VMI Alumni Review 2020-Issue 2

VMI

2020 - Issue 2

Alumni Review

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Contents

Virginia Military Institute Alumni Review 2020-Issue 2

In This Issue . . .

This issue includes class notes and news items covering the time period of Nov. 15, 2019, to Feb. 15, 2020.

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Our Alumni Serving 4

In Memory Col. Donald K. Jamison ’57

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Features 10 11 12 13

PUBLISHER VMI Alumni Agencies Chief Executive Officer: Steve Maconi Chief Communications Officer: Amy Goetz Editor-in-Chief: Jordan Whitman Associate Editor: Molly Rolon

Wins ’85: Always Be Humble

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Volume 96, No. 4

Celentano ’20: Love for the Lab Franklin ’20: “Astonishing” Support Smith ’21: “A Perfect Recipe” Stolzfus ’21: “Blown Away” by Tradition

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ALUMNI REVIEW ONLINE www.vmialumi.org/alumnireview

PUBLISHING OFFICE The VMI Alumni Agencies 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 Agencies, 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.

News and Updates

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2020-Issue 2

2 14 18 23 34 39 40 150 152 157 159 160

Message from the Superintendent On Post Athletics Events Progress Staff News Class Notes Provisional Appointments Taps After Taps Alumni News Book Announcements

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

Outside Cover: The Corps on the Parade Ground during the first parade of the 2019 football season. VMI photo

by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

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Message from the VMI Superintendent Dear VMI Alumni: In a recent letter to cadets and employees in response to the coronavirus pandemic, I had the task of communicating the Institute’s move of academic coursework to an online environment and sending most employees to work from home. Make no mistake, however, the safety and wellbeing of our cadets, employees, and our local communities have been paramount in every decision made. This is not unprecedented in our history, but it is not without its challenges.

Peay ’62

VMI is no stranger to adversity. The Corps has survived many outbreaks and epidemics through its long and rich 180-year history. There have been times, due to epidemic and illness, when we have sent the Corps home only to resume our training and academics months later. And, of course, there have been numerous times when wars and the “call-up” of our reserve and National Guard units have interrupted the journey to graduation. This is the longest period the entire Corps will be away from post since the Civil War. However, none of these past obstacles, nor will this one, deter the Institute from delivering on our mission.

As this 2020-Issue 2 Alumni Review goes to press, I suspect many of these events will have taken place and new decisions regarding other activities announced. Barring any unforeseen circumstances beyond the current government guidelines, we are excited for the Corps to return in August and return to business as usual on post.

The business of the Institute continues with far fewer people on post. Construction on Scott Shipp Hall, Preston Library, massive infrastructure projects, and a new police-command center building at Limits Gate are progressing as scheduled.

The post infrastructure improvements, such as the large bridge replacement on an expanded Anderson Drive, a new heat plant, and water distribution systems are on track for completion by August. Rising 1st Class cadet rank announcements were announced prior to Spring Furlough. Sergeants and corporals will be selected and announced during the absence of the Corps. And, cadets continue to attend classes remotely.

Our faculty have worked tirelessly on short notice to revise their courses while adhering to the rigorous academic standards for which VMI is known. They have exhibited innovation, ingenuity, and commitment to our cadets while responding to this situation. This time of online instruction is a test of the VMI way of life.

We have made our expectations of cadets very clear. Cadets will continue to abide by their Cadet Oath, be committed

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VMI Alumni Review

to academic excellence, maintain a daily physical fitness regimen, and live a lifestyle of honor and integrity expected of every VMI cadet and alumnus. Cadets were encouraged to be leaders in their community by volunteering to help those who cannot help themselves, setting examples for peers by adhering to government health and safety guidelines, and being flexible by adapting to change and adversity. I am confident that the VMI “never say die” spirit will carry the day and the character and leadership qualities instilled in each cadet will lead to their success in the classroom and in the community during this national time of uncertainty.

Not surprisingly, the coronavirus pandemic has affected many of the wonderful events that form the fabric of our VMI culture. Our historic Finals Week; the Institute Awards ceremony; the Corps formal Change-of-Command and Farewell Parade in honor of the 1st Class; Baccalaureate; New Market Parade; Joint Commissioning Exercise; and Graduation have fallen victim to these times. Barracks “move-out and clearance” will be a highly choreographed and orderly action to adhere to government guidelines and regulation at a time when it is safe to do so. Commissioning will be conducted individually by our service ROTC detachment commanders. Many alumni reunions have been postponed, while a number of significant conferences, such as Environment Virginia, were cancelled.

The public health emergency certainly has disappointed many within the Corps of Cadets, not the least of which are the members of the Class of 2020, with the decision to postpone the scheduled May 16 graduation until December. We are committed to providing a splendid December graduation with all the pomp and ceremony for the Class of 2020. For those graduating cadets unable to attend in December, we will include them in the May 2021 graduation ceremony. Many cadets were recalled from international study abroad programs, while summer study programs were cancelled. Regretfully, the termination of our spring sports athletic seasons was not the closure we all desired for our graduating NCAA athletes.

The separation from the routine and structure of life on post and the sudden loss of the company of brother rats was a tough pill to swallow for a good many cadets. We also know that, for some cadets, the quarantine at home has meant a difficult change in family dynamics as a family member became ill with coronavirus or someone lost their job. These VMI families, alumni, and friends are especially in our thoughts and prayers as we all navigate these surreal times.

While all of these actions are important to the mission of the Institute, they pale in comparison to the responsibility we share in stopping the spread of the virus within our VMI, local, and regional community. As we close the books on this memorable 2019-20 academic year, many in the Corps of Cadets have benefitted greatly from the generosity and support of our loyal and dedicated alumni. We sincerely thank you for your dedication to the Institute.

My best wishes,

GEN J.H. Binford Peay III ’62 U.S. Army (Retired) Superintendent

2020-Issue 2

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Our Alumni Serving Wins ’85: Always be Humble

By Argie Sarantinos, CCDC Public Affairs After a 34-year military career that began at VMI, Maj. Gen. Cedric force in Afghanistan. While he had experience in leadership, equipment Wins ’85 recently retired from the Army. As a star player on the VMI procurement and resource management, he did not have experience in basketball team, Wins finished his basketball career as one of the five policing or police development, so he relied on his team for advice. That top players in the history of the school. Competing on the basketball team team consisted of civilian police from various countries, including Australia, satisfied Wins’ competitive nature, but his ultimate goal was being the first United Kingdom, Scotland, Canada and U.S. military forces. person in his family to get a college degree.

“As a general officer in Afghanistan, police development was not in my “To see the pride on my mom and dad’s face when I received a college wheelhouse. I relied on the talent I was in charge of – the best and brightdegree was priceless,” Wins said. “My dad didn’t have a college degree, but est – to gather advice for the Afghan police,” Wins said. he was the ultimate role model for me.”

When the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks occurred, Wins was on assignment at Wins’ other role models while a student at VMI included his dykes and an the Pentagon’s Operations Center. His role – compiling operational activities ecosystem of athletes who shaped his character both on and off the court. performed by Army forces around the world into a brief for Army senior “I watched other athletes to see how they carried themselves and what leaders – transitioned to round-the-clock. they did that I admired. Then, I used my observations to see how it fit me “In the operations center, we watched replays of the planes hitting the as a person, particularly during my teen to young adult years,” Wins said. World Trade Center over and over as reports came in. Then, the Pentagon “I learned to always be humble.” was hit, and I, along with the other members of the team, felt the effect of Among the highlights of Wins’ career at VMI was when he was a 4th the attack directly above us in the Army Operations Center,” Wins said. “I Class cadet on the basketball team. The team set a record with the longest related this attack back to my basketball days ... this is no longer practice; losing streak in the team’s history, but they moved on to reach the Southern this is game time.”

Conference finals during his 1st Class year.

He became a crucial part of not only ensuring Army leadership was able “In a period of four years, we went from being the worst team in the to communicate direction to move forces into Afghanistan and Iraq, but conference to being a Southern Conference tournament finalist,” Wins said. also tracking equipment that soldiers would need to operationalize and Competition and being part of a team not only drew Wins to play bas- build combat power in the U.S. Central Command theater. ketball but also to continue his career in the Army.

Wins ended his military career as a major general. Along the way, he was “Initially, my plan was to serve my commitment to ROTC for three years significantly influenced by officers and non-commissioned officers who and leave the Army. But I continued to find things in the Army that chal- offered advice and direction. lenged me, interested me or allowed me to further my development, so I stayed in,” Wins said.

Wins’ Army career path to becoming a general officer was not the typical path of operations.

While his military basic branch was field artillery, he spent about 12 years in assignments in his functional area as an operations research/systems analyst. Soldiers begin in a basic branch, then move to a functional area as their careers progress but typically return to basic branch assignments to continue their career. When the Army decided to invest in young officers from different parts of the Army, Wins was selected for assignment in the Headquarters of the Department of the Army to be an action officer and learn how the Army worked as an enterprise. As a senior captain, he interacted daily with senior officers who were the architects and strategic leaders for the Army.

“Getting that exposure, you learn how strategically the Army runs, you learn things about yourself, you build confidence and you become comfortable briefing senior leaders and giving Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins ’85, right, outgoing commander of the Combat Capabilities Development them your advice,” Wins said.

Command, relinquishes command of CCDC with the ceremonial passing of the command colors Once he became a general officer, another to Gen. John Murray, commanding general of Army Futures Command, during a ceremony at diverse assignment involved helping the Afghan Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, Nov. 1, 2019. Photo courtesy U.S. Army.

Police Force to man, train and equip a security

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VMI Alumni Review

Kiernan ’66 Addresses Foreign Journalists

As a star player on the Keydet basketball team, Wins finished his basketball career as one of the five top players in the history of the school. Wins recently retired after a 34-year military career that began at VMI. “They gave you a little whisper in the ear or a kick in the tail every now and then if they saw you had potential,” Wins said.

His advice to young soldiers is to always have a plan – if not a long-term one, a short-term plan with intermediate goals. Wins set milestones every three to five years when he was in the Army, and he accepted opportunities to further his education or gather more leadership experience. He also stresses how important it is to have a supportive family.

While several of Wins’ uncles and his father served in the Army, he doesn’t consider himself a military “brat.” By the time Wins started school, his father had retired from the Army after serving in three wars – World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

“He is the ultimate role model for me. To be raised in the deep south during the time that he grew up and to have three highly successful careers as a military man, U.S. marshal and successful entrepreneur had a huge impact on me,” Wins said.

Wins retired as the commanding general of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command. CCDC was stood up in early 2019 when it became part of the newly formed Army Futures Command.

“No matter what the uniform people wear at CCDC, they are smart, they have experience, they work hard, they give you their very best in support of a critical component of Army modernization, they are committed and they understand their mission is to provide technology that produces capability for the warfighter,” Wins said.

For Wins’ next assignment, he won’t need to attend meetings, travel around the country or work 15-hour days where the only daylight he sees is from his office window. Instead, he plans to spend time with his family, build their dream home and unpack a box or two each day. That’s his short-term goal for now, until he decides what he wants to accomplish in his next chapter.

2020-Issue 2

Col. Rick Kiernan ’66 addressed foreign journalists at the Foreign Press Center in Washington, D.C. Kiernan, a career Army officer, has worked in television and in print journalism. While in the Army, he served as a Pentagon representative during the First Gulf War. Kiernan is currently a military analyst for NBC and has presented speeches commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.

Moder ’98, Jensen ’02 Celebrate Marine Corps Birthday

Lt. Col. John Moder ’98 celebrated the 244th Marine Corps birthday with Maj. Sven Jensen ’02. Moder commands the Marine Corps Security Forces Battalion in Bangor, Washington. Jensen commands Company B in the MCSF Battalion.

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King ’71 Continues Serving

Lt. Col. David King ’71 teaches Army Junior ROTC at Tunstall High School in Danville, Virginia. He has worked with the Danville Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol to bring the CAP to Tunstall. This gives cadets a broader experience, including using a flight simulator.

Kaulfers ’90, Stanford ’16 Serve with Afghanistan District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

1st Lt. Andrew Stanford ’16 and Lt. Col. David Kaulfers ’90 are both serving with the Afghanistan District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Stanford is the officer in charge of the Marmal Detachment. Kaulfers is a program manager and oversees the design and construction of projects. While not on active duty, Stanford works as a civil engineer for the Nashville District of the USACE, and Kaulfers is an assistant state materials engineer for the Virginia Department of Transportation. Photo by Cheryl Moore, U.S. Army.

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VMI Alumni Review

Augusta-area Alumni Dedicate Vietnam Bricks

Bricks were dedicated at the Augusta, Georgia, Vietnam War Memorial Nov. 16, 2019. The memorial includes bricks for each VMI alumnus who died in Vietnam.

Local alumni raised funds and helped organize the efforts to have a brick for each VMI alumnus. Above: Terry Bowers ’68, Tom Pugh ’90, Jim Mecredy ’52 and Joe Knick ’72 at the Augusta, Georgia, Vietnam War Memorial. Left: Tim Campbell, Drew Troxler ’58, Susan Jordan Campbell and James Brady attended the brick dedication at the Augusta War Memorial. Troxler commanded the 319th Transportation Company in Vietnam, and Campbell was a member of the unit. The unit was nicknamed “Troxler’s Truckers.”

Rohan ’92 Retires

After 28 years of combined active and reserve service, Pat Rohan ’92 retired from the Naval Reserve in June 2019. From left were Christopher Rohan, Pat Rohan, Kirsten Rohan and Patrick Rohan.

2020-Issue 2

Johnson ’13 Surprises Area Youth

Mike Johnson ’13, a Lynchburg police officer, was featured on his local news station after he spread Christmas joy in Lynchburg, Virginia. Johnson met a 9-year-old on Christmas Eve, spent some time playing basketball with the boy and was later able to return with a surprise Christmas present.

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In Memory: Col. Donald K. Jamison ’57

By Scott Belliveau ’83, Communications Officer Col. Donald K. Jamison ’57 – who deeply influenced thousands of cadets during his decades of service as a professor, coach and adviser at VMI – died Nov. 19, 2019. He was 85.

A native of Roanoke, Virginia, Jamison was involved with the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Baptist Club, participated in intramural sports for four years, was in the Regimental Band and was a member of the staff of The Bomb as a cadet. He was a Distinguished Military Student during his 2nd and 1st Class years.

After leaving VMI, Jamison earned a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. He returned to VMI and was in the classroom for a short time after which he earned his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin.

Jamison returned to the Institute and the Department of Civil Engineering immediately after receiving his doctorate. His career would stretch over almost four decades, during which he headed the department from 1971-78 and again from 1984-91 and held the Benjamin H. Powell Jr. ’36 Distinguished Professorial Chair in Engineering. He retired as a professor in 1992.

A popular and effective teacher, Jamison was nevertheless demanding – and more than a little mischievous. Capt. Ned Riester ’78 – former department head and a former student of Jamison’s – remembered some of what Jamison would do. In one class, fluid mechanics, “he had a favorite momentum problem, problem 3.87, and he required the students to submit it totally correct. If not, they got negative points and had to resubmit. When it was correct, they would get a zero. He would say, ‘I have them begging for a zero,’” Riester recalls.

“He also used to flip a coin to decide which problem to grade in his classes. He could do all kinds of coin tricks, and he always seemed to land on the problem he wanted to grade. Some cadets – I think they were from the Class of ’77 – actually presented him with a two-headed coin.”

Jamison was also a strong “professional citizen.” A recognized expert in numerous fields, including fluid mechanics, he was widely published and was in high demand as a consultant by many organizations, including the U.S. Department of Defense.

Jamison did not limit his service to VMI to the classroom. He gave much of his time and talent to VMI athletics and, more precisely, the Institute’s cadet-athletes. He served as the coach of the tennis team from 1968-84. In 1981, his team had 17 wins. Besides that, he served on the executive committee of the VMI Athletic Council and was a longtime academic adviser to cadet-athletes, hundreds of whom benefited from his wisdom and insights, both born out of his long experience at – and intense love of – the Institute.

He also served for many years as the superintendent’s representative to the VMI Honor Court and was the deputy director of VMI Research Labs. He also perpetuated the Institute’s citizen-soldier tradition by serving in the U.S. Army’s Corps of Engineers as a reservist from 1957-65.

His service to the Institute earned him many honors. For his work on the Honor Court, he received the VMI Achievement Medal. Besides being a longtime holder of the Powell Chair, he received the Pletta Award as Virginia’s Engineering Educator of the Year in 1995. In April 2010, VMI honored his contributions to the Department of Civil Engineering when it named a fluid mechanics laboratory in his honor. He was twice

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Jamison ’57 recognized for his work on behalf of VMI athletics, first in 2002 by the VMI Keydet Club which presented him with its highest honor, the Spirit of VMI Award, and then in 2013 by the Institute itself when, by special citation, he was named to the VMI Sports Hall of Fame.

His son, Mark D. Jamison ’83, recounted what he described as his father’s “sole focus” of his VMI career, “It was on the cadets. I’ve had people tell me while they were not stellar students, my father always treated them with respect and that, if they would try, he would help them.” This devotion was not restricted to the classroom. “I once asked him why he stayed to the end of every game. He responded that he was there to support the cadet-athletes.”

The tributes that are the most meaningful and which reflect the meaningful effects he had on VMI are those paid to Jamison by his former students and athletes. His son recalled that one class “gave him an old survey instrument in a box with an engraved plate that stated ‘Don Jamison – It’s Always about the Cadets.’” In 1998, Jeff Hamilton ’81 initiated the Jamison ’57 Family Scholarship, which was enhanced by many others, particularly at the occasion of the Colonel Don Jamison Appreciation Day in 2011. This special event was organized by a number of grateful former students. Perhaps the most moving tributes were described by Riester, “Whenever anyone who graduated within the past 60 years would stop by the office, they always asked how Col. Jamison was doing. Most would then add, ‘I wouldn’t have graduated if it wasn’t for him.’”

Jamison is survived by his wife of 61 years, Priscilla S. Jamison; daughter, Lynne Jamison Kinder; and son, Mark, to whom Jamison presented his diploma.

VMI Alumni Review

We Wish We Had More Pages.

On the next four pages, you’ll get to know four cadets. They are leaders in academics, athletics and the Corps; they run the gamut.

Working at VMI, we get to know many cadets and would love to share all their stories with you. Since the Alumni Review can’t fit the whole Corps’ stories – that would be 1,700 pages – we hope you enjoy this snapshot of what today’s cadets are doing.

They are innovative, positive, focused, intelligent and, most of all, thankful. They know VMI is a unique school, a truly amazing place, with beyond-belief alumni support, and they are grateful to be part of it.

We hope you enjoy their stories.

Sincerely, The Alumni Review staff

2020-Issue 2

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Cadet Frankie Celentano ’20 is the recipient of the inaugural First Dominion Citizen-Soldier Scholarship. The electrical engineering major spent much of his cadet time and energy working on a radio controlled robot aimed at controlling urban tick populations.

Celentano ’20: Love for the Lab

By Molly Rolon, Associate Editor Cadet Frankie Celentano ’20 is a bright young man who moves easily between VMI’s academics and his leadership role in the Corps. The recipient of the inaugural First Dominion Citizen-Soldier Scholarship, he’s studying electrical engineering but seems equally comfortable in other realms.

The undergraduate project that takes much of his time and energy is a radio controlled robot aimed at controlling urban tick populations. The small robot lures ticks in and kills them with insecticide. With this project, Celentano crosses into both the coding aspect of computer science and the building aspect of mechanical engineering. He “fell in love” with his major. “I really enjoy what I’m doing, so it’s no problem to go into the lab for three, four hours at a time,” he said. The day before Thanksgiving break, he was so engrossed in his work that he spent nine straight hours in the lab. “I just really enjoy what I’m doing,” he explained.

As an Institute Honors Scholar, Celentano takes varied classes – not necessarily related to his major – and is taking a Shakespeare course this semester. “That’s great, because it gets me back into reading,” he said, noting that electrical engineers often don’t have much time for reading.

Celentano enjoys “logical discussions” with his fellow honors cadets.

The Institute Honors Program exposes cadets to current, worldwide

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events through semester-long seminars. More than keeping them up to date, it allows for dialogues among people with “a pretty decent mix of opinions – which I enjoy,” Celentano said.

On the military side, Celentano has been part of cadre since his 3rd Class year. He started out as a company clerk, was a company first sergeant last year and is now the company executive officer. While he spent plenty of time training rats, he feels that 2nd Class cadets also need mentorship. “It’s their first time in a leadership position in front of rats and also their first time having leadership over other cadets,” he said.

“I think its more important than to just train the rats.”

The news that his education would be fully funded was “phenomenal,” remembered Celentano, who has two younger sisters. Without the scholarship, he likely would be graduating with a large amount of debt; this way, his parents’ resources can go to help with his sisters’ education.

When he came to VMI, Celentano was initially drawn toward military service. As he learned more about electrical engineering and grew to love the discipline, he felt he could provide significant service to the country as a civilian. He would like to serve by developing weapons and control systems; he’ll be doing just that. He was recently hired by Boeing and will be working at the company’s St. Louis, Missouri, operation.

VMI Alumni Review

Franklin ’20: “Astonishing” Support

By Molly Rolon, Associate Editor Cadet Samantha “Sam” Franklin ’20 is passionate about organization, being part of a team and working out. Four years ago, a Keydet soccer coach approached Franklin about attending VMI. She visited the Institute and “fell in love” – so much that she didn’t apply to any other college.

Being part of a close-knit group is important to Franklin, who was the captain of the women’s soccer team this year. She is exuberant about her time at VMI but refuses to take personal credit for any of her accomplishments. In January, she was surprised to receive the Keydet Club’s Three-Legged Stool award.

“I don’t think I deserve that award for my own merit,” she said, crediting her family, friends, teammates and God. “The amount of support I’ve had is absolutely astonishing.”

Franklin, who receives athletic scholarship support through the Keydet Club, was able to meet her benefactor this year. The meeting was “awesome,” she recalled. The two had a personal connection: Her benefactor used to eat at the local crab shack in Franklin’s rural Maryland hometown. The scholarship support she received through VMI “has been a huge blessing” to not just Franklin, but her entire

family. She has two younger sisters – one is also in college, with plans to attend medical school, and another who is in still in high school.

Aside from soccer, she’s the cadet S7 this year – meaning she heads the group of cadets who plan events for the Corps, including hops and concerts. Though she’s been part of a sports team for much of her life, working on and heading the S7 staff exposed Franklin to a new type of teamwork. “I love it,” she said, noting that being part of a team “is my favorite thing.”

Franklin is majoring in both Arabic and international studies, with a minor in Middle Eastern studies. The challenges of learning Arabic, plus its poetic nature, appealed to Franklin. During her cadetship, she’s been able to travel to both Morocco and Qatar. In Morocco, she stayed with a host family and keeps in regular contact with her host mother and sister.

When Franklin becomes an Air Force intelligence officer this May, it will be a first for her family. Her family was “shocked” when she decided to join the Air Force, which also gives her scholarship support.

“I believe it was a pleasant shock,” she smiled. “Like, ‘Oh, we’ve never had that before.’ They’re super supportive.”

Cadet Samantha “Sam” Franklin ’20 had a busy 1st Class year: She was the captain of the women’s soccer team, the Corps’ S7 captain, worked toward her Air Force commission and was awarded the Three-Legged Stool. Franklin’s Keydet Club scholarship is from the George J. Collins ’62 Scholar-Athlete Program. Photo courtesy VMI Keydets.

2020-Issue 2

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For the past two years Cadet A.J. Smith ’21 has nabbed a spot on the CoSIDA Academic AllDistrict Team for the combination of his academic and athletic achievements. The mechanical engineering major wears academic stars, captains the defense for the Big Red and is one of the team’s tackle leaders. Photo by Chuck Steenburgh ’86.

Smith ’21: “A Perfect Recipe”

By Molly Rolon, Associate Editor A tall, determined young man with an easy smile, Cadet A.J. Smith ’21 does many things that other young men his age do – but he also looks for the challenge and takes the road less traveled.

A defensive back for Keydet football, a team captain and a mechanical engineering major, Smith was offered full ride scholarships from other Division I schools, including Liberty and Elon.

“I wanted to do something different,” said the Virginia Beach native of his ultimate decision to attend VMI. At the Institute, his private support comes from the Heslep Family Football Scholarship.

When he came to VMI on his recruiting visit, Smith fell in love with the football team and their obvious bond. It was a group of guys hanging out in a room playing video games – nothing special – but “that part really struck me,” Smith remembers thinking. “These guys really like each other.”

The brotherhood surpasses barracks. As a cadet-athlete, Smith knows VMI alumni are the biggest Keydet fans. “You feel like a true athlete because they know your name, they know your stats,” he said.

When looking at VMI, he noticed how many successful alumni were engineers and read about the Institute’s engineering programs. When he matriculated, he heard that mechanical engineering was a difficult major. Instead of making him reconsider, it cemented his decision to stick with mechanical engineering.

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“It comes with challenges,” he said, “but it would be easy if it didn’t.”

Smith has been in leadership roles before, but VMI teaches something different.

“Not everybody wants to be here all the time. It’s hot and people are getting screamed at,” he said. “You take on that kind of environment, and you’re able to lead – that molds you into a different type of leader.”

His VMI experiences have given him an appreciation for his circumstances.

“It’s crazy how much you enjoy little things, like walking with your arms by your sides,” he said, remembering his post-Rat Line freedom. “It also puts it into perspective that people have it way worse than you,” he said, noting that although his days are packed and his studies are difficult, there are many people who are not able to attend college.

The VMI and Virginia Commonwealth University mechanical engineering departments have a good working relationship, and Smith hopes to spend the summer in Richmond working on mechanical engineering projects. When he graduates, he’s leaning toward entrepreneurship.

Private support for scholarships is giving Smith the opportunity to play Division I football, learn from top professors, hone his leadership skills and eventually access an amazing alumni network.

“It’s a perfect recipe,” he said.

VMI Alumni Review

Stolzfus ’21: “Blown Away” by Tradition

By Molly Rolon, Associate Editor

Cadet Dylan Stolzfus ’21 is mechanical engineering major who walks the fine line between the class system and the rank system – the cheerful, confident president of the Class of 2021 is also the Company I first sergeant. Stolfus is concentrated on preparing for his future as an Army officer – and he couldn’t have chosen a better place to do it.

He considered The Citadel and other military schools but was “blown away” by what he saw during a visit to post. “That open house was a total game changer for me,” he said. He remembered sitting in the Center for Leadership and Ethics, listening to speakers giving a good – but typical – rundown of the school. Then cadets came to the stage, and they made a big impression on Stolzfus. “I still remember everything the General Counsel president said.”

When he stayed overnight in barracks, he was “blown away by the tradition” and the “family feel” – things he hadn’t found at other institutions, including The Citadel.

Although he wears academic stars and dedicates time to his studies, Stolzfus focuses his efforts toward his future in the Army. “I’ve always wanted to go into the Army. My dad was in the Army,” he

said. “That’s where my real passion is right now.”

Influenced by both his father and his former Scoutmaster, he applied for and was awarded one of Army ROTC’s few four-year scholarships while still in high school. He’s participated in Army ROTC’s varsity sport, Ranger Challenge, since his 4th Class year. This year – on top of his cadre and class duties – he leads the team as the platoon leader.

“VMI ... will put you through a lot,” he said, noting that he has seen changes in himself from year to year. He’s proud of VMI’s professionalism, much of it due to the cadets who make up the Corps.

“The Corps is still largely cadet led. I can attest to that ... seeing the intricacies of the regimental system and the class side as well. I can say for sure that the Corps is still very, very cadet led in all aspects. I know that’s pretty important to alumni, and it’s important to cadets right now, too.”

Aside from his days filled with homework, regimental duties and class responsibilities, Stolzfus is preparing to attend Army ROTC summer camp. He’ll receive his Army branch next fall and is hoping for infantry.

Cadet Dylan Stoltzfus ’21 balances the class system and the rank system. He is the president of the Class of 2021 and is also the Company I first sergeant. The mechanical engineering major is at VMI on one of Army ROTC’s selective four-year scholarships. Though the stars on his sleeves are proof that academics are in no way second, Stotzfus says his “real passion” is preparing for his future as an Army officer.

2020-Issue 2

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On Post Breakout: The Class of 2023

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VMI Alumni Review

Photos by Micalyn Miller, VMI Alumni Agencies.

On Post

2020-Issue 2

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On Post

Fulbright Offers Firsthand Glimpse at Struggle for Democracy

By Mary Price, VMI Communications & Marketing

Col. Howard Sanborn, Ph.D., professor of international studies. VMI photo by Kelly Nye. When he received word in the spring that he’d been selected for a Fulbright award allowing him to teach in Hong Kong for the fall 2019 semester, Col. Howard Sanborn, Ph.D., knew that rumblings of civil unrest were beginning in the former British crown colony, now officially a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China.

However, there was no way that Sanborn, professor of international studies, could have known that not only would the pro-democracy protests come to his host campus, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, but that they would rise to such a level that the rest of the semester would be canceled in mid-November. Nor could he have known that he’d wind up fleeing the campus on foot, carrying a week’s worth of clothes in a rucksack.

Originally, Sanborn, an East Asia and comparative politics specialist, had hoped to use his time in Hong Kong to study the city’s legislature, the Legislative Council, a 70-member body that’s made up of a mix of individuals elected from the citizenry by a popular vote and people elected to represent certain sectors of society such as finance, insurance and education. “[The Legislative Council] offers an interesting natural experiment to see how people from traditionally democratic constituencies ... pursue their careers versus the people from these sectorspecific [groups],” Sanborn noted. “That was the germ of the research.”

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However, the Legislative Council was closed for much of the time Sanborn was in Hong Kong because protesters had vandalized its building over the summer. Instead, Sanborn used the four months he was there to teach a class on democracies in the west, and also to network with others and pursue another line of research – this one having to do with higher education and its effect on citizenship in Hong Kong.

It was a challenging time to be a university professor. When Sanborn first saw a student roster for his class, there were approximately 50 names.

However, many students wound up dropping the class, and others often didn’t show up because they were taking part in class boycotts encouraged by protestors. At one point in October, there were fewer than 10 students in Sanborn’s class.

“It was difficult to build a rapport with the students because of all of the stuff going on,” Sanborn reported.

Then, in mid-November, the protests struck close to home. As conflicts between student protesters and police escalated, Sanborn began to realize that although he was safe in his highrise apartment and had plenty of food, there was the possibility that he’d be barricaded in his building by the ongoing conflict and unable to get out for more supplies. When friends called to ask if he’d like a ride to a safer part of the city, Sanborn accepted.

Before leaving, he let a friend know where a spare key to his apartment was located, just in case she ran out of food and needed more. Then he set out on foot.

“I took a week’s worth of clothes, not knowing when I’d come back,” he recalled. “The protesters were fine. They didn’t give me any problems.”

After climbing over several barricades and helping others do the same, Sanborn met up with his friends and took a ride to a hotel, where he stayed for approximately a week.

“I never felt physically in danger,” Sanborn stated. He was worried, though, about what might happen if the electricity or water were to be cut off.

Others were quite concerned for Sanborn’s safety. No sooner had he checked in to the hotel than he was on the phone with Col. Dennis Foster, Ph.D., chair of the international studies department, and Brig. Gen. Robert “Bob” Moreschi, Ph.D., deputy superintendent for

academics and dean of the faculty.

“The dean and [Foster] were concerned for the right reasons,” said Sanborn. “They were very, very supportive.”

Sanborn also reported receiving good support from U.S. officials in Hong Kong. “I was in constant communication with the U.S. consulate,” he said. “They were incredible, keeping an eye out, asking if I was okay, asking if I needed anything.”

After a week in the hotel, Sanborn flew to Tokyo to celebrate Thanksgiving with his wife and three teenagers, who had flown over to join him there. Originally, the family had planned to spend the holiday in Hong Kong, but with safety in mind, Sanborn and his wife decided to have another kind of Asian holiday instead.

In late November, Sanborn flew back to Hong Kong for another two weeks there before returning to the United States. Now, he’s busy not only teaching his own classes, but also serving as acting department head while Foster is on leave this semester.

He’s also been fielding a plethora of questions from cadets and fellow faculty members. In mid-January, Sanborn related, he went over the syllabus for an applied statistics class he’s teaching and then asked if there were any questions, thinking cadets might seek clarification about the syllabus. Immediately, a cadet’s hand popped up: “Tell us what you did in Hong Kong!”

Sanborn also noted that his experience abroad was not quite the adventure that cadets imagine it was.

“They expect a mixture of Indiana Jones and Jason Bourne,” he commented. “They’re a little deflated when I tell them, ‘No, I was just there to study legislative politics.’”

On a more serious note, Sanborn has returned from Hong Kong with a message not only for the VMI community but also his fellow Americans as a whole: Don’t take American democracy for granted. It’s a lesson he learned from watching young Hong Kong residents wave American flags and carry posters depicting President Donald Trump as they protested Chinese rule.

“Americans have democracy, freedom, liberty, fairness and equality,” said Sanborn. “It’s the values that support the waving of the flag that matter to those people. ... Now more than ever, we have a responsibility to stay engaged and participate and lead as democratic citizens.”

VMI Alumni Review

On Post

Alumni Construction Professionals See a New Side of VMI

By Mary Price, VMI Communications & Marketing office, you can go and understand the construction industry,” he stated.

This academic year, swarms of why you’re doing what you’re construction workers seem to be Souliotis just completed his first year workdoing, why you’re making certain ing for W.M. Jordan as a project engineer after everywhere on post as renovations decisions,” Duff stated. continue to both Preston Library learning about opportunities with the company As a cadet, Duff only had a few through Brittney Matthews ’15, who suggested and Scott Shipp Hall. Many of classes in Scott Shipp, but he’s now he reach out to Duggar. them, of course, were unacquainttaking advantage of a chance to see ed with VMI before their work “It’s fun to come back [to post] and see increthe building in a new way. “One of brought them here. mental progress each week,” said Souliotis. “It’s the most enjoyable parts is being Some, though, already knew really encouraging to see the changes the Institute able to see how the building was is making to the library to make it more modern their way around post, as they originally [constructed] and the and make it more accessible and allow more once wore cadet uniforms, lived decisions they made early on, but research to be done by cadets.” in barracks and ate their meals in at the same time getting to leave Crozet Hall.

Reilly, a 16-year veteran of W.M. Jordan, a mark on your alma mater,” he A number of alumni are working graduated with a degree in civil engineering and Souliotis ’15 stated. on the renovations to both Scott worked in highway construction for years before Duff also enjoys visiting with faculty members making the shift to building construction. At JorShipp and Preston Library, while two others just completed their work at the Institute. Bill he knew as a cadet, including Maj. Matt Jarman, dan, he’s found himself among friends, as many Madison ’90 was involved with the post infra- Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology, and Col. VMI alumni are employed there. He credits structure project, while Mike Jeffries ’91 assisted Turk McCleskey, Ph.D., professor Glenn Thompson ’90 with helping with the recent renovation of the press box at of history. He also sees cadets he him get a job with the company, as Foster Stadium. When asked about their work, knows, as there are a few members the two had first met while playing all mention the pride they feel as they upgrade of the Class of 2019 taking a fifth soccer at the Institute. buildings at what was once their home away year to complete their studies.

As vice president and project “A lot of them like to ask me what from home. executive, Reilly’s days are busy, as it’s like to be on the other side,” he Preston Duff is a member of the Class of he manages six project teams and is 2019, but thanks to coming into VMI with a commented. also in charge of customer relations Nearby on Letcher Avenue, Danumber of academic credits, he graduated in for the projects he’s overseeing.

December 2017 with a degree in civil engineer- vid Souliotis ’15, Owen Duggar ’15 “No two projects are the same ing. Right after he graduated, he went to work and Mark Reilly ’88 are all involved – that’s the great thing about confor Whiting-Turner, a general contractor based in the renovation of Preston Listruction,” he stated. “It’s always brary. Unlike Duff, who works out in Baltimore, Maryland. changing, always evolving.”

As assistant project manager on the Scott of an office trailer on the job site, the As an alumnus who’s been away Reilly ’88 Shipp Hall project, he’s responsible for a great three W.M. Jordan employees work from post for a number of years, deal of coordination among subcontractors in the company’s Richmond office but make Reilly marvels at the recent additions to post and tradespeople – including the use of the regular trips to post to get updates on progress such as Third Barracks and the Corps Physical and offer guidance.

135-foot-tall crane that now towers over the Training Facility. Because of his job, he’s seen When Souliotis was a cadet, it’s likely that no construction on many college campuses, most Institute skyline. one would have predicted that he’d “It is a lot of coordination,” recently in the form of a library expansion at go into construction. He was a Virginia Commonwealth University, and he’s said Duff of his job. “We actually history major who commissioned quite glad to see VMI keeping up with the times. don’t self-perform any of the work into the Army upon graduation, ourselves. We subcontract out all “To see that VMI is looking in that direction is and while serving as an infantry of the work. It’s a liaison position really great,” he stated. “It’s great for the Corps officer, discovered an affinity for between the owner and the day-toand the community around Lexington.” project management. day workers.”

Mostly, Reilly is proud of the work Jordan is “Being in the military, I was able doing – and keenly aware that the true client on Duff explained that while many to take part in several different this job is the cadet. contractors have their management types of projects – being able to team stay in a central office, he’s on “It’s quite an honor,” he said of working on see a project go from the ground post. “It gives you a sense of pride, giving somethe job site each day. It’s an arrangeup, and being involved with a ment he prefers. thing back. When you walk outside and you team, and learning a new set of “Rather than sitting and looking see the cadets going by, it gives you a sense of a skills – that’s what attracted me to higher purpose.” at drawings in a centrally located Duff ’19

2020-Issue 2

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Athletics Bretscher: “The More You Put into It”

By Molly Rolon, Associate Editor

The swimming coaches are headed by Andrew Bretscher, center, who is assisted by Col. Tom Timmes ’92, left, and Karla Wachenheim, right. Under the trio’s guidance, the VMI swimming and diving team has been steadily breaking school records. Photo by Micalyn Miller, VMI Alumni Agencies.

Andrew Bretscher recently wrapped up his third season as VMI’s head swim coach. In that time, almost every swimming headline has announced record-breaking performances. At the end of the 2018-19 season, the sport-specific publication swimswam.com ranked the VMI men as Division I’s second-most improved team and the women as third-most improved team.

A quick look at school records paints the picture: Seventeen of 19 men’s records and 14 of 19 women’s records have been set since he stepped on the pool deck. “It’s a trend that’s harder to do every year – because the records get faster and faster each year – but it’s a trend we want to continue,” Bretscher said.

Downplaying his own involvement, he continued, “We’ve had really strong classes coming in and a lot of development from our upperclassmen.”

“Don’t let him be that humble,” said Karla Wachenheim, one of Bretscher’s two volunteer assistant coaches. “He works really hard.”

The swimming coaches – there are three – are a cheerful bunch, comfortable with each other. With Bretscher at the helm, Wachenheim and Col. Tom Timmes ’92 serve as his volunteer assistants. In a world where assistant coaches often come and go with the seasons, Bretscher’s

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assistants add an unmeasurable element of stability to the swim team.

Both are committed to VMI in other areas – Timmes as a civil engineering professor, while Wachenheim’s husband is the head football coach.

“It’s a huge help having both of them ... it’s pretty amazing to have two people volunteering their time,” said Bretscher, making the point neither of his assistants are paid for the time and energy they dedicate to the team.

All three are experienced coaches. Wachenheim has been coaching for many years, including at the University of Colorado. Her coaching career also supported her family through the “tough years” of her husband’s early time as an unpaid graduate assistant, but “it became much more than a job,” she said, saying she was able to see her swimmers “become confident people in and out of the pool.”

Timmes is the diving coach, and dryly notes he was “not a swimmer.”

He was on the diving team his rat year at VMI – he still holds a rat diving record – and coached diving in his hometown. After an active duty Army career, he came to teach at VMI around the same time Bretscher was hired. When he heard there was a new swimming coach, he said to himself, “I need to go meet this guy,” and contacted Bretscher to volunteer his services.

VMI Alumni Review

Athletics Bretscher has been swimming since he can remember. His parents were military uniform to his coaching gear and back several times each day.

The coaches are looking forward to the new aquatics center, which both swimming coaches, and his father coached him in high school.

He employs some of the same workouts – or sets – his father used. – aside from being a brand-new modern facility – will have space for swimming, diving and water polo to practice simultaneously. The new A talented athlete, he was a three-time All-American at Ohio State Aside from his long experience in the sport, he brings familiarity facility will also allow Bretscher to expand the team roster. The team roster is currently limited by the size of Clark King pool. VMI’s comwith military colleges – he coached at Norwich before coming to VMI. He sees many similarities between VMI’s military life and swimming. bined men’s and women’s roster is around 30 swimmers, while larger schools have more than twice the athletes – as many as 70 – on their Both demand determination, effort and individual responsibility – while support comes from teammates and fellow cadets who are in the same teams. A larger roster can add to the team’s success. Since VMI’s team is small, sometimes the Keydets can’t compete in every event – especially situation.

“The more you put into it, the more you’re going to get out of it. You’ve if cadet-athletes are sick or injured. Each event is potential points toward got to be self-driven to be a good swimmer ... and do your best every the team’s overall place in competitions.

“We don’t have someone to fill the spot in single day to be successful at the sport. those ... scenarios,” Bretscher said.

That’s kind of the mentality that I try to The project should begin in summer 2020, preach,” he said. “I think that’s the kind of said Lt. Col. Daren Payne ’90, project manager mentality VMI is trying to teach as well.” at VMI’s construction office. Construction on To fill his roster with determined, willing the $41.275 million facility is estimated to take young people, he recruits cadet-athletes two years. who “really want to be at VMI” and who Private donations will fund part of the new “embrace” the Institute. This equates aquatics center. Donations through the VMI to both academic and athletic success, Keydet Club also provide scholarship dollars Bretscher said. If an athlete comes to VMI for cadet-athletes. solely for athletics, that can lead to “poor Before 2016, VMI’s swimming program did academics or poor attitude at practice [and] not offer scholarships. In the four years since, poor effort at competitions.” private support for the program has increased – Bretscher wants recruits to have an acit is now funded at 20% of the NCAA-allowed curate picture of cadet life. After an open scholarship amount. There is a lot of room house, the young person knows where he to grow with swimming scholarships, said or she will be eating, sleeping and studying; Andrew Deal ’12, Keydet Club senior vice how free time – or lack thereof – is spent; president. and what he or she will be wearing.

The available funds are helpful, “making “I want to make sure ... they’re not VMI affordable” for swimmers, Bretscher hesitant about it,” Bretscher said. “When said. Scholarship dollars are also a way VMI they’re here visiting that they enjoy the acknowledges and recognizes athletes’ hard experience and can envision themselves work in practice and competitions. “It makes here.” athletes feel appreciated,” he noted. The swimCoaching style plays into the team’s mers put forth maximum effort in practice and success, as does recruiting. But there’s competition – but also work hard academically. one more aspect that most other NCAA Bretscher emphasizes academic as well as coaches at VMI don’t need to consider: Scheduling. Not scheduling around Corps Bretscher, the Keydets’ head swim coach, is a athletic achievement and it shows. The men’s lifelong swimmer and came to VMI from Norwich. and women’s teams received the 2018-19 Don and academic requirements – but the actual Photo courtesy VMI Keydets.

Jamison Team Academic Achievement Award time for the team to use the pool. Clark at VMI. Off post, both teams were named King pool is relatively small and in great demand: Physical education classes, various ROTC training and even Scholar All-Americans by the College Swimming and Diving Coaches NCAA sports – like water polo – all need to use the pool. The swimmers Association. Under Bretscher, swimmers have also been recognized for academic excellence by the Eastern College Athletic Conference and and divers – both part of the same team – don’t all practice at the same been listed on the America East honor rolls. time, since the divers occupy two of the pool’s six lanes.

Cadet life gives new meaning to the word busy, and for cadet-athletes, Even with the pool’s time and space constraints, the swimmers are normally able to practice in the usual NCAA late afternoon window. commitments are compounded. Bretscher’s team proves cadets can The divers, however, are a different story. A full squad of divers is six, balance military, academics and athletics – and excel.

Something Timmes tells the divers has a broader application – to the so Timmes schedules the divers’ practices throughout the day. Not only does that require a lot of coordination, but it also means plenty swimmers, certainly, but also to all cadets: “You will succeed not despite of uniform changes for Timmes – who can end up switching from his VMI, but because of VMI ... You can focus and you can get this done.”

2020-Issue 2

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Athletics

Richards ’19, Chisko ’23 Earn SoCon Honors

At the SoCon Tournament, Neal Richards ’19, red-shirt senior, was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler for the second straight year. He won the 174-pound individual championship and automatically qualified for the NCAA Division I Tournament. Photo courtesy VMI Keydets.

The VMI grapplers had a very successful 2019-20 season, winning three Southern Conference matches. The team had a good finish at the conference championships March 8, 2020. Red-shirt senior Neal Richards ’19 was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler for the second straight year after winning the 174-pound individual championship. He automatically qualified for the NCAA Division I Tournament.

The South Chesterfield, Virginia, native opened with a 21-6 technical fall win over The Citadel’s Kyle Kretzler. In the semifinals he defeated third-seeded Austin Kraisser from Campbell 3-1 in a sudden victory session.

Richards got revenge in the finals for his only Southern Conference loss in the last two years with a 12-5 victory over top-seeded Thomas Flitz from Appalachian State. This is the third time Richards earned a berth at the NCAA tournament in his career and his second SoCon title. He ended with a 38-7 record with six major decisions, seven technical falls and five pins on the year, with victories in 18 of his last 19 matches.

VMI finished sixth with 28 team points at the SoCon Tournament, just two points out of fourth place. Chris Beck ’20 finished fourth at 285 pounds, winning 5-0 in the first round and 6-2 in the consolation bracket. He narrowly lost the match for third place 3-2. Job Chishko ’23 at 149 pounds also took fourth, with a major decision win and a technical fall victory. He also fell just short of third-place accolades, falling 4-3 in the consolation finals.

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Chisko earned a spot on the 2020 Southern Conference Wrestling All-Freshman Team, in a vote of the league’s coaches announced by the conference office March 4.

He wrestles at 149 pounds and finished the regular season with a 17-16 record. He has recorded two wins by pin, two by technical fall and six via major decision in his rookie campaign. Chishko had a winning streak of five matches early in the season and two three-match winning streaks.

“The SoCon continues to get stronger every year, and for Job to be honored is a significant achievement,” said head coach Jim Gibson. “When you take a look at the members of the SoCon All-Freshman team, it includes some impressive resumes. It demonstrates the kind of ability Job has and what he can accomplish for us in his career.”

SoCon Tournament Final Team Standings 1. Campbell - 117.0 2. Appalachian State - 102.0 3. Chattanooga - 75.0 4. The Citadel - 30.0 5. Davidson - 29.0 6. VMI - 28.0 7. Gardner-Webb - 16.5 8. Presbyterian - 1.0

VMI Alumni Review

Athletics

Rifle’s Bither Named SoCon Co-Coach of the Year

Lt. Col. Bill Bither, VMI rifle head coach, was named the league’s co-Coach of the Year at the 2020 SoCon Rifle Championship March 8. He shares the honor with Georgia Southern’s Sandra Worman.

Photo courtesy VMI Keydets.

After leading his coed rifle team to a third-place finish at the SoCon tournament and a 5-2 conference record during the season, Lt. Col. Bill Bither, VMI rifle head coach, was named the league’s co-Coach of the Year at the conclusion of the 2020 SoCon Rifle Championship March 8 in Statesboro, Georgia.

After the smallbore was competed March 7, the second day’s competition included the air rifle discipline. Keydets Hunter Jacob ’20 and Kelia Aardema ’20 were named to the All SoCon Second Team for their finishes in the event. Jacob finished seventh overall with a 575 in the air rifle while Aardema finished in ninth with a 572.

Bither was named the co-Coach of the Year alongside Georgia Southern’s Sandra Worman, who led the Eagles to a 3-4 league record for the year. The University of Alabama at Birmingham secured the team title for a second consecutive year with an aggregate score of 4539 points, just four points higher than second-place North Georgia.

The VMI coed team finished third with 4490 points to edge out The Citadel coed team, which finished with 4478 points.

Jacob and Aardema led the VMI coed team with their respective air rifle scores of 575 and 572, which were slightly higher than freshman James Doucett ’23. Doucett logged a 569 for the category. Alexander Allison ’23 (561) and senior Nick Reynolds ’20 (559) also competed for the Keydets in the air rifle.

The VMI women were led by a 568 air rifle score from Jessica Hankin ’22, ahead of 562 from Savannah Diamond ’22. Samantha Reid ’22 logged a 561 for third on the squad while Lauren Dost ’20 (560) and Claire Lee ’22 (542) also represented the team.

Swim and Dive Ends Another Record-Breaking Season The VMI men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams had a very successful 2019-20 campaign. The men’s team broke 14 records during the season, with Jack Sheehan ’23 setting eight individual marks and joining three record-setting relay teams. Zach Emerson ’22 holds two new records and is a member of two relay teams that set program records during the year. On the women’s side, Sophie Svoboda ’22 holds 15 records, including two relays.

On Dec. 10, the Keydets nearly swept the America East Conference aquatic awards. Sheehan earned Male Swimmer of the Week. Calle Biles ’20 and Bridger Thurston ’23 captured the Female and Male Diver of the Week honors.

The men’s team won three dual meets, defeating Centre College and Mount St. Mary’s twice.

The Keydets had several top finishes at the America East Championships Feb. 13-16, including Sheehan taking fourth in the 100-yard backstroke, 200-yard breaststroke and 200 individual medley. The men’s 800-yard freestyle relay team of Sheehan, Jacob Smilie ’20, Connor Doyle ’23 and Ryan Cooper ’22 also finished fourth.

Svoboda paced the women’s team at the AE Championships; placing 11th in the 200-yard IM, 14th in the 100 breaststroke and 19th in the 200-yard breaststroke.

2020-Issue 2

Coach Andrew Bretscher with the Keydet swimmers at the VMI versus Washington and Lee swim meet, held at W&L, Jan. 11, 2020. Photo by Randall K. Wolf for VMI.

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Athletics

Keydets Top Samford, Fall to ETSU at SoCon Tourney Another basketball season is in the books following VMI’s impressive performances at the Southern Conference basketball tournament in Asheville, North Carolina.

Less than a week after falling to Samford Feb. 29 on the road, the Keydets again faced the Bulldogs in the opening round of the SoCon tournament. This time they came back with a vengeance, defeating the No. 8 seeded Bulldogs 96-78. The Keydets scored a SoCon Tournament record 18 three-pointers in the win as Jake Stephens ’22 went on to earn a career-high 24 points in the victory.

Although the Keydets would finish the season with a 3-15 record in SoCon play, the Keydets earned an impressive victory over upstart Western Carolina on the road Feb. 19, a thrilling 74-71 win in Cullowhee, North Carolina. Guard Travis Evee ’23 logged 25 points in the win, just one short of his season high as a true freshman. After

a stellar season, the Randolph, Massachusetts, native was named the Southern Conference Freshman of the Year in both the coaches’ and media polls.

Another highlight from the season was sweeping the season series over rival The Citadel as the Keydets claimed victory both at home and in Charleston. VMI won an 88-79 contest over the Bulldogs at home Jan. 18 before earning a hard-fought 75-64 win in Charleston Feb. 8.

VMI finished the season with a 9-24 overall record, but eight of those losses came by three or fewer points as the Keydets struggled to close in the final moments of several close games.

The Keydets graduate seniors Garrett Gilkeson ’20, Tyler Creammer ’20 and Will Miller ’20 in May. Most of the roster will return, putting the program on the right track heading into the 2020-21 season.

Travis Evee ’23 was named the Southern Conference Freshman of the Year. Photo

by Jason Hall.

Shahbaz ’21 Takes Third in the Mile at ECAC/IC4A VMI’s Jahanzib Shahbaz ’21 concluded a spectacular indoor season by placing third in the men’s IC4A mile run contested March 7-8 at the ECAC/IC4A Indoor Track and Field Championships in Boston, Massachusetts.

The senior from Stafford, Virginia, ran a personal best time of 4:05 for the event, just three seconds behind the No. 1 and No. 2 finishers.

The men’s distance medley relay team of Trent Whittaker ’23, Rafael Mas ’22, Zach Lauster ’22 and Shahbaz earned a season-best 9:57 effort. The men’s 4x400 team of Jonathan Gray ’22, Jordin Poindexter ’22, Johnnie Walker ’22 and Mas also ran a season-best time for the event, completing the relay in 3:15.

“I was very happy for Jahanzib; he was in a great field today in the mile and it paid dividends with an outstanding personal best that also lead to a third-place finish in the mile with a time of 4:05,” said Darrin Webb, VMI head coach, after the meet wrapped March 8.

“But to watch both the DMR and 4x4 both run substantial seasonal best performances was very exciting. Many of the cadet-athletes here this weekend are young and will have multiple chances to come back here again ... I know that after yesterday and today not only are they excited about that opportunity, but they will be

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Jahanzib Shahbaz ’21 concluded a spectacular indoor season by placing third in the men’s mile at the ECAC/IC4A Indoor Track and Field Championships in Boston, Massachusetts, March 7-8, 2020. Photo by Randall K. Wolf for VMI. prepared and ready to excel.”

Women’s thrower Sarah Leckman ’21 competed in the shot put and turned in a distance of 13.94 meters, good for ninth place in the field.

The Keydets took fourth place at the SoCon championships, held at VMI’s Corps Physical Training Facility Feb. 29 - March 1, 2020.

Highlights included a first-place finish in the women’s 400 meter for Ahliyah Williams ’22.

Ariana Ruffin ’21 arrived right behind Williams, taking second place. Shahbaz placed second in the men’s 800 meter with a time of 1:52.07 just behind Furman’s Ryan Adams, who set a facility and SoCon indoor record in 1:50.37. The women’s 4x400 relay team of Ingrid Joseph ’22, Julianne Knoblett ’20, Ruffin and Williams placed fourth in the event with a school record time of 3:52.78.

VMI Alumni Review

Events Arizona Chapter Commemorates Founders Day

At the Arizona Chapter gathering for Founders Day, 21 alumni and guests were present, including from left, first row, Greg Oldland ’15, Matt Winn ’14, Richard Coupland ’91, Jim Fromm ’67, Brian McCarthy ’90, Christopher Lohr ’08, Joe Irby ’85 and Mike Haag ’03. Back row: Joe Howard ’97, James Lucas ’94, Carl Benner ’60, Charlie Woodward ’66, Ned Harris ’68, Jay Hoenig ’69, Bob Clingenpeel ’69, Skip Anders ’68, Rick Brothers ’68, Micah Wei ’99, Robert Allen ’10, Joe McCloskey ’86 and Bruce Nickle ’86.

Augusta Chapter Gathers for Founders Day

Jed Knick ’00 hosted a Founders Day gathering for the Augusta Chapter at his home.

2020-Issue 2

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Events

Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter Holds Events

The Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter hosted a pregame gathering before the Eastern Carolina University versus VMI basketball game Nov. 5, 2019. Present were, from left, Andy Anderson ’67; Parky Parkman ’66; Mary Fran Parkman; Pat Kelly; Betsy Wilson; Matthew Prokop ’01; Larry Wilson ’62, chapter president; Mike Kelly ’73, Carolinas regional director; Bruce Wackelin, father of Spencer Wackelin ’12; and Jeff Morrison ’99.

The Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter gathered for Founders Day.

The Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter held a senior alumni breakfast in November 2019. Present were, from left, front row, Dixie Walker ’70, Ed Andrews ’70, Bill Gibson ’65 and Drew Turner ’72. Back row: Jane Walker, Paul Johnston ’61, Larry Wilson ’62, Rick Hening ’75 and Pete Shelley ’74.

Wilson is the chapter president.

The Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter held a senior alumni breakfast in January 2020. Present were, from left, front row, Bruce McCreedy ’56; Mike Kelly ’73, Carolinas regional director; Paul Johnston ’61; Drew Turner ’72; and Ed Roney ’60. Back row: Don Brown ’71; Larry Wilson ’62, chapter president; Roger Rosenfield ’47; Bill Gibson ’65; Parky Parkman ’66; and Pete Shelley ’74. Not pictured is John Kuchnia ’57.

The Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter gathered to cheer on the Keydets as they played West Point Nov. 16, 2019. Present were Debbie and Harry Seipp ’78, Bill Gibson ’65, Paul Johnston ’61, Betsy and Larry Wilson ’62, Glenn Garland ’75, Pat and Mike Kelly ’73, Pam and Tom Elks, Betsy and Ron Wall ’69, Jane and Dixie Walker ’65, Mike Freeman ’78, Liam Gilroy ’07 and Meg and Chris Petree ’05.

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VMI Alumni Review

Events

Coastal Georgia – South Carolina Chapter Gathers for Founders Day

Present at the Coastal Georgia – South Carolina Chapter Founders Day gathering Nov. 11, 2019, were John Sykes ’73, Lynn Seldon ’83, Ryan Hughes ’98, Muizz Valiani ’16, Bill Feldmann ’10 and Jim Stone ’92.

Indianapolis Chapter Holds Founders Day Gathering

Present at the Indianapolis Chapter Founders Day gathering at the Big Woods Restaurant in Speedway, Indiana, Nov. 14, 2019, were, from left, David Broecker, Mark Arboneaux ’88, Mark Johnson ’87, Ann Broecker, David Sutherland ’73 and Semper Fi, a service dog the Broecker family is training. The Broeckers are the parents of Cadet Andrew Broecker ’22.

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Events

Greater Los Angeles Chapter Holds Events

Alumni attending the Greater Los Angeles Chapter Founders Day picnic in Hermosa Beach, California, were Matt Schell ’78, Alan Perdigao ’83, Paul Pendorf ’82, Matt Hemenez ’90, Rob Incontro ’13, Annie Incontro ’13 and Alex Rawling ’07. Rawling is the chapter president.

The Greater Los Angeles Chapter held a watch party to cheer on the Keydets versus West Point Nov. 16, 2019.

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VMI Alumni Review

Events

Northern Virginia Chapters Hold Founders Day Event

The northern Virginia chapters held a Founders Day event the weekend before Founders Day. Pictured, from left, are Peter Mangerian ’85, Norb Jocz ’85, Scott Pearson ’85 and Sam Maroon ’85. Jim Hickey ’82 was the speaker.

Oregon Chapter Holds Holiday Gathering

The Oregon Chapter held a holiday gathering Dec. 21, 2019. Present were, from left, Cadet Bryce Sanford ’20; Christian Tujo ’94, chapter president; Thomas Ustach ’88; Jay Smaaladen ’88; Walt Witschard ’60; Cadet Ted Harris ’23; Cadet Patrick Keller ’20; Charles Rex ’95; Christian Richardson ’13; and Rich Griffith ’12.

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Events

VMI Commanders Entertain at Annual Rockbridge Chapter Dinner

Bottom photos: The Rockbridge Chapter held their annual holiday dinner Dec. 8, 2019. Col. John Brodie (Hon.) and the VMI Commanders provided entertainment for the 68 attendees. Left photo: Each year, the chapter hosts VMI widows as their guests.

In 2019, 11 widows were able to attend the dinner.

Commissioning Information for Classes of 1990-2009 To more accurately reflect commissioning percentages at VMI, the Institute is seeking to uncover those alumni who have commissioned in any branch of service following their graduation through an officer candidate program or other commissioning avenue. VMI believes that there may be a sizeable number of alumni in this category. If you commissioned after graduation, by some means other than direct commission through VMI ROTC, please contact Col. Gary Bissell ’89, deputy chief of staff and operations, by email at bissellga@vmi.edu or by phone at 540/464-7104.

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VMI Alumni Review

Events

Pensacola Chapter Commemorates Founders Day

Pensacola

The Pensacola Five Flags Chapter celebrated Founders Day and Veterans Day with lunch at Props Grill and Brewery in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Present were Bob Graves ’60, William Lee ’59, Jeff Henderson ’97, David Tillar ’95, John Kearney ’73, Andy Johnson ’95 and Chris Fuller ’95. Fuller’s wife, Shawnell, was the photographer. Tillar is the chapter president.

Pikes Peak, Rocky Mountain Chapters Hold Founders Day Gathering

The Rocky Mountain and Pikes Peak Chapters gathered for Founders Day Nov. 9, 2019.

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Events

Treasure Coast Chapter Holds Founders Day Gathering

The Treasure Coast Chapter gathered for a Founders Day dinner in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Nov. 9, 2019.

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VMI Alumni Review

Events

Upstate South Carolina/Pisgah, North Carolina Chapter Tailgate

The Upstate South Carolina/Pisgah, North Carolina Chapter held a tailgate before the VMI versus Furman football game in Greenville, South Carolina, Nov. 9, 2019.

Wilmington Chapter Holds Old Corps Breakfast Present at the Wilmington Chapter Old Corps breakfast in December were Arnold Leonard ’74, Henry Brown ’60, Fred Ayers ’61, George Myers ’79, Hobbs Goodwin ’63, Bill Todd ’68, Mickey Finn ’65 and John Gangemi ’61. Gangemi is the chapter president.

Graduate School Partnerships

Jonathan M. Daniels 1961 Seminary Scholarship

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

Partnership institutions include Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, College of William & Mary, Florida State University, Norwich University, Arizona State and the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. Programs vary but include law, medicine, business, engineering, communications and other fields.

If interested in learning more about the available partnerships, please contact Bri Holland at hollandbm@vmi.edu.

Dr. 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 June 15 of each year.

Scholarships are awarded in July.

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Events

Williamsburg Chapter Holds Events

The Williamsburg Chapter welcomed Col. Jamie Inman ’86, VMI chief of staff, for its annual fall dinner at Ford’s Colony Country Club. More than 60 alumni and guests enjoyed Inman’s informative message as he provided an excellent update on VMI.

The Williamsburg Chapter hosted a winter senior alumni luncheon for more than 40 alumni from Williamsburg and the surrounding chapters Jan. 14, 2020. Thom Brashears ’95, VMI Alumni Association chief operating officer, joined the group and provided an update on VMI.

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VMI Alumni Review

Events

Cedarfield Residents Hold VMI Dinner There are more than 30 residents at Cedarfield of Richmond who have ties to VMI. The group, which holds other gatherings, held its first dinner in November 2019. The group plans on holding a dinner each fall.

1.

2.

1. Reed Johnson ’53; Mary Fleming, widow of Rives Fleming ’47; Claiborne Terry ’54; Joan Tipton, widow of John Tipton ’56; and Betty and Jim Mann ’56.

2. Doug Gottwald ’56; Eddy and John Phillips ’51; Alice Spilman, widow of Wortham Spilman ’42; Glennie Brown, widow of Joseph Brown ’51; and Betsy Gottwald, wife of Doug Gottwald ’56.

3. Win Koontz, wife of Warren Koontz ’53; Carole Wiley, wife of Jim Wiley ’52; John Taylor ’50B; Jim Wiley ’52; and Cammy and Charles Bryan ’69.

4. John Taylor ’50B; John Phillips ’51; Glennie Brown, widow of Joseph Brown ’51; and Charles Bryan ’69.

5. Betsy Gottwald, wife of Doug Gottwald ’56; Win Koontz, wife of Warren Koontz ’53; and Cammy Bryan, wife of Charles Bryan ’69.

4.

3.

5.

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Progress 2020 Keydet Club Scholarship Banquet

By Andrew Deal ’12, Keydet Club Senior Vice President

More than 400 scholarship benefactors, cadets and members of the Keydet Club Board of Governors gathered in the Hall of Valor in Marshall Hall for the annual Keydet Club Scholarship Banquet Jan. 18, 2020. The night began with Steve Maconi, VMI Alumni Agencies chief executive officer, greeting the crowd, along with an invocation offered by Cadet Samantha Franklin ’20. Andre Thornton ’98, guest speaker, moved the crowd with his inspiring speech. He touched on his unique experience while at VMI and stressed the importance of relationships and expanding your network.

The Three-Legged Stool award was presented to Franklin. She was joined on stage by Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent; Brig.

Gen. Bob Moreschi, dean of the faculty; Dr. Dave Diles, director of intercollegiate athletics; Col. William Wanovich ’87, commandant; and Meade King ’85, Keydet Club chief operating officer. Franklin’s remarks reflected her appreciation to the countless people who helped her along her way, stating that if she could break the award into pieces, there are others who are just as deserving.

A term originally coined by the late Giles Miller, Class of 1924,

one of the Institute’s most beloved sons and ardent athletic fans, the Three-Legged Stool represents the fullness of VMI’s educational philosophy – that each cadet might thrive academically, athletically and militarily. Since its founding, VMI has endeavored to ensure that cadets receive the training and encouragement necessary to successfully balance each leg of this stool as they become educated and honorable difference-makers.

The VMI Keydet Club is especially pleased to sponsor this award, recognizing the 1st Class cadet-athlete who has excelled throughout his or her cadetship. Franklin is a four-year starter and team captain of the women’s soccer team and was named to the 2019 SoCon AllTournament Team. She holds a 3.78 GPA as a double major in modern languages and cultures and international studies. Franklin currently serves as the SAAC president and has been active in the community working with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, Read Across America and RARO Soccer. Upon graduation, Franklin will commission in the U.S. Air Force. She currently serves as the regimental S7 captain.

During the Keydet Club Scholarship Banquet Jan. 18, 2020, were, from left, Meade King ’85, Keydet Club chief operating officer; Col. William Wanovich ’87, commandant; Dr. Dave Diles, director of intercollegiate athletics; Cadet Samantha Franklin ’20, Three-Legged Stool award recipient; Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent; and Brig. Gen. Bob Moreschi, dean of the faculty. Photo by Micalyn Miller, VMI Alumni Agencies.

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VMI Alumni Review

Progress

Dickenson ’20: Chemistry Major Searches for Clues

By Molly Rolon, Associate Editor Imagine an energy independent United States. What if the U.S. could make fuel from a waste product? The impact of changing trash to treasure – or waste to a viable fuel source – is hard to overstate. National security, national economy and the environment would see the effects.

Cadet John Dickenson ’20, chemistry major, is conducting research with that lofty goal. For the past four years, he’s been trying to turn carbon dioxide, the trash, into fuel – the treasure. It’s possible to change carbon dioxide, he explained, but the process uses a lot of energy.

“We make more carbon dioxide in the process than we consume,” explained Lt. Col. Dan Harrison ’05, Ph.D., who is Dickenson’s adviser and a cheerful advocate for the field of chemistry. “[If] you’re pumping two or three or four or 10 times more carbon dioxide out … it’s very wasteful. You can do it, but it’s not economically feasible.”

The research is looking at two specific chemicals: Formaldehyde and methanol. These two chemicals are “used in practically every industry you can imagine,” Harrison said. Methanol is a fuel source, and formaldehyde is the building block of almost every man-made material. Looking around his office, from the bookshelves to a computer to furniture, Harrison couldn’t find anything that a chemist hadn’t touched – and most of it involved formaldehyde.

In his research, Dickenson is focusing on metal centered complexes.

Picture a three-dimensional sphere, surrounded by other spheres. Together, these spheres make a molecule. The sphere in the center is the

metal – in this case, cobalt. The surrounding shapes are other atoms like carbon, nitrogen and oxygen. The way these atoms are connected to cobalt determines how the cobalt behaves. Dickenson has made dozens of combinations of these molecules. Every time he makes a new molecule, he gains a tiny sliver of knowledge about how much energy must flow into it to start the process of converting carbon dioxide.

The process is like climbing a tree, Dickenson said. He doesn’t have to start climbing from the bottom of the trunk, but he often needs to reverse course when he comes to the end of a branch – and then find a new branch to explore. Helping him in his research are several machines, including something that looks like a cross between a smooth, shiny trash can and Star Wars’ R2D2 droid: A nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer.

The quarter million-dollar machine brings Dickenson’s research to a new level, allowing him to see specific structural details of his samples.

The NMR also puts VMI chemistry degrees at a higher level, allowing the Institute to grant American Chemical Society-certified degrees.

Dickenson’s research is complicated and is also – like much research – full of failure. Harrison would, he said, much rather let cadets make their mistakes at VMI. Here, he works with them and helps them learn from their mistakes. Then, he’s able to send well-prepared graduates to their real-world jobs.

“The value of failure is you gain experience. Having experience and

Cadet John Dickenson ’20 has spent his cadetship researching an efficient way to turn carbon dioxide into a usable substance, like fuel. Through the process, Lt. Col. Dan Harrison ’05, Ph.D., has advised and worked with Dickenson.

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Progress having context and knowing how to solve problems is what makes really strong leaders in our world,” Harrison said. Failure also teaches perseverance, and Dickenson has continued pushing forward through hundreds of reactions – and 90% of them have failed. Through these failures, Dickenson and Harrison now understand “very subtle changes in the electronic structure of compounds.” These “little clues” Dickenson uncovered through his years of undergraduate research built a foundation for the next 20 years of research, Harrison said.

Extending far beyond the tan walls of VMI’s academic buildings, undergraduate research not only solidly prepares cadets for their futures but builds something more intangible – the relationship between a professor and a cadet. Working closely with cadets daily builds lifelong connections, Harrison said. He keeps in touch with many former students and has attended many of their weddings. One of Harrison’s own mentors, Col. Steve Riethmiller ’63, still teaches in the department and was at Harrison’s wedding.

Undergraduate research at VMI is largely possible through the Jackson-Hope fund, which was established in the late 1990s to promote academic excellence at VMI. Research like Dickenson’s would “absolutely not be possible without the backing of the Jackson Hope board,” Harrison said. The Jackson Hope fund has helped pay for lab equipment, chemicals, faculty professional development and cadets’ conference attendance.

“My personal success with scholarly en- Much of the equipment Dickenson uses, including a quarter million-dollar nuclear magnetic resogagement success and contribution to science nance spectrometer, is possible through the Jackson-Hope Fund. To see Dickenson in action, visit would not be possible without Jackson Hope,” vmialumni.org/chemistryresearch.

Harrison said. “Basically, we’d be living in a Carolina at Chapel Hill – and is waiting to hear from three other schools. subpar environment that I can’t even imagine working in.”

“I want to end up either in a government lab or a corporate lab, doing Following his graduation in May, Dickenson will attend graduate ... cutting-edge research,” Dickenson said. “I don’t want to go mess school to pursue a doctorate degree in chemistry. He’s been accepted to around in a dusty corner of science that no one’s going to look at for Northwestern University – one of the country’s top schools for chemistry, the next 40 years.”

Harrison pointed out. He’s also been accepted to the University of North

What is the Jackson-Hope Fund?

Since beginning its work in 2001, the Jackson-Hope Fund has helped build VMI’s national reputation for academic excellence.

The fund has bolstered the number and quality of the faculty, currently supporting eight faculty positions in various departments, including three Jackson-Hope Distinguished Professors.

The fund also helps support faculty professional development

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in the form of leave, travel and projects. It helps cadets pay for undergraduate research and supports equipment purchases related to research, such as the chemistry department’s nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer.

To learn more about the Jackson-Hope Fund, please visit vmialumni.org/about/jackson-hope.

VMI Alumni Review

Progress

Basketball Locker Room Named After Smith ’43 It was 1943, and the Keydet basketball team had not won a state championship since 1921. For 22 years, VMI teams had set their sights on the goal, some reaching the upper echelons of play while others were commended for their worthy effort.

It was a big year for basketball. Gordon A. Smith ’43, an electrical engineering major, was the starting center for the 1943 Keydet basketball team. Led

by Coach Pooley Hubert, the team beat their opponents on the way to the coveted Virginia state title competition. Through the season, they handily topped William and Mary, VPI (now Virginia Tech), Maryland and the University of Richmond. The team secured the Virginia state championship win against Richmond with a score of 48-30. In the Southern Conference tournament that year, Smith led the Keydets with 12 points versus top-seeded Duke and received an honorable mention for his performance.

“The whole team played good ball and gave the fans one of the best games of the tournament before they bowed to the powerful Blue Devil Quint,” said the season summary in the 1943 Bomb, describing the team’s seasonending loss at the SoCon tournament.

While many VMI alumni carry the cherished memories of battles waged – wins and losses, both – Smith made a lifetime commitment to sustaining the private support he received as a cadet. And Smith’s alma mater did not forget him.

In November 2019, the Keydet basketball locker room was named after Gordon A. Smith ’43, who gave more than $2 million to both Keydet basketball and VMI academics during his lifetime and through planned giving.

Smith never forgot his experiences with the Big Red or his love for his alma mater. Though he lived in Chicago for most of his life, he was an avid Keydet basketball fan. In the early 1970s, he met Joe Kruse ’65, fellow Keydet hoopster. Both were in the carpet business, and the introduction turned into a lifelong friendship that endured until Smith’s death in February 2018.

In 2006, Smith established the 1943 Basketball Team Scholarship to honor his teammates. With assistance from both Kruse and Greg Cavallaro ’84, Smith also had the foresight to begin making provisions that will continue to help VMI cadets like himself in the future. Cavallaro, who was then the chief operating officer of the Keydet Club, spent years getting to know both Smith and Kruse.

In November 2019, the Keydet basketball locker room was named after Gordon A. Smith ’43. Smith, who gave more than $2 million to VMI through his lifetime and through planned giving, was the center for the 1943 state champion basketball team.

The provisions established through Smith’s estate are threefold: • The Gordon Smith ’43 Basketball Operations Endowment Fund, which will be used to benefit VMI’s NCAA basketball program.

• The Gordon Smith ’43 Scholarship for cadets from Illinois, with a preference for cadets majoring in electrical or computer engineering.

• The Gordon Smith ’43 Basketball Scholarship, which supports cadetathletes on VMI’s basketball team.

For a more complete story of the unique relationship between the two Keydet hoops greats, see page 200 of the 2018-Issue 3 Alumni Review. To find out how to impact cadets for years to come through planned giving, contact Terrie Conrad at tconrad@vmiaa.org or 800.444.1839 extension 238.

Reflections on a Gift: Cavallaro ’84

Cavallaro ’84 2020-Issue 2

Greg Cavallaro ’84 headed VMI’s athletics fundraising arm, the Keydet Club, for 18 years.

He is a tireless advocate for VMI athletes and VMI athletics and built countless relationships with his fellow alumni.

“One of the greatest joys and honors I’ve had over the past 35 years while working in development for the Foundation, Keydet Club and all of VMI, is the collaboration that comes about as a result of the wonderful relationships that were developed with so many of the Institute’s most generous alumni and friends,” he said.

One of his most memorable relationships

was with the late Gordon A. Smith ’43. Smith played basketball and majored in electrical engineering at VMI. He did neither in what became his life’s profession – the high-end carpet business – but VMI remained close to his heart.

“Gordon Smith impacted VMI immensely through his generosity,” Cavallaro said. “His benevolence to VMI is another example of the love, affinity and appreciation alumni have for their beloved Institute. So many of our alumni truly have an ‘uncommon’ desire to give back to the place that has had such a huge and indelible impact on their lives.”

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Progress

The Peay Endowment and the Power of Challenge Gifts

By Scott Belliveau ’83, Communications Officer

From start to finish, the VMI education is all about challenges. During their years in barracks, cadets must balance academics, athletics, the co-curriculum and the military system. Alumni of all ages thrive on responding to challenges in their careers and other pursuits. It is hardly surprising then that two alumni made challenge gifts when they supported the General J.H. Binford Peay III ’62 Endowment for Academic Excellence.

The Peay Endowment first evolved out of the Jackson-Hope Fund, which has pinpointed and funded specific initiatives that strengthened the academic program. Its most recent evolution is from the Institute’s An Uncommon Purpose fundraising campaign, which raised funds that continue to bolster VMI’s commitment to academic excellence. According to Donald M. Wilkinson ’61, the campaign’s chairman and the chairman of the Peay Endowment cabinet, “The campaign went a long way to ensure that VMI will compete successfully with the country’s most distinguished academic institutions and maintain its reputation for excellence. But, the campaign cabinet agreed, VMI cannot rest on its laurels.”

An effort dedicated to strengthening academics became an imperative. “As integral to the VMI experience as our athletic and co-curricular programs are,” Wilkinson explained, “the excellence of the VMI academic program will matter a lot to prospective students as they compare VMI with other schools.” The cabinet decided to establish an endowment to fund academic chairs; merit scholarships; a fellowship program which aims to increase the number of alumni on the faculty; and an unrestricted fund to use wherever it is most needed to fund the Peay Endowment’s operational components. “The purpose is simple: Supercharge academics,” explained Wilkinson.

Wilkinson said the endowment’s name was obvious. “General Peay has done so much to strengthen every aspect of the Institute’s education and put it firmly into the top tier of American colleges. Naming it after him is a proper way to honor his visionary leadership and enhance what will surely be an enduring legacy.”

In 2017, the VMI Board of Visitors approved the Peay Endowment, and the cabinet began the

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fundraising effort. Two alumni, thus far, have stepped up with challenge gifts in recognition of the importance of the endowment’s mission.

Early on, one of the founding cabinet members, Bruce C. Gottwald Sr. ’54, offered a $10 million challenge gift to stimulate support for the component of the endowment that provides for academic chairs. “Increasing support for our faculty has been one of the Institute’s highest priorities for years, which is why the cabinet members made it one of Peay Endowment’s priorities,” said Wilkinson.

Under the new paradigm for academic chairs at VMI, income generated by the endowments increases the compensation of high-performing faculty members. This frees up money that VMI then uses to expand the overall faculty salary pool. “Using this approach,” explained Brig. Gen. Robert W. Moreschi, dean of the faculty, “excellence among our faculty is rewarded which enhances our efforts to retain our best professors. At the same time – and this is important to note – the Institute has more money to ‘raise the tide’ for other members of the faculty which will attract and retain excellent faculty members.”

Gottwald issued his challenge in order to ensure the chairs component had maximum effect in the short term. “I wanted the faculty to start realizing the benefits of this aspect of the endowment as soon as possible.” The results of his challenge: Four chairs are currently funded, and gifts and commitments for chairs account for $16.7 million of the $28 million total committed to the Peay Endowment.

Thomas A. Saunders III ’58 joined the endowment’s cabinet in fall 2019 because he sees continual strengthening of the Institute’s academic program as vital to its future.

“High-quality academics are necessary,” said Saunders, for VMI to continue its mission of “turning out the right type of men and women who, through their leadership, will help guide and strengthen this country. Although few schools can match the Institute in terms of character development, its graduates need a sound academic foundation to reach their full potential.”

According to Saunders, if VMI’s academics aren’t top flight, promising students won’t

consider it. “Ultimately, if VMI wants the very best students, if it’s going to compete successfully with other schools, it will need to offer something that young people today really value, and that is world-class academics.”

Asked why, of his $7 million commitment to the Peay Endowment, he made an initial $1 million challenge gift to support merit scholarships, Saunders cited his experience on the Jackson-Hope Fund’s board of overseers.

One of the highlights, he notes, has been presentations by cadets about their research.

“These young men and women are incredibly impressive,” said Saunders, “and almost all of them are receiving merit-based scholarships.”

“The more merit scholars at VMI the better,” he said, “because they attract cadets of high academic potential and reward those who, after matriculation, go on to be high academic achievers. In talking to professors and the dean, it is clear that these young people improve the overall academic climate at the Institute because, by their examples, they encourage their fellow cadets to broaden their interests and strive even harder for academic success.”

Saunders’ challenge has proven to be an effective one. As of Feb. 1, 2020, an alumnus and his wife responded with a $750,000 commitment. Also, the Class of 1995 has made raising $750,000 for a merit scholarship a goal of its 25th Reunion campaign. In each case, a $250,000 match from the Saunders’ challenge will help create an individually named scholarship within the merit scholarship component of the Peay Endowment. Another $500,000 remains available to match the generosity of anyone who wants to change the lives of cadets and effect the future of VMI in a significant way.

Wilkinson praised Gottwald and Saunders for using challenge gifts in support of the endowment. “Any gift to VMI is powerful because it enhances its ability to continue its important mission,” he said. “Challenge gifts’ power is even greater because they at once bolster important programs and encourage potential donors to engage further in their philanthropy. Thanks to these gifts, the Peay Endowment already is having a profound effect on our academic program.”

VMI Alumni Review

Staff News England Joins Annual Giving Team Austin England joined the VMI Alumni Agencies as leadership annual giving officer in February 2020. A native of the greater Nashville area, England attended Freed-Hardeman University in Tennessee, completing a degree in political science.

Following graduation, he began his career working as an admissions counselor with his alma mater before joining the University of Virginia Office of Advancement as a development associate. At UVa, he worked extensively with

England

the annual fund and the stewardship of major donors with two small organizations within UVa. “Austin brings with him a wealth of higher education and fundraising knowledge. We are excited about the work he will do to expand the roles of leadership donors for VMI,” stated Patti Cook, director of reunions and Annual Giving.

England is very excited to be a part of the VMI Alumni Agencies team and to begin working with alumni. England resides in Staunton with his wife, Summer, and his baby boy, Harvey.

Flora ’22 Interns in Alumni Agencies Communications Office

is Flora’s mentor at the Agencies, and coorCadet Emma Flora ’22 served as the cadet intern dinates internships with VMI’s English departon the Alumni Agencies communications team ment. “She is a hard worker and quick learner. during the spring 2020 semester. On Tuesdays She has tackled every task we have given her and Thursdays during the spring 2020 semester, with quiet cheerfulness, excellent attention to Flora quietly came to Moody Hall – and cheerdetail and great time management. Our whole fully helped the communications team in various team has truly enjoyed having Emma in the aspects. office this semester.”

She learned about Associated Press writing Flora is majoring in English at VMI, and the style, interview techniques and photography. internship helped fulfill her ERH 411 Fieldwork She pitched story ideas and wrote her own story about one of her brother rats. Flora’s story and Flora ’22 credit. She is on a three-year Army ROTC scholarship and hopes to become an Army chaplain. photo were published in the March 2020 TurnShe matriculated from Staunton, Virginia, where she outs email newsletter. On the social media side, Flora created several posts. She utilized her writing skills and attended the Shenandoah Valley Governor’s School, conlearned design techniques, using a free program called centrating in humanities.

“I am really glad I had the opportunity to work and learn Canva. The communications staff taught her about the background operations of a website, video production at the Alumni Agencies,” said Flora. “It was exciting to see my writing published and learn about the behind-theand scripting videos.

“Emma has been a wonderful asset to our team,” said scenes of getting an Alumni Review magazine as well Molly Rolon, Alumni Agencies associate editor. Rolon as other media types out into the public.”

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CLASS NOTES

1941

Stuart Seaton Jr. ’73

Jr. ’73, assisted in compiling the above notes.)

Respectfully submitted, Stuart M. Seaton Jr. ’73

1942 Greetings from the two surviving members of the VMI Class of 1941. Brother Rats Charles Abbitt and Jack Williams send their best to the VMI family.

On Jan. 6, 2020, VMI’s most senior alumnus and member of the VMI Class of ’41, Col. Robert C. Maling, passed away peacefully at the age of 100 after a full life without serious illness until his final days. Having been born in New Jersey, Col. Maling made San Antonio, Texas, his home for the past 50 years.

As with many of his brother rats, Col. Maling entered the military upon graduation and spent the next 30 years as a regular Army officer. He served as a combat officer for 37 months during World War II, where he participated in eight major battle campaigns as well as four amphibious landings under hostile fire. Col. Maling earned numerous military awards, including two Presidential Unit Citations, the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star.

Col. Maling was an officer, a gentleman and a true American hero. His final resting place will be at the Arlington National Cemetery.

(Note: Col. Maling’s son, Robert “Bob” Maling

Class of 1941: Col. Bob Maling while serving in the Army.

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There is currently no class agent for the Class of 1942. If you would like to be the class agent, please contact Norma Robinson at 800/444-1839.

1943 William B. Garber ’64

It’s mid-February as I write these notes, but I suspect you’re reading them in the spring. Hope the winter was not too harsh, particularly for those who live in Virginia and further north. I’m a Virginian by birth (Richmond), now residing on the North Carolina coast, and I remember the winters in the state’s capitol city as well as at VMI. Fortunately, it’s been pretty mild so far this year.

My wife, Marion, and I go to Florida each March to seek warm weather and take in a few preseason Grapefruit League baseball games. We’re big Washington Nationals fans. Think they’ll repeat as world champions this year?

I’ll begin by mentioning that we’re holding strong at seven members in the class!

I still haven’t heard from several since becoming class agent – Settle Frank, Dr. Gunyon Harrison – and hope to have some information to share about them next time. I will mention that they were the first two to have birthdays this year, Settle in January and Dr. Harrison in March.

Jeff Smith ’79 provided the following about his father, Lt. Gen. Jeff Smith: “He was hospitalized in early January for heart failure, and after a week surrounded by family, he is recovering in the Fairfax Retirement Home, working to return to his normal routine. Four of his five daughters are in the area, so he has no shortage of family visits. His first question of me, whether it is over the telephone or in person, remains: ‘How is VMI?’” Judy Winter provided this update: “Judy and Bill loved receiving Christmas cards this December. Bill and his son, Bruce, are enjoying watching

the football playoffs and look forward to the Super Bowl and later the Masters Golf Tournament in the spring.” The Winters reside in New Braunfels, Texas.

Floyd Gottwald emailed: “My objective for this spring’s fishing is to catch a sailfish on the fly rod.

Hope my knots will hold as well as my back.

“Helga and I were lucky to get a chance to shake hands with President Trump recently and were much impressed.

“Very sorry to report the loss of my nephew, Bruce Gottwald Jr. ’81, in a car crash.”

The National Museum of the United States Army will open to the public June 4 of this year.

A dedication ceremony will precede the opening on a date to be determined. As you know, the Class of 1943 is the only VMI class to make a major gift to the museum.

This wraps it up for this edition of ’43 class notes. Hope to be able to stay in close touch with all of you and share the news about brother rats in one of the Institute’s most senior and distinguished classes.

Thanks to all who provided information for this column.

1944 Jonathan Safrit ’10

Let me begin by saying representing the Class of 1944 is the honor of a lifetime. I grew up idolizing the men and women of your generation – to the point that my son is named after two men from that time – and I can only hope that he carries on the values and principles I learned from them.

By now, you should have received my introductory letter and more than likely I have spoken with most of you and met as many as possible thus far. That being said, I have taken the reins as class agent mere days before my first deadline and have not been able to properly reach out to class members and their spouses in order to have something of substance to write about in this issue. This will not be the case in subsequent issues.

I look forward to serving you to the best of my ability.

Mizpah.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

1945 Jonathan Safrit ’10

submitting notes. Dale Wykoff remains the point of contact for the class.

1948B

Lionel T. Wolford

Let me begin by saying representing the Class of 1945 is the honor of a lifetime. I grew up idolizing the men and women of your generation – to the point that my son is named after two men from that time – and I can only hope that he carries on the values and principles I learned from them.

By now, you should have received my introductory letter and more than likely I have spoken with most of you and met as many as possible thus far.

That being said, I have taken the reins as class agent mere days before my first deadline and have not been able to properly reach out to class members and their spouses in order to have something of substance to write about in this issue. This will not be the case in subsequent issues.

I look forward to serving you to the best of my ability.

Mizpah.

1946

William A. Eliason

The Keydet football team did not beat Army Nov. 23, 2019, but they played a very good and competitive first half. I watched the game on TV. We did beat The Citadel, and we did win five games. By VMI standards we had a great season.

Congratulations to coach Scott Wachenheim and the Keydet football team. The 2019-Issue 4 Alumni Review has a picture of Chi Mill’s grandson on page 124. Perhaps many of you also saw the picture. Malachi Mills IV ’20+3 seems to have red hair like his grandfather.

Al Loth (cadet regimental commander 1947-48) attended homecoming Nov. 23, 2019, and likely saw the Keydets top Western Carolina 43-35. He informed me of the visit in the following email.

“Hello, Lionel. I hope everything is going well for you. I made a visit to VMI last month with three of my daughters and a son-in-law and had a delightful visit. We were greeted and treated royally by the commandant, Colonel William Wanovich [’87], and the first captain, Austin Stansberry [’20]. I had almost an hour’s discussion with them regarding my experiences in ‘our’ day and Colonel Wanovich’s plans and thoughts related

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

1947 There is currently no class agent for the Class of 1947. If you would like to be the class agent, please contact Norma Robinson at 800/444-1839.

1948A

Dale E. Wykoff

Editor’s Note: The Class of 1948A is no longer

2020-Issue 2

Class of 1948B: Billy Guin.

Class of 1948B: Al Loth and Cadet First Capt. Austin Stansberry ’20. to the operation of the Corps. I was especially interested in his ideas relative to the integration of women into the Corps and barracks life. I think his approach parallels that of Ruth Bader Ginsberg in her Supreme Court opinion which basically stated, ‘If the females want the VMI experience, give it to them without major alteration.’ I asked if there had been a female first captain (as has been at West Point.) His answer was not yet, but there would be no reason for a female not to be first captain if she rose to the level of eligibility.

“All in all, I was most impressed in what I heard and saw, and I feel that under Colonel Wanovich’s command, the Corps is in excellent hands.

The new and under construction buildings and the VMI Museum were also most impressive. Of course, as Colonel Carroll said at his retirement, ‘VMI ain’t what it used to be, and it never was!’

“Best regards to you and our brother rats, Al Loth.”

Al’s picture together with the current cadet regimental commander, Austin Stansberry ’20, was published in the Institute Report volume 48 No. 4, December 2019. The picture is also included in these notes. Al reported that he still lives in his house in Richmond. His wife, Doris, passed away in 2011. He is “blessed with good health and mobility.” He stays active with house and yard work.

He is in close contact with each of his four daughters, two of whom live in Richmond, one in Virginia Beach and one in Florida. He has nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. I asked Al if he had any information about his old roommate, George Stein. Al reported that he lost contact with George shortly after graduation.

In mid-December, George Ramsey and I exchanged Christmas greetings. George reported that

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Class Notes Harriet and all their large family were doing well.

He also reported that he made contact with Lou Castellano Nov. 25, 2019, Lou’s 93rd birthday.

Lou was doing very well and is the third-oldest surviving ’48B. Jim Warrington, Sept. 19, 2019, and Henry Nalven, Nov. 11, 2019, previously celebrated their 93rd birthdays. A little later, Ed Cortright, Dec. 20, 2019, and Doug Hamner, Dec. 27, 2019, also celebrated their 93rd birthdays.

I also received Christmas greetings from Rod Kallgren of Dearborn, Michigan. Rod is quite active, and I reported on many of his activities in the last set of class notes. Recently, Rod was invited to join a group called “Sport Guys.” Rod and three others are on the local Henry Ford Village TV station for 30 minutes each week. They discuss local, state and national sports. Rod says it is great fun.

On Dec. 23, 2019, I was sent to the hospital because of a leg infection. I was there on IVs for two weeks. I was weak when I returned home, but home health nurses have me in much better shape now. Both George Ramsey and Doug Hamner phoned me and offered get well wishes when I was in the hospital.

This January, I heard on the news that the Navy was naming its new aircraft carrier the Dory Miller.

The heroic Dory Miller was an African American Navy cook on the battleship West Virginia Dec. 7, 1941. Near his battle station, the crew of an antiaircraft gun was cut down by Japanese fire. Dory took over the gun and shot down a Japanese plane.

Dory was personally awarded the Navy Cross by Adm. Nimitz. In June 1944, shortly after ’48B arrived at VMI, I learned from Ed Powers ’46 that one of our brother rats accomplished a similar feat.

On Dec. 7, 1941, Art Harrington was living in family quarters, likely at Hickam Field adjacent to the Pearl Harbor Naval Base. Art’s father was an Army Air Force officer. During the Japanese attack, the crew of a nearby anti-aircraft gun was wiped out by Japanese fire. Fourteen-year-old Art Harrington took over the gun and shot down a Japanese plane. I vaguely remember briefly discussing this incident with Art. Art was one of the 24 to graduate in June 1947. At VMI, he was known as the “fish” because of his superb swimming ability. Art passed away in 1994.

Also in January, I called Nick Harris of Boynton Beach, Florida. Nick was doing well, except for a gimpy back caused by some December golf outings. He is receiving therapy. Nick plans to celebrate his 93rd birthday Feb. 16, 2020.

Meghan Kelly of the Alumni Agencies informed

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me that five brother rats passed away this report period. Also, I received a report that a sixth brother rat passed away. Four of the brother rats were on Norma’s roster, but two were not. By my count, we still have 22 survivors.

J.R. “Bobby” Jones of Franklin, Virginia, passed away Nov. 20, 2019. J.R. came to VMI from Holland, Virginia, and left after one year for military service (Merchant Marine and Army). I remember him well. He was a tall, slim, red headed young man with a high forehead. He is in our class picture. Jed White is to his left. Early in our first semester, we all had to pass a swimming test. About 30 ’48Bs, including J.R. Jones and me, did not pass and we all had to take a swimming class. Actually, I could swim quite well. I was used by the instructors to demonstrate proper technique. But I couldn’t stay afloat for the required time. Eventually J.R. and I passed all requirements and became excellent swimmers. I particularly remember that at some point during the course, it was quite apparent that J.R. was the victim of a brutal beating from some paddle-wielding upper classman. I offered sympathy, but J.R. shrugged it off saying it was part of VMI. While in the Army, J.R. served during the occupation of Japan. He returned to Holland where he was postmaster and grocery store proprietor for many years. He was also a volunteer fireman and a member of the town council. His wife, Jane, passed away previously. They had a daughter, two sons, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Farewell to another great ’48B. Edward E. Hughes Jr. of Harrisonburg, Virginia, passed away Dec. 25, 2019. I believe I remember him also. In the summer of 1944, two weeks after arriving at VMI, and having received vigorous training and constant harassment, my roommate, Cal Woodard, and I were talking things over in our room. We thought the worst was over and that we would eventually become upper classmen. Another brother rat came into our room and reported that his roommate was packing up and going home.

Cal and I immediately went to talk to the young man in an effort to change his mind. We told him that the worst was over, and that he should stick it out. He expressed sincere appreciation of our efforts but stated that he had thought it out and that he was going home. I am not certain, but I believe that young man was Ed Hughes. Even though he stayed only two weeks, Ed was very proud that he attended VMI. While in the Army during World War II, Ed served in Japan. Later, he graduated

from the Medical College of Virginia and was an outstanding pharmacist in Harrisonburg, working until he was 80 years old. Farewell to a short-term but nevertheless great ’48B. Dick Ayres of Alexandria, Louisiana, passed away Jan. 18, 2020. I remember him well. He is in our class picture, front row with Johnny Elderidge to his left and Doug Hamner to his right. I remember Dick mostly from our adventures Jan. 2, 1945. On that day we rode from New Orleans back to VMI from Christmas break on the Southerner, a sumptuous express train. It was a 24-hour trip to Lynchburg.

This was an eventful time in history. We were in the midst of WWII; the Battle of the Bulge was raging in Europe. I had just seen the Sugar Bowl game on new year’s day as Duke defeated Alabama. The entire Duke team was on the train dressed in their Navy V12 uniforms.

Dick and I talked, ate, drank and mingled with the celebrating crowd. We had a great time the entire trip. The Rat Line and semester finals awaited us on our return to VMI. Dick left VMI after completing the second semester for military service (Merchant Marine). Later, he was in the Army during the Korean War. He then completed his education at Georgia Tech and earned a degree in industrial engineering.

He returned to Alexandria and married JoAnn on Valentine’s Day 1951.They were married for 69 years. He founded an oil distribution business which became Petron. Dick participated in many civic and church related activities. More recently we talked on the phone, and since we did not live far apart, planned a meeting. Unfortunately, we had to cancel because of health issues. Dick is survived by his wife, JoAnn; one son; three daughters; and 15 grandchildren. Farewell to another great ’48B. Billy Guin of Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away Jan. 28, 2020. I remember him well. Billy and I met shortly after we arrived at VMI in 1944. He is in our class picture, front row center, one over to the left of the kneeling Jack Keith. We roomed together our third semester in room 156. Our roommates were Bob Duke and “Mickey Mouse” Lawson. I remember him as a very quiet, studious young man who stayed out of trouble. He was a great roommate. He left for military service (Marines) after the third semester. He returned to VMI and roomed with Sonny Laine and Phil Richardson. While at VMI he met Nancy Beale on

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes a blind date. I believed they were married soon after graduation. Billy received a civil engineering degree from VMI. He entered the Army, serving during the Korean War. He remained in the reserve for 30 years and retired as a colonel.

He and Nancy returned to Shreveport after active service where Billy worked as a consulting engineer. Billy was active in politics. He was a member of the Louisiana Republican State Central Committee. Some sources give Billy credit for founding the Republican Party in the state of Louisiana. He was on the Caddo Parish Republican Executive Committee. He also served on the Caddo Parish School Board and was commissioner of public utilities for the city of Shreveport. Billy attended all the ’48B reunions that I attended except the 70th in 2018; we always got together and had a good talk. Billy was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Nancy. He is survived by five children, 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Billy’s daughter, Lisa Guin Leonard, supplied Bill’s picture. Farewell to another great ’48B. Al Stupalsky of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away Feb. 3. 2020. Al came to VMI from Roanoke, Virginia, on a football scholarship. I remember him well. He roomed with Chris Hoeser, Tommy Tucker, Blandy Clarkson and Bob Fretz. He is in our class picture on the upper stairs to the right. He was on the football team in 1944 and 1945 but developed a bad knee. He was manager of the football team in 1946. He was also sports editor of the Bomb. Al was one of the 24 to graduate in June 1947. He earned a degree in electrical engineering. After graduation Al stayed at VMI for two years as an instructor and tactical officer. He married Pat in 1954 and then joined the Corps of Engineers as a civilian electrical engineer and spent two years in France.

He joined IBM in 1960 and moved to Raleigh, North Carolina. Al retired after 32 years’ service.

His most enjoyable spare time activity was working on his house. I believe Al and Pat attended the ’48B 50th Reunion in 1998. Pat preceded him in death. He is survived by five children and nine grandchildren. Farewell to another great ’48B. Sonny Laine passed away Jan. 8, 2020. He came to VMI from Windsor, Virginia, and roomed with R. Fulgham and Bob Goad. I remember only brief contacts with him our rat year.

Likely he was in our class picture on a back row (he was a tall, dark haired, nice looking young man). I made a thorough inspection of the picture

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but could not pick him out. He left for military service (Marines) and later returned to VMI. He roomed with Billy Guin and Phil Richardson.

He met Angela as a blind date at VMI and I believe they were married soon after graduation.

He received a commission as a Marine second lieutenant and later as a captain commanded a tank company in Korea. As a Marine lieutenant colonel, he commanded the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment in Vietnam. He participated in heavy fighting. He was one of four ’48Bs to receive the Silver Star medal. Sonny attended all of the ’48B reunions that I attended, except the 70th. We did a lot of reminiscing at the 55th, 60th and 65th Reunions. He carried the ’48B guidon into Old Barracks for the Old Yell at the 65th Reunion. We sat together with Harriet Ramsey, Ann Wolford and Billy Guin for the class dinner. That was the last time I saw Sonny and Billy. He is survived by four children, three grandchildren and brother Herbert W. Laine ’68. Farewell to another great ’48B. I called George Ramsey Feb. 13, to inform him of the six ’48B passings. George reported that Harriet Ramsey had a fall that resulted in a broken hip. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Harriet. George say he doesn’t like fixing his own meals.

1949A

G. Allen Penniman Jr.

Dear Brother Rats: Once again, I find myself sending you the latest on the Penniman family. The most important thing is that we have changed our address to 333 Lee Drive, Apartment 258, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809. This is an assisted living home in Baton Rouge with everything in the world to do to entertain people of what is called the aging group.

I will tell you more about our facilities, etc. later, but please note the change of address for Joanie and me. Mail will be deeply appreciated.

In the next class notes, I will tell how we are adjusting our lives to this facility. To say it is a drastic change is probably correct, although at this point in our lives, it suits us very well.

I wish all of you good health and happiness.

G. Allen Penniman Jr.

1949B

Ding Patton

On Nov. 22, Greg and Kitty Nelson, Jim Enochs, Virginia Cook, Nobbie and I attended Ben Harmon’s funeral at the Westminster Canterbury Retirement Home in Richmond where Ben lived for many years. Ben will be buried at the Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Be sure to see his obituary in the Taps section of this edition of the Alumni Review.

Greg and Kitty also reside at Westminster Canterbury, and while there, Greg showed us the woodworking shop and his special desk.

The shop is a large, well equipped facility, and Greg has made some beautiful items which are displayed in a case in a hallway in the building.

Who knew that he had such talent?

Buddy Marshall called with his new email address. He said that his recovery from cancer surgery has been slower than he had expected or wanted. He said that June is well but otherwise had no news.

I called Joe Spitler to tell him about Ben’s death, and he had already received the obituary which I asked the Institute to send out to all of the ’49B brother rats whose email addresses they had. If you didn’t get this email, or you haven’t supplied the Alumni Association with your email address, please give them a call and give them your contact information as this is the best way for me to get information out. Joe and Shirley are like most of the rest of us with the health problems associated with our age.

Jim Enochs and I represented ’49B at the Institute Society Dinner on Founders Day, Nov. 11. The program was different this year with the showing of videos which three recent graduates had made while cadets, and then speaking about their careers and accomplishments since graduation. They were very impressive young people and certainly made us proud of the Institute to which they gave credit for their success.

Nobbie, Kitty and Greg Nelson and I attended the funeral service for our great class agent, Dan Smaw, in Snellville, Georgia, Dec. 7. Dan had been in declining health, although he didn’t reveal it when we frequently spoke.

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Class Notes Dan’s grandson, Andrew Timpner ’07, and daughter-in-law, Linda Pruett, invited us to the family dinner the night before the funeral. In order to get an early start and arrive in Snellville on time for the dinner, Nobbie and I spent the night at the Westminster Canterbury home and had dinner with Greg. When we arrived at the church the next day, we were met by Sam Sorrells, who is the director of administration for the VMI Alumni Association. He had a certificate for the family acknowledging Dan’s many years of service to the class and the Institute. Sam had been up all night traveling to Snellville by auto and air. It was good that the Alumni Association took the effort and time to honor Dan in this way. Dan will be missed terribly and cannot be replaced, although with your assistance, I will try to have some news in the Alumni Review and perform class agent activities until someone wants the job. Acting with no authority whatever, but checking first with Jim Enochs and Greg Nelson, I had Nobbie order flowers for the class and paid for them with funds remaining in our class bank account which Greg Nelson maintains.

I called Harvey Bradley to tell him about Dan’s death and hoped that he could attend the funeral, as he was the only brother rat left in the Atlanta area so far as I can determine. Harvey said that because of health problems he could not attend.

He called me later and said he had been over medicated for neuropathy which caused him to fall resulting in a concussion and that his traveling days are over. He has sold his motor home and resigned from his country club as he no longer plays golf. Barbara is still in good health and taking great care of him. I hope that he may still get back to the Institute on occasion, but he was not optimistic.

Tommy Bowers called when he got the notice of Dan’s death. Pam is still making slow progress from her stroke and otherwise they are in good health. They are back in Moorhead City for the winter.

I also spoke with Lon Walter to be sure that he knew his roommate, Dan, had passed away.

He was unable to attend the funeral but sounded great on the phone and said that Doris and he were doing well.

I received my annual Christmas phone call from Jim “Crew Chief” Morgan. Because of Parkinson’s disease, he doesn’t send out Christmas cards but phones instead. Other than Parkinson’s, Jim reports that he is doing all right, but

44

Hester’s health is slowly getting worse. Jim and Hester are fortunate to have a daughter living nearby who helps out when needed.

Our Brother Rat Robert McClanahan passed away Dec. 12. Robert never returned to the Institute after service in the Navy but was a dentist in Salem, Virginia. See the Taps section for more information on Robert, as well as other brother rats who have passed away since the last class notes.

I received an email from Perry Williamson regarding Dan Smaw’s death. It was good to hear from him, and I asked him to stay in touch and send some information about his career since leaving the Institute. Haven’t heard back yet.

Tommy Altizer checked in. He was in Florida for the winter and said that the weather is good but his golf and tennis games aren’t.

Spoke with Boyd Guttery who had not heard about Dan. You may recall that Dan got Boyd reconnected with the class and involved with several mini reunions when Boyd lived in Atlanta before he moved to St. Augustine permanently.

Boyd said that his new congressman, Michael Waltz [’96], is a VMI graduate. The Register of Former Cadets lists him in the Class of 1996. He had been on TV recently and was quite impressive.

That is all for this edition. Get me some information for next time. Maybe writing is above an engineer’s pay grade, but I would think that some of you LAs might know how or at least use the telephone.

Yours in the bonds, Ding Patton

1949C

Haywood France

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

1950A There is currently no class agent for the Class of 1950A. If you would like to be the class agent, please contact Norma Robinson at 800/444-1839.

1950B

Joseph B. Kohen Jr.

Sarah Smith, widow of Edward Smith, wrote her appreciation that the widows of our class are being invited to our 70th Reunion.

Brother Rat John Comerford sent us a newsletter of what he had been up to since graduation. Besides that, I hope everyone is making plans to come to the reunion in April.

“Here it is. When I applied for a teaching certificate in Virginia, I was accredited to teach mathematics, chemistry, physics, earth science and geology. However, I did not have any education courses in child development, education psychology and a course in Virginia history. I rebutted their opinion saying I had three years of teaching freshman chemistry, one year at the University of Virginia and two years at the Air Force Academy which required the students to have a year of high school chemistry. Their reply was that didn’t count for teaching in high school even though they would accredit me for being capable of teaching that subject, because of all the chemistry courses I had taken!

I almost said forget it and accepted a job at Virginia Tech as an administrator for the development needs for Virginia Tech. That job required a slick politician who would spend six weeks or so while the state legislative body to be sure the needs of Virginia Tech were met.

Then if they didn’t, go to the governor’s staff to see that he would add to the budget what Tech needed. It didn’t take me too long to decide I may be many things, but a politician I am not!

So the state of Virginia gave me two years to take the required courses to be certified. In their letter, they said they were giving me two years only because of their shortage of science teachers in the state, and that was in 1976. They still are today, even with greatly increased salaries.

Many years after I started teaching and even after I quit, I had many dealings with the state department of education. What I found out was their hands are tied because of laws written by the legislative body and signed by the governors. I mostly was involved in their standards

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes give him a shot. He had poor math of learning for chemistry and physics. skills, but with a calculator, which all It was the curriculum for those courses the students could use, he might be able both first and second year in chemistry. to do OK. He not only did OK, he got There weren’t enough schools offering Bs both semesters and was well above a second year of physics to write one half the class. I was curious why he for that. All of my drafts were rejected was labeled a slow learner. I found out saying they included too much material when he was in the fourth or fifth grade to be taught in one year. he threw his chair at the teacher, who “Well, I have taken enough of your had just said, ‘Why can’t you be like time, except I will tell a few stories that your sister?’ Turns out he had heard that I am proud of during my high school from every teacher he had since the first teaching years. My first year there, grade. So to get him out of her class, I had 44 juniors and mostly seniors she labeled him a slow learner. His oldin two physics classes. At the end of Class of 1950B: Class members during their cadetship. er sister was a good student who made the first nine weeks, we had to turn in good grades because she studied grades for that time period. I had hard. Anyway, I knew he was col42 As and two Bs. Being my first lege scholarship material as a lineyear there, I took the grades to the backer. He came to me and asked principal for him to see them. I if he could take physics. I told him was ready to defend to the grades. no, he should take our second year He looked at them and he looked algebra and trig class; I promised up and said, ‘How come there are him he would get Lou Cralle, who two Bs?’ He then explained those was known to be a tough but fair students had been tracked since teacher. He said, ‘I’ll never pass.’ the fourth or fifth grade. They I told him if you study like you did were all very smart. That I knew; for me and listen to her like you I finished the text (very poor with did me, I know you will pass and many errors) in the middle of the do well. He did and got a scholarnext nine weeks. So I said, ‘OK, Class of 1950B: John Taylor, center, talked with Jan Abernathy ’67, left, we can sit here and you can have and John Lee ’67, right, on Founders Day 2019. Taylor told stories of his ship to Towson University, thanks to his football coach who gradustudy periods for the rest of the time with the VMI horse cavalry. ated from there. Played four years year, or I can teach you real physand graduated in 4-and-a-half years from there. ics for the rest of the year. There will be some write his own requirements for graduation and parts of the course where you will need cal- would not have to take any language require- Enough said. Jack.” culus. Don’t worry, I will teach you the cal- ment, knowing how he hated having to take culus you will need to solve those problems two years of a foreign language in high school. but don’t think you have had a calculus class. Also told him in his senior year he could beHow many would like to do that, or just have ginning taking graduate level physics courses. Jacob H. Wamsley II an extra study period? Or another option is you He did and was awarded a NSF scholarship to can drop the second semester and take another Princeton graduate school and after six months course.’ Forty-two opted for the college phys- there was accepted into their advanced studies ics. The other two dropped the second semes- physics research program, which contained The pictures are sort of self-explanatory but ter. We had a ball, and I thought I had died and probably the greatest collection of physics just in case, I’ll identify the old men in them. gone to heaven. minds in the country.

“The second case involved a very bright “A different story that I am just as proud of: Carl Carstens and Jim Enochs continue to get student; so bright that when he asked a quesThe head of our department of our academic together for golf several times each year – a picture was taken in Hot Springs Village in tion in class, I wondered if I knew the answer. development students (slow learners) came to Anyway, in his senior year, he was accepted to me and asked if one of her students could take Arkansas. Still no news about scores, though!

The other picture shows us what doctors do in MIT and UVa – his only two choices. I knew my chemistry class. I knew the student who retirement. Jim Close enjoyed some time in his family could not afford MIT, so I recom- was our best by far linebacker in football. I figmended UVa as an Echols Scholar. I told him I ured if he could learn all the plays to play the Florida toward the end of 2019 and had a successful fishing trip while there. This time, the was sure he would be accepted for that scholposition he had to know and do that well, he arship. Told with that scholarship he could might well learn chemistry. Told her we could big one did not get away. Finally, Taylor Hay

1951

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Class Notes summer and will be living close to their sent this picture so we would know what daughter’s home. He says they both are he looks like at his age 89 and countusing canes, as are so many of us. ing. He also notes that he has a total of Henry Pitot checked in from Madison, eight children, 17 grandchildren and five Wisconsin. He notes that he has seven great-grandchildren. children, one of whom is deceased. He If you are interested, look at the Class is going to visit one of them in Phoenix of ’82 notes and read about the retireto briefly get away from the cold. While ment of my son after 27 years in unithere, he plans to visit a cardiologist to form, plus four more years if you count check on his congestive heart problems. the VMI uniform.

A second note concerning Bounce A telephone call from Paul Robinson Carstens was provided by his daughter, says that the health problems he and his Mary Louise, in Dallas. He celebrated his wife are experiencing are continuing – his wife is under hospice care but still Class of 1951: Jim Close fishing in Florida at the end of 2019. 90th just before Christmas with his family plus his roommate, Jim Enochs, and in assisted living accommodations with his wife. Jim brought several photos from Paul. He recalled the Thanksgivings at their VMI days. Helium balloons in red, the Institute – steak breakfast and a bus white and yellow were released in profutrip to Roanoke for the VPI game, along sion. with the chant of, “Far beyond the hills A happy ending to an earlier story – Bob of Blacksburg, etc. ...”

Nolley has a replacement class ring for the Jack Ross and Marie are hanging in one he lost. It was replaced by Gracelynn there with their daughters keeping an Parks and her family, who provided Skip’s eye on them. ring for Bob – another great example of It is good to report that John H. Jorthe brother rat spirit. We can be sure that dan IV ’23 is a rat at the Institute; he is Skip is smiling! the grandson of John and Robbin JorThese notes would not be complete if I dan. Robbin supplied this information. did not mention giving back. A recent rePete Philp has joined those of us who port from the Alumni Association shows have moved into retirement communithat only eight of us have contributed thus ties.

Class of 1951: Carl Carstens and Jim Enochs meet to play far at the end of the second quarter of the Fred Watson and Marilyn checked in golf several times each year, including in Hot Springs VilFiscal Year 2020 – this represents only from their retirement apartment in Dallage, Arkansas. about 20% of us. If you haven’t contriblas to say that all is well. They have exuted, consider this a reminder. With so few of us perienced some minor health problems but conleft, we should be able to reach that 100% goal. tinue to enjoy life in a retirement setting. Dick Cole says all is well in Minneapolis; Marilyn has had some falls but with no aftereffects.

Bounce Carstens admits to a declining golf James M. Mecredy regimen but, like me, continues to give it his best effort – a 150-yard drive in the fairway is cause for celebration.

Sam Scott planned to move into an assisted living facility in Charleston Jan. 2, 2020. One of his It is now a week before Thanksgiving. The daughters will be moving to Charleston and will world and America are distressed. Personally, keep him on the straight and narrow, a full-time we are well and comfortable, while wondering job even at age 93. if the current world crisis will end.

I talked with George Cohen in early December Charlie Hogge had planned on writing last – he is doing fine on Hilton Head Island but in an week to thank me for my write up in the VMI assisted living facility. He is pretty well limited to Alumni Review about his dental surgery expea walker and admits to some memory problems rience – and let it slip. Its arrival occurred at a but sounds fine.

Class of 1951: Taylor Hay at age 89 and most opportune time, since Joan had extensive Roger and Betty Little will be moving from St. counting. dental surgery that very day!

Louis to Houston, Texas, in late spring or early

1952

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes We have been excited and pleased that VMI’s football team seems to be doing much better than usual – even beating The Citadel! Even most of the games they’ve lost have not been total wipe-outs.

What has happened? Have they found another Tom Nugent?

Charlie said he hoped I am fully recovered from my fall and all is well. For information, I have recovered but I lost an inch in my height, and I have to be aware of my posture with exercise and practice “finning out.” Charlie said he is seeing a physical therapist to try and overcome walking bent over – like an ape! I would not put it quite so dramatically.

Red Austermann wrote thanking me for his birthday card. He adds: “I am always pleased to receive these and this one in particular. It is a highly professional photo that shows a unit of the Corps at its best. The service cap and overcoat blend perfectly, etc. Great photo overall.” He agreed with my observation that “growing old isn’t easy.” The golden age ain’t as golden as is so often claimed.

Sally Birge sent me a beautiful Thanksgiving card. First one I have ever gotten. Thank you, Sally.

Estelle Gordon sent this Thanksgiving message.

“Being thankful: Be thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means you have enough to eat. Be thankful for the mess you clean up after a party, because it means you have been surrounded by friends and family. Be thankful for the taxes you pay, because it means that you’re employed.

(Some of us are retired.) Be thankful for household chores, because it means you have a home.

Be thankful for your heating bill, because it means you are warm. Be thankful for the far away parking spot, because it means you can walk. Be thankful for the early morning alarm clock, because it means you’re alive. Be thankful for all this and more. Happy, happy Thanksgiving!”

I received Christmas cards from: Neal Petree, Estelle Gordon, Jim Miller, Russ McCarthy, Harriet Redman, Sharon Piper, Peggy Stallings, Sally Birge, John Greenwood, Carol Clark, Gary and Sandra Pittman, Pat and Ann Spurgeon, Sugar Holland, Barbara and Cecil Welsh, Charlie and Joan Hogge, Jane Wright, Martha Allen, Mary Shoaf, Mary Lane, Ed and Lila Wilbarger, Kathleen Martin, Mary Anne Chamberlain, Clark Britton, Lou and Ella Delisio, Zeke and Sarah Finney, John Taylor, Red Austermann and Langhorne McCarthy.

Sharon Piper sent a beautiful booklet honoring

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the birth of Christ. The booklet includes that the thought of Christmas lives within the heart of each day when we do a kindly deed or give a word of cheer.

Russ McCarthy writes on his Christmas card that, at age 89, he has decreased his walking program slightly. Russ has taken up drone flying. He brought a drone at Office Depot for $29. It was so small that it fit in the palm of his hand. It had one major problem. The hand-held flight control box transmitter could only control the drone out to about 150 feet. When the drone exceeded that 150 feet, it kept going. When it did stop, sometimes it would land in the tall grass. Being as small as it was, it was very difficult to find. The next drone was about 18 inches square. The control box was very powerful and could control the drone out to 200 yards. The only problem with that drone was, as the distant of the drone increased from the control box, there was a delay flight control signal reaching the drone. His first attempt to land the drone was a disaster. It landed up about 15 feet up in a tree. Then he was trying to turn the drone to keep it from hitting a building. It hit the building at a fast speed; to his surprise, it did not hurt the building nor the drone. Russ says the next drone he buys will have a drone instructor attached to the box.

Harriet Redman wrote a Christmas letter to tell of a lecture her granddaughter gave at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. The trip provided an opportunity to return to the school of nursing where she was a student in 1950. Harriet is planning to relocate to a senior living community in North Carolina where she will be closer to her daughter and her son.

In the middle of December, I got a call from Bill Ruffin. He is making contact today because it started raining around 2 p.m. canceling his golf game with Andy Dickenson. He has recently talked to Langhorne McCarthy, Nancy Bookman and Bill Massie. I gave him John Taylor’s phone number so he could call John.

Langhorne McCarthy attended the Founders Day dinner with Joe’s sister, Ann McCarthy Goddard. Her deceased husband, Warren M. Goddard ’53, and Joe graduated in his class after having crammed four years into five.

Mary Lou Shram, the daughter of Bill Shunk, called to let us know that her father passed away Dec. 17, 2019. Bill has three daughters (including her), and he was always a proud VMI alumnus. Bill’s Taps entry can be

found on page 153 of this Alumni Review issue.

The Pittmans had a busy and healthy year. They had two nice events. Jessica graduated high school in June (attends Randolph Macon now), and Julia had a beautiful wedding in October (continues to teach in high school). The grandchildren are great, and their school, college and work keep them busy.

They all try to get to the cottage in Nags Head as often as possible. Gary and Sandra continue to play bridge and enjoy cruising. They had a wonderful transatlantic cruise on the Oceania Sirena from Barcelona, Spain, to Miami. The weather was beautiful and the sea pretty calm. They are looking forward to a family cruise to Mexico over Christmas.

Ed Wilbarger’s Christmas letter described their family activities during the year including a leak in his refrigerator which required replacement of the kitchen floor and drywall in the garage.

We had the same experience a couple of years ago. Our carpet was soaked in a bedroom which we assumed was caused by a water pipe freezing.

After tearing down a wall and breaking up the floor, the plumber asked what was on the other side of the wall. Well, it was the refrigerator that was leaking. Fortunately, the kitchen floor is stone tile, so only the bedroom needed repairing. (Unnecessarily!) We needed a new refrigerator because the leaky one was 25 years old.

Zeke Finney’s Christmas letter contained a montage of family photos, their sale of Rappahannock Concrete Corp. and their efforts to stay active, including a family wedding, golf, playing bridge and Christmas in Florida.

Mary Shoaf writes that the “rhythm” of life at Indian River Estates has been established, and it is what she had hoped to find. The Atlantic Classical Orchestra is still first among her list of community commitments, and they are off to another spectacular season in 2019 with Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, which drew three fine local choruses to complement the orchestra.

Charlie Hogge sent a newsy letter with his Christmas card. He and Joan are well and consider themselves fortunate to be busy enjoying life and in good health for their age. Charlie has begun physical therapy to improve his standing and walking posture. He continues as a health care ombudsman as well as being a member of several Christian study groups.

I received word from Hume Powers III, the son of our Brother Rat Hume Powers, that his mother, Pat Powers, died on Christmas Day after three

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Class Notes months’ battle with cancer. Pat continued to be a good friend of the Class of ’52, and I will miss the correspondence I had with her. One more person we will miss from the Class of ’52.

We lost two brother rats in December. Bill Shunk died Dec. 17. My Christmas letter to Joe Craven was returned marked “deceased.” The Veterans Home does not keep records of deceased patients but sends the records to another location.

They are going to try to obtain more information.

Later, I did receive an obituary from the local newspaper. Joe Craven died in the early evening of March 14, 2019, at the Veterans Home in Yountville, California. He went on peacefully to his next big adventure following a brief illness. He was blessed with the opportunity to connect with family members and dear friends before he went. We were so thankful that Joe was able to attend our last reunion. While at VMI, Joe was named to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities and was a Southern Conference diving champion and head cheerleader. He went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force in Europe. Joe had lived at the Veterans Home in Yountville for the past eight years, where he headed up a weekly karaoke group where he sang (mostly classic country and folk songs) and played harmonica, and he enjoyed playing poker two to three times a week with his buddies. He also long enjoyed writing, trying his hand at writing an advice column called “Ask Uncle Joe,” and a script for a TV sitcom about life at the Veterans Home. Joe was able to attend our 65th Reunion in spite of missing his left leg.

Charlie Hogge writes: “Bill Shunk and I were in Company B and had most of our classes in EE together, so I knew him well. Also, I appreciated both of your cards and found it interesting that our Christmas cards had similar themes – with Christ being the light of the world. I pray daily for President Trump and our nation.”

Army Welford sent a note of thanks for the Christmas card and the effort I made to keep up with Class of ’52 activities. Army reports he and Barbara are doing fine in spite of a few dings here and there.

Neal Petree passed away Friday, Jan. 10, 2020.

He was born in Hopewell, Virginia, Sept. 3, 1929.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Jacqueline C. Petree, and son, Blake E. Petree.

Neal was a high school multisport star for the Blue Devils at Hopewell High School before entering VMI where we remember he was a multisport star but excelled at football, where he was an

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All-American. Upon graduation, he entered the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant and attended flight school. His first assignment was in the Republic of Korea just as the Korean War ended. Neal’s Army career exemplified those things heroes are made of for all who knew him. In retirement, he was a very good and avid golfer and, by his own words, a “great” fisherman as he fished the offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Neal enjoyed life with his family and, of course, his sidekick and friend, Duke, a yellow labrador retriever who was always by his side. Neal was a wonderful father, role model and man. He will be remembered and missed by all of his four children, 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Charlie Hogge responds to Neal Petree’s death: “I don’t know how to explain, but this notice hit me harder than most. Neal was one of four roommates for a few weeks our rat year – before being moved to a football player’s room. The others were John Root Hopkins, Jeff Hanna and Joe Duff. In both John Root’s and Jeff’s cases, I had anticipated their deaths. Knowing how healthy Neal was at VMI, I would not have guessed this.”

We are now down to 50 brother rats still living.

Andy Dickinson writes: “Sad times for sure but on a positive note, happy to report that the BRs of Ruffin, Welch, Pittman, Valack, Ames and Dickinson made it through another year. Go Big Red!” I received a report that the Walter G. Robertson Memorial Scholarship has reached a market value of $185,102 and $7,830 is available for aid this year.

I close with blessings for each of you and better times for our nation in 2020.

Jim

1953

William C. Noell Jr.

And so as I write my class notes on this dreary February day, I regret that I must report the loss of Ann and Warren Goddard’s oldest son, Warren “Dutch” Goddard III ’78. Judy and I attended the memorial services in Bon Air, outside of Richmond, as did Warren and Win Koontz, Ann Artz, and Spider and Bruce Evans. Betty Woodward attended the visitation

but was not able to attend the memorial services due to possible oncoming illness the next day.

It was a very beautiful service with a very large crowd and a reception at the church afterward.

We were able to visit with Ann, as well as Dutch’s wife, Sonia, and his youngest daughter, Virginia. Of Dutch’s two brothers, his middle brother, Steven [’83], graduated in the Class of ’83. Judy and I met both brothers at Warren’s services many years ago but have not seen them since. I also visited with Bill Nolley ’55 briefly, who I have not seen in years – he was asking about our 65th and the Sigma Nu lunch. As for another loss, I received an email from Joe Santa Barbara’s sister, Michele, that Joe had died last year in Hampton and was to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery March 3. Joe was our BR but graduated with the Class of ’54. As far as I know, he has not had any contact with VMI or our class – at least in the years I have been the class agent. It is my understanding that there was not an obituary published on Joe, thus you did not receive one from me via email. Judy and I attended Col. Don Jamison’s [’57] memorial services at J.M. Hall and reception at Moody Hall here in November. He was a longtime civil engineering professor (45 years) at the Institute. He was well respected in town and was dedicated to helping young people as well as cadets.

After the services for Dutch that Friday, Judy and I went to Warren and Win’s for a visit and met their daughter, Mary Hayes, and her husband, Bob, who were staying with them for the weekend. Later, their granddaughter, Katherine, arrived from northern Virginia, and then we all went out to the local Mexican restaurant for dinner. We had a great visit with all, an excellent dinner and then Judy and I departed for Lexington – arriving about 11 p.m. We were certainly glad we were able to make it to Dutch’s services; Ann was very appreciative for all the support from Warren’s BRs. I did write Ann a note after our return. We were not able to see Bill and Agnes Atwill, as Agnes had just had a hip replacement a few days before the weekend after Christmas. Judy and I were in Newport News at my granddaughter’s for the Noell family Christmas. Her husband is a partner and general manager of Tradition Brewery at Oyster Point and is now part owner in the process of establishing another brewery/tap room in Warsaw. On Sunday of that weekend,

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes pursuing water quality improvements and soluwe had lunch with Parker and Annah Cross these days, Lanier Village Estates, in Gainestions for important environmental issues, both in the restaurant at their residence. Afterward, ville, Georgia, as well as a good friend of mine who I worked with in Richmond and Ports- in the U.S. and internationally.” The alumni office we were given a tour of their apartment on mouth many years ago. Anyway, Ches sent me and I are now in the process of obtaining Walt’s the 16th floor, where all windows looked out permission to publish this write-up in the Alumni over Norfolk and the Elizabeth River – beauti- a copy of this very nice article that recently apful views. It was a very nice visit that Sunday peared in their retirement home newspaper. It Review. Last Sunday after church, we took one of our Knoxville 4th Class cadets, Dylan Jacobik afternoon with Parker and Annah – lasted sev- details Walt’s life and his very interesting and ’23, to lunch with one of his friends. As for our eral hours, so we might have overstayed our dedicated service with the Public Health Serother two Knoxville 4th Class cadets, one was on welcome, but we were not going back to Lex- vice, which included several overseas assignington until Monday. Since then, Parker has ments. Walt was commissioned in the U.S. Air guard duty and the other was sacked out after celrecently undergone a three-hour kidney stone Force at graduation but soon after had his com- ebrating being out of the Rat Line.

I missed the Richmond alumni first Wednesday mission transferred to the U.S. Public Health surgery but says it was very successful, and he Service. “Thus began Walt’s lifetime career lunch in February, as we had been in North Carois recouping very well. lina Monday and until Tuesday The ’53 “Richmond and Benight, and then we were going to yond” spring lunch was to be Richmond for the memorial serheld the last Thursday in April vices Friday, so I decided I had at the Country Club of Virenough traveling for that week; ginia – an email was sent out I hope to make the March lunch. on the details. Bill Atwill and And as of this month, I start my Warren Koontz are in charge 33rd year as your class agent and of it this time. Jack Trigg has still none of you are yet demandalready responded that he and ing the task. However, it would Elizabeth plan to attend, and be nice to receive some interestafterward most likely visit ing news/pictures from you for New York City and visit with our class notes – some of you his son, James. However, Jack is recovering from recent back Class of 1953: Gathered at El Paso Mexican Restaurant following the memo- must be doing something very rial service of Dutch Goddard ’78 were Judy and Bill Noell; Katherine, grandsurgery – the disc between the daughter of Warren Koontz; Bob, Katherine’s father; Mary, Katherine’s interesting other than medical problems/procedures. second and third lumbar verte- mother and daughter of Warren Koontz; and Warren and Win Koontz.

Lexington trivia: Lexington brae was herniated and pressnow has a new microbrewery in town, and it is ing on nerves causing pain and disability – will in the middle of town on North Main Street. It not quote the medical terms given on the nerve has only been open a month or two, Heliotrope problem. We assume that he will be well up Brewing. A great addition to downtown Lexingto driving by then. He says, “Timing looks ton. Recently, Judy and I were there for an alumni great.” Ann Artz and Ann Goddard both said gathering, which was a great evening for which at Dutch’s reception that they would be at the we stayed for several hours. The 10-inch pizApril lunch. At the VMI versus The Citadel zas (and I am not normally a great pizza lover, basketball game last month, Judy and I briefly but Judy is) and beer were very good. They also saw Ken and Chris Perry after the game. They have wine, cider and homemade raspberry seltwere here for the scholarship banquet that Satzer available, as well as other light food. There urday night. We were leaving town Sunday is the one back bar, which behind has a row of after church and lunch, as soon as weekend taps for dispensing the beers (about 16). On the guests left, so we could not invite them out for side wall is the food bar for cooking – brick fired a visit before they returned to Richmond. I had ovens. They serve the beer in glasses, like a red an email from Meredith Townes in December wineglass for the small size and a cylinder glass saying that she has remarried to Jack’s first for the larger size. All orders are taken/written cousin, Col. James E. Townes. Meredith says on a tablet, requiring a credit card, nothing in she has known James for many years, and it is scrip, to track your orders. Their menus – one for nice she did not even have to change her name. food and one for beer – are scattered along the They are now living six months in Virginia, bar, and laying on the tables. A waitress delivers Northern Neck, and six months in Florida – Class of 1953: Parker Cross and Bill Noell the food, and you pick up your own beer at the Mount Dora. after Christmas 2019 in Norfolk, Virginia. bar. It seems to be doing a very good business; it Walt Sanders lives in a retirement facility

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Class Notes plots in the local community garden in Addison, Texas. He went in prior years on a weeklong rafting trip on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. He also visited a cattle ranch on the Snake River (River of No Return). Six years ago, they visited the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, a conservation project J.M. Perry Archer run by the Nature Conservatory. It includes over 40,000 acres of prairie and nearly 3,000 bison.

They observed, during the annual roundup, the scanning and transponder process, close up at less than 10 feet. The scanner, a wand, emits a signal that is fed into a computer, by which speStarting with news of another BR’s passing – cific bison are identified. Records are kept on Jack Mowbray died Dec. 27, 2019, at age 91. every animal. It is an incredibly detailed operaRose Mowbray, his wife, wrote Dec. 17 that tion. Other wildlife proliferate, including over Jack was in Commonwealth Senior Living in 80 species of mammals – white tailed deer, bobDanville, Virginia, and 10 days later came the cats, armadillos, beaver, woodchucks, badgers, news of his death. He was a native of Tyrone, coyotes and more. Birds are numerous – over Pennsylvania, and was one of our oldest mem300 species, including birds of prey, such as bers of our class. He grew up in Danville. He bald eagles. Over 400 plant species have been went to George Washington High School and identified. What an experience! was a member of that school’s 1944 Virginia Ann and Connie Via also wrote. They are State Championship football team, also lettering well. Just moved from their home of 54 years in baseball and basketball. He attended Hampinto a smaller place. It was good to hear from den-Sydney College and then graduated in 1954 them, too. from VMI as a civil engineer. Jack entered the Tom and Mercedes Mane sent a card and news.

Marine Corps, where he served for three years, They live in Hingham, Massachusetts, and have after which he went to work with Arabian visited there the Old Ship Church, made (yes) American Oil Company in Saudi Arabia, retirfrom an old sailing ship and feels, Tom says, as ing and returning in 1984 to Danville with Rose. if you’re in the hold of the old vessel. They are Jack and Rose met on Waikiki Beach in 1956 doing well also. and married in 1957. They had two sons, one Lou Drake wrote a nice letter. He is keeping of whom predeceased Jack, a daughter and exClass of 1954: Bob MacGregor spoke his energy and enjoyment of life, maintained by tended family. Jack was a project manager with to environmental leaders in Egypt. the routine enjoyable consumption of tasty helpArabian American Oil Company and instrumenings of ice cream. Lou recomtal in building one of the largest mends that activity to all of us, crude oil storage and loading and I must heartily concur. He facilities in the world, called updated us on Johnny Mapp and the Ju’aymah Crude Storage Jock Wheeler. Like most of us and Offshore Loading Project, they have some health concerns and in the construction of one but manage to get together about of the longest offshore natutwice a month for dinner. At their ral gas trestles, the Ju’aymah most recent gathering they were NGL Trestle. Jack was a scratch joined by Bob Wentz’s widow, golfer with a lowest handicap of Connie. They see Connie about six! He had two holes-in-one. once a month.

He was a member of InternaWe appreciated receiving a tional Seniors Golf Association, Christmas card from Pat Stoy.

Senior Golfers of America and This season we were blessed to the Nature Conservatory.

Class of 1954: Gathered in 1988 were Preston Berry; Connie Hawks, widow receive more information from Bob MacGregor continues of Bob Wentz; Hawks’ son; Fran White; Jay Langhammer; Billy Kingery; Mud and contact by more BRs and with his Caux Roundtable work White; Bill Berry; Betsy Berry; and Bill Berry ’92 as a cadet. spouses than ever before. as chairman emeritus, speaking was very crowded when we were there, and we certainly plan to return. When you return for a Lexington visit, maybe you should try the establishment for a light evening.

1954

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to environmental leaders in Egypt and to the Beirut Cosmopolitan Club. He also met with the Beirut Rotary Club and spoke at other places. He and wife Mari are excellent goodwill ambassadors for ethical and moral capitalism, Caux Roundtable’s mission, as we have previously mentioned in the Alumni Review. They continue also to enroll in classes and follow the lecture series at Hillsdale College. In Toastmasters International we used to yell, “Enthusiasm, enthusiasm, is man’s best friend!” Bob and Mari have enough enthusiasm to energize and inspire all with whom they interact.

Heard from Don Walden at Christmas. He and wife Maureen are retired from their beloved snow skiing. It was through that sport that they met 27 years ago. They were both in the same ski lodge in Aspen. Maureen, a native of Australia, still plays tennis three times a week. Don has two

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1954: Shirley Archer in her Houston Astros Spacette uniform.

Mud White sent news as well and a 1988 photograph that includes Preston Berry, Connie Hawks, Connie and Bob Wentz’s son, Fran White, Jay Langhammer, Billy Kingery, Mud White, Bill Berry, Betsy Berry and then-Cadet Bill Berry ’92.

Mud says he and Fran are enjoying the “joys of aging” but doing well. He and Fran are still traveling and visiting grandchildren, as well as their son.

Last summer they watched their Carlton College junior, Joe White, play ultimate Frisbee (under 24 coed) for the world championship in Heidelberg, Germany, and they won! Congratulations, Joe and team! Quite a feat.

Somber news just received from Mud – Bea Ramer, wife of George Ramer, passed on during Christmas week in Culpepper. Condolences, George to you and the family. ’Til next time.

1955

Read Hanmer

Here I am still trying to fill in for Read Hanmer, and we all still wish him all the best toward recovery. This set of class notes is rather sparse from my last request, but the response

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for the 65th Reunion has been good. A lot of you responded directly to the hotel, so it looks like ’55 will be well represented. I guess everyone is saving up stories for the reunion in April. I’m writing this in February and you will be reading it in May, after the reunion. It is understood that bragging about children or grandchildren or great-grandchildren is a special privilege, not certified, and is a very rich shared experience.

I had a phone conversation with Larry Price a while back, and he told me he had been in a serious car accident with a resulting period of recovery. He not only says he’s recovered, but he now has a new car and will be at the reunion.

When I received a confirmation from Ben Semmes, I returned an email with a teasing note that he didn’t have to bring his tuba (if you remember the tuba solo he played at finals) to the reunion. He responded, “Since I never owned a tuba, I haven’t been able to serenade the neighbors for 65 years. In a way that has been unfortunate, because I might have enjoyed playing with a band or orchestra. But then I would have had to practice!”

I had a long and welcome response from Bob Rennicks telling of his life and accomplishments since graduation. I sort of reformatted his response to fit this column, but I think you’ll enjoy his accomplishments – especially how he and Clara found their retirement place.

He said, “This is a condensed history of my life since graduation. I served two years as a research and design engineer for the U.S. Air Force, and upon release from active duty I started 34 years in engineering and construction for four major oil and chemical firms building new facilities in the U.S. and abroad, ending up as director of E and C for Dart & Kraft, Inc. I also obtained a Master of Business Administration from Pace University. Along the way, my wonderful wife and I managed to raise three fine children (lost a son to leukemia at 17). In 1991, Clara and I both retired. We decided to relocate somewhere near the ocean in the south. After several months exploring on our sailboat, we decided to settle in the Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, area, and have been living there to this date. We both have remained very active in various community and club activities. Clara just earned the ACBL Gold Life Bridge Masters Award, among many

others, and I was just awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from our local Moss Creek Tennis Club. I’m still swinging away and don’t plan to stop any time soon! Looking forward to being with the BRs again!” Way to go, Bob. With regret I need to inform you that taps has sounded for Birch Phillips. Birch died Jan. 31, 2020. His complete obituary will appear in the next Alumni Review. I would encourage you to read this and note the many accomplishments.

In closing, I would remind you that about the time you will read this will also be the time that class notes are due for the next edition of the Alumni Review. As of now, as I write this, I don’t know who will be writing up your contributions – me or someone else. Nevertheless, as you read this and reflect on our recent reunion, remember, we are a very special class of the “crowd of honorable youths” who pressed up the hill of science together. ’55, ’55, ’55.

Barney Lawless

1956

Richard M. Smith

I received a beautiful note from Sallie Holsinger thanking the class for the standing floral arrangement sent for the memorial service and reception last month in Roanoke. We had five to attend the service. She pointed out that Hoppy was a founding member of the Washington Arch Society at VMI. He was sent a legacy medallion with condolences from the VMI Foundation. She had it engraved in the headstone where he is buried in Monticello Memorial Gardens in Charlottesville across from Michie Tavern. He was an adamant supporter of VMI’s football teams, attending games as long as he could.

I received a phone call from BR Bill Nelson who had had a long conversation with Jimmy Thurmond. They both have experienced the fact that their wives had dementia. Bill just lost his recently, but Jim’s has been in a care facility for six years. She has a visit from him twice each day although she doesn’t recognize him. He told Bill that he doesn’t know of any BRs within 1,000 miles of San Antonio.

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Class Notes in the Marines but changed to He would like to communicate Navy in order to get approval with any classmates coming that to fly due to his age. They both way anytime. Jimmy contacted have done well in schooling. me to get Motsy Foster’s phone Their family is scheduled to number since he had heard from have a reunion in August near her with a card Christmas. After their old home in Inglewood, informing him of it, we had a Florida. Pete and Sue Jennette nice chat. He was at the nursreported they paid a visit to ing home getting his wife’s hair Dave and Anne Blair and spent done as he does each Thursday the night with them in Florida. before taking her out for a short They met with Pannill Jones while. His continuing attention for lunch at Leverocks Resto her needs is a wonderful testaurant in Englewood. Dave is tament to his dedication to his wife, Melissa, of 63 years. We Class of 1956: Pete Jennette, Dave Blair and Pannill Jones met for lunch. downsizing and moving into a condo, something many of us talked about the relationship of Jim Foster to Johnny Morgan ’55 when he and Dick Justice emailed me that his great-grand- are considering. He is still active teaching kids Morgan were on the VMI board during the trial daughter, a senior in high school, visited VMI on and some adults to sail. He is finding it harder about women coming to VMI. prospective cadet weekend and is seriously plan- and harder to get in those small boats. Old age is a #@$!&! They all plan to be at the next reunion Dick Justice wrote that he talks with Walt Donning to attend. She would be in the Class of 2025. ovan occasionally and finds him improving and She and her mom are wearing VMI sweatshirts. in 2021. Last fall the Jennettes took a boat trip content and happy. He stays in touch with room- Dick talks with Walt Donovan frequently and (all old geezers) up the Columbia and Snake Rivmates Bill Menefee, Walt Tatum and Hop Gra- says he is doing very well after having a stroke ers. Next summer, they are booked on a trip to ham. He also talks with Betty Herr, Frank Wig- several years ago. Walt has become a big fan Iceland. Gotta keep going!

That about does it for this class agent report. gins’ sister, who lives in Staunton and worked in of UVa basketball. Walt gave him a copy of the the superintendent’s office when we were there. book, “Virginia’s Ring.” Its setting was around Thanks to all who contacted me with some inDick still plays golf a couple of times a week, but Lexington and Richmond near Monument Av- formation.

Yours in the spirit – Rah Virginia Mil. says his best drives now are a “ladylike” little tap. enue close to where he now lives. He thought Dick His son, Dick Jr. ’82, lives on Smith Mountain it was interesting except the conclusion wasn’t Lake and has cracked the code on catching stripvery good. I have also read it and agree with his ers. He also shellacs me on the golf course lately. assessment. Walt gave him a copy of the 1952 I had an interesting note from Motsy Foster Matriculation register where he had signed it. He George Sydnor Jr. saying she had found a football ticket from 1953 now has it on the wall of his office. first game of the season that cost $2.50. She reI talked with Fred Farthing and learned he was membered Jimmy was playing quarterback that having some problem with his PSI reading again Howard Lawrence game. which is causing him some concern. It’s keeping Jack Prizzi wrote that he has changed the real him from playing as much golf as he would like. estate firm and, in December, was installed as We’re hoping they can get it under control so he president of the Hamptons and North Folk Recan get back on the course soon. I had a call from altors Association, which made him a member BR Scott Boland wanting to know when I was of the New York State Realtors Association. He coming to Florida to visit with them. I told him it comments that this is a lot of eyewash but ensures was still up in the air but it wouldn’t be before the a lot of work ahead. He told me he still enjoys middle of March if I go. He had heard from John The Virginia Military Institute. An uncomworking, and as long as his wife is still working, Kirshmier’s friend, Jeanie, who looks after him he plans to continue also. in Raleigh, North Carolina. She told them that mon purpose!

This is the year of the rat! And let’s all celLes Belsha called to give me some info for John was doing better. my class report. He and Don Heslep visited Bill I also talked by phone to Spider Allison who ebrate each and every one of our brother rats!

Once more we begin with our dutiful remindLamb at his retirement place in Richmond. He is had been having trouble getting in touch with not very active or outgoing these days but is doing me. I got him straight on my phone number. He er: “All the news that is fit to print.” Our news OK. Les and Pat had dinner recently with Jim Ste- also was interested in when I planned to visit depends on your input. We value your news, vens whose health is not very good after a heart at- them in Florida. I told him the same as I did photos, suggestions and constructive crititack some time ago. He has a nurse friend, Diane, Scott. He has one grandson getting his flight cisms. Let us hear from you; we want everyone who lives with him now and cares for his needs. training in the Marines and another who was in the class to be a contributing member. We need

1957

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes some 160 years ago “preaching everyone to be on board. the gospel to the Yankees.” But We cannot begin this issue Tony then wryly says, “I believe without the somber acknowlI have the class record for stents edgement that our ranks continue (11), wives (1), kids (7) and to thin. grandkids (19).” (Class agent’s Since the writing in August, we question: What did you do in have lost Don Jamison, Larry your spare time, Tony?)

Wise, Wallace Pawley, Charlie Wiley Clapp noted: “Nothing Jeckell and Russ Davis, our class new, just getting old – older,” and president. Those of us remainapparently is still active as a field ing in ranks from graduation day editor for the National Rifle Asnumber 86, add to that those 12 sociation with articles on pistols who completed the Rat Line, but appearing regularly in American did not stay for graduation and Rifleman. we have 98 brother rats in ranks.

Dick Collier reported in that We have 50 widows whom we Class of 1957: William Giles ’60, Don Coombs, Marshall Mundy ’56, Sgt. all was well in Richmond and strive to stay in touch with for a Maj. Tom Sowers, Howard Lawrence and George Sydnor. with his custom home building total of 148 ’57ers on our mailcompany, of which the tagline is “marrying a love ing list and class roster. Attending the memorial and appreciation for the beauty of the old with the service for Don Jamison in J.M. Hall Saturday, functionality of the new.” (Class agent’s note: We Dec. 7, were Brother Rats Lynn Avis, Bob Bolare sad to report that Dick recently lost his son-inling, Dick Collier, Kirk Hubbard, Howard law and “right hand man” Warren “Dutch” GodLawrence, Ron McManus, Joe Spivey, George dard ’78, who passed away Feb. 1. Our sincerest Sydnor, Harry Warner and John Whittle, as well condolences, Dick.) as with Sister Rats Patti Hammond, Shay Peters Bill Colvin is well and enjoying his retirement and Ann Spivey. The closing recessional was “You years in Martinsville. Waverly Dickens is enjoyAre My Sunshine,” which Don and Priscilla sang ing his retirement years out in Alvarado, Texas, to each other every day throughout their married and reported that he had retired as a lieutenant life ... now, “That’s the Jammer.” There was a large colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. attendance by Don’s past cadet students and facKenny Dickinson continues to make a name for ulty led by Gen. James Morgan ’45 and Gen. J.H. himself down at Merritt Island, Florida, and had Binford Peay ’62. A reception was held in Moody recently declined a position at the local elemenHall following the service.

Class of 1957: Bill Gay, Drewry Fox and tary school to teach English diction and grammar An update to the class gim list shows captain of Windy Whitfield during their ritual fishing trip before reporting for cadre duty.

(Class agent’s note: Good decision Kenny). Then the gim “Big John” Quillen, and includes Lynn K.K. had the temerity to say: “I was astonished to Avis, John Emmerich, Bill Haas, Jim Rust, Bob discover that VMI now has a course in tropical Rader, Ray McKay, Bob Hall, Phil Miller and Roanoke surroundings and enjoying the area, Bob Newbill. We would like to set up a periodic especially Don on the golf course at the Roanoke marine biology study. Cadets sail to multiple sites off the coast of Belize to scuba dive. Even I could call program to check in with those on the gim and Country Club playing with John Whittle and occheer them on to full recovery. And the volunteer casionally with Howard Lawrence. Claiborne pass that course without summer school.” (Class Coupland is doing well, enjoying his hobby of agent’s note: Now don’t get carried away here, is: Don Coombs, who will take on this new and K.K. – better give it more thought.) important BR reach out initiative. We closed the carving duck decoys. (Class agent’s note: Make And then the irrepressible Nick Kallelis chimed last issue with the note that, due to space limita- mine of a wood duck, Clai.) Dave Davenport is also doing well down in “old” Tucson and remi- in that he and Carmen are in excellent health and tions, we were not able report on the BR reach out enjoy traveling, noting that their collective famiprogram from team captains No. 2, Paul “P.D.” nisced with Phil about the cabin he used to own Phillips; No. 4, Ron McManus; and No. 9, Dre- in the Dahlonega, Georgia, area which was about lies keep on growing with eight grown children, 15 miles from Paul’s home in Gainesville. Wife 15 grandchildren and eight-and-a-half greatwry Fox. So here we go: Paul Phillips reported that he talked with Su- Ann taught nursing at North Georgia University in grandchildren. (Same class agent’s note question as above to Tony.) san and Bob Christopher and both seemed to Dahlonega for 17 years.

Paul had a nice phone visit with Tony DiCesare Carter Fox wrote an exuberant note following be doing well. Bob is using his cane to keep the Keydets’ 34-21 conquest of The Citadel Saturmobile and Susan has had both knees replaced. and discovered that Tony does some preaching day, Oct. 6, and the subsequent return of the Silver Everything good on the Northern Neck. Don occasionally and quipped that Tony was taking up where Matthew, Mark, Luke and John left off Shako to the “I.” He said, “Couldn’t be prouder Coombs and wife Judy have settled into their

2020-Issue 2

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Class Notes of our Big Red team! Elinor and I moved into The Citadel’s Charleston home territory in 2004.

Outnumbered by the local Citadel alumni, we did our best to represent the Institute, but the shako games proved elusive until this year when headlines blared: ‘VMI came close last year, but the ’dogs were shaken up this year. Rah Virginia Mil,’ – quotes from Charleston Post & Courier.

“The ‘beef’ on this year’s players would turn Joe’s and Carl’s heads to the shower wall – great recruiting job. George Marshall’s [’901] Pennsylvania home state has given VMI another hero in quarterback Reece Udinski ’21; thanks to everyone for a winning performance.”

Ron McManus reported that between him and Ben Elmore, they had talked with Drewry Fox, Bob Fravel, Bob Garrett, Bill Gay, Clint Glover, Bill Haas, Lionel Hancock, Jerry Harden and Milton Hargrave. All seem to be doing OK, but with Jerry reporting that he had been ill with things not going too well, adding that he is gradually recovering from the illnesses and values his time with his three great-grandchildren.

Drewry Fox reported that John St. George can still shoot an 80 from the white tees and was continuing to “wax eloquently” over his first ever hole-in-one, his exuberance not diminished by a barrage of questions as to which local putt-putt course it had occurred on.

Jim Snead is in a nursing home suffering from advanced dementia per a conversation with his wife, who asked that he be placed on the “do not call” list, but perhaps she would like to be contacted by a SR from time to time.

Joe Spivey indicated he and Ann were doing well, all things considering.

Tom Robinson, Fritz Scholz and Van Sessoms were all happy to report that their lives were going well, all things considering, noting that we all have memory problems to some extent. Tom lives in Venice, Florida, after a successful career in the Air Force. Jim Rust, per a recent call to his wife, Barbara, has numerous health issues but determinedly “soldiers on.” Van has a girlfriend (Class agent’s note: A retired Episcopal priest and a wonderful lady), enjoys winters in Florida, and his cabin in Rockbridge Baths along the Maury River near Goshen Pass. Fritz taught school in Leesburg, Virginia, for 38 years. Drewry noted: “I always enjoy making these calls, it seems like I just spoke to them a week ago.” (Class agent’s note: It is fascinating that for as long as we have known one another, we often learn

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something new from these phone contacts).

An example of this is a recent conversation Howard had recently with Tiger Locke who told the story of losing his father at the age of seven in 1943 during WWII in a combat flying accident. His dad was an airman and radio operator on a C-47 U.S. Air Force cargo plane flying “the Hump” hauling gasoline from the India/Burma Theater to a squadron of B-17 bombers in support of the Chinese nationalist forces under Chiang Kai-shek near Chunking in central China. The C-47 had become disoriented/lost during a heavy storm over the Himalayas while en route to the war zone and crashed before reaching its destination.

Supplementing calls were made by Howard who had good phone conversations with Betsy Davis, Bob Newbill on his 85th birthday, Betty and John St. George, Florine and Bill Moore, Milton Hargrave, Harry Warner, Joe Spivey, John Poffenbarger and Joe Moody; all were positive and appreciated the call.

Nick “the Greek” Kallelis recently sent a nice note advising of a recent trip to Pennsylvania where he had the opportunity to visit with Carl Kasko ’59 and Bill Nebraska ’59, reminiscing of many March visits to Florida over the years to watch preseason baseball. Carl and Bill are from Pennsylvania and are naturally Pirates fans. They watched the Pirates at their training facility, attended several games and even managed to play a couple of rounds of golf in between. Nick stays in touch with roommates Don Coombs and Ray MacKay and connects with Ernie Edgar ’58, who was the first sergeant of Company D our 1st Class year. Nick went on to say that when he visits his daughter in Reading, Pennsylvania, he makes it a point to visit with SR Joyce Schladitz, recently spending about an hour reminiscing, and looks forward to another visit soon. Hopefully when Joyce visits her daughter in Lynchburg, we can get together with Judy and Don Coombs.

Garland Sullivan reported in following an interesting conversation with Bob Blocker. Bob has, and lives on, a 1,300 (+/-) acre ranch outside of Markham, Texas, some 90 miles southwest of Houston, with around (+/-) 400 head of cattle. A just-received email from Bob: “My daughters live in Florence, Italy; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Austin, Texas. My sister lives in Vienna and a brother in Rio de Janeiro. I go to visit them every year. My roommates were Robert Wood, Wade Douthat and Robert Susnar. I appreciate receiving your cards and still follow VMI through the Review

and other notifications. I live at the ranch and should a BR wish to visit there is lots of room.”

(Class agent’s note: Sounds like enough room for a Class of ’57 reunion). Bob went on to tell the story about how his mother had insisted that he go to VMI for at least two years; then, if he still wanted to switch to the University of Texas at Austin, she would approve the change. Looking back Bob wistfully said he wished he had stayed and graduated from VMI with his brother rats.

A note from John “Pag” Paganelli indicated that all was well with the Pag family, three kiddos and six grand-kiddos, all out of college and working ... whee! Bill Gay responds that he is still alive and “kickin” and plans on attending the 65th. A note from Skip Richardson said: “All my boys turned out to be girls; however, they have given me six grandsons and three granddaughters. The grandkids ranging in age from eight to 38, and from that I have three great-grandkids.” (Class agent’s note: Now, who can beat that?).

Then there was Jay Musser: “We are feeling great and heading to Mexico for a couple of weeks.”

George Sydnor, Howard Lawrence and Don Coombs, accompanied by Marshall Mundy ’56, attended the Old Corps Luncheon at VMI Oct. 24.

We heard a fascinating talk delivered by the sergeant major at VMI, William T. Sowers, a retired 30-year veteran of the Marine Corps. He worked with/for several VMI grads during his career in the Marine Corps.

Sgt. Maj. Sowers is impressed how new leadership emerges from the Corps on an annual basis without a hitch, continues to be impressed with the way the cadets manage the Corps and noted the Corps’ high graduation rate, 3.71 high school GPA and 1200-plus SAT scores. Of the 515 rats this year, 49 have “packed it up” – about the historic normal rate of 10%. The Corps continues its traditions of excellence, and daily routines are about the same.

We observed that intensified physical training is visible everywhere on post. And there is a concentration on rifle and pistol firing training that we did not have as cadets. Cadets can now use summer travel for advanced educational opportunities. Our ROTC performance has never been better with our cadets earning the highest marks in the national ROTC competitions.

The sergeant major commented that with about 60% of the graduating class being commissioned, VMI is contributing larger numbers to the military.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes There are six sergeant majors permanently employed at VMI; they work directly with cadets as “real world” advisers. And it is notably apparent that the cadets identify with these senior soldiers and listen closely to their advice. (Class agent’s note: Howard has a copy of the speech outline and will make it available upon request to anyone wishing a copy).

Howard and son Coleman Lawrence ’89 attended the annual Keydet Club Scholarship Banquet at Marshall Hall in January. It’s attended by Institute officials, scholarship sponsors and cadet recipients – a very impressive gathering and quite a moving experience to hear cadet athletes, past and present, provide overviews of what VMI athletics provides, and has provided, in leadership training.

Later in January, the 17th to be specific, we celebrated the beginning of the new year with a social get together and lunch at the Shenandoah Club in Roanoke for area BRs, including some not-so-local. A good turnout of 25 had one heck-of-a good time. So successful was the gathering of BRs, wives and SRs that we have decided that a second one should be held, this time in the Tidewater area, likely Williamsburg and, with continued success, will spread out to other locales.

In the picture commemorating the Roanoke event are Suzanne and Lynn Avis, Pat and Howard Lawrence, Toni and Jim Piggott, Shirley and George Sydnor, Rosalie and G.E. Murray, Loretta and John Kuchnia, Ann and Joe Spivey, Bob Bolling with Lea Whitbeck, Judy and Don Coombs, John and Carole Whittle, Dick

Collier, Nick Kallelis and SRs Patti Hammond, Shay Peters and Sis Douthat. We were sorry that Bob Colvin, Sis and Harry Warner and Alice and Bob Newbill were unable to attend.

Howard was the organizer for this one; John St. George will chair our Williamsburg gathering in April – thereafter ...? Comments from the SRs in attendance indicated the event was thoroughly enjoyed and that they felt so included and cared for.

(Class agent’s note: Thank you, gals; you are all “part of us” and part of the Class of ’57.)

Speaking of our SRs, Patti Hammond wrote: “As for news for myself, Sharon Peters and I had an amazing trip to Colorado this July. We were in Denver, Buena Vista and Breckinridge. The weather was gorgeous! I also had wonderful beach trips to my place at Myrtle Beach and to Sandbridge this summer. And I called Betty Mixson and Marilyn Landis – both have some health issues (don’t we all), but both are doing well.” Then, a nice note from Betty Mixson: “It’s nice to read about Joe’s classmates and their families, and I appreciate your reach out program of keeping everyone in the loop – even the sister rats. It was nice to hear from Patti Hammond, and thanks for the birthday remembrance and photos of Joe and classmates. At 84, I’m blessed to be in good health and enjoying life, especially time with our five children and spouses, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

I still correspond with the Newcombs who are still living in their home and doing well.”

Ann Gilmore wrote citing the reach out program for all brother rats and sister rats and the sharing

Class of 1957: Present at a class social in Roanoke, Virginia, Jan. 17, 2020, were Sis Douthat, Bob Bolling, Lea Whitbeck, John Kuchnia, Loretta Kuchnia, Patti Hammond, Dick Collier, Shay Peters, Nick Kallelis, Judy Coombs, Don Coombs, George Sydnor, Jim Piggott, Toni Piggott, Shirley Sydnor, Lynn Avis, Pat Lawrence, Ro Murray, Howard Lawrence, Suzanne Avis, G.E. Murray, Ann Spivey, Joe Spivey, John Whittle and Carole Whittle.

2020-Issue 2

of timely news about all. Ann indicated that she spends the summers in Wise River, Montana, and the winters in Oxford, Mississippi. The division of time between the two works well for her, and the family held a celebration of the mountain house for her 80th birthday. And, a nice note was received from Pat Saunders with favorable comments: “Love the Alumni Review and enjoy reading the news of the ’57 guys.”

Stop the presses! A note just received from Paul Muldowney called your class agent’s attention of a “grievous” error made in the just received Issue 1 – to wit, a gender misclassification. “It is my grandson, guys, not my granddaughter, who is a 2nd Class cadet and co-captain of the men’s ... not women’s ... swim team.” But P.D., tongue in cheek and obviously playing with us, could not contain himself: “Good friends you both turn out to be.

Giving no warning or heads-up that a TAC officer had come up the steps behind me and was walking me like a puppy dog down the stoop. Everyone was cheering and laughing, but no one alerting me to the situation. However, I don’t remember even getting boned.” (Class agent’s note: The reason you didn’t get boned, Muldowney, was that Col. Nichols ’44 was laughing so hard he couldn’t get a grip on himself ... the two of you should have been on Broadway).

“Now to the point, my grandchild is highly [upset]. His name is Thomas Muldowney, and he is a 2nd Class ranker in the Corps, co-captain of the men’s swim team, recipient of a Naval ROTC scholarship and most importantly of all has worn stars his entire career at the Institute. Needless to say, he is a huge source of pride to Lovie (Harriet) and me. After I explained the mistake that we were BRs together 67, that’s 67, years ago, he extended his most sincere apologies for getting [upset].” Well, Paul, your son, Mark Muldowney ’86, later explained that you were just “playing with us.”

An interesting note as we move to close in this issue. Instead of “fast forward,” try “fast backward” to the 2019-Issue 3 Alumni Review, pages 75-76, that contained the infamous recipe for the mint julep contained in a letter dated March 30, 1937, from Lt. Gen. S.B. Buckner Jr. ’906 of Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, to his close friend and comrade-in-arms Maj. Gen. William D. Connor, superintendent of the West Point U.S. Military Academy, dated March 30, 1937.

George was perusing a book entitled “War in the Pacific” (c. 2011 by Elephant Book Company

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Class Notes Limited) recently and was startled to see the following commentary on the Battle of Okinawa: “On June 18, the 10th Army commander, Lieutenant General Simon Bolivar Buckner Jr., was visiting advancing Marines when a Japanese 47mm shell hit drove a coral fragment into his heart. He was the highest-ranking American officer to die in combat.”

George and Howard want to thank those of you who have returned our Class Agent Performance Survey that was mailed with birthday cards starting this past September and continuing to the present day. The feedback about our performance and news of yourselves and VMI friends has been terrific and a great help to us.

So, hang in there, brother rats ... this is our year, the year of the rat. God bless you all! Proud to be your class agents.

George and Howard

so many things as well as having many things in common. Tom and Earl Bennett shared a trait that is rare: Time made no difference our relationships.

We picked up the conversation where it ended the last time we saw each other. The true sign of friendship is easy familiarity and that describes my feelings toward Tom.” Roy Palmer said, “I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear of Tom’s passing. I thought he was doing great, and I always teased him that he must be wearing a wig because his hair looked like that of a teenager. As it has been said, ‘Fate is the hunter.’”

1958

Lee McCown

It’s February, as I write these notes, which is a month full of birthdays in our family but also a month when the Christmas tree is often still up, as it is now. But in a few days, we’re headed to Florida for a week in hopes that some elves will take it down while we’re gone.

As you all know by now, Tom Nance died Nov. 24. His wife, Ru, let me know that he had been diagnosed with pyloric stenosis, a rare and hard to diagnosis condition, in July 2018. “After many tests and trials ... he recovered nicely and was able to eat and be pain free for about 12 months. This past August, symptoms returned.

His gallbladder was removed in October and then in early November, he was diagnosed with abdominal carcinoma.” After another surgery, Ru says Tom died eight days after his discharge from the hospital. “Tom loved his brother rats and was in contact with Charlie Hayes on a regular basis.” Tom is also survived by children Stephen Nance and Kimberly Major. Ru can be contacted at RuNance@att.net, (321) 752-9516 or (321) 298-2458, 449 Renaissance Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32940.

About Tom’s passing, Charlie Hayes said, “Tom and I were friends because we felt the same about

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Class of 1958: Cadet Michael Tomaso ’21 and his mother, Becky, at his Ring Figure ceremony.

Class of 1958: Drew Troxler as a young captain in Vietnam in 1969, where he led Troxler’s Truckers.

Steve Thomas ’81, son of our BR Bill Thomas, said, “This would really have affected my mom and dad. They spoke often of Tom and Ru. So sad.” Rest in peace, Tom, and our deepest sympathy to Ru and the family.

Roy Palmer sent a photo documenting that his life as a pilot continues at age 82. “This was taken at the Dubai Airport a few months ago,” he said, “when I was ferrying a Boeing 777 to Tucson.

The pilot on the right [in the included photo] is in his 50s, and the one in the middle is in his 60s. Of course, my outer skin is in the 80s, but there is still a 25-year-old trapped inside.

“There were three pilots because of a planned 18-and-a-half-hour, non-stop flight from Dubai to Tucson. If you check the globe, Dubai is just south of Iran. Our great circle route took us directly across the middle of Iran. I would not go that way with the present climate.

“That particular Boeing 777 freighter was only eight years old and in great shape. Emirates Air had sold the airplane to a U.S. outfit called Atlas Air. The airplane received a major inspection in Tucson and was then leased to a new customer.”

Whenever Roy sends these great emails, he always ends by asking, “When are we going to have a mini reunion?” As you all know by now, he is getting his wish. Our mini reunion is set for Saturday, Nov. 21, with all welcome at the class reception before, during and after the 4:30 p.m. parade Friday, Nov. 20, in Moody Hall. We’ll have a Saturday football game against Mercer, our class dinner and the excellent hospitality room at the Robert E. Lee Hotel.

Laura and I are big fans of the calendars that Stirling Williamson’s daughter, Blair, who runs the family paving business, S.L. Williamson Company, does every year. Laura thinks it should be entered into every national corporate communications contest. It is filled with great photographs, jokes, funny nicknames, brief interviews done in a very clever way and obvious affection for the hardworking employees, whom Blair declares on the calendar cover to be “Men Who Pave.”

In the calendar, Blair describes herself upon entering the family business as “a starving architect and VPI graduate – definitely not a valedictorian.”

(Like her grandfather, Stirling Williamson Sr. ’928, and her father, Stirling, also our class president.)

“With absolutely no experience in the paving world and the desire to emulate my dad (now affectionately referred to as B.D., aka Big Daddy),

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes I finally got a job shoveling asphalt. After wearing to leave the office to go back to work after lunch “sculpture” department once being No. 1.

Michael Tomaso ’21, recipient of the Class of many hats, making many mistakes and some el- on a hot summer day? Way to go, Stir and Blair.

In December, I found an article about a Rich- ’58 football scholarship, received his class ring in bow grease, I became president of the company mond artist whose great-great-grandfather November. He had a limited year on the gridiron in 2003. as he had operations on both knees. He’s expect“In my first year as president, oil prices went taught art at VMI during the Civil War, around the time the great sculptor Moses Ezekiel ’866 ing to be fit and ready for the 2020 season. Ring through the roof, it rained every day and the Figure weekend is quite different these days. I harder we worked, the more money we lost. I was was fighting on the Field of Lost Shoes. Wondon’t remember any moms and dads attending certain that I had squandered the best opportunity der if that granddad taught Ezekiel? Our neighof my life and the futures of everyone in the com- boring university, Virginia Commonwealth, ours, but the accompanying photo shows Michael pany. This was my first taste of humble pie, and has the country’s No. 1 sculpture department with his mother, Becky, and we saw another wonluckily the company was on strong footing, and with three women graduates who became Ma- derful picture of Michael with his grandmother.

The Tomasos are hardworking, kind, smart we survived my first bad year. Our team was not cArthur Fellowship winners. We’ve teased the people – a credit to the state of Alabama. Our easily discouraged, and we all dug in and now dean of the School of the Arts about VMI’s Alabama BRs Jim Poteet and Ernie Edgar have have a very bright future to show for our efforts.” been very supportive of Michael and his family.

Included in the calendar is this interview with I hope everyone saw the great article about BarStirling: ney Odend’hal in the Institute Report. Laura and “What’s the last gift you gave someone?”

I have had many conversations with Barney about “A birthday necklace with a silver rattlesnake how much it has meant to him to continue workvertebrae to Jane.” ing at VMI into his 80s and to watch cadets mature “You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What and achieve. “VMI is the best of what most schools color would you be?” want to be,” he said in the article. “I have fallen in “I would be ‘hope,’ for a better world.” love with VMI and the people around it. They’re “Would you choose to go back in time or into such awesome people.” So are you, Barney, and the future?” we’re glad to see this recognition for you. We look “The future. I have faith we will survive this forward to having our grandson, Jack McCown, current insanity.” meet you when he matriculates this fall. You are, “Favorite cookie?” and Jack wants to be, a Marine. Semper fi!

“Butterfinger nuggets the office elves leave for Lots of news from Gates Sykes, who said about me.” his recent birthday, “My mother always told me “The theme song of your life?” if I had been born two hours earlier, I would have “‘VMI Spirit.’ When times are hard, you buckle been born on Friday the 13th. I know I’m getting down and don’t quit.” old when my son, Mark Sykes ’83, is retiring in “Your biggest accomplishment?”

Class of 1958: Sandy Yon with a baby early 2020. I am trying to ‘keep the old man out!’”

“Helping run a company that buys groceries for hawksbill turtle in El Salvador.

That’s a reference to the Clint Eastwood video lots of families.” mentioned in earlier class notes. Clint is “One cause you would dedicate your 88, and says what keeps him going is, “I life to?” get up every day and don’t let the old man “Educating young people. They are the in.” best hope for our world.”

Unfortunately, in July Janice Sykes had “What did you think was silly until you a heart attack (the widower maker, Gates tried it?” called it) but, following stent surgery, “Massage. Now I’m addicted.” is back to her normal routine. “She just “Who or what do you always have time wasn’t going to let me get one over on for?” her,” he said. Best to you, Janice.

“Anyone who needs a hand.”

This from Gates’ and Janice’s ChristIn case you haven’t already gotten the mas letter: “After recovering from hernia idea that the Williamsons know how to surgery in June, Gates decided he wanted treat employees with tremendous respect, to complete the C&O Canal Bike Trail I recently learned that there is a company ride that he had started before his heart chef, also an employee, who prepares attack a couple of years ago. Mark agreed lunch every work day for the employees Class of 1958: Three pilots were required for Roy Palmer’s to go with him so in November he finworking at or near headquarters. Don’t nonstop flight from Dubai to Tucson. ished the remaining 100-plus miles of the you wonder how they convince any pavers

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Class Notes 185-mile-trail. Not bad for an 84-year-old man.”

Now that that goal has been reached, Gates says he thinks his long distance riding days are over because it takes too long to recover, but he plans to keep taking shorter rides with his “biking buddies.”

Mark Sykes and his wife, Kim, sponsored the VCU School of Dentistry’s “MOM – Mission of Mercy” Project in memory of their son, Benjamin Gates Sykes ’13, who was a member of the VCU dentistry class of 2019. The project provides free dental care by dental and dental hygiene students.

Thank you for that generous contribution, Mark and Kim. We know dental health is every bit as important as any other kind of health.

Another BR who just keeps going with the outdoor challenges is Dave Pitkethly, who reports, “In October, Mara and I traveled to St. George, Utah, for the Huntsman World Senior Games. I came in second place in the 3,000-meter run for my 80-85 age group. Since we VMI types cannot tell a lie, there were only two runners in my age group. In another year and two months, I will be 85 and ready for all of those 85-89.” Just do it, Dave!

We’ll know you’ll finish first next time.

Sandy Yon, widow of BR Dan Yon, is as peripatetic as ever, an example to us all. Sandy is having trouble finishing her book about her travels (she’s up to year 2013) because she continues to travel so much! In 2019, she spent a month in the Middle East, including Israel, Palestine, Jordan

Class of 1958: Gates Sykes hit the 185-mile mark on a bicycle trip with his son, Mark.

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and Egypt. Her time in El Salvador included study of the hawksbill turtles, and she was “the only one of the group to see two nests ‘boil’ and the little ones emerge.” The rest of the year included Portugal and Spain and nearly two months of suffering from shingles. Glad the good outweighed the bad, Sandy. In 2020, she’s headed for safaris in Botswana and Zimbabwe and to Ireland to revisit Dublin and see Belfast for the first time. Go, Sandy!

Marion Phillips, widow of BR John Phillips, sent a nice note in response to my VMI birthday card to her in which I enclosed a picture of John with Lou Farmer and Paul Royer. I was fortunate to receive a collection of photos from Wes Roberts when he turned the class agent reins over to me. During some of Wes (and Annemarie’s) duty time, the Institute wanted actual paper photos for the Alumni Review. Apparently, they then returned them to the class agent, and I’ve enjoyed including them in birthday cards. Marion said her son, John Jr., went to a 2019 VMI reunion with cousin Russell Chew ’59. She lives in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

Ken Godfrey also responded to his birthday card in which I asked about his ongoing treatment for prostate cancer. “With all the shots and chemo pills they have me on, I am hoping I will have three or four more years,” he said. With his card, I sent Ken a photograph that included the late Linda and Fred Rosenbaum, which Ken said, “Made me sad. I talked to him a lot about his love of flying.” Rest in peace, Fred and Linda.

This year, our Richmond area lunch group invited the ladies to our Christmas gathering. Attending were Martha Booker (BR Frank Norvell’s devoted companion), Brooke Doggett, Charlie Hayes, Landa and Bill Holt, Becky and Onza Hyatt, Carol and Moon Menefee, Stuart Whitehurst, Jane and Stirling Williamson, Sam Witt and Laura and I. In closing, I’ll share this news from Joe Knick ’72, a friend of Drew Troxler’s. In 1968, Drew was called out of Army Reserve to serve in Vietnam with the 319th Transportation Company of the Central Savannah River Area. The information I received recounts that “these young men – who had grown up together, lived in the same neighborhood, played together, attended grades 1-12, attended college, were co-workers, married childhood sweethearts and sisters of other members of the company – were a close-knit unit. They left behind fiancées, young brides, pregnant wives, newborn and young children, mothers, fathers,

and other family members and friends, but they also left behind good jobs to go fulfill their commitment to their country.

“After leaving the CSRA, they were sent to Virginia for their Vietnam training ... where they met Sergeant 1st Class Grady Shoemaker, who used to tell the new young recruits, ‘I’m going to bring smoke on you young bucks.’ Sergeant 1st Class Shoemaker became known as the ‘smoke bringer.’

“In Vietnam ... they had a young captain joining.

His name was Paul D. ‘Drew’ Troxler. And this is how the 319th Transportation Company became ‘Troxler’s Truckers.’ Once deployed to Vietnam and settling into their base camp at Long Binh, the second half of their company name was created, ‘Troxler’s Truckers – Smoke Bringers.’

“The 319th hauled 92.375 tons of cargo consisting of ammunition, rations and other supplies to many different divisions covering more than 1.1 million miles. The company received a meritorious unit citation and numerous individual awards and suffered only one casualty. These young men returned to the United States, their families, children, friends, relatives and jobs in August 1969 after going through an experience that bonded them for life.”

Drew also took part in the dedication of a Vietnam War Memorial in Augusta, Georgia. (See the Our Alumni Serving section in this Alumni Review.) BR Troxler, we salute you. Here’s hoping we’ll see you at the mini reunion.

Cheers, Lee

1959

Shep Shepard

It is with a great deal of sadness that I report to you that we lost another brave brother rat.

Marvin Myers passed away Jan. 25 after suffering for some time with cancer. Marvin was a friend to all, as was evident by the attendance at his viewing and funeral. Lloyd Thacker, Ned Addison and Bobby Ross represented the class at the viewing while Eddie and Carolyn Barnes along with son Stewart Barnes ’86, Truman and Jackie Baxter, Billy and Sue Kornegay, John and Teddi Martin, Harlee Pate, Dick and Linda Phillippi, June Smith, Lloyd

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Thacker, and Jim and Bet Vermillion attended the funeral and subsequently the reception following the funeral at Marvin’s favorite Irish pub, the Rare Old Times, in Henrico. At the closing of the evening, Marvin’s brother rats gave him, as well as Mark Smith, an Old Yell to send him on his way. Marvin will be sorely missed by everyone, and our thoughts and prayers are with Patty and the entire Myers family.

Eve Trumpore, widow of Pete Trumpore and mother of Van ’89, passed away just as the last class notes were submitted. Eve will be missed greatly, as she and Van were great supporters of VMI. Her celebration of life was held at Columbine United Church in November. Since Christmas was Eve’s favorite time of the year, the sanctuary was decorated for the holidays. Everyone was asked to wear their favorite Christmas sweater – the uglier the better. This would have delighted Eve. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

I recently received disturbing news from Carrie Fuqua, Bill Fuqua’s wife, that he has been battling prostate cancer for the past 18 months and unfortunately it has spread to his bladder and nodes. They’ve fought the good fight, but Bill has made the decision not to fight it any more.

Carrie says the kids have been wonderful, as have friends and neighbors, but Bill is not long for this world. As you can imagine, Carrie is devastated, but she takes comfort in the fact that God willing, they will be together again in the hereafter.

George and Marie O’Neill checked in from Kingsport, Tennessee, and report that all is well in the O’Neill household, as did Ned and Bunny Addison from Richmond, where they were able to get the whole family together for a Christmas family photo. Bud and Denyse Kramer checked in from Sanford, Florida, and albeit they suffer from octogenarian aches and pain, all else seem to be fine. Ralph and Janice Rae Lawson took time out of their busy traveling schedule to wish everyone a happy new year. Penn and Betty Whitescarver spent Christmas in Stuart, Florida, but plan to head to Maryland for the rest of the winter. Max Guggenheimer sent his best wishes to the class and wishes happiness, togetherness, giving and sharing for everyone. Jimmy and Linda Johnson regret missing the 60th Reunion but cataracts and kidney stones rearranged their schedule. They were, however, with us in spirit. Got a nice Christmas card from Zeke and Helga Blakemore in San Antonio, and they say

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Class of 1959: Shep and Ann Shepard on the bench with Shep’s class agent plaque at the edge of the Parade Ground.

Class of 1959: Tex Carr enjoyed local attractions in Cozumel, Mexico. although they are slowing down, they are doing OK. Lloyd and Bette Thacker hope that everyone experiences much joy and happiness during the Christmas season and hope it continues for the rest of the year. Dick and Linda Phillippi are still talking about the Florida group mini reunion we had in Crystal River and how much fun they had. Eddie and Carolyn Barnes checked in from Roanoke, where they enjoyed Christmas in their new digs with friends and family, as did Buzz and Virginia Nowlin who checked in from Hot Springs. Sonny and Skippy Bishop hope all of us experienced God’s peace and joy during Christmas. Bill and Jennifer Lee feel blessed to have family and friends to share their lives. As they retrieve the Christmas tree ornaments each year, they recall the memory behind each one – many made by their children and grandchildren – and

that brings back a smile and good memories.

Art and Ginny Brandriff enjoyed Christmas at home this year but recalled how much they look forward to the Florida group mini reunions each year. Harry and Ann Ray had a beautiful holiday season with friends and family and look forward to a new year filled with lots of love and happiness. John and Chris Patane spent a quite Christmas in Moneta. Larry and Nancy Wood spent their Christmas in Las Vegas with Willow, their magnificent dog. Again, many thanks to Larry for sending cards and a VMI patch to those who need a bit of cheering up. Truman and Jackie Baxter report all is well in Virginia Beach and hope everyone had a holiday season filled with happiness. Mel and Jean Anderson had a full and exciting year with the wedding of their granddaughter, Ruth; the graduations of their granddaughter, Diana, from high school and grandson, Tyler, from The Fire Academy; and three cruises to Central America, Iceland and a family cruise to the Caribbean to celebrate Thanksgiving. John, Anne and Jack Reed send best wishes to everyone from Fishersville, where Jack is growing like a weed and John continues to devote himself to improving conditions in Haiti. Bob and Priscilla Martin had a scare over the holidays; Bob ended up in the hospital for a week with pneumonia and bronchitis. With the support of their children, well wishes and prayers, Bob made it through, albeit took him a while to recuperate. Ina Ingram sends her best wishes to the whole VMI Class of 1959 whom she thinks of often. Jim and Bet Vermillion also sent their best and hope everyone had a safe and wonderful holiday. Mary Alice Marley spent Thanksgiving with her grandson, Alex, with his beautiful family in their magnificent home in North Carolina. Christmas was chaotic with the whole family migrating to Florida to spend the holidays with her, but she loved it.

Jo Anne Dreelin Anstett reports that all is well in Ashland. She recently had her hip replaced but is well into recovery with the help of a wonderful family and great physical therapy.

Cec and Gordon MacArthur checked in from Conroe, Texas, where Gordon was outside on a ladder stringing Christmas lights and blowing fuses. Cec says it happens every year but all seems to work out in the end, and thanks to Gordon, the house always looks beautiful. Daughter Kristin, who also lives in Conroe, put in a new pool this year, so Cec and Gordon are looking forward to summer so they can go from the hot

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Class Notes tub to the cool pool. Bonnie Pomponio proclaimed 2019 to be a good year; she attended the 60th VMI Class of 1959 Reunion which turned out to be so meaningful to her. She celebrated her 80th birthday in Maryland where she swam in the ocean every day without any interference from sharks, and she enjoyed a family reunion with her sister in New Jersey where all the grandchildren got to know one another. She has visited every ball field in Charlotte and the surrounding area attending her grandson’s ball games. She still attends Special Olympics where she cheers J.T. on.

The boys continue to fill her heart with love and joy. Harry and Terry MacGregor keep busy keeping track of their six children and their families. They become more aware as each year passes that, as grandparents and great-grandparents, they lose more family, classmates and old friends while watching as the next generation composed of their grandchildren take the reins of our nation and society. Let’s hope they do a better job than we have done. Thanksgiving for them was once again a time for family gathering and four of their six children came with their families to help them give thanks. They had a wonderful time; all 23 enjoying good food and fellowship. Yvonne Traylor wrote to say that Dave Goode drove up from Sarasota to Winter Park on Halloween to have lunch with Bill. They had a wonderful time together; lots of laughs and catching up on the “bad young days.” Our prayers are with Bill and Yvonne as they travel this scary road together.

Thanks to Dave for being a true friend and brother rat. Bill and Mary Kessler checked in from the land of fruits and nuts and wishes everyone had a joyous Christmas. Unfortunately, all was not well with Bill and Mary. Mary took a bad fall and broke her upper left arm. She had orthopedic surgery in November and fortunately it is mending well. Bill’s long-awaited eye surgery to remove the fluid in his left eye came in November but unfortunately it created a requirement for another surgery to reattach the retina which took place in December. He has very limited vision in his right eye but his left eye permits near normal vision.

Bill expects more surgeries in the future and he is not giving up as long as his doctors believe that his eyesight can improve. Bob and Anne Baillio have never let the grass grow under their feet and it looks like they never will. They started the New Year with trips to Auckland and Cairnes, Australia, with a stop in Bali on their way home. When they returned, they spent the next two months

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entertaining and spoiling their seven grandchildren. Stay safe and healthy my friends. John and Betty Ann Tompson are doing fairly well. Health issues prevent them from being on the traveling team which is a bit of an inconvenience, but that’s the way it is. John and Betty Ann were recently obliged to move into a very nice retirement home located in San Antonio and, thus far, it has worked well for them. They have a nice apartment without the hassle of the house repairs, lawn cutting and worst of all, weeding. Darlene Borst wrote to say that she enjoys reading the class notes in the Alumni Review each quarter. Although she does not know everyone in the class, she does remember a lot of people from the reunions that she attended with Jerry. Darlene plans to retire this summer feeling that it is time to move on to something new, exciting and different. Max and Lee Ann Blanchard have had another full and exciting year and they are more than ready for a slow, uneventful one. The year started with the above knee amputation of Max’s left leg followed by uncontrollable bedsores which kept him in the hospital from August to October.

Through all of this Max has stayed positive and reminds us that “it is what it is.” Thanksgiving and Christmas turned out to be peaceful and pleasant and they enjoyed the calm with their family celebrations and church activities that kept them busy. John and Pat Van Kesteren’s Christmases do not seem the same since all the grandchildren became grand adults, but they are still very special and that’s what the season is all about. John and Pat spend lots of time running from New Mexico to Virginia but have been unable to visit the rest of

the family who reside in Australia and Great Britain. However, they do have some plans to meet everyone in Hawaii next September. The solar project designed to supplement power on their farm, which they have been working on for years, fell through. Unfortunately, it did not meet requirements for the special use permit – seems the grid will not handle the load for a 20-megawatt system, and the grid operator will not finance the upgrade to make it work. It is disappointing to work so hard on a project and have it fall through, but that’s one less thing they have to worry about.

After much ado, Noland Pipes had the shunt tube removed from the pleura to the heart. The doctor had a top-notch vascular surgeon plus another surgeon to assist her. Noland is doing so well that he and Mary considered joining us on the Columbia and Snake River Cruise planned for June; however, more important family priorities superseded the trip. Jo Anne Fall has appreciated all of the kind thoughts she has received from Baldy’s brother rats this past year. Baldy’s oldest grandson, Solomon Nicholas Ott, just completed Officer Candidate School at Quantico and is now a full-fledged second lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. He will complete The Basic School at Quantico in May 2020 with follow on orders to Naval Air Station Pensacola for flight training. Baldy would be so proud of Solomon. JoAnne said Baldy loved VMI so much and all that it stood for. Billy and Sue Kornegay spent a week in Williamsburg with their daughter, Pamela, and were able to squeeze in lunch with Jim and Bet Vermillion.

Jim and Bet looked great as usual and they had

Class of 1959: Ned and Bunny Addison’s family gathered for the holidays.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes a very enjoyable afternoon telling old tales and renewing their friendship. Billy and Sue are doing fine; coping with the Arctic blast that set record lows in and around Lexington. It certainly encourages warm drinks and chats by the fireplace. Judy MacWillie checked in from central Texas where the weather is a constant guessing game. The highlight of her year was attending the VMI Class of 1959 Class Reunion in Lexington in April. Her wonderful children continue to hover over her to ensure she is well cared for and she appreciates that. The children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren are doing so well. Their families continue to grow, and Judy is now the proud great-grandmother of six great-grandchildren. Maxie, her dog, is the light of her life. Even though they are both puppy school dropouts, they still continue to entertain one another every day. John and Teddi Martin are dashing, dancing and prancing their way through Richmond and hope everyone had a holiday season filled with love and joy. They enjoyed their first Christmas in their new digs in a retirement home on Lauderdale Drive in Richmond. Spence and Beverly Tucker continue to enjoy their retirement in Lexington, with Spence puttering in his greenhouse and garden and Beverly busy with her art, preservation and writing. She had two art shows in conjunction with the Historic Lexington Foundation, has taken up playing the cello and is about to publish her second book with the oral histories of members of the Lexington African American community.

Spence, on the other hand, just had a shoulder replacement, and it appears that all went well.

Now comes the recovery part, and Beverly has been an immense help in that. Beverly wrote a beautiful poem that she called “Observation” which she included in their Christmas card.

Both Ann and I were taken with its beauty and only wish we had that kind of talent. Spence and Beverly continue to be extremely proud of the accomplishments of their expanding family and savor the joy of those times when they can all be together. Carl and Phyllis Kasko are doing well considering their medical problems. Carl had scans in December, and they will be reviewed in early January when he will be given the plan for the next phase. His PSA was down from 10.7 to 0.39 after chemo treatments. He is on two hormones which reduce the testosterone his body produces, which will reduce the “food” for the prostate cancer. Phyllis is holding her own and

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is taking new meds for her arthritis. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they continue the good fight. Got a nice note from Rogers McCall, and he wondered who else besides him was on the committee that designed our beautiful ’59 logo. After some investigation, I found out from John and Jim Reed that Jim did the heavy lifting. He said that in the summer of ’56 or ’57, John Engels contacted him because they both had been on the Ring Committee and asked if he could come up with a logo design. Jim developed our logo and sent it to him. Jim also designed one face of the class ring while the Jostens representative drew the other side. Jim is happy to know that the logo has survived all these years. I think our logo is the best of all class logos, and our thanks to Jim for his artistic ability. He left VMI after two years and transferred to Duke then on to medical school followed by duty in the Air Force. I hope everyone got the opportunity to say hello to Jim Reed and Max Guggenheimer when they attended the memorial service at our 60th Reunion. It was good to hear from Howard and Cinthia Sprinkle. Howard sent a note to Marvin Myers with encouraging words. They are so sorry to hear about any brother rat in difficulty. Life has more than enough of that. However, we learned at a young age that many days could be disappointing. Howard and Cinthia are enjoying their home in Winter Green Resorts, 3,500 feet elevation where the sun shines brightly most of the time. Tex and Emily Carr finally got around to doing the Paris to Normandy river cruise. This is the same cruise that eight couples from the Class of 1959 did back in 2014 when we paid homage to the eight VMI alumni who were buried at the Normandy American Cemetery with a New Market type ceremony. Tex and Emily thoroughly enjoyed France but particularly the city of Versailles. They also took a quick trip on a Royal American cruise with 6,240 of their closest friends. This was by far not their favorite cruise. They closed the year out with a twoweek cruise on Holland America Lines to the Caribbean. Lee and Nancy Southard’s new home in Fort Myers is on track for occupancy in late February or early March. Either way they can’t wait to get in the house and get things squared away. To celebrate the occupation date Lee and Nancy have planned a getaway cruise in April on Holland America Lines. Both are up to their eyebrows with work, Lee on his new

book and Nancy on the hew house. While the house has been under construction Lee has enjoyed many hours of VMI football and basketball on ESPN plus. I got a nice letter from Bobby Ross with updated information on our class football scholarship. The market value is $75,756 with available aid for FY20 $3,290.

The cadet recipient for FY20 was given to

Class of 1959: Brother and sister rats gathered for Marvin Myers’ send-off included Truman Baxter, Eddie Barnes, John Martin, Dick Phillippi, Lloyd Thacker, Jim Vermillion and Billy Kornegay.

Class of 1959: Bob and Anne Baillio dressed up during the holiday season.

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Class Notes Chance Newman ’22. Remember when you make you annual contribution to VMI designate a little bit for the football scholarship fund.

Bobby recently attended a breakfast in Lexington with the ROMEO Club. The club has 12 members, including Gen. Morgan ’45, Gen. Tate, Dick Weede ’61 and Mike Strickler ’71.

Don Jamison ’57 was a member until he passed away a few months ago. The ROMEO club meets once a month, and Bobby tries to attend as many as he can.

Ann and I have been doing pretty good – suffering the same old octogenarian problems as everyone else. Unfortunately, Ann’s sister, Eileen, passed away in November, so we flew up for the funeral in Bumpass, Virginia, a small town outside of Montpelier. After attending the funeral ceremony Ann and I set out for Lexington for the express purpose of sitting on the bench that you so generously dedicated to me at the 60th Reunion. We arrived in Lexington at 1730 hours just as the sun was setting, commandeered a rat who happened to be passing by and had him take a picture of us on the bench. We immediately got back on the road and returned to Richmond where we caught a flight back to Florida. I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to see the bench and actually sit on it. Thanks again from the bottom of my heart. Our grandchildren are going gangbusters. Patrick, an aeronautical engineer with GE in Boston got married to Kristin in September; both are aeronautical engineers and doing splendid. Curran works for Jet Blue in Orlando, married Sydney in April and they are doing great. Phillip is a USAA insurance salesman in Richmond and his brother, Connor, is finding his way through college. Colin is a junior at UVa in the civil engineering department, and our beloved Megan is traveling all over the place as a Special Olympics spokesperson. Her last gig was the Motorcycle Dream Ride in Farmington, Connecticut. Avery is hard at work getting a degree at University of Central Florida, and his sister, Lilly, is about to finish up at Florida State University. Lilly is dying to get out to Colorado for graduate school. Ian is still working his way out of high school, while his sister, Zoe, is a freshman at Auburn University.

We are so proud of all of them and wish them only the best. Keep those cards, emails and letters coming in.

Yours in the spirit, Shep

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1960

James A. Smith III

Greetings from St. James, North Carolina.

Since our last class notes, I’ve sent happy birthday wishes to Jim Schaaf and Jim Gibson, Nov. 16, and Herb Vaughan, Nov. 19. I didn’t get to speak with them but they all got wishes for good health and many more birthdays. On Nov. 27, Henry Brown celebrated his birthday. I spoke with Henry with wishes for many more birthdays.

He and Linda celebrated with a trip to New York.

A highlight was seeing the Rockettes Christmas show. On Nov. 28, we all celebrated Thanksgiving. We all have so much to be grateful for. I hope you all had a wonderful day! On Dec. 1, I spoke with Jim French and George Miller wishing them a happy birthday. Jim says he must keep busy with his “old” cars, repairing what he can and has become interested in his family genealogy. George is in good shape and is pondering about coming from New Mexico to our 60th. We hope so. I got

Class of 1960: Ray and Terri Crickenberger with their daughter at Hilton Head.

an email from Sam Miller who had been in Buena Vista for a high school reunion. He used the occasion to meet with Hap Miller and Jim French. On Dec. 12, Bill Toker had a birthday and we wish him many more. On Dec. 14, I spoke with G.G. Phillips at his home in Bath County, Virginia. He is doing well. G.G., Henry Brown and Peanuts Elliott are doing a wonderful job making plans for our 60th.

On Dec. 21, I spoke with Bo Bowles and sent him birthday wishes. Bo is fine and still working hard. I received Christmas cards from the following brother rats: Bobby Graves, Jon Quinn, Jay Jarrett, Vaughn Foxwell, Mike Shoemaker, John Hilliard, Jim Pittman, Mike Pitt, Ed Martin, Joe Morabit, Chris Fleet, Ray Crickenberger, George Ax, Howard Moss, Sam Miller, Jimmie Seeley, Tom Kurkoski, Bill King, George Miller, Jim “Eva” Gillespie, Jim Schaaf, Jim “Jeep” Goodwillie, Bill “Peanuts” Elliott, Wayne LeBlang, Ed Tolley, Ed Davis, Roy McLeod, John Olsen, John Moore and G.G. Phillips.

If I left anyone out, I apologize, as my filing system is pretty loose.

Ruth and I were grateful for your Christmas wishes. We hope you all had a blessed Christmas.

On Dec. 29, I spoke with Ed “Robbie” Robertson with birthday wishes. Robbie was enjoying his grandchildren and will be at our reunion in April.

On Dec. 30, I tried to speak with Art Grafton to give him birthday wishes, but he was unavailable.

We wish him well. On Jan. 2, I spoke with Hap Miller with birthday wishes. Hap is doing well.

We cannot praise Hap enough for how well he keeps us informed! On Jan. 3, I spoke with Eileen on Bill Giles’ birthday. Bill was in the hospital. We are cheering and pulling for him. On Jan. 5, I tried to get in touch with Jim Bagby but could only give him birthday wishes over the phone. On the same day, Jan. 5, I did speak with Tom Kurkoski, who is well and was enjoying his birthday. Tom says he will be at our reunion. On Jan. 6, I spoke with Ed Davis with birthday wishes. Ed will be at our 60th and will lead our memorial service. On the same day, Jan. 6, I caught up with Nick Hester with birthday wishes. He is well and also hopes to be at our 60th. On Jan. 9, I left a voicemail birthday wish for Chris Fleet, who has now joined the rest of us. We wish him well and many more birthdays.

On Jan. 11, Ruth and I came to St. Martin, French West Indies. It has been over two years since Hurricane Irma devastated the island. The property where we are staying, and have stayed in

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes years past, has been fully restored to the point that it looks as if nothing was damaged. A trip outside the compound reveals many heartbreaking scenes, even though it’s been over two years since the storm. Many properties have been restored, however, and we are in for a lovely stay. Since I’m in a foreign land, I’ve elected to email our birthday boys. On Jan. 12, I emailed Ashby Chamberlain his birthday wish. On the same day, I hope, Jerry Lawson celebrated his birthday, but we have no email for Jerry.

On Jan. 14, Dave Bisset and Pete McGue celebrated their birthdays. Pete sent me an email letting me know that he will be at our 60th. On Jan. 16, Bob Gianella and Ray Crickenberger celebrated their birthdays, each getting a birthday email wish. I’ve not spoken with nor heard from Bob in many years. We were chemistry majors together. Bob gave me my first taste of pepperoni from one of his care packages. I sure would love to hear from him. Ray and wife Teri Zinn were on a cruise in the western Caribbean with their daughter celebrating. On Jan. 17, I sent birthday wishes to Ed Tolley, who is still working hard. He will be at our 60th. On Jan. 22, Dave Lennon celebrated his birthday, but I’ve no email address. We wish him well and many more birthdays. On Jan. 24, George Ax and Jack Seamon celebrated birthdays and each got an email birthday wish. On Jan. 27, Buddy Frith had his big birthday. He also got birthday wishes.

On Jan. 29, Al Denny Zay had a big birthday.

Denny has fallen in the cracks but we wish him many more birthdays. On Feb. 2, Groundhog Day, Al Smith had his birthday. He received the usual birthday wishes. On Feb. 3, Howard Moss

Class of 1960: Jimbo Smith, class agent, hard at work in Colombia.

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became a year older. He got birthday wishes along with all of our brother rats. Howard continues to sell his book, “Kiss the Talisman,” with proceeds to go to our Eagle Bayliss Scholarship.

Many deserved thanks, Howard!

By the time these class notes are published our 60th Reunion will have come and gone. I want to thank especially Henry Brown, Peanuts Elliott, and G.G. and Frances Phillips for their tireless work to make our 60th special. Also, I want to thank Rev. Ed Davis for his prayers at our memorial service.

My only request is that you all please stay in touch. Please send photos.

Remember the Institute and our class scholarship in memory of Eagle Bayliss with your donations. Thank you for your contributions thus far.

Until next issue, please know that it is a pleasure and a privilege to be your class agent.

In the spirit, Jimbo

1961

Sal Vitale Jr.

The last two months of 2019 were quiet when compared to our activities a few months ago. Soon after I turned in my class notes, Sue and I attended the Institute Society Dinner. It was the first time in my memory that we had so few members of the class at the dinner and no picture was taken. Those present were Ed and Phyllis Hollowell, Larry and Gerri Wetsel, Sylvia and Stu Woodcock, Dave and Charlotte Harbach, Bill and Marci Keech, Gates and Margaret Richards, and Sue and Sal Vitale. Bill, Marci, Gates and Margaret looked great and all are doing well. The following day, I attended a class agent meeting and met with several of the new VMI Alumni Association people who will take care of reunions, etc. Things are changing! On the way home, I stopped to see Ron and Fran McNemar. They are both in excellent physical condition. Fran’s mental condition has not changed since my last report. Soon after VMI, we were off to Midlothian for a surprise birthday party for Dick Youngblood, held at his daughter’s home. Attending were Bill Nelms, Rhett and Jan Clarkson, Dennis and Jeri Curtis, Oscar and Caroline Mabry, Russell Stone, and lots of Dick’s

friends. Oscar Mabry had a hip replacement the following week, and as of these notes, Oscar is rid of the hip pain and walking normally. For Thanksgiving, we were off to Maryland and returned to Virginia Beach in time to attend our annual 1961 class Christmas lunch in Williamsburg. The idea of getting together for lunch was suggested by Bev Scott many years ago, and unfortunately Bev could not attend because he had a stroke and was recovering. Sylvia Woodcock coordinated with the restaurant staff and selected a menu with great lunch items and handcrafted beautiful table center pieces. We had a wonderful time, and those attending included Jim and Blair Bickford, Bill “Snake” Daniels, Allison Drescher, Wyatt Durrette, Bill and Joyce Gibbings, Gaylia Hudgins, Ken Legum, Sue Patrick, Larry and Joann Respess, Jim and Frankie Ring, Russell Stone, Sal and Sue Vitale, Larry and Jerri Wetsel, Larry Williams, Kim Wise, Stu and Sylvia Woodcock, and Dick and Judy Youngblood. My faculty adviser, Col. Donald K. Jamison ’57, passed away, and Larry Wetsel and I drove to his funeral in Lexington and visited with Dick Weede at Jackson Memorial Hall. J.M. Hall was full with friends, former cadets and many professors, both new and old. It was nice to see Gen. Morgan ’45. I asked him to join us at our 60th Reunion, and he said he would consider it. Then it was off to the University of Maryland in College Park to attend the graduation of my grandson, Mark Jr. More than 2,000 bachelor’s, master’s and associate’s degree candidates crossed the stage. Unfortunately, that was the same day that our Brother Rat Charlie Stevens was laid to rest, and we could not attend. Bill and Joyce Gibbings and Larry and Jeri Wetsel represented the class. Joyce Gibbings said there were several of Charlie’s friends there, to include Bill Mackey ’69 and retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Frances C. Wilson. For Christmas, we were in Baltimore with our children, and new year’s eve, we were at the Gibbings house along with Larry and Jerri Wetsel. Joyce prepared a wonderful meal, and we all stayed awake long enough to bring in the new year. In early January, Sue and I were off to Richmond to attend the Richmond Chapter dinner with Gen. Peay ’62 as the guest speaker. Rhett and Jan Clarkson invited us to stay with them and we were to drive to the dinner together. Rhett was not feeling well enough to go to the dinner and Jan did not want to leave him, so we had a short visit and went to the Richmond Hilton. The dinner was well attended, and we sat with the

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Class Notes March, he will be in his cabin in only 60s-era guests attending, to Pennsylvania to make maple syrinclude Larry and Jerri Wetsel, up. Spike and Mary Callander Marshall Henry ’65 and W. Guy had a quiet Christmas, and Mary Smith ’60. I enjoyed talking with has not had any more A-Fib epiMaj. Gen. David Furness ’87 sodes. Don and Ann Rishell and the first VMI female gradumoved again because the landate member of the VMI Board of lord of the house they were rentVisitors, Lara Tyler Chambers ing sold his house in Jersey and ’03. After the dinner we drove went to live in Florida. He gave home, and with no traffic or tunRishell 30 days’ notice to move nel delays, we made the trip in out! What a great Christmas presrecord time. The next trip for us Class of 1961: Lunching at the Vino Bella Resort in Napa, California, Dec. ent! Rishell was lucky to quickly is St. Martin in March.

7, 2019, were, from left, Dianne Stone, Dick Stone, Lynn Hartford and find a home in a golf community Lou and Pris Shuba spent the Shirley Hartford. in Cape Coral, Florida. and they holidays in the land of bier, brut, are settled in. Joe and Nancy Preston moved to wurst and schnitzel with his daughter, Lisa, and Culpeper to an independent living facility called family. When they returned from Germany, Pris the Culpeper Retirement Community. They have a had her other foot rebuilt, and Lou is again the renovated cottage, and all resident facilities are in homemaker. Pris cannot put weight on her foot for new beautiful buildings. Roger Spencer is still livthree months. Dick Youngblood has been in and ing the quiet life of a college professor and has out of MCV for chemo and bone marrow biopsies. nothing of sufficient importance to write about.

Dick and Judy were able to go to Wrightsville, Dick and Di Stone visited the Vino Bella Resort in North Carolina, for a few days after Christmas and Napa, California, and met up with Lynn and Shirspend several days in Charleston, South Carolina, ley Hartford for lunch. They had a good time talkwith his daughter. Dick is doing OK considering ing about the old days. The Hartfords have their all he has been through. Kent Modine has returned house ready for sale and are not sure whether they from a period of darkness. After 16 days in the hosare going to stay in Auburn, California, or move to pital and five weeks at home, his surgeon turned a more “stable” state. They closed their nonprofit, him loose for the next six months. Christmas was Friends Forever Cat Sanctuary, as there was no one with the family, and then Kent and Bert went to to take over the program. Carol McGee has moved Pasadena for the Rose Bowl and stayed two weeks a few blocks from her old house and is doing OK. in the San Diego area. Bert and Kent did sightseeClass of 1961: At the joint Kiwanis and RoShe said David will have a spring 2020 burial at ing, eating and played golf three times. “The golf tary Club meeting in Manassas, Virginia, Cape Canaveral. Nancy Eddy Bruce included a was a little tiring and not very pretty.” (Really?

Dec. 4, 2019, were David Stinson, past group picture with Grant Eddy Jr. ’99, ChristoSmile!) Robert Williamson is finished with his president of Kiwanis; Holmes Smith; and Adm. John Shoemaker. pher Eddy ’96 and their children. Tim and Sandy cancer treatments and bought a 30-foot power boat Bryant sold their house in Maryland and now are to replace his sailboat, Sun Lion. Apparently Sun Lion collided with the James River Bridge and medical issues yet. Archie Ramirez “our back in a 55-plus community in Honeycroft Village, was totaled. Thank God no one was hurt. Wyatt doc” had surgery to repair his spine from vertebrae Pennsylvania. Roy Whitehouse moved from the Durrette was in Nashville for the Super Bowl for L-3 through S-1. There was no fluid lubricating the Richmond area to Colorado Springs, Colorado. songwriters, the Country Music Awards. Wyatt nerves in the lower back. Archie is slowly recover- Roy says the family is slowly adapting to the high shared an incredible evening with his son, Wyatt ing from the spine surgery that included 12 screws, altitude. Lee Badgett is in a wonderful assisted III ’98. Wyatt III and co-writers Luke Combs and six rods, metal plates and cadaver bone. Control- care facility in Colorado. Lee said the food, people, Rob Willford won the CMA Award for song of the ling pain has side effects from the narcotic analge- apartment, library and outdoor walking are great. year, “Beautiful Crazy,” with Luke Combs as the sia dizziness, nausea, sleepiness, hallucinations Lee had only one complaint, which he could not singer. This is not the first time Wyatt III has had a and, of course, constipation, as many of us who remember. (Smile.) Harrison and Terry Fridley atgreat song. Bill Puette reminded me that this past have been through operations completely under- tended their son Mitchell Fridley’s [’89] retirement from the Army. Bob Reitz, a Ranger Hall of Thanksgiving weekend marked the 60th anniver- stand. Dick Hartman had back surgery in January sary of our Ring Figure and the great football game and completed a 12-week, three days a week out- Fame recipient, was asked to be a guest speaker for against Virginia Tech. Bill speaks with Dick But- patient program. Dick feels great and has no pain, the reunion of the 17th Infantry Regiment held in ler, his roommate for two years, every few months. just some stiffness and “soreness.” Dick now Monterey, California, in October, and it went well.

The Reitzs celebrated two events: The marriage of Butler is still enjoying northwest Montana. Bill walks a couple of miles a day, does yard work and and Sandy are doing OK, and there are no major tends his garden, but golfing is not allowed yet. In their son, Rusty, and securing a new job that takes

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes full advantage of Rusty’s talent as a video editor. met a couple from London who was just married to be well enough for knee surgery. Bob and JeanKay Martin had some great news – she is all-clear in Times Square. The couple seemed to enjoy talk- nie Burks have enjoyed their two years in The Vilfrom cancer after three years of treatments. Maria ing with these grannies, and as Geraldine’s lunch lages. Bob says it seems that at our age we are goAnjier was pleased that another year has gone by came to an end, the waiter brought the $300 tab. To ing to the doctor or the grocery store each day. Bill cancer free. Maria took her Winnebago camper to Geraldine’s amazement, the couple’s best man Hala and Irene will be in Florida this year. (ReGlacier National Park; Chico, California; Colora- took the check and paid for it. What a way to end a ported last Review he was tired of Florida – oh, do Springs and then a stopover in Denver where NYC Christmas trip. Jim and Connie Oliver took well!) David and Edwina Thomas are enjoying she had lunch with Jeanette, Lou Angier’s daugh- a trip from Prague to New York (too long – 22 watching their adult children succeed in business. days, 18 on the ship) with stops between, including Midway through the year, their daughter-in-law, ter. John Wiggins has a few challenges that kept him from sailing his boat to the Florida Keys, but Iceland. John and Irene Gangemi are still active in Lori, was hand selected for promotion and took everything is under control. Jim and Nancy Gab- Wilmington, and their health remains reasonable charge of an intelligence unit at Elgin Air Force considering Irene’s rheumatoid arthritis and John’s Base where she gets to interact with her husband, bert are very overwhelmed since Jim has been Parkinson’s disease. Paul Johnson does a great job Craig, and his team on the latest worldwide intel miraculously healed of cancer. Frank Oley says he has no time to get bored when he and Marion trav- of staying in touch. Paul attended a VMI football information. After seven long years and a small pot el to visit their five children, nine grandchildren game and visited with Rhett Clarkson and Bud of cash, Dave Thomas finally completed the restoand four great-grandchildren in four different Alligood. Paul managed to take a cruise around ration of his 1930 Chevrolet Standard sedan. Dave states. Ed and Phyllis Hollowell visited with Army Iceland and now is on standby waiting for Debbie said it is interesting to drive, and it accelerates slowly and stops the same way. Nancy and friends who they had not seen at least 25 Ben Birindelli continue to host the years. The Hollowells are planning a CeltWounded Warrior weekend for skiers. ic pilgrimage to England and Scotland Nancy is still very involved with the sometime in 2020. Andy and Peggy League of Women Voters which is celeMyruski are in Florida. Peggy’s two-year brating its 100th anniversary of the ratificheckup was good, and the doctors will cation of the 19th Amendment. Jep Houssee her in four years. That is really good ley did not graduate with the class, but he news. Mary Jane Roberts, wife of my keeps in touch. Jep has been fighting to roommate, Floyd, was diagnosed with save his foot from an infection that will not stage IV lung cancer. The diagnosis heal, and it does not look good. On the shocked her because of the lack of sympbright side, Jep’s church honored him for toms, and we hope that her chemo treathaving served as a deacon for over 40 ments will cause a positive result. Tom and years. Jep said, “I have made a lot of misAnnette Jones said that 2019 was a cookie takes in my life, but think one of the bigcutter of 2018, which means Annette is still helping gifted children learn how to Class of 1961: Dennis and Jerry Curtis were presented gest was not staying at VMI, so I thank you with the signature name index for the class flag at the for keeping in touch.” David and Charlotte swim and Tom is taking it easy. Battle Sue and Sal Vitale house Oct. 1, 2019.

Harbach spent Christmas with their son, Haslam and Elisabeth were in Chapel Hill David Jr., and his family in The Hague, Netherfor Christmas and new years. Battle is doing well. lands. David said one granddaughter is in the interBonnie Hurley was in Australia visiting her daughnational school and the other in the European ter, and Bonnie and saw the fire and smoke from school and learning three languages. David Jr. is the Australia’s recent disaster. Jud McLester and very busy working as a prosecutor with the KosoSusie are planning to be at Amelia Island for golf. vo War Crimes Tribunal. The Harbachs wish they Jerri and Charlene Eubank are currently on a Nile had more time to visit the various interesting placRiver cruise and then it is off to Ireland. In October, es and around The Hague. Charlotte’s health is Doug and Mollie Popp celebrated their sixth wedgreatly improved. Ray Hanlein is doing well after ding anniversary with Doug in the hospital for five his heart ablation. Earline Thompson emailed from days with a kidney infection that went septic.

South Africa that she is recovering from a knee Doug is back again working full time. This transplant and will rejoin her walking group in a Thanksgiving at the Popp house was huge with 24 few months. Otherwise, she is in great health. It for dinner. Fred and Sheila Kressierer celebrated had been 10 years since Bill Maurer and Ken their 57th wedding anniversary and continued to Ayala (VMI roommates) have been together. Ken be active in the church and the community. In DeClass of 1961: Ken Ayala visited Bill Mauarrived at the Maurer house in New Jersey on cember, Geraldine Nicholas Moore and three of rer at Maurer’s home in Mendham, New Ken’s 80th birthday, and they and Shon Maurer her girlfriends took a trip to New York to do all the Jersey, Jan. 11, 2020. spent a very enjoyable day. The next day, Ken flew “New York things.” On their last day at lunch, they

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Class Notes back to The Villages. The only thing missing was roommate John Moorcones. Holmes Smith celebrated 55 years as a Kiwanian with perfect attendance. That is a big wow! Ken has been president and lieutenant governor. At a joint Kiwanis and Rotary Club meeting honoring Ken’s service, he had the pleasure of having lunch with Adm. John Shoemaker who was the second flyer shot down and imprisoned at the Hanoi Hilton. Adm. Shoemaker’s cellmate was John McCain. The admiral did not know Jimmy Berger who was also there.

Ken is still working, but after 24 years he resigned as chairman of the city of Manassas building code and appeals board and continues as a board member. John “J.C.” and Bette Miller hosted Willard and Pat Hoskins when they visited St. Louis. Willard said it was a wonderful trip. Early in 2019, Mitch and Jennifer Kot were in Portugal for 12 days. Mitch said, “Portugal is listed as the safest government in the world today, is socialist and despair is everywhere. Only 20% attend church, marriages have declined 70% and, as a college graduate, you earn about $750 a month. Who would want socialism? I wish all college students could spend two weeks in Portugal. That would end socialism in America.” In December, Mitch and Jennifer were at Marco Island, January in Munich and went skiing for a month in Austria. Then Mitch planned to be about five weeks in Vietnam working with Vietnamese business owners teaching, coaching and speaking. Mitch is teaching a class on the book, “How Should We Then Live,” by Frances Schaeffer. The Kots will return to the U.S. sometime in March. I hear that Dennis and Jerry Curtis will be moving to Carolina. I want to thank them for all they have done to publicize and memorialize our class.

I want to thank all of the brother rats, widows and VMI friends who took the time to remember Sue and me at Christmas with letters, emails and family pictures. Sue places all the family pictures in a VMI album. It has been fun watching the families grow. I list the cards we received so you will know who is still alive and kicking.

Those responding were: Beverly Austin Hanlin Alligood, Maria Anjier, Bell, Bella, Bryant, Jan Bissell, Burks, Birindelli, Susan Carmichael, Callander, Christie, Coen, Coltrane, Curtis, Daniels, Doleman, Drescher, Durrette, Elliott, Nancy Eddy Bruce, Bill Eubank, Gerry Eubank, Fridley, Gabbert, Gangemi, Gibbings, Nina Grazulis, Goldman, Gouldthorpe, Hanlein, Jim Harrison, Harbach, Hala, Dick Hartman,

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Gaylia Hudgins, Hartford, Henning, Hirsch, Ed Hollowell, Bonnie Hurley, Jarvis, Paul Johnston, Tom Jones, Troy “L.T.” Jones, Kiger, Kot, Kressierer, Leola King, Lisiecki, Barbara Jean LeFon, Maurer, Miner, Mary Martin, Moore, Carole Magee Myruski, Nelms, Oley, Orndorff, Parker, Bill Phillips, Phlegar, Nancy Phillips, Polk, Popp, Puette, Redd, Reitz, Rishell, Rice, Ring, Mary Jane Roberts, Rutledge, Beverley Scott, Stephenson, Thomas, Wash, Weede, Wetsel, Whalen, Whitehouse, Oliver, Dot Templeton, Dick Stone, Rutledge, Kim Wise, Shuba, Geraldine Nicholas Moore, Clayton Smith, Keech, Tarrall, Fox, Respess, Charlene Witt and Elfriede Winiker. From VMI friends: Mike Pitt ’60; my dyke, Ancher Madison ’64; Tori Lewane ’50B; and Pat Webb. Many of our brother rats’ families have really grown, and it was fun to look at Graham King’s family and see that both his son and grandson look almost exactly like Graham.

Len Christie’s family is also huge, and his sons and grandsons look like Len. The same is true for the Fred Kressierer, Willard Hoskins and Grant Eddy families. A special thanks to all the widows who stayed in touch.

Brother Rat Eddy L. Johnson III passed October 2018. Ernie’s daughter-in-law, Susan, informed me that Ernie died of lymphoma and was buried in Texas next to his mother and father. Ernie was a Company C rat and left VMI after two years for family reasons. Ernie lived in Memphis, Tennessee, and over the years, Harbert Alexander and I exchanged emails with him. I will miss his funny emails.

Brother Rat Charles Stanford Stevens passed away Nov. 22. Charlie was born in Norfolk, graduated from Norview High School, went through the Rat Line with us, graduated from Virginia Tech and received his master’s degree and doctorate from Old Dominion University. Charlie, a Company A rat, played VMI rat football and was on academic scholarship. He did not return to VMI after his rat year because an error was made by the scholarship committee and Charlie was told no funds were available. As I recall, he worked for the Navy in Norfolk and a consulting firm along with being a professor at ODU. Charlie was a regular at beer and cookies, and he is missed.

Brother Rat Floyd Randolph Farleigh, aka “Booty,” passed Jan. 6 after a courageous battle with ALS. Booty, a Company D rat, earned a Marine Corps scholarship and matriculated with our class. Booty had a passion for life and love to its fullest. He loved playing tennis, especially competing against Hugh Gouldthorpe and Howard Dyer. Don Wilkinson said, “Booty’s death for me hits home especially because he was in section 5 for English majors, a collection of wonderful characters – some brilliant, some just characters but all strong personalities.” Bob Winslow remembers Booty’s positive attitude and sense of humor. “In many ways, he was larger than life.” Booty was an entrepreneur; I remember his calls to me, “I have an opportunity for you.” (Smile.) I only wish we had a chance to say goodbye.

A reminder: Mark your calendars now! Our 60th Reunion will begin Sunday, April 18, 2021, for early arrivals; Monday, April 19, registration, post

Class of 1961: Gathered for the annual Christmas lunch at the Waypoint Restaurant in Williamsburg, Virginia, Dec. 4, 2019, were, from left, front row, Sylvia Woodcock, Jeri Wetsel, Blair Bickford, Sue Patrick, Gaylia Hudgins, Judy Youngblood and Joyce Gibbings. Second row: Sal Vitale, Bill Gibbings, Ken Legum, Dick Youngblood, Bill Daniels, Jimmy Ring, Frankie Ring, Allison Drescher, Kim Wise, Jim Bickford, Wyatt Durrette, Sue Vitale, Larry Wetsel, Larry Williams and Russell Stone.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes visits and golf; Tuesday, April 20, parade, class picture, Old Yell, class dinner; and Wednesday, April 21, 2021, our goodbye breakfast. That is it for this Review. Stay well, in touch, call a brother rat or widow, and pray that God protects our families, service members, VMI and our country.

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Monty Williams

keep them busy when they go up on weekends.

Pete Pettit says that Jan has a new titanium left knee and has graduated from outpatient therapy with honors with a 122-degree knee bend. She is doing very well with increased mobility and reduced pain and credits her caregiver (him) with doing such an excellent job so she could heal.

Stinson Jones says he never imagined he would live to be 80. He celebrated his birthday in December. He and Julie are doing well. They spend

Jerry Burnett

Thanks for all your Christmas greetings and notes all sent since my last submission in November 2019. We are now in 2020, and many of us will be reaching the 80 milestone. Everyone please stay healthy and safe.

Two brother rats lost their wives in January. Allan Bamforth lost his wife, Linda, Jan. 18, 2020, and Marcus Muth lost Bell Jan. 23, 2020. Our hearts and prayers are with them.

Bill Ritchie is still teaching at St. Pete College (Spanish), working on his dock, boat and house.

He is still with Mote Marine Lab (actually, Mote Scientific Foundation), doing charitable work and working on children’s books. He says it is difficult to publish without money. His wife, Terry, is working at Michael’s and Cracker Barrel.

She’s an artist, but the stores keep her busy. They had their first great-grandchild recently. He had his second heart attack on the Fourth of July and had a pacemaker put in to keep him going. They travel to see the kids in Chicago, Virginia, Texas and other side of Florida as often as they can with his teaching schedule. He is glad he went to VMI since it’s helped him keep a perspective on life, country, politics and just the discipline of life in general. While at VMI, he went to the Catholic Church choir to avoid SMI on Sundays but found the Lord since (“He found me”) and the combo of discipline learned at VMI and the Lord have kept him out of trouble for most of his life. He hopes to get down to Lexington next year since they visit their oldest son who teaches at James Madison University a couple of times a year. The son lives in Massanutten and has five kids which

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Class of 1962: Gary Kaylor before the parade of athletes at the opening ceremony of the National Senior Games in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in June.

Class of 1962: Ware Smith and Dave Wagner at Ole Porte Racquet Club in Swansboro, North Carolina.

a lot of time traveling to see their two daughters and their families – one in Santa Barbara, California, and the other in Alexandria, Virginia. Their son lives in Fort Worth. He continues to stay busy volunteering as a Master Gardener in Fort Worth.

Julie is busy playing mahjong and tennis. They would love to see any brother rats coming through Fort Worth. He is doing well with no health issues.

He spent the year playing basketball, traveling and enjoying their daughter and grandkids. Their daughter is the chief executive officer of Altopa, Inc. and lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Seattle, Washington. They have one grandson who is a sophomore at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where both of his parents also went.

He was the valedictorian of his high school class and lettered in football, lacrosse and wrestling. He was runner-up for the state championship in his wrestling weight class. They have another grandson who is a sophomore in high school. He started at middle linebacker on his football team and is also a starter on his wrestling team. He also plays rugby in the spring.

Gary Kaylor played three on three basketball in the National Senior Games in Albuquerque in June, and they finished seventh nationally. Afterward, he went hiking in Colorado and hiked to the top of Lizard’s Head in the snow. He played on the USA 80-plus team in the World Basketball Championships in Espoo (Helsinki), Finland, in July and they won the gold medal. This is five on five, full court basketball. He had 25 points against Russia in the final game and was Most Valuable Player.

While in Europe, he spent 10 days in Spain and Morocco, 10 days in Finland and Estonia and two weeks in Sweden and Norway.

Bobby and Katie Howard had a wonderful trip to Europe in October. They visited Prague for three nights and then an overnight train ride to London on the Orient Express. This was a highlight of their trip. In London, they toured Winston Churchill’s war rooms and also saw the queen returning from her briefing to Parliament concerning Brexit. They went to Edinburgh for three nights and enjoyed Edinburgh so much with its beautiful architecture and old buildings.

Orlando and Joan Severo are doing well in Lompac, California. They plan to travel east to Boston for the high school graduation of their grandson, Dominic, from Boston Latin in June 2020. He is doing neuro-boxing to stem the progression of Parkinson’s disease. He says it works.

Cal and Roxanne Seybold visited the West Coast

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Class Notes In January 2020, I attended a VMI Old Corps to see their eldest daughter on new year’s day and Luncheon in Williamsburg, Virginia, and saw see the Rose Parade. They always enjoy seeing Mott Robertson and Bowles Pender. Bowles had this parade. He says the floats are incredible. After a right shoulder replacement (for the second time) the parade they position the floats so people can in December and is doing fine. inspect them from only a few feet away. They Ware Smith sent a photo of him and Dave Wagare possibly more impressive up close than they ner at Ole Porte Port Racquet Club, Swansboro, are in the parade. He has renewed activities of North Carolina. He saw Nancy and Dave Plagehis little service disabled, veteran owned, small man and Carolyn Worrell at the Keydet Club business (SDVOSB) company, CCS Consultants.

Scholarship Awards Banquet in January. He reThe company is now a subcontractor on a couple ports that Dave’s son, Charles, is working for the military support contracts. They do not have a firm VMI Foundation.

Army or Navy supporting subcontract task order Class of 1962: Bobby and Katie Howard John Spence reports that the holidays were not yet, but things are looking favorable for the future. during their trip to Europe. what they expected as their son, Mark William Sydney and Lucille Bradbury have no plans to Spence, passed away Nov. 17, 2019, from relocate to the Philippines anytime soon lung cancer. He says the season was difand probably not ever. A few other locaficult without him and now they are in the tions are possibilities, but not for a couple process of probating his estate. Things will of years. never be the same and what makes it even They recently made a trip to Ottawa, tougher is that John’s wife, Barbara, has Canada, to see his son and new wife. The been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She is son is now a permanent resident of Canada stable at this time, but the effects of the disand plans to be there for the foreseeable ease are there. On a happier note, he plans future. They toured the governor general’s to visit VMI during New Market Day house, which was very impressive. The weekend. He will be there with his greatGG is a female astronaut. She must sign all grandson, Colton, along with Colton’s laws passed by Parliament as approved by mom and dad. His daughter will be there Queen Elizabeth. They also saw the parliaalso. They are looking forward to showing ment building at night, lit for Christmas, Colton where he will be attending college, and it is a beautiful building. They hope to return in the summer and see a lot more of Class of 1962: Monty Williams, Bowles Pender and Mott as he has a provisional appointment to Robertson at the Williamsburg, Virginia, senior alumni VMI, Class of 2036! that capital city.

He hopes to see some of the classmates John Eger sent a response to his birthday luncheon Jan. 14, 2020. of 1962, including Columbus Cartwright greetings congratulating him on making it who was his high school classmate. to 80. He says it’s hard to realize that he Butch Armistead reports that he and has made it this far. The longer he lives, Mona are well and enjoying life. He rethe more aware he is of how the Institute tired from Rapiscan Systems in 2013; shaped him. He didn’t really like the VMI however, he still serves on the boards of experience but now is convinced that he is several companies. They play golf two or a very different better person and a more three times a week and Mona has a weekly acutely good citizen having endured the pickleball game in their backyard court, experience. He and Mary Ann are still along with regular bridge games. Since thinking about act three. He would love he retired, they have done a lot of travelto see any brother rats when they pass ing. At latest count, they have visited 25 through La Jolla, California. countries. In addition, they go to Hawaii Bob and Nancy Miller report that they about three times a year and Mexico once; are doing well. They are actively looking these trips always include several rounds for a main floor living home in an acof golf. In fact, they are off for a week in tive adult community. They have no trips Mexico the first week of March. Their planned and play limited golf. three sons are working hard and have Mike Lilge is in an assisted living area families. At this point, they have blessed in Jamestown, North Carolina, due to kidClass of 1962: Larry Wilson, Bill Gibson ’65 and Thom them with eight grandchildren, six girls ney issues. He is on dialysis. His daughter Brashears ’95 at the VMI Old Corps luncheon last fall. and two boys, ranging in age from two to handles his health care.

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes 19 years old. Their oldest granddaughter is in her sophomore year at Yale and is a cheerleader; their second oldest granddaughter, a high school senior, is currently deciding on which college to attend next year.

I spoke to Thom Brashears ’95, VMI Alumni Association chief operating officer, at the Williamsburg luncheon concerning our 60th Reunion.

He says the exact date has not been determined, but planning should start about 18 months before.

That should be about the time you receive these notes. If anyone would like to serve on the committee, please let me know.

Everyone please stay healthy, safe and keep the info coming.

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Michael J. Curley

From your class agent: Dateline Jan. 25, 2020 ... today a giant departed our ranks, Ken Reeder.

Please let me quote from the recollections by his daughter, Amy Simonson, of her dad. “My father was born to working class parents April 11, 1941, in Wilmington, Delaware. From a young age, he excelled in all things athletic and his prowess on the football field, baseball diamond and basketball court led him to be the first in his family to attend college. He was scouted by football and baseball agents as a senior at Salesianum High School and was awarded a full athletic scholarship to the Virginia Military Institute. Dad was twice written up in Sports Illustrated. He was inducted into VMI’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. He earned two masters’ degrees: An MBA and an M.Ed. After his teaching career, he worked for DuPont and AT&T. His corporate career took him to Colorado, where I met Scott, and to Arizona, where my sister, Megan, met her future husband, Matt. The year 2019 was an especially difficult year for all of us as we watched both our parents struggle under the weight of dad’s illness. Even though it was stressful, my family and I had the honor of caring for dad here in our home. There were many moments of struggle and heartbreak, but there were many providential ones as well. My father loved sitting out on our brick-paver patio in our comfy armchairs under the large tan umbrella where he would often fall asleep. He admired the beauty of our trees and

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flowers frequently. He laughed watching our dog, Smudge, run and chase squirrels and chipmunks; he loved watching her swim in our pool. He often fell asleep in the hammock under our pear tree. I will always think of my dad when I sit out back.

I’m grateful for getting to spend quality time with my dad before renal failure hit its stride and the toxins built up in his bloodstream, worsening his memory and confusion. Dad loved to travel, although he didn’t get to indulge that passion as much as he would have liked. My brother, David, took dad on a trip to Ireland in 2007, a trip that dad remembered fondly, even as his ability to remember anything waned. Dad loved Ireland, the birthplace of our ancestors, and I’m glad my brother had that experience with him. Scott and I invited dad along on our spring break trip to England in March 2013. We visited Stonehenge, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the Churchill War Rooms. Even at age 72, dad’s athleticism showed itself as the five of us trekked all over London, and we ran to catch the Tube just before the doors closed on us. He never tired. We jumped over to Paris for a day, and dad couldn’t believe he was in the City of Lights. A lover of history, he majored in the subject at VMI. He also taught history at both Archmere Academy in Wilmington and the Sanford School in Hockessin, Delaware, where he was the head football coach and athletic director, respectively. He particularly enjoyed reading and learning about all things World War II. His favorite fiction author was John Grisham. I had the pleasure of taking dad to meet Mr. Grisham when he was signing books in Paramus, New Jersey, two years ago. We’d scored the last two tickets for the

meet and greet line, and dad was over the moon.

Dad loved music. He played the violin when he was younger, and two of his favorite singers were Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. When I was a teenager, dad liked to point out how Frank Sinatra was a ‘real’ singer as opposed to the rock and rollers I listened to. But interestingly, over this past year, whenever we were in the car listening to the radio, dad would sing along to ‘my music.’ He harmonized with Billy Joel, the Rolling Stones and of all groups, Duran Duran. I couldn’t believe my ears one day as he sang the words to ‘Rio.’ Where was this guy in 1983? Now I love Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole, and thanks to satellite radio, dad and I enjoyed all kinds of music while driving to doctors’ appointments this past year. Whenever I’m driving around, singing in the car, I know my dad will be with me. Dad wasn’t perfect. He was notoriously impatient. He had a temper and could be formidable when I was younger, but grandchildren softened him, and it was a blessing to witness this. He loved all six of his grandchildren – Hannah and Chloe Simonson, Jack and Craig Eagleburger and Madelyn and Phoebe Reeder – very much. It was heartwarming to hear him tell my girls he loved them. Dad smoked the better part of 40 years, but Hannah pestered him to quit when she was little, and no nicotine patch or going cold turkey could match her pleas for him to quit lighting up, and quit he did. In addition to my siblings and me, our children, spouses and, of course wife of 56 years, Bonnie, dad leaves behind a niece and nephew, Brian Reeder (Christine Reeder) and Kelly-Alfred Rasin, both of Newark, Delaware, and their families. Dad was predeceased by his parents

Class of 1963: At the swamp rat gathering in Hampton Feb. 12, 2020, were, from left, Fred Lanier, Mike Curley, Bob Powell, Taz Hubard, John Mills, Steve Riethmiller, Billy Bell, Bob Walton, Ed Shield, Gil Minor, Hobbs Goodwin and Beau Walker.

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Class Notes and brother, Charlie, and a son of 13 months, Danny. My parents embodied the quintessential American love story: Mom was a cheerleader, dad was a football star, and they met at Delaware’s annual Blue and Gold football game in 1959. They’ve been together ever since. In the end, Mom lived up to her wedding vows of for better or worse, in sickness and in health. She upheld her end of the bargain, having moved into an assisted living facility in Pennsylvania to spend these last months with my father. Whenever we discussed politics or current events, dad always arrived at the same conclusion: ‘it’s a crazy-a$# world.’ You’re right, Dad, this is a crazy-a%$ world, made even crazier by your absence. The picture of me and dad below was taken in 1970 in Delaware; I’ll miss you, daddy.”

Another giant among us, Bob Modarelli, left us in 2018 and will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery May 21, 2020, at 1 p.m. Anne is planning a reception to follow, so please make every effort to attend and join your brother rats in her support. Our ranks are thinning rapidly, folks!

Quoting from The ’63 Bomb: “Even on the coldest night, James Artcher ‘Sam’ Griffin was not prevented from engaging in harmless mischief around barracks; he is much easier to remember ‘inspecting’ barracks with his tool box helping the Corps on special occasions, like step-offs, for instance.” According to Charlotte, his loyal wife of many years, Sam died on the morning of his 79th birthday, Jan. 30, 2020.

A final note: When I assumed the position of class agent, I made it my job to track down some of our missing souls like John O’Connor with mixed results. Once discovered (no small task), John stated that he would rather “lurk” (his choice of words) on the VMI sidelines. I found that curious as we had been friends, guests at each other’s homes and even enjoyed a spring break together in Florida, driving down and back in a cramped 1960 MGA coupe. Today, I discovered John’s fate; he passed away in Vero Beach, Florida, Aug. 27, 2018. Retired from the Army after 27 years as an O-6 combat engineer, he received his U.S. Coast Guard license and drove a water taxi in Annapolis, Maryland, gathering information to help provision their “SV Knockatoone” for cruising the East Coast and the Bahamas! John is survived by Carol, his wife of 51 years; two daughters, Amy and Carey; and two grandchildren.

And now from our faithful scribe: The sad news about Ken Reeder prompted Mike Curley to tell

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of their December trip to Pennsylvania to see Ken: “Gil Minor arranged for a couple-months-old, Owens-Minor Gulfstream jet to carry Peg and me, Donnie White, Len Peters, and Ed Patnesky just over a month ago now. What a treat it was to listen to Ken, Gil, Ed and Donnie talk excitedly of the John McKenna days at VMI. Peg and I were privileged to have witnessed their conversation and Ken’s animation! He was with the entire conversation.”

The ink was hardly dry on the November class notes when Charlie Talbott responded with an email: “Hi, Pres. Just read your class notes and saw where you; your brother, Tony Holtry; and Jan Gray were classmates in Yokohama, Japan, in 1950. Well, in 1957, I attended Yokohama High School and played basketball there. Small world.”

Judy and I had a special Thanksgiving Day surprise when Anne Modarelli called from Portland, Oregon, to catch us up on her life. I’m happy to report she sounded great with lots of good stuff happening. She gave us a standing invitation to come see her, and it only waits for the chance to take her up on it.

Just before Christmas, Jim McMahon booked a reservation at a local watering hole in Tucson for a “mini mini” reunion consisting of Jim; Judy; Kirke White and his son, Dodge; and me. Kirke was in Arizona from his winter digs in Las Vegas (summers near Bend, Oregon) to attend his daughter’s graduation from ASU. I suspect that since he was in the area, he felt obliged to go slumming and see his desert BRs. Getting three classmates together way out here almost prompted me to contact the local paper for press coverage. Kirke looked good, and darn his hide, he’s embarrassingly (at least for me) active for an old coot; he’s still schussing down the ski slopes I had to give up years ago.

Mike Curley shared Christmas letters he received. Ron Colan wrote about his granddaughter: “Janine (Cadet Janine Hope Colantonio ’23) transferred to VMI and loves it (not normal).

I’m still working on wrapping my head around a woman who is my granddaughter at my VMI, a mix of pride and confusion. She excels at intercollegiate Ranger Challenge – whatever that is.” Wayne Kohlwes said, “Bill Wray talked me into coming up for the VMI versus UTC at Chattanooga, Tennessee. Being in the superintendent’s box, I could ignore the chilly, rainy weather outside and enjoy the closed-circuit TV, drinks and snacks. Good company and the first win at UT in my memory.” Randy and Maurine Williams sent,

Class of 1963: Frank Drake and Dennis “The Crow” Crowley on the Blue Ridge Parkway in November 2019.

“Greetings from Florida! Leaving Williamsburg, Virginia, was difficult! When we were visiting friends in Fiddler’s Creek, Florida, last February, Randy (to my surprise) suggested we look at some homes, and we liked what we saw (OK, we neglected to notice that there was no storage, and we didn’t think about the geckos, snakes and alligators). We went home, put our house on the market, and here we are.” Can’t believe you left the town named after you! John M. White Jr. said, “Not too much to report on ‘the Northern Front’ this year.

Both Willie (his cat, now 23) and I are a bit slower and ‘gimpier’ than last year, but we’re in reasonable health and considerable comfort ... I take a lively interest in national and international affairs, continue to read military and ordinary history and expand my cooking efforts ...” George and Rita Blood wrote, “Elizabeth and I flew to Japan (to help their granddaughter, Taylor, move to another town). During the three weeks we visited with her, Liz and I bought rail passes and toured the western coast of Japan visiting shrines, temples, castles and gardens.” Don and Karen Hargy moved.

“After spending four winters in Washington, North Carolina, we decided to go back to just having one year-round home. New Hampshire was too cold in the winter, and North Carolina was too hot in the summer. So, in May, we decided to explore Maryland’s Eastern Shore and decided to move to Chestertown ... about an hour’s drive south of Wilmington, Delaware, and located on the Chester River. The other notable thing which occurred was our February trip to Peru and Ecuador. We did hike to the top of Machu Picchu and visited the Galapagos Islands.”

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes thought (when he was accepted Denny and Mair Marchant,

by VMI) that he was going to along with Kent and Mary Wilthe south where there wouldn’t son and Don Ellis, went to the be snow. Imagine his surprise the January The Citadel versus VMI first time he saw snow creeping game. “It was a wonderful game. in through the open windows of We won 88 to 79. Mair has now his room. He told us that during been to two games, and we won his first week at school he was both.” Denny went on to say, served grits for breakfast and put “Mair and I have been doing a lot milk and sugar on it, thinking it of traveling. We recently went on was cream of wheat. He was told a three-week cruise with the Wilto sit under the table for a few sons from Rome to Dubai. It was days because he didn’t know how such an absolutely wonderful trip to treat good southern cooking.” that was so relaxing and educaAt VMI, I came to like grits, but I tional. The highlight for both of wonder if they would taste better us was spending two days in Israel. Mair has three nephews and Class of 1963: VMI visitors flew to Allentown, Pennsylvania, to visit Ken eating them under the table?

Dianne Spessard had someone niece in Wales; one is getting and Bonnie Reeder’s new residence in December 2019. From left were married soon in Newport, Wales, Peg and Mike Curley, Donny White ’65, the Reeders, Len Peters, Gil Mi- thing funny to say about VMI. nor, and Ed Patnesky.

“Lee meets with some of his VMI and we are thinking of going to brother rats throughout the year by attendthe wedding. We also just became greating periodic luncheons in Hampton and grandparents for the first time. Mair’s Richmond. I remember going to a mixer youngest granddaughter has a five-monthat VMI when I was in college. The cadets old boy, John Will Miller. They live close were handsome, but the place looked like by, so we get to be with him a lot. New a prison and I never went back.” Dianne, adventure.” Denny, keep taking Mair to if you think it looked like a prison, you the games! should have seen the cells inside and there I poked Kent McCraney, and he rewould be no doubts! sponded by saying, “Like a lot of guys, George Blood wandered down the we’re just trucking along. Cecelia and I funny memory lane by contributing, “I moved into a continuing care retirement think I was the first one in our class to community in 2010. There are three phaswalk the guard post in New Barracks, es to this – independent living in our own Class of 1963: Kirke White and Jim McMahon dropped and the tradition was for upperclassmen cottage, which is where we are in life now, by to see Pres Holtry, left, in Tucson in December 2019. to harass the first rat walking guard. In the like most. Available to us is assisted livphoto shown, I had a mixture of fear and ing (the second step) where assistance is determination on my face as I attempted needed in the daily aspects of living, and to follow my general orders – ‘Walking then onward to the third step – nursing my post in a military manner, etc.’ My care facility (most think of nursing home tormentors were having a great time as I as the word). But we chose to do that as bellowed, ‘Sergeant of the guard – post we were going to make a move in 2010 No. 2.’ After a suitable delay, the SOG to another location like Charleston, South came to rescue me and put my uniform Carolina, but just said to ourselves, we’re back in order.” tired of moving. Let’s do it. And we’ve Well, brother rats, I’d like to leave you lived in Irvington, Virginia, ever since – a on a high note by asking, how do you scant 10 miles from the Chesapeake Bay. know when you wake up and look at your We have two other VMI grads living in calendar that you’re going to have a good this community - Tony Waring ’56 and day? The answer is you don’t have a docBolling and Theresa Williamson ’60. Bob tor’s appointment, and you’re not a rat on and Tina Powell live about 4 miles away. first guard detail!

He and I play golf periodically.”

Class of 1963: Dennis and Linda Crowley arrived at their Stay well, safe and in the bonds, Missy Ogle sent in a funny one about New Zealand hotel via zipline in late 2019.

Pres Dan. “He grew up in Chicago, Illinois, and

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Class Notes and Kauai. 2019 also found us cruising and traveling to Croatia, Rome, Seattle, Alaska, Vancouver Island, Amsterdam, England and Ireland.

“The kids are all well. Chris is in Stockholm.

Sarah, Elizabeth and Chloe are in Seattle. On Kauai, Josh, Holly and Sabryn are taking care of everything on Kanani Street while we travel. Jeff, Sara Jo and Orion are 20 minutes away.”

Bob Warren: “I had the pleasure of stopping through Annapolis on a marketing trip last week to have dinner with Walt Sykes. Over the past year or more, including his reticence to attend the reunion, I have gotten the impression that Walt is not doing well. Cathy and I offered to pick Walt up and take him to the reunion, but he declined for health reasons. My visit Friday night confirmed this. Walt has always been very deliberate, but at this point even the simplest motions like walking and eating appear to come hard for Walt. I think the same observations were recently made by Kerry Hines.

John R. Cavedo “What is more, I have the impression from things Walt says that he may not be getting all the attention from children and grandchildren that he would like or perhaps that he deserves. There may be many reasons for this, and I could be misinterpreting but I feel that Walt is leading a lonely life. I In recent months we’ve lost another two brother certainly would not want these thoughts to go berats. Ashley Briggs died just after Christmas, Dec. yond this group, but I want to offer a suggestion to 26, after a long battle with leukemia. Jan Rudinoff this group and to any others that you feel may be died Feb. 4. Both will be missed sorely. As a kind able to look in on Walt from time to time. reminder, please advise your spouses, significant “Mary Jo Jordan and Bill Bandy, who now live others and children to keep me and VMI appraised in the Annapolis area, have been doing a great job regarding your health. of staying in touch with Walt and inviting him to Andy Colyer sent a photo of Ashley Briggs: dinner from time to time. Their kind efforts are “We were physics majors together and stayed in much to be appreciated by all his brother rats, and touch to a degree. Attached is a picture that he sent I know they are appreciated by Walt. I am thinking me, taken some years ago after his second marClass of 1964: Ashley Briggs at his 65th that when any of us are near Annapolis and can riage to a gal in Charleston, South Carolina. As I birthday in 2008. stop in to see Walt, maybe to have lunch or dinner, recall, she had a home that included a tennis court, it would mean a lot to him. Also and Ash is pictured in tennis a phone call from time to time to whites.” let him know his brother rats care Interestingly enough, one of about him would also boost his the earliest emails I received was spirits.” from Jan Rudinoff in late NoDick Atkinson: “Once again vember: “Paula and I were livGarber, McVey and I played our ing in Venice Nov. 12 when the annual golf game. This fabulous city was devastated by the worst get-together will not go unreflood since 1966. Our rental first corded for history. I am enclosing floor apartment had 16 inches of a photo of our hero who, defying water, causing us to move to a hoconvention with a bold statement, tel. In the days that followed, we played golf not only with a set of moved to another hotel, a friend’s house and finally to a second Class of 1964: Tom and Yvonne Myers, Joan Nunnally, Caroline Tucker, Butch women’s clubs, but pink ones at Nunnally and Andy Tucker at Port Canaveral Beach in December 2019. that. I am forwarding this heroic floor apartment over our flooded Postscript from curleyrat: “While relaxing in my recliner late yesterday afternoon, I was startled to hear my phone ring; yet, I reluctantly answered it, springloaded to eat the caller alive should they be a robocaller or solicitor. Nope, it was the mayor of downtown Lovingston, Virginia, George “Bo” Delk, reporting in his usual severe southern drawl that he was on location in Bedford, Virginia, laying the colors on the grave of Thomas Tucker Oliver, killed in action in Vietnam in 1968. He has performed this annual tribute to Tucker for years now on occasion of his birthday, Feb. 5. It should be noted here that Tucker was killed just two days later, by a sniper while exiting his damaged UH1H Huey. Let us not forget T.T.’s sacrifice, troops.

Thank you for your service to our country and to the VMI Class of 1963, Bo Delk!”

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first floor unit. Water continued to inundate the city, and all ground floor businesses were affected.

It was a disaster! We remained in the city visiting friends and places of business we had patronized, ‘showing face,’ as Hawaiians say. We left Venice Nov. 29 returning to Kauai, remaining in touch with our Venice friends as they recover.”

Then, Jan. 4, the following came in from Paula.

At this point Jan hadn’t been diagnosed with any issues. “Highlights of our 2019 include being extras at the award winning Lithuanian pavilion during the Venice biennale. We even got a mention in The New York Times. https://www.nytimes. com/2019/05/31/arts/lithuanian-opera-venicebiennale.html “The Venice film festival was from Aug. 28 to Sept. 7. Jan saw 25 movies! Paula saw four. We are planning to be there again in September. A pilgrimage from Dover to the ‘mother church,’ Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury, England, while on a British Isles cruise in September. We met the dean and visited the Thomas Beckett memorial.

“We are still dividing our time between Venice

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes photo to the Tailhook Club and the Matime to Fiji and New Zealand. rine Museum so Bill McVey will live in We tried, whenever practical, to stay history! (and to John Cavedo who can away from interstates. Seeing the country use it to get McVey to do most any job was really interesting. We even followed he wants for the 55th).

Route 66 for part of the way. It was de“The sad truth of getting older is illuspressing to see the hundreds of vacant trated in McVey’s email (below) about businesses which had prospered before the shellacking in golf. He is completely the interstate bypassed this important part delusional, but I do remember that one of American history. time when we were at the bottom of a On the return trip, we spent the day with small hill, he hit the ball out of sight.”

Bill and Millie McVey in Texas. They are Bill McVey sent the following reply enjoying life in Texas, with at least one email to his golf foes: “It sounds like you daughter living nearby. both have recovered from the shellacking Finally, before making it all the way I gave you during our recent golf outing home we stopped in Pensacola to visit (I’m considering reducing my handicap Class of 1964: Dick and Susan Atkinson with John Cavedo two sets of friends there. We chronicaled to just one stroke per hole next time we in Ormond Beach, Florida, in 2020. the trip (with photos) on our private VMI play since I only finished 8-10 behind Class of 1964 Facebook site. you this year) and also from your travels and Most of the remainder of these notes were company upon returning home, etc. We are regleaned from several Christmas letters we reentering the world of 100 degree days by moving ceived. In the future, it would be nice if these very slowly and sorting through four weeks of Christmas notes (obviously on home computers) mostly junk mail! could be sent to me via email. Then I could cut “Just after you guys left the ‘rivah,’ it occurred and paste. As it was, it took a long time to tranto me that we had never taken any photos of any scribe and edit. of us that I can recall, and no proof of having had Butch and Joan Nunnally traveled extensively, the pleasure of one another’s company, except the for the most part visiting children and grandchilones Bill took of me with my beautiful set of pink dren. Butch also experienced a mild heart attack, golf clubs. I shouldn’t have to mention it, but I’ve causing him to reconsider his weight and exerkilled men for lesser reasons than things like putcise program. They reported that counting going ting something like that in an alumni magazine. steady for five years in high school and while at Photos or not, it was a fun couple of days; thank VMI, they’ve been together and going steady for you all for making your contributions to good 65 years. Can anyone out there beat that record? eating, good drinking and good times. We are Ed and Janice Seager traveled once again to looking forward to the reunion and to using Bill’s Barbados in February, this year joined by their formalized and well-documented standard operchilden and grandchildren. Joe and Pongsri Class of 1964: Don and Margaret Carson in the Bahamas in November 2019. ating procedures for managing this year’s class Chompaisal stayed with them over the 55th transportation requirements.”

Reunion in April. In September, they attended In early January, Sherrel and I started on a a family reunion of the descendents of Ed’s madrive west. The total driving was just short of ternal grandmother. Lots of cousins with their 5,000 miles. We were able to see a variety of families attended. They also traveled to Virginia a friends, family and places. Especially nice was couple of times to spend time with Janice’s aunt. visiting two old Army buddies – both were in Richard Beatty and his wife, Mickey, basiour wedding in 1965. We also were able to cally drove all over the country, visiting several spend time in San Diego with W.J and Laurelatives and stopped by Edmund Hoy’s home, ranne Kitchen, taking several side trips and now in North Carolina. Among other places visenjoying good meals. Unfortunately, W.J. had ited were the Gettysburg Battlefield, Antietam, recently had a heart attack with one stent being Mount Rushmore, Myrtle Beach and many other placed. The day we left, he went in for another places. A total of 9,000-plus miles. Richard had stent but ended up getting three more. But he knee surgery in November which slowed him Class of 1964: Bob Warren and Walt was in such good shape before these episodes down some.

Sykes in Annapolis, Maryland, in Septhat he recovered quickly, and shortly after, the Jerry and Sandra Reid have been battling her tember 2019. two of them took off on another journey – this cancer for many years now – fortunately staying

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Class Notes ahead. Both are active in their church and very proud of their children and grandchildren, all of whom seem to be flourishing.

Mickey Finn Jim Brittingham, though embroiled constantly with a series of medical issues, still had time to enjoy our reunion with his extremely supportive daughter, Laura. They also spent a week in Nags Head. He reported plans to implant a pacemaker/ Let me start by reporting the absolute wonderdefibrillator, though I haven’t received an update.

Rev. Richard Atkison wrote that his youngest ful winter we are enjoying in Wilmington, North daughter, Elizabeth, was married in May. Rich- Carolina! Today (Feb. 8, 2020) I have begun ard officiated. His eldest daughter was the maid these notes with an email from Conrad Hall.

Conrad Hall writes, “And so with 55 years of of honor.

Tony and Barbera Munera continue to explore no comment, I break the silence with the news the world. Too many places to list here, but exten- of the great loss of my wife, Peggy, after almost sive. Their son, Andy, is the deputy commanding 50 years of marriage. She bravely and without general of the Army’s Cadet Command at Fort complaint did battle with cancer for three years.

Knox. They also managed to squeeze in oppor- She died on, of all dates, Nov. 11. Secondly, tunities to be with a couple of very successful I have joined the ranks of our brother rats who grandsons. They are both active in their church have published a book, mine dedicated to Pegand try to exercise regularily. They reported gy’s memory. The title is ‘A Select History of about the 55th Reunion that when Tony was a Mathews County Virginia, 17th, 18th and 19th cadet, returning alumni seemed so old. Now, not Centuries and the Family of Robert and Ann Hall.’ A long title but one that searches well on so much.

Most everyone knows that after living in Lex- the internet. The book is the result of five years of ington for what seemed to be 200 years, Tom work and is characterized by a great deal of origiand Helen Davis moved to Newport News into a nal research. A search of ‘Mathews County Virsenior living community. Helen had surgery just ginia History’ on Amazon brings it up on the first before the reunion. They did get to travel to Rus- page. Robert Hall’s three sons, Robert, Spencer sia, Finland and Sweden in September. For them, and Thomas were each veterans of the Revoluvisiting the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg tionary War. As you can imagine, writing a book has been a special challenge for a CE. Best to you was the highlight.

Jake and Deborah Kleinschuster reported in and I look forward to seeing you in April. In the with a great photo of themselves and their 10 spirit, Conrad.”

Bill Murphy sent an email to Bob Southgrandchildren. They are also very active in their worth and Easley Moore: “As discussed on the church.

Cliff Crittsinger just called to say that he sold phone earlier, Easley Moore and I were talkhis house in Denver, with the closing to occur ing about the VMI Class of 1965 55th Reunion in March. Previously, he had the house on the market for six plus months before removing it. In January, he put it back on the market and had lots of quick showings before there was a bidding war which netted him far more than his asking price. Not many have experienced that wonderful ride.

If any of you out there haven’t received at least a half dozen emails from me in the last six months, it’s probably that you’ve changed email addresses and forgot to let me know. Hint.

Class of 1965: Augustine Ivanhoe “Buddy” Dalton Thanks to everyone who takes the time on new year’s eve 2019. to keep in touch.

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early arrivals reception at the Marshall Library April 19, at which point he suggested that we should drink a toast the citizen-soldiers (militia) who fired ‘the shot heard ’round the world’ on April 19, 1775 (ladies and others in attendance also being invited to join us). Of course, I agreed with him, and offered to provide a short piece (above, attached – only eight pages, including bibliography) that I wrote on the subject to help explain my move to join my Army son Brian (including three grandchildren), in Acton, Massachusetts, some few years ago – just to refresh ourselves, in advance, on some of the details.

“Anyhow, as you and I discussed, this attachment might go out by email to the entire Class of ’65, with a message informing everyone that such a toast is to be offered by the early arrivals get together in Lexington, Virginia, to the patriotic men who fired ‘the shot heard ’round the world’ at the Concord North Bridge, and then chased the Brits back through that other Lexington (in Yankeeland), where American blood had first been shed, all the way back to Boston – winning that first day of the American Revolution.

“Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts begins, ceremoniously, at the monument in Acton (final resting place of the local militiamen killed in action that day) followed by a seven-mile march led by local Revolutionary War reenactors to Concord, where the ceremonies continue. In the spirit, Murphy sends.”

Phil Taylor brings us up to date: “We moved from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Hanover County, Virginia, about two years ago. I have been in and out of the Veterans Affairs hospital in Richmond four times since but am doing much better lately. Hanover County is the Taylor family ancestral home. They moved to Hanover in the early 1700s from New Kent County where they had landed in the mid-1600s.

“In December, Susan and I flew to Athens and took a Viking cruise to Rome where we were joined by our son, Marshall. I played the role of Santa on the ship, since we were at sea on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Marshall graduated from RandolphMacon College with an undergraduate degree in religious studies and is now in his first year at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond. He has entered died the Young Priest in Training program with the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes If your church needs a visiting Anglican fireman (preacher), Marshall and I would be delighted to substitute. You would get a two-forone, and we promise to get you out the door on time. Plus, Marshall could use the cash!”

Johnny Mac Marshall brings us up to date: “As you can imagine, I have been knee-deep in getting ready for the reunion in April, and it has been truly a joyous process. The opportunity to reconnect with so many of our BRs is one of the reasons to do this, not to mention attend the party. Any excuse for a party, right?

“This has been a busy autumn/winter outside of the reunion prep. In October, a book that I co-authored on the importance of legal precedent was published in Poland. Their legal system does not have much precedent in it, so the book was designed to ‘teach’ why it is good. In January, an article I wrote on technology focused on the question, ‘Are you smarter than your car?’ was published in the Mensa Bulletin, and later in February I will go to Austin to present a paper on a similar topic. In addition to all of this, my younger daughter, Victoria, announced that she is getting married in February in Virginia Beach! As the FOB (father of the bride), I obviously have to prepare to file for bankruptcy sooner rather than later. Jamie, as the BMOB (bonus mother of the bride) has

Class of 1965: Phil Taylor played Santa on a cruise ship. He and his wife, Susan, were at sea on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 2020-Issue 2

thrown herself into the planning phase of this event, to no one’s surprise. She will do the same at the reunion, as she has volunteered for the hospitality/ registration table like last time and, and I quote, ‘loves the brother rats.’

“By the time this comes out, I will have gone to Poland again for my usual springtime teaching stint. This time we hope to have a very lively trial on a contemporary subject ... but not impeachment. Ha! Ha! Looking forward to the reunion! ’65! ’65! ’65!”

Bill Cather reports, “Mia and I, with Maebeth Fitzgerald, will be at the reunion. The last four months have been tough on Mia. We are doing home dialysis now, but she had a pulmonary embolism a couple of months back and was in the hospital for three weeks and then last month she had to have her upper aorta replaced by a TAVR procedure which meant another three days.

“The only thing I have been able to do with the scouts was a 10-mile hike in pouring down rain and 45 degrees. That was about as bad as it gets! I don’t care how good your boots and raincoat are, you are going to be soaked. My Saturdays have been filled watching basketball and flag football games along with ballet and piano recitals along with baton exhibitions.

It is great having all three children and eight grandchildren living no more than 20 minutes away.”

Jeff Gausepohl attended the service for Augustine Ivanhoe “Buddy” Dalton who passed on new year’s eve 2019. “Attended Buddy’s service in Allentown and his full military burial at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Jan. 9. Buddy lost his long battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Chemistry BRs remember Buddy’s infamous Dalton Theory and his superior chem lab techniques in mixology. Carolyn, his wife since August 1965, survives Buddy in a full care facility in Pennsylvania. Carolyn and Buddy were a true VMI couple – attended all class reunions and for years the annual 1965 get together at a February basketball game.

Saying goodbye was tough but it was a real pleasure to share VMI memories with his son, Eric, and daughter, Lisa.”

As these notes are closed out for the second edition due out in May, I can say thank you to “the whole darn team!” led by Lou Siegel and Charlie Russell! Rah Virginia Mil! Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah, Rah VMI, ’65! ’65! ’65!

1966

Nick Hoskot

I am writing these notes as a warmer than normal “winter” continues to produce delightfully mild temperatures, at least here in South Texas.

And spring is officially right around the corner and will have “sprung” in most locales by the time this edition of the Review is delivered.

Note: Please remember to update the Alumni Association with your contact information as it changes. Also, please let your immediate family know how to contact the Association should that be necessary.

There have been some requests about finding an issue of the Bomb, so here is a link to use to see old Bombs which are online through 2010: https://www.vmi.edu/archives/digitalcollections/vmi-yearbook-digital-archives/.

Hopefully, this will be of some utility to those whose copies may have been lost or damaged over the years.

Rick Kiernan’s book, “Headlines From the Front,” which covers the history of militarymedia relations, has been released.

John “the sleuth” Walters provided some interesting information concerning Vince Scott and the circumstances surrounding his loss in Laos April 22, 1969. Details about the excavations of that crash site, and others, can be found in a book by retired Army officer David Combs entitled “Thick Luck.”

Joe Gesker and Paul Robblee attended the 10th Annual Leadership and Ethics Conference held at VMI late last year. Thanks, guys.

Hugh and Deane Adams “had the pleasure” of seeing the Keydet basketball team defeat The Citadel last month. As Hugh noted: “I don’t know if this is routine, but (coach) Duggar had his team stay on the court until after the ‘Doxology’ was done. A nice gesture.” At the game, they saw Bob Odom, Coach Cliff Martin, Ray Melton, Paul Robblee, Dick Goodall and Jimmy Pauls. Jim was in town to be with “Moby” Carr while Gail was out of town. Frank Louthan was also in town for an indoor track meet. Hugh also commented that “it was interesting to see half of Scott Shipp

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Class Notes this year. They are going to try to get together with Peter Farley on their next visit to the islands. Pete sends his thanks to Cliff Martin for his updates. Pete closed by wishing the best to all the BRs and said that anyone going to St. John should “give me a shout” at pcharrin@ comcast.net as they might be down there at the same time.

Neil Fisher reported that he broke his right hip while out walking, aggravating the arthritis in that knee! He spent some time in physical

Class of 1966: Rob Ritchie serves on the board of Impact a Hero and participated in the organization’s Operation Impact rock climbing and ropes course in Rockport, Texas. with no exterior back wall. Must be some serious renovation.”

Cliff Martin sent in a note regarding our upcoming 55th Reunion (April 2021): They had a good meeting with the Alumni Association folks. In attendance were Frank Louthan, “The” Eddie Willis, Pete Sensabaugh, Bob Odom, Paul Robblee and Paul Maini. The committee’s basic approach was: Keep it in Lexington, keep it simple – i.e., not too much scheduling, with options to select from or just sit around and chat. At some point, a questionnaire will be sent out to the class to see what we want on the agenda.

Checking in from “Philly Land” was Pete Charrington. He and Anna May are doing well and were looking forward to celebrating their 50th anniversary this past March 21. Congratulations, Pete and Anna May! They had a great Christmas gathering with kids and grandkids and were able to attend a charity ball for the benefit of Special Olympics in the Philadelphia area: “We looked pretty good dressed up.” They are still traveling to St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, a good amount of time during the year while Pete continues to assist preparing air permits for some of his old clients in that area but will probably end that work later

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Class of 1966: Rick Kiernan’s local library carries his book, which covers the history of military-media relations.

Class of 1966: Pete and Anna May Charrington attended a charity ball for the Special Olympics in Philadelphia.

therapy, while being housed by his brother, Bill ’62, and his wife, Madonna. Neil also experienced some cardiac issues requiring a stent and was scheduled for cardiac rehab when he developed some foot problems which canceled the rehab. The advice from the podiatrist: “Stay off your feet!” All of these “issues” limited Neil’s work as a field rep for the census bureau. He is looking forward to our 55th as he has not seen any brother rats recently.

Big news from Joe Gesker: He was married in August to a high school classmate named Rosalie. Congratulations to Joe and Rosalie!

They attended the Institute Society Dinner and are also looking forward to our 55th Reunion.

Rob Ritchie continues to serve on the board of directors of Impact a Hero in Houston. IAH provides financial, emotional and mentoring to wounded veterans and their families.

Rob is also the vice president of the Houston chapter of the Military Officers Association of America. “MOAA does an incredible job of supporting the military retired community. Impact a Hero operates a program called Operation Impact in Rockport, Texas, that provides challenging physical and support programs for disabled (including PTSD) veterans.” Rob had traveled to Rockport to “show the flag” as an IAH board member and was watching the veterans on the rock wall/ropes course.

Rob was “minding his own business” when a double amputee said, “You going up the wall,

Class of 1966: Paul Robblee and Joe Gesker at the 10th VMI Leadership and Ethics Conference.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes colonel?” Rob muttered something like, “Oh, shucks,” under his breath, reminded himself he might be too old for this – but accepted the challenge. The double amputee went up after Rob! Good show Rob ... pip pip, old chap!

Thanks to everyone who sent in an update; that keeps me from “manufacturing” class news! The next period for letting us all know “what’s up” includes news and events through Friday, May 15. Please provide photos if you have them and any notes to me, no later than Tuesday, May 12. Be well, be safe and enjoy!

1967

Lonnie Jan Abernathy

Jack and Patty Sheeran’s daughter, Amy, married in October. Tom Rhodes sent me a notice that the tornado that came through Dallas in November missed them by about 4 miles.

He was complimentary of Home Depot which heeded the warnings and let their employees leave early before the storm destroyed the store. Home Depot deserves accolades for their continuing support of veterans. In Atlanta, they also provide Atlanta Symphony Orchestra classical symphony tickets. The orchestra, ASO, is under The Woodruff Arts Center, the thirdlargest arts center in the U.S., behind Lincoln Center and The Kennedy Center. It includes the High Museum of Art, the Alliance Theatre and the Hertz Stage. Thanks, Arthur Blanks. I am proud to say that my Joan is on the board of the WAC and the ASO. She is always eager to assist any of you with acquiring these benefits as veterans.

Jim Wilson: “The Veterans Affairs actually approved as service connected my hearing degradations ... and issued me high-tech hearing aids a couple of weeks back. Are damned computers ... with minimal actual manuals to ‘illuminate’ the control options that are both on the devices as well as on a new app and other software functions found on my iPhone. The VA turned me down for any Agent Orange associations with my neuropathy issues. That I figured would happen given the passage of time since way back then and so many ‘cumulative alternative denial’ excuses available.”

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Barrett Graham: “Brent Bell organized a soccer club which played other undergraduate soccer clubs in our area. I had been playing since the fifth grade and readily welcomed the opportunity to play with the club whenever I could escape Walt Cormack’s watchful eye.

Brent did a pretty good job of organizing us (we were self-coached) and finding competition. As I recall, we won more matches than we lost, probably due as much to a characteristically VMI aggressive style of play as anything.” (Jan adds that Bob Ward broke his arm in this “league,” and Bob Hess and I took turns holding his cast in the air while our roomie showered with his good arm ... a fond memory of life in barracks.)

Phil Gioia: “My dad took me to see the Roy Rogers rodeo at Madison Square Garden in New York City in ’55 or ’56. During the performances, he said he had to leave for a minute and I was to wait in the seats; he’d be right back. A few minutes later, he came back and said to follow him.

We went down about three levels of back stairway to the level just off the performance floor.

Leaning against a railing was Roy Rogers. I remember he had a lot of stage makeup on, I guess for the arena. I don’t remember anything that was said, but it was quite a surprise. My dad could get inside anybody’s security. He got me in front of Douglas MacArthur in Tokyo, Dwight Eisenhower, John Ford and Queen Frederika of Greece at West Point, and a number of other prominent people. I guess he had good training in OSS.” John Gupton: “The University of Richmond recently hosted some retirement events in my honor, since I will formally retire Jan. 1, 2020, after 41 years as a professor of chemistry. Our classmate, Dave Wilkinson, and Mr. Floyd D. Gottwald [’43] were present, and Dave suggested you might like to use the attached picture in an upcoming issue of the VMI Review. The picture was taken in the Gottwald Center for the Sciences at UR. Dave and I were obviously chemistry majors at the Institute, and so was Mr. Gottwald. I have also attached a picture of my family including my wife, Mary Rose; daughter, Emily; son-in-law, Bryan (Air Force grad); and grandkids, Quinnie and Liam.”

Dave Johnson: “In regard to the Marines recovering World War II remains in the Pacific. Thank you very much Jan for sending this video. It is a reminder of the importance of brotherhood, and it makes me remember one of our recent deceased

brother rats, Perry Ritenour. I am proud that the Marines would send an honor guard to escort these brave soldiers to their final resting place.

And thank you, John Forsyth, for understanding that this video would mean so much to the rest of us.”

Wayne Marshall: “Nice to see the notes on Christmas at VMI. I don’t remember if we decorated our door our senior year or not. There were a few other traditions that you might remember, especially the painting of the 300-pound cannonball to look like a Christmas tree ornament.

Or Santa’s unauthorized visit to Jackson Arch. If you remember, there was only one taxi to take cadets out to Steeles Tavern where our cars were stored out of county. I think that there might have been 20 cadets crammed in for some of those trips. My rat year, I invited Vasu Chanarat ’66 home with me for Christmas as he was not going home to Thailand. He offered to drive me and Don MacCuish ’68 up to Massachusetts.

When we left Steeles Tavern, we found out that the car heater was not working and that icy air was pouring into the car. We were frozen pretty good by the time we pulled into a service station near D.C. It turned out that the hoses connecting the heater to the car and a vent hose connected to the outside air were missing and, of course, no replacements were available. With the creativity of mad scientists, we sliced and spliced some radiator hoses and tied the whole thing together with hose clamps and electrical tape. The rest of the trip was uneventful.” Jan adds that Wayne eventually brought his ’56 Ford to Steeles Tavern for trips home. He collected pennies for the many tolls between Virginia and Massachusetts.

Of course, they were not accepted until Wayne enjoyed an argument with a supervisor with cars lined up behind him honking horns. Hope your Christmas was filled with many fond memories.

Rick Brooke: “Nancy and I celebrated our ninth wedding anniversary earlier this summer (2019) by finally visiting the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Nancy enjoyed the various flower gardens there. The exhibit that I found interesting was touring the former top-secret Cold War fallout shelter built underground during the Eisenhower era for Congress individuals if an emergency situation arose. The underground shelter even contained a science lab with electronic equipment that was very similar to the actual equipment that I used at VMI. This year has also involved addressing

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Class Notes wedding anniversary in 2019. They ventured various medical issues for both of us. Nancy for cancer in 2019. He had chemo before his to the Portuguese Azores for 10 days and took had her right hip replaced in February and has and she had radiation after hers. They report recovered fairly well. In addition, I have success- they are doing fairly well and now into the a river cruise to Eastern Europe, cruising the Danube with stops in Romania, Bulgaria, Serfully endured two cataract surgeries. I have also three month follow-up program. bia, Croatia and Hungary. They note that these finally retired from my ‘bucket-list’ venture into Pete and Karen Wells traveled last year: countries were quite different from past cruisteaching both physics and advanced math in local Richmond; Raleigh; Greenville, South Caroing experiences in Germany and France, and high-schools.” Rick Brooke also reports that the lina; Ohio: Cleveland and Cincinnati; Virginia since 1991 when the Russians left, the counupcoming rat class next year will have a young Beach; Maine: Boston, Portsmouth and Acatries progress to develop national identities and football star named Kyle Dargis from Warrenton, dia; and several other places. He reports that prosperous economies and lifestyles slowly.

Virginia, who will be attending, and we should that had a few repairable medical problems They are still involved with volunteer activikeep an eye out for him. along the way. ties at the Harwich Pantry, the town library and The holidays always bring a flurry of updates John and Peggy Shea celebrated their 50th the boat club, where John is in his third year as and news. This is what came in this year: a member of the boat club board of directors.

Dave Fink notes that he is doing fine with his John also went to the West Point versus VMI health issues, and his biggest news is their son game with his former Guard buddies, completis finally getting married in June. Jim Clarke ing their 29th annual trip to see the football has also had cataract surgery on both eyes in the game and have a dinner together at West Point. past month and reports that the world is a much Doug and Carol Ann Mills had an eventful brighter place now. In fact it is so much brighter year in 2019 traveling to Australia and New that VMI may win a few more games in the 2020 Zealand for a Viking Ocean Cruise that they season of football. He notes that Janice’s turn for said was wonderful. They also noted that the cataract surgery will be coming up in a year or Aussies and Kiwis are gracious and the scentwo. ery spectacular. Doug is a great fan of the Lord Dave Bristow, now in Deltaville, Virginia, says of the Rings films and they were able to see the he may move back to Denver when he fully reShire and enjoyed a ginger beer at the Green tires since his kids are back there. His daughter Dragon. They also spent special time with spends half of her time in Denver and half in Enggrandkids with Doug even bonding with grandland currently. son Quinn over the Scottish fiddle orchestra and Ski and Carol Ann Waskiewicz had many Baby Shark while playing it on his iPad. travels last year including the TWA museum in Tom and Shirley Mustard enjoyed a family Kansas City, the baseball Hall of Fame in Coobeach vacation with their entire family, includperstown, New York, and attending Ski’s eighth Class of 1967: Don Brown, retired U.S. Airways captain, was awarded the Circle of ing five grandkids and four great-grandkids. Algrade 60th reunion. While experiencing many Excellence Award by CAE, a global leader though the photo did not work for AR requiretravel adventures they saw an accident where a in training for the civil aviation, defense ments it was quite special to see them all and we body went flying through the air, a tire that came and security, and health care markets. will try to get this out by email. off a vehicle and bounced down the road toward Kris and Capers Dixon have moved to them and a medical emergency when Greenville, South Carolina, just outside Ski passed out at a rest stop in Columof Traveler’s Rest. Shortly after the movbus, Ohio, and had to be admitted to the ers unloaded the packed boxes and furnihospital for gastrointestinal bleeding. A ture, Kris fell and broke her foot, so they favorite part of their year was celebrating spent most of their first night in the hostheir 44th wedding anniversary in May pital. Capers reports that his new name with dinner at Buckhorn Tavern. became Step and Fetch, as Kris could Rick and Carol Davis reported that the not walk. Thus much of 2019 was spent grandkids keep them busy with their socwith visits to surgeons, operations and recer teams/softball teams, drama plays, cuperation, and finally some unpacking. concerts, flag teams and more. Rick has Knowing how things compound themenjoyed assisting with Jayda’s soccer selves when her left hip started giving her team, also. The family managed to surprise Rick for his 75th birthday with Anna Class of 1967: Bob Green, Don Jones and Hunter Taylor had problems shortly afterward it was deterand kiddos flying in from California. lunch together recently. Former roommates Jones and Tay- mined that a hip replacement was neceslor had not seen each other in 35 years. Carole Green took sary so that started the series of doctors, While all of this was going on Rick and the photo. surgery and recuperation all over again.

Carol both had surgeries and treatment

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes They received an invitation to join the president and first lady of Clemson University in the president’s suite to watch a couple of football games, replete with a huge layout of food and a welcome by the band and cheerleaders. Although special, they report that they did not get home until 2 a.m. so have decided to watch future games on the TV. Max and Terryann Toch visited friends in California, Florida, Georgia, Montana and South Carolina. They also cruised the western Mediterranean coast from Barcelona to Gibraltar, then north along the Atlantic coast ending up in Lisbon Class of 1967: Dave Fink, Carolyn Kerr, Don Brown and with Brenda and J.I. Orrison. Max con- Bruce Weiner at Bob Kerr’s visitation in Fort Worth, Texas. tinues volunteer work with the Veterans Affairs research center in the muscularskeletal area, participating in local Team Red White and Blue activities. Terryann rushed home to Australia to assist with family members’ injuries and help them find the right nursing home situation. Son Leo works in the tech industry in San Francisco. Daughter Maria is enjoying her job as a patrol officer in the Newport News Police Department. Last June she finished first in her class in the police academy and was selected by her classmates as valedictorian for the graduation ceremony. Charlie is thriving as a platoon Class of 1967: John Gupton with his wife, Mary Rose; leader with the 101st Airborne Division, daughter, Emily; son-in-law Bryan, an alumnus of the Air finishing his Ranger and Airborne Train- Force Academy; and grandkids, Quinnie and Liam. ing at Fort Benning. He was recently awarded Expert Infantryman Badge and has attained the rank of first lieutenant.

John and Leslie Forsyth have moved into their “forever” home across the road from daughter Becky and moved Leslie’s mom, Lila, into a senior living community less than a mile from them. (Lila celebrated her 93rd birthday in June.) In spring 2019, the entire family cruised the Caribbean for a week of debauched gluttony, wining and dining with many shipboard activities. Daughter Carrie made all the arrangements and was later recognized as Teacher of the Year.

Granddaughter Campbell competed at the Colorado state track and field championships and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Carter, yearbook editor, graduated with honors from Smoky Hill High School and then was on to the University of Missouri to start his freshman year.

Class of 1967: Mike Andrews with his family.

John stays busy perfecting napping skills in his

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man cave and volunteering at his charity.

John and Judy Chiles attended grandson Gavin’s wedding in Scottsdale, Arizona, shortly after he graduated with honors from pharmacy school. John said one of his highlights were the four Ferraris parked outside of a restaurant in a row where they went for breakfast after the wedding. They also took a pink Jeep tour into the wilderness and then an adventure to the Grand Canyon. They were able to stay in remodeled 1920s cabins on the rim of the canyon so they were able to look out of their bedroom windows right down into the canyon the next morning.

John said this was a “best year ever” trip.

Mya and Chuck Krebs spent a week in August on Seabrook Island, South Carolina, and then onto Hatteras Island, North Carolina, on the Outer Banks in their travel trailer in September. They also traveled up to Bourne, Massachusetts, and camped on the Cape Cod Canal. They enjoyed events at Mya’s 50th high school class reunion then went whale watching, ate whole fried clams, clam chowder and Maine lobster to top off the trip. Mya had cataract surgery on both eyes, which went well but has problems now with severe dry eyes. She also had an Anterior Cervical Discectomy Fusion on her neck. She had to wear a cervical collar for six-plus months and then use an electromagnetic bone stimulator for four months afterward.

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Class Notes There is still an impingement on her spinal cord causing cervical cogenic headaches so there could be more challenges ahead.

Don Brown, a retired U.S. Airways captain, has been awarded the Circle of Excellence Award by CAE, a global leader in training for the civil aviation, defense and security and health care markets.

The award says, “He is one of the finest instructors and examiners at CAE with 1,332 direct client hours in 2018. (The average is 832). His attitude and approach are unmatched. His glass is always half full, not half-empty. His sky is partly sunny, not partly cloudy. He finds solutions, continues to study and become a master of his trade. He is hailed as a leader amongst his peers.”

Anne and Mike Hall reported that while Mike stayed home and had the outside of the house painted she traveled to Spain, France and Italy.

They say the Hall circus got together for the holidays and that their boys make them very proud.

I am pleased to add that Bill Kiniry is recovering successfully from a laminectomy. He said his middle son is in Ghana working there assisting with the refugee situation, and his youngest is at RIT, an architecture school. Jim Rogers has also almost recovered from the broken ribs, broken scapula and lumbar vertebrae after a Bobcat bucked him off last year. If he can get his Achilles tendon back in working order he should be in great shape again. And, John Burgess is continuing to recuperate and mend rapidly from his broken ankle and kneecap surgeries As I close these notes, let us remember our brother rats who have passed since the last issue: Perry Ritenour passed in November after battling cancer for several years. His wife, Lee, sent a very nice note for me to share after his service in January. Flowers from the class were sent in a white-only configuration per Buddhist tradition.

Burt Palmer’s daughter, Hunter, was especially thankful that his brother rats sent flowers for his memorial. She said she recognized the red, white and yellow combination from his BRs right away.

We lost him on Christmas Day. And Ray Gosney call to inform us of the sudden unexpected loss of his roommate, Bob Kerr, Dec. 16. Carolyn Kerr also sent a note of appreciation about our BRs who were able to attend Bob’s service (Dave Fink, Bruce Weiner and Don Brown) and how much she appreciated the floral arrangement. If you send me your memories of BRs with anecdotes and stories I will share them with the families and the class. Burt’s daughter, Hunter,

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especially asked if we could do this for her as she feels very close to his VMI history. I hope you will take a minute to write out something for me to share with the families and our class.

Will Plentl continues to earn aeronautic related awards posthumously. If you did not see the article is the last AR under Alumni News, page 182, plan to go back and read it.

Through health challenges and accidents, our ranks are thinning. There are several more BRs who are dealing with health issues they have asked me not to share at this time. I trust you will not be one of them in the future but know we all offer support with any challenges that occur.

Thanks for staying in touch and stay well BRs.

1968

Tom Hickey

Wayne Burton (Saint Marys, Georgia): “Sylvia and I took a Viking cruise along the New England coast. Then off to Macon for the very wet Mercer football game. The Mercer folks were great hosts as they invited us to join them indoors for our pregame luncheon. Norma and George Buzzard (Waynesboro, Virginia), Joyce and Lew Yeouze (Peachtree City, Georgia), and Sylvia and I spent four days in New York as tourists before attending the Army game. We had a great time with Norma as our tour guide. And we are proud grandparents once again.”

Bob MacPherson (Charlotte, North Carolina): “My wife, Veronica, and I live in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she works as a therapist at the Levine Institute for Cancer. After nearly 20 years in the humanitarian community, I retired in 2018. Before retiring, I headed Cosantoir Group as its president and chief executive officer. Cosantoir worked solely with aid groups and assisted with conflict risk mitigation, refugee and displaced persons protection and human rights issues. In addition, we led humanitarian responses around the world. In this role, we engaged with traditional actors including the United Nations, as well as nontraditional authorities such as the Taliban in Afghanistan, the Maoists in Nepal and local militias throughout central and east Africa, to gain humanitarian access. For the past five years, we were partners with the

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

“It was all great stuff, but I came down with a blood disorder, and it was prudent to step back.

Without too much drama, I have complex PTSD. I got treatment and its better, but it never goes away. However, here is the most important thing I want to convey in this message. We all value our relationships and the brother rat bond, but until I was in trouble, I took it for granted. My relationship with Ad Hagan (Lexington, Virginia) was forged in the three years we roomed together. We stood next to one another through the two summers of Marine training at Quantico. It was rugged and unrelenting but having my best friend next to me made it possible to succeed. When I was wounded in Vietnam, I spent nearly a year in hospitals. I may have gone crazy if it weren’t for the letters I received from my BRs. Yet, for decades, my BR Ad carried me with encouragement through the conflicts I served in as a Marine, but more so in the years of doing aid work without the support of the U.S. government. In many ways, we were on our own out there. But my BR never let me down. When I entered therapy for PTSD, several of you who are reading this were there with assistance and support, including Ad, who put up with a lot of B.S. from me and forced me into a program – thank you.

“I have just finished a book, ‘Stewards of Humanity.’ I’ll quote a bit from the ‘Query Letter’ I send to literary agents (if anyone has a contact with a publishing agent – I could sure use an intro) seeking representation: ‘It is about people I worked alongside for years who risked everything to save the lives of many. I watched them step outside the bounds of normalcy and into worlds filled with violence, insecurity and deprivation.’ In these brave but imperfect people, I discovered a common trait. They found solidarity with others by stripping themselves bare of everything they thought they knew about life and marched into appalling situations with a willingness to confront rather than retreat from injustice.

Each story opens the reader to the horrific effects of war on the people caught in the middle. These accounts of conflicts are often covered by journalists and soldiers, but seldom from the perspective of the aid workers who live with the victims and not apart.

“So that’s it. I am doing well; I have a sense of joy and happiness that I have not had in decades and love experiencing life rather than enduring it. I know I have been gone for a long

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes time, but in that absence, I never forgot the special bond we have and thank you for never forgetting me.”

Dick Wise (Richmond, Virginia): “I see BRs George Walton (Richmond, Virginia), Howard Donald (Richmond, Virginia), John Kemper (who mentioned this briefly in class notes before), Jim Burns (Henrico, Virginia), Dick Wood (Richmond, Virginia), plus fellow alumni Donnie White ’65, David “Tubby” Wilkinson ’67, Stuart Cottrell ’70, Herb Braun ’70, Kelly Sutton ’70, Lanny Gault ’71 and Donnie Ross ’74 frequently during Friday afternoon happy hours at Rose Marie’s on Patterson Avenue. Proprietor Johnnie Fleming knows Walton, Donald and yours truly and approved our request to use his side room for the event. Said he thought we might upgrade the quality of his clientele! Brother Rat Walton does a superb job of organizing the weekly event, and his efforts have worked well for us and for Johnnie and for Seta, his bartender, who does a superb job of waiting on us. We enjoy great stories from Messrs. White and Ross, among others, and great entertainment from raconteur Cottrell and non VMI alum Nortie Lauher. You can pretty much bank on some of us being there on any given Friday happy hour, and all are welcome. As for me, it seems I’m busier in retirement than I ever was.

Trying to raise funds for our Purple Heart chapter among other things. Trying to help an old business colleague and trying to keep up with children, stepchildren and grandchildren. It keeps me busy. See a lot of our BRs on Facebook, but I’m not nearly as adept at the program as they are. By the way I have a son, Andy, Virginia Tech ’10, who works for Halliburton and lives in Williston, North Dakota. Do any of our BRs have connections in North Dakota?”

Greg Wall (Keswick, Virginia): “I am enjoying retirement, traveling in our Airstream, reading and trying to stay in shape.”

John Kemper (Richmond, Virginia): “Beginning to cut back and enjoy retirement. Still mentoring young startup founders and working with VMI cadets on their business concepts and desire to be the ‘entrepreneurs of the future.’ I get a ton of satisfaction out of working with them and that work certainly keeps my mind active.”

Steve Wilson (Mathews, Virginia): “Linda and I traveled in Europe July 29-Sept. 10. Flew into Frankfurt and then Copenhagen. Enjoyed a nine-day Baltic Sea cruise visiting St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland; Tallinn, Estonia; and

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Stockholm and Visby, Sweden. After two more days in Copenhagen, we returned to Germany and visited four sets of German friends in Hochheim am Main, Kirchhain, Bad Windsheim and Bad Nauheim. We also visited Weiden, BadenBaden and Strasbourg. After flying into Marseilles, France, we linked up with Bobbi and Dave Gehr (Williamsburg, Virginia) for a two-week cruise on the Rhone and Seine Rivers. The highlight for me was a visit to the American National Cemetery and the beaches in Normandy. After we returned, I had right shoulder rotator cuff repair Sept. 26. Recovery is progressing nicely. Finally, Jim Henry, Dave Gehr and I had the pleasure of organizing our class mini reunion Oct. 11-12 in Williamsburg. The event was ‘good to me’ because we had a chance to visit with BRs and relive our adventures at the ‘I.’” Billy Seargeant (Fredericksburg, Virginia): “I am still working on the expansion project at the Virginia War Memorial, but we’re getting ready to take the train to Mystic, Connecticut, for our youngest daughter’s wedding this Sunday. Then we fly to San Antonio, Texas, for two weeks of peace and quiet, and then back to work. The state has another project that they want me to work on, then maybe I will retire, God willing.”

John Lane (Sparta, New Jersey): “I saw Lew Yeouze and Wayne Burton at West Point on a very, very cold day. Army had the better of us, but the spirit was evident. The combined glee clubs singing the national anthem was awesome!”

Dick Garner (Hilton Head, South Carolina): “Still in Hilton Head, still consulting and about to launch a new computerized interviewing business called Help2Hire ... wish me luck. In the last year we have traveled to Mexico twice and had a long trip to Israel.”

Berry Wright (Ashland, Virginia): “Just got through helping with the Christmas parade; it was a lot of work and a lot of fun. We had approximately 140 entries in the parade. There were every kind of participants from a unicyclist, to a bunch of marching bands, old cars, etc. Great fun for all.

Spent time at the Peaks of Otter in Bedford County, Colonial Williamsburg and down on the Chesapeake Bay. I now believe in global warming. The area around White Stone had the ditches full of water and standing water at the edge of pavement.

I slept with one eye open because I don’t think it will be long before a lot of shoreline is inundated.

I hope to go to the meeting with Gen. Peay ’62 in January to hear the state of affairs at the Institute.”

I also heard from Mary Lynn Hicks (Locust Grove, Virginia), widow of Ben Hicks (who went to the U.S. Naval Academy after our rat year): “I wrote an article about Ben and our 44 years of marriage for the USNA digital book celebrating Ben’s 50th reunion. I had a wonderful time with his company mates. All of them were in our wedding 50 years ago! I remain close to several of these caring, fun men and their wives and am grateful for their years of friendship. Ben’s roommate is also close to my children and wrote part of the bio I submitted.”

Mike Michelson (Jacksonville, Alabama): “I was quite sick on my birthday and hope to forget it as quickly as possible. My girlfriend, Christie, had planned a special day for me and my reaction was to get quite sick. I have both kidney and gallstones, and both probably attacked me at once.

My last year has been spent traveling the southeast and trying to win the heart of a certain lady. I’m not sure of whether I can ever fully win her heart, but I’ve made a good impression and she really cares a lot for me. I got to see VMI play Furman in football in Greenville, South Carolina, this year.

Great game for the first 25 minutes, but it went downhill after that. Was proud of their effort and their accomplishments for the season. Tried to see Will Robertson (Virginia Beach, Virginia) during Thanksgiving but wasn’t able to work it out. One other thing. The man who killed Suzy has still not been brought to trial, almost four years after her death. Apparently, the justice system’s idea of a speedy trial is different from mine. And it’s all due to the defense attorney using every delaying tactic in the world, hoping that I’ll die before his client is tried so that I won’t be able to testify about how much Suzy’s death affected our family.”

Bill Bouck (Deerfield Beach, Virginia): “In 2019, the most important event was the celebration of our 50th anniversary. I am thankful to the big man for every single day of our marriage/ partnership/friendship. In my eyes, Gail is Wonder Woman. We celebrated by taking our family to the Turks and Caicos in July. We stayed at the Sandals Beaches Resort. A fantastic place. All of the Sesame Street characters were celebrating their 50th with us. We also have a new granddaughter on the way in June 2020. Bill Cobb (Pompano Beach, Florida) and I fish as often as possible. I am more thankful every year for my VMI education and experience. I agree with Jay Slaughter (Frisco, Texas) that the term BR is now so precious to us.”

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Class Notes Di Johnson (Humble, Texas): “I was surprised to find in my records that we haven’t been very forthcoming on getting out Christmas cards. Hurricane Harvey’s 2017 floodwaters took away a lot more of our former holiday zeal than I thought. We have since recovered and rebuilt a brand-new first floor in our 16-year old Texas home. After all that work, we sought summer refuge in Penn Yan, New York, at our family place up there. We have visited with lots of family and good friends this year and have cherished every moment. After returning to Kingwood, we find ourselves generally healthy and, with some new body parts (shoulder, knee, etc.), we feel more capable to enjoy whatever life presents to us.”

Dick Rankin (Honolulu, Hawaii): “Cyn continues to work at Hilton as their Hawaii PR lady.

Either she loves it or is afraid to be home alone with me! I remain very busy as the president of Wounded Warrior Ohana and want to thank my BRs for donating to this most deserving cause!

Cyn and I did a safari in South Africa this year, and we will never forget it! Another bucket list item!

And the Nats were World Series Champs! Made it to one game! Another bucket list item!”

Fred Rencsok (Christiansburg, Virginia) (from his wife, Dianne): “Fred is on his way out the door to meet with the High School FIRST Robotics team that he is helping to coach. He is also teaching at New River Community College and president of church council! I want to include a recommendation that everyone look into FIRST Robotics, especially retired engineers. Competitions are loud, energetic, fascinating! It’s like a sports game, only those are ‘nerds’ down there in the competition field. They need more coaches and they need contributions to buy tools and materials to build their robots.”

Hal Hostetler (Portsmouth, Virginia): “We had a whirlwind Christmastide: Hampton Roads VMI alumni Christmas party in the midst of a Tidewater concert band flurry of 13 Christmas concerts.

The last was at our church in Portsmouth Dec. 22. The total year consisted of 29 performances.”

Mike Robertson (Richland, Washington): “This past year was not a great one for me. My wife, Sally, passed away in June from pancreatic cancer. It was diagnosed in January 2018 and after a 12-hour surgery in July 2018, we thought she had a good chance to, if not beat it, keep it at bay for a few more years. But it was not to be. So, as you can imagine, the holidays were pretty empty for me. Having my son, daughter-in-law and three

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grandchildren nearby helped. Otherwise, I’m still retired and living in Richland, Washington. I had a heart valve replacement in August. It was one of those TAVR procedures, so I didn’t have to have open heart. Just finished cardio rehab so am getting around pretty well. No plans for 2020. Will just have to see what pops up.”

Jim Henry (Williamsburg, Virginia): “All is well with our kids and grandkids. Susan and I enjoyed a British Isles golf cruise during the summer. We played five courses, all rated in the top 75 worldwide and also attended the last day of The Open at Royal Portrush. John Byrd (North Chesterfield, Virginia) was in town performing as ‘Jolly John Byrd’ at a local continuing care facility. He is a phenomenal ventriloquist. We enjoyed the show and a nice dinner with him. We also enjoyed a nice holiday gathering at Dave and Bobbi Gehr’s just before Christmas. Steve and Linda Wilson were also there so it was a special evening for us.”

Bill Millan (Phillipsburg, New Jersey): “Susan and I have moved to New Jersey and now live in the house where she was raised. I have half an acre of gardens to play with, but still work full time in conservation of nature. I run programs in Mexico, Colombia and Peru and will launch a program in the Caribbean islands next month.

My son, Mac, lives in New York City and builds sets for theater shows. Alas no sign of grandchildren yet. Next October Mac and I plan to go to Spain to hike the pilgrim trail of Santiago or at least part of it.”

Dixon McElwee (Boca Raton, Florida): “It’s been an interesting two years ending with much joy and happiness as we were able to share the holidays with North Carolina, Florida and Los Angeles children and grands. We are healthy but neither wealthy nor wise ... yet. Our health care business continues its growth (if you are not aware, there are loads of old folks down here) and son David is providing great leadership there. I made it to the Western Carolina Game with Kevin Henry, John Royster (Bermuda Run, North Carolina), Bogart Holland (Virginia Beach, Virginia), Bill Carter (Raleigh, North Carolina), Charlie Bishop (Staunton, Virginia), et al. Still playing a round of golf every now and then, as long as the epidurals are working, and I look forward to seeing all BRs in Lex this April.”

Dee Biggs (Acton, Massachusetts): “Creigh Kelley (Centennial, Colorado) had to talk me into going on this trip, but it turned out to be ‘Creigh

and Dee’s Excellent Adventure.’ A key role was played by Becca, who is Creigh’s whip smart daughter and is an executive at Ford as she was able to calm us a few times when it became emotional, and was an excellent partner in our adventures. Creigh’s blog does a very good job of describing our daily adventure, as we went down to the delta, which we did not visit when we were there 50 years ago, and we also went to Cu Chi which is a tourist place now with a tour of the tunnels, which were so prevalent in Vietnam. All three of us went into the tunnels and they were very small and very tight and were much more uncomfortable than I thought they would be.

Creigh even went into a one person cave which allowed a sniper to just get lost in the jungle very quickly and not be noticed. We were stationed together near Xuan Loc, which is about 50 miles or so from Ho Chi Minh City as Creigh was with a U.S. Artillery unit and I was a Mobile Advisory Team Leader to a battalion of Vietnamese soldiers. We were together there for about five months before Creigh got reassigned, and I remained in Xuan Loc. We went up to Xuan Loc and it was all built up along the way, which was a shock since there was nothing there 50 years ago. Creigh’s log describes this journey well and the first picture was taken near Xuan Loc with a former South Vietnamese soldier who was put in jail for four years after the war ended. One of the crazy things that happened was after about five days of Creigh blogging every day, the Vietnamese government shut it down because apparently it was too inflammatory for them. We had a hard time figuring out what they might have objecting to because it was all pretty straightforward stuff and just described our daily activities. It was still on the internet at home, but not there. All in all, it was a great trip and all three of us had a great time visiting Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling and growing city with 12 million people and 10 million scooters, which made driving impossible.

Had we tried to drive around town, we would have died on the streets as it was difficult to figure out exactly what were the rules, as apparently there were no rules when it came to driving a car or a scooter. One night we were drinking a bit and decided to call Skip Roberts (Virginia Beach, Virginia), who was on the track team with Creigh and me for all four years, and that was a memorable conversation as Skip did not know where we were. I will always grateful to Creigh and Becca for such a terrific experience.”

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

1969

Walter Judd

Greetings, BRs and friends of the most recent 50th Reunion class, the great Class of 1969. We discovered we had lost two brother rats this period. Both distinguished themselves after their short stays at VMI in business and education.

Johnson, David William, 72, of Henrico, died Dec. 8, 2019. David is survived by his wife, Melanie Shopshear Johnson; his children, “Kayce,” “Annie” and “Bitsy”; and by his step-daughters, Olivia and Victoria. David is also survived by his siblings, Thomas Johnson and Beverly Bray. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, to William and Mary Johnson and raised in Ashland, Virginia, David [finished one year at VMI and] graduated from Randolph-Macon College and earned master’s degrees at Virginia Tech and Virginia Commonwealth University, and completed all but dissertation on a doctorate in computer science at VCU. David served 35 years in the U.S. Army Reserve.

He worked for Dominion Energy, the Commonwealth of Virginia and taught at VCU and other colleges and schools. David also worked at Media General. A celebration of David’s life was held Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Ashland.

Richard F.M. Policastro, football quarterback at both VMI and Rutgers University, passed away Jan. 12, 2020, at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital surrounded by his family. Richard was born Sept.

3, 1947, to Marie Rose (Piazza) and Joseph Policastro. He was the baby brother to his siblings, Joseph and Valerie. Rich graduated from Highland Park High School in 1965, where he met the love of his life, Lynda Rosenberg. Richard attended Virginia Military Institute and then transferred to Rutgers University, from which he graduated.

Some of his proudest memories are from his football career as a Scarlet Knight. He was an All East and Honorable Mention All-American. He was the Scarlet’s most valuable player (Homer Hazel award) recipient in 1969. At that time, he was the top-rated passer in RU history. He played in the Blue Grey All Star game and was inducted into the Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame in 1990. He was a commentator on WCTC radio broadcasts of Rutgers football for 10 years, retiring to watch

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his son, Richie, quarterback for Highland Park High School. In 1970, he married his high school sweetheart, Lynda, and they eventually moved to Edison to raise their children, Debbie and Rich.

Richard and Lynda were to have celebrated their 50th anniversary this April. He worked for High Grade Beverage as a corporate vice president until his retirement. Richard was a communicant of St. Mary of Mount Virgin Church in New Brunswick. He was a member and past president of the Metuchen Golf and Country Club where he spent many days enjoying golf and playing cards with treasured friends. Richard was an incredible husband and father, but his role as Pop to Frank, Abby Rose and Santino was his best. He never missed a school function, sporting event or dance recital.

He was their biggest fan and couldn’t have been prouder of them. The smile he would get looking at, or talking about, his grandchildren was absolutely beautiful. He is survived by his wife, Lynda (Rosenberg); daughter, Debra, and her husband, Frank Almeida; son, Richard, and his wife, Leyla; and his pride and joy, his grandchildren, Frank Edward and Abby Rose Almeida and Santino Richard Policastro, as well as his siblings, Joseph Policastro and Valerie Fritz.

Tony Gentile: “I appreciate you letting me know about Poli’s passing. Receiving news like this is always difficult and very sad. At the reunion I asked Habby if he ever chatted with Poli? He told me that he had, and Poli had enjoyed a very good career and had a wonderful family. Thank you again. On a much lighter note, I spoke to Bobby Watts last night before the National Championship game and Al Kaliski a few days ago ... both doing great. In addition, Fran and I hosted a get together for four other VMI grads that live within a two-minute radius of our driveway! Incredible considering how small Fairhope is.”

Biker Bob Ladd: “Sad news about Poly; my, how I loved watching that rat team play! I sent a donation to Ronald McDonald House, as they have been there for my family several times.”

During the buildup to Christmas holidays, Drew Brantley led the charge for a Class of 1969 Christmas party in Norfolk. On Dec. 19 (after I had already left for Denver to be with my family) the crew of eastern Virginia BRs headed to a favorite old restaurant for lunch and conversation. Attending that day were Tom Catlett, T.O. Palmer, Glenn White, Drew, Jim Baker, Gary Mackey, Richie Daub, Lee Barnes, Bob Heely, Bobby Watts and Webb Hatch. Thanks to Drew

for planning the event and others for attending.

V.J. Petrella wrote to Marvin Fayman in Australia in early January and got a reply from Down Under: “So good to hear from you – yes, the fires have been devastating and have affected the whole of Australia. People have lost their homes and even their lives. Thank you for your concern; we were fortunate not to have been affected too much by the fires. Great to hear the 50th was such a success and everyone enjoyed it. I was planning to go but unfortunately could not. Hope you and the family are well and that the new year brings you good health and happiness. Marv.” Bob Heely visited that faraway nation/continent in mid-December and met cousins and other relatives. His mom was from there, and Bob wanted to put faces with many names. He also got to attend the President’s Cup golf tournament while there and witnessed a great comeback victory by the American team.

Over the past weeks, Ward Carr, Brant Collins, Georgia Huger and others have been conversing about Brant’s and Frank’s ill health. Brant is fighting cancer, and Frank has dementia issues. In midJanuary, I received a wonderful photo of Brant holding a VMI flag filled with names of cadets at VMI all wishing him luck in his fight. I wrote to the 3rd Class cadet who organized the gesture and discovered his father had told him what was going on. Cadet Danny Carroll ’22 sent Brant the flag which had been displayed in Washington Arch and properly signed.

From Gordon James in Florida came a note and then a short follow-up email message: “Great hearing from you! Glad all’s going well for you.

Grandchildren are a great chapter in life! Enjoying six now, and the best news is they all live here in Fort Lauderdale. I appreciate all you and Tom [Buckner, Gordon’s law school mate after VMI] have done to keep me in the loop. If anyone gets down this way, please holler. I hope I can make the 55th. Keep in touch and all the best, Gordon.”

Gordon admitted he retired in June 2018 from his law practice of 46 years and was now majoring in keeping up with grandkids. I found it interesting that Gordon told me of his birthday (Feb. 24, 1947) on the same day I got word from Dick Camp of his (Feb. 24, 1948). I now have info enough to send cards to both BRs on the correct day.

In mid-January, the senior VMI alumni met in Williamsburg for lunch. Bob Flowers, Glenn White, Dan Gibson, Drew Brantley and I discussed all the world’s events and enjoyed a meal together. I also spoke with John Sebrell’s older

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Class Notes brother, Tom ’64, and saw many of the guys from our years in the “I.” On a dark and misty Saturday very early in the morning, I left Yorktown bound for Midlothian and Mike Santoro’s home. I passed several accidents caused by the wet and icy roads but got to Mike’s place with no problems. It was his turn to get us the rest of the way to Lexington for the El Cid basketball game and a banquet of cadet scholarship recipients and their alumni donors. Mike and I represented the class athletic scholarship and subbed for others who could not make it. We first attended the pregame party in alumni hall and then walked down the hill in the rain for the game. The VMI team was firing on all cylinders that day and brought home a great win for the nearly packed arena. We sat with Jim and Beth Long and Tommy Jones and saw John Sebrell in the stands. Later that evening we headed to Marshall Hall and met Dr. Jones and many friends and cadets on athletic scholarships. We sat with the wrestler with Jack Kennedy’s scholarship, the 3rd with a lacrosse one funded by Jamie Totten and the rat football lineman receiving our class memorial. The rat had gained weight since arriving and was up to 290.

We truly enjoyed hearing from the young men and telling them about the guys whose scholarships they were using. Fortunately, the drive back home the next day was in bright sunshine in dry conditions.

On a brisk late January day, Tom Morris invited Jim Baker, Glenn White and me for golf at the Kingsmill Resort. We laughed, harassed each other and generally had a fun time together. Skinny told me he is downsizing by building a new house in a senior community near his current place in southside Virginia. He now monitors the construction as well as working a few hours each week.

Time now for a review of all the Christmas cards I received from you with tidbits of info. Jack Robb and Mary Jo, Lou Sidney, Bob and Polly Flint, and Harold and Jane Fleischer sent cards. Mike and Mary Giles sent greetings from Boston. Glenn Hammond reported in from Troutville, Virginia.

Look that one up, BRs. Hint: Ask Jim Long where it is! John Edenfield has the neatest handwriting I know of. Not sure how he does it. Paul and Marsha Kowalski sent the most beautiful card with a rendering of the stained-glass window from their Lexington, Kentucky, church. Geoff and Frances Taylor reported in from Richmond and remembered our good time together at the Nov. 11 Institute Society Dinner. Webb Hatch’s card reflected

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his new status: Beachcomber and ocean guy at his house in Sandbridge, Virginia.

I am very pleased to see the creative and colorful photos taken by Don Mercer on a regular basis.

He and Noreen bragged on the arrival of their sixth grandchild last fall. I know the parents of the newest and am just as happy as he at the little guy’s arrival. Don sent a photo of a summer scene in the

Class of 1969: Paul Curs received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award from the Federal Aviation Administration in October 2019. The award is given for 50 years of accident and incident free flying.

Class of 1969: Cadet Daniel “Danny” Carroll ’22 arranged to have fellow cadets sign a VMI flag, which they sent to Brant Collins.

Denali National Park in Alaska with his card. John and Marie Mitchell sent news from North Carolina. John is continuing to “manage his disequilibrium syndrome with a rigorous exercise program” which includes housecleaning. He likes the “immediate positive feedback” versus “waiting three years to see if his strat plan was any good.” Spoken like a true money manager and strategic planner!

BR John and Gretta Campbell sent greetings from Alabama. He was a short timer from Rockbridge County who spent a career in flying and working with Army helicopters.

Tommy Jones sent a small card with lots of news about his travels. We enjoyed getting together at The Citadel basketball game and scholarship banquet. Roxanne Wilson sent news that her son, Alan McCrory Wilson (son of our BR Mike) began serving his third term as South Carolina’s attorney general and became the state judge advocate for the South Carolina National Guard. Sam Hoffman decorated with Christmas lights a pair of old cowboy boots and Stetson in his card. Mike and Martha Santoro sent a large post card with family pictures and places they had visited during the year. Other members of the Virginia War Memorial Foundation also sent a card. During 2019, Mike resigned as treasurer of the foundation and assumed his position on the board. He recruited another younger Marine to take over his financial duties.

Joe Flanz is an inveterate traveler, and those trips usually involve a history museum. A younger VMI grad spotted him in the New Orleans airport and gave me a SITREP. Joe later admitted he had visited the new World War II museum and an older Louisiana war museum nearby. He and Michie stay busy and hope to continue traveling this year. Jay Jennings’ card had a Hawaiian flavor. Wonder if he had just returned? Rudy and Judy Segaar celebrated the arrival of their second grandchild this year and now have two little ones visiting occasionally. Spunky Butler reported he visited England after the reunion and saw the production of some British films. Art and Becky Bushey’s card showed a beautiful new house and some grandkids and small dogs to fill it.

Tony and Fran Gentile are still remembering the reunion with much gusto. He loved seeing all the BRs who, like him, made a special effort to get back to Lexington. Also coming from afar (Colorado) to the reunion were Rusty and Kathy Chamberlain. They were still talking

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes about the BRs they saw. Clint and Catherine Spen- her sadness at not getting to the reunion but joy communicating about Frank and his conditions cer sent a newsy letter. Appears they traveled from that several BRs got to Peyton’s memorial service and want me to say Frank is now residing in the Rosewood Village in Hollymead, Virginia. the Atlanta area to Oregon and later to the Panama in Bedford. Larry Riegner sent a quick message Canal. Lloyd McGrady is looking forward to our from Florida: Sorry he missed the reunion, but he Georgia says “a full team at UVa is working to optimize his medications. We must balance his was with wife during four cancer surgeries.

51st! See below for a hint.

Bob and Sandy Clingenpeel sent not only a activity level, cooperativity level and prevent Tommy and Becky Hudson send out a Thanksbeautiful card but also a box of homemade candy! future seizures. It is a tricky dance, but we have giving letter vice a Christmas card, and it is full of family pictures and news. Their daughter delivered We certainly enjoyed that gift and recommend experts working on it, and we will return for follow up appointment in January. I believe we are a boy grandchild, while their son’s kids are almost others send such joyous and delicious presents! grown up. Life is great that way, as children are Lastly, V.J. and Margi Petrella sent a colorful card in good hands and are hoping to see more improvement as the doctors slowly reduce his doswelcomed at all times. A trip to Iceland was an- with all the mittens drying on the line.

Ward Carr sent holiday greetings from Ger- ages.” Ward: “Frank is ready to host any BRs other highlight of their year. The word from Jim and Beth Long was simple: Recovering backs. many and passed more news about Frank who happen by. (They must have a branch of Huger. Ward and Georgia Huger have been Johnny’s nearby!)”

Jim actually had surgery in July and spent the enFrom Paul Curs: “Back in October, the tire golf season on the sidelines. They both Federal Aviation Administration presented continue to heal and hope for a better 2020 me with The Wright Brothers Master on the links. Bill Samson’s widow, Joan, Pilot Award ... for 50 years of accidentsent greetings and talked of Bill’s “wonand incident-free flying. The presenter derful adventure” at VMI. said they have given out 5,436 of these John and Nancy Scott sent lots of family over the 16 years that the award has been pictures and a business calendar advertisin existence (since October 2003). For ing solar energy, Nancy’s new passion. reference, in 2017, there were 609,000 Mike and Leigh Harper wrote of the fun certified pilots in the USA. When I put and work involved with our 50th Reunion. together the resume info that the FAA Mike was a big part of the team as he requested, it showed that I’d piloted 34 passed to us his experience in leadership different aircraft variants to 52 countries and fundraising. Tom and Karen Buckand over another 24 on five continents. ner’s family is still growing. Their three I’m now working on a book of those 50 kids have all married and started families. years, and it is in the editing stage. It’s I counted seven younger ones in the family a hoot to mentally go back to flying for portrait. Mike Colozzi extended to all of the Air Force, the Air National Guard of us an invitation to play golf at Pinehurst.

Class of 1969: Paul Mascot, David Couch and Louie Caudell two states, a major oil company, a large We need to schedule a date! at dinner in Fort Worth, Texas.

Caterpillar dealership, a state university, Gail Brown sent a short note expressing a sheikh in Saudi Arabia and two airlines that merged back in 1987.” Congratulations, Paul, for the award. We look forward to reading the book.

Three other Texas BRs got together for fun.

Dave Couch sent a photo of Paul Mascot, Louie Caudell and himself to me. He said “the Class of ’69 Texas contingent is alive and well.

We met for dinner with our spouses at my place in Fort Worth. We were the only matriculants from Texas in our class and all three graduated.

Paul the lawyer, Lou the chief of police and I the pathologist. All served in the Army following graduation. Rah Virginia Mil!” During the post-Christmas winter season, Jay Hoenig and Bob Clingenpeel asked when we were coming to Arizona for a VMI class party.

Class of 1969: Brother rats gathered for a holiday lunch in Norfolk Dec. 19, 2019. From left When Chris Brothers in New Mexico chimed in, were Tom Catlett, T.O. Palmer, Glenn White, Drew Brantley, Jim Baker, Gary Mackey, Rich we all thought we had a planning team. So, what Daub, Lee Barnes, Bob Heely, Bob Watts and Webb Hatch. we have in mind is an event in February 2021,

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Class Notes On Dec. 27, John and Carolyn McLemore and Don and Lois Crawford joined Marky Trinkle for scattering of Ed “General Excitement” Trinkle’s ashes. In Smack’s inimitable retelling, “Ed’s son, Pete, had plastic cups of ash for all who attended.

Ed had selected the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield as the site for his remains. He even left us with a video clip of the ash scattering scene from ‘The Big Lebowski.’ Pete spoke to us about his father, and Marky spoke about her husband.

Each was left to his own inclinations regarding the scattering of his cup of ash. There were slingers and pourers. Marky stopped me before I poured Ed’s remains on a fire-anthill. I immediately converted to a slinger. I launched our brother rat into the air.” The ceremony was followed by lunch for everyone at a local restaurant where stories were told well into the afternoon.

Smack continues, “At the Institute, Ed and I were in the same company. We knew each other and talked occasionally. During the past 15 years, we had become close friends. His final assignment with the railroad was in Atlanta. I, of course, was Warren Grasty in Nashville. He would drop by our offices, walk past my secretary and leave a note in my chair, ‘Came by to take you to lunch on the company credit card. Once again, you were in court. By the time you read this, I’ll be in Bowling Green.’

He thought it was funny. My secretary thought it The VMI versus Army football game at West was funny. Alas, never did I get one of those ‘free Point occurred the weekend after my previous lunches.’ It has occurred to me that he was calling notes were due, so here’s the skinny. Although I ahead to make certain I would not be in the office. don’t have an all-encompassing list of brother My secretary says her lips are sealed.” rats who attended, I heard there was quite a good Class of 1970: Bill O’Connor with Cadet Shortly after Ed’s passing, Marky related the folturnout. Lanny Gault ’71 sent in a picture from a Ty Cloyd ’21, the class scholarship cadet, lowing to me: “You know, when we got married, restaurant in New York City the night before the at the Keydet Club Scholarship Banquet.

Ed told me that I was not just joining the Trinkle game. Partaking along with Lanny and Terry Sue family, but I was joining an even more were Tommy and Jill Cooke, Carl and august group: The VMI Wives Club.

Julie Strock, and Snead and Madeleine He always said that Don McQueen’s Luck. Hmmm. I wasn’t aware that wife, Tucker, (who used to live very Denny’s served wine. Unfortunately, close to us) was the doyenne of the Herb and Susan Braun missed dinner 1970 Chapter of the VMI Wives Club. due to Susan’s bad fall earlier in the day.

When Ed would step out of line (which Lanny said he also saw Paul and Judy hardly ever happened ... right!) I would Dickinson at the Thursday evening invoke the wives club threat: ‘Don’t event. make me tell Tucker!’ That always got Speaking of pictures, Bill O’Connor a laugh, and he would (mostly) straightsent in a nice one of his own self with en up.” Rest in peace, brother rat.

Cadet Ty Cloyd ’21, the Class of 1970 One of the best things about being Athletic Scholarship cadet, taken at the class agent is hearing from brother rats Keydet Club’s Scholarship Banquet in January. Ty is a civil engineering major Class of 1970: Gray and Nancy Chandler with Gary and Lynn out of the blue. In the most recent case, I Weishaar during their cruise through the Panama Canal in January heard from Brian Hawley, who will be and will be moving from linebacker to and February 2020. at our 50th. Brian left VMI after our 3rd strong safety in the upcoming football one which will likely include golf, possibly a pink jeep ride, Wrigley Mansion tour and a nice dinner one evening. We can use as our headquarters the Camelback Inn and Camelback Golf Club, which is owned by Marriott. The inn is pricy, but we will work a deal depending on how many can attend.

Look forward, BRs, to a weekend in cactus land when the sun is shining warmly and the only snow visible is on top of the distant mountains.

As I wrap up these notes on Valentine’s Day, I got a message from Jim Chapman that Dr. Chris Brothers died Feb. 13 in New Mexico. I will provide more info in next quarter’s notes.

Time to finish these notes and get them to Lexington. Please follow through on competing your pledges made and add a little more for our many scholarships. Make your plans to be in Scottsdale, Arizona, next February. Dates to come.

Yours in the spirit, Walt

season. Later in January, Bill and Paula flew to California with Ralph and and Marsha Costen to play some golf. “We played Torrey Pines and got our a#$es kicked and then went to Palm Springs for some more abuse (not as much for Ralph). All in all, it was a fun trip.” At least I have the good sense to suffer at cheaper venues.

Bobby Brown sent in some great pictures of his family during their hike to the top of Sharp Top mountain in Bedford County the day after Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, they weren’t high enough in resolution for publication. Trust me. He’s got great-looking family.

Congratulations to Dick and Linda Knight on the birth of Richard Knight Libbiani, aka, grandchild No. 1, who was born Feb. 4 in Rome, Italy, to their daughter and her husband. What a great name!

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes 50th. After leaving VMI our 2nd Class Class year, having decided he wanted to go year, he enlisted in the Army, served in to a school that had girls, so he transferred Army intelligence and subsequently atto the University of Minnesota. However, tended and graduated from Washington he did come back to VMI for our Ring and Lee University. Walt spent most of Figure in a tux with a young woman from his career in the financial arena, working Sioux Falls, South Dakota, named Sherrie at the Federal Reserve, commercial banks Hall, who he had met his first day at U of and UBS Financial Services. It will be M. They were married less than a year afgreat to see Walt again at the reunion. ter that and now have five kids and nine Dan Campbell checked in with regrets grandkids, most of whom live near their about not being able to attend our 50th. home in South St. Paul, Minnesota. The Although he retired from the Environexception is their daughter who lives in mental Protection Agency in 2019, back Belfast, Northern Ireland, with her husin 2007 he helped found a global scientific band and three kids, which provides Brian Class of 1970: Gordon Williams with the parents of his organization. This 315-member organizaand Sherrie a good excuse to visit Ireland. former scholarship cadet, Luke Phillips ’17, at the VMI tion held its biennial meeting April 22After they both graduated from the U versus Army football game.

25, 2020, and since he is a principal, he of M in 1970, Brian spent eight years on couldn’t get out of attending. Dan says he active duty in the Army (Fort Sill, Korea, gave a keynote talk in Jackson Hall at the Fort Sill again and Fort Lewis) and another 2004 Environment Virginia Conference 14 years in the Army National Guard and and hopes to attend a future conference.

Army Reserve, retiring in 1992. Their time Unfortunately, Jesse Glidewell had to at Fort Sill overlapped with that of former cancel his and Bobbye’s plans to attend roomie Tom Ferguson. They were at Tom our 50th due to some treatments for cataand Susan’s wedding and have stayed in racts and other vision issues that will extouch over the years, having visited Tom tend into late April. Also sending in regrets and Susan in Oklahoma two years ago. In about our 50th was Phil Jornlin, who will 1978, he received a Master of Arts degree be hard at work in Sri Lanka having spent in political science and a juris doctor deChristmas in Bangladesh. Phil, old pal, I gree in 1982. For 30 years after that, he think it’s time to renegotiate your contract. negotiated contracts for Honeywell, inJim Parish reported to say that his wife’s cluding two years in Brussels, Belgium, 50th reunion happens to be the weekend of Bechtel and 3M, retiring for good in 2013. ours, and you know who wins in those sitAnother voice from the past came from C.B. Wilson, who sent us a nice Christ- Class of 1970: Don and Lois Crawford, Marky Trinkle and uations. And Bob Costigan and Tom HalJohn and Carolyn McLemore at the spreading of Ed Trin- liday also have conflicts that will preclude mas card. He and Pat now reside in the kle’s ashes at the Kennesaw Mountain National Battletheir attendance. So, it would appear to the Del Webb at Sierra Canyon community in field Park, Georgia, Dec. 27, 2019. casual observer that we need a 51st ReReno, Nevada. C.B. volunteers as a misunion to catch up with the brother sion pilot and instructor with the rats who can’t make the 50th. AnyCivil Air Patrol and was recently thing for a free beer, right? named Nevada Pilot of the Year.

The Alumni Association Valley Pat volunteers at Reno Rescue Chapter president, Cameron Seay, Inc., where she helps care for older reported that the Class of ’70 was horses. It appears I now have a well represented at their recent mooch station in Nevada!

VMI versus The Citadel basketball I also received a Christmas card watch party. Joining Cameron and from Bob and Tari Grossman Mary were Don and Lois Crawcontaining indisputable pictorial ford, Don McQueen and Paul and evidence of the graduation of their Lynn Munch. Others attending son, Tommy, from the University were Rick Hess ’74, Brady Matof California Davis. CongratulaClass of 1970: Jill and Tom Cooke, Carl and Julie Strock, Terry Sue and thews ’16 (who, fortified with tions to all.

Lannie Gault ’71, and Madeleine and Snead Luck at dinner in New Glenlivet, serenaded them with his Long-lost Walt Massie checked York City before the VMI versus Army football game. bagpipes), Dickie Sedwick ’71, in recently about attending our

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Class Notes Lowrie Tucker ’75, and Matthew Waalkes ’13.

Let’s see now. That’s three Valley Chapter VMI versus The Citadel watch parties and three VMI wins. That sounds to me like the start of a worthwhile tradition.

The Crawfords returned from a week’s stay in Williamsburg to celebrate Lois’ birthday and to visit with their daughter and granddaughter. While there, they visited the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, the Chrysler museum and the Hampton Air and Space museum. Their next trip will be in March to Cyprus through the Lifelong Learning Institute at James Madison University, which will be their first organized tour. Not that their previous vacations were disorganized, but, well, you know what they mean. In preparation for the trip, Don is taking an LLI photography course. I hear it’s a snap.

If you have the right focus. We’ll have to see what develops. I could go on, but time’s running out.

In mid-January, Gray and Nancy Chandler and Gary and Lynn Weishaar took a three-week plus cruise through the Panama Canal, starting in Fort Lauderdale and ending up in Los Angeles, where the Weishaars visited their niece’s family. Gary said the cruise was great with the high(low)light being Stix eating three lobster tails at one sitting, thus being threatened to be thrown out of the dining room. You can take the boy out of Buffalo Junction, but ... Anyway, the weather was great, and they took excursions in Cartagena, Puerto Amador, Panama, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua and Huatulco, as well as Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. They went through the new canal as the ship wouldn’t fit through the old one, particularly after Stix ate three lobster tails!

Gary reported that there are no signs of the coronavirus. Yet. Bill Scherer reported that in November 2018 he visited the D.C. area and, while there, stopped by his high school, St. John’s College High School, in Rockcreek Park. “The next day, I found myself standing next to the president of the school helping place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was quite an honor.” Although he recently sold his motorcycle, he still flies his airplane. Meanwhile, Barbara still works and is on the boards of three Fortune 500 companies.

Bill says her passion is tennis and his is golf, so they don’t get in each other’s way. He also says that their two daughters, 25 and 28 years of age, are still single and live in town, so they and their surfer friends keep him and Barbara young. Bill’s movie, “House on Rodeo Gulch,” is doing well on

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Vimeo.com. He’s on a third rewrite of his second script, which he says is 10 times the budget. But hey, it’s only money. They still have their vacation home at PGA West in La Quinta, California, and he invites any brother rats to drop by and play a round or three.

Here’s a neat story from Gordon Williams. You may remember that his Keydet Club Scholarship athlete, Luke Phillips ’17, was the No. 1 Army ROTC cadet in the nation. He has since gone on to be an Army Ranger and currently serves in Afghanistan. “When Luke matriculated in fall 2013, his family was present, including his younger sister, Eden-Elizabeth Phillips. She was so impressed with her first exposure to the ‘military’ that she made it her passion to go to West Point. Now, fast forward to fall 2019. Cadet Eden-Elizabeth Phillips, class of 2020, not only attends West Point, but is the commander of the First Regiment of the Corps of Cadets, which essentially means she leads 1,100 cadets.” While at the tailgate party held before the VMI versus Army football game last fall, Gordon ran into Luke’s parents, with Dad John ’87 wearing his VMI Class of 1987 sweater while Mom wore an Army/West Point jacket. This was the first time Gordon had seen them since they met at a Keydet Club Scholarship Banquet several years ago. What a great story and a great family.

On the medical front, Bob Wood reported that he was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer that had spread to his bones, but he is getting excellent treatment from the staff at Kaiser Permanente.

Quite a few brother rats have contacted Woody to relay their experiences and give support. Marcus Gold continues with his recovery from prostate cancer treatments, and Jay Tice just had his last chemotherapy treatment for skin cancer and plans to see us all at our 50th. With the rapid advances in medicine and health technology, there is definitely room for optimism about dealing with cancer and other diseases.

On Jan. 27, I had the pleasure in attending, along with Herb Braun, Howie DeWolf, Kent Schlussel and Mike Snead, the first of a series of six dinners with some of the 1st Class cadets in Moody Hall. This series was initiated by the Alumni Association to reinforce with the 1st Class the benefits of staying connected with, and giving back to, VMI. The group of cadets who joined us were all from Band Company, which, I was told, is the only company in barracks this year with all of their 1st Class men and women commissioning. They made up a very impressive group, and everyone I

spoke with was very eager to get to their first duty assignment. I wish all of you could have an opportunity to interact with these young people.

And, last but not least, I would like to extend my condolences to A.C. Arnn, who recently volunteered to be treasurer of his homeowners’ association.

That’s about all for now. Be sure to check out the VMI’70 Facebook page for pictures and comments posted by our BRs. Also, if you are not on the brother rat email list, just send me an email at classagent1970@aol.com so you can keep up with BR and Institute related news.

In the spirit!

1971

Jim Kelly

These notes will cover the period from Nov. 15, 2019, to Feb. 15, 2020.

Twenty years ago, when most of us were still working, everyone was in a rush to be sure that their computers and other electronics would still work when Y2K arrived. Somehow, it is suddenly 2020, and that generation of computers and flip phones have either been recycled or reside in a landfill somewhere. Time marches on, my friends. Kathryn and I hope each of you are doing well and the new decade is off to a good start.

Toward the end of December, I received word that our Brother Rat George Sebekos died Dec. 16, 2019. His wife, Margie, told me that George had struggled with liver disease for quite a while. George matriculated at VMI from Seaford, Long Island, New York, and majored in history. He was a wrestler, member of the lacrosse team, “ranker” and a DMS. On behalf of the Class of ’71, I extend our sincere condolences to the Sebekos family. As of this writing, I have not received any additional information or an obituary. In a recent email to the class, Phil Alum shared some memories of times that he and George spent together at VMI. On Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020, our Brother Rat Barry O’Donnell died in Blacksburg, Virginia, following a battle with cancer. Barry matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and majored in

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes economics at VMI. During his cadetship, Barry his hat in the ring for the ’77 agent job when it around Christmas a nice gift box of Florida citwas involved in a variety of student organizations becomes available. We are not sure if three broth- rus fruit from Ox Schrader and fiancée Anne. I and was a member of the varsity tennis team. He ers have ever been class agents at the same time. sent Ox an email after this year’s shipment, and earned academic stars and was a cadet captain as Steve and Mike recently completed a rigorous wil- he shared that he had been out for their customary Company D commander. He was a Distinguished derness first aid training course to augment their Christmas dinner with Jim and Becky Neale along Military Graduate and served in the U.S. Army skills for working with scouting. I don’t have any with Jim and Alyce Sefick. According to Ox, the Reserve. Barry was the associate director of the plans to intentionally spend time in the wilderness. group always has a good outing.

Nancy and “Spooky” Mays sent a note to let evThe Christmas season brings Kathryn and me Master of Business Administration degree promany cards and newsletters which we proudly eryone know that they had moved “once again,” gram at Virginia Tech for the last 25 years. He is survived by his wife, Gloria; two sons; two grand- display in our home. This year was a banner year this time to Roswell, Georgia. Sons Mike and Matt live nearby, but his daughter and sons; and many other relatives. Fuher family have moved to Bluffton, neral services were held Feb. 17, South Carolina, and are closer to the 2020, at the Harrison Funeral Home beaches which they enjoy. Spook in Lexington, Virginia. The Class of has a new 40-pound “puppy,” a ’71 extends its heartfelt condolencsnow-white English Cream Rees to the O’Donnell family. triever named Bailey that currently VMI’s fall sports seasons have keeps them occupied at home. wrapped up, and winter sports are Still enjoying the good life in Sawell underway. Football running vannah, Georgia, are Bill and Gail back Cadet Alex Ramsey ’20 was Stallings. According to their letter, named the SoCon Offensive Player they did “less” traveling this past of the Year, and Coach Wachenyear but did work in a Danube River heim was selected as the SoCon cruise for a couple of weeks in EuCoach of the Year. Our 5-7 record rope. Budapest, Vienna and Munich gave VMI the most wins since 2003 and the most conference victories Class of 1971: The Kelly brothers – Mike ’73, Jim and Steve ’77 – gathered were listed as the places they enjoyed seeing the most. Back home in 40 years. Twenty-four Keydet for an oyster roast at Belews Lake, North Carolina. the couple were required to evacuathletes were named to the SoCon ate Savannah and head to Fort Mill, All-Academic Teams with six from South Carolina, due to the approach football, nine cross-country, three of Hurricane Dorian. The storm formen’s soccer and six from women’s tunately missed their home and they soccer. Looking ahead to this comwere allowed to return. In order to ing fall, VMI will be headed to avoid the massive traffic, they travCharlottesville Sept. 15 to play the eled the back roads through South Wahoos of UVa. You may recall Carolina and Georgia and took in that Coach Wachenheim spent five the sights of the rural areas of those years at UVa as a tight end and ofstates. For a year when they travfensive line coach before coming eled “less” the Stallings’ remained to VMI in 2015. The last time the pretty well occupied.

Keydets played Virginia was in After more than 38 years with his 2013, and this will only be the third Ob/Gyn practice in Harrisonburg meeting since 1991.

Class of 1971: John Caufield, Carl Biersack, Dave Honeywell and Steve and Rockingham County (Virginia) Between Thanksgiving and Price in northern Virginia.

Dickie Sedwick announced his reChristmas, my brother, Steve Kelly ’77, and his wife, Mauri, hosted an oyster roast at with greetings from Berkness, Wadsworth, Oak- tirement and saw patients for the last time Oct. 28, their home on Belews Lake in North Carolina and ley, Clary, Jones, Flanagan, Rea, Biggs, Bryan, 2019. Dickie opened his practice after six years included our brother, Mike Kelly ’73, and wife Pat Tuxford, Sprouse, Neville, Adams (Anne), with the U.S. Army in Hawaii and Alaska. Accordas well as Kathryn and me. Many of you know that O’Donnell, Stallings, O’Loughlin, Price, ing to his best estimate, Dickie has delivered more Mike and I have been class agents for some time Friend, Zirkle (Danette), Hyche (Janice), Gear- than 10,000 children. He mentioned that among those children’s parents were VMI alumni and now, and Mike has tacked on director of region VI hart, Kern, Truesdell, Czupryna, Conques, of the VMI Alumni Association. Steve is becom- Turner, Mays, Ginder, Guffey, Piernick, Hon- that some of the children went on to attend VMI themselves. Dickie and wife Nancy plan to devote ing more active in VMI activities since his retire- eywell, Schrader and Schelhorn.

For the last couple of years, I have received more time to family, church, travel and managing ment, and Mike and I have encouraged him to put

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Class Notes two farms. Dickie has also become active in the VMI alumni chapter in that area which has approximately 200 VMI alumni, and he has started a collection of VMI related items through purchases at local auctions. Dr. Phil Klim (also now retired) and Terry Leake are also residing in the area of Rockingham County.

Sometimes our best laid plans get sidetracked.

Such was the case with Dave and Donna Honeywell, who both retired from their full-time jobs in 2018 and began to downsize, relax and make travel plans. Last July, a melting attic fan turned their home in to a smoke-filled mess. According to Dave, the quick and efficient response of the Fairfax Fire Department kept a bad situation from becoming worse. Renovations were expected to be completed in February 2020. Rising above the unfortunate event, Donna is working with James Madison University supervising student teachers in three NOVA counties. Dave has reconnected with VMI friends and is now serving as a member of our 50th Reunion planning committee. A photo of Dave, John Caulfield, Carl Biersack and Steve Price gathered for an outing appears in this issue.

Last November was also an eventful month for the Honeywells when their daughter was married in Charleston, South Carolina, and shortly thereafter their son and his wife celebrated the arrival of a grandson.

John Metzger has been busy during this past hunting season and gave me a call after returning from a couple of trips. When he called, he was working in the lodge mounting several deer heads.

Many of the trophy heads are frozen until the end of the season just in case a bigger one might be harvested at some time. Big John made his annual white tail deer hunting trip to Canada and had about five mountings to do from that trip. He had also been on what he described as an “amazing” quail hunt in northwestern Georgia which was an all-inclusive outing sponsored by a sporting magazine. The lodge in Vesuvius is always open, and John frequently hosts brother rats and other friends for outdoor adventures.

Several BRs from the Richmond area gather for lunch fairly often. A mid-January meeting included Aldous, Tuxford, Heisler, Kennedy, Bannister, Pearman, Clary, Robbins, Martenstein and Gault. Lanny shared a few bits of information from the group. Dave Kennedy’s only son, Charles, is getting married in October. Lanny’s advice to Dave was to stay out of the planning and be prepared to sign the checks. Martenstein

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related that Bill Berkness had been on a Viking River Cruise in Europe and averted an “international incident” while at an airport ... that is all I know about it unless there is film at 11. Tom had also seen “Rooster” Westbrook and indicated that he was doing fine. The Martensteins were also making plans to visit the Stricklers in Lexington.

Lanny and T.S. Gault, along with Pickral, Strickler, Martenstein, Acuff, Bryan and Coleman, were in attendance at The Citadel basketball game at VMI. The Big Red put together one of its best games of this season and prevailed against the Bulldogs. Former VMI head coach Duggar Baucom’s Citadel teams have not won against VMI in Lexington since his departure in 2015. Later that same day, the Keydet Club Scholarship Banquet was held and was described as a “first rate and inspiring” event which included remarks from Acuff, the current president of the Keydet Club.

Lanny observed that he wished every alumnus could spend some time talking with the outstanding young people representing VMI athletics.

When these notes reach you in May, we will be less than one year away from our 50th Reunion. If you have not already done so then pull out your calendars and mark out the weekend of April 23-24, 2021. We hope to have as many people there who can possibly attend. The Class of 1971 50th Reunion Committee has been at work now for several months, and each of you should have been contacted in one or more ways about the reunion plans, events and information about registration. Don’t hesitate to call or email if you have questions or special needs for the reunion weekend and make sure you are entered in to VMI Ranks. Lanny Gault is the Committee Chairman and I will be his assistant along with Buddy Bryan as our main man at VMI. Committee members are as follows: Acuff, Davis, Ellington, Gearhart, Ginder, Golden, Haywood, Honeywell, Kennedy, Kerley, Kirby, Littleton, Lockridge, Miller, Neikirk, Price, Sanetti, Strickler, Strickland and Turner. I can honestly say that this group of BRs has been enthusiastic and willing to go the extra mile for the Class of ’71 and it is all volunteer and at their own expense. Old Yell for this team.

I have just received the giving totals from VMI through the end of the second quarter of FY20.

The Class of ’71 had a total of 32 donors representing a percentage participation rate of 17.78%.

At this same point in FY19 we had a participation rate of 24.3%. As you can see, we are lagging

somewhat from our previous totals but continue to maintain a giving percentage that is higher than the average for the decade of the 70s. Thanks to those of you who have supported VMI financially in this FY. As we progress toward the 50th Reunion, I am confident that our numbers will climb and urge everyone to consider ways that you can help achieve that goal. For information about the many ways we can support the Corps check out vmialumni.org.

Attending a home basketball game during the month of February has become sort of a “winter mini.” This year, the gathering took place Feb. 15 for the VMI versus ETSU game. The group gathered at Salerno’s in Lexington for a pregame meal and then headed over to Cameron Hall. These notes will have been submitted to the Alumni Review before the game; however, I can list those who indicated that they would be in attendance: Acuff, Beattie, Biersack, Bryan, Davis, Ellington, Gault, Gearhart, Haywood, Honeywell, Kelly, Kennedy, Kirby, Lawson, Metzger, Paton, Price, Strickler, Whitley and Yorgey, as well as several wives.

Everyone be safe out there and enjoy your summer. Let the Institute be heard from today.

In the bonds, Jim

1972

Larry Houseworth

Brother and Sister Rats, Families and Friends, These notes cover Thanksgiving 2019 through the holidays to mid-February. No sign of winter yet, but who cares? You’ll be reading these in the middle of blessed spring 2020.

You’ll never hear political rants, raves or even opinions from your humble scribe, but I’ve been wondering – what will happen when newly enacted phased minimum wage increases meet proposed caps in Virginia’s college and university tuition and fees? Simply submitted for your consideration.

There’s an interesting article on VMI’s homepage. Check out “The Value of Civic Knowledge During a Campaign of Disinformation” discussing Dr. Timothy Passmore (assistant professor of international studies) and his courses in

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes American foreign policy, international organization and international law. He feels that “democracy dies when people aren’t paying attention.” Food for thought.

Bob Patrick took it upon himself (offering a generous bribe) to set up a Class of ’72 ad hoc free beer get-together at Brew Ridge Taps in Lexington Nov. 16. The “induce-ees” included Powell Hughes, Becky and Lee Harrison, Harold Plott, Jerry Higgins, Hank Humphreys, George Kosovic, Wade Houston, Tom Moncure, Marie and me, and, of course, our Class of 1972: Rick Hack, Pete and Margaret Ramsey, Debbie and Walt Chalkley, Rosanne host. Phil Clayton made a quick appearance, Hack, Sharon and John Fick, and Larry and Marie Houseworth at Blue Fin in The Villages, and afterward, most of us shuffled up to Niko’s Florida, Feb. 7, 2020. for supper. As usual, the most patient ladies ensured that civility and couth house and he returned to maywere maintained. be 50 folks and an amazing Oct. 23 marked the 36th ancaterer, balloons and raucousniversary of Hezbollah’s atness. The Harts, Stranskys, tack on the Marine Barracks in Vaughns, Irbys, and Marie Beirut, Lebanon, where we lost and I thoroughly enjoyed ourAndy Davis. Bob Patrick sent selves. In addition to his imthe picture of the memorial at pressive man-cave, Tim has an Camp Lejeune, North Caroauto shop under the house that lina, upon which Andy’s name would be the envy of NASand the names of 240 others CAR’s Wood brothers. He reare inscribed. Very powerful. builds vintage English motorTim Pool’s surprise 70th cycles, electrical components birthday party caught our BR and had a classic BMW up on completely off guard. Gina, a lift. I felt like a little kid in a daughters and a couple of golf Class of 1972: The Beirut Memorial in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. candy shop. buddies got our boy out of the Gale Sommers was named to the advisory board of directors of Landis Architects/Builders.

From their website: “Headquartered in Washington, D.C., Landis is one of the top design/ build firms in the metropolitan area. The company provides high quality architectural and construction solutions based on teamwork and integrity, coupled with predictability from beginning to end.” Congratulations, BR! In early February at The Villages in Florida, Rosanne and Rick Hack and Debbie and Walt Chalkley superbly hosted an initial planning meeting to begin addressing the formation of a 50th Reunion Campaign Committee. The Hacks entertained with cocktails and dinner at their home upon everyone’s arrival. Rosanne and Debbie organized a day trip for the ladies to Mount Dora while Rick and Walt coordinated Class of 1972: Powell Hughes, Becky and Lee Harrison, Harold Plott, Jerry Higgins, meetings, lunches, golf and a masterful tour of Hank Humphreys, Marie and Larry Houseworth, George Kosovic, Wade Houston, The Villages. The spoiled guests included Patti Tom Moncure, and Bob Patrick at Brew Ridge Taps in Lexington Nov. 16, 2019.

Cook (VMI director of reunions and Annual

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Class Notes Giving), Margaret and Pete Ramsey, John and Sharon Fick, and Marie and me. On a serious note, chairman Pete and co-chairs Rick, Walt, John, with Patti’s guidance, are doing a very impressive job laying the groundwork for what will be a highly successful campaign.

There was news in the holiday correspondence. Most significantly was Pat Moore’s from Woodland, California. He said, “[A] year has passed since losing our house in the Paradise/Camp Fire, and PG&E seems intent on burning down the whole state. My twin girls got out OK, and that’s all that matters. Found out from a guy I’ve known for 60 years that, when he was Amelia County manager, his commonwealth’s attorney was none other than out BR Lee Harrison. Small world.” ’72’s reach shouldn’t surprise anyone, BR. Joy says Norm Worrell plans to retire in September. Their Southern Living-themed new years card featured their beautiful daughters (Joy’s genes), grandchildren, George the cat and custom-painted Low Country artwork.

Pam and Bill Collier highlighted their beautiful grands with their warm photo card.

Mary Jane and George Williams welcomed a new grandson in March. Son Phil is with the advertising firm Arts & Letters Creative Company here in Richmond, and his client is Google. Son Clayton and wife are in D.C. in their renovated Capitol Hill townhouse.

George and Mary Jane RV’d to the Keys and California National Parks; they have only three left in the lower 48. There was a cruise through the Panama Canal then “Hamilton” in D.C. Betsy and Chris Foster’s note featured grands and baby goats (double aww). Betsy says “about that ‘retirement’ ... Chris’s last day at MCV (was) Dec. 31, 2019, but he decided that he wasn’t sure that he could fill 24 hours, 365 days per year with ‘healthy’ activities, so over the summer he decided to go part-time at McGuire Veterans Affairs Hospital effective Jan. 1, 2020. This was all good before he realized that he could do four, 10-hour days as fulltime (which is a huge improvement in hours) and potentially a day off!?” In their spare time, they squeezed in a 16-day cross-country birding adventure in Thailand where our BR tried, unsuccessfully, a photo encounter with a 13foot King Cobra. They also got to Barcelona where they walked the city and maxed out their new Fit Bits.

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Keeping with the “grands” theme, Patricia and Jim Yolda’s montage featured theirs along with news of their travels to Amsterdam/Copenhagen/Islay/Scotland, the German Grand Prix in Fulda, as well as tattoos for Mother’s Day. Jim says, “It has been a good year for Patricia and me, and we are still waiting for it to get white up here in Vermont again! Back in October, I had some surgery, with four weeks of recovery and now lots better. Had a great visit with BR Patrick where we enjoyed the fall colors in Vermont.” Another high-energy role model.

Jo-Ann and Zeno Henninger’s note was classic. “Was in a local hash house. A group of Air National Guard crews were there, and one noticed my VMI hat. He mentioned he was a VPI grad, and so was his dad. He said his dad was really old, a 1972 grad of VPI. (Why did they dumb down their name?) I did not hit the fellow but smiled and wished them well. Not much news from the Pine Tree state. It’s cold, and thanks for a well-insulated house and a good propane furnace. No real travels, Jo-Ann volunteers for the Maine State Theater, and I drive and scare the interns during the summer.

We putz around and sleep in on Mondays. A real community of excitement we are.” It’s called retirement, BR; it’s what we do.

Joan and Jim Pagones’ card from Death Valley comes in handy on “teen degree” mornings like today.

Carsten Hillson passed along his new address and a holiday sugar cookie recipe.

Ava and Phil Clayton’s photo card of their House Mountain “chateau’s” interior was magazine material.

We also received warm notes from Sharan and Bob Gore, Elise and (Rev.) Paul Gorski, Chuck Holsen, the amazingly photogenic Pools, Wayne Pamperl, Betty and Alan McElroy, and Julie and Mike Gaulding.

A couple of quick admin reminders: If you’d like something shared through these notes, our deadlines are, generally, the 15th of February, May, August and November. Also, VMI Ranks on the Alumni Agencies website – vmialumni. org – is the place to check or edit your contact information. Let me know if you have any questions navigating the site.

Again, assembly sounds. As always, take good care of you and yours, BRs and Rah Virginia Mil! Larry

1973

Mike Kelly

Greetings to all of my BRs! I trust you have had a nice winter, a prosperous new year and are enjoying spring! After a really busy fall, we have been able to slow down a little this winter and spent time in Atlanta with all the kids for a gathering after Christmas. Pat and I returned to son Scott’s in Atlanta for a neighborhood Super Bowl party. Scott and I set up a huge oyster bar that was the hit of the evening! I was in Myrtle Beach in January and spent a night with Michael and Susan Smith. Mike is president of the local Alumni Association chapter and was having a chapter “beer-call,” which I attended. The next day, I went camping with Scott’s Scout troop for the weekend at the Myrtle Beach State Park.

Last fall, we attended a gathering in Fayetteville for the Cape Fear Alumni Association Chapter celebrating Founders Day. Randy Marshall was there, and we had a nice visit. He is doing well and is “semi-retired” but has an engineering consulting business that keeps him very busy. In January, I attended the Alumni Association Board of Directors meeting in Richmond and linked up with Larry Mays, Blake Thomas and Webb Tyler. We had a wonderful evening and dinner with Gen. Peay ’62.

I had a nice note from Joe and Mary Duffy.

They are getting along well, and Joe remains in good spirits. Larry and Deborah Mays invited them over for a new year’s day dinner, along with Jim Davidson and Mark Skupien. Mary said Larry and Deborah went out of their way to make everyone welcome and all had a great time.

Paul Jalbert continues to battle Parkinson’s disease and told me that life goes on, and he’s enjoying all that he can. He said he had recently fallen and injured his shoulder and was getting ready for surgery. In January, his daughter got married and he enjoyed meeting up with Ken and Sherry Kaliski at the wedding. His biggest event of last year, however, was checking off a bucket list item and doing a parachute jump!

While his doctor did not want to sign off on it, his son found an instructor whose father had Parkinson’s, and he agreed to do a tandem jump with

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes John admitted that going to VMI Paul. Paul’s son, Michael, who and getting to know all his BRs was just promoted to sergeant was one of the best things he major, is with the Delta Force at ever did in his life. (Although I Fort Bragg and is no stranger to think John and I questioned bejumping out of planes. Michael ing bio majors more than once had them jump at 14,000 feet in during our cadetship!) Glad you case they needed extra time with are doing well, John! Ann’s most the chutes opening! Paul said the recent posting shows the first freefall lasted over a minute, and snowfall at their home in Canoe, once the chute opened, he was Georgia. able to take charge of steering John Benson had what could their descent. Way to go, Paul! have been a major heart attack You look like you obviously had right after Christmas. His wife, a great time.

Janet, told me that he was goJim Wrenn sent me another ing up and down stairs carrying note and confirmed he retired Class of 1973: Gathered for the Alumni Association winter board meeting in from Cumming Diesel last fall Richmond, Virginia, in January 2020 were Blake Thomas, Webb and Donna Christmas decorations and putting them away when he realand has since moved to Tarboro, Tyler, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay ’62, Larry Mays, Mike Kelly and Bill Boland. ized something wasn’t right, and North Carolina. Great hearing he had Janet take him to the hosfrom you, Jim. Hopefully you pital. He went into emergency will now have time to get insurgery and had three stents involved with some of the local serted. Janet says he is “good as chapter events. new” now – but this is a warning During the past couple of to all of us to be careful and stay months, I have heard from sevalert to things that may not feel eral of our BRs who have had “right!” Really happy you are some type of medical issue, so I getting along well now. wanted to remind everyone that We should all remember to after 2020, most all of us will no have regular check-ups and longer be in our 60s. heed the advice of our doctors.

When I had my last physical, Dave Schwab recently posted my doctor asked me if I was still that he had his physical and was playing volleyball and softball. I replied yes, and I actually coach Class of 1973: Present at the Myrtle Beach Chapter beer call gathering in pleased to get good news all the Myrtle Beach Jan. 17 were Michael Smith, chapter president; Mike Kelly, way around. Dave also posted and play and love both sports. Carolinas regional director; and Billy Stephens. pictures of his most recent divHe reminded me that I was no ing trip to the Caribbean, which I think is one of longer 29 years old! Ouch! Well, I must agree his annual vacation events. He was ready to reand while still playing some, I have gone to dotire this year and is thinking about moving to the ing more coaching than playing. Much easier on Melbourne, Florida, area. Good news all the way the old body! around, Dave. Welcome home.

Klaus Worrell recently fell, broke a bone in Rich Lykins and Brenda Overfield were marhis ankle and busted his head open. A few days ried in November. Congrats to the happy couple! later, he was exiting his neighborhood and saw a They honeymooned in Paris and Italy and have flock of buzzards sitting on his neighbor’s house settled in the Richmond area. Welcome to the and in the trees. He said he wasn’t sure what the VMI family, Brenda! meaning was, but I hope they gave up on him and Scott Lingamfelter is a regular Facebook conmoved on! tributor and has an incredible political sense. I In January, John Pinner had what at first was love reading his analogies, and he is a frequent thought to be a stroke and was hospitalized for contributor to The Washington Post. Scott’s latseveral days. He is currently home and undergoClass of 1973: Jim Davidson, Joe Duffy, est book, “Desert Redleg,” is coming out in May, ing physical therapy. Ann kept us posted on his Larry Mays and Mark Skupien gathand he has a book signing scheduled May 12 in recovery, and they were most appreciative for ered for lunch on new year’s day.

Arlington, Virginia. Congratulations on the new all the calls, cards and flowers sent by the class.

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Class Notes book, Scott, and keep up the good work!

George Tisdale is a frequent Facebook user.

George is always going on hikes, up and down mountains, around town, along rivers, to the coffee shop – almost anywhere – and often has a large group of friends with him. I wish I had your energy, George! Keep it up, BR. If you are not on our class Facebook page, let Tom Clark know and get signed up. We currently have 104 members of our class on our page and share a lot of stories.

I heard from many of our BRs during Christmas; thanks so much for the cards and letters.

Fred Hall told me that he and his wife, Donna, were doing well and in relatively good health “for our age!” Fred stays busy with investments in the stock market, and he said that Donna was going to retire this year after 42 years of teaching. They are looking forward to having more time together. They live in Hardy, Virginia.

George and Renee Goodwin are in Mineral, Virginia. George is still working as a legislative adviser for a state senator, and Renee said they enjoy time with the grandkids. Bob and Melanie Luther live in the Pittsburgh area, although now that they are both retired, they enjoy traveling and go on several vacations each year. They spend a lot of time in Arizona and Florida, but they also visit Seattle where their daughter lives and who is mother to their first grandchild born last year. Bob said he really loves being retired but misses his practice and talking to his dental patients.

I had a nice Christmas letter from Jack and Sally Hayes. They moved to Crozet, Virginia, a few weeks before Christmas and are still learning the area. They are currently building a home there and hope to move in later this spring. Sally said that Jack has had no sign of resurgence of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and are thrilled with that news and then decided to move closer to the mountains, the kids and really enjoy life! Last spring, they went on a trip to Israel and had a wonderful time exploring all the biblical sites.

On the way home, they were detoured through Munich, Germany, where they were able to visit with friends they had made in the 1970s while working there. They are especially thankful for that “detour,” because their friend died about two weeks after their visit. So sorry to hear about your friend. I hope that you really get to enjoy your new home and continue to enjoy retirement.

We had a nice card and note from Robert and

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Carolyn Bowman, who live in Blackstone, Virginia. We also heard from Dave Sutherland who lives in Brownsburg, Indiana. This was the first time I have heard from Dave in a while. He said he went back to VMI last fall for the first time in several years and was with his niece’s son, Isaiah Anderson, who was attending the open house weekend. Isaiah was very impressed with the Institute and is considering attending. Dave was in Arizona last spring and said he hiked into the Grand Canyon at the north rim and went 23 miles to the south rim, camping four nights in the canyon along the way. Although they ran into some snow and ice, their group really had a great time.

Milt Salter is really enjoying his retirement, but as many of us have discovered, he has found himself busier than when he was working. He

Class of 1973: Paul Jalbert’s daughter, Julia, and son, Michael, accompanied him before his 14,000-foot parachute jump.

has had two “tanker” battalion reunions, attended his high school 50th reunion and went to West Point for the VMI football game. He then went to Disney World with some of the family and spent Christmas with his sister in The Villages in Florida. Milt lives in Mobile, Alabama, and said his door is always open if you are traveling that way.

Blake and Sandy Thomas said they went to Texas to visit Blake’s brother, Tom, and his wife, Joyce, for Christmas this past December. Before that, they were in Las Vegas for a wedding, attended Blake’s 50th high school reunion in Los Angeles and worked hosting the VMI Glee Club on their visit to The Villages. Sandy said they sold two of their planes and bought a 1943 Boeing Stearman (biplane) and attended SUN ’n FUN fly-ins, to include hosting one at their hanger in The Villages. Blake is the Alumni Association director for the Florida Region and spends a lot of time attending VMI functions throughout the state.

John Kearney sent his best wishes to all for a happy and healthy 2020! He and his wife, Helen, live in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, but spend a lot of time in Florida and with their kids and grandkids. Gary and Barbara Hankins live in Galveston, Texas. Gary retired last year, and they have been able to do a little traveling. One of their stops was by VMI. Gary said this was the first time they had been back in years, and they were very impressed with all the changes, while at the same time cognizant that it is still the same.

One of my roommates, Terry Howlett, and his wife, Nina, sent a Christmas letter and spelled out the word “gratitude” for things they were grateful for: Relationships, always new, travel, instruction, Terry’s days, unity, delight and enjoying life! They have been traveling to include a trip to Ecuador to visit their niece, Mandi, where she serves as a missionary. Nina continues to teach second through fourth grade at the Christian Heritage School, and Terry is leading in ministry at Tyler public schools and continues to serve with the Civil Air Patrol. Great hearing from you all; please let us know when you get back to southwest Virginia!

Bill Stoner is also in Texas and resides in the town of Trophy Club. He sent his best wishes to all for a wonderful holiday and happy new year.

I also heard from another Texan, Doug Payne.

He and his wife, Libbie, live in Corpus Christi.

Libbie said that VMI is very special to them, and they look forward to attending any class events.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Roland and Judie Tiso have settled down slightly after a very busy fall with Allie’s wedding in Pittsburgh, Roland attending his 50th high school reunion in New York and attending a friend’s wedding in Tacoma, Washington. Ro continues to work at MacDill Air Force Base as a security cooperation analyst and still does some traveling overseas but fortunately not for any length of time.

The family all got together in Rochester, New York, over Christmas to celebrate Judie’s mom’s 90th birthday. Roland is back “in training” again for the national championships in bodybuilding later this year.

Roland and Judie live near Tampa, Florida. We have a lot of BRs in Florida and Texas! M.B. and Mary Adelson live in Tallahassee, Florida. Pat and I got to visit with them as well when we attended Allie’s wedding in Pittsburgh. Mary said that they are undergoing a big “sea-change” to convert from “earning a living” to “enjoying pension benefits,” although she said M.B. was wrestling with the change and having some difficulty breaking old habits! They are staying busy with grandkids and spending time at their cottage at Lake Seminole.

In addition to fishing and boating, Mary said they now have their 78 MG-B mechanically reliable again and she’s hoping for some exciting road trips this year. M.B. has already suggested a BR get-together.

In addition to best wishes for the holidays and new year, Tom and Bonnie Clark posted pictures of the continued snow in Colorado Springs, and Doug and Pat Huthwaite posted pictures of their snowfall in the North Carolina mountains.

I was really pleased to hear from so many of you over the holidays: Stuart Seaton, Ralph and Becky Littrell, Joe and Paula Wyatt, R.B. and Becky Newman, Tom and Lois Jennings, Scott McCarthy, Willie Wells, Tim and Ruth Hassel, John and Michela Sykes, Reuben and Vanessa Trant, John and Kathy Riding, Ken and Sherry Kalisky, Bob and Sharon Bushnell, Dave McCown, and Tomas and Mary Burke. Thanks for the notes and cards!

Great hearing from all of you.

It will soon be time to begin planning for our 50th Reunion. I have already spoken to some of the folks at VMI and will set up a meeting with them in the next few weeks to begin discussions.

The Alumni Association likes to have a larger committee for the 50th Reunion, so if you have an interest in serving on this committee, please let me know.

I also want to remind you that the VMI fiscal

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year ends June 30. Thanks so much to those of you who are such wonderful contributors to the Institute. VMI remains one of the top colleges in the United States and is listed as one of the best values for a college education in America. However, the Institute relies heavily on its alumni base to provide support. At the end of 2019, VMI only had approximately 23% of its alumni contributing, and our class was not even that high! Please take a minute to log on to the VMI Ranks and make a contribution. I would love to see our participation rate get up to 50% this year. And while logged in to the Ranks, make sure to review your personal information and keep it current – especially your address, phone number and email.

When you are reading these notes, it will be early May and New Market Day will be just around the corner. I encourage you to become active in your local Alumni Association chapter. Many chapters will be having New Market Day events.

Many of our BRs are actively involved with the Alumni Agencies regions and several are chapter presidents. Get out and enjoy yourself with other alumni in your area.

I hope that all of you have a great summer and I look forward to seeing you soon.

In the bonds, Mike

1974

Snookie Parker

Greetings Brother Rats, Family and Friends of the Class of 1974!

The following notes are being composed for the Feb. 15 submission. Our 45th Reunion in November is rapidly becoming a fading memory.

Class notes following the Christmas holiday are always cryptic – too much material for the limited space – so, here goes!

John “J.F.W.” Caldwell, Tom Parker and Bill Pennypacker attended Kevin Newton’s celebration of life service in Austin, Texas, in December 2019. The Caldwell clan (14) is doing well in and around Madison, Alabama. Son Rick is close by in Atlanta.

Mike Fisher reports that wife Sarah retired from physical therapy. Mike is working on building his

man cave – no telling what he plans to put in the cave. I’ll have to swing by and check it out.

After many years of publication, John Crawley’s retirement edition of the Crawley annual Christmas letter was sent with little media fanfare. Why the retirement edition, one might ask?

John retired in January 2020 after 45 years of service to the Department of Defense. Wife Tracey is scaling back her commitment to the Genesis Counseling Center. They intend to focus their post retirement activities on travel and a marriage ministry (marriage workshops) called Promise4Keeps. Wishing you both God’s speed in your retirement endeavors!

Andy and Pat Young send Christmas greetings from Wilmington, North Carolina. Andy is fully retired now but continues his editorial work with scientific journals and his contract work as needed. They are staying busy: Both Andy and Pat are more involved with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Wilmington – playing golf weekly with a good group among their many other activities. Life is good in Wilmington, North Carolina!

Speaking of retirees, Russ and Cheryl Takata report that they are gainfully occupied in retirement in Waipahu, Hawaii. Tending to aging parents and keeping up with their kids and a 7year-old baseball playing grandson who loves the Cubs (a favorite activity) keeps them busy. Retired in paradise – island fever, I think not!

Arnie and Maria Leonard finally completed house repairs from Hurricane Florence (2018) and have had time to travel: Olympic Park, Washington; France Seine River Cruise (Paris to Normandy and back with VMI BRs); Biltmore Estates in Ashville, North Carolina; the Great Smokey Mountains; and finally the class reunion.

When not traveling, they get to spend time with their grandkids. So blessed!

Anita “Magic” Moore (Bob) is enjoying retirement and traveling (Aruba with her sister in January and Alaska with son Rob in June). Son Rob is assigned to Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia, and son Patrick is on assignment in Qatar from his home base Pope Air Force Base in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Magic promises to attend our 50th in 2024!

Chip and Cathy Beaman have moved while in retirement but are still in Chesapeake, Virginia.

They were not able to downsize but are within walking distance to their children and grandchildren. They continue to count their blessings!

Big news for Sam and Collen Mattocks: They

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Class Notes Flights – a very noble cause. Bless you, moved from Petersburg, Virginia, to Fairmy dear! Thanks for the note! view, Ohio, to be close to kids (3) and Bill and Judy Candler (Port Byron, grandkids (7). Sam reports being able to Illinois) write wishing they were a little catch the Browns, the Cavaliers and the further south; the older they get the less Indians in action – a small benefit considthey like the cold. Come on down, Bill! ering the Cleveland winters! Keep your Good news: Judy is on the mend after a Southern roots Sam! heart issue.

Gary and Alison Trinkle’s year was Don and Barb Whitten (Manassas, highlighted by house and back repair as Virginia) are winding down and plan to explained in the annual Trinkle news-aretire to Beaufort, South Carolina, within gram. Houses in Yorktown, Virginia, and Duck, North Carolina, received new tile, Class of 1974: Attending Brother Rat Mike Davis’ celebra- a couple of years. Sounds like a good plan tion of life were Ronnie Vigneault, his former roommate; to me! new rugs and new roofs. And Gary re- David Davis, his brother; and Brother Rat Hall Brodie.

The 22nd edition of the Banning ceived a new back after attempting to lift Christmas gazette arrived just before the a 2,000-pound potted plant. Well, maybe big day. One highlight for Charley and it wasn’t 2,000 pounds, but it was heavy Debbie this year was a trip to the land of – too heavy to be lifting without a forklift. kilts and bagpipes with son Will. Another Ain’t that right, Gary! After a couple of was the trip down the Seine from Paris months on the gim, he is on the mend and to Normandy and back with a bunch of back in the game!

BRs. They are having too much fun!

Chuck and Louise Ward’s 2019 ChristGreat news for Bob and Pam Johnson: mas “picto-gram” captured a busy but Their house in Henderson, North Caroeventful year highlighted by an interestlina, is built – described as a gem. They ing trip to Israel. Chuck claims he has will still live and work in D.C. for anretired but has in name in the hopper for a other year then beat feet for North Carojob at the local Chamber of Commerce – lina. Kids and grandkids are doing well so much for retirement. in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and New It was a good year for Walt and Karen Orleans, Louisiana.

Wilson in Steilacoom, Washington. Walt Class of 1974: Bill Pennypacker, J.F.W. Caldwell and Tom I heard from Mark Hayes. He regrets plays golf (rumor has it that the more he Parker at Kevin Newton’s celebration of life. missing the reunion. He had plane tickplays, the larger his handicap – what is ets and motel reservations, etc., but an a-fib thing up with that?) and bowls in a senior league while came back the week of the reunion. He had to do Karen continues work with the Columbia Bank some tests, including a monitor for 10 days, and headquarters. They did find time to vacation – ended up having another heart procedure (catheScotland and London on one trip and a Rhine ter ablation). Mark said he feels fine – so much so River cruise with Pat and Sue Flynn on another. that he has been back on the skiing slopes of Utah Craig Smith reports that “life is good” in south mountains – and plans to be back in the wilderFlorida. He is still working as a starter at the Waness soon doing what he likes to do: Fly fishing, terford Golf Course – if you can call that work. hunting, camping and BSing with buddies, solvCarol is still running the restaurant; now, that ing world hunger one rant at a time! We missed is work! They are headed to Aruba in February you at the reunion. Glad all is well with you.

2020 to meet Ken and Betsy Terry and Mike and It was a busy year for Mark and Michelle PrenSarah Fisher. Should I alert the authorities? A tice: Snowshoe, West Virginia, in February; two cruise from Sydney to New Zealand is scheduled trips with family to Virginia Beach, boogie board for December! Sounds like a great trip – getting heaven; and trips to New Orleans to visit Mithere and back will be the challenge. chelle’s family. Mark did get a chance to rekindle Bob and Jeanne Slupik are still holding down a relationship with Charlie Daniels. While in Afthe fort in Canyon Lake, Texas. Bob is a “boy toy ghanistan in 2005, Mark attended a Charlie Dan(240i BMW convertible) driving” chairman of the iels concert and had a picture taken with Charlie.

Comal County Appraisal Review Board while Fast forward to 2019, when Charlie Daniels was Jeanne is a yoga teaching seamstress working on Class of 1974: Tom and Ida Patykula in in concert near Williamsburg. Mark went, brought UFOs (unfinished objects). Jeanne’s biggest joy is windy, chilly Wellington, New Zealand. that 2005 picture with him and asked security if it her service on the board for San Antonio Honor

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Keep Gene Rice and his sister, Grace (Rice) is in attendance. Consensus is that both tales are were possible to get Charlie Daniels to sign the best told by the experiencers. Such a motley crew: picture. Halfway through the opening act, securi- Greene, (Glenn Greene’s wife) in your prayers. ty came and escorted them backstage where they Their mother, Olivia Rice, who was 89 years old Sam Turner, Bill Pennypacker, Al Rasper, Gary Trinkle, Frank Richardson, Chip Beaman, Paul spent 30 minutes with Charlie Daniels and got Dec. 23, passed away Jan. 2.

Roland Lazenby’s thoughts have been in high Van Doren, Steve Ham, Henry Moncure and some new pictures. However, the biggest news for the Prentices was their move into their new demand recently in response to the sad news re- Chuck Cayton. Thanks for the note, Al. Mike Cole met Pat Flynn and his brother, Tophome on the Chickahominy River in Williamsburg garding the tragic death of NBA star Kobe Bryant. Roland, the author of two books on Kobe per Flynn ’67, in Lexington, had dinner at the this September. Charmed life, I’m sure!

Red Undercoffer made it home for Christmas Bryant – “Mad Game – The NBA Education of Livery and took in the Wofford basketball game. from parts unknown. He spent the first part of 2019 Kobe Bryant” (1999) and “Showboat – The Life Pat was in Lexington monitoring the progress in French West Africa and the latter part of the year of Kobe Bryant” (2016) – are successful books on the development of his newly acquired propin Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (at 9,000 feet above sea worldwide, having been translated into nine erty (Hops Hill) in Rockbridge County. I think the level, I might add – which takes some getting used languages. Roland has written other successful property is shaping up to be an upscale version of to). Shelly welcomed all home for Christmas: Red, books on NBA stars like Michael Jordan and Jer- Zollman’s – can’t wait to see it!

Got a text update from Hall Brodie. He reports ry West and is currently working on a book about Andrew (L.A.), Brian, Cole and Caity (Charleston, that Gus Elliott and Mel Clark are doing well alMagic Johnson.

South Carolina).

I received a happy 2020 note from Al Rasper. though Mel is having some knee issues – aren’t Wilson and Anne Johnson (Fredericksburg, Virwe all! Hall was meeting Ricky ginia) are busy as ever in retireKastelberg for lunch in Richment. Their kids (and grandkids) mond (where Hall is on grandpa recently moved and are about 10 duty). Thanks for the note. minutes away. Wilson has had a I received Christmas cards healthy theatrical year performfrom: Bert and Cherryl Graing in at least five productions ham (Berwyn, Pennsylvania), – the next show, “Night Must Charlie and Tommie Toler (HerFall,” was scheduled in Warrennando Beach, Florida), John ton, Virginia, March 13-29. Anne and Suzanne Pate (Chesapeake, stays busy sharing parent care Virginia), Mike Cole (Carlisle, duties, leading an after-school Pennsylvania), Sam and Karen Bible club and participating in a Powell (Burlington, North Caroreading program at the school. I lina), Tom and Patti Mascot (Lihave been told that nothing beats Class of 1974: Attending the Tidewater area breakfast club meeting Jan. 4, tchfield Park, Arizona), Steve and grandparenting! Enjoy!

2020, were, from left, Sam Turner, Bill Pennypacker, Al Rasper, Gary Trinkle, Received Aloha greetings from Frank Richardson, Chip Beaman, Paul Van Doren, Steve Ham, Henry Mon- Pat Orr (Ijamsville, Maryland), Craig and Cathy Carlock (LexTom Patykula. Tom and Ida cure and Chuck Cayton. ington, Virginia), John “J.F.W.” had just returned from a trip to Wellington, New Zealand (a business trip Al and Judy are making the most of their recent and Diane Caldwell (Madison, Alabama), Mike for Tom), and said it was fantastic. Nice folks. retirement: Skiing at Lake Tahoe; touring national and Sarah Fisher (Rochelle, Virginia), Ted and parks and monuments in Utah, Arizona and three Susan Telle (Crossville, Tennessee), David and Ida headed home, and Tom pressed on to Papua New Guinea on government business. Tom de- Hawaiian islands; and finishing the year with their Jan Lester (Midlothian, Virginia), Rand and scribes PNG as a wild place with big time crime. annual ski trip to Dolomites, Italy, with friends. A Martha Gleason (Salem, Virginia), Ed and Jahighlight: They have their first grandchild – Gen- mie Blake (Kilmarnock, Virginia), Rick and So much so that Tom had to be escorted by U.S. Page Kastelberg (Richmond, Virginia), Andy Embassy security if he traveled away from the evieve Marie Gagain. What a year for the Rasphotel for meetings. Tom and Ida were actually ers. They are gearing up for 2020! Al also sent and Marcie Eason (Moore, Oklahoma), T.J. and in Florida when I received his update email. the latest about the Jan. 4 Tidewater area breakfast Kerri Wilson (Harrisonburg, Virginia), Bill and They own a home in Jupiter, Florida, and have club meeting, along with an attached photo of the Deb McDonald (Arlington, Virginia), Lane and two little granddaughters (6 and 2) down there. distinguished gentlemen (and I use that term loose- Karen Toomey (Southern Pines, North Caroly) attending the breakfast. The classic tales told lina), Ted Zajac and Laura (Avon Lake, Ohio), Just to clarify a point from last set of notes: Tom is the admissions chief (20 years) at the during breakfast include Sam Turner’s recurring Bruce and Peggy Pence (Salem, Virginia), John Center for Strategic Studies in Hawaii, not a nightmares that put him in a cold sweat and Gary McLaren (Virginia Beach, Virginia), Tom and professor. Tom is on the cutting edge of admis- Trinkle’s special chemical mixture that magically Susan Eberly (Raphine, Virginia), Tom and sions, not strategic studies. That sounds more transforms children into squirrels, then back into Patricia Puskas (Oakton, Virginia), Steve and like the Tom we all know and love! Mahalo, children. Word has it that both tales are worthy of Carol Weaver (Monroe, Washington), Jim and a repeat telling when the entire Tidewater crew Robin Garten (Oro Valley, Arizona), Bob and Tom – thanks for the update!

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Class Notes Lisa Braren (Marco Island, Florida), Mel and Vicki Clark (Ferrum, Virginia), Steven and Laura Hearne (Stuttgart, Germany), Frank and Jeanee Richardson (Newport News, Virginia), Russ and Mary Stuart Harlow (Lexington, Virginia), Jim Pavlou (Madison, Wisconsin), Kent and Brenda Wheeless (Rocky Mount, North Carolina), J.W. and Pam Simms (Midlothian, Virginia), Terrell and Sarah Williams (Richmond, Virginia), Bruce and Paula McDonald (Carrollton, Texas), Rich and Ann Forbes (Nashville, Tennessee), Clarke and Brenda Peele (Glendale, Arizona), Kevin and Cindy Nettrour (Mascoutah, Illinois), Craig and Cathy Carlock (Lexington, Virginia), Paul and Rose Van Doren (Suffolk, Virginia), Ron and Marilyn Stelmasczyk (West End, North Carolina), John and Jayme Kaniss (Tacoma, Washington), and Mike and Clay Morrissett (Roanoke, Virginia).

Sad news: David Davis sent notice that BR Mike Davis passed away peacefully Dec. 19 after a long period of incapacitation following a stroke that resulted in brain injury suffered in August 2017. His memorial service was held Dec. 28 in Roswell, Georgia. Mike is survived by his wife, Lucy; son, Mike; and daughter, Katie; along with their spouses and a granddaughter. Notes of condolence may be sent to Lucy Davis, 2660 Long Lake Dr. NE, Roswell, GA 30075. Attending on behalf of the class: Hall Brodie and Ronnie Vigneault. A summary of Mike’s life can be found in the After Taps section of this edition of the Alumni Review. Keep Lucy and family in your prayers. snookieparker1974@earthlink.net, Charley Banning cbanning@cox.net or Kevin Nettrour (our webmaster) nettrour@accessus.net. Check out the website. Send me a note. Yada, yada, yada and Yaba daba dooooo!

Warm Regards, Snookie

1975

Robert Keller

BRs, It is hard to believe that it is 2020, and it is equally hard to believe that as I write this, we would have just returned from our last holiday furlough and were beginning the final semester

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of our 1st Class year. And as you read this, it has been 45 years since we were the newly minted graduates from the Institute.

The year did not end well for our class, as Mike Soares passed away after a five-year battle with GBM brain cancer Dec. 11. It is obvious to all that knew him both as a cadet and later in life that he enjoyed a full and enriching life with many varied accomplishments. The comment that stood out to me the most in his obituary was: “Captain Soares’ formidable accomplishments pale beside his stunningly quick wit and comedic sensibilities. He was especially adept at laser-like and hugely inappropriate comments that would set the table on a roar. Thus, he leaves many dear friends and relatives, from coast to coast, who will miss him greatly.” That was Rico. Our condolences to Mike’s wife, Luci; their children, Theodore and Jessica; and their families.

The Keydets ended their football season with the best record in years. The final two games were a split with a loss to Army and a win over Chattanooga. Tom Jones wrote that he and Peg were enjoying watching the Army game on national TV, though he said that while the Keydets looked good, they were losing. But he did say that it was great hearing “The Spirit” at the end of the game. Glenn Garland and his friend, Leagh, were able to make it to the Chattanooga game.

They started their Saturday by hiking the Woods Creek trail with intentions of making the second half of the game. It started to rain while they were on the hike but they finished that and were able to get into the game for free, but Leagh’s umbrella was confiscated. They were able to withstand only six minutes into the third quarter before they headed to the PX. Leagh mentioned that there was no way they could lose with the lead that the Keydets had. Glenn wasn’t so sure, but the team did prevail. While in the PX, they met up with Stu and Maryann Fleming and Paul Barnard and were invited to the Flemings’ for dinner.

Later, they all visited a piano bar uptown. All had a good time. The next day, Glenn and Leagh tackled the assault of Big House Mountain. Leagh wasn’t so sure about this, but in the end, she was glad she did the hike. Ole Glenn sure knows how to entertain a date – first a hike in the rain, then a football game in the rain and then a hike up a mountain. Glenn was true to his motto: “Let the good times roll!”

I received an email and Christmas card from Mike Garten, and he reports that (in November)

fall finally arrived in Albuquerque where they were finishing up from a three-day art and craft show at University of New Mexico. Mike and Doreen make jewelry for these shows. Doreen makes the jewelry, and Mike cuts the stones and does the sales. This has been difficult this past year, as Doreen has been experiencing some health issues which only recently was diagnosed as a thyroid condition. At the conclusion of this show, she began radiation treatment, and Mike reported in his Christmas card that this treatment is making a big difference. They are taking things a day at a time and hope to resume traveling this year especially to Lexington for our 45th Reunion. While at a show in Quartzsite, Arizona, Mike and Doreen met up with Charlie and Sharon Hoon, who were also on the gem show circuit. As they were walking around the hundreds of booths and because Charlie was wearing his VMI hat, a vendor began a conversation with them. It seems that the vendor, John Berry (U.S. Army retired) has a brother, Charlie Berry ’77, who graduated from VMI. Small world, isn’t it? Charlie is planning a trip to Alabama in late February/early March to visit his daughter. John Berry, a serious rock miner, invited Charlie and Mike to join him in mining some hugh, clear and smoky Quartz crystals upon Charlie’s return from Alabama.

Greg and Melody Diamontopulos traveled out to California in early December to participate in the promotion of Peter Diamontopulos ’13 to lieutenant (O-3). Peter is assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL 751), Coast Guard Station Alameda. Congratulations to you all.

I received a quick note from Ben Vanderberry before Christmas explaining that he and Anne were preparing for their first Christmas without Ben Vanderberry ’15, as he has been deployed and headed to the Middle East flying off the USS Truman (CVN-75).

I received several postcards and texts from Dean Armstrong that chronicled his and Denise’s travels for the last half of the year. He is retired, but Denise is still in the employment of Delta and they are on the go. As the jingle goes: “Delta is ready when you are.” The travel log includes Guadalcanal, Normandy, Odessa and Kiev. Then it was on to Seoul at Thanksgiving, London for Christmas and Amsterdam for the new year. And, Lord willing, more planned for this next year. Dino reports that he thinks he is

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes has recently been named partner. Oliver busier now than when he worked. I have and Bonnie say they are fortunate to be heard that from many that are now retired. able to take care of the grandchildren from Keep at it, my friend. time to time, to even include sleepovers.

Tony and Teresa Farry sent a note in Oliver notes that it does take some time to their Christmas card that outlined a busy recover from these events, equating it to year. Tony; Teresa; Teresa’s mother, Charsomething like jet lag. However, they both lotte; and Charlotte’s dog headed to Floricherish these times with their family greatda in January to stay at Charlotte’s home ly and are thankful for their family. Bonnie which has been on the market for some keeps busy with her many activities, and time. Their plan to stay there for several Oliver believes that he has successfully months got turned around when the house transitioned into a semi-retired schedule. sold, and they spent the next six weeks getting the house cleared and cleaned for Class of 1975: Nat Hamner, Ron Norman and Oliver Way got He is on several boards, is taking classes the closing. They then returned to northern together at the University of North Carolina Wilmington at UR, working with several startup comversus William and Mary basketball game Jan. 9, 2020. panies, playing golf and spending time Virginia where Teresa stayed busy with with his grandchildren. Even with all of her golf, working out and wedding planthis, Oliver and Bonnie still have time to ning. Tony continues his caddie work at satisfy their travel priority. This year, they RTJ. Son Kyle is working at Wegmans in have been able to visit Mexico, the New the Fairfax store and has adopted a rescue England area, Italy and have spent several dog, Lil Dude, who has become his conweeks in Egypt and Israel. They believe stant companion. Tony says that the most that their trips to the Holy Land have been exciting news for the year was the wedthe most meaningful trips in their lives. ding of their son, Adam, to Nicole in OctoFor this year, they are planning to visit Yelber. The wedding was a great time, and the lowstone, a cruise from Norway to Spain newlyweds spent their honeymoon in Italy and a South African safari. and Greece. Adam continues his work in Bob and Jan O’Connor report that they sales at Nutanix, and Nicole is growing have survived their first full year of retireher optometry practice in Vienna. Tony and Teresa have also become the go-to Class of 1975: Greg and Melody Diamontopulos pinned new ment in Beaufort, South Carolina, and all lieutenant rank on their son, Peter Diamontopulos ’13, in is going well. They have especially endog sitter for the family, as they look after California in early December 2019. Peter serves in the U.S. joyed the fellowship of so many in their Charlotte’s dog, Sheba; Kyle’s dog after Coast Guard. new community. The time they have spent surgery; and the newlyweds’ dog, River, together with so many people from different backwhile they were on their honeymoon. 2019 went grounds and places has been filled with laughter by quickly but was a fun year. and an uncommon concern for one another and John Y. and Karen Richardson wrote to share they have no desire to be any place else. Over some of the highlights of their year. Their daughter, the past year, they had a lot of friends and family Marie, continues to love her swimming sessions. visit. Bob relays on one occasion, Jan invited her John and Ashley Richardson ’08 welcomed their 11-member exercise group (aka dining club) from second son in February. Mark is now 2, and JerMaryland to take the Amtrak down and visit for a emiah is 9 months. Andrew and Stephanie took week. Bob says he was unceremoniously kicked their big adventure to the Philippines to visit her out of the house for the occasion, but fortunately family and then went on to Thailand. a good friend provided lodging and succor during Oliver and Bonnie Way included a nice note in this period of forced exile. In September, they got their card expressing their joy on the six grandchilto implement their hurricane preparedness plan for dren in the family. Barrett and Jessi Way ’08 now the approaching storm Dorian. It turned out that have three children, Louella (5), Ames (2) and Dorian never materialized, but it was a good dry Michael (4 months). Barrett continues his work run for Bob to install his hurricane shutters. He as the executive director of the Lakewood retiresaid that the only injuries sustained in the area were ment community and is finishing up on a $65 milClass of 1975: Randy Frank rehydrated from that exercise. The O’Connors were able to lion expansion of that community. Lawton and after the Revel Kulia half-marathon near make some trips during the year, including a visit Shelton Way ’05 have three children, Ford (5), Waikoloa, Hawaii, Jan. 8, 2019. He placed to Lexington for a football game that was followed Margaret (4) and CeCe (1). Lawton continues his third in his age group. on the return by a visit with their daughter, Megan, work at the law form Hunton Andrews Kurth and

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Class Notes in Raleigh, North Carolina. Megan had a major art commission this year which involved preparing 40 individual oil paintings in collaboration with her church on interview-based biological outlines of personal stories and profiles. They also took a five-week trip to Oahu and looked after their two grandchildren, Quinn (9) and Lanie (7), while their daughter, Molly, and her husband, Sam, traveled to Columbia, South America, to adopt two children, Sara (6) and Juan (2). Bob says they are really sweet children and seem to be adjusting well to a totally new life that includes new family, environs and language. He said that it is hard to imagine what is it like for them. He and Jan are very proud of Molly and Sam for putting their Christian faith into action by giving these kids a good home.

Bob and Jan did, however, experience a bit of a flashback to the long-forgotten realm of parenting with keeping up with Quinn and Lanie. With all the activities that they are involved in, it took both of them in separate cars to, as Bob says, keep all of the balls in the air. They concluded that parenting has changed a bit. Bob stated that all is well with them health wise, and they both have all the same body parts they had last year – no additions or subtractions. We will take that as good news, Bob. I also received word from Scott and Barb Risser that they, too, have been busy this past year.

Scott’s feet have healed up completely, and they took advantage of that and made numerous trips throughout the year. In February, they were able to join their previous congregation to celebrate their friend’s ordination as Lutheran church-Missouri synod pastors. In March, they took part in a Revolutionary War history conference in Williamsburg, Virginia, and while there, they discovered Rombauer wines. May found them in Pennsylvania for a bridal shower for their nephew’s fiancée and to also meet up with friends. They then returned to Williamsburg to attend our class mini reunion.

In June, they attended the wedding of another nephew at the Villanova University Cathedral that they said was a gorgeous venue for this couple to start their life together in. In July, they returned to Williamsburg for another weekend with Ellett and Fran Smith and then were on to Roanoke to attend their church’s district conference. In August, they were able to join Salena Chiep ’16, the first VMI cadet they hosted, for her graduation from Marine Corps OCS and commissioning as a second lieutenant. In September, they visited Bill Terpeluk in Philadelphia to visit the Museum of the American Revolution, the National Constitution Center and

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Class of 1975: Suzanne, Rick and Sam Hening attended the North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance Mardi Gras Party and Fundraiser in Raleigh, North Carolina, Feb. 8, 2020.

Class of 1975: Bill Robson, Larry Hendry and Larry Groome met for lunch near The Villages, Florida, in early February. take in a Phillies baseball game. This was Scott’s first Phillies game in 50 years and as was the case then – they lost. October found them in Charleston to see The Citadel versus VMI game (go Keydets), and in November, they were in Gettysburg attending a World War II conference. Immediately after the conference, they returned to Fishersville, Virginia, to attend the dedication of their new church

sanctuary and school that they have been very active in making happen. As Scott said at the close of their note, “We were not bored in 2019.” They keep busy in Lexington with their volunteer work – Barb at the VMI Museum and the Rockbridge County Public Library and Scott on several nonprofit boards and taking on the local VMI alumni chapter. They both also continue as docents at the Stonewall Jackson House, as well as leading bible study groups. My guess is that 2020 will be equally busy.

Randy Frank sent me an update on his and Terry’s move to Hawaii. They are living on the west side of the island in Waikoloa, about 30 miles north of Kona. Actually, that is where Terry is living. Randy, on the other hand, is staying in their condo in Hilo on the other side of the island during the week where he works as the sole psychiatrist at the Kaiser Permanente Clinic in Hilo. On the weekends, he commutes back home, driving on the saddle road between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Fortunately, it is only a six-month gig and will end in April when he goes to Bellingham, Washington, to complete a commitment to his former employer for the month. Randy says he will be taking the months of May and June off. His busy schedule has not allowed any time for golf, even though their home is near a fabulous 18-hole golf course. But Randy, always conscious of the need to get his aerobic points for the week, continues to run. In fact, he just recently ran in the Revel Kulia Half-Marathon near Waikoloa and managed to finish third in his age group (60-65). That’s the age group for elderly guys who don’t know when to stop. Randy plans on coming to the 45th in September after doing an eight-day gig at a small hospital in Bolivar, Missouri. Randy ended his note reminding me that he was retired.

Larry Groome let me know that he and Fran, Bill and Edith Robson, and Larry Hendry, the central Florida The Villages crew, got together again – this time at Miller’s Ale House in Lady Lake, Florida.

Besides breaking bread together, they discussed their medical scars, which Larry said is a sure sign that they are getting old. They also discussed the upcoming 45th in September and planned some future get-togethers. He said they had a great time.

Ronnie Norman ran into Oliver Way and Nat Hamner at the UNCW versus William and Mary basketball game in January. Ron’s son-in-law, Jackie Manuel, is the assistant coach at UNCW. Unfortunately for Ron, UNCW lost, but I think that Nat and Oliver were OK with that.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Ken Gerard was attending a local chapter meeting of the American Concrete Institute and he noticed a guy with a large gold ring. After the meeting, he introduced himself, and the gentleman said he was from the VMI Class of ’78. He was Andy Faulconer ’78, and he was Tony Ferry’s dyke.

Ken, of course, told Andy that at some point in time Ken could have strained him, though it was not likely since Andy was too tall for him. Ken commented that it is a small world even in Cincinnati.

Rick and Suzanne Hening sent me an update, and they, too, are not letting the grass grow under their feet. They appeared on a Public Broadcast premier, “Family Pictures,” which was their 30 seconds of national exposure. Rick and Suzanne and their son, Sam, attended the second annual Victory Day Celebration sponsored by the North Carolina State Wolfpack football team. During the evening, Sam was selected for an impromptu interview that was later shown on a local news show. They then traveled to Staunton, Virginia, and stayed at an Airbnb the weekend of the Mars Hill versus VMI football game. While in Lexington, Rick saw BR Guy Conte; Charlie Ramsburg ’66; and Cadet Zach Sanders ’22, who played for the Peninsula Pilots baseball team. Activities at North Carolina Wesleyan College have kept them both busy as they volunteered to assist with two cross-country events. Suzanne helped with a chili cook-off contest while Rick sampled all the chili before he attended NCWC’s first ever on campus football game. Rick also attended the 22nd Viking Classic football game in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, between Fayetteville State and Elizabeth City. He was pulling for Elizabeth City where his son, Andrew, played football. Unfortunately, the Vikings came up on the short end. They love music and saw the groups The Embers featuring Craig Woolard, New Reveille and, most recently, Mannheim Steamroller. The evening they saw Mannheim Steamroller, they were celebrating their 36th wedding anniversary. They hooked up with Tom and Nancy Dashiell in Nashville, North Carolina, for lunch. Surprising enough, it was the first time the wives had met. The Dashiells were headed to Saint Augustine, Florida. Rick was also the guest of his son, Sam, who got tickets for a North Carolina State football game. The highlight of the evening was being able to be down on the field before the game meeting coaches and players. Sam and Rick will often meet once a week in Raleigh, North Carolina, to hang out. Rick lets

2020-Issue 2

Sam pick a place for lunch. Rick made the trip to Greenville, North Carolina, to see VMI open its basketball season against Eastern Carolina and later made the trip to Lexington, Virginia, and saw VMI beat Ferrum College. Rick and Suzanne traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina, and showed support for Sam, as he was a member of a panel that spoke about The Innovation Waiver and living independently. Sam had been asked to be a part of the panel because of a presentation he had done earlier in the year. After the presentation, Sam and Rick took Suzanne out to lunch to celebrate her birthday. They went to The Bosphorus restaurant in Cary, North Carolina. Rick and Suzanne met in Turkey, and they truly enjoyed their meal plus getting to speak some Turkish with the owner.

Rick tagged along with Suzanne and Sam as they spoke at the North Carolina Down Syndrome Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina. Suzanne and Sam shared about the journey of independent living. They spoke about Sam and how he has lived on his own in Raleigh, North Carolina. December saw Rick with a role in a Christmas play.

They both still volunteer at a local food pantry, and along with Sam, they volunteered in Boone, North Carolina, with Operation Christmas Child.

Rick got his December Saturday high school state football championship “kitchen pass” from Suzanne and attended two games in Durham, North Carolina. He also took a football trip to Goochland, Virginia, and saw his high school alma mater, James Monroe, lose in the state semifinals. After the game, Rick swung by and visited his brother in Powhatan, Virginia, and later they went out to dinner before Rick headed back to Rocky Mount, North Carolina. In mid-January, Rick decided to accept a part-time job with RailCrew Xpress to transport CSX rail crew workers. He has stayed busy with that job by working Monday-Thursday for them. Rick is on call from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and accepts trips during those hours. Rick has been to Florence, South Carolina; Leland, North Carolina; Hamlet, North Carolina; Henderson, North Carolina; and Fayetteville, North Carolina, transporting train crews. And finally, they all attended the North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance Mardi Gras dinner and fundraiser in Raleigh Feb. 8.

That’s it for this time; the shoebox is empty. Do not forget to mark your calendar for our 45th Reunion the weekend of Sept. 18-20, 2020. Looking forward to seeing you all.

In the Spirit, Bob

1976

William Bhatta

These notes were written Feb. 13, 2020. I have averaged about two hours sleep each night for the past two weeks, so I better finish these notes before I fall asleep on top of the keyboard!

Jack Christy reported life goes on in Anacortes, Washington, 75 miles north of Seattle. Jack said, “We consider ourselves fortunate to have been able to flee Seattle; I’m sure you’ve seen some of the national news about the disaster that Seattle has become.” Jack teaches chess to middle and high school students. He said, “[T]hey’re getting better, but they’re still bad.” Jack also plays tournament chess in United States Chess Federation tournaments. He said, “[B]een on a long losing streak (sadly), but I’ve picked up some new study materials and I’m seeing some positive results – starting to win again. I remain stuck at the bottom of the top half of players; I’d like to get to the middle of the top half! For now, I remain a slightly better than average player. Time will tell.”

Three years ago, Pat and Linda Barnum relocated from Christiansburg/Blacksburg, Virginia, to Grapevine, Texas (about 20 minutes northwest of Dallas). Pat’s wife is a chemist and had a great employment opportunity for a position with a pet product and care manufacturer in the area. Pat said, “We love the DFW area, but it is crazy busy around here. Miss the Christiansburg/Blacksburg area due to the more laid-back lifestyle, but this area has both.”

Pat was laid off from Northrop-Grumman in 2012 but was able to find a similar position with IBM in 2013. Pat said, “I now work for a program that supports NOAA with their high-performance computing; that is what they use for all of the national weather forecasts, extreme weather notices, etc. My job is very uninspiring, considering the cutting edge of HPC – basically handle all the financial aspects of the project. I had the great opportunity in October [2019] to visit a data center in Reston to ‘count’ (inventory) our equipment at that location. Interesting crawling around on the floor at 66, using a small flashlight and a magnifying glass to read serial numbers printed in font two or three or whatever. My eyesight sure isn’t

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Class Notes Ken said, “Maybe a trip to my what it was, and I have no issues wife’s family in Thailand could at all using a magnifying glass!” be in the cards. See you at the Pat said when this current project next reunion in 2021.” ends in 2022, he will take a hard Greg Speaker checked in. He look at retirement, but then Pat is retired, living in Mount Pleasalso said, “If IBM would allow ant, South Carolina. Looks like me a part-time gig, I would be he has suffered from all that great open to that, but we will see what Army airborne training. Greg happens by then.” said, “I have had four foot surgerTed and Melanie Mouras said, ies in the last few years as a result “It’s interesting how the years of a few hundred to many Army not only fly by but don’t change parachute jumps. This ended my all that much. Retirement has Class of 1976: Sam LaPrade died Dec. 31, 2019. BRs attending his memorial running days. However, I started become a continuation of our service in Markham, Virginia, were, from left, front row, Lee Godsey, John various hobbies, punctuated by Backe and Hank Foresman. Back row: William Bhatta, J.R. Mott, Jim Mallon, bicycle riding when I retired from The Citadel in 2016. I am about occasional travel and by home John Strock, Wayne Eastham, Mike Martino and Fletcher Davis. to turn 10,000 miles, as I do 10 maintenance, either self-executmiles every day. All those miles have allowed me ed or just overpriced and executed by somebody to lose 2, or perhaps even 3, pounds! I figure anelse. Ted’s become quite adept at climbing across other quarter of a million miles and I will be able our tile roof, which the squirrels seem to have adto fit in my cadet gray blouse!” Greg and Julie are opted for its splendid views of southeast Arizona. looking forward to our next reunion, also.

We continue to name the rabbits ... well, Melanie Jim and Tish Dittrich are doing well in Arkannames them. Melanie has put a dent in her to-besas. Jim still teaches logistics and transportation in read book list, with the help of a Kindle (which the College of Business at the University of Cenmeans she’s reading the ones purchased only over tral Arkansas. He is also the VMI Alumni Associathe last few years).” Ted said, “She needs to spend tion historian (see his article on John Wise ’866 in more time at the piano, but she continues to imthe last issue of the Alumni Review.) Tish’s pasprove her French, and there may be another trip sion is her horses, but she still manages operations to France in our future so she can practice ‘live.’ and accounting for a medical group and continues Ted has been working on a sci-fi novel, near pubher work with their local fire department. Together, lication. He is still volunteering with several local they journey around the country watching Cubs groups, leading walks and planting gardens which games, starting with Arizona this spring. Their can be sustained in very dry Arizonian conditions.”

Class of 1976: Bob Sievert ’79 and Bob kids are also doing well: Chelsea married a luxury Andy Stewart retired last April after 43 years Gleason have worked together improvyacht captain and is teaching 8th grade in Fort of service to the Army (active and reserve duty) ing eProcurement, also called e-comLauderdale, Florida; Taylor is currently working and working for the Army (as a Department of the merce, for the state of Maryland. as a sous chef in Park City, Utah; Addison works Army civilian). Andy said, “The last 10 years were spent in Huntsville, Alabama, as the senior engi- looking for David Copp at his last known address in human resources for the state of Colorado; and Johanna is finishing her master’s degree while neer for the Army Materiel Command. Through- in Hawaii when Mark was in Hawaii visiting Juout my career, the Army blessed me with interest- lian ’09 and his family. David, if you see these managing a urology clinic office. Both of them are ing assignments and some truly amazing people to notes, send me a BR update! This time of year enjoying their new home in Aurora, Colorado.

Kevin Pardus reported he is still volunteering work with.”

– when Mark and Bernadette are not in Hawaii – his time with various STEM programs in his area.

Andy and his wife, Julie, decided it was time to they are skiing Brighton Mountain, Utah.

His oldest daughter and husband live in Long Isreturn to saltwater following retirement. He said, After 21 years in the Marines, 21 years in the priland, New York, and have blessed him with two “Having met on a racing sailboat in Hampton, Vir- vate sector and 23 years of refereeing hockey, Ken grandchildren. His youngest daughter is living and ginia, some years ago, we had to get to a location Harbin decided to retire last December. Ken said, where we could smell the ocean and dip our toes “I will be looking forward to enjoying life here in working in Singapore.

Grigg and Cindy Mullin have been busy travin the sand. We did a lot of searching and chose the country outside Atlanta with my two sons, Ben Pensacola, Florida. The snow-white beaches are and Eddie, and their families, including my 4-year- eling. Grigg said, “We’ve traveled more this incredible, golf is reasonably priced and there is old granddaughter, Emery, and my grandson to be year than previously: Grigg to Albuquerque to no shortage of activities.” They moved to Pensac- in February 2020.” Ken and Sue want to establish visit Andrew and Melissa; a small ship cruise off ola last May and have been loving it ever since. a retreat home in the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Scottish Isles; road trip to Baltimore, Maryland; Walpole, New Hampshire; Bethel, Maine; To no avail, super sleuth Mark Sculley went do some traveling, but not necessarily in that order.

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Hallowell, Maine; Brooklin, Maine; Bath, Maine; as anyone I have ever known. Rarely got angry completely retired, happy as a lark, grandchildren, Rochester, Maine; Manchester, New Hampshire; at whatever was happening and didn’t sulk, but he sailing, fishing and simply living the dream, enjoying retirement. A very good way to be.”

Saugerties, New York, doing some timber frame taught all of us in the room that we should learn From Maury Gatewood: “A true loss. Rich was volunteering and boating; the Great Smokies and from our mistakes. He had a laugh that was truly northern Georgia on the way to a Mark Knopfler infectious with a big heart. Also had a big throwing thoroughly enjoyable to talk to at reunions and will concert in Atlanta; New York City for a niece’s arm; he could throw an individual cereal box from be sorely missed.”

From J.R. Mott: “A brother rat and true friend family celebration; St. Michaels, Maryland, for the the window of room 423 (above the guard room) Mid Atlantic Boat Festival; Cindy’s annual girls all the way to the door. He reminded us this was has passed. We are few; losing Rich reminds me how important all the BRs are to me.” weekend for her mother’s 93rd birthday at the Mo- all just temporary, which helped us get through.”

From Ares Koumis: “Godspeed, Rich. You and From Jack Christy: “This hurts. Rich Mathews honk Mountain House near New Paltz, New York; Grigg’s bird hunting trip to Wisconsin with Grigg was always a great friend, a great BR. Last time your big hat – save us a seat, will ya please, at the III; and an annual trip to Bath County, Virginia, I saw Rich was at a reunion. He told me he was reunion that never ends.”

From Jim Joustra: “A great guy.” with friends.” Note to self: I need to pick From Jeff Wall: “Damn. Too young. We up the pace! The rest of the family is doare diminished.” ing well: Grigg III and Accacia celebrated From Jake Berberich: “Ugg, what a their sixth wedding anniversary. Grigg III slug in the gut.” left his VMI job to work full time for himSam LaPrade passed away Dec. 31, self making timber carts. Accacia enjoys 2019; he was 66 years old. Several brother running her sewing business in downtown rats were able to attend his memorial serLexington. Andrew and Melissa celebratvice. Following the service, Wayne Easted their third anniversary and announced ham graciously invited us to his home they are expecting their first grandchild nearby. Several of us were able to attend. this June. Andrew is creating content for Before we did anything else, we raised the Pathfinder computer game, and Mea toast to Sam’s life. Here are some BR lissa is still a clinical psychologist for the comments/memories about Sam. Veterans Affairs hospital in Albuquerque, From Jim Joustra: “The loss of Sam New Mexico.

Last but not least, the Richmond BRC Class of 1976: Attending the funeral of Jake Berberich’s LaPrade is a very painful loss. He was a mother in Charlottesville, Virginia, Dec. 7, 2019, were Berber- good friend, an amazing guitarist, skilled met Jan. 10. Lee Bradshaw, Bill Danich, Mark Sculley, Sam Saunders ’78, David Saunders ’81 and boxer and had a successful Air Force cazeisen, Jim Mallon, Lee Godsey, Rocky Marshall Coyle. reer. Sam was a temperamental romanGlass and I were able to attend. Our spetic and a diehard proud Southerner from Rocky cial guest – Jim Joustra – was intercepted on his Mount. We had the same birthday. Like so many way to a VMI Alumni Association meeting in of our BRs, he was an intelligent, talented and paRichmond. Jim Mallon has been organizing this triotic man, and I will sure miss him.” From Jim meeting for many years. I think he would tell you Mallon: “Hate it, his guitar helped me through rat it is easy to do. If anyone wants to copy his effort year. I enjoy country music because of Sam. God in the northern Virginia and/or the Hampton Roads bless you, Sam.” area, I can send you a list of BRs to contact.

From Jake Berberich: “Sad about Sam. We conThe shocking class note news is the sudden loss nected some 10 years ago when he was job huntof two BRs late last year: Rich Mathews and Sam ing but lost contact. Great musician and boxer. I’d LaPrade. I have not seen Rich or Sam in approxithought of him often in recent years.” mately 10 years, but I know they executed their From Mark Sculley: “Sorry to see Sam slip “dash” exceptionally! (Read “The Dash©” written away way too early. Jake Berberich and I had a

by Linda Ellis.) good chat about him. Sam visited me in my ofRich Mathews passed away Nov. 21, 2019; he fice at Joint Forces Command in Norfolk about was 65 years old. His funeral service was private, 10 years ago. He had been working a bit with my but Tom and Debbie Turlip were able to attend a Class of 1976: Jim Brown congratulatbrother, Jay. Had not changed much from our days family gathering shortly after Rich’s death to exed Maj. Thomas Cunningham ’08 after together at VMI.” press their condolences and the condolences from his graduation from the U.S. Air Force From Bob Keneally: “I remember Sam well. the Class of 1976. Here are a few BR comments/ test pilot school at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Dec. 7, 2019. Brown Was very sad to hear this news. In addition to all memories about Rich. graduated from the same school in he accomplished, Sam was an excellent boxer at From Jim Delisio: “I roomed with Rich for December 1986.

VMI. Was his corner man for some of his fights. our first two years, and he was as even-keeled

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Class Notes

Class of 1976: Bob Keneally attended the VMI versus The Citadel basketball game in Charleston, South Carolina, and spoke with many The Citadel alumni, including a 1956 graduate.

I also remember how well he played his 12-string guitar. RIP, brother rat.”

Note to Company F: If you missed the Taps section in the last Alumni Review, Kevin Newton ’74 passed away Oct. 30, 2019; he was 67 years old.

He was one of our cadre sergeants, the Company F cadet captain his 1st Class year.

Sorry to end on a sad note. While we have all moved our separate ways since May 1976, I wish we could celebrate our VMI bonds together more often – that is what makes attending brother rat BRCs, mini reunions and 45th/50th Reunions so important.

1977

Mark Bryant

Greetings, Brother Rats!

I am sure we will all be glad to see spring outside as we are getting this issue of the AR. It is still February here, however, and the Dark Ages are still in effect. Lots of rain in the valley recently, but so far not much snow this winter.

This made for a long but good day for Breakout to occur Feb. 1. The Corps welcomed the new Class of ’23 with the usual activities these days.

I teach mainly 4th Class cadets this semester, and it still amuses me to see how excited they

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Class of 1977: Buster Pace officially retired and celebrated the occasion with some brother rats and his son, including Buzzy Northen, John Pace ’11, Kevin Knotts, Mike Lindsay, Buster Pace, Billy Hupp, Tommy Underhill and Bruce Cann. get over things like bathrobe privileges.

We had a couple of sad events to observe during this last quarter. The first was the passing of Col. Jamison ’57. He was a legendary figure to many classes, of course, and very much to ours. Those BRs in the civil engineering program especially knew him and were blessed by his teaching skills and his extraordinary impact on cadet lives. The memorial service in his honor, held in J.M. Hall Dec. 7, was packed with current and former VMI faculty, cadets, family and friends. There were many, many Class of ’77 BRs in attendance. So many, in fact, that I could not in good faith list everyone. Many more who could not attend in person checked in from afar to express their condolences.

Ned Riester ’78, current department chair for civil engineering, gave an outstanding tribute to the man that was personal, touching and perfect for the occasion. The Class of ’77 was very fortunate to have some of the teachers and mentors we had during our cadetship, and Don Jamison certainly stood out even in that crowd. Our class had a very nice floral display included for the memorial service, and we made a very good contribution from the class to the Jamison scholarship fund.

The next time we had to mourn was in January when we lost our Brother Rat Tim Mitchell after a long fight with cancer. Hopefully you all got the email notices. Many, many BRs expressed their sympathies and attended his funeral service and

wake. A memorial tribute to Tim can be found in the After Taps section of this issue.

Tim’s wife, Katherine Townsend, was very appreciative of the class support and BRs who reached out to her. The prayers and care were much appreciated, and she wanted to extend the following thanks to the class: “Thank you for your prayers, visits, calls and messages in the last weeks of Tim’s illness, death and since. Your support has been a great comfort to me and the whole Mitchell family. I was overwhelmed and heartened by the strong presence at the memorial service. And special thanks to Steve Neas for speaking so eloquently at the service. I hope to remain connected to the class and look forward to seeing some of you from time to time at reunions or other occasions. Thank you for everything you have done to help and support me in this time. It is hard, but I’m just taking things day by day and figuring out the new normal life. Hope to see you before too long. Katherine.”

In other news, I heard recently from a few BRs. Rich Howell joined the long list of class members to have orthopedic surgery to replace a joint. Rich had hip replacement surgery in February. By the time we are all reading these notes, I have no doubt he will be on his bike and riding his usual hundreds of miles a week.

Buster Pace checked in to let everyone know that he has officially retired from his jet-setting, high-tempo career and celebrated the occasion

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1977: Class members who attended services and a wake in memory of BR Tim Mitchell in January 2020 were, from left, Rich Howell, Chuck Conner, Mark Bryant, Bob Atkinson, Bill Short, Steve Neas, Billy Hupp, Mark Stagg and Alan Wagner. Not pictured were Buzzy Northen, Bruce Cann, Mark Hunt, Bart Pasco, Jerry Haste and Gary Haste. appropriately in Pennsylvania with the help of several BRs. We have already started to think about our mini reunion date for this fall. As of now, we are looking at the first home game Sept. 18. By the time you read these notes in May, we should have some more solid planning done.

In terms of planning, it is not too soon to start looking ahead for our 45th Reunion, which is scheduled to take place homecoming weekend in fall 2022. I welcome any ideas, feedback or requests for the planning phase. I am going to start talking with the Alumni Association pretty soon about where they recommend we set up hotel, banquet spaces or other venues.

Mark Abernathy has joined the ranks of authors in our class and kindly sent me a copy of his novel, “Sons of a Citizen Soldier.” It kind of speaks to people of our generation. I imagine many of us had parents or family that served in the World War II era. You may want to check it out, and I’m sure Mark would love to have a few more books sold!

The annual golf outing, “the Ralph,” played in memory of our late BR Ralph George, will take place at the Lexington Golf & Country Club Saturday, June 13, 2020.

Golf play is also being planned for Thursday, Friday and Sunday for those interested. Point of contact is Tommy Cole (tcole77@aol.com). We are hoping for good weather and a good crowd!

About the time you are reading these notes, I will be submitting new ones for the AR edition appearing in August. I really appreciate your notes and

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news. Photos are especially hard, so think about sending me some, but please be sure to send me a digital copy that has about 1MB of data. The shrunk-down versions that cellphones send just aren’t big enough to print in the AR. Have a good summer, BRs, and I hope to see many of you this fall!

Mark B.

1978

Tom Brown

Brother Rats and Friends, It is once again time to bring you the latest news from around the class. I hope all had as pleasant winter as we had here in central Virginia – warmer than usual and wet and are enjoying a beautiful spring. I would like to thank you for keeping the spirit alive and reaching out to BRs. I have the sad duty to report the loss of Dutch Goddard Feb. 5. His kind and quiet presence will be greatly missed.

Paul Mitchell: “On Jan. 14, 2020, my brother, Tim ’77, died of cancer. More than a dozen of his brother rats attended his funeral at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Bon Air, Chesterfield, Virginia. He was buried with full military honors, which meant a great deal to the family. Then just three weeks later, I attended the funeral service for

our Brother Rat Dutch Goddard at Stony Point Church, less than a mile from St. Michael’s. There were more than a dozen of us BRs at Dutch Goddard’s service, as well. It was a beautiful and moving service. Countless guys I saw there expressed their condolences over Tim’s passing. At a post reception gathering of our BRs at The Continental, I had the honor and pleasure of describing how Tim earned the Army Soldier’s Medal in the early 1980s at Fort Irwin, California. At Thanksgiving 2019, a brother-in-law convinced me to start a Powhatan History Hunters Facebook group page because I so often post pics and stories on Facebook pertaining to local history. I started PHH and try to post one or more stories and pics a week.

I am pleased and enthused about the interest it is generating. Eva is in her third year of pre-K at Blessed Sacrament Huguenot in Powhatan. She is pretty, smart, energetic, playful and compassionate. We are richly blessed having her in our lives.”

I somehow missed putting Tom Tanner’s summer adventures in the last notes, my apologies.

“The 11th annual VMI ’78 room 161 reunion.

Dave Lucado had business commitments so was not able to attend. Great weather, fun time.”

Jim Simons has some good thought about our bonds as the ranks seem to be getting thinner.

“Let’s face it, we’re not getting any younger, and sigh, our ranks will likely continue to thin with each passing year. So perhaps it’s time that all of us make a more concerted effort to reestablish contact with one another and host local get-togethers from time to time. I realize that some of our classmates already do this, but there are many who don’t.

Hell, some barely communicate at all. How about we assemble an up-to-date class directory?” So in keeping with Jim’s idea, stay in contact and look for correspondence or phone call as the project gets underway.

Chris Stone: “Status is all right. Still renovating my 1900-era historic home in Richmond. Who doesn’t love a home improvement project? If any of my Richmond BRs want to grab a beer sometime, I’m in!”

John Tucker: “All right in Columbus, Ohio.”

Sam Saunders: “We are all right. I am teaching at VMI civil engineering again this semester.”

Bob Fricke: “All right! Looking forward to the Pikes Peak Chapter excursion to Fort Robinson, Nebraska, July 22-24, 2020. It would be great for BRs to attend.”

Dan Tuck: “Sorry to hear about Dutch; he’ll be missed. All is all right here. Working at U.S.

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Class Notes Gitchell and Mark McKissick were on Special Operations Command, MacDill hand to have a good time.

Air Force Base. I’ve been blessed with two That concludes the news from this wingreat kids and two grandbabies with a third ter; I hope all survived. Please reach out to on its way. Just staying busy at work, getting our BRs and keep the spirit alive. I would in a little golf, tennis, when I can get away, be great to hear from or about everyone or I’ll sneak away for a motorcycle ride. I in the class over the course of the year. keep in touch with Danny Daniels often. He Join the class on Facebook at VMI 78. just retired in December. I hear from Scott There are currently 134 in the group. If Konkus a few times a year. Other than that, you do not use Facebook but your spouse I’m just enjoying one day at a time. Hope all does, please have them request to join is well with the family. We do miss Lynchthe group. Hope you are having a great burg – many memories.” spring. As always, it is time to send your Norm Merckx: “I am all right.” status for the next set of notes no later than Tom Sliwoski: “After 22 years as director of public works for the city of Staunton, Class of 1978: Class members at Dutch Goddard’s me- May 15.

In the Spirit, I have decided to retire at the end of June. morial service.

Tom/EZ Bear Cathy and I will be moving to Colonial Heritage in Williamsburg where we already have a and I are celebrating our 25th anniversary in 2020.

Ron Carter III is engaged to be married to his fihouse. Looking forward to golf, pickle ball, fishing ancée, Melissa, in Long Beach, California, and and traveling.” operating his photography business, R See Pho- Michael Ogden Joe Cafarella: “All right here in Ohio. I keep tography. Paul Carter is still playing professional saying I need to get back to Lexington sometime. basketball in Europe. He is in France in 2020. He Maybe this year.” and his wife, Kiandra Love Carter, had my first Kenneth Singleton: “Thanks for running the check. I’m all right and retired (for the moment) in grandchild, Kade Mazique Carter, last year. Bria Hope this finds everyone safe and well.

Minneapolis. Are any BRs planning on bike week Carter graduated from Michigan State and is now earning her master’s degree from the University of We start off with first-time notes submitter, in Daytona Beach next month? I’ll see you there!”

Illinois Chicago. Brook Carter is graduating from Ralph Briggs: “First-ever note. Busy fall here Chops Parker: “All good here in Dallas these days. I’m still with Bechtel; we’re pushing to get Purdue Northwest in May with plans to go off to in Florida. Our first grandson was born in Sepa new project approved to build what could be the grad school. I was able to launch Veteran Village tember. Got him his provisional appointment for LLC in 2019 providing transitional and permanent Class of 2041. Made me feel old and then to top first high-speed rail system in the USA between Dallas and Houston. Very sad to get the news housing for veterans with job training, entrepre- it off got my knee replaced in December. On the about Dutch passing; I’ll always remember his in- neurship, medical, mental health, transportation mend now. Grandson’s name is Jackson Wayne and employment services. We have a five-year Williamson. I guess with name like Jackson has fectious smile. God bless Dutch.” to go to VMI.” Well I suspect so!

Mike Oelrich: “All right from sunny Florida. plan which includes my retirement in 2025.”

Dave Mecredy: “My status is all right and getA note from Pete Alverez: “Charlotte and I had T.J. and Anne Stevens sent me a Christmas card, and he’s relocated to Groveland, Florida, just off ting better. Just digging out from the snowstorm an awesome trip to Spain in mid-September to the Florida Turnpike near Orlando. Al Moore and Saturday with the 1948 Ford 8n tractor; waiting for celebrate our 30th anniversary. We traveled the length and breadth of the country, seeing much I are planning on going to the VMI versus Sam- the deep freeze Wednesday.”

Paul Kenny: “Did not want to receive any de- of its history and culture as well as eating great ford football game Nov. 14. Like to see if we can food and drinking lots of wine! I’ve attached a generate any interest from our BRs that may be merits for missing a ‘stick check.’”

Mark Lowe: “All right here.” picture of us at La Mezquita in Cordoba, a forclose to Birmingham, Alabama, and want to meet From the Christmas cards: Ron Dolan did some mer mosque converted to a Catholic cathedral us there. Take care and Rah Virginia Mil!” Brion Smith: “All right in Keswick, Virginia, traveling: Arizona, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Niagara after the Moors were expelled from Spain. The Falls and Connecticut. Dac Colden bought a new following month, we witnessed our daughter’s and looking to retire (for real, this time) in July.

Finally became a grandfather in January – best job house and is enjoying renovating it because it is wedding in Herndon, Virginia, in the very same across the street from his grandkids. Bil Greg, Joe church in which Charlotte and I were married back I ever had!”

Bruce Kay: “All is well here. Our youngest Bright, Alec Earle, Ken Singleton, Tony Pileggi in 1989. I’ve attached our family wedding portrait daughter, Sara, was married in November, and we and Leonard Logan were kind enough to send and will send via separate email a picture of my father-daughter dance with Gabriela. (We let our could not be happier! Bill and Ann McCampbell along greetings.

I had the opportunity to join some BRs at a hair down during a fabulous reception that closed and Tony and Monica Pileggi were at the wedding basketball game at Cameron Hall. Jay Hutt, out a year of meticulous planning.) Since the wedcelebrating with us!”

Ron Carter: “The Carter clan is well. Darnella Bob Eagle, Don Robey, Keith Barber, Stu ding, we have been working on establishing a new

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes normal and making plans for new adventures to come this year: Disney World in May and New England in the fall!”

Sal and Deb Vitiello celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with a four-week (that’s four!) trip to St. Maarten!

Tom Wilson writes, “Still in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and glad we are out of California.”

Al Soltis meet up in Lexington with ’79 classmates Howard Adams, Ed Johnson and Steve McKenna at the Keydet Club Scholarship Banquet in January. Ed and Howard were also able to join Al at the FCA breakfast which was held the following morning. Both events were filled with powerful testimonies from cadet-athletes that made everyone feel even prouder of the school we represent. Al and Lisa are fixing up an old house in Lexington, so Howard braved the construction and was their first overnight house guest. Al and Howard are blessed to be working with FCA at VMI where they now have 12 groups, or huddles, meeting on post.

Ray Duffett has been involved with the northeast Ohio VMI Chapter. Ray says, “Had a great dinner recently at Squaw Creek-Avalon Country Club, no one wanted to leave as the hair raising VMI stories were plentiful! Everyone is doing great! We had several Iraq veterans!”

Jeff Goldhardt posts, “Selling winter clothes in April; selling house in May; buying house in Granbury, Texas; retiring Aug. 1.” Guess that retirement thing is going around!

Ben Bauman and Tracy and are doing well. He writes, “We had a great Thanksgiving week vacation in the Cayman Islands. All the six kids are doing well. Alana PCS’d to Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii and is settled in. Ben III and Becky are doing great with the three grandkids. They are growing up fast. Christina received a promotion and is doing well, too. Mary has settled into her house she bought this past fall. Robert is still studying at college to be an aerospace engineer and thinking about joining Space Force. Bill is at JBLM (Fort Lewis) soldiering on. The time is coming for him to decide if he wants to stay in or go to the reserve. This upcoming summer, Tracy and I plan on going to Spain for 11 days and the long-awaited honeymoon trip.”

Jim Pigg and wife Cathy did a Caribbean Cruise on Harmony of the Seas. While playing pickle ball, this “Old Corps” dude showed up wearing a VMI cap. Turns out it was Hunt Ozmer ’76. Jim and Hunt spent several hours each day teaming

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up to play pickle ball and talk about the “good ol’ days.”

Asa and Karen Page ran into John Brown, Dave and Carrie Taylor, Dave and Cindy Jeter, and Ed Johnson at The Citadel versus VMI basketball game in January. They all had an enjoyable postgame get together afterward and caught up with each other. Asa also reports that he had an opportunity to return to VMI Feb. 1 and observe Breakout for the rat mass. Smoke and noise devices, automatic weapons firing off blanks combined with lots of yelling started off the morning at 5 a.m. on a very “bone cold” and foggy Saturday morning. The next 14 hours consisted of a very well-run series of Corps-organized PT stations with numerous challenging events. Asa shared that those of us who went through a different type of Breakout back in our day would be quite impressed by how challenging yet professionally well-organized Breakout has become over the years. The 24-page op order he reviewed the night before put together by members of the 1st Class reflected just how professionally thought out and well run of an the event has evolved into.

Keith Ranker writes, “I went on Facebook after a four year absence to link up with BRs and high school classmates. I made the mistake of expressing my opinions. Found that high school classmates don’t want me to express anything conservative or centrist or Christian. BRs accept you even when they disagree, which is fine. I also find that as a whole, the BRs are smarter than my

Class of 1979: Steve Scaglione ran into fellow alumni on his way to the VMI versus West Point football game.

high school. Otherwise, I’m doing OK.” Steve Scaglione attended the VMI versus Army football game. He writes, “So wore my retired Air Force hat along with my VMI shirt to get a double PO attitude over there! Our team looked good with the opening on-side kick recovery and hung in there during the first half. But, everyone knows the final outcome. So I drank heavily on the return ferryboat ride back to the Jungle City.

Our quarterback looked good and should be better next year!”

John Kaily scribes, “Not sure if it is too late, more mundane things. Yet another eye surgery, although this time a laser. Just had snow here in Atlanta for a total of four hours. Other than that, hope all is well with all BRs and their families.”

Jeff Curtis drops a note: “Not much news to report, Mike. Betsy and I are spending the winter at our place in St. Pete until late April before heading back to Willieburg. We are actually on our way back for about a week to check our home to ensure it has not flooded again. I now turn the water off at the street and at the house!”

Rod DeCorte and Patti just celebrated their 32nd anniversary! Congratulations!

All is great on ESVA with Renee doing very well “running things” at the Cape Charles Yacht Center. My “retirement” as the ED at Carrier Strike Group FOUR is rapidly approaching with my last official day at work April 24. I am both excited and frankly scared. For the first time in almost 45 years, someone in uniform will not have an impact on my day. That job gets turned over full time to “senior management,” aka Renee!

Time is getting short with only four weeks away from the grand Caribbean adventure as I write these notes! To get everyone caught up, at our 40th, Dan Kornaki presented Renee and me a gift from the class for our past (and “pay it forward” future work as class agent) Delta vacation vouchers toward a trip to the Caribbean. For those who missed it, we were floored. So much so Renee had to do all the talking. The class found a way to shut me up!

Renee and I had been planning a big trip to England in the fall, so we decided to postpone that trip and combine those funds with the class Delta vacation vouchers and do the Caribbean thing first class all the way! After much research and planning (and I can plan the crap outta anything!) we decided on Sandals in Grenada for eight days and seven nights in March, and to make the trip even more special, roomie Jim LaRose and wife

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Class Notes Kathie are joining us! We will be meeting up in Atlanta flying first class all the way and back and have some awesome butler suites reserved with pools right off the room’s porch. Did I say butler service? Oh, my, my! The LaRoses are planning several scuba outings, while Renee and I will be doing the snorkeling thing!

We, of course, will be making a picture/video travel log of the trip and plan to keep the class updated as we go on the class Facebook page. I suspect the class 35th Reunion Hawaiian shirts will be prominent! I suspect.

Once again, we cannot thank everyone enough.

We were very surprised, humbled and excited by the gift.

That’s it for this go ’round. Slim pickins!

Annual physicals? Hmm? Stay well, BRs. –M

1980

John Gibney Jr.

Hello, Brother Rats, These notes cover the period Nov. 16, 2019, through Feb. 12, 2020, and contain the sad news of the passing of Jim Stauffer Jan. 24.

The period began with an email from Wayland Patterson containing a photo of the attendees at a Veterans Day gathering in the Florida panhandle of alumni of VMI, The Citadel, Texas A&M and Norwich University. Wayland organizes these on a quarterly basis and photos have appeared in previous issues.

The beginning of the period also coincided with the VMI football game at West Point. Pat and Beth Griffin stayed in New York City at the Alumni Association’s designated hotel and had dinner with me and Patti Friday evening, followed by a walking tour that included seeing the tree in Rockefeller Center (not yet lit). They rode with us to and from the game Saturday and joined us for drinks in our apartment after the game. We attended the pregame tailgate and encountered John and Abby Casamassa, who traveled to the game from Pittsburgh, as we entered the stadium. Although sunny, the day was very cold and the VMI seats were in the end zone – in the shade. Fortunately, John and Abby were in a sunny section of the stadium and

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we joined them for the second half. They are planning to attend the reunion and their daughter is considering attending VMI. Pat McCarthy sent an email after receiving the Alumni Review along with wishes for a happy Thanksgiving.

Phil Munisteri sent an email after receiving his birthday card. Phil and Kathy are “retired” but are busy teaching college as well as substitute teaching. Their daughter, Meghan, is in her second year of OB/GYN residency, and their son, Connor, is working on his master’s in education. They saw Matthew and Tanya Keys and Bruno and Janet Loefstedt at their beach house on Long Island, and Phil participated in Jack Keane’s annual weekend in Connecticut in September. They plan to attend our reunion, with Phil actively participating on the reunion committee.

I spoke with Andy Ludlum on his birthday.

Andy and Nicki live in Maryland, and Andy is a pilot for Southwest Airlines. In October, they traveled to VMI with their grandsons and saw Pat Griffin, Gary Levenson and Rob Quarles. They also get together with fellow Marylanders Pat and Roni McCarthy and Hal and Kathy Snyder.

Andy said he and Nicki planned to see Rob and Ginger Gearhart and John Diggs, also.

I exchanged text messages with Josh Priest on his birthday. Josh had a health scare last year but is now doing very well.

Ray Joinson called and left a voice message while driving to Nashville. We then exchanged happy Thanksgiving text messages.

I called Steve Andrews on his birthday (we were roommates for four years) and then sent an email (he did not answer) explaining that I am unable (more unwilling) to read Facebook messages.

Steve responded that he was hunting in an area with spotty cell service. He signed the card RVM – I had no clue what that meant.

Gary and Karen Levenson and their grandson, Tyler, made their annual visit to NYC. They stay in a hotel until Patti and I depart the city then they relocate to our apartment. A tradition that was continued in 2019 was Gary, Tyler and I taking the subway to Brooklyn for dinner at Peter Luger’s Steakhouse.

I speak each year in November to John Alerding on the anniversary of his marriage to Anne, which happens to also be my anniversary. John has “unretired” and is now working analyzing avionics flight software. He is in Oklahoma halftime and telecommutes halftime. His son Johnny, an Air

Force captain, is engaged to be married.

December began with an exchange of text messages with Ed Baker. Ed and Dianna live in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and Ed works three days a week at Dare County HD. I spoke with Tuck Masker on his birthday. Tuck lives in Wilmington, North Carolina, and works for a NYC-based company renovating hotels. He was in Boston working on a project and planned to get together with our Boston area BRs. Tuck also

Class of 1980: Glenn McCabe and Tolar Nolley at a chance meeting in the Fort Lauderdale airport in December 2019.

Class of 1980: Mary Lynne and Walt Wood following Walt’s Peruvian citizenship ceremony in December 2019.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes reported seeing Bruno Loefstedt in the airport in their grandchildren, retirement is not in sight and is survived by his father. Eli Alford, Bert SchneiMinneapolis. Tuck will try to attend our reunion. they are looking forward to our reunion in April. der and Tracy Wilson each sent an email, and ToWalt and Mary Lynne Wood sent an email with Bert and Peggy Schneider sent a card with an in- lar Nolley called in response to the blast email and photos and a link to the newsletter summarizing sert outlining their family activities and expecting postcard, expressing their memories of Jim. Ave the activities of their ministry. They also wrote that to have everyone together in Arizona for Christ- atque vale.

No one reached out Jan. 28, for the second year Walt received his Peruvian citizenship. In a second mas. Mark and Darleen Sobota sent a card and message, they sent photos of Walt at his citizenship two-page letter that included one full-page of fam- in a row. I keep score.

Larry Hupertz sent an email after receiving his ceremony. ily photos and a note saying, “Looking forward to Doug Walker sent an email in response to re- seeing you in April 2020.” Mark works at Wright birthday card. Larry and Vera plan to attend our ceiving his Christmas card noting that he reads Patterson Air Force Base as director of engineering reunion.

I spoke with Dennis Maguire on his birthday – the Alumni Review cover to cover. He wished for the acquisition directorate and has decided that our BRs a fun-filled Christmas and New Year. In after 40 years working for the Air Force, he will a 19-degree day in Boston. Dennis is a contractor a subsequent message, Doug said that he probably retire in 2020. Finally, Tracy and Jennifer Wilson’s and reported business is good. His daughter, Hanwill not attend our reunion. card included photos of their daughters Siena (9th nah, graduated from Holy Cross with a degree in Jack Keane sent an email after meeting Pat Mc- grade) and Ellie (7th grade). Jennifer received a marketing and is pursuing employment in NYC. I spoke with Chris Dombalis on his birthday. We Carthy for lunch. promotion and new assignment at the International Steve Letts sent a text requesting contact infor- Monetary Fund, and Tracy runs his own consult- discussed Jim Stauffer’s passing, and Chris menmation on our BRs in the Dallas area, as Steve ing business. They closed with a comment about tioned that he historically attended our reunion and Robby Wheeler are trying to get the group the World Series champion Washington Nationals. with Tom Slipek. Chris and Jen have two daughters – Alexis (14) and Taylor, a high school together for drinks and dinner. I sent Steve senior who attends a tennis academy in an email with the information for Don New Jersey.

Briggs, Mike Donnan, Rick Gilbert, As February began, I received the reRuss Long and Mike Molhoek. union email, as well as an email from Each year Patti and I receive Christmas Hugh Fain regarding our reunion – Hugh greetings from our BRs in the form of is a member of the committee – requestcards, cards with photos and cards coning a list of our deceased BRs. I have a list taining letters recapping the year that has which is maintained by the Alumni Assopassed. Walt and Mary Lynne Wood sent ciation, and Jack Keane maintains a list. an e-card. Cards arrived from: Ed and When Jack and our D.C. BRs gather for Dianna Baker with an invitation to visit dinner, the names of our deceased BRs are them at their home in the Outer Banks; read. Jack also sent a copy to Pat McCarJohn Briggs with the comment, “See you thy, who will remember them during his in April”; Lisa and Dusty Boyd with the prayer at our reunion. note, “See you in April!”; Vince and Sheila I also called Pat Griffin to discuss the Copenhaver with a, “hope to see you at Class of 1980: Beth and Pat Griffin and John and Abby Casamassa in the stands at the West Point football game itinerary, which includes an early arrival the 40th” comment; Sean and Liz Galla- in November 2019. dinner Thursday, golf and an informal dingher with a note that included catching up at out 40th; Bill Kelly; Pete and Kelli Peterman; January began with a phone call with Wade ner in Moody Hall Friday and a picnic-type lunch the Stewarts; and Mary Anne and Robby Wheel- Stinnette. Wade is a money manager in Columbia, followed by a formal dinner Saturday in the CLE. Col. Gary Levenson, deputy commandant, has er. Cards with photos arrived from the Dombalis South Carolina, and he reported that 2019 was a family, Chris, Jen, Taylor, Alexis and dog Reese; good year, and business is good. Wade and Lannie been asked to be the guest speaker. A gathering in Memorial Gardens is also planned for Saturthe Fellows family, Gary, Mindy, Nicole and dog had their three children home for Christmas, and day, following our class photograph, as are other Oreo; the Griffin family, Pat, Beth, John and Mi- both of their daughters are expecting in March and chael; David, Diana and Caleb Hagemann and June. They plan to attend our reunion. Wade also Lexington-related events.

Several birthday and Christmas cards were retheir extended family; Larry and Vera Hupertz said that Pat Griffin is buying a house in Lynchturned as undeliverable; if you did not receive one, and their family; Dicky and Judy Lockridge and burg – in Dan Sweeney’s neighborhood. their family; Tim and Becky Mecredy and their Tolar Nolley sent a text with a photo taken at the please confirm that your address on file at VMI is grandchildren; Phil and Kathy Munisteri and their Fort Lauderdale airport where he ran into Glenn correct.

As I write, pitchers and catchers have reported to children; and the Stonemans, Terry, Kelly and McCabe. I called and spoke with them – Tolar family. Brian and Kim O’Neill sent a two-page let- was in Florida on business, and Glenn was visiting spring training, President’s Day is approaching as is our 40th Reunion. As you read, our reunion is in ter with a paper photo of their five grandchildren his son. They both plan to attend our reunion. taken during a family vacation at Lake Gaston and On Jan. 24 came the sad news of the passing of the rearview mirror. Thank you for your continued a handwritten note saying they were busy with Jim Stauffer. Jim was a retired Army colonel and support (I assume I will be reelected as your class

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Class Notes agent). If not, it’s been a truly enjoyable 20 years.

Next up – our 45th Reunion!

RVM (Rah Virginia Mil).

1981

Jerry Manley

Brother Rats, I am writing these notes in early February, and I am, once again, stunned at how quickly time flies.

By the time these notes go to print, I will have already contacted you all with regard to early planning for our 40th Reunion. Mark your calendars, as it will be the weekend of April 23-24, 2021. If Class of 1981: BRs plus one rat gathered for the VMI versus West Point game at the home of Mark “Sloppy” Gonsalves. you are not receiving class emails from me, consider yourself boned for “conduct unbecoming and We also lost several in our extended famdelinquency of duties” and send your conily. Ms. Anne Boylan, beloved mother of tact information my way. All too important BR Ed Boylan, passed away peacefully to have up-to-date emails and phone numDec. 23. Anne had been in declining health bers as we start the planning for our 40th. for the last few years and was under hosNow, on to the updates! pice care. Mrs. Erna E. Herbert, beloved Sadly, we had another loss in our class mother of BR Ken Herbert, unexpectedly with the passing of our beloved Brother passed in her sleep Dec. 28. Services for Rat Dan Pere. Dan lost his battle to glioMrs. Herbert were held Jan. 11. Ms. Ruth blastoma Dec. 19, 2019. He amazed us all Chipley, mother of our beloved BR Chip by taking one last sea cruise out of Fort Chipley, also passed Dec. 28. Lisa Lynn Lauderdale in his final days. Dan shared Lightner and her girls made a whirlwind before his trip that he was ready, but he weekend trip from Florida for the services wanted to be at sea one last time to feel in Maryland. Lastly, Rhonda and Gary the sun on his face and the waves beneath Morgan suffered the loss of their beloved the ship. Determined as he was, he did just that. Also amazing, but not surpris- Class of 1981: Houston area BRs Mike Duval, Keith Baron, daughter, Whitney, Jan. 7, 2020. By the Richard Bartholomew and Steve Thomas. time we read these notes, many of us will ing, was how BRs Jeff Adler, Billy Bird have shared in the celebration of Whitand Corky Mitchell stepped up and supney’s life with Gary and Rhonda at their ported Dan and his mother in Dan’s final home in April. (For Ed, Ken and Gary, we months. Service for Dan was held Jan. 13, love you and your families. Our hearts and 2020, with a wonderful showing of BRs. our prayers remain with each of you, our In attendance were Jeff Adler, Duane Anbrothers.) drews, Keith and Debra Baron, Bill Bird, One thing is for certain, our BRs are not Jim Frishkorn, Andy Lauzier, Corky only there to support in the most difficult Mitchell, K.C. O’Neil, Dave Openshaw of times, the BRs of the VMI Class of ’81 and Ken Pierro. Seeing such a showing also have a reputation of “sharing in the meant the world to Dan’s mother and fabonds” in the best of times, as well. One ther, Gudrun and Louis Pere. Dan had a such example was Mark and Maria Gonspecial love for VMI and his brother rats. salves hosting in their home what can only In accordance with Dan’s wishes, a small be described as an epic mini reunion the follow-on BR gathering will be held in Class of 1981: Col. Adrian “Bogey” Bogart on night patrol weekend of Nov. 15-17, 2019. Mark and Lexington to spread part of his ashes on in Afghanistan.

Maria pulled out all the stops for their BRs House Mountain.

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes and families. As if the never-ending food and drink were not enough, arranging for a “class bus” to and from the VMI versus West Point football game, complete with more food and drink for the ride, was a tremendous touch of class – clearly, Maria’s had the planning lead for this “Gonzo gala!” The list of ’81 BRs and brides included: Bill Argiriou, Jaime Byron, Bob Cody, Johann and Maureen Cooper, Michael and Katherine Denton, John and Maureen Ferry, Jeff Gill, Jim Hanratty, Bruce Kitchen, Hank Lee, Dave Loduca and Linda Fournier, Greg Lyman, Jerry Manley, John and Larisa McKeegan, Clarkson Meredith, Matt and Robin Merriman, Ken “Catman” Morris, Bob and Agnieszka Munno, David and Lily Openshaw, Grover Outland, Pete Tranchick, Barbara Mcclellan, and Vince Wood. Other alum included: Stan Walchock ’78, Andy Protogyrou ’84, Paul Edwards ’14 and Richard Gleason ’14.

(For Mark and Maria (focus on Maria), we simply cannot thank you enough for all that you did in support of your BRs. Truly an amazing weekend filled with love and laughter. We salute you both!)

Bart Price shared that he and Patty are enjoying semi-retirement. While retired from teaching, they are still quite active on the farms with their grass-fed cattle and poultry. Their oldest, Maj. Brandon Price ’07, and his wife, Bethany, have returned from a year in Newport, Rhode Island, attending the Naval War College. Their children, Chloe (10), Jacob (5) and Gabriel (1.5), enjoyed their time away but were happy to return home to the Shenandoah Valley. Their youngest, Ethan Price ’11, and his wife, Lauren, live close to the

Price family homestead. Ethan now has a shorter commute having switched from Thermo-Fisher to Merck and helps Lauren on weekends with her wedding photography. Fortunately for Bart and Patty, both of the boys and their families are within a mile radius of the homestead and help regularly.

(You are a blessed man, Bart!)

Ray Lawson shared great news for the Lawson household. They welcomed into the world grandchild No. 3, Madeline Parker Lawson. Baby Madeline and her family are doing great and have moved back to within 6 miles of Ray, so he gets to see them nearly every day! Additionally, Ray’s daughter, Savannah, was awarded NASA Intern of the Year at the Kennedy Space Center this past summer. Savannah will be going to work at NASA and continuing on to graduate school for

Class of 1981: BR Dan Pere, left, with then-Cadet Daniel Adler ’14 and Jeff Adler in 2014.

Class of 1981: Class members attending Dan Pere’s funeral service were Jim Frishkorn, Dave Openshaw, Bill Bird, Keith Baron, Jeff Adler, Corky Mitchell, Duane Andrews, K.C. O’Neil, Ken Pierro and Andy Lauzier.

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Aerospace Engineering at the University of Central Florida. Ray also attended the VMI versus The Citadel basketball game in Charleston, South Carolina, with 75-plus alumni. Ray shared that VMI looked great during the game, especially in the second half when both the offense and defense clicked at the same time. The final score was VMI 75, The Citadel 64. At the game, Ray got together with Karl Betz as well as Chelsea Nugent ’11, whom he is helping network for her post-Navy career.

Trip and Anne Lloyd have experienced a bit of excitement. Trip shared that his daughter, Amanda, called complaining of a stomachache on a Saturday morning. Trip and his bride, Anne, expected it was a stomach virus or a little too much Friday night partying. They received a call three hours later that she was in the hospital scheduled for an emergency appendectomy. Two weeks later their son, Liam, passed out, face planted and had a grand mal seizure when his head hit the ground.

Both children are now well and have been medically cleared. Anne summed up the situation with, “The bright side is we have met our insurance deductible.” Trip continues to be involved with theater and singing and is now reenacting historic characters at several historic properties around Fredericksburg. He and the family enjoyed a ski vacation the last week in January. They are scheduled for a Caribbean cruise over spring break in March. Immediately following that, Trip will begin directing and performing in the Virginia Renaissance Faire and will finish the summer with a jazz singing camp. He continues to work for U.S. Agency for International Development and is grateful that after a 30-year career in uniform, the Navy has been kind enough to start sending him a monthly retainer.

Richard Bartholomew shared that all is going great in Texas. Both of his kids are doing well with their architecture careers, and Richard frequently catches grief for being the “family engineer.” Richard has also been blessed with a third grandchild, Johnathan David. His grandchildren live just 10 minutes away, so they get lots of time with them, which of course “keeps Grandmom very happy.” Richard, along with Mike Duval and Steve Thomas, have been able to visit and stay in touch with Keith and Deb Baron, who are also in the Houston area.

Jeff White sent a very kind note. He is back to working part time but shared that he is still a little shaky. Jeff shared that he and Bill Gavazzi are

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Class Notes both retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs and are consulting together in an AE firm. Bill has been able to leave the cold of Boston and visit and work with Jeff in the warm heart of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Jeff has been in touch with Brian Quisenberry, who hails from Alabama, and they are planning some fun turkey hunting on Jeff’s property in the spring. Both Jeff and his loving bride, Sherie, both extend their thanks for all the VMI support during Jeff’s recovery.

Dan Gallagher shared that he and BR Jim Hanratty continue to “intermittently banter over Democrat versus Republican achievements” and philosophy. Dan reports that Jim is “the most conservative Democrat I ever knew,” and serves his community in Pennsylvania as tax collector and party organizer. Dan has been busy dealing with publishers on his novel, “Ancient of Genes.” Dan shared that Jorge Ronke wrote him saying that he is now retired from Pella and plans on touring Europe with wife Mary Margaret for several months.

Jorge and Mary Margaret plan to visit Dan and Laura in April before their trip. Dan is also still active on his website, AuthorDan.com, posting new materials and more visuals. Dan’s son, combat engineer SP4 Matt Gallagher, married Megan Norton, now Megan Gallagher. Paul and Tammy Boulden attended the wedding and visited for a couple of days of reminiscing and story trading (a mixture of submariner and ranger tales). Dan has also been busy with his wood art and recently made a number of crafted gifts for Laura.

Ed Boylan shared that the last few months have been hectic. Shortly after losing his mother, he and Linda sold their house in Wake Forest, North Carolina, and moved their daughter into an apartment in D.C. They were living in Richmond with his sister until his house was ready in Dallas. Ed and Linda will miss the East Coast, but duty requires that he relocates to Texas for the job he started in September 2019. Per Ed, “A great deal of change but mostly positive. I will also miss being able to drive to the ‘I’ for a football game; however, we will do our best to return for the next reunion.” (We are counting on that, Ed!) Bob and Agnieszka Munno hosted 15 family members including his mother, John Munno ’84, Tom Munno ’88 and Joe Munno ’12 for a full Munno family Thanksgiving on Bonaire. They had 13 divers in the water at one time and Thanksgiving dinner on the beach with “our toes in the sand.” Bob and Agnieszka then spent a more relaxed Christmas diving Grand Cayman. They are

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planning to dive with adult whale sharks on St. Helena in the South Atlantic in March and hoping to dive Truk Lagoon for Christmas 2020 if any BRs are interested in joining them.

A few other “quick hitters”: John Holloway wrote that he recently published a novel. The book is titled “Apricots” and is about Marines in combat (superstition in the tank and AMTRAC communities holds that apricots are bad luck). The story begins and ends at VMI, and the protagonist is a fictitious member of the famous Class of ’81. John shared that we should be able to find it on Amazon or at Barnes & Noble.

Grover Outland shared that he and Melissa enjoyed a wonderful seafood dinner with Hon. BR Chip Johnson in early February. Chip was in D.C. on business and was able to break away to visit with Grove and Melissa before making his way to visit his father, Johnny Johnson ’55, in Roanoke.

Reg Ridgely is working to set up a fishing mini reunion in April out of Heathsville, Virginia. Reg coordinated a similar event last year around his birthday, but the fishing portion of the weekend was canceled due to high winds. (I hope to have more to share about this event and pray we do not lose any BRs “over the side!”)

Joe Moan sent just a few words. He is retiring from the Coca-Cola Co. March 31 and will be moving to the Portland, Maine, area. He also wanted to underscore his joy over the continued dining habits of VMI sophomores; actually, in true Joe Moan style, he said, “I am happy to report that 3rds still eat [fill in the blank].”

Col. Adrian Bogart sent in a one-liner with and accompanying picture that simply stated “on night patrol somewhere in Afghanistan.” Classic Bogey.

(Get home safely, BR!) Brian Quisenberry retired from VMI and has taken a position with the University of AlabamaBirmingham.

As for my personal inputs, I am looking forward to joining the ranks of the rest of you grandparents!

As many know, my daughter and son-in-law made the announcement in January that they are due in July 2020. That factors into my “not too distant future” retirement plans and timeline that includes moving to the Richmond area. On a recent visit to Richmond, I was able to connect with Brenda Migliarese for dinner, drinks and time to catch up. Brenda and I then made a short-notice visit on Mike and Katherine Denton, who graciously opened their door – and their bar. Other than that, work has kept me busy. Thankfully, I have been

able to slow my overseas travels. Over the holidays and through January, I have enjoyed phone calls and emails from many of you, for which I am most thankful. With that, my brothers and sisters, please keep up the communications. Reach out to one another and share the love; life is far too short and our VMI bonds are far too precious for anything less.

In the bonds and with God’s blessings, Jerry

1982

Will Council

Hello, Brother Rats, I hope that the winter has been mild for you as it has been for me. Let’s just skip right past all the really cold white stuff this year. I may have to build a boat to gain access to parts of my property, though. The mailman was still able to get through though and delivered a few Christmas letters from my faithful friends who actually still write those wonderful one-pagers.

The Chuck and Hope Fanshaw European experience is still going strong. Chuck is with the U.S. missions to NATO, working to increase the U.S. involvement in improving NATO’s headquarters operations and expanding the support provided within the U.S. delegation and U.S. military community. Hope continues with the NATO international club where she coordinates activities for the American spouses. She also got to step in as long-term substitute teacher and has a better appreciation for that profession. Their three daughters are keeping pace with their own activities. Kathlene in now in Miami, Florida, as a senior financial analyst for the University of Miami medical school. Hailey is in her third year of studies at Georgia Tech as a chemical and biomolecular engineering major. Mia is in the 8th grade at Brussels American School competing in track, the dance team and math team! The places this family visited last year would fill several passports. I am very envious. They say we are always welcome to visit if in the area, so drop them a line if you are heading to Europe any time soon.

Dave Kohler’s Christmas letter informs us that he has taken a retirement offer from Dominion

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Resources this past year. Now he is devoting his time and energy to his growing real estate empire.

(My words!) I think Dave owns several blocks of downtown Richmond for housing Virginia Commonwealth University students. I am sure that’s not all, but by reading his statement regarding Seven Hills Holdings LLC, he should be a motivational speaker, too. Maybe you should check in with Russ Steward?! Dave also had a photo card of lots of smiling faces with his many journeys with friends and family. Thanks, Dave; I look forward to catching up with you next time I come back to Richmond.

Tom O’Sullivan has presented me with a problem. He teased me with a class note and then gave me more information on a second topic but says he does not want it all in the notes, so I will have to spread it out a little. Briefly, Tom remains active in international business and has clients with overseas partners in 40 or so countries. His 2019 included travels to Cuba, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Morocco, France, England and Colombia.

(And also Las Vegas, Jacksonville, Colorado Springs and Cape Cod, as well as twice to VMI for a business seminar and as a guest speaker to the international programs department.) Pam joins him on most of trips and they have fun seeing little parts of the world. He will be back at VMI this spring to teach a peace enforcement class in Col. Bob James’ international studies section. (If you recall, Bob was one of our TAC officers.) In March, Tom and Pam will be in Germany visiting George and Annette Seiferth at their home in Eltville. After a week of business in Nuremberg, they will go on to Slovenia and Italy for a few weeks.

As for the other note: Tom has been published.

More on that next time.

Long time no see or hear until now. But “Gunny” John Holmes has checked in! What has the “Gunny” been up to recently? We would still struggle to keep up with this guy. Well, last month he was the guest speaker at the Advanced Leadership Course, School of Infantry and for the graduation. (He loves doing that!) Also, he is still cooking at the USO every Saturday morning (no one has died so far) and loves doing that, too. The good news is he and Monika celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary in October. Bad news with a good ending is that Monika was diagnosed with lung cancer, but after surgery and biopsy, everything is clear.

So saying more prayers. They just moved her 97-year-old mother into assisted living after she had been living with them for the past eight years.

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The Holmes household is back in order. Semper fi!

One last card from another Marine: Mike Albert will be retiring from teaching. He claims something about they keep wanting old dogs to learn new tricks, but he can’t be talking about himself.

It must be the students. Anyway, I think Mike is looking forward to some down time. His teaching contract runs until June, and his Marine Reserve retirement kicks in by July. To hold them off from the bread line, Heather is the director of ops for an e-commerce company, so Mike is always happy he married a Sweet Briar girl! Good for Mike, welcome to the growing ranks of our fellow retired BRs. I am not there yet.

There were lots of other fun activities within our class to be found on Facebook. I will leave you to scroll through and find those. Everything is clicking along here in Tennessee. I am still working at VW in the logistics department, and we are starting to build for the new electric vehicles. Pretty exciting stuff from what I can see from my side, anyway. I hope everyone has a good start for 2020, and please feel free to send stories and pictures of your adventures.

Sincerely, Will Council

1983

Steve Amato

Hello BRs, The following class notes are from Nov. 15, 2019, to Feb. 15, 2020. As y’all read these notes, we have BRs reconnecting with our class. It is a joy to hear from them and learn what they have done since our VMI days. When you receive this edition of the AR, we will be less than three years from our 40th Reunion! Our condolences to BRs Teddy Gottwald for the passing of his brother, Bruce ’81; Mark Jamison for his father, Col. Donald Jamison ’57; and Steve Goddard for the passing of his brother, Warren ’78.

Phil and Isabelle Shepard checked in with a Christmas letter from Virginia Beach. Their four young adult children are all doing well, and Isabelle and daughter Megan did quite a bit of traveling in 2019 to Connecticut, D.C., North Carolina, South Carolina and Panama. The Shepards spent Christmas in Portugal; what a

beautiful country to celebrate the holiday.

Mark and Young-Mi Pruden provided a great update in their holiday letter from Marietta, Ohio.

Their daughter, Grace, will be getting married in April 2020 to a fine Naval officer. Their son, Paul, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Ohio University. He is a registered nurse and works in the trauma step-down unit in the Grant Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.

Young-Mi has been focusing on becoming board certified in sleep medicine. Once she completes her sleep medicine certification, Young-Mi will be double board certified in both anesthesiology and sleep medicine. Mark is still employed and busy with the Federal Railroad Administration, where he oversees railroad safety in six states plus Washington, D.C. From cold Anchorage, Alaska, Trent and Sheri Boggs reported with a recap of their 2019 adventures. Their younger daughter, Nikki, graduated from Cal Poly with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering degree. Older daughter Rebecca lives in Colorado and works for DISH Network. Sheri and Trent ran the Mount Marathon run just outside of Seward, Alaska. They both have run this mountain race a few times over their years living in Alaska – for Trent 30, and Sheri has done 20.

Ya’ll are power mountain runners. Trent and Nikki drove a father-daughter road trip from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California, to Seattle, Washington, at the beginning of the summer. They were able to squeeze in a 10-mile hike in the mountains just east of Seattle. Sheri ventured to Africa and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro; way to go, Sheri!

Trent and Sheri also traveled to Pennsylvania, Texas and Hawaii. They are selling their home in Alaska, downsizing and finalizing their retirement getaway home, which will be on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. Construction may begin in summer 2020 on their getaway home, and Trent reports his retirement may be in 2021.

Keeping with the Alaska-themed update, John Mayer dropped a note. “My wife, Natalie, and I are still living in Fairbanks, Alaska, now going on 26 years. Our older son is a senior at University of Alaska, and our younger son is a freshman at University of Portland. He was accepted to the ‘I,’ and we made a visit last spring, but my tales of barracks life must have been too graphic for both of them! Natalie and I are both M.D.s, were classmates at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, and were both on military scholarships and did a tour in Alaska. We both loved our tour,

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Class Notes enlisted in the Army after high school and after going back to Virginia for a couin 2016, has now been accepted in the ple of years, we moved back up and have Warrant Officer Candidate School and stayed ever since. She is a family medicine helicopter flight training. Al and Cheryl, physician, and I retired from a career as a we know you are proud of your son’s surgeon last summer. We closed our joint service to our nation and your BRs are private practice after many years of workproud, too. We have several other BRs ing together and running our own medical with sons and/or daughters who are or clinic. Natalie is now the hospice director were wearing “the clothes of our counat Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, and I’m try” serving our nation. Al and Cheryl teaching high school classes in anatomy also reminded me they had a blast at and physiology, medical terminology, etc. our 35th Reunion and look forward to our I’m also busy with volunteering, includ40th. ing teaching English to adults our local I received a note from John and Annliteracy council. I started coaching variHall Kendall who reported they traveled ous sports when our kids were little, and Class of 1983: Robin and Hugh Daughtry hiking in the to Germany for a family wedding and that eventually led to getting an advanced Great Smoky Mountains. exploration in Iceland. They enjoyed both national license for soccer and coaching countries, especially Iceland with its thercompetitive club soccer and high school mal baths, waterfalls and lava tunnels. The soccer, which I’m still doing, as well as land of the “midnight sun” didn’t disapcoaching high school cross-country runpoint them. John is farming more and goning. My kids and I have played together ing to work in Richmond less. Their son, on the same adult soccer team in town, James, started law school in the University and that’s just super cool. I also got bit of Richmond and oldest son, Jack, works by the marathon bug about 20 years ago at Hirschler Law. and have run almost 50 or so all over the One of our Lexington BRs, Scott and country – several of them with my older Frances Belliveau, sent Christmas cheer child. Along the way, I got my private pilot and an update. Their son, Michael ’17, certificate, bought a small plane, buzzed a is an Army officer in the 3rd Cavalry lot of moose and had fun flying around inRegiment stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. terior Alaska but eventually sold it. I enjoy Daughter Anna lives in Lexington, is planreading the Alumni Review and vicariousning to finish her college degree in spring ly keeping up with VMI and classmates. Class of 1983: Mark Saxon performing in Hawaii.

2020 and is still a Virginia National Guard There were so many positive changes to member in the transportation corps. Their son, the place when I visited last year. I was never sure Ned, still resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, how my 6-foot self was put into C Co. (mighty, working for Spectrum, a cable company which mighty, C Co.), but y’all were a good group of specializes in digital marketing and advertising. guys!”

Frances is beginning her fifth year as the director Danny and Lois Ann Chu had to evacuate from of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Preschool. Scott their home in Florida in September to North Carois busy as a communications officer for the VMI lina in preparation of a hurricane. However, the Alumni Agencies, he continues to teach American area in Florida where their home is located was not government at VMI and volunteers at St. Patrick’s affected, which was a huge relief for them.

Catholic Church.

Mark “Tater” and Catherine Heslep sent an A nice update was provided by Mark “Boomer” update reporting they took their three children to Saxon (Aka Mark Zimmer) all the way from Havisit the Grand Canyon over the summer and how waii. Mark states, “For nearly 20 years now, I’ve the children were in amazement at the awesome been on Maui and doing ministry work with The sight of the Grand Canyon. Tater is a rower on the Salvation Army on the islands. We just finished a Capitol Rowing Club and his team competed at toy drive for needy kids and had the U.S. Coast the master’s national rowing event in which they Guard deliver the toys to one of our neighborearned a bronze in the four-man sweeps race. Way Class of 1983: Jim and Cheryl Henry ing islands; no, Joe Leonard was not driving the to go, Mark! and Pam and Scott Horan fishing off boat. As we say in Hawaii, ‘Mele Kalikimaka’ Our pistol marksman and optometrist Al Toler the Outer Banks, North Carolina. or merry Christmas.” Boomer, we have several and wife Cheryl informed me their son, who

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes through daily walks and he is accepting telephone well. Have reconnected with a couple BRs after other BRs whose passion is the ministry, and I hope you can travel to VMI for our 40th Reunion. so many years. I had a giant hepatic hemangioma calls. Brett, you are in the prayers of your BRs for Hugh Daughtry emailed a quick note from (blood vessel tumor). I had been on the transplant a healthy recovery.

Retired U.S. Army Col. Bob Kerecz provided an Rocky Top saying, “The holidays were quiet. list for two years. I did not want to miss our reRobin and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniver- union during my son’s 1st Class year. I was able update provide an update, stating, “Last year, I left to manage my biggest symptom, fatigue, by pace my position as a defense contractor (site manager sary Dec. 29, and we went hiking in the Smokies. I and mid-afternoon rest. My faith, family (not all for General Dynamics Information Technology) did have the opportunity to talk to a couple of BRs blood) and friends actually have made it a blessed supporting the Army Reserve after nine-and-a-half over the holidays though. J.J. Costello continues to control the scheduling of the Atlantic Fleet for journey, I will share with anyone at any time. years because the contract was awarded to another the Navy. He and Cherie are doing well in Vir- Thanks for prayers. My son, Rob ’19, did graduate company. I am about to begin a new position as a program supervisor working for the commonginia Beach, though it sounds like J.J. does some this summer and is working in Lubbock, Texas.” traveling to ensure his fleet is where it should be. I have spoken with Brett; he is in great spirits, wealth of Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry in Reading, Pennsylvania.” Best to you, I decided to shake Spence Westbrook’s tree and his endurance and strength are slowly returning Bob. give him a call at RQ. Surprisingly, he was Another traveling BR and his family, still awake, watching a documentary if I Ivan Marcotte, sent several updates and recall correctly (he was always such a cepictures. “Steve, all is well with the Marrebral BR). Spence is in Mecca and bumps cotte clan (wife Donna, son Bennett and into downtown BRs on occasion.” Hugh, daughter Anson). We spent a few weeks in thanks for the SITREP on a few BRs. September fishing in and around YellowAnother BR has entered the retirement stone National Park. We got a bit of snow stage. Steven “Bambi” Godwin retired on our last few days. When we left BozeDec. 11, 2019, after 30-plus years of active man it was 28 degrees, only to arrive back duty service in the Navy and as a federal in Charlotte and 90 degree weather. Drove civilian service employee with the Departthe Beartooth highway, which is beautiful. ment of the Army’s Headquarters Surface The Chief Joseph Highway to Cody, WyoDeployment Distribution Command. Steming, is also up there, and the Buffalo Bill ve and his wife, Lori, have permanently Museum in Cody is also worth a day. Here moved from O’Fallon, Illinois, to Punta is a picture of me and my son, Bennett, Gorda, Florida. Thank you for your many Class of 1983: Ken Keskel, U.S. Air Force Academy ’83; Scott Horan; and Steve Amato at a Zack Brown concert in Gainescross-country skiing in Montana. We were years of service to our nation, Bambi! ville, Virginia. celebrating him completing a master’s in I received a happy holidays text from data analytics. He is our youngest and should get Will Creekmur. Will sent me a note as he was off the payroll shortly.” performing a parent’s duty of kids’ carpool pickup Tony “Snake” Arnold proudly informed me after school. Will’s daughter, Makena, was wearBubba Hazelgrove has called him (Snake) twice. ing one of her favorite sweatshirts with a VMI Snake and Bubba, it’s great to see you both stay logo on it. connected and continue status checking each On new year’s day, I received a happy new year other! message from Mark Sykes. He said, “Hope all is Checking from Virginia Beach was Phil Hubwell with Mary, you, boys and grandkids. Daughbard. Phil is a professional engineer in the Hampter Abby and son-in-law Sam have moved back to ton Roads sanitation division. His update was, “All Australia from Seoul. They were looking forward is well in the Hubbard house. My wife, Beth, has to less air pollution, but the recent Aussie wildfires retired from teaching high school for 31 years. I have made for very poor air quality. We went down am still employed with HRSD. I will be turning to Florida to see Danny Chu and his family for a the big 60 in February. We have been different wonderful Thanksgiving holiday at the beach.” places since her retirement and having fun togethJoe “Campi” Campisano and I played phone tag er. I see Tony aka ‘Snake’ Arnold regularly at difa number of times. He and his wife, Silvana, are ferent places around Virginia Beach. He is doing doing fine in Jacksonville, Florida. Campi still flies well. See Franklin Hudgins at times at work. All a glider tow plane on weekends when he is free. seem to be doing well.

A SITREP on Brett Allen has provided the “My two girls are 31 and 28 now. Elizabeth, my following on his medical situation. “I got a Class of 1983: Ivan Marcotte and his 31-year-old, graduated from VCU Dental School new liver for Christmas. The transplant went son, Bennett, skiing in Montana. in May 2019. She is in a pediatric residence and well. On week two of recovering and doing

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Class Notes has 18 months left. The other, Catherine, is a certified athletic trainer and is working for a functional medicine doctor. Both are well.” Thanks, Phil, for the note and enjoy your travels with Beth.

Andy Woolwine checked in with a recent update. “Hey, Steve. My update: I’m still living in Wellington, Florida, just west of Palm Beach and flying for American Airlines. Only two of the seven kids are living at home. Both are girls. The 17-year-old graduates this May, and the 15-yearold is a high school sophomore. The other five are doing well, living nearby. Three are married, and we have two grandsons. Laurie takes care of all eight of us and works two days a week at her marriage and family therapist and mental health counseling business. Like our other BRs have said, y’all are always welcome. Please let me know if you need a place to get away from the cold wet northern weather. Cheers, Andy.” Keep flying safe, Andy!

It was super to receive a message from Kris D’Dio (Aka Kris Pfefferkorn). “I’m retired from the FBI as a special agent last January and moved to the mountains of Arkansas! If anyone is in the area, all BRs are welcome to stay at my place as well as yourself!” Kris was a fellow “Cold Steel Charlie” BR. Congrats on your retirement, Kris, and thanks for serving our nation.

From the land Down Under comes a message from Drew Smith. Drew writes, “I have been here in Adelaide, South Australia, for almost three years working as the engineering director for the Australian Navy’s future submarine program. Pretty busy and challenging job. All six of our sons are now currently here with Kim and me, so between work and home, there is always something going on. Respectfully yours, Drew.”

John Rice in Georgia informed me his home address is about to change. “We are in the process of buying a house. It is just a small ranch style, but at least it will be ours. Right now closing is planned for Feb. 14. We are looking forward to it.”

Well, another BR is on the gim. Chris Peta reports, “I’m having bilateral knee replacements done Feb. 3 here at the university hospital in Pittsburgh; who knew knees could get so bad sitting on the bench all those years! Rather than do the replacements one at a time, we chose to do both and get it done and over with – hopefully resume a more active life. Would love to hear more from other BRs experiences with joint replacements (only success stories, though).”

Scott Horan sent a recap of good times. “I

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enjoyed some good fishing with BR Jim Henry and wife Cheryl in September down on the Outer Banks; did some waterfowl hunting in Canada with Jim and Bill Cornett, and John Karafa ’84, Dale Brown and Steve Wood (Air Force bud); saw a little country with my bestie in Woodbridge; caught an NFL game at the Mistake on the Lake (Cleveland – they tailgate mighty good) with Jim/Cheryl; Jim Tribble ’85 and wife Audrey supported BR Seldon with the book; and getting used to the new job with the city of Manassas as the Public Works director. Life is good.”

BRs have a safe summer, keep the updates coming.

Regards, Steve

1984

Bill Janis

Recently, while on a long drive down Interstate 10 with lots of windshield and very little diversity of scenery, I began to ponder: What does it mean to say we are “brother rats?” Precisely what does that signify?

We share a brotherhood born not of shared parentage, but rather shared adversity – and achievement. We remember the struggle and the glory which were the Rat Line. From the far-flung corners of the world, we each arrived Aug. 20, 1980, as individuals. On May 16, 1984, we scattered and went back out into that world as one. No matter how well, or little, we may have known each other during those four short years in barracks, now that we are 35 years removed from that time and place, we still feel a fond devotion to each of our classmates – whether far or near, seldom seen or frequently.

It is why, I think, we publish these class notes.

We take vicarious pride in their accomplishments and milestones. We celebrate their successes. We remember. And we mourn.

Just three short weeks after our reunion, we heard the sad news that Cadet Jamison Clark ’23, son of Jamie and Torry Clark, died in a car crash in Stafford while home on Thanksgiving Furlough. On Friday, Dec. 13, several brother rats joined the family and the Corps in J.M. Hall as they remembered the life of this fine young man taken too soon. On

behalf of the Class of 1984, Steve Reardon and Steve Hupp presented Jamie and Torry with a flag of the Commonwealth of Virginia which had been flown over the Capitol in Richmond in honor of Jamison. Like most of you, I was not able to join them in person. But I feel safe in saying we were all there in spirit, and in the spirit.

The Class of ’84 also showed up big as Hank Selman’s son, Thomas (Randolph Macon ’19), was commissioned as a second lieutenant in a ceremony at the University of Richmond. Hank wrote: “The most amazing thing about this photo is that Colonels Perkins and Wimbish still fit in their uniforms. Here’s to sucking it in, gents! Frank has two boys in college (VPI and Elon). Pek has one about to graduate from the University of Virginia, and his son is on the lax team at Bucknell.

His other two daughters have great jobs in New York City. Lev’s daughter, Emme, is the Richmond Metro tennis player of the year and is at Colgate where she is ranked No. 1 on the tennis team.

His son, Max, is working at Dominion Payroll in Richmond, Virginia. It is one of the fastest growing companies in the State. Wimp has a son who just graduated from Wisconsin, and his daughter is loving life at the University of Alabama with a 4.0 GPA in nursing. We can’t get Wimp to stop saying: ‘Roll Tide.’”

Thirty-five years later, the Class of ’84 is still being heard from on the gridiron. No, Bruce “The Viking” Hauck has not come out of retirement to finally earn those scholarship dollars! Eric Jolly wrote me a brief note to report that his son, Kyle, who coaches the offensive line for the “I,” just got his contract picked up for next year, and he will be coaching Robert Doyle’s son, Austin, who was

Class of 1984: Robert Doyle with his son, Austin, who has committed to play for the Big Red. VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes of federal service and five more as a suphighly recruited out of Rockbridge High port contractor earlier on. During Steve’s School and has committed to “stay home” excellent career, he designed many ship and play for the Big Red team. concepts for surface combatants, amPhil Dao wrote from Lorton, Virginia, phibious ships and auxiliary ships. Steve where he has been fighting the good fight climbed to the level of his dream job as the for more than a year against acute lymphodirector for the future ship concepts diviblastic leukemia. Through the adversity of sion at NavSea. After retiring, Steve has chemotherapy, bone marrow transplants, started tinkering with computer programblood transfusions, severe weight loss, ming and working on video game concept weakness and numerous infections which and design. Having finished a prototype nearly killed him, Phil has persevered video game in January, he hopes to bring with stoic resilience. In laconic testimony it to market some time before the end of to that resolve, Phil simply wrote, “Life the calendar year 2020. Steve and his wife, with cancer has been very tough and chalRenee, live in Annandale, Virginia, where lenging, for both my wife and myself, and we are both exhausted. We have received Class of 1984: At the commissioning ceremony for 2nd Lt. she is about to retire as NASA’s CIO. good support from family and friends. I Thomas Selman, Randolph Macon ’19 and son of Hank Sel- Steve’s son, SonOfSteve, works for Leiman, were Frank “Mr. Casual” Kollmansperger, Jeff “Mr. dos and lives in Richmond. Most excelam glad that I came out alive after this long Smooth” Perkins, Hank “Mouth of the South” Selman, Lee and difficult ordeal. Life goes on.” Please “Just call me colonel” Wimbish and Jeff “Just call me Jeff” lent, Steve and Renee; thanks for the note.

Jesse and Stella Waltz have done great keep Phil and his family in your prayers, Levenson. things with their company, JES Foundaor better yet, drop him a note and tell him tion Repair. If I understand it, they have transyou’re praying for him. each of you to reach out today to one of your John Jaworski called me to catch up. He is now brother rats by phone, text or mail. And please ferred the care and feeding of their enterprise to another executive and are living it up in a living in Milton, Florida, which is about 45 minutes give me an update when you do! down the road from me. “Jaws” is working with Until next time, I’ll close by saying, “Good- well-deserved, well-traveled retirement. From the photos I have seen (like at the Super Bowl!), Volunteers of America of Florida which “strives to night Glenn ‘E.P.’ Parrish, wherever you are!” their fingers, which have been worked to the uplift people in desperate need by working in the bone, are beginning to refresh and re-flesh. Contrenches where they can effect real change.” gratulations on the great successes that you have Shawn Flores sent me an update from Wilmington, North Carolina, where he is a deputy sheriff, Matt Daniel corporal, with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. Shawn leads the Office of Judicial Services which was recognized as Divisional Office of the Quarter. Unlike your correspondent, as a lawman, Shawn apparently values brevity. He wrote: “IRT (This document is selectively certified). to offspring: The eldest male is working on his As usual, much help received by Jake Spivey. general contractor license for North Carolina. The Brother rat in the news! Jake Spivey ran in the eldest female gets ‘pinned’ as an RN in the spring. 2019 Richmond Annual T-Rex Run and Hum, No. 2 female is a junior at UNC Wilmington af- and like the true Keydet athletic champ that he is, ter home-schooling and getting an AA at the same he won his division! Jake ran in the Commodore time at Cape Fear Community College. No. 2 male Schmidlap Division. RAT-Rx RH-CS Division is into jiu jitsu, soccer and Play Station 4.” criteria, per the glossy brochure: “Must audibly As a follow-up, you may remember that, in our hum the ‘Doxology’ for the entire length of the last edition of these notes, I reported that Tom race, VMI graduate Class of 1984-86, citizen of Graham, Bill Dyer and Mike Efremov were the Richmond, overfermented, retired Navy officer, three finalists for the 35th Reunion “best stems” voted most likely to have been a high school cheercompetition and asked you all to please send in leader by his peers. It’s a pretty exclusive club, but your vote no later than Feb. 1, 2020, so that the he is their champion.” See the photo and the link to winner could be announced in this edition. I am local TV station coverage: wtvr.com/2019/11/17/ Class of 1985: Jake Spivey with his wife, happy to announce that there were no votes re- richmond-t-rex-run-video-dorey-park-henrico.

Suzanne, after winning the Commodore ceived for any of the finalists, so I guess that makes Man, we have some impressive BRs. Steve Schmidlap division of the 0.4-mile Richthem all “winners.” (Or does it?!)

Wynn retired from the Naval Sea Systems mond, Virginia, T-Rex Run. As I conclude these notes, I want to encourage Command on Halloween (2019) after 30 years

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Class Notes achieved, brother rat and better half.

News on retired Rear Adm. Matt Carter just in: Sanka has taken a job with Booz Allen Hamilton, where he and his lovely wife, Julie, have signed on for another tour of duty in Japan; this time, he will wear a suit and go to Hiroshima Carp baseball games ... Tokyo Giants? Congratulations, Matt and Julie!

Mark Williams, Michael Sims ’17 and Jake Spivey met up at a wedding in Richmond where Mark told a story about being at Pinehurst, North Carolina, to play golf with Spruill Thompson ’84 and some other Keydets. While at the 19th hole, in walks Tom Greenspon and his son, Stuart (W&L 2021). And then began the (riffing off Thorogood) one bourbon, one scotch and one barracks story.

Ask Mark Williams about his favorite “guess what I did in my sink” story. (Agent: Remember, this document is selectively certified.)

The reunion dudes: Mags “Lucky” McGuire and Dave “My Tingaling” Tingley are handling all things reunion central. Please contact them with volunteer opportunities, ideas or resource suggestions and ideas. Contact John Henry Jordan or Neb Neblett with moans or complaints. They have a specialty-built round filing system tailor made for this purpose.

Who knows where Cedric Wins is going next: MI-6? International man of mystery? Bond 007?

Walther PPK 7.62mm? Aston Martin DB5?

Check out the included photo of our newest retired general officer; it looks like Hasbro Toy Co. or GQ magazine may be his next stop!

I have had the good fortune of maintaining contact with Terry “BRF” Ormsby periodically. We both share the affliction of the affection for the game of lacrosse, with both of our youngest rugrats taking the game pretty seriously. I may have written about this last year, but Terry’s son, Timmy Ormsby (provisional appointee), is a cracker jack goalie for the West Springfield High School Spartans up in Fairfax County, Virginia. Timmy plays for Clarkson Meredith ’81, who is a very good practitioner of the coaching discipline.

After almost 20 years, our man Tucker Maloney “left the man” (Fluor Corp.) to become vice president, business development, for Jedson Engineering. He is still in Greenville, South Carolina, and killing it. As Tucker often says, “I am a peacock; you gotta let me fly!”

Scott “the other” Medeiros left northern Virginia for Raleigh, North Carolina. His NOVA job was with the Hilton Corporation. His Raleigh job

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is with ProVantage Consulting Solutions. (Agent: Scott says, “No way, dude, Steve is the other Medeiros.”)

Charlie “C.D.” Nixon left Fluor Corp. (15 years) and now works for Strategic Contract Resources as a control room operator. He is residing in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with his wife, Zoya Nixon, and daughters, Veronica (11) and Juliana (5). Charlie was pulling for the New Orleans “Aints” to win the Super Bowl. And now C.D. is

Class of 1985: Retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Cedric Wins.

Class of 1985: Mark Williams, Michael Sims ’17 and Jake Spivey at a wedding in Richmond, Virginia.

sad. As Charlie is looking for new opportunities, VMI career network: Track him down!

Tom Delaney is serving as the chief public defender, West Virginia eastern panhandle and living in Winchester, Virginia. Tom’s wife is Margaret Mary, a teacher. They have four children: U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Tom (26), U.S. Naval Academy ’15; Dolan (22), VMI ’20, Company I commanding officer, Marine ROTC and English major; John ’22 (20), Company B, Marine ROTC and English major; and Florence, 15.

Florence and Tom insist that she will not be attending VMI! Tom and Margaret Mary are planning on attending the 35th.

Tracy Burke and his wife, Dawn, have six grandchildren. Six! Tracy politely begs the reunion dudes to stock the reunion’s bars with lager beer. He, like his agent, is fed up with IPAs. Hop this, when you get a chance! T.B. is disappointed by the outcome of the Super Bowl, pulling for San Francisco. Second place isn’t bad, Marine!

Konnichiwa! Mushi mushi! Ty Arnold is living and working in Misawa, Japan. He is working with the Japanese Air Self Defense Force since they bought the F-35. He has a team of 25ish helping train and assist the pilots and maintainers. He enjoys the work and his team. He says, “It will be a long trip, but I do plan on attending the reunion.” Bring Sanka with you!

With his place in Lexington, Ken Hirlinger has been a center post hub for VMI ’85 activity in the teeming county of Rockbridge. Keep up the good work, Dinger!

David Hyland-Wood has been living in Australia for a few years. They reside in an inner suburb of Brisbane along the Brisbane River. Brisbane has a very different microclimate from the rest of Australia, so they have not been affected by the horrific wildfires plaguing the country. His children are normally in Canberra, which is definitely in for more fires, but they have been visiting for the summer holidays. That’s fortunate due to air quality in Canberra at the moment. Mikayla (19) studies environmental science and geography at Australian National University. Aidan (22) is an Army officer cadet at the Australian Defence Force Academy, studying military history and geography. Wife Bernadette is writing her Ph.D. thesis this year, so she probably won’t be able to travel in September. Dave would love to come to the reunion, but only if Pete Mangerian, Scotty Vaughn and Jeff Young wear fishnet stockings and pasties. (Agent: Hey, I report, you decide.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes These notes are submitted Feb. 15, 2020, so hole in Huntsville, Alabama. P.W. brought BR Just don’t ask me to certify.)

Directly from Jake. Jake found the elusive Brent Dave Thor Ditt up from Louisiana to try it out with happy Valentine’s Day to you lovable lugs of the him. After seeing a photo, Steve Hook Hagan, Class of 1986. I’m sure you’re all busy romancing Harder. your women and that’s why the news is a bit sparse Mike Dittamo and Owen Bush McIntyre colFrom Brent (not summarized, direct cut and paste): “Hey Jake, you found me! I escaped Aus- lectively commented, “Awesome, I luv America. this quarter.

But let’s see what we can conjure up.

It’s even big enough for Medeiros to swim in.” tralia a few years ago. Split my time between NYC We’ll commence again with a clarification of and Atlanta for at least another year or two. No (Agent: Not sure if they meant SAM or SJM?) Ken Cade and his family are alive and well in some picture captions from the last edition. You spouse. Medeiros who? Later! Brent.”

Boone, North Carolina. Interestingly, the class know there wouldn’t be a picture of Stew Barnes In February, I ran into Kerry Kirk at a greasy and the Hokie bird without a few cheap shots, agent met his brother, Steve, a few months ago in buffet joint in Arlington near the Office of NaFairfax driving around the perimeter of Robinson right? You may recall that the picture was of coval Research and DARPA. He pretended like he Secondary School looking for a track meet that matriculant Barnes and his lovely bride (Susan) at didn’t know me until I ran up and gave him a was actually at Kerry Kirk’s alma mater, Oakton Hokie High in a pic with the VPI fighting gobbler hug. Speaking of research, the agent suspects that mascot. It is the fiduciary duty of a class agent to High School. Crazy.

Kerry works on naval research in his penthouse ofMat Brown pulled up stakes in Blackstone, Vir- not let something like that pass and chalk it up to fice in Arlington. (Agent: Note that predictable but parental hijinks. No, sir; this must be confronted ginia, and moved to Arizona. chucklesome references to “DARPA-hard” were Congratulations to Neil Lowenstein for being head on. The first jab was to identify Stew as the avoided here.) elected as chairman, Legislative Committee of the guy on the left – not to be confused with the Bird In January, Bill Weiners held a VMI ’85 poker tournament at his riverside villa in Lexington. Re- Hampton Roads Utility and Heavy Contractors in the middle.

In case you didn’t hear, the Keydet football team ports are fuzzy as to who attended, but the word Association.

In closing, please join in praying for Brother Rat enjoyed a good season this past fall. They went on the street is that Dan Murphy was the big winPhil Pauquette and his family. Phil lost his lovely 4-4 in the Southern Conference and 5-7 overall. ner, while Scotty Vaughn and Mark Carroll both Among the wins was a victory over The Citadel to lost their shirts. Bill Tilling broke even and Mark bride, Tina, in November.

God bless all you miscreants. Please remember reclaim the Silver Shako, which is now on display Bornhorst played via Facebook Portal. the disclaimer at the top of this post about selective in what used to be Lejeune Hall but now might Now for some really short, but notable, short be called the PX waiting room or the front corner certification of this document. stories: of Third Barracks. Coach Scott Wachenheim was RVM ’85, and check six!

Fred Coons got married in December, but that’s named Southern Conference Coach of the Year.

Matt Daniel all I know.

He is a good man and is doing things the right way.

We get to see Spencer and Eleanore WilliamWe wish him and the team continued success. son more frequently. Spencer’s son, Thomas WilAfter a season of marked improvement on the liamson ’23, plays lacrosse at VMI and is the dyke Clint Hubbard gridiron, our mighty and beloved VMI Keydet (younger) and teammate of Johnny Daniel ’20. cagers have been playing hard this winter. Though Greg Enterjar (aka Enterline) celebrated 30 widespread success has eluded them, the highlight years at Waste Management, where he has made has to be that they beat The Citadel twice – both himself (in)famous for tearing up the dance floor in Lexington and in Charleston. I wish they were at company functions. more competitive overall, but I’ll Mark Carroll completed eight take those two as they are mustyears at Allan E. Meyers. That’s a wins given the coaches’ history, lotta “axx-fault” pavement! etc.

Chip Downey passed the fourI don’t have a lot to offer on year mark at Bauer Foundation other sports but am sure the upCorp. (Odessa, Florida). Chip is dates are available on the VMI an estimator and field engineer.

Keydets website.

(Odessa, Florida, is north of The football team’s record Tampa). notwithstanding, football season Cary Westin has moved up also afforded a unique opporwithin the city of El Paso, Texas, tunity at one home game when government power structure to I saw Dave Reynolds with his become the senior deputy city bride but without, and this is the manager. key, BR Robert Nussey. I believe With the help of Hugh Hill, Class of 1986: Gathered for a duck hunt were Dan Delawyer ’93, Doug it is the only time I have ever seen P.W. Sarver and Mike Ceroli Goodall ’04, Tim Spivey, Coach Doug Bartlett and John Humphries ’01. one without the other at VMI. installed a new in-home fishing

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Class Notes over-50 women groupies included: Your BR Reynolds looked fine but as for BR dedicated class agent, Charlie Gilmer, Nussey, “the world wonders.”

Wayne Fuller, Bob Rainer, Scott WagOver Thanksgiving, Sean Poremba ner, Eddie Plucinski, Bruce Kitchen (Berkeley, California) and his family were ’81, “V” Wood ’81, Steve Oddi ’78, Anvisiting the metro D.C. area to see other thony Moore ’78 and Ronnie Milligan family and connected with Matt Ander’78. son (Chicago) who was in town visiting Let’s take a moment and announce the his daughter who I believe lives in northern latest candidates for the seeing-eye dog Virginia and is teaching school there. list. This is, of course, a list of BRs who In early December, Bob and Kirby have seemingly lost their way and drifted Rainer hosted their annual BR Christmas from us. The seeing-eye dog is to help party. This soiree is always a highlight of them find their way back to VMI and see the holiday season and check formation for their BRs someday. Here’s the latest list of those with a penchant for great chow, craft cocktails and cold beer.

Class of 1986: Sean Poremba and Matt Anderson, along candidates: Glen Ralston, Jim Harcarik, Gordon McKinley, Sam Holmes (let’s This year, the normal cast of BRs with family members, gathered over the holidays. leave Sam on the list until he shows himalong with most of their significant others showed up: Jay Ball, Paul Burch, Wayne in the process of downsizing from their home in self or checks in with the VMI chief of staff) and Fuller, Tony Hirtz, Clint Hubbard, Cy Kump, northern Virginia and plan to make their cabin on Cameron Stephens.

House Mountain as their primary residence someHey, the seeing-eye dog gambit worked to help Jeff Morgan, Jon Moody, Gordon Poindexter time in 2020. nudge Ben Walker to check in a few months ago! and Tim Spivey. BR Poindexter was, of course, Our “brother rat of brevity,” our man of few Walker, B.D., is alive and well on the Virginia sporting his custom red blazer adorned with gold peninsula where his son is lighting up the high trim and buttons on the cuffs from a VMI coatee – words, Tim Perez, checked in with almost two full paragraphs in an email. He was saving up and just school baseball diamond and recently joined the stylin’ and profilin’.

U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Ben himself sent me Mrs. Rainer does a fabulous job with the chow, had to let it loose. BR Perez just started his seventh year at Salesforce, where he is an area vice a picture of a lovely lady with whom he spends his and BR Rainer has some excellent bartender skills spare time. I hope to actually lay eyes on one, each, to fall back if the eye doctor gig stumbles at any president and running a national team. He spends a lot of time on the road but enjoys downtime at Ben Walker sometime in 2020. point.

Last but not least, don’t forget the Tinsley ChalAt the end of December, many of these same home in Atlanta and vacations a good bit in Naples, Florida. Salesforce is consistently ranked as lenge. That is to weigh yourself and compare your BRs (Spivey, Poindexter, Hubbard) and ladies gathered at BR Fuller’s healthful and pleasant a great place to work; I’m sure in no small part current weight to your weight at graduation in because of our BR Perez.

May 1986. Then, write a check to the VMI Founabode to drink some home brew, shuck some oysTim is a dedicated fan of The Strain featuring dation or Keydet Club for the difference. This is ters, bid farewell to 2019 and ring in 2020. Happy Sammy Shako and loves the news that they are how we plan to endow the “Room 150 Jungle Fat to report we held our own on all counts. getting their due. BR Perez jumped on the Sammy Boys Scholarship.”

As Dave Grimm might say, “I’m just sayin’ ...” train in Charleston a couple of years ago when C’mon, it’s for a good cause.

A couple of random hits: Tripp Duerson got All right men of 1986, such as it is, that’s the remarried in the last half of 2019 and is still living they played the VMI Alumni Association pregame party. I believe Mrs. Perez (Amy) was Tim’s Ring port for the quarter. You may stand down for anlarge in Lynchburg, Virginia. Adam Dickerson retired from the U.S. Air Force and moved back to Figure date – or at least his girlfriend for a portion other 90 days. Smoke ’em if you got ’em. Here’s wishing you and yours all the best for 2020. Take his hometown of Vinton, Virginia. Buford Nolen of our time at VMI (I guess I just dug a bit of a moved to Key West and bought a boat – which I hole for one or both of us) and stays busy pursuing care, bravo romeos. think is his new primary residence. Bob Rainer equestrian sports – I think hunter/jumper events.

The last BR sighting for BR Perez was when he is a heckuva bartender – keep reading a few paragraphs down. Dion Scaglione is returning to his ran into Steve Hall in northern Virginia a while Curt Schoonmaker U.S. Air Force uniform and will be joining the back. Here’s the fair warning, Tim says he hopes to be back in the Old Dominion sooner rather than likes of Scott Harbula (Pittsburgh), Frank Ladson (Sumter, South Carolina), and Jay Thompson later, so be forewarned; he’s coming back to town.

(Virginia) by teaching JROTC; Dion will be at a Thanks for the update, Tim; and hope you make it to a Jack-in-the-Box for tacos soon! high school in the Chicago area.

Speaking of Sammy Shako and the boys, they Like Company C after their weekly shower, The word on the street is that we will soon have are out on the circuit. They played a gig at a these notes are short and sweet. another townie in Lex Vegas. Actually, it’s not Kevin Reardon, still famous for being the last that dramatic; it’s really just a townie becoming a brewery in Richmond in January. In attendance to cheer them on and provide crowd control for the one in a crowd to laugh at jokes, has produced townie again. Todd (and Donna) McCullough are

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Class Notes I will surely ask Paul to share again at some remarkable cadets. In the event the our next reunion. Thanks, BR, for your submitted photo doesn’t make the digital years of selfless service to your fellow cut, he described it thusly: “Hey, Curt. citizens!” We’re very proud of you, Here is a family-friendly photo that Paul, and thank you, Matt, for making doesn’t involve peeing on someone’s the trip. I’ve copied Paul’s announcelawn. Maria and I celebrated our son’s ment he wrote just before the retirement. accomplishments this past December.

He wrote, “As some of you know, I am Matthew ’14 passed his professional hanging up my spurs the end of Februengineer exam, and Jonathan ’14 reary. It’s been a hard, rewarding career, ceived his Ph.D. in aerospace engineerand I like to think I’ve made a small difing from that school in Blacksburg. Both ference in my part of the world. are VMI 2014.” That pretty girl standing “I’ve started the search for my next there, believe it or not, is mother to those two brilliant boys, and incidentally, the Class of 1987: Kevin and Maria Reardon with their sons, Mat- employment. I am looking to stay in investigations but in a different arena. I’ve boss’ daughter Kevin married oh so thew and Jonathan. Jonathan received a doctorate degree. started putting out applications in the many years ago. Because she’s so nice, she gets a plug for her extraordinary artwork be the replacement Renaissance man for Dave banking world for their investigations sections and would be interested in looking into insur(many VMI and related scenes) available at ca- Twillie ’85. The boy sings, smashes people in bellgallery.com, and since Kevin always needs football and lifts small houses and medium size ance investigations. That sort of area or other money for fence posts, you can support him at sedans. With the team seeming to turn a corner, corporate entity in need of investigators. I’m Franco’s Fine Clothiers 5321 Lakeside Ave., the addition of Lawrence may usher in the re- looking for the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill Henrico, Virginia. I got a great job because of turn of unknown winning seasons. He’s a very area. I could also go east of Raleigh some. My Kevin’s clothes. It made them think I was smart. polite young man, too. This will go well for parents and mother-in-law are having medical issues, and we need to move closer.

For the class Facebook page followers, it’s us and, of course, go well for Lawrence, too. I “The VMI net is wide, and I thought I’d reach hard to not notice the exploits of Lawrence Por- wonder if nightly dinners with the commandant out. If anyone knows of a possible opportunity I ter, newest member of the mass of 2024. Pic- and chaplain could be arranged. tured are Tracey and Sandy Porter behind Little Paul Munson crossed the law enforcement could apply to, I would be most grateful. Thanks much!”

Lawrence. Tracey writes, “The only news I have is finish line alive! Salute. Matt Howard drove J.P. Lemaire is right behind you! that Lawrence committed to play football at VMI down from D.C. to attend, submitted a correctly That’s it, boys. I send in what I get. on NCAA National Signing Day, Feb. 5, which sized photo, and wrote, “What an honor to be happened to be his 18th birthday.” Lawrence will present today amongst a crowd of honorable lawmen and women who gathered together in Greenville, North Carolina, to pay tribute to our Ed Wetherell BR. Paul retired today after 27 years of service to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. We got to hear some great stories, too, that

1988

Class of 1987: Lawrence Porter, son of Tracey and Sandy Porter, signed a letter of intent to play football at VMI next year.

2020-Issue 2

Class of 1987: Matt Howard attended Paul Munson’s retirement from the North Carolina Bureau of Investigations.

I hope that 2020 is going well for everyone.

Just after the last issue of the Review went to press in November, a good number of BRs were in Lexington at the last home football game of the season. Pictured were John “Rock” Keppeler, Pete McCrary, Brian Durham, Guy Gormley and Ed Wetherell. Not pictured but also spotted in attendance were Eric Lassalle and Don Calder.

In January, an SUV load of BRs headed to Richmond for Lobby Day in support of our Second Amendment rights: Lew Sigmon, Tommy Towers, Derek McFarland, John “Rock” Keppeler, Wayne Sinclair and me. We had a great time hanging out and lunch and a sharing lot of laughs despite the serious nature of the event.

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Class Notes Our Virginia lunch groups continue to be active. We had a few guys get together just before Christmas Dec. 6 at Washington Harbor in D.C.: Steve Chiles Keppeler, Bo Baik, Rich Stone, Hugh Brian, Mike Bryant and me.

Rock keeps us on track in the D.C. metro area.

David A. Martin We had our next gathering scheduled for Feb. 21 in the Quantico/Fredericksburg area. Look for pictures and a list of attendees in the next issue.

Don Calder, Dave Carter and Al Cuellar continue to have good momentum on gatherings of our BRs in the Hampton Roads area. I know that they and Pete McCrary were planning to get toHappy Valentine’s Day one and all. I hope these gether at Al’s house for chicken, burgers and hot notes find you well. By the time you read these dogs in late February. I hope to have pictures and notes, the February winter doldrums will have a complete list of attendees from this event in the Class of 1988: Gathered in Lexington for long past and spring will have sprung! With the next issue, as well. the season’s last home football in Noadvent of social media over the last 10-15 years, I have spoken with Gus Schuster, Tom Reivember were, from left, John “Rock” is anyone else feeling a little off that the notes mann, Brian Egloff and John Scarpino on the Keppeler, Pete McCrary, Brian Durham, Guy Gormley and Ed Wetherell. Not piccome out so far after the turn-in date? Our current phone since our last issue. Gus is still with U.S. tured but also spotted were Eric Lassalcultural paradigms have me feeling like I should Steel in Pittsburgh and doing well. I was remindle and Don Calder. be sending these notes with a wax seal! ed recently by my son and daughter (now 20 and Wuzzer Rader has reached out to me 17) of when they were in elementary on a couple of occasions as layovers apschool and they always wanted me to call proached at Akron-Canton Airport. The their Uncle Gus so they could hear him second time was the charm, and we had cuss at me and call me names. They never the opportunity to get together at a local knew anyone else who spoke to me that brewpub in Canton, Ohio. Wuzzer and way. The only thing that has changed in Edith are enjoying their newly built home the past 10-15 years is that as they have on the family property in Louisiana, and gotten to know more of you, they realize he couldn’t have sounded better if he that while Gus is special, he is not alone tried. I think airline life suits him well! in talking that way. Tom and Tracey are He’s recently had the opportunity to get doing well, and their son Matt Reimann together with John and Mike Banigan ’21, will be playing rugby this spring in the Dallas area while on yet another with Bo Keppeler ’22. I hope to see some of you at their matches this year. Brian is Class of 1988: BRs who went to Richmond for Lobby Day layover. Sounds like the brothers Baniworking as civilian physician at Fort De- 2020 were Lew Sigmon, Tommy Towers, Derek McFarland, gan are doing well. After Wuzzer and I John “Rock” Keppeler, Wayne Sinclair and Ed Wetherell. met, I received a text from both John and trick in Frederick, Maryland, and living Mike, and we’re working on plans to get in Purcellville, Virginia. I hope to link up together next time I’m in Dallas, which is with him and our wives for dinner in the turning into a monthly cadence. My role near future. John Scarpino is working has recently expanded at Kay Jewelers. I for Key Bank as a financial adviser in and now oversee all marketing, digital and earound Nyack, New York. We chat about commerce. politics, industry-related stuff and laugh John Osborn started a new position about old times. with LRS Federal as vice president of cliI need some more reports from the ent services. Congrats, John – hope the “field.” Please send emails and pictures new chapter is going well! whenever you have an update or get toDave Martin writes that Winton gether with BRs and other alumni.

Smith was over for dinner recently. They I look forward to seeing many of you in Lexington. Until then, all the best to you Class of 1988: John Keppeler, Bo Baik, Rich Stone, Hugh cooked some steaks in the freezing rain as Brian, Mike Bryant and Ed Wetherell gathered for lunch he passed through Wright-Patterson Air and your families and Rah Virginia Mil! at the Washington Harbor Dec. 6, 2019.

Force Base on a three-week course and Ed

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Class Notes won the lottery by drawing Dave as his instructor.

A captain in the U.S. Navy, he is going to Tokyo for three years to be the defense attaché and senior defense official, the top-ranking military officer in the U.S. Embassy at this outpost. This is a big deal. The last time Dave saw him, they had run into each other at the military hospital at Fort Belvoir in 2013.

Winton keeps in touch with Brian Duffy in Alaska. They talked about the three of them forming it up in Alaska and hunting grizzly. I will believe it when I see the pics.

Dave also reports he gave Winton an ’89 wineglass from the reunion. He now has a zero balance of wineglasses – finally.

Winton had a run in with a rogue wave in Hawaii last Christmas, and while Winton was a big wrestler back in the day, the wave got the better of him, but he’s is back in working order now.

Winton has family on his wife’s side that live less than a mile away from Dave. He may have successfully recruited another future Ohio resident.

You guys are making Dave and me work for these notes; please send more updates! Wishing everyone a great 2020 – hope to see you all at a game this fall!

weekend ever at the ‘I,’ right behind graduation and Breakout. We got those bad @#$ rings and won the football game (which was a rarity) in the rain. Drove straight to the OMNI and celebrated at an awesome party with all my BRs. Really looking forward to seeing everyone in spring 2020. Make sure you can be there. Life is short!”

Sean Hoover from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives wrote in, “Hey, BR. I’m down at SRT training in Virginia Beach playing with all the cool toys the NSWDG has. I’ll try to get a pic with all the classes we now have on the team.”

Upon sharing news with the class about the deaths of Col. Don Jamison ’57 and Wendell Baker the barber, I got notes from several BRs such as Joey Jones, Greg Hatchet and Bill Gaspar. Rob Oviat shared: “I actually worked with one of Wendell’s nephews at my last job. I found this out when I mentioned that I was going back to Lexington, and he said his uncle used to cut hair at VMI. I told him that I would gladly stand in a line 10 deep for his uncle rather than face being Basil-ized. I’m still particular about that. I’ve been going to the same lady to cut my hair for the last 20 years, even though she keeps moving her practice

1990

Daren Payne

The first contact of this reporting period was Dave McGraw, who passed along the following: “I wanted to email you to let you know my uncle dyke, Father John Boughton ’87, visited me in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Father John brought a friend, Father Fidelis Moscinski. They both belong to the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal located in New York City. I was honored to give them a tour of the Gettysburg Battlefield Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019. We had a great time! Take care, and please let our brother rats know to contact me if they are in the area.”

Next to dial in was Lenny Carson in response to the changes to Ring Figure over the years: “Thirtyone years ago. Crazy. My Ring Figure date finally agreed to marry me this coming April. I’m glad I took her and not my mom.” Lenny’s note prompted comments from Mike Doczi and the following from Jim Hubbard: “Probably my third favorite

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Class of 1990: Daren Payne, class agent, with the Keydets’ No. 90 Ryan Clark ’20 following the season-ending win over Chattanooga. Clark represented the Class of 1990 for the past four years. His last game as a Keydet was also one of his best, with a forced fumble, a sack and key tackles.

farther away. My only experience with the Jammer was the night we had the huge water balloon fight in Nichols when we were 1sts. He was attending a funeral service next door in J.M. Hall and came over to see what the ruckus was. He walked into the restroom I was in as I was filling up a balloon at the sink in my T-shirt and ducks and asked some question which eludes me now. After I answered, he walked out to deal with the rest of the melee, and I promptly got properly dressed and split. Naturally, I’ve always been thankful for that moment of leniency/confusion. Maybe not so reverent a remembrance but thought I’d share.”

Jay Whittington recalled, “Wendell was funny during matriculation.” I’m glad someone remembered something funny about matriculation, because I sure didn’t!

Dennis Fogler sent me the following note: “I am going to bring my son up for Legacy Day April 18, so I was looking to book all my hotel reservations at one time. On another note, one of my teams here at Cisco is working on some Army modernization projects. I was down at Fort Bragg a few weeks ago and ran into a chief warrant that works for ‘General’ Tom Pugh. I realized how long it’s been since I talked to some of my BRs so definitely looking forward to reunion.”

I also heard from BR Tony Baker, who was kind enough to pass along contact information for the seldom seen Cal Lloyd. Dave Kaulfers also reached out to let me know that by the time you read this, he will be back from his deployment in Afghanistan and preparing to retire this fall from the Army Reserve. I also heard from Laurence Farrell, who has an exciting gig back out in San Francisco working for the Bay Area Rapid Transit System in charge of capital construction projects.

I spoke with Hunter Trumbo several times, and he is among those helping us round up MIA BRs for our reunion. Most recently, he talked with Paul Quinn who is now working at Dahlgren as a civilian on the cutting edge technology that will ensure we win the next war.

Chip Chenery checked in right before the deadline; the self-described “spaz rat” was afraid he’d missed hotel registration for the reunion. Meanwhile, Pete Tunnard let me know he is actually in Brussels as of this writing and was 50/50 for the reunion. I’m hoping he will continue his perfect attendance at our reunions, as he has to be one of the few who hasn’t missed one. Like Chenery, George Palomar also contacted me thinking he was late with something for the reunion as he’d

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Class Notes the year. They brought some good luck with them Christmas Eve party which was attended by Joey fallen off my email distro list. Lee Usher sent: “Yep, I am going to try to make it to the reunion. as we won the game for our fifth win in what was Jones, Steve Wray and none other than Sgt. Maj. Mike Pilley and others caught up with me and re- our most successful season in over a decade. It was John McMichael (our Army ROTC sergeant major). Sgt. Maj. McMichael reported that Sgt. 1st minded me about the reunion. Last one I attended cold and rainy, but it was worth toughing it out to see those guys walk off the field with a win after all Class Alfred Lane actually moved on after VMI was the 5th, so it’s been a while. Things have not and retired as a sergeant major after a stint as a their hard work this past year. changed much. I’m in the Raleigh area. Look forIn local news, Chris Larlee threw his annual first sergeant in the Old Guard. (Does anyone else ward to catching up and seeing everyone in April.” remember being called “goat Scott Spellmeyer checked in smelling,” accused of having to let me know he is officially “last week’s mud on yo’ BDUs” retired from government service or “sweatin’ to the jodies” with and was gracious enough to doSgt. Lane? He was always such nate his Intelligence Star (CIA an inspiration in class and at PTs.) equivalent to Silver Star) and Matt Schwarzman remains citation to the VMI Museum and in the local area working from Hall of Valor. It’s believed this is either home or Fort Belvoir. I’m the first award of its kind in the regularly in touch with Neal museum collection and could be Whitmore who was reelected to the first in the Hall of Valor. the county school board; Ramon During Breakout weekend, Williams; Keith Kornegay; new Sam Stocks was in town to obresident Charlie Plageman; and serve the proceedings for the rats.

John Burleson.

Like most, he would now tell Over the holiday break, I got you that Breakout today is a way to take a bird hunting trip to different animal and way more Rasawek Hunting Lodge near grueling than our experience on Goochland with Rob Gudz and the hill – and that’s saying someBill Gaspar. We didn’t limit out, thing. but it was not for lack of rounds Barry Johnson, Hal Jones, Class of 1990: Barry Johnson, Tom Slater, Mike Doczi and Hal Jones in Tom Slater and Mike Doczi Cincinnati following a New York Mets versus Cincinnati Reds game. fired or miles walked. We’ve done this two years in a row now made the trip to Cincinnati to Slater is the assistant hitting coach for the Mets. and would like to get some other watch Tom’s Mets play the Reds.

BRs on board, so if you are interested in getting No one was arrested, and there were no injuries up a hunt next fall/winter, let me know. Later in that resulted from this get-together. Speaking of the month Gaspar, Joey Jones and his son and I Doczi, he was also kind enough to represent our got together for a bird hunt at Priestview in Nelson class at the annual Keydet Club Scholarship BanCounty. If anyone is into or up for a bird hunt, let quet and present our Class of 1990 Athletic Scholme know. I try to get a couple together each year arship to Cadet Corey Johnston ’19, a pitcher on somewhere in the area, typically around Goochour baseball team. Some of you may recall Corey land or over near Lovingston. lost his father last year and elected to come back Since this edition of notes is coming out either for a ninth semester to finish his eligibility. He’s right before or just after our 30th Reunion, I wantapplied to several medical schools and is hoping ed to take this opportunity, lest I forget amid all the to start in the fall on his road to becoming a pedifestivities and revelry, to recognize our Reunion atric doctor. If you ever wonder if your donations Committee volunteers. These guys have all put in make a difference, you can look no further than lots of time behind the scenes handling finance, this young man and what he’s overcome and what logistics, event planning, outreach, scheduling and he will do in the future. administrative details. Plus, they have to keep me Of course, during the reporting period many of on task! First off, thanks to Rick Neff for all the the usual suspects passed through post picking social media work he’s done for our class over the up or dropping off cadets. Among those are Dave years and with the Facebook page and social meRich, Andy Kvasnicka, Pete Mantz, Buddy GarClass of 1990: Daren Payne, Rob Gudz, Gudz’s son and Bill Gaspar following dia outreach for this reunion. I also need to pubbett, Glen Dickenson, Carlos Fernandes, Don a quail hunt in Goochland County in licly thank Lee Havird and Bill Ator with regBowers and Mark Hennigan. I also ran into Rich December. istration, Chris Larlee for the early arrival event, Duke and Mark Dick at the final football game of

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Class Notes Dusty Crone for doing all the swag, Jim Hubbard with financials, Rob Gudz organizing our sporting clays, Kenny Robinson and Mark Hennigan with the golf outing, John Burleson and Keith Kornegay working the Friday and Saturday night events, plus all those dialing up BRs for outreach including Tim Edwards, John Lanzilotta, Jamie Setze, Weedon Gallagher, Dave Amsden, Andy Kvasnicka and Hunter Trumbo.

Lastly, if you are not getting my weekly emails to the class, please hit me up at paynerd@vmi.edu or payner06@yahoo.com and we’ll get you roped in. Until next time, stay well my friends and go Big Red!

1991

Chuck Story Buck Sessoms

Brother Rats!

As you read this, we should be emerging from the dreaded Dark Ages. Y’all remember that time of year at “Mother I,” don’t you? Woolies, barracks crud, going to class in the morning before sun-up, finishing sports or mil-duty after dark, a conspicuous absence of females from the library or arches ... but then, like a week of haydown, or spring break, that light on the horizon. The weather warms, the woolies are burned, lacrosse season (and baseball, blech), the trees green and the Maury River opens her waysides for business. Typing this in the cold, dreary, dark of an eastern North Carolina January evening shift at work, I smile, because I know that this too shall end. Ah, springtime! Glorious in all her gifts! (Second in seasons only to the fall – you know, hunting, football, leaves turning, that kind of drivel).

Anyway, since none of you slackers love Chuck or I enough to send a simple: “Howdy. Bought a new tennis racket. I like it. Don’t really play though. Just like the thought of playing. New tires on the car. Big improvement. Barnett really hooked a BR up on that one. Anyway, hope you are well. Hail Redskins.” We are forced to plagiarize directly from Facebook; apparently, the only

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Class of 1991: Eric Hyde laying wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery in December 2019.

Class of 1991: Chris Barnett and his father at the National Collegiate Football Championship.

Class of 1991: Bill McClary and Andy Collier at the defense and security equipment international convention in Tokyo.

form of communication y’all seem to frequent/utilize. So, Pat Madigan, Gary Rose (Anyone heard from that stealthy, off-the-radar, gone to the notch, evasive maneuvering [sigh, sorry about the references] fighter pilot, by the way?) we, as your class agents, announce and declare that these class notes will almost entirely be “help received” from social media. Again, blech.

Speaking of Chris Barnett, he and his father (dig the resemblance!) attended the LSU versus Clemson game wearing the gold and purple of his father’s alma mater. Congrats on that win, boys!

Richard Copeland posted a pretty darn interesting interview he gave on the old television device about the state of recycling and its financial impact and future. That is something we can all get behind, support and make part of our daily routines.

Reduce, reuse, recycle. Thanks, Rich, for being a leader in that industry. You and Frank Louthan (also did televised interview on financial issues) make great, informative, television interviewees.

Besides, you both are easy to look at. Interviewee: I am going to type that again. Interviewee. Yep, looked it up, that’s how you spell it. So weird looking, that word.

Bill McClary and Andy Collier met up at a defense industry convention in Tokyo this past November. You guys look great!

Eric Hyde visited Dave Williams and our nation’s heroes this past December to lay wreaths at Arlington Cemetery. From all of us, thank you Eric, Dana and your beautiful family for performing this solemn and important service.

Mike Milner did send an actual, honest to goodness, only slightly solicited, addressed to his class agents email with an update on his post retirement activities. He writes, “Right after my retirement from federal civil service in September, I began working part-time teaching the GED program for inmates in the Glynn County (Georgia) Detention Center. After spending over 20 years helping to facilitate the incarceration of offenders, I like playing a role now with their rehabilitation. Other than that, I’ve been continuing to spend time with my photography.” Mike, your continued service is appreciated and can’t wait to see some more of your photos both from drone work and handhelds.

Finally, congratulations are in order for the newest members of the brotherhood, the Class of 2023.

Mike Parnell, Steve Dudar and Sean Boyle’s sons are all members of that newly minted tribe!

So, manly men, that’s all for this quarter. Be well, write your class agents (with even the most trivial

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Class Notes 2,000 miles downstream to the Atlantic if you are into that sort of thing. We got on the bike and kept on riding after spending a few hours in a motorized long canoe exploring the river and a local community. Made it safely back to Quito and flew home with a mind full of incredible memories. Cannot recommend it enough, and I got to represent the Woodward William Institute a bit while I was down there, too.”

Lt. Col. Rick Walker reported in that he “finally retired from the Marine Corps. The ceremony was held Oct. 25, 2019, aboard Norfolk Naval Station, and I officially became a retiree Feb. 1, 2020. A BRs, member of the VMI family officiated; Mr. Drew Here are the latest updates from our classmates: Miller, Deputy G4 at Marine Forces Command I got a fantastic update from Keith Peloquin in was my retiring officer and he is the father of three which he said, “For my 50th birthday, I decided VMI men – Daniel ’14, Nathan ’17 and Johnny to mark the occasion by flying down to Ecuador ’22. BRs attending included my roommate, John and doing two motorcycle rides. The first was a Miller, and James Cherry. Per my retirement solo four-day, off-road ride through the high Andes Class of 1992: Chris Coolidge ’94 and Phil Moore. speech, I have not shaved my face since late NoMountains, staying in little villages and traversing vember and I successfully spent two-and-a-half terrain elevations from 50 feet above sea level to months post ceremony as a professional whitetail over 13,500 feet. On my last day solo, I headed deer hunter in the mountains of West Virginia and back toward the capital, Quito, and I climbed the pine thickets of south central Virginia. Since 6,000 feet in just 4 miles! It was a workout! I spent the hunting season ended, I have been keeping a good bit of time riding above the clouds. Along busy with Veterans Affairs medical appointments, the way, I stopped in at a remote village school spending time with my family and looking for my and donated about 20 pounds of school supplies next career. We plan to stay in the Hampton Roads (pens, pencils, sharpeners, markers, calculators, area, but we will see where the job hunt leads us. paper, erasers, the works) that I had brought from Additionally, my oldest daughter and son-in-law the States. I arrived too long after the school had informed wife Tracie and me that grandchild No. 2 let out, but the teachers were there, and once they is due in July! So a lot of life changes in the Walker realized the loot was all for them, they loved the household.” unannounced visitor on the motorcycle! I got a Lt. Col. Brian McCarthy sent me an email in few pictures with them, and let me tell you, apwhich he said, “I will finish up my tour in Gerparently smiling in photos is not a thing for kids many this summer and depart Bavaria to attend there! Represented the Institute with a VMI flag!

Class of 1992: Mandy and Mark McCary. the Army War College. My wife, Adhana, is finUpon returning to Quito, I turned in the off-road ishing up her second year of Ph.D. studies at UCbike and rented an adventure street bike. My girlSan Diego, and we are looking forward to friend, Michelle, flew in from Florida, and hopefully putting the band back together we headed out the next day for another and getting us back under the same roof! four days of exploring the Avenue of the The kids are doing great; Caitlin is now Volcanoes and the Amazon Basin. I have a full-fledged, full-time employee of Disenclosed a picture she took of me holding ney (with health benefits) and is living the the VMI flag on the Chimborazo Volcano dream down in Orlando, Florida, while at 14,492 feet above sea level. The summit Lenox just celebrated his third birthday is at 20,549 feet, and due to the equatorial out in southern California.” bulge, it’s actually further from the center Phil Moore’s wife, Christine, sent in of the planet than Everest’s summit is. a picture of Phil on his recent 50th birthNerd knowledge! Cold and windy, but no day in which he celebrated with two other eruptions, so no worries! Our time in the alumni, Chris Coolidge ’94 and Maxwell Amazon was amazing, staying in a little Bulloch ’94. place on the Napo River, near the westernClass of 1992: Scott Swanigan, Sean Raborn ’89, Sean Col. Dan Gaskell sent in a quick update most port in the entire Amazon River sys- Miller ’87 and Chad Townsend. saying he is currently a student at the U.S. tem. You can put in the water there and go of news, with pictures!), and hope to see you all up at the Institute this spring. I will be there as much as possible, so shoot me a note if you are going.

1992

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Idaho, as Chaney finishes up her senior year in Marine Corps War College. He should be staying touch with Joe McClung. Work and family keep high school. Daughter Michaela is a junior at Pain the northern Virginia area for a few years as me swamped. Want to make it to 30th Reunion.”

Pat Rohan reported that he retired from the cific University of Oregon outside of Portland. an instructor at the USMC Command and Staff He has a number of triathlon events on his plate Navy in June 2019 after 28 years of combined acCollege.

Mark McCary checked in from Texas with an tive and reserve service. The ceremony was held for 2020 including the new Carillion Clinic Ironman 70.3 event in Roanoke June 7. Mike has been Irish blessing for the class: “May all our BRs’ at the Washington Navy Yard Museum. Former director of national intelligence (and Pat’s former speaking to Rusty and Mary Hale about the poshouses now be too small to hold all their friends.” boss), James Clapper, was the guest speaker. See sibility of a mini reunion of sorts for those that can VMI took him to Germany 2nd Class year, and a picture from the ceremony in the Our Alumni make it to the Ironman Roanoke event. that experience opened the door to a Bosch FelFinally, my rat roommate, Mike Schluenz, sent Serving section of this Alumni Review. Pat also lowship out of law school for an amazing followin an update where he reported that he got a new on career in the renewable energy sector. Mark serves our country in a civilian capacity and is curjob with Northrop Grumman as the Global Hawk rently on a one-year assignment in Afghanistan. said that “naturally, like all of us at this stage in Mike Kirkmire sent me an update where he said Communications Lead engineer in San Diego. life, it has not always been smooth sailing, but I am forever grateful. We enjoy a great quality he is still working in San Jose, California, while Although Mike was only with us for one year, of life, helping folks in the practice of law, in a wife Teresa and daughter Chaney are in Boise, his Rat Line exploits will long be remembered to those of us in room 448 as well as “Old wonderful part of the country. This picCorps Golf Company Rats.” Mike enlistture reflects the experience. I am approed in the Navy for six years. I actually ran priately wearing a cap from my alma mainto him once in my F-14 Tomcat hangar ter and on a rare occasion a Bosch jacket at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia in what is usually a hot Texas Highland Beach after we graduated. Mike got out Lake climate.” Mark is married to Mandy of the Navy once he finished his computer (his law partner), and they have daughters science degree and then worked software Anne, Kate and Eleanor, of whom he said development on various defense contracts “are our most important legacy.” They resuch as the RC-135, Patriot, etc. He has cently all took a trip to the Texas Monahtwo children: Lexi, 18, who is heading an Sand Dunes. Mark said he was sorry to to University of Southern California, and have missed out on the 25th Reunion but is enjoying reconnecting with classmates Class of 1992: Keith Peloquin celebrated his 50th birthday Christian, 23, who lives in Las Vegas and and friends. Mark concluded by saying if while representing the Institute at the 14,492-foot Chimbo- works as a bartender at the Bellagio Hotel any of our BRs ever need legal advice in razo volcano in Ecuador. Peloquin visited the volcano during and Casino. an eight-day solo and dual ride through the Andes MounPlease let me know of any major life Texas, do not hesitate to reach out: www. tains and Amazon Basin. events such as marriages (including for m2lawpc.com. our children), births, deaths and advanced degrees Tim Rodriguez hosted a social for those BRs so that I can inform the Alumni Review. If you living in the national capital region at his home in have a change of address, let the Alumni AssociaWashington, D.C., in early December. Those in tion and I know so that we can make sure you get attendance besides Tim included Dave Soldow, all VMI correspondence.

John Driscoll, Jay Frey, Dean Case, Tom GnecIn the Bonds, co, Theo Androus and Will Current.

Woody Scott Swanigan sent in an update in which he said, “I live in a suburb of Chicago (Naperville) and work for an information technology consulting firm based out of downtown. I have been with Lincoln Swineford the same company for almost 20 years. Recently remarried, I am the proud father of five kids ranging from ages 6-20. Life is good. My wife, Silvia, and I just came back from a short trip to Colorado where we caught up with my old rope Brother Rats, mates (climbing in my 20s). See enclosed picture I hope that 2020 has started out good for you! of me, Sean Raborn ’89, Sean Miller ’87 and Hemi Zamalis sent in this update regarding Chad Townsend (honorary BR as he has put up Class of 1992: Tracie and Rick Walker Dave Graves’ RoadRunner: “Guys, wanted with the other three bozos in this photo for nearly after Rick’s retirement ceremony in to share today’s fun with you. You guys know 30 years!). I have recently run into Dick Owens Norfolk, Virginia, in October 2019.

I’ve been redoing Dave Graves’ ’69 Plymouth who also lives here in Naperville and I keep in

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Class Notes War College, I had to put my Ph.D. disRoadrunner for him, and you’re all a sertation on hold, but it’s funny because part of this. I wrote an update for Lincoln one VMI professor, not to be named, told Swineford to add to our class notes, and in my father on the phone once that I didn’t there I noted that we’re getting close. have the ‘horsepower’ to graduate from “Today, Dave came down and we the Institute. Well, he couldn’t teach, so, knocked out a few projects on the car like ‘Never say die!’ adding a gauge set under the dash, recon“I continue to serve in the Army Renecting the factory ammeter and installserve and the War College was my fourth ing new speakers in the back. But before year away from my son since 2012. all that, since the car is functional, it was Hopefully, I’ll have a chance to help raise time to get Dave behind the wheel. So for him as he makes his way through high the first time since 1994, Dave was back school. He’s a great kid.” Great to hear in the driver’s seat of his car – the car he from you, Keith! had at VMI, the car he took Jamie Forsyth Brian Southard let me know that he Graves on their first date in.” got to Colorado to ski and snowboard This has been a great effort, Hemi. On and was able to make some runs with behalf of the class, thanks for all the hard Class of 1993: Bill Cox, Gerry Bingeman, Erik Eversole, Kevin Roop. Kevin is back at Vail/Beawork and care that you put into this.

Hunter Hutchens and Greg Higgins. ver Creek and is always open to hitting Our resident bestselling author, Hunter the slopes with a BR. “Rip” Rawlings checked in with an update. Rip Rod Turbak recently made the front page of the retired formally from the U.S. Marine Corps afRichmond Times. My thanks to Jon Casarotti, ter almost 23 years of duty and an immensely who is still so old school he reads a paper newssuccessful career, including a battalion command paper, for pointing it out to me. I posted the link and a stint at the Pentagon as the USMC Pacific to the article on the class Facebook page, and Rod war plans officer. He’s continuing that success reached out with the following: “I knew they were with his first book, “Red Metal,” co-authored with going to do an article but didn’t have much more Tom Clancy author Mark Greaney. The book hit a detail than that (as I don’t have my own Facehat-trick of tops: New York Times Best Seller as book). Not living in Richmond led me to surfing well as USA Today and Publishers Weekly top 10 the net. Anyway, after retiring from the Navy back Thriller Fiction for all of 2019. He told me he’s in May 2019, I fell into this contract job as a conhoping to carry that success further with his own sultant pilot flying with NASA at Wallops Flight novel series called “Assault by Fire” and he even Facility, part of Goddard Space Flight Center. This leaked out that there might be a “Red Metal-2” in is now my fourth mission with them, as I fly both the works. the P3 and the C130. I am currently participating That’s awesome news, Rip! Congratulations! in a mission called IMPACTS with the P3, and we I sent out earlier on the Facebook page that are also flying the C130, air dropping test sleds in Craig Eubank is being deployed to Djibouti in support of the Artemis Project which is planned to East Africa. By the time you read this on Faceget us back to the moon by 2024.” book, he will have left for training. By the time Class of 1993: Brian Southard and Kevin I received a text from Cameron Briody one night you read this in the Alumni Review, he’ll be in Roop. at 0509. It was just pictures of Cameron and Jim Djibouti. He’ll be there from March 2020 to January 2021. We’ll all keep you and your family in Kenya, Uganda, Djibouti and Burundi. Mission- Richards, and Jim’s fiancée, Lindy Conley, hitting wise, it was one of the best deployments I’ve had. the bars in Key West and having a great time. our prayers, Craig.

Speaking of a great time, I had the chance to get BR Keith McGee checked in as well with what Interestingly enough, the Task Force Commander together with Cameron Briody, Andrew Poteete he’s been up to: “I relinquished command after was U.S. Marine Corps Major General David three years of the 443rd Civil Affairs Battalion in Furness, former cadet first captain for the Class and Van Hardenbergh right at the end of last year to hit some golf balls at the new TopGolf facility April 2018 following our redeployment from East of 1987.

“I returned to my civilian job at OSD and here in Richmond. Poteete is practically a golf Africa where we supported Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa. While there, I had troops shortly thereafter the Army offered me a resident pro. When he was done giving me advice, I was conducting a wide range of missions from equip- student slot to attend the Naval War College in getting a lot more distance on my slice than bement end-use-monitoring in Somalia, to counter Newport, Rhode Island. I accepted almost im- fore his help. Van continues to lawyer along. His animal poaching and illicit trade in Tanzania, to mediately and graduated this past November with latest charitable endeavor is called KidCareLimo, other general civil military operations in Ethiopia, my second master’s degree. While attending the which is a nonprofit offering free transportation to

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Class Notes

Class of 1993: Mike Zamalis and Dave Graves. children’s hospitals and other treatment locations for patients and families. Van figures that moms and dads taking children to the hospital or other locations for treatment already have enough on their mind and that they shouldn’t have to worry about directions, driving, parking or traffic. They “provide stretch limo style VIP transportation in an executive SUV, including a personalized gift basket for the patient, guests’ beverages of choice on ice, DVD or iPad entertainment on video monitors, fresh cut flowers, and customized music and light color schemes. KidCareLimo provides a special ride that little patients and their families will never forget. It’s not hard at all to make a kid’s trip happen.”

By the way, Van didn’t send in that update, I just included it after talking with him about it and seeing it on his Facebook page. Van and his wife, Mari, bought an executive SUV limo for business, but it ended up sitting around most of the time, so they started this nonprofit to put it to use. It’s just a great example of good people doing great things.

Paul Meadows sent an update: “All is well here in Lynchburg, Virginia. My daughter started her freshman year at Liberty University while my son started his freshman year at Liberty Christian Academy. Isabella is adjusting to college life well, and Carson had a really good football season and wrestling season. He’s hoping to play football in college, so even though he has never shown an interest in VMI, perhaps a football opportunity would change that? My wife and I will celebrate our 20th year of marriage in April, and it’s hard to believe we’ve been together for nearly two decades – not to mention raising two kids

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and establishing a business! We are truly blessed!”

Nice update, Paul! Glad y’all are doing well!

Thomas Nelson also checked in because he felt his last few months were worth noting: “I retired from the U.S. Army just shy of 27 years Dec. 31, 2019. The family and I enjoyed the adventure, travel and life in new and interesting locations – particularly overseas. I had the privilege of leading America’s finest soldiers and serving the department’s greatest leaders. However, I felt it important to be around more as the children enter junior high and high school. We currently live in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where I now work for Torch Technologies Inc. and enjoy retired life, with more time at home and time in the mountains. We are keeping our eyes open for jobs near Charlottesville or Richmond. Regardless of where we end up, we’re excited about the change in adventure.”

Congratulations and best of luck, Tom! Max Swoboda also updated (via his wife, Jennifer): “Jennifer and Max caught up with Ben Lilly while he was in Huntsville for the ribbon cutting of the newest Mason & Hanger office. Having a new teenager and a 2-year-old keeps Max on his toes!”

Despite his telling me that he would respond with an update the morning I sent this in, Bill Cox did not, but, he had let me know earlier that he made his mostly annual hunting trip with Gerry Bingeman (more on him later), Erik Eversole, Hunter Hutchens and Greg Higgins and that they had a great time.

Gerry Bingeman also checked in: “I’m alive; please consider this my input.”

That’s it for this update. Hope you are all well.

Please drop me a line either by email, text or Facebook. I’d love to hear what y’all are up to. Be well. ’93, ’93, ’93.

Class of 1994: Justin Woulfe ’06 and Phil Starling.

Class of 1994: Vince Porter and Chris Coolridge.

1994

Clay Campbell

Brother Rats, I hope these notes find everyone well and enjoying a happy and prosperous new year. I heard from Mike Eason shortly after the reunion, unfortunately he was unable to make the reunion but wanted everyone to know what was going on. He retired from the Army after 25 years of active duty Oct. 1, 2019. He landed a job with

Class of 1994: Addison Field and Chris Coolridge.

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Class Notes a company called BEAT LLC doing information technology for the military. He has moved to San Antonio with his wife and two kids. Phil Starling wrote that he was named as an inaugural member of the Renegades Rugby team hall of fame. He has played with the team for 17 years.

Chris Coolridge wrote to inform me that his oldest son, Brodie, enlisted in the Army National Guard and he got accepted to VMI. He also said that Addison “Fudd” Field showed up in Alabama and hung out for a night. Addison is the chief curator of museums for the state of Alaska.

Cool has been very busy, as he also hosted Vince Porter at his house over Christmas. Recently while doing some morning paperwork, I heard a voice that I recognized on TV only to look up and see Ryan Croley speaking with the anchor of Fox News while having breakfast. Good to see Ryan stepping out into the spotlight.

Chris Gros, Hernan Barerro and Dustin Devore recently met up in Lexington for The Citadel basketball game. I was unable to attend, as a kidney stone sidelined me for a few days.

Always, Pig

Brashears as he announced the game. Eric Schwartz was in attendance, as well. I sat with David Schuyler ’75, and we talked about our upcoming reunion weekend. I also ran into the SportsPhotoGuy, Chuck Steenburgh ’86, while he was taking pictures of the game. After that, I hit the wrestling match against No. 21 Campbell University. It was a good match in which we came up short, but the team is young and shows great potential. As I was leaving, I ran into Addison Hagan ’97 and John Campbell ’94. It was great seeing those guys.

Well, that is all I have for now. Remember to look for reunion information coming soon, and I hope to see you all there.

Keep sending me updates and keep in touch.

Rah Virginia Mil! ’95, ’95, ’95.

1995

Brother Rats, Greetings. I write these notes as I’m heading off for a work trip to Australia. The good part of the trip is it gives me time to compile these notes, and the bad: It’s 26 hours of travel. For those of you not aware, I’m currently the global lead for sales manager development at Medtronic. I travel at times too much, but I really enjoy what I’m doing.

Joseph W. Doyle

Brother Rats, As I sit here writing this, it’s hard to believe that 28 years ago, we were about to break out of the Rat Line. Hope you all are doing well. We have a date for our 25th Reunion. We will be having our reunion Sept. 18-19, 2020. Be on the lookout for information coming to you in the near future. In the meantime, if any of you guys are down in the valley, look me up.

I do not have a lot for this set of notes, but here are a few things. I was in Las Vegas for the International Building Show Jan. 21-23. Scott Jewell reached out to me, but I was unable to connect with him. While there with Shawn Callahan ’96, our company won the Best of IBS Award for the Most Innovative Building Product.

I finally got to a basketball game Feb. 15, when the Keydets faced off with ETSU. It was a great game. We came up a little short, but the team looked good. While there, I ran into Thom

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I recently caught up with Thom Brashears ’95 (VMI Alumni Association chief operating officer) to start getting organized for our 25th Reunion. By the time you read this, we’ll be less than 18 months out. We have some work to do on our “check,” so if you haven’t donated in a while, I ask that you consider restarting your contributions. In terms of planning, a lot more details will be announced over the course of this year. If you’re interested in helping, please get in touch.

As for the rest of the class, it’s been a very active winter for the Class of 1996.

1996

Tom Danielsen

Class of 1996: Mark Simonds ran into retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jesse Janay at a Civil Air Patrol banquet in the Pittsburgh area. Janay was the guest speaker.

Class of 1996: Jon Dano organized a meet up at a late November football game.

From left were Josh Lewis, Dano, Bryan “Biff” Smith, Shawn Callahan, Jim Warf, Matt Creech, Mike Ohleger, Matt “Dutch” Holland, Wes Parmer and Mark Foutz.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 1996: Ryan McCarthy, secretary of the Army, was greeted by Col. Noppadon Kuljanyavivat, Royal Thai Army, during McCarthy’s Asia Pacific tour in January 2020.

Class of 1996: Ryan McCarthy, secretary of the Army, met with Col. Chris Noe while on an official visit to Korea.

Let’s start with the Secretary of the Army, our very own Hon. Mr. Ryan McCarthy. In January, he toured the Asia Pacific region with Col. Blake Lackey and was able to meet with several BRs during his trip. His first stop was Thailand, where he was met on the tarmac by Col. Noppadon Kuljanyavivat and later joined by Col. Wiwat

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Ruengmee as part of the Royal Thai Army welcoming committee. Ryan even greeted Nopp by calling him by his VMI nickname “Special K.” From Thailand, Ryan traveled to Korea, where he and Blake met with Col. Chris Noe. Chris sent the following note from the visit: “As you know, we recently hosted Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy at one of my brigade’s facilities. It was great seeing him, and from our recollection, this was the first time we’d seen each other since graduation. I was also pleasantly surprised to see Blake Lackey in the traveling party. In brigade command, I have had a great opportunity to connect with various alumni. Jason Cole ’00 is my DCO. Catie Berry ’18 just departed after a year in the brigade, and I had the pleasure of attending the change of command for Capt. Andrew Shea ’13 Feb. 7, as he assumed command of a company in my brigade. The Institute is well represented in Korea.”

Jon Dano has also been busy organizing class meet ups at both football and basketball games this winter. He sent the following summary: “It’s been so much fun connecting with many BRs over the last few months. Our ’96 tailgate, despite the bad weather, was a success. Josh Lewis, Jim Warf, Wes Parmer, Erik Michalski, Matt Holland, Mike Ohleger, Shawn Callahan, Biff Smith, Rusty McGuire, Mark Foutz and Matt Bahen were all in attendance. Some of these guys I had not seen in years. It was so great to catch up. Then we had another gathering for the VMI versus The Citadel basketball game where the old Big Red club made their triumphant return. Big Jon Sherrod was there in all his glory; he’s a salesman who imposes his will on all his customers. Ricky Mattoso made the trip, as well; he’s currently flying for Southwest Airlines. Matt Creech was there to ensure the Big Red club didn’t run into any legal trouble. And of course, Josh Lewis continues to be my partner in crime for all these get-togethers.

Something very special occurred during the basketball weekend. Dallas Clark ’99, who works at VMI, told us the flag on the smokestack that Jason Lanz, Stew Holt and Jamie Edge put up while we were cadets was finally taken down Jan. 9, 2020.

This is now considered a piece of VMI history and will most likely end up in the VMI Museum.

Col. Spike Solovey was officially promoted to colonel in the U.S. Army. He sent the following message: “On Jan. 30, I was promoted to colonel

by U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Sharpy at HQ Allied Command Transformation, Norfolk

Naval Base. Sergeant Major Al Hockaday drove down from Lexington and spoke during the ceremony. Very humbling event with friends, family and colleagues from all services. Will move this upcoming summer and return to Special Operations. BR Ryan McCarthy signed my promotion certificate.”

My VMI roommate, U.S. Navy Capt. Steve Johnson, checked in after receiving the news he’s heading back to Europe after his recent promotion. Steve writes, “Things are good with me in San Diego. I am about done with my time as chief of staff for Carrier Strike Group Seven. I was all set to extend for a year in my billet and retire in October 2021 and move on to fly for the airlines. However, the Navy offered me one last deal that I couldn’t refuse. Kris, the boys and I will be heading to Northwood, England, in June for a three-year tour at NATO. I’ll take over as assistant chief of staff for Maritime Air Power at NATO’s Maritime Component Command. We are all very excited and hope to catch up with BRs if they find themselves in England. Elliot will be starting middle school, and Patrick will be a freshman. Both plan on running cross-country. Real cross-country, not the crap courses we have out here in Southern California, but with mud and grass. The only way

Class of 1996: Jim Tinguely and his family spent two weeks traveling through Ecuador. They are pictured here straddling the equator.

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Class Notes cross-country should be run.” Love it, Steve, and completely agree about proper cross-country.

As many of you noticed, I called out several BRs on Facebook to get more input for notes this time, especially BRs we haven’t heard from in a while. I was thrilled to hear from Mike Reed, who I originally met during a fun filled pre-strain summer in 1992. Mike sent me the following: “Hey, Tom, since you publicly called me out, here’s a quick note. I was recently showing my 14-year-old pictures on Facebook of all my very successful classmates: Look there’s Congressman Mike Waltz, there’s Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy, there are a bunch of O-6 officers. It took him about two seconds to blurt out: ‘Your friends are doing great things, Dad. What happened to you?

You’re just an average Joe.’ Thanks, boy; good to be loved. I’ve been at Verisign in northern Virginia for almost 16 years being an average Joe. I can tell you lots about domain names. Spend my free time coaching baseball, watching my daughter’s gymnastics and playing poker. Last summer, I got to watch some boys I coached play in the Little League World Series. The southeast regional team was our Little League; we went up to Williamsport and saw our boys throw a no-hitter. Followed that up by going to see the Nationals in a World Series game with the boy. Might not top that for a while. I’ve caught up with a handful of guys in the past year whom I haven’t done very well keeping up with over the past 24 years. Great to see Brian Hornaman and his son at a Nationals game last summer. I did not confirm whether or not he drives a Humvee. Also went to Philly and caught another Nationals game with one of my oldest friends from pre-strain summer, Nick Latsios, and his great family. My kid was able to help Nick with a lifelong dream of getting a ball at a game. My son had extras, so he gave one to Nick! (Went to Philly the day there was a manhole fire and the Liberty Bell was closed. Sorry, kids, bell’s closed – moose out front should have told you that.) I caught up with Chris Antonelli a few times, as well. I randomly saw a kid at a travel baseball game with Antonelli on his jersey – small world. I also hooked up with my old roommate, Anthony Martin, last fall. After spending some time as a prosecutor, Anthony moved to private practice in the last year or so. His son is in a band; they came up to see a Slipknot show. Not sure how many attorneys were at that concert!” Thank you, Mike; nothing wrong with being an average Joe! Mark Simonds send in a quick note, as well.

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He writes: “I had the pleasant surprise of running into retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Jesse Janay at the Civil Air Patrol Allegheny County Composite Squadron banquet where he was the guest speaker. After retiring from the Marine Corps, Jesse moved to Pittsburgh and is flying for stat medevac as well as pursuing other adventures both in the air and at home with his wife and two boys. Meanwhile, my wife and I and our four kids have moved to a new home. Still in the Pittsburgh area, but one without floods and with some wooded acres to enjoy. Two, and soon three, of the kids are active in the CAP cadet program, as are my wife and I.” Truly a small world, Mark; thanks for sharing.

Jim Tinguely and his family just got back from a family reunion in Ecuador thanks to daughter Emily’s culture program through Messiah College.

He sends the following: “My grandfather settled in Ecuador in the early 1960s after traveling throughout central and South America on a refurbished World War II Amphibious DUKW named Araña de Agua over a 14-month period. He had a second family, and we were finally able to meet my four aunts and one uncle and many of their kids. Ecuador has more biodiversity per square mile than anywhere else in the world, and we spent our time bouncing below and above the equator touring the country. We were glad to have my mom come with us to see her half brother and sisters. We hiked Incan ruins, rappelled down waterfalls and zip lined over gorges. The food and people were fantastic, and we highly recommend it to anyone. If you want to go, you can stay in my grandfather’s house in Cuenca; it’s available on Airbnb and sleeps at least 20 comfortably.”

We have some congratulations in order. Jamal Thomas and his wife welcomed Judah into their lives just over a year ago through adoption, and the pictures say it all. Judah won the lottery and is surrounded by love.

Darren Maydian had a very productive 2019: He started work at Abbott Diagnostics, bought a 100-year-old farmhouse in the Smith Mountain Lake area, rescued three horses and, most importantly, got engaged to Heather Pagans. They will tie the knot May 2, 2020, in a lakefront ceremony on Smith Mountain Lake with his son, Carter, as best man and daughter, Riley, as a bridesmaid.

Matt “Dutch” Holland sent a quick note that 2019 was an amazing year for him, as well.

“Last fall was probably one of the best I’ve had in a while. Lots of highlights, including seeing my

nephew, Tim Stallings ’20, march his first parade as a platoon lieutenant for Band Company (got to help him dyke out); laying down some groove for the VMI Alumni Association at their The Citadel pregame pep rally in Charleston with my band, Runaway Jones; reconnecting with my club 49 roomie Nate Straub at his pinning on ceremony for U.S. Navy captain in Pensacola; work trip out to Kansas City, Missouri, and watching the KC versus Green Bay game from ground floor seats at Arrowhead. Staying extremely busy at work and at church. Sherry and the kids are well; her Elderberry Syrup business (Sweet Sherry’s Elderberry) is taking off and going retail, so who knows what the rest of this year will hold. If you or any of the gang venture to the greater Roanoke/Boones Mill area, please look me up!”

Lastly, it would not be an edition of class notes without this edition of “What in the Jeep with Matt Bogusky?” Matt was formally selected to lead his agency’s acquisition workforce management office. Matt and his wife are actively working on their Jeep Gladiator build up and they also started a Gladiator Jeep Club. Finally, he randomly ran into Shannon Hume while shopping for a Super Bowl gathering and reports all is well.

That’s all for this edition. Until next time, all the best to you and your families.

Tom

1997

David M. Hudock

Gentlemen of the Old Corps, we have blown through yet another milestone in our young lives – unbelievably – the start of the third decade of the 21st century! You may have missed this on account of being fed a steady diet of Twitter discourse, coronavirus and presidential primary punditry over the past several months, or maybe you just drank too much and slept through it. Whatever your reason, fear not! I am here to update you on what you may (or may not) have missed over the last quarter in the news of VMI’s Class of 1997. Perhaps you have heard of this august group? Of course, you have!

So, let me not waste any more of your time and start our little trip though memory lane

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes products, he’s dashing up to Chi-Town in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where for the occasional Cubs game. It has our own retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. been a while since Tyler was back in his James “Jamie” Jeter III has established native Alexandria, Virginia, but he looks a homestead with his wife, Allyson, and very much forward to 2022 when he is their dog, Lucy, after concluding his back for our 25th. Can’t wait to see you faithful and successful service to the there, T.C.! state. Jamie is working for Sandia NaVirtually in Tyler’s backyard is the tional Laboratories now, splitting atoms, Windy City, home to deep-dish pizza, capturing solar energy and inventing the the Chicago hot dog and one Mr. John next best lithium ion battery, among othClass of 1997: Elk Richardson, Matt Donald, Ed Bonham, er high-tech, mind-blowing activities.

Noah Slemp and Matt Smith at Bonham’s bachelor party. Newton. I checked in with John on his birthday in February and learned of his He and Allyson are new homeowners employ with Marathon Petroleum. He and plan to establish some roots in the doesn’t have much time for hot dogs Land of Enchantment, so if you ever find or pizza in our Second City, however, yourself unearthing aliens in Roswell or as he spends the majority of his time dodging missiles at White Sands, give in North (yikes) Dakota. The last time Jamie a shout! He’ll be happy to show I saw John was at our 20th; hopefully you a petroglyph or two in his backyard. he’ll be able to make his way down Speaking of faithful service, Brother from the Great Plains for our next reRat Joseph Klapatch retired from the union; we need another photo of him Navy in May 2018. Not the sort to be for our class Facebook page! Thanks rushed, Joe started working again in Defor the note, John; hope to see you soon. cember of the same year with the CathoYou may recall hearing of Ed Bonlic Church in the Diocese of Houmaham’s engagement several issues ago Thibodaux about an hour southwest of – an exquisitely planned operation New Orleans. Before settling in Terreinvolving Matt Smith waiting in the bonne Parish, however, Joe and his family spent quite a bit of time in the hills of Class of 1997: The Belenky family in Prague, Czech Re- wings with some bubbly. I am pleased to report in this issue that Ed formally Vermont at his in-laws’ cottage soaking public, for the new year. tied the knot with Lynne Nov. 23, 2019! in all the cool, mountain air in advance Naturally, in advance of the event, there was of homesteading in the Louisiana bayou. Joe a bachelor party at Matt Linderman’s cabin had the pleasure of hosting both Donnie Hasjust down the road from the Homestead. Matt seltine and John Duckworth in his neck of the couldn’t join the festivities but there to make woods, so be sure to give Joe a yell next time history were Elk Richardson, Matt Donald, you’re passing through the southern parts of the Noah Slemp and Matt Smith. If you thought Creole state! that crew was motley, the Institute was reMoving slightly north, we land in Iowa where ally heard from at the wedding, as Ad Hagan, Tyler Chase has hunkered down in Bettendorf Chris Scott, Dave Zirkle and Mike Russell as he waits for the caucus ruckus to pass. Tyler joined the OG bachelor partiers to help Ed and has been out there for a number of years workLynne celebrate the occasion. As if this union ing for Barton Solvents, and I got in touch with weren’t enough to celebrate, Ed was honored him recently after discovering my co-worker in

by Lynne’s youngest daughter, Abigail, at the the Pentagon was a lifelong buddy and close wedding with a request that he adopt her. Ed friend of Tyler’s. I’ll spare you the details of was stunned into speechlessness and signed the their exploits starting in about the 4th grade paperwork immediately. He is now the proud but suffice to say we are all glad social media dad of Abigail (13); Madison (15); Jake (20); didn’t become a thing until after they became and Gabrielle (23), who has two children of her adults. Tyler has two boys, one of whom is now own. It has been a big year for Ed; he’s now a driving, and by the time he gets over the shock husband, a father and a grandfather! Great news and stress of this development, it will be time to Class of 1997: Class agent Dave Hudock’s last day on active duty was spent all around, Ed, and we wish you and your family put his second son, currently in middle school, hiking to the Kamnik Saddle outside of all the best for wonderful years ahead! through the same process. When Tyler isn’t Kranj, Slovenia.

One of our few remaining Marines on active peddling surfactants, resins and other specialty

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Class Notes duty, Jon Riggs, checked in from Boston where he is a commandant of the Marine Corps fellow in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Security Studies Program. In a rare instance of common sense, big Marine Corps saved money on a permanent change of station move and assigned Jon to this brain-busting assignment following a successful tour in the same city as the inspector-instructor for 1st Battalion, 25th Marines. When he finishes at MIT this summer, he’s headed down to Tampa, Florida, for an assignment at Marine Corps Forces Central Command. At least the winters will be milder in Florida, Jon, and we look forward to seeing what’s next for you. Semper!

In yet another example of how small our world is, I happened to be at a local hiring event in Washington, D.C., recently where I bumped into an engineer who said he lives next door to a VMI guy. He said to me I probably don’t know him because “our school is so big,” but I suggested he give me a try anyway. Turns out he is a longtime neighbor of our BR Jake Hickman! I checked in with Jake; they have been neighbors in Purcellville, Virginia, for over 15 years now.

Jake’s a senior manager with BAH and loving life in northern Virginia. Great to reconnect, Jake, and keep in touch.

In an example of how expansive this world is, I was fortunate enough to have spent time in Germany lately with Mike Belenky and his family. Mike’s in command of the Army’s 212th Combat Support Hospital near Kaiserslautern and lives in an even smaller town called Quidersbach. When he and Blythe aren’t transporting their three kids from one swimming event to the next, they’re exploring every corner of Europe, having been to multiple countries in the nine months they’ve been in Germany. I stopped in to see them at the end of my own trip through Europe celebrating the end of my active duty service. Mike, Blythe and the kids will be in Germany through summer 2021, at which point big Army will have hopefully decided the next stop for them. Hope to see you back state-side, guys; keep in touch!

And with that entry, you can now say you’re all caught up with the happenings-to-date of VMI 1997 in 2020! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your inputs and updates; it’s a pleasure hearing from everyone and sharing your derring-dos with the rest of the class. Enjoy your spring and stay in touch.

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1998

Joseph Bates Jr.

Welcome to 2020. Wow, is this the year of “hindsight?” I am at the deadline, but I received two entries last minute, so I hope they make it in there. No pictures to share, and thanks, Henry and Mr. Heely, for helping us not get skunked this time around!

Henry Ehrgott met up with Brian Roeder, Derick “Dirt” Poore and their families at West Point for the Army versus VMI game in November. He reports that they had a great time catching up and ended up staying up until 3 a.m. “Keydet style” the night before the game – times do not change! Dirt is living outside of Philadelphia and is still working on a cure for cancer. Roeder is stationed at West Point and working within the athletic department. In true VMI fashion, Roeder may or may not have found a way to place a VMI flag on the admission building at West Point and was questioned later about it. Nice! Thanks for checking in and providing an update, Henry; it is greatly appreciated!

Bobby Heely’s father, Bob ’69, wrote in to let us all know that Bobby was promoted to captain in the U.S. Navy this past fall. Bobby, along with his wife, Johanna, and his two girls, Hazel and Haddie, reside in Arlington, Virginia. Rah VMI! Heely ’69! Thanks for writing in, Mr. Heely, and congratulations to Bobby on the big promotion!

Finally, it is our military brethren’s time to enter the hall of valor, and I have been asked to provide the following information. Contact Col. Keith Gibson ’77 at gibsonke@vmi.edu and send him your list of awards to include in the Hall of Valor.

We will then determine the cost of purchasing duplicate medals for display. The class usually covers these costs – more to come as we finalize it with Col. Gibson. The museum does not wish to receive the original medals for reasons of security, so only duplicates are displayed.

Please note that certain medals – those awarded for valor – qualify an alumnus for the Hall of Valor.

Once an alumnus qualifies by having a valor medal, other medals for achievement may also be included in their display case. Only U.S. medals for valor and achievement are displayed – campaign

medals, qualifying badges and foreign awards are not eligible. Here is a listing of qualifying medals in alphabetical order: Achievement Medal with V (Air Force, Navy/ Marine, Coast Guard) Air Medal with V Airman’s Medal Bronze Star Medal with V Coast Guard Medal Commendation Medal with V (Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force, Coast Guard) Distinguished Flying Cross with V Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, or Air Force Cross Legion of Merit with V Medal of Honor Navy and Marine Corps Medal Purple Heart Silver Star Soldier’s Medal I hope this all finds you well. When you read it, we will be close to May 15 and another edition will be due. Please send in some updates. With that, I leave you all in the bonds. Rah Virginia Mil – ’98, ’98, ’98!

1999

Jay Witt

Greetings, Brother Rats.

This updated covers November 2019 through February 2020. Another quarter has sprinted past us, and by the time you read these notes, spring flowers will be popping up in your flower gardens.

Speaking of which, Brother Rat Nick Devincenzo popped up on the radar to deliver this fine update: “My wife, Sabrina, and I celebrated 18 years of marriage back in September.

Our son, Liam, just turned 11. We’re looking at middle schools as the end of fifth grade is coming up quickly. Sabrina and I both work at the Social Security Administration headquarters in Baltimore and have both been with the organization for 10 years. I worked in disability operations in various roles, including my last position there as a manager before I transitioned to an information technology specialist. I am currently awaiting training as a project manager. Sabrina was in our

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Matt Matheny and John Deem international operations area went last year, and the crew for several years and finished had a blast. Please see our class there as an instructor before Facebook page for details on moving over to an information the upcoming trip. technology position herself.

Cornell Lewis Jr., affectionShe has since moved out of that ately known as T-Bird to the area and is currently serving as class, checked in with a hearty, a management analyst, keeping “Present sir!” T-Bird and fama couple of our executives on ily celebrated his daughter’s the straight and narrow. So, a fifth birthday as of this writing. decade down and eternity to go.

Great to hear from you, CorDuring our non-work or traffic nell! times, we can be found at Scout Matt Bryant and Daniel meetings, Little League, DisPayne conveyed short updates ney World or out on our dock with the same content, noting with our Aussie, Oliver, when Class of 1999: Brothers Doug Trask ’09, Carl Trask and Scott Trask ’03 they are still alive and well. the weather is warm.” Nick, with Carl’s family at the Pentagon Hall of Heroes.

Powell Harrison delivered great to hear we have a BR is the following message: “The Harrisons have the SSA. “Old Man” Chris Magee notes he’ll be been busy in southwest France, so I need to reaching out to you for retirement advice within catch you up on last summer. After four years days! of growing into an assistant pastor role at Surf Similar to his HANO (high altitude, no openChurch in Hossegor, I was handed the reins as ing) jump from the fourth stoop into a pile of lead pastor in June 2019. Though Surf Church hays as a cadet, Frazer Orgain parachuted in doesn’t have the ability to have any paid staff, with the following remarks: “I hope you are it’s very much a missionary endeavor. Financial well. We went to the scholarship dinner last support from friends, family and churches in the weekend to meet the Keydet who is the benefiUnited States allows me to serve here as a volciary of my dad’s scholarship. It was great to unteer pastor. I’m learning and growing in the catch up with Dallas Clark. I spoke to Isaac role and loving it. We are slowly renovating our Moore recently, as well. Turns out Isaac wantfacility which is a historic but neglected beached to send in an update for the Review, but he front chapel 100 yards from some of the best waves in Europe. In the most recent phase, we completely renovated a four-bedroom apartment

Class of 1999: Nathanael Harrison getting an early start in the family business.

Class of 1999: Agnes Harrison at Surf Church in Hossegor, France.

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ate the crayons he was trying to use before he could get all it written down.”

Andy Fox went to Afognak Island, Alaska, deer and duck hunting with a couple buddies.

He harvested a really nice black tail Sitka and a few different species of ducks, to include barrows golden eyes and the prized harlequins.

He saw a bunch of giant grizzly bears and was able to get close enough to hug two grizzlies since the bears thought he was one of them.

Andy invites the class to attend the second annual VMI ’99 West Virginia whitewater rafting trip, which will occur in Sept. 18-20, 2020.

Class of 1999: Audrey, Nathanael, Agnes and Powell Harrison in Hossegor, France.

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Class Notes below the sanctuary of the chapel and opened a surf hostel (surfhostelhossegor.com) in July.

The inaugural season was a huge success with Jim Boatright solid bookings and rave reviews. In the midst of the church/hostel activity plus Audrey and I running our ninth annual summer of English and Surf camps in Biarritz, our second child, Nathanaël Alexander Harrison, was born July Brother Rats, 13! He’s a joy and a really chilled out baby.

As I write these notes, planning for our 20th Nathanaël means ‘gift of God,’ and he is just Reunion is in full swing. It is going to be a great what we needed. Agnes, 3 years old in January, event, and I hope the next edition of notes will inis precocious, loquacious, delightful and a real clude many updates from brother rats who were handful. Now if only our children can sleep able to make it back to the “I” for this significant, through the night. Grace and peace to you.” milestone reunion. As always, please remember Powell, thanks for the update and all your work you can email updates to classnotes2000vmi@ in France! gmail.com.

Retired Marine Randy Brown barked out the Class of 2000: Tony Saraceni and Dan DeLawyer ’93 at the Lexington, VirginJumping right into notes, Mac Forsyth checked following report: “Hey, Jay, long time no see! I ia, Turkey Trot 5K run. in and said he made it to the football game at have worked for AmeriGas for over five years West Point to support the Keydets. Molly at the and was given the opportunity to lead one of the Alumni Agencies sent me a note that Tony Saralargest districts in the company, so we moved ceni participated in the Lexington Turkey Trot to Richmond over a year ago. My 15-year-old 5K. She sent a picture of Tony and Dan DeLawdaughter is a sophomore at Monocan High yer ’93, which is included in the notes. I hope School in Midlothian, and my 5-year-old son everyone received Christmas cards this year, as I (provisional appointment to class of 2037) is tried to get them out early. If you didn’t receive a in pre-K. I’ve been coaching my daughter for card, it probably means we don’t have a correct going on 11 years in fast pitch softball and will address. I received a returned card from Steve be starting over again next spring coaching my McMenamin. If you stay in touch with Steve, son in T-Ball. Hoping to run my 13th marathon please let him know we need an updated address. this year in the Marine Corps Marathon. We It was great to receive family cards from Brent love the Richmond area, so if you’re ever in Harrington, Jack Thorton, Whit Johnston, town, would love to meet for drinks! Semper Nate Friedline, Jay Kearney, Chris Boswell, Ed Fi!” Clark and Matt Parker. Matt sent a family upCarl Trask was awarded the Vice Admiral date for himself and wife Alicia, daughter SamJames Bond Stockdale Award for Inspirational my (13) and son – Ryan (10). Sammy is active in Leadership for his time in command of the fastClass of 2000: Ron White and family. dance, and Ryan is active in soccer. They made attack submarine USS Connecticut. Carl says it a family trip to Atlanta over the summer in conwas an honor to receive the award in the Penjunction with a work event for Matt. tagon’s Hall of Heroes with his Over the holidays, it was great whole family, including his brothto meet up with Worth Burns, Pat ers, Scott Trask ’03 and Doug Haddock and Joe Gorski. Derek Trask ’09. Congratulations, Carl.

Engelhard was scheduled to join The class celebrates your success. us but had to cancel last minute BRs, please keep the Alumni Asdue to kids being sick. We all met sociation informed of your updated at the new development next to the contact information. Changes/upBraves stadium called The Battery. dates can be sent to Norma RobWe enjoyed a few hours of great inson, nrobinson@vmiaa.org, or conversation and several beers. to me. I look forward to speaking It was great to catch up with Ron with each of you soon, but until White recently. We were on a group then, all the best to you and your Class of 2000: Jim Boatright, Pat Haddock, Worth Burns and Joe text with Micah North, Ben Marchi families and Rah Virginia Mil! Gorski at a holiday gathering in Atlanta, Georgia. and Pat Haddock. Ron is preparing Jay

2000

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Class Notes to retire from the Marine Corps in California and begin his second career as a dentist. Wow! Ron sent an incredible picture of his family. Ron and his wife have five beautiful little girls.

In closing, to all our brother rats who have served or are currently serving our great country, be safe and thank you!

2001

Rich Groen

Brother Rats of the Class of 2001!

I hope you are all well as we move into the summer! Things are great in the Groen household – we just finished all of squadron and brigade train up. We are heading to the National Training Center in March/April and then prepare for gunnery in July. If you are near Fort Hood, Texas, please swing by 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment (GARRYOWEN). We are planning some family days in July if you’d like to see tanks and Bradleys shoot!

From Hawaii, Brian Lakin writes, “Reporting in from Hawaii; aloha to all! I am still living the dream out here raising my 8-year-old son and working as a construction project manager for government military contracts on bases

Class of 2001: Nate Charles with his wife, Brooke; daughter, Ada; and son, Luke.

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throughout the Pacific. I am planning on returning to the East Coast and attending the 20-year class reunion next year – hope everyone can make it and look forward to seeing and catching up with you all!” Great to hear from you, Brian, and look forward to catching up!

Blast from the past: Nate Charles says, “Hope all is well. I have kind of dropped off the grid when it comes to VMI and the rest of our BRs, and it’s mainly due to shaking up my career. Last May, I got out of the railroad industry altogether. Moved the family to Charleston, South Carolina, and have been working as a stevedore superintendent for SSA Marine, supervising longshoremen loading and unloading container ships. Brooke and I had our second child, a boy, Luke Willing Charles, Dec. 2, 2018, and closed on our house in Mount Pleasant Dec. 6, 2018. Things are finally starting to calm down now. It’s amazing how many VMI alumni live in the Charleston area! I just reconnected with my rat tie, Geoff Goldsmith ’04. He is a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force working out of the base in North Charleston. I’m glad to see how well you’re doing in the Army. We all knew that you were destined for great things. Please keep up the good work; I know you’re an extremely busy man. It’s just been so long, and I wanted to touch base. Feel free to drop a line and look us up if you are ever in the Charleston area.”

Nate further adds, “Hey, man; resending this, never saw anything in the Review about my son being born. Anywho, we are living in Mount Pleasant these days enjoying the low country. My daughter, Ada, is 3 and son, Luke, is 1. Still loading ships in Charleston; life here is pretty chill.

Look me up the next time you’re in the area. Hope all is well with you and yours.” Sorry, I missed that, Nate! I look forward to catching up!

Fellow BR and Army buddy, Reocel Mercado, writes, “I will be medically retiring from the Army within the next two months. I miss everyone and love you all! I really appreciate the support, in action or spirit, during the medical challenges I faced.

I finally admit that those ‘invisible wounds’ from war can be as hard to fight as the real enemy. It has caused a lot of my pain and solitude. I can truly say that I have survived through extensive treatment and the love I have received from my family, friends and especially my VMI brothers and sisters. I will continue to go through therapy and plan to live and work in the El Paso area. I have also volunteered to set up some alumni events for the Rio Grande Chapter since the chapter has seen

no activity for the past several years.” Thanks for your service, Ro, and great that you are able to help with our alumni events.

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

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 2002.

2003

William Talley V

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 2003.

2004

Scott E. Campbell

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 2004.

2005

Tom Hardinge Timothy Johnson

Hello Brother Rats!

I hope this letter finds you all in good health.

As our calendars turn from April to May, let’s all take a minute to celebrate the 15-year anniversary

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Class Notes of our graduation! Preparations are well underway for our reunion weekend on post this fall.

Make sure your calendars are booked for Oct. 2324, 2020, as Tim and I want to see as many of you as possible in attendance this year. Stay tuned to your emails and snail mails for more information throughout the summer for more details.

Now on with the notes.

I spent the fall and winter trading text messages with Derek Rankin over our mutual love of Ravens football. Despite a disappointing end to the season, he was still more than happy to share an update with the class: “Things are going great out in New Jersey! The Air Force saw it fit to promote me this past year; I pinned on lieutenant colonel at the Liberty Bell this past October.

Chris White was able to attend the celebration.

I also got to watch a Ravens game with Chris in Philly. Good season – we’ll get it next year!”

In typical Derek fashion, he always manages to find a brother rat or VMI alum wherever the Air Force takes him. “My recent travels have had me all over, including Athens, Greece. I was able to spend some time with Sak [John Sakaleros].

He took me all over Athens and made sure I had more than enough to eat and drink! Good times; what a guy! I ran into Ryan Cengeri ’00 during my KC-10 requalification training at McGuire.

He and I were fortunate to get ‘rescued’ by the Coast Guard in the freezing waters of Cape May this past December. Peggy Serig is also out here

Class of 2005: Kirk Stokes and his fiancée, Claris; Shore Stokes and his wife, Tara; and Tom Hardinge and his wife, Missy, celebrated in Des Moines, Iowa, over the holidays.

Class of 2005: Adam Rouse and Brandon Fellers show off baby Fellers’ VMI gear.

Class of 2005: Derek Rankin and John Sakaleros in Athens, Greece.

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Class of 2005: Paul Bryan and Rob Witcher last summer.

at McGuire; she is doing well and will be pinning on lieutenant colonel this year. Andy Miller just took command of the 61st Airlift Squadron and is killing it!”

Sam Johnson checked in from North Carolina: “Life’s good in Charlotte. Hard to believe our 15th Reunion is this year and can’t wait to see everyone. I’m still in the Marine Reserve, currently serving as the career counselor for Reserve Ground Officers and make it to Quantico once a month if anyone’s around. I am also still working for The Independence Fund, and I was able to twist Sean Matson’s arm to join our board of advisers. Andrew Stone and I are in frequent contact, and he’s gearing up for another baseball season. If you’re ever in Charlotte, Jay Coleman and I have an open invite for you to join us in a round of golf.”

As of writing this submission in February, Ian Foley was still waiting on the imminent arrival of baby No. 5. “We went with not finding out girl/ boy this time around. Autumn, the kids and I will be relocating to sunny Orlando when the older kids get out of school in June (or at least that’s the current plan). Looking forward to catching up with guys as they come through the happiest place on earth this fall!”

Longtime reader, first time writer Charlie Blake drops in a brief note: “I am currently stationed in Lemoore, California, but will be transitioning out of the Navy after 10 years and am deep into the post-service job search. My wife, Abby, and daughter, Sparrow (1 year old), and I are planning on moving to the Kansas City or Chicago area this spring.” If anyone in Kansas City or Chicago has any leads for Charlie, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Brandon Fellers and his wife, Kristin, are expecting a new baby this year. Adam Rouse was able to attend their baby shower and supplied baby Fellers with some new VMI swag. Brandon and Kristin will definitely have the sharpest looking baby on the block!

Paul Bryan reached out: “Last August my three-year roommate, Rob Witcher, and I found ourselves together at a conference in Asheville, North Carolina. It’s the first time we’ve gotten together for some time now. I continue to work in the Roanoke office of the engineering firm Froehling & Robertson. I’ve been there since we graduated and recently took on a new role as the corporate director of business development.”

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes Kirk Stokes still works and lives in Singapore and recently got engaged. Kirk and his fiancée, Claris, will tie the knot this spring. Kirk and Claris were both in Des Moines over the holidays visiting Shore Stokes and his family.

One of the many benefits of living so close to one Stokes brother is that when the other visits, it gives us all an excuse to get together and celebrate. Kirk and Claris, Shore and Tara, and Missy and I all made it out to toast the upcoming nuptials with drinks and desserts just before Christmas last year.

One last note: If you missed it, Alex Boykin was a featured alumnus in the 2020-Issue 1 Alumni Review for his role as a hurricane hunter for the U.S. Air Force. If you hold on to these magazines like I do, go dig out the last issue and read about the harrowing role he plays as a pilot flying straight into some of mother nature’s most dangerous storms. Amazing stuff!

That’s all the news that is new this time around, BRs. Keep those submissions coming in, even if it’s just a sentence or two that lets us know what’s new. You can even text me if that’s easier; my number is at the top of this column.

Have a great summer, and as always, stay safe and be well.

Rah Virginia Mil, Tom Hardinge

2006 Andrew Upshaw

Tim Fairchild said, “Doing very well. Baby No. 5 is due in March. I’m now a lieutenant with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue – been here 12 years. I recently met up with Brian Kerrebrock who is now in the area. Good times. He seems to be doing pretty well. He got out but is back in the reserve, I think.”

John Diehl’s daughter, Caroline Davis Diehl, was born Oct. 21, 2019.

Class of 2006: John Diehl with his family, including the newest member, Caroline.

Class of 2007: Jamaal Walton and his wife, Marci, had their baby girl, Zadie, in November 2019.

Class of 2007: Justin Chetney and Joshua Prible at the A. Smith Bowman distillery.

2007

Maury Denton

Class of 2005: Chris White and Derek Rankin at the Liberty Bell during Rankin’s promotion ceremony.

2020-Issue 2

Brother Rats, As you are reading this, spring is underway, and summer is just around the corner. My family is still getting settled in our new house in Richmond, and our three children are growing at light speed (ages 5, 4 and 2). Thanks so much to all who sent in notes, as I have several updates to share.

Jamaal Walton and his wife, Marci, had their baby girl, Zadie, Nov. 30, 2019. Already a strong Ravens fan. Big congrats to you all!

Class of 2007: Wes Hopkins and his wife, Rosemary, had a son, Cohen Hopkins, in November 2019.

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Class Notes Wes Hopkins and his wife, Rosemary, for the class notes with my last-minute regave birth to their son, Cohen Hopkins, quest. We have filled up the photographs, Nov. 4, 2019. Wes sent an awesome picand we have some waiting for the next ture of the future Keydet. We’re happy edition! for you all!

First and foremost, please continue to Justin Chetney ran into Joshua Prible pray for Nat Jackson and wife Caressa at A. Smith Bowman Distillery recently and their son, Tres. Their daughter and to taste some good bourbon. Joshua is livTres’ sister, Cameron Elise, joined us ing in Fredericksburg now with his famJan. 27, 2020, weighing in at 1 pound, 15 ily, and everyone is doing well. ounces. Thankfully, Miss Cammie let out Jon Woloshuk and his wife, Molly, a big yelp when she met mom and dad, transitioned off active duty from the but she’s going to have an extended stay Army in 2018 after he finished his Master Class of 2008: Jared Siebenaler, Jarrett Moran, Matt in the NICU. Having a NICU graduate of Business Administration degree, and Russo and Giles Hohn pause in mid-February during the in our family, I know it can be a difficult moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jon second annual Colorado trip in Arapahoe Basin. time. just recently was hired at Kraft Heinz as Jared Siebenaler checked in from Arapa production manager for their sauce and pickle ahoe Basin in Colorado. Jared was joined by Giles factory in West Michigan. Their daughter, Olivia, Hohn, Jarrett Moran and Matt Russo for the secjust started kindergarten at the local school. He ond annual Keydet weekend in Colorado. is continuing his service with the U.S. Army ReThe annual VMI breakfast at the Water Environserve, where he just finished his S3 time and is ment Federation Technical Exhibit and Confercurrently the executive officer of a training supence was held last fall in Chicago. Ten alumni, port battalion. Jon is finishing up Command and including Mike Bernard ’95, Ali Gagnon ’14, General Staff College before he moves on to his Phill Yi, Mark Miller ’07, Ali Mahan ’80, Bryce next assignment.

Carter ’09, Jon Casarotti ’93, Matt Harrison, Addison Palanza also connected with me sharBill McCoy and Jamie Weist ’91 joined together ing the following updates. He is now 12 years for the meal to exchange stories and catch up. married to Beth Palanza. They have three chilMike Vinnaco and wife Lisa, along with sons dren; he is out of the Army and he started at a law J.J. and Luca, welcomed another boy to their famClass of 2008: Luke Paul Ostermann, firm about four years ago (Atlantic Coast Law). ily the morning of Dec. 5, 2019. Zachary Michael son of Jonathon and Rebecca, took a He gets to see Elijah Huston a good bit, as he was born at 0850 hours, tipping the scales at 8 nap during his newborn photographs. practices in Wilmington, North Carolina, as well. pounds and measuring 20 inches long. The entire He was born Dec. 13, 2019.

Addison has seen several our classmates recently, family was thrilled, and everyone is doing well. and he looks forward to a trip back to VMI someMike’s hoping all three walk the line at the “Mothtime in the fall. He said he is sure he will end up er I.” The family now resides in northern Virginia. getting some sort of demerit, as usual. Laugh out My roommate, Matt Mitchell, and his wife, Arloud. lene-Raquel, along with daughters Ava and EverThose are all the major class updates over the leigh, welcomed Ryker Christian to their family past quarter. As always, please continue to keep Jan. 30, 2020, at 1427 hours. Ryker weighed in at me informed so we can stay up to date on every6 pounds, 13 ounces and measured 19-and-a-half one’s key milestones. inches. Everyone is doing well, and the girls love In the Bonds, their new baby brother!

Maury Denton Jonathan Osterman and wife Rebecca welcomed their first child to their family Dec. 13, 2019. Luke Paul joined the Osterman family in Louisville, Kentucky, measuring 22 inches and Robert Hill weighing 7 pounds, 15 ounces.

John Crowder and his wife, Heather, welcomed their daughter to the family on Founders Day, Nov. 11, 2019. Alice Elaine tipped the scales Class of 2008: The Vinacco family welat 8 pounds, 12 ounces. Alice was a fighter from comed Zachary Michael to the family in Greetings, Brother Rats! the beginning and after spending a few weeks in December.

Thanks to those of you who reached out to me the hospital is home and doing well.

2008

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VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Class of 2008: Attending the VMI breakfast at the 2019 Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference in September 2019 were from left, front row, Matt Harrison, Bill McCoy and Jamie Weist ’91. Back row: Mike Bernard ’95, Ali Gagnon ’14, Phill Yi, Mark Miller ’07, Ali Mahan ’80, Bryce Carter ’09 and Jon Casarotti ’93. while Alex heads to Fort Riley with the 1st Infantry Division.

Lauren and I are getting ready for our second child to join the family. His original due date was May 20, but we’ve been told to prepare for an early arrival as he’s in the 80th percentile, and we already had one early baby. We are spending most free time transforming his room and helping Addyson (3) get adjusted. I hope to share good news with everyone in the next notes!

Class of 2009: Amanda Moore and her husband with son Sal at the baptism of daughter Giada.

2009

Bradley Simpson

Class of 2008: Alex Lamb and Robert Kelly pause from their schooling at the School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

The Institute was heard from at the 2020 Military Mardi Gras Ball Feb. 8, 2020. Clinton Adams, now a lieutenant junior grade in the United Guard (former U.S. Marine Corps captain), Lt. Cmdr.

Greg Quillen ’06, Lt. Cmdr. Michael Gereau ’00 and their wives attended.

Robert Kelly and Alex Lamb are wrapping up their time at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. They both were enrolled in the Advanced Military Science Program at the School of Advanced Military Studies.

After finishing up, Rob is headed back to the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood,

2020-Issue 2

Brother Rats, I hope this edition this of the Review finds you and your families well. I have had the opportunity this quarter to catch up with a lot of the class

Class of 2009: Daniel Johnson received his DD-214 and is now officially out of the active duty Army.

and hear some great things our class is doing.

Daniel Johnson officially signed out of active duty and has his DD-214 in hand. In September, Daniel got certified as a flight instructor and just started training for a new job as a pilot for American Eagle. Barrett Luxhoj and his wife, Caroline, added another girl to their growing family Feb. 10, 2020. Ellis Barrett Luxhoj was born at 2:45 p.m. weighing in a 7 pounds, 13 ounces and was 19-and-a-half inches long. Barrett said everyone is doing well and that he is now a girl dad all the way.

On behalf of the class, I want to congratuClass of 2009: Daniel Johnson flew over the Institute after late you both and send countless prayers the 10th Reunion. for Barrett as she gets older.

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Class Notes Amanda Moore and husband Jeff celebrated the baptism of their daughter, Giada, in February. their son, Sal, was also in attendance.

Well, that is all I have for this round. Hope everyone is out and about doing great things.

Until next time, sport fans.

everyone can make it. Cody is busy setting the world on fire in Alexandria, so he asked me to write the notes for this edition of the Alumni Review.

Chris Mendillo let me know he’s getting married in June but wouldn’t give me the name of the poor girl. I hope those of you who attend the wedding can verify her existence. Brandon

Class of 2009: Ellis B. Luxhoj was born Feb. 10, 2020, and the Luxhoj ladies welcomed her to the gang.

Class of 2010: Dave Messina and his daughter, Eleanor.

2010

Cody Hennelly Garland Gray III

Brother Rats, I hope you are all off to a great 2020! I’m looking forward to our reunion in October, and I hope

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Class of 2010: Chris Mendillo on top of a mountain in Switzerland.

Page also recently got engaged to Katharine Sahene. Congratulations, Brandon. I wish Katharine the best of luck keeping up with you; I hope she likes fly fishing and cigars!

Gene Allgood reached out to us to let us know he is working as a staff attorney at the Virginia Court of Appeals in Richmond. He met his wife, Jamie Allgood, at Regent University Law School. Jamie is a family law attorney in Richmond, and they have three children: Briahna (13), Judah (5) and Oliver (1), who is already going through the terrible twos. Gene also tells me Adam Aikens has three daughters with his wife, Laura.

Dave and Caitlin Messina welcomed their daughter, Eleanor Cassidy, to the world a while ago, and Dave finally got around to telling me about it. As of this writing, she’s just over a year old and doing great. Dave is working at the Newport News shipyard with Chien Lin and Tristan Euritt. Tristan and Saif Vasquez will both definitely 100% be at the reunion in the fall, as long as somebody balls them up and carries them to Lexington. Dave has an open invitation anybody who wants to help on that front.

Dave recently talked with Chad Baker who lives in Los Angeles with his sons, Grayson (5) and Luke (3). He’s working for an automotive startup after spending time at Space-X and similar companies.

Mike and Brittany Hozik have relocated to Philadelphia for Brittany’s medical school residency, where Brittany is training to practice family medicine. Mike works as in-house counsel for a company in Philadelphia. They’re expecting a baby girl in August.

Tanner Sewell is still in Fairfax with his wife, Kelly. He’s teaching special education and coaching wrestling. His wrestling club, NOVA Wrestling, is rapidly expanding and is now the leading developmental and educational organization in the DMV wrestling community. Per Tanner, Michael Virden is still “balling out” in Washington, D.C., while living in Pentagon City with his bulldog puppy named Penny. I’d like to know who Penny roots for when the Keydets play The Citadel Bulldogs.

Finally, our honorary Brother Rat Col. Frank Diorio is back in Virginia and hopes to join us at the reunion in October.

That’s all for this edition. We always love hearing from all of you, so keep the updates coming and see you soon!

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

2011

Allen McCown

It’s hard to believe that in the next few weeks, I will begin planning our 10th Reunion. By the time you read this, I hope you will have heard more information from me and Tom Pace, who has taken an enormous amount of workload and offered to be point on many things class and reunion related. Thank you, Tom. In February, I followed highlights of the Class of 2023’s Breakout. Like many of us, I reflected on our Rat Line, Breakout and time at the Institute. Time has both flown by and crawled, it feels like yesterday we were excited to wear robes, then stuck in our 3rd line as 09+2, getting rings, and then beginning our careers. Reading updates now, especially from those I haven’t heard form in a while, reminds me of just how much time has passed. While the sarcasm has not waned from the usual suspects (Do, Twigg and Pace, to name a few), our lives have certainly changed and grown.

Earlier this year, Steve Sargent got back from a seven-month deployment in Afghanistan. He is currently working for the Georgia Army National Guard. He also recently got back from Germany where he worked on an ODT mission where he played OPFOR against the U.S. and NATO forces. His wife, Kelly, is a shop manager for a company called Blue Alpha Gear. Their company has seen huge growth, and they are currently expanding into a new warehouse.

I was delighted to read that Chris Moser is now engaged and will be married this September in Raleigh to his fiancée, Dana Marrero. Congratulations, Chris. You absolutely need to get back to Virginia – last time was too much fun to not repeat.

Colin Sexton had great news to share as well.

He and his wife, Keira, welcomed their first child, Eilana Jay Sexton, Jan. 21. She arrived a little early, but parents and baby are happy and healthy and loved. Colin is working at the Transatlantic Middle East District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as a project manager overseeing construction works taking place in Kuwait. Back in August, Col. Philip “Flip” Secrist III ’91 took

2020-Issue 2

over as the commander of the district. Colin and his wife are enjoying life in Winchester and anticipate being there for another year and a half.

Colin reminded me that this year is the primary zone of consideration for year group ’11 Army officers. Once selected for major, Colin is hoping to secure a slot for resident Command General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and moving back west in 2021. Colin also wanted to remind BRs who are traveling the Virginia I-81 corridor to reach out to him. He’s in Winchester,

Class of 2011: Kenny Sadler and his fiancée, Lindsey Miles, at their new home in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Class of 2011: Dr. Matt Talbott and Dr. Mark Collie ’15 ran into each other in the emergency department where Talbott works.

just a little south of the West Virginia line and has embraced life in the upper Shenandoah.

Colin was happy to share that this past October he served as the best man at Matt Covalt’s wedding at the Winery at Bull Run, he married the former Emily McDaniel. Matt and Emily are enjoying time out at Fort Bliss, Texas, where Matt is an air defense artillery battery commander. He will be finishing up battery command this summer and then moving back out to Fort Irwin, California, for his post-command assignment as a senior captain. Colin was also able to see one of his other roommates, Jarrod Girod, at Bear Chase Brewing in Bluemont, Virginia, over Christmas. Jarrod is out of the Marine Corps and working for the FBI. Jarrod is living in Colorado and working in Utah, also enjoying every outdoor activity that part of the country has to offer. He and his girlfriend live in a cabin they purchased and are fixing up.

Recently while discussing USACE courses, Colin caught up with Marshall Jarrett who recently returned from Kuwait last year, successfully bringing his company home after taking command. He is still in command at Fort Stewart, Georgia.

Recently, I saw my roommate, Alex Crow, and his girlfriend, Tiffany, in Williamsburg. We had a great time catching up, and Alex is doing great.

He’s currently drilling with the Selected Reserve unit at NR CSG-4 HQ out of Naval Station Norfolk. Alex is now in his second semester at Old Dominion University pursuing his Master of Business Administration degree in business analytics and big data. He may activate later this year with the Navy, but more to come with that. Good luck, Alex!

Aaron Castro sent me an update and a lot has changed for him recently. Aaron left active duty and pursued a master’s in sports law and business at ASU. He is currently working for Major League Rugby, a startup professional rugby league breaking into the U.S. sports market. Aaron and his girlfriend, Brooke, compete in triathlons, and he recently completed his first Ironman 70.3 and plans to complete a full 140.6 this fall. Good luck, Aaron!

I hadn’t heard from Chelsea Nugent in a long time, and she dropped me a note about loving life in South Carolina as an instructor at Naval Nuclear Power Training Command. She also recently met up with Raymond Lawson ’81, who works for Savannah River Nuclear Solutions in South Carolina.

Tom Pace had a chance meeting with Matt

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Class Notes

Class of 2011: Raymond Lawson ’81 and Chelsea Nugent. Lawson is a project at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. Nugent is an instructor at the naval nuclear power training command.

Lowe recently while he was at Lockheed, headed back to his cubicle. Matt is doing well, and his wife, Kylie Lowe ’12, just joined the FBI. The two just moved back east from Clovis, New Mexico.

Tom Pace is still working at Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth. He recently had his best round of golf, with a competitive score of 118. Tom also reported that Dr. Matt Talbott and Dr. Mark Collie ’15 ran into each other in the emergency department where Matt works. He’s enjoying life as a doctor in South Carolina.

Another one of our BRs, Kenny Sadler, just had a big move. After eight years as a pilot, it was time to move on. Kenny and his fiancée, Lindsay Miles, just moved to Raleigh, North Carolina. Kenny is now flying for United Express based out of Newark, New Jersey. The two have two dogs and are enjoying time in Raleigh working on their new home.

While he did get out, not much changed for Ryan Buell. After five years active, most recently at the border, he left the Army and is now working at Ready Gunner, a gun shop/range in Orem, Utah. His days are spent instructing and teaching on the range or working on machine guns and older weapons nobody knows how to deal with. In Ryan’s words: His life is gun.

Back in Lexington, Dylan Knehr is currently an assistant professor of military science for the Army department as the MS II branch chief. Dylan also

144

works as the Company E A-TAC, the tournament bass fishing team coach and an AOC in barracks at night. He and his family are enjoying life in Lexington, and his son has enjoyed a few VMI football and basketball games with his dad.

Matthew Deacon and Budge Hunter ’10, recently started their own construction company, Stonewall Construction. Tom Pace made sure to warn me that he now questions, and you should too, any bridge near Lynchburg, Virginia.

Vinnie Do is flying apaches in Alaska. He said he wishes the free Veterans Day haircut at Great Clips was as good as the free haircuts at VMI. Nick Williams just got out of the Army and also lives in Alaska selling real estate. Nick has enjoyed being out and the flexibility the real estate has given him to travel and enjoy life out of the Army. While I can’t comment on what type of real estate he’s selling, some have speculated they are custom zero emission igloos. Kidding aside, congratulations on your next step, Nick; you and Vinnie make Alaska life look pretty good!

During and since buying my house with Caleb Boyer, he’s had the misfortune of a lot of phone calls from me regarding zoning, permitting, construction law and just to complain about dealing with Richmond city. Caleb and his wife, Michelle, are doing great. They have a son, Ellis, and a daughter, Adair. Caleb serves as an officer for the VMI Club of Richmond, and I’m fortunate to have been able to enjoy and participate in a number of the great events they’ve put on. Through the events, he’s been able to catch up with a number of BRs, including Bruce Hazelgrove; Andrew Duty; Jared Claus; Jason Cobb; and Whit Anthes, who recently got engaged. Caleb spent new year’s with John Sturgill and his wife, Rachel. He is currently in California, Maryland, doing SAR for the Navy.

Caleb also wanted to ask the class: Has anyone heard from Trae Alexander? Caleb has been leaving voicemails for years and feels like he got ghosted.

This round of notes was much more enjoyable to write with all the updates, thank you. A special thank you to Tom Pace and Colin Sexton, who each went above and beyond to collect some notes from others. I hate seeing an empty page as much as anyone, and I really appreciate the updates. Feel free to reach out and if you have a spare moment; we can use ideas for the reunion starting now. I can’t wait to see you all in 2021.

Rah Virginia Mil, Allen

2012

Bruce Howard

Brother Rats, Happy spring! I hope this edition of the Review finds you and your families well.

Let’s get right to it. Troy Warcewicz will be attending Harvard Business School this fall. Troy will be a member of the class of 2022. I was asked to give a shoutout to Cameron Armstrong ’14, who assisted Troy with the application process.

Cameron is graduating HBS as a member of the class of 2020. Congratulations, Troy; we are wishing you the best of luck in this next endeavor!

Ryan Schmidt was married Feb. 15, 2020, to his beautiful bride, Grace. Ryan will also be commissioning in the Iowa Air Guard to fly MQ9s. Sounds like a great year for you, Ryan, and congratulations on all the accomplishments! I wish you and your wife the best.

Wayne Whiting proposed to his fiancée, Holli Steinruck, this past December. The happy couple were engaged on a trip to New York and are looking forward to their wedding this summer! I’m happy for you both, especially Wayne, because Holli is way out of your league! I look forward to the wedding and can’t wait to see what your future holds together. Congratulations to you both!

Thank you to everyone who sent in updates. I know it’s not much, but I appreciate everyone who

Class of 2012: Wayne Whiting and his fiancée, Holli Steinruck.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes to Fort Bliss, where he’ll be staying for the foreseeable future. On Jan. 24, his son, Grayson Luis Soto, turned one year old and had his first birthday party. Turns out, he really likes cake. They are also expecting another boy, Theo Alexander Soto, to join the Soto clan this coming April.

As always please feel free to send Charlie or me any updates.

2014

Samuel Guidry Taylor Floyd

Class of 2012: Troy Warcewicz and Cameron Armstrong ’14 at Harvard Business School. sends information to share with the class. I look forward to hearing from you all before the next edition. Take care and until next time!

In the Bonds, Bruce

Class of 2013: Edgardo Soto and his wife, Karina, with their son.

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes from the Class of 2014.

2015

Henry Meredith

2013

Johnny McDonald

John Wilson

Charles Jones

Brother Rats, I hope this note finds you well and that you enjoyed spending time with your families over the holidays.

Frank Overstreet graduated from the engineering Captain’s Career Course at Fort Leonard Wood in April 2019, and he and his wife, Caroline, PCSed to Fort Stewart, Georgia, in May 2019. Frank is currently training at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California, and is slotted to take command over an ABCT unit this spring. The Overstreets will be in the Savannah, Georgia, area for the next few years, so if any

2020-Issue 2

Class of 2013: Thomas McConnell and his wife, Emily, successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, in October. brother rats are in the area and need a place to stay, don’t hesitate to reach out!

I recently caught up with Edgardo Soto. From 2018 to September 2019, he completed his company command time at Fort Stewart, Georgia. He said that it was a tough 13 months, especially as he became a new dad during this time, but it had its own kinds of rewards. Now he’s been assigned

Brother Rats, Tyler Brickles has been enjoying life with his wife, Brittany, and 9-month-old son, Christian.

Tyler is currently deployed with the 82nd in CENTCOM. Tyler had this to say about his situation: “I was looking for a new year’s eve party.

Then I somehow ended up on a plane for two days and dropped in the middle of a desert.”

Gaelle Browning married Justin Misleh Sept 7, 2019. Also at Gaelle’s wedding were Elisha Clark, Jennifer Woodcock and Rachel Boldry ’14. Also, Gaelle recently joined the Foreign Service. Congrats all the way around! What a beautiful wedding.

Will Connerley just made patrol plane commander in the P-8 Poseidon. BR Connerley

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Class Notes will be going on his second deployment in April.

BR Henry Meredith married Meghan Hardman Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Norfolk, Virginia. The following Keydets were also in attendance: Jonny Beck ’18, Raleigh Trumbo ’93, Richard Meredith Sr. ’78, Hunter Trumbo ’90, Isaac Copes, Sam Trumps, Ben Vanderberry Sr. ’75, Henry Atwill ’18, William Jordan, Frank Hargrove III, Nick Maul, Sam Hunter, Richard Meredith Jr. ’07, Wesley Jacobs and Clarkson Meredith ’81. Also in attendance but not pictured were Martin Welsh ’78, Eddie Brown ’79, Chris Brown ’09 and Chris Beck ’20. What a powerhouse – Congrats, Henry!

Dave Souliotis still strains Alex Wong in his off time; he said it makes him feel “Old Corps.” Kyle Leonard got married in December: Hell of a party. Tony Pacheco is saving the world one pharmaceutical sale at a time and killing it in Boston. Dave graduates in May with his MBA and will start a doctorate program in strategic leadership with Liberty immediately following graduation. Dave is still in Richmond with the majority of VMI grads.

Garrett Rose got married Dec. 27 in Longmont, Colorado, to Bethany Smith.

He also ETS’ed July 1 and started law school at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in August. His roommate, Kyle Morse, got engaged late January/early February. Prepare for the party, Keydets!

Class of 2015: Alex Palagyi, Matt Brau, Chris Gray, Whitney Gray, Nick Dreybus and Mike Kaim at the Gray wedding.

Class of 2015: Alumni at Gaelle Browning’s wedding included Elisha Clark, Jennifer Woodcock and Rachel Boldry ’14.

Class of 2015: Henry Meredith married Meghan Hardman Nov. 9, 2019, in Norfolk, Virginia.

Alumni attending the wedding included Jonny Beck ’18, Raleigh Trumbo ’93, Richard Meredith Sr. ’78, Hunter Trumbo ’90, Isaac Copes, Sam Trumps, Ben Vanderberry Sr. ’75, Meredith, Henry Atwill ’18, William Jordan, Frank Hargrove III, Nick Maul, Sam Hunter, Richard Meredith Jr. ’07, Wesley Jacobs and Clarkson Meredith ’81.

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Renee Reives should be getting her wings pinned March 6 – watch out, you guys!

BR Alex Falten is stationed in England and welcomes everyone to come visit.

Meanwhile, Tatiana Wabrek is moving to Naples, Italy, in May. While she may have privately encouraged all BRs to come visit, I won’t share the details as I don’t want you clowns messing up my Italian vacation.

Ross Barnett and his wife and just had their third kid in three years. Jack Randall Barnett was born Feb. 2, 2020 – three hours before the Super Bowl.

Robert Singleton is in Mesa, Arizona, now; he is also still with American Express.

Tess and Mitchell White PCS’ed to JBSA-Lackland. Mitchell got his chaplain cross, so they are both captains now.

Mitchell flies out to Kentucky monthly for reserve drill.

Tyler Mullinax will be moving back to the U.S. in three weeks – you have all been warned!

Eisha Clark just made helicopter aircraft commander, and she is about to go on her third deployment/underway in March.

Chris Gray passed the professional engineer exam! He is now part of the “cool kids” club. Chris sent a picture with his wedding party.

Quincy Jones joined the Marine Corps in June 2019. He is graduating The Basic School in March. His MOS is combat

Class of 2015: Gaelle Browning married Justin Misleh Sept. 7, 2019.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes 2019. Fellow BR Tommy Lester is Cole’s godfather. Evan was deployed to Afghanistan from January 2019 until June 2019 as the JTF EOD OIC and is again deployed from January 2020 until May 2020. Over these deployments, Evan has had the pleasure in serving and working with Wes Whitcomb ’10, John Folta ’15 and Christian Rowcliffe. Stay safe over there! There hasn’t been a Rat Line since Evan’s reign on the RDC. The Miccio family, Ryan and Megan, welcomed their first son, Harrison Michael, into the world Nov. 9, 2019. Congrats, Ryan and Megan!

Ian Marinacci is on track to be promoted to captain within the year. Against all odds, he is a contributing member of society.

Class of 2016: Jack Zippel completed a through hike of the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail March-July 2019.

Class of 2015: 1st Lt. Tyler Brickles deployed with the 82nd Airborne Division as the Immediate Response Force. engineer officer.

Justin Wilson and his wife just had their first child Dec. 11, 2019. Their son’s name is Dean Alan Wilson.

Finally, your 5th Reunion is currently being planned. The reunion is Oct. 23-24, 2020. While most of ya’ll still owe the Palms money and are afraid to return to town, be sure to keep an eye on your email for more details. Expect registration packets around late July!

This rat is a rat, Johnny

Class of 2016: Moe Valiani proposed to Jessica Rothenberg Jan. 20, 2020.

Class of 2016: Ryan and Megan Miccio welcomed their first son, Harrison Michael, Nov. 9, 2019.

2016

Jacob Norris Patrick Hine

T.J. Eddy, Cold Steel Charlie, married Christina Chipman Feb. 15, 2020.

Evan Thompson has an amazing family: Kassie, Savannah (3) and Cole (1). Cole was born Feb. 23,

2020-Issue 2

Class of 2016: Evan Thompson with his family: Kassie, Savannah (3) and Cole (1).

Class of 2016: Scott Beasley took his rat, Tristan Kite ’19, hunting.

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Class Notes Scott Beasley took his rat, Tristan Kite ’19, hunting, and he killed his first buck. Good work!

Moe Valiani proposed to Jessica Rothenberg Jan. 20, 2020. Check out the beautiful ring!

From March 2019 until July 2019, Jack Zippel completed a through hike of the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail. He’s now struggling through the existence of being a first-year law student at the University of Virginia but is happy to be sleeping indoors again. Like a good rat, Jack still rolls up his hay and puts his rack up every morning, as well.

Nick Nadeau moved to Guam, (GU, Pacific) in January 2020. He will be working on a variety of construction projects for Gilbane Federal to support the DPRI Guam acquisition. The client is NAVFAC. Right now, it looks like a four- to fiveyear commitment. If you are ever in the area or want to reach out to Nick, he would absolutely appreciate that.

2017

Benjamin Stewart

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 2017.

2018

Carlee Anderson Matt Esnardo

After graduation, Reed Jones applied and was accepted to a physics Ph.D. program at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Additionally, a version of his astronomy VMI honors thesis was accepted in January 2020 to be published.

Andrew Heinlein and his wife, Catherine, just had their first son, Xavier Joseph Heinlein. He was born Aug. 24, 2019. We wish Andrew and

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Catherine the very best with their new son!

Out in Richmond, Virginia, Evan Roberts started a new position as a project manager at VDOT’s Richmond District office. Evan is currently working with Corbin Stynes ’19 and Clay Thomas IV ’86.

Catie Berry took some time to visit Emily Fulton while on leave from South Korea. Catie just finished her tour at overseas and is headed to her next duty station.

On the U.S. Navy side, Matt Heinrich is currently deployed overseas.

Max Liebl and Tripp Fitch both graduated in the same Army flight school class. Max is out in Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, and Tripp is at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

2019

Nathan D.A. Mumford Annika K. Tice

Brother Rats: We are halfway through 2020, and hopefully we’re still sticking to all the goals we set back in January. By this point, the majority of our class has become entrenched in the next chapter of our lives as alumni – some faster than others. Take, for example, our first BR to deploy, Nate Kirk. Wishing him all the luck as he starts his venture as a military intelligence officer in the Army. Others, however, may just be starting their new chapters.

Special congratulations goes to our newest alumni of the Class of ’1-9: Corey Johnstone, Joseph Phillips, Patrick Fowler, Jordon Bennet, David Carter, Jake Hendricks, Henry Boulter, Connor Keane, Spencer Schoeneweis, Jarrod Richmond, Gavin Stanley, Ben Dudek, John Pitman, Zane Grzeszczak, Andrew Mortenson and, miracle of miracles, Spencer Balson! Welcome to the ranks, BRs! And to our May graduates, Logan Amico, Dominic Gallo, Devin Fowler, Taylor Newman, Alexander Tolley and Sean Walker: Keep calm and avoid an A1.

Annika and I are pouring one out for our BRs who got engaged this quarter: Mac Chapman, Nicholas Schweers, Matt Pita, Hannah Gillan and Caleb Cabello, Steven Kochy, Andy Hunt,

Carter Butt, Merry Jaroneski, Corbin Stynes and Dolan Walsh. Good luck with the wedding planning, and make sure you’ve got a great photographer so you can send us those pictures. Cheers to those who survived their engagement: Tyler Hamilton, Trevor Smith, Myles Driscoll, Jordon Bennett, Bryan Munoz and Peyton Bembry. Pouring another one out in hopes for long and successful marriages.

We also have some other major events happening in 1-9. This is a huge shoutout to our pro baseball players, Josh Winder, who spent the last season in Single-A Cedar Rapids and made the All-Star team in the Midwest League; Nate Eaton, who spent the last season with the Royals SingleA affiliate in Lexington, Kentucky; and Matthew Pita, who played last season with the Yankees Single-A teams in Charleston, South Carolina, and Tampa, Florida.

As always, remember to send us your life updates; we love hearing from you guys and sharing what we can with the class.

Mizpah, Nathan and Annika

2020

Alexander Dragan Holly K. Njabo

Editor’s Note: Class of 2020, as your cadetship comes to a close, know that we are excited to welcome you to the VMI alumni ranks.

Please see the contact information above for your class agents. Send them your updates to publish quarterly in the Alumni Review: Engagements, marriages, births, advanced degrees, meet ups with brother rats and other alumni – your brother rats care and want to know what is going on in your life.

Also, please visit vmialumni.org to create your profile on VMI Ranks. You can use this directory to contact BRs and other alumni and to ensure you receive Alumni Agencies communications.

VMI Alumni Review

Class Notes

Baby Keydets CROWDER – a daughter, Alice Elaine, to Heather and John Crowder ’08, Nov. 11, 2019.

JACKSON – a daughter, Cameron Elise, to Caressa and Nat Jackson ’08, Jan. 27, 2020.

MITCHELL – a son, Ryker Christian, to Arlene-Raquel and Matthew Mitchell ’08, Jan. 30, 2020.

OSTERMANN – a son, Luke Paul, to Rebecca and Jonathan Ostermann ’08, Dec. 13, 2019.

VINACCO – a son, Zachary Michael, to Lisa and Michael Vinacco ’08, Dec. 5, 2019.

VMI’s 10 Most Senior Alumni According to the records of the VMI Alumni Agencies, the people listed below constitute the 10 senior alumni of the Institute.

Please contact the Alumni Review staff if any errors are noted.

C.W. Abbitt ’41 B.W. Baker ’42

July 1, 1920

Jack N. Williams ’41

Sept. 8, 1920

W. Settle Frank ’43

Jan. 20, 1921

Gunyon M. Harrison Jr. ’43

March 6, 1921

Charles H. Beckham ’43

June 1, 1921

Bruce H. Suter ’43

July 7, 1921

Robert W. Goodman Jr. ’42

2020-Issue 2

May 25, 1920

Sept. 3, 1921

John M. Patton ’42

Sept. 14, 1921

Robert L. Reeves ’43

Sept. 22, 1921

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Provisional Appointments APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

2035

2024 Anthony B.A. Tonthat

APPOINTEE’S NAME

Khanh V. Nguyen ’94

Uncle

William C. Green

Kurt O. Renz ’72

Grandfather

Charlotte Polk

Kurt A. Polk ’95

Father

Robert C. Polk ’61

Grandfather

Robert L. Wilson III ’04

Father

Scott E. Campbell ’04

Uncle

Robert L. Wilson III ’04

Father

Scott E. Campbell ’04

Uncle

2025 Christopher A. Fernandes Carlos A. Fernandes ’90

Father

Brody R. Wilson

2026 Justin T. Hawk

Mark O. Hunt ’77

Grandfather

2036

Aine King

John E. Kuchnia ’57

Grandfather

Sophia E. Wilson

Alexander E. Kuchnia ’82

Uncle

William R. King ’60

Grandfather

Matthew J. King

2037 Kevin K. Nettrour ’74

Great-uncle

Lux I. Concannon

Timothy G. McCarthy ’74

Grandfather

Byron F. Nettrour Sr. ’43

Great-grandfather

Sophia Galysh

Ivan M. Galysh ’59

Grandfather

Byron F. Nettrour Jr. ’68

Great-uncle

Roman L. Galysh ’64

Great-uncle

James E. Burton IV ’79

Grandfather

Eleanora Bickel

2027

James E. Burton VI

Taras J. Galysh ’67

Great-uncle

James E. Burton III ’52

Great-grandfather

Ashlyn J. Hunt

Mark O. Hunt ’77

Grandfather

James E. Burton V ’12

Father

Brooklyn M. Hunt

Mark O. Hunt ’77

Grandfather

Louis J. Burton ’16

Uncle

Sadie L.V. Miller

Lawrence D. Miller Jr. ’56

Grandfather

Douglas B. Burton ’80

Great-uncle

Daniel H. Burton ’85

Great-uncle

Robert H. Patterson III ’79

Great-uncle

2028 Naomi Freeman

Charles C. Freeman ’75

Grandfather

Douglas B. Burton Jr. ’14

Cousin

Haley M. Hawk

Mark O. Hunt ’77

Grandfather

John E. Burton ’16

Cousin

Jacob D. Burton ’16

Cousin

Robert H. Patterson IV ’18

Cousin

Andrew H. Burton ’22

Cousin

Timothy G. McCarthy ’74

Grandfather

2029 Donovan Freeman

Charles C. Freeman ’75

Grandfather

Gavin O. Hunt

Mark O. Hunt ’77

Grandfather

Maeve A. McCarthy

Matthew G. Reinstein Jr. Matthew G. Reinstein II ’99 Allison Stratz

Brandon M. Stratz ’10

Uncle

Philip O. Townsend

Philip S. Townsend ’94

Father

2031 Dean Stratz

Brandon M. Stratz ’10

Father

Shaun P. Ruark ’12

Father

Nathan M. Baldwin

Kurt O. Renz ’72

Grandfather

Samuel K. Mizer

D. Ethan Graham ’00

Uncle

Frank Bell ’80

Great-uncle

Kurt O. Renz ’72

Grandfather

Calvin Ruark

2030

2038

Uncle Zadoc S. Renz

2032 Anthony Noon

John P. Noon ’71

Grandfather

2039

Alexis R. Rhodes

Mark O. Hunt ’77

Grandfather

Dominic Bishop

Michael J. Smith ’77

Grandfather

Rene G. Cossitt

Gale F. Sommers ’72

Grandfather

Isaac F. Reinstein

Matthew G. Reinstein II ’99

Father

Madeline Bishop

Michael J. Smith ’77

Grandfather

William J. Graham

D. Ethan Graham ’00

Uncle

Frank Bell ’80

Great-uncle

2033 Emma Douglas

John H. Douglas ’08

Father

Bodhi S. Rhodes

Mark O. Hunt ’77

Grandfather

2034 Luke D. Baldwin

150

Kurt O. Renz ’72

Grandfather

2040

VMI Alumni Review

Provisional Appointments APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

APPOINTEE’S NAME

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

Kevin K. Nettrour ’74

Great-uncle

William C. Green

Kurt O. Renz ’72

Grandfather

Byron F. Nettrour Sr. ’43

Great-grandfather

Nixon S. Lombardi

Matthew R. Lombardi ’17

Father

Ayla L. Pope

2041 (cont.)

2040 (cont.)

Caleb Mangel

Byron F. Nettrour Jr. ’68

Great-uncle

Steven C. Craddock ’70

Grandfather

Timothy J. McCarthy

Timothy G. McCarthy ’74

Grandfather

James R. Craddock ’63

Great-uncle

Reuben Meradith-Eyers

Michael J. Smith ’77

Grandfather

John C. Craddock Jr.

Great-uncle

Sophia E. Sartini

Valentino J. Sartini ’72

Grandfather

Raelyn H. Reinecke

Cory Reinecke ’14

Father

Evan T. Skelton

David G. Frantz ’65

Uncle

Giada Tesoriero

Amanda F. Moore ’09

Mother

Cody H.Van Deventer

Joseph Van Deventer Jr. ’62

Grandfather

Olivia D.H. Varughese

John M. Gibbons Jr. ’65

Grandfather

Jackson W. Williamson

Ralph W. Briggs ’79

Grandfather

Robert P. Briggs ’82

Great-uncle

Andrew J. Karnes ’05

Father

William G. Karnes ’76

Grandfather

William G. Karnes ’76

Grandfather

Andrew J. Karnes ’05

Uncle

William G. Karnes ’76

Grandfather

2041 James E. Burton IV ’79

Grandfather

James E. Burton III ’52

Great-grandfather

James E. Burton V ’12

Uncle

Louis J. Burton ’16

Uncle

2042

Douglas B. Burton ’80

Great-uncle

Henry Walker Karnes

Daniel H. Burton ’85

Great-uncle

Robert H. Patterson III ’79

Great-uncle

Douglas B. Burton Jr. ’14

Cousin

John E. Burton ’16

Cousin

Jacob D. Burton ’16

Cousin

Andrew J. Karnes ’05

Uncle

Robert H. Patterson IV ’18

Cousin

James F. Sullivan

Joshua C. Sullivan ’05

Father

Andrew H. Burton ’22

Cousin

Jalayne L. Sutherland

James C. Sutherland ’53

Great-grandfather

Gabriel V. Chow

Connor W. Chow ’16

Father

John H. Sutherland ’926

Cousin

Henry M. Craighead

Nelson A. Craighead ’15

Father

William A. Sutherland ’939

Great-uncle

Donald R. Craighead ’84

Grandfather

Henry C. Sutherland ’42

Great-uncle

John E. Bowles ’16

Uncle

Gabriel S. Sutherland ’18

Uncle

William P. Burton

Abigail M. Peckman John E. Peckman II

Same Address

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Intuitive Navigation

Comprehensive Events Calendar

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www.vmialumni.org 2020-Issue 2

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Taps Robert C. Maling ’41 Retired U.S. Army Col. Robert Clark Maling ’41 of San Antonio, Texas, died Jan. 6, 2020.

He was 100.

Maling matriculated from Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned a Master of Arts degree from George Washington University.

He is survived by his daughters, Sharon L. Hutchins (Tom) and Sammie F. Maling; sons, Robert Clark Maling Jr. ’73 (Kristi) and Edward H. Maling; 10 grandchildren; and 14 greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Maria; son, Michael; grandson, Max; sister, Nancy Shaw; and brother; Donald.

Robert T. Helmen ’44 Robert Traylor Helmen ’44, M.D., of Wheaton, Illinois, died Oct. 18, 2019. He was 96.

Helmen matriculated from South Bend, Indiana, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Miriam Buckles Helmen; daughters, Mary Kinsey (Daniel), Melinda Schweer (Kenneth) and Mollie Salette (Keith); grandchildren, Bryan Kinsey, David Kinsey, Jonathan Kinsey, Natalie Kinsey, Jennifer Schweer, Kenneth Schweer Jr., Keith Salette Jr. (Alyssa), Sarah Mandell (Chris) and Charles Salette; and great-grandchildren, Margaret Salette and David Salette.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Harry W. Helmen Jr., and sister, Dr. Normabelle Conroy.

Edward Y. Holt Jr. ’46 Retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Edward Young Holt Jr. ’46 of Norfolk, Virginia, died Oct. 30, 2019. He was 93.

Holt matriculated from Dallas, Texas, and spent more than 10 months at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and a Master of Science degree in financial management/international affairs from George Washington University.

He is survived by his wife, Erline Perry Holt; children, Perri Bayer (John), Ted Holt (Kim) and Andy Holt (Donna); grandchildren, Bailee, Ryan, Noah, Connor, Ashley, Heather and Wesley; and sister, Margaret Gill.

John R. Ayres ’48B John Richardson Ayres ’48B of Alexandria,

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Louisiana, died Jan. 18, 2020. He was 92.

Ayres matriculated from Alexandria and spent one year at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

He is survived by his wife, Jo Anne; children, Steve Ayres (Pam), Anne Ayres (Kent Cox), Laura Ayres Hilleke (Jim) and Leigh Ayres Lucas; grandchildren, Richardson Ayres, Loye Ayres, Charles Ayres, Katie Ayres, Thomas Hilleke (Emily), Sarah Hilleke Richey (Jarrod), David Hilleke (Michelle), Anne Hilleke, Robert Lucas and Meri Lucas Eldridge (Weston); 15 great-grandchildren; and sister, Archer Ayres Posthlewaite.

He was preceded in death by his daughter; grandson, Andrew Hilleke; and sisters, Anna Ayres Packer and Josephine Ayres Haxton.

Edward E. Hughes Jr. ’48B Edward Elmer Hughes Jr. ’48B of Harrisonburg, Virginia, died Dec. 25, 2019. He was 92.

Hughes matriculated from Harrisonburg and spent less than one month at VMI. He is survived by his son, James (Joan Hughes); grandchildren, David (Amanda Hughes), Michelle Hughes and Kevin Hughes (Whitney); and great-grandchildren, Amelia, Stella, Emma, Jax and Sadie Hughes.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bette Wise Bosserman Hughes; son, Steven Lee Hughes; granddaughter, Emily Jean Hughes; and sister, Nancy Jane Hughes.

James R. Jones ’48B James Robert Jones ’48B of Franklin, Virginia, died Nov. 20, 2019. He was 92.

Jones matriculated from Holland, Virginia, and spent one year at VMI. He is survived by his children, Katherine J. Wollerman (Doug Hensley), Cliff Jones (Becky) and Duane Jones (Sandya); grandchildren, Sarah Hoover (Chuck) and Matt Jones (Jaclyn); great-grandchildren, Audrey and Claire Hoover and Annabelle and Genevieve Jones; and sister, Edith Jones.

He was preceded in death by his son, Andrew Hardy Jones, and brother, Thomas Rawles Jones.

James E. Harrington Jr. ’49A James Elmer Harrington Jr. ’49A of Southern Pines, North Carolina, died Jan. 1, 2020. He was 92.

Harrington matriculated from Southern Pines and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI.

He is survived by his wife, Ann Quarterman Harrington; children, Nancy Harrington Enloe (Steve), Mary Harrington Tomasiewicz (Steve), Morrill Harrington Weaver (Jim), Harry Alexander Harrington (Lynn) and David Michael Harrington; stepdaughter, Stephanie Briggs (Robert); 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Benjamin F. Harmon III ’49B Retired U.S. Army Col. Benjamin Franklin Harmon III ’49B of Richmond, Virginia, died Nov. 7, 2019. He was 90.

Foster matriculated from Hampton, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Richmond.

He is survived by his sons, Benjamin F. Harmon IV (Nancy) and Michael H. Harmon; grandchild, Judson B. “Jud” Harmon (Lauren); and cousin, Wilson Callcote Batten ’57.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Page.

Robert L. McClanahan Jr. ’49B Robert Leonard McClanahan Jr. ’49B, D.D.S., of Salem, Virginia, died Dec. 18, 2019.

He was 90.

McClanahan matriculated from Grundy, Virginia, and spent one year at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Medical College of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife, Gerry; children, Beth Ledwith (Kevin), Robert McClanahan III and Meg Robertson (Tom); grandchildren, Andrew, Brian (Jess), Casey, Sarah, Will, Michael, Alex and Isaac; great-granddaughter, Nora Lane Ledwith; sister, Donna Andrews; and sister-in-law, Mary K. McClanahan.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Ed, and sister, Lee.

Daniel G. Smaw III ’49B Retired U.S. Army Col. Daniel Griffith Smaw III ’49B of Snellville, Georgia, died Nov. 26, 2019. He was 91.

Smaw matriculated from New Bern, North Carolina, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his grandchildren, U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Andrew E. Timpner ’07 (U.S. Navy Lt. Matthew Fitzgerald), Gwendolyn and Ashley Timpner Helfrich (U.S. Air Force Capt.

Kurt Helfrich); great-grandchildren, Piper, Tyler and Jolie; son-in-law, Andrew S. Timpner and

VMI Alumni Review

Taps daughter-in-law, Linda Smaw Pruett.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Smaw; daughter, Sally Timpner; and son, Daniel M. Smaw.

George L. Oliver Jr. ’50B George Lyles Oliver Jr. ’50B of Florence, South Carolina, died Dec. 24, 2019. He was 92.

Oliver matriculated from Scranton, Pennsylvania, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Nell Griggs Oliver; children, George Oliver III, William Oliver, Pete Oliver and Julia Oliver; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

William R. Tuxhorn ’50B Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William Ross Tuxhorn ’50B of Beavercreek, Ohio, died Oct. 29, 2019. He was 90.

Tuxhorn matriculated from Urbana, Illinois, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace mechanical engineering from USC. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Warner Tuxhorn; children, Guy Tuxhorn (Carla), Lisa Royce (Jerry) and Carrie Adelman (Michael); grandchildren, Ashley, Carlynn, Erin, Kate, Brooke, Sydney and Jake; great-grandchildren, Jasmyne, Jennifer, Josiah and Lithia; and siblings, Kaaren Tague (Bob), Elsa Hurlock (Jack) and Tony Audrieth (Louise).

Joseph H. Craven Jr. ’52 Joseph Hyer Craven Jr. ’52 of Yountville, California, died March 14, 2019. He was 88.

Craven matriculated from Waco, Texas, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his children, Joe Craven III and Cyndi Craven; grandchildren, Cody Craven and Hattie Craven; two step-grandchildren; brother, Randy Craven; and daughter-inlaw, Pamella Gregg.

Neal C. Petree Jr. ’52 Retired U.S. Army Col. Neal Cleere Petree Jr. ’52 of Chipley, Florida, died Jan. 10, 2020.

He was 90.

Petree matriculated from Hopewell, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his children, Neal C. Petree III (Karen), William J. Petree (JoAnne), Stacy L. Webb (Alex) and Robin L. Coleman (Fred);

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14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

William A. Shunk ’52 Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. William Alexander Shunk ’52 of Knoxville, Tennessee, died Dec. 17, 2019. He was 88.

Shunk matriculated from Yokohama, Japan, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his daughters, Mary Lou Schram (Doug), Frances Groome (Larry) and Diane Bryant (Wendell); grandchildren, Eddie, Sarah and Wendell; great-grandchildren, Zoe and Jack; and sister, Rosalie Baker.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, James Turnmeyer, and brothers, Peter and Francis.

Joseph R. Santa Barbara ’53 Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Joseph Robert Santa Barbara ’53 of Hampton, Virginia, died March 3, 2019. He was 87.

Santa Barbara matriculated from Waterbury, Connecticut, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his children, Michael Santa Barbara, Michele Santa Barbara, Melissa Henston and Brian Santa Barbara, and 10 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joy Santa Barbara.

John F. Mowbray ’54 John Ferguson Mowbray ’54 of Danville, Virginia, died Dec. 27, 2019. He was 91.

Mowbray matriculated from Danville and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Rose; son, John Ferguson Mowbray; daughter, Tamara Ann Berry (Randy); grandsons, John Ferguson Mowbray III, Mark Kauffman Mowbray, Bernard Asher Mowbray, Zachary Evan Berry and Jackson Lee Berry; two great-grandsons; and sister, Martha Hall.

He was preceded in death by his son, Bernard Trible Mowbray; sister, Betsy Ruth Mowbray; and brother, George B. Mowbray Jr.

Thomas H. Bankard ’56 Thomas Harry Bankard ’56 of Houston, Texas, died Aug. 12, 2019. He was 86.

Bankard matriculated from Baltimore, Maryland, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Barbara J. Bankard;

son, Michael; three grandchildren; and daughterin-law, Michelle.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa.

Donald K. Jamison ’57 Col. Donald Kinzie Jamison ’57 of Lexington, Virginia, died Nov. 19, 2019. He was 85.

Jamison matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from the University of California and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Wisconsin.

(Editor’s Note: An extended obituary for Col. Jamison appears in the In Memory section of this issue.)

Charles J. Jeckell III ’57 Charles Joseph Jeckell III ’57 of Walland, Tennessee, died Jan. 13, 2020. He was 83.

Jeckell matriculated from Falls Church, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Connie Jeckell; children, Charles R. Jeckell, James B. Jeckell (Dawn), Erica Attak (Johnny), Jennifer Heaton (Brandon), Elizabeth Streeter (T.J.) and Corey Greer (Jim); 14 grandchildren; two greatgrandchildren; and brother, James A. Jeckell (Sandra).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou Jeckell.

Horace L. Wise Jr. ’57 Horace Larry Wise Jr. ’57 of Chesapeake, Virginia, died Dec. 10, 2019. He was 85.

Wise matriculated from Portsmouth, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Marshall-Wythe Law School.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara CornellWise; son, Ed Wise (Anne); grandchildren, Justin Wise, Dewey Weber Wise and Winborne Wise; step-grandchildren, Curtis Brewer (Amber) and Samantha Kearnes (Mike); greatgrandchildren; sister, Sandra Hanna (Ira); sisterin-law, Kim Wise; and daughter-in-law, Maria Powell Wise.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty; son, Brant L. Wise; and brother, Donald G. Wise.

Nelson T. Nance ’58 Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Nelson Thomas Nance ’58 of Melbourne, Florida, died Nov. 24, 2019. He was 83.

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Taps Nance matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Central Michigan University.

He is survived by his wife, RuNell “Ru” Nance, and children, Stephen Nance and Kimberly Major.

a Master of Business Administration degree and Doctor of Philosophy degree from Old Dominion University.

He is survived by his wife, Ann; daughter, Connie; son, David; granddaughter, Charlotte; sister, Betty; and son-in-law, Chris.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret, and brother, William.

in physics from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Beth Ellen Briggs; children, Brett Alexander Briggs (Jessica Noel), Thomas Ashley Briggs, David Ashley Briggs and Valerie Briggs Walters; six grandchildren; mother, Frances Pittiglio; and brother, Robert Briggs.

Marvin L. Myers Jr. ’59

Walton R. Hood ’62

Marvin Luther Myers Jr. ’59 of Richmond, Virginia, died Jan. 26, 2019. He was 83.

Myers matriculated from Norfolk, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Patty Moore Myers; son, David Myers (Jennifer); daughter, Betsy Myers Horne; and grandsons, Hayden Myers, Chad Myers and Jacob Horne.

Walton Reichard “Sonny” Hood ’62 of Chesapeake, Virginia, died Nov. 3, 2019. He was 80.

Hood matriculated from Chesapeake and spent more than two years at VMI. He is survived by his wife, Linda S. Hood; daughter, Nicole Jones (Ricardo); granddaughters, Reilly and Eryn; and sister, Claudia H. Bradshaw (Thomas Bradshaw).

He was preceded in death by his son, Warren R. Hood.

Augustine Ivanhoe Dalton Jr. ’65, Ph.D., of MacUngie, Pennsylvania, died Dec. 31, 2019.

He was 77.

Dalton matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of South Carolina.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Harris Dalton; son, Eric Dalton (Susan); daughter, Lisa Marie Cheatham (Jeff); grandchildren, Abigail, Mitchell, Austin, Samuel and Amanda Dalton and Brady Cheatham; brother, Clinton Dalton II (Janice); and sisters, Carolyn Shank and Kay McDaniel (Jerry).

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Aubrey Cheatham, and sister, Judy Goodwin.

John R. Evans ’60 John Richard Evans ’60 of Lexington, Kentucky, died Nov. 7, 2019. He was 81.

Evans matriculated from Wilmerding, Pennsylvania, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Rose Evans; sons, John Richard “Johnny” Evans II (Jennifer Brown) and Jarrod Ross “Rod” Evans; grandchildren, Cody and Jayce Evans, Courtney and Katie Rose Evans; and brothers, Bill and Rowland Evans.

Floyd R. Farleigh ’61

John M. O’Connor ’63 John Michael O’Connor ’63 of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, died Aug. 27, 2018. He was 77.

O’Connor matriculated from Miami, Florida, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Carol; daughters, Amy and Carey; and grandchildren, Julian and Conor.

Kenneth R. Reeder ’63

Charles S. Stevens Jr. ’61

Kenneth Rodney Reeder ’63 of Hellertown, Pennsylvania, died Jan. 25, 2020. He was 78.

Reeder matriculated from Wilmington, Delaware, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned a Master of Education degree from West Chester University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Wilmington College.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; children, Amy Simonson (Scott), Megan Eagleburger (Matthew) and David Reeder (Elizabeth); and grandchildren, Hannah and Chloe Simonson, Jack and Craig Eagleburger, and Madelyn and Phoebe Reeder.

He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel, and brother, Charles.

Charles Stanford Stevens Jr. ’61 of Norfolk, Virginia, died Nov. 22, 2019. He was 80.

Stevens matriculated from Norfolk and spent one year at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Virginia Commonwealth University and both

Ashley Briggs ’64 of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, died Dec. 26, 2019. He was 77.

Briggs matriculated from Hampton, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree

Floyd Randolph Farleigh ’61 of Midlothian, Virginia, died Jan. 6, 2020. He was 80.

Farleigh matriculated from Portsmouth, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He is survived by his children, Thomas K. “T.K.” Farleigh ’87, Jeffrey H. Farleigh ’89, Ashley E. Farleigh and William R. “Randy” Farleigh; eight grandchildren; and brothers, Thomas R. “Tommy” Farleigh II and Daniel L. “Danny” Farleigh.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Hudson Farleigh, and sister, Catherine Jane Farleigh.

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Ashley Briggs ’64

Augustine I. Dalton Jr. ’65

Kenneth W. Johnson ’65 Kenneth Wayne Johnson ’65 of Richmond, Virginia, died Feb. 17, 2017. He was 74.

Johnson matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and spent less than one month at VMI. He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Phillips; grandchildren, Harrison and William Phillips; and brother, Garland P. Johnson Jr.

Robert H. Kerr ’67 Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Hollis Kerr ’67 of Aledo, Texas, died Dec. 16, 2019.

He was 74.

Kerr matriculated from Barrington, Illinois, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from both the University of Illinois and the University of Southern California.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Rita Wieland Kerr; children, Edward Kerr (Vanessa) and Katherine Gleason (Andrew); and grandchildren, Anthony Kerr, Brandon Kerr, Danielle Gleason and William Gleason.

Oscar B. Palmer Jr. ’67 Oscar Burton Palmer Jr. ’67 of Florence, South Carolina, died Dec. 25, 2019. He was 75.

Palmer matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia,

VMI Alumni Review

Taps and spent three years at VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from Duke University.

He is survived by his wife, Pamela Suzanne Fraley Palmer; children, Hunter Palmer Barber (Terry), Oscar B. Palmer III (Erin) and Sara Justin Palmer (Troy Blackburn); step-children, Donald James Roberts Jr. (Jill) and Erin Nicole McDaniel; and grandchildren, Taylor Barber, Campbell Blackburn, Luke Palmer, Ethan Hubbard, Austin Filyaw, Chance McDaniel, MyKenna McDaniel, Palmer Roberts and Tripp Roberts.

He was preceded in death by his former wife, Nelson Thompson Palmer, and grandson, Zachery McDaniel.

Ronald L. Cowardin ’68 Ronald Lynn Cowardin ’68 of Henrico, Virginia, died Jan. 23, 2020. He was 73.

Cowardin matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from VMI. He earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his children, Brandon K. Cowardin, Stacey J. Cowardin (David Santiago) and Heather C. Waters; eight grandchildren; and brothers, Clinton L. Cowardin (Carolyn) and A. Brian Cowardin (Connie).

and Victoria Russell Pace; and siblings, Thomas D. Johnson (Madeleine) and Beverly Bray (Steve).

Richard F.M. Policastro ’69 Richard Francis Michael Policastro ’69 of Monroe Township, New Jersey, died Jan. 12, 2020. He was 72.

Policastro matriculated from Highland Park, New Jersey, and spent two years at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University.

He is survived by his wife, Lynda (Rosenberg); daughter, Debra (Frank Almeida); son, Richard (Leyla); grandchildren, Frank Edward Almeida, Abby Rose Almeida and Santino Richard Policastro; and siblings, Joseph Policastro and Valerie Fritz.

Edwin R. Trinkle ’70 Edwin Randall Trinkle ’70 of Marietta, Georgia, died Nov. 12, 2019. He was 71.

Trinkle matriculated from Vienna, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from Northeastern University.

He is survived by his wife, Marky; son, Peter; and brother, retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Gary Lee Trinkle ’74 (Alison).

Thomas A. Showalter Jr. ’68

George R. Sebekos ’71

Thomas Ammen Showalter Jr. ’68 of Hiwassee, Virginia, died Jan. 23, 2020. He was 74.

Showalter matriculated from Radford, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from VMI. He is survived by his son, Dr. Thomas Ammen Showalter III (Heather), and grandchildren, Mary Ellen and Benjamin Ammen Showalter.

George Richard Sebekos ’71 of Fallston, Maryland, died Dec. 16, 2019. He was 70.

Sebekos matriculated from Seaford, New York, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the Florida Institute of Technology.

David W. Johnson ’69 David William Johnson ’69 of Henrico, Virginia, died Dec. 8, 2019. He was 72.

Johnson matriculated from Ashland, Virginia, and spent one year at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from RandolphMacon College. He earned a Master of Science degree from both Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and Virginia Commonwealth University.

He is survived by his wife, Melanie Shopshear Johnson; first wife, Kathryn C. Johnson; children, Kathryn Clark Johnson, Anne Margaret Feeney Johnson and Elizabeth Cooper Johnson; step-daughters, Olivia Shopshear

2020-Issue 2

Eugene C. Caldwell III ’72 Eugene Craighead Caldwell III ’72 of Arlington, Virginia, died Jan. 11, 2020. He was 70.

Caldwell matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his sisters, Beverly Caldwell Trinkle and Virginia Caldwell Stone (Geoffrey Lindley Stone).

Michael P. Davis ’74 Michael Patrick Davis ’74 of Roswell, Georgia, died Dec. 19, 2019. He was 67.

Davis matriculated from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He earned a Master of Public Administration degree from

the University of Oklahoma.

He is survived by his wife, Lucy Draper Davis; son, Michael P. Davis; daughter, Katy Davis Dahlstrom; and brother, David J. Davis ’74.

He was preceded in death by his son, Claybrook Draper Davis; brother, Karl Davis; and sister, Lynn Torillo.

Michael L. Soares ’75 Michael Lodington Soares ’75 of New Bern, North Carolina, died Dec. 11, 2019.

He was 67.

Soares matriculated from North Chatham, New York, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Rhode Island.

He is survived by his wife, Lucille M. Soares; children, Theodore Lodington Soares (Emily Anne Soares), and Jessica Ann Weaver; and grandchildren, Penelope Lodington Soares, and Max Weaver Lombardo.

Page L. LaPrade Jr. ’76 Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Page Lewis “Sam” LaPrade Jr. ’76 of Warrenton, Virginia, died Dec. 31, 2019. He was 65.

LaPrade matriculated from Rocky Mount, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from both Auburn University and Troy State University.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth “Betty” LaPrade; children, John Marshall LaPrade, Andrew Taylor LaPrade and Sarah LaPrade; granddaughter, Vivian Elizabeth Vaughn; sisters, Nicholette Jenkins, Rhonda Ikenberry (John) and Khristian Naimo; brother, Bryan LaPrade (Tiffany); and son-in-law, Zachary Vaughn.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Leighta LaPrade.

Richard T. Mathews ’76 Richard Thomas Mathews ’76 of Carrollton, Virginia, died Nov. 21, 2019. He was 65.

Mathews matriculated from Carrollton and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Brenda Mathews; children, Hannah Mitchell (Matthew), Jena Johnson (Sam) and Thomas Mathews (Candice); grandchildren, Ethan, Trenton, Gibson, Keaton, Calista, Carson, Collins, Rowan and Barrett Yosemite; and siblings, Carol Barnes (Skip), Cindy Huggins (Bob) and Nancy Meadows (Jim).

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Taps Timothy A. Mitchell ’77

Dustin A. Rupert ’03

Timothy Allen Mitchell ’77 of North Chesterfield, Virginia, died Jan. 14, 2020. He was 64.

Mitchell matriculated from Powhatan, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Katherine Townsend; children, Timothy A. Mitchell Jr., Robert D. Mitchell and Rebecca Anne Keefer (Eric); mother, Pauline A. Mitchell; and siblings, Paul B. Mitchell ’78, Mary Mitchell Amos, Susan B. Nottingham and Anne Louise Maliff.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ashton D. Mitchell Jr., and brother, Ashton D. Mitchell III.

Dustin Alexander Rupert ’03 of Chase Mills, New York, died Jan. 18, 2020. He was 39.

Rupert matriculated from Massena, New York, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Meaghan; parents, Dean and Laurene; and siblings, Derek and Danielle.

James A. Stauffer ’80 Retired U.S. Army Col. James Allen Stauffer ’80 of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, died Jan. 24, 2020. He was 61.

Stauffer matriculated from Bethlehem and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his father, Thomas Stauffer.

Daniel S. Pere ’81 Retired U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Stuart Pere ’81 of Lake Worth, Florida, died Dec. 19, 2019. He was 59.

Pere matriculated from Bellmore, New York. He was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in math and liberal arts.

Matthew T. McLean ’97 Matthew Thomas McLean ’97 of Baltimore, Maryland, died Sept. 23, 2019. He was 45.

McLean matriculated from Toronto, Ontario, and spent more than one year at VMI. He is survived by his wife, Lindsay; children, Louise, Annabelle and Gray; parents, Bill and Alison; and siblings, Foster James McLean ’97 (Sandra), Jesse (Sarah), Ashton (Julie) and Davina (Eric).

Randy L. Sheets Jr. ’02 Randy Lee Sheets Jr. ’02 of Tacoma, Washington, died Nov. 14, 2019. He was 39.

Sheets matriculated from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Lisa; children, Georgia, Lucy, Nathaniel and Ulysses; mother, Magaly Sheets; father, Randy Lee Sheets Sr.; brother, Houston Sheets (Krista); and sister, Lara Pacheco Wasiutynski (John).

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David H. Hively ’12 David Howard Hively ’12 of Culpepper, Virginia, died Nov. 1, 2019. He was 29.

Hively matriculated from Culpepper and spent three months at VMI. He is survived by his wife, Cassandra; daughter, Willa Mea Lenox; parents, Christopher David Hively ’84 and Jennie Bland Hively; sister, Jessica Ballenger; and grandparents, Henry David Hively, Ola Hively and Faye Bland.

Jamison L. Clark ’23 Jamison Lane Clark ’23 of Stafford, Virginia, died Nov. 30, 2019. He was 18.

Clark matriculated from Stafford.

He is survived by his parents, Jamie Edward Clark ’84 and Torry Clark; brother, Jordan; and sister, Jillian.

VMI Family Wendell Baker Jr. Wendell Baker Jr. of Lexington, Virginia, died Nov. 15, 2019. He was 82.

Baker worked in the VMI barber shop for 20 years.

He is survived by his wife, Priscilla; son, Wendell Baker III; daughters, Sheila Vaughan (Richard) and Marlene Hope; grandchildren, Brandon Hope, Morgan Hope and Sarah Vaughan; and sisters, Maryland Baker and Deborah Perry (Tony).

He was preceded in death by his sister, Hortense Borgus.

Helen J. Bayne Helen J. Bayne of Lexington, Virginia, died Nov. 14, 2019. She was 88.

Bayne worked as a baker at VMI. She was preceded in death by her husband, Burnet Bayne.

David W. Coffey David Walton Coffey of Lexington, Virginia, died Jan. 25, 2020. He was 73.

Coffey served as an adjunct professor of American and Virginia history at VMI. He is survived by his brother, Daniel C. Coffey (Mary B. “Macy” Coffey).

Marie S. Greene Marie S. Greene of Buena Vista, Virginia, died Nov. 10, 2019. She was 78.

Greene previously worked at VMI. She is survived by her son, Preston Wade Seaman (Stephanie); grandchildren, Noah, Joshua and Grace Seaman; siblings, Charlene Whiteside (Thurman), Connie Kelly (Jym) and Paul Snyder (Elaine).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Greene.

Gleonard L. Lawhorn Gleonard Lewis Lawhorn of Buena Vista, Virginia, died Nov. 13, 2019. He was 69.

Lawhorn worked at VMI for 20 years.

He is survived by his wife, Doris Lawhorn; daughters, Teresa Camden (Barry) and Lisa Suthers (Justin); grandchildren, Colby, Camden, Caden, Cameron, Corbin and Bristol Suthers; and siblings, Pearl Lasley (C.C.), Curtis Lawhorn (Krista) and James Lawhorn.

Ralph W. Smith Rev. Ralph Wood Smith Jr. of Johnson City, Tennessee, died Dec. 7, 2019. He was 93.

Smith served as chaplain at VMI. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor Jeanne Burton Smith.

Florine R. Walker Florine Ruth Cooper Walker of Lexington, Virginia, died Dec. 1, 2019. She was 88.

Walker worked in VMI dining services for 34 years.

She is survived by her sons, Vernon Walker (Jackie), James Walker and Paul Walker (Gloria); daughters, Gail Walker, Charlene Fitch and Kelly Brown (Thomas); grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Lois Green.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Henry Walker Jr., and, sons, Charles and Jackie Sr.

VMI Alumni Review

After Taps Michael P. Davis ’74

By Ronnie Vigneault ’74, Jimmy Garten ’74 and Dave Davis ’74 Sadly, it is only after someone has departed this life that we come to realize the scope of which they have impacted our world. Such is the case with Michael Patrick Davis ’74 of Roswell, Georgia.

Mike hailed from the inner city projects of South Philadelphia.

Raised in a poor family and in one of the roughest neighborhoods in the city, he developed a sense of street savvy, loyalty and survival that shaped his life. A member of a tough street gang he learned to be tough himself, but also developed a sense that he wanted to move beyond the life and surroundings he’d been raised in. He worked hard as a student and as an athlete to better himself, which earned him a four-year Army ROTC Scholarship to the Institute. It was here at VMI that his sense of loyalty, duty, honor, compassion, focused determination and fraternity developed into traits that were reflected in his life, such as in the generosity and unsolicited time he spent assisting and mentoring distressed youths in the Big Brother program. These traits made him not only a leader among his brother rats but also a respected and sought after adviser and source of help to all he met throughout his life. Not only did Mike’s barracks room seem to have a revolving door for the many cadets seeking his assistance and advice; so too, throughout his life, Mike always offered a hand up to others. He did so without broadcasting his admirable deeds, which exemplifies the character of the man.

His deep sense of hard work, intelligence and determination were his keys for success. This was reflected in his dedication to his love of running track, in which he won a silver medal in the Penn Relays during high school; and in boxing, a skill he learned through the Police Athletic League. He later used this skill teaching rat boxing as part of a work scholarship. It was also reflected during his high school and college summers in the jobs he held to help his family financially – jobs as a factory and brass foundry worker, and as a grocery store stock boy. No job was too dirty or too hard for Mike to take on and excel in.

Mike’s life of service to country was foreshadowed by his career at the Institute. He had worked hard to gain entry to VMI. He then doggedly pursued an English degree while establishing himself as a cadet who rose through the ranks, albeit while maintaining a wry sense of humor coupled with a sense of mischevious behavior, such as when he enticed his roommates to throw smoke and grenade simulators into the old courtyard in the wee hours of the morning. The post police showed up thinking the barracks had blown up. Unfortunately, one of the grenade simulators didn’t explode. A TAC officer showed up in a bomb removal suit to collect it. This is but one of the many pranks he pulled. It was Mike’s sense of hard work coupled with his devil may care freedom that earned him both his rank in the Corps; but more importantly the respect of his brother rats.

A distinguished Army ROTC cadet, he received a Regular Army commission as an infantry second lieutenant, and served four years as a platoon leader, company executive officer and battalion adjutant.

He also completed a master’s degree in public administration during this time. He left the Army as a captain to pursue a career in federal

2020-Issue 2

law enforcement. While applying with several agencies he worked for the Goodyear Corporation in Lawton, Oklahoma. There he distinguished himself as a fast mover and developed the corporation’s leadership manual. He was about to be moved into a senior corporate leadership position when he received a call to interview with the U.S. Secret Service.

Mike’s first assignment was as a special agent in the Oklahoma field office, where he quickly made his bones solving several high profile counterfeiting cases, but more importantly showing himself to be a team player with a quick ability to learn and apply his skills. He then moved to Washington, D.C., where he served on the protection detail for then-Vice President George H.W. Bush. He was highly respected in this job – so much so that during Mike’s retirement ceremony years later President Bush and Barbara called in via video to provide their personal remarks of gratitude and best wishes. While his time with the Bushes was a defining period for Mike’s Secret Service career, his most major accomplishment occurred after he left the protection detail for the Atlanta Field Office. There he continued to be a key and essential field agent. When the 1996 Summer Olympics were held in Atlanta Mike was chosen to take the lead in planning, coordinating and supervising all security aspects for the games. Later, not desiring to leave the Atlanta area, Mike decided to retire. After a short time he became bored and went back to work, this time as a senior official for the Transportation Security Administration’s southeast region inspector general office. There he again showed his investigative and analytical skills to be of the highest caliber. After a second distinguished career, he again retired and decided to write a book. Due to an untimely injury, the book went unfinished. Mike’s careers have all shown him to be a true leader and mentor, seen in the myriad awards, decorations, citations and commendations from U.S. presidents; leaders from other countries; city, state and national leaders; military generals; and other law enforcement agency colleagues.

His life, however, cannot be defined purely by his work: He was also a devoted husband for 45 years to his wife, Lucy, a lovely Virginia lass whom he met his 1st Class year and was fortunate to marry shortly after graduation from the Institute. He was also a loving and doting father to his three children, Michael “Mike Jr.,” who is also a federal investigator; Claybrook “Clay,” whom tragically they lost to cancer when he was only seven; and their daughter, Katy, an industrious businesswoman in her own rights.

Mike transformed his life and went on to always rise above whatever adversities he faced, which makes his death at 67 even more tragic. After having faced death numerous times as a special agent, Mike suffered a massive brain injury, likely caused by an aneurism, in August 2017. While he courageously fought for over two years to recover, he finally succumbed to its effects Dec. 19, 2019. He is survived by his wife and two children; their spouses, Tasha and Nat; a granddaughter, Audrey; his brothers, Dave ’74 and Chris; and sister-in-law, Pat.

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After Taps

Timothy A. Mitchell ’77

By Mark Bryant ’77

Our Brother Rat Tim Mitchell left us Jan. 14, 2020. After a yearlong battle with cancer and surrounded by family, he departed with the same faith, courage and spirit he displayed throughout a wonderful life. Tim’s family was with him. His loving wife, Katherine, his three children and his mother survive him.

Tim grew up on the James River in an historic family home in Powhatan. He was a Boy Scout, an acolyte in his church, on the swim team for his local club, a page in the Virginia House of Delegates and captain of the football team in high school at Huguenot Academy.

Tim turned down athletic scholarships and journeyed to Lexington to help form what became the VMI Class of 1977.

Tim majored in history, played with the Ranger platoon and karate club and had a growing hobby in collecting demerits. He was a true brother rat who would lend a hand, a uniform or help of any kind to his friends and BRs. He was seldom seen without a smile on his face and a genuine greeting of affection. Being brave was his signature.

No one ever saw him hesitate or back down no matter what the challenge might be.

Tim commissioned in the Army as an infantry officer. He served in Korea and at Fort Irwin, rising to the rank of captain.

As a recipient of the Soldier’s Medal, Tim is the only member

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of the Class of ’77 represented in the VMI Hall of Valor. While assigned as a controller/judge during live fire training at the National Training Center, Tim was present during a night exercise when a tank mistook a manned armored personnel carrier for its intended target and opened fire. Tim ran in front of the tank while it was firing, and using his flashlight signaled it to cease fire. He performed combat lifesaving skills for one soldier but was unable to save him. The rest of the casualties survived after Tim called in air medevac.

In later years, Tim returned to the Richmond area. He raised a family and started a successful business doing home renovations, bringing the same skill and care to his projects as he did everything in his life.

He was always involved in baking and cooking new recipes. He was an avid supporter of Habitat for Humanity. He loved his family and he danced at his daughter’s wedding. He even remained a loyal fan of the Dallas cowboys.

Tim was not always as articulate as he might have wished, but no one ever had any trouble understanding the warmth and character he displayed to everyone. Knowing him was a blessing. Being able to call him brother rat was a privilege.

Godspeed, Tim. We will tell your stories for you until we meet again.

his section provides you with the opportunity to share a memory or information about a deceased member of the VMI family. Submit remembrances in writing to your class agent, who will coordinate input and forward it to the Alumni Review staff. After Taps entries are due from class agents at the same time as Class Notes input.

VMI Alumni Review

Alumni News Victor K.L. Huang ’68 was named a fellow in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers in January 2020. According to the IEEE, he was recognized “for leadership in the development of microprocessors in mobility products.” The IEEE is the worldwide professional organization that deals with advancing technology for human use. The organization has 400,000 members in 160 countries and is a recognized authority in many areas, including biomechanical engineering, consumer electronics, aerospace systems and consumer electronics. The IEEE board of directors confers the grade of fellow to people with outstanding records of accomplishment in electrical and electronics fields. Recognized as both an important career achievement and a prestigious honor, the total number of IEEE fellows selected annually cannot exceed one-tenth of 1% of the Institute’s total voting membership. IEEE fellow is the highest grade of membership and is recognized by the technical community as a prestigious honor and an important career achievement.

Huang is a partner in Sage Technology Resources, a technology and business consulting services firm which serves early stage, investment, Global 1000 and growth stage companies. He specializes in the information technology-automotive sector, electric vehicles and infrastructure and in connected and autonomous vehicles. He has served on boards of directors for several Silicon Valley startups.

His experience includes vice president of engineering at startup firms and developing wireless and mobility products in the telecommunications and consumer electronics industries. He was Singapore’s first deputy director of the Institute of Microelectronics and led the very large scale integration microprocessor chip design as the technical manager at AT&T Bell Laboratories. Huang holds international patents in the microprocessor architecture design and his background spans microcomputer architecture and systems design, consumer wireless and mobility products as well as autonomous and electric vehicles.

Huang matriculated from Singapore and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He earned a master’s

2020-Issue 2

degree and a doctorate degree from the University of Virginia, both in electrical engineering.

design-build task force, The Road Information Program and others, Chapin has significantly contributed to the industry.

Chapin matriculated from Columbus, Ohio, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI.

Col. Keith E. Gibson ’77 was initiated into the Sigma Nu fraternity Jan. 4, 2020. Gibson, the executive director of the VMI Museum, is a longtime volunJoseph A. Swider Jr. ’88 is teer with the fraternity. He has assisting Julianna Keeling, Washassisted the organization with ington and Lee alumna, in a historical research and archival new bioplastics business called work, as well as presented at Terravive.

The company makes fraternity events. The fraternity biodegradable alternatives to presented Gibson with the MeGibson ’77 many single use plastic products, dallion of Merit award in 2018, recognizing his extensive service to Sigma including cutlery and dishware, tape, straws Nu’s mission to develop ethical leaders. Sigma and several types of food and trash bags. Many Nu was founded at VMI by three cadets from of Terravive’s products are designed to degrade the Class of 1870: James Frank Hopkins, in about three months. The products are also Greenfield Quarles and James McIlvaine designed to degrade quickly in various environRiley. They began the fraternity Jan. 1, 1869. ments, including oceans, rivers, compost piles A marker commemorating Sigma Nu’s birth and soil. Swider is serving as Terravive’s chief is located near the southwest corner of the Pa- operating officer.

Swider matriculated from Oakdale, Pennrade Ground. Sigma Nu is now one of North America’s largest men’s fraternities, with over sylvania, and earned a Bachelor of Science 250,000 initiates. The fraternity’s national degree in mechanical engineering from VMI. headquarters was established in Lexington, He earned a Master of Business AdministraVirginia, in 1958. The headquarters building tion degree from Virginia Commonwealth was formerly the home of Livingston Smith, University. the grandson of VMI’s first superintendent, Edward L. Herrington ’89 was one of two Francis H. Smith.

Gibson matriculated from Richmond, Vir- National Nuclear Security Administration ginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree Senior Executive Service employees to receive a 2019 Presidential Rank Award. He is the in civil engineering from VMI. program manager for prototype operations In January 2020, A. Morton Thomas and and training at the office of naval reactors and Associates, Inc. announced that Steven J. received the meritorious executive award. HerChapin ’75 was appointed as the outside rington oversees three program training sites board member for AMT’s board of directors. – including four reactor plant prototypes and Chapin has worked in the transportation en- seven fleet training centers as well as an average gineering industry in the mid-Atlantic region annual budget of more than $475 million. He for 40 years. He is a licensed professional also manages training, technical operations and engineer in Maryland and Virginia, as well as administrative operations for nearly 3,000 U.S. eight other states. Chapin previously served as Navy personnel and contractors.

Herrington matriculated from Chesapeake, the director of transportation for Hayes, Seay, Mattern & Mattern and spent nine years on Virginia. A distinguished graduate of VMI, the HSMM board of directors. Through his he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in leadership in the Virginia Transportation civil engineering. He earned a Master of SciConstruction Alliance, the Virginia Depart- ence degree in management from the Florida ment of Transportation Alliance/VTCA Institute of Technology.

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An Introduction to Medical Decision-Making: Practical Insights and Approaches by Jonathan S. Vordermark II ’70, M.D. Springer Nature Switzerland AG, 2019. ISBN: 9783030231460 and 9783030231477. Available via Amazon.

The book presents novel concepts to help physicians and health care providers better understand the thought processes and approaches used in clinical decision-making and how to develop those skills while transitioning from being a medical student to a postgraduate trainee and then to an independent practitioner.

Approaches presented range from simple rules of thumb, pattern recognition and heuristics to more formulaic methods such as standard operating procedures, checklists, evidence-based medicine, mathematical models and statistics.

The book discusses ways to recognize and manage errors and how the decision-making can be improved.

The book presents several innovative techniques to allow the reader to use the principles presented and integrate the ethical, humanistic and social aspects of decision-making with the pragmatic and knowledge-based aspects of clinical medicine. It also highlights how thinking processes, emotions and biases affect decision-making.

This invaluable resource will allow students and physicians to evaluate and critically discuss their decisions objectively to become more efficient and effective while maximizing the quality of care they provide.

About the Author: Vordermark matriculated from Lompoc, California, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical College of Virginia and

completed a residency program in urology, as well as a fellowship in adult and pediatric plastic and reconstructive urology at the University of London. He was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a specialty fellow (urology) of the American Academy of Pediatrics and president of a state and a national urological society.

He practiced and taught pediatric urology and performed clinical and basic science research at multiple medical centers and universities. He founded the urology residency program and the department of urology at Texas Tech University. In addition to his clinical work, he developed and taught leadership and management seminars for faculty, supervised clinic operations, and oversaw facility construction and renovation projects at several institutions.

His military assignments included a tour as a division surgeon in the U.S. Army’s 2nd Armored Division and director of the animal and clinical research division at Letterman Army Medical Center.

He is retired and lives in Ranchos de Taos, a semi-rural community in northern New Mexico where he enjoys oil painting and fly fishing.

Apricots by John E. Holloway ’81. Indigo River Publishing, 2019. ISBN: 9781950906123.

Book available via publisher or Amazon.

Overseas military operations are generally experienced in real time through newspaper and television news accounts.

These reports are often superficial sketches of the action and rarely reveal the depth of the

drama unfolding on the ground. This novel, which begins and ends at VMI, tells the story of Marines in combat – the comradery, humor and sacrifice of the men on the ground who are thousands of miles from home. The reader goes with the Marines out on ship and then ashore for the invasion of Grenada – the last combat of the Cold War – and then on to Beirut where the Marines fight Hezbollah. The fictional story is framed by real events, including nonfiction accounts of the terrorist attack on the Marine headquarters in Beirut and the coup in Grenada. Throughout the book, newspaper excerpts are used to track events that provide the setting of the story. In all, this story shows the reader what it was like to be with Marines in combat operations.

About the Author: Holloway matriculated from Williamsburg, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from VMI. He was commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps. While an amtrac, or amphibious vehicle, platoon leader with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, he participated in the invasion of Grenada and operations in Beirut, Lebanon.

In 1987, he graduated from the George Mason University School of Law, now the Antonin Scalia School of Law. There, he was editorin-chief of the law review. After clerking for a federal judge, he has practiced maritime law in Virginia since 1988. He has been published by the Sewanee Review, the Tulane Maritime Law Journal, the Journal of Maritime Law and Commerce and the George Mason University Law Review. He wrote a chapter in “Benedict on Admiralty.” In 1982, he published an illustrated journal of his life at VMI, “To Wear the Ring, VMI: Character, Characters, Caricatures,” which was edited by the late John S. Manley ’83.

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