2023-Issue 3 Alumni Review by VMI Alumni Agencies

ALUMNI

REVIEW 2023 - Issue 3

Celebrating VMI’s 2023 Graduates

An inspiring group of more than 300 graduates walked the stage in Cameron Hall May 16, 2023. Two of these newly minted alumni addressed the Corps. Below are some of their insights.

During his moving speech at this year’s commencement ceremony, Sam Wolfe ’23, valedictorian, urged his BRs to apply the lessons they learned at the Institute to their lives and future careers. “VMI teaches the one who will let it ... to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. To possess a level of mental toughness.” —Sam Wolfe ’23, distinguished graduate and peer-elected valedictorian, graduated with Institute honors and a 4.0 GPA, and received the First Jackson-Hope Medal. He held rank and was on the S2 staff. He was the cadet-in-charge of the Navigators Bible study. Wolfe balanced his academic and Corps commitments with a forward spot on the Keydet basketball team. He commissioned into the U.S. Army and received a waiver to attend medical school directly after completing his undergraduate degree. He will attend medical school at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in Richmond.

During the commencement ceremony, Cameron Cavanaugh ’23, class president, reminded the Class of 2023 of all they endured together throughout their four years at VMI and encouraged them to use their influence to make a positive impact on the world. “Never forget, my friends: Cherish your honor. Hold great love in your heart. This nation yearns for people from our school who are good and who stand apart.” —Cameron Cavanaugh ’23, elected president of the Class of 2023, graduated with an international studies and political science major and a minor in French. He guided his class through several unusual years, including a worldwide pandemic. He served the Corps as a cadet chaplain. Cavanaugh commissioned into the U.S. Army as an armor officer.

Contents

Virginia Military Institute Alumni Review 2023-Issue 3

In This Issue . . . This issue includes class notes and news items covering the time period of Feb. 15, 2023, to May 16, 2023.

6 In Memory 6 8

P. Wesley Foster Jr. ’56 G. Gilmer Minor III ’63

............................................................... Features

10 14 18 20 22

First Spring Reunion Second Spring Reunion Colonna ’79: A Career of “Tremendous Privilege and Responsibility” Walkup ’23: To Be a Servant to Our Country VMI Ethics Team Wins Military Ethics Case Competition

Volume 100, No. 2

PUBLISHER VMI Alumni Agencies Chief Executive Officer: David Prasnicki Chief Communications Officer: Amy Goetz Editor-in-Chief: Jordan Moore Assistant Editor: Mattie Montgomery Communications Officer: Scott Belliveau ’83 Graphic Designer: Joe Czekner Development Writer: Mary Price Editorial Specialist: Molly Rolon ALUMNI REVIEW ONLINE vmialumni.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.

.................................................................................

News and Updates

2023-Issue 3

2 3 24 30 36 45 50 182 184 190 191

Message from VMI Alumni Agencies Board Presidents Our Alumni Serving On Post Athletics Events Progress Class Notes Provisional Appointments Taps After Taps Alumni News

ATTENTION POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to: VMI Alumni Review P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450 Periodicals postage paid at Lynchburg, VA. 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: vmialumni.org VMI: vmi.edu Outside Cover: VMI cadets compete in the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition hosted at the U.S. Military Academy April 28–29, 2023. VMI placed fifth overall out of 48 teams.—U.S. Army photo by Michelle Matos.

A Message from the VMI Alumni Agencies Board Presidents Daniel P. Thornton ’78 Keydet Club

Anthony U. Moore ’78 Alumni Association

When you receive this issue of the VMI Alumni Review, the Institute will be approaching the beginning of the new academic year: Matriculation Day. We are pleased to report that VMI has rebounded nicely and anticipates a Rat Mass much closer in number to 500 than the 376 of the previous year. New leadership in admissions and financial aid has proven to be a collaborative partnership. Like many of us who chose VMI, these approximately 500 new cadets are confident that what they’ll experience over the next four years in the classroom, laboratory, barracks, and athletic fields will challenge and prepare them—mind, body, and character—to pursue lives of honor, success, and service to their country, states, and neighborhoods. The Institute’s ability to offer an education that deliberately aims to transform young people into active, selfless citizen-soldiers is the result of the sustained efforts of many individuals. VMI’s robust academic program, with top faculty mentors, will soon deliver a personal education experience where cadets will develop critical thinking skills while pursuing their curriculum of choice. We have been able to witness firsthand the dedication of VMI’s faculty, coaches, and staff who work diligently all year to ensure excellence in every aspect of the cadet experience. In addition, there are the officers and staff members of the VMI Alumni Agencies who are devoted to strengthening the bonds among the VMI family and raising, stewarding, and managing the private funds that are critical to academic, athletic, and co-curricular activities—without which the Institute would be much diminished. Then, there is the largest group within the VMI family—the alumni, parents, grandparents, relatives, and friends—who do so much to keep the Institute strong and the VMI family close. From the volunteer leaders who serve on the Agencies’ boards to the alumni who organize and execute all sorts of events in their chapters, from those who point young people in the direction of VMI to those who commit and give millions of dollars every year—their support is critical to the success of VMI’s efforts to become a better, stronger college. In Fiscal Year 2023, the VMI family continued their generous giving to the Institute. There is no question as to the impact of this incredible support. This year and many years in the future, thousands of cadets will receive scholarship support. They include the cadet-athletes who strive for excellence in competition at the Division I level as well as in the classroom and barracks, and the cadets whose high academic achievement is recognized by VMI with merit-based scholarships. Many of our most successful cadets can attend VMI only through private support. The Call to

Ernesto Sampson ’98 Foundation

Duty Scholarships successfully enhanced VMI’s ability to attract commissioning cadets. Sustained academic excellence is founded on a talented and dedicated faculty. Funds like the Peay Endowment for Academic Excellence give VMI the means to reward and retain faculty members who are dedicated to being the best scholars, researchers, teachers, and mentors. We remain focused on giving young people the best start in life: A VMI education. Such devotion and generosity on their part demands a continued unshakeable devotion to proper stewardship and energetic management on our part. Evidence of that devotion can be found in the performance of VMI Investments, LLC, a board comprised of respected alumni with extensive experience in finance and business and whose careful management of endowments through some challenging times has well-positioned the VMI Alumni Agencies in their work to support the Corps of Cadets and the VMI mission. This includes the Agencies’ ability to provide scholarships, professorships, academic chairs, and NCAA athletic team operational support. In fact, the Keydet Club has experienced its third-highest fundraising year in its history. Soon, the entire Corps of Cadets will return to barracks, classes will begin, and the Institute will fall into the familiar rhythms of the academic year. That means a full schedule of fall sports, including five home football games, with the season opener against Davidson at Foster Stadium Sept. 2. Under Danny Rocco, new head football coach, VMI football has renewed energy, and its cadet-athletes are eagerly looking forward to this season. The Agencies has been busy organizing the two reunion weekends for the Classes of 2008, 2013, 2018, 1978, 1988, and 1998 to be held Sept. 22–23 and Oct. 27–28. Along with VMI, we are looking forward to welcoming these six classes back to post, where they will renew their ties with their brother rats and strengthen their bonds with the Institute. This new academic year is full of promise, and we are certain that promise will be fulfilled. If you have not been back to VMI for some time, we urge you to visit and experience for yourself the energy, sense of purpose, and confidence present on post. If distance makes it difficult for you to visit, then please get involved with your local chapter of the VMI Alumni Association. There, you will find the famous VMI bonds among your fellow alumni and many opportunities to help the Institute. Also, many of our NCAA teams are traveling the country, so please try to catch a game in your area. We thank all those in the VMI family who are helping the Institute to grow and meet the needs of current and future cadets. VMI alumni make a positive contribution proportionally greater than their numbers, and you are playing an important role in the effort to make sure they always do.

VMI Alumni Review

Our Alumni Serving Recognizing Those Who Serve Others in Their Communities, Country, and the World Are you or someone you know serving the community, country, or the world? Send in a photo and a description of what you’re doing, where, and for whom. See instructions below.

The VMI Alumni Agencies would like to pay tribute to our citizen-soliders, who are, as Col. J.T.L. Preston said and as printed on the parapet, “an honor to our country and our state, objects of honest pride to their instructors ... and ready in every time of deepest peril ... .” Those alumni whose photos and articles appear in this section of the Review could be members of the armed forces serving anywhere in the world, or they could be members of police and fire departments, legislators, doctors offering their services to those less fortunate, or alumni volunteering at food pantries.

2023-Issue 3

If you or someone you know is serving others, please submit a high resolution photo (3 or 4 megapixels, minimum) taken at the location you are serving or with the people whom you serve. Along with the photo, please submit a caption that explains what your service is, where you perform it, and for whom. Send these to the VMI Alumni Review staff at review@vmiaa. org or by mail to VMI Alumni Review, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450, Attention: Alumni Review. We will review your submission and consider it for publication.

Ring ’88 Appointed Adjutant General of Virginia Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin appointed Maj. Gen. James W. Ring ’88 as the 29th adjutant general of Virginia March 31, 2023. Ring’s appointed leadership of the Virginia National Guard and Virginia Defense Force was effective after his change of command June 3. The adjutant general of Virginia serves as the agency head for the Virginia Department of Military Affairs, which provides leadership and administrative support to the Virginia Army National Guard, Virginia Air National Guard, and Virginia Defense Force. Over his career, Ring commanded at the company, battalion, brigade, and general officer task force levels and served with distinction in key operational assignments from the state and national levels. He has deployed in support of Operation New Horizons in the U.S. Southern Command, Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Operation Iraqi Freedom in Southwest Asia, and Operation Jump Start on the U.S. Southwest border. In early May 2023, Ring was also promoted to major general, and his promotion ceremony was held jointly with his change of command to adjutant general.

Hubbard ’91 Becomes Virginia National Guard Director of the Joint Staff Brig. Gen. Todd H. Hubbard ’91 succeeded Maj. Gen. James W. Ring ’88 as the Virginia National Guard director of the joint staff April 3, 2023, and his duties became effective May 6. During his time in the Virginia National Guard, Hubbard served in staff and command positions in the 1st Battalion, 246th Field Artillery Regiment, and the 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment. He served in multiple staff assignments in the 29th Infantry Division, deploying with the 29th ID to Afghanistan in 2010, and he later served as commander of the 116th Military Engagement Team in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As the Joint Force Headquarters J7 exercise director, he was responsible for planning and executing Virginia’s Vigilant Guard Exercise. He also commanded the 183rd Regiment, Regional Training Institute, and served as the J3 director of joint operations before his assignment as the VARNG chief of staff.

VMI Alumni Review

Weschler ’10 and Coleman ’17 at Ramstein Air Base U.S. Army Maj. Leonard Weschler ’10 and Capt. Matthew Coleman ’17 represent the 405th Army Field Support Brigade while attending the 21st Theater Sustainment Command Ball at the Ramstein Officers’ Club at U.S. Air Force Ramstein Air Base in Rhineland-Palatinate, a state in southwestern Germany, March 11, 2023.

Hill ’16 Awarded Medal of Valor Emily Hill ’16, along with the rest of her firefighting crew, was recently awarded a bronze medal of valor. Hill is a career firefighter for Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. She and her team were recognized for their heroic actions in response to a house fire with multiple victims in September 2022.

2023-Issue 3

Lemon ’14 Change of Command U.S. Army Capt. Mary G. Lemon ’14 concluded her battery command of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery at the 108th Air Defense Artillery April 20, 2023. Lemon served 31 months between three different batteries and will now serve as air defense liaison in the 82nd Airborne Division Artillery at Fort Liberty, North Carolina.

In Memory: P. Wesley Foster Jr. ’56 By Scott Belliveau ’83, Communications Officer

P. Wesley Foster Jr. ’56, co-founder of one of the largest independent real estate firms in the United States who served on the boards of the VMI Foundation and VMI Keydet Club and two terms on the VMI Board of Visitors, died March 17, 2023. He was 89. For many people in the Mid-Atlantic region, Foster’s name was a household word for decades. The company he co-founded in 1968, Long & Foster Realtors—which now has more than 200 offices and more than 8,500 agents working in eight states—has helped hundreds of thousands of people buy a home. Building a company with that reach had to start somewhere, and for Foster, it was at VMI. Foster came to the Institute from the Atlanta, Georgia, area. An English major, Foster played varsity football for three years and participated as a rat in football, wrestling, and track. The historian for his class, he was on the General Committee and Executive Committee during his 1st Class year. Foster was a member of the Honor Court and Officer of the Guard Association president. He applied his literary interests to The Bomb and The Cadet, for which he was the Corps editor for the 1956 edition and a sportswriter, respectively. He soldiered for two years as a U.S. Army field artillery officer in Germany, during which time he was the fire direction officer of an Honest John rocket battery assigned to the 8th Infantry Division, as well as the special weapons liaison officer to the Bundeswehr’s III Corps. He received the Army Commendation Medal and left service as a first lieutenant. A preview of his often-audacious approach to business is what he did immediately after he left the Army in 1959: He drove a Volkswagen Beetle from Germany to Moscow and back. He was almost broke when he returned, but the Army shipped him and his car home free. In 1959, he started working for Kaiser Aluminum’s Residential Products Division and ran a national program promoting aluminum building products to homebuilders throughout the country. In 1963, he started selling houses for a Washington, D.C., area homebuilder. Three years later, he began learning the brokerage business at a small real estate company in Annandale, Virginia. There, he met Hank Long, a 1959 graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a former U.S. Air Force B-47

pilot. In 1968, they struck out on their own, establishing Long & Foster. Foster oversaw the company’s residential real estate business, and Long managed the commercial business. They employed one agent. A coin toss decided the name of the company. Long won, and therefore, as Foster once put it, “he received top billing on the company letterhead.” A company’s success often is based on being in the right place at the right time. In 1968, the D.C. area’s reputation was something of a dull company town, and Long & Foster posted $1 million in sales. In the 1970s, the area began transforming into a more cosmopolitan area with a burgeoning private sector, and development markedly accelerated. By 1982, the local residential and commercial real estate markets were booming, and Long & Foster had moved into Maryland and the District of Columbia. In that year, it reported $1 billion in sales. Three years earlier, the investment company Merrill Lynch had taken notice of Long & Foster’s success and resiliency (it survived a serious market downturn in the 1970s) and offered to buy it. Eager to become a commercial developer, Long wanted to accept the offer. Foster was enjoying himself too much, however, and he bought out his partner. Foster’s ambitions were expansive, and soon

Long & Foster had established itself in other states. He also transformed Long & Foster into a company that was truly comprehensive, offering everything from mortgage and settlement services to homeowner’s insurance and property management. In 2017, Foster sold his company to Home Services of America, an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway, and became chairman emeritus. At the time of the sale, Long & Foster was, according to The Washington Post, “the nation’s largest independent real estate brokerage by sales volume.” The firm’s success continued, and according to the company’s website, it sold $27 billion worth of real estate in 2022. There are many reasons for the extraordinary success of Long & Foster. But undoubtedly, it owed much to Foster’s character. The author of his history in the 1956 edition of The Bomb wrote, “Those who know Wes well are sure of his capabilities as a leader.” In a tribute to Foster on its website, the company mentioned his embrace of technology which he gave to his agents, and his decision to establish a school that trained his agents—and those of other firms, as well. This success was also rooted in Foster’s determination to maintain a small, family company atmosphere throughout the enterprise. He maintained a policy, for example, under which any

In 1968, P. Wesley Foster Jr. ’56 co-founded Long & Foster. In pursuit of his impressive career achievements, Foster always maintained a personal sense of service and a professional family company atmosphere that prized humility and work ethic over external image.—Photo courtesy of Long & Foster.

VMI Alumni Review

agent could call him on any issue. Furthermore, no matter how large his company became, he focused not on its image but on the work at hand. As he explained in an interview in 2003, “We don’t want to play big man on campus. We want to be humble but do a hell of a lot more than others.” His history in The Bomb also mentioned Foster’s “ability to judge quickly and effectively difficult situations.” That ability stood him in good stead and helped preserve his company in an industry known as much for its “valleys” as its “peaks.” One year, in fact, he turned down his salary to ensure the company met its financial goals. A dedicated professional citizen, Foster helped found two organizations of major brokerage firms, the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and the Realty Alliance. He also served on the boards of corporations and local business organizations, including The Lane Construction Corporation, the Greater Washington Board of Trade, the First American Bank of Maryland, and the First Union National Bank of Virginia. He served as the chairman of the Washington/Baltimore Regional Authority and the Business Development Bureau of the Greater Washington Board of Trade. Foster’s success and leadership gained him widespread recognition. The Washington Business Journal presented him with its 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award. He was a fixture on the lists of the Commonwealth’s top business leaders published annually by Virginia Business Magazine. In 2004, Foster was inducted into the Washington Business Hall of Fame, sponsored by Washingtonian magazine, the Greater Washington Board of Trade, and Junior Achievement of Greater Washington. Several organizations recognized his philanthropy and civic service. For example, in March 2005, B’nai B’rith International presented him with its Distinguished Achievement Award. The ceremony’s program noted, “Wes Foster’s commitment to helping people goes far beyond just finding them a place to live. He also works to better the communities he services.” Foster dedicated much of his time to working on VMI’s behalf. He served on the VMI Keydet Club Board of Governors from 1983– 89 and was a leader in the Sesquicentennial Campaign’s effort in the Washington area. He was a VMI Foundation Board of Trustees member from 1990–96. He then served on the Executive Committee of VMI’s campaign, Reveille: A Call to Excel.

2023-Issue 3

In 2007, he began eight years of service on the VMI Board of Visitors. He would serve on the Academic Affairs Committee; the Athletics Committee; and the Audit, Finance, and Planning Committee. He was the chairman of the Nominating and Governance Committee for two years. “Wes’ superb reputation as a straightforward and strong businessman of incredible integrity preceded him,” remembered Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent emeritus. Foster immediately applied his acumen and experience to the board’s work. “He had strong views on management, and he was conservative when it came to the budget and financial controls. His advice was especially valuable during the financial crisis of 2008–09 when state funding was dropping, and the markets were in turmoil.” “Wes also had an immense reservoir of common sense that he drew on during his service on the board,” he continued, “and from which VMI benefited.” George P. “Pete” Ramsey III ’72, whose service coincided with Foster’s and who rose to become the board’s president, said, “Wes quickly grasped any issue—academics, athletics, or finance—and developed a deep knowledge of them. So, while he was usually quiet at these meetings, this ability and his experience and reputation meant that when he spoke, people listened. Wes always got his point across in few words, and he just nailed it most every time.” Foster was never, however, just about business. “He was a wonderful guy to be around,” recalled Ramsey, “and we became very good friends.” Peay also remembered his “exceptionally dry sense of humor.” Ramsey recalled Foster’s relationship with another colleague on the Board of Visitors, G. Marshall Mundy ’56. “They were opposites in many ways, but they just meshed beautifully. They were just fun to be around.” Supported by scholarships as a cadet, Foster made it a point to be generous in the establishment of scholarships, including several that provide grant-in-aid assistance to players who “walk on” or don’t have full scholarships. Foster asked that these scholarships bear the names of people who influenced his life, including his brother, the late Larry A. Foster ’63; Robert Shelley, Class of 1926, the man who persuaded him to come to VMI; and Joseph Mack ’56, who died in action in Vietnam. Foster had fond memories of his professors in the English Department, especially Col. Carrington “King Tut” Tutwiler and Col. Herbert “Dodo” Dillard, Class of 1934. In 2001, therefore, he established a discretionary fund for the then-English and Fine Arts Department.

In 2022, he also directed a substantial gift to the General J.H. Binford Peay III ’62 Endowment for Academic Excellence. While this support of cadet-athletes and the academic program are important, the most obvious mark of Foster’s philanthropy at VMI is the renovation of the Institute’s football facility. One of the goals of Vision 2039, the strategic plan adopted by the Institute in the early years of Peay’s tenure as superintendent, was a thorough improvement of VMI’s physical infrastructure, including the athletics facilities. Foster provided a major gift that made the transformation of the football facilities possible. That gift and the transformation of the stadium—which VMI named the P. Wesley Foster Jr. ’56 Stadium in recognition of his generosity—had the knock-on effect of jumpstarting Vision 2039. “His was the first significant gift that helped us fulfill one of the goals of Vision 2039,” said Peay. “It demonstrated that the plan’s goals were indeed feasible, and people began to think, ‘Yes, we can do this.’” Peay recalls that he later presented Foster with an architectural model of the finished stadium. “He was thrilled to receive it, and he proudly displayed it in his office.” Whatever he supported on post, Foster’s focus was always on the Corps of Cadets. In a 2004 story in the Roanoke Times, he stated, “I am humbled every time I meet the bright young men and women who are cadets. If I can help VMI develop their leadership potential, I feel I have accomplished something very important.” In 2003, the VMI Foundation presented him with its Distinguished Service Award. Conrad B. Hall ’65, the organization’s president at the time, said, “For many years, Wes Foster has been one of the Institute’s most prominent alumni ... recognized by his peers and the public as a conscientious, honorable businessman. He also has been a tireless advocate for VMI, especially its citizen-soldier concept, and has been a constant and charitable supporter of all aspects of the VMI education. In all the capacities in which he has served VMI, he has done so with unfailing grace, inextinguishable warmth, and an unflagging devotion to the Institute.” The best summation of Foster’s impact on the Institute is a sentence in the resolution the Board of Visitors presented him when he left the board, “Simply put, VMI remains one of the premier colleges in the United States because of people like Wes Foster.” Foster is survived by his wife, Betty, whose bust of Foster is displayed in Preston Library; two sons; one daughter; and six grandchildren.

In Memory: G. Gilmer Minor III ’63 By Mary Price, Development Writer

“I don’t look at my gifts as philanthropic. I look at my gifts as an investment, and I want to keep a good thing going.” Those are the words of G. Gilmer “Gil” Minor III ’63, a tireless champion and advocate of VMI who received the Distinguished Service Award, the VMI Foundation’s highest honor, in 2008. Minor died May 4, 2023, at the age of 82. He made significant and lasting contributions all across post for many decades, often working quietly behind the scenes on behalf of the Institute and the Corps of Cadets. A native of Richmond, Virginia, and the son of an alumnus, G. Gilmer Minor Jr., Class of 1934, Minor grew up as many children of alumni do—with visits to post centered around parades and athletic competition. “Growing up, I thought VMI was all about parades and football games,” he recounted in a 2014 interview. After graduating from St. Christopher’s School, where he served as co-captain of the football, basketball, and baseball teams, Minor matriculated to VMI in fall 1959. “The moment of reality came about pretty

strong rivalry in football with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and Minor played on the 1961 and 1962 teams that defeated Tech by scores of 6-0 and 14-9, respectively. Later, he was inducted into the VMI Sports Hall of Fame for both football and baseball. The year before, Minor became one of only a small handful of alumni to receive the Three-Legged Stool, which is given by the VMI Keydet Club to recognize cadets and alumni who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the three pillars of a VMI education: Academics, military training, and athletics. After graduating from VMI with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history, Minor continued his studies at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia, where he received a Master of Business Administration degree in 1966. While those looking at Minor’s life in retrospect might assume that his path after VMI was seamless, Minor was quick to note that it was not. Then as now, the Darden School was highly selective in its admissions, and Minor’s

approximately $200-300 million in the 1980s to projected sales of $10.1-$10.5 billion in 2023. In 1988, Minor took the company public. At the time of his death, he held the title of chairman emeritus. Even as head of a large publicly traded corporation, though, Minor never forgot the human touch. Employees at Owens & Minor recounted that each Easter, Minor would dress as the Easter bunny and go around the office handing out candy while singing, Here Comes Peter Cottontail. “If you met him on the street, you’d never know he was head of a Fortune 500 company ... he was the most humble, caring man,” Hugh Gouldthorpe Jr. ’61 told the Richmond Times-Dispatch shortly after Minor’s death. Christmas saw Minor dressed as Santa Claus, and he maintained an open-door policy with employees. “He didn’t talk at you; he always talked with you,” Gouldthorpe noted. Over the years, Minor would see the value of VMI not only in his own life but in those of others. Cadet interns at Owens & Minor,

“He provided wise counsel, steadiness under pressure, and the very best of leadership to the Institute and the greater VMI family.” —Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, Superintendent Emeritus quickly,” he recalled. He could even remember the moment he had the thought so many cadets and alumni have had: “What the heck am I doing here?” Like many others, Minor wrestled with moments of stress and unhappiness during his cadet years. “I fought the system, and the system won in the end—which is the good thing,” Minor noted in a 2008 interview. “After I graduated ... it didn’t take me long to realize that VMI was the best four years of my life, and I am grateful for that.” During his cadetship, Minor took advantage of much that VMI had to offer, co-founding the Pioneer Investment Club and becoming a member of the Political Science Club. A natural athlete, Minor served as co-captain of the 1962 football team that won the Southern Conference championship and co-captain of the 1963 baseball team. At the time, VMI maintained a

test scores weren’t as high as those of other applicants. The admissions committee knew, though, that a degree from VMI showed tenacity, and Minor was thus admitted to the state’s most prestigious business school. Minor’s life’s work was with his family’s multigenerational business, Owens & Minor, Inc. Founded in 1882 by Minor’s great-grandfather as a drug wholesale company, Owens & Minor is now a global healthcare logistics company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The company employs more than 20,000 teammates. At Owens & Minor, Minor served in numerous sales, management, and operations roles before becoming its president in 1981, its chief executive officer in 1984, and in May 1994, chairman of the board. Under Minor’s leadership, the company had extraordinary growth, going from sales of

he commented, were “a cut above the others.” VMI’s emphasis on honor and service, Minor noted, plus the ability to deal with adversity, produces men and women ready to serve. “The tool kit starts with integrity,” he stated in 2014, “being able to put your head on the pillow at night and go to sleep and know you’ve done the right thing. ... VMI teaches you don’t give up. You’re going to falter. You’re going to fail. But get up and keep moving forward.” That tool kit produces men and women ready to serve and lead. “We put out very well-grounded graduates today who can take their places immediately in society,” Minor noted. In recognition and thankfulness for all that VMI had done for him, Minor held several leadership positions at the Institute, including terms on the Keydet Club Board of Governors and the Foundation Board of Trustees, serving

VMI Alumni Review

as president of the latter board from 1997–2000. In 2000, Virginia Governor James “Jim” Gilmore appointed Minor to the VMI Board of Visitors, where he would serve until 2008. From 2005–08, Minor served as president of the Board of Visitors. Under his leadership, and that of Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, then-superintendent, construction began on Third Barracks and Marshall Hall, and a renovation of Kilbourne Hall took place as well. Athletics, too, received renewed attention with the renovation and renaming of Foster Stadium. In 2007, Minor was recognized for his exceptional generosity to VMI athletics with the renaming of the baseball stadium to honor himself and Elmon T. Gray ’46, former state senator and former president of the VMI Board of Visitors. That day—March 27, 2007— Gray stood at bat as Bill Paulette ’69 threw out the first pitch, and Minor acted as catcher. Always seeking to create opportunities for cadets, Minor was also a scholarship donor whose generosity benefited many over the past decades. In addition to his service at VMI, Minor was also heavily involved in supporting education on the statewide level, serving as chairman of the board of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and the Virginia Business Higher Education Council. He also served as a member of Gov. Robert “Bob” McDonnell’s Commission on Higher Education Reform, Innovation, and Investment. He was inducted into the Junior Achievement Greater Richmond Business Hall of Fame and received the United Negro College Fund’s

Flame Bearer of Education Award, as well as the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Award of Excellence. In addition, he received the B’Nai B’rith National Healthcare Award and was recognized as the Virginia Industrialist of the Year, among many other honors. Those who worked with Minor closely spoke of his dedication to all he undertook—and some admired his leadership over many decades. Thomas “Tom” Slater ’66 first met Minor when Minor was captain of the football team, and Slater was a rat. Slater also played football, but because NCAA regulations didn’t allow freshmen to play varsity sports at the time, Slater played on the rat football team his first year at VMI. On scrimmage days, the varsity team, which at the time was playing schools such as Virginia Tech, would play the rat team. “I always tell Gil the only reason he played so well and did so well against Virginia Tech was because we got him ready,” said Slater. Neither knew it at the time, but Minor and Slater would go on to work together in many capacities—and by working alongside Minor, Slater would see his exceptional leadership continue both in business and the community. Slater, an attorney now practicing with Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, did antitrust legal work for Owens & Minor. “He truly was a wonderful human being who inspired and led other human beings to do good work,” said Slater of Minor. Peay, who also knew Minor over the course of many decades and worked closely with him,

G. Gilmer “Gil” Minor III ’63 receives the 2023 Outstanding Virginian Award in the Virginia House of Delegates House chamber session Feb. 13, 2023. Pictured are (from left) Sen. Siobhan S. Dunnavant; Sen. Thomas Norment Jr. ’68; Minor; Charlotte Minor, Minor’s wife; and Ian H. Solomon, Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy dean.—Photo courtesy Virginia Senate Clerk’s Office.

2023-Issue 3

likewise praised his dedication and devotion to the Institute and the Corps of Cadets. “In 2005, Gil Minor ascended to the prestigious position of president of the VMI Board of Visitors and served for the next three years in the face of many challenges with distinction,” said Peay, now superintendent emeritus. “He provided wise counsel, steadiness under pressure, and the very best of leadership to the Institute and the greater VMI family. We have lost a caring graduate who passionately loved our school and worked tirelessly on its behalf. His was a remarkable and historic contribution.” On Feb. 13, 2023, in a ceremony held in Richmond on the floor of the Virginia House of Delegates, Minor was presented with the Outstanding Virginian Award. This award, considered to be the highest in the Commonwealth of Virginia, was established by the General Assembly to honor recipients whose distinguished contributions, outstanding achievements, and dedicated leadership serve as an inspiration to all civic-minded citizens. “Throughout his remarkable life, this amazing man has led, contributed to, and inspired the citizens of our Commonwealth through his work and his presence,” said Betsy B. Carr, the Virginia delegate who presented Minor with the award. Minor’s recognition was an acknowledgment of “everything he’d done, both in Richmond and at VMI,” noted John B. “Jay” Adams Jr. ’66, longtime chair of the Outstanding Virginian Committee, which selects recipients of the award. “A lot of [cadets] might not have been able to come to VMI if it weren’t for him. ... He was just a very modest, wonderful person.” With the bestowal of the Outstanding Virginia Award, Minor became the fourth VMI alumnus to receive this honor. U.S. Senator Harry F. Byrd Jr., a member of the Class of 1935, was the first recipient of the Outstanding Virginian Award in 1983. The second and third alumni recipients, Bruce C. Gottwald ’54 and Floyd T. Gottwald Jr. ’43, were honored jointly in 2017. Other recipients have included several former Virginia governors, two former U.S. senators, and Hon. John O. Marsh Jr. (Hon), former chair of the VMI Board of Visitors and former secretary of the Army. Minor is survived by his wife, Charlotte Major Minor; daughter, Cameron Minor Cummings (Jack); son, G. Gilmer Minor IV ’93; grandchildren, Christopher Watkins Raquet, Adeline Margaret Raquet, and Bryson Robert Raquet; and brother, Claiborne Watkins Minor ’67. He was preceded in death by his father, who died Nov. 13, 1995.

First Spring Reunion April 14–15, 2023 Classes of 1983, 1993, 2003, & the Honored Class of 1973

1983

VMI Alumni Review

More photos are available of the classes in attendance at the first spring reunion.

2023-Issue 3

Please scan this code or visit: vmialumni.smugmug.com/2023-First-Spring-Reunion

1993

2003

VMI Alumni Review

The Honored Class

2023-Issue 3

1973

Second Spring Reunion April 24–25, 2023 Classes of 1953, 1958, 1963, & 1968

1953

VMI Alumni Review

More photos are available of the classes in attendance at the second spring reunion.

2023-Issue 3

Please scan this code or visit: vmialumni.smugmug.com/2023-Second-Spring-Reunion

1958

1963

VMI Alumni Review

2023-Issue 3

1968

Colonna ’79

In August 2023, John O. Colonna II ’79, M.D., ends 21 years of service as Sentara Norfolk General Hospital’s Renal & Pancreas Transplant Program surgical director and closes a medical career that essentially started when he matriculated at VMI in August 1975. “Right from the start of my cadetship,” he said, “I was set on being a biology major and going to medical school.” Much of his determination was based on the stories his mother would tell after work. She had become a nurse after many years as a hospital volunteer. Colonna said these stories made a medical career “seem so interesting.” His father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle were VMI alumni, but Colonna never felt any pressure to attend the Institute. It was an encounter with an admissions representative at a college night at his local high school that drew him to VMI. “I can’t remember his name or exactly what he said,” recalled Colonna, “but what came across was that VMI was a small school that took a much more personal approach to education than the bigger schools. By the time he finished, I thought, ‘Yeah, that’s the place for me.’” In the biology department, Colonna encountered professors who were demanding yet caring. Another inspiration for Colonna was the example of his brother rats. “We kind of drove each other,” said Colonna. Besides Colonna, four of the class’ 15 biology majors—Raymond Duffett, M.D.; Daniel Foster, M.D.; Dolphin Overton III, M.D.; and Robert L. Norris Jr., M.D.—pursued medical careers. Another became a dentist, and many of the others received advanced degrees and are scientists, teachers, or work in some aspect of health care. “All of them were impressive, but Bob [Norris] was the best of us. He received the Hughes Award as the top Army ROTC cadet in the country. He was a First Jackson-Hope Medal winner with a perfect 4.0, was the president of the Honor

By Scott Belliveau ’83, Communications Officer

Court, and commanded Echo Company.” Colonna’s record was admirable, too. He was a distinguished graduate, a distinguished military graduate, and a distinguished military student. He held rank for three years, serving as a cadet first lieutenant as a 1st Class cadet. He was involved with the Cadet Program Board, the Cadet Activities Committee, and the Pre-Med Society. After marrying his high school and VMI sweetheart, Teresa Bledsoe, Colonna entered the Medical College of Virginia, now known as Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, along with Norris and Foster. At MCV, he realized his VMI experience “had prepared me very well” for medical school’s demands. “At VMI, you learn the importance of delayed gratification, that hard work and diligence will pay off down the road. You learn how to budget your time and develop self-discipline.” That would have been enough to ensure Colonna’s success at MCV, but something else spurred his performance. “Wherever we go, alumni have a responsibility to do well, as it can open doors for those who follow [you] into barracks, to do well. ... Also, at places like MCV, where VMI alumni have consistently performed well, people have elevated expectations of us, and you need to live up to them. I think Bob, Dan, and I did just that.” Until his third year, known as “the first clinical year,” Colonna was unsure about a specialty. It was during the eight-week surgical rotation that his path became clear. “This will sound funny after what I said about delayed gratification, but surgery provides a sense of immediate gratification because you can fix problems quickly.” Two weeks observing transplant surgery further sharpened his focus. “When the clamps are taken off a transplanted organ, and you see it start to function; well, there’s nothing like it.” In recognition of his skills during his fourth and final year at MCV, the school

A Career of “Tremendous Privilege and Responsibility”

During his career, John O. Colonna II ’79, M.D., has participated in approximately 1,700 kidney transplants, 350 liver transplants, 125 pancreas transplants, and 1,200 organ recovery procedures. In this time, Colonna has received numerous accolades, as well as published seven book chapters and more than 50 articles.— Photos courtesy Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

VMI Alumni Review

associate professor of urology). “It’s one of presented him with its Surgery Book Award, the best parts of my job. There is something which honors the top student in surgery. He was special about passing on what you know to also inducted into the national medical school younger generations and knowing others will honor society Alpha Omega Alpha. use the knowledge you have acquired.” During Colonna’s next stop was the University of his research fellowship at UCLA, Colonna beCalifornia–Los Angeles. From 1983–85, he gan writing. “At a big transplant program like did a residency in general surgery, which he UCLA, there are always things to pass on, and followed with a two-year research fellowship we are always learning new ways to do things. in transplantation. He continued his surgical We have an obligation to help patients, and so residency from 1987–89 and was chief resident we have an obligation to share whatever we in general surgery from 1989–90. In 1990, Colknow will help them as widely as possible. It’s a onna received the Wilma Miley Morton Award By his third year of medical school at Virtwo-way street, so we all learn from each other.” for Research and the Golden Scalpel Award for ginia Commonwealth University School In total, he published seven book chapters and Teaching Excellence. He then embarked on a of Medicine in 1982, Colonna found his more than 50 articles. two-year clinical fellowship in liver transplanpassion for surgery and the life-changing results of transplant. What has he valued about his career? “It is tation. “That fellowship was sponsored by the very fulfilling being in healthcare, no matter Army, which was great because I was paid by what you do, because you help people. You the Army,” he said. In 1992, Colonna completed his training and began his clinical career make things right.” What about being a transplant surgeon? “I have had and Army service at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. There, he a tremendous career. Transplant surgeons make a profound difference directed its liver transplant program, performed the Army’s first liver in people’s lives. A liver transplant saves a life, and a kidney transplant transplant, and worked next door to his mother, who was the nurse in transforms a life. That’s incredibly gratifying. Transplants are only made charge of the blood and platelet donation center. For his work, Colonna possible through the ‘gift of life’ made by living donors and the families received the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation of deceased donors. Being trusted to participate in the passing on of these gifts is both a tremendous privilege and responsibility. I’ve also had Medal. In 1998, Colonna became the University of Maryland Medical System fun developing great relationships with my patients during long-term, director of Liver Transplantation & Hepatobiliary Surgery. It was quite post-transplant care. Yes, there are downsides to it—primarily a lot of a change. “The University of Maryland was—and is—a leading center operations in the middle of the night—but the rewards far outweigh for transplant surgery. When I was there, we performed an average of them. I just can’t imagine doing anything else.” When asked what lessons from his VMI experience he has applied 500 kidney, liver, and pancreas transplants annually,” said Colonna. “It in his career, he replied, “Honor, integrity, and a good work ethic are was busy, but it was also exciting and rewarding.” Four years later, Colonna learned that Sentara Norfolk General Hos- the most important. You cannot lie in medicine, and you can’t be lazy; pital was looking for a surgical director for its renal and pancreas trans- there is just too much at stake.” He continued, “A lot of VMI is about plant program. “My wife had attended William & Mary, and we both teamwork. As a cadet, you quickly come to understand its value, and liked the area. We agreed that if we didn’t go now, we never would. I you come to value every member of the team. It takes a big team— had to give up liver transplants, but I have never regretted it.” Colonna nurses, medical techs, pharmacists, surgeons, nephrologists, and many other specialists—doing a lot of jobs to ensure a pointed out that the program at Norfolk General successful transplant. So, what I learned about was a good fit in another way: There was a VMI team dynamics as a cadet has been especially connection. “The founder and first leader of the useful to me as a physician.” transplant unit—which just celebrated its 50th How does he see his retirement? “In May anniversary—was Doctor Jock Wheeler ’54.” 1974, Teresa and I had our first date and have In addition, Tom McCune ’82, M.D., has been been a couple ever since. I cannot begin to imagone of the lead nephrologists and the primary ine what my life would have been like without clinical investigator for the program since 1991. her. I’m not sure how to thank her for all the During his career, Colonna has participated sacrifices she has made for me and our family in approximately 1,700 kidney transplants, 350 liver transplants, 125 pancreas transplants, and 1,200 organ recovery over almost 50 years, but that will be my primary goal in retirement. procedures. Asked if, at some point, his work ever seemed routine, he Despite being a double major at William & Mary (and earning Phi Beta replied, “Some aspects of it do—the administrative work, for instance— Kappa induction), Teresa wrote me several letters a week which kept me but every case has its own nuances and challenges. For example, organ going. She attended all but one hop, and she was my Ring Figure date. recovery—that is, removing organs for transplantation from donors, While I was at MCV, she worked for C&P Telephone and was our sole living or dead—you encounter every variant of anatomy. Every time source of support. She worked at Pacific Bell during my UCLA years until 1990 when our third son was born. For my two-year transplant you think you’ve seen it all, you see something new.” It is hard to believe considering his workload as a surgeon, but for surgery fellowship, she was basically a single mother. Every excellent much of his career, Colonna has also been a teacher, a researcher, and quality that our five children have comes from her. She also always an author. On top of his work with surgical residents, he has been an made sure church life was a priority for our family. For decades, she associate professor of surgery at the University of Maryland School has prayed for me and our family every night, and we have all benefited of Medicine, the Uniformed Services University for Health Sciences, from her prayers. I am not sure I can make up for 50 years of things and the Eastern Virginia Medical School (where he also has been an mostly being about me and my career, but that is my goal.”

“[A]lumni have a responsibility, especially to others who will follow you into barracks, to do well.”

2023-Issue 3

Walkup ’23:

By Mary Price, Development Writer

Photos by Joe Czekner, VMI Alumni Agencies.

VMI Alumni Review

Growing up, U.S. Navy Ensign Clarabelle Walkup ’23 found inspiration in the many challenges both her parents had faced. Her mother’s family emigrated from Vietnam during the war years, enduring many struggles before ultimately settling in the United States. Her father, meanwhile, grew up in poverty in Los Angeles, California, before becoming a successful entrepreneur. “Despite being first-generation military, I definitely come from a family of warfighters,” said Walkup, who graduated in May with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and a minor in modern languages and cultures (Spanish). Today, she’s undergoing training to become a Naval aviator. A native of San Jose, California, Walkup had no idea she’d one day attend a military college, much less commission into the armed services. But each year around the holidays, as she listened to the family stories told and retold, those stories stirred up a desire to serve. “So, growing up, every Thanksgiving, Christmas, my aunt would tell all my cousins and me the story of

“If you want to be a leader and if you want to serve, then this is the place for you.” her escape from Vietnam, how she was at a refugee camp for many months, and how she basically sacrificed her life, got on a boat, and came to the United States,” Walkup recalled. “And hearing those stories ... I started to develop a sense of how important this nation is and the values we all share as Americans,” she stated. “I came to the realization that if this country is worth sacrificing your life to come here for, then it’s worth sacrificing your life to preserve. And that’s where my passion and resolve come from to be a military leader and to be a servant to our country.” As the end of high school neared, Walkup began to look for schools that would support her desire to give back through military service. “I knew coming out of high school that I wanted to be on the path to becoming a superior military officer and a servant leader,” she commented. “And when I found VMI, I found a place that not only values honor but embodies it.” Walkup came to VMI on a Naval ROTC

2023-Issue 3

scholarship and, unlike many cadets who find the Rat Line to be a rude awakening, Walkup found confirmation in its stress and quite literal strain that she’d made the right choice. “I really loved the Rat Line because there was no other experience like it,” she stated. “I loved it. I just loved the camaraderie. I love the challenge. I loved the shared struggle.” Sometimes, Walkup admitted, she even got “picked on” as a rat for smiling too much. But she really couldn’t help it; she was getting the preparation she wanted for the life she’d chosen. “I know my goals,” she said. “I know how to achieve them. And I know I came here to seek what true leadership means ... There was never a moment when I wanted to go home. ... I remember Matriculation Day. I told my parents, ‘I don’t want to just be present here. I want to immerse myself in the system.’” During her cadetship, Walkup served as command master chief of Naval ROTC and was captain of the club volleyball team. She also took advantage of military training opportunities, spending time in summer 2022 with a fighter jet squadron at Naval Air Station Lemoore in Lemoore, California. Her time there confirmed that she’d made the right choice regarding her future career. “I learned and watched how the officers interacted with their sailors in the team environment—I just loved it so much,” she said. “And I see that at VMI, as well.” Her four years on post have also deepened her understanding of honor—the quality that attracted her to VMI in the first place. “Honor isn’t just about not cheating on a test or not lying on an official statement,” she noted. “It’s about taking care of yourself and the person next to you. It’s about doing what’s right, even when no one’s looking. And I really found that everyone here wants to achieve true honor and carry that out into their careers after VMI.” But Walkup’s time at VMI hasn’t been all about things going easily or well for her. She’s tried some things that didn’t quite work out, and she’s learned some lessons the hard way, with support from members of the VMI community. “In every failure and in every challenge, I’ve learned from it, and I’ve grown,” she stated. “There were members of cadre or staff or upperclassmen that mentored me through that process [saying], ‘Hey, this is how you can be better. This is how you can improve.’ And seeking mentorship is extremely important at VMI.” Brother rats have stood with her during a family crisis, as well. During her 3rd Class year, her younger brother had heart surgery, and Walkup was unable to go home and be

with him due not only to the distance but also COVID-19. “I really relied on my brother rats to lift me up and support me during that time,” she stated. Walkup has also made time to get to know the women whose cadetships paved the way for her own. Last fall, she participated in the 25th Anniversary of Women at VMI Celebration hosted by the VMI Alumni Agencies. “I thought it was very important that I met with the people who have paved the path for me,” said Walkup. Meeting women from earlier classes helped Walkup learn just how far the Institute has come; when she was walking around post with alumnae, they commented on the fact that Walkup greeted all her brother rats regardless

of gender. “VMI has changed a lot since when the first women were here,” she stated. “And it makes me proud. It makes me proud of the women that came before me, and it makes me proud to be here.” And Walkup is proud to be from VMI. She’s well aware that as a Naval officer, enlisted personnel and officers unfamiliar with the Institute will get their impressions of VMI from her. “When I graduate from here, I want people to say, ‘Oh, who’s that Ensign Walkup? Where’s she from? She’s from VMI,’” she stated. Walkup also has advice for potential cadets: “If you want to be a leader and if you want to serve, then this is the place for you.”

Photo by Joe Czekner, VMI Alumni Agencies.

VMI Alumni Review

VMI Ethics Team Wins Military Ethics Case Competition: First Perfect Score Given in Years

The VMI ethics team recently won first place at the Military Ethics Case Competition held at the U.S. Naval Academy Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership in Annapolis, Maryland, April 15, 2023. The win was underscored by the team receiving the first perfect score awarded at the competition in years. The Military Ethics Case Competition is open to any senior military college, and this year’s competitors included teams from the USNA, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, and VMI. VMI team members who traveled to Annapolis include Harris Burton ’23, cadetin-charge; Riley Shultz ’24, assistant cadet-in-charge; Gabriele Woodward ’24; and Riley Malone ’25. They were sponsored by the Center for Leadership and Ethics and coached by Duncan J. Richter, Ph.D., and Col. Patrick Looney, CLE deputy director. According to Burton, the Military Ethics Competition is the team’s most anticipated event of the year. “We spent weeks preparing for this competition. This year’s case was titled, ‘Nipping Toxic Leadership in the Bud.’ We were tasked with developing a curriculum to identify and mitigate toxic leadership in the officer accession pipeline of our choice. We proposed an ROTC-specific curriculum based on the VMI Leader Journey that identified three lines of effort—academics, training, and assurance—as the means to combat toxic leadership. Specifically, the assurance effort included 360-degree reviews (performance feedback from peers, leaders, and followers) and annual self-assessments designed to identify the traits of psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism (The Dark Triad),” she said. The competition model called for teams to submit a slideshow presentation in advance of the competition and then perform a 30-minute in-person presentation followed by a 20-minute question and answer segment at the competition in which competitors faced challenges by a group of judges, some of whom were retired military officers. The VMI team won the competition in 2021 and was thrilled to win again this year, with the additional honor of receiving the first perfect score in years. They were presented with a large trophy that will be on display in the Post Exchange. The USNA, USMA, and USAFA teams placed second, third, and fourth, respectively. “The ethics team cadets led by Cadet Harris Burton really knocked it out of the park at the MECC this year,” said Looney. “Their weeks of preparation and practice really paid off. It was very rewarding to see the judges acknowledge their efforts.” Burton, who graduated in May, said her experience on the ethics team has been a wonderful opportunity to develop her reasoning and discussion skills and make lifelong friends. “Other than my roommates, my teammates are the closest relationships I have formed at VMI. They mean the world to me, and we have a lot of fun together,” she said.

2023-Issue 3

By Marianne Hause, VMI Communications & Marketing

VMI ethics team members display their trophy at VMI with Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85—Photo courtesy Col. Patrick Looney.

Standing with Col. Patrick Looney at the U.S. Naval Academy Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership in Annapolis, Maryland, are (from left) Harris Burton ’23, Cadet Riley Malone ’25, Cadet Riley Shultz ’24, Looney, and Cadet Gabriele Woodward ’24.—Photo courtesy the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership, U.S. Naval Academy.

On Post

VMI Holds Commencement for Class of 2023

Photos by Joe Czekner, VMI Alumni Agencies.

By Marianne Hause, VMI Communications & Marketing

Pride, honor, and dignity filled Cameron Hall as Virginia Military Institute held its commencement ceremony and conferred degrees on the Class of 2023 May 16, 2023. Thousands of family members, friends, and others were in attendance to witness the stirring ritual. Among the graduates was a chair set aside holding a brick representing the late Jamison Clark ’23, who passed away tragically in November of the class’ rat year. Clark’s brother rats carried the brick in memory of him to all the significant ceremonies throughout their cadetship and invited his family to the graduation. Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, noted that the Class of 2023 matriculated August 17, 2019, with a strength of 515 members. From that original group, 306 graduated, and 53% of them were commissioned into the armed services May 15. Wins spent his time at the podium reflecting on the class’s unique rat year. He lightheartedly recalled the football game when the Keydets scored 63 points, forcing the rats to do a record number of pushups after each touchdown. He reminded them of their Breakout on a cold, wet day in February, after which they formally became the Class of 2023. “Every cadetship is unique, and yours was unlike anything in recent memory,” said Wins, speaking especially about the class’ cadetship experience through COVID-19. Wins noted that the class faced many challenges, including turmoil about the VMI culture imposed upon the entire Corps, but what mattered was how they responded. “You let people see you as who you are—cadets of character who embody a code. Few others can come close to living up to that code; you did magnificently. You understand the importance of integrity; you stand against intolerance and hate. You embody humility and demonstrate a sense of humor. You have embraced

the differences you arrived with and molded them into the strength of your class,” reflected Wins. Wins concluded his speech by congratulating the graduates and encouraging them to remember the important lessons they learned. “The world needs and deserves principled leaders of character. I challenge you to serve the people around you. Become leaders in your family, your community, the Commonwealth, and the nation.” Samuel H. Wolfe ’23, peer-elected valedictorian of the Class of 2023, stated that he, along with many others, was first drawn to VMI by the concepts of honor, courage, service, and a desire to be part of something bigger than themselves. Wolfe conceded that VMI had been difficult for his class for many reasons. “But through the struggles, the Class of 2023 was transformed,” he said, going on to mention many class accomplishments. Using the example of Gen. George C. Marshall, Class of 1901, who lived his life under the constant pressure of innumerable responsibilities, Wolfe said Marshall’s service and discipline should be a model for the graduates. “America needs principled warriors, officers, and even fathers and mothers. Let us be willing then to be the leaders the nation so desperately needs. I wish you the joy of service and honor. I wish you the joy of making the choice to value others above yourself. God has surely blessed me with the joy of knowing you all. It’s been a pleasure and honor,” Wolfe concluded. Wolfe, a biology major, graduated as a distinguished graduate with Institute honors and a GPA of 4.0. Wolfe held rank and served as a member of the S2 staff, which serves as academic advisors to the Corps of Cadets, and for the 3rd Battalion. He was also cadet-in-charge for the Navigators Bible study. Wolfe was commissioned into the U.S. Army

VMI Alumni Review

On Post and received a waiver to go directly into medical school at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in Richmond. He will attend Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. Cameron Cavanaugh ’23, president of the Class of 2023, shared farewell remarks to his brother rats in the form of a poem that was at times humorous, tender, poignant, and fully heartfelt. He then introduced the commencement speaker, Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who challenged the cadets to ask themselves, “Who am I?” Youngkin opened by sharing with his audience that the world is filled with moments that will challenge them to the core of their being, and prompt them to ask, “Who am I?” He assured the graduates that they are fully equipped to confidently answer that question. “You do not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do,” he said, quoting the VMI Honor Code. “In a complicated world, could there be any more inspiring truth as men and women who live honorably? You live by a code that incorporates words like integrity, character, respect, and stands against prejudice, hate, and oppression that honors our great country, Commonwealth, Corps, family, and friends.” Youngkin marveled that the graduates will be whatever they resolve to be, from brave warriors in the armed services, to engineers, to teachers, to health care workers, to business leaders, to ministers. “Through all walks of life, you will forge a better, more perfect union because you are from VMI.” Youngkin closed by saying, “You have worked hard, probably harder than any other students anywhere in the nation. Virginia is proud of you. Our nation needs you and will look up to you. The world will witness your talents and successes. Class of 2023, when you ask yourself, ‘Who am I?’ Stand tall, and answer confidently because you are a VMI graduate, and you will inspire the world.” After receiving a standing ovation, Youngkin was presented with a saber from Cavanaugh on behalf of the Class of 2023. Three awards are traditionally given at VMI’s May commencement exercises. The First Jackson-Hope Medal for highest attainment in scholarship, accompanied by the Commander Harry Millard Mason Academic Proficiency Award, went to Wolfe. Receiving the Second Jackson-Hope Medal for second highest attainment in scholarship, accompanied by the Colonel Sterling Murray Heflin 1916 Academic Proficiency Award, was Philip M. Argauer ’23, an electrical and computer engineering major with a minor in mathematics. Wolfe also received the Society of the Cincinnati Medal for efficiency of service and excellence of character, accompanied by the Richard J. Marshall and Sumter L. Lowry Awards. Commencement concluded with a benediction offered by Col. Bob Phillips ’87, chaplain, followed by Cadet Mark L. Shelton II ’24, the new regimental commander, relieving the Class of 2023 of their duties as they tossed their gloves in the air.

2023-Issue 3

On Post

VMI Commissions New Officers: History Made as They Enter Six Military Branches

Photos by Joe Czekner, VMI Alumni Agencies.

Approximately 170 cadets commissioned into the armed services in the annual joint commissioning ceremony in Cameron Hall Monday, May 15, 2023. The historic day marked the first time VMI cadets were sworn into six branches: The U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. The ceremony was livestreamed for family and friends who could not attend the event in person. Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, welcomed those in attendance and thanked the ROTC departments, faculty, staff, family members, and guests who supported and encouraged the cadets throughout their time at VMI. He noted the ceremony was the culmination of four or more years of hard work for cadets and a memorable beginning of a life of service to the nation. Wins believes cadets are equipped with the adaptability to meet the new skills expected of soldiers as warfare and technology have changed since World War I, which the United States entered more than a century ago. He congratulated each cadet on attaining their commission and

reminded them to “take heart, knowing you are following in the footsteps of many alumni that have gone before you to live a life of service to our nation.” U.S. Army Gen. Gary M. Brito, commanding general, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, commissioned 109 second lieutenants into the U.S. Army. Brito highlighted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of an all-volunteer U.S. military and closed by offering advice to the new officers. “Take care of your troops, and they will take care of you. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Always seek self-improvement and never stop learning; show respect and promote decency; have fun and enjoy the journey; maintain a healthy work/life balance.” U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. William J. Bowers ’90, commanding general, recruiting command, spoke to cadets about the portion of their oath regarding “bearing true faith and allegiance” to the U.S. Constitution. “Bearing true faith, especially to Marines, comes intuitively—‘Semper

VMI Alumni Review

On Post

By Marianne Hause, VMI Communications & Marketing

Fidelis’—we’re always faithful to our country, our Corps, and to each other. Allegiance means being part of something bigger than ourselves, being part of the ideals of what this country was built on, the Constitution,” said Bowers. U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Brendan R. McLane, U.S. Navy Naval Surface Force Atlantic, commissioned 20 cadets as U.S. Navy ensigns. McLane, who is a grandson of a Class of 1936 alumnus, underscored the cadets’ honorable choice to serve. He said the future ensigns “have all voluntarily joined a select group and assume a great deal of responsibility. Everyone commissioned here today has volunteered to serve, and that service comes with hard work, responsibility, and obligation.” McLane emphasized that the reward for this service in protecting the freedoms of U.S. citizens would be priceless. U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. Philip A. Garrant, deputy chief of space operations, strategy, plans, programs and requirements, commissioned 21 cadets. He explained that, like all uniformed services, the U.S. Air

2023-Issue 3

Force and the U.S. Space Force each have a set of core values to help execute those duties such as character, common purpose, and courage. Of the 21 cadets Garrant commissioned as second lieutenants, 18 commissioned into the U.S. Air Force, and three commissioned into the U.S. Space Force. U.S. Coast Guard Adm. Steven D. Poulin, 33rd vice commandant, commissioned four second lieutenants, marking the first time in VMI history that cadets have received active-duty commissions into the U.S. Coast Guard. “For 233 years, the USCG has protected ports, both at home and abroad, in peacetime and in conflict.” said Poulin. “We are a military service, we’re a proud contributor to the joint force, and we fight alongside our soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen. We’re also a law enforcement agency, a regulatory agency, and a lifesaving agency.” The Coast Guard does not offer a ROTC program like the other branches but instead offers Auxiliary University Programs for cadets interested in commissioning upon graduation.

On Post

2023 Memorial Parade The Memorial Parade commemorated the bravery and sacrifice of all 591 alumni who died on the field of honor.

Photos by Joe Czekner, VMI Alumni Agencies.

VMI Alumni Review

On Post

By Marianne Hause, VMI Communications & Marketing On May 15, 2023, under a light rain, the Memorial Parade was held, commemorating the bravery and sacrifice of all alumni who died on the field of honor. Reading all 591 names were Cadets Angelina Garcia ’25, Harrison Henneberg ’25, John Kennedy ’25, and Thomas Reagan ’25. A wreath was laid at the foot of the monument, Virginia Mourning Her Dead, as well as at the three barracks arches, followed by the firing of a three-volley salute. A stirring echo rendition of taps was played, followed by the Pipe Band leading the Regimental Band in an emotional delivery of Amazing Grace. The Corps then marched from the Parade Ground down Letcher Avenue toward barracks and rendered an eyes-right salute to Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, and Col. Adrian T. Bogart, III ’81, commandant, as they marched past the monument.

2023-Issue 3

Athletics

Coach Rocco: Building a Strong Foundation By Scott Belliveau ’83, Communications Officer

Danny Rocco, VMI’s head football coach since December 2022, is in his 40th season of coaching. He started coaching at his alma mater, Wake Forest University, almost immediately after graduation and was the youngest assistant coach in the Atlantic Coast Conference at the time. Asked why he and his brother, Frank, pursued coaching careers, Rocco responded, “It is in our DNA.” By this, he meant that they are following their father’s example. Described by Rocco as “a lifelong educator,” he coached at the high school and college levels for almost 40 years, including 18 years as an assistant to the legendary Joe Paterno at Penn State. “We grew up in it. From a very young age, we attended his practices and camps. We started by shagging balls, and later we were setting up drills.” Growing up on a sideline—and then playing football for his father— gave Rocco what he describes as “the amazing privilege of seeing how my dad influenced his players—many of whom were my teammates and friends. I was able to see the impact you have on your players as an educator and a coach.”

“I see myself first and foremost as an educator,” said Rocco. “But I am not just teaching football. I am teaching character and values like integrity, self-discipline, and the rewards of hard work. These are the things that will stay with my players for the rest of their lives.” Coaching, he points out, has changed a lot since the mid-1980s. “There are many more things you need to think about in terms of motivation, management, and personnel—like the transfer portal—and more expectations to meet. For example, coaches can now watch a prospective recruit play via video technology. But you need to be comfortable with that technology and make sure your staff is, too.” Despite the changes, for Rocco, coaching’s essence is timeless. “At its core, coaching always has been about uniting a group of men in pursuit of a common goal. Getting them to work in symphony, building a consensus—first on small decisions, then on large ones—and creating a team that is strong, united, and highly motivated is powerful and very satisfying.” Asked what attracted him to VMI, Rocco replied, “When I worked

VMI Alumni Review

Athletics

“At its core, coaching always has been about uniting a group of men in pursuit of a common goal,” said Danny Rocco, VMI football head coach.— Photo courtesy Jakub Deptula, VMI coordinator of athletic multimedia. 2023-Issue 3

in Virginia from 2001–16, I came to know and respect VMI’s mission and its graduates’ service to Virginia and the country. Whenever my teams competed against VMI, I admired the players’ toughness, tenacity, and spirit.” The presence of Jim Miller as the Institute’s athletic director also made the job attractive. “I worked for Jim at Richmond for five seasons, and we always had a good relationship.” Rocco sees two challenges particular to VMI football. “The first is roster management. To be successful, you need the right guys in the right positions, and you’re always looking to build depth. Other schools have ways to keep players for five years. Most teams, therefore, have at least seven or eight five-year men, some as many as 12 to 15.” Without the ability to offer a fifth year, Rocco explained, VMI will be a “‘young team’ with a relatively large number of freshmen and sophomores on the field.” What Rocco calls “the time-management piece” is the second challenge. “Cadets have more demands on their time than students at regular colleges and universities, all of which serve a purpose within VMI’s education,” he explained. “The task for cadet-athletes is to ensure they have the gas in the tank for all of it.” Rocco also sees benefits to how VMI shapes character. “In our society, there is a pull between status and substance. Many people are status driven. They want to be on something that gets them attention, like on social media. Substance-driven people and institutions want to be something better, to do something better, even if a lot of people don’t readily notice it. VMI is a substance-driven place. It attracts people who are substance driven, and they make good football players.” One of a head coach’s responsibilities is building a staff. When Rocco does this, he has in mind “what was passed to me by Tom Coughlin and Al Groh, two great coaches who were successful in college and professional football, and what I’ve learned from my own experience.” “First, they must be passionate about football. If you don’t love this game, why bother?” Rocco began. “Next, I’m 62 years old, but I know I must keep changing. So, I look for evidence of a constant pursuit of growth and improvement. As I said earlier, a coach is as much an educator as he is anything else. So, I look for men with an ability to teach.” “Football is a team sport. So, an effective assistant must be committed to being a team player and to motivating others to be part of

the team,” he continued. “Assistant coaches also have to emulate the head coach in terms of attitude and messaging to their colleagues and players.” As Rocco sees it, another responsibility for a head coach is developing an understanding of what it takes to win. For him, that is not based on instinct but on serious, long-term study. After researching successful teams in college and professional football as well as the NBA, NHL, and Major League Baseball, he has drawn many lessons. One is that the teams with superior resources—payroll, funding, fan base, and facilities—don’t always win. “For example, the Yankees are the richest team in baseball, but they haven’t won a World Series since 2009.” “Winning teams are poised and respond well in pressure-filled, demanding moments,” said Rocco. “So, coaches need to build mental toughness in their players and prepare them to deal with those moments. You develop in them an understanding of the situations so that their reactions to them are instinctive, akin to a ‘muscle memory.’’’ As to spring football, Rocco says, “In all aspects, the team made steady improvement. We focused on introducing systems and inculcating a new culture. We began to work on how we will handle certain game situations, such as a third down and long with two minutes on the clock.” “Afterward,” he continued, “we had a thorough evaluation of our players. My assistants met with their players one-on-one, and then I met with them one-on-one as well. Let me put it this way; we had a different team and a better team in early May than we had in early January. There is great energy on the field and in the locker room, and the players are excited about football.” And what can we expect in the fall? “As well as a teacher, I also have been a builder. As a head coach, I have built successful programs. That’s my goal here: To build a team that is disciplined, that finishes their duties, and takes care of the ball. I want a team in which everyone has a sense of ownership and believes he has the opportunity to solve any problem.” “To build anything, you need a strong foundation, and ours is made up of character, hard work, transparency, and trust.” He paused and smiled, “Oh, yes, you also need to have at least a little fun. “At its core, coaching always has been about uniting a group of men in pursuit of a common goal,” said Rocco.

2023

Athletics

KEYDET FOOTBALL SCHEDULE BYE Sept. 2 Davidson College*

Oct. 14 @ The Citadel

Sept. 9 Sept. 16 @ Bucknell University* @ N.C. State University*

Oct. 21 Samford University

Oct. 28 University of Tennessee – Chattanooga

Sept. 23 Wofford College

Sept. 30 @ Mercer

Oct. 7 BYE Week

Nov. 4 @ East Tennessee State University

Nov. 11 @ Furman University

Nov. 18 Western Carolina University

Bold: indicates home contest. Asterisk: Indicates non-conference contest.

VMI Alumni Review

Athletics

Baseball Team Breaks Records Under Rookie Skipper It was a record-breaking season for Keydet baseball under Sam Roberts ’11, first-year head coach. The Keydets finished their season with an NCAA Division I-leading 192 stolen bases, 30 ahead of the second-place team. VMI broke the NCAA Division I record for most stolen bases in an inning with nine in the second frame against Norfolk State University March 19, breaking a mark that had been on the books since the 1993 season. The Keydets stole 14 bags total versus NSU, breaking the school record for stolen bases in a game. VMI finished the spring fifth in the nation with a .322 batting average, 28th with 604 hits and 37th with 447 runs. The Keydets ranked 16th in doubles (134), 17th in slugging percentage (.529), VMI baseball finished their record-breaking season with an NCAA Division I-leading 192 stolen bases, and 25th in base percentage (.409). 30 ahead of the second-place team. The Keydets’ record for most stolen bases broke a mark set in VMI ended the 2023 campaign with a 26-29 1993.—Photo courtesy VMI Athletics. record. VMI’s SoCon winning percentage (911, 45%) is the best for the team since 2018, and 26 total wins tie the 2018 national champion, 14-13. squad. The Keydets earned the SoCon tournament’s No. 5 seed, the highest Cole Jenkins ’24, right fielder, earned Perfect Game/Rawlings National for the program in five years. Two Keydets were named to national watch Player of the Week honors April 10, becoming VMI’s first national player lists this spring: Zac Morris ’23 on the Brooks Wallace Award Watch List of the week since 2018. Jenkins also was the SoCon Player of the Month and Trey Morgan ’23 for the John Olerud Two-Way Player Watch List. for April, while Jenkins, Morris, and Justin Starke ’23 were recognized as VMI gained national recognition in just the second game of the season conference player of the week at various points during the season. Will Riley by rallying back from a 10-1 deficit to defeat Mississippi State, the 2021 ’24 earned SoCon Pitcher of the Week accolades April 17.

Water Polo Moves into New Aquatic Center last match in Clark King Pool before hitting the road with visits to Minnesota and California followed by Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play in New York and Pennsylvania. A program season highlight was April 1–2, when VMI hosted VMI water polo honored senior players (from left) Sydney Shettleroe ’23, Katie Lloyd ’23, and Gia Donatelli ’23 during their inaugural weekend in the the first-ever NCAA VMI Aquatic Center pool April 2, 2023.—Photo courtesy VMI Athletics. game(s) in the recently completed Aquatic The VMI water polo program concluded its Center. The Keydets welcomed the entire 10-team 11th season in program history this spring, and MAAC field for the weekend, capping it off with the third with Danielle Montenegro, head coach, senior day against Mount St. Mary’s. The Aquatat the helm. In addition to season highlights, the ic Center’s Olympic regulation-size playing field team opened the brand new, state-of-the-art VMI makes it the top pool in the conference. Offensively, Courtney Novotny ’25 led the Aquatic Center in April 2023. The Keydets opened their season with their way with 47 goals, while rookie Sadie Smith

2023-Issue 3

’26 netted 44. Sydney Smith ’26—no relation to Sadie—found the back of the net 39 times and totaled 45 drawn exclusions in the process. Caragh Osborne ’24 proved to be the main facilitator of the offense, handing out a team-high 32 assists. Sydney Shettleroe ’23 had a strong campaign, leading the team with 45 steals and 58 drawn exclusions, adding 42 goals in the process. Shettleroe leaves VMI toting two records—most goals in a game (9) and most exclusions in a game (8)—with 145 goals, 178 drawn exclusions, 96 steals, and 81 assists for her career. In the net, Katie Lloyd ’23 capped off her strong career, collecting 115 saves, 24 steals, and had two assists. In her time at VMI, the Caroline, Virginia, native totaled 353 saves, 46 steals, and two assists. Gia Donatelli ’23 had 25 goals and 27 assists in 2023 to give her 70 scores as a Keydet. With a strong incoming recruiting class and top-notch facility, the future of VMI water polo is bright.

Athletics

Lacrosse Notches Most Wins since 2008

Hartley Jordan ’23 finished his VMI lacrosse career with 102 points as he became the 20th Keydet in program history to make the 100-point club over his four years. He was awarded a First Team All-MAAC selection at the end of the regular season.— Photo courtesy VMI Athletics.

James Purpura, third-year VMI head lacrosse coach, continues to build the program up to its potential as the 2023 squad had its best season since 2008 with a 6-9 overall record. With six wins on the year, VMI registered its most wins since the 2008 season (six) and most goals scored in a season (155) since 1997. In non-play related news, VMI’s contest against Mount St. Mary’s March 29 became the first-ever lacrosse game to be broadcast on post. Hartley Jordan ’23 ended the year with 102 points for his career, tied for 18th in all-time points in program history. Jordan’s 102 career points made him the 20th Keydet in program history to make the 100-point club. For his efforts, he was awarded a First Team All-MAAC selection at the end of the regular season. When VMI defeated Wagner College April 12, the win marked Purpura’s 11th career victory at the helm, passing Jon Birsner and Brian Anken to become the third-winningest coach in the program’s 40-year history. With two goals and one assist for the day against Marist in the season finale, Luke Rusterucci ’25 hit 54 points for the season—tied for 13th most all-time in a single year—and most in a season since Kevin Hill ’08 in 2008. With 24 assists on the year, he also tied Mason Ayers

’99 (1998) for the ninth-most assists in a single season. Adam Norris’ 26, goalie, had 201 saves—sixthmost in a season in program history. Jack Rogers ’26 earned MAAC All-Rookie Team honors after serving as the team’s primary faceoff specialist for all 15 games, winning 171 of 338 faceoff attempts (.506) as a true freshman. He also picked up 72 groundballs during the year and caused four turnovers in addition to scoring three goals. He played a critical role in all of VMI’s six wins on the year. In its season opener Feb. 4, VMI (1-0) earned its first win over the Detroit Mercy Titans (0-1) since the 2012 season and just the second all-time in seven attempts. The 14 goals were also the most VMI has scored against Detroit, topping the previous high of 11 from last season. With the win, VMI earned its second season-opening win in the past three seasons. VMI earned its first 2-0 start to a season since 2019 by defeating Queens University of Charlotte by a 10-9 score in double overtime. The game was the first-ever meeting between the schools and also marked VMI’s first overtime win since the 2014 season. Following VMI’s 20-10 win over Hampton Feb. 21, the three wins in February marked the first

time in program history that VMI had tallied three wins during the month. For the first time since 2012, VMI played four consecutive games scoring in double digits. With the win over Siena March 18, VMI logged its first win over the Saints since the 2008 season after Siena had claimed the previous five outings. The Keydets last competed in the MAAC from 2003–13, when the schools faced each other regularly as conference members. VMI hit new milestones in its 11-10 OT win over Canisius April 1 as the Keydets earned their first conference road victory since 2012 (MAAC/ A-Sun/SoCon), their first win over Canisius since 2009 to break a string of six straight losses, and logged just their third win over the Golden Griffins in 17 all-time contests. In a back-and-forth game that featured eight ties versus Wagner April 12, the Keydets took the lead on four separate occasions to earn their third MAAC victory of the season and sixth overall win of the year. With three MAAC wins on the season, VMI also matched its most conference victories since the 2008 campaign. Purpura and the lacrosse staff have the program on an upward trajectory and look to build once more on its recent success.

VMI Alumni Review

Athletics

Men’s Track Third in SoCon Led by All-Conference performances by several athletes, the VMI men’s track and field team placed third at the 2023 Southern Conference Outdoor Championships May 9 at Catamount Sports Complex in Cullowhee, North Carolina. VMI finished in third place with 97 points. Trent Whittaker ’23, distance runner, paced the Keydets by winning the individual title in the 800-meter with a time of 1:50.20 to earn All-Conference honors. Isaiah Blount ’25 came in second in the decathlon with a total of 6258 points, while Kevin Linko ’23 came in fourth with 5648 points. In the 110-meter hurdles, Liam McBride ’24 came in second in 14.31 for All-Conference recognition, and Xander Topos ’25 placed fifth in 15.07. D. Alex Fiorillo ’23 arrived in third in the 1500-meter run with a time of 3:55.49 as the final Keydet to earn All-Conference recognition. Trent Whittaker ’23, distance runner, paced the Keydets by winning the individual title in the 800-meter with a time of 1:50.20 to earn All-Conference honors. VMI finished in third place with 97 points at the 2023 Southern Conference Outdoor Championships May 9 at Catamount Sports Complex in Cullowhee, North Carolina.—Photo courtesy Todd Drexler, SoCon Photos.

Armstrong ’25 Named SoCon Most Outstanding Female Athlete After winning the individual title in the long jump May 8 and two All-Conference performances May 9, Eleyah Armstrong ’25 was crowned the Southern Conference Female Most Outstanding Athlete at the conclusion of the SoCon Outdoor Track and Field Championships. The Hampton, Virginia, native led the Keydets to a seventh-place finish with 39 points at the SoCon Outdoor Championships over the two-day event. On May 9, Armstrong finished second in the 100-meter dash in 11.84 seconds to earn All-Conference honors and then placed second in the 200-meter dash in 24.21 seconds to again earn All-SoCon recognition. Armstrong broke VMI’s school record in the long jump May 8 by logging a distance of 5.98m (19’7”) to win the individual title for the event, breaking the 19’6” program record of former VMI great Bria Anderson ’18 from the 2015 season. The 4x100 grouping of Se’More Green ’26, Heaven Hall ’26, Shea Hart ’26, and Armstrong came in fifth place with a time of 47.85 seconds. Jenna Kirkland ’24 came in sixth in the discus with a distance of 37.35m, and Judith Gonzalez ’23 finished 13th in 32.75m. Eleyah Armstrong ’25, VMI sprinter and jumper, led the women’s track and field team with impressive performances, concluding with her being awarded Southern Conference Female Most Outstanding Athlete at the SoCon Outdoor Track and Field Championships May 8–9, 2023.—Photo courtesy Todd Drexler, SoCon Photos.

2023-Issue 3

Events

Foundation Scholarship Banquet Showcases Donor Support By Mary Price, Development Writer

Photos by Joe Czekner, VMI Alumni Agencies. On the evening of Saturday, April 22, 2023, a sizeable crowd of alumni, cadets, and other members of the VMI family gathered in Marshall Hall to recognize, acknowledge, and celebrate a unique group of people: The scholarship donors whose financial assistance makes it possible for so many cadets to attend VMI. This year’s VMI Foundation Scholarship Banquet attracted approximately 100 fund representatives and their guests, 75 cadets, members of the Foundation Board of Trustees, and other friends of the Institute. Welcoming the evening’s attendees was Tom Zarges ’70, VMI Alumni Agencies Board of Directors chairman and Foundation Board of Trustees president. In his remarks, Zarges noted the unique qualities of VMI cadets that enable them to succeed at a school where challenges are an intrinsic part of the cadet experience. “So, at VMI, to even be here as a cadet means that VMI noticed something out of the ordinary about you, your self-discipline, determination, and your purpose for being here,” Zarges stated. “Our admission criteria are aimed at attracting not the privileged but a broad cross-section of potential leaders, those leaders who have the grit to see it through.” But admitting potential cadets who have the grit and resolve to stay the course at the Institute is but a first step; VMI’s commitment to cadet success, Zarges commented, is undergirded by the Institute’s faculty, including approximately 30 individuals who hold endowed chairs and professorships. Small class sizes, faculty who overwhelmingly hold terminal degrees in their fields, and ensuring cadets have access to undergraduate research are all hallmarks of a VMI education.

VMI Alumni Review

Events

With those supports in place, cadets can flourish—even if their academic beginnings at the Institute have been less than stellar. “Over the years, we’ve witnessed amazing transformations in which rats initially stumbling academically went on to wear academic stars,” said Zarges. “As long as our cadets don’t give up on themselves, we don’t give up on them, either.” But for many cadets, just being at VMI and open to the Institute’s possibilities requires financial support, given the extraordinary cost of higher education today, and Zarges thanked the donors for providing just that. “No matter what changes take place in the world, our graduates will continue to provide what our nation will always need: Honor, civility, integrity, nobility of character, and a sense of selfless sacrifice,” he said. “This would not happen without the generous donors represented in this room tonight.” Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, followed Zarges to the podium, where he shared his own story of having his life changed by being able to attend VMI, thanks to scholarship support. No one in Wins’ family had attended college, and his father had only been able to finish high school by earning a GED. “I know firsthand how financial support can change the trajectory of a young man or woman,” said Wins. “I was given the opportunity to pursue my dreams, both academically and athletically. There’s no doubt this helped set up my military career—everything that I would do in my life after I left the Institute.” But the superintendent was quick to note that his story is not unique. Hundreds of cadets have had the same experience thanks to the generosity of those who came before

2023-Issue 3

them, and that pattern of generosity continues today. In his remarks, Wins mentioned several current cadets who are benefitting from scholarship support, among them Patrick Simmons ’25, a Peay merit scholar who plans to commission into the U.S. Marine Corps; Kate Taylor ’24, a member of the Institute’s NCAA swim team who will commission into the U.S. Army; and Brandon Marks ’23, president of the Honor Court. Cadets such as these benefit from the “strong support from our alumni and our friends,” the superintendent noted. “These are just a few examples of cadets who are benefiting from your financial support,” Wins continued. “I’m sure many of you are like myself and these cadets. You have similar stories of how others helped you make it through your undergraduate education. ... I hope you can see that we are still providing our cadets with the stellar education you and I have received.” Taylor, a native of Newton, Massachusetts, also addressed the gathering, offering heartfelt remarks about how the Institute had changed her life. Coming out of high school, Taylor applied to several large universities, but with the guidance of her parents, Taylor began to realize that perhaps schools such as those would not be her best path. “I realized these other schools would always be there,” she stated. “The challenge that VMI was offering me was a once-in-alifetime opportunity I had to take. I realized that the goals, dreams, and aspirations I had would only benefit from the structure the

Institute provides.” Taylor applied to VMI and was accepted. Then, she and her parents realized they could not afford VMI’s out-of-state tuition. Taylor contacted the Institute’s swim coach, passing along the regretful message that she would not be able to attend—and later that day, she received an email telling her that she’d been awarded a second scholarship. This one tipped the balance in Taylor’s favor, and she was able to accept her appointment. Having never visited Virginia before Matriculation Day, much less VMI, Taylor arrived on post in August 2020 with a commitment to stay the course through the “transformational adversity” the Institute has long been known for. “Everything I did and will continue to do, the way I strive to do everything I can, is out of respect for those who believed in me, for myself, this place, this very special place, and then the people within it have made me who I am today,” said Taylor. “It is a privilege to be on this post,” Taylor concluded. “Even the bad days here are a privilege and one that is made possible by the very people in this room. I truly feel that, for me, the common VMI narrative has been flipped: VMI is not only a better place to be from—it is also a great place to be.”

Events

LEGACY DAY 2023 Photos by Joe Czekner and Mary Price, VMI Alumni Agencies.

By Mattie Montgomery, Assistant Editor VMI saw fresh faces April 29, 2023, as the children and grandchildren of alumni arrived on post for Legacy Day 2023. One-hundred-and-three youths, ages 5-18, attended Legacy Day, an event providing alumni and their families an opportunity to return to the Institute and share the VMI spirit with the next generation. Legacies began their day with breakfast in Moody Hall before heading to formation on the Parade Ground to meet their cadet group leaders. They then marched to the Corps Physical Training Facility, where they were challenged with various activities, including rope climbs, rock climbing, relay races, and a low crawl. Overseeing the event was Maj. Isaac Slone, CPTF facilities director, and his cadet cadre, led by Josh Davis ’23. The oldest legacies, ages 15-18, transitioned to Kilbourne Hall, where they participated in the shot simulation program guided by Col. Bill Bither, Corps Marksmanship director and NCAA rifle coach. Groups then split off, with some walking through barracks on cadet-led tours from the S5 staff, while others enjoyed time on the Parade Ground with VMI’s very own Moe. The youngest legacies, ages 5-11, enjoyed drawing in Moody Hall with VMI coloring books and exploring science in a demonstration headed by Lt. Col. Daniel Harrison ’05, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, in the Mallory Physics Lecture

VMI Alumni Review

Events Hall. Meanwhile, the oldest legacies attended an admissions presentation from Maj. Chase Perry ’07 which highlighted the one-of-a-kind experience of VMI. Finally, all groups dismissed to Crozet for lunch before heading to Gray-Minor Stadium to watch the VMI baseball team take on Samford University. “It was great to see all the alumni and children return to VMI,” said Ed Johnson ’79, VMI Alumni Association chief operating officer. “The day was kicked off with a rousing Old Yell for Legacy Day.” Ethan Carpenter ’23, VMI Alumni Association intern and cadet in charge of Legacy Day, said he was pleased with the event’s success and touched by witnessing alumni sharing the VMI tradition with their children and grandchildren. “After months of planning and preparation, we were all very excited to see so many wonderful families come back and spend some quality time on post,” said Carpenter. “Getting to see the kids running around and making friends is what it’s all about. You can see the pride the parents and grandparents feel when they are watching their children and grandchildren trying on a coatee that’s three sizes too big—you never get those kinds of moments back. It was really amazing to witness and be a part of sharing the VMI spirit with the next generation; this is among many other things that make this Institute so special and dear to our hearts. “Thank you to everyone who helped put this together and thank you to all those who made the trip to participate; it truly means the world. We hope to see you all back on post soon! Rah Virginia Mil!”

2023-Issue 3

Events

Cape Fear – Fayetteville Chapter Attends Hockey Game Cape Fear – Fayetteville Chapter alumni watch the Fayetteville Marksmen hockey game at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Feb. 26, 2023.

Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter March Senior Breakfast Alumni gathering for the Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter senior breakfast March 20, 2023, are (from left) Bill Gibson ’65, Rick Hening ’75, Bill Murchison ’70, Barton Pasco ’77, Roger Rosenfield ’47, Paul Johnston ’61, Dixie Walker ’70, Jane Walker, Mike Kelly ’73, Sam Hening, and Larry Wilson ’62.

Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter February Senior Breakfast Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter members enjoy a senior breakfast at Brigs Great Beginnings restaurant in Raleigh, North Carolina, Feb. 21, 2023. In attendance are (from left) Bill Gibson ’65, Rick Hening ’75, Roger Rosenfield ’47, Luke Hale ’00, Larry Wilson ’62, Sam Hening, Will Bynum ’77, Pete Shelley ’74, Parky Parkman ’66, Bill Murchison ’70, Paul Johnston ’61, and John Kuchnia ’57. Dixie Walker ’70 was present but not pictured.

VMI Alumni Review

Events

Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter April Senior Breakfast Attending the Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter senior breakfast April 18, 2023, are (from left, seated) Snookie Parker ’74, Pete Shelley ’74, Bill Murchison ’70, Bill Gibson ’65, Chip Davis ’77, Alan Tashima ’71, Roger Rosenfield ’47, Parky Parkman ’66, Paul Johnston ’61, Sam Hening, Rick Hening ’75, Ed Andrews ’70, (standing) Barton Pasco ’77, and Larry Wilson ’62.

Coastal Georgia – South Carolina Chapter Celebrates Book Launch Coastal Georgia – South Carolina Chapter members joined The Citadel alumni to celebrate the publication of Carolina’s Ring by Lynn Seldon ’83 at Pat Conroy Literary Center in Beaufort, South Carolina, Feb. 16, 2023. Pictured are (from left) Jim Stone ’92, Paul Russo ’87, John Warley (The Citadel ’67), Seldon, Hugh Gouldthorpe ’61, and Jeff Duncan ’84.

VMI Glee Club Visits The Villages – Florida Chapter VMI Glee Club and Col. John Brodie (Hon) perform in front of an audience of The Villages – Florida Chapter alumni, family, and friends at the Eisenhower Regional Recreation Center March 11–12, 2023.

2023-Issue 3

Events

Superintendent Visits Greater Los Angeles Chapter Greater Los Angeles Chapter members host Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, at the Costa Mesa Country Club March 14, 2023. A group of 45 alumni, family, friends, and prospective cadets gathered to welcome Wins to Southern California, hear an Institute update, and share in the VMI spirit on the West Coast.

Northern California Chapter Dines with Superintendent and Water Polo Team 1

After watching the VMI Keydets water polo team play two games at California State University – East Bay, Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, visited with alumni, parents, cadet-athletes, and the Northern California Chapter in Fremont, California, March 11, 2023. The evening included a meal, fellowship, and an update on the Institute.

1) Pictured with Wins are VMI water polo team members (from left, front row) Julia Ward ’26, Gia Donatelli ’23, (back row) Sadie Smith ’26, Caragh Osborne ’24, Sydney Smith ’26, Sydney Shettleroe ’23, Wins, Rachel Greathouse ’25, Courtney Novotny ’25, and Katie Lloyd ’23. 2) Alumni attending the dinner are Joe Irby ’85, Matthew Sharpe ’04, Eric Eisemon ’98, Samuel Callejo ’89, Wins, Brian Andrew ’03, Erik Wilkerson ’03 (chapter president), Gerry Robinson ’78, Emily Fulton ’18, Dennis Johnson ’81, and Patrick Chang-Lo ’66.

2 42

VMI Alumni Review

Events

Metro D.C. Region XIV Alumni Host Superintendent Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, visits with members of the Metro D.C. Region XIV alumni chapters at Village Brauhaus in Alexandria, Virginia, Feb. 10, 2023. Guests heard remarks from Wins; Ed Johnson ’79, VMI Alumni Association chief operating officer; and Will Collier ’06, Metro D.C. Region XIV regional director.

Rocky Mountain Chapter Ski and Snowshoe Trip With abundant snowfall during their trip, Rocky Mountain Chapter members enjoy skiing in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and snowshoeing in the nearby Rabbit Ears Pass. The ski trip was hosted by Paul Hebert ’68, Ph.D., Jan. 27–29, 2023. 1) Pictured snowshoeing in Rabbit Ears Pass are (from left) Tom Reimann ’88, Tracey Reimann, and Debbie Smith. Present but not pictured is Parke Smith ’79. 2) Enjoying the Rocky Mountain Chapter ski and snowshoe trip are (from left) Tom Reimann ’88, Jay Donato ’97, Paul Hebert ’68, Parke Smith ’79, and Todd Baldwin ’06. Mayling Simpson, Debbie Smith, Tracey Reimann, Ingrid Donato, Jamie Baldwin, Caroline Baldwin, and T.J. Baldwin also participated. 3) Pictured skiing in Steamboat Springs are (from left) Todd Baldwin ’06, Jay Donato ’97, Paul Hebert ’68, and Parke Smith ’79. Present but not pictured is Debbie Smith.

2 2023-Issue 3

3 43

Events

Southwest Florida Chapter Enjoys Midwinter Dinner The Southwest Florida Chapter members hold a midwinter dinner in Fort Myers, Florida, Feb. 26, 2023.

Valley Chapter Hosts Watch Party Members of the Valley Chapter host a watch party to cheer on the Keydets against the Western Carolina Catamounts at Heritage on Main Street in Waynesboro, Virginia, Feb. 25, 2023. Watching the game are (from left) Carrie Wagner, Steve Wilson ’87, Mary Wilson, Don McQueen ’70, Candy Wagner, Cameron Seay ’70, Mary Seay, Signe Marechal, Doug Marechal ’62, Dickie Sedwick ’71, Don Bowers ’90, and Stacey Bowers. Present but not pictured are Jake Kleinschuster ’64 and Deborah Kleinschuster.

Wilmington Chapter Old Corps Breakfast Attending the Wilmington Chapter Old Corps breakfast at The Boathouse restaurant March 7, 2023, are (from left) Anthony Pileggi ’78, George Myers ’79, Tom Tolbert ’66, Bob Schmalzriedt ’68, Arnold Leonard ’74, and John Gangemi ’61.

VMI Alumni Review

Progress Waltz ’85:

By Mary Price, Development Writer

“Anything’s Possible”

Stella and Jesse Waltz ’85 with their yellow lab, Sammi.—Photos courtesy Waltz.

Jesse Waltz ’85 never took higher education for granted. No one in his family had gone to college, and his parents had only gone through school as far as the eighth grade. He was the seventh of nine children, and resources were scarce, to say the least. Then came high school. Waltz, a wrestler, wrestled in the Pennsylvania state wrestling championship, and at the state meet, a college wrestling coach came up to talk to him. The coach was Isaac “Ike” Sherlock, VMI wrestling coach from 1978–85, and Waltz’s life would never be the same. In time, the young man uncertain of his future would matriculate at VMI, earn a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering, and become the first person in his family to graduate from college. He went on to establish two businesses, JES Foundation Repair and KBH Business Management Systems, which he evolved into industry leaders. Together, the two businesses led to the formation of Groundworks, the nation’s leading and fastest-growing foundation repair and water management solutions company, now employing more than 4,000 people. In gratitude for all that VMI and Sherlock did for him, Waltz recently established the Coach Ike Sherlock and Jesse Waltz ’85 Wrestling Scholarship, which will be awarded for the first time in the 2023–24 academic year. “I never would have been able to go to college without a scholarship,” Waltz explained. “VMI awarded me a full wrestling scholarship. It opened my world.” Having considered enlisting in the military straight out of high school, Waltz didn’t object to coming to a military college. In fact, he saw an upside. “Growing up, I was very poor. I never

2023-Issue 3

had nice clothes or any of that. So, to me, it was a good thing that everybody would be dressed the same,” he noted. “I was happy I wouldn’t need to buy clothes. I couldn’t.” Just as cadet uniforms level the Corps socially, Waltz found satisfaction in competing in an individual sport, and the lessons he learned from wrestling at VMI carried over well into business. “[Wrestling is] a matter of your preparation and execution, and you can’t look and say it was the ref’s fault or the coach’s fault,” said Waltz, who won the individual Southern Conference championship in 1985, his 1st Class year. “Those skills and principles, without a doubt, helped me fight through the difficult times in business.” Sherlock, who led the Keydet grapplers to a Southern Conference championship in 1985 and was named SoCon coach of the year four times, made sure the young men on his team were learning more than grips, holds, and pins. Waltz remembers going on road trips with the team and seeing Sherlock reading books, such

The Waltzes with their children in Aruba.

as Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People. With the knowledge from books like Carnegie’s in mind, Sherlock would talk to his wrestlers. “He was constantly reading and making you realize you can do better,” Waltz remembered. “Coach also helped get me my first job at Norfolk’s Naval Facilities Engineering Command.” Even in wrestling practice, Sherlock knew how far to push his team. “Coach had the ability to push you beyond where you wanted to go and not make you hate him,” Waltz stated. In recognition of all he had done for VMI athletics, Sherlock was inducted into the VMI Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. After VMI, it was time for Waltz to wrestle with building his business, which now spans the country and operates in 25 different states. Tackling wet basements, structural repairs, and damp crawlspaces wasn’t easy—but neither was his time at VMI. Thankfully, Waltz had learned how to face a challenge head-on without wavering. Now a resident of Virginia Beach, Virginia, with a second home on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Waltz stepped down as Groundworks CEO in 2018. Today, he focuses on private equity, real estate, and other investments, and spending time with his family. Describing his success as “a process over the years of trying to get better,” Waltz says that the lessons he learned at VMI are what helped him rise from an economically disadvantaged background in the small town of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, to the person he is today. “VMI helped me with that stick-to-itivness and never give up mentality,” said Waltz. “You can’t quit.” No cadet makes it through VMI alone, of course, and Waltz is especially grateful for a group of friends who always had his back. “I want to send special thanks to my roommates, W.G. Rowlett, Dave Stinnette, John Wranek, and Gary ‘Mac’ McClelland, and also to my dedicated wrestling workout partner, Ben Walker,” he said. “They undoubtedly helped me make it through VMI, and I will always be grateful for their friendships.” Waltz noted it will be “humbling” to realize he has made it possible for another young man to attend the Institute on a wrestling scholarship, just as he did. “I was that kid who did not know what my future looked like when I entered this place,” he stated. “Anything’s possible. Just to realize what you can accomplish over time, with dedication and the willingness to do whatever it takes—it’s almost unbelievable.”

Members of the Class of 1973 gather to dedicate the Unity Tree near Third Barracks April 15, 2023.—Photo by Joe Czekner, VMI Alumni Agencies.

Unity Tree, Resolution Show Spirit of Class of ’73 By Mary Price, Development Writer In gratitude for all that the Institute has done for them and recognition of the common bond that all VMI alumni share, members of the Class of 1973 gathered April 15, 2023, during their 50th Reunion to dedicate the Unity Tree, a gift to VMI from the class. “Even if we VMI persons should disagree about some specific subject ... we are united in that same sentiment—we love VMI, what it stands for, its history, and the transformative value of a VMI education,” said Jeff Minch ’73. The tree, a 30-foot-tall water oak grown and planted by Grelen Nursery of Orange, Virginia, stands in the circle near Third Barracks. The idea for planting a tree that would serve as a visual representation of the love for VMI

that binds all alumni grew from a discussion on the class Facebook page in advance of the 50th Reunion, explained Tom Linn ’73. Soon, online chat turned into real-life action when Scott Lingamfelter ’73 proposed planting a tree to replace “an emblem of VMI,” the Guard Tree. During 19th and early 20th century summers, the cadet guard slept in tents beneath a large tree on the Parade Ground, which is how the Guard Tree got its name. It was planted the year VMI was founded, 1839, and lived until 1951. Fittingly, 1951 is the year that many members of the Class of 1973 were born. “We need an inclusive oak that can provide shade for all people,” said Bill Spencer ’73. The tree is believed to be the first planted on

post by a class. Many class members and members of the Rockbridge Chapter of the VMI Alumni Association attended the dedication, and Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, offered brief remarks. The commemorative plaque near the tree reads, “This tree symbolizes the enduring bonds of all VMI classes, past, present, and future, and is planted in their memory and honor. May it remind passersby that the Institute is firmly rooted in the honorable tradition of the citizen-solder.” In addition, at their 50th Reunion class dinner April 14, the Class of 1973 presented Wins with a resolution affirming their belief in the power of a VMI education.

VMI Alumni Review

Progress Czekner, Photos by Joe encies. Ag VMI Alumni

The resolution, Tom Linn ’73 noted, grew out of the spirit of reflection that a milestone celebration often engenders. “As we prepared for our 50th Reunion, we reflected on the value of the VMI education—academic, leadership, and character development, and how it has positively impacted our lives,” he stated. “A resonant chord emerged: The value of the VMI education endures and is essential to the future we face.” The resolution, signed by approximately 125 class members, affirmed the signatories’

belief that the Institute “stands as a bulwark against a chaotic world of mediocracy, educating for a world of accelerating change and intense challenges while providing a foundation of honor, service, and gentility that creates fair specimens of its graduates.” With recent discussions about VMI foremost in their minds, members of the class offered the resolution in support of the Institute and the Corps of Cadets. “Members of the Class of 1973 felt compelled to demonstrate our unity and our unwavering support of our

beloved Institute,” said Linn. “We felt an urgency to show that we stand united with the vast majority of VMI alumni in our support and belief in VMI.” As such, the resolution concludes with a look to the future: “The Class of 1973 believes a Virginia Military Institute education will continue to be synonymous with honor, duty, and excellence and that VMI-trained leadership is essential to our United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

Members of the Class of 1973 present the class resolution on the value of VMI’s education to Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, April 14, 2023.—Photo by Jenny David, VMI Alumni Agencies.

2023-Issue 3

Progress

& MAKE AN IMPACT WITH NEW ANNUAL LEADERSHIP LEVELS 48

VMI Alumni Review

Progress

& Scan the QR code below with your smartphone or tablet camera to make a gift and get started on your annual giving level for this year!

2023-Issue 3

Class Notes

1944 Jonathan Safrit ’10

The Class of 1944 wishes the VMI community the very best as we near the end of summer. As I write these notes, VMI’s most senior

2024+3 to barracks and wishes them the best of luck this coming year. After the passing of Douglas Lindsay and James W. Tinsley late last year, I was afraid the last living representatives from that class passed with them. I am thrilled to report that last spring, I finally established contact with Robert Moore. Like most of his brother rats, Mr. Moore’s time at VMI was cut short due to the events of World War II. His older brother, William Moore ’934, was a member of the Class of 1934 and worked

1947 Paul Munson ’87

Recently, I received a nice letter from Don Doherty, who is currently living in Cazenovia, New York. He let me know he enjoys reading the Alumni Review to keep up with what’s going on at VMI. Thanks, Mr. Doherty, and hope you are doing well up there. I’m working on updating the addresses and emails I have for the class. Emails have been sent out to what I have, and some have been kicked back. If you have any updates along those lines, please pass them on to me. Thanks for the help.

1948B

Lionel T. Wolford

Class of 1944: Having lunch in San Diego, California, in March 2023 are (from left) Bob Smothers; Jay Wegrzyn ’66; and Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent. alumnus, Bob Smothers, is doing well as he celebrates his 82nd New Market Day since becoming a VMI cadet. Earlier this year, when I informed Bob he had become the most senior alum, he said it was unbelievable and something he never expected. While that distinction is certainly not one anyone wishes for themselves, I cannot imagine a better-suited senior ambassador for VMI. I believe anyone that knows Bob would agree. I hope everyone has enjoyed their summer thus far, and the Class of 1944 welcomes the newest Rat Mass to post as they prepare to matriculate. As always, I remain available to the friends and family of 1944 and always enjoy hearing from you all.

1945 Jonathan Safrit ’10

The Class of 1945 welcomes the Rat Mass of

in the Pentagon during World War II. After the war, William proved instrumental in getting the funding for the construction of Moody Hall. Robert Moore continues to live in his native Rockbridge County, where he once served as postmaster. In this role, he participated in the dedication of the Marshall Library due to the commemorative stamp issued to mark the occasion. He celebrated his 100th birthday last June, and I look forward to sharing more about that event with the VMI community. As always, I’m here for any family or friends of 1945. Wishing you all the best in the coming months.

1946

David M. Hudock ’97

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

Brother Rats, It has been 79 years since ’48B (about 180) arrived at VMI in June 1944. We all thought we would be fighting the Japanese and Germans in the near future. Most of the Class of 1947 and almost all of the Classes of 1946 and 1945 were already in military service. In June 1944, George Ramsey came to VMI from Lynchburg in the family car. He roomed with three other brother rats, John Gorman, Walter Vannoy, and Ned McDonald from Lynchburg, and with Art Violette from Hampton, Virginia, in Room 221. Rod Kallgren came with his high school classmate, Jed White, from Norfolk by bus via Richmond to Lexington. They met Charles Nixon from California, and all three roomed in Room 206. Angus Crook boarded the train in Jackson, Tennessee, which took him to Staunton, Virginia. At the bus station, he met Nick Harris. After arriving in Lexington, they met Bunn Rhea and Willie Dick Parker. These four occupied a room above the main arch. Very early in the morning June 7, 1944, my father drove us from Jeanerette to New Orleans.

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes I boarded the Southerner and arrived in Lynchburg early the next morning. I met Henry Johnson on the train. We had breakfast in the coffee shop of a Lynchburg hotel and caught the bus to Lexington. We met Cal Woodard on the bus. We three roomed in Room 217. I talked to George Ramsey several times recently. He is well and in good shape physically. His interest in VMI is not what it used to be, but it may be improving. He mentioned that someone asked him to go to Lexington for the Alumni Association meeting. Hopefully, good things may develop. We enjoyed talking about our VMI experience. George and I are both 95 years old. I also talked with Rod Kallgren of Dearborn, Michigan, and was happy to learn that he recovered from his bout with COVID-19. I learned from him that VMI has a new football coach. He has resumed driving 25 miles to church every Sunday. He sounded great, but he did not mention anything about golf. Rod is 96 years old. I had a long talk with Angus Crook of Nashville, Tennessee. He has mostly recovered from his fall but uses a cane or walker to get around. He and Nancy are settled in their new apartment at the Belle Meade Country Club. He mentioned that now that he is 95 years old, he no longer has to pay country club dues. When I passed this news on to George, he replied, “I wish my country club would do that.” My effort to contact Al Loth was unsuccessful. Recently, I saw a documentary on TV about Buffalo Soldiers. Since I am probably the only VMI person to serve in a Buffalo Soldier unit, I paid close attention. Shortly after the end of the Civil War, four regiments for Black soldiers were created. These were the 9th and 10th Cavalry and the 24th and 25th Infantry regiments. The officers were white. All four regiments were sent to the west to fight the Native Americans. They did an outstanding job, and they earned the name Buffalo Soldiers. They remained on active duty and participated in all our country’s conflicts and wars through World War II. At the end of World War II, the 9th and 10th cavalry and the 25th Infantry regiments were deactivated. The 24th Infantry regiment remained on active duty and, as part of the 25th Infantry Division, served on occupation duty in Japan. When the Korean War erupted, the 25th Infantry Division, with the 24th Infantry regiment as one of its three regiments, was the first complete American division committed. Overall, the 24th Infantry performed well, but two bad incidents, one in the

2023-Issue 3

Pusan perimeter and a second at Kuni-ri in North Korea, saddled the unit with a bad reputation. I arrived in Korea in March 1951 and was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division. The G-1 assigned me to the 159th Field Artillery Battalion. Like the 24th Infantry regiment, it was an all-Black unit except for half the officers. The 159th had no Buffalo Soldier heritage but enjoyed an excellent reputation. It furnished direct artillery support to the 24th Infantry regiment. On March 8, 1951, I was assigned to Company K, 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry regiment as artillery forward observer and served with this Buffalo Soldier unit until April 23, 1951. This was a period of very heavy fighting. When I joined Company K, it had about 175 able Black soldiers, three white officers, and one Black officer. When I was replaced as forward observer by Lt. Walker April 23, 1951, Company K had about 50 soldiers and no officers left. I am very proud to have served with that Buffalo Soldier company. The 24th Infantry regiment was disbanded in October 1951. I imagine that John Boyd, looking down from heaven, was sad two years ago when his friend, Kim Mulky, women’s head basketball coach, left Baylor and returned home to Louisiana. But likely, he smiled when Kim Mulky’s LSU women’s basketball team won the national championship. Brother rats, have a great summer.

1949A Paul Munson ’87

Greetings to all. I’m working on updating the addresses and emails I have for the class. Emails have been sent out to what I have, and some have been kicked back. If you have any updates along those lines, please pass them on to me. Thanks for the help.

1949B

Ding Patton

These notes cover the period from Feb.

15–May 15, 2023. I received an email from the Alumni Association recently giving me the dates of our next class reunion. Please mark your calendars and save the dates of April 15–16, 2024, and plan to attend our 75th Reunion in Lexington. Our reunion hotel and more information should be available soon, and I will email it to everyone when I receive it. Max Feinman called just after I submitted the last class notes. He said that he had tried to email me some information, but I never received it. I guess that Max is about as technologically challenged as I am. On Palm Sunday, Jim Enochs called with the bad news that he had been in either the hospital or a rehab facility at the McGuire Veterans Hospital for four months but would be going home in a few days. He said that he suffered from difficult breathing and what the doctors diagnosed as congestive heart failure. He has been having speech and mobility therapy and is progressing well but wouldn’t wish his illness on anyone. Perry Williamson called and said that he was born on Easter Sunday and would be 95 on Easter Sunday 2023. He had entertained 12 members of his family over Palm Sunday and has a great-grandchild graduating from college this spring. I always enjoy Perry’s call and faithfulness to ’49B. Tom Altizer is still in Florida, having been delayed in returning to Staunton for the summer. He discovered that there was mold in the cabinets of his apartment there, and he is having to take care of this problem before heading back to Virginia. The Alumni Association’s deadline for submitting these notes is May 15. I know that date is important to all of us, and I will remember the bravery of those young cadets who fought and died at the Battle of New Market. The Valley Chapter of the Alumni Association here will hold its annual dinner meeting at the New Market Battlefield and Virginia Museum of the Civil War in honor of the occasion. Later, I intend to view the movie The Field of Lost Shoes again. I hope to have more news next time. Now, go mark your calendar for April 15–16, 2024, before you forget it! God Bless America, VMI, and ’49B. Yours in the Bonds of VMI, Ding

Class Notes cadets returned to barracks Sept. 1, 1948. The Institute recognized ’50A as the next class to inherit the responsibilities of the Honor Court Cameron Seay ’70 and the General Committee, and ’50B, the 2nd Class and the first full-year class on a normal academic schedule, had aspirations of taking over for the entire next year. A lot was at stake here, as the superintendent was simply following the line of class seniority, and there was no Class of These final class notes are partly a history 1949C! The Class of 1949C was being squeezed of VMI’s Class of 1949C and partly memories out of leadership in the Corps. Something had to sent to me by all nine of the surviving widows be done. of this wonderful class. In barracks, Bobby Patterson argued passionOn Feb. 28, 2023, Haywood Gordon France, ately for proper class representation. He was the lone surviving brother rat of the Class of the great catalyst for espousing the cause of 1949C, died in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He was ’49C—“the most powerful influence in our class. 98. Some might think that his class will fade A kingmaker, he operated behind the scene,” into history and be soon forgotten, but that’s said classmate Bruce Taylor. He tangled with not likely to happen to the George Catlett Marthe Institute in December 1944 and lost—beshall ’901 Class of 1949C. Let me tell you why. ing charged with habitual indifference to regulaThe Class of 1949C is the most conspicuoustions. But Patterson’s “conduct for our class and ly unusual class in VMI history. The Institute his devotion to the Institute over the years have had a significant challenge in trying to stay made good a thousandfold for any previous inafloat during the war years while still encourfraction,” chronicled Thomas Hathaway. With aging boys to do their patriotic duty to serve contentions between ’49C and ’50A, and with their country. Many did, and some did not re’50B adding fuel to the fire, the atmosphere was turn. Those who did, especially those in ’49C, set for disaster. It was time for action. The way endured hardships back at VMI—virtually all Tom Hawkins described it, “We formed a unitof them starting life two to three years late. ed bond among us ... to protect ourselves.” AgThey were the epitome of what VMI praises as itation for a meeting was growing, and authoricitizen-soldiers. ties at the Institute were aware of it. A meeting of Thomas C. Hathaway Jr., chronicler of the the members of the Class of ’49C was called for Class of ’49C, described his class as “the only in Memorial Hall Oct. 7, 1948. After the evening class which never matriculated, never walked meal, 1st Class cadets scheduled to graduate in the Rat Line, has no brother rats, has no class June filed into Memorial Hall with an air of apring, yet each member of the class has all of the prehension. What happened? Years above.” It was not defined hence, Hathaway says that the colas a brother rat class but was lective memory of the class sufmerely assigned the next nufered a power outage; no one could merical designator: 1949C. remember a thing. To make matters Created Nov. 1, 1945, it was worse, there were no surviving rean “administrative assemcords in the Archives. But a leader blage,” primed with 12 memarose in Jack Hutchinson ’46, who bers of the Class of 1949B took charge of the meeting by dewho had not advanced. The fault or by acclaim. All knew why first veteran to join the class they were there, and there were ferwas Vincent Joseph Raguvent appeals for union and closure nas, who returned to barracks as a class. Bobby Patterson made Jan. 26, 1946. That small cothe best speech of his life, arguing hort grew with the return of strongly to form a class. The deciother veterans, arriving on sion was essentially already made no particular schedule, who Class of 1949C: Attending the 70th Reunion class dinner in spring 2019 are in their minds. All that remained were anxious to continue (from left) Robert Fretz, Haywood France, and John Holladay. The only was to work out the details, one of their educations cut short by other living brother rat at the time, Coleman Rice, was unable to attend which was whether to design and “a mild case of world disordue to illness. wear their own class ring. That was der.” These joined the Corps

1949C

as uniformed cadets who lived in barracks or as civilians—some of them married—who lived uptown, and they were dropped into various class slots depending on the amount of work or credits they had acquired before leaving. There was no serious consideration of what the class constituted other than a vehicle to provide the quickest and surest route to achieve personal objectives. They would be the first class to complete the two-semester cycle from their 3rd Class year to a normal June graduation since the Class of 1943. Over the next two-and-a-half years, the class would be populated by 116 cadets who had matriculated with, walked the Rat Line with, and were brother rats of 11 classes—those of ’43, ’44, ’45, ’46, ’47, ’48A, ’48B, ’49A, ’49B, ’50A, and ’50B. Veterans were extended General Committee privileges of their original brother rat classes which, in effect, were 1st Class privileges. This arrangement certainly suited them well. Also, because of the Alumni Association decision of June 10, 1940, to declare that no ex-cadet could become an alumnus until after his “class” had graduated, ’49C’s returning veterans from the original Classes of 1944, 1945, and 1946 would sit both as cadets and alumni. Cohesiveness of the class grew steadily. ROTC summer camp in 1948 proved to be possibly the most influential experience in drawing the class together. All 2nd Class cadets, ’49B and ’49C, were together at summer camp, and there was no small amount of grumbling among the ’49Bs as to who would inherit from them the mantle of power in governing barracks when they graduated. This would soon burst out into the open when

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes decided against since many already wore the ring of their brother rat class. The most important issue by far, however, was unanimously decided: To officially form a class, to elect officers, to send a deputation to the superintendent to explain their decision, and to apply to the alumni secretary for recognition as a bonafide alumni class. Jack Hutchinson was elected president, and Jim Cobb ’46 and Bob Patterson ’48A were elected vice president and historian, respectively. Before the meeting was adjourned, Hutchinson made it known he would seek an appointment with the superintendent as soon as possible, and then it was suggested that “to assure our place as a class, we should adhere to tradition by running ourselves through the gauntlet and giving our first Old Yell as a class—just as if we had been emancipated from the Rat Line.” With that, about 50 1st Class cadets (many uptown boys were not in attendance), hooting and hollering, descended on Washington Arch and demanded (in jest), “Mr. OD, request permission to run the gauntlet.” The class formed two lines with half of the class each, one line on each side of the bricks, and whacked the second half with their belts and hay straps as they ran through the gauntlet. The whackers then became the whackees, and the process was repeated as they ran from Washington Arch to the main sinks. The class then repaired to the sentinel box, where, with many cheerleaders, they offered their first Old Yell for the Class of 1949C. History was made. It was a day to remember. The class was restive in the days following their meeting with the superintendent, wondering what could be taking him so long to make his decision on their request. Having to staff their request through various departments was tedious and slow, but the superintendent was able to publish his decision before the end of October. His decision was that ’49C would be recognized not only as the academic class it was but as a bonafide alumni class. Control of barracks, however, would be shared with ’50A. When the Class of ’49B graduated in late January, the Honor Court and General Committee would come under the leadership of both’49C and ’50A, with class officers of the two classes sitting as members of both. The Class of ’50A would head the Honor Court, and the Class of ’49C would take control of the General Committee (the governance of barracks) in February 1949. The superintendent’s decision was a winwin situation for all concerned: The Class of 1949C was officially recognized, and the Institute could soon return to its pre-war class system.

2023-Issue 3

The final five months of ’49C’s tenure in barracks were run like a well-oiled machine. With Jack Hutchinson as class president and Jim Cobb as first captain with a staff of mature old-timers, one class—only one academic class—filled the key positions. That class, which had not gone through the Rat Line together, had nevertheless been welded into a unit almost as tight as a real brother rat class through the past three years of shared experiences and responsibilities. Ira C. Crytzer, valedictorian, described the class experience this way at finals: “I am proud to be a member of this class, not because it is unique in the history of the Institute, but because all the men in the class have so unselfishly cooperated with one another in every problem which they, as a class, have had placed before them. Thus they truly showed the spirit of VMI.” He spoke for his class, and those words are as valid now as they were 74 years ago. Among the graduation festivities was the superintendent’s reception for the graduating class Monday, June 13, at his quarters on the VMI Parade Ground. The highlight of that day for all classmates and their families was being introduced to the VMI Board of Visitors president, George C. Marshall ’901. The following day, the Class of ’49C would receive their diplomas signed by Gen. Marshall as president of the Board of Visitors, the only class in VMI history whose diplomas he signed, hence their forever being known as the George Catlett Marshall class. The class counted 70 graduates, 20 of whom returned to their original brother rat classes, leaving 50 as the solid core of the Class of 1949C. Following are memories I’ve received from the widows and families of just some of the veteran cadets of ’49C. Haywood France was a chemistry major whom his brother rats called either “a walking chemistry book” or “one of Butch’s boys” (referring to Col. Herbert Ritchey, “The Butcher”), who vied with Stewart Snoddy year by year for the top spot in the class’ four-man chemistry department. He had signed up for the Enlisted Reserve Corps upon matriculating in order to guarantee at least a year of study before being called up for military service in the war—the call to colors. Two months later, he was on his way to the war, serving with the 190th Field Artillery Battalion which landed on Omaha Beach on D+1, and he wouldn’t see VMI again until returning to study in September 1946. His 1st Class year would see him command Company E and win the 2nd Garnett Andrews ’890

award. Following graduation, Haywood married Kendall Morris, and they reared two sons while he worked as a research chemist for Union Carbide in West Virginia for 34 years. They were married for 58 years. Ding Patton ’49B and my wife, Mary, and I attended his funeral in Charlottesville in mid-March. Stewart Snoddy matriculated in 1944 and studied for a little over two semesters before being called into World War II. After VMI, Stew served in Korea as an infantry lieutenant, then worked for two pharmaceutical companies—Merck and Warner-Lambert— both in the lab and in international regulatory affairs. He met his future wife, Ann, at Penn State, and they were married in October 1953. Ann describes herself as a domestic engineer, rearing three children and keeping the home fires burning as chef, chauffeur, and gardener. “Stewart,” she emphasized, “was supportive and generous to the Class of ’49C Scholarship Fund,” which the Institute tells me translates into 19 scholarship gifts over 20 years. Like so many of these nine widows, Ann highly praised Stew’s classmates, particularly mentioning Hans “Heinie” Henzel, Mac Allen, and Jimmy “Skull” Gill. Stewart died in October 2018 after 65 years of marriage. He was 91. Bob Fretz matriculated from Buffalo, New York, in 1944 and studied for a year before being drafted into the Army; he returned in 1947 to pick up where he left off in electrical engineering. His career with Bethlehem Steel took him from Pennsylvania to their Buffalo plant. He met and married Janice, also from Buffalo, became a P.E., and worked in consulting for several steel companies and then for Cannon Design in Buffalo. He retired at 72 but joined forces with another engineer friend’s firm and worked for another 10 years. Like many from ’49C, Bob and Jan spent many delightful mini reunions with classmates Haywood and Kendall France and John and Phyllis Holladay and others, in Buford, South Carolina; Annapolis, Maryland; and in Crystal Beach, near Fort Erie. Speaking about Haywood France, Jan said, “he was delightful ... such a gentleman.” Bob and Jan had two daughters and two sons, one of whom, Robert Jr. ’78, graduated from VMI in the Class of 1978 and now lives in Lewes, Delaware. Robert Sr. died in 2020. Coleman Rice matriculated in 1944. His studies (civil engineering) were interrupted so he could serve in the Army Air Corps, part of that time guarding German POWs during the occupation of Italy. It seems he earned cadet rank once he returned to VMI but lost it when caught

Class Notes married for 22 years, each having been previousEarl Lawhorne’s studies were also interruptrunning the block to see an uptown movie, Sinly married and widowed. They enjoyed many ed by the war. He returned to VMI, graduated, bad the Sailor. When he returned to barracks, he learned that his roommates had used his new and and married Jeanne three days later. He served mini reunions around the country with Bob Patcherished Jack Kramer tennis racquet to hit and two years as an Army lieutenant in Germany, but terson, Bob Fretz, Haywood France, Stew he worked mostly for American Cyanamid and Snoddy, Coleman Rice, and “Heinie” Henzel. cover up a bat in their room; the bat ate the strings Kerima in Savannah, Georgia, before retiring in Bruce died at 90 in 2016. to escape, leaving Coleman with no rank and no Walt “Corky” Land graduated from VMI with racquet. And the movie was terrible. After gradu- 1992. Jeanne was a housewife and the mother of ation, Coleman married Nancy, his greatest sup- four children, but she later worked in banking. a civil engineering degree, spent a few years in porter, and they were married for 58 years. They They were married for 66 years until Earl’s death the Army Corps of Engineers in Hanau, Germahad two sons, one of whom, Coleman “Coley” in 2015. Today, at 94, Jeanne still drives, cooks, ny, where he met Jane, a teacher in DODDS, and married her seven weeks later. Walt spent most Rice III ’90, was a VMI track star graduating in and lives in her home without assistance. “The Lord watches over me every day and deserves all of his career designing and building bridges and 1990. After a two-year stint as a commissioned roads all over Indiana. At 89, he retired, having lieutenant in the Air Force, Coleman began a 50- the glory,” she says. Alfred Green entered VMI at 17 in 1944 and, ended his career planning future highways for the year career in insurance and financial services. Civically active, he served on the VMI Alumni after a two-year vacation with the Navy, returned state of Indiana. He always gave credit to VMI to VMI for an education. He and his brother, for his educational opportunities. Their two sons Association Board of Directors. He died at 94 in were influenced by Walt to work in construction. Braxton Green ’50B, were collegiate golf cham2020, and Nancy lives in Richmond under Copions in the southeast. Al married Katherine Pres- Walt died at 92 in 2018. ley’s watchful eye. Piano-playing Marshall Brittain left VMI afRobert and Anne Patterson were not married ton in 1961, practiced law in Florida, and died ter one year to join the Army Air Corps and reat 65 in 1992 after 32 years of marriage. Katheruntil 2003, both having been widowed. Anne tells of Bob’s catching grief matriculating from ine says, “Al loved VMI. VMI men are first-class turned in 1946 as a civilian student to earn a dea Richmond high school where he had been the people, and they hold VMI in high regard.” Brax- gree in electrical engineering while singing solos ton Green told me that Al’s classmates honored in VMI’s outstanding Glee Club under Dodo Dilfirst captain. Everything went downhill from there. Dismissed for excess demerits, Bob joined him and a few other ’49C worthies by voting lard ’934. After graduation, he worked his entire to place named bricks for them on the sidewalk career for Westinghouse, being awarded severthe Navy but was able to return to VMI. He al patents, including one for a room-sized “new earned a law degree from UVA and became chair- along the south side of barracks. computer.” He met and married Anita Divine in Bruce Taylor’s cadetship was interrupted in man of McGuireWoods law firm and president of the Virginia State Bar and of the Richmond Bar 1944 when he left VMI to join the Navy. He re- 1951, and they were married for 65 years. They had three children and a passel of grandchildren Association. Deeply devoted to VMI, he served turned to VMI in 1946 and earned a degree in on the VMI Board of Visitors and in the Alumni civil engineering. Like BR Bob Fretz, Bruce and great-grandchildren. After retirement, he volunteered with the Boy Scouts, taught ESL, and worked for Bethlehem Steel. He and Anna were Association. In 1994, Bob was awarded VMI’s continued to sing, even with the highest honor, the New Market Robert Shaw Chorale and the Medal. Only 16 men are recipAtlanta Symphony Orchestra. ients. The size of the applicant Marshall died at 90 in 2016. pool is extraordinarily large, and The Class of ’49C typifies the recipient list is but 16. It is a Col. J.T.L. Preston’s description credit to Bob and to his class that of VMI cadets in his inscripVMI conferred this honor on tion on the parapet: “A crowd of him. The Foundation’s records honorable youth, pressing up the reveal that the Robert H. Patterhill of science with noble emuson Jr. 1949C Memorial Schollation ...” They were patriotic, arship was established to honor determined, hard-working, duBob and awarded to deserving ty-bound young men of honor cadets demonstrating excellence and integrity. Almost 70% of of character and a strong sense them were veterans of World of duty and patriotism. War II when they entered VMI The reunions Bob and Nancy the second time. They graduatattended were “always spirited ed and went on to make signifioccasions of reminiscence and cant contributions to their native camaraderie with brother rats. states and to the nation, and they “The men of ’49C,” Anne says, “were in their own ways cut Class of 1949C: Cadet Noah McHugh ’24 presents the flag from Haywood reared families who would folfrom the same mold and a credit France’s coffin to Haywood France Jr. and John France, France’s sons, low in their footsteps. And they March 12, 2023. loved VMI. to the Institute.” Bob died at 85 Brig. Gen. Francis Mallory in 2012.

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes ’889, physics professor, taught at VMI for 55 years, and when he retired, he was regarded as the man who had come into contact with more cadets than any other man in VMI history. In his last address to cadets after the beginning of World War II in Europe, he gave this advice that had guided him throughout his own career and life: “Meet the problems of life with VMI spirit, with fortitude, and loyalty. The greatest contribution a VMI man can make to VMI is a life of honor, of integrity, of hard work. Be not unwilling to bear hardships and learn not to crave the soft overindulgence of modern life.” This surely describes the honorable crowd of youth in VMI’s great Class of 1949C. “Rah Virginia Mil. Rah, rah, rah. Ri, ri, VMI, ’49C! ’49C! ’49C!”

1950A

Garrett Smith ’20

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 1950A.

1950B

Robert F. Lynd

Hello again from the burgeoning border state of New Mexico. News from only a few brother rats to report on. Some good, some not so good. Let’s get the bad news out first. During this past quarter, I have previously reported on the passing of Jack Comerford (Feb. 12, 2023), Jean Oast (March 2, 2023), and Helen Talbott (Feb. 9, 2023). But I have just learned of the passing of Tom Eva (Nov. 23, 2017). Somehow, his notice slipped through a crack, and we were notified by a family member as a result of a birthday card I sent to Tom. We recall that, among his other endeavors at VMI, Tom was a stalwart member of the Glee Club. He had a great voice, as evidenced by a note in his obituary that says after his military service, he was an opera singer who lived in Europe. He was an insurance

2023-Issue 3

agent in a partnership in Pittsburgh, a teacher of English, and a member of the Episcopal Church. Born in Duluth, Minnesota, he died in Delray Beach, Florida. A not-so-good report comes from Randy Trappey, who called to tell me he’s losing his ability to move around and is using a walker. Because of his physical restrictions, he has placed himself in hospice. His mind is sound. It’s just his poor old, tired body that is the issue. He’s fortunate to have some good caretakers whom he likes. His No. 2 son lives in Baton Rouge, and Randy sees him about once a week. In an earlier email, Randy had written “Lache pas la potate.” Well, of course, I had to look that up (I’m sure you French students can read that). It literally translates as “Don’t drop the potato.” But it has a Cajun meaning which is, “Hang in there,” or something like, “Don’t give up.” In our phone call, we got to talking about how young kids, when exposed to a foreign language, are only interested in learning the “bad” words. Randy remembers when, as a kid, he used to hang out at the farm and listen to the workmen speaking their Cajun French. So, he learned all the bad words, and one day at home, he uttered one of them in front of his mother. That was not well received, and she told him to never, ever say that word again, or he would have dealings with his father. Lesson learned! We concluded our conversation reminiscing about those brother rats of ours who came through or spent some time in Lafayette. For example, Joe Kohen did his internship there for two years. More not-so-good news comes from my roomie, Jack Lyons. I received a disturbing email from him telling me he had a chest X-ray that showed an orange-sized chest mass. Most folks thought it was cancer, but when it was biopsied, it turned out not to be. He had four more biopsies to confirm without a diagnosis, and that led to four more biopsies in Boston at Brigham Hospital. No one seems to know what it is, and Jack didn’t mention surgery. So, Jack is in what he calls a holding pattern—experiencing the same impatience and frustration we patients have with no diagnosis and no cancer. On the plus side, he says he’s feeling pretty darn good for a 94-year-old, but his memory is not as good as it used to be. I think many of us can relate to that when we walk into a room and wonder why we’re there. Or trying to remember the surname of an old friend when just the first name comes to mind. Braxton Green called to tell me he had “the

Class of 1950B: Frank Fugate. book.” I asked what book, and he said, “Why, Tommy Kirk’s book, of course—and he autographed it for me!” We’re talking about Hits, Misses & Wins: A Fighter Pilot’s Life Story. Turns out a mutual friend, Steve Talley ’70, who lives in Staunton and is a good friend of one of Brax’s sons, has an interest in Kirk. He arranged to send two copies of the book to Tommy and asked that he autograph one for Braxton. If you haven’t read his book (it’s available in hardback, paperback, or eBook), it really should be on your “must” list. It’s a fascinating and frank autobiography from his birth in Virginia to his finally settling in Anthem, Arizona, a few miles north of Phoenix. How Tommy remembered all the details is beyond me. Braxton has had to give up golf because of back issues but follows the game vicariously by riding in the golf cart while his sons are playing with friends. We talked about Hoge Sutherland and how we wish we could get in touch with him. If anyone does have contact with Hoge, please, please let us know. Speaking of Tommy Kirk, he called me in response to my pleas for input to tell me what’s been going on in his world. Turns out it’s been quite a bit. He and Ann had just returned from a stay at Sandals in the Bahamas for a relaxing vacation. As you might expect, there were several golf courses there, and they played every other day. He says the sales of his book are going well, and he noted that the 50th anniversary of the homecoming of all the Vietnam POWs will be held at the Nixon Library & Museum at Yorba Linda, California, May 22–26, 2023. He is busy advocating for veterans and is working with a

Class Notes group called Veterans Heritage Project in Phoenix. There are 31 schools involved, whereby students interview veterans and write their stories. Over 2,600 veterans have been interviewed. At the end of every year, these stories are compiled into a volume for that year. They are stored in the Library of Congress under the name “Since You Asked.” Tommy wound up telling me, “We are not ‘Letting the old man in.’ Instead, we are enjoying life to the fullest.” Right on, Tom! “Laissez le bon temps rouler,” as they say at Mardi Gras. You will recall that I asked for all of you who have grown facial hair to send me a photo. I’m delighted to report that the winner of the beard contest is Frank Fugate. I hadn’t planned a contest, but since he was the only submission, I guess he should be a winner. We were fortunate to receive Frank’s selfie. Apparently, it was a close call in coming. Here is how he says it came to be. “Had second thoughts about sending this photo ‘cause I thought this might be what you were up to [put the photo in the Alumni Review]. However, after the second martini, I decided what the heck. It might be time I come out of the dark!” I wrote back, telling Frank not to worry—a thing of beauty is a joy forever. I did receive a second response. Not a photo but an unprintable anti-beard comment from Jones Felvey. It is obvious that Jones does not care for beards. I don’t want to ruin your image of me, Jones, but true confession. I grew a beard once and had it for about eight to 10 years. Always had to be careful shaving so as not to slip and cut off a part. Trimming was not any better. It got to be a nuisance, so I finally just shaved everything off. Removal of my beard did have some impact on my personal life. I had a cat that loved my beard. At night when I was asleep, he would get up on the bed and put his head on (in?) my beard and purr loudly. After I shaved it off, he never snuggled like that anymore. So much for true confessions. Graduation at the Institute is going on just as I submit this article. By the time you read this, cadets will be returning, a new Rat Line will be starting, and once more, the red, white, and yellow will float on high. Can you believe we will be entering the 77th year since we matriculated? Did we ever think we’d make it this far? Considering that, I ask that you tell me what that means to you. I will be ready to submit my next article when you read this. So, you need to respond quickly. Since we last met, daylight savings time has come, the days are longer, and you have more

time to do things to tell me about. So why are your responses getting shorter—even non-existent? That’s one of the great mysteries presented to a class agent. Please, please give me a holler. And if you can’t do that, at least, as Randy put it, “Lache pas la potate.” ¡Hasta la próxima vez!

1951

Ursula Baxley

These notes were written May 10. As you can read in this issue, it has been a sad time for the Class of ’51. The class has lost five more brother rats: Donald Baldwin, who was at VMI for one year; Glenn Meader; Paul Robinson; Jake Wamsley; and Fred Watson. Most of these men always came to reunions and gave news for this column. The Class of ’51 has a big chorus singing The Spirit in heaven. I asked for memories of their time at VMI, and Frans Kasteel wrote, “Some of my best memories were of the faculty: Men like Herbert Nash Dillard ’934, who introduced me to art; B.D. Mayo ’909, who taught mathematics; and ‘Nero’ Townes, who revealed the classical world. Doc Carroll was an inspiration. He showed us what social concern is about. We received a good,

well-rounded education. “Among my brother rats, people like Willard Hays stood out. I think he was a founding member of the MDA (Milk Drinkers of America), but it took a lot to profess abstinence from alcohol at VMI. They were mature, and I wasn’t. Some very bright people left before graduation. What I received at VMI was priceless, and I fear I might not have completed four years anywhere else.” Bounce Carstens reports he has nothing of interest to report. “I still go to work but am doing less and less. I still play golf several times a week. Jim Enochs and I still keep in touch. I am going to my daughter’s in Dallas for Memorial Day to attend the Colonial golf tournament with Jim. We plan to get together with Pete Philp while we are there and have a mini ’51 reunion.” I heard from Sister Rat Nancy Hill; she and her son, Jim Hill, went to Farmville in March to attend Jake Wamsley’s funeral. It was great to see son Jay ’82, a VMI grad, and his family. Pat Parker Gray moved in March into Bon Air, an independent retirement facility. Peggy Hays still lives in Lexington, near her daughter, Meredith, and son-in-law. She thoroughly enjoys grandparenting their two children. Marion Carozza still lives in Baltimore, Maryland, and stays active. I still live in Marshall in the big house my great-grandfather built in 1900. My children are all well, and all three of my grandchildren have finished their education and all have jobs. I feel very blessed. Bless all of you, and God bless VMI.

1952

Mary Lanford Price

Class of 1951: Frans Kasteel and his wife, Daphne Montgomery.

Dear Class of 1952 Family, This has been a quiet quarter for the class, so these notes will be rather brief. Just after I submitted the last set of notes, I received word that Dr. William McKinnon Massie of Lynchburg, Virginia, died Feb. 19, 2023. I was informed of his passing via an email from his daughter, Anne Massie Winstead, who said of her father, “He was Second Jackson-Hope in his class, and VMI always meant a great deal to him.” As I read over Dr. Massie’s obituary, I was unsurprised to learn that the foundations of his very successful life and constant service to others were

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes laid on a farm, where manual labor was the order of the day and all were expected to pitch in and help out. When I got to the part about how the Massie farmhouse had no central heat, I smiled in recognition, as there is a similar unheated farmhouse in my family which is still occupied to this day. I suspect many of you may remember chopping wood, laying a fire, or filling the coal scuttle when you were young. Here is a very lightly edited version of Dr. Massie’s obituary: “Dr. William McKinnon Massie died peacefully Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, surrounded by his family. “Born in the Virginia Baptist Hospital in Lynchburg Oct. 14, 1930, Bill was the son of Ella Wyatt McKinnon Massie and Robert Withers Massie Jr. He was named for his mother’s father, Dr. William Hugh McKinnon, who began his medical training as a medic in the Civil War. “He married Anne Adams Robertson, daughter and only child of Annie Scott Harris Robertson and Douglas Alexander Robertson, April 30, 1960, at Court Street Methodist Church in Lynchburg. They were very happily married for 54 years until her sudden death in 2015. “He grew up on Lone Jack Farm, the family dairy farm in Campbell County. Each morning before school, he was in charge of laying and lighting fires in the house, which had no central heating, while his brothers milked the cows. The milk was then driven into town and delivered to Westover Dairy on their way to school in Lynchburg. His smart and hardworking parents created

a happy and loving family, and Bill’s childhood with three brothers and sister was lively and creative. The farm was a highly interesting place to grow up. “Bill graduated from E.C. Glass High School in 1948 and was president of his class. He graduated from Virginia Military Institute in 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, receiving the Second Jackson-Hope Medal for second-highest attainment in scholarship. Observing that the training tables in the VMI dining hall offered more and better food, Bill joined the VMI track team. In 1952, he ran his fastest time, a 4:24-minute mile, on the track in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. “He received his medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1956 and was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. In summer 1953, following his first year in medical school, he studied at The London Hospital Medical College and worked at The London Hospital in Whitechapel (now The Royal London Hospital). Upon graduation from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, he began the first half of a two-year rotating internship at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York. This was interrupted by his commission in the United States Air Force. He served as a medical doctor at Lajes Air Force Base on the Portuguese island of Terceira, Azores, for a year and a half. This was followed by six months at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, New York, where he and Annie spent the first few months of their

Class of 1952: Members of the class pose for a photo on the steps of Preston Library during their 30th Reunion in 1982.

2023-Issue 3

marriage. Upon fulfillment of his Air Force commitment, he and Annie returned to Rochester for Bill to complete his internship at Strong Memorial Hospital. They returned to Charlottesville for his residency in internal medicine, followed by a fellowship in rheumatology at the University of Virginia Hospital. “In 1963, he returned to Lynchburg with Annie and his young family and began his practice of internal medicine with a specialty in rheumatology on the 12th floor of the Allied Arts Building. He and Doctor John Vernon ‘Jack’ Torbert joined practices, moving to Tate Springs Road. Ten years later, their practice was joined by Doctor John Mott Robertson ’62, Annie’s first cousin. Their practice later moved to Oak Lane next to the Virginia Baptist Hospital. Doctor Earl Guthrow replaced Doctor Torbert upon his retirement, and the practice was also joined by Doctor Lisa Wisniewski. Bill practiced medicine for 36 years until his retirement in 1999. He made house calls to his patients at all hours of the night, anywhere in the city of Lynchburg. His medical career was completely focused on providing the best care possible for the health and well-being of his patients. His office was so congenial and devoted that they have continued to meet monthly for a meal long into everyone’s retirement. “An ardent lover of plants, especially native species, he was a master gardener. He gave exceptional and infinite care to everything—small plants that grew to large shrubs and trees, his beloved wife, his children, his friends, and his patients. “A lover of the land, animals (dogs especially), birds, wildlife, nature, and a believer in the enduring value of open spaces, Bill placed his portion of the family farm on a permanent conservation easement held by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. A true steward of his land, he participated for many years in the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program and the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. “Bill was strong in body and spirit, curious, kind, thoughtful, careful, compassionate, reasonable, with a wonderful sense of humor, a gentleman, and a gentle man. For all of his personal accomplishments, the one he was most proud of was his marriage to Annie. They were completely devoted. “Bill, his sister, and three brothers were all christened together at Lone Jack by Reverend Dr. Robert Magill. He was a lifetime member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, where he served on the vestry. He was a member of the Camellia Club,

Class Notes the Journal Club, and the Men’s Horticultural Club. “He was preceded in death by all of his siblings and their spouses: Brother, Robert Withers Massie III (Ann duVal Miller ‘Susie’ Massie); sister, Doctor Ella Graham Massie Marks (Rev. Peter Alexander Marks); brother, Doctor James Darroch Massie (Barbara Bronson Massie), and brother, Thomas Massie (Helen Patricia DeJarnette Massie). He was also preceded in death by his nephew, Doctor Peter Alexander Marks. “He is survived by his daughter, Annie Harris Massie Winstead, and Anne’s husband, Alexander McIver Winstead of Lynchburg; son, William McKinnon Massie Jr., and Will’s wife, Alice Burwell McGuire Massie of Richmond; granddaughter, Ella Burwell Massie; and grandsons, Ian Young Winstead and William Alexander Winstead. He is also survived by former sister-inlaw Roberta Wright Massie and 15 admired and loved nieces and nephews. “A memorial service was held Friday, March 3, 2023, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lynchburg. Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation in Doctor Massie’s honor is asked to consider St. John’s Episcopal Church.” On Feb. 22, I received a nice note from Monica Harrington of Grand Junction, Colorado, widow of George Harrington, who died Jan. 16, 2023. She wrote, “It’s a sad time here. George was a fascinating man, a supportive partner, and a loving dad. He will be sorely missed.” One Saturday in March, I got a phone call from Shirley Thomas of Richardson, Texas, widow of retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Blair Thomas. She told me that she and her husband had been married for 66 years, six months, and six days at the time of his passing. What are the odds of that? “VMI set him up to be successful for the rest of this life,” she said of her late husband. Mrs. Thomas keeps in touch with her husband’s BR, retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Russ McCarthy of San Antonio, Texas. On April 20, I received an email from Jeffrey Duncan, step-son of the late James A. Byron, informing me that his mother, Alberta Byron, died Aug. 18, 2022, at the age of 92. He told me that she greatly enjoyed reading the Alumni Review, which was wonderful to hear. Just before these notes were due, I had a nice phone call from Henry Nanninga of Savannah, Georgia. He said he is “doing OK” at 92 years old. His voice sounded quite strong on the phone. He attended the 70th Reunion in spring 2022, along with two of his children, and said he’d like

to come back to post more often, but the ninehour drive from Savannah to Lexington is “quite a trip.” Oh, and if you remember the reunion photo that ran in the May issue of the Review—Mr. Nanninga says that’s from the 20th Reunion, not the 30th. He very helpfully provided the 30th Reunion photo that accompanies these notes. Those are all the inputs I received for this quarter. Please let me know what’s going on in your lives so I can inform the class. It doesn’t matter if your news is only that you are still here; your brother and sister rats will be glad you reached out to stay in touch. I wish each of you a very pleasant and safe late summer and fall! ’52, ’52, ’52!

1953

William C. Noell Jr.

Brother Rats and Our Widows, As you know, we have just completed our 70th Reunion here in Lexington. For us 90-year-olds, we had a very good turnout. However, because of our age and some problem areas, our family members attending did outnumber us brother rats. Those attending have said it was very enjoyable, they were certainly glad that they were able to make it here, and it definitely was a very good reunion. In addition, the weather cooperated and was good all days. The Alumni Agencies reunion team did an excellent job in their organization and assistance for the reunion, especially in providing plenty of transportation for our class group to navigate all the “happenings.” I would especially like to thank Corri Sensabaugh, who was in charge of the reunion efforts for the Agencies and was well-assisted by Jordan Buswell in planning our reunion. Therefore, for these class notes, I will briefly summarize our reunion since most of you were not able to attend. Thus, for some details on the reunion: It all started with the early arrival gathering at our house Sunday afternoon at 5:30. We had great, heavy hors d’oeuvres along with beer, wine, and sodas, etc. It seems the favorites were our own chicken salad and the bang-bang shrimp from the Lexington Golf & Country Club, so no one had to go out to dinner Sunday night. It seems all who attended had a great time visiting and telling old

stories, as expected, with the last to leave about 10 p.m. As for numbers, there were nine BRs and their guests here at the gathering, plus our daughter’s family to help out. Of course, all BRs received a schedule of the events planned and available for the reunion members to consider. I will only note certain events, such as the memorial service for our deceased BRs, which was chaired by Ted Mariani, class vice president, and held in Memorial Hall. Due to the long list of names (only those completing the rat year), we had four readers, reading 12 names in four turns—Ted, Don Matheson, John Lisella, and Jack Trigg. Chaplain Phillips ‘87 read the 23rd Psalm, and the service was closed by Col. John Brodie (Hon) playing taps and then the VMI Doxology, which we sang to end the service. It was a very nice affair in memory of our departed brother rats. Our class banquet Tuesday night at the Lexington Golf & Country Club was very good. Everyone said the meal was excellent—surf and turf, filet and crab cakes, along with wine—and the

Class of 1953: Addie Jay Beacham, granddaughter of Judy and Bill Noell, at her graduation from Christopher Newport University May 13.

VMI Alumni Review

70th Reunion

VMI Class of 1953

Class notes

2023-Issue 3

Class Notes service the club provided was very good. We did not have a speaker, but instead, I had all BRs introduce their guests and tell a few words about themselves, VMI, or whatever to give our guests an insight into VMI, as some had never been here before. The guests, of course, included sons, daughters, grandchildren, and wives, all totaling 47, including 18 BRs—which might be the record for BRs at a 70th. An anonymous gift from the Sigma Nu fraternity sponsored four cadets to join us at the dinner—two 1st Class cadets and two 4th Class cadets. I am sure

those present enjoyed the opportunity to dine and visit with these cadets. As usual, we gathered Tuesday afternoon for our class photograph and then the reunion parade. Our class, the oldest at the reunion, led the other classes into the courtyard of Old Barracks behind the Corps. And then, as in the past, the Old Yells began from the top of the sentinel box for each reunion class. The Class of ’53 was the first in attendance, and your class agent was the one to climb to the top and represent our class. I was carrying our class flag, originated by roommate Pete

Cox for our 50th, which Judy has added a stripe to since each reunion, starting with our 60th. It is now quite large and heavy, so for safety purposes, I had our adopted graduating cadet, Ridge Clark ’23, carry it up to the top for me, and I then waved it to the Corps as the Old Yell was given. As for that sentinel box climb, I made it on the last day of my 91st year. Frank Spencer’s daughter, Sandy Morgan, took a video of me climbing the ladder up/down to/from the top of the sentinel box. Regretfully, we had some BRs who planned to attend but had to cancel. Will Allison had just

Class of 1953 1. Pictured at the graduation of Ridge Clark ’23 are (from left) Bill Noell, Clark, Ansley Tuck, and Judy Noell. 2. Bill Noell (left) with Ridge Clark ’23 at the Old Yells during the 70th Reunion. 3. Bill Noell climbs the stairs to the sentinel box to lead an Old

Yell for the class during the 70th Reunion. 4. Lt. Col. Bill Bither (left) and Bill Noell with shotguns donated to VMI by Don Matheson.—VMI Photo by Kelly Nye. 5. Bill Noell leads an Old Yell for the class during the 70th Reunion.—Photo by Mary Price, VMI Alumni Agencies.

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes returned from Sweden—Christina’s home—and fell in the parking lot at the grocery when restocking. He broke four ribs plus other damages, and the doctor told him he could not drive or leave home for at least two weeks. Warren Koontz and his family had planned to attend, but he began having a lot of difficulty getting around with his walker and decided it would be much safer and pleasant to stay home. Our great class president was unable to attend due to Annah having great difficulty in walking now, and Parker’s eyesight is giving him problems. Lou Hibbits wanted to come but said his mornings were very difficult, and he just could not make it. Ed Brown advised that he would not be able to attend the 70th, as he felt his stability and being on a walker was not a good combination for travel. A note from Ann Artz said that she just was not physically able to come, and Ann Goddard and Betty Woodward could not make it due their families having commitments and not being able to come with them. A nice note from Peggy Skinner said she regretted not being able to come, but she did enjoy keeping up with the class through the Alumni Review. On the way to our granddaughter’s graduation, we did stop in Richmond and visit with Win and Warren Koontz. Don Matheson donated two shotguns to VMI to be used by cadets in the shooting clubs. They were received by Lt. Col. Bill Bither, the club coach, and I presented them to him for Don after the reunion in the commandant’s office. Don said that he would no longer use them and thought giving them to VMI would be a good cause. They were greatly appreciated. The shotguns are a Browning Double Auto and a Remington 870 Wingmaster, both 12 gauge. The Browning, with its poly choke set for full open, works for skeet, and the Remington, with full choke, is good for trap. Don used them for pheasants, geese, and the occasional whitetail. The BRs in attendance for at least the class banquet were Bane, Evans, Johnson, Maddux, Mariani, Perry, Noell, Spencer, Sutherland, Trigg, Flannigan, Haywood, Wooten, Cheatham, Lisella, and Matheson. The BR coming the furthest was Jack Trigg from Birmingham, and the oldest was Frank Spencer at 94 in August. Tom Bellinger came in honor of his father, Oz, who left us in January—our latest BR to leave. For us, we attended our granddaughter’s graduation from Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia, May 13 and

2023-Issue 3

then spent the next day at our oldest granddaughter’s nearby home for a family Mother’s Day dinner before all departed Newport News, with us arriving home at 8:30 p.m. She is now going to work on her master’s at Liberty to become an elementary school teacher. Our grandson, Miller Jay ’26, is finishing his rat/4th Class year and still likes the Institute. We hope to see him, as a quarterback, receive some playing time next year. On May 16, we went to VMI for the graduation of one of our adopted cadets, Ridge Clark ’23 from Tennessee, who until a 1st, kept his car in our drive for a couple of years. He is being commissioned, wears academic stars, and plans to attend law school at the University of Tennessee after he has completed his military commitment. We will be attending his wedding in July. Class trivia: BRs on the deceased list—144. BRs currently on the mailing list—45. Widows on the mailing list—nine. BRs on the email list—25. Widows on the email list—18. Number attending the class banquet—47 (18 BRs, 29 guests). Number attending the early arrival gathering—28 (nine BRs, 13 guests, and our family).

1954

J.M. Perry Archer

Greetings: We received word that Philip Enslow died Oct. 10, 2022, after an extended illness resulting from exposure to Agent Orange when he served in Vietnam (as did Ed Garbee). He was another one-year brother rat who left for West Point (the Virginia Military Institute of the North) when his rat year was finished. (Phil’s father, Col. Philip Harrison Enslow Sr., was a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, Class of 1923. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II, receiving the Legion of Merit for his actions in the China-Burma-India Theater. The medal was awarded for “exceptionally meritorious conduct.”) Our brother rat served in Vietnam from 1967–68, where he helped deploy one of the early communications networks. He traveled throughout Vietnam and Thailand, setting up the network to communicate command and control information. During his final six months, Phil was assigned as the signal officer of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, known as the

Sky Soldiers, during combat in the Central Highlands near South Vietnam’s border with Cambodia and Laos. Phil retired from the Army with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He moved with his family to Atlanta, Georgia, and began his career with Georgia Tech in the School of Information and Computer Science, in which he eventually became a professor in the College of Computing. He was instrumental in the recognition of computing as a major discipline on the same level as engineering, science, and so forth. He helped to establish Georgia Tech as one of the premier centers in the world in computing and telecommunications. He was the author of several books in his field. He retired in 2000 and was appointed professor emeritus at Georgia Tech. Phil was also a member of the Society of the Cincinnati (as am I), the members of which are descendants of officers who served in the American Revolutionary War. The Cincinnati has as part of its mission the education of our school children concerning the revolution, through the American Revolution Institute. He is survived by his wife, Dianne, two daughters, and extended family. Jack Tiller called. He spent a week in the hospital recently as a result of his grabbing one of his cats by the tail. The cat did not take kindly to that, and Jack suffered serious wounds to his right hand. As of April 19, he is still under outpatient treatment. Cat scratch disease is far more dangerous than one would think. It is a bacterial disease that spreads, resulting in swelling and lesions, fever, headache, loss of appetite, and exhaustion. Believe it or not, it can affect the brain, heart, eyes, and other internal organs. Shirley and I are inveterate cat lovers, having lived with 18 over the years. Spoke with Al Mattox recently. He and another pilot take a plane up and fly in and around the Shenandoah Valley and Al’s home in Weyers Cave. He told me about a Confederate remembrance article in the Harrisonburg newspaper and sent a copy of it. It has to do with Confederate Remembrance Heritage Month and is a proclamation listing over 200 names of Confederate soldiers, including that of Gen. Turner Ashby. It involves Col. D.H. Lee Martz Camp 10 – Sons of Confederate Veterans. It also lists Gen. Robert E. Lee, Col. John Singleton Mosby (the “Grey Ghost”), Gen. T.J. “Stonewall” Jackson, Gen. J.E.B. Stuart, and Gen. John D. Imboden. Both Col. Mosby and Gen. Imboden were Virginia lawyers after the war. Deo Vindice.

Class Notes

1955

Barney Lawless

First off, I must apologize for the short turnaround time I gave you for response to my request for input for this issue. I certainly appreciate the responses I did get. To illustrate the confusion, I quote the response I got from Merc Hager, which said, “I tried to send something, but the message was rejected. As any poor English lit major would need, I need help. What’s up with that?” Then, I had a letter from Harry Fahrner, but I can’t find it. It was complimentary and kind, but I lost it. My wife has boned me for “office in gross disorder.” Thanks, Harry; I’ll try better next time. But, on a kinder note, Joe Brenner said I need no excuses or explanations, serving admirably over a difficult period with the profound epidemic and the complex administrative changes to deal with. I know well from my MIT alumni notes the reality and sad duty it is to report the passing of close and colorful comrades as the ranks thin at an alarming rate. Most of us from ’55 are, to some degree, limited now or confined, so the reporting today on classmates is even more meaningful than ever. Stay well. Keep the faith. Soldier on. All the best. The information Joe had was also reflected by others was the following message from Leon Cock, which said that, as of the beginning of April 2023, he was placed in hospice, and he doesn’t expect to live when the Rat Mass of ’27 begins in late summer. “Thank all my brother rats for a fun 68 years.” Ben Semmes also included a copy of his message to Leon, saying, “Sorry to read about hospice. We are all going. The only unknowns are when and how. Enjoy while you can.” From Virginia Beach, we hear that Fielding Tyler (AKA Moose) sends his best; they are fine and vertical. Fielding just celebrated his 90th birthday with great fanfare. (Note: Moose, we’ll have you run the paddle wheel at the 70th Reunion!) Had a phone call from Bill Stickley—a pleasant surprise. I asked if he was still farming, and his response was that he didn’t like looking at the field where the cows weren’t his.

Everett Irby says the family is in Suffolk, Virginia, and doing fine, numbering five children, and eight grandchildren. All are doing well. He spends his time hunting and fishing, and he just finished a house on the Eastern Shore which is close to home in Suffolk. He, too, is sorry about so many of our brother rats having health problems, which probably should be expected at our age. This letter was from Jimmy Howell. “I only stayed at VMI for the rat year and transferred to VPI, but I remember all of you guys. I have kept up with the news in the Alumni Review and have watched as our years increased and our health began to fail. Life has been very exciting and challenging for us. It is a bit depressing to see some of us pass away or our wives pass away. Darrell Schultz just lost the love of his life. Both Frank Beale and his wife have died. My wife, Marti, and I are still basically healthy, but I have been plagued by a spinal injury in the OR that required epidural shots to kill the pain and a recent bout of Bell’s palsy on the right side of my face. Enduring these things, I have continued to write, and even today, I am presently writing an essay I wrote for our local paper, The Tidewater News. I have not heard from Bob Beale lately, so I can only hope he’s doing well. I grieve for Darrell; he and I correspond frequently. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Class of ’55 [who] remain! See you at assembly in heaven. I think they have already played ‘shake-a-leg.’” Thanks, Jimmy. We could appoint you to be the class chaplain. I believe your message expresses the general conditions of our collective attitudes. As Casey Jones once said in a column when he was class agent, “Anyone out there want this job?” We are definitely approaching the old soldier song of “gradually fading away.” Yet don’t forget that we who are left are still the Class of ’55. According to Margaret Tait, we have been known in the alumni hall as the class which likes each other. As we progress onward, I am reminded of a plaque in my old high school dedicated to a teacher from 1894 which said, “To live in the hearts of those we leave behind is not to die.” To use Jimmy’s analogy above, all those brother rats live on in our memories—driving the stoops, Ring Figure, class parties at the Mayflower, New Market ceremony and parade, meals at Crozet Hall, Thanksgiving in Roanoke, reunions, watching our sons graduate, and a flood of the special

people who we are proud to call brother rats. Those who have gone on should be standing in ranks waiting for us until our last roll call, where one (who shall remain nameless) will probably come screeching in hollering, “Late for ranks, again!” Therefore, by the authority granted to me by absolutely nobody, I remind you all of our 70th Reunion, which is only a couple of years away, and we should try to make it a “check formation.” Talk to your doctor or your physical therapist to put you on a medical or physical routine to prepare for the event. Taps: The following brother rats have gone on to stand in ranks: Bob Bancroft, Thomas E. Ellers, Lloyd Terrell “Jiggs” Smith, Robert V. “Bob” Timms.

1956

Randolph S. Knipp

’56 Brother Rats, Families, and Friends of ’56 Brother Rats, I feel I have to comment on the number of articles I have received about my classmates’ concerns over DEI as it relates to the Institute. There is no doubt that this issue is front and center among our classmates, and although I am quite interested in following the issue and its effect on Virginia Military Institute, I feel that this mention will be adequate to notify our class of its importance. Classmates who would like to have copies of the articles I receive are welcome to contact me, and I can forward them, but they are easily obtained in the publicly available literature. I will not comment pro or con since the issue has different importance for each of us. I am not a “mugwump,” but I will leave each individual to his own thoughts. I received a nice letter from Susan, the widow of William O. Child, in which she expressed appreciation for a note on her birthday. She agrees that our memories sustain us in our times of loss, and a couple of her memories which she wants to make available if (anyone would like them) are two large, framed pictures that she bought from VMI a few years back. They are 30 inches by 25 inches and are beautifully matted and framed. One of them

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes has an inscription saying, “1st Sentinel William O. Child November 1952,” and the other has, “Sentinels of the Shenandoah, 1st Sentinel of 1st Watch—John Bowie Strange November 1839.” If anyone in our class or family would like those, please contact Susan Child. Send me an email, and I will ask her to contact you. Dick Justice told me that Hop Graham passed away Feb. 13, and I missed including it in the last report. Dick received the notice from Hop’s daughter. He was a close friend to and roommate of Dick. I really appreciate notes like this and will attempt to do better in the future. I was also notified that Wes Foster passed away March 17 this year. Jack Prizzi and Paul Gronroos made note of their relationships with both Marshall Mundy and Wes—no doubt many of our brother rats knew both well. They were luminaries in our class, not men in the shadows! Mark Dedmon (son-in-law of Jimmie V. Thurmond) notified us of the death of Jimmie. A memorial was held in San Antonio in April to honor Jimmie, and from accounts, it was well attended, and the recognition of his service to his church and community was significant and appropriately appreciated by his family and friends. Sgt. Maj. Sowers sent him an email confirming that they flew the colors over VMI in honor of Mr. Thurmond. The class president and vice president signed an official certification of the honor. Pete McCrary noted that the Class of ’74 seems to be involved significantly, and from the emails sent to me, I certainly agree. I was advised of the deaths of Dale Ray Vaughn apparently in February. Dale was from Minnetrista, Minnesota, where he and his wife, Audrey, raised a large family of five. Dale will be remembered by many for his athletic ability, and I understand there are records he holds to this day. Jack Lester Myers also passed away in February. Jack was born May 22, 1932, in Stafford, Virginia, the son of the late Edward and Pearl Ford Myers. He was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Betsy Keel Myers; along with six brothers and two sisters. He is survived by a daughter, Lesley, and a son, James. I had the good fortune at a recent political event to meet John L. Traynham III ’62. Quite a rare occurrence for me, since fellow alumni are few and far between, particularly one so close to my age group (although John is much younger than I). It was a pleasure, I am happy to note!

2023-Issue 3

1957

George Sydnor Jr. Howard Lawrence

The Virginia Military Institute. An Uncommon Purpose! This is the 25th edition of the ’57 class notes for George; he has exhausted his archives of the many exploits of our famous class and now needs a resupply, so now, BRs, is the time to send him stories—even “half-truths” from dimming memories will suffice. And, without further ado, we pick up where we left off with the 24th edition featuring team caller reports ... “How goes it?” Team Caller No. 4: Jay Musser. Unfortunately, during the calling and reporting period, Jay “Rainmaker Emeritus” was unable to make his appointed calls, petitioned for assistance, and as any leader would do, Ben Elmore stepped in as supernumerary. When calling Lionel Hancock, his wife, Carole Lee, responded, indicating that Lionel had been diagnosed with dementia and spent most of each day resting. Milton “Milt” Hargrave was a “rip” to talk with; they laughed a lot and talked about “everything under the sun.” Nothing of note new with either him or wife Nancy. Carl Hellstrom wrote: “After this bull rat left VMI in ’58, I eventually joined the U.S. Air Force in 1959, becoming a munitions officer. In 1963, I volunteered and was accepted into the explosive ordnance disposal career field. I was deployed for the Berlin Crisis (1961), the Cuban Missile Crisis (1963) and served two Vietnam tours (1969–70 and ’72–73). I retired in 1979.” (Class agent’s note: Carl was awarded two Bronze Stars during his service in Vietnam.) “I then went to work in 1983 as a chemist at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard for 25 years, finally retiring in 2010. I have some stories I could tell but don’t seem to have the time. I’d be glad to swap a few with you (George) and Howard, should the occasion arise.” Kirk Hubbard said nothing in particular was

new with him, just laying low and enjoying the leisurely pace of life in the rural countryside of Virginia, noting that he, too, was a team caller sequestered by El Commandante Elmore. Dick Hunt continues to be a mystery man; no contact in years with the “I” or any brother rat. The same is true of Dave Davenport and Bruce Dunseth. That’s OK, brother rats; we just hope you are OK and doing well. When Ben tried to reach Jim Snead, his wife, Janice, answered and told him that Jim was in an

Class of 1957: Patti Hammond (left) and Shay Peters at Community Bible Study at Manly Memorial Baptist Church in Lexington, Virginia, in May 2023.

Class of 1957: U.S. Army Capt. Conor Snyder ’18, grandson of the late Col. Harold B. Snyder Jr.

Class Notes acute care nursing facility with severe dementia and did not recognize anyone. She also said they had lost their daughter two months ago, following the loss of their son a couple of years ago. Janice spoke very highly of VMI and said she was under a lot of stress being totally alone now but very much appreciated the call and wanted calls from BRs to continue. Team Caller No. 5: Bill Gay was able to reach all brother rats as assigned to call. Tommy Hunter lives in the metropolis of Milam, Texas, on the Sabine River, with Louisiana across the river to the east, 875 miles of Texas to El Paso to the west. He recently had his well-traveled motor home in the shop for an overhaul and is ready to hit the road again, specifically to North Carolina to visit family. Nick Kallelis, another fellow team caller, exudes retirement and the good life in his lakeside home on Island Mountain Lake between Charlotte and Gastonia, North Carolina. John Kilday is enjoying the “Tidewater life” in Virginia Beach. Frank “Friar” Kline was on his way home from church when I talked with him one Sunday recently. We live only a few miles apart here in St. Louis and saw each other at a local VMI gathering a couple of years ago. “Sorry I missed you at the 65th, Frank; I need to do better.” John Kuchnia lives on the City of Raleigh perimeter, not far from a couple of his offspring.

Last year, he lost his wife of 62 years, Loretta, and “it still hurts.” We had a nice chat; he was grateful for the call. It was notable to see the pictures of John in the just-received Issue 1 of Alumni Review, wherein John represented the Class of ’57 in recent meetings of the Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter. When I spoke with Bill Moore, he was sitting between two beautiful women, his wife and daughter, calmly claiming that he was always a ladies’ man. Life is good in old Smithfield, Virginia. And, so with that, as officer of the day over the PA system in barracks: “That is all.” Team Caller No. 6: Dick Collier. Dick reported in with these comments: “I was unable to reach Carl LeBourdais or wife Mary, nor the venerable professor emeritus ‘Tiger’ Locke and wife Carol but left several messages wishing them all well from all brother rats. Mighty ‘Mo’ Levine, fellow Class of ’57 team caller, said he and wife Cindy were ‘two happy retirees;’ life was treating them well. I also could not reach Phil Miller and hope he continues to be well. “Curly Mason said that he and wife Darrell were both doing well, although they, like so many, had had their encounter with COVID-19. Darrell stays busy with her law practice and position as the committee history chair of the Virginia Law Association. Curly, officially retired, spends

Class of 1957: Gathering at the Roanoke Country Club are (front row, from left) John Kuchnia, George Sydnor, Patti Hammond, Shay Peters, Sarah Collier, (second row) Howard Lawrence, “Tiger” Locke, Kirk Hubbard, Lea Whitlock, Bob “Mad Dog” Bolling, Shirley Sydnor, G.E. Murray, Dick Collier, (third row) Don Coombs, Mike Locke (“Tiger” Locke’s son), and Sis Douthat. Not pictured are Rosalie Murray and Judy Coombs.

his time attending VMI sporting events and other activities and currently as an unofficial recruiter for the ‘I,’ encouraging a neighbor’s son, a high school senior already accepted to enter the new rat class in the fall, but now being wooed by another college with an offer of a merit scholarship, to stay the course and go on to ‘not do ordinary.’ Curly tells the story of how Bob Wentz ’54 inspected his room one Sunday SMI while Curly was room orderly. Our room was perfect, having worked on it the day before. When Wentz saw that I was room orderly and we both hailed from Portsmouth, he smiled, went over to the sink, pulled out the stopper, inserted his finger, smiled again, and said, ‘Bone Mason, dirty sink.’ Ron McManus reported that things were about the same at his house, but that he was afraid that wife Patty was gradually, as expected, losing ground in her battle with dementia. Ron has faithfully visited her daily for the several years that she has been in assisted living care. “Joe Moody and wife Sue recently relocated to a senior living facility where they both receive continuous cardiac care and Sue also treatment for leukemia. And in retrospect, Joe highly treasures as a privilege his 25-year career as a high school principal, guiding and training young ‘folks’ to be successful in life. Joe still smiles when he recalls an escapade to Mary Baldwin with Joe Spivey in search of datable femmes and an incident with their car and the highway patrol ... details omitted purposely.” In general, Dick said all those he contacted felt that VMI was doing a good job keeping us all informed through its many venues of communication. Many felt our unique program of staying in touch with class members with the Elmore-organized team calling program was not only meaningful and valuable but, at this stage of our lives, takes on an even higher level of importance. All continue to look forward to receiving the Alumni Review and regular issues of Turnouts and class remembrances. This and that in no particular order or sequence: An interesting note was received from Randy Pendleton in which he remarked that upon receiving his birthday card and yearbook pictures, he noted that he hasn’t changed a bit. (Class agent’s note: You might want to check your glasses, Randy.) He remarked about a previous reference to Hunter’s 1864 raid that it might interest us to know that although his Pendleton ancestors were Confederate, his great-grandfather, Col. W.B. Curtis, on his maternal side, commanded the 12th West Virginia Regiment and was with

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes

Class of 1957: Pictured in Memorial Garden are (from left) Vic Wolf, Francis Shields, Tom Vaughan, John Poffenbarger, John “Rollo” Bolling, Sherry Arpert, John Pipkin, (second row) G.E. Murray, B.D. Ayres, Bob “Mad Dog” Bolling, Cliff McKibben, and (top) K.K. Dickinson. Hunter when VMI was shelled and burned during the raid. Randy concluded with: “Naturally, my parents never mentioned this to me.” Jim Piggott always remembers the time our rat year when Kenny Dickinson was under room confinement, and he was under barracks confinement. It seems as though they obtained a bottle of whiskey and drank it all. Jim’s first experience, as was his horrendous hangover. (Class agent’s note: Jim did not mention K.K. as having any adverse aftereffects; obviously not his first experience with alcohol.) Jim made it to sick call and managed to make it to the Post Hospital and Dr. Mallory’s office. At that time, “Ma,” the attending nurse, took one look at him and, with no hint of sympathy and a cold blue steel glint in her eyes, said: “Don’t you ever come back here like this again!” Continuing this and that: We continue to have praises heaped upon us by members of the venerable rat class of 1954–55, AKA the Class of ’58, following its escape from the rigors of the Rat Line and most appreciative of the Class of ’57 for its thorough indoctrination of all rats under its protective care and tutelage. The most recent comment came from Charlie Hayes ’58 following George’s comment that he was moved his 3rd Class year to found the Rat Benevolent Society, of which Charlie was to be a proud member and hoped he was able to stay warm those long

2023-Issue 3

winter months of ’54–55. To which Charlie replied: “Thank you so much for your help. I really did stay warm that winter. I spent some time in the ‘opium den,’ as well as over the radiators of my corporal and platoon sergeant. I was probably a smart @#$ and deserved every minute of it. I can still remember spending time over your radiator, properly dressed in overcoat, gloves, and garrison cap, shoulders back, chin in, while practicing the manual of arms.” (Class agent’s note: Ah, those precious moments of manhood development, never to be forgotten.) Cameron Seay ’70 wrote: “I enjoyed reading your piece about K.K. Dickinson in the recent issue of Alumni Review. In barracks, we late’60s cadets knew him fondly as Chicken-Dicken for his daily white-glove room inspections looking for minutia. Years later (mid-’80s), I had the pleasure of working as brigade intelligence officer for Colonel Dickinson—2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division. He was, as Doc Carroll at VMI would have said, ‘a char-akter.’ We learned to love him as you, and his classmates apparently did, too.” Skip Richardson sent a card with an interesting note; it seems as though Skip married his roommate’s wife’s roommate at Madison. (Class agent’s note: A tongue twister there.) Skip went on to say he had a son-in-law that was a civil engineering grad in the Class of ’84. We also

had a note from Charlie Smith thanking us for the birthday card and its attendant pictures. Said Charlie: “I am so lucky to be still going strong at 88. My only regret is that I did not finish at VMI. I loved marching on the Parade Ground with the flags flying and the band playing. This was an experience in which very few people get to participate. As far as I am concerned, VMI is the best school in the nation!” (Class agent’s note: Amen, brother rat.) A note from Armand Wagner said he and wife Rita were “aging in place” at their home on the North River in Gloucester County. With his usual dry sense of humor, Armand said that even as life gets harder, they feel fortunate to still be here at the tender age of 88 and be able to endure the “aches and pains.” The Wagner family legacy at VMI extends over five generations from 1889 to 2012. Harry Warner still reminisces, with a smile on his face, about the time during our 3rd Class year when he and roommates Lynn Avis, Kirk Hubbard, and John Whittle had their room inspected by Capt. Phaup during one SMI. It seems as though he decided to inspect one of their rifles. Well, guys, you guessed it, one M-1 thumb coming up. No disrespect intended, but everyone except the embarrassed captain broke up in laughter. The widows’ corner: We received a nice note from Betty Huffcut thanking us for the red, white, and yellow flowers we sent to Bill’s memorial service and for all the calls and thoughtful cards during his last months. Betty indicated she still had not heard from Arlington National Cemetery as to a date scheduled for Bill’s interment, but she is still hoping for a July date and will advise as soon as she receives notice. Katie Dickinson called to check in and to also say how surprised she was to see the picture in our class notes in Alumni Review of K.K.’s dog tags from his Vietnam service tours. Thanks go to Vern Reichling ’87, nephew and “adopted son,” for providing the picture. A gracious note was received from Ruth Wills Smith on the occasion of receiving our birthday greeting marking her 83rd year. “Hard to believe,” she remarked. Ruth and husband Jimbo Smith ’60 now reside in Lexington after several years of residence in Southport, North Carolina. Jimbo has been leading a surgical mission to the Dominican Republic for 15 years and is active with hospice in Lexington, while Ruth is a docent with the Jackson House and a member of the vestry at Grace Episcopal Church.

Class Notes George received this note from Hal Snyder III ’80: “This is Buz’s son, and I’m writing to bring you up to date on my mom, Nelda. The last time I was in Richmond to visit her, I saw the nice card and photos you had shared with her. Unfortunately, her dementia has progressed significantly, and we are in the process of moving her to a higher level of care. Her only real form of communication with people is by phone, as her days of emailing, writing letters, etc., are over. I greatly appreciate everything you and Howard have done to keep her in the loop. My son, Conor Snyder ’18, completed dental school last summer, got married, and is now a dental officer in the Army at Fort Campbell. Thank you again for all your efforts to keep my mom engaged.” (signed) Harold (Hal) B. Snyder, D.D.S, MS Diplomate, American Board of Periodontology. Since the last edition of these class notes, we have lost Sam “Silent Sam” Barker and John “Big John” Quillen. Sam was known for his brilliant mind and quiet reserve. He had a career with Westinghouse Corp. as a senior design engineer and technical writer for its aerospace group. Big John, master of all gim riders, a special character who even had to put in a permit to attend his (our) graduation parade, had a career with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and never lost his Quixotic sense of humor even though confined to a wheelchair and experiencing near-blindness in his later years. Before signing off on this edition of our ’57 class notes, we continue our honored tradition

Class of 1957: U.S. Army Capt. Conor Snyder ’18 and Hal Snyder ’80, grandson and son, respectively, of the late Col. Harold B. Snyder Jr., duck hunting on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

of remembering those brother rats who have “crossed over the river to rest under the shade of the trees.” Our 12th list of those gone but not forgotten Class of ’57: Pierre Schrichte, Oct. 1, 2009; Bob Vail, Feb. 13, 2010; Bill Galvin, July 26, 2010; Bob Saunders, Aug. 23, 2010; and Jim Glover, Aug. 27, 2010. Rest in peace, brother rats who have passed, until at last we are all reunited; close ranks, brother rats still standing, as we continue our march forward on life’s path into the vast unknown with whatever the future may bring. And think about this: When you are young, speed and adrenaline seem to be great. But as you get older and wiser, you learn that comfort and peace are more important. This is called SOS: Slower, older, but smarter. Dedicated to all our brother rats, who, like us, now realize that it is time to slow down and enjoy the rest of the trip. As it says in part in our Doxology: “The spirit blends with those we cheer, our brother rats we hold so dear. So now, Keydets, with one voice cry, God bless our class and VMI.” Your Venerable Class Agents, George and Howard

1958

Lee McCown

Here it comes, the report on our 65th Reunion, which took place April 23–25, 2023, and was called a success by the 20 BRs plus guests who attended. None of us fell down or fell ill, and we found out that three nights in a cozy “hospitality suite,” AKA a regular hotel room, is way more fun and leads to way more conversation than the bigger spaces we’ve sometimes had. Everyone seemed pleased with their rooms and with the new way of transporting attendees, i.e., running buses constantly from the hotel to post rather than at appointed times for each class’ events. On post, we were moved from place to place by golf cart if walking was not an option. We did miss having our official transportation engineer there, Paul Royer, who used to handle such things and is making a great recovery from his health challenges. We owe many thanks to our late BR Hull Negley for the memorabilia collection he entrusted to me. I keep it in a Japanese medicine chest my father acquired in the South Pacific during World

War II. He used it to bring his gear back home. Hull’s collection provided Class of ’58 material that prompted many vivid memories: Football programs, photos, scrapbooks with newspaper articles, and even a Rat Bible. The following BRs and their guests attended at least some portion of reunion events: Stirling Williamson, class president, and his wife, Jane, were able to make it for the memorial service and the Old Yell, despite an ongoing condition that would require his brief hospitalization a few days later. Neither gave any sign of the stress they’d been under. Laura and I very much enjoyed working on the reunion with them and wish Stir the best in his recovery and Jane the best with her constant support. We don’t give awards to the BR who traveled the longest distance for the reunion, but if we did, Roy Palmer, coming from Mercer Island, Washington, would win. Roy is still flying—not just as a passenger but also as a pilot, and he’s still healthy and full of energy. When I told him Laura and I might be going to Jordan after son Kevin McCown moves there with the State Department next year, he spoke fondly of the king of Jordan, also a pilot, whom he got to know while at Boeing. We keep pushing Roy to move to Richmond, where we have central air conditioning. He had a hot spell last summer that forced him to buy a window unit he briefly used before the usual pleasant temperatures of the Pacific Northwest returned. Listen up, Roy; we know that on this day in May, it’s 88 degrees where you live. Don Norman traveled from the West Coast, too, from Fullerton, California, near Los Angeles, and met up with his son, Wayne, who came from Tampa. Don attended VMI for a year and has stopped by post a few times since but had never been to a reunion. Both were welcomed warmly and were a pleasure to be with. Using his walker with confidence, Don made a sprightly entrance into barracks for the Old Yell. Ernie Edgar handled the Old Yell with his still commanding voice. I risked life and limb climbing up the ladder to the sentinel box with our ’58 flag and its pole. The flag had been stored in the room with the regimental flags, originally by Barney Odend’hal when he worked there, and has been most recently checked on by grandson Jack McCown ’24. The guard team helped me attach the flag to their pole just before the parade began so we could proudly carry it into barracks. We missed having Barney at the reunion. Others there were Jules Berman, whose wife, Sheila, unfortunately could not join him. Jules

VMI Alumni Review

65th Reunion

VMI Class of 1958

Class notes

2023-Issue 3

Class Notes arrived early bearing a very fine Woodford Reserve bourbon. Howell Bowen and his friend Rosemary Connelly—who figured out how to squeeze an 11th person into a 10-person table at the all-reunion classes dinner—were welcome additions. Brooke Doggett came with Stuart Whitehurst. Brooke faithfully visits our BR Sam Witt, who lives in another part of his Westminster Canterbury community in Richmond. Stuart almost always comes to our Richmond BR lunches, and we enjoy seeing him at functions put on by the Marshall Foundation. Elizabeth and Ernie Edgar are still demonstrating that they have the strength to do the nine-hour drive from Auburn, Alabama. While in Lexington, they got to see their son, Will, and his family. Will is senior director, constituent communications, for Washington and Lee University. Jean and Lou Farmer, plus their son, Steve, and his son, Zach ’25, showed some very strong multi-generational resemblances and were in good spirits. Frank Hancock brought Shelby King, both of whom were my classmates at Jefferson Senior High School in Roanoke and Frank a roommate at VMI. We all promised to see each other again the next time Laura and I are in my hometown. Charlie Hayes was able to be with us only briefly but brought bottles of a nice prosecco for everyone with this note on each: “Drink up: It ain’t Dom Perignon Brut, but it tastes good. Besides, Dom Perignon would be wasted on you guys. Hope to see you again soon.” Bill Walker arrived looking healthy and strong and wearing a jaunty hat, but he had spent some time with a representative of the American Automobile Association regarding a vehicle malfunction on the way from Reedville to Lexington. Carolyn and Bill Harshaw were among the animated crowd in the hospitality room every night, where Carolyn once had to gently explain to someone who asked Bill how he knows so much about history: “He’s brilliant, and he reads all the time.” Kudos to loyal wives everywhere. Becky and Onza Hyatt shared some beautiful pictures of The Greenbrier wedding of their granddaughter, Whitney, who is best of friends with Claire, daughter of my brother, David McCown ’73. Both women received their Ph.Ds. in psychology from West Virginia University May 13. It’s a new world: Laura got to watch Claire online defending her dissertation. Liz and Jack Payne were with us for part of the action, and Laura and I had also just seen Jack at

the memorial events in New York City for Tom Saunders a week before. More on that below. Susie and John Peters aren’t writing books right now but seem to be reading a lot, staying on top of the news, and keeping up with their two children and their three granddaughters, all of them accomplished. Must be the payoff for their great parenting. Laura suspected the big 2001 Richmond’s Monument Avenue book, for which John did the beautiful photography, might be even more costly now that all the monuments are gone. It’s a beauty we gave to all our children for Christmas when it came out. She checked: Amazon now offers new ones for $333.69, with only one in stock! We found out at the reunion that Montie Rea and his delightful friend, Mary Ann Lehrman, enjoy frequent dancing dates in Pittsburgh. They were spark plugs at the after-dinner gatherings each night, adding a lot to the conversations. Melanie and Lenny Rubin (see below regarding Si Bunting III ’63) are still living on Long Island, and we learned that Lenny is another of our very knowledgeable history buffs. Kay and Jim Stilwell’s daughter, Cathy Satterfield, brought them to the reunion, and we all enjoyed meeting her. Jim and Kay invited everyone to visit them in Rockingham, Virginia, outside Harrisonburg, where they are still living happily ever after in a retirement community they like very much. It was also great to see Landa Holt, widow of Bill Holt, who came from Roanoke for the memorial service with her daughter and son-in-law. Laura and I were accompanied for portions of the reunion by our daughter, Rev. Alane Cameron Ford, who gained much praise for the way she conducted the memorial service, and her son Jefferson Cameron Miles ’24, a biology major who plays trombone in the Regimental Band and rounded up three musicians for the service. The musicians were: Virginia Townsend ’24, soon to be Band Company commander, who opened the service on piano; Col. John Brodie (Hon), who—in 1988, left his White House post performing with The President’s Own (the United States Marine Band) to become director of music at VMI—played taps on his very shiny trumpet following the reading of the names of our 107 deceased brother rats by Ernie Edgar, John Peters, Stirling Williamson, and me; and Julian Major ’24, wearing the VMI tartan of the Pipe Band, closed the service with Amazing Grace on bagpipes. I think it might have been the most music we’ve

had for this important time together. Thanks, Jefferson. Thanks to Col. Brodie, who I think said he’d already done three memorial services by the time he got to ours, and to the cadets who worked our event into their class schedules. Besides Alane and Jefferson, our other two guests for the class dinner were grandson Jack McCown ’24 and Grace Rader ’24. Jack is double majoring in history and English and wearing stars, with a goal of being a Marine Corps JAG officer. We sat him with John Peters, whom we knew had had a good JAG experience in the Army. Jack found John’s experience very interesting to hear about. Grace is a biology major who is VMI’s top-ranking emergency medical technician. With her goal of medical school, of course, we seated her next to Bill Harshaw, who was delighted to spend time with her. Jefferson had the pleasure of sitting with the Farmer family and says all three generations were a lot of fun. He and Zach can look each other directly in the eyes, as both are around 6’5”. Jordan Saunders, widow of BR Tom Saunders, contributed some very fine champagne for the occasion so that we could toast Tom and the other 106 BRs who are no longer with us. Thank you, Jordan. An unusual occasion many of us enjoyed during the reunion was at the library honoring Si Bunting III ’63, who donated his papers to the Institute, where, as we all know, he served as superintendent from 1995–2003. It was a reunion weekend for him, too. The library staff archivist, Laura, he spoke with seemed genuinely thrilled with what she is finding as she goes through the dozens, or maybe it was hundreds, of Bunting boxes. Laura is hoping to someday look through the papers related to his 2004 book, Ulysses S. Grant, which she really enjoyed, as did Lenny. Bunting was commissioned to do it as part of the highly regarded American Presidents series by Times Books. Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr., presidential historian, served as the general series editor and chose Bunting for this assignment. According to the publishers, the series aimed to “present the grand panorama of our chief executives in volumes compact enough for the busy reader, lucid enough for the scholar. Each volume will be an incisive, meditation-length biographical essay that focuses on the subject’s presidency, even as it offers a distillation of his life, character, and career.” Laura thinks Bunting’s book may have had a role in turning around decades of negative coverage of Grant as president. Many books with

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes

Class of 1958 1. Ernie Edgar (center) and Lee McCown lead an Old Yell for the class during the 65th Reunion April 25, 2023. 2. Onza and Becky Hyatt at the 65th Reunion. 3. Roy Palmer of Mercer Island, Washington, traveled the farthest to attend the 65th Reunion. 4. Jules Berman (left) and Charlie Hayes, at the 65th Reunion.

2023-Issue 3

5. Members of the class and their guests stand during the playing of the national anthem during the reunion parade. 6. Members of the class head toward Old Barracks for Old Yells following the reunion parade. 7. Don Norman (center) came from California for his first reunion ever.—Photos by Joe Czekner, VMI Alumni Agencies.

Class Notes more positive approaches have followed, including Ron Chernow’s bestselling 2017 Grant. Chernow has said his research for the book caused his own change of heart about the general-turned-president. Laura and I both remember Bunting facing a full house at the Virginia Historical Society (now the Virginia Museum of History and Culture) when he came to Richmond to talk about his Grant book nearly 20 years ago. He began his time at the podium looking out over the audience and laughing so hard that we began to wonder if he was going to be able to go on with his talk. Once he composed himself, he said if anyone had told him he would have an audience that size for a lecture about U.S. Grant in the capital of the Confederacy, he would have said they were nuts. Lenny Rubin liked the Grant book, too, and knew more about Bunting’s writing career than any of us, having read all six of his books, four of them novels. He was really thrilled to be at this event as he said he has enjoyed all of them. The older VMI alumni get, the more “Mother I” pulls out the stops for reunion support. Many of the time-consuming chores our big and hardworking 50th Reunion Committee, led by Ernie Edgar and John Peters, had to perform were handled by the VMI reunion staff for the 65th. Stir, Jane, Laura, and I worked with Corri Sensabaugh and Jordan Buswell, who made an effective and efficient team, and we owe them much gratitude. Thank you, Corri and Jordan. Since the reunion, I—sometimes with Laura— have delivered the ’58 reunion hats to several BRs who live nearby, including Hunter Clarke, Moon Menefee, and Paul Royer. All are confronting their health challenges with dignity and what they would probably deny—courage. At the Clarkes’ place in Virginia Beach, Hunter was having a stay in the rehab area of the Atlantic Shores community, while Betty Jean is still in their apartment. We gathered in Hunter’s room, where he had nonstop visitors wishing him well and staff showing him great affection and respect. He hopes to be back in the apartment and able to cut a rug at their regular TGIF parties soon. In the “little things mean a lot” category, Hunter reported on his favorite ice cream that’s a staple where they live—Homestead Creamery’s Lemon Crunch. Laura and I both shouted our approval. It’s one of our favorites, too, made near my hometown of Roanoke and introduced to us by a friend there. Unfortunately, while briefly sold in our Richmond Kroger store, it no longer is, but if we can find a cooler that’s more like a freezer, we

can bring some home from the Kroger in Lexington. This great ice cream producer in Burnt Chimney, Franklin County, Virginia, uses milk from local dairies. They partnered with Virginia Tech’s agriculture and food science experts last year to develop a Hokie Tracks product. This delicious-sounding blend of vanilla ice cream, salted caramel, and dark chocolate-covered pretzels

Class of 1958: This football, signed by members of the undefeated Keydet team of 1957, was donated to the VMI Museum by the late Gates Sykes.

Class of 1958: Montie Rea and Mary Ann Lehrman in their hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

was developed to mark the 150th anniversary of the school last year. The family-owned creamery has been around since 2001. It’s time for the cadets in our circle who are majoring in biology to develop a VMI ice cream! Laura wants a recreation of one a local Thai restaurant used to make—banana walnut—and I’d like some variation of that lemon flavor, maybe with toasted coconut. Another very pleasant visit was with Moon and Carol and their daughter, Laura, who live together now, support each other, and obviously enjoy each other’s company. Once they decided to join forces, Laura’s condo sold very quickly, and she moved into her parents’ house. Moon has had a number of surgeries and does not drive now. Laura is doing a fine job of taking care of her parents. I found in visiting Paul Royer that his recovery has gone extremely well. Early in his difficulties, they decided that his wife, Hope, could go right into a nursing career with no formal training. Before I was able to visit him, she was keeping us up to date by phone on his condition with clarity and just enough details about his complex situation. Now he’s feeling good enough to join our next Richmond lunch group. I took a reunion hat to him, and he had made a very special gift for me, commemorating my time as class agent—a VMI garrison cap shield mounted on mahogany. Thanks, Pablo. During our reunion, I had hoped we would be able to look at and touch the 1957 football our late BR Gates Sykes found in a secondhand shop years ago. His family let me know that it might be in the VMI Museum by the time of our reunion, but it had not been thoroughly processed by then. Col. Keith Gibson ’77, VMI Museum System executive director, just let me know that it is now on display. It takes a lot to earn a prominent display, as Col. Gibson is very discerning. Those of us who heard his talk at the reunion—“Your VMI Suit of Armor,” about the history of the coatee—thought it was one of his best ever. The coatee might seem like a minor fashion detail to craft a lecture around, but we left thinking that everyone with a VMI connection should have a chance to learn about it. We hope he will deliver it for cadets and have it printed in publications. The coatee had an ancient history preceding its adoption by VMI, and his photographs and language about its meaning bordered on spiritual. Thank you, Col. Gibson, for that great talk and for displaying our football so honorably in the museum. And thank you to the Sykes family for

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes That does it for this time around. I will not have Johnson, sent Easter wishes and a picture of her making sure it got to VMI. A tip of the hat goes to those who had planned mantelpiece decorated with red, white, and yel- this much material to include in class notes going to be at the reunion but were prevented from do- low flowers honoring her dad. I appreciated be- forward unless I hear from some of you. So, if ing called Uncle Lee again and remembering all anything happens, let me know. Even if it’s just a ing so by various setbacks. Jim Cowan thought he would be there up until the last minute when the years of friendship with Jan, Jeanie, and their movie you think we should see. Cheers! five girls. wife Margaret’s health caused him to cancel. Lee and Laura As we were winding up the notes, we learned John “Pag” Paganelli had signed up to come of the death of BR Lee Arthur. I did not know but also had to cancel. that Lee (real name Linwood) applied and was Annette Johnston, widow of Duke Johnston, planned to come with her son, but a tree landed accepted into the astronaut program in 1963 but was so valuable as a flight instructor that he did on his house during a bad storm, so he was a busy Shep Shepard man. She sent a letter that said: “I’m thinking not get that assignment. Lee matriculated from about all those who were able to attend the 65th Coleman Falls, Virginia, a wide spot in the road Reunion. I wish I had been there to join the fun. between Lynchburg and Lexington, and died in ... Being there without Duke would have been sad Flower Mound, Texas. He wore stars at VMI and for me, as it would have been the first reunion was offered a faculty position upon graduation. It was not until just prior to submitting these I remember a day in a thermodynamics class without him. I can’t believe five years have gone by. I think back over the years and remember how when the professor seemed to most of us to be class notes that I was informed that Leon Elmuch fun it was seeing all of Duke’s brother rats speaking in Greek as he scribbled equations on sarelli’s wife, Marge, passed away in November the blackboard. Charles “Turkey” McLeod stood 2022. Marge will be buried at Arlington National and their wives. So many of those we were close to have passed. I met Duke at Christmas of his rat up and told the professor that there were only two Cemetery June 12, 2023, which happens to be the cadets in the class who had a clue about what he same day and place that Royall Geis will be buryear. Those years were so special, being young, happy, and carefree. VMI will always hold a big was saying: Lee Arthur and Jim Beamer. Rest ied. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Leon and Geri, as well as their families. in peace, Lee. part of my life, with wonderful memories. WishI received a note from Michael Varing you the best, Annette.” gosko Jr., son of Mike and Julie VargosLaura, Jack Payne, and I were imko, informing me that he and his brother mersed in memories for two days in New moved Julie to a senior living facility in York City the week before the reunion Trumbull, Connecticut. She is just a mile celebrating the life of Tom Saunders, one from her sister and not too far from Miof the most colorful and successful memchael, who lives in Boston, so she will be bers of the Class of ’58. His wife, Jordan, well cared for. had asked VMI to send cadets who would Early in the quarter, Lee and Nancy act as ushers during the memorial service Southard invited Ann and me to attend Saturday morning. They came with staff a Southwest Florida Chapter VMI alumni and joined us for a dinner Jordan hosted get-together in Fort Myers. We jumped at the night before and the reception after the chance because we had not seen them the service. Needless to say, they had no for some time, nor had we seen their new trouble mixing with the guests and lookhome on Shell Pointe. We are so glad we ing sharp in their spiffy grey blouses. The arrived a day early because we had plenty service couldn’t have been any better, of time to enjoy their beautiful home dewith tributes and readings by Tom’s chilsigned mostly by Nancy, located right on dren, grandchildren, and business associthe Caloosahatchee River. Lee and Nanates and a very moving a capella version cy also took us for a tour of Fort Myers of Shenandoah. RIP, Tom. and Sanibel Island, which was devastatIf any of you are planning a train trip to ed by the recent Hurricane Ian. I lived in New York City, you’re in for a treat. The Berlin, Germany, just following World new Moynihan Train Hall, created out of War II, and Ann and I lived next to the a beautiful city block size 100-plus-yeartown of Xenia, Ohio, when it was hit old post office building as an expansion with an F5 tornado in 1974, and I can tell of Penn Station, seemed more like a reyou that Sanibel looked as bad as both. placement to us, a deeply dispiriting and Class of 1958: Attending the class dinner during the 65th It looked like it would take years to reugly site. It’s light- and art-filled. Reunion are (from left) Cadet Grace Rader ’24 and Cadets cover, but Lee says they are rebounding I had a very special surprise on EasJefferson Miles ’24 and Jack McCown ’24, grandsons of well and making great progress. The VMI ter, which was our late BR Jan WoodLee McCown. get-together was fun, and I am glad we man’s birthday. His daughter, Alexandra

1959

2023-Issue 3

Class Notes attended. We met at Pinchers in Fort Myers and had a great meal and some good conversation. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that the host of the get-together was Ben Smith ’14, who happened to be the grandson of Bob Gerdetz ’52, a very good and dear friend of ours who unfortunately passed away a few years ago. Bob would be so proud of his grandson, who did a terrific job putting the meet and greet all together. Lee thought he might be getting old since his youngest son, Brian Southard ’93, just attended his 30th Reunion at VMI until I reminded him that our son, Phillip Shepard III ’83, was also there attending his 40th Reunion. Where did the time go? By the time these class notes go to press Lee will have completed his third book, Reflections on Genesis, and it will have been published. It is a very sweeping narrative about the alignment of science (archeology, paleontology, geology, and physics) with clues from Genesis as evidence for the events described in Genesis and when they happened and why they happened. Lee realizes that it will not be without controversy. Reflections on Genesis is scientifically and theologically sound, with editorial assistance from his son, Todd Southard ’85, who is a pastor, along with some good Christian brothers. It could be the best work that Lee has done in his old age. Lee writes that he saw that his old high school in Richmond, John Marshall, won the national high school championship the last two years. Last championship was in 1954 when they won the state. Those were great years when Bobby Ross, Dave Goode, Baldy Fall, and Buddy Kramer played for Benedictine and all became brother rats. Good times! Received a call from Geri Geis not long ago, followed by a nice long discussion about the world situation. Geri called to remind me that Royall Geis’ memorial service would be held at Arlington National Cemetery June 12, 2023, at 1300 hours. Geri is holding things together but has been suffering from some medical issues. As you will recall, when she and Royall were visiting their daughter, Stacey, in San Francisco, they both ended up in the hospital, and what was planned to be a short vacation ended up lasting a year. Things were so bad that Stacey had to take a leave of absence to take care of them. Geri is now having breathing problems that the doctors cannot isolate. She has had a few serious situations where her lungs were punctured while they were trying to drain fluid from them. So far, no relief in sight, but we will continue to keep Geri in our prayers. Stacey, who lives in San Francisco, has

finally landed her dream job working for the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C. Although she loves her job, the commute from San Francisco to D.C. is beginning to wear her down, but she loves living in San Francisco and will never relocate from the Golden State. The price we must pay for happiness. Heard from Bob Haines, and he reports that things are as well as can be expected with him

Class of 1959: Tex and Emily Carr on a riverboat trip through Germany.

and Monique. Needless to say, Bob is over the top proud of his granddaughter, Tiffany Haines ’15, a C-130J pilot who was just accepted as a candidate for the C-130J Top Gun School, a real big deal. My great-nephew, Tyler Hebrink, recently graduated from the University of North Dakota and was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force. He is currently attending the C-130J flight school in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and I was anxious to get him and Tiffany connected. He would have been able to learn a lot from Tiff, but alas, when Bob told Tiff, she said they were in two separate worlds and unlikely that they would ever fly together. I always thought that all pilots were the same, and at the end of the day, they parked their airplanes and all got together at the officer’s club and told war stories and tall tales about their day behind the stick. What do I know? I was an Army grunt. Got a note from Heather Smithson, Richard Bingham’s daughter, informing me that they buried most of Dick’s ashes in March in Bluewell, West Virginia, in a plot between his mom and brother as he requested. She has some of the ashes encased in a beautiful necklace that she hasn’t taken off since she put it around her neck. She plans to scatter some of his ashes in Alaska when she goes there this summer. Heather is still struggling with lots of things, including grief, but she is still upright, so she counts that as a win. Heather bought an Auburn grandpa T-shirt that she planned to give to her dad when her oldest goes off to Auburn next year. While at the funeral, I mentioned that my granddaughter was

Class of 1959: A gathering of the Southwest Florida Chapter in Fort Myers, Florida. Lee and Nancy Southard and Shep and Ann Shepard are among those pictured.

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes Wood, Larry Wood’s brother, had a bad fall and in June, and he is getting 256 miles per gallon graduating from Auburn this year. Heather was kind enough to remember that conversation and on his new car, a Ford plug-in hybrid. After broke the first two vertebrae. Doctors do not do sent the T-shirt to me. I made many points with knee replacement 2.0, he and Emily will hit the surgery for that problem on people our age, so my granddaughter when I sent her a picture of me cruise circuit again. He stays in touch with Son- they fitted him with a neck brace and released ny and Skippy Bishop and reports that they are him. I spoke with Jim not long ago, and he said wearing the T-shirt. Her response was, “Go, War Eagles.” Thanks, Heather, for entrusting your fa- well. They were in an automobile accident some that he is doing pretty well, although it is a slow ther’s Auburn T-shirt to me; I will think of Rich- time ago, and their car was totaled. They survived process. He is, however, back to walking the dog. Jim and Miki Edmunds are so tired of maskard whenever I wear it. Our thoughts and prayers without any damage; however, recently, Skip fell ing against COVID-19, but they still wear masks and broke her hip, had surgery the next week, and continue to be with you and your family. most of the time when they are in stores and other now is doing well on a walker. Ralph and Janice Rae Lawson have finally Bob and Anne Baillio are doing well, and why enclosed places. Miki had COVID-19 this wincompleted their move from Cobbs Creek to Avery Point in Richmond, Virginia. They love the shouldn’t they be with seven beautiful grandchil- ter, but Jim hasn’t caught it yet, thankfully. Last dren to care for? Anne recognized how harsh 2022 fall, they took a two-week camping trip with their newness of the house. The move was smooth but stressful, as is every major change in their lives was on the Class of 1959 and hopes for a kinder small Airstream Basecamp trailer to Arizona to at this age. Ralph has concluded that Avery Point 2023. I recall many years ago when my father lost visit Jim’s son in Phoenix and attend the wedding of one of Miki’s best friends in Tucis an old folks training center where son. For the wedding, they stayed in you exercise, eat, and drink daily a hotel, but the rest of the time, they and are watched over by a wonderwere in their Basecamp. They have ful medical staff whose job it is to discovered that Arizona is home to keep you alive and interested. They some beautiful state campgrounds are surrounded by friendly old folks that they have enjoyed. Even more, with a couple of brother rats and they enjoy their daily walks with their wives living in the same vicintheir two Weimaraners. The days ity. Bobby and Alice Ross and John and months are going by too fast, and Teddi Martin live just down but the old adage that “time flies the road. Ralph has already made when you are having fun” has never contact with Bobby and has enbeen truer; Jim and Miki are enjoyjoyed a two-hour breakfast at Boying every minute of it. chick Restaurant, catching up on all Rusty Loth had a belated Cinco the news. He hopes to get together de Mayo lunch with Noland Pipes with John in the near future, but in at their favorite Brew and Que. Nothe meantime, he and Janice Rae are Class of 1959: Phil Shepard ’83, son of Shep and Ann Shepard, and his land was recovering from a slip and heading to Hilton Head, South Carwife, Isabelle, sit on the Shep Shepard bench near the Parade Ground fall incident, but fortunately, notholina, to get away from the rigorous while attending Phil Shepard’s 40th Reunion in April 2023. ing was broken or sprained, and he training at Avery Point. is recovering nicely and able to conHeard from Rick and Rosita Santinue his spring yard work and planting between tos, who were visiting their home away from five of his buddies in the course of a few months. home in Sunrise, Florida, from Ecuador. They He went into a deep state of depression, and it naps. Rusty’s daughter, Laura, will take a sabbatical next year and has planned a trip for Rusty gathered the whole family together in Orlando, took months before he recovered. I kept remindand her back to Virginia in early June before she Florida, where they enjoyed a week visiting all ing myself of that when we went through our bad goes to Italy and Africa. Oh, to be young again the major attractions, especially Disney World stretch at the end of 2022. Mel and Jean Anderson are doing as well as and have the desire to travel without having to and Universal. Unfortunately, they were tied up can be expected, considering Mel just had a to- take the pharmacy along. Rusty would even setwith the family all week, and we were not able to tal knee replacement. He has had two previous tle for one of those Daytona Beach or Fort Lauget together for a drink. Tex Carr has been homebound for the past knee operations on that same knee, and it was derdale spring breaks! Those WERE the days. several weeks due to medical appointments. time to get it replaced. Although the knee was Got several nice emails from Agnes Inge Carter. Not only that, but Emily left him alone as she swollen quite a bit after surgery, therapy is go- She and the entire Inge family will be at the VMI versus The Citadel football game in Charleston visited friends and family in Pennsylvania and ing well, and prospects for the next few months to watch her grandson, Thomas, play, and she New Jersey. Friends and family are more im- look good when he anticipates the knee will be portant than warm weather. With Emily gone, back to normal size and function. The husband hopes to see a lot of ’59ers there. When she saw Tex has learned to excel in cooking chili from of their granddaughter, Ruth, has retired from the the notice that Wes Foster ’56 had passed away, a can, chicken soup from leftovers, and Rice-a- Navy, moved from Hawaii to California, and be- she wondered what the connection was between Roni. He claims it is better than the C-rations he gan a new career with Grumman. All this and a Tommy Inge and Wes Foster ’56. Tommy was always so close to Wes and always held him in had when he was on a bivouac. Tex had cataract 17-month-old son. You will recall from my last notes that Jim high regard. Wes was especially friendly to her surgery on Valentine’s Day, a knee replacement

2023-Issue 3

Class Notes son, Tom, who lived in Great Falls for a while. She thinks her three sons, all proud VMI graduates, would like to know how their father became so closely connected with Wes. After some investigation, we found that Tommy was Wes’ dyke. The mystery was solved by Ed Talley, who wrote that he was the dyke of Joe Mack ’56, who was Wes Foster’s roommate. Tommy did, in fact, dyke Wes. Wes was a cadet waiter for the breakfast meal, and the dykes all pitched in to drag Wes out of bed and get him out the door while they made up his hay and put everything away. Agnes’s grandson, Thomas, is now playing football in Wes Foster Stadium. Ann and I are doing pretty well, although health issues caught up with us this past quarter. For years, the doctors have been telling Ann her breathing problems are heart-related, and therefore, her treatment was based upon that. It wasn’t until I took her to the emergency room a few months ago that the ER doctor told her it was her lungs that were causing the problem. She has since gone to a pulmonologist and is now on oxygen full-time and beginning to feel better. I’ve had a few problems myself and am currently undergoing several tests to figure out what is the matter. We had a pleasant surprise at the beginning of the

Class of 1959: Pictured are Bob and Anne Baillio’s grandchildren, Leo, Shamblin, Callaghan, MacSwain, Avery, Wiley, and Robert. year when we received a call from our daughter and son-in-law that they had made the decision to move to Florida. Their original intent was to live in Orlando to be close to their son and daughterin-law, but after looking at several places, they decided to move in just down the street from where we live. We now have both of our daughters living in the area, as well as two grandsons, so we are well cared for. It is nice to have them pop in every once in a while to make sure we are still kicking. You will notice that the class notes are much shorter than usual, and the pictures are mostly of Ann and me. I sent out a number of requests for class notes input, and the response was not good. You all are well aware that the notes are information that you provide to me. I edit what you send in and produce what you see. I cannot make them up. If you are satisfied with the notes being just two to three pages, then I am, too; but these are the first notes I have submitted in the 25 years I have been your class agent that have not been five pages. Yours in the Spirit, Shep

1960

James A. Smith III

Class of 1959: Ann and Shep Shepard’s great-granddaughter, Maggie. Greetings from the Dominican Republic. I’ve

been away from Lexington since Jan. 6, 2023. We are looking forward to getting home! Sadly, I need to start this edition with a sad note. Our Brother Rat, Sam Horner, passed away after a long illness at home in Georgia Feb. 21. Sam loved his brother rats, having been on multiple golf trips with many. I have many memories of Sam, but I shall not forget his captaincy of the football team our 1st Class year, his projection of a victory over VPI, and pulling it off. Sam will be missed by us all. His obituary follows: “Doctor Samuel Watson Horner III left us to join his beloved wife, Lynne, Feb. 21, 2023. When our Lynne passed away Jan. 29, 2021, they had been married one month shy of 60 years. Dad was born in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, March 4, 1938, to Colonel and Mrs. S.W. Horner II. He spent his early years in Anniston, Alabama, with his mother, grandmother, and grandfather while his father was deployed. It was there that he developed his love for all things outdoors. When it was time for Sam to attend prep school, he went to The Hill School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, where he honed his skills as a golfer, swimmer, runner, and football player. While attending college at Virginia Military Institute, it became apparent in his freshman year that he had a passion and talent for football. He led his VMI team to conference championships and an undefeated season and graduated with a civil engineering degree. Sam was inducted into the sports Hall of Fame at both VMI and The Hill School in his lifetime. Sam was drafted by the Washington Redskins into the NFL as the first pick in the second round. He was then traded to the New York Giants, and he played for them until he

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes Abigail, Zachary, Natalie, and Audrey. He loved Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.” retired to attend UGA veterinary school in 1962. I received the nicest, handwritten letter from Jon “Sam met Lynne on a blind date arranged by his his doggies and took care of them with love and Parnell, who lives in Georgetown, Texas. Jon reaunt, and they were married within three months. passion. He was a lifelong Vikings football fan ported that his was the second-oldest Arby’s franLynne always said she had never cared for foot- and enjoyed his time reading about history and ball players but went on the date to appease her enjoying his favorite snacks of Snyder’s pretzel chise in the country—over 52 years. At one point, Jon held 11 Arby’s franchises. Now he only holds friend, Margot. When Sam graduated from vet- rods and Entenmann’s crumb top donuts. “Jon died Feb. 24, 2023, after a brief illness at St. two. Jon “has the beef.” Always great to hear from erinary school he started an equine practice, S.W. and about him. Horner, and practiced for 40 years. The practice John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois, surrounded I received the following long email from by his family. He will be deeply missed. He will be was renamed Horner & Nash, DVM, when Jim buried with military honors at Arlington National Wayne LeBlang: “Hi, Jimbo: After having a Nash bought a percentage of the practice, and it’s place at PGA West in La Quinta, California, for still a thriving practice that continues to live up to 36 years, we sold it last April and moved back to Sam’s high standards of care and integrity. When Glenview, Illinois, in the northern Chicago subSam retired from veterinary practice he returned to urban area. However, this past January–March, his love of golf with great passion and made many we rented a place back at PGA West. We also wonderful friends along the way. met up with Bill Scherer ’70, who has a home “Sam is survived by his sister, Margo Elizabeth here at PGA West. In the attached picture, you Horner; his daughters, Helen Horner Hamryka can see Bill (on left) and me on the 18th green (West) and Margaret Horner Eglin (Tom); and of the Arnold Palmer course after we finished his four grandchildren, Sam Eglin (Luiza), Chris our round. We moved back to Chicago, as Judy Eglin, William Hamryka (Rachel), and Richard has numerous family and relatives in the immeHamryka. He leaves behind many friends from diate area. In addition, we were searching for a VMI, the horse world, and from golf. (You know continuing care facility and found what we were who you are!) In lieu of flowers, please donate looking for at the Vi in Glenview. Even though to the University of Georgia veterinary school in we do not need it now, it does have assisted livSam’s name.” ing, memory care, and nursing care, if and when On Feb. 18, Carl Benner celebrated his next the need arises. Hopefully, this will still be some birthday. An email from him reported he is OK. time in coming. Hard to believe that I am still He has moved into a senior citizen’s center. He Class of 1960: Bill Spicuzza and Dallas playing golf due to significant back problems and doesn’t play as much golf as he used to. “Ed” Smith. several surgeries. Jimbo, I had a dorsal root ganOn Feb. 21, Guy Smith had his next birthday. He glion implant procedure done this past got email wishes. November, just prior to coming out here Sadly, our Brother Rat Jon Quinn in January. It provided me 80-90% lower passed away Feb. 24. His obituary is as back pain relief. It is the most relief since follows: “Jon Anderson Quinn was born my back first started acting up back in in Wilmington, Delaware, Oct. 1, 1938. 2007. I can highly recommend that any He attended P.S. Dupont High School and BR having lower back pain issues at least then university at Virginia Military Instidiscuss it with their back pain surgeon. tute. Jon played football at VMI all four After having undergone, over the years, years of college. He received a Fulbright 10-12 epidural injections, 12 facet blocks, scholarship his last year at VMI that had 3 rhizotomies, and an L1-S1 spinal fusion him attend a semester abroad in La Paz, with two rods and 12 screws, this DRG Bolivia, where he met Lucy Antezana procedure was, to me, like a miracle. I Espana at university. They later married am even in the process of being weaned and had three boys, John, James, and off of my hydromorphone and morphine Joseph. Jon spent a career in the United medications. The goal is to eventually be States Air Force and retired from active off of any opioids. Hopefully, that will be duty in 1991. He had several assignments soon. Cheers, Wayne.” Thanks, Wayne. that included several stateside bases and Please let me hear from more of you. several overseas locations, including EcClass of 1960: Friends and family of the late Andy Wise On March 7, Jimmie Seeley celebratuador, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, gather in the Old Barracks courtyard during the second ed his next birthday. He was planning a and Spain. After wife Lucy’s passing in spring reunion in April 2023. Pictured are (from left) Steve “big” spaghetti dinner with children and 2009, Jon spent his remaining years living Riethmiller ’63, Wise’s dyke; Cadet Ethan Wise ’24, Wise’s with family and being a wonderful grandgrandson; Dick Wise ’68, Wise’s brother; and Jimbo Smith, birthday cards. We wish him well and more birthdays. father (affectionately known as Papa Wise’s roommate. On March 18, our Brother Rat Wally Bear) to his five grandchildren, Alexandra,

2023-Issue 3

Class Notes Six Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. “Skip” Grafton passed away. His obitTax Court, and the U.S. Supreme Court. uary will follow when published. His Wallace was active in local bar associason, Michael ’84, sent the following tions and twice served on its Executive email to Hap: “Sir, I regret to inform you Committee. Along with his law partner, that my father, A. Wallace Grafton Jr., Robert Ewald, he founded the Jefferson passed away March 18, 2023. He was alCounty Public Defender Corporation and ways very proud to have graduated from served on its board for 20 years. Active VMI, and one of his last wishes before in the law community, he also was very he slipped away to make one final visactive in the Democratic polls. He was it to see the Corps in review. Sadly, his elected to the Jefferson County Electorhealth declined too swiftly for us to make al Committee and served as Ron Mazthat happen. He loved to tell stories about zoli’s general election campaign chair in VMI, including how he ran a loan operClass of 1960: Gathering for lunch are (from left) Henry 1976, on Wendell Ford’s 1971 Campaign ation there with David Maddox and Bill Brown, Linda Brown, Ruth Smith, and Jimbo Smith. Committee, and on Julian Carol’s 1975 Spicuzza. He is survived by his wife of Campaign Committee, and chaired Paul 62 years (Donna), me (Michael), two daughters (Carollyn Brown and Sarah Matting- and Virginia. He graduated from Virginia Mili- Patton’s lieutenant governor campaign in Jefferson County. In 1975, he took a leave of absence ly), eight grandchildren, and three great-grand- tary Institute in 1960 with a BA in history. Afchildren. I’m sure he is enjoying being with his ter serving in the U.S. Army (first lieutenant), he from his law firm to serve as a legislator associate to Governor Ford and chaired the 1984 Merggraduated from the University of Louisville Law BRs that passed first and is waiting for the rest of er Committee and served on the 1985 Charter School in 1965 with a J.D. degree. After graduaus. Michael Grafton.” tion, he joined his father, Arthur W. Grafton Sr., Commission. Along with Bill Martins and Chuck His obituary: “A. Wallace Grafton Jr. died March 18, 2023; he was 85 years old. He is sur- at Wyatt, Tarrant, and Combs, where he practiced Hassett, he drafted the 1967 Open Housing and vived by his wife of 61 years, the former Don- law as an associate and partner until his retire- Fair Employment ordinances of the City of Louisville. On the civic side, he served two terms on na Carrigan; three children, Michael C. Grafton, ment in 1998. His specialty was public finance. the board of trustees for the University of LouisCarollyn Grafton Brown, and Sarah Grafton Mat- He was a member of the Kentucky and Jeffertingly; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandson County bar associations and admitted to ville and was twice elected as its chair. He served children. Wallace was born in Louisville, Ken- practice before the U.S. Federal District Courts on the board of the Louisville Ballet Company of eastern and western Kentucky, the Federal and a term as its chair, as well, and 10 years on tucky, and grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, the board of the Fund for the Arts. He also served a term on the board of Louisville and Jefferson County and chaired its long-range Economic Development Committee. He was a member of the board of overseers for 10 years and chaired its Visiting Committee on the Kent School of Social Work. Lastly, he was a founding investor in Republic Bank and Trust and served on its board of directors for 20 years. After his retirement, he enjoyed reading (history books); traveling with his wife, children, and grandchildren; and playing poker at Horseshoe Casino. “As a devoted father and husband, he will be greatly missed. He had an amazing sense of humor and vast knowledge of history and the world in general. He was a devoted public servant to Louisville and Jefferson County. We love and will miss you, dad. Thank you for all you have given us, and we are comforted by your peaceful passing and the knowledge you are no longer in pain and you are finally warm.” On March 19, our Brother Rat John Moore passed away in Naples, Florida. His obituary folClass of 1960: Gathering with this year’s recipient of the Bayliss Award, Wesley Barbara ’23, in April 2023 are G.G. Phillips, Jimbo Smith, Herb Vaughan, Barbara, Hap Miller, Jim lows: “John Edward Moore of Olney, Maryland, Pittman, and Howard Moss. and Naples, Florida, passed away in the early morning of Sunday, March 19, 2023, at the age of

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes 85. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 31, 2023, at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church (26290 Beaumont Road, Bonita Springs, Florida 34134). A burial service will be held later at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, Maryland. John was born July 17, 1937, in Richmond, Virginia, to John and Anna Mae Moore. He graduated in 1955 from Saint John’s College High School in Washington, D.C. Following his graduation from Virginia Military Institute, he served proudly in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve. He then embarked on a 30-year career at NASA at Goddard Space Flight Center, ending at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. He is preceded in death by his parents; his youngest son, Patrick Ryan Moore; and grandson, John Edward Moore (Jack). John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia Ryan Moore; his children, Karen Reynes (Joseph), Mary MacPhee (Gary), John (Tina), and Alexis Kachulis Moore; and his grandchildren, Christopher MacPhee, Katharine Fegley, Joseph MacPhee, Alexander MacPhee, Hanna Moore, Anastasia Moore, Julia Moore, Molly Moore, and Max Moore. John was the embodiment of selfless service and an inspiration to his loving family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Cancer Research Institute and the D.C. Firefighters Burn Foundation.” Hap Miller received the following note from Brother Rat John Hilliard: “Space Force Delta 45, here at Cape Canaveral SFS, has been keeping me real busy with tours, working at the Canaveral Space Force Museum & Sands History Center, and many launches. I still escort the media into and off the cape for all launches. Last week, I had tours from the State Department and the Army War College. This week, we have Joint Military Attaché School plus another launch. I think that I am getting too old for all this work, except I have to make a living as a volunteer. Take care, and thanks for all the information that you provide us. John, the friendly old man from the Class of 1960 most of the time.” On March 21, Ridge Parks had his next birthday. I don’t have any way to connect with Ridge. On March 25, Bo Callaham celebrated his next birthday. I spoke with Bo the next day. He was well. On Arpil 5, Dave Maddox had his next birthday. I spoke to him a week after. He enjoyed his children at dinner that evening. On April 12, I spoke with Wayne LeBlang with wishes for a happy birthday. He left the West Coast and went back to Illinois. He is well.

2023-Issue 3

On April 18, Bill “Peanuts” Elliott celebrated his latest birthday while visiting friends in The Villages, Florida. Other than a bout of avian flu, both he and Jan were well. He will return to his Mullet Lake, Michigan, home to thin his standing of trees. On April 20, Cadet Wesley Barbara ’23 received the Capt. Paul Bayliss Award. His history is as follows: “Cadet Wesley Barbara will graduate and commission this summer (2023) with a degree in international relations. He fell in love with the thrill of flying at the age of 13 when a family friend took him up in the air. The unique vantage point that aviation offers led him to seek a flying career. Belonging to a family with a history of service to this country, Cadet Barbara was greatly influenced by his grandfather’s Air Force service and the stories that he told. It was this and many other influences that fueled Cadet Barbara’s dedication to ‘give back’ by serving his country. He will attend Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, after commissioning.” Hap and Mary Miller, G.G. and Frances Phillips, Howard and Susan Moss, Herb and Terry Vaughan, Jim Pittman, and Ruth and I were in attendance. We all went to dinner at the Southern Inn later that day. On April 29, Vaughn Foxwell celebrated his next birthday. We wish him well. On May 8, John Hilliard had his next birthday. John continues to stay busy with tours of the Space Coast. I received an email from Jim “Eva” Gillespie notifying me of his recent relocation to 7974 Fox Squirrel Way, Easton, Maryland 21601. On May 11, Rev. Bobby Graves celebrated his next birthday. I spoke with him the next day and caught up. He is headed toward a hip replacement. Bobby continues to serve occasionally at his old Episcopal church even though he is retired. On May 12, Bolling Williamson had his next birthday. Bolling and I always discuss what’s going on with VMI. It’s not as discouraging as it used to be regarding the negative press from The Washington Post. On May 13, Joe Stewart celebrated his next birthday. He got a voicemail birthday wish. As I write these notes, tomorrow is Mother’s Day. I wish happiness to all the mothers out there. This brings this edition of class notes to a close. The Institute is, in my opinion, in good shape. The Corps’ attitude is good. The Corps has been and continues to be a worthy custodian of what has meant so much to us all. We have our memories

that will not change while the 21st century rolls along. The honor system, regimental system, and class system, while administered differently than during our time, remain a healthy part of our Institute and are very much intact. Academics are head and shoulders better than when we were there. Thank you to all who contributed to replenish our flower fund. Please continue to support our Tumlinson Award for a 1st Class chemistry major and our Bayliss scholarship. Come see us when in Lexington. As always, it’s a privilege to serve as your class agent. Please stay in touch! Jimbo

1961

Sal Vitale Jr.

If I thought the last quarter was fast, this one was unbelievably fast. Like many of you, days seem to be filled with doctor visits, MRIs, etc. During February, I attended Beverly Scott’s interment, which was at the same cemetery where Denis Nicholas is interred. Larry Respess, Willard Hoskins, and Larry Wetsel and at least 100 of Bev’s friends were there. After the service, Larry Respess invited us to his house (which is right across the street) for a light lunch. Willard is fine, and his wife, Patricia, is coping. Larry Wetsel just can’t stay still, and with his wife, Jerri, they continue to travel. When Larry calls on the phone, I have to ask him if he is in country or overseas. I don’t know how he does it. As for Larry Respess, he is in excellent health. Joann is having a knee problem, and by the time you read these notes, Joann will have a new knee. Larry and I have been busy trying to convince the Alumni Association to modify the Corporation Articles of Incorporation to again allow voting by proxy or any other means of remote voting now available. In May, three other VMI graduates and I sued the Alumni Association for production of the member list as required by Virginia law. Only the alumni on the list are eligible to vote in the annual meeting. We were successful in receiving a printed list, but the judge ruled we were not entitled to the email addresses because email addresses are not addresses. Maybe we will appeal. I can’t

Class Notes believe that the Alumni Association is so concerned about differing points of view that they deny the ability of any alumnus to communicate to all 20,000 alumni. All we requested on many occasions and were denied every time was the ability to communicate with other VMI classes in the same way the Association and VMI administration currently does. I am sure you all want to be a real part of the VMI Alumni Association and not just write checks. I did not attend the annual meeting May 6 to vote for directors. I did not drive eight hours to vote, in person, as currently required by the articles, for directors who were handpicked by the Association. The situation can be remedied very easily by the Association if they want to, and you must tell them how you feel. Fast forward to the middle of March, Sue and I were off to two weeks in St. Maarten. Our daughter, Cathy, and her husband, Mark, joined us, and we had a wonderful time. The temperature was in the low 80s, but the wind was 35 knots for the first week, and snorkeling tours remained in the harbor. In April, Sue and I flew to Jacksonville, Florida, to attend the Amelia Island mini reunion and golf outing. Clayton and Jan Smith picked us up at the airport, and I was very appreciative. Clayton did a great job in arranging hotel accommodation, restaurants for dinner, and a boat trip around the island. An added attraction was watching a nuclear sub return to its home port at Kings Bay, Georgia. The Schoolhouse Hotel was, as its name implies, a historic schoolhouse. Every day,

we gathered at the bar for cocktails and then off to dinner. From what I heard, the golf course was great and several of the group played 18 holes. While we were in Florida, Jan Smith celebrated her ?? birthday, and she is in great health. Clayton is still recovering from his fall but managed to swing the club very well. Jim and Blair Bickford are in good health. Blair managed to get some shopping at many of the shops on the island. Bob and Bronnie Polk are in great shape and both played golf. Bob can still drive the ball. Ray and Sally Hanlein are fine. Ray golfed while Sally shopped. Ray brought several of his new wine bottlings for us to taste and, in my view, are 96 points plus. Sal and Sue Vitale did not golf. Sal spent a few hours in urgent care due to a very severe sinus infection. Sally Hanlein drove me to urgent care, where the doctor gave me a shot and pills. Within two days, I was OK. Then we all went shopping. It was a treat to see Jud McLester and Susie Melin. Jud is in good shape and golfed. Jud wrote a book, Thru A Pilots Eye: Cold War Through Vietnam Era, and it is available on Amazon. I am sure the brother rats will enjoy it as much as I did. It is a page-turner. One of the highlights of the reunion was the arrival of two of our widows, Di Stone and Lee Crow. I must tell you that when I saw them, I had tears in my eyes. I sincerely hope that other widows will consider joining the brother rats at future

Class of 1961: Attending a mini reunion on Amelia Island, Florida, April 18, are (back row, from left) Jud McLester; Charlie Finnigan; Jim Bickford; Clayton Smith; Don Rishell; Lee Crow; Di Stone; Bill Rishell; (next row) Sue Vitale; Susie Melin; Margie Finnigan; Blair Bickford; David Harbach; Jan Smith; Dude Copenhaver; Sally Hanlein; Ann Rishell; Connie Rishell; Ray Hanlein; Harrison Fridley; Sal Vitale; (seated) Sandra Coleman; Bob Polk; Dick Youngblood; Bronnie Polk; Judy Youngblood; and Nancy Bearnley, Dick Youngblood’s daughter.

events. Di Stone looks wonderful and is coping with the loss of Dickey. Di now lives in Charlotte near her children. Lee still lives in The Villages. Harrison and Terry Fridley are doing fine. Harrison is using a walker to help with balance and Terry is doing all the driving. Dude Copenhaver is doing OK and is mending from carpal tunnel surgery. On May 4, he buried his wife, Kathy, at Arlington. It was a private service. David Harbach and Sandra Coleman both golfed and had a great time. David has the golf bug and plays several times a week. Richard and Judy Youngblood and their daughter, Nancy, and son-in-law, Scott, flew to Savannah, Georgia, and then drove to Amelia. Both Dick and Judy are doing OK. Don and Ann Rishell finally made an event. Don has several medical problems that kept him from attending many class events. Don stayed with his brother, Bill, who lives on the island, and Bill and his wife, Connie, joined us for all events. (Bill and Don look alike). Charlie and Margie Finnegan are OK. Charlie has lost so much weight that I think his cadet uniform would be too large. Charlie took the Vitales to the airport for the return trip home. It was so nice to be with Charlie and Marge. There were several brother rats who had signed up and, at the last minute, had to cancel for medical reasons. Bob Burks has leg issues and could not walk. Robert Williamson’s son went into a seizure. Tom and Barbara Phlegar did not make the mini reunion. Barbara was doing fine after her long hospital stay and was walking without a cane and driving on her own. A few weeks before the mini reunion, Barbara fell and broke her right femur in three places requiring a fourhour surgery. Barbara said of all places to fall, it was at a church meeting. As of these notes, she is back home and using a walker. Before the fall, the Phlegars were on a cruise to the Western Caribbean with Rod and Doris Hudgins and had a great time. Unfortunately, Tom contacted COVID-19 on the trip and has had a difficult time recovering from the virus and then cellulitis and gout. He is now doing OK. Carl Hirsch, Ray Hanlein, John Tharrington, Bill Braithwaite, and I met for lunch at Mamma Lucia’s Italian Restaurant in College Park, Maryland. Bill is still teaching at St. John’s, and after 27 years, he is still going strong. Bill no longer bikes but is in great health. Bill’s wife, Wendy, recently retired from teaching at a private school. Ray and Sally enjoyed their vacation at Hilton

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes County, north of Richmond. Head, South Carolina. They will Betty has some medical issues, be working on the next mini/ and Dick is fine. golf reunion scheduled for OcRon McNemar said Fran is tober 2023. confined 100% to a hospital bed Both Carl and Becky Hirsch and can’t talk, but Fran always are feeling OK. They are very appears to be happy and wakes proud that their grandson gradup smiling in the mornings. Hosuated from a police academy pice has been a great help. in Texas. A grandson wedding Dick Weede claims to be getis coming soon. Now the news ting old and short of breath but from the rest of the class: is still staying busy and above The mayor of Mendham, New ground. Jersey, asked Bill Maurer if he Class of 1961: Attending the funeral for Elizabeth Orndorff at Christ EpiscoRaine Gilbert is planning on would energize the historical sopal Church in Blacksburg, Virginia, March 18 are Harold Kurstedt, George going to the cape late in May. ciety in Mendham, and Bill did. Henning, Barry Orndorff, Pete Roberts, Harrison Fridley, David Harbach, Sandra Coleman, and Cilia Kurstedt. Clara is going to have an angioThe society appointed Bill the plasty done on her right renal town historian. Their first event stent, and they hope that will rewill be the Lafayette Day cereverse her growing kidney probmony in the rotunda of the Virlems and her chronic anemia. ginia State House, which is the Jim Harrison is feeling well. oldest elected legislative body He continues to have checkin North America. Bill will ups for prostate cancer. Jim’s conduct a wreath-laying cerepost-polio issues continue to mony in front of Houdon’s Laaffect his balance, so he takes a fayette bust and Washington’s cane with him most of the time. statue in the capitol rotunda. M.C., at times, has a difficult Hugh Gouldthorpe had to cantime communicating. It’s called cel his trip to Europe with Larry aphasia. Bruce Willis has a Wetsel. Hugh had a heart issue, much worse case of it than M.C. and it required a stent. The stent Skip McDannald had great was placed on his birthday. He Class of 1961: Having lunch at Mamma Lucia’s Italian Restaurant in College Park, Maryland, May 11, are (from left) Sal Vitale, John Tharrington, Bill news; scans are cancer free. It is currently doing great. Nelle is Braithwaite, Carl Hirsch, and Ray Hanlein. was a tough trip, and Skip is glad still protecting the turtles. it is over. Now he can plan a trip Jimmy and Frankie Ring are to Virginia. coping. Jim is very thin and is being kept alive Barbara Jean LeFon has been undergoing chethrough a feeding tube. When I talked to Jim, mo. Her son said she had few side effects and will he sounded very positive and is very happy and meet with the surgeon soon. proud that his son, Gen. James W. Ring ’88, will Bob Coltrane is currently at a rehab facility serve as the 29th adjutant general of Virginia. after knee replacement surgery. Bob is making John Tharrington, Spike and Mary Callandprogress and battling the pain. He said the staff is er, and Sally Hanlein gathered for lunch to celvery caring, and the food is excellent. Prayers for ebrated Ray Hanlein’s birthday. The Callanders his speedy recovery would be appreciated. completed their move to Ashby Ponds CCRC, Tom Whalen is working through the fitting which was their 19th move and the last. Mary process for his artificial leg. He wants to return to carried most of the burden. Spike’s health has imColorado, sell his house, and return to an assisted proved, but he still needs to regain strength, espeliving facility in the Richmond area. cially with walking. Mitch and Jennifer Kot are back in Gainesville. Hill and Heather Browning traveled to SaratoThe training sessions with Vietnam business ga, New York, in August for the races. Hill said, owners and key staff was completed. Their sum“We are a family of gamblers.” The Brownings mer trip back to Vietnam was canceled, so maybe had a great birthday dinner with Pete and Carol the Kots will come east for a visit. Roberts to celebrate Carol’s ?? birthday. “It was Class of 1961: Lee Crow and Diane Ed Doleman is still looking for a company that quite a gathering with a great band and, of course, Stone at Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida, April 18. will turn his book into a movie. He had a couple an open bar.” of turn downs and others with some hope. Dick and Betty Jarvis moved to Hanover

2023-Issue 3

Class Notes Gaylia Hudgins had a wonderful two days on his daughter, Missy, and grandson, Sam. Sandie, U.S. Geological Survey. While a cartographer Sanibel Island, Florida. Every day, Gaylia walked David’s companion, stayed in Martinsville with with the USGS, he traveled extensively, including two expeditions to Antarctica in 1968 and her daughter and relatives from Pennsylvania. 6 miles and biked 8-10 miles. Wow! There was We have had more than our share of broth- 1983. Henkle Peak, Antarctica, bears his name. great shelling and beautiful sunsets. Elaine Wilkinson appreciated the article in the er rats and widows who have left us this year. In retirement, he enjoyed serving with CCAP, the Most recent are: Beverly Hester “Bev” Scott Lions Club, and in various capacities with Steclass notes about Don’s memorial. Living in New phens City United Methodist Church. A celebraFeb. 14, 2023. Bev was in the hospital after a York is a challenge. Shirley Hartford said, “I am so proud that I was fall at Thanksgiving and remained there until he tion of life was held April 28, 2023. James LeRoy Gabbert Jr. passed away Sunprivileged to love, be loved by, and marry a VMI passed. Bev matriculated from Franklin, Virginguy.” Their house in California is on the market, ia, and attended VMI on an athletic scholarship day, April 30, 2023. Jim was a Band Company and Shirley has an offer on a house in Dickson, and was in Company A. Bev played varsity bas- rat and left at the end of the rat year. He then atketball, competing against such basketball greats tended Emory & Henry College, and following Tennessee, near her daughter. as Jerry West (West Virginia), Oscar Robertson graduation, he worked for the International Shoe Lou Shuba is on the mend, and every few days, (Cincinnati), and Jeff Cohen (College of William Company and American Girl Shoe Company. there is much improvement. Lou says, “Get your Jim established the Gabbert Buick Pontiac in Sufshingles shots!” By the time you read this, the and Mary). He did not return to VMI after his 2nd Shubas will have had their final pig roast, and Class year due to a concussion. Bev spent his pro- folk, Virginia, and after selling the auto company, fessional career in the heavy highway construc- Jim was the sole distributor in the United States I plan to be there and will provide a report in the tion business building many roads and bridg- of the George Nicoll golf clubs. These clubs are next Review. John “J.C.” Miller drove to Nashville for a Civ- es throughout the Commonwealth beginning in the crème de la crème. For years, I asked Jim to the 1960s and extending for more than 50 years. come to reunions, but medical issues kept him il War symposium. On the way, John stopped for A graveside service and interment was held for home. I did receive a Christmas card from him lunch with Jim and Ann Miner in Madisonville, every year. Kentucky. Both are doing really well. In Nash- Bev Scott at Cedar Grove Cemetery Feb. 24, Elizabeth “Betty” Orndorff passed March 5. 2023. In attendance were Larry Respess, Willard ville, he was a guest of John and Sally McDouBarry was with her. Betty was in the hospital gall. John is in the same Civil War interest group Hoskins, Larry Wetsel, and Sal Vitale. Charles Ratliff Henkle passed April 18, 2023, for the removal of a mass which turned out to be as John. John McDougall has had some health in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, following noncancerous. Unfortunately, Betty developed a issues, but they are behind him. John said they were great company and hosts. Bette and J.C. are a life of service. Charlie was a Company A rat. bleed after a hysterectomy, and attempts to stop the bleeding failed. Betty graduated from SyraChuck served in the Air Force as a cartographer still enjoying good health. During Easter week, I called several of our re- stationed in England. Chuck went on to serve in cuse University with a Bachelor of Music (Orthe federal government for over 30 years with the gan) degree and received a Master’s of Music cent widowers and widows, and here is what I (Organ) degree. Betty taught music learned: John Gangemi is looking to and German at Marion College in sell his home and move to an assistMarion, Virginia, and while at Maried living facility. John’s Parkinson’s on College had a blind date with Baris not getting any better. Ben Lynch ry. The two spent the last 56 years tois doing OK. When Ben had part of gether. A funeral service was held for his colon removed, the recovery nurse Elizabeth at Christ Episcopal Church placed him in the corner of the hosMarch 18, and those attending were pital recovery room. When he woke George Henning, Harrison and Terry up, no one was there, and Ben spent Fridley, David Harbach and Sandra the night alone in that very dark room. Coleman, Pete Roberts, and Harold When his children wanted to know and Cilia Kurstedt. where their father was, the hospital Nonna Boose White, wife of Brothtold the family he had left. In April, er Rat Lt. Col. Ernest K. White, Ben had his hip replaced and is dopassed Jan. 19, 2022. Nonna met Ering OK. George Henning is now the nie on a blind date, and that started president of the Resident Council of their exciting life together that would his assisted living facility. George take them across the United States took a bus trip in Roanoke up to and around the world. A family interthe lighted star on top of the mounment was held at Arlington. tain and it was a fun trip. George is Interment in military cemeteries still driving, and he promised me Class of 1961: Pictured at the Florida National Cemetery while usually happens long after the memohe would come and stay with Sue attending the funeral for retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Stuart “Stu” rial service. and me for a few days. David HarCrow May 3 are (from left) Bob Burks, Warren Copenhaver, Rob Crow ’88, and Bob Polk. The following interments at military bach was in Richmond at his son cemeteries attended by our brother David’s home for Easter along with

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes rats are Dave Elliott was interred Feb. 13, 2023, at the Sarasota National Cemetery. John and Linda Moore attended along with about 40 people but no other VMI classmates. John really enjoyed meeting Dave’s three sons and families for the first time and heard all about Dave’s post in the 61 Red Book. (Those attending the memorial service were in the last Review.) Stu Crow was interred March 6, 2023, at the Florida National Cemetery. Those attending from the class were Bob Burks, Warren Copenhaver, and Bob Polk. Lee Crow and Stu’s son, Rob Crow ’88, also attended. Congratulations to the 2023 Golden Halo winner, Jonathan Myrick Daniels! Jonathan defeated Joanna the Myrrhbearer to take this year’s crown. Both of these last remaining saints, one modern and one ancient, captured the imagination of the Lent Madness voting public, but only one can wear the golden headgear. Congratulations to The Cadet, which won the Virginia Press Association Award for Journalistic Integrity and Community Service. This is the first and the only time in the award’s 75-year history that it was ever awarded to a student newspaper. The award was established in 1949 and stresses editorial leadership as well as community service above and beyond a member’s circulation area. Yeah, team! We were saddened to learn of the passing of Gil Minor ’63. Gil was truly a VMI man and an outstanding alumnus. May he rest in peace. Who will be the last brother rat standing is a mystery. Only God knows, and he isn’t talking. James Bickford ’86, Jim’s son, volunteered to keep the two bottles of brandy and, at the right time, present them to the last two living members of the class. In the meantime, stay well and call, text, or email a BR. It will brighten your day.

1962

Edmund R. Strickler John Mott Robertson

In something that is becoming too commonplace, I am sorry to have to start on another sad

2023-Issue 3

note. We have had three brother rats die since the last class notes. Dennis Easley passed away on March 30, Pat Lang died April 5, and Kingman Shelburne died April 29. Dennis was at Hillcrest Convalescent Center in Durham, North Carolina. He earned a civil engineering degree from the Institute and a degree in business administration at Florida Atlantic University. He served in the U.S. Army and married his wife, Barbara, in Berlin, Germany. He worked for Reynolds Metals Aluminum Company as director of corporate finance and supported Barbara in her successful ice skating coaching profession. Dennis was our class agent from 1997–2002, preceding my first time as class agent. I remember visiting Dennis and Barbara at their home in Richmond right after our reunion in 2002. He was a great help in showing me the ropes concerning this job. He was a great class agent, and it was a tough act to follow. Dennis will be remembered for many contributions to his family, friends, and community. There was a memorial service May 20 in Durham, North Carolina, at Westminster Presbyterian Church’s Memorial Garden. Pat Lang Jr. died April 5 after a long illness. As the son of a professional military officer, he had traveled the world and entered VMI from the state of Maine. Pat selected the English department for his major. He excelled in academics to the effect that he could write a semester term paper in a single night with little or no notes. When the Institute did not offer a Russian language course, Pat went to Washington and Lee and again excelled. He was also active and prospered as a solid member of the judo team. He graduated from the Institute with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and from the University of Utah with a Master of Arts degree in Middle East studies. While serving in the U.S. Army, Lang graduated from the U.S. Army War College, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and the Armed Forces Staff College. He is a decorated veteran of several of the United States’ overseas conflicts. During the Vietnam War, he served in the U.S. Army Special Forces and Military Intelligence. He was the first professor of Arabic at the United States Military Academy, where he was twice selected as best classroom teacher of the year. He was trained and educated as a specialist in the Middle East and served in that region for many years. While serving at the Defense Intelligence Agency, he was the defense intelligence officer for the Middle East, South Asia, and counterterrorism, and later, the first director of the Defense

Class of 1962: Pictured on graduation day are (from left) Norm Halberstadt, Edmund Strickler, and Kingman Shelburne. HUMINT Service. At the DIA, he was a member of the Defense Senior Executive Service. He participated in the drafting of National Intelligence Estimates. From 1992–94, all the U.S. military attachées worldwide reported to him. Later he led intelligence analysis of the Middle East and South Asia for the Defense Department and worldwide HUMINT activities in a high-level equivalent to the rank of a lieutenant general. For his service in the DIA, Pat received the Presidential Rank Award of Distinguished Executive. Since his retirement from the U.S. Army, he had published many articles on intelligence, special operations, and the Islamic world. Based on his experience in the military and military intelligence and a lifelong interest in the American Civil War, Pat wrote three novels set in the Civil War. The trilogy is called: Strike the Tent: A Tale of The Confederate Secret Services. His main character is Confederate agent Claude Devereux, around whom the historical events unfold. While taps has claimed a student, military officer, and author, he has left behind many works. Read his books to enjoy true living characters. He provided a roadmap for all. Pat is survived by his wife, the former Marguerite Lessard. Kingman Shelburne died peacefully at home Saturday, April 29. He was born in Birmingham and graduated from Ramsey High School where he was a standout football player and ran track. He continued his football career when he attended the Institute. Kingman served in Alabama’s Air National Guard and was employed in Birmingham

Class Notes by Southern Company Services. He was an active member of the Shades Valley Optimist Club and managed their Christmas tree sales for many years. He also served as chairman of the Homewood Parks and Recreation Board and enjoyed volunteering as a soccer coach. He served as assistant coach for the John Carroll girls’ varsity soccer team when they won the 5A state championship in 2000. As a side note, I roomed with Kingman during our 2nd and 1st Class years. He was a good roommate and friend and will be missed. Tony Curtis writes that his gut surgery went well despite the 10 hours it took. He is now the proud owner of a flat stomach after losing 75 pounds and staying at 195 for the last nine months. He continues to have dialysis Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. He is also the commander of the Veterans Club and is always busy trying to recruit new members who just moved into Buffalo Crossing and to get those who haven’t joined the honor flight to sign up for the next two Saturday events this year. Those who are members proudly wear white shirts and can attend the monthly luncheons at the local Moose Club. Usually, about 100 show up. Tony is very glad that he started the VMI chapter years ago with only 13. There are now over 40 that include cadets, parents, relatives, and those who worked at VMI. He encourages any brother rats who are heading his way to stop by and say hello and to look at the excellent assisted living. You may find you are suddenly in need of one. He still wears our class ring, and just about everyone who sees it comments how beautiful it is. Tony explains, with great pride, how it was designed one half for our class and the other half for the Institute. Sonny Robbins says that, for the most part, he and Betsy are in good health, given their age. There is no question that their big highlight since our reunion was the first weekend in November. For the past 20 years, Sonny has been the chair of a Vistage CEO group (think CEO think tank), and one of the members got married at Mar-a-Lago Nov. 4. President Trump posed for a number of pictures with the wedding party and then flew to Pennsylvania for a rally. As you can imagine, the wedding and reception were spectacular, as was the setting. His member is a big player in CPAC, so there were a bunch of nationally known conservatives. Sonny is still flying his Cirrus (they parked next to Trump’s 757 in West Palm Beach). His four-seater is about as big as the wheel carriage on the 757. Two of the CEOs in his group are USMA graduates: ’02 and ’14. Kids and

grandkids are all well; unfortunately, his son, Bill, and family had to cancel their Christmas trip to Jacksonville due to COVID-19. Three of the four tested positive, and all had minor symptoms. Dan Prall writes from Carrollton, Texas, that he recently bought a laser engraver/cutter, a better telescope mount for his main scope, and a 10” Dobsonian telescope. He has new pets in the neighborhood, as a couple of coyotes have moved into the cemetery down the alley, and Dan and a neighbor have been tracking them with drones. He expects fewer squirrels and rabbits around there! Dan is still driving his 2009 Nissan GT-R and adheres to the motto, “He who dies with the most toys, wins.” Bill Fisher said that last month, the mothership (VMI), in an act of desperation, reached out to him to represent VMI during college day at TriState STEM+M Early College High School in South Point, Ohio. That involved an 8-mile trip and crossing the Ohio River. They shipped him a large box of materials that he could hardly lift. The day went well, and some students had, at least, a passing interest. It was worth the effort. Don Kane writes that he and Sandy are still in pretty good health. They took a little vacation to Marathon, Florida, last month just to relax and have a change of pace. After seeing a white dove release at a funeral, Don became interested in doing releases. It has become a part-time hobby doing dove releases for weddings and funerals. He runs a Red Cross blood drive every month at

Class of 1962: Edmund Strickler (left) and Gene King ’59, Strickler’s dyke, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, May 7.

his church. Also, in March, he coordinated a Rise Against Hunger Meal Packaging program where they packaged 20,000 meals to feed hungry children in schools worldwide. Sandy is involved in the Trex program and oversees the collection of plastic bags at their church. This recycles a lot of trash and keeps it from going into the dump. Trex gives the church a Trex bench for every 500 pounds they collect. To date, their church has collected 1,250 pounds of plastic. This would be a great project for any church. Sandy has talked Don into taking bridge lessons, and they now play in duplicate bridge groups with other couples. This can test their marriage with his bidding! Monty Williams says he finally realized that he is old. He went to his eye doctor in December to have his eyes checked, as he was not seeing well. He was told that they couldn’t give him a new RX for his glasses due to cataracts. He had his right eye done Jan. 10, 2023. To see, he had to remove the right lens from his glasses. He had his left eye done Jan. 31, 2023. He no longer needed glasses to see, but due to a muscle imbalance in his eyes, he had double vision. This was corrected with prisms in his glasses that he could no longer wear. He had to wait about a month before they could check his vision for a new RX. When checked, his vision went from far-sighted to near-sighted, and he had new prisms installed. In the meantime, he had to wear an eye patch to drive and watch TV. After about a month, he now has new glasses, and all is well. It seems that one thing just led to another. It’s just another sign of old age. On April 1, Doug and Signe Marechal and Margie and I attended a memorial service for Ted Cooley’s wife, Betty, in Waynesboro, Virginia. I had reported on Betty’s passing in the previous issue. It was a very moving service, and it was good seeing Ted, even under the circumstances. Sam Samuels writes that there are a lot of VMI guys in his development. John Cummings lives about 1/8 mile away. Of course, they are very Old Corps, and the rest, being younger, wonder how they are still vertical. He sees Joe Roberts about every fall at the rat send-off. About two years ago, they had a VMI luncheon at the clubhouse, and Holmes Smith ’61 was there. He put Sam on the phone with his old roommate, Kenner Rice ’61. (That was a room in sallyport to be avoided at all costs when we were rats!) It was an interesting discussion. Kenner’s accomplishments in the field of medical research are something to be proud of. Sam says the fact that he is still here is a

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes tribute to great doctors, a great wife, and physical the boonies most of his time in Vietnam, so how course, he blew his stack and was very creative in would he know this? He “nosed” into a parking vocabulary. Sam was sent back to work scorched. fitness when he was young. He mentioned that he was stationed in Vietnam almost two years from space in front of the finance office. Sam immedi- Later that evening at dinner, the deputy com1966 to late 1967. While there, he served with ately got a call from the colonel screaming that mander said that after Sam had left, the colonel 1st Logistical Command and 5th Special Forces some miserable *%+$ had parked a Jeep nose in, couldn’t stop laughing for about an hour. Cal said Group. While he was at 1st Log, he set up the and he wanted it shipped to the field. Sam ran that “discretion being the better part of valor,” he kept a low profile (hiding) and left the area for the parachute resupply system that, after he left, sup- to the finance office, and there was the colonel ported the Marines at Khe Sanh while they were with smoke coming out of his ears. He pointed land of the big PX ASAP. He said it wasn’t one of besieged. During that time, he ran into Jim Ro- to the Jeep which Sam had loaned Cal and said his finest moments, letting his brother rat take the gan, who invited him to jump with the Vietnam- that Sam was to “ship that piece of @#$% to the heat. Sam never “ratted” him out, so he escaped! George Collins’ wife, Maureen, had her 80th field immediately.” (He thought he saw Cal peekese Ranger unit he was advising. His bosses said, ing out of the door but wasn’t sure!) Sam jumped birthday Dec. 16. He suggested a lot of options, “#$%@ no” to that one very quickly. He was later recruited into Special Forces and had the hon- into the Jeep, took it back to the office, and told and she picked London to see the Christmas decorations. Excellent restaurants, a great hotel, and his supply officer what the colonel had directed. or of supporting both John Cummings and Bob He then told Sam that the Jeep was brand new a week of moderate temperatures and no rain. Yearout. John and Bob commanded A-teams A trip through Harrods brought and Civilian Irregular Defense back memories of many visits to Group, battalion-sized units (not the souks in Jeddah and Riyadh. bad for captains; they probaDuring his business career, he bly got more combat time than took three trips a year to the most lieutenant colonel battalMiddle East, on average, as an ion commanders). Bob Yearout investment counselor. One was said that the support he received solo; the other two trips involved from Sam was incredible. No a team of four, depending on the one would believe where he got expertise the advisory team stathe equipment as soon as it was tioned there requested for enterneeded. He even shipped pigs to tainment. George doesn’t miss one site, which made for a good the pressures of the investment barbeque! Sam and Cal Seybold markets or the long trips, but passed while he was inbound most clients were well versed in and Cal was leaving. finance and interesting. In early This brings up a great story February, Maureen underwent that is worth retelling. In 1966, cancer surgery. It was 100% Cal was going home from his successful, but she will have first tour in Vietnam. He had to quarterly MRIs going forward. “clear” his accounts at headquarMeanwhile, playing nurse, ters which, at that time, involved George tore his rotator cuff and about 5 miles of walking and Class of 1962: Pictured in Virginia Beach, Virginia, May 7 are Edmund Strickdiscovered a chronic bicep tear. many hours of mindless bureauler, Margie Strickler, Rev. Kate Bobbitt, and Rosser Bobbitt. That really messed up his golf cracy. Sam was the operations game and put a stop to skiing officer of the Logistics Support and lap swimming. Surgery is an option, but afElement of the Headquarters. His responsibilities and had been ordered for the colonel. Oops! He included direct support of all units in II Corps and went back to the colonel’s office to ask him to reter seven weeks of rehab, maybe surgery can be general support for all Special Forces in Vietnam. scind the order. About two seconds into his “audi- avoided. Three other tears led to more rehab, and He saw Cal, and they started the normal yak- ence,” the colonel was going up and down Sam’s that seemed to work out. We are certainly more back with hob-nailed boots. He then gave a di- fragile in the 80s. In early May, they traveled to yak that brother rats who hadn’t seen each other for a while do. Cal mentioned that he had to do rect order to ship the Jeep to the field and asked if Turks and Caicos, which is only an 80-minute flight from Miami. Grace Bay Beach is one of that was understood. Of course, the answer was, his clearing quickly, or he would miss his plane. the best beaches in the world. All three of their “Yes, sir!” The (colonel’s) Jeep was shipped to Sam had a new Jeep and offered it to him so he kids joined with spouses, and six of 11 grandchilcould clear faster. The group commander was the field. About a week later, the supply officer Col. Francis X. Kelly, and he had a policy that came in and said that the colonel wanted to know dren came. Lots of scuba diving, windsurfing, snorkeling, and swimming. all vehicles at the headquarters had to be “combat where his new Jeep was. He said Sam had to tell During the first weekend in May, Margie and the boss where the Jeep was because he wasn’t parked,” which means backed into the parking space. If he caught anyone nosing their vehicle going to do it! Sam went to the colonel’s office. I went to Virginia Beach to visit my brother, into a parking space, the vehicle was immediately In response to his question, he was told it had Stephen Strickler ’68, and his wife, Lynda. He seized and shipped to a field unit. Cal had been in been shipped to the field as he had ordered. Of recalled the following incident that happened on

2023-Issue 3

Class Notes several occasions. The 1st Class cadets when Stephen was a rat were rats when we were 1sts. Stephen recalled being stopped in the Rat Line and asked his name. When he gave it, he was then asked, “Did you have a brother named Edmund in the Class of 1962?” When he replied, “Yes,” the next statement was, “Bend over, rat.” I can’t understand why this happened! I also got the chance to visit with my 1st Class dyke, Gene King ’59. We had a good time recalling things from 1958–59. One which we disagreed on had to do with our “last supper.” I’m sure all of you remember various food items being shoved in our pants or down our blouses. Gene came over, raised my right arm, and poured a bottle of syrup down my blouse sleeve. He certified that that didn’t happen. I certified that it did. I can vividly recall it. Anyway, it made for a good laugh. Margie and I also got a chance to visit with Rosser and Kate Bobbitt, who live very close to my brother. It was a nice visit, and Rev. Kate kept us entertained with several stories of amusing incidents during her ministry. She is now retired but is frequently called on to help with services and fill in where needed. John Anthony wrote that, after Binnie Peay’s receipt of the New Market Medal, he escorted the defense attaché of the State of Qatar to VMI for a two-day familiarization visit to the Institute, the attaché’s first-ever. Qatar, John notes, stands apart from all other countries in that it enabled more than 120,000 Americans, Afghans, and tens of thousands of other countries’ citizens—the total exceeding multiple times more than any other country—to be safely evacuated from Kabul during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan. Otherwise, John spent most of the days since the last Review in the hospital. The reason was for purposes of physical rehabilitation. John has had numerous surgeries on his back. Included are 13 spinal fusions. Cynthia has retired from her 28-year stint as Washington director of government relations for the American University in Cairo, America’s largest institution of higher education abroad. Since John has been ailing, she has devoted herself to helping him recover. Off of the subject of VMI, another interesting person we visited was Stephen’s mother-in-law. She is 103 years old, lives by herself, and has a brain that is as good as new! I told her I didn’t think I had ever spoken with someone who is 103. She said she hadn’t, either! I told her she could talk to herself. She laughed and said that

has happened on occasion. An amazing lady, and it gives a goal to strive for. That’s all for now. Don’t forget to send me info and pictures of your adventures. In the Spirit, Edmund

1963

William C. Cowardin

Fifty-three (or thereabouts) brother rats of the Class of 1963 returned to the Institute for our 60th Reunion April 24–25. Despite scattered infirmities, most of us recognized each other without nametags, but they helped, reducing embarrassment and “senior moment” fumbling. After overnighting with my brother in Richmond, I took Route 460 to Lynchburg, where I had lunch with an old friend. After lunch, I took Route 501 through the mountains, switchbacks, and all, through Buena Vista and to Lexington from the south. With all the new buildings, I had a hard time checking in. Moody Hall was empty. After wandering for a while, I finally found friendly faces at Marshall Hall. There, I learned that my registration fee did not include lodging. An emergency call by one of the eager young ladies hosting managed to get me into the host hotel. I attended a warm-up barbecue for those arriving Sunday at our host hotel, the Best Western Plus. Many lingered for hours after the caterer left, catching up on reminisces, personal history, and old jokes. The hospitality room saw action until the wee hours. (9:30?) The 24th dawned on a beautiful April Lexington spring day. Tours of the post (virtual), the Preston Library archives, and the jaw-dropping Corps Physical Training Facility, where if you were still a cadet, your young butt could be doing unfamiliar things in the rafters 85 feet up or setting new records running on the hydraulic track. Lunch was available at Club Crozet. (What a different atmosphere from the controlled bedlam we experienced as cadets, and cafeteria style, no less.) I did not attend the afternoon lecture, “Curriculum Evolution at VMI since the 1950s.” The day was capped with drinks at the Marshall Hall Center for Leadership & Ethics, followed by dinner and comments by the superintendent. The

supe has acquired some polish since I first heard him. The Classes of ’53, ’58, and ’68 combined with us as the audience. The VMI Alumni Association chief operating officer emceed. The latecomers checked in on the 25th. Attendees could attend a lecture and later take advantage of a tour of the new $44 million Aquatic Center. (“Fish” Arnold would be amazed.) The Olympics could be held there in its 50-meter pool, complete with a 1-meter diving board and regulation diving platform. There’s a new addition to Scott Shipp Hall. Also of interest is the construction and designation of the new North Post, behind (north of) barracks, which contains the baseball field but also an area labeled “drill fields.” The area is flat behind tall rock walls next to a new entrance off Route 11. Impressive! At 11 a.m. in Preston Library, recently renovated, we attended a reception honoring Si Bunting. The superintendent gave an address recounting Si’s accomplishments. Si made a graceful, historically oriented talk recounting how he came to VMI from his Marine Corps service and how VMI influenced his career. The curator of his papers, which he donated to Preston Library, gave comments on how the papers would be edited, preserved, and displayed. There were myriad choices for lunch at Crozet, and once again, the cadets were impressive in their youth, enthusiasm, focus, and manner. The class picture is published on our class website (vmi63.net; ID is keydets, password is br63#, lowercase). It was fairly orderly as class pictures go, maybe because some of our rowdies didn’t show or just got older. The reunion parade once again demonstrated the Corps proficiency at appearing impressively on the Parade Ground, executing the drill, and marching together. The parade emphasized the growth of the size of the Corps since our days. The rag-tags of ’63 and the other reunion classes followed the Corps into barracks, wheelchairs, walkers, and all. Old Yells ensued for each of the classes. Bunny Reynolds immortalized the yell for ’63 after yours truly was coerced by hostile gazes into ascending the sentinel box and leading the cheer. The cadets responded with enthusiasm, welcoming elderly intruders into their courtyard. Class dinner followed in Moody Hall (which is scheduled to be torn down, by the way). By this time, most everybody had met, shared, and formed their opinions. Peggy Riethmiller saw that the nametags of our deceased brother rats were displayed. Peggy continues to be a stalwart representing ’63 in Lexington along with Steve.

VMI Alumni Review

60th Reunion

VMI Class of 1963

Class notes

2023-Issue 3

Class Notes

Class of 1963 1. Beau Walker (left) and Bill Bell attending the 60th Reunion in April 2023. 2. Judy and Bunny Reynolds with one of the cadets the Class of 1963’s Thomas Tucker Oliver Scholarship Fund is sponsoring this year. 3. Don Prystaloski’s daughter, Diane (left), visits with Mike and Peg Curley in Richmond, Virginia.

4. Catherine and Jim Hoge with a member of the VMI Pipe Band. 5. A tribute to deceased brother rats arranged by Peggy Riethmiller, wife of Steve Riethmiller. 6. Retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Josiah “Si” Bunting ’63, the Institute’s 13th superintendent, (left) speaks with John White and White’s son during the 60th Reunion. 7. Artie and Ann Phaup at the 60th Reunion class dinner.

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes How about a title for Peggy? We can call her “Mother Rat!” how’s that? Personally, I have been aware of the articles in The Washington Post, and after observing the cadets going about their business in Crozet Hall during meals, their proficiency on the Parade Ground, and other interaction with them (witness the contribution by Jim and Catherine Hoge below), the concerns I had formed as an alumnus about the teaching of woke philosophy and the newfound softness of life at the Institute were dispersed. The cadets present to a man or woman as focused, polite, and dedicated, benefitting from a superb education that continues at an ever-higher level. To a person, they embody the qualities we all hoped VMI would provide. I left with the feeling that the Institute is in good hands for the future. The current administration will come and go, but the quality of the graduates who will carry on in the future remains. I deemed the reunion a success. The time spent together reaffirmed our respect and affection for each other and the values formed by our time at the Institute. Before I sign off, I must deliver some very sad news. One of our most beloved, stalwart, and popular brother rats has passed on to his reward. Gil Minor died May 4. His funeral was held May 11 here in Richmond. Gil was a national leader in his industry and an avid volunteer and VMI supporter, but most importantly, he was unselfish and giving all his life. We sent out an article from the Richmond Times-Dispatch that told his story better than I would even attempt. If you’d like a copy, email curleyrat at curleyrat@outlook.com. An impressive email from Jim Hoge not only spoke well of the state of the Corps but also the level of academics at VMI today despite opinions expressed by some of the press in Washington. Here’s his account of their memorable incident. “Catherine and I had an interaction with one cadet that I will never forget. He was playing bagpipes at the entrance to Marshall Hall prior to the combined class reception. When he stopped playing, someone asked him what his major was. He replied, ‘Computer science with minors in Spanish and Mandarin.’ Catherine’s

2023-Issue 3

Class of 1963: Joyce and Hobbs Goodwin at the 60th Reunion class dinner in April 2023.

Class of 1963: Dennis and Linda Crowley at the 60th Reunion class dinner in April 2023.

Class of 1963: Pictured at the 60th Reunion are (from left) Rudy Amos, Pete Brunel, Doug Sterrett, and Bill Cowardin.

native language is Mandarin, so I asked her to talk to him in Mandarin. She and the cadet had a conversation in Mandarin which lasted for several minutes—see attached photo. After we entered [Memorial] Hall, I asked her how the cadet had done. She said that ‘his command of Mandarin was excellent ... with a touch of a southern accent.’ Wow! With cadets like this and like others we met, concerns I had about the current environment at VMI have all disappeared. The environment we endured during the last three years of our cadetships compared to the current environment at VMI is like night and day. VMI is being heard from today and will be heard from for many, many years ahead.” Finally, Mike Curley wrote post-reunion that Diane, eldest daughter of Don Prystaloski, visited Richmond on the way to a conference in Arlington. “Peg, Diane, and I had a great lunch and visit,” he says. He wrangled an excuse to drive Diane to D.C. and was able to spend an overnight with his brand new grandson, Jack, and parents, Brittany and Deak Roh. “Anything for a chance to hold that kid,” writes Mike. The Class of ’63 has now entered that time of life when the experiences we had during our time at the Institute have shaped our lives, giving us the gifts of knowledge and experience we have called upon time and again to meet the challenges of life. This April was a time to look back and forward with encouragement for each other to stay in touch. And how about an Old Yell for the Reunion Committee headed up by Bill Wells and Artie Phaup, joined by Richard Warren, John Mills, and Peggy Riethmiller? Thanks for a job well done! Special recognition for Diane Wick standing in for her husband, Dr. Pete Wick, the flashlight guru! Great to see you, Diane; where were the rest of our sister rats? I personally want to thank those who encouraged me during the reunion and those who refrained from volunteering so I could assume this exalted position. I will make every effort to faithfully report the facts and events, which will encourage all of us to stay together with love and support. Thank You All, Bill

Class Notes having a BR luncheon once a month. In fact, we had our BR luncheon today.” Tony Putamanonda: “A picture I’m enclosing John R. Cavedo was taken last Saturday. All the kids, grandkids, and in-laws were present. Dusadee and I are fine. I have to take sleeping pills every night to get a good sleep. I am able to play golf with my group once a week. I don’t use a cart in order to get a good walk. No telling how long I can keep it up. First, by the time this Alumni Review lands in Stay strong, BR.” Class agent note: Couldn’t subyour mailbox, there will be only eight months mit the photo. It had 200KB, and they all need to (235 days) until our 60th Reunion. The official be a full megabyte. dates are Monday-Tuesday, April 15–16, 2024. Sherrel and I attended Andy Tucker’s memoMost will arrive Sunday and depart Wedneday. rial service. Several of us were able to attend: Back in February, I emailed everyone who has Dick Atkinson, Bob Warren, Ken and Barb kept their email updated with me (132 of us), askDice, Tom and Yvonne Myers, and Bill and Cining for opinions regarding holding the reunion in da Rimm. Lexington or elsewhere. I received exactly 21 There were surprises: Andy’s company comresponses. One said he wouldn’t come if it was mander in Vietnam (retired as a brigadier) arin Lexington, and two said they preferred someranged for a contingent of Marines. A nice miliwhere different but would attend in Lexington. tary send-off. Plus, the brigadier’s words were of Five indicated Lexington only. The rest said they unqualified praise. Lots of comments about Anwere coming for certain, regardless of where it dy’s honor, which he attributed to Andy’s characwas held. ter and VMI. So, Lexington it is. Now, I’m looking for a few Second, while all of us knew of Andy’s cattle of you to step up to handle one or two of the piecand his ranching, we were all surprised at how es of the planning and/or execution. I’ve heard fully involved he was in the Florida cattle indusfrom two of you. I need three more. Some work try. Over 300 cattlemen, cattlewomen, and famwill be involved both before and during the reily showed up to support what I now know was union. a career of leadership and love for the industry. All further correspondence regarding the reThere were more Stetsons than bare heads. More union will be via email until the registration packjeans than suits. Quite a tribute. Callie was overet is mailed, probably in December–January. whelmed. Tom Sebrell: “In February, Bill Garber and I Bill McVey: “Thanks very much for rented a beachfront house in Melbourne sending information on Andy TuckBeach, Florida, for two weeks. We had er’s service. It’s great to know that there a great time with visits from Bob and was a good turnout of brother rats able Cathy Warren and Dan and Sandy Deto attend, and a nice surprise to learn Forrest. We also drove down to have that Andy’s CO in Vietnam even made lunch with Don and Margaret Carson. a point to be there and speak. Seems In March and overlapping into April, we like, just as at VMI, Andy commandhad a great house in Palm Harbor, Flored respect in his own quiet way by getida, for several weeks. Again with visting the job done and being respectful its from Bob and Cathy, Dan and Sanof all who came his way. Even at that, it dy, Dick and Susan Atkinson, and John is amazing to learn that so many in the and Sherrel Cavedo. We enjoyed a lot cattle industry attended his service. of good food and great conversation. On “Until two to three years ago, Andy April 30, several of us here were invited and I were in email contact, mostly on to the house of Daryl Deke ’82 to have Marine and BR topics, but when we had dinner with General Wins ’85. Met a lot a big drought out here in most of Texas of other VMI grads from other classes and ranchers were selling their cattle beand enjoyed meeting the general. As for travels, we are driving to Richmond, Class of 1964: Pictured in Palm Harbor, Florida, in April 2023 cause they didn’t have enough feed for Virginia, in June for a grandson’s gradare (from left) Sandy DeForrest, Marion Garber, Cathy War- them, he emailed that he had sent a trailer out to buy 10-plus head! Helping feluation from high school. We just had ren, Penny Sebrell, and Susan Atkinson. low ranchers even out here. Six of our another graduate from VCU May 13,

1964

but because of limited tickets did not go. In July, we plan another ranch trip to Colorado for cattle work. Hopefully, we won’t have any air travel issues. Probably will take a short trip to Bozeman, Montana, to visit grandkids, but no definite plans yet.” Rick Beirne broke a new record for the shortest email from a brother rat ever: “Looking forward to seeing everyone in April.” Bill McVey: “We will be taking Kellie’s ashes to Bald Head Island in June to be scattered in the chapel’s memorial garden there per her wishes. Millie and her mother established this garden for Millie’s step-father when he passed away. His ashes are there, and we also spread Millie’s mother’s there in 1996. Kellie was very close to them and loved spending time with them at BHI. We’ll have about 45 family there for the service.” Bill Garber: “Marion and I began the year by traveling to Florida to Penny and Tom Sebrell’s beach house in Melbourne Beach, Florida, in February. They returned to Florida in March for their annual visit for warm weather and baseball. While renting in Palm Harbor for the second straight year, they were joined first by the Sebrells, Susan and Dick Atkinson, Sandy and Dan DeForrest, and Cathy and Bob Warren for several days of ‘problem-solving’ discussions, swimming, dining, and camaraderie and, subsequently, by Sherrel and John Cavedo.” Parker Duncan: “To update you a little, John Manley, Matt Jablonka, and Tom Sebrell all live around Nashville. For years we have been

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes 12 Marines (PLCs) have now gone on to man the pearly gates ... We can be sure they’ll still be open when we get there. “It’s wonderful that Callie and her family had so much support.” Dan DeForrest: “For my 80th birthday, our son, Greg, made reservations for us in Lexington at The Georges, a rather unique hotel on Main Street. He included some great seats for the VMI versus The Citadel roundball game. Fortunately, we also got to watch the Keydet wrestling team take on Appalachian State. It was an unfortunate contest. Our grapplers lost every match, and the final score was 37-0. The good news is that we saw Buzz Birzenieks at the pregame luncheon. Buzz and I walked up to the Institute Sept. 7, 1960, and matriculated together. The rest is history. Buzz’s wife, Jane, was not able to attend, as she had an emergency laser treatment on her eye just a few days before. Sudden bleeding led to the treatment, and she and Buzz will not know how successful the treatment was for several months. “While we were waiting in the Roanoke airport for our flight home, Sandy noticed a man wearing a VMI shirt and hat. I asked him why he was dressed so funnily. John Curtis Garrett ’78 is a member of the Class of 1978. Retired from the Army MSC branch. Since I was also an MSC, we had even more in common. John lives in the state of Washington and had attended a Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony for one of his brother rats the evening of the basketball game. (Sandy and I did not attend that function, as I did not want to explain all those losses I racked up on the mats.)” Don Jones: “I talked to Keith Gibson ’77 Monday at great lengths about Cliff and a few other issues, and I thought I would share our conversation with you. It appears at the moment that all of the bequests that Cliff left to VMI will be obtained. The process has been and is still continuing but should be completed relatively soon. That’s some great news. “Cliff’s ashes were spread on the New Market Battlefield sometime in December. There were no class members present, and candidly, I was surprised at that fact. However, it appears the class was not notified for some reason. While it was a private memorial, Keith mentioned that we should have been notified. There were several past CNMLA awardees present, along with the family of the VMI Class of 2003 graduate that Cliff had been living with for the past two or three years in Northern Virginia. “As the executor of his estate is settling the estate, he is finding memorabilia that he is sending

2023-Issue 3

Class of 1964: Gathering in Cocoa, Florida, in May 2023 are (from left) Joan Nunnally, Bob Warren, Cathy Warren, Tom Myers ’63, Callie Tucker, Yvonne Myers, Butch Nunnally, and Dick Atkinson. to Keith. In a storage locker in Florida, they have found 12-13 resin (?) miniature CNMLA statues. The thought of why Cliff had the statues made is unclear. However, it is felt that he was going to distribute them to the original members of the CNMLA Committee. You will be getting a call from Keith on this, as he and I put together a list of those original members from my committee files. I believe that I have most if not all emails and other documents from all of the committee’s meetings. In addition to that, I asked Keith to discuss with the dean that the members of the Class of 1964 be allowed to continue the presentation of the award at graduation each year until there are no more class members alive. He thought that was a good idea and will carry the torch on that one for us. He also said there are enough awards to last until 2039. “I plan to also give him all of my own personal material on the Award Committee in order that there will be a complete documented file on the award. This will include all hard copy material and emails that I have. In that material are copies of the three proposals we received from sculptors who bid on the project. “There will probably be more on this in the future, and I will keep you informed of all of that. I felt I should let you know what was happening so someone other than me will know about this matter. “Just one more thing. Keith is going to reach out to all of the remaining members of the committee. He had already verified the 64 class members who had passed away. “We are in the midst of preparation for the 158th anniversary of General Lee’s surrender Sunday, April 9, this year.” Richard Beatty: “Mickey, years ago, helped

start Brendan House. The nurses here are great and take care of both Mickey and me. Mickey is on painkillers and O2. She is resting quietly. Her son came from Helena for a week to be with Mickey.” Bob O’Hara: “I’ve talked with Tolly, Andy’s daughter, a couple times. I’m out of the cattle business but still do what I can at the farm, but I’m actually more of an observer.” Jim Crawford: “Was so sorry to hear about Andy. I know that he had gone through a lot of health issues in the last few years. We had the same birthdays. He was a very good leader for our class. One of my memories was his 100-yardplus run with an interception against Richmond. He will be missed by all of the ’64s.” On May 15, Sherrel and I hosted a small cocktail party for a few of the VMI alum in our area. We were surprised to find nearly 30 just a few miles from us. We concentrated our invitations to the closest and the youngest. Please keep in touch. You may have noticed that most of the input is from BRs in the southeast. Plus, lots of the same people in photos. Remember Smokey Bear: “Only you can prevent forest fires?” Well, only you can assure we hear from a broader section of the class.

1965

C. Lou Siegel

Chuck Hough: “Hi, Brother Rats. The arc of the circle of my connection to VMI has turned in an unexpected way recently. My sister, Joy’s

Class Notes From Tom Lilly: “Hey, Lou, about 20 years Purcellville, Virginia, I would love to cook up a son, is a history professor. Recently the VMI history department added a new chair to teach Con- meal and share a sip of something relaxing with ago, my oldest son, Smith, gave me a framed stitutional history. And by the way, starting with you and yours. The front door swings in; come Sports Illustrated 1959 football issue cover with VMI playing VPI. The balance of the magazine the Class of 2024, history of the Constitution will on by. “I am also an active member of the Goose Creek is attached to the back of the frame. I had it in be a prerequisite for graduation from VMI. Last Quaker Meeting in Lincoln, Virginia. And I am my office until I retired last July. As I do not have year, the opening in the history department was room for it in my office at home, it has been in my advertised, and my nephew applied. The selec- in good company with Brother Rat Fred Bishopp tion wheels turned, and last month, he was in- also there. We celebrate simplicity, peace, integ- closet. Started thinking that when I die, (not if) no rity, community, equality, and stewardship. We one will know what to do with it. Smith; my wife, vited to join the VMI faculty! So, when you see Bryant Etheridge, Ph.D., has joined VMI’s his- have a meeting for worship on Sundays at 9:45 Sandy; and crew are in Lexington at the Bonnie tory department to teach Constitutional history, on Zoom. If you are interested, drop me an email, Blue horse show with about 30 horses. I am going you will know his proud Uncle Chuck is looking and I’ll send you the link for the coming Sunday down Friday and have made arrangements to drop forward to more frequent visits to Lexington and meeting. Expect a silent, reflective hour of spirit it off at the Keydet Club office. Hopefully, they can hang it on a wall. Both of my boys graduatblessings.” free lessons in Constitutional history! (FYI, Coned from Davidson. Smith has writrad Hall was instrumental in institen a book about training American tuting the Constitutional history reSaddlebred horses. I tell folks that if quirement). I were as good a lawyer as Smith is “I continue to enjoy my ‘retirement a horse trainer, I would be a talking job,’ contracting for HHS CMS head on television. My other son, on their tier-two telephony help Wyatt, recently opened another store desk. I call it my daily crossword in Bristol, Virginia. On Record Store puzzle. My coworkers are half my Day, he had people camping out on age, but an electron is an electron. the sidewalk the night before to buy We were chasing them around the the prized albums. VMI electrical engineering lab in “On another note, I read with inter1965, and I continue that pursuit est Johnny Mac’s email about Texas today. The labyrinth we go through day. West Virginia day is June 20, the today to track down a problem and day Abraham Lincoln declared West fix it is much thicker and more Virginia a state. We are so far behind convoluted, but the basic problemin many things ... that Stonewall’s solving techniques that were drilled statue is still standing on the capitol into the EEs of the Class of 1965 Class of 1965: Johnny Mac Marshall and David Bywaters, his roommate, celebrate Bywaters’ 80th birthday in Galveston, Texas. grounds. It is my understanding that still hold true. I wish each of you all it is the original, and the one we sathe best. If you are ever passing near luted was a replica. Also, the Stonewall Jackson State Park has not been renamed. It is a real gem and has a great golf course, lodge, lake, and other amenities located near Roanoke, West Virginia.” J. Mac Marshall: “It has been a busy time for the last couple of months, and Jamie and I are glad of it. Although she didn’t go with me to Poland this time, she stayed busy helping a friend move and then doing the feng shui thing once the boxes were unpacked. For my part, I had a really great group of students, and we were able to use the practice courtroom at the university for the demonstration jury trial. Of course, on the weekends, I had a chance to travel a bit. This time we went to Włodawa, a town where Belarus, Ukraine, and Poland all come together (like our Class of 1965: Having lunch at the Northside 29 Restaurant in Warrenton, Virginia, in Four Corners out West). It is interesting to walk April 2023 are (from left) Barbara Price, Charlie Price, Bob Southworth, Glenda Jordan, a few feet and cover three different countries, esJohnny Jordan, Mike Friski, Jeff Wilkins, Charlie Russell, Fred Bishopp, Bob Wilkinson, pecially at this time in our history. For my part, Chuck Hough, Lou Siegel, Tommy Howard, Wayne Chiles, Caroline Deadrick, and BarI walked out of Poland and into the border with bara Russell. Belarus. Fortunately, there were no border guards,

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes alumni April 20 and then were in Lexington that evening for the Marshall Foundation lecture. So, we have been getting around a bit and enjoying fellowship with some of our VMI brethren. “Barbara and I continue to enjoy good health. I am able to still do all of the yard work that I deem necessary. I recently made her happy by agreeing to use hearing aids that she had been suggesting I needed. It was a painless transition, and she insists that I am not saying ‘huh’ as much as I was before.” Carr Hyatt wrote and told me that he and his brother, Grant Hyatt ’68, and Joe Straub and wife Barbara, along with Henry Brant, had a nice visit with Larry Egan recently. A lot of laughs were had by all. We hope to do more visits in the future. Ted Goodloe stopped to visit Larry on his way to VMI. The best to you and Joan. Class of 1965: Attending a basketball game in Lexington in February 2023 are (first row, Again, a reminder from Chuck Hough: If you from left) Billy Loughridge, Doug Thomas, Irwin McCumber, Danny Price, Easley Moore, Tommy Howard, (second row) Jeff Gausepohl, Ron Obenchain, Dave Kiger, Ted Goodget the Review and do not get the emails in beloe, Joe Straub, Brian McNeil, Bruce Herzogh, Henry Brant, and Richard Moring. tween publications of the Review, send your contact info to: chuck.hough@gmail.com. He can send you a complete listbut just in case, I walked quicking of our classmates. ly back into Poland. (Mac sent Bill Cather sent a picture of interesting pictures, but we had his wife and him (but we had too many to include this time.) too many pictures to include “A week after my return it) with these comments: “Mia from Poland, Jamie and I went and me at my daughter’s for to Houston for a legal seminar, Easter dinner. We are so forand since it ended on a Friday, tunate to have all three of our we decided to go on to Galveschildren living within 20 minton to enjoy the beach and good utes of our home in Birmingseafood for a weekend. As it ham. Our two oldest grandchilhappened, this was the weekdren live in Salt Lake City, but end that my ol’ roomie, David we still have six here to enterBywaters, was celebrating his tain us with tennis, basketball, 80th with his family. Jamie and gymnastics, piano, and ballet. I met them at the restaurant for Our new lake house has been supper, and it was a great time Class of 1965: Attending the Institute Society Dinner Nov. 11, 2022, are (from left) Johnny Mac Marshall, Bill Cather, Rusty Evans, Jeff Gausepohl, Richard a blessing with barbecue every for everyone. Best part is that he Moring, Bennie Dyer, Bill Gibson, and (seated) Clifford Fleet. Not pictured is weekend along with their toys doesn’t look it. Wayne Chiles. (15’ sailboat, three jet skis, and “Later this summer, I may be a pontoon boat). Topped off by going to Montreal for a conferCharlie Price says: “Barbara and I enjoyed a sitting around the fire pit at night smoking a cience, so if there should be any BRs up there, let ‘lunch date’ with Easley and Alice Moore here gar and sipping good whiskey with my boys.” me know, and we will have a party for sure.” Jack Mountcastle has a special place at the John Schafer: “Linda and I have moved a few on the farm May 4. With Alice spending two Virginia War Memorial. See the included picmiles down the road to Cypress Glen Retirement days a week on the farm that was her mother’s, Community in Greenville, North Carolina. Here’s our current circumstances have much in com- ture: “Lou, hope this note finds you well. This my new address and email: John C. Schafer 200 mon. We also got over to New Market for a tour year marks the 50th anniversary of the signing Aldersgate Court, Greenville, NC 27858. Home of the Battlefield Memorial Museum and lunch. of the Paris Peace Accords, which essentially phone (252) 830-1045, mobile phone (252) 945- ’Twas a very pleasant occasion. Bart Price ’81, ended America’s combat involvement in Viet4627, email: chocojohn1965@gmail.com, and son of Dudley Price ’57, was also on site that nam. In marking that event, the Virginia War my wife’s email: johnandlindaschafer@gmail. day. Barbara and I had attended a luncheon spon- Memorial here in Richmond opened a new exsored by the Warrenton, Virginia, group of VMI hibit in January that is titled ‘50 Years Beyond: com.”

2023-Issue 3

Class Notes The Vietnam Veteran Experience.’ The photos and interviews of the 50 men and women vets from all parts of Virginia feature the stories of their time in Vietnam and what it was like for them when they returned from war. The exhibit will run through the fall and is well worth a visit to the memorial. The Virginia War Memorial also features video presentations of the exhibit on the memorial’s website and on its Facebook page.” This could be one of my favorite comments. Bob Whaley: “Sorry, Lou, can’t really think of anything of interest. I seem to be incredibly lazy! We’re ‘leaning forward in the foxhole’ to make the annual pilgrimage from the Keys back to Missouri.” Hang in there, brother rats! Last note from Lou: By the time you get this, Joanie and I will have celebrated our 55th wedding anniversary. We’ve had several small businesses together (why I’m still working) and been involved with one much larger one. We are both Army brats and, between a lot of moving when we were younger, have moved a lot since then. We are now living (they are living with us) with my youngest son, his wife, and two wonderful grandchildren (7 and 5 years), in Nellysford, Virginia. Every day is different. I don’t include deaths in this letter as some class agents do. Chuck Hough and I regularly send out notifications of changes in life streams. Please sign up if you have not already. All of you, be safe and take care.

madness.” However, the term merely marks a season of the year when the sun’s heat is the greatest. Simple explanation ends this discussion, and hopefully, therefore, we are all better off for knowing this factoid. If not ...? Read on. Al and Gail Carr were in Savannah, Georgia, late last winter, and as a result, Al is working with the 8th Air Force Museum staff there to add a substantial collection of World War II 8th Air Force

Class of 1966: Herb Guyton and his late wife, Laurie.

1966

Nick Hoskot

Hopefully the “dog days of summer” have been mild where you live. Here in South Central Texas, they are predictably normal: Hot and humid. I got curious about the origin of that phrase and found it actually has a celestial origin. The “dog days” are defined as the period from July 3–Aug. 11 when “the Dog Star, Sirius, rises in conjunction (or nearly so) with the sun. As a result, some felt that the combination of the brightest luminary of the day (the sun) and the brightest star of the night (Sirius) was responsible for the extreme heat that is experienced during the height of the summertime. Other effects, according to the ancients, included droughts, plagues, and

Class of 1966: Parky and Mary Fran Parkman stand in front of Victoria Falls on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia on a recent trip to Africa.

artifacts to the museum, which will be known as the Charles Newell Collection. Things are going well, but there are a number of logistical details still remaining to be clarified. One of the things he learned during this process is that the 8th Air Force in World War II had 26,000-plus KIAs, more than the U.S. Marine Corps. In the week before Memorial Day, the museum staff and volunteers place 26,000 plus flags around the museum, so that on that day, there is a flag for each 8th Air Force KIA. Al strongly encourages visiting this museum, located immediately adjacent to the east side of I-95, just north of Savannah. George Newton responded to an article I sent regarding the B-52 ARC Light missions, flown mostly out of Guam. “The B-52 mission encompassed just about everything throughout the SE Asia region: Russian sub pens, the DMZ in Korea and Vietnam, the attack on the ship Marquez, missions to Diego Garcia and Darwin, AU ... and more ...” On Guam, there was an Operation ARC Light Memorial dedicated to the 75 Airmen who lost their lives on B-52 operations during the Vietnam War. Two retired B-52s were displayed at the Memorial Park site. Both were eventually removed and scrapped. Thanks, George. And the rest of this story could be retold at a future reunion: In the early ’80s, an unusual turn of events involving a USCG C-130 and a Marine exercise being conducted in Alaska almost wound up with BRs Odom and Reifsnider being provided the opportunity to have a true ’66 mini reunion in the wilds of Alaska. Operational considerations did not allow this to take place, although the two did swap stories at our 50th. Jim Williams attended the Southwest Florida Alumni Chapter mid-winter event. Jim’s comment: “Nice get-together.” Ha! Rick Kiernan was recognized for his years of volunteer service and for supporting the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Rick was presented with the resolution declaration by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by Kristin Marcell, his state representative. Congratulations, Rick! BR Herb Guyton wrote after his wife passed away: “I would like to thank all of you BRs who graciously sent cards, calls, and texts to me with the passing of my wife, Laurie. You will never know how uplifting and encouraging they were to me in dealing with my loss. Thank you all, and may God continue to bless you and your families. I wanted you all to meet my wonderful wife, and best friend for nearly half my life, so attached is a picture. With my deepest regards, Herb Guyton.” Surfacing momentarily out of the suburbs of

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes mid-Virginia, Hugh Adams sent a newspaper phoHippos, giraffes, hyenas, impalas, crocodiles ... to showing Woody Sadler receiving Rotary Intertoo numerous to mention all of them. “Plus, the national’s highest award for supporting the Boy birds in Africa are so amazing and beautiful, and Lonnie Jan Abernathy Scouts of America, the Cliff Dochterman Award, the sunsets can be spectacular!” Thanks for shargiven to a Rotarian “for distinguished and dedicat- ing this, Parky; it sounds as though it was a great ed service to scouting.” The award was presenttrip to that beautiful continent. ed by the Rotary 7570 district governor, Kathy So, brother rats, here endeth the class notes for Kanter, at the annual district conference at the Sa- this issue of the Alumni Review. Please make I asked for stories and photos and got slammed lem Convention Center. Woody is a former district a calendar note that our next submission will be governor of District 7570. Thanks, Hugh. Condue NLT Friday Nov. 10—easy date to remember, for the first time ever with more than can be used. gratulations, Woody! as that is the U.S. Marine Corps birthday! (Sorry, Some great photos this time, and I hate to not have them all not seen until August, but the printReyn Young has been doing some traveling in couldn’t help myself.) the Virginia area and stopped off in New Market Take care, enjoy your life, and keep a big ol’ ing house and the AR staff do a great job, in any case. Please keep the photos and stories coming, during one such trip and took a superb picture of smile on your face! as I can always send you emails after the AR staff Stonewall in his spot in front of the museum: “You All My Best, pick the most usable ones. will be pleased to know Stonewall is standing high Nick May 10 is today! It is exam and papers due and proud in his new place in front of the Museum week on post, and summer plans are on the minds ... a perfect relocation spot ... if that had to be!” of cadets. Some are anxiously awaiting their milThanks, Reyn. itary assignments. Carter Wasser ’25 is hoping to And from the Bay area out West, Mark Mount: finish her private pilot license. Cassidy Dufour “Pat Chang-Lo and I had the opportunity to have ’23 is heading home to New Hampshire for a visbreakfast with Major General Wins ’85 and Joe it before she moves to Charlottesville for UVA Irby ’85 last March. It was great to see Pat and to Law School. Gene and Marylin Potter are hostcatch up. While I definitely look my age, he hasn’t ing her and showing her where to eat and how to changed at all. Really enjoyed talking with Genget around the city and school. Not much happeneral Wins and getting his perspective on where ing in barracks. Blake Darmante ’26 won a wafthings are today and his vision for the future. I canfle eating contest at the local Waffle House and not speak for Pat, but I came away feeling that he gets a year supply of unlimited waffles. Luckily, is the right man for the job. He definitely has my he is from Lexington. support.” It is somewhat depressing to realize that I am John Walters provided a great overview of the (we all are) older than the king of England. And past four years of his life as he has been withdrawas a group, we are falling apart slowly and ofing from a lifetime with Edward Jones. In a nutClass of 1966: Parky and Mary Fran ten need replacement parts or tune-ups. I try to shell: John is retired, and he keeps busy on local Parkman are pictured with their guide in Botswana on a recent trip to Africa. keep up and let you know who needs a prayer or government and nonprofit boards. Sue is retiring at a note of encouragement, but I rely on you to let the end of the next school year. Two kids married me know who is in need of that enwith one grandchild so far. Walters couragement. VMI does not inform sends, “Best to all.” If you would like me of illnesses in our class, if they the uncondensed version ... please know. And it may take weeks for me just ask for it. to get an obituary from them, and it The world travelers, Parky and is often too late to send flowers. Just Mary Fran Parkman, spent three a reminder, please. The Class of ’67 weeks on safari in Africa last spring. has thinned ranks by nine BRs in They stayed in five different camps, the last year as I write this in May. which had them traveling in/through Thanks to those BRs who have sent four different countries: South Africontributions to the flower fund. ca, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and BotswaYou will read these notes in August. na. They traveled between counI pray there will be no new names to tries on “bush planes” that carried add in the interim. eight-10 passengers and used grass Monica Chun: “Dear Jan, I hope runways for their airports. They were this email finds you and Joan well. I able to see all of Africa’s big five: Lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and Class of 1966: Parky and Mary Fran Parkman are pictured in South just read your class notes in the latest VMI Alumni Review. From the Cape buffalos. In addition to the big Africa with their guides, Charlie and Peter. bottom of my heart, thank you very five, they saw tons of other animals:

1967

2023-Issue 3

Class Notes much. I am grateful. The Pine Needles picture made me cry because I know how much he enjoyed that trip with his BRs. And then to see the picture of him and Ray Gosney really touched my heart. Thank you! I am doing much better now. I did my first subbing job in second grade on Friday and completely enjoyed myself. Please give my greetings to Joan. With much love, aloha, Monica.” The VMI Regimental Band and Pipe Band made a trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras this year. They flew on a C-17 piloted by a VMI grad and had a great time. I asked if anyone had a Corps trip memory, and this is from Dave Neel: “Funny you should ask that. When I was just a lad, I went to a movie called Mardi Gras about a cadet in the Glee Club at VMI with Pat Boone and Tommy Sands. Years later, when I was applying to college, I remembered the movie and submitted an application to VMI, and history was begun.” Barrett Graham asked, “Did the bangers and squeezers go along, as well?” I recall the Regimental Band trip we made in fall 1963 to Norfolk to play Navy in the Oyster Bowl. Smelly bus ride with tobacco and an overflow bus toilet ... plus we lost. I expect the current cadets will have more pleasant memories. I recall on the bus that I had to convince BR and roomie Bob Ward that peanuts did not grow on trees when we passed through peanut country near Suffolk. The best part of the trip was that our football guys held Roger Staubach to the worst passing game of his career in college and the pros. Cap Easterly: “Jan, VMI did not lose the Oyster Bowl game Oct. 19, 1963. Navy with Heisman Trophy winner Roger Staubach won it against an inspired underdog team led by Charlie Cole, 160-pound middle linebacker. Navy ended its season as the second-ranked team in the country. I remember the entire Corps turned out to give a hero’s welcome to the VMI team in the middle of that night. Ay yours, Cap.” J.I. Orrison: “My cousin was a USNA plebe our rat year. He and I bet our class mugs on that game. After the game, I sent him my mug. About 15 years later, his mom was visiting him and saw my mug on his mantle. She asked why he had it, and he told her about our bet. She said that she had been at that game and VMI had beaten Navy. She took the mug and sent it back to me. Thank you, Aunt Susie.” Wayne Marshall: “Do Glee Club trips count? If so, I have a corker. The Glee Club was invited

to perform at the World’s Fair in New York City. The performance went well, including a short, spoken piece of the Battle Hymn of the Republic that was assigned to me because, with my Massachusetts accent, they thought that I sounded like JFK. What made the trip truly memorable was the fact that the cadets were all assigned rooms on one floor of the hotel we were staying at, and the floors above us and below us were occupied by the girls from two different girls’

Class of 1967: Bob and Beverly Gates visit Nashville, Tennessee, in spring 2023.

Class of 1967: Bonnie and Allen de Steiguer on a trip out West in April 2023.

schools on some kind of outings. To make a long story short, the chaperones from the girls’ schools spent the whole night prying cadets out of closets in the girls’ rooms or dragging them out from under beds. A grand time was had by all. However, the powers that be at the two girls’ schools sent missiles of destruction to General Shell [’931], who forwarded them to Captain Hoffman to deal with. At the next Glee Club rehearsal, he shared the letter that he had written in response, which included much handwringing about the inappropriate conduct of the normally gentlemanly cadets. ... We never did find out if the letters were sent as written, sent in edited version, or simply consigned to the circular file, but we never heard another word on the subject. Somewhere buried deep in my mind, there is a suspicion that General Shell got a kick out of the whole thing and that he and the Glee Club director had a good laugh about it.” Ruben Terry: “Jan, not a Corps trip, but our 3rd Class year (May 1965), the baseball team, tennis team, and golf team all went to Morgantown, West Virginia, to play West Virginia, who was in the Southern Conference then. The baseball team was tied for first place with WVU, and we had a three-game series against them, which would most likely determine the SoCon Championship. About 40 on the Quick’s bus driven by Rabbit. We stopped at Elkins, West Virginia, around 9 p.m. to grab some burgers and dogs. Coach McGinnis (baseball) was the person in charge. He wanted everyone back on the bus at 9:20. Now think about it—that gives you 20 minutes for 40 people or so to order their food, have it prepared, pay for it, and get back on the bus. This was not a fast-food place. An average of 30 seconds per person. Well, at 9:20, everyone was on the bus but Pete Sensabaugh ’66 (great pitcher), Donnie White ’65 (captain, great shortstop), Joe Bush ’65 (great center fielder), and our BR Jim Breckinridge (starting left fielder). Coach McGinnis ordered Rabbit to leave. We were telling him these players were still in the restaurant, but he ordered Rabbit to leave. So, we drove off and left them. The remaining trip to Morgantown was absolutely chaotic. Roll calls for the dead New Market style—‘Cadet White, D.T., died on the field of honor, sir, stabbed in the back by his coach.’ This continued until we arrived in Morgantown. The baseball team met and decided we would forfeit the games to WVU. The entire night was a nightmare. No one slept much. Not sure what really got into Coach McGinnis. The next morning, our four missing players showed

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes have to replace and reprogram a very expensive up, driving one of ex-Gov. Kump’s cars. Guy computer module. Now burning incense to the Kump’s grandfather lived in Elkins, and they auto gods! Week turning to dog puke quickly ... had gotten in touch with him when they realized and it’s only Tuesday.” the bus wasn’t coming back. They spent the night David Neel: “Jan. Kathy and I had the distinct at his mansion, and he gave them the car to drive pleasure of staying with Carol and Ted Mervosh in the next day. We ended up playing the three on our way to Bradenton, Florida, for a family games. Our four starters did not play, as they told vacation. To say the hospitality was outstanding Coach McGinnis he had left them, so he obviouswould be an understatement. I told Carol as we ly did not want them. We won one and lost two were leaving, staying and eating at Chez Carol and ended up in second place in the conference was an outstanding treat, and no five-star could championship. Coach McGinnis would not rehave been any better. As usual, Ted and I recalled turn as baseball coach the next year. Long saga— all the great times at the Institute; that took three but really strange.” minutes, but we did recall the character it molded Kermit Quick: “Jan, Patsy and I visited Antarcinto us. We both had a hard time trying to relate tica this spring and had a great trip, and I walked to the mess there now. Dave.” on my seventh and last continent. Also got to kayBob Gates: “I was invited to present a paper ak in the Southern Ocean along the continent’s to the Missouri Conference on History in Springnorthern peninsula. Recommend the trip on a Vifield, Missouri—pretty good for a physics making ship in the springtime to anyone. Hope this jor! Beverly and I turned a two-day conference picture is good for the Review. Note: I did not Class of 1967: Visiting the Eiffel Tower into a 12-day road trip. We left in snow, rain, and take it; our guide did. Kermit.” in Paris, France, are Bill and Jo Flesfog and had mostly cold and windy weather unWhen Bert Burckard sent his Nike missile stohood, along with Jo’s sister, Lucia, and til the last couple of days. We went to St. Louis ry out, it generated a few memories. her husband, Mark. for a couple of days, Springfield for four days, Mike Bagnulo: “In the early 1960s, my faand Nashville for a couple of days ther was stationed at Fort Richardson (with two or three overnight stops en in Anchorage, Alaska. The post had route to break up the longer legs of one of the last remaining Nike misthe drive). All told, we drove almost sile sites on the top of the mountain 2,200 miles. We went up the Gaterange overlooking the post. Once a way Arch in St. Louis (and spent time year, they test-fired an actual missile. in the associated museum) and saw It was a big event that basically shut some sights in Springfield. In some down the whole post and a lot of Anways, Nashville was the most excitchorage. Of course, the Russians took ing. We went to the Hermitage and this as a provocation, and part of the the town of Franklin and the Grand fun was watching the fighters from Ole Opry. Beverly loves Franklin and Elmendorf Air Force Base scramble would live there if we were actualbecause the Russians would fly a full ly ever going to leave King George! bomber squadron at the border. They Class of 1967: Patsy and Kermit Quick kayaking off the coast of I found a great little bookstore in always pulled off, but it was great Antarctica in spring 2023. Franklin, Landmark Booksellers on fun.” Main Street. Their sign says they sell Phil Gioia: “Mike, that is totally new, old, and rare books. It’s got that small bookcool. Who would have thought of pickling off a on those for whom the contents would have no store feel that I love and some comfortable chairs meaning and with no one around to ask. Already missile in order to have the Soviets stage an airto sit in and read. If they had a coffee pot, I might show? You tell people about this stuff, who were have had surprises (not always for the best) surstill be there! It was a great trip, but we’re glad face ... stuff long forgotten. However, some things born much later, and they just shake their heads.” Wayne Marshall: “Dot and I leave for Long Is- impact my realizing that some past thought and to be home. (Except for all the dirty clothes that behavior patterns have changed. Then come the have to be washed!)” land May 15 to pick up the service dog. We will Terry Moore: “Just to let you know our ac‘what ifs ...’ Continue my selective digitizing of be spending two weeks there for a training seminar and to have a chance to start bonding with some items and on to the iCloud account. But tivities. Beth and I spent four days in New Orleans over Easter. It’s our 27th year doing so the animal, coming back home the Friday of Me- was going to pitch ’64, ’65, and ’66 Bombs unwith friends from Memphis. We selected two til I thought I’d ask your opinion as to the likemorial Day weekend. I’ll send pics when we get restaurants we’ve never been to and two rehome. W.” Wayne has been needing and trying to lihood anyone might want them. And $#@! RX peats. Needless to say, we eat well, and our now needs a full set of one type of engine sensors get a service dog for years. list is quite extensive. A great time each year Jim Wilson: “Am doing the inevitable ‘cull’ of ($1,000), and if that doesn’t solve the larger ‘dash topped off with Trinity Episcopal Church and the memory trunk to reduce future requirements lights display’ issues, then a Lexus dealer would

2023-Issue 3

Class Notes “Jan, do you know when the old green furniture Commanders Palace for brunch on Easter Sun- sister, Lucia, and her husband, Mark.” was replaced with the nice-looking tan furniture? Dennis Telzrow: “Sandi and I were in Hawaii day. Now we are visiting Charleston, South Carolina, for another adventure. Been there many on a tour, and since my bucket list includes all I remember throwing a water balloon at a guard times and will enjoy the Charleston Grill, Fleet the national parks, we decided to go visit Ameri- and hiding behind our mattresses. Do rats still Landing, Peninsular Grill, Anson, and Lewis can Samoa to see the National Park of American snorkel in the mess hall? John.” And finally, Jake de Steiguer reports that, in Barbecue. Not to mention a bunch of historical Samoa. Obviously, it is the least visited national 1878, new cadets were required to bring their sites. I’m into genealogy, so I’ll cover that, too, park. Stayed on the island for a week. Dennis.” Mike Andrews: “Jan ... again, you exceed ex- own mattresses when they matriculated. More on including the old cemeteries. Hopefully, we’ll visit Boston and Maine this fall. Have a great pectations! We were at Myrtle Beach for almost Rat Line snorkeling in the future, as my contacts report. two weeks during my birthday ‘week’ ... or as summer.” You are reading this in August. Make sure you Fred Smith: “Jan, we recently attended the long as I can get away with it. We arrived home remember to send me your summer travel stories May 1 around 7 p.m. ... only to have our home Norfolk International NATO Tattoo in Norfolk security system notify the whole neighborhood and photos. Thanks for the honor of letting me be this past April. We were tied in with an RV touring company, Adventure Caravan, and stayed that we had arrived. Forty-five minutes later, we your class agent. Jan had been able to call off the police visit, have the in the KOA Campground with the sounds of the Oceana Naval Air Station close by. It re- alarm turned off by a local security contact as we minded me of my days back in Dayton, Ohio at could not remember our password (our system Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, listening to the had been compromised the prior week, and we did not get the message; they called my cell from Tom Hickey B-52s taking off in the morning and landing in the evenings, rattling everything in the apartment. a new number but did not leave a message while I We called that the ‘sound of freedom,’ and it got was playing my birthday golf), and noted an electrical burnt smell in our electronic-security-music you up and moving. The tattoo started with a parade with beautiful floats of the many countries equipment closet. Not good. Meanwhile, Linda that participated and included a tour of the battle- was occupied with all the noise and excitement Paul Hebert (Steamboat Springs, Colorado): and did not check the messages. Fast forward ship Wisconsin, which was made at the Norfolk “We’re having the coldest and most snowy winNaval Shipyard and launched in 1944, I believe. to yesterday, and bam, she decided to check the messages. She had not checked them because ter in 20 years. Great skiing. Had a great short Our tour ended with an evening meal in front of the shark tank at the Virginia Aquarium. And, of whatever created the alarm problem had also reunion with Gil Piddington a week ago when course, no sea life was harmed or eaten during messed with the phone lines and equipment, and he visited for a ski week with his wife and friends (see Gil’s version of the story later). A week beit did not show we had any new messages. Then this meal. We’re headed for an RV tour of MichiI left for Virginia before I replayed your message, fore, I hosted a ski weekend for alumni in the gan in June and July in about a month, then back Rocky Mountain area. Maybe we could do that which is saved for me when I return this weekto Westminster Canterbury here in Lynchburg for end. She loved it and, like me, thinks you are just for some BRs in the near future as long as the a week’s rest before heading to the Outer Banks legs hold out. the best ever! I will play it and enjoy it this weekin August for a week in the sun with the kids and “I continue volunteer work with Rotary and end. My birthday celebration continues!” grandkids. Hope all is well with you two. Fred.” In closing, I have a message from John Carnes: as vice chair of the Yampa Valley Sustainability Jake de Steiguer: “Winter was getting to us; Council. six months of constant dreariness, so in “We are healthy here in the mountains early April, we escaped on a three-week and welcome BR visitors. I miss my regroad trip to Death Valley National Park, ular talks with Rick Siegel.” where the weather was balmy, and the Walt Jeffress (Fairfax, Virginia) had a wildflowers were blooming. A roaring career as a JAG officer in the Army and, sandstorm completed the experience. We since retirement from the Army, has been were entertained by Navy F-somethings a trusts and estates lawyer. He also has from China Lake, flying right on the deck a “career” on the Senior PGA Tour as a about a quarter mile from us, out over “Pro-Am Amateur.” He wrote, “I just Death Valley. After 18 miles of hikes in completed my 86th official PGA Prosome spectacular desert, we crossed CalAm. I expect to complete my 100th at ifornia and took in Redwood National Hualalai on the Big Island of Hawaii in Park for something completely different; January 2025. I am a little golf crazy.” On 300-foot redwoods, another 4-mile hike, top of that, he is continuing his service then drove up the Oregon coast to home. to VMI, where he previously served on Spring is spring ginger here, but it’s still the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees raining.” Class of 1967: Sandi and Dennis Telzrow visit the National Park of American Samoa. and as president of the VMI Foundation. William Fleshood: “Jo and I recently He wrote, “I am now on the board of the visited Paris and Normandy with Jo’s

1968

VMI Alumni Review

55th Reunion

VMI Class of 1968

Class notes

2023-Issue 3

Class Notes George C. Marshall Foundation, chairman of the Finance Committee, and one of the four members of the Executive Committee.” Jim Burns (Henrico, Virginia) sent an update to an email group that included, “Attended the annual VMI Legislative Reception honoring the support that the Virginia state legislature gives to VMI. Many senators and delegates were present, including Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears. A lot of VMI alumni attended to hear comments from Major General Wins ’85, which were very positive. For many of the alumni and attendees, the highlight was comments made by BR Tommy Norment. I hope they were recorded, as they were awesome and received ovations from the audience. He thanked the legislature, addressed the lack of VMI graduates in the legislature public service, and encouraged alumni to support VMI intellectually and financially.” Jim DiFrank (Fairfax, Virginia): “Our family welcomed my great-grandson, Garrett Wengerd, Feb. 16, 2023.” Barry Archer (Carriere, Mississippi): “Cupid struck, and on Valentine’s Day 2023, I married Wanda Brown Blalock from Foley, Alabama. As a wedding present for Wanda Archer, who is a great-grandmother, I bought her a house in Fairhope, Alabama, so that we can be near her relatives. We still have our house in Carriere that is near my son and his family. The houses are only two-and-a-half hours away from each other, so we spend time in both places.” Gil Piddington (Hilton Head Island, South Carolina): “Tracey and I are spending most of the year on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, playing pickleball and golf, but we are doing some traveling, too. We do a lot of hosting and entertaining of friends and relatives who stay with us or elsewhere on the Island. We are very fortunate and busy enjoying a great life. “Last year, my rat roommate, George Woodbury (Lillington, North Carolina), contacted me, and we caught up after only 57 years. George went to West Point after our rat year, is doing very well, and had a very good career in the Army, along with a civilian career after retirement. He now lives on a farm in North Carolina. “In late January, we spent a week with friends in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where they had 25 feet of snow in January alone. Paul Hebert hosted us at a private wine club, and then he and Mayling invited us to his home for a wonderful Persian dinner. We also had a great time with Jim and Susan Henry (Williamsburg, Virginia), played golf, and had dinner here last year and earlier this

year, too. We golf and get together with Bill and Tina Wanovich ’87, the former commandant, and a number of other younger VMI alums from Beaufort and elsewhere in the Low Country. “Recently, we spent a week in Florida at various places, and we got together with John Augustine (St. Petersburg, Florida) for dinner in St. Pete Beach. A great time and lots of stories and laughs. Then we stopped at Total Wine in Sarasota to buy gifts for some friends. While standing in the aisle, a man approached and spoke my name. I looked up to say hello to John Warburton (Sarasota, Florida). We had a good time catching up. “I don’t recall sending this next story to you, but I may have, so if I did, please forgive my 76-year-old mind. “Last summer, several couples joined us for a few days of golf at Wintergreen Resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains. On the return trip, they wanted to see VMI, so we drove down the Blue Ridge Parkway to Buena Vista and into Lexington, stayed at the Hampton Inn and walked into town to visit the Stonewall Jackson House, have dinner at Bistro on Main and drinks across the street at Taps. Lexington has come a long way since our days at the Institute. “I had contacted Dean Kershaw (Lyndhurst, Virginia) and Bill Wanovich, former commandant, to help arrange a VMI tour the next day.

Class of 1968: Tom Hickey and three of his grandchildren, Kennedy, Nathan, and Harper Dexter, visit VMI for Legacy Day April 29.

They both contacted the new commandant, Adrian Bogart ’81. Dean and Colonel Bogart met us in [the main] arch, basically gave us the keys to the post, and could not have been nicer or more helpful. Dean and I led the tour to our respective rat Rooms 411 and 413 and regaled them with stories. I took them around barracks, [Memorial] Hall Museum, and the rest of the post. Needless to say, our friends have a much better understanding of VMI. A live picture is worth well more than one thousand words.” Guy Wilson (Charlotte, North Carolina): “Gloria and I continue living both in Charlotte, North Carolina, near family, and in Mount Pleasant near the beach, near Howard Chapman (Mount Pleasant, South Carolina), and I sometimes see Frank Pinizzotto (Pawleys Island, South Carolina). In Charlotte, I attend the Old Corps luncheons, but no BRs attend. “I continue playing golf despite a rising handicap, though recent surgery for a detached retina makes seeing the ball difficult. “I enjoy exchanging emails with many BRs, most of whom are hoping for a large VMI matriculation for this coming fall. “My oldest grandchild is now a sophomore honors student in English at UNC – Chapel Hill. Time seems to fly these days, making our reunions ever more important to us.” Dave Clark (Doswell, Virginia): “I don’t think I have sent in an update since our accident. Those [who] don’t know, Sept. 17, 2021, Jean and I were t-boned at high speed on the interstate. We rolled four times, some of them diagonally. I was in ICU for a week. Jean for two. My thanks to Gil and Tracey Piddington for stopping to see me in rehab and roomies Frank Pinizzotto and Dee Biggs (Acton, Massachusetts) for their phone calls. Helped keep my spirits high. Jean had, hopefully, her last surgery Wednesday before Thanksgiving last year (chicken broth for Thanksgiving dinner). It has taken us a year-and-a-half for our bodies to get (mostly) over it. “By the grace of God, we are still here, and life goes on. Since I live on 10 acres, a lot of things went undone. Spending a lot of time catching up. We had a floating dock built on the pond. Great for fishing with the grandkids. Had the 50-year-old tennis court resurfaced, adding pickleball lines. No one really knows how to play, but we have fun with the kids and grandkids.” Mike Gompf (North Chesterfield, Virginia): “Katherine and I are continuing to remodel our

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes home with new bathrooms and new flooring in the kitchen. Other than my required (by my beautiful bride) household duties, I spend as much time as I can at the Independence Golf Club, where I also have part-time job which allows me free golf. Unfortunately, as much as I practice and play, it seems that I am augmenting my handicap in the wrong direction.” Tommy Norment (Williamsburg, Virginia): “Life has been comparatively calm these last five years as I got married to Angie, who attended our 50th Reunion and still talks about the bonds our BRs have maintained over 50 unbelievable years! “I have continued to be a ‘country trial lawyer’ in Williamsburg. “I have announced my retirement from the Virginia Senate after 32 years, 15 as the Senate majority or minority leader and where I have been the only VMI grad for too many years. “I have spent enormous energy, time, and passion advocating for VMI in the General Assembly of Virginia, where internal controversy has never been more intense with the former governor ... firing General Peay ’62, who has been my friend since I was 10 years old, the totally misunderstanding the DEI pressures, and dissident alums from other classes who do not understand the negative impact of going on the radio or getting facetime with The Washington Post. They forget there were Virginia legislators who wanted to cut our funding in 2020–22. “I am blessed both my daughters and families are within 15 minutes of our home. “I continue to have significant energy and looking for the next challenge!” John Royster (Bermuda Run, North Carolina): “Susan and I enjoy the somewhat slower retirement pace, yet we stay busy and active with family and friends, travel, and trips to the YMCA. I had lunch with Kevin Henry (Winston-Salem, North Carolina) recently, but he is the only BR I’ve seen this year. I hope we have a good turnout at the 55th—it will be good to see BRs we haven’t seen in months or years. “We took a 17-day road trip in February, visiting some interesting places in Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and Oklahoma. We especially enjoyed touring the Johnson Space Center in Houston and observing Mission Control’s International Space Station operations. We were surprised to learn how much private enterprise (SpaceX and others) is involved in space exploration, etc. In June, we’ll be traveling to Alberta, near Banff, to

2023-Issue 3

do some hiking in the Canadian Rockies, and while we’re in the West, we plan to meet some friends in Cannon Beach, Oregon, for a short visit. In the fall, we’re taking another road trip to do some sightseeing and hiking in New York (Catskills), Vermont (Green Mountains), and New Hampshire (White Mountains), and then go through the whaling museum in New Bedford, Massachusetts. “Our two sons, and families, both live close by now, and next fall, we’ll have three grandchildren in college and one a junior in high school. “That’s a lot for us to be thankful for. We invite BRs traveling through this part of North Carolina to call and stop by for a visit.” Terry Emerson (Winter Park, Florida): “Sorry we won’t make 55 but will make the 60th for sure. “Lois and I flew to Portland, Oregon, to stand up at Herb Brasington (Milwaukie, Oregon) and Sarah’s wedding in July 2022. Great time was had by all. Then we did a Viking trip (Paris to Zurich) in August and managed to get COVID-19 at the end. Thankfully, we were well boosted. We are enjoying our winter in Winter Park, Florida, and are preparing to head north to the Thumb of Michigan in May, with stop-offs to visit family in North Carolina and lower Michigan. We have a London-Paris trip planned with daughter Kendra, husband John, and Addison the Great (age 7). Then we are back on Viking for a second run from Amsterdam to Basel and linking up with DoDEA colleagues in Koln and Rudesheim on the way. I am retired now from DoDEA for almost nine years! Still doing our best to raise the ‘carpe diem’ flag as often as we can. BRs are welcome to visit.” Terry Bowers (Martinez, Georgia): “Joyce and I have been keeping a low profile since COVID-19 appeared and have been sticking close to Augusta. Seems visiting our children and grandchildren has been our mainstay for the past three years, except for a trip a year ago to visit military/nuclear friends in Arizona and California. Joyce and I each had a mild case of COVID-19 after Independence Day 2022. Our son, Matt ’93, had COVID-19 twice, likely from exposure with his work at Delta. Have been spending our time with church duties and yard work, and I ride my bike. We also visited my brother and sister in Virginia twice. We have been quite boring!” Vic Huang (Cupertino, California): “Nothing out of the ordinary happening with us; life goes on. Still busy with the IEEE, running events such

as IEEE standards, standards working groups, and going to conferences keeping up with the technical advancements. I must say that the EEs are driving the technological world today. This year, conferences are in Orlando, Florida, and in Helsinki, Shanghai, Singapore. Others were in Italy and Wuhan. “As newsletter editor for my society, Industrial Electronics, I cover many of the conference events focused on industrial activities, since, over the years, IEEE has become predominantly academic.” John and Gerry Hince (Bryan, Texas): “John and I did a lot of travel around Texas for the American Legion, and we are really getting to see this wonderful state. This New Yorker will always be a New Yorker, but we are truly Texans, too!” Rick Eades (Ridgeland, Mississippi): “I really did wish I had been able to attend the 55th Reunion, but Suzanne broke four bones in her right foot and ankle and needed a lot of help. It was very difficult for her as it made her almost completely immobile. She is now on her fourth cast and moving well on a knee scooter. Now I have to plan for the 60th. “My rat dyke, Jeff Peters Carver ’71, and his wife, Ginny, stopped by for a long weekend while spending vacation time in New Orleans. He is retired from the Army and living in Alexandria, Virginia. “The garage with an apartment that my youngest daughter and her retired Navy Seabee/commercial architect husband were building is finished. Their next project is to start on their house. Looking back on the garage/apartment project that I helped with, it took almost two years because we did 80% of the work ourselves. Besides doing all the framing, roof, walls, floors, ceilings, etc., we painted over 6,250 linear feet of wood siding. Each board surface, top, bottom, and edge got a coat of primer and a coat of finish paint. Then when the boards were put on the house, they got a final finish coat. Inside the house, my daughter, Christine, and I pulled over a mile of wiring of varying gauges. We learned a lot, as her husband, Brent, was a fantastic construction boss. They are now settling in, and when Brent finishes the plans for the house, we will start that project, probably this time next year. “I am still running and cycling. Just finished the annual Natchez Trace 100-mile ride held here in Ridgeland, Mississippi. You only grow old when you stop playing and having fun.”

Class Notes

1969

Walter Judd

Greetings, BRs and Friends of the VMI Class of 1969, Winter is finished in Virginia, and it is time to get out and visit friends. We review some gatherings of BRs this period and enjoy some recollections and banter among good friends. On Feb. 16, I attended the reception in Richmond in honor of the Virginia General Assembly. The superintendent, Maj. Gen. Wins ’85, and Tommy Norment ’68, state senator, spoke to the assembled cadets, faculty, alumni, and invited guests, and many of us from the class just enjoyed eating and drinking with BRs and old friends. Glenn White and I drove over from Yorktown and met Mike and Martha Santoro, Knox Hubard, Richie Daub, Courtenay Welton, and Charlie Bryan from Richmond area; Bob and Ruth Waldo from Lake Frederick; and Gary Braswell from Winchester. The food was good and the conversation terrific. It is hard not to be impressed with the children we raised with several doctors and lawyers in the group. Charlie was in a wheelchair being guided by an alumnus neighbor from his home campus who was at least 15 years older than we. We were glad to catch a few words with them both. VMI cadets mingled with us, and we all chatted for a few moments with them and the faculty representatives. Glenn was quick to point out one colonel wore Medical Service Corps badges on his uniform and was surprised to hear a medically trained environmental engineer was part of the civil engineering staff. At the end of February, I read of the retirement of Tommy Norment from the Virginia General Assembly. I have chided and cheered Tommy in parades and at public gatherings and usually start with “Good-To-Me!” He remains a friend, and I wish him well in his new endeavors. In February I also received a note from Cathy Gibson, widow of Bob “Hoot” Gibson, who presented a check to VMI in honor of “25 years of women at VMI.” She said, “Bob would have been all over that with a daughter.” And, I will add, a granddaughter, as well. Thanks, Cathy. In late March, Drew Brantley and Mike Santoro joined forces for another VMI ’69 lunch and

100

museum visit. We planned to meet April 18 at a Richmond brewery for lunch and then cross the James River to the site of the Virginia War Memorial for a tour of the newly opened Vietnam War exhibit. In mid-April, Webb Hatch again coached a team in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament for college basketball players who have completed their eligibility and are seeking to play professional basketball. The stands are full of scouts and family members cheering on their guy. Webb got to coach VMI grad Jake Stephens ’22 this year and noted Jake had continued to grow after starting college and is now listed as 7 feet tall! We agreed we should continue to see Jake’s name on future professional teams. Webb’s team ended up third in the tournament with a two-and-one record, and Jake was selected as one of 20 guys getting special recognition. Tuesday, April 18, was the big day for the Class of 1969 members! At the invitation of Drew Brantley and Mike Santoro, we met for lunch at Legend’s Brewery and then headed for a tour of the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond that day. Bob Alexander, Bob Heely, Knox Hubard, B.A. “Ted” Rennolds, Drew Brantley, Bob Flowers, Tom Hickman, Dave Prugh, Spunky Butler, Tommy “Bomber” Hudson, Fred Downey, Mike Santoro, Tommy Catlett, Bar Delk (and his older brother, Bo ’65), Art Wilson, V.J. and Margi Petrella, and Walt Judd met for lunch, with Bruce Gregory, Bunny Paulette, and Rich Daub joining us for the tour. Peel Dillard ’70 joined us for lunch and the tour. Pam Seay, Virginia War Memorial Foundation president, herded us into the VMI room at the site and welcomed us to the memorial. After a quick summary of the mission of the foundation and recognition of several of our BRs who have or do serve on the board of directors, Pam introduced retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Clay Mountcastle ’94, Ph.D., Virginia War Memorial director. Clay told us about the memorial and then led a tour of the facility. We first visited the outdoor shrine area and then went into the new exhibit spaces and viewed the “50 Tears Beyond, the Vietnam Veteran Experience” exhibit. Three persons with ties to VMI are among the 50 persons highlighted in the displays. The visit ended back in the theater with a short documentary film featuring Lt. Gen. Bob Flowers, Col. Pete Wells ’67, and other known leaders of the period after the end of the Vietnam War and before the start of Desert Storm. As mentioned before, Mike Santoro and Bob Flowers currently serve on the board of

the VWM Foundation, and Charlie Bryan is an emeritus trustee. After the visit, I began interaction with VWM staff members to get recognition for my local county efforts to recognize veteran efforts in all previous conflicts. York County has a history committee established to recognize war dead with connections to the local area and a small monument with names of individuals who made the great sacrifice. Our BR Lee Galloway tops the group from the Vietnam War on the York County obelisk. As you can imagine, the banter flowed fast and furiously at the brewery lunch before the tour. Proud papas Dave Prugh and Bob Heely bragged of senior Navy officer sons. Bob’s son commands a Navy facility in San Diego, and Dave’s commands a ship. Both are VMI grads. V.J. wore an “Elect Hickman” ball cap from years past when BR Tom was running for office in Maryland. V.J. and Margi traveled down for the day in their beautiful old Chevy Corvette. Art Wilson and Bomber Hudson tied for longest beards, but several others also were adorned that way. We came from all over the area for the event: Petrellas and Hickman from central Maryland, Delks from central Virginia, Prugh from the Middle Peninsula of eastern Virginia, Downey from Northern Virginia. We had the area covered pretty well! By my count, we had six vets who served in Vietnam in the group, but many more who were on the way when the ceasefire occurred. Again, the stories flowed about yesteryear. On Saturday, April 22, Bob Waldo represented our class at the scholarship dinner. “Our recipient is Madison Chupas ’23. She is a biology major and plans on going into the Army for four years and then pursuing a doctorate degree in microbiology, with maybe the Army picking up the cost. As you know, that is what my son got his doctorate in. Accordingly, we were able to talk about his experiences as compared to hers. She is an Army brat with both parents in the Army, so she really does not have a true hometown. I have a good friend who was also an Army brat, and we talked about their joint experiences. It appeared that she felt moving around, while having some bad sides, was overall a good experience. We also talked (along with the rest of the cadets at the table) about life in barracks and some of the changes in cadet life, including food in the mess hall. She said that while the food was generally good, the lines were often long, making it harder to eat in a timely manner, especially at lunch. Generally, it seems that the cadets at the table had

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes a much better understanding of the Alumni Association and how it can and will help them after graduation. Don’t know about you, but I really had no feeling for how the AA worked and especially as it related to me. All in all, I had a good time and would be glad to do it again, but I would also like to encourage another BR to enjoy this experience.” Time for a quick feel-good story. In Lexington newspapers, there was an article about the VMI bagpipe band playing for a funeral service in Tennessee. The aftermath of a school shooting that claimed the lives of three children and three school employees left a community in grief. The designated drum major for next year knew one of the victims and wanted to do something for him. He volunteered to play for the service and even recruited others to join him. The pipers traveled over and played for the service. And continued to play as the more than 2,000 attendees dispersed after the service. The right thing was done by a willing group of volunteers that day. Tidbits of lore: Val Southall responded to a question about BRs of Bert Bacharach ’920 in 1920. I asked if “Turkey” Southall ’923, a known cadet in 1920, was related to him. His response: “My father, Class of 1923, roomed with Pigeon Thornton ’923 and Sparrow Goode ’923—three birds! Stephen Southall ’922 ... was his brother.” When I checked with Jim Chapman about Flavius J. Chapman ’920, mentioned by L.R. Williams in a different message about the 1920 classmates, he said, “Uncle.” Jim’s dad was in the 1927 class. Amazing how far back our legacy goes. Reb Anderson and other MCV grads have been chasing down address information for the 50th reunion of medical school. Skinny Baker was doing the same for dental school. I sent Reb and Skinny info I had on several BRs who were members of those classes after VMI. Then Reb told of a meeting he had with Paul Curs at Paul’s place near San Antonio, Texas. “On a side note, Paul Curs took me for an airplane ride so I could see my ranch from the air. We had a great flight, and he was even brave enough to let me fly a little (I owned a 172 Cessna in the old days while I was still on active duty). We went out to lunch afterward and discussed the great old days in the service. I don’t know if you have read his book, Off Winchester, but I highly recommend it.” There have been several articles about Air Force Col. Thomas Kirk ’50B, POW, in recent years. I have noted two personal ties to Col. Kirk discovered recently. One, my wife and I met a

2023-Issue 3

childhood friend of hers from Hanover County, Virginia, at lunch on one of our visits to Denver. It turns out he was a cousin to Col. Kirk and had always seen him as a good example of how to live life as it comes at you. Two, my daughter’s father-in-law moved to the Phoenix area several years ago upon his retirement from the insurance business. Again, we learned that Col. Kirk was one of his new golfing buddies and that Col. Kirk was recognized at the Anthem Golf and Country Club by a plaque on the course and later at a book signing event at the club. Those ties to VMI just keep on coming! L.R. Williams spends time in Idaho each year. He sent me an article about the passing of Dick Fosbury in March and reminded me of the superior high jumper with an unorthodox style (at least at his time). L.R. and Preston Painter were rat high jumpers and paid attention to the funny way Mr. Fosbury did his sport in college and in the Olympics. Gary Mackey joined the ranks of BRs without cataracts in April. He had both removed and was seeing better by the end of the month. Charlie Bryan sent me an insightful message in March about the value of dykes at VMI and others like them in our lives. “I’ve been sporadically working on a project I have named ‘Success and Gratitude: Life’s Turning Points.’ I argue that by the time you’re my age (76), you have had at least six turning points—events that happened to you or a decision you made after which your life was never the same. Some were for better,

Class of 1969: Frank Novakowski and Bob Clingenpeel meet for golf in Arizona in March 2023.

some for worse. I’ve interviewed numerous people (Ken Burns, Ross Perot, Sandra Day O’Connor, John Glenn, etc.) about their turning points, and I have found that most cited various individuals who played crucial roles in shaping their lives. That certainly applies to me. I came to VMI from a small town in Tennessee, unprepared for the academic challenges that faced me. I didn’t know a soul at VMI. Partly, as a result of my having no contacts in the Corps, even though we were in our second week into the fall semester, no 1st Classman had chosen me to be his dyke. But soon, that changed. As I was tooling down the first stoop to retrieve my mail in the concourse after DRC, I accidentally bumped into a 1st Classman who was none too pleased with my clumsiness. After barking at me to watch where I was going, he then asked: ‘Who’s your dyke, rat?’ Surprised by my answer that I didn’t have one yet, he ordered me to follow him down the stoop to Room 122, where he introduced me to Jim Sublett [’66], a 1st Class private. When I responded to his numerous questions with a “Sir,” he told me to drop the “sir crap” and to call him “Jim.” He then introduced me to his three roommates—all of whom told us to call them by their first names. From then on, Room 122 became my salvation and allowed my fellow dykes and me to escape the worst aspects of the Rat Line. Columnist David Brooks for The New York Times asked his readers if they regarded themselves as ‘the sole author of all your future achievements and the grateful beneficiary of all your past successes?’ The successes I have had in life would not have happened without the help of others. My mother, my grandfather, former graduate school professor of mine, among others, helped shape my life. So did Jim Sublett, who forced me to study with him every night so that I would not flunk out of VMI. He went on to become a highly regarded physician in Lynchburg, but after he graduated from VMI in 1966, we lost contact with each other for nearly 50 years. When I was approaching my 70th year, I began to think about the people who had made a difference in my life. I owed them a debt of gratitude that I could not possibly repay, but at least I could thank them if they were still alive. So, I started writing letters to them, thanking each for lending me a helping hand when I needed one. Jim and I talked almost weekly now, swapping VMI yarns, discussing the political scenery, our families, and anything else that comes to mind. Everyone I wrote appreciated it, and to a person, said they were not aware that what they had done for me then helped

101

Class Notes shape my life. With age comes wisdom, says the old adage. Whether that is true, I know that as we grow older and our perspectives broaden, the more we realize that the power of the individual pales in comparison to those greater forces in life shaped for us by others and things that are larger than we are.” Amen! Thanks, Charlie. Everyone has stories like this about their dyke experiences. Treasure them! Speaking of dykes, I got a note from John Walters ’66 asking who was the ’69 dyke for Jim Szymanski ’66. We keep no record of that info, but I told him I would ask. If you know, please advise me, and I will pass on the news. At every gathering of ’66 grads, I ask who dyked whom from our class and get some great responses. Like Charlie noted above, we all were picked up by someone at a time we needed a friend! Frank Novakowski knows when to travel! He and Shelly went to the Phoenix area during March from Michigan and visited Bob Clingenpeel for golf and Jay and Linda Hoenig for dinner. We all still have a standing invitation to see warm Arizona some wintertime. Best to avoid summer months, though. It does get pretty hot in the summer months, I hear. I get periodic raves from BR Fred Ford in San Francisco and must say he chronicles a life in many ways very different from the one I live in Virginia. Fred is a professional juggler (named “Jade”) and a bicycle rider. And a long-time student still taking courses at SFSU. But even Jade is having troubles with the “cancel culture” alive in America these days. In his class on American pop culture, he ran into a teacher who said the “moral failures” of the early 19th and 20th centuries were wrong any time they were judged, even though people of past generations with a very different set of values let them slide. The topic of that class was the ways minstrels and musicians prepared themselves for their entertainment venues at the time. Two more quickie notes. I checked with Keydet Club fundraisers about the transfers out of most of the VMI basketball players at the end of the most recent season. Webb Hatch and I have been interested in the “portal” and how VMI could change something to get players to stay and play for several seasons. I suggested something akin to a penalty for not hanging around for a couple of years, i.e., offering disappearing loans vice scholarships to worthy basketball players. I heard instead that KC is offering a credit for academic achievement to any cadet basketball player who stays and graduates. A four-year athlete could

102

draw a check for up to $20,000 upon graduation as an incentive for staying and playing. We will see how this works. Under the leadership of Virginia’s present governor, the DE&I program has been changed to the DO&I program, with the middle word now being opportunity. I feel that is a major step toward healing a group of alumni who have not endorsed the DE&I program as it first began. Drew Brantley and Gary Mackey are busy once again planning a class gathering at Gary’s house in Norfolk. This picnic May 24 will likely draw a crowd of 20 to 30 BRs and friends of the Class of 1969. Save the date! April 15–16, 2024, is the time set for our 55th Reunion. We will likely try to extend the gathering a day or so, but finding motels for the attendees may be an issue we need to address. As your five-year pledges (made as we prepared for our 50th Reunion) end this year, consider starting a new one to help the cadets. I just did. I made sure to include in the process our two class funds: One with an academic focus and one for an athlete. If you really need to search for a fund for your contributions, check out the many academic and athletic scholarships named for or by a BR. There are many worthy ones covering just about any sport or discipline you can find. Or, if still in doubt, support Richie Daub’s athletic scholarship for a cadet from Petersburg. He would appreciate the help! Yours in the Spirit, Walt

1970

Steve Talley

At the time of this writing, May 5, spring has sprung in the Shenandoah Valley. A walk in local forests reveals blooming wildflowers. Bluebirds sing love songs. A pileated woodpecker machine guns his way from snag to snag, snagging fat beetle larvae, and a lean groundhog is chomping down on my emerging cone flowers. Life goes on at the Institute as it has since 1839. The VMI Class of 2023 graduated May 16. Armed with four years of rigorous academics, ROTC training, athletics, leadership development, and a diploma to prove it, they are ready to take on the world. When you read this, Gov.

Youngkin will have sent them off to do their duty as citizen-soldiers. I start with a few cherry-picked cadet life highlights to get your pride on. Recently, the VMI ethics team won first place at the Military Ethics Case Competition at the U.S. Naval Academy. Four VMI cadets beat the Naval and Air Force Academies and West Point. On April 4, members of the VMI Pipe Band played at Mike Hill’s funeral at Stephens Valley Church in West Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Hill was the 61-year-old custodian at the Covenant School and Covenant Presbyterian Church and one of six victims of the mass shooting at the school March 27. VMI held its joint commissioning ceremony May 15, and for the first time in VMI’s history, some VMI grads will receive active-duty direct commissions to the U.S. Coast Guard. The VMI baseball team secured its first 20game win since 2018 (at this writing, 24-24). Cole Jenkins ’24, outfielder, had a great week at the plate April 3–9, 2023. He earned the Perfect Game/Rawlings Player of the Week and Southern Conference Player of the Week awards. Officials also named him one of Collegiate Baseball’s National Players of the Week. Emily and I visited Liz Grasty in Staunton in early April. She has been spreading Warren’s ashes here and there, and VMI is next on her list. “How about George C. Marshall’s [’901] statue?” Liz asked. I said, “Well, sure. General Marshall looks like he could use some company.” Liz executed the ceremony with a tear in her eye and pride in her heart. The next time you visit VMI, go to Gen. Marshall’s statue and know that Warren is pushing up the daisies there. Liz will continue spreading Warren in her travels. Fitting, I think, since Warren spent time on Earth spreading good joy here and there. Liz recently put her home in Herndon, Virginia, on the market, one shared with Warren for 25 years. By the time you read this, she will have moved to Southhampton, Massachusetts, to live at Wintergreen Hill, the family farm dating back to the Civil War. There she grew up with sisters Kate, Judith, and Louisa and brother Bruce, just as seven generations had done before them. She and Judith will live in the “big house,” with Kate in a cottage a stone’s throw away. A platoon of attack geese guard entry into the farm and quickly deploys to scrutinize visitors, honking a warning all the while. Some of Warren’s ashes and a flat marker bearing his name is nearby in a family plot in the Southampton Center Cemetery, where one can

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes Now that he is retired from the museum, find a marble obelisk with Liz’s maternal he is still a busy guy, volunteering as a Narelatives’ names and dates going back to tional Park Service guide or working long the 1850s. A tall black slate stone bears hours (pro bono) as the project director for Judith’s deceased husband’s name, Mia new history museum in his native Southchael. ampton County. He may seem busy, but On April 28, Liz and June Bailey met his wife, Margaret, complains that he is in Margaret Walker, Judy Mawyer, and the house way too much. Lynn Weishaar in Fredericksburg for Phil Jornlin checked in to say that he lunch and a shopping spree. They had and his son, John, a senior at JMU, and a good time recounting trips and visDavid Beckner, a cousin from Roanoke, its shared. Liz distributed VMI memenwere in Lexington for a JMU versus VMI tos and prints from Warren’s collections. rugby match April 7, which VMI won She says, “The friendships of these VMI 44-22. VMI played JMU in Lexington wives (and many others) will continue. about three weeks before, and JMU preVMI men married wonderful, talented vailed. Phil reports that he was impressed women!” That is for sure, I say. by the respectful demeanor of the cadets Waite Rawls checked in to report that with whom he spoke but, on the earlier he attended a VMI/VCU baseball game visit, was saddened to learn of the lack of in Richmond April 4, along with his emphasis on VMI history, which, in his dyke, G.C. Gray ’73, and his son, GarClass of 1970: Artie Pates visits the Missouri Civil War Museum in Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, May 6. Pictured are view, “needs to be put into context and land Gray III ’10, and grandson, Garland (from left) Mary Moore Bultman, Pates’ cousin; Mark L. continue to be taught.” The 1st Class caGray IV (provisional ’41). Do I detect a Trout, museum director; and Pates. dets he spoke to did not know the signifiVMI Gray dynasty in the making? Ned cance of May 15. I lament that finding, as Haley was also at the game. VMI lost well. Phil left VMI and joined the Navy in 1969. 4 to 6 in a close one, in which they out-hit the which include strong ties to three great-grandfaRams but couldn’t get enough guys home. Waite thers and many siblings who fought for the Con- He served for three years, including two duty is going to kill me for this, but here goes. After federacy. He eventually moved back to Virginia tours in Vietnam. After graduating from JMU with undergraduate and graduate degrees in 1975 VMI and receiving an MBA from the Darden to turn around the fortunes of the Museum of the School of Business at UVA and a J.D. from the Confederacy (now the American Civil War Mu- and 1976, he went to work for the State Department as a security officer and still takes on ocUVA School of Law, he traveled the world for a seum Foundation) in Richmond. He was wildly time, pursuing a successful career in investment successful at that. Waite, one of Virginia’s leading casional assignments today. He lives in Roanoke banking. Once, he had an epiphany at London’s voices in the movement to preserve Civil War his- with his wife, Marleine. Phil’s report on the VMI versus JMU rugby Heathrow Airport waiting to fly home to Chica- tory, makes a point to tell the whole story of that go. It was a calling for him to return to his roots, conflict and provides an informed perspective. game sparked a thought in this old brain. We focus a lot on the NCAA Division I sports offered at VMI, but there are also many club sports and activities, including bass fishing, boxing, jiu-jitsu, lacrosse, pistol, powerlifting, rock climbing, drone flying, skeet shooting, and wrestling, to name a few. I like bass fishing, personally. If I am not mistaken, a few lunatics started rugby and lacrosse during our time there. Recently, I talked to Kenny Howerton ’23, captain of the rugby team, who gave me the lowdown. The Keydets play a spring and fall season in the Cardinals Collegiate Rugby Conference, which includes JMU, Radford, the University of Richmond, Longwood, Old Dominion, VCU, William & Mary, VMI, and Mary Washington. In the spring, they play a seven- to eight-game conference schedule, and this season, they were 6-4 and beat two preClass of 1970: Attending the annual GOMBACS golf match in Myrtle Beach, South Caromier teams, JMU and Virginia Tech. Conference lina, in April 2023 are Charlie Walker, Paul Dickinson, Jim Mawyer, Gary Weishaar, Tom teams play a regional tournament each year and Cooke, Bill Huffman, Herb Braun, Mike Snead, Tom Massey, David Schmidt, Gray Chanhave a chance to advance to a national contest. dler, and A.C. Arnn. What I know about rugby boils down to this. It

2023-Issue 3

103

Class Notes takes leather balls to play the sport. Kenny was very excited to talk about rugby, a sport he started playing in high school, and the prospects for building a great team at VMI. Next year he is planning to join the Coast Guard and attend OCS. Bill “Blindman” O’Connor checked in from Newnan, Georgia. In February, he and Paula spent a few days with Marsha and Ralph “Rufus” Costen in Savannah, Georgia. They had dinner with Bill’s dyke, Jeffrey Minch ’73, of whom Bill is very proud. He had not seen Jeff since graduation, so they had much catching up to do. Jeff succeeded in his career famously, working in many industries, and has generously supported VMI. He cares deeply about the Institute and believes it will surmount its challenges in these tumultuous times. Says Bill, “Hard to believe our dykes will be celebrating their 50th Reunion this spring. #$%@, we’re getting old.” Bill had a total knee replacement in early March and is on the mend despite a minor infection. “It has been a little more complicated than I expected, but it is what it is.” Bill heard from Dick Hamlet recently, who reported that his grandson recently accepted a baseball scholarship to attend VMI. He will join a hot club with a new coach—good times for VMI baseball. Dick was a pretty good baseball player himself while at VMI. Chad Lash is up to bat. When you read this, he and Caryn will have visited the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville in April to see Nickel Creek, a Grammy Award-winning bluegrass band. The Ryman is the premier music hall for concerts and events in Nashville. Chad first saw Nickel Creek about 12 years ago at Lime Kiln, just outside Lexington, a fine music venue in and of itself. After Nashville, Chad and Caryn will visit my fair city, Staunton, to attend a performance of the Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) (revised) (again) at the American Shakespeare Center. Then they will spend a week at Delaware’s Bethany Beach in July to rest up for a trip to Croatia in August, including a cruise on the Dalmatian Coast and a few days in Zagreb. During the summer and fall, they plan to “sprinkle in” Wolf Trap shows and, of course, make trips to the gym and long walks to stave off decrepitude as long as possible. Jim Mawyer reported that the GOMBACS are still at it. In April, 12 brother rats gathered at the Grand Dunes Resort for their 43rd annual Myrtle Beach golf trip. Attendees were Charlie Walker, Paul Dickinson, Jim Mawyer, Gary Weishaar, Tom Cooke, Bill Huffman, Herb Braun, Mike Snead, Tom Massey, David Schmidt, Gray

104

Class of 1970: Bob Grossman (right) with his son, Tommy, and his wife, Tari Cody, at Cody’s judicial appointment confirmation at an appellate court in Ventura, California, in April 2023.

Class of 1970: Attending a JMU versus VMI rugby match April 7 are Phil Jornlin, his son, John, and his cousin, David Beckner. Chandler, and A.C. Arnn. Jim tells me that A.C. and Mike showed up early and took up residence at a local pub to await the arrival of their comrades. With nothing else to do, the imbibing commenced. Time passed, and they did not notice that Charlie Walker was outside. I guess that Irish ale had nailed them all to their seats. Speaking of A.C. Arnn, he and Tom Massey recently played in The Citadel versus VMI golf tournament at the TPC Piper Glen in Charlotte, North Carolina. A.C. says, “There were more Citadel guys there than VMI guys, and The Citadel prevailed. Tom and

I lost 3-2, but for old Keydets, we did well on a rather challenging golf course. Will try again next year!” Your game might have been sharper if you had not sat in a pub in Myrtle Beach quaffing Irish swill for hours. A.C.’s son, Patrick, is officially a pilot for Delta Airlines now. He worries that Patrick will forget that he is not still flying F-16s. So, if you look up into the wild blue yonder and see an Airbus flying upside-down, know that that is probably Patrick, laughing while trying to put his intercom back on. Bob Grossman checked in with exciting news. California Gov. Gavin Newsom nominated his wife, Tari Cody, to serve as justice to the Second District Court of Appeal of California, Division Six, which hears superior court appeals from Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo County courts. The California Commission on Judicial Appointments subsequently confirmed her to the position. That is big! “Tari has been serving as a superior court judge in Ventura County since 2000, and her appointment to Division Six is remarkable. She is the first woman the state has ever appointed to Division Six,” says a proud Bob. He also reports that their son, Tommy, is completing his first year of law school at the University of Oregon. “He has done well so far and hopes to practice environmental or water law after graduation. This summer, he will intern with the Army Corps of Engineers in their Portland, Oregon, office.” What a neat story. Congratulations to Bob, Tari, and Tommy. Bill Scherer reports that he was afraid his family and house, located about two miles from the Pacific Ocean in Aptos, California, would be swept out to sea during January’s horrific storms. “It rained for about 10 days, the electricity went out four times, and the generator died twice.” His wife, Barbara, was safe at their other home in La Quinta. He and his “mistress,” his Cessna T-210, were grounded, so he could not fly out to join Barbara. In October, the Scherer family celebrated Bill’s 75th birthday in a beautiful beach house on Oahu. The festivities went on for 17 days. They visited Ford Island in Pearl Harbor, where his parents lived in the 1950s and where aircraft carriers docked practically in their backyard. “My mom and other military wives danced the hula in those days.” I bet the guys on the carriers enjoyed that activity immensely. Bill used to be a member of the 82nd parachute team while stationed at Bragg, so it was logical to cap off his 75th by making his 178th jump on before leaving Oahu,

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes 50 years since his last jump. From the looks of the enclosed picture, his knees might not have held up. Kent Schlussel is up next. In March, Kent and Judy had lunch with R. Morgan Armstrong and his wife, Jo Ann. Morgan was Kent’s rat and 3rd Class roommate before he left VMI and transferred to Duke for his degree. After that, he attended T.C. Williams Law School and consequently served as a judge in Henry County. It was the first time Kent had seen him since VMI. Morgan is retired now and has written several novels. For the first two years at VMI, Kent roomed with the same guys, Gary Tyler, Morgan, Bob Hawthorne, and Mike Ferrari—five guys in the same room, who some say went on to found Five Guys Hamburgers. I am always pleased to hear from Artie Pates because he shares astonishing stories. Artie and his second cousin, Mary, share an ancestor, Ambrose Porter, who was a Civil War veteran and Medal of Honor recipient. He and Mary recently gifted Ambrose’s sword and scabbard to the Missouri Civil War Museum in Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, where it will be permanently displayed. Artie found the sword in a storage shed on his grandparents’ farm. It belonged to Mary’s side of the family. Her grandmother, whom she never

Class of 1970: Diehl and Patricia Jones with their grandson, Jude, at grandparents’ day at Jude’s school in San Francisco, California, in May 2023.

2023-Issue 3

knew, was adopted by Ambrose Porter. Ted Durvin checked in to see how my kidney is doing, which better be doing OK because it’s the only one I have. The other one, Earl, is in a formaldehyde bath in a pathology lab. But I will continue to consider Ted’s good advice when recovering from any surgery, which is to seek out sponge baths. I heard from Diehl Jones, who reported that Pat and he made the trek to San Francisco to attend grandparents’ day at grandson Jude’s school. He says spring is a beautiful thing in Frisco. I responded by saying that he was too young to be a grandfather. Ed Andrews informed me that he, Richard “Dixie,” and Jane Walker are in Raleigh together, watching round two of the Eastern Conference and Stanley Cup Championships. That would be hockey, where angry men with long clubbed sticks skate back and forth on an ice rink, trying their best to beat the heck out of other madmen armed with long clubbed sticks. I heard from Joe Girlando, who lives on Bainbridge Island just east of Seattle. He left VMI armed with a VMI physics degree and joined the U.S. Army in 1970, retiring in 2000 as a highly decorated colonel. Along the way, he earned an MS from Georgia Tech and an MBA from West Post University. He says that Chuck Thompson used to live on Bainbridge but recently moved back to Florida, and he thinks Fred Craver lives on Vashon Island just south of Bainbridge, but he had not run across him at any VMI functions. Joe and Patricia are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in September, heading out on a cruise from Norway to visit several islands, including Iceland and Greenland, and ending up in Canada. He follows VMI sports, especially lacrosse. Joe invites any BRs who happen to be in the Seattle area to drop by. And finally, uplifting words from Neil Steverson, who retired from his work as general district court judge four years ago. The court called him back into service as a substitute judge. Now he presides in various courts around the states when called upon. When not doing that service, he plays golf or volunteers at a local hospital. “I reflect on my days at VMI and realize that whatever I may have accomplished in life is a direct result of VMI, my brother rats, and other alumni I have come to know. I feel like I owe so much back to VMI and have begun to pay it forward to give other cadets a chance VMI gave me.” Always good to end with an inspiring message. Thank you, Neil. Now, as Warren used to say, “In the spirit.”

1971

David Ellington

It had been a relatively quiet few months since our last report, and I had hoped that we could have gone without the loss of any of our BRs, but unfortunately, our luck didn’t hold. Harold “Gene” Henry passed away April 9. Gene was only with us until Christmas break of our rat year before he left to finish his education at Old Dominion University and then worked for Dominion Energy. It is very interesting that in his obituary in The Virginian Pilot, the picture that is used is his rat picture from the Bomb. Several BRs who remembered him commented on his ability to do push-ups and pull-ups far beyond what the rest of us could accomplish. Then, right before the close date for this edition of the notes, Don McMath of Virginia Beach passed away suddenly. Don came to VMI from the Eastern Shore of Virginia and, to the best of my count, was one of six BRs to graduate with a degree in chemistry (only three walked across the stage in May 1971). It was a real slog for these guys, but after VMI, Don went on to MCV and graduated with a degree in pharmacy. He then spent his career as a pharmacist in the Virginia Beach area. Don was remembered for his sly sense of humor and dedication to his family and profession. He also had two sons who attended VMI, Randy McMath ’99 and Charles McMath ’02. I had a nice conversation with Randy and had a chance to catch up on Don’s interesting life. On a brighter side, the recovery from the destruction of Hurricane Ian to the homes of our BRs in Florida seems to be progressing well. Ken Piernick wrote to say that he is 97% back to normal save the terrible destruction of home. With some caulking, minor stucco work, and installation of some windows, he should be back to pre-hurricane baseline. Ken relates that 27 houses on one of his neighborhood streets had to be razed and rebuilt from the ground up. Even better news is that his health issues seem to be going exceedingly well with great reports. To celebrate the good news, Ken and wife are hoping to be able to travel to Spain and Portugal in the coming year. They certainly deserve a vacation after this annus horribilis. I saw a message the other day on LinkedIn

105

Class Notes north,” and some of our BRs in the Tideabout Rob Bisaillon starting(!?) a new water area can reconnect. He also related job as vice president of manufacturing that Ox and Anne planned and executed and operations at Synopsys Inc., a coma wonderful fete at the Tampa Bay Rays pany that designs and produces computer MLB opening night with box seats inchips and security systems. When I wrote cluded. In attendance were the Seficks him to congratulate him for restarting and Carl and Anne Biersack. Anne has when most of us were either finishing or had some very significant recent health finished, he said that he still had plenty of challenges but is showing a tremendous energy and that his skills were still in de“can do” attitude and is working hard to mand, so he was planning on working for recover with Carl’s assistance and supseveral more years if possible. He is doport. Her progress has been slow but ing well and lives in San Jose but works progressive, so it was especially ennearby in Mountain View. couraging that she was able to attend I received a wonderful note from Patsy Class of 1971: Having dinner together May 2 are (from left) and then attended another game severO’Loughlin with an update on how Pete Jerry Acuff, Zeke Ellington, and Jim Sefick. al days later. The two Jims, Jim Sefick is doing. In 1989, Pete suffered a severe with Jim Neale with his partner, Becky stroke and was left with some significant weakness on one side and speech challenges. Neale had shoulder surgery which kept him off Passanante, attended a service celebrating the life of Jules Walklet, VMI’s original “Hidden Through determination, perseverance, and the the golf course for a while, but it sounds as if he has recovered and is now back on the links. The Hippie,” a Nealean moniker at its finest, in Concontinuous support of Patsy and BRs like Bob Seficks, Jim and Alis, split their year between cord, Massachusetts. There were over 100 peoHaywood, Pete can now walk with a cane and a cabin on Lake Ontario (not insulated, thus ple there, and the service was very touching and continues his passion for working in his yard. the trips south) and a home in Venice, Florida. memorable. They got to see and mingle with Patsy sent a picture of both of them sipping a Jules’ family, including his 98-year-old mothYuengling, but the challenges of modern tech- Lexington is about halfway, so Jane and I get to nology frustrated all efforts to print it. They see them coming and going. Jim and Alis were er, six brothers, and two sisters, most of whom both look great. If Pete shaved off his beard, he recently here, and we had the chance to share neither of the Jims had seen for over 50 years. There was even a veteran of the fabled Mississupper with them and Jerry Acuff. Jim related could fit right back into his VMI uniform and that George and Marsha Dancigers are still in sippi River barge trip in attendance who rememstart abusing Billy Rose about the night Billy’s Sarasota and have downsized into a smaller liv- bered Jules fondly. This was quite a trip from uncle’s chicken coop froze ... another story for ing space but have purchased an apartment in Florida to Massachusetts, but well worth the efanother time. the Norfolk area. Hopefully, he will visit us “up fort and greatly appreciated by the family. I was able to go down to the Class of ’73 50th From the Richmond front, Ned Mikula is reReunion picture and rub shoulders and trade a covering from knee surgery and coming along few stories with some of the returnees. We began well. It’s a wonder he is not totally bionic by now, telling football stories, the accuracy of which considering the number of injuries, wear, and tear we all questioned after 50 years, but we could he sustained during four years of wrestling and all agree that one of the recurring mantras was football at VMI. What was always amazing to me (Tom) Sowers to the left, Sowers to the right, is that I have never heard a word of complaint pass, punt, fight, fight, fight. An old story about regarding his injuries while rooming with him Ox Schrader getting feisty one day in practice for three years and seeing him frequently since. was told, of which I had no memory whatsoever. He and Anne attended the VMI Legislative ReAfter checking with Ox regarding the particuception in Richmond with Lanny and Terry Sue lars, it sounds as if even back during our cadetGault, and Ned sees Lanny on a frequent basis ship, Ox was bent on taking care of others, this during their morning workouts. The Gaults contime a fellow ball player, even though it got him tinue their whirlwind world travels, with trips to in some temporary hot water with Coach RagaHilton Head and a cruise in southern France and zzo. Speaking of Ox and Anne, from reports of plans for more to come. On a sadder note, Terry many BRs in Florida, the two continue to proSue’s mother recently passed away in Roanoke. vide considerable physical and emotional supWe send our condolences to the family. port to our BRs in the area. Almost every letter There is a periodic gathering of BRs for breakI get from Florida mentions a reach out to help fast in Richmond organized by John Heisler. from the Schraders in times of need. Thank you, Class of 1971: Col. John Brodie (Hon) John was with us for one year before transferOx and Anne. with Carol and Ken Yorgey at the ring to UVA, where he earned his degree in Also from Florida is the latest from Jim Sefick Lynchburg, Virginia, Chapter Valentine’s hop. engineering. He then served in the Navy for and Jim Neale. As you can see in the picture three years before coming back to Richmond from the last Review, they look well. Jimmy

106

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes and running J.A. Heisler Contracting Company. Despite his shortened stay at the Institute, John has been the driving force behind these lunchLarry Houseworth es for several years. The lineup of BRs Golden, Kirby, Tuxford, White, Beattie, Robbins, Heisler, Walton, and Aldous casts about as wide a representative net of class members as one can imagine and makes for a lot of tales to Welcome, BRs, Families, and Friends, be told and retold, I’m sure. Thanks to John for These notes cover mid-February to mid-May. getting this going and continuing to get the crew Lawns are exploding, pollen is thick, and the together. Class of 23’s graduation is upon us. News is light Closer to home, when not on the links, Bob and this time of year so this will be brief. Nancy Pickral engage in periodic trips to Florida Our collective health and well-being is gener(where else?) to take care of grandchildren. On a ally (blessedly) stable, and much of the smoke recent trip, Bob was sporting a VMI hat when he and hoopla surrounding the Institute from nuwas stopped on the street by a woman who stated merous agenda-driven ivory towers is fading that her father had gone to VMI and asked Bob into the sunset. Of course, there are issues surif he had also gone to VMI. Bob answered in the rounding certain administrative actions within affirmative and asked her father’s class. “1944, I Class of 1971: Playing golf at the Cherthe VMI community, just as there are at Virginthink,” was her reply. When she gave his name, aw State Park in Cheraw, South Caroliia’s other colleges and universities. And there Aaron Law ’43, Bob corrected her and said, na, are Jim Gearhart, Buddy Bryan, and are issues arising from socio-economic and de“No, he was in the Class of 1943 with my father, Tommy Thompson (Gearhart’s brother-in-law). mographic trends in the American public. But atGeorge Pickral ’43.” Small world; even smaller tention-cravers will always fill the air with foggy when I consider that my father, C.L. Ellington ’43, was in the same class and played football at sources, and your support of the Institute is great- and incendiary word-salads to try and win conVMI with BR Law and continued their friendly appreciated. Thank you. Thank you also for verts to their agenda. I like to think we astute sepall your nice pictures, notes, packets, and snip- tuagenarians (good Lord, I never thought I’d use ship over many years afterward. This is after Bob and Buddy Bryan were fin- pets of information about the class you send to that word) can see through all that, BRs. OK, a couple of interesting news bites. First, ishing a golf trip to Cheraw, South Carolina, me. Keep all of it up! I would also like to give a special shoutout and thank you to Jim Kelly, our VMI’s club boxing team (the Regulators) are when they ran into Jim Gearhart and a group from Wytheville getting ready to play. If you longtime class agent. Whenever I am in a pinch national champions after going 20-8 at the Unitor have a question, Jim has always taken the time ed States Intercollegiate Boxing Association want to find a VMI connection or a VMI friend you haven’t seen in years, just get Bob to walk to give me very thoughtful opinions and sugges- National Championships in Atlanta. The team around with you for a couple of hours, and they tions for dealing with the issues. Thanks a lot, scored six knockouts, one technical knockout, nine unanimous decisions, and four split deciBRs and BR. will magically appear. sions. By the end of the weekend, five cadets Zeke Jerry Acuff hasn’t slowed down a step and is sported championship belts, winning nastill going full throttle in his job as a sales tional championship and All-American consultant, motivational speaker, and honors as individuals by placing first in mentor. Jerry just published his fifth book their respective weight classes. Seven caon sales and leadership, the latest, The dets earned All-American individual honNew Model of Selling, quickly landed on ors by placing second in their respective the Wall Street Journal Best Sellers List weight classes. VMI last achieved the for business books. national championship title in 2015 and Larry and Pat Wiese continue to participrepared for this year’s tournament by pate very actively in the local community, holding bouts against Georgia Tech and and we are all pleased they chose Lexingthe University of Maryland. Coach King ton as their final retirement home. They must be beaming! recently hosted a wonderful Texas verSecond, the VMI ethics team bested sion of Louisiana gumbo with the Bryteams from West Point, Annapolis, and ans, Stricklers, Ellingtons, and the Melthe Air Force Academy at the Military vins ’80 at their home. Class of 1971: Gathering for lunch in Richmond, Virginia, In closing, I would like to thank all of are (from left) Tim Golden, Sam Kirby, Burt Tuxford, Rolfe Ethics Case Competition held at the you who have continued to contribute fiWhite, Bill Beattie, George Robbins, John Heisler, Duront Naval Academy’s Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership. According to canancially and with your time to VMI. We “D” Walton, and Jim Aldous. det-in-charge Harris Burton ’23, the are under a lot of criticism from a lot of

1972

2023-Issue 3

107

Class Notes

Class of 1972: Meeting at The Palms in Lexington, Virginia, are Larry Houseworth, Carol and Phil Wilkerson, and Dave and Sue Hall. “... case was titled, ‘Nipping Toxic Leadership in the Bud.’ We were tasked with developing a curriculum to identify and mitigate toxic leadership in the officer accession pipeline of our choice. We proposed an ROTC-specific curriculum based on the VMI Leader Journey that identified three

Class of 1972: Barry and Peggy Garland at Disney World.

108

lines of effort: Academics, training, and assurance as the means to combat toxic leadership.” Miss Burton, an economics and business major with a concentration in global business and a minor in French, is a VMI Institute Honors Program fellow and a facilitator for the Diversity, Opportunity, and Inclusion Program. She hopes to attend the University of Virginia School of Law after graduation. No wonder the team bested the academies—well done! Third, for the first time in history, four graduating 1st Class cadets direct commissioned into the U.S. Coast Guard. The VMI program has come a long way since its inception as a club in 2020, growing from just a few to over 40 members in less than four years. U.S. Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Madeline Moger ’20 is the program’s active-duty liaison. While at VMI, she was 1st Battalion commander, captain of the women’s rugby team, and a cadet chaplain. RVM and Semper Paratus! The VMI Legislative Reception at Richmond’s Library of Virginia was a warm and lively gathering on a chilly evening. We saw many old friends from older and younger classes and enjoyed the opportunity to meet individuals from the legislature, the attorney general’s office, and of course, the cadet representatives. Teacher Marie was concerned that several of the cadets had exams the next morning. They appreciated her concern but assured her they would do fine (particularly the ones with stars). The Richmond Club had a good family turnout

for the VCU versus VMI baseball game at The Diamond. The team did well in a one-run loss with a couple of crushing long balls by our big hitters. We had the chance to sit and catch up with the ever-active Mary Jane and George Williams. George and I were able to compare Old Corps insights with Anthony Moore ’78 and Patrick Coor ’13—great fun! OK, on to our news. Gale Sommers sent a quick check-in saying, “I’m currently at the spring meeting of the VMI Foundation board with John Fick and Rich Flowers.” Excellent representation, sir! Your humble scribe joined Carol and Phil Wilkerson and Sue and Dave Hall for a personalized meeting with the commandant, Col. Adrian Bogart ’81, as well as an informal meeting with two 1st Class cadet officers (one an Honor Court member) and tours of the new Corps Physical Training Facility, rifle range, and addition to Scott Shipp Hall with Sgt. Maj. Tom Sowers, Institute sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Suzanne Rubenstein, and two outstanding 3rd Class S5 corporals. All of the cadets with whom we had contact, from the guard team and S5 members to the senior officers, exuded civility, confidence, and pride in their BRs and in the Institute. These attributes are reinforced by VMI leadership’s mantra of “The Corps Leading the Corps.” Whenever you are able, engage cadets, staff, or faculty and see if you don’t feel it. High-energy Buzz Chacey checked in saying, “I am hanging in there in South Carolina and am trying to continue some work and also keep up with my training (marathoning). I did my first bike ride in a while and really enjoyed it.” You’ll outlive us all, BR—nuke power plants or not!

Class of 1972: Joe Knick and Steve Smith ’73 at the commemoration of the Battle of Camden in Camden, South Carolina.

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes Barry Garland shared the picture of him and his wife, Peggy, at Disney World. A tribute to youthfulness and stamina, BR. Henry Knick, ever the history buff, sent this: “Here is a picture of Doctor Steve Smith ’73 and (me) at the Camden Burials for 12 American Revolutionary War soldiers and one Scottish soldier on the Battle of Camden, South Carolina, battlefield. I traveled to Camden, South Carolina, to learn more about the 12 American soldiers who gave their lives 242 years ago to help win our independence from England. These soldiers and one Scottish Highlander and one Native-American loyalist had been recovered from the battlefield near Camden, South Carolina. There was a formal burial April 22 with 12 American flag-draped coffins and one coffin draped with the Union Jack. The flags were properly folded and presented to people representing the soldiers. During one of the evening presentations on archaeological and forensic studies, I met Doctor Steve Smith ’73, who led the project and is with the South Carolina Institute of Archeology and Anthropology. The trips were especially rewarding for me as my great-great-great-great-grandfather, William Knick (Nick) was with the Maryland Line 2, Regiment 7, and fought at the Battle of Camden. He was taken prisoner and later released in a prisoner exchange near Charleston, South Carolina.” Our roots run deep, BR; thanks! Phil Wilkerson sent this: “Carol celebrated her 70th birthday April 9 and took an all-inclusive all-girls cruise with 15 girls and family. I stayed home and worked on my ever-growing honey-do list.” Wise man, BR. A quick reminder: The inaugural “old rats of ’72 golf tournament” at The Villages will be soon upon us when you read this. Contact coordinators Wade Houston or Walt Chalkley if you have any questions. That’s it for now, folks. Stay well, do well— Rah Virginia Mil! Larry

graduating tomorrow (May 16). You will be reading this issue of the Review in August and most likely looking forward to some cooler weather! I hope that you have had a great and relaxing summer. You may have noticed that my address has changed. After almost 21 years of living in The Enclave in Raleigh, Pat and I have downsized and moved to the Greensboro, North Carolina, area. My two daughters and six grandkids live here and have been after us for some time to move closer. We decided to get off boards, committees, and committing to “other things” and spend more time as grandparents. My sore muscles and joints

Class of 1973: A table was set up at the 50th Reunion in memory of the 41 brother rats who have died since graduation.

are starting to heal, and we are slowly working our way through boxes of “stuff.” Going from three floors to one with 1,000 less square feet isn’t an easy task. My phone and email are the same. We are looking forward to this new chapter in our lives. It has now been about a month since our 50th Reunion, and you missed a super event if you were unable to make it. We had four days of great fun and fellowship with 111 registered brother rats attending, 10 more attending weekend events, and a total of 197 BRs, family, and friends in over the weekend. I want to especially recognize Larry Mays, Ken Kalisky, and members of the VMIAA staff for their outstanding work over the past year and a half putting this reunion together. We also had 20 other BRs who were subcommittee chairs involved in various pieces of the planning process during this time. Larry was the committee chair overseeing the day-to-day activities; Ken led the team working on annual giving and commitments to VMI. They had weekly conference and Zoom calls with the VMIAA staff and other members of the committee. It was almost a full-time job for them, especially during the six months leading up to the reunion. BRs oversaw subcommittees for gifts and favors, golf, trap shooting, family activities, hospitality suite, and making regular contact with our classmates on reunion updates. More than a year ago, Larry told me that his goal was to get as many classmates to the reunion as possible and to have the best reunion ever. There is no doubt that

1973

Mike Kelly

Hello, Brother Rats! It is New Market Day as I finish this issue of notes, and 311 members of the Class of 2023 are

2023-Issue 3

Class of 1973: Brother rats’ spouses gather for a photo during the 50th Reunion.

109

50th Reunion

VMI Class of 1973

Class Notes

110

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes and his wife, Laura Loper, provided deche was successful! Thank you, Larry and orations for the hospitality suite, paintings, Ken and all of the committee members for a key chains, informative posters, and other wonderful and memorable event. gifts for members of the class. Sandy McOne especially moving event over the Namara worked with a friend of his to put weekend was the memorial service for our together a listing of the most popular songs brother rats who have passed away. We between fall 1969 and spring 1973, and have lost 41 members of our class. ChapKlaus helped put them on CDs and jump lain Chris McGreer and Larry put togethdrives for all members of the class. Jeff er the service held in Memorial Hall, which Minch and Michael Smith kept the hospiincluded reading of the names of deceased tality suite well-stocked. BRs, special songs, and bagpipes. Chris As we drew closer to the actual reunion, was assisted by Capt. Tiann Morgner, chapmembers of the class began to reflect and lain and deputy assistant XO, office of the discuss what VMI means to them and ways chief of chaplains at the Pentagon. Tiann is that, as part of our 50th Reunion, we could the daughter of our deceased BR Thad L. show support and love for the Institute, Smith. Thad’s widow, Patricia Smith, was alumni, and cadets. From those discussions, in attendance with Tiann. two ideas were born. Jeff Minch wrote a Less than a month prior to the reunion, resolution honoring and affirming the enSteve Stith was struck by an automobile during value of a VMI education and our and killed while walking his dog early one firm belief that a “Virginia Military Institute morning in his hometown of Bakersfield, education will continue to be synonymous California. Steve had made reservations with honor, duty, and excellence,” and that and was planning to attend the reunion and “the enduring value of a VMI education— had recently talked to Larry and expressed the creation of honorable youths pressing his excitement about attending. His death is up the hill of science with noble emulaa stark reminder that we should all be thanktion—is alive and well in Lexington.” More ful for what we have, especially our friends and families, and live our lives to the fullest Class of 1973: Paul Jalbert and his wife, Emily Jalbert, than 130 of our brother rats signed the reseach and every day. present Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, olution, and a copy was presented to Maj. with a painting done by Emily. The artwork was auc- Gen. Wins ’85 at our class dinner. Our class In addition to the committee worktioned off during the 50th Reunion. also planted a unity tree in the circle drive in ing on the reunion, numerous other BRs front of Lejeune Hall. The tree is meant to and spouses contributed to the successful weekend. Paul Jalbert’s wife, Emily, painted a beautiful picture of VMI shakos, one private and one officer, with sash and saber. She titled the painting Camaraderie to signify how cadets “work together as a class, a unit, a fighting force, and ultimately a society.” George Tisdale donated a print of one of his paintings titled Friday Retreat Parade, and P.X. English donated a commissioned print by Laura Whitmer titled Jackson’s Battery, showing barracks, the cadet battery, and Jackson’s statute. The paintings and prints were sold via a silent auction with the funds going to the Class of ’73 scholarship fund. Doug Payne and his wife, Elizabeth, donated bottles of rare bourbon that were also auctioned off. Approximately $4,500 was raised and added to the class scholarship fund. Scott Lingamfelter worked with a local winery in Virginia to provide a bottle of commemorative wine for the reunion, and Yerry and Tate Kenneally worked on getClass of 1973: Members of the class and their guests relax in the hospitality suite during the 50th Reunion. ting all of the favors and gifts picked out, ordered and available to the class. Klaus Worrell

2023-Issue 3

111

Class Notes be a rallying point, similar to the original Guard Tree located on the Parade Ground, and a plaque commemorating our reunion and symbolizing the enduring bonds of all VMI classes, past, present, and future, will be with the tree to remind passersby of the Institute’s honorable tradition of producing citizen-soldiers. Many thanks to Jeff Minch for spearheading this project, including providing the funds for the tree, and to the members of this group who provided input and support to the projects. There were many folks who worked on the reunion and supported the committees and events; I know I haven’t mentioned everyone, but thank you; you know who you are, and our class is made strong by all of you and your hard work. It seems that during the past few months, I have been focused on the reunion and moving. I want to apologize to those of you who may not have received a birthday card or a thank you card from me. The cards are in a box here somewhere in my office, and I hope to “find” them this week and get back on schedule, but the past couple of months have been a blur. I was in Lexington for several days for the reunion and was back up three days last week for my last VMI Alumni Association Board of Directors meeting. I complete my two three-year terms at the end of June. Larry Mays and Blake Thomas will also rotate off the board this year. Jim Chalkley was in Lexington with me and is going to take Blake’s director job for Florida starting July 1. I continue to encourage all of you to participate in your local chapter and take a leading role in their activities. Organize a seniors breakfast or lunch and help plan activities such as New Market Day dinners or rat send-offs. You can meet a lot of alumni in your area and help foster the VMI bonds and spirit. Pat and I attended the New Market dinner with the Raleigh Chapter and had a great time. I plan to get active with the Triad Chapter now that we have moved. Pat and I are planning to spend some time in Virginia at the ranch in Pulaski County, doing a little R&R, and will head to Florida in early June to visit with my son in Panama City (and hopefully get some gulf fishing in). Our youngest granddaughter will be having her second birthday, and she has a sister due June 28. Grandchild number 12 for us! And, of course, we will be in Pulaski for our annual Fourth of July celebration. The past few months have been dominated by messages regarding the reunion, so I haven’t had a lot of news from folks since Christmas. I found some information on our Facebook page

112

a “fitness ambassador” at a BayCare Health Facility, where he helps senior citizens and veterans by teaching them how to use the gym equipment, as well as managing the weights and gym floor and works with seniors on nutrition and general fitness. That is about all for now. Hopefully, we can have some mini reunions and get-togethers this fall. Please keep in touch and be safe out there. In the Bonds, Mike

1974

Snookie Parker Class of 1973: Mac and Melanie Kirkpatrick participating in the Five Boro Bike Tour of New York City in May 2023. and from messages sent among various groups. Steve Lane posted that his son, Chris Lane ’02, recently received a promotion with GE Aviation and will be managing one of their larger military operations in Lynn, Massachusetts. Mac Kirkpatrick and his wife, Melanie, recently did the Five Boro Bike Tour of New York City, covering 42 miles around the city. Tom Clark said he and Bonnie were planning a trip to South Korea. They had just returned from Hawaii before the reunion. Ralph Littreal has been on the NASCAR circuit again this year and in Las Vegas for the race in March and was headed to Martinsville after our reunion. James Wrenn sent me a note to say he was not going to be able to attend the reunion, as he was finishing his master’s degree at North Carolina State University. I had a nice note from Anthony Acampora in late April. He was visiting VMI and apologized for not being able to attend the reunion as there were some family priorities that came up, preventing him from coming. He enjoyed his visit and said to tell everyone hello. Anthony was living in Northern Virginia for a while but is now back in the United Kingdom. It was great to see my roommates, Terry Howlett and Roland Tiso, at the reunion. I know many of you enjoyed getting together with your closer BRs. Roland sent me a note after the reunion to say he was in training for the Mid-Florida Bodybuilding Championships scheduled for June and hopes to qualify for the national championships to be held in July. Good luck, Ro! Roland also said he continues to work 15-20 hours a week as

Greetings Brother Rats, Family, and Friends of the Class of 1974! Spring is in the air, but we will be well into summer by the time you read these notes. I trust this missive will find you in good spirits. The following covers the period from Feb. 16–May 15. On Feb. 21, it was snowing in Uno, Virginia. Mike Fisher sent me a postcard (palm trees on the beach, sugar white sand, crystal blue water) letting me know it was 76 degrees in Marigot Bay Beach, Saint Lucia, headed to 81 degrees, and that he and Sarah were having fun in the sun. I’m sure the real deal was that he did not have to shovel any snow! No doubt they were sipping on something frosty with a little colored umbrella attached! Any sunburn? Ouch! Got a nice pic from the Snapper (Craig Carlock). He and his son, Joe, were at the VMI versus UVA baseball game. Said it was a close game, a 3-0 loss, but VMI played well. BRs in attendance: J.W. Simms, Tom Puskas, Mark Prentice, and Bill Shumate! A motley crew, no doubt! Been a while since I’ve heard from Mark Hays but got an email in early March. Mark and Gwen are doing well in Sandy, Utah. As some may recall, Mark had to miss our 45th Reunion due to an Afib episode just before the reunion. That is under control; however, his knee started giving him trouble. Took the stem cell and PRP injection route instead of surgery and reports he is back to hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and skiing (no black runs but OK on the blues). Gwen has finally retired from Delta Airlines but is still a part-time ski instructor at Alta. I understand Alta

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes had 600 inches of snow this winter, so I suspect retirement. Charlie noted Kimber Latsha ’77 BR who may be interested in attending a Zoom Gwen was a happy camper. (Side note: 600 inch- climbed the sentinel box at their 45th Reunion, prayer meeting. Lo and behold, J.B. Smith reso as one wrestler to another, Charlie has chal- sponded from across the pond, saying he would es of snow; I’m surprised ski enthusiasts Al and lenged Kimber to keep doing it as long as Charlie try to join in but noted that he would be in Iraq Judy Rasper were not there to ski Alta!) Mark’s three daughters are married and doing well; they keeps doing it. Finally, son Charlie and his wife that week and the internet connections could have four grandchildren. A little-known fact have been fostering to adopt a baby for a-year- be shaky, so his ability to connect would likely about Mark: After a career in the Army, Mark and-a-half, and it is almost complete. The baby be high adventure. J.B. did say he would be in did 10 years as a Department of Air Force civil- was born at 26 weeks, weighing one pound. At Ukraine the following week and asked Bruce to ian and director of operations for the Information the end of February, she was two pounds, show- keep him in his prayers “even if you don’t hear Warfare unit under 1st Air Force—the Air Com- ing little signs of consequences of her biological from me.” J.B. is on a mission ... doing God’s mother’s substance abuse, and doing very well. work, no doubt! ponent of NORAD and NORTHCOM. Thanks Big news for BR Rich Forbes. A song he wrote Of course, Linda is on cloud nine since she was a for the note, Mark! See you at the 50th! Clint and Cheryl Anderson were sorting grandmother waiting for it to happen. Thanks for with his good Nashville, Tennessee, friend and singer/songwriter, Phil O’Donnell, was released through their digital photo albums and came the note, Charlie! BR Bruce Pence sent an invitation for any the first week of April and is the title track on across an oldie from a 2013 Redskins game: A a new Christian EP. The title: It’s A God Thing. picture of Clint and yours truly in Clint’s comWriters: Rich Forbes, Phil O’Donnell. Artist: Old pany’s corporate box in our Redskin attire and Hickory. The group Old Hickory is performing it, posing arm in arm with three of the Redskin and they have amazing vocals! Give it a listen at cheerleaders. A very nice pic. Brought back good youtu.be/MC3sGq5gYCA Well done, Rich. memories. Too bad, not enough pixel strength to BR Wilson Johnson has landed a part in the display in the Alumni Review! Clint and Chermusical Oliver! to be performed in the Prince yl have settled into their new surroundings outWilliam Little Theatre in Manassas, Virginia, in side of Victoria, Texas. Clint continues to provide July. By the time you are reading these notes, the some monthly consulting services with his old reviews on the play will have been written. Wilcompany, Mistral Inc., and is doing a little board son has the part of the undertaker! Go figure! As work and other volunteer service with veteran’s they say in the theater business, break a leg! groups in Texas. Thanks for that nice stroll down Arnie Leonard provided a photo of Bill Canmemory lane, Clint! dler and himself on the Appalachian Trail in By the way, I ran into Mike Kelly ’73 at a rePennsylvania May 2. Apparently, Arnie joined cent Raleigh Chapter New Market gathering. Bill after Bill had already hiked for a week. AcMike and Pat Kelly were making a downsizing cording to Arnie, they hiked 18 miles together move from Raleigh to Greensboro to be closer to Class of 1974: Arnie Leonard and Bill Candler on the Appalachian Trail. that day. They were supposed to backpack tokids and grandkids and came across the Alumni gether for five days, but Arnie hurt his toe during Review from fall 1974. This issue of the Alumni the hike and had to drop out. Not to be Review contains the first set of class deterred, Bill continued to hike alone. notes for the Class of 1974 penned by By the way, Bill has hiked about 1,600 our first class agent at the time, Clint miles of the Appalachian Trail in secAnderson. Made for an interesting tions and has about 600 more miles to read. I’ll bring the issue to our 50th go to complete the whole trail, which for those who might want to read for extends from Georgia to Maine. I’m nostalgic entertainment. sure Bill would enjoy a little company I received a lengthy email from on his final 600—any takers? Charlie Gardner in February. Charlie Lane Toomey reported on an imexplained that COVID-19 had caught promptu mini reunion that occurred: up to him just before Christmas, hard Dan Barr, Gary Trinkle, T.J. Wilson, and fast, and if not for Paxlovid, he and Lane Toomey had dinner with would have ended up in the hospital. our scholarship cadets at the annuTwo months later, Charlie claims he al Foundation Scholarship Banquet. was finally through with the cough Kerri Wilson provided a pic. Lane and fatigue. By the way, Charlie made met with our Class of 1974 Memorithe top doctor list in both the Washal Scholarship recipient, Cadet Joshua ingtonian Magazine and the NorthClass of 1974: Pictured are (from left) Jane and Bert Zinkand and Vissicchio ’25, a 3rd Class econ major ern Virginia magazine, both accolades Marla and Snookie Parker. and cadet corporal. Joshua matriculatchosen by fellow physicians. Charlie ed from Florida (out-of-state tuition) is still going strong with no signs of

2023-Issue 3

113

Class Notes and is extremely grateful for our class’ support. scheduled activities. Details regarding much of weekend (move from a three-day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday event to a four-day Thursday, Lane noted that Joshua’s positive, forward-think- the following information will likely have soliding attitude would make all of our BRs proud to ified by the time these notes are published, but I Friday, Saturday, and Sunday event); 2) Ensure be his scholarship sponsor. While in Lexington, would like to provide at least what we are plan- some optional free time throughout the schedLane ran into BR Tom Puskas in Moody Hall as ning at this point. The biggest complaint from ule; and 3) Focus on a well-resourced hospitality suite as a place to gather and reminisce with BRs the Foundation Board of Trustees meeting ended. previous reunions: Did not have enough time Tom was in town for a couple of baseball games to see and talk with all the BRs I came to see. throughout the weekend. There are details to follow, but generally speaking, the reunion sched(one of which was rained out). Lane said Tom With that understanding, the plan to address that was telling him about a potential reunion favor complaint: 1) Add an extra day to the reunion ule is taking the following shape: A planned fourday event, April 24–28, 2024. There will that he is exploring—a travel vest with be early arrivals Wednesday, April 23. multiple pockets, inside and out. Sounds Day one, Thursday, is activity day (reglike a very practical option. We’ll see istration, golf, tennis, pickleball, skeet what Tom’s research turns up! shooting, ladies’ tea, free time/hospitalSpeaking about our 50th Reunion, ity suite, evening welcome event TBD). which is just around the corner: Mike Day two, Friday, is class meeting day and Coleman has managed to set up a class free time (registration, breakfast, class website: vmiclass1974.org. I would enmeeting, and class memorial service all courage everyone to visit the site to stay in Marshall Hall. Free time: Class lunch current on all the information and activiin Crozet (optional), baseball game (The ty associated with the reunion. I’d like to Citadel versus VMI—optional), evening take this opportunity to explain some onevent TBD, and late night in the hospigoing challenges, even though you will tality suite. Day three, Saturday, is class not be reading these May 15 notes until breakfast in Moody or Marshall Hall, August. Just sent out an Alumni Associaclass photo on the steps of Preston Lition-sponsored class email blast with the brary, reunion parade, class march into intent to inform all members of our class Old Barracks for an Old Yell, free time about the aforementioned class website in the afternoon, cocktails and dinner and to encourage BRs to visit the site to in Marshall Hall, and late night in the request their personalized bottle of comClass of 1974: Pictured at the VMI Foundation Scholarship hospitality suite. Day four, Sunday, is a memorative Woodford Reserve reunion Banquet in April 2023 are Gary Trinkle, T.J. Wilson, Dan farewell brunch. Other details regarding bourbon. Currently, we have committed Barr, and Lane Toomey. lodging options and reunion favors will to one barrel of uniquely blended bourbe made available as the options are debon (180 bottles/barrel) and have the cided. Obviously, there is much more to option of a second and/or third barrel if follow, but the general scheme of things needed. There are several BRs who have is provided for planning purposes. requested multiple bottles. We want to Since I am talking about the reunion make sure every BR has the opportunihere in the class notes, I want to point ty to request at least one bottle before we out that there are a healthy number of commit to satisfying these multiple-botBRs who have donated their time and tle requests. Hats off to Don Ferrell for talent to help make the reunion the best doing yeoman’s work pulling all of this ever. The volunteer work continues. Just together and to Bob “Turtle” Frank, to highlight one example, Gary Trinkle Andy Eason, Don Ferrell, and myself, and his Attendance Committee of Mike the Bourbon Selection Committee, for Coleman, Tom Puskas, and others have selecting this unique blend. Also on the labored at length to locate every single website is an option to donate to support brother rat who matriculated with our widows of our departed BRs attending class Aug. 20, 1970. They found them the reunion and the memorial service all. The location of a couple of BRs was honoring those BRs. Note: This donation so challenging that jokes were made that is to support the widows attending and these guys must be in the Witness Protecis not for VMI, per se. The good news is that many BRs have already stepped up Class of 1974: Attending the UVA versus VMI baseball tion Program. With a little perseverance to host and/or help. Once confirmed, regame are (from left) Mark Prentice, J.W. Simms, Tom Pus- and ingenuity, the locations of these few kas, Craig “Snapper” Carlock, and Bill Shumate. holdouts were ascertained. union information will be posted on the As a final note of these class notes for website: Lodging, registration, fees, and

114

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes

1975

Thomas Mason

Class of 1974: J.B. Smith in Kyiv, Ukraine. any of you bourbon connoisseurs out there: Tommy Anderson contacted me regarding an unopened bottle of Fine Old Hand-Made Kentucky Straight Bourbon, a vintage bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle aged 12 years that was a very special stock crafted for his brother, Yogi, in 1971. Tommy wanted to know what it might be worth. I thought it would be worth quite a bit since a bottle of 12-year Pappy today goes for about $1,000 or more retail. So, I turned to our resident bourbon collector, Robert “Turtle” Frank, for some insight. Turtle thought the value would in the thousands of dollars but thought one would have to go to one of the high-end auction houses to get an idea of its true value. I remember that not too long ago, Marla and I were in the Tampa/ St. Pete area and had the opportunity to visit with Bert and Jane Zinkand in their home in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. We had a wonderful time with the visit. One thing led to another, and to my surprise, a bottle of Pappy appeared (maybe two) for consumption. I was elated to have had just a taste. I’m not sure I thanked Bert enough for such fine bourbon! That is all for now. Everyone, start making your plans for the reunion. Don’t come alone—bring a wingman/call a roommate. Take one last stroll down memory lane! Look forward to seeing you there! Class contacts: snookieparker1974@earthlink. net and Charley Banning, cbanning@cox.net. Send me a note. Yada, yada, yada, and yaba daba dooooo! In the Bonds, Snookie

2023-Issue 3

Brothers, Sisters, and Casual Readers, As your pulse quickens (hopefully) and you consume this codswallop (one must brush up on British slang), 43 travelers have returned from a memorable journey to England and France. Your notes this quarter cover news, trivia, and rumor garnered between February 2023 and May 2023. The last week of February through the first week of March found the Oliver Ways issue another parry and thrust, which I’ll call No. 1 in the epic travel duel which simmers within our little class family. Oliver and Bonnie and a group of eight friends and relatives went on a most memorable trip to Egypt and Israel. Their first stop was Cairo, staying at Mena House and visiting the great pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza. They then moved south, up the Nile River to Luxor to enjoy the comfort of Winter Palace, ride camels and visit the Valley of the Kings, where most of the ancient royals are entombed. Final stop was Aswan, with lodging at The Cataract Hotel, a hot air balloon ride, and a dinner cruise on the Nile. The Ways then took a short flight over to Tel Aviv, Israel, to continue their pilgrimage in the steps of Jesus of Nazareth. Memorable stops in Jaffa, Haifa, and Tiberius. Recreation at the Sea of Galilee, a visit to King Herod’s Palace ruins at Masada, a view of the heights where the mass suicide of Jews took place, a swim and mud bath in the Dead Sea, and walking the biblical path of Jesus through Jerusalem, terminating at the site of Jesus’ resurrection. All this while the many tour groups sang hymns in their native languages were just some of the many highlights. This description simply doesn’t do fair treatment to the passion and emotion this couple described their sacred journey. March 23 saw Bob Keller and Bernie Cobb escort Charlie Collins to the southern trailhead of the Appalachian Trail in Springer Mountain, Georgia, for the send-off of Charlie’s lifelong dream of hiking the entire 2,198.4 miles through 14 states and enduring 464,500 feet of elevation gain/loss. In Tennessee, Mike Mulligan met up with Charlie and hosted him to meals, a shower, and a warm bed, and Jake Berberich

’76 coordinated with Charlie for a rendezvous and drove him to a hostel and resupply depot and bulked him up with Subway sandwiches. You have received periodic updates on Charlie’s progress through email dispatches. The weekend of April 1, 2023, found a contingent of friends venture to Tazewell, Virginia, for the seven-decade birthday celebration for Billy and Bobby Hunter. Making the trip from near and far were Steve and Sherry Chapin, Oliver and Bonnie Way, Art and Judy Nunn, Judy

Class of 1975: Dan Schultz and John Maples at the historic Tredegar Iron Works Museum in Richmond, Virginia.

Class of 1975: Pictured are Larry Hendry, John Logan, and F. Jay Jones.

115

Class Notes on his game, and he invites any BR passing to reveal how he got the call sign “Turbo” at our Baur, Mike and Sloane Hunter, and Allen and Sandy Morgan. Upon arriving, I accepted a through Yorktown, Virginia, for a no-notice 50th Reunion! Upon responding to the quarterly reminder ration of an ambrosia fit for any god sitting at hospitality and tee time visit. In March, Jay and Mount Olympus. The glass of Buffalo Trace, Dawn took a two-week, 4,000-mile road trip to plea, one class wag, who yearns deeply for recSan Antonio to visit their youngest daughter and ognition but who will remain anonymous, isneat, was warmly enjoyed and the reverie obsued forth that he had walked his dog, gone to her family, sightsee, and muse over the changserved in wide-eyed amazement! One chap among us took the opportunity to es since he was an officer training instructor at work, eaten lunch, and grocery shopped. This is one busy Bee R! Stop the MADness! participate in the tour and open house hosted by Lackland Air Force Base in the mid-’80s. They Glenn Furr stepped forward with news that left Texas and drove to The Villages in Florithe Rockbridge Alumni Group of the renovated Preston Library. Our research analyst audit- da to visit Jay’s sister and her husband and got he is turning more and more of his duties as ined the Matriculation Book and the 375 matricu- together with John Logan and Larry Hendry. surance agency owner over to his daughter and playing more golf and pickleball. Glenn also lants for the Class of 1975. The 375th and final From Florida, the Joneses returned to Yorktown signee was a fellow named William Pollock to celebrate their 45th anniversary and Jay’s be- tacitly approved the idea of putting the old band ginning his eighth decade of life. He promises back together for organizing the April 2025 re(who stayed 20 days). The first signee, and deunion. servedly so, was an exemplary man Our very own Renaissance man, named Dan Darnell. If you are inGlenn Garland, departed for the terested in where you stood in this U.K. April 25 in order to heap an cavalcade of signatories, I can be of extra helping of pain on himself as service. he took on the trail hike of the enDr. Jay Newcomer delivered a tire length of Hadrian’s Wall, which lengthy missive recording how runs 84 miles coast-to-coast just “big corp.” has taken over medicine south of the border between Enand hospitals and how veteran phygland and Scotland. He began the sicians are being dismissed from seven-day march traveling west committees and departments in fa(from Bowness-on-Solway) to east vor of rookies and politically favor(to Wallsend) in order to keep the able types. I like reading about his wind and rain off the sea at his back. plan for an eight-day horseback trip Class of 1975: Celebrating the 70th birthdays of Billy Hunter and his Blisters and a misplaced wallet in Western Montana in grizzly bear twin brother, Bobby Hunter, are (standing, from left) Oliver Way, country. Unfortunately, his trusted Tom Mason, Art Nunn, Steve Chapin, Will Hunter Jr. ’16, Allen Mor- didn’t deter our adventurous knight! As head of the VMI Alumni Asriding companions had to drop out, gan, (seated) Mike Hunter, Billy Hunter, and Bobby Hunter. sociation Rockbridge Chapter, Scott and this getaway was scrapped. Jay should be on the set of Yellowstone, not in South Florida. April 10–15 found Guy Conte hosting Bernie Cobb, Jerry DeWaters, and Oliver Way for several days of golf, great food, and fellowship in the golden sun of Scottsdale, Arizona. The Cactus League golfers wagered on odd things like playing a hole with one club, putting with one foot in the air, playing blindfolded, and playing a hole one-handed. Jerry can come up with some doozies (bets and jokes) for laughs! Mid-April found Billy, Lee, and daughter Tayloe Hunter in Rome for the 70th birthday adventure for Dr. Bill. They then moved on to Amalfi, Sicily, and Capri. I’ll enthusiastically term this epic travel parry and thrust No. 2 for these travel gladiators versus the mighty Ways! The family returned speaking passable Italian Class of 1975: Aboard the HMS Warrior, the greatest British warship of the 19th century, and fluent Latin; Billy cheerfully translated pasare (from left) Ben Vanderberry, Scott Risser, Stewart Fleming, Ellett Smith, Tom Jones, sages of selected writings from Cicero (“De re Dean Armstrong, Bob Keller, Rich McFarland, Charlie Hoon, Greg Diamontopulos, John Greene, Jerry DeWaters, Art Sigsbury, Bill Terpeluk, Tom Mason, Randy Frank, T.P. Ridpublica”) to this anxious anchorman. ley, Jim McCriskin, Lowrie Tucker, Len Riedel, John Prior, and Glenn Garland. The gift of a Virginia State Golf Association membership prompted Jay Jones to brush up

116

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes Risser continues to schedule imaginative and interesting activities for that very active group. In late March, that gathering ate dinner at Moody Hall and then enjoyed the VMI Theatre production of The Odd Couple. In April, the group enjoyed a tour of the renovated Preston Library, followed by heavy hors d’oeuvres back at Moody Hall. They held a reception at the Abigail Inn for the VMI basketball coaches and met Dr. Melissa Krawiec ’01, the new post physician. Rick Davison’s note related having enjoyed a lengthy ocean cruise from Auckland, New Zealand, to Vancouver, B.C., with stops in Australia and several (unnamed) Pacific Islands. Rick and Stella passed through Houston, their old town of many years, and visited with Bill and Ann Turpin and assorted friends while Rick attended a Boy Scouts of America scouting workshop. Rick is scheduled to teach an outdoor skills course in West Virginia in late May and will have a chance to stop in Lexington. I hope to link up with him. Judy (Mrs. Thomas S. Baur) spent much of the spring with her two sons and their families on spring break in March and with her cousins and extended family at Ana Maria Island, Florida, for an extended break in April. Greg Stultz shouted “all right” from Stow, Ohio. Frank Hillson expressed his wish to be along on the class trip, but that, alas, his teaching duties at the University of Delaware had to prevail. He did get in a visit to Lexington and checked in with the chair of the English Department and on to Radford, Virginia, to see his old pal, Don Bernardini. Hello, Don! Where art thou? Believing he may have most of last September’s storm damage repaired prior to next hurricane season, John Whitworth heartily responded, “All right,” and for his gratitude at having had three years of Spanish under Señor Halliburton in Scott Shipp Hall. That bit of education has allowed John to most effectively communicate with the work crews with which he deals in Florida. The Ways in Cape Town, South Africa ... penguins, seals, ostriches, baboons ... to be continued (in November/next issue of these notes). My first tease! Bill Witherow piped in his status as “all right.” Wintering over in Bluffton and Charleston, South Carolina, with fishing, low country cooking, and Spanish moss was the news in a note from Dan and Sandy Brooks. A shared dinner

2023-Issue 3

at the home of Bob and Jan O’Connor preceded the Brooks’ April trip to Scotland. That visit was to scout out and start planning for their daughter’s wedding in June of next year. Be on the lookout for a GoFundMe page, as they have booked Borthwick, a 15th-century castle, for the event. Charlie Freeman checked in as “all right” from Memphis. Paul Bernard looks forward to Charlie Collins’ arrival in the upper Shenandoah Valley this summer. One BR helped me clean up a little news blip that appeared in the February column. Bill Terpeluk was a new initiate to the Las Vegas gathering in late February, and honorary BR Phil Brzozowski ’76 was a repeat attendee. Glenn Garland and Dean Armstrong were not present. I apologize for forging ahead with loosely sourced and unverified input prior to this gathering. A surprise note arrived from Tom Schultze in Middletown, Maryland (near Frederick, Maryland). Tom and his wife, Kathy, own and operate a State Farm Insurance agency. They reside only a few miles from the AT, and he would like to link up with Charlie Collins for a few miles and perhaps get him to his house for a meal, shower, and rest. Consistently contributing from Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Rick Hening reports that he has begun his fourth season ushering at the Carolina Mudcats baseball games in Zebulon, North Carolina. Rick and son Sam made a road trip into Virginia to attend the VMI baseball reunion weekend and see Greg Seldon, Dan Darnell, Garland Isaacs, Jeff Huckabee ’74, Terrell Williams ’74, Tom Puskas ’74, and Kavie Thrift ’76. The traveling duo then rolled to Richmond, Virginia, to watch the VMI versus VCU baseball game. The Henings ran into Snookie and Marla Parker ’74 at one of the many music/ concert venues they visit. Felix Wolkowitz cheerfully exclaimed that he is “all right!” On May 4 in Washington, D.C., at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, our own Dr. Jim McCriskin received the Captain Niels P. Thomsen Innovation Award for his work in ECG screening of CG Academy cadets to detect heart anomalies. Jim has an impressive list of accomplishments in the field of cardiology. Rich Mines wrote in his note of a March visit from John and Michelle Plunkett. The Mineses and Plunketts enjoyed brunch and lengthy conversation about their brother rats. Whose

ears were burning March 18? Rich will strive through chemotherapy with high hopes of attending the 50th Reunion. As able predecessors to the post of class agent, Art and Judy Nunn hosted this ink-stained wretch for a “bon voyage” dinner and spirited conversation just prior to departure for the big class expedition. The Nunns extracted a certified promise of pictures, historic facts, tales, and documentation of all shenanigans, mischief, and drama in Europe. In the last issue of these notes, news of five prodigals appeared under this byline, all imparting some news, or at least the minimal “all right” message. I sincerely hope for more of this activity, especially as most of us have completed our seventh decade of existence. As punctuation, one Harry Barksdale failed to report that he had nothing to report. Does Harry even read this shaft of datum? The 43 European travelers were Len and Pam Reidel; Dean and Denise Armstrong; Bill Terpeluk and companion Denise Hollerbach; John and Lori Prior; John’s friend, Mike Rogers; Lowrie and Kathy Tucker; Tom and Peggy Jones; Ben and Anne Vanderberry; Scott and Barbara Risser; Stewart and Maryann Fleming; Ellet and Fran Smith; Charlie Hoon and Sharon DeAlba; John and Joan Greene; Greg and Melody Diamontopulos; Tom and Celia Ridley; Bob Keller and brother David Keller ’70; Phil and Jane Brzozowski ’76; Bill Bledsoe, The Citadel ’70; Rich McFarland and brother-in-law Mike Wigen; Jerry and Joseph (son) DeWaters; Jim McCriskin; Randy Frank; Glenn Garland; and Art Sigsbury, plus one scrivener. To rehash the packed itinerary would be of little use, so I’ve chosen to distill “the trip” down to odds and ends. Everyone had different experiences, viewpoints, and memories. Collectively, our sincerest thanks to our faculty, Len Reidel, Bill Terpeluk, and Dean Armstrong. Without their knowledge, guidance, and humor, this remarkable journey would not have happened. London: Large, clean, and a distinct sense of social pride of country. The many conveyances include rail, bus, taxi, auto, scooter, bike, pedicab, and of course, walking. This metro area has a population of around nine million. The City of London itself is only one square mile in area yet boasts a bounty of sights. London Bridge (about which we grew up singing children’s ditties) is most underwhelming. The many bridges needed to allow the populace to traverse daily over the Thames River have colorful stories. Millenium

117

Class Notes Bridge, Sphinx Bridge, Tower Bridge, and The Lady Bridge were all distinctly interesting. The Tower Bridge is a magnificent structure featuring four engineering elements: A draw bridge, suspension bridge, hydraulically elevated road surface, and cantilever bridge. The Lady Bridge was built during World War II solely by women (as the gents were all off to war) and is the only project in recent British history to be completed on time and under budget! The streets are dotted with distinctive old red phone boxes in an almost decorative fashion. Word has it that due to the scarcity of building space, these phone boxes will soon be renovated into two-bedroom apartments! We learned that along the many piers and commercial storage buildings along the river, the centuries-old acronym of wharf is a warehouse at a river front. Since the early 2000s, London has seen many high-rise buildings spring up, and all seem to be of glass and steel; this has created a broadly successful apprenticeship program for window washers! The Records Palace (Archives) of the U.K. has records of all births, marriages, and deaths. The Brits informally refer to this facility as “Hatch ’em, match ’em, and dispatch ’em.” The many pubs enjoy colorful monikers! Among them, Hung, Drawn, and Quartered; The Carpenter; Hermit’s Cave; Victory Arms; and Running Horse Pub stood out as examples.

Class of 1975: Glenn Garland hiking the Hadrian’s Wall Path in England.

118

The charming understatement of the Brits provided a valuable lesson at the Rose and Crown one evening when sharing a table in the pub with an English couple, and I was asked why we were in London. I launched into a lengthy rejoinder outlining our first three days, and that gentleman politely put up a hand to stop me and advised that when a local asks this question, he only wants to know if I’m there on business or holiday; he doesn’t want me to drone on about how many steps are in the Big Ben clock tower! A long ferry ride from Portsmouth, England, to Ouistreham, France. France can be cold, icy, and a bit bitter ... oh, I’ll mention the weather a little later. There seems to be a real competition in France as to which hotel can offer the smallest shower/bath facility. I will cede this fact: The French do know their way around a croissant and baguette! The D-Day Museum in Caen graphically demonstrated Operation Neptune in Normandy; Pegasus Bridge was a key control point the British airborne captured and held. The German Cemetery at La Cambe (one of six German war cemeteries in France) holds 21,200 soldiers’ remains and is simple and rigidly bleak. Some of the most effective museum displays were seen at St. Mere-Eglise, a charming village with a very big story. The Airborne Museum there was first class. As our guide led us through the numerous sections, 41 of our 43 were in rapt attention while two of our party exited through a one-way portal into a greensward outdoors to hypnotically watch the Roomba lawnmower at work. Go figure. The Utah Beach landing area featured gentle dunes and easy access inland. In contrast, the stark difference in the land/seascape at Omaha Beach and Pont-du-Hoc, the concrete gun casemates, trenches, and bomb craters, the steep imposing bluffs, heavily defended and only a low sea wall at the base for some cover; the scene smacks you with the daunting challenge of this invasion sector. En route to the American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, one observed that many of the French beachside homes along the Omaha Beach coast road proudly display American flags in honor of their liberators from across the ocean. A loss for words is infrequent for me. By far, the most impactful afternoon was spent on New Market Day (May 15) at the American Cemetery,

where members of the class laid memorial wreaths at the graves of seven VMI alumni who gave their all on that distant shore, on or shortly after June 6, 1944. The graves number 9,387 at this beautiful, dignified, reverent final resting place. The weather that day was cold, rainy, and windy, much like it might have been June 6. I silently heard the melancholy skirl of Amazing Grace on the bagpipe and the plaintive bugled notes of taps. Standing at an overlook at the northeast edge of the cemetery and looking down at the angry, windswept surf at low tide provided unmistakable clarity of the struggle to make it to shore on that longest day. Humbly, I remain, Never above you, never below you, always beside you ... Your friend, BR, and Traveling Notary, Tom Mason

1976

William Bhatta

Brother Rats, Congratulations to the Class of 2023—the second best class in barracks—from the best class in barracks! Our class notes just moved closer to the front of the Alumni Review, the Class of 1973 just celebrated their 50th Reunion, and ours is just around the corner three years from now. Congratulations also goes out to Allan Pyke. Allan married Virginia in Fogelsville, Pennsylvania, April 8, 2023! Buzzy Moncure, Rand Sompayrac, and John Swain attended the ceremony. Pictures to follow in our next class notes. Mark and Letty Rinnan ticked off Hawaii from their bucket list. Mark said, “I wholeheartedly encourage all my brother rats who haven’t been there to go! Hawaii is an amazing U.S. state. The culture is a blend of mainland and Polynesian, the natural environment and geography is extraordinarily diverse, and the climate varies from tropical at sea level to near Arctic in the highest elevations. The U.S. and Hawaiian park systems offer a multitude of hiking and camping options at some very unique locations. We maximized those opportunities (and I represented VMI as best I could).

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes the ’70s. Mark said, “I’m worried. For those with U.S. government beneAll I do is fix things in the house and fits, the Hale Koa Recreation Center (a work on the landscaping. Soon, I’ll be government-owned resort on Waikiki watering and cutting the grass. I wear Beach) is highly recommended.” The white socks often. I wear cowboy boots Rinnans are doing well! Mark said, sometimes. My front teeth have be“On the home front, my two sons stay come enlarged. Bernadette calls me busy in their career fields. Jarrett is a Claude. WTF is going on?” (Brother sous chef at a catering firm in Los Anrats, beware; the same thing could be geles and has cooked for a number of happening to you!) Otherwise, Mark Hollywood celebrities. Dean is a tutor, said, “I have been wasting most of my mentor, and substitute teacher for High retirement time by talking to Jake BerJump, a program designed to get underberich much too often but always with served students into high-performance fond memories, repeated stories, and a schools. Aside from DIY and arranging contracted home improvement projClass of 1976: Pictured on a skiing trip to Winter Park Re- joke or two that gets him to spit out his sort in Colorado in February 2023 are (from left) Ray Ra- coffee laughing. Marshall Coyle, also ects, both Letty and I are enjoying remos, Jim Mallon, Michael Calkins ’86, and Jay Ball ’86. of Room 115, and I stay in touch watchtirement. OK, partial retirement for me, ing college football and exchanging as I continue to do a little business detexts, usually about Penn State and Southern velopment and mentoring for Jacobs, at least Cal, our other alma maters. Ares Koumis and for a part of this year. Letty and I stay engaged I exchange emails and have found lots in comthrough civic activities such as being an elecmon to talk about—until he uses too many big tion judge, working at the regional food deposwords.” Ares Koumis’ response: “Humph ... I itory, and through church mission activities. engage in a bit of simple conversant mellifluiMy thoughts remain with the families of brothty and am accused of overweening loquacity.” er rats who have passed away recently or lost In his new international affairs Space Force beloved family members. I hope to see my Old role, Koumis said, “Finally, a job I don’t have Corps survivors at our 50th Reunion!” to be a finance major or ‘injuneer’ to do. I have Ray Brooks put his VMI civil engineering gotten to work with Israelis, French, Poles, etc. degree to work. Ray and his two sons completFun stuff. And several of my IA coworkers ed a chicken coop build for 22 chickens. He Class of 1976: Scott Custer and Bob Keneally at Custer’s beach house in Kitty profess to know the storied Mark Sculley from said, “If any [BR] needs help with planning Hawk, North Carolina. his epic past life ...” for chickens or a chicken coop, we know who Koumis’ and Lisa’s older son just completwe can call.” Ray has two grandchildren, one ed his counseling degree, but he is exploring a by each of his two sons: a 4-year-old grandson move to the East Coast. Koumis said, “Parents and a 7-month-old granddaughter. He watches follow the grandkiddies ... so I might be in the the granddaughter three days per week. Fortuvicinity of VMI and lots of BRs by 2026–27 nately, the boys and their families live close by (hide the family silver) when I envision retirin Burlington, North Carolina, so Ray gets to ing. I have lived in the West most of my career spend a lot of time with them. and loved it, but let’s just say politics in CalTony and Sharon Young are enjoying Vero ifornia-rado are headed in a direction I don’t Beach, Florida. Tony said, “I am no longer favor. So a move is not wholly unpalatable.” mayor. But I am neck deep in a project for our Jake Berberich is still working in IT at Ralph Veterans Island. We are building a World War Lauren for 18 years now. The last seven years, II tribute (a permanent stage for ceremonies he has worked remotely. Jake and Diane are enand a memorial for the World War II veterans). joying their new home near Boone, North CarThat plus travel, family, and home upkeep is olina. Jake said, “We enjoy a spectacular view plenty. The Institute remains near and dear. of Grandfather Mountain. I spend about 90% Lexington was a great foundation for 30 years of my time here. Temps are 10 degrees cooler of Army. Maybe I can entice a grandchild to be than our home in Jamestown, North Carolina.” a rat! That would be something for a barefoot Their son, Michael, works for KPMG in their Sunshine State kid who grew up with toes in Class of 1976: Ted and Melanie Mouras Oracle consulting group and will be moving to the sand.” are pictured near Puerto Montt, Chile. Denver, Colorado, soon. Their daughter, Juli, I have sad news to report: Mark Sculley has Mount Osorno, an active volcano, is in is a senior manager with Wells Fargo in CharHamrick’s Syndrome, named after the buildthe background. lotte, North Carolina. Jake said, “I trash talk ing and grounds department head at VMI in

2023-Issue 3

119

Class Notes that they were really affecting my ability to ski Rodes).” Bill’s son, Carter Lee ’10, a logistics often with Sculley; Marshall less often, as I asmoguls and trees. Once you get used to the idea officer in the Air Force, is stationed at Ramsume he’s riding roughshod on mechanical and stein Air Force Base, Germany, for a two- to that you can’t see much, you just let the legs civil engineering students at Penn State.” three-year tour of duty, and his wife, Patty, has pick up the slack. It was adapt or die. And I live Despite knee and back challenges, Clyde and to ski another day.” Ray’s son, Michael, has Mary Furr are doing well. Clyde said, “I am retired from their local public library. From Ray Ramos: “Jim Mallon and I went become the new president of Raymond as Ray basically retired. I do some small jobs on octransitions into retirement. While keeping his with about 10 others and skied Winter Park casion to keep my hand in and my mind sharp. finger on the pulse of the company, Ray stays [Colorado] for a week in February. Prior to I recently got two new toys, a 1953 one-andactive playing poker, pickleball, bowling, and that, I had an eye exam and was told I had cata-half-ton Studebaker grain truck, and a 1958 clay shooting. Ray said, “Margaret and I did a aracts. [Not] until I got on the slopes did I learn Studebaker pickup. Both look really nice, and pickleball camp in April, and my game now I have stuff to do when I get tired is slightly worse while I figure out new of sitting and reading!” Clyde and Mary strategies. But I have a pickleball tourplan to travel this fall. One of their nament the first week of May, and my bucket list locations is the World War game will be whatever shows up.” Ray II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana. and Margaret enjoy their beach house Their oldest son, John, is stationed at when they can, but maintaining it isn’t Fort Eustis, working in the simulation as easy as it used to be. Ray said, “The operations career field. He was recentolder body just does not handle such ly selected for promotion to lieutenant menial labor like it did when it was colonel. Clyde said, “He tries to explain younger.” to me what he does, and it boils down Kurt Luckenbill is also sliding toto ‘computer stuff.’” John is temporarward retirement. His daughter, Jennifer, ily assigned to the Security Assistance joined his financial advisory partnerGroup–Ukraine in Wiesbaden, Germany, for six months. The U.S. estabClass of 1976: Pictured attending the memorial service for ship two years ago, so now he plans to lished the SAG-U to oversee support to Hunt Ozmer’s daughter, McNair, at the First Presbyterian retire at the end of 2025. Kurt said, “In Church in Roanoke, Virginia, April 24 are (from left) Rand the meantime, I am working less and Ukraine, e.g., to handle weapons shipSompayrac, Ozmer, Kavie Thrift, and Buzzy Moncure. Not traveling more. Cindy and I took a 24ments, personnel training, and other pictured are Ray Brooks, Dyke and Bobbi Davies, Hank day cruise from Rio de Janeiro up the related tasks for the Ukraine conflict. Dean, Wayne and Caren Eastham, Jim Mallon, Allen McCaAmazon to Manaus [Brazil] with lots The Furrs’ second son is farming in rthy, and Allan and Virginia Pyke. of stops on the way, then up through Oklahoma. Clyde said, “He and wife the Caribbean to Miami. We have 11 Amy had a boy last July. Probably the wonderful grandchildren, all living within easy happiest baby I have ever seen. The dang kid driving distance. Life is good.” smiles all the time! He’s well-traveled, too. Nick and Sheila Tarzia enjoy living in the To date, he’s been to Wales, Alaska, Alabama, Daleville, Virginia, area. Their sons, Nick Jr. Tennessee, Nevada, and Colorado. They do get and Britt, completed their master’s degrees. around a lot!” Their daughter, Katie, is married Nick said, “Nick Jr. got married last year and to Lt. Col. Morgan McDaniel, and they have works for Truist in commercial credit. Britt is two boys, stationed at Fort Knox, waiting on a [licensed professional counselor] in Roanoke retirement. and loves counseling young people in need.” Bill Brown has been very active in local The Tarzias are actively traveling every quarCivil War history. He said, “I’m happy to reter. They completed a June trip to Las Vegas, port the opening of the new Shenandoah ValNevada, and have a cruise of the Caribbean ley Civil War Museum in the old Frederick planned in the fall. County courthouse (pre-Civil War building) in Ron Lagrone is spending about half of his downtown Winchester. It features the artifacts time in the Baltics and the other half in the of two of my ancestors, both Valley soldiers U.S. He said, “I am seeing an Estonian lady. from the Staunton area; Addison Baylor of the We met in late summer 1999, so I have known 5th Virginia Infantry, the Stonewall Brigade, her whole family since then. She’s really been and James Irvine, 1st Virginia Cavalry. It’s a a positive force in the last few months. I have world-class museum featuring nothing but Valstayed close to my Finnish relatives and friends ley-related artifacts. It’s only minutes from Class of 1976: Wayne Eastham and in the area. The same with my fellow veterans the 3rd Winchester battlefield, where VMI’s Dexter Gilliam visit Spanish Wells in the Bahamas. of the Baltic Defense College. They need some Major General Robert Rodes ’848 was killed reassurance. The Russian threat is very real to in action (there’s a monument on the field to

120

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes them. I got my hands full with [my sons] in Richmond, the home in Alabama, and romance in Estonia. These are good problems to have.” Jim and Leigh Anne Delisio became grandparents for the fifth time when RoseMary Sue Thompson was born March 28, 2023. Jim said, “She is named after my mother, Mary, but our daughter, Carrie, felt she needed a longer name. Probably for when she gets in trouble later.” Their other daughter, Kate, has three kids. Jim said, “[W]e find ourselves supporting them in whatever. It’s more fun than parenting because we get to keep our mouths shut and go home at the end. I always said that if I knew how much fun being a grandparent was, I would have skipped parenthood altogether.” Mike and Jeanette Martino completed their move from Ashburn, Virginia, to Williamsburg, Virginia. Hopefully, by the time you read these notes, all of the cardboard boxes will be out of their home. Mike said, “The first difference one notices here compared to Ashburn is the traffic. Getting around is easier in the historic triangle.” At the time of these notes, Mack and Paula Curle were visiting Mississippi for Mack’s 70th birthday trip to the Vicksburg Battlefield; Mississippi Petrified Forest; Laurel, Mississippi (the official filming location for Home Town on HGTV); Huntsville, Alabama, for the Space Center; and a visit with Clyde and Mary Furr in Corryton, Tennessee. Carrington McVeigh checked in. He said, “A year ago, we sold our firm to a national firm [IMEG] that was looking for a presence in the southeast. We had 100 employees with offices in Jacksonville, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Raleigh, so we were a good fit for their expansion. I committed to three years before I retire, so two years to go. But I still feel young and not sure when I will fully retire.” In May, Razz Waff was involved in the Army ROTC commissioning ceremonies at Memphis State University and Rhodes College. He was inducted into the Adjutant General’s Corps Hall of Fame at Fort Jackson in June. Razz said, “To the best of my knowledge, I’m the first RC soldier—U.S. Army Reserve or Army National Guard—to be inducted.” Jim and Bonnie Lofton moved to Blacksburg, Virginia, last fall to be near their children and families. After retiring in 2020 from 30 years of federal government service as a lawyer, Jim transitioned to teaching. Bonnie explained his journey: “Before and after retirement, Jim led

2023-Issue 3

courses in public speaking and trial advocacy for other federal lawyers at the Justice Department’s National Advocacy Center. In 2021–22, Jim became a Fulbright Scholar in the Albanian sector of North Macedonia, teaching rule of law (in previous years, he taught in Ukraine and Turkey). In spring 2023, Jim commuted to Lexington to teach trial practice at Washington and Lee University; it was his second teaching stint at W&L, with his first in 2009.” Here is a great update from Bill and Kathy Ryals: “The majority of our time is spent here at home messing in the yard and taking care of two grandkids when needed. Hunter (5th grade) and Leah (2nd grade) are involved in baseball and soccer most of the year and do the swim team (I drag them there) in the summer. I work every other year for the Corps of Engineers as a rehired annuitant and generally work for FEMA on-site for four to six months when called. It’s good work; I like the FEMA mission and folks [who] do that mission a lot. I just miss being away from home and being involved with the kids and folks in Winchester for more than six months. My roommate, Dave Lowe, retired from The Architect of the Capitol last year after working for them as a construction project manager. He married Caroline 11 years ago in Le Mans, France. Their boy, Marin, is now 11 years old, and they make frequent trips back to France to visit with her family. Dave is involved with the big race through the Automobile Club de L’Quest – Le Mans. He goes to the race each year and works the race as part of the ACO. I stay in touch with him monthly. My other roommate, Barry Helms, retired from his job as town engineer in Christiansburg, Virginia. He and Francine still live there in retirement. Barry goes on a twoweek church mission to the Amazon every year to help build things in a village or repair things as needed. Their oldest daughter and her family live in Africa, and they go for a few weeks every year to visit them. I stay in touch with him about two times a year.” Michelle and I are doing well. Our RV trips have been limited—life keeps getting in the way, dealing with senior family challenges in Colorado and California—but I can see light at the end of the tunnel. David ’06 was recently promoted to lieutenant colonel, has left Bangladesh, PCS’d from Hawaii, and as of these notes is working at the Pentagon. It’s nice having him back in the same time zone with his family! My youngest daughter in Colorado has

a significant other, a good guy, a former Navy SEAL. We had the future-son-in-law-to-dad conversation, so who knows what will happen next. My youngest grandson, Oliver, will pose a problem in about 17 years. His mom, dad, and I will debate whether or not he should attend Virginia Tech, JMU, or VMI, so I need to start indoctrinating him now! And now the BR minute: An update on Doug Hines: After Doug passed away last December, his sons established the Douglas W. Hines ’76 Memorial Football Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to a deserving football player each year. After Doug’s memorial service, Michelle and I visited J.R. and Mei Mott in Northern Virginia and celebrated the Chinese New Year with them. J.R. keeps talking about retirement, but I do not think it is in his blood. Their two girls are keeping them very busy. Hunt Ozmer retired at the end of December 2022. Hunt and Penny are officially cruise-a-maniacs! They went on a cruise in June and have cruises planned for December 2023 and January 2024! Hunt said, “We always fast after we get home.” In April, Libby Gatewood attended a real estate conference in Cancun, Mexico. Maury Gatewood tagged along and also studied real estate while he played on the local golf course. The Richmond BRC met in May. Lee Bradshaw, Maury Gatewood, Lee Godsey, Jim Mallon, and Tom Moody were there. Jim Joustra was the guest speaker and updated everyone on all things VMI. Looks like Lee Godsey is considering retirement from VDOT after he turns 70 years old next March. All is well with Ken and Sue Harbin. In May, they cruised the Mediterranean, visiting Spain, France, and Italy. Steve Joyce continues his work with the Boy Scouts and the New Braunfels, Texas, Railroad Museum. Steve is building his own model train layout at home. This December, he plans to cruise into and through the Panama Canal. These May 15, 2023, notes are closed. Thank you for your updates and pictures! Unfortunately, I am limited to five class note pics, so if you do not see them here, I published them on our private Class of ’76 Facebook page. Do not forget about the mini reunion scheduled at VMI Sept. 23, 2023. VMI football plays at home against Wofford.

121

Class Notes

1977

Steve Kelly

Greetings, Super ’77! It is late April as I write these notes. Spring has toyed with us here in Central North Carolina, and the weather cannot decide if it wants to be warm or cold. The one consistent thing that happened was “pollen mania,” which seems widespread in the South. Class notes are a little sparse this time, as brother rats seem to be busy with retirement moves, vacations, family graduations, and marriages. I appreciate those who took the time to send updates on what is going on in their lives. I am happy to report that my wife, Mauri, and I successfully made two moves from one house to another and to a cabin in Stuart, Virginia. It required quite a bit of downsizing and numerous trips to Goodwill Industries, but I think we are done moving for a while! Mark Bryant was kind enough to drive to Stuart, Virginia, and help me with some two-man projects at the cabin. Other than work, we had a good time swapping stories, enjoying filets, sipping wine, and listening to whippoorwills. I am so thankful for men like Mark Bryant, Steve Neas, and Keith Gibson, who continue to make VMI and ’77 proud. I received a note from Mike and Carol Conaway in Virginia Beach. They are doing well and are staying active in retirement. Oscar “Chip” Davis reports he has settled into

Class of 1977: Larry Martin and Jim Bentley on a hunting trip near Greensburg, Kansas, in March 2023.

122

his new home in Raleigh. Chip also reported he has attended a couple of Raleigh alumni events, where he bumped into Brother Rat Bart Pasco and my brother, Mike Kelly ’73. Max Floyd reports he has moved onto his 5 acres near the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado. Max reports visiting with Brother Rats Eric Hutchens and Stephen Turley and has extended an open invitation to brother rats to stop by when they are in the area. Kip and Beth Hamilton recently retired and moved into a new home located in a 55-plus retirement center near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Kip invited brother rats to take a cycling tour of the Gettysburg Battlefield if we are in the area. Larry Martin sent a picture taken in March of him and Jim Bentley hunting in Greensburg, Kansas. Sounds like they had good success! Tim Thompson and his Dragon Force karate team continue to win competitions. The latest victory came when the Dragon Force national karate team won first place in the team demo at the 2023 King Neptune Classic Martial Arts Championship in Virginia Beach. Well done, sensei! Robby Robertson wrote and said he had “slipped out” of retirement to work as executive editor of the Antitrust Law Journal for the American Bar Association. Robby works remotely and is enjoying being employed again. His wife, Anne, is stepping down from her position as dean of humanities at the University of Chicago to fill a one-year appointment as the director of the University of Chicago’s Paris school. He said they expect some travel in their future! I had a note from Bob Wilson. Bob retired after 38 years with the Army Corps of Engineers and moved to Raleigh. The class wants to offer condolences to the families of Brother Rats Evan “Skeet” Ashby and Dr. “Jack” Lawrence. These great men passed away a day apart in January of this year, and both will be sorely missed. The next reunion notes are due in August. Please take time to send me an email and pictures to share some of your summer adventures with your brother rats. Just a reminder that the annual “Ralph” Golf Tournament will be held Friday, Sept. 1, at the Lexington Golf & Country Club. Contact BR Tommy Cole for details. Also, the time for our mini reunion Oct. 28 is rapidly approaching. I look forward to seeing many brother rats back in Lexington for this event. In the meantime, I wish everyone a great summer! Tick

1978

Tom Brown

Greetings and Salutations, Brother Rats! Time again for the latest from around the class! Bob Vidrick: “With 38 years under our belt, my wife and I are entering another stage of our life together. I moved her from Arkansas to Richmond about 35 years ago to find a job and be near my parents. Dad passed away about six years ago, and mom in February. We are both retired with no family ties in Richmond. Therefore, we have decided to move back to Arkansas in late summer to be near Mary, Gail’s sister; her husband; and multiple relatives. Unfortunately, we will miss the reunion. Sending best wishes to all my BRs and hoping the reunion is a success.” Blaine Vorgang: “Wendy and I continue to be in an ‘all right’ status in Plainfield, Illinois.” Tom Sliwoski: “Everything is good in Williamsburg. Getting ready for our daughter’s wedding in Roanoke this August. I have been doing some bass fishing and working to lower my golf handicap. When I first moved here, I saw Simpson a few times but not at any VMI events. Nelson lives three doors down from me on the same street. In fact, he, I, Jim Simmons, Bill Robertson, and Rick McDonald are going out for dinner. Berkhimer and Mackin were heading back to the beach and OBX. Fishing wasn’t good, although Tim/ Rick landed a huge skate on both their lines at the same time—skate is like a stingray—and Tim’s brother also got a skate. “There’s a senior VMI alumni luncheon June 6. Nelson and I are both going.” Bob Gansauer: “All right in Evergreen, Colorado, and in Warsaw and Krakow, Poland, as well. I was able to spend an interesting, informative, and sobering three weeks in Poland in March and April. This was my thrice-postponed retirement gift to myself, stymied by a worldwide virus, a knee replacement, and a war. Visited a number of museums in both cities, as well as Holocaust sites. Been working on the Polish language for some months, could get around fine and order food, walked everywhere, lost 10 pounds. What’s Poland worth? A visit by every cadet (or alum).” Tom Shaw: “All is well here on our 12-acre ‘ranchito’ in South Central Texas. We call the place Funny Dog Ranch because we have several dogs

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes Mike Freeman: “Things are going well. Grandcompanies again. I’m working now with Torch that we have rescued and one walk-on cat. In addition to spoiling the dogs, we also spoil the grand- Technologies, headquartered in Huntsville, Al- kids growing too fast, teenagers now, and am so children whenever we can. I fully retired a couple abama, which will be my fourth as a contractor out of sync that it is both humbling and fun. Will try and make the football reunion in August, and of years ago, and Pam joined me in the retirement since I retired from the Air Force in 2001. My wife retired as a school OT last year. I will be at- the great BR gathers coming on our 45th.” ranks late last year. We stay busy, and life is good. Jimmy Leech: “We’re ‘all right’ here in Corpus tending the reunion in October, and I heard from San Antonio is just 30 minutes up the road, handy Christi. Nothing new to report in terms of VMI Al Moore, who also plans on being there. I don’t to be near a big city. Looking forward to seeing friends or life in general.” know if Larry Fluty or T.J. Stevens will be attendeveryone at the upcoming reunion in Lexington.” Leland Horn: “All OK here in sunny and someRob Traver: “I was selected as Civil Engineer ing. Hope you are doing well. times rainy Melbourne.” Don Jones: “Here you go! Status OK. Still live of the Year by the Philadelphia Chapter of ASCE. Tom Tucker: “Things here in Warrenton, VirMisguided folks! It seems like a few of us are too in Orange, Virginia, and working at a car wash in ginia, have been quiet. All is well, thanks.” young to retire. Chris Stone and I will both be at Ruckersville.” Bob Magnan: “Same old, same old here in Jay Branscome: “All right on Green Acres.” the EWRI conference in Henderson, Nevada, this Midlothian. God willing, I’ll see some of summer.” the guys next week on the fishing trip Jim Cliff Seibel: “All’s well here in AlasSimons is organizing down at Yorktown; ka. Summer is creeping in. Hit 50, finally. looking forward to that.” Scraped the last of the ice off of my driveJim Mackin: “Regina and I are ‘all right.’ way, so drying up nicely. Cowboy action We’re enjoying the spring weather and rapshooting is kicking off, so warming up my idly acquiring new skills thanks to our two .44s for the first shoot. As always, anyone new grandbabies! Looking forward to a visiting the Last Frontier, drop me a line. Be Mediterranean cruise in September and our good to catch up. Also, I can provide some reunion the following month.” tourist flyers if anyone is interested. Best to Wads Bugg: “All is good here in Richall BRs.” mond. I’m enjoying retirement. Doing Ron Lee: “Mever and I are all right! Got a Class of 1978: Pictured at the retirement ceremony for some traveling with Wendy and being with little scare with the Virginia Beach tornado, retired U.S. Navy Capt. John E. “Ned” Riester Jr. are Rick as it was pretty close, but no damage. We Wolffe, Ken Blythe, Glenn Dallinger, Anthony Moore, Ri- the grandkids. Looking forward to our reunion!” are traveling around, visiting the grandkids, ester, Stu Gitchell, Alex Earle, and Jay Hutt. Mark Lowe: “All right here. Wishing evand enjoying semi-retirement. Looking foreryone the best.” ward to our next get-together.” Dave Mecredy: “I just returned from Rick Wetherill: “All right.” a visit with my mom (97) and dad (95) in Steven Hall: “In Roxboro, North CaroliAugusta, Georgia. I enjoyed the warmer na, everything is the same and OK.” weather and time spent helping them with Pete Manoso: “All OK in Newport News, their daily activities. I also spent a little time Virginia. Looking forward to our 45th Rewith my brother, Tim ’80, and his wife, union in October 2023. Hope to see you Becky, who live nearby. The highlight of there!” my visit was the lunch my son, Branson, Tim Berkhimer: “All right, sir, here in and I shared with Bob Beaver and wife Virginia Beach. Looking forward to the secDebbie in Columbia. However, as is often ond ’78 fishing trip May 13.” the case, not all was sunshine and roses. The Mark Seely: “I’m in Amsterdam with day after my visit with Bob, I tested positive Rosemary, and everything is very all right!” for COVID-19. That isolated me with my Andy Faulconer: “Celya and I are doing Class of 1978: Steve Oddi, Bruce Wells, and Jerry Harris parents and also suspended their in-home great. Both of us have retirement in sight. fishing in the Florida Keys. help for the week. I was well enough to fill I’ll retire June 30, and Celya follows that up in with chores around the house but had to with her last day in September. We’re lookDanny Thornton: “I just attended the annu- delay my travel for a couple of days to recover and ing forward to what comes next, but it will certainal meeting of the VMI Alumni Association with finally test negative. You may be wondering about ly include more time with our grandchildren, more golf, and maybe some fishing, although I could BRs Wolffe, Dalinger, and Robey. BR Anthony Bob; yes, he came down with COVID-19, too. A Moore is president of the association and did an day [or] two after I left, mom and dad also came use some lessons from Jerry Harris.” Nelson Curtis: “All is good here. Now living excellent job conducting the meeting. If you BRs down with COVID-19 but are recovering well. are not involved in your own local chapters, please A good time, but with some difficulties to overnear Williamsburg, Virginia.” come.” consider doing so.” Mike Oelrich: “Everything is going well in the Mark Lambert: “All right here in St. Charles, Russ Johnson: “Retired spending time between Florida panhandle. Still working as a flight test enIllinois. Looking forward to a fun summer and Minnesota and Arizona as the weather requires.” gineer at Eglin Air Force Base, but I’ve changed

2023-Issue 3

123

Class Notes Bill Albro, our most reliable corresponreturning to Lexington in the fall. Hope the dent, writes, “It’s spring here in Southern football team does well this year!” Maryland, and everything is green. I got Terry Dorn: “All good here. Starting to no pictures with captions; I do not have get the hang of this retirement thing. Will much to report, as I haven’t been in too be better once OPM starts paying me!” much contact with BRs lately. We just had Bill Robertson: “The ’78 fishing club a yard sale to downsize and purge stuff had a mini reunion at the Croaker Landwe don’t need. Some success, but we still ing Fishing Pier at the York River State need to work on downsizing a lot more. Park yesterday. Jim Mackin, Tom SliI have also been working on the normal woski, Tim Berkhimer, Jim Simons, Bill medical checkups and tests and such ... Robertson, Rick McDonald, and Nelson things to be done when you are 65. I did Curtis enjoyed a day of catching up with have lunch with Jeff Wilkins ’65 and his each other. Thank you to Jim for setting brother-in-law, Nelson Whitt. Nelson was the event up and to Tom for finding us a my boss when I worked at the Virginia Air place to eat dinner. Also in attendance was National Guard. Jeff was one of the fightTim’s brother, Kelly Berkhimer ’85, and Will Shehan ’14. Class of 1978: Pictured on a fishing trip are Jim Mackin, er pilots in the unit and flew for the Ethyl Tom Sliwoski, Tim Berkhimer, Jim Simons, Bill Robertson, Corporation. It was great catching up with Paul Campbell: “My Ring Figure date/ Rick McDonald, and Nelson Curtis. them both.” wife of 43 years passed away April 20.” Bob Sievert checks in with, “Work travChip Shelhorn: “Checking in from Juel has picked up a bunch with five of the piter, Florida. All is good. Still working, last six weeks taking me to Salt Lake City; and we’re planning my oldest daughter’s Lincoln, Nebraska; Columbia, South Carwedding. Was able to go on two family olina; and Annapolis, Maryland. Then afski trips this winter to Steamboat, Colorater a two-week short pause, we are going do, and to Park City, Utah.” to try the retirement lifestyle with a moSteve Oddi sent along that he, Wildtorcycle rally in New Mexico and doing man Bruce Wells, and Crazy Jerry Hara 10-day motorhome trip that starts with ris did some fishing in the Keys. They Yellowstone before we head to the Pacific had a great time catching a bunch of fish Coast to hit a bunch of sites out there. So, and relaxing. a bit hectic right now, but we have a target Capt. Ned Riester retired after serving to have me ‘really’ retire at the end of the the Institute for 30 years, and BRs Rick year. My company has me hiring my reWolfe, Ken Blythe, Glenn Dallinger, placement now but having trouble getting Anthony Moore, Stu Gitchell, Alex Earqualified candidates ... on our third try!” le, and Jay Hutt were there to wish him In early March, the Tortuga Hiking Club, well. Ned will be greatly missed on post. consisting of Tom Manley, Tony Pais, Unfortunately, our ranks continue to Class of 1978: Dave Mecredy and Ron Dolan. Phil Southers, and Brian Tollie, braved grow smaller. Dave McEwen passed the winter cold and wind as they continaway March 18. He will be greatly ued their trek southward on the Appalachian Trail. tell us what you have been up to this summer. missed. They scaled the formidable Mary’s Peak near In the Spirit, The ’78 prayer call Zoom meeting continues Thorton Gap and headed off to Big Meadows in Tom/EZ Bear to grow and would greatly appreciate you jointhe Shenandoah National Park. Before the hike, ing in. We gather on the third Tuesday of every they tanked up on coffee and breakfast at the Bemonth at 8:30 p.m. Eastern. If you do not get the fore and After cafe in beautiful downtown Speremail link, contact me or Jay Hutt, and we will ryville, along with fellow BR Dave Riedel. The fix you up. All are welcome! Michael Ogden Tortugas’ motto is “Start slow ... then ease up.” These are the final notes before the reunion, so Meade Spotts reports that Noel “Marrying we will have tons of catching up to do in about Man” Harris recently got hitched. He continues, two months. Jim Simons has been kind enough “Eric Nost was a witness, and the lucky bride reto step up to coordinate the happenings; a giganceived her sentence from the Right Reverend Antic thank you, Jim! Remember to go to vmiaa.org thony ‘Mean’ Green. Our thoughts and prayers Brother Rats, and select the Reunions tab at the top for the latest Renee and I hope all is well and that you and are with her.” information. Make sure you roust your BRs, as it J.K. Hudgins joins the retirement club. He yours are enjoying the warmer weather. Let’s get is Little Toot for the 45th Reunion. sends, “I was just reading the class notes in the As always, it is time for another status check; right to it!

1979

124

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes last Alumni Review and saw all the retirement announcements. I don’t know if anyone is interested, but I just retired for the second and final time! I spent 33 years with the San Diego Police Department, Sept. 10, 1979–July 27, 2012, working mostly in investigations units, undercover vice operations, financial crimes, and finishing my career there as an investigator in the Intelligence Unit embedded in the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. On Jan. 11, 2013, I joined the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office as a district attorney’s investigator and spent five years working in the U.S. Secret Service Regional Fraud Task Force. I retired for good March 23, 2023! I’m staying busy with all those projects that just seem to get pushed aside while working full-time. I bought my retirement home a few years ago, a beautiful old hilltop place with spectacular views but with 30 years of deferred maintenance! I’ve been working like a madman trying to renovate the place! I also keep busy with my side business, The Zebulon Group, LLC, doing property acquisition and management, rental houses, apartments, Airbnbs, etc., and traveling a lot. I couldn’t miss the opening day of trout season up in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains of Central California (always the last Saturday in April)! It was an epic snow year out West, with 14 feet of snow and ice on the lakes I fish. My 10-foot auger would not cut through in the middle of the lake! Debbie and I just got back from a week in Charleston, South Carolina, visiting her son, Chase Ozbirn; he’s an airman at Joint Base Charleston working on the C-17s. Just to let you know, I wore my VMI gear there and proudly insulted every Citadel alumnus I could find. Seriously, I did meet several Citadel alumni, all of whom were great and gracious folks. Please let any BRs traveling in or around Southern California to call or stop by.” John Colonna writes that he apologizes for the article about him in this issue of the Alumni Review. He adds that some of the material he wanted to be included in the article was edited out for space. John asked that I include the entire section about his BRs in biology, some of which he knows will not make it into the article. Here it is: “Another inspiration for Colonna was the example of his brother rats. ‘We kind of drove each other,’ said Colonna. Besides Colonna, four of the class’ 15 biology majors—Raymond Duffet, Daniel Foster, Dolphin Overton III, and Robert L. Norris Jr.—pursued medical careers. Another became a dentist, and many of the others received advanced degrees and are scientists, teachers, or work in some aspect of health care. Colonna also

2023-Issue 3

mentioned ‘a true Renaissance man,’ Jeffrey G. Smith Jr., who double-majored in English and biology, and whose last assignment in a long military career was as deputy commander of the U.S. Army’s Cyber Command and who later was VMI’s deputy superintendent for academics and dean of the faculty. ‘All of them were impressive, but Bob [Norris] was the best of us. He received the Hughes Award as the top Army ROTC cadet in the country. He was a First Jackson-Hope Medal winner with a perfect 4.0, he was the president of the Honor Court, and commanded Echo Company.’”

Class of 1979: Pictured at Air Power Over Hampton Roads, held at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in April 2023, are John Arthur, J.R. Pigg, and Dan Kornacki. Pigg and Kornacki are members of the full throttle formation team, the largest aerial demonstration team in North America.

Class of 1979: John Colonna and Frank Jester at the VMI versus Norfolk State baseball game in April 2023.

Glad we could include this, John. Keith Ranker dropped me an email. He writes, “Let’s see. My wife may finally be able to finish her four-year degree. Walmart is paying for her to attend Purdue University Online. Our daughter is getting married in October. He’s a pretty good guy. We’ve known him for at least 12 years. I’ve been staying in touch with George Myers, Greg Weaver, Brad Pace, and John Kailey. I spoke with Stan Ballard a while back. At that time, he had been living in Virginia Beach and working for Norfolk District, Army Corps of Engineers, for many years. I’m spending less time on social media and more time on YouTube watching presentations by historians and speakers on Christian topics.” John Kailey reports, “Another mundane quarter. I do have to report that I have 659 days and a wake-up until I retire. I believe the light I see in the tunnel is not a freight train.” Eric Nost reports in with, “On Mother’s Day, Becky and I visited with our daughter and son-inlaw and their two boys. We spent part of the afternoon walking the trail through the Wilderness Battlefield (May 5–7; first head-to-head between Grant and Lee). If it is usable, the attached picture is of me and the oldest grandson, Jordan. Our sonin-law is VMI ’07, and his two brothers are also grads. May 19 (the 44th anniversary of our graduation), all of us are attending the Washington Nationals game during VMI college day activities at the ballpark. “Becky and I have completed two cruises (making up for the COVID-19 pause) during September (Norway to Amsterdam and then on to Lucerne, Switzerland) and October (NYC to Canada and return) 2022. Next up for us is a cruise from England to Norway to Iceland and return. (I will miss the ‘quarterly’ VMI ’79 breakfast due to this trip.) In 2024, we have an Australia to New Zealand cruise (I will retire March 1 while we are on this one) and a Germany river cruise in December. Mix in two to three weeks per year at various timeshare locations, and it feels like I am already retired. “While our daughter is local, we have to make travel plans to visit our son, daughter-in-law, and youngest grandson. Our son is an E-5 in the Coast Guard and is on [his] fourth assignment. Unless he gets promoted early, they have another two years at St. Joseph Station on Lake Michigan. “Please tell Craig Myler that there really were Companies E and B when we marched the bricks. E and B provided the example to the other companies on how to do things correctly. In the old days, I would have said we were the normal ones (in

125

Class Notes height, at least), but in these days of hypersensitivity, I would never make such a comment.” Congratulations to Jeff Goldhardt, as he writes, “We have a 2-month-old grandson. Working toward moving to Scottsville, Virginia. Talk to John Blake a lot. He is already planning for next year’s reunion. John Poffenbarger’s retired and getting ripped and into healthy living.” And sliding into home plate at the bottom of the ninth, Brian Tollie: “I don’t know if you are off the clock yet, and it’s probably too late for class notes (nope!), so just consider this an FYI: We had a nice little gathering at New Market today. Folks came from near and far: John Poffenbarger; Dave Riedel; Meade Spotts; Mory Wood; John Colonna; Doug Doerr; Tom Manley; Phil Southers; Gleb Taran; Charlie Sachs; Chappy Lucas; Tom Trumps; Dave Smith and his wife, Linda; and Dr. Madison Brown (my old German prof) and his wife, Dr. Katharine Brown. Of note: John Colonna’s and Madison Brown’s great-grandfathers were New Market cadets, so a special day, indeed.” Thus wraps up our last class notes after 19 years. For those that have yet to hear, Renee and I are ending our time as class agent. The choice to step down was not easy, was not based on any one reason, and was made after several months of consideration. We think it is the best path for us going forward. That said, we have thoroughly enjoyed the ride and look forward to ’79 continuing its dominance as “the best %$#@ class in barracks!” Thank you for the honor and privilege of being your class agent, and please give our successor all the help and support you have given us. Stay safe and well, brother rats. –M These Class of ’79 notes were reviewed, proofed, corrected, scrutinized, and approved by Renee.

and Mary Lynne live in Peru, and Walt hiked a portion of the Inca Trail in the Andes, elevation 14,000 feet. I exchanged emails with Dave Gleason on his birthday. Dave retired from UMBC, and he and Carol moved from Columbia, Maryland, to Providence Forge, Virginia, where they built a home. Dave had lunch with Rick Fowler, who also lives in Providence Forge and worked with Frank Bell at Chesapeake Bank in connection with the construction of his new home. Frank Hilton sent a text message after reading the class notes. Frank is doing well. He also attended Legacy Day at VMI with his granddaughter. I received a text message from Robby Wheeler with a request to be connected to Mitch Alexander. Connection was made via email. I also exchanged text messages with Jody Morgan on her birthday. I received a merry Christmas letter with a photo of their nine grandchildren from Brian and Kim O’Neill from their home in Virginia Beach. The letter contained a 2022 recap of the happening of their extended family. Brian is a retired Navy captain and is also employed at SUBLANT. They are looking forward to attending our 45th Reunion. Thank you, Kim, for the handwritten note at the end. I exchanged email messages with Tom “Gunny” Kelly on his birthday with ccs to many of our other U.S. Marine Corps BRs. Steve Chace, Tom Gelles, Rob Gearhart, Dennis Hackemeyer, Frank Leech, and Wade Stinnette replied with well wishes. Ali Mahan sent an email with an attached photo. In February, our BRs Mohammad Ardaki,

Farhad Bigdely, Hoss Eshaghi, Ali Mahan, and Mehdi Shakibafar gathered in Plantation, Florida, for a mini reunion of Iranian BRs from 1980 and 1979. Ali wrote that this was the first time many of the attendees had been together since graduation. They reminisced about their time at VMI, caught up, and exchanged stories, including listening to Mehdi and Hoss tell everyone how great retirement is. I exchanged text messages and then spoke with Mark McLean on his birthday. Mark lives in Central Florida and works in the citrus industry. We discussed the VMI football game at The Citadel in October (see below), and Mark suggested that I look up Don Meyer, who is a retired attorney living in Charleston. Mark stays in touch with Chal Glenn and Doug Conyers. Ed Kopsick sent an email in advance of taking his wife to see Phantom of the Opera. He invited me for dinner after the show. Unfortunately, they attended a matinee, and I had a conflict that I could not move, so we were not able to meet. March began with an email from Rob Gearhart in response to the VMI Alumni Association’s outreach for nominations to the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Rob nominated Tom Bersson. Rob also sent a blast email to a large group of our BRs in support of the nomination. Ken Baybutt, Dusty Boyd, Mike Flinn, Chal Glenn, Jack Keane, Patrick McCarthy, Jay Melvin, Tolar Nolley, Rob Robinson, and Jeff “Juice” Washington all responded. Dusty wrote that he nominated Jay Melvin. Juice explained that his current three-year term on the board is expiring and that he can be renewed for an additional three years. Bill Kelly sent an email with a photo. His

1980

John Gibney Jr.

Hello, Brother Rats! These notes cover the period Feb. 16–May 15, 2023. The period began with an email from Walt Wood, with photos, in connection with his birthday. Walt will attain age 70 in February 2024, and he wrote that he still feels like a kid at heart. Walt

126

Class of 1980: Bill Kelly with his extended family, including 12 grandchildren.

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes Elliott Wolffe also attended. family includes six daughters and 12 April began with a call to Carla Joingrandchildren. son on what would have been Ray I spoke with Gary Levenson on his Joinson’s 65th birthday. Carla is doing birthday. Gary is currently employed well and reported that her son, Eric, has in a civilian capacity in the VMI Army fully relocated from Oklahoma City to ROTC department. His plan is to work D.C., where he serves in the Secret through the end of the calendar year Service. I also exchanged text messagand then fully retire. es and then spoke with John Alerding Jack Keane copied me on a meson his birthday. John and Anne live in sage regarding The VMI Class of 1980 Lexington, and both are still working. Foundation, which was created to asAnne is a full professor in the VMI bisist fellow graduates of the VMI Class ology department. Her research may of 1980 and their widows in financial take her to Israel this summer, and need. The board members are Jack John may tag along. Their big news is Keane, president; Rick Fowler, vice that John’s son, Johnny ’13, and his president; Paul Burkholder, treasurer; Class of 1980: Gathering at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, are wife, Brooke, are expecting their secDave Gleason, secretary; Dusty Boyd, Dennis Jacobs, Vince Copenhaver, Dan Conn, Tracy Wilson, and ond child. member-at-large; Tom Kelly, memJohn Stallings, all former roommates. I called Andy Brown on his birthday, ber-at-large; Ali Mahan, member-atand we exchanged voice and text meslarge; Dan Sweeney, member-at-large; sages. Andy wrote that his girlfriend and Jeff Washington, member-attook him to Highland, North Carolilarge. In January, the IRS approved its na, for the weekend to celebrate. I also not-for-profit status retroactive to Aug. exchanged email messages with Steve 3, 2022. Donations are tax-deductible. Chace on his birthday. A website is being developed. In January, Rob Quarles sent an I received a text message and then email noting that a group that typispoke with Chal Glenn, who was in cally gathers in Lexington in the fall Nashville visiting his daughters and around a home football game will this granddaughter. The text contained a year attend the game at The Citadel photo and a link to an article posted in Charleston in October. Rob invited to the People magazine website and a me and Patti. In January, we were unmusic video made by Chal’s daughsure of our October plans, as we had a ter’s husband titled, Your Baby Girl potential conflict. The conflict was re(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=solved, and as of May 15, we are planjxA8pZ4LYWw). Chal lives in SumClass of 1980: Gathering in Plantation, Florida, in February 2023 ning to attend the game and participate ter, South Carolina, and reported that are Moe Ardaki, Ali Mahan, Farhad Bigdely, Mehdi Shakibafar, in the scheduled events. In addition, we business is very good. We will try to and Hoss Eshagi. are planning to arrive early and stay a connect in October at the VMI football few days later. game versus The Citadel—see below. I I spoke with Pat Griffin on his birthday. Pat and also spoke with Wade Stinnette, who lives in Co- included photos of his surfing trip to El Salvador. Tom Bersson sent a text, and then we spoke at Beth divide their time between a beach house in lumbia, South Carolina, and who asked to be connected to Chal regarding a local chapter event in length. Tom is also a retired Navy captain. Tom’s Rhode Island and a house in Lynchburg, which is conjunction with the VMI Glee Club performing text contained a photo taken at a Virginia Beach across the street from Dan Sweeney. Their sons, John ’21 and Michael ’17, are both VMI gradin South Carolina. Patti and I also plan to visit with chapter event. I was copied on a text thread that included John uates. John is in the police academy in Rhode IsWade and Lannie in October. Blankenship, Dusty Boyd, and Tolar Nolley sent land, and Michael is stationed in Alabama. I spoke briefly with Ed Bower on his birthday. I received and ultimately responded to a long Ed is retired and completing construction on his in conjunction with the late March birthdays of email message, with a photo, from Jay Hawkins. John Caplice and Hugh Fain. retirement home in Bedford, Virginia. I was copied on a string of email messages that Jay wrote after reading in the class notes that his On St. Patrick’s Day, Dennis Maguire sent an email encouraging local NYC area alumni to at- included Paul Burkholder, Rick Fowler, Ben birthday card was returned. Jay provided his curtend a lunch held March 31. The VMI comman- Gore, and Jack Keane related to a grant initiat- rent address and further explained that after cruising the Sea of Cortez for 10 years, he returned to ed by Ben to be made to The VMI Class of 1980 dant was the featured speaker. the Army Corps of Engineers in 2016 to complete Tom Wilson sent a text message asking to be Foundation. March ended with my attendance at the afore- his career of 26 years and retired in 2018. Jay and connected to one of his rat roommates, Ken KoJanice live in Green Valley, Arizona, and also varik. An email connection was made. Tom’s text mentioned lunch in NYC. Chris Dombalis and

2023-Issue 3

127

Class Notes spend time in a beach camp in Baja, Mexico, and at a property in the mountains of Western New Mexico. They are planning an RV trip north through the U.S., Canada, and on to Alaska with plans to head east for our 50th Reunion. I let Jay know that Bert Schneider lives outside Tucson, and Jay replied that he will try to connect with Bert. Dave and Diana Hagemann visited New Orleans in April, and Dave sent an email with a photo taken with Jim O’Connor. Jim lives in Hammond, Louisiana, where he is the head of the Communications and Media Studies Department at Southeastern Louisiana University and drove to New Orleans, where they met for a steak dinner. Tracy Wilson copied me on an email sent to 20 of our BRs scheduling a dinner in Alexandria April 27. Joe Belkoski sent regrets, as he was scheduled to be with Becky on a river cruise in the Netherlands celebrating their 42nd anniversary. Mike Harper also sent regrets, as he and Joy were going to Les Mis at The Kennedy Center. Tracy Wilson then copied me on an email he sent to Rob Dalessandro and Mike Knapp after watching a documentary film celebrating the 100-year anniversary of their organization, the American Battle Monuments Commission, with a link to the YouTube documentary (youtube.com/watch?v=-XIHcQQc-nM). Bob also was in Lexington when VMI aired the documentary, an event that was free and open to the public. Following the showing, he hosted a Q&A session. May began with communication with Tracy Wilson and Jim O’Connor separately on their common birthday. Tracy also sent a text noting that he had dinner with Andy Brown and John Lillard and sees Jack Keane. Bert Schneider sent a text on Star Wars day (May the Fourth be with You) with a photo of a group he joined, all dressed as Star Wars characters, that trooped at the Tucson Medical Center Children’s Hospital. Bert was dressed as Darth Vader. I exchanged email messages with Bill Roelofsen on his birthday. Bill and Ginny live in Charlottesville, having relocated in connection with Bill retiring. They plan to attend VMI events in the fall. Throughout the period, I exchanged text messages and phone calls with Ed Baker. Most of these were related to hockey. Ed and Dianna live in the Outer Banks and are fans of the Carolina Hurricanes, while I am a fan of the Rangers. At the deadline for submission, the Rangers had been eliminated from the playoffs, but the Hurricanes were still competing. Ed works part-time, seeing patients and performing OB/GYN procedures two

128

days a week. He is considering retirement next year. Also, throughout the period, I spoke with and exchanged text messages with Tolar Nolley. Tolar had successful hernia surgery and is considering knee replacement surgery next. Tolar reported that Allan Ramer has retired. Tolar also stayed with Rob Robinson in Natural Bridge on a trip through Lexington to attend the dinner honoring Coach Wade Williams, where Tolar saw Paul Perry, Gene Scott, and Jeff Washington. Further to the opening paragraph, Walt and Mary Lynne Wood sent an email with several attached photos outlining their return to Peru in October 2022 with the intention of staying there until February 2024, their return to the U.S. in April, and

Class of 1980: Tom Wilson surfing in El Salvador in March 2023.

Class of 1980: Elliott Wolffe and Chris Dombalis in New York City, New York, at an Alumni Association chapter lunch in March 2023.

their plans for travel throughout the U.S. before returning to Peru. I spoke with Jeff Washington on our shared birthday. Jeff and Renee had just returned from a trip to Las Vegas. Thank you to John Alerding and Wade Stinnette for reaching out on my birthday. Tim Hodges sent a text with a photo taken in Roanoke with Mike Luning, Rob Quarles, and Dixon Tucker at a golf outing for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I exchanged email messages with Tony Zoetis on his birthday. Tony is doing well, traveling with Tracey and spending time with his grandson. I also exchanged email messages with Mike Demers on his birthday. Mike and Julie live in Ohio and have six dogs. Mike plans to retire this year with no set plans, although Julie is compiling a list. I exchanged email messages with Forrest Marion and Hal Snyder on their common birthday. Hal is a dentist in Frederick, Maryland, and is doing well. Forrest retired from federal civil service and relocated to Crossville, Tennessee. Condolences to Tolar Nolley on the passing of his mother. Tolar also wrote that he would be seeing Bert Liverance in Richmond during a visit by Bert. Thank you for your continuing support and for keeping me in the loop via phone calls, text messages, and emails.

1981

Jerry Manley

BRs, Brides, Family, and Friends of ’81, I hope these notes find each of you happy, healthy, and well. This write-up is being penned in early May for publication in this August Review. By the time you read these, summer will be nearly over! Hopefully, we will have much to share for the November edition about many summer travels and adventures, including our annual ski bash at Smith Mountain Lake. Before sharing individual inputs, with sincere condolences, I want to recognize the loss in our extended class family of loving family members. Our BR John Driscoll lost his brother, Kevin Driscoll, Feb. 9, 2023. Our BR Ed Oast lost his loving mother, Ms. Jean McKenzie Oast, March 2, 2023, at the age of 91 (wife of Edward Linscott

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes office and how three of us got him dyked Oast Jr. ’50B). My siblings and I lost our out in record time. Then our 5th Class year mother, Patricia Tucker Manley, April 3, when the 1st Class shoved us all in the 2023. Our BR John Dixon lost both his famain sinks like it was some kind of punther, John Waverly Dixon, April 5, 2023, ishment. (Oh, if they only knew what they at the age of 91, and tragically, John also did! Room S-52! Terrell Williams, R.P. lost his sister, Kathryn Leigh “Kitty” West, Wiggs, and myself.) But we were relativeMay 1, 2023. I could write a full page on ly quiet compared to Bob Underwood, each of these beloved family members, or Jesse Seawell, and John McKeegan. Oh, I could pull citations from very well-writthose memories!” (Great input, Mike! ten obituaries. However, time and column Loved the “Old Corps” memories.) space do not allow. All five were deeply Trip Lloyd shared that he and Anne loved by and tremendously supportive had another Northern Caribbean and Berof their families. All five were extrememuda cruise in May. They have a visit to ly proud of VMI and their connections England and a transatlantic return cruise through our class and others. They leave planned for October after the end of the a hole in our hearts but also loving memfiscal year. Trip continues to be responsiories that will last us a lifetime. I will add ble for spending all the funds for USAID’s with tremendous thanks that the support Bureau for Global Health. His son is back from BRs and other alumni to each of us at VCU, and his daughter is back studying in our time of loss was outstanding, and nursing in Boston. Trip and Anne are still truly reflective of our VMI bonds. living in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Trip reWith that, allow me to push on with Class of 1981: Pictured at a North Texas – Dallas Chapter gathering in Grapevine, Texas, are (from left) Ed Boylin; mains active in theater, having had multimore positive news for our class notes: Col. Adrian Bogart, commandant; Bruce Thompson; and ple shows with his improv troupe, selling Of significant importance during this Mike Duval. out each performance as Mr. Mushnik in writing period, we have been able to track Little Shop of Horrors, directing and actthe progress of our dear BR Kevin Daviding in the Virginia Renaissance Faire, and playing son and his devoted wife, Connie. I won’t go into Nick Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Bedetails in this public forum but suffice it to say it ing a part of the theater is great fun for Trip. He has been a blessing to know that Kevin has continwas part of the opening weekend of the Virginia ued to heal from his surgeries. (For Kevin, we love Renaissance Faire in early May (12 hours from set you and Connie and are proud of your strength. up to lockdown). While it was an exhausting efStay strong, BR! As you and I previously shared, fort, it brought many smiles and actively changed you have a commitment to attend our 45th Resome lives. Trip pulled one woman in a wheelunion, and I know we will see you there, BR!) chair into a dance set and was the motor behind her I received a great update from Mike Placzek chair, moving and spinning her through the dancin early March. Mike was driving back home to es. With tears in her eyes, she said Trip’s attentions Pennsylvania from a three-week job in Texas, and engagement had reminded her of the joys in where he installed the cathodic protection on a life once again. That made Trip’s day. (And Trip, I 108” water line in north Houston and then some know that was not part of your intended input, but CP on two tanks in Cedar Bayou. While on North it was such a good story I decided to include it. You I-81, he called BR Bob “Gator” Underwood. Gaare a good man, sir.) tor is doing well and just announced his retirement. Class of 1981: Dave Openshaw (left) Pete Tranchik started back on the Appalachian (Congrats, Gator!) Back to Mike, he is still workand John Cawthorne in Park City, Utah. Trail Feb. 25. He picked the trail up again just outing for ARK Engineering as a pipeline corrosion/ side Carlisle, Pennsylvania, with approximately integrity specialist and is hoping to join the retired ranks by the end of this year. He and wife Lynn project involving nine additional CP systems west 1,000 miles left out of a total of 2,190. He has been using YouTube and Facebook to put out info and are doing well. Mike’s daughter, Rachel, and her of Bay City, Texas. A final note on Mike’s input; pics of his travels. Pete and Barbara plan to be at two girls (Stelle, 9, and Katya, 4) have moved to he wrote, “It is funny how while I am chatting with a VMI classmate or driving up and down I-81, I ski bash this year, and I am sure we will be regaled Sauk Centre, Minnesota, very close to Lynn’s famcan remember such distinct pictures of our cadet- with many tales of his Appalachian adventures. (... ily. Their son, Dan, is working locally and has I just hope we don’t have to cue the banjo music!) expressed an interest in over-the-road, or long- ship. Sally port and the great rendition of Grover’s haul, trucking. The rest of Mike’s busy year is portrait (2nd Class year?) on the wall and other Just before finishing these notes, I had the opportuyet to be scheduled, but he will be going back to crazy stuff. Keith Baron running out of his room nity to chat with Pete. He was in New Hampshire American Samoa around August timeframe and at shake-a-leg with all his parade stuff in his hands and truly enjoying the experience of the trail. He is may be heavily involved in a 10–12-week long because he spent too much time in the yearbook definitely taking time as he finishes the AT to “stop

2023-Issue 3

129

Class Notes and smell the roses,” figuratively and literally. Per by Cardinal Fernando Vergez Alzaga, L.C. It was a very well in the show ring, but Gary hopes that he beautiful experience for the Gill family, and Father will be even more competitive against the pro hanPete, he plans to take another break after he crosses Mount Washington in New Hampshire (the high- Luke was overwhelmed that so many people could dlers in the coming years. For now, they are enest peak in the Northeastern U.S.). He and Barbara attend and support him at his ordination. (Jeff and joying their therapy work. In early May, Gary and Jambo were invited to be part of the welcoming are going to celebrate her retirement with a drive Cindy, this is absolutely wonderful! God bless Fateam for the Hero Flights into Dulles. The veterans ther Luke and the entire Gill family!) to New Orleans to visit family. After that, they will Clay Wommack chimed in. Between January loved Jambo and were appreciative of their supjoin BRs at the Smith Mountain Lake ski bash over the Fourth of July. Pete then plans to com- and March, he spent time cleaning out his moth- port. Rich Bartholomew shared that things in Texas plete the AT later in July, where he will head back er’s house to put it on the market. When he was up emptying the attic, he came across his shako are going well for him and Nancy. Retirement is to Gorham, New Hampshire, with less than 300 treating him well, and after a year-and-a-half, he miles to go. He should finish the complete AT prior and coatee, white formal VMI blouse, gray wool blouse (sans pants that were burned in the sentinel has found himself in a good routine. Rich is doto Labor Day. (Always a great phone call with you, box in late ’81), and a pair of white starched ducks, ing some part-time consulting and some volunPete. Outstanding accomplishment, sir.) BRs John Cawthorne and Dave “Opie” Open- now mold on them from a roof leak that activat- teer work. Nancy also keeps him busy with projed the starch. Thankfully, all of his VMI mono- ects around the house. They are still enjoying a lot shaw ran into one another in, of all places, a chair lift in Park City, Utah! Unbeknownst to one an- grams were in plastic bags from his tennis years. of time with grandkids and starting to do a little traveling. Per Rich, his golf game continues to imother, they were seated in the same large chair lift. He also found what must be a very rare and cherThrough some blustery weather, Dave overheard ished item—Vince Wood’s cadet waiter certificate prove. His goal is to have a handicap into single digits by the end of summer. (Rich, to paraphrase John’s conversation and, still not recognizing one of appreciation from the mess hall staff. As of this another, asked, “Did you say VMI?” A few more writing, Clay was back in Florida living the dream. Bob Hope, will shoot his age if he has to live to be 100!) Their son, Matthew, was recently promoted Gary Morgan and his Leonberger pup, Jambo, words were exchanged where Dave said he was to director of architecture and engineering at his Class of ’81, and then the “light bulbs flickered,” have taken a break from the show ring until Jamand John responded, “Great to see you, brother bo is fully mature (next summer). Jambo has done company, and their daughter, Melanie, is transitioning to another architecture firm rat!” Neither knew the other was in with a really nice pay raise and more Park City, and they managed to be on opportunity for professional growth. the same slopes the same day, on the (Rich, you and Nancy have just reasame run, in the same chair lift and fisons to be proud!) nally recognized one another through Greg and Anne Wolven shared that all the ski equipment! she is a volunteer at the Burkeville On Feb. 18, there was another funFire Department and EMS thrift shop. filled (and stomach-filled) Northern While working there, she found an old Virginia breakfast orchestrated by BR book on electrical engineering that beGeorge Depaoli. It was a great breakClass of 1981: Meeting for lunch in Salem, Virginia, in February longed to George G. Phillips ’925. She fast gathering of Northern Virginia 2023 are (from left) Sammy Woolwine, Mark David, Gator Underbought it and gave it to Greg. Greg and Maryland BRs and their spouses. wood, Rev. Dave Taylor, and Marc Barthello. was excited about it and talked with In attendance were Kirk Campbell, Col. Keith Gibson ’77, VMI Museum George and Robin Depaoli, Ken HerSystem executive director. Keith menbert, Jim and Wendy Langan, Antioned that the man’s son, George G. drew Jackson, Grover Outland, and Phillips Jr. ’60, was an electrical enGreg White. There were some anonygineering graduate, so Greg contacted mous reports that Grover was “late, but him. Greg and Anne ultimately took not absent for formation,” followed by the book to George Jr. in Bath County, his all-too-common response of, “Corwhere he was delighted to receive his rect, but wish to explain.” Great job, father’s old textbook. Greg and Anne George! Keep up the great work in coshared lunch with George and his wife. ordinating these socials! On their way home, they stopped at Jeff and Cindy Gill shared a treVMI to spend some time with Adrimendously joyful family event. They an Bogart. Other than that, Greg and joined approximately 75 other famiAnne shared that they have been busy ly members and friends to attend the in Burkeville with their greenhouse, priestly ordination of their nephew, Class of 1981: Gathering for breakfast in February 2023 are (from veggie gardens, and visits with family Deacon Luke Gill, in Rome, Italy. Faleft) George Depaoli, Kirk Campbell, Jim Langan, Wendy Langan, and friends. ther Luke was ordained along with 28 Andy Jackson, Ken Herbert, Greg White, Robin Depaoli, and Grover Outland. Marc and Laura Barthello (and other men Saturday, April 29, 2023, at their four rescued Huskies) continue the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major

130

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes to enjoy life in Lexington. Living near post and taking their Huskies on a daily walk through post allows them to interact with cadets. Marc reports, “Be assured, there are some very fine and intelligent young folks at the ‘I!’ It’s great fun to engage them in conversation and have them over for dinner. Of course, the Huskies get a lot of attention, and for the second year in a row, they’ve been invited to participate in a 1st Class cadet’s senior portraits. According to many cadets, the Huskies are the unofficial VMI mascots.” C.P. Davis chimed in, as well. His son, Jackson, is a rising senior at the University of South Carolina. He is on the Division I swim and dive team as a swimmer (sprinter) and captain of the team. His youngest son, Thomas, is graduating from Charlotte Latin and will be headed to Hampden-Sydney, where he committed to play tennis. C.P. completed an interim CEO role in December and is now working with several lower middle market companies and private equity groups on M&A and business improvement initiatives. C.P. hopes to throttle down over the next few years and is looking at moving to our place in the Charleston area, near Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. C.P. reports that the Bagel Station in Winston-Salem, of which he is co-owner, is doing well and that any ’81 BR is welcome to a free bagel! Some quick hitters: The North Texas – Dallas Chapter held a “gathering with the commandant” at the Harvest Hall in Grapevine, Texas, Feb. 20. In attendance were BRs Ed Boylan; Bruce Thompson; Mike Duval; and, of course, the commandant himself, Adrian “Bogey” Bogart. A.T. and Janet Funkhouser were working on a house in Shenandoah County in April to get it ready to sell. Mark Shepard was passing through on his way to Roanoke, which allowed them to get together and share supper and a beer in Woodstock. (A.T. and Mark, some of the best mini reunions are when just two BRs can raise a glass together. Glad you made the time, sirs!) Ray Lawson wrapped up teaching at the University of South Carolina – Aiken and Tulane University for the semester. He is taking the summer completely off (except for Gale’s honey-do list) to do some traveling and some trout fishing. Bill Grigg and Lisa celebrated their 32nd anniversary. Bill is building a house at Seabrook Island and downsizing in Charlotte. Bill shared that Will, their oldest son, is a hedge fund manager in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Garrett ’20, finished rat year at VMI but left college to follow another honorable path and now has his international certification for cutting trees for forest fire mitigation in

2023-Issue 3

California; and Taylor, their youngest, is finishing a Ph.D. in nursing school and working in Charleston, South Carolina. Jim Waring shared a short BR encounter. He ran into Dave Hinchee at the local Youth Service Club Pig and Oyster Roast back in Virginia Beach April 22. Dave shared with Jim and Catherine that he was getting ready to move from Virginia Beach down to a new place in North Carolina to be closer to kids and grandkids. Per Jim, Dave looked great, but then again, Dave always looks great. (You are putting some of us to shame, Dave!) Speaking of Dave Hinchee, confirming what Jim shared, Dave wrote that he and Jo Ann “turned their life upside down” and decided to move to Lewisville, North Carolina, (a small town on the northwest side of Winston-Salem) to be closer to the grandkids, their oldest daughter, and her husband. They bought a log cabin on 4.5 acres that is just 5 miles/10 minutes away from them. They are currently in the process of updating the cabin and making it their own. Once done, Dave will let us know when the doors are open for everyone passing through. John Owens chimed in. He shared another BR encounter. While he attended the North Carolina Maritime Museum Wooden Boat Show in Beaufort, North Carolina, he ran into our BR Joe Potenti. Joe was volunteering at the museum. Joe and his wife moved to Beaufort about a year ago when he retired. (Great hearing from you, John, and glad you and Joe connected.) Both Mark David and Sammy Woolwine shared a pic of our “Southwest Virginia BRs” having lunch at Mac & Bob’s Restaurant in Salem, Virginia, in February 2023. Per Sammy, this austere group tries to do lunch on a regular basis. Rob “Cos” Costello shared that he meets up with Jim Hart and Larry Butler at Larry’s house for

drinks and chow during March Madness. Always a good time with those three! Jeff and Christie Adler became grandparents Feb. 28, 2023. Their son, Daniel Adler ’14, and lovely daughter-in-law, Kaitlyn, delivered a beautiful baby girl, Molly Murphy Adler. Mom, baby, and dad are all doing well. Ken Pierro is also going to be a first-time grandfather, as his daughter is due in July. (Welcome to the club, Kenny! No better job in the world than that of a grandparent.) Jeff Davies shared that he received a great note from his dyke, Brion Smith ’78. Brion wrote Jeff after reading our class notes in the May Review. (See, Jeff! Someone reads my writings!) Jeff shared that Brion was on the forensic team that identified the soldiers of the 101st Airborne who died in the Gander, Newfoundland, crash coming back from an MNF mission in Egypt. Last but certainly not least, Grover Outland has been making his rounds in and out of Maryland. He stopped in Powhatan to visit Shannon’s coffee shop in late April (where he ate quite a bit and paid for nothing). He was returning home to Arnold, Maryland, after attending conservative columnist George Will’s speech and reception in Charlottesville. He returned to the Richmond area the weekend of May 7 with wife Melissa to attend a picnic for Mike and Katherine Denton’s 40th wedding anniversary. (Congratulations, Mike and Katherine!) Well, BRs, that is all the news that is fit to print for this edition! I am looking forward to seeing many of you this summer. Please keep the communications open and stay in touch. From Shannon and I, our door, bar, and phone lines are always open. Make sure you stop and spend time with family and BRs whenever you can! Cheers, and God bless! Jerry Manley

1982

Will Council

Class of 1981: A.T. Funkhouser (left) and Mark Shepard in Woodstock, Virginia, in April 2023.

Hello, Brother Rats, I have the pleasure of finishing these notes sitting in the boardroom of the construction office of Col. Keith Jarvis here on VMI post. It’s graduation and commissioning for the Class of 2023. I

131

Class Notes was invited to assist in the commissioning of one of my Eagle Scouts, whom I convinced to attend VMI four years ago over The Citadel. 2nd Lt. Matthew Frazier ’23 got pinned and sworn the morning of May 15. It was a cool honor for me to do so for Matt. He will be receiving orders to go into armor sometime later. In the short term, he will return to Chattanooga and assist a recruiter depot. The commissioning ceremony was the first ever to see all six branches represented. Yes, six: Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force. (And yes, I could not help but call the three newly minted officers space cadets.) What a great ceremony. Guy Dougherty gave us an update. He has been humbled and honored to be invited to be the Boise Light the Night’s 2023 Corporate Walk chair. For those who may not know, Guy is a two-time cancer survivor, and having watched his wife, Deidre, and mother battle this horrible disease, it is a passionate fight for him personally. He is proud to partner with LLS to find cures for all cancers and to assist those in need to fight blood cancers. Guy will be proud to represent both his company (CopperPoint Insurance) and, of course, VMI and the great Class of ’82 in this endeavor as he promotes being a citizen-soldier in Boise. The big event will be in October, and this will give him and the executive team ample time to complete fundraisers and get out the news to gather as a community to celebrate, honor, and remember those touched by blood cancers. That is incredible news, Guy, and I hope our class will support you in this cause. Daryl and Sherry Deke hosted a reception for

Class of 1982: Bob Louthan (right) with his son, Mason Louthan ’18, on the deck of the USS Gerald R. Ford.

132

Class of 1982: Daryl and Sherry Deke with Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, in Nashville, Tennessee. Maj. Gen. Wins ’85, superintendent, at their home in Nashville April 30. Charlie Sanger and his wife joined along with a total of 70 people, some VMI alums. The next day, Daryl introduced Gen. Wins as he spoke to the student body of Montgomery Bell Academy, an all-boys school where his youngest son, Benjamin, attends. There are currently a 3rd and 4th Class cadet attending VMI (both playing lacrosse) from Montgomery Bell Academy, along with an incoming rat. Thanks, Daryl! Jose Suarez says all is good in sunny Florida! Finally, they have made the move I reported on for the past series of class notes. They had a great get-together at Duke and Penny Addison’s home in Jacksonville, Florida, recently. It was a mini reunion with Jay Roach, John Friend, Brad Walker, Duke, and Jose. The wife’s club was present (but not pictured ... hmmm?). Fran, Christy Roach, Melanie Roach, and Penny Addison were also in attendance. Fran and Jose bought a house in St. Augustine and are scheduled to close about the time I get these notes to the editor. Welcome back to the South, Jose and Fran! Bob Louthan gave us a great update, which led to a friendly bantering about Naval definitions. He and Jeff Modisett recently paid a visit to Floyd Allen at the VCU hospital, who was recovering from a mild medical issue. Floyd was in great spirits despite being on “room confinement,” and of course, they didn’t dampen them. Unfortunately, their attempts to smuggle in contraband were unsuccessful. Bob also passed along that Chuck Pace was also recently in the hospital but is home now recovering. Please keep both BRs in your prayers for better health. Heck, expand that prayer list to all of us

as we keep getting older! Bob and Kathy are spending as much time as they can at the “rivah” (that is Richmond speak for the river). He is hoping Dale Davis will sail his boat down this summer with Gail; that’s the plan. Dale is making venture investments for the fund he leads, Ultratech, in expanding companies with dual-use technology. Now based on my conversation with Bob, I am not sure if he understands down or upriver. Last I heard, Dale lived out on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, but I could be behind on that news. At last, Bob shared a picture of his son, Mason Louthan ’18. Mason is a fighter pilot deployed recently on the USS Gerald R. Ford CVN78 with VFA 213, the Black Lions. Bob says he got to help him stow his gear and “tour the boat.” This is where the Naval definitions discussion went south. Bob is Army, and I am Navy. Nobody can actually consider the largest and newest aircraft carrier in the world ... a boat! Besides the Modisetts, the Louthans see Bill and Kate Towler more often these days. B.T. is still a pharmacist, a good person to know at our advanced age! So Bob extends this to anyone in the Middle Peninsula of Virginia (Gloucester, Mathews, Deltaville): Be sure to look us up. Lots of VMI alumni down here—Bruce Cann ’77, Jeb Burton ’79, and Hugh Fain ’80 have been spotted. Steve Varga shared an update for the Varga family. Unfortunately, Steve has had to relocate to Dubuque, Iowa, after Steve’s business failed. He has rebounded and now works as the procurement manager at East Dubuque Nitrogen Fertilizers, a CVI Company. They love the Midwest but do miss the four kids left behind in New Jersey. Now don’t read too much into that last note; I am sure New Jersey Child Services are not looking for abandoned children! Due to the business failure, Steve will be working for quite a few more years before retirement. Sorry to hear about the job change, Steve, and we wish you the best in the future. Joe Poteralski sends, “Greetings from upstate New York!” Joe reports in that they have downsized. With both kids out of the house and on their own, and with his back having severe issues, they sold their house and went a wee bit smaller (and with only one level to deal with). The previous house had 13 stairs to negotiate, and now he has one large step. The new digs are only three klicks from the old residence. Last month, he and Robin spent four nights at St. Pete Beach in Florida as an early 30th anniversary present. Beautiful

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes Children’s Hospital in Pensacola. They weather, took in a Rays game, went on a have four grandchildren, Roxy, 7; Vaimiti, dolphin cruise, and didn’t want to come 5; Rhett, 5; and Sienna, 2, who keep them back to New York! Let’s see, early spring young. in upstate New York or remain in Florida. Borrowing from Facebook, Russ StewNope, no decision necessary, but they did art and Jon Mott were spotted on Facereturn home anyway. Robin is working book hanging out at a baseball game in from home five days a week, while Joe’s Florida. You will have to see their likeness schedule calls for him to work from home on our class page, as the picture cannot pass up to twice a week. Joe has continued to the Review’s quality, but it sure looked like support the traveling Keydets when they they were having fun. are in the area. He went to the VMI versus You will recall that we lost Tom FarmCornell game back in 2021 when the Keyer last December. This gave us an introdets traveled to Ithaca, New York. (A rousClass of 1982: Mike and Kimbel Burt gather with friends duction to his daughter, Kimberly Keyes, ing VMI victory!) Unfortunately, he hasn’t and family in New Orleans, Louisiana, to celebrate their who joined our Class ’82 page and shared been able to catch a water polo or lacrosse son’s wedding. a trove of pictures she found of Tom’s VMI match at nearby Siena College. There’s aldays! Take a few minutes and go back ways next year! down memory lane and see these treasures. I got a very nice letter from Charlene So back to VMI graduation weekend. For Horne, bringing news about her Manns the first time, I have the pleasure of stayHorne Youth Foundation. There is a new ing with Keith and Jeannie Jarvis for a few program coming out of this foundation. days. I reached out to them and Joey Keyes The Girls on the Run program serves to try and spend some time here with BRs. 2,000 3rd-8th grade girls in the Northern (And avoid an expensive hotel!) Joey deVirginia area. Throughout the 10-week cided it was time for a vacation in the Florseason, girls gain critical life skills and ida Keys, so I with have to raincheck him strengthen their confidence at a time when another time. Let me assure you that the acsocietal pressures, anxiety, and confidence commodations are supreme. Spent the eveare obstacles in their lives. The organizaning sitting on the front porch sipping and tion has 350 trained volunteer coaches who telling tales. Keith’s nephew, Cadlee Jarfacilitate interactive lessons at more than vis ’26, came by and was subjected to lots 100 schools, community centers, and apartof stories about our times back in the Old ment complexes. At the end of the season, Class of 1982: Pictured during a mini reunion in Florida are Corps. Young Jarvis is a history major and all 2,000 participants will join together to Jay Roach, John Friend, Brad Walker, Jose Suarez, and is set to be a cadre corporal in Company C run a 5K! Duke Addison. next fall and is an Army scholarship cadet. Charlene has been working with this In the next set of notes, I hope to include group to plan a college tour in Virginia. The nonprofit will fund trips to at least four universities grandparents flew in from Poland to be at the wed- some pictures of the commissioning, as well as some with William Caulfield and Tony Edwards. this spring. Visiting a college can help low-income ding in New Orleans. Her residency will be in DalBoth are rumored to be here, as their sons will be las, where they will move to this June. students become familiar with the college environAndy Balding gave me a long-awaited update. graduating. For now, I need to get these notes over ment and better understand college life. Being inAndy finally retired Oct. 1 of last year. After the to the Alumni Review office before the deadline. volved in these tours can also help students feel Take care, and don’t forget to please write, text, more comfortable and confident when applying to U.S. Marine Corps, he worked for the last 12 years as an engineer/research scientist and SME on use email, or snail mail! college and can also help them know what they Sincerely, of aerial munitions at the Air Force Research Labneed to do to succeed in college. Thank you, CharWill Council lene, for everything you continue to do for these oratory Munitions Directorate at Eglin Air Force Base on special projects, so for security reasons, I kids! didn’t publicize that till now. Wife Brenda also reLast year, my wife and I spent some time in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. It was the last time tired from nursing last year, and they are planning a number of overseas vacations. For the last severthere for Michael and Kimbel Burt, as they were Jamie MacDonald packing up their house and moving to Wright- al months, they have been grandpuppy sitting for wood, California, located above Los Angeles. eldest son David’s now 13-month-old, 110-pound Kimbel recently sent some pictures of the wedding Great Dane/lab/Pyrenees mix, Virginia. David of their son, Michael Burt, to Margaret Nowakow- is in 5th SFG and currently deployed. Other son Danny and daughter-in-law live close by, and ska, who will be Dr. Margaret Nowakowska, derHello Brother Rats, daughter Meagan is a PharmD at Sacred Heart’s matology, this May. She is from Poland, and her

1983

2023-Issue 3

133

Class Notes The period for these class notes is from Feb. 15– May 15, 2023. This will be my last quarterly class notes update as class agent. Our class has changed over class agents every five years, and effective beginning on our 40th Reunion, Anthony “Jamie” MacDonald has graciously accepted to be our new class agent. The significant event for our class during this quarterly update was our 40th Reunion in Lexington, Virginia, April 14–15, 2023. There were several brother rats who notified me ahead of time that they would be unable to attend our reunion, for example, because of health conditions, weddings, work commitments, and even the birth of grandchildren. Bob Mednikov wrote me, “Thanks, Steve. I had planned all year to come, but now several conflicts came up on both Friday and Saturday of our reunion. I know it will be great, and I’m not happy the conflicts came up, ugh. I’m meeting up with BR Spartz in Orlando for the first time in probably 15 years before a cruise the wife and I are leaving on. Plus, I hope to have a mini reunion with several Richmond BRs in the next month. The VMI spirit is alive, rah, rah, rah, ’83, ’83, ’83. Thank you so much for all your service. Take care. Bob.” Wilmer “Tracy” Jones and his wife, Kathie, relocated last year from Idaho to New Hampshire. In an email he sent me, Tracy said, “Steve, great to hear from you. I talked to Stephan Melitz a couple of weeks ago. I am working at Portsmouth Regional Hospital in New Hampshire, just across the river from Maine. Enjoying life. Unfortunately, I can’t make our reunion; I will be at the United States Air Force Academy for the funeral of one of my pilot buddies that weekend.” Another BR also recently relocated. Vern Perdue and his wife moved from Pennsylvania to Florida. Vern wrote, “Steve, unfortunately, we are in the middle of closing on our house in Florida, so we will not be able to attend our reunion. Please tell our BRs hello from the Perdues.” Our reunion had a total of 182 attendees register; however, with last-minute cancellations, the attendance was 176 (brother rats and their guests), of which a total of 106 brother rats attended, and there were 18 brother rats who attended their first Class of 1983 reunion. Many reunion attendees provided me extremely warm and kind feedback as to the success, fun, and reconnecting with many brother rats, and thanked Mary and me for such a wonderful reunion weekend. I’ve stated before the Class of 1983 Reunion Planning Committee did the bulk of the workload; it was a true team effort. Your RPC members were Jamie MacDonald,

134

Hugh Daughtry, Mark Sykes, Warren Groseclose, Jay Williams, Spencer Westbrook, Steve Hodak, Joe Leonard, Duane Ray, and Lynn Seldon. For those who attended the reunion, if you haven’t thanked our RPC members, please call, text, or email them a shout-out for their planning of reunion events. A thank you to Doug Wainwright and Owen Peery, who also supported reunion events. The following is a summary of our reunion events. I apologize if I should leave someone out. Our weekend kicked off unofficially on Thursday. Mary and I registered at Moody Hall, where the VMI Alumni Agencies greeted all reunion classes, provided each attendee with their welcome bag with items and information, and answered any reunion questions. The VMIAA’s reunion registration, coordinating with all vendors (local and out of town), and the “bag stuffing” service relieved a huge burden that past class agents led when they planned our past reunions. Then, Mary and I established our class command post, AKA “hospitality room,” at noon in the Wingate Hotel. The first BR we met was Tim Fitzgerald and his wife, Tracy, who flew the red-eye in from Spokane, Washington. With only a few hours of sleep, Tracy and Tim helped us set up the hospitality room. The Wingate Hotel general manager was very accommodating with various amenities for the room. By mid-afternoon, many BRs were checking into the hotel and visiting the hospitality room. Hugh brought leftover items from our 35th Reunion, which sold throughout the weekend. Mark Sykes, Hugh, Lynn Seldon, Chip Shirley, Clayton “Wags” Wagner, and I contributed memorabilia for the room. There was plenty of liquid refreshment, light snacks, cookies, and cake (thanks, Mary, for the hours of baking) throughout the weekend for attendees to indulge. Many BRs helped keep the hospitality room clean and organized all weekend. Andy Jones and his 10-yearold son, Daniel, arrived from Thailand. Later in the evening, Jay and Paige Williams opened their home to all early arriving BRs and their guests for an informal gathering. Approximately 65 BRs and their guests descended upon the Williams’ home. Thanks, Jay and Paige, for hosting a welcome gathering. The hospitality room was open after BRs left the Williamses’, and about 20 folks stopped in. The room closed down at 2330. Friday was the first day of official reunion events. At 0730, approximately 26 BRs and guests rallied in the Wingate Hotel parking lot to carpool to the House Mountain trailhead. Eight cars were loaded up, and the Class of ’83 convoy began. Twenty minutes later, we all arrived at the

trailhead, where Spence Westbrook, event organizer, provided a hike overview. There were two EMTs from the Lexington Fire Department that the VMIAA coordinated for us. The EMTs were our safety net in the event we had an accident or injury. Once the group reached the saddle between Big and Little House Mountains, eight decided to hike to Big House Mountain, and the rest hiked to Little House Mountain. The complete hike was 8 miles round-trip and took three hours and 50 minutes of hiking time. Those who hiked Big House Mountain were Warren Groseclose, Andy Jones and son Daniel, Mark Henderson, and one EMT. Those who hiked Little House Mountain were Mary and me; Tim Fitzgerald; Spencer Westbrook; Owen and Irish Dunlap; Warren Groseclose’s wife, Sarah; Mark and Young-Mi Pruden; Hugh Daughtry; Chris and Cindy Peta; Gray Carter; Whitney Wyatt’s wife, Gina, and daughter, Natalie; Scott Horan’s wife, Pam; Ivan Marcotte; and Jon Hanna. This was the second reunion in which the House Mountain hike was a great success. Everyone enjoyed themselves; Mary provided homemade cookies to the Little House Mountain “platoon,” and there were no injuries or accidents. While the hike was occurring, the golf tourney was being held at the Lexington Golf & Country Club. About 25 BRs and their guests participated in golfing. The tourney ended in the early afternoon, the weather was great, and all had a fun time. BR Owen Perry was our golf event coordinator. Thank you, Owen, for assisting with this, including your pre-golfing arrangement of foursomes. Those who golfed were Tray Adams; Jim Ayers; John Dodge; Skip Goodwillie; John and Susie Gordon; Teddy Gottwald; Bubba Hazelgrove; Franklin Hudgins; Mark Jamison; Paul Karafa and his guest, Lisa Pitman; John Kendall; Jay Lasek; John Manning; Dan Martin; Cal Murray; Derek Patterson; Keith Sawyer; Ken Sawyer; Tony Thompson; Gene Warren; and Whitney Wyatt. In the late morning and throughout the afternoon, the VMIAA hosted virtual and in-person tours of various VMI facilities for all reunion classes. The virtual tours and several presentations by Col. Keith Gibson ’77, VMI Museum System executive director, were held in the Center for Leadership and Ethics. BRs also leisurely strolled through Lexington and walked around post reminiscing of our cadet days. The hospitality room opened between the end of the hike and just before the evening class reception. During this time, Drew and Kim Smith arrived all the way from Australia.

VMI Alumni Review

40th Reunion

VMI Class of 1983

Class notes

2023-Issue 3

135

Class Notes The last official event for Friday was the class Yells by the oldest to the youngest reunion class. attend the class dinner. Jim Stader, whose cancer reception held at The Georges’ Patton Room. Jay We were the second class to lead Old Yells. Ted- is in remission, and Doug Urbanek, who was deWilliams organized this event, and approximately dy Gottwald, class president, and Jim Outland, ployed to Florida for hurricane relief support, were 170 BRs and guests attended the festivities. It was historian, were still able to scrabble up the sentinel able to attend the class dinner. Following the dinbox to lead our class. Our first Old Yell was to hon- ner break, Jamie MacDonald charged the grog exciting to see so many BRs. Everyone had a great time, and the time flew by in a blink of an eye. or our dykes’ Class of 1980, followed by our rats’ bowl, just like he did for our 35th Reunion. He Most attendees took the bus shuttle service from Class of 1986, and it culminated with an Old Yell provided a comical review of our class history, and the hotels, which was sponsored by the VMIAA. for the Class of 1983! When the Old Yells by all his assistants who added the liquid beverages to the reunion classes were over, the VMI band led the grog were Mike Devens and Hugh Daughtry. Groups of BRs had dinner or just continued the fellowship with other BRs in Lexington and the re- everyone in the VMI Doxology. Many remained Over 20 items were added to the grog, and over 50 guests sampled it. Our first guest speaker for ception at the Patton Room. The hospitality room in barracks to visit their cadet rooms or just walk at the Wingate Hotel was available after the Patton around barracks. The next two events were a sip ’n the evening was Jim Outland, class historian. Jim paint event in which eight BRs and guests partic- provided a comical and serious review of our class Room, and quite a number of BRs passed through, ipated. The other event led by Doug Wainwright history. The next guest speaker was Teddy Gottto include Anthony “Tony” Thompson, who flew wald, class president, and he provided examples in from Great Britain. The last BR left the hospi- was the clay shoot held at Quail Ridge Sporting Club and Boarding Kennels. The following shot of how our class matured over the years of our tality room at 0030. Saturday began with our class picture at Pres- clays: Mark Pruden, Gray Carter, Stephen Ross, cadetship and certain situations in which he was ton Library at 1010. But before the picture, the Paul Karafa and his guest Lisa Pitman, Steve and called in front of the VMI superintendent (Gen. Sam Walker ’45) to answer on behalf of the Class Mary Amato, Whitney Wyatt, Jim Hotinger, VMIAA hosted a grab ’n go breakfast at Moody of 1983. After our guest speakers concluded their Hall. About 45 BRs took the opportunity to have Mark Heslep, and Scott Horan. Our reunion culminated Saturday with the class remarks, the announcement of our new class agent breakfast and fellowship at Moody Hall. In fact, occurred, and Jamie MacDonald accepted the role four of our BRs who are in the ministry attend- dinner in Marshall Hall located in the Center for ed our reunion. They were David and wife Judith Leadership and Ethics building. Approximate- as our new class agent. Dance music was providNeville (Indiana), Ian and wife Anne Sears (Ten- ly 164 BRs and their guests attended the dinner. ed by the VMI Commanders, and the cadets, led Cocktail hour kicked off from 1730–1830. After by Col. Brodie, played outstandingly. The class nessee), Bob and wife Amy Zilhaver (Pennsylvania), and Brent and wife Tammy Allen (Tex- the call to dinner and seating, I provided open- dinner was a quick four hours. Most BRs departed as prison ministry). Our class assembled on time ing remarks, welcomed Chaplain Caudill and his Marshall Hall at 2145. The hospitality room was opened in the Wingate Hotel, where over 30 BRs wife, Jan, and asked for a show of hands of BRs for the picture, and our Honorary BR Chaplain Charles Caudill, and his wife, Jan, arrived for our who were attending their first class reunion—18 and their guests cycled in and out socializing. The were identified. The Corps of Cadets Honor Guard hospitality room closed at 0130 Sunday morning. picture, too. David Via and his dog drove from North Carolina in the morning just to attend the posted the colors, Col. Brodie (Hon) and a cadet A huge thank you to several BRs and their guests member of the Commanders played the national who helped clean up and pack up the hospitality Saturday morning events, as he had other scheduling conflicts which didn’t allow him to attend oth- anthem with their bugles, David Neville provided room. Reflecting back on my tenure as class agent, I er reunion events. Our BRs mingled and engaged the invocation and remembrance prayer for our dein much reconnecting with BRs throughout the ceased BRs, and dinner was served. There was a learned a lot about many of our BRs and their fammorning up to and including the beginning of the short break after dinner, and Doug Wainwright ilies, their military and business careers, and their combat experiences defending our nation while rereunion parade. Our class’ parade seating area was established the Zoom link for BRs to virtually connecting with many since our gradupacked with BRs and guests. The paation, but the one central theme all BRs rade started promptly at 1045, and the express is the strong bond, support, VMI Corps of Cadets marched from and love for one another. It has been barracks, bringing back many meman honor for me to have served as your ories of our cadetship and our reflecclass agent, and I appreciate the suption on past reunions which we actuport from my wife, Mary. Please supally marched for. We all stood sharp as port Jamie as our new class agent, send the colors were posted and rendered him class note updates and pictures, a salute when the National Anthem and assist him whenever he seeks your was played. I think several BRs were support. amazed that there was a third battalion Mark Benvenuto wrote, “Steve, I and to see the bagpipes perform. After am still weeping internally that I have the Corps completed a demonstration missed the 40th, but with exam week of the rifle manual, pass and review occurred, and then after the last company Class of 1983: Tammy and Brent Allen chat with David and Judith and me being the general chairperson passed the audience, we all fell in line Neville at the class dinner held in Marshall Hall, April 15.—Photo for the upcoming American Chemical Society Central Regional Meeting in to march into Old Barracks. We then by Mary Price, VMI Alumni Agencies. June, it has been a very busy semester. participated in a long tradition of Old

136

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes

1. 3.

4. 5.

Class of 1983 1. Past class agents gathering for a photo at the 40th Reunion class dinner April 15 are (from left) Skip Goodwillie, Chip Shirley, Jim Outland, (back row) Jay Williams, Hugh Daughtry, and Steve Amato.—Photo by Mary Price, VMI Alumni Agencies. 2. Teddy Gottwald, class president, leads the class into barracks for Old Yells.—Photo by Mary Price, VMI Alumni Agencies. 3. Over 60 brother rats and guests attend an early arrival reunion

2023-Issue 3

get-together at Paige and Jay Williams’ home April 13. 4. Approximately 30 brother rats, guests, and two EMTs hiked Little and Big House Mountains Friday, April 14. 5. A memorial to deceased brother rats at the 40th Reunion class dinner.—Photo by Mary Price, VMI Alumni Agencies. 6. Over 160 brother rats and guests attend the 40th Reunion class dinner in Marshall Hall.—Photo by Mary Price, VMI Alumni Agencies.

137

Class Notes A book I wrote just got published in print version. The title is Materials Chemistry for Scientists and Engineers, and I suspect it can put anyone to sleep if they are having trouble nodding off. Hope all is well with you and yours. Take care, Mark.” Congrats on another book, Mark. Jim Stader wrote, “Hope all is well with you and your family. As we discussed, I’m in remission regarding my multiple myeloma cancer and will transition from weekly visits to Walter Reed for various infusions to monthly starting mid-May. I’m grateful to the many BRs who have reached out to me to see how I am doing. Have recently transitioned from the Snake Arnold and Rat Stader haircut to one that I can actually start to brush again. I’ll need it when I go goose hunting later this year on the Eastern Shore, where it is always cold when I’m sitting in the pit blind. I recently chatted with Snake and Dave Clark about the reunion, and they stated that they had a great time seeing members of our class. I look forward to attending our 45th and maybe hitting a VMI football game during the fall reunion. Thanks for keeping me in the loop on what is happening with our class, and thanks for being our class agent. Jim.” Prayers are with you, Jim. I reconnected with Tim Fitzgerald during our reunion. He served 30 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and retired as a colonel, was a CH-53 pilot, and is a three-war combat veteran (Desert Storm and Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom), and since 2014, he is the Spokane County clerk in Spokane, Washington. Terrell Munson emailed me, stating, “Hey, Steve. Well, our 40th Reunion is in the books, and what a success! It was absolutely fantastic. I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you for such a great job you have done as our class agent. In addition, it was so clear what an important part of that was due to your amazing partner and wife, Mary. This was my first time meeting her, and she was so totally welcoming to an absent BR. Regarding the reunion, it was so much reconnecting with my rat year roommates, Mike Devins and Jamie MacDonald. So great seeing you both, and look forward to connecting with our absent BR, Duane Ray. Many happy returns; see you for 45th in 2028, V/R Terrell.” Stephen Ross sent me a nice update. “Steve, you have done an outstanding job being class agent, really above and beyond. Thanks for all you have done. All of my former soccer players, swimmers, and students set up a scholarship

138

at VMI to honor Drew. Even though he wasn’t a VMI graduate, he grew up on the fields and around VMI, being impacted by many cadets. We awarded it for the first time this spring to Thomas Lees ’24. The goal is to present it to a cadet that aspires to an Army career as a Ranger or [in] Special Forces. Doug Bartlett might be able to help with more details if we want to share ways others can donate.” A wonderful scholarship, Steve. I ran into Mark “Tater” Heslep and his son at VMI’s Legacy Day April 29. BRs, I’ll continue to pray for you all to be safe, stay healthy, and God bless you all! Steve Amato

1984

Bill Janis

Having reviewed the last several editions of these notes and reflecting on the fact that 1) our 40th Reunion is less than a year hence, and 2) given our vintage (and mileage), more and more column inches of these notes are given over lately to reports of our latest medical and surgical interventions, I have decided to “rebrand,” so to speak. Welcome to the first edition of JJAMA: Janis Journal of Alumni Medical Ailments! As many of you may have heard, Lee Wimbish has had a rather eventful March. Apparently, after a cardiac catheterization, multiple echocardiograms, a carotid artery ultrasound, and lab tests, the senior thoracic and cardiac surgeon at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (U.S. Navy, I might point out) determined that most of Lee’s blood was comprised of Duke’s mayonnaise, creating a condition that is called, in medical/technical terms, a “widow maker” for some reason. I am happy to report that Lee came through bypass surgery with flying colors and with his characteristic fighting spirit and stoic sense of humor completely intact. In evidence of that fact, I have included a photo of Lee being released from WRNMMC. Upon seeing this photo, John Shannon, M.D., stated, “Lee, I’m no surgeon, but I think they may have put your heart back in upside down.” Note to Jamie Shoemaker: I’m pretty sure that John’s observation qualifies as an “expert medical opinion.” Please remember that I’m entitled to a contingency fee for the referral!? Welcome home, Lee, and remember that “every day is a victory lap!”

Speaking of Jamie, I am informed that “Commodore Shoe” has a big boat (or two). But Andy Anderson apparently “likes big boats.” Apparently, Jamie, Mark Morgan, Alex Thompson, and Frank Kollmansperger dropped by to visit Andy’s marina in Urbanna during a recent turkey hunting trip. While convalescing from surgery, Lee was unable to attend this year’s spring classic, “The Perkins Pinehurst parade of pacing, pop-ups, playing through, plugged lies, pitching, putting, and par,” AKA Perkiepalooza 2023. As this correspondent, yet again, was unable to secure credentials to report on this sports classic in person, the reports of the monumental milestones and achievements of the weekend are based on third-party accounts by mostly-anonymous observers (OK, it was Barry Coceano!?).

Class of 1984: Lee Wimbish after his recent release from the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Class of 1984: Jeff Perkins (left) and Jeff Levenson in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes Barry reported that it was his “pleasure and priv- incredible that, were it not for the photographic ev- and her family in St. Petersburg, a quaint village of ilege” this past March to attend the annual PERK- idence, this correspondent might have categorized “newlyweds and nearly-deads.” If you are in the IEPALOOZA golf outing in Pinehurst, North Car- it as “fake news.” Apparently seizing upon recent area, look us up. As you are reading these notes, our 40th Reunion olina. It was, yet again, “a festive event, filled with upheavals in the marketplace to secure a leading many laughs, big fish stories, and a plethora of position for himself as a social media influencer, is seven months away. Please mark your calendars, adult beverages.” Barry reported that “the co-hosts Jeff Levenson was caught on camera buying his clear your schedules, and plan on being in attenassigned each attendee a task, as follows, to ensure first round of drinks ever. Class agent’s note: Giv- dance April 26–27, 2024. Until then, please take a flawless event and a great time was had by all: en the recent catastrophic collapse in demand for the time to catch up with your brother rats, espeHank Selman (chauffeur Perkins to/from the air- the brand pictured, it is indeed possible that they cially if it has been a long while since last you port since the outing bears his name); Jeff Perkins were giving these beers away for free at Pinehurst! spoke, and make sure to send me photos and upThanks, Barry, yet again, for your thorough inves- dates! As always, I’ll close by saying, “Goodnight, (ensure Selman can navigate himself to airport arDan Gettings, wherever you are!” tigative reporting from the field! rivals for chauffeur service since his late ’90s flip Finally, as you may have noted from the address phone is not Google Maps capable); Jeff Levenson (bring Kosher treats and ensure the beer tab is block above, Rose Ann and I have relocated from paid); Dave Phillips (bring cigars and tell helicop- Pensacola, Florida, to be closer to our daughter ter war stories, i.e., ‘There I was at 2,000 feet when Bill Wieners all of a sudden ...’); Steve Woolwine (arrive in his apple red 2022 Corvette so people at the Pinecrest Inn will think someone important is staying there); Spruill Thompson (just be good ol’ Southern boy Spruill and hit the golf ball a country mile ... into Hello, ’85! the woods); Greg Cavallaro (act like Jimmy ‘The I have been spending a bit more time in LexingGreek’ and ensure all bets are wagered and recordton this year and have had the opportunity to run ed and handicaps are calculated to your liking and into many of our friends from ’85 and other classin your favor); Bruce Hauck (tell prison stories, es. You never know who is going to turn up! bad jokes, and reminisce about spring break 1984); When I get into town, I camp out at the “Moody Anthony Agostinelli (talk like you never played on the Maury” porches and wait to see what hapgolf then take everyone’s money, AKA ‘Sandbagpens next! I make a few calls to the Class of ’85 ger’); myself (talk like you golf all the time then neighbors living in Lexington and see who shows score 0 points for your team in the Ryder Cup forClass of 1984: Pictured on a recent visit up. Recently, it was a great surprise to hear from mat); a ‘Mink’ named Eddie Smith W&L ’84 (tell to Andy Anderson’s marina in Urbanna, and get a visit from Mark Jackson while he was endless jokes about pickle slicers, avoid getting his Virginia, are (from left) Alex Thompson, Anderson, Mark Morgan, Frank Kollin town hunting turkey and staying at Matt’s farm. neck stuck in a fence, and make transfusion cockmansperger, and Jamie Shoemaker. Mark’s daughter, Lucy, was graduating from Libtails for all); and Tom Greenspon ’85 (clean the erty University with a Bachelor of Science degree toilets daily because, well, you’re a member of the in music and worship; his son, Trevor, is Class of ’85). In closing, daily text mesgraduating from Full Sail University with sages and phone calls were shared with a Bachelor of Science degree in film studBR Wimbish. Lee had emergency suries; and his youngest daughter, Madison, gery two weeks prior to the outing, so he is graduating from Fleming Island High was a late scratch. Thank goodness Lee is School and I believe will be attending doing great, recovering quickly, and will Liberty University in the future. It is albe ready to fulfill his assigned task next ways great to see Mark, and as always/ year (be over-served the last night of the true to form, he bagged what he was huntevent and sleep past the required checking for and came away with a nice gobout time in the morning, thus having to bler which he prepared for me, Matt, and pay for an additional night). In all serihimself for dinner! That was a first for me. ousness, we had a wonderful three days Joe Irby and John Neblett also came to together. As we get older, sharing VMI visit, and we hit Frank’s Pizza uptown for stories and being together is priceless and lunch—that place never changes! I don’t treasured. Looking forward to spending Class of 1984: Gathering for a round of golf in Pinehurst, think I want it to! Joe continues his work time with other BRs next April for our North Carolina, are Jeff Perkins, Barry Coceano, Spruill 40th Reunion!” Thompson, Bruce Hauck, Anthony Agostinelli, Greg Caval- with the VMI Alumni Agencies, and Neb Barry also provided an image of one of laro, Hank Selman, Steve Woolwine, Dave Phillips, and Jeff is building a new home from scratch with Levenson. and for his family on his farm. Building a the most astonishing events of the weeksingle family from scratch on top of his end, so amazing, remarkable, and truly

1985

2023-Issue 3

139

Class Notes 2nd Lieutenant Durham’s oath of office never-ending list of farm honey dos and in the Marine Corps Museum in front of honey don’ts! That is amazing! Add in the infamous flags raised over Mount Suall the fun when he starts telling us about ribachi during the battle for Iwo Jima. For everything going on up there at the farm the first time in years, the Marine Corps with all their critters and projects? Wow! displayed both flags side by side, providAnd Neb calls that retirement!? Wow! Go ing an outstanding backdrop for the moget ’em, Neb! Tankers lead the way! mentous occasion and continuing VMI I went to the Memorial Parade on post legacy. RVM! ’85! ’88! ’22!” and ran into Spencer and Eleanor WilI got a note from Steve Hagan and Tom liamson, who were in town to see their Greenspon that they invaded Arizona son, Thomas ’23, graduate with the Class again for their annual Phoenix golf safaof 2023! Congrats to Thomas Williamri, and so displeased with them were the son ’23. I also heard from Shane Sulligods of golf that it snowed! Ha! Well, if van that his son, George, will be attending VMI in the fall! Congrats, big daddy! Class of 1985: Gathering at the Phoenix golf safari held that does not tell ya something, nothing In November, I was remiss to menin Phoenix, Arizona, in February 2023 are Danks Burton, will! But, of course, what did they do? Al Comer ’86, Tom Greenspon, Mark Bornhorst, Scotty Played and burped their way through it, tion that there was a T.C. and Jody PulVaughn, Steve Hagan, George Halages, Bill Bowman, and as we would expect! RVM! In attendance ly sighting in Lexington for The Citadel Hugh Hill. this year were Steve Hagan; Tom Greengame, and it was so nice to catch up with spon; Mark Bornhorst; Scotty Vaughn; them; it had been way too long. They are George Halages; Danks Burton; Bill Bowman; still living in Richmond, and T.C. is keeping RichHugh Hill (without his monkey!); and last but mond clean! not least, a fan favorite, the incomparable Sgt. Al I got a quick email from Scott Miller, who inComer ’86! forms, “I’m living in Tallahassee, Florida, with On the new baby front! I am pleased to inform my wife and two sons, working as a lawyer with you that Meade and Leslie King were blessed with a government agency doing legal defense to indithe arrival of their first grandson, Wilson. Tom and gent people. Greetings to all.” Stacy Greenspon were blessed with the arrival of I had a chance to sit with J.J. Wranek and Dave their first grandson, Hank! I know that there are Tingley for lunch at Salerno’s Pizza when I got more lovely grandchildren coming into the world into town, and the food and beer are still really of ’85, so please feel free to share the news and good there! Come back to Lexington and enjoy! pictures. It is one of the greatest joys there is to It was J.J.’s 60th birthday, so we celebrated with welcome a new soul into the world to brighten some beer, pizza, and chocolate brownies! Had the the universe up just a bit more! Good luck to both whole place to ourselves! Then a couple of weeks families! later, we rolled right into Dave Tingley’s 60th not I am happy to share that several of us attendshortly thereafter, and Dave and Jennifer Tingley Class of 1985: Mark Jackson at “Moody on the Maury.” ed the wedding of Mark and Deb Carroll’s son had a nice gathering at their home on the Hill with Thomas, in Highlands, North Carolina. Neil and John Pollock, J.J. and Cathy Wranek, Matt and Kate Lowenstein, George and Rose Ann HalagCathy Daniel, Joe Irby, and Ken and Charon es, Dan and Patti Murphy, Mark and Ann BornHirlinger all in attendance, as well as many other horst, and William Tilling were all in attendance. family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate Dave’s It was a great weekend and event. big day! The food, chocolate cupcakes, and carrot Finally, I heard from both John Powers and cake were a huge hit! Wow! It was a nice afterSteve Medeiros regarding the graduation of John’s noon together! son, Ben, from Norwich, where Steve attended to Hope Rowlett sent me some great pictures of commission Ben into the nuclear Navy! Ben has Col. W.G. Rowlett commissioning his rat dyke’s a twin brother, Garret, who also recently accepted daughter at Quantico in March, and I have includa commission in the U.S. Army after completing ed one here with: “Class of 1985, 1988, and 2022 his undergrad at WPI in Massachusetts. Congratrepresent! On March 25, 2nd Lieutenant Carson is ulations to the Powers family and the boys! Steve, Durham ’22 graduated U.S. Marine Corps Officer you look good in that uniform! When you told me Candidate School, class 242. Her father, Mr. Brian it still fit you, I gotta tell ya, I got very, very, very Durham ’88, and Colonel Wilfred G. Rowlett, confused! Sandals optional! Ready two! Where is were present for the graduation. Brian was Colonel Class of 1985: Joe Irby and John Neblett at “Moody on the Maury.” your cool hat? Pffft! Rowlett’s dyke and a member of the VMI footI hope all of you will take the time to please ball and baseball teams. Colonel Rowlett provided

140

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes

Class of 1985: U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Carson Durham ’22 (center) is pictured at her officer candidate school graduation March 25 alongside her father, Brian Durham ’88, and retired U.S. Army Col. Wilfred G. Rowlett. shoot me an email about how you all are whenever you have a minute. I really would like all of us to close ranks and enjoy this next chapter of our lives together, however we can. As always, may God bless our country, our men and women in uniform, the Corps of Cadets, VMI, our VMI family, and our VMI friends. RVM ’85! ’85! ’85! Stay safe and well.

1986

Clint Hubbard

Well, here it is; time for another go-around of the comings and goings of the mighty Class of 1986. Sadly, we start this installment with a double whammy of sad news, as we lost two brother rats in the first quarter of 2023. John Kiefer passed away from a sudden brain aneurysm in late February. Several BRs made it to the funeral home for the calling hours, and several more represented ’86 at the funeral, where Steve Pancham delivered the eulogy. It seems that John and Steve had been classmates since elementary school. They both went to Benedictine College

2023-Issue 3

Preparatory School in Richmond and then came to VMI together, where they were roommates. John had not been really active with the Class of ’86 activities, but that was due to the fact he was busy being a great husband and father. It was a steady refrain from all his family members that our BR Kiefer was very proud of his affiliation with VMI and the Class of 1986. That was a two-way street, as I know we all remember John for his big heart and his bigger personality that exuded love and brotherhood. Within a week or so of John’s passing came the other sad news that Scott Bradley had also passed away. BR Bradley, or “Droopy” as most of us called him, experienced a sudden illness and then lapsed into a coma. According to Steve Thacker, he seemed to be improving, but fate dictated otherwise (kidney and liver failure), and we lost another good man from our ranks. For much of his working career, Scott had worked overseas in a variety of engineering jobs, always keeping Baltimore as his home base. BR Bradley never married but is survived by his sister and a long-time girlfriend. I understand there was a small memorial service for Scott in mid-April, but not sure any BRs were able to attend. Present at the service or not, BR Bradley will live on in our memories as a fun-loving guy and in our hearts as a great brother rat. Whenever the roll is called of the mighty Class of 1986, the names of Bradley, S.E., and Kiefer, J.F., will be shouted from the sentinel box as two fine men and $#%@ good brother rats. Make God bless them and grant them eternal rest. At the calling hours for BR Kiefer, it was great to see Scott Hunter. BR Hunter has been busy raising and educating his family; several of his kids were on their way to VMI but stopped in Charlottesville and went to UVA

instead—imagine that. BR Hunter said he has been busy on the weekends doing competition BBQ for the past 15 years. In addition to his engineering day job, Scott has been spending two to three weekends per month on the road from Florida to Maine in competitive contests, where he said he represented a local restaurant and met with a fair amount of success and trophies. I swear, if we can get BR Hunter affiliated with Dave Grimm and George Sheild, our tailgates will be off the charts. I can see it now, the professional tailgate catering firm of Grimm, Hunter, and Sheild—or maybe Sheild, Hunter, and Grimm so their acronym can be “SHuG—Sweetest Tailgate Ever.” Can’t wait to see the lines outside that food truck on the Parade Ground during a football weekend. And speaking of Baltimore, we’ve had a couple of (Steve) Thacker interactions in the past quarter. Often that could include law enforcement, but that will come later. We spoke several times as Steve

Class of 1986: Scott and Tyra Wagner, host and hostess, at the class birthday party in May 2023.

Class of 1986: Brother rats gather for a class birthday party at the headquarters of Custom View Windows and Doors in Richmond, Virginia, in May 2023.

141

Class Notes passed along the news of Scott Bradley and was able to wrestle an update out of him as well as a face-to-face visit—more on the visit in a moment. BR Thacker is still killing it in the investment business with Verdence Capital Advisors in Hunt Valley, Maryland. He and Debbie live on the north side of Baltimore and have raised and educated three great daughters—the Thackerettes. After a successful playing career there, oldest daughter Sydni is a lacrosse coach at St. Mary’s College in southern Maryland, which is the new domicile of one, each, C.J. Steenburgh, but more on him in just a bit. The middle Thackerette, Riley, is a pediatric nurse in Washington, D.C. And last but not least, Samantha is a first-team All-American lacrosse player at the University of Denver. You read that correctly; finally, a Thacker with some athletic ability. Obviously, the girls take after their mother! Just kidding, Toasterhead; I’m sure you’re proud as punch of those young ladies—and rightfully so. In last quarter’s edition, we had a little Rat Bible revival line of questions about the BR who married someone with the last name Midgette, has a cat named Chicken, and was a private for three years until he became a regimental staffer as a 1st Class cadet/five-year man. If you answered Wayne Fuller, you got it. Our BR Fuller came back as a 1st Class cadet in fall 1986 and had written a computer program for a more efficient means of transferring the bone sheets from the guard team to the commandant’s office. Capt. Willcockson rewarded Wayne with a spot as a regimental staff lieutenant, as he needed to see to that transfer every day at DRC. Go look it up in the ’87 Bomb if you don’t believe me. Probably the only time that has happened in the history of the Institute. Speaking of the commandant’s office, Tom Buckley checked in from New Jersey to say hello and let us know that he has written a script for a political docu-drama called Then Came Putin. He submitted it to the Boston Screenplay Awards and got a quarterfinal award recognition. It was also submitted to the Cannes Film Awards, and Tom says he’s received multiple offers of representation to help “improve” his chances for award/production. Pretty cool stuff, as far as I can tell. Outside of writing, BR Buckley has taken early retirement and does a lot of volunteer work with a group that sends English language books to Taiwan to facilitate their English literacy. Thanks for the update, Tom, and keep us posted on the Cannes Film Festival. Another check-in came from Powhatan, Virginia’s favorite son, Gene Walton, who reached out with thanks for the remembrance of his dad in the

142

Class of 1986: Pictured at the class birthday party in May 2023 are (from left) Roy Woolwine, Frank Trice, Dan Monahan, Steve Thacker, and Gordon McKinley.

Class of 1986: U.S. Army Col. Vince Carag (left) and Marty Mason at the commissioning ceremony for the Class of 2023 in Cameron Hall May 15.

last edition. Gene is retired from Dominion Power after 30-some years and keeps himself busy now volunteering for the American Cancer Society and the Powhatan Christmas Mother. He also volunteers at a local animal shelter and walks some of the dogs who are awaiting adoption. That sounds like three worthwhile causes, and we’d expect no less from our BR Walton. Gene said he would try to join the RVA crowd on Taco Tuesday sometime at the 804 Bistro. We look forward to seeing you, Gene. Our favorite “living the good life” BR, Stewart L. Barnes, esquire, is doing just fine—and I can prove it. Stewart (and Susan’s) eldest daughter, Annie, got married in 2022, plans for which were made in 2021 when the roller coaster of rules that were the pandemic protocols still loomed large overhead. So, the wedding took place in 2022, but the reception was moved out until 2023, held earlier this year at the tony Shenandoah Club in Roanoke, Virginia, where our honorable BR Barnes is a member. It was a lovely event with a wonderful meal, a well-stocked bar, and a band that was termed as “legit” by Stewart’s son, Ryland. They may not quite have been on par with The Strain featuring Sammy Shako, but they could have opened for Sammy. Even lovelier were the guests to include the following BRs and their better halves: Alvin “No. 10 in the program, but No. 1 in our hearts” Comer, Phil “Get that Bud Light outta here and give me a real beer” Howard, Mark “I’m a pilot who leaves the cockpit door open just praying someone will come in and try to start something” Laughon, and Jon “It took me six weeks to get from Mathews to Roanoke in a sailboat” Moody, as well as your dedicated class agent. As always, it was nice to see the grandparents of the bride, Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Barnes ’59, who are doing well. On behalf of the Class of 1986, congratulations to the bride and groom, Annie and Vernon. Well, the place to be in mid-March was at the world headquarters of Custom View LLC in Richmond, Virginia. Thanks to the gracious hosting by Scott and Tyra Wagner, we celebrated the 40th class birthday with a full-on party. There were about 40 plus BRs and dates in attendance. The food was plentiful, and the bar was open—capably attended by Meredith Baldasare ’16 (who is part of the team at Custom View). In no particular order (and I’ll apologize if I omit a name), the attendees included Scott Wagner, Dave Grimm, Mark Laughon, Art Ryan, Robert Nussey, Jim Taggart, Scott Diehl, Scott Ingram, Brett Hayes, Roy Woolwine, Mike Colletti, Paul Burch, Frank Trice, Tim Spivey, Andy Mason,

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes Dave Miller, Rob Mason, Tony Hirtz, Keith Byron, Jeff Morgan, Tom FitzPatrick, Mark Black, Steve Thacker, Steve Pancham, Bryan Amsel, Gordon Poindexter, Jon Moody, Jay Ball, Joe Schinstock, Pat Farrell, Todd McCullough, Bob Rainer, John Stevens, Cy Kump, Dan Monahan, Bob Cabell, Sam Hayes, Mikey Calkins, Gordon McKinley, and your dedicated class agent. It was a delightful evening with a bunch of wonderful old friends celebrating a shared achievement from our youth and an early milestone that we’ve all built upon as we’ve made our way through life. We are VMI men through and through, and each one of us has lived up to the mantle we collectively earned from the Class of 1983 when we proved to them that we were worthy of the title of VMI cadet. I suspect that most of us feel that sharing the title of brother rat with you magnificent $%@%&#!* is one of the treasures of our lifetimes. I know I do. Thanks to Scott and Tyra for conceiving the idea of the grand party and then executing it in style. Words seem inadequate, but your effort and hospitality were so very much appreciated by every one of us. In addition to the pure fun, wonderful food, and warm fellowship, part of the evening included the presentation to me of a VMI sabre engraved with my name on it from the entire class in appreciation for my service as your class agent. There are few times when I am at a loss for words, but this was one of them. It touched my heart deeply, and I couldn’t hold my emotions at bay. I am so very thankful to be a member of the VMI Class of 1986, and it is a great honor to be your class agent and try to keep our bonds strong and our relationships with one another intact. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the love and brotherhood you always extend to me. As I often say, in a strictly platonic and heterosexual way, I love every one of you and am so proud to be your brother rat. I should also add a thanks to my wife, Amy, who does her best to understand the VMI brother rat brotherhood and wholeheartedly supports my involvement in all the activities and occasional shenanigans. I couldn’t do what I do without her support. Finally, I have never viewed the class agent position as “mine” by divine right or otherwise. I accepted the role because I was asked (actually, told) to serve by Tim Spivey at the 15th Reunion. I’ve been the class agent for about 22 years and am willing to continue in the role. This seemed to be affirmed as acceptable by the attendees at the 40th class birthday party. Just know that I serve at the pleasure of the class and BR Tim Spivey. Up above, I mentioned Chuck Steenburgh. BR

2023-Issue 3

Class of 1986: Paul Burch and Tom FitzPatrick at the class birthday party in May 2023. Steenburgh checked in just under the wire for submission with an update from St. Mary’s, Maryland. Ol’ Chuckster recently wound up his first academic year at St. Mary’s College in their marketing and communications office. He informs that he will reinvent his alter-ego, the Sports Photo Guy, for a couple of Keydet games this fall at North Carolina State and at Davidson. Chuck reports that all is well in southern Maryland and that he had a sighting and brief visit recently with Eric “Walt” Whiteman, who lives in Virginia Beach but works for the Navy and visits Patuxent occasionally. They bumped into one another at a local industry dinner event. BR Steenburgh says that Matt Baker is allegedly in the area, but no sightings as of yet. But he’s only been there for a year. Heck, Matt Baker’s old roommate, Tim Young, has not been seen or heard from in 37 years. Thanks for the update, Chuck. A few random potshots and quick hits: By the time you’re reading these notes, Fork Union Military Academy will have installed a new president. Our very own Mark Black will officially take the reins in the summer. More details to follow in a later edition. Also, the installation ceremony might offer a chance for a live sighting of Dave Wallace, who retired from law enforcement and now works part-time at FUMA. The long arm of the law in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Judge John Hart, checks in periodically to keep his finger on the pulse of the state of affairs at the Institute and the world in general. I have every confidence that he is pure giddy with the prospect

of the Josh Harris group buying the Washington Football Team formerly known as the Redskins. As evidenced by the picture you saw in the last edition, there were a few BRs at the General Assembly reception in mid-February. In the picture were Pat Farrell, Steve Pancham, Jamie Inman, and your dedicated class agent, who endeavors never to miss a reception or open bar. Brett Hayes was also there but bugged out before we snapped the photo. Or maybe we waited until he left to take the picture? Naw, we wouldn’t do that! Speaking of Steve Pancham, it seems there may have been a meeting of the Steves in San Antonio when he connected with Steve Gray, and they visited The Alamo. I hope they had a few cervezas and maybe a slab of red meat or some BBQ, too. Good on you two gents for connecting. We received a thank you note from Cadet Grant Martin ’25, who is the current recipient of the Class of 1986 Memorial Scholarship. Cadet Martin is a soccer player majoring in electrical and computer engineering. If you think about it, you may designate any gift to the Institute to be directed toward funding this scholarship. I’m not sure if it is a full ride just yet, but it is a substantial annual scholarship, nonetheless. From Austin by God Texas, Vince Carag checked in with a quick update. He was in Los Angeles for a conference with the International Association of Chiefs of Police and ran across a deputy chief from the Arlington County Police who had been trained by our BR Jim Daly. BR Carag said the officer in question was very strict and squared away, just like our BR Daly. Vince was planning to make a trip to Virginia and Lex-Vegas in May to commission a graduating 1st Class cadet and was looking forward to seeing any other BRs who may be walking about at the Institute. He was looking for Marty Mason, but then again, so were the Post Police. Let’s hope Vince found Marty first. Speaking of walkabout at the Institute, Keith Byron, Gordon Poindexter, and your dedicated class agent were at the Institute in early May for the Alumni Association Board of Directors meeting. (We were there as spectators.) While walking around post on Friday evening, Lord Byron had on a shirt emblazoned with “Class of 1986.” A stalwart young cadet stopped us and asked about it. Turns out it was Cadet John Chesson ’25, who is the son of our BR John Chesson. Young John says Big John is alive and well, living in California, and retired from the FBI. Young John was a fine specimen of a citizen-soldier and an engaging young man. A chip off the old man’s block, to be sure. Well, that’s a wrap for this quarter. Remember to

143

Class Notes Institute. Tim recently sold his landscaping business and is looking for the next adventure. Eric Davis travels the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast territory for a surgical glove manufacturer. He retired from the Navy, running operating rooms at military hospitals, and now has moved to a more sales-oriented role. He told me he runs into Dr. Neal Naff reguWilliam J. McCarthy larly in Baltimore during his trips. Most of us were talking about “the date,” i.e. when we are all going to retire! Some are sooner than others, but the time is drawing near to be sure. Spoke with Ralph “Rock” Hudson. He was celebrating his 29th wedding anniversary and birthHope you enjoyed the class notes last quarter! day on the same weekend. He has lived outside Amazing how much can happen in a 90-day periRaleigh, North Carolina, and mentioned that he od. Keep the notes, information, and pictures comstays in touch with the North Carolina ’87 BRs ing. like Scott Jewell and Tom Struckmeyer. Warren Michelsen is still out in Washington Jim Greene and I caught up for an hour, talking state running the region for Trane Corporation. He about the good ol’ days. Jim and his wife, Lori, just said life is good with his family and that he does got back from a trip to Key West with Rob Hinget east often to see his BRs. He promised me he son and Mark and Cheryl Barth. Kevin and Mawould make a strong effort to come to the 40th ria Reardon were not able to make it, unfortunatenow that the kids are grown and out of the house. ly. Jim said he stays in touch with Ted Fishback Jason Shepherd lives in Georgetown, Kentucky, during his layovers in Hartford, Connecticut. Jim which is outside of Lexington. I was able to hook has been with Pratt and Whitney for 23 years after up with him a few years back when my daughter his stint in the Air Force. Jim and Lori have a son, had swim meets at the University of Kentucky. His Riley, who is in 8th grade. College tours are just two boys are out of the house while the twin girls Class of 1987: Pictured celebrating the around the corner. are in their freshman year of college. He travels for retirement of Col. Robert “Bob” PhilReynolds Renshaw recently purchased a cabin the government pretty frequently and tries to conlips are Reid Garst, Tracy Porter, Virginia Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Lapthe in the Shenandoah Valley not far from me in Winnect with BRs when he is in the area. Flora, Phillips, Col. Charles Caudill, Sam tergreen. He has been flying gliders up and down Paul Duray resides outside of Frederick, MaryNelson, Scott Jewell, Curt SchoonmakInterstate 81 for the last few years. I look forward land, and I could best describe him as semi-retired. er, Jerry Temple, and U.S. Army Lt. Col. to getting together with him in the near future. He retires, and then one of his contacts will call John Ferguson. Not pictured are Paul Back in the day, Rennie and I spent a lot of time on and ask him to come back. Paul has been involved Munson and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Tripp Bowles. the Northern Virginia shuttle bus back and forth to in the emergency management field for many the Institute over the holidays as rats and 3rds. He years. As many have seen in posting on social mementioned what a great time he had at dia, Paul is an avid Mini owner, and he the reunion and hopes to make contact enjoys gathering up with other enthusimore frequently with other BRs. asts at car jamborees. We both agreed Spoke with Maj. Gen. Lapthe Flowe need to track down Brett Shepard, ra, who is still at the Virginia Army his roommate and my former nextNational Guard. He retired from ITT door neighbor in Atlanta. Night Vision/L3 Harris after a 30-plusTracy Porter is living the farm life year career. He still is with the National on a farm outside of West Point, VirGuard and spends a lot of time in Hoginia. He retired with 20 from the innolulu at INDOPACOM. fantry and has been working as a farmMark Bartholf is living the low er/welder/teacher over the years. He country life in South Carolina along raises chickens, pigs, and goats when with Bill Wanovich, Dr. Paul Russo, he is not working his own land, and he Bob Buxton, and Drew Campi. Mark consults with small farmers through Class of 1987: Attending the VMI track reunion in February 2023 was on his way to Turks and Caicos for the Virginia State University extension are (back row, from left) Keith Washington, Jack Ditt ’83, Coach program to offer tips of the trade. Mike Bozeman, Michael Maxwell, (front row) Bobby Blackwell, a quick R&R weekend for his birthday. I had a quick chat with Scott Yum to At the end of February, Jon McCoach Wade Williams, Coach Reggie Williams ’83, and Terry Forfind out what he has been up to lateLean had a layover in Richmond, and tune. ly. Scott still lives in Northern Virginia. I was able to get a decent crew out on a keep your heads down and follow through. “Be the ball.” And reach out to a BR to keep those bonds strong and tight.

1987

144

school night. Jon flies 737s for American Airlines based out of Princeton, New Jersey. Jon will be upgrading planes this summer and training in Dallas for the month of June. Tim Chester, Ted Fishback, Eric Davis, and I had a great time telling the stories of days long ago. Ted Fishback is a pilot for JetBlue and flies out of Boston, although he lives in Richmond. Ted and his fellow Benedictine alum, Tim Chester, told some side-splitting stories about our time at the

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes ’87, along with many other athletes He decided to take a sabbatical during from the ’80s and ’90s. He said he had COVID-19, and now he is trying to a blast reuniting with old friends and figure out what his next adventure will teammates at the Institute. be. Personally, I have spent more time Michael “Max” Maxwell reportwith Wilson Brown in the last six ed in from the first annual Florida ’87 months than I did for the last 30 years. gathering. “Hey, BRs! I wanted to give He was in Richmond visiting, and we you a report on the ‘mini reunion’ we ran over to see Kevin Reardon at Franhad with our BRs here in New Smyrco’s for some laughs. As we were drivna Beach, Florida. We had Jay Nagle, ing around, he casually says, “I talked Adrian Garcia, Drew Campi, Bill to T.K. Farleigh earlier in the week.” McCarthy, Wilson Brown, Jim Bean, What?! I almost wrecked the car. T.K. Kevin Price, Jon McLean, Gerry Terhas been on Dog’s “most wanted” list, tychny, Monte Ferguson, H. Byrne, Class of 1987: Fishing in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, in April 2023 and any sighting or verbal contact is Steve Cade, Carl Feddeler, and Hugh are Mike Maxwell, Kevin Price, Wilson Brown, and Bill McCarthy. a rare and special occasion. The last I Bettendorf all converged on New had seen or really talked to my fellow Smyrna Beach in April at Jay Nagle’s Alpha BR was at Wilson’s wedding so many years home to share fellowship and catch up with each. any and all suggestions. This event happened organically and was inspired During this quarter, Col. Bob Phillips an- ago. (Full disclosure, we did bump into each othby both Adrian and Jay Nagle talking often about nounced his retirement from the Institute and mil- er at a restaurant 10 or so years ago). Needless to the fact that we have so many brother rats moving itary life. Many BRs traveled to Lexington to at- say, Wilson and I called him immediately and had to and in Florida, and they thought we should get tend the parade honoring Chaplain Bob’s service a great time catching up, and he is looking forward together. After much back and forth, they figured to the Institute. Sam Nelson, Paul Munson, Tracy to full re-engagement with VMI ’87. He is a partner at Baskervill, a local engineering firm here in New Smyrna was central on the east coast, and Jay Porter, Reid Garst, John Ferguson, Lapthe FloRichmond. could host events at his house. Actually, Jay was ra, Scott Jewell, Jeff Temple, Curt SchoonmakAnother local Richmonder who has resurfaced ‘voluntold’ by Adrian, and he was more than will- er, and Chaplain Caudill were in attendance. after a quick call is D.T. Wood. D.T. is currently ing to volunteer. And I have to say, Jay and DebGreg Scott told me he retired from Dominorah were phenomenal and gracious hosts at their ion Energy a few years back and is busy chasing at Honeywell and lives nearby. He is looking forward to getting together with the locals the next beautiful home.” grandkids. He stays is looking forward to getting time we convene. I got him in touch with some I will echo Max’s analysis and double down on together at future events. what a great time we had. It was a great group of There was a mini reunion of past Southern Con- BRs in Florida, as his daughter is working as an guys from completely different careers and back- ference track athletes and their coaches (Wade and intern at Disney in Orlando. Terry Sutherland is still working at the Small grounds sharing one common bond ... ’87, ’87, Bozeman) during the spring at VMI. Keith WashBusiness Administration. I asked him if he was ’87! The hope is to bring the roadshow to different ington, Bobby Blackwell, Terry Fortune, and retired since he posts pictures from all over the areas of the country in the future, and I am open to Mike Maxwell spent the weekend representing world. He assures me that he will be grinding for a few more years. I played a lot of phone tag and shared a lot of texts with other BRs. My goal is to make contact with the entire class this year. Pete Hansen and his son are practicing law together and riding horses, according to the website. Tom Struckmeyer is still living in North Carolina with his family. His Facebook posts of his latest 10-mile run are inspiring. Speaking of running, our favorite ultramarathoner, Doug Flynn, will be visiting Richmond this summer, and I should have a full update in the next quarterly. The Class of ’87 has a few people abroad. I plan on seeing Steve Tooker in Wales or Edinburgh this summer when we go over the pond. Craig Covert Class of 1987: Attending a mini reunion in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, in April 2023 are is living in London, and out of the blue, Mike Ev(top row, from left) Harold Byrne, Carl Feddeler, Mike Maxwell, Bill McCarthy, Kevin ans checked in from Germany. Price, Drew Campi, Jay Nagle, Jon McLean, Gerry Tertychny, (front row) Hugh BettenFrom Mike Evans: “Greetings from Germany! dorf, James Bean, Wilson Brown, Adrian Garcia, Monte Ferguson, and Steve Cade. Thanks for the birthday wishes. I can’t believe that

2023-Issue 3

145

Class Notes Mike Beyer, myself, and Andy Tate most of us have made it at least 58 ’92. As always, we appreciate BR times around the sun. As I texted, John Keppeler organizing the lunch I am still in the game (military) ... events, even though he was unable even at our advancing age. My CG to attend this one due to a work obis Lieutenant General Aguto, who is ligation. West Point ’88 and a year younger. Brother Rat Bill Cronenberg was But there are a few other aged-out in the area on business from Estograndpas out here, so I am not a tonia and was able to attend the Alumtal anomaly. I should be in Florida ni Association annual meeting and with my grandkids feeding ice cream Alumni Association board meeting cones to seagulls, but my overlords along with John Keppeler and me. I thought I was good for another go. In will limit my commentary regarding any case, I am reasonably certain that the annual meeting to a few areas I this will be my last hurrah. found interesting. I was pleased with “After this, I plan to return to the remarks made by the superintenNorthern Virginia and hopefully Class of 1988: Gathering for lunch in Fredericksburg, Virginia, April dent, Maj. Gen. Wins ’85, regarding work as an Army civilian for another 28 are (from left) Tom Kennedy, Hugh McMenamin, Derek McFarthe current state of the Corps and the 10 years or so. I need to have a purland, Sam Tate, Mike Beyer, Ed Wetherell, and Andy Tate ’92. admissions challenges and the meapose and am not quite ready to retire sures that he and the staff are taking just yet. If anyone is passing through to address those challenges. In short, he is aware, Cronenberg and John Keppeler. As you are reWiesbaden, then please ask them to give me a shout. I live in a CHU, but at least it is a nice CHU. ceiving this edition of the Alumni Review, we are engaged, and took ownership. An area of particular interest to me is regarding ROTC scholara few short weeks from our 35th Reunion on the “Hope this finds you keeping well. Thanks for ship recipients. A few of the other senior military taking on the burden of being our class biogra- weekend of Oct. 27–28. If you have not done so already, I hope that you will make plans to attend, colleges have been providing scholarship funds pher.” and if you need more information, please reach to ROTC scholarship recipients that cover all college costs not covered by the ROTC funding. out either via email or cell. BR Derek McFarland will be hosting his an- Starting with the next matriculating class at VMI, nual class campout at his campsite/cabin in west- these costs will be covered for ROTC scholarern Maryland the weekend of Sept. 8–10. Last ship cadets, as well. Maj. Gen. Wins and the adyear, over 20 BRs were able to make it, and we all missions staff estimate that VMI will be able to had a wonderful time. The food is outstanding— attract approximately 100 such cadets with each grilled steaks, potatoes, salad, beer, and good incoming class. The funding for this will cost apwines for dinner, and eggs, pancakes, bacon, and proximately $1 million in the first year and insausage for breakfast. I have never eaten that well crease by $1 million annually until reaching $4 at a camping event in my life. The camaraderie million per year once all four classes in barracks and fellowship are great, with lots of target shoot- are covered. These funds will be provided by the VMI Foundation. ing with handguns and long guns. Please reach Regarding nominations and elections for the out to Derek if you have questions or are interestClass of 1987: Pictured are Owen CurAlumni Association Board of Directors, I exed in attending: dmcfarland88@gmail.com ley, Adrian Garcia, and Bob Eckhoff. Brother Rat Chris Finwood was in the news pect some improvements in those areas over the for reaching his 600th NCAA baseball coach- next year, as well. Currently, alumni must be ing win. Chris has compiled most of those wins present in Lexington to vote. My belief (and during his impressive 12-plus year tenure as the the belief of many other alumni) is that this head coach at Old Dominion University, with a policy and practice is onerous and disenfranEd Wetherell 328-253 record over that span and multiple trips chises alumni. I believe the current board unto the NCAA tournament. If you find yourself in derstands this and will enact an electronic votthe Virginia Beach/Norfolk area during baseball ing system by next year that will allow us to vote from all over the world. I am not certain season, drop in and catch a game. The Monarchs are members of Conference USA, so you might how the board intends to amend the nomination process or candidate selection process, but be able to catch them on the road, as well. Brother Rats, We have had a few class lunches in Northern many alumni present at the meeting, and those I hope this finds you all well. As I write this, I have just returned from the Alumni Association Virginia over the past few months. In attendance writing in, have expressed a desire to broaden the field and to have multiple candidates conannual meeting and board of directors elections at our most recent one were Tom Kennedy, Hugh McMenamin, Derek McFarland, Sam Tate, tending for each board position. in Lexington, which I attended with BRs Bill

1988

146

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes

Class of 1988: U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Sam McCrary ’23 stands with his parents, Pete and Claire McCrary, after the ROTC commissioning ceremony in Cameron Hall May 15. I was able to attend the commissioning ceremony the day of this submission and was able to see BR Pete McCrary and his wife, Claire, who were in Lexington for the commissioning and graduation of their son, Sam McCrary ’23. Sam commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps. I hope to hear from more of you over the next few months and look forward to seeing you all at the reunion! Until then, stay safe, and all the best to you and your families. RVM! Rah, ’88!

1989

David A. Martin

As always, we begin with the money shot: We have some work to do regarding two of the three 1989 scholarships. We appear meager if we cannot get these fully up by reunion! First, the Class of 1989 Military Scholarship, which was established in 2014 to perpetuate the Institute’s great citizen-soldier tradition by providing financial assistance to cadets pursuing a commission in the active, reserve, and guard components of the U.S. Armed Forces. This scholarship funds elements of a VMI education that the ROTC scholarship does

2023-Issue 3

not cover and/or provides financial support to cadets who are formally committed to the pursuit of a commission with the Armed Forces but not receiving an ROTC scholarship. We have about $30,000 in the kitty, and $20,000 is needed to make this operational. Second, the Class of 1989 Athletic Endowment provides unrestricted aid to VMI’s athletic program. We have about $20,000, but the good news with this is that we are actually closer to Nirvana, as we only need $5,000 to make this operational! Give now! Please make your donations to leave a legacy for the deserving cadets, as priority goes to 1989 legacies. We are also seeking OICs for these scholarships. OICs get to stand on the 50-yard line during halftime at some future Keydet game. Even Pete Lampman can’t do that! On a more uplifting note, the 1989 Memorial Scholarship continues. Recent recipients of $4,000-$5,000 include Cadet John McCown ’24, a history major from Mechanicsville, Virginia, and Mark Menia ’23, a computer science major from Virginia Beach, Virginia. Are these recipients’ names familiar? Leaving BRs names out of it, I contacted the fathers of both recipients. One, who shall remain nameless, replied with: “No [sugar]? I had no clue! I just paid the bill, and my son never told me about receiving the scholarship! I guess I owe the entire Class of 1989 a National Bohemian beer!” The other recipient-father stated he had no idea that the scholarship came from 1989. (In terms of messaging the recipients and the Class of 1989, I recently had a great discussion with Meade King ’85, VMI Foundation chief operating officer, who agreed to keep ’89 better informed on scholarship recipients and thresholds. So far, so good!) So please donate now and help a BR and his progeny! ONE-989! Sticking with the scholarship and free beer for the class theme, Derek and Anu McCown’s tailgate hospitality is as legendary as the aftermath of Wednesday’s Chinese beef and pepper night at Crozet Hall: The gift that keeps on giving long after you are sated. Derek reports that he is so pleased with his son’s tuition reduction, he will repay the Class of 1989 dollar for dollar. So, that’s $5,000 per BR, right? Derek recently celebrated our donation to his cause by joining Band Company in their march through New Orleans at Mardi Gras. The video is on the ’89 Facebook page: Derek almost got run over by a tuba. Due mostly to Anu’s expert advice and tutelage, Cadet John McCown ’24 will be the Company I XO next year! Good news for all you “I-Co.” BRs! Likewise, with newfound liquidity in a

checkbook about to burst to overflow, Chris Menia wished to convey gratitude to ’89. Chris writes: “Mark is my youngest, and my wife, Ann, and I knew he had received a scholarship, but we didn’t get many details; the fact that it was from our class—all the more meaningful! Our oldest

Class of 1989: Jim Masella, Paul Mele, and Tom Hernandez celebrate their first-place finish with their No. 89 car in a recent ChampCar Endurance Series event.

Class of 1989: Reenacting Breakout on the anniversary of the day are John Gates, Rob Schnock ’90, and Dan Schnock.

147

Class Notes son, Matthew [’20], graduated in 2020, and his wife, Cara [’21], in 2021. He is a programmer at Jefferson Lab in Newport News, and they blessed Ann and me with a grandson, Ollie (already has a provisional appointment), who just celebrated his first birthday today.” On behalf of ’89, congratulations, Chris and Ann! Chris went on to mention they are still overseas and, after spending two years in Germany, returned to Vicenza, Italy, in support of USAG Italy and 31st CES out of Aviano. Final shameless plug: Maybe we can get those scholarships funded for Ollie! By the time this edition of the notes is in your sweaty little palms (Palms!), it’s probably autumn. Look outside your window. The leaves are changing. Winter is in the air. I am out hunting turkey. And like the squirrel gathering fallen nuts from your oak tree, a veritable plethora of you rare, quiet ’89 nuts were stimulated by some unseen force to write in and send an update. These self-proclaimed “plethora ’89 nut-BRs” (P89NBR for short) who wrote in—whom we do not usually hear from— warm the cockles of our hearts like those wooly pants during the change from summer dyke to winter dyke. We begin in random order ... with preferential treatment to my rat roommate, Rich Sparks! A note from “Sparky” blew me away. Responding to a recent blast that a waning number of BRs were carrying the load in the notes, Rich sent a motherlode of pictures from recent golf outings with a platoon of ’89 Virginia-based BRs. Send those 1MB or larger pics to make them suitable for publication! Looks like Billy Miller, Robb Kerr, Todd Tilley, Gary Sibayan, Gordy Fox, Ned Cox, Ren O’Ferrall, and others were out on the links tearing it up, and from the pictures, they all did great damage to Rich’s 19th hole. Thank you, Rich, for your glorious blast! Speed bonus goes to John Piedmont. Kudos to J.P. for setting the example for others to emulate. “Still happily married and living in Leesburg, Virginia. Still working at the Pentagon for HQMC, and specifically for Lieutenant General Dave Furness ’87. Looking at retirement from that in about a year and a half, whereupon I’ll do something completely different. That’s the plan, at least. BR Wayne Jones drops in from time to time when in Leesburg on his long bike rides up the W&OD. (that’s a long bike trail in the Old Dominion that used to be a rail line.) Always great to see him. I talk to Brother Rat the Major General Paul Pardew when I can, but he seems awful busy for a retired person! I do see BR Chris Ray, who also lives here in Leesburg. I talked a bit recently with

148

BR Mitch Fridley, who seems to be enjoying life. I also ran into Hank Amato at the (original) Bob & Edith’s on Columbia Pike in Arlington!” J.P. also wished to extend an open invite to anyone passing through Northern Virginia. The next entry darn near took us to a whole new level when someone we have not heard from in quite some time (i.e., forever) graced these pages: Dan “the Man” Schnock sent a wonderful note in iambic pentameter that remains a paragon of prose for any biology major. Dan noted that his missive corresponded with his celebration of Breakout (see photo) when he was “getting some chow near home in Jacksonville, Florida.” The Man reports that John Gates is “working up in Warner Robbins, Georgia, with the U.S. Air Force, running a crew and repairing radar systems. He is married to Leigh Ann and has two young men and one young lady that keep him busy. Most of the time, he is running around coaching volleyball and staying in shape; he hasn’t changed a bit and is still in great shape.” Dan’s brother, Rob Schnock ’90, also lives in Jacksonville and works at Danis, a construction company. “He lives about 8 miles from me. I am still married to my Sem girl, Susan, and we have two great kids, Victoria (22) and Daniel Wilson (25), who are both doing great. After my time in the Army for 22 years, I started working for the Wounded Warrior Project and have been lucky enough to continue to serve our brothers and sisters and their families. Love working there. It feels like I’m in a platoon again. Every day I get to engage with alumni (veterans), and every day, I love going to work. Well, hope this finds you well; if anyone is in the Jacksonville area, tell them to contact me, and we can catch up for chow.” Dan, on behalf of the Class of 1989, thank you for your service to our country and your work with WWP! ONE-989! So, by this point, you are probably overwhelmed by all the new material with these fresh nut-BRs P89NBRs writing in! “I can’t take it anymore, Doc!” you are thinking! But wait, there is more ... so much more. Like the gift that keeps on giving, another rare-nut-BR wrote in. Seems that clean living in the tar heel state turned Paul Canada’s hair as white as the Canadian snow that Brian Duffy deals with from his base in Alaska when he handfeeds his pet moose. Anyhow, Paul lives in Chapel Hill, traveling often to see kinfolk in Boone, North Carolina; New York City; and Palo Alto, California. Paul works in marketing analytics for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, and during the COVID-19 lockdown, Zoom called Frank Campion, Mike Mezzacca, Jon Gheen, Jason

Gray, and Mike Biliunas last year. Seems that Paul gets carded to prove he isn’t a senior citizen with his flowing white mane. Nat Cross, sated from the monthly Richmond-based BR breakfast BRC where it looked like Allan Stoneman bought all attendees an extra helping of bacon, sent a great blurb regarding Tom Inge. Tom is executive director of the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation. The WBWF, not to be confused with BRF, under Tom’s expert tutelage, partnered with Project Healing Waters to provide restorative outdoor healing to the veteran community. Tom, thank you for your support to our veteran community. Sticking with the Tom-Tom Club, Tom Hernandez was likewise shamed into sending an update. “You called us out, like a cadre corporal,” writes the ex-4.3 GPA mechanical engineering, Army-option BR. No higher compliment has ever been paid to me, Tom; thank you. “As for me, things are well. I still work for the Department of the Navy as a civilian, but retirement is looming real soon ... more to follow. I can’t wait! I retired from the Virginia Army National Guard three years ago. I run into Brother Rats Paul Mele and Jim Masella frequently; we were foolish enough to start an amateur race team. We bought a $3,500 used car and entered it in the champcar.org racing series; it’s fun just to get out there and turn some laps. We race about three to four times a year. This is our second year, and we already have one victory! Paul is still living in Blacksburg, Virginia, and does some consulting work in business leadership; Jim still lives in Loudoun County and is doing well as a cybersecurity consultant/contractor. I also see Dave Clement once or twice a month; we get together for lunch here on the Norfolk Naval base, where he now works as a government employee

Class of 1989: David Martin, class agent, says of this photo, “From the Nezas archives: Zeke Moore, Dan Bowen, and Steve Nezas need a shower March 3, 1986. Old Corps!”

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes in some kind of Navy training/doctrine group.” Indeed, we are still basking in the warm afterglow of Clement’s and Chris Ogden’s pre-game picture during a recent tailgater on the Parade Ground. Retired life is treating Tom and Missy Fanshaw well. Ireland, Scotland, England, France, and the subcontinent figure prominently in their travel plans, with an open invitation for any Maryland-based BR to supervise their two dogs during their sojourn. Likewise, Steve Nezas (AKA “the Reverend” due to his ordained minister certification) is loving life, and although not retired, is all agog because a) he recently put his 38-foot boat in the water after a long winter’s nap and b) is hosting a BR who shall remain nameless as he travels on sabbatical for the Class of ’89. In closing, this was truly an epic entry in the Review, made possible only by your glorious input. Keep it coming! Remember the scholarships in your giving, and be sure to stay up on the ’89 Facebook page, where we push out reunion info in real time. We are ONE-989!

1990

Daren Payne

Greetings, Fellow Classmates, I hope by the time you read this, everyone is enjoying a great summer, taking vacations, and getting back to work tanned, rested, and ready to go. This reporting period started off with a couple of events for two of our departed BRs. Funeral services for Mint Ralston took place March 27 with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. It was an overcast day fitting the mood, but it was also a great celebration of Col. Ralston, with well over 250 people in attendance, including approximately 34 BRs. The reception following at the Fort Myer’s O-Club was outstanding, and Mint was eulogized and remembered by six or seven guest speakers, including our own BR Maj. Gen. Bill Bowers. Our class traveled from around the country and the world to attend. On hand were out-of-state BRs, including Tim Whitt (Arizona), Dave West (Singapore), Bill Ator (Colorado), Matt Hemenez (California), Steve Roenker, Raynor Garey, Brian Tate (North Carolina), Todd Eckloff (Washington state), Eliot Assimakopoulos (Pittsburgh), and Pat Poon (Florida). Attendees from inside the Beltway were Mike Mullori,

2023-Issue 3

J.P. Lanzillota, Hunter Trumbo, Chris Watson, Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, Pete Finan, and Brian Burchette. Others on hand from across the region were Chris Dixon, Jack Roman, Jeff Kaster, Charles Plageman, and John Hahn. During the spring, we had a number of BRs tooling around post. I met Barry Johnson at the boxing national championships. (VMI finished second in the nation!) Barry also returned for a baseball game with Hal Jones and let me know he is in touch with Mike Doczi, who is now working in Kansas on a temporary assignment, and Kelly Bledsoe, with whom he attends Sunday school in Roanoke. Chris Callahan came to post for a visit during his son’s spring break and also to visit family home places and historic sites between Lexington and his home in Long Island. C.J. Bodnar was in town right before that as a guest speaker at the annual Environment Virginia Conference hosted by VMI. Dennis Fogler was also on post with his son for Legacy Day at the end of April, along with BRs Hahn, George Palomar, and Chip Chenery bringing kids up for the event. Of course, Pat O’Leary is still here on a regular basis as our chief of counsel, and BRs Ramon Williams and Charles Plageman continue their work with the Alumni Agencies. Locally, I see or talk with Joey Jones, Keith Kornegay, Matt Schwarzmann, Neal Whitmore, and Chris Larlee on a regular basis, and all are doing well. Flooding into post to either attend graduation or to pick up cadets heading out for the summer this weekend were A.J. Johnson, Buddy Garbett (who is sending son No. 3 into the Corps in the fall), Kevin Hanford, John Cabell, Ramil Ibanez, and Jim Manning. I also was able to score invites to graduation parties hosted by Dave Rich and Pete Mantz. BR Rich’s son commissioned into the U.S. Army, while the Mantz and Cabell kids are off to the U.S. Navy after graduation. The unanimous consensus among all those with kids here is just how fast four years really flies by. Also on hand for graduation was the U.S. Marine Corps speaker and commissioning officer, our own U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Bill Bowers. This marks the second time our class has provided a commissioning officer, with Lt. Gen. Dan Caine representing the Air Force a couple of years ago. From farther away received a note from Finnie Coleman, our class vice president, in New Mexico: “By way of update, I am in my last year as president of the faculty senate here at UNM. I have

Class of 1990: Attending Legacy Day on post April 29 are Dennis Fogler, Chip Chenery, George Palomar, John Hahn, and their sons. not yet decided whether or not I will return to an administrative position unless something brought me back east. I have loved my sojourn in the desert. We raised two kids out here in Albuquerque; one is at the University of Miami, and the other is an aspiring chef. Doris and I have been married for 20 years now. I see Greg Hatchett often, and Andy England just took over this territory in his job, so I hope to see him from time to time, as well. Have dearly missed my BRs over the years. I am looking forward to our next reunion and look forward to connecting with you.” I know Finnie has run into Gray Riddick fairly recently in New Mexico, but no word on Chris Chretien or Garrett Peck, whose last known whereabouts were in New Mexico (it’s also about time for Peck to publish another book, isn’t it?). Also checking in via email were Dennis Bundens (with the FBI), Cal Lloyd (Tennessee), Bob Butler (Virginia), and Chip McWilliams (practicing law when not operating an arms dealership in Georgia). I got additional notes from Don Bowman, who is in Southwest Virginia, Chris Phillips (also practicing law in Georgia when not doing duty as a captain in the Navy JAG corps), Luis Delvalle (South Dakota), and Sean Hoover, who is diligently working to finish Army Command and General Staff College in time for his next promotion board in the Army Reserve. Sam Stocks also reached out to me, and I’m grateful to say he’s done a stellar job of hiring recent VMI graduates at his KBS firm over the years—many thanks to Sam for all his work with VMI and our new graduates. Finally, I got an email from Sal Bora out in California, who wanted to know the branch

149

Class Notes breakdown for the Army guys commissioning; As usual, if you are not getting my regular I think he asked the question just to prove he is emails, please contact me, and I will add you to the list. We are now up to about 240 BRs on the paying attention. From LinkedIn, I see that Andy Schaff just distro. Hope everyone has a great summer and started a new position as managing director at look forward to seeing you all back on post for a NightHawk Aircraft LLC, and Bill Arnold is the visit or a ball game this fall. Go Keydets! Daren Payne director of Blue Diamond Recreation nonprofit helping kids in Texas. There was also a great photo of Terrence Kerner cutting the ribbon on his firm’s new Wilmington office. Over at ECS Engineering firm, BRs Rob Gudz Chuck Story and Bill Gaspar continue to excel. As of this Class of 1991: Attending the memorial writing, Rob was on his way to the SAME conChris Edmonston service for Winn Phillips are (from left) vention in San Antonio, and BR Gaspar is runFrank Louthan, Brent Wertz, and David ning the firm’s Fredericksburg, Virginia, office. Manning. Tony Zang in Atlanta appears to have raised $51,441 last year for the Leukemia and LymphoI’m in the boating business, and the season has ma Societies’ Light the Night charity fundraiser started. I spent last week up on Capitol Hill loblast year to support that great cause. bying Congress on a wide array of waterways isOver text messaging, Dave McGraw continues sues, from dredging and fisheries management to to operate a common sense, conservative group the economic impact of boating and job creation. Sorry guys, kind of short notes this go around. text chat with the likes of Jeff Kaster, Jamie SeMet with 14 members of Congress and the Sentze, and several other alumni/BRs I cannot easily ate over the week—definitely the least fun part of identify, but I suspect maybe Steve Linder and my job. I did get a chance to go rockfish fishing a possibly Rob Greenway are on there? week or two ago—they were out of season, but I In the long-lost BRs column, there are a few still caught a ton. who have not been heard from in far too long as When not boating, I do enjoy hunting and went we approach the 33rd anniversary of our graduaTexas feral hog hunting with Jim Pugel, Chris tion. I’m looking for Ken Markwalter, Tom TalIsakov, and Rob Edwards this spring. We were ley, Tim Sullivan, John Stehn, Rick Kimmel, going in a helicopter, but it couldn’t get off the Jack Ellis, and Steve Knieling or Max Guggenground with our collective weight in it. heimer. Been way too long since I heard from This is also graduation season—I have TWO any of you guys and would love to catch up! graduating college this year—instant pay raise! Speaking of catching up, by the time you read Would love to get some pics of you and yours this, our 35th Reunion will be two years out, and Class of 1991: Pat Krug (left) and Flip Secrist. who might be graduating or getting married—let’s it will be time to start forming committees and make the next class notes all about our families. seeking helpers for various activities we’ll want I saw that Chip McLean’s daughter, to have. This will not be a “big reTate, just graduated, as did Dan Robunion” like the 10th, 25th, or 50th, inson’s son, Jacob; who else? and it will be a fall reunion in 2025. Heard from Jon Greenspon, AKA More to follow, but I just want to put Sponge, about life at Fork Union. Jon this on people’s radar right now. If is teaching English and history (at least you are able to help in any way, please ONE BR using his LA degree). He is feel free to let me know. also an assistant LAX coach. He noted Thanks for all you do to support that there is an all-VMI coaching staff, VMI and our class. In all our recent as Chip Chase ’08 is the head coach, tragedies and losses since I’ve been and Mark Black ’86 is also an assisclass agent, I’ve come away awed tant coach. by your generosity, support, genuChuck received a note from Pat ine concern, and care for each othKrug noting that he ran into Flip Seer and VMI. I can’t imagine another crist at O’Hare airport recently. Flip is school where you see such camaraClass of 1991: Pictured on a pig hunting trip in Southwest Texas still in the Army as an O-6 and comderie and loyalty. I’m humbled each are Chris Edmonston, Rob Edwards, Chris Isakov, and Jim Pugel. mands a group of engineers focused day to serve as your class agent. on Middle East issues. Flip is married That’s all I have for this edition.

1991

150

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes read this, Todd Hubbard will be installed as director of the Joint Staff for the Virginia National Guard and pick up a star. Congrats, BR! Since most all of you can’t give us any info for the class notes, we’re left to scraping Facebook for information about your lives. We’d much rather write about you than ourselves. So please—stay in touch! As always, feel free to drop a line, or if you are going to be in Annapolis, let me know.

1992

William Woodward

Class of 1991: Chris Edmonston fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. with four kids! Pat noted that he works for Bristol Meyers Squibb working on DoD/Tricare and was in town for a USHHS conference. If you missed it, our BR Winn Phillips passed away after a heart attack. He also had battled rheumatoid arthritis since his early 20s. Thanks, Brent Wertz, Dave Manning, and Frank Louthan, for representing our class at his services. Probably the biggest news of late is we have another general officer in our class—by the time you

Class of 1991: Cadets enjoy beer at The Palms in Lexington courtesy of the Class of 1991 April 1. On the 91st day of the year, the first 91 beers at The Palms are free to cadets of legal age in uniform. This new tradition celebrates the 1st Class as they begin their final stretch toward graduation.

2023-Issue 3

BRs, Here are the latest updates from our classmates: Anhtuan Nguyen sent me the enclosed picture as well as the below update in which he said, “Linda and I and our grandson, Derek, are doing well. I forgot to let our class know about my reserve retirement. I retired in August 2022 after 30 years of service in the U.S. Army Reserve. During my career, I had three deployments to Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. I have served on numerous other mobilizations; of my last three, two were in support of COVID-19 operations (working with FEMA at its national headquarters in D.C.) in 2020 and 2021; and the last one was to Fort Lee in support of Operation Allies Welcome (a humanitarian mission supporting our displaced Afghan friends) in 2021. For 30 years, I had two jobs. Now I only have one, working for the U.S. Patent and Trade Office. I am enjoying the extra freedom and time to spend more quality time (including playing golf) with my wife, Linda; taking care of our grandson, Derek; and focusing more on my regular job.” Congrats to Anhtuan and family on a well-deserved retirement from the Army, and thanks for his many years of dedicated service to our country. Also, we all owe a debt of gratitude to Linda and all military spouses who hold down the home front while their loved ones are deployed in defense of our nation. Doug Vincent emailed to say that all is well from St. Augustine, Florida, where he and his family have settled into “retirement.” Although retired from his Army career, Doug is now working in global sales for CWT, a corporate travel company. He said, “The family is doing great, and we love the sun and surf of Florida. Let me know if any BRs make it down this way.”

Class of 1992: Leslie and Woody Woodward horseback riding at Primland Resort in Meadows of Dan, Virginia, in April 2023.

Class of 1992: Harold Stills in May 2023. Dan Gaskell reported from Okinawa, Japan, where he said, “I will have finished a two-year unaccompanied tour with III MEF. Professionally rewarding on the tactical edge of Marine Corps Force Design implementation directly in the People’s Republic of China’s front yard. Personally challenging being away from family for two years. Headed home to wife Debbie in Swansboro, North Carolina, in July and starting a new job as the G-3 for 2nd Marine Division in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Probably my sunset tour headed toward 2025. Hopefully, I may actually be back in the U.S. for one of our reunions!” Carney Taylor sent in a quick update with an enclosed picture of the Taylor clan, who all graduated or are attending VMI. Carney’s son, Marshall ’26, is this coming academic year’s recipient of

151

Class Notes resort in late April. The first evening we our Memorial Class Scholarship. Marate in a western-themed saloon and lisshall just completed his rat year and is tened to a guitar soloist perform country a biology major who is hoping to purmusic. Afterward, we went up to the onsue medical school. Marshall is already site observatory for stargazing. Unfortuquite active in the Corps, participating nately, the weather did not cooperate for in the Ranger Challenge, as well as both live stargazing due to heavy cloud covsoccer and lacrosse club teams. Also in er, but the astronomer gave us a virtual the picture are Carney’s brother, Selden tour of previously recorded highlights. ’00, and his father, Marshall ’66. It was still fascinating to see stars and Andy Tate texted to say that he had planets captured by their high-powered linked up with Mike Starling, as well telescope. On Saturday, Leslie and I as Mike’s brothers, Chris ’88 and Phil went on a horseback ride. Leslie grew ’95. They all attended a D.C. Old Gloup with horses, so this was a highlight ry rugby match to celebrate Phil’s birthClass of 1992: Pictured are (from left) Cadet Marshall Taylor ’26, Selden Taylor ’00, Carney Taylor, and Marshall Taylor ’66. for her. I just tried to stay upright! In the day. Andy said that Mike is working as afternoon, I took a chipping and putting a DoD contractor with the Marine Corps golf lesson. As an aside, now that I have at Quantico. Andy also mentioned that retired from the Navy Reserve and have if anyone is interested in VIP tickets to a little more free time on the weekends, D.C. Old Glory rugby matches next seaI started back up with golf in September son, they should let him know. for the first time since our 20th Reunion. For those that had not heard, Harold I had so much fun playing on their chipStills suffered a stroke back in January. ping course after the lesson that I went Charlie Martin has visited him a few ahead and played 18 holes on their regtimes and supplied me with updates. I ular course. See the enclosed picture of generally try to steer clear of any perme chipping onto the 18th green with sonal updates, especially medically in the lodge in the background. Anhtunature, that have not been shared with an and Linda Nguyen can critique my me directly, but I know Harold’s wife, Amy Brown Stills (you can see her on Class of 1992: Woody Woodward playing golf at Primland Re- form! Leslie and I had lunch in the 19th Hole pub and then a wonderful supper Facebook), will be more than happy to sort in Meadows of Dan, Virginia, in April 2023. at the main restaurant in the lodge. Sunshare updates on Harold. Harold and day morning, we woke up and had a priAmy’s son, Austin ’26, just finished up vately guided two-hour ATV tour of the mountain his rat year at VMI and will be a color corporal and forest within the resort premises. Leslie and I next academic year. Harold took his first out-ofhad an absolutely fantastic time and again wanted town trip since the stroke to see Austin perform to thank the class for this incredibly generous gift. with the VMI Band during graduation events in Please let me know of any major life events such May. as marriages (including for our children), births, I got quick notes from Tom Timmes, Todd deaths, and advanced degrees so that I can inform Pegg, Bob Burgess, and Taylor Holt, who were the Alumni Review. If you have a change of adjust checking in. dress, let the Alumni Association and I know so As for myself, I have been extremely busy at that we can make sure you get all VMI corresponwork taking on an expanded portfolio for my dence. Navy civilian job here in Northern Virginia. My In the Bonds, wife, Leslie, and I are happy to report that our son, Woody Will ’18, is transferring back to Virginia after having worked on the northern border in Maine for the last five years with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Be on the lookout for him as you are clearing Customs at Dulles International Airport! I Lincoln Swineford also wanted to offer my sincere thanks to the class for the gift you all gave Leslie and me at our 30th Class of 1992: Anhtuan Nguyen with his Reunion in April 2022. Leslie and I were finally family at his Army Reserve retirement able to take advantage of the extremely generous ceremony at Fort Myer, Virginia, in Augift certificate to the Primland Resort in Southwest gust 2022. Brother Rats! Virginia. Leslie and I spent two days/nights at the

1993

152

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes and the devastation of Hurricane Ian to Our 30th Reunion was the single best Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach, weekend I think I’ve ever had at VMI. Florida. Our daughter, Emma, is gradAnd I’ve had a lot of good weekends uating from CNU in a week and will at VMI. And that includes the two midstart looking at med schools. Our son, night walks from uptown to the HolMason, will be graduating from high iday Inn Express. Thank you to evschool next month and will start CNU eryone who came. It was great to see in the fall.” Great to hear from you, and catch up with so many of you. We Mark; glad you all are doing well, and should have the Saturday morning piccongratulations on the well-deserved ture in front of Preston floating around promotion. in the update. Rick Barnes also checked in from I don’t think I can rattle off everyNorthern Virginia with a pretty cool one I saw, but credit to Peter Fang for update regarding Mark Shelton ’24, coming the farthest, as he made the trip rising regimental commander: “BR, I from Taiwan, along with Matt Wilregret not making it to the reunion. I’m liams from Colorado. Joe Aldridge Class of 1993: Standing on top of the sentinel box during the 30th Reunion in April 2023 are (from left) Tom Michalow, Hans not sure how newsworthy this is, but made a long road trip with the whole Pauley, Lincoln Swineford, and Bill Cox. Cadet Mark Shelton [’24], the newfamily, Joe Moxley flew in from Texly selected regimental commander, is as, and Andy Desroches made the long drive up from Florida. And those are just the ones Kelly, and older daughter, Hannah, had visited a plank holder from my program. I had the pleasure of having him in my Marine Corps JROTC I remember off the top of my head. I know there VMI during our 15th Reunion; however, Hannah program for three years. I’m sure he would have were more; I’m sorry I can’t remember them all. was only six months old at the time, so no memoSpecial thanks to Hans Pauley, who was nice ries from that trip. My younger daughter, Caroline, been a part of it for all four, but Sergeant Major Allen Tanner and I started the program during his enough to pick up the check for lunch for a bunch was a first timer and her initial impression was, sophomore year, 2017–18. To summarize what an of us at Macado’s after our memorial service. Very ‘It looks like a prison.’ A not uncommon thought outstanding high school student he was, I have atfrom anyone who has seen barracks. Over the past nice of you, BR. tached the letter of recommendation I wrote on his I’ve got to give credit to Bill Cox for sending in couple of years, Hannah has had her heart set on his update well ahead of the deadline, which is a going to Kelly’s alma mater, the U.S. Air Force behalf to VMI. I will be at his change of command Academy. While she didn’t have a total change of parade this Sunday at 1400 with my two boys, first: “Absolutely had a blast at the reunion. It was Keegan (11) and Ryan (9), so they can meet him. grand to see everyone again. On the home front, heart, she’s interested in VMI after much encourall is well. Our oldest, Addison, is finishing up her agement from our BRs! I think the thing that stood I’ll try to send you a photo. Stay safe and have a great rest of your day.” out the most to Hannah was the unbreakable bond third year at UVA and studying for the LSATs and Text of the recommendation letter (Nov. 26, has done remarkably well. Our next oldest, Da- shared by the Class of 1993 and all others who’ve cie, is getting ready to graduate from Freeman and endured the VMI experience.” It was great seeing 2019): “Cadet Shelton is an outstanding member of the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ you and meeting your family, Joe! has decided on VCU, which makes us happy beMark Cumashot checked in with an update: Training Corps Program. As a cadet sergeant, he is cause she will be close by. She is living on campus but still gets the best of both worlds. William, our “Life has been crazy, to say the least! I sorely one of the highest-ranking cadets in his class and missed not being able to make the reunion. Looks is a noted leader in a corps of over 170 students. youngest, is finishing his freshman year at FreeHe has expressed more than a passing interest in man. He is learning to drive, but I’m not quite sure like everyone had a blast! Kelly and I are doing he is ready for my truck yet! Having another driv- well and living in Montpelier, Virginia (northwest attending VMI, as evidenced by visits this past er in the house will be handy, to say the least. Beth Hanover County), on a 32-acre farm that has been summer. The part of his character that impresses me the most is that he is humble about his perfora work in progress over the past 20 years. I conand I just hosted our third annual Kentucky Derby mance and maintains his bearing at all times, estinue my service with Henrico Fire, going on my party, and it was a blast. Lots of work but absolutely worth the work. I am about 70% done with the 28th year with the department. I was just promoted pecially in the heat of competition. Cadet Shelton sees himself earning a Bachelor of Science degree addition I have been building and hope to have it to assistant chief and will serve as one of the shift commanders. It will be a big change from riding in in civil engineering or computer science. He is infinished in a couple of months, but now it is comterested in filling the needs of the Army as a competing with river time, my boat, and fishing, so it charge of a ladder truck like I have for the past 20plus years! I also serve as a rescue team manager missioned officer, and if that includes a choice, he might take a little longer. Looking forward to some would like to work in intelligence, ultimately at the river time in Deltaville this summer; I always seem for FEMA USAR VATF-2 and have been serving with them for the past 11 years. We are an urban strategic level. to bump into VMI guys on the water. Hoping the “Cadet Shelton has a 3.2-plus grade point avsearch and rescue team with a focus on wide-area trend continues.” erage, and he has taken all of the honors courses Speaking of Joe Aldrich: “The Aldrich family search, structural collapse, and hurricane response. It has been a very rewarding assignment that has required for an advanced diploma. To better premade a road trip to the 30th Reunion—an unforpare himself for college, Cadet Shelton has taken gettable experience! It was great to see brother rats included events such as Hurricane Sandy in NYC; Champlain Tower collapse in Surfside, Florida; Advanced Placement calculus and government and their families who also made the trip! My wife,

2023-Issue 3

153

30th Reunion

VMI Class of 1993

Class Notes

154

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes as well as International Baccalaureate history. He has earned varsity letters in football, indoor track, and tennis. As of this writing, co-captain Shelton helped lead the Wildcats to the Virginia high school 5D football regional championships, and they are favored to win at states. I have personally administered the Marine Corps’ Initial Strength Test to Cadet Shelton, where he completed 20 dead hang pull-ups, 105 crunches in two minutes, and ran a mile-and-a-half in under 10 minutes. His performance on the IST demonstrates that he is well-prepared physically to be successful at VMI. As a sophomore, Cadet Shelton was a squad leader on the armed regulation drill platoon that competed at the regional level. His academic, physical fitness, and leadership performance are in keeping with what is expected at VMI. “Never to be outdone, Cadet Shelton has a competitive nature that goes well beyond the indifferent nature found in most young adults today. He surrounds himself with like-minded personalities, and then he inspires them to perform at the highest level of their potential. No matter what advantage a fellow competitor may have, he will outwork them in the end. His formidable build and quiet nature hide a keen intellect and resilience that will enable him to be successful in whatever he sets his mind to. I consider it an honor to write this letter for Cadet Shelton because he is such a positive influence on all that observe him. Be sure to ask him about his family, specifically his twin brother, and his wry smile will give way to an easy understanding of where his competitive nature comes from. As a VMI alumnus, I know that Cadet Shelton possesses the grit to excel in the austere culture that is the Rat Line. He would be a welcome

addition to the VMI family.” First, if I ever need a letter of recommendation, Rick, I know who I’m going to. Second, it has to be nice for you to be a part of his success. I know you’ll say that Cadet Shelton gets the lion’s share of the credit, which he certainly does, but as they say, iron sharpens iron, and it’s great to see you shaping the next generation. Glad you’re doing well, and I hope you had a great time at the change of command parade. Jeff Williams is still doing antique firearms restoration and taking care of his ranch, which sounds like a cool hobby and way too much work, respectively. Heath Bono checked in from his terminal leave: “The reunion was a great time. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I have reached the end of the road for my military career. As of June 1, I will no longer be in uniform. I am on terminal leave now and trying to clear out my apartment. Hope to be out by the end of the week (May 13), and then that’s it. First step is taking a long cruise around the British Isles with my wife. When we return, I start looking for work. Hope everyone has a great summer. Once again, had a fun time at the reunion, and I wish everyone the best.” Congratulations on a great career, Heath, and have fun on that British Isles cruise! I’m also sorry to pass on that the Alumni Association let me know that our BR, David Sean Warren, passed away May 9, 2021, in Atlanta. David broke out with us but did not return our 3rd Class year. His obituary follows: “David Sean Warren, 50, of Braselton, passed away on May 9, 2021, at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. He was a loving husband to Jennifer Warren for 25 years and beloved father of

Class of 1993: Members of the class walk toward Old Barracks for Old Yells during the 30th Reunion in April 2023.

2023-Issue 3

son Garrett Warren and daughter Caitlin Warren. Born May 16, 1971, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, he is the son/step-son of Billie J. and William D’Urso, Springfield, Virginia, and son/step-son of Bill and Christine Warren, Canton, Georgia. Dave graduated from George Washington University in 1993 with a degree in mechanical engineering. While in college, he served in the ROTC and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve and was later promoted to first lieutenant. He had extensive experience as a design engineer for military and law enforcement-related companies designing LCD display systems for military applications on aircraft, ships, and landbased applications; electronic packaging; and systems design for high-tech applications. His seven-year career with Delta Airlines as an engineer was a source of pride for him as he was always interested in the aviation industry. During his career, he worked on B-717 and Airbus structures, Airbus systems, and was instrumental in the initial A220 entry into service. David truly enjoyed learning. He would often linger after training classes to understand the smaller details and was always doing some form of researching. “Dave would always have your back and would do anything to help a friend. He loved his family, attending Dragoncon, hunting, fishing, and riding ATVs. Dave and his wife were very close and loved traveling the world together, with Germany being their favorite international destination. They were well known around Atlanta, especially since Dave sometimes moonlighted as a DJ. “Dave is survived by his wife; son; daughter; parents; brother, Brandon Warren, Cartersville, Georgia; stepsisters, Karen Surette, Leslie Pasko, and Dawn Brunner from Virginia; and step-brothers, Brian and Brett Warren, and step-sister, Kim Jarrett, Canton, Georgia.” John Fernandez reached out to me when he heard: “This is terrible, Lincoln. Thanks for sharing this. Dave was a roommate of mine and Tom Morris’ during rat year. He was quiet and kept to himself but was a nice and good man and loved his family and girlfriend very much. Yeah, he transferred to GW after rat year, and regrettably, we didn’t stay in touch. I’ll keep him and his family in our prayers and will try to reach out to his family. Thanks again for letting us know this.” Our prayers go out to his family and loved ones. As for me, well, five more years. As I said in an email earlier, a whole room full of people cheering for me isn’t something that happens to me all the time, which I think is weird that it doesn’t happen more often, but I genuinely appreciate the support

155

Class Notes and love. I’ll never be able to tell you how much that meant to me. The family Swineford is mostly doing fine; no complaints on our front, as the oldest is still in Alexandria but makes it home every month or so on average. Our middle just finished her first semester at nursing school and is on her way to her BSN, and our youngest got her driver’s license and is now free to wreak havoc. God help us all. Our next short family adventure will be venturing to NoVA for the VMI at the Nationals Night as your Washington Nationals take on the Tigers of Detroit. Should be a great time. I hope you all stay well as we head into the summer and that you all get a chance to meet up with at least a brother rat or two somewhere because good and funny things happen when ’93 gets together. ’93, ’93, ’93.

1994

Clay Campbell

These notes mark another New Market Day that passes and another moment to reflect on those who have gone before us. In the time since I last wrote, we have had another one of our own pass from this life to be with our BRs on the other side. The following words were sent to me from Alex Morgan: “Andrew Philip Davis Blair of Austin, Texas, died May 3, 2023. He was 50. “He matriculated from Stafford, Virginia, and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. He later earned a doctorate of psycholinguistics from Gyeongsang National University in Jingu, South Korea, where he was currently living. “He is survived by his wife, Melody; his daughter, Helia; his son, Abel; his step-daughter, Jinah; his sister, Heather; and his mother, Whitney. He was preceded in death by his father, retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Frank Blair, who was a graduate of New Mexico Military Institute. Rest in peace, brother rat.” Jim Todd also reached out with the following: “Hope all is well. I don’t know that I’ve ever sent you an update, but I just got the most recent Alumni Review and thought I should. Life continues, as is usual for most of us. My oldest, Drew, is graduating from the MBA program at Wake Forest next week and is planning to get married next May. My youngest, Will, has just started flight school

156

with plans to become a commercial pilot within the next year. My daughter, Alena, is working at Target and doing well there, and she has a brother in Ukraine who is serving in the Army there. Had a great visit with Dave Underwood last month at Walter Reed. Will and I took a fantastic trip to the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Austria, and Croatia last month and got to stand at the border of Austria and Hungary where the Iron Curtain fell. Really an amazing experience. Also got a chance to participate in a project to break the world record for the highest altitude ever attained by a donut at the request of a local donut shop as a promotion. We sent a donut to 120,000 feet. Here’s a link to the documentary that was done about it: youtube.com/watch?v=zCVm3xxq-Hc. So anyway, after 20-some years, that’s what’s going on in our world. Thanks for all you do. Hope to make it to the next reunion. Take care!” We are having our 30th Reunion in the spring, so if anyone would like to help organize, please reach out. Always, Pig

1995

Joseph W. Doyle

Brother Rats, I hope this finds you all well. As I write these notes, graduation day is tomorrow. I want to say congrats to the Class of 2023. Sorry for missing the last set of class notes. No excuses; I just got busy. I was in Las Vegas at the International Builders Show and ran into Bryan Rychlik. Bryan works for Simpson Strong-Tie, and they are a supplier of screws and other items for Metwood, where I work. It was great seeing you, Bryan, and I hope we can meet up again soon. While in Vegas, I had dinner with Scott Jewell. Scott is retired from the U.S. Air Force but still working with them by running the simulators to train pilots. Scott has a beautiful home and family. I was lucky enough to meet his wife, Sirin, while there. Scott, it was great seeing you, and I hope we can get together when I am back there next February. I received the following email from Dave Doss: “I’m still in the Air Force and had the honor and

privilege to command the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota from 2019–21. I have spent the last two years serving as the chief of staff at Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command in Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, and was blessed with the news of being selected for promotion to brigadier general. The ceremony will occur June 2, 2023. I’m headed to U.S. Strategic Command in Omaha, Nebraska, later this summer to serve as the deputy J5. “Now that our two boys are older and both headed off to college this fall (we’ll be empty nesters, which will be weird), Marlina went back to work and opened her own bookkeeping business called The Doss Company Bookkeeping Solutions LLC. She has enjoyed being back at work, and her business has been growing steadily over the last year. We are fortunate she can work remotely and take her business wherever we go as we continue to move wherever the Air Force sends us. “No matter where I go, I run into VMI alums, new and old. It’s great to know that despite being a small school, alums are representing well all over the world. “Hope to make it back to Virginia and Lexington in the coming year!” Dave, it was great hearing from you. We are so proud of you and all you have done and continue to do. That is all I have for now. Keep reaching out, guys. I hope to hear from a lot of you this summer. If you are ever in the Roanoke area or in Lexington, let me know. I will probably be doing some traveling for work, so if I am headed toward where anyone is located, I will reach out. Rah Virginia Mil! ’95, ’95, ’95!

1996

Jon Dano Nick Latsios

Brother Rats, As you receive this, I am hoping you are all having a wonderful summer. Some fun things to read up on from this spring: Nick Latsios and Tom Danielsen had a great trip to Lexington for the first scholarship awards

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes population health company called Healthbanquet honoring Cadet Ben Schreher map out of Tampa. He is still living in Pal’25. Nick and Tom proudly wore their metto Bluff, South Carolina, between SaCapt. Jamie Edge VMI spirit badges on vannah and Hilton Head. their coats and enjoyed their time getting The Class of 1996 was well-represented to know Ben, and reconnecting with Adat this year’s VMI Legacy Day on post in dison Hagan ’97 and his wife, Janice, and April. Bill Leonard, John Kokolis, Bill their scholarship recipient, Cadet AlysStearman, Geoff Weidner, and I were sa Donnelly ’26. We can tell you that the all there with our kids. It’s a great event, Corps is in great hands based on the caliand I highly recommend it for your kids. ber of the scholarship recipients they met. They had a lot of fun. John’s son, Nick, Our scholarship winner, Ben, is still doing was in the same group as my son, Chargreat and is proud to represent Jamie and lie, so we got to catch up. John is doing our class. He learned this spring that he has Class of 1996: Attending the VMI Foundation Scholarship great. I was able to have dinner with Bill earned a full Navy scholarship and was Banquet in April 2023 are (from left) Janice Hagan, Cadet also accepted into a summer study abroad Alyssa Donnelly ’26, Addison Hagan ’97, Tom Danielsen, Leonard and his daughter, Hannah, which was a pleasure. We were all able to conprogram in Italy. Cadet Ben Schreher ’25, and Nick Latsios. nect after Legacy Day was over for a quick As for Tom, he is still at Medtronic and photo in front of barracks. Unexpectedly, recently took a promotion to a director role John Kokolis, Bill Leonard, and I and within their aortic business. He also leads our families got a private tour of the comthe veteran’s employee resource group mandant’s house by Col. Bogart ’81 himat Medtronic. In that capacity, he recentself. After our kids started playing in his ly reached out to retired U.S. Army Col. yard, he came out and welcomed us in. He Brad Moses ’95 to see if he’d be up for showed us his historic home and talked doing the keynote address to their veterabout how he brings cadets in to connect ans’ group during our lead-up to Memowith them and connects them with varirial Day. Brad was more than gracious, ous employers seeking VMI talent. He is a and Tom has enjoyed reconnecting with tremendously impressive leader, and I am him. What an amazing career he had in the glad he is in that critical position at VMI. Army, and he is still going strong, working Finally, I caught up with Vern Wilkens for an AI company and living on the beach recently. Unfortunately, his new high-altiin North Carolina. tude balloon delivery company went down Tom had a tough spring, sadly having to in flames, but there is no quit in this guy. put down two dogs inside three months— Vern quickly pivoted and has developed both on the younger side and complete surprises. It’s been a tough go for them, Class of 1996: Attending Legacy Day at VMI April 29 with his own generative artificial intelligence their children are Bill Stearman, Bill Leonard, Geoff Weid- platform called Vern-Bot. What differenbut they will never stop having dogs. Othner, John Kokolis, and Jon Dano. tiates Vern-Bot from other AI models is erwise, all is well with the Danielsens. that it exclusively focuses on useless inStephen Johnson is headed back to the formation and complaints regarding just about evUSA! They will be leaving London in July and erything. heading for the Burke, Virginia, area, just outside All the Best to You and Your Families, of D.C. He is leaving his position as chief of staff Jon and Nick to become commander, NATO Maritime Air Forces, and is heading to the National War College for 10 months as a student, with a follow-on assignment as an instructor for two years. After that, mandatory retirement! He said it has been a privDavid M. Hudock ilege to live overseas for a second time, but they are all ready to get back to the U.S. and especially glad to be going back to Virginia, a bit closer to the VMI community. Eli Wahesh reached out to let us know he ran Gentlemen of the Old Corps! into John Glaccum in Grand Central Station in Class of 1996: Tom Danielsen (left) and It seems appropriate on this New Market Day to New York City. He was in town for his last board Nick Latsios attending the VMI Foundafocus on the “old” and the “Corps” in the above tion Scholarship Banquet in April 2023. meeting with his current company. He is transigreeting; certainly, both apply to the event that tioning to be the chief operating officer of a

1997

2023-Issue 3

157

Class Notes took place 159 years ago, but in today’s missive, we will focus on the fact we are squarely in our middle age and getting older by the minute and that we have plenty of affiliation with another Corps, of the Marine variety, from which emerges much news this quarter.

Class of 1997: Dave Hudock (left) and Tony Spevak at the conclusion of the PNC Parkway Classic, held in Alexandria, Virginia, April 23.

Class of 1997: Josh Riggs, son of Jon Riggs, at the end of the knob line on his recognition day at The Citadel in March.

158

Jon Riggs reminds us of our “old” with a recent note indicating he attended son Josh’s “recognition day” at The Citadel back in February. “Recognition day” is the term The Citadel uses to mean the equivalent of our Breakout. Josh, after an arduous year as a knob living life at the bottom of the heap and no doubt ecstatic to be a part of human society once again, was reminded by his father that Breakout, or “recognition day,” isn’t real until you dig several pounds of mud out of your $#@. While Jon shared some harsh reality with his son, Josh shared some fiscal reality with his dad by earning a four-year Marine-option NROTC scholarship. I’d say the nut doesn’t fall far from the tree, but clearly, in Josh’s case with a scholarship, he comes from a completely different tree than Jon. Congratulations to you both, and best of luck to Josh as he steps off on his path to becoming a Marine. Slightly ahead of the young Riggs is the current generation of Hagan, Cadet Addison VI ’24, who wrapped up his 2nd Class year at VMI as I write this and is gearing up to report to Marine Officer Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia, May 20. Young Addison is also on an NROTC scholarship, proving again that the current generation is smarter than any of us at their age. Addison will return to post in the fall as a 1st Class cadet and the Marine company CO at the NROTC department. Congrats, young Addison, and best of luck to you at OCS! Another of our Marine brother rats is making news, though not for raising yet another Marine (not yet, anyway). Ian Brooks, newly minted distiller and co-owner of Ko’olau Distillery in Kailua, Hawaii, had his business recently named the U.S. Small Business Administration Hawaii District Office’s Veteran Business of the Year for Honolulu County. This award is a follow-up award to 2021’s Small Biz Editor’s Choice Award for a veteran-owned business. In that instance, in the early days of the pandemic, Ko’olau Distillery pivoted from making whiskey to creating hand sanitizer, which it donated to first responders, hospitals, and others in need. Ian is doing some great things in the sandwich isles, in addition to making some pretty good spirits. Congratulations—or ho’omaika’i—Ian, to your growing success, and I look forward to seeing you sometime, eventually, back in CONUS for a visit. To round out our ode to “old” this issue, I bring you two old dudes struggling through a 10-mile race in Alexandria, Virginia, this spring. Well, at least one of us (me) was struggling, despite this being my seventh Parkway Classic race from

Mount Vernon to Old Town Alexandria along the George Washington Parkway. Without prior coordination, Tony Spevak and I showed up to run the same race back in April. He was halfway through his post-race oat soda by the time I crawled over the finish line, but I managed to stand and hold a frosty for a photo. Great to see you, Spev, and I look forward to seeing you at the next race! That is all from the Devil Dog report this quarter; my thanks to those of you who shared inputs with me this round. Next up: Tales from Neptune and his band of seafaring scallywags; can you stand an update from our Navy brother rats? Time will tell! Fair winds, fair seas, and RVM!

1998

Joseph Bates Jr.

Hello again from Lexington, Virginia, and welcome to 2023. I am tardy with my submission due to travel out of the country, but I did not receive many updates to share, which is disappointing yet helpful. I continue my quest for the world slam of turkeys, and I was fortunate to secure two Goulds, which means I now have four of the six. Moving on to the Merriam in 2024 and the Ocellated in 2025, before working on the Super Slam (49 states), which has become somewhat of an obsession for me. Mr. Bob Heely ’69 shared a picture and update on BR Bob Heely along with his wife, Johanna, and daughters, Hazel and Hattie, after the last submission. Very happy to share that he has been promoted as the commanding officer, Naval Base San Diego at 32nd Street. Thanks for the update, Mr. Heely, and congratulations! Send me another update soon! Joe Seiler, Travers Clemmons, Mike Rogers, and Brandon Bissell ran into each other at the VMI Legacy Day and submitted a picture for inclusion. Looks like the guys had a good time; thanks, Joe! Thierry Lemercier and family welcomed a new daughter to the Abigail Inn since the last submission. He will send a formal update at a later time but authorized me to share. We had the pleasure of hosting Hanalei while they were in the hospital. Thierry has been kneedeep helping to plan the reunion in his spare

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes

Class of 1998: Bobby Heely and his family celebrate his assuming command of Naval Base San Diego. time, and we could not be more thankful for the help and leadership. Sean Hicklin and I are awaiting the results and remain in frequent contact (sometimes more and sometimes less). My son and I hunted his farm a few times this year, and Thierry and I met him for a county tour looking at land. Sean and I are currently planning a Kansas muzzleloading hunt now, so more to come in 2023. He did share a text message or two with Dale Paxton over Christmas but was unable to link up. As of today, I have not received a reply back from the Silk DoGG, but I am going to try and rectify the situation! We have just closed a BSN shop, and we are selling challenge coins and working on other fundraising measures. When you receive this in August, we will be about two months from the reunion (weekend of Oct. 27), and a lot more information will have come out. A special thanks to the team working on the reunion and the Fundraising Committee. I truly hope as many of you can attend as possible! The quickest way to reach me is via text or joeybates@hotmail.com, and my commitment to you is a response, along with working hard tirelessly to make sure that we all enjoy the trips to post in the years ahead. I hope you are well and, when you read these notes in August 2023, that you take a few minutes to shoot me an email, Facebook message, or text message so that I have more to share. If you are coming to town this summer/fall/ winter for any activities, then please give me a shout in advance. Rah Virginia Mil! ’98, ’98, ’98.

2023-Issue 3

Class of 1998: Pictured at Legacy Day, held April 29, are (from left) Travers Clemons, Mike Rogers, Brandon Bissell, and Joe Seiler.

1999

Jay Witt

Greetings, Brother Rats and Friends of the Class of 1999, I hope this edition of class notes finds you doing well. Our previous class agent, Brother Rat

Class of 1999: Ben Kincaid and Court Whitman are pictured on a trip to the Dominican Republic.

Bill Steinbach, offered this update: “This is the first time I have submitted updates in a very long time. I stayed away because I didn’t particularly care for the previous class agent. Not sure how he even got elected the first time, let alone re-elected. After roughly 13 years as a government contractor, I switched over to civil service around four years ago. First with the Army, now with the Navy. It is very interesting to see how the Navy does things, and I am really enjoying my ‘sea service’ so far. I am still hanging around in the Army Reserve, currently on the Joint Staff J7, where I work with BR Chris O’Toole. Surprisingly, I have not gotten either of us fired in the year-and-a-half I have been there. I have almost two years left there, and then I will most likely retire. It is too good of an assignment to go back to the regular Army Reserve, and I hit 30 years of total service last November. It is probably time for me to hang the boots up. I have been living in Woodbridge, Virginia, for about nine years now, and much to my chagrin, D.C. keeps creeping further and further south. Other than that, I am staying busy raising two boys with the Mrs. and coaching high school and travel baseball. No other updates that are fit for print.” Great update, Bill, and congrats on professional milestones! BR Matt Hart checked in to let the class know that he is back with Wells Fargo in a position that is nothing less than a blessing. Great to hear, and congratulations, Matt. Ben Kincaid and Court Whitman were able to get together this spring. Ben writes, “Court Whitman and his kids visited us in Dominican Republic in early April. Everyone got PADI certified while here; his kids were heroes in the water! Court is doing amazing things in the leadership consulting

159

Class Notes and is wrapping up what he set out to space; no surprise that he is crushing do here. (I drink around the world at it in the private sector after leaving the Epcot, Scott drinks around forsnizzle.) military. I left the foreign service last If anyone knows of anyone in need of fall and started a Bitcoin mining coma rockstar COO, please get in touch pany focused on opportunities in Afriwith him. ca. We’ll be in DR until summer 2025, B.J. Arvin is leaving social studso let us know if you need a vacation! ies and will be going back to teaching Life is fun and exciting.” Exciting, inCTE/business in the fall (same school) deed! Thanks for the update, Ben. for year 16. He is planning on traveling Brother Rat Jochen Dunville was back to the Chicago area this summer able to catch up with some Class of to visit family and will be back in Ja’99 Marines and was kind enough to maica in October. share the following: “I hope all is well Class of 1999: Gathering in Quantico, Virginia, are Chris McGuire, Donald O’Sullivan is going great with you and yours. Below is my first Jason Berg, Brad Wineman, and Jochen Dunville. and enjoying his family. He resigned update, so feel free to pick and choose from Pega (check out his article on what you believe is appropriate. I was LinkedIn) to start with a new organization, Evonfortunate enough to have a few close friends visit visits.” Fabulous update, Jochen. Jason Berg has been into more than just being sys. He is taking the vice president and global head while they and their wives were at Quantico for Cornerstone. The ladies indulged us with their for- an exceptional Marine. In his spare time, Jason has of sales position. This July, he is looking forward bearance while we ate, drank, and regaled them become a certified sake sommelier and hosted the to a visit from the Brian Skusa family. This sumwith Rat Line stories they’ve heard too many times first annual Futenma Sake Matsuri! Brother rats, mer, his oldest son, Conal (11), will be playing in already. It was a great Washington Arch mini re- make sure you update your contact information the Y League, so there will be a ton of travel in the northeast from the O’Sullivan crew! union, but these world-beaters definitely make me with the Alumni Agencies. Changes/updates can Brian Skusa is still in Pacific Northwest, Portfeel like an underachiever. I couldn’t be prouder be sent to Mary Price at mprice@vmiaa.org or to land, area. Family is healthy, and work is good. of what our BRs are doing and their sacrifices for me. I look forward to speaking with each of you our country. Colonel McGuire is about to assume soon, but until then, all the best to you and your Youngest daughter is two months from her driver’s license. (He already lost his hair years ago, so he command of Weapons and Field Training Battal- families and Rah Virginia Mil! is not worried.) As of this writing, he is heading to BR Jay Witt ion, Camp Pendleton, San Diego. Colonel Berg Italy for Tony Cerella’s retirement from Army; he is about to assume command of Combat Logisis planning to snugs with Scott Hillyer, who will tics Regiment 3, Camp Foster, Okinawa. Doctor also be there. He has a trip to NYC planned for his Wineman is a professor at USMC Command daughter’s birthday and is planning to see Donald and Staff College, Quantico. And yes, Wino is Chris Abbott O’Sullivan and family while they are there. Havwearing a Breakout T-shirt circa 1996. I have no ing returned from Hawaii recently, he’s had plenidea how he keeps them in such good shape or ty of travel going on this year. Please hit him up even still fits in them, but he’s made a habit of if anyone makes it out this way. donning a different ’90s-era T-shirt whenever he Tony Cerella has retired from the Army after 23 years this year. That is all. His family will End of the summer, beginning of fall, I wish my stay in Italy, so Tony and Sophie (now 14) can BRs would give me a call ... start and finish high school in northern Italy. Scott Hillyer is still working for Delivery Hero in Germany, running Dmart/MFC globally. He He is now a certified coach and will work in was promoted a while back to running the entire the coaching and leadership development space with multiple companies from home. If you are org instead of just ops. This has led to spending a lot of time traveling for work and getting to see near Milan, Como, and/or Vicenza, Italy, hit him the world. Morocco, Italy (visited the Ferrari fac- up for free room and board. Heather asked Lee Davis to go and buy a bottory and got some track time!), and Barcelona all tle of wine the week of Christmas in 2022, and within the last few weeks of this writing. Amsterhe came home with a wine and gourmet food dam last weekend, heading to Dubai now ... it’s store. Literally! They closed on the Old Lex nonstop and ridiculous but great. He has two kids back in Philly and gets back there 25% of the time. Mercantile in Lexington June 2023. He says he finally is living his dream; he has more alcohol They will also join him in Berlin for the summer. Another daughter is in Milan, Italy, at boarding than he could possibly drink, so now he needs to sell the rest. This business endeavor also school in an IB program and doing great. He is Class of 1999: Jason Berg in Okinawa, comes with an Airbnb right downtown! Lee relooking to transition back to the States in the next Japan. 6–12 months since he has been abroad too long tired from the USCG after serving 23 years. The

2000

160

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes attorney in Lynchburg, Virginia. oldest daughter graduated from VMI Nate Friedline called John recently. with a Bachelor of Science degree in He’s stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, applied mathematics and now needs to as the group surgeon/medical officer for be an adult (She is not looking forward 1st Special Forces Group. Nate has had to that). The youngest daughter, Lorelai, quite the career as a physician supportis going into her junior year in the fall at ing Army special operations. He and Nate VCU for computer science. have distantly crossed paths a few times Desiring to finish off the bottle of Papin their careers. py for Lee’s retirement, Johnathon Lee A large group of BRs—Mike McDanswung by the store to celebrate. Johnaiel, Paul Webber, Shawn Segreti, Justin thon is still holding things down in VirWood, Willy Barquero, Tony Esteve, ginia Beach. His little girl is growing Eric Schnabel, Christian Arllen, and too fast (12) ... not far from the dreadTodd Wilson ’06—got together outside ed teen years. He has been an emergency room provider for seven years in Class of 2000: Pictured are Mike McDaniel, Paul Webber, D.C. When you read this, the next one Hampton and a medical examiner (dead Shawn Segreti, Justin Wood, Willy Barquero, Tony Esteve, should be Sept. 9. I am thinking about flyEric Schnabel, Christian Arllen, and Todd Wilson ’06. ing up from the last free state of Florida to people gig, I see dead people) for eight join in the festivities. Let’s rally the troops years. (Also, not just Virginia Beach, as Cengeri alluded to last update, but Virginia his consumer debt defense law firm from home for some fun! (adding to speed dial). Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth.) John Downs has been living outside RichKeeps things interesting. Brad Allen’s family closed on a plot of land mond since 2018. The Army sent him to Virlast summer in Pensacola. They are actively get- ginia Commonwealth University Health System Tony Gelormine ting bids from contractors. Planning retirement for two years to learn medical toxicology, and from the Air Force in June 2024. Still kicking then he just continued to live in the area after it in the Little Rock area until then. Daughter he finished there. He works day to day at Walturned 16. Middle son did well in 7th-grade ter Reed and the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Maryland. Long commute that he basketball and is looking forward to 8th grade. Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Youngest is doing very well at left forward in only does a couple of times a week, thankfully, but it has been better than moving his fam- Class of 2001. soccer. Maybe a match with Donald O’Sulliily again. He submitted his application for revan’s son. tirement from the Army in February and hopes Having conquered swimming, John Scott Wilson has added part-time public defender work to officially retire in October 2024. Fingers in Norfolk to his work as he continues to run crossed, but he’s hopeful that he’ll begin work- Salmaan Khawaja ing at VCU Health in Richmond after he retires from the Army. He had a beer in Midlothian with Michael Mule recently. Mike works with one of the banking systems doing project management Brother Rats, stuff. He and Mike had hoped to have Bubba I’m writing these class notes and, in particular, Massie and Jimmy Sheldon join, but last-minute family stuff popped up. Bubba Massie re- want to thank Pedro Garcia for a rant-filled email cently moved back to the area and will be start- expressing his disappointment that so many BRs ing work as a contractor for the Defense Health have not submitted class notes to me in a while. Agency soon. Jimmy Sheldon lives near him, My sentiments exactly! I greatly appreciated that too, and is still an active guardsman in the Vir- Pedro provided a humorous series of updates I have toned down (a tad). Pedro wanted to tell you ginia National Guard. He keeps in touch with his old roommates via about his people: Ryan Lapsley recently celebrattext message occasionally. Colin Mahle is the ed his 18th year of marriage to Gussie Lord ’01. garrison commander at Fort Benning, Georgia They have a baller spread out in Northern Virginia Class of 2000: Attending U.S. Army Lt. with their two pre-teenage children. (now Fort Moore), as of summer 2022. He’s Col. Tony Cerella’s retirement ceremoGeno Cauthen welcomed his first child, Arthur planning for a few more years in the Army beny in Como, Italy, are Jason TrubenEugene Cauthen IV. Geno lives in Charlotte, North fore retirement. Justin Cole is still working near back ’99, Ale Rodriguez ’99, Cerella, Carolina. Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, and enjoying life Scott Hillyer, and Brian Skusa. Zach Batte coaches varsity basketball in Idaho with his family there. Matt Vordermark is an

2001

2002

2023-Issue 3

161

Class Notes chatting about their faith and the Institute. As Jerry noted, it was “just further proof there are VMI brothers everywhere you go.” Lastly (but certainly not least importantly), it is my duty to inform you of the death of John Holland IV March 5, 2023. John was a passionate aviator and flight instructor whose plane crashed on final approach with two souls on board. John was happily married, and their first baby’s due date was two weeks after his death. Please support his family if you are able. I hope all is well with you and yours, and Rah Virginia Mil! In the Spirit, Salmaan

2003

William Talley V

Class of 2002: Jerry Whitlock and Mark Henderson ’83 at the C&O Canal 100Mile Race in Knoxville, Maryland. Falls, Idaho. Zach hosts foreign exchange students and is getting ready to send his daughter, Olivia, off to college this fall. Pedro hung out with Joey “Mr. Kinish” Gibson at his plush spread in Jacksonville, Florida. He has two very impressive daughters and a lovely spouse and is taking over the medical device industry with Striker Orthopedics. Pedro himself stated he has started his own private internal medicine practice, married the most beautiful Dominican girl on the whole island, and has four children (two boys and two girls). Pedro notes that Chris Morris, Ryan Kenna, Abe “Stretch” Hughes, Ryan Lapsley, Darien “Ol’ Dad” Lafferty, Ryan Seabeck, Geno Cauthen, Brian Rodriguez, and Zach Batte had a great time putting a few back around a campfire at the 2022 reunion. Pedro reminded all of us who didn’t come to the reunion to get our lives together and come on down to the next reunion. I’m working on it. Thanks, Pedro! Jerry Whitlock was in Knoxville, Maryland, for the C&O Canal 100 (his first attempt at 100 miles). There, he met Mark Henderson ’83, who is a minister for Runners’ Church, while at the pre-race dinner. They spent the first 20 miles of the race

162

Well, BRs, here it is yet again about 25 minutes before this submission of notes is due May 15 as I sit down to type these. In less than 12 hours, graduation will occur at VMI, and I’ll be there to help welcome some new members into the alumni ranks. I’ve not quite figured out why I wait until the bugler is almost out of breath to sit down and write these before the deadline, but it’s definitely a consistent theme for me. It’s been exactly 31 days since many of us gathered at VMI for our 20th Reunion. I want to thank everyone that made the effort to be there for that weekend. Your taking time out of your busy schedules to attend is truly appreciated. I believe a good time was had by everyone. We had just over 100 people from our class gather that weekend to reconnect and remember the bonds formed back in barracks during our cadetship. We had several BRs who had not been back to VMI since graduation; I won’t name you here. We had a couple of BRs (Scott Ferrebee and Bryan Zollinger) who traveled from overseas to attend. We had many BRs that made it a family event: Sam and Thai Newsome (five kids), Dave and Denise Woody (three kids), Billy and Katherine Schaller (two kids), Mike and Michelle Haag (three kids), Chris and Jennifer Adams (two kids), and the list goes on, as I know I’ve missed BRs. My point is, what an awesome thing it is to have so many BRs back with their families, as that just further strengthens the bonds and connections we have as a class

when our kids get to know each other. Overall, the weather was perfect for our weekend back at the Institute. The food was good, and the fellowship was better. We even had a power grid outage Saturday evening that caused us to make fires to have some light in the pavilion out at McKethan Park; the power eventually got restored. I appreciate everyone who helped out in some way, shape, or form to make the reunion a success: Kyle Haire, Blake Traina, Lara Chambers, Chris Mision, Chaz Wagner, Chris Adams, Sam Newsome, Brandon Matthews, and Phil Harris, just to name a few (I know I’ve missed some folks, my apologies). Thank you! Unfortunately, that weekend was bittersweet. One day before we gathered at VMI, BR Joe Ingram passed away. Joe and his parents were planning on being with us Saturday, but before he could meet us on the steps of Preston Library for our picture, he was called up to be with the Lord. Joe’s 17-year battle with ALS had finally come to an end. While those of us still here were left with an empty feeling inside as we’d just lost “the best one of us” (as so many BRs put it), we knew that Joe was now back to his old self, no longer suffering and likely getting ready to give an Old Yell for ’03 with our BRs who have gone ahead and now look down from above. The timing couldn’t have been worse, but it also couldn’t have been better for healing, as we were able to gather as a class and both mourn the loss of Joe but also

Class of 2003: Billy Schaller celebrates with his daughters after finishing his first half marathon in Brooklyn, New York, in April 2023.

VMI Alumni Review

20th Reunion

VMI Class of 2003

Class notes

2023-Issue 3

163

Class Notes 1.

4. 7.

Class of 2003 1. Pictured alongside U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Kyle Haire at his retirement ceremony March 10 are his wife, Juli; sons, Taylor and Jack; and parents. 2. Chaz Wagner (left) and Mike Haag at the 20th Reunion in April 2023. 3. Jim Hitch with his helicopter. 4. Attending U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Kyle Haire’s retirement ceremony are Phil Kerns, Bill Talley, Chaz Wagner, Jason Harr, Haire, Jim Hitch, Phil Harris, Blake Traina, Chris smile, laugh, and share stories about the wonderful brother rat he was to so many of us. Five of us were able to make the trip to Joe’s funeral in Henry, Virginia, which was the Sunday of our reunion. Josh Bandy, Andy Biesterveld, Derek

164

Mision, Paul Quinn, and Matt Brady. 5. Gathering with their children in front of their 4th stoop rat room on Legacy Day, April 29, are Chris Adams, Sam Newsome, Mike Haag, and Nick Foster. 6. Representing the class at Joe Ingram’s funeral April 16 are Josh Bandy, Andy Biesterveld, Bill Talley, Derek Overstreet, and Allen Maxey. 7. Jim Hitch with his son, William E. Hitch, born Feb. 22, 2023.

Overstreet, Allen Maxey, and I were all honored to serve as pallbearers (at the request of Joe’s family), along with Joe’s nephews, and represent our class as Joe was laid to rest. Joe was buried with our class ring lapel pin on his

blazer, the same one he was going to receive Saturday morning at the reunion. For those of you who weren’t able to make the reunion, every BR in attendance signed a “VMI 03” Virginia license plate, which was presented to his

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes parents as a small token of our love for Joe. I’m told it caused his mom to smile. Please keep Joe’s parents and the rest of his family in your thoughts and prayers. At the service, a reoccurring comment was Joe’s smile and how he had that smile all the way to the end, no matter what the situation. That smile of Joe’s will be missed, but I know he’s still smiling and is physically back to the Joe we all know and remember, as he truly was “the best of us.” I’m terrible at transitions, as I was not an English major, but here we go making that transition. Billy Schaller, who was at the reunion, ran his first half marathon in Brooklyn, New York, the weekend after the reunion. Billy plans to complete nine more smaller races in 2023. By doing this, it’ll enable him to qualify to run in the 2024 NYC Marathon. Billy also loves to spend time with his two daughters as they grow up. Kyle Haire (AKA Shaver) retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after serving 20 years. Kyle’s ceremony was held March 10 in Virginia Beach at the Military Aviation Museum. It’s no surprise that Kyle distinguished himself as a leader, mentor, and someone who could get the job done while on active duty. Kyle’s looking forward to being able to spend more time with his wife, Juli, and their boys, Taylor and Jack, now that he’s transitioned to being a nasty civilian and doesn’t shave every morning. There was a good contingent of BRs present to help celebrate this milestone for Kyle. Kyle, thank you for your service, and congratulations! In attendance at Kyle’s retirement was Jimmy Hitch. I asked Jimmy to send me an update, and here’s what he sent. Jimmy Hitch,

Company G, had a surprise baby. This time a boy, William Hitch, Class of 2045? His girls are 5 and 2, and along with his wife, Summer, are all still living in Savannah, Georgia. Jimmy has sold the majority of shares of his business to private equity and is now focused on getting his helicopter license. Thanks, BR! That’s the one thing I told folks at the reunion—send me updates and photos! I’m not a good writer, so I need all the help I can get! That’s it for this set of notes. Go online and look at the photos from our reunion at vmialumni.smugmug.com. By the time you get this, summer will be getting ready to wind down in a few weeks, a new Rat Mass will be matriculating, and football season will be a week or two away from kicking off. I hope everyone has had a safe and fun summer. Until next time, Rah Virginia Mil, ’03, ’03, ’03!

2004

Scott E. Campbell

Dan Cragg and his wife, Jenna, welcomed their third son, Harold, to the world April 14. Harold is named after Dan’s grandfather. Congratulations to you! Tony Peters bumped into Harley Jennings while Tony was in Stuttgart, Germany, with the Navy Reserve back in August 2022. Tony writes, “No, I don’t just roll around in blues every drill

Class of 2004: Pictured at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, are Harley Jennings, Derek Raymond, and Brian Hudak.

2023-Issue 3

Class of 2004: Lt. Col. John Casper, Institute chaplain, with his wife, Lauren, and children, Mareto and Arsemawit, as Casper receives a Doctor of Ministry degree in pastoral counseling in May 2023. weekend. It was the first time I put on a dress uniform in nine years! I happened to be there for a qualification interview and saw Harley outside of the coffee shop. “My wife, U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Manu Peters, is taking command of the 717th Air Base Squadron in Ankara, Turkey, in July. This

Class of 2004: Gathering to celebrate the retirement of Col. Robert “Bob” Phillips ’87 May 3 are (from left) Phillips, Institute chaplain from 2016–23; Charles Caudill, chaplain from 1979–94; Jim Park, chaplain from 1994–2016; and Lt. Col. John Casper, current chaplain.

165

Class Notes

Class of 2004: Attending Mark Hamilton’s U.S. Air Force promotion ceremony in Arlington, Virginia, March 31 are Jarrett Brown, Hamilton, and Jesse Wullenwaber.

role, and I hope to continue serving cadets for many years. After almost 10 years of serving as VMI’s first associate chaplain, I know I have big shoes to fill in following the previous chaplains. I also graduated in May with a Doctor of Ministry degree in pastoral counseling!” Congratulations! The Corps is in good hands! Speaking of promotions, Mark Hamilton was promoted to colonel in Arlington March 31, 2023. Jarrett Brown and Jesse Wullenwaber were in attendance. We have dates for our 20th Reunion: April, 26– 27, 2024. Take care! Be safe, and keep in touch! Scott Campbell

First up, many, many congrats are in order for Danny Fields: “Big news for the Fields family. I got married to the love of my life in November before we moved into our new home in Katy, Texas, in December. Shortly thereafter, we learned that Jenny was pregnant, and she is due in August! I’m

2005

Tom Hardinge Timothy Johnson

Class of 2004: Harley Jennings (left) and Tony Peters at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, in August 2022. will be our third OCONUS tour in a row. I’m still the ‘trailing spouse’ and worked for the engineering security office in the embassy for the past two years. I also finished my International Judo Federation coaching certificate in December but promptly destroyed my knee playing basketball with my kids, so I’m recovering from ACL and meniscus surgery. Getting too old for this!” Congratulations to you and Manu! Sorry to hear about your knee, Tony. Between you coaching judo and Bob Downy picking up jiu-jitsu, I feel like we may need to have an open mat for the 20th Reunion. Harley Jennings was still at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart in April 2023 when he was able to catch up with Derrick Raymond and Brian Hudak. John Casper was officially selected as VMI’s next Institute chaplain in April. He writes, “Words cannot express how honored I am to step into this

166

Greetings, Brother Rats! I hope this edition finds you well as summer ends and another school year (for yourself, your children, your alma mater, etc.) starts to gear up in earnest. Hopefully, those beach tans haven’t faded yet, and those grills are ready for another Saturday morning tailgate in the shadow of Moody Hall.

Class of 2005: Ian Foley and Marc Yelle ’02, his dyke, in spring 2023.

Class of 2005: Derek Rankin and Rod James ’04 at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Class of 2005: Danny Fields with his wife, Jenny, and son, Sawyer, in November 2022.

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes rats. I’m sure there is much more to tell, so please continue to keep those updates rolling in. Obviously, it’s hard for me to stay in touch with everyone personally, so don’t be afraid to reach out with any new and exciting life events I can relay to the rest of the class. As always, stay safe and be well. Rah Virginia Mil, Tom Hardinge

doing well. We were all excited to meet her and are extremely grateful for Kristin’s mom for helping as we get acclimated to a house of five.” Lt. Col. Thomas Clark Moncure was presented the Bronze Star Medal for his achievements as a commander of the Joint Special Operations Aviation Detachment while engaged in operations against an opposing armed force at Hamid Karzai

2006

Will Collier

Class of 2005: Derek Rankin flying his KC-10 with Rod James ’04 in the background flying an F-15E Strike Eagle. going to try my best to make the VMI versus The Citadel game in Charleston this year, but with a two-month-old baby boy, I’m not promising anything.” Felicitations, Danny and Jenny! Ian Foley had a quick catch-up this past spring with one of his dykes, Mark Yelle ’02. “It was great to hang out with him, even if it was freezing.” Looking good, Ian! Derek Rankin dropped a line from his NATO post in central Europe: “Last week, while I was at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, working NATO’s earthquake response efforts for Türkiye, I caught up with Rod James ’02. Last time we ‘caught up’ was three years prior (to the day). That time, we met up over the skies of the Middle East. His wingman got a great shot of us in my KC-10 refueling him in his F-15E. Rah Virginia Mil!” Josh Simulcik started a new job at the end of April: “I am now a management researcher at RAND Corporation, blending my knowledge and experience in defense acquisition and organization development. I am also over a third of the way through with my Ph.D. program, with about a year to go before I start the dissertation phase.” Nice work, Josh! One housekeeping item of note: My personal class email list has been getting an increasingly larger number of undeliverable returns lately, so I have since requested the most upto-date class email directory from the VMI Alumni Agencies. If you haven’t seen reminders from me lately, I will hopefully have that remedied by the time you’re reading this. If you would like to reach me directly, my contact information appears at the start of this entry. That’s all for this brief quarterly update, brother

2023-Issue 3

Brother Rats of the Distinguished Class of 2006, Garth Williams and his wife, Sasha, returned from Beijing in December 2022 to welcome their first child, Sawyer Augustine, who was born Feb. 13. They will reside in the greater D.C. area until departing for U.S. Embassy Moscow this summer. Scott Bartholomew let me know that he “started coaching his youngest son’s lacrosse team. Kindergarten lacrosse is surprisingly intense around Southeast Pennsylvania.” Great to hear that you continue giving back to the community, BR. Chris Gilliland shared the following great news: “Kristin and I welcomed Hazel June Gilliland Thursday, Feb. 23, at 2:07 a.m. Mom and baby are

Class of 2006: Adam Rosenbaum after running a 5K race on Castaway Cay in 2022.

Class of 2006: Jackson and Oliver Gilliland, sons of Chris and Kristin Gilliland, with their new sister, Hazel June Gilliland, born Feb. 23, 2023.

Class of 2006: Garth Williams and his wife, Sasha, with their first child, Sawyer Augustine, born Feb. 13, 2023.

167

Class Notes International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, August–September 2021. The award was presented by Maj. Gen. Sean Ferrell Feb. 6, 2023, at Joint Special Operations Command. Clark had one of his 16th SOS crews with him at the time of the presentation. A special occasion for all members. During Afghanistan’s shutdown, the 16th SOS had crews participating in the mission at the time. Now, Clark is on station at Cannon Air Force Base

Class of 2006: U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Clark Moncure receives a Bronze Star for his actions as commander of the Joint Special Operations Aviation Detachment.

for a second time but currently as the deputy of operations for the 16th SOS Gunship Squadron. Keep up the great work, BR! Kelly Sweppenhiser attended the VMI Base Co. reunion at VMI in April 2023. He reported, “Over 50 alums came back to connect and watch our Keydets beat UNC – Greensboro two out of three.” Glad to hear you and Base Co. are doing well. But everyone knows the real No. 27 from 2006 played lacrosse. Sam Wallace reports that “I was working as an industrial engineer at the Nashville Amazon HQ where I got to design an entire fulfillment center and got to do a bunch of other cool small retrofit projects. Our team was overstaffed, so I was let go during the tech industry layoffs back in January 2023. Turned out getting laid off was a blessing in disguise, as I have been able to leverage my severance to start my own e-commerce business, which is going well. I spoke with Mark Castillo a couple of months back. He got a cool job with the state department down in Brazil.” Glad things are working out for our BRs! Phil Lacey reported in that he is busy as a family man, teacher, and CW3. Phil and his wife, Megan; son, Patrick (7); and daughter, Marlee Jean (6), still live in Staunton. Phil is teaching at Fishburne Military School and gets a handful of his cadets into VMI each year. Phil is a CW3 with the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Staunton. Great example of a true citizen-soldier. Great stuff, BR! Your BR, Will

2007

Maury Denton

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 2007.

2008

Robert Hill

Class of 2006: Kelly Sweppenhiser and Jason Annis ’03, his dyke, at the VMI baseball reunion in April 2023.

168

The Flathers family has grown once again, adding Sadie Jane Flathers Feb. 25. Sadie joins Liam

Class of 2008: Will Flathers and his family with their new arrival, Sadie Jane. and Junia. Sadie made a grand entrance, arriving in the emergency room lobby, with our own Will Flathers catching her as she made her way into the world. Despite the quick labor, Sarah and Sadie are doing well. The Flatherses recently relocated to the Fredericksburg area with the help of Andrew Czaplicki and his family. The two families are now attending the same church. Congrats on the addition and relocation! Evan Lyne and wife Nicole welcomed their daughter, Millie Denzil, to the family May 10, 2023, at 12:41 p.m. Millie arrived just in time to celebrate Mother’s Day with Nicole. Jim Andrew and wife Lilia welcomed their first child April 13, 2023. Landon James Andrew arrived at 12:03 p.m., weighing in at 7 pounds, 8.1 ounces, and measuring 21 inches. Congrats to the Lyne and Andrew families! Dr. Devan Nicely was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award for the Mountain Gateway Community College, formerly known as the Dabney S. Lancaster Community College. Devan obtained an associate degree from DSLCC before his time at VMI. Devan serves as currently as the head principal at Enderly Heights Elementary. Congrats, Devan, on your award! Matt Mitchell returned from his deployment to surprise everyone for Easter. Matt spent roughly nine months deployed to Romania with the 101st Airborne. Lauren and I hosted Matt and Arlene-Raquel for dinner the following week and irritated my newer neighbors with a few fireworks and rockets. I’m sure they won’t be too happy with me on the Fourth of July, either! I look forward to seeing many of you in the coming weeks at our 15th Reunion. Even if you forgot to register, I’m sure we can still squeeze you in. Feel free to reach out if needed.

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes

2009

Bradley Simpson

Brother Rats: I hope this edition this of the Review finds you and your families well. I have had a chance to catch up with a few here and there this go around, and it sounds like everyone is doing well. Jacob Collie shot me an email and said he was still a pathologist in the Air Force and most recently served on staff at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Medical Center (2018–22). Last year, his family moved from Dayton, Ohio, to Richmond, Virginia, so he could begin a fellowship in molecular genetic pathology at VCU Medical Center. As the academic year winds down, he had to say goodbye to Virginia (again), since he has orders to Ohio. When he gets back to WP Air Force Base, he will be the medical director of applied tech/genomics at the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, where he will continue to do genetics research applicable to the aerospace medicine community. Additionally, he will continue working with the 88th Med Group as a general pathologist. If that wasn’t exciting enough news, Jacob and his wife, Tanya, welcomed Ethan James Collie into the world July 27, 2022. They now have five children in the home— three boys and two girls. Jacob, we will all pray for your and your wife’s sanity. Jacob told me that life is busy, but they are loving every minute of it. At the end of June, the Navy will be sending Jonathan Kim to Diego Garcia for the next year. His family will stay back by the Philly area in

Class of 2009: Trent Blackman and Tyler Prasnicki ’15 following their jump in Germany April 20.

2023-Issue 3

Class of 2009: Payton Simpson, daughter of Bradley Simpson, trying on a VMI uniform at Legacy Day, held April 29.

Class of 2009: Vincent Abruzzese with his newborn son, Vincent Laurel Abruzzese. Delaware until next summer. He is hoping to be in Japan on the following tour. Vincent Abruzzese and his wife, Julie, gave birth to their son, Vincent Laurel Abruzzese, April 10, 2023. I had the opportunity to attend VMI’s Legacy Day in late April with my daughter, Payton. I got to catch up with a few of our BRs, Kelsey Sale and her husband, Jeff ’06; Daniel Von Schuch; and Ryan Spahr. It was good to see everyone, even if it was only a few minutes in between moving from station to station. If you have smaller kids and have the chance, I would highly recommend Legacy Day. It was a fun day back on post for the kids.

Class of 2009: Vincent Laurel Abruzzese, son of Vincent Abruzzese and his wife, Julie. Maj. Robert “Trent” Blackman and Capt. Tyler Prasnicki ’15, with the 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), celebrated performing airborne operations together. Blackman, a master-rated jumpmaster, completed his 100th jump, making him a centurion jumpmaster. Prasnicki completed his 30th jump with all other prerequisites met, making him an advanced-rated jumpmaster. They both earned these titles on the inaugural jump and dedication of Hernandez Drop Zone in Grafenwöhr, Germany, April 20, 2023. Hernandez Drop Zone was established in honor of a former hero of the battalion, Cpl. Emmanuel Hernandez, who was killed during the Global War on Terror. Well, that about does it for this go around. It was good to see and hear from everyone; I hope everyone is doing well. Keep on doing awesome stuff.

2010

Brandon Page Kilian Landersman

Another quarter, and another series of “what

169

Class Notes

Class of 2011: Jamie and Asha Bost with their son in front of a C-130.

Class of 2010: Cody Hennelly (left) and Evan Aguirre in Paris, France. is 2010 up to?” Justin Minter was recently promoted to project manager as a contractor for Defense Information Systems Agency. He’s handling sensitive government communications for several government agencies. Kuan-Chih Wang recently retired from the Taiwan Army in 2020 after serving his 10-year commitment. He is now working as a data engineer for Garmin. He’s moving back to the U.S. with his family this July, most likely to the Chicago area. If you’re in this area, hook up with him and give him a big old welcome back! Cody Hennelly and Evan Aguirre met up in Paris with their families in March. The rat roomies are back together and hanging out. Evan is currently a battalion XO in the 173rd Airborne Brigade, and Cody is a senior program manager at AWS in Arlington, Virginia. Jacob Robertson recently finished his Master of Business Administration degree at VCU, so if you see him, wish him congratulations! Scott Owen has been working on new vaccines, which were recently approved by the FDA. If you have kids and they’re getting their shot, it might have come from his project, so be sure to thank him! Last but not least, Brandon Stratz wishes everyone to know that he is, once again, still alive.

170

2011

Thomas H. Pace

2011, I got the chance to spend a weekend with Matt Talbott and his family. He’s enjoying the rich history of Galveston, Texas, such as the fun fact that the same Moodys from VMI have a large presence on the island. We toured the Moody Mansion,

Class of 2011: Patrick and Erica Terhune with their son, Connor Patrick Terhune, born Feb. 14, 2023. chased the kids around the beach, smoked some meats, and annoyed the wives with Rat Line stories. It was a great Keydet weekend. I also want to give a big thank you to the Buell Dozer, Ryan Buell, for helping me fix my SIG. He started at the fire academy back in February. Congratulations to Chris Kenney, who received a Master of Arts degree in international relations from New England College. Jamie Bost and his wife had a baby boy on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2022, James T. Bost IV! He and Asha are both still in the Air Force at Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas but are both planning to separate this summer. They’ll be

Class of 2011: Ronnie and Zipporah Ellsworth and their children.

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes moving back to Lynchburg, Virginia, for a couple of years while he goes to school to get his aircraft mechanic’s license. Asha is going to Palace Front to the Charleston West Virginia Army National Guard, and he’s going to see if the C-130 unit there will be willing to take him on, too, so they can both continue part-time. Patrick Terhune and his wife, Erica, welcomed their second son, Connor Patrick Terhune, Feb. 14, 2023. They moved to Ballston Spa, New York, in December 2022. Aaron Castro is in Dallas in his second full season as the competition manager for Major League Rugby. He said, “Can’t say it hasn’t been interesting—lost our Los Angeles and Austin teams in the summer after we removed them from the playoffs. But gained a Chicago team in November ... which made things interesting.” He’s looking forward to taking up Jeremy Lucier on his offer to eat at Micklethwait Craft Meat in Austin. Aaron took a day off back in February to watch Sam Roberts lead Base Co. against the JMU Dukes squad, led by Marlin Ikenberry ’95 and assisted by Sam’s brother, Michael Roberts ’09. Chelsea Nugent wanted to share that she is getting married and says, “My job is cool, I guess.” Steve Sargent was at SOF week in Tampa, where he ran into Jeremy O’Brien at the bar. Rah. Ronnie and Zipporah Ellsworth had their fifth child, Chloe Anna Ellsworth. She was born March 16, 2023. Zipporah says, “She was huge—9 pounds, 15 ounces. She’s the fifth baby, and she’s wonderful. It’s a mad house over here, but we’re good.” Rah Virginia Mil, Tom Pace

2012

Bruce Howard

Brother Rats, I hope this edition of the Review finds you and your families well. Here are updates from some of the members of our class, so I hope you enjoy. Josh Sneed got engaged to Jenny Brems this past fall. The happy couple will be getting married in Marietta, Georgia, this upcoming November. Along with that news, Aaron Lewis recently got married down in Mexico. Congratulations to Aaron and his new bride, Taylor!

2023-Issue 3

Kelly Jones and husband Matthew Jones ’11 recently gave birth to their third daughter. Isla Sophia Jones was born April 24 and looks precious. Congrats to you both and your growing family! While I am writing this update, Matt Dickinson is also patiently waiting for the birth of his daughter. I will be sure to include information and a beautiful newborn picture in the next edition. Jon Colon has a successful vending machine subsidiary, now operating under the name Vender Bender, and has officially been awarded licenses to operate in the coastal provinces of Nicaragua and Honduras. With his recent success, he plans on trading in his trusty PT Cruiser for something “a little less practical.” Colon still urges us all to follow his feline companion, @CarmineTheMobKitty, on Instagram. For more details, please message him directly. Cam Murray has started to participate in Richmond’s heavy metal scene. He was recently spotted in the mosh pit at a show with several other members of our class. Brother Cam has also started a new position as a financial adviser! We’re really proud of him for striking out on his own. However, we do not suggest he entertain prospective clients in the mosh pit. Good luck, Cam; you’re going to do great things! Dan Fiasconaro recently traveled to Italy with his fiancée, Casey, where they enjoyed the local sights and fare. Despite dining in several Michelin Star restaurants during the trip, Brother Dan still says his grandma could teach them a thing or two about a good marinara sauce. Craig Waldman is starting a graphic T-shirt company. The progress of the company has been temporarily stalled due to minor intellectual property and design disputes with competing firms No Fear LLC and Fox Racing. Quinn Adams will be serving as his counsel in the matter where he plans on citing the cadet oath and “significant portions” of the Blue Book in Waldman’s defense. We wish both of them the best of luck! Justin Dwight and his wife, Jess, have welcomed their son, Emerson Francis, into the world since our last publication! Emerson is as adorable as they come. He is partial to the “early era” Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and hearing bedtime stories about the Old Corps. Emerson plans on matriculating at his earliest convenience. In a recent conversation, Emerson said, in no uncertain terms, that he prefers Uncles Ben Denton and Will Wild over his actual uncle, Quinn Adams ... facts are facts (I will let the readers determine who actually wrote this section). Dwight has also found time to join another band in the Northern

Virginia/Annapolis area called Captain Geetch and the Shrimp Shack Shooters. They specialize in the yacht rock genre and would be happy to play an outdoor party near you! We heard through the grapevine Vinny Jarrells placed third overall in the Carolina Regional Arm Wrestling semi-finals! We cannot officially confirm this, but it sounds like he might have what it takes to go all the way. Good job, Vincent! Robert Earl is almost definitely doing something awesome in Charlottesville. T.D. Hoover’s son, Torrance Dudley Hoover III, is doing well, also known as 3D! He is set to turn a year old this July, and it is rumored that the Trey Anastasio Band will be playing his birthday party, which will take place in T.D.’s backyard. No doubt invites will be going out in the mail shortly to everyone on this mailing list. Stephen Davis was spotted recently in the greater Richmond area giving an impromptu lecture to an unsuspecting group on the history of Virginia. Please contact him directly to book him for speaking engagements. If you have to ask how much he charges, then you can’t afford it. Wayne Whiting and his wife, Holli, started their own cleaning business called Cap City Maid. They service the entire 804 area, so anyone looking for some help in that area, be sure to give them a call for a family and friends discount! Tell them Bruce sent you—actually, that might cost extra. Just another example of people helping people in the VMI brotherhood. For those of you who may remember him from our rat year, here is an update from Mike Fiorelli. Mike is a 2012 BR who left VMI to attend the Naval Academy, where he was a 2013 graduate. Following graduation, Mike went through Navy flight training in Florida and South Texas and earned his Naval aviator wings of gold in 2016. He spent four years stationed in Lemoore, California, flying the F-18 Super Hornet, deploying to the Western Pacific on the carrier Vinson and the South China Sea on the carrier USS Ronald Reagan. He has been stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia, for the last two years as an F-18 flight instructor and landing signals officer. He was selected for promotion to lieutenant commander, which should occur this fall, and he will be up for another set of orders next January. This past October, Mike was selected to lead a flight of two Super Hornets for the National Anthem flyover at a Navy football game in Annapolis. He continues to enjoy many outdoor activities in his free time, along with participating in a Bible study group through his church in Virginia Beach. He

171

Class Notes can be reached at fiorellimj@gmail.com. He has fond memories and the highest regard—as do his parents—for his brother rats and his year at VMI. I appreciate those who sent information to share with the class, so thank you. I look forward to hearing from more of you before the next edition. Take care and until next time! In the Bonds, Bruce

2014

Samuel Guidry Johnny Partin

2013

Charles Jones

Class of 2013, A short round of notes this period, but we have received some updates. Greg Olson married Mackenzie Allen March 25 in Seattle. Don Mays married Tami Brum Nov. 5, 2022, in Gramado, Brazil. I also recently saw that Sean Noll was promoted and is now officially a major in the United States Marine Corps. Mike Scaplehorn shared that he just finished his master’s at Saint Louis University and will be PCS’ing to MCAS Cherry Point this summer. It’s wild how time flies. As I began drafting these notes, it was hard for me to believe that it has been 10 years since we graduated. This fall will be our 10th Reunion, and I wanted to encourage you to come to Lexington for the weekend. Kip Zechman, Donnie Martin, and Dante Morales have

Class of 2013: Benjamin Scaplehorn, son of Michael Scaplehorn. been doing an incredible job leading our Reunion Committee. If you’ve been on the fence and want to learn more, feel free to reach out to learn more about what the weekend will entail. Lastly, I have spoken to some folks already, but this fall, in conjunction with our 10th Reunion, I’m looking to hand over the class agent duties. We’re working through the process of ensuring the entire class has the chance to voice their opinion, but in the meantime, I’m putting together a list of people interested in the position. If you think you might be interested, send me a quick email or text message so I can add you to the list. I look forward to seeing everyone at the reunion! Charlie Jones

Class of 2013: Pictured at Kip Zechman’s wedding in December 2021 are (back row, from left) Alex Snyder ’09, Aaron White ’14, James Wiltshire ’14, Daniel Kitchen ’14, Chase Barnett ’14, Luke Snead ’14, Kyle Farmer, Brian Bullock, Will Shannon ’10, Clint Raine ’10, Stuart Hughes, (front row) Patrick Byrne, the newlyweds, and Kevin Curran.

172

Dear BRs, I hope these notes find each and every one of y’all doing well and enjoying the summer season. As I’m typing up and finalizing these notes (May 11), it just amazes me how fast time has flown by. Can you believe it has been nine years since the Institute made the announcement that Joey Bishop and Cameron Armstrong would be our regimental commander and regimental XO, along with the rollout of all the other 1st Class rank positions? Can you believe this past summer has almost been 13 years since several of us met for the first time at STP (where we met the legendary Mr. Waterbury ’13, Mr. Domingo ’13, and Miss Moye ’13—now Mrs. Vilushis—as STP counselors)? My goodness, does time fly! What’s more remarkable is all of the positive contributions each of us has contributed to our nation, state, and communities. It is so uplifting and encouraging to see so many BRs serving their communities, doing great things in the military, starting up businesses, working in the public sector, and growing professionally and

Class of 2013: The VMI crew at Don Mays’ wedding in Brazil in November 2022.

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes sergeant major. I can only imagine how our command and staff meetings would go. A few weeks later, I got to catch up with our ole class president, Weston Hitchcock. We had a great time catching up and talking about our lives postVMI. Neither of us realized it, but we talked on the phone for about an hour. Weston is doing well. He is out of the Army, married, has a lovely daughter, and is working for the FBI. He reassured me the FBI doesn’t use interns or students in the academy to track down diabolical masterminds and bad guys (i.e., like the movie The Silence of the Lambs).

Class of 2014: Attending Phil Pryor’s wedding are (from left) Zach Jones, Andy Eddleton, Ben Osen, Kyle Corwin, Nikki Pryor, Pryor, Kevin Hedrick, Logan Ridge, Brandon Dodd, Tom Campbell, Ben Kier, and Will Shehan. Not pictured is Trevor Tafolla. personally. I am so proud of our class and the positive impact the Class of 2014 is having not only in our country but around the world! Enough of the reminiscing and nostalgia, let’s get into 10th Reunion planning and 2023 pregaming! With our 10th Reunion next year, 2023 is our pregame year! We are getting the class pumped up for next year! We are continuing to have more fun class dinners/socials and other exciting things. First off, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank several of our BRs who have agreed to chair and/or serve on a reunion committee. A very special thank you to Cory Reinecke for leading the Events Committee and to Abby Dawson and Nicole Harding for co-chairing the Outreach Committee. I know we are in superbly marvelous hands with these three leading the events and outreach committees. Unfortunately, you all are stuck with me as your Campaign/Fundraising Committee chair. Lol! If you would like to serve on the Outreach Committee and/or Campaign/Fundraising Committee, please send me a note. We would love to have you join our efforts to make this reunion a grand ole time! Administrative note: Please update your contact information with the Alumni Association. This is very important, as 10th Reunion activities and planning will start soon. We want to make sure we get ahold of everyone so no one is left out. If you don’t know how, please reach out to Abby Dawson or me, and we will be happy to help you.

2023-Issue 3

Now onward to the BR news and updates! I would be remiss if I didn’t start our BR news and update section with the sensational news of the right honorable gentleman of the West End, Sir Cabell Francis Willis, our beloved S2 lieutenant from years gone past. Cabell and Victoria Busse are officially married! They had a beautiful wedding in Washington, D.C., and had some great VMI representation there! Those in attendance were Jacob Lysher, Matthew Reardon, Jonathan Reardon, Will Thompson, Sharif Gray ’11, Avery Martin ’16, and me. Let’s not stop there. On that same weekend, Phil Pryor married the lovely and divine Nicole Nahmod. It was a beautiful wedding service surrounded by many BRs. I think one of the highlights of the evening was Logan Ridge “dropping it like it was hot,” resulting in some majorly ripped pants. Sorry, you will have to ask “F-Troop” BRs for a photo of that. Ben Kier sent it to me; I choked on my sweet tea laughing so hard. All I can say is that it is a BAR: “Big @#$ rip.” On the first weekend in May, Paul Edwards and Abby Synder got married! Congratulations, y’all! The wedding and engagement bug has really hit the Class of 2014 big time over the past year. Continuing with the notes, while out in Sonoma, California, visiting my aunt in early February, I got to catch up with Tyler Cross. She is doing very well. She is now a sergeant first class (E7) in the Virginia National Guard. I told her that if I get to take battalion command in the Virginia Guard, I want to have her as my battalion

Class of 2014: The Vernon family. Pictured are Dayton, Courtney, Everett, Case, and Justin.

Class of 2014: Weston Hitchcock with his wife, Sarah, and daughter, Macy.

173

Class Notes

Class of 2014: David Himot with his wife, Breanna, and daughters, Lilah and Sarah, in Hawaii. Lucas Champion and Eva Edelbrock organized a get-together for BRs to go to the Leg Warmers concert in Northern Virginia in early March. Unfortunately, we had some ticket issues, so Eva decided to throw an ’80s karaoke party at her house, and it was a blast. Lucas, Eva, Flora Edelbrock, Eric Triassi, Robbie Brent, and I nailed Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody. While at drill with the 29th Infantry Division up at Fort Belvoir in March, I found out that I have a BR in my unit. Shane O’Flynn is an E5/sergeant with the G2/3 shop. He is doing well. He actually lives in Blackstone near ole Fort Pickett! Nate Myers was promoted to captain in the U.S. Marine Corps in March. He had a ceremony at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Virginia. Congratulations, Nate! Definitely well-deserved! Justin Vernon and his sweet wife, Courtney, welcomed their third son, Everett Wayne Vernon, to this world Wednesday, March 15, at 2:45 p.m. He weighed 8 pounds, 11 ounces, and is 20-and-a-half inches long. Justin, we are so happy for you and Courtney! In April, while back up at Fort Belvoir for drill, Ben Kier and I had dinner with Tom Campbell. We met at Mission BBQ Saturday, April 1. Tom is doing very well in the Navy. He is in town for his next level of military education with the Navy. We even got to meet his dog, Billie Holiday. Tom is now a department head on his ship. Congratulations, Tom, on this next chapter in your Naval career.

174

On April 12, our VMI class family got even bigger! Quentin O’Neal and his beautiful wife, Crystal, welcomed a cute baby girl, Lily Lenora O’Neal, to this world. Congratulations, Quentin and Crystal; we are very excited and happy for y’all. Two thousand fourteen keeps the good times rolling because Steve States and his wife, Meredith, welcomed their beautiful baby boy, Harvey United States, to this world April 21. Congratulations, y’all! I know he will grow up to be a great young man like his dad. And holy smokes and OshKosh B’gosh, the wedding bug bit Room 142 this year. Just days before Cabell’s wedding at the end of April, Jacob Lysher proposed to Mollie Nesaw! Congratulations to you both. Looking forward to hearing more details about the wedding. I have a sneaky suspicion that either Jonathan Reardon or Matthew Reardon will be the next one in our room. I have found no luck in finding a woman who can put up with my shenanigans and escapades. Haha! Rachel Boldry says that her life isn’t very exciting. I told her pish posh hogwash, that I didn’t believe that for a second. So, she sent me a picture of her napping on the job. “I’m the same as I was in college. Falling asleep literally anywhere.” My response was, “No wonder you don’t look like you have aged or changed a bit.” But in all seriousness, Rachel is doing well in Army. She enlisted and is now a staff sergeant, E6. Capt. Mary Grace Lemon relinquished command of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 108th Air Defense Artillery, serving 31 months between three batteries. She will attend Airborne School, then remain at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, going to work at DIVARTY. Keep up the great work, Mary Grace! David Himot is doing well. The Army has him in Hawaii. David is now a family man. He is stationed there with his wife and two kids. Beautiful family picture, David! Speaking of BRs on islands, Kyle Reavis is still the head chef for a three-diamond restaurant in Saint Kitts. He is doing very well and excelling in the culinary arts! The restaurant he works for has a high volume of celebrities and dignitaries that patronize it. He got to meet Robert De Niro! Keep up the great work, Kyle. Hopefully, you’ll be back in the States soon and have your own restaurant! Continuing with “islander” BRs, Phillip Kroke is stationed in Hawaii with the Army, as well. He completed his Ph.D. in psychology

from the U.S. Uniformed Services University. So, I guess he is now Dr. Capt. Kroke! Congratulations on this huge achievement. Maybe one day we will see you back at “Mother I” as a professor. I got to catch up with Nick Mari briefly. He is doing well and continuing to live his best life. Ben Smith is doing exceptionally well in Southwest Florida. The construction business has been booming in Florida and keeping him very busy! Nicole Augins is loving the grand Air Force life. She is currently deployed to Saudi Arabia. Wishing you a quick and safe return to the States, Nicole. Just like Nicole, Katie Kondas is enjoying the plush and lush Air Force life. She is gearing up for getting promoted to major next year. Congratulations, Katie; I know you have worked hard for this. Very well-deserved and earned! Mickey Hofmeister is excelling in the financial industry. He is a financial consultant and certified financial planner with the Lewis Group of Truist Investment Services. He, Robbie Brent, and I met up at City Point Ice Cream and Burgers to enjoy dinner, fellowship, and good ole fashioned chit-chat time. I see a future president of the New York Stock Exchange in our midst. Wonderful job, man! Matthew Bang finished up his Army career

Class of 2014: Cabell Willis and his bride, Victoria.

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes and is off to new adventures. Thank you for your nine years of service and wish you many great successes in your next life chapter. Austin Chien wrapped up his eight-year career with the Navy and has started his next journey with the State Department. He will be a diplomatic security special agent. He has to go through a lot of training over the course of the next several months and should find out which country he will be assigned to shortly thereafter. Congratulations on this new adventure! We wish you many successes in this new job! Hannah Best is loving life out in Colorado! She switched up her job and is now an instructor with the American Heart Association. Now she teaches safety courses for them, which I think fits her professionalism, demeanor, and caring nature. Glad to hear you are doing so well, Hannah. Hunter Harvey is continuing to do well. He is now the weapons officer for the USS Philippine Sea. He was telling me that several of our other Navy BRs are excelling in Navy. Max Karafotis, Caroline (Pryor) Clubb, Patrick Pizzaro, Henry Travers, and James Wiltshire are all department heads on ships now! Congratulations, BRs! Who knows, this class may end up with the record number of admirals for a VMI class. Joey Dassoulas is rocking and rolling at the family construction business up in Frederick, Maryland. It is about 30 minutes from the West Virginia and Virginia border. Joey’s family does commercial construction work for restaurants. They have done work on Chick-fil-a, Starbucks, Chipotle, and Panera joints. Ironically, Joey had done work at the Starbucks on the borderline of Prince George County and Hopewell. Keep up the great work, Joey! Jonathan Rumbaugh is continuing to progress and excel with excellence at VDOT. I can easily see him as Virginia’s secretary of transportation one day! Jonathan went over to Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland, with the National Guard to take part in a planning conference and training exercise. The picture he posted on Facebook of the cloudberry cheesecake and coffee looks like it is to die for. Vince Reo and I recently caught up. We both just can’t believe it has been 13 years since we did our STP class (World History I with Col. Kenneth Koons). Man, where does the time go? Vince is doing well and sends his best wishes to everyone!

2023-Issue 3

Will Thompson finished up his time in the Marine Corps a couple of years ago. He is in law school up in Boston, Massachusetts! He is wrapping up his second year and getting ready to enter that final year. He has been working with the Boston city council, mayor’s office, and district attorney’s office. Great stuff, Will! You’re getting a lot of wonderful experience. I think I see the making of a future attorney general! Last but certainly not least, let’s raise a glass to BR Jonathan Vignali, who recently picked up his gold oak leaf! Congratulations to Jonathan on being promoted to major! This is a “major” accomplishment (pun intended), but on a serious note—great job! Tom Pierpoint ran into Jonathan up at Walter Reed and commented on how excellent of a doctor he is. We are super proud of you! Keep up the great work! I look forward to saluting you soon! As I said at the beginning of the notes, it is truly uplifting to see all the spectacular things that everyone is doing. Whether it is family life, military life, the public sector, or the private sector, the Class of 2014 is being heard from, that’s for sure. Continue doing great things with “noble emulation,” BRs! Take Care and Stay Safe, Johnny Partin

Harbor in July. Hannah Dickinson Hornsby and Booth Hornsby ’13 are excited to share the birth of their new baby, Asher, this past December.

Class of 2015: Henry Wells Peek, born in December 2022.

2015

Henry Meredith Johnny McDonald

Keydets! Spring has sprung, and that means babies! Haha. Lots of exciting new family members for our BRs for this update. Meghan and I aren’t at that stage quite yet, but we look forward to leaning on my BRs when it comes to parenting advice in the coming years. Alex Monson and his wife, Katelyn, had their second son, William, the day after Christmas. They’re still in Newport, Rhode Island, but are slated to move back out to San Diego, where Alex will be stationed on USS Pearl

Class of 2015: Chris and Whitney Gray with their son, Noah Troy Gray, born Feb. 11, 2023.

175

Class Notes As always, I hope you and your family are well. Ping me if you or a BR needs address/contact info updated with VMI or just want to catch up. Always game for a call. Rah Virginia Mil, Henry Meredith

2016

Jacob Norris Patrick Hine

Class of 2017: Matt and Kayla Lombardi with their third child, Fitzgerald Apollo Lombardi, born April 5, 2023. Class of 2015: Hannah Dickinson Hornsby and Booth Hornsby ’13 with their new arrival, Asher Hornsby, born Dec. 29, 2022.

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 2016.

2017

Benjamin Stewart Michael P. Griffin

Class of 2015: William Monson, son of Alex and Katelyn Monson, was born Dec. 26, 2022. Chris Gray and his wife, Whitney, welcomed their first child Feb. 11, 2023, Noah Troy Gray, future 1st Class private. Chris and the family are still living/working in Winchester, Virginia, with no plans of going anywhere. Townies for life. And finally, Henry Wells Peek, son of Nicolas Peek, decided to make an appearance this past December, weighing in at over 9-and-a-half pounds!

176

BRs, Please see below for the most recent editions of who’s where and doing what: Matt Lombardi: In late October, Matt became the company commander of 155th ICTC at the always-wonderful Fort Eustis, Virginia. Then, April 5, 2023, his wife gave birth to their third kid, a beautiful baby boy, Fitzgerald Apollo Lombardi. Congrats, Matt! I had the pleasure of catching up with the once-famed Company B executive officer, Andrew T. Hromoko III. Naturally, he’s making moves and doing incredibly well. I was surprised when he told me how his workouts were going. With much gusto, Andy relayed that he still gets into gym dyke and runs down to East Potomac Park in D.C. to run laps around the point. Furthermore, he belts out cadence to keep those footsteps strong. Good $#%@,

Andy. Keep it up! Always a pleasure to catch up. Kidding, totally kidding. But hey, why couldn’t it be true? Which leads me into my request from you, the reader. Please, please, please, send in your favorite BR story. Your favorite prank. Your favorite cadre moment. Whatever it is, I want to hear it and put it in the next issue. For example, the time Mike Gorski and I filled Andrew “Bread” Bradshaw’s shoes with dirt, then planted a flower in them. That one, fortunately, is very true. Death Before Dishonor, Ben Stewart

2018

Carlee Anderson Matt Esnardo

Class of 2018, I hope all is well. A good number of marriages occurring over the last few weeks. Kevin Carson and his wife, Erin, got married at Greek Peak Mountain Resort in New York Dec. 31, 2022, after dating for a decade.

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes welcome to the alumni. As always, stay humble, and the best way to represent the Institute is simply being a good dude or dudette. As always, thanks for everything, and always look forward to hearing from you all. Sincerely, Matt and Carlee P.S.: Congrats to Carlee for getting engaged! (Insert salute emoji.)

2019

Nathan D.A. Mumford Annika K. Tice

Class of 2017: Matt and Kayla Lombardi with their children. The wedding for Nathan Dugie and Tori Nuckols took place Saturday, May 13, 2023, in Lexington, Virginia. In attendance at Nathan and Tori’s wedding were William “Woody” Woodward ’92, Jeff Gordon ’65, Dylan Bolden ’15, Steve Moral ’21, Travis Korhorn, Nathan Dugie, Will “Woody” Woodward, Mark Wright, Jake Foley, and Casey White ’15. Last but not least, fellow Delta Maddog Colton Depew married his longtime girlfriend, Veronica Russel, March 31, 2023. Attending Colton and Veronica’s wedding were Brother Rats Gram Pratt, Charles Minnigerode, Bryce Moxley, Jake Ackerman, and Sean Harrington. Our own Eric Arneson is an instructor pilot at U.S. Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training. Recently, he assisted in training Justin Polito ’20 in Justin’s pilot pipeline. Plenty of duty station changes and military-to-civilian transitions happening across the country, but always happy to hear about our servicemen and servicewomen’s stories across the country. As we near our 5th Reunion, I just wanted to keep you all up to date on the coordination leading up to September. Our own class president has made a good amount of effort to establish the necessary support from the Alumni Association. There are a few other individuals involved, but ultimately, I think we are on a good path for a fantastic reunion weekend. To the Class of 2023, congratulations and

2023-Issue 3

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 2019.

2020 Alexander Dragan Holly K. Njabo

Editor’s Note: We did not receive notes for the Class of 2020.

2021 Jonathan Krauss Levi Kennedy

Class of 2018: Kevin Carson and his wife, Erin.

Hello, Brother Rats! It is hot and dry out here in Twentynine Palms, California, and boy, am I ready to move

177

Class Notes

Class of 2021: Patrick Bowman prepares for his first assignment on the USCGC Forward. Class of 2021: Joe Murray (left) and Annika Tice ’19 at the “Finding a Calling” forum sponsored by the VMI Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies Feb. 20.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin. Jay Kennedy, Matthew Dickman, and Alex Caporaletti graduated from Sapper School at Fort Leonard Wood, and Liam Kelly and Vince Ferrari both graduated from Logistics Officer School. Billy Pierce got assigned to VAW-120 and will be flying the E-2 Hawkeye AEW aircraft. Emma Pratt was assigned deck watch officer on the USCGC Alex Haley out of Kodiak, Alaska. Bundle up, Emma; I hear it gets cold up there. Anthony Sicari graduated Ranger School in Fort Benning, Georgia.

Class of 2021: Matthew Dickman, Jay Kennedy, and Alex Caporaletti at their graduation from the U.S. Army Sapper Leader Course.

Class of 2021: Billy Pierce is assigned to VAW-120 and will be flying the E-2 Hawkeye. back to the East Coast. A lot of exciting things have happened in the past couple of months, and I can’t wait to tell you! I want to first start off by congratulating our brother rats who have been promoted. Congratulations to: 1st Lts. Tahvon Davis, Adam Alexander, Nathan Ocampo, Jacob LaMountain, Vince Ferrari, Hunter Barnes, Leandrew Jefferson III, Landon Knappenberger, Ben Solis, Kyle Donnelly, Parker Holcomb, Brandon Hornung, Joohyuk Lee, Josh Toohey, and Jimmy Winston! Back in February, Amber Hamil was awarded the Expert Soldier Badge, and Gabriella Mattson graduated Air Assault School. In March, Anne Hirlinger was assigned her number one choice as an Air Force navigator; way to go, Anne!

178

Class of 2021: Jordan Ward at his graduation from Ball State University, where he earned a Master of Business Administration degree.

In May, Patrick Bowman was accepted to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Direct Commission Selected Schools program and commissioned. He arrived in Portsmouth for his first assignment on the USCGC Forward. Joohyuk Lee got engaged in February, as did Daniel Crawford. In March, Tyler Haiges got engaged, and Wei-Ju Lee got engaged, too! In April, Samuel Moreira, Adam Roberto, and Ariel Endicott all got engaged, and Shamus Bartmess and Jordan Chaulklin both got married! In May, Caleb Blank got married! Back in February, Joseph Murray traveled back to post to speak at the VMI alumni forum, “Finding a Calling,” about the importance of the field of education and its viability

VMI Alumni Review

Class notes as a career option for VMI graduates. He spoke alongside Anika Tice ’19, who also pursued education as a career since graduating from VMI. Standing out from the others are Jordan Ward and Ben Winter. Jordan graduated from Ball State with a Master of Business Administration degree, and Ben graduated from Virginia Tech with a Master of Science degree in civil engineering and will be taking on a job in Richmond this summer! Finally, a huge congratulations to Gianna and Callen Nuccio on the announcement of a baby girl on the way! I cannot put into words how proud I am of all of you and all your accomplishments. In just a few short years after graduating, we have reached out and spread our wings across the country and across the world. It makes me so happy to be your class agent. Keep it up, brother rats!

2022

Seth McRoberts Kelly Rollison

Warm Greetings Again, Brother Rats, Kelly and I both hope these words find you in good health and spirits and for lack of a better phrase, “Getting after it.” This quarter we had a few more military, academic, professional, and personal accomplishments. So, without further ado, let’s kick off some personal accomplishments with some more weddings. On May 13, I was privileged to be at the wedding of BR Leland Briggs, who married his college sweetheart, Chloe. And the last one to report happened nearly a year ago, and I severely apologize for letting it slip through the cracks, but our loving class chaplain and everyone’s favorite BR, William Taylor, was married to the love of his life, Dani. Congratulations to our newlyweds and all the newlyweds I might have missed. Wishing you all the happiness in the world and all of God’s blessings on your marriages. Now on to our continuing higher education

2023-Issue 3

folks. Solomon Ghosh is doing well at The Citadel, pursuing his degree in national intelligence. Ethan Schlussel is doing great with his master’s degree at Virginia Tech before he continues his career in the Air Force. BR Bret Trahan is working hard on his degree in exercise science at the University of South Carolina. Kyle Tidwell got accepted into medical school and will be starting in the fall. And finally, BR Elliot Madden was recently accepted into Elon University’s Law School and will be starting there in the fall. Stay the course and keep hanging tough. Some hot stuff in sports to report, though. BR Robert Soderholm III was invited to the Seattle Seahawks’ training camp this summer with hopes of being drafted as a long snapper. I think all of us can attest to this guy’s relentless hard work and effort in pursuit of this dream. And Solomon Ghosh is still doing an exceptional job in college athletics, absolutely blowing the SoCon competition out of the water in the discus and getting the number one place at the conference championship, moving him into a good position for the national championship. In this past championship, he also set a new conference discus record by breaking a 40-year standing record. Well done to you both; keep up the great performances. On to some professional accomplishments in the civilian world. BR Colin Gibbons has been working hard as a DoD analyst at the Pentagon this past year and has been doing an incredible job for them. And Matt Dellinger has not only graduated from the fire academy but has been working his butt off with the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire Department. Well done, gentlemen. Now on to the Navy side of the house. Christina Skaggs has graduated from her BDOC and other trainings in preparation for her current job. BRs Makenna Adams (formerly Moore), Dylan Haines, Mylez Frazier, and Garrett Johnson have all graduated or will soon graduate from Nuclear Power School down in Charleston, South Carolina. And BRs Sara Belamarich, Grady Beasley, Tanner Mallari, Frank Mateja, and Thomas Hanisch are all currently going through Navy aviation schooling and training. Noah Birthisel has recently graduated and commissioned in the Navy. Sean Vonderhaar has also commissioned in the Navy upon his December graduation. Fantastic

job, sailors. Keeping in line with the Department of the Navy, we have a few Marine Corps accomplishments to highlight. Firstly, Carsen Durham and Lancelot Weimann graduated with flying colors from Marine Corps OCS. And secondly, John Adams, Nathan Martin, Robert Curma, Richard Stacpoole, Allie Sassaman, and Jacob Whitehouse have all successfully graduated from TBS. Keep up the good fight, Devil Dogs. And still staying in this theme of “water-based” services, we had our very own Katie Feng graduate Coast Guard OCS with flying colors—’22 is proud as ever of you, Katie. Finally, to wrap things up, we have our big Army accomplishments. Starting off with our infantry stud, Nick Cho, who recently graduated Army Ranger School to achieve that coveted Ranger Tab. Danny Walsh, Karsten Wahl, Josiah Richter, and Julian Irvin recently commissioned into the Army this past December. Well done, Class of ’22; keep up all the great work and hang tough as always. I’ll leave you with one last parting thought. Remember that discipline isn’t the act of toughing it out when it is time to perform but rather the practice of instilling a habit consistently every day so that practice becomes a part of your very being. God Bless and Rah ’22, Kelly Rollison and Seth McRoberts

2023

Jacob C. Sekerak Dennison C. Kelly

Editor’s Note: Congratulations on your recent graduation, Class of 2023! 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.

179

Class Notes

Marriages

Baby Keydets CRAGG—A son, Harold, to Jenna and Dan Cragg ’04, April 14, 2023.

WILLIS—Victoria Busse to Cabell Willis ’14 April 28, 2023. PRYOR—Nicole Nahmod to Phillip Pryor ’14 April 29, 2023.

ANDREW—A son, Landon James, to Lilia and James Andrew ’08, April 13, 2023.

EDWARDS—Abby Synder to Paul Edwards ’14 May 6, 2023.

FLATHERS—A daughter, Sadie Jane, to Sara and William Flathers ’08, Feb. 25, 2023.

LITTLEFIELD—Allison Partin ’17 to Joshua Littlefield ’17 March 18, 2023.

LYNE—A daughter, Millie Denzil, to Nicole and Evan Lyne ’08, May 10, 2023.

degrees

O’NEAL—A daughter, Lily Lenore, to Crystal and Quentin O’Neal ’14, April 12, 2023. VERNON—A son, Everett Wayne, to Courtney and Justin Vernon ’14, March 15, 2023. STATES—A son, Harvey United, to Meredith and Steve States ’14, April 21, 2023.

PharmD

Monica Bennett ’12 Doctor of Pharmacy University of Florida May 2023 Phillip Kroke ’14 Doctor of Philosophy, Psychology United States Uniformed Services University Nov. 2021

Ph.D.

Update your contact information on VMI Ranks today! New users: vmialumni.org/newuser

Returning users: vmialumni.org/ranks

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.

180

Robert W. Smothers ’44

Dec. 2, 1922

Robert G. Moore ’45

June 15, 1923

Paul E. Greenlee ’45

May 18, 1924

James L. Moore ’50B

June 1, 1924

Malcom B. Lacy Jr. ’46

July 27, 1924

Selden S. McNeer Jr. ’46

Jan. 8, 1925

Lawrence Altaffer Jr. ’46

Jan. 10, 1925

Harvey E. Wise ’50B

Feb. 5, 1925

Gene D. Thornton ’46

Feb. 20, 1925

George W. Coleman ’46

March 15, 1925

VMI Alumni Review

Exciting VMI Alumni Mobile App Updates Are Here!

New push notifications keep you in the know!

Everything in one place— from news to socials!

To download the app, scan the QR code with your smartphone or tablet camera or visit vmialumni.org/mobileapp

Concerned about privacy? You can edit your profile and easily hide information you do not wish to share.

2023-Issue 3

Search for alumni by chapter and employer!

Finding BRs and other alumni just got a lot easier!

Stay Connected with the VMI Alumni Mobile App

181

Provisional Appointments APPOINTEE’S NAME

2028 Carter T. Dellinger

Charles Saunders Patrick Goldman

Thomas R. Tan

Tristan Russell 2029 Cruz F. Trigueros Devin Edwards Evan Leiden Lily Boltz

2030 Lincoln Clotfelter Max Meyer Sierra Mae Andert

ALUMNUS-CLASS

RELATIONSHIP

William F. Smith ’72 Phillip N. Smith ’72 Paul G. Smith ’78 Scott M. Saunders ’97 Michael P. Goldman ’00 Daniel B. Wilson ’88 W. Ray Dyer ’88 Tyler H. Warden ’19 Matthew E. Lassalle ’22 Robert J. Robertson Jr. ’50B E. Jeff Robertson II ’54 Eric D. Lassalle ’88 Caroline M. Lassalle ’25 Charles A. Russell Sr. ’65

Great-uncle Great-uncle Grandfather Father Father Uncle Uncle Cousin Cousin Great-uncle Great-uncle Uncle Cousin Grandfather

Frank L. Trigueros ’02 Michael C. Edwards ’97 Ramil B. Ibanez ’90 John P. Goode ’94 John L.C. Goode ’67 Louis C. Goode ’929

Father Father Uncle Step-father Step-grandfather Step-greatgrandfather

APPOINTEE’S NAME

Leoline Dawson (Cont.) Nathaniel W. Pendelton III ’87 Nathaniel W. Pendelton Jr. ’57 Nathaniel W. Pendelton ’922

Father Father Great-grandfather

Richard M. Hamlet ’70

Grandfather

2033 Anne Meyer

N. Patrick Meyer ’99

Father

2043 Evelyn R. Humenick

Kayla A. Johnson-Humenick ’13 Mother

2044 Barrett Walsh Braxton I. Wilson Cade Kunz Cora G. Barger Declan Q. O’Neill Jameson T. Bennett Richard M. Goodall

Deane E. Chace

2041 William J. Brakke

2042 Andrew Barton David D. Berry Leoline Dawson

182

Dolan O. Walsh ’19 Alexandra Walsh (Frank) ’18 Richard D. Wilson ’19 Carter L. Kunz ’10 Scot M. Barger ’82 John T. Rust ’65 Madison O’Neill (Curran) ’19 Peter J. O’Neill ’18 Jordan M. Bennett ’19 Richard T. Goodall ’03 Richard L. Goodall ’66 Richard B. Goodall ’931

Father Mother Father Father Grandfather Great-uncle Mother Father Father Father Grandfather Great-grandfather

Douglas W. Sebert ’77 Kevin K. Nettrour ’74 Stephen D. Chace Jr. ’08 Stephen D. Chace ’80 Mark D. Moncure ’76 Thomas Moncure ’940 Robinson Moncure ’901

Grandfather Great-uncle Father Grandfather Grandfather Great-grandfather Great-greatgrandfather Great-great-greatgrandfather Grandfather Cousin Great-grandfather Great-grandfather Great-uncle Father Uncle Grandfather Grandfather Uncle Grandfather Father Father Mother Uncle

Thomas J. Moncure ’853 Elizabeth O. Trotter

2034 Annabel M. DiFrank Michael Smith

James J. DiFrank ’68 David M. Smith ’87

Grandfather Father

William F. Smith ’72 Phillip N. Smith ’72 Paul G. Smith ’78

Grandfather Great-uncle Great-uncle

Colleen Barton (Logan) ’06 Matthew S. Mitchell ’02 Frederick M. Dawson ’13 Michael K. Dawson ’87

Mother Uncle Father Grandfather

Great-uncle Great-grandfather Great-greatgrandfather Mother Father

Colleen Barton (Logan) ’06 Matthew D. Erwin ’02

Ellise N. Moncure 2031 Grayson C. Friske

RELATIONSHIP

Liam Barton Briggs Erwin

2045 Caden E. Sebert James H. Clotfelter ’92 N. Patrick Meyer ’99 Thomas E. Hunter Jr. ’57

ALUMNUS-CLASS

Garrett K. Wengerd Ivy L. Fliqor James R. Collier

Jonah P. Adams Leah J. Ogden Noah M. Fisher Paytonn E. Hupp

Vincent A. Wood III ’81 Richard E. Baltimore Jr. ’00 James J. DiFrank ’68 Donald F. Hargy ’63 Benjamin N. Hargy ’94 William C. Collier ’06 John C. Collier ’09 William C. Collier ’72 David S. Clarke ’83 Benjamin R. Clarke ’15 Michael S. Ogden ’79 Timothy M. Fisher ’19 Thomas B. Hupp ’20 Kiley Hupp (Cropper) ’21 Stephen E. Hupp Jr. ’16

VMI Alumni Review

Provisional Appointments APPOINTEE’S NAME

Paytonn E. Hupp (Cont.)

Penelope Kennedy Quinn O. Goode

ALUMNUS-CLASS

Donald M. Martin ’13 Stephen E. Hupp Sr. ’84 William T. Hupp ’77 Henry T. Hupp Jr. ’44 Taylor M. Kennedy ’15 John E. Goode ’81 John O. Goode ’13

RELATIONSHIP

Uncle Grandfather Great-uncle Great-grandfather Father Grandfather Father

APPOINTEE’S NAME

Theodore J. Driscoll Theodore Kennedy Vincent L. Abruzzese Wilson M. King

ALUMNUS-CLASS

Myles J. Driscoll ’19 Taylor M. Kennedy ’15 Vincent W. Abruzzese ’09 Meade B. King ’85 Calvin A. Lloyd III ’90 Henry W. Moncure II ’74 Calvin A. Lloyd II ’62

RELATIONSHIP

Father Father Father Grandfather Great-uncle Great-uncle Great-great-uncle

Graduate School Partnerships The Virginia Military Institute has forged relationships with graduate and professional schools in Virginia and across the U.S. These agreements offer opportunities, including admissions concessions, internships, guaranteed interviews and, in some cases, guaranteed admissions. Partnerships include Virginia Commonwealth University,

the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Florida State University, Norwich University, Arizona State, and the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. Programs include law, medicine, business, engineering, and communications. Contact Olivia Dirscherl at dirscherlog@vmi.edu for more information.

Jonathan M. Daniels 1961 Seminary Scholarship 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.

2023-Issue 3

183

Taps Russell B. Newton Jr. ’45 Russell Brown “Russ” Newton Jr. ’45 of Jacksonville, Florida, died March 12, 2023. He was 98. He matriculated from Danville, Virginia, and spent less than two years at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He is survived by his wife, Joannie; children, Helen (Raymond Harting), Russell B. Newton III (Kathy), Matthew (Vicki), Julie (Marc St. John), and William (Karla); 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; step-sons, Hap, Rick, and Bobby; step-grandchildren; and step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Julie Newton, and brother, Fred Newton.

Allan E. Ferrey ’46 Allan Evans Ferrey ’46 of Burlington, Ontario, Canada, died Feb. 11, 2023. He was 99. He matriculated from Port Nelson, Ontario, and spent just over a year at VMI. He is survived by his daughter, Catherine Woodman (Don); daughter-in-law, Margaret Chadwick; and grandchildren, Jessica Woodman, Megan Woodman, Edward Ferrey, and Catherine Ferrey. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anne Elizabeth Ferrey; son, Gerran Edward Ferrey; and brothers, Jim Ferrey and Russell Ferrey.

Alonzo J. Walter Jr. ’49B Retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Alonzo Joseph “Lon” Walter Jr. ’49B of San Antonio, Texas, died Aug. 13, 2022. He was 94. He matriculated from New Iberia, Louisiana, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering from the Air Force Institute for Technology. He is survived by his wife, Doris; daughters, Terry Gabreski (Don) and Beverly Myers (Gary); grandchildren, Kimberly Yandell, Larry Myers, Matthew Gabreski, and Mark Gabreski; great-grandchildren, Everett Yandell, Violet Yandell, and Olivia Myers; and sisters, Gwenn Bent and Myrna Stone. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jennifer Sonnier.

Haywood G. France ’49C Haywood Gordon France ’49C of Harrisonburg, Virginia, died Feb. 28, 2023. He was 98.

184

He matriculated from Charlottesville, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Virginia. At the time of his death, he was the Class of 1949C class agent, a position he held since 2009. He is survived by his sons, Haywood Gordon France Jr. (Melissa) and John M. France (Melissa); grandchildren, Jennifer, Molly, Chelsea, Taylor, Carter, Meredith, and Julia; and great-grandchildren, Betty, Haywood, Kendall, Bowen, Dean, O’Dell, Rollins, and Zaara. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kendall; sister, Sara Wayne Forsyth; and brother, Douglas Carter France Jr., Class of 1941, who died Aug. 24, 1982.

He is survived by his daughter, Charlotte Meader Jones.

Paul H. Robinson ’51 Paul Herbert Robinson ’51 of Neenah, Wisconsin, died March 10, 2023. He was 93. He matriculated from Neenah and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his son, Christopher; daughters, Paula Nussbaum (Brian) and Julie Turner (Tim); grandchildren, Henry (Mao), Amanda (Chris), Zach (Shauna), and Audra; and great-grandson, Danny. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Jean Christoph Robinson.

John R. Comerford Jr. ’50B

Jacob H. Wamsley II ’51

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. John Richard “Jack” Comerford Jr. ’50B, Ph.D., of Fredericksburg, Virginia, died Feb. 12, 2023. He was 93. He matriculated from Brooklyn, New York, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Ohio State University. He is survived by his wife, Leah; sons, John Charles Comerford and James Richard (Kimberly); and grandchildren, J. Maxwell, David, Gretchen, Erin, Addie, and Natalie. He was preceded in death by his wife, Addie “Johnnie” Comerford.

Jacob Haigler “Jake” Wamsley II ’51 of Stone Mountain, Georgia, died March 17, 2023. He was 92. He matriculated from Millboro, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He is survived by his son, Jacob H. “Jay” Wamsley III ’82 (Kelley); grandchildren, Jacob H. Wamsley IV, Cyrena Louise Harrington, and Addison Kristina Wamsley; and great-grandchildren, Keegan Wamsley, Jackson Wamsley, Shelby Harrington, and Garret Harrington. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith Davis Brooks “Eday” Wamsley.

Donald W. Baldwin ’51 Donald Winston “Don” Baldwin ’51 of Dayton, Ohio, died April 17, 2023. He was 93. He matriculated from Falls Church, Virginia, and spent one year at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Joan Bolling “Jody” Baldwin; children, Alan H. Baldwin and Elizabeth B. Chryst; daughter-in-law, Kate E. Baldwin; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Winston M. Baldwin.

Glenn S. Meader Jr. ’51 Retired U.S. Army Col. Glenn Stephens “Steve” Meader Jr. ’51 of Reston, Virginia, died April 7, 2023. He was 93. He matriculated from La Grange, Illinois, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from American University.

Frederic W. Watson ’51 Frederic Warren Watson ’51 of Fort Worth, Texas, died Dec. 22, 2022. He was 95. He matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn.

William M. Massie ’52 William McKinnon Massie ’52, M.D., of Lynchburg, Virginia, died Feb. 19, 2023. He was 92. He matriculated from Lynchburg and was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Virginia. He is survived by his daughter, Annie Harris Massie Winstead (Alexander McIver Winstead); son, William McKinnon Massie Jr. (Alice

VMI Alumni Review

Taps Burwell McGuire Massie); and grandchildren, Ella Burwell Massie, Ian Young Winstead, and William Alexander Winstead. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anne Adams Robertson Massie; sister, Dr. Ella Graham Massie Marks (Rev. Peter Alexander Marks); and brothers, Robert Withers Massie III (Ann duVal Miller “Susie” Massie), Dr. James Darroch Massie (Barbara Bronson Massie), and Thomas Massie (Helen Patricia DeJarnette Massie).

Edgar A. Jett III ’54 Edgar Alonzo “Chuck” Jett III ’54 of Richmond, Virginia, died March 27, 2023. He matriculated from Richmond and spent less than one year at VMI. He is survived by his children, Ann Robbins (Wayne), Mickey Jett, Cathy Gavin (Craig), and Randy Jett (Romina); grandchildren, Wesley, Julia, Sarah, and Erin; and great-grandchildren, Sophie, Declan, Nathan, Jackson, Aubrey, Aiden, Waylon, and Paisley.

Smith; son, Loyd Terrell Smith III (Robin); and grandchildren, Kayla Marie Smith (Blake King), Hannah Nicole Smith (Austin Oyler), and Loyd Terrell Smith IV (Matie Bayer). He was preceded in death by his son, David Scott Smith, and brother-in-law, Rev. John Haines Coffey.

Robert V. Timms ’55 Robert Vaughan “Bob” Timms ’55 of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died Jan. 14, 2023. He was 89. He matriculated from Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He is survived by his sons, Robert Vaughan Timms Jr. (Kim) and David Stuart Timms (Barbie); grandchildren, Robert, Ashley (Cory), Joe (Alexis), Courtney, Maddie, Lauren, Lizzy (Jake), and Kathryn; and great-grandchildren, Ryan, Carter, and Bruce. He was preceded in death by his brother, Andrew Jackson Timms.

Robert E. Bancroft ’55

P. Wesley Foster ’56

Robert Elliott “Bob” Bancroft ’55, D.D.S., of Westerville, Ohio, died March 3, 2023. He was 89. He matriculated from Westerville and spent two years at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Utah and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Ohio State University. He is survived by his daughter, Ann Bancroft (David Johnson), and granddaughter, Addison Vaughn Johnson.

P. Wesley Foster ’56 of Alexandria, Virginia, died March 17, 2023. He was 89. He matriculated from Forest Park, Georgia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. (Editor’s Note: An extended obituary for Foster appears in the In Memory section of this issue).

Thomas E. Ellers ’55 Thomas Edward Ellers ’55 of Clearwater, Florida, died April 23, 2023. He was 91. He matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and spent two years at VMI. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Napert-Ellers; step-son, Steven James; step-daughter, Mandie Lynne Ziemer; step-grandchild, Allison Michaela Jorgensen; and sister, Carolyn Jean Ellers Johnson.

Jack L. Myers ’56 Jack Lester Myers ’56 of Charlottesville, Virginia, died April 19, 2023. He was 90. He matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his daughter, Lesley Myers (Pat); son, James Myers (Brenda); grandson, Mike Myers (Catelyn); great-granddaughter, Graesyn Myers; and step-son, Geoff Keel (Diane). He was preceded in death by his wife, Betsy Keel Myers; six brothers; and two sisters.

Loyd T. Smith Jr. ’55

Jimmie V. Thurmond Jr. ’56

Loyd Terrell Smith Jr. ’55 of Bedford, Virginia, died March 25, 2023. He was 90. He matriculated from Lynchburg, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Louise Coffey

Jimmie Victor Thurmond Jr. ’56 of San Antonio, Texas, died April 5, 2023. He was 88. He matriculated from San Antonio and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his sons, Jimmie Thurmond

2023-Issue 3

III (Louise) and Carter Thurmond (Sharon); daughter, Melissa Dedmon (Mark); grandchildren, Carter Thurmond Jr. (Christina), Marshall Thurmond, Lacey Thurmond, Jack Thurmond, Morgan Dedmon, and Joshua Dedmon (Olivia); great-grandchild, Cameron Dedmon; sister, Jane Thurmond Gregory; and brother-in-law, Bill Strock. He was preceded in death by his wife, Melissa.

Dale R. Vaughn ’56 Dale Ray Vaughn ’56 of Minnetrista, Minnesota, died April 3, 2023. He was 89. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Audrey; sons, Wade (Pam), Brett (Jean), and Kurt (Darla); daughters, Dale Andrews (Bryan) and Rona Pool (Randy); grandchildren, Ryan (Kaitlyn), Kyle (Kate), Jared (Mallory), Tyler, Randi Gen (Cory), Gunnar, and Ben; great-grandchildren, Audrey, Dylan, Isabel, Hayden, and Hannah; and brother, Don. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dan.

Samuel D. Barker ’57 Samuel Donald “Sam” Barker ’57 of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, died Jan. 12, 2023. He was 87. He matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Betsy; six children; grandchildren; and great-grandchild.

John H. Quillen Jr. ’57 John Henry Quillen Jr. ’57 of Crossville, Tennessee, died April 22, 2023. He was 88. He matriculated from Abingdon, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He is survived by his daughters, Laura Hobbs (Pat) and Becky Hulsey (Keith); grandchildren, David Hobbs, Maggie Hobbs, Katie Hulsey Miller (Sam), John Hulsey (Emily), Mark Hulsey, and Annie Hulsey; and great-granddaughter, Emma Miller. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy.

Paul L. Sechtman ’58 Paul Louis Sechtman ’58 of Cape Coral,

185

Taps Florida, died Jan. 9, 2022. He matriculated from Great Neck, New York, and spent four years at VMI.

Donald E. Miller Sr. ’59 Donald Edward Miller Sr. ’59 of Wheeling, West Virginia, died Jan. 18, 2023. He was 85. He matriculated from Wheeling and spent two years at VMI. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Jasko Miller; son, Donald E. Miller Jr.; daughter, Susan Wilkins (Frank); grandchildren, Jacob Roth Mueller (Jenny Cano) and Juliet Faith Nelson (Jordan); and mother of his children, Marilyn Kay Naum (Templeton). He was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Zinni.

Arthur W. Grafton Jr. ’60 Arthur Wallace “Skip” Grafton Jr. ’60 of Louisville, Kentucky, died March 18, 2023. He was 85. He matriculated from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Louisville. He is survived by his wife, Donna Carrigan Grafton; children, Michael C. Grafton ’84, Carollyn Grafton Brown, and Sarah Grafton Mattingly; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Samuel W. Horner III ’60 Samuel Watson “Sam” Horner III ’60, D.V.M., of Dawsonville, Georgia, died Feb. 21, 2023. He was 84. He matriculated from Alexandria, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Polytechnic School and State University and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Georgia. He is survived by his daughters, Helen Horner Hamryka (West) and Margaret Horner Eglin (Tom); grandchildren, Sam Eglin (Luiza), Chris Eglin, William Hamryka (Rachel), and Richard Hamryka; and sister, Margo Elizabeth Horner. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lynne.

and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Ryan Moore; children, Karen Reynes (Joseph), Mary MacPhee (Gary), John (Tina), and Alexis Kachulis Moore; and grandchildren, Christopher MacPhee, Katharine Fegley, Joseph MacPhee, Alexander MacPhee, Hanna Moore, Anastasia Moore, Julia Moore, Molly Moore, and Max Moore. He was preceded in death by his son, Patrick Ryan Moore, and grandson, John Edward “Jack” Moore.

He matriculated from Franklin, Virginia, and spent three years at VMI. He is survived by his wife, Elece E. Scott; daughter, Angela Scott Wallander (William); sons, C. Hunter Scott, B.H. “Chip” Scott II (Stefanie), and Raleigh Clay Scott; grandchildren, Delores Wallander Rindt (Matthew), Rebecca Scott Schultz (Christopher), Wesley Clay Scott, Wyatt Higgins Scott, and Willem Augustus Scott; great-granddaughters, Beverly Scott Schultz and Angela Scottie Rindt; and brother, Andrew Edward Scott (Linda).

Jon A. Quinn ’60

Dennis Flannagan Easley ’62 of Durham, North Carolina, died March 30, 2023. He was 82. He matriculated from Alexandria, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Florida Atlantic University. He is survived by his son, Dr. Mark Erik Easley (Mary Lynne Grigg); daughter, Jessica Margaret Easley; grandchildren, Ford, Benson, and Charlotte Easley; and step-sisters, Katherine Weems and Margaret Bornhorst. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Rintisch Easley, and brother, Michael Frederick Easley.

Jon Anderson Quinn ’60 of Springfield, Illinois, died Feb. 24, 2023. He was 84. He matriculated from Wilmington, Delaware, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his sons, John Quinn (Kathleen Midden), James Quinn (Michelle), and Joseph Quinn (Brandy); grandchildren, Alexandra, Abigail, Zachary, Natalie, and Audrey; and brother, Michael Quinn (Margaret). He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucy.

James L. Gabbert Jr. ’61 James Leroy “Jim” Gabbert Jr. ’61 of Roanoke, Virginia, died April 30, 2023. He was 85. He matriculated from Roanoke and spent one year at VMI. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Moore Gabbert; children, Sherri Gabbert Pritchard, James LeRoy Gabbert III, and Michelle Lynette Kjeldgaard (Todd); grandchildren, Peyton Pritchard Hoffler (Daniel), Caroline Homes Kjeldgaard, Cameron James Gabbert, and Connor James Gabbert; and step-children, Mark Reynolds Pace and Christine Carrington Pace.

Charles R. Henkle ’61

John E. Moore ’60

Charles Ratliff “Chuck” Henkle ’61 of White Post, Virginia, died April 18, 2023. He was 83. He matriculated from Mavisdale, Virginia, and spent just over a year at VMI. He is survived by his daughters, Susan Henkle and Cynthia Bowman, and granddaughters, Grace Bowman and Abby Wildman. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Henkle, and brother, Hugh Henkle.

John Edward Moore ’60 of Olney, Maryland, and Naples, Florida, died March 19, 2023. He was 85. He matriculated from Falls Church, Virginia,

Beverly Hester “Bev” Scott ’61 of Williamsburg, Virginia, died Feb. 14, 2023. He was 83.

186

Beverly H. Scott ’61

Dennis F. Easley ’62

Walter P. Lang Jr. ’62 Retired U.S. Army Col. Walter Patrick “Pat” Lang Jr. ’62 of Alexandria, Virginia, died April 5, 2023. He was 82. He matriculated from Sanford, Maine, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Utah and graduated from the U.S. Army War College, the Command and General Staff College, and the Armed Forces Staff College. He is survived by his wife, Marguerite L. Lang.

Kingman C. Shelburne Jr. ’62 Kingman Cody Shelburne Jr. ’62 of Homewood, Alabama, died April 29, 2023. He was 82. He matriculated from Birmingham, Alabama, and spent four years at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Athens College. He is survived by his wife, Cathy Shelburne; children, Kingman Cody Shelburne III (Colleen) and Elizabeth Shelburne Storr (Kevin);

VMI Alumni Review

Taps granddaughters, Avelina Rose Storr and Mary Catherine Shelburne; and brother, John Shelburne (Rhonda). He was preceded in death by his sisters, Jessie Shelburne Ward and Frances “Suzie” Shelburne.

Robert D. Tyson ’62 Robert Daley “Bob” Tyson ’62 of Savannah, Georgia, died Feb. 2, 2023. He was 85. He matriculated from Arlington, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI.

Louis A. Hancock ’63 Louis Anthony “Tony” Hancock ’63 of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, died April 7, 2023. He was 81. He matriculated from Roanoke, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his children, Louis Anthony “Andy” Hancock (Rachael), Keith O. Hancock (Darlene), and Kathryn H. Kashner (Jack), and grandchildren, Ellen Kashner, Cameron Kashner, Casey Kashner, and Bayden Hancock. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gayle Oakey Hancock, and sister, Ellen Hancock-Ellwanger.

Robert L. Knowles Jr. ’63 Robert Leslie “Bob” Knowles Jr. ’63 of Altamonte Springs, Florida, died Feb. 7, 2023. He was 81. He matriculated from Portsmouth, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He is survived by his daughters, Kathy Knowles and Debbie Johnson; granddaughters, Tiffany Cross, Jessica Hoxie, Brittany Hoxie, Trinity Paul, and Taylor Paul; and brother, Thomas Knowles.

G. Gilmer Minor III ’63 G. Gilmer “Gil” Minor III ’63 of Richmond, Virginia, died May 4, 2023. He was 82. He matriculated from Richmond and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Virginia. (Editor’s Note: An extended obituary for Minor appears in the In Memory section of this issue).

Gilbert A. Tucker Jr. ’64 Gilbert Andrew “Andy” Tucker Jr. ’64 of

2023-Issue 3

Rockledge, Florida, died Feb. 24, 2023. He was 80. He matriculated from Cocoa, Florida, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Caroline Dillard “Callie” Tucker; children, Tolly (Brian), Drew (Jody), and Katie Tucker; grandchildren, Tucker Nugent, Addie Nugent, Gib Tucker, Samuel Tucker, and Hayden Tucker; and brothers, Bert Tucker and Fred Tucker. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Herbert Nash Dillard Jr., Class of 1934, who died Jan. 31, 1976.

William R. Gedris ’65 William Richard Gedris ’65 of Layton, Utah, died April 25, 2023. He was 79. He matriculated from Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from Clemson University. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Anne Barker; children, Michael (Christa), Kathy Buxton (Mark), David (Theresa), and Susan; grandchildren, Kira, Danyon, Nick, Cameron, Matthew, Amanda, Savannah, Burke, Garrett, and Tavin; and brother, Tom. He was preceded in death by his brother, Joe.

and Sharon Hatfield; and brothers-in-law, Peter Vogt and Fritz Vogt. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Jerry Crusenberry.

Michael L. DeReus ’66 Michael Lee “Marty” DeReus ’66, D.D.S., of Buena Vista, Virginia, died March 1, 2023. He was 78. He matriculated from Annandale, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Medical College of Virginia. He is survived by his wife, B.J. DeReus; children, Melanie Higginbotham, Kirsten Dodd, Catherine Buhler (John), and Peter DeReus; 12 grandchildren; great-grandchild; and daughterin-law, Jenn DeReus.

Glenn C. Winstead ’66 Glenn Claude Winstead ’66, M.D., of Missoula, Montana, died Feb. 1, 2023. He matriculated from Manassas, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from VMI. He earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Virginia. He is survived by his children, Teresa, Josh, Sarah, Laura, and Amy; sister, Vera Phillips; and former wife, Sharon Lansford.

Everette A. Hatch III ’65

William D. Teveri ’67

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Everette Allen “Ev” Hatch III ’65 of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, died March 27, 2023. He was 79. He matriculated from Wakefield, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Arts degree from Southern Illinois University. He is survived by his daughters, Julie Fairley (Bill) and Erin (Rob); grandchildren, Lizzie and Ollie; and brother, Robert Webb Hatch ’69. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Taini.

William David “Bill” Teveri ’67 of Roanoke, Virginia, died March 23, 2023. He was 77. He matriculated from Roanoke and spent one year at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Richmond. He is survived by his sister, Sandra T. “Sandy” Fender.

Benjamin C. Hines ’65 Benjamin Claude “Benny” Hines ’65 of Heidelberg, Germany, died April 21, 2023. He was 79. He matriculated from Ewing, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Ines Vogt-Hines; step-mother, Betty Hines; brothers, John Hines and Robert H. Hines (Cheryl); sisters, Marsha Twigg (Mike), Betty Corrinne Crusenberry,

James R. Spacek ’70 Retired U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Col. James Roderick “Jim” Spacek ’70 of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died Feb. 1, 2023. He was 74. He matriculated from Portsmouth, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Engineering degree and a Master of Business Administration degree from Old Dominion University. He is survived by his children, Meg Bairley (Dan), Katie Barnes (Josh), and John Spacek; grandchildren, Braden, Floyd, Owen, and Freddie; and brother, Paul K. Spacek (Loretta).

187

Taps He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilou Frazier Spacek, and brother, John A. Spacek II.

Harold G. Henry ’71 Harold Gene Henry ’71 of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died April 9, 2023. He was 74. He matriculated from Virginia Beach and spent less than one year at VMI. He is survived by his wife, Susan Marie Lawrence Henry; children, Harold Gene “Gene West” Henry Jr., Crystal Bennett (Matt), and Bradley J. Henry (Andrea); grandchildren, Kylie Goodin, Kylie Bennett, and Aiden Henry; three great-grandchildren; and siblings, George Henry (Leslie), Deborah Moye, and Gary Henry (Kathy).

Donald R. McMath ’71 Donald Randolph “Don” McMath ’71 of Virginia Beach, Virginia, died April 30, 2023. He was 74. He matriculated from Cape Charles, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Medical College of Virginia. He is survived by his children, Randy McMath ’99 (Gretchen), Lee McMath ’02, Elise McMath, and Logan McMath, and grandchildren, Emma, Carter, Finley, Owen, and Grey McMath. He was preceded in death by his brother, John Sylvester McMath III.

Rollin D. Booton ’73 Rollin Daniel “Dan” Booton ’73 of Gum Spring, Virginia, died March 12, 2023. He was 73. He matriculated from Chester, Virginia, and spent just over a year at VMI.

Stephen W. Stith III ’73 Stephen Wayne Stith III ’73 of Bakersfield, California, died March 13, 2023. He was 72. He matriculated from Alexandria, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Monmouth College.

Laurence J. Adams Jr. ’77 Laurence John “Jack” Adams Jr. ’77, M.D., of Colorado Springs, Colorado, died Jan. 25, 2023. He was 67. He matriculated from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and was a distinguished graduate of

188

VMI, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. He earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from Georgetown University. He is survived by his wife, Michelle Adams; daughters, Beth and Laura; sons-in-law, Paul and Eric; and grandsons, Samuel and David.

Charles E. Early III ’78 Charles Edward “Chuck” Early III ’78 of Bradenton, Florida, died Feb. 8, 2023. He was 66. He matriculated from Sarasota, Florida, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and business from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Miller Early, and sister, Mary Swain (Jeffrey).

Timothy G. Fredrikson ’78 Timothy Graydon “Tim” Fredrikson ’78 of Richmond, Virginia, died Feb. 2, 2023. He was 66. He matriculated from Charlottesville, Virginia, and spent two years at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University. He is survived by his sisters, Susanne de Milt (Michael), Jill Fredrikson, and Deborah Fredrikson.

David T. McEwen ’78 David Thoner McEwen ’78 of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, died March 19, 2023. He was 67. He matriculated from Matoaca, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Jean Marie Tregay McEwen; children, Virginia Spring McEwen (Joseph Bush), Samuel Adam McEwen (Erin Eileen McEwen), Nano Marie Serwich, Jessica Herron (John Herron), Kelly Tregay Serwich, Jeannie Getchell (Tim Getchell), and Faith Pangburn (Zach Neal Miller); grandchildren, Thoner Bush, Hilyer Bush, Addison McEwen, Van Broyles, River Herron, Tai Herron, Rowan Getchell, Noah Getchell, Caleb Getchell, Micah Pangburn, Malana Miller, Memphis Miller, and Marshall Miller; brothers; brothers-in-law; and sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his brother, Samuel William McEwen.

Alton W. Malbon Jr. ’85 Alton Winfred Malbon Jr. ’85 of Raleigh, North Carolina, died Feb. 25, 2023. He was 61. He matriculated from Raleigh and earned a

Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science from VMI. He is survived by his brother, Steven Malbon.

Scott E. Bradley ’86 Scott Ernest Bradley ’86 of Bladensburg, Maryland, died Feb. 17, 2023. He was 58. He matriculated from Linthicum, Maryland, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Maryland. He is survived by his mother, Virginia Lee Bradley Porter; step-father, John M. Porter; and sister, Leslie Poff (Kevin). He was preceded in death by his father, Leslie Duane Bradley.

John F. Kiefer ’86 John Francis Kiefer ’86 of Clifton, Virginia, died Feb. 26, 2023. He was 59. He matriculated from Richmond, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Meaghan; sons, John Mitchell and Brent Charles; sister, Colleen Kiefer Cross (Russ); brothers, Chris Kiefer (Roxann), Tim Kiefer (Kim), and Patrick O’Connor (Ellen); step-sisters, Cammy Carleton (Jim), Beth Baker (Tom), Stephanie Heintzleman (Andy), and Tracy Clark; father-in-law, Brian Shevlin (Joyce); mother-inlaw, Jerri Schneider Shevlin; brother-in-law, Michael Shevlin (Virginia); and sister-in-law, Maureen Shevlin Gutierrez (Sonny). He was preceded in death by his brother-inlaw, Matthew Shevlin.

Charles W. Philips Jr. ’91 Charles Winn Philips Jr. ’91 of St. Simons Island, Georgia, died March 18, 2023. He was 54. He matriculated from Atlanta, Georgia, and spent four years at VMI. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Auburn University. He is survived by his mother, Hayes McMillen Philips, and sister, Catherine Philips Slade. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Winn Philips Sr.

David S. Warren ’93 David Sean Warren ’93 of Braselton, Georgia, died May 9, 2021. He was 49. He matriculated from Springfield, Virginia, and spent just over a year at VMI.

VMI Alumni Review

Taps He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Warren; children, Garrett Warren and Caitlin Warren; mother, Billie J. D’Urso; father, Bill Warren; step-father, William D’Urso; step-mother, Christine Warren; brother, Brandon Warren; step-sisters, Karen Surette, Leslie Pasko, Dawn Brunner, and Kim Jarrett; and step-brothers, Brian Warren and Brett Warren.

John H. Holland IV ’02 John Henry Holland IV ’02 of Delray Beach, Florida, died March 5, 2023. He was 43. He matriculated from Fork Union, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and business from VMI. He is survived by his wife, Lindi DiMaio Holland; daughter, Maisie Jane Holland; parents, John “Jack” Holland III and Robin Holland Williams; step-mother, Anita Holland; sister, Alana Jade Holland; and grandmother, Rose M. DiVine.

Ronald J. Ingram ’03 Ronald Joseph “Joe” Ingram ’03 of Henry, Virginia, died April 13, 2023. He was 41. He matriculated from Rocky Mount, Virginia, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He earned a Master of Science degree from West Virginia University. He is survived by his parents, Ronald and Arlene Ingram, and brothers, Allan Ingram (Renea), Daniel Ingram (Katherine), and Neal Ingram (Karsey). He was preceded in death by his sister, Nellie Len Ingram.

Daniel M. Dickens ’10 Daniel Martin Dickens ’10 of Lynchburg, Virginia, died April 27, 2023. He was 35. He matriculated from Monroe, Michigan, and spent less than two weeks at VMI. He is survived by his sons, Josiah Daniel Dickens, Jedidiah Daniel Dickens, Noah Daniel Dickens, and Toviah Daniel Dickens; mother and step-father, Mary and Kenneth; grandmother, Joyce Mantey; sister, Elise Ann Longley; brother, David Alan Dickens (Kristen); half-brother, Michael Dickens; and step-siblings, Kenneth Briere (Annie), Jennifer

2023-Issue 3

Phillips (Matthew), and John Briere (Luisa). He was preceded in death by his daughter, Adah Lynn Dickens, and father, Michael Kevin Dickens.

Maxine Sweet Harris; brothers, George E. Harris and Charles “Lindy” Harris; and sister, Lucille Miller.

James A. Povirk ’13

Pauline Hostetter Johnson of Lexington, Virginia, died April 28, 2023. She was 95. She worked in the treasurer’s office at VMI for more than 30 years. She is survived by her son, Donnie Lee Johnson; granddaughters, Tabitha Johnson, Kristen Scholl, and Melissa Johnson; great-grandchildren, Trevor, Collin, Bryson, and Meighleigh; and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lee Johnson, and brother, Kenneth Hostetter.

James Anton Povirk ’13 of Allison Park, Pennsylvania, died Feb. 3, 2023. He was 32. He matriculated from Alverton, Pennsylvania, and spent two years at VMI. He is survived by his parents, Chris and Laura Povirk; sister, Lisa Povirk; and grandparents, James G. and Gaylene Simon.

VMI Family Katherine Ford Katherine “Peggy” Ford of Lexington, Virginia, died Feb. 24, 2023. She was 83. She formerly worked in the Office of Admissions at VMI. She is survived by her daughter, Karen Sue Ford, and sisters, Florence Hostetter, Shirley Bane, Alice Newcomb, and Alma Wines. She was preceded in death by Kenny Ford; brothers, Edward, Lawrence, Ralph, and Sherman Clark; and sisters, Mildred Rowsey, Frances Hostetter, Ethel Tyree, Edith Haynes, and Charlotte Clark.

James B. Harris James Blair “Jimmy” Harris of Lexington, Virginia, died March 30, 2023. He was 94. He worked for 42 years as a lab mechanic in the chemistry department at VMI. He is survived by his children, James Brooke Harris (Joyce), Sidney “Ned” Harris (Diane), and Nina Faye Harris; grandchildren, Ashley Harris Mullinax (Gordon), Christopher Brandon Harris (Makailia Shipman), and Nicole Leann Harris; great-grandchildren, Morgen Harris, Harbour Leech, and Alyssa Harris; and brother, Frank Harris. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley

Pauline H. Johnson

Janet H. Nablo Janet Hughes Nablo died Feb. 11, 2023. She was 78. She formerly worked at the VMI Bookstore. She is survived by her husband, Robert L. Nablo Jr.; sons, Christopher L. Nablo (Carmela) and Robert L. Nablo III; grandchildren, Alyson Burch (Zachary), Michael Shannon Coada (Jess), and Sophia Nablo; great-grandsons, Brayden Burch and Oliver Coada; brothers, Gerald V. “Kirk” Hughes Jr. (Eve) and Larry D. Hughes (Sandy); and half-sister, Kaye Lester. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Michelle Lynn Coada.

Helen B. Talbott Helen B. Talbott of Glasgow, Virginia, died Feb. 9, 2023. She was 86. She formerly served on the Keydet Club Board of Governors. She is survived by her sons, Vernon, Greg, and Bill; daughters, Rickie Jenine and Betsey; grandchildren, Brooke, Kevin, Amanda, Alicia, Blaire, Will, Barrett, Chelsey, Parks, Kathleen, Pylan, Taylor, and Mary Katherine; great-grandchildren, Max, Hanah, Kera, Elliot, Logan, and River; and sister, Ruby Thorpe. She was preceded in death by her husband, William P. “Bill” Talbott ’50B, who died March 10, 2009; children, Jim and Kaye; grandson, Steve; and brothers, J.T. and George.

189

After Taps Alonzo J. Walter Jr. ’49B By Terry Gabreski Retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Alonzo J. Walter Jr. ’49B passed away Aug. 13, 2022. Walter was a lifelong Airman, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a motivator, inspiration, and role model to many. Few could be prouder of their VMI association. Born Nov. 25, 1928, in Morgan City, Louisiana, to Alonzo Walter Sr. and Gertrude (Norman) Walter, he was raised in Erath and New Iberia, Louisiana. After graduation from Castle Heights Military Academy, he attended Virginia Military Institute, graduating as a second lieutenant in the newly established U.S. Air Force. After graduation, Walter earned his pilot wings at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, which provided a missing man formation flypast at his burial service. He served as an F-86 Sabre fighter pilot in the Korean War, where he flew 48 combat missions. Following

190

Korea, Walter was stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; obtained his master’s degree in electrical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology; and met and married his wife, 2nd Lt. Doris Snyder. It was a busy year! Walter’s distinguished career spanned 30 years and included flying multiple fighter aircraft and graduating from the elite U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. Among his proudest career accomplishments were testing the precursor to the SR-71 Blackbird and later commanding the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing at Homestead Air Reserve Base in Homestead, Florida, and flying the F-4 Phantom II. On July 1, 1974, he distinguished himself further as the first VMI Air Force ROTC program graduate to be selected for promotion to brigadier general. He served two overseas staff

tours at the Pacific Air Forces headquarters and U.S. European Command headquarters. Walter also served a tour in Vietnam as a forward air controller flying the O-2 Skymaster and as an air liaison officer. Always intensely proud of his Cajun roots, Walter named his O-2 aircraft the Tabasco Kid. He retired as a command pilot. During his retirement, Walter contributed to his community and neighborhood and was an ambassador for the Air Force and VMI in a variety of ways. Throughout his life, he exemplified character, honor, and integrity. He was a true American hero who loved his family and his country and was a faithful Catholic. My sister and I could have no finer role models than our dad and our mom. We will miss him but know that his legacy lives on in the many lives he influenced and inspired.

VMI Alumni Review

Alumni News membership-based boating safety orgaAthens Academy honored Neville A. Ander- is a member of the board of directors nization in its efforts to create on-water son ’84, head track coach, with the naming of for the College Orientation Workshop, boat control training courses that ‘teach the Neville A. Anderson Spectator Seating at the Inc., known as COW. Anderson earned the teachers’ and grow the ranks of Athens Academy track in Athens, Georgia, April his Master of Business Administration NSBC-certified instructors that follow 29, 2023. Anderson has been on staff at Athens degree from Pepperdine University a national, uniform on-water skills Academy, a private college preparatory school, and is the founder and chief executive training course standard.” since 2003 and head coach of the track and field officer of Rural Green Power, LLC, a Upon his appointment to the RoR team for the past six years. He is also the associate developer of large, utility-scale clean board of directors, Edmonston brings energy projects. head coach of the cross country team. his nearly three decades of boating The stadium seating was donated by a group of The National Safe Boating Council parents who required that the seating be named in Miller ’98 industry experience. RoR includes decorated combat veterans, reservist honor of Anderson “in recognition of his tireless inducted Christopher N. Edmonston devotion to the Spartan Track program,” as the ’91, BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and active-duty service members, outdoorsmen and Clean Water president, into the and outdoor industry executives, military associplacard in the seating area states. Boating Safety Hall of Fame April 19, ation directors, university researchers, veterans’ In 2017, Brooks Running Company 2023. Additionally, Rivers of Recovery, health advocates, and former U.S. Department named Anderson one of two Inspiring a national nonprofit that uses out- of Interior and Department of Defense officials. Coaches of the Year. His coaching caEdmonston matriculated from Edgewater, door-based activities to treat symptoms reer includes winning two boys’ cross of post-traumatic stress, depression, Maryland, and graduated with a Bachelor of country state championships, two girls’ and anxiety in combat veterans and Arts degree in history from VMI. track and field state championships, active-duty military, appointed Edmonand 18 regional championships. AnderPennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced ston to its board of directors. son has also coached three consensus Making boating safety education the appointment of Lucas M. Miller ’98 to high school All-American distance runners. Edmonston ’91 more accessible by bringing courses continue serving as state inspector general of online, growing the availability of Pennsylvania Feb. 1, 2023. He has worked with a number of Prior to his appointment, Miller served under champion runners, and his coaching accom- on-water training programs, and developing plishments include winning the girls’ track and national on-water boating safety standards are Gov. Tom Wolf as the 11th inspector general of field state championship in his first year as head just some of the accomplishments cited when the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Before Edmonston was inducted into the Boating Safety this role, Miller served as the first deputy state coach in 2017. Anderson matriculated from Washington, Hall of Fame. He received the honor from NSBC inspector general, in which he oversaw the office’s D.C., and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in at their annual gathering April 16, 2023, for his daily operations and its transition to the law enforcement agency it has become today. economics from VMI. As a cadet-athlete, An- 25-year career making waterways safer. Miller improved the agency in many ways, According to a press release from BoatUS, derson was a member of the track and field team for two years. His specialty was the 800-meter. He Edmonston helped “lead the nation’s foremost focusing on increasing government efficiency through streamlining processes. He has led multiple internal program reviews, consolidated two program bureaus into one, and helped create an electronic case management system. The mission of the Office of the State Inspector General is to stop fraud, waste, misconduct, and abuse in programs, operations, and executive agencies contracting. Under Miller’s direction, the OSIG and Department of Human Services developed and implemented an electronic referral system that removed wasteful processes, eliminated all paper, allowed for instantaneous referrals of investigations, optimized travel to DHS county assistance offices, and limited costly physical file storage. These initiatives allowed OSIG to be fully prepared for a shifting work environment with greater emphasis on mobility and field operations. Miller is a certified inspector general by the national Association of Inspectors General. He Neville A. Anderson ’84 (right) smiles next to the placard naming the Athens Academy stadium seating matriculated from Newville, Pennsylvania, and after him, along with his wife, Pamela Anderson (left), and grandson, Jax Jackson-Anderson.—Photo was a distinguished graduate of VMI, earning a courtesy Ryder Crosby, Athens Academy. Bachelor of Arts degree in history.

2023-Issue 3

191

Alumni News B o o k A n n o u n c e m e n t s ... Book Announcements ... Book Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book ... Book Announcements ...

Reviving Our Republic: Asking God to Help by James Boggs ’69. Gate Keeper Press, 2023. ISBN: 9781662935732, eISBN: 9781662935749. Available via Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Many political books list problems in America but stop short of describing how to solve them. In Reviving Our Republic, James Boggs ’69, Ph.D., explains the context and concepts used by the founders of the United States to structure the federal system. He then applies God-centered concepts, supported by credible physical and online sources, to aid the reader in solving several of today’s critical American problems. The book shows readers how to evaluate statements from the internet and determine facts on current issues so they can be informed as they work to increase personal morals, strengthen their families, protect their rights, meet civic responsibilities, improve local schools, assimilate legal immigrants, find and grow with a religious group, and more. Readers may choose to read one or a few chapters to learn how to target specific problems that are painful for them, or they may read more of the book to access information and tools to increase their participation in and rewards from the American way of life. Boggs describes step-by-step actions for individuals to improve America while growing as God-centered people. Reviving Our Republic claims that America possesses something of significant value: Freedoms, a way of life, and opportunities for which people still risk their lives to come to the U.S. If these valuable characteristics of America are lost, however, they will be gone forever. In 1798, John Adams said the U.S. constitutional government could only work if its citizens are moral and religious. Yet, beginning in the late 20th century and early 21st century, a growing portion of the American

population has voiced antireligious views despite growing social tension, increased gun violence, declining civility in human interaction, and the presence of polar ideologues who place their well-being before the good of the country. Reviving Our Republic sets the stage by reviewing the colonial era in which America was formed and then presents a guide for addressing several key problems of today. Instead of merely identifying America’s problems, Boggs provides active approaches and online references to correct local, state, and national issues identified in each chapter. About the Author: James Boggs matriculated from Dayton, Ohio, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from VMI. He then studied at the Hamma School of Theology at Wittenberg University before serving as an active-duty U.S. Army combat engineer second lieutenant. Boggs later earned master’s degrees in systems management from George Washington University and information architecture from Capitol Technical University before completing his doctorate in information systems from Nova Southeastern University. A retired U.S. Army officer and a 20-year adjunct college professor, Boggs has long pursued an interest in the U.S. Constitution and 17th- and 18th-century political writings. He now turns his problem-solving skills to what he believes are some of the most critical, non-engineering problems facing American society in the 21st century. Never Forsaken: A Journey Through the Fog of War by Keith Kowadlo ’77. Searching Mink Publishing, 2023. ISBN: 9798375548708. Available via Amazon.

Never Forsaken: A Journey Through the Fog of War traces the journey of a professional soldier through his career as he encounters combat and the fog of war multiple times. From his early calling and preparation at Virginia Military Institute to his subsequent training in the U.S. Army Ranger, Airborne, and Jumpmaster courses, the soldier’s career slowly evolves into a life journey as he experiences combat up front and personal—the old-fashioned way—one fearful and sometimes terrifying event at a time. From the Fulda Gap and the Korean Demilitarized Zone to Honduras and the Empty Quarter in Iraq, no amount of peacetime training could have prepared the soldier for these future events. He will be attacked in peacetime and wartime by things seen and things unseen, by a declared enemy, by an undeclared enemy, and even by an ally. The chaotic and confusing nature of the fog of war will be the catalyst waking the soldier to the reality that he was already on a journey long before he realized it was a journey. After wandering in the wilderness for years, he is guided back to the rally point and discovers his destination without realizing it is the destination. The soldier once was lost, but now he sees and provides a menu of lessons learned for others on their journeys. About the Author: Keith Kowadlo was a career U.S. Army engineer officer who served in West Germany during the Cold War and later with Airborne and Special Forces units at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. Kowadlo matriculated from Clark, New Jersey, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from VMI. He also holds a master’s degree in civil engineering from Pennsylvania State University and is a licensed professional engineer. A decorated combat veteran of the Gulf War, Kowadlo is now retired and lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.

B o o k A n n o u n c e m e n t s ... Book Announcements ... Book Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book Announcements ... Book ... Book Announcements ...

192

VMI Alumni Review

How it works: VMI Alumni Agencies

Distinct but Connected While the VMI Alumni Agencies collaborates, engages, and supports VMI, it is not involved in the Institute’s chain of command.

VMI Alumni Agencies Creating strength of purpose for efficient and effective operations, stewardship, fundraising, communications, events, advancement services, and engagement in support of the VMI alumni family, the Corps of Cadets, and the future of the Institute. The VMI Alumni Agencies Board consists of the president and vice president of the Foundation Board of Trustees, the Alumni Association Board of Directors, and the Keydet Club Board of Governors, as well as a representative from the VMI Board of Visitors.

Governor of Virginia VMI Board of Visitors

VMI Alumni Association Primary purpose: To organize alumni in one general body to keep alive the memories of Institute life and to efficiently aid in the promotion of the welfare of the Institute and the successful prosecution of its educational purposes in the future. The VMI Alumni Association supports alumni engagement and the Institute through chapter activities, admissions recruiting, Moody Hall activities, career support, and alumni reunions with support from advancement services.

Superintendent Virginia Military Institute

VMI Foundation Responsible for fundraising and comprehensive giving options, including vital unrestricted funding, directed giving funds and scholarships, cadet life and leadership programs support, and planned giving—all types of financial support with the exception of NCAA Division I athletics.

More than 3,500 alumni attend VMI meetings, events, and gatherings per year.

The VMI Investment Holdings, LLC board has the overall responsibility for the management of the VMI endowment, operating within fiscal best practices and processes to secure a strong future for the Institute.

VMI Keydet Club Responsible for the financial support of NCAA Division I cadet-athletes via scholarships, coaches’ salaries, academic support, and operating budgets for VMI’s 18 individual NCAA teams. The Keydet Club provides directed communications to donor leadership and supports engagement at sporting events. Financial support from the Keydet Club creates opportunity for cadet-athletes.

Private giving supports more than 23% of the annual operating budget at VMI.

Contact VMI Alumni Agencies Senior Leadership Alumni Agencies

Alumni Association

Keydet Club

Foundation

David Prasnicki dpras@vmiaa.org

Ed Johnson ’79 ejohnson@vmiaa.org

Andrew Deal ’12 adeal@vmiaa.org

Meade King ’85 mking@vmiaa.org