I also have lost contact with Lain Peck, Dick Lawrence and Ken Crisp.

Ray Moncrief called to say that he could not make the reunion. He asked me to inform everyone that he had family obligations that precluded attendance.

When I checked on Bill Dawson, I learned from Shirley that there has not been any change.

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Class Notes Although he is now eating, he remains very weak.

Laverne Davis in Southern Pines, North Carolina, is doing well and much improved.

I tried once again to reach Jack Nichols in Asheville, North Carolina, but was forced to leave a message.

I reached Marie Ambrose and learned that she is doing well. I assured her that I would make the interment of Homer April 29 and learned that Coach Bartlett was to deliver a eulogy.

I visited with Harry Bailey, who is still recovering from back surgery in Orlando, Florida. He hopes to be discharged in the near future.

Shortly thereafter, Feb. 14, we lost another brother rat, Desmond Wray, of Staunton, Virginia. Des was with us for one year and, as I remember, roomed with Richard Chaplin and Harry Bailey. He subsequently graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and commissioned into the Marine Corps. He served on active duty for five years, during which time he became a Naval aviator. Des attended Virginia Law School and passed the bar while in the Marine Reserve. He then served as the city attorney for Staunton for many years, while continuing in the reserve, attaining the rank of colonel.

I expressed condolences to the wife and family of Des and made a memorial contribution to VMI. Incidentally, although I was unable to reach the family of Jerry Eggleston with our condolences, I did make a memorial contribution to VMI in his behalf.

VMI informed me that David Banks Sebree Jr. of Frankfort, Kentucky, died March 2, 2016. He evidently was with us for a short time, and I have no further info nor any remembrance of him.

Then, Jo Jac Lazzell called to inform me that our Brother Rat Rufus died March 12, 2016.

Rufus had been in a health facility for some time. He had a distinguished military career, retiring from the Army as a brigadier general with many valor decorations. I expressed to Jo Jac the condolences of our class and made a memorial contribution to VMI. Starting with the death of Fred Anson Dec. 15, 2015, and running through the death of Rufus Lazzell, we have lost five brother rats in three months. It is truly sobering, and I hope never to experience a similar occurrence.

I wished Maurice King in Hallieford, Virginia, a happy birthday and learned he is thinking about the reunion.

I learned from an email that Hobart Rickey had

44

open heart surgery the beginning of January and is doing well but will be unable to make the reunion.

Sam Bass called seeking information concerning the reunion. He is doing well and looking forward to attending.

I received very thoughtful thank you notes from Cynthia Robertson, the daughter of Jerry Eggleston; Jo Jac Lazzell; and Fran Wray for our memorial contributions to VMI. Jo Jac reported the interment service for Rufus, with full military honors, was to be held July 27, 2016, at 3 p.m. at Arlington National Cemetery.

Then it was time for our 65th. I proceeded to Lexington Sunday, April 17, 2016. Unfortunately, Marie was unable to make the trip due to medical problems. When I arrived, I met up with Jake Wamsley and Jeanne and Bob Nolley. The Nolleys had already set up and provisioned the hospitality room, which, in my opinion, was the best one at any of our reunions.

The reunion formally began Monday, April 18, with 40 registered. There were 21 brother rats: Sam Bass, Jigger Baxley, Bounce Carstens, George Coher, Dick Cole, Jim Enochs, Pete Philp, Jack Evans, Willard Hays, Jack Hill, Frans Kasteel, Roger Little, Jack Lowden, Rav Marshall, Dick McFarlin, Bob Nolley, Paul Robinson, Sam Scott, Jack Ross, Jack Wamsley and Gibson Gay. There also were 11 wives, two widows and six relatives or guests in attendance.

On Monday, we had a conducted bus tour of the ongoing construction at the Institute – new athletic facility, development of the North Post and upgrades to existing facilities.

Then in the evening, the Institute hosted a dinner in Marshall Hall for the four reunion classes, at which Gen. Peay ’62, superintendent, made a presentation.

On Tuesday, April 19, Chaplin Park conducted a memorial service for our deceased brother rats in Jackson Memorial Hall. The service was very moving and recognized our 142 deceased classmates.

After the memorial service, we proceeded to Crozet Hall and had lunch with the Corps. This was an awesome experience – the numbers, noise and numerous serving lines. However, my food was excellent.

In the afternoon, we had a class picture taken on the steps of Preston Library and then watched the Corps pass in review. We then proceeded into the barracks courtyard for the

traditional Old Yell – Jack Wamsley mounted the sentinel box to lead us.

Tuesday evening, we had our class dinner at the Livery Stable Inn. We were most fortunate to have Col. James P. Inman ’86, chief of staff, bring us up to date on the status of the Institute.

After the class dinner, we had a business meeting in the hospitality room to discuss future reunions. We did not make any decisions, but George Cohen volunteered to conduct a survey and render a report.

On Wednesday, April 20, we said our goodbyes and regretfully headed home.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the help of Peggy Hays, Jake Wamsley and the Nolleys in making our 65th such a success.

I have received notes and emails of thanks for the successful reunion from Nancy Hill, Dick Cole, Marion Carozza and many other attendees.

On April 29, 2016, I attended a memorial service for Homer Ambrose and interment with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

I was joined by Jim Close, Rav Marshall and Coach Bartlett, who spoke in reminiscing Homer’s lacrosse activities. The service was very well attended, including a number of members of the Reuben Tucker Chapter, 82nd Airborne Division.

In early May, I made a number of belated birthday calls to Sid Hannah in Cincinnati, who is considering downsizing; Bill Moore, in Fairfax, who is hanging in there; and Bill Dawson in Richmond, who Shirley reports still has substantial medical problems.

I learned from Jim Close that he moved into a condominium and is in the process of selling his house.

Keep the news coming – let me hear from you.

Marie and I wish you a pleasant summer.

Semper Fi, Jack

1952

James M. Mecredy

As I start these notes Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, it is the coldest day of the year so far in Augusta, Georgia. But I am told that spring is coming soon, as Augusta begins to prepare for the Masters Tournament. It is always a big

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes deal for which preparations are now underway. Everyone is looking forward to watching the professionals play golf or looking forward to leaving town for the week on vacation. Our plans are to leave town and spend the week in the mountains of North Carolina.

Our Brother Rat George Bookman (Bookie) went to be with the Lord at 2:15 a.m. Feb. 14, 2016. He had been suffering from dementia for several months and was unable to recognize his wife, Nancy. Army Wellford called me, and I notified most of you by email. His son, Scott, said he waited until Valentine’s Day, because he was such a romantic. He had Alzheimer’s disease, so Nancy has been losing him a little all year. He was never in any pain or discomfort but was terribly confused before he died. His daughter, Lisa, wrote that she and her brother grew up surrounded by VMI memorabilia (there was a print of the Parade Ground over the Bookman fireplace), and the family made many trips to Lexington over the years. They can sing the “VMI Spirit,” quote Stonewall Jackson and recite many of the stories their dad told about his days at VMI. Bookie wore his VMI ring with great pride, even refusing to remove it for his quadruple heart bypass years ago.

One of the toughest days for all as Bookie’s health declined was the day his hands were too thin and frail for him to continue to wear his ring. Scott now has that ring, and one day he will give it to his son, Peter Meredith Bookman. Lisa included a picture of Nancy’s and Bookie’s hands that she took back in May 2015, both wearing their VMI rings. Also, she included a recent picture of Bookie and Nancy. Both pictures are reproduced here.

I have recently heard from Andy Dickinson, Chuck Haley, Eleanor Williamson and Ed Wilbarger and they all are well. I am waiting to hear from some others who I have called and left messages.

George St. John is now a wheelchair user, because he had a stroke two years ago. He is in good spirits and has four kids and five grandkids nearby to keep in touch. We talked about changes in the Roanoke Valley. George went to high school in Salem, and his high school classmates have a reunion every year, so he has many friends, as well as family, who stay in touch with him. All-in-all, George said he is thankful he is doing as well as he is.

Jim Martin wrote about reading of Bob Lambert’s death in the Alumni Review. Bob was his section leader. Jim and Bob were among the 11

2016-Issue 3

Class of 1952: George and Nancy Bookman in 2016.

Class of 1952: VMI rings worn by Bookie and Nancy Bookman.

Class of 1952: Ray Gilchrist, Mitch Mays, Joe McCarthy and J.B. Hyatt during their cadetship.

Class of 1952: Chris and Sugar Holland with Austin Murga ’16. brother rats who served in the Corps of Engineers.

He was also on the Institute faculty while Jim was.

We know some brother rats well and others less well. Jim is pleased to say that he knew Bob Lambert well.

Bud Becker called me about an article for Bookie in the After Taps section of the Alumni Review.

I agreed that this is a great addition. I also plan to place an article for Bob Lambert and an article about Joe McCarthy so look for these in the After Taps section of a future Review.

I have lost track of George Robison. The last four letters and cards mailed to him have been returned. His phone has been disconnected. I emailed all brother rats on my list, and no one knows about him. I even contacted the NFL, and they have no current record of George’s whereabouts. Remember, George played for the NFL in the 1952-53 season. The amazing part is that George was turned down by the Army in his final physical before reporting as a second lieutenant in 1952, so he played football instead – I think for the Dallas Cowboys.

Bill Ruffin called to thank me for his birthday card and tell me his phone has been fixed. I had tried to call him and received the message that his phone was disconnected. All is well now, and Bill is doing well. He also sent me a photo of himself and his friend vacationing in Florida.

Sharon and Charlie Piper are continuing to travel around the world. This year, they are going to Kauai, Hawaii, for six weeks where they have rented a two bedroom/two bath house. When they return from Hawaii, if all goes well, they

45

Class Notes are going to make plans for a riverboat excursion from Prague to Berlin with a couple of days on each end, followed by a side trip to Edinburgh, Scotland, for the Edinburgh Tattoo, which is a gathering of bands and dancers from all over the world that perform nightly during the last three weeks of August.

I received an obituary for Ray Gilchrist, who died March 3, 2016. I did not realize that Ray was one of the oldest members of our class, born in 1926. He joined the Army in 1944, and he was a combat veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam, retiring from the regular Army March 1, 1970. At that time, he and his family moved to Farmville, Virginia, where he became registrar and associate professor at Longwood College until August 1983.

I recently received a letter from VMI that the Class of ’52 fund (Walter G. Robertson Jr. 1952 Memorial Scholarship) has helped Cadet Nicholas Meier ’16, a civil engineering major from Newport News, Virginia, during the current academic year. I also received a letter from Cadet Meier thanking our class. Our contributions over the years since Poothead was our class agent are continuing to be beneficial.

Zeke Finney called me on his return from six weeks in Florida. We had a long conversation reviewing recent losses in our class. Zeke still plays golf, but he said his game is deteriorating.

I called Army Wellford for his birthday. He and Barbara are trying to stay healthy, except Army ate something that did not agree. He has given up tennis. Their recreation is spending

Class of 1952: Bill Ruffin with a friend.

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most weekends at their cabin.

I also called Skip Goldacker to learn he is well, but he sees the number of comrades declining – not only from ’52 but from the 563rd Fighter Squadron which has been meeting every two years. Their last meeting will be in 2017 because of the decline in numbers.

Martha Leighty says she is doing as well as can be expected. She has not been in touch with any others in the Class of ’52 recently.

Ray Hart lives in Florida and continues to play golf with his wife, Violet. She made a hole-in-one some years ago and gave Ray golf lessons until he finally made his hole-in-one.

Jim Wiley said he is slowing down but continuing to keep up. He told me that his biggest hurdle is to remember to lay down his walking stick before picking up his golf club.

I got a call from Rob Gerdetz wishing us a joyful Easter. He is establishing a routine to stay fairly healthy. With doctors’ help, he is staying healthy through chemistry, meaning a few pills, with Parkinson’s under control. He reminded me that Ray Gilchrist was first elected as our class vice president. Academics failed him, and Bob Lambert was elected in his place.

George Hutter became the senior member of the Class of ’52 with the demise of Ray Gilchrist.

He keeps in fairly good health by exercising weekly. He had a fall and injured his head which has slowed him down some, but he plans to be there for our reunion.

I called Nutz Navas to wish him a happy birthday but was unable to reach him, so I call Lou Delisio, who lives near Nutz. Lou said Nutz is holding his own and is communicating more easily with new hearing aids. Lou took him to lunch for his birthday, and they played nine holes of golf.

Scores were not mentioned. Nutz has a fulltime companion and has dinner every day with his daughter, who lives next door.

Bill Baber told me both he and his wife, Margaret, are staying healthy, and Bill is still busy managing two tree farms – one in Virginia and one in Pennsylvania – which he has owned for a number of years. He is happy to say that he is approaching 25 years of retirement from the corporate world, which he did voluntarily.

I called Stover Thomas on his birthday. We had a long conversation catching up for many years.

Stover started with ’51 and finished with ’52. He roomed with Russ McCarthy and Homer Ambrose ’51. He is retired from the Air Force and

his only health problem is a knee that slows him down. He and his wife, Shirley, are staying close to home. At the moment, he has a head cold which is improving.

Chris Holland attended the VMI spring class agent meeting for me. He called me to describe his experience and give me an update. A photo of Chris, Sugar and Austin Murga ’16 is included.

Austin graduated this year and attended VMI through Chris’s influence. Back in 2011, Chris got a call about Austin’s interest in VMI. Chris and Sugar met Austin and his mother at VMI. Austin’s mother had a question about the rooms being very old and full of rats. Chris laughed so hard she was offended until he explained that there were 400500 two-legged rats, and they all had a good laugh.

Austin fulfilled the rat question by leading the Rat Disciplinary Council as a 1st Class cadet.

Yancy Clark has mostly retired from his cattle and farming. He finds enough to do just keeping up with his property. His wife, Carol, stays busy with flowers and garden. Now, a neighbor is using some of his 64 acres for hay and some cattle.

I have not been able to reach David White to learn how he has recovered from a stroke last year.

Warren Meola is doing OK and has little news to report.

I received an email from Doug Burton ’80 about his dad and our brother rat, Ed Burton, who died in 2007. Ed’s three sons all went to VMI: Jeb ’79, Doug ’80 and Danks ’85. Out of that crowd, five grandsons went to VMI, and three of them graduated in May. Quite a record to be proud of.

I thought I had lost touch with Frank Byrne. I called his phone, and he answered. It turns out that the post office errored. Frank and Marjorie are both well, even though they walk with canes. He reports two new great-grandkids. I think he said the count is nine. That is pretty good.

As fall 2016 approaches, we will begin to plan for our 65th Reunion, which is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, April 24-25, 2017. You can expect to hear from me asking for help in the planning.

1953

William C. Noell Jr.

Brother Rats, We lost Joe Louden in March down in Round

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Rock, Texas. Joe spent some time in the Air North Carolina. You will note the photograph group to my grandfather’s restored home up on Force after he and Kathleen were married, and of the gathering on the steps inside at the Com- Garland Hill (Madison Street), just knocked on they had three children. I heard that Joe was monwealth Club. Jack Trigg and Elizabeth and the door, and was invited in for a complete tour of having some medical problems, but they were Judy and I were house guests of Agnes and Bill the 1813 home by the current owner. Of course, never confirmed. It is my understanding that he Atwill Thursday night. We were joined by the he told Ann Taylor he was my BR. Jack said they died from a stroke and was to have memorial Koontzes and Lunds for dinner that night at the really enjoyed the tour, and he took many picservice at a later date. Pinky Moore tures. He had learned about the house, was Joe’s best man at the wedding in my family and seen a picture when Lee Chapel, and Chris Perry (Ken’s visiting with us last April. My grandfafiancée at the time), a voice major at ther purchased the house in 1901 from Mary Washington College, sang at the family of Gen. Garland, Confedthe wedding. Wes Gray recalls playerate States Army, and wired all the gas lights for electricity. It is the oldest ing in the VMI Commanders with house on historic Garland Hill and is Joe at dances and various women’s known as the Noell-Garland House. I colleges and said he was a good bass still have three of the five carbon arch player. I received information from light bulbs that burned in the front the Alumni Association in February hall for 77 years – took them out to that Peter Shunk had died. The info preserve. came from a voice mail from his wife, Class of 1953: Bill Noell and his oldest son, Bill Noell III, celebratA note from Jim Meek said that Rosie, but no details were furnished. ed their 85th and 60th birthdays, respectively, with their wives, Since the note in the last class notes, Judy and Judy, at the Boathouse Restaurant on the James River they have finally moved back to the Frank Spencer’s wife, Ida, died with in Richmond, Virginia.

D.C. area, after 10 years of shuther family at her bedside at the time. tling back and forth between San Judy and I were not able to attend the services, James River division of the Country Club of Vir- Francisco and Ohio, their daughter’s and son’s but I did write a note to Frank and also visited ginia, which was a very enjoyable gathering put families, respectfully. He said that the years have with him at the Richmond lunch. together by Agnes and Bill. Jack and Elizabeth finally caught up with them, so in September they The major event for our class this past quar- left fairly early Friday morning for a weekend plus moved into a continuing care retirement commuter was the annual spring ’53 “Richmond and in Washington, D.C., and Judy and I departed for nity in Mitchellville, Maryland. They were surBeyond” lunch (some call it our mini) in Rich- Lexington about 11:30 after a morning of visit- prised to find out that Lee McKnight ’54 and his mond at the Commonwealth Club in downtown ing in the breakfast room, especially since Bill’s wife, Deborah, are fellow residents. A note from Richmond Thursday, April 28, 2016. We had morning golf was rained out. Before coming to Ken Perry noted that he is still working part time 33 BRs and wives in attendance, which also in- the lunch, Jack and Elizabeth visited Elizabeth’s with his company, at which his son, Christopher cluded Anne Goddard. Jack Trigg came the fur- daughter, Holly, and family in Lynchburg for a ’77, is the chief executive officer. The company, couple of nights. Interesting that Jack took the which is a wholesale distributor for plumbing and thest from Alabama, and John Lund came from

Class of 1953: Gathered for dinner at the Country Club of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia, April 28, 2016, were, from left, John and Maggie Lund, Elizabeth and Jack Trigg, Judy and Bill Noell, Win and Warren Koontz, and Agnes and Bill Atwill.

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Class of 1953: At “A Night at the Ballet” at the Lenfest Center at Washington and Lee University were, from left, Henry Atwill ’18, Addie Jay Beacham, May Jude Beacham, Jack Wilkins ’16 and Weston Gloger ’19.

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Class Notes

Class of 1953: Bob Cheatham celebrating his 85th birthday with family in South Carolina. piping products, celebrated its 100th anniversary last June. Besides Christopher, Ken and Chris have had two grandsons who attend VMI. Russ Horne has noted that his torn ACL knee has finally interrupted his daily 2-mile hike. However, now he wears compression stocking and kneehighs and is working back up to the 2 miles. Russ also noted that he has macular degeneration and has had it since 1991. With me, this is an inherited thing, and for the last few years, I have taken the vitamin ARES-2, which is supposed to slow down the progression. So far, I have not had any trouble with the eye problem. However, it appears that

Russ does have a problem these days, but he can still work in his shop and is taking several medicines/vitamins for it.

As you will note by the picture in these notes, Bob Cheatham celebrated his 85th birthday April 16 at a surprise party given by his family.

We were invited to attend by his son, Ben, but at the time, regretfully, we could not make it to South Carolina for the big occasion.

However, I celebrated my 85th with my oldest son, for his 60th, in Richmond with our wives at the Boathouse (recommended by Ann Atwill – Bill’s daughter-in-law) on the James River.

Since Bill and Judy live in Portsmouth, this was a halfway gathering for the four of us. We all went down and back to Richmond (3-plus hours each way) for the day, yet the lunch lasted from 3:30 until just before 7:00 that Sunday afternoon in April, which turned out to be a beautiful warm day overlooking the river.

I received an antique post card of the Institute from Goose McClung saying “a card from the past,” which he said he found in his collection (?). Goose stated he is staying busy playing golf and putting on golf tournaments down there in Savannah.

I received a note from Jane Fortin with photo of their daughter, Joan, with Paul. Joan retired from the Air Force last September. There was also one of the two of them with Paul and Jane’s grandson from the Class of ’14, now a lieutenant in the

Class of 1953: Group photo from the ’53 Annual Spring Richmond and Beyond Lunch at the Commonwealth Club in Richmond, Virginia, held April 28, 2016.

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Army Corps of Engineers; however, I will have to hold them until the next class notes (only five pictures allowed).

We seem to stay pretty busy these days with our grandkids here in Lexington and with the three adopted cadets, and we have lunch with them after church on Sundays at the Southern Inn or the country club. Of course, we cannot always get all three guys together. It seems studying interferes or FTX or something going on over at the Institute.

However, sadly and joyfully, our 1st Class cadet, Jack Wilkins ’16, graduated May 16. He is a mechanical engineering major with academic stars, and plans to go to graduate school at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. He will certainly be missed by the family – especially our two granddaughters, as he is like a big brother to them. We hosted a graduation party for Jack after the New Market parade May 15, and thus our house was packed for the weekend – all four guest bedrooms.

Speaking of the New Market parade, Bill Atwill planned to attend, and again heard grandson Henry sound off at roll call for Cadet Atwill ’866, “Died on the field of honor, sir.” Also, Warren Koontz planned to bring his grandson up from Richmond for the parade. He is a high school sophomore showing interest in VMI. As a rising 2nd Class cadet, Henry Atwill ’18 will be a sergeant, S-4, next year on the 1st Battalion staff, as well as on the Honor Court; in fact, he is already active in it. Weston Gloger ’19 celebrated his 20th birthday with us at our house for ice cream and cake.

You will note the picture of our two granddaughters here in Lexington with our three adopted cadets after attending the dance recital at Washington and Lee University. Addie Jay (high school freshman) was thrilled to have the three cadets – her adopted brothers – come to support her at the recital. I doubt that any of her friends ever had three cadets come to their dance recital.

She was in four performances over the weekend, and Mary Jude (five years) was in two. You will note she was kind of upset – very tired. After the Saturday night show, we took the cadets – Jack Wilkins ’16, Henry Atwill ’18 and Weston Gloger ’19 – and our high school graduating grandson, Jackson (TCU), to dinner at Macado’s then back to barracks to study for exams.

As mentioned in the past class notes, after 29 years, I decided to retire from reminding you of your birthday with those individual VMI cards.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes So, for those 16 of you who had birthdays during the last quarter, I hope that you all had a great day that was memorable and lots of fun. And those of you – 17 as I count – who will have a birthday during this coming quarter, I hope it will be a great day for you, too, and that you will not mind not getting a card from me reminding you that you are well past 80 these days. However, I do hope that all of you will hang in there for more years to come and make it to our 65th Reunion in April 2018. It will be here before you know it, but we will be having another “Richmond and Beyond” ’53 lunch next year.

Historical trivia: I am sure all of you recall having to remember the inscription on the parapet our rat year. How many of you can still recite it?

I can only do so for part of it these days. Anyway, it is interesting that Col. Preston wrote the inscription before VMI became the Institute. It was part of an article Col. Preston wrote for the local newspaper attempting to stimulate support for the new concept of VMI. It was written in August 1835. The wall itself was not built until 1926, and the inscription was added around 1930; thus, my father ’924 and uncle ’917 did not have to learn the inscription – well, at least not from the parapet. As to when rats had to start learning the inscription from the parapet, it is believed to be after World War II. What brought on this history lesson? Well, Judy has made a cross-stitch of Col. Preston’s inscription for our graduating 1st Class cadet, so I thought I would enlighten my BRs with this Institute history, which will also be

placed on the back of the cross-stitch. You will recall that there are no “u”s in the inscription, only “v”s, which is classical Roman. The cross-stich pattern used the “u,” but Judy replaced those with “v” to be accurate. (Thanks goes to Col. Keith Gibson ’77 for his input/clarification on info herewith furnished.) Of course, you all know that the VMI library is named for Col. Preston.

But did you know he always lived in Lexington, was a rising young lawyer and was one of the first instructors at the Institute? Although denied

by Col. Preston, the superintendent of 50 years, Gen. Smith, continually gave credit to Col. Preston as the originator and founder of the Institute.

(Info from “100 years at VMI.”)

1954

J.M. Perry Archer

Greetings, Brother Rats, We’ve received some interesting emails and calls in the past couple of months. Thanks to all who have contacted us with news.

Billy Kingery wrote. He is playing serious competitive tennis on what is the Super Senior Grand Prix tennis schedule. The Florida SSGP is where Billy will be playing. One of the original coordinators was a man named Larry Turville. The SSGP is national and international in scope. The

Class of 1954: Class agent Perry Archer said of this photo, “Keg party of Class of ’54 rats celebrating imminent release from the Rat Line in late May or early June 1951.”

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American SSGP attracts some of the best players in the country from all over the USA. (Guess we can tell what caliber player Billy is.) The Florida SSGP is held primarily on the west coast of the state, with the first four weeks in the Naples area and the next four in the Sarasota/St. Petersburg area. I hope we will be hearing more about Billy’s progress this year in Florida. It is marvelous to hear not only about BRs participating in sports, of course, but in so many other areas. Older does not always mean physically restricted, generally.

(It is easy to give in to the, “Oh, I’m too old,” song. Stated another way, it is often tough not to give in. I hope we all keep trying; that’s the message of the greatest fight song in history, the “VMI Spirit.”)

That somehow brings me to think about one of our great brother rats, “Wild Bill” Turner. He was a fighter and accomplished so many of his important goals. His book, “My Life in the Rear View Mirror,” was one of them. Algebra was sensible for me. Trigonometry was worse than Greek or Russian. For Tom Kane, calculus was a mystery at VMI, and he had to attend summer school to get a passing grade. And then, after flying B-47s for the Air Force, Tom was hired as an engineer by Raytheon. Guess what happened?

He received an award from Raytheon during his time there. It reads: “Thomas Kane. An approach to preliminary design of a Missile Airframe with emphasis on external loads calculation techniques. Boston University Senior Engineering Group. Boston, Mass. Nov. 1967.”

The plaque for this award was presented by Raytheon for Tom’s lecture to the senior engineering class at Boston University. Note: Tom used calculus for the equations upon which he had depended. This put Tom in “high cotton.”

Tom also wrote about the big snowstorms in the East earlier this year. Snow pushed by snow blowers and plows to a height well over his head.

Then, in his email, he harked back to “Porgy and Bess” and the Corps’ trip to Richmond. He and Tommy Williamson took dates to the play but didn’t stay together. Tom and his date sat and talked, and somehow the last bus went by that would have taken Tom back to Tommy’s house, where he was to be a guest for the night. Tommy took a different bus. Tom walked and hitchhiked until he got to a neighborhood that he thought might be close to Tommy’s house, but he didn’t know!

He had seen the house during the day, but...

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Class Notes Anyway, our bold adventurer saw a house that resembled Tommy’s on a street that looked like Tommy’s street. The house was dark, but a window was open on the second floor. Tom doesn’t remember how, but he climbed up the outside of the house and peeked in the window. Hey! There was someone asleep in a bed in a room with two beds, and one was empty. Not to be deterred and ever hopeful, Tom crawled in, got in the empty bed, and slept without disturbing whoever was in the other bed. In the morning he woke up, and lo and behold, he was in Tommy’s house! Guardian angels attend Tom Kane, no doubt about it, because this ain’t fiction.

Tracy Brandt, Pete Lyons’s daughter, sent some of Pete’s VMI memorabilia and a great picnic picture. She reported that when she was a young girl, he required her to respond, “Sir, yes, sir!” when he spoke to her.

Al Mattox gives us some info on past editions of The Bomb. Using https://archive.org/details/virRiniamilitaryinstitutearchive, Al says you can download every Bomb since 1884 except for two years during World War II when they weren’t published. Proceeding, Al also wrote about a meeting he attended when he was a pilot for American Airlines. O. Roy Chalk had sold Trans Caribbean Airways to American.

Chalk had become the largest holder of AMR stock. He was not a well-liked man, but he was the guest speaker at the important meeting. He took the podium, sporting a glittering diamond ring and an ostentatious gold watch. He began his talk in an arrogant, condescending manner and spoke of his wealth. The audience members started squirming a bit. Soon, Chalk started slurring his words. People were grinning. Then they saw what was happening; the speaker was actually Foster Brooks, using his famous drunk act. A put-on for the ages.

I got word that “Boots” Harmon died in February in Reno, Nevada. He was with the U.S. Army for 26 years and a veteran of the Vietnam War, retiring as a colonel. Then he became deputy director of Army Emergency Relief, a nonprofit charity for soldiers and their dependents. Boots is survived by wife Helen and daughters Hilary and Adrien.

His was a life of public service.

My wife, Shirley, and I have laughed our way around a few golf courses for years. Laughed, because if we took golf seriously, we’d cry at the spectacle of our terrible play. She sent me a good golf story the other day. Back in the 1970s,

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Raymond Floyd was emerging as a premier professional golfer. Ray had won on the tour and was playing in his first Masters. Back then, golfers had to use local caddies at Augusta. Floyd had only two requirements. He told the Augusta caddy master that he 1. Wanted a big fella who could handle his golf bag easily, and 2. He wanted that caddy to keep quiet and give him no advice. They met. The caddy said, “Hello, Mr. Floyd.” Floyd responded, “Hello. That’s the last I want to hear from you!” Everything went well, but on the 10th hole, Floyd pushed his ball into the right hand trees. It was a par 4. Floyd surveyed the scene, and said, “I’m going to hit a low fade out through that opening to carry and land mid-green and roll over the crest down near the hole.” He did exactly that and turned to the caddy with a triumphant look and said, “Well, how’s that?” Speaking for the very first time, the caddy looked at Floyd and said, “That wasn’t your ball.”

Al Mattox took me back – way back – with a story that involved me and him and Schubmehl.

Al’s dyke sent him next door to borrow a cigarette from the first stoop corner room of Rufe Lazzell ’51. Al ran in, tucked in his chin and strained. He sneaked a peek around. Schubmehl was hanging from a coatrack hook, and I was draped by my ankles from the window on the back side of barracks. Either Bill or I were getting punished for some hay infraction. That room was pretty nutty at times. Taylor Hay ’51 was my dyke and usually went really easy on me. Rufe could be a little tougher, but both of them really enjoyed trifling.

There was a third rat. I think it was Norris Kantor. The third 1st Class cadet was Howard Bass ’51. I may or may not have been the one hanging out of the window; that was a trick that always greatly amused our dykes. Al then mentioned Religious Emphasis Week. You will recall that Rufe used to “give the word” or “give the yell” from the doorway every night during that week. The word started with, if you remember, the letter “s.” Everyone in Old Barracks and New Barracks from all the stoops would holler for him to give it.

Of course, he got boned for doing it and was told to stop, and ultimately he was busted for it. But the yell continued anyway, and here’s how: Rufe had me drive down to his room. He’d stand in the doorway and make me get down on the floor and give the yell from between his legs from behind.

So I gave the word. The officer of the day would run over and ask Rufe if he gave it. He truthfully

said that he had not. No one ever figured it out.

(That room was also the cadets’ room in the old film, “Brother Rat.”) Bit of history and info: Remember yelling for “Bogus!” in the mess hall? Bogus was the man in charge of running it. Well, we are informed that his real name was Brown Colbert Borgus, and he served the Corps from 1919-55. He was well-loved.

Al also recounted how Air Force One got its call sign in the ’50s. Three original four engine Constellations were in President Eisenhower’s fleet of planes, and Columbine II was the name of Eisenhower’s plane; one of the three. Well, Eastern Airlines flew Constellations back then. One day, one of its planes lost an engine in flight. The crew mistakenly shut down another engine on the same side, leaving two out on the other side. Bad. The plane barely got down safely after limping around.

It had a call sign similar to the president’s plane, which was also landing. Air Traffic Control got the planes confused, and the two almost collided!

Ever since, the call sign of the plane with the president on board is Air Force One. Tommy Williamson reported another story on the Great Stepoff: Reed Johnson ’53 remembers being asked by Route 11 road guards (as we marched away) what was happening.

Reed said, “The Russians have landed in Goshen, and we are going to stop them.”

And that’s the way it was.

1955

Read Hanmer

I had good input for these class notes. Thank you! The only thing missing this time is pictures.

Please be thinking now about some pictures for inclusion in the fall edition of the VMI Alumni Review. Meanwhile, here’s the take from a goodly number of you.

First, great news from Brian Crockett. Our VMI Class of 1955 Scholarship Fund provided support for two outstanding cadets for the 2015-16 academic year: Cadet Nickolas Cox ’16, a modern languages and cultures major, from Salem, Virginia; and Cadet Donald Simpson ’18, an international studies major from Appomattox, Virginia.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Here are the inputs I received, in no particular order: I got a nice note from Brother Rat Jimmy Howell, who provided the update that follows.

“I attended VMI only one year. I was in premed and was under the watchful eye of Doc Carroll. I transferred to Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and majored in general agriculture. I remained in the corps of cadets while there and was very happy at VPI. I enjoy getting the Alumni Review and staying informed concerning all my friends and remembrances at VMI. I lived in 438 while at VMI and had Frank Beale and Lee Ackiss as roommates. I remember Bill Berry ’54, who later became chief executive officer of Dominion Resources. He was my corporal. I have written a book entitled, ‘And the Sun Rose on Another Day,’ that is an autobiography of my life. I wrote it for the benefit of my four children – three boys and one girl – and my grandchildren – seven boys and one girl. It is available on Amazon books and also Kindle. I am now 81 years old (82 June 4, 2016), and I am healthy and have had a good, productive, exciting, diverse life. The book chronicles the high points and the struggles that I experienced.

Through it all, God was my close friend and guide. I still love and revere all my VMI and VPI friends, like Frank Brooke, Sam Segar and Charlie Luck. I enjoy the Review; it has helped me to keep in touch or at least know what is going on in the lives of those I knew during my one year at VMI. I enjoy reading about my dyke, Ted Ball ’52, and his roommates, Freddy Ospina ’52 and Dave White ’52. Please give my regards to all the guys. I know a lot of them have died, but to those who are left, I say, ‘Hello,’ and I salute them all.” Jim can be reached at: 31238 Sycamore Church Road, Franklin, VA 23851 and at jimmy9298@charter.net.

Harry Redd ’63, a classmate of my first cousin, Dennis Marchant ’63, wrote to me to note that he met Bill Shea at a VMI function in Maryland. Harry wrote: “I asked Bill if he knew you. He said yes, and that you are his class agent. I told him I know you and explained the way we came to meet. The VMI family is intricately wound together, isn’t it?

So you might put in your next class notes that your Brother Rat Bill Shea met your Class of 1963 cousin’s rat roommate at the social put on at the Union Jack Pub by the Maryland Alumni

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Chapter. Retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Shea was accompanied by his very lovely wife, Carol. It really was nice to meet them.”

Mort Bregman reported that “this has not been a very good year for me. For several months, I have been saddled with some kidney problems that never seem to want to be working in the correct way. Guess I should be thankful it took 83 years before the old body decided it was time to start giving me problems. The good thing is that Jean has stayed reasonably healthy and is taking good care of me. I don’t know what I would have done without her! Please send our best to everyone.” We are all pulling for you, Mort, and hope you will have better news for the next class notes.

A long note came from Bob Rennicks, who wrote: “My wife, Clara, and I have been quietly enjoying our last 24 years of retirement here in the low country of South Carolina, which included volunteer services [such as] school tutoring, building homes for Habitat for Humanity, political precinct representation, aiding elderly persons in need, etc. Over this period, I have served in various leadership positions in our ‘plantation:’ Development, including as a board member of the Moss Creek Owners Association; commodore of our yacht club; president of the Moss Creek tennis club; and chairman of Moss Creek Water Authority.

Although I have retired from these leadership positions, I remain an active player in golf and tennis. I am most active in the latter, playing about four times per week. I am co-captain of two USTA teams but will slow down my play during the coming hot summer period. We are always happy to have VMI folks visit with us.

Recently, we met with Herb ‘Tuggy’ Southgate.

After the passing of his beloved wife, Joyce, in 2014, Herb announced that he just remarried to a wonderful widow, Peggy, who is a longtime friend and neighbor. They were honeymooning in Hilton Head. They will both continue more adventures later this summer by driving their RV to Alaska to perform a new building project with the NOMADS (not vagabonds). This is a volunteer group that builds and repairs Methodist Church facilities in many areas of the U.S. and other countries. Since Herb lost his beloved wife, Joyce, he spends much of his spare time as a volunteer with a group of ‘RV vagabonds,’ who travel all over the country building and repairing civic and church facilities. They do

a wonderful service in this badly needed area.

We also visited with Ron and Nita Bryan last month. Ron and I played a round of golf. Ron told me he was not playing very well lately, but he somehow came to life, carding six pars and four birdies. I’ll know better next time we play.

It goes without saying that the Bryans do super work in so many Institute affairs and should be recognized for this. A final note for any brother rats passing by – come see us!”

Marty Fisher sent in the happy news that his granddaughter, Lt. Cmdr. Kristi Melendez, found her soulmate and tied the knot April 23 with a fellow U.S. Naval Academy graduate.

The occasion brought together all of Marty’s seven children and “most of their flocks.” Marty said he drinks coffee on weekday mornings with Jack Owen and plays golf three to four days a week with Fred Farthing ’56.

Congratulations, Rudi Ansbacher. He wrote, “The 2015 Leadership Award was presented to Rudi Ansbacher, M.D., MS, at the Leadership Summit for Women Meeting ‘Leading the Future of Academic Medicine and Healthcare,’ in recognition of his successful efforts in establishing the Women in Academic Medicine Leadership Program at the University of Michigan Medical School. The first class of 24 women graduated in March 2016, and the second class of 21 women will do so in 2017.”

Great summer plans for the Lathrams: “Suddenly, our summer plans and reservations made for Jean and me to spend a month in the West – mostly in Jackson Hole – were changed. The dates for graduations and the announcements for wedding plans within our greater families began to materialize. Now, we will enjoy a granddaughter’s graduation in Lubbock, Texas, and the pleasure of her July marriage in Nashville, Tennessee. On May 3, we returned from the May 1 wedding of our nephew in Charleston, South Carolina. Like many in the class, we celebrate 61 years of marriage in June. We did reschedule a vacation for the month of June in Breckenridge, Colorado, following the Lubbock graduation. Then we plan to let pop-up plans finish our summer.” Thanks, John; I hope all went according to plan.

A nice update from Ben Semmes: “I have been retired from Nynex now for 21 years but have been doing the accounting for an importer. This is payback for all my sins. While I was at Wharton, there were four guys on the third floor of a

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Class Notes row house. Somehow, we formed this nightly beer drinking habit. After the party, I did my accounting homework. This was before Norm Harris began to teach at Drexel University and we roomed in another row house (condemned) and lived less raucously. Currently, I make house calls to repair computers for friends and others. The vast majority of the problems are software related (it is rare to find a hardware problem other than plugs not plugged in). This can be fun and is an opportunity to help people lower their frustration level. As for family, Connie and I have two children and eight grandchildren. Our son was in the VMI Class of 1988. Three of the grandchildren have made their college decision, and to date, no one has considered the Institute. Maybe one of the other five will – we’ll see. At any rate, the decision on college is theirs, not mine or their parents’. With all of this, we’re busy. For example, I would get a ‘room unprepared for inspection’ special if some 1st Class inspector came by my office during SMI! We could use a ‘day stretcher’ now and then. So far, so good.”

Ron and Nita Bryan took their usual trip south in March to Hilton Head Island for a week, and while there, they visited with Clara and Bob Rennicks. Clara and Nita did a little shopping, and Bob and Ron played some golf. They also enjoyed dinner together several nights. They enjoyed their visit with the Rennickses, who are doing fine.

From Hilton Head, they headed south to Ponte Verde, Florida, for two nights. They had dinner with Judy and Frank Brooke and their daughter, Franci, who drove them to a nice restaurant called Caps on the Water. Ron reported that the Brookes are doing fine also and planned to arrive at their lake house in North Carolina in May. Ever the faithful correspondent, Joe Brenner sent the following (good) advice: “For BRs who still respond to curves – even if not quite so fully as in the ’50s – take a look at this in your own communities, especially if you are still paying residential taxes and facing building and renovation projects for your district schools that are alarmingly outsized. Here are the actual national trends.

1) Student enrollments are declining everywhere; 2) outcomes (i.e., educational achievements and measurable results) are in no way improving; and 3) costs per student are rising rapidly. Net: This leads to financial instability and eventually a fiscal crisis of major proportions. Be an activist to help bend the curves in the right direction.

Get support from friends and neighbors who

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are similarly disappointed in the results. And, of course, be prepared for pushback and flak – some of which may remind you of your earlier trips up through the third stoop. But take heart; you’ve been well prepared.”

In the last class notes, I reported on some of Sam Marshall’s health problems. Things seem to be on the upswing, as he reported on his current activities. “In the first two sailing race days this spring, we won three of the four races. I’ll miss the next race day since we’ll be in Lexington for our grandson’s (Kevin Marshall ’16) graduation. The boat will race without me, so the crew will probably do better! Racing logistics keep me busy during the season, what with new sails and repairs and the SUV I bought for launch and recovery of the boat each day. The boat is kept at Fishing Bay Yacht Club across the river during spring and fall seasons and at home on its lift otherwise. Dan Brittigan’s daughter, Macy Coffey, has lived in Lexington all her adult life and gave Kevin lots of help during his four VMI years. Macy’s son, Brittigan, works at the Devil’s Backbone Brewery and gave Kevin special help, too. I got a call from Jerry Bourke last week. He hopes to pay us a visit in White Stone when it gets a little warmer. (It’s already a lot warmer here than in Grosse Point, where he still lives.) I hope his live-in daughter, Elizabeth, lets him do it. Bob Bancroft called, too, when he saw my contribution to the previous Alumni Review.”

Dave Woolwine sent in some family activities: “Our oldest son, Dave Jr. ’79, is vice president for training for Sentara Hospitals in Virginia. Our grandson, Shane, has had a tour in Afghanistan and has just been promoted and taken over as an artillery battalion commander.”

Frank and Judy Brooke are “getting ready for our move to Lake Gaston for the summer. We welcome all brother rats to visit, just email me at fdbrooke@earthlink.net. One of our grandsons is graduating from the University of Virginia Darden School of Commerce this month and has a great job lined up in Jacksonville. Another grandson is entering his last year of a 5-year engineering course at the University of Florida. A third grandson is entering his second year at SMU with a full academic scholarship and will spend several weeks in Japan this summer. Our youngest granddaughter will start her third year at Florida State, where she is treasurer of her sorority. Our oldest grandchild is the chief financial officer at her job with a large group of orthopedic doctors in Raleigh, North Carolina. We see our grandchildren

often and have been very fortunate to be part of their lives from birth. We are also fortunate to have enjoyed good health and good friends most of our lives, and that is what makes life worth living. We are looking forward to our next get-together with BRs, whenever that might be.”

Pete Haake wrote: “Hi, Read and all brother rats, their wives and ‘significant others.’ The North Country is coming alive once again after a very mild winter. We had only a few snowstorms and the maximum accumulation was about 2 feet. We were very lucky. Even Washington beat us. Now, the spring flowers are blooming and gardens are in the planning stages. Cathy and I are doing well and looking forward to getting back to the Thousand Islands, where we spend a lot of time in the summer. On Mother’s Day, I will be going to the Restigouche River with a group of fly fishers for spring salmon fishing. This is a yearly trip for 10 guys, and we hope the ice on the river banks has melted. Last year it was 10 (yes, 10) feet deep.

We are hoping the bright fish are returning to the spawning rivers from the ocean and the black salmon are on the way back to sea. That is the best time to catch them on the fly. I have just finished reading ‘Rebel Yell’ by S.C. Gwynne, an account of Stonewall Jackson’s life. I heartily recommend it, if you have not read it already. Our children and grandchildren are all local except for one grandson, who is in Chicago. We do realize how lucky we are to have them so close. I hope this finds you all well and looking forward to a great summer.

Pete.”

I’ll close with a long message from Bill Davidson: “I don’t have any honors or awards that I received to report. I’ve been retired for 25 years come June 30. Even if I had gotten any by now, I would have forgotten what they were. After I retired from VDOT with 39-plus years of service, I obtained my insurance license to sell life and accident insurance. One recognition I did receive was that I was the No. 1 salesman for our company, dollar-wise, for the entire USA for one week. Pretty good for someone who knew very little about insurance.

(Class agent note: Don’t sell yourself short, my friend.) I also worked for the federal government (Federal Emergency Management Agency) for 10 years on an as-needed basis. Most all of my FEMA assignments were to review areas that had flood damage. I would work with local state departments of transportation and cities and make estimates as to what it would cost to repair and rebuild roads and bridges back to

VMI Alumni Review

2016-Issue 3

Class of 1956: From left, row 1: Spears, Wilshire, Jundt, Knipp, Moore and Quinlan. Row 2: Thurmond, Thompson, Mundy, Myers and Salsgiver. Row 3: Justice, Palme and Mann. Row 4: Prizzi, Dillard, Holsinger, Gottwald, Jones, Stone, Farthing, Nyman, Shelton, Alexander and McCrary. Row 5: Smith, Esler, Weinerth, Miller, Penn, Waring, Stokes, Blair and Jennette. Row 6: Heslep, Belsha and Nelson.

The Class of 1956

60th Reunion – April 18-19, 2016

Class Notes

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Class Notes pre-flood condition. However, since 2003, I have not worked at all. I do some volunteer work for my church by helping with the budget and am in charge of ushers for all services. I also help with a program (Meals on Wheels) delivering food to shut-ins, sick and those who need assistance. I also work with the Lynchburg ELKS, whose main fundraiser is administering a bingo program every Friday night. With the money we make, we sponsor kids who cannot afford to attend summer camps, hoop and shoot basketball contests, and with part of the money earned, we prepare care packages for veterans at the Salem Veterans Hospital. I play golf as often as I can (two to three times a week).

However, that is going to have to be curtailed a little. I visited an orthopedic doctor today, and he told me I was a candidate for hip replacement for both hips. I also have some lower back problems, and I start physical therapy soon for four to six weeks. At least now I will be able to join in the conversations with other brother rats who have already been through these procedures. The good news, however, is the doctor said as long as I can play through the pain, I should keep on going, and that’s what I plan to do. Pattie had some outpatient surgery in April and is recovering nicely.

I guess, everything considered, Pattie and I do very well. We had our 61st wedding anniversary March 6. We hope to see you at some VMI sporting events in the future. Pattie and I attend most of the events in Lexington and some of the away games. If you find yourself passing through Lynchburg, give me a call.”

I’m sorry to have to report the death of Dan Techentin. Dan was with us for one year. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of Illinois. He married Deborah (Debbie) Warren in Wethersfield, Connecticut, June 14, 1958. Dan worked for Hercules, Ibc. for 43 years, where he managed a paper chemical research laboratory.

Class of 1956: Class of 1956 passing in review for Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, at their 60th Reunion.

1956

Richard M. Smith

I spent March 10-24, 2016, on my annual trip to Florida, visiting friends and classmates along the way. It was most enjoyable to be with Spider and Ann Allison in their military retirement community of Indian River Colony Club. I was pleased

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Class of 1956: The Class of 1956 marching to barracks during the reunion parade. to learn they had worked out a plan to be in Lexington for the reunion. Next, I joined Paul Gronroos for two days of golf around Fort Pierce and had dinner at our favorite restaurant, Pineapple Joe’s, to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Along the way, I traded vehicles because my transmission was shot with 165,000 miles on my ’09 Jeep.

While away, I received notice that Alan “Tiger”

Jackson and Nan were not going to be able to attend the reunion since Nan was having back problems and could not travel. Tiger has had a complete hip replacement and has recovered well enough to come in first place in a seniors’ 5K race (walk) and second place in a 25K Nordic ski race.

He is still a remarkable athlete.

Russ Wilshire reported that, in the past year, he

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1956: Don Nyman, Chuck and Jean Jundt, Jack Prizzi, and Fred Farthing in the Wingate Hospitality Room. and Margarete continued their travels, including a world cruise in which they visited 22 countries on four continents.

Among the many highlights: They were adopted into a Maori family in New Zealand; Russ was taught to puff a blow gun on Borneo (three out of three hits) by a “reformed” headhunter; they visited the Taj Mahal; rode a rickshaw in Deli rush hour traffic; were amazed by the architecture and wealth of Singapore and Dubai; and drank, among lots of other things, wine made from grapes grown from 2,500-year-old seeds in Tuscany. They are both very active in the year-round Sarasota theatre and arts scene, in which they coproduce operas and concerts.

Russ is on the board of directors for Sarasota Artist Series Concerts.

Attention: Charlie Lavery was interred in Arlington National Cemetery with military honors April 13, 2016.

As I write this, we are in the last week of preparations for our 60th Reunion, and I expect to have quite a bit of news to report when it is over.

Well, it is now over, and a few tears were shed as a result of our parting after three days of joyous reunion. Forty BRs returned and 40 wives or friends and family members attended. We enjoyed the wonderful service at our headquarters, the Wingate Hotel. Our schedule of events went on time thanks to the Rockbridge bus service, which was most

2016-Issue 3

Class of 1956: Awaiting the class picture at Preston Library were Les Belsha, Bill Stokes, Tony Waring and Dave Blair.

Class of 1956: Doug Gottwald, and Sarah and Bob Shelton chatted in the hospitality room.

Class of 1956: From left, Don Heslep, Dick Smith, Fred Farthing and Bill Alexander during the reunion April 19.

courteous and helpful with those who needed assistance. The parade and march into barracks was well done, and Les Belsha mounted the sentinel box with the Class of ’56 flag flying for the Old Yell. The furnishings of Class of ’56 memorabilia provided by Walt Donovan, as well as others, were presented in our hospitality room and enjoyed by all. The table of liquid spirits flowed and had to be replenished the second day. Our banquet at the Robert E. Lee Hotel was exceptional in service and food. There were stories related by Les Belsha, Marshall Mundy, Francis Palme, Jim Thurmond and one or two others regarding events that occurred during our cadetship. The weather was beautiful, and six of us took advantage to play golf at the Lexington Golf & Country Club. A number of those attending got to see the film, “The Field of Lost Shoes,” in Marshall Hall.

Some took advantage to visit different places on post before the class picture was taken. We ended the events with a wonderful memorial service in J.M. Hall conducted by John “Rocky” Stone, which was followed by “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes and “Taps” on bugle.

I only regret that more of the class

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Class Notes couldn’t attend. I am particularly indebted to Les and Pat Belsha, Bill and Melissa Nelson, and Fred and Mary Jo Farthing for providing the excellent help I needed to get things done.

This brings us to the end of the 2015 fiscal year at the Institute and my 14th year as your class agent.

Yours in the spirit, Dick

1957

Clayton M. Thomas III

“First call,” brother rats: Spring 2017 is just around the corner. We will be sending out the questionnaires in the next few weeks for the 60th Reunion booklet. This will be the Class of 1957’s 12th booklet. I had the pleasure to do 11 booklets, and Marv Reinstein did the 15th Reunion booklet, as I was teaching in Tucson, Arizona, that long-ago year of 1972.

Dawn joined in on the 35th booklet, making it her sixth with the current issue in the works.

This is an active month, as we nose in on the “dog days” of summer. We are well-settled but still among some unpacked boxes. We all know how that goes. Living here in John Knox Village is a pleasure to be looked upon as youngsters by the residents here in their 90s and even in their 100s!

Blackstone Drummond Ayres Jr. in Accomac, Virginia, wrote the happy news that Clare Salvaggio and he decided to go next door to the Accomack County clerk’s office and get married. This was not a hasty decision, as he first met her while working at The New York Times 18 years ago.

Now, they spend their retirement days between the old home place in Accomac (no “k” in the town’s name) and their “digs” in New York City.

Frank and Ann Gilmore left Alexandria, Virginia, for Oxford, Mississippi, Jan. 1. He found the right person to run the Goldwater Foundation, so he retired for the third time. Frank and Ann will go to Montana from June 1 through mid-October; they should travel through beautiful scenery in this great country of ours.

Jasper Franklin Holmes died unexpectedly, but peacefully, in his sleep Dec. 28, 2015. Anne and he had been married 58 years. Anne claimed Frank was already planning to attend our 60th Reunion, and he recently established a scholarship in memory of his roommate, Clifford S. Heathcote Jr.,

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who was also the best man at their wedding. Ironically, his other roommate, Bill Dick, was the best man at Dawn’s and my wedding in 1993.

J.J. Kirchmier moved to Garner, North Carolina, last August and really enjoys living there. His lady friend, Jean, lives close by and sees him nearly every day. Jean also makes him VMI wreaths and flower arrangements.

The VMI Alumni Association notified us that Thomas King Massey died Dec. 4, 2015, in Houston, Texas. T.K. received a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering and also a master’s degree from Harvard University. He later taught at the University of Houston and was honored to receive a Teacher of the Year Award. Tom is survived by his three children.

Wayne Nuenke wrote the sad news that his father and our brother rat, William L. Nuenke III, died Jan. 13, 2016, on Amelia Island, Florida. After graduation, Bill began a long career in the oil industry. He leaves behind three sons, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Randy and Betsy Pendleton in Charlottesville sometimes miss living in Florida, and they try to spend a week there near Sarasota every spring.

We learned from Lee McCown ’58, class agent, that Bob Susnar died in December 2015. We, the Bereavement Committee, headed by Bill Moore, have sent flowers and sympathy cards to Bob’s widow in Pasadena, California. Cheri thanked us for remembering Bob and said our kindness was appreciated.

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

Finally, we are pleased that our class has done well in supporting VMI. We have 64 brother rats and 11 widows who make contributions to annual giving. Way to go!

join us for the mini reunion. We flew from our Delaware and Virginia homes and joined forces at the Tampa airport, where we rented a car.

First stop was with Gene Martin in Bradenton for a great visit. Gene has survived three back surgeries with a stroke between two of them, but he and Peggy were fine hosts for our time there. During a lunch, a dinner and a nice riding tour of the area, Jan and I found out more about Gene than we have in the 60-plus years we’ve known him.

Gene had a 22-year career in the U.S. Air Force that included hundreds of missions as a pilot, followed by another career in Cincinnati with Fluor, the global engineering construction force. His Florida retirement years have been spent at a very nice golf community where he enjoyed a 10 handicap before those surgeries.

Gene served three tours in Vietnam, where he was shot down by a missile. After several days evading capture in the jungle, he was picked up

by U.S. forces, but his co-pilot was captured. To say Gene comes from a military family would be quite an understatement. His father was a Marine; his brother a helicopter pilot in the Army; and his son, Michael, is an Air Force colonel returning from Germany soon to head a special ops force based in Pensacola. Thank you, Gene and Peggy, for your hospitality and for sharing all those stories.

Next stop was Naples, where Jimmy Moore – now dividing his time between Florida and

1958

Lee McCown

Since last we met via the Alumni Review, Jan Woodman and I have made a whirlwind trip around Florida, visiting BRs who were unable to

Class of 1958: Class Agent Lee McCown said of this photo, “Looking sharp on his 80th birthday, Drew Troxler with wife JoAnn.” VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Mississippi – was our host for dinner. Jimmy said he wants to stay connected with his BRs, who he considers “true friends and important to share ups and downs with.” Jimmy described a European trip he took while at VMI led by Col. Dillard that turned out to be life changing.

Jimmy’s long legal career was as a labor expert representing management.

He also spent a year at VMI teaching a pre-law course. I ran into him there once, to my great surprise, at a wrestling match. He said it was his first, and one of his students had required his presence there. There was no way to say no, as the student was Leslie Apedoe ’99, four-time heavyweight Southern Conference Champion and an NCAA All-American. Little wonder that Jimmy not only accepted this invitation but claimed to enjoy it.

After our drive across the Everglades, Jan and I were welcomed to Miami for a lunch with Annemarie and Wes Roberts, Bill Gee and Ru, and Tommy Nance. Bob Spurrier and Joan and Art Carnevale were unable to join us, and we missed them. Annemarie and Wes looked good and count themselves lucky to have had the lives they’ve had.

Bill was looking forward to a cardiac ablation, which he was hoping would correct his atrial fibrillation. We have since heard that it did help. Bill says he is now Vivian’s assistant, as her real estate sales practice is booming.

He’s on board for doing the booklet for our 60th Reunion. Bill and Vivian are very proud of their youngest granddaughter, Sara Gee, age 17, who was crowned Miss Florida Teen America in March. “She’ll be going to Atlanta in July to compete in the Miss Teen America event. She also sang the national anthem at the start of the event and was named most photogenic.

This was only the second event she has entered – we’re very proud of her achievement.” Laura said she obviously takes after her grandmother.

Tom has new knees and has been

2016-Issue 3

Class of 1958: Jimmy Moore, Jan Woodman and Lee McCown shared dinner and stories during a visit in Naples, Florida, where Jimmy spends some time during winter.

Class of 1958: Lee McCown and Jan Woodman’s Florida road trip included a stop in the Miami area where they had lunch with brother rats and their wives. Pictured were, from left, Lee McCown, Bill Gee, Ru Nance, Jan Woodman, Tom Nance, Wes Roberts and Annemarie Roberts.

Class of 1958: Lee McCown in a beautiful Wiesbaden park with the Cutler family: Erin, Gary, and daughters Caroline and Catherine.

told they are not built for tennis or running, so he is avoiding those activities, although Ru is still playing tennis. Tom does a lot of walking, goes to the gym and physical therapy, plays bridge, and does the home pool and yard maintenance.

After the Florida visit, I heard from Annemarie Roberts with this: “We had a wonderful visit from all our children (John, David and Cheryl) and their respective families, along with one of the five grandchildren, who was fortunate enough to be on spring break. We had a wonderful get-together with family and friends, making it a houseful of joyful noise on Wes’ 80th birthday!

Wes was in rehab for about 10 days, getting a ‘tune up’ with some intense physical therapy. Hopefully, the improvements in his walking and getting around more independently will last for a while. He is currently receiving home health therapy to reinforce the gains he made. The visits from BRs and family were the best medicine!”

Many of us are having significant “0” birthdays, including Dave Pitkethly. In Dave’s case, having a Feb. 29 birth date, he was marking his 20th.

He sent a great photo of himself and Mara, which didn’t meet the Alumni Review’s size standards, but I sent it and others to you via email. Dave was holding an empty wineglass, which I told him was a good thing since he won’t be 21 for four more years.

The photographer at Drew Troxler’s 80th had better luck, as you can see from the adjacent photo. Looking good, Drew and JoAnn! Laura and I were pleased to open the April issue of R∙HOME, the quarterly design magazine published by Richmond Magazine, and find the beautiful home of Nancy Mauck, daughter of Jane and Jack Cunningham. It’s a very interesting article about Nancy’s immense talent as her own interior designer and as a portrait artist. Here it is if you want to check it out: http://richmondmagazine.com/

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Class Notes home/creative-expression/.

John Peters keeps threatening to stop doing real work, but he keeps getting pulled into important opportunities. He has been invited to make the opening remarks at a symposium on Virginia’s courthouses sponsored by Preservation Virginia and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. “Virginia’s historic courthouses are now numbered among the state’s most endangered resources,” he said. “It has been more than 20 years since ‘Virginia’s Historic Courthouses,’ which Susie and I co-authored, was published by the University of Virginia Press. The foreword was by Supreme Court Justice Lewis F. Powell. Recently, Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit described the book as ‘widely recognized as one of the commonwealth’s true classics.’” It is a terrific book, and we recently consulted ours after a trip to Appomattox, where we saw their downtown court complex and the copy of the original courthouse at the National Park Service surrender site.

Bob Beale, who spent rat year with us before transferring to West Point, sent me this. “An update on my life. I still live in Denver, Colorado, and continue to do some consulting work with midsized businesses. Not nearly at the pace of the past, but enough to keep my hand in. My wife, Diane, and I recently spent a week in Tulum, Mexico. We missed some snow and cold in Denver and had a very relaxing time.

“I was most sorry to learn of Jim Beamer’s passing. While at VMI, I was an engineering major and took classes with Jim. We became good friends. When attending the 50th Reunion of our class, Jim and I seemed to pick up where we left off some 54 years earlier! He will be missed.”

Jerry Paull and Warren Yaun attended Bill Rousos’ funeral and wake in Alexandria. “I learned several things about Bill I did not know,” Jerry said. “Bill was an orphan. His parents died when he was very young. He was adopted by an aunt who lived in Richmond. He came to the U.S. in 1952. Bill’s original first name was Basil.

He assumed the name William later.

“At some point before entering VMI, Bill applied for a scholarship to attend school. During an interview, he was asked to name the one animal Noah did not take in the ark. Bill pondered the question, and responded ‘the fish,’ which was the correct answer. He got the scholarship.

“While Bill was at VMI, he ran out of money

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to pay his tuition. Someone at the Institute approached the Lexington Greek community, and the Greek community paid Bill’s tuition. Among Bill’s many architectural accomplishments, he designed the columbarium at Arlington National Cemetery. There were soldiers from the Old Guard (3rd Infantry Regiment, Fort Myer) at the burial. They folded the flag and presented it to Irene. A bugler played taps. Bill was a very quiet, gifted person. His family is very nice.”

Soon after this report, I heard from Charles Gardner ’74, who was Bill’s doctor at the time of his death: “I had the honor and privilege of being his family doctor the past few years. He was a wonderful person who loved VMI, and we shared many stories. He had a tough time at the end but faced every adversity with steadfastness.

I last saw him just before he was discharged from the hospital for the last time. Although he was barely alert, I sang the ‘The Spirit’ to him and bid goodbye. He is missed. He was a credit to your class, and his wife is a tower of strength.” Thank you, Dr. Gardner; I am sure he appreciated your care and compassion in his final days.

Don Cuthrell reported that he and Carolyn are going to take a “long-overdue vacation in July, first to Boston to visit my oldest daughter, Leslie, and her husband (and see my first major league ballgame!), and then on to Maine for a very unscripted tour up the coast. Since my days of lounging in the sun are very much over, I will probably look more like a beekeeper than a regular tourist.” Right you are, Don; we must all keep our dermatologists happy. Where were they when we were soaking up all that sun in our youth trying to achieve the bronze Apollo look? I never quite got the look but did get the skin cancer.

Laura and I spent a week in Paris in early

Class of 1958: The collection of antique relief maps and models in the museum of the French army in Paris is not to be missed, per Lee McCown.

May, and thanks to a good friend, we saw some things we would have never known about: Specifically, the oldest restaurant in the city and where Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin dined, as well as the army museum that is part of a complex founded by King Louis IV in 1676 as a hospital and retirement home for disabled veterans (L’Hotel National des Invalides). The site includes a domed church where Napoleon Bonaparte is entombed. Around 100 veterans still live in this lively environment popular with students and tourists.

The military artifacts in this museum are truly astonishing, with uniforms and weapons from the long history of the French army – including those used by a cadet at L’Ecole Polytechnique, the school that inspired Crozet in his work on VMI – and a collection of highly detailed relief maps and models used in wars hundreds of years ago, now faithfully restored. These were of particular interest, because before arriving in Paris, we were visiting with the family of Capt. (soon to be Major) Gary Cutler ’04 in Wiesbaden, Germany, where he does work for the U.S. Army that sounds like it might be a high-tech version of the relief map. We take credit for enticing the Marylander to VMI, and he is in his 10th year of an Army career that has included two wars, two master’s degrees, two Bronze Stars, two daughters and a Purple Heart.

The Cutlers took us on a Rhine cruise – one of those experiences that must be seen to be believed. There are many beautiful towns, castles, vineyards and bright yellow canola fields along the stretch we toured, and you may know that the part of the river near Wiesbaden is a UNESCO World Heritage site, which keeps new bridges from being constructed. This leads to some push/pull, as you would imagine.

Apologies for my presence in so many of this issue’s photographs. When you don’t take pictures, you end up in them! Please remember to check the size of your photo submissions, as a 1MB minimum works best. Many of you were generous with photos, but they didn’t meet the Alumni Review requirements. (One of those was of Ron Swirk on his 80th about to dive into a cake with red, white and yellow icing!) I have sent these smaller photos via email.

Here’s wishing everyone a happy spring and summer, wherever you are.

Cheers, Lee

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

1959

Shep Shepard

Just after I submitted the last class notes, I received word that our dear friend and brother rat, Chuck Cotton, had died. I wrote a quick note about Chuck’s passing to Jordan Moore, Alumni Review managing editor, and asked her to include it in the notes, and she did. As close to Chuck and Margo as we were, Ann and I could not miss the opportunity to say farewell to Chuck and to be with Margo in her time of need, so we packed up the car and headed to Frankfort, Kentucky.

We arrived Friday, checked into the hotel and immediately rang up Margo and asked if we could visit. Of course, she said yes, and we spent a delightful afternoon visiting with the entire Cotton family reminiscing about the many wonderful times we spent with the family. That evening, we attended the viewing, where we visited with Bob and Lois Hobson, who had flown in from Utah to pay respects to his roommate. What struck me most about the gathering was, first of all, the number of people who came to pay their respects to Chuck – well over 100 people. Next were the comments, made from friends who played basketball with him while in grade school to people who had worked for him while he was building and construction commissioner for the state of Kentucky. All said what a kind and generous person Chuck was and how he always was available to help the homeless and those less fortunate. I could only say amen to that; whenever Ann and I were around Chuck, I always felt like a better person. We will miss you dearly, my friend; rest in peace. At the burial site, Bob, Lois, Ann and I said our last farewells by giving an Old Yell for Chuck and singing the VMI “Doxology.”

I was shocked to get word through the Alumni Association that our BR Lou Gapenski had died. Although Lou lived just up the road from us in Gainesville, Florida, we did not see or hear from him except at the class reunions. Lou had quite an impressive career in the U.S. Marine Corps and subsequently as a professor at the University of Florida and as a writer of textbooks. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jane and the Gapenski family.

2016-Issue 3

I got a nice note from Joe Simpson thanking me for the notification included in the class notes regarding the passing of his wife, Ingrid. Joe said the world is programmed for the husband to go first and when that doesn’t happen, it’s difficult for everyone. Ingrid was buried at Arlington about 40 feet from his folks and where Joe will rest someday.

Tex Carr wrote to say that his lady, Emily Hanzok, suffered a heart attack in February. Seems her rheumatoid arthritis may have caused it. She is doing well now, and we look forward to spending time with Tex and Emily on the ’59 French riverboat cruise. Tex visited his cabin in Alabama intending to get it ready to sell, but he found that it was a bit emotional – too many memories. His son agreed to help make it more sales ready, so if any BRs want a great cabin on a 43,000 acre lake above Montgomery, give Tex a call.

Ann and I gave thought to driving to Utah to attend Bud and Susan Mease’s daughter’s wedding, but after driving to Frankfort for Chuck’s funeral, we elected to fly. In April, we flew to Salt Lake City, Utah, where we helped our “favorite niece,” Stacey, celebrate her wedding to a great guy, Tony Tolson. This is Stacey’s first marriage, and to tell the truth, Ann and I really went just to make sure she went through with it and didn’t bolt at the last minute. Stacey has been a Department of Defense Dependents School teacher for the past 20-plus years and has lived in Turkey, South Korea and Germany. Ann and I have visited her every place she has lived. Whenever we

Class of 1959: Two old clergy, Dick Bingham and Robert Martin, enjoyed lunch together in Bradenton, Florida. receive a message from her, she is either traveling to China, Thailand, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Switzerland or any number of other exotic places. It was a beautiful wedding, and we wish Stacey and Tony only the best. It was good to see Bud and Susan.

Bud is still making it to the ski slopes frequently, and Susan is successfully combating cancer; she had a good report last checkup.

We called Bob and Lois Hobson in hopes that we might get together for lunch, but alas, Bob had just had his other shoulder operated on and was not feeling up to par. We postponed our lunch until our next visit to Utah. Speaking of Bob, I

Class of 1959: The Florida Group gathered in Sarasota, Florida, to welcome “snowbirds” John and Teddi Martin and Lloyd and Betty Thacker to Florida. Pictured were, from left, Shep Shepard, Lloyd Thacker, Ann Shepard, Betty Thacker, Monique Harnetty, Bob Haines, Lee and Nancy Southard, John and Teddi Martin, Norma Mackenzie, Sandy Goode, Bruce Mackenzie, and Dave Goode.

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Class Notes received a nice note from him apologizing for be- a monthlong vacation to Southeast Asia and the OK health-wise, but Marti is in the early stages ing on the gim while we were in Utah. Bob said Philippines. They missed a few ports due to bad of dementia, and Joel wants to move her out of he is recovering nicely and was to start rehab in weather in the South China Sea, but all in all, the their big house in Farmington and into something another week or so. They just welcomed Ellie vacation went well. Jack wanted to get to Corregi- smaller and more manageable. Joel and his famChristensen, their 23rd great-grandchild. Mother dor, but the crowds caused by the Chinese New ily are doing great. He is still a tuna fisherman by and daughter are doing fine. They finally sold Year prevented that. Jack acquired many of Adm. day and a screen writer by night. He has finished their cabin and are now dealing with consolidat- McCain’s effects. He photographed everything re- his full-length movie production, “Anatomy of the ing 4,000 square feet of furniture from the cabin lating to the award of the Order of the British Em- Tides,” and is in the process of getting it distributinto their existing place. The kids and grandkids pire and mailed it to Saint James Place, along with ed. I don’t understand the Hollywood and movie have taken what they want, and they making scene, but from what Joel says, have had two massive garage sales it is very complicated, and you have to so far. Whatever is left over goes to be in the loop. He is currently trying to Goodwill. While all this is going on, get AMC to distribute his film. Whatthey are totally remodeling their home. ever the outcome, we wish him luck Bob keeps checking because, although and look forward to seeing his movie he and Lois have been married for 58 on the big screen. According to Joel, years, there is some question about Jeff and Rory and their respective making it to 59. Just kidding, but the families are doing well. I can’t tell you remodel and the consolidation have how many people I’ve told to, when in provided a few stressful days for the Maine, visit The Rack, Jeff’s bar at the Hobsons. foot of Sugarloaf Mountain. I always In February, a group of ’59ers got totell them to check out the ceiling and gether in Tampa, where they hopped Class of 1959: Class Agent Shep Shepard said of this photo, find the VMI flag I gave to Jeff many aboard a Holland America luxury “Our brother rats ran into VMI alumnus Marshall Brittain, from years ago.

In mid-March, we had a few BR liner for a pleasant cruise of the Carib- the Class of 1949C, on a Holland American cruise to the Caribbean. The group consisted of Bill and bean.” Pictured were, from left, Lee Southard, Mel Anderson, snowbirds visiting the west coast Marshall Brittain ’49C, Bob Haines and Bill Nebraska. of Florida, so we decided to get toConnie Nebraska, Lee and Nancy Southard, Mel and Jean Anderson, gether for the evening. Dave and Bob Haines and Monique Harnetty, Sandy Goode took the lead and put and Skip and Mary Ann Davis (friends together a great evening, beginning of Mel and Jean). Their first stop was with a cocktail party at their beautiful Key West, Florida, followed by San home in Sarasota followed by a dinJuan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, Virner in a private room at a great local restaurant, which made it perfect for gin Islands; Saint Johns; Saint Lucia; conversation. Attending were Lee and Willemstad, Curaçao; and Oranjestad, Nancy Southard, who drove up from Aruba, with a final stop at the Cayman Fort Myers, where they are in the proIslands. Initially, Mel received a lot of static from his BRs about his attire, cess of moving into their new digs. We but as time went by, they gradually have not seen it yet, but the fact that became aware of what a fashion plate it has a five-car garage should tell you Mel was and began to purchase simi- Class of 1959: Bob Hobson and Shep Shepard traveled to Frank- something about it. Lloyd and Betty lar shirts in hopes of emulating him. furt, Kentucky, to celebrate the life of roommate and friend Thacker saw my email concerning Chuck Cotton. Pictured were, from left, Bob and Lois Hobson, the get-together and came over from They dined together for the evening Margo Cotton, and Ann and Shep Shepard.

Bradenton, where they are wintermeals and were a bit rowdy at times, but the whole dining room took notice when they an after-action report when Jack served as body- ing. They were exhausted, having just entertained walked in together all wearing “Anderson shirts.” guard to Prince Phillip and Prime Minister Lord Truman and Jackie Baxter and Marve and Patty A gentleman at the next table recognized the VMI Hume at the Kennedy funeral. To his surprise, Myers for the past few weeks, but they didn’t want banner they had at the table and confessed he was about two weeks later, he received a thank you let- to miss the opportunity to spend an evening with also a graduate – Class of ’49C. His name is Mar- ter from the queen. He added her letter to the Mc- some other BRs. John and Teddi Martin were also wintering on the west coast of Florida in shall Brittain ’49C, and he matriculated in 1943, Cain files as a punctuation of the entire grouping. left for the war and returned to graduate in 1949.

Not long ago, I called Joel Strunk to get an up- Siesta Key. As a matter of fact, it was John and All the BRs gave Marshall an Old Yell. date on the Strunk family and found that, for the Teddi’s Christmas letter that got the whole thing Jack and Joy Angolia recently returned from most part, all is well. Marti and Sturgis are doing going when they wrote that they would be there

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes in March. Bruce and Norma McKenzie drove over from Venice, and John, as usual, played his “women card” and gave each a pennant he made in his home glass forge. Bruce is a very gifted art glass craftsman and, over the years, has made some pretty interesting stuff that he has graciously given to his BRs. Nothing for the guys this time, but he remains the darling of the women. Florida has been good for Bruce and Norma; they are in their 14th month, and Norma is holding her own in her battle with Alzheimer’s. Physically, she is good but mentally, not so good. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bruce as he enters the difficult years as caretaker and loving husband. Bob Haines and Monique Harnetty, to my surprise, were there as well. Bob had been bedridden for the previous weeks because of a cold he couldn’t shake. Monique, on the other hand, is recovering from a very serious operation. I admire her stamina and the fact that she was at the cocktail party, because you could tell she was still in a great deal of pain. Bob and Monique did not join us for supper, but we thank them for coming to the cocktail party. We wish them both a speedy recovery. Ann and I drove over from Melbourne and stayed at a local hotel with Lee and Nancy. Our intent was to visit the Ringling Brothers Circus Museum the following morning; however, by the time we got Nancy ready to go, the weather had closed in, and the storms came. We decided to reschedule the visit. The drive home was horrendous; it rained continuously with visibility of about 100 yards the whole way. I got a call from Lee, and he said that he and Nancy had to pull into a McDonald’s and sit for about an hour because the weather was so bad. It was a great evening with our BRs, made even more special by our gracious Sarasota hosts, Dave and Sandy Goode.

Royall and Geri Geis are just about settled in their new home in Naples. Geri suspected that Royall had Alzheimer’s as early as 2003; she knew his memory was shot, and they had been seeing neurologists for 13 years. They found a great doctor in Naples, spent a good deal of time with him recently, and he confirmed that Royall does have Alzheimer’s. Further testing resulted in some good news. The doctor said that Royall’s good cells are fighting the disease and are winning. On the curve of Alzheimer’s studies, where others deteriorate, he has stayed straight; no symptoms other than memory loss. His reasoning is sharp, he isn’t disoriented and he can do all the tests. As a matter of fact, he laughed at some of

2016-Issue 3

them and had the doctor smiling, because Royall knew a pen was a pen, but most patients don’t.

The doctor said he felt his training as a pilot probably has an awful lot to do with him handling this so well and said that if he keeps this up and after 13 years has no real decline, he will die of old age.

Geri asked if he doesn’t have the symptoms, could he not have Alzheimer’s, but the doctor said the CAT scans don’t lie. The doctor asked Geri what she was doing and she said, “Being a b*$%&.” He said, “Whatever you are doing, keep it up.” Geri is very excited about the news and can now relax and not feel so tense about the future. So happy to hear the very good news; our prayers are with you both. When Bill Old heard of Royall’s condition, he wrote Geri and told her “that sounds so much like Royall.” Bill said he has been really bad about keeping up with BRs since graduating, but while at VMI, he and Royall were very good friends. The fact that Royall does not play by the conventional rules does not surprise him at all. He sent his best to Royall.

Agnes and Charlie Carter are really enjoying life on their four-and-a-half acre piece of heaven overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. Agnes said if one must stay put, this is about as good as it gets.

Charlie is coming along slowly from last year’s serious infection, but he is still not up to going too far away from home. Agnes’ two boys, Wallace Inge ’96 and George Inge ’92, and their families recently visited with Uncle Sonny Eskridge in Alabama and reported that he is back to cooking his famous meals and being a gracious host. It is so good to hear Sonny is doing so well. Agnes and Charlie send their best wishes to all BRs. Rusty Loth, current president of the “LAMM (formerly ‘LAME’) Group” reported that they still get together every other Tuesday for lunch if they don’t forget or get lost. “Blingman” Goode will rejoin the group when he snowbirds from Florida this fall. Most snowbirds go down in the winter and back in the summer, but Blingman gets the seasons confused. The group welcomes him back with open arms; how else can they keep up with the latest model luxury cars and the latest bling?

Rusty talked to “Swamp Rat” Eskridge recently, and he sounded good. He said Sonny’s health has improved to the point where he is driving his truck to and from the store for provisions but says no road trips – at least for a while. He is still hanging tough in his Alabama Southfork Ranch.

He said he has plenty of room for any BRs who would like to visit or are lost in that neck of the

swamp. He said if he sees you driving up, he will have a rare smile on his face. Rusty went to his cardiologist complaining about indigestion. His doctor suggested they do another heart catheterization; fortunately, the probe resulted in two more on-the-spot stents. Now with three stents, his new pacemaker-deliberator and his old Timex, he still can continue to take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’.

He may have to move to Memphis to live with his daughter, Laura, an associate French professor at Rhodes College. Memphis is a fun town with many good barbecue joints, which would be OK if he still has a full set of teeth.

I got a nice note from Howard Sprinkle thanking me for his birthday card. Howard loved the photo on the birthday card and said that VMI has a wonderful mystique which no one can appreciate as we do – unique and inspiring. As always, it’s good to hear from Howard.

Robert and Priscilla Martin have moved to Bradenton, Florida, where they live within a few miles of two of their five children. Robert has finally thrown in the towel and retired completely from St. Peter’s Church in Plant City where he served 13 years as a “part-time” priest. They are now living in an over-55 condo with a beautiful view overlooking the Manatee River. Life is sweet, and they are enjoying the serenity immensely.

Bill and Susie Kirkland are not doing much.

Class of 1959: Bud and Susan Mease celebrated the wedding of their daughter, Stacey, to new son-in-law, Tony Tolson, in Sandy, Utah.

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Class Notes Susie was beginning to feel a little better – although she still feels fatigued all of the time – until she came down with a case of acute bronchitis.

Bill said it seems like every time a holiday comes around, she has a new problem: Christmas Day was spent in the emergency room, and on New Year’s Eve, they were back for more antibiotics and treatment. Susie still does not have much energy, so they can’t plan a trip, but even if they could, there’s the problems associated with food and other things she needs to have available, as well as the strict time schedule she must follow for eating through the tube. Bill, we are sorry for your troubles and will continue to pray for both of you.

Ralph and J.R. Lawson will soon become “trusted travelers.” They have applied for their global entry passes, which will permit them to skip thru security and customs and immigration lines at airports. Their interview is scheduled for early May, and they will be able to use it for the first time on a Viking River Cruise in August, which goes from Bucharest to Budapest. While visiting The Homestead recently, Ralph and J.R. got in touch with Buzz and Virginia Nowlin, and they proceeded to get into a discussion on the war of northern aggression. Ralph and J.R. are well, but Ralph misses his buddy, Chuck Cotton.

Ed Thomas got together with his old co-captain of the VMI judo team, Jim Edmunds, while Jim was visiting Arizona. They made plans to meet again sometime in July.

John and Chris Patane recently joined Buzz and Virginia Nowlin in Williamsburg. They had not done the Jamestown tour in many years and were pleasantly surprised at the many historical additions. Unfortunately, political correctness has crept into history. The walking tour was rather extensive, and Buzz thought it was a bit too much for John, an old tanker, who rode his way through the U.S. Army aboard a tank, unlike Buzz, an old Infantryman, who walked everywhere he had to go.

Buzz recently gave the VMI Museum an old 1913 Bomb that belonged to his cousin, Chris Nowlin ’913. Chris and several of his BRs were kicked out of VMI for setting off one more bomb when ordered not to. Chris served as a first lieutenant in World War I and left his estate to VMI – not the University of Virginia, from which he graduated.

Mel and Jean Anderson recently returned from a riverboat cruise on the Elbe River, where they visited Berlin and went to Potsdam, where they got on the MS Frederic Chopin, a small cruise ship holding only 75 passengers. It was on to

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Magdeburg, Dessau, Wittenberg, Meissen, Dresden, Bad Schandau and Prague. After a couple of nights in Prague, they took a motor coach to Salzburg, where they experienced a day-and-a-half of snow and a day-and-a-half of sunshine. Mel and Jean had been to Berlin, Prague and Salzburg before but really enjoyed the extended amount of time they had at each place this time. I really wanted to join them, because Berlin is where I went to high school.

Bud and Denyse Kramer recently rented a condo at Daytona Beach Shores for a week. They enjoyed sitting on the beach just enjoying nature until the winds came up and blew their gazebo down.

Their future plans include a trip to the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament near Birmingham and the Ava Maria Grotto nearby in Cullman, Alabama. Bud was experiencing chest pains and finally had a heart catheterization. They found some minor blockages off the main arteries but nothing serious. That’s good news. Bud recently received a call from his old roommate, Dick Irons, who lives in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Bud had not heard from Dick in years, but Dick reported he and Judith are doing well.

Ann and I are doing well and are looking forward to the ’59ers French riverboat cruise with several other BRs. It should be lots of fun. I’d like to remind everyone that there is still time to make reservations for the Florida group mini reunion to be held Oct. 4-6, 2016, in Mount Dora, Florida.

Mount Dora is a quaint little town in central Florida filled with antique stores and good places to eat. It is also close to the heart of Florida horse country with lots of interesting things to do. Keep those cards, letters and emails coming in. Thanks for your support.

Yours in the spirit, Shep

1960

James A. Smith III

Greetings from St. Martin, French West Indies, overlooking Oyster Pond. Ruth and I will return to the real cold world of St. James Plantation, North Carolina, Feb. 21. Not as cold as “up north,” however.

I’ve had a good response from many of our

Class of 1960: Ray Crickenberger with his granddaughter and great-granddaughter April 25, 2016. brother rats regarding staying in touch. It’s always good to hear from and about you. As we get along in our days, it means so much that we stay in touch.

On Feb. 15, I tried to get in touch with Bill Keens in Arlington, Virginia, on his birthday.

Since he has no listed email address, and I have poor phone service at the moment, I can only hope through these notes that he has had a happy birthday. I wish him many more. Bill, please send us an email address.

I was able to get a birthday email to Jeep Goodwillie Feb. 15. Jeep wrote that he and Linda have moved from The Villages to Summerfield, Florida. The move corresponds to the “house flipping” business they are in. As you know, Jeep’s son and grandson are VMI graduates. Jeep’s grandson, VMI ’83, is a retired full colonel from the active reserve, pulled a tour in Iraq and won a Bronze Star. He is presenting Jeep and Linda with their first great-grandson in May. Jeep continues his volunteering at a federal prison, is active with church work, computer club, historical society, genealogy and metal detecting. He has had health issues with his eyes and knees, as well as heart problems, resulting in his giving up golf three years ago. I’m amazed he had enough time to write. Jeep has been more than generous with his time and talents toward the Institute over the years, and we wish him well.

On Feb. 18, I emailed Carl Benner to send him his birthday wish. He responded quickly with a note that he was in a rush to get tee times for his regular Friday golf group and would get back to me.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes On Feb. 21, I spoke with Guy Smith. He was headed to the golf course for his birthday. He is well. He and Phillipa were at our 55th Reunion.

On return from St. Martin, I found a check waiting from Brad Lampshire for our class flower fund. On Feb. 22, I got a wonderful phone call from Ashby Chamberlain requesting the VMI Foundation phone numbers so he could make a donation to The “Eagle” Bayliss Class of 1960 Scholarship Fund. I hope others in our class will feel the same urge to contribute. There will be more written about the recent award to Cadet Andrew Day ’16, but suffice it to say, our class needs to increase our donations to achieve a balance of $250,000 from the current balance of $185,000. The award is 4.5 percent of principle.

There’s not as many of us as there used to be, so we obviously need to individually contribute more. Please join those brother rats who have been so generous thus far.

I spoke with Jim and Sue Tumlinson Feb. 28 for his birthday message two days later. Jim and Sue spend some of the winter in Melrose, Florida, away from the Pennsylvania winter.

Jim is still teaching at Pennsylvania State University part time, as well as doing some work in Florida. His part time efforts took him to Kenya last year. We would not expect less from our first captain and Cincinnati Medal recipient. As many of our brother rats are doing, he continues to do what he enjoys and is able to do. Like many of us, he also is “bionic,” being the recipient of a porcine aortic valve last year, as well as

Class of 1960: Sam and Lynne Horner at Thanksgiving 2015.

2016-Issue 3

impending bilateral cataract surgery. All in all, he is doing well. It was great to talk with him.

A note from Tony Di Caprio said he also spends the winters in Florida away from the Pennsylvania cold.

I just got off the phone with “Peanuts” Elliott in Michigan. He called March 1 to tell me that he was still shoveling snow. What a life, as those of us in North Carolina had 65-70 degree weather.

Hap Miller forwarded an email that he got from his roommate, Joe Sisler, letting him know that he, Joe and Ella are off to Key West to their granddaughter’s wedding on the beach.

Phil Hamric’s daughter posted a note on Phil’s CaringBridge site. Phil is doing well according to his local physician. His daughter said that other than the usual aches and pains we all seem to have at our age, Phil is getting along nicely without discomfort.

On Feb. 18, the “Eagle” Bayliss Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Cadet Andrew Day ’16, who was selected for Air Force flight school following his commissioning. It was an impressive occasion, with 60-70 cadets in attendance. Reba Bayliss was present, and the Class of ’60 was well represented by Bob and Lucy Clay, Jim O’Dell, Tom Daniel, Bill Spicuzza, Jim Pittman, Howard and Susan Moss, Jack and Annaliese Willard, Bolling Williamson, Ed Tolley, and Herb Vaughan. Cadet Day compiled an impressive record while at VMI and was named the ranking member of the AFROTC detachment following summer camp last year. At the conclusion of the ceremony, he made some heart-warming remarks about Eagle’s legacy and expressed how humbled he felt to receive the award.

Cadet Day’s comments: “First of all, let me say how honored I am to receive this award, which is named for such a great man. Upon receiving the award, I urged the entirety of VMI AFROTC Detachment 880 to research the life and accomplishments of Captain Paul M. Bayliss. However, rather than recounting all of his various achievements and attributes, although exceptional, I thought my time would be better spent conveying to Detachment 880 the scope and impact of Captain Bayliss’ legacy. A legacy which has extended far beyond his own life, impacting more people than he could have possibly imagined.

The creation and distribution of this scholarship as well as the attendance of friends, brother rats and family lends further credence to the reality of

his legacy. I am humbled by this presentation and by the clear and remarkable impact of Captain Bayliss’ life. I have also urged the wing to try to live in such a way that they, too, might have such a legacy. Again, I cannot thank you enough for your dedication and generosity. Very respectfully, Cadet Andrew Day.” Jack Willard lets us know the Josten Jewelry Company that made our class rings resized his ring without charge. Hap Miller had the same experience. The blue stone in my ring was replaced at no charge. Anyone with class ring issues should contact Jostens. I received a letter from Jon Parnell dated March 1 responding to my birthday call to him Feb. 21. Jon doesn’t have email and “wears it” proudly, dealing only in “snail mail.” He also is very proud of his 79 years and wrote that he is looking for a 65-year-old lady. It wouldn’t hurt if she were rich. He wrote that life is great.

On March 4, I caught up with Sam Horner for his birthday call. Sam said he will enjoy his “71st” year. Be reminded that Sam was born in 1938, like most of us. When I called Sam, Lynn answered the phone to tell me that Sam was either “working out” or playing golf. He’s in great shape for a guy with bad knees, but his golf game hasn’t suffered.

On March 7, I spoke with Jimmie Seeley in Orange Park, Florida. He has had a great time with grandchildren and his airplanes. He is planning on many more birthdays. Also March 7, I did not get to speak to Brad Lampshire in Alexandria, Virginia, but did send him email wishes for a happy birthday and the wish for more birthdays to come his way.

On March 14, I called Hunter Dovel in Chester, Virginia, but only was able to speak with his son.

Hunter’s son related that Hunter’s health is good, and he was “OK.” Hunter please send us an email address so we can stay in touch.

March 16 is Kitti Xaivaividhya’s birthday. We have no contact information other than a Thailand address. Kitti, please send us an email address so we can stay in touch.

I received a note from Sue Huggins regarding the passing of Brother Rat Bill Huggins, who died Feb. 28 at his home in Henderson, Nevada. Bill and Sue were married 55 years and have two sons and two granddaughters. Bill retired as a lieutenant colonel from the Air Force and worked for Bank of America in Las Vegas. He volunteered at St. Jude’s Ranch for Children in Boulder City, Nevada, going there weekly and helping out. Our deepest sympathies go out to Sue and Bill’s family.

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Class Notes On April 12, I tried twice to catch up with On March 20, Ruth and I attended a VMI phone number is 208 853-2618. He and Carol oyster roast in Wrightsville Beach, North Caro- live at 5307 N. Watersedge Ave., Boise, ID, Wayne LeBlang in La Quinta, California, on his birthday but was unsuccessful because I lina, for the Wilmington Alumni Chapter at the 83714.”

On March 25, I had a most pleasant phone con- had the wrong phone number. He replied to my home of Dr. Bart and Sandra Williams ’85.

Many oysters were consumed, along with some versation with Bo Callaham in Houston, Texas. email birthday message with the correct numgood barbecue. Henry and Linda Brown were His children had called him for his birthday ber. We talked for quite a while and caught up there among the many. A real treat for me was earlier. I caught up with him in Costco while April 16. After VMI, Wayne went in the service to see Bill and Anne Corr ’58. Bill and retired after 20 years. He subsewas with me and others on our VMI quently was in the financial world trip to Europe with Maj. Gentry durand has now retired. Two years ago, he had some major league back suring summer 1958. We really had a great time and increased the stock gery – rods and all – but now he’s value of Heineken beer. fine. It was great to catch up.

On March 21, I spoke with Ridge On April 8-9, I attended a conferand Ann Parks on his birthday. Ridge ence at VMI for class agents. It was is healthy and “doing well.” He and very informative. I will write a class Ann have multiple grandchildren. letter with pertinent information that They are especially proud of their Class of 1960: Pictured at the awarding of the Capt. Paul Bayl- should affect us all. granddaughter, Caitlyn McFadden, iss Class of 1960 Memorial Scholarship were, from left, back On April 19, I spoke with Peanuts (now Phipps) who was an All-Amer- row, Howard Moss; Jim Pittman; Ed Tolley; Herb Vaughan; Elliott, one day after his birthday. ican lacrosse player for the Univer- Tom Daniel; Jim O’Dell; Bill Spicuzza; Jack and Annaliese Wil- He and Jan had been touring Florida lard; Lucy and Bob Clay; Bolling Williamson; and Col. Webb, sity of Maryland for two years, won head of Air Force ROTC. Front row: Mrs. Reba Bayliss and Ca- with time spent in Orlando and The Villages. They were looking forward The Tewaaraton Award in 2010 (an det Andrew Day ’16. to their home in Michigan, especially award given to the most outstanding Mullet Lake. lacrosse player in the U.S.) and is an On April 21, I spoke with Jack Horassistant coach with the prestigious University of Maryland’s women’s gan on his birthday. Jack is healthy lacrosse team. I recommend looking and, of course, very active physiup the award and her bio. Another cally with jogging, cycling and skiing example of a brother rat in the Class when he and Nancy are in Colorado. of ’60 with good genes raising the bar.

They spend two-and-a-half months Ed Tolley wrote regarding a phone in Vail, Colorado, during the winter conversation he had with Phil Hamric and also in the summer. I hope we’ll March 23. “Brother rats, I had a good, get together this fall at the Institute long chat with Phil this afternoon. He Society Dinner and The Citadel footis having increasing difficulty talking ball game. but makes a gallant effort to mainOn April 25, I spoke with George Salaita on his birthday. He was doing tain continuity of thought, which is yard work. George teaches American his main problem. When he can put history at East Tennessee State Uniwords to thought, you know that he remains the same very smart thinker Class of 1960: Mrs. Reba Bayliss awarding Cadet Andrew Day versity and at a school in Big Stone ’16 the Capt. Paul Bayliss Class of 1960 Memorial Scholarship he always has been. We talked about with Col. Webb, head of the Air Force ROTC department.

Gap. It’s great that he can be so active VMI, of course, and Boise State. His doing what he enjoys at our age. family, who are doing well, had planned a trip to shopping. Bo’s son, interestingly, is a professor I also spoke April 25 with Otis Pool. He and Lexington two years ago but had to cancel out with the Southern Baptist Seminary in Singapore, Arlene are packing up for their return to northdue to a family emergency. Yeah, we discussed, where he teaches Hebrew to students who speak ern Virginia after spending the winter in Floriagain, our high school football game of 1955 Mandarin Chinese. Another example of the good da. We hope to play golf this fall in Litchfield, when Phil ran a touchdown for the only score genes of our brother rats.

South Carolina, with Joe Sisler, Sam Horner, of the game. We talked some politics, travel and On April 5, I spoke with Dave Maddox in Joe Morabit and Henry Brown. I tried to get I told him about books written by John Powell, Arlington, Virginia, on his birthday, wishing in touch with Dick Evans, but there was no anTom Royster, Tom Daniel and Howard Moss. him many more birthdays. He reported he is swer. He got an email birthday wish instead. We He declined my offer to send him a copy of the healthy and had lunch recently with Fred Mur- miss being in touch with Dick and Barbara, who books since his comprehension is limited. Phil’s rill of McLean, Virginia. live in Lexington, Kentucky.

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Ray Crickenberger sent a photograph of himself with his granddaughter, Annie, and greatgranddaughter, Izzi, taken in Atlanta Dec. 26, 2015, while they were visiting from Nicaragua.

Ray and Teri’s daughter and son-in-law operate a mission in Nicaragua.

On April 29, I caught up with two brother rats, Vaughn Foxwell and Jim Greathead.

Vaughn, who lives in Millersville, Maryland, was in Texas, clearing his sister-in-law’s 100plus acre ranch to be sold. As most of you know, Vaughn is quite the farmer and does an enormous amount of heavy physical work. Jim and Reba Greathead live in Castle Rock, Colorado, about 10 miles south of Denver. He was enjoying a fresh 5 inches of snow on his birthday.

Both boys are well and looking forward to more birthdays.

On May 8, I caught up with John Hilliard in Satellite Beach, Florida. John enjoyed his day and is taking care of “the space coast” of Florida. Anyone near the area should give John a call, as he is an official guide of the Space Center facilities.

On May 11, I spoke with Bobby, Rev. Robert Graves, in Pensacola, Florida, on his birthday.

Bobby is still “saving souls” part time in the panhandle of Florida and lower Alabama.

On May 12, I caught up with Bolling Williamson on his birthday. He is well. Bolling and Theresa divide their time between Richmond, Virginia, and the Chesapeake Bay. On May 13, I tried to catch up with Joe Stewart, but no answer. He got a birthday email wish. Joe lives in Brentwood, Tennessee.

It’s time to bring the curtain down on this session of our class notes. As always, it is a pleasure to speak with you on your birthdays and catch up. It is a privilege to be your class agent. You have received my letter for requesting contributions to the VMI Foundation. Also, a request was made for donations to the Capt. Paul “Eagle” Bayliss Class of 1960 Scholarship. The scholarship is our legacy. Thank you to those of you who have and are responding to those requests.

Our next formal reunion is in 2020. We will be 80-plus years old. Therefore, I am making plans for a mini reunion in Lexington sometime in fall 2017 while we are still mobile. We need to get together more often than every five years.

Stay healthy, safe and in touch.

In the spirit, Jimbo

2016-Issue 3

1961

Sal Vitale Jr.

Where to start my reporting is a wonderful problem when you have lots to work with. February, March and April were full of brother rats and VMI activities, and I guess the best way to begin is with our 55th Reunion. Be proud of yourselves; you have done it again. The 1961 attendance at our 55th Reunion was the largest of any 55th Reunion class recorded. One-hundred-and-twelve brother rats signed up, and 104 BRs plus spouses attended.

However, I was saddened to receive so many notes and emails from brother rats who did attend most of our past reunions and missed this one because of health issues. People will tell you our class looks younger than the classes that follow us, and looking into your faces at the reunion, I can certainly agree – maybe not certify, but agree. I was very happy to be there for you, as it has been a very challenging year for me.

Over a year ago, we made arrangements with Natural Bridge Hotel, and after the sale of the property, I hoped they would be in business for our reunion; thankfully, they were. All the hotel rooms were renovated, but many still needed items like soap dishes and grab bars in the tubs.

The patio rooms were still being renovated, and fortunately, we did not need but a few of them.

Most brother rats found the accommodations acceptable. Linda Russ, the banquet manager, has been working with the class for the last five reunions and continued to do a great job for our food and beverages. Sue and I arrived in Lexington the Friday before reunion to attend the Annual Scholarship Luncheon. Our recipient of the 1961 Class Scholarship was Cadet Tyler DeJoe ’18. We did not meet Tyler, because he is on the VMI debate team and was away debating the Midshipmen in Annapolis, Maryland.

Since Natural Bridge is now on a senior bus tour route, the hotel was filled. We wanted to be close to Natural Bridge to prepare the reunion packages, so Brother Rat Tom Bradshaw came to the rescue and offered his cabin to us until check-in Sunday. Tom is having some difficulty getting around, but he is always there when a brother rat needs a hand. I still remember our 30th Reunion

banquet when Tom and Faye converted the Lexington Army Reserve Arsenal from a grease pit to a luxurious dining room with white tables, chairs, trellises and trees. Tom, Faye, Sue and I enjoyed a wonderful Friday evening dinner together, and Saturday, Sue and I filled all the boxes with the reunion goodies.

Saturday evening, we planned a leisurely dinner with Carol Berger, but at the last minute, Carol had to excuse herself. Sunday morning, we met Tom for an early breakfast and then it was off the Natural Bridge to sign in our early reunion arrivals. By noon, the lobby was buzzing with brother rats and wives offering hugs to all. Of course, rooms were not ready until 3 p.m., and this did create a bit of a problem. Natural Bridge provided coffee, tea and cookies in the lobby to soothe the rattled emotions of those wanting to take naps before dinner.

Prior arrangements were made with the Southern Inn, and they were ready when a yellow school bus pulled up on Main Street, blocking traffic, and we shuffled into the restaurant. Everyone was provided a name indicating what entrée they had selected for dinner. Since I ordered only one yellow bus – which seats about 40 adults – the bus was packed when approximately 75 piled aboard rather than drink and drive. The remaining 20 or so drove themselves to Lexington. Lesson learned: Old people don’t read emails – especially when a response is asked for; it takes 20 minutes to load and unload a bus with 77-yearold legs; the space from the front of a seat to the back of the next seat is too narrow for swollen legs. (Smile.) The Southern Inn food and service was outstanding. A very special thanks to Sue Ann and George Huger, the owners, for a wonderful evening. Ninety-three people went to bed smiling.

Monday morning, the golfers were up early and off to the Lexington Golf & Country Club.

Spike and Mary Callander did a wonderful job organizing the golf outing for 27 golfers – including six ladies. We were really blessed with good weather, and from all indications, everyone had an enjoyable time. They teed off with six full teams. Spike did have a degree of guilt after moving Clayton Smith to his team, but the alternative would have placed two of the big hitters (aka very low handicaps), Clayton Smith and Garland Payne, together. The golfers were Garland Payne, Spike Callander, Bob Burks, Ray Hanlein, Rhett Clarkson, John Butler, Will Hoskins,

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Class of 1961: From left, row 1: Vitale, Patrick, Hirsch, Engelhard, Haslam, Bissell, Fridley, Gouldthorpe, Wiggins, Williamson, Pender, Hartford, Clarkson, Hanlein, Farleigh, Hurley and Dick Stone. Row 2: Mabry, Harrison, Christie, Troy Jones, Reverend Hollowell, Wells, Nelms, Drescher, Hudgins, Legum, Gilbert, Ayers, Youngblood and Russell Stone. Row 3: Lynch, Tharrington, Pop, Alligood, Harbach, Shuba, Haeberlein, Holmes Smith, Willard Hoskins, Kern, Curtis and Rice. Row 4: Thomas, Tom Jones, Rutledge, Daniels, Reitz, Winslow, Phlegar, Wilkinson, Keech, Copenhaver, Bill Hill, McNemar, Callander, Rishell and Gangemi. Row 5: Coen, Dyer, Huntsberry, Goldman, John Butler, Spencer, Garland Payne, Johnston, Respess, Richards, Miner, J.C. Miller, Polk, Badgett and Crow. Row 6: Kurstedt, Maurer Orndorff, Gibbings, Needham, Taylor, Gerry Eubank, Weede, Wetsel, Durrette and Bickford. Row 7: Oliver, Burks, Modine, Kiger, Woodcock, Henning, Bill Phillips, Bella, Kot, Clayton Smith, Elliott, Williams and Fox. Present but not pictured: Hershell Murray.

The Class of 1961

55th Reunion – April 18-19, 2016

Class Notes

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Kathy Copenhaver, Dude Copenhaver, Henry Huntsberry, Robert Williamson, Roger Spencer George Henning, Jim Bickford, Lee Badgett, Dianne Stone, Rod Hudgins, Lou Kiger, Bud Alligood, Sue Reitz, Garland Payne, Dick Stone, Bob Reitz and Gerry Eubank. The closest to pin winner was Clayton Smith, the longest men’s drive was Garland Payne and the longest ladies drive was Kathy Copenhaver. A special award for to Bud Alligood for getting married. (Smile.)

Unfortunately, no one took a group picture at the golf outing. From what I hear, our future class golf outings will have some new attendees, and this is good. Even if you are not a golfer (like me), just getting together has been rewarding.

For those brother rats who wanted to see what was happening at VMI, a motorized post tour and a museum walk-through were offered. Over 75 of our brother rats and spouses took advantage of this activity and were especially pleased with the quality and knowledge of the cadets who conducted the motorized tours. By 4 p.m., more than 100 BRs had signed in, and the hospitality suite was busy dispensing plenty of local craft beer, wine and snacks. After a quick shower, 193 of us were off to VMI for the Alumni Association banquet. Four yellow buses arrived, but only three were partially filled. I guess the tight space on the buses the night before presented too much of a discomfort problem, so many BRs chose to drive. I took the bus and drank. General Peay ’62, superintendent, was the dinner speaker, and we all enjoyed his remarks. Aramark prepared

Class of 1961: On April 19, 2016, Tom Phlegar led an Old Yell on top of the sentinel box in the Old Barracks courtyard for the Class of ’61.

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an exceptionally good steak filet entrée for the VMI Alumni Association dinner. We returned to Natural Bridge for more libations, and again, we showed our age, as the hospitality bar was empty by midnight.

Tuesday morning, we enjoyed the traditional Natural Bridge southern breakfast buffet, and by 10 a.m., we were off to VMI (some on the yellow buses and some driving) for a full day of activities. Our first event took place at Jackson Memorial Hall, where BR Bill Maurer, our cadet president of VMI Religious Council, read the brother rat deceased list (71) as he has done at reunions for more reunions than I can remember. Special recognition was afforded those who died in the service of our country: Dennis Nicholas, Mickey Runion, Pete Kleinberg and David Spearman. Tom Phlegar, aka “Sweet Lips,” played “Taps.” A special thanks to Dick Lindquist, who has been working over the past several years to search out the status of the brother rats who signed the matriculation book and were lost. He was very successful in bringing quite a few statuses to closure. Dick could not make the reunion because his wife is seriously ill, and he needed to stay with her. Bill Braithwaite was to be the featured speaker, but a heart bypass operation a few days before made it impossible.

Hugh “Goldie” Gouldthorpe volunteered to fill in and did a wonderful job remembering those gone and inspiring us to look to the future.

The next event at J.M. Hall was initiated by Mike Murph ’64. Mike dyked Denis Nicholas, and Mike said Denis was a great influence in his life. A while back, Mike came across a photo on the internet, that seems to have been taken sometime in the late 1960s or 1970s, which showed a cadet saber being presented to the then-VMI Company B commanding officer by the thencommandant of cadets. The saber was presented to VMI by the officers of the 31st (Vietnamese) Infantry Regiment in Denis Nicholas honor and was to be carried by the Company B commander at the New Market ceremony. However, somewhere this tradition got lost with all of the changes that were going on at VMI at the time, but thankfully the saber ended up with Keith Gibson ’77, the director of the VMI museum system, who kept it safe all these years. Mike Murphy wanted to see the tradition continued, and Col. William J. Wanovich ’87, current commandant of cadets and former Army ROTC professor of military science and tactics, was agreeable. So, the saber was

Class of 1961: During the 55th Reunion, the Dennis Nicholas Saber was presented back to Company B by Donald Wilkinson to Richard J. Dromerhauser III ’16, Company B commander, in an effort to reinstate a lost tradition while Col. Wanovich ’87, commandant, looked on.

Class of 1961: At the 55th Reunion in Old Barracks were, from left, Col. Gary Bissell ’89, deputy chief of staff and operations; Mike Bissell; and Cadet Joshua Bissell ’18. dusted off, and Col. Wanovich ’87 presented it to Donald Wilkinson, the former executive officer of Company B. (J.D. Miller, Company B commander, could not attend the reunion), who then presented the saber to Company B cadet commander, Richard J. Dromerhauser III ’16. We appreciated the brief comments from Donald Wilkinson, Col. Wanovich ’87 and Cadet Dromerhauser ’16, as it was nearing lunch and our attention was directed to the Center for Leadership and Ethics, where we were to enjoy a sit-down plated lunch.

Lunch began with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, followed by a prayer by Brother Rat Mitchell Kot. As in the past, we invited our former professors to join us. Unfortunately, years

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Class Notes are taking their toll, and only the younger professors, Col. Richard Trandel ’59 with his wife, Barbara; Col. Don Jamison ’57 with his wife, Priscilla; and Col. Patrick Webb (Texas A&M and a close friend of the Class of 1961) joined us. We did receive regrets and good wishes from Col. William D. Badgett, Col. D. Rae Carpenter, Col. Louis R. Hundley, Col. Richard B. Minnix, Brig. Gen. James M. Morgan, Col. Phillip B. Peters, and Maj. Gen. John W. Knapp ’54. General Knapp was moving to the Kendal Retirement Community that day, and I understand many VMI people are there. All our widows were invited to the reunion, and I hoped that if they could not attend the entire reunion they

Class of 1961: Sue Vitale preparing 55th Reunion favor boxes April 16, 2016, at the Natural Bridge Hotel.

would at least consider attending the luncheon.

We were thrilled that Carol Berger, Virginia Dabney and Ann Woodfin joined us for lunch, and Gaylia Hudgins stayed for the entire reunion. A special thanks to Suzanne Villani for bringing her mother, Ann Woodfin. We also invited all current cadets who are sons, grandsons, granddaughters, nephews, nieces and cousins of our brother rats to lunch. Those accepting the invitation were: Cadet Wynn Haslam ’17, (Battle Haslam), Cadet Virginia Villani ’19 (John Woodfin Sr.), Cadet Zach Chase ’17 (Barry Orndorff), Cadet Joshua Bissell ’18 (Mike Bissell), Cadet Stephen Hillman ’20 (David Harbach), Cadet Erik Farleigh ’19 (Bootie R. Farleigh) and Cadet Thomas Mitchell ’19

Class of 1961: Pictured relaxing in anticipation of reunion preparations at the Natural Bridge Hotel dining room April 15, 2016, were, from left, Tom Bradshaw, Sue Vitale, Faye Bradshaw and Sal Vitale.

Class of 1961: Bill Gibbings, front, carried the custom 1961 guidon created by Dennis Curtis, as Sal Vitale, far left, and Bill Maurer carried the 1961 banner marching across the Parade Ground toward the barracks courtyard during the 55th Reunion.

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(Larry Wetsel). We also had two former cadets, Col. Gary Bissell ’89, deputy chief of staff and operations, who is BR Mike Bissell’s son, as well as the father of Joshua Bissell ’18; and Col. Mitchell Fridley ’89, deputy commandant training, who is BR Harrison Fridley’s son. Colonel Fridley ’89 was instrumental in helping the cadets craft a “permit” that allowed the cadets to attend our luncheon. He has always been available to help 1961 when needed. Aramark did a great job with our class luncheon, and the desert was exceptionally good.

In early November 2015, Sue and I attended a portion of a Parents Weekend presentation by Col. Keith Gibson ’77 about VMI’s history and

Class of 1961: On April 19, 2016, Col. Keith Gibson ’77, executive director of the VMI Museum System, gave a presentation on VMI’s history with no notes or teleprompter for the 55th Reunion lunch at the Center for Leadership and Ethics.

Class of 1961: Hugh “Goldie” Gouldthorpe stepped in for Bill Braithwaite and delivered a VMI spirit talk for the 55th Reunion April 19, 2016, at Jackson Memorial Hall.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes asked him if he would consider giving the same banjo playing in the hall until sometime after 1 enjoyed seeing young David; his wife, Meredith; Melissa “Missy” and all of the grandchildren. presentation to the class during lunch, and he a.m.

The most difficult time for me has been the The next week it was Florida to visit relatives in agreed. Col. Gibson delivered an entertaining and informative presentation without notes or a Wednesday morning buffet breakfast, and this Clearwater and Sue’s Southern Seminary roomprompter. (Smile.) Many of our brother rats said, year was no exception. Why? I do not want to mate, Pat Quigley Roberts, in Tampa. Next stop “I thought I knew VMI history,” but I am sure we say goodbye! From what I hear from many of was The Villages, where we stayed with Dude and all learned something new. After lunch, the class you, this 55th Reunion was the best yet. By 11 Kathy Copenhaver, one of our favorite couples. filed into the Gillis Theater for a screening of the a.m., the Class of 1966 50th Reunion Committee We learned that Bill Hala rented a house nearby movie, “The Field of Lost Shoes.” For approxi- arrived and took over the hotel. Congratulations for the season, but neither schedule allowed for an mately 110 minutes, you could have heard a pin to the Class of 1966 for their $40 million gift to opportunity to visit. Jud McLester flew his plane drop. Several of the wives told me that tears were VMI and exceeding our 50th Reunion atten- from North Carolina to The Villages, and Dude running down their spouses’ cheeks during the dance number. We, ’61, did a great job in training and I saw him make a graceful landing in a strong movie. One wife said, “I now understand why you the 1962 rat class who, in turn, did a good job crosswind. One evening, the Copenhavers hosted cocktails, and Stu and Lee Crow, Betsy and Lee all are so proud of VMI.” training their dykes, the 1966 rat class. (Smile.)

Our class picture required a little hollering to get As far as I know, everyone arrived home safely. Badgett, and Jud McLester came over and eneveryone looking at the camera, but it joyed a lively conversation followed was worth it. What a great picture. The by dinner at the Nancy Lopez Legacy alumni parade and shuffle to the courtRestaurant in The Villages, where we were we joined Walt Chalkley ’72, yard was without casualties. Mike president of The Villages VMI ChapBissell and Ken Patrick made it with little assistance. Bill Gibbings carried ter, and his wife, Debbie. Then it was our 1961 guidon created by BR Denis off to the class golf outing at Orange Curtis, and Tom Phlegar climbed to Lakes, which was a lot of fun. We the top of the sentinel box to lead us especially enjoyed being with Henry and the cadets in the Old Yell for ’61. and Brenda Huntsberry, Jud McLesUpon our return to Natural Bridge, ter, Clayton Smith, Jim “Peaches” we had time to have a “few” at the Miner, John “J.C.” Miller, Lee and open bar before we cleaned up for Betsy Badgett, Stu and Lee Crow, the class dinner. Thanks to Ken and Larry and Jerri Wetsel, Spike and Sue Patrick, the hospitality suite was Mary Callander, Jim and Blair Bicksupplied with 1961 M&Ms. The pre- Class of 1961: At a dinner party hosted at Dave and Judith Elliot’s ford, Bob and Bronnie Polk, Kent dinner cocktails and appetizers were home in Naples, Florida, Feb. 27, 2016, were, from left, front row, and Burt Modine, and Dude and adequate in number and very tasty. Sue Vitale, Heather Browning, Carol Roberts, Nancy Bell, Jude El- Kathy Copenhaver. It rained for the liott and Peggy Myruski. Back row: Sal Vitale, Hill Browning, Pete The dinner commenced with Brother first golf day and the second day was Roberts, Jack Bell, Dave Elliott and Andy Myruski.

Rat Rev. Dr. M. Edgar Hollowell Jr. sunny and cold, but that didn’t stop us providing the invocation and prayer. This year, Tom and Annette Jones went back to Camden, from having a grand time. The accommodations we were spared an after-dinner speaker, but we Maine, via a visit to the New Market Museum, were nice, and we did not run out of wine. The did impose on BR Don Wilkinson, the VMI along with Bill and Sue Daniels. The Joneses also west coast of Florida was supposed to be warm, Campaign chairman, to give us an update. All visited Colonial Williamsburg. Tom said there so after golf, Sue and I headed toward Naples of our class officers were present, and comments were still no leaves on the trees in Maine when and supper was waiting for us at Andy and Peggy

by Roger Spencer, class historian; Lee Badgett, they arrived home; the nights were at freezing tem- Myruski’s. On the way, we stopped to see Don class vice president; and Wyatt Durrette, class peratures, and it was snowing when Tom emailed and Ann Rishell and met them at a Cracker Barpresident, were appropriate and brief. It would me. Bill Haeberlein had a car problem when leav- rel restaurant parking lot near Fort Myer. Don was not be a VMI 1961 dinner without toasts, so one ing and was stuck at VMI and had to be towed recovering from some pretty serious issues, and it to the nation was given by John C. Tharrington; to the closest dealer – which was in Lynchburg – was nice to see him vertical. After a quick hug and the Institute by Hugh F. Gouldthorpe; the ladies for electronic control repairs. Yes, we have started signing of the class flag, we continued our trip toby Charlotte D. Harbach; and the class by N. Mi- planning for the 60th Reunion, which will be ward Naples. Andy and Peggy are great hosts, and chael Bissell. Battle Haslam followed up by lead- sometime in April 2021. So set your sights on be- the dinner had not spoiled, even though we were two hours late. Naples is the epicenter for ’61, and ing us in the “Doxology,” and Kenton B. Patrick ing there, and do not book any trips for that time. closed the evening with a very loud Old Yell for February was visit brother rats month. Sue and I soon we were having a delightful lunch at Brown’61. Sue and I retired immediately after dinner, started in Lexington, Virginia, and attended Char- ing’s country club with Hill and Heather, the and the open bar closed down about 12:30 a.m. lotte and David Harbach’s 50th wedding anniver- Myruskis, and Heather’s longtime friend and life (early for us). However, there was singing and sary. It was a wonderful evening, and we especially saver for over 42 years, Linda Last Wellesley from

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Class Notes Massachusetts. We had planned a boat ride for the day, but the wind velocities made that dangerous.

That night, we met up with Capt. Jack Bell and first mate Nancy Bell for dinner at their favorite Italian Restaurant, Gino’s. As it turned out, Jack was the restaurant’s first customer, and now, after a few choice words by me in Italian to Gino, Jack is a now a “cousin.” Jack feels great, and he keeps to a strict diet, exercise and sleep program.

I had hoped that Hershel Murray could meet us, but other events eclipsed this plan. Dave and Jude Elliott had a dinner party at their new residence while we were in Naples, and what a grand party it was. The Brownings; Myruskis; Bells; Pete and Carol Roberts; and Heather’s friend, Linda Last Wellesley, laughed and told stories I have never heard before. Dave Elliott is fit and probably sill fits into his uniform; Pete Roberts may have a problem. (It was during the time in Naples that I gained 5 pounds, but it was worth it.). Like fish and relatives, it was time for BR Vitale to leave Naples and head to the East Coast, where we also have several BRs and family. First stop was Jupiter, Florida, to see Tom Lento. Unfortunately, he died, and his obit is at the end of these notes. The next stop was Vero Beach, and I visited with Bill Eubank. Bill is a Civil War buff, collector and shooting enthusiast, and his wife, Charlene, teaches school. It was a nice visit, and Bill said there may be a grandson at VMI soon.

Jim and Carol Cranford also are in Vero Beach,

and except for his mobility issues which limit travel, Jim looks great. Yes, Curtis, they both signed the flag. From Florida, we made a quick trip to Warner Robbins, Georgia, for dinner with the son of my sister, Jean, and then traveled home by way of Fernandina Beach, Florida, in order to visit with Mike and Gloria Payne. Mike’s health and mobility keep him at home. Clayton Smith tried to coordinate with Charlie Finnigan and Jeff Barg who live nearby, to meet with us at Mike’s, but it just didn’t work out. Mike would to love communicate with the BRs. We had to pass through Savannah on our final leg home, so we imposed on Bill and Marci Keech. After a wonderful dinner at Marci’s favorite restaurant, Flori, Bill and I talked until the wee hours of the morning, and the time spent with him was precious. Bill was determined to attend the 55th, and he was there. We arrived home in time to catch our breath before we were off to spend Easter in Maryland; a trip to Brooklyn, New York, for my 60th high school reunion; a new driveway; then to VMI for our 55th Reunion, followed immediately by a trip to Maryland for Cathy’s primary election, in which she did very well. Unfortunately, she will have a run off in November, which translates to delivering election stuff and being there on Election Day to ask citizens, “Please vote for our daughter, Cathy.”

News from the rest of the class is sparse, but here is what I have. On Sunday, April 17, Allison Drescher completed the 110-mile Face of America

Class of 1961: At a golf outing at River Island Grilling Co. in Orange Lakes, Florida, Feb. 23, 2016, were, from left, front row, Lee Crow, Bronnie Polk, Burt Modine, Sue Vitale, Betsy Badgett, Jerri Wetsel, Mary Callander and Brenda Huntsberry. Second row: Sal Vitale, Kathy Copenhaver, Jim “Peaches” Miner, John “J.C.” Miller, Blair Bickford, Dude Copenhaver and Henry Huntsberry. Third row: Jud McLester, Lee Badgett, Clayton Smith, Stu Crow, Bob Polk, Kent Modine, Larry Wetsel, Jim Bickford and Spike Callander.

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Bike Ride from Washington, D.C., to the historic Gettysburg Battlefield, and then on to the town of Gettysburg for a buffet dinner donated by the citizens of Gettysburg. Allison said in reviewing his past records, he discovered that $28,736 had been donated in his team’s name. FYI, World Team Sports, the sponsor of the Face of America Bike Ride, spends 89 percent of its contributions directly on events for the disabled and have made a real difference in the lives of those who have given so much. Lou Shuba also participated in the bike ride as race support, working from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. for post-, pre- and biking day activities. Lou said biking from D.C. would have been less stressful.

Bill Maurer found a church bulletin dated March 24, 1963, from Fort Knox, and Seaton Fulghum was listed as the post chapel organist. I do miss Seaton. In the most recent issue of The Philathletes magazine, there is an article by Maurer about Abraham Baldwin, chaplain, who was working behind the scenes to make Gen. Washington the Masonic grandmaster of this new country. So, you history buffs, make sure you don’t miss this “groundbreaking” article and ask Bill for a copy.

Tom Phlegar organized the Sons of the American Revolution dinner with Dr. Ben Franklin. Every year, the Charlotte chapter invites the public, and more than 200 attended this year’s dinner. Tom has been organizing this event for years, and next year, Feb. 16, 2017, Tom will bring you President Lincoln. Anyone interested in attending?

Jerry Eubank is very proud that U.S. Army Col. Chris Eubank ’91, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, has orders to Stuttgart, Germany, where he will be the J6 of the U.S. Africa Command. Navy Reserve Capt. Crag Eubank ’93 commands a reserve unit responsible to Com Nav Africa. Jerry has been through several face operations for myelomas, and his new face makes him look much younger.

Harbert “Alex” Alexander published his fourth book, “Soldiers, Saints and Sinners,” and has been doing book signings and speeches. He missed the reunion due to Nora’s foot problems, but other than that, they both are well. Harbert talked to Ernie Johnson, and he is fine despite the lingering effects of a stroke that prohibit him from driving.

Paul Thompson and Alex visited by email, and Paul and Mary are fine, but they find it hard to get back to the States. Alex stays in touch with John McDougal and plans to visit with John soon. John is spending time between Nashville, Michigan and Florida. Alex is trying something new; he hopes to

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes publish a novel within the next year. We will see!

Congratulations to Elaine Wilkinson, Don’s wife, who wowed a crowd of 500-plus of students and faculty from VMI and a contingent from Washington and Lee University at the VMI Gillis Theater. Many (cadets) came in half asleep, but in short order, they were mesmerized by the music and Elaine’s natural stage presence. General Peay ’62, notorious for his seriousness, had a broad smile painted on his face the whole evening. The one-hour program was to bring a little more of the humanities into the young lives of cadets, and everyone praised the music selections, video clips, organization and, of course, Elaine’s enthusiasm.

Multiple faculty members said they couldn’t believe how beautiful the videos were and how they drew in everyone. It was said this event was an evening that would change people’s lives.

Skip McDaniel is working again as a hospital administrator in hopes he can save a hospital in default. Skip has saved several hospitals in the past, and I am sure he can do it again. George Van Orden cannot rest in peace. After two-and-a-half days of the trial for the driver who killed George, there were convictions on three charges, but not the second degree felony homicide which was ruled a mistrial and to be tried again. Then Marina was told that several jurors had issues to discuss with the judge and the lawyers which resulted in a mistrial on all four counts. Apparently the lawyers and judge did not see how the jury could – with the types of issues that were discussed (out of Marina’s hearing) – arrive at a unanimous verdict to sentence the driver. Back to square one.

I am not going to communicate the sick list except to say we are not getting younger and the list changes daily. Good news, Bill Braithwaite, Peggy Myruski, John Moore, Michael Payne, Mike Carmichael, Irv Wells, Frank Deaner and Ken Ayala are doing OK. By the time you read this, I should have recovered from my June back surgery and be back at the gym. I need to lose the weight I gained in Florida.

We lost two brother rats: Tom Lento Nov. 23, 2015, and Len Martin April 9, 2016. There was no official obituary for Brother Rat Tom Lento, but as fate would have it, the current professor of military science and tactics at VMI is Col. Vincent ’92, and his father was one of Tom’s best friends. I called Mr. Vincent, and he said Tom was in the Army for about eight years. During his last assignment, he was assigned to Gen. Westmoreland’s staff.

He returned stateside and accepted a position as

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a sales rep for the Address-O Graph Corporation and soon became the national sales manager. Being successful in sales, Tom was constantly being offered positions, and he eventually agreed to join the Visual Graphics Corporation as sales manager for the state of California and later became the national sales manager. Tom’s first wife, Barbara, had a child, Christopher, but unfortunately the child was born breech with the umbilical cord tied around his neck and was not expected to live more than five days. However, God had different plans for Christopher, and as far as Mr. Vincent knows, he lived and still may be alive at Sisters of Mercy Convent in Pittsburg. Tom provided financial support for his son’s care. Tom eventually started his own business, Global Graphics Supply LLC, and was active until a few years ago when he retired with his life partner of 22 years, Bonnie.

Brother Rat Col. Len Martin had been sick for a long time and missed our 50th, as he was bogged down with plane delays, and his medical condition prohibited further travel from Texas. During the mid-60s, Len was assigned to The Citadel as an assistant professor of aerospace studies. Len was laid to rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors. Len loved his BRs and supported VMI. I have received a Christmas card from him for as long as I can remember. Len retired from the Air Force after 23 years of honorable service.

That is the news for now. David Harbach informed me at the reunion that those in attendance had no need for a class meeting to elect a new class agent, as I volunteered to remain your class agent for another five years, the good Lord willing. By now, you should have received a new 1961 window decal, a ’61 lapel pin and sew-on patches. If not, let me know.

I have enjoyed being your class agent and will continue to try very hard to keep the class informed. For those of you who attended the reunion, please call a brother rat you did not see in Lexington. Who knows, a spouse may have been ill and that is why they were not able to attend.

For those who could not make the reunion, use the telephone list I sent you and call. I have made myself a promise that when I think of one of you, I will call. I was a little disappointed when some of our regular reunion attendees were not here, and I wish I knew why.

Finally, a special thanks to all those BRs and spouses who helped: My wife, Sue; Spike and Mary Callander; Carole Berger; Harrison

Fridley; Bill Braithwaite; Hugh Gouldthorpe; Bill and Joyce Gibbings; Dave and Charlotte Harbach; Dick Lindquist; Mike Bissell; Lee Badgett; Don Wilkinson; Roger Spencer; Jim Bickford; Sylvia Woodcock; Bill Maurer; Ed Hollowell; Ken and Sue Patrick; John Tharrington; Mitch Kot, Battle Haslam; Wyatt Durrette; the Alumni Association; and you! Without you, there would be no need for a reunion.

Only God knows who will be with us tomorrow, so please enjoy each other’s company by email, Skype, face to face, Facebook, etc., while you can. Please keep all of our brother rats in your prayers, especially those who are having issues. Pray for our troops, as many of them are grandsons and granddaughters. God bless our country and VMI and remember, “You may be whatever you resolve to be.”

1962

Tony Curtis Jerry Burnett

George Collins: “When you’re the slowest man in the Aspen Mountain, you want to be seen! As a [VMI] Board of Visitors member, I was briefed last week by the head of the department and the former head. A terrific presentation, and a very enthusiastic group of professors. Highly dedicated and actively seeking out those interested in applied mathematics.

Graduates in this major and those with a minor in applied mathematics are highly sought and employed by a wide variety of businesses and research. A real credit to the Institute. Thanks for sending this around.”

Len Collins: “Shannon and I are downsizing, and we have a book shortage problem – especially large books like yearbooks. Do you know anyone interested in a ’61 or ’62 Bomb? Free plus the cost of shipping; let me know. Things are going along OK. No real change. We did decide to skip the Washington area in February and spent the month in Clearwater, Florida.

This was our first time in Florida for pleasure

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Class Notes rather than work. We really enjoyed it and will probably do it again next year. The reason for the downsizing is that we put in an elevator after my stroke; I have a problem with stairs, and Shan has foot problems. I’ve decided that health is wasted on the young. Hope things are well with you.”

Mike Lilge: “My computer is an iPad, vintage iOS 6. Through these kidney issues, dialysis and diet, King Jesus has been an ever present help through it all. Wow, Tony; I feel good all over and have allayed the fears of my caretakers by passing a driving test with a driving school instructor present. Walking is something we take for granted; it has been a big part of my life. I have made the rounds from wheelchair to walker to a cane and finally to no support at all.

When I entered this assisted living domicile, I was bound to a walker; I plan to get rid of the cane before long. Driving will be a great stretch of the leg, Tony. I’m planning trips to visit my bros in Asheville, North Carolina, and New Port Richey, Florida. It looks like 81-and-a-half miles to The Villages from New Port Richey.

Whenever I see a trip to Florida, I will give you a call to see if it suits for a visit.”

Sonny Hood: “Since May 30, 2015, I have been laid out with medical problems for several months. It all started during the last weekend in May, when I had chest pains, and my daughter had to take me to the hospital. It took the doctors over two days to find the cause, and by then, I was swollen like a pig. The outlet of my gall bladder became stopped up and became poisonous, and that was spreading throughout my chest. My body became septic. To attack my problem, the surgeon had to pierce my gall bladder and drain out the mud and infection; he removed 280 milliliters of thick, smelling liquid.

I had a tube draining liquid from the gall bladder for four months. After a week-and-a-half in the hospital, they found the poison had killed 90 percent of my kidneys! I now must take dialysis three times a week to remove waste and liquids from my blood. I now urinate what they call ‘dirty water’ several times a day and must conform to a strict diet. With the changes to my body’s systems, I have lost 73-75 pounds and still dropping. The worse thing to crop up is that now my body has excess uric acid, and my right foot has the gout. The dialysis will not filter out the uric acid crystals. Therefore, I now must take medicine to alter the uric acid so it

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can be passed from my body. The loss of kidney functions, especially control of blood pressure, has resulted in loss of oxygen flow to the brain when I stand up. They call it orthostatic hypotension. The medicine to raise my pressure only works part of the time, but I found a new medicine to reduce OAB, and it helps raise my blood pressure. So I can now stand up and begin to walk. However, my balance is not the best, and I need a cane or walker to rely on. I was less than a half day from dying, and my life is now changed completely. This has become the first most change in my life, the second most change in my life was the years on the hill at VMI. So look for me when you see or hear me!”

Syd Bradbury: “I underwent knee replacement surgery in February and now have to work on getting rehabilitated, so I can get back to work and softball. Last year, I played recreational senior softball in northern Virginia, pitched for a Sunday league team in Prince William and also played with a traveling tournament team known as the Virginia Crackerjacks. My hope is to be back running the bases by mid-July. When not playing softball, I am still working at my small consulting practice known as Bradbury Consultants, Ltd. We have been in business for 25 years and are fortunate to have some loyal clients. In addition, I work as a group facilitator for anger management and domestic violence prevention groups here in northern Virginia. The only brother rat I see occasionally is Sam Clement, my roomie for two years at the Institute. This winter, I am planning a trip to the Philippines and perhaps later to Honolulu. Although I have worked in Africa, South America and the Middle East during my career as an engineering consultant, the last two decades have involved no travel outside the U.S. The wanderlust is driving me, and I am invited to spend time with a Filipino family at a small town known as the Christmas Symbols Capital of Asia. I hope to have lots of stories to relate at reunion time.”

Roger Manack: “Your notes, emails and chatter are welcome events here in Mission Viejo. I certainly enjoy your dedication to the brother rat ’62 cause. My current status is unchanged. Enjoying retirement and getting older without inhibiting ailments. Married 56 years to my wonderful Linda, and our two children are doing just fine. Unfortunately, we have no grandchildren, but I dabble in helping out a local kindergarten with joyfully happy 5 year olds. Imagine being surrounded by

Class of 1962: Roberto Gorbea and Bill Wray ’63 in Puerto Rico.

Class of 1962: George Collins skiing in Aspen, Colorado.

Class of 1962: Joe Van Deventer’s granddaughter, Grace Ann. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes children who do not get older year after year. For receive dialysis. Additionally, I received two stints rather ill, and thank God, General Judy outenjoyment, I build model boats from the past in my heart to treat blockages. After hospitaliza- ranked me and ordered me into the ambulance. which run the gamut – British cutters, Chesa- tion, I was placed in a rehab facility and continued The hospital confirmed my temperature was 104 peake Skipjacks, sailing sloops to examples of the to receive dialysis treatments along with physical and my intense shaking was highly indicative rehab (which was strange, since I felt fine physi- of a serious virus. By Sunday (Happy Mother’s Monitor & Merrimack. As far as going places, we’ve limited our travels in car trips to Atlantic cally). Was released from rehab and returned to Day!) they all agreed I had had a virus, and the Beach, Florida, to visit my mom, Leah. She is my house. My 24-year-old granddaughter was my 36 hours of IV antibiotics had cured me enough now in her 102nd year and is referred to as the nurse, cook, companion, chauffeur, etc. I’m on to discharge me so I could come home and finish Energizer Bunny – ‘Just keeps going.’ A couple of my way to returning to normal (whatever that is), this! We planned to head north to celebrate my times during the year, we visit our daughter at her except I will receive dialysis treatment three times 58th reunion with my class of 1958 George MaLake Havasu City home to play on the ‘river’ and a week for the rest of my life. Additionally, I’m son High School in Falls Church, Virginia, along in the desert. Other than this, life is just another restricted on what I can eat – no food containing with Larry and Betsy Wilson! Tuesday evening, day in paradise.” excessive amounts of potassium, phosphorus or we planned to stay with Carl and Ellen Jordan Joe Van Deventer: “Thanks for the (Fayetteville, North Carolina), lunch great article in the last Alumni Review. with Bob and Nancy Miller (WoodHere is a picture of my new grandbridge, Virginia) on the way up and a few days with Bill Mizel (Virginia daughter, Grace Ann Van Deventer.

Beach) on the way back down.”

Perhaps it can be included next time.”

Bill White: “My wonderful wife, Fred Mangino: “To bring you all Nancy, had two knee replacements, up to date: Just before Thanksgiving, and about four weeks ago, she fell on I moved from my apartment (of 18 a curb stone at night, damaging her years) to a senior community in Toms right knee badly and breaking her left River, New Jersey. I know my comhand in about four places. She was munity is nothing to compare to The rushed to the hospital where she had Villages, but it suits my needs. Just afknee surgery, and her left hand was ter Christmas, I started to experience put in a cast. I left our Virginia home shortness of breath while climbing a in Waterford and went to our home in flight of stairs. Initially, I didn’t think Pensacola, Florida, where she was in much of it, thinking it would go away. rehab at The Haven. She has defied It didn’t and persisted. I even went to Class of 1962: Brigadier Gen. James Bierman ’87 and Lt. Col. Clinthe doctors who told her not to drive play racquetball with my primary care ton Seybold ’92. with her right knee in a brace, and she physician, who is a personal friend (and doubles partner). He advised me to go right sodium (salt). So it’s a challenge to eat out, which had me sit in the car as she learned to drive with to emergency room, which I did and was admit- I do frequently. Not sure when I will be able to her left foot and right hand. Nothing holds her ted with high blood pressure; shortness of breath; resume playing racquetball or bowling. I have down – the cancer she had five years ago or a little water on the lungs, which equates to congestive started to sing in church choir but don’t know thing like this. So she ordered me to go back to heart failure; kidney problems (you may recall I when I will be able to perform the role of ‘can- Virginia to help my daughter and her kids, so I’m had a cancerous kidney removed last May); and tor.’ By the way, I sing in three other choruses but now back in Virginia. While in Pensacola, one of edema. Other than that, I felt fine and was perfect- not since hospitalization. As I write this, I feel fine my jobs was to get our 46-foot sailboat, the NANly healthy. I was hospitalized for eight days and and even normal. But my life will never again be SEA, repaired and back into the water so we can treated primarily for kidney failure. All the time, normal, since I will need dialysis three times a continue our sailing adventures. My daughters, I was hooked up to oxygen. I was released and week. When I come to the 55th, I’ll need to find a Beth and Chrissy, are planning for us to sail it to went home with oxygen installed in my house. I dialysis facility in Lexington in order to continue Key West then up the East Coast to Norfolk or was devastated thinking that I would be tethered the treatments. It shouldn’t be a problem to find Cape May. I do most of my sailing in the off hurto an oxygen tank. My life was going to change the necessary facility – just a little inconvenient.” ricane season, so we may be delayed doing that dramatically. Just two months previously, I was Post note: BR Russ Elliot immediately sent Fred- trip. Don’t want to repeat the hurricane I went playing racquetball three times a week, bowling die all the data for the Lexington dialysis facility! through in Tortola several years ago.” one night and singing in four different choruses.

Cal Seybold: Cal and his wife, Roxanna, visited Tony Curtis: “Every good class agent tries to I was home for three days over Martin Luther keep up with whatever his BRs are going through. their son, Lt. Col. Clinton C. Seybold ’92 and his King Jr. weekend but had problems. My daugh- With the recent rash of illnesses, I thought it only wife, Wendy, in American Samoa this past Febfair to join this crowd. On Friday, May 6, 2016, ruary. Clint is the battalion commander of the ter called 911, an ambulance arrived and I was hauled off to ER once again. I was hospitalized right before I was supposed to help run our ninth American Samoa detachment. At the attachment for another eight days, but this time, I started to MOAA Golf Tournament Saturday, I became is a picture of Cal and Clint on a hill in American

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Class Notes Samoa overlooking the Pago Pago Harbor. Marine Brig. Gen. James W. Bierman Jr. ’87 came to the American Samoan Flag Day celebration in April 2016. Bierman is the commanding general of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot/Western Recruiting Region and son of James “Jay” Bierman, our BR who died not too long ago. James was wearing his father’s VMI Class of 1962 ring. At the attachment is a picture of Brig. Gen. Bierman and Lt. Col. Seybold, who were distinguished guests at the American Samoan.

Walter Perrin: “Our summer plans are pretty simple. Once more, we are redoing our recently acquired condo on the 21st floor of a 40-story building. We are excited about our new place. It should be finished by the end of May. If any BRs get to Atlanta, please come see us! We will then go to Pawleys Island, South Carolina, for our family vacation. It will be fun with all the family coming in/out over our two-week stay! We will also go back in September and October. Never get tired of looking at the ocean from our porch! Looking forward to our reunion next spring in Lexington!”

Ed Strickler: “Just saw where the Class of 1966 pledged $40,000,019.66! That is truly great, even though it leaves us in the dust. We set the bar high, and others are jumping over it – which is wonderful. Margie and I are doing well. I have about recovered from foot surgery in December, and we are going to resume our role as trailer trash May 9 and head northwest. Will visit some places we saw 15-20 years ago and visit some friends in Sequin, Washington, before heading to Montana to visit our daughter and granddaughter. After that, back to Texas in September to prepare for a trip to Africa with the friend from Sequin (ladies weren’t interested). We will take the third longest flight in the world from Atlanta to Johannesburg. (At 16 hours, that should be fun!) We will then spend time in Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls), Botswana, Zambia and South Africa seeing lots of wildlife, finishing in Cape Town. I am sure you remember the lion, Cecil, who was shot by a dentist about a year ago in Zimbabwe. Well, his brother, Jericho, is still around, so I am not going to mention that I am a dentist, as he may come looking for revenge!”

Bob Yearout: Retiring University of North Carolina at Asheville professor received Long Leaf Pine Award. Asheville professor of management, Robert Yearout, has been named to the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the governor of North Carolina,

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according to a news release from the university.

The award, begun in 1963 and presented in recognition of extraordinary service to the state, was bestowed by Gov. Pat McCrory. Former North Carolina Rep. Nathan Ramsey, a UNC Asheville graduate and a former student of Yearout’s, presented the award during a presentation following Yearout’s final lecture on campus. Yearout, who is retiring, delivered the lecture to students, alumni and colleagues who gathered April 25 to honor and celebrate Yearout’s 29 years of service to the university. Well done, BR Bob! Robert Bradley: Our trip up the Mississippi River from New Orleans to Memphis on the American Queen was first class and gets an AAA+ rating. Four-hundred passengers, 200 crew. Highly recommended!”

Skip Davis: “It is sure difficult to hear about the health issues happening to our brother rats, even though I spent my career in hospitals and have seen most of what happens as we age. It is clearly more difficult when you know the person who is challenged. The reality of aging sure comes to mind more often, so appreciating each day becomes more important. Trying to live it that way.

After years of being a ‘hack a more’ golfer, I am finally taking the game seriously! Fortunately, we found a superb teacher in Palm Desert who inspired me that it is not too late to learn the fundamentals and make substantial improvement. It is working! Sharon and I have lived on a very nice course for 15 years but now use it regularly and enjoy the journey, albeit some days are a hell of a lot better than others! Two bucket list adventures ahead – insured, of course! Finally going to Alaska to fly fish for a week. Reel Action Fly Fishing has a tent camp in the Togiak Wildlife Refuge on the Kanektok River. Flying into Bethel and small plane to camp. August is the best time to fish the river for silvers, pinks and Dolley Varden. Great top-water fishing, as well as drifting with fish ranging 8 to 16 pounds. Usually lots of fish, creating lasting memories and exciting times! In January, we are headed to New Zealand for two weeks, seeing both the north and southern mountainous portions. We visited Australia in 2010 and wished we had seen NZ then. This will complete this bucket item, and it will be summer there and another escape from the Northwest winter! Lots of positive comments about NZ from friends who have traveled there. Looking forward to our reunion in April. In the meantime, we send our best wishes to all and counting our blessings.”

Roberto Gorbea: “Just a few lines to share a photo taken last week. Had the pleasure of spending some time with Bill Wray ’63 and his wife, Khaki, who visited Puerto Rico with their daughter and grandson. We shared grand memories over dinner.”

Marcus Muth: “I am shocked and saddened by those of us with substantial health problems.

Especially true since I remember most of us as robust, healthy and young ... Freddie Mangino’s one-armed pushups ... Collins: Half man, half fish ... others. But I am also elated at the recognition and honors bestowed on brilliant BRs like Bobby Yearout. (Who knew?) I am in good health by comparison. Still lame from a farm accident a few years ago, hard of hearing (which is annoying) but able to farm and travel when I want. Looking forward to reunion!”

Jim Wood: “My life is not exciting, and I like it. Current medical: I’m in really good shape for someone as ugly as I am. Mild glaucoma; eye drops and come back in October. Homefront: I’m still working on sticks; repair and refurnish cast-iron benches (replace wood slats and paint), and repair, paint and retile wooden cabinets. (Not as easy as you might think; just don’t ask Home Depot); and follow my daughter’s instructions regarding website. We are using Site Spinner – recommend. Finally, continue to slowly get rid of junk, trash and serviceable/unwanted items to friends, family and etc. in anticipation of an estate sale down the road.”

Only 11 months until our 55th Reunion! Please start planning now to be there! And for Pete’s sake, will the rest of you stay healthy?!

In the spirit of ’62, Tony and Jerry

1963

Michael J. Curley

It all started with an email from me to my family discussing the results of a CT scan that I underwent at the end of February. Unfortunately, I included many more addressees than planned, and the word was out to all! I have Prostate cancer; not the usual garden variety, but something called high grade neuroendocrine carcinoma. The diagnosis was just confirmed by biopsy; all 12 nodes

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes were 70-100 percent cancerous, and my Gleason score was bumping the ceiling at nine! (Max is 10!) So then I was off for a PET scan, the results of which I will soon get from an array of urologists and oncologists and, hopefully, discuss treatment. That’s full disclosure to date. At first, I decided not to share the details publicly but later realized that more good would be done than harm due to a loud voice coming from the class in response to my announcement, which gratifyingly demonstrates the spirit of VMI and the close nature of our relationships as brother rats. It’s a beautiful thing, folks!

And so, I apologize up front for my own personal news dominating this column, but almost every contribution from the class contained not only some form of encouragement, recommendation and, most importantly, useful Prostate cancer information, but I also got hints that some of you might be putting off opportunities for early detection and care. I’ve got one of you in my sights and promise you I won’t quit “guilt-tripping” you after just these three emails ... you know who you are; now do it!

Sadly, we’re all aware of the losses to cancer within our ranks. What surprises me is the sheer number of our class who are current victims or, thankfully, cancer survivors who came forward with their stories, recommendations, physician referrals, etc. My favorite take from this response was hearing from Bob Modarelli, who stepped forward to review my labs and make educated suggestions for the best treatment. To his credit, it seems as if he has assisted many of our brother rats similarly over the years. As my primary care physician at the Veterans Affairs Hospital here in Richmond says, “Agent Orange, the gift that keeps on giving!” Lightening up the mood a bit, I really liked Bob Powell’s suggestion for a cure: “Dear Mike – I’d like to start off and say all you need is a couple quarts of Jameson to take care of your ailments.” (Hey, Bob,

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Class of 1963: Bunny Reynolds, left, attended the VMI Foundation Benefactors Luncheon in April 2016 with Brian Ellis ’16, current beneficiary of the ’63 Scholarship Fund.

Class of 1963: Harry and Beth Redd visited Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island during their trip to Japan in April 2016.

Class of 1963: Class Agent Mike Curley said of this photo, “While on a mission to the United Kingdom in May 2016, Artie and Ann Phaup unsuccessfully attempted to seize the Yacht Brittania for VMI, at least for one photo-op!”

thank God, I’m fully stocked.)

In the midst of all this personal turmoil, I stupidly decided to undertake a mass updating of our email addresses in April; man, that was dumb!

Forgetting that access to the data requires a simple ID and equally simple password that no one remembers or writes down, even though they haven’t changed in 10 years, I invited all to check the class website for accuracy. (mjc: Yes, even though I was an engineer, I am familiar with Sisyphus!)

Most of the responses were like this one from Phil Vaughan: “OK, I’ll bite.

Berate me when you send me the other two parts to the combination. Jeeze!” (mjc: Consider yourself berated, Phil ... actually, you’re only one of a dozen or so requests a month!)

Let’s get on with the news. After reading the last column and studying names of those riding the gim, Pete Brunel wrote, “I am so glad that I am only 74! I do not want to read Bob Troxler’s note again – hurts to read it.

Sounds like skin, hair, teeth and eyes all over the asphalt after a motorcycle accident.” (mjc: How about an update, Trox?)

Frank Allison arranged a mini last February in Sarasota, Florida, and sent a picture of the gathering at Geckos Bar and Grill. In attendance were “Hobbs Goodwin, Bob Stocks, Susan Marley, Bob Byrd, Dave and Anne Vogler, Frank Allison, Mike Spencer, Sally Allison, and Bill and Connie Cowardin.” We can credit Bobby Byrd for spotting an error in the caption and correctly identifying Dave Vogler. Can you imagine Mike Spencer, 3rd Class roommate to Mike Warring and me, joining the group?

Nice job, Frank; maybe some of you guys could try that in your home area.

Bunny Reynolds was full of news recently and started with several pages of room assignments for the second semester of our 1st Class year, and I should have known who would bite first on that one – that’s right, Mike Smither! “This is great. I will print

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Class Notes it out when we return from our trip. Thanks for and I are celebrating our 25th anniversary tonight You’re terrific, Christi. Thanks!)

Pete Brunel added to the conversation about sending. I will lie awake thinking of how to best in Tuscaloosa, Alabama! We had to come up here make use of this. Wish we had the first semester; to finalize plans for the Project Children university Christi: “Christi and Diana talk regularly, as I indeed, all four years.” Consider his most recent student/interns that will be coming here in June am sure Bromby Earle does also, and you are in post: “First call: Graduation parade today, New to work for Habitat for Humanity and to prepare touch with her. I exchange emails with Cliff Wedfor the two students who will remain in town, in- dington ’96 and twin Carey Weddington, who Market parade tomorrow. Man your webcams!”

Bunny Reynolds added that he “recently spent terning with a federal circuit court judge for the are busy carrying out Chuck’s wishes and plans most of a week in Lexington with multiple suc- summer. Christi Weddington developed pneumo- and also have been great about helping Christi. cesses. After a side trip to Roanoke to see good nia a few weeks back. Since we are on the road, I Cliff shared with me that he plans to accompany friends, the really good part started with two days don’t know how she’s doing today.” Pat called me Christi to ’63 reunions. That is huge, but he’s a VMI guy!” He continued, “I am travof fly fishing with Bill Jones – good because it included actually catching a eling with John and Judy Mills and his bunch of fish. Judy and I also had the Hampden-Sydney College cousin and pleasure of a dinner with Dave Wade, wife on a trip to Portugal May 5-15.

Bill and Becky Wells, and Paul and Diana is not going on this trip. Her Joanne Robblee ’66. Paul dyked in our 97-year-old mother is still not doing room and, like Dave Wade and others, well. ‘That’s all folks!’ Wasn’t there an has moved back to Lexington. We also old TV program that ended with that attended the Foundation’s Benefacexpression?” (mjc: Actually, Poncho, that’s from Bugs Bunny; where have tors Luncheon on behalf of the class you been?) and had a chance to meet Brian Ellis Ann and Artie Phaup just returned ’16, who is the current beneficiary of Class of 1963: Class Agent Mike Curley said of this photo, “Tourthe ’63 Scholarship Fund. Brian is a ists Tom and Teak Whitford joined Sally and Frank Allison for from a two-week trip to the United Kingdom. I might mention that he wonderful young man – very outgo- pizza and a strange shirt contest in Daytona, April 2016.” returned with three stunning pictures ing, pleasant, a cadet captain, football of sufficient size and quality to run in player, civil engineering major and he this issue of the Alumni Review. (mjc: wears academic stars. Needless to say, That’s a hint, people ... please send me he has all his stuff together, including more pictures – good ones, big ones, plans to become engaged next month OK?) and has a job commitment upon Randy Williams just told me that graduation. This is a guy we can all be “Bob Powell finished seventh in his proud of.” age group in yesterday’s Ukrop’s 10K After hearing my medical news, in Richmond. Quite an accomplishBunny described my angst during the requisite cystoscopy to a T, but I ment for anyone as old as us.” Hobbs couldn’t have provided his brilliant huGoodwin responded by saying, Class of 1963: At Gecko’s Bar and Grill in Sarasota Florida in Feb“Good job, Bob. I am getting winded mor. “Re: The cystoscopy – been there, done that. I remember the nurse stand- ruary 2016 were, from left, Hobbs Goodwin, Bob Stocks, Susan walking around the house.” Frank AlMarley, Bob Byrd, Dave and Anne Vogler, Frank Allison, Mike ing there at a semi-discreet distance Spencer, Sally Allison, and Bill and Connie Cowardin. lison’s response took the prize with, “I keeping an eye on things. The doc finished fourth ... in my Jeep Grand had gone, and I, in my lingering discomfort, was May 14 from Christi’s home, and she seemed well Cherokee!” wracking my brain trying to think of something then. I was gratified to hear from Christi recently Maggie Straub ’16 graduated May 16 and dad appropriate to ask of her. Damn. ‘I think the TV when she wrote, “Oh, Mike, this is really troubling Charlie Straub reported she “had a second intercamera the doc used was the same one I saw on news. Damn, damn, damn cancer! I’m so very view with TechUSA last week. She was awarded NBC News the other night, but I hear they make sorry. You and Peg will be in my prayers each what I consider a big time job as a recruiter for a them smaller now.’” (mjc: Brilliant, Bunny; abso- day. A positive outlook is a must, and I know company that works with the federal government you’ll have one. Even aggressive cancers can be and many of the Fortune 500 companies. She lutely brilliant!) stopped or at least contained, and I pray that will work out of their corporate headquarters in Pat Kelly wrote, “I got to be grand marshal of the San Antonio Harp and Shamrock Society’s will be the case, if it proves that you do have it. Millersville, Maryland. Their general counsel is Parade Saturday for the second time. First time Take care of your heart issues so you’ll feel up to an ’81 VMI graduate who recruited her.” (mjc: was in 2005. I guess I drank more than the other the big fight. Please let me know if you need any Congratulations, Maggie, and best wishes for your contenders!” He continued later, “OK, Grumpy, guidance that I can offer from my experience. success!) Congratulations are also in order for my keep us posted on your condition, please. Gwen Love and hugs to you and Peg, Christi.” (mjc: grandson, Cole Spicer ’16, who also graduated

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes May 16. Seems as if we got us a legacy going on here with three generations: Cole ’16; my son, Paul Curley ’94; and, thinking back to it, me – who was damned lucky to graduate in 1963.

Missy Alden-Ogle wrote to say Dan Ogle’s granddaughter, Tylar Burgdorf, graduated from Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Tylar is also getting married in September, so life will be busy for her and the family! Ken Reams reported in with some nice words of inspiration and ended with, “Well, so much for the sermon of the day. Don’t know if you are aware of it or not. Linda and I, after almost 40 years in Tennessee, have moved back to Hudgins, Virginia. We have a house on the coast and are really enjoying it. Major task every day is to catch more fish than yesterday (after the weather warms up). Hoping that will begin next week.” (mjc: Welcome home, Kenny!)

From Pres Holtry came a surprise story: “Hey, BR. Not a good report from you; however, we are all moving into the age of breaking and aching body parts, and so you are not alone. Last August, I went down in the middle of the night on the way to the bathroom, got a fractured nose and then, three weeks later, a pacemaker when they figured out I had flat-lined. Who knew? And after having been a runner for 25 years and five times a week at the fitness center, the last thing I expected was a heart attack. I’m also on watchful waiting for prostate. Apart from all that, I’m doing fine, and I expect your next report to say the same about you!

Stay well, Pres.” (mjc: I have a simple comment: OMG!) Tom Snyder and I have been commiserating by email recently, as I have been with Pete Ippolito.

We have been discussing how close I feel to the guys in the soccer club our rat year, shortly after matriculating. Tom and Pete are just a couple. I’ve come to appreciate his easy way, gentle mannerisms and wise words – particularly at this difficult time in my life. Tom wrote, “Other than words of encouragement with the knowledge that medicine has come a long way in our lifetimes, I will share two quotations which may give you some peace and comfort as you navigate the weeks ahead and learn more about your health and you. The first, oddly from a hockey coach, Pat Burns (Canadians are literally crazy about hockey!), and the other from American writer/poet Wendell Berry. I’ve often found peace with Berry’s poem and hope you might do the same, while Pat Burns’ words

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apply to us all as we shake-a-leg less agilely with age. (Rather than a hangover!) Otherwise, I’ll await some good news in two weeks along with you and Peg. Until then I offer my prayers for your good health and uplifted spirits. (Not that kind!)

“The Peace of Wild Things “‘When despair grows in me, and I wake in the middle of the night at the last sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water and the great heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water and I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting for their light. For a time, I rest in the grace of the world and am free. “‘As life gets closer to the end, you realize that your body gets weaker, your mind gets working hard, but your heart gets softer. As you get closer to family, you get closer to God.’ Pat Burns.

“Warmly and in the spirit, Tom.” (mjc: Thank you, Tom!) From my friend, Harry Redd: “Mike, I’m going to reply to you in two parts, mirroring your original message, which was waiting for Beth and me when we returned from a two-week vacation in Japan. It’s taken more than a few days to recover from the 13-hour time difference and to catch up on all the ‘stuff’ that was waiting for us when we got home, but during that time I’ve been thinking about what to say to you. Here goes: “1. To my class agent: Beth and I are still healthy and enjoying retirement, although we seem busier ‘retired’ than we were when we worked. We returned April 27 from a two-week trip to Japan, where the spring weather presented us with an explosion of beauty from the flowers, shrubs and flowering trees. We’re impressed with the age and the beauty of Japanese gardens but have a nagging suspicion that the beauty is a consequence of a lot of hard-working Japanese gardeners.

“We traveled by bus, bullet train and express train to several parts of the main island, starting in Tokyo and ending up in Hiroshima. Each place we visited had its own charm and was the focus of lots of photographs. I’ve chosen to share one from Miyajima Island on the inland sea – about a half-hour by train and 20 minutes by ferry – from Hiroshima. (Be sure to note my hat.) Each leg of this gate is a single massive tree trunk. At low tide, you can walk from the shore to the gate; the rest of the time, it is in the sea. Anyhow, we had a good time, although I don’t see the attraction of

eating raw fish (what I call bait). When presented by hosts at dinner, I ate it. No complaints about its freshness or the lack of odor; I just don’t like the texture. Still, when in Rome...

“Beyond travel, we spend our time baby-sitting various really young grandchildren or great-grandchildren and helping pick up others after school.

Beth is active in a Philanthropic Educational Organization chapter (recently ended a two-year term as president), and I am happy helping immigrants learn English and prepare for U.S. citizenship. I’m proud of them; all I have tutored have improved their English skills, and those who have pursued citizenship have succeeded on their first try. Their need fits mine well; I needed some structure in my daily routine after retirement, which they provide.

“We’re still in Rockville, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C. I recently took a high school junior named Jason and his dad to a meeting of the Maryland Alumni Chapter to introduce him to our little school. Don’t know if the student will apply, but we were fortunate enough to find a 1st Class cadet there who spent about a half-hour talking to him. At least the information Jason received was more up-to-date than what I could tell him!

“Oh yes, do keep me on the email list. The address you have is fine.

“And finally, (belatedly, too) I loved seeing the band at the Rose Bowl Parade – if only on TV. And, Mike, that’s it for my class agent. Harry.”

Thank you, Harry, and all of my VMI ’63 community. Thanks especially to my beautiful wife, Peg, for walking beside me and giving me the strength to look this ugly creature straight in the eye and fly the mission as planned. Couldn’t have a better partner and friend! I am blessed!

1964

John R. Cavedo

Some of you with computers may have noticed I didn’t send the previous notes via email.

The reason is that the Alumni Review used to take almost five months to be published and mailed. They have reduced that time to less than 60 days. Hence, the need to get them out quickly has diminished. Plus, reading them for the first time in the Review seems to make them more interesting.

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Class Notes Munera, Mary Jo Jordan and Bill Bandy, and I shore excursions. We sailed through Glacier Alley Early in this latest cycle, another member of our family died. Frances Sherrard, after fighting went with an Overseas Adventure Travel group to and were very fortunate to be able to land at Cape dementia, gave up that battle. She had joined us Easter Island and Patagonia in January/February. Horn – not always possible due to turbulent seas. It for the 50th Reunion in Lexington. She was a We were awed by the huge moai (carved statues) was a wonderful trip, and it’s always great traveling on Easter Island, bringing back childhood memo- with VMI friends.” loyal and helpful sister rat.

Bill Rimm emailed, “Saw a car with VMI sticker At almost the beginning of these notes, a re- ries of National Geographic magazines, and the ally nice group gathered in Jupiter, Florida, for island weather was perfect for hiking, a boat ride on it in one the parking areas for my complex here in Cape Canaveral. Finally went over last night to the sixth annual Carson-hosted mini reunion. and even swimming in the Pacific Ocean. From see who it was and to introduce myself.

Attending all or parts of the threeTalked with him for 10-15 minutes and and-a-half day event were Sherrel think he might be the class agent for his and me, Bill and Dyan Crone, Dan class. He was in the Army as a career and Sandy DeForrest, Ken and retiring in the mid-80s. He dug in his Barb Dice, Bill and Marion Garber, wallet and gave me his card as I was Kevin and Deborah MacCarthy, leaving. Got home to see he is retired Tom and Yvonne Myers, Tom and Maj. Gen. Richard E. Leithiser ’50B. Penny Sebrell, Ed and Janet Seager, Just thought I’d pass it on since any inBill and Lola Tornabene, and Bob and Cathy Warren. The Carsons formation I retain now-a-day seems to outdid themselves this time (with the push out something else I was trying to assistance of the Warrens). At their remember.” home, they hosted two dinners, one Marty Stango: “We lost our two lunch and one brunch. In addition to male German Shepards a couple of the wonderful meals hosted by Don months apart. They were getting on Class of 1964: Don Carson standing in the foreground with his and Margaret Carson at their home, band in Florida in March 2016. at 12 and 13, and they both went fairly several of us ventured out for an ocquickly. Our 7-year-old white female casional meal, shopping and a huge art show. there, we went to the big and exciting city of Bue- GSD was content to be the only dog, but she still The highlight was a dinner cruise on the Inter- nos Aires and then flew to El Calafate, where seemed to looking for her pack mates every once coastal Waterway about a small, yacht called our Patagonia adventure began. We enjoyed five in a while. We were going to wait before getting the Majestic Princess. days of spectacular scenery as we hiked in Los another dog, but a friend of ours in California is We’re trying to figure out how to get other Glaciares National Park in Argentina and in Tor- very involved in the Orange County GSD Rescue, brother and sister rats to host events near their res Del Paine in Chile. Then we boarded a small and she fostered a 4-month-old puppy that was just homes. (Don’t worry about trying to duplicate ship of 160 passengers and spent four days sailing adorable, and my wife not only named the dog but the Carsons; they simply went over the top.) around the tip of South America to Ushuaia be- really fell in love with him. So he flew to Orlando But, if you’re interested, let me know. fore going back to Buenos Aires and returning from LAX, and we drove him home. I had forgotJan Rudinoff: “Just returned from seeing daugh- home. Twice each day we took Zodiac rafts for ten how much fun, excitement and exhaustion ter Sarah perform in ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying’ at the Fifth Avenue Seattle. She next has her one woman show going up in March.

“We’ll leave for Paris following the show and will remain in France in the Dordogne Valley until May. June will find us in Vancouver, British Columbia, for a Boranian family reunion, Paula’s clan. Then we cruise to Alaska on Holland America for the summer solstice returning to Kauai in July. September and October we can be found in Venice, Italy. Reading our travel schedule one would think, ‘They must hate where they live.’ Not true of course! The realization that we Class of 1964: Pictured at the Carsons’ home in March 2016 were, from left, first row, have fewer years ahead and continue to be in good Bob Warren, Yvonne Myers, Margaret Carson, Dyan Crone and Janice Seager. Standing: John Cavedo, Tom and Penny Sebrell, Bill and Lola Tornabene, Tom Myers, Don health says, go now!”

Carson, Ed Seager, Marion and Bill Garber, Barb and Ken Dice, Kevin McCarthy, SherCarol Allen wrote in describing their most recent rel Cavedo, and Bill Crone. trip. “W.J. and Lauranne Kitchen, Tony and Barb

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes goes along with a puppy. Their curiosity and unfailing good nature is infectious. Their burst of unconstrained joy and rambunctiousness followed by periods of total sleep are certainly one way to postpone not growing old.

“I talked with Edward Hoy during one of his daily commutes to his job at Disney. Instead of retiring, Ed got himself a corporate information technology position at the Mouse basically as an internal compliance consultant.

To pass the time on his travel to work on California’s freeways, he often calls me. Since it is midmorning here in Florida, it works with both our schedules. He told me his twin brother, Edmund, had successful surgery recently and is still pursuing his goal of relocating to Lexington, Virginia, from Los Angeles. It is a continuing wonder to me how those two staunch conservatives continue to survive in La-La land among all those tree-hugging liberals.

“My wife, Hilda, drove our daughter up to Atlanta to have spine surgery at Emory. Our grandson is completing his orthopedic fellowship there and got their world renowned spine surgeon, Dr. Rhee, to do the work. Naturally, it being his mother, he was: 1.

Not allowed to be in the surgical suite, and 2. He was a nervous wreck anyway. Everything went well; she was up and walking hours after surgery and was discharged two days later with no rehab requirements. Our grandson is contemplating his final two offers of employment in either New York City or Jacksonville, where both he and his wife grew up. Would be nice to have him and the family, including their two girls and one rambunctious boy, around, but the lure of the Big Apple where he attended medical school and did his internship and residency is hard to counter.”

Don Carson: “Several of you had asked how our band concert last night turned out. It was a blast! We played for three hours for about 800 people and received lots of positive feedback (and tips). They hired us to play again

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Class of 1964: Judith and Jack Trossbach with Frank and Marcie Parker in Florida in April 2016.

Class of 1964: Pictured at VMI in April 2016 were, from left, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey G. Smith Jr. ’79, deputy superintendent for academics and dean of the faculty; Cadet C.J. Rambali ’19, class historian; Cadet Colin Smith ’19, class vice president; Cadet Eli Facemire ’19, class president; Cadet Joey Brown ’18, class president; Cadet Henry Wiswall ’18, class vice president; Cadet Ben Washechek ’18, class historian; and Cliff Crittsinger.

Class of 1964: At the New Market Legacy Award Ceremony in May 2016 were, from left, Col. Tom Davis; Cadet John Zachary Owens ’16; and Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent.

Photo courtesy VMI Communications and Marketing.

in September, so I guess we did OK. It was a lot of fun. To be 74 and still singing and playing lead guitar in a rock and roll band is too good to be true. I realize how lucky I am still to be able to do fun things like this. I wish you could have been there to dance and have fun with us. The other guitar player in the photo with the hat is Don Jr. He is a great entertainer. He sings and plays guitar, ukulele and harmonica. I love playing music with him.”

Cliff Crittsinger provided an update. “Dateline Moody Hall, VMI: It has been an exceptionally successful year for the Cadet New Market Legacy Award. The 1st Class selection chairman, Ryan Miccio, did a herculean job in writing a set of guidelines over the summer for future classes to follow in executing this annual process. This year was a test run, and the results were spectacular. It was written in such a manner that each of the upper three classes had a distinct role as the year progressed, allowing them to remain engaged while they monitored the process for any shortcomings. The three upper class SCCs sat down after all requirements were met to take a final look and to make any adjustments to the guidelines before it became the benchmark for all future classes. In closing, allow me to congratulate Cadet John Zachary Owens ’16 from Virginia as the Class of 2016’s recipient!”

Don Jones: “We have been on post the last two Fridays for various reasons. The first Friday, we took Diana’s close friend, Kathy Brandt, for a visit and a parade. She was overwhelmed with what she saw and thoroughly enjoyed the parade. As Delta Company passed by, it was good to see both the Garrett Andrews and Commandant’s Cup streamers on their guidon. This reminded me of my 2nd and 1st Class years when we earned the streamers and kept them for our 1st Class year, as well. Of course, we were under good leadership of Tony Putamanonda, Jimmy Neese, Windy Blanton,

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Class Notes Jon Edwards, Kyle Dudley and yours truly.

“The second Friday, I had an appointment with Brian Crockett, chief executive officer of the VMI Foundation, and Col. Bill Wanovich ’87, commandant. Both went well, and no, I was not ‘boned,’ which might have been the reason for the visit to the commandant. After those visits, I stopped in Preston Library and visited with Diane Jacob, the archivist. The original purpose of my visit was for research on Confederate States of America Brigadier General John A. McCausland [’857], and a member of the Class of 1857. His files – as there were four – were very interesting and answered many questions I had.

Need to go back and spend more time, as I did not get a chance to read all of it. While there, Diane convinced me to review my own file, and boy, oh boy, did the memories return. I recommend all BRs do the same when visiting the Institute. It is truly amazing what they have in their files – including post-VMI years, as well.

“Hope all is well with you in Florida and know you are prepared for the soon-to-be very hot weather. We are well here, staying busy at the museum and national park, along with longer and longer stays in Williamsburg.”

Jim Brittingham: “I am doing fine. Laura is doing a wonderful job taking good care of me, and Mark is tolerating their separation reasonably well. I keep telling her that I need to find a smaller place to live or find someone to stop by twice a day and take care of me. It’s a work in progress.

But we are working the issue.” Sherrel and I are planning a month-plus trip this summer and we expect to spend at least a day with Jim. George Warren, commenting about an article in the newspaper said, “Charlie Bryan [’69] is a great VMI supporter. For years, he was the director of Virginia’s flagship historical society in Richmond, now called the Center for Virginia History. When I switched – very late in life – from being a lawyer to being a museum director myself, Charlie was right there for me all the way. For 10 years, Charlie gave me carte blanche to use the resources of his museum. I’ll never forget his help. Charlie personifies the Spirit of VMI. (By the way, he’s been fighting very serious health issues for many years without ever a word of complaint).”

Many of you know of Doug Walker’s ongoing battle with circulation problems. Since his surgery, David Ayers has been assisting him on virtually a daily basis for well over three months – buying

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groceries, doing errands, providing transportation and anything else Doug needed. Joining David recently was Butch Nunnally, who spent more than a week boxing up all of Doug’s belongings, hauling everything out and moving Doug to a new apartment. Their efforts for a brother rat in need went beyond the call.

Others have been instrumental in helping Doug; Andy and Callie Tucker, Don Giles, Bob O’Hara, John Thornton, Bill Taylor, Floyd Duncan, King von Schilling (who calls Doug every day) and many others whose names I don’t know.

Anyway, in a recent phone call, Doug told me it’s impossible for him to put into words his appreciation for the calls, letters and other support provided by so many of his brother rats. He is eternally grateful.

Hank Cronin and I talked on the phone recently. He’s purchased a house in Lexington (finally) and is in the process of moving. Due to several decades of building up of “stuff,” the moving process is slow, but he fully expects to be ready to accommodate overnight brother rats by the end of the summer. In the meantime, Elizabeth has been quite ill – most recently hospitalized with pneumonia. The worst thing about the upcoming move is they will not be able to spend as much time with their grandson. That’s something all of us understand.

I only received a quick note from Frank Parker.

He and Marcy recently met with Jack and Judith Trossbach in Destin, Florida.

Sherrel and I took another quick cruise; this time for eight days to celebrate our 51st wedding anniversary. We normally find the least expensive cabin with a window or porthole. This time, we upgraded to a suite with a balcony. Quite nice. One could get used to living upscale. But, wait. Those things cost money. Never mind.

Leaving from Port Canaveral, we made stops on St. Maartin, St. Kitts, Puerto Rico and Grand Turk. The Turks and Caicos are supposed to be really nice, but Grand Turk is a pit. The city of San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a wonderful, historic place to wander.

Floyd Duncan and I had a nice phone conversation. Just this past March, he and Donna finally sold their house on Smith Mountain Lake after nearly two years of trying. They’re fully settled into their home in Chesterfield. While helping Doug Walker, Floyd had a chance to spend some time with Butch Nunnally.

Floyd has been teaching a course twice a week

at Virginia Commonwealth University and is hoping to begin teaching another course at the University of Richmond. Unlike me, he’s happier working than retiring. He did recommend a couple of good books for me to read. Meantime, Donna spends time at Holden Beach whenever she can. She likes the beach ... Floyd, not so much.

Had a nice long talk with Nelson Trinkle.

Hadn’t heard from him since the reunion. He’s healthy and enjoying life. They had just returned from preparing his cabin in Mathew County on the river near Chesapeake. They’ve had the cabin for 15 years and use it for a break away and to entertain children and grandchildren. Nelson said their boat is on its last legs. He is toying with the idea of either replacing it with something smaller or serious maintenance. Regardless, they all enjoy their time on the river.

Also had a conversation with Cliff Crittsinger just the day these notes were due. He had completed the long drive from Lexington back to Denver when he got word that his older brother was killed in an automobile accident. He jumped on a plane and flew to Buffalo to be with his last remaining relative, an aunt who still lives there.

We talked some about the New Market Legacy Award, his house in Denver being on the market for sale and other miscellaneous things. Our hearts are with Cliff.

Tom Davis wrote, “I was pleased to represent our class at today’s awards ceremony. General Peay [’62] and I presented the [Class of 1964 New Market Legacy Award] to John Zachary Owens [’16], a graduating 1st Class cadet from Virginia majoring in civil engineering. The graduating first classmen in Cameron Hall for the ceremony seemed pleased with his selection. He is being deployed with his National Guard unit to Qatar.

He later plans to transfer to the Air Force. After the ceremony, I enjoyed talking with him and his parents. Here was the statement in the program: ‘Class of 1964 New Market Legacy Award Presented to a Brother Rat of the graduating First Class whose cadetship in the opinion of his or her brother rats is most reflective of the character, honor and spirit of the 1864 New Market Corps of Cadets. Presented by Colonel Tom Davis, Class of ’64, Awards Committee.’”

It goes without saying that having Tom present the award makes all of us proud.

Finally, as always, thanks to those of you who stay in touch and take the time to call or write.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

1965

Mickey Finn

Now I remember why Jane insisted we move to Porters Neck, a suburb of Wilmington, North Carolina. It is early May, and the weather is just about perfect with warm days, cool nights and enough rain to keep the outside world green. Bill and Carol Ryan live one block closer to the Intercostal and the ocean, and as Carol promised, we, too, can hear the ocean in the cool of the evening.

A wonderful and frank update from Chuck Hough: “Class of ’65 has been on my mind lately.

First a young man named Justin Borden who works with my daughter was here. Justin is an expert at installing carpet and was teaching Megan.

Class of 1965: Class Agent Mickey Finn said of this photo, “Two former U.S. Army officers, cadet captains and roommates, Bill Ryan and Greg Robertson, visited the museum that celebrates the U.S. Navy. Greg and Dorothy were visiting Bill and Carol’s winter retreat in Fort Pierce, Florida. While the ladies were busy shopping, the men were remembering how it was being so close for 55 years.”

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He saw my VMI sweatshirt and said, ‘My dad went to VMI, and I know if you are like him, once you get started, you can’t stop talking about it. His name is James Borden.’ It took a trip to the 1965 Bomb to see Brother Rat Jim’s picture and recognize his name. When I showed his dad’s picture to Justin, he continued that his dad was very much looking forward to attending our 50th Reunion, but health concerns caused a change of plans. I confirmed Jim’s address in San Clemente, California, and mailed him the booklet from the reunion with my best regards for his health. I know Jim would welcome hearing from brother rats. If you have a chance to send along good wishes, please do. His address in the class directory is current.

(Class agent note – also found in the 2015 Register of Former Cadets.)

I had my own health concerns recently. I was pulling together a traditional VMI ’65 northern Virginia lunch in March/April that I had to postpone at the last minute. On March 25, around 8 a.m., I experienced pressure in my chest unlike any I had before. At 8:30, I was in the emergency room and things moved very fast. By 9 a.m., I was in the cath lab, and the blockage was located. By 10 a.m., I was in recovery with a stent where the blockage had been. I started cardiac rehab April 8, 2016, and expect a full recovery. Part of that recovery is getting a new lunch scheduled with our northern Virginia BRs! “Art Storey and I have texted on and off and more frequently since Jim Hogler’s passing. Art happened to ask how I was doing a few days after March 25. It helped me a lot to be able to share the recent events. We kidded about how the Rat Line prepares you mentally for unexpected events.

Roommate Ted Goodloe went through a major cardiac event a few years back. He is my adviser as I make my way through recovery. I will miss Ted’s annual Hot Springs, Arkansas, fishing camp in April but have a firm reservation for 2017. I’m not sure crawfish is on my cardiac recovery menu, but I will have to make an exception next April.”

Donny White reported a great victory by our own Ben Dyer: “Ben, congratulations on winning the Richmond Monument Avenue 10K road race (for men 70-74). Whenever I see results of road races in Virginia, I look for your name, and usually I find it at the top. You are truly a champion in many, many ways – particularly in the eyes of your brother rats. You beat more than 100 guys in ‘our’ age group, and you finished with a time in a 6.2 mile race, running better than ‘eight minutes

per mile.’ Not bad for a guy who graduated from college more than 50 years ago. God bless!”

Tommy Thompson has retired! “My news is that June 29, I am retiring after 40 years of practicing ENT in Salisbury, North Carolina. As a reward, Trudy and I and another couple are chartering a 39-foot catamaran for a week’s sail in the British Virgin Islands. After that, between grandchildren duty and honey do lists, I hope to get to VMI and friends more. Go Keydets!”

Greg Robertson reported, “When in Lexington in April for a Foundation event, I attended the Benefactor’s Luncheon in the Center for Leadership and Ethics and joined Pete Trible and Jack McEwan at their table. I was heartened to learn about another quiet way in which some members of our class support the Institute. Unfortunately, I had to skip accompanying Pete and Jack to Goshen after lunch. Two weeks later, Pete and Jeanne Trible, while vacationing in New York City, joined Dotty and me for dinner. Many memories of Pete’s and my days together in A Company were shared with the ladies.”

John O’Keefe reported on Jane and his visit with their son’s family in Lexington. “Mickey, attached is a photo of Sills ’93 and I on the front porch of his and Adele’s home, which is about 100 yards from the driving range at the Lexington Country Club. Sills just finished his first year of law school at Washington and Lee University, and they are there with Jack, our grandson, and Jester, the golden, while Adele opens her practice in counseling. Hopefully you can see various mountains in the background. Jane and I wish they were a little closer, but it is beautiful up there.”

The death of Forrest Etling Wiseman May 5, 2016, was unexpected. “Oofar” died during the night and was buried in Staunton, Virginia, at 2 p.m. May 10. The funeral service in Richmond May 10 was attended by Donnie White, Hugh Dowdy, Brian McNeil, Peter Trible, Billy Loughridge and Bob Wilkinson. The internment at the Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton was attended by Irwin McCumber, Billy Loughridge and Richard Moring.

Jack Frazer sent this congratulate note to Jack and Susan Mountcastle for the appointment of their son, John C. “Clay” Mountcastle ’94, to the position of director of the Virginia War Memorial: “Susie and I want to congratulate you on Clay’s selection as the new director of the Virginia War Memorial. Another VMI history major makes good! We know you are both proud of him, as we

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Class Notes are. It appears that the old saying that ‘the acorn of the most ‘fun’ things about that part of the trip jewels were quite spectacular. After some time to doesn’t fall far from the tree’ is again correct in this was the opportunity to climb up the 4,555 meter recover, I went to Frankfurt, where I participated high Hohenzollern Burg. My host, some 40 years in a really big party hosted by the members of case.”

Phi Delta Phi from central Germany Jack Mountcastle returned to Lex(lots of beer and good food). Back in ington to speak at the biennial StoneDallas, I was assigned to sit as a viswall Jackson Symposium, which was held at VMI May 27-28, 2016. His talk iting judge in two cases in east Texas was titled, “A Failure in Command: that were, to say the least, interesting.

The Battle of White Oak Swamp, June Of course, I am rarely assigned these 30, 1862.” days to cases that are dull, which is “The leadership failure was Stoneone of the reasons they send me on them. wall Jackson’s! He did not carry “In November, I went (again, without Robert E. Lee’s order to attack Union forces as George B. McClellan out Jamie) to VMI for the Institute ‘changed his base’ by retreating to the Society Dinner. It was a short trip, James River. The great confederate but it was well worth it to have anleader failed, because he went to sleep. other ‘reunion’ with so many of the Jackson simply could not stay awake BRs. Upon my return, I completed after continuous operations for over a an arbitration that had been going on week. The Mighty Stonewall was hufor somewhat over a year. This, too, was quite interesting, as it resulted in man, after all!” the largest award against the Chinese Bob Whaley reported that an insufgovernment in history, according to ficient number of BRs have made the trek to see his pet deer. “Not too much Class of 1965: Pictured on New Market Day 2016 were, from Reuters.

“In April, I returned to Poland for to report. Just one BR visit this year. left, Kevin McClellan Marshall ’16, Victoria Marshall ’05, NaLarry and Connie Rose came down than B. Marshall ’16 (U.S. Naval Academy ’17), Johnny Mac my usual teaching in American law.

Marshall and Sam Marshall ’55.

Again, Jamie could not go. Bummer! about a week-and-a-half ago. Picture The course this time was different of them at our local Bahia Honda in that we did not present a demonKey Beach with Larry wearing the appropriate T-shirt. Contemplating a stration jury trial. The course topic drive out west to do a stick check on was on the common law and how it Pete Rondiak and John Read; long works (or doesn’t) in American civil haul, however.” and criminal law. All of that was subJim Hogler, who died Jan. 11, merged in the American presidential was buried in Arlington Cemetery politics and the constitutional crisis in with full honors May 11. Present Poland. That made it one of the most were Granny Amos, Dave Arensinteresting visits in my entire time there. dorf, Harry Bartosik, Fred Bishopp, “Jamie was finally able to come Wayne Chiles, Bill Gibson, Chuck with me to Lexington for the graduaHough, Tom Howard, Erwin McCumber, Easley Moore, Charlie tion of my great-nephew, Kevin McRussell, Doug Thomas, Bob SouthClellan Marshall ’16. Needless to say, we are very proud that another worth, Bob Wilkinson, Len Collins generation of the family is graduat’62 and Joe Roberts ’62 (who were Class of 1965: Larry and Connie Rose visited with Bob Whaley ing from VMI. The weather looks roommates). Jim was Len’s dyke. and his wife, Linda, at Big Pine Key, Florida. Class Agent MickAn interesting and informative like it will cooperate with us for most ey Finn said of this photo, “While at the local Bahia Honda Key epistle from Johnny Mac Marshall: Beach, Larry wears the proper dress shirt for the occasion!” of the parades and festivities. Of “It has been a rather hectic time since course, we will miss ‘Dixie’ on New last I wrote to you. In October 2015, I went to younger than me, had shamed me into doing the Market Day, but there it is. There is no question Poland for activities at the university where I climb instead of taking a tour bus up the moun- that when the 1st Class goes into the courtyard teach. Sadly, Jamie was not able to leave her job tain. I should have known better, but it was worth to give its Old Yell, all that I will be hearing is for that trip. After that, I went to Stuttgart for a the hike. The castle looks like something out of our voices a half-century ago, closing, but not visit with some German lawyers and judges. One Harry Potter – only real – and the Prussian crown ending, with ’65! ’65! ’65!”

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VMI Alumni Review

2016-Issue 3

Class of 1961: Present at the reunion were: Ian H. Ackroyd-Kelly, Hugh W. Adams, John B. Adams Jr., David P. Adkins Jr., Leroy B. Alford, Richard Y. AtLee, Ronald D. Ayres, Joseph C. Balazik Jr., Donald R. Barrett, Glenn W. Baumgartner, H. Lee Beach Jr., Clarence W. Beall III, Joe Birindelli Jr., R. Tyler Bland III, Lawrence E. Boese, John S. Bolger Jr., James E. Broman, Robert K. Broom, William A. Bundy, Craig D. Caldwell, Arthur E. Carver III, Warren W. Channel, Herbert B. Chittum Jr., Jack M. Cooper, Charles R. Cooper, Oliver D. Creekmore, Clifford A. Crittsinger, C. Terry Crump, William W. Currence Jr., Darrell S. Daniels, R.D. Daugherity III, Lothar P. de Temple, Graham E. Dean, William D. Dermott, Joe C. Dictor, Toney W. Dillard, Steven M. Doles, David S. Dunkle, George D. Dyer, Randolph C. Earnest, William W. Edmunds Jr., Sam E. English II, Peter V. Farley, Evan R. Farmer, Thomas S. Foster, Robert F. Fowler II, Harvard L. Furman Jr., George W. Gehr, Joseph M. Gesker, Tarleton L. Gillespie, Richard L. Goodall, Robert L. Gordon Jr., William A. Gore, T. Wayne Gray, Herbert R. Green Jr., William A. Gregory, Frederick B. Guerrina, Edward F. Guida, B.F. Halloran, James C. Hannah, Thomas H. Harrel Jr., H.E. Harrington, Thomas R. Harvey, William D. Hawfield Jr., Marvin O. Herbaugh, Richard K. Hines V, Robert J. Hollerbach, Donald L. Holmes, C. Jerry Homiller Sr., Nathaniel R. Hoskot Jr., Harrison Hubard Jr., Charles S. Johnson Jr., Hugh J. M. Jones III, John P. Jumper, Michael O. Lambert, Thomas F. Lemons Jr., J. Phillip Lien, Howard M. Lloyd Jr., William P. Lonergan, Frank G. Louthan III, J. Nicholas Mager Jr., Paul B. Maini, W. Tim Manahan, Clifford H. Martin III, William G. McClure III, John K. McEwen, F. Robert McKain Jr., David L. McKinley, Atwill R. Melton Jr., R. John Meybin III, Glenn P. Michael Jr., Edward A. Miller, Edwin H. Morris Jr., Thomas R. Morris, Robert L. Morrison Jr., Mark E. Mount, Donald A. Nemetz, George L. Newton III, Louis S. Nichols, B.N. Nicodemus, John R. Odom III, David L. Overhulser, Ira P. Parkman Jr., William X Parsons, Kenneth G. Petrie, Stephen M. Phelps, Daniel H. Phlegar, David R. Pinkus, Donald M. Pirodsky, Charles L. Ramsburg, Steven H. Reams, Donald B. Reed, L. Clark Reifsnider, Carl E. Rhodes Jr., P. Douglas Richard, Robin P. Ritchie, Paul A. Robblee Jr., David M. Roberts, James S. Rogers, Edward D. Romm, Harry H. Rosenthal, Charles J. Rothwell, John L. Rowe Jr., Leslie M. Rutledge Jr., John F. Ryan Jr., Woodson A. Sadler Jr., Robert L. Sammet, John E. Sauers, Ernest E. Saunders Jr., R.C. Saunders III, Dale W. Saville, Charles F. Schmaus, P.A. Sensabaugh Jr., Dwight S. Sessoms, John Sharkey III, Emmanuel M. Shedlock, Charles A. Shepherd Jr., Ross H. Simpson, Thomas G. Slater Jr., Robert M. Sleeker, Merritt G. Smith, James R. Smith Jr., John O. Solomon, Robert S. Solomon, Jay C. Sommers, Larry Sonstein, Kenneth W. Spitzer, John M. Stauffer, Alvin W. Stevens Jr., Herbert B. Story Jr., Robert M. Stribling Jr., Neil Stronach, James F. Sturgis Jr., James W. Sublett Jr., Lawrence W. Swann, Wilbur G. Swanson, James G. Szymanski, Michael W. Talley, William Talman Jr., Richard P. Tarrall, Thomas F. Tauskey, Marshall C. Taylor, Thomas W. Tolbert, James E. Toler Jr., Ronald L. Trent, John M. Turner, Vernon P. Turner, James B. Upton, Randolph W. Urmston, Philip A. Valenti, Leon C. Vannais, Robert H. Veller II, Robert J. Vogler, Julius F. J. Volgyi, Paul A. Wagner, Walter R. Walsh Jr., John A. Walters, Richard E. Watkins, Robert W. Watson Jr., Jay C. Wegrzyn, Oscar R. Wergley, Charles R. Wheldon, Thomas F. White, James L. Whitehurst Jr., David O. Whitt Jr., Robert E. Wick Jr., Gerald F. Wilkes, Spencer W. Wilkinson, Albert J. Willett Jr., Duane E. Williams, Thomas L. Williams Jr., L. Randolph Williams Jr., James R. Williams, Edward B. Willis, Robert J. Wills, Lloyd F. Wingfield Jr., Glenn C. Winstead, Charles D. Woodward, Reynolds Young and Sylvan A. Zahn Jr.

The Class of 1966

50th Reunion – April 22-23, 2016

Class Notes

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Class Notes As these notes are closed, one cannot help but celebrate the progress of years together and yet remember those 55 brothers who are no longer with us. While we remember with fondness, we realize the importance of keeping in touch with one another, as we are a family of brothers joined in the spirit by a common experience enjoyed by very few. May He who is above all continue His blessing on all of us as we join together in an Old Yell for ’65!, ’65!, ’65!

1966

Nick Hoskot

Really fitting that I should be writing these notes on New Market Day ... 152 years following that defining date for our Corps. And, since this is my first attempt at class notes, I have chosen to focus solely on the people and events from our recently concluded 50th Reunion. A true keepsake for everyone needs to be Ray Saunders’ and Al Conner’s beautiful DVD which “was a magnificent labor of time and love” (Rich Hines), and I agree whole-heartedly! About two years ago, three committees were established to lead, plan and organize our reunion: Fundraising, Rich Hines; recruiting, Frank Louthan; and team Lexington, Woody Sadler. In 2014, the Foundation asked Rich Hines to lead the Class Gift Campaign, and he put together an awesome group. And then you, the brother rats of the Virginia Military Institute Class of 1966, donated what Gen Peay ’62 called a “...transformational” and historic class gift of $40,000,019.66! (Please note the cents!) This gift nearly doubled the previous gift record for any class! Rich and his class gift team of BRs were as awed as the rest of us when the size of the gift was announced. Thank you one and all for your outstanding generosity! Campaign team members included: Jay Adams, Rich Atlee, Ty Bland, Pat Chang-Lo, Pete Charrington, Al Conner, Ollie Creekmore, Terry Crump, Dick Goodall, Bill Gregory, Happy Hubbard, John Jumper, Frank Louthan, Bill McClure, Dan Phlegar, Donnie Reed, Clark Reifsnider, Paul Robblee, Woody Sadler, Ray Saunders, Tom Slater, Bill Talman, Marshall Taylor, John Turner, Randy Urmston, Jay Wegryzn, Spence Wilkinson, Randolph Williams and Eddie Willis. The recruiting team’s

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efforts were well rewarded with attendance by 171 brother rats, setting another record for 50th Reunions, and you were accompanied by approximately 130 guests, including widows of deceased BRs. What a fantastic group that ebbed and flowed out of the reunion headquarters of the Natural Bridge Hotel (a “brainy and bold” choice

by Woody Sadler and associates) for four days of camaraderie, renewal of old friendships, creation of new ones and just plain ole fun! Gathering in the hospitality suite, on the porches, in rooms and lobbies and around dining tables; talking, telling tales, cracking jokes, looking at name tags to place a name with that recognizable face and yelling out, “Hey, xxx ... how the heck are you?

Great to see you! Dang, you don’t look any different!” Etc., etc., etc. “Thanks for the memories,” as Mr. Hope would say! Woody Sadler volunteered two years ago to head up Team Lexington that cobbled together the events for this reunion. They certainly deserve recognition: Cliff Martin, Bob and Natalie Odom, Doug and Arora Richards, Paul and Joanne Robblee, Lori Sadler, and Eddie and Joanne Willis. The four days of “things” to do and see were nicely spaced out, and I doubt anyone was bored or went home hungry. BRs arriving Wednesday the 21st were hosted by Jay Adams at an “early arrivals” reception. Thursday featured a trip to the D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia; a variety of academic major mini reunions; and Craig Caldwell hosted a two-hour “Vietnam: Real Facts” meeting attended by more than 120 BRs and others. Craig was assisted by Rob Ritchie and Nick Hoskot. The opening dinner that evening took place at the Natural Bridge Pavilion with bluegrass music followed by a light and sound show. Friday’s schedule included a motor coach trip to New Market, an Institute update via “virtual tour,” carriage and shopping tours in Lexington, a well-attended global events panel led

by John Jumper, two Institute international affairs professors and two cadets; and, finally, a demonstration on the bricks by the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Team. The honored class banquet followed at the Marshall Center for Leadership and Ethics, with dinner wines courtesy of Reyn Young. On Saturday the 23rd, almost everyone showed up dressed in the reunion shirt and khakis for the obligatory class picture on the steps of Preston Library, followed by the presentation of the class gift, the parade into the courtyard of Old Barracks for a class Old Yell and then a gathering in the New Barracks courtyard to pose for a class

picture for Al Conner. A barbecue lunch followed at McKeathen Park and, after a brief interlude, dinner and dancing in the Jefferson Ballroom.

Clark Reifsnider requested I include the following note from him: “Nick, at our Saturday night dinner at the reunion, as I was recognizing our nine brother rats who have been our class agents, I neglected to mention Larry Sonstein. So, for the record, and with a public apology to Larry, listed below are our class agents before you assuming the watch. All of these men played a huge role in keeping our class together – as will you. Sandy Morrison (1967-68); Ray Saunders (1969-70); Pete Charrington (1971-72,1977-80); John Walters (1973-74, 1981-86,1991-92,1995-2000); Larry Sonstein (1975-76); Hugh Adams (1987-90); Jim Pauls (1992-94); Al Carr (2001-03); Al Conner (2004-16).” The ’66 memorial service in Jackson Memorial Hall Sunday was a fitting venue for remembrance and reflection. Thanks to Jim Broman and Frank Louthan.

Some final notes for this brief reunion summary: Reyn Young established a reunion site on Shutterfly for BRs and others to post and view photos and videos from the reunion: vmiclassof196650threunion@sfly.com. Please use it, it’s free, and it will remain up for all to see and use. Show your grandkids and other relatives how young and vibrant we remain! Many of you know that Rich Hines and John Jumper are members of the VMI Board of Visitors, and John was recently elected president. Congratulations, Gen. Jumper!

There is a growing feeling or awareness of how close knit our unique VMI class remains after 50 years, as Marshall, Clark and Randy so aptly stated in their letter of May 10, 2016: “We have shown time and again over the last 50 years how important we are to each other, so let’s keep that focus. Make a phone call, write a letter, send an email, organize a mini reunion. Do something to stay in touch, and don’t delay. And keep our new class agent, Nick Hoskot, busy by sending news for him to include in the class notes.” Thanks, exalted class leaders! Brother rats of 1966: Please call me, write me, email me, text me, visit me, etc., so your news – and it is all important – can be shared with our class. There is a group – chaired by Reyn Young and assisted by Hugh Adams, Nick Hoskot, Ken Petrie and Ray Saunders – that is putting together a Class of 1966 50th Reunion yearbook/annual/book. If you have not submitted the questionnaire, a biography and photo(s), please do so. Send your information to Reyn if

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes your last name ends in A-H, Hugh (Sleepy) J-P for BRs to communicate with BRs via email, making fun of their discomfort, but most of those and Nick Q-Z. Thanks. text or snail mail. Please keep me up-to-date on in our class with such joint replacements went to I received the following from Frank Louthan the method you would prefer for me to commu- jump school.

Sue Worsham sent a message in April that Tuck earlier this month, and with his very reluctant nicate to/with you! had rotator cuff surgery and was healing well and permission, share with you the following: “But, anxious to get back on the tennis court. there is a deeper, richer story than the names Doug and Carol Ann Mills recently hosted Marof the people who worked toward our 50th Abernathy Reunion. Here is some of that story. It was at Jan ci and Mike Bagnulo for a long weekend at their least two years ago when the Foundation asked home in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Mike sent a photo, Richard to take the reins on the Class Gift Camwhich I trust will be with these notes. “We had an excellent adventure! This is a picture of us taken in paign. When we heard this, Woody and I began the cockpit of a Cobra while we visited the Naval to discuss his leading team Lexington and my I’m finishing this set of notes just about a year Air Museum this past weekend. Spent the weekforming a recruiting team. Woody and I ran our thoughts past Al Conner and our class officers before our 50th Reunion in April 2017. It seems to end with Doug and Carol Ann and had a great and got their approval to proceed. It was at that me we just finished the last reunion. Aging can be time. The Gulf Breeze/Pensacola area seems to point in the process that a huge blessing seemed somewhat “off-putting,” what with recalling time be a good place for military retirees. Marci and I to fall on us (and I’m talking about Rich, Woody and scheduled events. And it does appear that hope to get back there again soon.” working in events gets more difficult when visits and me). We agreed that, while we had three difNeil Schlussel and Shelli recently took a trip ferent missions, we all had the same mission: To to the eye doctor, hearing aid office, primary care to the newly-opened-to-U.S.-travelers country of gather the Class of 1966 back for what would office, chiropractor and acupuncturist take up so Cuba. Always an intrepid traveler, he added the following. “Short note to let you know what has be a wonderful, memorable (and, it turned out, much time. I read once that retirement was suprecord-breaking) event. From that point forward, posed to allow you more time to do the things you been happening with me. In November 2015, I the cooperation, spirit of teamwork and fierce loved. Maybe I misread that statement. It must cruised the Danube from Prague to Budapest with some friends. In January, I went on a ‘people-toloyalty to our mission energized everyone. As have meant that you have more time to do the necjust one example, Woody, Rich and I will tell essary things you used to do in normal time before people’ trip to Cuba. Visited Havana, Trinidad (city in Cuba) and Cienfuegos. We visited many you that we each found enthusiastic, qualified you began to fall apart. and dedicated classmates to assist us. Our class Most of you will have seen my email that sites and some homes. We also visited a senior day has an abundance of great people to work with. Karen Wells had a hip replaced in April. Pete care center and a preschool. People there are very I could not have been more blessed than to have sent an update within hours saying she was up poor. Visited a fishing village (boats cannot go out Charlie serving alongside me on the recruiting and walking. Thanks to those who sent prayers more than 6 miles – wonder why) and had a lecteam; he was over-the-top perfect. ture on the Cuban Missile Crisis from There were no disagreements, there their viewpoint – very interesting. The was acceptance and understanding old cars were everywhere; however, of each other’s challenges, there was the only original parts are the shells. patience when things were not workMost everything else was replaced over the years. If anyone has a chance ing out as planned, there was respect to visit Cuba before it becomes a haven for the decisions each other had to for American business, I suggest go make, we celebrated each other’s wins as soon as possible. On another note, and offered to help when there was a my son will be returning to Virginia in problem, and none of us sought to be July to attend the National War Colin the ‘limelight’ for what we were dolege. Looking forward to our reunion. ing – you just don’t find that within Couple of pictures to consider. One a group of type A personalities. But Class of ’66 had it. Deep down inside, is in the preschool and the other is in Class of 1967: Neil Schlussel and Shelli cruising Havana in a clasthis is something that the entire class sic Ford. an old car with Shelli Ross before we knows to be true about our reunion. went cruising in Havana.” Jan added Though it is not measureable like a headcount, and encouragement. In addition to Karen, rethat the photos might not be of the quality the AR there is (help me here, Richard, with the right cent in the ’67 family joint replacements include requires, but the car is a ’55 or ’56 Ford convertible, words) an awareness within our hearts that, as Ann Plentl (hip) and both Robert Klink and much like the one Wayne Marshall kept at Steele’s Bob Ward with new knees. These four join a Tavern for furlough trips home to Massachusetts.

Woody so often said, ‘We’re not like other classsignificant group within ’67 that have had joints I remember Wayne used to collect pennies for es.’” I certainly agree and hope you do, also. replaced. Interesting that none of these four ever the many tolls along the way. We all know that Finally, several of “us” are working with various agencies within the Institute to make it easier jumped out of an airplane – as far as I know. Not toll booths do not take pennies now or then, but

1967

2016-Issue 3

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Class Notes Wayne loved to irritate the system.

If you read my notes with care each issue, you will recall I recently teased Terry Fowler about using my interrupting phone call to get out of a timeshare presentation in Florida by saying he had to take an important business call. Last month, Joan thought we could use a similar promotion to get out of town and add some extra days to an Orlando visit. We were in town anyway, and the extra three nights, meal vouchers and a $200 coupon to use toward a future night in a Hilton Hotel was a bargain for an hour sales pitch and a few dollars for the very nice room. No one called me during our presentation, but within a short hour, we were poolside at a very nice Hilton resort.

While in Florida, we were able to spend some time with Sandy and Howard Seal at their home in The Villages.

Mike Hall: “Jan: First, let me thank you for letting Joe Stafford know that Anne and I lived in Tallahassee. Joe, Joyce, Bill and Jane (friends they also visited), and Anne and I all had a great dinner together and reminisced about the Old Corps! In February, Jim Rogers came to Atlanta and invited local BRs to dinner. Mike Bagnulo, Jamie and Mary Hannah, Bill Fleshood, J.I. and Brenda Orrison, and Joan and I swapped stories and had a really good time.”

Al Orgain’s passing brought many exchanges.

My favorite, from Phil Gioia: “I always thought Orgain was either dumber than a brick or had a thinly-sublimated death wish. With the amount of contraband we used to stuff into every conceivable container, it was a good bet that with one of those lemming-like leaps, ol’ Al was going to land on someone’s electric waffle iron or some other dense object. That would have really been something to see, and a demonstration of Darwin at his best.”

Jan added, “I have it on good authority that Al’s son and/or grandson also jumped into the laundry truck, which is why it now is not parked where it can be accessed from the stoops.”

Stuff from Bob Poland keeps flooding into my system. Being a “retired” rotor head pilot gives him a lot of time to create or find and share a lot of emails – much of which I cannot forward and some of which a person would need gloves to touch. But my favorite insult from Bob is the message about alien women who come to earth to kidnap older, handsome, sexy men. He said I did not have to worry about being selected for transport out of this solar system, as he was just writing to say, “Goodbye,” and included a photo of

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the typical alien woman which cannot be included here. I wonder how Vicki feels about his pending departure.

My project to have you send me a few thoughts on our graduation weekend and early lives is ongoing. I will include a few short excerpts here from early replies, as the entire work would fill several sets of notes as gathered so far. A booklet or full compilation will eventually be available for all, but that may wait until after the 50th in order to include the slow responders. It may take our reunion to gather all of those who wish to participate. That being said, here are a few for starters.

J.I. Orrison: “I knew that I was starting a job until call-up and getting married ... provided that I passed the last round of catch-up courses. I had been behind the curve ever since collecting a magnificent 16/100 in rat calculus from Col. Knox. Despite summer schools, I still needed to get waivers to take two courses simultaneously that were supposed to be taken sequentially my last semester. I wasn’t sure I would graduate or that the rest of the plans would evolve until the last grade was posted in modern physics. I still have nightmares, seriously, that the Institute figures out I missed a course, and I have to go back for a semester to complete the course.”

Ron Neidermayer: “Call me crazy (very accurate), but what surprised me as we approached graduation was a unique sadness mixed with a sense of relief, accomplishment, impending freedom and ‘can’t wait until this place is in my rear view mirror’ feeling. Simply call it mixed emotions. I specifically remember our graduation day, waiting to form up on the bricks in front of Jackson Arch for the very last time. Taking a panoramic view of the whole place and looking at BRs as they pass with family, girlfriends, etc., a strange sadness enveloped me. I realized that the blood, sweat and tears that we shared together for four years would very soon come to an end, and it may be very possible that we may never meet again as we go our separate ways. Rationale told me that reunions would come, but maybe some of our BRs would not or could not ever do so again. As I had an October entry date into the U.S. Air Force, waiting in the wings that summer were times at the beach, a female and a beat up old Corvette that traveled more miles being pushed and towed than running on its own. (I found the Vette in the middle of a farm field with a chicken perched on top. Wisdom later told me that I should have bought the chicken and not the

Class of 1967: Doug Mills, front, and Mike Bagnulo test fitting the seats of a Cobra. car.) I realized that the immense bond we BRs shared for four years would probably never be as strong as it was on that final day. Certainly life would change us all, for better and for worse, and wives, kids, family, job and responsibilities of life would diminish that bond to various degrees. But what I have learned in the past 50 years is that reunions rekindle those bonds, and that is why I am eagerly looking forward to our 50th. I pray that all our BRs feel the same, especially those who have never come back for a reunion...”

Perry Ritenour: “Here’s a few notes: Coming up to graduation, I was very focused on my marriage to Lee, which took place the day after graduation in Lexington. Still married after 49 years. I also remembered receiving a ‘Bronx cheer’ from the cadets in the audience when I walked up onstage for my diploma – raspberries for the S-1! My mother was horrified! I went on to Georgetown in the fall and deferred active duty – got my Master of Art degree and pretty close to Doctor of Philosophy degree in Asian history ... finally got that doctorate in 1999, right before Chip Brooke received his doctorate – same school. I passed on an RA commission in the Army in 1967 after graduation (received a lot of static from TAC officer Kenny Dickinson for that decision), because I wanted grad school and marriage. Still went for Army

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes service: 1970-74 (two years spent overseas in Okinawa and Southeast Asia). Saw a few BRs passing through Oki. So long ago. Wishing all a happy and healthy older age.”

Max Toch: “As a cadet, I was fortunate to get an Army scholarship that covered all school expenses and provided a nice income of $100 per month. That allowed me to buy my first car as soon as we were permitted to have one. I don’t recall exactly when that was, but probably in the month or so before graduation. I bought a brand-new ’67 Volkswagen Beetle with sunroof, radio and opening rear windows from a dealer in Roanoke. Lexington must not have had a dealer at the time. Mindful of advice from my depression-era parents about avoiding debt, I paid $1,775 or so cash for it. I still recall the dealer’s amazed look when I started counting out the bills to seal the deal. That car served me well driving from one duty station to the next in the months before leaving for the Republic of Vietnam.

When I left, I gave the car to my parents to use. I returned to the U.S. in the spring of ’70 and needed my car back. My dad liked that VW so much that he went to the local dealer and ordered a ’71 Super Beetle to replace it. A few years later while I was driving that ’67 bug through Blytheville, Arkansas, from one duty station to the next, it threw a rod. We had all we owned packed inside or lashed on to its luggage rack. The ’67 stayed in Blytheville, traded-in to the local dealer.

We continued with that journey and our lives; and over the next several decades, a few more cars.

Meanwhile, my dad’s ’71 Super Beetle lived on, thanks to his skill as a mechanic and his more careful driving habits. After he died in ’98, my mother used it until she passed in ’09. When my children were home, they practiced their clutch and shifting skills with it. Now, I commute to work in it, enjoying the memories that it brings. No matter how tedious

2016-Issue 3

Class of 1967: Class Agent Jan Abernathy said of this photo, “Who can identify this ’67 group from 2012?”

Class of 1967: Paul Bouis and Mike Ingelido renewing their friendship at the 45th Reunion.

Class of 1967: Class Agent Jan Abernathy said of this photo, “You are invited to enjoy this event in April 2017.”

a workday might have been, it always gives me a grin when I crank it up for the drive home.”

Barrett Graham: “‘Holy s--t! I’m about to graduate, carrying a Bachelor of Arts degree and a commission in the Marine Corps. How the hell am I going to pay for all those uniforms?’

That, of course, was followed by all the baggage associated with finals, figuring out what to keep and what to get rid of, with all of that being entangled with the end of the track season, which meant we’d be out of barracks at a time when we really needed to be there. I had been offered initiation into the Kappa Alpha fraternity, to take place after graduation, and had accepted because both sides of my family were loaded with KAs, anyway. Accordingly, we KAs spent a sweaty afternoon in our coatees immediately after graduation undergoing initiation. I finally returned to barracks in late afternoon to deal with four years’ accumulation of junk. My parents had parked a station wagon at Limits Gates to collect my junk after all the ceremonies were through. I had given up on trying to box up my junk, so I laid a sturdy wool blanket on the floor of our room, threw the s--t in it, tied the ends together, slung the bundle over my back and strolled out Jackson Arch in my coatee and white ducks headed for Limits Gates.

Approximately 20 or 30 yards from the gates, and 50 or so from the car, Col. Simpson ’40 (former commandant) pulled up beside me in his car and asked me if I needed any help, and I said something like, ‘No, thanks, I’m almost there,’ and kept on walking. That summer, I spent six weeks at American University (in Washington, D.C.) studying international relations (fabulous stuff, by the way) and reported to The Basic School at Quantico in August along with Chip Brooke and John Decher. We finished at the end of January 1968, and I loaded my 1964 Austin-Healey Mk III and headed to Camp Pendleton,

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Class Notes California, and the Fleet Marine Force. I didn’t encounter another BR other than Tom Gillette (on an R&R tour bus in Australia), John Decher (who was at Lejeune, like me, finishing his active duty time) and Charlie Ash when I was awaiting law school in Chapel Hill (he was in graduate school), until our 10th Reunion.”

Mike Hall: “I’ve been thinking about your request for thoughts about graduation, and several images have come to mind. (Some printable, some not.) A few are: “Dipping a dead snake out of the 55-gallon trash can that we used as a punch bowl at the party at Zollman’s Pavilion, but ‘driving on’ with several more cups full of the questionable mixture made by everyone just dumping whatever they brought to the party into the trash can.

Watching Kip Jones and Gary Maxwell trying to scale the closed New Barracks gate the morning after the party (the sun was up) like a couple of monkeys to avoid going through the open gate at Jackson Arch. I believe both were a tad ‘under the weather,’ even though we had civilian privileges. Maxwell not reminding me that a salute would be fired at the graduation parade, and my head, when the cannons started, acting like a ‘bobblehead’ externally at each shot and internally hurting like hell! There are a few more I may come up with.”

Many have commented on the view of Limits Gate in rearview mirrors. Some skipped to the first week after graduation, their first job or military posting, or grad school. All provide insight into our brother rats that most of us have never seen before. Please add your thoughts to the project. And you may add to your initial stories if these short statements jog your memory with additional stories. More to come in future issues.

1968

Tom Hickey

Kevin Henry (Winston Salem, North Carolina) sponsored and organized the Billy Davis outing at Lexington Golf and Country Club in early April 2016. More than 35 (!) BRs showed up to either play golf or just hang out. The list of attendees is simply too long to include in these notes.

You’ll see some references in the following set of

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notes. I, along with everyone else who attended, had a great time. Well, truth be told, the experience for Mike Gompf (Richmond, Virginia) was, perhaps, not great. I’m not going into detail here, but if you have unusual pain in your chest, regardless of the side of the chest and regardless of whether or not you have pain in either arm, have it checked out immediately – like 911 immediately!

In February 2016, Greg Cavallero ’84, chief executive officer of the Keydet Club, sent me a news story from the Alexandria Gazette about T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia, which became the only four-year public high school in Alexandria in 1971 when T.C. Williams, George Washington and Hammond were merged. The story covered the recent induction into the T.C. Williams Hall of Fame of our own John Kemper (Richmond, Virginia).

The news story said, in part, “John Kemper was awarded nine varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball and was named Alexandria’s Outstanding High School Athlete in 1963 and 1964. He has since been honored as one of Alexandria’s 100 greatest athletes and, in 2003, was given the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club Gene Bode Memorial Hall of Fame Award.

Kemper went to college at the Virginia Military Institute, where he was a three-year starter on the basketball team. After graduating, Kemper served three years in the Army before working in engineering and construction.” Congratulations to John.

In February, Bill Seargeant (Fredericksburg, Virginia) was working on the upgrade to the museum exhibits and special events space at the Science Museum of Virginia. Doctor Charles Cartin of Virginia Commonwealth University sent Billy a thank you note that read, in part, “I just wanted to thank you for the tour you gave my students from VCU School of Engineering.

I really enjoyed talking with you the short time we had together. You were very informative and a straight-forward individual. I am glad to see that still out in the world. I, as well as the students, truly appreciate all of the information and insight provided today.”

Jim Burg (Prescott Valley, Arizona): “I am having right rotator cuff surgery after April, will probably be totally incapacitated and in a rehab facility for several months. The surgery is necessary following confirmation of right rotator cuff tear. I need your prayers for rapid recovery.”

Krita Kritakara (Thailand): “I’m recovering from spine operation and have six screws in my back – must be from the extreme sports that VMI grads love to play. Using a cane now, not a wheelchair. Also building a new house with three guest rooms upstairs for visiting BRs. We will live on the first floor, so we don’t have to go upstairs!”

Tom Province: “Still working away ... likely will die in the traces! Still living and practicing law in Madison, Virginia.”

Smokey Beirne (Roanoke, Virginia): “Just installed as commander of local Knights Templar Commandery. Enjoying retirement! Active in other Freemasonry venues.”

Dave Avery (Lyme, New Hampshire): “On April 29, 2016, I’ll retire from Dartmouth College after 31 years. For reasons understood only within the confines of the trustee’s boardroom, the trustees have awarded me emeritus status in recognition of my service. The practical benefits of the title are rather few. I get to keep my email for life, I can continue to march in academic regalia at commencement and, on the day of my death, the Dartmouth flag on the green is flown at half-staff and a 3x5 card on a granite marker by the flagpole lists my name, academic rank and years of service. But it is a significant – even if a perhaps undeserved – honor, in that I join such Dartmouth notables in computing as Tom Kurtz and John Kemeny, the authors of BASIC [programming language]; and Gene Fucci, who introduced computing to the curriculum at the service academies. The college only appoints an emeritus in computing about once every 10 years.

“Although I’m retiring from the college, in fact I’ll still be in computing, as I’ve taken a job teaching at the nearby River Valley Community College. I’m looking forward to having no responsibilities beyond teaching introductory courses. And since my daughter will be attending Bowdoin College in Maine next year, the second income will be welcome. She was recruited for their ice hockey program, but Bowdoin is a Division III school so is legally barred from granting athletic scholarships.”

Bob Schmalzriedt (Marietta, Georgia): “After 45 years, I just reconnected with three Army buddies from our Korea duty in 1970. We all coached and played on the 2nd Infantry football team together while stationed there. What a team we put together out of 16,000 division

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes men to recruit from! It wound up being like play- me was a Panama Canal cruise this past January; busy when I should be retired. But in consulting, ing semi-pro ball! I’ll not forget the day I got a call it was a benefit for wounded vets. A lady in this it is good that it can be part time. I am also heavily from the 2ID assistant division commander asking area whose son was critically wounded in Iraq, involved in the IEEE, working on standards and me to be the team’s defensive coach. He used to founded the organization Help Our Wounded, new technologies.

“Looking forward to our 50th. I met up with fly in in his chopper and land on the football field www.helpourwounded.org, to cover expenses that on Wednesdays to ask how we looked before he are not covered by the national Wounded Warrior my roomies at the 45th – Paul Hebert (Steamboat Springs, Colorado), Rick Siegel (Weems, Virorganization.” placed his $5,000 bet on the upcoming game!

J.J. Davis (Mount Pleasant, North Carolina): ginia), Walt Jeffress (Fairfax, Virginia) and Bob “For the last year, I’ve been driving as an Uber driver and doing well at it ... making money, meet- “Kathy and I live a pretty simple life of lumberCrenshaw (Fletcher, North Carolina). It was great ing and talking to thousands of people, and learn- yard work for me and farm work for her, with seeing them all, and to have all five of us at our ing about all the nooks and crannies of Atlanta kids, grandkids, church activities, etc. in the mix. 45th is amazing and hope this happens in 2018, (finally, after living here 25 years). I start and stop However, I don’t believe a day goes by that I don’t too. Haven’t heard about the following BRs, but work whenever I want, which is another big ben- think of those amazing four years in Lexington. we should dig them up for the 50th: Dennis Koefit. I just work days, and first thing in pecko (Silver Spring, Maryland), Gary the morning, I catch people going to Klemas (San Antonio, Texas) and Phil the Atlanta airport, which is a decent Pazich (Santa Barbara, California). way to start the day.

Met up with Dennis once a long time “My family’s doing well, I’m lucky ago when he had a business trip to San to report. My son, Mike (age 46), and Francisco. Looking forward to seeing his wife and one son moved out of everyone soon.”

Pennsylvania to Wilmington, North John Royster (Advance, North CarCarolina. Got tired of the bad winters. olina): “I enjoyed seeing all of the BRs He’s a master jeweler. He sold off a lot in Lexington recently. I didn’t play golf, of inventory in his small store, sold his but Chips McCallum (Norfolk, Virhouse and moved after landing a job ginia) gave me a tour of Shantytown with a big jewelry store there. Loves and Goshen, and several of us ‘non it! His sister, Kellie (45), divorced three Class of 1968: Together for lunch at the Grove Park Inn in Ashe- golfers’ spent some time at the museville, North Carolina, April 24, 2016, were, from left, Bob Schmalyears ago. She met a great guy from zriedt with his daughter, Reina Schmalzriedt, and wife, Noreen um, the leadership center and watched Australia two years ago and moved Schmalzriedt, and Bob and Veronica Crenshaw. the football scrimmage Saturday. The there last year after selling her comnew football coach is energetic and enmercial cleaning business to her son, Glenn, who Oftentimes, I wish that I could go back for one day thusiastic, which I am sure we all hope translates got out of the Marines last year. My other two (as a 1st classman only!) and relive what we expe- into a few more wins this year. In walking around girls, Rachel (22) and Anna (20), are in college and rienced. It was hell when we were there, but those the barracks area, it seemed to me that the cadets working. Rachel lives here. Anna’s in Des Moines, four years taught us so much that has stood us well generally looked sharp (and young!), but I felt right Iowa. in the ensuing 50 years. Best to all of my BRs. You at home observing Saturday afternoon PTs on the “My wife, Noreen, will be working for the next are an important part of my life.” west side of barracks. two-and-a-half years as an R.N. so we can keep “I am fully retired now (since June 2015), and Vic Huang (Cupertino, California): “Another her medical benefits going until she hits 65. I just year has passed, and as we inched toward our am enjoying not having a schedule or daily comarranged a trip to Italy at the end of August that 50th, I reflect back to our old days at the Institute mitments. Susan and I have made a couple of we’ve been talking about to celebrate our 10th anand have seen lots of changes based on what I read recent trips to Virginia – one to Richmond to see in the alumni and VMI mailings. I am involved in Howard and Sally Donald (Richmond, Virginia) niversary.”

Phil Lanier (Lakeway, Texas): “Well, it appears several projects working with two companies, both and Herb and Betty Laine (Chesapeake, Virginthat I have made it to 70 years. As BR Wise’s related to electric and autonomous/connected veia), and a second to Smithfield to see Roddy and (Richmond, Virginia) favorite baseball player, hicles, and it is exciting to see what electrical enBetty Delk. Although Kevin Henry lives about 5 Mickey Mantle, once said, ‘If I had known I was gineering has brought to this world – disruptive miles from me, I don’t see him much except in going to live this long, I would have taken better technologies creating a mobile generation such as Lexington. The Lexington golf outings in memcare of myself.’ Actually, I think I am in pretty the internet, cellular, Wi-Fi, cloud and now elecory of Billy Davis are great, and I am fortunate good shape physically as a result of all these pro- tric cars, etc. Since leaving VMI, I have in some to live close enough to attend now and catch up with BRs who attend. Kevin (and, earlier, tein shakes Becky makes. The favorite is banana, way worked in each of these fields, which continmango and vodka; and mentally – well, who ues to amaze me how this just introduces more Dick Wise) has done a great job organizing this. knows? Still enjoying the golf and life here in Tex- services to the world. Even my grandchildren are It’s even fun following the email chatter during as, the land of about 364-and-one-half days of an- more attuned to electronics at this age (6-12) then the weeks leading up to the weekend. I learned nual sunshine. One trip of interest for Becky and we were in our 20s. Nevertheless, this keeps me some things about our time at VMI that I never

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Class Notes knew just from following these emails.

“Susan and I are will be in California, Oregon and Washington in May, primarily hiking at Yosemite, Mendocino coast, Redwood National Forest, Gold Beach and Yachats, Oregon, and then visiting Susan’s aunt in Seattle. In July, we’re taking a riverboat trip with Roddy and Betty Delk (Smithfield, Virginia) (and Susan’s sister and her husband) from Amsterdam to Basal and staying a few extra days in Switzerland.”

Bob Crenshaw: “Bob Schmalzriedt and his wife, Noreen, were visiting his daughter, Reina, here in Ashville, so we met for lunch at the Grove Park Inn.” Terry Bowers (Martinez, Georgia): “Two of my children and their spouses and five grandchildren were here to celebrate Joyce’s and my birthdays, then I had hand surgery during the week. I’m still plugging along on the MOX project but likely will hang it up this year and start to enjoy the retired life. Joyce has been retired from nursing for several years now but stays very busy with church and grandchildren – seven now. Have not run into any BRs or other alumni recently ... like since New Market 2014. Well, I do see Chris Henry ’74 most Sundays at church and Jimmy Duke ’08 was in the cubicle next to mine at work for about six months until I moved to another building on-site last October.

“My younger son, Timothy, was flooded out in October when the rains came through Sumter, South Carolina. He was stationed at 3rd Army Headquarters at Shaw Air Force Base and was a few weeks shy of PCSing to Fort Bliss at the time.

Joyce and I traveled to El Paso with him and his family. My dad was stationed at Fort Bliss after World War II, and it is the first place I really remember as a kid. I went back out at New Year’s, and Joyce was out there again in April. Tim has over 18 years in now. Laura is still working for Milliken near Clemson, and we travel often to see her and family (three daughters) in Anderson, South Carolina; it’s less than a two-hour drive. The big news is that Matt retired from the Air Force last summer. He is now flying for Delta and enjoying sitting in the right seat instead of being the squadron commander. So if you are ever on a Delta 737, take note of the crew. His oldest son is graduating in a couple of weeks and is headed for Auburn University. Matt and I went to visit Purdue with William in March; it was impressive. I’m not sure I could handle the electrical engineering major these days. Matt and family

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live near Atlanta, so it is only a few hours away.”

Wright Ellis (Richmond, Virginia): “Penny and I are still living in Richmond. Not much happening worth mentioning. We tour the commonwealth and East Coast in our travel trailer for excitement.

I set a goal to visit every county, and we finished off the last three with a trip to Cumberland Gap. Our grandson, Hunter Ellis Churchman, has been accepted to Hampden-Sydney College after a brief flirtation with the Institute. (Close, but no cigar.)

Our oldest granddaughter, Catherine Churchman, is a rising junior at James Madison University. The other three granddaughters are still in high school.

I stay busy gardening and maintaining our home in Forest Hill. The house turns 100 years old next year, so there’s always something.”

Rick Eades (Ridgeland, Mississippi): “I have retired from the home inspection business. But, I am still doing the Energy Star credentialing for Habitat for Humanity housing in the central Mississippi area. With retirement come all the benefits of sleeping in, biking great lengths during the week (as well as the weekend) and running in the over 70 age group. The over 70 age group at some races is a tough field. Now, at this ripe old age, finisher’s medals are a real delight. The once in a while podium finish is icing on the cake.

“The small things in life are fun, like reconditioning bicycles and giving them to Habitat housing owners’ kids. Of course, watching my only granddaughter, Maggie, of nine growing up has been a blessing. She is continuing the family tradition of being outdoorsy and athletic. With the first warm days up in the North Carolina mountains, my youngest daughter, Christine E. Barron; her husband, Brent; and Maggie, floated down the Nantahala River – each in their own kayaks. I did it five years ago in a 17-foot Old Town canoe, and that was a real episode. Didn’t turn over. This past January, Christine and I ran together and finished the Blues Half-Marathon in Jackson, Mississippi.

“My wife, Suzanne (sister of Jeff Peters Carver ’71) and I are doing well. She keeps the family in step. We will be back for the 50th, as Lexington will always be home. She has many family members and childhood friends still living in both Lexington and Buena Vista. My oldest daughter had gone to Southern Seminary when it was still a girl’s school with equestrian studies. She will tag along to see what the school looks like now and visit the new horse center.

“If anyone comes through the center of Mississippi, give a holler. The Natchez Trace Parkway

is wonderful to cycle on. I had the opportunity to ride with and volunteer support and gear for a group of riders from Natchez to Nashville. I did over 200 miles of the Parkway, including cycling across all state lines. The finish in Nashville was exhilarating, it is all downhill. I was on a borrowed recumbent bike and exceeded 50 mph going down the last series of hills to the finish.”

1969

Walter Judd

Greetings, Brother Rats and Friends of the Great Class of 1969.

It is now mid-May, and eastern Virginia is cool and green. The flowering bushes and trees have mostly finished dropping pollen, and the time is great for outdoor activities. This edition talks about the loss of BRs Luttrell, Pedigo and Cvacho and announces a “69th birthday party” for us in August.

I must apologize for failing to include in the most recent issue information about the death of BR Bob Luttrell of Urbanna, Virginia, Nov. 13, 2015. I sent out an email message, but not all got that, it appears. Bobby matriculated from Heathsville, Virginia, and stayed two years at VMI before completing his degree at Virginia Commonwealth University. He was part of the VCU baseball team (a member of the 2008 VCU Baseball Hall of Fame) and went into education afterward, reaching the position of superintendent of public schools on the Northern Neck of Virginia. Bob; his wife, Diane; and WIP Priest’s wife, Barbara, all went to the Northumberland High School together, and Wip and Barbara attended the memorial service for Bob. The Virginia War Memorial Foundation, with great support from Bunny Paulette and Ralph Coston ’70, hosted a reception and talk by the screenwriter and producer of the movie “Field of Lost Shoes.” Tom Farrell, who is chairman, president and chief executive officer of Dominion Resources spoke Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at the War Memorial’s Richmond site. Mike Santoro and I met at his house in Chesterfield and proceeded downtown for the event. Mike’s daughter, Anne, an attorney at Dominion Resources, joined us for the reception, talk and question-and-answer

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes period, as did Bruce Gregory, Spunky Butler with his step-son – another Dominion Resources employee – Charlie Bryan, Pat Branch and Bunny Paulette. It was a real treat to meet Cmdr. Paul Galanti, former prisoner of war and now favorite son and promoter of the VWM. In late March, after I sang “Requiem” composed

by John Rutter at the Maundy Thursday service at my church in Yorktown, my wife and I decided to visit the southern Maryland community of Solomons for Easter weekend. I contacted BR Skip Steiner of Lusby, Maryland, to determine if he was leading any services in the area that Sunday.

He replied he was leading two, and one was in St. Peter’s Chapel on Solomons Island. So, early on a cloudy Easter Sunday, we arrived at the 1889 building and found Skip greeting parishioners on the front stoop at 8:30 a.m. The service was lively, and Skip – known in this chapel as Father John – recognized the hour and kept the sermon/meditation short. We were pleased to see Skip doing his job so well and enjoyed spending a few moments with him in his element. Skip’s parish meets in two chapels in the area south of Annapolis – one built in 1889 and the other in 1684.

Later on that Easter Sunday afternoon, I learned of the death of Henry “Hank” Pedigo and passed the word to classmates Monday morning. On Tuesday, March 29, I met Drew Brantley at his

Class of 1969: Class Agent Walter Judd said of this photo, “Drew Brantley next to one of his cars with an interesting license plate, April 12, 2016.

He has another specialty plate to be shown later.”

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house near Williamsburg and took the ferry to southside Virginia. We arrived in Waverly and met several other BRs at the local McDonald’s. The service was well attended, with eight VMI BRs sitting together: Bruce Gregory, Bunny Paulette, Dick Jeter, Don Bogard, Knox Hubard, Tommy Thompson, Drew Brantley and Walt Judd. After the service, we went to a reception at the local hunt club, a favorite of Hank’s, and enjoyed lunch and meeting Hank’s friends and family. According to his obituary, Hank served as a page in the Virginia General Assembly in his youth. He graduated from Prince George High School and was captain of the baseball team. He continued his studies at VMI, graduating in 1969. In his tenure at VMI, Hank was the captain of the baseball team and vice president of his class. After leaving VMI, Hank served for three years in the U.S. Army (ending as a first lieutenant) and then left the service to “travel and ski.” Hank is survived by two sons and one grandson.

While searching the Richmond newspapers for Hank’s info, I ran across another obituary for BR Danny Cvacho’s mother. It stated she had lived for some years without her husband and son, Daniel S. Cvacho Sr. and Jr. The research staff at VMI discovered Danny’s death info and passed to me that Danny had died Aug. 1, 1997, in Alabama.

I contacted his wife after these many years of not knowing about Danny’s death and now pass this info on to you. Danny matriculated from Richmond and attended VMI for two years. Danny was the 46th BR to be added to our list of BRs already passed on.

The first weekend in April brought a small group of BRs together to celebrate Ned Caldwell’s 70th birthday at the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Tommy Thompson picked up Tom Jones at the Norfolk airport and carried him down to meet Chalk Hardy, T.O. Palmer and Ned Caldwell in the Nags Head area. I saw one picture of several quiet BRs enjoying a toddy and another of Ned looking pleased with life. Dr. Jones summed it up succinctly: “Fun time. A lot of rain, so a lot of vodka.”

While riding to the Pedigo service, Drew told me about a small gathering of Tidewater BRs for the VMI versus Old Dominion University baseball game in Norfolk this spring. Although ODU won the game, Drew Brantley, Lee Barnes, Gary Mackey, T.O. Palmer and Chalk Hardy enjoyed dinner out before the game and cheering for the Keydets. They really could not lose that day, as

ODU’s coach is a VMI grad and former Keydet baseball star.

In early April, the senior VMI grads in Williamsburg met for lunch at a local bistro. The Class of ’69 had five BRs attending, plus one plucky wife.

Bob and Lynda Flowers, our newest Williamsburg residents, joined Jim Dan Gibson, Drew Brantley, Tom Morris and me for the occasion to renew good friendships and rehash times gone by.

Drew, Bob and Lynda passed updates on a number of locations in Europe that Drew had helped close down during his last days of Army active duty. Even the area near Bob and Lynda’s high school in Germany was not exempt. I snapped a photo of Drew’s specialty license plate and sent it in. Drew actually has two cars with plates identifying him as a member of our class.

After the luncheon, Bob Flowers passed me a picture of a very small gathering of BRs. “BR Rich Policastro and his wife, Lynda, stopped by to visit Lynda and me in Williamsburg in March.”

Bob has maintained ties with Rich through the years and found time for a quick visit. Trivia time: What was Rich’s most momentous day as a college athlete? Answer will be found at the end of the notes. Who else in our class has met with a BR recently? Tell me about it!

Also in early April, my wife, Beverly, and I visited Lexington for the annual class agents’ conference. For the past couple of years, the Alumni Association chapter leaders have also joined us for discussion and state of the “I” briefings. Ron Wall and Bob Heely were there for the joint sessions and helped me lead a short seminar on best practices of an effective and efficient class agent. Having the moral and vocal support from BRs really helped me get my ideas across to the assembled senior class agents.

In late April, John Ishon called to pass on interesting times at Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia. John was manning his company’s booth April 28 at the annual Garden Club event. Homes on historic Fort Monroe were open for the tour.

He engaged a young lady from Charlottesville in conversation and then met her brother from New Mexico. Soon after, the two were amazed when John and a newcomer exchanged greetings and hugs. The two visitors also were waiting for another sibling, who turned out to be BR Art Wilson of Fredericksburg. John found himself in the middle of a family reunion as Art’s family came back to a place they had lived for several years back in the ’50s while their dad was on active duty with the

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Class Notes Army. Art had gone to local schools at the Fort all should know of what is possible these days – participating as a track athlete in an away meet. and attended church at a historic venue there. John even for persons with long term issues like Par- We also support football player Cadet Greg Saunand Art were pleased at the good fortune of meet- kinson’s disease. Charlie also reported meeting a ders ’18, a successful student athlete, and honored Steve Esbach at a meeting recently in Richmond. him at the fall sports banquet. ing and renewing old friendships.

I got a “buy one, get a free one” offer from the In the “recovering from surgery” department, When he asked Steve about any relation to our Jim Long’s wife, Beth, had knee surgery this BR Mitch, Charlie discovered Steve was Mitch’s Norfolk Tides baseball team and texted Gary winter, and Glenn White had his right shoulder brother. That excited Tom Buckner, who soon re- Mackey about getting together for a game. He said, “I am sitting right now in J.M. Hall for operated on again. Beth was told to wait four to membered Mitch as a rat undergoing grief from five weeks before playing golf, while Glenn got, upperclassman Randolph Blanks ’67. Amazing Chap’s last service at VMI.” I asked for more de“Come see me in late May, and we will decide how our brains hear a name and immediately tail and learned that VMI’s chaplain, Jim Parks, when you can resume your normal physical life,” go back a lot of years to incidents and people we a West Pointer and 22-year chaplain at VMI, was from the doc. Tom Morris’ wife, Gail, is recover- won’t ever forget. set to retire, and Gary was there to honor him as a Others involved in highlighting various problems friend. Gary’s son, Carter, was on the cadet coming well from two fused-disk back surgeries early to be solved these days by volunteers were Tom mittee that interviewed Parks when he was being this year. She soon will be ready to resume her golf Morris and Bob Alexander. Tom joined others considered for the position, and his daughter, activities.

From Scott Rhodes in early May: Hunter, used to attend Bible studies “Just a note to let you know that the with Parks from Mary Baldwin ColInstitute was well-represented yesterlege in Staunton.

In early May, Don Mercer visited day in Richmond at the third annual Paul Curs in the hill country of Texas Movin’ and Shakin’ 5K walk/run for before heading to Big Bend National the VCU movement disorders clinic.

Park for a session photographing birds.

Carl Rhodes ’66, Trey Rhodes ’90, Don reported they had a great visit BR Charlie Bryan and I walked. Ronand sipped a little wine as they traded nie Ayers ’66 and his wife joined us aftales of flying in the Air Force and Air terward for lunch. My younger brother National Guard. Don stopped first at and Carl’s other son also walked with a game ranch, Campos Viejos, for sevus. Cammy and Amy cheered us on from the sidelines. Charlie looked eral sessions and then headed to Del good and out-paced our contingent.

Rio and another national park.

He says he is planning to have deep At the Two Bellies Invitational May brain stimulation for his Parkinson’s.

13 in Petersburg, Tommy ThompApparently, his current meds are losson again hosted BRs and a few other guests for the annual lunch and ing some of their effectiveness. Carl Class of 1969: Bob and Lynda Flowers with Rich and Lynda Poligolf tournament, only this one was has moved into a retirement/assisted castro in Williamsburg in March 2016. the 2015 edition rescheduled to this living community called Brandermill month, as last fall’s event was rained out. Honored in Midlothian. Amy and I are doing well. I’m still in a “clean the roadways” morning recently and loving the freedom of retirement.” Scott also sent bagged trash along the byways of Williamsburg. attendees from the class included Bunny Paua shortcut to a site where a viewer could watch the Doctor Bob rode his incumbent bicycle from his lette, John Sebrell, Knox Hubard, Tom Catlett, various participants finish the race/walk. I must home in Seaford, Virginia, to our church in April David Reid, Doug Marks, Bruce Gregory, Ned say, Charlie finished in fine running style while to join a Stop Hunger Now food preparation Caldwell, Bob Waldo, Larry Seekford, Tom event. He joined my wife and me in bagging and Morris, Tommy Hudson, Mike Santoro, Skinny others came in at a much more leisurely pace.

When I asked Charlie about the surgery, he re- packing over 20,000 meals in a couple of hours for Baker, Pat Branch, Walt Judd and Dick Jeter. plied, “Yes, I’m scheduled for deep brain stimula- people needing the calories. A lot of people have Bob Heely and Glenn White showed for lunch tion surgery July 26 at McGuire Hospital. Going discovered that clean water and grain packages go but were unable to play this time. Weather was on 12 years of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s a long way toward better health around the world. good for the second part of the competition but In Lexington in early April, the Foundation wet and misty at times early on. From the beautidisease, my doc says I’m ready for it. In a way, it’s like a pacemaker, but to the brain rather than sponsored a luncheon for scholarship sponsors ful courses in South Carolina, David Reid and the heart. Once [the small transmitter is] installed, and the cadets benefiting from the scholarships. Doug Marks led the victorious team with Tom it will send out regular electronic signals to the We have, as a class, developed the Class of 1969 Catlett and Tommy Thompson supporting in brain, which will enable me to reduce the number Scholarship and at present support Cadet Zach a closely fought contest with all teams bunched of meds I am taking and will reduce the amount Chase ’17. Even though we had arranged for Tom within two strokes of each other. of so-called ‘off’ periods.” While the surgery will and Nancy Catlett to sit with him, Cadet Chase I hope all of you BRs have heard by now about be completed before you read this note, I felt you was unable to attend this year’s affair, as he was our planned “69th birthday party” Aug. 27 in

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Richmond. Brother Rats John Ishon, Bunny Paulette and Bob Heely had the inspiration to celebrate our 69th birthdays and recruited Jim Chapman, treasurer, and me to help with the details. The dressy evening reception/cocktail party is scheduled for 1800 to 2200 at Richmond’s Jefferson Hotel with heavy hors d’ouvres and payas-you-go bar. The hotel is offering special rates and is taking reservations from interested persons.

Anyone coming to Richmond early and needing sightseeing or sporting activities should contact me or any Richmond area BR. Mike Santoro can arrange a visit to the Virginia War Memorial just a few blocks away for those wanting to see how our BRs who died in the Republic of Vietnam are remembered. The lobby bar at the hotel has already agreed to welcome any BRs who want to talk or watch sports Saturday afternoon. Individuals wanting to attend may contact me or Chapman to purchase tickets for the party food. We hope to have a good number of attendees who just don’t want to wait another three years for another class reunion. Y’all come and enjoy the hospitality of a genteel old southern hotel in a dressy setting.

Answer to the quiz on Rich Policastro’s big day: In fall 1967, Rich transferred to Rutgers University in his home state of New Jersey and began playing for Rutgers. In the big game in September 1969 (on the 100th anniversary of the first college game in 1869), with a lot of local color and on ABC TV, Rich led the Scarlett Knights to a 29-0 victory over archrival Princeton University and earned playerof-the-week accolades from several sports media.

The final extra point try turned into a two-point try, as the fans had already torn down the goal posts, and the single point try was not possible! In a November 1968 article in The New York Times, Rich was cited for throwing five touchdown passes. Another article mentioned Rich played in the 1969 Blue-Gray Classic. What fun for us and Rich to see a BR excel so well after leaving VMI. Rich is now retired from High Grade Beverage, a beer distribution company in New Jersey, with last job as corporate vice president.

You have heard it before and will again for the next few years: All gifts to VMI in this period are counted in our 50th Reunion check. Perhaps you have not heard yet, but the goal is for 100 percent of the BRs who attended VMI with us to make some level of gift for the event. I have helpers already trying to track down addresses for all BRs and, if possible, their widows and/ or families. While the main event is three years

2016-Issue 3

away in fall 2019, there are other smaller events and fundraising activities scheduled. Get on the list of BRs already having made donations and plan to attend the main event in 2019.

Yours in the spirit, Walt

1970

Warren Grasty

Before I get into the meat of this issue of class notes, I need to issue a mea culpa. It seems that in my ongoing search to add some mirth and glee to said notes, I had unthinkingly applied some “humorous” comments to people mentioned other than brother rats. This has led to some hurt feelings, for which I apologize. Although I am concerned about this, I appreciate that it was brought to my attention, as I can now consciously avoid this situation. Our brother rats certainly provide a target-rich environment for humorous asides that should provide more than enough comic relief.

As you may remember, the last class notes ended with Steve and Emily Talley still in Florida while Emily recovered from her broken hip. So, you think you’ve got problems. Listen to this. After we

returned from meeting up with Steve and Emily for lunch in St. Augustine, Florida, with Gray and Nancy Chandler, Steve emailed me to say that the next morning around 1:30 a.m., he woke up with extreme back pain and immediately recognized it as a kidney stone. Since Emily still wasn’t able to drive, he drove himself to the hospital, pulling over twice doubled over in pain. After a decent dosage of Dilaudid, all was well, and he made it back home for breakfast at 6:30 a.m. When it rains, it pours. I am happy to report that a few weeks later, Emily was doing well enough for them fly back to Staunton. As we speak, Steve is in the process of retrieving their sailboat, Flicka. He just spent three days sailing up the Atlantic coast, where he ran into a heavy storm. After a few days in the Inland Coastal Waterway, he will head back out off shore between South Port, South Carolina, to Beaufort, North Carolina, and then back to the ICW and the Chesapeake Bay. If you are really, really feeling lucky, you might consider volunteering to be a mate on their attempt to sail to the Bahamas next fall. As for me, that’s much too close to the Bermuda Triangle.

As those of you on the BR email list already know, back in February, Donnie Wheatley had quintuple bypass surgery in Roanoke. Although there is a family predisposition to heart conditions, it was still quite a surprise, to say the least.

I am happy to relay that as of mid-April, Donnie

Class of 1970: Pictured at a Class of 1970 Richmond area brother rat get-together March 22, 2016, were Dave Nuckols, Ned Snead, Charlie Perry, Stuart Cottrell, John Jordan, John Bailey, Gary Weishaar, Jim Mawyer, Kelly Sutton, Ned Haley, Russ Marshall, Carl Strock, Peel Dillard, Bill O’Connor, Neil Steverson, Warren Grasty, Snead Luck, Bill Huffman, Herb Braun, Paul Dickinson, Ralph Costen and Waite Rawls.

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Class Notes is back at work and walking up to 4 miles a day. That’s certainly a good way to keep the old ticker working.

Donnie also mentioned that Glen Birdsall stopped by out of the blue one day a few weeks ago to donate his old railroad set to one of the cottages at Boys’ Home. Glen is doing well in northern Virginia after having founded a successful direct mailing company, and he is considering forming an education-related venture. Son Brendan is a junior at W.T. Woodson High School where I do algebra I tutoring in the Fairfax County Adult High School Diploma program. It’s great to hear from Glen after all these years. Which gives me a great idea for a social networking app to help keep former Band Company members connected. I think I’ll call it Tweeter.

Messages sent will appropriately be called toots. Some might say that users should be called twits, but I won’t go there.

Speaking of tweets, this issue’s better-late-than-never award goes to Bob Hawthorne, who sent me a copy of the program from the 1996 (no, that’s not a typo) dedication of the marker for Henry Chappell Hawthorne that was placed in the Hawthorne family cemetery. The program referred to his service in Company K, 1st Regiment of the Virginia Reserve, Army of the Confederate States of America. Actually, it appeared to be quite the affair, complete with honor guard and speakers from the Daughters of the Confederacy and the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Somewhat disappointingly for Bob, none of the research he did on his family legacy indicated that Hayroll is an honored family nickname.

There was a very good turnout for the VMI versus The Citadel basketball game in Lexington Feb. 27. This was possibly the best all-around game I have ever seen the Keydets play.

No let-ups or cold spells, and everyone contributed. Attendees whom I am aware of included Herb and

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Class of 1970: Doctor L.R. Williams ’69 and Gordon Williams after a round of golf at the Dunes Club in Myrtle Beach.

Class of 1970: From left, Warren and Liz Grasty, Nancy and Gray Chandler, and Steve and Emily Talley after lunch at Columbia Restaurant in St. Augustine, Florida, in February 2016.

Class of 1970: Brother rats attending the Norfolk Academy 50th reunion were, from left, Dixie Walker, Taze Taylor, Phil Anderson, Tom Massey, Charlie Walker, Mike Wood and Jim Nelson. Present but not pictured was Bruce Bowden.

Susan Braun, Tom and Jill Cooke, Ralph and Marsha Costen, Peel Dillard (with daughter Ann and hubby Larry), Bill and Marilyn Huffman, Paul and Lynn Munch, Ned Snead and brother Chip (The Citadel class of 1967), Carl and Julie Strock, and Chuck and Penny Wills. Lanny and Terri Sue Gault ’71 joined some of us for dinner at the Rocca Restaurant in the Robert E. Lee Hotel after the game. Due to a check-in mix-up, the Costens were upgraded to one of the $900,000 penthouses atop the hotel that the hotel uses until they are sold.

The view is simply incredible. If you are in Lexington with some time to kill, put on some clean clothes, pretend you are rich and tell them you are considering buying a penthouse so they will take you up there to check out the view.

Also catching the Keydets in action against the University of North Carolina – Greensboro in late February were Howie and Barbara DeWolf, which also turned out to be a great game with the Keydets winning in overtime. They stayed an extra day in Lexington in order to support the local economy and to take the trek down to Natural Bridge.

On Tuesday night, March 22, Bill O’Connor orchestrated a massive BR get-together in Richmond at Rare Olde Times Irish Pub. Hang on, here we go: John Bailey, Herb Braun, Jud Collier, Ralph Costen, Stuart Cottrell, Paul Dickinson, Peel Dillard, Ned Haley, Bob Hawthorne, Bill Huffman, John Jordan, Snead Luck, Russ Marshall, Jim Mawyer, Dave Nuckols, Charlie Perry, Waite Rawls, Ned Snead, Neil Steverson, Carl Strock, Kelly Sutton (yes, he lives!), Gary Weishaar, Bill and me. What a turnout! Liz and I spent that night with Bill and Marlyn Huffman. The next day, they followed us back to our timeshare at Massanutten, where Bill and I played golf while the ladies did the obligatory shopping.

Bill O’Connor also traded emails

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes with Bill Heflin, who retired three years ago and lives on Lake Gaston, North Carolina, with wife Peggy, so they are now officially on the mooch list. Their son and two daughters all live in Richmond and plans are afoot to set up another BR get-together that hopefully Bill can attend. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy, Bill served seven years in the Navy. He then worked for Stan Navas ’41 at Concrete Pipe and Products in Richmond, Sacramento and other cities in the U.S. Hopefully Hef can join in on the merriment at the next Richmond BR get-together.

George Ritko checked in to say that he and Lisa just returned from a restful stay at The Homestead. The next week, they were to head out to spend a few days with David and Katy Schmidt in Orangeburg, South Carolina, on their way to Charleston, South Carolina, where they planned to hook up with Al and Ann Kirk.

At the dinner during April’s Volunteer Leaders’ Conference in Lexington, Turner Perrow ’96, son of our very own Ned and Florence Perrow, was recognized for his efforts over the past two years as president of the VMI Alumni Association. He certainly did the Institute and his family proud, just like his grandfather, John B. Adams ’36, also a past president of the Alumni Association.

In late April, Dick Hamlet trekked to GrayMinor Stadium in Lexington with Chalk Hardy ’69; T.O. Palmer ’69; and T.O.’s son, Tip Palmer ’01, to catch the Keydet baseball team in action against Virginia Commonwealth University.

On April 23, J.C. Hanks spearheaded a reunion of the 1969 Keydet baseball team in Lexington.

Unbeknownst to me, that team won the Southern Conference’s Northern Division Championship, which was reportedly the only championship ever won by a VMI baseball team. The 23 attendees included Chuck Roys, former coach, and Brother Rats Frank Cleaton and Steve Friski. Unable to make the trip were Fred Carver and Rodney Shu. The general consensus of all attending was that they are all even better now than they were back then. In that case, suit ’em up!

Here’s another first. A.C. Arnn was inducted into the Charlotte Motor Speedway Hall of Fame before the races on Memorial Day in recognition of his 50 years of membership and race attendance. Certainly not the raciest thing the boy has ever done, but close to it. And once again this year, he and Tom Massey will represent the Class of 1970 at the VMI versus The Citadel golf tournament in Charlotte later this month. I anxiously

2016-Issue 3

await the reports on this contest on ESPN. Gordon Williams wrote in to say that their youngest daughter graduated from Indiana University with a degree in biology in May and their oldest daughter will be getting married in September in the Chicago area. He also sent in a picture of himself with his brother, Dr. L.R. Williams Jr. ’69, taken at The Dunes Club in Myrtle Beach, where his brother is a member. It seems they have taken a golf group trip there from Chicago for the past 32 years. With his brother retiring and moving to Sun Valley, Idaho, the Myrtle Beach economy may take a hit going forward.

Ned Haley and Fricka planned another crosscountry driving trip to Oregon from May 24 to July 9 to visit Ned’s son, Adam. On the way, they will spend time in Utah visiting some of the National Parks: Arches, Monument, Bryce, Zion, plus the north rim of the Grand Canyon, then on to northern California to check out the Redwoods and then the Oregon coast. Coming home, they will stop in North Dakota, the only northern state they haven’t seen together. Did I mention that Ned is retired?

Speaking of retirement, Bob Spore was one of the retiring VMI employees honored at the April 8 retirement parade on post. Bob is retiring from his position as director of human resources. Congratulations, Bob! Not yet retired is Phil Jornlin, who is now ensconced in Amman, Jordan, for the duration.

From the “it’s a small world” department, not only is the Embassy Regional security officer Jason Kight ’92, but the wife of Dr. Burwell

Class of 1970: Class Agent Warren Grasty said of this photo, “Seen on a mountain somewhere in Utah in February: Jesse Glidewell and Glenn Kuntz.”

Wingfield, a biology professor at VMI during our time in barracks, also works in that embassy.

It turns out that earlier in his career, Phil was stationed in Budapest twice – before and after the fall of communism – and he has given me the name of his favorite restaurant in Pest, Szazeves Etterem, which we will duly check out on our upcoming trip to Europe. That’s assuming, of course, that Szazeves Etterem isn’t Hungarian for Burger King.

Al Johnson checked in to say he recently attended a VMI alumni networking breakfast in Falls Church, Virginia, where he enjoyed hearing from the younger alums about the courses they took and activities they participated in at VMI as well as their plans for the future. He and Anita will be flying to England later this year to visit their son who is stationed there.

At the end of March, Charlie Walker returned from his temporary five-month gig in Bahrain, during which he smashed his hand moving a television set and, channeling his inner Stix Chandler, experienced a double pulmonary embolism.

Taking pity on him, Jim Mawyer and I made the trek to Corolla, North Carolina, the first weekend in May to help him get his beach house ready for the upcoming rental season. Oh, yes, we also planned on playing some golf. It was simply our duty, as we saw it. Of course, we had absolutely no plans to give Charlie any strokes for his mangled hand, being the golf purists that we are.

Speaking of Charlie, he was one of eight brother rats out of the 33 graduated of the Norfolk Academy in 1966. This incredibly high percentage of Norfolk Academy VMI matriculants was due primarily to the efforts and influence of football coach and physics teacher Royce Jones ’54. Seven of the eight made it back to their 50th Reunion: Phil Anderson, Tom Massey, Jim Nelson, Taze Taylor, Charlie Walker, Dixie Walker and Mike Wood. Unable to attend was Bruce Bowden.

Taze and Katherine Taylor bravely hosted a party at their home that night. With recent sightings of Glen Birdsall, Bill Heflin, Kelly Sutton and Mike Wood, we have now achieved a rare Long-Lost Brother Rat Quadfecta. Hopefully there will be more of these up to and including our 50th Reunion. Life is too short to miss out on all the fun and games reconnecting with our brother rats, and after we’re gone, all bets are off.

And finally, Gray and Nancy Chandler, Steve and Sherrie Craddock, and Gary and Lynn Weishaar met up at our house for the short ride

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Class Notes to Dulles Airport to catch our flight to Europe for a Viking Danube River cruise. We will spend extra time in Prague and Budapest on either end of the cruise. It will be difficult to top the Rhine and Bordeaux cruises the eight of us took during the past two years, but we will certainly give it a try.

That’s it for now. 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!

1971

Jim Kelly

These notes will cover the period from Feb. 15, 2016, through May 15, 2016.

I believe that the old saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” but, as often is the case, Mother Nature has her own way of doing business. In this part of Virginia, April was bone dry and gave rise to a number of wildfires, one of which was very close to our neighborhood. Right now, I don’t believe anything is going to light up.

We are square in the middle of something with the jet stream called an “omega trough,” which has a low pressure system blocked in, and it just spins and puts out a little of everything wet – from hail to snow to rain. It certainly could be worse, as our good friends in the Midwest and in the great state of Texas can more than understand. It has been one mean spring time for them, and we wish them the best as they recover from those storms.

Shortly after I submitted the last edition of the class notes, there was a large gathering of our class for the VMI versus The Citadel basketball game at VMI (Feb. 27). The group met for the pregame meal at Salerno’s restaurant in downtown Lexington and then proceeded over to Cameron Hall.

The game was billed as a “red out,” and most of our folks complied with the uniform of the day.

The Big Red came away with a really tough 78-75 loss to the Bulldogs, now under the direction of a well-known former coach from VMI. On hand for the event were Acuff, Bryan, Dudley, Ellington, Gault, Golden, Kelly, Kennedy, Kirby, Mikula, Lewis, Littleton, Martenstein, O’Donnell,

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Pickral, Price, Walton, Whitley, Weise, Yorgey and Coleman. Quite a few wives and significant others were also in attendance, and consequently, our behavior was exemplary.

Speed Patterson is not showing any signs of slowing down. His new business, Diogenes-FG, has added a cyber security component, and that caused Speed to be back in a classroom for a while in preparation for the new services. He also remains active in the Episcopal Church and was recently elected as a member of the “Trustees of the Fund” for the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, which is the oldest in the United States. Speed reported that Edie is doing well, as are the children.

Rob is in Utah, and his daughter is in Washington, D.C. Missing around VMI for some time has been our Brother Rat Jim Sefick. He and his wife, Alice, stopped in Lexington back in February on their way from New York to Florida for vacation.

While at VMI, they attended a game in Cameron Hall and met up with Strickler, Acuff, Bryan and Coleman. Jim had never seen Cameron Hall and, of course, found it to be somewhat different from his playing days in “The Pit.” Following the stop in Lexington, they proceeded on to Florida in the area of Tampa. I don’t know the details, but I got an email from Lanny Gault that included a picture of Sefick, Schrader, Mikula, Gault and Neale taken in a Florida restaurant. I also got a nice note from Jim after he received his birthday card, and he indicated that we would see him at the 45th in September.

A mid-March mini reunion was hosted by John Metzger at his lodge in Vesuvius. Since John is also hosting an evening during our official class reunion in September, this smaller event was held in lieu of the “usual” scheduled fall weekend. Up for the retreat were Paton, Haywood, Hanke, Biersack, Lindsey, Littleton, Metzger, Fogleman, Kennedy, Pickral, Coleman, Bryan, Siebert and Graham Undercoffer ’74.

For the past several years, the George C. Marshall Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America has held a sporting clays tournament in the spring at Quail Ridge near Lexington and a golf tournament in August. These activities benefit the veteran’s programs sponsored by the Virginia Department of Veteran’s Services. This year some of our top guns – Metzger, Littleton and Jolissaint – were involved in the fundraiser.

Members of ’71 have been faithful in past events donating money in honor and memory of our

brother rats who died while in the service: Bodie Bodenheim, Bob Petrola and Scott Pardee. I received the results from Littleton just before my deadline. Rick said the turnout for the event and several thousand dollars were raised. The competition winners came as no surprise. In the A Class, Metzger placed first, Jolissant was second and Littleton was third. Looks like it does not pay to bet against these gentlemen. The fall reunion will feature a rematch. A raffle was also held during the event, and to add to the pain, Metzger won a knife that Littleton had donated.

Friday, April 8, 2016, marked the day of the “official” VMI retirement ceremonies and parade for individuals retiring during the past year. Colonel Tim Golden retired in December 2015 from his position as financial aid officer, having served VMI for 38 years. Previous class notes and emails have covered many of the details. Members of the Class of ’71, with Leah Golden’s advice and assistance, sponsored a surprise gathering at the parade and a reception afterward in Marshall Library.

Buddy Bryan was able to secure reserved seating on the Parade Ground for the class. Temperature at parade time was 41 degrees, which does not include the built-in wind chill on the “hill.” Given the size of the Corps, the parades are somewhat longer now than they were back in the day, but all went well. During the reception, Tim was presented with a replica of Gen. Shell’s [’931] “Golden File” and also a framed photo featuring

Class of 1971: Buddy Bryan was given a surprise party at the VMI Foundation office Friday, May 13. He has been employed there for 40 years.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes the Jackson Battery, Stonewall and the barracks. Brother rats in attendance included: Acuff, Adams, Berkness, Booker, Brayshaw, Bryan, Clary, Coleman, Davis, Dudley, Dunlap, Ellington, Fogleman, Gault, Gearhart, Honeywell, Kelly, Kennedy, Kerley, Kirby, Lindsey, Martenstein, Metzger, O’Donnell, Price, Randolph, Siebert, Strickler, Tashima and Yorgey. Some photos from the event are included in this edition of the Review, and others have been posted on various Facebook pages.

The same weekend as Tim’s retirement activities, our annual Volunteer Leadership Conference was taking place over in Marshall Hall. During the afternoon session, our BR Jerry Acuff gave an inspirational speech to the group consisting of class agents and alumni chapter leaders. By all accounts that I have heard, the “Cuffer” did his usual outstanding job. Following his talk, Jerry joined us on the Parade Ground for the retirement parade. During the weekend, the group received updates on many aspects of VMI. A campaign update, Keydet Club and athletic news, financial update, duties of agents and some breakout sessions to discuss areas of mutual interest were all part of the agenda.

We were also given an excellent publication prepared by the Office of Assessment & Institutional Research called simply, “VMI Fact Book.” The information in this booklet will be most helpful for the leadership to share information with alumni, supporters of VMI and prospective cadets.

The Kentucky Derby was held the first Saturday in May. A part of the pageantry for that great event is the Kentucky Derby Survivor Parade, featuring survivors of breast and ovarian cancer. Participants are selected by online voting to encourage support of research in the fight against cancer.

Races actually occur over a three-day period, and it is Friday afternoon before the Running of the Oaks Race that the survivor parade is conducted.

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Class of 1971: Tim and Leah Golden at a reception following the VMI retirement parade April 8, 2016. Approximately 60 people representing the Class of ’71 were present for the event honoring Tim for his 38 years of service to VMI. Photo by Kathryn Kelly.

Class of 1971: At the reception for Col. Tim Golden in Marshall Library were, from left, Tim Golden, T.S. Gault, Rick Littleton, Bev Littleton, Ken Yorgey, Sam Kirby and Tom Martenstein. Photo

by Kathryn Kelly.

Class of 1971: At a winter rendezvous in Tampa, Florida, were, from left, Lanny Gault, Ox Schrader, Jim Sefick, Ned Mikula and Jim Neale.

Wearing pink outfits and carrying lilies (official flower of the day), the ladies walk on the actual track on which the Derby is held. This year’s parade included Skull Turner’s daughter, Angela, who received a huge number of votes – many coming from members of the Class of ’71.

I have recently received the Annual Giving report for the end of the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2016. Our class had 84 donors, which represents an alumni percentage of giving rate of 33.07 percent. Gentlemen, we are so very close to catching our nemesis, the Class of ’70. They came in barely a point ahead of us. With just a couple of more BRs joining in, we can be No. 1. I really appreciate all of you who find a way to support VMI each and every year. I encourage those who have not given yet this year ... or any year lately ... to give some serious thought to supporting something at VMI through your financial gifts. One of the reasons that the Class of ’71 should be congratulated is the fact that the average alumni participation for Annual Giving is now hovering around 24 percent (compared to our 33-plus). VMI, however, at one time had a giving rate among alumni of 54 percent. One more thing to ponder (and this one really worries me) is that not one of the 45 classes that graduated from VMI after we did can match our giving percentage. Maybe give the younger men and women some slack while they are getting themselves established in life, but the rest need to begin answering the bell. We can help in that effort by continuing to exhibit leadership and by making it known that VMI must have greater support from the private sector to continue to be “no ordinary college.”

These notes will reach your homes sometime around mid-August. By then, you will have all of the information you need in order to be part of our 45th Reunion celebration. As I write these notes, it is mid-May, and the excitement level is way up there already.

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Class Notes If, for whatever reason, you have not signed up but find a way that you might be able to attend even one event, please let me know. I promise we will do our best to get you on board.

Sometimes, a Friday the 13th can mean that bad luck would come your way. Buddy Bryan enjoyed a pretty good day Friday, May 13, as he was treated to a surprise party at his office to mark 40 years of working with the VMI Foundation. I told Buddy that I am pretty sure that he is now the official godfather of the Lexington mafia. Although alive and well, all of our other brother rats who worked at VMI have retired. Buddy won’t say when he might join the ranks of the non-working. Buddy and Carol celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary May 29 and are planning a trip to Emerald Isle, North Carolina.

Kathryn and I are looking forward to summer’s arrival and a little outdoor and vacation time. Our grandchildren, Lauren and Ryan, have already booked a couple of weeks to spend with us out here on the edge of society that is west of Roanoke and way away from Richmond, and we are excited about having them around. I hope each of you has a relaxing and happy summer season. Be safe out there, and I will see you in September. Let VMI be heard from today.

Jim

1972

Class of 1972: From left, Walt Chalkley, Bob Bailey and Rick Hack were serenaded by the Institute’s Brass Quintet during the quintet’s spring break visit to Florida. Bob and Grace from Tampa traveled to The Villages to join Walt and Debbie, Rick and Rosanne, and several other alumni. aspect of Institute operations, finances, academics, athletics and demographics so that we can pass it along to you. A herculean task that is often intensified by the highly passionate but wellintended views and voices of some of the throng.

Marie and I were able to spend quality time with the ’69-’70s contingent and old friends from the

Class of 1972: Pat Griffin ’80, left, ran into George Williams on the beach at the naval base in Key West, Florida, Feb. 18, 2016. chapters. Lively conversation and patient looks from the ladies ensued as we dined with Walt and Debbie Chalkley and Col. Jamie Inman ’86, current VMI chief of staff, and his lovely wife, Lori. The Chalkleys are loving life in The Villages (they’re outstanding sales reps) and the Inmans’ story reads right out of “The English Patient.” It was a great time all-around.

Long quiet and man of few words, Lee Harrison, sent this news: “Everything is going well

Larry Houseworth

Brother Rats, Sisters, Legacies, Families and Friends, This deadline dawns with a bizarre celestial happening – a blazing star against a crystal blue background. The ancient ones spoke of “sun” – could this be?

Today as I write these notes, it is New Market Day, and these notes address happenings since mid-February; traditionally a quiet time, so these will be short.

Your humble scribe and lovely Marie attended April’s Annual Volunteer Leaders Conference hosted by the Foundation and, for us class agents, managed by John Wranek ’85 and chaperoned by Norma Robinson. John, Norma and the rest of the staff do a phenomenal job in providing us with in-depth information on every

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Class of 1972: From left, Jim Glasscock, Jon’s father; Jon Glasscock ’06; young Robert Harrison held by grandfather Lee Harrison ’72; Page Harrison, Robert’s father; and their antique restored 1952 Willys Jeep M38A1.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes here in Amelia. I have started my fifth term as commonwealth attorney. I have three sons and three grandchildren. My oldest has two, Carrington and Tucker, and my youngest has one, Robert. Page, my youngest son, and I have a race team that does endurance road racing. We have six team members. I drive sometimes but mostly pit the car. Look forward to seeing everyone in 2017.”

He also sent along the picture and this from the “Amelia Bulletin Monitor” (“One VMI grad and son help another VMI grad”): “When Ameliabased Virginia State Police Trooper Jon Glasscock [’06], still recovering from injuries sustained in the line of duty, needed help to get his antique restored 1952 Willys Jeep M38A1 back in running condition, he accepted an offer to tackle the task from Page and his father, Lee Harrison. Lee Harrison is Amelia’s commonwealth’s attorney and also a VMI grad of Class of ’72. To Jon, who is a VMI grad as well, Class of 2006, having the opportunity for two friends who are also race car pros to repair his jeep was a real treat. In less than a week, they diagnosed and corrected a major timing problem plus complications from not being operated for a year and then delivered the Korean War-era jeep to Jon in style by driving it to the doorsteps of his parents’ home where he lived for years. Jon is continuing to recover from injuries sustained when he and several others were struck by an out-of-control vehicle which careened into a crash site he was working on Rt. 288 this past February.” Lee, you might want to team up with Stan Crane, Bill Dunlap, Tom Moncure and some others to farm your pit-crew selves out under a class logo; it would look pretty cool on NASCAR Sports.

Proud mama Carol Wilkerson (Phil) shared a photo of their daughter, Lois, at BET’s Wendy Williams Show – lovely Lois clearly has her mother’s genes.

Chris Jones shared news of a nephew transitioning to Apaches in Army Aviation with guidance and insight from Phil Wilkerson and A.J. Fojt.

I urge you all to check out the very dynamic VMI website – especially the digital archives. Yearbooks, newspapers, photos, and historical documents going back to the 1800s – great for those random trips down memory lane.

Light news and Miss Moore’s deadline, so that’s it for now, BRs. Stay well, close up ranks and let’s continue to drive on.

Rah Virginia Mil! God bless you all, Larry

2016-Issue 3

1973

Mike Kelly

It is almost New Market Day as I write these notes. Spring has arrived, and it will most likely be hot and dry in August when you read them.

I hope everyone has had an enjoyable summer.

Pat and I don’t have any vacation plans as yet but do hope to spend some time at the ranch in Virginia – cooler weather and no humidity! We recently kept our youngest grandchild, Lachlan, for a week while my daughter and her husband spent some time in the Dominican Republic. A 14-month-old boy is a handful! Just glad he’s a well-behaved kid.

We are actually headed up to Virginia this weekend to do some mowing and then Sunday go to Lexington for New Market Day. Markus Ydreskog, our exchange student from Sweden, will be leaving in June to head back home, and I want to be sure he gets to see the Institute and a parade before he leaves. Hope to see some of you there, as well.

One of our good friends and neighbor just moved to the Washington, D.C., area to be closer to one of her sons and his family, so we helped her move up there and fortunately just sold her house down here. During Easter break, we took Markus to Washington and stayed with her as we toured around the city.

D.C. is a great place to visit, but I don’t think I would want to live there.

Pat and I have been doing some recruitment; my neighbor’s grandson, James Hallberg, plans to attend VMI, starting with the cadet Summer Transition Program in July and matriculation in August. He has been studying my rat bible and seems really excited about going. Thanks to John Riding who answered my request for a friend or relative rising 1st Class cadet who might be in need of a dyke. John’s nephew, Zachary Johnson ’17, is a rising senior, and we have put James and Zachary in touch with each other. They planned to meet on New Market Day. Hope that works out for both of them.

I had a nice note from Mary Duffy with an update on Joe. Both voiced their sincere appreciation to all the class members who have

been so supportive in many different ways, but especially through notes and letters, as well as financially, which has helped defray the expenses of Joe’s treatment and therapy. He continues with his therapy twice a week, and although the drive is significant, he has been fortunate enough to have family and friends help him get there. Mary said they were hoping that the Veteran’s Affairs would cover some expenses and perhaps supply him with a motorized wheelchair. This is still an uphill battle for Joe, so please stay in touch with him and keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

As I mentioned in my last notes, Roland Tiso is back in Iraq working for a year. Fortunately, when you get this message, his tour will be more than half over, and soon, he’ll be headed home. He seems to be enjoying his job and spends time after work in the gym and on the computer, but we’ll all be glad when he gets home.

Tom and Bonnie Clark were getting ready to head to Scotland for a couple of weeks in June. We talked on the phone recently about some of the places they are going to – many of which Pat and I have visited on our trips to Scotland. Tom said he would try to get up with Rick Gribling, as Rick travels there often since his daughter lives in Edinburgh. Tom

Class of 1973: Mike Kelly ’73, center, and his wife, Pat, right, attended the New Market Day celebrations with Markus Ydreskog, an exchange student from Sweden who has been living with them this year and going to high school.

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Class Notes plans to visit with him in China and said the snow has melted away in do some traveling for several weeks Colorado Springs, although they this summer. Mac is planning to do have had a couple late snowstorms. some motorcycle riding in Europe, He sent me a picture of a group of and possibly ride to California for VMI folks that gathered for the VMI ceremonies celebrating BMW’s versus U.S. Air Force Academy la100th anniversary this summer. crosse game in April. The game was Paul Jalbert ran again in this moved inside due to a snowstorm, year’s 5K race to help raise money but in spite of the loss, Tom said for the Virginia Commonwealth everyone had a lot of fun. Tom was University’s Parkinson’s research. somewhat sad, as he recently sold Paul was very appreciative to all his Harley low-rider bike, but he and Bonnie plan to enjoy their camper a Class of 1973: Danny Williamson, left, and Mark Skupien en- who helped support this effort, and joyed a fishing expedition during the winter to Nags Head, he posted a great picture on Facelot this summer.

Stephen Chadwick sent a note out North Carolina. Class Agent Mike Kelly said of this photo, book of him crossing the finish line “Danny said they had a lot of fun and caught a ‘little’ fish.” to folks about this Sunday being the with his granddaughter. Glad to 152nd anniversary of the Battle of New Marin nearby Greenville, South Carolina, and is hear you continue to do well, Paul. Thanks for ket. Pat and I watched “Field of Lost Shoes” taking a leading role in getting the Greenville your inspiration and courage.

M.B. Adelson said he was recovering from again; we wanted our exchange student, alumni chapter back up and running.

Markus, to see it before we went to VMI. That Things continue to improve for Jim Ackley, “depot-level ankle rebuild.” He said his years movie has a serious emotional effect on me. as he has had no new health issues. He said of rugby, military and even going back to high school football have taken their toll. The good What a story, and what a courageous group of he and Susan are really excited because their VMI cadets! son, James, and his wife are expecting their news he said is that this is the fourth orthopeE.D. and Janet Woomer have settled into refirst grandchild in November. Jim noted that dist he has bought a new car for! (M.B. just tirement in the Asheville, North Carolina, area, his daughter, Meg, was getting married in June recently had a birthday, so he may be feeling but are still unpacking stuff. E.D. said they had in Charlotte, North Carolina. Great news all old!) He was still on crutches when he sent me his note this month and was sporting an Irish had lunch recently with P.X. and Caroline the way around!

English; they also got together to attend the As I mentioned in the last issue of the Review, bright green cast, which has given way to lots Southern Conference basketball tournament Mac Kirpatrick’s son, Clark ’15, is teaching of comments from others. (For his sake, I won’t relay the story of how he got that color, but it in Asheville. P.X. lives “down the mountain” English in China. Mac said his wife, Melanie, is worth asking about when you see him.) M.B. has been working with the Institute on a number of projects and hopes to teach ethics there one semester. He and Dave Northcraft have also been discussing with the Institute ways to help facilitate internships for cadets. Thanks for your work to continue supporting VMI. Scott Lingamfelter, Our Virginia House delegate, is also staying busy. Many of you probably follow him on Facebook or other social media. This has been an interesting year for Virginia politics, and Scott is right in the middle of it and is always looking for ways to help VMI. We appreciate your work, Scott. His wife, Shelley, has retired from teaching so she can spend more time with their two grandchildren. Their son, John ’08, and his wife, Erika, Class of 1973: Tom Clark (third person to the left of the banner) attended the VMI U.S. Air Force Academy ’09, have a son named versus U.S. Air Force Academy lacrosse game in April. It was snowing that day, and Issac Scott Lingamfelter. And their daughter, the game was moved inside. Pictured are a number of alumni, friends and players’ Amy, and her husband, Nick, have a daughter, families who attended. Present were Bob Fricke ’79, alumni representative for the Pike’s Peak Chapter; Todd Baldwin ’06, who recently took over as the chapter presiMillie. Scott’s other son, Paul ’12, lives and dent from Tom; and John Hargreaves ’82. John’s wife is Lt. Gen. Michele Johnson, who works in the northern Virginia area. is the current superintendent at the academy.

I also see a lot of Jeff Minch on social media,

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Class Notes and his musings of the big red car. He recently sent me a note to say that as the world spins out of control, he appreciates even more the normalcy of his brother rats! I also had some short notes from P.X. English getting settled in South Carolina. P.X. posted on Facebook that he and his wife had supper with Bob and Sharon Bushnell in March during a visit to the Chatham, Virginia, area. Michael Smith sent a note asking contact information for Randy Marshall. The “lost brother rat” award goes to Ed Gibson. Ed and I lived fairly close to each other when I lived in Greensboro, and when he worked for Waste Management, he even sponsored one of the basketball teams I coached! I had not heard from him in a while, but he responded to an email going around and then sent me a note to say he was still working and running the solid waste facility in Forsyth County, North Carolina.

Good to hear from you, Ed! I even had a short note from Bill Flood in response to my inquiry for a dyke for my neighbor’s grandson. And Chris McGreer sent a note to tell me about the gathering Tom Clark was going to have for the lacrosse game, but apparently he was not able to attend because of the 8 inches of snow!

Dave Sutherland also touched base with me.

Good to hear from you all.

John and Michaela Sykes post regularly on Facebook. They are very animal-friendly folks and help support the Palmetto Animal League Adoption Center in Okatie, South Carolina. Check out their cool pictures! Lots of guys post regularly on Facebook, so I encourage you to join – especially the Class ’73 page – so you can keep up with folks on a day-to-day basis. However, it is always wise to be careful with social media; Dave Schwab sent me a note to say someone had set up a false Facebook page in his name. Fortunately, he was able to have it taken down, but we should all be wary. The class page is a “closed” page and open by invitation only; Tom Clark is the master of that site, so you can contact him to be added.

Danny Williamson and Mark Skupien got together last November and went fishing and fourwheeling along the Nags Head area in North Carolina. Danny said they had a great time in spite of the cold weather, and believe it or not, Skup actually bought the beer! Danny managed to pull in a fish, with Skup holding on to him so he wouldn’t be pulled into the ocean. It was 4-and-a-half inches! I can verify, because he sent me a picture! They had fun – nice fish story, guys!

Pat and I attended the class agents and leaders

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conference in April at VMI. Larry Mays and Rich Lykins were also there, so it was nice catching up with them. Larry and his wife were excited because their daughter was due to have a baby any day, and they were leaving Lexington for Lynchburg to hopefully be there for the arrival. And they made it – Larry has posted lots of pictures of his wonderful granddaughter! Congratulations, grandpa!

Things are really hopping on post. The new indoor track and field training center is taking shape.

That will be one really nice facility when completed. It is truly amazing all of the remodeling and construction that has taken place over the past few years. VMI continues to be a super place of which we can be proud.

I also want to remind everyone that as you change email addresses or move, please update your profile on the VMI Ranks page. I recently found I had incorrect email and postal addresses for some of you.

Well, that is about it for me; didn’t get as much news this time around. I hope everyone is having a fantastic summer and hopefully we can get together this fall at some of the football games. Take care and keep those notes coming! Be safe out there.

In the bonds, Mike

1974

Snookie Parker

Class notes for the period from Feb. 16, 2016, to May 15, 2016: Greetings Brother Rats, Family and Friends of the Illustrious VMI Class of 1974!

I trust these notes find you in good spirits. Busy celebration weekend for the Parkers: Daughter Olivia graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (hooray) with all the pomp and ceremony, my birthday with mostly pomp and little ceremony, and Mother’s Day. Too much partying ... I’m exhausted, but all-inall a good first weekend in May. At the moment, Marla and I are packing for the VMI Alumni Association sponsored river cruise from Prague down the Danube River to Budapest. Just as on the alumni clipper ship cruise in the Caribbean

in 2013, the Class of 1974 once again is the class with the largest number on the trip: Charley and Debra Banning, Rick and Page Kastelberg, T.J. and Kerri Wilson, and Jim and Ellen Wood. A river cruise down the Danube was on my bucket list, and fortuitously for me, it is now enhanced while in the company of brother rats! Really looking forward to the trip. Grist for the next set of class notes – stay tuned!

I received a postcard from the totally retired Gary Trinkle. It seems he and Alison were on a 10-day cruise to/through Norway in search of the Northern Lights. Understood some dog sledding was on the schedule, as well ... must be at one of the stops! Snow bunnies on a dog sled ... nice pic of an amateur musher! Thanks, Gary!

Several BRs inquired regarding the status of “Snap” Carlock and his double knee replacement. Kent Wheeless was particularly interested since he had just undergone a knee replacement himself. Happy to report that both Snap and Kent are doing well as of this writing.

In March, Don Ferrell was carrying pork product from his Appomattox, Virginia, pig farm to his distribution center in Wallace, North Carolina.

The trip from Appomattox to Wallace down I-95 goes right by Wilson. Met Don Ferrell at Parker’s Barbecue off highway 301 in Wilson for a threehour lunch and stroll down memory lane. Don is still doing defense contract work for the Navy in the Tidewater area from his farm in Appomattox; however, his pig farming passion is looking more and more like a successful small business. Raising high-end Berkshire hogs to support farm-to-table chefs seems to be working out well. Don excels in the creation of unique sausages, as well. On a subsequent product run in April, Don stopped in Wilson for lunch at the infamous Dick’s Hotdogs and was joined by David Sheppard and me. Did I mention that Don provides samples of his products as he passes through? Dave and I are anxiously waiting for Don’s next run. Thank you, Don! The grand poobah of the Tidewater Breakfast Club, Paul Van Doren, reported very good attendance to March breakfast and a surprise participant. As expected, many regulars were able to attend: John McLaren, Chip Beaman, Sam Turner, George Van Laethem, Bill Pennypacker, Frank Richardson, Al Rasper, Steve Ham, Chuck Cayton and Henry Moncure. And the unexpected surprise: John Williams. John arrived wearing a custom sweatshirt (a big picture of Trump on the back with a supportive message)

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Class Notes which captured the interest of several patrons. As the group was leaving, one of the other customers asked where he could buy one. The customer was out of luck, as one of John’s neighbors had made it for him. I understand the patron was so inspired that he was still yawning on as the last of the group went out the door. Some news from the Tidewater Breakfast Club meeting: Frank Richardson is now working for an investment firm oriented toward education. Paul attended a meeting between Gene Williams, the College Orientation Workshop staff and the Newport News Achievable Dream Academy. Gene was working on recruits for the COW summer program. Paul was there to connect Gene with a candidate Paul knew. Thanks for the notes, Paul!

In late March, I picked up Mike Cole at the airport in Jacksonville, Florida, and carted him down to Pat Flynn’s home in St. Augustine Beach, Florida, for a two-day American management professionals strategic planning session.

First order of business was lunch at Salt Life followed by several hours of intense discussion about our immediate future, lubricated by several rounds of Angel’s Envy bourbon. Suffice it to say that we did chart a path forward and then retired to the legendary A1A Brewery where we met Judge Nottingham to celebrate. Once again, Judge showed up without his coin ... but to his good fortune, he suffered very little abuse. We did note Rob Bacon’s absence (dispensation granted since this was a spur of the moment gathering).

The venue and weather were only surpassed by the hearty laughter as we strolled down memory lane. Some entertaining stories (starring the likes of Tom Patykula, Thomas Walton, “Crazy Laz,” “Juice Bones,” Bob Moore and Billy Haught to name a few) with such unique twists and turns, one could not make it up! We collectively agreed that we were truly fortunate that our careers survived some of those shenanigans in our early years. Like Gen. McArthur’s pledge to the Philippines, our pledge to A1A Brewery: “We will be back!”

I attended the April class agent spring conference in Lexington and am happy to report that post looked pristine, the Corps looked great on parade, the facilities looked great and new ones are being built. I broke away from the Saturday morning sessions to meet Snap Carlock at Russ Harlow’s bed-and-breakfast for coffee and scrumptious cupcakes compliments of Mary Stuart, Russ’ better half by a long stretch. Wonderful

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stroll down memory lane. Snap has an incredible memory for detail. Russ and I kept looking at each other as Snap rattled off dates and times of events and activities that we collectively had a hard time remembering if the events even took place. Snap’s knees are on the mend. I left Lexington for North Carolina by way of Gladstone, Virginia (just outside of Appomattox), and an impromptu visit of BR Don Ferrell’s farm: 60 acres with pond, pastures, pigs, horses, chickens, goats, honey bees, cattle, mushrooms ... great visit, but it was cut short. Don had to run to pick up some world class pigs from Pennsylvania for his herd.

I understand Rick and Darlene Hissem drove from Texas to have breakfast with Rick Hess. What an adventure! I’m sure there were some stories to tell – glad Darlene was there to

provide some adult supervision.

I heard congrats are in order: Steve Orr is now controller, director of finance at Triumph Group, Triumph Thermal Systems – Maryland. Congrats, Steve!

The April 30 Potomac Area Breakfast Club meeting had a great turnout and included just enough chaperones, one rat who refused to strain, and plenty of flapjacks and jo. Some of the tidbits provided by the Potomac Area Breakfast Club grand poobah Charley Banning: The Johnson twins were there (Bob Johnson and Wilson Johnson). Bob is still working on publishing some books and is helping Don Kilcullen find a publisher for a book he’s working on. Wilson is still active with community theater, where his latest production was “Driving Miss Daisy.” His next

Class of 1974: At the March 19, 2016, Tidewater Area Breakfast Club meeting were, from left, clockwise around the table, Al Rasper, John McLaren, George Van Laethem, Paul Van Doren, Chuck Cayton, Sam Turner, Henry Moncure, Steve Ham, John Williams, Bill Pennypacker and Frank Richardson. Class Agent Snookie Parker said of this photo, “Chip Beaman may have been taking the picture!”

Class of 1974: At the April 30, 2016, Potomac Area Breakfast Club meeting were, from left, around the table, Jim Cottrell, Arnie Leonard, Clint Anderson, Bill Anderson ’77, Bob Johnson, Wilson Johnson, Debbie (who attended with Bill McDonald), Bill McDonald, Mike Andriani, Charlie Gardner, Don Kilcullen, Debra Banning, Twana Biram, Cynthia (who attended with Jim Cottrell), Cliff Biram and Mike Kilcullen. Also present was Charley Banning, who took the photo.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes work will be “Man of La Mancha,” in which Wilson will portray Sancho Panza, Don Quixote’s faithful sidekick. He is expecting this production to premier in October. I understand there is contemplation for getting a group of BRs together to fill up a table to see some live theater! No heckling!

Charlie Gardner, staying true to our VMI training, keeps himself fit – looks great. Charlie continues to track VMI wrestling but laments their current lack of success. Mike Andriani’s son, Mike, is coming home this July from Fort Sill. I understand plans for some skeet shooting are in the works.

Mike Sr. is still doing some counterintel work but changes in management may make for some changes professionally for Mike. Jim Cottrell and Cynthia are now engaged. Congrats! Jim was complaining to Charlie Gardner about some ailment and in Charlie’s professional medical opinion: “You’re getting old. Things are going to hurt – suck it up!” Love that bedside manner! Cliff and Twana Biram traveled from North Carolina to attend. Cliff, as many may recall, had a quadruple heart bypass last fall. The prognosis is good, and Cliff has been working hard to live in the lifestyle needed to make sure he will stay that way. He exercises daily, adheres to a strict diet, brought his weight down 70 pounds and is beginning to look more like a linebacker than a lineman.

Well done, Cliff! Twana and Cliff were off to visit John and Maryann Valenstein after breakfast then go up to Sharpsburg to visit the battlefields and see Antietam. Clint and Cheryl Anderson have sold part of the Anderson Navy. The flagship was just sold reducing their cost – overhead, maintenance and insurance – but they still maintain a small pontoon boat for local beach landings and family events. Clint reported he’ll work another couple of years then consider their options – possibly moving to a friendlier tax environment. Bill Anderson ’77 is working in Army mobility

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Class of 1974: Pictured were, from left, Rick Hissem, Rick Hess and Darlene Hissem when Rick and Darlene visited from Texas.

Class of 1974: At the May 7, 2016, Tidewater Area Breakfast Club Dinner were, from left, back row: John Crawley, Steve Ham, Tracey Crawley, Henry Moncure, Peg Moncure, Paul Van Doren, John McLaren, Frank Richardson, Diane McLaren and Bill Pennypacker. Second row: Mary Pat Hogan, Anne Ham, Rose Van Doren, Jeanee Richardson and Don Sharpe. Kneeling: Deborah Renee Pennypacker, Carolyn Sharpe and Mike Hogan.

Class of 1974: Class Agent Snookie Parker said of this photo, “Gary and Alison Trinkle: Amateur mushers in Norway in search of the Northern Lights!”

operations where he works deployment issues. Arnie Leonard showed up looking great, which some attributed to his regular running regimen.

Arnie quickly dispelled those rumors, saying he quit running. Arnie ran the Boston Marathon last year but pain in the upper leg ligaments was too intense, so he quit. Arnie has done some biking with a group out in Loudon County, but they seem to be in a class of their own. Marie had to work, so Arnie was without chaperone. Bill McDonald brought his friend, Deb, to meet everyone. She got stuck on the end of the table with Don Kilcullen, so she may not have been able to get a word in edgewise. However, Bill and Charley did talk about a gathering at a beer garden in the Ballston area on a Washington National’s game day to quaff a few cold ones and cheer for the local team. Brother rats, beer and baseball – deal me in! Don Kilcullen brought his son, Mike, to this August affair. Don has been writing a piece of fiction based upon his Vietnam experiences and conferring with Bob Johnson about some potential publishers. The book is still very much a work in progress, but it is something Don feels passionately about publishing. Son Mike left the Marines last year and is back in school pursuing a degree in the health profession – possibly in sports medicine as a physician assistant. Charley Banning noted that wife Deb has retired and is looking forward to becoming my full-time manager (Charley acknowledges the need for a lot of management). Charley still performs regularly with his jazz group. His rock and roll band got a gig at the American Legion last month, and guess what! They want them back, and this time they want to actually pay the band! What a concept! Thanks, Charley, for the all the breakfast club news.

Paul Van Doren sends the following summary of the May 7 Tidewater Breakfast Club dinner with wives.

The event was well-attended. As

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Class Notes Frank Richardson said, “A great time was had by all.” Paul said they had a good time chatting (actually, shouting, trying to be heard in the din of this popular establishment) about all manner of things and fumbling with their food. Kudos to Paul for keeping the Tidewater crowd together.

Some late-breaking news just before class note deadline: David Sheppard has passed all of his North Carolina real estate tests, so he is fully licensed and ready to serve any BR interested in the Wilson, North Carolina, area. Tom Patykula has a new knee, compliments of Tripler Army Hospital in Hawaii. Everyone seems to be getting new knees or hips. I’m thinking I want to get one just to be part of the club. Thanks for the post, IDA! Class business regarding our class accounts/ funds with the VMI Alumni Association: We as a class have established three funds: Endowment Growth Fund: $29,400; Unrestricted Endowment: $8,700; and Class of 1974 Memorial Fund: $25,500. Seems like there was some discussion several years ago about how best to support VMI, but I do recall nothing definitive was decided.

One question posed: Should we consolidate these funds? This is not a pressing issue but is something that we as a class should consider. I am on the hunt for some background information regarding the establishment of each of these funds to help us make an informed decision. I’m looking for detail on each. When was the fund started? Who was involved with the start? What was the purpose?

Who manages? How are they managed? Give me a shout if you have any insights!

A couple of sad notes. Rick (Page) Kastelberg’s sister, Mary Beth Morgan (52), died March 28; Robert “Moose” (Suk) Haskell’s son, John (31), died April 9, 2016; And Cameron (RC) (Martha) Thompson’s mother, Beverley Mason Payne Thompson (89), died May 2, 2016. We want to keep these brother rats and their families in your prayers as they cope with emotions associated with these unfortunate deaths.

Finally, the first lesson of management in a series of six lessons: If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders, in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure! Lesson No. 2 in the next set of notes!

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

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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

1975

Robert Keller

Spring is here and I have been able to see it in several venues. First in Tampa, then in Lexington and finally in Georgia, and it was beautiful in each. I want to thank everyone that sent items to the shoebox this past quarter.

Paulette and I got a pleasant surprise in February, as Glen Garland was in town with his friend, Cindy, to attend a musical retreat for the weekend.

Glen flew in while Cindy drove down from Jacksonville. She was to pick him up at the airport but was delayed by traffic, so I played Uber guy and retrieved him from the airport and delivered him to their hotel in Tampa. We all were able to get together Sunday morning for a brisk walk on one of our great trails across Tampa Bay. Of course, this was followed by breakfast before their retreat concluded. Glen again was flying out, but Allegiant Airlines changed his plans with mechanical problems, and Glen got to stay another day in our fair city. We got to spend the evening together with good food and great conversation.

Bob O’Connor wrote to let me know that he and his wife, Jan, visited Hawaii in late February to visit with his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. He said the trip was great and very relaxing; however, the five-time-zone trip to and from Washington, D.C., did a lot to diminish the benefits of visiting this tropical paradise.

He thinks that the Navy should consider moving all of the pacific sub fleet to the mainland. Given the magnificent minds we have in Washington these days, he feels he could probably make the case based on something to do with global warming, sustainable development or perhaps reducing our vulnerability to attack from the

Class of 1975: Father of the bride, Bernie Cobb, and his daughter, Stacey, at her wedding in Vinton, Virginia, April 16, 2016.

Class of 1975: Mona Hardinge and Paul Bernard renew old friendship. Mona is the mother of Tom Hardinge ’05, the dyke of Paul’s son, Chris Bernard ’08.

Class of 1975: Greg Diamontopulos and his son, Peter ’13, attending Legacy Day in spring 2016 to show VMI to Greg’s grandson-in-law, Joshua.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes They are doing great and are very busy being the agents and keep me out of trouble. I was able to North Koreans. Good luck with that, Bob. Got a great update from Greg Diamontopu- host family to cadets in each class, and they had get him to put the squeeze on his brother and our los that his son, Peter Diamontopulos ’13, took two graduate in May. One is a 1st Class cadet, BR, Tim Parker, to send in an update for this Rehis oath of office as an ensign, U.S. Coast Guard, and the other is a 2nd Class cadet who is gradu- view. And it worked! Tim told me he has been acDec. 15, 2015, at Langley Air Force Base, Vir- ating early. Scott and Barb have been a big help tive with local VMI events in the Raleigh, North Carolina, area by attending the chapginia, and U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David S. Nahom, deputy director, ter meetings and a sponsored breakfast plans and programs (ACC/8/9) admeeting for the Class of ’75 and older classes. He ran into Hank Shirley who, ministered the oath. He reported in at as you may remember, was a TAC ofU.S. Coast Guard Station Portsmouth, Virginia, Dec. 28, 2015, and attended ficer during our stay at the Institute. the Direct Commission School at the He was a major then, and Tim says U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New that they were stationed together in London, Connecticut, Jan. 6-Feb. 5, Europe. Tim retired from the U.S. Air 2016. He is now back at his duty loForce in 1999 after 24 years, and his assignments included U.N. headquarcation in Portsmouth, Virginia. Greg, understandably, is quite proud of Peters in Korea, NATO headquarters in Norfolk, seven years in Europe where ter’s accomplishments. Greg also reClass of 1975: Bob Keller and Glen Garland over Tampa Bay in he worked on nuclear security and the ported that his daughter, Kristina, was February 2016. cruise missile program, and he worked married May 14, 2016, to Jason James, in the former USSR with the INF and that Jason has twin 14-year-old Treaty. He also held two command boys – one of whom (Joshua) has positions. After he retired, the famshown an interest in attending VMI. So Greg arranged a visit for Josh to the ily moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, Institute during this spring’s Legacy where he has been doing consulting Day. To make things even better, Peter work for a few years (management was able to join them for the day. Josh and leadership and facility manageevidently had a blast, and even though ment). He is also completing a doctorhe has four more years to make a deciate degree in organizational leadership, where he is in the final stages of his sion, he stated a desire to attend. Greg dissertation. He noted that if anyone feels that his ties with the “I” may well needs any assistance in that regard, to continue through his extended family. give him a call. Tim and Esther have Peter wore his Coast Guard uniform celebrated 37 years of marriage, and and was able to visit with some of his she is a minister to children in the Durprofessors and his host family from Trinity United Methodist Church, ham, North Carolina, area. His daughsince they all played important roles ter is a second-grade teacher in Raleigh in his being selected by the U.S. Coast and is planning to get married in May Guard for commissioning. Thanks, 2017. Tim’s son has moved to New Greg, for the update.

Hampshire to pursue a Ph.D. in physI was in Lexington for the spring ics at the University of New Hampclass agent meeting. From my past visshire – Durham. Thanks, Tim, for the great update, and thank you, Snookie, its, I have learned that there is a whole for that older brother guidance. contingent of VMI folks that gather at As you all know, we have had several the Lexington Coffee Shop on Washington Street. And, as luck would have Class of 1975: Denise and Dean Armstrong touring the Gettys- of our brothers lose family members burg Battlefield in March 2016. this last quarter. Allen Morgan lost his it, I ran into Glen Furr, who is doing great. We downed several cups of joe, and I met in keeping me informed of things going on at the brother in March after a long fight with emphysea bunch of faculty members and officers attached Institute. ma. In April, Chip Louthan lost his father, Frank to the ROTC programs at school. Glen is in the Louthan ’41. Jimmy Hobbs sent me a nice note While at this meeting, I also had the pleasure of insurance business and is busy as ever. It was really reconnecting with Snookie Parker ’74, who is the fondly remembering the times that he and Susan great to see him. While I was there and after the Class of ’74 class agent. He kind of took me un- would get to meet Chip’s parents when he was atFriday parade, I ran into Scott and Barbara Risser. der his wing to introduce me around to the other tending board meetings and other Institute events.

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Class Notes Jimmy wrote that Frank was preparing to attend the upcoming 75th Reunion of the Class of ’41, and Chip said that several generations of the Louthan family were planning to join Frank in Lexington for the reunion. According to Chip, his father was 95 years old and enjoyed good health all his life. Also in April, Scott Risser let me know that Stu Fleming had lost his father, Paul ‘Stock’ Fleming ’49C. Chris Ingelido wrote to let me know that his mother died in March, which is just about one year from when his father, retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael J. Ingelido, died. Chris said that she was also buried at the Air Force Academy alongside her husband. Chris, along with his brothers, Mike Ingelido ’67 and Dan Ingelido ’70, as well as his niece’s husband, Van Trumpore ’89, were able to attend. I heard from Dino Armstrong that his wife, Denise, lost both of her parents this past year. Guy Conte also let me know that his wife, Mary, recently lost her brother-in-law. Please keep them all in your thoughts and prayers.

John Costa checked in with a nice note and wanted me to pass on to everyone that he and Sheila are very grateful for all the well wishes and prayers that have been sent their way concerning his fight with Parkinson’s disease. They wanted to send a special thanks to John Y. and Karen Richardson, who have been helping them out and just being there as they face the issues that come with that illness. Yulee and Karen are getting ready for the wedding of their eldest son, John J. Richardson ’08, this summer in northern Virginia to Miss Ashley Carney. Karen also let me know that Tom and Peg Jones’ son, Steve, will be moving to the Hampton Roads area soon for a new job. Good news for Yulee and Karen, as I am sure Tom and Peg will be frequent visitors to the area for grandparent duty. Finally, Bill and Edith Robson made a visit to the area and shared a meal with Yulee and Karen.

Len Riedel gave me an update on the third annual old guys’ weekend in Las Vegas, which was scheduled for mid-May. He, John Green and Jim McCriskin planned to meet up with Phil Brzozowski ’76 at the Treasure Island Resort and Casino and planned to partake in all of the things that happen in Vegas; fortunately, they also stay in Vegas. Len stated that this whole concept started as a tribute to our BR Jim Berny, as Jim loved the craps tables. One item that will be missed this year is their breakfast with Todd and Vicki Sain.

As Len said, “... He, of course, is sorely missed.

His was a courageous fight against a relentless

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enemy that reminded us all of our mortality – all the more reason to use every opportunity to be with family and brother rats.” This trip is open to any BR who wants to join. If you are interested in the 2017 version, get in touch with Len, John or Jim. Len also reported that his latest Civil War travel book is doing well, and he is working on his fifth book with National Geographic, which is about the Revolutionary War and due out in 2018.

Len is offering a tour commemorating the 75th anniversary of the start of World War II with stops in Hawaii, Guam, Manila and Singapore this December. He is also planning a program from New York on the Battle of the Atlantic, which includes a transatlantic cruise on the Queen Mary. Len said he and Pam are waiting to close on an ocean condo in North Myrtle Beach, where they plan to retire in a few years. His daughter, Katherine, graduated with honors from Duke University School of Nursing and began work in the pediatric intensive care unit at the National Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., in July. And finally, the room 334 annual reunion will take place Nov.12-14 for The Citadel football weekend. He, Charlie Freeman and Bob O’Connor are departing from their normal routine of batching it at the Hotel Moody and will be bring their wives along. He figures that his wife, Pam; Charlie’s wife, Maureen; and Bob’s wife, Jan, will moderate their previously uncontrolled bourbon fueled behavior. Good luck!

Charlie Hoon checked in to let me know he was taking a short break from retirement by standing in for a good friend with some major medical issues.

Charlie took over his duties as a project superintendent with a projected end date in mid-May. He again extends an invitation to any BR to come and visit him in Montana. Charlie promises that this year’s summer will deal more with trout fishing and less rock hounding, as was done last summer when Mike Garten visited. Something about Charlie’s back still being on the mend. Charlie sold his trusty and very reliable Cessna 210 and said he may be done with flying. He has been doing some largemouth bass fishing, and he and Sharon are planning a cruise to Alaska in early September.

He said he has visited Alaska before and is looking forward to this new adventure of cruising.

He was very sad to hear about Chip Louthan’s father, Frank, passing, as Chip’s parents graciously opened their doors to him many times during his years at VMI, and this was really helpful for someone coming from California.

Charlie thanks all of the families who opened

their doors to him during that time.

Bernie Cobb played the part of father of the bride for his daughter, Stacey, who was married April 16 in Vinton, Virginia, just outside Roanoke.

Dan and Sandy Brooks were among the guests who helped validate the ceremony. Several weeks later, he attended the Kentucky Derby party that Dan and Sandy host each year. Bernie was also able to have a late breakfast with Guy Conte on a recent trip to Atlanta. They feel sure that a few BRs’ ears were burning as a result.

Dan and Sandy Brooks stopped in Lexington in April to welcome springtime to the Institute. For any BRs who have not taken in the hiking trail behind barracks lately, Dan believes that you are in for a treat. The baseball stadium, other athletic fields, indoor firing range, obstacle course and the Maury River Park are truly impressive. Fishing on campus! Dan said we never had any of this newfangled stuff in the Old Corps. They stayed at the bed-and-breakfast at 512 Main Street in Lexington which is owned and operated by Russ and Mary Stuart Harlow ’74. He and Russ were in the same pilot training class at Columbus Air Force Base back in 1976. They had a great time remembering the good old days with their host and disposed of numerous brain cells that evening. Dan and Sandy highly recommend this bed-and-breakfast.

From there, they went to Roanoke to attend the wedding of Bernie Cobb’s daughter, Stacy. And May 7, the Brookses again hosted The Kentucky Derby party at their home in Delaware and was joined by Bernie Cobb and Frank and Tina Hillson. Dan reported that he thinks Bernie was able to pay for the wedding with his winnings from the party. Dan invites any BR who can make it to attend next year’s party.

Ollie and Bonnie Way were traveling in California for several weeks in April. They also have a third grandchild, Margaret Chisholm Way, born to Lawton and Shelton Way ’05. He also reported that their son, Barrett Way ’08, is getting his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Massachusetts in the spring, and he and Bonnie are headed to Amherst to be with Barrett and his wife. Barrett is the executive director for a 450-resident continuing care retirement community in Terre Haute, Indiana, and Ollie is very impressed with his son’s ability to stay on task with his Master of Business Administration degree while life got more complicated. Ollie and Bonnie work hard to stay up with the grandkids, and with two in Richmond and with one in Terre

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Haute, it is a fulltime effort. They Skype weekly, but they say that that is not like being there. They visit Indiana about once a quarter.

Rick Davison has taken advantage of the downturn in the oil and gas economy to leave BP and officially retire. But Rick and Stella will continue to keep busy with a variety of volunteer activities. Rick has been involved with scouts for over 50 years, and he will return to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico this summer to teach geology at one of the mineral outpost camps. This will be their eighth summer tenting for a couple of weeks, and he really enjoys working with the college-age staff. They are also active with the local conservancy group. Rick says their three kids have flown the coop with a son in Long Beach, California, working for BNSF; a married daughter near Salt Lake City; and another son interning in D.C. Their youngest is still in school and only has one class left. They plan on spending time visiting them in the near future and hope to see some BRs along the way.

Ben Vanderberry sent a quick note and it seems that the banking business is in the change mode.

A North Carolina bank has bought the bank that Anne was the chief financial officer for. She will wind up with them in June and is contemplating her next move. The bank Ben works for has just been acquired by another bank, and he is looking forward to working with the new company. Ben Vanderberry ’15 had a pretty good run in primary flight school and is moving on to Meridian, Mississippi, to learn to fly jets for the Navy.

Bill Overton reported he and Dolores are proud to announce the arrival of their fourth grandchild.

Logan Hunter Overton was born April 10 and was 7 pounds and 19.5 inches. Ov is counting down to his retirement July 29, 2016. He has served the people of the state of Florida for 38 years: 10 years as a prosecutor and 28 years on the bench. He took the advice of his roommate, Dean Armstrong, and taking a Viking River Cruse in August. Speaking of Dino, he texted me to let me know he and Denise had traveled to and toured the battlefields at Gettysburg in March, and in May, they will be cruising down the Danube from Budapest to Bucharest. He promised pictures and postcards are on the way.

Rick Henning is keeping busy this spring by attending as many baseball games as he can, and he only wishes he lived closer to Lexington so he could watch the Keydets. He has visited his son to watch VMI play the University of

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North Carolina at Greensboro and is hoping to get together with Bob Lane and Harry Broaddus to catch the Richmond Flying Squirrels. He and Suzanne are also anxiously awaiting their third grandson. As always, any BR traveling their way, Exit 135 on I-95, needs to give them a call.

Was informed that Clayton DePuey was just promoted to staff sergeant with the California State Military Reserve, which is an all-volunteer position where he serves with the search and rescue unit. Clayton’s wife, Aleece, adds that they are very proud of him and the hours he serves for the state of California.

John Plunkett sent a quick note to let us know that he is now semi-retired and is working harder than ever, but he said it helps keep him out of trouble. He did manage to coordinate a guys’ only ski trip to Utah with his three sons this past season.

Said they had a great time in the snow.

Paul Bernard wrote that there is nothing extreme going on in his life other than surviving two surgeries: The first was a cardio ablation (for a heart rhythm issue) and the second on the vertebrae in his neck. He thinks that must have been an old cheerleading injury for looking too hard at all those pretty girls. In a rebirth of himself, he has been looking real hard at another pretty girl (which is most likely what really strained the neck) by the name of Mona Wallace Hardinge, a close friend of Abby’s at Southern Seminary, and the mother of Tom Hardinge ’05, who is the class agent for the Class of 2005 and the senior dyke of Paul’s son, Chris Bernard ’08. Life is getting serious again for the old Nardo. And he calls that nothing extreme...

John Young has been busy finishing a project that has been 40 years in the making. He has always wanted to mount his cadet saber and finally found a place that made display cases to his liking.

He liked them so much he bought two: One for his VMI items, and one for his Army items. Along with the saber, he mounted a shako shield, a VMI spider patch, his officer’s belt and his saber sash.

It looks beautiful, John, and you may be getting orders from your BRs. Tad MacGowan is getting ready for the sailing season in Annapolis and has been out in his Snark this year and is anticipating his initial voyage in his new (to him) Laser. He is able to work from home a couple of days a week and, by his description, has a home office that overlooks their wooded backyard, which is the home to a lot of wildlife.

He went to California several weeks ago and

was able to take some time to take in the beaches around Malibu. Bev has been busy with her work, and the family recently got together to celebrate Tad’s father’s 92nd birthday. Daughters Kathryn and Ginny are headed to San Diego this summer in search of employment, and Tad has offered to make the trip with them. Driving cross country is a bucket list item for him. Calee is in Richmond tutoring Virginia Commonwealth University students and deciding her next move, and Kyle will be graduating from high school in June. He and Bev have taken in the Annapolis boat show, and Tad is spending more time reading these days. He says to take his mind off this year’s election.

Uncle Dave Schuyler let me know that he went to check out the VMI spring practices and meet up with Mike Hunter. It must have been good, as he is encouraging all BRs to catch a game this fall.

Keith Frey and his wife, Melanie, spent two weeks of April in Greece on their annual medical education mission trip. This year, they helped host and train over 500 mission health care professionals from 58 countries that have very difficult mission hospitals and clinics in regions with poverty, disease and violence. He said it was an honor to be one of the 100-plus faculty from around the world to be part of this effort.

Well, BRs, you did it again. I am at the limit of space allowed. Great job, guys. Until next time.

1976

William Bhatta

The Class of 1976 Reunion VIII was held at VMI, April 22-23, 2016. Eighty-seven BRs and 66 guests attended, and everyone had a great time!

I want to start the notes by recognizing BRs who attended their first reunion: Carrington McVeigh and his wife, Kim; Alan Mills and his guest, Cindy Whitehurst; Ray Pavlosky and his wife, Kayaan; Nick Tarzia and his wife, Shelia; Jeff Totaro and his wife, Mary; Ben Weaver and his wife, Cindy; Dick Williams and his wife, Ruth; and Bart White. Honorable mention goes to Frank DeLaine. Frank called me and said he was unable to attend the reunion but to tell everyone he sends his “best!” Frank said he will definitely attend the 45th Reunion in 2021.

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Class Notes For many, the reunion weekend began Thursday evening, so the hospitality room at the Wingate Hotel was busy early. Reunion events began Friday morning with BR golfing at the Lexington Golf & Country Club. Andre Koneczny assembled an outstanding group of golfers for the tournament: Oscar Cammuse, Kent Carrington, Dyke Davies, Jim Delisio, Dexter Gilliam, Jim Joustra, David Lowe, Greg Lucado, Jim Mallon, J.R. Mott, Hunt Ozmer, Ray Ramos, Mike Tate and Kavie Thrift. Despite the rainy weather – for about four holes – everyone had fun. Note: J.R. Mott used my clubs, so I know his score was very low.

Margaret Haberman and Cindy Mullen hosted a wives brunch Friday morning at the Habermans’ beautiful home in Lexington. Michelle Bhatta, Teri Coleman, C.J. Cox, Leigh Anne Delisio,

Lois Diggs, Joanne Knight, Sevanne Gilliam, Susan Mallon, Margaret Ramos and Ulla LaGrone attended. Brother rats, this is for your wives and guests: I want to have at least one wives’ event at the next reunion, so put on your thinking cap and send me your feedback.

Grigg Mullen continued his Friday afternoon reunion tradition of hosting the slaughter of poor defenseless clay pigeons at Quail Ridge Sporting Clays. Come to think of it, the clay pigeons were safe with these BRs shooting at them: Ray Brooks, Tom Diggs, Bill Favier, Rocky Glass, Doug Hines, Gary Knight, Ron LaGrone, Paul Parker and John Swain.

Friday evening, we met in downtown Lexington at the Sheridan Livery Inn for supper. It was the first reunion opportunity for all BRs to meet, find old friends, update each other on life events and

tell an occasional Old Corps BR war story; the stories seem to get better every five years.

Saturday morning began with Raff Waff leading a memorial service to honor and remember our lost BRs: Bruce Undercoffer, Pelham Felder, Dennis Puckett, Tom Zeugner, Joseph Joiner, Gregory Shreve, Van Ardan, Rick Radtke, Vernon Pope, Paul Carine, Michael Miller, Nelson Jeffers, Scott Kasler, Chip Deyerle, Michael Maher, Mike Williamson and Curtis Butterworth.

Wayne Eastham honored Curtis, who died last year, with a humorous and serious commentary on his life and the impact it had on others. “Taps” and “Amazing Grace,” performed by Band Company cadet volunteers, concluded the ceremony, stirring our hearts and memories of all lost BRs. Check out the Class of 1976 picture in front of Preston Library with everyone decked-out in the

Class of 1976: Photos opposite page 1. Pictured April 23, 2016, marching to Old Barracks were John Coleman, leading, followed by Will Adams with the 1976 guidon. Front rank: Carrington McVeigh, Rory Walsh, Andre Koneczny, Jim Mallon, Bill Bhatta, Jeff Wall, Jay Foertsch and Paul Parker. Second rank: Mark Swank, John Dorsey, Charlie Aycock, J.B. Kirk. Rear: Clint Davis, Hunt Ozmer, Jake Berberich Jim Joustra and John Strock.

2. Pictured in Old Barracks before the Old Yells were, from left, Jim Dittrich, Mack Curle, Garry Varney, Wayne Eastham, John Swain, Kurt Luckenbill and Ray Brooks.

3. The “golfers” following play at the Lexington Golf & Country Club April 22, 2016, were, from left, Jim Joustra, Ray Ramos, Dexter Gilliam, Hunt Ozmer, Dyke Davies, Kavie Thrift, Jim Delisio, Jim Mallon, Andre Koneczny and Mike Tate. Class Agent William Bhatta said of this photo, “Missing are J.R. Mott and Team Cammuse-Lowe-Lucado-Carrington: They were still on the course, probably swimming back to the club house.”

4. At McKethan Park pavilion April 23, 2016, were, from left, Bill Bhatta, Andy Stewart, Bill Neal, Mark Sculley, Jim Dittrich and Oscar Cammuse.

5. The Class of 1976 “gunners” about to enter the clay pigeon shooting range April 22, 2016, were, from left, Tom Diggs, Paul Parker, Rocky Glass, Bill Favier, Grigg Mullen, Doug Hines, John Swain, Ron LaGrone, Gary Knight and Ray Brooks. Class Agent William Bhatta said of this photo, “It appeared to me the ground destroyed more clays than aimed shots. John Swain explained the misses were caused by shotgun shells not loaded with shot.”

6. Pictured in front of Preston Library April 23, 2016, following the class photo for the 40th Reunion were, from left, Dave Lowe, Greg Speaker, Ron LaGrone, Bill Ryals, Rory Walsh, D.B. Johnson and Barry Helms.

7. At McKethan Park pavilion April 23, 2016, were, from left, Jeff Wall, Maury Gatewood, Andy Stewart and Hunt Ozmer.

8. Pictured at the Wingate Hotel April 22, 2016, waiting for the bus to the Sheridan Livery Inn were, from left, front to back: Grigg and Cindy Mullen, Ben and Cindy Weaver with son Clint, Mack Curle, Tom and Lois Diggs, Oscar Cammuse, Andy and Julie Stewart, Charlie and Betsy Keen, Tom and Louise Brooks, John and Lillian Swain, Jim and Susan Mallon, Dave and Caroline Lowe, Barry and Francine Helms, Charlie and Dell Aycock, Ron and Ulla LaGrone, Marshall Coyle, Maury Gatewood, Ray and Margaret Ramos, Ron and Deb Hottle, Mike Tate, Greg and Rosie Lucado, Jay Foertsch, Bill Bhatta, Jim and Leigh Ann Delisio, Carrington and Kim McVeigh, Jake and Dianne Berberich, Rocky and Betsy Glass, Duff and Debby Joseph, John Strock, Kurt and Cindy Luckenbill, Greg and Lyn Hedley, Pete and Mary Ann Friesen, Doug Hines, Al and Ruth Ann McCarthy, Bill and Patricia Brown, Bill Grant, Gary and Joanne Knight, Henry and Deborah Foresman, Charlie Archer, Jeff and Mary Totaro, Jim Dittrich, Kavie Thrift, Clint Davis, Garry Varney, Ray and Kayann Pavlosky, Rory Walsh, Bill and Debbie Neal, John Dorsey, Andre and Lois Koneczny, D.B. Johnson, Jack and Charlotte Christy. Present but not pictured were Marilu Tate and Michelle Bhatta.

9. Manning the beer kegs at McKethan Park pavilion April 23, 2016, were, from left, Greg Hedley, Rocky Glass, Tom Brooks, Greg Lucado and Dexter Gilliam.

10. Pictured on a Lexington carriage ride April 23, 2016, were, from left, Dell and Charlie Aycock, Sheri and Will Adams, Ray Pavlosky, and Pete and Mary Ann Friesen. Class Agent note: Kayaan, sorry for missing you behind Ray in the picture!

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

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Class of 1976: From left, row 1: Jack Christy, Mark Sculley, Bill Bhatta, Will Adams, Mike Tate, Oscar Cammuse, Jim Delisio, Jeff Totaro and Rory Walsh. Row 2: Billy Karnes, J.B. Kirk, Ben Weaver, Paul Parker, Ray Ramos, Grigg Mullen and Ray Pavlosky. Row 3: Ron Hottle, Mark Moncure, Bill Ryals, Pete Friesen, Dexter Gilliam, John Dorsey and Mark Swank. Row 4: Jim Joustra, Jim Mallon, Andre Koneczny, Lee Godsey, Jake Berberich, Greg Speaker, Dave Lowe, Al McCarthy, Charlie Aycock and John Coleman. Row 5: Dave Heatwole, Tom Brooks, Dick Williams, Gary Knight, Ron LaGrone, Kent Carrington, Charlie Keen, Kurt Luckenbill, Greg Lucado and Rocky Glass. Row 6: Charlie Archer, Jay Foertsch, Jeff Wall, Maury Gatewood, Andy Stewart, Wayne Eastham, Dyke Davies and Doug Hines. Row 7: Mack Curle, Clint Davis, Jim Dittrich, Alan Mills, Barry Helms, Duff Joseph, Kavie Thrift, Tom Watjen, Curt Reppart, Garry Varney, Hunt Ozmer, Bill Favier and John Swain. Row 8: Marshall Coyle, Tom Diggs, John Strock, J.R. Mott, Carrington McVeigh, Bob Cox, Steph Savage, Bart White, Evan Haberman, Henry Foresman, Doug Johnson and Razz Waff. Row 9: Jim Brown, Mike Martino, Ray Brooks, Bill Grant, Bill Neal and Greg Hedley.

The Class of 1976

40th Reunion – April 22-23, 2016

Class Notes

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes ’76 red polo shirts! A “crowd of honorable youths ... a gratifying spectacle...” We have not aged one damn bit. Thanks to Mark Sculley for providing the Bennington ’76 flag! (By the way, I have a couple of XLs available for sale.)

Following the parade, led by John Coleman, we marched into Old Barracks. Suffice it to say, if you compared our marching skills to the same in parades 40 years ago, we did not look like a finelytuned military drill team. After we entered, everyone wondered whether Dexter Gilliam would climb the sentinel box or take the steps to the top.

It did not take long to answer the question. With a little bit of assistance and rousing cheers from the Corps of Cadets, Dexter was on top faster than you could say, “The parapet looks a heck of a lot higher than it did during the 35th Reunion.” At the top, Dexter was joined by John Coleman and Oscar Cammuse to lead the class Old Yells. (By the way, the other reunion classes had to follow Dexter’s lead or face massive embarrassment.)

During lunch at Moody Hall, Buddy Bryant ’71 spoke to us about alumni fundraising. My original intent was for Buddy to inform us about current fundraising efforts and to stimulate BRs to participate. The whole idea was blown away earlier at the parade by the Class of 1966 when they pledged $40 million to VMI. So, while Buddy was talking, I could tell what everyone was thinking: “How the heck are we going to beat $40 million in 10 years?”

Jim Joustra said the good news is we are not the Class of 1967. I am not sure what the answer is or how we will accomplish our 50th Reunion goal, but Operation Ocean 1976 will help – stay tuned!

Saturday afternoon was open for everyone to take Lexington carriage or museum tours, to watch “Field of Lost Shoes,” to watch the VMI versus Wofford baseball game or to just relax.

Saturday evening, we rallied at McKethan Park Pavilion #1 – oops, I mean Pavilion #2 – for BR companionship, food, drinks and music by Jeff Hostetter. It was a fitting end to a great reunion weekend!

During the reunion, many BRs said we need the ability to link-up with other BRs as each of us travel around the U.S. Did you know there is an app for that? It is available for Android and iOS phone versions. In Google Play, search for “VMI Alumni” and you will find the VMIAA app from EverTrue. You can find any BR with it. Try it; you’ll like it!

For BRs unable to attend the reunion, Michelle and I sold raffle tickets for a drawing to win a

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handmade (Thank you, Michelle) one-of-a-kind Class of 1976 VMI T-shirt quilt. Bill and Debbie Neal were the lucky winners. We raised over $1,500.00, which will be donated to a charity to be designated by Donna Butterworth and her children in honor of Curtis.

And now the BR minute: In March, during a business trip in the Washington area, John Backe took the time to drop in to see Jack Christy. Jack said, “We had a great time at the Brown Lantern Alehouse in downtown Anacortes, Washington.

John’s business partner had to endure VMI tales, but for his efforts, discovered Kilkenny’s Irish ale on nitro!” Andre Koneczny reported his nephew, William E. Koneczny, was admitted to VMI as part of the Class of 2020. Andre said, “I could not be happier and more proud, as this would be the first legacy going to VMI from my family.” Last but not least, by the time you read these notes Dick William’s son, Michael D. Williams ’16, will have graduated from VMI and commissioned in the U.S. Army!

Before I end these notes, I want to thank everyone for the kind words and support you showed Michelle and I with during the reunion weekend.

It was overwhelming; truly humbling. I look forward to seeing you all again in five years, if not sooner! So, without further ado: I hereby invite all brother rats around the globe to assemble five years from now in Lexington, Virginia, to celebrate Class of 1976 Reunion IX!

1977

Steve Neas

Happy New Market Day! Obviously, you are reading this during the dog days of summer, (If you read this at all; anyone out there? Bueller, Bueller?) but I write on the 39th anniversary of our graduation, New Market Day and, here in the valley of Virginia, today is the last day of potential frost, so today is the day one plants tomatoes. By the time you read this, if you plant, you are tired of squash. I find two squash plants are not enough, but three are too many. A colloquialism I heard last year: “That man is so stingy, he won’t even give away an August squash.” If you grow your own food, you know of what I speak.

Enough of that. I have some correspondence

with BRs which I will recount below: I received a nice letter from Ray Pietruszka.

Ray and Nancy are living in Madison, Alabama.

Ray is retired from the DOA and claims to be in good health and doing well. Ray spends his time working on his stamp collection and visiting the Jersey Shore in his brand-new travel trailer. Ray also sends regards from Mike Guthrie and Herb Fulher. Mike and Herb continue to work together, trying to develop a cold fusion process, I think.

You know how those physicists are.

Max Floyd sends greetings. At the time of his message, he was in the U.S. for a few weeks. Max’s 99-and-a-half-year-old father had recently died.

Max’s father was a World War II veteran and career Air Force officer. Those of you on Facebook saw photos of his burial at Arlington Cemetery with full military honors. Max is still busy working in the Middle East. He works in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, and stays in a local compound during the week. Max and Karen have a nice house in Bahrain, and Max drives to Bahrain every weekend and for the holidays. Karen stays in Bahrain. Max has an amateur radio license in both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and is still very active on the radio.

Max finds Bahrain is nice and Saudi Arabia very conservative.

A business associate of mine was visiting my office on Preston Street in April. He had never been to Lexington before, so I took him for a walk through town. We visited Gen. Lee and then walked over to VMI. Walking down Letcher Avenue was none other than the class president of the best class in barracks, Kimber Latsha. We spoke briefly. How lucky we are to have Kimber as our class president.

I see Mark Bryant occasionally. Mark continues to serve on the officer-in-charge staff. That puts Mark in barracks every other week. I served as OC during my tour on the AROTC staff in the ’80s.

I continue to believe pulling OC duty is the best training available for raising teenagers. Mark also teaches a section of rat biology. Interesting note: While the cadets have not marched to class since the ’80s, the highest ranking cadet in a section is stilled called a section marcher.

Terry Orell sent greetings from Winchester, Virginia. Brenda and Terry have another granddaughter, Zoey, born this past January. The birth just missed Terry’s birthdate by 12 hours. Zoey’s “big sister,” Vivie, is just 2 years old but definitely still rules the roost. Brenda still enjoys teaching at Head Start, and Terry is still enjoying his job with

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Class Notes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Middle East District. His district manages and provides support for all the corps construction projects in the Middle East and Africa, which now means primarily in Afghanistan and, to a lesser extent, Iraq. Terry finds his work fulfilling and challenging. Terry sees retirement in another year or two. Terry’s father died last fall just a week shy of his 91st birthday, and his mother will be 92 in August, but she now has terminal lung cancer. Prayers for Terry and his mother.

Terry is still doing weekend section hiking on the Appalachian Trail whenever the weather cooperates. He now has completed almost 400 continuous miles from Duncannon, Pennsylvania, down to Bedford County, Virginia – usually a small 10 to 12 mile section at a time. Terry and Brenda recently got together with Glenn and Becky Trimmer in Stafford, Virginia. While the girls shopped, Glenn and Terry explored the Stafford Civil War Park, which Glenn was instrumental in making a reality. Terry reported that it is an impressive Civil War park, which actually was the Union Army’s “Valley Forge.” Glenn expended a lot of his time and effort in that place. If any BRs are ever in that area and have some time, they should check it out.

Terry offers up Glenn to give personal tours of the place anytime.

Terry’s parting words were, “I still find it hard to believe we’ll be facing our 40th Reunion next year. Where has the time gone? Steve, we’re all turning into old men, and there’s nothing we can do about it but enjoy the time we have here and now.” Amen!

Tim Thompson continues to offer heroic service to boys and girls in Virginia Beach with his Dragon Force Karate training. “Sensei” Thompson and his Dragon Force National Karate Demo Team won the Grand Champion Team Demo Trophy and first place gold medals at the 2016 Grand Slam Open National Sport Karate Championships. They also won the first place Team Demo Trophy at the 2016 East Coast Martial Arts Championships. Tim is also getting ready for his award-winning karate summer camp program for karate kids at his Ryoshin-Kan Karate School in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Super ’77’s highest ranking officer recently retired from service. General Mom Luang Prasobchai Kasemsant was a five star general and minister of defense in Thailand. Kasemsant’s faculty adviser was Col. Jamison ’57 – no wonder he did so well. He actually graduated in 1976 as top of

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the graduating class in overall academic achievement, in civil engineering and in mathematics, and was awarded the First Jackson-Hope Medal, Robert W. Carrier Award and John H. French Award.

More about BR Kasemsant and his career will be in the next Alumni Review.

Ralph George gave a report on the first annual Super ’77 Winter Games in Florida. You may remember an email I sent with Ralph’s invitation to all golfers, who wanted to venture to Florida. This was the inaugural event. Mad Dog Jim Bentley could not make the outing, so Ralph took pains to place Mad Dog’s rat portrait in a place of honor over the toilet in each bathroom of their house.

The 2016 competitors were J.J. Marshall, Billy Hupp, Joe Santelli, Tom Underhill, Hobie Andrews, Tommy Cole, Bobby McQueen, Buzzy Northern, Buster Pace, Ed Rodriquez, Freddie and Ralph. The group played at Copperhead in Clearwater exactly one week after the PGA Valspar Open was held there. The course was in great shape and the fences and stands still in place saving many a ’77 errant shot, especially Marshall’s!

The group started on a Thursday night at Tampa’s Top Golf facility, drinking beer and driving golf balls. The games package included three days of golf, one night at Bern’s Steakhouse (third best in country), a blast with liar’s poker cleaning out Buzzy, an evening at Hard Rock, more gambling and then two hours sitting at a better-than-CrozetHall all-you-can-eat buffet, except for the one who was winning a couple of thou, all fulfilling. To add to the event’s enjoyment and safety, Billy Hupp rented a great party bus each evening for transport to evening venues. I have not read the police report, but I understand a good time was had by all.

This will be an annual event; please keep a watch out for further information for the 2017 games. I am quite sure the wives will be happy to get all of you out of the house for a few days.

Steve Billingsley reported that Glenn Davidson and his wife, Toni, live in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where Glenn runs GTD Services, a company he started in 1994. GTD specializes in specialty piping for hospitals, medical facilities and nursing homes. Glenn’s projects include work at Johns Hopkins, Fort Detrick and Fort Belvoir. He and Toni have four children (two sons and two daughters) and seven grandkids ranging in age from six months to 16 years. One son is in the Marine Corps and the other son works with Glenn. One daughter spent 15 years in the Navy and is now raising her family, and the youngest daughter is

a pastor of a church in North Jersey.

Good men are hard to find, and members of the best class in barracks are sought-after prizes. After the very sad and tragic death of Steve Kelly’s wife, Debbie, Steve has found a new love, Mauri.

He will be married by the mini reunion to a lovely Christian woman he used to date at VMI. Mauri is Dianne Howell’s cousin. Mauri and Steve started talking in November, started dating later and recently got engaged. Mauri lives in Stokesdale, North Carolina, on the Duke Power Lake, and Steve will relocate there after they are married.

Steve has agreed to work with me on a board I serve on. The board supports a Christian camp in western North Carolina. The camp is called Glory Ridge. The founder of the camp, Rev. George Moore, presided in the marriage of Bill Talley.

Bill’s wife is the grandchild of George’s sister – small world. The camp hosts church groups that do mission work in the summer and holds various retreats during the fall and spring. Having Steve involved “ups” our game.

I hope all will consider attending the fall mini reunion Oct. 1. Plans are underway, so stay tuned.

Steve Billingsley tells me Glenn’s Philly-style cheesesteaks may be added to the menu this year.

I think Paul Ferrell and Steve already have our tailgate site staked out.

I am also beginning to think about our 40th, planned for April 2017. Please forward me your thoughts how that should be conducted.

Sincerely, Steve

1978

Tom Brown 1

Salutations to the class that matriculated 42 years ago this month; yes, it has been over four decades. Makes you feel young, right? For me, it has been sending birthday cards recognizing so many 60th birthdays. I greatly appreciate the response to the “status slip” I sent out. If you did not get one, please let me know your preferred email, and I will make sure you get the little pink slip that we all looked forward to during our cadetship. Those responding with an “all right” are in the clear. There is no special coming your way.

Now on with the news/status reports:

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Tom Sliwoski: “All right in Staunton! My Cup soccer competition. Something about be- spring. We went to the VMI versus The Citadel daughter finished her first year at Randolph Col- ing 61 hampered my ability to convince anyone football game last fall and had a great time, despite lege. Son is wrapping up his sophomore year in I could still play, so I drank beer with my son in- the score.”

Bob Jenvey: “I am all right in Richmond.” high school.” stead.”

Mike McCarthy: “I have completed/graduated “Chops” Parker: “I am back working overseas Ron Lee: “Still working for Norfolk Southern the Defense Senior Leader Development Program in Taiwan, still with Bechtel. The island has not and living in Virginia Beach.” and been promoted to GS 15. Along with the prolost its old-school charm from when I lived there Gerry Robinson: “All good here. San Fran25 years back. My daughter, Eva, had her first cisco Bay area. Running construction projects at motion, I have been reassigned to the Army Capacommunion, and dad was there to bilities Integration Center at Fort Euspresent his princess. My oldest son, tis, Virginia. I am now the chief of the Robert Jr., and wife Anesthesia had LandWarNet Division and have retheir first child, my first granddaughsponsibility for managing the requireter; her name is Vivienne – brilliant, ments portfolio for all Army tactical mais oui!” radios and networks, all things Cyber Mike Eaton: “I am OK ... we live and all Army space (stuff like GPS). I in Augusta, Georgia, and I still work am living on post at Fort Eustis with as a site manager for BAE Systems. a 2-and-a-half minute commute to the My fellow BR and Cold Steel Charley office.”

BR, Steve Thompson, lives about 5 Bob Magnan: “Life is good. In April, miles away. We have gotten together a I had my left hip replaced. This makes couple of times. Three years til retireit both hips and both knees, as well as Class of 1978: From left, Stu Gitchell, Ned Reister, Glenn Dal- four additional procedures on the right ment.” linger and Rick Wolffe at the Volunteer Leadership Conference knee, including a total revision. At Jay Hutt: “All right – Lynchburg.” in April 2016. long last, I am relearning how to walk Scott Brewster: “All right, San Diwithout a walker. It’ll be a while, but ego, California.” it’s going to happen. I then suppose I Dave Wrenn: “I am currently sitting will no longer have an excuse to ditch at my desk at 20th Chemical, BiologiRick Wolffe when he organizes an cal, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives alumni event nearby; my excuse every Command on the Edgewood Area of time in the past few years has been eiAberdeen Proving Ground. I work as a government contractor supporting ther that I’m in the hospital or just out counter-IED training for the Army. and recovering. I am now waiting like My roommate, Don Hogge, is just a kid at Christmas for the FedEx man a few miles up the road at the North to show up; he should be bringing my Area of Aberdeen Proving Ground; long overdue replacement for my VMI we both work for Booz Allen Hamring. I can’t wait.”

Paul Campbell: “All right, Colonial ilton. My other roommate, Gene Heights, Virginia.”

Sveum, is not too far away, as he’s an Bryant Streett: “I’m still in SpringSES with the Air Marshall Service at Baltimore-Washington International Class of 1978: Present at Tony Pileggi’s barbecue were, from field, Virginia.” left, standing, Bruce Kay, Tim Moriarty, Bill McCampbell, DaAirport. I stay out of trouble by per- vid Wrenn, Jim Mackin, Tony Pileggi, Bob Longwell and Allen Allen Moore: “I’m still here in Berryville living the good life on the forming with two local bands, The Moore. Kneeling: Mark Engle and Michael Bragale.

Shenandoah. All’s well.”

Montgomery Village Community John H. Tucker: “All right, Columbus, Ohio.

Band, a 75-piece wind orchestra (a shoutout to Stanford. My oldest just finished his ‘rat’ year at All right.”

Band Company), in which I play baritone sax Arizona State – right! Dorms look like a five-star Ron Dolan: “All right, Alexandria, Minnesota. (a shoutout to Al Moore); and the Montgomery luxury hotel. I’m still officiating college and high Blue Notes, an 18-piece jazz band (a shoutout to school football for a few more years, or until the Just back from a motorcycle trip to Key West.

Became a grandfather (fifth time) with our new the VMI Commanders) in which I play tenor sax legs give out.” (and a final shoutout to Steve Burns).”

Chuck Early: “All right, Bradenton, Florida. All granddaughter, Aria. Completed trip to Florida and motorcycle ride to Key West and enjoyed John Forsyth: “All good on the western front – right!” many wonderful sunsets and beach time. Continustill in Germany, but only for one remaining year.

Brad Kitts: “All right, Hays, North Carolina.”

Went to VMI on a whim a scant four weeks ago Garry Brumback: “All right! Jennifer and I are ing work on commercial space initiatives in D.C. thinking I’d join a team and play in the Conway still in Southington, Connecticut, and enjoying the and working with Capitol Hill on legislation. Will

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Class Notes travel to Maui for 35th wedding anniversary in July.”

Jimmy Leech: “All right and still in Corpus Christi. I have been slow to embrace Facebook but enjoy keeping up with the guys now that I am a little more active. Not much new to report. I’d like to report that I am in an ‘all right place’ ... but I’m at work, and there’s nothing all right about that.”

Jim Mackin: “Still living in Burke, Virginia, and working as a contractor supporting the intelligence community. Looking ahead to my youngest daughter’s 2018 college graduation and then my retirement. My fiancée, Regina, and I bought a nice house in the Outer Banks in 2013, and we will head there permanently as soon as we both can afford to stop working. It’s in Kill Devil Hills/ Colington Harbour, on a ridge overlooking the sound ... the sunsets are spectacular!”

Alec Earle: “All right, Sevierville, Tennessee.

We’re in our motor home headed toward Maine then into Canada for a 60-day trip through the Canadian Maritime Provinces. We had dinner with Ralph and Mary Williams while passing through San Antonio. He is enjoying retirement and spending time tinkering with his many classic Cadillac cars. Our almond farm in California is doing well. The ample spring rains have really given the trees a good start. I attended the April VMI Foundation Board of Trustees meeting and it was an excellent event as always. Brian Crockett, the Foundation chief executive officer, has announced his retirement in January 2017, so the search is beginning for his replacement. Sheila and I will also attend the board of trustees off-site being held in Williamsburg in June.”

I had the pleasure of the seeing a parade with, Glenn Dallinger, Rick Wolffe, Stu Gitchell and Ned Reister in April at the Volunteer Leadership Conference. Glenn is still in Florida, Rick enjoys his place in Lexington, Stu is working and living in Abingdon and Ned is still head of the civil engineering department.

Jim Simons sent along the following annual report of the work done by the VMI fishing club and its spring conservation event: “For the past six years, the VMI fishing club has sponsored various conservation projects in conjunction with VMI’s spring FTX, the scope of which has grown with each passing year. What began as one-day stream cleanups have evolved into multiday projects working for various government agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

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and this year, the Virginia Department of Forestry.

“This year’s project focused on habitat improvement on Moore’s Creek, a small stream located in the newly established Moore’s Creek State Forest.

The stream is about 10 miles from Lexington and supports a naturally reproducing population of brook trout. The cadets were assigned the task of constructing various stream bank retention walls, rip-rap dams and other structures intended to increase water depth, improve aeration and enhance the overall habitat, the ultimate goal being to promote the self-sustaining population of brook trout inhabiting the stream.

“In preparation for FTX, in February, members of the VMI fishing club had participated in a small training exercise on Colliers Creek, which bounds my property line. After securing the cooperation of my neighbors, the cadets were provided instruction and on-the-job training in stream habitat improvement techniques by Professor Robert Humston of Washington and Lee University. The cadets constructed a series of structures designed to divert water flow, stabilize the stream banks and provide shelter for fish. Fingerling brook trout were subsequently stocked in the stream in the hope of reestablishing a sustainable population of trout.

“The ranks of the fishing club, thinned by commitments to the ROTC FTX, prompted club members to recruit additional volunteers from the Corps of Cadets in the weeks leading up to FTX. “When we took to the field April 1, the FTX detachment was comprised of 23 cadets, supported by seven VMI advisors. Our ranks were reinforced by 12 Washington and Lee University students drawn from the W&L fly fishers, led by Professor Humston. Personnel for the Virginia Department of Forestry were on-site to direct the project work.

“In addition to myself, VMI advisors included Col. Lee Dewald (faculty adviser), Joe Irby ’85 and Jamie Joyner ’95, as well as local club supporters, Mike Smith, Art Kuehne (U.S. Naval Academy ’73) and Rich Illes. Technical assistance and site supervision was provided by environmental consultant Larry Mohn of Shenandoah Streamworks LLC and Tom Zaebst of the Virginia Department of Forestry.

“Absolutely nothing related to this project was easy. Bureaucratic entanglements impeded the sixmonth planning process from the outset, almost ending it before it even started. Immediate access to the project sites was denied to us by a local landowner, which threatened to shut the entire project

down at the ‘11th hour,’ but persistence paid off, and thanks to some last minute help from the U.S. Forest Service, which allowed us to establish our bivouac on the adjacent National Forest lands, everything came together just days before FTX was to commence.

“The conservation project on Moore’s Creek was supported by a three-day bivouac, which was my primary responsibility as the club’s de facto S-4. I’d never supported an operation of this scale before, and while assembling the equipment and cooking the meals necessary to support a team of this size in the field for three days was challenging – especially when the weather turned bad Friday night – all in all, it went off without a hitch.

“The three-day bivouac had the cadets sleeping in shelter-halves, the advisers housed either in the command post, an Army GP-Small, or other tents. The entire operation was supported by a complete field kitchen, which included a doit-yourself drum barbecue pit, the material for its stainless steel grille generously provided by Penn Stainless Products of Quakertown, Pennsylvania.

“Cutoff from the project sites, the detachment hiked the 3 miles from the bivouac area to the project work area loaded down with their rucksacks, tools, chain saws, gas and other equipment necessary to undertake their assigned tasks. The older advisers couldn’t help but draw parallels to the Ho Chi Minh Trail and the Bataan Death March.

“In terms of the primary objective, the cadets accomplished far more than what was expected of them, as has been the case in preceding years.

“The VDOF had identified 16 project sites, advising us at the outset that they anticipated that the team would complete three to four of them. By day’s end, the cadets and their W&L counterparts had completed the work at 14 of the 16 project sites.

“Upon return to the bivouac area, the cadets celebrated the successful completion of their FTX project with a barbequed chicken dinner and spent the evening gathered around the campfire.

On Sunday morning, the cadets were granted GP, some electing to hike the 3 miles back to the Lexington Reservoir to fish, others choosing to remain in camp and relax. Upon breaking camp that afternoon, the detachment was treated to a postFTX barbecue at the nearby home of Steve Neas ’77 before returning to barracks.

“Upon their return to VMI, several cadets remarked that they had never had so much fun over the course of their time at VMI, which is truly

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Win Higginbotham ’14, is a first lieutenant stationed in Alaska and loving it up there. We hope to be able to visit him sometime this summer.”

Thanks for writing, Phyllis, and all you other “most significant others” for picking up the slack of our less-than energetic BRs! Evidently Tom Bright had a little late midlife crisis by purchasing an RV-8 (a tandem two-seat, single-engine, low-wing homebuilt aircraft).

Tom says he started building an RV-4 in 1992 but Michael Ogden never finished it and that he always has wanted a plane since he started flying in 1981. Tom wrote, “She’s a beauty! Purchased from Mike Snider, a Grand Ole Opry entertainer, and flew her back from Nashville to Scranton, Pennsylvania.” BeHappy New Market Day, and congratulations to ing a pilot with no airplane, I am both envious and happy for Tom! the Class of 2016! Hope this finds everyone safe and well and ready for a fun summer.

Dave Riedel penned, “I just finished spending a night at Hotel Moody last David Smith wrote, “Linda and I weekend (May 7-8) with my No. 4 moved from Leesburg to Ashburn (6 miles) in September, and things young adult, Nick. We were taking a are still settling in place. We gained steam train excursion from Roanoke a bedroom but lost an attic, and you to Lynchburg Saturday and had to never realize how much unused but be in Roanoke by 7 a.m. A night at memorable stuff you have until you Moody beats four years in barracks lose an attic. My health seems to (of course, the two go hand-in-hand). be good (thank God), even though Anyway, as we got back from dinner I don’t have the energy to lose the Friday night, who should rap on weight I need to. The doctors have my door but Mike Staso. He was said the test results are good, but it’ll in country conducting some busibe another 3-and-a-half years before ness in northern Virginia and made they can say I’m cancer-free. Tell it down to the ‘I’ to see the place folks that X-rays may be ‘harmless,’ while the Corps was still in. We had but when you get cancer, the docs Class of 1979: Bob “Stosh” Morris and Pete Alvarez posed by a pretty good visit, and I found that a British Centurion Tank at the Australian War Memorial on ask several times if you got a lot of Mike is semi-retired – rapidly movFounders Day. X-rays as a child. So keep your kids ing toward full time – but spends a (grandkids) away from that harmless lot of time overseas, predominantly stuff. I was doing traffic and crowd Southeast Asia. He is looking good. control for the city of Winchester I was impressed that this time when two weekends ago for the Apple on post, all of the Corps was very Blossom Festival in my role in the engaging and cordial toward visitors Virginia Defense Force. Fifteen – for college students, VMI cadets hours a day for two days, and it was can give you a great sense of hope over. No ISIS, no suicides, no politifor the next generation. My youngcal dramas, no problem. Still underest son, John, who is a rising senior employed, but employed. C’est ca.” at Rappahannock High School, is Thanks David, and great news about strongly considering VMI for studying chemistry, so maybe I’ll be down still cancer-free! there more frequently in the years Is now a good time to remind everyone about annual physicals? Hmm? Class of 1979: Bob “Stosh” Morris and Pete Alvarez posed by the to come.” Adding note from Mike Phyllis (writing for Jay, thank you pine tree at the Australian War Memorial on Founders Day. The Staso: “Winding down my stay in tree is from a seed taken from the original lone pine that was the very much) Higginbotham sent, only tree left standing after one of the major Gallipoli Battles. the States for the summer with plans to start traveling again overseas in “Things are going well with us. saying something, as all of the cadets were either 1st or 2nd Class cadets.”

That brings to a close the status and news from around the class. I hope everyone has had a great summer. Remember to send news of your happenings, too. You can also follow the class on Facebook at VMI 78.

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2016-Issue 3

(Hope I’m not jinxing anything by saying that Friday the 13th!) Our youngest child, Sumner, will be graduating summa cum laude from the College of William & Mary this weekend! He is finishing in only three years and majored in accounting, with a minor in history. He will continue at the University of Virginia in the fall in the masters of accounting program. We are almost finished with tuition! Our second oldest child, Meg, a high school English teacher in Oakton, will be completing her master’s degree in English this summer and will be graduating from the BreadLoaf School of English program of Middlebury College. Our oldest, Hunter, was married to Charity last summer, and they are nearby in Lynchburg and have just about finished up repainting and redecorating their house! And, last but not least, our third child,

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Class Notes July. Entering the third year of my overseas retirement, and the only thing I can say is that I should have started doing it earlier!”So envious!

Doug Doerr met up with Pete Underwood “a few weeks ago,” gathering research for his book. Doug was able to meet with him and Phil Southers at Giorgio’s Family Restaurant, and all had a nice time catching up. Doug adds “May 14, I finished a 50-mile ride-the Cap2Cap annual ride between Richmond and Williamsburg. It was a delightful day for a bike ride.

“I had planned to head to VMI Sunday for New Market Day; however, work dictated otherwise. It was a big disappointment, and I appreciated the pictures that you posted on Facebook and the ones that Tom Manley had sent me. John Poffenbarger’s nephew and Tom Manley’s nephew are now graduates with the Class of ’16. I’m so very proud of all of them.

Many are after me to schedule a northern Virginia/Maryland BR breakfast, so I better get it done in June.” Thanks, Doug. Looking forward to the June breakfast invite!

John Colonna writes with big news. “Looks like 2016 is going to be the year of the grandchildren for Teresa and me. Our son, David, and his wife, Natalie, are expecting their second daughter in August. Billy and Holly are expecting twins in late October. This is truly an answer to prayer for them after having their son Benjamin live only 10 weeks last year. All four of our grandchildren will live in the area, so Teresa and I are ecstatic. Our daughter, Debbie, graduates from high school this year and will be going off to Geneva College north of Pittsburgh in the fall. What would have been an ‘empty nest’ is going to be full of grandbabies. Teresa and I traveled to Hilton Head in March to attend the wedding of Ray and Shelly Duffett’s daughter, Dana. It was a beautiful wedding. Ray did an amazing job on the father/ daughter dance. On our way down to the wedding, we stopped off to see Dolphin Overton in Wilson, North Carolina. My favorite cardiologist is doing well. In August, we’ll be heading up to Richmond for the wedding of Dan and Patrice Foster’s daughter, Jackie. Bob Norris and I text each other all the time with the most recent pictures of our grandchildren. Bob’s daughter, Danielle, and her husband have a son, Ollie, about the same age as our granddaughter, Skylar. Bob (or Grandbob, as he is known) and Dana are enjoying being grandparents every bit as much as Teresa and I.” Congratulations on all the new

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arrivals, and we really appreciate the word on fellow BRs you have managed to meet up with!

The always reliable notes contributor John Kailey checked in with, “Not a lot to report this time, other than finishing up lacrosse season.

Yes, I did lose some weight, and I am preparing to walk the Appalachian Trail a couple of times this year. Just like at VMI, up until this year, I have failed to take advantage of the natural beauty near where I live northwest of Atlanta. The Corps of Engineers has a couple of parks that are well kept secrets; the dog and I have enjoyed numerous hikes this spring.

Only taken me 14 years to start enjoying the scenery; oh, well, better late than never. Working for Uncle Sam and starting to think about what I want to do when I grow up and retire.”

John Arthur linked-up with Dan Kornacki at the Army Aviation Association of America annual symposium, held this year in Atlanta (April 28-30), to observe just how Army aviation conducts “evening social activities.” John traveled from Hampton Roads for the symposium, and Dan lives in the Atlanta area.

For those in the northern Virginia area who have seen the Rouse Swim and Sport Center in Stafford County, some trivia: Worth Bugg ’07 was the project manager for Bill Loughridge’s [’65] Loughridge & Company, LLC and were “helped out” by our own Jeff Goldhard.

Ben Bauman is still splitting time between Georgia and Virginia while working for Army G-1 in Crystal City. Big news, as he and Tracy plan on a small July wedding! (I say again: Wedding!) How many invited BRs still equates to “small?” Ben’s oldest daughter, Alana (in the U.S. Air Force), has finished her first year of Mandarin Chinese language school at Defense Language Institute (Presidio) and will complete the course in November before heading to her next assignment. Ben says the rest of the family is doing well. (I say again; Wedding!)

Chuck Smith checked in with, “Only report I can give is that the dean of VMI appears to be working too hard. I tried to get Jeff out for a home baseball game this week when passing through Lexington, but he was seriously sick in quarters, yet still trying to work. Never say die!”

Stosh Morris and Pete Alvarez connected in Australia recently where they co-taught a course on “something they can’t disclose to people they can’t tell you about for reasons that you are not allowed to know.” Fortunately, no emails over

private servers were exchanged, and no walls were constructed to keep out Americans. While there, they visited the Australian War Memorial and gained great insights into the Australian participation in the U.S. Civil War, after which they sang “Dixie” with the Australians without any retribution and received assurances that no Civil War monuments in Australia would be removed. Spotts was not there but wished he was.

Uncle Stosh; entertaining as always.

I was honored with commissioning one of my Eastern Shore of Virginia “rats,” now 2nd Lt. Brandon Fleming ’16, into the Army on New Market Day. What an absolute honor! I had commissioned his dyke, now 1st Lt. Clay Lewin ’13, into the Marine Corps three years earlier. I was literally on post for two hours; just long enough to do the commissioning, take the obligatory pictures and say, “Hey,” to Jeffrey Smith. (I parked in front of his quarters!) I also ran into and chatted up Tom Manley. Beautiful spring day; post looked awesome, and I would have loved to have made a weekend out of it, but “the day job” was not cooperating.

A tad light on notes inputs this time around.

I can’t make it up, so drop me a line or four or five and let us know what’s up next go ’round.

Stay well.

–M

1980

John Gibney Jr.

Hello, Brother Rats, These notes cover the period Feb. 16, 2016, through May 15, 2016. As I type, the VMI school year is drawing to a close.

February was very quiet. I received only one set of email messages, from Walt Wood, who forwarded to me an email from Kevin Cordray. Kevin’s message contained the details of the funeral service for Dave Sheahan. Dave died last summer.

His funeral service was held in Memphis, Tennessee, April 2.

March began with a call with Gary Levenson.

Gary is VMI’s deputy commandant. Gary said he saw Pat Griffin a few weeks earlier.

I spoke with Chal Glenn. Chal and Robin have three children who all graduated from Clemson

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes University. They attended the national They sold their apartment and have championship football game in Janurelocated to a lake community about a one-hour drive north of ary in Arizona. Otherwise, Chal reRichmond. We also met their new ported that life is good. dog, Hudson, who we learned TanTim Mecredy sent an email saying that he and Becky were traveling from ya enrolled in swimming lessons, as their home in Augusta, Georgina, to the dog will now be living on a lake.

New York City in April to participate I spoke with Rob Quarles in rein the Five Boro Bike Tour. More on sponse to a text message. Rob’s their visit later. Coincidently, on the son, Fielding, will be a rat at VMI same day, Hal Snyder sent an email in August. Rob discussed attending asking for Tim’s email address.

Dave Sheahan’s funeral. Rob also Frank Hilton called while I was in said that he ran into Tim Cox at the a cab with news about Scott Sayre. I Atlanta airport. Tim runs a family received details from Scott – read on. business. Finally, Rob said that he I spoke with John Caplice on his and Mike Luning are planning their birthday. John and Margie live in Rich- Class of 1980: Roy Sadler “’80-1” and George Condyles ’80 annual get-together at VMI this fall; most likely in October. mond, where the mild winter allowed aboard George’s boat, “F-Troop.”

Pat Griffin called on his birthday. them to put their boat in the water.

They have a house on the Chesapeake Bay where University and lives and works in Los Angeles in Pat elaborated on visiting VMI with his son, they see Hugh Fain, Jay Melvin and Tolar Nolley. the film and television industry. Sally is in seventh John. Pat also said that he tried to visit with Gary John said that both business and life are very good. grade. Hugh is the president of the VMI Founda- Levenson, but Gary was ill. Pat also said that the Tom Bersson sent an email containing a photo. tion Board, a position he expects to hold through mild winter has allowed him to start working on his boat at his Rhode Island beach house.

Tom attended the VMI at Old Dominion Univer- June 2017.

Tim and Becky Mecredy made it to New sity basketball game March 22 with Josh Priest, April began with an email from Dave SheahDixon Tucker and Bob White. an’s brother, Dan ’79. Dan thanked our class for York City and participated in the Five Boro I spoke with Hugh Fain on his birthday. Hugh sending flowers to Dave’s funeral service and for Bike Tour. I met them in lower Manhattan, as and Renee also live in Richmond. Hugh said that providing challenge coins that were affixed to their hotel was near my office. We toured the Renee is enjoying being retired from practicing Dave’s cremation box. One coin was affixed to 9/11 Memorial Museum and had dinner at a law and that the mild weather allowed them to use each side, showing both sides of the coin. Dan restaurant on the Hudson River with a view of the Statue of Liberty. Tim runs a medical practheir weekend home. Their daughter, Joyce, was also thanked Rob Quarles for attending. married last June. Audrey graduated from Boston I spoke with Gary Levenson, who reported tice in Augusta, Georgia.

I received email messages and photos from seeing Pat Griffin again. Pat was at VMI with his son, John, who wants to attend VMI in Au- George Condyles. George and Harriet live in the Richmond area but spend much of their gust 2017. Pat’s older son, Michael, is Class of 2017. Gary also said that he saw Rob Quarles. summer at their home on Smith Mountain More on Rob later. Finally, Gary and Karen Lake. They visited with Walt and Mary Lynne are planning to bring their grandson, Tyler, to Wood when Walt and Mary Lynne visited Walt’s mother’s home in Ashland, Virginia.

New York City at the end of July.

Elliott Wolffe sent an email in response to my George and Harriet have two daughters. Their question about attending the PGA Champion- younger daughter, Allison, lives in Washingship in July. The tournament will be held at Bal- ton, D.C., and works for the Federal Reserve tusrol, where Elliott is a member. Elliott will be Bank as an information technology analyst. working at the fourth hole as a marshal. We are Their older daughter, Laura, is a captain in the U.S. Army stationed at Ft. Eustis, Virginia. trying to fit a round of golf into our schedules.

April began with a call with John Alerding Last summer, Laura was married to Ira Houck on his birthday. John and Anne live in Lexing- ’08, who worked with Robby Jones to design ton and both work at VMI. Anne is a professor their engagement ring and wedding bands. in the biology department, and John teaches Robby is a jeweler in Lexington. A photo of Class of 1980: Bob White, Tom Bersin the physics department. Tim Hodges is the the wedding appeared in a prior issue of the son, Josh Priest and Dixon Tucker at Alumni Review. George will be leading a tour chair of the physics department. the VMI versus Old Dominion Univerfor his church to Israel, Turkey, Greece, Malta Patti and I had dinner at a steakhouse in lowsity basketball game March 22, 2016. er Manhattan with Matthew and Tanya Keys. and Italy in October and November.

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Class Notes gear with the imminent arrival of the April closed with an email from Corps. We have our 35th Reunion in Pat McCarthy containing the calone month. endar of his mission trip to AlbaBrian Quisenberry shared that he, nia in May. Jessica, Morgan and Catherine, along I received only one email in May, with his parents, Lt. Col. and Mrs. from Dave Hageman, containing Henry L. Quisenberry ’51 (Jackie), a link to article about his wife, Diattended the VMI versus Samford ana, a social worker at New Haven University basketball game at SamHigh School in Michigan, and the work she does to support homeless ford’s Hannah Center. The team batstudents. tled hard the entire game and almost I also spoke with Scott Sayre. overcame a 17 point deficit in the Scott and Mary run a business in second half. Brian also saw Jonathan the Lexington area. Scott said that “Aaron” Sims ’98 and Justin Wood business is expanding. Scott also ’00. explained that the reason Frank Dan Gallagher shared that he is Hilton called was because Scott has looking forward to reconnecting with been elected chairman of the Sixth BRs at the 35th Reunion. He and his Congressional Republican District Class of 1981: The Class of 1981 mini reunion March 6, 2016, at wife, Laura, celebrated their 28th Committee which represents the the Nautilus Diner in Clifton, Maryland. wedding anniversary April 16, 2016.

19 cities and counties found up and Their son, Matthew, is an SP4 in down the I-81 corridor, including the North Carolina National Guard Lexington and Rockbridge County.

Combat Engineers. Matthew spent Congrats, Scott! the spring at the National TrainMy birthday falls at the end of the ing Center getting some “character reporting period. Thanks to John building” in the desert. Dan started Alerding for the text message and to a new company, CarolinaCustomWade Stinnette for the call.

Made.com, which makes wood art Lastly, thanks to Steve and Cathy (high end, “highly figured” desk sets, Andrews for the card and the gift. kitchen sets, cremation urns, etc.).

Their younger daughter, Caroline, Dan wrote that he “is dealing with a sophomore at Clemson, did a seaging ... poorly: Knee replacement mester abroad at Melbourne UniClass of 1981: Jessica, Morgan, Catherine and Brian Quisenber- and now facing recommended back versity. Steve and Cathy combined a ry, along with Brian’s parents, Lt. Col. Henry L. Quisenberry ’51 fusion.”

John Dixon is happy to report that late 25th anniversary present and a and Jackie, attended the VMI versus Samford University basall is well on Gwynn’s Island. He put visit with Caroline to travel to Mel- ketball game Feb. 20, 2016, at Samford’s Hannah Center. three crab pots off his dock in early May, and bourne and Sydney. While there, they purchased he immediately started catching some very a kangaroo hand puppet wearing red boxing nice crabs. His wife, Patricia (a Baltimore girl), gloves and a yellow necktie, which now resides in ordered John to make several more crab pots our New York City apartment in anticipation of the summer onslaught! Their Thank you for your continuing support. Enjoy cavachon puppy, Molly, is ready for warmer your summer, and please keep in touch.

Bay water temperatures, as is John. John teaches chemistry and physics along with other science courses, including a fun class about the Trip Lloyd Chesapeake Bay, at Veritas Preparatory School in Williamsburg. The school has a great staff with several former Army and Air Force officers, and the school is growing! John reported he is looking forward to tackling several projClass of 1981: Melissa Williams ’01 and ects around the house and playing a lot of golf Dear Brother Rats and Families, Trip Lloyd as cast members of the Virthis summer.

We are in the grip of summer in the Old ginia Renaissance Faire.

On May 7, our lieutenant governor, Ralph Dominion. The Institute is swinging into high

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes my enrolling at VMI. Also, Mr. Tom Handy ’50B was a fellow resident of Covenant Woods and a friend of my parents’. And then we had the usual crowd of Jeff and Tara Modisett, Bob and Kathy Louthan, and Emmett and Lynn Heltzel. Thanks to all who made comments on the class Facebook page.

Forgive me for getting my visits confused, but at one time while in town and away from the family stress events, I was able to get more classmates to come out for a relaxed dinner at the Bell Cafe, in MechanClass of 1981: At the Virginia Gold Cup Races near Warrenton, Virginia, Will Council May 7, 2016, the Gold Cup trophy was presented by Virginia Lt. Gov. icsville, Virginia. John Reese, Bob Ralph Northam ’81 for the featured race of the day. Pictured, from left, and Kathy Louthan, Emmitt and were Wayne Eastham ’76, Ralph Northam ’81 and Will Allison ’53.

Lynn Heltzel with daughter Caroline, Dave Kohler, Robert Klenke, father did ultimately die after we were certain he Tara Modisett, (Jeff was sleeping it off), and was on the path to recovery. Had a good turn out Scott Crumpler. John could not stay long, as Hello BRs, from the Richmond VMI crowd his life celebra- he was heading to his first class on becoming Hope everyone is having a wonderful spring. tion, and I was pleased to see several from my for- a ham radio operator. He has joined the Ghost The wacky weather here in Tennessee has us lookmer church who were also part of the VMI family. Busters, a paranormal group, but has yet to see ing for shorts and sweaters and storm shelters. It Jimmy Woo ’70 was a new member since I had any ectoplasmic ooze. He is slowly working on has been an eventful 2016 in my household so far. left Richmond but knew my parents well. Jimmy his bucket list. Dave Kohler just returned from a If you recall from the last set of notes, I was runElliott ’79 was in our dykes’ class, which I had vacation to Vietnam with his brother. Dave said ning back and forth to Richmond because of paforgotten about, and Mark Bryant ’78, who I had some of our fellow BRs would be horrified to see rental health issues in January and February. My not seen in many years and played a big part in him sporting communist flag while there. I called Bob Klenke to get him away from his computer engineering labs at Virginia Commonwealth University. Although we were at opposite ends of the table, I know Bob has earned his Ph.D. and enjoys

Northam, presented at the Virginia Gold Cup Races near Warrenton, Virginia, for the featured race of the day.

Jeff Adler arranged a Class of ’81 brunch at the Nautilus Diner in Crofton, Maryland, Sunday, March 6. Seventeen BRs attended.

Trip Lloyd is the assistant director of the Virginia Renaissance Faire. One of his castmates is Melissa Williams ’01.

1982

Class of 1982: A gathering in early spring of the Class of ’82 class officers in Richmond. Harry Bitzburger was in town for a volleyball coaching clinic and was able to break away for some fellowship with Jeff Modisett and Robert Louthan.

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Class of 1982: Legacy cadets Wainwright ’16 and Fudge ’16 with Joe Buchelle ’82 at an Army ROTC Dining In at the Institute. Class Agent Will Council said of this photo, “Joe was surprised to find himself sitting across from the sons of two brother rats.”

Class of 1982: Tom McCune and Eric Odderstol caught up for lunch in Chicago.

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Class Notes being in front of the classroom. Tara was there to Collier and his wife! Their son is in his senior pilot. In fact, their twin boys were born two days before his 20-year service date/retirement. Yes, represent her husband, who was sleeping in after year at the Air Force Academy (News to us, staying up all night to finish a business proposal. Richard!) and plays on the lacrosse team, so they John said, “Timing is everything!” So he took the (Jeff! You are working too hard!) Bob and Kathy flew from Atlanta to watch the match. It didn’t flight suit off and put on Michael Keaton “Mr. were talking about getting his dad ready for his go well for VMI. The final score was 3-13; they Mom” clothes to be a full-time dad and help his spring 75th Reunion. Unfortunately, Mr. Lou- played well, but game scores flip-flop from year wife continue onward in her career. About that wife ... she is Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson, U.S. Air than ’41 died shortly after this event following a to year. We’ll beat them next year.

John said it is the first time he has ever run into Force Academy ’81, and her current assignment brief hospitalization and surgery procedure. Bob, is the superintendent of the Air Force we are all sorry for your loss, and we Academy! So go figure, the first womremember your father and all he has done for VMI. an to be a service academy superinWe got a nice note from Dr. Tom tendent, and she’s married to a VMI McCune after I requested class notes guy. It could only happen that way. news. Tom and Mollie sold their big P.S.: Don’t worry; these cadets house and moved into a condo in the might have beat us in the game, but he Ghent section of Norfolk. Tom is callhas watched them march during their parades – they can’t do a wheel turn ing it his “assisted living facility.” With to save their lives! the downsize, they have been travelNow that is a class note update! ing more and recently went to Cuba Thanks, John. in February. It’s a lot like Natural Mike Ewing says hello!

Bridge... (What is with our BRs travSo, after editing these notes and eling to communist countries?) Tom getting ready to submit them as the said he retired from the National deadline is drawing nearer to midGuard in May. Four deployments, a CMB and an O-6. Not a bad run, Class of 1982: John Hargreaves was surprised to run into Rich- night again ... I get one last note in but he is looking forward to the ex- ard Collier at the VMI versus U.S. Air Force lacrosse game. my inbox from Papa Joe Poteralski.

It’s New Market Day, and we gradutra weekend off. One last travel took him to visit with Eric Odderstol, and ated 34 years ago. Hard to believe they enjoyed lunch and catching up. how the time has flown. Joe did We all need to do more of that, Tom. make it down to Lexington back Thanks for the note! in early March for the VMI theater Joe Bouchelle was also enjoying the show, “The Silver King.” Turns out crazy times. They had graduation at one of the actors was Murray HudSouthern Virginia University recently, son’s son. (Another legacy cadet I but he was able to find a few minutes was not aware of!) Spitting image of to drop a line or two. Joe will now be his father. Murray is down in Texas. known as Dr. Joe, as he finished his Joe’s favorite VMI traveling team, doctorate in January and walked at the water polo team, visited nearby the University of Virginia in May. We Siena College on one of their New will have to wait for the next issue to York trips and lost to two nationally see a photo. Joe also went to VMI’s Class of 1982: Class Agent Will Council said of this photo, “At a ranked teams. Despite the two lossArmy ROTC dining-in and realized memorial service for my father, Willis A. Council Sr., who died in es, the girls were in good spirits and he was sitting across the table from March 2016, were Jimmy Woo ’70; Jimmy Elliot ’79; members were excellent representatives of the from my former church, Westminster PCUSA; Tom Handy ’50B, the sons of Jack Wainwright and resident of Covenant Woods and friend of my dad; Will Council; Institute. He also met some of the Steve Fudge. They were great young Bob Louthan; Jeff Modisett; and Emmitt Heltzel.” Present by relatives who were able to make the men! Joe is still involved with scout- not pictured was Mark Bryant ’78. trip. So, 2017 is coming up, which means another reunion. Joe is looking and will be headed off to scout camp in July. Hopefully their youngest, Granger, a BR since graduation – well, except for a cer- ing forward to a pinochle game with Bill Jenwill finish up his eagle this summer. Great job, tain Gen, Darren McDew. He sees Darren a lot nings, Robin Godshall and Doc Proctor. Other Joe and Granger. when he comes out to give speeches to the Air than that, all is well in Rotterdam, New York.

John Hargreaves said he and his wife went to Force Academy cadets. As for John, if you recall, They will be empty nesters come August, as the VMI versus U.S. Air Force Academy lacrosse he retired from 20 years of active duty with the their son is off to State University of New York game back in April, and they ran into Richard Air Force in 2003 – most of that time as a C-141 at Oswego to study accounting. Thanks, Joe,

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes and keep taking cookies to the water polo team.

Finally, I will be heading back to Boy Scout camp for one more summer as the shooting sports director. Lots of fun, but it does not pay well, and I will be needing to find something to put in the bank come fall. My wife, Susan, is stepping away from medicine and devoting her energies full time into her beading store. Our daughter, Dana, just crossed the stage at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and is looking to getting into law enforcement. Hayden is finishing up at Chattanooga State and working toward automotive assembly robotics. Keep buying cars so he can get a job.

Well, that’s it. Not much in the mailbox this time. Hope everyone has a wonderful summer and remembers to share their adventures with the rest of the class. And there better be some pictures of all these legacy cadets running around under the radar.

Sincerely, Will Council

1983

cadet indoor training facility and Cocke Hall. The facilities are definitely first-rate, and I encourage you to get to Lexington for a visit. The highlight of the conference to me was breakout sessions on what is being done via social media to keep us abreast of goings-on at the Institute. From Facebook to Twitter, Tumblr to live streaming, there is a lot of content out there, and I encourage you to take advantage of it to keep current on events and just see how post looks.

A highlight of the conference is the opportunity to talk with cadets. I was fortunate to have lunch Friday with Matt Outland ’17. We were at a table that included the class agent from the Class of 1997. Even though the three of us covered over 35 years of history at the Institute, the sense of humor and stories do not change. Matt was enjoying his Ring Figure year and plans to commission in the Coast Guard. Jim Outland’s middle son, Benjamin, was wrapping up his 4th Class year and was enjoying nature at Fort Pickett the weekend I was there (it was FTX weekend).

While in Lexington, I was able to catch up with Scott Belliveau. He and I were able to enjoy refreshments in town Friday and meet with Mary and Steve Amato. Scott continues with the Foundation and is the perfect host to all when in Lexington. Mary and Steve were in town for a Knights of Columbus event. Steve’s second career is with the FBI in northern Virginia. No, he did not produce a badge and would not give me or Scott any inside information on Hillary’s email server.

The four of us were holding down the bar at the Southern Inn when in walked the voice of

Class of 1983: Cele Seldon in recovery in December 2015, following the donation of a kidney to her cousin, in Richmond, Virginia.

the Keydets, Wade Branner. Wade has got to be the hardest working man in show business, as I do not think I have been able to have a conversation with him in years. As many of you will attest, when you see him at a sporting event, he is usually on the air or getting ready to go on, so it was a treat to be able to talk uninterrupted for Brother Rats, an hour. Wade had just finished calling a baseball These notes cover the period of February to game and was stopping in to get something for May 2016. I am putting the finishing touches on his tired vocal chords. The athletic department is this submission on New Market Day, May 15. So making a big investment in the equipment to get far today, I have watched the live streaming of the Keydet athletic events on ESPN 3. It commissioning ceremony in Camershould not be a surprise that our athon Hall. A very impressive ceremony, letic events are always popular online, it concluded with the playing of the and after seeing the statistics from the “Armed Forces Medley,” where the Big South and Southern Conference newly commissioned officers sang the live streaming, Dr. Dave Diles, our song of their branch. Very motivated, athletic director, made the decision I immediately racked out 83 pushups to go big with ESPN 3. If you have and ran 4 miles. OK, OK; I may be tuned in, you have heard or seen exaggerating on the pushups.

Wade, as he is doing all three sports.

Last month, I had the opportunity It is quite a production, as each school to meet with other class agents at is responsible for producing the event the Volunteer Leaders Conference at their venue. The highlight of Wade in Lexington. As always, it is a very and Elizabeth’s spring has been their informative session with updates the acceptance of their son, Harrison, from the Foundation, the Alumni at Duke University. He will be makAssociation, the Keydet Club and the Class of 1983: Jim and his son, Benjamin Outland ’19, at Matricu- ing the trek to Durham this fall and administration. Post was immaculate, lation at VMI in August 2015.

Wade is a very proud papa. with work progressing well on the new

Hugh Daughtry

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Class Notes I do not usually bring things in from Facebook, but Derek Patterson posted an article from the Virginian Pilot that featured Tony Arnold’s fight against human papillomavirus cancer. Tony has become a vocal advocate for the HPV vaccination, and the article was very informative. Ray Johnston checked in to say he had tonsil cancer two years ago that definitely fit the profile and hailed Snake for his fight that included simultaneous chemo and radiation therapy.

Tony emailed me pictures from his diagnosis which included a profile from the neck up. In that email, he explained this was the same type of cancer Michael Douglas has suffered from, but Douglas was not featured in the article, because Tony “is better looking.” He also told me that henceforth he was no longer “Snake” – he now goes by the moniker, “Skull.”

Bryan Henderson dropped me a note from “the land of subzero,” New Hampshire. Binky has been in the center of the political season in New Hampshire performing for various Republican functions. He included pictures of the family with Ted Cruz and Carly Fiorina. Their performances included a patriotic piece called “Old Glory,” written by his 19-year-old daughter, Anna. The piece was well received, and Fiorina referred to it several times during her speech. You will recall that Binky was the drum major our 1st Class year and is supremely talented musically.

He maintains contact with Col. John Brodie (Hon.), our current band director, who does an outstanding job.

Bryan is trying to rescore my all-time personal favorite on piece (my fellow Band Company BRs will know what I am talking about), No. 43 Cadet Days, aka, “Keydet Daze.” He wants to use it with a town band he and his son Jeff play with in New Hampshire. He is also working on a march called “Back to Lexington,” which features various VMI songs throughout. Once complete, he will submit to Col. Brodie,

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Class of 1983: Joe Leonard and Robert Foresman at the Virginia Emergency Management Association Symposium in Newport News, Virginia, in March 2016.

Class of 1983: Pictured at a Republican Primary event in New Hampshire in February 2016 were, from left, Jeff Henderson; Maisy Henderson; Anna Henderson; Carly Fiorina; Bryan Henderson ’83; John Henderson; Sue, Bryan’s wife; and Emma Henderson.

Class of 1983: Charlotte brother rats welcomed Tony Thompson to the Queen City in February 2016. Pictured were, from left, Tony Thompson, Hugh Daughtry, Ivan Marcotte and Bill Cornett.

and who knows; maybe we will hear it at the next reunion?

In the midst of some Army ROTC summer camp reminisces, Ritch Seymour checked in to tell us of his “fini” flight and retirement from the Virginia National Guard. In fact, as I write this, he should be bringing his chopper in at the Army Aviation Facility at the Richmond Airport. Fitting for a VMI guy to retire on New Market Day. Ritch is retiring after 33 years of service. I am looking forward to seeing pictures of Ritch doused in champagne. Congratulations, BR! For those of you not on our Yahoo group, you did miss some good discussion on which member of our class may not have been the squared away cadet at Fort Bragg. It seems that Matt Waring has a co-worker from the Class of 1972 who was a tactical officer and was less than impressed with the military prowess of one of our brother rats. Matt knows it’s not him and requested assistance from the group. Of course, the speculation went far and wide, as Skip Goodwillie, Mark Pappas, Mark Benvenuto, Owen Dunlap, Jim Outland, Rich Seymour and Cal Murray all chimed in on their suspicions. BR Benvenuto said it may have been him, as he was very helpful demonstrating the “Gene Simmons” pattern of camo face painting. Jim Outland chimed in that it could have been any of us except for Cal “Blood and Guts” Murray, he of tailgating operation order fame, who was one squared-away troop.

Cal reminded all that he was too busy performing morale, welfare and recreation duty for his company, ensuring they were well stocked with beer.

If you are not subscribed to our Yahoo group, drop me a line at keydet1983@gmail.com, and I will get you added. You are missing some good stuff.

Another good thread got started around the buzzing of the USS Donald Cook by the Russians. If you will recall, BR J.J. Costello was the commanding

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes officer at the outbreak of Operation Iraqi Freedom firing some of the U.S.’ first shots in 2003. Of course, there was much “what if-ing” as to what would have happened if J.J. had still been in command.

Scott Belliveau: “Two words: Birds away.” But the best may have been Skip Goodwillie: “Note the timing. J.J. retires. Then, they start screwing with his ship.”

Joe Leonard sent in an update that included a picture of Joe and Robert Foresman at the Virginia Emergency Management Association Symposium in Newport News. Since retiring from the Coast Guard, Joe has begun work at the Center for Toxicology and Environment Health in their Global Preparedness and Crisis Management Division and lives in Houston, Texas. Robert is the second vice president of the Virginia Emergency Management Association. Joe is the vice chair of the Public Private Partnership Caucus of the International Association of Emergency Managers and is the chairman of Greater Harris County Local Emergency Planning Committee. Joe notes that over the years, he has had the opportunity to work with the entire Foresman clan. Robert’s older brother, Lee Foresman ’77, and he are also mentoring Tessa Smith ’15 in the emergency management field, maintaining that VMI connection. Joe stays in regular contact with both Marc Guevremont and Dave Powell and said they are both doing well.

If you will recall in the last update, Steve Hodak had checked in with a fine update that included some information on Brad Norwood with the recommendation that if you bump into Brad, ask him about the “tootsie roll” and the gas gauge incident.

Upon reading those notes in the most recent edition of the Alumni Review, Brad immediately dispatched an email to me to set the record straight.

The “tootsie roll” was a brown 1949 DeSoto that Brad bought for $75 and had in Lexington during our 2nd and 1st Class years. I remember the car well, though some of us had more colorful nicknames than “tootsie roll.” The “gas gauge incident” was a double date with Brad and his Ring Figure date (who is his wife of over 31 years) one of her friends and Steve. Turns out the gas gauge was not functional, and their calculation of fuel usage was not very accurate. They ran out of gas, but fortunately, they had already dropped the dates off at their homes. I agree with Brad; Steve may still be holding a grudge. Brad still tinkers with cars; his current project is a ’61 Ranchero.

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Brad is working with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency in their Translational Medical Division, developing vaccines to protect the warfighter.

Some of the therapeutics his group has produced were used in the recent Ebola outbreak. As Brad pointed out: Another military program that crosses over to aid in public health.

Also in the last Alumni Review, I mentioned that Tony Thompson was back in Charlotte with Bank of America/Merrill Lynch. Bill Cornett, Ivan Marcotte and I were able to meet with Tony for supper in February and welcome him properly to the Queen City. Tony and his wife, Annie Dempsey, have settled in on this side of the pond after spending several years in London.

Jim Ayers dropped me a note with a Tim Fitzgerald sighting. Jim reported that Tim retired from the Marine Corps in 2013 and is currently the county clerk living in Spokane, Washington.

So, if you get in trouble in Spokane...

Finally, Lynn Seldon checked in with an update on Cele that included a great picture. As reported in the last update, Cele had donated a kidney to a cousin this past December. Since that time, many BRs checked-in on Cele since her surgery and during recovery, which both have greatly appreciated.

That concludes the notes for this installment.

Please take a moment to drop me a note with what is going on with you. I would love to hear from you and share it with the class. Remember the Institute in your giving, and if you are able, get back to Lexington to see post and the cadets. You will be impressed.

That is all.

1984

Andy Protogyrou

When I became class agent, my son, Tony, was a 3rd Class cadet and had matriculated only the year before with Steve Hupp’s son and Moe Khandan Barani’s son. We all sat at the Hampton Inn together hearing new Corps stories and comparing them to our own experiences. We heard our sons regale us with stories of Jeff Levenson’s brother, “The L Train,” and his love of giving sweat parties in the deputy commandant’s office to upper classman. Now, two years later, all three young men have crossed the stage at VMI.

Congratulations to all three young men and the great job they did in graduating (on time). My daughter, Demetra, just finished her 4th Class year with academic stars as an applied math major, a scholarship offer, a summer stipend to travel this summer to Europe and is a cadre corporal.

Congratulations are also in order for R.G. McManus’ daughter, Ashley, who, as a 2nd Class cadet, was ranked No. 1 in electrical and computer engineering at VMI. This was her third year in a row receiving this honor. Congratulations are also in order to Bill Janis for his daughter, Rachel, receiving her master’s degree in accounting from the College of William & Mary. I know all three women take after their mothers.

I had the pleasure of seeing Steve Hupp on post several times this spring and winter. He is quite high in the VMI pantheon of alumni and makes our class look really good. He has to suffer long meetings, dinners and cocktail parties all on our behalf and pulls it off with aplomb. We broke bread together at the Institute Society Dinner and hung out with “the Cav” drinking way too much wine and being placed back in the Rat Line by the members of the Class of ’81 who attended.

Speaking of Greg, he had surgery this past spring to remove a gland from his cheek that needed taking out. It had grown rather large and needed to go. (I am writing about your face, Greg. Nowhere else). I saw Greg within a few weeks of the surgery looking great and feeling great, too. He was back doing his thing with the Keydet Club and was no worse for the wear.

I recently saw Bill Hunt, who is practicing dentistry in Poquoson, Virginia, and looks exactly as he did the day we graduated. I also have spent quite a bit of time with Ken Gill, who retired as a colonel from the Marine Corps and now has a big civilian job doing what he was doing with the Marines. He is an information technology type, but that is all he could tell me. He had a hero’s career in the corps, with multiple tours overseas in the war on terror. I cannot express my thanks in spending time with him, and I look forward to spending much more time together.

On a sad note, Mark Morgan’s wife, Mary Beth, died this past March. Mark and his two terrific sons continue to be in all our prayers. The funeral was held in Richmond, and almost 30 members of the Class of ’84 attended. Mark and Bill Janis somehow arranged for our class to fill the front rows of the church, and the comfort we gave one another was a true testament to being brother rats.

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Class Notes Though I had not seen Mark in ages, the hug he gave me and each of us will never be forgotten. I love my class.

Yours in the spirit, Andy

1985

Matt Daniel

Taking a break from watching NCAA lacrosse “May Madness” to say hello to my brother rats and loved ones.

By the time you receive and read these notes, we will be complete with our VMI ’85 Annual Charlie Company Golf Safari, or as being called by some: ’85’s Annual Safari Scene, Keydet Intra Class Keg Event Reunion ... party weekend (Aug. 4-7). I will give you a few predictions in bedtime story fashion: Once upon a time, Henry Sanchez and Bruce “Benny” Hill both showed up to the safari event, laced up their 1980s-style running shoes, and went on a long run, got lost and were not seen again until a massive manhunt was performed. Steve Hagan commissioned an uber large (van), filled it with beer, pizza, chips and BRs and launched the Chez/Benny Hill search party effort that lasted 12 hours. They finally hit pay dirt when they found the former track pals/VoWWBF members (Victims of Wade Williams’ Bodie Farm) smoking cigars and cooking out at the new DanielDen and Uranus and Suns pico-brewery just outside of LexVegas.

Meanwhile, George Halages, J.J. Wranek and Mike Adkins were all asked to leave Moody Hall for conduct unbecoming. They joined Greg Enterline and Rich Williams, who forced a window at Joe Irby’s Lexington crib at 2 a.m.

Friday. Cindy Irby (Joe’s much better half) heard the noise, came to the door wielding a shotgun, fired a warning shot in the air (thus the ceiling) while she turned on the lights. Ken Nugent (who is a certified hostage negotiator) talked everybody off the ledge while Rob McIntire and Jeff Fraser used their contracting expertise and patched up the hole in the ceiling. Then, they all went to sleep. Chuck McCarthy and Pat Donahue made waffles the next morning. Mark Bornhorst and Bill Tilling showed up for the feast.

Bill Wieners got stuck in the floatstall (the slow

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part of the Maury) on Enterline’s lobster and had to be saved by Lexington’s finest, since all of his BRs (including Dan Murphy and Neil Lowenstein) left him for beers at Irby’s. That was a sight!

When it was all said and done, we were all safe and sound, although a little groggy Saturday morning. And again Sunday morning. The end.

Consider all the above as my dartboard ’85 entry for this quarter’s AR submission (Spring 2016).

On to what little real news I have: Gentle gentleman Gen. Jim Begley is back in our alumni news, as he has changed work positions; he now serves as assistant adjutant general - Army at Delaware National Guard.

Dave “the surfboard man” Barthol is changing jobs and moving his focus back down to the Richmond area where he will work for Timmons or Tommins or Thomas or Toomins or Two Mans Real Estate, Inc. Dave told me he’d send me details, but he overestimated my memory capacity and chose not to do so. So here you go: I’m going with Timmons or Tommins or Thomas or Toomins or Two Mans Real Estate, Inc. But congratulations, Dave!

Another Dave, Dave Tingley, sent: “I just received this issue of the Alumni Review. I will promptly start my chewing, cussing, floating and drinking practice. So, I am up for my challenge.

Semper FI, Marine! Love, Dave.”

On May 16, the day after the New Market Battle anniversary, Col. Tom Rahe and his family

retired from the U.S. Army after 30 years of active service. We met at Sine’s Irish Bar in Pentagon City for some grub, cocktails and stories. The ceremony started with a brief discussion on the Battle of New Market and ended with the roll of the 10 cadets killed from wounds sustained on the field of battle. After two weeks of transition leave, Tom will be working for the Marines. (The Marines know how to find a few good men.) Congratulations, Tom! Thank you for your patriotism and service. I hope we can get some photos and get them in this issue.

My wife (Cathy Daniel) happened to be in Charles City, Virginia, May 15 after the College of William & Mary graduation and went to lunch at a vineyard there. Coincidentally, it so happens that the vineyard is owned by our own Tayloe and Suzy Dameron and is named Upper Shirley Vineyards. She could not say enough nice things about the food, wine, service and facilities (newer facilities built by Wilson Enochs ’84) at Upper Shirley.

Keep up the good work, Damerons!

And here is an inspiring an uplifting post from our own Hayden Bayer, who has been dealing with a very challenging and ruthless foe.

“Hello, Matt. Hope all is well with you and your family. As you know through the Lawrence family, I have been fighting Lymphoma for the past year or so; I’ve gone through three rounds of chemo and a bone marrow transplant in Richmond at the Massey Cancer Center. I’m back at work

Class of 1985: Celebrating Col. Tom Rahe’s retirement from the U.S. Army at Sine Irish Pub in Pentagon City, Virginia, May 16, 2016, were, from left, Rob McIntire, Matt Daniel, Hugh McGloin ’88, Jake Spivey , Col. Dan Shrimpton ’88, Gerry Bessette, Col. Thomas Rahe, Lee Wimbish ’84, Ed Wetherell ’88, Curtis “Sugar Legs” Southern ’82 and Dave Grimm ’86.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes pay any attention to those birthdays now and the rat race of selling buildthat keep piling up on us. Jon Aycock ing materials in the Hampton Roads doesn’t pay attention to getting older; area. In any case, I got the all-clear on he doesn’t even look 52 years old, but I my last PET scan about a month ago, remember when he did. and it is now in remission.

Jim Daly checked in with a super “I had good support during my update and to pass on some informahospital stay and during my recovery from my extended family and friends. tion concerning Paul Jarvis, Jim PinI want to thank all the BRs who sent gree and himself. Brother Rat Daly is notes and cards of support during in his 26th year at the Arlington Counmy time in the hospital. I was in the ty Police Department in Virginia and hospital for 20 days and had to stay is currently a captain and commander in Richmond for about a month after of the patrol section. Jim was recently that to report to the hospital every day selected to attend the FBI National for testing and for them to check my Academy at Quantico. The FBI NA progress.

Class of 1985: Suzy and Tayloe Dameron, owners and purveyors is a 10-week course that brings local, “I want to thank two BRs especially: of Upper Shirley Vineyard in Charles City, Virginia, May 15, 2016. state and international law enforceJohn Stuart and Marc Boswell. I now Photo by Cathy Daniel. ment executives together at the FBI understand even more that the bonds Academy to study the latest in legal, forged at the Institute are some of the strongest not ORCA! It’s an ops research guy, not an anistress management, forensics, hostage negotiaand most long lasting that exist for us all! John and morphed black and white killer whale that jumps tions, media management, leadership and physiMarc visited me often while I was in the hospital through hoops and eats baby seals.) for the Macal training. Brother Rat Daly said he enjoyed the and really gave me the support when I needed it. rine Corps (Agent remark: Ooh Rah, Devil Neck! FBI NA but is very happy to be returning to the They were great roommates at VMI and remain Arlington County Police Department.

Leather Dog!) but still working in the Pentagon.” the best of friends to me now. I couldn’t have gotPaul Jarvis retired from the U.S. Army in 2006 That’s it. Short and sweet. Be well and keep the and went to work with the FBI. Originally, he was ten through it without their support! faith, brother rats. And, as always: Check six! at the FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., but “Lymphoma is a blood cancer, but I would like RVM ’85, a few years ago, he was transferred to Quantico. to put out to all of our BRs who have to confront Matt D. At Quantico, BR Jarvis is in charge of the facilicancer in any form that they can contact me for any advice or support that I may give. I am still ties, to include all of the refurbishment and new contemplating going to the annual Charlie Co. construction that is taking place at the academy.

Golf Safari (aka the ‘VMI ’85 Annual Safari Clint Hubbard Jim said there is a lot going on down there, and Scene, Keydet Intra Class Keg Event Reunion’) Paul is doing a great job. No surprise there. outing this year – have not decided yet. RVM ’85, Paul added that Doug Nichols ’84 also works Hayden Bayer.” for the FBI, and they will be working together on And a fall away jumper from our own “Jake the same team by the time you read these notes. from State Farm” Spivey: “The Saturday before Brother Rat Jarvis noted that this past February, Well, here it is, time for another go-around of New Market Day, I had the wonderful occasion the comings and goings of the mighty Class of the VMI men’s swimming 400 medley relay team to sit with my BR and roommate, Rev. Tim Mar1986. With the 30th Reunion, there is a bit more broke a record that had stood since 1986. Paul tin and his wife, Nancy, and daughter, Danielle, grist for the mill this time. Sit back, relax and noted it was pretty cool to be part of a 30-year record with Steve Chiles ’89, Rick Donovan ’88 as we watched my daughter, Austin, and his let’s take a ride. I especially want to welcome Jon daughter, Rachel, graduate frm the College of Aycock to the Alumni Review. As much time as and Dan Whalen. Ever gracious, he offered his William & Mary. With me: Suzanne; son Josh; we spent together in fierce, fighting Company F, I congratulations to the 2016 team.

According to BR Daly, he and BR Jarvis used to youngest daughter Tori; oldest daughter Peyton haven’t shown him the love in getting his name in get together for lunch about once a month when (University of Mary Washington ’14); and mom print, so we’ll try to correct that omission. and dad, Ann and Joe ’57.

On May 10, the Institute was heard from when Paul was in D.C., but since his transfer to Quan“The following Monday, May 16, I joined the BR Larry Watson participated in the rescue of a tico, it has been tougher for them to get together. class agent, Jerry Bessette, Rob McIntire and father and two sons from the chilly Atlantic Ocean Since they were both at Quantico, they took the other alums to celebrate the retirement of BR in Virginia Beach. The story made the evening opportunity to have dinner one night early in Tom Rahe on the occasion of his retirement news on WTKR. All in a day’s work for our studJim’s session and lunch one afternoon just befollowing 30 years of service in the U.S. Army. ly Brother Rat Watson. Larry was quoted on a fore his graduation. Brother Rat Daly offered, “It Tom’s next assignment is being an ORSA (Agent Facebook post as saying he was “cold, sandy and was great breaking bread with my brother rat and remark: No, Spencer Williamson; I said ORSA, wanted a cup of coffee.” Well done, Larry! Don’t catching up.” Both of them have boys in college:

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Class of 1986: Present at the reunion were: Darryl F. Agee, Jonathan E. Aycock, William M. Barber, Stewart L. Barnes, Mark E. Black, Jeffrey R. Boobar, Paul M. Boos, Theodore E. Buczacki, Paul W. Burch, Eric A. Butner, Kerry T. Cassell, J. Richard Chambers, Benjamin P. Chen, James A. Comer, Michael W. Davis, Charles A. DePasquale, Scott A. Diehl, James T. Dillon, Patrick W. Farrell, Jonathan B. French, G. Wayne Fuller Jr., Emmet S. Gathright, Patrick M. Gill, David K. Grimm, Stephen P. Grzeszczak III, Stephen F. Hall, Scott R. Harbula, W. Brett Hayes, Stuart N. Heishman, Troy V. Heskett, Anthony D. Hirtz, Robert C. Hubbard Jr., James P. Inman, Ronald O. Jaworowski, James M. Jenkins, Christopher Kanter, Timothy M. Keilty, Daniel E. Kirby, Troy V. Lanier, Mark A. Laughon, Gerald G. Leffers Jr., Timothy I. Macaulay, Todd W. McCullough, R. Brent McManis, David A. Miller III, Daniel P. Monahan, Jonathan T. Moody, David C. Moore, Martin J. Morgan, Michael E. Necessary, Robert T. Nussey Jr., George D. Pickett, Edward M. Plucinski, Kenneth D. Powell, Robert G. Rainer, John C. Rapacki, Thomas W. Russell, Arthur E. Ryan Jr., Charles C. Schoen IV , James D. Shanley, George C. Sheild, David W. Shin, Charles G. Simpson, Jeffrey A. Smiley, David V. Spears, John A. Stevens, Henry Tabur, Jimmy L. Taggart, Edgar F. Talbott III, Stephen L. Thacker, Mark A. Thompson, Redmond J. Thompson Jr., Thuan H. Tran, David G. Tyler IV, Steven P. Weiss and Arthur D. Whittaker Jr.

The Class of 1986

30th Reunion – April 22-23, 2016

Class Notes

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Paul’s son, Jack, is at Virginia Commonwealth University, and Jim’s son, Danny, is at Longwood University. Both Paul and Jim have daughters in high school, and Jim also has a step-son and daughter also in high school.

As for Jim Pingree, BR Daly noted that Jim has been off the net for many years, but recently BR Jarvis was able to reach out and get an email back from him. (Amazing how folks will respond to the FBI, right?) Paul reported that Jim is a new daddy; he and his wife just had a baby girl. They live in Aruba and are, reportedly, “loving it.” Jim ended with, “Not too much more to add about BR Pingree at this time.” If he’s living in Aruba, I understand why BR Pingree has been on the down-low all these many years. That is a locale that might even draw a Jim Urie, Roman Malavet, Glen Ralston, Kenny Walpole or another missing-formany-years-BR in out of the cold. Now that the cat is out of the bag, I hope BR Pingree’s refrigerator is stocked.

Speaking of Doug Nichols ’84; he was one of my Company F cadre sergeants and was/is a good guy. Except for the time he was sergeant of the guard and directed us to update the guard team info that was right outside the guard room.

You remember the board that had the names of the officer of the day, officer of the guard and what company was on guard duty? Nichols directed us to put not “F Company” or “Foxtrot Company,” but “F Troop.” As I recall, none of the Institute officials thought that was as humorous as we did.

In fact, Jim Dittrich ’76 may have been the TAC and the first to chew on us. I also seem to recall the SOG Doug Nichols ’84 chewing on us a bit with a wink and a nod. Everyone knows rats go under the bus first, right?

To tie this all together, Jim Dittrich ’76 was at his 40th Reunion this spring when we were there for our 30th, and he stopped by our breakfast function at the quarters of the chief of staff. Given our years of graduation, it is always pleasant to see Jim at the reunions and in a different context than when he was a TAC. In the summer of 2016, there will be a new chicken in Tennessee! Our favorite chicken – that is one, each, Sjolund, K.J. – will be moving from North Carolina to Tennessee. Brother Rat Sjolund will be departing his gig at Salem Academy in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to assume the position of head of St. Andrews-Sewanee School in Sewanee, Tennessee. His tenure will begin July 1, 2016. Eunice Colmore, chair of the SAS Head

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of Search Committee noted, “Among a slate of highly qualified candidates, Karl stood out as particularly well-suited to lead SAS at this point in its history. Throughout the search process, we were impressed not just by his résumé and strong references, but also by his faith, honesty and thoughtfulness.”

Wow. I know what you’re all thinking: “There must be two Karl Sjolunds.” Just kidding, Chicken. Well done, sir, and thanks for wearing the ring so well. As a parallel, it appears that St. AndrewsSewanee School is within a 55-mile driving radius of both the Jack Daniel’s and George Dickel distilleries. Career advancement or not, this picture is beginning to come into a clearer focus. Being that close to those distilleries, BR Sjolund should be watching out for visits from his BRs such as Jon Aycock and others.

Courtesy of Wayne Fuller, who actually got the info from his bride, Courtney, Rich Hill has some exciting news and what sounds like a nice promotion. For the past 13-15 years, BR Hill has been in various supply chain positions with Hospital Corporation of America in several Virginia hospitals – most recently as the supply chain director at Henrico Doctor’s Hospital in Richmond.

(The connection is that Courtney Fuller works for HCA at HDH.) Rich has accepted a position with HealthTrust as a systems vice president of supply chain operations; Rich will be joining Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Jersey. The press release noted that “Rich has been involved with Robert Wood through a Parallon Consulting engagement over the past five months.

In that time, Rich has demonstrated outstanding leadership and strategic direction. The administrative team was unwavering in pursuing and selecting Rich as their supply chain leader. Robert Wood Hospital has campuses in New Brunswick and Somerville, employs more than 10,100 employees, 3,250 medical staff members and 1,733 beds. Rich will be responsible for all supply chain operations. With his background and experience, he is perfect for this role, and I know he will do an excellent job.” Well done, BR Hill. Not too shabby for an old boy from Waynesboro, Virginia.

The 30th Reunion is now in the books. Approximately 86 BRs, co-matriculants and co-urinal users, along with wives and girlfriends, gathered in Lex-Vegas the weekend of April 22-24, 2016.

As had been requested, it was a low-key but fun affair. We even had our valedictorian, Jim Jenkins, present, as well as my favorite Company F

platoon lieutenant, Jon Aycock.

Things commenced with a golf outing hosted by our BR who occasionally does a few days of work around his golf schedule every month, Stewart Barnes. Approximately 18 golfers teed it up at the Lexington Golf & Country Club for a round in the drizzle Friday morning. By Friday afternoon, Scott Wagner had the hospitality suite in full swing, and the crowds began to gather. There was some interest in attending the Friday retreat parade, but that event in a downpour could not compete with cold beer and cocktails in the hospitality suite. And if you’ve seen one parade, you’ve seen enough ... right, BR Aycock?

Our big event Friday was a casual gathering at the McKethan Park Pavilion. The barbecue was catered by Foothill Momma’s Barbecue (who also has a restaurant in Lexington), and the drinks, or “mobile hospitality room,” was moved by Scott Wagner, Wayne Fuller and others from the hotel to McKethan Park. Jim Taggart provided music via his iPhone and his musician sound system. Brother Rat Taggart also provided complimentary bottles of his legally bonded apple brandy manufactured by his Woods Mill Distillery. Liquor that is free notwithstanding, this hooch was a big hit with everyone. Taggart said one of his company’s goals is to help folks dance better and sing better. Mission accomplished. As Dave Grimm might say, “I’m just sayin’...”

Class of 1986: Jim Daly and his wife, Laurie Havlu Daly (UVa ’86), after Jim’s graduation from the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia, in March 2016. He was also simultaneously celebrating 33 years out of the Rat Line.

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Class Notes The barbecue was a good time, and I believe 1976. When the Class of ’76’s president went up most would agree about the quality and quantity the outside of the sentinel box rather than the of Foothill Momma’s barbecue. Highly recom- stairs, all bets were off, and our boys (Tim Keilty, Dave Moore, Dave Spears and Scott Wagner) all mend.

One of the greatest things about this reunion was scampered up (the outside of) the sentinel box like the number of guys who were back for their first a troop of ring-tailed lemurs. The Old Yells were reunion – or at least for their first reunion in many quite the thrill – like they always are – and reinyears. This is probably an incomplete list, but we force the strength of the VMI class system. I am should mention Brad Bradshaw, Frank Clark, biased, of course, but I think that ’86 is quite an exScott Diehl, Steve Grzeszczak, Jim Jenkins, ceptional class. Since it was his first reunion back, Duke Pickett, Dale Powell, John Rapacki, Dave the class officers invited valedictorian Jim Jenkins Shin, Dave Spears and David Tyler. Did you no- to join them on the sentinel box, but he was busy button-holing the rats on guard with the story of “I tice the list included Jim Jenkins?

Also making a return appearance was George used to be a battalion commander.”

Saturday afternoon and evening were “GP,” and Sheild and his shadow, Kerry “Mulefish” Cassell. The Mulefish had a big weekend and was folks went off in their own groups to take in the Class of 1986: Paul Jarvis and Jim able to grab a nap Saturday afternoon to rally for sights and sounds of the area on a reunion weekDaly met up recently at the FBI NaSaturday night. With Mikey Calkins in town, he end. The special draw for the afternoon was the tional Academy in Quantico, Virginia. and BR Sheild were able to pose for a “unibrow” band “83+3,” who played their inaugural concert Class Agent Clint Hubbard said of this photo, “I know what you’re thinkpicture – that is, no breaks in their eyebrows for on the lawn at the Abigail Inn on South Main ing – that the bureau finally collared almost 12 inches across.

Street in Lexington. 83+3 is comprised of Paul these two – but in reality, they were Saturday morning dawned bright and clear. Boos, Mike Chapman, Dave Grimm, Marty on special assignment working with Since Larry Watson was MIA, David Tyler as- Mason and Dave Miller with guest appearances the missing person’s division to try and locate the following brother rats sumed the stud duties and joined his cadet son for from Steve Grzeszczak, Tony Hirtz, Jim Taggart who have been missing since about and Mrs. Colby Keilty. Let me tell you, these boys a run through the obstacle course. The chief of 1986: Jim Urie, Chris Planeta, Tim Panwere fantastic. I think they met a time or two to staff at VMI, retired U.S. Army Col. James P. Inoff, Tim Young, Glenn Phillips, Sam Holmes, Henry Ingram and Luke Sosman, and his wife hosted the class for a continental rehearse, but they were awesome playing a great si. They found Jim Pingree, so don’t breakfast and coffee at their quarters on the VMI variety of familiar tunes. The Abigail Inn lawn think you can hide from the long arm parade circle. There was some cock-and-bull story was a great venue, and the proprietor invited us of your brother rats.” that there may have been some additional stronger back for a return engagement. Did you get that? libations on the back porch, but I think that is hear- The proprietor invited us back – that could be a dinners then most returned to the hospitality suite first time occurrence. Whenever 83+3 plays again, for a last round or 10. I will note that I was part of say. But with the notable absences of Tom FitzPatrick, Steve Anderson and Chris Ashworth, a you won’t want to miss it; they are really that good. a group at the Southern Inn which is under new rumor can run like David Sheckells coming back And it’s not just me; Jon Aycock said so, too. ownership and is really top-shelf. They had a great Saturday evening included small and large group variety on the menu – both food and cocktails. The from the frats and spread like a sea of red solo cups across the Parade Ground. Of course, meal was delicious, the service was we wouldn’t want to do anything that great and I came away extremely immight be against Institute regulations, pressed with this Lexington landmark would we? (Wink.) Seriously, thanks to restaurant. We dined with Todd and Lori and Jamie for hosting this band of Donna McCullough, Jeff and Audrey miscreants and opening your home to Boobar, Dave and Lynn Whittaker, us. Hopefully, the Inman family silver Jeff and Kathy Smiley, Jamie and is intact.

Lori Inman, Tim and Beth Spivey, We hustled across the Parade Ground Rob and Joanna Mason, and Dave for our class picture and then lined up and Janelle Grimm. Great company to enjoy the parade. There were many and a great time. hugs and high-fives as some new arrivSome random updates on the guys als made their first appearances of the who’ve been missing for a while. Scott weekend. As we followed the Corps “BF” Diehl is working for the FBI into barracks for the obligatory Old but may be punching out before too Yells, we were joined by family and long for his next chapter/career. Ol’ friends. Once inside, we waited our Class of 1986: Gary Yap’s son, Logan, graduated from high BF spent at least a part of his time as school in May 2016 and will attend Ohio State University. turn behind the classes of 1966 and a pilot – both fixed-wing aircraft and

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes helos. Steve Grzeszczak is getting ready to hang up his dog tags from the U.S. Navy after a long and illustrious career. Not sure of his next step, but he will become a civilian by the time you’re reading these notes. John Rapacki has lived in a lot of places in the past 30 years; I believe he is in the Cleveland, Ohio, area nowadays and working in corporate finance. Duke Pickett is living in Culpeper, Virginia, and flying as a commercial pilot. This was Duke’s first trip back to a reunion, as he was living on the West Coast until a few years ago. Dale “Boog” Powell finished his gig in the Marines and is living in North Carolina – not too far from Charlotte but far enough for it to be semi-rural. Boog looked and sounded like life was treating him well. Another North Carolinian back for his first reunion was Frank Clark. Frank was only with us for rat year, after which he enlisted in the Marine Corps with plans to return to VMI and finish his degree later, but life got in the way a bit.

He is now living outside of Durham, North Carolina, and working at Duke University. Brother Rat Clark actually connected with Tim Keilty a few years back when BR Keilty was doing some good work with Duke University and raising funds for cancer research in memory of his first wife who battled valiantly but lost the fight some years ago.

It was good to see BR Clark and become reacquainted with him. There was a guy at the reunion who called himself Jim Jenkins, but there was some speculation it may have been Steve Anderson pulling our legs. Dave Shin looked fit and trim; he is retired from the U.S. Army now and I believe involved in academia in the northern Virginia/metro D.C. area. Scott Harbula was in from Pittsburgh – and with another woman this time.

Jon Aycock dropped by from living large in Loudoun County, Virginia, and Emmet Gathright stopped by from Virginia Beach where he is retired from the Navy but may still be flying a little bit.

Speaking of retiring from the Navy, I believe Mark Black will be hanging it up soon, too. More details to follow in a later edition. Bobby Rainer brought his relatively new bride (Kirby) for her first trip into the jaws of a VMI Class of 1986 Reunion, and she seemed to enjoy it. We hope so. Speaking of jaws, Ron and Harriet Jaworowski confirmed their perfect attendance and made the trip from Rock Hill, South Carolina. Nearby, Frank Ladson (Sumter, South Carolina) and Stu Heishman (Charlotte, North Carolina) road-tripped in and met up with Mike Necessary to represent the football team; they had to because Jim Radle and Glen Ralston

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didn’t make it – again. Steve Pancham helped out by showing up Saturday night at the hospitality suite. The New England BRs were represented by Tim Macaulay and Henry Tabur – both looking well. Brother Rat Macaulay is taking flying lessons to get his private pilot’s license. Brother Rat Tabur may have been drinking, but he never got up on his chair to announce it to the mess hall. Speaking of not getting it up, the pride of Norfolk, Virginia, was in rare form at the 30th. Was it Bob Cabell or Chris Kanter? Art Ryan and Greg Simpson were both in attendance, but I didn’t get to catch up too much. Brother Rat Ryan is nearby in Richmond, and I often see him at his play of business, Pleasant’s Hardware.

Dan Kirby played chauffeur for Jim Shanley, who flew in from Chicago to Virginia Beach where BR Kirby picked him up and brought him to the reunion. Jim’s industrial pump business is doing well in Chicago, and Dan is up to his ears with his HVAC company in Tidewater. Brother Rat Shanley shared that a few years ago, he, Gay Elmore and another guy entered a three-on-three basketball tournament with over 3,000 teams in the Chicago area and made it almost, if not all the way, to the finals. When you look at the class picture, you’ll notice that we placed our two mascot BRs – Jim Shanley and Bill Barber – front and center for the picture. Both were a big help in getting our class officers to the top of the sentinel box after the parade. Except for Dave Spears; he didn’t need any help.

The former residents of room 158 were shocked to learn that room 158 is now a ladies latrine; these former residents of room 158 were back for the reunion for the first time in a while. Something about a statute of limitations with the post police had been keeping them away. It was good to see Brad Bradshaw, Kerry Cassell, George Sheild and Steve Weiss, along with their wives, who were much more attractive than any of the BRs. I believe Brad is still living in the Las Vegas area, Kerry and George are in Charlotte, and Steve is in Houston.

Not to be outdone by room 158, their neighbors from room 156 were almost at full strength; only Fred Albrecht was missing. Present and accounted for were Steve Hall, Robert Nussey, Dave Reynolds and John Rapacki. Steve has a son who is a 3rd Class cadet (wonder what he is eating?) while BRs Nussey and Reynolds are still raising cain like a couple of thirds on a weekend bender. Thankfully, we had John “The Voice of

Reason” Rapacki to keep them in line.

There were a few other rooms with “one man absent.” Room 116 was represented by BRs Paul Burch, Ben Chen and Clif Tinsley. No surprise that Ben Walker was nowhere to be seen; he is apparently on alumni permit, still missing formations and letting his brother rats carry his rifle for him. Room 107 was represented by Chip DePasquale, Pat Farrell and Jim Jenkins. In fact, now that BR Jenkins has returned, maybe we should turn up the hot lights on Steve Anderson?

He has been missing for a while. Mike Davis, Ed Talbott and Jon French represented room 108 – they were all wearing t-shirts that said, “Where is Chris Kolditz?” Not to be outdone, the room 118 boys (Darryl Agee, Jim Agostini and Jon Aycock) had on t-shirts that read, “Who is Marc Moquin?” and on the back, “And where is he?”

Troy Lanier, Tom Russell and Jim Taggart reportedly checked the room 158 ladies latrine for Chris Peet but couldn’t find him in there, either.

A little known trivia fact: Rustburg High School near Lynchburg, Virginia, sent four graduates to matriculate at VMI Aug. 18, 1982. They were Tony Hirtz, Gerry Leffers, David Moore and Dale Powell. All four of them graduated, and all four were present at the 30th Reunion. Well done, Red Devils.

In addition to Steve Hall’s cadet son, several other BRs have sons in the current Corps of Cadets. They include Steve Grzeszczak, Jamie Inman, Jim Taggart and Dave Tyler. The fathers and sons posed for a neat picture together after the parade.

The 30th was a collaborative effort, and I offer my thanks for their assistance to: Scott Wagner for running the hospitality room, Steve Thacker for procuring the golf pullovers, Stewart Barnes for setting up the golf outing, Paul Burch for his sage counsel, Jim Taggart for scouting out McKethan Park and for bringing the sound system as well as the liquor to McKethan Park, Lori and Jamie Inman, for hosting our Saturday morning coffee hour, and certainly to the 83+3 Band (Paul Boos, Mike Chapman, Dave Grimm, Marty Mason, Dave Miller, as well as guests Steve Grczeczak, Tony Hirtz, Jim Taggart and Mrs. Colby Keilty) for their Saturday afternoon concert.

Well, along with the 30th Reunion being in the books, this edition of the class notes is also ready for submission. The 30th reinforced that we are a tight class, and our bond to one another is still very strong. It does call for a team effort, and to

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Class Notes that end, a group of BRs have decided to explore forming a class committee to better coordinate activities such as reunions, mini reunions, football tailgates, etc. If you are interested in participating in this group, shoot me an email. It has been my privilege to be our class agent for a while now, and it may be a good idea to let someone else have this joy for a while. The pay is low, but the rewards are high; I consider it a great honor to help carry the banner for the mighty Class of 1986. I’m not going anywhere; I just think a new person writing the notes might get some new names in print, and y’all won’t have to read about the continued exploits of BRs Grimm, Fuller, Wagner, McCullough, Smiley, Burch, Barnes and Aycock, and the other guys I see and talk to most frequently. Let’s call it a wrap; take care of yourselves, and enjoy the fall. Hope we’ll see some BRs at a football game or two.

1987

Gerry Tertychny

Brother Rats, Tracy Porter checked in from West Point, Virginia, where he has been very busy. Tracy was recently hired by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University as the Virginia cooperative extension agent for King William and King and Queen counties, and he also serves as the unit coordinator for both counties, solving community problems in the areas of agriculture, natural resources, and food microbiology and safety. In addition, Tracy will soon complete a master’s degree from Virginia Tech in agriculture, crops and soils with a concentration in food microbiology, and he just received a certification in permaculture design from the Shenandoah Permaculture Institute.

Tracy’s wife, Sandy, and their kids, Annabelle (16) and Lawrence (14), are running the family farm (Morning Glory Farm) now that Tracy is working full time as an extension agent. He’s also still on-call as an adjunct welding instructor for their local community college, and this fall he will enter his 15th year as an assistant coach for the local high school football team.

The hawk whisperer sent along a photo of one of the more interesting phone calls he received as a county extension agent concerning a red tail

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hawk attacking free-range chickens. While Tracy has perfected his ability to catch and release hawks barehanded and is a trained professional, he does not recommend that our readers try this at home.

Congratulations on your accomplishments, Tracy!

In addition to beating up bad guys in North Carolina, Paul Munson has been busy getting his youngest daughter, Sara, ready for college this fall. Sara will be attending the University of South Carolina in Columbia and will be majoring in elementary education. Sara earned an academic scholarship that took a little bit of the sting out of the out-of-state tuition bill. In addition, Pat

Hanly, of Army ROTC/TAC fame, lives in Columbia, and Paul and Anne-Marie were able to link up with him on one of their trips down there.

Paul also spends his time as an assistant coach for the local high school girls’ varsity basketball team, which he has been doing for the last four years. As Paul says, soon he and Anne-Marie will be like newlyweds again – just the two of them and no money!

Real estate mogul Carl Hardee is also feeling a bit of the “empty nest syndrome.” Carl and Teresa’s son, Tripp, just graduated from Christopher Newport University and will be getting married this fall. In addition, their son, Clay, will start at Radford University this fall. Carl is the vice president and chief operating officer of The Lawson Companies, a corporate real estate company that handles properties along the Eastern Seaboard.

His responsibilities don’t stop him and Teresa from driving their RV up to Williamsburg every now and again, which is where we were able to get together back in May. Warren Michelsen and his wife, Jennifer, also became “empty nesters,” or, as they like to say, “unsupervised,” two years ago when their youngest daughter left for college, since Warren and Jennifer’s two older daughters are gainfully employed following their graduations from college. Warren and Jennifer live in Bellevue, Washington, where he is fast approaching his 25-year anniversary with Trane Climate Solutions, working as the general

Class of 1987: Tracy “the hawk whisperer” Porter.

Class of 1987: Bob Merkel at his graduation.

Class of 1987: Carl and Teresa Hardee.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes environments but still concentrated on manager of the Northwest-Hawaii science, information technology and district and responsible for equipment, engineering. I’m planning to attend building services, energy services and the 30th Reunion and hope to see evcontrols businesses in Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Hawaii. eryone there.”

I bumped into Derrick Johnson, Tom Ustach has been very active along with his wife, Jackie, in a bookwith the Portland, Oregon, VMI alumni. They had a spring get-togethstore in Williamsburg a few months er with entertainment provided by the ago. Their two daughters, Megan, a 10-6 & 30 Barracks Band. “We played junior at Virginia Tech, and Blair, a ‘Shenandoah Valley Waltz,’ by the freshman at Christopher Newport Stanley Bros! Good time.”

University, are both out of the house, Charles Nelson experienced a major leaving Derrick and Jackie free to family milestone when he walked his roam the streets, which they both daughter, Ashley, down the aisle for seemed to be enjoying. her wedding May 7, in an outdoor cerSteve Cade returned from a comemony in Roanoke. mand tour in Kuwait last August and Class of 1988: Lance Pickering with the senior offensive line.

Mark Stock checked in from Leesis now working at Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in downtown Washingcelebrating our 23rd anniversary in June. We have burg, Virginia. “I’m still in Leesburg, Virginia, ton, D.C. Steve and his family are living in Vienna, three kids: Caitlin (18), Tristan (16) and Brian with my wife and four kids and still selling real Virginia, and Steve is looking to transition to civil(14). Caitlin is currently a senior in high school estate in the region. My son, Kyle, will be playian life next year. and will be starting Georgia College and State ing basketball at Christopher Newport UniverBob Merkel has been leading an Army JuUniversity in the fall. Tristan is in 11th grade, sity next year.” Mark is interested in connecting nior ROTC unit at Thomasville High School in and Brian is in eighth grade. Caroline works as with the Williamsburg/Newport News/Virginia Thomasville, North Carolina, for several years, an emergency room charge nurse at Emory-Johns Beach ’88 BRs. “I got a chance at trying my hand since his retirement from active service. Keeping Creek Hospital. I’m working as a senior account in acting and got a part in the movie, “The Perfect up the fire, and setting the example for his young manager with Atlanta Rubber & Hydraulics. We Day” (ThePerfectDayFilm.com). The film feacadets, Bob recently graduated from Queen’s Unisell industrial and hydraulic hoses and fittings, tures a number of 9/11 first responders, as well as armed service veterans and is due out on Netflix versity of Charlotte, earning a master’s degree in and I cover Georgia and Alabama. I also work as leadership management. Well done, Bob! the offensive line coach at Pinecrest Academy, a in the late fall.”

Mike McGraw finally has long anticipated I hope everyone has had a safe and enjoyable Catholic school in Cumming, Georgia. We finsummer and was able to spend time with family ished 10-2 this past season, won the first region orders in hand. “We are scheduled to depart for and friends. Stay in touch. championship in school history and finished In the spirit, ranked eighth in the state. Our offense averaged Gerry 400 yards/game and 30 points/game. I also had three of my lineman named first team All-Region, and one named All-State. Most of our players are back next year so we’re expecting big things, and Sam Tate I will be coaching defensive backs as well as offensive line this next fall.”

John Wanat is returning from the United Arab Emirates very soon. “Things might be winding down here in UAE end of May or June 2016.

Brother Rats, Looking to get back to northern Virginia. My son By the time you read this, a new group of maEthan, Woodbridge High School 2017, is being triculants will be starting the Rat Line. Hopefully, looked at by the VMI baseball program. Fingers we will have a few more cadets to add to the VMI crossed there!” ’88 legacy. John Wanat’s son is currently a VMI Jim Anderson wrote that he is still living near baseball prospect.

Syracuse, New York, and “counting down the News from our brother rats: years until I can retire somewhere in the South.

Class of 1988: From left, Charles NelUpdate from Lance Pickering: “Caroline (HolThere is only one of my four children left that son, Ashley O’Neal, Jonathan O’Neal lins University ’91) and I are still living north of may choose to attend VMI, so the pressure is on. and Michelle Nelson.

Atlanta, and have been here nine years. We’ll be The other three chose less interesting academic

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Class Notes Asuncion, Paraguay! My first nonArmy move, but not my first weird job.” Mike helped Dan and Fiona Shrimpton celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day at the Shrimptons’ with Karen McGraw, Sam and Amy Tate, and Brian Hatheway.

Speaking of parties ... Rich Stone enlisted the aid of Sam and Amy Tate and Greg and Stephanie Rollins to celebrate Kristine Stone’s recent birthday.

The usual suspects conducted their “annual” firearms training at VMI this past spring. Brother Rats John Keppeler, Scott Stachelek, Bill Cronenberg, Derek McFarland, Lew Sigmon, Mike McGraw, John Ryman and Ed Wetherell attended the event organized by Todd Freiwald.

Kirk Dewyea has attended almost all the Legacy Days in the past with his two sons, and now his daughter, Alison, has attended. “This year, we enjoyed connecting with Stephen Pearson and his sons. We discovered that Ali and his oldest son may one day be classmates. Mark, our oldest son, completed his first year at Washington and Lee Law School. He is a Marine candidate and will be attending officer candidate school at Quantico this summer. Our thanks to Rock Keppeler for his advice and connecting him with the VMI U.S. Marine Corps unit. Ryan, our second son, recently moved to Charlottesville and works for Barton Malow as a project engineer. I am doing as much general aviation, flying and aerobatics as possible working toward my Certified Flight Instructor’s License.”

Al Cuellar is enjoying his job with Michelin in Oklahoma but is starting to feel isolated. So, everyone please send Al a note. He and Holly visit in Fredericksburg on a regular basis, so we hope to get them engaged in a VMI ’88 event sometime in the future.

Wayne Sinclair is wrapping up his first year as director, School of Advanced Warfighting at Quantico and really enjoying both the assignment

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Class of 1988: Between guests, faculty and students, there were no less than nine VMI alumni present at the Expeditionary Warfare School’s Mess Night May 5, 2016. Pictured at the event were, from left, Maj. Brandon Turner ’03, Col. Bill Bowers ’90, Capt. Tyler Anthony ’03, Col. Wayne Sinclair, Brig. Gen. Steve Neary, Capt. Chris Pridgen ’06, Lt. Evan Berenholtz ’09, Capt.

Jacob Widrick ’08 and Capt. Jonathon Walaski ’08.

Class of 1988: Mark Stock and son Jackson with Ray Weeks, retired Marine, in the production of “The Perfect Day.”

Class of 1988: Pictured at the Marines’ Memorial Club in San Francisco were, from left, Mark Schafer, U.S. Naval Academy ’94; Anne Wilson Schafer; Chris Starling; and Amy and Frank de Venoge. The plaque on the wall commemorates Brother Rat Starling’s and Neary’s WestPac deployment in 1992.

and being back in northern Virginia.

“We’re living on base and happy to have been able to make some of the ’88 lunches that J.J. Keppeler so faithfully sets up. Besides the usual northern Virginia suspects I see on Quantico or at the lunches, I talk or visit Todd Freiwald with some frequency and stay in touch with Chris Goff or see him when he’s got business in D.C. In fact, it was on one of these trips that the three of us got together for a room 117 reunion recently and spent some time with Todd’s two boys (Jake Freiwald ’17 and Ryan Freiwald ’18, respectively). Also, watched VMI dismember The Citadel in Kilbourne Hall and saw J.J. and Steve Neary there, as well. Chris just wrote from Tokyo to let me know he’s deploying to Iraq on short notice – he expects to be in Baghdad in a staff role and hopefully home by Christmas. At the recent Expeditionary Warfare School’s mess night May 5, there were no less than nine VMI men present – including two ’88s and two ’08s!”

Frank deVenoge connected with Chris Starling on a recent trip to San Francisco. Chris continues in his role as acting general manager of the Marines’ Memorial Club in San Francisco. Frank and Chris were joined

by Mark Schafer (U.S. Naval Academy ’94), Anne Wilson Schafer and Amy deVenoge for a great evening at the club. “I had the pleasure of being hosted by Chris Starling at his new place of employment April 27 at the Marine Memorial Club and Hotel in San Francisco. Chris has been on board there for about a year-and-ahalf, having been recruited by one of his former generals. He is currently in a bicoastal mode, commuting to San Francisco during the week and back to his family on the weekend. He is a natural at what he is currently doing.

The 12-story hotel is a living memorial, created post-World War II as a way to honor the legacy of the Marine Corps, and has evolved over the years to honor all the armed services. It was

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes a great stay, with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay from the 12th floor restaurant.

At dinner that night, Chris and I quickly made up for about a 20-year gap in our relationship.

Some things never change, and it is the beauty of our VMI bond. Stories flew, some drinks were had and it was a great night. On the 10th floor is a memorial to all the deceased, all the fallen, since 9/11 in plaques on the wall; A moving tribute to those who gave their all.”

Frank also attended the wake for Andy Andres’ mother, Kathy, who died March 21. “Pat Farrell ’86 and I drove from Richmond to Alexandria for the wake. Dave Hickey also attended to pay his respects. Kathy was the room mom for room 108, keeping us well-fed (tough to do with Dan Young) and a constant over our cadet years at our rugby games. A beautiful lady, and a good friend.”

Another VMI mom recently died, as well.

David Carter’s mom, Janet, died April 10. Mrs. Carter was also the mother-in-law to Rob Davis.

Ted Cusick remembered that “in summer 1985, after our rat year, Mrs. Carter and the entire Carter clan were kind enough to host an epic F-troop party with southern hospitality.”

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 263 BRs and family and growing) 571-659-0904 (home) 703-772-0854 (cell) samtate88va@gmail.com

Class of 1989: Paul Pardew and Brian Duffy with a little pre-Market Day festivities at Al Udeid new Doha, Qatar. here in Ohio, May 15. Not the kind of welcome I was expecting after just moving back from the Austin, Texas, area. The Chiles family misses much of the Austin experience, but sometimes the career throws you some unexpected twists.

We’re happy to be back in the buckeye state.

Apologies for the brevity this round; it seems updates are a little lean. That being said, I know Dan Fitzgerald’s son, Connor, has announced his intention to attend that wacky military school in East Texas this fall. Congrats to Fitz and Tina on their new Aggie. Congrats is also in

1989

Steve Chiles David A. Martin

Happy New Market Day! As some may have seen my lamentations on Facebook, it’s snowing

2016-Issue 3

Class of 1989: Robert Gates with his son, Cadet Michael Gates ’17, at Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, California, in February 2016.

order for Fitz and Tina’s 25th wedding anniversary – does that mean we’re all old?

Dave Martin had the opportunity to meet with Tom Fanshaw in Baltimore. Dave’s Army Reserve site put him five minutes from Fan. After yucking it up about our old euchre days in barracks, Tom shared that he continues to be one of our class’ all-star law enforcement officers with Baltimore County Police Department. How long has it been, Fan? I’m starting to have visions of Lenny from “Law & Order!”

Tom shared that Missy was just recently named Principal of the Year in their school district – congrats, Missy!

I had the chance to correspond with some of the ’89 VMI administration contingent while doing some recruiting for fresh “rat meat.”

Mitch Fridley reported that he spent several enjoyable days at the end of March in the beach house of BR Rob Gates in Florida, south of Tallahassee. Rob is just starting as the manager of the Amazon distribution center in Richmond and is somewhat between homes. He has a house in North Carolina, is renting an apartment in Richmond and is building a new house in Florida. Not sure where he will end up with Amazon, but he’s very excited about all the possibilities. Rob’s son, Michael Gates ’17, is a 2nd Class cadet at VMI and is doing well. He recently contracted for an Army commission.

Paul Pardew and Brian Duffy posted from Qatar where they were able to grab a few preNew Market coldies together. Life in defense of our nation has been good to both of you – you guys look great!

The 2016 VMI football schedule is out, and I noticed our beloved team will be making the journey up to Akron, Ohio, to play the Akron Zips in early September. Anyone who would like a good excuse to go to the game, I’m thinking of some kind of get-together at the house, along with the requisite tailgate. We have plenty of space in the house for those who would like to hang at Camp Chiles. For frame of reference, Akron is about 5-6 hours from D.C. or about an hour flight.

Finally, I’d like to wish all of us a happy belated 30th birthday! Hard to believe it, but March 3 was the big 3-0 for the Class of 1989. I think I speak on behalf of all of us when I say what an honor it’s been to have each of you as brothers.

I can’t wait to see what the next 30 years have in store for all of us.

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Class Notes

1990

Daren Payne Robert Clark

Brother Rats, I’m pleased to pass along that Daren Payne has now assumed the role as our class agent!

Daren’s contact information leads this section of the notes. Make sure you forward him your updates, new contact information and other information going forward.

When I first signed up to be class agent a little over five years ago, I did so with the goal of doing this for one term and then passing the torch.

Along the way, I’m pleased that we had a very successful 25th Reunion, and thanks to Hunter Trumbo and many of you, we have raised a respectable amount of money for the Institute and future cadets, including establishing and funding our Class of 1990 academic and athletic scholarships. Hopefully, I have also kept us wellconnected via these notes, our Facebook page and other informal connections.

There is no set recipe for selecting a class agent – every class does it a bit differently. But, what I’ve learned is that there is a recipe for what makes a great class agent. First, you have to want to do it. The work is not trivial and seems like it always crops up when you can least manage it with work and other things in life. It’s a long commitment, as well – committing to the next five years or so to provide continuity and help lead our next reunion.

Second, living near the Institute is definitely a benefit. Being able to get to class agent conferences, mini reunions, meetings and other events at the Institute is an advantage in this role.

And finally, you have to stay up on the latest strategies and “goings on” at the Institute. That allows you to connect the class more closely to what is going on, link people to key initiatives and better support fundraising objectives.

As I went through the reunion, I soft sounded various BRs on their interest or recommendations on who might be good candidates. It

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became pretty clear that Daren would be an ideal fit. He hits all of the criteria above, and he has a deep passion for ensuring our class stays close and connected in the years ahead.

As many of you know, he has also been very active at the Institute over the past several years with the Keydet Club and other efforts. Finally, as he transitions from the military, he has the time and passion to direct at this role.

As I mentioned in previous communications, the opportunity to take the Corps’ pass in review at our 25th Reunion with Hunter and Charles Plageman on behalf of the class is one of the greatest honors in my life, and one I will never forget. Thanks for giving me that honor and the honor of being your class agent for the past five years.

I will be providing Daren my full support, and I ask that you do the same. The class agent is only as good as our class. Keep in touch, give faithfully to the Institute and let’s do our part to ensure the Institute is heard from well into the future. ’90, ’90, ’90.

My sincerest thanks, Rob Clark

1991

Chuck Story

Greetings and salutations to all of you. I’m writing these notes on New Market Day, and as you might expect, there is a lot going on at the Mother I. Many of our BRs are connected to the events in one way or another. This will be the last set of notes until our 25th Reunion. If you haven’t already made plans to be there, get cracking! Tom Heffern, Dave McSorley, Ed Dunnington, Mike Jeffries, Joe Sokolowski, Frank Thurston, Roger Jarrell, Dean Bailey and I am sure a couple of others I am leaving out (my apologies if I did), have been working hard to put together a memorable event for our class. If you’re on the fence about attending, now is the time to shake off the excuses and make plans to be there.

Back in April, Chris and Tina Barnett ran into Jeff Pence and his family at the Homestead Resort. They spent some time visiting with each other and catching up.

Class of 1991: Colonel Wai-Kin Tong assumed command of the 463rd.

Eric Hyde reached out with a quick note. He is active duty with the Air Force and stationed in Falls Church, Virginia, as the chief financial officer for the Air Force Medical. The kids are keeping them busy. Their oldest son, Jake ’17, just finished his 2nd Class year. He has run into David Ahrens and Steven Henry at various high school lacrosse games over the last couple of seasons. He also claims Pat Krug and his brother, Andy Krug ’92, have been spotted at VMI tailgates. Eric said he and Dana are looking forward to seeing everyone at the 25th.

Speaking of Pat, he and Jamie Tavenner welcomed their oldest sons into the ranks of alumni this spring with the Class of 2016. Congrats to both of you! Tav and I were chatting about the different connections we all have at the Institute now.

Sean Boyle, Tav and Steve Neary ’88 all have children who just completed their 4th Class year with the Class of 2019. Rat Disciplinary Committee president Neary is now U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Neary. He was a speaker and delivered the commissioning oath for the new Marines for the Class of 2016 commissioning ceremony.

I also ran into David Ahrens at a high school lacrosse game. He just finished his first year as the head lacrosse coach at Liberty Christian Academy in Lynchburg. He and Nikki are staying busy with the kids, lacrosse and the life of the genteel farmer.

Kevin Helmick is in northern Virginia coaching lacrosse at the Highland School and raising his family. He’s recently been battling cancer. The school and family support he’s received has been amazing to watch. If you’re in the vicinity and

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Received an email and pictures can reach out to him or stop by to see from Tim Jordan’s wife, Courthim, he’d be happy to see you. ney, showing their son, Ned, with Chip McLean and his son, ConChurchill Bowles’ son, Coleman, nor, ran into Chip’s old roomie, Dave McSorley, and his son, David, at a band concert at Saint Christopher’s School in Richmond, Virat the Arlington Archdiocese Sciginia, as well as at VMI during a ence Fair April 16. Dave works at home football game in fall 2015. I Quantico for Marine Corps System Command, and Chip is currently have included the picture of the fuat the Pentagon as the chief of the ture Keydets standing in front of the U.S. Southern Command Washingstatue of George C. Marshall ’901. ton office.

Ned Jordan is on the left and ColeWai-Kin Tong is on the move man Bowles is on the right.

I ran into Dr. Carney Taylor when again. On April 3, 2016, he became the battalion commander of the I was at VMI picking up my son, Will 463rd Engineer Battalion based in ’18. Carney was in town with his Wheeling, West Virginia. family celebrating his father’s 50th Andy Collier and John Kao have Reunion at VMI. Carney’s father, not seen each other since we left the Marshall Carney Taylor Sr. ’66, was “I.” So, naturally, they bumped into his class’ president. During the reeach other randomly in Portland, Class of 1991: From left, Cadet Jake Hyde ’17 and Col. Eric Hyde union parade, the Class of 1966 preat Ring Figure.

Oregon. sented a check to VMI in the sum of Spring gobbler season was another $40,000,019.66. This amount broke bust for your humble editor. I’m all previous records for class gifts to planning to use the lacrosse coachVMI. We have big shoes to fill for our ing excuse for as long as I can. Even upcoming 25th Reunion in fall 2017, with Kenny Draper and Bob Cole where we will be the honored class!

Enclosed is a picture of Carney and chasing birds with me (maybe “beme at the parade. cause” is the better word to use?), My rat roommate, Lt. Col. Carl the birds won another round. Frank Engstrom, sent me a great update Louthan, on the other hand, befrom Kuwait, where he will be decame one of the luckiest men in the world when he got his first and ployed until April 2017. Carl wrote, “Lieutenant Colonel Mark Baush second gobblers ever with the same shot. Congrats, Frank. I’ll let you and I deployed as part of the 116th buy me a beer at the Palms as you Infantry Brigade Combat Team retell that story.

Military Engagement Team in April Class of 1991: From left, Connor McLean, Chip McLean, Dave The lacrosse field has been a great McSorley and David McSorley.

2016. Our mission is to conduct miliplace to run into many VMI guys. tary engagements with U.S. partner Over the years, I’ve run into a bunch. This nations throughout the U.S. Central Command spring, Bob Cole and I ran into Dave Peters at a Area of Responsibility. Mark is the engageU9 game. His youngest son was playing against ment chief for Jordan and based there. I am Bob’s youngest. He’s living in Lexington and William Woodward the chief of operations in Kuwait. Things are working hard keeping up with the kids. busy but interesting with a wide variety of misRoger Jarrell was recently elected as chairman sions and lots of travel throughout the AOR. of the Rockbridge Area Republican Committee For a non-flying job, this one is not half bad.

Andy Tate and at the time of this writing was up for elecOur team is VMI-heavy, led by Colonel Todd Hubbard ’91. We also have Lieutenant Colonel tion as a delegate to the Republican National Casey Cox ’93 and Major John Roche ’03 on Convention. He just recently had surgery on his the team. Enclosed is a picture taken outside the shoulder. Take care of the arm with the Trump 116th MET Tactical Operations Center. From protestors, Rog! BRs, left to right were Colonel Todd Hubbard ’91, That’s all the news that is fit to print for this ediHere are the latest updates from our classmates. Lieutenant Colonel Carl Engstrom ’92, Major tion, boys. See you in October! Rah Virginia Mil.

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Class Notes

Class of 1992: Kevin Williams in Normandy, France, where Tom Timmes’ grandfather fought in World War II.

Class of 1992: Woody Woodward and Carney Taylor at the spring 2016 reunion weekend.

Class of 1992: From left, Col. Todd Hubbard ’91, Lt. Col. Carl Engstrom, Maj. John Roche ’03 and Lt. Col. Robert Fitch (father of Cadet Trip Fitch ’18).

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John Roche ’03, and Lieutenant Colonel Robert Fitch (proud father of Cadet Trip Fitch ’18). Not pictured but also in the unit are Lieutenant Casey Cox ’93 and Lieutenant Colonel Mark Baush.

Notice that I’ve got the 1,000 yard stare, because I’ve been too long in ‘the crap.’

“Dave Weisenberger and his wonderful wife, Allison, were kind enough to host my family and me during the few days I was in Richmond, Virginia, before mobilizing. James Cherry visited while we were there. Miraculously, Dave and Unibrow have managed to maintain the exact same level of wiseass they have displayed since 1988; though I think James has gotten even louder. Though they initially seemed to be more refined and mature, one need merely introduce beer, and their true countenance quickly emerged.

I trained at Fort Hood, Texas, before deploying, and I was able to spend Easter with Ed VanDuren and his great family in Dallas. I haven’t seen Ed in person in five years, and he is miraculously the same awesome guy he has been since 1988 with or without beer. I also saw or communicated with Rob Schonberger, Scott Price and Derek Lapp.

All are doing well and equally unchanged.”

Also got a quick update from Carl’s roommate, Capt. Chris Bergen. Chris is still the commanding officer of naval support activity, Lakehurst, New Jersey, and the deputy commander of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Captain Matthew Swanson is also currently deployed to Kuwait supporting Operation Inherent Resolve. Matt is serving with the Virginia Army National Guard in a small engineer support team from the 29th Infantry Division out of Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

Captain Neal Sutliff ’07 is also on the team. They deployed in January 2016 and have been jumping all around the theater supporting the effort.

They are looking forward to getting home around November 2016. He knows that Carl Engstrom is around as well but has yet to run into him.

Captain John Driscoll sent me an update saying that he was just finishing up a tour as the Coast Guard’s chief of drug and migrant interdiction.

At the end of May 2016, he was heading to Bahrain, where he was taking command of Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia for a year.

After that, he hoped to be back in Washington, D.C. Two of our BRs have recently left their jobs at VMI. Lieutenant Col. Todd Pegg departed in April 2016 and is now the director of facilities at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia. Todd

reported that he still will be working with cadets in the VMI Marksmanship Program and the Military Skills Club, which he is very happy about. On Todd’s last day at VMI, he represented our class at the annual Benefactor’s Luncheon, where he met with our class scholarship recipient, Cadet Tyler Krug ’18 (Andy Krug’s son). Colonel Doug Vincent completed his two-year tour as the professor of military science in command of the Army ROTC department in May 2016. He and his family moved to Fort Benning, Georgia, to take command of the Airborne Ranger Training Brigade.

Doug “invited any BRs that ever get down into the deep South to stop off for a mint julep or libation of their choice (except Steve Brandtner, I do not have that type of homeowners insurance; in fact, I do not think anyone has that type of homeowners insurance).”

John Brodie reported that he is completing his 28th year at VMI and cannot believe it has flown by so fast. He says it has been a great experience and a “wonderful life.” He has enjoyed having Anhtuan Nguyen’s son, Douglas ’19, in the Regimental Band this year. The band played at the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California, in January 2016. They also played in Asheville, North Carolina, for the Southern Conference basketball tournament in March 2016, as well as at The Citadel for the football game in November 2015.

Kevin Williams sent me a great update in

Class of 1992: Sons of Tim Jordan ’92 (Ned) and Churchill Bowles ’92 (Coleman) at a VMI football game in fall 2015.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes which he reported that his “family is doing great.

Wife Mary and all three kids are busy with competitive soccer. Daughter Madison just got selected for the Elite Clubs National League with Jim Sharp the Major League Soccer Team Football Club Dallas, which is consuming a great deal of time.

I run into Bill Buckner occasionally for coffee, as he lives down the street. He is busy with horses and family activities. I connect with Randy I hope these notes find everyone in good spirits.

Wood ’89 fairly regularly on business and perChris Kemper dropped in a note. “Molly and sonally when in Herndon, Virginia. I left Cisco I are reaching the end of our move that started Systems and started a new job at NetApp as the back in September 2015. Molly is the executive general manager of software/cloud business. I director of the Newberry Opera House in Newam having loads of fun running a global sales berry, South Carolina. We bought a house and team and am looking for people if any BRs are moved our household goods last September and thinking of changing careers. I have been travelthen sold our house in Atlanta in November 2015.

Once the girls are done with school in Atlanta ing on business in Europe, so I stop off in Normandy, France and the Bastogne, Belgium, area in May, we will move the rest of the family to every chance I get. On my last visit, I stopped by Newberry. I retire in September after 23 years of Tom Timmes’ grandfather’s foxhole in Timmes’ service in the Army and Army National Guard.

Right now, I am going to work on my 128-yearOrchard. I also started collecting World War II old house and spend some time with the kids! If artifacts from the Normandy Campaign. My latest acquisition is a 1943 German anti-tank gun, anyone is passing through Newberry or decides to 7.5 cm Pak 40, which was the same as those come to a show, let me know. We have plenty of which fired on U.S. troops at Omaha Beach. I space!” Something tells me, Chris, that you will be just fully restored it, and it is one of only three plenty busy with a 128-year-old house.

Tom Nelson is finishing up his 10 months at the capable of firing in the U.S. I am busy restoring U.S. Army War College, and he and his family are another now.” on our way to Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Finally, I received a note from George Noewatne ’89 who had read our last class notes Springs, where he will work in the U.S. Northern detailing Stephen Morris’ burial at Arlington Command/North American Aerospace Defence J5. He is looking forward to the next adventure National Cemetery. George wrote, “To say I am shocked and saddened is an understatement. You in Colorado with plenty of hiking, camping and probably do not remember me, but I was Steve’s skiing for the family.

Lincoln Swineford dropped a line. “Cameron uncle dyke during his rat year – my roommate Andrew Rose ’89 being his dyke. Steve was a Briody came in town recently, and we were able great guy – very sincere and conscientious and dedicated to doing his absolute best during those difficult days of rat year.”

Please continue to send me any updates and pictures for inclusion in future class notes. Additionally, please let me know of any major life events such as marriages, births, deaths and advanced degrees so that I can inform the Alumni Review. If you have a change of address, let the Alumni Association and me know so that we can make sure you get all VMI correspondence.

Best regards, Class of 1993: Matt Gill and his sons at Philmont.

Woody

1993

2016-Issue 3

to get lunch and dinner a couple of times, including seeing Chris Campbell at one of the bars he manages in Midlothian, then CBB and I hung out by my fire pit until about 5 a.m. Hanging out with someone who is a bartender in Key West and doesn’t normally go to sleep until 7 a.m. is rough. He was in town because his mother recently passed after battling pancreatic cancer for almost three years. The doctors kept telling her she would have weeks or months left, and she routinely kicked all the predictions ... and kept on keeping-on until the very end.

“This Thursday, May 19, 2016, Team 93 – consisting of me, Rusty Smith, John Barefoot and Ben Lilly – will be competing for the Irby Cup in the VMI Richmond Club Annual Golf Tournament. I don’t plan on contributing much, and I hope Rusty’s and Ben’s backs are strong enough to carry the team.” Lincoln, you will need to send a picture of your team in the next notes, including your score.

The Reaper, aka Stephen Grim, responded. “I am back from the United Kingdom after three years. The family is doing well and settling back into American life. I realized we are a stone’s throw from Bryan Van Deun’s house and have met up with him a couple of times. I have spoken to Kevin Morris but have not caught up with him yet. I understand he and Darin Ramsey went to New Orleans with the wives. God help the Big Easy.”

Matt Gill sent in an update. “Brittney and I are enjoying (and periodically suffering through) raising our sons. Grant is 12, Landon is 10, Gray and Baylor are seven, and Ridgeley will be five in July. Scouting, sports, music and tutors fill their lives with learning and growth opportunities.

We pile into the motorhome and travel the U.S. often. Last summer’s mega-trip was through Florida Panhandle beaches and Dallas to Scouting’s Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico for a week, then homeward through Kansas (got engaged at Fort Riley in 1993), St. Louis and Indianapolis.

“Summer 2016 will include a great monthlong trip this summer. We rent our RV as a side business – G7RVRental.com – and one renter is taking it one-way from Virginia to Denver, where we will fly into. Then Grand

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Class Notes Tetons, Yellowstone, Salt Lake City, Bryce Canyon, Zion and Grand Canyon North Rim will be ticked off the bucket list. We will spend another week in Philmont, where I will be an instructor.

The kids and Brittney will be enjoying fun in the outdoors on horses, whitewater, hiking, leather/ wood/welding-crafts and shooting. We fly home from Denver and another renter and scouting buddy will bring the motorhome eastward to Richmond with his family.

“State government technology work has been my career for the past 10 years at Virginia Information Technology Agency. We are transitioning to a multi-supplier environment from a long-term prime contractor outsourcing contract. There is a lot of work and plenty of change happening here.

I will be helping lead some of that effort.”

Matt Williams sent in a note. “I returned from Afghanistan last fall and relocated to Crofton, Maryland. I work at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C. I saw Donnie Holloway and David Graves while deployed. Donny has relocated to the D.C. area and is an instructor at the National War College at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C. Corky Oldfield still serves as a corporal in the Prince Georges County Police Department. He lives in Annapolis, Maryland, and is scheduled to be remarried May 27.” Matt, welcome back to the States and congratulations to Corky! David Graves is still undergoing rehab at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Richmond. I very briefly dropped by when I was visiting Richmond on business. David has had a tough journey, and we need to continue to support him in our thoughts.

I appreciate Brian DaRin sending a brief note from Japan. “I’m en route to Hiroshima to be the site officer for the upcoming president of the United States’ visit to Hiroshima. Hiroshima is in my consular district, so as the political-economic chief, I’m the usual control/site officer for VIP stops in this region of western Japan, that includes the major industrial, historical and cultural cities of Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Hiroshima, but this one, much like Secretary Kerry’s visit last month, is a historic visit. If anyone takes a decent photo, I’ll send it your way.” Please send us a picture for the next notes.

Speaking of Japan, Neil Osbon sent an email.

“I moved to Japan in October as a missionary and teacher at an international school in Sano, Tochigi Prefecture. I’m learning the language slowly.

It’s a good place. The winters are much like

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Virginia winters. The school year starts in April and ends in March, which is weird. We’re doing a lot teaching this year to get on the Western calendar. I have students from Japan, Russia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and the U.S. I’ve been glad to visit Troy Spencer and his family in Los Angeles on my way out and back each time I return to the States. I have yet to visit Kenji Iwai over in Kobe, but I hope to soon.” This is starting to sound like a Class of ’93 mini reunion in Japan this fall. I expect a picture of you three drinking sake in the near term.

As for me, things are staying busy in Charlotte.

We recently had our annual upcoming VMI/The Citadel Charlotte golf tournament. I look forward to catching up with you guys this fall for a football game at the Institute.

As always, thank you to our BRs who are serving our country in uniform.

Jim

1994

Clay Campbell

Dear Brother Rats, Rack it in, I have the floor again. Seems like just yesterday I was writing the last set of notes, so bourbon in hand, here we go again. I want to start with some class business then we will get into what is going on with our BRs. Recently, we merged the Teal ’94 Memorial Scholarship and the ’94 Memorial Scholarship into one fund, and we have renamed it the Class of 1994 Memorial Scholarship.

This scholarship has now reached a level where it can now start being dispersed on a yearly basis to young cadets based on needs. If anyone has any questions in particular, please call me and we can discuss in greater detail. Thank you to all of you who have and continue to donate to these funds; you are keeping the memory of those BRs that have fulfilled their duties on earth alive. We are also helping the next generation be able to afford the education that put all of us where we are today.

Bill Stegemerten wrote in with the following information: “I have retired after 21 years of active service (although it feels longer after the time at the ‘I’). My family and I have settled in Newark, Delaware, where I am back in academia, working at the University of Delaware. My four kids occupy

most of my ‘free’ time but looking forward to catching up in the future.”

I also reached out to James Anastas. He married Kirsten Hummel May 14, 2016, and James reported that John Anastas ’63 and Jon Fabyonic ’94 were in attendance. Let me say to Kirsten, welcome to the Class of ’94, and don’t always believe all the stories that you hear.

I recently had the opportunity to go spend the weekend with John Campbell and Sally in Lexington. Stu Copenhaver was there with his wife and kids, as was Pete Major. I can truly say that many guns were shot and a good time was had by all; we even pulled John’s cannon out and fired it a couple of times. The following week, I was able to run into an old rugger that I haven’t seen in years.

I caught up with Tedd Black ’96 and his family as they were heading out from his 20th Reunion and heading back north. I would like to also recognize George Karavetsos. George was recently on CNBC’s ‘American Greed’ and also on the show, ‘The Doctors.’”

Tim Silva recently wrote in about his recent retirement from the Marine Corps. Tim wanted me to pass along the following release: “Tim Silva retired from the Marine Corps in March 2016 after 22 years of service. A retirement ceremony was held in November 2015 at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Virginia. Colonel Jay Frey ’92, commanding officer of Expeditionary Warfare Training Group-Atlantic, presided over the ceremony. Amongst family, friends and fellow service members in attendance were Mike Starling ’92 and Will Gorman. Tim has started the next chapter in life as a special agent/investigator with the

Class of 1994: Nancy Fudacz “honorary ’94” getting ready to run the Boston Marathon a day after running the Roanoke Marathon.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes U.S. Office of Personnel Managementthis time. As I write these notes, the Federal Investigative Services and will cadets are having practice parade after be working the Hampton Roads area.” practice parade getting ready for New Skippy, we wish you all the best and Market Day and graduation. It’s funthank you for your 22 years of service. ny how this place always has a more Wanted to give a big congrats to Jerpositive vibe coming out of the Corps of Cadets this time of year. The Class emy Schlussel, as his son, Ethan, just of 2016 will graduate in a couple of achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. I days, and then we will begin in earnest also received word that Dave Underpreparations for the next class, which wood and Dave Truslow were able to will be matriculating at about the time get together and attend an Elton John you are reading these notes. concert. Also heard that Mike RichHopefully many of you are keeping ardson was able to meet up with Drew up with each other through the variVandergrift, and they spent some time catching up. Recently, I got word that ous social media outlets. I do try to Sean Murray had to spend some time link up with any brother rat as they in the hospital. Sean had some heart Class of 1994: From left, Pete Major, Clay Campbell, John Camp- come through town. Last week, I ran issues, but he is back home with Heidi bell and Stu Copenhaver. into Shannon Lucas, who had been and is doing well. I also heard that in Charlottesville for a portion of his Sean Lanier recently ran into Steve Kavanaugh at Chad Correll’s wife, and she has been running brigade pre-command course. He assumed commarathons and other races not only for herself a Potomac River Chapter of the VMI Alumni Asmand of a CID group out in Hawaii June 8. He but in memory of J.R. Although Nancy never met said that Sean Davis was in the same course. Sean sociation networking breakfast.

Jon “Spike” Watson ’91 spent a night at my J.R., she holds him close to her heart and looks is assuming command of a sustainment brigade sometime in the near future, but unfortunately, I house last month when he was in town; it was to him for strength to make it through some of these races.

Nancy has donated the money raised am not sure where. great to catch up and retell the same old stories to the Class of ’94 Memorial Fund in the name Brother Rat Marlin Ikenberry is nearing comagain. Tim Bailey has recently started a new company in South Carolina doing spray linings. Look of J.R. Recently, she ran the Roanoke Marathon pletion of his first year at the helm of James him up on Facebook, or just give Tim a shout if in on a Saturday, flew to Boston and ran the Boston Madison University baseball and has already had Marathon the following Monday. Please join me a profound impact on that team and program. the area at Coastal Carolina Xtreme.

Lastly, I wanted to mention Nancy Fudacz ’94. in saying that we appreciate all that Nancy has They increased their wins by more than a few (That’s right, I made her an honorary Sister Rat done to raise awareness for J.R. and the ’94 Meand are hoping to make some noise in the CAA and gave her the beloved ’94 behind her name; she morial Scholarship. tournament.

In closing, I’m going to leave you with this, has more than earned it.) She has stepped up and If you haven’t seen the fall football schedule, done some amazing things all in the name of the please consider making a donation to the ’94 Methere are only four home games this year, but Class of ’94 and specifically, J.R. Teal. Nancy is morial Scholarship. You can make a one-time dothey’re good ones. VMI football will host Mercer nation or you can set up a reoccurring draft so that University, Eastern Tennessee State University, it comes out automatically. Also please mark your Furman University and The Citadel at home. If calendars for The Citadel game this year, as we are you’re in town for any of these games, please let planning on having another ’94 mini reunion on me know. This fall will mark my ninth season as the Parade Ground. the public address announcer for VMI football.

Class of ’94, That’s about it for this update. I hope everybody Pig had a great summer and that all are well. Take great care and ’95, ’95, ’95!

1995

Thomas A. Brashears

Class of 1994: James Anastas and his new bride, Kirsten.

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Brother Rats, The time is here again for another update. Honestly, not much to report on that’s extraordinary

1996

Tom Danielsen

Hello, Brother Rats!

I’m honored to serve as your new class agent

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Class Notes 1.

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes and want to start my first notes by thanking Pete Segersten for the incredible job he did the last five years reporting on our brother rats and keeping all of us informed about VMI! Great job, Pete!

As I’m writing these notes, the May 15 deadline is looming, and I find it incredible that 20 years have passed since we graduated. In April 2016, more than 85 BRs made the trip back to VMI to celebrate those 20 years, and it was amazing catching up with everyone – though it was far too short and impossible to properly catch up with everyone. I even heard Taylor Smith rightly call it “speed dating” for BRs. The reunion was a great success, and I want to start by thanking Eli Wahesh for taking the lead planning and organizing our two days in Lexington. We had great accommodations, great venues, and plenty of food, alcohol and, most importantly, safe transportation ensuring none of us ended up rediscovering the Lexington or post police.

Thank you, Eli! I also want to thank Chris Kavanaugh, who unfortunately missed the reunion but did secure a keg of beer from Parkway Brewing that he brewed just before leaving for Afghanistan.

While there’s no way I can do proper justice to cover everyone or everything from the reunion, I

do want to cover some highlights. It was great to catch up with Ted Black; he had a crazy past year, and I think we were all relieved to see him back in good health and looking incredible after losing a ton of weight. Congrats, Ted. Corrie Brice was able to delay his deployment to Iraq by a few days and made the reunion. He joined me on the sentinel box for Old Yells, and I know all of us wish him a safe deployment.

Friday night, the class gathered at Moody Hall for drinks and heavy appetizers. While there was no formal agenda, I think everyone found it difficult to actually eat while trying to catch up with so many people at once. It’s truly amazing how each of us can pick up where we left off five, 10, 15 and even 20 years ago. Speaking of 20 years ago, I know Tim Brock made it to his first reunion since graduating. Tim is in New Jersey running his family’s funeral home business these days. He still has the same haircut, and I really enjoyed catching up with an old track teammate. I also believe Max Castelelyn made his first trek back to the Institute.

Max is currently working for Trader Joe’s and just had his change of command for his second battalion command in the Illinois National Guard in Chicago. Congrats, Max! Following our time at Moody Hall, many of us

ventured uptown and found ourselves at Macado’s (formerly Spanky’s) at its new location on Main Street. Somehow, we all made it back to our local rooms Friday night after shutting down local establishments.

Saturday, our day started with our class picture, followed by Chaplain James Park joining us before parade to pay tribute to Jamie Edge, who was killed in action in Iraq 11 years ago April 14.

Chaplain Park shared his own personal memories – not only of Jamie as the spirit and his VMI Bomb write-up but of our class as a whole and the impact we had on the Institute and upholding the systems that still exist today. Chaplain Park retired this year, and I know we thank him for his support, dedication and many needed prayers over the year. Best of luck, chaplain, and God bless you!

Following our moment of silence, we watched the parade and enjoyed heckling the current cadets during the pass in review. We also were inspired by the Class of ’66, which presented a check for over $40 million to the superintendent and our own president of the VMI Alumni Association, Turner Perrow.

Saturday night, the class gathered at McKethan Park for a barbecue and music from Col. John

Class of 1996: Photos opposite page 1. From left, Curt Bourn, Jim Flaherty and Jeff Mozgala.

2. Rugby players at the reunion were, from left, Shawn Callahan, John Mills, Scott Shropshire, Castle Adamson, Colin Boynton and Ted Black.

3. Giving Old Yells were, from left, Tom Danielsen, Pete Segersten and Corrie Brice.

4. Andre Johnson and Marlon Anderson catching up with their coach, Donnie Ross ’74. Donnie was the VMI football coach in 1994 and 1995.

5. Catching up in Lexington were, from left, Jason Lanz, Bart Filipiak, Max Casteleyn, Curt Bourn, Turner Perrow, Christian Hoff, Eli Wahesh, Tom Danielsen and Jim Tinguely.

6. From left, Pete Segersten, Noppadon “Nopp” Kuljanyavivat and In Cho during Nopp’s visit to the U.S. in February. Nopp is a colonel in the Royal Thai Army.

7. From left, John Mills, Jim Richardson, Tom Danielsen, Chad Foster, John Pearce, Sgt. Maj. Al Hockaday, Jason Botterill and Matt Bogusky.

8. Charlie Company at the reunion were, from left, Jeremy Johnson, Matt Holland, Nick Latsios, John Dwyer, Tom Danielsen and Barron Mills.

9. At a golf outing before the reunion were, from left, Travis George, Max Casteleyn, David Hall, Christian Hoff, Wes Palmer and Chris Antonelli.

10. From left, Curt Bourn, Kevin Faust and Mike Arendt.

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Class of 1996: From left, row 1: Erik Mickalski, Mike Arendt, Shawn Callahan, Jeff Bradford, Max Castelyn, Brian Hartless, Sterling Sweeney, Yong Chong, Jethro Piland, Jim Richardson, Jason Botterill and Sean McMurray. Row 2: Karl Renne, Jeff Simpson, Chris Gorman, Doug Bartlett, Jeremy Johnson, Chris Lowe, Cliff Weddington, John Pearce, Barron Mills, Vern Wilkens, Travis George and Matt Bogusky. Row 3: C.J. Mulligan, Jim Flaherty, Jeff Mozgola, Taylor Smith, Matt Holland, Mike Deegan, Dave Hall, Jon Dano, Marlon Anderson, Andre Johnson, Tom Danielsen and Mike Waltz. Row 4: Christian Hoff, Chad Foster, Karl Painter, Bill Bollander, Rick Mattoso, Jamie Yoxheimer, Nick Latsios, Bart Filipiak, Josh Lewis, Darren Maydian and Chris Antonelli. Row 5: Darren Braylo, Pete Segersten, Mike Burchik, Chris McCallum, Ted Black, Mike Stephens, Corrie Brice, Wes Palmer, Jim Tinguely, Dallas Richards, Jason Lanz and Eli Wahesh. Row 6: John Dwyer, Scott Morris, Chris Eddy, Bill Leonard, Mike Ohleger, Paul Zackrison, John Morrison, Darrel Dudley, Turner Perrow, Mark Trider, John Mills, Mike Obadal and Jared McCormick. Row 7: Curt Bourn, Colin Boynton, Scott Shropshire, Tim Brock, Chad Gill, Jesse Janay and Greg Bamford.

The Class of 1996

20th Reunion – April 22-23, 2016

Class Notes

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Brodie’s (Hon.) rock band. Despite a chill in the air, it was a great night outside reliving many great times at McKethan. Once again, following several hours of good food and drinks, we found ourselves back in Lexington at one of the many establishments. We continued catching up on old times and ensuring the current cadets up town and of legal age drank for free courtesy of the Class of 1996.

Overall, the reunion was a great success, and while I wish I could fill these pages with updates on everyone, I failed to take adequate notes.

I do want to recognize several brother rats who are retiring from military service in the coming months after 20 years of service: U.S. Navy Cmdr. Mike Burchik; U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Barron Mills; U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Colin Boynton; U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Greg Bamford; U.S. Army Maj. Jared McCormick; and U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Curt Bourn. Congratulations, and thank you all for your service to our nation.

I heard from a few BRs who could not join us but wished us well for our reunion. Commander Steve Johnson is currently on assignment with NATO in Brussels, Belgium, with his family. I’m confident Steve most likely rode 96 miles through Flanders in our class’ honor and washed it down with an amazing Belgian beer.

I also heard from Lt. Col. J.J. Rivera, who was in California getting recertified on the Huey so he can take command of Marine Light Helicopter Attack Squadron 773 May 21. Congrats, J.J., on your well-deserved command.

Christian Hoff, who was at the reunion, provided several updates on BRs who were unable to make it to Lexington. Brian Hartless was promoted colonel in the Air Force May 2. He just graduated from the National War College and is on his way to serve in Germany for his next assignment.

Congrats, Brian!

Christian ran into Brian Eberhart at the Pentagon recently. Brian is currently a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force serving on Joint Staff with Mike Burchik and getting ready for his next assignment in Korea. C.J. Mulligan is also at the Pentagon working for the Army G-3. He’s slated to retire next winter after 20 years.

Christian also provided an update on Trent McMillian, who is in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, flying for a regional airline by day and flying Blackhawks for the Alabama National Guard on the side and doing well.

Darren Marting is an FBI agent in Philadelphia

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and recently got married. Congrats, Darren.

Finally, Christian had lunch with Mike Reed, who unfortunately could not make the reunion.

Mike is doing great working as an executive at VeriSign and spends his time coaching baseball and playing cards.

Jamal Thomas also reached out and let us know he was unable to make the reunion due to a work conflict. Of note, however, Jamal was spotted two weeks later attending a seminar at Washington and Lee University, and he did make a visit to the Institute and stop by to see Sgt. Maj. Hockaday.

John Adams was unable to attend our reunion due to commitments as he campaigns to become the next attorney general of Virginia. I know our entire class is behind John, and many of us will be catching up with him at his pig roast June 25. Best of luck, John! You make all of us proud.

Finally, Noppadon Kuljanyavivat was in the D.C. area in February and was able to catch up with several BRs during a short trip to the U.S. from Thailand.

It was truly great catching up with so many of you at the reunion. Please utilize me over the next five years to share your updates. I’m honored to represent our class and look forward to hearing from all of you. Don’t hesitate to reach out with suggestions as we start to plan for our 25th Reunion in the near future.

All the best, Tom Danielsen

1997

Tim O. Moore David M. Hudock

Greetings from the desk of the less-than-hardworking half of your class agent duo! Spring has finally sprung inside this nation’s District of Columbia; hopefully some warmth and light has found its way to you this season.

Since you’re presumably very excited to hear about happenings here since my last report, I will start by informing you that things continue to be

much the same in the nation’s capital. I’m still holding down a chair at the Pentagon and enjoying the many culinary, cultural and alcoholic offerings of northwest D.C. Feel free to stop in the next time you’re in town to sample some of the wares this fair city has to offer!

Following his epic installment of notes last quarter, Tim Moore continues to teach cadets in the civil engineering department, which has grown substantially over the past four years and is currently the largest department at VMI with approximately 250 cadets. He received tenure in April 2016 and is looking forward to the full professor promotion to colonel this fall. He received a sabbatical for the spring 2017 term and will be teaching at the Catholic University in Bolivia for six months. As an added good deal, his whole family will be able to accompany him for the entire venture! And speaking of his family, all of his kids are doing exceptionally well, and his wife, Elizabeth, and he are excited to see everyone for the 20th Reunion April 28-29, 2017.

An omission from the last edition of our notes: John Bushman’s father was thoughtful enough to call me back in November to inform me our BR John had just deployed to Afghanistan as the deputy G5 at the NATO command there. Appreciate the update from John’s dad and welcome any family member to update us on our BRs’ whereabouts and activities.

Evidently, our class has quite the pious streak (who knew?), as the most recent member of our ranks to join the clergy is John Jenkins. He was ordained an episcopal priest Nov. 24, 2015, at his parish in Augusta, Georgia. Evidently piety only goes so far, however, for I am fairly certain none of us received invitations to his abode – mere steps away from the front gate of Augusta National – for the recent Master’s Golf Tournament.

Despite this transgression, congratulations, John; we are proud of your accomplishment and wish you the best as you embark on your latest journey.

Speaking of journey, Steve Jones checked in to inform me he had recently checked an item off his bucket list: Landing a helicopter on VMI’s Parade Ground! Steve is a member of the 2-224th (aviation); a Blackhawk Air National Guard unit based out of Richmond airport. In support of VMI’s Army ROTC Ranger Challenge Team, Steve had a chance to fly onto post, land and pick up the team for transport to Fort Pickett for competition.

When Steve’s not playing soldier, he works for an engineering design firm. He lives with his wife

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Class Notes

Class of 1997: Steve Jones in front of his Blackhawk helicopter after landing on the Parade Ground recently to fly the Army ROTC department’s Ranger Challenge Team to a competition at Fort Pickett. and two girls in Waynesboro, Virginia. Thanks for dropping in Steve – literally!

On a recent business trip in New York City over St. Patrick’s Day, Will Tong reported to have run into Addison Hagan. Considering where they ran into each other, the chances of meeting were probably less than winning the Powerball; nonethe-less, it turns out they were both staying at the Marriott Courtyard on Herald Square across from the Macy’s flagship store. As Will was eating breakfast with a colleague, he just happened to look up and saw a half-sleeping individual who looked like Addison, but the dead giveaway was the VMI hat he was wearing along with his “Hey, Will Tong, nice to see you,” greeting. They exchanged pleasantries and a quick update about happenings in their lives, as well as contact information. Ad then informed him he was in town for the St. Patrick’s Day parade and that a few other BRs were in town.

Later that night, Will linked up with Addison, Greg Reynolds, Steve Strain and another individual who was identified as an “honorary BR,” but Will can’t recall his name. Coincidentally, he happens to be a Towson University alumnus, which is a few miles from Will’s house. The group ended up having dinner at a Vietnamese place (no snake hearts this time) on the east side and reminisced about VMI and life after the Institute. Will said it was great to see the guys, considering the last time he saw them was probably the 15th Reunion, but more likely May 17, 1997! Regardless, Will said it was great seeing everyone, and they had a good time.

When Will isn’t traveling the country for citysized parties, he resides in Timonium, Maryland, and commutes to D.C. two days a week, where he

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Class of 1997: Dave Hudock, Nick Elliott, Mike Belenky and Cooper Reid at the Palms in Lexington.

works for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. He’s been in Maryland since graduating and is busy with his two kids; 4 and 9 years old.

Jim Smythers came up on the net and informed me he finally got an invite to the Foreign Service. His wife, Sarah; son, Julian (3); Golden Doodle, Sasha (which he describes as “a very manly hybrid breed”), and he just received their first assignment: He’s off to be a diplomat at the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest, Romania. He has a bunch of training to do first (as in, “which one of these is the bread plate?”), but he will be headed there in March 2017. Jim thinks we’re now up to four BRs in the Foreign Service, including Mark Turner, Brian Bagwan and Joel Harding.

Max Hopkins is still loving life as a Marine; he is currently stationed in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, with II Marine Expeditionary Force in the G3 shop as a future operations planner. This summer, he will move over to II Marine Expeditionary Brigade into its G3 shop.

Lastly, this past New Market Day a couple of us managed to get together in Lexington to celebrate not having to march in a New Market Day parade. Mike Belenky – the organizer of this particular and very “mini” reunion – came down from Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, where he is commanding the post medical clinic. Nick Elliott joined us from Richmond, where he continues to work for “K” Line Shipping and worries full time about his 16-year-old son, who is about to start driving the family Suburban. Also on hand was Cooper Reid, who was over at Douthat State Park riding mountain bikes with his brother.

Surprisingly, both were sufficiently uninjured enough to come into town and join us for some cocktails at The Palms. Tales of Macado’s and

the Southern Inn following the included photo are much exaggerated.

Thanks to all who provided us with information for this installment of the notes. Keep them coming! We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the 20th Reunion in April.

1998

John A. Strock Hamel Reinmiller

I am writing these notes on the tail end of New Market Day celebrations. This time of year, marking that occasion and hearing about commencement and commissioning ceremonies always makes me proud of our shared legacy. What a remarkable place!

Betsy and I are enjoying this rainy spring but are really looking forward to summer. I have moved into the real estate business and like the change very much. I am licensed in Virginia now and will earn my D.C. license early this summer. We spent a weekend with Dan and Anna Smith recently at their new home in Midlothian, Virginia.

The Smiths were able to help design their own house in a wonderful new development and have settled in nicely. We had a great time catching up and spending time with their son, Jackson. At the age of eight, Jackson is a published author and

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1998: Bobby Heely, far right, pictured with wife Johanna and parents Bob and Lush Heely ’69, took command of the guided missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy in Pearl Harbor March 18, 2016.

Class of 1998: Howie Loudon, right, traveled to Hawaii to support Bobby Heely during his assumption of command.

Class of 1998: Lang and Amy White exchanged vows May 7, 2016, in Hustle, Virginia.

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Class of 1998: Carl Strock ’70, Mac Garrett ’71, Bryan Bailey, Lang White, John Strock, Chris Strock ’97 and Brook Barbour at Lang’s wedding. maintains straight As in school. Proud of that boy!

I got a nice note from Bob Heely ’69 and am very proud and honored to announce that our very own Bobby Heely took command of the USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) in Pearl Harbor March 18, 2016. Howie Loudon and his son made the trip out to Hawaii to be there in person for the event. Congrats to Bob and Johanna as they continue to serve in dedicated fashion.

Joey Bates checked in letting me know that he and his family finally moved into their “new” house in Fort Mill, South Carolina, in December.

He, Tori, Cole (4) and Morgan (2) bought a 1920 plantation-style home that sat empty for 15 years and restored it. The project took nine months, but HGTV called and wants them to take Chip and Joanna Gaines’ place – not quite ... Joey is still with Harris Teeter and was recently promoted to director of grocery, dairy and frozen foods. He also serves on the National Frozen and Refrigerated Foods Association board, along with some other extracurricular activities. He talked to Ken Dohanish recently, noting that Ken has moved to Charlotte, but they have not linked up yet. Supposedly, John Gonzales is in town periodically, as well, so Joey planned to reach out to Ken as he sent in this update to catch up. Feel free to reach out to Joey if you are near Charlotte.

Matt Guise reported that he met Jason Fye at a local watering hole in Richmond after Jason met with a professor at the University of Richmond. Jason is recently married, and he is enjoying life in Chapel Hill.

Matt and Roger Hart ’99 both completed Virginia

Commonwealth University’s executive master in business administration program and graduated in May; they are stoked to have this in the rear view.

Guise also got together for a round of golf with Aaron Rygas, Chris Boswell ’00, Roger Hart ’99 and Ken Duke, PGA Tour pro.

I also heard from Tim O’Bryant that Simon Macioch, Lucas Braxton and Wade German all made the battalion command list. Way to go, boys!

Last, but not least, Lang White married the former Miss Amy Fuqua May 7, 2016, during a beautiful ceremony in Essex County, Virginia, in a town called Hustle at the home of Carl and Julie Strock ’70. Brook Barbour, Bryan Bailey and I served as groomsmen, along with Lang’s brother, Chad, and another of Lang’s close friends. The wedding was attended by Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy. Best of luck to Mr. and Mrs. Lang White!

I wish everyone well as we move into warmer and hopefully drier months this summer. Please continue to send news and updates.

1999

William Steinbach

Brother Rats, Jason Fletcher got married this May. Miss Margarita Saluzzo became his bride.

Randy Brown sent me this: “Bill, I think this

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Class Notes is the first note I have sent since we graduated.

After leaving the Marine Corps, I worked in the manufacturing, distribution and insurance industries. I currently work for AmeriGas as a district manager in Lynchburg, Virginia. My wife, Stacy, and I have two children. Our daughter, Gracie, just turned 12. Our son, Zachary, is 17-monthsold and has been issued a provisional appointment to enter the Class of 2037. Things are going great for us. I have coached my daughter’s softball team for the past five seasons, which is about the most physical activity I get nowadays! I have had to miss our reunions to this point, thanks to the Marine Corps and work, but hope to join everyone for our 20th. Semper Fi!” Matt Stephens is a dentist in Salem, Virginia, now. He and his wife, Erica, have been married for 17 years in July and have 14- and 12-year-old sons. He says their door is open in Salem, and there is a VMI ’99 discount at his office. Anyone needing grille work in southwest Virginia should swing by.

Randy Eads sent this in: “Jason Hennigan is a father. Brayden was born in December. Susie, Jason’s wife, does everything for the baby. Jason and I took to the golf course this past Sunday for the Knights of Columbus. I almost have my pilot’s license. That’s it from Abingdon.” I lived in

Abingdon around 13 years ago. That is actually a lot going on for there.

Dirty Dale Durlach reported that he is single again. He is stationed at Joint Enabling Capabilities Command in Norfolk.

Jake Hughes got Gen. Bunting ’63 to speak at a gala for his son’s old school, Calvary Classical School in Hampton. Ben Kincaid played a role in getting Gen. Bunting there. Jake got to introduce him and reported that he gave a great speech.

Chuck Reinhold celebrated 17 years of marriage May 16. He is still at Department of Homeland Security in Arlington and battalion executive officer in the Virginia Army National Guard.

Congratulations are in order to John Wilcox.

He is (I believe) the first of our BRs to be selected for battalion command.

Shane Stille moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, and took a job with Kirlin Group.

Ryan Thompson is headed to Iraq to work on the Mosul Dam project.

Eric Marshall and Leroy Trent are still running ultra-marathons. Robbie just completed the Cruel Jewel 100-mile race. Eric and Robbie ran one together a while back (can’t remember the name of the race). Eric got bit by a copperhead somewhere around mile 60 and still put in another 12 miles before realizing he should probably seek medical

Class of 1999: At a get-together Jan. 27, 2016, BRs attended the VMI versus The Citadel basketball game and enjoyed dinner together downtown with spouses and families. Present were, from left, front row, Dallas Clark, Dan Wilbun, Ali Morales and Patrick Henderson. Back row: Jeff Golden, Matt Hart, Shane Stille and Ben Ashmore.

Present but not pictured was B.T. Long.

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attention. Pretty hard, if you ask me. Tom Cruz moved to Richmond and married Emily Richardson. He left Newport News Shipbuilding after 15 years of building submarines and aircraft carriers.

In the bonds, Bill

2000

Jim Boatright

Brother Rats, It is, once again, hard to believe that another four months have passed since the last set of class notes. I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying personal and family life. I would like to start off with a reminder about class business after speaking to a few BRs who are receiving reunion, etc. information for other classes. If you matriculated with our class and are receiving updates from other classes, please send a note to the class notes email address, classnotes2000vmi@gmail.com, and I will take care of getting you switched to the Class of 2000. Also, if you move or have a change of address, please send me a note, and I will get everything updated with the Alumni Association.

With that said, I was reminded to send that note after catching up with Alec Hill here in Atlanta, Georgia. Alec owns a commercial construction company and is enjoying family life.

After receiving only a few updates for this edition, I’m grateful to Pat Haddock for requesting updates through the class Facebook page; we have another great showing.

One of the first was from our class leader, Keane Jones. Keane says he is alive and well! He and his wife, Liz, celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary this year. Their boys are now 14, 13 and 11 and all three have provisional appointments to VMI. The family has dropped anchor in Colorado and have been there since 2009. Keane is on active duty and spent six months in Iraq this past year at the Special Operations Task Force in Iraq with SEAL Team 7. While there, he crossed paths with Colin Mahle. Keane recently transferred back to Colorado, where he is working at the Special Operations Command – North. He gets to spend some time at home but will soon move out to Leavenworth, Kansas, and complete some professional military education. Keane said he is

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes at 25 years total service, including a few as a reservist while at VMI and the years after, but he hasn’t been fired yet, so he is going to see how long the ride will last. Keane, thanks for your service, the update and making the rest of us feel very, very young!

It was also great to host my roommate of four years, Jon Hartsock, as he was passing through Atlanta en route to Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia. Jon is working hard in the Army and enjoying life with his wife and son.

Speaking of roommates, my rat roommate Christian Arllen sent a great update. Christian and Kelley are enjoying life with their two daughters, Sydney (7) and Reagan (4-and onehalf). Christian works for Amazon Web Services, and Kelley teaches and works in the health care industry. They are renovating their home, which is never an easy experience.

Another rat roommate with Christian and me, Johnathan Lee, checked in for the first time in quite a while. Johnathan is currently living and working in Norfolk, Virginia, with his wife, Wendy, and 5-year-old daughter, Madison. Johnathan completed his master’s degree in May 2015 from Eastern Virginia Medical School and is working as a physician assistant for Sentara Medical Group, but he said he will soon be transitioning to an emergency medicine physician assistant with EmCare in Hampton, Virginia. Johnathan piloted a program allowing PAs & NPs to serve as local medical examiners for Virginia and holds the honor of being the first PA to work in that

Class of 2000: Chris Lowrance and family at police academy graduation in Louisville, Kentucky.

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capacity for the commonwealth. Johnathan ran into Lee Davis while he was doing training with the Coast Guard in November, and they had a few beers catching up. Lee and his family are doing well at his current duty station in Alaska.

Paul Belmont sent a note and updated that he relocated his family of six to Philadelphia this past summer on a “busy but awesome” Army assignment. Paul said he is behind the scenes for big events like the pope’s visit, the Democratic National Convention and the presidential inauguration. He said that if anyone is in Philly, be sure to look him up.

Josh Spradlin checked in and said he hated to miss the reunion, but having three young kids makes getting away for any weekend a hard thing to do. Josh is working in Nashville, Tennessee, and living just south of the city in Brentwood.

It was great to hear from Ethan Graham, who just started a new position with Trane in Richmond in the intelligent services group. Ethan is enjoying the new assignment and says he hears from Matt Vordermark on a regular basis.

Devon Jones updated us that his daughter, Suzie, is now 15 months old (Class of 2037), and he and Francesca are still in Richmond.

Matt McComas and his wife, Meredith, welcomed their second son, Cameron Alonzo McComas, March 7, 2016. They are all doing well, and Cameron and his brother, Luke, would end up in the same dyke line (2035 and 2038).

Donald O’Sullivan and his wife, Krysta, are expecting their third child, a son, in August. Donald said Chris Abbott will be visiting in June, and they are looking forward to catching up.

Craig Giorgis updates he is still in the Marine Corps and finishing up school in Quantico before heading to the I Marine Expeditionary Force staff in Camp Pendleton, California, in June. Craig’s son is almost 7 years old, and his wife has already said there is no way he is going to VMI. Apparently mom and son are in agreement after visiting post for the 15th Reunion.

Chris Lowrance sent greetings from Louisville, Kentucky, and said he has been busy wrapping up his dissertation. In April, Chris successfully defended his dissertation and will be graduating with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in computer science and engineering from the University of Louisville. After graduation, Chris and his family

Class of 2000: Keane Jones during a recent deployment. will be transitioning to the U.S. Military Academy, where he’ll be on assignment for three years as an assistant professor in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department. This is Chris’ second tour at USMA, and he is still on active duty in the Army and will be promoted to lieutenant colonel in May 2016. Since his first tour at USMA, Chris deployed to Kuwait for a year and then moved to southern Indiana, where he grew up, near Louisville. He says it has been great to be back home for the last three years to earn his Ph.D., and especially for his son, Sam (11), who had the opportunity to grow closer to his grandparents. Louisville has also been great for Chris’ wife, Bahar, who was hired as an officer with the Louisville Metro Police Department. She graduated from the six-month LMPD police academy in March 2015 and subsequently served as a patrol officer in Louisville for over a year. Due to their military transition, she now hopes to land another law enforcement job in New York. Chris hopes to see everyone at the reunion in 2020.

Tony Cerella said he is finishing a long tour in Korea this summer, and the family will be off to Germany in July. They will be heading to Sembach, near Kaiserslautern, to join the U.S. Army NATO Brigade. Tony’s wife, Bethany, and the twinjas are very excited for another opportunity to live overseas.

Another Tony checked in as well. Tony Esteve

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Class Notes has big news that he and his wife, Caroline, had their second child, a son, born Jan. 16, and they named him Jackson. Tony caught up with Pat Haddock in Lexington for the VMIAA board meeting. They caught up on life and also ran into Dave Hudock ’97 while having beers. Tony is living in northern Virginia and sees Shawn Segreti and Chris Lucas fairly regularly. He also stays in touch with Jay Kearney and Matt Keller pretty often.

Derek Engelhard still lives in the Atlanta area with his wife, Jennifer, and two kids, Lucas (3) and Annelise (4). He said not much has changed other than getting older and fatter.

Last to check in for this edition was J.R. Mahala, and he updates that he and Rebecca are doing well and living in Mesa, Arizona. J.R. honorably separated from the Army after 12 years in November 2015. Their daughter, Abigail, will be 4 years old in July. Their son, Alan Lee, was born March 30, 2016. Rebecca is a special education teacher at Mountain View High School in Mesa and is in her 13th year teaching. After getting out of the Army, J.R. has considered teaching and recently got his certification to substitute teach in Arizona.

Please keep the updates, pictures, and notes coming at least once a year so we can all stay in touch with each other. Finally, to all of our brother rats who have served or are currently serving our great country, be safe and thank you!

2001

Brandon Farris

Greetings, Brother Rats, By the time you read this, we will be a couple of months out from our 15th Reunion. I’m fairly certain that despite what we think, that officially makes us old!

Charlie Bunting produced IFC Films’ “The Preppie Connection,” which was released in March and is available for download on iTunes and Amazon Prime, as well as most cable on-demand setups. The film topped the charts on iTunes and continues to do well on the charts. Charlie is getting ready for his next feature film, “Upstate,” with director/writer Joe Castelo, who wrote and directed “The Preppie Connection.” Bunting noted the film crew couldn’t quite get the connection

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between making a film and being on a deployment but saw a lot of similarities between being downrange to being on a set. Just with less explosions.

Jared Kuhnhenn is heading up to West Point since his wife is getting stationed up there. She’s going to be a TAC there, and Jared is going to finish up his master’s degree in intelligence management. Jared plans on hanging out with Oscar Alfaro as much as possible.

On April 30, Chris Tyree and Jessica Milne tied the knot in Silver Spring, Maryland. In attendance from VMI ’01 were Vic Zottig, Kevin Fromm, Mark Bauserman and John Niederhaus.

Tappan August got married April 16 to Camp Goodwin.

Jon Mazur has been working with his uncle, Garry Gallagher, this spring, framing up an addition to his house in Alexandria. Jon said, “Working on the house has been a big joy and a time sink, made even more challenging with my regular domestic and international travels.” Jon hopes to wrap it up this summer.

Jake Williams and Dan Schindler ran the Frederick, Maryland, half-marathon (Dan’s seventh time). Jake said they had a great time, and it still was not as bad as Breakout.

Drew Dickinson transferred with Carter Machinery from Lynchburg to Chesapeake. His family is moving down to Chesapeake at the end of June once the boys get out of school. Drew gets to work with Brandon Garrett quite a bit since he and Drew both work at Carter. Brandon is living in the Richmond area. Drew spoke with Brian Ferguson recently. He is doing great and says hello to everyone. Still living in the Roanoke area and working at Marshall Stone and doing well with it. He and his wife, Sherri, have an 8-year-old named Tyler who’s looking like an Alpha rat in the making – kid is huge (tall).

Stephanie and Charlie Benbow moved to Camp Pendleton last summer, where he joined the 1st Marine Regiment. Charlie deployed to Southwest Asia shortly after getting there and spent six months in beautiful Kuwait. Dave Bain was also over there, although he was busy in Iraq, so Charlie didn’t see much of him. Russ Savatt was with their replacements, so Charlie got to see him briefly during the swap out in April. Charlie also saw Ron White ’00 before he headed up north to Iraq.

Britton Armstrong sent in a lengthy update: “We currently live in Midlothian, Virginia, with my wife, Wendy, and my three boys, Asher (8), Taitum (5) and Walker (19 months) ... and we’re

Class of 2001: Justin Harber and Brandon Farris at a VMI event hosted by Tim Rodriguez ’92. pregnant, due in August 2016, but don’t know the sex yet ... praying for a girl! Wendy homeschools the boys, which provides for some flexibility in life.

“I separated from the active duty U.S. Air Force Feb. 1, 2015, after 13-and-a-half years and left the

Class of 2001: Charlie Benbow with his wife, Stephanie, and their daughter, Elodie.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes 333 exemption and am legal to charge life of an Air Force instructor pilot for commercial services. I have also behind in Columbus Air Force Base, been day/swing trading some on the Mississippi, to pursue a life of actual market and managing our real estate freedom so I could be the father and investments. In addition, we’ve taken husband my family deserves ... by acon a unique role of working to identually being home most of the year.

We’ve taken about a year off and entify, educate and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. Then, as joyed our family ... I guess I was makif that wasn’t enough, we partnered ing up for the seven years of lost time with Jason Wells ’00 and Blythe with the C-17A instructor pilot lifestyle Wells (MBC/VWIL ’00) and sit on of 200-220 days per year on the road the board of directors of the nonprofit and then the 12-14 hour workdays as they founded, known as the National a joint specialized undergraduate pilot Class of 2001: From left, Justin “Whiskey” Walskey, Billy Prible, training instructor pilot for the last four Julia Skakandy, Steve Skakandy, Kevin “Fromminator” Fromm Advancements for Proactive Safety, Inc. (www.take-naps.org), where the years. and Luke “Mothership” Pernotto. mission is ‘ensuring the safe develop“My wife, Wendy; our baby, Walker; and I took 16 days and headed to Australia to hang programs, and I mentor them through the pro- ment of our greatest asset: Our children.’ It’s a reout with Jason Cole ’00 and his wife, Kristin Cole cess. It’s a neat way to identify upcoming talent ally innovative and proactive approach to getting (Mary Baldwin College/The Virginia Women’s and give back the Air Force and the nation. My ahead of school violence. So, with all that said, Institute for Leadership ’01), and their three kids. wife and I started a business where she’s doing I’m now finally seeking some ‘normal’ employJason is the only U.S. Army officer over there in bump, birth and baby photography (www.bump- ment options, but let me tell you ... the freedom Albury, New South Wales, Australia, teaching birthandbabyphotography.com) as her niche, but and rewards of being a stay-at-home dad for the logistics to the Australian Defense Force ... tough she can do all types – engagements, portraits, last year has been amazing! life, but I guess they needed a VMI man to teach corporate head shots, birthday parties, houses “We’ve done a few other trips, like a fun road for real estate, etc.

And I’ve been throwing in them how to run things. Anyway, we had a blast trip to Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota, and then and rented a campervan, like a mini motorhome, some aerial photography/videography with our lots of local ones to Monticello or Charlotand drove the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, DJI Phantom 3 Pro as a side benefit until I get tesville – even one to Atlanta for the World of all the Federal Aviation Administration Section Coca-Cola, etc.”

Australia. Wow, what an experience!

“Upon returning to the U.S., our Will Charlet sent in an extensive family decided to make a move in update from all things Richmond and August 2015 to Midlothian, Virginia. beyond: I worked with the U.S. Air Force Re“All is well in the center of the universe for VMI alumni here in serve to put myself in a special parRichmond, Virginia. When he’s not ticipating individual ready reserve staworking hard at the State Corporatus, called a Cat E reservist, where I basically volunteer my time to accrue tion Commission putting the screws ‘points’ that will continue to give me into Dominion to lower their utility years of service, just without the pay. rates, Will Felvey has been spotted Eventually I’ll be able to retire from wandering the streets of downtown the U.S. Air Force Reserve and draw Richmond plotting how he can conthat small residual income around the ceal a saltwater fish tank in his ofage of 58. The job I’m doing is called fice. Speaking of Dominion, Brian an admissions liaison officer where Wilson is within striking distance the mission is to ‘publicize Air Force of a C Suite. Despite the many chalofficer accessions programs and prolenges of being a single father, Dougactively identify, mentor and evaluate las Bates has developed quite the folquality candidates who have the polowing as one of the best lawyers in Tennessee. We all know how those tential to succeed in the Air Force.’ lawyers love to legislate, and rumor So, basically, I work with local high has it he’s on the cusp of launching schools to identify the top candidates that want to pursue an appointment to Class of 2001: Will Charlet and his daughter at the finish line of his own super political action comthe recent Monument Avenue 10K. Also pictured were Worth the U.S. Air Force Academy or 4-year Bugg ’07 and his fiancée, Ashley Perkins. mittee. Luke Beazley is busy trainscholarships to colleges with ROTC ing the next generation of Army

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Class Notes Rangers. That’s supposed to make with Lieutenant Commander Keith us feel safe and secure, right? He Yull as HSC-25 Detachment 4 officer still doesn’t return phone calls, but I in charge onboard USNS Sacagawea; believe Scott Smith is making some Lieutenant Commander Dan Ropp, great waves getting a new mediHSM-51 Detachment officer in charge cal device company off the ground onboard USS Antietam; and myself on in Charlottesville. After spending board USS John C. Stennis with HSC14 for a simulated oil platform training many months in Algeria building exercise with U.S., Filipino and Ausa liquefied natural gas facility, David Russell is adjusting nicely to tralian forces. Five total helicopters, life as a first-time father in Houston, three of which were piloted by VMI Texas. I was fortunate to meet up with guys. Good to talk and coordinate resident rain makers, Connor Curtis, with some fellow brother rats.”

Jarrett Blevins and Patrick Blevins Although Brent claims it as a “side at the recent Citadel game down in note,” he and his wife Natalie Banks Charleston, South Carolina. Never became parents Oct. 31, 2015. Landreally considered attending The Citaon William Banks is doing well! del, but after spending a weekend David Yaman is also traveling the in Charleston with these guys, I can Class of 2001: Britton Armstrong; his wife, Wendy; and their world. He is currently in China traveldefinitely see the draw. For those in three boys, Asher (8), Taitum (5) and Walker (19 months), in ing with fellow classmates as part of an overseas residency with American Richmond, you’ll be pleased to know front of Monticello. that Sam Laneave is heading up the University’s professional Master of Richmond Alumni Chapter. Sam is a health warBusiness Administration program. They are doing business site visits and learning about the rior, and if it’s possible, is more fit and handsome Chinese economy while also exploring China’s as the day he left VMI in 2002. For those who famous tourist attractions, such as the Great watch the ‘Real Housewives of Miami’ (Ryan William Talley V Wall.

Welsh), then you’ve probably seen Ron Gupta’s Daniel Cragg and his new wife as of this past abode. He lives in the same neighborhood. TayAugust, Jenna Ehrman Cragg, are expecting lor Mawyer has developed quite a talent at brewtheir first child at the end of November. The ing his own beer, which has helped me become Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the family is settled in Minneapolis, where Dan is a an excellent taster. I’m sure I’ll get hell for leaving partner at the law firm of Eckland and Blando someone out, so my apologies in advance. Some Class of 2003. of the above may or may not be entirely accurate, but hopefully we can sort through all the details at the reunion this fall. On a personal note, I’ve been fortunate to be involved with a small Scott E. Campbell running group called Inclusive Racing. This was started by a friend (Bryan Mangas) from our sister C. Justin Roberts school, Hampden-Sydney College.”

Thanks again to everyone who checked in. I look forward to seeing everyone in a few months at our reunion.

Brandon

2003

2004

2002

Salmaan Khawaja

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 2002.

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Joseph Doane will be relocating to Washington, D.C., sometime this summer. He and Rod James met up for a mutual friend’s wedding in Greenville, South Carolina.

Brent Banks wrote from a U.S. Navy-paid vacation in the Pacific. “Small world: When working in the South China Sea during Joint Exercise Balikatan, I had the privilege of flying a mission

Class of 2004: Joseph Doane and Rod James at a friend’s wedding.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes LLP in Minneapolis, working in the areas of commercial litigation, admiralty and maritime law, government contracts, and employer defense.

Major Jason Quash, along with his wife, Jill, and three sons, are finishing their two-year tour in Korea this summer. Jason served as the 532nd Military Intelligence Battalion executive officer and S3 and will be heading to Fort Riley, Kansas, to serve as the 1st Infantry Division Deputy G2.

Robert Downey graduated from Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business with his Master of Business Administration degree. He served part-time as the class vice president. Bob, Cristin, Class of 2004: David Yaman on the Great Wall of China. and the three kids are moving back to the northern Virginia area. are enjoying the weather now (as of this writI resigned from Richmond Police Department ing) that winter is finally in the rear view mirApril 1 and started a new full-time job working for ror for most all of us. the Virginia Guard as a MILTEC. I’m assigned First, my humble apologies to Will “Tim to the construction and facilities management ofWray” Ray for the unfortunate mistype in last fice as the plans and programming branch chief. quarter’s notes. It was an honest mistake on my Yes, an English major moonlighting as an engipart (a cross between looking at Tim Johnson’s neer is cringe-worthy. I had accepted a company name and a coworker’s name while attempting command with the 183rd Regional Training Into multitask), but I promise you that it, well ... stitute at Fort Pickett. I was scheduled to assume it probably won’t be the last. Mea culpa! command April 1. Three days after signing the Second: I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but assumption of command letter, I received a call we seem to be experiencing a full-on baby advising that I was selected by the field grade asboom! Something must be in the water (as they signment board, and I’ve been command directsay); we have quite a few new members to weled to a branch chief assignment with the Virginia come into the VMI family.

Data Processing Unit. The unit is evolving into Ryan Clemmons wrote in: “My wife, Alana, the Army’s first cyber brigade. and I welcomed our son, Lewis Francis ClemTake care! Be safe, and keep in touch! ens, Dec. 6, 2015. At the time of writing this, Scott Campbell he is just over four months old and doing well.

I am still living in Rochester, New York, teaching chemistry at Monroe Community College.

I was not able to make it to the class reunion Tom Hardinge last fall, but I did get a chance to spend a weekend with David Carroll. He is living in ChiTimothy Johnson cago and is doing well.”

Ivy Leigh Manning was born April 14, 2016, to parents Amber and Dr. Logan Manning. “This comes two years after our wedding, which Keydets Nate Johnson and Adam Rouse both attended, in September 2013. We live in Chesapeake, Virginia, where I work as a pharmacist and wanted to pass along the news Brother Rats, that we are blessed and happier than ever with I hope this entry finds you well and that you our bundle of joy.”

2005

2016-Issue 3

Danny Fields sent in a quick announcement from Houston on the birth of his first son, Sawyer Anthony Fields, born April 15, 2016, just before midnight at 11:57 p.m.

He weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces, and was 19-and-a-half inches long. His middle name was chosen in memory of the first name of the soldier Danny lost in Afghanistan. I personally can’t think of a higher honor.

New father Thomas Ferrara checked on to the baby train as well: “On April 20, my wife, Susan, and I welcomed our son, Anthony Joseph.

He was 8 pounds, 10 ounces, and 21 inches long. Both he and Susan are doing well. We’re also planning on moving to Shaw Air Force Base,

Class of 2005: Danny Fields and Sawyer Anthony Fields, born April 15, 2016.

Class of 2005: Anthony Joseph Ferrara, born April 20, 2016, to Thomas and Susan Ferrara.

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Class Notes 12 in Lexington this year. Tim Johnson will be coordinating a mini reunion/get-together for the class that weekend, so be on the lookout for more information once football season begins.

Finally, on a personal note: It has been a pleasure hearing from so many of you over these past few months. I sincerely hope you are all having a great summer, and please continue to keep those updates coming in!

Rah Virginia Mil, Tom Hardinge

2006

Shawn Driver

Class of 2005: Ivy Leigh Manning.

Brother Rats, It’s been an extremely productive quarter, and by the time you read this, we should be putting the finishing touches on what’s going to be an incredible reunion weekend. The best part about planning this thing has been getting in touch with old classmates and, frankly, communicating with classmates for the first time while working toward the same goal.

I caught up with Brian Kerrebrock, and he’s doing great. He and his wife have been out in southern California for the past few years. At the moment, he’s staying busy as a team commander with 1st Marine Raider Battalion, MARSOC, deploying around the world and, in his words, “doing interesting things” – I guarantee it. As is the norm with this small school we all went to, Brian has run into a few VMI folks in his travels, to include Keun Rhee,

Class of 2006: Chris Eaton with his wife, Becky; son, Finn; and baby daughter, Tessa.

Tony Macrini, Russ Horrocks and Emily Culver (Naslund).

I’ve been working a lot lately with Curt Ivins, formulating parts of the plan for the reunion.

He’d like to report that he, along with Alex and big sister Susanna, joyfully welcomed Miss Mary Cornelia Ivins Feb. 13, 2016, in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Cornelia weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 20 inches long. Keeping it all in the family, Geoff Parker is Susanna’s godClass of 2005: Dr. Logan and Amber father, and Jeff Berwell is Cornelia’s. Alex’s Manning with Ivy, born April 14, 2016. brother, Daniel Welsh ’10, resides in nearby Staunton. Needless to say, the Ivins girls won’t South Carolina, in June. We’re very excited ever come to VMI unattended. The Ivinses about our new location, and we’re looking are hoping for a smooth move to forward to the next few months.”

Kansas and quality family time, Any BRs stationed at Shaw Air as Curt has been selected to maForce Base or located in the Cojor and will be attending Comlumbia-Sumter area, make sure to mand and General Staff College give Tom and his family a shout this summer. And while I’m at it, this summer! congrats to all of our newly mintWell done, 2005 ... well done. ed and soon to be minted majors Brother rats, please join me in sendthroughout the services. Getting ing out hearty congratulations to old and important. many of our colleagues on their I also got an update from Robyn newest additions. May a full-night’s Chatwood (Schaperjahn). She and sleep come quicker for you than her husband, John Chatwood ’05, Breakout did for us all rat year! and their two sons are doing well.

One last item to note: The VMI Class of 2006: Brian Kerrebrock training with MARSOC. They’re moving to Fort Bliss, Texas, versus The Citadel game is Nov.

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 2008: Evan Lyne and Nicole Mayberry spent a fall Saturday in Lexington.

Class of 2006: Shawn Driver presenting a plaque at his change of command. next week where Robyn will deploy almost immediately for a year as a JAG attorney.

Chris Eaton; his wife, Becky; and their son, Finn, welcomed their daughter, Tessa, in April.

They live in the Chicago area, where Chris is working as a business development consultant to multiple companies.

I got to have dinner with Andrew Upshaw last week while I was up at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, for training. It was a pretty random encounter, seeing as though I live in Georgia and he lives in Germany, and we ran into each other at the hotel breakfast bar. Random but not an uncommon theme in the lives of VMI graduates.

Anyway, that’s all I have this time. Hope everyone’s enjoying their summer. I look forward to seeing you all in October.

Shawn

2007

Sally Bushore

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 2007.

2016-Issue 3

2008

Robert Hill

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly we move from one Alumni Review submission to another. I feel like just a few weeks ago, I was hearing from a few of you for the February notes, and before we know it, we’ll be a year out from our 10th Reunion.

Congratulations are in order for Matt Mitchell and wife ArleneRaquel as they welcomed Ava Victoria to the family on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17). Ava arrived at 4:03 a.m. and tipped the scales at 6 pounds, 7 ounces. Both mom and daughter are doing well. Matt is currently deployed to Afghanistan and checks in daily over Skype. Congrats to Matt and ArleneRaquel.

On March 20, the former Ms. Lauren Lozano and Matthew Payne were married in a small church in Richmond, Virginia. The wedding was attended by Michael Martin ’91, Chip Louthan ’78, Chris Duane, Kyle Makinen, Jeremy Clement and Brian Peeler. After the wedding, Lauren and Matt took a honeymoon trip to Costa Rica.

Congrats to Lauren and Matt!

If anyone is around Fort Knox, be sure to say hello to John Arthur. He and his family recently moved to the area in Kentucky.

In late September 2015, a group of VMI alumni gathered at the 88th Annual Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibit and Conference.

The group gathered for an informal breakfast during the conference and included Charles Bott ’96, David Reidel ’07, Mark Miller ’07, Bryce Carter ’09, Matt Elliot ’12, Matt Harrison and Phill Yi. During their cadetship, David, Mark, Bryce, Matt, Matt and Phill were all either students of Charles, or he advised them on their research projects.

Evan Lyne checked in from Richmond, Virginia, where he is working in the property and casualty insurance industry. Staying true to his form, Evan joked about working back toward his “only slightly overweight” VMI figure. Evan and his beard are dating a wonderful woman, Ms. Nicole Mayberry.

Nicole and Evan have been spending time with Stu Montgomery and his new fiancée, Lindsay Taylor. Stu and Lindsay met while attending graduate school at Texas A&M University. The two were engaged recently before Stu was deployed with the Navy and held an engagement party in the D.C. area. Before Stu’s cruise, the group of four spent time at the Institute, arriving late to a football game, parking in the “bigwig” section, having a few adult beverages and unfortunately,

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Class Notes

Class of 2008: Stu Montgomery and fiancée Lindsay Taylor during a fall football game at VMI.

Class of 2008: An informal reunion of civil and environmental engineering alumni at the 2015 Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibit and Conference in Chicago. Pictured were, from left, David Riedel ’07, Mark Miller ’07, Charles Bott ’96, Bryce Carter ’09, Matt Elliot ’12 and Phill Yi.

2009

Bradley Simpson

seeing VMI have a long day on the field.

Lauren and I are doing well. The school year is quickly coming to an end, and Lauren is looking forward to a summer around the pool. I’ve been staying busy with business trips across the Northeast between Boston, New York, Philly and Pittsburgh. I’m looking forward to this fall, as the VMI rugby team is scheduled to play in Baltimore in early September and seeing the Mitchell family when they move to the D.C. area. Until next time...

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Brother Rats, I hope this edition this of the Review finds you and your families well. I trust that everyone has had a wonderful last couple of months since the last Review came out.

I had an opportunity to catch up with Barrett Luxhoj in late April. Barrett and Jose Andueza had the opportunity to play in the Conway Cup April 9, 2016. The Conway Cup is in memory of Tony Conway ’01. Tony was a former VMI men’s soccer assistant coach and three-year men’s soccer letter winner. Tony was diagnosed with ALS, a form of Motor Neuron Disease, in 2011, and this tournament is held in Tony’s memory and to support Tony’s family. This year marked the beginning/creation of the Tony Conway ’01 Soccer Scholarship. The scholarship honors the memory of Tony and the impact the men’s soccer program has made on countless young men. The scholarship provides grant-in-aid to a member of the NCAA men’s soccer program. Barrett and Jose’s team is pictured below, with numerous Keydets from numerous classes.

There have been numerous additions to the 2009 class family since the last edition. Mike

“Woody” Vaughn and his wife, Sarah, had a beautiful baby boy, Everett Asher, Nov. 11, 2015. Also, Danny Von Schuch and his wife, Kate, had a baby boy, Luke Joseph, Jan. 6.

When I talked to Alex Kelley, he told me that Vaughn’s and Von Schuch’s kids will probably be roommates at VMI just like their dads.

These two kids will be the Class of 2038, oh so close to the magical year of 2039. Vaughn is still flying helicopters for the Navy, but Alex told me when he grows up, Mike desires to do a real Navy job and drive a submarine. Danny is working in the federal government taking down bad guys in the D.C. area, or so he says, but Alex told me he might just be a mall cop, as he refuses to show him his badge or gun.

Sean Peterson got married last summer and is getting out of the Army. Last time he talked to

Class of 2009: Alex Brush and wife Rebecca’s newborn, Kinley Brush.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 2009: Tony Nweke ’10, Jeremy Clement ’08, John Sollock ’08, Jose Andueza, Barrett Luxhoj, Addison Palanza ’07, Charles Nweke ’07, Adrian Dominguez ’12, Amir Shihata ’11, Zaher Shihata ’12 and Brandon Gary ’12 all played in the Conway Cup for the Conway Scholarship.

Class of 2009: Andrew and Whitney Craig’s first born son, William Lewis Craig.

Class of 2009: Matt Edwards and his new wife, Delanie, after their wedding May 1, 2016, in Virginia Beach.

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Alex, he was deciding between becoming a surfer bum in Charleston, South Carolina, or joining the State Department. Nick Kriz just committed to a follow on tour with the Air Force in the northern Virginia/D.C. area and is doing well with his wife, Emily, and their two boys, Nathan and Henry. Nick commented that his new job will allow him to sit in a chair for 30 hours a week versus the usual 35. Justin Smith just got out of the Navy and has returned to his roots in Boston, Massachusetts. He mentioned that he will now be

Class of 2009: Joe and Elizabeth Bartol were married April 23, 2016.

able to watch with other Bostonians – his beloved Patriots – cheat their way to another Super Bowl victory.

Brian Niles also got out of the Army last year.

Brian and his wife, Tiffany, are living near Sacramento, California, where Brian has embraced his inner hipster by growing a beard and sipping on fine wines while working at the University of California, Davis.

So after Alex has bashed on all his friends, he finally gave us an update on him. For the above mentioned people, I apologize, but Alex gave me all those notes, so take it up with him. If you do not like it, please do not shoot the class agent.

Alex and his wife, Genevieve, are busy raising their 14-month-old daughter, Madeline. Alex is got out of the Navy at the end of May, and will be moving back to what he says is the greatest state in the nation, (besides Virginia, of course) Alabama. It makes me sick to hear him say that he will greatly enjoy the opportunity to yell “roll tide” on an hourly basis. To that, Alex, I say, “War damn eagle.”

Alex Brush and his wife, Rebecca, gave birth to their first child, a daughter. Her name is Kinley Georgianna Brush, and she was born March 20, 2016. Her middle name was named after Alex’s grandmother, Georgianna “Mimi,” of Lexington, who fed quite a few Keydets over the years.

Kinley is just as happy and feisty as her namesake.

Alex and Rebecca, congrats, and I hope nothing but the best for you all.

Jake Riggs is still out in Lemoore, California, where he is in VFA-122. Jake is molding the

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Class Notes minds of the Navy’s future naval aviators. Jake is performing the difficult duties as a flight instructor, where he is trying to teach them to fly and not get killed riding in the back with them. Good luck, Jake.

Joe Bartol recently got married. Joe and his new wife, Elizabeth Kregiel, got married April 23, 2016, in Suffolk, Virginia. In attendance was his best man, Joe Purello, and Chris Rau. Joe and Elizabeth are in Henrico, Virginia, where Liz works for Henrico Social Services, and Joe is a detective with the Henrico Police Department in the robbery unit. Joe and Elizabeth, congrats from all of us, and here’s to many more years together.

Andrew Craig and his wife, Whitney, have had a new baby added to their family. Andrew had a baby boy, their firstborn son, William Lewis Craig, March 14, 2016. He weighed in at 8 pounds, 7 ounces, and was 21 inches long.

Matt Edwards got married May 1, 2016, to his new bride, Delanie Fay Dolan. The wedding was held at The Water Table near Rudee’s Inlet in Virginia Beach. They had a big turnout, with 160 in attendance. Matt said there was a good turnout of our class, including John Phelps, Lloyd Crouse and Josh Byerly, who served as a groomsman.

Matt and Delanie took their honeymoon in St. Thomas and enjoyed every minute. Matt and Delanie, congrats from myself and the class.

Well, that raps it up for this go-around of notes.

As always, thank you for everyone that got in touch with me; it was nice catching up with you.

Also, again, for everyone in the Alex Kelley section of notes, please do not kill the messenger, take it up with Alex.

As always, keep doing great things, and stay classy, ’09.

2010

Cody Hennelly Garland Gray III

Good morning, good afternoon, good evening, and if I don’t talk to you later, good night ... If you can tell me what movie that is from,

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Class of 2010: Members of the Class of 2010 pictured at the Gray wedding were, from left, Tanner Sewell, G.G. Gray, Bobby Morris, Cody Hennelly, Davis Garret, Thomas Chapman, Jacob Robertson, Justin Ferrell, Mike Hozik, Will Shannon and bride Mrs. Valerie Gray.

I have a reward for you! (Laugh out loud.) All joking aside, it has been a fun-filled few months since the last time I wrote my review. I have been fortunate to hear and see BRs from all over the world! So, let’s get started.

Matt Graham is currently in Jordan on a new Army program called the Regional Broadening Program. He got the opportunity as a student at the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning. It presents Maneuver Captains Career Course graduates the opportunity to understand strategic and operational level programs in various countries. Matt said he has been exploring the Middle East for them, meeting new people, making connections and bruising up on his Arabic. Sounds awesome, bro; stay safe! Asia Pastor is currently in the Middle East, as well. Mr. Pastor (her father) reached out to tell me she is doing well. Didn’t get much more than that, but as we all know, Asia is a pretty bad@#$ chick ... I’m sure she is crushing it!

I got to travel out to the great commonwealth of Virginia for the Gray wedding. As in, Garland finally tied the knot! It was awesome. To make it better, Garland received word he passed the Virginia Bar Exam the day before the wedding!

Needless to say, it made the weekend a lot more enjoyable for him and Valerie. The wedding was jam packed with Keydets: Steve Buis ’67, Waite

Rawls ’70, G.G. Gray ’73, Jim Cosby ’82, Ernie Edgar ’87, Erik Siebert ’01, Graham Forbes ’07, Cory Houck ’08, Thomas Chapman, Justin Ferrell, Davis Garrett, Cody “the best friend I’ve ever had” Hennelly, Michael Hozik, Bobby Morris, Jacob Robertson, Tanner Sewell, Will Shannon and Trae Mann ’13.

I had a chance to meet and connect with all of

Class of 2010: The best groomsman, Cody, and his wife, Jessica, posed with the beautiful couple at the Gray wedding April 23, 2016.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 2010: Class agent Cody Hennelly said of this photo, “The gang’s all here; VMI was well-represented at the Ferrell wedding.” Pictured were Garland Gray, Joe Simmers, Davis Garret, Justin (groom), Paul Devault, Dan Strausbaugh, John Duffy, Nick Weishar, Nate Warner ’09 and Booth Hornsby ’13.

Class of 2010: Justin and Lauren posed for a photo at their wedding reception in April 2016. the Keydets at the wedding, but I’ll be darned if I remember what they said to me! (Laugh out loud.)

But as for the Class of 2010, here it is. Thomas is still trying to “adult” but slipped into his old ways quickly around the rest of us. Justin recently got married to his long time sweetheart, Lauren. The two had a beautiful ceremony in the beginning of April in Virginia. If that wasn’t enough, Justin is about to start his third year of medical school at

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Class of 2010: Class Agent Cody Hennelly said of this photo, “Justin and Lauren showed their swag with fellow wedding party members on a beautiful Virginia afternoon in April 2016.”

Virginia Commonwealth University. Many happy years and love to you and Lauren. Garland, I hope you suffer! Davis is still working in the engineering field around the Richmond area; he is taking the plunge himself this fall and marrying the beautiful Courtney Miller. The two plan on having the wedding in Maryland. Congrats! Mike is crushing it at Georgetown Law in Washington, D.C., while his fiancée, Brittany, is in medical school. Can we say powerhouse couple? Keep up the great work in the Hozik home, you two! Bobby is down in the Rockbridge, Virginia, area working on his education licensure. Still scares me to know he is educating the youth of this country ... I’ll leave it there. Jake is doing well for himself at Carmax; he was recently promoted to “resident bad@#$” – his words, not mine. (Brittany, I don’t know how you put up with him!) Moving on, Tanner is making huge headway with his teaching and coaching career in Fairfax. If you need a good cause to get behind, reach out to him. The kids he has are phenomenal young people! And finally, Will. I hadn’t had much contact with Will in recent years, but I was elated to find out he is in medical school at George Washington University. Needless to say, I felt a little inadequate around all of these doctors and lawyers! Keep up the great work guys; I know you make the “I” proud.

On my way home from the Gray wedding, while stuck at Chicago O’Hare International Airport wearing my VMI hat and polo (I have realized I am a walking billboard), I ran into Mr. Rick Meador. Rick is the son of Carl G. Meador ’51.

Rick and I spoke for several minutes about how VMI changed his father’s life. Rick expressed the love Carl had for the Institute and how he was a better man for going there. It was amazing learning about Carl’s life. Upon graduation, he was immediately sent to Korea as a second lieutenant in the Army Artillery Corps. As Rick explained, Carl was severely wounded in combat by shrapnel and never intended to stay in the military but ended up serving over 22 years and retired as a colonel. It was very apparent to me that Rick loved his father more than words could explain and loved VMI himself for what it did for his family. Sadly, Carl died in the early 2000s. But, his legacy is strong!

One last crazy brother rat I caught up with was none other than Frank Keeney. Frank recently graduated pharmacy school and is now working and living in the Richmond area. He said he and his daughter, Carlei, are doing very well and loving the new job and change of pace! I’m proud of you, Frank. Keep up the great work.

That about sums it up for me on the updates.

On to some administrative stuff. Unfortunately, this will be my last Review for a while. But, not to worry, because Mr. Garland Gray III will be taking the helm till I return! G.G. is also going to be the 10th Reunion fundraising chair. So pay attention for updates regarding that! Everything is practically staying the same (email address, communications, Reviews, etc.). I will not be completely removed, so please feel free to reach out to me at any time!

With that, this is Keydet10 signing off!

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Class Notes

2011

Allen McCown

As I write this, the last breakfast roll call is occurring for the Class of 2016, and later today, they will join us in the ranks of alumni. Days like this make me reflect and ultimately realize we have now been out of barracks longer than we were in it. With our 5th Reunion coming up, I am extremely excited to see everyone after such a long time.

I am happy to report that this past April, Tyler Pumphrey got engaged to his girlfriend, Rachel. I have had the pleasure of spending time with them together at tailgates in the fall, and I cannot express how happy I am for them. In particular, I remember trying to thaw out on an especially cold morning on the Parade Ground with them, Matt Radi and wife Hannah. Thankfully, we had some of Tyler’s cider to help us warm up.

Congratulations are also in order for Adam Kruithof and his wife, Brittany, who are expecting their first child, a boy, this August.

A huge thanks to Vinnie Do who is always quick to send an update from overseas or Kansas; wherever he happens to be. At this writing, he is still in Kuwait and has run into quite a number of Keydets. Doug Baker ’97 is serving as the brigade executive officer. From 2011, he also saw Jack Folger, Chris Newcomb and Brian Skiff. In a true small world moment, Vinnie also saw one of his rats, Zach Stark ’14, and also in our rats’ class was Steve Geyer ’14. A few more Keydets, including Rob Young ’12, Marty Tucker ’12 and Quentin Sweetser ’13, were also in the area. Vinnie reported that everyone is doing well, and many will be home shortly. Upon his return stateside, Vinnie will be doing a long road trip on the way to Fort Rucker, where he will begin flight school in July.

Congratulations are in order for Aquisi Harris who is now a doctor of pharmacy. Aquisi studied at Shenandoah University in Winchester.

Last month, I drove out to Virginia Beach to see my former roommate, Alex Crow, and Quinn Wicks, who was on vacation in Virginia.

Alex had recently gotten back from underway and was transitioning to a new duty station in the Hampton Roads area. I caught him the last

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few days at his old job before he was taking a month of leave to see Europe, Puerto Rico and the breweries in Virginia. Quinn spent a few days at the beach with his girlfriend and was enjoying the lack of stress compared to the Detroit Hospital emergency department where he is a doctor. While he was visiting, he also managed to see Eric Wittig in Richmond. We stopped at Bottoms Up Pizza in Richmond on the way back after enjoying a lot of good seafood at the beach.

As always, it is never too late to send an update, however short it may be. I love hearing from the class, and it is by far the best part of being class agent. Talk to you soon.

Rah Virginia Mil, Allen

2012

After talking to several members of our class, the next edition of the Review should have a few more updates. Many exciting things are happening with our fellow BRs, and I hope to include some of this in our next edition. I appreciate everyone who sent in updates, and thank you to everyone who sent me his or her new personal information. I have updated everything sent my way into the Alumni Association database. I wish you all the best and look forward to hearing from you soon.

In the bonds, Bruce

2013

Charles P. Jones

Bruce Howard Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 2013.

Brother Rats, I hope this edition of the Review finds you and your families well. It has been great catching up with several members of our class since the last Review.

Stewart Wilkinson and his wife, Amanda, have moved from Lexington down to Newton, North Carolina, and are expecting a baby girl this September. Stewart is working as an operations manager for a Target distribution center, and I want to thank Stewart for all the time and energy he spent working at VMI since our graduation. Thank you for all the support with the class notes and all the other questions I had trying to figure out this class agent role. I wish you and Amanda the best with your new lives in North Carolina, and I can’t wait to meet your baby girl in the fall. Congrats!

Another brother rat who recently made a career change is Justin Dwight. Justin is now out of the Army and accepted a position with Booz Allen Hamilton. The move has taken him from Savannah, Georgia, to Arlington, Virginia, so all you northern Virginia Keydets, be sure to look him up. Best of luck with the new job, Justin.

Kelly Jones and Capt. Mathew Jones ’11 celebrated the birth of their daughter, Audrey, this past April. Congratulations to the both of you on your new daughter.

2014

Samuel Guidry

Taylor Floyd

Brother Rats, I hope these notes find you well. We have recently passed the second anniversary of our graduation, which, of course, means another class has joined the alumni ranks. So, I’d like start by congratulating the Class of 2016 on your graduation, commissions, job acceptances and whatever else may be in your future. I think it’s safe to say many of us still think of you all as thirds, and we all know what thirds do; but we’ll let it slide on the fact that you’ve finally made it through!

Congratulations also to our rats who have finally made it to the best (and arguably toughest) year in barracks! Many of you have already picked out your own rats, which means that we, 2014, are grand-dykes. Let that sink in for

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes a minute, and try not to feel too old. It seems only yesterday our own dykes were graduating, and now we have a third generation beyond them straining into barracks in a few short months. So, rat-ties, remember the lessons you learned from your dykes (whether they were good or bad), and make your dykes proud. Keep the Rat Line something to be proud of. And try not to lose your dyke privileges too early ... it sucks to have to roll your own hay again after you’ve become used to your rat doing it for a few months! As for the Class of 2014, try to speak to your rats before matriculation, and make sure that you have passed on all of the dos and don’ts that we learned during our 1st Class year.

As far as the class news goes, I want to say congratulations to our General Committee president, Weston Hitchcock, who is now the proud father of a healthy baby girl. Macy Elizabeth Hitchcock was born Feb. 17, weighing 7 pounds and 14 ounces, and I am happy to write that Macy and Mrs. Hitchcock are both healthy and doing well.

I have been promised pictures, but I guess being a lieutenant in the army is very similar to being GC president; it just means you are busier than the rest of us!

I know there are probably a few other babies and marriages on the way, as well, so please send any information that you would like included in the notes to myself or Nicole Harding, and we’ll make sure it makes the next round of notes.

Congratulations also to Sam Gillespie, Connor Diesing and Chris Jaronsky, who have made it through Army Special Forces selection. Dave Peet has reportedly gained 30 pounds of “American” muscle ... pictures soon to come. There are also several BRs deployed right now. Jake Moyer is in Qatar, and Brett Nichols and Steven Geyer are currently in Kuwait. Steven Geyer was able to provide this tidbit about his time deployed.

Though vague after approval from his supervisor, it is always interesting to take a journey through the eyes of the great Steven Geyer.

“I was kept busy over this deployment to Kuwait. My soldiers, noncommissioned officer and I trained and integrated chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense into 1-18 IN’s capabilities and determined how our task force would successfully maintain an active defense in toxic environments. Members of 1-18 IN met and partnered with different government organizations, building operability and creating a shared understanding of mission sets. Occasionally, we

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were able to meet Kuwaitis, see their culture and spend time in Kuwait City. While the deployment was reminiscent of 3rd Class year, I have better understanding of the military and our allies overseas. That being said, I am ecstatic to go back home to Manhattan, Kansas.”

One last thing that I would like to mention, and I am hoping that we can get more information and pictures for the next notes, is that our BR Nick Mari is currently climbing Mount Everest. I ran into Mari a few times in Charlottesville post-graduation but haven’t touched base with him regarding this new adventure. By the time everyone is reading this, I believe he will have completed the climb, and I hope that these notes find you in good health and spirit after your return from the top of the world.

There are endless marriages and announcements throughout the Class of 2014. The most recent I have heard about is Sam Busche and Jessica Luci! Congratulations, man – looking forward to the wedding. I know that Justin Vernon is about to get married to Courtney Hooker, his longtime girlfriend, and I would like to congratulate both of you ... even though I didn’t make the wedding list! Again, I am sure there are so many people I am missing and have failed to mention in the class notes over the last two years, and it really doesn’t help that I have also missed a good deal of the class notes over the last two years ... It was a bumpy first year

after graduation, but as everyone really settles into post-VMI life, I look forward to touching base with more of you. I know it’s scary to think about, but we are almost half way to our 5th Reunion!

I apologize if I’ve missed anything else, but congrats to you for being you, BRs. Please send any requests, pictures or funny stories – or really anything – to GuidrySJ10@ mail.vmi.edu.

2015

Johnny McDonald

Well, it’s time for the next round of class notes, and like usual, I have waited until the last minute to sit down and pen this submission. Roughly one month ago, I got married to Sarah Shifflett of Charlottesville. We had a really simple ceremony at Hopkin’s Green in Lexington followed by a dinner at the Southern Inn. On the way back to Tallahassee, we both reflected on VMI, Lexington and Virginia and how they shaped our lives. We both agreed that it is amazing how long and dreadful time feels while at VMI, dreaming of the next weekend you can steal away from barracks or tailgate for

Class of 2015: From left, Katherine Mason, the flower girl; Spc. Hannah Gilbert ’14; Kristen Voss; Madeleine Julienne; Alexa Oliver, the maid of honor; 2nd Lt. Tessa Schlichting White; 2nd Lt. Mitchell White; 2nd Lt. Patrick Finn; Matthew Clausen; Michael Hale; 2nd Lt. Brandon Snow; and Kevin White, the ring bearer.

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Class Notes a football game where you can sit on the Parade Ground and pretend to attend a “normal” college for a few hours, only for time to transition from slow motion to fast forward over graduation weekend. As I am writing this, it has been a year since graduation. I hope that everyone is living fulfilling, purposeful lives that hopefully aren’t moving so fast that you all have time to slow down and enjoy yourselves.

As always, I have reached out to members of our class for updates: Please see the below message from Mitchell White regarding his marriage to Tessa Schlichting.

“After many BRs predicted at Summer Transition Program that we would become a couple, Tessa and I finally tied the knot April 30, 2016, in Greenville, Virginia. Chaplain Park officiated, and we had a saber arch which included our rats – Jackson Pierce ’18, Noah Chetelat ’18 and Julia Daly ’18 – and the weather cooperated for most of the day. The wedding was perfect, and Tessa and I couldn’t possibly be happier!

“From here, I will continue serving with the reserve in Charlotte, North Carolina, while working on my theology degree at GardnerWebb University to become a U.S. Army chaplain. Tessa will soon be PCS’ing to Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, to attend Air Force intelligence officer school.”

Congratulations to both Mitchell and Tessa!

That is all the notes/updates I have from the class for now, but as always, please feel free to contact me if you would like to add anything to the class notes, or just to catch up.

Whole damn team, Johnny

2016

Marriages WAGNER – Kimberly Sloane to Edward D. “Ted” Wagner ’88, May 28, 2016.

Baby Keydets BANKS – a son, Landon William, to Natalie and Brent L. Banks ’04, Oct. 31, 2015.

EATON – a daughter, Tessa Louise, to Becky and Christopher L. Eaton ’06, March 18, 2016.

Degrees Christopher L. Ratchford ’94 Management, Strategy, Leadership May 2016

MS Michigan State University – Eli Broad School of Business

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.

Ernest C. Johnson ’929 .............................................................. May 19, 1908 Thomas M. Zeledon ’930 ........................................................... Dec. 21, 1908 Emmett J. Heerdt ’934 ............................................................... Feb. 27, 1912 Richard H. McCormick ’934 ....................................................... Dec. 4, 1912 James C. Sherman ’35 ............................................................. March 31, 1914 John A. Gialanella ’36 ............................................................... Aug. 28, 1914 Henry B. Johnson ’38 .................................................................. Aug. 9, 1915 Floyd S. Smith ’41 ....................................................................... Sept. 7, 1916 Raymond W. Parks ’37.................................................................. Oct. 6, 1916 James M. Witt ’39 ..................................................................... Dec. 23, 1916 Ira N. Saxe ’39 ............................................................................. Feb. 9, 1918 James L. Lennox ’40 .............................................................. March 23, 1918 David R. Gaitskill ’40 ................................................................. April 9, 1918

Jacob Norris

Preston T. Syme ’41................................................................... April 13, 1918

Patrick Hine

B. Anthony Fisher ’40 ............................................................... Sept. 14, 1918

Donald E. Hillman ’40.............................................................. Aug. 24, 1918 William W. Middleton Jr. ’39 .................................................... Sept. 20, 1918 Robert L. Spear ’41 .................................................................... Oct. 21, 1918 Richard H. Peake Jr. ’41 ............................................................. Oct. 31, 1918 Yandell Boatner Jr. ’40 ............................................................... Jan. 28, 1919 Robert C. Maling ’41 ................................................................. Aug. 16, 1919 Lloyd W. Winkler Jr. ’43 .............................................................. Sept. 7, 1919

Congratulations, Class of 2016! Your class agents and their contact information are listed above. Send them your post-graduation updates and photos for publication in the Alumni Review.

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B.H. Hardaway III ’40 ............................................................... Sept. 28, 1919 Sol W. Rawls Jr. ’40 .................................................................... Oct. 25, 1919 Robert P. Smith ’40 ...................................................................... Nov. 1, 1919

VMI Alumni Review

Provisional Appointments APPOINTEE’S NAME 2020 Conrad T. Butler Joel-Justin Dingle

2021 Charles Broder

ALUMNUS-CLASS

William B. Butler ’88 Justin V. Cole ’00 Jason A. Cole ’00

Father Uncle Uncle

John E. Marshall Jr. ’65 John E. Marshall ’929

Grandfather Greatgrandfather Father Grandfather Greatgrandfather Uncle Grandfather Greatgrandfather

Caroline E. Ring

James W. Ring ’88 James K. Ring Jr. ’61 James K. Ring Sr. ’917

Davis Kirk Ring

James W. Ring ’88 James K. Ring Jr. ’61 James K. Ring Sr. ’917

2023 Preston Dixon Richard F. Owens Jr.

2024 John W. McCown

Joshua W. Ring

Frederick S. Setser Logan Warlick 2025 Daniel Carter Edward S. Glover 2026 Aidan M. Bakke Heather C. Horne John J. Payne

RELATIONSHIP

Thomas E. Murray Jr. ’73 Richard F. Owens ’92 Leonard C. Doughty Jr. ’38

A. Lee McCown ’58 Benjamin S. McCown ’873 Albert S. McCown ’931 Albert L. McCown ’58 Donald L. McCown ’65 Derek R. McCown ’89 David A. McCown ’73 David A. McCown Jr. ’11 James W. Ring ’88 James K. Ring Jr. ’61 James K. Ring Sr. ’917 David F. Dixon ’99 Philip S. Townsend ’94

Grandfather Father Greatgrandfather

Grandfather Cousin Greatgrandfather Grandfather Cousin Father Uncle Cousin Father Grandfather Greatgrandfather Step-father Step-father

APPOINTEE’S NAME 2028 (cont.)

Jayda J. Pearson Robert T. Stanfield Jr.

Father Grandfather

Gary H. Compton Jr. ’97 Gary H. Compton Jr. ’97 R. Daren Payne ’90 Matthew C. Payne ’94

Uncle Uncle Uncle Father

Grandfather Great-uncle Great-uncle

David F. Dixon ’99 Jeremy D. Guy ’01 Steve D. Lee ’95 Richard F. Owens ’92 Leonard C. Doughty Jr. ’38

Father Father Uncle Father Greatgrandfather

Ian M. Bobbitt ’99 Gary H. Compton Jr. ’97 Jeremy D. Guy ’01 R. Daren Payne ’90 Matthew C. Payne ’94 Bruce B. Cameron ’38 Daniel D. Cameron ’42 David R. Kiernan ’66

Father Father Father Uncle Father Great-uncle Great-uncle Grandfather

Clinton T. Glover ’57 Scott S. Miller ’71 Lewis N. Miller ’932

Grandfather Grandfather Greatgrandfather

2032 Carley-Grace A. Reinhold

Charles E. Reinhold ’99

Father

2033 Harlynne R. Crain Mary A. Dixon Daniel A. Glover Brogan E. Guy Finn S. Hightower

David S. Wilkinson ’67 David F. Dixon ’99 Clinton T. Glover ’57 Jeremy D. Guy ’01 Harry Ratrie ’44

Grandfather Father Grandfather Father Greatgrandfather Great-uncle Father Uncle Father Grandfather

2029 David N. Dixon Jonas D. Guy Ian C. Lee Thomas F. Owens

2030 Mitchell I. Bobbitt Benjamin K. Compton Ronan S. Guy Joseph V. Payne Marisa N. Stanfield Savanna R. Vinyard 2031 Benjamin Sayyid Glover Eli M. Tatum

Jonathan O. Vinyard 2034 Canyon A. Crain Peter M. Trible

Harry Ratrie III ’67 Christopher J. Lukanich ’99 R. Daren Payne ’90 Matthew C. Payne ’94 David R. Kiernan ’66

David S. Wilkinson ’67 Peter L. Trible ’65 John A. McEwan ’930 John S. McEwan II ’65

2027 Ella Carter Margaret M. Compton

Horace A. Carter ’91 Gary H. Compton Jr. ’97

Father Father

2028 Henry S. Glover Connor E. Hightower

Clinton T. Glover ’57 Harry Ratrie Jr. ’44

Sydney G. O’Neil

Harry Ratrie III ’67 David S. Wilkinson ’67

Grandfather Greatgrandfather Great-uncle Grandfather

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RELATIONSHIP

Richard J. Davis ’67 Bruce B. Cameron ’38 Daniel D. Cameron ’42

Ian J. Lukanich Thomas E. Payne Horace A. Carter IV ’91 Clinton T. Glover ’57

ALUMNUS-CLASS

2035 Peter T. Russell

Tyson E. Spitzer

James F. Russell III ’04 Vester J. Thompson Jr. ’40

Grandfather Grandfather Greatgrandfather Uncle

Vester J. Thompson III ’79 E. Fletcher Thompson ’81 Fletcher S. Thompson ’10

Father Greatgrandfather Great-uncle Great-uncle Cousin

Jonathan W. Spitzer ’98

Father

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Provisional Appointments APPOINTEE’S NAME 2036 James R. Barton

John E. Batten Virginia A. Kirk Christian H. Lukanich Lilah R.M.Reid Daniel M. Satterthwaite

Ashby E. Spitzer 2037 Margaret P. Adamson

George C. Baker Cooper L. Baldwin Joseph H. Berkowitz Zachary L. Brown Harper A. Cooper Charles A. Fortier Nora R. Marin

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ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

John C. Manning ’83 James A. Manning ’90 John C. Manning Jr. ’11 Jonathan W. Spitzer ’98

Mother Greatgrandfather Grandfather Grandfather Father Father Grandfather Greatgrandfather Great-uncle Great-uncle Cousin Father

Vincent C. Adamson III ’96 Edgar J.T. Perrow Jr. ’96 Stephen P. Adamson ’67 Charles W. Besenfelder ’68 Alfred E. Kirk ’70 Seth J. Berkowitz ’08 Randy L. Brown ’99 Charles R. Cooper ’66 Allan J. Fortier ’08 Timothy A.J. McGreer ’78

Father Cousin Great-uncle Grandfather Grandfather Father Father Grandfather Father Grandfather

Colleen M. Logan Barton ’06 Henry M. Stewart ’35 Timothy P. Golden ’71 Alfred E. Kirk ’70 Christopher J. Lukanich ’99 Richard N. Reid Jr. ’03 Wymer W. Manning III ’79 Wymer W. Manning Jr. ’54

APPOINTEE’S NAME 2037 (cont.)

Nora R. Marin Jameson Page Edward M. Rivinus

2038 Charlotte R. Batten Alden D. Biesterveld Spencer R. Cunningham Jordan K. Easterly Jackson T. Foster Tallen P. Glossy Ridley J. Guy Maxwell R. Judd McKinley S. Lowe

Cameron A. McComas Lionel J. Neikirk

Addilyn I.W. Reid

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

Christopher M. McGreer ’73 Alan R. McGreer ’83 Nathaniel R. Hoskot Jr. ’66 Scott S. Miller ’71 Lewis N. Miller ’932

Great-uncle Cousin Grandfather Grandfather Greatgrandfather

Timothy P. Golden ’71 Andrew C. Biesterveld ’03 Andrew J. Cunningham ’04 Frank B. Easterly ’69 Nicholas P. Foster ’03 Walter T. Judd ’69 Jeremy D. Guy ’01 Walter T. Judd ’69 Matthew S. Lowe ’11 Kylie M. Turner Lowe ’12 Gerald W. Fuller Jr. ’86 Mark S. Lowe ’81 William R. Lowe ’78 Matthew S. McComas ’00 James M. Neikirk ’71 Joseph D. Neikirk ’932 Samuel G. Neikirk ’925 Richard N. Reid Jr. ’03

Grandfather Father Father Father Father Grandfather Father Great-uncle Father Mother Great-uncle Grandfather Great-uncle Father Grandfather Cousin Great-uncle Father

VMI Alumni Review

Taps Edwin T. Arnold ’35

Arrington Cross; daughter, Mary Margaret “Peggy” Cross Turnham; and brother, George Willis Cross Sr.

Edwin Thomas “Eddie” Arnold ’35 of Albuquerque, New Mexico, died March 13, 2016.

He was 102.

William C. Mills ’44 Arnold matriculated from NorWilliam Charles “Bill” Mills ’44 folk, Virginia, and earned his Bachof Montgomery, Ohio, died Jan. 21, elor of Science degree in electrical 2016. He was 91. engineering.

Mills matriculated from Ironwood, He is survived by his sons, Walter Michigan, and attended VMI for one year.

V. Arnold (Kathy), Tom Arnold and He is survived by his daughter, Carol Bruce Arnold (Katherine); grandMills Jones (Robert); granddaughter, children, Jeff, Scott (Christiana), Emily Metz (Tony); and great-grandChristopher, Nicholas, Ashley, Jackson, Kate and Alex.

Blake, Aaron and Austin; and greatArnold ’35 children, He was preceded in death by his wife, grandchildren, Everett and Alice.

Betty Lee Fletcher Mills.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Madge, and brother, Walter Van Valkenburg Arnold.

Robert E. Rain Jr. ’40 Robert Eley “Bob” Rain Jr. ’40 of Dallas, Texas, died April 23, 2016. He was 97.

Rain matriculated from Dallas and attended VMI for one year. He earned both his Bachelor of Arts degree and his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Texas.

He is survived by his wife, Gene Wharton Rain; children, John Wharton Rain (Ellen), Martha Rain Black (Bill) and James Talbot Rain (Megan); grandchildren, Elisabeth Rain Kincaid, Katherine Black, Cynthia Rain Keller, Robert Black, Robert Rain, Caitlin Rain, Marian Rain, David Rain and Peter Rain; three greatgranddaughters; and sister-in-law, Frances Rain.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Talbot Rain.

Frank G. Louthan Jr. ’41 Frank Garrett Louthan Jr. ’41 of Richmond, Virginia, died April 12, 2016. He was 95.

His obituary appears in the front section of this Review issue.

John H. Cross Sr. ’44 John Haw “Jack” Cross Sr. ’44 of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, died April 2, 2016. He was 94.

Cross matriculated from Lynchburg, Virginia, and attended VMI for two years. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Hampden-Sydney College.

He is survived by his son, John H. Cross Jr. (Amy); grandchildren, Timothy Cross Turnham, Lindsey Turnham Davis, Blake Benton Turnham, Carolyn Page Cross and John Carter Cross; and sister-in-law, Sweetie Cross.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Page

2016-Issue 3

Joseph J. Reynolds III ’47 Joseph Jones “Joe” Reynolds III ’47 of Alpharetta, Georgia, died Feb. 2, 2016. He was 89.

Reynolds matriculated from Waynesboro, Georgia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Reynolds; son, Andy Reynolds, sister-in-law, Janann Reynolds; and cousin, Marcia Stille.

Franklin C. Tiller ’47 Franklin Carlyle “Tizzy” Tiller ’47 of Vero Beach, Florida, died Dec. 28, 2015. He was 90.

Tiller matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and attended VMI for less than one year. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Richmond and his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; sons, F. Carlyle Tiller Jr. (Paula) and William B. Tiller; step-children, Patric D. Spillane (Lisa), Erin M. Spillane (Brian G. Snyder) and Timothy J. Spillane; grandchildren, F. Carlyle Tiller III, Farrell M. Tiller, Christopher S. Premuroso, Ryan P. Spillane, Sean K. Spillane and Joseph T. Spillane; and sister, Juanita Elmquist.

He was preceded in death by his brother, William L. Tiller, and sister, Maude Tiller.

John E. Allen ’49B John Edwin Allen ’49B of Bedford, Texas, died April 1, 2016. He was 88.

Allen matriculated from Oak Park, Illinois, and attended VMI for one year. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and attended the U.S. Army

Command & General Staff College.

He is survived by his wife, Glenna M. Allen; daughter, Sandra Farquhar; son, Paul W. Allen; and grandchildren, Trevor Farquhar and Amanda M. Allen.

William D. Lauerman Jr. ’49B William Dewey “Country” Lauerman ’49B of Fernandina Beach, Florida, died Feb. 3, 2016. He was 88.

Lauerman matriculated from Ridgewood, New Jersey, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth G. Lauerman; children, Mary L. Schaefer (Joel), Daniel P. Lauerman (Kim) and Thomas J. Lauerman (Denise); step-children, Peter Young, Mary LaRosa, James Young, Catherine Razavi, Thomas Young, Patrick Young and Stephen Young; and grandchildren, Alexis, Cole, Wilson, Nick, Will and Hunter.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary M. Lauerman; sons, William D. Lauerman III (Lisa) and Stephen C. Lauerman (Karolyn); and brother, John W. Lauerman.

Jack A. Neunhoffer ’49B Jack Albert Neunhoffer ’49B of Park Ridge, New Jersey, died March 15, 2016. He was 88.

Neunhoffer matriculated from Caracas, Venezuela, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Grace; daughter; two sons; and step-daughter.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles.

Edward T. Watling ’49B

Retired U.S. Army Col. Edward Thurston “Ed” Watling ’49B of McLean, Virginia, died Feb. 8, 2016. He was 87.

Watling matriculated from Mendham, New Jersey, and was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. He earned his Master of Science degree from Stanford University.

He is survived by his sons, Peter R. Watling ’84, Ted, Chris and Rick; grandchildren, Daniel, Kimberly, James, Luke, Catherine, Allison, Lilliana, Gianna and Coleman Jet; and sister, Elizabeth “Betsy” Lorenz.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy “Deegee” Jane Reuter, and siblings, Gertrude “Trudy” Watling ’49B Mulcahy and Robert “Bob” Watling.

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Taps Paul S. Fleming ’49C Paul Stockton “Stock” Fleming ’49C of Lexington, Virginia, died April 21, 2016. He was 90.

Fleming matriculated from Hamden, Connecticut, and was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.

He is survived by his sons, Marshall and Stewart; two daughters-in-law; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and brother, David.

He was preceded in death by Jean Elizabeth McColl.

Ernest G. Reinhold ’50B Ernest Gilford “Ernie” Reinhold ’50B, DMD, of West Palm Beach, Florida, died Jan. 19, 2016. He was 87.

Reinhold matriculated from Miami, Florida, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree and his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

He is survived by his wife, Helen Hood Reinhold; daughters, Anne Reinhold Gilland (Marc) and Madeline Reinhold Lash (Tom); and grandchildren, Maxwell Gilland (fiancée Lauren Bongers), Catherine Langdon (Joshua), and Chapman and Cecilia Lash.

Gerald F. Eggleston ’51 Gerald Frances “Jerry” Eggleston ’51 of Lexington, Virginia, died Feb. 8, 2016. He was 90.

His obituary appears in the front section of this Review issue.

Rufus C. Lazzell ’51 Retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Rufus Colmore Lazzell ’51 of Punta Gorda, Florida, died March 12, 2016. He was 86.

Lazzell matriculated from Holden, West Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Master of Arts degree from Central Michigan University.

He is survived by his wife, Jo Jacqulyn Pond Lazell; daughters, Victoria Pond Lazell (David Rash) and Linda Pond Lazzell (Herb Schroeder); grandchildren, Laura Tyrrell (fiancé Stephen Robinson), Collin Schroeder, Niall Schroeder and Lars Johnson; and great-grandchildren, Mackenzie and Cameron Tyrrell.

David B. Sebree Jr. ’51 David Banks Sebree Jr. ’51 of Austin, Texas, died March 2, 2016. He was 87.

Sebree matriculated from Frankfort, Kentucky,

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and attended VMI for one year.

He is survived by his sons, David Banks Sebree III (Katy) and Benjamin Ward Sebree (Chrisy), and grandchildren, Zach, Luke and Sam. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lu Sebree.

Desmond C. Wray Jr. ’51

the University of Maryland and his Master of Business Administration degree from Syracuse University.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Norman Gilchrist; daughters, Janet Long, Mary L. Paynter and Laurel A. Gunter, and their husbands; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sons, James R. Gilchrist and Stephen N. Gilchrist.

Desmond Carlisle Wray Jr. ’51 of Staunton, Virginia, died Feb. 14, 2016.

Gilchrist ’52 He was 86.

Wray matriculated from Staunton and attended VMI for one year. He earned his Bachelor of Joseph S. Louden ’53 Science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy Joseph Stanley Louden ’53 of Round Rock, and his Bachelor of Laws degree from the Texas, died March 8, 2016. He was 84.

University of Virginia.

Louden matriculated from St. Matthews, Wray is survived by his wife, Frances; sons, Kentucky, and earned his Bachelor of Science Desmond C. Wray II (Teresa) and Tod Kennedy degree in civil engineering from VMI. Wray (Karen); step-daughters, Mary S. Judd He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; (Alan) and Ann S. Yoder; grandchildren, Jordan children, Joseph Jr., Deborah and Morrie; David Yoder, Patrick Kennedy Wray, Andrew grandchildren, Rick, Brooke, Brandy, Tara Graham Judd, Samuel Carlisle Judd and Coleand Shannon; great-grandchildren, Lyla, man Carlisle Wray; sisters-in-law, Shirley H. Kingston, Grayson, Savannah, Levi and Peri; Wray, Joan D. Wray and Dorothy A. Schembri; and sister, Kay. brother-in-law, David C. Schembri (Jackie); and former wife, Martha Marcus Wray.

Robert C. Reid ’53 He was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert Charles Reid ’53 of Longmont, ColoWilliam A. Wray and Rhodes Wray. rado, died Feb. 22, 2016. He was 84.

Reid matriculated from Andalusia, Alabama, and attended VMI for less than one year.

George M. Bookman Jr. ’52 He is survived by his wife, Joan; sons, Phillip George Meredith Bookman Jr. ’52 of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, died Feb. 14, 2016. He Reid (Susanne) and Michael Reid (Becky); daughter, Jules Reid; daughter-in-law, was 85.

Tara Reid; grandchildren, Jane Marie, Bookman matriculated from WashHeather, Hannah, Joy, Sonshe and ington, Pennsylvania, and earned his Millie; and sister, Gatra Mallard.

Bachelor of Science degree in civil He was preceded in death by his engineering from VMI. sister, Lucy Deil, and son, David Reid.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Thompson Bookman; son, Scott Bookman; daughter, Lisa BookPeter Shunk ’53 man Mears (Gary); grandchildren, Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Peter Caitlin Elizabeth Bookman, Peter Shunk ’53 of Laguna Niguel, CaliforMeredith Bookman, Andrew Scott died Nov. 29, 2015. He was 82.

Bookman ’52 nia, Mears (Claudia), William ThompShunk matriculated from El Paso, son Mears (Allison) and Kathryn Anne Texas, and earned his Bachelor of Science deMears; and brother, Robert Parke Bookman gree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned (Barbara). his Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Military Academy and his Master of Science degree from the University of Colorado.

Raymond Gilchrist Jr. ’52 (Editor’s Note: We have no further information Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Raymond “Red” Gilchrist Jr. ’52 of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died on Mr. Shunk.)

March 3, 2016. He was 89.

Gilchrist matriculated from Richmond, Leonard J. Harmon II ’54 Virginia, and attended VMI for one year. He Retired U.S. Army Col. Leonard Jackson earned his Bachelor of Science degree from “Boots” Harmon II ’54 of Reno, Nevada, died

VMI Alumni Review

Taps Feb. 10, 2016. He was 82.

Harmon matriculated from Flushing, New York, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Master of Business Administration degrees from American University and Emory University and his Graduate Performance diploma from the National War College.

Harmon is survived by his wife, Helen, and daughters, Hilary and Adrien.

John A. Duncan ’55 John Asa Duncan ’55 of Missoula, Montana, died Feb. 9, 2016. He was 82.

Duncan matriculated from Missoula and attended VMI for one year.

He is survived by his wife, Jane V. Duncan; daughter, Cristin; step-son, Jon Hodges; and sister-in-law, Julie Duncan.

William T. Newland Jr. ’55 William Trent “Bill” Newland Jr. ’55 of Ashburn, Virginia, died March 30, 2016. He was 81.

Newland matriculated from Buena Vista, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Crawford Newland; sons, Michael Preston Newland (Sarah), John Crawford Newland and William Trent Newland (Trace); and grandchildren, Rachel Ann Newland, Chase Bradley Newland, Riley Anne Newland, Parker John Newland, Taylor Elizabeth Newland, Ethan Trent Newland, Preston Joseph Newland and Lane Rachel Newland.

John D. Techentin ’55 John Daniel “Dan” Techentin ’55 of Dunnellon, Florida, died Feb. 29, 2016. He was 82.

Techentin matriculated from Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and attended VMI for one year. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie; sons, Hank (Debbie), Bob (Jan), Bill (Keken) and Jeff (Julia); 17 grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren.

Christian F. Dreyer Jr. ’56 Retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Christian Frederick Dreyer Jr. ’56 of Niceville, Florida, died Dec. 22, 2015. He was 81.

Dreyer matriculated from Richmond,

2016-Issue 3

Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. (Editor’s Note: We have no further information on Mr. Dreyer.)

William S. Lindsay ’56 William Shackleford Lindsay ’56 of Dublin, Virginia, died Jan. 31, 2016. He was 83.

Lindsay matriculated from Williamsburg, Virginia, and attended VMI for one year.

He is survived by his wife, Ann; children, Mike (Donna), Joe (Marisol), Ann Marie (Mike), Beth (John) and Susan (David); grandchildren, William, Joe, Nick, Matt, Luke, Leah, Adam, Abbey, Kathryn, Anna, Greg and Elizabeth; great-granddaughter, Kendall; and sister, Eva Ruben.

He was preceded in death by his son, Greg.

Theodore R. Barker Jr. ’56 Theodore Roosevelt Barker Jr. ’56 of Houston, Texas, died Feb. 2, 2016. He was 82.

Barker matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. (Editor’s Note: We have no further information on Mr. Barker.)

Carroll O. Ferrell ’57 Carroll Owen Ferrell ’57 of Portsmouth, Virginia, died March 17, 2016. He was 81.

Ferrell matriculated from South Boston, Virginia, and attended VMI for less than one year.

He is survived by his wife, Vicky Wine Ferrell; children, Catherine F. Joyner (Steve), Clayton Ferrell (Debra) and Michael Ratanataya (Traci); grandchildren, Lauren, Jenna and Justin Ratanataya; and brother, Roy Ferrell (Glenda).

James M. Beamer ’58

William B. Rousos ’58 William Basil “Bill” Rousos ’58 of Fairfax Station, Virginia, died Feb. 17, 2016. He was 79.

Rousos 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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

He is survived by his wife, Irene; sons, Nicholas and Basil; and grandchildren, Avery, Alexa, Anna and William.

Leslie H. Savage ’58 Retired U.S. Army Col. Leslie Howard Savage ’58 of Williamsburg, Virginia, died Feb. 13, 2016. He was 80.

Savage matriculated from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from the University of Illinois.

He is survived by his wife, Joann Hughes Savage; daughters, Kimberly K. McClain (Erie) and Shannon M.L. Day (fiancé Guy); son, Howard A. Savage (fiancée Janie); grandchildren, Michael, Allen and Max McCain, Tony Savage, Sydney Madison, and Kyle Day; sisters, Bunny A. Colvin (Fred) and Treatie A. Taylor (Dean); and brother, John C. Royall (Judy).

Charles A. Cotton III ’59

Cotton ’59

James Mitchell Beamer ’58 of Salem, Virginia, died April 8, 2016. He was 80.

Beamer matriculated from Maplewood, New Jersey, and was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ray Beamer; daughter, Cynthia Duvall (Stephen); son, Steven Beamer (Natalia); grandson, Ryan Henderson; and sisters, Virginia Weinhold, Barbara Sparks and Kathryn Beamer.

He was preceded in death by his brother, John Beamer.

Charles Allen “Chuck” Cotton III ’59 of Frankfort, Kentucky, died Feb. 16, 2016. He was 79.

Cotton matriculated from Jett, Kentucky, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Margo; children, Anne Jenkins (Doug), Charles Allen Cotton IV, Will Cotton (Melissa), Martha Blandford (Scott), Sheldon Cotton (Wendy) and Russell Cotton (Beth); and 11 grandchildren.

Louis C. Gapenski ’59 Louis Charles “Lou” Gapenski ’59, Ph.D., of Gainesville, Florida, died April 20, 2016.

He was 78.

Gapenski matriculated from Des Plaines, Illinois, and was a distinguished graduate of VMI earning a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. He earned his Master of Science degree from the Naval Postgraduate School. He earned both his Master of Business Administration degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Florida.

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Taps (Editor’s Note: We have no further information on Mr. Gapenski.)

Donald M. MacWillie Jr. ’59 Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Donald MacGlashan “Mac” MacWillie Jr. ’59 of Killeen, Texas, died Jan. 25, 2016. He was 79.

MacWillie matriculated from Carmel, California, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Judith; daughters, Elizabeth Fangman (Duane) and Karen Simmons; son, Brig. Gen. Donald MacWillie III (Sherri); grandchildren, Austin Coachman, Evan Coachman, Christopher Irwin, Capt. Donald MacWillie IV and Melyssa-Anne Stricklin; and sister, Nancy George.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Stephen MacWillie; sister, Bonnie Rintz; son-in-law, Collis Simmons; and grandson, Cody Simmons.

David C. Betts ’60 David Charles Betts ’60 of Bradenton, Florida, died March 18, 2016. He was 77.

Betts matriculated from Youngstown, New York, and attended VMI for less than one year.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Wolff Betts; children, Dawn Arnold (Todd) and Wendy Haseley (Kenneth); step-son, Ted Wolff (Hope); and grandchildren, Tyler and Drake Arnold and Victoria and Landon Hartwell.

He was preceded in death by his step-daughter, Deborah Schuster.

William F. Huggins ’60 Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William Franklin “Bill” Huggins ’60 of Henderson, Nevada, died Feb. 28, 2016. He was 77.

Huggins matriculated from Fincastle, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from San Diego State University and his Master of Science degree from South Dakota State University.

He is survived by his wife, Sue; sons, Bill (Laura) and Justin (Allison); and granddaughters, Emma and Aoife.

Thomas A. Lento Jr. ’61 Thomas Anthony Lento Jr. ’61 of Jupiter, Florida, died Nov. 23, 2015. He was 76.

Lento matriculated from South River, New Jersey, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. (Editor’s Note: We have no further information for Mr. Lento.)

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Leonard D. Martin Jr. ’61 Leonard Daniel Martin Jr. ’61 of San Antonio, Texas, died April 9, 2016. He was 77.

Martin matriculated from Fort Lee, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Mary Kay; children, Leonard D. Martin III, Donna K. George (Terry) and Kelly M. Martin; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

John W. Hobbs ’62 John Weldon Hobbs ’62 of East Sandwich, Massachusetts, died Jan. 24, 2016. He was 76.

Hobbs matriculated from Huntington, New York, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Carleda A. (Dempsey) Hobbs; children, Karen Hobs Sharpe (Gregory), Amy Hobbs Whittall (Colt), Heidi Karen Brown (Maria) and Christian Bica Brown; and sister, Joan Hobbs Denaro (Nicholas).

He was preceded in death by his sister, Kathy Hobbs.

John D. Thomas ’62 John David Thomas ’62 of Plano, Texas, died March 29, 2015. He was 74.

Thomas matriculated from Decatur, Georgia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Jackie; children, John Charles “Chuck” Thomas (Michelle) and Kathy T. Bickhaus (Craig); grandchildren, Cooper Thomas Bickhaus and Savannah Hope Bickhaus; and sister, Mary Allen.

Forrest A. Norman Jr. ’65 Forrest Ambrose Norman Jr. ’65 of Charlotte, North Carolina, died Feb. 3, 2016. He was 72.

Norman matriculated from Chesapeake, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Linda Norman; sons, Walter, Eric and Forrest Norman III (Amy); and grandchildren, Emily and Henry.

John B. Waltz III ’66 John Buckley Waltz III ’66 of Chesapeake, Virginia, died April 3, 2016. He was 71.

Waltz matriculated from Newport News, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his son, John B. Waltz IV; daughter, Natalie Ewart; grandchildren, Ashley

Ewart, Grace Ewart and Trevor Ewart; greatgrandson, Liaam Anderson; sister, Judy Pogue; and brother-in-law, Jerry Alford.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Lou “M.L.” Alford, and granddaughter, Destiny Ewart.

Jack M. Parrish III ’68 Jack McPherson Parrish III ’68 of Williamsburg, Virginia, died Jan. 31, 2016. He was 71.

Parrish matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his sisters, Bruce Hall and Kim Beard (Andy); nephews, Michael Parrish and William Stacy; and niece, Hunter Busse (Chuck).

Henry N. Pedigo Jr. ’69 Henry Norvall “Hank” Pedigo Jr. ’69 of Waverly, Virginia, died March 26, 2016. He was 69.

Pedigo matriculated from Waverly and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from VMI. He is survived by his sons, Alexander R. Pedigo and Trevor S. Pedigo; grandson, Charles Alexander Pedigo; and sister, Holly Pedigo Watson (Ronald).

He was preceded in death by his brother, James L. “Jim” Pedigo.

Terrence J. Chewning ’70 Terrence John Chewning ’70 of Oviedo, Florida, died July 1, 2015. He was 66.

Chewning matriculated from Springfield, Massachusetts, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He earned his Master of Arts degree from Webster University and his Master in Business Administration degree from Rollins College.

(Editor’s Note: We have no further information on Mr. Chewning.)

Howard C. Whetzel Jr. ’76 Howard Clay Whetzel Jr. ’76 of Ponca City, Oklahoma, died Feb. 9, 2016. He was 61.

Whetzel matriculated from Alexandria, Virginia, and attended VMI for less than one year.

He is survived by his wife, Ronna Whetzel; daughter, Katharina Whetzel; stepchildren, Laura and Colt Grimes, Emily and A.J. Branson, Lydia Shuart, and Freeman, Abby and Maggie Shuart; and siblings, Paul, Carol and Denny.

Timothy A. Nash ’82 Timothy Allen Nash ’82 of Bluefield, Virginia,

VMI Alumni Review

Taps died April 23, 2008. He was 47.

Nash matriculated from Bluefield and attended VMI for less than one year.

He is survived by his wife, Carole Anne; and sister, Terri (Charlie Cole).

VMI Family Ronald C. Baldwin Ronald C. Baldwin of Lexington, Virginia, died Feb. 15, 2016. He was 80.

Baldwin served at VMI at the Cadet Chapel.

He is survived by his wife, Jeri; daughters, Christie McSpadden, Karen Baldwin and Janis Ours; grandchildren, Rebekah, Miriam, Mark, Bethany, Timothy, William and Katie; brother, Wayne Baldwin; and sisters, Gail Newton and Susan Walker.

Clyde R. Cloar Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Clyde Ross Cloar of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, died April 20, 2016. He was 88.

Cloar was a former Air Force ROTC professor at VMI. He is survived by his wife, Virginia, and daughters, Lila Cloar and Lisa Sutton (David).

2016-Issue 3

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Lou.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Pearl; and second wife, Grace Cane.

Constance C. Harris

Elizabeth S. Sechler

Constance Carter Harris of Lexington, Virginia, died March 29, 2016. She was 92.

Harris served and retired as a dietician at VMI. She is survived by her daughters, Patricia Broadneaux and Bette Williams; son, Thomas H. Harris Jr (Carol); grandchildren, Bernard (Tony), Antonio, Yvonne, Thomas H. Harris III (Tera); great-grandchildren, Treasure, Ethan, Takoa and Thomas H. Harris IV; and sisters-in-law, Doris Harris and Bernice Carter.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Harris Sr.; sisters, Rebecca Jones and Virginia Weaver; and brothers, Wesley, Edward and Boyd Carter.

Elizabeth Sue Sechler, Ph.D., of Lexington, Virginia, died Feb. 15, 2016. She was 69.

Sechler served at VMI for nine years as the associate dean for assessment and support and as director of the Office of Institutional Assessment and Evaluation. Upon her retirement from VMI, the superintendent awarded her the VMI Achievement Medal in recognition of her achievement in service to the Institute.

She is survived by her brother, Joseph Sanders Sechler; nephew, Joseph Jr.; niece, Katharine Sechler Phillips; great-nephew, Joseph McRae; and great-nieces, Anna Elizabeth, Emma Katharine and Caroline McKinley.

Joseph S. Mason

Barbara C. Trent

Joseph S. Mason of Hoboken, New Jersey, died April 25, 2016. He was 94.

Mason served as a radio and television sportscaster during the 1950s-80s, and was the radio voice of VMI athletics.

He is survived by his children, Bobby, Sandy and Ricky; daughter-in-law, Beth; son-in-law, Bob; stepchildren, David, Brook and Josh; and grandchildren, Shipley and Virginia.

Barbara Cash Trent of Glasgow, Virginia, died March 26, 2016. She was 59.

Trent served as a secretary for the civil engineering department at VMI for 18 years.

She is survived by her daughters, Bailey M. Trent and Ashley Taylor; and grandchildren, Kayla and Aiden Taylor.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Eugene Trent.

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VMI Alumni Association Directory The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. President

First Vice President

Robert P. Louthan ’82 rlouthan1@gmail.com

Directors at Large

Edgar J.T. Perrow Jr. ’96 tperrow@woodardcurran.com Terms Expire June 30, 2017

Chapter Alaska Arizona Greater Los Angeles Hawaii Inland Empire Nevada Northern California Pacific Northwest Pikes Peak Rocky Mountain San Diego

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

Terms Expire June 30, 2018 Jessica J. Schmaus ’04 jessica.schmaus@gmail.com Samuel N. Stocks ’90 sstocks@kbsgc.com

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

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

New England New York City – Long Island North Jersey

Region IV – Mid Atlantic Central Keystone Maryland Southeastern PA – Delaware Valley Western PA – Pittsburgh

Region V – Southeast Augusta Appalachian Atlanta Coastal GA – South Carolina East TN – Knoxville Middle TN – Nashville Midsouth

2016-Issue 3

Director: Patrick J. Griffin ’80

John W. Wainwright III ’82 Christopher J. Brandriff ’06 Richard C. Wolffe ’78

jwainwright38@comcast.net christopher.brandriff@jpmorgan.com RWolffe@tspcapitalmgt.com

Director: Peter R. Charrington ’66

Robert P. Hill ’08 David R. Gleason ’80 Frederick J. Killmeyer IV ’95 Thomas N. Gelles ’80

rphill48@gmail.com gleason@umbc.edu 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

Chief Executive Officer

Gregory M. Cavallaro ’84

Terms Expire June 30, 2018

Arkansas Bluegrass Centex

Region III – Northeast

Brian S. Crockett

Jessica J. Schmaus ’04 jessica.schmaus@gmail.com Samuel N. Stocks ’90 sstocks@kbsgc.com

Director: James F. Dittrich ’76

Region II – Midwest

Cleveland Detroit Kansas City, Missouri North Texas – Dallas Oklahoma Rio Grande San Antonio Southeast Texas – Houston Southwest Ohio St. Louis Third Coast (Corpus Christi)

President

William A. Paulette ’69

Director: Matthew R. Hemenez ’90 Chapter President

Chief Executive Officer

The VMI Keydet Club, Inc.

Historian

J. Bolling Williamson ’60 bollingwmson@gmail.com

Anthony U. Moore ’78 amor_78@comcast.net E. Sean Lanier ’94 av8sean06@hotmail.com

Region I – Far West

Hugh M. Fain III ’80

Samuel N. Stocks ’90 sstocks@kbsgc.com

Immediate Past President

Adam C. Volant ’88 avolant@vmiaa.org

President

Second Vice President

Asa H. Page III ’79 vmi79@verizon.net

Executive Vice President

The VMI Foundation, Inc.

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 M. Wirth ’98 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 wdtvmi65@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 VMI. He earned his Juris Doctor Long & Foster Real Estate was recognized California, and earned his Bachelor degree from Samford University. in February 2016 as America’s Most Trusted of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Juris Doctor degree Residential Real Estate Brokerage by LifesThe Kentucky Finance and Administory Research. Long & Foster is part of The from Wake Forest University. tration Cabinet appointed retired U.S. Long & Foster Companies, founded Army Col. William M. Landrum Richard H. “Dick” Knight in 1968 by P. Wesley Foster Jr. III ’75 as its secretary Dec. 6, 2015.

Jr. ’70 and his wife, Linda, ’56, chief executive officer. This In this position, Landrum serves as received the 2016 Distinrecognition comes after a Januarychief financial officer and also as the guished Alumnus Award December 2015 survey conducted manager of financial resources of the by the Cumberland School

by Lifestory, a research firm that of Law at Samford Univer- Landrum ’75 commonwealth. evaluates brands and strengthens a Landrum assumed this position sity and were named the company’s understanding of their Co-Alumni of the Year. The award after more than 36 years of service – including clients. The results were based on military and corporate experience – in resource is given annually to a graduate who 15,377 surveys among residential management and financial operations for sensiis highly regarded in the practice of home shoppers. Results were also Foster ’56 law, service to their community and tive Army military intelligence and confidential measured by a New Trust Quotient professional leadership. This is the first time that programs across the Department of Defense.

Score, in which customers in the study are During his military career, Landrum earned separated into three categories: Advocates, the Cumberland School of Law has recognized the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion more than one individual. neutrals and antagonists. Long & Foster is Knight received intensive specialized legal of Merit, a Bronze Star Medal, a Meritorious also the largest family-owned residential real training as a nonlawyer officer while serving in Service Medal (with five Oak Leaf Clusters), an estate company in the U.S. Army Commendation Medal (with two Foster matriculated from Forest Park, Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army AchieveGeorgia, and earned his Bachelor of ment Medal (2nd Award), the Saudi Arts degree in English from VMI. Arabian Kuwait Liberation Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Thomas G. Slater ’66 was appointed Korean Defense Service Medal and the to the American College of Trial Southwest Asia Service Medal (with Lawyers’ Virginia State Committee three Campaign Stars). for 2015-16. Slater was also recently Landrum matriculated from San Anlisted as a leader in the 2016 Chambers tonio, Texas, and earned his Bachelor USA Guide, published in spring 2016, of Arts degree in economics from VMI. as well as selected for 2016’s Who’s He earned his Master of Business AdWho Legal competition. ministration degree from the University Slater matriculated from Richmond, of Kentucky.

Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He Retired U.S. Army Col. Perry L. earned his Bachelor of Laws degree Knight ’82 was recognized Dec. 10, from the University of Virginia.

2015, by the Defense Logistics Agency Knight ’70 and his wife, Linda.

Employee Recognition Program by Robert G. Tanner ’69, a lawyer specializing in personal injury defense: medical, the Army. After prosecuting 70 special courts- earning the DLA Leader of the Year Award.

Knight serves as the chief integration officer was one of 19 attorneys for Weinberg, Wheel- martial without losing a single case, Knight er, Hudgins, Gunn & Dial, LLC, selected to the decided to pursue a career in law. He has been for the DLA, which includes being the leader of a workforce of over 10,000 with a $1.8 mil2016 Georgia Super Lawyers and Rising Stars a member of the American Arbitration Aslist. Tanner was one of the attorneys selected sociation’s Large Complex Case panel for 25 lion budget. In this position, Knight provides mission critical support to deployed years, was a Ronald Reagan to the list of Super Lawyers. First Naval forces. In 2015, he also oversaw delegate to the Republican published in 1991, Super Lawyers the DLA Distribution Kuwait transiNational Convention in rates the service of lawyers in more tion to a new site. He accomplished 1984 and has donated his than 70 practice areas, naming only its transition in under 90 days and legal services to tax-exempt 5 percent of the state’s lawyers to yielded a base cost savings of $3.2 startup businesses, as well its list. These lawyers have attained million and an annual out-year savas nonprofit organizations. much recognition and professional ings of $6.7 million. Knight’s work Knight matriculated from achievement in their careers before helped cement DLA Distribution’s Fairfax County, Virginia, being named, and the selection is position as the premier distribution and earned his Bachelor of based on a patented process.

Tanner matriculated from Malibu, Tanner ’69 Arts degree in English from Knight ’82 provider to America’s warfighters.

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VMI Alumni Review

Alumni News Knight matriculated from Buena Vista, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from the U.S. Army War College.

Brian K. Southard ’93 was featured in an article in The Indianapolis Star after creating the world’s first aerosol-based hand sanitizer, called Touch. Southard serves as the chief executive officer and is the founder of Relevo Labs LLC in Carmel, Indiana. Touch provides users with protection from germs, viruses and bacteria for up to six hours and dodges the greasiness of oils, lotions or gels that other sanitizers cause. Touch is available at Walgreens and other national retailers.

Southard matriculated from Fort Collins, Colorado, and graduated with distinction from VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in biology.

University of Virginia School of Law. On Jan. 27, 2016, John D. Adams ’96 announced plans to run for Michael P. Goldman ’00 was Virginia attorney general in 2017, promoted by Hunton & Williams according to a Richmond TimesLLP in March 2016 to the role of Dispatch article. Adams seeks to run counsel. Goldman, whose practice for the Republican Party nomination focuses on domestic and cross-border after previous work as an associate mergers and acquisitions, earned this counsel to President George W. promotion after being with the firm Bush, assistant U.S. Attorney for the since 2007.

Eastern District of Virginia and clerk Goldman matriculated from Midlofor Justice Clarence Thomas on the Goldman ’00 thian, Virginia, and graduated from U.S. Supreme Court. He currently works for McGuireWoods LLP, a leading U.S. VMI with distinction, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. He earned his Master of law firm, running the Government Investigations Business Administration and Master of Science Department. in Finance degrees from the Boston College CarAdams matriculated from Midlothian, Virginia, and graduated with distinction from VMI, roll School of Management. Goldman earned earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Richmond School of Law. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from the

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Four Knights, A Novel of World War II by G. Gray Garland ’46. Word Association Publishers, 2016. ISBN: 9781633850958. Available via Word Association Publishers.

In “Four Knights, A Novel of World War II,” the principal character is a VMI graduate. The book commences at VMI and follows the character’s adventures at Oxford University and later during World War II in the Pacific and European Theaters. It includes battle scenes involving him as a fighter pilot in the Pacific and interfacing in Europe with Gen. Eisenhower, British Prime Minister Churchill, King George and working in Switzerland with U.S. spymaster Allen Dulles.

About the Author: Gray Garland entered VMI as a member of the Class of 1946. He attended VMI for one year before he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as an ensign mostly in the Pacific Theater. After wartime service, he graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Harvard Business School with a Master of Business Administration degree and Duquesne Law School with a Juris Doctor degree. His career included active participation as a principal

2016-Issue 3

in many businesses, including finance, manufacturing, railroads, and mining in both the United States and other countries.

The Infidels’ Revenge by William A. Keefe ’58. Brighton Publishing, LLC, December 2015.

ISBN: 9781621833246. Available via amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and Kindle.

This work of realistic fiction begins in September 2014, when Steve Croft interviewed President Obama on 60 Minutes.

Obama flatly stated that eliminating Osama bin Laden had rendered al-Qaida ineffective.

Perhaps not. In 2012, an alQaida publication had revealed preparations for setting brush fires in Australia, and in April 2013, unknown perpetrators had used rifle fire to destroy the Metcalf electrical transmission substation near San Jose, California. “The Infidels’ Revenge” tells how a small number of jihadis expand upon these tactics to set widespread forest fires in the western United States and, coupled with a cyberattack, subsequently take

down the North American electrical power grid.

VMI alumni will comprehend the significance of the jihadis extracting essential elements of information from the public domain, such as the website that the U.S. Forest Service updates weekly to apprise first responders of locations most vulnerable to fire, and Google Maps’ satellite views and drive-by videos that depict the details of power distribution facilities. However, “The Infidels’ Revenge” is not all gloom and doom. Good police work, ingenuity and perseverance prevail. Congress harks back to Thomas Jefferson’s actions regarding the Barbary Pirates, updates key policies and laws, and makes it possible to deal with terrorists appropriately; hence, the infidels’ revenge.

About the Author: Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Bill Keefe graduated from VMI with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics. He holds Master of Science degrees in management engineering from George Washington University and in computer science from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He is active in outdoor sports and is a level 3 skeet shooting instructor. He lives with his wife and four cats in Saint Augustine, Florida.

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Alumni News Virginia Iliad: The Death and Destruction of “The Mother of States and of Statesmen” by H.V. Traywick Jr. ’67. Dementi Milestone Publishing, Inc., March 2016. ISBN: 9780996915731. Available via www.dementimilestonepublishing.com and Amazon.com and by softcover at Barnes & Noble and other selected bookstores.

This work offers a contemporaneous portrait of old Virginia, the unwavering stance on state sovereignty and her fight to the death to defend the fundamental principle upon which the Republic was founded. Using first person narratives, documents of the period (including Virginia’s “Ordinance of Secession”), resolutions, editorials, diaries and memoirs of those who lived it, this work takes the reader back to the Virginia debates on the ratification of the Constitution, the dire prophecies of Patrick Henry and George Mason, the Virginia Resolutions of 1798, and the subsequent observations of John Randolph of Roanoke on the unconstitutional encroachments by the federal government that eventually lead to the secession crisis and war.

The work then gives a wartime portrait of Virginia and her people against the thundering backdrop of battle, taking the reader from the plantations to the cities and into the hospitals as the fortunes of her defending army waxes and wanes until the bid for independence ends at Appomattox. After the conquest, Virginia and the other Southern states are placed under martial law until Reconstruction effects their coerced political allegiance to a union of once-sovereign States transformed into a consolidated industrial empire.

While this work is more a contemporaneous portrait of a cultural revolution brought about by force of arms than it is a military account, included in it is the narrative of VMI New Market Cadet John S. Wise ’866, who was wounded in that battle. From the reading of the orders by lantern light in front of barracks to the march into battle, his account should stir the hearts of all who have marched on New Market Day and given the salute to the boys resting behind Virginia Mourning Her Dead.

About the Author: H.V. Traywick Jr. matriculated from Lynchburg, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in

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civil engineering from VMI. He received a regular Army commission in the Corps of Engineers.

His service included command of an engineer company in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star. Upon his return in 1970, he resigned his commission and ended by making a career as a tugboat captain. Along the way, he earned a Master of Liberal Arts degree from the University of Richmond with an international focus on war and cultural revolution. He also served a term on the board of visitors. He is the author of two other books: “Empire of the Owls: Reflections on the North’s War against Southern Secession” (2013) and “Road Gang: A Memoir of Engineer Service in Vietnam” (2014). He is now retired and lives in Richmond.

East Jesus by Chris Manno ’77.

White Bird Publications, March 8, 2016. ISBN: 9781633631571.

Available via whitebirdpublications.com and Amazon.com.

In summer 1969, a small town in West Texas prepared to send one of their finest young men off to fight a faraway, controversial war.

A parallel battle of domestic violence erupted at home as a younger generation struggled to reconcile older notions of right and wrong and even fractured family ties with the inevitable price that the fighting demands.

Much like today’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Vietnam War is little understood by those left behind, but the lessons of strength, commitment and duty are timeless then and now. “East Jesus,” the story of that national struggle today as well as back in 1969, is a plangent, soulful journey lived through the eyes of a wide-ranging, colorful array of characters, with a conclusion readers will never forget.

About the Author: Chris Manno matriculated from Springfield, Virginia, and graduated from VMI with a degree in English.

He was commissioned in the Air Force, and after completing flight

training, he spent seven years as a squadron pilot in the Pacific at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, and Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

He was hired by American Airlines as a pilot in 1985 and was promoted to captain in 1991. He now flies as a Boeing 737 captain on routes all over North America and the Caribbean. He earned a doctorate in residence at Texas Christian University and currently teaches writing at Texas Wesleyan University in addition to flying a full schedule at American Airlines.

Playing War, Wargaming and U.S. Navy Preparations for World War II by John M. Lillard ’80. Potomac Books, May 1, 2016.

ISBN: 9781612347738. Available via Potomac Books.

Between World War I and World War II, the U.S. Navy used the experience it gained in battle to prepare for future wars through simulated conflicts, or war games, at the Naval War College. In “Playing War,” the author analyzes individual war games in detail, showing how players tested new tactics and doctrines, experimented with advanced technology and transformed their approaches through the war games, learning lessons that would prepare them to make critical decisions in the years to come. Recent histories of the interwar period explore how the U.S. Navy digested the impact of World War I and prepared itself for World War II. However, most of these works overlook or dismiss the transformation quality of the War College war games and the central role they played in preparing the Navy for war. To address that gap, “Playing War” details how the interwar Navy projected itself into the future through simulated conflicts. “Playing War” recasts the reputation of the interwar War College as an agent of preparation and innovation and the war games as the instruments of that agency.

About the Author: John M. Lillard graduated with distinction from VMI, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. He is a manager at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia and an adjunct professor of history at

VMI Alumni Review

Alumni News Tidewater Community College. Lillard served 15 years as a naval officer, was previously an operations analyst who worked in support of numerous Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force acquisition programs, and has worked in the field of wargaming, modeling and simulation since 1995. His work appeared in the Naval Institute’s Proceedings magazine and Rotor and Wing.

Chemistry of Food, Food Supplements and Food Contact Materials: From Production to Plate edited by Mark A. Benvenuto ’83, Satinder Ahuja, Timothy V. Duncan, Gregory O. Noonan and Elizabeth S. Roberts-Kirchhoff. American

Chemical Society. ACS Symposium Series. 2014.

ISBN: 9780841229525.

Available via Oxford University Press.

kept safe. Speakers discussed food supplement chemistry and the chemistry involved in the addition of nano-scaled ingredients to food or materials that come in contact with food, such as plastic packaging.

This volume is the end result of a symposium held at the 245th American Chemical Society national meeting held in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2013. A group of corporate, government lab and academic chemists presented seminars on various aspects of the analytical processes used to ensure that our food, food contact materials and food supply is

About the Author: Mark Benvenuto matriculated from Henrietta, New York. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI, and after four years in the U.S. Army, he earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in inorganic chemistry from the University of Virginia. He has been a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Detroit Mercy since 1993 and the department chair since 2001. In 2015, he was elected as a fellow of the American Chemical Society.

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Curtis ’99: World Championship-Winning NFL Coach Discusses Humble Beginnings at VMI

by Elaine Wood, Editorial Assistant Football fans usually root for their one, signature team, but if you’ve followed Andre Curtis ’99 throughout his career, you’ve found yourself rooting for the New York Giants, Saint Louis Rams, New Orleans Saints and, now, the Seattle Seahawks. But before becoming a secondary coach for the National Football League, Curtis had humble beginnings at the Institute. “My first coaching job was at VMI,” Curtis began.

“The coaches there helped me even when they didn’t have to. I was always thankful for that ...

I always try to be available and approachable [as a coach], and I took that from them.” This humility has extended into all realms of Curtis’ coaching career, and he strives to present himself to his players and his teams as authentically as possible. He explained, “First and foremost, I’m a Christian and my relationship with Christ dominates everything ... and I make no bones about that, because you have to be you all the time. I try to walk worthy of my calling, and outside of God and my family, I put everything into football.” Despite the arduous schedule that accompanies being an NFL coach, Curtis insists his love and passion for football make it seem like he’s never worked a day in his life. And

2016-Issue 3

regardless the number of games he has been a part of, what he deems the defining element of his career is the camaraderie and fellowship he has gained through the sport. “Football is a melting pot of people and a mixture of personalities, but the common goal is what really unifies and galvanizes all the relationships ... that’s what’s special.”

Aside from the culture and atmosphere, Curtis has grown to love serving players who represent a cult favorite sport. Being a coach in the NFL certainly presents challenges and high pressure situations that need a particularly stable and strong person to endure. For starters, a coach’s responsibility rests in assembling players who are not only going to unify the team as a whole but are going to be persistent, hardworking and emulate the authenticity that Curtis so highly values. Physical attributes – such as size, strength or speed – are what most would suspect to be the more defining qualities of a great player. But as Curtis explained, even those who might rank better physically aren’t necessarily the best fit for his team. “Being a professional football player is not something you do only in the building or at practice. What you do after

Andre Curtis ’99, Seattle Seahawks secondary coach, during practice.

you leave the building ... that is what sustains you and prolongs your career.” Admittedly, Curtis understands that not many people can align with this logic, especially in regard to the position he oversees – defensive backs. “When evaluating DBs, I look for certain tools a player possesses. I try to stick with what works for our team, and I’m very conscious of exceptions.” He

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Alumni News continued, “The farther you get away from that, the more and more exceptions you make, and next thing you know, you have a team full of exceptions and you lose your true identity.”

Curtis also contended that it’s important to “learn your learner,” explaining that by trying to delve into the specific needs and capabilities of each player on the team, he can build a more cohesive, successful group of men on and off the field.

Aside from scouting and helping to assemble his unit, Curtis dedicates many hours each week focusing on what can arguably be considered one of the most important aspects of any football game: The third down. “The four deepest guys on the field are who I’m responsible for,” elaborated Curtis, “and third down is directly correlated to winning. The higher you are on offense of converting third down, the higher [the] percentage that you are going to score. On defense, the more you can keep the other team from converting on the third down, the harder it is for them to score, and the probability of you winning goes up. So it’s a battle of third down.”

Watching and analyzing videotapes of his players’ game performance each week might seem like an unnecessary demand for Curtis to add to his already packed schedule – upward of 12 hours or more a day, seven days a week – but it allows deep observation of players’ weaknesses and strengths and aligns with Curtis’ attitude of giving everything he has to his job.

Curtis insisted that regardless of how frustrating a game or practice can get, he motivates his players with positive reinforcement. “As long as you’re a genuine person and show the people you work with that you truly care about

them and are willing to help them with where they are – not just where you expect or want them to be – they’ll usually listen to you.” And instead of holding to a hard exterior and using intimidation to yield the results he hopes for, Curtis claimed, “I’m not a yeller, screamer or curser. That doesn’t mean I’m not affected doing my job, but you gain an intimate relationship with your players and they learn your likes and dislikes, so if I were to yell or scream, that would be out of character for me.”

This approach has clearly yielded success, because Curtis became a world championshipwinning coach in 2007 while coaching for the New York Giants. Not only was the experience emotionally draining after countless years of hard work in his field, but it was also incredibly humbling and rewarding for Curtis, who explained that it felt as if winning that title was a win for everyone close to him. He elaborated, “To me, everybody [who] was a part of my life and upbringing was a world champion. They acted as world champions, and for 365 days they were ... I’ll never forget the looks on their faces and the lights in their eyes when I came home.” And this win has ignited in him a desire to achieve that goal again. “That was probably the highlight of my coaching career so far. After having won it, nothing else will do,” he joked.

“You want to get back there. And there’s 32 teams saying the exact same thing. But to experience that journey is hard to put into words,” Curtis explained.

Combining his previous history with coaching, the amazing network of fellow coaches and players that he has established and his desire to be a part of something meaningful

and larger than himself, there is no doubt that Curtis will see continued success with the Seattle Seahawks. His first season has presented him with countless experiences he already cherishes.

By joining the Seahawks, Curtis inherited a coaching position associated with the “Legion of Boom,” a media-driven name for the impressively skilled secondary of the Seattle team.

However, he was quick to point out that the media has rightfully hyped these men up to be reputable for consistently leading the entire NFL in defensive categories, but truly, the real meaning behind LOB is something Curtis admires even more than that reputation. “LOB has been blown out of proportion ... it had nothing to do with being a physically tough guy. We play for one another, and we do the best we can. When you play with love for one another, you succeed.

I would love to tell that to every media person out there – LOB truly means ‘love our brothers.’” These sentiments clearly reflect a similar atmosphere at VMI that Curtis experienced and has carried with him into his career. “I have to stress that VMI was a special place to me. It was an extension of how I was raised, and it’s a part of me now,” he said.

Curtis’ second season with the Seahawks started in July 2016, and if the team makes it to where they want to be at the end of the season, that means a schedule that works into February.

“It’s a huge commitment, as far as time,” stated Curtis, but as he pointed out, “Working hard is what it’s all about. There are no short cuts to hard work. Sometimes you don’t realize that VMI taught you that shortcuts only get people in trouble until you’re down the road ... but it’s worth it.”

Curtis, second from the right, during a playoff game in Minnesota – one of the coldest games in NFL history.

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VMI Alumni Review

Alumni News

A Growing Number of VMI Grads Call the Rockbridge Region Home Shared with Us as an Excerpt from the Rockbridge 20/20 Initiative business possibilities are endless.”

The Rockbridge region is like no other. love the ease of living in a small town while Those possibilities also extend into other Colleges and countryside, arts and artifacts, enjoying the mountains and the great outdoors. All four kids go to Rockbridge County opportunities for involvement. “In a small history and horse shows, sophistication and satisfaction – the place has it all. Once you schools. They love to go to the drive-in, parks community like ours, it’s hard not to become spend any time there, it becomes part of you. and play yards, and they often ride bikes involved in its development and improveFor many, it starts with the VMI experience together and get ice cream at Sweet Things. ment.” Melvin has been deeply involved in and is rekindled with each alumni weekend “There is a lot of charm in small-town living. various boards for organizations including visit. For a growing number, it is becoming It takes you back to the days of your child- the Lexington Rotary Club, the Industrial the place called home, as some remain in hood. It’s nice to have that for our kids. For Development Authority and the Lexington the area upon graduation or find themselves too many reasons to list, it’s just a remarkable Police Foundation. He presently serves on the Public Service Authority. “This is home. place to live and raise a family.” drawn back years later.

We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful Jay Melvin ’80 has long been a While student experiences, the place with our family and friends. Everyone booster for the Rockbridge region. area’s amazing history and the alwants to be involved on some level. We try After graduation, he began working most surreal natural beauty are huge in the VMI admissions office. For to support and inspire one another through draws for the region, more and more two years, he traveled across the good times and bad. That’s what makes a VMI alumni are starting to discover community like Rockbridge so great.” country convincing students to come the many other advantages of calling Fate and a family business brought Robby to Lexington and attend VMI. Durthe Rockbridge region home. ing that time, he met and married Jones ’80 back to Rockbridge. “I spent six A number of local VMI alumni years in the service after graduation and was his wife, Trudy, a Lexington native, were asked what it’s like to live and and the two moved to Richmond. stationed in Italy for three years. My fatherwork in the Rockbridge region. The selling dry cleaning supplies in-law passed while I was in the service, same sentiment was heard over and Meads ’94 While and my mother-in-law got sick. We made a and equipment for a distributor, over. The exceptional quality of decision to come home.” His wife’s life, family atmosphere, community engage- RichClean, he and his wife had the family owned and operated the venment, pro-business infrastructure and hyper- opportunity to purchase University erable Hamric and Sheridan Jewelsupportive business environment are what Cleaners and return to Lexington ers, established in the late 1800s. make this region such a great place to live, to raise their family. That was more In December 1986, Robby took his than 30 years ago, and he has never work and play. father-in-law’s place as owner and When Mike Meads ’94 attended Nature looked back. operator.

A true entrepreneur, Melvin has Camp in Vesuvius, he became interested in Hamric and Sheridan has been in grown his business from a small dry more than the great outdoors. “Some of the the same location since the end of counselors were VMI cadets and alums, and cleaning store into a multifaceted the 1800s, and Jones is celebrating Colonel Reeves, who ran the camp, taught service provider. He approached biology at VMI for many years. Those friends who owned the various Jones ’80 his 30th year there. “It’s such a personal business, and goes far beyond folks really started my interest in VMI and summer camps in the region and began a service cleaning campers’ clothing. folks buying new jewelry. We have the ability Lexington.” After he graduated, Meads worked in manufacturing and served in the During that time, he also began providing a to serve those who need to refurbish family pieces and maintain personal goods. It’s a feelmilitary. “I never thought I’d return to Lex. laundry service to W&L students. (Soon, he good business. There is always an occasion will expand this service to University I was preparing to open an office of to celebrate, and we try to provide that extra of Virginia students.) As his capacEdwards Jones Investments in New ity for growth increased, he began touch to makes people feel good, like they’re Jersey when Jay Melvin ’80 [Reeves’ honoring tradition.” working with local contractors and son-in-law] started recruiting me to He fondly remembers the traditions of his insurance companies to remediate return to Rockbridge and open a days at VMI, and through the years, he’s spent clothing and textile goods affected new branch for Edward Jones here. by smoke, water and mold losses. plenty of downtime in many of the same He was persistent, and I really was beautiful spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway Melvin pointed out, “With all of reminded of the ties I had to the or in Goshen, as well as shopping the local the service industries we have availarea.” Meads and his wife, Heather, shops and restaurants with his wife and two able in this area – schools, colleges, were married in the chapel at Nature daughters. hospitals and health care facilities, Camp, and she had always loved the He feels that business in Rockbridge is beauty of the area. As a family, they Melvin ’80 camps, the hospitality industry – the

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Alumni News personal. “It’s all about the relationships.

Not only do you have a loyal customer base, but people like to see that familiar face. They know that you are going to take care of them.

We have good people in place who care about you and are smart and dedicated to helping our businesses thrive. There are new initiatives to make our scene more vibrant and attractive to young and talented individuals creating an environment that is welcoming and open for business.” Perhaps the most surprising reason that VMI alumni are so passionate about the local business environment is something intangible: A remarkably selfless, highly supportive attitude when it comes to business; it’s all for one and one for all.

Al Hockaday has long been a beloved and respected figure at VMI and has played an integral part of the Rockbridge business scene. When the Navy and Marine Corps started an ROTC unit in 1974, Hockaday was one of four marines sent to VMI. When he retired from the Marine Corps, he and his wife, ernestine (spelled with a little “e”), came back to Lexington to open a business, the Shenandoah Attic and Victorian Parlour in downtown Lexington. “A few days after we opened, I ran into Lieutenant General John Knapp ’54, and he invited me over to post for lunch. Two days later, I was back in uniform.” Hockaday served VMI for about five years as the marine officer instructor while ernestine ran the stores. They were then offered an opportunity in Washington, D.C., and took it, all the while operating the stores in Lexington from afar. “I would tell others who feel the pull and connection to Rockbridge that this area is a very business-

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minded yet friendly place to live. When you consider the sheer number of professionals who are here in Rockbridge County and how many opportunities you have within, say, 10 square miles – three universities, two high schools, etc. – it’s amazing. And the people doing business here are here because they want to be. It’s a recipe for success. If you want to combine an excellent quality of life with a positive environment to live, work and relax in, then come back to Rockbridge.”

According to John W. Martin (W&L ’82), futurist, national keynote speaker and owner of the Southeastern Institute of Research, “Demography is destiny. Major demographic shifts will dramatically change the population size and composition of many of America’s smaller, rural communities, including western Virginia and Rockbridge. The best way to navigate these demographic trends is for a community to first acknowledge they exist and then to put in place an intentional game plan to help mitigate their impact.”

Statistics and related insights provided by Martin’s firm point to the three biggest longterm demographic shifts conspiring to reshape the future of smaller communities like the Rockbridge region: The age shift, the urban shift and the Millennial shift.

Martin predicts that these shifts will have significant implications for rural communities like Rockbridge County and the major institutions like VMI that are part of the community. “By all accounts, VMI is on an amazing trajectory. From my vantage point, the one thing that could slow down VMI’s and other local colleges’ success is the region’s future population composition.

Imagine a hypothetical future, say in 2035, if the local population becomes 30 percent or 40 percent senior. Senior services, geriatric healthcare facilities, and senior housing would dominate the landscape. Now imagine, under this scenario, VMI trying to recruit a young PhD professor, age 32, who’s looking for an appointment in a location where he can raise a young family. The prospective professor visits Lexington for the job interview and quickly appreciates that a VMI faculty position also means living in an aging community. The same age shift-related dilemma could impact VMI’s future appeal to prospective students, too, as ‘lifestyle education’ is already making urban universities more appealing to Millennials than small colleges tucked away in bucolic settings.”

Community leaders and the local colleges are not standing around waiting for the age wave to wash over and reshape the Rockbridge community. VMI has joined with other local institutions to organize and launch Rockbridge 20/20. This innovative, community-inspired economic development initiative is managed by the Chamber of Commerce Serving Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County. Program partners and active supporters include Rockbridge County, the city of Buena Vista, the city of Lexington, Washington and Lee University, VMI, Southern Virginia University, Dabney S. Lancaster Community College and a number of companies and individuals.

You can learn more about Rockbridge 20/20 at www.rockbridge2020.org or by contacting Tracy Lyons at 540-463-5375 or tracy@ lexrockchamber.com.

VMI Alumni Review

The Institute Dr. Marc Edwards Receives 2016 Erchul Environmental Leadership Award

Doctor Marc Edwards speaks during the Environment Virginia Symposium. VMI photo by John Robertson IV. The 27th Annual Environment Virginia Symposium featured talks by Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Dr. Marc Edwards, a Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University civil and environmental engineering professor whose team of researchers exposed the Flint, Michigan, water crisis. The conference, themed “Virginia’s Environment: Change, Challenge and Opportunity,” took place April 5-7, 2016.

McAuliffe opened with a keynote address, making a broad commitment to conservation of Virginia’s natural resources and acknowledgment of the economic necessity of developing renewable energy. Addressing nearly 600 professionals from Virginia’s environmental agencies, industries and nonprofit organizations in Gillis Theater in Marshall Hall, he touched on a range of conservation and economic initiatives and achievements.

Edwards was the 2016 recipient of the Captain Ron Erchul Environmental Leadership Award.

This award is presented by the VMI Center for

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Leadership and Ethics, host of the symposium, to recognize a Virginian who has made significant efforts to better the environment. The award is named for retired U.S. Navy Capt.

Ronald A. Erchul, who served as a professor of civil and environmental engineering at VMI for 27 years. Erchul, Ph.D., was the founder and coordinator of the Environment Virginia Symposium until his retirement. He died in October 2011.

Edwards is recognized for leading a research team that sought to support citizen science and empower the residents of Flint, Michigan, by studying the role of the infrastructure in contaminating the municipal water supply and by using the findings to inform decision makers. In the process, Edwards helped to redefine the ideal of science in service to the public.

“The study team’s goals speak to the virtues recognized by the Erchul Environmental Leadership Award – vision, integrity, commitment and expertise. But in this case, I also

think we need to recognize the raw courage it takes to stay the course and do what is right,” said Col. David Gray, director of the center.

An enduring strength of the symposium is broad engagement. Hundreds of participants exchanged information with leaders from Virginia’s environmental agencies, industries and nonprofit organizations while sharing changes, challenges and opportunities in the commonwealth over the next two to five years.

Pre-conference workshops focused on stormwater and karst, and nearly 50 sessions addressed topics including air quality regulation and policy, the Chesapeake Bay, climate change impacts in Virginia, energy, environmental literacy, environmental management, Virginia groundwater and water resources, and conservation and recreation. Conferees qualified for continuing education credits, and several sessions are pending approval for continuing legal education credits, as well.

Other features included more than 40 exhibits from industry, government, nonprofits and academia; a panel session featuring the state’s top environmental leaders from government, industry and nonprofit organizations; a session on upcoming procurement projects with state agencies and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; a session for college students on environmental careers; a speed networking session; and a 5K/1 mile run-walk event benefiting VMI’s Keydets Without Borders club.

The VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics is host to the conference, whose programming is developed by an advisory committee of VMI faculty, center staff, and public and private sector representatives, including the Virginia departments of Environmental Quality and Conservation and Recreation and the Virginia Environmental Endowment.

Co-hosts for the symposium are the Virginia departments of Environmental Quality and Conservation and Recreation and the Virginia Environmental Endowment.

Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, all articles and photos that appear in the Institute section of the Alumni Review were provided by the Center for Leadership and Ethics.

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The Institute

Leader in Residence Helps Ethics Team Prepare for Competition As they prepared for the third annual Military Ethics Case Competition at the U.S. Naval Academy in mid-April, members of VMI’s ethics team had an extra advantage: Insights from a retired Marine Corps general.

The 2016 leader in residence at VMI’s Center for Leadership and Ethics, Lt. Gen. Frank Libutti, met with members of the ethics team in March, just after they’d gotten their topic for the Naval Academy competition. The 2016 competitors were asked to consider the assigned topic – the sexual abuse of boys by Afghan policemen – and come up with a policy proposal for their commanding general.

“Your proposal is supposed to be not only ethical but also legally and strategically justified,” explained Dr. Duncan Richter, professor of English, rhetoric and humanistic studies, who serves as faculty adviser to the ethics team.

Libutti’s visit was perfectly timed, Richter noted. “He’s exactly the kind of person [the cadets are] supposed to be presenting to,” he commented.

The cadets concurred, saying that Libutti’s

insights were just right for the time and situation.

“He helped us trim the fat off our topic and to streamline it,” said Rori Stubbs ’17. “With his experience as a general officer in the Marine Corps, he had that no-BS attitude, saying, ‘This is what I want to know. This is what I want to get done. No fluff, just straight to the point.’”

Stubbs’s teammate, Tom Nanartowich ’16, added that Libutti asked good questions, encouraging the cadets to think critically and back up their answers with sound reasoning. “He wanted to know our thought processes,” said Nanartowich. “When we explain in further detail at the competition, or anywhere else, we’ll have the facts to back it up.”

The ethics team, a program of the Center for Leadership and Ethics, debuted at VMI last year with approximately 10 to 12 cadets involved. Stubbs, Nanartowich, Reagan Goulla ’18 and Tyler Dejoe ’18 represented VMI at the Naval Academy competition in April of this year.

Nanartowich was the only returning member of the inaugural team from last year and served

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.”

Editor’s Note: On page 161 of the 2016-Issue 2 Review, in the article titled, “Cadet-Designed VMI Saber Prevails 50 Years Later,” the members of the 1965-66 Saber Committee were listed. James N. Joyner Jr. ’67 was accidentally omitted from that list. We apologize to Col. Joyner for this omission.

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The ethics team at the U.S. Naval Academy for the Military Ethics Case Competition. as the team’s cadet-in-charge. Rising 1st Class Cadet Stubbs is slated to serve as the teams CIC next academic year.

Center for Leadership and Ethics Upcoming Events Oct. 4-5, 2016 5th Annual STEM Conference Mathematics: The Roots of STEM

March 24-25, 2017 Virginia State & Science Engineering Fair – 5th and final year

April 4-6, 2017 28th Annual Environment Virginia

Oct. 3-8, 2017 6th Annual VMI STEM Education Conference: Science (tentative)

Nov. 7-8, 2017 8th Annual VMI Leadership & Ethics Conference (tentative)

VMI Alumni Review

The Institute

Hoping to Turn Technology into a Resource ‘Solely Beneficial’: Cadets and Conference Participants Explore Ethical Challenges Imposed by Modern Technology

VMI’s sixth annual Leadership Conference brought nearly 20 speakers to post to address its theme, “Ethical Dilemmas in a Digital Age,” from a wide range of perspectives. Retired U.S. Army Gen. Keith Alexander, former director of the U.S. National Security Agency, spoke of the government’s need for access to information and the tension that creates related to privacy issues, during his keynote address the first day of the conference, March 7, 2016.

Luncheon speaker Dr. Christopher Soghoian, principal technologist with the American Civil Liberties Union’s speech, privacy and technology project, called, on the other hand, for more encryption for individual communications – not less – to protect not only from government intrusion, but also from hackers. Panels and speakers throughout the day touched on these and other ethical concerns including data mining, robotic warfare and job automation.

Classes were canceled March 2 so the entire Corps of Cadets could join the proceedings on Day 2, first attending a talk by futurist and author Dr. Peter Singer, in which he surveyed the warfare and battlegrounds of the 21st Century, and then dividing into small groups for in-depth discussions of the ethical challenges presented by technology.

“You hear these speakers, experts in the field, [and] here are things they want us to consider,” noted Lt. Col. Pennie Ticen, professor of English, “and then you have the time to sit down with a group of people to ponder these issues.” The small group discussion, she said, “actually scheduled time when you’re able to think through the issues.”

Ticen and numerous other members of the VMI faculty and staff devoted half a day or more to the activity, leading discussions among groups of up to 10 cadets on scenarios that captured some of the conference themes.

“At Lieutenant Colonel Ticen’s table, we discussed the topic of public shaming,” said Carlee Anderson ’18, who had attended Alexander’s and Singer’s talks and a panel discussion on Day 1. “My group really dissected the idea of how social media can easily serve as a source of false confidence for people to come together to put down something that might not conform to societal norms.”

Noting that the discussion on social media and public shaming was both “exceptionally thought provoking” and “somewhat unsettling,” Anderson added, “To think that reality can be twisted into fictitious drama at the stroke of a key is extremely concerning to me as we enter an age so dedicated to reputation and image.”

“That group had some cogent critiques of the way social media is used by their generation,” said Ticen. “It went back to being cowardly; Carlee called it the ‘Oz effect.’ Behind the curtain, you are small and scared and not willing to talk one to one, face-to-face. ... They all seemed to agree that’s what you need to do.”

The scenarios challenged the cadets to choose solutions, sometimes between two “wrongs,” noted Ticen, adding, “I was impressed with the complexity of the student thinking by and large.”

Cadets also attended panel discussions on cyber-attacks and on social media.

“The impression I took away,” said Anderson, “was the idea that the people in my generation, here at VMI, at least ... want to see a change that turns technology into a resource that is solely beneficial to our society.”

The next Leadership Conference is Nov. 2-3, 2016, and is titled, “Strategic Leadership in Times of Global Transitions.”

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The Institute

Center for Leadership and Ethics Events The VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics hosts a variety of programs, the most notable of which are conferences and symposia. Lesser known are the Cadet Experience programs, such as the Gottwald visiting professor, Leadership Book Club, Cadets’ Superintendent’s Advisory Board, Ethics Team and Leader in Residence. All programs offer leadership development opportunities but vary in format and appeal. For the events, cadet participation is highly encouraged with tremendous support across post, including the Career Development Department. VMI faculty may elect to substitute a conference session as their class lecture, which encourages cadet engagement. Cadets also present or assist their professor’s presentations. One of the more powerful cadet experience opportunities occurs outside of conference sessions where mentoring talks and meetings between invited guests and cadets are incorporated to provide advice, encouragement, feedback and guidance. Alumni may visit the CLE website to explore these offerings under Cadet Experiences to learn more about them. Photos, posts and stories are shared on social media outlets regularly.

Academic Year 2016-17 The fifth annual VMI STEM Conference will be held Oct. 4-5, 2016, and is called “Math: The Roots of STEM.” In fall 2016, the Center for Leadership and Ethics plans to focus on the “m” for mathematics of STEM while still offering a broad selection of hands-on workshops covering lessons in all STEM subjects: Science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The Leadership Conference, which has traditionally been held in March, will move to November so as not to conflict with many colleges’ spring break. The seventh VMI Leadership & Ethics Conference is scheduled to be held Nov. 2-3, 2016, with the theme: “Strategic Leadership during Global Transitions: Past, Present, Future.” The event, which began as an alternating series between themes of leadership and honor, has now become the Center’s premier annual conference aligned with its mission. That mission includes sharing insights gleaned from VMI programs with a broader national audience and to develop a national reputation for tackling complex

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subjects of national urgency. For the spring 2016 conference, the Center added a leadership and ethics speaker as a regular feature. Peter W. Singer, author and futurist, was welcomed as the inaugural speaker in this series. The center also began a tradition of facilitated small group discussions which challenge participants to use rational, ethical decisionmaking principals. This Ethical Leadership Challenge proved to be a popular addition to the conference, and a key feature which provided conferees with a great leadership skill for their ‘toolkit’ going forward. Visit the CLE’s YouTube channel to see this and other videos from the 2016 Leadership Conference.

The Virginia State & Science Engineering Fair will be held March 24-25, 2017. This will wrap up VMI’s five-year rotation of hosting VSSEF. This series was hosted at VMI in support of the commonwealth’s and nation’s emphasis on the importance of STEM education.

Each year, the Center solicits S-5 and other cadet volunteers to help with exhibit set up,

safety inspections, check-in by both competitors and judges, and crowd management the morning of the judging. The event’s fair director is Maj. Geoffrey Cox, Ph.D., of VMI’s Applied Mathematics Department.

The 28th annual Environment Virginia Symposium will be held April 4-6, 2017. This is the commonwealth’s premier environmental conference. This event is a gathering of the regulators, the regulated and service providers, many which are contractors and small, women and minority vendors. The conference came about thanks to the efforts of the late Capt.

Ron Erchul, VMI professor of environmental studies. His legacy lives on through the Erchul Environmental Leadership Award.

Cadets are strongly encouraged to attend this event to network and pursue internships and job opportunities. For the 2016 conference, a career opportunities session was added to facilitate those discussions. Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced he would return to this conference for an historic third appearance in 2017.

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

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

Schubel ’13 Completes 2016 Boston Marathon VMI alumna Leah C. Schubel ’13 competed in the 2016 Boston Marathon April 18, 2016, and finished with a strong result.

It was Schubel’s second consecutive time to qualify for the marathon and second straight year competing, as well. In 2016, Schubel completed the 26.2 miles in 3:07.46, 33 seconds faster than the previous year. She finished 196th among the women competing, an improvement of 150 places from her 2015 effort.

2016-Issue 3

Above: Under second-year head coach Scott Wachenheim, VMI entered the 2016 campaign with high expectations.

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Keydet Athletics

Alford ’16 Receives SoCon Postgraduate Scholarship VMI football cadet-athlete Hayden Alford in the league. He had seven punts inside the Alford also booted a 51-yarder against Samford ’16 was selected recipient of the Dave Hart 20-yard line and three punts over 50 yards, University and 50-yarder against the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He Graduate Scholarship awarded by made one start at quarterback the Southern Conference.

(The Citadel) and completed 17 Alford, a dean’s list chemistry of 40 passes for 158 yards and one major, is one of 10 postgraduate touchdown on the season. Alford scholarship recipients for the 2015also blasted a season-long 69-yard 16 academic year. The 10 studentpunt in 2014. athletes were honored for their In the classroom, Alford holds accomplishments at the Southern a 3.93 GPA and earned spots Conference Honors Dinner in Hilton in the Phi Eta Sigma National Head, South Carolina, June 1, 2016.

Freshman Honor Society and the The recipients are nominated by Gamma Sigma Epsilon National their schools and selected by the Chemistry Honor Society. In addiSouthern Conference Graduate tion, he earned the Ritchey Third Scholar Committee. The scholarClass Award as the top organic ships, worth $2,000 each, are awardchemistry student at VMI and ed to student-athletes who intend to the James Lewis Howe Award as pursue advanced degrees in graduate the Institute’s top chemistry major or professional school. The studentathletes are evaluated on academics, Hayden T. Alford ’16 was one of 10 Southern Conference athletes in 2015-16 for the Class of 2016. Alford has athletics and community service. to receive postgraduate scholarships. Alford served as team punter and accrued more than 300 hours as a volunteer physician aid and nearly Alford served as VMI’s punter dur- reserve quarterback during his football career for the Keydets.

200 as a quarterback mentor for ing the past two seasons and was a reserve quarterback. He punted 45 times for a including a season long 55-yarder in the sea- high school students. Alford intended to pursue 39.8 yards per punt average, which ranked fifth son finale against Western Carolina University. a career in medicine after graduation.

Final Scrimmage of 2016 Practice

Above: Quarterback Al Cobb ’17, one of the top returning quarterbacks in the Southern Conference, delivered a pass in the final scrimmage of 2016 spring practice.

Left: Running back Alexander M. Keys ’16 fought for yardage in the final spring practice scrimmage held April 30, 2016. Keys switched from defensive back to running back during drills and was expected to be in the offensive backfield in fall 2016.

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VMI Alumni Review

Keydet Athletics

Peterson Named to VASID First Team All-State Squad Junior guard Quentin Le’Vel “Q.J.” Peterson ’17 was named to the First Team All-State Men’s Basketball Squad University Division as selected by the Virginia Sports Information Directors Association.

Peterson, who led the Southern Conference in scoring in 2015-16 with a 19.8 points per game average and ranked among the nation’s leaders in free throw percentage with a 90.5 percent mark, joins first teamers Malcolm Brogdon (University of Virginia), Trey Freeman (Old Dominion University), Melvin Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth University), and Ron Curry (James Madison University).

Peterson scored 46 points, a VMI record, versus Mercer University Feb. 25, 2016, and also ranked second in the conference in 3-pointers per game (2.8) while leading the team in rebounding (6.3), which ranked eighth in the SoCon. Peterson had 14 games of 20-plus points and three 30-plus games in 2015-16, and he earned SoCon Player of the Month honors for November 2015. He scored in double figures in all except three games during the season.

Peterson becomes the first VMI basketball player named to All-State squads since forward Darius Jamar Covington ’14 (First Team) and guard Rodney F. Glasgow Jr. ’14 (Second Team) were tabbed for the 2013-14 season.

Junior guard Q.J. Peterson ’17 led the Southern Conference in scoring with a game average of 19.8 points in 2015-16.

Winn ’14 and Garrett ’15 Make Season-Opening AA Rosters A pair of Keydet alumni made season-opening AA rosters, as announced before the start of the minor league season in early April 2016.

Former Keydet catcher Matt Winn ’14 was the early-season starter for the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the AA affiliate of the San Francisco Giants that plays its games at The Diamond. Winn hit .250 with two home runs in 15 games at that level before being sent to high-A Augusta April 28, 2016.

One of Winn’s former battery mates, Reed G. Garrett ’15, was assigned to AA Frisco in the Texas system. He responded by allowing two runs on his first five relief appearances (eight 2/3 innings), to account for a 2.08 ERA. Garrett was scheduled to make his first AA start April 29, 2016.

For more information on VMI alumni in minor league baseball, please visit VMIKeydets.com.

The Keydets defeated Lafayette 3-0 on the strength of the no-hitter pitched

by Garrett ’15.

2016-Issue 3

Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, the articles and photos in the Keydet Athletics section of the Alumni Review are provided by the VMI Sports Information Office.

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Keydet Athletics

Indoor Track and Field Recap Jordan T. White ’16 won the weight throw and finished second in the shot put, earning himself Most Outstanding Field Performer honors as the VMI men’s track and field team finished third at the SoCon Indoor Championships in late February 2016.

White prevailed in the weight throw with a toss of 19.21 meters that was just 02 meters shy of the meet record. It was the second-best throw in VMI history and gave him an impressive 18 points for the meet, following his runner-up finish in the shot. Gregory B. Henderson ’17 added a win in the 200-meters and led three Keydets in the top five in the event, while Avery H. Martin ’16 placed second in both the 800 and the mile.

On the women’s side, Bria D. Anderson ’18 won the long jump in school record fashion and Kerisha I. Goode ’18 and Yaa D. Agyepong-Wiafe ’18 (60 hurdles) added school records of their own. The Keydets finished fifth as a team.

The outdoor track and field season was still in progress at press time.

Lacrosse Recap Richard W. Sanders ’18 led the Keydets with 28 goals during the season, which ranked third-most in the Southern Conference. The Austin, Texas, native scored at least one goal in 14 consecutive games to finish the season.

Water Polo Recap Second-year VMI water polo head coach Ryan Pryor led his team to an 8-19 record during the 2016 campaign, including three wins against Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opponents, to continue to build a program that has only been in existence for five seasons at the Institute.

For the second year in a row, Shelby Barkley ’18 was named a second team All-MAAC honoree, while goalie Emily Farsakian ’16 and Bailey Huddleston ’17 were named to the MAAC All-Academic team for a second straight season. Barkley led the Keydets with 65 goals on the year with 137 shot attempts for a .475 shooting percentage in 26 matches played.

The Riverside, California native also led the team in steals with 71 and recorded a team-high 91 drawn exclusions. She also ranked third on the team in assists with 19 during the season. Farsakian and Huddleston were two of 42 total student-athletes comprising the 2016 MAAC Water Polo All-Academic Team. To be eligible for the MAAC All-Academic Team, a student-athlete must complete two semesters at their institution and hold a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 on a 4.0 scale.

Attack Natalie Rivas ’18 had another strong season as she led the team with 163 shot attempts and second-most goals with 54. She also led the team in assists (36) and blocks (33).

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Above: Ryan Pryor, VMI water polo head coach, instructing his team during a home match against George Washington University at Clark King Pool March 1, 2016.

VMI Alumni Review

VMI Foundation, Inc. Message from the VMI Foundation CEO

by Brian Scott Crockett One recent Saturday morning, I was walking up Main Street in Lexington when I saw a young man wearing a t-shirt that read, “Basketball never stops.” I smiled, not only because I appreciated the young man’s enthusiasm for the sport, but also because the idea of never stopping applies to so much.

As a former college football player and coach, I am aware that football never stops. Coaches and players at any level – from high school to the pros – will tell you there is no such thing as an “off-season.” After the traditional football season is over, coaches are recruiting, analyzing game film, searching for new assistants, compiling new playbooks, and planning for camps, practices and the next season. Players are working hard in the weight room and on the track in order to be in peak condition when it comes time to secure starting positions in the fall.

Casual football fans might not know about these activities, or if they do know, the excitement pales in comparison to the eagerly awaited moment when their teams take the field to greet their first opponent of the season. Few fans realize that champions are made and success is determined during the time when few are watching.

As I continued my walk up Main Street, I caught a glimpse of barracks and realized that the same holds true for the Institute; the extra that is done when few are watching is what allows the Institute and its cadets to be successful “in season.” The Institute never stops. When

the last graduate crosses the stage May 16, the superintendent’s leadership team continues to plan for the next academic year, the Physical Plant staff is busy making repairs and improvements and conducting maintenance all over post, and the commandant’s staff is laying out the annual schedule for the Corps of Cadets, with special emphasis on Matriculation Day and Cadre Week, all while executing their part of the Summer Transition Program. Academics don’t stop at VMI, either. There are two sessions of summer school – lasting from late May to late July – and three weeks of STP. But, there’s more than that.

Guided by our faculty, several cadets are working hard on their Summer Undergraduate Research projects. Individual faculty members are conducting their own research on and off post, compiling the results of their efforts, and preparing articles and books for review and publication. Finally, our entire athletic staff is diligently working to secure every opportunity available that will allow our NCAA cadet-athletes success in the classroom and in competition.

The VMI Foundation never stops, either. In fact, May and June – the last two months of our fiscal year – are often the busiest and most intense. Even after June 30, we are working hard. Our stewardship efforts – that is, acknowledging our donors and ensuring that their gifts are directed properly – continue, and our gift officers are traveling the country meeting alumni and friends. The Annual and Reunion Giving Office is preparing the initial

appeal of the new fiscal year, working with class agents on their 10th and 25th Reunions and training cadets to work in the Call Center. And, that’s just a few of the things that the hard-working staff of the VMI Foundation – as well as those of the VMI Alumni Association and the VMI Keydet Club – are doing during the “off season.” Just as important, we’re always pursuing new and more effective ways to do our jobs: raising the private financial support that the Institute needs; serving our various constituencies, such as alumni, friends, and parents of cadets and alumni; and expanding the ranks of the VMI family.

I know that when some people say that something “never stops,” they are expressing their exasperation at all they need to do, at how it never stops piling up. “I’m overwhelmed. I need a break,” they seem to be saying. For those of us at the VMI Foundation – and I think I can safely speak for everyone on post – saying that “VMI never stops” is not an expression of exasperation or exhaustion. We are saying that we are excited to be a part of a dynamic institution which is engaged in an important mission: The education of the young people who will be the future leaders of our great nation. We are saying, too, that we are proud of the role that we have played, are playing and will play in ensuring a brilliant future for the Institute. Like that young man whose shirt said that his sport never stops, for us, “VMI never stops” is an expression of our enthusiasm for what we do. Thank you for allowing us to do it!

Class of 2016 Graduation Campaign Gift At the change of command ceremony in Marshall Hall May 14, 2016, Scott A. Beasley ’16, class president; Carter L. Chatwood ’16, Honor Court vice president and class treasurer; and Patrick R. Eberhart ’16, regimental commander, presented the Institute with the proceeds of the Class of 2016’s 1st Class Campaign. The donation totaled $16,000 and came from the 22 percent of the class who made an immediate gift and/or short-term pledge. They also presented the Institute with another check for $50,832 which represented the gifts of their parents to the Institute. These gifts will create the Class of 2016 Endowment, which will provide unrestricted funds in support of the Institute. General J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, not pictured, and John J. Wranek III ’85, Foundation vice president of Annual and Reunion Giving, left, accepted the gift on behalf of the Institute and the VMI Alumni Agencies, respectively. VMI photo by Kelly Nye.

2016-Issue 3

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VMI Foundation, Inc.

The Class of 1966 Presents Recording-Setting 50th Reunion Gift At the traditional reunion parade April 23, 2016, the Class of 1966 presented the proceeds of its 50th Reunion Campaign to the Institute: A record-shattering $40,000,019.66. A number of class leaders presented this astounding gift, including Randolph W. Urmston ’66, historian; L. Clark Reifsnider ’66, vice president; Richard K. Hines V ’66, chairman of the Class of 1966 Reunion Campaign Committee and current member of the VMI Board of Visitors; and Marshall C. Taylor ’66, president. Edgar J.T. “Turner” Perrow Jr. ’96, left, then-president of the VMI Alumni Association, accepted the gift on behalf of the VMI Alumni Agencies, and Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, right, accepted the gift on behalf of the Institute. Along with seven families of deceased brother rats, 219 members of the class participated in this effort.

A longer article about this gift will appear in the 2016-Issue 4 Alumni Review. Photo by Micalyn Miller, VMIAA.

Dominion Resources Awards Inaugural Citizen-Soldier Scholarship at VMI In March 2016, Dominion Resources, Inc., established the Dominion Citizen-Soldier Scholarship at VMI. Starting with the Class of 2020, which matriculates a few weeks after this publication, Dominion Resources will provide a full four-year scholarship – to include tuition and fees – to a Virginia resident who has received and accepted an appointment to the Virginia Military Institute and has declared a major in biology, chemistry, civil engineering, computer and information sciences, electrical and computer engineering, or mechanical engineering.

A second four-year scholarship will be awarded to a member of the Class of 2021.

The scholarship’s inaugural recipient, Francis Celentano, was chosen from a select group of finalists after an interview on post with the scholarship selection committee. Celentano,

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of Henrico County, Virginia, will major in electrical and computer engineering. When asked for his reaction to the news that he would receive this prestigious award, he said, “I cannot express how grateful I am for receiving this scholarship. I assure everyone that I will do my best to meet and exceed all of the scholarship’s requirements and make the most of this incredible opportunity.”

Expressing his gratitude for Dominion’s decision to establish this scholarship at VMI, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, said, “It expands our ability to provide deserving young people with a remarkable education that shapes them for lives of professional success and active citizenship.

It also is a firm expression from one of the country’s leading corporations of its confidence in the Institute’s ability to drive and

sustain an excellent educational, workforce development and leadership model.” He concluded, “I thank Dominion for its vision and generosity and extend special thanks to Tom Farrell for his sustained personal support of the Institute.”

Thomas F. Farrell II, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Dominion Resources, Inc., said, “Dominion is proud to enter into this partnership with the Virginia Military Institute.

The Institute remains true to its mission of providing well-educated, selfless and purposeful citizen-soldiers who will be leaders in their chosen careers and continue to contribute so much to Virginia. This scholarship supports VMI and Dominion’s shared goal of preparing skilled scientists and engineers with the leadership qualities our nation needs to maintain its technological and economic edge.”

VMI Alumni Review

The Keydet Club Thoughts from the Club House

by Greg Cavallaro ’84, Keydet Club Chief Executive Officer Since An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past. A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI’s beginning in 2012, VMI athletics has been the beneficiary of some extraordinary support that will prove to be transformational for the future of VMI’s Division I Athletic program. Over the past four years, as of April 2016, nearly $65 million has been received or committed in support of athletics.

Most meaningful is that $45.5 million has been realized in current cash during The Campaign for VMI, with another Cavallaro ’84 $10 million pledged over the next several years. As of April 2016, the endowments for athletics have grown from $28,000,000 at the start of the Campaign to $60,800,000. Over the past four years of the campaign, the Keydet Club has added a total of 47 new endowments, bringing the total number of endowed athletic scholarships and funds it stewards to 169.

Athletic Breakdown

Growth of VMI Athletic Endowments (Keydet Club, Development Board and Foundation) As of April 30, 2016 $60,800,000 As of June 30, 2015 $44,700,000 As of June 30, 2014 $35,500,000 As of June 30, 2011 $28,000,000 Annual Support is the Bridge to the Endowment Future Make no mistake, while the tremendous growth of the endowment for athletics to date will impact VMI’s athletic program immediately and for perpetuity, it cannot be viewed as a replacement for the continued need for annual support from all alumni and friends of VMI. The Keydet Club has a 10 year historical average of raising about $3.2 million per year in annual gifts. If, at a minimum, we can maintain this and possibly increase the amount realized to a new 10 year average of $3.5 million, it will really help “move the needle” to fund scholarships for our Division I athletic teams at levels that enable them to successfully compete in the Southern Conference. Today, VMI offers approximately 127 of the 148 full scholarship equivalencies the NCAA allows. To fund the additional 21 equivalencies needed for VMI to compete successfully equates to approximately $800,000 per year. The growth of the athletic endowment and the continued $3.5 million in annual support will enable us to accomplish this.

VMI needs everyone who has benefited from the VMI experience to support the Keydet Club Scholarship Fund and/or the Athletic Operations Fund on an annual basis. Our coaches and cadet-athletes are counting on you! Your financial support to the Keydet Club will be greatly appreciated.

For more information on how to make an annual gift, or to learn how you can create an endowed scholarship or set up a bequest, please call the VMI Keydet Club at 1-800-444-1839.

2016-Issue 3

Cash Breakdown Current $14,205,233 Endowment $31,286,489 Total $45,491,722

Pledge Breakdown Current $5,302,693 Endowment $4,602,244 Total $9,904,937

Deferred Breakdown Current $563,577 Endowment $8,534,252 Total $9,097,829

Grand Total: $64,494,488

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The Keydet Club

The DeWitt “De” S. Worrell ’62 Memorial Scholarship DeWitt “De” S. Worrell ’62 lived a remarkable life reflective of the VMI spirit: A life of honor and integrity; a life of sharing the values of VMI. His deep and caring friendships with so many and his appreciation for “all things VMI” defined his character. In the 1962 Bomb, a quote about Worrell reads, “He’s a champ, and you’ll never find a nicer guy.”

For 22 years, the annual De Worrell Handball Tournament has memorialized the legacy of one of VMI’s most prominent graduates. The 2016 tournament was held April 23 in Cameron Hall on the courts which are dedicated to Worrell’s memory. The plaque at the courts reads, “An enthusiastic competitor, a gentleman, and our great friend.”

During the tournament, 48 participants on 24 doubles teams from six states competed in five divisions according to age and level of skill. Robert Worrell ’97 and his partner won the intermediate division. For a bit of historical perspective, 165 players from 10 states have competed in this event since its inception in 1995. Worrell was a championship handball player, winning three gold medals in the Virginia Commonwealth Games and multiple state and national championships. He was also an enthusiast in tennis, skiing and cycling,

always mentoring the youth of his community in their athletic endeavors. The proceeds from this event have benefited Worrell’s scholarship fund, one of the largest endowments in the VMI Keydet Club.

Worrell always said he would have never endured the rigors of VMI life if not for football.

Coach McKenna said that Worrell “always played with heart.” Worrell was awarded the Dr. Martin Delaney Jr. ’28 Football Award of Merit. Don Giles ’64 always says “he wasn’t called Super De for no reason!” The Dewitt “De” S. Worrell ’62 Memorial Scholarship was established in 1994 to provide a grant-in-aid to members of the VMI football or lacrosse teams who demonstrate excellent leadership qualities, a positive attitude and sound moral character.

The De Worrell Outstanding Character Award is a beautiful tribute to a life well-lived.

In honor of Worrell’s service to VMI, the Dewitt Stewart Worrell ’62 Memorial Scoreboard was dedicated at the Lee-Jackson Lacrosse Classic Oct. 25, 2014. The Worrell-Fallon Memorial Award was first presented in 1996 to the most valuable player from each team at this annual event. The inscription reads, “This award honors the memory of Dewitt Worrell (VMI ’62) and Gary Fallon (W&L

Football Coach 1978-95) – ‘Men dedicated to their families, their faith, their universities, the game of lacrosse, the constant pursuit of excellence, and the Lexington community in which they lived and to which they contributed so significantly.’”

Worrell, who died Sept. 8, 1994, was remembered after his death by Maj. Gen. John W. Knapp ’54, former VMI superintendent, who said, “The Institute has lost one of its finest.”

Gil Minor ’63 remembered, “He was one of a kind: Fierce determination, great leadership, passionate participant. His legacy is alive and well in all of us who had the privilege of being his friend.”

In 1995, the Keydet Club’s highest honor, The Spirit of VMI Award, was presented posthumously to Worrell, with him being the eighth recipient. Worrell was respected by the VMI community as being the most informed alumni regarding athletic issues. At the time of his death, Worrell was the Board of Visitors representative to the Athletic Council and was on the Keydet Club’s Board of Board Governors, serving from 1986-92.

“He loved VMI; he loved life.”

Roanoke Times, September 1994

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VMI Alumni Review

The Keydet Club

Tony Conway ’01 Soccer Scholarship Created and becoming the assistant coach of the VMI At a reception for VMI soccer alumni follow- brother rats were taken to task for the good ing the fifth Annual Conway Cup, a charity of the team. His leadership was a big reason men’s soccer team.

Diagnosed with ALS in 2011, he fought the soccer tournament in Lexington that honors the team enjoyed the success it did that year.” the late Anthony P. Conway ’01, Doug Bartlett, After graduating in 2001, Conway initially disease with determination and grace until his vice president of the VMI Keydet Club, and worked in construction and then taught Eng- death in early 2015. The Conway Cup was Amanda Conway, Conway’s widow, formally lish and technology at Rockbridge County established in 2011 in order to help Conway and his family deal with the costs of announced the creation of the Tony his fight against the disease. Earlier Conway ’01 Soccer Scholarship. this year, Amanda Conway asked the Coming to VMI from the United Keydet Club to consider using the Kingdom, Conway played soccer at event to fund a scholarship that would VMI. He was a four-year starter, a support a men’s soccer player at VMI. letterman and, during his 1st Class Bartlett said, “Her idea of turning year, a team captain. Longtime what has been and will continue to VMI soccer coach, Stephen Ross, be a wonderful celebration of the remembered how Conway came to game and her husband’s love of it into his attention as a player. “Tony loved something that will provide a deserving the sport, and he respected and loved young man the same opportunity that the military. His brother contacted Tony had – that is, to play soccer at the me by letter to share Tony’s desire highest level of intercollegiate sport – to be able to enjoy both passions, speaks of Amanda’s devotion to VMI and the recruitment process started.” and her immense generosity of spirit. It Ross praised Conway’s determiwas an incredibly moving moment for nation on the pitch, as well as his strong leadership. “Tony was a Tony Conway ’01 with his wife, Amanda, and their two daughters, all of us at the Keydet Club.”

“As a player and a coach, Tony gave tough, driven player. He would never Cora and Louise. so much to soccer at VMI,” said Greg shy away from a tackle. In fact, he sought them out. Even his own teammates High School for several years. He then became Cavallaro ’84, chief executive officer of the Keydet Club. “This scholarship represents an avoided going against him in training, as he a database manager at Rockbridge County never held back. Tony was one of those rare Schools and Washington and Lee University’s opportunity for all of us to pay tribute to Tony for the contributions he made to the Institute captains [who] took that duty on with a total office of admissions. He continued his love of commitment. It was not a title. It was a duty, soccer by following his beloved Celtic FC of the and for the example of our famous ‘never say die’ spirit that he gave to the entire VMI family and one earned and upheld. He pushed his Scottish Premier League, coaching at RCHS, teammates and held them accountable. Even playing pickup with the Lexington Vultures as he battled ALS.”

VMI Sports Hall of Fame Member Jim Sherrard ’65 Endows Scholarship In an effort to give back to a school and in support of a sport he loves, James G. “Jim” Sherrard ’65 recently endowed the James G. Sherrard ’65 Track Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded annually to a member of the VMI Track and Field team who exemplifies spirit, determination and a commitment to excellence. Sherrard matriculated from Sacramento, California, and was a mathematics major, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree from VMI in 1965.

As a cadet, Sherrard was a four-year member

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of the VMI track team. In his 1st Class year, Sherrard was captain of the track team while competing in the long jump, triple jump and 4x100 relay. His titles included the 1964 state indoor long jump, the 1965 state indoor triple jump, the 1965 indoor Southern Conference long jump and triple jump, and the 1965 VMI Winter Relays indoor triple jump. He was runner-up in the 1963 state outdoor long jump, the 1965 state outdoor long jump, the 1965 state triple jump and the 1965 outdoor Southern

Conference long jump, and he helped lead the Keydets to Virginia state and Southern Conference championships in indoor track in 1965.

Sherrard was inducted into the VMI Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. The Institute is extremely grateful for Sherrard’s benevolence toward VMI and especially the track and field program. “His endowed scholarship will enable future generations of VMI cadet-athletes to receive a world class VMI education,” noted Greg Cavallaro ’84, Keydet Club chief executive officer.

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John S. Thornton Jr. ’64 Rifle Scholarship Endowed John S. Thornton Jr. ’64 has been a very gener- engineering. After graduation, he took a job with Southern Railroad, working all over the Carolious member of the Keydet Club for many years.

At the encouragement of his brother rat, Buzz nas and Virginia. After three years, he moved to Birzenieks ’64, Thornton attended the Keydet Club’s Annual Leadership Outing in 2012, fell in love with the camaraderie and enjoyed getting to meet some of the young cadet-athletes who are on various athletic scholarships. Soon thereafter, he increased the level of his support to become an annual full scholarship member, and in conjunction with his 50th Reunion, he decided to fund a permanent endowment. The John S. Thornton Jr. ’64 Rifle Scholarship will be awarded annually to a member of the VMI rifle team who exemplifies spirit, determination and a commitment to excellence.

Thornton matriculated in 1960 from Culpeper, Virginia. While at VMI, he John and Ronnie Thornton ’64. was on the rat cross-country team and the VMI rifle team, and he was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Pioneer Investment Club. He graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil

Richmond and went to work for Froehling & Robertson, an engineering and materials testing firm. He obtained his professional engineer license and was later promoted to vice president

and chief engineer. In 1982, after 15 years with F&R, he joined the newly formed engineering department at Virginia Power (later DominionVirginia Power) as a senior engineer.

While at Virginia Power, he became a scuba/hard hat diver and a founding member of the Civil Engineering Dive Team. Thornton retired from Dominion in 2000 and founded a geotechnical engineering firm, which he operated until 2012 when he fully retired. He and the former Ronnie Richardson have been married for 44 years and live on a farm in Manakin, Virginia, in Goochland County. He was nominated to the Keydet Club Board of Governors in 2014.

“We appreciate Thornton’s generosity and his interest and foresight in creating a lasting endowment that will help perpetuate VMI’s NCAA rifle team,” noted Greg Cavallaro ’84, Keydet Club chief executive officer.

Anyone interested in creating an endowed scholarship may call the Keydet Club for details.

Paul and Betsey Bark ’56 Establish Permanent VMI Football Scholarship through Estate In 1998, while completing estate planning, Paul Bark ’56, then a Keydet Club annual leadership member, created a charitable remainder trust that provided for the creation of The Paul and Betsey Bark ’56 Football Scholarship in the VMI Keydet Club. Funding from this scholarship will benefit a member of the VMI football team.

For a number of years, from 2001-07, the Barks were very generous annual full scholarship donors to the Keydet Club and traveled often from their home in Burleson, Texas, to support the Keydets and their annual scholarship recipients. The last cadet to receive their annual scholarship was running back Colby Hollingsworth ’07 from Dallas, Texas. Upon learning of Bark’s passing, Hollingsworth said, “I am so sorry for his loss and forever grateful

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for his support that made going to VMI possible.

Without his sponsorship, I would not have been able to attend. What an amazing person to donate his own hard-earned money to pay the way for a cadet.”

Bark matriculated to VMI from Natural Bridge, Virginia, and majored in history. He was a member of Band Company and Company E, rising to the rank of second lieutenant in the Corps of Cadets, and was a member of the VMI football team. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of major.

He served in the Vietnam War with distinction, receiving the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star/Valor and the Meritorious Service Medal during his career. Bark’s wife, Betsey Rardin Bark, who preceded him in death, graduated from Southern Seminary College

(now renamed Southern Virginia University) and the University of Texas.

We remember the Barks with fondness,” reflected Greg Cavallaro ’84, Keydet Club chief executive officer. “They loved VMI football and the VMI cadet-athletes they came in contact with. Now, their memory will forever be perpetuated through this scholarship endowment.”

If you are interested in making provisions in your will or doing some creative estate planning to create an endowment that will last for perpetuity, please contact the VMI Keydet Club.

Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, the articles and photos in the Keydet Club section of the Alumni Review are provided by the Keydet Club.

VMI Alumni Review

The Keydet Club

Gene Warren ’83 Baseball Scholarship Gene Warren ’83 matriculated from Martinsville, Virginia, and majored in civil engineering. Following graduation, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, and began work in the commercial construction business. In 1994, he and James A. Hanks, his business partner, started Warren Hanks Construction Company, which specializes in the interior build out of financial institutions, hospitals and class A office spaces. In September 2015, the company began its 22nd year of business. For the past 17 years, it has achieved recognition by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of Atlanta’s Top 25 Commercial Interior Contractors.

Warren and family have been longtime members of Northside United Methodist Church, where he currently serves on the board of trustees and the church council. He also serves on the Sports Network Board of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, the Atlanta-Buckhead Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Buckhead Baseball.

Warren and wife Laura have been married for 29 years and From left: Gene Warren ’83 with his son, Charles Warren; wife, Laura; and have two children. Caroline, 26, graduated from Vanderbilt daughter, Caroline.

University in 2011 and earned her master’s degree in education from Belmont University in August 2015. She currently teaches second grade in Nashville, Tennessee. Charles, 23, graduated in May 2015 from Sewanee - The University of the South, where he played baseball. He is currently working for Cushman & Wakefield, a real estate firm, in Atlanta.

When asked why he decided to give back to VMI to create the scholarship, Warren remarked, “I will always be grateful to the VMI family. It has given me so much. Its alumni have been lifelong best friends and provided financial support to help me graduate (Charles Luck IV ’83 and Charles Luck III ’55). George Hightower ’933 helped me get started in the Atlanta construction market, and Sonny Schoen ’56 gave me his daughter to marry and mentored me through the startup of our business. What more could one ask of VMI? All of this to just an average guy. I was never VMI’s top student, athlete or soldier. Special thanks are also in order for General John Knapp ’54; Colonel Don Jamison ’57; and Jack Page, VMI professor; and Tom and Becky Callahan, parents of Bill Callahan ’87.”

Keydet Club Hosts 2016 Jeff “Pup” Morgan ’80 Annual Leadership Outing The Keydet Club hosted its Jeff “Pup” Morgan ’80 Annual Leadership Outing Friday, June 4, 2016. The outing is hosted every year on the first Friday in June as a way for the Keydet Club and VMI to say thank you to its loyal annual leadership members for their financial support of VMI’s Division I athletic program. During the event, more than 125 members were able to enjoy golf at Lexington Golf & Country Club, sporting clays at Quail Ridge and tennis at Washington and Lee University Duchossois Tennis Center.

The extremely popular and anticipated annual event drew another record crowd of 200 people. The evening’s gathering at Moody Hall featured an incredible spread catered by the Southern Inn. The program, which followed cocktails and dinner, included a greeting by Greg Cavallaro ’84, Keydet Club chief executive officer, who welcomed everyone and expressed gratitude for the leadership members and their continued and generous annual support of VMI

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Jerry Burnett ’62, Ran Hamner ’62, John Traynham ’62 and Buck Bradley ’62.

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athletics. He also announced that more than $28,500 had been added to The Jeff Morgan ’80 Football Scholarship, making it one of the 30 largest endowments in the Keydet Club. Bill Paulette ’69, the outgoing president of the Keydet Club Board of Governors, was recognized and honored with a newly created award bearing his name, The Bill Paulette ’69 Keydet Club Outstanding Governor Award. Bill was given the pleasure of introducing Dr. Dave Diles, VMI’s director of intercollegiate athletics, who recognized all of the coaches in attendance and introduced the wildly popular VMI head football coach, Scott Wachenheim, who served as the event’s guest speaker.

“Keydet Club leadership members account for over 91 percent of the annual gifts received in the Keydet Club,” noted Cavallaro. “While the endowment in support of VMI athletics continues to grow, it is imperative that we continue to increase financial support for the Keydet Club Scholarship Fund, the Athletic Operations Fund and our Team Scholarship Funds in order to ensure that the necessary financial resources are available for VMI to build a winning and successful athletic program. Obviously the leadership members of the Keydet Club and all they continue to do are very important to this effort,” he concluded.

If you are interested in joining us for this event in June 2017, please call the Keydet Club at 800-444-1839. Membership requires a minimum annual gift of $1,000 ($750 for the first year) for Big Red leadership membership. If you graduated within the past 15 years, Big Red membership is available to you for a gift of $500 ($375 for the first year). Your gift must be made between July 1 and June 30.

FY ’17 Keydet Club Annual Leadership Membership Levels $36,000 Out-of-State Full Scholarship $18,000 In-State Full Scholarship $12,000 Scholarship $7,000 Sportsmen $5,000 Spirit $3,000 Flying Squadron $1,875 Letterman $1,000 Big Red

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Photos clockwise from top left: Donnie Ross ’74, Dale Kitchen ’73 and Yerry Kenneally ’73.

Buzz Birzenieks ’64, J.P. Mason, Coach Bobby Ross �59 and Rick Wolffe ’78.

Lee DeWald, Cadet Trey Chapman ’17, Cadet Brice Tucker ’18, Cadet Fred Iruafemi ’18, and Sugar and Chris Holland ’62.

Rody Rhodes, Bill Davidson ’55, Ronnie Bryan ’55 and Jane Mortenson.

VMI Alumni Review

New Market Day 2016