2017-4 Alumni Review

VMI

2017 -- Issue Issue 44 2017

Alumni Review

Thank Thankyou you for foryour your abiding abiding support support and generosity.

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Contents

Virginia Military Institute Alumni Review 2017-Issue 4

In This Issue . . .

This issue includes class notes and news items covering the time period of May 15, 2017, to Aug. 15, 2017.

Volume 94, No. 3

PUBLISHER The President of The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. Editor-in-Chief: Jordan Moore Assistant Editor: Elaine Wood

Features 6

In Memory: Capt. Benjamin R. Cross ’13

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Message from the Campaign Chairman

10 Campaign Report 12 Message from the Superintendent

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14 Such Great Heights: Nick Mari ’14

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News and Updates 3

Our Alumni Serving

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Association/Chapter News

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Class Notes

140 Births, Marriages, Degrees 142 Provisional Appointments 144 Taps 150 Alumni News

157

Departments 2

Message from the Agencies CEO

148 Association Directory

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

153 The Institute 159 Keydet Athletics 163 The Foundation 166 The Keydet Club

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ON OUR COVER Front Cover: Moody Hall decorated for the holidays.

Photo by Micalyn Miller, VMIAA.

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Message from the Agencies CEO

by CDR Stephen M. Maconi

Roughly four months ago, An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI finished its work on behalf of the Institute. The generosity of the VMI family, coupled with the hard work and dedication of the Campaign Cabinet and the leaders and staff of the VMI Alumni Agencies, yielded an incredible result: $344.1 million in gifts and commitments. While a large portion of that grand total came in the form of long-term commitments, such as bequests, most of that money is already at work on post (for example, in the form of new scholarship endowments) or will be very soon. The entire Institute family owes a huge debt of thanks to the 15,340 alumni and friends who participated in this campaign. Their generosity will mean a stronger VMI. There are many success stories within the broader story of the campaign. One of them is the performance of the VMI Keydet Club in support of the Institute’s intercollegiate athletic program.

During the life of the campaign, the staff of the Keydet Club built upon the relationships they have fostered for decades and engaged and raised more than $75.1 million. In Fiscal Year 2017 alone, Keydet Club donors gave $5.7 million. These gifts and commitments will increase the amount of Maconi grant-in-aid support for our cadet-athletes, improve our academic support programs and strengthen our teams’ abilities to compete at the highest level of college sports.

This past summer and into the fall, the VMI Alumni Association has done much to increase alumni engagement and enhance our New Cadet Recruiting efforts. I’m sure that some of you made it to the events associated with the VMI versus the Air Force Academy football game in early September. The Association staff outdid themselves organizing the social events, as well as conducting a New Cadet Recruiting event that brought VMI to the attention of numerous young people and guidance counselors in Colorado. Of course, they also did so much to ensure that our alumni and their families and friends enjoyed their time on post during our fall reunion weekends.

The vital work of the reorganization of the VMI Alumni Agencies has continued over the past few months. Each agency’s leaders and staff have continued to embrace this process, and their collective willingness to take the lead on many issues has accelerated it – and already prompted many improvements in how the Agencies serve the VMI family on and off post.

We have enjoyed success in many fields. In communications, we are better coordinating the Agencies’ efforts across all media as well as our cooperation with VMI. We have improved the experiences of our alumni who return to post for reunions, and we are exploring ways to enrich those weekends with new events. Prospect management – that is, the cultivation and solicitation of donors – is another aspect of our shared work that is becoming more efficient and effective. We have enhanced the means by which we engage the Corps of Cadets and educate them about the importance of private support to their education – and of their involvement as alumni to the future of the Institute, too.

Finally, when donors make gifts or commitments, our relationship with them is not over. It is, in fact, just beginning. Through our stewardship efforts, we ensure that they are properly recognized, their gifts are directed correctly and, when applicable, they know the effects their philanthropy has. So, over the past several months, we have taken a close look at how we conduct stewardship and made a series of improvements in this vital area.

Everyone associated with the Institute has ample reason to celebrate the campaign’s achievements. That celebration must be tempered with the realization that the challenges associated with the execution of VMI’s mission of educating citizen-soldiers remain and remain pressing. Since the Institute’s first graduates established what would become the VMI Alumni Association July 5, 1842, its alumni have given selflessly and generously of their time, talents and treasure to aid VMI. They – and parents, faculty, staff, coaches and friends – have done so because they are mindful of the necessity of such support to the Institute. As this reorganization goes forward, the VMI Alumni Agencies are therefore focused on how they can provide the VMI family the best opportunities to engage in the life of the Institute and its cadets.

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Near Mosul, Iraq, were, from left, Capt. Mitch Messick ’10, Capt. James Hartzell ’10 and Lt. Col. Dan Gibson ’98, as part of U.S. Army 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

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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Pictured in front of I Marine Expeditionary Force Command center at Camp Pendleton, California, during exercise Balikatan 2017 were, from left, U.S. Marine Corps Col. Pete Dillon ’91, retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Rob Clark ’84 and U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Col. Luis G. del Valle ’91. Present but not pictured was U.S. Marine Corps Capt.

Brian Kerrebrock ’06.

United States Army Maj. David Kendzior ’03 relinquished command to U.S. Army Maj. Robert Cuthbertson ’03 at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Training Center and School in July 2017. Pictured at the event were, from left, Joe Cuthbertson ’04 and wife Suzy; U.S. Army Maj. Robert Cuthbertson ’03 and wife Meaghan; U.S. Army Maj. David Kendzior ’03, incoming commander; retired U.S. Army Col. Michael Ceroli ’85; and U.S. Army Col. Ed Armstrong ’88.

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Presenting a VMI banner at the retirement ceremony for U.S. Army Col. Chris Hall ’88 at Fort Eustis, Virginia, Aug. 4 were, from left, David Carter ’88, Jim Pauls ’66, Hall and Rob Davis ’88.

Top left: Cody Davis ’11 took command of Bravo Battery, 3-43 Air Defense Artillery Battalion, May 12, 2017. He is currently stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Top right: Davis pictured in front of the soliders in his battery.

Bottom right: Davis taking the guidon from the previous battalion commander, Lt. Col. Scott W. McLellan, during the change of command ceremony.

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In Memory: U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Benjamin R. Cross ’13

by Elaine Wood, Assistant Editor

Cross ’13

Ben Cross ’13, right, and Jeremy Methven ’13 in Okinawa, Japan, April 2017, when Cross flew fast rope with an Osprey.

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United States Marine Corps Capt. Benjamin R. Cross ’13, a marine aviator, died Aug. 5, 2017, at the age of 26 as a result of a training mission in which an MV-22 Osprey crashed while attempting to land on a U.S. Navy ship off the coast of Australia. The Osprey belonged to the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit based in Okinawa, Japan. Of the 26 service members onboard the aircraft at the time of the crash, 23 survived. Cross and two others were unable to be saved in the rescue efforts.

Cross attended VMI on a Naval ROTC scholarship and was active during his cadetship as a member of the scuba club and also held rank as the Company G 1st Platoon lieutenant of the Corps of Cadets. He was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, an international honor society in business, management and administration as well as Omicron Delta Epsilon, an international honor society in economics.

He was a distinguished graduate of the Institute, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and business.

Cross was extremely passionate about serving his country and had immense pride for being an aviator, which was a lifelong dream he was thrilled to achieve.

His friends recounted that he wore his VMI Naval ROTC shirt under his first solo flight and continued the tradition during subsequent flights. He had a passion for leading others and extending his hand to any and every person that needed support. This is evident in his parting words in the 2013 VMI Bomb, in which he related, “I am leaving VMI content that I have left an impression on those whom I have trained and mentored. This isn’t because I care how others think of me.

It’s because I know that I have helped in some capacity for others’ success, and that is most important.”

United States Marine Corps 1st Lt. Jeremy Methven ’13, close friend, remarked further, “Ben was doing what he loved to do. Ben would want us all to remember that 23 Marines survived the crash and to not forget that Corporal Ordway and Lance Corporal Velasco also died in the accident. He would want us to know that he loved his Ospreys, and that he never felt unsafe flying them ... Ben impacted an immeasurable number of lives in his short 26 years. He was the type of person who we could lean on when we needed it most. He loved to explore and always had a story to tell about his adventures. His unique sense of humor will forever be missed. His drive to succeed and drive to make others better can be felt by those who knew him in his hometown, the VMI community, flight school, VMM-265 and all of his stops in between. Ben represented the true meaning of what a VMI cadet is supposed to be and set the example for others to emulate as a Marine officer and as a man. We will always remember Ben and be proud to have had the opportunity to know him.”

A native of Bethel, Maine, Cross attended Telstar High School, where he was an exemplary student and athlete, participating in both baseball and soccer. He is survived by his parents, Robert and Valerie; brother, Ryan (Jacqueline); niece, Allison; and grandparents. Although heartbroken by their loss, Cross’ family believes that his legacy of service to others and caring, empathetic nature will continue. They stated, “Ben was larger than life. Although we said he was ours, he truly belonged to the world. The lives he touched in all corners of the globe will be forever changed for the better, and the legacy he leaves is one of honesty, integrity, compassion and courage. The way he attacked all of his endeavors with a sense of purpose and clearness of vision was such an inspiration to us all. Words cannot express how much he was loved and will be missed.”

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At a football game during their class’ Ring Figure weekend were, from left, Cross, Clay Lewin ’13, Methven and Chris Schmeelk ’13.

Cross achieved his dream of becoming a pilot.

United States Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Amy Phan.

“... I know that I have helped in some capacity for others’ success, and that is most important.”

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Message from the Chairman

by Donald M. Wilkinson ’61

An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI came to an end June 30, 2017. This effort raised $344 million in gifts and commitments. What an accomplishment, and what a sign of the strength of the VMI spirit.

In absolute terms, the campaign’s success is a singular achievement, and when you consider the size of VMI’s alumni base, it is even more remarkable. For those of us who served this campaign, this result was hardly surprising. We experienced firsthand the VMI family’s principled idealism, lack of ego, love of the Institute and, most important, generosity. We had the privilege of getting to know so many alumni of all ages, as well as friends of VMI who stand with her because of her principles and how she puts her principles into action.

Then, there is the matter of leadership. VMI is blessed to have a remarkable superintendent, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62. General Peay brought his energy, wisdom, foresight and aspirations for the Institute to bear on this effort. He showed patience when necessary, and more frequently, warmth, charm and creativity.

His long-range plan for VMI – Vision 2039 – informed and inspired the campaign’s goals and objectives.

Never before has so much experience been represented on any campaign or any other volunteer organization associated with VMI as it was on the Campaign Cabinet. Between them, these eight men had 56 years of service on the Board of Visitors, and two of them were its president. They have a combined 84 years of service as trustees of the VMI Foundation, and four of them served as its president. One was a past president of the VMI Alumni Association, and these men gave a combined 20 years of service as directors. The cabinet also boasted a

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former president of the VMI Keydet Club and men with a combined 52 years of service to the Jackson-Hope Fund.

Our vice chairmen, Jim Rogers ’67 and Conrad Hall ’65, and the distinguished Gen. John Jumper ’66, Bill Paulette ’69, Walt Perrin II ’62 and Tom Slater ’66 – as well as Gen. Peay – lent their considerable prestige and applied their equally considerable talents to the campaign. Teamwork, civility and good judgement are what typified this group. Everyone associated with VMI owes all of them our gratitude for a job well done.

There are other people who deserve a share of credit: Among them are the staffs of the VMI Alumni Agencies and the agencies’ volunteer leaders; the chapter representatives and class agents; many members of VMI’s faculty and staff; and Dr. Pat House of GrahamPelton, our consultant and now friend.

We also had a secret weapon: The VMI spirit.

Each of us might have a different explanation of what is meant by VMI spirit. To me, however, the VMI spirit refers to the elements of character that are imbued in every cadet – and thus, every alumnus – by the VMI education, among them, determination, purposefulness and indefatigability. It is what makes VMI graduates stand out among their peers. It is what gives VMI its national reputation. And, it is what has driven this campaign to triumph.

Everyone associated with VMI should proudly celebrate the campaign’s success. But, we can take only a moment to do so, because there is much work to be done. We need to start thinking about what VMI must do over the long term in order to sustain its ability to train its graduates to lead the country in a changing world. We need to do so with a full understanding of where VMI stands competitively today. It is in an intense competition to attract the best in

Wilkinson ’61 terms of applicants, faculty, coaches and staff.

Standing still is not an option.

For those in the classes from the 1970s and the 1980s and later decades, I have a message: Now, it’s your turn. The Institute looks to you to lead – as volunteers and donors – the campaigns that will be needed in the future to maintain VMI’s place amongst the nation’s top colleges and universities.

In closing, I extend my everlasting thanks and deepest gratitude to the alumni, faculty, parents, staff, family and friends who, by their generosity, made this campaign such a magnificent success.

God bless you, and God bless VMI.

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From July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2017, An Uncommon Purpose focused on securing the resources necessary to ensure that the Institute will continue to prepare cadets for lives of service, honor, integrity and purpose. The campaign raised $344.1 million in commitments and immediate gifts, thanks to the incredible generosity of 15,340 members of the VMI family. Every aspect of the Institute’s extraordinary mission is bolstered by this support, and every cadet will benefit from it.

Alumni Donors by Decade Giving By Type Planned Gifts* $108.5 M Pledges** $43.6 M Cash $192.0 M Total $344.1 M * Bequests, insurance and trusts. ** Realized in 1-5 years.

Alumni made up the majority of donors and gave the majority of the gifts to the campaign. More than 8,900 alumni made a gift or commitment, and 1,454 made their first gift to VMI during the campaign.

Legacy Legacy programs that honor, preserve and interpret the Institute’s proud and colorful history received $16.3 million in gifts and commitments from the VMI family.

Athletic Scholarships 64 new athletic scholarships will support more of the cadet-athletes who represent VMI in intercollegiate sports.

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Professorships and Chairs

Gifts and commitments will establish 10 new professorships and chairs, which will improve our faculty’s ability to sustain the Institute’s academic excellence.

Merit- and Need-Based Scholarships 80 new scholarships will ensure that VMI attracts and retains outstanding young people.

Academics $182.1M* Athletics $75.1M Unrestricted $61.4M

Legacy $16.3M Corps Life $9.2M

* Includes scholarship commitments

Grand Total $344.1M

Thank You For more than 175 years, VMI has served the country by educating young people to be active and honorable citizensoldiers. The success of An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI will ensure that the Institute can continue this important mission. Your support will have a lasting impact!

The five areas of support within the campaign represented many needs on post. The VMI family supported all of them with generous gifts and commitments.

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Please visit the website for An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI at www.vmi.edu/campaign for more information on the campaign’s impact at VMI. 11

Message from the Superintendent

by Retired U.S. Army Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62

I

have always known that the Institute was a special place: A place rich in history and heritage; a place that balanced superb teaching with world-class leadership training and demanding athletics; a place where a cadet could mature into an adult with honor, vision and purpose; and a place where one made friends for a lifetime. In the years since graduating in 1962 – especially in the years I have served as superintendent – I have come to realize that VMI is also such a special place because its alumni, various agencies and boards, friends and families of cadets, and the faculty and staff are engaged and so supportive.

The just-concluded campaign certainly reinforces these views. The support was phenomenal. The Campaign Committee’s dedication, thoughtfulness and wisdom under the superb leadership of Donald M. Wilkinson ’61 was remarkable. The campaign goal was not just met, it was far surpassed. We truly appreciate what you have done.

What is it you have done? Here are the major muscle movements: You have significantly increased the scholarship money available to help cadets meet the cost of attending VMI. The Institute is an expensive place to run, and we depend far more than we would like on tuition to pay the bills. Your generosity makes VMI more affordable for cadets and helps keep tuition increases to a minimum.

You have strengthened our faculty by financially supporting chairs and professorships; providing funds that assist with research, equipment and attendance at conferences; and other activities that assist instructors in the education of our cadets. It ensures we have the capacity to teach the varied courses that cadets need for the best education. This support is especially critical as we work the difficult intersecting issues of declining state support, the need to address faculty compensation and the cost of running the Institute.

Athletic scholarships have been strengthened to help us recruit the right athletes for the 18 NCAA sports at VMI. Donations support teams in the purchase of equipment and uniforms, funding team travel, recruiting activities and maintenance of our excellent athletic facilities. With more than a quarter of all cadets playing on NCAA teams and greater than 50 percent playing club and NCAA sports, support to athletics has major implications for cadet development. It is integral to all we do at the Institute.

Support was generated for capital improvements, legacy priorities and VMI community activities. Cadet training has benefited from enhancements to Saunders Fields and Leadership Valley on North Post, as well as other training and sports fields; cadets, alumni and the general public benefit from support to the Stonewall Jackson House and an endowment for VMI Museum operations; and a major endowment for the Chaplains’ Office and its operation supports cadets in their daily lives and in times of personal stress.

Contributions made or pledged during the campaign will ensure VMI remains one of America’s best colleges and will allow the Institute to continue excelling among the nation’s niche of military colleges and fulfill the promise of Vision 2039.

VMI is more than a college one is proud to have attended; it is an asset that provides the strong, ethical leaders America needs today. No other school in the nation forges leaders in the manner that VMI does, and I would argue that the quality of our graduates validates our methods. Our graduates are individuals with their own strengths, all imbued with a sense of duty, a commitment to integrity and a keen understanding of honor.

The world is complex and changing at an exponential pace. Your support ensures the Institute is properly positioned to fulfill its mission to the nation and to cadets far into the future.

Our sincere thanks!

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Such Great Heights Nicolas P. Mari ’14 Hikes Mount Everest

by Elaine Wood, Assistant Editor

It’s all a mind game. That was the motivation pounding through the head of Nicolas P. “Nick” Mari ’14 as he took each labored breath and heavy step forward summiting Mount Everest. He also processed the thought that this wild adventure all began with a simple equation of Google, curiosity and wanderlust. “I had been climbing since I was 7 or 8 years old,” Mari explained. “A lot of vertical walls, lead climbing, indoor rock hinges and everything. The hiking of Everest is physically and mentally demanding – very much so – but not impossible.” He may have doubted his logic as his hands became so sunburnt on the mountainside that he couldn’t bear to bend his fingers, but it was the deeply trusted belief that hiking Everest would be so formative and outright life-changing for him that helped Mari remain determined to defeat one of the world’s most notorious climbs.

Although the idea to hike Everest leapt into his mind fairly nonchalantly, Mari prepared for his trek thoroughly. It was obvious that the responsibilities of day-to-day life and his career would be factors that he’d have to satisfy before leaving. Working full time, Mari was fortunate in the fact that his schedule resembled that of a nurse or doctor at a

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hospital – he worked 40 hours a week in the span of three to four days. “I actually took 33 days off [for the hike] but only took nine days of vacation total,” Mari highlighted. Knowing he didn’t want to let down the team he managed or disrupt his work too aggressively by his absence, he was able to proactively secure and train one of his employees to handle the work while he was away. Mari also owned a company on the side, so he followed suit and prepared another manager to control that company in his absence, as well.

With all the logistics squared away for home, Mari’s focus then turned to his physical preparation for the strenuous hike. It’s no hidden secret that Everest presents a demanding trek for a body to endure, but Mari was confident in his abilities. “Really, I was expecting the physical level to be more problematic.

Because, you know, it’s Mount Everest,” he joked. “But I was very confident in my abilities. I was in shape ... I didn’t even really think about the mental aspect.” Mari set his worries about his strength aside and instead focused on components of the hike that he couldn’t control – such as extreme altitude.

When researching the side effects of high altitude on the body, Mari quickly learned

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that they could be downright devastating. “I started researching lack of oxygen and started getting as lean as I possibly could, running a few miles a day and thinking, ‘Yeah, this is going to prepare me for no oxygen,’” stated Mari. Unfortunately, he later discovered his underestimation of just how grueling the effects of the altitude would be on his body.

Feeling ready for what awaited him and filled with an eagerness to begin his expedition, Mari secured a travel visa through the country of Nepal. To access Mount Everest, Mari explained that from the very get-go, you feel the danger of the scenario. “You fly into the world’s deadliest airport, Lukla. It’s the coolest thing in the world,” he jested. “You’re on the side of a mountain, the runway is on a 30 degree downward angle, and you think you’re going to crash until, at the last second, the pilot picks up the gear stick and lands ... I don’t know how. It’s absolutely incredible.” Elevation: 9,334 feet.

The first few days of the trip, Mari was with his expedition team. A blended mix of languages, ages and genders, they all became equals when faced against Everest and the journey ahead. But the beginning wasn’t that rough, according to Mari, as the expedition followed a set path that expanded over 80 miles through the villages of Phakding, Namche Bazar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorak Shep. “You would have,

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let’s say, 6 miles to hike, and 10 hours to go from one village to the next. So, you could be a stud and run there, but what’s the point, you know? Those [who] timed themselves and paced themselves ended up making it [to the destination],” he explained. During this stage of the hike, it was also common to spend time with the local people in quaint villages made up of no more than 30 people. These villagers provided the hikers with shelter in small tea houses they had built, which protected the hikers against the harsh elements as they steadily made their way to Everest Base Camp. As Mari explained, these villagers had extremely close ties to the mountainside on which they dwelled. “To the Sherpa, Everest is like a deity. You are climbing a god. Every morning, they wake up and pray to it,” Mari highlighted. The local villagers allowed guidance and a safe haven of peace temporarily with each stop. Mari explained that he felt his enthusiasm growing continuously, despite the challenge, during the beginning portion of the expedition. And he saw his determination prove successful, when roughly a week after beginning, he had reached his first significant destination of the trek: Everest Base Camp.

“We did it in about seven days, which is a moderate expedition. You can make it to Base Camp in three or four days, if you hate yourself,” he joked. Elevation: 17,600 feet.

Once Base Camp was reached, the villages

became fewer, the challenges heightened and the hikers began understanding that the rest of the expedition would prove just how deep one’s mental capacity for pain and tolerance could extend. “You’re not going to get lost and fall off the mountain,” explained Mari, “but once you reach Base Camp and start to really summit, that’s where it’s very dangerous to be on your own.” The 14-person group soon became half that size as the elements of the mountain weakened every person with each passing day. The simplest tasks, at high altitude, quickly became immense battles to overcome. “You literally had to take 10-15 minutes to get dressed or tie your shoes carefully, because your airway was so restricted,” Mari elaborated. “I almost passed out just trying to get ready in the morning. You really have to take your ego out of it and focus on yourself, and with every step, just keep going.”

Photo top opposite page: Everest Base Camp.

Bottom opposite page: Nick Mari ’14 five hours into a day’s hike after leaving Gorak Shep. He is pictured at an elevation of approximately 17,000 feet.

Bottom right: A monument to several climbers who died during their Everest expedition.

Bottom left: An overview of the route that Mari and his expedition team took to hike Mount Everest. Map courtesy G Adventures.

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With the inability to properly hydrate or nourish oneself comfortably, it’s certain that the immune system becomes compromised.

During the trek, this manifested itself through Mari’s expedition team all coming down with a stomach bug. He also explained that even sleeping was excruciating. Instead of being able to relax after a long day of hiking, when it came time to rest, he was faced with worrying about the lack of comfort that night brought with it on the mountain. “At night, you’re freezing, and it’s snowing. You have to get up and walk about 50 yards to a little hole in the ground five or six times a night [to use the bathroom], because you’re trying so hard to hydrate for the next day and just get enough water in your body,” highlighted Mari. “When all of these things are happening, it just weighs on you. During the day, it’ll feel like it’s 85 degrees out, and if you don’t put on SPF 100 sunscreen and don’t have olive skin, you get so sunburnt.” At one point, Mari was suffering so badly from lack of ability to eat and digest food that one of his Sherpa rushed into his tent to give him a shot of

Diamox concentrate in his leg to subside his uncontrollable dry-heaving. After that, Mari continued to use the drug to aid his ability to fuel his body. Regardless of every chaotic problem presented, Mari persisted. He was no stranger to a challenge and dug deep to find strength to push forward. When his expedition team amounted to only him and two Sherpa, he promised to push himself to the finish, despite how drained he was becoming, until they finally reached their destination.

Kala Patthar elevation: 18,514 feet.

With Kala Patthar settled directly west of the peak of Everest, Mari expressed immediately feeling an emotion that surprised him considerably: Disappointment. “During the expedition, I kept saying, ‘Just wait until Base Camp.’ And when I reached Base Camp, I said, ‘Just wait until you reach the summit’ ... and I looked at Everest, right in front of me, so close I felt I could touch it ... and felt nothing. Absolutely nothing.” But hindsight is 20/20, and Mari decided where the tension he felt originated. “When I got back from the trip,” he explained, “I went through – not a

depression – but I was depressed at myself for flying 21 hours to stand on this mountain and endure three weeks of misery. But, I realized you don’t go to Everest to find yourself. You have to find yourself before. You have to know yourself. Those [who] listened to their bodies, hearts and to their miserable minds ... those are the ones who got there. I knew I wasn’t ready yet.” In many ways, he understands this challenge because of a unique quality he believes stemmed from his past at VMI. He joked, “[VMI] really taught me how to put up with misery every day, and it helped with my mental capacity. And at VMI, you really learn to get close to the people around you, whether you like them or not. I didn’t necessarily click with the other people in my expedition, but in order to succeed, we had to build a relationship quickly, and VMI taught me to overcome the personal relationships in order to succeed as a whole.” He added that he’s not backing down. Mari is certain that what he learned about himself on the first hike will be the solid foundation needed for an even more impactful second trek.

A famous memorial and prayer site to Mount Everest, just past the Namche Bazar.

16

Vmi Alumni Review

Association News A Message From the President Greetings, Fellow Alumni and Friends of the Institute, By the time this reaches you, Founders Day will be upon us. The Agencies staff has been busy engaging alumni with a series of outstanding events in Colorado in conjunction with the Air Force game, and (in addition to candidates and parents) with rat send-offs and New Cadet Recruiting events across the country. I have had the pleasure of visiting post for Parents Weekend, two reunion weekends and traveled to Charleston, South Carolina, for events in conjunction with The Citadel football game. It is always great to gather with fellow alumni, parents and friends. I have also had the opportunity to address both the Parents Council and the 1st Class, the Class of 2018.

VMI produces citizen-soldiers; that has been the mission since inception. Tragically, we lost one of our own recently. Marine Corps Capt. Benjamin Cross ’13 was killed when the Osprey he was aboard crashed off the coast of Australia. An article about Capt. Cross includes words and pictures from his family and brother rats.

Louthan ’82

The Alumni Agencies Board was ratified by a vote of the Alumni Association at the fall board meeting. This completes several years of planning and work in support of the reorganization of the three Alumni Agencies and the transition of leadership to Stephen Maconi as Agencies chief executive officer.

Post is always busy during the fall with Matriculation, New Cadet Oath at New Market, Parents Weekend and reunions. The Classes of 1972, 1982, 1992, 2002, 2007, 2012 and 2016 returned to post for their celebrations and for brief moments staked their claim again as “best class in barracks.” Coverage of these events will appear in the 2018-Issue 1 Review.

In this Review, we highlight the conclusion of The Campaign for VMI, including a message from the superintendent. The campaign was a team success across the Agencies, the administration, classes and their class agents, local chapters, and participants ranging from parents and friends, the youngest alums and cadets to the senior members of the Old Corps. The Class of 1967 50th Reunion Campaign raised over $22 million, and the Class of 1992 raised $1.8 million for their 25th Reunion. Many capital improvements continue: The Clark King Pool is under renovation, a new floor adorns Crozet Hall, Cameron Hall has a new roof and barracks windows were renovated over the summer.

Absent the New Market Parade and graduation, nothing draws more people to post than an athletic event. VMI will again host the Southern Conference Indoor Track Championships, the VMI Winter Relays are coming back and women’s water polo is coming off a season nationally ranked. The basketball trip to Europe and the football trip to Colorado are unprecedented competitive (and cultural) opportunities for our cadet-athletes. I am always impressed by the talents and dedication of the coaches at VMI; we have assembled the right leaders for our teams at VMI, and the Keydet Club and the athletic department have worked together to create a sound financial foundation for the future of athletics. And as the result, our VMI cadet-athletes, who live under the VMI system – a rigorous academic curriculum, and the only remaining single sanction Honor Code at a public college in America – are the best student-athletes anywhere in the country.

I look forward to seeing many of you on post for Founders Day as VMI turns 178. John T.L. Preston, Claudius Crozet and Francis H. Smith would not recognize VMI today, but they would surely be very proud.

In the bonds,

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

2017-Issue 4

17

Association News

Charlotte Chapter Gathers for Old Corps Luncheon The Charlotte Chapter gathered for an Old Corps luncheon in May 2017.

Hampton Roads Alumni Host Networking Event On July 20, 2017, the VMI young alumni of Hampton Roads hosted a networking event at O’Connor Brewing Company in Norfolk, Virginia. The event was organized by Sean Hingley ’07 and Andrew Stone ’05 and allowed the 15 current cadets and alumni in attendance the opportunity to connect and share their experiences with one another.

Hawaii Chapter Hosts Rat Send-off The Hawaii Chapter hosted a rat send-off July 1, 2017, at the Hale Koa Hotel. Pictured at the event were, from left, Bryan and Tracy Bergman, parents of incoming 4th Class Cadet Evan Bergman; Leanne and Chris Floom ’98; and Cheryl and Russ Takata ’74.

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VMI Alumni Review

Association News

Southern Florida and Treasure Coast Chapters Gather

On March 25, 2017, the Southern Florida and Treasure Coast Chapters got together for their first dual-chapter event.

Pictured at the event were Jarrett Brown ’04, Seth Parker ’05, Tom Myers ’63, Scott Houser ’98, Walt Chalkley ’72, Jim Zepko ’96, Bill Bouck ’68, Vernon Turner ’66, Bob Sparks ’69, Don Carson ’64 and Richard Lindquist ’61.

Tampa Area Alumni Gather for New Market Day Pictured at Hula Bay Restaurant in Tampa Bay, Florida, gathered for New Market Day were, from left, Betty and Phil Valenti ’66, Grace and Bob Bailey ’72, and Pam and Denny Sullivan ’72. Sullivan, a former linebacker, was presented with a book by Roland Lazenby ’74, “Best Regrets – VMI’s John McKenna and the Lost Age of College Football.”

2017-Issue 4

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Association News

New Market Day Gathering Held at Parris Island

A New Market Day gathering was held by the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in May 2017. Pictured were, from left, Col. James Stone ’92, Capt. Alan Keith ’09, Capt. Christopher Kenney ’11, 1st Lt. Jack Boswell ’12, Capt. Asia Pastor ’10 and Col. Matthew St. Clair ’89.

Right: Pictured were, from left, Col. Matthew St. Clair ’89, Capt. Asia Pastor ’10, 1st Lt. Jack Boswell ’12, Capt. Alan Keith ’09, Capt.

Christopher Kenney ’11 and Col. James Stone ’92. Stationed but not pictured was Capt.

William Truscott ’11.

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VMI Alumni Review

Association News

Rat Send-off held at the Boys Home of Virginia A spontaneous mini rat send-off occurred at the Boys Home of Virginia May 5, 2017, when VMI alumni met incoming 4th Class Cadet Sequoia Nightfeather. Pictured were, from left, Donnie Wheatley ’70, executive director of the Boys Home; P.X. English ’73, former trustee; Nightfeather; and Steve Lane ’73, trustee.

Present but not pictured was Jim Vest ’62.

Western Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Chapter Hosts New Market Day Dinner The Western Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Chapter hosted a New Market Day commemoration dinner in May 2017. The guest speaker for the dinner was Thomas A. Brashears ’95, chief operating officer and director of alumni outreach of the VMI Alumni Association. Pictured at the dinner were Adam Love ’01, Bruce Seiling ’62, John Jordan ’63 and guest Elaine Herald, Tom Gelles ’80, Kelly Allan, Robert Allan ’07, Brashears, and Allan Berenbrok ’80.

Wilmington Chapter Hosts Old Corps Breakfast

The Wilmington Chapter celebrated New Market Day with an Old Corps breakfast at the Boat House Restaurant. Present at the event were Dick Stone ’61, Ed Powers ’46, Tim Underwood ’68, Henry Brown ’60, George Myers ’79, Tom Tolbert ’66, Bill Corr ’58, Doug Huthwaite ’73, Gregory Griffith ’72, Bill Dunlop ’72, Bob Nolley ’57, Bob Schmalzriedt ’68 and John Gangemi ’61.

2017-Issue 4

21

Association News

Lighton ’15 Joins VMIAA Staff as Program Outreach Coordinator

Lighton ’15

Tyler “T.J.” Lighton ’15 joined the VMI Alumni Association staff as program outreach coordinator in June 2017. In this role, he is responsible for assisting in the coordination of annual rat send-offs, New Cadet Recruiting events, Legacy Day and programs to further engage the Alumni Association Board of Directors and alumni.

Lighton matriculated from Chesapeake, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, rhetoric and humanistic studies with a minor in writing with concentrations in philosophy and literary studies from VMI. In his final year as a cadet, he served as the first development intern for the VMI Foundation.

He expressed his excitement about being back on post and working with familiar faces to further engage the VMI alumni, family and friends.

Thomas A. Brashears ’95, chief operating officer and director of alumni outreach of the VMI Alumni Association, stated, “I have known T.J. since his earliest days as a cadet. He brings an unbridled passion for what we do here in the Association, and that will be called upon frequently. He has already made great strides in expanding our outreach efforts, and I expect that only to grow. I could not be happier that T.J. has decided to join our team.”

Lighton was a cadet-athlete, competing on the NCAA baseball team all five years of his cadetship. He also served as the secretary for Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society; was a mentor to inbound recruits; and was an academically distinguished graduate. Lighton previously worked as an operations manager at the Target Upstream Distribution Center in Suffolk, Virginia. He believes that his communication and organization skills, developed during his time managing a large team in a dynamic, start-up environment, will contribute to his success with the VMI Alumni Association. “I really look forward to serving as an influence that could lead someone to their decision to attend VMI. Additionally, I am excited to work with our alumni chapters to find ways to further promote VMI to prospective cadets, their parents, coaches, counselors and other folks who play a role in a student’s college choice.”

Lighton’s interests include spending time with family and friends, playing sports/exercising, and watching Orioles baseball, Redskins football and Wizards basketball.

Save the Date: Legacy Day

April 14, 2018

Please contact T.J. Lighton ’15, program outreach coordinator, at tlighton@vmiaa.org.

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Jonathan M. Daniels 1961 Seminary Scholarship Doctor G. Lee Southard ’59 and his family established the Jonathan M. Daniels 1961 Seminary Scholarship in 1985. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist VMI graduates pursuing an advanced degree leading to Protestant Christian ministry.

The scholarship is named in honor of Jonathan M. Daniels ’61, who, after graduating from VMI, followed a call to ministry and entered seminary.

For more information, applications and instructions, please contact Mary Cannon, administrative assistant in the VMI Chaplains’ Office, at cannonml@vmi.edu. The degree pursued must lead to service as a pastor or military chaplain in Protestant ministry. The deadline for submitting the application is July 15 of each year. Scholarships are awarded in August.

VMI Alumni Review

Association News

VMI versus the U.S. Air Force Academy Weekend

by Elaine Wood, Assistant Editor The VMI Alumni Association hosted a VMI versus the U.S. Air Force Academy weekend in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 2017. The weekend-long festivities kicked off with a New Cadet Recruiting event held Thursday night at the Broadmoor Resort. In attendance were 12 prospective cadets for the night’s presentation given by T.J. Lighton ’15, VMI Alumni Association program outreach coordinator. Roughly 20 alumni were present to support the effort, allowing the opportunity for each prospective cadet to ask alumni questions and learn more about life at the Institute. Lighton remarked, “This event served as a way not just to recruit prospective cadets, but also to arm the alumni who came with current information that will enable them to be more informed advocates in their respective communities. It was a great start to our recruiting season.”

Friday offered an abundance of activities for guests to enjoy. In the morning, a golf outing was hosted at the Kissing Camels Golf Course, allowing alumni to enjoy a scenic course with breathtaking views of the Garden of the Gods. Later in the evening, upwards of 175 alumni attended an exciting pep rally generously hosted by Todd Baldwin ’06 at his brewery, Red Leg Brewing Company. The VMI band was in attendance to hype up the crowd further after encouraging remarks were given by guest speaker Scott Wachenheim, head football coach.

Game day arrived quickly Saturday morning, with the VMIAA hosting a tailgate just outside Falcon Stadium. An estimated 360 alumni and friends attended the tailgate in support of the Keydets. The band was once again on scene to enliven the crowd, along with Red Leg Brewing Company and an incredible spread of barbecue provided by a local catering company.

At the conclusion of the action-packed weekend, Thomas A. Brashears ’95, chief operating officer and director of alumni outreach of the VMI Alumni Association, stated, “We always want to take full advantage of any opportunity we have to engage with alumni and friends of VMI. The series of events we supported out in Colorado Springs brought more than 400 people out in support of VMI, at a location thousands of miles from the Institute. We look forward to hosting more events like these going forward.”

2017-Issue 4

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Association News

24

VMI Alumni Review

CLASS NOTES

1935

Richard H. Knight Jr. ’70

Greetings to the VMI nation from the Class of 1935!

Unfortunately, we begin this column on a sad note. Jim Sherman’s wife, Peggy, died unexpectedly in early summer. Her death is a grievous loss for Jim. Over the years, I spoke with Peggy on many occasions. It was a privilege to know this charming lady in the twilight of her years.

Jim Sherman is the Institute’s oldest living alumnus! When I began writing this column, Jim was not even in the top 25, but eventually, he entered the list; now he has worked his way to the top. The Class of ’35 has been “heard from today,” 82 years after graduation. Rah! (A tip of the kepi to the Alumni Review staff for their diligent work in confirming Jim’s status.)

Class agents will tell you that they meet the nicest people. That is so true. For example, out of the blue, I received a nice email from Bob Nussey ’63, whose father, Frank Nussey, was a member of the class.

Bob recalled that his father, Frank, lived long enough to see Bob’s son, Robert T. Nussey Jr. ’86, graduate. Bob said that he enjoyed the class notes. I appreciate that, Bob. Thanks for writing.

I heard from Eddie Arnold’s three sons, Dr. Tom, Walter and Bruce. They wrote to thank me for scanning and emailing the class notes to them, and they asked to be remembered to Jim Sherman. Thanks for writing, gentlemen. Your dad was one of the best.

December marks the 80th anniversary of the fall of Nanking, China. I want to take a moment to recognize Capt. “I” Chang who, together with his entire rifle company, fought to the last man.

I had not heard from Jane Ferrell (William Barksdale Ferrell) in a while, so I called her. Jane’s son, Tuck, answered.

Tuck told me that Jane, 99, was feeling fine but had decided to give up driving!

2017-Issue 4

We turned to family ancestry, as these conversations often do, and Tuck told me that his grandfather was William Warren Ferrell ’908. His great-uncle was William Peter Barksdale ’886. That struck a chord, because I remembered that one of James Cowan Meem II’s many VMI ancestors was Hugh Garland Meem ’886. VMI is represented by so many distinguished families. Thanks for the great call, Tuck.

While I was thinking of Jim Sherman’s extraordinary accomplishment, I paused to think of my own ancestor, Oscar Mansfield Knight ’842, a graduate of VMI’s first class. Uncle Oscar was the brother of my great-great-grandfather, and the family lived at Clairmont in Lunenburg County, Virginia. He entered Confederate service in 1861 and was a captain in the 9th Virginia Cavalry.

Uncle Oscar was a physician by profession, but after the war, he abandoned his medical practice forever, disillusioned that modern medicine could do so little to mitigate the suffering he witnessed on the battlefield. In 1901, Uncle Oscar lost his last brother rat, and from that point on until his death in 1918 – 17 years later – he was both the sole survivor of VMI’s first class and the Institute’s oldest living alumnus.

Oscar Mansfield Knight spanned the nation’s history. At his birth, James Monroe was president. At his death, World War I

was over and, in Newport News, a young boy, Jim Sherman, was preparing for life’s long adventure.

Thank you for your continuing interest in the Class of 1935. We look forward to seeing you in February 2018.

Best wishes, Dick Knight ’70

1938

Cody Hennelly ’10

To the masses, Greeting from the Class of 1938! As I sit here to write this, some 500-plus young men and women are preparing to sign the Matriculation book, thus taking the road less traveled. This year will mark the Class of 1938’s 80th anniversary of graduating from VMI. That is incredible to think.

Unfortunately, Mr. Johnson and I could never find the right time to catch up. But, that is probably because he is tearing up the local scene and too busy to be slowed down. As always, I know he wants to wish all of you the very best through the fall and into the holidays. I know he would also like to congratulate the incoming rat class on a decision that will forever impact your lives. A message to the Corps: To the 3rd Class cadets, strain! To the 2nd Class cadets, you are almost there; enjoy Ring Figure and stay out of trouble. And finally, 1st Class cadets, enjoy your last year of college; there will be nothing like it again in your life. Mizpah.

The Old Corps lives on, Henry and Cody

1939

Frank Parker III ’64

Class of 1935: Jim Sherman, the Institute’s senior man.

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 1939.

25

Class Notes

1940

Robert Smith

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 1940.

1941

Stuart Seaton Jr. ’73

Since the publication of the last Alumni Review, it gives me great pleasure to announce that during the month of May 2017, the then-surviving four brother rats were given credit for contributing $3,600 to the VMI Foundation. This is particularly noteworthy, since it acknowledges a 100 percent participation gifting rate for the fourth quarter 2017.

Congratulations to those four brother rats for making that level of commitment and for attaining that milestone.

On June 5, 2017, final taps was played for Alfred “Al” Rooklin. Mr. Rooklin served in the U.S. Army from May 1942 until December 1945 and served with Patton’s 3rd Army in all the campaigns across northern Europe. Mr. Rooklin is survived by his wife, Mary Rooklin, of Lexington, Virginia, and daughter, Linda Petrulias. Mr. Rooklin was interred in the Stonewall Jackson Cemetery in Lexington.

Jack Williams says he continues to keep busy mowing grass on his zero-turn mower and likes to relax by reading a good book.

When he learned I live in Williamsburg, Virginia, he recalled his visit in 1941 when Williamsburg was nothing more than a group of building foundations. Mr. Williams is in good health and sends his best to his rat roommate, Chuck Abbitt.

Robert “Bob” Maling sends his best and always enjoys his visits from his son, Bob Maling Jr. ’73. When I called Col. Maling, his son (my brother rat) was visiting, and I was told they both had gone out the night before, 26

bought a couple margaritas and toasted both the Classes of ’41 and ’73. What a wonderful tradition these two share with one another.

Charles “Chuck” Abbitt continues to deal with glaucoma and stated that, at 97 years of age, one tends to go from one ailment to the next. Even with that, he seemed to be in pretty good spirits when I spoke with him.

Stuart Seaton Jr. ’73, acting class agent

1942

Charles B. Miller

Bob Goodman and his wife, Natalie, celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary Aug. 22, 2017. Both lifelong Texans, they have two sons and a daughter, and I forgot to find out about grandchildren and great-grands. In recent years, they have lived in three retirement communities and are happy with their current location in Austin, because it allows Bob and his wife, who has Alzheimer’s, to share an assisted living apartment. Bob also started the community’s poker club and, inspired by his grandchildren, its Wii bowling group.

Over the years, Fred Love’s cottage at Beech Mountain, North Carolina, has been the site of memorable reunions of brother rats, especially Fred’s roommates in 448: George Esser, Gabe Horne, Willoughby Williams and Jed Wilson. Jim McDonough and Harry and Jody Siebert were also frequent guests. Last summer, Fred put the cottage up for sale but is keeping his five-bedroom house in Delray Beach, Florida. One reason, he says, is to welcome visits from his family, which, as of last August, consisted of “four children, eight grands, and five and a fraction greatgrands.” Between visits, he is thankful for Facebook. He lives alone and has someone to prepare his evening meal, do shopping, etc. “The rest of the time, I use my good eyes to read and watch TV.” Jack Patton enjoys living in his apartment in a retirement community in Bridgewater, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley.

He also gets a kick out of scooting around on a scooter provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

I was glad to see the great photo of Jack, Harry Siebert and me at our 75th Reunion in April.

My wife, Mary Easterly, and I made it to Virginia Beach in August to spend some time with my two daughters and two of three grandchildren, as well as two of Mary’s four children, three of her 13 grandchildren and eight of her 17 (!) greats. We all managed to fit, at different times, into the beach cottage that I have rented for about 30 years. It has a wonderful screened porch where you can hear the ocean and the jets streaming overhead. It’s also a great place for a competitive family game of Rummikub.

The Alumni Review used to list the 25 oldest VMI alumni. The previous issue listed the 10 most senior living alumni.

Two of our brother rats made that list: Lloyd L. Leech Jr., born Dec. 12, 1919, and Harry J. Siebert, born Jan. 25, 1920.

The youngest of our six remaining classmates is Dr. Fred Love, a mere 95.

1943

Jeffrey G. Smith

genjeffrey@aol.com

I sadly report the death of our Brother Rat John Halsey, my good friend, May 23, 2017. John was a retired businessman.

Seems it was just the other day (it was in 2011) that I reported John’s beloved wife, Judy, had died.

For those interested in class statistics, here are a few tidbits to add to the mix. Although we came about it different ways and the names don’t always match, the VMI Alumni Association stated to me that of those who matriculated in September 1939 (the original Class of 1943), 22 survive. A skinny platoon’s worth.

The Alumni Association lists the following eight matriculants of September 1939 who recently came to light as having VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes entered VMI. Somehow, the alumni had lost track of them: Boatwright (one year), Boyd (two months), Copeland (two years), Hoover (two years), Knowles (two years), McKenzie (two years), William Miller (three months, 10 days). Hey, brother rats, do any of those names ring a bell?

I caught Dick Catlett as he was going somewhere or other. He was in good voice, and he didn’t have time to report any ailments, of which he is (I hope) thankfully free.

I spoke briefly to Judy Winter as she was taking Bill (Winter) for a pacemaker checkup. I assume it was one of those routine exams that all of us who wear those things undergo.

As for me, your class agent, I am hanging in there (pacemaker, et al). I am thankful for each of my days! As I am sure each of you are!

1944

Tom L. Peyton Jr.

Our Brother Rat Jim Doss died June 2, 2017. Jim was born July 14, 1922, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Valentine Doss of Virginia Beach, Virginia. An interesting note is that he and Bob “Egypt” Jones were lifelong friends, attending schools together kindergarten through grade 12, VMI Class of 1944, of course, and died within a few months of each other. Jim represented our class at Egypt’s funeral. Jim was a member of Company D at the Institute and entered on active Army duty, with most of the members of the class, May 10, 1943. After basic training, he briefly returned to the Institute under the Army Specialized Training Program before moving on to Officer Candidate School. Jim was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the field artillery in 1944. He served in Europe, receiving battle stars for the Rhineland and Central Europe Campaigns; and participated in the Occupation of Germany. He was promoted to first lieutenant before returning to the U.S. in 1946. He then reenrolled in VMI, 2017-Issue 4

graduating with many of his classmates in June 1947. Jim received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He was employed by several industrial firms in Virginia in sales and management, retiring in 1984 as manager of systems analysis of Burlington Industries. Jim made Lexington his home for many years but, several years ago, moved to Ark, Virginia, to be close to his daughter.

Jim was predeceased by his wives, Mary Sue Hibbs Doss, Kathleen Cole Doss and Beatrice Barger Doss; and son, John Doss.

He is survived by four children, James V. Doss III, Mary Ellen Lackes, Stuart Doss and Robert Doss, and three grandchildren.

A graveside service was held June 17 at Stonewall Jackson Cemetery, Lexington, Virginia.

Our late Brother Rat Alex Munroe’s daughter, Cameron Pratt, recently advised me of the death of her mother, Maryann Munroe, 94, May 20, 2017, at her home at Port Aransas, Texas. Maryann was born Maryann Haucke Nov. 4, 1922, in Maysville, Kentucky. She was 21 at the time of the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor. She had recently graduated from nursing school, and the attack sealed her decision to become an Army nurse. In 1944, she was a lieutenant in charge of several hospital wards at Fort Knox, Kentucky. It was in one of those wards she met a patient named Alex Munroe, a corporal whom she would start dating after he became a second lieutenant. Both went on to other assignments. Maryann went to England in August and helped set up a military hospital at Blandford, Dorset. Alex, who was also serving in the European Theater, visited her in March 1945. He asked her to marry him. She accepted, but they agreed to a later marriage date. That event took place Aug. 24, 1946, at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. They would remain married for 64 years, ending with Alex’s death in 2010. Maryann is survived by her daughter, Cameron Pratt and husband Rick Pratt, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. On a personal note, I was also a patient at the same Fort Knox hospital after becoming ill with spinal meningitis. Maryann was one of my nurses, so I have always followed their marriage with special interest and appreciation.

News from my nine surviving brother rats has been pretty thin lately, so I dug into the Class of 1944 archives to close out these notes. This following item was written by Lee Nichols years ago, recalling events during the days of our cadetship and military wartime service. (Slightly edited for clarity.)

Our good humor followed us away from VMI when nearly all of us were called to active military service in May 1943. Our Brother Rat T.C. Wilson had been in an auto accident during our 2nd Class summer furlough, knocking out all of his upper front teeth and resulting in the need for a removable false teeth plate. At Fort Riley, Kansas, where we went for basic training, we were marched to the firing range one day to train in the use of the rifle grenade.

Rifle grenades (different from hand grenades) were designed to be mounted on the muzzle of an M-1 rifle using a special adapter. Using a special cartridge, the rifle was fired, propelling the grenade to the target where the grenade exploded. The advantage of this weaponry was to extend the range beyond that possible of the handthrown grenade. Our lieutenant in charge of the training that day warned us of the danger of the rifle kicking sharply, with the risk of knocking out our front teeth if we put our face too close to the receiver of the rifle when firing the grenade – especially from the prone position. T.C. took out his teeth, fired his grenade, then jumped up showing his empty gums and said, “Hey, lieutenant, look!” That almost ruined the lieutenant’s day, because he shouted, “Cease fire,” and marched us back to the barracks, where T.C. smiled (with teeth). Fortunately, the lieutenant had a great sense of humor.

Rah Virginia Mil.

1945

William Quarles

In 1943, like so many other cadets, James (Jim) Lewter left VMI and joined the Army during World War II. After completing 27

Class Notes in barracks. Both were earnestly Medic Corps training, Jim was asdevoted to their World War II sersigned to various posts throughout vice – Phil as an Army doctor and the China Burma India Theater.

Bobby as a Marine on Iwo Jima, China Burma India Theater was one of the longest and toughest a World War II operation wherebattlegrounds of the war that inby U.S. forces worked closely spired the flag raising statue that with Allied air and land forces in serves as a Marine memorial in China, Burma and India. While Arlington. supporting these medical faI dearly wish I had some happy cilities, primarily in the lab, Jim news to report, but I haven’t remade lifelong friends. Today, he ceived any, and I learned a long continues to stay in touch with time ago that “no news is good a special friend, Curt Ross from news” is a false assumption. No Maryland. One of Jim’s fondest news is just that – no news. So, memories during that time was send me some good news! seeing an USO show, featuring Until next time, take care and Jinx Falkenburg. He still has the Class of 1945: James Lewter with his three great-granddaughters. write! photo of him, Jinx and Curt.

Bill After returning stateside following the war, Jim married Louise War- for Jim and interesting conversations with ner in 1951 and finished his college educa- his family. Jim continues to follow VMI, tion at the Wharton School of Economics. especially during the football season. Guy Professionally, Jim had a long, successful keeps him updated on the games scores Lionel T. Wolford career with Shell Oil, which transferred throughout the fall. Jim also enjoys the him to New Orleans, New York and fi- quarterly Alumni Review and receiving upnally, Houston. Luanne and Lynda, his dates about his brother rats. two daughters, were born during that time.

Brother Rats, After 28 years of service, Jim finally retired I hope you all had a great summer and fall and moved with his wife to Clarksville, Virseason. This report will be submitted about ginia, near his hometown of Chase City. William A. Eliason two weeks before VMI’s opening football Lou died in 1992, and Jim stayed to care game against the U.S. Air Force Academy for his mother. Almost 15 years later, Jim in Colorado Springs. Hopefully, you will decided to live close to one of his daughread this near the end of the football season. ters, Luanne, and her husband, Guy, in This month, I have the sad duty to report My daughter, Ann, who lives near Colorado Roswell.

Currently, Jim is doing well but having the deaths of our Brother Rats Phil Reitz Springs in the Denver area, wanted me to make the trip for the game, golf tournament difficulty getting around. He resides in Al- July 25 and Bob Williamson July 28.

Phil was my roommate for our 3rd Class and other weekend festivities. I feel lucky to pharetta, Georgia, in an assisted living facility close to his family. Luanne and Guy visit year and a great, good friend ever since. get into the car, drive to the club and struggle regularly, sometimes surprising him with Phil and his lovely, effervescent wife, through six or seven holes. I thought that flytheir big dog, Kallie. Wednesday evenings Joanne, were always a joy to Carol and me ing to Denver, trying to play 18 holes, tailare quite special for them, as they routinely at our reunions and in many phone calls in gating, etc., was too much for me. I declined the invitation, but I believe she will represent have dinner together. Jim also has three between.

I remember Bobby as a happy-go-lucky oc- ’48B at the tailgate party and football game. great-granddaughters who live nearby and provide fun and laughter to his life. Jim’s cupant of the southwest tower, which seemed According to the odds, VMI has a 4 percent other daughter, Lynda, lives in Texas with the gathering place for most of our class com- chance of winning.

The VMI versus the Air Force Academy her husband and tries to visit as often as she ics, (Zack Dameron and Bob Murray, to game did cause me to think about the origins name a couple), and as a result, I remember can. of Air Force ROTC at VMI. When we were Recently, Jim’s son-in-law, Guy, found a him always with a smile on his face.

To my thinking, Phil and Bobby so typi- rats in 1944, I thought our Air Force was the cache of letters Jim wrote to his mother during his service overseas in CBI. Reading a cally represented the mystique of our Class Army Air Corps. Actually, the Army Air few of these letters every Wednesday night of ’46 in our total VMI camaraderie and loy- Corps was designated as the Army Air Force during dinner has sparked great memories alty despite greatly abbreviated association in 1941 with no change until 1947. In 1942,

1948B

1946

28

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes the advanced portion of the ROTC program at VMI was suspended, and only the basic program was available to ’48B in 1944. In 1945, shortly after the end of the war, the advanced program for artillery, cavalry and infantry was reinstated at VMI. In 1946, before the beginning of our 1st Class year, an Army Air Force ROTC program was initiated at VMI. Company D, under Cadet Capt. Albie Barksdale, was named the Army Air Force company. The U.S. Air Force was established as a separate service Sept. 18, 1947. The Air Force Academy was established with 306 new cadets at a temporary site, Lowry Air Force Base, in Denver in 1954. According to Sonny Laine, recent graduates of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and VMI were used to indoctrinate the first 306 cadets in 1955. The permanent site at Colorado Springs was occupied in 1958.

Several members of our class entered the Air Force through VMI ROTC or West Point programs. They were: Col. G.W. Bell (West Point), Maj. L.J. Adams, Lt. Col. J.M. Bower, Capt. J.B. Gorman, 1st Lt. H.D. Hamner, 1st Lt. H.F. Kempsell, 2nd Lt. F.J. Lawson, 1st Lt. C.R. Nixon, 1st Lt. R.N. Scarlata, Capt. O.F. Slayton, Capt. H.C. Jones, Capt.

A.D. Violette , Lt. Col. J.M. Warrington, Lt. Col. R.E. Weaver, Capt. J.D. Wilson, Col. Ned McDonold and 1st Lt. T.M. Watson.

Four of these, Adams, Gorman, Jones and Wilson, were medical doctors.

I do have a story about Lt. Col. Weaver from our rat year. It was in December 1944 and concerned a military science course on compass reading. The ground was partly snow-covered. About 30 of us were loaded onto an Army truck after dark and driven to an open field. We were divided into twoman teams, one of which was Weaver and Wolford.

The instructor, Capt. H.W. Ellerson ’39, gave each team a sheet of paper describing a course of about five legs of so many paces at an assigned azimuth. At a signal, all teams started from the same point in the pitch-black darkness. Weaver and I were unsure of our ability but did the best we could. For about five minutes, things were not bad, because we could hear other teams struggling just as we were. As we progressed, sounds of other 2017-Issue 4

teams diminished, and then complete silence.

After 15 or 20 minutes, we completed the course. No one was around, and we heard nothing. We believed we had made a mistake and were completely lost. At long last, we saw a figure with a flashlight approaching. It was Capt. Ellerson. He asked, “Is this where you finished?” We replied, “Yes, sir; we are glad you found us.” He stooped down to look where we were standing on a little bush.

Behind the bush, less than 2 feet away, was a little stake. We got a 9.8, the highest grade in the class! I have no idea what Lt. Col. Weaver did in the Air Force, but if he was a navigator, I’ll bet he was a good one.

As we began our second semester of 3rd Class year in July 1945, I learned that each ’48B was to select two dykes from the incoming Class of ’49B. Perhaps I got the two best.

First, I met a young Texan, B.R. Kristenson ’49B, and asked him to be my dyke. He accepted. Bobby spent two years at VMI, transferred to Rice University and graduated. He went on to Southern Methodist University, where he earned a master’s degree in theology and became a Methodist minister. Bobby served in combat in Korea, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for valor and the Purple Heart.

Second, as I observed a group of ’49Bs walking in the Rat Line, one stepped out as he approached me and said, “I’m from New Iberia.” The young man had a bright smile and confident look on his face. New Iberia, Louisiana, is the “big” town about 10 miles from my hometown. I was familiar with New Iberia, because that is where all the pretty girls lived. I married Marion Dolan from New Iberia in 1948. The young man was Alonzo Walter ’49B, and I asked him to be my dyke. He accepted. We became very good friends and, during our mutual time at VMI, did many things together.

Alonzo received an Air Force commission through VMI ROTC in 1949 and, after flight training, received his wings in 1950. He was assigned to the Fourth Fighter Group in Korea, which was commanded by the very famous World War II and Korean War Ace, Col. Gabby Gabreski. During World War II, Col. Gabreski was one of the very few pilots to shoot down more enemy planes than Eddie Rickenbaker did in World War I. Alonzo

flew 48 combat missions – many as Col. Gabreski’s wing man. As most know, Alonzo went on to become the first Air Force ROTC graduate of VMI to attain the rank of general officer.

Alonzo’s daughter, Terry, also joined the Air Force, after graduating from Louisiana State University. Later, she met and married an Air Force Academy graduate, Dan Gabreski, Col. Gabby Gabreski’s son. As Terry Gabreski, she became an Air Force lieutenant general. Not too long ago, Alonzo and Terry received significant honors from VMI. I last saw Alonzo in 1984 at Victor’s Café in New Iberia, where I had the honor of meeting his lovely wife, Doris.

Sonny Laine reported on two brother rats he met while in the Marine Corps. The first was W.S. Peebles from Lawrenceville, Virginia, who left VMI after one year and later graduated from the University of North Carolina. He is listed as a U.S. Military Reserve captain.

The second was Larry Howard, whom Tommy Tucker and I visited in Nashville in 1947. We all knew that Larry graduated but was dismissed from the ROTC program because of a rifle problem. No one talked of this, nor did Larry reveal his future plans to us.

Apparently, soon after our visit, Larry enlisted in the Marine Corps as a private and went through basic training. He applied for Officer Candidate School, was accepted and earned his commission as a Marine second lieutenant. Later, Sonny Laine met Larry in Korea in 1953. At that time, Capt. Larry Howard commanded a Marine Artillery Battery. After the Korean War, Sonny and Larry were stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Larry was married, and the couple lived in a beach house where Sonny was a frequent visitor. On a personal note, I knew Larry to be a very good bridge player. I partnered with him a few times at VMI in 1946. During the 1970s, the American Contract Bridge League listed Larry in the top 100 bridge players in America.

Sonny also reported that he contacted Billy Guin, who was in good health, but Nancy was not well. Billy was planning a trip to Virginia.

In June, I received a call from Regina Gertsman. She had only recently learned of 29

Class Notes Chi Mills’ passing in February and wanted more information. She mentioned that Paul Applin and Chi were roommates at VMI and lifelong friends. She made a donation to the Keydet Club to honor Chi in Paul’s name. Thanks, Regina. Keep in touch.

In July, I received a call from Rod Kallgren in Dearborn, Michigan. I reported on a letter from Rod in the 2017-Issue 1 Alumni Review. Let me add to Rod’s biography. He left VMI in 1945 to serve in the Army Chemical Warfare Branch. He was stationed in the Denver area and was assigned the task of disposing of a large quantity of artillery shells containing mustard gas. Later, he was sent through the Panama Canal to the Philippines. There, he was part of a small group who confiscated and disposed of all the chemical weapons from the disbanded Japanese Army of Occupation.

He returned to VMI and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1949. He went to work for Allied, eloped with Jean and was called to active duty as a lieutenant for Korean War service. When he and Jean realized they could not collect the monthly quarters and rations allowance that the Army paid to married officers, they decided to make their secret marriage public. Rod went through the Artillery School at Fort Sill and was assigned to the 1st Observation Battalion in Korea.

Rod was an excellent “scratch” golfer even when he was quite young. In those days, he had experience as a caddy for the legendary Sammy Snead. While in Tokyo on R&R leave from Korea, he looked up an Army friend who was assigned to the U.S. Embassy. The friend took Rod to play golf on one of the very, very few golf courses in Japan.

He remembers the caddies, who were teenage Japanese girls, conversing in Japanese, not realizing that Rod’s friend was fluent in their language.

Now, the purpose of Rod’s phone call.

He called my attention to an article on the front page of the July 24, 2017, issue of The Detroit Times. It described a hole-in-one on the sixth hole of the Dearborn Hills Golf Course by a 90-year-old gentleman, Rod Kallgren, playing with his son, Chris Kallgren. This was Rod’s eighth hole-in-one.

The first was at the Fort Sill golf course in 30

1951 and was for his wife, Jean. (Incidentally, George Ramsey and I played several rounds together on that course in 1950.) The next six holes-in-one that Rod made were for each of his six sons. The last one at Dearborn Hills was for himself. Way to go, Rod! I learned from honorary Brother Rat Tommy Smith ’98 that Brother Rat Howard Smith of Marlin, Texas, died Aug. 5, 2017.

At VMI, Howard and I had classes together and studied together. I valued his friendship and had great respect for his study habits, energy and determination. Howard graduated from VMI in 1948 with a Bachelor of Science degree (pre-med) and Johns Hopkins University in 1952 with a Doctor of Medicine degree. He did his internship and residency at the University of Michigan.

Since I was at Michigan in 1957, we probably missed each other by a year. He returned to Marlin and joined his father at Torbett Hospital, where he was chief of staff for 30 years. He also served at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Waco. He married Patricia Ann Thomas in 1962. He told me how great she was. Howard had a wonderful life filled with great accomplishments, such as Sports Car Club of America racing and flying his Mooney. He is survived by his wonderful wife, Pat; two sons; and five grandchildren.

1949A

James Harrington

Access to and from our home on Bald Head Island is by passenger ferry. On the way to catch the boat for my weekly shopping trip, a passerby noticed my hat with the VMI insignia and stopped me to introduce himself as being from the Class of ’72. This safari-style hat attracts attention! I bought it from our friends of ’49B, who had a surplus of hats leftover at our last reunion. My wife, Ann, modified the “B” to an “A,” and I wear it frequently on my trips around and off the island. On a recent boat trip, it caught the attention of a young Marine who was Class of ’17. He was visiting his parents on

the island just after graduation, and we had a pleasant visit. Last week, on a periodic visit to our dermatologist, we were greeted

by Dr. Gerald “Jerry” Burnett ’62, who has recently washed ashore in our neighboring town. There are more VMI visitors here than I realized. I should keep a log, if I could remember the names. As you know, I’m much older than these young visitors.

This from Herb Johnston: “Again, as in the past, we don’t have much in the way of exciting happenings here in Columbus. The most important thing is that we are still living in our own home with lots of help from outsiders – especially health care experts – including vets, family and friends. Our one big event during this last quarter was the graduation of our one and only grandchild from the University of California at Santa Barbara. She has joined the job-hunting crowd and has several early opportunities.

I’m still in a Battelle investing club and a weekly lunch group, but our numbers are getting smaller all the time. I also have been involved with the investigation of loop technology to help people who use hearing aids in large-space areas, like a church. It looks very promising. I have used it in our house.

Hopefully, we will have interesting football and basketball seasons at The Ohio State University this year. We have a new coach in basketball and not a lot of good freshman in this year’s program. However, football looks better. Right now, we are enjoying some good golf from your state at Charlotte.

Again, I hope you get lots of good news from the rest of the class – most importantly that they are still in good health.”

Allen Penniman sent his usual helpful comments: “Your request for some comments about my life and what I have been doing just arrived. Once again, I look back at the last writing in an effort to recall what has happened since that date. Our lives have been pretty much the same, with visits by children and grandchildren and an occasional trip or two to visit them. We are comfortable here in our home, and most of our social activities occur right here. I cook a steak on an outdoor grill and open a bottle of good wine with another couple for a perfect occasion. In spite of our lack of activity, I have a great happening to tell you VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes about. Like many of our classmates, I will reach my 90th year Nov. 1. I never thought I would live to be 90, because no one in my family has ever done this before, and as I grew up, it seemed that being 90 was way, way too far ahead. But sure enough, it has happened, and we have made big plans to celebrate the occasion.

“There is a lodge in Maryville, Tennessee, close to Knoxville, called RT Lodge. It is a beautiful place with wonderful activities and acres and acres of land with trails and beautiful vistas to see. A perfect change from Louisiana. So, we have made reservations there Oct. 26. Joanie’s and my children, greatgrandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren will head to RT Lodge. How many?

Adding up all together, there will be an even 50 of our family members to travel with us to Maryville.

“When I celebrated my 85th birthday, I circulated a birthday card for a 90-year-old. We were in Cancun for that celebration, and sure enough, the birthday card has arrived, and we are doing it again. I feel like a travel agent for the last two weeks, as I have planned this wonderful trip. It is just a chance for all of our children to come together and hold hands with the knowledge of support and love and respect that each of them has for all of the rest. This will simply be a tremendous occasion in my life ... and in their lives. I hope it will be remembered always.

“By the way, I plan to pass around a birthday card for someone who has reached 100 years of age. I am going to ask all of them to sign it, and just maybe, we will try to celebrate one more time. I am having a little trouble being 90, and I have no idea what 100 will be like if I make it.

“Once again, I am happy to report that Joanie and I are in good health, which we are most thankful for. In fact, it is the most important thing in our lives. We have each other.

For the next Review, I will let you know how our family journey turned out after a trip to RT Lodge.”

Like Allen, I’m closing in on age 90. He’ll beat me by a month. Unlike Allen’s traveling, our infirmities keep us pretty close to our doctors, so if we’re to have any family gathering, they’ll have to come to us; not an easy task, given that they are scattered from Florida to 2017-Issue 4

Connecticut to Dallas, Los Angeles and Denver. It’s unlikely that I’ll get to see any of my VMI contacts unless they show up here. I’ll keep on wearing the hat and try to make a note of any alumni who find me.

1949B Dan Smaw

(Notes submitted by Ding Patton.) You are no doubt surprised to find that I wrote these class notes, substituting for Brother Rat Dan Smaw. Dan has computer problems and couldn’t do this edition, so this is what you are going to get. More importantly, we BRs didn’t contact him with any news, so he had nothing to write about, anyway. Let this be a lesson to you: You may get me if you don’t send Dan any news.

By now, you know that our class cruise to Bermuda never came about. At final sign up day, only Greg and Kitty Nelson and Nobbie and I had made reservations. Greg was anticipating knee surgery with physical therapy for several weeks after, and he decided he probably shouldn’t make the trip, so we canceled the whole idea. Maybe the timing, together with the itinerary, was just wrong for those who had expressed an interest in the cruise. The day before we were scheduled to leave Baltimore, Fred Duggan called to wish us bon voyage, and I told him that the cruise was off. We had a good conversation, anyway, and I was grateful for the call.

Greg said that his surgery went well, and he is doing much better. According to Kitty, he has been playing Paul Bunyan, cutting down trees and cutting them up. Greg must be tougher than I thought if he is able to do such hard work in this summer heat. Greg also reported he wants to arrange a class luncheon in the fall if he can find a restaurant with a private dining room.

Tommy Altizer returned from Florida to Staunton for the summer. We recently had lunch together with Braxton Green ’50B. Tommy wanted to travel to his winter home by way of St. Augustine to visit Boyd Guttery ’52, but scheduling conflicts prevented

it. Tommy is still playing golf, and he and Braxton play weekly when Tommy is not in Florida.

I spoke with George Wolfe recently. He is doing well but is looking at retirement homes in the Richmond area, as he is in a five-bedroom house – a bit large for him. He almost convinced me that it is time for the Nobbie and me to start looking.

Also, I recently spoke with Teensy and Grover Outland. They are doing well and looking forward to spending time at Cedar Island this fall and the Institute Society Dinner on Founders Day, Nov. 11.

I talked with Boyd Guttery several times recently, and he says other than balance, he is doing well. Like many of us, he can’t drive long distances anymore, but I hear this from a lot of the BRs. Boyd is proud of his grandson, Kyle, who is a captain in the Army soon heading to Afghanistan. Please keep Kyle in your prayers.

I have been reading “The Corps Forward” and find the experiences of the New Market Cadets exciting. If you are interested in people, especially the background and later careers of these young VMI heroes who fought at the battle of New Market, I recommend this to you.

Finally, have you noticed how close to the front of the Alumni Review our class has moved? Dan, can you do anything about it?

Now you see what you get if you don’t contact Dan with any information.

In the spirit of VMI, Ding

1950A

Bill Moore

Brother Rats and Beloved Widows, This is a very difficult column to write. Elliott Hudgins is dying of sepsis, and Dick Mandt’s mild dementia has progressed to advanced Alzheimer’s. Elliott’s wife, Nan, tells me that this time, she feels without hope and that the end is near. He has been through a lot these past years and has always 31

Class Notes bounced back, sometimes even against huge odds. By the time you read this, Elliott will be gone from us, barring an outright miracle.

God willing, I’ll be there to represent the great group that is the Class of 1950A. Goodnight, my dear brother rat and wonderful friend. I recently drove to the Charlotte area to visit my brother, Herman, and Dick Mandt.

Dick’s devoted son, Richard, warned me that things weren’t good and that his mild dementia had become exponentially worse. His personality was the same old jovial and smiling Dick, but his memory was completely gone.

It was a shock, because on my previous visits, he knew me, and we easily discussed old times. Everything but the smile and jolliness has gone. Unless Richard tells me otherwise, I shall not go back to see him. It’s just too painful, and it does him no good.

News is sketchy simply because there are so few of us left to write about. All the news about the rest of us is either very good or excellent, I’m glad to report. Barbara (Hugh) Barnes reported that the wedding of her oldest granddaughter, Sarah, took place the day I called her, Aug. 8. The wedding was outdoors in a lovely park in Henrico County, Virginia, with the park’s gazebo housing the celebrants. Everyone wore white, and it was beautiful.

Charlotte (Harold) Logsdon’s son, Barry, has moved into her big, relatively empty house. Now she doesn’t have such a big reason to visit Colombia, South America. Charlotte is absolutely thrilled to have Barry and his family close.

Ralph Mooney continues to do well.

He has had such a hard time with various health problems but still enjoys living on his beautiful mountain top in Amherst County, Virginia.

Jackie (Dick) Martin’s grandson, Richard, is now a fellow at Vanderbilt University teaching interns oncology and hematology.

Of course, she and we are all very proud of him. Apparently, the smoke from the forest fires in eastern Washington and British Columbia were causing her lots of problems.

She said that, thankfully, the wind turned and was moving the whole mess to the east.

Joanne (Ed) Miller’s hearing problems prevent her from using her phone, but her daughters, Maria and Adrienne, keep me up to date.

32

She is now in assisted living but is doing well.

Jennings Bunch and Harriet, Kenny Stagg and B.J., Nancy (Hank) McWane, and Mary (Joe) Ripley are all doing well with no major problems.

Debra and I are engaged! Don’t ask when we’re going to be married. Debra has a “technical problem,” so marriage is a long way off.

We were discussing possible ways around the “technical problem” when, last month, for the umpteenth time, I asked her to marry me. She said, “Bill, why don’t I take my other rings off my left hand, you buy me a ring and we’ll announce our engagement.” Bingo!

The perfect solution. I get the extra level of commitment that I wanted, “technical problem” solved and we may have the longest engagement in history.

Son David Moore ’86 finally has something he’s wanted since his VMI graduation: A one-third interest in a six-person Piper Lance airplane. His graduation present in 1986 was his pilot’s license. He’s nursed his ambition ever since. Now, he has a good reason to own a plane. He and Jennifer work such a demanding schedule with six Moores’ Country Stores that get-away time is so very limited. He can now be at the family beach house at North Litchfield, South Carolina, in two hours instead of the sixand-a-half hours by auto. So, they can go for a weekend, take the whole family, have two or three days at the beach and use four hours traveling instead of 13. Makes a load of difference. Our daughter, Laura Aylor, now has a thriving business creating and selling knitting patterns online. She is one of the top 10 knitting pattern designers in the USA. You knitters Google up “Laura Aylor” and see what you find. Yours truly is enjoying life in his hilltop retreat, even more now that he has a fiancée. Much better and more accurate than “girlfriend.” Health still excellent. Just had my right knee replaced three months ago. Everything worked out fine. I’m now three quarters bionic: Both knees and one hip. All working perfectly – even thinking of doing a little skiing next spring at age 89. My last time skiing was at 80 when my son and granddaughters took me to Canaan Valley, West Virginia. Life’s been a great run, and I’m still actively at it. Debra and I do a lot of dancing, which helps.

1950B

Joseph B. Kohen Jr.

I am enjoying being your class agent, as I receive exciting communication from so many of you.

Included in this report is a letter from Tom Eva about his singing career. Also a letter from Gary Catlin ’93 who was the recipient of our ’50B scholarship administered

by Col. Buchanan. He wanted the class to know how grateful he is of the opportunity given him.

“Mr. Kohen, let me introduce myself. My name is Gary Catlin ’93, and I was a ’50B scholarship holder from 1989-92. I have been meaning to do this for many years, and I would like to thank your class for the opportunity you provided me in attending VMI. As a result of your class’ scholarship, I was able to experience and have opportunities in my life that I, as a young youth, only imagined. My passion was to become an officer in the U.S. Army. After enlisting two years in the U.S. Army as a fire support specialist (field artillery), I matriculated at VMI in 1989. Colonel Buchanan acted as a sponsor to all of the ’50B scholarship holders at the time, and just his interest and mentorship meant a lot to me. I was commissioned in the regular Army Transportation Corps in 1995, and Colonel Buchanan came to New York to administer my oath. I even invited him and his wife to my wedding in 1997, and they both attended. So, I would like to thank all of the ’50Bs for helping me attend a school [where] I learned some of my first lessons in leadership. For springboarding me into an opportunity to travel to 12 nations, command two companies, one detachment, and act as a special aide to a great one-star general for a month. I was medically discharged in 2007 after 12 years of active duty, rising to the rank of major. My proudest moment of my service was deploying to Egypt in 1999 with 49 soldiers and returning with 49 soldiers. I never lost one on VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes my watch. Thank you, again. Sincerely, Gary Catlin ’93.”

Tom described his singing career since his VMI Glee Club days. Tom spent much time in Europe, which included voice training in Italy. Although Tom did not become a professional opera singer, he sang in many community events. His singing career ended because of a malignant growth on his vocal cords. Tom had a good business career in Pittsburgh and played golf there, as well as in Florida. After selling his home and condo, he retired to a senior community in DelRay Beach, Florida.

Steve Abramedies told of his attendance at the military burial in Arlington of his roommate, Col. Lee Lewane. Also attending the ceremony was a VMI contingent, consisting of Col. Keith Gibson ’77, director of the VMI Museum System, plus officers and students Lee taught at VMI and in Lexington.

Bill Sacra wrote of his experience at VMI and the Rat Line. Following graduation, Bill became an environmental engineer. After retiring, he spent many happy moments serving as a host on Crystal Cruises.

I am planning to fly to Alaska, where I will board the Crystal Serenity Aug. 15 and sail through the Northwest Passage to New York City. I could be the first VMI graduate to sail through this previous ice field.

Robin White, I have learned, has returned home following an illness, and he has no difficulty with locomotion or speech.

1951

Jacob H. Wamsley II

These notes cover the period from May 15, 2017, to Aug. 15, 2017.

To begin on a solemn note: At the time of Harry Bailey’s death in the spring, Franz Kasteel commented, “...passing on is something like going through one of the barracks’ arches for the first time. The old world is gone, and a new one opens up. Looking back now, that first passing turned out pretty good. So will this next transition. See you on the other side.” I thought this was a pretty 2017-Issue 4

profound point of view with a VMI twist worth passing along.

In mid-May, an email from the Alumni Association informed us of the death of Elisha “Jack” Evans May 13, 2017. Jack matriculated with us but dropped out after our 3rd Class year and returned after four years to finish in 1956 as the oldest cadet in barracks at the time. His wife, Joyce, has stayed in touch and appreciates her ties with the class and the Institute.

A telephone conversation with Don Baldwin on his birthday in late May determined that he is doing well. He and Jack Ross belong to the same club in Alexandria, and until Jack’s health problems, they saw each other frequently. He has been in touch with Jack’s daughters, as have I. Still later in May, a telephone call from Bob Nolley let us know that he is recovering slowly but successfully from cancer surgery. He and his wife, Jean, took charge of the hospitality room at the 65th Reunion to the enjoyment of all who attended. Jean has had some knee problems recently but, like Bob, is still motoring along. He has reluctantly given up golf, passing his clubs along to a grandson.

In late May, a good email was received from Taylor Hay, along with a picture of himself and his four rat year roommates, none of whom graduated; they were John Pantaze, Julio Gonzales and Frank McGee Jr. It is interesting to note that the Class of 1951 was surpassed by only four other classes in the participation percentage in giving to the Foundation at the end of the third quarter of the 2017 fiscal year. That rate was an increase from the same point in the previous fiscal year. Hopefully, that participation rate will increase further by the end of this fiscal year.

Sam Scott turned 91 years young back in May and said that he is doing pretty well for his age – still tending to his yard by himself and enjoying it.

Jack “Sookie” Hill completed his inpatient therapy after shoulder surgery in early summer but is still receiving therapy at home.

A note from the daughter of Glenn Meader told us that Glenn, along with the rest of us, is showing signs of the aging process, but he recently attended a lunch with some of those he worked with in the

Pentagon and enjoyed it immensely.

The health problems of Jack Ross continue with virtually no change. He is getting around, attending church, etc., but otherwise his condition has remained stable.

As for me, I recently drove from Atlanta to Lexington and met all of those folks in the Alumni Association with whom Jack has been working and with whom I will be working. It was a long solo drive and may well be my last such effort; 1,500 miles, with the side trips, is a little much.

Now, having said all of that, please send me some good news not related to health and aging problems!

1952

James M. Mecredy

By the time you read this, Christmas will be approaching. Here I am, starting winter class notes in the latter part of May. I will submit these notes Aug. 15, and you will see them in November. We are just now recovering from our 65th Reunion and have viewed the DVD created at our class dinner at the Lexington Golf & Country Club.

Those of you who attended have enjoyed seeing yourselves, and those who were unable to be with us can see us at the same age you have attained. You may obtain a copy of the DVD for $10 by calling Adam McBryde at 540-309-8310. The reunion was a big success, with 24 brother rats and 27 wives and guests. We missed the parade but did have an Old Yell in barracks accompanied by the whole Corps. Some of our best times at the reunion were gathering in the hospitality room sharing our experiences and thoughts. We had a tour of all of the new facilities, especially the sports center, which I am told is one of the nine most sophisticated sport centers in the country. This center contains a track which can be elevated on the curves and overhead exercise facilities to which a person has to be harnessed to prevent injury in the event of falling. The new wrestling center has a floor that is actually a mat to wrestle 33

Class Notes upon. It is 40 or 50 feet in size with additional seating space for spectators.

I hope you know by now that our Brother Rat Nutz Navas died May 15 of heart failure. I think he just wore out after several years of failing health. Nutz had a large family. His wife, Barbara, and a grandson preceded him in death. He has four surviving children, 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Lou Delisio sent me the Episcopal burial for Nutz. It was held May 22 and was a formal funeral service. VMI was represented by Lou and Ella Delisio ’52, Barney Lawless ’55, Walt Jeffress ’68, Carol Clingempeel ’52, and Sally Birge ’52. Both our class and the VMI Alumni Association sent red, white and yellow wreaths. Nutz will be interned in the Arlington National Cemetery with full honors Nov. 17 at 1:30 p.m., where his wife, Barbara, is already buried.

Nutz spent 26 years in the Air Force, retiring as a colonel, and then as practice management group executive for Arthur Anderson and president of the American National Metric Council. The most important thing Nutz did for us was to be our class agent for 27 years until he had to retire because of his health. That was when I was given the job.

In addition to hearing from brother rats about Nutz, I got a call from Barney Lawless ’55, who saw the obituary and called me to make sure I had heard.

Barney particularly remembers Nutz coming to rat barracks bringing sandwiches, which they really appreciated.

Charlie Hogge wrote that his latest experience is trying to help a Vietnam veteran, who was exposed to Agent Orange and is in 34

terrible health, receive the compensation he believes he is due. He is a resident at the nursing home where Charlie is assigned by the state as the ombudsman volunteer.

He can’t think of a more rewarding activity that he could be doing as an 85-year-old!

Elaine Wood at VMI wrote to me that John H. “Jack” Hancock died last year in Portland, Oregon.

I do not remember him. Maybe some of you remember him from our rat year. His taps entry will apClass of 1952: Reserved for the Class of 1952 dinner with Chris Hol- pear in the 2017-Issue 4 Alumni land and Sally Birge.

Review, due out in November.

Jay Grumbling died at his home, Cornerstone Farm, in Lee, New Hampshire, April 27. Gaye Torrance, who is Jay Grumbling’s niece, sent in the obituary for Jay. She wrote: “I was happy to be able to write this on behalf of my uncle, as he was such a terrific, fun person. His sisters are still alive, so they appreciate your notifying his classmates.” Jay’s obituary will appear in the November issue of the Alumni Review. Here, I will include a few highlights.

Jay graduated from Blairsville High School in 1948. He was a notable athlete and celebrated right end on the school’s varsity Class of 1952: An Old Yell for ’52. football team. Jay received a fouryear football scholarship to VMI. He was named the All-Star Cadet Letterman for the 1950-51 season and was elected to play the annual Blue-Grey All-American Football Bowl in his senior year (1951). Upon graduation from VMI, Jay was commissioned as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army and served throughout Continental and Eastern Europe, including Germany and Turkey. Following his tour of duty in the armed forces, Jay attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, where he received a Class of 1952: Reunion gathering for an Old Yell with Charlie Miller Master of Science degree in sani’42 in his coatee in the background. tary engineering in 1955.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

1953

William C. Noell Jr.

Class of 1952: Before the Old Yells during the 65th Reunion.

Lou Delisio wrote to thank me for his birthday card. Lou reported that he and Ella are hanging in there and, between doctor appointments, enjoying life. To some degree, that is what we are all doing. The thing we have in common, other than age, is daily taking pills! Any of you who do not take any pills, take a bow.

I got a call from Ted Ball in Tennessee asking for a couple of BRs’ phone numbers.

Ted fell down in his house a few days ago and cut his head badly enough to send him to the hospital. He is home now and recovering. On July 3, I got another call from Ted, which I returned July 5. Ted and his wife were leaving on a Mediterranean cruise and planned to visit Bruce Well’s daughter, who has a home in Italy.

Peggy Stallings wrote to thank me for her birthday card. She added that it was truly appreciated, as she had to have surgery on her left thumb the day before her birthday.

At least it wasn’t on the very day! She had been out walking when it happened, and her foot hit something. She leaned over to see what it was and lost her balance. Bummer.

Ended up with a compound fracture and an open wound. It is coming along nicely, but doing everything with one hand is a challenge for sure.

Henry Nanninga sent me some photos from our reunion.

That appears to be the news for this time.

If you receive the DVD from our reunion, you will have some personal views of some of our recent activities.

Your brother rat, Jim 2017-Issue 4

Brother Rats, The news from you all has been kind of slow this last quarter, but the good thing is we are about to start working on the ’53 class reunion – the 65th, would you believe? The first meeting with the Alumni Association will be in September. Parker Cross has designated Warren Koontz and Bill Atwill to head up the reunion planning. I have already requested of the Alumni Association that our class be quartered at the Hampton Inn Col Alto, per the recommendation from the April Richmond lunch. We are requesting a block of 30 rooms for this occasion. Since there has been little news from you all, I have to assume you had a great and eventful summer, and by the time you receive these notes, summer 2017 will have passed us by, and we will be into football season – VMI/University of Tennessee/Redskins. However, make sure that all of you place April 23-24, 2018, in your plans/schedule for our 65th.

Along with the good news above, I regret that I must pass on to you news of the death of James “Slick” Williams May 13 in Beaufort, North Carolina. Bob Cheatham has commented that his wife, Bebe, talked Slick out of a pair of his white ducks at our finals dance. As Slick was small in size, Bebe was able to wear the ducks for many years. Lou Hibbitts noted that he met up with Slick in St. Louis when he was a graduate student at Washington University in 1970 while Slick was working for Monsanto. Lou said he cannot remember how they caught up with each other but has pleasant memories of their times together. Jack Trigg said he roomed with Slick, along with Kolbet Schrichte and Ned Clopton. Jack noted that he talked with Slick around the time of our 50th Reunion and a few times later. He said Slick had a severe obstructive lung disease for years and was unable to travel, and that Slick’s wife, Ann, died of similar issues.

An email from Betty Woodward in May

Class of 1953: Bob Cheatham’s greatgranddaughters, Mia Senter (5) and Ava Senter (3), at Bob’s summer place in Kiawah, South Carolina.

Class of 1953: Judy Noell singing happy 26th anniversary to Bill Noell on stage at Casino 13 in Cherokee, North Carolina, in July 2017.

Class of 1953: Will Allison at chairman’s box with Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe at the 92nd annual Running of the Gold Cup Races in Great Meadow, Warrenton, Virginia, May 6, 2017. Photo courtesy Leland Schwartz, Faquier Times.

35

Class Notes said that she, son Bill, Leslie and list and do not recall his coming to all the children toured the British recent reunions.

Isles for 11 days until the first of Institute trivia: Bill the Bugler. I June, and then were home most of certainly know that all of you do the summer. remember the bugler of our times, I talked with Art Moncrief reWilber W. Swihart, known to the cently down there on his ranch Corps as Bill the Bugler. We all apin Texas. He said he is currently preciated him, especially at times having some problems with his when he would hold the final note oxygen, but Susan was “staying on of assembly as long as he could so him.” Art stated he did not think that all could make it into ranks on he was going to be able to climb time. His long days of bugle calls up on top of the sentinel box at the were shared by a second bugler.

65th; however, when I told him Bill came to Lexington in 1937 Class of 1953: Art Moncrief with the entire family celebrating the we would just have to get a forklift birthday of five of its members at Moncrief Ranch, Flatonia, Texas, as a musician with the Tom Mix or such to lift him, he gave a good March 12, 2017.

Circus, and when the circus left, laugh. he decided it was time to have a An email from Fred Hauser said permanent home, so he stayed in that he and his son have been sortLexington and became a part of ing over items left by his wife, Usthe VMI Post Band. Before 1947, chi – a lot of which pertained to the VMI band was composed of background information for when musicians who also worked across she wrote the book, “Memories the post as their main employof VMI.” He said he thought he ment. The VMI Museum has now would bring them to me and VMI, opened a new exhibit highlighting but with our being in Tennessee the early days of the VMI Post most of the summer, we have not Band. As a part of this exhibit, been able to schedule a visit yet. on display is the coronet that Bill Judy and I spent a couple of played each day for his bugle calls. days in July in the North Carolina Bill retired from VMI in 1970 but mountains at Cherokee to attend continued to work part time, sharthe outdoor theater about the ing his duties with cadet buglers. history of the Cherokee Native Class of 1953: Art Moncrief with four generations: Conrad, Mac Ar- He died in December 1984 at the Americans, “On to These Hills.” thur, John A. “Art” Arthur Jr. and Colt Moncrief. age of 84, and is buried in LexingWe were with our lake group, ton in the Stonewall Jackson Cemwhich, for this gathering, consisted of 11 path of the solar eclipse Aug. 21. etery. His headstone reads, “‘Bill the Bugler’ couples (that’s 22 of us). Some of those who I recently received a telephone message Bugler to the VMI Cadet Corps.” One of could not come stated, “You know, some of the day of sending in these notes from Ann Bill’s sons, Donald ’79, graduated with the us still have to work.” We had a great time, as Van Eman about the death of her husband, Class of 1979. the weather was excellent, and the last night, Glenn, in Houston, so this is an add-on to the group had a large cookout on the river at a my notes and not in the normal prominent campground near the casino. Some stayed in place of first in the notes for the passing a motel across from the casino, others in cab- of BRs. Ann said Glenn had been sick for J.M. Perry Archer ins at the campground and several had their a couple of months but died suddenly. I campers there. Judy and I wound up having have not talked with her yet or sent a note a great anniversary (26th) lunch at the Italian on behalf of the class. Parker tried, but we restaurant, Brio, in the casino and also did had a wrong number in the records but can a little Native American jewelry shopping. now do so. Ann and Glenn had been marGreetings and Salutations, However, we have spent most of the summer ried for 56 years. Although Glenn graduated Thanks to everyone who answered the call at our lake house on Norris Lake with family with our class, he only attended the Institute for Alumni Giving. We have an unusually constantly coming and going with more still for two years, and I have no record of his generous class, giving more in total this year coming before Labor Day. Our lake house roommates. I have not had any contact with than any other class. was only about 80 miles (50 nautical) off the Glenn, as he was never on our class email Brother Rat “Polo” Meyer wrote in June.

1954

36

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes He attended the dedication of the sculpture/bust of Col. Robert P. “Doc” Carroll at VMI. He enjoyed the visit and went to the PX to “purchase something you really don’t require,” he said, including a great VMI windbreaker. He visited with “Mud” White, who is an orthopedic surgeon, as is Polo. Lexington’s capricious weather asserted itself again, and the honorary parade for the returning alumni reunions and Col. Carroll was called off. Polo drove from Lexington to Saratoga Springs, New York, to visit his brother, Lynn Meyer ’57, and from there to Annapolis, Maryland, to visit Polo’s son, Paul, and family.

Polo was finishing up completing German 101 and 102 at Valparaiso University. How about that, sports fans? He mused about what he could now do to occupy his newly available time. We all know that can be a good question. Lots of options. I’ve personally found that sometimes it is tough to fight the “body at rest tends to remain at rest” inertia, as the old physics law goes. Congratulations to Polo for the language study.

Brother Rat “Honus” Wagner called to give us his new email address and, in the process, told about his stint in the Army and his graduation from VMI with the Class of 1956 because of having been drafted. At the end of the 1953 class year, he found himself out of Air Force ROTC because of poor eyesight, and the Air Force was taking only pilots for slots. So, in summer 1953, he got drafted! The Army got him, even though he was still enrolled at VMI. On Aug.15, 1953, he was sent to Fort Gordon, Georgia, and in basic training to be an Army medic; he had no medical training or background. (You’re in the Army now; oh, yeah.) Well, after eight or 10 weeks and as a basic medic trainee, he was sent to Fort Pickett, South Carolina, with the 3rd Army. There, it came to light that he was majoring in civil engineering at the Institute, so with typical Army logic, he was made a company draftsman. After a while, he was sent back to Fort Gordon.

As a draftsman, he was put to work. Hey, he was being educated in civil engineering at VMI, so the Army had him designing signs and such, e.g., “Keep off the grass,” “No smoking in this area,” and officers’ and others’ place cards for meals and such.

2017-Issue 4

Perfect military sense. Finally, in 1955, he was back at VMI slated to finish with the Class of 1956. When graduation finally came, he was highly ranked – 10th in the class for civil engineers. But wait! The school took all of his grades for all of his VMI time and ranked him, at the end, 58th out of 65. They really know how to do it. At graduation, the featured speaker was none other than Gen. George Catlett Marshall ’901, making his last public appearance five years after we, the Class of 1954, had first heard and seen the famous general on that hot day in Lexington in 1951 when we all were baked to a turn.

Al Mattox was asked by his daughter at his granddaughter’s wedding to give a talk June 12, 2017, about what the United States flag means to him. He presented it at Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton as part of the Stonewall Jackson Band Concert Series and at the request of the Elks Club of Staunton, as Flag Day was the following Wednesday, June 14. The following is from the speech, with minor editing. Al spoke as follows: What the United States Flag Means to Me “The first Flag Day was June 14, 1885, and Staunton’s own President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation establishing Flag Day as the anniversary of the ‘Flag Resolution’ or 1st Flag Act passed

by Congress June 14, 1777, and in 1946, President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 each year as National Flag Day. “I recommend the poem, ‘I Am the Flag,’

by Ruth Apperson Rous ... These attributes of the flag make it human-like, and in my imagination, I give the flag the ability to think, remember and feel happiness and sorrow.

“What does the flag mean to me, and what comes to mind when I see the U.S. flag? In addition to all the things recited in the Rous poem and in many other writings, is the phrase, ‘Vigilance is the price of liberty.’ Once attributed to Jefferson, but not confirmed, this phrase adorns a statue on the right side of the main entrance to the Library of Congress. So, to me, as a citizensoldier, this means that, above all else, the nation must be defended against all enemies, both foreign and domestic, or the nation and

the flag are lost forever. With all the characteristics I believe the flag possesses, I see it as the repository of the past successes, failures and lessons learned from previous efforts to remain vigilant.

“After the struggle to achieve independence and become a fledgling nation, this achievement was almost lost in the War of 1812. After some economic disputes with the British and urgings of the congressional War Hawks and minimal preparation for war, the U.S. declared war on the British in 1809. In August 1814, the British, with 5,000 seasoned troops, landed near Washington, D.C., and defeated an American Army twice its size and opened the way to the burning of the nation’s capital. Unprepared for the war, Washington was burned, the White House destroyed and Dolly Madison alone saved the important painting of George Washington. I believe the flag was deeply concerned at this point. Things began to turn for the better as the U.S. prepared for the defense of Fort McHenry with the British fleet approaching Baltimore.

In 1813, Major Armistead took command of the fort and ordered two U.S. flags, a storm flag (17x25 feet) and a garrison flag (30x42 feet). These flags each had 15 stripes and stars, and a later Flag Act changed the design to 13 stripes and a star for each state.

So, in early Sept. 14, 1814, after a ferocious storm and artillery barrage, Francis Scott Key spotted the large, battered U.S. garrison flag flying over Fort McHenry. Thus began the ending to this ill-advised war and the writing of the ‘The Star Spangled Banner.’ The U.S. flag regained its trust in its future and hoped the nation it represented had learned some important lessons. This flag proudly shows itself at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. As the nation matured, the flag learned to adjust to changes in laws and culture but was always on the alert for dangers to the national security.

“I mention another example of the nation’s slow response to a threat. World War II preparations for world dominance by the Axis Powers had been underway from around the mid-1930s while the U.S. was trying to recover from one if its worst depressions. We were severely challenged by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor Dec.7, 37

Class Notes 1941, but very fortunate to have three aircraft carriers out of port during this attack. I can’t imagine the flag’s thoughts as the results of a series of terrible military and civilian decisions unfolded before and during this attack.

Only the luck of having these carriers out of port prevented the war in the Pacific from dragging on to a questionable conclusion.

Prominent men, like Charles Lindbergh and Joseph P. Kennedy, the ambassador to the United Kingdom, urged the U.S. to not become involved in the European conflict with Nazi Germany, even as Hitler began the bombing of London. Residents along the New Jersey coast soon saw oil tankers burning offshore, sunk by Nazi submarines.

The U.S. government tried to keep reports of these sinkings out of the media for fear of demoralizing the populace. But vigilance to pay for liberty requires action, not just observation of a potential threat. Lack of appropriate action was putting the U.S. in severe danger, and the flag was depressed by seeing these developments. Fortunately, the U.S. recovered its ability to defeat enemies on two fronts. Again, the flag flew with great pride.

“Now to more modern times. I was a lieutenant on active duty in 1956-57 serving as a radar controller in the U.S. Air Force Air Defense Command, as was my good Staunton friend and VMI brother rat, Perry Archer. I was on duty near Washington, D.C., and he was in Alaska; our jobs were to send fighters to intercept Russian bombers, whether feigning attacks or the real thing.

My duties were routine, no enemy bombers, whereas his involved incidents of real Russian bombers, and he would scramble real fighter interceptors. That was the Cold War, declared over after the fall of the USSR. But guess what? It’s happening again, and as recently as several days ago. Old enemies are rattling sabers, and new ones who seem more dangerous than the old have appeared.

It seems politicians and the media are paying more attention to social issues than to evolving threats. If only the flag could cry out and warn us to be ‘eternally vigilant.’ As stated earlier, the flag is the embodiment of who we are and what we believe in. It, thus, has a soul. If it could speak, we should value its wise counsel. We can all imagine what it thinks. Thank you, and happy Flag Day.” 38

Jack Tiller sent Army tales. He and others were sworn in as second lieutenants by Col. Henry Kerlin ’930, professor of military science and tactics, June 1, 1954. Kerlin knew that U.S. Military Academy at West Point cadets were then due to be administered the oath, and he did not want any of its new officers to pull rank on ours. This paid off for Jack; 18 months later, in Germany, a West Point second lieutenant came into Jack’s battalion and tried to give Jack a *@?! job, thinking he had date of rank. No deal. Jack told him where to go, in no uncertain terms.

Now, shortly thereafter, for “some reason,” Jack was removed from the pool of officers assigned for courts-martial judges and made battalion defense counsel. In Jack’s 25th Signal Pole Line Construction Battalion there was a saying: “Bring the guilty party up and we’ll give him a fair trial.” Nobody had been acquitted in the unit’s history. Here came “Killer” Tiller (my name for him), and he won his first trial. The prosecutor was none other than his West Point nemesis. The same day, Jack was put back on court-martial pool judge duty. But, word got around!

Defendants from Army bases in other parts of West Germany began asking for Jack. He finished with one win, two losses and one reduced charge. Trying law cases is tough, and Jack had zero training for it, but using every good trial lawyer’s maxim, “Prepare, prepare, prepare,” Killer Tiller prevailed.

Lastly, Jack, platoon leader in Baker Company, 25th Battalion, received what all of us know is a rare accolade. A month before he was to rotate home in 1957, Sgt. “Ski” Cezewski and platoon sergeant Master Sgt. Hill, noncommissioned officers of 3rd Platoon, Company B, came to Jack and asked Jack to sign up for another tour of duty – three more years. They said, in essence, “We want you to give the Army another chance, because the Army needs good men like you, and the BS that you’ve seen in this battalion is not the real Army. The real Army is better than this. We wish you would reconsider and stay in.” Jack says those words meant and still mean more to him than anything else that happened or might have happened to him in his military career. Precious praise from noncommissioned officers for an officer. Rare, indeed.

Thanks for all calls, cards and letters. As usual, I hope these will continue and increase. There are many stories about your times at VMI, in the military and currently which can be told and all can enjoy.

1955

Read Hanmer

Either the summer doldrums have seized upon the Class of 1955, or you folks are having so much fun this summer that you are too busy to write. I hope it’s the latter.

Things have been somewhat hectic in Falls Church, what with Lois’ having to have a kidney removed, and my Parkinson’s advancing a bit. Lois was losing weight and feeling generally poorly in early July, when a scan revealed a cancerous lesion on her right kidney. Her doctor moved rapidly to have the lesion removed. To our great relief, the doctor was able to remove the entire kidney with no indications that the cancer had advanced beyond the kidney. Her prognosis is very good, and she just needs to put on some weight to begin feeling like herself again.

As I mentioned above, I have received precious little input, so here goes with what I have: Frank Moltz wrote, “Not a whole lot to report from Pennsylvania this summer. In July, we hosted a get-together here of almost all of our family. Our grandson brought his family on an all-too-rare visit from Hawaii.

We enjoyed seeing again our 5-year-old great-granddaughter and, for the first time, our new 10-month-old great-grandson. The last evening, we served dinner for 13 and a ‘great-grand’ time was had by all. Soon after, we drove to New Hampshire to visit our son, Brick, and daughter-in-law, Laura, at their recently-purchased farm of 31 acres.

No farming, but endless views and an added attraction of a river which flows under an ancient covered bridge. No flooding problems, as the house sits well above the river, which is stocked with brown trout. They have abundant wildlife, but we saw only birds while there. Alice and I are doing well VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes considering our age and her moderate dementia, which is a challenge for us both at times. We are looking forward to celebrating our 60th anniversary at the end of August.

Our daughter, Mercia, spent her teacher’s summer vacation with us, and we were sad to have her leave after seven weeks of her dedicated help to make things easier for us both. We see Birch and Ann Phillips occasionally, and they seem well and busy.”

Barney Lawless reported on his recent visit to the Institute: “I took my 11-year-old grandson to Legacy Day in April. The cadets who ran it were just great with the kids.

After lining them up in columns of four and having a very short parade on the Parade Ground, the rain came, which moved the whole affair into the new Corps training facility. (You guys have to see this – indoor track, jumping pits, rope climbs, rock wall, etc.) My grandson particularly liked the rock wall. Lunch in the Regimental Room of Club Crozet is a far cry from the days when we hollered for Bogus. Then, we decided to go through the museum. The kids had a ‘graduation’ in J.M. Hall where they received certificates from Moe to end the day.

On the way back to the car, my grandson turned to me and asked, ‘Granddad, you’re not going to make me go to school here, are you?’ Oh, well! While we were there, I saw Edgar Brown ’53.”

Travis Russell thanked me for my reminder that notes were due and sent in the following: “This past Sunday, we had our annual Pacific Northwest alumni picnic. We had about 30 alumni plus spouses and children. Classes represented ranged from 1955 to 2018. Of course, I took home the distinction for being the oldest. Last year, I was unable to attend, because while pruning one of my trees, the ladder slipped, and thinking I was on the bottom rung, I stepped off. Turned out, I was on the third rung, and I came down on the concrete and fractured my right heel. It has taken a year for recovery, and I still have a slight limp. My heel now looks like an erector set with all the metal holding it together. Caution to all: Be careful on ladders.

Anyway, the picnic was a lot of fun, talking with old and new alumni about the Old Corps and the new. Two of the youngest cadets were twin women, one graduating 2017-Issue 4

next year, and one just starting.

“I will always remember how VMI helped me after active duty in the Marine Corps. I was having problems finding employment and called the alumni office. They put me in touch with a VMI alumnus in Denver.

He was a vice president of a national cement company. That contact started me on a successful 37-year career in the cement business.”

I have to end by noting the death of Ned Whitlock April 7, 2017. Here is an extract from his obituary: “After his time in the United States Army, he worked as a traffic engineer for Wilbur Smith Associates, which is a worldwide traffic engineering firm, and retired from that firm as the senior vice president with 30 years of service. Edward was a licensed professional engineer in South Carolina, as well as many other states and foreign countries. He was a member of the board of consultants of the Eno Foundation for Transportation. After his retirement from Wilbur Smith Associates, he owned and operated a Maaco Paint Shop for seven years in Columbia, South Carolina. Those who knew him best believe him to be one of the most thoughtful and kindest souls that one could ever ask to meet.”

Th’ th’ th’ that’s all folks – from cheery downtown Falls Church. I hope to hear more from you in the future.

1956

Richard M. Smith

I have had to resort to calling a number of BRs during the “dog days” of summer ’17 to get some information to put into my class notes. Bill Lamb has moved into a care facility called Brookdale Imperial Plaza at 177 Belveau Ave. in Richmond. He recently visited Lane Dickinson and had dinner with her. One of her sons, either Charles or John, is planning to move back to Richmond. He said Lane looks really good and may have a friend she’s interested in. Bill still sees his friend, Irene, each week.

I talked with Walt Donovan, who sounds

great after all the rehab he had from the stroke he suffered. He is walking around his yard frequently and doing most things on his own but with the help of wife Charlotte. He sends his best to the BRs and thanks to those who contacted him during his recovery.

Jim Dillard has been staying off the golf course since he still is having some back problems even after his operation. He talked with Tiger Jackson recently and said he is still doing downhill skiing. Jim may come to North Carolina to visit his relatives in the Raleigh area. I offered him a room at my place on Lake Gaston when he comes.

I had a brief chat with J.P. Moore, who was in the hospital with stomach problems.

He sounded pretty weak, and I will have to get back in touch since my cellphone battery played out while we were talking. He did tell me he has not played golf in more than six months due to back problems.

Les and Pat Belsha have just returned from a family reunion at Emerald Isle Beach, North Carolina. The family has been fathering there for 48 years. They celebrated birthdays and anniversaries. He is still volunteering four days a week at the hospital visiting patients.

Fred Farthing and Mary Jo just returned from a visit to their daughter’s family in northern Virginia. They went to see “Sound of Music” at the Kennedy Center and really enjoyed the performance. He was surprised that the tickets were now $100. Fred had talked with Hoppy Hale, who lives in Arizona. Hoppy is still playing a lot of golf, and they were going up to the mountains in Utah to get away from all the heat for a month. Fred said they were taking a trip to Smith Mountain Lake to visit his daughterin-law, as well as other relatives. He still plays a good game of golf, having recently shot his age. He had an opportunity to play the Golden Horse Shoe Green Course and never had a bogey. Pretty good golf for his age!

I chatted with BR retired Col. Spider Allison, who was on his third Scotch and still as sharp as ever! He informed me that his grandson in the Marines at Camp Pendleton, California, has reached the final training course for qualifying as a Resolute Marine (same as a Seal). He and Ann are doing 39

Class Notes pretty well and don’t have any travel plans at this time. He was interested in hearing from some of the BRs. Bill Nelson reported he and Melissa have finally finished the old house they bought near Bon Air, Virginia, and are starting to list some nice things to do. They spent some time at the place they jointly own with several other folks in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. They spent their 60th wedding anniversary in New York City with their daughter and son-in-law. They saw three Broadway shows and visited the Sept. 11 site, which really impressed them.

Bob Brickener called to say he talked with Walt Donovan and that he was doing so well after his recovery from a heat stroke.

Bob planned to run a marathon Aug. 18 and has several other dates set up for other runs this fall. He plans to call Tiger Jackson to tell him to keep up his workouts so he can still be able to compete. He also advises all the BRs to make a concerted effort to keep themselves in as good physical condition as possible in order to maintain good health.

He works out five days each week at the gym himself. He is helping to raise two of his niece’s children after her husband was killed several years ago. He has requested me and some of his other close BRs to prepare a testimonial of our relationship with him. I said I would try to put together something.

I called Don Heslep for an update on their activities. He is starting a new storage project, the 10th one, in the Richmond area.

These are the latest type of conditioned facilities for people to use. He has slacked off involvement in day-to-day responsibilities, as he has a manager who has been with him for 27 years. Jo is still active in the business but has a secretary and accountant who do most of the paperwork now. Don plays golf two times per week, but only nine holes, like most of us 80-plus-year-olds. He still plays with my old high school buddy, Terry Ragsdale, former CO with Southern States Corp.

They are going on a trip to Germany, sponsored by the Virginia Museum, in a couple of weeks. It will cover much of the country and in particular, Munich and the Nuremburg trials.

I talked with Hoppy Holsinger, who is still fighting cancer but is pretty much in 40

remission at this time. He has taken all of the experimental drug treatments and recently had a reaction which caused him to lose all his skin. Right now, he is comfortable with the care Sallie gives him. She has a problem with a leaking heart valve but also is doing OK. They planned to take a trip to Luray, Virginia, and stay at a place where she can do genealogy on her family, who were Mennonites from that area. Hoppy says Marshall Mundy has recently retired from his law practice after some memory loss has kicked in. We all know how that is.

I got back in touch with J.P. Moore to let him know why our conversation was cut off due to my phone battery giving out. He was out of the hospital but still having some problems associated with us getting old. He had recently attended a funeral and passed out during the service. I told him that frequently happens when we stand in one spot too long. He said he didn’t want people to be concerned about his health. He is just as feisty as ever and said if we ever have another get-together, he will plan to be there.

I just have one more event to include in my report. A few weeks ago, I had five of my old friends I worked with during the’ 60s and ’70s, while I was a district engineer with National Clay Pipe Institute, join me here for three days. We have kept in touch over the years and gotten together for a reunion several times. There cannot be anything more enjoyable than a group of 80-plusyear-olds reminiscing old times!

A late report came from George Penn, who writes that he and Ellie are doing well.

She is still playing tennis and painting pictures. He enjoys his old cars. He noted that Pete Sensabaugh’s old 1951 Desoto Limo was on Craigslist for sale. That should bring back a lot of old memories.

Another late report came in from Sharkey Pate. He writes thanks for the article on National Football League protesting the flag.

His oldest grandson got married last month and resulted in a family reunion that included all four children, all nine grandchildren and one great-grandson.

This concludes my summer ’17 report to the Class of ’56.

Yours in the spirit, Dick

1957

George Sydnor Jr.

Howard Lawrence

We “drained” most of our Class of ’57 information file to produce the last class notes about our great 60th Reunion for the 2017-Issue 3 Alumni Review. We try, in writing these notes, to give you all the news of what is happening with our Class of ’57, plus informative news relative to what is going on at VMI. We realize that not every subject may be of interest to everyone, but read as you will what is of interest and continue to give us your feedback.

Did you know (how could we ever forget) who the VMI opening home game football opponent for the 2017 season was? Flash back to September 1953 – none other than, “Beat Catawba, hey.” We won that year, and I believe we got out of the Rat Line for a day or two; a welcome relief from our rat instructional program. The game was played at the Lexington High School field, and we marched through town to the stadium, sounding that never-to-be forgotten chant, “Beat Catawba, hey.” As of this writing in mid-August, we don’t know the outcome of this year’s event but wish the Keydets every success.

Sadly, our ’57 ranks lost another brother rat with the death of John Kling in July. His obituary is in this issue’s Taps section. We have written Doris a note of sympathy, and Dick Collier has sent a class donation to the Foundation in John’s memory. He was a good man and entered school from Buena Vista; we remember him well.

We received a nice email from Katherine Espey thanking us for letting her know of John’s passing. “You all have been wonderful to me since Jim died 35 years ago – a lifetime.” Thank you for your kind words, Kathy, and please remain in touch with us always.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes We had a nice note from Susan Christopher, who reported that Bob is well but unwilling to get too far from home. Sorry they missed the reunion, but they hope to get up/catch up with their local VMI alums in the Northern Neck.

Carl LeBourdais regrets missing the reunion. He is now “out of the woods” and is recovering every day from serious health issues which kept him at home for quite a while. He is sending us details of his military service, which will qualify him for a place in the Hall of Valor. Carl did not send in the reunion booklet questionnaire due to his illness. We are delighted you are now doing well, Carl.

Garland Sullivan phoned Tiger Locke, who is recovering from recent surgery. Tiger shared the story of his close relative who served at Pearl Harbor on that fateful day in 1941 that forever changed the world in ways never imagined at the time.

Howard and Garland also had lengthy phone talks with Sid Perry, who was very interested to know about all the changes at the Institute. We explained the remarkable development of buildings, post expansion and the 1,700-strong Corps of Cadets, to name a few. Sid reported that his father and grandfather went to VMI and that, before his matriculation with us, he had attended a four-year military academy in Tennessee. Hope we can get you back to Lexington for a visit, Sid. George had a call from Carter Fox reporting that he and Elinor continue to enjoy a leisurely lifestyle in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and that they were sorry to have missed the reunion.

Next time around, Carter; together we will enthrall all in attendance with tales of the Hop Committee escapades during our 1st Class year, to include how we 2017-Issue 4

Class of 1957: Dixie and Dawn Thomas moved to John Knox Village in Orange City, Florida, in December 2016.

Class of 1957: At the graduation of Ryan Poffenbarger ’16 were, from left, back row, Poffenbarger, John C. Poffenbarger ’79 and Sen. John T. Poffenbarger. Front row: Dr. A.L. Poffenbarger ’55.

Class of 1957: Ken and Katie Dickinson with Ken’s nephew, Vernie Reichling ’87, and wife Julie at a German restaurant in Cocoa Beach.

got Louis Armstrong to the Easter hops that long ago April 1957.

Good email from Dudley Price, who regretted missing our 60th.

He and Pat were in Virginia planning to attend when she suffered a stroke. We wish you both the best and were disappointed to miss you.

Jim and Toni Piggott have been on the go constantly since the reunion. Their travels took them on separate trips to Africa and Paris, France, over the summer. They have safely returned from their memorable adventures as we send these notes to press.

George just received an email from Nick “The Greek” Kallelis: “I want to thank John Whittle and his committee for the great job they all did putting together the reunion. I just finished reading the Alumni Review, and again, you and Howard did a great job.

“Carmen and I enjoyed seeing everyone at the reunion. We were particularly pleased that Joyce Schladitz and her two daughters, Kathy and Karen, were able to spend some time with us. Carl, aka ‘the Kraut,’ Ray MacKay, Don Coombs and I, along with our wives, had many great times together. We would meet often between reunions, and this reunion without Carl – his absence was somewhat offset with Joyce’s presence.

“Carmen and I have been busy with our involvement in church activities. We are working at the annual Greek Church Festival, which is one of the largest, if not the largest, in the country. We estimate that 45,000 people from Charlotte and the surrounding areas attend the festival each year to enjoy Greek food and experience the Greek culture that is on display, which includes Greek dance performances and videos of Greece. After the festival, Carmen 41

Class Notes

Class of 1957: Robert Wood served on the Central Florida Zoo staff for 20 years after retirement. One of his jobs was to raise a highly-endangered clouded leopard.

and I are taking a trip following the Vikings’ many trails. We leave from Bergen, Norway, and visit the Shetland Islands, Faro Islands, Iceland, Greenland, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, then go along the St. Lawrence to Montreal. We have always been interested in the Viking history.”

Have a memorable experience, Nick and Carmen; let us hear all about it with a full report on your return.

George Sydnor has talked with Tom Vaughan on several occasions following our April class reunion. Tom reports that he continues to make steady progress from his earlier-in-the-year critical health issues. He is fully on the mend. “Life is good.”

Thanks to Milton Hargrave, we located Brother Rat Wiley Clapp, who with his wife, Nancy, lives in Minden, Nevada. Wiley has done very well; he is widely known in the world of handgun design, modification, overall expertise, writing and lecturing. Firearms makers Colt, Smith & Wesson and Ruger consult with him on a regular basis and have even named guns for him.

Howard Lawrence and Bill Huffcut have spoken with Wiley. Bill and Wiley recalled a Vietnam experience where they ran into one another. Wiley says he got started in his current field and learning his present trade when on the gim list of his California sheriff ’s department staff. They asked him to be their armorer. Wiley now writes regularly 42

in the National Rifle Association’s magazine publication, American Rifleman, and in other prominent handgun journals. Firearm enthusiasts nationwide, even the guys in our local gun stores in Roanoke, know Wiley by his wide acclaim and expertise.

Many of you have been kind enough to send pictures of yourselves and families. However, for us to publish them in the Alumni Review, they must meet the following specifications.

Photos should be provided in .jpg format and should not be embedded in any other document (such as a Word document with accompanying text). They must be taken or scanned at a high resolution of 300 dpi or greater, and should be as large in dimension (width and height) as possible. Photos that are copied from a website are typically 72 dpi and are too small in dimension to be of adequate quality. So, please attempt to acquire the original digital photos whenever possible. If the quality is not acceptable, we may not be able to use the photos submitted. Also, we cannot use photos with anything (text or graphics) added to the photo. Please keep them coming, but help us by providing usable pictures fitting the specifications. More importantly, however, just keep your notes, emails and

Class of 1957: George Sydnor with Charlie Webb on the Parade Ground before the spring football scrimmage at the end of April. Charlie is a prospective cadet for the Class of 2022. He is a rising senior at Mercersburg Academy and a prospect for the VMI football program at 6 feet 5 inches tall and 250 pounds, playing on the offensive and defensive lines at Mercersburg.

pictures coming. They are always welcome.

Everyone who bought a copy of Harry Warner’s beautiful book, “House Mountain Affair,” thinks it’s great. The beautiful photos and Harry’s story of the mountain make it so special. We all have so many memories from our Parade Ground days, watching the peaceful mountain in the Lexington background as it changed with the seasons. Springtime was particularly a favorite, as it signified the end of the school year with finals not far away.

Look at Issue 3 class notes or email Harry for purchase instructions.

Another outstanding and memorable book available at the VMI Museum, (Call 800-4441839 and ask for the museum) is, “Founding Father of VMI – A Biography of J.T.L Preston.” John Thomas Lewis was quite an accomplished and interesting man, having been home schooled by his brilliant mother, Virginia Randolph, and having entered Washington College when only 14 years old.

Preston was the guiding light and energy source behind the founding of the Institute and its early development. VMI was specifically designed to educate the young men of Virginia to serve our state; it was not intended to be a West Point. The two schools had different mission objectives. J.T.L.’s inscription on the Parapet, to this very day, remains a guiding star for Gen. Peay ’62 and his staff in upholding the time-honored VMI standards, principles and objectives of excellence. The book is a great read.

To those who sent pictures that we did not use in this Review, please keep in mind that we are limited to five pics per issue and thus unable to include all. So, we are planning to send the balance to the Class of ’57 email address group soon along with interim mini updates on BR activities. We treasure every picture you send, so keep them coming.

Great news! Just off the VMI Foundation press: A special thanks to the 89 brother rats and sister rats of the Class of ’57 who contributed so generously to VMI causes and our Annual Fund Appeal. The Class of ’57 placed second amongst all classes in the ’50s decade and right at the top in percentage participation. You can’t know what your gifts mean to the financial health of our great school. Thanks so much to you all.

Plus, we cannot write without recognizing VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes that the two largest gifts were from our 13 contributing sister rats who gave in memory of their husbands, our BRs. To all you ladies, you are just the greatest!

Thirty-six – yes, 36 – of these gifts were received between the reunion and the end of the fiscal year June 30. Many contributions came onboard from those who have not participated in a number of years. Fantastic! This is the vital support needed to sustain the VMI mission for generations to come. Way to go ’57!

Let’s keep up the good work in 2018! So, how about 100 percent participation in this new fiscal year!? Now, that would be the record of all records; let the Class of ’57 lead the way! Beat Catawba, hey!

And to close for now, we hope to see many of you at home football games this fall, basketball games that get underway in November or at other “I” functions in the near future. Take care of yourselves, and enjoy every precious day.

George and Howard

1958

Lee McCown

Greetings to all.

I had the pleasure of going to VMI on New Market Day to meet with Carolyn Hickerson, wife of BR Bob Hickerson, who died of a brain tumor in 2002. Carolyn was bringing some of Bob’s treasures for presentation to the VMI Museum.

One treasure was a very heavy silver pitcher given to Bob by the Daughters of the Confederacy when he received the Stonewall Jackson Award for Excellence in Physics. Bob was also the second Jackson-Hope medalist in our class, with Joe Parker being the first.

Both of their names are on a monument near Jackson Memorial Hall.

Bob was also inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and received the John H. French medal for his proficiency in mathematics. He came to VMI at age 16 and taught there briefly after graduation. To call Bob a scholar would be quite the understatement. He held four 2017-Issue 4

master’s degrees in science fields and came close to finishing his Ph.D., but, when asked to revise a part of his dissertation, uttered some favorite VMI expressions and put it on the shelf. Bob worked for much of his career at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab and lived in Ellicott City, Maryland. During his career, he was awarded the Antarctica Bronze Medal – considered an award of the United States Armed Forces but sometimes given to civilians – for research in the Polar region, where he measured the cover over the encapsulated ice and tested the air chemistry. Bob also held a patent for an infrared horizon sensor that measures satellite pitch and roll.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Carolyn’s sister, Lisette Rivera, who will accompany Carolyn and Carolyn’s son and three grandsons to our reunion next year. Carolyn, who met Bob while she was at William & Mary and came to many hops at VMI, is looking forward to our review parade and the march into barracks for our Old Yell.

She says the grandsons, all interested in the military, will be impressed. We will have somebody from the VMI admissions office there with a signup sheet, Carolyn!

Planning for next year’s 60th Reunion took Jane and Stirling Williamson and Laura and me to Lexington for consultation with VMI alumni staff and George Sydnor ’57, who was involved with the 60th Reunion of his class.

George was helpful, as always, in the planning discussion at lunch and also told us this colorful story that involves both of our classes.

George inherited a $10,000 Hop Committee debt from the Class of ’56 but convinced a Lexington banker to loan ’57 another $10,000. They used it to bring Louis Armstrong’s band to VMI for two dances and a concert. In the era before computers, they managed to publicize the weekend so well all over the state that they cleared the debt and made money to pass on to us! George mentioned that Ernie Edgar was a member of our Hop Committee.

Great choice in musicians, George. Ken Burns has said that Armstrong was “quite simply the most important person in American music. He is to music (I did not say

jazz) what Einstein was to physics.” I think Paul Royer would agree.

Thanks to George for his contribution to our new football scholarship and for mentioning the scholarship in his class notes.

That mention resulted in a generous gift from Thornton Elmore Jr. ’57, M.D., for which we are very grateful.

Class of 1958: Philadelphia’s grand City Hall, made of granite quarried in Richmond.

Class of 1958: Andrew Deal ’12, left, and Donnie Ross ’74, vice presidents of the Keydet Club, with Michael Tamaso, recipient of the Class of 1958’s first football scholarship.

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Class Notes of Ezekiel’s major works featured themes After lunch with George, we went to of faith, Israel and religious freedom. After Preston Library to look at the portraits of he was commissioned to create the Jefferson superintendents and were fortunate enough statue for Jefferson County, Kentucky, he to run into Col. Keith Gibson ’77, director kept the molds and began fundraising efforts of the VMI Museum System. When Stir toward donating a twin statue to the Univermentioned his great-great-grandfather, Gen. sity of Virginia, in honor of the president Thomas Hoomes Williamson – the second who had inspired much of his life’s work. commandant of VMI who served as profes“The statue depicts Jefferson reading from sor of engineering, architecture and drawing the Declaration of Independence atop a liberfrom 1841-87, was Stonewall Jackson’s engity bell, while his four core ideals for America neer in the Valley Campaign, and designed [justice, liberty, equality and religious freeVMI’s Limit Gates and the Lee Chapel at dom] surround its base. Ezekiel dubbed the Washington and Lee University – we were religious [freedom] figure, which faces west taken to a portrait of Stir’s ancestor that he toward the university chapel, ‘Vox Populi, knew about but had not seen. Jane said, Class of 1958: Stirling Williamson was Vox Dei,’ or ‘the voice of the people is the “Look! You have his nose!” happy to learn of this portrait of his voice of God.’” Gibson informed Stir that old Tom is burgreat-great-grandfather, Thomas H. WilFor the full article, see https://news.viried in Stonewall Jackson Cemetery under liamson, which hangs in Preston Library. a gravestone of his own design. We drove ginia.edu/content/let-freedom-ring-uvathere, and Stir and Jane were professor-rediscovers-sacreddelighted to see the very imposstory-behind-jefferson-statue. ing family gravestone. We were Continuing with this history happy to see how close the Wiltheme, Laura and I spent a few liamsons are to a lot of McCowns very pleasant days in Philadelphia from Rockbridge County interred with our son, Kevin, and his wife, nearby.

Dawn, before they decamped to Seeing the torches on the lawn New Delhi with the State Departat the University of Virginia in ment. We were very interested in Charlottesville that ugly weekseeing Philadelphia’s City Hall for end with the Moses Ezekiel ’866 the first time in years, because the statue of Thomas Jefferson standbeautiful Petersburg granite it is ing on a liberty bell in front of the Class of 1958: Bob Hickerson’s wife, Carolyn, and her sister, Li- made of came from a quarry here Rotunda, prompted Laura to look sette Rivera, came to the VMI Museum on New Market Day in Richmond. The quarry hole is up that statue. She found this in- to donate a collection representing Bob’s many achievements. now a private swim club with a teresting information on the UVA website: truly magical quality and a long waiting list “Ezekiel was the first Jewish man to enroll for membership. in the Virginia Military Institute, where he Laura is a Facebook friend of John Pebecame fast friends with roommate Thomas ters, and she found his posting about Glen G. Jefferson [’867], a great-nephew of the Campbell there at the time of Campbell’s UVA founder. They continued their frienddeath in August. It was accompanied by a ship on the battlefield, where Jefferson died terrific picture of John and Campbell that in Ezekiel’s arms as the future sculptor read unfortunately didn’t have enough pixels for aloud from the Gospel of John. [He actually the Alumni Review. John’s posting said: died a few days later.]

“Fond memories. With Glen Campbell in “After the Confederacy fell, Ezekiel 1972 when I was president of Richmond studied sculpting in Berlin and then Rome, Red Cross, and Glen donated the proceeds where he was forced to live in the Jewish of his concert in Richmond to the Red Cross ghettos, a ‘place of tears’ and crushing for flood relief following Tropical Storm poverty. He came to cherish his American Agnes, Richmond’s biggest flood. A very roots, ingrained in Jefferson’s pioneering generous and gracious man.” vision for the right to life, liberty and the A lot of our musician friends mourned Class of 1958: The 1958 class emblem pursuit of happiness.

Campbell’s passing, too, commenting more from Bob’s sweater.

“As he grew famous as a sculptor, many on his guitar playing than his voice, which 44

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes is saying something, given what a great singer he was.

Laura and I had a marriage bonding experience during The Basketball Tournament 2017 when Ram Nation, the team made up predominantly of grads of Virginia Commonwealth University, her alma mater, featured VMI’s own Reggie Williams ’08.

Williams played very well, but the championship ultimately went to the never defeated Overseas Elite. The Basketball Tournament players are pros playing in the offseason for a team prize of $2 million. Reggie is currently with the Oklahoma City Blue, an NBA G League team, the minor league affiliate of the Oklahoma City Thunder based in Oklahoma City. He was just named one of 16 players with NBA, NBA G League or international experience who will participate in the upcoming USA Basketball Men’s AmeriCup team training camp. The camp will be used to select the U.S. team for the FIBA AmeriCup. Moon Menefee is on a roll with his organization of our Richmond lunches, which are drawing more and more BRs, from greater distances. The last one brought Jan Woodman from Delaware, Bill Dunn from McLean and Jerry Paull from Alexandria.

Dave Camper, Alex Clarke, Jack Cunningham, Brooke Doggett, Charlie Hayes, Bill Holt, Onza Hyatt, Moon, Frank Norvell, Paul Royer, Roland Tharpe, Stirling Williamson and I all came to eat barbecue at Extra Billy’s on West Broad Street.

Jan is marking his eighth year of sobriety, continuing to enjoy living in beautiful Lewes, Delaware, staying in close touch with his children and grandchildren, especially those showing some interest in going to VMI. He is also great at staying in touch with BRs. Jan has had a long battle with cancer and is now in a wheelchair, yet he is still resourceful enough to find a ride to Richmond and enjoy being with BRs. Jerry plays in two golf groups and volunteers at the USO. Alex just bought two adjoining houses a few blocks from us in Richmond’s Fan District that, after renovating, he will continue to hold as rentals. I have volunteered to remove some low limbs from the street trees in front of his property in my role as a Richmond tree steward. It will cost him 2017-Issue 4

a bowl of black bean soup at Kuba Kuba, my neighborhood eatery where we have lunch on occasion.

Bill Holt is preparing for his and Landa’s move to Roanoke, where their two daughters live. We look forward to seeing them when we visit my hometown. Bill still plays in Richmond’s John Marshall High School alumni band, which he says includes a World War II veteran!

Onza brought his roommate, Roland, to lunch. Roland has had recent back surgery and was in a brace from his chest to his waist. Paul reports that his sons are doing well: One is a teacher in Florida, another an attorney in Charlottesville and the third a doctor in Atlanta.

Our waitress at lunch told us about her Institute ancestor, Cpl. Samuel Francis Atwill ’866, of Westmoreland County, Virginia, who was wounded at New Market and died shortly thereafter.

I got this nice email from David, son of Walter Leach: “My dad enjoyed your birthday card and note. It brought a smile and I believe sparked some memories, especially the brother rat from ’58. I guess that will stay with a Keydet forever! He is losing his vocabulary and has trouble reading, writing and holding a conversation. His thought process is intact, and we can communicate fine. We are blessed that his spirits are high, and he enjoys getting out for lunch most weekends.

He also is happy where he lives but thinks he has been there much longer than he has.

He enjoyed the cards and our visit but does not want to believe he is 81. He looked in the mirror and said he looks young for his age.

Of course, he is right! Thanks for all you do for the alumni and for keeping my father in your thoughts.”

Speaking of birthday cards, Roy Palmer organized an outpouring of birthday cards for Duke Johnston, which Annette says he greatly appreciated. Jerry Paull suggested we should keep doing this for all BRs who really need a lift. No doubt the cards will mean a lot to their families, too. Please let me know of situations that call for a strong class response.

Bob Beale also sent me a note after receiving his birthday card: “Thanks so much for your annual birthday greeting. I think of VMI and our brother rats often. There is a

rat send-off from Colorado occurring next month. Although I was only at VMI for a year, I am very proud to be a brother rat of the Class of ’58.

“I had a most enjoyable phone conversation with Jan Woodman regarding the Class of ’58 football scholarship fund. He is a good salesman! While at VMI, Bruce Baker and I were good friends. Jan gave me an update on Bruce’s life. He lived in Denver at the time of his death. Best regards, Bob.” Jan once asked Bob to contact Bruce’s wife, Sybil, which he kindly did.

Since our last Alumni Review, we have learned of the deaths of two classmates, Dorsey Shipley June 8 and Paul Davies June 5, 2016. Ship was with us for a year before graduating from Shepherd College, serving in the Air Force and retiring from a career with the Federal Aviation Administration. He was at our 50th Reunion and enjoyed getting reacquainted with comrades.

He said then that he never lost his love of flying. Rest in peace, Ship.

I learned of Paul’s death only recently. His wife, Marilyn, said he had prostate cancer and lymphoma. An Army lieutenant colonel, he was laid to rest with full military honors in the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery near his home in Orland Park, Illinois.

Marilyn said they had 56 happy years of marriage, and Paul left his affairs in perfect order. Paul was a quiet, thoughtful, studious guy, a history major who earned a Ph.D. in philosophy from Purdue University. Rest in peace, Paul.

Drew Troxler called to get our 60th Reunion dates and said he isn’t moving around much but is definitely coming! Those dates are April 22-24, 2018. We’ll be staying at the Hampton Inn Col Alto, a crowd favorite.

You will be getting details on that soon.

Our Class of 1958 Football Scholarship Fund now has a cash total of approximately $52,000 with future pledges of cash, stock and planned gifts of $39,500. The annual spin off at 5 percent of the cash total is about $2,600. Thanks to those of you who have made additional gifts in the new fiscal year to build up this account. I encourage those of you who have not yet made a gift in honor of our incredible football team of 1957 to get on board soon! Don’t wait for a 45

Class Notes phone call from Jim, Stirling, Jan or me to join the support team.

Donnie Ross ’74, Keydet Club vice president, met the first recipient of our scholarship fund and said this: “Andrew Deal ’12 and I had the privilege of meeting rat football player Michael Tomaso today after practice. [He is No. 77, which Bobby Dale ’59 held on our great team.]

“He hails from Fairhope, Alabama, [home of Jim Poteet] and is an offensive lineman.

He extends his thanks and gratitude to the Class of ’58 for the scholarship he represents. Personally speaking, it was a real pleasure meeting him and watching him at practice. He is going to develop as a fine cadet/athlete. His email address is: michael. tomaso@yahoo.com.”

In the spirit, Lee

1959

Shep Shepard

Noland Pipes is hanging in there despite two major surgeries performed to move his brain shunt from his abdomen to the pleura.

Unfortunately, it has not reduced the fluid, and he has to have the fluid drained every four weeks. The doctors have not yet determined where the leak is but are continuing to work on the problem. It certainly has curtailed their travel plans, but they are still hopeful they will get to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park next year.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Noland and Mary.

Skip White had a bleeding ulcer in the duodenum, resulting in two transfusions and a cauterization followed by anemia. The symptoms of anemia are fatigue and weakness exacerbated by his heart attack 44 years ago. While in the hospital, the White Girls’ Network had a big sleep over at the hospital.

Skip says he much prefers a family reunion at the beach rather than in the hospital. He has pretty much made a full recovery now, but it was a trip, and he thanks everyone for their thoughts and prayers.

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I received a nice note from Alex Mackenzie, Bruce Mackenzie’s son, who said they had a beautiful memorial service for Bruce followed by a very informal celebration on what would have been Bruce’s 80th birthday. They rented the house on the beach at Edisto Island, South Carolina, where they spent two weeks with Bruce every summer as kids. Alex’s sister flew in from Connecticut, his brother flew in from Japan, his stepbrother came over from Charlotte and Alex came from Dallas. In honor of Bruce, they all wore crazy trousers and hats. A member of the family, who is a professional bagpipe musician, played at a gathering on the beach.

It was concluded by spreading Bruce’s ashes at his favorite place on earth. God bless you; Bruce will be remembered with affection by his brother rats.

Marvin Boswell had lunch with Kurt Gloeckner and John Van Kesteren last winter in Charlottesville. John has a daughter there, and he comes to visit a couple of times a year, and they usually get together. Marvin and Betsy took a trip to South Bend, Indiana, where they attended their granddaughter’s graduation from St. Mary’s College School of Nursing.

John Van Kesteren had a three-dyke generational meeting at LWRC International, the factory owned by Richard Bernstein ’65 in Salisbury, Maryland. Richard was the dyke of Holland Bell ’62, and Holland was John’s dyke. Richard is the owner of the facility that manufactures military hardware, including

Class of 1959: Tex Carr and Emily Hanzok outside the new opera house in Vienna, Austria.

18 different model rifles and electronic devices. Holland and John recently purchased M6 carbines from Richard’s company. Richard is the consummate entrepreneur who provided them with an extensive tour of his facility, which has more than 300 employees.

Tex Carr and Emily Hanzok recently went on a fabulous two week riverboat cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. Among many other exciting events, they enjoyed a private concert in the new opera house in Vienna.

The orchestra consisted of two wind instruments, five strings, two percussion, two vocalists and two dancers, and the Champagne flowed freely. Both are making preparations for their next riverboat cruise.

Don and Carol Messner had an eventful trip back to Pittsburgh this year. They stopped in Charleston, South Carolina, just to look around, but three days later, they both came down with nasty colds. They felt so bad that they didn’t even attempt any fine dining. They did, however, take a vintage carriage ride and visited one of the many beautiful plantations surrounding the area. They felt so bad that they bypassed their son’s place in Virginia to prevent bringing what they had into their home. Don and Carol have spent the summer enjoying their time in the Pittsburgh area doing those things that they miss when in Port Charlotte, such as the Pittsburgh Symphony, plays at various city locations, and mostly their daughter and her family. Their grandson, Adam, has a provisional appointment to VMI and has attended a Legacy Day event. Unfortunately, he is being toxically influenced by cousins who are currently attending Pennsylvania State University. Don has managed to coax Dean Helfer away from the farm on a couple of occasions to join several of their former Duquesne Light Company coworkers who meet for lunch on Fridays in Pittsburgh. Dean is doing well, as is Katherine, who is still recovering from complicated foot surgery. Don and Carol are planning to return to Florida earlier than usual in time to attend the Florida group mini reunion in Punta Gorda in September.

They have missed so many of the past reunions that they are willing to sacrifice their time up north to visit with their brother rats.

John Reed spent a portion of his summer VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes rank this year – an event achieved by back in his beloved Haiti, where he his older brother two years ago. It is and his medical team performed quite obvious that Mel and Jean are vision tests and provided glasses extremely proud of their grandchilfor children. In addition, several dren and all that they have accomhundred students got fluoride treatplished. ments for cavity prevention. It was, once again, a very rewarding mediJimmy and Linda Johnson flew cal mission trip. Seventeen years out to Madigan Army Medical Cenago, John and Anne “adopted” a ter at Joint Base McCord-Fort LewHaitian boy, Girbson Bijou, while Class of 1959: From left, John Van Kesteren, Richard Bernstein is, Washington, where Jimmy was a on their honeymoon. Girbson is ’65 and Holland Bell ’62 at a three-dyke generational meeting guest lecturer. The area surrounding a musical savant, plays 11 instru- at LWRC International, Richard Bernstein’s factory that pro- the base is beautiful as always, and ments, is a university graduate and duces high performance rifles, in Salisbury, Maryland. the fabulous Mount Rainier still is the information technology direcdominates the skyline. tor for Habitat for Humanity. There Ralph and Janice Rae Lawson are many more Girbson’s who need flew out to Portland, Oregon, to only a little help to fulfill their intake a cruise on the Columbia and credible potential; the future of HaiSnake Rivers. They contend that ti depends. God bless you and Anne their trip wasn’t as tough as it was for all the good things you do. for Lewis and Clark and Sacajawea Jo Anne Dreelin Anstett reports in 1804, but at our age, any trip is a that Eric and Julie Dreelin, Don task. All is well with Ralph and J.R. and Jo Anne’s son and daughter-inNext trip scheduled will be a river law, were blessed with a daughter, cruise in Scotland with National Kirra Sunshine, in May. They live Geographic.

Class of 1959: Shep and Ann Shepard whitewater rafting on the in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, and wild and scenic Poudre River in Fort Collins, Colorado. Pictured Dick and Judith Irons continue continue to stay busy photograph- were Kumar, their guide; Ann Shepard; Isabelle Shepard, their to age like vintage wine. Although ing family gatherings and weddings daughter-in-law; Shep Shepard; Avery Ellegood, their grandson; Judith’s ataxia is not getting any on the Outer Banks. Their daughter, Phil Shepard ’83; and Tony Colson, their nephew-in-law. better, nor will it, they are coping.

Erin, and her family live in the state It is difficult for her, as her mind of Michigan and are doing great. is able, but she is trapped in a deteriorating Mel and Jean Anderson and Bob Haines body. Dick has had a couple small seizures and Monique Harnetty just returned from a in the last eight months, but so far there are cruise on all five of the Great Lakes. They no ill effects. He was also diagnosed with sailed from Chicago to Toronto on the M/S Barrettes Esophagus and will have some Victory I, with stops in various Canadian and outpatient surgery soon, which should help U.S. towns. The highlights of the trip for them prolong any cancer onset. Other than that, were visiting Mackinac Island, the Rock and life goes on, and they hope everyone is doRoll Hall of Fame, the Ford Museum, the ing all right.

Cleveland Museum of Art, and Manitoulin Larry and Nancy Wood were contacted Island, home of the Ojibwe native people. by the VMI Alumni Association looking for Mel and Jean are already planning their next someone to start a Las Vegas Chapter. Larry trip, a cruise through the new Panama Canal, volunteered and asked for suggestions on next June. The cruise begins in Los Angeles how to put together a successful organizawith stops in San Diego, Cabo San Lucas, tion. My first and most important suggestion Acapulco, Puerto Quetzal, Corinto, Puntarewas not to get discouraged when only a few nas, through the canal in daylight, Cartagena, people show up for your first events. It is a George Town and ends in Miami. Mel and hard job getting alumni together, but knowJean are currently on their way to Denver, ing the enthusiasm of Larry and Nancy, in Colorado, to visit their oldest granddaughtime, they will probably have the largest enClass of 1959: Don Messner and his grandter. Their youngest granddaughter is playing rollment of all Alumni Association chapters. son, Adam, at a local Memorial Day event oboe in concerts in Italy, while their youngThey have already planned a send-off for two in Virginia. est grandson was awarded the Eagle Scout Las Vegas rat prospects who planned to join 2017-Issue 4

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Class Notes the rat class. Larry and Nancy had a nice visit from Harry and Terry MacGregor, who were in Nevada visiting their oldest son who lives just up the road in Flagstaff.

In August, Bill and Connie Nebraska joined a group of their Irish Club friends at the Irish Village, Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

In May, they went to Vermont to see their grandson, Mark, graduate from the University of Vermont. In August, Bill will be in Quebec for his annual salmon fishing trip, and of course, in October, his two sons will join him in Ohio for their third annual steelhead trout fishing weekend – one of Bill’s most favorite family events.

A few months ago, Mike and Julie Vargosko spent 16 days in Austria and Poland, where they visited their son, Michael. Michael received his executive Master of Business Administration degree in Vienna along with 49 other graduates from 23 different countries. Mike met some of the people Michael worked with, and he was very impressed with them and their families. Mike and Julie attended a concert at the Vienna Concert Hall, where they enjoyed a memorable evening listening to the Vienna Symphony Orchestra. They also visited Michael’s home in Warsaw, where they met their granddog, an 8-week-old golden lab, who listened to Julie far more than Mike. They visited two new museums that were new to them.

The one in Warsaw was only 4 years old and traces a thousand-year history of Jews in Poland. The other was in Gdansk and focused on what took place in Poland during World War II. Mike and Julie celebrated his 80th birthday at one of the two top restaurants in Warsaw. The staff, with Michael’s guidance, went out of its way to make Mike feel special.

Bud and Denyse Kramer continue to increase the size of their family with the addition of a grandson and a new greatgranddaughter. That brings the count to nine children, 22 grandchildren and three greatgranddaughters. One of their grandsons, Paul, just graduated from high school with summa cum laude recognition. He is heading off to the University of Florida. Another grandson who joined the Army is graduating from boot camp at Fort Benning, Georgia. Bud and Denyse plan to be there for the graduation. Following graduation, he will be 48

traveling to Arlington, Virginia, where he will be assigned to the infamous U.S. Army’s Old Guard. Bud and Denyse will be traveling to France in September with their church group to visit Paris, Lourdes and Normandy. They will be back for the Florida mini.

Spence and Beverly Tucker are doing well.

Spence is in the process of trying to master the growing of vegetables in their greenhouse that they installed last year. Beverly flew to Tacoma, Washington, to visit one of their daughters and her family. Spence continues to enjoy his writing and editing business. He published the book, “Modern Conflict in the Greater Middle East,” earlier this year and a two-volume works, “Controversies in Military History,” will be out in September. He is currently working on a four-volume study of warfare in the Middle East from ancient times to the present. He has to admit that it is a difficult task keeping up with all the fastchanging developments in that part of the world.

Bob and Lois Hobson have had an exciting few weeks. They had three grandchildren get married and welcomed their 28th great-grandchild. April and May were spent in the great state of Georgia, where they planned to return in October to spend another six weeks before returning to Utah for the winter. Bob and Lois had a grandson return from Micronesia after a two-year mission. For most of the time, he was without electricity and running water, but he would go back in a New York minute. Bob and Lois realize that Utah is out of the way for many brother rats but their home is open to anyone heading that way.

Kurt Gloeckner says that he has once again set a hiking mileage of 83, one more mile than his age. He is considering raising the bar to 100 miles. He accomplished the 83 miles just two days before the year was up. Kurt says that there is an app available for donating charity miles if anyone in the Stonewall class is interested in participating.

The big event and joy in Kurt and Jane’s lives was the arrival of twin granddaughters last April. Kurt is still working full time and specializing in designing small dams and bridges. They continue to use new technology such as drones for large topography projects and creating digital models for heavy construction equipment whose blades are

controlled by GPS. The modern engineering technology keeps it interesting and has kept Kurt going.

Lloyd and Bette Thacker are still hanging out in Williamsburg, Virginia, enjoying retirement and playing lots of golf. Lloyd recently shot a 41, with 5 pars, on the front nine; not bad for an 81-year-old duffer. Bette’s game continues to be a work in progress.

They recently spent an enjoyable weekend in Deltaville at Marvin and Patti Myers’ “rivah house,” along with Truman and Jackie Baxter. While Jackie and the guys played golf, Patti and Bette enjoyed a leisurely lunch and explored all the great shops downtown. June found Lloyd and Bette in Maine for the high school graduation of their granddaughter, Devon, then to Baltimore for the graduation of granddaughter Riley. Both girls are headed for college in August; Riley to Clemson University and Devon to Roger Williams in Rhode Island. Lloyd and Bette are so proud of what their girls have accomplished both in academics and on the lacrosse field.

Bonnie Pomponio continues to enjoy the company of her grandsons, and especially the fact that she can spoil them rotten. Bonnie can’t believe what a great job she does keeping up with their antics, especially since she recently celebrated another birthday.

Class of 1959: John Reed and his son, Girbson Bijou, whom he and Ann adopted 17 years ago on their honeymoon.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Art and Ginny Brandriff will be spending more time in Florida since their youngest son, Chris Brandriff ’06, and his wife, Meagan, will be moving to Tampa. Chris works for J.P. Morgan on Wall Street since graduating from The University of Virginia Darden School of Business in 2009 and will continue to work for them in Tampa. Art celebrated his 80th birthday with family and friends, and his biggest surprise was when his roommate and longtime friend, Jim Sam Gillespie, showed up from southwest Virginia. What a wonderful surprise. They spent the weekend sharing many VMI stories, which – like fine wine – seem to get better with age.

Margo Cotton mustered up enough energy to join her family in Hilton Head, South Carolina, this summer. Although it was hot, she had a wonderful time and brought back so many vivid memories of the days at Hilton Head with Chuck, friends and the family. Although she gave it the old VMI effort, she could not participate in all the family activities, but just being there with the kids and grandkids was enough to make it a memorable vacation.

Ed and Lee Adams faced what every parent fears the most, the loss of one of their children. Ed and Lee lost their son, Rick, in January 2017 to a major brain stroke. Rick and Ed had a very close relationship, more like brothers than father and son. Just before Rick died, he called Ed and asked if he had received the package he sent to him. Ed said no, and Rick asked if he had checked the porch for a delivery lately. Ed said no and went to the door, and there was Rick. Friends and family have rallied to their support, but hurt is still there and will always be. Ed had his own problems three years ago when he had melanoma, but it was successfully removed, and he is now doing fine. Both Ed and Lee are very much involved in their community particularly the Rotary. They recently attended a Rotary convention in Atlanta, where 47,000 people gathered to listen to the inspiring words of Jack Nicklaus, the guest speaker. It was quite an affair. They are now working hard through the Rotary to eradicate polio all over the world once and for all.

Bill and Yvonne Traylor are headed for the Adirondacks to enjoy some time with their daughter, Elizabeth, and grandchildren, 2017-Issue 4

Andrew and Buckley. Andrew is a senior at the University of Virginia, and Buckley is a senior at The Highland School in Warrenton, Virginia. After the scorching Florida heat this summer, they are eager for some cool weather and good family time in the mountains together. They have enjoyed having Buckley live with them this summer while she did community service with the homeless in Orlando. Andrew, on the other hand, has had his first short story published; a tale of fishing in Boca Grande Pass which was published in the Virginia Literary Review. A budding star in the Traylor family.

George and Marie O’Neill are well. During one of George’s telephone conversations with old roomie Lon Martin, Lon lamented, as they are prone to do, that his prowess in golf isn’t what it used to be. He now leaves the golf course after the 15th hole rather than putting out on the 18th. George failed to asked if Lon carded his usual 16, 17 and 18 eagles and birdies before heading to the shower. George presumes, as is true with all VMI golfers, that he will “certify” that he’s recording golf scores to the best of his recollection. Joe Simpson celebrated his birthday in a very special way; he flew to Washington, D.C., to spend it with his daughter, Melissa. With the recent surge of sinkholes here in Florida, Joe thinks that there might be a plot to significantly decrease the alligator food supply.

Ann and I have just returned from a Shepard reunion in the Rockies held at YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. One set of Bud and Susan Mease’s twin daughters, Stacy and Suzann, put it all together and did a superb job. We went whitewater rafting on the Poudre River, horseback riding, hiking and picnicking in Rocky Mountain National Park, and played miniature golf as well as a round of Frisbee golf. Estes Park is where the Stanley Hotel is located, the same hotel that was featured in the movie, “The Shining,” and we just had to have a drink at the famous Steamer’s Café. A drive through the national park was a must, and we nearly made it to the top of the mountain, but a little mountain storm, lightening and hail convinced us to turn back. Bud and Susan are doing well. Susan is still in the fight against cancer, and thank God, it looks like she will

be the winner. They planned to join us and my brother and sister-in-law in Hilton Head in October for a family get-together.

John and Chris Patane had a great summer.

There is an abundance of mediocre golf at Hilton Head, Pine Hurst and the lake, as well as water skiing, boating and picnicking with friends and family. Their health continues to be good, and they are still contributing their skills to the community through some much enjoyed volunteer work.

Ann and I made a quick trip to Fort Myers to visit Lee and Nancy Southard. Lee and Nancy have been renovating their new home for over a year and finally see light at the end of the tunnel. When they watched “Flip or Flop” or “Fixer Upper” on HGTV, it all looked so easy and never took more than an hour to complete. They had a rude awakening, and next time you see them, be prepared for a long, sad story. Our trip was primarily to do the final coordination for the Florida group mini reunion to be held at the Fisherman’s Village in Punta Gorda, Florida, in September. Lee and Nancy selected the site and made all the arrangements for the reunion. It looks like it will be a great place to get the class together. I will let you know how it went in the next class notes. Keep those cards, letters and emails coming in.

Yours in the spirit, Shep

1960

James A. Smith III

Greetings again from St. James Plantation, North Carolina. Ruth and I just returned home from an eventful week away. On May 15, New Market Day, Bill “Elrod” Cressall was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery. I wrote about it in our last class notes.

We then went to The Olde Mill Resort in Laurel Fork, Virginia, for our mini midterm reunion.

On Tuesday, May 16, the following brother rats and wives rolled in: Bolling and Theresa Williamson, Bill “Peanuts” and Jan Elliott, 49

Class Notes Henry and Linda Brown, Jack and Nancy Horgan, Howard and Susan Moss, Tom and Barbara Daniel, Herb and Terry Vaughan, Jim and Suzie O’Dell, Joe and Ella Sisler, Sam and Lynn Horner, Jack and Jayne Seamon, Henry and Ginnie Shirley, Bill and Eileen Giles, Tony and Jay DiCaprio, Jim Pittman, and Jim French. G.G. Phillips, Ashby Chamberlain, Jimmie Seeley, Otis Pool, Jack Willard, Ed Tolley and Bill Spicuzza were initially coming but, due to health reasons and other commitments, were unable to come. They, as well as all of you brother rats, were missed. As you can imagine, from May 16-19, both new and old stories were told and enjoyed. On Wednesday, a scramble was played with Jack Seamon, Joe Sisler and Herb Vaughan edging out the two other groups by one stroke. On Thursday, the team of O’Dell and Seamon beat Horner and Sisler two-up. We had beautiful weather until the evening of our last day.

The rhododendrons were in full bloom. The mountains of western Virginia were beautiful. We hope we can get together next year as our 60th is in 2020.

On May 25, I tried to catch up with John “Seagull” Coughlin for his birthday wish but only got his voicemail. Seagull was wished many happy returns of the day, good health, safety and many more birthdays.

On Memorial Day, we are all reminded of those who sacrificed so much for our freedom and our way of life. We remember our brother rats who have left us and others who were near and dear to us. I know you share my gratitude for those brother rats and others in our lives who have served and are still with us.

I’m happy to report Susan Moss sailed through her operation with 50

Class of 1960: Terry and Herb Vaughan, Joe Sister, Jack Seamon, Jim O’Dell, Sam Horner, Henry Brown, and Jack and Nancy Horgan at the Olde Mill Golf Course.

Class of 1960: Suzie O’Dell, Howard and Susan Moss, Tom and Ann Daniel, and Jim Pittman at Olde Mill Resort.

Class of 1960: Bill and Eileen Giles and Henry and Linda Brown at breakfast at Olde Mill Resort.

flying colors. Susan says she is now able to eat things she hasn’t been able to in a long time. She needs the strength to keep up with Howard. We sent Susan some flowers from our fund to our sister rat from her brother rats. Susan wrote: “Dear VMI Class of 1960, I am still overwhelmed with the beautiful flowers you sent. They have made our whole house smell like a garden. Thank you, Susan.” It’s nice to be able to send flowers to someone alive and well!

On June 3, luckily I got Jim O’Dell at 9:30 a.m., out of bed, to give him his birthday wish. He was up, had breakfast and was doing paperwork. He was looking forward to planting some new bushes/flowers. No golf. He has a nice picture on Facebook. We wish him more good health, safety and many more birthdays. I’m sure there was a cigar on the agenda sometime that day.

I spoke with G.G. Phillips, who was feeling well. He answered the phone saying he was in a hospital.

He explained he was at a hospital board meeting. The Phillipses and Bolling Williamsons are having dinner together soon. Glad that G.G. is up and about.

On June 12, I caught up with Tom Beavers in Plains, Virginia, and gave him his birthday wish.

Tom said he was enjoying his elder status, with his health compatible with his age. We wish him many more birthdays in addition to good health and safety.

On June 18, I spoke with Garry Kramer. Those of you that use Facebook know that Brother Rat Garry is there daily. He is healthy and keeps his health up with daily walks on the golf course. He retired from the health care industry, i.e., hospital and insurance management.

On June 22, I spoke with Bill King in Texas. He is well and was VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes objects. I encourage you all look enjoying his birthday. I was unup Ed’s website, www.edwardsable, after multiple times, to speak with Phil Shiner in Roanoke, smithfinewoodworking.com. Ed Virginia. He got a birthday email does beautiful work. with well wishes. He did call after On Aug. 5, I tried to call Bill a couple of days. He is well and Ennis but only got an answering enjoying retirement. He was an machine with Sally’s voice. He got outstanding cardiologist in Roabirthday wishes. noke but, since retirement, has left On Aug. 6, Frank Fox in Ft. medicine altogether. He and famLauderdale, Florida, had another ily planned to visit Holden Beach, birthday, but I have no phone North Carolina, July 15 for an annumber or email. Happy birthday, nual visit. Holden Beach is 30 minFrank. utes from my home, so maybe we On Aug. 7, Mike Pitt was enjoywill get together. ing his birthday. Mike still goes Class of 1960: Mini reunion at Olde Mill Resort, Laurel Fork, VirOn June 28, I spoke with John ginia, May 16-19, 2017. into work daily for a couple of Olsen. John lives in Richmond, hours. Mike double dips with us Virginia, and was spending his morning Moss, who has recovered from an abdominal and the Class of ’61. shooting skeet. He is well and enjoying his operation. She says she is well and can eat On Aug. 9, I received Manuel “M.O.” Se79 years. anything and is gaining weight – 8 pounds, da’s obituary, who died July 27. His obituary On July 4, I, like all of you, celebrated our according to Howard. She will continue to follows: “Doctor Manuel Osvaldo Seda, 83, nation’s birthday. We live near Southport, take care of Col. Howard, who is glowing of Phoenix, died on the morning of ThursNorth Carolina, where the official North about the reception of his novel, “Kiss the day, July 27, in his home from a sudden cardiCarolina Fourth of July Parade takes place. Talisman,” available on Amazon. The pro- ac arrest. His wife, Theresa Hiller, was by his Many hotdogs were eaten and a rousing pa- ceeds from Howard’s book go to The Capt. side. Doctor Seda, known as Mo or Manny rade was watched.

Paul Bayliss Class of 1960 Scholarship. He to his friends, was born Oct. 2, 1933, in CauOn July 5, I spoke with Doc Mallory for recently made a $1,000 contribution to the gus, Puerto Rico. He attended the Virginia his birthday. When I caught up with him, scholarship, made possible by the sale of the Military Institute and then earned his M.D. he was sitting on his back porch overlooking book. in pediatric medicine from the Medical Col“his estate” and enjoying good health and his I called Bob Clay one day after his birthday. lege of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth birthday.

I caught up with him in Virginia Beach as he University. After serving as a doctor for the I received an email from Sister Rat Susan was cooking hamburgers with his children United States Army in Fort Hood, Texas, and grandchildren. He had no complaints he moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to raise his and is well. He got the usual wish of more growing family and establish his own private birthdays. He said Lucy was well, also. She is practice at the Phoenix Memorial Hospital, where he faithfully served as a pediatrician one of the original sister rats of ’60.

On July 17, I caught up with John Moore in and primary care physician for the predomiNaples, Florida. He claimed good health and nantly Latino population of south and cenwas enjoying his birthday. He got wishes for tral Phoenix. During his nearly 50 years of practice, Doctor Seda was a compassionate, continued good health and more birthdays.

On July 31, late in the day, I caught up with caring and generous fixture for this commuToot Barr. He was having a quiet dinner with nity, many of whom were new to the United Cecile. Toot and Cecile are moving into Ty- States. He regularly worked extra hours and ler, Texas, from their farm. His ranch is up for on Saturdays in order to serve families who sale. Last year, I caught up with Toot as he could not take time off work, and the chilwas repairing his barn roof. His children will dren who were his patients during his early take over their farm. He is quite the rancher years of practice would later bring their chiland hard worker. We wish him continued dren, who would then bring their children.

This was not only a testament to the trust good health and many more birthdays.

On Aug. 1, I spoke with Ed Smith and he earned and individualized care he gave to passed along birthday wishes. He is very busy his patients, but it was also due to the interClass of 1960: Jim O’Dell and Nancy and this summer with craft shows, displaying and est he took in their lives and the encourageJack Horgan at Olde Mill Golf Course. hopefully selling his beautiful woodworking ment he gave them to persist in their pursuit 2017-Issue 4

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Class Notes of a college degree and beyond. Manny was an avid baseball fan and historian, loved to travel and collect Native American art, and cherished his role as a grandfather. Doctor Seda is survived by his wife, Theresa; daughter, Stephanie, and her spouse of Phoenix; daughter, Tanya, and her spouse of Portland, Oregon; son, Michael, and his spouse of Chicago; son, Jason, and his spouse of Los Angeles; and two sisters, Hilda and Toto, of Puerto Rico. He is also survived by his eight beautiful grandchildren, Isabella, Aria, Roscoe, Lucy, Jack, Dharma, Alma and Bodhi.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2017, at Resthaven Carr-Tenney Mortuary from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with funeral mass the following day, Thursday, Aug. 2, at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 909 E. Washington, Phoenix, AZ, 85034.

Arrangements entrusted to Resthaven/ Carr Tenney Mortuary, www.resthavencarrtenney.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a donation in Doctor Seda’s name to St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church (2312 E Campbell Ave., Phoenix, 85016, www.staphx.org/).

His granddaughter attends St. Thomas School, and his daughter is an alum.” A donation made in Mo’s memory was made to the St. Thomas Church from our flower fund.

On Aug. 11, I spoke with Henry Shirley in the evening. He and Ginny had a good day.

He was wished good health and many more birthdays.

On Aug. 12, I spoke with Walt Witschard in Oregon. He had just completed his dinner.

He also was wished good health and many more birthdays.

It’s time to close this session of class notes.

Please remember the Institute with your generosity. Remember, the state provides only 18 percent of the total operating budget, so VMI needs our support. Also, let’s not forget to continue to make contributions to The Capt. Paul Bayliss Class of 1960 Memorial Scholarship, our legacy. Every little bit helps.

Please stay in touch. Not only do I enjoy hearing from you, but when passed along, your news is enjoyed by other brother rats.

Stay safe, healthy and in touch.

In the spirit, Jimbo 52

1961

Sal Vitale Jr.

It is great to be alive! One year ago, I was in the hospital and not able to enjoy the sunshine, gardening or tanning at the pool, and now I can. Every day I continue to improve and enjoy life. Even pulling out weeds is fun.

Sue is very happy to have me home, and I am happy to be home. Every day is a blessing, and I am taking them one at a time.

In the last issue of the Review, I reported on the unveiling of the Doc Carroll’s bust and those who attended, and I left out a few brother rats – namely Harrison Fridley and Battle Haslam. Sorry! Battle Haslam’s grandson, Wynn Faulkner Haslam ’17, was an usher at the dedication and, a few days later, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. In the fall, Wynn will be attending nursing school. The Campaign for VMI concluded its work. More than 15,000 alumni and friends participated in this campaign for a grand total of $344 million raised. Thanks again to Brother Rat Don Wilkinson for chairing the campaign and all of you who made it happen. According to the Fiscal Year 2017 Annual Giving year-end reports, our class was the second (57.21 percent) in alumni participation

of the 10 classes of the ’60s era. VMI ’66 was first. I learned that John “J.C.” Tharrington, John “J.C.” Miller, Graham King (now passed) and Don Wilkinson were recently recognized at a dinner in Richmond for their contributions to The Campaign for VMI. Sue and I have been very busy with grandchildren’s proms and graduations. We enjoyed seeing grandson John Mason dressed in a tux and accompanying a beautiful young lady to his prom. Then, at his graduation ceremony, we learned that John graduated summa cum laude. John is off to Weidner University and plans to study chemical engineering. Next trip was to Valley Forge Military Academy, where we saw Mark Muckelbauer graduate with an associate degree in national security and justice. Mark spent this July at VMI in their summer STP program and Aug. 19, he was going to VMI to sign the book. Sue and I planned to be there.

Our next trip was to Arlington Cemetery for the funeral of Col. Leonard Lewane ’50B. The night before the funeral, we were John Tharrington’s house guests; he is a great host. That evening, we were able to meet Ray and Sally Hanlein for dinner at a great restaurant in Vienna, Virginia, called Nostos. After the funeral, the Lewane daughters held a reception at the Fort Myers Officers’ Club, and attending were Dr. Steve Abramedis ’50B, the colonel’s roommate; Dave and Charlotte Harbach; Carl and Becky Hirsch; Ed Fox; Tom and Barbara

Class of 1961: At the reception after the funeral of retired U.S. Army Col. Leonard L. Lewane ’50B at the Fort Myers Officers’ Club in Arlington, Virginia, June 7, 2017, were, from left, standing, Col. Keith Gibson ’77, director of the VMI Museum System; Carl Hirsch; Ed Fox; Tom Phlegar; Dave Harbach; J.C. Tharrington; Dr. Steve Abramedis ’50B, Lewane’s roommate; and Sal Vitale. Sitting: Becky Hirsch, Barbara Phlegar, Charlotte Harbach and Sue Vitale. Present but not pictured were Ed and Janice Seager ’64.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes caught a skate. Jack had his first Phlegar; J.C. Tharrington; Sue lesson in scaling and cleaning and Sal Vitale; Col. Keith Gibson fish. We also had time to go to ’77; and Ed and Janice Seager ’64. the gun range and check on Jack’s General Peay ’62 addressed the shooting ability. I was pleased to VMI Williamsburg Chapter dinsee that he finally understands ner meeting and did a great job in the importance of keeping your bringing us up to date. Attending finger off the trigger until you’re were Larry and Jeri Wetsel; Stu ready to shoot. We had a good and Sylvia Woodcock; Sal and time. Two weeks later, we were Sue Vitale; Bill Gibbings; Larry in Portsmouth and attended the Respess and his guest, Alan Burkett, who matriculated this year; Class of 1961: At Firebirds restaurant in Gainesville, Virginia, back-to-school party for new caand Dennis Nicholas’ widow, July 23, 2017, for “take a BR to lunch” were, from left, Mike Bis- dets at the Ambassador Club of sell, J.C. Tharrington, Spike Callander and Ray Hanlein.

Portsmouth. Larry Williams and Geraldine. I also enjoyed seeing Sue and I were the only ’61 peoJim Vermillion ’59, who now ple there. Sitting at our table were lives in Williamsburg. Sylvia and Monty Williams ’62 and retired Stu Woodcock are Tidewater ceU.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Fran lebrities and were pictured in the Wilson, a current member of the spring issue of the Williamsburg VMI Board of Visitors, and her Magazine and appear on local TV husband, retired U.S. Navy Capt. advertising their community.

Ed. During Lt. Gen. Fran WilLast year, I was in the hospital son’s remarks, she emphasized during Lou Shuba’s annual pig the importance of the Honor Sysroast. This year, I was there and tem as one of the most precious ready to enjoy the pig, homemade experiences cadets live by and beer, brisket and a special treat VMI graduates take with them – Bill Haeberlein’s homemade and live by. VMI is very fortunate sausage. We also celebrated Lou to have such a fine person on the and Pris Shuba’s 50th wedding anniversary. The anniversary cake Class of 1961: At the welcome party for Ken Ayala at The Villag- Board of Visitors. Vern Beitzel was beautiful and very tasty. VMI es, Florida, June 25, 2017, were, from left, Stu Crow, Ken Ayala, ’72, VMI director of admissions, was well represented at the pig Lee Crow, Kathy Copenhaver and Warren “Dude” Copenhaver. talked about the makeup of the incoming class. VMI received roast by Bill and Lola Tornabene more than 2,500 applications. Approxi’64 (Lou’s rat dyke), Joe and Kitty Bush mately 800 were made offers to attend, and ’65, Harry and Dana Shepherd ’58 (Lou’s 530 will be attending. The incoming class dyke), Jim McFalls ’59, Larry and Jerri SAT scores were slightly under 1,200. The Wetsel, Carl and Becky Hirsch, John “J.C.” incoming class had a chance to talk about Tharrington, Ray and Sally Hanlein, Bill themselves, and I was very pleased to hear Haeberlein, Dick and Anne Weede, Ben that, out of the 35 there, five are planning and Nancy Birindelli, Ashby and Sandra to major in civil engineering, three in meTaylor, Stu and Sylvia Woodcock, Ed Fox, chanical engineering, one in physics and Spike and Mary Callander, Dave and Charseveral in computer science. At least seven lotte Harbach, and Sal and Sue Vitale. Did were recipients of academic scholarships you know that J.C. Tharrington and John from the Army, Navy and Air Force, and Purner also dyked in Harry Shepherd’s a few were awarded athletic scholarships. room? On his way back to Louisiana, Bill Almost half of those in attendance had atHaeberlein spent a few days with us, and he tended the Summer Transition Program to took the opportunity to visit with Ken Patget in shape and take one or two academic rick and Ken Legum.

Class of 1961: Pictured at Missouri River classes.

July was rather quiet except for the visit Ranch in Craig, Montana, catch-andrelease fishing Aug. 4, 2017, were, from News from the class has been a little thin. of our youngest grandson, Jackson Cross. left, Jim Bickford, Rhett Clarkson, Don Lee Badgett is keeping his house in Colorado During Jack’s visit, we had a day on a head Wilkinson and John Miller. and will spend the summer there. Betsey and boat fishing for croaker, and Grandma Sue 2017-Issue 4

53

Class Notes Lee will return to The Villages in October.

The rehabilitation of the Badgett Colorado house foundation, interior walls and landscaping went well. Ken Ayala purchased a house in The Villages and is currently unpacking his household goods. Ayala’s arrival was a good reason for a celebration, and Stu and Lee Crow, Dude and Kathy Copenhaver, and Ken had dinner together at a local Villages club. (Badgetts and Hennings were out of town.) Jim Harrison spent a few days with his brother in The Villages and Jim had dinner with the “brothers.” The number of the Class of ’61 residents in The Villages is growing, and soon we will have the largest full-time resident representation there.

Ray Hanlein, Spike Callander and J.C. Tharrington took Mike Bissell to lunch at the Firebirds restaurant in Gainesville, Virginia. Mike is one tough guy and holding his own!

Kent and Bert Modine reported the completion of a major goal from their bucket list.

They have now played golf in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. This feat was completed July 10 in Anchorage, with one of the rounds completed at 10:15 p.m. with the sun still high in the sky. They enjoyed playing at many different types of courses and did a lot of sightseeing and visiting with friends and family members. The Modines do not have a favorite course but found Brickyard Landing in Indianapolis was the most interesting, with four holes on the infield of the Motor Speedway. Kent said, “If I could just get a hole-inone, I think I could give up golf.” (Sure!)

John Butler is still working about four hours a day. Linda Butler spends a lot of time with the grandchildren. Nancy Phillips is enjoying her relocation from Purcellville to Staunton. She says Staunton is so much quieter than northern Virginia. Bob and Loretta Coltrane are doing well. Bob said his wife has taken up pistol shooting and practices every day. With so many bears around the area, I can understand Loretta practicing, but a 308 would be much better (smile).

Hugh Gouldthorpe is feeling great and ready to take on Howard Dyer. Hugh was playing tennis, and his young opponent said Hugh “was the fastest old man he had seen!” I’m not sure that was a compliment. Hugh and Nelle Gouldthorpe spent the summer at their 54

beach house on Fripp Island. Howard Dyer said his knee operation was a success, and he is on the mend. Oscar Mabry also had a knee replaced, and he is in physical therapy. Oscar is ready to take on both Hugh and Howard in a no-holds-barred tennis match. Marty Caples has been very quiet until recently, when he commented on an interesting email dealing with “green hats,” (which are identical to the Border Control personnel hat). Wearing Marty’s “green hat” in the emergency room reduced the waiting time. The George Van Orden trial saga has finally come to an end.

It has been more than four years since the car crash and George’s death, and years of onand-off trial dates. In June, a jury found the driver who hit George guilty of felony homicide and three other felonies for a total of 30 years with no parole! “So we are done,” said Marina Van Orden. “Thanks for all the support through this ordeal. We greatly appreciated it!”

In the last Review, I discussed Tom Bradshaw and Faye’s gift of a clock to Lexington. Well with the snip of red, white and blue ribbons, Lexington city officials took ceremonial possession of the clock. Mayor Frank Friedman said. “It worked out great, since Tom owns the building adjacent to the clock, and having Tom’s permission to tie it into his sidewalk made it much more accessible for the citizens of Lexington.” The clock is a modern copy of a 1880s design.

(Editor’s Note: Please see page 150 for a write-up and photo of the clock.)

Carl and Becky Hirsch traveled to Texas to attend the graduation of grandson Trevor.

Trevor is attending Texas Tech, and now his school will be in competition with Baylor University, the school his brother, Travis, attends. Jim Ring’s grandson, Kirk Davis Ring, will be a brother rat of my grandson.

Fred Ayers is spending the summer in North Carolina, and Gerry Eubank is in Lake George, New York. Bill Fout is back in Fredrick, Maryland, for the summer; however, he was missed at Shuba’s pig roast.

Many of our brother rats have been traveling. Harrison and Terry Fridley took a river cruise on the Columbia and Snake Rivers in Oregon. Larry and Jeri Wetsel were in Germany and Austria, where Larry did some serious hiking. Lou and Priscilla Shuba visited relatives in Germany. Gaylia Hudgins posted pictures on Facebook of her hike to Ski Lake, Wyoming. She enjoyed the meadows of wildflowers. Hill and Heather Browning celebrated Hill’s birthday in New Orleans, his favorite city, with his children and had a fabulous time. Heather’s shoulder surgery went well, and hopefully, she’ll be back on the golf course soon. Don Wilkinson, Rhett Clarkson, Jim Bickford and John Miller spent a few days at the Missouri River Ranch in Craig, Montana. They enjoyed the rainbow trout catch-and-release

Class of 1961: At the Shuba annual pig roast in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, June 24, 2017, were Jerri Wetsel, Larry Wetsel, Becky Hirsch, Carl Hirsch, John Tharrington, Ray Hanlein, Bill Tornabene ’64, Lola Tornabene, Joe Bush ’65, Kitty Bush, Harry Shepherd ’58, Dana Shepherd, Jim McFalls ’59, Sally Hanlein, Nancy Birindelli, Bill Haeberlein, Dick Weede, Anne Weede, Ben Birindelli, Ashby Taylor, Sandra Taylor, Sylvia Woodcock, Stu Woodcock, Ed Fox, Spike Callander, Sue Vitale, Mary Callander, Lou Shuba, Pris Shuba, Charlotte Harbach, Dave Harbach and Sal Vitale.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes program. Larry Respess caught a 26-inch rainbow trout while fly-fishing in Colorado with his son-in-law, Tim Biddle. Bill Braithwaite decided he was tired of staying home after his bypass surgery, so he took a trip to Boulder, Colorado, and visited with Hony and Marilynne Tarrall. Then Bill did some hiking in the Montana mountains, which made him feel that he was pretty much recovered from the heart surgery. Bill and Marci Keech had Gates and Margie Richards as house guests for a few days. Bill is doing OK. Gates finally sold his trawler and is enjoying his new one-level town house in Cincinnati. Bill Keech and Roger Spencer attended their 60th high school reunion in Richmond. Bill and Gates looked so much younger than their classmates. (Really?)

You have heard me talk about Gibbings’ Friday beer and cookies. Well, recently we had the pleasure of seeing a few out of town brother rats who, on a Friday night, braved the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel. One night, Wyatt Durrette appeared, and Ken Patrick, Larry Williams, Don Kern, Dorsey Pender, Larry Wetsel, Charlie Fuller and Sal Vitale enjoyed his company and stories.

Wyatt is still working and appears to be in good health. Another Friday, Dick and Judy Youngblood avoided the HRBT by using Route 460 out of the Richmond area. Dick is still working and very involved with and providing engineering for townhouse developments, and Judy is doing very well after her knee replacement. Other brothers joining the B&C fun from time to time were Garland Payne, Larry Respess, Charlie Fuller, Larry Williams, Robert Williamson and Kenny Legum. You never know who will be there or who might call. Ken Legum has recovered from his knee surgery, and we see him every so often and with his “old high school friend,” Carol Ann. Early in August, Joyce Gibbings provided a cake for Sue’s ?? birthday, and we all sang happy birthday.

I hope you enjoyed learning how the term “gim” came about. Well, the “gim” list is about the same as last time, with a few updates. Pat Williamson is feeling great, and we have not seen her look this well in many years. Robert Williamson keeps dealing with his COPD and doing OK. George 2017-Issue 4

Ward is still waiting for several medical issues to clear so that he can get clearance for another back surgery. Wife Laura’s heart has, for the most part, corrected itself. That is very fortunate for George, because Laura is now his “official state-approved caregiver.” Leave it to California to require a family person to have an approved caregiver certification.

Battle Haslam is doing well. He has several problems, but none of them are beyond coping with the help of meds. Ken Patrick’s surgery at Cleveland Clinic went very well, and Ken has no more pain. I saw him in the hospital a few weeks ago, and he was in good humor. Ken Patrick said that the many therapy sessions were keeping him busy. Lou Shuba talked to him via telephone, and Ken Legum visited Ken’s house as these notes were being finalized. They both said Rabbit was in good spirits with a strong voice but definitely slower in his response and not as jovial as in the past.

Nearly every day I hear the TV news talk about health care, but I never heard them discuss this new trend by doctors. Recently, Bill and Shon Maurer relocated within the state of New Jersey and had to find doctors at their new location or travel an hour or so to see the former ones. Doctors in this new area do not take Medicare payments!

The doctors bill you then take your money, and then the doctor bills Medicare for the services rendered. When the doctor receives payment from Medicare, the doctor reimburses you for the services. Has anyone else experienced this?

Bud Alligood is feeling better since his meds have been straightened out, and Bud and Peggy plan to be at the golf outing in October. Sue Vitale’s feet problems are a lot better this summer than last. Sue can tolerate lots of pain, and I guess that is why she can tolerate me. Jerry Coen had surgery in August and is doing fine.

I’m sorry to inform you that Brother Rat Richard “Dick” Swann Hurley died July 24.

Dick was in the hospital due to a hemorrhagic stroke and did not recover consciousness.

Dick was an Air Force telecommunication engineer, IBM engineer and, for the last 21 years, a child advocate working with Guardian ad Litem. I remember Dick very well,

as he was a clarinet player, like me, in Band Company. He could play, and I tried. Dick was also a photographer, and he took a picture of Sue and me at a VMI dance our 1st Class year. We were wearing our new white blouses, and the picture has been displayed in our home for more than 55 years. Dick was a regular at the Phlegar farm in Virginia when Tom was the host for the old-time music jams. There was a memorial service for Dick in Knightdale, North Carolina, and Brother Rats Dave Harbach, Paul Johnston and Dick Stone were there. Also attending from Dick’s monthly breakfast group were Bill Gibson ’65, Henry Shirley ’60 (Band Company) and Larry Wilson ’62. Brother Rat Paul Johnston said it was at these breakfasts listening to Dick talk about Air Force times that Paul felt he got to know him better. Brother Rat Dick Hurley will be missed.

The next few months, Sue and I will be busy. After these notes are due, we will attend the Lynchburg widows’ lunch arranged

by Lou Kiger. Then it is off the Lexington for the VMI Matriculation of grandson Mark. In September, we hope to be in New Market, Virginia, where the rats take their cadet oath, participate in the “charge” and then parade down Main Street in New Market. From there, we will attend the class golf outing in Hillsville, Virginia. In October, we are meeting members of the class at the Swinging Bridge outing in Paint Bank, Virginia, arranged by Tom Phlegar. In November, there is the Institute Society Dinner at VMI, Thanksgiving and finally Christmas.

Unfortunately, you will have to wait until you receive the 2018-Issue 1 Alumni Review in February to read about these activities.

This is the first time in years that I could not max out the space allocated for our column. Please keep news of your activities coming and consider sending your news via email, telephone, snail mail or, even better, in person. If I cannot fill our Review space next time ... who knows? I may lose it. Any news is welcomed.

Until we communicate again, stay well.

Every night, I say my prayers, and I ask the Almighty to bless my family, our troops, brother rats, their spouses and widows, and VMI. I am sure that most of you do the same. See you soon!

55

Class Notes

1962

Monty Williams

Jerry Burnett

Thanks to all who have responded with their input to this edition of the class notes.

Keep up the good work.

We were all saddened and shocked to hear of the passing of Brother Rat Jerry Wagner at our class meeting and memorial service during the reunion. Candy Wagner held services for Jerry in Arizona and in Waynesboro, Virginia. John Anthony reports that the service in Waynesboro was wonderful. It was dignified and appropriately featured moving reminisces of Jerry’s life by his family and friends. Included in their remarks were Jerry’s love for Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the long trips he took on them; his service in Vietnam with commentary by one of his fellow servicemen who extolled the virtues of Jerry’s skills there as a helicopter pilot.

Representing our contingent was Columbus Cartwright, who delivered a blockbuster remembrance of Jerry. In attendance were the following, in addition to John and Cynthia: Candy, of course, as well as her younger sister; Columbus and Louise Cartwright; Doug and Signe Marechal; Wally Turnage; Binnie and Pam Peay; Wayne Pacine; John Traynam; Lewis Graybill; Ron Wagner; Bob Miller; Bill Fisher; Howard Cobb; John Cummings; and Jim Richards.

The wake after the service was at Candy and Jerry’s spectacular home on the outskirts of Waynesboro. Candy ensured there was a sumptuous buffet and refreshments. None left hungry or thirsty. To say that the house is situated in one of the most impressive places from which to view the Shenandoah Mountains amply in the distance – with sweeping green grass before one as far as the eye can see, complete with two chestnut brown horses on a nearby farm a mere hundred feet 56

away, and their seemingly joining everyone else in enjoying the nirvana in which we were ensconced – is an understatement. The scene was more than picturesque. It was mesmerizing. The setting conveyed at once a sense of serenity that most mortals encounter infrequently, if at all, in a lifetime, and a degree of extraordinary beauty on a scale that one seldom sees and has an extended opportunity to enjoy.

George Collins reports that he and Maureen recently flew into Frankfurt, Germany, in June and visited Kassel, Munster, Schloss Denburg and Berlin as part of the Perez Art Museum Miami. Maureen is a member of the art council, and he is allowed to go if he does not open his mouth to talk about the contemporary art that they view. As the philistine among the group, he keeps his contemporary statements to himself. It was very, very hot, and Marcel has the air conditioning set to strict rules. Businesses, hotels, though limited, have first priority. Windmills were everywhere, but they can’t crank up the volume throughout the country for cool air. His hotel room definitely was on the bottom of the list.

Munster, a university town, was interesting.

Berlin was the highlight. They visited several former World War II bunkers that now house expensive art collections, and a few collectors live in the bunker buildings.

Davis Merrey reported that he truly misses the old days at VMI, and he feels disconnected from his BRs. He said it’s his fault for not making more of an effort. He loves reading the class notes. They bring back lots of memories. We were and are truly blessed to have been together and to have experienced an education like no other. Davis and his wife celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June 2016. He surprised her by arranging a re-enactment of the event on the steps of the same Baptist church in the Mississippi delta town of Philipp (yes, two ps at the end). The lady who played the piano at their original wedding still plays there and helped make the arrangements! They have five wonderful grandchildren and, after two failed attempts at retirement, started a small business 10 years ago so they could stay close to them. The grandkids all have provisional appointments to VMI, but as Okies, he doubts they will follow in his footsteps,

Class of 1962: Paul Rhodes and Desmond Doss Jr.

Class of 1962: Sonny Robbins, Capt. Matt Ott ’92 and Drew Cunningham ’95 after a change of command.

Class of 1962: Dick Thomas and Monty Williams at Round Pond, Maine.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes but one never knows! They are blessed with good health and a lifetime of wonderful memories. They get back to Virginia once in a while. His parents are buried in Evergreen Burial Park in Roanoke, and he has two cousins living in Richmond.

John Spence wrote that our 55th Reunion could not have been any better! Although we had some rain, it did not dampen the spirit of the Class of ’62. While at the reunion, he knew that his wife had some memory problems. She has now been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and is taking memory medications. While she is in good health, they are looking at retirement communities that treat Alzheimer’s patients.

Carole West reported that Jim West is doing as well as can be expected. He is in his seventh year of frontal lobe dementia. She is taking care of him at home. He has been under hospice care since January. They have caretakers who come in and take care of his needs. He is eating and drinking well. She is sure he is aware of his surroundings, pretty much nonverbal, but every once in a while, he floors them with a witty, appropriate reply.

Don DeLuca is in Charleston, South Carolina. He and Geraldene have lived there now for 20 years. They sold their beach house on Kiawah Island and now live closer to their son’s and daughter’s families. Their three grandkids are all registered at VMI, but the two girls say no way. They have a boy (7) and girls (9 and 11). He has been a VMI, New Market and Civil War collector for many years and has donated items to the museums at both locations. Several years ago, VMI asked him to set up an alumni chapter in Charleston. It is up and running very successfully. He has stepped down as an officer. He has lectured for several years at The Citadel. He has seen it up close and says that it can’t hold a candle to the Institute. Having degrees from Rutgers University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology also, he is now content to do nothing.

He has the usual old age aches and pains but so far nothing deadly.

Gary Kaylor spent most of April in Ecuador having a blast. He went to Birmingham in the first week of June to play for the national championship in three-man team basketball and will be in Europe all of July vacationing 2017-Issue 4

and will play on the USA over-75 team again in the World Basketball Championships in Montecantini Terme, Italy, during the first eight days of July.

Ware Smith and Gordon White participated in a three-day tennis match in Greenville, North Carolina, in June. They had a tough time keeping up with the 65-year-olds, but they won several doubles matches. Gordon was team captain of the Ole Port Racquet Club 3.5 team from Swansboro, North Carolina.

George Barnes is still working part time at the Cobb County Water System, and after 30 years of dealing with politics and numerous employee problems at the city of Atlanta, he is really enjoying not having those types of responsibilities and doing engineering work only. He and Della regret not being able to make the necessary arrangements to attend the 55th Reunion but heard from his roommate, Lewis Graybill, that it was a great success. His spare time is spent playing golf and enjoying his two Porsches.

Edmund Strickler reports that he didn’t realize until recently that his ties to New Market were more than just VMI. Jacob Bushong was the owner of the farm where the Battle of New Market took place. His wife was Sarah Strickler! They had several children, one of whom was Caroline Bushong. She married John Strickler. They had several children, one of whom was Robert Aurelius Strickler (Edmund’s grandfather).

He married Julia Armstrong and had several children, one of whom was Millard Strickler (Edmund’s father). That makes the Bushongs, of New Market Battlefield fame, his great-great-grandparents.

Weldon Eddins reported that his son, Todd Weldon Eddins, was recently sworn in as a circuit court judge in the state of Hawaii.

Jim Wood is still in Cumming, Georgia, living in a 6,000-squarefoot house on an 8.2 acre heavily wooded lot, by himself (and with a good size dog). His time is taken up with outside maintenance and inside chores. He says the real fun is an unending string of doctors’ visits and “tests.” Jim says that he was in a minor auto accident in June. There were no injuries, but the car was totaled. It’s amazing how a minor accident can total a car.

Sonny Robbins recently attended the change

of command ceremony for Capt. Matt Ott ’92. Matt has assumed command of the Naval Supply Fleet Logistics Center in Jacksonville responsible for all Southeast operations. Also present was Drew Dunnington ’95.

Nick Nicholson reported that he and Sue are healthy and enjoying life. He continues to be amazed and proud of the work Binnie has accomplished at the “I” – the right guy in the right place at the right time.

On July 4, Paul Rhodes reported that he had the pleasure of meeting Desmond Doss Jr., the son of Desmond T. Doss whose great faith and courage were so well depicted in the movie “Hacksaw Ridge.” Mr. Doss had come to visit the D-Day Memorial after having been in his father’s hometown of Lynchburg to dedicate two memorials in honor of his father. Desmond Jr. is very personable, and he would have enjoyed a longer conversation, however, the crowds gathered to meet him were much larger than anticipated.

Holland Bell forwarded a picture of three generations of dykes. (See photo with the Class of ’59 notes.) Three generations of dykes traded their M-1s for M-6s. Present were John Van Kesteren ’59, Richard Bernstein ’65 and Holland Bell.

Bobby Howard recently took his grandson fishing and got several catfish. You could almost hear the catfish say, “VMI will be heard from today.”

Ron Hamner reported that John and Kristine Candler came to Snake Acres to stay during Duke University’s graduation weekend. Kristine’s daughter graduated magna summa cumma all galaxy. Very cool! John gave Rob his rat ring. Not sure what that means. Allison and he hosted Dennis Easley for SRC in June. Dennis had given Allison a ride to the reunion. They listened to golden oldies in the car and had a great time. Dennis brought his boom box to dinner, and we all played name that artist and had such a fun evening together. We also went to Atlanta in June to stay with Tony Bueschen and Norma Jean. Talk about hospitality! It was like stepping into Southern Living magazine. We visited museums, played golf at Tony’s country club and dined like royalty. Had the best time. He went to the Keydet Club Leadership Outing in June.

57

Class Notes He stayed with Carolyn Worrell (his Lexington home-away-from-home). He played golf with John Traynham, Buck Bradley and Joe Weakly. The Class of ’62 stood tall and came in second in their flight. Each won $75. Now, he can get that brain transplant. He rode in the cart with Buck. He shared his new and serious interest in painting in watercolors. Buck is quite the painter now. Finally, he took a young friend from Wisconsin to see the Institute in late July.

He was spellbound. VMI is so impressive.

He had a great time showing him around.

The Marshall Library was fascinating, even after all these years.

John Cooke recently retired and has returned to Chesapeake, Virginia, where he grew up. You may remember that, in 1960, John broke his neck in a swimming accident at Virginia Beach and was paralyzed. He broke his 4th, 5th and 6th cervical vertebrae. It came within a hair width of severing his spinal cord and within an inch of cutting his breathing off. The odds were against him 500-1 that he would live.

The odds were against him 1,000-1 that he would ever move his arms. His doctor told him he couldn’t play football any more.

They drilled two holes in his skull and put Crutchfield Tongs in his skull. He was in the hospital for 48 days. The day he got out of the hospital, his doctor told him that he should sit on the first row of church every Sunday. He started out as an usher and then became a deacon at Bow Creek Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach. Before our Ring Figure, John Anthony called his doctor and got permission for him to ride with his father to Lexington for our Ring Figure dance. He couldn’t put his coatee on because of his brace. He had to wear a suit. He thinks he’s the first Keydet to go through Ring Figure in a civilian suit. After recovering for two years, he enrolled at Old Dominion University in 1962. He got a job teaching health and physical education and was assistant football coach and head JV baseball coach in January 1966. He got a master’s degree from the University of Virginia in 1970.

He went on to have a very successful career in high school coaching. He is the only high school football coach in the history of 58

Virginia to have won a football state championship at a public school (Jonesville High School – first state championship in the history of the school) and a private school (Roanoke Catholic) where he was voted the State Football Coach of the Year. Notable players he has coached follow. Herbert Scott – Dallas Cowboys – two Super Bowl rings.

All pro, left offensive tackle No. 68. Carl Summerell – quarterback at East Carolina University and for the New York Giants.

Gene Bunn – safety at Virginia Tech and still holds career interceptions there (19). Voted No. 10 best football player in the history of Virginia Tech.

Tony Curtis had a hip replacement in July.

Following the surgery, the doctor came out looking exhausted and asked Judy for a hug!

He said in his 20-plus years, he had never experienced a denser bone than Tony’s, and it took him 45 minutes to hammer and drill into it to put in the replacement part! The hip surgery recovery is going very well. He uses a cane about 50 percent of the time. He got his beautiful VMI golf bag. (It was his gift for serving as class agent.) Shortly after receiving the bag, BR Bill Fisher sent him a pack of three golf balls with the VMI colors and logo.

Carol and I took a road trip to New England in June where we visited Stockbridge, Massachusetts; Ogunquit, Maine; Deer Isle, Maine; and Rockland, Maine. In Stockbridge, we visited the Norman Rockwell Museum, which was very interesting, and we highly recommend it. At the conclusion of our visit in Maine, we stayed a night with Dick and Marti Thomas at their Condo in Round Pond, Maine. Their place was a former fish processing plant that was converted into six condo units and was very nice.

Fred Shirley spent seven weeks in two hospitals and one physical rehab center from early April to early June. Several weeks were spent in ICU as the doctors tried to figure out what was wrong with him. The doctors finally concluded he was having serious congestive heart failure, which allowed fluid to accumulate around his heart and lungs.

The congestive heart failure was also causing mental confusion that resulted in him having almost no memory, even of family members who came to see him, or where he was. In early June, his memory was beginning to be

restored. He truly believes, as do others, that his recovery was a miracle. During this time, Judy was a saint taking care of all his needs and keeping family and friends informed of his status. He goes to cardiac rehab three times a week, and this is helping his strength to return gradually. He is happy to report that his memory has recovered to the point where he has all those fond memories of

Class of 1962: Bobby Howard and grandson with a catfish.

Class of 1962: Tony Curtis with the golf bag he received for being class agent.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes the VMI Class of 1962. He is very happy to report they are expecting their ninth grandchild Christmas Eve. What a wonderful way to bring 2017 to an end after all his family has endured this year.

Joe Roberts wrote that he just received the 2017-Issue 3 of the Alumni Review with the report of what must have been a most memorable 55th Reunion. He had planned to attend but played an April Fool’s joke on himself by wrecking the car – no one was hurt, except the car, which was totaled. That took him out of the saddle until he got the car replaced (with a 2017 Subaru Forester) and got his confidence back (which took until early May). He and his roommate, Len Collins, got together to attend the funeral of Jim Hogler ’65 earlier this year. Hogler was Len’s dyke, so a trip to Arlington Cemetery to say goodbye was in order. Len is retired from the federal government. He and Shannon live in Alexandria, Virginia. The local chapter of the alumni association hosts an annual rat send-off barbecue each August.

He attended this year and ran into Seymour Samuels.

Hugo Burton has have been traveling quite a bit. One of their recent trips was to the NFL Hall of Fame enshrinement in Canton, Ohio. They were the guests of Kenny Easley. Kenny went to Oscar Smith High School in Chesapeake and worked for Hugo when he was a rising senior at UCLA. They have been good friends ever since. Everyone in the Easley family worked for him at some time except the mother and father.

Skip Davis said summer finally arrived in late June in the Northwest, and it was terrific until two weeks of dense smoke arrived, reducing their activities. They are back on track, racing to do all their lake activities before fall. A new adventure is his electric bike purchase. They have lots of hills in his area, and his ability to pump uphill has diminished. The e-bike assist keeps him on the road and extends the pleasure of outdoor riding. Always seem to be adapting as he ages! He enjoyed the reunion and seeing so many friends. It always seems magical coming together after years apart and discovering that the bond remains so strong.

I really appreciate your help in keeping me informed. Keep up the good work.

2017-Issue 4

1963

Michael J. Curley

So, here I sit with one full week before this installment of the notes is due to the VMIAA and I’m drawing a blank ... writer’s block!

That’s simply unfair, because I’m not really a writer; I’m an engineer (maybe not so much anymore though), a real estate broker (still pretty good there, just retired), a tired old fighter pilot (I didn’t get shot down, thank God!) and a VMI class agent (enjoying it more than ever), but my brother rats are not exactly filling my mailboxes with stories that I can relate to the rest of you. (mjc: Work on it, guys, before I need to make up my own stories about you, OK?) So, now I’m thinking, let’s talk about the upcoming 55th Reunion; that’s timely and exiting!

Thinking is what I have been doing a whole lot of recently, along with tracking down lost brother rats, making phone calls to the ones who are not lost and matching my results to those of the other six brother rats on the committee who are doing similar detective work and making similar phones calls, organizing and planning a successful 55th Reunion come April 2018. And, you know what?

Even though it’s a lot of work and frustration, it’s also a lot of fun; fun working with a bunch of brother rats planning three to four days of good old-fashioned merriment and reminiscing, with maybe even a little embellishing here and there.

Here’s the worker’s cast: Artie Phaup, W.O. Jones, John Mills, Bob Powell, Beau Walker, Bob Earle, Richard Warren, Bill Wells (our on-site rep), and Mike Curley. (mjc: My hat’s off to you all!) And, so far, here are the results (according to Artie’s meticulous recordkeeping): The committee personally contacted 225 of the 261 living brother rats and widows. Of that number, 109 BRs plan to attend, plus 86 wives or significant others, in addition to three of our widowed sister rats. That’s nearly 200 people ... wow!

I never thought we’d get that large of a turnout! There are even another 25 or so people

who were undecided at the time of our call.

So, this is stacking up to be a rousing 55th Reunion, maybe better than the 50th! Since you will be reading these notes in Issue 4, due to be published and delivered in November 2017, that same month, you should be receiving the formal registration from the VMIAA along with a schedule of events.

Let’s make this the “bestest” reunion ever.

Be there, or be square!

I also need to make special note regarding the recent loss after many years of debilitating illness of Nancy Atkins, widow of the late Rob Atkins. We shall mourn Nancy as a firm and energetic supporter of the Class of ’63 and webmaster of our first website; she endeavored to track our whereabouts for many years and bring articles of interest to our attention as they were presented.

Class of 1963: John Anastas adoring his newborn granddaughter, Chloe, who is the daughter of James Anastas ’94.

Class of 1963: Class Agent Mike Curley said of this photo, “John and Judy Mills visited a very sweet spot in Paris.”

59

Class Notes May she rest in peace!

John Macrae writes: “I enjoyed talking with you today! Today, Janet and I attended the Charlotte, North Carolina, VMI Old Corps luncheon. Leland Caldwell was instrumental in getting this group together. The luncheon idea, for the Old Corps group, came from the Charlotte rats VMI ’63 group.

At today’s luncheon, Charlie Ramsburg ’66 said goodbye as the VMI Carolina Region alumni director. Please say hello to all the Richmond guys for us!”

From the budding authors’ group, Pres Holtry sent this note.

“Mike, the reason I was asking about the timing of the next Alumni Review is that I’ve been notified my latest novel, ‘Arrius, Volume 1, Sacramentum (Oath),’ a trilogy set in the second century Roman Empire will be reviewed in the book announcement section in the November issue. It was released in early July. After the publisher read volume 1, he proposed including volumes 2 and 3 on the contract without even reading the drafts. I signed a three-book contract late last year. To complicate things even more, he did a courtesy review of a modern day international thriller/detective novel I wrote a few years ago while taking a break from the Roman trilogy. I asked for the review to see if it had enough merit to consider a formal submission. Evidently, he liked it; the release date for ‘Looking for Steiner’ is Aug. 27. Since he did not want to publish two books by the same author in one calendar year, I now have the pen name ‘Wayne Preston’ as the author of Steiner. It’s been a long, hot, summer doing the low crawl through iterations of galley proofs! Judy and I haven’t had any BRs drop by since brother Anthony Holtry came early in the year, followed soon afterward by Pat Kelly and Bunny Reynolds. I 60

Class of 1963: Judy Mills, Joyce Bevins, Hobbs Goodwin, Diana Brunel, Pete Brunel and friends on the way to The Louvre.

Class of 1963: Pete Brunel and Hobbs Goodwin pictured on the Notre Dame tour with their favorite bartender.

Class of 1963: At the May meeting for the Charlotte rats group were, from left, back row, Harry Tatum, Yogi Doar, Mike Stockdale, Janet Macrae, John Macrae and Doug Sterrett. Front row: Jim Hickerson and friend Carol, Sharon Doar, Sarah Tatum, and Rachel Sterrett. The Charlotte rats group meets for lunch weekly at various locations.

suspect the hot Arizona summer has something to do with it. On the other hand, we’ve had more rain the last two months than Seattle and Portland with cooler temps than Virginia. All the green around here is unsettling and requires extra filters on sunglasses to bring out the brown. Pres.” (mjc: Good Luck, “Wayne Preston.”)

I talk with and email Pete Brunel a lot for some reason. He says, “Christi Weddington spent 10 days in Virginia for a Weddington family get-together, then it was on to Bob and Bromby Earle’s for a visit. Perhaps you got to see her. (mjc: Sadly, no.) I am so pleased that Chuck’s boys have taken her under their wing.

He would have loved that. Son Cliff Weddington ’98 told me he had made some sort of contribution to the Foundation in honor of him and Chuck. He wanted to do it through his Class of ’98, I think? Diana and I have not been to Christi’s ranch since the funeral but planning to go when it gets cooler, if it ever does! One-hundred degrees today, with unbearable humidity. I miss Chuck; he was one piece of work, but a great friend to all. (mjc: As do we all, Pete.) Promised Christi I would do some chainsawing for her. I am going to Colorado Springs Thursday to see daughter Keely and only grandson Hudson.

Doug Rowe is driving to Tulsa in August, after which he and I will drive to Colorado, Wyoming and Montana for a Western prairie dog harvest. (mjc: What?) I’m advised the steaks are great if you can get past the fleas and other diseases, haha! We will pick up Doug’s son, Steve, in Montana to help us shoot straight. Did you get adequate pics of Paris/Normandy venture?” (mjc: I indeed did, thank you!)

Managed to finally reach Mike VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Schwartz, after a conspicuous period MIA, and had a terrific conversation. “Yes, northern Virginia is a very expensive place to live, and the traffic is terrible, but we miss it. Despite the area’s problems, it was exciting. The amenities and services are hard to beat. Your daughter will not regret her purchase. (mjc: My daughter, Britt, recently bought a home in northwest Washington, D.C., and paid an ungodly price for it!) Judy and I bought our Palm Coast property, preconstruction, about 11 years ago. Originally, we bought it for an investment. My wife liked it so much, we kept it as a second home. She has always liked the area better than I. The property is beautiful, and our condo (Casa Bella) is ideal, but Palm Coast has several drawbacks. First, it is too far from JAX and all the amenities of Jacksonville. Secondly, development in the community never took off after the 2008 crash. In fact, some of the nicer services left.

Health care offerings are mediocre, and property values have taken a huge hit (25-30 percent). We sold our Manassas home, so PC is now our only residence. I would like to move back to the Raleigh area where we lived for many years and our daughter now has a second home. I am willing to take a 10-12 percent hit, so I’ll either return when my condo appreciates 20 percent or I’m dead (our cemetery plots are in North Carolina). The best!” (mjc: Doesn’t sound too rosy, Mike. I sold property and even owned a couple lots and a timeshare in Palm Coast several years ago ... sounds like my exit timing was perfect!)

Ah, my old soccer buddy Tom Snyder responded to my voicemail recently. “Mike, thanks for your note last week and update about your COPD and grounding from the choir. At this point, we just do the best we can, realizing that some things in life have simply passed us by – sometimes a lot quicker than we might think. By the way, I’m quite sure we were abreast of Charlie Hammond’s death, for I remember comments in the class notes and/or online, including one from Si Bunting and perhaps me; in fact, I think notice of his memorial service was posted by you. But always a promising idea to remember him again if that is the case. Take care. Tom.” (mjc: Pays to read my own notes, doesn’t it?) Tom also wrote me from abroad back in May. “Mike, this is a belated thank 2017-Issue 4

you for your memorable Memorial Day message, and I can appreciate that you would be especially thankful to welcome the holiday this year after your challenges with cancer and treatments. Congratulations for persevering, and very good to have you back in charge of the alumni troops! How are things? Able to rejoin the church choir and sing God’s praises again? Back at work? We were in Bhutan when your message arrived, doing some trekking in the Himalayas amidst mountains overflowing with flowering rhododendrons, herds of yaks and prayer flags waving with the happiness GNP of this strongly Buddhist country that has preserved most of its traditions relatively free of Western influences and Chinese hegemony. We miss getting back to Virginia and seeing you and Peg since the death of my brother, Buz Snyder ’57, and are not sure we can make the 2018 reunion because of teaching obligations, but we’ll see. For now, enjoy your summer, keep up the good health and our warmest regards to you and Peg. Tom.” (mjc: Again, Tom, come home in 2018 ... we miss you!)s Bill Jones sent an email a couple of weeks ago excited about a chance meeting he had with the new chief executive officer of the VMI Alumni Agencies. “Yesterday afternoon, what Carolyn and I expected to be a brief ‘meet and greet’ with Steve Maconi turned into a thoroughly delightful, entertaining and informative visit in our home with Steve and Meade King ’85 from the Foundation. They were passing through Richmond and stopped by on an errand, which turned out to last about two hours. We discussed, to one degree or another – everything from fly fishing to 1851 cadet muskets to art to VMI sports/academics/spirit to the service academies to endowment to Steve’s background and thoughts on the path ahead. His enthusiasm for his new position and its challenges and opportunities is boundless, as well as his desire to understand the Institute experience. I cannot imagine anyone better suited for the position than Steve. If you have not read the announcement of his appointment in the Alumni Review 2017-Issue 2, page 148, I encourage you so to do, and if you have ... read it again! I commend the three Agencies on their process and ultimate selection of Steve as their first CEO and

look forward to following this evolutionary change in leadership and structure at the Institute. Rah Virginia Mil!” “Dear curleyrat, happy Fourth of July to you, too!” Bob Matthews continues, “Or, as they say in England, ‘Revolution Day!’ Glad to hear you are back to good health! I am archaic. I use the VMI ’63 site so infrequently that now I cannot remember or find my username and password, and there ain’t no way to submit a request to find them. So, what do I do now? (mjc: “Do as everyone else in the class does, Bob, contact me ... I’m an easy touch and full of answers!) I remain your addlepated servant. P.S.: This fall, I am going to Scotland and England to visit relatives and friends. I was last there about 47 years ago.

I want to do at least one honest-to-goodness bucket list trip per year, so this is the one for 2017.” (mjc: Godspeed, Bob!) Another product of our nationwide telephone class contact information update brought a response from Kirke White in Nevada. “Thanks, Mike. I will follow your instructions. We are back in central Oregon for the summer, and the mail will eventually get here dependent upon the efficiency of our wonderful Postal Service (two Christmas cards arrived in May). Hope that you are having a good summer. Kirke.”

Si Bunting also answered our query: “Will attend. Corps is huge – 1,740! About 300 women! I heard that Ruth Bader Ginsburg recently spoke there! Binnie has done a superb job. Warmest, Si.” (mjc: Look forward to seeing you and Diana in April 2018, Si!) Mike Warring responded in saying, “Elinor and I still live in Queenstown, Maryland.

Just over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and I see George Blood at the post office once or twice a month. Maybe he could join us at one of your Richmond lunches at Wegman’s?

Damn, it’s good to hear back from you, Mikey ... I’m smiling from ear to ear!” (mjc: Come to the 55th in April 2018 and we’ll finish the conversation, OK?) Pictures in this issue include a shot from one of the Charlotte rats’ lunches; a beautiful shot of John Anastas and his brandnew granddaughter, Chloe, submitted by his son, James Anastas ’94; plus a bunch of pictures from John Mills and Pete Brunel from their recent trip to France with 61

Class Notes Hobbs Goodwin. John Mills described the trip this way: “Mike, I think Pete Brunel told you last month that he, Hobbs Goodwin and I with girls were going to France. Another couple, whose husband graduated from Hampden-Sydney College in ’63, went with us, as well. Unfortunately, we didn’t get too many pics with them included. The object of the trip was to get to Normandy, and we did that by going to Paris for three days and then catching a cruise down the Seine River to the Normandy section of France. It was a great trip, and we had a ball! Believe it or not, I have been going through my pictures, and there really weren’t many of just the three of us. (mjc: I’m a believer, John!) One of the attached was taken at the Army Navy Memorial Statue at Utah Beach, and the other picture that includes Diana Brunel and Judy Mills was taken overlooking Pointe du Hoc, the strategic point between Utah and Omaha beaches. Hobbs’ lady friend, Joyce Bevins, was sick that day and missed out on the moving experience. Thought you might use one or both as a filler if you needed more news.” (mjc: Filler, hell, love these trip pictures – send more, everyone!)

Finally, from Bunny Reynolds: “Mike, I hope you are continuing to thrive and staying off the gim – makes us all a little bit happier when you do. Just returned from our seasonal transition trip, this time to Arizona. The plan, of course, was to leave Connecticut in late February when it’s cold and snowy then return in mid-March when the weather is mild and the snow is just a memory. The weather was fine when we left Connecticut and finer in Arizona, but the day after we returned home, the big New England blizzard hit. Some places apparently got 42 inches of snow, but we only got about 10 inches, followed by a few hours of rain, which promptly froze into massive blocks of ice. So much for plans. We loved both Phoenix and Tucson and had a delightful meal at the home of Pres and Judy Holtry. Folks out there know how to live, and Pres and Judy are good examples – beautiful home, great scenery, clear skies and, according to Judy, only the occasional Gila monster on the patio. For your information, the Foundation advises that the Class of ’63 Scholarship Fund has two beneficiaries this current year. One is a 62

rat psychology major from Bedford and the other is a 1st Class cadet from Frederick, Maryland, majoring in physics. Glad we can help these guys – a noble cause. Best to you and Peg, Bunny.” (mjc: Long live the Class of ’63 fund as a tribute to Tucker Oliver!)

Please pray for those on the gim, our prisoners of war and MIAs, wherever they may be! curleyrat

1964

John R. Cavedo

Please make a note that my mailing address has changed. Email and phone remain unchanged. Sherrel and I decided, after nearly three years, that condo living simply wasn’t right for us. We wanted the privacy and convenience of a house. So, we’ve rented. But only 8 miles from the condo, as the crow flies. We still have a welcoming guest room, and we’re only 2 miles off I-95 in Ormond Beach, Florida.

Ed Seager and I had a nice, long telephone conversation recently. He and Janice are doing well – spending time with grandchildren and taking the occasional short trip. Not to mention, their annual month of February in Barbados. He reminded me of a frequent lunch date he, Mike Murphy and Andy Collier have with their former company commander, Dave Harback ’61.

In May, Ed drove to Arlington National Cemetary for the burial of Col. Leonard Lewane ’50B. Many members of his original class plus the Class of ’61 also attended.

Sherrel and I sat with the Lewanes at the formal dinner at our 45th Reunion. As the Company F TAC, he claimed he remembered me. Not sure I bought that, since I was a terrible rat, but he was polite, nevertheless.

Jim Brittingham sent this: “Laura and I just returned from a trip to Virginia. Along the way, we spent a night with Jerry and Sandra Reid in West Virginia. We had a great visit, and it was good to see that both of them are doing well. Sandra is into her new chemo routine, and her cancer numbers are going

down. She has considerable pain in her back, but the doctors at the University of Virginia are working with muscle relaxers to help provide some relief.

“While in Virginia, we got a chance to have a short visit with Bill and Betsy Taylor just before they were heading off to a VMI function. It was great to visit with them, and they both are looking great. Betsy’s heart procedure went well, and she has had no repeat problems. Hopefully, the doctors fixed the problem for good this time.

“Our trip was made longer than usual, because just as we were getting ready to go, I managed to fall up the steps, landing on my right leg. This should not have been much of a problem except that I had just put my class ring in my pocket because my hands were wet. I landed on the garage floor on my right side and received a huge charlie horse from landing on the ring. It certainly made for a rough trip, since we had to stop every 45 minutes so I could limp around with my cane for a few minutes.

“Thank you for the info on Walt Sykes and Don Reed. I will certainly drop them a card.”

Frank Parker: “Marcy and I took a monthlong road trip from Magnolia, Texas, to the Outer Banks of North Carolina to visit friends and family. We made many stops along the way; it’s a big country! We stopped to see the Biblical History Center in La Grange, Georgia. It has a great collection of artifacts on loan from Israel, as well great exhibits of village life 2,000 years ago. Then it was on to Atlanta for the Rotary International’s international convention. An amazing collection of 40,000+ Rotarians doing good in the world. We heard live speeches from Bill Gates, Jack Nicklaus (a polio survivor) and Ambassador Andrew Young – amazing folks and great Americans. I’ve been giving presentations on our Revolutionary and Civil Wars to senior citizens at our local community college. I knew little about the Revolutionary War in the south, so we toured several battlefield locations – Augusta, Georgia; Camden and Cowpens in South Carolina; and Kings Mountain and Guilford Courthouse in North Carolina. Most had great exhibits, battlefield tours and audio visuals that made the battles come alive. Next was Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, to visit Marcy’s VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes college roommate and maid of honor in our wedding. We toured the Outer Banks and spent some time at the Wright brothers’ monument. It brings home how far we have come in flight in just over 100 years. In my younger days, I could drive a golf ball farther than their longest flight! Coming back, we visited Marcy’s sister in Tennessee and our daughter’s family in Jackson, Missouri – 3,695 miles and a great trip.”

Matt Jablonka: “Just a word from the Nashville area. John Manley, Parker Duncan and I meet every month for a catch up on our lives and to talk about VMI. We have been doing this for a number of years. Each month, we pick a new restaurant. Nashville is growing so fast, we will probably never have to repeat a location. In June, we needed a couple of underclassmen to strain. Steve Chapin ’75 and Dick Knight ’70 served that purpose. Steve recently moved to the Nashville area to be close to family.

“This summer has been a source of great pride for me. My grandson, Harry, began beast barracks at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. I am looking forward to some Army versus Navy games.”

Bill McVey: “Millie and I decided to give up our annual threeday drive to the East Coast this year for the first time in 20 years, and instead, our younger daughter and family from Wilmington, North Carolina, flew here to spend two weeks with us in Fair Oaks Ranch (near San Antonio). The four grandchildren, ages 8-16, and their parents had a whirlwind time going to our sailing club, Fiesta Texas amusement park, tubing on the Guadalupe River then going to Galveston Island and Johnson Space Center in Houston. Every other waking moment was spent competing 2017-Issue 4

Class of 1964: At a restaurant in Tennessee in June 2017 were, from left, Dick Knight ’70, Matt Jablonka, Steve Chapin ’75, Parker Duncan and John Manley.

Class of 1964: Cliff Crittsinger at the Continental Divide at Independent Pass in May 2017.

Class of 1964: In Iceland in June 2017 were, from left, front row, Sherrel Cavedo, Mary Jo Jordan, Penny Kaliski and Lauranne Kitchen. Back row: John Cavedo, Bill Bandy and W.J. Kitchen.

with one another playing tennis at the club tennis courts or playing dominoes or ring toss in the house! We had an absolutely wonderful time with them, but it sure has been quiet since they left!

“Once they had gone, Millie and I began realizing we could not go through the summer without our annual fix of Chesapeake Bay steamed blue crabs ... and oh, yes, we also hated the thought of missing the BRs we have been lucky enough to see on the Northern Neck the past several years, too.

So, we will be flying over for two weeks, Sept. 12-25. This will be short and sweet, I have been told, and except for the crabs we catch and steam, we will be eating all of our meals at the many wonderful local eateries!”

Tom Sebrell: “Not to sound like a broken record, but we are again going West next week to the Triangle C Ranch in Wyoming for a week of riding and horsemanship work. I guess I’ll keep it up as long as I am physically able and Penny lets me. After we are done, we are going to Bozeman to visit my son and his family.”

Bob O’Hara: “I again send greetings to all from bucolic southside Virginia, land of pleasant living. And that’s exactly what I’m trying to do as best I can. Hunting, fishing and farming; staying out of my wife’s way; enjoying her good cooking; grateful she’s still with me after 51 years; visiting our grandchildren in Richmond when their schedule allows it; giving thanks to the good Lord for all the blessings he has bestowed on me and my family; reflecting often on the years we spent in Lexington – the good, the bad, the adventures, the misadventures – but mostly, I think of the other young men I got to know and care for that helped me get through it all.

That’s about all I’m doing now 63

Class Notes “We will head to Holden Beach in early from college (University of South Caroand loving every minute. Life is good.”

Jan Rudinoff: “Paula and I recently re- September and possibly slip down to North lina) and a grandson – a rising senior at turned from a 14-day Alaskan cruise. We Myrtle to see Bill and Lola Tornabene. At Virginia Tech – complete Army ROTC stopped in Seattle to visit with daughters one time, I thought I saw that Doug Bergere camp at Fort Knox. Our son, Will, just made his move in July to Newport, Rhode Sarah and Elizabeth and took in a Mariner’s lived at Sunset Beach just south of Holden.”

Bill Garber: “As is usually the case dur- Island, to attend the Naval War College. game – they lost. On Aug. 13, we leave for Venice (promise some photos to you), and in ing the summer, Marion and I have stayed “Marion and I will be headed to New EngOctober, we’ll leave Venice for France and a here at the beach and hosted many visitors, land to visit the Bob Warrens in early SepRiver Cruise from Arles to Paris with fellow many of whom were family members. We tember and to the Northwest to visit Army priest to celebrate his and his wife’s 50th an- were fortunate that Bob and Cathy War- friends later that month. Otherwise, I believe niversary. Paris for a few extra days – have to ren stopped by in May on their way from all is relatively under control in the Garber stop and pay respect to Jim Morrison buried Florida to New Hampshire, and Don and household.”

Tom and Yvonne Myers attended a famin Pere Lachaise. ‘Break on Through.’ Return Margaret Carson spent a night with us on to USA on a repositioning cruise to Ft. Lau- their way south from the Warrens’ daugh- ily reunion at the YMCA Snow Mountain derdale from Rome then a flight to Kauai gets ter’s June wedding in Annapolis. That wed- Ranch.

Buzz Birzenieks shared with me that his ding was attended by a sizable class conus home for Thanksgiving.”

Bill Mendel: “I am still working part time tingent that was relatively well behaved, grandson attended the basketball camp at for Joint Special Operations University do- despite the opportunity to spend Warren’s VMI this summer and had a great time. It’s ing a little writing and mostly teaching. After money on food and drink at the reception! a five-day camp, lodging not included. Buzz a long working trip for a counterterrorism “We had one granddaughter graduate tells me that the kids learn a huge amount and get to practice under the eyes course in Bangladesh, I more reof professional coaches. cently returned from working a Most of you who are members one-week course for the special of our Class of ’64 private Faceops troops in Slovakia. It is located book page followed Sherrel’s and just to the north of Austria. I was my travels this summer by way of surprised to find what a beautia constant stream of photographs ful country is Slovakia, much like we posted. The trip started in IceBavaria. And then the more deland, where we joined the VMI manding recent trip was taking traveling group for 11 days of “Fire the grandchildren to Disneyworld. and Ice.” (Iceland’s slogan – and It was brutally hot, dangerously well-deserved). Earthquakes, glacrowded and painfully expensive. ciers, whale watching, volcanos, a (Worse than Bangladesh!) The zillion waterfalls, whitewater raftimportant thing was the kids had a great time. But their grandfather Class of 1964: At the wedding of Bob Warren’s daughter were, ing and hiking across lava fields. front row, Bill Crone, Buzz Birzenieks, Bob and Jim Barnes ’72, all has made a sacred vow never to holding the bride, Kelly. Back row: John Thornton, Don Carson, But, we were cold the entire time.

And, it was July. return to Disneyworld – unless he Walt Sykes, Tom Sebrell, Bill Garber and Bill Taylor.

Then Sherrel and I flew to Italy, is cornered again. Lila and I conwhere we boarded a 47-passenger boat for tinued to be blessed with good health and a 15-day tour of the West Italian coast, conare looking forward to seeing everyone at the cluding on the island nation of Malta. Water, 55th Reunion.” yachts, 5,000-year-old ruins, wine, cheese and David Ayers: “The Doug Walker saga is warm, welcoming people. A great trip. But, about to come to a close. I will distribute we went from being too cold to being too hot. the remainder of his estate to the daughterPacking for the extremes was a challenge. in-law next week to be used for the grandDon Keener: “Long time reader, first time son’s benefit. I trust her judgement as to writer. First, I want to thank you and Sherrel how to spend the funds, as she has shown for all the hours and work you have spent as a strong desire to raise him right. She just class agent. You have made it possible for me moved at her own expense to assure his to feel connected. attendance in the better high school in “I live in Wenatchee, Washington, by the her county. Butch has been a great help Class of 1964: Yvonne and Tom Myers in Columbia River at the foot of the Cascade physically and mentally (mine) as has the Montana in May 2017.

Mountains. Truly God’s country. I retired in ‘Friends of Doug Walker Fund’ financially.

64

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes 2012 after 34 years as a school psychologist.

I wanted to stay somewhat busy, so I became the Northwest regional chair for the Don Carson Fan Club. This was shortly before the sellout Seattle concert of Don and the Dukes of Dinwiddie.

“Hope to be at the 55th. I will try to bring Don Carson concert tee shirts and coffee mugs when we return to the mothership in Lexington.”

Ken Dice, “The Muneras, Hyltons, Hineses and Dices met for one of their reunion lunches in Charlottesville in July. Bernie and Donna Hylton’s summer adventure has included a 30-day road trip to the West Coast via the famous Route 66. Kerry and Maryann Hines recently returned from a vacation in Germany to visit Maryann’s family. Tony and Barbara Munera are gearing up for a trip to Iceland with the Hineses. Tony and Barbara shared the news of their son’s appointment as commander of Fort Leonard Wood and selection to brigadier general. Ken and Barbara Dice spent a week in Portland, Oregon, and a week in San Antonio, Texas, visiting their sons.”

Don Stickles: “This is the first time I’ve offered you (or our class) anything in the direction or whereabouts of my endeavors. I do remember Murphy commenting ‘somewhere’ many years ago to caution me about my interest in Tibet. We’d met for a drink (several actually) in John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s favorite bar on Spring Street in New York around the corner from where I lived at the time. Late 1972. In January 1973, I left for Greece and then across the Middle East toward India. Once there, I rented a ‘room’ on a houseboat belonging to an Indian family along the Jhelum River outside of Srinagar, Kashmir, and proceeded to introduce myself to the fur traders who used the river to ferry their catch south from Tibet and through Kashmir to the south. Well, I found a trader who would lead me into Tibet, but my remaining funds melted away before the winter snows that spring, and I had to abort.

Remember how the dollar went south that spring? There was quite an uprising between the Sikhs and the Muslims when I was there.

The Muslim family with whom I lived was very protective of me. All in the past. I write because on my 74th birthday in April 2016, 2017-Issue 4

I was hired by the Whiting Turner Contracting Company, which when my age was discovered, became quite a surprise to all. I have the dubious honor of being the oldest person ever hired by W/T, which was founded in 1909 and is a truly venerable company by any measure. I am now engaged on a project of vast scope here in San Jose, California (all comments on the subject of California will be restricted to face time), and expect to be here for about three years.

Since becoming acquainted and embedded in the culture of W/T, for which I have great respect, I have been trying to foster a dialogue between VMI and the company for internships and hiring. Whiting Turner has three offices in Virginia, and it appears that there is some dialogue, but it appears spotty to me. Particularly because, as I learned a few days ago, W/T built the new athletic center for VMI. How I wish I could have been part of that; I remember the architect renderings visible to us at our 50th and have raved about it to associates since. I hope I’ll have a chance to see it before our 55th.”

Bob Warren: “As you know, Cathy and I continue to spend our summers at Stonehaven in New Hampshire and winters at our Villa in Port St. Lucie, Florida. We frequently visit brother rats as we travel back and forth. This year was a little unique as we were preparing for the wedding of our daughter, Kelly, in June. I did manage to squeeze in the Keydet Club Leadership Outing in Lexington in June and a visit to the fabulous home of Buzz and Jane Birzenieks, where we were joined by Brother Rats John Thornton and Walt Sykes. While in Lexington, we got a chance to see Hank and Elizabeth Cronin and got a grand tour of their magnificent new Lexington home.

While at Hank’s place, we ran into Tom Davis. Tom and Helen were staying with Hank and Elizabeth on a return trip to Lexington from their new home in Norfolk, Virginia.

“On the weekend of June 17, nine members of our class and one member of the Class of ’72 gathered in Annapolis, Maryland, for the wedding of our daughter. The ceremony was held in the Naval Academy chapel. VMI guys attending were John and Ronnie Thornton, Bill and Dyan Crone, Don and Margaret Carson, Buzz and Jane

Birzenieks, Walt Sykes, Tom and Penny Sebrell, Jim Barnes (Class of 72), Bill and Marion Garber, and Bill and Betsy Taylor.”

Jack Trossbach: “We spent three weeks in China with Viking cruises. We visited Shanghai, Wuhan, Chongquin, Lijiane, Chengdu, Xian and Beijing. We visited the Flying Tigers Museum in Chongquin, the Panda breeding center in Chendu, the magnificent Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian, and the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square in Beijing this past June.”

David Bell: “Cindi and I took a 7,200-mile road trip in April and May to see parts of our country that we had never seen from ground level. I’m including a few pictures if they might be of use; pick what you feel works best and crop as necessary. Resolution should be pretty good.

“We left April 19 and arrived back home May 14. We headed northwest to spend a few days with my step-son and his wife in Spanaway, Washington, near Seattle. We made stops in Estes Park, Colorado; Mount Rushmore; Little Bighorn Battlefield; and Yellowstone National Park. After three nights in West Yellowstone, we worked our way across Idaho and Oregon to the Seattle/ Tacoma area for a great four-day visit with family. We visited the Skagit County tulip festival and other local attractions. From there, we traveled south along the coastal highway to see several sights, including a night in San Francisco on our way to Ventura, California, for a visit with old friends.

Then we headed to San Diego for two days and visited the zoo and safari park before turning northeast to see the Grand Canyon.

From there, it was back to Texas. All in all, it was a great trip. Most importantly, it made Cindi and me more aware of what a magnificent country we live in. We are traveled out for now but have Utah in our sights for next year.

“On a personal note, I suffered a minor stroke June 10. The good news is that only my speech was somewhat affected. I had a couple speech therapy sessions before being kicked out of class, as I was back to about 90 percent normal. That was 10 days ago, and I am continuing to improve.”

In closing, thanks to everyone who contributed information and photos for these notes.

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Class Notes back to Africa – Tanzania, this time. Spook and Lou Ann Sinclair dropped by yesterday.

He is staying busy shuffling back and forth Mickey Finn between his Waynesboro home and his landscaping and mowing operations in Hampton. What a great knowledge of history our Brother Rat Jim has! Good to catch up with both of them.”

A report from Alaska’s world famous As I assemble these notes in early August, Kachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge creator, we have added two more of our brother rats Michael McBride: “So, here is my greeting to the list that now numbers 60 who have to you and the ’65ers: [I am] just now startpassed from us. There were many who reing to slide into retirement, having turned sponded with emails, from which I have seKachemak Bay Wilderness Lodge, now in lected four to include in these notes. its 47th year of operation, over to daughIrwin McCumber recalls Bob Morgan: ter Shannon and son Morgan. We live next “Mickey, so sad to see this, but I sensed it door in our cliff-side aerie and often mingle was coming. I knew Bob was fighting cancer with guests. Among the interesting clients for the last year or so and had been checkrecently was Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, ing in on him periodically. Our last conversawhose visit to Alaska and with us spawned a tions were May 24 and May 28. We talked Washington Post article. A senator from Texon the 24th for almost two hours, telling old as, Phil Graham, was with us the following stories from our time in barracks. Needless to week. Our interesting guests from around say, I was shocked when he told me he had the world keep us on our toes, and oh, the gotten married in April! fun we are having. We have also had the “We had a lot of laughs, and he particugood fortune to share our road-less estuary larly cackled at the story of Larry Egan on with a handful of brother rats, but not nearly Matriculation Day when the cadre were enough – most recently, Gen. and Mrs. Tom screaming at Larry to ‘sound off.’ He had Lennon. not heard that one before, and he called me “I am in my 50th year of flying the bush in back just a few days later just to get the facts Alaska with a commercial ticket. My website of the story straight in his mind. We all lettersfromloonsong.com will put you in the know Bob had an extremely sharp mind, cockpit with me as we fly into some of the and I sensed the medications were causing finest pristine wilderness left on the planet. the confusion. There was no confusion, Do come, brother rats with friends however, when the conversation and family; we would love to have involved any principles Bob beyou! The bears and eagles, whales lieved in, as he was still crystal and seals, moose and wolves, octoclear on those. pus and wolverines, sea otter and “In typical Morgan humor, puffins, river otter, and of course, he told me again that he wasn’t well-known to you all, strongy loafraid of death, he just wasn’t too centrotus droebachiensis, will join keen about the process of getting me to celebrate your arrival. there! And our ranks have lost “P.S. Our book, ‘The Last Wilanother one.” derness – Alaska’s Rugged Coast’ Easley Moore wrote: “Mickey, from Fulcrum Publishing, has reI didn’t want the funeral for Dave ceived great reviews and is selling Kovach to occur without a brothvery well. You will find it at Amaer rat in attendance. I had never zon and Barnes and Noble; it will had occasion to go to Bluefield, have a snug fit next to your pillow.”

Virginia, so I went. Sure enough, The Johnny Mac Marshall reI was the only BR there. I had a Class of 1965: Lou and Joan Siegel moved to the foothills of chance to chat briefly with Char- Afton Mountain. This photo was taken just down the hill from port of travels and comments the Blue Ridge Parkway. are appreciated and timely: “My lynne Kovach in front of Dave’s

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casket before the service. They were childhood sweethearts, dating in high school and through four years at VMI. Charlynne was Dave’s Ring Figure date.” Thank you, Easley, for your loving heart.

Don Cummings recalls Dave Kovach: “Dear Mickey, I was preparing to send you Dave’s obituary when I received your email.

Charlynne Kovach sent me a text Wednesday afternoon that he had passed. The reason Dave could not attend our 50th Reunion was because of illness. Since then, he went through two more bouts of cancer. Through it all, he maintained the same light-heartedness and sense of humor that was mixed with his resolve to become a dentist. That was his goal when we were cadets. From Room 466 in September 1961 through graduation day, he demonstrated all of the traits necessary to serve those who would need him throughout his life. Never in any of our phone conversations and texts did he ever let his inner thoughts and fears about what he was enduring show through. He was strong for everyone around him and an inspiration to me when I was ill.

“Your class notes over the years have been the evidence that all of us left VMI June 13, 1965, with the foundation that we needed to make our individual pieces of the world better. Dave succeeded, and I believe the rest of us have, too.”

Marshall Henry and Susan are back in Africa. He reports: “Susan and I are heading

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes office there. We were fortunate to great-nephew and godson, Nahave a chance to have breakfast at than B. Marshall ’16 graduated the Town Point Club in Norfolk from the U.S. Naval Academy in with Andy Protogyrou ’84, former May of this year after transferNorfolk city councilman and good ring from VMI. Of course, Jamie friend. Needless to say, the VMI and I went to participate in the monogram never looked better! festivities, and it was very pleas“This autumn will be a twofer ant. I was struck, however, by the for visits to Poland – one social contrast between the behavior of and one for a speech (a short one, VMI cadets and the USNA midit should be noted). In the meanshipmen when dealing with visitime, Jamie and I wish everyone a tors. At Annapolis, there was no great autumn and a dry one. ’65! tipping of caps, no ‘Yes, sir’ or ’65! ’65!”

‘Yes, ma’am’ to us, even by the Vic Tucker contributed that officers, other than the Marine he “thinks this may be the first corporal at the main gate. While time I have contributed, because there is no question of the quality I didn’t have much to share, but of the ‘book learning’ education this time, I do. Kay and I were in at Annapolis, it made me very New Mexico for a reactivation of proud of the job that VMI does in my old Air Force Squadron (8th rounding out the cadets.

“As you know, we lost Bob Class of 1965: Pictured meeting for lunch in Kingsport, Tennes- Tac Fighter Squadron, the Black Morgan, one of my teammates see, Aug. 10, 2017, were, from left, Doc Hyatt ’68, Carr Hyatt, Sheep) at Holloman Air Force Base, Alamogordo, New Mexico, on the College Bowl Team 1964, Larry Egan, Russ Proctor and Jack McEwan. and took the opportunity to drive June 2. While this was not a toup to Placitas, New Mexico, to vistal surprise, since he had told me it with my VMI roommate, Frank back at Christmastime that he was Sullivan, and his wife, Pam. They seriously ill with a bad prognosis, have a beautiful home on a hill top it was somewhat of a shock. He overlooking the town of Bernalilcalled me in May to tell me that lo, New Mexico. Great for sipping he was going into hospice care, margaritas and seeing phenomenal and he died about 10 days later. sunsets!” Vic, thanks so much for What some of our BRs may not your sharing this experience with know is that Bob, the eternal us all. I believe you contributed bachelor, got married about three when you first retired and sent me months before he died. While I Class of 1965: Vick and Kate Tucker enjoyed a meal with Frank a letter about your new job! have been unsuccessful in locatand Pam Sullivan at the Sullivans’ home in New Mexico. Vick Carr Hyatt reports: “Larry ing his widow, if anyone should and Frank were roommates at VMI. Egan; my brother, Grant ‘Doc’ meet her, please let her know how Hyatt ’68; and I had a fun lunch with Rusmuch we miss him. He was a great friend sell Procter and Jack McEwan this week. and teammate, as well as a BR who could be Russell was visiting Jack at his summer counted on to be on post (since he was unhome in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, der confinement almost his entire cadetship). and they came over to have lunch with us. A His sense of humor and ready conversation picture is being sent to you. Thanks for your made him always welcome at our home. In devoted work as our class agent. Carr.” I recase you haven’t picked up on it, I miss him, ceived the photo from Russell Proctor and and so does Jamie. submitted it! Thanks to you all!

“Later in June, Jamie and I were in WashMarty Hash wrote: “Hi, Mickey. I enington, D.C., for the wedding of a dear Class of 1965: Vick and Kate Tucker were joyed your writings in the recent Review friend, and on the way back, we drove to pictured with Frank and Pam Sullivan enjoying the fantastic view from the baland noted Lou Siegel’s remarks on his Norfolk/Virginia Beach to visit daughter cony of the Sullivans’ home overlooking move. I thought I would submit a few comVictoria, who is now living on the beach and Bernalillo, New Mexico. ments and the attached photo. Copy can say, working as a nurse in an endocrinologist’s 2017-Issue 4

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Class Notes ‘Now that our class president has moved to the foothills of Afton Mountain, those visiting will find him just down the hill from the Blue Ridge Parkway, where this photo was shot.’ Greetings for a blessed fall and Christmas season to all. Marty.”

Here is the news from the ’65 luncheon Aug. 3, 2017, as reported by Chuck ‘Ears’ Hough: “I love doing this. It is a privilege to be part of the Class of 1965! I hasten to acknowledge Bob Wilkinson and our very much missed Jim Hogler for getting this started and pushing to keep it going. Today reminded me how important we continue to be to each other. It is great to be recognized and remembered. It is awesome to have the assurance that we are all cared for by each other both in presence and in spirit.

“In attendance were Wayne Chiles, Bob Southworth, Harry Bartosik, Charlie Russell, Chuck Hough, Granny Amos, Bob Deadrick, Jan Brueckmann, John Rust, Tom Howard, Bob Wilkinson, Lou Siegel, Jeff Wilkins, John Jordan and Ron Obenchain.

“The news from the event: The combined distance traveled for the 15 was more than 1,000 miles to meet for lunch! There were three over 100 miles: Jan Brueckmann, John Jordan and Jeff Wilkins. One was less than 10 miles, Bob Southworth! Our next lunch is Sept. 13. Jan Brueckmann brought the VMI banner. We remembered brother rats and their wives who are fighting cancer in prayer.

We talked about the Old Corps. Having Lou Siegel, John Rust and John Jordan join us was a highlight. One thing that happened is Bob Wilkinson showed us how to install the VMI Alumni Association app on our smartphone. Search for VMIAA. It is great to locate brother rats or other alumni. And last, let’s all continue to build the legacy of Class of 1965!” Jeff Wilkins sent out a challenge before the lunch: “Can you identify the following electrical engineers by their nickname? Moon Rat, Marf, Each, Piggy, Turtle, Anteater, Barf, Owenbody, Goofy and The Camel.” Note: There were no published results to this challenge.

I have taken it upon myself to report that Greg Robertson and Dottie, Bill Ryan and Carol, and Jane and I enjoyed a dinner together Aug. 6, 2017, here in Porters Neck, 68

North Carolina. Greg and Dottie had just finished their vacation with family at Carolina Beach and spent the night at the Ryans’ home before flying home to New York the next day from Raleigh. Our waitress was amazed we have been friends for 56 years and still on talking terms! We told her we were VMI classmates, and she said she had been a placement officer for a Richmond, Virginia, high school and was no longer amazed.

As you read this, Christmas is but a few weeks away, so have a great holiday season and commit yourself to participate in letting your BRs know what you are up to! I look forward to hearing from everyone, and that includes the family members of those who have gone home. So, together with lots of love, ’65! ’65! ’65!

1966

Nick Hoskot

A personal request before passing along the notes that have been submitted for this late summer edition of class notes: If/ when any of your personal contact information (telephone numbers/addresses/ emails etc.) changes, could you please let Norma Robinson at the Foundation know at nrobinson@vmiaa.org or 800-444-1839.

This becomes really useful when brother rats are trying to make or regain contact with other members of our class. The availability of this information becomes especially important as we get older and our bodies require some sort of medical attention. (If you prefer not to have contact information shared, just let me know). For example, you could belong to a total knee replacement group and be a known and trusted source of information to someone who is about to undergo that procedure.

There are several BRs in the Lexington area (Al Carr, Bob Odom, Paul Robblee, Cliff Martin and others) who get together frequently for lunch. If you’re planning to be in the vicinity, give one of them a holler and join up; you’ll always be welcome.

Herb Guyton sent me a letter after a rat

roommate, Neil Stronach, expressed an interest in getting room 460 (Larry DeMeo, Pete Elkins, J.M. Kelly, Herb and Neil) together this past April for three days in Point Clear, Alabama. For a variety of reasons, not everyone was available then, so plans are being made for a follow on get-together during fall 2017 in Lexington. Herb also had plans/reservations to attend our 50th last year but had to cancel due to a health issue.

So, stay in touch with your old roomies and academic classmates and plan visits or other kinds of get-togethers leading up to the 55th Reunion, which will take place in 2021. This may appear to be a long way off, but it will get here before you know it.

Jim Smith reports a couple of recent social affairs: Dinner at Tom and Scottie Slater’s home, along with Jim and Susan Whitehurst, John and Ellen Jumper and Bill Gregory, and a cookout at the home of John Knox McEwen and Delores Lee. Brother rats and wives in attendance included: John Jumper, Hugh Adams, Guthrie Smith, Herb Chittum, Dick Daugherity, Tom Morris and Joe Dictor. Jim spent the Fourth of July weekend with Dick Goodall and his wonderful family. Paul and Joanne Robblee visited Norway on a recent trip and had a great time. “Fjords thousands of feet deep, fresh water on top of sea water, waterfalls everywhere, steep mountains rising from the fjords, mountain tops topped with snow, a 24-hour sun, rocks, narrow roads, pristine villages and lots of evidence of the German occupation. Went into the small port of Stavanger and learned that it was just west of where the Norwegians were being required to make heavy water in aid of the Nazi effort to build a bomb. In a place called Trondheim, I saw a shopping center built over what had been and still are U-boat pens. Visited the Lofoten Islands just off Norway. A British raid failed there. Hitler reinforced with 250,000 troops – from where, I don’t know. All in all, extremely interesting. On the disappointment side, I saw no icebergs, but maybe that’s global warming.

(For your information, Paul, I was based in Norway “above the Arctic Circle” and never saw any icebergs either...) George Newton stated, “Life only gets better with age. VMI judo is a long time ago, but the benefits are VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes still good with age. I wish we could have a reunion for our ‘winning team’ ... I talked to our Olympic coach, Jim Berman, last week.

He’s 75 and still doing judo; a great guy!

He drove down from Washington, D.C., to train us on weekends. Winner of USA’s first Olympic medal in judo – 1964 in Tokyo, Japan.” George’s remarks were occasioned by an international Ju-Jitsu seminar in Spain this past July.

For the second year in a row, a bourbon whiskey from the A. Smith Bowman Distillery of Fredericksburg (which includes BR Jay Adams) received the title of World’s Best Whiskey in a competition by Whiskey Magazine. John J. Bowman Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey (100 proof) won in a blind tasting competition bracket for non-Kentucky bourbons and another for Kentucky Bourbons. Brewery tours and tastings are conducted Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In the small world category, an eBay ad read by a friend of Walt Judd ’69 noticed a ’66 class ring for sale by a pawn shop engraved was the name “Donald” and “Georgetown, Mass.” I was asked if I could identify the owner and went immediately to our ’66 Bomb. After a very quick search: Bingo. It

turns out it was lost by Don Reed sometime in the late ’60s. Don says he did not get the ring back, and “after 50 odd years, I suspect that old ring would have many interesting tales to tell!”

Jim Pauls provided a write-up: “For the third year in a row, Rich and Tommie Atlee hosted brother rats of the Class of ’66 from the greater southeastern area of Virginia, which includes most of the geographic area from Richmond to Virginia Beach, at their home in Yorktown, Virginia, for a class mini reunion. The event also included other VMI alumni from the area and special guests. Class of ’66 BRs attending this year’s event were: Hugh and Deanie Adams, Mike and Joan Bache, Lee and Mary Beach, Ty and Anne Bland, Ollie and Nancy Creekmore, Joe and Kathy Dictor, Buddy and Pat Green, Jim and Sandy Hannah, Jerry and Barbara Homiller, Cliff Martin, Jim and Marvella Pauls, Les and Peggy Rutledge, John and Elyse Solomon, Marshall and Kathy Taylor, and Tom and Carol White. Other VMI alumni attending included Frank Allison ’63 and his wife, Bill Taylor ’63 and his wife, Buster Woodruff ’64 and his wife, John Ishon ’69 and his wife, Walter Judd ’69 and his wife, Chuck Winstead ’72 and his wife, Bill Hunt ’84

Class of 1966: Brother Rats and friends of Al Carr and his wife, Gail, gathered at the Silver Thatch Inn in Charlottesville, Virginia, Dec. 10, 2016, for a surprise 50th anniversary celebration planned by the Carrs’ daughter, Christian, and husband Garret, along with Christian’s and Garret’s son, Van, and wife Brooke. Christian and her husband were also celebrating their 11th anniversary. Pictured at the event were, from left, front row, Al and Gail Carr, Jim Pauls, Jim Syzmanski, and Martha and Jim Slay. Second Row: Reyn Youn, Beckie Mhyne, Marvella Pauls and Katherine Syzmanski. Third Row: Virginia Young, and Christian Carr and husband Garret.

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and his wife, and Gray Wooten ’87 and his wife. Special guests included U.S. Air Force Col. Steven Biggs, the new Air Force PAS at VMI, and his wife, Diana.” Walt Judd also provided information for this update.

Al Carr was selected as the Washington and Lee Law School 2017 Professor of the Year. The award is presented annually by the Student Bar Association. Individual law students nominate the professors they believe are deserving and then all of the law students vote for the winner. This is apparently the first time a non-full-time law professor has been selected for this award. The dean of the law school, Brant Hellwig, explained Carr’s popularity among law students as the result of his ability to teach the law from a practitioner’s perspective and his availability to them whether it be after hours or on weekends. In effect, he said, “The students matter to Al, and he matters to them.”

Cliff Crittsinger, BR of ’64 and ’66, said it has been an incredibly busy last few months.

As of July 1, he officially became the director of the newly-created 12-state Northwestern Region for the VMI Alumni Association.

The region consists of: Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nebraska, North Dakota, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. “I drove to the Seattle Chapter rat send-off picnic July 30 and returned in time to attend the combined Colorado rat send-off Aug. 5. I am now busy getting ready for the VMI versus the U.S. Air Force Academy football game and all associated events Labor Day weekend. Go Big Red! Once that is done, I will drive back to Lexington to attend the fall meeting of the VMI Alumni Association Board of Directors, followed by another round of meetings with the ’18,’19 and ’20 class officers concerning preparations for the annually presented Cadet New Market Legacy Award. No moss growing under this BR’s feet – doing what I can, when I can, for Mother Institute! I am planning a trip to Hawaii to attend their Founders Day dinner in November at the Hale Koa and looking to greet any BRs from the islands while I am there. One of my primary goals as director of the great Northwest Region is to have a cadet from each of the 12 states in attendance at VMI! Any BRs out there to 69

Class Notes assist?” If you would like to assist Cliff, please give me a call for his contact information.

Woody and Lori Sadler took a tour of the wine country around Walla Walla, Washington, this past summer. They enjoyed the scenery of amber waves of grain, while visiting seven wineries a day for three days and enjoying six tastings each. They didn’t order wine with dinner! Woody was named president of the board of CART, COINS for Alzheimer’s Researcher Trust, a national Rotary Alzheimer’s association that provides seed money for basic Alzheimer’s research. The organization gives grants annually of $700,000. If you are interested in more information about this Rotary project, please contact Woody or your local Rotary Club.

Bill and Gin Edmonds celebrated their 50th anniversary in Southport, North Carolina.

His three children and their families were able to make the festivities. Their son, Billy ’97, just left the 82nd Airborne Division after deployments to various “hot spots” over the past several years and is currently at the Air Force Air War College near Montgomery, Alabama, for a year. Bill is “learning” about retirement: In North Carolina, it is golf, swimming, beach and bike riding. In northern Virginia, it is golf, biking and leading tours at the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles Airport. Bill extends an invitation to any BR in the area to contact him for a private tour.

Wayne Gray and several BRs attended services for Tom and Carol Harvey at Arlington National Cemetery this past June. Attending BRs included Glenn Baumgartner, Jim Szymanski, Evan Farmer, Ed Guida, Harvey Furman, John Jumper, Randolph Williams, Doug Richard and Spencer Wilkinson.

Spence flew up from Florida and John from South Carolina. The Harvey’s children gave Tom’s 4th, 3rd and 2nd Class Bombs and his class sweater to Wayne, in case any BRs would like them. If you would, please contact Wayne directly at wgray66@gmail.com.

And, finally, to conclude on a more pleasant note, thank you all who responded by writing, calling or emailing Joe Birindelli.

You provided such a morale boost to Joe that, wheelchair and all, he will be attending a gathering of siblings in Grand Cayman next April!

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1967

Jan Abernathy

With our reunion still fresh on our minds, I look at the photos we all have and see several BRs with little or no hair – white or otherwise. We are aging a bit as a group. And I listened to tales of physical ills and joint replacement stories even as some among us were breaking bones during the reunion.

But, with age comes many personal rewards and celebrations. Phil Gioia’s oldest daughter begins college this fall, as does my granddaughter. Tuck Worsham’s grandson will be a 3rd Class cadet this year. Neil Schlussel’s grandson will play basketball for James Madison University this year. Let me know of your family’s news to share and brag upon. And now a 1967 marriage! Bob Morin and Rubie Sofia Mourar were married July 11, 2017, in Farragut, Tennessee.

“We’ll be living on our little farm in Eubank, Kentucky. We really enjoyed the 50th. It was Rubie’s introduction to the Class of ’67 and VMI family, and she was in awe. Thanks to everyone on the committee for a great job.”

Awe may be a restrained reaction but glad to hear Rubie survived the introduction.

Fred Smith commented on my wedding picture cutting our cake with my high school sabre. Fred was captain of the Honor Platoon and Precision Drill Team at Benedictine. I was a cadet captain company commander and drum major at Hargrave. The only time I ever used that sabre was for that cake, as the drum major always carried the mace.

Many joined in on the various ’67 wedding anniversaries. My favorite was from a BR who shall remain unnamed. He said he had a terrific photo, but as it was of his first wife, he felt it best to not share it on the off chance it might show up somewhere ... and he was going to find it and destroy it!

Terry Moore: “No big plans this year – our 49th – but for the 50th, we are taking a cruise in late July to Alaska and will also include Denali Park.”

Barrett Graham: “Sharyne and I ‘eloped’

to Swan Quarter in Dare County, North Carolina, May 25, 1979, in order to avoid the three-ring circus my dear late mother was attempting to stage on our behalf.”

Jane Adams and Larry: “You are lucky, and so are we. Larry and I were married for 45 years in August. Here’s to the health of all and much happiness.”

Neil Schlussel ‘sang’ Joan and me a digital happy anniversary song. He added, “May the force be with you.” My reply was that the force seemed to be on an extended vacation, but the ship was still sailing along.

At least two BRs had smart remarks about my Army blues for a wedding outfit. Well, I bet you can’t fit into yours anymore, either!

Tom Rhodes: “BRs, I have got to tell you that VMI has done me proud, again. I attended my wife’s 50th reunion for SMU a couple of weeks after our reunion. They graduated 750 folks in her class. They had 130 folks who returned for their reunion, including spouses and guests. At the party Saturday night, their campaign chairman stood up and begged for some contributions from the class. He asked for a dollar from each person, and only three people handed over $1. Miserable showing.

On the way home Suzy, and I talked and compared reunions. We, ’67, graduated at 230 cadets and more than 300 cadets, spouses and guests showed up for our 50th Reunion.

We raised an average $100,000 per solicitable cadets – graduates and non-graduates – again, that’s at $100,000 per cadet. I have got to tell you guys that I am very proud of every one of you for the great job you did for our 50th Reunion – Jimmy Rogers, our Campaign Committee and everyone on the Reunion Committee. You did us proud. Suzy and Tom.” I hope the photos of Pete and Karen Wells and Patty and Jack Sheeran make the quality the Alumni Review requires. The Wellses have been all over Yellowstone, and the Sheerans have been to Alaska. Jack sent the first photo I have seen of a BR wearing his reunion jacket in Skagway at the Dawes Glacier. He added another photo and said, “We were sitting in a cafe in Ketchikan wearing my reunion hat and jacket when I hear, ‘Rah Virginia Mil.’ Hunter Davis ’80 introduced himself. He is a retired civil engineer living in Ketchikan for many years; VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes a real native! I guess the Institute is represented in even the most remote places! We also took an overnight Amtrak from Seattle to San Francisco. This was my first time spending time there as part of our tour. The last time, I was passing through on my way home from Vietnam.”

Class of 1967: John Horner with Bland Guthrie’s daughter, Ann Guthrie Anderson, at the reunion.

Class of 1967: Terry Aldrich’s 5-year-old grandson.

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Dennis Hill: “All is well here in Clearwater, Florida. I am enjoying the photos and stories of our 50th Reunion from you and others, since I was not able to attend. Also, this is a good opportunity for me to update your records for BRs and their spouses. Please ensure the records reflect Denise as my wife and not someone else. I updated the VMI alumni database years ago.” Thanks, BR Dennis.” I apologize to Dennis, as I make this sort of spousal error about once a year. The last victim was Stephanie Galysh, who may still be wondering who “Stephanie” really is.

Mike Bagnulo: “Marci and I just got back from helping Lynne and Andy Anderson celebrate their 50th anniversary at Fort Monroe. Friday night was a picnic, and Saturday, they renewed their vows at the Fort Monroe Chapel where they were married. I have never seen Andy so emotional. We got to see Bert Burckard for a short time, and he gave us a mini tour of Fort Monroe. What an interesting guy he is. This was a great follow on to the reunion, and we hope to see you and Joan again soon.”

Tom Engleman (on the email scam I sent about Bruce Bodner): “Much relieved here to know things are OK. Several years ago, I opened an email allegedly from F.O. Moore.

But soon after, my mail account got held for ransom. My daughter, Grace, was able to get it straightened out and left me with the admonition, ‘Be careful.’ I sure don’t want to stir her up by messing up again, so glad all is well. I am making plans with Bear Cain to connect here in Hampshire County late August. We go back before the Institute days to Coral Gables senior high school in south Florida and graduated together in ’63. Rock ’n roll! Engelman.”

Ted Mervosh: “Scary sight early this morning. Woke up and retrieved The Villages Daily Sun (The Villages, Florida) newspaper and came face to face with a large photo of Phil Cannon and his 12-year-old grandson ‘searching for a butterfly’ as part of a local Nature Scavenger Hunt. Great pic, except it omitted ‘VMI ‘67’ after his name. I will chastise Phil when I run across him again.”

Jim Goodgion: “Thanks for your kind offer (to share notes and photos of our time), but I think my own typing speed is probably faster than my deciphering speed!

I’m hopeful that once I get started and begin to recognize ‘my’ versions of the standard symbols, everything will get easier.

I took all my class notes and transcribed them on a manual typewriter each night for four years, so there must be some residual muscle memory that will eventually revive itself. I know where the diaries are – currently separated from me by a mountain of boxes that I can’t displace because of the other mountains of boxes. Priscilla tells me we’re beginning to take on the appearance of hoarders, so with the best of intentions, the mountains still remain on our to-do list. Jim.” Max and Terryann Toch: “Son Leo went to Plovdiv, Bulgaria, to represent the USA in the World Rowing Competition.” I will post results when I get them.

Neil Schlussel: “I spent two weeks in June in Iceland and thought you might like this picture of me and a troll. I also am including another one when I was out on Myrdalsjokull Glacier. Also, I have plans to visit Japan and Morocco in 2018.” I have sent the photos of Neil to all by email of his visit to Iceland, as I already had my quota for these notes submitted and approved when they arrived. I asked him which figure was the troll, and his reply was that he, Neil, was wearing a VMI cap.

You will also recall I sent photos by email of Tubby Wilkinson with his family and his recognition for receiving a Distinguished Service Award from the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical College of Virginia. Thanks to Tom Rhodes for sending in the family photo and award picture.

Phil Gioia: 2017 – 52nd anniversary of the Vietnam War – special screening of “The Vietnam War” (full-length). “I spent an evening with Lynn Novick, Ken Burns’ biz partner and producer, and Joe Galloway, who were here in San Francisco at a Marine Memorial. Lynn asked me to ‘moderate’ the conversation onstage. I had just come off a week where I had run a 103-degree fever (no idea what it was, but it almost killed my voice). So the documentary – 18 hours over 10 nights on Public Broadcasting Service – will be out in September. (I sent this out by email earlier and hope you got to see it.) As a result of all this hoopla, I’ve been interviewed by the Atlantic monthly, NBC news 71

Class Notes and the U.K. Guardian (article is below). I thought they did a pretty good job, considering the Guardian is a very liberal paper. Also never thought I’d see my name in the same paragraph as the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and Simon and Garfunkel, but there it is. https://www. theguardian.com/us-news/2017/ jul/01/ken-burns-america-foreign-policy.

“I am going in for a full ankle replacement surgery (delayed until August) July 17 and will be on one Class of 1967: Chemistry majors at the 50th Reunion. of those knee scooters and crutches for a while – good opportunity to catch up on a stack of books. Other than that, Victoria is off to college in L.A. in the fall, we’re all well here. Trust the same with you. Phil.”

Once again, our other Bob Green has been on one of his international treks. Perhaps he should apply for a position with the PBS TV show “Globe Trekker” – senior division. His recent adventure was to hike the Pilgrim’s Way across the top of Spain from France to the shrine at the Cathedral in Santiago, Portugal ... for the fourth time. A steady stream of postcards recite his journey. “I thought age brought wisdom. Pitiful preparation brought complete exhaustion before I could finish the first stage.” He then took some rest days beClass of 1967: Bill and Jo Fleshood near fore eventually completing the 500-mile walk Palermo in Sicily. with “beautiful weather, sunburn and many new friends. Hope the reunion was a blast.”

I close these notes with a treatise from Lynn Beaulieu extolling the accomplishments of the chemistry BRs he lived with, laughed with and studied with in our time [at VMI].

The AR could not promise a special article for this with a guaranteed publication or date.

Lynn thought it was important to share it as close to our 50th Reunion as possible. I trust you will enjoy his memories, and I encourage you to share your personal stories to be added to my quarterly notes.

“A Chemistry Section for the Ages,” submitted by Lynn Beaulieu: “Beaulieu, Bouis, Brown, Cosby, Coughenour ... as the warm Virginia sun shone down on our section just weeks before graduation, Class of 1967: Colin Campbell and Larry J.B. Farley called the roll as he had done hunRutherford catching up at the reunion. dreds of times before, and my mind drifted 72

back to that cold winter morning I joined the section. From that day forward, the roll remained nearly constant, and now the memories of three-and-a-half years flooded through my brain.

“Fleshood, Foret, Green, Gupton, Hubbard, Hughes, Foret ... at the Institute, there are three areas in which to excel: Barracks life, athletic and academic. Within barracks life, most years our military prowess were pedestrian – about half wore stripes at one time or another – but by the end of 1st Class year, we could count four lieutenants, a supply sergeant, a former color sergeant and lots of proud 1st class privates.

However, hidden among the privates were two members of the Rat Disciplinary Committee, the president of the Honor Court, the cadet bugler and the president of the Religious Council. Seven other classmates were members of Wesley Foundation, the Religious Council, Newman Club or Chapel Choir. We also had five who sang in the Glee Club or played with the Commanders.

“Kerr, Lowry, Mundy, Ramsey, Sboray ... athletic prowess was outstanding. Ten members of the section belonged to the Monogram Club from their participation in tennis, golf, cross-country, track, football, basketball or swimming. Eight of those were multiyear awardees, and those eight played all three varsity years. We had team captains in crosscountry, track, swimming and basketball. We produced numerous VMI and conference records, as well as multiple All-Conference designations in track and swimming.

“Sheme, Smith, Sterrett, Wertz, Wilkinson ... and finally, we turn to the academics, and here this section of 22 chemistry majors shone the brightest. Fifteen members of the section were on dean’s list at least once; one semester saw 14 on the dean’s list, while six wore academic stars at some point in their cadetship. Three classmates graduated as academically distinguished out of 11 in the entire class, and Tubby Wilkinson was awarded the Second Jackson-Hope Medal. Finally, three members of this section – Paul Bouis, John Gupton and Tubby Wilkinson – were recognized in ‘Who’s Who among Students in VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes American Colleges and Universities.’ Doctor Settle, who attended reunion for the class cheer and chemistry photo, has never seen a group of students as academically gifted as us in more than 40 years of teaching. All in all, an extraordinarily distinguished group in all three measures of VMI life – a section for the ages.

“So, what did we do with all the skill, brainpower and the perseverance that it took to get through VMI? All but one went on active duty. Four retired from the military; two of them completed an active duty career, and two retired from the Army Reserve. Two parlayed their Air Force time into careers as commercial pilots; five had careers in the chemical industry; two returned the following year to be instructors in rat chemistry before pursuing other fields; one was a 37-year career civil servant in the Food and Drug Administration; another taught high school science for more than 40 years, inculcating the love of science in two generations of students; one is a renowned artist; five went on to complete master’s degrees; one became a lawyer, three became dentists; four became doctors; and four completed Ph.Ds. in chemistry or biochemistry. This section produced 17 advanced degrees from 22 cadets, along with hundreds of peer-reviewed articles in dentistry, medicine and chemistry.

“By our 50th Reunion, we had lost three (Foret, Sheme and Wertz), but 15 of the remaining 19 returned for a picture on the steps of Shell (nee Maury-Brooke) Hall and to reminisce about Colonel German, Colonel “Butcher” Ritchie, Colonel Pickral, Colonel Smart, Colonel Wise and Doctor Settle. Stories about Maury-Brooke study sessions (we worked together to get everyone to graduation), blackboard recitations with Colonel Ritchie, eraser wars, ice balls into barracks from the p chem and organic labs, those strange and unforgettable odors in qual organic were recounted, as well as an appreciation for the camaraderie, support and encouragement we gave one another. This was certainly a section for the ages.”

Thank you, Lynn. At our reunion, he had pins and keychains made for each chemistry guy and even included me, saying, “Jan probably spent more time with chemistry studies than most of us, as he took rat chemistry 2017-Issue 4

three times.” A dubious honor/distinction, to be sure ... well, not the honor, but the reason for inclusion in the prestigious group. Thanks, fellows.

1968

Tom Hickey

August 2017 Rick Brothers (Sedona, Arizona): “Jane and I have been retired in Sedona, Arizona, since 2011 and loving the Southwest!

I talked to B.J. Waldo (Lakeside, Arizona) two weeks ago about our upcoming 50th, and he said he and Ronnie would be attending, as well as Jane and I. B.J. is a general surgeon in Show Low, Arizona.

“My life as an urologist ended in December 2013, after a wonderful ride. At first, I missed it, but now do part-time medical missionary work in Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, and pro bono medicine consulting for our church. Now there is time for family more than ever ... Mike, now 45; Missy, 44; and Jenny, 43 years; and our seven grandchildren. They all live between Colorado Springs and Castle Rock, Colorado. We see them at least five times a year. Exploring the canyon country ruins, tennis and golf (I still struggle with that game), plus downhill skiing are my sports with Bill and Marteen, my backpacking buddies! I am the only Keydet in this area, to my knowledge.

“I was flying my Legend Cub Taildragger most of 2016 until I had my first mishap ... a ground loop collapsed the landing gear. Luckily, only the airplane suffered damage! I listen and follow signs, so I have given up this great adventure. Flying the southwest canyon country, looking for elk and ruins was a hoot with great memories. Jane is enjoying The Sedona Women and following me on new adventures. She is now into painting. Her medium is watercolor, and she really has a talent! ‘Mi casa es su casa,’ for any VMI alum out this way! Blue skies ... see you in April 2018.”

Jim Fleming (New Braunfels, Texas):

“Patty and I have moved to the Texas Hill Country, New Braunfels. We’re just down the street from Barry Archer (New Braunfels, Texas). Hal Switzer (Blanco, Texas) is just up the road, and Phil Lanier is in Austin. We all got together a couple of weekends ago. Last week, Larry Ryan was here visiting Barry, and we all got together. We all eat pretty well, as you see.

Larry was on a stateside vacation from his job in Crete (Note: See more below from Larry).

“The family is doing great. Oldest is an attorney, next is a Ph.D. (specializes in autistic children) and the youngest just graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University. They all turned out pretty normal, all things considered. Patty is retiring next year, and hopefully we can then do some serious traveling. Looking forward to next April.”

Steve Powers (Malvern, Pennsylvania): “My wife, Susie, and I have four married daughters and nine grandchildren ranging in ages from 13 to 21. They keep us busy from Pennsylvania all the way out to Idaho. Three of them will be with us this summer in Sun Valley, Idaho, and we made sure they all have jobs. I am too old and crabby to baby-sit teenagers.

“On a sad note, I attended the funeral of Coach Gary McPherson’s son, Chris, in March 2017 in Morgantown, West Virginia. Chris died of cancer at the young age of 56. He is survived by both parents and his sister, Missy. The entire church was packed with family and friends. The McPherson family is from Morgantown, and Coach Gary worked for West Virginia University for more than 30 years.

“I do some volunteer work, and my wife and I do a little traveling, including a trip to Japan last April. Being in Japan was an emotional healing for me, personally, since my own father served as a Marine in the South Pacific during World War II. I found the Japanese people to be the most courteous and kind that I have ever met in any part of the world, including our visit to Hiroshima.

“As to volunteer work, I am one of many to help to raise money for an organization called Water for People, and I also help at 73

Class Notes the last time I tracked him down. He a horse ranch for disabled children will be at the reunion. Jim and Phyland adults in Idaho called Swiftsure Ranch. Both these organizations lis Lambert (Columbia, Missouri) are help to keep life real for me and having a great time with their grandremind me of how blessed I am to kids, and I know they will be there for still be in good health and live in the the 50th, or it won’t be a celebration United States of America.” without them. My rat year roomThom Coffey (Wytheville, Virmates, Bill Millan (Arlington, Virginia): “A few days ago, someone ginia) and Dick Wood (Richmond, asked me if this one was the best Virginia), are going to attend the birthday ever, and my answer was 50th. Both are very busy and do great along the lines of, ‘When you reach things for society.” septuagenarian status, every birthDave Avery (Lyme, New Hampday is the best.’ At this point in our shire): “I retired from Dartmouth lives, we have witnessed the passing College last spring after 31 years of Class of 1968: Walt Jeffress received a plaque for playing in 50 PGA of too many former classmates, colTour Champions events at Kinloch Golf Club May 31, 2017. Pictured service. The trustees chose to name leagues, friends and relatives. Inti- at the event were, from left, Miller Brady, senior vice president and me an emeritus for my service. Since chief of operations of PGA Tour Champions; Jeff Kleiber, chairman then, I’ve been teaching computing mations of mortality, as it were.

“We are currently entertaining our of Champions Tour Tournament Committee and senior vice presi- courses at a local community college dent of Octagon, Inc.; Jeffress; and Paul Champion, vice president located some 30 miles from the coldaughter, Kelly, along with our son- of Octagon, Inc. in-law and two grandchildren (ages 9 lege. It’s only a short drive but a genand 6), who flew in from Penang, Maeration away in resources and student preparation. My community college laysia, a few days ago. Kelly has been students mostly are graduates of an teaching AP chemistry in a Christian underfunded public school system high school in Penang for the past two and working full time at minimum years with Chinese, Korean, Canawage jobs unrelated to technology. dian and American students, and she My courses meet at night to allow the says what was formerly a job has now students to keep up with their work become a calling. Last year, some and family obligations. Several also of her juniors complained about the PSAT – they said the math was too Class of 1968: Jim Fleming, Barry Archer and Larry Ryan got to- belong to the guard or reserve, so they easy! I think they may stay in Malay- gether in New Braunfels, Texas, June 8, 2017, while Larry was have military obligations, as well. It’s a different world from the sheltered sia until the grandkids go to college. stateside visiting from his job in Crete. environment of students attending seEthan is still employed as a research engineer at the Oak Ridge National Lab in Knoxlective colleges. The work is actually harder than teaching at Dartmouth. There are no teaching ville and is working on a Ph.D. assistants and only minimal administrative sup“Having concluded my professional career as a translator of Chinese and Japanese, I am now port. The equipment for students to use is mostly branching out into Russian and Korean. I had 10 only donations of network and computer gear semester hours of Russian at Indiana University retired from businesses. last century, and Korean and Japanese have a lot “I had a hip replaced a few months ago, then in common, so these are natural choices. Trying had a silent heart attack while recovering from the to keep the ineluctable cerebral ossification at bay, surgery. I’m scheduled to have stints inserted next as it were. Am hoping that nothing keeps me from week, so I will know more whether I can teach this being able to attend the 50th next year.” fall after that is done. On the upside, if it turns out I Les Martin (Hanover, Pennsylvania): “I’m can’t teach, maybe I can get in some hiking on the still framing pictures in Hanover, Pennsylvania, Appalachian Trail, instead.” so I can make enough money to go to the 50th.

Joe Petitta (Safety Harbor, Florida): “I finally Tom Arensdorf (Sumerduck, Virginia) is sort of closed out my litigation consulting practice in Class of 1968: At the 2017 NCAA Track and retired, building him and his lovely wife a new December and retired. Forty-six years in the inField Championships in Eugene, Oregon, were, from left, Carol Boyd, Tom Boyd, home and planning on attending the 50th. Tom surance industry as an executive and consultant Creigh Kelley, Kay Roberts, Skip Roberts, Jeffrey (Glen Allen, Virginia) must have a girlis plenty. I am spending time now training a John VanLandingham and Martha Walters. new Labrador retriever puppy and enjoying the friend, because I haven’t heard from him since

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Florida weather (even as hot as it is). Anxiously looking forward to coming up for the 50th Reunion next year. I’m having a hard time getting my head around that 50th number! Peggy Simmons (Courtland, Virginia) will be joining Diane and me when we come up.”

Dick Garner (Hilton Head, South Carolina), “I am retired from CT Communications, where I was vice president of human resources and corporate property. My wife of 44 years, Sandy, and I moved to Hilton Head, South Carolina, several years ago.”

Wayne Burton (St. Marys, Georgia): “Sad to say I lost my bride of 47 years to cancer. I met Carole Schmid at Southern Seminary Sept. 17, 1966. She was my Ring Figure date. I buried her in Buena Vista with her family, just 2 miles from where we met. The great circle of life. My roommates, George Buzzard (Waynesboro, Virginia) and Lewis Yeouze (Peachtree City, Georgia), stay in close contact, as well as my church family.

Our Brother Rat Ken Pennington lived a short distance from me and died the very same day as Carole. We are in the autumn of our lives and need to cherish each and every moment.

“On a lighter note, I just attended our annual Virginia college night in Jacksonville, Florida.

The University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, VMI and James Madison University were well represented. I will meet my roommates and other BRs

Class of 1968: Tom Boyd and Dave Gibbons in Bermuda for America’s Cup racing.

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at the Mercer University and The Citadel games and on Founders Day.” Larry Ryan (Crete): “I had a quick trip to the U.S. in June to visit with my daughter and her family in Woodbridge, for attendance at the W&M 50th anniversary of their business school (my other alma mater) and then on to Texas for a Vietnam reunion at Fort Hood. While in Texas, I had the distinct pleasure to visit with Barry and Iris Archer in New Braunfels and their new neighbors, Jim and Patty Fleming. One of the advantages of getting a bit older is our ability to listen to stories we’ve heard numerous times before and still enjoy them. Truth be told, I think Barry has mellowed a bit – must be Iris’ calming influence.

“I’m still on Crete but enjoying travel opportunities on the family airline (Ryan Air); I am just back from a week in Poland. But I’m ready to pack the rucksack again and move to Riga, Latvia – back with the Army Corps of Engineers and looking forward to the new job. I had to tell my new boss before I accepted that I would be on leave in April 2018. I’m hoping that Ned and Cornelia Harris (Phoenix, Arizona) are able to visit in early fall before I leave. I’m looking forward to our reunion.”

Jack Falzone (Crystal Lake, Illinois): “We are well and enjoying retirement. We winter in Arizona for four months to get away from the Chicago winters and to visit our daughter and her family.

We are planning to attend the reunion.”

Jim Polley (Stafford, Virginia): “Just retired from the Department of Defense July 29, my 71st birthday. Have my next career all lined up if things go as hoped – grandfather, on or about Oct. 2. Our son and daughter-in-law are stationed in San Antonio, so he’ll be born in Texas just like his father (Fort Hood, 1986). At this point, we fully plan to be there for the 50th and the rat parade (September 2017), as well.”

Rich Andrassy (Houston, Texas): “I am still very busy here in Houston. I have been here at the University of Texas Medical School and MD Anderson for 33 years now. I have been chairman on surgery for 23 years and also serve as executive vice dean of clinical affairs. I have been very fortunate to have three wonderful daughters who live here in Houston and six grandchildren, ages 8-18. I have been married to my second wife for 25 years, and she is still practicing as a plastic surgeon. My practice before was mostly children with cancer, but for the last 14 years, it is mostly hernias and sports -related injuries in college and professional athletes.

“We have four rescue dogs and four rescue cats

and enjoy being home most of the time. We just got back from a week with the family in Harbor Island, Bahamas. When I am not working, I play a lot of golf and enjoy quail and dove shooting or fishing.

“I mostly stay in touch about VMI through Kerr Kump (Elkins, West Virginia) and Jim Burns (Henrico, Virginia). Kerr was my roommate, and Jim is my oldest daughter’s godfather. I also stay in touch with Barry Archer, who was my roommate as a rat and lives in Texas. I look forward to seeing everyone at the reunion, even if it means hanging out with a bunch of old guys.”

Clay Thompson (Salisbury, Maryland): “I think I have updated you about our first son suffering a stroke/brain bleed back in March, leading to one week in R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center and two weeks at the University of Maryland Rehabilitation & Orthopaedic Institute/Kernan Hospital. He needs 24/7 supervision for a year, and seizures have followed the stroke. However, he is doing remarkably well (a miracle, according to the neuro doc) and hopefully will be back on track to finish physical therapy school next spring. We are dealing with this in retirement e.g., no quick vacations or excursions without a lot of planning. Still hope all is well for the reunion and plan to attend.”

Bill Carter (Raleigh, North Carolina): “Lewis White (Virginia Beach, Virginia), Mike Smythers (Chesapeake, Virginia) and I had lunch in Norfolk a couple of months ago. Mike has retired, and Lewis sold his engineering business and now is volunteering as a teacher at a private school in Virginia Beach. Susan and I have spent summer visiting the children and enjoying our three grandsons, ages 10, 8 and 3.”

1969

Walter Judd

Greetings, Brother Rats and Friends of the Class of 1969, These notes come from Eastern Virginia in midsummer when all is green and lush. We learned of the loss of BRs and friends of the class this period with the recent death of one BR and news about another who died in 2014. There were also several gatherings of BRs and friends this summer in pleasant settings.

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Class Notes Brother Rat Joe Ecsi died in late June in Spring Hill, Florida. We had little info about him, as he had not kept up his ties with VMI. His obit read, “Joseph O. Ecsi, 70, died June 23, 2017. He was born Jan. 12, 1947, in Binghamton, New York, the son of Joseph Frank and Annette Sara (Cousins) Ecsi and recently moved here from Winter Haven.

He was a veteran in the U.S. Army. Joseph was a retired commercial real estate broker. He enjoyed boating, traveling in his RV and world traveling.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Catherine ‘Candy,’ of 22 years and many friends.” My records show Joe matriculated from the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., and completed four years at VMI, but they did not say if he finished a degree. Joe was a swimmer (butterfly) and cocaptain of the team our 1st Class year.

Bill Dinwiddie spent a year at VMI then moved off to Franklin and Marshall College for a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Science degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work. He lost his battle with cancer in August 2014 at age 67. Bill had an interesting past for a BR from VMI: He was a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War and served two years of alternative service. That led to his career choice in social work as a mental health provider and recently his job as president and chief executive officer of the Mental Health Association of southeastern Pennsylvania. He was a leader and an athlete throughout his life.

Bruce Sharp and I dyked in the same room our rat year. When the death of my dyke, Dr. John Beck, was announced in a recent Alumni Review, Bruce sent me some remembrances of that room and its guys. Doug Adams and X Parsons were the other two 1st Class cadets who guided us rats.

I visited Dr. Beck at his sports medicine offices in San Diego a couple of times through the years and watched him at work in his orthopedic practice.

He had his patients walk along a 10-yard walkway and observed their gait. It only took him moments to recognize most problems and get started on fixing them. He also spent time with San Diego sports teams and was affiliated at different times with the Chargers and Padres. I told him I loved Super Bowls in San Diego, as the Washington Redskins won their finest game in that city. Ask quarterback Doug Williams if he likes the town.

In trying to keep addresses updated, I talked to Bruce Noel in Atlanta and Charlie Bryan in Richmond about downsizing and moving to new locations. Both will stay in their current communities

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but at new addresses. Larry Brydon also appears to have moved to a new place in western Richmond. Mike Santoro reported he is in the process of moving closer into Richmond from the ‘burbs.

Want to buy a house in Chesterfield County, Virginia? L.R. Williams has offered his old house in Myrtle Beach to Dick Jeter, as Dick is in the process of moving to that beach community. Rawls has settled in Sun Valley, Idaho, where he said the 84 inches of snow in his yard last winter was a bit of a shock. He also reported, “We enjoyed skate skiing and snowshoeing – kept my tennis game in shape with indoor tennis. With snow melt, rivers have set record highs and changed directions; I’ll be fishing soon. Playing senior tees (6,100 yards) and shot my age, 70, last week! Have enjoyed the Northwest [U.S.] and do not miss humidity of the Southeast!”

Paul Curs wrote that he would join me at the VMI versus the U.S. Air Force Academy game in September in Colorado Springs. He planned to drive seven hours from his place at Alto, New Mexico, to attend the game. I hope others will also join us! I planned to make a big deal of the time in Colorado and attend a new cadet recruiting affair at the Broadmoor, play golf just over the hill from the Garden of the Gods (and maybe one of the USAFA courses) and attend parties and pregames before the football game.

Mike Santoro also answered my call for reports of service in Southeast Asia back when. “Of all our brother rats who can wear a Vietnam Service Ribbon, my service was probably the most painless and perhaps the shortest. I spent a month or two in the Gulf of Tonkin on a destroyer controlling the combat air patrol for the fleet. Interesting TAD (Marine talk for TDY).” Like others on active duty from our class at that time, he served where he was sent and likely was too late for most of the in-country action in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Keydet Club held its annual leadership outing June 1-2 in Lexington. Tom Morris and I attended the Keydet Club leaders’ dinner with John Sebrell and Bunny Paulette Thursday night at the Lexington Golf and Country Club and then joined them for breakfast the next morning at a restaurant near John’s building. We met Dave and Susan Prugh and Ron and Betsy Wall at the bookstore/clothing sales and said hello to Nancy Catlett there. We then joined several others for golf at the country club. Jimmy and Beth Long played with Art and Beckie Bushey in the Keydet Club

Class of 1969: Jamie Totten floating on the Little Colorado River this summer in a pink flamingo float.

Class of 1969: Each summer, Dr. Tom Jones runs Camp Little Shot, a camp for kids with diabetes in his Macon, Georgia, community. His wife, Elizabeth, is camp director, and Tom is the camp doctor, pictured here doing his daily work for the kids.

Class of 1969: Bob Gibson’s granddaughter, Ruby.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes tournament, while Tom and I played with Sebrell kids about some Type1 diabetics who succeeded Dr. Jones, as Bellies was also visiting Florida with and Tommy Catlett. Bunny played with Steve in life. They were courageous, brave, kind, honest, his daughter.

On a warm summer evening in early June, I atMaconi, the new VMI Alumni Agencies chief ex- moral and humble. I spoke about Ken Reeder ’63, who developed diabetes while at VMI. He was tended a picnic at the home of Rich Atlee ’66 in ecutive officer; Gen. John Jumper ’66, VMI Board of Visitors member; and Ralph Costen ’70, fellow written up in ‘Best Regrets’ [the book by Roland York County and met many of the BRs of ’66, our former Keydet Club president, that day. It was a Lazenby ’74 about VMI football]. I do not think dykes. It was fun talking with guys who remembeautiful day – warm and sunny – after several I told you about my calling him up after reading bered our classmates as young rats and dykes. weeks of rain and cooler weather, and the Mor- about him in the book. He could not remember Marshall Taylor remembered his dyke, a young man from Kenbridge, Virginia, named Paulette. ris, Catlett, Sebrell and Judd team did very well in all that went on at VMI [besides] taking a shot of Ty Bland told of inviting his cousin Bill the handicapped tournament. We won Walther to be his dyke and then havthird place for our flight and collected a small cash prize. I am excited to say we ing a guy named Tommy Jones come all played the fun type of golf: When in and tell him he had been told to find a shot or putt was needed, someone Ty Bland to be his dyke. Hugh Adams, on the team came through. Beth Long Jim Paul, Mike Bache, Les Rutledge, won the long drive by a lady golfer, and Joe Dictor and Jerry Homiller told of Sebrell barely got edged out by a ’65 time after VMI. John Ishon was there grad on the senior long drive compeand represented his dyke, Gen. John Jumper. Also attending were other lotition. The Walls, Prughs and Sallie Sebrell joined us for the big catered cal VMI guys from several classes and dinner at Moody Hall after golf. This the new incoming PAS, Air Force Col. day of activities (some folks shot skeet Billy Bob Biggs, B-1 pilot, from Langand others played tennis) is the best ley Air Force Base. reason to be a leadership level donor On July 18, I attended a dinner sponClass of 1969: Bob Heely, David Bush and Walt Judd on the senof the Keydet Club. You get to meet tinel box at the 45th Reunion in 2014. sored by the Williamsburg Club as its many friends, play golf, eat and drink summer gathering. I sat with W.I.P. too much, and enjoy the whole packand Barbara Priest, state Senator Tomage once a year. As Tom and I stayed my Norment ’68 and others from the in a room at Moody Hall, we had little area. General Peay spoke to the group trouble finding our way home after the and focused on a comparison between meal Friday night.

VMI now and 25 years ago. Ask me Weasel Chapman and Tom Jones if you wish for more info but, suffice did not make this year’s outing but it to say, a lot has changed. Wellness both had good reasons. Brother Rat and leadership preparation are keys Chapman had his knee replaced that for cadets. Right-sizing various fields week and was unable to join the fun in of study for cadets is a big challenge Lexington. I texted him while we were for faculty. Applied mathematics and there and sent him greetings from the cyber studies are new fields being ofmany players who worked with him fered. Still lots of accomplishments when he was president of the club. and many challenges. Keeping VMI Doctor Jones and his wife, Elizabeth unique does not always fit into the (E), were running their camp for diastate scheme of “do college quickly” and the Institute’s desire is for a cadet betic children in the Macon, Georgia, Class of 1969: Vance Petrella with grandson Vance Michal Peto spend at least three years on-site for area that week. This was the 37th edi- trella, Class of 2034. a VMI degree. VMI marketers usually tion of Camp Little Shot, and Dr. Tom insulin daily and still being a star in sports.” focus on the jobs at graduation statistic for most was a busy man. Later, Dr. Jones told me, “I need Tom also told me Chunkie Neale visited with current cadets. It is a strong endorsement! to share with you a little more about camp (Camp Bob Biddle’s wife died in late July after a 3-year Little Shot). E runs the show. Her theme this year him on Chunk’s trip to Florida. “Chunk is movwas heroes. [We were] trying to get these kids [all ing to Florida and was taking a car south in an- battle with cancer. Bobby Jean was a childhood 97 of them] to think of characteristics of comic ticipation of the move. He is healthy and still loves friend of Jimmy Long in Roanoke, and he introbook heroes and actual people. By looking at those turkey hunting. He has good stories about his duced Bobby Jean to Bob many years ago. Jimmy characteristics, they can become one and not let time at VMI and older grads.” Chunkie and T.B. always ensured the “guy from West Virginia” got their diabetes slow them down. I told the older Thompson were to meet the day after his visit to a welcome at his Roanoke high school reunion

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Class Notes parties. Retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Bob sent his thanks to all who wrote to express their condolences. He told Gary Mackey that his sons and family were present at her peaceful passing.

Lee Barnes sent a newsy update in late July.

“Recently, my wife and I helped my son move to Fort Campbell where he joins the 101 Screamin’ Eagles (Fort Campbell is just outside of Nashville). My wife surprised me, as my daughters flew in on my birthday, and we made a family trip just down the road to Graceland in Memphis!

We stayed at the Graceland Hotel. We did Beale Street and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, too. A wonderful time was had by all, and memories of a lifetime were made.”

The Williamsburg VMI Club organized a golf outing at the end of June at the Kingsmill Resort.

We played the River Course just a few weeks after the LPGA visited and got to enjoy a beautiful setup. While I tried to get a big group from our class to the event, we ended up with five: Glenn White, Skinny Baker, Tom Morris, Pat Branch and me. Dick Jeter and Tommy Thompson had already arranged to play in the Petersburg Country Club member-guest tournament, and others had reasons not to play that day. Tom, Glenn and Skinny played on one team, and Pat and I joined some youngsters for another. Nobody won any prizes, but we all enjoyed the afternoon and time with old friends.

Glenn White then organized golf in mid-July’s sweltering heat: Bob Heely, Tom Morris, Spunky Butler, Dan Gibson, Glenn White, Pat Branch and I met at Williamsburg National’s Yorktown Course. Tom worked with the club pro and got us great rates for the day. Glenn had hoped for two foursomes, but the schedule did not allow Bob Flowers, Skinny Baker, Dick Jeter or Tommy Hudson to join us. For the Bomber, the call of the wilds of West Virginia and his painting gear was too great. Dick was in the process of moving to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and had errands to run. And Skinny had to work. Obviously, there are some of us not quite retired just yet ... Bob Flowers, who lives close to the course, was at a family reunion in Tennessee at the same time. I saw Bob and Lynda at the Fort Eustis Commissary the week before, and both looked tanned and healthy.

Gary Mackey traveled to West Virginia on a church mission trip in late July. Gary is very active in his Norfolk Presbyterian church as an administrator and leader. He said they were working

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with very poor families in one area for the second summer.

Jamie Totten sent pictures of two trips this summer. One was to float the rapids of the Little Colorado River in June and the other to camp in the Yukon in July. His pink flamingo float looked great in the turbulent mass of grey water. The Alaska adventure also had water activity but the waters were much more sedated and calm.

V.J. Petrella took his grandson to lunch and then sent me the picture of the two of them.

Vance Michal Petrella is only one letter off from having a unique set of initials.

Ward Carr sent me a link to an article he and his German professor, Peter Fyfe, had written earlier: http://warfarehistorynetwork.com/daily/wwii/ from-the-luftwaffe-joachim-benz-on-the-easternfront/. He also communicated with others who had tried hard to master that language under Professor Fyfe. Ward is still meeting World War II German military men of all sorts and getting their stories. Perspective does make a difference. His language skills (English and German) and awareness of the nuances of the services make his effort memorable.

Tom Hickman started a chain of good things in early August. He told me there was a VMI ’66 ring for sale on eBay with a Massachusetts address on the inside. I sent the news to ’66 class agent, and by the second day, the original owner was found. Donnie Reed ’66, who now lives in New Hampshire, had lost the ring in late ’60s and was amazed at the chance to reunite with it. Tom and I continued our discussion and talked about unlikely meetings next. Tom cited that, in 1996, when he was working for the World Court, he walked into a Bosnian polling site and immediately recognized good-to-me Tom Province ’68 as the volunteer running the station. Tom was an attorney in Madison, Virginia, and had volunteered his services in the war-torn country. Tom said that was a very dangerous place, and Tom was doing good work.

Mike Santoro passed on a good review of the Aug. 11 speaker at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond. He said Val and Lorie Southall joined him at the affair. He also said he and Spunky Butler were part of a “studio audience” for a panel discussion about the Vietnam War the night before. The discussion will be aired locally with the Ken Burns/Lynn Novick documentary that came out in September. Tom Buckner also sent out an article in Vanity Fair called, “Good

Evening, Vietnam.” which reviewed the Burns/ Novick film. He also mentioned that Phil Gioia ’67 was quoted in the article.

I received my periodic “rave” from Jade the Juggler, aka BR Fred Ford, and was again fascinated by a man living an alternate lifestyle from the one I know. Jade lives in San Francisco and rides his bike most times he needs to go out. He is a lifelong student and is now talking about taking more classes just for the fun of it. He sees all the recent movies and pays attention to the things affecting him, no matter how small. I always enjoy his ramblings (as he calls them) and hope he lives a long time in a different universe than mine.

Marty Parks has been hiking out west. He displayed several photos on Facebook of him in Washington and Oregon. Having a son there as a professional firefighter might have something to do with it.

I began our 50th Reunion planning with a meeting with VMI Alumni Association in mid-August in Williamsburg. They told me it was time to form two committees: Social, to plan the activities of the 50th Reunion, and fundraising, to gather the money for the “big check” displayed at our 50th Reunion parade. By the time these notes are published, the two groups will have met and many of you will be involved in one way or another.

I was not surprised that the Foundation and Annual Giving offices have a strong organizational structure for the 50th Reunion classes. We have experts available to us for both the social activities and the fundraising. We will all see several letters and cards with reminders of the time and place of the reunion and get answers to all sorts of “how do we do that” questions. Our ring design is now in letterhead and will be prominently displayed on the communications media.

The Social Committee will plan the reunion activities and coordinate with the Alumni Association for lodging and meals. We will have first dibs on any motel or hotel in the area and will enjoy one evening meal at VMI’s expense. Of course, we will meet on the Saturday morning of the reunion for the photo opportunity and parade in our honor. This is our time to shine.

The Fundraising Committee will have the goal of contacting every living BR and widow for whom we have contact information and asking for donations to help VMI now and in the future. Gifts usually come in two big forms: Current resources and future contingent agreements.

Successful classes in the past have gathered both

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes types of gifts and offered them to VMI. Time for me to get to work involving you in our next reunion. Got some time to help? Want to create a film or a booklet about our class? Know what gift items we could give out? I need volunteers now and later, closer to time. Tell me what you want to do. Chunk has already agreed to take guys turkey hunting that week. And Maverick wants golfers. That is the spirit I need!

Yours in the spirit, Walt

1970

Warren Grasty

D-Day, I happened to notice an impressive piece of artwork in the waiting area. It turned out to be a memorial to Christa McAuliffe and the other crew members of Space Shuttle Challenger. Unfortunately, the picture I took from my phone wasn’t good enough for inclusion in the Alumni Review, so I have posted it and a picture of the plaque to the VMI’70 Facebook page. It is the work of John Safer, is composed of brushed and polished steel, and is a gift from the Jeffrey Zell, Robert G. Depew, Joseph W. Henderson and James G. Davis families. A well-done tribute.

It seems that the theme of this summer was, to paraphrase Horace Greeley, “Go west, old man.”

Actually, the unedited quote reportedly first appeared in the title of an editorial in the Terre Haute Express by John B.L. Soule in 1851. Whatever. Pursuant to this theme, in early June, John and June Bailey and Jim and Judy Mawyer went on the Road Scholar tour of Zion, Bryce and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon that Liz and I took two years ago, with a few extra days in Las Vegas. As on the tour we took, they stayed in the lodges and cabins in each of the parks rather than in nearby hotels. If you haven’t been to these parks, we highly recommend this trip.

Bob Quinlan posted some nice pictures on Facebook of his and Pat’s trip out west that included Glacier and Little Big Horn National Parks; Estes Park, Colorado; and Sheridan, Wyoming, where they stayed in the Annie Oakley Room at the historic Sheridan Inn. Getting the most mileage out of his recent

Greetings from Idaho. John Pappas and CamClass of 1970: Ted and Barbara Durvin eron Seay sent in nice reports on Chuck Marks’ on Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska, in July. burial service held Aug. 4 at Stonewall Jackson Cemetery in Lexington. What came through very retirement, Tommy and Jill Cooke took a crossclearly was that Chuck was a guy whose faith and country Amtrak rail trip from Washington, D.C., family were paramount to him. Around a dozen to Seattle via Chicago in late June. Having ridden or more of Chuck’s family attended, one of whom trains quite a bit in his early days, Tommy was was the daughter of Col. Ax. Colonel Bob Philconfronted with the question: Have the rooms shrunk, or has he expanded? A lengthy debate lips ’87, VMI chaplain, presided. Representing the is not anticipated. He reported that things were Class of 1970 along with John and Cameron were pretty dull from Chicago until they hit the RockJud Collier, Bob Copty, Bill Gearhart, John Hall, Al Johnson and Russ Marshall, so Company F ies and the southern border of Glacier National was well represented. At the end of the service, Park, the Cascades and finally, Seattle. they led an Old Yell for Chuck. Rest in peace, Buck and Emily Talley spent their summer on brother rat. a four-monthlong excursion out west On a lighter note, the first weekend in to eventually see daughter Sarah in June brought with it the annual Keydet Hamilton, Montana; son Henry in Club Leadership Outing in Lexington.

Bellingham, Washington; and the soThis year’s attendees included Herb lar eclipse in August from Idaho. They Braun, Bob Copty, Ralph Costen, lived in a 13-foot travel trailer with no Steve Craddock, Peel Dillard, John air conditioning or television, which and Carole Flemming, Bill Gearhart, was small enough to increase their Russ Marshall, Bill O’Connor, Carl parking options (Wal-Mart parking and Julie Strock, and Gordon Willots, local and national public parks, brother rat driveways, etc.). Their plan liams. Having once again opted for to drive across British Columbia had tennis, I had the pleasure of playing to be modified due to the vast forest with several of the coaches and their fires, which forced them south and on wives. to Vancouver. Buck set up a blog so he The following week, I took a good can report on their progress periodifriend who was visiting from Idaho to Class of 1970: At the Keydet Club Leadership Outing June 2, 2017, the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Muse- were, from left, front row, Peel Dillard, Herb Braun, Steve Craddock cally. Trying to fit in with the westward um in Dulles, Virginia, which is about and Warren Grasty. Back row: Gordon Williams, Carl Strock, Bill trend, we planned to head out to Idaho five minutes from our home. While O’Connor, Ralph Costen, John Flemming and Russ Marshall. Pres- Aug. 3 and then on to a 13-day nationent but not pictured were Bob Copty and Bill Gearhart. al parks tour, including Grand Teton, waiting in line for the IMAX movie on

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Class Notes Yellowstone, Glacier, Lake Louise and Banff. I hope we won’t be diverted due to the forest fires.

I recently found out that our very own Dick Knight is the guru of the western national parks. When Dick’s dad, who was in the Navy, decided to go to Stanford for his Master of Business Administration degree, they drove cross-country and stopped at Carlsbad, Grand Canyon and Death Valley on the way. During their two years in California, they made numerous trips to Tahoe, Sequoia and Yosemite, to which he returned in 2011 when the snow pack was the heaviest in 75 years. On their return trip to D.C., they took the northern route that included the Tetons, Yellowstone and the Black Hills. Dick returned to these three parks in 1971 on his and Linda’s honeymoon and in 1986 with youngsters in tow. Since 1994, Dick estimates that he has been to Yellowstone more than 40 times and was a seasonal ranger at Mammoth Hot Springs. And, to top it all, his great-great-grandfather, Lt. Gen. S.B.M. Young, was superintendent of Yellowstone not once, but twice. So take that, national park wannabes! Speaking of Dick, while he and Linda were at the Jamestown Society meeting in Williamsburg in June, they ran into fellow society members Charlie and Margaret Walker.

Going even farther west were Ted and Barbara Durvin, who trekked to Alaska. While there, they did some whale watching, toured Denali National Park and were helicoptered onto Mendenhall Glacier, where they took a two-mile hike back down. Luckily, they were encumbered with 40 pounds of “safety gear,” which Ted obviously needed when he went face down somewhere along the way. He summarized the end of their trip thusly, “Our flights home featured a plane out of Anchorage that left at 1:55 a.m.

The flight from hell was sponsored by the Alaskan Chamber of Commerce and restricted for tourists who failed to meet their minimum spend

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Class of 1970: At the Costens’ beach house on Ocean Isle in July were, from left, Ralph Costen, Dick Marshall, Bill O’Connor, Lee Moon and Lew Reynolds.

Class of 1970: At the burial service for Chuck Marks at Stonewall Jackson Cemetery in Lexington, Virginia, Aug. 4, were, from left, Bob Copty, Bill Gearhart, John Hall, Judd Collier, John Pappas, Cameron Seay, Al Johnson and Russ Marshall.

Class of 1970: At the Walkers’ beach house in Corolla, North Carolina, in July were, from left, Warren and Liz Grasty, Mark and Peyton Mawyer Hypes, Nancy and Gray Chandler, Judy and Jim Mawyer, Margaret and Charlie Walker, June and John Bailey, and John Bailey Jr. and friend Kristin.

level. I’ll walk home next time.” Or, in other words: Yukon, take this trip and shove it.

And now for the winners of the “Go west, old man” competition: Russ and Elaine Marshall, who did a sea and land excursion to Australia and New Zealand earlier in the year.

Russ also met up with his dyke, Pat Breland ’67, at the Class of 1967 50th Reunion in April.

Tom and Sarah Massey cruised the lower Danube River in April, from Bucharest, Romania, to Budapest, Hungary. Although Tom was a bit taken aback by the people’s desire for the “good old days” and their perception of NATO as the bad guys, he says they were treated warmly throughout the trip. I wonder if they remember how many tourists were seen in Romania under the commies? My guess would be zero. Anyhow, their son, Tom, is a senior noncommissioned officer in the Army and is stationed out of the embassy in Mongolia, which he says is much like Kansas, only flatter. I don’t think he meant it as flattery. Back home in western North Carolina, it seems Tom has adapted to the local culture by recently acquiring a custom made Jayne Henderson acoustic guitar. Jayne is the daughter of legendary luthier Wayne Henderson, who has made guitars for the likes of Eric Clapton. Who knew that Tom was a closet tweet? Or is he a twang? Inquiring minds need to know.

In June, Ned Haley and Fricka celebrated their 10th anniversary in Paris, as follows. “In addition to the usual attractions of Paris, we discovered a special treat – dinner prepared at a local resident’s home. An online entity, EatWith.com, provides a list of host/ chefs who participate, along with their location, contact info and menu(s). We joined a family of five from Houston at our hostess’ home and had a wonderful meal as we sat at her dining table in her kitchen, watching her prepare each course! Fricka and I agreed that this was the highlight of our Paris visit,

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes and the best meal we had there.” Pretty high praise considering they were in Paris, France, not Paris, Texas. In July, they joined members of Fricka’s extended family for her niece’s wedding in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, where they stayed in a large home owned by the artist Peter Max – Villa Caribe, “which was adorned with his brightly colored acrylic paintings. In addition to a beautiful wedding on the beach at Trunk Bay, they also had fun snorkeling, taking a sunset cruise and partaking of lots of liquid refreshment and good food. Travel plans over the next few months include son Adam’s October wedding to Sandi Richter in Pennsylvania; Ned’s niece’s January wedding in Washington state (there’s the western thing again); and a potential spring trip to England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Also planning a boatload of post-retirement travel are Bob and Judy Hart, who are also in the process of moving to Sun City Center in south Florida. They are planning a grand tour of the northeast and the mid-Atlantic seaboard before heading south. Future plans include touring some of the national parks out west this fall, a 70th birthday cruise to Cuba next March and a 30-day cruise from Buenos Aires to Los Angeles in 2019. On the homefront, their elder son, U.S. Army Maj. James Hart, was recently reassigned from the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York, to be OIC of the medical clinic in Kuwait City, and was just notified of his selection for the Army Ph.D. program in orthopedics.

Their younger son, U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Rob Hart retired at Langley Air Force Base after 25 years of service, which included surviving five improvised explosive device attacks and numerous hand-to-hand combat ambushes as an IED investigator in Iraq in 2006. On top of that, his wife, Aime, was medically retired from the Air Force after being shot by a sniper just before rotating out of Iraq. She is now a GS Intel analyst at Langley. Grandson Alex has been accepted into the Newport News Firefighter Academy and is currently taking the required paramedic courses, while older brother Xavier lives in Richmond with his girlfriend, who is a student at VU. A virtual Old Yell to the Hart family for their dedication and sacrifices that have allowed us to enjoy the life we have.

Once again, we made the trek to the Outer Banks the last week in July to meet up with John and June Bailey, Gray and Nancy Chandler, and Jim and Judy Mawyer at Charlie and Margaret

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Walker’s beach house at Corolla. As John and I made the obligatory beer run the first afternoon, we ran into Ned Mikula ’71 from Richmond, who was also there for the week. Once again, it paid off wearing a VMI hat. The weather the first four days was about perfect, followed by a day-and-a-half of rain. Late in the week, we were joined by Peyton Mawyer Hypes with hubby Mark and John Bailey Jr. and his friend, Kristin. The last evening, A.C. and Beth Arnn stopped by after checking in at their Kitty Hawk timeshare. Unfortunately, attempts to sell their home in Blythewood, South Carolina, have not had any success, so the plan to move to the Burlington, North Carolina, area is on hold for now. Recently promoted son Lt. Col. Patrick Arnn is on an unaccompanied tour as a squadron commander in South Korea.

As usual, there was an event during the week that begs to be related. On the second or third day, Margaret found some men’s clothes in their bedroom dresser. Since Charlie prefers to live out of his suitcase when traveling, she figured these had been left by the previous renters. She called the rental company to get their contact information, but they could not release this due to privacy concerns. However, they said that if Margaret put the clothes in a bag and brought them by their office, they would contact the renters.

Charlie needed to go to the hardware store and his vehicle was blocked, so Liz offered to take them on their errands in our vehicle. When they arrived at the rental company, Liz suggested that Margaret take a picture of the clothes. Thinking that this was an excellent idea, Margaret spread the clothes out on the hood of our SUV. While Charlie patiently waited in the parking lot, trying to pretend he didn’t know these people, he suddenly had an epiphany, “Hey! Those are my clothes!” It turns out he had actually partially unpacked, after all. Not quite as impressive as last year’s inside-out bathing suit fiasco, but mentionable nonetheless.

Also making an annual trip to the Outer Banks with their family in early July were Kent and Judy Schlussel. The weather they experienced was not so good, with several waterspout sightings to the delight of their daughter, who teaches earth sciences. In May, they went on a weeklong 48-passenger cruise among the Greek islands.

They happened to be on Santorini on New Market Day, so to impress the natives, Kent wore a VMI shirt, which, of course, not one person recognized. Two weeks in June were spent in

Tuscany and along the Amalfi Coast of Italy.

The highlight of this trip was a museum visit to see Galileo’s middle finger, which brought back memories of driving at rush hour on I-95. Back home in Charlottesville, he and Mike Iwanik helped organize the local alumni chapter’s rat send-off for new cadets from central Virginia, which included a young woman who will run track/cross-country.

While we were in Corolla, Ralph and Marsha Costen hosted a family gathering along with a gaggle of brother rats at their Ocean Isle, North Carolina, beach house. Among the 40 or so recipients of their hospitality were Peel Dillard and his family, Dick and Penny Marshall, Lee and Connie Moon, Bill and Paula O’Connor, Lew and Judy Reynolds, and Mike Sisler and his family. Bill reports that during the obligatory rounds of golf, money seemed to consistently flow into the pockets of Ralph and Lee. Some things never change – pun intended.

As I write this, we are in McCall, Idaho, mooching off Kevin Handford ’90 and his lovely family at their summer home before driving to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to start our Road Scholar national parks tour. John and June Bailey arrived two days later to spend a few days before extending their mooch-a-thon to Missoula, Montana, to visit some old friends. Although the smoke from the forest fires farther west and north have significantly reduced visibility, this is still a gorgeous place. I must say, Stix Chandler taught John and me well!

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 between May 15 and Aug. 15, 2017.

August is the time of year when I look around and wonder what the heck happened to summer. Children are returning to school, football

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Class Notes well as Ned and Anne Mikula. T.S. and Lanny practices have long since begun, the cool nights were planning a trip to the U.S. Air Force Acad(for which Pulaski is famous) are back, and our emy versus VMI game followed by some time in class will be remembering how the “summer of Vail. love” 50 years ago was about to end in Jackson Arch. The members of room 112, Steve Price, While on a visit to the New Kent Winery (near D. Walton and Dabney Oakley, were sponsorRichmond), Carol and Ken Yorgey had a chance meeting with the Glass brothers (at a winery?), ing a Matriculation celebration dinner at the BR Rudy Glass and younger brother Rocky Commonwealth Club in Richmond Sept. 8, Glass ’76. Meanwhile, at the Metzger lodge, a 2017. Promotions for the event guaranteed an planning session was held to work out the logisatmosphere and dinner to surpass our first dinner in the Club Crozet. As of this writing, several tics of an upcoming field trip to the Antietam Nabrother rats have responded, and I should be able tional Battlefield in Maryland. The outing was to provide some highlights and photos in the next planned for the week of Sept. 11, 2017. Metzger, edition of the Alumni Review.

Fogleman, Jolissaint, Kennedy, Haywood, PaI hope all of you had a great summer up to ton, Littleton, Schelhorn and Lindsey were all this point. The grandchildren were in from Richsigned on for the trip.

District 4, consisting of 12 posts of the Amerimond for about a week, and we got in a Yankees can Legion, recently honored John Brayshaw as game, some fishing and a trip to the Blue Ridge Class of 1971: Newlyweds Jim and Val Parkway’s Music Museum, which amazingly, Legionaire of the Year. John has served his post Neikirk enjoyed biking on their honeywas not voted by the children as the “highlight of as first vice commander for the last two years moon in Italy. the week.” Kathryn and I plan a trip to a beach and recently took on the duties of membership sometime in early September when chairman and public relations officer. the crowds are down and the days are Because of his keen interest in history, a little cooler.

John also agreed to be the historian Ox Schrader and Anne Ohle made for the 4th District. The Legion posts the road trip from Florida to New Jerare also helping with recruiting future VMI cadets and offer to pay the applisey for Ox’s 50th high school reunion.

On the way up, they spent some time cation fee for promising young men with Bob and Anne Haywood and and women. were joined by Billie and Julee Rose The Charles E. Via Jr. Department for some water sports near the Hayof Civil and Environmental Engineerwoods’ cabin. After that layover, the ing at Virginia Tech recently inducted couple stopped in the “Big R” and six new members into the CEE Acadstayed with Lanny and T.S. Gault. emy of Distinguished Alumni inLanny sent me a picture from a din- Class of 1971: Out on the town in Richmond were, from left, T.S. cluding Dr. Ron Meng. Ron earned and Lanny Gault, Jane and Rooster Westbrook, Ned and Anne ner outing where they were joined by Mikula, and Ox Schrader and Anne Ohle. a Bachelor of Science degree in civil “Rooster” and Jane Westbrook, as engineering at VMI and his Master of

Class of 1971: At the New River Valley rat send-off were from left, Buddy Bryan, Nate McPeak 2018+3, Jim Kelly, Gage Levine 2018+3, Buz Booker and Emma Pratt 2018+3.

The alumni from the Class of 1971 and prospective cadets for 2018+3 are exactly 50 class years apart.

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Class of 1971: At the New River Valley rat send-off were, from left, Bob Underwood ’81, Charles Straub ’63, Barry Helms ’76, Joe Levine ’91, Greg Hurst ’91, Jared Linkous ’99, Gage Levine 2018+3, Brad Burrus ’96, Nate McPeak 2018+3, Jim Kelly, Buddy Bryan, Emma Pratt 2018+3, Buz Booker, Elliott Brewster ’20, Bobby Vaughan ’92 and Will Hale ’03.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Science degree in aeronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. After serving 22 years in the United States Marine Corps, Ron completed his Doctor of Philosophy degree at Virginia Tech in 1996.

Currently, Ron is the engineering manager at Barker Steel Company in Lynchburg, Virginia, which is the largest steel fabricator in the midAtlantic region.

Many of our brother rats have become avid bikers in recent years, and John Kreamer has been racking up some miles for a good cause.

He was recently recognized by the Children’s Cancer Research Fund for participation in the 2017 Great Cycle Challenge. John totaled 1,098 miles and raised more than $1,500 from his sponsors.

Rick Pearman sent in the latest from the bimonthly meeting of several classmates held at Extra Billy’s in Richmond. Rick included a photo that was a little too small and dark for publication.

It was, however, a distinguished looking group consisting of Kirby, Cox, Kerley, Hanke, Robbins, Walton, Westbrook, Gault, Clary and Patterson. Rick took the picture and noted that the meeting is organized by John Heisler, who never showed up for this luncheon.

Several years ago, there was an iron-covered bridge on Route 114 over the New River between Montgomery and Pulaski counties. The bridge was rendered unusable when a trucker drove his vehicle onto the bridge, which was unfortunately shorter than the truck. The accident left only one lane on a very busy road which carries traffic to the Radford Army Ammunition Plant as well as Virginia Tech. During the years before the bridge made the list to be rebuilt, Mal Kerley was serving in the post of chief engineer for bridges in Virginia, and I know that many of us who drive that highway often gave Mal more than a little grief. He was always very gracious in saying that it would “make the list” sooner or later. Many bridges and highways are often dedicated in honor of or in memory of individuals or groups. This particular bridge has been named the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge and was officially recognized in early August 2017. The ceremony included a skydiver, Freedom Riders motoring across both sides, a 21 gun salute and a keynote speaker who was a Vietnam War refugee. The former refugee is now the first individual in that category to become a U.S. Army brigadier general. In his remarks, Brig. Gen. Lapthe C.

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Flora ’87 stated that “this nation owes a great debt ... one infinitely larger than can ever be repaid ... to our Vietnam Veterans.” This event caused me to reflect on our time at VMI beginning 50 years ago when the war in Vietnam was very real to all of us. I remember so many days when the bulletin board in Jackson Arch and the flags at half-staff signaled the loss of another VMI alumnus. According to the VMI archives, 43 alumni were killed in the war, and almost half of that number – 21 – either died or were MIA during our cadetship. Our Brother Rat Warrant Officer Scott K. Pardee was KIA March 23, 1970. The Class of 1971 is the last VMI class known to have lost a BR in that war.

We don’t want to forget those times, but we also need to remember those who are somewhere this day defending freedom.

Business World Magazine announced Aug. 8, 2017, that the winner of the magazine’s Chief Executive Officer for the Pharmaceutical Industry: North America 2017 is Delta Point Inc.’s Jerry Acuff. In case you missed it, the details are included in the 2017-Issue 3 Alumni Review, which came out in August.

On Nov. 12, 2016, in The Woodlands, Texas, Jim Niekirk and Valerie Lankford became husband and wife. They have been busy since that time visiting Val’s parents in Colorado, honeymooning in Europe and getting settled in Houston, which puts them near their combined four children and seven grandchildren. Val accompanied Jim to our 45th Reunion last year, and the couple plan to visit Lexington sometime in the fall.

Late summer is a time when rat send-offs are conducted around the country. Brad Burrus ’96, president of the New River Valley Chapter of the VMI Alumni Association, organized this year’s event, which was held in Pulaski County at the lovely country home of the parents of Dr. Will Hale ’03. Approximately 30 people were in attendance, including three rats and their parents.

This year’s rat mass will matriculate 50 years after the Class of ’71. Buddy Bryan, VMI Foundation chief executive officer, delivered a brief but inspirational talk to the group. Alumni attending the send-off were Charles Straub ’63, Bobby Underwood ’81, Jared Linkous ’99, Barry Helms ’76, Brad Burrus ’96, Jim Kelly ’71, Buddy Bryan, Buzz Booker, Elliott Brewster ’20, Bobby Vaughn ’92 and Will Hale ’03. Prospective cadets (2018+3) were Nate McPeak, Gage Levine and Emma Pratt.

While Buddy Bryan was in the Pulaski area for the rat send-off, Kathryn and I were pleased to have Buddy and Carol spend the weekend with us. The Rib and Jazz Festival held each August was going on in town, but so was a fair amount of rain. We just did a drive by of the festival and visited the relatively new Jackson Park Inn, the current home of the Pulaski Yankees and the most upscale restaurant in Pulaski. We visited historic Calfee Park, which is the third-oldest baseball park still in use in the U.S. and also took the grand tour of Pulaski and the surrounding areas since the Bryans had never actually visited this far west of Roanoke. Buddy and I attended the rat send-off Saturday while Carol and Kathryn shopped and beefed up the economy. It was great fun having them here with us.

Bill Ginder sent a note thanking all of the BRs who sent cards, emails, etc. while he was on the gim. After getting the proper meds, Bill is much improved and has lost 34 pounds. He was recently in Washington, D.C., on business and spent some time with Jim and Pam Adams, Fogleman, and Matthews.

VMI has released its 2017-18 basketball schedule, which features the opening game of the season against the Wolfpack of North Carolina State University Nov. 10. This game marks the first time the Keydets have been to Raleigh since the 2005-06 season. We will have 14 home games in Cameron Hall, beginning with Presbyterian College Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017.

Most of us have some sort of cellphone that has a camera which makes it easy to snap pictures wherever you may be. Many of you send me a copy of your photos and a description of the event which took place ... and as your agent, I much appreciate the input. Unfortunately, photos are often too small to be printed in the Alumni Review, and naturally, people are disappointed when their pictures don’t show up in the class notes. I asked Jordan Moore, the editor-in-chief of the Alumni Review, for some tips on how to improve the situation with photos. With her permission, I am quoting what she shared with me: “The closer the file size is to 1MB the better, and it is more likely we can use it ... 99 percent of the time, anything under 100KB is way too small.

Sometimes, we can use photos that are between 100-900KB, but it depends on the pixels we have to work with. Generally, photos saved from the internet, including Facebook, are going to be too small. It is best to get the original from whoever

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Class Notes posted it instead. If you are sending photos from a phone, send them at the highest possible size (most phones ask what size to send photos). Hope this helps.” So, there you have it, straight from the top. If you are in doubt about a particular shot, send it to me anyway, and I will see what (if anything) can be done. Jordan and her staff have always been extremely helpful to the class agents, and it is greatly appreciated.

The Superintendent’s Newsletter is included each year with Issue 3 of the Alumni Review. I hope that if you did not do so at the time, you will read the remarks by Gen. Peay ’62, superintendent, which are geared to the parents of the men and women in the Corps. General Peay noted that “VMI is a vibrant, thriving college delivering a splendid undergraduate education in a military environment. The quality and utility of our facilities puts us in the company of the very best colleges in the nation.” The superintendent cited several examples of the quality and advantages of the VMI experience. The alumni and supporters of VMI responded to The Campaign for VMI, which was concluded at the end of Fiscal Year 2016 with donations and commitments totaling $344 million. The VMI Foundation Fund also received more than $2.8 million for the third straight year. If we narrow the focus a little and look at individual classes’ contributions to Annual Giving, we find that the Class of 1971 had 104 donors in FY17 representing a 43.51 percentage of alumni donors – roughly a 5 percent increase over FY16. I appreciate the support of VMI from our class and the fact that we consistently are among the top classes when the numbers are published.

Class of 1972: Eric and Carol Hammersen at Eric’s doctorate frocking at George Washington University, May 18, 2017.

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Most important, however, is the impact that we can have on the quality of the programs, faculty and facilities, which are the key elements needed by the Corps of Cadets at VMI today. General Peay put things this way: “The fact is, excellence costs.”

Kathryn and I look forward to seeing many of you this fall and hope that everyone can be healthy and happy. Let me hear from you.

God bless our team and VMI. Jim

1972

Larry Houseworth

Brother and Sister Rats, Families and Friends, Greetings from the Holy City. These few notes and tidbits are from New Market Day to four weeks before our reunion. You’ll see them as we wallow in memories of our 45th, wrap up football and slide into the holidays; pretty significant competition for the light news cycle of summer, so this edition will be brief.

Shortly after our last deadline, I received photos of Eric Hammersen’s May 18 doctoral frocking ceremony at George Washington University (see the last Review). His dissertation was on advising at the strategic level, which perfectly complements his role as vice president of the National Intelligence University. I chuckled at his reference to the “medieval bonnets...” congratulations, BR! Dick and Deb Vogel passed along their Cuba travelogue. The Cubans’ economy may be on the rocks, but man oh, man, what they can do to a vintage Caddy!

What an honor it was to be included with Bob Gore and J.R. Bell in filming Ginny and Chris Tompkins’ reunion message to the class.

Chris looked great and – as you saw in the video – spoke with a depth and sincerity that was powerful and humbling, yet modest. Bob and Sharan have been magnificent in their love and support of Chris and Ginny. Bob, J.R. and George Kosovic devoted many hours of planning and coordination to make this work for Chris. Salutes to you all!

That’s it for now.

May God bless you all, and Rah Virginia Mil! Larry

1973

Mike Kelly

The summer is rapidly coming to a close as I write these notes, and the month has been overshadowed with the loss of one of our brother rats.

It is Aug. 11 as I begin writing, and today would have been Dale Kitchen’s 66th birthday. Dale died Monday, Aug. 7, after being in a coma for two weeks following a fall down steps and sustaining a massive head injury. During these past weeks, I have received a continual flow of email and comments from the class, at first praying for his recovery and then condolences for the family. Dale has been described as one of the best in our class: Honorable, caring, the true spirit of VMI, a BR with a wonderful sense of humor and one who always made you feel welcome with his smile. Dale was the kind of guy that had the ability to find fun in any situation, and a person with numerous talents and a kind heart. M.B. Adelson summed it up by saying that each time one of us falls out of formation, it reminds us how fortunate we are to be part of something quite remarkable with all of our brother rats. Please keep Ruth “Toots” Kitchen and their family in your thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, BR. You will be missed.

Michael Smith sent me an update after the funeral, as did others. There were more than 30 of our BRs attending along with a number of their spouses. Mark Weiss arranged for a beautiful flower display, and Klaus Worrell made one of his banners in honor of Dale. The class fund will contribute $73 to the Keydet Club and to Dale’s church, per the family’s request, in lieu of other flowers.

We also had a close call with one of our BRs this summer. In mid-July, John Ciriaco was hospitalized and underwent emergency surgery for an aortic dissection. This condition can be aggravated by high blood pressure and causes the heart to enlarge and can be fatal. Fortunately, John got to the hospital in time, and the surgery was successful.

After several days in the ICU, he was allowed to go home but most likely will need another operation in the near future. Tom Clark and Rich Bancke have been in contact with John’s wife, Sarah, who will keep us informed of John’s recovery. John and

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Sarah live in Papillion, Nebraska, and Rich isn’t far away in the Omaha area. Please keep John in your thoughts and prayers, as well, as he recovers.

During the summer, I had a pleasant surprise from the widow of one of our brother rats. I’m not sure how it happened, but an email showed up in my mailbox from 2013 that had been sent

by Dennis Flanagan’s widow, Sandi. Dennis died in 2005, and while I have sent cards and letters to Sandi over the years, we haven’t really traded much information. I responded back to the email, and Sandi sent me a return note. She said she remarried about four years ago and now lives in Erie, Pennsylvania. Although her last name is now Geisler, she is known as Flanagan and uses the Facebook name Flanagan Geisler. Sandi said she is in contact with Bill Flood occasionally and was headed to Blacksburg this summer and looking forward to a trip back to Virginia. It was great to hear from you, Sandi, and to know you are doing well.

As I said, this summer has flown by. It is nearly mid-August, and when you read these notes, it will be early November. Pat and I have had a pretty busy summer; of course, we had our usual mini family reunion with days of celebration and fun during July 4. We also spent some time in Greensboro helping keep grandkids for a couple of weeks. And I began my official duties as the Region VI director for the Alumni Association July 1. That has certainly kept us hopping with rat send-offs and various meetings and trying to get up to speed on the 10 chapters we have in North and South Carolina. I mentioned in my last notes that Larry Mays was also appointed a director in Pennsylvania, and I have since found out that Jeff Minch is a director in Texas now, as well. P.X. English serves as chapter president in South Carolina/Western North Carolina, and E.D. Woomer is helping him in Asheville, North Carolina; Blake Thomas is the chapter president in The Villages, Florida, and Tom Clark has been president of the Colorado Springs Chapter, so the Class of ’73 is well represented! And I know there are lots of other BRs who help with alumni functions, to include college fairs and rat send-offs. Thanks for all of your support.

Pat and I are getting ready to go out west on vacation. We haven’t taken any major trips for several years, so this one is exciting. We are headed to San Francisco for a few days and then up the coastal highway to Portland, with lots of stops along the way, to include two nights at a bed-and-breakfast

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at Crater Lake. Then we are leaving Portland and headed over to Colorado Springs to spend the weekend with Tom and Bonnie Clark and attend the alumni functions and the Air Force Academy versus VMI football game before heading home.

We anticipate doing some traveling this fall, as well. The weekend after we return, we will be in Lexington for an Alumni Association meeting and football game. P.X. English is making big plans for an alumni event in Greenville in October for the Furman University versus VMI game, and then we are headed to Charleston for the VMI versus The Citadel game Oct. 28. And we hope to see a lot of you in Lexington for Founders Day and the Institute Society Dinner Nov. 10-11.

I had a nice note from A.J. and Ruth Kendrick.

A.J. and Dale Kitchen were both from Hopewell, Virginia, and were in the Boy Scouts together, where Dale was an Eagle Scout. A.J. said his two boys followed their path in the troop and that he served in the scouting program for nearly 30 years in various capacities. He has been retired for nine years, and he and Ruth enjoy traveling and take a couple of vacations each year. They just returned from Glacier National Park and talked about what a beautiful place it was. I agree; Pat and I were out there a few years ago ourselves.

E.D. Woomer and his wife, Janet, are really settled into the mountains of North Carolina. They love the Asheville area and live in a fun and active neighborhood. E.D. plays golf every Monday, and they go on group mountain hikes often and attend their share of parties. He continues to help P.X. with the Asheville alumni and recently had a senior alumni luncheon in Asheville.

George Goodwin and his wife, Renee, are doing well. George had hernia surgery in July and is scheduled to have his other hip replaced in August – hoping that surgery will go as well as his first one.

He sends his best to Ruth Kitchen and John and Sarah Ciriaco.

John Benson sent me a note and a picture of him and Paul Forehand taken at the Hoover Dam in Nevada. John and his wife, Janet, met Paul and his wife, Donna, in Las Vegas and then traveled to Hawaii for a couple of weeks last November.

They travel a lot together and, as usual, had a really great time.

Klaus Worrell is still hard at work. He told me he had recently completed a certification class to be part of the Investigative Engineers Association, so now he can climb around on roofs and get paid for it! He said not much else was going on with him;

he was still contemplating retiring in 2036. Yes, I got a chuckle out of that as well, Klaus! Klaus also sent me 45 lessons in life that a 90-year-old lady named Regina Brett from Cleveland, Ohio, shared with him. It was very interesting, and I’ve copied and passed it on to our BRs. Rick and Rebekah Gribling made a trip back to Edinburgh, Scotland, this spring to visit with their daughter, Rachel, and her husband, James. Rick is still teaching at the Joint Forces Staff College and plans to conduct a staff ride in France and Belgium in September.

Bob Poynor said southern Alabama had been quite wet this year and that everything is growing like wildfire. A late frost killed a lot of the flowering shrubs and bushes, so it was somewhat dull this summer. Bob said a dermatologist removed a small spot of basal cell carcinoma from him, and the follow-up results are good, but he reminded us to be sure we pay attention to ourselves and our bodies as we grow older and listen to what they are telling us! He works out regularly at the gym and has moved on from a general workout to barbells and dumbbells and says he feels so much better

Class of 1973: At the Old Corps luncheon in Charlotte May 23, 2017, the Charlotte Chapter president, Mike Anderson ’88, left, presented a trivet to Charles Ramsburg ’66 in recognition of his service for the past six years as the regional director for Region VI. Under his leadership, the region has grown to 10 active chapters.

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Class Notes and that his blood pressure is better than perfect.

A lesson for us all!

Ray Burton is spending a lot of his time volunteering for the First Baptist Church in Richmond and helping with their divorce recovery workshop, which is one of the oldest in the country. He also is very busy with highland games in Richmond, central Virginia and in Salem, Virginia. He is really into the Celtic festivals and is the deputy commander of Post 16 of the Scottish American Military Society of Virginia. In his spare time, he sings in his church’s choir and leads a group with a medley of Armed Forces and patriotic tunes at Veteran functions.

Tom Burke retired from Verizon wireless and moved to Lemont, Illinois, to be with his girlfriend. Even though this is a few miles away from his old home, he still gets to spend time with his kids and two grandsons, ages 9 and 10.

Brother Rat Roland Tiso finally came home from Iraq June 8. Don’t know if Ro will ever give up soldiering! He has spent the last 17 months in Iraq as the head of security for a private firm. He still wants to work with another group but may not have to deploy overseas more than a couple of months at a time. He and Judie are enjoying their time together and have been to Pittsburgh to be with their daughters. Allie is dancing with the contemporary ballet there, and they were joined by daughter C.J., who is a graduate student at the University of Arizona working on an advanced degree in dancing and hopes to become an instructor and professor of dance at a university.

Welcome home, Roland, and sit back and enjoy life for a while!

I had a note from Chris McGreer to say they had left the Colorado Springs area and moved to Muskogee, Oklahoma. They bought a house and did a complete renovation before moving in. Chris is now spending more time on the Quarry Institute, a Christian military school he is helping to get started. Good luck with that project, Chris!

Mike Smith was super with keeping me updated on Dale Kitchen’s situation. He went to Roanoke a couple of times to visit Dale and attended the funeral services. Mike provided up-to-date information throughout Dale’s ordeal. Thanks, Michael, for your help and information sharing. Earlier this summer Mike sent me a note to say that during Memorial Day, he and George Tisdale were together in Myrtle Beach and were at dinner at the Ocean Club when they ran into Hal Laughlin.

As it turned out, Hal lives two streets over from

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Mike’s home in Myrtle Beach. Hal retired from the Marine Corps, and he and his wife, Karen, have lived in Myrtle Beach for 10 years.

I had an update from Mary Duffy, Joe’s wife, who said that Joe is hanging in there, going to physical therapy regularly and busting his chops to get the tasks done. Sounds like Joe! Mary said he is a real trooper. They are looking forward to our reunion next year and hope that they can make it.

Please stay in contact with BR Joe as he continues to move forward.

Charlie Havasy had hip replacement surgery this summer and then had a granddaughter born July 7. He is doing well from his surgery and says his granddaughter is the greatest thing ever! Charlie has been chosen for an interview and will be highlighted as an alumnus for his achievements and joining the local sheriff’s department. Keep an eye out for his interview in the Alumni Review.

Neil Carlson has been posting information about his southwestern trip across Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. Looks like they have had a great time and a lot of great experiences! Neil said they had a lot of fun, but it was nice to get back home!

Dave Schwab is still in Germany teaching and involved in theater work. However, lately he has been in the Turks and Caicos Islands scuba diving.

He has posted some great pictures of his adventures on the class Facebook page. Looks like you are having a lot of fun, Dave. Thanks for sharing.

Tom and Lois Jennings are enjoying retirement and have two daughters who are attending Longwood University. Tom said they were heading up to Farmville Aug. 25 for the VMI versus Longwood soccer match. Tom will be dressed out in red, white and yellow, but he thinks the girls may pull for Longwood, especially since one of them is dating a Longwood soccer player!

I appreciate hearing from a number of you on a regular basis and wish more of you would keep us informed about what is going on in your lives.

During the past couple of weeks, we have had a lot of comments regarding both Dale and John, and the comments were from many of you I seldom hear from! That is a great start. Keep it up. And please keep your email, addresses and phone numbers current on the VMI Ranks.

As I have traveled around the past few weeks attending rat send-offs at various alumni chapters, I have heard a common theme being told to the 2018+3 class members, which was how much alumni have realized the value of the

VMI experience years later, and how it taught us things we did not understand or realize at the time. VMI is in a major transitional period right now, and while it is different from when we were there, it is still the same. Yes, it is as tough! Yes, it is stronger! Yes, it is a better institution. It is unbelievable what has transpired at VMI over the past 15 years. I am so proud of what the Institute is today and of its history and bright future.

As the end of the year is fast approaching, I ask that you consider a donation to the Institute. I am proud to say that as of June 30, the end of the fiscal year for VMI, our class participation rate rose to 41.5 percent, which is the highest I have seen it since becoming class agent in January 2005.

Thanks for your support! Let’s keep inching that upward! As the end of 2017 nears, make a contribution to the Institute that has done so much for each of us. And thanks so much to all of those class members who are such generous and regular contributors.

Hopefully, I will see a lot of you this fall. If I don’t see you, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers and that I wish each of you a very joyous Thanksgiving and a wonderful Christmas season. Be safe out there!

In the bonds, Mike

1974

Snookie Parker

Greetings Brother Rats, Family and Friends of the Class of 1974, I trust your summer fun has been memorable.

“What is it about VMI?” Someone recently lamented, “You spend all four years trying as hard as you can to get away from this place and the rest of your life trying to get back.” Amen! We always want and are in search of “the good stuff” in life.

For many of us, some of that cherished “good stuff” harkens back to those formative years at the Institute. There might be some remnants of “the good stuff” in these May-August notes assembled for your reading pleasure. Here we go! On May 22, Hall and Brenda Brodie were traveling south on I-95 on their way back to Atlanta after witnessing their son’s graduation from the Darden School

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes of Business with a master’s degree – kudos. Hall called to say they were just passing through. Hall mentioned that they were looking to retire – but have gotten busier this past year ... too much success, I suspect. Hall figures about one more year, then retire. Their dilemma – decisions regarding their moves have always been driven by the work location. They are now facing their retirement move with new criteria – making it hard to decide. They want to be close to Kyle and Megan (Richmond, Virginia) ... so somewhere in North Carolina is in the mix, maybe even the teaming megalopolis of Wilson. Thanks for the call. Next time, it is Q and a brew when passing through.

While Hall and Brenda were driving South down I-95, Walt Wilson and Pat Flynn were in the bayous of Louisiana busy hauling in a boatload of redfish. Awesome! I think they caught their limit.

Gary Trinkle wrote to say that he and Alison just returned from an eightday trip to maritime Canada (New Hampshire, Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, Prince Edwards Island, New Brunswick). By the way, Gary is spearheading, with the able assistance of Andy Young, an effort to provide all who would like to have ready-to-frame copies of the Honor Court sheets that hung in our rooms as rats. If you are interested in securing your very own copy, contact Gary: trinkelg@cox.net; 757-880-4199 cell.

On May 20, the Tidewater Area Breakfast Club grand poohbah, Paul Van Doren, reported on a very nice dinner gathering at Omar’s Carriage House. The attendees: Keith Van Doren (Paul and Rose’s second son visiting from New York City), Sam Turner, John and Tracey Crawley, Chip and Cathy Beaman, Frank and Jeanee Richardson, Al and Judy Rasper, Steve and Anne Ham, Henry and Peggy Moncure, John and Diane McLaren, Paul Van Doren, Chuck and Elaine Cayton, and Rose Van Doren. Paul’s son, Keith, was on the

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Class of 1974: Attendees at the Tidewater Area Breakfast Club dinner at Omar’s Carriage House May 20 were, clockwise from front, Keith Van Doren, Sam Turner, Tracey Crawley, John Crawley, Chip Beaman, Cathy Beaman, Frank Richardson, Jeanee Richardson, Al Rasper, Judy Rasper, Anne Ham, Steve Ham, Henry Moncure, Peggy Moncure, Diane McLaren, John McLaren, Paul Van Doren (standing), Elaine Clayton, Chuck Clayton and Rose Van Doren.

Class of 1974: On the front lawn of Ted and Susan Telle’s new retirement home in Crossville, Tennesee, were, from left, Marla Parker, Snookie Parker, and Ted and Susan Telle.

Class of 1974: Attendees of the Class of 1974 Potomac Area Breakfast Club meeting Aug. 12 at the Silver Diner at Springfield Mall were, clockwise from left, Don Whitten, Bob Johnson, Arnie Leonard, Maria Leonard, Debbie Banning, Lera Andriani, Mike Andriani, Bill McDonald, Snookie Parker, Charlie Gardner, Clint Anderson, Mike Kilcullen and Don Kilcullen. Photo by Charley Banning.

receiving end of half the stories which are routinely retold, since he sat next to Sam. The good news regarding Sam: He is getting back to his youthful, trim fighting weight, having lost 50 pounds since this winter. Unfortunately, some of the weight loss has been due to medical issues. On the south end of the table, a few tidbits on Chuck Cayton’s very successful Elizabeth River Tunnel project were coaxed out of Chuck. I suspect the evening’s lubricating libations loosened the lips. How do you English majors like that alliteration? It’s a great achievement under very difficult circumstances. Kudos to Chuck. Attendees at the July 29 breakfast club meeting at the Lunch Bell in Newport were Bill Pennypacker, Al Rasper, John McLaren, Gary Trinkle, Chip Beaman, Steve Ham, Paul Van Doren, Henry Moncure and Sam Turner. Thanks to Gary Trinkle and Paul Van Doren for the meeting notes.

Don Ferrell met Jim Pavlou and Fred Parks in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for a weekend of sipping scotch, catching up while at a Twins game, high-end dining at Manny’s and cups of joe at Starbucks. Don, with class coins in tow, provided the coin-deficient BRs with their very own coins.

Must have been a great weekend. Mr. Eric Earl, proprietor of said Starbucks, contacted the Institute regarding a VMI Class of 1974 ring that had been left in his establishment. Inscribed on the inside: “Athinai, Hells,” which is Greek for Athens, Greece. When the Institute contacted me regarding ownership of said ring, only one name came to my mind – our very own “Jimmy” the Greek. The good news is that the ring is on its way back to its rightful owner, much to Jim Pavlou’s relief. That must have been some pretty good scotch those BRs were swirling! Well done, fellas!

In June, I took Marla to Nashville, Tennessee, so she could experience the Country Music Association music festival and awards – otherwise known as the CMAs. What a trip! We stopped

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Class Notes along the way to visit with Ted and Susan Telle player if he could borrow his guitar and played for University soccer teammate, Angela Salem, in Crossville, Tennessee. Ted and Susan are liv- 45 minutes. Of course, the place filled up. To top who is playing professionally with the Boston ing the dream. They built a nice retirement home it off, Nashville was suffering from a severe case Breakers, lose to the North Carolina Courage on a golf course – country club-like living. They of Predator mania. The Nashville Predators were 3-1. Seven other Francis Marion teammates with were such warm and gracious hosts as we passed playing Pittsburgh in the final game of the Stanley parents were on hand to see the game. I’m sure it through. I highly recommend any BRs in the area Cup. There were 50,000 fans from Nissan Stadi- was a great reunion for the ladies and a cherished stop in and visit if you get the chance. Thank um pouring into the Broadway area at about the adventure for Tripp and Grandpa Van Laethem. you, Ted and Susan, for your kind hospitality. same time 30,000 Predator fans exited the Bridge- Thanks for the note, George.

I understand Bill Haught’s online estate sale We did push on to Nashville and stayed in a bed- stone Arena where they had watched the game to and-breakfast close to the Vanderbilt University join the 70,000 fans who had set up their tailgating was very successful and exceeded expectations.

I’m glad those family treasures found campus. Most all rooms in Nashville some prominent places to be enjoyed had been booked far in advance, and by another generation. Kudos to all what was left was way too expensive. who participated.

The B&B was the ticket. First order of It’s official; Tom “Tex” Mascot has business – trek downtown on Broadretired. We all are expecting lower golf way to do some honky tonkin’ Nashscores and fantastic fish tales. I have ville style. This music fest lasts four wondered what Tom was actually days. They have six to eight stages all doing with all this extra time on his around Broadway and along the river hands. I understand that he has been that have different bands/musicians working on “aqua-thermal treatment playing every half-hour or hour from of ceramics, aluminum and steel un10 a.m. until 6 p.m. The trick is to scan the schedule to see who you would like der a constrained environment” while to see. The downside – if you are at a in retirement. I was impressed. Upon stage seeing one star, you are missing further inquiry, I learned that Tom was Class of 1974: In front of Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint in Nashville, musicians on the other stages who are Tennessee, were, from left, Snookie Parker, Marla Parker, Ann washing dishes with hot water under playing at the same time. It’s all good, Forbes, Al Beaty and Rich Forbes. the supervision of his wife, Patti. Welthough. At night, its 50,000 fans gathcome to real-world retirement, Tom. The following vignette describes a ered in the Nissan Stadium (where the situation where character and perforTennessee Titans play) to watch country music headliners from 7:00 until mance outweighs credentials, which I midnight for four nights in a row. We contend is a hallmark of a VMI alum. also visited the Ryman Auditorium, Gary Trinkle and I received a nice the Grand Ole Opry, and lunched in note from our new honorary Sister Rat Florida Georgia Lines’ brand-new Becky Harris ’09/’74. In Becky’s own honky tonk and Alan Jackson’s restauwords, she writes, “... Recently, I rerant/bar. However, the best lunch we ceived a nonchalant note from a lady had in Nashville was Martin’s Bar-Bat the (school) district informing me Que Joint (recommended by Guy Fieri Class of 1974: At the Tidewater Area Breakfast Club meeting at about a new job posting for district litof HGTV’s Triple D fame – “Diners, the Lunch Bell in Newport News July 29 were nine attendees, erary coach, and she told me I should Drive-Ins and Dives”) where we met pictured clockwise from left, Gary Trinkle, Bill Pennypacker, apply. This job requires a master’s in Al Rasper, John McLaren, Chip Beaman, Steve Ham, Paul Van Big Al Beaty (Trixie was unable to join Doren, Henry Moncure and Sam Turner. education leadership/reading/curricus) and Rich and Ann Forbes. They ulum at a minimum – which I don’t are both living in Franklin, Tennessee, a few miles chairs on Broadway (closed off several blocks to have. Despite that fact, I applied. Two days later, south of Nashville. I must admit, the barbecue was accommodate the fans with several big screen TVs I got a called for an interview. The secretary on good, but not as good as the company. The thing for all to watch). It was a nutty Saturday night! We the phone informed me that the interview would about Broadway is you never know what you’ll had so much fun, we’re going back. Anyone want be two hours long and consist of two parts. First run into. Example: While walking, we turned off- to join us? part would be a teaching scenario which I would Broadway, and in a half block, there was a stage Got a note from George and Anna Van La- have to ‘teach’ my way through, and the second where a local band was playing. There were only ethem. They had traveled to Cary, North Caro- half would be your typical Q&A interview with about 20 or so folks watching. John Rich from lina, in June to meet their daughter, Ashley, and all the principals from the high schools in our Big and Rich (of “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy” grandson, Tripp. Ashley came from Charlotte, county, the director of secondary education and fame) walked up onstage, asked the lead guitar North Carolina, to watch her Francis Marion the director of area schools. Well, despite being

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes the only applicant without a higher degree and my own boss telling people I didn’t have a chance, I am now the district literacy coach for Citrus County (in the state of Florida).” Kudos for Becky. I did write Sister Rat Harris to say that I was not surprised – that cream always rises to the top. I did tell her I was most impressed with the Citrus County hiring officials and their ability to recognize character and talent when they see it ... and acting on it. I’ve always held to the principle: Hire for character; the rest can be learned. With that said, I’m not quite sure what the district literary coach does, but I am convinced it really does not matter; she’ll figure it out and “git’r done!” In addition, Gary Trinkle advised securing a postgraduate degree and, after sharing her resume with Chip Beaman, thought she should consider law. Congrats on the promotion, Becky. Well done!

In July, Jim Horn ’63 contacted Charlie Ramsburg ’66, the outgoing VMI Alumni Region VI director for the Carolinas, regarding the rector of Jim’s church, a VMI alum who graduated in 1973 and was retiring. Jim was trying to collect some photos from his rector’s cadetship for inclusion in the rector’s farewell album from the church.

A flurry of emails ensued over the rector’s VMI class. The source of the confusion: It turns out that Jim’s retiring rector, Father Dave, graduated from VMI in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English but matriculated with the Class of 1974 as an academic 3rd (Dave’s roommates: His brother, Mike Davis; J.P. DeBoer; Ronnie Vigneault; and Clyde Richardson). It seems that our BR Rev. David J. Davis, after having begun his service as rector at St. James the Fisherman Episcopal Church in Shallotte, North Carolina, June 28, 2004, was retiring as rector of the church Aug. 1, 2017. A brief update on Dave: Upon graduation in 1973, Dave served as a career Army officer in various airborne, infantry and Special Forces (primarily) assignments, retiring in 1993 (BR Lane Toomey presiding). Upon retirement from the Army, Dave continued to serve at Fort Bragg as a civilian government employee from 1994-2001. During this time, Dave responded to a calling toward ordained ministry, and in April 1997, he was ordained a vocational deacon in the Diocese of East Carolina, serving at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Several years later, he began studies at the Episcopal Seminary in Sewanee, Tennessee, where he received his Master of Divinity degree and was ordained a priest at St. James the Fisherman Church, Shallotte,

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North Carolina. Dave and his wife, Patricia, were married in 1972 and have two daughters: Patricia Davis, who resides in Atlanta, and Vanessa Davis (deceased 1992). Mystery solved: David J. Davis is listed in the Register of Former Cadets in the Class of 1974 rather than 1973, as James Horn ’63 indicated. Congratulations to Dave and Patricia; wishing God’s speed to you both!

Regarding the mystery of Dave Davis’ class, I did contact BR Mike Davis for insight. Mike was packing a bag for a vacation in Destin, Florida.

Mike did confirm that his brother, Dave, spent his first year of college at the defunct Pennsylvania Military College (now Penn Morton College) and transferred into VMI as an academic 3rd. Mike mentioned that he and Dave were raised Roman Catholic, so Mike likely considers his Episcopalian brother a Pagan. Mike is back working as a government contract investigator for sensitive/ classified cases. He says it keeps him busy. Mike and Lucy spent six weeks in Lexington at a leased home on Diamond Street. They are considering a move back to the area. Lucy is a Lynchburg College graduate, was raised in Martinsville and is wonderfully Southern. As I mentioned earlier in these class notes, “We spend all four years trying as hard as one can to get away from this place and the rest of your life trying to get back.” Well, it looks like Mike and Lucy are “getting back,” perhaps to the good stuff. Thanks for the note, Mike.

Roland Lazenby provided an update on Brother Rat Steve Fisher. As of Aug. 10, Steve is in intensive care in a south Florida hospital after surviving surgery on a dissecting aorta. It’s a condition that is often misdiagnosed and kills many. Steve isn’t out of the woods yet, so BRs, we will want to keep him in our prayers.

Notes on the Aug. 12 Potomac Area Breakfast Club meeting: Attendees were Charley and Debbie Banning; Arnie and Maria Leonard; Mike and Lera Andriani; Don Kilcullen and his son, John; Don Whitten; Bob Johnson; Clint Anderson; Charlie Gardner; Bill McDonald; and yours truly. Although not there, word is Wilson Johnson has retired from government work and now distracts himself by preforming in local theater productions. Also, Virginia State Police Capt.

Jim DeFord had wanted to be at the breakfast, but duty called in Charlottesville – keeping the peace during the protests. I did not capture all of the news around the table – too many conversations – but did get a couple to tidbits. Don Kilcullen has an outline of his first novel and is receiving

encouragement and advice from Bob Johnson, who has written, teaches writing and is already published. Good luck, Don. Arnie and Maria are in the process of moving to Wilmington, North Carolina. Charlie Gardner suggested we consider creating a Class of 1974 book of biographies for one of the upcoming reunions. Probably a relatively easy-to-do endeavor, given the state of technology today. Any BR willing to work on such a project, let us know. On a sad note, I left the breakfast early to attend a memorial service in Lexington for Dale “Snoots” Kitchen ’73, who died after taking a fall in his home.

Brother Rat Tommy Anderson, longtime friend from Hopewell, Virginia, was one of many who spoke at Dale’s memorial. The church in downtown Lexington was overflowing with so many friends, relatives, brother rats and colleagues; it was obvious that Dale was extremely well-liked and respected. The reception after the service was held at Moody Hall. Brother rats in attendance: Donnie and Barbara Ross, Rod and Debbie Beard, Tommy and Molly Anderson, Snap and Cathy Carlock, Red and Shelley Undercoffer, Bob and Vicki Benninger, T.J. Wilson, R.C. Thompson, and Tom Puskas. Keep Dale’s wife, Ruth “Toots,” and family in your prayers. While in Lexington for Dale’s memorial service, I could not help but notice the foot traffic on Main Street near the Southern Inn: A group of older fellas, a couple of older couples and several young couples holding hands while walking. I thought to myself: for some, memories were being made, and for others, it was a stroll down memory lane.

Is that not some of “the good stuff?” By the way, I was told as one grows older, the second thing to go is your memory. I asked, what’s the first? The answer: I can’t remember! Touché! In the bonds.

Class agent plea! Don’t be caught without your class coin. If you need one, send $10 (cost of coin and postage). Please forward any news regarding births, deaths, illnesses, marriages and other significant events concerning your family and/or careers. Brother rats are interested and do care.

I know email addresses have a half-life of about six months. Keep us current. Send your updated email address to me snookieparker1974@earthlink.net, Charley Banning cbanning@cox.net or Kevin Nettrour (our webmaster) nettrour@accessus.net. Check out the website. Send me a note.

Yada, yada, yada and yaba daba dooooo!

Warm regards, Snookie

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Class Notes

1975

Robert Keller

This edition is coming to you from north Georgia where Paulette and I, along with our dogs and cat, have come to escape the heat of Tampa Bay and to prepare for the solar eclipse that will be passing directly over our place. The temperatures are running about 20 degrees cooler, and we are able to not run the air conditioning most of the time. We have received our eclipse viewing glasses and will be provisioning well in advance of the hordes that will be traveling to the thin path the eclipse will make across the USA Aug. 21. I just hope that it is not a rainy or cloudy day.

Glenn Garland has been on the go this year.

In late April, he attended the climate march in Washington, D.C. In May, he did a work/pleasure cruise with Fathom to the Dominican Republic.

This is a social impact cruise experience where travelers go ashore and volunteer in local communities to work on projects like planting trees, making chocolate and creating life-saving water filters. Glenn said they worked for several days and played for several days. The play days included several waterfall hikes with a 25-foot dive off one of them. Sounds like a Twin Falls memory from years ago. Next, Glenn and his friend, Cindy, visited St. Petersburg, Florida, and while there, they attended the Gulfport Casino Swing Night.

The casino is a retro-era dance hall and is one of the world’s top dance destinations. Glenn reports that they let the good times roll that night. July found Glenn in Missouri at the Katy Trail State Park. Jim Seitz joined him there for a ride on the Katy Trail, which is the longest developed rail-trail in the country. They enjoyed the absence of cars but said it was a hot ride. Finally, Glenn celebrated more than 40 years of military service this year with the North Carolina Army National Guard.

Glen came up with an appropriate quote for this occasion: “Old soldiers never retire ... they just keep kurnelin.” Way to go, BR. Al and Sandy Morgan wrote to tell me about the wedding of Bobby and Dede Hunter’s daughter, Allison, to Wyatt Loflin May 20, 2017, in Richmond, Virginia. Sandy sent me the wedding notice from the Roanoke Times, and this ceremony

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was quite grand. VMI was well represented at this event, as there were 18 alumni (maybe more) present representing classes from ’75 to ’16. Members of our class that attended were: Bobby Hunter, Steve Chapin, Jelly Bear Taylor, Al Morgan, Billy Hunter, Mike Hunter and Ollie Way. Bert Loflin ’78 from our dykes’ class was the father of the groom.

Charlie and Sharon Hoon had a pleasant surprise on a trip to Missoula during the Memorial Day holiday while at the farmers market. They were approached by a man, his wife and their four children and asked if he went to VMI. Charlie’s hat gave him away. Turns out this was Chris Schrichte ’82. A week later, they had lunch with Chris and two other VMI men, Matt Noreus ’03 and Tom Trobridge ’82. Chris then had Charlie and Sharon over to his home for a Memorial Day barbecue. It is a small VMI world. In mid-June, the Hoons were in Croatia. They really enjoyed their visit and would encourage any BR thinking about going there to do so. Charlie relayed a story of how they found a propeller from a B-24 that had been fished out of the ocean by a fisherman’s net along a street. At the end of the shrine was a prayer to the plane as well as to all of the allies and their sacrifices. They returned from Croatia intact along with a few extra pounds that he is busy working off. Before returning to Montana, Charlie was able to get a couple of days of yellowfin/bluefin tuna fishing in. They were not looking forward to the drive but were looking forward to getting home.

Dean Armstrong wrote to let me know that most of his time this summer is spent in the air.

This is the big vacation time for the airlines, and Dino says that Delta has been working his ‘kiester’ off. But Dino did find time in early July to check off one of his bucket list items. It seems that Dino found a gentleman in Peachtree, Georgia, who has a Douglas DC-3 that was an actual airliner built in 1939 for Braniff Airways. Dino was able to get a right seat checkout flight, and both he and Denise were able to ride around in the main cabin. Dino reports that he and Denise have plans to go to Russia in December. Thanks, Dino, for the update, and we are happy that you checked off another bucket list item.

On June 7, 2017, Greg and Melody Diamontopulos had the honor of attending the promotion ceremonies of son Peter Diamontopulos ’13 to United States Coast Guard lieutenant junior grade at the USCG Station in Portsmouth. Greg says that he was one of six ensigns in that command to be promoted that day and that each was promoted separately with their promotion orders read, followed by the pinning ceremony. Greg and Melody had the honor of performing the pinning on Peter. A proud father, no doubt. Congratulations to you all. In true Diamontopulos style, Peter then competed in a Spartan Race the following Sunday.

Rah Virginia Mil. I received a quick note from Bob O’Conner, who informed me that Charlie Freeman is retiring this fall. He and Lenny Riedel found this out as they were trying to get Charlie to fall in for their annual trip to VMI in November for a football game weekend. Bob hesitates to tell his wife, Janet, this news about Charlie for fear that he will

Class of 1975: Seven members of the class attended the Hunter-Loflin wedding at the Country Club of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia, May 20, 2017. Pictured at the event were Budge Hunter ’10; Harrison Lutz ’12; Bobby Hunter, father of the bride; Steve Chapin; Will Hunter ’16; Dede Hunter, mother of the bride; Paul Seufer ’77; Allie Hunter Loflin, the bride; Robert Taylor; Bert Loflin ’78, father of the groom; Allen Morgan; Billy Hunter; Jeb Burton ’79; Mike Hunter; Tice Schenkel ’12; Oliver Way; Jimmy Thompson ’79; and Bill Cross ’77. Present but not pictured were Danny Thornton ’78, Stu Gitchell ’78 and the groom, Wyatt Loflin.

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Class Notes get wacked and asked when he will be retiring. Good luck with that, Bob. Oscar and Ana Richardson traveled to Israel and India in mid-July and had a wonderful time, but there was also some unexpected drama. They visited the Temple Mount on the Wednesday before the shootings that occurred that Friday morning. They were back in the old city and toured the tunnels by the west wall on the following Sunday.

Oscar reports that there was considerable military and police presence everywhere dealing with the significant unrest. He said that they were awed by the history and significance of this area. He related an inspiring moment when they were visiting the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum. This shrine displays some of the Dead Sea Scrolls, some dating back to the second century BCE. Oscar said that while they were viewing the scrolls, an Israeli woman beside them said she was able to read the scrolls, as the Hebrew language has not changed after all of these centuries. Oscar encourages everyone to visit this deeply inspiring area.

Harry Broaddus checked in with a quick note on the status of the Broaddus household. According to him, Carol is retired, and he is still working as a chemist at DLA Aviation. Their youngest is living in Boston, the oldest is at home in Midlothian, and they have two dogs and a cat. He believes this qualifies them as typical suburbanites. Short, concise and to the point.

Bill Robson has been sidetracked a bit this summer with a case of shingles.

He and Edith were planning on going to their place at The Villages for July and August, but that was delayed until the doctor gave the OK. Fortunately, the doctor came through, and Bill and Edith made it to Florida July 27 with Bill almost fully recovered. They will be returning to Virginia in late August for Edith’s family reunion. Bill says that other than that, all is good.

Tom Mason reports that he sold his P&C Insurance Agency but kept his license and professional designations

2017-Issue 4

Class of 1975: John and Sheila Costa enjoyed a horse-drawn carriage ride through Lexington, Virginia, in June 2017.

Class of 1975: Jim Seitz received the Quilt of Valor Award from the Quilts of Valor Foundation May 1, 2017, at his home in York, Pennsylvania.

Class of 1975: Dean Armstrong in the cockpit of a Douglas DC-3 before his checkout flight at Peachtree, Georgia, in July 2017.

current and is doing some consulting work here and there. He says he is looking forward to the fall and football season that is less than a month away.

He attended the Keydet Club Leadership Outing in June and tells me that our class was well represented. Attending were: Mike Hunter, Billy Hunter, Steve Chapin, Doug Harvey, Art Nunn and Mark Hall. Thanks, Tom, for the update, and I think we all are looking forward to all of the upcoming fall sports.

I heard from Bill Overton in July, and he claims that he and Dolores are doing all of the normal things that retired folks do. Things like visiting and taking care of their five grandchildren, working a little as a senior (retired) judge and traveling. Their travels have taken them to the Caribbean on a cruise (highly recommended); to Las Vegas, which included seeing the Hoover Dam; Nashville and the Grand Olde Opry for the KLOVE awards; Ashville, North Carolina, to see grandchildren; and finally to Highlands, North Carolina, to see the solar eclipse. In the fall, they will be traveling to Portugal for three weeks to visit Dolores’ family. Sounds like you two have eased into retirement successfully.

Keep up the good work.

Rich McFarland checked in, and he has also been busy since he retired last year. It seems that Maco started his retirement on the gim with A-fib issues.

After six months and various medical procedures, he is now off the gim and cleared for duty. He is off most of the meds, but the doctors have stuck a heart loop monitor in his chest so they can keep an eye on him. They informed him that the battery is good for three years, but Maco is not sure what happens after that. He said that he is now chip-enabled and that they are tracking his butt. Since he received his medical clearance, he has been quite busy. First, he visited his son, Josh, in Alaska over the Easter holiday. Josh is a petroleum geologist with BP. He next visited his youngest daughter,

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Class Notes Kelly, in Brooklyn, which he found to be a wilder place to visit than Alaska. He catches up with his oldest daughter, Kate, between her overseas trips with the State Department. Maco adds that things are a little touchy at state right now. He spent the middle of July in Wyoming and Montana with his brother-in-law. While in Cody, Wyoming, they were able to tour the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, a fantastic museum, and also were able to attend a Winchester gun show. Maco has developed an interest in Winchester rifles and has become a novice collector. He spent the rest of the week in Otter, Montana, which he says you can’t find on the map. Best directions are to go to the butt-end of nowhere, take a left and keep going. It seems that his brother-in-law put him to work bringing in the hay on his cattle ranch, but he got demoted to the gate guard after breaking, in turn, the thrasher, the bailer and the bob-cat sweeper. Maco thinks that his brother-in-law figured that Maco’s time in the Army as a tanker somehow qualified him to operate heavy farm machinery. Regardless, he has been invited back in the fall for the elk and deer season. Rich also let me know that his 91-yearold mother, who lived in Staunton, recently died, but he is both thankful and pleased to report that she went peacefully and without struggle or pain in her home with Rich and his two sisters. As his one sister said, “That’s the way I want to go,” and Maco agrees. He appreciates the kind notes sent by several BRs. My mailing that included some pictures from Goshen Pass evoked many happy memories with Harley Myler. He remembers that Frank Settle (chemistry department) and Dean Foster (psychology department) lived out there, and Harley remembers being invited out to their places for some fine home-cooked dinners that made the mess hall look like, well, a mess hall. In summer ’72, Bill Phillips and he were working with Settle on an NSF grant, and during a heavy storm, the river flooded. They decided to take a blow-up raft on the flooded Maury River.

What Harley remembers most about that expedition is catching a “gawd-awful” cold. Harley also remembers how fortunate he was to have been invited to five of his VMI professors’ homes (Settle, Foster, Dillard, Iñigo and Göller for dinner – six, if he can count David Sprunt at Washington and Lee University). Harley is quick to point out that you don’t get that at big universities. Thanks, Harley, for the memories.

Kevin Tamez also recalled some fond memories

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of Goshen Pass. His memories were when our class was taken there after cadre to bask in the sun and ponder the previous 30 days and prepare us for the next four years. He also remembered a rugby team post-match party there, and “they” caught somebody’s daughter frolicking in the river.

He recalls that the rugby team was persona non grata with high-ranking Institute officials for some time. If you were on the team, you will know what he was talking about. He also agreed that this was a favorite escape during summer sessions. He said that he and Charlie “Kahuna” Kaune visited often.

Garland Isaacs checked in to let me know that he continues to travel up and down the East Coast for his employer, Georg Fischer Piping Systems, and that it is getting a little old. He is looking forward to retiring in a year or two. Garland did share some good news regarding his son, Mark, who is attending Southeastern Seminary. Mark recently got a job where he is caring for a 16-yearold autistic child, and he loves it. Meaningful work for a seminary student, and income to help with the cost.

John and Sheila Costa were able to visit Lexington several months ago, and while there, they took a horse-drawn carriage ride through the town with other tourists. The tour is operated by the Lexington Carriage Company and picks folks up right across from the visitor’s center on Washington Street. He highly encourages any BR who is interested in local history to give the tour a try.

He thinks you will learn things you didn’t know

Class of 1975: Rich McFarland visited his son, Josh, and friends in Anchorage, Alaska, over Easter 2017. Pictured were Christina, Josh, Davey Hoen and Rich.

before and have fun in the process.

Rick Hening lost his mother, Georgia Eley Hening (widow to Clark Morgan Hening ’49C), July 9. Rick wants to thank everybody for their thoughts and prayers and also to thank Harry Broaddus for attending the visitation in Powhatan, Virginia. The Hening family reunion that normally is celebrated in July in Georgia was postponed until August. Rick and family plan to travel to Brandon, Mississippi, and spend time with friends and family. While there, he is also hoping to attend a Southern League baseball game and see the Mississippi Braves. Earlier in the summer, Suzanne, Sam and Rick attended the 2017 Croaker Festival in Oriental, North Carolina, where Sam was able to ride in the parade with his uncle. This was a nice visit with Suzanne’s brother and his wife. Another quick getaway for the Hening’s was to the Williamsburg/Yorktown area and a side trip to Busch Gardens. They also saw the Edenton Steamers play The Peninsula Pilots at War Memorial Stadium in a Coastal Plain Baseball League game.

Another highlight of the trip was a two-hour sailing cruise on the Schooner Alliance on the York River and then a visit of the Waterman’s Museum.

Rick reports that Suzanne left Cracker Barrel in August, and he will have his one-year anniversary with Dominos around the same time. He and Suzanne are looking forward to spending time with Andrew and his wife, Tiffany, and their sons, Coltin, Ashton and Ayden – 10, 5 and 14 months, respectively. Rick is looking forward to all fall VMI sports programs and as always extends an invite to all BRs to stop or call if they are traveling I-95 through North Carolina.

Randy Frank checked in and gave me his update from the far Northeast. He started out by saying that, perhaps in anticipation of the upcoming Labor Day gridiron meeting of VMI at the Air Force Academy, he assumed the leadership of the Ski to Sea team that he participates in from a good friend if his Gary Smith, a 1964 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Gary is a veteran of approximately 20 past competitions for this event and a veteran with 200 missions over North Vietnam.

Gary and Randy have worked together as partners in their hospital, and Randy joined the Ski to Sea team about seven years ago, soon after he moved to Eugene. Randy explains that the Ski to Sea event is the biggest annual athletic event in the Northeast. It occurs over the Memorial Day weekend and is a race of approximately 93 miles in length starting at the base of Mount Baker and

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes finishes in Bellingham Bay. This race consists of seven events that include cross country skiing, downhill skiing, an 8-mile run (Randy’s event), road bike leg, canoeing, cyclo-cross and a kayak leg. Randy goes on to say that he would never seek the credit nor would he lord it over a U.S. Air Force Academy alumnus, but in his first year as the leader/manager, their team moved up from a triple to double digit finish for the first time in the past eight years (67th out of approximately 320 teams). He adds that’s not bad for a team that is named, “Man, are we getting old ... or what?”

Perhaps, he says, this portends a VMI victory in Colorado Springs in September. Randy attributes his success to his ability to recruit his nephew from Colorado (an avid skier) for the downhill portion and an athletic schoolteacher as their second canoeist. He feels that this reflects his management skills – or was it that he threw the after-party at his place? Thanks, Randy, for the exhausting 93-mile update.

I received a call from Hamid Moghavemi-Tehrani just at the deadline with a bit of an update.

M.T. is living in Reston, Virginia, with his wife and has two daughters. He also has two granddaughters aged 4 years and 9 months. He owns an engineering company and was involved in President Trump’s campaign. M.T. also said that he has been in touch with Jeff Abravesh who is also in the northern Virginia area, and he is married with two sons. Jeff is with Jacobs Engineering and is currently working on the Metro Transit projects.

Finally, I want to finish with a report from Mike Mulligan about an honor bestowed on Jim Seitz.

The Quilt of Valor Foundation honored Jim with an award May 1, 2017. A handmade quilt comprised of 56 patriotic-themed panels. Jim’s name was submitted by a group of citizens from Pennsylvania. He knew nothing of the award – a total surprise. The only thing Linda told him was to be home around 5 p.m. because some friends were coming over for snacks. The ceremony was held in Jim’s farmhouse, and it included a touching synopsis of Jim’s 40-plus year career in the military and civil service – some of which were in combat zones, including a tour in Kosovo and two tours in Iraq. Congratulations, Jim; that is quite an honor.

Well, that’s it for this time. I want to thank everyone who sent something in. It is great to hear from you guys.

In the spirit.

2017-Issue 4

1976

William Bhatta

It’s August, and I am writing notes for November; I will never adjust to the three-month delay in class notes!

Bill Neal reported from The Villages, between Ocala and Orlando, Florida. Bill said, “Debbie and I have moved again to our last house, and this one might actually be the one.” He still works for Atlas Air. If he is not conducting flight training on international operations, he works at their Miami training center. Bill said, “We are hiring pilots as fast as we can get them in the door, which is a great thing. We are also one of the main air carriers doing the new Amazon Prime flying and its very interesting to see the 767 completely filled with the ubiquitous Amazon boxes that are delivered everywhere every day.” Bill plans to retire in about a year then start working on his bucket list of things to do and see.

I received a great email from William “Bill” Brown. In August, Bill attended a Civil War seminar discussing cavalry operations in the Shenandoah Valley. The event was hosted by the Shenandoah Valley Battlefield Foundation. The foundation buys land to preserve Civil War battlefields and other associated areas in the Shenandoah Valley for future generations to enjoy. He said, “They’re currently running a campaign to buy multiple acres that saw heavy fighting in and around New Market, including some land the Union cavalry did their fatal frontal assault on. They’ve also purchased large sections of a field near Winchester, Virginia, where VMI’s Robert Rodes [’848] was killed.” Rodes was one of the youngest Confederate generals in the Civil War and the first of Robert E. Lee’s divisional commanders not trained at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

One of the presenters at the seminar was Eric Buckland, the author of “Keydet Rangers” (about the VMI cadets in Mosby’s partisan rangers). He spoke about the service of U.S. and Confederate States cavalry in the New Market campaign. Eric’s son and Bill’s son were BRs in the Class of 2010.

Bill said, “Eric is a huge fan of VMI, and if anyone wants to write him to get an autographed copy of his book, let me know; I’ve got his email.”

In August, Bill spent two days with Jim Joustra walking battlefields around Petersburg. Bill said they both had fun and learned a lot from the experience.

Jim Delisio traveled to Texas this past summer to visit family but leveraged the opportunity to have dinner with Jeff and Mary Totaro. Jeff is retired, and Mary is semi-retired. Jim said, “We had a long discussion about them driving to the 40th Reunion. Mary really enjoyed the scenery in the valley. We pitched them on doing the same for our 45th, since maybe the foliage will start to turn and she will get a different perspective, and hopefully it won’t be another 40 years before we see them again.” Jim enjoyed his visit to Texas: He watched the Texas Rangers play Cleveland; saw Cowboys stadium; visited the George W. Bush library at Southern Methodist University; checked out the set of “Fixer Upper” in Waco, Texas; and also saw the Dr Pepper Museum. Jim said, “It was amazing how their product in the ’30s was first touted as medicinal, but a miracle no one got sick from how it was made.”

Jim still works for Ecolab, covering one of the largest sales territories in the country, which includes the MGM Casino at National Harbor, Capitol Hill, Nationals Stadium, Air Force One and everything in between. He started to plan for retirement, but the plan could have some time management challenges, because Jim’s wife, Leigh Anne, said she married him for life, not for lunch. Jim’s youngest daughter, Carrie, is getting married in October next year at a local winery and Jim said, “Dad’s bank has reopened.” Kate has been raising their three grandchildren, so the Delisios plan to hang around northern Virginia for a long time. Their son, A.J., is navigating the culinary field.

Jim and Susan Mallon spent a July vacation week at Ray and Margaret Ramos’ beach house in Ocean Isle, North Carolina. As a bonus, the Ramoses joined them. Jim said, “We had a real nice time jet skiing, going to the beach, dining out and visiting Fort Fisher near Wilmington.”

Mike and May Lou Tate live in the area and joined them for dinner one night. Mary Lou is still working as a nurse, and Mike is a consultant with Booz Allen and Hamilton in Washington, D.C. Jim said, “Ray’s roof consultant business (Raymond Engineering) is doing well and growing with son Michael joining the business Sept. 1.” Jim’s wife, Susan, started her final year of teaching, and Jim continues to perform

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Class Notes construction project management at Dominion Energy.”

J.R. Mott and family are working on their second, back-to-back tour in Germany; it extended them through August 2018. J.R. said, “That way, the girls can have another full year of school in the German system. We love the German schools. We don’t know where we will return to. Lexington is an option ... or we may try somewhere else.” J.R is looking forward to one last follow-on government service job in the U.S. to settle his family and to retire from government service within the next three years.

The Mott girls are thriving in Germany: Yvonne, 7 years old, is in first grade, speaks German, is a Girl Scout, plays the violin and takes gymnastics lessons. J.R. said, “More importantly, she is the defensive star on my 5- to 6-year-old soccer team, the Blue Fire Breathing Water Dragons.” Renee, 5 years old, is in her second year of kindergarten (Germans attend a multiyear kindergarten), understands German and can speak it when she wants to, and also plays on J.R.’s soccer team.

Mei, J.R.’s wife, stays busy, homeschools the kids after school, attends art class and is J.R.’s assistant soccer coach.

As for myself, I am thinking about retirement in two years, or sooner, if I have one bad day at work. Family is doing great: Michelle retired from the University of Richmond, David ’06 graduated from Command and General Staff College and returned to Fort Bragg so he could turn around and deploy to Southeast Asia, Laura and her husband are busy raising our third grandchild, and Allison is still working in the Denver area waiting for me to move out there so we can flip houses. She wants to name our new company Bhatta Home (pronounced Bought-a-home). Get it?

In June, I reached out to all BRs soliciting support for Bill Favier’s daughter. About this time last year, Brianne was involved in a serious automobile accident. She sustained a severe spinal cord injury resulting in quadriplegia. Thankfully, she can breathe on her own, talks fine, and has some use of her arms and hands. She is supported by Bill and Lois, uses a motorized wheelchair and goes to therapy three times a week. She continues to get stronger, increasing what she can do. A nonprofit account was established to support fundraising for Brianne’s uninsured expenses (now and in the future). As of these notes, $21,500 has been raised toward a $30,000 goal. You can still help Brianne reach her objective my making a tax

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deductible donation at https://helphopelive.org/ campaign/12807. If you prefer to send a check, it can be mailed to Help Hope Live, Two Radnor Corporate Center, 100 Matsonford Road, Suite 100, Radnor, PA 19087. In the check memo line put: In honor of Brianne S. Favier. If you want to contact Bill directly, I can send you his email address.

And now, the BR minute: Jake Berberich is doing well. In June, he left Ralph Lauren information technology but is executing the same job as a contractor. Jake said, “I’ll be in the same location, just a new colored ID badge.” Mark Sculley is exploring Utah to see if it is suitable for retirement next year. Celebrated Dave Heatwole’s visit to Virginia with his two sons this past summer with beer and BRs at the local Capital Ale House in Midlothian, Virginia. Rocky Glass, Bob Gleason, Jim Mallon and Lee Godsey attended. I apologize if I missed someone; the beer and BR comradery clouded my memory.

That’s it for these notes. Wishing you a safe and happy Thanksgiving in November and holiday season in December!

Class of 1977: Class Agent Mark Bryant said of this photo: “Kimber Latsha repping super ’77 in Europe.”

1977

Mark Bryant

Hello again, super ’77. As usual, the summer months have passed by quickly, and all of those things I was planning to get done are still mostly not. I am writing these notes, as usual, months ahead of time – Aug.15 in this case – but you will not see them published in the Review, as usual, until November. Life here in the Shenandoah Valley outside Lexington is not bad. School is about to start again. The new rat mass reported Aug. 19 and was expecting more than 500 new cadets to sign the book and start the usual activities. Football and both men’s and women’s soccer has been on post for a few weeks now, and the fall soccer season starts before August ends. The basketball team is just returning from a tour in Europe. Lots of cadets remain around post for summer school and summer research projects and such, and by the time the Old Corps returns from summer furlough Aug. 27, nearly 1,200 cadets will already be back in barracks! In addition to the new cadets and the early returning athletes,

Class of 1977: Rick Joslyn with one of Hemingway’s cats in Key West.

Class of 1977: Bob Hartzell annotated some classic Chris Manno artwork.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes has a good deal worked out with the the cadre, the band and many others Coast Guard where VMI grads who will be back for early activities. It’s apply and qualify can commission in never really quiet here. the USCG after graduating.

The biology department has not yet And, all were treated to a grand and come to its senses and is having me wonderful travel tour via Facebook return as an adjunct professor, teachlast summer courtesy of Debbie and ing two classes this fall. So, I will be on Kimber Latsha as they went to some post each morning for lectures and one beautiful destinations and experiences afternoon lab each week. It keeps me in France, Germany and other Eurobusy and in touch.

I have heard from some of you in pean spots. Looked like a wonderful response to my email solicitation, and and inspiring time, and we thank DebI’m glad to hear from you. Makes it bie very much for the sharing and the way easier to come up with something photos! to write here.

Hope this finds all of you BRs doing Stephen Heinrich checked in from well, and by the time you see it in the New Orleans to update with some Class of 1977: Tom Underhill, Kevin Knotts, J.J. Marshall, Buzzy Review, I will be beating you up again Northen and Buster Pace all gave the brother rat blessing to news. He and Grace are still thriving, the bride at the wedding of Buster’s son. for contributions to the next installalbeit with a few surgeries along the ment. Hopefully, I’ll have a few photos way. (Seems familiar to many of us!) Looking forChris Manno wrote to stay in touch. Chris is and updates from you all to keep this space full! ward to being able to travel and will be vacationing active on Facebook, so it is good that I can keep Best to all of you, and RVM. in Key West soon. Not sure we have much of a up with him there. Recent vacations in New OrMark B. VMI presence there, but I remember it as a nice leans and Destin, Florida, have given him a break place to visit, and my old roommate Rick Joslyn from his continued 33 years flying for American and his wife, Mauriel, visited there recently.

Airlines. Chris is an adjunct professor teaching Rob Brown was good to check in recently. He English at Texas Wesleyan University and just Tom Brown and Laura are still settled in Tennessee. They do published no less than his third novel this past not get back to Lexington as much as they once July. Sure, Chris must have cloned himself at did, but Laura was a native, of course, and both of some point, or he just never sleeps. their boys attended Washington and Lee UniverBob Hartzell stays in touch and sent in a cool Salutations, ’78! sity, so we certainly hope they will make the trek photo from one of his travels. Back at one of I hope all have enjoyed a pleasant fall and are again soon. his old Air Force digs on a business visit, he got Rich Howell keeps us up to date on Facebook into one of the old club spaces to discover some looking forward to April 20-21, 2018, for our 40th Reunion. Forty years – yikes! You would begin and is now quite the serious road bike guy, recentgraffiti-style artwork that was, in part, very recly completing his first century ride and chalking ognizable. It was obviously a Manno original to consider us “Old Corps” or something. The up many fast miles around home in Williamsfrom the days when most of us were captains, so response to status checks has been great. We do burg. With family still in Lexington, it is good to Hartz snapped a photo of himself updating the not need a life update from you in a check; just let see Rich and Diane around town occasionally. piece and to let us know that, thanks to Manno, everyone know that you are “all right!” Here are Buster Pace let me know he is still staying busy Super ’77 will show up in an archaeological dig the latest results of the August status check.

Bob Magnan: “Nothing other than ‘yet another’ around Philadelphia with frequent business trips someday. to Russia still going on. He recently put his faCheck out the photo of alumni serving in the flyover by Trumpforce One. Apparently, I missed the ‘real’ fun later in the day: Someone in a small mous cookout skills to use while sending off the front of the Review to see Bob and Debbie Hartzplane violated the no-fly area over Bernardsville Philly area new cadets with other area alumni in ell’s son serving in the Army in Iraq.

August.

Ralph George let me know he was traveling (about 12 miles southwest of me) and the U.S. Air Mo Slagle checked in from St. Louis to let us France last August and made note of visiting Force scrambled. Parts of it were visible/audible know he is hanging on. He shared the news of a the site in Normandy where Joe Santelli’s father from my neighborhood while I was at the grocery. new granddaughter, who is now holding a provijumped in with the 82nd Airborne on D-Day. Looking forward to April 2018.”

Tom Sliwoski: “All’s well with me in Staunton.” sional appointment for the Class of 2039! VMI How cool is that? Our class had many stories even John Tucker: “Nothing new to report this sure does span some time in our connections, before we got to the “I.” huh? Mo noted the passing of his father recently, Lee Foresman was in contact to let us know time. All is well in Columbus, Ohio, with a mild an event becoming more shared in our age group. I that, even after retiring from the Coast Guard, he summer.”

Rob Traver: “Just had a great trip to the Baltic. know that Sid Huguenin also noted the passing of is still active with a company called Crisis Track The first thing Russian immigration asked was his father in a Facebook post back in June. and looking to help out any cadets of today. VMI

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Class Notes September through November we’re taking a modo plan to be there for the 40th.” if I was military! Maybe I need to grow that hair Jimmy Leech: “We are ‘all right’ here. We desome! 1978+40=2018 ... ouch!” tor home trip through the Northwest, to include Frank W. Fountain: “All right. Still in private cided to stay in Corpus Christi for the time being Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, Michigan’s Uppractice in New York. Looking forward to the and bought a house in April. This puts us at the per Peninsula, then down to Big Bend National 40th!” midpoint geographically, as we have family on Park, San Antonio and back to California.”

Chops Parker: “I’m back in the States after both coasts, in Mexico and in the upper Midwest.

Leland Horn: “Not much to report this time. Fispending the past two years in Taiwan. Visited Whew! We will be in Lexington for Parents Weeknally settled in the new place and new job, so life is don Rob Jr. and family in San Francisco on the end in September. I chose that, because I wanted returning to normal.” way back – great time. Vacationing with daughter my wife to get a good feel for what VMI is like Tim Berkhimer: “Checking in, ‘All right, sir,’ now at The Homestead. I’ll likely be heading back in full cry – going to the game and everything. from Virginia Beach. Also checking in for BR and overseas in a month or so; not sure where.”

We also will be visiting with family in Lexington roommate Bill Pearson, who joined the Hampton Jay Hutt: “Ren’s Cape May wedding to Laura and northern Virginia, as well as with my roomRoads Harbor Tunnel Team at VDOT a couple of Nolan in June is about it from here. About all the mate Chris Brock and his wife. We’ll conclude the months ago. Who would have thought that would excitement I can stand, anyway – unless you count trip with a one-day visit to D.C., primarily for my ever happen? A couple of roommates who went washer-dryer relocation activities.” on to be professional engineers – one electrical the wife’s edification.”

Ron Dolan: “All right, all up. Many other civil – working together 40 years airways traveled crisscrossing the USA after graduation? When the human and internationally since my last staresources rep handed me Bill’s application and asked me if I knew him, I tus. We continue to be in Washingreplied that not only did I know him, ton, D.C., every month working with Congress, Senate, the Department of but I had slept with him for two years!

Bill’s looking good for a man his age!

Defense and NASA on important isDeb and I are looking forward to hangsues for mission assurance and risk ing out with Jim Mackin and Regina mitigation; interesting work for sure at their place in Nags Head over the – especially with the change in administration. We are about a year out from Labor Day weekend. Hoping we hit retirement and doing some final big the beach on Oregon Inlet and pick a projects at the lake house. We are enfew crabs to close down summer ’17.”

Jim Mackin: “Hello from the Outer joying time with friends, our children and five grandchildren over these sum- Class of 1978: At Smith Mountain Lake for a room 161+1 reunion Banks! Everything is all right here. Rewere Dave Lucado, Greg Gearhart, Allen Moore, Tom Tanner, mer months, planning on some days Ginger Harris Tanner, Judith Gore Gearhart, Ann-Ashby O’Brien gina and I are spending a 10-day vacaof fishing and hunting throughout the McKissick, Susan Moore and Mark McKissick. tion at our house in Kill Devil Hills, fall. I did a quick drive through LexNorth Carolina.”

Terry Dorn: “All right here. Headed to Cancun ington and stopped at the Institute at the end of Other news collected along the way this sumMay; it was very quiet, except for a few remaining in a few days. Seventh grandchild on the way. mer: The Lynchburg quarterly beer call was atBeth’s business is doing well. Prostate cancer in tended by Jay Hutt, Mark Lowe, Drew Faulconer cadets. It was about 2100 when I came through.” check. Life is good.”

Robby Burke: “My status is ‘all right’ in spite of and me. We try to keep in touch and share memoPaul Campbell: “My latest medical checkups a little health scare back in February. I just read the ries. Drew had some great stories I had not heard ’78 class notes in the Alumni Review, and I want have all been good. My next one is at the end of before. You will have to ask him about his extra September. Martha and I have bought a house time at the “I.” From my Facebook watching, a to tell Pete Manoso and everyone else that, as of Aug. 6, I have been married to my Ring Figure in Chesterfield County (about 5-6 miles, as the great time at Tom Tanner’s was had with the room date for 39 years. My wife, Karen, and I are fine – crow flies, from our current home). We will be 161+1 reunion. Dave Lucado, Greg Gearhart, still living in Harrisonburg. I still work as a prison closing Aug. 16 and moving into the new home Allen Moore, Tom Tanner, Ginger Harris Tanchaplain, but I recently moved to the Augusta Cor- on the 17th. We have a few things that need to ner, Judith Gore Gearhart, Ann-Ashby O’Brien rectional Center near Staunton. It happens to be be done to the old house (e.g., painting, floors, McKissick, Susan Moore and Mark McKissick the closest state prison to Lexington, and there are etc.) then we’ll put the old house on the market. met at Tom’s house on Smith Mountain Lake. Old several alums on the staff. I haven’t found any in Hopefully, it will sell quickly. It’s hard to believe men can waterski.

That concludes the news; now for a little busithe inmate population yet. Since my last report, that Martha and I have been living in this house we have added our fifth grandchild to our family. for 24 years, especially since I had never lived ness. As the reunion is just around the corner in April, please make sure you have updated your In addition to the prison ministry, Karen and I co- anywhere else for more than three years.”

Alec Earle: “All’s well with Sheila and I. email and/or home address so you are kept inpastor the Antioch United Church of Christ just We’re in California tending to our almond farm formed. We hope to see as many BRs as possioutside of Harrisonburg. Karen is also in seminary working on her Master of Divinity degree. I and prepping for our first (very small) harvest. ble. Please remember the reunion is really about

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Class Notes coming together and remembering our shared experiences in life and at the “I.” Please contact any BRs you may be close with and encourage them to come. There will be fewer and fewer opportunities as the years march on. The details are in the beginning stages as this is written but will be more solidified by the time of publication. Go to the vmialumni.org Reunion Central page to keep informed. Also, please join us on our Facebook page, VMI 78. For those of you who do not do Facebook but your spouse does, have them request to join. We all look forward to a great time in April. In the spirit.

1979

Michael Ogden

I go through this painful and arduous period just before class notes are due, enduring the angst and dread in trying to pull something of substance from you guys. Read, answer, copy, paste, edit, Renee proofreading, edit again, Renee again and send ... ugh. I put off the actual work as long as I possibly can, literally the night before (do my best work with a looming deadline, I think). Then a funny thing happens; my morale begins to slowly lift as I go through the process reading about my BRs – reconnecting, in a way. I ultimately end up in very high spirits as I hit the send button. While you might think it is because I am finally done with our submission, I think it is because of that reconnection and helping my BRs stay in touch. Renee will tell you that we do this class agent thing to do all we can do to keep ’79 “attached.” Very rewarding. No, seriously! It helps that we feel the genuine gratitude from the Class. Oh, by the way, the 40th Reunion with be in spring (gasp) 2019 – closer than you think. You will start to see thoughts and ideas around the first of the year.

R.J. Bartol checked in reporting that he is officially retired from Dominion Energy after 37-plus years and from the Army Reserve after 25 years. R.J.’s wife, Marguerite, is also retired, and they are living the dream in beautiful Aylett, Virginia (which is between Mechanicsville and Tappahannock). R.J. said, “Lots of hunting and fishing is on the agenda for me, along with the honey-do list that seems to never end.” Congrats, R.J. and Marguerite!

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John Poffenbarger recounted a visit by a very accomplished BR! “In late June, I received an invitation from our BR General Surapong SuwanaAdth, chief of defense forces for the Royal Thai Armed Forces, to attend a retirement celebration for Surapong that was hosted by the Thai Embassy at the Sequoia Restaurant at Washington Harbor July 9, 2017. I rounded up several of our Charlie Company BRs who knew Surapong well to attend the celebration. Those who attended included Tom Manley and his wife, Annette; Doug Doerr and his wife, Corrine; Rich McGruder; Brian Tollie and Gleb Taran. My father, Bill Poffenbarger ’55; my brother, Tom, and his wife, Kim; and my wife, Beth, also attended. Surapong; his wife, Kai; daughter, Minnie; and representatives from the Thai Embassy and the U.S. Army Defense attaché assigned to Bangkok who worked with Surapong were also present. We exchanged gifts with Surapong, which included the Bob Morris Hawaiian 35th Reunion shirt, a VMI hat Tom Manley brought that we all signed congratulating Surapong on his retirement, and a VMI ’79 challenge coin. Surpapong gave our BRs his personalized challenge coin, and our spouses received gifts, as well. It was a wonderful evening, and a celebration that those in attendance will never forget.”

Jeff Vodermark and the Kansas City-area VMI contingent also had the privilege of hosting Gen. Surapong Suwana-Adth on the occasion of his induction into the U.S. Army Command and

General Staff College International Hall of Fame July 11. This is a huge honor bestowed upon distinguished foreign graduates, and the Institute was definitely heard from on this great day! It was a very nice ceremony and great excuse to gather the local chapter. Jeff said, “General Surapong, who by the way, hasn’t changed one whit and could probably still fit into his blouse, hosted a number of us the evening before at dinner (Italian, not Thai food), and I learned that Thailand has their very own VMI alumni chapter. With 70 graduates, they ought to! I took the opportunity at dinner to give Surapong a copy of my very own book – meaning I’ve now gone international! Overall, it was a great visit with Surapong and his wonderful family. His visit marked the summer high point here in Kansas for us. Now, it’s back to teaching, as the new contingent of CGSC students has arrived and are eager to get started.”

Curt McCabe is still on point for Army in the Pentagon. Curt said the contract shuffle in May allowed him to move from the information technology requirements department, where he has worked for the last 13 or so years, to the IT policy and resourcing department with the same organization. Curt writes, “Excellent change for me.

Allows me to look and plan beyond just a few programs to a far broader portfolio.” Curt had his 60year physical last month. That resulted in a stress test that very fortunately discovered a good sized blockage of one of his coronary arteries. He had

Class of 1979: The Kansas City-area VMI contingent had the privilege of hosting Gen. Surapong Suwana-Adth, chief of defense forces for the Royal Thai Armed Forces, on the occasion of his induction into the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College International Hall of Fame July 11. Pictured at the ceremony were, from left, Bob Salvatorelli ’83, Maj. Frank Dolberry ’06, Susan and Jeff Vordermark, Surapong with daughter Mitila and wife Vanvimol, John Pilloni ’86, Steve and Maryanne Tennant ’81, Jeff Basilotta ’80, and Bill Theus ’83.

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Class Notes also passes that he and BRs Mike “The Ghoul” Chip Humphrey attended a birthday celebrait cleaned it out at Walter Reed and installed a few stents. Good news, as all is well. Curt continues, Thomas, Jim Leavitt, and Meade Spotts are plantion for Howard Adams in July as he obtained “This year, my daughter begins her sixth year of the milestone of 60 years of age. Brother rats in ning an upcoming October dive trip to the Cayteaching here in northern Virginia. She is an Eng- man Islands, where Jim has graciously agreed to attendance included Steve Lyon, Mory Wood, lish as a second language teacher and also transi- host his BRs and a few longtime dive friends for Eric Nost, Nectar Pace and Tim Fitch. Chip tioning from head junior varsity softball coach to an annual “man trip” to paradise. Meade’s last says Howard is doing well and is in excellent assistant varsity coach. Interestingly enough, she trip down some six years ago resulted in a slight spirits as he joins us in facing the aging process teaches at George C. Marshall High School, the social faux pas on the part of his BRs when they for all in VMI’s Class of 1979.

Dean Smith ran into Bill Albro at the Federal home of the Statesman. Both of my sons live here took him down for an extended deep night dive in northern Virginia, as well. My oldest has two despite his not having gone scuba diving in over Facilities Council and had a few minutes to chat awesome softball stars, one of whom is heading to 20-plus years. That event is still the topic of many as the group discussed prolonged deficit in maincollege next year. Yet to convince her to become a a conversation over uncountable poolside rum and tenance funds and how to cut utility costs. Dean Keydet. She’s looking at the standard schools up coke sessions! says Bro and Barb are doing well and looking David Smith penned, “Linda and I are do- forward to the next chapter, maybe a 55-and-over the I-81 corridor and the University of Virginia.

Very bright young lady, so we’ll see where she ing well, although I continue with the ongocommunity somewhere near Richmond. He also lands. Youngest son is a writer/editor for an in- ing check-ups. Still living in Ashburn with few chatted with Dan Sheahan after he was again at ternational public relations firm. He’s just recently real changes. My mother is turning 90 this ROTC summer camp. Dan had just completed the RAMROD 152 mile 10,000 foot climb started an indie music blog, ‘Somearound Mount Rainer. Dean told him thing Good Music,’ highlighting new he’d start at the top next year and meet artists not affiliated with major labels.” him halfway next year. He reports that I will echo Curt’s final comment: “Get Dan and Bridget are doing well. your physical, BRs!” I think you may Dave Riedel writes, “Marie and I have heard that once or twice in past were vacationing at Hungry Mother notes. My physical is in September.

State Park and met with Ray WhitJust sayin’.

Asa Page recently checked in. Both ner and Debbie for dinner and to talk he and Karen were out in southern about what the kids are up to. In adUtah recently checking out potential dition, this time next week, we will areas for their retirement in a couple drop off our youngest son, John, for of years. They’ve both fallen in love Matriculation. “ with hiking and the rugged beauty of Jay Gede checked in. “I am still practhe western mountains, the history of ticing law as a senior partner at Hogan Class of 1979: General Surapong Suwana-Adth was in Washington, the western states, and fly-fishing. Dur- D.C., in early July and had dinner with a few brother rats. This was Lovells. My daughter is a lawyer in ing a recent study conducted by the his last visit to the U.S. before his retirement from the Thai Royal Baltimore, and my son (VMI ’08) is VMIAA on alumni involvement, Asa Armed Forces. After the gathering, Surapong headed to his hall the general counsel of a company in of fame induction ceremony at the Command and General Staff Raleigh, North Carolina, and has two noticed that the state of Utah has a College in Fort Leavenworth. Pictured were Gleb Taran, Rich Mcwhopping 42 total VMI alumni. That Gruder, Brian Tollie, John Poffenbarger, Tom Manley, Doug Doerr, children with a third on the way. My cousin’s son matriculated this week on might be changing, as Asa passes that Surapong Suwana-Adth and Bill Poffenbarger ’55. a lacrosse scholarship. Lacrosse team one of his primary considerations for has sure come a long way. Just got a new horse (17 considering Utah would be that hopefully Meade October, so we are celebrating by going on a Spotts won’t beat him to the punch as he did back cruise from Baltimore to Bermuda and back. hand Percheron) from a farm near Middlesberg, in 1975 and sign up for the state license plate of We’ll be going to the Outer Banks for a week Virginia; our herd is up to four now. Sharon and I “VMI 79.” Additionally, and not to overlook the in September – wonder if any BRs in North are going to go to an Orioles versus Yankees game nearby state of Arizona, in early January, both he Carolina live near the coast. Hmmm ... I al- with Steve Heatwole and his wife in early Septemand Karen are planning a two-week trip checking ways miss the BR breakfasts, because my boss ber, so he can fill me in on retired life.” out the Grand Canyon (by foot) among several expects me to work on Saturdays. You should Ray Duffett got the chance to spend the day other areas within Arizona. Later on, they’ll be tell everyone who lives in Virginia to write or with his son, Ross, and John Hatgas ’19, both preparticipating in “glamping” (glamour + camping) email the governor to tell him to give more meds, with them shadowing him both in the office sometime in May, where they’ll hike several miles funding and resources to the Virginia Defense and surgery at Southwoods Surgical Hospital in a day and then somehow survive the rigorous con- Force. They’re part of the Department of MiliYoungstown, Ohio. Cool!

Bill Albro writes, “So, all is well in southern ditions of the wilderness by spending the night tary Affairs but have to buy their own equipin tents with Champagne service, Tempur-Pedic ment and are allotted very little. For all that, Maryland – not too much going on except work mattresses and gourmet campfire cooking. Asa they’re quite dedicated to the commonwealth.” and waiting for the fall to do leaf peeping and

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Class Notes such. So far, we have had a mild summer with some unusually low humidity and pleasant temperatures. I’ve run the usual traps of contacts.

Missed the get-together with the northern Virginia BRs for breakfast; it sounded like a great one with breakfast, a whiskey distillery and guns in Purcellville, Virginia. Noel Harris is working on the farm in Gloucester, Virginia. Touched base with Sput Leadbetter; all is well with the sentinels of the Antipoison Neck estate. Got a phone call and attended a meeting with Dean Smith; we vowed to have dinner and a Nat’s game someday soon.”

Bob Sievert and Angela “roadtripped” to Wells, Maine, in August to “work from home” for two weeks. Included two days of day-tripping to the capitols of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine to work projects with their state procurement folks. This was an experiment to see if they could incorporate “vagabonding” into Bob’s new career as a consultant. Bob said, “All I need is an airport nearby. So far, so good. Next candidate location is Key Largo!”

John Kailey, still recovering from a knee injury, can’t run anymore, so it is now swimming, walking and elliptical. Eventually, he will have it replaced. He does report, “Even after falling and injuring my bad knee again in April, I was able to bounce back and hike the Appalachian Trail in July. I have now crossed into North Carolina, although it appears that someone moved Mount Everest from Nepal to North Carolina; I managed to summit it and move on. Not bad for 60!” John continued, “Our oldest son is contemplating commissioning in the U.S. Marine Corps. Tried to talk him out of it, so I guess he will go into the family business. Other than that, looking forward to more hiking and getting older.”

Doug Doerr always finds time to help me with notes, and I want all to know how appreciative we are that he does! He checked in, “On June 24-25, I rendezvoused with John and Jessie Arthur for Bike Virginia at Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista.

We rode a metric century that Saturday and a halfcentury that Sunday. I’ll tell you from personal experience that John and Jessie are in good shape!

While on the ride, John and I discussed our next reunion. John was thinking that while the golfers were golfing, we would host our other BRs for 40 miles for 40 years bike ride. This would take about 4-5 hours to complete. John and I will probably do some rides to pick the right route – hopefully going out past Goshen and return. This would be quite a challenge not only to ourselves, but to other

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classes! We did have another BR breakfast July 8, which was attended by Bill Albro, John Carty, Henri Chase, Ed Johnson, Tom Manley, Rich McGruder, Anthony Pais, John Poffenbarger, Mike Staso, Eric Schwarz and Gleb Taran. This time, we met up in Purceville, Virginia, so Tom Manley and I could get on our bicycles and ride on the Washington and Old Dominion Trail. We did about 30 miles on it! Tom continues to help me with other cycling events, such as cycling merit badge, for some of my former scouts.”

Pete Underwood wrote about his adventurous summer: “Brian Tollie and I took a BR trip in late May. We have been planning a trip like this this for years, and the stars finally lined up. We went to Helsinki, Finland; Tallin, Estonia; Riga, Latvia; and Vilnius, Lithuania. Emphasis was on military sites, fortifications and museums, with a few local beers to keep the process moving smoothly. Anita and I also had dinner with Phil and Carmella Southers in July. In preparation for their imminent retirement, they have bought a camper-van. They were at Chippokes Plantation near Smithfield breaking it in for some future cross-country adventures. We rendezvoused for dinner in Smithfield.”

We close with always entertaining words from Meade Spotts. “Forgive me, BR, for I have sinned – it has been over XXX years since my last submission, so much of this is dated. I was able to catch up with Hall, R.F., aka the California Kid, as he surveyed his East Coast holdings last year. Bad part was that also meant catching up with the rest of room 154 – Nost and Harris. Albro and I went

by Noel’s totally dark house very late one Saturday night. Alcohol may have been involved by one or more non-drivers. After incessant knocking, Noel sent his youngest daughter down, then his bride, and only when he was sure it was safe did the Mule make an appearance. Some things never change. The hospitality of the Harris women made the trip worthwhile. Went to the state’s environmental conference last year at VMI and saw BR Beebe and our resident General Smith. Saw Jeff again at a cyber conference in Lexington and learned he worked on Cyber Command – who knew? Impressed my Amazon clients that a lowly history major (me) went to school with such important high-tech scholars. Also ran the 5K at the environment event with my daughter, who (ouch) is a Mink. Was getting tired while running up the Nile near the old (now new) baseball field when I realized the last time I ran there, we were all wearing fatigues, boots and were carrying M-14s.

Suddenly, the run became much easier. We won the father-daughter category (applicants were limited). See BR Elliott at the gym on a regular basis; we’re both still trying to out-exercise the fork. The ’79 highlight of last year was the infamous Jeter tailgate cookout – good food, many BRs and tall tales – we may have even won the football game!”

Hope this finds everyone well. Thanks for all the notes input.

–M

1980

John Gibney Jr.

Hello, Brother Rats, These notes cover the period May 16, 2017, through Aug. 15, 2017. As I type, we are approaching 41 years since matriculation and we just passed 37 years since commencement.

A reminder: I only write about news received firsthand. Therefore, information shared via social media outlets is not included.

The period began with a text message from Andy Ludlum, who was streaming the New Market Day parade.

Walt and Mary Lynne Wood sent an update on their ministry work in Peru (www.teamperu.org) in the form of a four-page color brochure. They planned to visit Alaska Sept. 7 through Oct. 2.

Jack Keane sent an email with an attached photo taken after a dinner he had with Dave Gleason and Steve Kraus.

Ed Baker sent an email after receiving the May issue of the Alumni Review. Ed and Dianna live in the Wilmington, North Carolina, area and are renovating their beach cottage in Cape Hatteras in preparation for retirement. Ironically, Ed is very busy at work in his OBGYN practice with an increased workload due to a gap between the departure of one partner and the hiring of a replacement. Their son, Charlie, is doing well living and working in Greensboro. Their daughter, Katie, is also doing very well in San Diego, California. In their free time, Ed and Dianna follow the Carolina Hurricanes, and in June, they attended the wedding of Dennis Loba’s daughter. They plan to attend a VMI football game in the fall.

May ended with a call with Gary Levenson.

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Class Notes family at our house in the Poconos. Gary said that Gary is VMI’s deputy commandant, and he rehe saw Pat Griffin who brought his son, John, to ported seeing Pat Griffin at graduation. Gary and VMI for the Summer Transition Program.

Karen are not planning to visit New York City July ended with an email from Pat McCarthy in July. Gary said that discussions were undercontaining a prayer calendar and a reference to his way regarding the annual get-together in the fall scheduled trip to Peru. organized by Mike Luning and Rob Quarles, August began with a call from Ray and Carla among others. I was subsequently forwarded an Joinson. They were in New Jersey, driving from email message from Mike Luning providing the their home in Tennessee to the Boston area and date (Sept. 21-24) and information on accomthen headed to Niagara Falls. modations.

On the same day, Chris Dombalis called. We June began with an email from Phil Munisteri planned to meet for lunch in the city later in August. containing a link to an article in a local Long IsBob White sent an email with photos from a land newspaper that chronicled his unique way bucket-list trip he was taking with his family to of motivating his fourth-grade students to read Class of 1980: Dwight Pearson in New Scotland, England and Ireland. The trip included (80 books in 80 days – nice touch, Phil) and notYork City in July, taking a break from attending the British Open at Royal Birkdale in ing that Phil is retiring in June after 32 years. The hiking the Appalachian Trail.

England. Bob has now traveled to see firsthand next issue of the Alumni Review will elaborate three of the four golfing majors, havon the story. Phil and Kathy’s daughter, Meghan, has one year of medical ing attended the Masters and the school remaining. Their son, Connor, U.S. Open. Bob also wrote that while is pursuing a law enforcement career. wearing a VMI hat at the Old Course They are looking forward to their anin St. Andrew’s, Scotland, he was apnual trip with Matthew and Tanya proached by a Scot who attended VirKeys. ginia Commonwealth University on a golfing scholarship. Small world.

The June edition of The Institute Report contained two items about As I wrote last time, Dwight PearLt. Col. Anne Alerding, John’s wife son set out from Springer Mountain, and an associate professor of biology Georgia, March 31 in an attempt to at VMI. The first item referenced two complete the 2,189-mile-long Appalagrants Anne has received for her rechian Trail. On a daily basis, Dwight’s wife, Joanne, sends an email with phosearch. The second acknowledged her tos that discusses Dwight’s progress. receipt of a Distinguished Teaching As of Aug. 15, Dwight was 135 days Award, recognizing outstanding teaching and academic mentorship.

Class of 1980: Jack Keane, Dave Gleason and Steve Kraus after into his journey and had completed Jack Keane sent an email with a pho- dinner in Washington, D.C., in May. nearly 1,700 miles. Dwight has also sent to me a thank you card for sendto of Tom Gelles standing next to the ing his birthday card in May, which he received on Stanley Cup and holding a VMI bumper sticker. the trail. He has also sent two postcards.

Tom lives outside Pittsburgh and, of course, the Pens won the cup in June.

I hope everyone enjoyed their summer. Thank I spoke briefly with Robby Jones on his birthday. you for your support. Please keep in touch.

Robby and Beth were celebrating at dinner at a newly-opened brewery in Lexington.

July brought a text message from Dave Hagemann containing Dave and Diana’s new home Jerry Manley address in Michigan.

I spoke with Jack Keane on his birthday. Jack lives and works in the D.C. area. He plans to work through 2020 then retire to Connecticut.

I also spoke with Gary Levenson who was on Brother Rats, vacation but preparing for another school year – Sadly, it is one of those times where I must start Class of 1980: Tom Gelles in Pittsburgh as I type, cadre has begun. Gary and Karen plan off our class notes acknowledging the loss of bein June following the Penguins’ Stanley to travel to New York City for Thanksgiving and loved family members for two of our brother rats, Cup win. will stay in our apartment, as Patti and I host her and I pray I do them honors in this write up.

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Class Notes with stingrays, watching a hummingFirst, Ms. Carol “Jane” Locher, adoring mother to BR John Locher. bird, viewing a wonderful sunrise or Jane died peacefully in her home simply walking along noticing flowers.

May 21, 2017, after a long battle with She loved to travel and explore and did cancer. A memorial service celebrating so whenever she could. She shared her her life was held at the St. John’s Episawe with others, helping them see so many beautiful things that they may copal Church in Glasgow, Virginia. have otherwise missed. Aileen loved Brother rats who were able to attend her family fiercely. She cheered on and represent the class included Jeff her daughters, Joyce and Amanda, at and Cindy Gill, Ron and Koy Mismarching band contests, science fair, lowski, Jim Hart, Bruce Gitchell, art, soccer games and track meets as Mackey Spears, and me. Alumni from they grew up and always encouraged other classes were also in attendance in them to pursue their dreams. She had support of John and his brother, Mia true servant’s heart.” (Our prayers chael ’84. The best way to honor Jane, are with you, as well, Jesse. I regret not perhaps, is to print the loving words that John shared with the class: “My Class of 1981: John Myer with son Daniel Myer, wife Lori and being able to show support in person, daughter Nikki at Daniel’s graduation from Navy Boot Camp in as you did for my brother many years mother was a true VMI mom, having the Great Lakes. ago, sir.) met and prepared meals for many of With that, BRs, always tough to my BRs, as well as my brother’s BRs make the transition to the more posifrom the Class of ’84. Additionally, Mom Locher’s (as they all called her) tive, but let me change course and house was the place several of our felshare the updates that were received.

I was happily surprised to hear low BRs would leave their unauthorfrom John Myers. While John shared ized cars, get a ride from mom back to this was his “first check-in in years” barracks or just come over to mom’s and that he hasn’t been back to VMI for breakfast on the weekend when since our 5th Reunion, he promised they needed to get away from the ‘I.’ he would stay in touch and grace his She loved all of mine and my brother’s BRs at the 40th Reunion. (That’s my classmates she met. Throughout the story, John, and I am sticking to it!) years since we graduated, mom has reJohn reported that all is well in Cedar ceived many a call, cards, flowers and Crest, New Mexico, where he is workvisits from my brother and my Classes Class of 1981: Bob Osler ’80, Gabe Mastrobuono and Joe Tulskie of ’81 and ’84. Many thanks from the ’78 at a Philadelphia alumni event in May. ing with Sandia National LaboratoLochers to each of you for including ries. He and his family have been there our mom in your VMI cadetship and post-cadet since 1994. John’s beautiful wife, Lori, obtained life and for including her in your thoughts and her private pilot’s license, so they have been taking prayers. God bless.” (Our prayers remain with you advantage of that skill set and sightseeing around and yours, John. Your mother was a true member the southwest. John’s son, Daniel, is an engineof the VMI family and a beacon of joy to many.) man fireman in the Navy and, as of this writing, Second, and with no less love and respect, Ms. is serving onboard the USS Ashland (LSD 48) in Aileen Marshall Seawell Yager, beloved sister of Japan. Daughter, Nikki, is a high school strength BR Jesse Seawell. Aileen died July 27, 2017, also and conditioning coach and a crossfit trainer in after a long battle against cancer. A celebration of Minot, North Dakota. John retired from the Navy her life was held Aug. 5, 2017, at Great Hills BapReserve in 2007 as a Navy captain. (Great to hear from you, John!) tist Church in Austin, Texas. Most of us were not Jim Frishkorn and the lovely Mei-Ling have fortunate enough to know Aileen, but a few words been keeping busy. Jim recently returned from his shared from her obituary give a brief glimpse into third business trip to Japan in 18 months where he a joyful life: “After graduation, she married the is managing contracts supporting Army missile delove of her life, David, and moved to Austin, TexClass of 1981: Mike Milligan ’85 and Greg as. Aileen loved the Lord and was continually in fense units in the rural western coast of Japan. Jim Wolven in Lexington, Kentucky, admiring awe of the amazing world He created. She loved also reports that he is serving as the local Norththe statue of John Cabell Breckinridge. to see the beauty of nature, whether swimming west Florida VMI Alumni Chapter president and

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Class Notes that he works closely with Wayland Patterson ’80 taped for a National Electric Safety Code substa- they are beautiful. Bob experienced 100-plus meto conduct dinner events every couple of months tion Massively Open Online Course through the ter visibility while touching two tectonic plates. at different restaurants in the Panama City Beach IEEE. Greg created the class and content, and it Additional plans Bob had as of his writing was to area. Over the past couple of years, they have ex- is expected to be open to the public soon. Round- hit a golf resort outside Atlantic City, diving Caypanded their group to include The Citadel grads, ing out the early part of the summer, Greg and man Brac for Thanksgiving, and planning for a and just recently, that invitation has been further Ann drove to Lexington, Kentucky, to visit with dive in Palau for Christmas and New Year. (You expanded to include local area alumni from Nor- Mike Milligan ’85. They had a great time visit- are living a blessed life, Bob!) Speaking of Fourth of July celebrations, I was wich and Texas A&M. This summer’s rat/knob/ ing the sights and ended up with a picture of fish/rook send-off event was attended by 35 people Mike and Greg next to Brig. Gen. John Cabell blessed to share another at Jim Hart’s place on Smith Mountain Lake. In attenand included two World War II Navy veterans (friends of VMI), newborn dance, along with their families and twin daughters of Dave and Bekah loved ones too numerous to list (plus, Trowel ’02 with the twins sporting I am older than most of you, and the their VMI adorned baby attire (both memory is slipping!), were Jim Hart; daughters have already received their John Ferry; Rob “Cos” Costello; Billy provisional VMI appointment cerStamm; Robert “Clinker” Moss; John Ditillo; Robert “Gator” Underwood; tificates), and two brothers who’ll be and Jim’s younger, more intelligent entering The Citadel this year. With and attractive brother, Derek Hart ’94. their father PCS’ing to Quantico after Once again, it was an incredible time this year, both brothers have expressed with great food and even better comtentative plans to transfer to VMI for their 3rd Class year. Jim’s chapter’s pany. As I recall, it was the 38th annual next event is scheduled for the middle Class of 1981: Jim Tulskie (father of a current cadet), Bob Osler ’80, event, and plans are in the works to of September, and he is making plans Pete Tranchik, Mark Shepard, Rick Killmeyer ’95, Tom Spink ’70, prepare for the 40th Smith Mountain John Ferry and Joe Tulskie ’78 at a Philadelphia alumni event in May. to honor Maxine Mann, one of their Lake ski bash. We will hear more from World War II veterans, with a World Jim, Cos and others on that once the War II remembrance medallion. planning kicks off in earnest. Objective (Amazing leadership, Jim! Proud of will certainly be to get as many of the you, sir.) “original” lake crew to participate. Jim I received a great update from Greg has a lot of upgrades for the property and Ann Wolven. They kicked off planned, and it will definitely be an their summer with a trip down the event not to miss!

Shenandoah Valley starting in WinOne of the best inputs received was from Ray Lawson. He survived his chester, Virginia, where they went to cancer surgery, and at the time of writthe Shenandoah Valley Museum and saw the preserved writings and drawing, Ray reported that his recovery has been excellent! From Ray: “We’re ings of Confederate prisoners. After at that age where things just seem to looking around the town, they drove happen, so we all need to make sure down through New Market, where to forget about pride and head to the they visited the “real” New Market Museum and battlefield. (Ann warns Class of 1981: In attendance at a Fourth of July ski bash at Smith hospital if something just doesn’t feel that there is a new “New Market Mountain Lake were John Ferry, Derek Hart ’94, Rob Costello, Jerry right. Doing that likely saved my life.

Manley, Jim Hart, Bill Stamm, Clinker Moss, John Ditillo and Gator Thanks for all the prayers, emails, Museum” right before you get to Underwood. messages and calls while I went the park; that it is a museum of sorts and does mention the Battle of New Market in Breckenridge, who ordered the cadets into battle through this.” Many of you may also know that Ray was on a live video stream from his church one area, but it is not the Battle of New Mar- at New Market.

Bob Munno broke his silence (and I admit that and gave a testimony service about his recent ket Museum supported by VMI.) Continuing the trip to the Harrisonburg area, they shared is a bit of an odd term to use regarding Bob) and and completely unexpected bout with renal cell a meal with Rick Hess ’74 before moving on to shared about a recent scuba diving trip to Silfra, carcinoma. As those who read Ray’s posts know, Lexington to visit VMI and look at retirement Iceland, over July 4. Bob said that although the it was detected early through a series of unusual properties (more and more BRs seem to be do- water was cold (4 C – yeah, just a bit) it was one events. As a result, his kidney was removed, it had ing that). Soon after, they celebrated July 4 with of the most beautiful dives of his life. Bob guided not spread, and he is now cancer free. Ray also reported he hired Joshua Kuzel ’17, an electrical family before Greg flew to New Jersey to be me to images on Google and I have to admit,

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Class Notes engineer who was the S-2. Joshua should have BRs – just had a lot on the plate when the call me a bone, even if he left a lot of the details out. started in August, and Ray could not be happier for inputs came for this edition. (Plus, I had to Scott tells us that he enjoyed spending a few work this input without the help of BR Manquality hours with BR Mitch Heishman at Devwith his new team member.

Mark Olsen shared that he left Cabela’s and field ... unreliable at best!) I pray that I did not il’s Backbone in Lexington in June and that it lose track of any submissions. In any event, it was great catching up with him after some golf returned to the “real world.” Mark is now working at U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence, was great hearing from so many of you. Very with Joey Keyes and Bill Jennings! After some Google research, I have determined that Devil’s Cyber Proponent Support Element at Fort proud of you all, and very proud to be able to Leavenworth. In Mark’s words: “Funny how call each of you a BR. Stay healthy and well! Backbone is a brewing company in Lexington and not the name of a golf course. Sorry, I don’t a guy who barely graduated from VMI with an Love and enjoy your families, and keep the inget out to Lexington every other weekend like economics degree is now working Army cyber puts coming! some of you guys. I also recall that Joey is buildpolicy ... hmm.” Mark has had dinner with BR In the bonds, Steve Tennant and his bride several times since Jerry ing or has built his retirement villa in the area, his return to Kansas. One of my Mark’s first but it is not quite ready for our mini reunions assignments was to return to Fort Belvoir for a yet. We will have to continue to rely upon Keith conference. He took advantage of being back in Jarvis until then.

Virginia and was able to grab dinner with his Will Council Mike Eden reports in that he got married dyke, Henry Budzinski ’84, in mid-July.

Aug. 5 to the love of his life, Sandy. They built Always good to hear from Jim Waring. Jim a beautiful house together in Bucks County, shared that “it seems” Grover Outland and Pennsylvania. Mike says she is perfect for him Mike Denton were visiting Historic Christ in every way, except one major flaw – she is a Church in Irvington, Virginia, in July and ran die-hard New England Patriots fan! He is not into Jim’s father, M.L. Waring Jr. ’56. Jim’s sure how he stole her away from Tom Brady.

Hello, Brother Rats! dad lives in Irvington and has served as a doBy the time you are reading these notes, I hope The honeymoon will start in Lexington and continue in Italy a day after our 35th Reunion! cent and guide at Christ Church for many years. that some of you have long gotten over the hangAccording to Jim’s dad, it seemed Grover was overs earned at our 35th Reunion! For those The other big news is that after 35 years with quite well versed on the Waring family legacy at who were unable to attend ... well, let’s just say HSBC Bank, Mike will be retiring at year-end.

VMI. It appears Grover was aware of the four you missed a good one. As of this writing, we His career included 21 moves, assignments and generations of Warings that attended VMI and are expecting 67 BRs and their dates for a total eight overseas countries. He finished his career that Jim’s father served as an ROTC instructor/ registered of 128. Yeah, the math is not working as a chief operating officer in the U.S. fighting TAC officer at VMI from 1965-67. out right, but if Dave Kholer brings several dance financial crime and terrorist financing. Some of Dan Gallagher shared several notes. He repartners like he did last time, it will all be good. you may also be aware that Mike’s son, Auscently had another knee surgery, the third on (I am really looking forward to trying to write all tin ’16 (graduated with academic stars, like his that same knee. (I will be checking up on you, those notes come November.) The response to dad), is now working at Amazon.

Susan and John Boyd welcomed a new grandDan, before this edition goes into print.) It does my request for class notes was underwhelming. not appear to have slowed Dan down, though, So, I mustered up the courage to beg one last time daughter this past January. And they had just as the deadline got under 24 hours and a few awefinished a nice vacation to Kitty Hawk, North and he continues to work with Skyhorse PubCarolina. lishing on his new book, “Secrets of Successful some BRs came to my rescue. I know the rest of My fellow rat dyke, Neal Rogers, claims all Financial Planning,” that will be “on the fall you were just saving it for the reunion. list,” which means it will actually be grouped My begging paid off, as Scott Crumpler threw is well in Richmond. Son Colling is in his final year at the U.S. Naval Academy. Sean with publications from September to is off to Afghanistan in late September, the end of February. Dan expects his to and Morgan is back in Virginia working come out Jan. 16, 2018. Dan also shared at Channel 8 as a sales representative. that Paul and Tammy Boulden visited Neal is hitting the 30-year mark as diwith Dan and Laura in Charlotte for a great weekend and a Chicago concert. rector of compliance and asset manageGot a couple of great pictures from ment at Virginia Housing Development John Ferry that were taken at an alumni Authority. Nancy and Neal have been event in Philly this past May. John didn’t doing some traveling in recent years and share much about the event (my fault for really enjoy their annual cruises to the not pressing), but I know he had a great Caribbean during the winter months. time with BRs Pete Tranchik, Mark Neal would like a pic with us rat dykes Class of 1982: Alumni in attendance at the wedding of Blake Shepard and Gabe Mastrobuono. with Mark Shifflett. and Camden Louthan ’14, May 13, 2017.

I regret that this write-up was rushed, Sometimes, I hate technology. I admit

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Class Notes it; I was not a hard science or engineering major like a lot of you. Which brings me back to this position as class agent and all the begging and pleading to get you to share your stories and pictures of things happening in your lives.

First, that is a miracle when it happens, but then those big, beautiful pictures from Facebook turn out to be too low quality and size to make it into a publication like our Alumni Review. Feel free to explain it to me at the reunion. I am sure that after a few drinks, I will still not understand it.

Bob and Kathy Louthan married off one of their boys this past May. Bob has been very supportive of my efforts to fill the pages of the Review with lovely pictures of your lives. (As my deadline rapidly approaches, I am hoping these pictures make it into the Review. If these don’t make the final print, go look for them on the FB pages.) Bob sent in a few pictures from the wedding of their son, Blake ’14, and his lovely wife, Camden. The roommate photo is proof positive of the small world of VMI. One of Blake’s roommates is an Eagle Scout from my area and another is the nephew of Chris Devens! There is also a group photo of all the alumni who made the ceremony. I recognized my roommate, Jeff Modisett, and several others. If anyone is counting: Frank ’66, Chip ’75, Bob ’82, Frank ’91, Mike ’10, Blake ’14 and Mason Louthan ’18. I honestly don’t think VMI will ever not have a Louthan member in the ranks.

We now arrive at the closing segment. If you recall from my last notes, I was heading off to be a mountain biking instructor at the Boy Scouts National Jamboree in West Virginia. Both Susan and our daughter, Dana, also attended.

Susan was on the medical team, and Dana worked the high challenge course right next to my mountain biking area. In 10 days, my team instructed more than 5,000 scouts and turned them loose on the 30-plus miles of trails at the jamboree. We did a pretty good job, apparently, as our Army medic reported only nine injuries (defined by broken bones) over that time period.

This was a 75 percent reduction in injuries at Wheeled Sports from the first jamboree. I would like to take some credit but really think it was because they closed the most difficult trails (Black Diamond level) to all these new riders. Anyone want to come down to Chattanooga and ride the trails with me?

Sincerely, Will Council

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Hugh Daughtry

Brother Rats, These notes cover the period of mid-May through mid-August 2017. It has been a busy summer for Robin and me. You will notice from the address above that we have relocated to Knoxville. My company is bringing up our

Class of 1983: Steve Amato and Trent Boggs at the 3,500-foot Crow’s Pass in Alaska in June 2017.

second operations center, and Robin and I decided we needed a little adventure in our lives now that we are empty nesters. It is a great town, particularly if you are a Volunteers fan, so my Alabama-born wife is making waves.

Cleaning out and selling a house we have been in for almost 25 years was quite a task.

Among the items found as we threw out junk was my “New Faces in the Corps,” one of my RDC cards, a ticket stub from the Ring Figure Tech game and my cartridge box. Amazing what you will hold on to.

Just as I was wrapping up this edition of the notes, I received the sad news of the passing of Curtis Price. He has been living in Martinsville not far from his hometown of Bassett. He had been an active member of his church, where he served as an associate pastor and youth minister.

He mentored youth as they tested and applied for college. Curtis was a retired employee of Stanley Furniture and had been a substitute teacher and school bus driver for the Henry County School System. I remembered Curtis well, as we were both in Band Company, and he was always able to lighten the grimmest Rat Line experience with his sense of humor. His 3rd Class year roommates, Barry Smith and Steve Umberger, also recalled the sense of humor and his great attitude.

Steve said it best: “He came from a small town and had a wonderful gift of making everyone feel like he was waiting all day to see them.”

It sounds like Steve Amato had a high adventure summer. He and his two sons, Tim and Nick, went north to Alaska and dropped in on Trent Boggs. In addition to halibut and salmon fishing,

Class of 1983: Steve Amato and his four grandchildren, from left, Lucca (7), Riley (10), Lucile (19 months) and Tristan (5-and-a-half), celebrated Father’s Day. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes sees Robert Brady in Atlanta and he is they made hikes to the Harding Ice working for a local construction comField and Crows Pass. Trent and his pany in sales and planning. wife, Sheri, were great hosts for a couNeville Anderson is a “serial entreple of nights in Anchorage, and from preneur,” often making vast amounts the picture passed along by Steve, he of wealth. However, Neville is really and Trent recreated the House Mounknown in Athens, Georgia, as a pretain hike, only to 3,500 feet this time. mier track and cross-country coach Well done, boys! where he made his name at Athens Steve also sent me a wonderful FaAcademy. He is highly regarded and ther’s Day greeting that included a sought after. Bill reminded me we picture of Steve and his four grandchilhave another general from our class in dren, all of whom have provisional apZane Johnson. Taking nothing away pointments and range in age from 19 from Bill, but Zane always appeared months to 10 years. Steve and Mary to be the hero, fighter, jock of our are hoping at least one attends VMI! class who would become a general.

Some of you may have seen the note from Jay Williams on Bob Pha- Class of 1984: Class Agent Andy Protogyrou said of this photo, I believe he is living in Williamsburg, neuf. Jay serves as the post engineer “Fancy dinner at Chez Kollmansperger with Will Enochs, Hal Virginia, and may be flying for an airHamner, Steve Hupp, Frank Kollmansperger, Mark Morgan and line. I thought Lee Wimbush was a at VMI and was strolling around post, Steve Barsamian.” general, too, but if he wasn’t, I think no doubt planning another impressive multimillion dollar building project, when in Atlanta, where he is one of our nation’s top he got pretty close.

I spoke to Bill Janis lately, and he is still workhe struck up a conversation with a visitor and his patent litigation attorneys. Bill reminded me he family. Jay said it did not take him long to realize squeezed four years into five while at VMI. He ing with Dave Adams in Richmond. Bill was using big words and phrases such as “data analytics, he was chatting with BR Phaneuf. Bob and famgraduated as an electric engineer, academically use rate and hour No. 25,” whatever that means. ily were passing through on their way to Maine undistinguished, with a 2.083 GPA and a comand stopped to see the Institute. I am sure Bob and mission in the Air Force as an engineer. Once They are working hard and doing well. Bill’s son is family were impressed with the fine work Jay and he did his first tour, he found a law school that a Division II Academic All-American in wrestling the team in Lexington are doing with the wonderwould accept him. He then decided an Army at Notre Dame College in Cleveland, Ohio. His ful facilities that are there today.

JAG commission could help him pay the bills, daughter works for an accounting firm in WashThe mail bag is pretty light for this update, which because the job market was tight in the ’90s. After ington, D.C. Bill speaks to Steve Reardon often, is not unusual for the summer. Let us know if four years, he entered private law practice and the because Steve does some legal work for their you’re in the Knoxville area; Robin and I would reserve, where he put the quintessential VMI trait firm. Steve hasn’t called a BR breakfast anytime love to see you. Keep the Institute in mind for your of perseverance to practical use. While on tour in recently, and I was promised an invitation to the charitable giving, and if you are passing through Iraq, and dressed in a flak jacket hiding his name next one.

Chris Bruch invited me to the Tuesday mornVirginia, do like BR Phaneuf and check in at the tag, he unknowingly spent an entire day with “I.” You will be very impressed. ing Bible study at St. Bridgette’s where he sees another VMI alumnus. Neither knew who the That is all. other was until the other questioned Bill about BRs Frank Kollmansperger, Steve Hupp and the VMI monogram on his notebook. The other Kemper Wharton. His daughter, Emily, is head officer asked what class Bill was, and he said ’84; of youth ministry at Eastern Shore Chapel in Virginia Beach. His son, Matthew, is a senior the other responded, “So am I!” It was Andy PeAndy Protogyrou tretti, and neither recognized one another. Come designer in Los Angeles with Simkhai. Chris is still with USI Insurance in Richmond, where he on, guys; we used to be able to recognize one another from the back of our bald heads! Bill has a is a senior vice president. Speaking of Frank, he wife and two daughters. One recently married a was kind enough to let me know he had a dinner party at Chez Kollmansperger with Steve Barsyoung Citadel graduate. Bill said when he came I would be remiss if I did not open these notes to call on his daughter, Bill placed a VMI monoamian, Hal Hamner, Mark Morgan, Steve Hupp with terrific news out of Atlanta. Bill Dyer has gram smack in the middle of the license plate of and Wilson Enochs. I believe the evening was been selected to receive his first general’s star his car as he drove off. Needless to say, he did chosen when Frank’s next-door neighbor, Hank this fall. Bill is in the Army Reserve and is the not fare too well when he returned to his barracks Selman, would be out of town. I would love an assistant judge advocate general for military in Charleston. Bill said his star will be pinned on invitation next time. and operations at the Pentagon. Bill and I had this fall at Fort Myers. We will make the event Johnny Mitchell is practicing law in Macon, a great conversation and laughed for almost an a class party, and I promised him we would not Georgia, where he and his wife, Lisa, have three hour while talking over the phone from his office embarrass him – well, not too much. Bill says he children (two boys in college and a daughter

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Class Notes entering her sophomore year of high school). He came back for the football team reunion last year and enjoyed seeing everyone. He really had fun with Jeff Levenson and his son.

I enjoyed talking to everyone so much. We didn’t miss a beat. It was like we were all still on the stoop, hanging out and above all else, laughing. I really do miss my BRs!

1985

Matt Daniel

Warning: The spectacle that the VMI 1985 Annual Charlie Company Golf Safari has become (nee “The Kirk, Hagan, Williams, Hamilton Class of 1985: Mark Bornhorst, left, and Class of 1985: Safarians Paul Shoemaker, Show” sometime back in the previous century) George Halages during the annual Charleft, and Tracey Burk with their friend, Mo, will occupy much of these notes. lie Company Golf Safari weekend. at the ACCGS in Lexington.

Before I turn to the agent-edited and enhanced Jake Spivey additions for some good old-fash“Deliverance.” But this is more Ned Beatty and The advance guard paddles on, their red necks ioned and enthusiastic story-telling, I will offer a less Burt Reynolds, if you follow. shaking their T-shirt turbaned heads, spitting Coquick safari vignette on the Friday Maury Float.

The advance guard calls out to the two graceful penhagen juice into the water. In the distance, they The FMF is the defining safari event, in my opinkayakers, “Watch out, ladies; if you keep padhear the chortles, guffaws, hee-haws and snorts ion. Let this create a mental image for the reader. dling up that way, yer gonna see some things yer (mostly by George Halages and Hugh Hill) of a On a warm Friday afternoon in early August, gonna wanna unsee! There’s about 50 fat dudes bunch of oblivious old fogeys immensely delightthree lovely young ladies are paddling upstream in floating downstream back there, drinking beer ed with themselves. the calm and still waters of the lower Maury near and whiskey with their shirts off. It’s horrible; About an hour later, at Jordan’s Point (the takethe VMI bluff and Washington and Lee Univershark-white bellies jest floatin down the river on out point), the result is apparent. After the flotilla sity party houses in Lexington. The girls occupy all kinds of things. It’s like a Macy’s Thanksgivof blowup floats (energize your imagination, and two kayaks and are gliding across the lake-like suring Day Parade on bad steroids! Proceed at yer you’ll be about halfway there) of all sizes and face of this portion of the river with ease. Serene, own peril!” The girls respond with some whisshapes and beaching bodies of all twisted and quiet, peaceful; the silence is broken only by the pered discussion and a confident, “It’s OK sirs, aging varieties bumbled onto the levee ramp, the repeated dip and dap of the paddles, the sheepish we’ll be all right. Giggle.” girls finally paddle their kayaks up to the same gurgle of ripples as the craft are pulled skid. The looks on their faces said it cleanly across the surface. An echoed all. The blank stares, the ashen color giggle is reported as the girls tell stoof their cheeks, the shock and horror ries among themselves. It is a charmin their eyes and in their speech as they ing scene – Thoreau-like. Soon all this turned away any attempts from the would change. beer-fueled freakshow fellows to help (Cue the “Jaws” suspense score) them with their watercraft. It was as The two-boat advance guard of the if they had just seen 50 overly-fed but safari flotilla freakfest is paddling good-natured guys, shamelessly halfdownstream, one-fourth to one-half clad, laughing, joking and having the of a mile ahead of the main circus time of their lives like a bunch of prebody. Complete with half-empty beer teen rascals. cans littered at their feet, chewing The ladies were heard to say among tobacco spittle dripping from their themselves as they strapped their kaychins, t-shirts tied around their heads Class of 1985: At the ACCGS were, from left, Mark Carroll, Greg aks into their truck: “I think we should like aging “Deer-Hunter” hillbillies, Enterline, George Halages, Jake Spivey, Jeff Hill, J.H. Jordan and call National Geographic ... did you Mark Bornhorst. this is a scene straight from the movie see those two guys with the swan? I

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Class Notes think it had a motor! But it looked like they had to walk it all the way down the river! Gosh I hope my father has this much fun, but I hope he keeps his shirt on!”

The weekend, which is quickly becoming “safari week,” started Wednesday evening as Jake Spivey, Rich Williams, Bush McIntyre, Steve Hagan, W.G. Rowlett, Neb Neblett and Hugh Hill pulled into Lex-Vegas at varying times from early afternoon to late evening.

Congregating on the balcony at Moody Hall, the jovial group was again visited this year by a member of the post police who felt laughter and revelry after 11 p.m. might upset the superintendent. Jake assured the officer that the group would laugh more quietly for the remainder of the night. With this pledge, the officer departed.

The party ended around 2 a.m. Thursday, and with it, a good start to the weekend.

After a few hours’ sleep, Spivey, Hagan, Neblett, Rowlett and Williams (crew No. 1) headed off to Niko’s for breakfast. Hill and McIntyre (crew No. 2) snuggled and slept late. They spooned. It was precious. After breakfast, crew No. 1 moseyed over to Vista Links in Buena Vista to play a quick nine holes of golf while crew No. 2 went fishing on Alone Mill Creek, a tributary of the Maury River. Russ Orrison met the duffers at the golf course, and Ralph Tremaglio joined crew No. 1 by the time they had reached the fourth hole. As many in the class will remember, the fourth hole was venerated in 2013 as the W.G. Rowlett Memorial Hole. (Memorial?) This occurred when W.G., a mere 10 feet from the pin, power chipped the ball past the hole, across the extra-wide green and the wider cart path and a final 20 yards of rough into the barn, which stands uphill from the green! (See 2013-Issue 4 Alumni Review, page 114.)

After an entertaining round of nine or 10 or 11 holes of golf and now somewhat famished, the duffers sped off to Franks for lunch. Post DRC, Russ Orrison returned to work while crew No. 1 loaded their kayaks and prepared to float down the Maury River. This led to an exceptional incident, aptly demonstrating that land navigation and listening are perishable skills.

The Thursday float plan was simple. Put-in was to be at Jordan’s Point Park at the old footbridge with takeout approximately 3 miles downstream at the confluence of the Maury and Chalk Mine Run. While Spivey, Tremaglio and Hagan drove downstream to drop-off the chase car, and

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Rowlett and Williams drove out to Joe Irby’s for another kayak, Neb Neblett was instructed to go to the put-in location and wait for the group to come to him. Arriving at the put-in location, but finding no Neb, Spivey called Neb on his cellphone.

Jake: “Where are you?”

Neb: “I’m here.”

Jake: “No, I’m at the put-in, and you’re not here.”

Neb: “Yes, I am.”

Jake: “I’m at the put-in, where are you?”

Neb: “Where we take out when we float the river from Bean’s Bottom.”

Jake: “Neb, that’s above the dam. We’re below the dam!”

Neb: “Oh...”

So Neb reloaded his kayak, drove the 100 yards to us and we got onto the river, though not everyone wore their lifejacket. This section of the river is exceptionally beautiful, as there are no home sites adjacent to it. The takeout can be a little difficult to spot, though, but fortunately for crew No. 1, crew No. 2 had finished their angling on Alone Mill Creek and, joined by Dave Tingley, met us at the correct spot. Everyone returned to Moody Hall, washed up and went to dinner at Macados.

Returning to Moody, we were joined by Joe Irby, Steve Marsh, Greg Enterline, George Halages, Kevin Jenkins, Tab Warlitner, Jeff Hill and your class agent.

On Friday, the sun rose bright and early, rousing George Halages from his slumber. Fortunately, he didn’t trip over Shawn Oliver, who had driven up overnight arriving at 0330 hours and immediately racked out on his VMI hay in the upstairs lounge. George hurried past Shawn and headed off the Bill Wiener’s house, so he and Mark Bornhorst could bring the most outrageous yet innovative river float tugboat to life. Using a 6-foot-tall yellow rubber bathtub “ducky” as a platform base, the intrepid pair sliced an opening into the center of the duck. Over this opening, they installed a platform to support an old trolling motor powered by marine battery.

As it rested on the Parade Ground, none of their brother rats gave the craft more than passing chance of remaining afloat once on the river and scarcer odds of completing the journey. Jeff Lane, newly arrived from Germany, was ready to get his “float” on. Either that, or he was to going to stage his own version of Mayweather versus McGregor with the Kentucky Bourbon

Monkey. Tab Warlitner, reckoning his 8-foot white swan from the 2016 safari was lonely, kept it company this year with an 8-foot tall pink flamingo. John Henry Jordan brought his son’s homemade noodle float – 32 pool noodles intricately woven together in three layers, with a head rest, which John back paddled all the way down the river. The rest of the floating brother rats: Todd Thornes, Ken Walus, Ken Hirlinger, Dave Tingley, Steve Hagan, Rich Williams and first time floaters included Father Fimian, Scott Vaughan, Pete Mangerian and Judge Graham Shirley. Halages and Bornhorst mated their ducky tugboat to a two-person inner tube and stridently announced their arrival on the river.

Amazingly, the duck and its passengers made it to Jordan’s Point Park, though they suffered major point deductions imposed by Commodore Spivey for failing to be quiet, having to un-@#$ the boat each time the water got too shallow, failing to be quiet, not wearing personal floatation devices (a W.G. Rowlett pet peeve), operating a powered watercraft without having taken a Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries-approved safety course, no registration, no signaling flares and no anchor. They did have a sufficient amount of ice and beer with them, and thanks to Tab Warlitner, they did have a Type IV personal flotation device. Meeting the motley flotilla at the takeout was Jim Spellman, Russ Orrison, Chuck McCarthy, Matt Henderson, Kerry Kirk, Jim Begley and Rob McIntire.

When the soggy bunch finally made it to Moody Hall, Woo Kirtley and Jack Emerson were waiting for them. As groups of four or five BRs headed into town for dinner, Dave Ames and Matt Hadley pulled onto post. After dinner, the inflated (pun) crowd included Mark Carroll, Chris Welch, Jim Begley and Jerry Brooks. Undoubtedly, due to Brig. Gen. (promotable) Jim Begley’s presence, George Halages kept his hullabaloo with post’s undocumented limits for noise.

Saturday morning started fresh and clean due to a thunderstorm late Friday night. The weather had an air of September about it, a much cooler temperature and an easy breeze making for a perfect day out on the links – until the first ball was struck. For the rest of the morning, the biggest task was keeping the ball in the fairway. Several BRs more than met the challenge of the course, with Mark Bornhorst hitting the longest drive, Mark Carroll getting closest to the pin and Jeff Fraser sinking the longest putt.

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Class Notes Jeff Fraser overcame unbelievable obstacles, car range, cooled their heels in the cool waters of the bluebook, guys went to the Lexington Diner for a crashes on the interstate, punctured tires, grizzly Maury or headed back home. Those who went breakfast of bacon, eggs, grits, sausage and gravy, bears, Justin Bieber (no, not those last two) and back onto the Maury came back to Moody Hall and coffee. A small group returned to Moody finally made it to the safari midmorning. George to find Rob McIntire regaling Chuck McCarthy, Hall to clean, assign ownership of surplus coolers Dave Tingley and John Jordan with his tales of and redistribute leftover whiskey. Many observed Halages and Steve Marsh did yeoman work as cart queens, keeping everyone refreshed with their Dr. Clark King (Hon.) and rat boxing. Rob was the need to start taking off the Monday after the almost consumed by a gigantic blue shark, but safari, if the start date keeps sliding to the left. choice of water or adult beverages. Chuck McRob’s pugilistic nature scared away the beast beThat’s our story. We are sticking to it. For those Carthy had to wait patiently for the balance of his foursome of Bornhorst, Vaughan and Dave fore things became too rambunctious. After din- who missed the safari this year, we missed you.

Hunter to show up. First-time safarians Manner in town or pizza at Moody Hall, the world’s This is an event that is unique to our class, please gerian, Henderson and Hadley borrowed balls, problems (peace, hunger, traffic around the Wash- try to make at least part of it.

In other news: Rear Adm. Matt “Sanka” Carter clubs and wisdom from Palmer Hamilton round- ington, D.C., beltway) were discussed at length. ing out a formidable foursome. First time safarian Sadly, everyone went to bed by 0200 hours with- is now in Hawaii, where he is now serving as the Ken Hirtz was paired with fellow attorney Ralph out a solid resolution to any of these conundrums. deputy commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet. Sanka Tremaglio and the judge (Shirley). Now, each Sunday morning, in accordance with safari was relieved as the command of U.S. Naval Forces Japan and Navy Region Japan in late year Commodore Spivey provides April 2017. some eyeball entertainment for the I received a very nice note from Cargolfers, and this year was no different for the legal threesome. olyn Renner contributing to our notes A quick off-ramp in the weekend with her additions about Greg Renner story to acknowledge a new safari and their family. Carolyn sends: “We award and its recipient this year: The recently moved to Sunset Beach, Dumb Apse Award (but it isn’t really North Carolina, where we are walking “apse”) went to Greg Enterjar. After distance to the beach and have a beauannouncing that his keys and waltiful view of the marsh, so we are livlet had taken leave of his possession ing the dream! Greg works from home and maybe were somewhere on the but has to travel quite a bit, working golf course, on the Maury or maybe as a learning consultant/project mansomewhere in between, a furied BRager for GP Strategies. I am working Class of 1985: In April 2017, Rear Adm. Matthew “Sanka” Carter, forfueled search ensued. That search mer commander of U.S. Naval Forces Japan, salutes Vice President for a local Edward Jones office. Our went on for hours. Brother rats were Mike Pence upon his arrival to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. The daughter, Ashlen, recently graduated dispatched to Moody Hall, Jordan’s stop marked Pence’s first official visit to Japan as vice president. from the University of North CarolinaCarter is now stationed in Hawaii as the deputy commander, U.S. Point, Bean’s Bottom, Kerr’s Creek Pacific Fleet. Department of Defense photo by Ben Farone, mass Chapel Hill, with a media and journaland to Sweet Things (which BR En- communication specialist, surface warfare. ism degree. Our son, Matt, is a junior at UNC-Wilmington. Greg and I will terjar had frequented thrice during the be celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary next event, thus far). After the hours of searching, galyear. I wanted to share all our good news with the lons of gas consumed and blood pressure points class.” Thank you, Carolyn. Please give Greg a exhausted, Greg unzipped the front ball pocket in shot in the arm for us all, convince him to join his his golf bag, and there they were. Keys and wallet, pals in Lexington for the next safari and congratusafe and sound. Dry and warm. For these actions, Marine Enterline was awarded the Safari Dumb lations on your blessings.

Apse Award.

In the May-June 2017 edition of the Army’s Repairing to Cindy and Joe Irby’s for lunch, Sustainment magazine, BR Maj. Gen. Cedric T. the Kings, Leslie and Meade; John Pollock; Wins describes Army Research and Development Steve Wynn; Neil Lowenstein; and former procontributions to readiness and how, through experfessor of Naval science, Pat Looney, joined the tise and collaboration, Army research and develfun. Paul Shoemaker and Tracy Burke showed opment organizations get soldiers the equipment off their outstanding yard sale find, a 4-foot-tall they need. It is an interesting article and starts on kangaroo. Photographer extraordinaire Leslie page 34 of the magazine.

Class of 1985: Ensign Charles Rogerson, King snapped the obligatory group photo. Over Brigadier Gen. Jim Begley will soon be Maj. left, after his commissioning as an ensign in the remainder of Saturday afternoon, groups of Gen. Begley. We are not sure when this pinning the U.S. Navy with proud father career U.S. BRs went swimming in Irby’s pool, shot skeet at will occur. We are stoked for Gen. Jim and are Army Col. Chuck “Rockhead” Rogerson.

Irby’s cold beer and hot lead shotgun and skeet very proud of him. That is all.

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Class Notes Joe Rose has recently been promoted to president of Coastal Precast Systems. The mission of CPS is to provide excellent service and quality concrete to the bridge and marine construction market. Joe and his family are living on the Eastern Shore of Virginia on a 30-foot bluff overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. (Nice!) Joe and Marta (happily married for 19 years) have one son, Jackson, who will be a senior in fall 2017. Jackson plans to attend the University of Virginia. Joe adds, “Life is good. I think this is the first time in 32 years that I’ve actually reached out, but why not start, eh?” Thanks for starting, Joe! Neil did not send this to me, but I otherwise discovered that in May 2017, the law firm Vandeventer Black announced the appointment of Neil Lowenstein to the Executive Council of the Design-Build Institute of America, Hampton Roads Chapter. Their mission is to achieve and maintain recognition as the industry center of expertise for design-build practice and lead the expansion of design-build utilization across all industries and markets. The firm also announced Neil’s re-election as Virginia State Bar Council representative for the Fourth Judicial Circuit for a three-year term. Neil was previously chosen by special election. Neil is a partner with the firm. He currently chairs the firm’s Construction and Government Contracts Practice Group. He is a regular lecturer and author involving construction-related matters. His legal honors include having been named a Virginia Super Lawyer, one of Virginia’s Legal Elite, and one of the Top Attorneys in Hampton Roads. He is licensed to practice law in Virginia, North Carolina and the District of Columbia.

Way to get it done, Neil!

And finally, although it is late to get this into the notes at this point, I feel it is necessary to acknowledge our Brother Rat U.S. Army Chaplain Col. Pete Sniffin and the position of respect that he enjoys in his profession. Pete was invited to speak to the 2017 graduating class at VMI in May. At J.M. Hall, Pete spoke to the men and women of the class providing sound advice and good counsel on the life’s choices and their direction, just like he would routinely do for us when we were all cadets. Pete is a rock and always has been. Through Pete (and others), the Institute continues to be heard from!

Oh, and Jim Spellman and I are Facebook friends now. Let the party begin.

Until next time, men!

Check six and RVM, ’85!

2017-Issue 4

1986

Clint Hubbard

Gentlemen! Well, here it is mid-August and time for another submission to the Alumni Review. The news is a bit slim this quarter, so this won’t take long. You may be able to finish this on the way back in from the mailbox. It certainly isn’t long enough to peruse in a visit to your family (ahem) “library.”

Our lead-off batter will be derived from an update on that 21st century marvel of communication – Facebook. He is the lead-off batter because Tim Perez posted that he is actually at Wrigley Field as I write this, watching the Cubs from a suite, entertaining some customers and loving his job with SalesForce.com. Can’t say as I blame him, as I’m sure that doesn’t suck. Using the Robert Nussey theorem, it seems anyone who can swing a suite at Wrigley Field for some customers should surely be able to arrange the same for his BRs! Let us know the date and time, and some of us will make it without a doubt. Nussey, Reynolds and Rapacki are all in! To BR Perez, don’t worry about the potential bar tab; those guys are older and more mature now. Brother Rat Perez makes his home in Atlanta, Georgia, these days but seems to spend an awful lot of time crisscrossing the country on sales calls and Major League Baseball games.

While we’re on sports, football season is right around the corner. Speaking of corners, we’re hopeful the Keydets can turn the corner this year and make some real progress in wins on the gridiron. Coach Wachenheim seems to be making some improvements in the speed and athleticism of the players; let’s hope that translates to success on the field. Dave “Papa G” Grimm anticipates a few tailgates this fall, so it will be worth the drive to Lex-Vegas.

The other big news is from Joe DeKeyrel. He won’t be driving to Lexington, he’ll be flying there and maybe buzzing barracks in his plane. You may recall our BR DeKeyrel took flying lessons a few years back and got his pilot’s license. Now, he is building his own plane. That’s right, if you follow him on Facebook, he has been updating the process each week. As of this writing, he is in one

of the paint stages, so it may not be long before he is airborne. Way to go, Joe. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for the next reunion when our BR DeKeyrel buzzes the parade at treetop level and we’re all on the ground yelling, “Brother rat! (clap, clap) Brother rat!”

Speaking of flying high, the new band on the music scene, the band formerly known as 83+3 is now known as The Strain featuring Sammy Shako. Hey, these boys are for real. Their first gig was our reunion, but they have gotten serious, are doing some rehearsing and had two paid gigs in early August in the northern Virginia area. I can’t recall the name of their Friday night venue, but on a Saturday afternoon, they played at Tim’s Rivershore in Woodbridge, Virginia, on the bank of the Potomac River. From all the reports, they were a smashing success. So much so that a lady passed out! Unfortunately, it was not a college coed groupie-type babe but rather a mature woman near the ages of the band members who was overcome by the heat or the sight of Dave Miller’s mullet. Thankfully, one of the drummers, Dr. Tony Hirtz, came to her aid. How cool is it that the band furnishes their own medical staff? Once they got the old sister up and began to rehydrate her, the show went onward. Of course, the band members include: Dave Miller, Tony Hirtz, Marty Mason, Rob Mason, Dave Grimm and a few other folks who float in and out as needed. The word on the street is that they have caught the eye and ear of some folks at VMI and may be playing a gig or two for the Alumni Association in the not too distant future. Stay tuned for details.

Proving there is no substitute for friends in high places, Michael Lakos stopped by Lexington and VMI for a quick overnight visit in July. Mike and his daughter, London (VMI Class of 2028?), were on a 10-day road trip through seven states and D.C. (more than 2,000 miles in a rental car).

Brother Rat Lakos says it was an awesome trip, and he was able to link up with Jamie Inman and Jeff Boobar. Where the friends in high places part comes in is that, since it was a Saturday morning in the summer, most of the buildings were closed, but thanks to Jamie Inman, chief of staff, BR Lakos got a behind-the-scenes tour of several of the buildings. Brother Rat Lakos said, “The post looks great, and it’s amazing to see what they built next to Cameron Hall and down the hill for the rugby and soccer teams.” To make the trip authentic for his daughter, London, Mike took her to Sweet Things Ice Cream for a treat. He noted

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Class Notes product No. 53928) so any ABC store that place hasn’t changed in 30 years. in Virginia can order it for you. Brother Brother Rat Lakos is still in San AnRat Clark has had some Virginia ABC tonio working on Randolph Air Force stores just across the border from him Base and in the same directorate as ordering it, and he’s bootlegging it BR Steve Gray. Brother Rat Jeff Ax is back to North Carolina. They can also on the base, but they haven’t run charge him with consumption across into each other in quite a while, and state lines but not distribution; he’s not rumor has it Glen Ralston is somesharing it with anyone. Although, I bet where in San Antonio, too. Note: he’d be willing to share a slug or two look for BR Ax at any car wash taking with a BR, right BR Clark? place at the family restaurant with an Well, that’s a wrap for this edition. owl motif; you know the one I’m talkKeep in touch with one another; pick ing about. As Dave Grimm might say, up the phone and check in with a BR “I’m just sayin’...” you haven’t talked to in a while. If Ah, Glen Ralston – had to bring you make it to a football game, look up BR Glen “Loch Ness Monster” Class of 1986: London Lakos, daughter of Michael Lakos, pic- for your BRs or at least look up the Ralston. Glen, we’d love to see you tured in front of the Cadet Battery holding a photo taken a few chief of staff and say hello. If you’re sometime or at least hear from you years ago of her older brothers in a similar pose. setting up a great tailgate, don’t forfor a sitrep after 30 years. Speaking of mythical creatures, hearing from BR Ralston get to include your class agent! might be like hearing from Ben “Bigfoot” WalkBest wishes to you and your families for the coming holidays and New Year. er. Or what about Tim “Yeti” Young? Anyone Take care, BRs. heard anything about him since the Reagan presidency? Or how about Tim “Unicorn” Panoff?

Talk about going undercover; these dudes have flown the coop.

Curt Schoonmaker Speaking of flying the coop, many ’86 progeny are heading off or back to college. Stew Barnes’ youngest daughter, Mary Stewart, is matriculating at an old deserted outhouse in a field of rye near Blacksburg, Virginia. They offered something Greetings, Glorious Comrades! like seven or eight orientation days for incoming It is my honor to have a small part in service to freshmen and their families. On the appointed Class of 1986: Jeff Boobar, Michael Lakos our class, and as my rusty wheels slowly roll into day, Stew shows up and runs smack dab into Mrs. and Jamie Inman were pictured in front motion, I will fulfill my duties as befits our grand Thomas FitzPatrick, better known as Laura and of Inman’s house during Lakos’ summer crowd of honorable youths. It’s tough to compete certainly 10 times more attractive than Tom, she visit to VMI. Class Agent Clint Hubbard with Facebook, but I know there’s more than a was there with their daughter who will also be a said of this photo, “This is either a picture of a rose between two thorns or a thorn few of us who don’t eat that feed. For those of us VPI freshman this fall. Laura says our BR Fitzbetween two roses. Actually, it is three who do, please plug in to VMI 1987 30th Reunion.

Patrick will be stateside some this fall, so consider former rankers and two current Institute It’s a daily version of class notes and also the anit fair warning that you might see him somewhere officials in one pic.” nouncement source for gatherings near you. I will on the East Coast. I hope so, because quibbling and half-truths cannot and will not be tolerated. up with a “tasting.” If you’re thinking that sounds send mass emails announcing events posted there Lastly, our new old friend and BR Frank Clark a little too sophisticated, it does to me, too; after as a backup. checked in from Durham, North Carolina. BrothWhat in the world took hold at our reunion? all, you just read the names of Taggart, Miller er Rat Clark was with us for a year or so early in and Clark. Brother Rat Taggart’s legal whiskey Mini reunions are popping up everywhere. Attaour cadetship then returned to us at the 30th Rebusiness is doing well. Their original run-off is boy to Matt Howard for scheduling the first northunion. We’ve all enjoyed getting reacquainted with apple brandy (a close cousin to what we know as ern Virginia get-together recently. His wife, Darcy; this great guy. Frank’s bride left him unsupervised bourbon), and they have just added a rye whiskey Steve Cade; Jon Sachrison; Drew Campi; Bill for a week or so this summer, so he hit the road and a gin to the line-up. They are all available Callahan; John Barnard; and yours truly were and started visiting some BRs. He visited VMI and within the Virginia ABC stores; some stock it, in happy attendance. No reunion with these guys then connected with Dave Miller who in turn took and some have to order it for you. Brother Rat is ever long enough. Steve planned the next one him to visit Woods Mill Distilleries in Faber, VirTaggart can provide the official code numbers for August in Vienna, Virginia. As if that weren’t ginia, where the proprietor, Jim Taggart, set them (in the Virginia ABC system, the apple brandy is enough, he also retired from the Army as a full

1987

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Class Notes bird in July. He dug holes and filled them back in with the Corps of Engineers as the executive director of Military Programs in Washington, D.C. His brother, Ken Cade ’85; our own already retired Cols. Vernie Reichling and Bobby Eaton; and James “Barry” Bartley ’72 attended the ceremony.

Steve will be sleeping in until “noonish” in Vienna, Virginia, for a while as he searches for his next gig.

Just in time for the August northern Virginia mini came a major announcement from Drew Campi. In his own humble words, “Not sure it warrants any mention, but I was just named a deputy assistant director with the FBI.” I’d say that warrants some mention. Our coup is building. Great job, Drew and Kelly.

Scott Jewell rallied his (mostly) North Carolina militia in August, as well, for training and maneuvers at his home. An Old Yell for the Class of ’87 was performed. He and BRs Mike McDaniel, Chris Stathis, Rock Hudson, Tom Struckmeyer and John Johnson gave a fine rat send-off to Garner Fleming ’21, and Chris’s son, Minas Stathis ’21. How proud we all are of you, Chris! Another page of legacy in the VMI history books.

Hat tip to a man who really goes through tires: Kevin Barker. Better than a Fodors guide, Kevin is saving us all lots of time and money by seeing the entire important parts of the world from behind the glass of his RV and publishing reviews. He writes, “Retired Sept. 1, 2016. On the road in my motor home from now till ... who knows.

I post all my RV travels and related RV stuffs on a Facebook page called Being Boring. Spend my winters in southwest Arizona. Do volunteer work here and there. Oh, and beer.” Kevin, the Alaska posts have been great.

More history was made in June by Rock Hudson. He writes, “My family was in Orlando to celebrate our son’s graduation from high school. When we visited Disney’s Magic Kingdom, I was selected to be included as the

2017-Issue 4

Class of 1987: At the retirement ceremony of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Col. Steven Cade in July 2017 were, from left, Ken Cade ’85, Col. Vernie Reichling, Col. Steven Cade, Lt. Col. Bobby Eaton and James “Barry” Bartley ’72.

Class of 1987: At a rat send-off and ’87 mini reunion were Garner Fleming ’18+3, Mike McDaniel, Minas Stathis ’18+3, Chris Stathis, Rock Hudson, Tom Struckmeyer, John Johnson and Scott Jewell.

Class of 1987: Ralph “Rock” Hudson at the Disney evening colors ceremony.

Honorary Veteran of the Day for the flag ceremony. I’m standing third from the left in the picture, wearing a Marine Corps football jersey and a VMI ’87 hat.” The man gets around.

All of the following was reported by Owen Curley. No names have been changed, as it is doubtful there are any innocents, but these are his words. “I have several BRs upon which to report. Brother Rat Father John Boughton has been elected as vicar of the Community for The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. He will be going back to the Bronx from Nicaragua for 6 years. His title is ‘general servant,’ and so our class has yet another general (as if we did not have enough).

Colonel James ‘Lopperhead’ Bright retired in a ceremony held at the Cadet Center at Texas A&M University. The ceremony was attended by several of our classmates, Kenny ‘Watcha Drinking’ Marsh, Andy ‘Z’ Zolper, Eric ‘(edited for civility)’ Davis, Jon ‘Little Jon’ McClean, and John ‘Father John Anthony’ Boughton. To his credit, James did not curse that much and appeared to be vaguely funny. His fly was down the entire ceremony. Highlights included his wonderfully talented children playing the Marine Corps song (hymn?) and ‘Anchors Aweigh’ (which is a hymn).” I’d like to nominate Owen as assistant to the regional class agent and have him attend and report upon all distant BR activities. I assume he is free to enter most states, as he seems to freely enter so many states. That’s a way-homer. Owen says he and Adrian Garcia have something cooking, as well. More as news develops.

It’s always deeply powerful to hear of BRs’ kids following in their footsteps.

We have so many at various stages in the pipeline and all service branches represented. I regret not having photos of this (yet), but Jon Sachrison just told me about Beau Johnson’s son, who graduated from Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in August and was commissioned as a second lieutenant by Chip Bierman. Jon

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Class Notes Jim died after losing a struggle with said he and Jay Pennington “had the metastatic melanoma. His interment pleasure of observing this awesome at Arlington National Cemetery was occasion.” Powerful. Congratulations, held July 21, 2017. On behalf of GloBeau. ria Kiker and her family, thanks to John I know there are other recent serKeppeler, Michael Owen, Kirk Dewvice entries by many of our kids. I will yea, Dan Shrimpton, Bill Cronenberg, try to assemble a list of who has who, Edward Wetherell and son Thomas, where and what color their uniforms are Carlos Lofstrom, Guy Gormley, Richby next printing. I will also be grabbing ard Stone and Sam Tate for representFacebook posts and saving them for reing VMI ’88 at Jim’s interment at Arprinting here. lington.

I just received my first class agent quarUpdates from our brother rats: Dave terly report for 2017 (includes 2016), and Carter and Rob Davis were privileged we appear impressive. There is only 0.5 to be at Col. Chris Hall’s Retirement percent difference in participation rates between us and our dykes both sides of Class of 1988: John “Bubba” Keppeler ’18 at his Officer Can- ceremony at Fort Eustis, Virginia, in ’87 (’84 and ’90). We’re at 26 percent didate School graduation with his family, Rosemary, Cici, early August. Chris plans to stay in the Hampton Roads, Virginia, area. participation, on par with our nearest John and Joseph Keppeler.

T.C. and Jennifer Chau’s son, Minh, peers. Classes from the ’60s and down graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in May. have 50 percent and better. With our low total class Minh was watched over in BR fashion while member number (270), it’s pretty easy to jack our at USNA by A.J. and Rosemary Williams. In percentage up. Everything’s a contest. turn, during visits to Annapolis, T.C. has been Thank you, Gerry Tertychny, Paul Munson and checking in on Shawn Dooley’s daughter, midBill McCarthy for your assistance and advice, as shipman Caroline Dooley, during her first year. my class agent training wheels are still on. Gerry Walt Coleman paid a visit to Oklahoma to see had a great run, and I’m sure we all appreciated Al and Holly Cuellar this past spring. Al and the birthday cards signed simply, “T.” Holly plan on joining us at the reunion.

In the bonds my brothers, Derek McFarland hosted several BRs to his Schoon property in Maryland for some camping, shooting, relaxing and telling mostly true stories around the campfire. I think Derek had a weapSam Tate on from each decade from 1870 to the present.

Class of 1988: Ensign Minh Chau, John On hand for the event were Jim Florio, John and Rosemary Williams, and T.C. and Ryman, Sam Tate, John Bordelon, John KepJennifer Chau. peler and several of their sons. We are hoping our gracious host invites us again in the future and that more of you can join us.

Brother Rats, Dan Salyan went through a rough A reminder that our 30th Reunion spot this past spring with some major is scheduled for April 20-21, so if you hip and foot surgery. Dan wrote, “I have not seen the dates on our Facethink things are coming along fine. I book page or an email from me, please look forward to going to summer camp mark your calendars. By the time you with scouts, but it’s been hectic. I have read these notes, you should have one step-son in the Marine Corps, and more information on hotel and the my other is graduating high school and events package. We formed a commitheading to George Mason University tee in August and will report out via in the fall. I am very blessed to be able Facebook, email and direct calls as to manage much of my company acwell as the VMI reunion page as events warrant.

Class of 1988: Victor Sredl from Paducah, Kentucky, met up with tivities from a laptop, and I made a few You may recall that I announced the Dave Pitts in Franklin, Tennessee, to see the new “Transform- key hires to handle my bidding in the death of James Kiker last October in ers” movie. As they were leaving the theater, they had a chance beltway when face-to-face meetings are encounter the one-and-only Spider Man. required. It has made this injury much the May edition of the Alumni Review.

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes before Tom left for Texas for his next more tolerable.” We all wish you a adventure with the Army. complete recovery, Dan. Brother rats, thanks for all the picture In addition to Army, Air Force inputs for this edition. Unfortunately, and Marines, our class has several I am limited to a certain amount of sea service connections. Eric Mize picture space, but you are always welwrote that “it was a big day for the Mizes Saturday, June 17. Joshua, come to see these and other updates on our youngest, graduated from the our VMI 88 Facebook page. See you at U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at the reunion. Rah VMI ’88!

Kings Point, New York, with a BachBrother Rats, it was a pleasure compiling these notes. It is great to see elor of Science degree in marine enthe spirit of ’88 encouraging you all gineering. He was commissioned a Navy Reserve ensign and obtained to keep in touch with each other. As always, you can reach me at the folhis credentials as a licensed thirdlowing: VMI 88 Facebook page (join engineer for commercial shipping.

286 BRs and family and growing) Having raised him in central Ohio, I have no idea where he got the notion Class of 1988: Walt Coleman with Al, Holly and Isabella Cuellar.

571-659-0904 (home) to go to sea, but Joshua was keen to 703-772-0854 (cell) do this. In addition to the reserve commitment, he will also have to sail on a U.S.-flagged vessel for at least 150 days/year for the next six years. I Steve Chiles didn’t know anything about USMMA before he applied, but it’s been good to watch Joshua step through the program. The mids go to school almost year-round so they can fit-in 300-plus days at sea and graduate in four years. He did David A. Martin his sea training on the Maersk Detroit US-India runs, USNS Tippecanoe in the South China Sea, and SS Chemical Pioneer on the East Coast. Now that Jacque and I have seen both boys get out the door and on their feet, we are taking a deep breath and thinking about what comes next.”

Judging from the veritable plethora of email and John and Rosanna Keppeler also had a son in Facebook posts, it’s been a busy summer for many transition this past summer. John “Bubba” Kepof us: Retiring from the military, turning 50, job peler ’18, graduated from U.S. Marine Corps transitions, turning 50, extended vacations, turnOfficer Candidate School. The Keppelers were ing 50, sending the kids off to college (or the military) and turning 50 are common themes these joined at the graduation by BR and fellow Madays. It is almost impossible to rack and stack rine Lew Sigmon.

Chris Starling is in transition again. After a which is the most important (Steve and I think we can all agree which is the least important – 50), so couple of years with the Marine Corps Memoin no random order, let’s jump right in! rial in San Francisco, Chris has moved back to First off, some housekeeping items: If you northern Virginia and taken a new role at Spirit Class of 1988: Eric Mize, right, with Ens. haven’t done so already, go to the alumni website of America. Based out of Arlington, Virginia, Joshua Mize at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduation and commissioning. and update your email. You can do this by creathis job involves frequent interaction with U.S. embassy country teams and forward deployed ing a login and password. I have some tuition/ring service members. “I am pleased to be back into As they were leaving the theater, they had a figure refund checks to send many of you, and the mainstream, providing critical timely supchance encounter the one and only Spider Man. those who have out of date emails will not get their refund check. OK, now to the good stuff. port to military and diplomatic missions over“Spider Man let us try out his web shooting suAl Versoza took an extended vacation and a sabseas. For more information about SOA visit: per power thing and much fun was had.” batical from his job as a senior program manager https://spiritofamerica.org/about.”

Another set of BRs made the effort to get toto start his own company providing logistics and Victor Sredl was in town from Paducah, Kengether recently in New Jersey. Tom O’Buckley (I tucky, to meet up with Dave Pitts in Franklin, know we all hear that last name in our heads all information technology services to federal and Tennessee, to see the new Transformers movie. the time) had some down time with Ron Gillespie state government agencies. He doesn’t know it yet,

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Class Notes but this new venture and his skill set will serve him well as he heads up one of the many reunion committees we will be forming in the coming months.

Al was in Times Square last June and heading to Penn Station en route to Washington, D.C./ northern Virginia when he literally ran into Patrick McMahan. According to Al, they had time for a mini reunion, which is where the idea for heading a committee came from. Well done, Al! Derek Harris also volunteered to help Al (yeah, right) but did write in to say his son, Dylan, is doing well in the U.S. Marine Corps since graduating basic at Parris Island and daughter, Courtney, graduated from Mary Baldwin College in May. Our resident pole vaulter Van Trumpore turned 50 in June and took a vow not to put up with any jokes about his pole from his BRs. Actually, even at 50-plus, he has proven there is hope for us all after 50, as Van’s pole business has soared to new heights: He is now the regional rep for a pole vault manufacturer, in addition to his many other pursuits in the Colorado Springs area. VMI really prepped Van well to excel at this pole business; no one knows the pole business like Van; he leads the nation in pole sales! Congrats to you and your pole-prowess, Van! While getting ready for the VMI versus the U.S. Air Force Academy game in September, he met up with Todd Baldwin ’06, who owns the second largest brewery in the springs. Van continues to do commercial tenant business and coach.

Speaking of mini reunions, Ashley Fairchild, Dave Brown and Mark Biliunas all had kids graduate together from Deep Run High School in the Richmond area: Congrats to Rachel Fairchild, Margot Brown and Mark Biliunas!

Neal Heimer was rubbing it in from “the beautiful island area of the Puget Sound” where he will retire from the Navy next fall. “Sounds” like he is in the area for good, as he and Tricia bought a house in nearby Port Townsend, Washington.

With the kids in college, they are fixing it up and will be ready to host a mini reunion in Washington state in the near future. Neal’s note sounded like and advertisement for the area: “Nice waters to kayak on. Nice roads to bike on. Wonderful hikes in the area.” Sounds idyllic.

Speaking of idyllic, Quinn Donovan is living the dream in Sonoma County, California. He also turned the big five-oh and loves it! Fifty hasn’t slowed him down; although, with nine triathlons under his belt, he is taking some time off to let the 50-year-old knee recover. Speaking of having a

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good belt, this time off augurs well for those of us who like fruit of the vine with dinner; the harvest is good in Sonoma and apparently conducive to a special batch of grape for port wine.

For all you math majors out there, little did we know one “Mighty Quinn Sally-Port” barrel equals 25 cases of wine, which equals about 300 bottles. With our 30th Reunion coming up, that’s 10 bottles/year.

Bob Bradford also turned 50 last May and loves it. Bob is working at Fort Lee (Combined Arms Support Command) and runs into Scott Stables, who also works there. Apparently, they convinced Harlan Carvey to see the light and move from northern Virginia to Powhatan. Bob’s daughter recently mentioned that their mannerisms are the same – the brother rat from another mother.

Steve Chiles out of Akron, Ohio, hosted Dave Martin for dinner and cocktails (or was it cocktails and dinner?) in July. Although we “billed” this as a class agent synchronization meeting so we could better serve you in the future, the Alumni Association has not retuned my CHASM-calls regarding picking up the tab and my miles for this vital meeting. Dave is celebrating being 50 by defending his doctoral dissertation at George Washington University with a topic of, “Dissention in the Ranks: Dissent within U.S. Civil-Military Relations during the Truman Administration,” a study of U.S. Army dissent over military desegregation. Steve took another more exciting path, so to speak: Steve and his wife, Felicia, shipped Steve’s new 50th birthday present out to San Francisco and flew out to pick it up, only to ride it all the way back to Ohio. They traveled 3,400 miles over seven days,

Class of 1989: Steve and his wife, Felicia, on their trip from San Francisco to Ohio.

and it made for one hell of a 50th birthday present from Felicia; in short, it was epic. Steve apologizes to all for not being able to stop and visit, as they were crunched for time because they had to get back and help Dave with the notes.

Tom Jernigan and Matt Ans get credit for writing in and opted out of volunteering for the 30th Reunion Committee. Speaking of five-oh, Tom Fanshaw dropped a line, still keeping the Baltimore area safe with the police force. Tom went to Australia over the summer to see his son.

From the Facebook Navy files, congrats to U.S. Navy Capt. James Black for a successful command tour of Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Bill Bersing and Pedro DeJesus attended Mike Monfalcone’s retirement ceremony from the Navy.

Thank you both for your service! Sticking with the U.S. Navy paragraph, Chris Ogden is a captain with the Navy Reserve and spends one weekend a month at beautiful Fort Meade, Maryland. Chris writes, “Van Trumpore might have his pole, but I have my crankshaft.” For all you Ford F-150 guys, apparently Chris helped design the crankshaft of the EcoBoost engine. I think about Chris whenever I get gas in my truck.

Navy BRs have definitely excelled this quarter and exceeded the standard. Are you Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and civilian BRs going to let this happen next quarter? Karen and John Adametz are doing well and enjoying SoCal (that’s southern California). They are empty nesters now because their son, Spencer, is now an ensign in the Navy Supply Corps and serving on a destroyer in Norfolk, Virginia. We’re very proud!

John completes his current Navy assignment in San Diego, California, in September and moves to another Navy assignment in Port Hueneme, California, near Oxnard. Speaking of ships, John sees John Shipley regularly and Rick Skiff every so often. John Adametz’s rat roommate, Eric Buchanan (ex-Navy), has been a very prolific Facebook poster as of late. You may have seen a picture of Eric on Buchanan Street in front of Buchanan Place next to Buchanan Galleries in Scotland. No mention of a few rounds at Buchanan Pub, but Eric and Meg managed a few rounds at local golf courses. It looks like a great trip!

Saving the best for last, no one does first time entry like John “Jake” Jacobs! By the time you read the notes, we will probably getting ready for Christmas, thinking warm thoughts of kith and kin ... similarly, nothing warms the cockles of our hearts than when we hear from a BR who has

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes never written in before, as was the case with Jake, who was motivated to write when he turned 50.

Jake, after retiring from the Marine Corps back in 2011, is in the Quantico area with Marine Corps Training and Education Command. Interestingly enough, Jake bought a house in Gainesville, Virginia; the same house he grew up in! Seems Jake bought it from his parents (hope you got a family discount). Jake loves the rugby pitch and recently competed with Cloud Tavener ’88 in the Can-Am Rugby Tournament in Saranac Lake, New York.

Jake proves there is life after 50 – he and his team won the championship!

Thanks for the update, Jake, and everyone else who wrote in. It’s never too late to drop us a line or post on the Class of ’89 Facebook page.

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Daren Payne

Brother Rats, It’s heartbreaking to begin this set of notes with the bad news that Dusty Crone’s son, Tanner, died July 8, 2017, just shy of his 22nd birthday. Most of you likely also knew Tanner’s uncles, Bill Crone ’89 and Sandy Crone ’93. Once again, I was heartened by the tremendous outpouring of support from our class as I saw close to 100 messages, texts, emails, guest book postings, etc. supporting our BR Crone at this most trying time. Dusty took the time to pass along a wonderful note of thanks and great letter to the class on our email distribution list that was as moving as it was well-written.

On behalf of the class, you have our deepest sympathies, Dusty.

I started out this reporting period with a note from Buddy Garbett out of Richmond, where he works for JWC Medical. Buddy promises a more detailed and timely update next time around, as I’m sure he sees a lot of BRs in his neck of the woods. Long lost BR Spellmeyer also checked in with a new address. Scott is with the State Department and graduated the National War College in Washington, D.C., over the summer. He is now in Afghanistan for a one year tour – stay safe over there, brother.

In military news, our biggest note was the selection of U.S. Marine Corps Col. Bill Bowers for promotion to brigadier general. He was officially

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promoted in a ceremony July 24. Newly pinned Brig. Gen. Bowers joins U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Dan Caine and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Tom Pugh among the stars. Congratulations to you and your family, sir, and we truly thank you for all your great service to our nation and the work you all have put in to make the extremely tough cut to the general officer ranks!

Staying with the Marine Corps, I got the following note from John Golden: “My father died a couple of weeks ago in Fredericksburg, shortly after a heart attack. I was in Afghanistan at the time of the heart attack, where I am serving as chief of staff for Task Force Southwest. My command jumped through hoops to get me home, and I managed to make it back five days before he passed. One can never say the Marine Corps does not take care of its own. One cannot say that about the Institute or our class, either. The prayers and condolences we received on behalf of my father, Lieutenant Colonel John C. Golden III, (1st Cavalry Division, Vietnam 1972) were very much appreciated. My dad was Norwich ’61 and went to Armor OBC with then-2nd Lieutenant Dave Harbach ’61. I am currently in Kuwait, en route back to Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Upon my return from Afghanistan in January, Dad will be interred in Arlington National Cemetery, alongside my mom, who died in 2010.” I will try to find out the date/time of the interment for John’s father and pass the information along via my email updates for those who would like to attend. Stay safe and our condolences on your loss, BR. In other Marine Corps news, Col. Mike Manning checked in from Quantico, where he is a portfolio manager for Ground Combat Systems on the Acquisition side (aka the “dark side”). Mike expects to remain living in Stafford for the time being. Also in Marine Corps news, I’m five years late announcing the 2012 retirement of Rodney Edwards. The ceremony was attended by none other than Andy Kvasnicka and Tom Cotman.

Rodney is now working in Euless, Texas, as a new construction manager for Oncor Electric Delivery.

Congrats and thanks for your service, Devil Dog! Speaking of BR Cotman, his obituary should appear in this edition of the Alumni Review.

Many thanks to BRs Rodney Edwards, Kvas and Kevin Hanford for their input and “interesting” memories of Tom. Special thanks to BR Hanford, who is donating a brick in front of barracks in Tom’s honor.

Another big item was Marine Corps Col. Chuck

Ellis sharing the news that Col. Glenn Dickenson’s Stuttgart, Germany, garrison earned the prestigious commander in chief’s Installation of Excellence Award. This is an award that is ultracompetitive and takes years of effort to prepare for. Glenn also passed along the following: “We depart Germany in mid-July, and I am going to be working at Fort Belvoir. We look forward to being around as our daughter graduates VMI next year and our son will be a 3rd.” I caught up with Glenn and his family at VMI as he was picking up his cadets from summer research programs at the “I,” and he seems as glad to be back in the U.S. as we are to have him back.

Colonel Sam “Tripp” Anderson checked in from Fort Gordon, Georgia, where he expects to begin winding down his 27-plus year military career and would like to remain in the Augusta, Georgia, area. No word on whether he gets tickets to the Masters or not.

Colonel Mark Hennigan checked in with me in August: He completed his brigade command with a change of command ceremony Aug. 13, 2017.

“As an update, I will be changing out of brigade command this Saturday, and my next assignment, starting next week, is as the National Guard Bureau deputy director J-5 for a two-year tour. Then, I plan to retire and get a real job, as well. I’m heading to northern Virginia. I’ll be ‘geobatching’ (that means ‘geographic bachelor,’ living in a bachelortype apartment) it for a little while.” Congratulations on the successful command, BR, and best of luck in the J-5 – apparently there is no rest for the weary!

Jeff Millican checked in with me on LinkedIn. He is still active in the Navy Reserve with 24 years and counting. He is finishing up his third year as the director of intelligence for U.S. Forces Korea in Seoul. It’s been a long time since my tour in Korea with BRs Steve Vasquez, Jeff Moushegian and John Hahn, and one can only wonder just how much the place has changed. Also on LinkedIn was Capt. Pete Mantz, who remains on active duty in the Navy, where he just finished up a tour as commander of the Naval Leadership and Ethics Center – as a VMI man imbued with our sense of honor, I’m sure there was no one more qualified to lead an organization focused on ethics and honor.

Lieutenant Col. Garrett Thompson checked in to let us know that, thanks to his booming command voice and overall military bearing and presence, he was selected to be the moderator for the

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Class Notes promotion of Tripp Bowles ’87 to brigadier general at Fort Bragg, where Garrett’s Army Reserve unit is assigned.

Bryan Haslam made it back to VMI for a multigenerational family reunion to celebrate the graduation of his nephew Wynn Haslam ’17.

Bryan was also kind enough to post some great footage of the New Market Day parade. I also saw Bryan was able to get together in Asheville with Matt Henning while Matt was in town for work.

Looked like they put a hurting on some craft beer and those big pretzels with cheese dipping sauce.

Mike Mullori reported in May that he joined Hunter Trumbo, Greg Hatchett, John Lanzilotta and Chris Schinstock for dinner in the northern Virginia area. Moderate damages were reported to the establishment. Hatchett was still fast enough to outrun law enforcement, and attorneys Schinstock and Mullori were able to plead the case down to a misdemeanor for the others involved.

I got the following update the other day from Jim Dufford in Bridgeport, West Virginia: “We live 40 minutes south of Morgantown. My oldest is at West Virginia University for one more year, and my second will start in fall 2018.” Jim earned his Project Management Professional certification and Master of Business Administration degree along the way and works for Xcelerate Solutions as director of FBI programs since 2014.

Dave Kaulfers took a break from all his scouting duties to reveal he’d found long lost BR Michael Hirsh or, more accurately, that Mike found him.

Mike is in Richardson, Texas, and owns his own HVAC company called Rescue Air. For those in the Dallas/Forth Worth area, Mike is your man for all your air conditioning issues and needs.

Great to know you are still out there, BR, and do update us on what you are doing these days.

Another long-lost BR checking in was Tom Tolley. Tom runs Tolley Home Services LLC, which provides services for the real estate market. He married wife Sherry Tolley three years ago and has an 18-year-old son, Kyle Tolley, and a grandson named Ricky Tolley. He stated the he touches base with his former roommates, Manning and Farrell.

John Hunter passed along the following note via LinkedIn from Texas: “While searching to find a gig in cybersecurity in North Texas, I continue my work to improve youth rugby here in North Texas as a director, coach and referee.”

Also on LinkedIn, I heard from former National Collegiate Boxing Heavyweight Champion Jeff

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Barnes. Jeff remains in the Greensboro/WinstonSalem, North Carolina, area where he’s been a staff accountant for several firms over the past 20-plus years. He currently serves as senior accountant for Triad Adult and Pediatric Medicine in North Carolina.

I was able to meet up with Doug Harper and Rob Gudz and his wife at the annual Joint Engineer Training Conference in Columbus, Ohio.

Doug remains in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he has a gig working from home and had just completed a trip to Lexington for New Market Day with his son. Rob is a regular at these conferences and continues to round up new work for ECS. Lenny Carson checked in from Chesapeake, where he continues his teaching career at Deep Creek High School (alma mater of distinguished Deep Creek alumni BRs Todd Toler and Ryan Foster) along with Mike Burgess ’92. Lenny is a great ambassador for VMI, steering students there toward the “I.” He planned to head to Colorado on his summer break and replicate the movie “Wild Hogs” riding motorcycles with Tim Haynie.

For all the aspiring billiards kings out there, Joe Kenneback checked in with a recommendation for Your Place in Richmond. Joe plays in league there in his spare time, and the owner is father of a VMI cadet who welcomes current and former Keydets. Speaking of Joe, he and Raynor Garey spent a weekend cruising the Chesapeake Bay and road tripping in the Tesla in August.

Another BR from the education field, Alan Barr, sent along the following update from upstate New York: “I saw in the VMI Alumni Review you had Taylor Farmer looking for me. Glad to know you guys remember me. I spent last year in Sumter, South Carolina, teaching history with Bill Ator.

He’s the TAC officer for the Air Force JROTC at Lakewood High School. I’m the headmaster at Saint Gregory’s School in Albany, New York. I’ve been doing the headmaster gig for 15 years now.

I’ve lead schools in Virginia, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina and now New York. I spoke to Bill Arnold in Fort Worth not too long ago. He is at Fort Worth Country Day School. I plan to reach out to Mark Dick, as I may be headed to northern Virginia in the fall.”

From Lexington resident Chris Larlee, I got the following: “We enjoyed the chance to see old friends again today. We met up with one of my college roommates, Steve Wray, and his extended family, at the dedication of his grandfather’s

artifacts in the VMI Museum. This was followed by lunch and tall tales at Jordan’s Point. Thanks to all for inviting us to be a part of this occasion!”

Thanks, Chris and Steve, for your family’s generous donation of artifacts to VMI! Heard from Terrence Kerner recently, and he and Barry Johnson are planning a trip up to VMI to link up with me in reference to future construction projects. Both work for Atlantic Constructors out of Richmond and Roanoke, respectively. I also met up with Bill Madison in late July at VMI. Bill resides in Richmond and has been with WM Jordan construction for the past 10 years. Oddly enough, his next big project will be the Preston Library renovation project, where his firm has the construction management contract. I expect we’ll see a lot more of one another over the next four years. I was also able to meet up with Neil Whitmore at VMI, and I can tell you the Institute’s future is in safe hands given the thoroughness and attention to detail VMI pays in selecting future cadets. I’ve also been trying to catch up to BR Ramon Williams who continues his work for the Foundation, but he has been on the road since I got here. I’ve also heard BR Kornegay is working in Lexington, and I can confirm his dad is an adjunct professor in the civil engineering department. This all gets me thinking we need to do a Class of ’90 locals meeting somewhere in the near future for those in or near Lex-Vegas.

With summer baseball in full swing (no pun intended), I wanted to recognize Ramil Ibanez, as his son’s all-star team from King William won their state championship, and Todd Northrop, whose son’s high school team made it to states in Georgia. Awesome accomplishment for these guys!

Sal Bora continues to impersonate the world’s most interesting man, showing up just about everywhere. He was last seen sailing from Long Beach to Newport with Steve Brehenny ’89 aboard. I’m not sure how Sal has a job with all his travel, hobbies and entertaining, but he must have a darn good one.

For this edition’s long-lost BRs section, I’m looking for Brad Lawrence, Larry Johnson, Tim Whitt, George Rahab, John Stehn, Bob Cunningham, C.J. Bodnar, Dave Osbourne or Max Guggenheimer to come out of hiding in time for the next class notes.

As for the Payne household, we’re in the process of moving to Lexington. I’m soon to retire from active duty but will continue my military career in

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes the Virginia Militia. I’ll be working as construction and Lynette Schindler’s younger sister also reproject manager in the VMI Construction Office cently joined the ranks of alums. Jon Milner, on post. It is real blessing to have the opportunity Chris Barnett, Kenny Draper and several others William Woodward are sending their oldest kids off to college for the to remain in uniform, contribute to such an outstanding institution and be part of the mission first time this fall.

Chris Eubank wrote me from Stuttgart, Germaof VMI. Many thanks to BRs Chris Larlee, Neil ny, where he is currently serving in the Army as Whitmore, John Burleson and Matt SchwarzBRs, mann for all the advice pertaining to Rockbridge the J-6 for the U.S. Africa Command. He’s enjoyHere are the latest updates from our classmates.

County living and careers at VMI. I promise to ing the assignment and the family is enjoying the By the time you read this, we will have already keep the updates coming with even better inside opportunity to travel. had our 25th Reunion. Please send me your upThe other challenge I had writing this edition of information.

As you are reading this, football season should the notes was from the protests in Charlottesville. dates and pictures from the reunion. I will do my best to get them all in the next edition of be coming to a close and basketball and the Alumni Review. Given it was our rewrestling will be in full swing. Make sure union, we are allowed space to include you take an opportunity to get back to up to 10 (vice five) pictures and a longer VMI for a game or match this winter. If write-up. you aren’t close enough to attend a game I received a picture from Mike Starling in Lexington, take a look at the road who attended the International Youth games. We have games in Birmingham, Rugby Tournament in March in LeesRaleigh, Pittsburgh, Richmond, D.C., burg, Virginia, which hosted teams from Charleston and the Charlotte area, in adas far away as Canada. Mike’s son, Andition to the typical Southern Conference drew, participated as did Jay Frey’s son, slate of road games. Road games are alJackson. Our dykes’ class was representways great opportunities to meet and neted as well by Will and Emma, son and work with other alumni, support the Big Class of 1991: Pictured were, from left, Capt. Rod Turbak ’93, daughter of Jon Jacob ’89. In June, AnRed team and meet up with BRs. Col. Mark Cheadle ’90, Brig. Gen. Tom Pugh ’90, Col. Glenn drew Starling enacted his appointment Finally, if you are not getting my regu- Dickenson ’90 and Col. Chris Eubank. to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy lar email updates, please email me at the paynerd@vmi.edu email address and I’ll add you My family and I have been as troubled as anyone at Kings Point, New York. He has completed his to our growing distro list or give me a call/text at by the hatred on display so close to our homes. indoctrination phase and is now well into his freshAs it inevitably happens in our society today, I man year. Andrew also started practicing with the 540-287-1252. Until next time – go Keydets! was equally, if not more, disturbed by the ripple King’s Point rugby team. Jim Todd ’94 also has Daren Payne effect in my social media. I’m troubled as much a son in the same class at the Merchant Marine by the hate as I am by this “shout until the other Academy.

Mike also sent in an email reporting that he reloside backs down” mentality that has become the Chuck Story cated his family from Virginia Beach to Front Royde facto method of discourse for so many people.

I have realized this much, though: While many al in July, where he accepted an offer from his old of us are questioning the symbols of our great high school, Randolph-Macon Academy. Mike is school, its mission has never been more critical now their first chair for leadership and character and its methods never more valuable. The lessons development. Mike said, “This is his first job in I had a couple of challenges writing this edition of VMI and the Rat Line are the key to leading an industry not related to defense and a great opour communities out of this current time. We may portunity for my old school in the still emerging of the notes. Shortly after my usual Facebook request for info, I had a minor pride and back injury not have walked the same path in our childhoods. fields of leadership and character development.”

We may be on separate paths in our adult lives. Mike mentioned that “we now are halfway to Neil incident at Smith Mountain Lake that is reminding me we’re all getting older faster than we’d like But our common bond forged those many months Hennigan’s house, though not noticeably closer to in the Rat Line taught us one thing, if it taught us Bob Mason’s house in Wyoming. Jay and Jennifer to be. A few days laid up like I was in the post hosnothing: We’re all in this together, and it’s only by Frey remain quasi neighbors, as they moved to the pital during the plague wasn’t a lot of fun.

Buddy League touched base that he’s coming working together and loving each other that we’re Washington, D.C., area, and one of my neighbors is an old friend of Al Lunsford.” home to Virginia to head up a Branscome office going to get through it. May we be those kinds of Mike reports that Randolph-Macon Academy in Williamsburg. Welcome back, Buddy. Just citizen-soldiers in the coming days. I wish each of in time for Cap’s 1st Class year. Eric and Dana you peace as we move forward as a nation and a is the only coed Air Force JROTC boarding (and Hyde, along with Jamie Tavenner and Pat Krug, class. God bless our team, and God bless VMI. day student) program in the country. There are approximately 270 students enrolled in a college have recently had their kids graduate. Charlie The whole damn team.

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Class Notes preparatory academic program with a 100 percent college acceptance rate.

There is also a flight training program using two school-owned Cessna 172 aircraft. The school also includes a service academy preparatory program for seniors and post-graduates, as well as a non-military middle school of about 60 coed, boarding and day students.

Lieutenant Col. Brian “Mac” McCarthy reported that “2017 has been hectic to say the least, as my wife, Adhana, and I welcomed our son, Lenox, in February. Our daughter, Caitlin, turned 21 in June and will be entering her senior year at Hofstra. Shortly after Lenox’s birth, I deployed to the Middle East. While I am personally located in Mosul, Iraq, I have elements from my battalion, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, deployed to six other countries supporting Operations Inherent Resolve and Spartan Shield. A great byproduct of this has been working with the 29th Infantry Division, which is chockfull of BRs and other VMI graduates. I am looking forward to being back at Fort Hood, Texas, by Thanksgiving and will change command shortly after the New Year. No idea what the next stop will be, as the Army is sending Adhana off to get a Ph.D., and they probably don’t want

Class of 1992: From left, Derrick Lapp, Rob Schonberger, Dick Richardson, Chris Bergen, Carl Engstrom and Scott Price in May 2017.

Class of 1992: Near Aqaba, Jordan, were, from left, Capt. John Walaski ’08, Lt. Col. James Cherry and Maj. Patrick Lavoie ’03.

Class of 1992: From left, Karalyn, Vonda, Tom and Megan Timmes at Tom’s retirement from the U.S. Army.

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me around the nice universities that want her!”

I also received an email and photo from Lt. Col. James “U.B.” Cherry.

He reported that he is over in Jordan for the next year. He did run into two other alumni while out in a training area planning a live-fire event. See enclosed picture from Titin, Jordan (near Aqaba), which shows Capt.

John Walaski ’08 (Weapons Company commanding officer 1/7), Lt. Col. James Cherry (officer-in-charge MCE-J) and Maj. Patrick Lavoie ’03 (Marine Corps Forces Central Command tactical site exploitation planner). U.B. hopes all is well with our BRs and to see everyone at the 30th Reunion.

Captain Matt Ott sent in me an update reporting that he, wife Amy and their kids just moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where he took command of Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center. NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Jacksonville provides logistics services across the southeast region, including Mississippi; Georgia; Florida; Texas; Louisiana; and Guantanamo, Cuba. Matt was recently honored by the Navy with the Stan Arthur Award for his work as a team lead. Congrats to Matt! Matt also mentioned that his house in Fleming Island, Florida, is always open to BRs.

Class of 1992: At the International Youth Rugby Tournament in Leesburg, Virginia, in March 2017 were, from left, Mike and Andrew Starling, Jay and Jackson Frey, and Emma, Will, and Jon Jacobs ’89.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Colonel Tom Timmes reported that he retired from the Army after more than 25 years. They moved to Lexington, and Tom has taken a teaching position with the civil and environmental engineering faculty at VMI. Larry Nevel sent me an update saying he had recently left government contracting and picked up a management and program senior analyst position with the Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection Division in Springfield, Virginia. Larry said he has “now kind of run the full gamut from military retiree to dirty government contractor to being a fed. Anyone looking for positions, DHS is hiring.” Larry recently had an emergency appendectomy but recovered nicely.

Derrick Lapp sent in a photo of him, Rob Schonberger, Mike “Dick” Richardson, Chris Bergen, Carl Engstrom and Scott Price at Carl’s river house in “Wild and Wonderful West Virginia” during Memorial Day weekend. Derrick reported that “as with any gathering of our BRs, it was a weekend of manly men doing manly deeds. I laughed so hard my sides hurt for two days after getting home! It was kind of a mini reunion since Carl is slated to be deployed by September and will miss our 25th Reunion.”

Bill Sharp sent in an email in which he reported that he got to see Col. Dave Womack, who had just returned from another deployment to Afghanistan. Bill said, “I really enjoyed getting to spend the day as a sidekick to this superhero and his family who came to Atlanta on his first day back from deployment.” Bill and the Womack

family went to an Atlanta Braves game before the Womacks continued on to Disney.

Billy Waters sent me a photo of him, Taylor Holt, Rob Mizelle, Jeff Zeigler, Scott Council and John Williamson driving Razors in the Las Vegas desert in October 2016.

Dave Bradley sent me an email letting us know that he got married July 15 in Hawaii to Flor Carina. Ben Piper was his best man, and he was married by Maj. Josh Powers ’04.

In the spring, I linked up with Cmdr. Pat Rohan over the course of three days as we were both attending the Reserve Intelligence Leaders Seminar at the Office of Naval Intelligence in Suitland, Maryland. It was great catching up with him.

Although everyone will be reading this after our 25th Reunion, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jim Maiocco for all of his hard work in leading our Social Committee for the 25th Reunion. Jim was also greatly assisted by Chuck Weatherman, Dean Case, Scott Blackburn and Tom Timmes.

That is all for now. 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.

In the bonds, Woody

1993

Jim Sharp

Class of 1992: From left, Taylor Holt, Rob Mizelle, Jeff Zeigler, Scott Council, Billy Waters and John Williamson in October 2016.

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I hope these notes find everyone in good spirits.

I caught up with Jason Held. He was one of my co-dykes. From Jason: “I moved to Sydney, Australia, in 2004 for a master’s degree and ended up with a Ph.D. and a wife. So, I got the bonus plan. Founded a company, Saber Astronautics, in 2008 to develop next generation space mission control software. We had a few other projects that have turned out well – a tether to deorbit small satellites after their mission life and a space beer project. Most of our BRs will appreciate a space company that collaborated with a brewery on Manly Beach to make a beer you

Class of 1993: Pictured at lunch in Richmond to celebrate the Class of ’93’s Matriculation anniversary Aug. 15, 2017, were, from left, Rusty Smith, Matt Gill, Lincoln Swineford and Bob Matson. can drink in space. To go with it, we made a space beer bottle. You can see the flight footage from our last test here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=4gFrDWQHGpY. I still have most of my hair. For now. Wife and I are in Sydney. No kids, but we have a dog. Open-door policy to any VMI guys who want to share a brew; look me up if you’re on this side of the pond.”

Fellow Company G BR Chris Martin dropped in a line. He just had his15-year work anniversary with ABB this past June. He is presently running the surge protection business for ABB, managing the factory in Richmond, Virginia, and managing sales globally. His oldest son, Mike, joined the Navy this year and has been posted in Charleston but is about to be relocated to Pensacola. Chris’ youngest son, Hunter, will be a junior at Atlee High School in Mechanicsville, Virginia.

On our class Matriculation anniversary Aug. 15, several of our BRs got together for lunch in Richmond organized by Lincoln Swineford.

Lincoln checked in letting us know he and April are doing well. Their oldest daughter starts at James Madison University this fall. Although one is out of the house, Lincoln still has two daughters at home, along with two dogs, so he and April will remain busy.

Matt Gill is having fun raising his sons along with their sports and scouting. Matt is still working for the Virginia Information Technology Agency supporting technology services for state government while running some business on the side.

Bob Matson also attended the anniversary lunch. Bob is a police officer and evidently has a penchant for catching cigarette traffickers. I’ll

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Class Notes be honest, I didn’t know that was still going on.

Rumor is that he is looking to enter politics.

Lastly, Rusty Smith dropped a note, as well.

Rusty has been in the insurance industry with BB&T for the last 18 years. He married his wife, Scotty, three years ago in Las Vegas. They recently moved to a little horse farm outside Richmond in Oilville. They have four dogs, four horses and four kids. Their youngest just headed to Longwood University, so Rusty and Scotty are empty nesters. My youngest just turned seven, so the idea of being an empty nester is not even on the horizon.

I received a quick note from David Youngclaus. He has been living in Massachusetts chasing his five kids (yes, five) around from the lacrosse field to hockey rink. He ran into Dan Delawyer this summer on his way to Martha’s Vineyard on a fishing trip. David said Dan is doing well and has not changed a bit.

A heads up to the whole class: Our 25th Reunion is coming up in 2018! The date of the reunion will be Nov. 2-3, 2018. We will be forming a committee to manage the social events, so be on the lookout for more information from me and committee members.

As always, thank you to our BRs who are serving our country in uniform.

Jim

1994

that Sebastien Moureau’s son is coming to live with them for a bit in the near future.

Billy Seargeant ’68 sent me an email to let me know that he attended a rat send-off hosted by C.J. Debernard at Foode in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Billy said it was well-attended and a first class event; great job, C.J. Will Gorman wrote recently that he has taken on a new job as manager of Cyber Assurance Group at the Newport News shipyard. Congrats, Will.

During my travels this summer, I decided to stop by the office of VA Slate in Richmond to catch up with Cassel Adamson ’96 and his wife, Tucker. We had the opportunity to grab a bite to eat and catch up about the old rugby days.

Last, I heard from Chris Myers. He recently got married to Kasia in December 2016 and had a baby boy, Conner, born June 22. Chris reports that life is good, but he is getting less sleep than 4th Class year. He also finished his doctorate in finance and is building a house in Burlington, Connecticut.

Always, Class of ’94 Pig

1995

Joseph W. Doyle

Clay Campbell

Dear Brother Rats, I hope all is well. As I write this, cadre has reported back to prepare for the next mass of rats.

I recently had the chance to speak briefly with Ryan Croley, who reported all is well with his family, and he is hoping to get back for a home game in the fall.

Gary Gulikson reached out to report he is on the board of the VMI Club of Richmond. They recently had a picnic at the river home of Meade Spotts ’79, where he ran into Brett Wilkinson.

I had the opportunity to speak with Ty Johnson on the phone after a few weeks of phone tag. Ty reported that the family is moved in to the new home outside of northern Virginia, and he has been traveling a lot for work. He also reported

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Brother Rats, As I sit here writing these class notes for the first time as class agent, I am reminded that 26 years ago, we came together as the rat mass of 1992+3. I am humbled and honored to be the one representing our class now. I thank you for this opportunity. I would like to give a huge thanks to Thom Brashears for doing so much for our class these past years as class agent.

As of the writing of these class notes, most everyone is just finding out that I am the new agent. Please feel free to call or email me anything you have. I look forward to catching up with you all and seeing how well you are all doing. Remember that if you are ever in the Roanoke area, let me know you are coming. I would enjoy meeting up for dinner or drinks. I also am lucky enough that I get to travel around our fair state with my job. Whenever I am on the road,

Class of 1995: Bill Eger earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in U.S. foreign policy from Old Dominion University.

I will be reaching out to you also so that we can meet and catch up.

With all of that being said, I am going to turn over the rest of the notes to Thom. Thanks again, and I look forward to hearing from you all. Rah Virginia Mil! It has been a crazy time of late, as we are ramping up for yet another year and another group of individuals to enter these hallowed grounds to take the path less traveled. I have been on the road quite a bit, getting out and about to various chapters, and I look forward to continuing to do that. With all that said, I honestly do not have much to add this time, except to say thank you for the opportunity to serve as class agent. God bless you all and your families, and God bless the great Class of 1995. ’95, ’95, ’95!

1996

Tom Danielsen

Brother Rats, Once again, I’m writing our class notes on special day for our class – 25 years since we matriculated and met our cadre. I’ve enjoyed the Facebook posts from Matt “Dutch” Holland, Matt Bogusky and Jamal Thomas. What a crazy day, and the start of an incredible experience. I

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes new in terms of notes, as he’s there think Dutch’s post said it best regardfor the foreseeable future. ing his VMI experience: “I made lot Finally, I heard from Dallas Richof mistakes on the journey; however, I hope I have lived up to the stanards, who has been having a year of dards set by many who came before adventures. In March, he completed me and by my BRs who walked it the 10-mile ruck race raising money for the charity Stength2Change. In with me. Here’s to you, fellas. HapMay, he hiked the entire Maryland py Matriculation Day.” Well said, section of the Appalachian Trail over Dutch; you are absolutely living up Memorial Day weekend, and most to VMI’s expectations. recently, he traveled with his famI heard from several of you over the last few months, and I appreily to Washington state to explore ciate the updates and ask that you Mount Rainier and Olympic Nakeep them coming. tional Parks. Dallas is also actively seeking any information on our BR I’ll start with Jon Dano, who provided several updates. Stew Holt is Class of 1996: Lieutenant Col. Rusty McGuire, Lt. Col. (promot- Matthew Williamson; if anyone able) Michael Castellano ’95 and Lt. Col. Heath Bono ’93 attendcurrently deployed to South Korea ed the Army War College Department of Distance Education knows his whereabouts please drop him a line. with his Army special forces unit. course at Carlisle Barracks.

That’s it for this time. All the best to Phil Alicea was just promoted to lieutenant with the Jacksonville Police Department. son around in the Philly area. He’s keeping him you and your families.

Tom Danielsen Any BRs who get into trouble in Jacksonville young. should give him a call. Jim Warf is headed back Steve Johnson once again checked in from to the U.S. to Langley, Virginia, after many Brussels, Belgium, after recently completing years on Air Force assignment in Germany. Jon the grueling Alpe d’Huez triathlon. Steve said is looking forward to seeing Jim and his family it was the toughest race he’s ever competed in David M. Hudock after many years. Finally, Jon himself is doing but a bucket list event riding in the shadows of well and just having fun chasing his 2-year-old so many legendary cyclists. He said it was way harder than an Iron Man, even though it was 50 miles shorter in distance. Steve is currently Timothy Moore the acting director of defense operations at the U.S. Mission for NATO. Steve and his family are Gentlemen of the Old Corps! Hopefully this scheduled to return to the U.S. next spring and summer edition of class notes finds you and your will be heading to San Diego to join the operafamilies well as you try to squeeze in that last trip tions department of Carrier Strike Group 15. to the beach or that last sojourn to the mountains Chris Noe also sent a quick note after returning to the U.S. after three years in Korea. Chris, before the season comes to a crashing halt and you Melissa and the kids will be in Newport for the start suffering through “back-to-school” sales. So, next year while Chris attends the U.S. Naval let us not focus on the end of our summer and inWar College. Plans are already in the works to stead focus on all the wild stuff you were up to get the New England ’96 contingent together for during the summer!

This time of year tends to be “moving season” Founders Day this November.

Eli Wahesh sent a note that he’s still in the for many folks, and military peeps are no excepSavannah area and recently saw Doug Bartlett tion. For starters, yours truly has left the comfy and wife Jen along with their boys during their confines of the Pentagon for the slightly greener recent trip to the area. He also met up with and definitely more remote pastures of southern Mike Waltz recently when Mike was in town Maryland – specifically, Patuxent River Naval Air for work. Eli and Carrie are both doing well Station. I’m now working for the Naval Air Systems Command, attempting to positively increase and busy with work and raising their two adorable kids. Speaking of Mike Waltz, he’s doing readiness in Marine Corps aviation; if you have a great job representing our class and providing any ideas, I am all ears! I just couldn’t bring myClass of 1996: Steve Johnson during the climb of the legendary Alpe d’Huez while solid insight during frequent visits to Fox News. self to move to bucolic Leonardtown, Maryland, competing in the grueling triathlon of the Chris Kavanaugh checked in from the lovely so I am still living in Washington, D.C. Stop in if same name in France. desert of Iraq working for KBRWyle. Nothing you’re in the area, and I’ll buy you a D.C. bräu.

1997

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Class Notes water and Champagne bath. On Aug. In other moves, the Belenky fam9, his “official” final flight took place ily has returned to the northern Virout of Corpus Christi with Charles ginia area to contribute to its already Minski ’00. Jeff officially retired from horrendous traffic problem. I caught active duty Sept. 1, but he’s not really up with Mike and Blythe this past leaving naval aviation; he’ll start work weekend in Fairfax, where they will as a contractor for NAVAIR down at be living while Mike attends the NaPensacola. Thanks for your service, tional War College at Fort McNair Jeff, and I look forward to seeing you in southwest D.C. Mike successfully around Pax River occasionally. concluded his command tour at CarMatt Smith dropped me a line via lisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, in June the book-of-the-face and also dropped and will now be rewarded with life a bunch of names along with some as a full time student in Washington, of their goings-on. Apparently he D.C. Great news for Mike, Blythe and lunches with Matt Linderman, Jathe kids, and hopefully they’ll be able to squeeze a couple more years in the Class of 1997: Jeff Henderson’s official last flight was Aug. 9 at son Ancarrow and Mark Baltz about area after school. The Pentagon beck- Corpus Christi with Chuck Minski ’00. once a quarter. Matt worked with Linderman and Ancarrow at Capions, Mike!

The Air Force has been equally active in its talOne before those two left and joined CarMax. shuffling of personnel. Steve Strain checked in Matt left CapitalOne after 14 years this past June from Montgomery, Alabama, where he is attendand is now performing analytics for Altria at its headquarters building. And if that’s not enough ing top level school at U.S. Air Force Air War to keep him busy, he was heading out to Denver College. He and Holly left the Air Force Acadsometime in September to seek the international emy (hopefully not in the red) and cool Colorado man of mystery known as Gagliardi – rumor has Springs this summer to execute their orders to it there was a Gags sighting in the dark and sinisMontgomery; this is their third move in less than four years of marriage. At the end of the academter world of Rocky Mountain cage fighting. Matt is going to investigate for us. Good luck, Matt, ic year next spring, they’ll move again to another and let Gags know the Review anxiously awaits Air Force garden spot – the precise location is an update! yet to be determined. Best of luck, Squirrel, and Patrick Henry High School’s football coach, look on the bright side ... you could have been Bubba Braxton, was busy whipping his team assigned Fort Leavenworth! into shape this summer in anticipation of a great Rumor has it that Taylor Edwards is in Steve’s Class of 1997: Jeff Henderson took his last season this fall. The team faced the Tabb High class down at Montgomery, but he hasn’t come unofficial flight in Pensacola July 27 with School Tigers of Yorktown in its first scrimmage up on the net to verify he is actually in the conChris Coats, which ended in a Champagne and ice bath. of the season Friday, Aug.18. We wish you the tinental U.S. following hazardous duty in Paris, best, Bubba! When he’s not pounding the gridFrance. It is entirely possible he is now suffering from “reverse culture shock” in Montiron, Bubba is enjoying married life, of which he says he has absolutely no gomery and will update us once he complaints. All in all, it has been a big has ceased wandering the Alabama year for Bubba. Good luck and have a countryside in search of baguettes great season! and Brie!

Oliver “O.J.” Johnson reported Lest we forget our shipmates in in this summer from the marina at the Navy, Jeff Henderson celebrated Bald Head Island in North Carolina his “last” flight as a naval aviator a where he ran into fellow alumnus couple of times this summer. The Jim Harrington ’49A sporting his first time was in a ceremonial flight class boonie hat. Fortunately, O.J. was July 27 out of Pensacola with BR equipped with his reunion visor and Chris Coats. Apparently, they had leaned in for a quick selfie with Jim. quite the joy ride, zooming along at The Institute was heard from that day, 500 feet to get lunch in Mississippi.

Class of 1997: O.J. Johnson took a minute to swap Rat Line stories gentlemen; thank you!

When he returned to Pensacola, he with Jim Harrington ’49A at Bald Head Island, North Carolina.

Elk Richardson checked in with was showered with the traditional ice

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes me recently. He took his daughter out to Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota this summer. He wrote, “It’s such a powerful trip. We were serving the Lakota tribe through an organization called Re-Member. We built bunk beds, outhouses, wheelchair ramps and installed siding and skirting on trailers. We also learned lessons from the elders and built long lasting relationships. It was a very rewarding and uplifting experience!” Sounds like you got to spend some quality time with your daughter on a meaningful journey; thanks for sending, Elk! Jeremy King checked in via Facebook recently.

He writes: “Last month I took the family to Dallas. We went to Don Henley’s 70th birthday party/concert. It was a great time. I met up with O.J. Johnson back in July when he was in Columbia visiting his family. We had a good summer and are anxious for our daughter to start first grade next week. Monday is the total solar eclipse in Columbia and looking forward to experiencing it. This week, I’m in Sweden with work and trying to enjoy as much of the mild summer weather as possible. Stockholm is a beautiful place in the summer. Take care, and I hope things are going well!” Thanks for the note, Jeremy, and enjoy Sweden!

That wraps up things for this installment of the notes; however, as per the last issue, I was hoping to have some updates regarding Brother Rat Kao’s location. Unfortunately, I cannot report on his whereabouts, but rumor has it Bill Stagg tries to call him from his front porch every Sunday morning – at the top of his lungs, not by phone – without success. Thanks for trying, Bill, and hopefully we’ll hear from Kao before the next notes. Have a great autumn everyone, and thank you all for your contributions to this installment of notes!

1998

Joseph Bates Jr.

Hamel Reinmiller

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 1998.

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1999

William Steinbach

Brother Rats, I heard just in time from John Holmes. He was flying to Pakistan to start another one-year deployment at the Office of Defense Representative-Pakistan to manage Navy programs and the counter-narcotics program. He just finished another one-year deployment in Afghanistan in April, so this is back-to-back deployments.

Seems like John is always deployed.

Speaking of deployments, Ricco Espinoza just returned from a deployment with Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve in May, where he was the engineer operations chief. He also reports that he was promoted to lieutenant colonel in August.

Jake Britt was promoted to battalion chief by the Chesterfield Fire Department in June. He is responsible for five fire stations in the central battalion.

Matt Stephens reported that God blessed his family with another boy May 24, 2017. He says his wife, Erica, is now living the dream, dealing with four males and experiencing barracks life daily.

Last but not least, Charles Faulkner accepted an appointment in the administration as a deputy assistant secretary of state.

Fall is here, and I hope to see some of you at the Institute for some Keydet football! If you are reading these notes but are not getting emails from me, please shoot me a note to the email address listed above. Approximately half of the emails I send out get returned as undeliverable.

In the bonds, Bill

to school, and summer is in the rear-view mirror. College football and cooler temperatures are here. I hope family, life and work are going well for everyone, and please keep the updates coming. Please remember, you can always send any contact information updates, degrees earned, marriages, births, etc. to our class email address, and I will be sure it gets to the Alumni Association. I want to start by recognizing an important milestone for many of our brother rats – 40th birthdays. We have a few folks who are well past this important milestone, but here is a quick list of those that have turned 40 so far in 2017; Larry Huff, Ben Kaler, John Wilson, Jason Crabtree, Gil Decher, Tom Boyer, Liam Connor, Scott McInnis, Matt Guerin, Jim Martin, Matt Williams, Stewart Staton, Greg Fedor, Kenny Myers, Lei Wang, Matt Gallienne, Chris Clark, Tharen Peterson, Willy Barquero, Jason Clough, Mac Semler, Harold Caples, Charles Bryan, Chris Lowrance, Aaron Cantley, Landon Allen, Rob Mason, Bobby Bartolomeo, Ryan Cengeri, Ben Murray, Todd Charrington, Max Burns, Rush Brown, Sean Mellon, Taylor Mast, Jake Wilson, Jeff Neal, Nate Friedline, (Big) Matt Williams, Brent Kennedy, James Witten, Alan Johnson, Chuck Craddock and Charlie Towns.

Happy birthday, guys; here is to 40 more great years. I heard from my four-year roommate, Jon Hartsock, just after the last set of notes was due, and he updated that he is doing well and headed

2000

Jim Boatright

Brother Rats, As I write this update, our kids are returning

Class of 2000: Devon Jones’ daughter, Tabitha Margaret Jones, was born May 30.

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Class Notes out for another deployment. He will return in February and expects to move his family back to Fort Bragg and take battalion command.

Chuck Minski checked in and updated that he assumed command of the VT-27 Boomers in Corpus Christi, Texas, in March. This assignment will go through June 2018. It is one of five primary training squadrons for the Navy/Marine Corps and teaches future naval aviators the basics of flight in the T-6B Texan II. Chuck’s wife, Jonmarie, is working hard as the commanding officer’s wife welcoming new spouses and coordinating activities and support for the squadron’s families.

Brent Kennedy was attempting to attend the ceremony but was unable as he was TDY at Army Senior War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Chuck recently underwent knee surgery in May after tearing his meniscus. He says recovery is going well, and he should be flying and running by the end of the summer.

Justin Wood and I traded several emails back and forth catching up and remembering some good times from a road trip to watch Clemson University in the Peach Bowl our 1st Class year.

Justin updated that he and his wife, Jackie, are still living in Birmingham, Alabama. They recently vacationed in southern California and hit a couple of the beaches and Disneyland. Justin’s wife and girls took him to an Angels versus Royals game on Father’s Day. While at the game, Justin heard someone shout his name, and it was none other than Brother Rat Josh Petry. Josh was in California with his wife and son on vacation, as well. He was on a tour of several Major League Baseball parks. Josh told Justin that he was about to head overseas to Japan. Justin reported that Josh has not aged a bit and “looks like he could fit in his VMI gray blouse.” Thanks for the great update, Justin, and glad to hear Josh is doing well, too.

B.J. Arvin moved to east Tennessee in June 2016, and he is beginning his second year of teaching and coaching in Tennessee. He is the new head cross-country coach at Karns High School in Knoxville. B.J. says he was able to catch the VMI football game at the University of Tennessee - Chattanooga last fall and plans on going to the East Tennessee State University game this fall. He will also be finishing up his third master’s degree, teacher leadership, this fall and plans on taking a break from graduate courses after this one.

Devon Jones sent me a note right before I had to turn in notes and said that he and his wife,

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Francesca, welcomed their second daughter, Tabitha Margaret, May 30. He says it’s different playing man-to-man with two little ones, but they are loving it. Devon has already secured a provisional appointment. Congrats, Devon; that is awesome news.

Alan Johnson lives in Atlanta and works for Norfolk Southern. We are hoping to get together for lunch soon.

Last to check in, but certainly not least, is our class mayor, Chris Boswell. Chris hosted the Lynchburg area rat send-off for the rat class for the second year in a row. He said Danny Boyers has been getting involved with the local chapter.

Eric Walker also attended. Both joined a fantasy football league with some “older alumni” in the area. By older, Bozz means himself, as he recently turned 40. Chris sees Matt Vordermark regularly, and their baby is doing well. Chris played golf with Ethan Graham when he was in town for Matt’s daughter’s baptism. He also updates that (Big) Matt Williams and his wife, Shannon, are expecting a baby at the end of October. As always, I want to send a special thank you to Pat Haddock, who is a great help at sending out a last-minute notification on our class Facebook page reminding everyone when notes are coming due. Please continue to send updates to our email address at classnotes2000vmi@gmail.com.

Finally, to all our brother rats who have served or are currently serving our great country, be safe, and thank you!

improved overall readiness and prepared for future operations.

Our class experienced amazing accomplishments since I’ve last written, from career progression to marriages to welcoming newborns. Josh Harman wrote, “Recently, I was promoted to assistant chief nurse anesthetist at Duke, and I have a little boy on the way (first week of September).

Other than that, wife (Jackie) and daughter (Avery) are doing well. If you’re in Durham, feel free to reach out.” Josh, congrats on your promotion and your little one on the way!

Josh Berk noted, “I’m still working for the State Department and currently assigned to the consulate in Sao Paulo, Brazil. There are other alums here, as well, like Kevin Lloyd ’93, and we’re slowly trying to impose the ‘VMI will’ on the consulate culture. Brazil has treated me well, as I was sent to protect the NBA and WNBA players during the Olympics last year. Tough assignment, as I stayed on a luxury cruise ship and attended the basketball games with the teams. I caught up with my roommate Justin Harber and fellow GOTEL founder Jim Bourie in Tucson, Arizona, in March. Great to see them. If anyone is ever in Brazil, give me a shout.” Thanks for reaching out, Josh, and good luck on spreading the “VMI will!”

From on the other side of the world, Melissa

2001

Rich Groen

Brother Rats of the Class of 2001, What an amazing last three months! Lieutenant Col. Jeff Rhodes ’00 and I conducted exercises across the country and ran into some great alumni. In Camp Atterbury, Indiana, we had the opportunity to work with Col. Michael Leeney ’88, chief of staff with the 40th Infantry Division (California Army National Guard), as they prepared for an upcoming deployment. During another exercise, Jeff and I ran into Maj. Josh Powers ’04, G35 at U.S. Army Pacific, at Fort Shafter, Hawaii. It was great to see fellow alumni in action as they sharpened their units’ skills,

Class of 2001: Jared Kuhnhenn’s daughter and newest arrival, Kara, with Oscar Alfaro’s children, Sofia and Lucas, in April 2017.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Williams wrote, “Things are good for surely is a small world! me. I’m still working as a doctor for We’d also like to extend our congratthe State Department and just started ulations to Jarrod Cronin, who noted, my new assignment in Warsaw, Po“This spring, I married my longtime land. It is beautiful here; I’ll send pics girlfriend, Laura Deschenes, in a small as soon as I have one of me without family ceremony. We also purchased our second house together a few weeks a beer in my hand! I’ll be here two to before our wedding. Laura and I took three years, so I’m hoping some of our a family vacation at Hilton Head with BRs will swing through this way. My my Maddie. During our stay in Hilton oldest sister just got home from her deHead, we went up to Charleston for a ployment in Kuwait, and I wanted to night and had dinner with Chris Dagive a shoutout to Scott Campbell ’04 and Randy Hager for being friendly Baldo. We had a great time catching to her. She found VMI people all over up with Chris and his wife, Kaylan.” the place!” That’s great news, Melissa!

Congrats on your marriage, Jarrod!

Congrats on your new position and That is great news! glad your sister made it home safely!

In addition to marriages, our class In addition to Melissa’s sister, some welcomed new members to their famiof our class recently returned from Class of 2001: Lieutenant Col. Jeff Rhodes ’00, Col. Michael Lee- lies. Seth Ford writes, “My wife, Sarney ’88 and Maj. Rich Groen at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, on exdeployment. John Parson shared, ah, and I welcomed our fourth daughercise with the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National “Wilson Mustian and I returned from Guard, in June 2017. ter into the world July 6, 2017. Emelia deployment in July. Wilson is at resiMonroe Ford will affectionately be dence course intermediate level education (Fort as a region manager.” Derek, thanks for all of the called ‘Emmy.’” Congrats, Seth! We wish you and Leavenworth, Kansas) with the family. My famhard work you do while representing our class. your family all the best!

Additionally, Jared Kuhnhenn shared, “My wife ily and I are living in Charleston, South Carolina. It’s truly appreciated. and I had our first child, a daughter, Kara Hajin I am a TAC officer at The Citadel. I cannot get Our accomplishments and congratulations exanyone free tickets to the VMI versus The Citadel tend far past careers and into family life. Kevin Chang Kuhnhenn, born April 12, 2017. She was 8 pounds, 15 ounces. It’s been an amazing ride so game this year in Charleston; sorry.” Welcome Fromm wrote, “Just left Fort Bragg and 1st Spefar, and we are looking forward to having more home, John and Wilson! Maybe we can score cial Forces Command after just over two years some tickets next year... there in the G-8 and before that, 14 months at children in the near future. I also just recently finished my master’s in intelligence manageOur class continues to distinguish itself throughForces Command. I got married April 22 in ment from Henley-Putnam University, and we out the military services. Lieutenant Col. Russ Wilmington, North Carolina, to Heather AlliSavatt was recently selected to command the son Maxey. I guess I found a nice Virginia girl are still living in West Point, New York. Oscar U.S. Marine Corps Communication-Electronics in North Carolina after all. Brother Rats Eric Alfaro and I met up in Cape May, New Jersey, School, a battalion level command. Within the Ham, Steve Skakandy, Justin Walskey, Victor the last week of July, and our families had a great U.S. Navy, Steve Wiegel was recently promoted Zottig, Mark Bauserman, Billy Prible, Chris time hanging out at the beach and catching up.” to commander, just completed Naval War College Tyree, Mike Butterfield, Luke Pernotto, Tom Amazing news, Jared! Congrats on your newest and selected for submarine command. Within the Graham, Matt Meyers and Jim Bean ’04 were member of your family!

U.S. Army, we had quite a few selected for lieuAnd my dear friend, Carl Haas, and his wife had in attendance. A couple of weeks later, we took their first child. He writes, “Judy and I welcomed tenant colonel: Chuck Noll, Jeremy Guy, Angela our honeymoon to Peru (Machu Picchu) and our first child to the world July 15. We named him Scott (Winters), Sam Fishburne, Rich Groen, Ecuador (the Galapagos Islands) for a couple of Jason Gleason, Ethan Weber, Kevin Consedine weeks. Then July 1, we arrived back in Virginia William. July continued to be a busy month for and John Turner. Congrats, fellas!

– Alexandria, to be exact. My assignment offi- us, as I also accepted the position of head men’s Our class’ good works extend into volunteercer at the last moment switched my PCS assign- lacrosse coach at Alvernia University in Reading, ing to support VMI and the Alumni Agencies. ment after 10 weeks from Wiesbaden, Germany, Pennsylvania. Alvernia will be the sixth college I Derek Bogdon has done tremendous work in to the Pentagon. It is a really interesting job, and coach at and the third time I will be a head coach. supporting new cadets, local networks and menI ended up taking over the position from Clay We are really hoping to make Reading a home for toring members of the VMI lacrosse team as they McVay ’99. Angela Scott (Winters) just showed an extended period to raise little Will (and whotransition past graduation. He modestly writes, up a couple of weeks after me and is working ever may come after him). We regularly spend “Nothing major to report on the homefront here. across the hall as an SSO – small world indeed. time in Winchester, Virginia, to visit my folks, and Living in Rhode Island and married with three I expect it will be two years here until the Army I hope to arrange a get-together with Tony Gelorgirls, Madison (8), Kendall (5) and Harper (3). moves me one or two more times.” Kevin, conmine, as I owe him a beer. We also try to keep in Working for Medtronic, the GI solutions division grats on your marriage and new assignment. It regular touch with Scott Lowe and his wife and

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Class Notes daughter, as well as Ben Griffith with his wife and daughter, as well. Both are doing well. Scott is still in the Navy and living in San Diego while Ben is up in Montana and starting a winery. My wife and I will make sure Will is ready for the rat mass of 2039! Best wishes to all!” Great news on your little one and career accomplishments, Carl!

Well done!

It’s amazing to see the strong bonds that our class displays despite distances. It was great to hear from all of you, and please stay connected! ’01, ’01, ’01!

2002

Salmaan Khawaja

Brother Rats, I hope that this edition of the Review finds you and yours well. As I write these notes midsummer, I realize that by the time you read this, it will be time for our 15th Reunion. I am very excited to see you all and wish you all safe travels to and from the Institute. For those who have not seen the “I” since the last reunion (or maybe even since we graduated), I am sure you will be happily surprised to note all the positive changes to barracks, the academic buildings, the support facilities and post overall. I hope that I will be able to solicit more of you to contribute to class notes and believe that the reunion will be a great opportunity to catch up.

Jason Breeding has taken an incredible leadership role in spearheading all of the reunion efforts, and we are grateful to him and to the many others who have come together to make this a reunion to remember.

As noted previously, I am excited to announce that J.M. Nemish has offered to help with class notes submissions. I know many of you have noted the dearth of notes in previous editions, and I, of course, notice that, as well. I am more than happy to include pictures and updates for all of you, but I need your help by submitting your notes to me or to J.M. for inclusion. As a reminder, pictures need to be of large file size so that they will be clear in publication. Look for a rather huge submission for the next edition with lots of pictures from our reunion! For those who cannot make it, please shoot me a note with your

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updates so I can pass along to your BRs. Best wishes to all of you. ’02! ’02! ’02!

As I usually do – here’s my solicitation for class notes – please submit notes!

In the spirit, Salmaan

2003

William Talley V

Brother Rats, I trust this finds you all well as the summer begins to draw to a close; of course, it will be November when these hit your mailbox.

I only had one submission this time for notes from Jared Swanson, who always sends me at least one or two updates from Band Company.

Thanks for always coming through! This time, he reported that David Burdette was in San Francisco recently and was able to connect with Brendan Kearney. David and his wife, Blair, are expecting baby No. 3, which is due in December.

Congratulations!

I know that Willie Hale, Adam Britt and Phil Hendrix caught up with each other at the Keydet Club Leadership Outing in June and played a round with Greg Fedor ’00.

I’ll try my best to have a lengthier set of notes the next edition. Life has been a blur in the Talley household this summer, as Amie-Anne

Class of 2003: Bill Talley IV ’77, Bill Talley V and Billy Talley VI at the opening show at the 2017 BSA National Jamboree in July. Talley IV was on staff for the jamboree. finished up her degree in nursing and we split time between baseball, softball, scouts and swimming. However, while it may be a blur and a certain level of chaos, it’s also “living the dream” in my book! I know that many of you are living the dream like me, just your version.

I’ll end with this: Keep the faith, stay the course and do all you can to raise your kids the best you can in this crazy world in which we all live. Rah Virginia Mil ’03, ’03, ’03!

Class of 2003: Willie Hale, Brent Barth, Phil Hendrix, Greg Fedor ’00 and Adam Britt caught up for a round of golf and the Keydet Club Leadership Outing in June.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes new place. Ty and his wife and two daughters, Sadie and Kara, are doing terrific. Ty works in the real estate renovation industry, and Erin has Scott E. Campbell the most important job of all: Staying home with the kids.

Jim was also able to meet up with Sean Matson and Tripp Smith in Corolla Beach over the Fourth of July holiday. Sean recently married fiancée SaC. Justin Roberts mantha June 29, 2017.

Chris Johnson graduated from his orthopedic surgery residency June 9, 2017. He completed his residency at the Eisenhower Medical Center at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia. His wife, Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Taylor, graduated from nurse practitioner school Class of 2004. at the Medical College of Georgia in May 2017.

He moved to Richmond in July and started a yearlong orthopedic trauma surgery fellowship at Class of 2005: Ty Denby and Jim Driggs. the Medical College of Virginia. No word on his Tom Hardinge next stop with the Army, but it’s looking like San Antonio, Texas.

Jason Downs recently switched jobs and relocated to the Wilmington, North Carolina, area.

He is currently a contractor with the Marine Timothy Johnson Corps at Camp Lejeune teaching infantry tactics to Marines. Ben Melton started dental school at the University of Texas School of Health in San Antonio. He and his wife, Courtney, and their two kids, Preston and Parker, are doing well.

Brian Duncan still lives in Culpeper, Virginia.

Brother Rats, He is entering his second year as an agriculture As of this writing, another summer has come teacher at Eastern View High School. Ian Dunand gone. School is starting, and football season is just around the corner. Yet as you read this, our lap and his wife, Audra, are expecting their first minds will be on the Thanksgiving and Christmas child in August (a girl). He is still with the Marine holiday season! In an age of instant information, I Corps at Camp Lejeune. Jon Proctor and his wife, am still trying to get used to this, but I digress. On Christine, welcomed their newest daughter, Anna, to the notes! back in June.

Class of 2005: Greyson Stokes, born in November 2016.

Jim Driggs and his wife, Crystal, are renovating Tim Johnson is still in Richmond and just a new house in Hanover, Virginia. They have a completed his fifth year of teaching. In May, he 3-year-old son, Carson, and are expectstarted work on another master’s. “My concentration will be in American goving another boy by the end of August.

Please say a prayer as they enter the ernment, and my hope is to be able to wonderful world of multiple children teach dual-enrollment courses and to – cue the zone defense! Crystal has teach adjunctly in the VCCS.” been a school counselor for almost a Jamaal (“Jay”) W. Stafford is on decade and Jim practices law in Richthe board of Promaji Alumni Impact, an organization comprised of mond, Virginia. Being a general pracVMI alumni who focused on influtice attorney allows Jim to help with encing churches, communities and almost any legal need; don’t hesitate VMI. PAI held its first annual retreat to contact him for your legal needs in in Portsmouth, Virginia, which had Virginia.

Ty Denby and his family were able Class of 2005: Tripp Smith, Jim Driggs and Sean Matson on Co- nearly 30 VMI alumni in attendance rolla Beach. Class Agent Tom Hardinge said of this photo, “Old- from a wide range of classes. Durto visit Jim Driggs for a country crab er, wiser and with, collectively, a lot more hair!” ing the retreat, Jay ran into BRs Titus fest celebrating Jim and Crystal’s

2004

2005

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Class Notes Green, Vichael Foxx and Peter Kubesh.

Cody Grey relocated to Dover, New Hampshire, with his family. “I work at Portsmouth Navy Yard, while my wife, Stephanie, works as a veterinary surgeon in Newington. We are looking forward to our first Northeast winter, but we’re definitely not going to become Patriots fans anytime soon.”

Josh Simulcik checked in: “I am on the downhill side of my transition to civilian life, and things are finally starting to settle into place. I was deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, from the middle of last summer until a few days before Christmas. I graduated with honors from Saint Joseph’s University in December with a Master of Science degree in organization development and leadership. In April, I was back at the Institute to present my thesis research at the Environment Virginia Symposium. I traveled to Philadelphia in May to walk at commencement and celebrated my 12th wedding anniversary with Melissa in June. I was discharged from the Army at the beginning of July, and we’re in the process of buying a home in Midlothian to be moved into by the middle of September. It’s right around the corner from Melissa’s job as a graphic designer with a marketing products company, so her commute will be shortened significantly!”

Sam Johnson is still living in Charlotte and had a great rat send-off party recently. Mike Anthony ’88 organized a great event, and BR Mark Lloyd was in attendance with his new baby girl. Jonathan Johnson stopped by few months ago while in Charlotte for training and was able to meet up with Sam for dinner and drinks. Jon-e and his wife, Laruen, are expecting their third child on Christmas Day! Shore Stokes wrote in: “It’s been a big year in the Stokes’ house with the arrival of Greyson back in November and the recent news that we’ll be relocating to Des Moines, Iowa. I’ll still be with PIMCO Investments, but after 11 years in Brooklyn, we’re heading to the Midwest. We’re looking forward to the lifestyle change and getting to know Des Moines. I also found out that Tom Hardinge and his family live less than 10 minutes from us, so Tara and I are looking forward to spending time with him and his family. I also caught up with Kirk (Stokes) last week; he is staying busy with work and reports that things continue to go well out in Singapore. If anyone ever has a reason to be in Des Moines other than myself or Tom, hit us up, and we’ll tip a few back.”

On a personal note, finding out that the ’05

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alumni population in Iowa (let alone Des Moines) will double in size has me pretty excited; Missy and I are definitely looking forward to showing Shore and his family that Iowa is a lot more than just a flyover state.

It continues to be a pleasure serving the class in this capacity; please keep those submissions coming in! Have a great holiday season and, as always, stay safe and be well.

Rah Virginia Mil! Tom Hardinge

2006

Andrew Upshaw

Brother Rats, I hope all is well with you this quarter! It seems like everyone is staying busy and doing well in their careers and family life! I just got to the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth with a few other BRs: Benney, Petronzio and Berwell. Frank Dollberry is also here for one more year attending the School of Advanced Military Studies. Mark Searles is still in Washington, D.C., living the dream working for the secretary of the Army. John Diehl is expecting his first child, due in September, and still serving in the Special Forces. Todd Baldwin is still kicking @#$ in the craft beer world – he’s the real deal! Shawn Driver is enjoying his post-Army life, as he just started working on his Master of Business Administration degree at Cornell University. Below are some individual updates I received from a few BRs. Thanks, and let me know if you come through the Kansas City area!

Robert Frazier: “On my homefront, things are really good ... I stepped away from our family business (The Frazier Quarry in Harrisonburg, Virginia) and moved with my wife and two kids to Cary, North Carolina, recently to tackle grad school. Beginning Aug. 1, I’ll be a full-time Master of Business Administration degree student at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. I’m not sure where I’ll end up once the smoke clears, but I’m eagerly looking forward to expanding my horizons and learning what else this big world has to offer post-Marines. I just wrapped up an intensive 5 day ‘math camp’ hosted by Fuqua (for incoming students with weak quant backgrounds) ... 8-9 hours a day doing high level calculus, probability theory

Class of 2006: Nate Parsons and his wife, Lindsey, with baby Liam Charles Parsons.

Class of 2006: Jed Tan and Stuart Miner.

Class of 2006: John Diehl during Vigilant Guard, disaster response exercise in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Leitner in July. He said that Col. and regressions; my mind is fried!”

Brodie (Hon.) was the officiant, and Nate Parsons: “We just welcomed there were several VMI alumni in Liam Charles Parsons to the world attendance. He plans to release his July 29, 2017. Lindsey and baby are autobiography within the next year. healthy and doing well.”

I swear, I think Deuntay is one of Stuart Miner and wife Kate visited the busiest people I’ve ever met. How Jed Tan and wife Carol in Seattle/Tadoes he find time to do it all? coma, Washington, area on vacation.

Carolyn (Lanier) Kupper wrote that Jed just completed his Master of Busishe and her husband, Eric Kupper, ness Administration degree at the Uniwelcomed a daughter, Eleanor Joseversity of Washington Tacoma and has two sons, Noah and Micah (born phine Kupper, Feb. 4. Carolyn is still this year). Stuart has completed his working for Boeing and transferred to firefighter and advanced emergency South Carolina a few years ago. Eric medical technician training and is on Class of 2006: Petronzio, Benney, Berwell and Upshaw at Fort recently left active duty and is pursuing shift at the College Park, Georgia, Fire Leavenworth. a Master of Science degree in computDepartment. He also has a 1-year-old er and information sciences. They are how close it is! This is a bittersweet year for me, looking forward to introducing Eleanor to the daughter, Cora.

Jeff Gilmore and his wife, Elizabeth, had a though. In addition to our reunion reminding me class at the reunion! son, Frederick Hiram. Frederick joins brothers of how old I am, my daughter started kindergarten George, Edward and Robert. The family resides just a few days ago. She wasn’t that bothered by the whole ordeal, and she’s been in day care for in Oak Hill, Virginia, where Jeff works as an ena few years now since I went back to school, but gineering supervisor at Kapsch Trafficom.

I still couldn’t suppress all the feels. Fortunately, I have a little monster who is taking it as a personal challenge to destroy everything we own, including himself, to keep me on my toes and help me forget that my oldest is growing up too fast.

But enough about me. Did you guys know we have a celebrity in the class? Did anyone catch Deuntay Diggs on “America’s Got Talent” recently? Deuntay also got hitched to Benjamin

Class of 2007: Colin Burns and son James.

Class of 2006: Jeff and Elizabeth Gilmore with newborn son Frederick Hiram.

2007

Sally Bushore

Brother Rats, Even though the heat shows no signs of letting up here in Las Vegas, summer is beginning to wind down, which means our 10th Reunion is right around the corner! By the time these notes publish, however, we will have already had it. That’s

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Class of 2007: Jon Pool, Tom Goehring and Dan Parker ’10 with their families on vacation in Colorado for the Fourth of July.

Class of 2007: Carolyn and Eric Kupper with daughter Eleanor at Disney World.

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Class Notes

Class of 2007: At Norwich University were, from left, Wes Hopkins, Justin Trowbridge and Eric Harley.

Elise (Jones) Woodworth gave birth to her third daughter, Rebecca Lynn Woodworth, April 24.

She is hard at work on the 10th Reunion campaign, and I’m sure you’ve all received letters from her recently about supporting the class. She is looking forward to robust participation by the class so that we have a memorable reunion weekend.

Justin Trowbridge ran into Wes Hopkins and Eric Harley at Norwich University, where Justin and Eric were finishing their Master of Business Administration degrees, and Wes is working on a master’s in history. Justin wrote that the three of them were able to catch up several times at the Norwich version of The Palms. He says that Wes is living in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife and daughter, and they are expecting another baby soon. Eric was, until recently, stationed at Camp Pendleton, but in July he PCS’d to Quantico with his wife and son. Justin has been out of the Marine Corps for almost five years, and he and his wife, Megan, just bought a house in North County, San Diego. They also welcomed a son, Tommy ’34+3, who is now a year old. Justin isn’t sure he will make it back for the reunion but is trying to make it work.

Colin Burns and his wife, Amanda, welcomed their second son, James William Burns, May 19.

He is named after his grandfathers and weighed 9 pounds and was 21 inches long. James joins a VMI family, as he has one grandfather and two uncles, in addition to his dad, who all graduated from the “Mother I.” Jon Pool and Tom Goehring took a VMI family vacation to Colorado to visit their rat, Dan Parker ’10, who just welcomed a daughter with his wife.

Jose Lopez was promoted to major in the Army Reserve in June and was also promoted to

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Class of 2007: In attendance at Deuntay Diggs’ wedding to Benjamin Leitner were several VMI alumni and faculty members.

immigration services officer II with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

2008

Robert Hill

A quick reminder, our 10th Reunion is quickly approaching. The reunion for our class will likely occur sometime in September 2018, depending on the VMI football schedule. I will be looking for additional help in addition to our BRs who have already reached out to me. Also, Nohe Martin is hosting tailgates for all the home games in the Institute Society parking adjacent to Moody Hall.

On July 21, 2017, Jeremy Clement married the former Ms. Mary Lo at the Central Park Boathouse in New York City. John Sollock and former VMI professor, Roger Thompson, were groomsmen, and BRs Jared Siebenaler, Matt Payne, Brian Peeler and Kyle Makinen were in attendance. Also celebrating with Jeremy and

Class of 2008: George Chamberlain Bass, son of Sarah and Christopher Bass, was born May 26, 2017.

Mary were Whit Anthes ’11, Chris Milligan, ’11, Edward Custer ’14 and Steve Nezas ’89.

The Clements celebrated their wedding with a honeymoon in Bali. Jeremy and Mary reside in New York City, and Jeremy is continuing to run his travel startup company, Project Expedition.

Congrats to Jeremy and Mary!

Andrew Czaplicki, wife Nikki and big brother Zane welcomed another boy to the family. Jace Matthew Czaplicki was born May 31, 2017, and Andrew noted his provisional appointment has already been submitted. Jace tipped the scales at 7 pounds, 12 ounces. Congrats to the Czaplicki family! Andrew also mentioned he’s been able to spend some time with Tim Green, as he recently moved to the Washington, D.C., area.

Tim recently got married, as well.

Also adding to the family was Christopher Bass.

Chris and wife Sarah, along with big sister Emma,

Class of 2008: Seth and Lauren Berkowitz and son Harris welcomed James Robert Berkowitz June 30.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 2008: Future VMI cadets, from left, Harris Berkowitz (son of Seth), Beau Corcoran (son of Ryan), Claire Corcoran (daughter of Ryan) and Crosley Green (son of Christian) at dinner in Virginia.

Class of 2008: The new Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Clement celebrated their honeymoon in Bali. The two were married July 21, 2017, in New York City.

welcomed a baby boy, George Chamberlain Bass, to the family May 26. George weighed in at 5 pounds, 14 ounces. Congrats to the Bass family!

Chris is still working for the FBI as an intelligence analyst based in Richmond, Virginia.

The Berkowitz family expanded June 30. Seth Berkowitz with wife Lauren and big brother Harris added James Robert Berkowitz to the clan.

James weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces and was 21 inches long. After the birth of James, the Berkowitz family, along with the families of Ryan Corcoran, Christian Green and Glyn Philips, gathered along the river. Seth is entering his last third of his Master of Business Administration program at the University of Virginia, and Seth has been selected as his class representative. While the program has been highly beneficial, balancing school, work and the growing family has been a juggling act, and he is eager to finish the program next May. Congrats to the Berkowitz family!

I had a chance to see Ben Curle at the VMI Alumni Association Central Keystone Chapter rat send-off in late July. We had four of our six local rats in attendance, as well as Larry Mays ’73, Jim Seitz ’76, Dr. Gregory Lippiatt ’09, Eric Freise ’16, Greg Hempt ’19 and Gerald Hempt ’19 at the home of Corris Atkins ’18. I also had a chance to talk with Shane Cox. Shane is now living in the Boston area and working for General Services Administration as a project manager. It was good to catch up with both BRs. Lauren, Addyson and I are also looking forward to spending time with Matthew Mitchell and his family soon. Matt, Arlene-Raquel and Ava will be visiting us in Harrisburg. We also wanted to thank everyone for the well wishes on Miss Addyson.

She has quickly outgrown the preemie percentiles and added 10 pounds and 6 inches in just four months.

I look forward to hearing from more of you before the November submission. There is always room for more notes and photographs!

2009

Bradley Simpson

Class of 2008: Jace Matthew Czaplicki, son of Nikki and Andrew Czaplicki, was born May 31, 2017.

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Brother Rats, I hope this edition this of the Review finds you and your families well. I have had a great time

catching up with all of you from the emails and messages I have gotten. From everything I have gotten, we are out doing amazing things across the country. Holly (Giacolone) Yoffe just graduated from physician assistant school at Tufts University and is now working as a surgical PA in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Holly and Chelsea Kosecki also had the chance to attend Alexi Kari’s wedding in Poughkeepsie, New York, last fall. Holly said it was a great wedding and the best food she had ever had at a wedding.

Jackie Briski sent me an email and let me know she is still and assistant manager with Kroger in southwest Ohio. She has recently spent four months serving as a temporary store leader. She is filling in for the manager of the smallest store in the company. That tiny store is located in McConnelsville, Ohio, and the entire store is only 6,000 square feet. The sales floor has five aisles. Her customers have asked her if she is claustrophobic in a store of that size, but she tells them that her rat room was so small that she finds herself fully prepared for that aspect of her life after VMI. Gregory Lippiatt reached out to me and gave me a great update on a bunch of our brother rats.

Gregory finished his doctorate in history at Oxford back in 2015, and has been living with his wife, Sophie, and his 3-year-old daughter, Evangeline, in the U.S. for the past two years while they are looking for a permanent academic post. This past spring semester, they were actually living in Lex-Vegas while he was teaching a couple of sections of rat history at the beloved Institute. He told me that while it was great being back at VMI and not to have to live in barracks, it was an odd experience to be there without our BRs. He and his family are now moving back to England, because he has been elected to a Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship at the University of East Anglia in Norwich. This post is for three years and is intended to allow him to write a second book on French crusading government around the Mediterranean during the 13th century. His first book, “Simon V of Montfort and Baronial Government, 11951218,” is coming out in the United States with Oxford University Press this autumn. If anybody is making their way across the pond, Greg says please let him know; he would love to meet up and see any of you. Greg has seen a bunch of our BRs in his outings. His family had the opportunity to get together with Stefan Mello and his family in West Virginia a number of times, and Greg and his wife, Sophie, are the godparents to Mello’s

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Class Notes newest daughter, Saoirse. Also, he had the opportunity to catch up with Justin Tammelin and his family, as well as the Costellos, and all are doing well. He also went to the Boxing Hall of Fame in New York in June with Phil Noonan, Jed Miller and Adam Stewart, and everyone had a lot of fun.

They got to see Evander Holyfield get inducted.

Kurt Seidl was relocated from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, where he completed three-and-a-half years as explosive ordnance disposal flight commander. He told me that his new assignment is at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, working as the chief of explosive safety at the Air Force Safety Center.

Barrett Luxhoj got in touch with me and had some wonderful news; he and his wife, Caroline, are expecting their second child. Barrett told me they are expecting another girl in January 2018.

They plan to name her Grace Patricia Luxhoj.

Jackie (Morton) Satchell reached out and told me she was starting her first year of law school in the middle of August. She is studying at the Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama.

Jackie has also taken to being a true “’Bammer,” by ending the email to me with “Roll Tide;” I proceeded to vomit a little in my mouth. She also told me that she has kept up with Andrew Krumm, and since he doesn’t have Facebook anymore, he asked if she could pass along his happenings.

Andrew and his wife Hope had a daughter Rosie and are expecting baby Krumm No. 2 in the near future. Well that about does it for this issue. It has

Class of 2009: Andrew Krumm with wife Hope and daughter Rosie.

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been a pleasure talking to each and every one of you and hearing what all of you are up to. Please do not hesitate to call me up, message me or email; I want to hear what’s new with you. Thanks again, and as always, stay classy, ’09.

2010

Cody Hennelly

Garland Gray III

Attention, 2010 Keydets, I would like to say thank you to Mr. Garland Gray III for doing a great job (well, mediocre, but he gets upset if I say that) in the class agent position while I was on my Middle Eastern hiatus, but the time has come for Garland to move over, because daddy’s back in town!

Let’s not skip a beat! First up, Tanner Sewell.

This crazy Keydet got married Aug. 12, 2017.

Garland Gray and Mike Hozik were in the wedding. Unfortunately, I haven’t gotten too many details yet. But, Tanner’s new wife, Kelly, is a total sweetheart, and everyone can already tell they were meant for each other. Best of luck to you both!

I got a great email from David Bice. He is working and living in the Columbia, South Carolina, area with an energy company. His wife, Lara, and he have two beautiful kids and seem to really enjoy the Carolinas. I just recently relocated to the area myself, so hopefully he and I can get together for a couple brewskies soon – more to follow!

Randomly, Zach “J.Z.” Williams was on the same Middle Eastern hiatus I was, but we just missed one another. Regardless, J.Z. is doing well in upstate New York. He just took an epic road trip for his 30th birthday (Yes, we are all turning 30 soon). I saw he was in Portland, Oregon; who wants to go to Portland, Oregon, for their birthday?! I hope it was worth it! Laugh out loud.

Finally, what class notes would be complete without mention of Brandon “Ole Man” Page?

I thought I was going to have great news about

Class of 2010: Paul Bailey competed in August 2017 at the Organization of Competition Bodies, Men’s Physique, Presidential Cup, taking second place.

Class of 2010: At the Sewell wedding in northern Virginia in August 2017 were, from left, Garland Gray, Mike Hozik, Tanner Sewell, Bobby Morris, bride Kelly Sewell and Dave Metzler ’07.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 2010: Caleb and Abby Dixon welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Cora Elizabeth, March 15, 2017. how Brandon finally moved out of his parents’ house in Virginia Beach, but it turns out all the pictures I was seeing on Facebook were of his girlfriend’s apartment; oh, did I mention she is only 20 years old?! Living up to the legend!

I am sorry this edition is so short, but I hope to talk to and/or see you all very soon. Please, reach out and let me know what you are up to these days.

I will be much more responsive than Garland!

Mizpah, Cody

2011

Allen McCown

In the days following my submission of these notes, we will observe the 10th anniversary of our Matriculation. I was passing through Lexington last week and stopped at the bookstore; it so happened cadre was moving in while I was there. It sparked reflections and memories of early return and preparing for another year at the Institute. Times were hard, but they were simpler. The “if this, then that” decision process was easier, along the lines of: “Will I get boned?” or “Will I make it back before taps?” A lot has changed; since then we’ve taken jobs, deployed, had children, bought houses and spread out across the world. As I walked the bricks, reading the names of those before us and some of our own, I reflected on our shared experience and what gets us coming back: Those four years we shared together in barracks. It is hard to believe it started just 10 years ago from when

2017-Issue 4

you will read this. Thank you for a great decade, brother rats; here’s to many more!

This past spring, I was honored to attend Tyler Pumphrey’s wedding at Tyler’s childhood home in Leesburg, Virginia. I met Rachel a few years ago at a football tailgate; she braved the cold, early morning to spend the day with me, Hannah and Matt Radi, and Tyler. She explained to me that “Big Red” had a totally different meaning where she went to school, Western Kentucky, but she was adjusting to the Keydet definition. Rachel then became a staple at Tyler’s tailgates in subsequent seasons. I was so happy to see them become engaged last year and now married. The ceremony was so filled with love and perfectly fitting of the two of them. A number of brother rats were in attendance, in addition to Tyler’s older brother, Tripp Pumphrey ’06. Benjamin Ashooh made the trip up with his wife, Michelle, and their (very) young son, James. James was a trooper, and Ben made sure to demonstrate how he was teaching his son to do squats; James was just over two months at the time. I caught up with Matt and Hannah Radi, as well, and spent time planning another season of tailgating together with the Pumphreys. Sharif and Natalie Gray, Robert Straskulic, Justin Topping, and Lansing Wilson also made the trip. While Leesburg is not known for its nightlife, we were sure to take the party a few blocks downtown after the wedding.

Two of our brother rats now share a wedding anniversary. Drew Luxhoj married his wife, Katrina, June 10. Drew’s brothers Barrett Luxhoj ’09 and Will Luxhoj ’15 were in attendance.

Drew is doing his internal medicine residency at Kessler Air Force Base in Mississippi. The same day, Tom “Bronco” Pace married his wife, Sarah. Tom and his wife are currently living in Texas. Present at the wedding were members of the Classes of 1977, 2010 and, of course, 2011.

Tom informed me Matt Talbott is working hard in medical school. Also, Matt Deacon had a great summer going to see live music and fishing with his Labrador Retriever.

Opening my inbox to read these updates is a great part of my position as class agent, and recently, I was fortunate enough to hear from someone I had not in a long time. Chris Estrada sent me an email and updated me on what he has been up to. After leaving VMI, Chris had major surgery on a benign brain tumor and then went through intense therapy. In December 2014, he graduated from UNCC with honors and a double major in criminology and history. Although long destined for service, after his brain trauma, Chris informed me he cannot be considered for military or law enforcement since he is classified as having a traumatic brain injury. Chris is currently working for Lowes and is beginning the stages of returning to school for a Master of Business Administration degree.

Class of 2011: At Fort Rucker, Alabama, June 23, 2017, were, from left, Maj. Heather Guidry ’06; Maj. Alex Gray ’08; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Vinh Do; Capt. Rob Kelly ’08; 2nd Lt. Robert McClelland ’15; Maj. James Breckenridge ’86, chaplain; 2nd Lt. Scott Beasley ’16; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Marty Tucker ’12; and 1st Lt. Chantal Stark ’15.

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Class Notes Chris also wished to tell the class, “God bless all my BRs for the support they showed when I was first diagnosed.” Chris, I am delighted you sent that email, and it was great hearing from you.

We are glad you are doing well, and please, do not be a stranger.

Josh Bookwalter just celebrated the birth of his second daughter. He shared with me that he narrowly made it to this birth, unlike the birth of his first daughter, which was while he was deployed. Josh is on independent duty in the Marines and has been traveling quite a bit but is based in Salt Lake City, Utah. He will be rotating to his next duty station in about a year. During this rotation, he has been training frequently in Europe. Despite being away from many BRs, he did want to give a shoutout to those who have stopped by on their often lengthy drives between duty stations.

Chase Bailey was proud to report he introClass of 2011: Matt Radi, Tripp Pumphrey ’06, Sharif Gray, Allen McCown, Tyler Pumduced his son, Ethan Mathis Bailey, into the phrey, Robert Straskulic, Justin Topping and Lansing Wilson. world July 28, 2017. Ethan is a provisional appointment to the VMI Class of 2039. taken up shooting as a hobby. Alex Ryan Buell is currently with 3rd has also seen Tom Louderback on BCT 10th Mountain at Fort Polk, occasion while Tom is on the road Louisiana. He is about to be dewith work, as well as Brandon Page ployed a second time – this time to ’10, who also lives in Virginia Beach.

Iraq, after their Afghanistan deployKyle Goodale has been traveling ment last year. Ryan was pleased quite a lot lately and has been livto inform me he is out of the arms ing out of his duffle bag and Shelby room and back on the line, which GT350 for over a year now since is what he’s wanted. In his words, selling his house. As he wrote me, “Aside from guns and Army, not he had arrived in Kazakhstan but is much else is going on.” hoping to transfer back to the U.S. or Chris Forbes shared some great another international project when news with me recently: He just hit this one wraps up. He described the one year of being cancer-free. He oil industry as flat globally but is hopand his wife bought a house recently ing to get back to the growing markets and, in his words, “My wife is still in North America/Gulf of Mexico. married to me, the good Lord is at Class of 2011: Julian Bowers, Tom Louderback and Eric Wittig.

His last month rotation home, he was work!” Chris has also taken up art able to visit Arizona, Colorado, California, Texas recently and has plans to include some VMI year teaching fourth grade in Virginia Beach. sketches in the near future. He dabbled in drawLane Pratt is enjoying civilian life in north and North Carolina. He’s enjoyed taking photos ing growing up, but 15 years later, he said it Georgia working for Johnson & Johnson. This (good ones, at that) of his travels and expects to came right back. past summer, he visited a nearby lake with Keith post more from this trip. As of right now, he’s This past summer, Travis Bowman made O’Donnell and his wife, Carolyn. Lane’s wife planning to buy property in Austin, Texas, and the 770-mile trip from Norfolk to Niagra Falls, and daughters are doing great, but he did warn then go wherever the wind blows him.

Another one of our BRs, Tom Louderback, Canada, on his bicycle. Last summer, he made me, “The youngest one is walking now; nothing has been spending his time on the road, as well. a “shorter” 600-plus-mile trip on his bike from is safe.”

Norfolk to Savannah, Georgia. Not to stand still This summer, I saw Alex Crow, and we made Tom is still working for JLG in the heavy equipfor too long, at this writing, Travis is traveling a road trip to Philadelphia. Alex is having a ment sales division, covering much of the Eastto Grand Teton National Park to hike during great summer; he is enjoying living close to a ern Seaboard. Spending a fair amount of time in the eclipse. This fall, Travis starts his second full concert venue in Virginia Beach and also has Richmond, Tom has seen Sam Pace, Eric Wittig

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes and Julian Bowers. Eric told me they used the VMI Alumni app and were able to contact Julian for some beers one night in Richmond. Eric said Julian is doing great and still looks like he could charge out onto the football field with the Keydets. Julian is working for his family’s construction company at their mechanical engineering firm. I was also glad to hear Julian has been active with the Richmond VMI alumni chapter.

He’s also been golfing when time allows. Eric is doing well and recently ran into Evan Lyne ’08 at a local brewery. Tom was recently in Philadelphia and was able to catch up with Josh Geher.

Josh is doing well, working as a police officer for the City of Philadelphia. Back in Virginia, Tom has stopped to see Tom and Jackie Hamlin in Leesburg, who are now expecting their first child, a boy, this December! When possible, Tom has timed his trips to northern Virginia with Thursday dart nights with Jeremy Lucier. Down in Tidewater, he was able to stop and see Scott McFather and his wife, Rosie, as well as Alex Crow. While on a work trip to Devils Backbone in Lexington (sounds like Tom has it rough), Tom was able to see his grandrat, Riley Morgan ’17, who got married this year, as well as meet his rat, Austin Sarokas ’20. In Lexington, he also saw Dane Addison, who was in Lexington for his brother’s graduation from law school.

Bryan Mayberry recently transitioned out of the Army and will be starting a pre-nursing program this fall in Richmond, Virginia. Although this is a dangerous statement to make in Richmond, Bryan wanted to make sure everyone knew he always has scotch and beer on hand for any BRs in town. Bryan, I know a number of us will take you up on that. Good luck this fall!

Stephen Rhodes wrote me from Okinawa, Japan, where he is stationed along with his family for a three-year tour.

Nate Hefner is staying busy as a commercial diver working underwater construction, based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is currently finishing up a six-month job in Alabama. During this job, he has been diving 460-foot penetration dives into intake tunnels under a decommissioned power plant. Nate’s current pursuit is finding water clear enough that deep to get a photo with a VMI flag that will show up in the Review. We’re holding our breath (bad pun intended) for that photo, Nate!

Zach Kier married his wife, Rachel, this past May. As he wrote me, they were touring Europe

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for their honeymoon. Zach just finished Army Maneuver Captains Career Course on the commandant’s list and was taking a position as an instructor for Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course in September. Zach was able to catch up with his grandrat recently and found out that since him, his entire dyke line have become infantry officers, and the ’20 member of their dyke line is now pursuing a commission in the Army.

For anyone not on Facebook, Vinnie Do is in flight school. All jokes aside, Vinnie did send me a great picture and update on all the Keydets down at Fort Rucker. Heather Guidry ’06 and Alex Gray ’08 are getting ready to PCS. Rob Kelly ’08 is teaching at the Combined Arms Division. James Breckenridge ’86 is a chaplain down there. The other VMI people photographed are in various stages in flight school.

Congratulations are in order for Cody Davis, who recently took command of Bravo Battery, 3-43 Air Defense Artillery Battalion. Cody and his girlfriend, Emilee, are living in El Paso.

Emilee works at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center as an officer in the Army Nurse Corps. In a small world moment, Mary Grace Lemon ’14 is Cody’s fire control platoon leader and overseas his PATRIOT engagement training and operations. Cody couldn’t be more excited to be taking command.

Thank you for the updates, and keep them

Class of 2011: Bride and groom, Drew and Katrina Luxhoj.

coming. I hope everyone has a wonderful fall.

As a reminder, it is never too late to send me an update; I speak for us all when I say I know we love seeing how the rest of the class is doing.

Rah Virginia Mil, Allen

2012

Bruce Howard

Brother Rats, I hope this edition of the Review finds you well.

We didn’t have many updates for this edition, but here are a few things going on among our classmates.

Josh Sneed recently bought a home in Atlanta, Georgia. He was also promoted to a manager’s position within his solution consulting team at Athenahealth. Happy to hear things are going so well for Josh, and best of luck on the new position.

I was specifically asked to be discreet and not mention the last name of this next individual in the notes; however, one of our BRs is currently working in D.C. for the current presidential administration. He is helping with the economic and political policies in East and Southeast Asia. Congratulations to Chad for the position he is in and the work he is doing; don’t worry, I left your last name out, so no one will know!

Keep up the good work.

I also received an update from Sean Eberle, who was a little overdue on sending in an update – better late than never, though! Sean married Katherine Armstrong in March 2015 and shortly after, he deployed to Afghanistan. After returning from deployment, Sean attended Combined Logistics Captains Career Course at Fort Lee, here in Virginia. He has since moved to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he and his wife welcomed a baby boy into the world named Jason Henry Eberle July 27. Sean will be deploying to Poland soon to help with Operation Atlantic Resolve. I want to say congratulations on your new family, Sean, as well as be safe on your deployment. I appreciate the updates. Thanks again!

Kippur Taylor earned his Expert Infantryman

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Class Notes Badge over the summer. Thanks to Arthur Morrill for that noteworthy update, and congrats on the accomplishment, Kippur!

Lastly, I feel awkward writing about myself, but I proposed to my fiancée, Alissa Kelly, this past May. We are planning to get married next April, and I figured that is about as noteworthy of an accomplishment as I’ve got, so I thought I’d include it.

Thank you again for all the updates. Our 5th Reunion will have Class of 2013: Drew Luxoj ’11, Clay Strong, David Rochow, Michael just completed by the time this issue Scaplehorn, Joshua Haley and Alex Erber posed for a photo at the comes out. For those of you who wedding of Michael Scaplehorn and Megan Lashley July 16, 2016. could attend, I hope you enjoyed yourself and had a great time. For those of you Benjamin R. Cross Memorial Scholarship. who were unable to attend but would still like I am glad to report that I do have plenty of any class gift items, i.e., shirt, keychain or degood news to write in this edition, as I’ve recals, please let me know, and we will work out ceived a significantly higher number of submislogistics to get you anything you want. I want to sions from members of the class this quarter. encourage each of you to please log on to vmiRemember that if you have something you’d alumni.org and set up a profile, which will help like published in the Alumni Review, send me with all class-related activity. I wish you all the an email or give me a call, and I’ll be sure to best and look forward to hearing from you soon. include it!

In the bonds, Frank Overstreet and his wife, Caroline (forBruce merly Hetzel), were married in June 2016 in

2013

Wood, Nate Gant, Pat Sexton and Scott Beasley ’16. Frank has been on active duty in the Army since January 2015, and he and Caroline currently live in Germany, where he is stationed with the Second Cavalry Unit.

Sean Noll married Kate Noll (formerly Collins) May 20, 2017. Major Chris Perry ’05 served as their officiant, and there were quite a few VMI alumni in attendance. Sean and Kate still live in Hawaii, where Sean is serving as the 81mm mortar platoon commander for 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines out of Kaneohe Bay. Kate

Richmond, Virginia. There was a decent turnout from the VMI crowd, including Antonio

John Wilson

Class of 2013: Frank Overstreet and his wife, Caroline, at his recent promotion ceremony.

Charles Jones

This time last year, I was writing our class notes, and we were mourning the loss of our BR Isiah Coker. In August 2017, we learned of the loss of another one of our BRs, Ben Cross. By the time you are reading this, most of you will have received the emails and seen the memorial Facebook page, but please keep Ben’s family in your thoughts and prayers.

Ben’s family is in the process of establishing a scholarship in his memory. If you would like to contribute, you can do so online through the VMI Foundation website. Ensure that you specify that your contribution is for the 1st Lt.

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Class of 2013: Michael Scaplehorn outside the Cameroonian Army Barracks during his 7-month deployment to Africa.

Class of 2013: Frank Overstreet and his wife, Caroline, at their wedding in June 2016.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes We’re another half-year older since is currently serving as a fifth-grade my last notes, our rats have graduteacher. They anticipate moving on to their next duty station sometime ated and our grandrats are getting in 2018. ready to return to VMI to start shapSean McCauley graduated from ing a whole new rat mass. It’s a good Boston University School of Law but strange feeling to realize I no May 21, 2017. Not only did he earn longer know anyone at the Virginia his law degree, but he was selected by Military Institute. a committee of his peers to serve as I know I have said this in almost all the commencement speaker! of my notes, but I apologize for missJosh Clements and Maggie Chrising the last issue of the Alumni Retopher were married April 29, view, so let’s not waste any time.

2017, in Charleston, South Carolina, Congratulations to Jonathan Rumwhere Josh is stationed at Joint Base baugh and his wife, Elizabeth, who Class of 2013: Chris Perry ’05, Jamie Freeman, David Harpen ’16, Charleston.

Brittney Matthews ’14, Kelsey McCusker, Kate Noll, Sean Noll, Rob gave birth to their son, Desmond Mike Scaplehorn joined the Civil Pospisil, Rob Incontro, Will Coursey and Hunter Cox at Sean and Dawson Rumbaugh, July 27 in SpotEngineer Corps and attended CEC Kate’s wedding May 20, 2017. sylvania, Virginia. Looking forward to Officer School with Colin Roberts seeing you at Legacy Day, Desmond! and have any trouble finding it, contact me, and ’12. Mike married Megan Lashley July 16, Even though we don’t have a whole lot to reI’ll point you in the right direction. I’ll also be port in these notes, I know this is one update 2016, and shortly thereafter deployed to Camemailing out updates for those of you who don’t that everyone has been waiting for: Juan “The eroon, Africa, where he served as the detail ofKracken” Adams is currently 1-0 as a pro, after ficer in charge, conducting three construction have Facebook accounts. beating Chris Rose. The match was called by projects. In September, he will be moving on to the official after Juan hit him with a few hard elGuam. bows on the ground. His next fight is scheduled Finally, I’ve received a number of questions for Nov. 3 and will be televised on AXS TV. He about the 5th Reunion and wanted to take a Samuel Guidry moment to publish some information about our is currently listed as the 15th pro heavyweight reunion. Our reunion will be in fall 2018. At the prospect in the country! Congratulations, Juan; time that I’m writing this, we don’t have a set keep it up! date (pending the 2018 football schedule), but In other class news, Chris Barefoot recently we can expect it to be in mid-to-late Septemreturned from a deployment overseas to start Taylor Floyd a new job as aid to the deputy commanding ber 2018. (Editor’s Note: The reunion dates for general for plans within the 82nd Airborne Dithe Class of 2013 fall reunion are Sept. 14-15, 2018.) John Wilson is the lead planner for our vision. Congratulations on coming home and reunion. If you’d like to help out, please contact starting a new role with the Army.

Brother Rats, him and let him know! The most up-to-date inJordan Tarsovich and Garrett Reed became It is always a privilege to write another set of formation can be found on our class Facebook divisional rivals this past winter when Jordan page. If you haven’t “liked” the Facebook page notes for the Alumni Review. was traded to Oakland. Since then, the two have faced off four times. Garrett retired Tarsovich in three of those four, but in Midland June 13, Tarsovich hit a three-run home run off Garrett to seal a Midland victory. Tarsovich is currently hitting 0.241 with three home runs, 30 RBI and 13 stolen bases. Always nice to see some Keydet class rivalry.

I started a new job out in San Diego as a contractor supporting Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command Division. It had been a smooth transition, and I have seen a good number of BRs this summer. If anyone is in the area and wants to get together for a beer or needs a Class of 2014: At Blake and Camden Louthan’s wedding in May 2017 were, from left, place to crash, don’t hesitate to call.

Daniel Bradford, Parker Cantelou, Blake, Camden, James Devens and Tyler Tolley.

Well, I really don’t have a whole lot for y’all

2014

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Class Notes in these notes. I hope everyone enjoyed their summer, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to Nicole Harding, Taylor Floyd or me with any other contributions for the class notes.

In memory of Ben Cross, Class of 2013: “First Lieutenant Ben Cross ’13 is celebrated for his love of flight, love of life and, most of all, love of his Marines. ’Til Valhalla.” – 1st Lt. Joey Bishop.

2015

Johnny McDonald Class of 2015: Brian Ellis ’16, Tyler Brown ’11, David Geary ’16, Thomas Stallings, Will Connerley, Dakota Nicely, Drew Bryan, Troy Barden, Gaston Ledford, Chris Copeland, Harrison Williams, Hunter Scothorn, Mason John and Brandon Angus at the Nicely wedding.

Keydets!

I am excited to be filling in for Johnny while he’s in the field. I hope everyone’s had a wonderful summer.

First up: Weddings and engagements! Don’t forget to congratulate your BRs next time you speak to them.

Hannah (Dickinson) Hornsby married Booth Hornsby ’13 June 17, 2017, in Norfolk, Virginia, at Hilton Norfolk The Main. In attendance were Harper Niver, Nina Srikongyos, Michelle Church and a plethora more of VMI alum.

(Mostly track permits!) As a Norfolk local, I can personally attest that this wedding had to have been wonderful. The Main was built just this past year, and it’s super dope. I recently ran into that goon Morgan Walberg ’14 on The Main’s rooftop bar.

Cody Pillow married Madeline Baker at King

Class of 2015: Harper Niver, Avery Martin ’16, Cabell Willis ’14, Kennedy Flynn ’18, Mia Castleveter ’18, Booth Hornsby ’13, Hannah (Dickinson) Hornsby, Jason Thorpe ’13, Patrick Spahn ’16, Jacob Lysher ’14 and Luke Phillips ’17 at Hannah and Booth’s wedding.

Class of 2015: Henry Meredith, Max Makuch, Sam Hunter, William Jordan, Kyle Martin, Frank Hargrove III, Kevin Kneisler and Nick Maul gathered at Frank’s family’s river house on the Northern Neck.

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Class of 2015: Cody Pillow with his wife, Madeline.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

2016

Jacob Norris

Patrick Hine

Class of 2015: Dakota Nicely and his wife, Katie.

Family Vineyards July 7. Warner Thomas, Jarred Marlowe, Joey Tharp, Zac Wood and Kevin Carson ’18 were all in attendance.

Dakota Nicely married Katie Clevenger July 1, 2017. Among the several classmates there, Thomas Stallings apparently tore up the dance floor like back in the midwinter days of Cocke Hall.

Taylor Kennedy recently got engaged to his girlfriend, Ashleigh Hays. They also just got another puppy, Molly, a lab/hound mix.

Now for a few military updates. Elisha Clark just winged at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton, Florida. She’s headed to Japan to fly the MH-60R helicopter. J.C. Wood is also off to Japan, where he will fly the C-130Js out of the Yokota Air Base. Ben Field did a submarine exercise with the Chilean Navy recently. Wesley Jacobs thought that was pretty cool. Hardy Hendren and Hayden Whetstone are both deployed to Iraq

2017-Issue 4

with the 82nd Airborne Division. Please keep our deployed/stationed abroad BRs and their families in your thoughts.

In other news, Justin Wilson just moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. He is now working at TQL as a freight broker. Hit him up if you’re in the area!

And lastly, several BRs gathered at Frank Hargrove’s family’s river house on the Northern Neck for a wild weekend. Needless to say, cold ones were cracked and the Second Amendment was upheld. Shout out to dirty Frank for being such a selfless host.

It was a pleasure piecing these notes together!

Great getting to catch up with everyone. Please, never hesitate to hit me up if you roll through the 757 or just shoot me a message to catch up. There’s nothing I love more than jokin’ with some BRs. Whole damn team, Henry Meredith

2016, I hope all of you enjoyed another summer without the looming notion that we have to return to the “I.” It is hard to believe, but our rats have Ring Figure this year, which I cannot believe. If you haven’t talked to your rat in a while, give them a call; I’m sure they would love to hear from you. Class notes for 2016 are pretty sparse this time around, so please send me the awesome things you all are doing so we can tell everyone how awesome 2016 is.

However, I do want to give a big shoutout to Dakota Scott, who received a full ride to pursue a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at Purdue University. His research is going to focus on explosives and energetic materials, which sounds like the most fun research I have ever heard of. I hope all is well with all of you, please don’t hesitate to reach out for anything you want to include in the class notes.

2017

Benjamin Stewart

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 2017.

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Class Notes

Baby Keydets

VMI’s 10 Most Senior Alumni

GILMORE – a son, Frederick Hiram, to Elizabeth and Jeffrey J. Gilmore ’06, June 18, 2017.

BASS – a son, George Chamberlain, to Sarah and Christopher M. Bass ’08, May 26, 2017.

BERKOWITZ – a son, James Robert, to Lauren and Seth J. Berkowitz ’08, June 30, 2017.

According to the records of the VMI Alumni Association, the people listed below constitute the 10 senior alumni of the Institute. Please contact the Alumni Review staff if any errors are noted.

CZAPLICKI – a son, Jace Matthew, to Nikki and Andrew J. Czaplicki ’08, May 31, 2017.

DIXON – a daughter, Cora Elizabeth, to Abby and Caleb C. Dixon ’10, March 15, 2017.

Marriages

James C. Sherman ’35

March 31, 1914

Henry B. Johnson ’38

Aug. 9, 1915

Ira N. Saxe ’39

Feb. 9, 1918

Robert C. Maling ’41

Aug. 16, 1919

B.H. Hardaway III ’40

Sept. 28, 1919

FROMM – Heather A. Maxey to Kevin J. Fromm ’01, April 22, 2017.

Sol W. Rawls Jr. ’40

Oct. 25, 1919

CLEMENT – Mary Lo to Jeremy C. Clement ’08, July 21, 2017.

Robert P. Smith ’40

Nov. 1, 1919

Degrees William J. Eger Jr. ’95 International Relations Old Dominion University May 2017

Ph.D.

Lloyd L. Leech Jr. ’42

Dec. 12, 1919

Harry J. Siebert ’42

Jan. 25, 1920

C.W. Abbitt ’41

May 25, 1920

Combat Uniforms for the Virginia War Memorial The Virginia War Memorial staff respectfully requests donations of combat field uniforms worn by VMI alumni from Virginia in various conflicts since the Vietnam War. These uniforms may be from any branch of service, including those uniforms or clothing worn by special operations groups or contractors. These uniforms will be used in displays at the new Virginia War Memorial expansion as part of a new historical display gallery. The purpose of this request is to establish a historical record of our military service men and women for future generations of visitors to the Virginia War Memorial.

Far Left: The Virginia War Memorial contains a display that commemorates Women in Aviation.

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Along with the uniforms, please consider that provenance is desirable: Name of the donor, hometown, VMI relationship, military unit, theater, dates of service, etc. If field gear consisting of web gear, helmet, boots, etc. is available, that is a plus but not essential.

Further, a photograph of the individual while in the service in theater is highly desirable, as is a photo of the donor wearing the uniform to be donated. When contacting the Virginia War Memorial, donors may use their discretion as to what might be appropriate in a display.

For further information, please contact Jesse Smith, Virginia War Memorial curator, at (804) 786-2067 or jesse.smith@dvs.virginia.gov.

Left: Inside the Virginia War Memorial is a Wall of Honor to Virginia’s Heroes of the Global War on Terrorism. This display contains the names and photos of 299 fallen Virginians through 2016. This total includes eight women.

VMI Alumni Review

2017-Issue 4

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Provisional Appointments APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

Matthew D. Farrow

J. Lynn Hartford ’61

Grandfather

Alexis P. Hall

Matthew P. Bogusky ’96

Step-father

Tanner Hayes

E. Sean Lanier ’94

Cousin

Donald C. Roberts ’90

Cousin

Curtis A. Mason ’92

Cousin

2030

T. Scott Hayes ’19

Brother

Keller F. Kazmi

Barry R. Johnson ’90

Father

Steven E. Rockefeller

Luke H. Rickli William R. Thomas

Alanah Brashears

James F. Florio ’88

Father

Louis A. Florio Jr. ’86

Uncle

Michael E. Savage ’84

Uncle

2032

Monica P. Bennett ’12

Cousin

John P. Dixon Michael N. Dixon

2024 Luke Tarbox

RELATIONSHIP

Randolph S. Taylor ’70

Grandfather

Doug A. Taylor ’67

Great-uncle

Randy E. Campbell ’62

Grandfather

John G. Fitzgerald ’65

Grandfather

Bruce G. Seiling ’62

Great-uncle

Thomas A. Brashears ’95

Father

Richard M. Dixon Jr. ’97

Father

Richard M. Dixon Sr. ’67

Grandfather

Richard M. Dixon Jr. ’97

Father

2031

2023 Maria Florio

ALUMNUS-CLASS

2029 (cont.)

2022

Tyler Johnson

APPOINTEE’S NAME

Eric A. Tarbox ’94

Richard M. Dixon Sr. ’67

Grandfather

Aidan P. Jansen

Philip W. Dove ’75

Grandfather

James Switzer

Benjamin P. Switzer ’08

Father

Father

2025 Liam Doody

Scott C. Doody ’84

Father

Anna Florio

James F. Florio ’88

Father

2033

Louis A. Florio Jr. ’86

Uncle

Corbin G. Brown

Thomas A. Brown ’78

Grandfather

John G. Fitzgerald ’65

Grandfather

Kinley J. Michael

Robert C. Michael ’97

Father

Bruce G. Seiling ’62

Great-uncle

Randy E. Campbell ’62

Grandfather

Jimmie W. Seeley ’60

Grandfather

Alan G. Soltis ’79

Grandfather

Connor J. Kazmi Perry M. Thomas

2034 London C. Edwards

2026 Sebastian L. Schultes

Alexander E. Schultes ’65

Grandfather

2035 Owen B. Bryant

2027 Richard M. Dixon III Christopher Florio

Richard M. Dixon Jr. ’97

Father

2036

Richard M. Dixon Sr. ’67

Grandfather

Alexandra K. Jansen

Philip W. Dove ’75

Grandfather

James F. Florio ’88

Father

Matthew L. Linderman

Matthew L. Linderman ’97

Father

Louis A. Florio Jr. ’86

Uncle

Von C. Sandall

Dallas B. Clark ’99

Uncle

William P. Angle ’05

Father

Benjamin L. Angle III ’55

Cousin

Alex C. Bryant

Alan G. Soltis ’79

Grandfather

Oliver M. Chow

Benjamin F. Elmore III ’57

Great-

2037

2028 Alison M. Dewyea Garrett Eversole

Kirk J. Dewyea ’88

Father

Victor A. Dewyea ’91

Uncle

Eric R. Eversole ’93

Father

2029 Charles E. Dickens

Edward H. Telfair II ’64

Grandfather

Edward H. Telfair ’35

Greatgrandfather

Eva Florio

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James F. Florio ’88

Father

Louis A. Florio Jr. ’86

Uncle

Alice M. Angle 2038

grandfather William Copes

Joshua B.T. Copes ’07

Father

Daniel R. Mason ’83

Great-uncle

John H. Gary III ’54

Greatgreat-uncle

VMI Alumni Review

Provisional Appointments APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

2039 (cont.)

2038 (cont.)

Roger O. Hart Jr. ’99

Uncle

Tabitha M. Jones

Everett D. Jones ’00

Father

William H. Long ’72

Great-uncle

Karl A. Kanitz II

Karl A. Kanitz ’67

Grandfather

Clyde W. Long ’78

Great-uncle

Juliette R. Keller

Matthew R. Keller ’00

Father

Neil E. Robertson

Alan G. Soltis ’79

Grandfather

Lillian J. Loyd

Mark C. Loyd ’05

Father

Landry C. Saunders

H. Larry Mays Jr. ’73

Grandfather

Peter I.C. Knowles III ’05

Uncle

Hutson R. Sensabaugh

Henry L. Rhodenizer Jr. ’12

Uncle

Peter I.C. Knowles II ’70

Great-uncle

Eli Simmons

John D. Simmons ’02

Father

Rachel Lutterbie

Daniel S. Lutterbie ’07

Father

Anna E. Wilson

Laurence B. Wilson ’934

Great-

John C. Manning III

John C. Manning Jr. ’11

Father

Wymer W. Manning Jr. ’54

Great-

Wymer W. Manning III ’79

Great-uncle

John C. Manning Sr. ’83

Grandfather

James A. Manning ’90

Great-uncle

J.H. Binford Peay III ’62

Grandfather

James H.B. Peay IV ’98

Father

Macklan E. Hood

grandfather Laurence B. Wilson Jr. ’62

Great-uncle

grandfather

2039 Camille R. Angle

William P. Angle ’05

Father

Benjamin L. Angle III ’55

Cousin

Jackson M. Bates

Fred E. Bates ’95

Father

Samantha A. Byrd

Taylor S. Roberts ’67

Grandfather

Ryan N. Peay ’02

Uncle

Matthew J. Cunningham

Andrew J. Cunningham ’04

Father

Erica V. Sampson

Ernesto V. Sampson Jr. ’98

Father

Jace M. Czaplicki

Andrew J. Czaplicki ’08

Father

Edward H. Telfair IV

Edward H. Telfair II ’64

Grandfather

Benjamin F. Elmore IV

Benjamin F. Elmore III ’57

Great -

Edward H. Telfair ’35

Great-

Merrit S. Eternity

Edmund R. Strickler ’62

Great-uncle

Jackson Tendall

Timothy A. Tendall ’02

Father

Stephen A. Strickler ’68

Grandfather

Aurora G. Troxell

David D. Troxell ’02

Father

Michael M. Strickler ’71

Great-uncle

Evangeline J. Troxell

David D. Troxell ’02

Father

Jason M. Halin ’02

Uncle

Elijah W. Yannetti

Brian W. Yannetti ’06

Father

Blythe I. Peay

grandfather

Clara Halin

2017-Issue 4

grandfather

143

Taps Gordon L. Early ’41

James V. Doss Jr. ’44

Gordon Lauder Early ’41 of Evanston, Illinois, died Jan. 5, 2015. He was 95.

Early matriculated from Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and attended VMI for one year.

He is survived by his children, Robert (Traudel), Margaret Blair, Catherine (Virginia Diehl) and Carol Cooney (Brian); six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and sister, Harriet Cornyn (William).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret E. Early; son, William; brother, Dwight; and sister, Betty Alice Cryst.

James Valentine “Jim” Doss Jr. ’44 of Ark, Virginia, died June 2, 2017. He was 94.

Doss matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He is survived by his children, James V. Doss III (Joy), Mary Ellen Lackes, Stuart G.L. Doss (Joann) and Robert C. Doss (Milly); and grandchildren, Jess Lackes, Branch Lackes and Jack Coleman Doss.

He was preceded in death by his wives, Mary Sue Hibbs Doss, Kathleen “Kathy” Cole Doss and Beatrice “Bea” Barger Doss, and son, John “Jack” Doss.

Alfred J. Rooklin ’41 Alfred Joseph “Al” Rooklin ’41 of Lexington, Virginia, died June 5, 2017. He was 96.

Rooklin matriculated from Covington, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts from VMI. He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from Dickinson School of Law. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Rooklin; daughter, Linda R. Petrulias; and two granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra L. Paillon; brother, Woodrow S. Rooklin; and sisters, Natalie R. Doskow and Evelyn S. Rooklin.

Floyd S. Smith Jr. ’41 Floyd Sheldon Smith Jr. ’41 of Auburn, Alabama, died Jan. 8, 2010. He was 93.

Smith matriculated from Cleveland, Ohio, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree from Auburn University.

(Editor’s Note: We have no further information for Mr. Smith.)

John S. Halsey ’43 John Selden Halsey ’43 of Richmond, Virginia, died May 23, 2017. He was 94.

Halsey matriculated from Newport News, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He is survived by his children, Judith Halsey (Stephen Vanze), Mary Shaw Halsey (Robert Marks), John S. Halsey Jr. and Eugenia Halsey (Kent Jenkins Jr.); grandchildren, Shaw Vanze, Griffin Vanze, Ned Marks, Caroline Marks, Tyler Marks and Kent Jenkins III; two greatgrandchildren; and brother, Brenton S. Halsey.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Burnett Halsey.

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Joseph I. Gantt Sr. ’45 Joseph Isley “Joe” Gantt Sr. ’45 of Lynchburg, Virginia, died May 10, 2017. He was 92.

Gantt matriculated from Lynchburg and was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering.

He is survived by his wife, Kay Putney Gantt; children, Candon Gantt Walker, Carson Gantt Nahitchevansky, Betty Jo Gantt Dufault, Joseph Isley Gantt Jr. and Robert Adkerson Gantt; step-children, Dennis Irvin Putney, Donald Coplen Putney and Jeffrey Turner Putney; 19 grandchildren, including William C. Bryant ’05 and Derek C. Bryant ’08; and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Adkerson Gantt; step-daughter, Sharon Kay Soule Putney Barham; and brothers, Samuel Jones Gantt Jr. and Hugh Robert Gantt.

Josiah F. Reed Jr. ’45 Josiah Frederick Reed Jr. ’45, M.D., of Montgomery, Alabama, died May 24, 2017. He was 92.

Reed matriculated from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his son, John Reed (Michelle); daughter, Beth Reed; sister, Jane Pope; and special companion, Marguerite Wood.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Tamara Eugenia Reed.

Edgar A. Massenburg ’46 The Hon. Edgar Allen “Ed” Massenburg ’46 of Hampton, Virginia, died June 10, 2017. He was 91.

Massenburg matriculated from Hampton

and attended VMI for two years. He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia E. Massenburg; daughters, Sheri Massenburg and Sally Hart; granddaughters, Holly Corrigan, Taylor Hart, Jaime Frost and Jacqueline Wallace; and great-grandchildren, William Frost II and Abigail Frost.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Carrie Stevenson; brother, Alvin Massenburg; and daughter, Gayle Pumphrey.

Philip L. Reitz ’46 Philip Lewis Reitz ’46, M.D., of New Hartford, New York, died July 25, 2017. He was 93.

Reitz matriculated from Olean, New York, and attended VMI for two years. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the State University of New York Buffalo.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne Tonder Reitz; children, Philip III Reitz (Janet), Larry, Alan (Helen) and Paul (Susan Balter); son-in-law, Duane Wilkey; grandchildren, Andrew, Deidre, Michele, Richard, Joey, Madeline, Suzanne and Emily; and great-grandchildren, Milo and Liliano. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Dr. Mary Ellen Reitz; grandson, Frankie; and sister, Janet Baldwin (Richard).

John F. Burton ’47 John Fourqurean Burton ’47 of Charlotte, North Carolina, died May 26, 2017. He was 89.

Burton matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Norma Seay Burton; children, Thomas C. Burton (Pam) and Jeanne Burton Gaffney (Steve); grandchildren, John Robert Gaffney (Jordan), Kelly Dawn Burton and David Brian Gaffney (Amber); and greatgrandchildren, Brian Lund Gaffney.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Marjorie Burton Hammond.

James W. Valliant ’47 James Wilmer Valliant ’47 of Centreville, Maryland, died July 3, 2017. He was 90.

Valliant matriculated from Centreville and attended VMI for two years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College.

He is survived by his wife, Joann; children, Bruce J. Valliant, Mary Reed Valliant and John Valliant; and grandchildren, Alexander G. Rogers, Philip G. Valliant, James H. Rogers,

VMI Alumni Review

Taps Mary Shea Valliant, Benjamin S. Valliant and Egan P. Valliant.

George W. Dooley Jr. ’49B Retired U.S. Air Force Col. George Wilmer Dooley Jr. ’49B of Lynchburg, Virginia, died June 30, 2017. He was 89.

Dooley matriculated from Lynchburg and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his daughters, Lisa Sener (Michael), Sandy Mied (Dave) and Jennifer Tilley (Steve), and grandsons, Samuel, James and William Mied.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Baker Dooley.

Bobby R. Kristensen ’49B Reverend Bobby Reid Kristensen ’49B of Katy, Texas, died June 4, 2017. He was 88.

Kristensen matriculated from Timpson, Texas, and attended VMI for two years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Rice University, his Master of Theology degree from Southern Methodist University and his Doctor of Divinity degree from Ashland College.

He is survived by his daughters, Suzanne Miller and Cynthia Hepler; step-children, Maurice Estlinbaum, John Estlinbaum and Mary Kettle; eight grandchildren; and nine greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Virginia Ward Kristensen, and grandson, Seth Tyler Havers.

Harry R. Bailey ’51 Retired U.S. Army Col. Harry Richard Bailey ’51 of Orlando, Florida, died March 31, 2017.

He was 87.

Bailey matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Babson College.

(Editor’s Note: We have no further information for Mr. Bailey.)

Elisha J. Evans Jr. ’51 Retired U.S. Army Col. Elisha Jackson “Jack” Evans Jr. ’51 of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died May 13, 2017. He was 87.

Evans matriculated from Princess Anne County, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Evans; daughter, Brenda Rouleau (Michael); son, Elisha J. Evans III; grandchildren, David Rouleau and

2017-Issue 4

Daniel Rouleau (Megan); and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Faye Haste.

Albert M. Navas ’52

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Albert Manuel “Nutz” Navas ’52 of Great Falls, Virginia, died May 15, 2017.

He was 88.

William K. Lederman ’51 Navas matriculated from Santurce, William Karl “Bill” Lederman ’51 of Puerto Rico, and earned his Bachelor Sarasota, Florida, died June 20, 2017. of Arts degree in history from VMI. He was 87.

He earned his Master of Business Lederman matriculated from ToAdministration degree from Indiana ledo, Ohio, and earned his Bachelor Navas ’52 University. of Science degree in civil engineering He is survived by his children, Kathfrom VMI. leen Navas Hilbert (Joachim), Teresa Navas He is survived by his daughters, Linda Kirby, Slocomb (Stephen), Harvey Albert Navas Brenda Zimmerman and Patsy Storm; eight (Teresa) and Virginia Navas Heine (Clint); 12 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Laura, He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara and daughter, Paula.

Hunt Navas, and grandson, Matthew Albert Slocomb.

Jay S. Grumbling ’52

Jay Sandles Grumbling ’52 of Lee, New Hampshire, died April 29, 2017. He was 86.

Grumbling matriculated from Blairsville, Pennsylvania, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Science in Engineering degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

He is survived by his daughters, Cynthia Grumbling (Paul Horvath) and Kimberly Grumbling (Andy Paquette); son, Scott Grumbling (partner Amanda Hansan); grandchildren, Shannon Paquette, Logan Paquette and Bridget Grumbling; and sisters, Joanne Torrance and Dorothy Kelly.

John H. Hancock ’52 John Harrington “Jack” Hancock ’52 of Silverton, Oregon, died Sept. 9, 2016. He was 85.

Hancock matriculated from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and attended VMI for one year. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Miami and his Master of Arts degree from Seattle Pacific University.

He is survived by his wife, Marcine; children, Jon, Joel (Germa), Mary (Dave) and Sarah (Stan); step-children, Dan (Linda), Bernie (Gina), Susan (Brian) and Sally; grandchildren, Jeremy (Hensia), Eltimon, David, Alison (Daniel), Andrew (Leah) and Julie (Kyle); stepgrandchildren, Aaron, Micah, Aly, Jenny and Travis; great-grandchildren, Emma and Elliot; step-great-grandchildren, Trace, Terek, Aidan, Madison and Chance; and sister, Susan.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Starr B. Hancock.

James W. Williams Jr. ’53 James Wadsworth “Jim” Williams Jr. ’53 of Beaufort, North Carolina, died May 13, 2017.

He was 87.

Williams matriculated from Danville, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Baltimore.

He is survived by his daughter, Martha Williams Prideaux (Jeff); son, James W. Williams III (Susan); and grandchildren, Charlie, Henry, John and Caroline.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Johnson Williams, and brother, William DuPriest Williams.

Franklin J. Lisella ’56 Franklin Joseph Lisella ’56 of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, died May 3, 2017. He was 83.

Lisella matriculated from West Orange, New Jersey, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in physics from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

He is survived by his children, Kim Gonzalez, Gwen Lisella-Smith, John F. Lisella (Michelle), Franklin G. Lisella, Paul Lisella and Todd Lisella, and eight grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Ann Lisella.

Oliver H. Griggs ’57 Oliver Harvey Griggs ’57 of Mount Airy, North Carolina, died Dec. 16, 2014. He was 79.

Griggs matriculated from Galax, Virginia, and attended VMI for less than two years.

145

Taps (Editor’s Note: We have no further information for Mr. Griggs.)

Thomas M. Robertson ’57 Thomas Munsey Robertson ’57 of Salem, Virginia, died May 7, 2016. He was 81.

Robertson matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and attended VMI for less than one month. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Lynchburg College and a master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce G. Robertson; children, Thomas M. Robertson Jr. (Margaret), John H. Robertson (Deborah) and David W. Robertson (Kathryn); grandchildren, Matthew, Michael, Ian, Alexander, Phillip, Joseph and Isaac; and sister, Wanda R. Aleshire (H. Steward).

He was preceded in death by his first wife, JoAnn.

York, and attended VMI for less than one month.

He is survived by his wife, Judith Jatinen Bishop; daughter, Jennifer Bishop Parish (James); son, David Louis Bishop (Jennifer); and grandchildren, Madeline and Nathaniel.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, William McKinley Bishop and Edward Louis Potter Bishop.

William A. Scherer III ’60 William Andrew “Bill” Scherer III ’60 of Keswick, Virginia, died March 3, 2016. He was 77.

Scherer matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and attended VMI for less than one year.

He is survived by his wife, Vickie Scherer; son, Andrew Brady Scherer (Lisa); daughters, Morgan Passiment (Marc) and Hilary Scherer (Rick Jones); and grandsons, Austin Passiment, Ethan Passiment and William Andrew Scherer IV.

Paul R. Davies ’58

Richard S. Hurley ’61

Paul Rowland Davies ’58 of Orland Park, Illinois, died June 5, 2016. He was 79.

Davies matriculated from Joliet, Illinois, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Master of Arts degree from the University of Western Michigan and his Doctor of Philosophy degree from Purdue University.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn.

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Richard Swann “Dick” Hurley ’61 of Raleigh, North Carolina, died July 24, 2017. He was 77.

Hurley matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in math from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Hurley; daughters, Laura Hurley and Jennifer Hurley; son-in-law, and two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brother and sister.

Dorsey F. Shipley Jr. ’58 Dorsey Franklin “Ship” Shipley Jr. ’58 of Middletown, Maryland, died June 8, 2017. He was 81.

Shipley matriculated from Frederick, Maryland, and attended VMI for one year. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Shepherd College.

He is survived by his wife, Mildred; daughters, Susan Kreiger (Fred) Lori Shipley; son, Gregg Shipley (Michelle); grandchildren, Christopher Condon (Aimee), Fred Kreiger III (Samantha), Erin Conto (Pete), Jessica Condon, Caroline Kreiger and Joshua Shipley; great-grandchildren, Gabriel Michael Condon and Kenley Conto; brothers, Dennis Alban, Scott Shipley (Louise); and sister, Ann Shipley Adams (Ric).

He was preceded in death by his brother, Brad Alban.

Jerry T. Wagner ’62 Retired U.S. Army Col. Jerry Thomas Wagner ’62 of Rio Verde, Arizona, died April 23, 2017.

He was 77.

Wagner matriculated from Front Royal, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned his Master of Science degree from Shippensburg University.

He is survived by his wife, Candace M. Wagner; children, Jerry T. Wagner Jr. (Kathleen) and Carrie Merrell Wagner; grandchildren, Jessica Wagner Green (Scotty), Lauren Wagner (fiancé Scot Sutton), Elise Wagner, Alexander Sanchez and Garrett Sanchez; great-grandson, Brooks Green; and brother, Ronnie Wagner.

John C. Bishop ’60

James O. Borden ’65

John Carl Bishop ’60 of Williamsburg, Virginia, died Dec. 27, 2016. He was 78.

Bishop matriculated from Lake Placid, New

James Orban “Jim” Borden ’65 of San Clemente, California, died April 29, 2017.

He was 73.

146

Borden matriculated from Sewickley, Pennsylvania, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Tina; three sons; one daughter; nine grandchildren; and two sisters.

Edward S. Gordon Jr. ’65 Edward Stuart “Flash” Gordon Jr. ’65 of Raleigh, North Carolina, died May 19, 2017.

He was 74.

Gordon matriculated from Rural Hall, North Carolina, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. (Editor’s Note: We have no further information for Mr. Gordon.)

David A. Kovach ’65 David Aaron Kovach ’65, D.D.S, of Bluefield, Virginia, died June 28, 2017. He was 72.

Kovach matriculated from Pocahontas, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Medical College of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Charlynne; son, Dr. David A. Kovach II (Elizabeth); daughters, Cheryl Gamble (Travis) and Ann Marie Whaley (Tim); six grandchildren; and brother, W. Michael Kovach.

Robert I. Morgan ’65 Robert Irvin “Bob” Morgan ’65 of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, died June 2, 2017. He was 74.

Morgan matriculated from Middletown, New Jersey, and attended VMI for four years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Mississippi and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce Law Center.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; brothers, Elliot, Ronald and Mitchell; and cousin, Claudia Simpson.

William C. Sterling ’65 William Christopher “Chris” Sterling ’65 of Ashland, Virginia, died Jan. 19, 2017. He was 74.

Sterling matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and attended VMI for less than three years.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie.

Kenneth G. Petrie ’66 Kenneth Graham “Ken” Petrie ’66 of Queenstown, Maryland, died July 20, 2017. He was 73.

Petrie matriculated from Damascus, Maryland, and attended VMI for less than two years. He

VMI Alumni Review

Taps earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Kent State University.

He is survived by his wife, Loralyn AndersenPetrie; son, Michael Petrie; and sister, Susan Petrie.

Larry Sonstein ’66 Larry Sonstein ’66 of Geneva, Ohio, died July 21, 2017. He was 72.

Sonstein matriculated from Falls Church, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Margaret “Peggie” Sonstein; sons, Michael Robert Sonstein (Jodi Peterson) and Mark Douglass Sonstein (Sharon Hajek); grandchildren, Michelle Renee, Michael Joseph, Benjamin David, Andrew Thomas and Cassandra Ann; and brother, Jeffrey Sonstein (Batya Billinkoff).

William S. Dinwiddie ’69 William Snavely “Bill” Dinwiddie ’69 of Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, died Aug. 27, 2014. He was 67.

Dinwiddie matriculated from Sudbury, Massachusetts, and attended VMI for one year.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Franklin & Marshall College and his Master of Science degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer; children, Adam Dinwiddie, Sarah West and Laura Dinwiddie; and sister, Ann Wing.

Joseph O. Ecsi ’69 Joseph Omar Ecsi ’69 of Winter Haven, Florida, died June 23, 2017. He was 70.

Ecsi matriculated from Washington, D.C., and attended VMI for four years.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine.

Charles J. Wielgus Jr. ’72

Douglas W. Brennan ’86 Douglas Walter Brennan ’86 of Douglasville, Georgia, died March 29, 2017. He was 52.

Brennan matriculated from West Palm Beach, Florida, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Ann Brennan; daughters, Kelly Brennan and Bridget Brennan; sons, Jimmy Brennan, Mike Brennan and John Brennan; sister, Margot Brennan; brother, Paul Brennan; brother-in-law, Kevin Keavney; and father, Paul Richard Brennan Jr.

Nash E. Roberts ’12 Nash Edward Roberts ’12 of Washington, D.C., died June 11, 2017. He was 27.

Roberts earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics/business from VMI. He is survived by his sister, Hannah Lewis (Troy); mother, Sonja Roberts; father, Dr. Scott Roberts; grandfathers, Ed Knipe and James Schmidt; and uncle, Thomas Knipe.

VMI Family Ruth H. Sherrard Ruth Hemperly Sherrard of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, died April 9, 2017. She was 93.

Sherrard was a former employee of the VMI Foundation.

She is survived by her children, Linda Reidenbaugh (Thomas), Pamela Rosenberger and Robert Sherrard Jr. (Maria); seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brothers, William, Mervin and Jere Hemperly; and sisters, Delorous Duke and Yvonne Tshudy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Singleton Sherrard.

Charles Joseph “Chuck” Wielgus Jr. ’72 of Colorado Springs, ColoLouise W. Stuart rado, died April 23, 2017. He was 67.

Louise W. Stuart of Lexington, VirWielgus matriculated from Maginia, died May 18, 2017. She was 90. maroneck, New York, and attended Stuart retired from VMI after 35 years VMI for two years. He earned his of service as the museum director for Bachelor of Arts degree in history the George C. Marshall Foundation. from Providence College and his Wielgus ’72 She is survived by her children, Master of Education degree from Patty Stuart Knick (Gerald) and James Springfield College.

Wilson Stuart (Nancy); grandchildren, Paul He is survived by his wife, Nancy; sons, Stuart Knick ’02, Cory Christopher Knick ’07 Chip (Kim) and Tommy (Sarah Maguire); and Jamie Carrington Stuart; and five greatdaughters, Savannah and Shelby; brother, Paul grandchildren.

(Cindy); sister, Martie Negri (Art Nazzaro); She was preceded in death by her husband, four grandchildren; and mother, Irene.

Boyd Griffith Stuart.

2017-Issue 4

147

VMI Alumni Association Directory The VMI Alumni Agencies Chief Executive Officer Stephen M. Maconi

The VMI Foundation, Inc.

The VMI Alumni Association, Inc. President

First Vice President

Robert P. Louthan ’82 rlouthan1@gmail.com

Chief Operating Officer Thomas A. Brashears ’95 tbrashears@vmiaa.org

Asa H. Page III ’79 vmi79@verizon.net

Edgar J.T. Perrow Jr. ’96 tperrow@woodardcurran.com

Region I – Southwest Chapter Arizona Greater Los Angeles Inland Empire Nevada Northern California Rio Grande San Diego

Cleveland Detroit Kansas City, Missouri Southwest Ohio St. Louis

Region V – Southeast Augusta Atlanta Birmingham Coastal GA – South Carolina East TN – Knoxville Mobile Tennessee Valley

Region VI – Carolinas Crystal Coast/Jacksonville Cape Fear/Fayetteville Central North Carolina – Raleigh Charlotte Club of the Triad Coastal SC/Charleston Eastern North Carolina Midlands SC/Palmetto Upsate SC/Pisgah NC Wilmington, North Carolina

148

Email: mrhemenez@cox.net Chapter Representative

lohrc08@gmail.com tdegray@gmail.com kenny@mpowermortgage.com Bradley.maak@yahoo.com brian.k.andrew@gmail.com

Christoph Lohr ’08 Matthew R. Hemenez ’90 Andre S. Gibson ’78 Lawrence M. Wood ’59 Todd E. Arris ’87

Max H. Hopkins ’97

max.h.hopkins@gmail.com

William R. Creekmur ’83

Director: William D.R. Waff ’76 Gregory McDearmon ’99 Daniel C. Young ’88 Molly M. Hastings ’13 Brian D. Skusa ’00 David C. Hagemann ’80 Jeffrey D. Vordermark ’79 J. Micah North ’00 David P. Loduca ’81

ggmcd34@earthlink.net dan.young@wfadvisors.com hastingsmm@mail.vmi.edu bskusa@kforce.com dhag80@aol.com vordermark@juno.com micah.north@resonantsciences.com loduca@pbworld.com

Director: Patrick J. Griffin ’80 A. Bruno Loefstedt III ’80 Donald M. O’Sullivan Jr. ’00 Richard C. Wolffe ’78

Region IV – Mid Atlantic Appalachian Central Keystone Maryland Southeastern PA – Delaware Valley Stonewall Jackson Western PA – Pittsburgh

President’s Email

Chief Operating Officer

Gregory M. Cavallaro ’84

Christoph Lohr ’08 Terrence S. DeGray ’04 Kenny T. Stigler ’00 Bradley J. Maak ’87 Brian K. Andrew ’03

Region III – Northeast New England New York City – Long Island North Jersey

President

U. “Buzz” Birzenieks ’64

Director: Matthew R. Hemenez ’90 Chapter President

Region II – Midwest Bluegrass Chicago

The VMI Keydet Club, Inc.

Historian

J. Bolling Williamson ’60 bollingwmson@gmail.com

Warren J. Bryan ’70

T. Bryan Barton ’68

Samuel N. Stocks ’90 sstocks@kbsgc.com

Immediate Past President

Chief Operating Officer

President

Second Vice President

bruno.a.loefstedt@saint-gobain.com donaldosullivan@hotmail.com rwolffe@tspcapitalmgt.com

Director: H. Larry Mays Jr. ’73

Thomas N. Daniel Jr. ’60 Robert P. Hill ’08 David R. Gleason ’80 Frederick J. Killmeyer IV ’95 Jason K. Gruse ’97 Alan R. Berenbrok ’80

tomdaniel60@charter.net rphill48@gmail.com gleason@umbc.edu rickkillmeyer@gmail.com jasongruse@hotmail.com aberenbrok@yahoo.com

Director: C. Patrick Haddock ’00 Terence L. Bowers ’68 David R. Nagel ’01 William H. Cather Jr. ’65 Mark P. Parton ’08 Christopher R. Jones ’96 Charles M. Rogers IV ’83 Herbert U. Fluhler ’77

terrybowers@vmialumni.org nageldr78@hotmail.com billcather@bellsouth.net partonmp@gmail.com crj2112@gmail.com max.rogers@mobileinfirmary.org huf2000@aol.com

Director: Michael A. Kelly ’73 Ian G. Dunlap ’05 Michael A. Ceroli ’85 Laurence B. Wilson Jr. ’62 Michael S. Anderson ’88 Ray S. Brooks ’76 George Troy Mosby ’97 Robert M. Kirby ’78 Carl B. Hammond ’00 Paul X. English III ’73 John P. Gangemi ’61

dunlapian@hotmail.com mceroli@thekratosgroup.net lbebwilson@aol.com vmi2army@gmail.com rsbr1111@gmail.com gmosby@liquidnet.com rmkirby@dekirby.com hammondcb@yahoo.com pxenglish@verizon.net jgangemi@ec.rr.com

Email: razz.waff@gmail.com Hugh R. Hill ’85 Donald A. Noschese Jr. ’92 Stephen M. Chiles ’89 Mark A. Benvenuto ’83 Todd J. Jacobs ’90 J. Micah North ’00 Robert C. Polk ’61

Email: anchors80@comcast.net John R. Gibney Jr. ’80 Kevin P. Sincavage ’87

Email: hlarrymays@gmail.com Campbell C. Hyatt III ’65 H. Larry Mays Jr. ’73 Thomas M. Wirth ’98 John T. Pace IV ’77 Phillip L. Harris ’03 J. Mark Hennigan ’90

Email: vmitranspo@hotmail.com Raymond R. Lawson ’81 Charles C. Schoen IV ’86 William H. Cather Jr. ’65 Kevin L. Snell ’82 John H. Friend III ’82 Raymond J. Pietruszka ’77

Email: kellyvmi73@nc.rr.com Stephen L. Skakandy ’01 Charles L. Toomey ’74 Ronald R. Wall ’69 James A. Sharp ’93 T. Matthew Creech ’96 Eric L. Duncan ’99 George H. Ritko ’70 F. Grey Farthing III ’79 Henry Brown ’60

VMI Alumni Review

VMI Alumni Chapter Directory

Region VII – Florida Central Florida Northeast Florida – Jacksonville Northwest Florida Southern Florida Southwest Florida – Fort Meyer The Villages – Florida Treasure Coast West Coast Florida – Tampa

Director: Walter L. Chalkley ’72 John C. Nagle IV ’87 Jason M. Goldstein ’02 James D. Friskhorn ’81 Scott A. Houser ’98 Bradford T. Herrell ’01 Blake W. Thomas ’73 Donald D. Carson ’64 Robert M. Bailey ’72

Region VIII – Southwest VA Lynchburg New River Valley Roanoke

Allegheny Highlands Blue Ridge Charlottesville North Shenandoah Valley Rockbridge County Valley

James F. Dittrich ’76 Stephen J. Barcik III ’85 Michael M. Wallace ’93 William E. Kirby III ’96 Philip J. Altizer Jr. ’80 S. Curtis Johnston ’82 Hamel B. Reinmiller ’98 Daniel J. Fitzgerald ’89 Steven P. Weiss ’86 Murray F. Hudson ’82

Trent L. Boggs ’83 Russell Shun Takata ’74 James R. Farmer ’68 Todd M. Baldwin ’06 Jeffrey B. Morrison ’99

Norfolk Peninsula Rappahannock Virginia Beach Western Tidewater Williamsburg

Fredericksburg - Quantico George C. Marshall Potomac River

twalton@general-assurance.com samuelmattocks762@gmail.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 Henry W. Moncure ’74 Gary J. Haste ’77 John L. Rowe Jr. ’66 John J. Kokolis ’96

Region XIV – Metro D.C.

tboggs@gci.com russell.takata@yahoo.com seattlefarmer@comcast.net todd.baldwin1@gmail.com roo1999@gmail.com

Director: Anthony U. Moore ’78 Director: William R. Charlet ’01

Thomas H. Walton ’04 Samuel L. Mattocks ’74

Region XIII – Hampton Roads Eastern Shore

jfdinarkansas@aol.com steve.barcik@htds2.com michaelmwallace@mac.com ktkirby@comcast.net paltizer@bellsouth.net Chewy.Johnston@hdrinc.com hbrvmi98@vmialumni.org daniel.fitzgerald@hdrinc.com steve.weiss@libertyiu.com murfh@urbaneng.com

Director: Clifford A Crittsinger ’64/’66

Region XII – Central Virginia Richmond Tri Cities

troy.barbour@hcahealthcare.com weastham@carrhyde.com jim@realcentralva.com wdtvmi65@comcast.net jarvistk@vmi.edu mattdale@vmialumni.org

Director: Jeffrey L. Minch ’73

Region XI – Northwest Alaska Hawaii Pacific Northwest Pikes Peak Rocky Mountain

vordermarkmt@hotmail.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 Matthew J. Dale ’12

Region X – South Arkansas Centex Greater New Orleans Middle TN – Nashville Midsouth/Memphis North Texas – Dallas Oklahoma San Antonio Southeast Texas – Houston Third Coast (Corpus Christi)

Director: Dennis A. Hackemeyer ’80

Matthew T. Vordermark ’00 Gerald B. Burrus ’96 Andrew M. Reel ’03

Region IX – Shenandoah Valley

jay.nagle@parsons.com jmgoldstein@mactec.com vmi81@comcast.net housersa@yahoo.com vmigrad1@hotmail.com blaket606@aol.com dcarson678@bellsouth.net bobngracebailey@tampabay.rr.com

vmi79classagent@aol.com dtyler4@cox.net joshua.p.priest@navy.mil ed.plucinski@hanson.com hwm74@msn.com ghaste@associatedcontracting.com jrowe66@cox.net jjkokolis@cox.net

Director: Jessica J. Schmaus ’04 Director: John D. Kearney Jr. ’00

Carl J. DeBernard Jr. ’94 Matthew R. Keller ’00 A. James MacDonald ’83

Email: waltchalkley@aol.com John C. Nagle IV ’87 Grafton D. Addison III ’82 Wayland H. Patterson ’80 Brett R. Martin ’00 Alan H. Vicory Jr. ’74 Robert M. Bailey ’72

Email: dennis@nanoseptic.com Joseph W. Hutt III ’78 Gerald B. Burrus ’96 Alan G. Soltis ’79

Email: jarvistk@vmi.edu Harrison L. Fridley Jr. ’61 R. Edward Duncan ’60 James E. Duncan ’98 Kevin J. Callanan ’78 Lewis V. Graybill ’62

Email: jminch2011@gmail.com Christopher J. Whittaker ’90 Charles S. Sanger ’82 Dakota W. Nicely ’15 Garry C. Varney ’76 Thomas R. Shaw ’78 Steven P. Weiss ’86 M. Douglass Payne ’73

Email: keydet6466@gmail.com Trent L. Boggs ’83 Russell Shun Takata ’74 James R. Farmer ’68 Robert L. Fricke ’78 William V. Trumpore ’89

Email: amor_78@comcast.net Email: wcharlet@gmail.com Thomas H. Walton ’04 Augustus Robbins III ’47

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 Jim E. Henry ’68

Email: jessica.schmaus@gmail.com Email: kearneyjd00@gmail.com

carl.debernard@dhs.gov matthew.keller@ofplaw.com macvmi83@yahoo.com

R.C. Thompson III ’74 L. Randolph Williams Jr. ’66 L. Randolph Williams Jr. ’66

chingpu@saturn.yzu.edu.tw

Ching-Pu Chen ’85 Vaipot Srinual ’72

Region XV – Pacific Rim Taiwan Thailand

2017-Issue 4

Ching-Pu Chen ’85 Vaipot Srinual ’72

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Alumni News John M. Baillio ’65 was elected president of the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation. The foundation serves to support the 10 independent squads that serve Virginia Beach city with 900 members and 30 ambulances.

When combined, the squads create the largest volunteer rescue squad system in the country.

Baillio matriculated from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. The Colonial Williamsburg Board of Trustees announced its election of Conrad M. Hall ’65 as a new trustee. This responsibility comes to Hall after having retired as president and chief executive officer of Dominion Enterprises, formerly known as Landmark Communications, Inc. Hall has previously served as an executive for The Virginia-Pilot and Ledger-Star newspapers before joining Landmark.

Currently, Hall serves in such leadership positions as the VMI Board of Visitors as vice president, trustee of the Mariner’s Museum and co-trustee with J.P. Morgan Bank of the museum’s trust fund. He also serves as a regional vice chairman for the Virginia Historical Society and as trustee of the Slover Library Foundation and Norfolk Academy. As a director, Hall serves Landmark Enterprises and Dollar Tree Stores, Inc. Hall matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from the Darden School at the University of Virginia.

Thomas C. Bradshaw Jr. ’61 was featured in a news story by WDBJ7 for his gifting of a new clock to Lexington, Virginia.

The clock was installed on the sidewalk in front of Bradshaw’s business building on Main Street. An official ceremony took place for the dedication in May 2017.

Bradshaw matriculated from Blackstone, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in portraits from the Brooks Institute of Photography.

operations centers along the South Carolina coastal communities in which he provided advisement on utilizing engineer assets. He previously provided support during Hurricanes Hugo, Andrew and Floyd.

Currently, Chapman serves as chairman of the Mount Pleasant Planning Commission and is a member of the Charleston County Transportation Committee, Rotary Club of Charleston and Washington Light Infantry.

He has been a member of the South Carolina State Guard since 2013.

Chapman matriculated from Fairfax, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned his Master of Engineering degree from the University of South Carolina.

South Carolina State Guard Maj. John A. Pond ’69 was named to the Howard R. Chapman ’68 was awardMetropolitan Area Transit Authority ed the South Carolina Military Board of Directors.

The MetropoliDepartment Meritorious Service tan Area Transit Authority provides Medal June 4, 2017. The award was rapid rail and bus transportation presented to Chapman at the South services in metro Atlanta and is one Carolina National Guard’s Charlesof the largest rapid transit systems ton Readiness Center by U.S. Army in the U.S. Pond was previously the Col. Jeffrey Hones, commander of Pond ’69 chief executive officer of Pond & the 218th Maneuver Enhancement Company, an Engineering News-Record Top Brigade, South Carolina Army National 500 architecture, engineering, planning and Guard. construction firm.

Chapman earned the award for support given Pond matriculated from Wakefield, Virginia, during Hurricane Matthew in October 2016 and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in as an adviser to the 218th MEB. He provided civil engineering from VMI. He earned his recommendations for engineering during the Master of Engineering degree from the Unistorm operations. He was also recognized due versity of Virginia. to his ability to coordinate various emergency

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Retired U.S. Navy Reserve Cmdr. “Sensei” Tim K. Thompson ’77 led his Dragon Force National Karate Demo Team to victory with a performance that won the first place demo team trophy at the 2017 East Coast Martial Arts Championships. Thompson is the owner and director of the Dragon Force National Karate Demo Team and Ryoshin-Kan Karate School in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Thompson matriculated from Warrenton, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. Retired U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Col. William E. Hardy ’78 was appointed to the board of directors for Community Bankers Trust Corporation, the Henrico County holding company for Essex Bank, in March 2017.

Hardy currently serves as a certified public accountant and holds 34 years of experience in the accounting and auditing field of central Virginia. He will also serve as a bank director and is a founding partner and president of Harris, Hardy & Johnstone P.C. located in Richmond, Virginia. Hardy also holds leadership positions in the community to include working with Sheltering Arms Hospital, the Virginia Home for Boys and Girls, and Westminster Canterbury.

Hardy matriculated from Amelia, Virginia, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from VMI. He earned his certificate in accounting from Virginia Commonwealth University and is also a graduate of the U.S. Command & General Staff College.

VMI Alumni Review

.

Alumni News received various awards, to include the Bronze Robert F. Zilhaver ’83 was announced as the district superintendent of the Connellsville Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the HumaniDistrict of the United Methodist Church July tarian Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal.

1, 2017. Zilhaver was senior pastor at Lakeside Zilhaver matriculated from Clarion, United Methodist and served the Pennsylvania, and earned his BachIndiana District for 24 years. This elor of Science degree in physics position comes to Zilhaver after helpfrom VMI. He earned his Master ing to organize and write the charter of Divinity degree from Pittsburgh of the Indiana District Union, where Theological Seminary. he served as finance chair. His work with the district also extends to workEdward D. “Ted” Wagner ’88 ing with the Registrar of the District recently presented on cloud cyber Committee on Ordained Ministry security and risk management at the and as a member of the Superinten2017 Central Bank Executive Sumdancy Committee.

Zilhaver is also founder and president Zilhaver ’83 mit, hosted by the Bank of Canada in Ottawa, Canada. One hundred bankof Partners in Alliance, which is a western Pennsylvania-based AIDS ministry assisting ers from 40 central banks and other institutions attended the event. Other topics covered at the those affected with HIV/AIDS and their families since 2000. Zilhaver is also a member of Associa- summit included distributed ledger technology and block chains. tion in Advocacy, helping clergy and churches Wagner joined SAP National Security Services resolve disputes through his participation in over in March 2015. He is responsible for the security 75 cases in 16 annual conferences.

Before entering ministry, Zilhaver served as and compliance of the corporate network, an officer in the U.S. Army and retired in the sharing best practice with customers and suprank of major. During his military career, he porting NS2’s Federal Risk and Authorization

Management Program cloud initiative. He previously served as chief information security officer for TASC. Wagner supported the Army’s computer emergency response team for nine years as a project manager for Northrop Grumman. He was responsible for the incident response, forensic and malware analysis support provided to Army Cyber Command and 1st Information Operations Command.

Wagner has led cyber teams employing tactical to strategic capabilities and has completed the certification and accreditation process for agency level programs. He developed the curriculum for the Computer Network Operations planner course and established a team-validation process for deploying cyber teams. He has also presented at national and international conferences. Wagner currently serves in the U.S. Army Reserve. He holds the rank of colonel and is currently the deputy chief of staff, G6, 80th Training Command.

Wagner matriculated from New Canaan, Connecticut, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from VMI. He earned his Master of Arts degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

... Book An n o u n c e m e nts ... Book Announcements . . . Bo o k An n o u ncem ent s ...

Announcements ... Book Announcemen Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Arrius, Sacramentum (Oath) by Preston Holtry ’63. Moonshine Cove Publishing, LLC, July 2017. ISBN: 9781945181160. Available via publisher at Moonshinecovepublishing.com.

Proclaimed a hero of Rome, Centurion Marcus Arrius is offered command of the Praetorian guards in Rome but instead chooses duty on Hadrian’s Wall, as far from Rome as he can get.

Arrius is the senior centurion of the ill-fated XXII Legion, serving in Judaea during the second century Roman Empire. Focused on duty and his men to the exclusion of all else, Arrius is a loyal, battletested soldier. Following Hadrian’s suppression of the second Jewish revolt in Judaea in 135 CE, his core belief in Rome begins to erode without understanding why. For his prowess in Judaea, he is highly decorated and given the opportunity for assignment in Rome to command the Praetorian Guard. Instead of accepting the

2017-Issue 4

prized command, he requests duty on Hadrian’s Wall. It will be Ilya, a beautiful native woman in Britannia, who will become the catalyst for understanding why he chose command of an obscure frontier fort instead of fame and fortune in Rome.

Soldiers and Civilization: How the Profession of Arms Thought and Fought the Modern World into Existence by Reed R. Bonadonna ’77. Naval Institute Press, May 2017. ISBN: 9781682470671. Available via Naval Institute Press at www.usni.org.

About the Author: Preston Holtry graduated from VMI with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and has a graduate degree from Boston University. Throughout a 27-year career in the Army, he served twice in Vietnam in addition to other infantry and intelligencerelated assignments in the U.S., Germany and England. After retiring from the Army with the rank of colonel, he worked in the defense industry. Now a full-time writer, he lives with his wife, Judith, in Oro Valley, Arizona. Holtry is the author of four published mystery novels set in the Southwest during the period 1915-17 featuring the private detective Morgan Westphal.

When Kipling writes in “The Young British Soldier,” “I’ll sing you a soldier as fair as I may,” he reminds us that a soldier is made of the words of poetry, history, and the laws and language of his calling. The complete soldier is not only a committed war fighter but also a contributor to the civilization that he or she serves. Drawing from military history, sociology and other disciplines, “Soldiers and Civilization” covers the history of the military profession in the western world from the ancient Greeks to the present day and shows how both insights to locate the military profession in the context of both literary and cultural history, maintaining that soldiers have made an unacknowledged contribution to the theory and practice of civilization and

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Alumni News that they will again be called upon to do so in important ways.

Throughout history, soldiers have sought instruction and inspiration. Military professionals of today must know, heed and apply the examples and narrative of the most exemplary of their predecessors to help advance civilization into its future.

However, this process can succeed only when it includes critical selfexamination and a discourse with the larger society. Civilization as we know it depends upon the soldiers of our century, who are wise as much as strong and brave.

“Soldiers and Civilization” argues that the military profession, in its broadest consideration, might be viewed as an interdisciplinary branch of the humanities; a repository of important practical and abstract knowledge on armed conflict, ethics, community and human nature.

By representing and upholding the values on which civilization is founded, true military professionals provide the stability for it to thrive and create new ideas, thereby ensuring an existential symbiosis that serves and preserves both.

About the Author: Reed Robert Bonadonna served in the U.S. Marine Corps as an infantry officer and field historian, retiring with the rank of colonel. He participated in the first Marine landings in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1982 and in Operation Iraqi Freedom-1 in 2003. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree at Boston University. He recently retired as director of the Ethics and Character Development program at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Bonadonna and his wife, Dr. Susan Bonadonna, M.D., have three sons and reside in Larchmont, New York.

Battle Above the Clouds: Lifting the Siege of Chattanooga and the Battle of Lookout Mountain

by David A. Powell ’83. Savas Beatie LLC, June 2017. ISBN: 9781611213775.

Available via publisher at savasbeatie.com.

In October 1863, the Union Army of Cumberland

was besieged in Chattanooga, all but surrounded by familiar opponents: The Confederate Army of Tennessee. The Federals were surviving by the narrowest of margins, thanks only to a trickle of supplies painstakingly hauled over the sketchiest of mountain roads.

Soon, even those quarter-rations would not suffice. Disaster was in the offing.

Yet those Confederates, once jubilant at having routed the Federals at Chickamauga and driven them back into the apparent trap of Chattanooga’s trenches, found their own circumstances increasingly difficult to bear. In the immediate aftermath of their victory, the South rejoiced; the Confederacy’s own disasters of the previous summer – Vicksburg and Gettysburg – were seemingly reversed. Then came stalemate in front of those same trenches. The Confederates held the high ground, Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, but they could not completely seal off Chattanooga from the north.

The Union responded. Reinforcements were on the way. A new man arrived to take command: Ulysses S. Grant. Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg, unwilling to launch a frontal attack on Chattanooga’s defenses, sought victory elsewhere, diverting troops to east Tennessee.

“Battle above the Clouds” recounts the first half of the campaign to lift the siege of Chattanooga, including the opening of the “cracker line,” the unusual night battle of Wauhatchie and one of the most dramatic battles of the entire war: Lookout Mountain.

About the Author: David A. Powell graduated from VMI with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. He has published numerous articles in various magazines and more than 15 historical simulations of different battles.

For the past decade, Powell’s focus has been on the epic battle of Chickamauga, and he

is nationally recognized for his tours of that important battlefield. The results of that study are the volumes, “The Maps of Chickamauga” (2009) and “Failure in the Saddle” (2010), as well as “The Chickamauga Campaign” trilogy. “The Chickamauga Campaign: A Mad Irregular Battle” was published in 2014, “The Chickamauga Campaign: Glory or the Grave” appeared in September 2015, and the final volume, “Barren Victory,” was released in September 2016. Powell and his wife, Anne, live and work in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. He is vice president of Airsped, Inc., a specialized delivery firm.

Reagan and the World: Leadership and National Security, 1981-1989, edited by Bradley L. Coleman ’95 and Kyle Longley.

University Press of Kentucky, June 2017. ISBN: 9780813169378. Available via the VMI Bookstore, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Kindle and from the publisher at www. kentuckypress.com.

In “Reagan and the World,” leading scholars and national security professionals offer fresh interpretations of the 40th president’s influence on American foreign policy. This collection addresses Reagan’s management of the U.S. national security establishment as well as the influence of Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger and others in the administration and Congress. The contributors present indepth explorations of U.S.-Soviet relations and American policy toward Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. This balanced and sophisticated examination reveals the complexity of Reagan’s foreign policy, clarifies the importance of other international actors of the period and provides new perspectives on the final decade of the Cold War. About the Author: Bradley Lynn Coleman is the director of the John A. Adams ’71 Center for Military History & Strategic Analysis at the Virginia Military Institute and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from VMI. He is the author of “Colombia and the United States: The Making of an Inter-American Alliance, 1939-1960.”

ook A nnou n c e m en ts ... Book Announcements . . . Bo o k An n o u n cem ent s ... B ook Announcements ... Book Announcements ... uncements ... Book Announcements ... Book 152

VMI Alumni Review

The Institute Summer Construction Project Progress

Crozet Hall Starting in the fall, cadets will see a brand-new floor in Crozet Hall. A construction crew worked to pull up the existing floor, which had an old, red tile and was repaired over the years with red-dyed concrete. The red tiles had been in place since the 1930s.

Colonel Keith Jarvis ’82, deputy director of construction, said the new tile will be a blue-gray, slate color set up to look like natural stone.

During construction, however, the mess hall remained open for cadets attending summer classes. The main room was lined with plastic to protect the temporary eating areas on the second floor from dust from the construction, he said.

Jarvis stated that a future project idea could be increasing the amount of seating in Crozet so the entire Corps could sit in the mess hall at the same time. The goal would be to add partial indoor balconies along the side walls. “If every cadet came here [now], there wouldn’t be room,” he said.

The flooring project’s cost was approximately $900,000.

Cameron Hall The 36-year-old roof on Cameron Hall, VMI’s arena for hosting athletic contests and also Corps-wide events, such as matriculation and graduation, was replaced over the summer.

The roof “has been considered VMI’s top reroofing priority for a number of years,” according to Maj. Arthur B. “Skip” Dunbar III, Physical Plant staff architect.

The roof, which was beyond its useful life, leaked badly in recent years.

For this project, which started in late May, the existing gravel and roof was removed, along with some asbestos removal. It was replaced with a rubber membrane on the flat-sloped roof. The $779,876 project was in its final stages by late July.

The roofing project at Cameron Hall.

2017-Issue 4

Clark King Pool The Clark King Pool in Cocke Hall has had a problem with leaks for years, since it was built with no structural connection between the side walls and the pool slab. The estimated leaks were in amounts up to 8 inches of water loss per night, beginning three years ago. The last year saw less than 3 inches of water loss per night with controls, Dunbar said.

“The only thing preventing leaks is backup rods and caulk at this joint.

Based on the movement of the slab when it is filled and emptied, leaks continue to be a problem,” he said.

He added that a more recent study of the problem suggested a pool liner, replacement of the existing gutters with stainless steel and the addition of a balance tank for the 210,000-gallon pool. All of that work was completed this summer. “Upon completion, these items should prevent any further leaks and also improve pool conditions for NCAA competitions, VMI training and open swims,” Dunbar said.

The project has minor impacts on the physical education department, as the pool has minimal use in the summer. The $452,000 project was expected to wrap up Aug. 11.

VMI photos by Maj. John Robertson IV.

While the majority of cadets were away on summer furlough, employees in VMI’s Physical Plant and Construction Office managed projects all over post to repair and maintain the Institute’s buildings.

Projects tackled this summer included installing a new floor in Crozet Hall, exterior improvements to barracks, repairing sidewalks, putting a new roof on Cameron Hall and fixing leaks in the Cocke Hall swimming pool.

The Clark King Pool’s updated features include a lining and a new stainless steel gutter.

Barracks Window Restoration During the summer, the Physical Plant employees worked to restore 56 window sashes on both Old and New Barracks. Additionally, 40 temporary sashes were constructed and will be put in place during the 2017-18 school year so the original sashes could be removed and repaired during the winter months.

At the end of this summer’s renovation, the department completed the restoration of 288 windows with a total cost of $1.3 million, according to Maj. Barbara Botkin, Physical Plant senior project manager.

Old and New Barracks were designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966, and the windows must adhere to strict considerations for repairs, she said.

In 2014, a survey was conducted on the wood windows in barracks, and windows were classified under three grades ranging from immediate repairs or replacement to primarily cosmetic. This summer’s restoration was part of the recommendations for window repairs from that survey.

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The Institute

A silver double-belled euphonium and an antique watch face might seem like two unconnected items, but to the VMI Museum System, they tell how life for VMI cadets has changed over 170 years.

During the summer months, the VMI Museum and Virginia Museum of the Civil War are working to find new ways to interpret the artifacts it receives.

At the VMI Museum, an exhibit on the first and only professional VMI band was recently unveiled.

Since the late 1940s, the VMI band has been staffed by cadets amounting to over 100 members. Before that, the Institute employed the Post Band – a group made up of VMI employees who worked as musicians part-time while also working as custodians, cobblers or tailors for the Institute.

The earliest version of the VMI Post Band was composed of two enslaved African-Americans, Reuben Howard, who played the kettledrum, and Mike Lyle, on the fife, according to Col. Keith Gibson ’77, executive director of the VMI Museum System.

The band exhibit on display features items owned by Peter Wray, a young professional drummer from Richmond, who arrived at VMI in 1910 to join the band. Wray was also known as “Peter the Rabbit.”

Two years later, Wray was appointed the manager of the on-campus store Post Exchange and continued his drummer duties. After the Regimental Band was formed and employees no longer constituted the band in 1947, Wray continued to work at VMI until his death in 1948.

The VMI Museum’s exhibit on the first and only professional VMI band, the Post Band, was recently unveiled.

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The Virginia Museum of the Civil War in New Market is working to reinterpret pieces of the Virginia Historical Society’s exhibit, “An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia.” The 2014 exhibit was in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. A portion of the mobile exhibit was donated to the museum in New Market for reinterpretation.

Also in the exhibit is a rare double-belled euphonium, a brass instrument that resembles a tuba, played by VMI Post Bandsman Dan Corsettiis.

The instrument was popular between 1880 and 1930, Gibson said.

Another famous Post Band member, Wilbur Swihart, also known as “Bill the Bugler,” arrived in Lexington in 1937 via the Tom Mix Circus.

Swihart stayed after the circus left and became the last active member of the professional band.

“Swihart was well liked by the cadets, because he would hold the last note of assembly as long as possible, allowing late cadets to slip into ranks – more than humanly thought possible,” Gibson said.

The coronet Swihart performed with is on display at the VMI Museum.

Nearly 80 miles away, the Virginia Museum of the Civil War in New Market is working to reinterpret pieces of the Virginia Historical Society’s exhibit, “An American Turning Point: The Civil War in Virginia.” The 2014 exhibit was in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. A portion of the mobile exhibit was donated to the museum for reinterpretation.

Major Troy Marshall, New Market Battlefield Park site director, said the donation is serendipitous because the museum was also the recipient of pieces from the Virginia Centennial Civil War exhibit that can still be viewed today.

The sesquicentennial exhibit is divided into two parts, one titled, “Waging War – The

VMI photos by Ashlie Walter.

New Museum Exhibits Tell Little-Known History

Battlefront,” and part two, “Surviving War – The Home Front.”

Marshall said the museum is still in the planning stages for the new donation.

“It provides another opportunity to truly answer those questions these people have, innovations in war,” he said.

He added the exhibit was like being given “a box of Legos.” A portion of it features items related to slavery, and Marshall noted that could be reinterpreted to tell the “peculiar” story of slavery in Shenandoah Valley. The valley had a very low slave population, because many families were too poor to own slaves, and many opted to have a larger family instead or to “rent” slaves for a few months.

Marshall said there are other stories to include, such as James Hanger, a Confederate soldier and Washington College – now Washington and Lee University – student, whose leg was amputated during the Battle of Philippi. Hanger went on to pioneer the Hanger prosthetic company that still exists today.

Another well-known artifact that could be included is the watch face of Stonewall Jackson’s original watch, looking up from which he supposedly said, “The Institute will be heard from today.”

“I am excited. This whole space was nothing, but we spent a week moving things, measuring, making sure the flow is good ... now that that is done, we can focus on the storyboard,” he said.

VMI Alumni Review

The Institute

Center for Leadership and Ethics: 2017-18 Cadet Leadership Enrichment Opportunities In 2016-17, the VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics sponsored 75 cadets at domestic institutions and trips abroad. Annually, the center underwrites leadership enrichment opportunities for cadets and, increasingly, staff and faculty at national and international conferences and symposiums on leadership and ethics topics. This program is one of about 10 programs our center organizes or supports, including the Cadet Leadership Book Club, Cadets’ Superintendent’s Advisory Board, Intercollegiate Ethics Team, six major conferences and the Johnson Distinguished Speaker series.

The purpose of this program is to enhance the ability and intellect of current rising leaders within the Corps of Cadets by providing opportunities for these select few to represent the Institute at events hosted by federal service academies, senior military colleges and other like-minded institutions.

Participating cadets will use critical listening and thinking skills during presentations and articulate well-reasoned positions on the main themes or issues. Upon return, cadets write a reflective essay about their experiences and what they learned. Cadet feedback about their experiences helps identify more opportunities, as well as incorporate any recommendations back into cadet programming and even into the annual Leadership in an Uncertain World conference series programming.

The center posts updates and photos from these events on social media throughout the academic year. To follow the center or learn more about this and other cadet programming opportunities, please visit www.vmi.edu/cle.

2017-18 Opportunities October 2017 • American Veterans and the World War II Veterans Committee for the 20th annual Conference & Honors in Washington, D.C. • The 8th annual VMI Leadership in an Uncertain World Conference, “Speaking Truth to Power: Candid & Courageous Civil Discourse” in Lexington January 2018 • U.S. Naval Academy Leadership Conference February 2018 • Notre Dame Naval Science Leadership Conference • Texas A&M 63rd Student Conference on National Affairs • U.S. Air Force Academy National Character & Leadership Symposium

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March 2018 • The 29th annual U.S. Coast Guard Academy Ethics Forum • The Citadel’s 11th Principled Leadership Symposium • USMA 6th Annual McDonald Cadet Leadership Conference • Virginia Tech’s Leadership Conference • International Humanitarian Law for Military Academies • Olmstead Staff Ride April 2018 • The Officer Women Leadership Symposium 2018 Summer Furlough • National Outdoor Leadership School

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The Institute

504 Matriculants Enter the Rat Line With hundreds of voices murmuring at the same time – nervous rats trying to shake the jitters; parents, proud and sad at the same time; professors discussing classes with potential majors; recruiters making their pitches to ROTC candidates – Cameron Hall was a cacophony of indistinguishable reverberations as another Matriculation rolled around Aug. 19, 2017.

Matriculation Day at VMI has always been about numbers. And Col. Vernon Beitzel ’72, VMI director of admissions and a man whose life really revolves around numbers, loves to share them.

“The numbers are almost identical to last year,” said Beitzel. “The most significant difference, I think, is the number of transfer students. We have 58 transfers, and that’s a huge number. We have more transfer athletes than we’ve ever had, and we have a lot of kids who are transfers because they were denied last year but reapplied this year.”

The 504 matriculants hail from 34 different states and four foreign countries, with 60 percent coming from Virginia. There are 110 athletes in the group. As usual, math, science and engineering dominated the choices of major, with 62 percent of the rats choosing one of those fields of study; 38 percent will focus on a liberal arts major.

Beitzel also noted that the SAT scores were higher than last year’s group, jumping from an average of 1158 to 1195. The average high

school grade-point average for the Class of 2021 is 3.66. In short, it was another quality group of rats coming to VMI, a group that has distinguished itself from a pool of more than 1,800 applicants.

Beitzel said that when choosing a new class, VMI looks at “not only their academic record but the strength of their record. Then there are things like their leadership, motivation and fitness, those intangible things. And some of it’s the interest they’ve demonstrated in VMI. We like kids [who] have been here for an open house, [who] have been here for an interview and have been looking at VMI for a while.”

This year, however, two numbers really stand out. When those rats filed through Cameron Hall Saturday, it marked a special anniversary. It was 20 years ago that women first signed the Matriculation Book and joined the Corps of Cadets.

“I commend them,” said Yaa Agyepong-Wiafe ’18 of the first group of females to come to VMI. “It was a completely different system back then.

Now there are a lot more females, which is nice to see.”

According to Beitzel, the number of women entering VMI has steadily grown since the first time they were admitted on post. This year, 63 females walked through, just shy of the record set by this year’s 1st Class, which came to VMI at more than 70 strong.

Editor's Note: With the exception of the CLE article and schedule of events, all articles in the Institute section were originally published by Communications and Marketing.

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The Institute

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The Institute

2017-18 Center for Leadership and Ethics Schedule of Planned Major Conferences Oct. 3-4, 2017: Annual STEM Education Conference will feature more than 50 breakout sessions. Day 1 keynote speaker is Leland Melvin, former astronaut and NFL player and STEM graduate, and Day 2 keynote speaker is Dr. Dietra Trent, Virginia secretary of education.

Oct. 30-31, 2017: The 8th annual VMI’s Leadership in an Uncertain World Conference, “Speaking Truth to Power: Candid & Courageous Civil Discourse.”

Feb. 23-24, 2018: Virginia CyberFusion 2018 is an official Senate event and features the Virginia Cybercup competition using the Virginia Cyber Range, hosted by Virginia Tech. There will also be six breakout sessions, faculty/administrator roundtable discussions, a cyber knowledge bee and industry cyber challenges.

March 8-11, 2018: National Security Simulation is a joint event with neighboring Washington and Lee University to simulate civil-military relations regarding national security policy. The simulation will address a possible violation of a national border by Russian-backed forces and the use of cyberwar (borderless environment) to facilitate Russian strategic objectives.

April 3-5, 2018: The 29th annual Environment Virginia is the largest statewide gathering of environmental professionals. The event features more than 30 break-out sessions, including a career opportunities session where VMI cadets and other students may hear about hiring trends or other relevant job opportunity information from industry professionals.

April 27-28, 2018: World War I Commemorative Symposium will focus on “American Leadership & Generalship During the Great War.”

At the 62nd annual Student Conference on National Affairs were 2nd Class Cadets Alex Warren ’18, Joseph Brown ’18, Corris Atkins ’18 and Eddie Stawowczyk ’18. Cadets will attend this event again during the 2017-18 academic year.

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Keydet Athletics Keydet Basketball Travels to Europe The VMI basketball team had the opportunity to go on a European trip from Aug. 3-11, 2017, to play three games and see the sights in the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany.

After taking a day to relax and adjust to the new time zone, the Keydets visited Amsterdam Aug. 5. The following day, the team visited Fort Breendonk in Belgium, a former concentration camp. That night, the Keydets took on Fellows Ekeren in Antwerp, Belgium, and earned an 84-78 victory despite having to adjust to the European style of play. VMI was led by 4th Class Cadets Jordan Ratcliff and Sarju Patel, who scored 21 and 18 points, respectively. The Keydets also received scoring contributions from Austin Vereen ’19 (14 points) and Keith Smith ’20 (9 points).

“Overall, I’m really pleased with the effort and how hard we played together,” said Dan Earl, head basketball coach. “It took a while for us to become accustomed to some of the different basketball rules in Europe. We had something like eight walks called in Europe. The ball has to be dropped before the first step.”

The Keydets visited Paris Aug. 7 before going back to Antwerp for game two against the Ghent Hawks. Although VMI was not called

for nearly as many walks as the first game, the Keydets were overcome by the much older team and took a 103-76 loss. All 14 members of the team saw action during the game and played a better second half.

“I was proud of the way our guys responded,” Earl said. “We picked up our defensive intensity, which allowed us to get some easy baskets and made things tougher for them.”

On Aug. 9, the team toured Brussels and enjoyed the famed Belgian waffles. Leaving Brussels, the Keydets traveled to Cologne, Germany, where they saw the famous Dom Cathedral and tried schnitzel and bratwurst.

The next day, VMI toured the city of Bruges in Belgium, where the Keydets would take on the Remant Basics for the final game of the trip.

“When reflecting back on the trip, it was something that both I personally, and all of us as a team, will never forget,” said Garrett Gilkeson ’20. “The different cultures, foods, historical landmarks and types of basketball were all dreams coming true. I would like to thank my teammates and coaches for making this trip a memorable one, to VMI for allowing us to take this trip and all others who supported us to make it possible.”

The team in a huddle during a game against Gent Hawks in Antwerp, Belgium, Aug. 8, 2017.

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The Keydets visited the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Finwood Volunteers as Baseball Assistant Coach Keydet baseball has named Grey Finwood, former letterwinner at Old Dominion University, as its new volunteer assistant coach. Jonathan Hadra ’04, head coach, made the announcement Aug. 1.

Finwood, the son of ODU coach and VMI Hall of Famer Chris Finwood ’88, replaces Sam Roberts, who was promoted to the pitching coach position in late June.

Finwood suited up for the Monarchs for three seasons. He saw most of his action as a redshirt sophomore in 2016, when he started 29 games and ranked second on the team in putouts with 289. His hiring continues a trend in which VMI’s last six volunteer assistants have come from within the state of Virginia, dating back to the 2009 season.

Stay tuned to VMIKeydets.com for the 2018 Keydet baseball schedule, which will be available this fall.

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2017-18 VMI Basketball Schedule Announced The first meeting with North Carolina State University in 12 years and three Atlantic 10 opponents highlight the 2017-18 VMI basketball schedule announced in July.

Under Dan Earl, third-year head coach, the Keydets will open the season at N.C. State Friday, Nov. 10 – their first visit to Raleigh since the 2005-06 season. It will also mark the first time VMI has opened the season against the Wolfpack since the 1995-96 opener played between the teams at Reynolds Coliseum.

The Keydets will also face three squads from the Atlantic 10 conference including Duquesne University (Nov. 14) Davidson College (Dec. 5) and Virginia Commonwealth University (Dec. 22), and all games will be played

on the road. It will be the first time VMI has faced Duquesne since the first round of the NCAA East Regional in 1977 when the Keydets advanced to the Sweet 16. VMI will also be facing Davidson for the first time since 2002-03, and the VCU game will mark the first visit to the Siegel Center since December 2010.

The Keydets will play 14 home dates at Cameron Hall in Lexington, starting with the home opener against Presbyterian College Saturday, Nov. 18. VMI will open Southern Conference play at home Saturday, Dec. 30, against Furman University and will conclude the regular season with a Friday-Sunday weekend pair at Cameron Hall against Samford University Feb. 23 and The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Feb. 25.

2017-18 Basketball Schedule Nov. 10 Nov. 14 Nov. 18 Nov. 21 Nov. 25 Nov. 28 Dec. 2 Dec. 5 Dec. 9 Dec. 14 Dec. 22 Dec. 30 Jan. 3 Jan. 6 Jan. 13 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 20 Jan. 24 Jan. 27 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 8 Feb. 10 Feb. 15 Feb. 17 Feb. 20 Feb. 23 Feb. 25

vs. N.C. State vs. Duquesne vs. PRESBYTERIAN vs. OHIO VALLEY vs. American vs. Charleston Southern vs. RADFORD vs. Davidson vs. LONGWOOD vs. SOUTHERN WESLEYAN vs. Virginia Commonwealth University vs. FURMAN vs. Wofford vs. UNCG vs. Eastern Tennessee State University vs. Western Carolina vs. MERCER vs. THE CITADEL vs. WOFFORD vs. Chattanooga vs. Samford vs. UNC - Greensboro vs. WESTERN CAROLINA vs. ETSU vs. Mercer vs. The Citadel vs. Furman vs. SAMFORD vs. CHATTANOOGA

TBA 7 p.m.

1 p.m.

7 p.m.

4 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

TBA 1 p.m.

7 p.m.

TBA 1 p.m.

TBA 1 p.m.

TBA TBA 7 p.m.

1 p.m.

7 p.m.

TBA TBA TBA 7 p.m.

1 p.m.

TBA TBA TBA 1 p.m.

1 p.m.

March 2-5 SoCon Tournament @ Asheville, North Carolina *HOME GAMES IN CAPS *All game times subject to change

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Keydet Athletics

Keydet Football to Take on Virginia Tech in 2026 VMI football will take on Virginia Tech in Blacksburg in 2026, according to information released July 28. The game is set for Sept. 5 of that season at Lane Stadium.

The Keydet/Hokie contest will be the 80th contest between the two programs in a series that dates back to 1894, the fourth year of recorded VMI football scores, and last saw a meeting in 1984. The Hokies hold a 49-25-5 edge in the series that has seen several notable moments, including the last Keydet win that came in 1981.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to extend the VMI versus Virginia Tech football series with another game scheduled for 2026,” said Dr. Dave Diles, VMI director of intercollegiate athletics. “The series

has played an important role in the Institute’s football history, and to see this rivalry extended for another meeting presents an exciting challenge for our program.”

The Keydets also tied a Southern Conference record by holding the Hokies without a pass completion in a game in 1976. The seven cities that VMI and Virginia Tech have played in – Staunton, Lynchburg, Richmond, Norfolk, Blacksburg, Roanoke and Lexington – mark the most that the Keydets have played in against any team. The traditional Thanksgiving Day meeting at Victory Stadium in Roanoke was regarded as one of the premier sporting events in the commonwealth of Virginia and produced some of the greatest moments in VMI football history.

Football game action: VMI versus Virginia Tech circa 1955.

Photo courtesy VMI Archives.

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Keydet Athletics

Bretscher Named New Swimming and Diving Head Coach Andrew Bretscher was named the new head coach of the VMI swimming and diving programs July 27, 2017.

Bretscher came to VMI following three seasons as head coach of both the men’s and women’s programs at Norwich University.

There, he led his teams to 18 new school records, and in his final season, he mentored the Norwich men’s program to a second place finish at the New England Intercollegiate Swimming and Diving Association Championships. That was the highest finish for the team since 2000, while the women’s team’s 12th-place result was the highest since 2001. Both teams earned College Swimming Coaches Association Scholar All-American honors following the 2017 campaign.

“I am extremely excited and honored to be joining the athletics staff at VMI,” said the newest Keydet head coach. “The opportunity to work with the men and women at such a prestigious institution is a dream, and I am thrilled to take the helm of the swimming and diving programs as we make our inaugural appearance in the America East Conference.

VMI has had a proud tradition of swimming and diving in the past, and I am eager to help write the next chapter in the history books. I look forward to leading the Keydets to success not only as athletes but also as students and cadets. I am grateful that Doctor Diles and the entire search committee provided me with this amazing opportunity.”

Before last season, Bretscher built the women’s program from having zero members to over 15 in just one season and took the Norwich men’s team to three straight titles in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference from 2014-16. The women’s team finished third in the league in 2016, its highest finish in over 15 years.

Bretscher came to Norwich following a three-year stint as a graduate assistant at Frostburg State University while also working on his master’s degree. He helped the FSU programs to what, at the time, were their highest point totals since joining the Capital Athletic Conference and earned the 2014 Jean Freeman Scholarship from the College Swimming Coaches Association while at FSU. “It’s a very exciting time for VMI swimming and diving,” said Dr. Dave Diles, VMI director of intercollegiate athletics. “Coach Bretscher has an incredible background. As a former U.S. Olympic Trials, World Championship Trials and NCAA All-American athlete during his time as a collegiate swimmer, Andrew brings exceptional technical

knowledge and training expertise to this position. However, and equally important, Coach Bretscher has three years of head coaching experience leading both a men’s and a women’s team with a record of competitive advancement that resulted in unprecedented levels of success in the pool. His time at Norwich University, working with cadet-athletes in a military setting, will be invaluable as he transitions to VMI.” Bretscher graduated from The Ohio State University in June 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in parks, recreation and tourism. As a member of the varsity swim team, Bretscher earned NCAA All-American honors three times and was named an All-Big Ten Second Team honoree. He competed in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials, the 2009 World Championship trails and three straight U.S. National Championships (2007-09).

At one time, he held OSU school records in the 100 butterfly, 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay. Before Ohio State, Bretscher was a member of the 2007 Auburn University National Champion squad as a freshman.

Andrew Bretscher, center, at his previous coaching stop, Norwich University, was named the newest head coach of VMI swimming and diving July 27, 2017.

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VMI Foundation, Inc. Message from the Chief Operating Officer

by Warren J. Bryan ’71, VMI Foundation

A

s you saw elsewhere in this issue of the VMI Alumni Review, the Institute’s latest comprehensive fundraising campaign, An Uncommon Purpose, concluded its work at the end of June on behalf of VMI and its faculty, staff and, most importantly, cadets. Thanks to the generosity of 15,340 alumni and friends, it raised more than $344.1 million in gifts and commitments.

I don’t think you can acknowledge people enough, so I’ll add my thanks to our donors to those already expressed by Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent; Donald M. Wilkinson ’61, campaign chairman; and Steve Maconi, VMI Alumni Agencies chief executive officer. These men and women did so much to ensure that VMI will have an ever brighter future. They deserve the gratitude of everyone in the VMI family.

While I wish that the results of the campaign would mean that the need for strong and vigorous fundraising has diminished, nothing could be further from the truth. Without a doubt, the money raised during the campaign will do a lot to strengthen the Institute. But, the fact is that the need for private support – and, more specifically, an increased amount of private money at VMI – is not going away any time soon.

First, the cost of providing the set of experiences that make up the VMI education is not static. It increases all the time. As Gen. Peay often says, “Excellence costs,” and because of VMI’s unique character and size, sustaining excellence in its academic, co-curricular and athletic programs costs more than it does at other colleges. Second, the increases in the day-to-day running of VMI are driven by the many unfunded mandates Bryan ’71 that have been imposed on VMI and other colleges by various governments and organizations. Finally, as much as everyone associated with VMI is grateful for the tens of millions of dollars that it receives from the commonwealth of Virginia, we recognize that funding for higher education remains vulnerable as state lawmakers balance priorities for limited dollars among many worthwhile competing needs.

The ongoing importance of private support is illustrated by one figure: More than $20 million, or 23 percent, of VMI’s budget for this current academic year comes from private sources. That figure also illustrates why the VMI Foundation (as well as the VMI Keydet Club) will continue to seek support for the Institute from all sources – alumni, friends, families, corporations and foundations. It also is why the Foundation will continue to painstakingly steward, manage and invest the funds entrusted to it by friends. In short, the need continues, and so our work continues.

For those who want to give to VMI but might be thinking that since they don’t have the ability to make a major gift their contribution won’t matter, I simply say, nothing could be further from the truth.

Every gift we receive in support of VMI is immensely appreciated because it represents a willingness to stand with VMI and is a message of support for the Institute’s mission and its values. Furthermore, there is definitely strength in numbers; gifts have a way of adding up – and ultimately have an incredible impact. Take the Foundation Fund, for example. Last fiscal year, it received more than $2.8 million in donations. The Institute highly prizes this money, because it uses it where it is most needed. This amount came through gifts of all sizes from 3,656 donors. Strength in numbers. Consider this, as well: No matter the size of their gifts, the donors to the Foundation Fund gave an amount that would take the immediate establishment of an unrestricted endowment of nearly $60 million to provide $2.8 million to VMI. So, if you don’t think a relatively small gift matters, think again.

Again, our sincere thanks to all who support this great institution. I hope you and your family and friends have been able to visit post this fall and, if possible, will return to post for the always impressive and enjoyable events related to Founders Day. It is always a great and proud day for the VMI family.

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Class of 1967 50th Reunion Campaign Raises More than $22 Million Reunion campaigns have been an important element throughout the life of the recentlyconcluded An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI, and their achievements contributed to the overall success of the campaign. On June 30, 2017, An Uncommon Purpose’s final reunion campaign closed its books. In the end, the Class of 1967 raised more than $22.6 million in gifts and commitments from 206 brother rats and five widows, or sister rats.

“This excellent effort represents the overall importance that reunion campaigns had in the campaign,” said John Wranek ’85, VMI Foundation vice president for annual and reunion giving. “All of them – 10th, 25th and 50th – engaged alumni in the campaign’s work, and they did much to help meet the campaign’s many priorities.”

We asked James E. Rogers ’67, chairman of the class’ Reunion Campaign Committee, some questions about his class’ effort.

When you started organizing the campaign, what were the fundraising and participation goals? How confident were you that your class could achieve them?

Our initial money and participation goals were respectively $15 million in gifts and commitments and 85 percent participation. As to confidence, I was a little nervous at first about meeting the $15 million goal. However, as the VMI Foundation and VMI Keydet Club have done with all other reunion campaigns, they applied what our class had donated in the few years prior the start of our campaign’s quiet phase, somewhere between $5-6 million. That gave us a great start. As the campaign progressed, the response was strong enough that the Reunion Campaign Committee became more and more confident that the class would reach that goal. We never were overconfident, however.

Were there any special projects related to the campaign?

There were five funds that could be called

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The Class of 1967 presented the initial proceeds of their 50th Reunion Campaign to the Institute April 29, 2017. Making the presentation were Robert C. Randolph IV ’67, class president; George T. Richardson ’67, Reunion Campaign Committee member; James E. Rogers ’67, Reunion Campaign Committee chairman; and James S.C. Phlegar Jr. ’67, Reunion Campaign Committee member. General J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, far right, and Robert P. Louthan ’82, VMI Alumni Association president, accepted the check on behalf of the Institute and the VMI Alumni Agencies, respectively. VMIAA photo by Micalyn Miller. “special projects.” The Robert L. & Carole B. Green 1967 Scholarship was one of them. It had been established to honor Bob and Carole Green, who both served VMI for decades and gave so much of themselves to the Institute during that service. There also was the Class of 1967 Memorial Scholarship and two scholarships that honored deceased Brother Rats James Breckinridge ’67 and Eugene Touchstone ’67. As a former trustee and president of the VMI Foundation and a former member and vice president of the Board of Visitors, I have long been aware of the critical importance of unrestricted money to the Institute. So, along with other members of the Reunion Campaign Committee, I strongly encouraged everyone to direct at least some money to The Class of 1967 Unrestricted Endowment. I am pleased to note that the class gave almost $10.8 million

in gifts and commitments to the endowment, which means it will produce a substantial amount of money that the Institute can use to meet its most pressing priorities.

How did your class greet the campaign’s initial phase?

During the initial phase and throughout the campaign, my brother rats warmly received the message we put forth. I think that stemmed from the fact that they had already received strong messaging about the broader campaign, An Uncommon Purpose. They recognized our campaign as part of that effort, and that provided a lot of positive reinforcement. Plus, VMI alumni are very competitive. We wanted our class to make the most of this opportunity – and to make sure that everyone knew it.

VMI Alumni Review

VMI Foundation, Inc.

What about your class’ participation rate?

We enjoyed an 82 percent participation rate in the end, with 206 of 255 BRs contributing.

To be honest, we were not fixated on hitting our participation goal. We didn’t want people writing checks for $19.67 just so we could claim success in that regard. Our emphasis was on people making meaningful gifts in support of VMI. Any final thoughts as to what the Class of 1967 accomplished? Any advice as to what other classes can do to enjoy the same sort of success?

For those running future campaigns, my first piece of advice is: Start early. Also, do as much as possible to make it as easy as possible for everyone to make a gift or commitment.

Next, be flexible and be patient. We had some people who were determined to make a significant gift but unsure as to their gifts’ direction. No one pressed them to make an immediate decision – Put it here! – and, in time, they settled on something matching their priorities as donors. The staffs of the VMI Foundation and VMI Keydet Club helped a lot in this regard.

Get ready for some surprises, too. A few of our brother rats stepped up in big and unanticipated ways. Also, the sister rats – wives and widows – are some of VMI’s most ardent supporters, and they’re willing to play significant roles in these campaigns. Don’t neglect them.

Finally, I’m grateful to all of the generous brother rats and sister rats who made a gift and/or commitment to our campaign. It was a proud moment for the class. Thanks to them, the Class of ’67 played a meaningful role in the success of An Uncommon Purpose and made an important contribution to the Institute’s future.

Foundation Fund Enjoys Strong Support in FY 2017: Part of Broader Annual Giving Success The Foundation Fund, the VMI Foundation’s annual effort to provide unrestricted money to support the Institute’s academic and co-curricular programs, enjoyed strong support from 3,656 alumni and friends in Fiscal Year 2017. The donations to the Foundation Fund totaled $2,836,081, which included more than $1,115,000 received in fulfillment of pledges. This figure represents the third consecutive year in which donors have provided more than $2.8 million to the fund.

“The unrestricted money that the Foundation Fund generates is used by the Institute’s leaders to improve the remarkable education that every cadet receives. This strong result for FY 2017 will translate, therefore, into a better experience for cadets in this academic year,” said John J. Wranek III ’85, VMI Foundation vice president for annual and reunion giving. “This result also shows that the VMI family – alumni, parents and friends – understand the critical necessity of unrestricted money to VMI and are willing to provide the necessary financial support in order to meet VMI’s need.”

The success enjoyed by the Foundation Fund was part of a wider success enjoyed by VMI Annual Giving. The VMI Keydet Club raised more than $3,325,000 in FY 2017.

That number included almost $2 million for the Keydet Club Scholarship Fund, which provides grant-in-aid assistance to cadet-athletes, and more than $1.3 million to Athletic Operations Funds and Team-Specific Scholarship Funds. The latter figure included substantial boosts in the TSFs that support football, men’s soccer, men’s swimming, and men’s and women’s track and field. It also reflects an increase of $38,000 in gifts to the AOFs from FY 2016, bringing the total for AOFs to more than $360,000. “For yet another year, the Institute’s alumni and friends came through with strong support for the young men and women who represent VMI in athletic competition as well as their coaches and support staff,” said Greg Cavallaro ’84, Keydet Club chief operating officer.

“This generosity will translate into amazing opportunities to compete and to grow as leaders for our cadet-athletes.”

Taken together, the three components of VMI Annual Giving raised a grand total of $6,159,091 from 4,875 donors. “Everyone on post is thankful for the willingness of thousands of alumni and friends to support VMI in this very important way,” said Wranek.

“Their generosity is critical to the operations of the Institute and the life of every cadet.”

Editor's Note: Unless stated otherwise, the articles and photos in the Foundation section of the Alumni Review were provided by the Foundation.

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The Keydet Club Thoughts from the Club House

by Greg Cavallaro ’84, Keydet Club Chief Operating Officer

Since An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI began 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 six years, a total of $75,120,977, or nearly 22 percent of the $344.1 million campaign total, has been received or committed in support of athletics.

Cavallaro ’84

Impact of Endowment Fundraising

The endowments for athletics have grown from approximately $28,000,000 at the start of the campaign in Fiscal Year 2012 to over $67,000,000.

Over the course of The Campaign for VMI, the Keydet Club has added a total of 52 new endowments, bringing the total number of endowed athletic scholarships and funds it stewards to 174.

Keydet Club Funding for VMI Athletics by Fiscal Year FY14: $3.1 million FY15: $3.5 million FY16: $3.5 million FY17: $4.1 million FY18: $4.7 million (projection)

Annual Pledges Also Impact Future Funding The growth of the athletic endowment will have a meaningful and continued impact on scholarship funding for VMI’s intercollegiate athletic program. However, it will never fully replace nor eliminate need for ever-increasing annual support from all alumni and friends of VMI. Over the course of the final year of the campaign, more than half of the Keydet Club’s leadership members made 5-year pledges. This level of commitment is unprecedented for the Keydet Club and will enable the Keydet Club to more accurately forecast future athletic scholarship and operational funding levels. Donor retention from one fiscal year to the next is extremely important for the Keydet Club, and we thank all those who impact our efforts by locking in a multi-year pledge.

New Leadership Levels Effective July 1, 2017 (FY ’18) The Keydet Club Board of Governors decided to increase the gift requirement for its membership levels beginning Fiscal Year 2018, as there have not been changes made in over 15 years.

$45,000 ................ Out-of-State Full Scholarship $25,000 ....................... In-State Full Scholarship $15,000 ........................................... Scholarship $8,000 ............................................... Sportsmen $6,000 ....................................................... Spirit $4,000 ...................................... Flying Squadron $2,500 ............................................... Letterman $1,500 ................................................... Big Red

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VMI Alumni Review

The Keydet Club VMI Alumni Agencies Reorganization Viewed as Positive and Opportunistic The recent reorganization and hiring of Steve Maconi as the first chief executive officer of the VMI Alumni Agencies has been extremely encouraging. This process and his subsequent selection has facilitated the leadership of the three independent boards to collaborate in a more unified way to help maximize the coordinated efforts of the VMI Alumni Association, the VMI Foundation and the VMI Keydet Club in support of VMI. The relationships of the officers of the three boards are as positive as I have ever experienced in my 31 years working for the Foundation and Keydet Club, respectively. As a result, the collegiality and engagement of the staffs of the three organizations is unprecedented and positively impacted on a daily basis by Maconi’s dynamic and effective leadership skills and experience in academic advancement. The three agencies are committed to their individual missions in support of all the excitement and activity at VMI today and especially for all we endeavor to do for our alumni and future generations of VMI cadets.

It’s a great time to engage in and be a part of VMI! A very special thank you to all of the current Keydet Club members for all they do.

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.

Pledges: $11,305,420 (Short-term Pledges)

Deferred Gifts: $10,012,628 (Planned Gifts)

Cash Gifts: $53,802,929 (Annual & Endowment)

Smith ’62 Endows Football Scholarship W. Ware Smith Jr. ’62 saw his first VMI football game in 1949 at age 8. It was between the Quantico Marines and VMI at Alumni Field – a hard-fought 14-7 loss for the Keydets.

On Thanksgiving Day 1949, Smith watched the great Bobby Thomason (NFL – Eagles) quarterback the Keydets to a 28-28 tie with Virginia Polytechnic Institute alongside 28,000 in Roanoke’s Victory Stadium. In 1950, Smith and his father, William W. Smith ’926, met the victorious red, white and yellow at the Roanoke airport to congratulate them on their upset win over Georgia Tech. In the 1950s, Smith watched the colorful Tom Nugent’s VMI teams bring the I-formation to college football at VMI. As a cadet from 1958-62, he watched John McKenna’s teams win every year he was in school.

In the 1970s and early 1980s, Smith watched Bob Thalman’s teams beat the likes of the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, the College

2017-Issue 4

of William & Mary and Army.

Reflecting on his lifelong love of VMI football, Smith stated, “In this day, with so much emphasis on college athletics, VMI must continue to play competitive football. It is important for esprit de corps and the entire VMI family. This is why we wanted to give back with the start of a football scholarship fund.”

Smith, who earned his Bachelor of Science degree in physics from VMI, was co-captain of the swim team as a cadet. The VMI swim team won the Southern Conference championship all four years of Smith’s cadetship, with wins over UVa, Virginia Tech and West Virginia University. Smith currently resides in Roanoke, Virginia, and is in his 51st year in the investment business. He has previously served on the Keydet Club Board of Governors and currently serves on the advisory board of the Salvation Army in Roanoke.

He married the former Belle Williams of

Raleigh, North Carolina. He and Belle are the parents of three and the grandparents of five.

“The Keydet Club is extremely appreciative of all that Ware and Belle Smith ’62 have done over the years in support of VMI athletics, cadet-athletes and Smith ’62 coaches. From hosting alumni gatherings in their beautiful Roanoke home, being full annual scholarship members to now endowing an athletic scholarship, Ware and Belle continually answer the call.

This newly endowed scholarship will ensure that their support for VMI athletics is perpetual,” noted Greg Cavallaro ’84, Keydet Club chief operating officer.

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The Keydet Club

The Linda and John Pittenger ’72 Lacrosse Scholarship John Pittenger ’72 matriculated to VMI from Miami, Florida.

He played three years on the VMI lacrosse team and graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. After a brief stint in the U.S. Army, John began his professional career with Aetna Life and Casualty, where he earned his Chartered Property Casualty Underwriting designation in 1984. He concluded his career in the insurance industry with The Travelers Insurance Company. John and Linda are retired in Fort Myers, Florida, and enjoy traveling.

The scholarship was created to acknowledge the enduring influence of the VMI experience on John and all of his brother rats. VMI instilled in him an appreciation for discipline and tradition, but above all, personal honor – it truly impacted his approach to all of his endeavors. The scholarship also recognizes the legacy of Linda and John Pittenger.

Donnie Ross ’74, Keydet Club vice president, added, “Our deepest appreciation to Linda and John for creating this scholarship for VMI lacrosse. By answering the call to support VMI athletics for the future, they have created an enduring legacy for one of VMI’s proud programs.”

John and Linda Pittenger ’72 overlooking the Elbe River at the Bastei rock formation in Saxony, Germany, in July 2017.

Craddock ’70 Endows Athletic Scholarship The Keydet Club is pleased to recognize the generosity of Steve Craddock ’70 and the establishment of the Steven C. Craddock ’70 Athletic Scholarship. This scholarship will provide grant-in-aid to a member of the Division I VMI football team.

Following in his brothers’ footsteps (Roger Craddock ’63 and John Craddock ’65), Craddock matriculated from Alexandria, Virginia, in 1966. He graduated with honors in 1970, earning a degree in civil engineering and a minor in electrical engineering. He played one year of football, was a member of the judo team and Glee Club, and was also a platoon leader for Company C his 1st Class year.

Upon graduation, Craddock started his career at C&P Telephone, which later became Bell Atlantic. He did graduate work in finance and economics at Iowa State University and holds a master’s degree in computer systems.

During a long career, Craddock rose to the rank of vice president and then was recruited to Comcast, initially to develop the cable modem technology and start their internet business. When he retired in 2008, he was serving

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as the senior vice president of technology and was the interim chief technology officer.

Currently, Craddock is a member of the Keydet Club Board of Governors. He resides in Radnor, Pennsylvania, and is the president of Del Ray Group, LLC, an independent consulting firm that provides services to technology and financial clients focused on the media and telecommunications market segments. He is married to Sherrie Glasden, and they have three children. When asked why he attended VMI and felt compelled to endow a football scholarship, Craddock noted with pride, “Attending VMI was a decision I have never regretted. The principles and values I learned at VMI – integrity, leadership, teamwork and persistence – have proven more valuable to me in my personal life and my professional life than any other source. I credit my professional success to these principles I learned at VMI. Football is a sport I love, and I have always been a firm believer in the Giles Miller’s [’924] three-legged-stool principles of academics, military/leadership development and athletics and wanted to do something

that had a lasting effect. It is a commitment I do proudly, and I encourage all my fellow alumni to do what they can to support the greater good that is VMI.” “Steve has been a very loyal and generous member of the VMI Keydet Club and all we do in support of VMI’s cadet-athletes for the past 40-plus years. He’s been a full scholarship annual donor for the past 17 years, so it is no surprise that he has decided to create an everlasting endowed scholarship. Steve is further testimony to the number of brother rats in the great Class of ’70 who love and support the Institute’s athletic program, as well as the opportunities the Keydet Club continues to give to young men and women, and want to see VMI win on and off the fields of play,” remarked Greg Cavallaro ’84, Keydet Club chief operating officer.

Editor’s Note: Unless stated otherwise, the articles and photos in the Keydet Club section of the Alumni Review were provided by the Keydet Club.

VMI Alumni Review

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