CLASS NEWS
R.L.
Penn
7968 Hiddenbridge Drive Springfield, VA 22153 (703) 455-8575
Percent members: 78
Four illustrious classmates made two stars this year: CARR, DAVEY, DELLIGATTI, and MAY. Congratulations! All four will probably be moving soon. Jowles has to go back to charm school. It’s not known if he didn’t learn anything the first time, or if it was so long ago that he’s forgotten it.
Attention to Orders, Letter from the class president:
“Dear ’59er,
“By now you have already heard from the AOG regarding the Alumni House. Located west of the OClub, with acommanding view of the Cadet Area, it will stand in aprime site, representative of the respect and the importance placed upon us, the graduates. It will be ‘our’ building, owned by the grads through the AOG. Iwill not get into the details of the building —the Checkpoints centerfold and the AOG letter have provided that. Rather, Iwill get to the heart of the matter.
“The Class of ’59 stands first in the ever-increasing line of USAFA grads. Our membership in the Association of Graduates has always been the highest percentage (78%) of any class. The Class of ’59 must maintain that tradition of leadership in the Building Fund Drive. With only 189 liv¬ ing grads, our class is not in aposition to contribute as much as the more recent classes. However, we can have the largest participation, if each of you were to contribute as much as you deem possible. Every little bit helps, and the Class of ’59 will maintain its First position in the Alumni House through your participation. In addition, acouple of ’59ers should offer your time to assist the AOG campaign (contact Dick Coppock at (719) 472-2067).
“Speaking of the AOG, we have our 30th reunion coming up in ’89. The Academy now has apolicy setting aside aReunion weekend every spring for the 30th and following reunions, so our 30th will be in tbe spring of ’89. We would like to hear from you with your ideas, sugges¬ tions, and ideas. Call or write to any of the class officers.
“We as aclass have come along way in the 33 years since we came together at Lowry. Let us now make another tasting mark as the first graduating class, and provide to our Alumni House the greatest percen¬ tage of givers! Thank you, ’59. God bless.” Joe DeSantis
Remember three years ago that the Deacon sent acopy of the group picture of the 83 of us who attended the 25th. Bigger’n life, there was Brad HOSMER and Wiley BURCH in the front row. KRSMITH and CHAPPIE were back in the pack, standing on the same chair. Ch. BROWNING had the good grace to get to the rear and wear sunglesses — afull face mask woulda been even better. Surely everyone still has that precious memento, ’cause it was too small and slick to wrap garbage, so get it out and look at it and make sure you’re in the one next year.
I’ve been in the process of forming committees to get the necessary things going. All you volunteers lemme know and I’ll see if Ican exert my influence to get you agood committee assignment. These assignments don’t take alot of brains, just some work. Now, what’s your excuse, mister? If you don’t want to volunteer yourself, an excellent alternative method of filling that square is to volunteer someone else. This is especial¬ ly effective if you’ll volunteer him for aspecific task.
Acouple of years ago General Seith told me that the 30th reunion would be the best one of all! He then supplied the supporting rationale, which is beyond the scope of this treatise, but I’m certainly gonna be there to get in on it!
Karl SCHMIDT has moved to Collbran, Colo. We all remember that as being somewhat closer to Grand Junction than to Boston. According to my calculations (watch this. Colonel Higdon!), the move increased ColIbran’s population by .58%. Of course, Karl didn’t write anything on his change-of-address card, so we’ll not know until the reunion what else he’s done to affect the course of world events.
Dick and Joyce MASON own matching Mooney airplanes. Guess that means they can fly close formation, or alittle one-on-one. Enough of
that. They gonna go to Gallo’s Memorial Day airshow at Front Range Airport. Maybe they’ll perform. Should be better than SWITCHIE’s dancing bear act. When’s the Memorial Day Airshow gonna be? Idunno.
Is this the Mouse That Roared, or what passes for Straight Talk by Lawyers: erstwhile USMC company-grade of fi cer Bobby LOWESACK announced that he’s gonna WYNN the 1988 Washington Area ’59er Golf Game this September! For those of us who find few laughs these days, I thought that was apretty good one.
The big reunions happen only so often. Resolve now!
Andi Biancur
2Sycamore Lane Littleton, CO 80127
(303) 979-2228
Percent members: 77 IL / T[
Usually, the column following the football season is fi lled with names and happenings which resulted from events connected with the games. This column will differ only in that several others items are worthy of note. To start with, like arecent column, let me bring up another name from the past. Does the name Dave Ullery ring any bells with anyone? Well it didn’t for me until one evening in October when Itook aphone call from him. As memory returned, 1did recall Dave as aclassmate who entered with us in 1956 and left our class after our time at Lowry. He was the guy who resigned his commission as aSAC navigator to share all that fun with us. You may recall that he was assigned to 4th Squadron and easily recognizable since he was the only classmate wearing nav wings on his cadet uniform. Dave now lives in Abington, PA and is doing well in the personnel business. Should any of you want to touch base with him, his phone is (215) 885-8753.
At about the same time, 1received anote from Cleone BUJALSKl ac¬ companying this picture of Jim and Gary VANSINGEL confusing each other on aClumas County, CA hiking trail sometime in August. It’s hard to tell which one is the navigator.
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'■ 'A f. ..S ;Lr
32
As might be expected several ’60 Grads showed for the Navy victory in Annapolis on 10 Oct. Joining Jim GLAZA and Jim O’ROURKE were Norm HALLER and family, Gerry and Betty DELACRUZ, Richard and Elaine HEAD, Tony BURSHNICK, Tom BURKE, John MACARTNEY and wife, and Ralph and Darlene LALIME. The photo validates that the LALIMEs, DELACRUZs, MACARTNEYS, and the Odd Couple (GLAZA and O’ROURKE) started the day out in the right spirit. Ralph
and Darlene supplied the pre-game tailgate while Richard and Elaine sup¬ plied the post-game edition. It is reported that both spreads were super; but Iam also told that when the booze ran out, everyone descended on Fred and Brenda WYNN’s tailgate (Class of ’59) to “help” them out. The victory over Army in Colorado on 7Nov brought the traditional chili cook-off for local classmates. Dick SCHEHR, Jim GLAZA, Gary CREW, and one of the current breed seem to have satis fi ed themselves
know, but this ain’t Lowry), and parking for AOG customers is vir¬ tually non-existent. All in all, we not only want, but desperately need new digs. As the membership grows, so grow our projects and the staff necessary to support them. We currently lack asuitable and reliable place for meetings, conferences, displays, presentations, social events and routine day-to-day business activities. This building will solve those pressing needs.
Several years of effort have gone into planning. We have finally secured all the necessary approvals to build a35,000 square foot, two-level building immediately west of the Officers’ Club. The in¬ terior and exterior designs are outstanding. Costs were, of course, a primary design imperative; but the result, a$5.5 million price, which includes an endowed fund to maintain the property, is worth the ef¬ fort.
Bringing this vision to reality is largely dependent on all of us. Our fund-raising committee, actively led by Gen (Ret) Winfield Scott, feels that the graduate community should lead the effort with at least aSI million (18%) infusion of funds. Clearly the bulk of that amount will have to come from the earlier (older, wiser, richer?) classes. As your (railroaded) class president, 1strongly urge your generous support. No one would presume to name amounts. Each of us is capable of that decision; but remember you can pledge over a multi-year period. Some of us (even those of us in the new Shearson Hutton American Lehman Express Company) can and should secure employer matching funds.
Each of you must give this request your genuine attention. Iknow we will blow all the other classes away and lead the way in this drive. Be seeing some of you in April,
/s/ Jim
In the mail bag this month, there was anotice that Joe and Sue HIG¬ GINS relocated from outside the Beltway in Fairfax, VA to further out¬ side the Beltway in Oakton, VA. Jim and Mary WADDLE moved from Warner Robins, GA to Shreveport, LA. Without any additional informa¬ tion, one might assume that they may be considering retirement or some equally demanding rolls.
Ihave received one or two letters from classmates which Iwill include in the next issue since they are abit lengthy for now. Let me, instead, throw out acouple of trivia questions. One night apair of trousers belonging to the duty OIC became “lost” at the top of the flag pole. Who was the forgetful OIC, and who was the cadet most suspected of aiding and abetting those trousers? The retaliation to that incident was the reading of apoem to the wing at breakfast. What was the plagiarized source of that poem and does anyone have the words used? Answers please!
Randy Cubero
7163 Wintery Loop
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
that the chili was authentic. At the New Mexico game in Albuquerque, Dave SWEIGART surfaced. He and Camille are said to be happier than is reasonable since he took up the management challenge as vice president of an Albuquerque-based flying service following retirement. In anote, Clem DOUGLASS stated that he, along with Deke and Sally JOHNSON witnessed the BYU game with something akin to nausea. Clem, aDelta B737 captain based out of Cincinatti, left at halftime to, mercifully, pick up atrip.
Miles and Charlotte KASPAR were in town in early December as Miles was completing United Airlines transition training. Joan and Ijoined them for dinner one evening to compare notes, tell lies, retell lies, and whatever. Charlotte just about has her home in Fullerton, CA ready for guests, so any of you who have not done the L.A. trick recently, there is another stop on your list. Miles is switching from international to domestic so you will have to rehash all the good olde bad times if you should happen to catch him at home.
As you most probably know from the previous issue of Checkpoints, the AOG has kicked off the capital fund campaign to fi nance our Head¬ quarters Building/Alumni House. Ireceived the following letter from Jim GLAZA in support of that effort:
Dear Classmates:
If you have been reading any of tbe other class columns in this issue (1 always do), you have noticed aconcerted effort to elicit graduate support for an alumni building. As it is the most important project the AOG has ever tackled, our total effort is essential.
Some of you may not be aware that our current AOG offices are located in Sijan Hall (the “new” cadet dorm). Space there is very cramped, inefficient, and at best nondescript. Even if the offices there were more acceptable, it would be dif ficult to justify our retain¬ ing them while cadets are being triple and quad bunked, (I know, 1
Home: (303) 598-7155
AV: 259-3820
Percent members: 76
Well good people, in last quarter’s article Icertainly was pessimistic about our chances of having awinning football season, much less going to abowl game. Yet here it is in the beginning of December and our fabulous Falcons have just concluded a9-3 record and will meet the Arizona State Sun Devils in the Freedom Bowl at Anaheim, California on the 30th of December. The big difference this year has been the great leadership demonstrated by our seniors. In all my years of being associated with Academy football, Ican tell you honestly that these young men are special.
Most of my stories for this article come from the trips that Iwas for¬ tunate to take with the team this year. At the Hawaii game for example, both Jan and Ihad the great pleasure of spending an enchanted evening with Tenny, Mai, and Keio TAKAHASI. Tenny is doing nicely as asenior vice president of Development for the Amfac corporation. Mai is still the head stewardess of Aloha Airlines, and Keio is their loveable and energetic eight-year-old son. We had dinner at their Oceanside home just north of Honolulu, complete with afresh-water fi sh pond in the entry way to their living room. The meal was sumptuous, and it was wonderful reliving the “brown shoe” days. Keio took abunch of pictures and hopefully they will arrive in time for next quarter’s article.
At the Annapolis game, Terry NORRIS threw a’61 bash at the clubhouse of his condominium complex. There were about 25 members of the class there and, unfortunately, yours truly was not one of them. Ihad to attend an of fi cial dinner thrown by the Navy Athletic Department and so what 1relay to you comes through the photos of Dick COPPOCK. The
33
Ooh ...ooooh!
first picture is of our ’61 Ohio group who decided they wanted to form a quartet.
It makes sense to me when you consider that they were all poor in math. That’s tenor Bill AYLSWORTH at the left, followed by bass Bill STACKHOUSE. In the middle we have the altosoprano Dick COPPOCK hitting his high octave “c” as his able assistant Jim ROGERS pulls up on his jockey shorts. This one note is rarely performed in public, so having a picture of this milestone event is really something special for the class ar¬ chives. Finally, to the right is the baritone and gracious host Terry NOR¬ RIS. Terry, by the way, was recalled to active duty at the Pentagon to work in Reserve Affairs. Our congratulations. Congratulations are also in order for Dick COPPOCK who became agrandfather thanks to his lovely daughter, Carole. Actually, little Ashley Marie Shea is already nine months old, and old grandpapa didn’t even tell the class scribe until now. For my nostalgia shot Ijust couldn’t resist showing you acadet picture of our newest grandparent. Can you believe that this cadet is now agranddaddy?
'61 's newest granddad.
In my last article, if you remember, Idecided to have aSverdrup con¬ test, and amazingly Idid get aresponse to my request. In this next picture you can see the ’61 St Louis/Scott AFB group getting together for aCar¬ dinal baseball game. Before the game they formed themselves into the Sverdrup Ad Hoc Advisory Board and performed two significant func¬ tions. First, they drank themselves into oblivion and second, they be-
stowed on me, “the Sverdrup of the Year” award. This honor is under¬ whelming and Tm truly superifically touched. The bigger news, however, is the picture of an actual Sverdrup. Clearly, from left to right, Jim TULLIS, Jerry LEFTON, Hector NEGRONI, Johnny MOORE, and Bobby GRACE are all holding one of those little critters. Now, Ihave deduced afew important discoveries from this picture; first, that Sverdrups are not only alive, but they have gender, and second, TULLIS, NEGRONI, and MOORE are holding the females, LEFTON has the male, and GRACE doesn’t have aclue.
Some quick updates —Ed ZOMPA is working for Boeing at Hunts¬ ville, AL, and is anxiously awaiting the awarding of the contract for the space lab. Neil WESTBROOK is stationed at Maxwell AFB, AL, where he is the DO for Hq/CAP. Not abad deal since he gets to fly and even receives fl ying pay after the 25-year juncture. Here 1thought that 1was the only fortunate colonel on flying status for the class. Neil also reports that Marcus ANDERSON is doing agreat job as the DO of TAC. Neil was at the Academy in the fall on some CAP business and also to visit his son Chris who is asenior in the 32nd Squadron. Neil said he loves to come to USAFA but it’s hard asking your son to borrow his car. My, my, my, how things have changed.
One last visit that Imade was to Panama in mid November. It was another of those hardship tours that someone had to take —they were looking for someone to go to Mendoza, Argentina to pick up an F-86 and bring it back to the Academy (to be used as astatic display, that’s what for). Anyway, 1came back through Panama and Gene DAVIS and Judy were nice enough to show us some U.S. hospitality. Gene is the new com¬ mandant of the Inter-American Air Force Academy at Albrook AFB and is loving every minute. Judy would rather be in Hawaii. Hey, who wouldn’t.
Finally, 1received awonderful letter with an enclosed photo from John KOHOUT III, who is stationed in Vaihingen, Germany. John is the depu¬ ty political adviser to EUCOM and was hosting the new BG capstone and orientation course in Europe. He was delighted to report that our two new flag officers were doing exceptionally well in their classes and that both Hanson SCOTT on the left, and Jim ULM in the middle received “A”s in both social drinking and weekend golf. It makes us all so proud. John also reports that Joan and the kids are doing well and are loving Ger¬ many.
The Three Amigos in Germany.
Well dear friends, another article off the word processor. 1promised Dick that Iwould make apitch for the AOG building. Idid mention in our previous article that we were going forward with plans for our own AOG facility at the Academy. Naturally, what is sorely needed is the money, some 5.5 million dollars to be exact, and certainly the fund raisers are going out to many commercial ventures and individuals to see what amount of money can be raised or pledged. There can be no doubt, however, that asizable contribution must be obtained from the graduates themselves to make our resolve credible to all potential donors. So, I would urge you all to give what you can and in years to come we will all be exceedingly proud of amagnificent two-level building situated next to the of fi cers club. This center of graduate activities will serve amyriad of functions, the most important of which will be your “home away from home.” Talk to you next quarter and please don’t forget to let me know what’s going on in your lives. God bless.
DON’T MISS AMAGAZINE.
SEND IN YOUR NEW ADDRESS NOW.
Icould tell ij mine didn thave so much hair.
John W. (Jack) Jamba
4Judy Court
Satellite Beach, FL 32937
Home: (305) 777-5520
Office: (305) 867-7758
Percent members: 69
HI REDTAGS! Well wasn’t that agreat reunion? 1heard an unofficial count of 132 returning REDTAGS. That is almost 50% of the class. It was so good seeing so many old friends again. However, we have to be particularly careful about how we plan our next reunion. If you will recall, during our first full day of activity. Wall Street responded by drop¬ ping over 100 points. The fi rst business day after our reunion ended, the Dow responded by dropping over 500 points. The rest of the world followed with similar drops on all major foreign exchanges. The world was simply not ready for our 25th. We have five years to get them ready for our 30th.
Now for some comments and remembrances from the reunion. When Caroline and Ireported in to the reception room and registered we were told that the HENDRYX’ and the JAMBAS both had alarge box of souvenirs to claim; everyone else was picking up smaller cartons. Sure enough, Ihad asmall 2.5 cu ft box stuffed to the top with all kinds of goodies. 1talked to the HENDRYX’ after our return and they had to buy extra luggage to bring their stuff home. They wanted me to pass along their desire to purchase avideotape of the slide presentation from Nostalgia Night. They also felt that all of the REDTAGS got abig kick out of our wives giving us a“hymn” when they were assembling for their group picture (if you catch my drift). They will never forget Niels JENSEN teaching ayoung Notre Dame fan how to drink Afterburners on the night before the football game. Iknow Niels enjoyed the game, but I didn’t see that Notre Dame fan the next day.
When 1first saw Nels NIEMI Ithought he was Willie Nelson. Nels brought us up to date on his life. During the summer season he and his
wife conduct guided tours in the Grand Canyon. If Iremember correctly, they also lead river rafting trips on the Colorado. It’s an exciting life. During colder months, the NIEMls live in Salt Lake City where Nels takes on an occasional consultant job. They recently returned from atrip to Tibet where they did some hiking and rafting. Hope Iget achance to en¬ joy something like that before my decrepit body fades away. ..Nels. I may be looking you up someday. ..Don’t forget that you promised to write something for my column. It was great seeing you and meeting Pam.
John STAPLES said the best part was the large turnout. He hadn’t seen most of the guys in 20-1- years. The neat part of having so many classmates return was the chance to have old squadron reunions.
Ted and Marcy DYKES were back for this reunion, too. They recently had to leave Ted’s dream palace in Virginia and move to Oldsmar, FL, near Tampa. Ted is the director of Business Development for General Data Comm Systems. He was reassigned to Tampa to help anewlyreactivated division there. Ithink Gen Data Comm is asubsidiary of Gould. Anyway, since they are only across the state from me, we should have time to visit each other. Which reminds me. ..it was very apparent that agreat many of us are now living in Florida. The suggestion was made that our next reunion could possibly be done in Florida. Or amini¬ reunion could be done in the next two or three years. The Orlando area is an ideal spot, what with Disney World, Sea World, Kennedy Space Center, Port Canaveral and many other attractions within comfortable commuting distance. Think about it.
Italked to Don EGAN and Mary Kay afterwards. They also felt that just seeing the guys was agreat experience. They felt that URBAN and GILMARTIN did atremendous job in putting together Nostalgia Night. Don said that Jerry SMITH looked too young to be our classmate. ..he has evidently discovered how to clone himself. Jerry, before the next re¬ union please stick your face in asauna for two weeks so you can look as old as the rest of us. Or else wear ahood. And good luck in your real estate investment fi rm.
At the reunion, Charlie HALE said that he was planning to retire in Nov and was eyeing ajob involving the KC-10 simulator or the San Ber-
Jack and Malinda Anderson catch up on times past with Richard Johnson.
.-rsi.tmirnbMmmmmmi
Caroline Jamba with Fritz and Arlene Hendryx at registration.
Ken Fleming officiates at presentation of Billy Mitchell bust to the Academy.
35
Jerry Singleton presides at Memorial Service at Class Wall.
nardino Airport Authority. Good luck to you ...Otis DINNING fl ies Learjets for Flight International (I may have gotten the name wrong). He retired on 1July to get the job. They tow targets for the Navy and Air Force for ECM missions. This was amission that the old reliable T-Birds (T-33) used to do. ..Kent LAMMERS had aquick retirement to accept a job in Boulder, CO, with IBM. ..Tim GALLAGHER is still apilot for Delta fl ying the 737 out of Salt Lake City. Tim races aLotus in competi¬ tion around the country when he gets achance. He recently competed against Tom YOUNG and beat him by 15/1000 of asecond. After the race he discovered that Tom was indeed afellow Redtag. He’s looking forward to competing and winning again. By the way, Tom, several of us tried to call you at 2a.m, your time one morning just to give you afriend¬ ly hello. But you weren’t home or weren’t available. ..After the Tailgate Party on Saturday, we all started trekking for the gate where we could enter the stadium. It was way up on the highest part of the stadium. After we got up to the right gate, Ed STANTON remarked that we need a T-shirt saying “I survived the climb to Gate 7”. ..During the game, one of the spectators asked us what “RTB 62” stood for on our T-shirts. Don HUTCHINSON told him it meant Rural Tractor Bash and that we were all tractor drivers, including the tall two-star general in the front row (Butch VICCELLIO). By the way, since the knee pads with the one star on them made adecisive edge in helping Butch get his first star, the class gave him anew set of three-star knee pads. Good luck.
Randy SCHAMBERGER called me while 1was writing this column to check on the Reunion and Biographical Book. During our conversation, he mentioned that he had used acassette recorder to record all the festivities at the dinners. There was some background noise but the main words were still intelligible. On his drive back to Cannon AFB where he was TDY, he played the tapes for listening enjoyment. At his home base of Eglin, he is on the Air Base Survivability and Operability Program. His assignment at Canon was an exercise called Dusty Demo in which there was some experimentation in camouflage, concealment, and deception of air bases. They evidently learned some possible useful data. His son, Rick, is in the 11th grade. His wife couldn’t come to the reunion because she was ensuring that their savings didn’t go down the tubes on Wall St.
Randy’s memorable experience was seeing his old roommate Jerry SINGLETON again and hearing his stirring words at the Memorial Ser¬ vice and at the Banquet. There you go Randy; Imentioned you in my col¬ umn before you retired. ..spoiled your 25-year record.
It was good seeing Mike SCHIEBER, afellow Fightin’ Fourth member. Mike is aproject engineer for the Dept of Fisheries in Olympia, WA., designing fisheries for the huge network they have in Washington. He couldn’t be happier. Ihadn’t seen Mike since graduation. ..Some of the other Fightin’ Fourth buddies were: Dave WHITMAN, wife Ann and daughter Beth, athird classman at the Zoo; Roger MEYERS and wife Marlene; and Duke GREEN. Saw Rick WHEELER. ..he lives in Austin, TX now. He is general mgr for awall construction and installation firm. He’s learning the business inside and out, and working his tail off. But he enjoys it.
“Rip” BLAISDELL, the USAFA Chief of Staff, gave us abriefing on his job and his perceptions of how the wing has changed and continues to change. We heard alot of good ideas and opinions on that subject and the Honor Code and ahost of other important items from the Supe, Dean, and others. Ihadn’t realized how things had changed until Iwent to the noon meal. Way over on the outer fringe of the Dining Hall, aDoolie was having abirthday. Someone hired afemale belly dancer to dance for him. And there she was in Mitchell Hall, doing abelly dance around him while he stood in amodi fi ed brace and smiled sheepishly. Why couldn’t Ihave been born 25 years later?
I’ve given you afew vignettes about the reunion to whet your appetites. It is difficult to summarize ail of the activities. So much happened so quickly, that Iam having ahard time trying to recall even asmall part of it. Iknow 1thoroughly enjoyed myself. Ithought that my Doolie Summer roommate, Dave ROE, did an outstanding job in giving the address at the Friday Banquet, considering that he got absolutely no help from any of us in putting together some anecdotes from our Academy and post-Academy lives. It was ajob well done. The memorial service led by Jerry SINGLETON was once again amoving and emotional journey for us all. No one can hold back the tears when we think about our classmates who have left our company. Just writing about it stirs my emotions and brings
Owen and Connie Hawkins surrounded by Greg, Kim, Chris, Colin and Cory (USAFA background).
I
Erin, Mary Kay, Becky, Todd and Don Egan pose on Don’s new Eerrari.
Chuck Cheeseman and Bob Staib (modeling 25th Reunion Jacket) reminisce as Pam Niemi walks into background.
36
Unidentified doolie receiving birthday greetings from unidentified belly dancer in Mitchell Hall.
the tears again. It’s something Ican’t hold back and don’t guess Iever will.
The Tailgate party before the game was avery relaxing and stimulating time. You couldn’t miss that big red and white tent with the ’62 pennant. Gary BAUGHMAN did agreat job in putting it together. He thought the best part was seeing so many classmates that he hadn’t seen in years. And classmates were still arriving at the tailgate. Alot of us bought red USAFA pennants at the Visitors Center the previous morning. We bought all their pennants, red wool sweaters, red shirts, red jackets and anything else with red. The Visitors Center will never forget the REDTAGS.
At this point Imust give credit to the other people who made the re¬ union such agreat success. Ken FLEMING was in charge of Academy support and arranged some very well done tours and other accommoda¬ tions. J.D. and Yvonne EATON put the banquet together in superb style. Bob HOPKINS has been beating on people to prepare their biographical sketches for the reunion book. In spite of the frustrations Bob has been doing atremendous job. Polly Ann SWANSON deserves agreat deal of thanks and appreciation for all the work she devoted in ordering and cataloging the souvenirs. The mementoes will last alifetime. The golfers were very thankful for the great weather that Bob McNAUGHTON pro¬ vided. The ideal playing conditions eliminated alot of excuses from the duffers. Bob SCAUZILLO made the hotel arrangements which were outstanding. The price was abargain and the service was excellent. And finally agreat big round of applause for Jack SWONSON who chaired the entire reunion program and put in long, hard hours to make it all come together in such fine fashion. Jack, you had so much to do. ..1 hope you got achance to renew friendships and enjoy yourself. You are to be commended for performance above and beyond the call. If Ihave missed anyone, let me know so Ican give credit in the next issue.
One of the events was the presentation of the bust of Billy Mitchell to the Academy. There was aceremony in Mitchell Hall presided over by Ken FLEMING.
The other part of the class gift to the Academy was the cash donation to the AOG Building Fund. It was several thousand dollars and akeystone contribution. That means that they need more money to finish the building. Ireceived arequest from the AOG to publicize the fund drive. The amount of money needed is $5.5 million. ..but at least $1 million is needed from the grads. Now that’s not too much to ask. It will be built west of the O’Club and will be owned by the AOG. It will have 32,000 sq ft, to be used for offices, computers, layout space, conferences, library, lounge, displays, kitchen, and entertainment. It will be suitable for re¬ unions, homecomings, presentations and social events. The desired open¬ ing date is the summer of 1989. We have our work cut out for us. There will be recognition for the classes with the highest dollar amount and highest percentage of living grads contributing. Any of you who wish to contact classmates who are not members of AOG or who wish to act as a base, city, region, or state contact or who wish to make phone calls, write letters, assisting in hosting/setting up events, please contact me or Dick Coppock, AOG exec dir, personally.
Ran into Chuck and Claudette LARSON at the reunion and got a Christmas card from them with an annual family update. Chuck is the vice cmdr of the Northwest Air Defense Sector and just checked out in the F-4 again. Daughter Melissa has finished some vocational courses and is taking more book learning while seeking work. She has aproblem with seizures that they hope to correct next year. ..Daughter Leslie reported in to the Academy but had afreak accident that left her knee in bad shape. She left the Academy with very little hope for regaining full use of her knee. After returning home, she was examined by three knee specialists who said that she had been misdiagnosed. Having missed school starting dates for the other colleges she wished to attend, she was pleasantly sur¬ prised to receive an offer from Auburn for afull tennis scholarship and the promise to rehabilitate her knee. The latest reports show that she will have full use of her knee and be able to compete in tennis this season. As for Claudette, she keeps busy with the usual social obligations of Chuck’s position. The Larsons have had their share of crises to overcome this
year.
1got acard from ECNEWMAN and wife Lynn. We saw them at the reunion, too. Their card tells how ECretired at the Citadel’s ROTC pro¬ gram. He got ajob as an engineering test pilot with United Airlines in Denver. The work is above average and the snow is no bother. Son, Ed¬ win, is asecond classman at USAFA and is doing 10 times better at the zoo than dad did. Their daughter, Angela, is asenior at Duke, does well in Russian and hopes to land ajob with the State Dept or some other Washington agency. 1noticed that EClives in Englewood not far from Don EGAN.
Well Ihave to start winding down now; the AOG has alimit on space 1 can use. Please send me some of the photos you took athe “Rural Trac¬ tor Bash.” Iam enclosing eight photos. They may not all get published this issue. Also, please send me your anecdotes and remembrances of the
25th so that Ican share them with everyone. It’s Christmas Day and I have to help with the dinner. Have agood year and God bless you all. Keep the letters and phone calls coming. GO REDTAGS!
Skip Lee
811 Reiss Road
O’Fallon, IL 62269-1225
Home: (618) 632-8599
AV: 638-4886
Percent members: 73
Congratulations go out to new brigadier general selectees Owen LENTZ and Jim FAIN! Owen (ref the last issue) is assigned to SHAPE and Jim is the deputy commander for Tactical Systems, Aeronautical Systems Division, Wright-Patterson AFB. While Owen and Jim wait to pin on their new rank several more “Golden Ones” have elected that status change that all of us face. New faces found on the most recent retired list were A1 ADAMS, Dave LOHMMAN, Ike PAYNE, Gerald SHERRILL and Bob VENKUS. Dave has set up shop in Mililani, Hawaii and Bob moved from the Eglin area of Florida to Ellicott City, MD. I don’t —as of this writing —have whereabouts on the other three.
If you have read the most recent issue of Checkpoints and the cor¬ respondence mailed to your last known address —members only —then you are fully aware of the campaign to raise funds for the AOG Head¬ quarters Building/Alumni House. Please remember, the Class of 1963 is also involved in the campaign by raising money to present as aClass Gift at our 25th Reunion in April. I, as your “Class Scribe” —that is what the AOG folks call us —heartily recommend everyone support this cause to the best of their ability. Ihave visited the current facilities, located in the cadet dormitory area —near the cadet dental clinic —and believe me, the facilities are as cramped as they are inappropriate. Iplan to make my donation through the Class Gift. Please note that as of last count, only 73% of our class are members of the Association of Graduates and some of the guys have not gotten the word. Please canvass those in your area of the world and make sure they see the material sent out by the campaign committee. Again, 1think the concept presented by the AOG is good and the need is obvious. Iencourage you to give the project your fullest sup¬ port.
Other than the above, 1do not have agreat deal of news to pass on this time. The following is acomplete list of recent changes, moves, rumors, etc: Fred FROSTIC is the commander. Northeast Air Defense Sector based at Griffiss AFB, NY; Dave MILAM is the new Air Force deputy director for the Aerospace Plane Joint Program Office —never would have believed aerodynamics class at USAFA would come to this. Spoke to Jake JACOBIK alittle before Christmas as he was packing out for Florida. Jake is giving up St. Louis and McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Company to become afield representative for McD at Eglin. He said there would be adefinite improvement in the climate and his attitude. Jake is also busy on the lecture circuit passing on words of wisdom to the likes of the Defense Management College (I hope Igot that right). Other changes include Ron FOGLEMAN moving up to director of Programs and Evaluation at the Pentagon —he also pins on star number two; Don GORDON leaving Panama for Shaw and the 507th TACW; Mike HARLEY to Vegas; Tom DERIEG to Honolulu and Aloha Airlines; John VOGLESANG to Germantown, MD and George BARNES to Eden Prairie, MN.
Tidbits: Iam envious. Jack ZYGNER’s entry in the Register says he is associated with Baskin Robbins in Fresno, CA. Ice cream is my downfall. Another interesting entry in the Register was the name of John NEHRING’s business —“COMPTUTOR.” Finally, Mike TOMME’s new ad¬ dress is 34724 Tuxedo Common, Fremont, CA. “Tuxedo Common” is really intriguing; something like Tuxedo Junction?
Oops! Correction: it’s 4,000 hours of fl ying time not 4,000 miles.
That’s it! Apparently, everyone is holding back for the reunion. My unofficial, pre-election year, independent poll indicates abig turnout; therefore Ifully expect to have all the withheld data/gossip etc. for the summer edition. See you at the Colorado Springs Clarion on April 14th!
Class of 1963 25th Reunion APRIL 14-17, 1988 Make your reservations now! 37
Bob Hovde 3Freedom Circle
Bedford, MA 01730
Home: (617) 274-7759
Office: (617) 377-8319
AV: 478-8319
Percent members: 71
CORRECTION AGAIN: Well, Ed MECHENBIER tried to call me again as soon as he got the last issue. As you can see, 1changed phone numbers again. This time they tell me it’s right. Ed called Sandy and told her that he had let the phone ring 24 times. Naturally, 1was off skiing to¬ day, Ed was calling my deputy’s number, Ihave no secretary right now, and almost everyone is off Christmas week anyway. Ed can’t understand why my phone number keeps changing —after all, he’s had the same job for two years now. Ed, 1am the director of the Combat Theater Com¬ munications Program Office at Electronic Systems Division. We buy tac¬ tical telephone systems (TRl-TAC), including portable microwave, troposcatter, and satellite communication radios. My Program Office recently moved from the MITRE Corp complex in Bedford to anew of¬ fi ce building on Hanscom AFB. With the building came someone else’s phone plan, which we, hopefully, have just fixed. The reason no one answers the phone is that these new phone systems are designed so that each desk has adifferent number. Since almost all of my people are either TDY or in meetings most of the time, you really need to know the secretary’s number, which is what is at the top of this column. Is that enough of an explanation, Ed?
SAD NEWS: 1was surprised and saddened to learn of the untimely death of John LUKASIK last October. 1had talked to him acouple of months before he entered the hospital, and he gave no indication that he even knew of the cancer that eventually killed him.
MAIL BAG: Ithought that Iwas in trouble again when Ireceived alet¬ ter from “Fulbright &Jaworski,” but it turned out to be from Ron BLISS. He, like many others, can’t believe that after only 23 years, Ed Mechenbier actually beat him to writing. Anyway, Ron writes, “After having had my Thud shot out from under me near Hanoi, and having free room and board courtesy of Ho Chi Minh for the next 6'/2 years, Ire¬ turned to the states to meet Charlene and our son Erik. After ayear of public speaking and flying, Ichecked out and went to law school at Baylor University. Graduating in 1976, Iwent to work for the Houston law firm of Fulbright &Jaworski, in which Ibecame apartner in 1984.
“We had asecond son, Jason, born after my return from Ho Chi Minh’s health spa, thereby ensuring that one son was born in Las Vegas and the other conceived in that same city.
“I don’t fly much anymore, but 1do miss it. Iam heading up the In¬ tellectual Property Department here at the firm (you can stop laughing now) which deals with patent, trademark, trade secret and franchise mat¬ ters.”
Ron also reminded me of the pre-party celebration the night before Fred GREGORY’S liftoff from the Cape. My memory is somehwat fuzzy about the evening, but he probably is right that it was Fred OLMSTEAD’s fault, and that “Fred O.’s conduct was so excessive that he surely violated some part of the Geneva Convention.” However, just to be fair to Fred, he was in good company that night. 1didn’t see asingle person protest at the time. Ron continues. ..
“I have aplea to our classmates who are still in the service and have some say-so about our targeting. It seems that we were in Europe on business when our boys decided to bomb Khadafy. Iapplaud the effort but wish they would check with me next time before they decide to per¬ form their civic duties. Not only were we pulled off one airplane for a bomb threat, and trapped inside Heathrow Airport due to the discovery of acertain lady attempting to board El A1 Airlines with afew pounds of explosives in her suitcase, but we had the opportunity to practice some very basic and forceful English on agroup of professional protesters in Zurich (who were shouting less than favorable phrases about our country).
“Charlene is just as beautiful as ever [but, you note. Rod didn’t send pictures!], and has turned into an accomplished tennis player. In true cavalier fashion [whatever that means], we spent New Year’s Eve on the Orient Express from Paris to Venice. Try that sometime during aFrench rail strike!”
TRAVELS: While Iwas in Germany in November, Ihad the chance to have dinner with Kris and Laura MINEAU (See photo). Kris is LGM (maintenance) at HQ USAFE. Son, Kris, will graduate from the Academy this June. Kris said that Scotty SUDMALIS is acivilian, and is selling mutual funds at Ramstein. He also said that Bruce FISTER is the MAC wing commander at Rhein Main AB (See “GENERALS”, above). Also, it seems that John and Sally HOFFMAN dropped by for ahospitality check earlier in the summer. John is still at Andrews AFB, MD. Today, December 17th, Sandy ran into Kris and Laura in the BX at Hanscom (both families live in Boston) and brought them by the office. (You go for years without seeing someone, and then you run into them everywhere.)
The Mineaus
Ialso got to see Bob CLARK at Ramstein. He is in the USAFE IG there, and unfortunately had to go to ameeting just after 1dropped in on him. He moved down from NATO Headquarters this year, and is having abusy but good time trying to figure out how many things the IG can get involved in.
NEWS: The December issue of Airman magazine has an article on test pilots, with several quotes and agood picture of Gary MATTHES, now the vice commander of the 6510th Test Wing at Edwards AFB.
CHANGE-OF-ADDRESS CARDS: Harvey MANEKOFSKY goes to the top of the list for putting anote on his change-of-address card. (Ac¬ tually, Ron BLISS did too, but his just said he’d write aletter, which he did.) Harvey is director of Programs, HQ PACAF, Engineering and Ser¬ vices. He writes, “Hawaii is fun, but alot more expensive than Korea. It’s nice to be back working on an Air Force base after two years on an Army base and one year at aNavy installation.”
Dick BROWN is in USODC, Uruguay. Doug CATCHINGS has moved from Florida to Scranton, SC. Aubry FARGARSON moved from Car¬ rollton to Dallas, TX. Dick FLECHSIG also moved, to Las Vegas, NV. George GATES only changed his Zip Code, to 99515. Iguess that means that he’s still in Anchorage.
Dick HACKFORD not only moved to Hanscom, he moved into the other end of my duplex. That’s OK —Becky made him buy alarge snowblower. He may be very popular on the circle in amonth or so when we get abunch of snow.
Larry MARTIN is at anew address in Fort Worth, where he is now a senior design engineer with General Dynamics. Tom MORRIS moved from Denton to Irving, TX. Mike POVICH has returned from the Pacific —to Spokane, WA. Ray THOMAS (CDR, USN) has moved to anew ad¬ dress in San Diego. Hugh WHATLEY lives on Maxwell AFB, AL, where he is chief of Curriculum Operations at the Air War College. Jim WIDGER has moved from Colorado to Mesa, AZ.
Jim KELLEY, having successfully squared away the arms control business, is moving to HQ Space Command to be assistant deputy chief of staff. Plans. Denny MADE, on the other hand, found away to stay in Washington, as vice commander. Financial Management, HQ AFSC [whatever that means].
ONE-LAST-THING: Actually, two things, but Idon’t have acatchy phrase for that. You have all seen the pleas for help to raise money for an AOG Headquarters/Alumni House to be built near the Officers Club at the Academy. It appears to me that we could save double arm-twisting if we make our 25th reunion donation for this purpose. By combining it, of course, the arm-twisting will surely be painful. The Class of ’62 just donated $10,123. Iwould think that aclass with as many generals as we have could do at least twice that amount.
another of my roomates
GENERALS: A1 ROGERS gets his second star, and eight more ’64 grads have been added to the one-star list. Tom BROWNING (TAC), Brett DULA (SAC), Bruce FISTER (MAC), Park HINMAN (AIR UNIV), Jim McINTYRE (HQ USAF), Joe REDDEN (TAC), Nels RUN¬ NING (HQ USAF), and Thad WOLFE (SAC makes good!).
The second thing is the 25th reunion. The Academy has decided that the Homecoming weekend in the fall will honor the 20th reunion class specifically, and graduates in general. 25th and 30th reunions, etc., will be
38
held in the spring, the week before June Week. Since Don HEIDE, the elected class secretary, is the only known class officer remaining, we will need some help setting up areunion. There are some ’64 grads in the Col¬ orado area, but no active-duty types. We will try to establish acommittee to work the details, and get in touch with everyone as soon as possible.
That’s all for this time. T|ianks for all of the help in getting me something to write.
Jerry “Ski” Wilkowski
2423 Rocky Branch Road
Vienna, VA 22180-4067
Home: (703) 255-9083
Office: (703) 548-4400
Percent members: 68 cN
Running very late in meeting my suspense to the AOG for this newsletter so I’ll keep the obligatory opening remarks to aminimum. Suffice to say that aself-move during December is an experience not to remember. The sanity of our decision to spend the holidays in anew home was ques¬ tioned on numerous occasions. And, no, good humor did not always prevail! But determination did and Sue managed to display awarmly and gaily decorated home to friends who dropped in for avisit. As long as they did not look in the garage! After five years in the same abode, 1bet¬ ter appreciate the forced weening out process of frequent Air Force moves.
Others in the class were better organized and managed to jot off some welcomed Christmas greetings. Will and Arlis BURNEY enjoyed the type reunion that is probably becoming typical for many of us —children home for the holidays. Their son Chad is aplebe at Annapolis (Canoe U. for us diehards) and excelling. Despite some extensive lobbying by Will, with an assist from Jim Spittler, Chad opted for the Naval Academy vice Blue Zoo or Woo Poo. That’s what happens when you set too high astan¬ dard at your alma mater. Will! The Burneys also provided afamily pic¬ ture taken during Parents’ weekend at the Academy last summer. Mighty fine looking group. Thanks for remembering us; we’ll do better next year.
been promoted to colonel. Tom had apparently adhered to his high ethical standards in reporting the misdeeds of asenior officer earlier in his career and, for that action, his initial selection to 0-6 was denied. Tom, I deeply respect your perseverence during what must have been atraumatic period for you and your family and regret that your application of the principles that were ingrained in us at the Academy should cause you so much personal hardship. Good on you for upholding the standards! Iwas fortunate to attend the Airlifter’s Association convention in St. Louis last October (back to back with an aerospace exposition in Beijing, China —but that’s another story) both as aformer airlifter and as acur¬ rent contractor. Well, as the following picture aptly depicts, Iwas not the only member of the class present. Grabbing grips, slapping backs, and swapping lies occupied most of the enjoyable time we spent together.
Fred and Lisa COX also added anote to their Christmas greetings from Coronado, CA. Fred commented that Dick SCHLOSBERG moved to the Los Angeles Times from the Denver Post (where he was publisher and CEO) sometime after the fi rst of the year (new position unknown); that Jeff BERESFORD-WOOD lives in Danville, CA where he owns are¬ insurance company; that George DUNKLEBERG is on his way to Moscow as the assistant Air Attache; and that Fred, Ray PERKOWSKI, and Roy SUZUKI are serving John Q. Public as pilots with PSA/US Air. Fred, sincerest thanks for the Christmas greetings and note.
Also received holiday greetings from Steve TALLEY. Steve has moved from the Air Staff to OSD where he is now the assistant deputy director for Technology Transfer. Steve is also active in the AF Ski Club in the Pentagon, and, by the time you read this column, will have tied the marital knot during a“ski-in” wedding in Beaver Creek, Vail, CO. His bride, Bonnie, besides being the snow bunny of Steve’s eyes, is also an ex¬ pert skier. Steve, the setting sounds idyllic and agreat jumping off place for an event that Ihope will bring both of you rich rewards and much happiness.
During aconversation with Jim SPITTLER, he informed that Tom KOSS, after along battle with the AF Board of Military Corrections, has
From left are Jerry Wilkowski, Tom and Judy Pilsch, Harv Shelton, Jim and Charlene Page, and Steve and Sharon Finch.
ZIP CODE CHANGES: Dave COOPER has retired and moved from Grafton, VA to Fort Worth, TX; Bill McLEOD has PCSd from APO NY 09321 to Holloman AFB, NM where, according to Bill, the AF is going to let him fly again. He added, “I can’t believe it!” Just remember that nose-high goes high and break right. Bill, and all else follows. Finally, Jim MYNAR transferred from Saudi Arabia to become director of Operations for the Northwest Air Defense Sector at McChord AFB, WA. Jim commented that he “had an enjoyable and interesting tour (A1 GRIESHABER took his place), but it is very nice to get to the Northwest with its mountains and forests.” Sounds like you refilled your “Good Ole USA” appreciation square, Jim.
TRAGIC NOTE: During the aforementioned conversation with Jim SPITTLER, he provided that, according to the AOG, Dick DEWING and his wife Dolly were involved in atragic accident in Holland sometime in December. Dick was killed and Dolly injured severely. They have two college-age children. Per the 1987 Register of Graduates, Dick was assign¬ ed to Spangdahlem at Det 2, Box 651, APO NY 09011. Heartfelt con¬ dolences are extended to his family.
FINAL NOTE: The last issue of Checkpoints announced the beginning of the AOG building fund drive. The same issue also contained aletter from Pat KNEPELL, Class of ’67, that was highly laudatory of the Cadet Commander’s Leadership Program (CCLP). (You should already be aware that ’65 is raising funds in order to sponsor the CCLP in perpetuity as our gift to the Academy at the 25th Year reunion.) Life is full of deci¬ sions, gents! Both projects merit our financial support but then, when have you ever received afund-raising letter that failed to excite your charitable instincts? These, however, are not “Cart Sort” appeals to be discarded without opening. These are our unique fraternal organizations that are holding out their hands. And probably not the last time they will do so during our lifetimes. Please consider contributing to both projects: dig as deep as your budget permits and give generously. You’ll receive tenfold in return; of that amigos, classmates, I’m sure! Warmest regards.
7107 Kesley Court
Spring fi eld, VA 22153
Home: (703) 440-9727
AV: 225-6668
Percent members: 70
Greetings Redtags! Ihope you all survived the “Dark Ages.” Do you remember that bleak period between Christmas vacation and spring break? It’s been sort of like that around here at the Pentagon. We’ve been trying to keep our combat capability reasonably intact while cutting 20 percent from the Air Force budget. It gives us something to do in between
The Burneys from left are Audrey (16), Midshipman Chad (18), Arlis and Will.
Ryan Denny
39
the two hours aday we spend driving to and from work in the dark.
Asuper congratulations from the entire class to Eddie SHIRLEY—the first general from the class of ’66. Way to go! Also our congratulations to another new colonel, Larry BAGLEY (whose name Imissed in the last column), and to Mike PARMENTIER, who was selected for colonel in the Air Force Reserves.
INSIDE THE BELTWAY: 1saw several of our classmates at the Air Force-Navy football game at Annapolis. Terry O’DONNELL is doing well as alawyer for the firm of Williams and Connolly. You might have noticed him sitting behind Ollie North during the Congressional hearings. Terry is in his sixth and last year as amember of the Academy Board of Visitors. Thanks for all your work to make our Academy abetter place, Terry. Ialso had achance to talk to Steve CONVER, who is working as a professional stafher for the House Armed Service Committee. Randy JAYNE flew in for the game from St. Louis. He has just moved from a vice president job with General Dynamics to McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Co as vice president of strategic program development. It was agood football game and agreat tailgate party that lasted late into the evening.
Jim ROBERTS is in the Washington Liaison Office for the U.S. Special Operations Command. He’s doing atough, but interesting, job trying to establish the relationships between his new command and the JCS, the Services, Congress, and the rest of the world. Mike CONNERS left the Pentagon in time to miss the winter weather and headed out to Guam as the DO of the 3rd Air Division. Isaw Bill RYAN in the Pen¬ tagon hallways the other day; he is the deputy commander for Military Training at OTS. Bill says that means he runs the schoolhouse for OTS at Lackland. Mason BOTTS is asenior staff member for acompany called Advanced Technology here in the Washington area. He says that there is life after the Air Force. I’ll just have to take his word for that for afew more years.
WING KINGS AND OTHER THINGS: Norm RATHJE is the vice commander of the 68th Air Refueling Wing at Seymour-Johnson AFB. Don WALKER is the director. Defense Satellite Communications System, at Los Angeles AFS. Jim NEWTON moved from his job in SAC/XP to the DO job for the 19th Air Refueling Wing at Robins AFB. Bill WACKER, who was the commander of alarge Security Police Squadron at Little Rock AFB, has gotten back into the airplane business as the commander of the 34th Tactical Airlift Training Group at Little Rock.
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE: Afew more of you guys have retired on us. Andy FORNAL, Tobe GOODIN, and Jan JAEGER were listed in the retirement section of the/IF Times. I’m sure they’re all doing something real exciting and they’ll drop me aline to let us know what it is as soon as they recover from the shock of being acivilian. Jerry CALLAHAN is working in advanced flight simulators for Link Co in New York. His wife, Barbara, just graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Texas at San Antonio. (For those of you who don’t speak Latin, that means she done real good.) Bruce McBRlDE has also just retired from his job as chief of EW Threats and Targets for the Range Group at Nellis. Conni TWAY called to tell me that Duane, another old retiree, is working on his PhD at the University of Texas. Conni is work¬ ing in the Model Installation Program Office at 12th Air Force. Charlie SARF has retired from his job at TAC Headquarters and has moved to Los Angeles.
FROM THE PRESIDENT: Jim MURPHY, our class president, (yes he still runs about 100 miles aday) sent me aletter that he would like me to relay to you all:
Dear Classmates,
Iam writing to solicit your support for one of the most important projects you will ever be able to support as agraduate of the Air Force Academy, chosen to house its functions is an appropriate re fl ection of the growth all of
The building the Association of Graduates has s, the Academy, and the Association have experienced. Ithink all of you who attended the 20-year reunion will agree that many things have changed since that June day in 1966 when we started down our various paths to the future. We have grown and changed and so has our Academy and Association of Graduates. With this growth, with this ability to in fl uence events and policies, comes added responsibility, has grown into astrong and in fl uential organization capable of doing tremendous good for the Academy and the Nation, better perform its important functions, the Association needs a new Headquarters/Alumni House. The Association has shouldered the burden of planning the facility and paying for the majority of the project. Graduates are being asked to make contributions to at least $1.0 million of the $5.5 million total cost, and we must do our share.
Like us, the Association of Graduates In order to
Dan Morgan
2102 Bottlebrush Place
Encinitas, CA 92024
Home: (619) 942-4863
Work: (619) 453-7500, ext. 3944
Percent members: 62
The following news was furnished by Chuck DENHAM: Hank AR¬ NOLD is now wearing Army Green! After 17 years as an Air Force doc¬ tor, he entered private practice, but couldn’t resist the offer the Army made him. He and Paula have returned to Colorado at Fort Carson. John and Debbie BOOSE are still living in Loveland, CO where he is avice president with Hewlett Packard. Obbie ATKINSON and his son, Jacob,
There are many specific reasons why each of us should get involved, not the least of which is acontinuing responsibility to an insti¬ tution of learning which supports the highest ideals of this great Nation. You can read all about in in the AOG magazine. Iask each of you to participate. Make acontribution, organize afund raiser. If all graduates share the burden, we can handle it, and both the Association and the Academy will be stronger for it. Thank you ... in advance.
sweat shirt) Obbie Atkinson and John Boose.
Y■.jdS,
From left at the Homecoming game are John Boose, Chuck Denham, Hank Arnold, Dan Roper, Debbie Boose (sunglasses), Ann Roper (no glasses), AI Lundberg, Paula Arnold and Bunky Lundberg (partially hid¬ den), apartial cast of 17th Squadron.
mu >/ ●● ■' 0 ■ Bm 11
t
Some members of 17 th Squadron from left are Hank Amold, Dan Roper, Loren Shriver (with USAFA
iti I
40 Ain Murphy President, Class of 1966
Members of 11th Squadron hold up the Class of 1967flag at the reunion.
made it to the reunion, but Dinah stayed in California to supervise the carpenters who are helping her construct their new home. Obbie’s prac¬ tice is more enjoyable now that he has associates to share the on-call duties. Paul HANSON retired at Hanscom Field and returned to northern Virginia.
Chuck and Carolyn enjoyed the video of A1 LUNDBERG’s 1986 retire¬ ment ceremony when they visited A1 and Bunkie in Englewood, CO. A1 enjoys his work with Ball Aerospace, although the daily commute to Boulder isn’t the easiest. Speaking of commutes, Steve McCULLOCH was attending the Program Managers’ Course at Fort Belvoir, VA which prevented his attending the reunion. His commute is to Norton AFB, CA where wife, Aileen is “program manager” at home. John MILLER is really enjoying Germany’s people, hunting, and touristing. He is a civilian base engineer. Gary PETERSON is achild psychiatrist at U.N.C. (Chapel Hill, NC) “home of one of the minor post-high school sites of education in NC,” according to those like Chuck, who attended NC State.
Chuck has been at DIA for three years, giving him and Carolyn time to get reacquainted with Skip and Diana PUMFREY. When Skip retired from DIA ayear ago, he signed on with DEC Computers in Colorado Springs, where he and Diana are building anew home. Dan and Anne ROPER live in Florida where he practices opthomology. Larry and Esther THAL live in Kensington, CA. He is president of the California State Board of Optometry and is active in the Reserves. Bill and Sandra SEXSON are thriving in Atlanta. He has “a list of jobs amile long,” in¬ cluding state chairman of the Committee on the Fetus and the Newborn, AF Reserve consultant to the surgeon general for perinatal and neonatal medicine, and professor at Emory University. Sandra is also on the facul¬ ty and was chosen as one of the Top Ten Outstanding Young Women of America.
Chuck said that, at the reunion, Jerry FEE made such agreat pitch to the cadets in the dayroom after the Friday lunch at Mitch’s, Chuck was about ready to re-enroll at USAFA himself. Jerry’s wife, Cheryl, is in business in Houston and manages Catherine (6) and Austin (1) while Jerry is around the world looking for more oil. Loren and Diane SHRIVER came to the reunion and were good natured about the hubbub that sur¬ rounds him whenever anyone finds out that he is an astronaut. For in¬ stance, in the dayroom briefing, once the cadets found out, of course they had questions for no one else. And Loren was followed by multiple shadows —other grads’ kids.
Anote from Mike THOMPSON: The Tough Twenty Trolls claim the highest percentage of Alumni returning for the 20-year reunion. ..70% Can any squadron top that?
Arnie TAN retired 1Oct 87 to fly for American West out of Phoenix. His wife, Lona, volunteers as anurse’s assistant at the high school where Amy (16) is in band and the Arizona Musketeer Drum and Bugle Corps. Katie (13) cheerleads in junior high and Jeremy (10) plays soccer.
AOG UPDATES: Roger CARLETON and Buz CARPENTER are at HQ USAFE, Ramstein; Chuck CRAWFORD has moved to Placentia, CA; Ray FELLOWS is at Redondo Beach, CA; Dennis HILL moved to Federal Way, WA; Joe HOLBROOK lives in Clovis, NM; Con HOUSER moved to Franktown, CO; Paul LARSEN is chief. Pricing and Finance Division, Directorate of Contracting and Manufacturing, Hill AFB; Russel LINES lives in Valrico, FL; Ted McADAM retired in August and left two days later for Saudi Arabia; Don OWEN transferred to the Pen¬ tagon/ACCC; greg SMITH lives in Laurel Springs, NJ; and Rod WEEKS returned to CONUS at Fairchild AFB.
Chuck HEFFRON and his family have lived in Kirkland, WA for fi ve years. As chief of OB/GYN he has introduced family-centered maternity care. The entire family is allowed in the delivery room, which has all the modern equipment, but is out fi tted like afamily room, with couch and even T.V., etc. He has also set up awomen’s clinic, atotal health pro¬ gram which addresses diet, exercise, and of course, problems associated with P.M.S., menopause, etc. His wife, Sally, is ahomemaker, and does adesktop publishing business producing newsletters for small businesses, schools, and doctors’ offices. Her newsletter won the Washington State P.T.A. first place award among 500 schools. She is also pursuing alongheld dream by studying piano. Daughter Paige (8), is also studying piano, plus dance. Her older sister, Kelly (13), has studied piano “all her life,” yet is active in basketball, baseball, volleyball, and travels on aselect soc¬ cer team year round. Family activities include sailboarding and water and snow skiing.
By now all you regular readers of Checkpoints have noticed the pub¬ licity about the proposed AOG Headquarters Building. Here is our class president. Chuck HEFFRON’s mesage in response to the AOG request for support;
“To the Class of ’67: Greetings! It seems like the only time Iwrite is to raise money. The last time was for the class crest; now for the Association of Graduates building about which you have already received informa¬
tion. Some believe agathering place will facilitate the reliving of memories from those unique years of our lives, plus the many ways the AOG contributes to USAFA’s future. If you too feel the same, please consider contributing to this building fund.
“Many of us recently attended our 20th reunion and saw, for the fi rst time, our crest: the 9th graduating class. It looked quite impressive on the wall by the chapel. To aperson, this reunion was perceived as awonderful event. Great memories! Ihope that these greetings meet with awonderful year for you all!”
To Chuck’s support, Iadd: As you may know, class crest projects (ordering, mounting, etc.) are handled through the AOG. The AOG also provides extensive advisory services and support staff for all reunions. The Cadet Leadership Enrichment Seminar is astellar example of AOG contributions (via the AFA Fund) to the cadets’ leadership quality and thus the AF future. As we have seen, the quality of AOG results is terrific, despite inadequate temporary quarters in Sijan Hall, After much study, our elected board of directors has chosen this plan to enable our AOG to accept wider responsibilities. During these first few decades of the Academy’s growth, these tasks have been handled by many small founda¬ tions, since the AOG was not large enough. Now we have aplan that enables our effective contribution to the mission for the next 50 years. (See also Checkpoints, Fall ’87, pp.32-33). Let’s support them by con¬ tributing.
Mark Torreano
8335 Tiller Court
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Home: (303) 593-1215
Office: (303) 554-5850; AV; 692-5850
Percent members: 61
Ihumbly apologize for putting info in the last column that was incorrect. First, the letter on the reunion did not get sent out as 1predicted it would. However, Ionly got one call and one letter asking about it so I guess no one was too worried. Walt LIPS wrote (civilian in Virginia, ASD Reservist), and Tom EAVES called from Grissom AFB where he is a KC-135 pilot and also planning aZ-248 LAN for the wing. Tom came back in the AF after astint with EDS, Ross Perot’s former out fi t, in Tehran.
My other error —that we would be using the Embassy Suites Hotel — is more embarrassing. The committee has subsequently decided that the new Red Lion Inn will be better able to support our activities, so that will be our base facility. More on this in the reunion letter you should receive some time in 1988. (I’m avoiding being too specific!)
My final error was also agood one. Forget the $68,000 fundraising goal 1mentioned; it’s now felt that is too ambitious. But we are going to raise as much as possible and donate alarge chunk to the AOG building fund you read about in the last Checkpoints.
The AOG’s fundraising goal is to raise SIM of the S5.5M costs from the grads. Our class can do alot to get the effort off to astrong start (and get abit of recognition) by shooting for the largest class contribution and the most contributors. More on this in aforthcoming reunion fund¬ raising letter.
The Navy game was well attended by almost 200 classmates and guests thanks to Tim DAVIDSON’S efforts. Tim sent this picture of seven
41
The Magnificent Seven from 7th: Rog Sorensen, Mike Navarro, Marty Cole, Dick Ruffing, Jim Reese, Tim Davidson and Wayne Shattuck.
(count ’em) CS-07 attendees who came out to see the Falcons whip the Middies. Tim also passed on that Ed SINGER recently arrived at adesk in OSD/ISA from Hawaii.
Letters: Rocky GAINES dropped me his first note in 19 years to send this photo of the 4ATAF ’68 contingent in Heidelberg, Germany. Both he and John CARSON are keeping us visible in central Europe.
In ■% Rocky Gaines and John Carson huddle in Heidelberg.
And Tom ZYROLL also apologized for taking 19 years to write, saying he hadn’t had any news in all that time. But he does now —son Toby is a dumbsquat dumbwad dumbdumb doolie! Actually, Iwonder if that isn’t just alife-sized cutout of Tom? Well, Iguess Tom is finally first in the class at something! In addition to having raised an outstanding son, Tom is doing well as exec VP for Avanti Health System in Houston.
Pat, Nancy, Justin and Ethan Hurley on vacation in Colorado. AFB. Officiating will be Lt Gen J. P. McCarthy, 8AF Cdr and former AOC of CS-02 and 14. Congrats, Tony.
The REYLINGS had abusy year with marriage in June in Boston, then honeymoon trips to Bermuda and Europe. And Pat RUSSELL remains at Edwards AFB in logistics, doing interesting things and earning an MS in engineering mgt. Son Jim is attending Loyola Marymount in LA on an AFROTC scholarship.
New Locations: Just two this time; Jim CAMP is now in Del Mar, CA and Jim THOMAS left Offutt for Eielson AFB, AK,
Re fl ections: The 11 Jan issue of Time had agreat piece titled “1968—The Year that Shaped aGeneration.” It really brings home what amajor year of transition 1968 was for America, something we may not have understood very clearly as we experienced major personal transitions that year, if you haven’t read it, 1think it’s worth the effort to fi nd a copy.
Michael R. Thiessen
Brown &Thiessen, P.C.
2405 Grand, Suite 300 Kansas City, MO 64108-2510
Home: (913) 384-4779
Office: (816) 474-4114
Percent members: 59
The mailbag has revealed correspondence from some of the tallest and smallest Falcons ever. First my thanks to Cliff PARSONS for the Christmas card. Cliff is in Troutwood, OH. As far as Iknow Cliff still stands taller than all other Falcons.
Toby and Tom Zyroll "Zooing it” on Parents Weekend 1987.
Bruce MARKS dropped anote to say he has left Mobile Oil in Denver to join the Denver law fi rm of Hall and Evans.
Cards: This was agood year for Christmas cards from DRAPER, EBERHART, FAST, GENNA, HOGE, HOLLAND, HURLEY, MAAHS, MOSS, PASKO, ROBERTSON, REYLING, RUSSELL, SHUEY, VAIL, and WOOD.
Tad DRAPER is still at SAC Intel in computers, but hoping to come to Colorado soon. Ed EBERHART enjoys Shaw AFB, where he is avice cdr and gol fi ng often with Dave PREVOST and Bob JOHNSTON. Bill HOGE also made excuses for not writing in 19 years (come on, all you other guilt-ridden, nonwriting guys, redeem your soul and “letter” me). Bill is back at Cannon AFB flying the F-111.
Pat HURLEY is happy in Phoenix with this good-looking crew. He is PM for the Garrett T800 engine that will be on the Army’s LHX if it gets funded. Good luck, Pat. Larry MAAHS retired in July and is at home in Minneapolis flying the 727 for Northwest Airlines. Tony ROBERTSON will become commander of the 2nd Bomb Wing on 14 Jan at Barksdale
Ialso received aletter from Tom PILLARI who would run atight race at the other end of the scale. Tom and Melissa are the proud parents of four children, Tony 12, Andy 9, T.J. 7and Elizabeth 2. Tom says everyone is healthy and growing fast but he unfortunately is growing in the wrong direction. Tom is having atough time dealing with “terminal short.” Tom is ashareholder in the law firm of Wickens, Herzer and Panza. They have offices in Greeley, CO; Cleveland and Lorain, OH; and Naples, FL. His practice is limited to estate planning and probate matters. He has taught at Cleveland State Law School.
Tom has been in touch recently with Joe TARASKA in Orlando, FL. Joe is asenior partner in his law firm specializing in defense litigation. Tom understands that Joe is writing abook that is intended to be used as adesk reference for doctors to help translate some of the medical/legal issues into their language. Joe and his family live in Orlando.
Tom has heard that Jack DAVIS is living in Washington, DC. Tom has also talked with Ken KOHLMYER some time ago. He is in the insurance business in southeastern Ohio. Tom also saw Jim LEUTHAUSER during the last year. Jim, Ursula and their family live near Detroit where Jim works with Burroughs as a“computer wiz kid.” If Iam not mistaken Jim was the reason for me passing Comp Sci 101. Icouldn’t even get the com¬ puter to print my name let alone any useful information until Jim came to the rescue!
Brad DE AUSTIN reports from Davis-Monthan where he is the SJA at that beautiful location. He and Ellen love Tucson. Ellen works as an oc¬ cupational therapist at St. Joseph’s hospital. Their two sons Ryan and David are active in baseball, soccer and swimming. John DALLAGER
k ■
r-'.v -
42
and Wally BERG were at Davis-Monthan, John as the Asst Dir OPS for the 355 TAG TRNG and Wally is the commander of the 355 TAG TRNG Sq. John and Joyce DALLAGER recently left DM for the Army War Gollege. Brad notes that it was my characterization of all noncorrespond¬ ing ’69ers as “deadbeats” that prompted him to supply this information.
Joe PERSONETT reports that he and Sue were the recipients of an ear¬ ly Ghristmas present, 7lbs. and 21 inches of Joelle Nichol on December 14th. Gongratulations! Joe is an A-300 “Airbus” person for GAL in December. Sue is an IP at Blackforest Glideport, “temporarily grounded due to shifting G.G.”
Recently Ron McGRAlN was in Kansas Gity. He joined Nancy and me for dinner along with the rest of his Northwest crew. Tom reported on the after-Navy party at his house. Apparently it was aheavily attended affair that resulted in much late-night celebrating. Tom reports the following about fellow ’69ers. Gene GAMP is flying for Alaska Airlines out of Seat¬ tle. Apparently Tom has run across Gene in certain tennis matches in¬ cluding the A.L.P. tennis tournament. Tom modestly notes that he lost in the fi nals of the doubles championship of this tournament.
Tom advises that Wildcat PHILLIPS and Don DESSERT are both Sqdn Goms at Dover, Wildcat leading F.M.S. and Don leading A.M.S. For those with excellent memories you will recall Wildcat and Don were roomies at the Prep School. Wildcat, be sure to give us acall the next time you are in Kansas Gity!
Tom notes that Tom KEGK is the exec to General Herres with the JGS
me some specifics and aPIGTURE! It seems his creation was designed by Burt Rutan (who also designed the world-circling Voyager), has a 110-horsepower engine, burns five gallons of fuel per hour, carries two people at 170 mph and took Mike only 4Vi years to build. He does his own maintenance and also flew it from Albuquerque to Oshkosh, WI for the Experimental Aircraft Association meeting last July. All this makes me wonder whether anyone in our class does anything really unusual. Gomment, anyone? and that Lindsey PARRIS is with the commander staff group. If my memory serves me correctly Tom also reported that Don RAKESTRAW is at the Pentagon. Jeff TRENTON is an instructor at the A.F. Staff Gol¬ lege.
Terry STAKE who was amain player at the Navy after-party is a radiologist in Wheeling, WV. Bill KENNEDY is on the senatorial staff of Senator Quayle. Mike KLINDT is flying with Delta out of Atlanta. Bud SPEAGE is flying with America West out of Phoenix. Dave SPENGER is with NASA.
Tom OLIVER is aplant manager with Nabisco. Dick SPOONER is with G.E. and flies an F-4 with the Guard. Ron MERRELL is anew pilot (I assume with Northwest in Minneapolis). Gerry BROWN is an engineer with Martin Marietta. Ron OLDS is with Michelin Tires Aircraft Division in South Garolina. John BAER is in the Pentagon. Tom recalls that John was in OV-lOs in Vietnam. Hopefully that wasn’t recent duty. Terry BRADY is also at the Pentagon. Tom BAUMGARDNER is still at the Academy. Tom KENDALL is still at the Pentagon. BAUMGARDNER, BRADY and KENDALL along with Lindsey PARRIS are all frequently mentioned regarding potential leaders for the planning of our 20th re¬ union. Tom has informed me that agroup in the D.G. area will be meeting after the holidays to begin serious planning for this blessed event.
Mike ROSE called last week. We discussed some additional ideas re¬ garding our reunion specifically the new AOG Headquarters and related fund raising. Mike plans to meet with Tom KENDALL this week in D.G. Hopefully with all these great minds joining together in the planning ef¬ fort we will be well on our way to agreat celebration in no time.
If any of you are interested in helping with preparations for the 20th reunion including being asquadron representative or making contact with your squadron classmates, 1suggest you drop me anote and Iwill for¬ ward this information to our class leaders. If you take the time to volunteer in this regard add afew words about your activities over the last 18 years and any of our classmates activities about which you may have information.
My sincere thanks to Tom McGRAIN, Joe PERSONETT, Tom PILLARI, Brad DE AUSTIN and Gliff PARSONS for their letters. One final note, Tom McGRAIN and Iwondered if anyone has any informa¬ tion about Jim MASON, Ken LITTLE, Woody WILSON or Viet Sam REID?
Finally, can anyone confirm for me that the Phil WEATHERWAX referenced in anewspaper article 1saw on Jim and Tammy Baker is the same Phil that was with us through our 3rd class year? Is he really aBap¬ tist minister?
Jerry Bruni
6325 Snowbird Drive
Golorado Springs, GO 80918
Home: (303) 528-8736
Office: (303) 633-1793 (in Golorado) (800) 225-1163 (outside Golorado)
Percent members: 57
Are there any truly unique hobbies with our classmates? Last time 1 mentioned Bob STRATTON was completing his own, home-made plane. There couldn’t be many people into that sort of thing, 1thought. Wrong! Not only has Mike STOLLE completed asimilar project, but he furnished
“Orville” Stolle and the sewing machine’s latest descendant.
1received short notes from Dan MURPHY, who lives in Denver and flies for Federal Express out of Memphis, and from Scott “Rooster” SAUNDERS. Scott’s the DO for the 12 TFS (F-15s) at Kadena, and he recently sponsored Harry SANDS and his family (lovely wife Nancy and sons Mike, 11, and Steve, 8) into the squadron. Scott also sent some in¬ teresting “before” and “after” pictures. Before
Nancy and Scott Saunders: I960’s version and I980’s version.
Tommy THOMPSON’S been in touch with anumber of our classmates and was kind enough to fill me in on the latest news. Tommy’s aDG-9 pilot for Frank Lorenzo/Eastern, although he recently completed aJD and passed his bar exam —as “an insurance policy.” In addition. Tom¬ my’s a(Reservist) liaison officer for USAFA. In fact, there are 80 L.O.
43
districts in the CONUS, and seven of our classmates are deputy L.O. commanders. Tommy’s L.O. territory is Flouston, Jay BARRY (Delta pilot) works the Eastern Pennsylvania area, Brian BELL (U.S. Border Patrol pilot) does El Paso, Tom STUART (Idaho Natonal Guard F-4 unit) serves in Boise, Bill JENNY (Northwest pilot) covers the Detroit area, Rick HUMKE (Federal Express pilot) works Little Rock and Charlie STUMB (American Airlines) covers the Boston area. All have received Outstanding L.O. Awards within the last three years. (Tommy wondered whether Icould read his handwriting, but after five years as a USAFA instructor Ican read anything. It was tough, though Tommy!) Anyone (active duty or reservist) who’s interested in aL.O. job can con¬ tact any of these classmates.
classes. While we’re slightly outnumbered by the newer classes, Ithink we’ve got more active involvement (no class after us has as high apercent of AOG members). Again, Isee this an an achievable challenge. I’m go¬ ing to do my part by sending two contributions to the Building Fund — one from me (and my family) and one in the name of A1 ROVITO, our classmate and my doolie squadron friend who was killed in action over Cambodia in 1973. The way Isee it, A1 gave alot for the rest of us. Iwill ask the AOG for alist of our classmates and their current addresses, by graduating squadron. If any of you would be willing to contact other members of your squadrons about the Building Fund, please drop me a line (note that 40 percent of our class doesn’t receive Checkpoints and therefore won’t see this article).
That’s it for this edition. Keep the cards, calls, letters and pictures corn-
ing!
’70 liaison of fi cers Tommy Thompson, Jay Barry, Brian Bell, Tom Stuart, Bill Jenny and Rick Humke. Telling it like it is?
Tommy also mentioned he had agreat visit with Steve SCHMIDT and family (wife Judy and son Jeff) while visiting USAFA recently. Steve’s a tenured professor and assistant department head in the USAFA Math Department, and (according to Tommy) he’s the Air Force “honcho” on statistics. Tommy relayed news that Bill LUNDBERG lives in Atlanta and just went to work for Delta, and Mike BROWN captains for American Airlines in Chicago.
Ireceived avery nice letter from Bill KIRKMAN, who recently PCSed from RAF Upper Heyford to HQ/AFSC, where he’ll be adivision chief involved with new tactical electronic programs. Bill mentioned that Dave MacGHEE recently arrived at Upper Heyford to fly F-lllEs and Rick BEREIT has his second squadron commander position at the 520 AGS squadron. Bill also mentioned he was embarrassed by our class’s low par¬ ticipation in the Air Force Academy Fund and was convinced we should beat the classes we trained under (’67-’69). (Makes sense to me!) At any rate. Bill showed his sincerity by making anice contribution of his own, and he said he’d be willing to contact members of his old USAFA squadron about pitching in. Frankly, Ithink Bill has an excellent idea, and now we have areal opportunity to employ it (see below).
Coincidentally (really!) you’ve probably already been hit up by the AOG to contribute to the building fund for the new AOG Head¬ quarters/Alumni House. Ithink this is the right vehicle to make areal mark for our class. The fact that the AOG’s adeserving recipient of our donations has already been made satisfactorily, 1feel. We all know about their work with cadets, grads and USAFA. However, perhaps Ishould take amoment to point out that about 300 members of our class will be eligible to retire in just over two years. These people, in addition to the 375 of us already civilians, would be helped, come job-hunting time, by a stronger Old Boy Network. For that matter, abigger and better AOG isn’t going to hurt anyone’s career who decides to continue in service. Bottom line, an improved AOG is in our self-interest, let alone the in¬ terests of others, too. The value of an expanded AOG can be career enhancement, job satisfaction and (literally) money in your wallet. Think of it as an investment in your future.
1figure the arithmetic like this. The AOG wants to raise $1 million from grads. Since there are about 20,000 living grads, that comes out to about $50 per person. Some of the earlier classes will do better than this (they’re older and richer), and most of the newer classes will do less well (barely athird of these classes have even chosen to become AOG members). The AOG’s going to recognize (within the new building) the classes with the highest dollar total contributed and the classes with the highest percent of living grads contributing. The early classes, with their small numbers, have agood shot at the percent giving category (which is less important anyway), but the way Ifigure it, we’ve got an excellent shot at the highest dollar amount. We graduated almost four times people as, say ’59, and we’re not that much smaller than the
G.E. (Andy) Anderson, Jr. 7851 Epsilon Drive Rockville, MD 20855
Home: (301) 330-9447
Office: (202) 862-7404
Percent members: 47
Merry Christmas, guys. Iknow that will sound dumb when this is final¬ ly published, but it’s December 22 as your obedient servant applies digits to keyboard. It’s one thing to lead your target afew degrees, but three months is abit much. I’ll do better in the future, and happy April Fools Day (or whatever applies to publication date). And while I’m at it, con¬ gratulations to our new 0-6s (five in the primary zone, two in the secon¬ dary) and all you 0-5s who are finally pinning it on and getting the paycheck to match.
1ran into Sam CLOVIS at the Puzzle Palace afew weeks ago. We passed as 1was leaving the POAC and he was arriving. Sam is one of the old timers at the Pentagon, serving afull four-year hitch while the more fortunate came and went. His faithfulness has been rewarded with an F-16 assignment, so all’s well that ends well. We indulged in abit of philosophy and decided that we haven’t changed in 16 years, but there sure are alot of kids running around the flight lines these days. (Did we ever look like that? Nah.)
Change of Command: Maj. John Higgins, ’71, new commander of the 35th Equipment Maintenance Squadron at George AFB, CA, accepts the unit flag from Col. Jim Hardenbrook, 35 th Tactical Training Wing mander, in arecent change-of-command ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by AIC Denson Fletcher)
com¬ as many newer
The good-guy-of-the-quarter award goes to Mark LEWONOWSKY. He was already on his way out of the Pentagon when the Fall ’87 Check¬ points arrived with my phone number in the class column. He called to tell me he’s going to Goodfellow as the commander of the 3480th Tech Training Group. He’s finished an assignment with the intel guys here. For those of you who are keeping score, Mark is still single —one of the last “rocks” in the class. Mark also promised the first picture for my writing of this column. He found Chip HAMBY in aChristmas walk, wearing a 44
kilt and carrying aviolin (I can hardly wait). Chip is agrad student in public administration somewhere in North Carolina, and active in the ANG. Thanks for the call, Mark.
Similar thanks go to Terry WEIMER, who sent aChristmas card from somewhere between Randolph AFB and Columbus. He has been working in HQ ATC/DO and is on his way to Tweets and the ops officer slot. Diane is apparently holding down the fort as one of the great traditional officer’s wives: moving the household goods by herself, serving in the owe and PTO, and generally keeping things together at Randolph while hubby starts punching holes in the Mississippi clouds. It was fun to have Terry reminisce about good times we had as firsties chasing around DC.
Idecided to supplement the above contacts with alittle sleuthing on my own (there’s nowhere to hide, guys, at least in the CONUS). Ifound Dan BOHLIN in the Bay area. He is aresearch associate at the Hoover Institu¬ tion at Stanford University. For one year he is thinking deep thoughts and giving new meaning to the phrase “back to basics” (he was contemplating AFM 1-1, AF Doctrine, when Icalled). He’s had one of the more in¬ teresting careers I’ve heard of. He used an Olmsted Scholarship to get out of tankers and into apoli sci program in Grenoble, France. He slipped the surly bonds of SAC asecond time to become an air attache in Liberia. (Some guys will do anything to get out of an alert shack.) Next year will find him here in D.C. working African issues in XOXXM.
Ron RAND has recently escaped the Pentagon vortex to become the director of Public Affairs at Patrick AFB. He had previously been the Public Affairs advisor to Secretary Aldridge. He has capped acareer in audio visual and public affairs with agreat job and afamily —Ron is married and has achild now. He mentioned that he has talked to John
PERRIGO and Bob PETERS, who called from Maxwell not long ago. He thought both were instructors there, perhaps ACSC. (I’ve left out all the colorful stuff —Ron made me promise “no long BS in the magazine.”)
1found Bill KUBIDA at the other end of the Sun Belt. Bill has recently left Motorola’s legal department to set up his own practice in Phoenix. He allowed as how he’s not interested in all that “LA Law” stuff patents and trademarks are the “clean” part of the legal profession. He was Motorola’s intellectual property counsel for the Far East (living in Japan) for two years before returning to Phoenix. Sounds like agreat way to become rich and famous. Good luck in the new business. Bill.
Not much in the way of change-of-address cards this time, and none of them had notes. LTC Andrew Joseph CERONI, Jr. (that’s “Sir” to any of you who want to stay out of jail) is the new AFOSI command represen¬ tative to CINCSAC at Offutt AFB. Russ KELSO is living in Vacaville, CA —no clue on job, etc. Hank LAUGHLIN has left San Pedro for one of those mythical places called “APO NY” —in his case, the specifics are US Element HQ BALTAP. (I never could speak acronymns very well.) The beach at APO NY must be really great, ’cuz Jerry O’SULLIVAN is staying there (address change was P.O. Box number only). He is ap¬ parently the 7391 MUNSS/CC. Karl POULSEN has moved from St. Charles, MO to Holts Summit, MO, Rod JONES rounds out the list, moving to Scottsdale, AZ. Rod is acaptain with Southwest and amajor in the Reserves in Phoenix.
That’s the news for now. 1promised the AOG I’d mention the new Alumni House. They’ve done anice job describing it in the Fall ’87 issue, so 1can’t add much there. I’m not one for throwing money in every basket that’s put in front of me, but I’ve gained aperspective that applies in this case. This job of class scribe is one of the most enjoyable things I’ve done in awhile. To quote Dan Morgan’s report of 67’s 20th reunion, “. ..how much closer we feel than 20 years ago, how fully touched we are by our heritage and our blessings, how good it feels to be comrades.” I’m not turning mushy on you, but if an alumni house will strengthen that. I’ll fi nd afew sheckels somewhere. Think about it. Send those cards and letters. It’s never too late to be chronicled in ana¬ tional preiodical, etc. Here’s hoping Christmas was all it can be for you and yours, and you’ve made it through the dark ages of ’88. God bless you all.
Ed Bishop
2011 Buoy Drive
Stafford, VA 22554
Home: (703) 659-8166
AV: 297-1735
Percent members: 43
1want to thank T. J. for the great job he did as class scribe. As he stated in his last column, he has passed his crayons to me. Thanks T. J. However, since you left the blue suit, we no longer use the big fat crayons; we’re into high tech markers. While Ican’t guarantee as colorful astyle as T.J., 1will bring you up to date on as many of our classmates as Ihear
about. Please write and let me know what you have been, and are doing, and pass on my address and phone number to all our classmates.
I’d like to start out with special congratulations to our newly-selected 0-6s: Jerry DRENNAN, Mike DUNN, Jim JAEGER, Ed LAFOUNTAINE, and Paul NIELSEN. Truly remarkable accomplishments. Similarly, congratulations go out to those of you who were BZ to 0-5. I am sorry Idon’t have acomplete list and 1don’t want to leave anyone out. 1am sure Ispeak for all of ’72 in saying we are proud of your ac¬ complishments. Keep up the great work. Congratulations also to all of the newly selected 0-5s. The list came out after this column was written and 1 am sure there are too many to mention.
Italked to Eric “Gaard” NEDERGAARD who is stationed at Luke AFB as an F-15 IP. Back in ’85, Iwatched as Gaard put on an impressive show at the Ramstein Flugtag (Airshow) as the USAFE F-15 demo pilot. Later in this capacity he won the Best Solo Demonstration Pilot Award at the International Air Tatoo at RAF Fairford (APO 09125). This was the first time this award was presented to an American. Good job Gaard. Gaard said Cliff LOPERT runs the F-15 simulator program at Luke. Let’s hear from you Cliff.
On arecent TDY to Brooks AFB, Iran into A1 PARMET who is course director for the Aerospace Medicine Primary Course —kind of the UPT for flight surgeons. Turns out one of his first graduates was classmate Ron QUINTON. A1 also said Jim DIXON is at Brooks as an aerospace physiologist (he runs the hyperbaric and hypobaric chambers).
1attended the AF-Navy game with pen and paper and saw several of our classmates. Mark SCHMIDT was there with his wife Lisa, two sons, and one on the way (see picture). Mark is an Eagle driver and ops officer for the 48th FIS at Langley. Mark and 1mused about the whereabouts of Mike COLLINS. Anybody heard from him since he joined the Navy?
Mark Schmidt and sons.
Bob MANKE and Eric WINBORN were also there. Bob works in the Pentagon at AF/XOXXM in Plans and Policy for the Arabian Peninsula countries of Saudia Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, North and South Yeman, Oman and UAE. He works the policy side of arms agreements developing the justification, types of weapons to be sold, etc. He often works with Eric WINBORN who is alawyer (yes T. J., we do have military lawyers) in Legislative Liaison. Eric’s job is to convince Congress that Bob’s justi fi cations are sound and in the best interest of the government. With this background, Eric is assured success in the used-car business. He also keeps upper-level AF management advised on congressional actions. Basically he is alobbyist for the AF. Both Bob and Eric claim the only North they are familiar with is the closest Academy gate to Denver.
Others at the game included Bob BRICHTA and Dave HINDELANG. Dr Bob is doing aresidency in dermatology at the Naval Hospital in Bethesda. Dave is aclinical psychologist on the military faculty of the Na¬ tional Defense University. The obvious conclusion is not correct. Dave actually trains our senior leaders how to cope with stress. One of the senior leaders he works with is Ed LAFOUNTAINE, although it is suspected Dave has to use psychologist skills other than stress manage¬ ment with Ed. 1also talked to Dave CHAMPA. Dave is apilot for Delta out of Atlanta and is with the Reserves in the safety office at 14th AF.
Rounding out those 1saw at the game were John THURMAN and Chip JENSEN. John recently arrived from Hill where he was the chief of Cur-
45
rent Operations for the 388th TFW managing the day-to-day flying operations and determining the future taskings of the wing. Now he is with AF/XOXFW, as atheater war fighting analyst specializing in theater conventional capabilities of the AF. Chip works at AF/PRM, Manpower, where he works legislative liaison issues. Translated, this means he defends the manpower program to Congress.
Terry TYRRELL is at SAF/PA and we worked together on the AF radon assessment program which you have read about in your local and base newspapers. Terry was responsible for the initial set-up of the public affairs portion of this program. Terry came to D.C. from EWI at Hill and Knowlton PR firm. Prior to that he was at RAF Lakenheath where he was the public affairs officer during the Libya raid. Talk about testing your skills. Flis wing commander at the time was the new comm, Gen Westbrook.
Imet Jim GREEN on one of my many bus trips from the Pentagon to Bolling. Jim works for the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) as an ac¬ tion officer tasked with assessing the ability of our current and future in¬ formation collection programs to satisfy the needs of DoD. When asked for atranslation, Jim asked if Ihad aneed to know. Iam sure he has a very interesting job but it is lousy for print or cocktail conversation. Jim and his wife own the dream house —2blocks from aMetro stop. Those of us who commute to D.C. from areas close to Florida are jealous.
Quite afew of our classmates are in the D.C. area. On my first trip to a meeting at the Pentagon, while trying to find the room Iwas supposed to be in, Ipassed my old roommate, Jules McNEFF. Jules is working on the leading edge of technology with the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system. That’s the system that will allow us to accurately identify our three dimensional location. Initially he handled the development of the user receivers (this includes aircraft and small units for individual soldiers) but this has been increased to include the development of the controls and satellites. Back to the halls of the Pentagon. Ientered the meeting and there was Glenn TANNER. Glenn works with DPPE, Education and Training Programs Division of Personnel. In this capaci¬ ty, he is OPR for the OJT and Field Training Programs, CDCs and also has input into the ATC technical courses presented at the various tech training centers. Bottom line is he has alot to say about what and how our enlisted force is trained.
Ihad breakfast with Steve BRENDT at the Rhein Main terminal while waiting for my airplane ride out of USAFE. Steve is the commander of the Services Squadron there at Rhein Main, the “Gateway to Europe.” For those of you PCSing or going TDY to Europe, Steve’s number at RM is x6010 and he would be glad to hear from you.
Ireceived aletter from Mark MEYER and last year’s (’86) Christmas letter from John WICKHAM (don’t laugh, it’s better than most of you have done). Mark is apilot with Continental (DC-9) and the Colorado ANG in A-7Ds. Good selection of aircrft! He is organizing areunion of Del Rio UPT Class 73-09 in San Antonio next spring. Any of you in¬ terested should contact him at 8014 Rossman Gulch Rd, Morrison, CO 80465. John, Nancy, and their three girls (see picture) returned from Hahn AB, Germany to McConnell AFB, KS where he works with the B-IB program. It must be quite acultural shock. John wrote he saw Ray BANDI. Ray (and John) is associated with the Navigators Christian organization and ministers at UCLA.
Irecently talked to Jim JAEGER. Jim is with JCS, J-7, Operational Plans and Interoperability, specializing in LANTCOM and FORSCOM. He does long-range planning for major exercises such as Coldfire, Reforger, Brightstar, etc. In addition, he also pays the airlift bill. Jim has been in intel for the majority of his career and gave me Gary PAYTON’s number at MPC. Gary works intel officer assignments for 0-ls -0-5s. Prior to MPC Gary worked in the intel fi eld at asmall base in Northern Turkey near USSR, Shemya AK, also near USSR, and Ramstein AB FRG. He also did ahardship tour at Georgetown University in Russian Area Studies. Gary said working assignments gives him adifferent perspective on the workings of the AF.
Ialso talked to Harry CALCUTT. Harry is chief of Defense Suppres¬ sion Division at HQ AFSC. He deals with EW wargames and future systems acquisitions to insure our pilots have the best defensive EW measures available. He is working on such systems as EF-111, Compass Call (EC-130H), lethal drones (anti-radar drones), and electronic threat simulator ranges. Harry claims the record for least time in SAC without destroying his career. After two years in Buffs, he escaped to ATC to train navigators, then to HQ USAF via grad school, and now HQ AFSC.
Larry HUFF is with Peat, Marwick, Main &Co. accounting firm, the largest of the big eight accounting firms. (1 think that makes it the big¬ gest.) Larry is aconsultant on financial management on the acquisition of weapons systems and financial accounting systems. Most of his con¬ sulting is with the Navy. You figure it out. Larry is still abachelor and is a Reservist flying ’141s out of McGuire.
Interesting job of the quarter goes to Pat MOON. Mr. Moon is a foreign service officer with the State Department. He was previously in¬ volved with the INF Treaty talks but is now the executive secretary for our START talks delegation. Pat is going to Geneva in January trying to get the START treaty wrapped up before the Moscow summit. He will be in Geneva until the summit which is sometime in June. He also got married this year. Not to worry though about him leaving his new bride for six months —she’s on the delegation also. Good luck to the Moons, both in their life together and with the START treaty negotiations.
Finally, 1ran into, actually with, ex-classmate Jim Jabara at afun run in Montreal. Jim left USAFA after two years, went to school, and came back into the military in the Army. He is now an industrial hygienist (worker health).
Well, to quote Bob Uecker, “Eddie in the booth says it’s time to go.” Write or call soon.
Rick Karvosky
1914 South Main Place Portales, NM 88130
Home: (505) 356-3662
AV: 681-2381
Percent members: 40
Aloha! Strange opening? Not if you received anotification with a report not later than date of 30 Jun 88 to Hickam AFB. Iwas notified of this hardship assignment about two weeks ago. Real rough, but someone has to do it. I’m going back to Civil Engineering. Looking forward to it. As aCE major, my roots are in “dirt”. Nice pun, right! I’m being as¬ signed to the 15th Civil Engineering Squadron as the chief of Operations. My address will be 15 ABW/DEM, Hickam AFB, HI 96853. My Autovon will be 449-6061. Please use the new address or phone after 1July. Prior to 4June you can use my existing address or phone.
I’m sitting here writing this with over 12 inches of snow and three-foot drifts out there. In fact, the base is closed today. We got hit with abig storm yesterday. Three days ago, we had temperatures in the 60s! They’re forecasting another storm this weekend. Ilove it. It’ll be my last chance for aWhite Christmas for afew years.
For those of you who didn’t notice, three of our classmates were on the 0-6 list: Tony CIRA, John REGNI, and Joe SOVEY. Can you believe it? Our 0-5 board doesn’t meet for ayear, if then, and these three are 0-6 selectees! The only consoltation is the list is so backed-up, it’ll be two years before they pin it on! Hopefully we’ll have pinned on 0-5 by then. Seriously though, please join me in congratulating them. It’s quite an ac¬ complishment.
Igot acall from Dave GESSERT (Sheri) on Christmas Eve. Whale works in the AF Directed Energy Office for AF Intelligence at the Pen¬ tagon. He works with the Army and Navy and gets to brief some highrollers. He’s traveling alot, working hard, but is enjoying the job. Whale told me how he got the job. They told him since he had an engineering degree, he was the one for the job. When they told him it was working with lasers and RF radiation he said “I majored in sewage.” (I thought I’d clean it up abit. Another pun!) They didn’t care, an “engineer are an
46
Here are three generations of the Wickham family. In the back row from left are John, Natalie (6V2), and Nancy. In front are Florence (John’s mother), Nicole (5) and Nadine (2), on Nancy’s lap.
engineer.” What he didn’t tell them was his dad is aphysicist! Sheri and the kids are doing fine. Whale gave me some good info on afew classmates. Bob HOOTEN is at HQ SAC; John KEESEE is in the satellite program at the Pentagon. He and Carrie are to be grandparents soon. Their daughter is expecting. John and Carrie adopted Carrie’s four-yearold niece after they got married. Congratulations and let me know when the baby is born. Any other births out there? Let me know. George MACHOVINA is also in satellites at the Pentagon. Wow, we have classmates working issues in outer space; or is it “spaced-out?” Have you found away for ET to phone home yet? Scott MILLS (JEAN) is at ACSC; Terry GEERS and Paul BRENNER are airline pilots based in Chicago; Kevin GARRITY is in the Athletic Dept at USAFA; Jim CALLARD teaches at Northern Arizona University and flies helicopters for the Guard; Rick JOHNSTON (Debi) is working B-52 assignments at MPC —way to go Rick, you can finally get even after 14 years. He and Gene MALBERG (Mianne) went deer hunting during the fall; or was it “dear” hunting? Anyway, Gene is back in F-llls at Mountain Home. John PACE (Anne) is an executive officer at AFSC; Tom REAM (Nancy) is flying C-141s at McGuire; Bill SWAN (Nancy) is flying for the Guard in DC; Rich EILERS is in AF Studies and Analysis at the Pentagon. Whale said ’73 had amini-reunion for the AF-Navy game. He, Rick, John, Tom, Bill, George, and Rich had agreat time watching the Falcons whip the Middies! Thanks alot Whale for the info. Would have been ashort column without it.
If you’re curious about my address change, again, Iassure you, I’ve got agood reason. 1got married on 27 November to awonderful woman from Portales. Carolyn was working at Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU). She was astudent at “ENEMA U” when we passed through on “Third Lieutenant.” Too bad it took me over 16 years to meet her. Carolyn is working full-time now on her MBA. She graduates in May. Change-of-address cards: Ray YAGHER to Wright-Pat; John CHRISTENSEN from Plattsburg AFB to Maxwell AFB; Ron SCOTT from Dyess AFB to Scott AFB; Luke COKER to Colorado Springs; Bill COHN from Houston to Dallas; Mark McCELLAN from Champaign, IL to Long Beach, NC; Alberto SAAVEDRA-FERRERE from Woodland Hills, CA to Pleasant Hill, CA; and Gerry HENNINGSEN from Dayton to Cincinnati. Afew moved to different addresses in the same area so check with the AOG for updates —Harold BARTON, Bart DANNELS, Dennis BOYCE, John PEMBERTON, and Rick VANDAM.
Well, it’s time to get this finished and in the mail. Deadlines you know! Please drop aline or call with some info. Iget withdrawal pains when you don’t write or call. 1feel like the robot in Short Circuit —INPUT! IN¬ PUT! If you pass through Hawaii, please give me acall. We can have lunch or afew cold ones. Damn, 1just had ahorrible thought —do they have Coors Lite in Hawaii? Isure hope so. If you need aplace to stay, feel free to call me. I’m sure Ican get you some reservations at alocal hotel. Ha! Ha! They need the business! Take care and Ihope you survived the winter. We plan on getting to Colorado this winter and do some skiing. Not much chance in Hawaii. Hope you all have a“Mele Kalikimaka” and a“Hauoli Makahiki Hou” (Merry Christmas and aHappy Christmas New Year). Larry NOLEN (Maureen) how about getting afew cold ones stored up for me! ALOHA!
2263 Ptarmigan Lane
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Home: (303) 593-1480
AV: 259-2549
Percent members: 38 i>
STARTERS: This article is written right after the holidays and at the beginning of the “Dark Ages.” The Falcons have just finished avery respectable 9-4 season and atrip to the Freedom Bowl. They nearly snuck up on ASU in a33-28 defeat without the fi rst-team quarterback. Dee Dowis, the QB since the first game, was out with abroken wrist suffered in the Hawaii game. With the Falcons unable to initiate much offense in the first three quarters, the third teamer, Lance McDowell, came off the bench and quickly led them to two TDs. He’s yet another sophomore, leaving the team with three juniors as candiates for the starting position next season.
Okay, confession time. I’m not really afootball freak as it seems. I don’t even have season tickets or individual tickets for that matter. But, I just assume that you are interested. This confession comes after athreat from Dick DYE, Class of ’75, to expose my reporting as journalistic hypocrisy if full and open disclosure was not made. Imade it and Ifeel that the American public is behind my candidacy. So, eat your heart out Gary Hart! With that off my chest, let’s get on to the good stuff.
THE MAIL BAG: The fi rst short letter comes from Jim LUNTZEL. He and Colleen, Jenelle (9), Anne (7), Daniel (5), and Bonnie (2) are liv¬ ing in Scotland. Jim is the commander of Det 2, 6950 Electronic Security Group at RAF Edzell. This, by the way, is located midway between Aber¬ deen and Dundee.
Nate and Claire ROSENBERG send adual purpose card. It starts out “We’re parents again. ..” of Thayer August ROSENBERG, born August 10. The card finishes “We’ve moved again. ..” to Corona Del Mar, CA.
The accompanying photo of Bob MORROW about says it all. He moved about three years ago to Flora, IN where he commutes to Purdue for his studies toward aPhD in electrical engineering. His wife, Mary, is the commander of the T-37 ACE detachment at Grissom AFB. He says that he’s surrounded by prime Indiana farmland, so we should unders¬ tand the “peer pressure” to buy atractor, as small as it may be. He is scheduled for areturn assignment to USAFA this coming summer.
What aPhD in EE qualifies you to do!
Once again, good old dependable Dave HOGLUND dropped off a short note. He recently talked with Howie CHANDLER who was in town to get married at the chapel. He is on his way back to an F-15 squadron at Kadena to be the ops officer. His bride is aNavy officer who Howie met earlier in his tour. We wish the best to both of them. Dave also reports that Jim and Lisa SMITH are back at Langley AFB. Jim was initially sent to serve as the exec for the TAC DO (Gen Marcus Anderson, ’61) but found out quickly that being an F-15 squadron ops officer would be more fun.
Dave also had some information on Dave KOTECKI. It seems that Dave K. recently got married in Denver and about the same time switched from designing runways and subdivisions in the private sector to design¬ ing other things for an unnamed government agency. Data masked. Dave H. was also recently visited by Bill FRANK. He’s an orthopedic surgeon in Southern California. But, the homeland beckons and he’s considering practice in the Colorado/Wyoming area. He’s not sure how the winters
Mike Carter
Gregg REINECKE sent in the above photo direct to the AOG. The photo was taken in March 1987 during a“re-blueing” program for our astronauts at RAF Mildenhall, UK. Gregg’s wife, Sharon, was the 3rd Air Force protocol officer escorting the group and Blaine HAMMOND was one of the astronauts. From left are Col Frederick Gregory, ’64; Lt Col Cunningham, SR-71 squadron commander; Col John Casper, ’66; Col Karol Bobko, ’59; Col John Blaha, ’65; Col Mullane; ILt Sharon Reinecke; Maj Gregg Reinecke; and Maj Blaine Hammond.
47
will affect the Ferrari but the Porsche should make it OK. Dave also received aletter from Jimmy KOSTER. At last contact, he was flying choppers from Myrtle Beach but now he’s coaching cross-country at Coastal Carolina College. He’s also teaching college math and having a ball at both. Finally, Don STIFFLER has joined the EE department at USAFA and has caused Dave no end to credibility problems. It seems that all those war stories Dave was telling to cadets were maybe alittle bit ex¬ aggerated.
CHANGE-OF-ADDRESS CARDS: The fi rst card is from Mike CHASE. He has made across-country move all the way from Atwater, CA to Haughton, LA. Linn WILDE is also on the go with anortheasterly move from Phoenix, AZ to Hampton, VA. One of those mystery PCSs was made by Rich CLEVELAND as he went from Norfolk, VA to APO NY, wherever that is. Larry VLIET has relocated to Cambridge, MA. He is the chief of the Training Flight of the 41 AFRES. Fred GIBSON is another PhD candidate in our class. He recently moved from USAFA to Seattle, WA as mentioned in my last article. Bill YUCUIS is back from Korea and is now living in Glendale, AZ.
Charles ANDERSON has made an interesting sounding move. His “From address” is Alamogordo, NM with a“To address” of Koon-ni Range, APO SF. Rod and Mary BISHOP report that they have moved from Warwick, RI to Troy, IL. Dave BOSSERMAN has made avery in¬ telligent move to Memphis, TN. 1think any move into the great state of Tennessee is agood one. But, Rich BOWMAN must think otherwise as he has PCSed from Monteagle, TN, where he commuted to ACSC, to Alex¬ andria, VA. Speaking of ACSC, it looks like Tom HALL has arrived and is living in Prattville, AL and Jim RIVARD has left and is now in San Bernardino, CA. This has to be culture shock for both. Finally, John LANSFORD sends anew address in Apple Valley, MN. His previous location was Huber Heights, OH.
FINALE: First, acouple of short notes. Ted ROTH and 1have recently been named tenure associate professors here at USAFA. Homesteading is tough but somebody has to do it. Ihope Idon’t have to beg the current class of ’74ers at PME schools to send in agroup photo. Please don’t make me beg, it’s not apretty sight. That’s all for now. 1wish you all a blessed and happy belated new year. Iwish everybody was like Dave HOGLUND but if you can’t contribute to every article at least aline or two every now and again would do. Without offers for areplacement writer I’ll assume that I’m forgiven for being aphantom football reporter. God bless you, your families, and all for whom you care. P.S. True to form 1received two letters the night after 1finished the article so look forward to next time to letters from Jack E. LEONARD (sorry Jack) and Stu LINDNER.
Jeff Hackett
1825 E. Jeanine Drive
Tempe, AZ 85284
Home: (602) 831-9439
Work: (602) 891-2734
Percent members: 36
CAUGHT IN THE CHECKPOINTS FEEDBACK LOOP. Here 1am, taking down the Christmas tree and getting ready to go to the Freedom Bowl, yet compelled to wish you aHappy St. Patrick’s Day (since that will be the holiday-of-interest by the time you read this). Hope 1get more St. Patty’s Day cards from you guys than the “barely-enough-to-put-ascare-into-the-mailbox-spider” supply of Christmas cards 1received. As a matter of fact, reflecting on this puts me in aHoliday spirit that’s ap¬ parently akin to what one experiences at Kunsan AB, Korea; Lee COL¬ BURN sent me the 80TFS card: “NEITHER CAN YOU!” was the message on the inside. Lee gets special recognition as afirst-time and dou¬ ble contributor! Also got aletter from him back in October that included the news of his marriage to an Air Force (major) physical therapist, Jeanine, whom he had met at Homestead. At that time Dave COMMONS and Lee were both flight commanders in the 80th. Dave was, according to Lee, also heavily involved in the Juvat “Boy’s Choir.” 1won’t even at¬ tempt to explain that one. Iwill say that Dave had better write/call soon or I’ll be forced to publish afew of the rumors I’ve heard. Lee also in¬ cluded the news that Steve and Coleen MARTIN (godparents to the Col¬ burn’s son) have settled in Miami where Steve has been with Eastern for the past couple of years. Steve apparently passed on (from the GradAirline Pilot Hotline) that Don McDONOUGH is based in New York with Eastern and Paul KENT is with Northwest Orient out of Seattle.
COUNTING DOWN THE KIDS/REST OF THE CHRISTMAS NEWS. Four! The WILLIS’ Christmas card was signed “Wayne, Amy and 4!” With four kids you can imagine that their letter was filled with news of ballgames, scouts, and numerous activities. ..I’m not sure how
Wayne finds time to fly the F-15 at Holloman. And h’sforsure Ican’t see how Amy manages to be “companion, mother, business lady (seller of fine fabrics), college student and choir director.” Three! Dale, Linda and the three MEYERROSE girls are back in Washington DC. Dale says he’s back at the Pentagon because he didn’t learn enough the first time. I’ve got my own suspicions. ..move over Ollie North! Two! Ihad to include this picture of the DONNELLY family just to ask you, is that Mark’s old
The Donnelly Family summer mess dress that his son is wearing? Lucy said that Mark’s work at HQ MAC is interesting and they’ve made lots of friends but Mark would rather by flying. For those of us who know Mark, not avery surprising revelation. One. (Pardon me for being atrifle self-indulgent but none of the other ’75ers with only one child sent acard. ..besides, it’s aheck of a picture!) We’re doing just great and, as Isaid at the outset, getting charg-
-01 0 0 0 —‘005 -00 0 000 \
48
The Hackett Family
ed up for the Freedom Bowl. The “It’s-A-Small-Air-Force-World” theory has caught up with us again as we discovered Tiffany’s third-grade teacher was ahigh school classmate of Wayne WILLIS! Debby has gone to work for American Express and I’ve made amove within McDonnell Douglas Helicopter. I’m now the engineering project manager for our commercial and “light-military” helicopter products. (Note my new of¬ fi ce phone number.)
YEA, BUT HAS HE EVER HAD ANYTHING PUBLISHED IN CHECKPOINTSM Jim SILLS (HH-53 pilot extraordinaire) authored a really interesting article in the November (’87) Guideposts magazine. It detailed arescue mission he commanded to pluck aRussian doctor off a ship. ..in the midst of atropical storm! Seems Comrade Doctor had acute apendicitis and Jim had tungsten steel. ..ah, Jim was really brave. I hope Jim’s wife, Sindi, and daughter, Christine, don’t mind if we share a little of their pride in our classmate for such ahumanitarian/heroic act.
THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE TO DO SO
THOUGHT I’D WRITE/CALL. Got aletter from Jim KOCHEVAR who’s apilot with USAir, living in Corapolis, PA with his wife, Dena. He’s aReservist at Andrews and has been with the airline two years; long enough to know that Chris FILLAR, Craig FEDERSON and Jeff KRUMEICH are also with the “when Isay Ilost an engine, Imean ILOST an engine” airline. (Special pat on the back to Mark SCOTT, who Jim mentioned as the guy who shamed him into joining the AOG and writing to me!)
Dan McCORRY called afew days after 1submitted the last article with awealth of information about the world at Edwards AFB. He and Robin had just had their second son and Dan was settling into teaching at TPS, where he came after astint with the F-20 Program. John HOWARD has also come back to the school to teach following work with the F-16 AFTI. Sam RYALS was teaching at the school but looking for an imminent PCA. Craig CHRISTIAN has returned to teaching having just finished a tour as the bomber branch chief at the 6512th Test Squadron. Apparently no one organization has to take more than their fair-share of ’75ers, since Steve PITOTTI is going the other way, from the school to the 6512th where he’ll be fi ghter branch chief. Lance GRACE and Jim HEALD are involved in F-15E testing, Terry MARKOVICH and Dave WHITE are doing likewise with the MC-130 Combat Talon II. Chris GLAESER is associated with the F-16 Lantern Program and, last but not least, Eric HOGANSON is aB-1 test pilot.
LUMPS OF COAL IFOUND IN MY STOCKING. Yep, the changeof-address cards. At least 1got three of the “expanded” AOG-format ones that give alittle bit of ahint about what it all means. Oleh STEFANIUK is now residing in Rialto, CA and working for Quantum In¬ struments, Inc. I’m sure Chuck BEADLING is “suffering” in his new assignment as the family physician at Florennes AB, Belgium. Literally on the other side of the world you can fi nd Dave BLESSINGER in Guam, where he’s the chief of Bomber Scheduling at Andersen AB. Now the stuff I’m sure you wouldn’t sleep tonight without knowing (remember by not writing to me, you’re doing this to yourself): Tom DARNER from California to Norfolk, VA (suppose he’s going off to school where he’ll organize a“write your scribe party?”); Michael WEININGER from points unknown to Homestead, FL; Bob TURNER from Minot to an APO San Francisco address; Richard GRASSO made alocal move in Stamford, CT and Alan KRUKOWSKI moved from someplace in Min¬ nesota you’ve never heard of to another place in Minnesota you’ve never heard of. (God, Ilove this!!!)
IT AIN’T OVER TILL IT’S OVER. Inormally try to leave you with that sweet taste of C-o-A card dung in your mouth as we close; enticing or shaming you (what’s the difference?) into writing/calling me. But not this time! Unless you were totally asleep at the wheel you must have noticed the rather impressive launching of the AOG Headquarters/Alumni House Capital Campaign in the last issue of Checkpoints. (If you normally just read this article and toss the rest, go get the last magazine and look it over. ..while you’re at it have yourself committed.) The AOG solicited words of inspiration from key members of each class and, since they had already seen so much of my “good work”. ..they asked Tim O’CON¬ NELL! Tim forwarded the following along with his generous ($) con¬ tribution:
“As you have read in previous issues of Checkpoints, the AOG has initiated their most ambitious project ever. This effort will result in a 32,000 square foot, two-level multipurpose structure west of the O’Club. If you have returned to USAFA recently, you can appreciate the services this complex will provide for reunions, pre/post game ac¬ tivities, class displays, ceremonies, and social functions. And, if you have lived in the Springs recently, you are familiar with the AOG’s desperate need for an expanded, permanent home.
“Of the $5.5 million needed, the alumni (the benefactors of this project) are being asked to contribute $1 million. By my definition that isn’t small change. However, if each living grad contributed only $50, the 20,000 of us would meet the goal.
“Besides asking for financial support the AOG has asked me to pass on two requests. First, seek out classmates who are nonmembers and pass on the word. The AOG can provide you extra copies of the Fall Checkpoints centerfold. Second, if you are able to serve as a base, region, or class point of contact, please notify the AOG. Your leadership would be greatly appreciated.
“Please reread the information on the project with avision of the social and professional bene fi ts of the AOG Fleadquarters Building/Alumni House can have for years to come.”
As Isaid in the last issue, our class has alittle negative notoriety when it comes to things like this. My check will accompany Tim’s when Imail the article in. Won’t you join us?
P.S. Tim included the following news with his editorial. He, his wife (Roni), three children (10, 6, and 2), three horses and dog left USAFA for ACSC this summer. They’ve taken up residence in a120-year-old farm house there in Alabama. He’s seen the following classmates at Mont¬ gomery; Mike REESE, Greg BERLAND, Mike COMAN, Lamar LEWIS, Clay McFARLAND, Clay NOBLES, Phil ROMANOWICZ, Jed VANDENDRIES, George WALROND, and Rick PYATT. Tim specifically mentioned that it was Rick’s leg that got broken in four places playing ACSC “safe” softball, so NONE of you guys have an excuse not to write. Maybe even a“Class Photo!?”
P.S.S. The Checkpoints Editor has ragged on us class scribes for being overly verbose so, nothing cute, just the same old reminder, it’s later than you think!
Kurt Klingenberger
1801 N. Tejon St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Home: (303) 635-4843
AV: 259-2270
Percent members: 38
Happy New Year to you all. And thanks for the great support in 1987. Sure is alot better to write true things about people (based on your inputs) than to have to make stuff up about them. And as my SERE interrogator would attest to. I’m not very good at fabrication.
This issue brings aspecial guest contributor. Enrique SAA (Delphine), who the AOG contacted as our class representative, needs to get some in¬ fo out so, Enrique, take it away. ..
To the spirit of. ..
Hola! Hope everybody survived the holidays and still remembers the good times. It’s been over ayear since we had our class reunion. I’m sure that, for those of you who were able to attend, the affair is still fresh in your minds (provided you didn’t have too much CHIVAS!). Since I’m talking about CHIVAS, I’d like to propose to the class again (. ..1 first did so at the reunion class party. ..but I’m not sure if everybody heard it!) to celebrate the 20th with the same CHIVAS tradition. The operations plan for such upcoming event is simple, but requires tons of coordination.
Phase 1. We need to collect the representational CHIVAS bottles at adesignated place on the Academy grounds.
a.POC: Tom Burgie, 6505 Hawkeye Cir., Colorado Springs, CO 80919, H: 598-7180, W: 554-5650.
b. You can fly by a“CHIVAS” bottle, in its respective “Spirit of ’76” blue pouch, or you can send money and the pouch to Tom.
c. Tom will account for all pouches received and will keep you posted through Checkpoints.
d. Once all pouches are received, they will be placed in the famous “time capsule.”
Phase II. The “time capsule” will be an antique trunk. Its interior will be lined in blue velvet cloth embroidered with the class logo — (trunk donation: The Saas).
Phase III. Wait patiently until the 20th.
However, there is asmall shortfall: The “time capsule” storage. 1 can think of no better place than the upcoming multi-million dollar AOG Headquarters Building/Alumni House facility. If you read the fall Checkpoints issue you may have noticed all the particulars on that 32,000 square feet, two-level superfortress nestled in the ma¬ jestic Rockies just west of the officer’s club.
Ihave coordinated with the AOG executive director and received approval to display our time capsule in an appropriately-secured showcase. As far as the showcase is concerned, we still don’t have one. If someone is willing to build one or knows if there’s agood deal somewhere, please contact Tom or myself. Let’s discuss the par¬ ticulars.
49
Anyway, now that we’ve got the time capsule and its contents figured out, I’d like to enlist your support in aSuperfortress project.
Facts: Academy grads need to raise at least one million for your basic superfortress. Other expenses to complete the extraordinary multi-faceted building environment add up to nearly $4.5 million. There will be 30 graduated classes by summer of ’88.
Assumptions: Most of the current 20,000 graduates will donate to the superfortress project.
Math: One million divided by 20,000 =$50 aperson!
Yes, folks! Wouldn’t you spend fi fty bucks to preserve the CHIVAS tradition until the next century! Ifigure that before the last one of us croak, we’ll make sure the time capsule is replenished as our gift to the TRIcentennial class of 2076! Maybe they’ll keep up the tradition!
Challenge: I’m pledging $100 to the superfortress. Can we make it aone hundred percent class match or better?
Now that Delphine is ready to disown me. I’d better close this one hoping that Iwon’t be the only disowned husband in my class. For those still batching it, please send in your countless extra cash!
Thank you for your support. ..
Till next time! Enrique
Thanks to Enrique for taking the lead on these projects and to Tom BURGIE (Copper) for volunteering to be COS POC.
Well, several issues back Inoted that Glenn VERA’s operations offericership of the Academy’s 50ATS might be a’76er first; Ialso asked for someone to prove me wrong. John ARMOR (Early) wrote me recently to pass on his congrats to Glenn and to suggest that the honors for “first” as fl ying squadron operations of fi cer probably belongs to Kevin CHILTON. Kevin became ops officer for Eglin’s 3247 Test Squadron in June 1986. Apparently avery challenging job in that the squadron flies over 50 different aircraft types. But not enough of achallenge for Kevin who has gone on to astronaut training. John is staying in the Test Squadron along with fellow test pilot Joe BYERLY (Heidi). And John says that he has seen Tom APPOLLINI (Candace) around the base but is unsure of Tom’s job. Thanks, John, for the info and I’m holding you to your promise to write again in 1998.
Another claim for a’76er first came to me via phone call from Ralph GARDNER (Victoria) who, having spent last year at Kunsan, is now an F-16 IP at MacDill. So here is the claim. Ralph believes that he is the first to: solo-out-his-doolie-roommate-in-the-F-16-as-an-instructor-atMacDill-in-1987. Did Iget that right, Ralph? The lucky student who got to take part in this precedent setting event was Karl DITTMER (Donna) who is now Spangdahlem-bound. Actually to challenge this claim, it will be sufficient to have checked out your doolie roommate in any kind of aircraft at any time. If there is no response to this in say, six or seven years, we’ll widen the category to ANY of your roommates in ANY kind of vehicle. But if you are heading for F-16s any time soon and you were a doolie roommate of either Rob PARKER (Elizabeth) or Joe SHIRLEY (Johanna) you might have ashot at matching the record; they too are IPs at MacDill.
If there are any ’76er F-16 IPs at Luke then maybe Wade McROBERTS (Sue) will also be in the running. Wade starts F-16 RTU in April with a projected August follow-on to Ramstein. The whole family (including Meredith -9, Laura -7, and Matthew -5) is excited about the move; a whole new set of adventures will no doubt replace the Brownies and school-related activities that kept Sue and the kids on the go in Las Vegas. Wade related some class news he has accumulated. Carl and Mary REBARCHIK are now at Torrejon where Carl flies the F-16. Buddy LOTT (Kathy) works for General Dynamics in Ft. Worth and, Wade believes, is flying F-4s for the Texas Guard. Also out of the Air Force now
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is Mike SACKLEY who is, at last report, seeking out airline employment. Wade spoke recently to Joe WYSOCKI (Nancy) who is still commanding the surveillance radar site in Socorro, NM. And Wade says that he runs into Steve LOERAKKER (Debbie) and Terry NEW (Patricia) occasional¬ ly; both are F-16 instructors at the Fighter Weapons School. Thanks, Wade. 1hope you and Dan JORDAN enjoyed the trip to the Freedom Bowl.
Had along talk with Paul SOWADA (Brenda) recently. He is (was?) at Wright-Patterson; an A(> Force Times acouple weeks ago showed him as anew graduate of the AFIT Systems Management master’s course. Paul says that some other AFIT students include Jim ROONEY (Millie), Mike DELPINTO, and John BUDELIER who are all in the same Space Opera¬ tions program; Greg SCHNEIDER (Kathy) who is pursuing aPhD in physics; Roger KONTAK (Marla) working in the computer science pro¬ gram; and Tony GAJESKl who is in the new class studying logistics. Gary BUTDORF is aresearch navigator in the 4950 Test Wing and A1 JANISZEWSKI (Grace) is working in the Flight Dynamics Lab. Eric LEONG (Tiffany) is at ASD where he coordinates foreign military sales with the PRC. John DUNSTAN (Kathy) is at FTD and Mike DELVENTHAL (Renee) and Mike BELCHER (Debbie) are both in the B-1 SPO. Paul also mentioned that Greg HOLM (Angela) is out of the Air Force, flying for one of the airlines and living in Ft. Thomas, KY. Thanks, Paul. That was quite adata download. Is that good computer science talk?
We actually do have someone who is trying to make the Political Science department computer literate. She is Cheryl Arata, awork-study student at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. Some of you may remember her dad, LC Arata, who was the swimming coach and taught many of us swimming in PE. More of you may know her brotherin-law, Roger RECHSTEINER (Ruth), who is an IP at Homestead AFB. Hopefully Roger is doing as good ajob teaching flying as Cheryl is teaching us poli sci types about databases, graphics, etc.
As far as local news goes ...Bob DOBSON (Terri) is afull-time ,<!1 instructor in the 557; he is the BFlight commander. The Academ.. Department of the Quarter (I just made that up) is the Math Department which counts among its members Rich HANLEY (Carleen), Jim KOGLER (Becky), John ANDREW (Sandi), Terry NEWTON (Karen), and our special guest Neil CAHOON. Iwas told at the Club one Friday to ensure that the following items appeared in the news; Neil flies part-time with the T-41 squadron, he is building an airplane in his garage, and he makes great lasagna. There might be more but somebody spilled something on the bar napkin 1was writing on. Neil is leaving at the end of the school year, most likely back to the RF-4.
Ifound anote on my desk one day that indicated that Ben THORNSON (Norma) had passed through the Academy. The Thomsons are finishing up at the Pentagon and will report to school at Ft. Leavenworth in June 1988. Another visitor to USAFA this past fall was Mike GOULD (Paula); Mike was up with the ATC Stan/Eval team that looked at the flying squadrons here. Iguess Mike liked what he saw since the squadrons all passed their inspections.
My guess-who-I-saw-in-base-ops story took place right here in the Spr¬ ings. Iwas waiting for aT-43 flight at Peterson one day when this tall Navy guy walked up. It was Lt Cmdr Don FRASIER who was on his way back to Pt Magu, California. Don is aNavy Test Pilot School graduate and is presently testing missiles. But he anticipates that it will soon be his turn to go back to sea. Good to see you again, Don.
I’ve seen some other folks out and about. Visited with Pete and Dixie TRUMP on across-country to Carswell. Enrique SAA was the project of¬ ficer for our visit and he and Delphine had all of the cadets and instruc¬ tors over to the house for afantastic meal. On another trip Ihad lunch with Brian (Linda) SUTTER at Randolph. Brian is at MPC; he works in the same office (Force Analysis) as does Jeff BECKER (Connie). Did not have achance to visit with Joe SMITH (Harriet), but their Christmas let¬ ter caught me up. Joe is at HQ ATC where he puts together and presents command briefings. He also plans the ATC Commanders Conferences; it’s enough to do that Joe has (reluctantly) given up flying for awhile. Joe’s assignment to the Command Section has also meant an increase in activities for Harriet who already had aheavy load of OWC respon¬ sibilities.
At Thanksgiving, Karen and Iwent to Keystone to ski. We were able to join Brad and Beth MOFFETT on the slopes for one day. The Moffetts had driven down (with some other family members) from Omaha for a Rocky Mountain vacation. It was good to see young Kyle Moffett’s pro¬ gress to date.
Around the same time, Iwas in alocal Safeway and ran into another Campus Radical —Carl NORDGREN (Sue). Carl got out of the Air Force about 2Vi years ago to put his civil engineering degree to work with alocal contractor. Carl now lives in Black Forest and is in the process of interviewing with some airlines.
50
Danny MOORE called me from the Admisions Office acouple days before Christmas. He had heard from Rick KEMPTON (Rhonda). Rick is aUSAFA liaison officer living in Maryland now. He is out of the Air Force which gives him the flexibility to travel to Ireland with his local rugby team —as he recently did. They did well in their matches there.
Finally, Ireceived aletter from Marc FELMAN who is at SeymourJohnson flying the KC-10 along with Pat O’BRIEN (Nan), John JASKEY (Susan), and Scott DAVIS (Terri). Marc passed on astory that he says was amatter of “the right place at the right time” and also a tribute to the “best crew you could ever ask for.” In its essence the story involved Marc and his crew dragging aflight of A-4s through grim weather to the only suitable field in Europe. Vectoring in asecond KC-10 and flight of A-4s added to the accomplishment. But one of the A-4s crashed closing the runway and leaving athird flight still airborne and low on petrol. Marc took his tanker off again at the intersection in front of the A-4 wreckage and went up to rescue the airborne planes. When it was all over (including the debate over whether Marc and crew should be rewarded or punished) the result was the 1986 Mackay Trophy, SAC’s Kalberer Outstanding Airmanship Trophy, Awards from Flying Safety Magazine, two recognition ribbons and aDFC. The next time you are at the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum look for the Mackay Trophy inscribed with the call sign of Marc’s crew
Maj. Bill Lord Gold 11.
That wraps it up except for the changes of address. As always thanks for the help.
Changes of Address: Kevin TALLY (Pam) from Studio City, CA to San Antonio, TX. Jon TENSFELDT (Gail) going the other direction from Irving, TX to Sandy, UT. Dave (Nancy) YAUCH forsaking Clovis, NM for Hickam AFB, HI. Ray and Nell CASEY are moving from Baltimore to Mt. Laurel, NJ. Rich WALDBUSSER (Karyn) is leaving Mt. Laurel for Marlton, NJ. Pete DARNALL (Suzann) is taking his newly-earned AFIT degree in logistics management to Whiteman AFB where he will be asquadron missile maintenance of fi cer. Mark WHALEN (Susan) from Luke AFB, AZ to Litchfield Park, AZ. Charles
FELLOWS (MaryAnn) to adifferent address on Edwards AFB. John ERRIGO —Lt Cmdr, USNR —moving out of his cramped P.O. box in¬ to more spacious quarters in Chicago. Ray and Lenice TYC leaving Rome, NY for Biloxi, MS. Pat HANLEY (Joana) from an APO to areal address at Robins AFB, GA. Michael NAVE (Maureen) has moved to Bellevue, WA. Dave KUNKEL (Donna) did an inter-Texas move from Houston to Universal City. John and Darlene MASHL have gone from Jacksonville, AR to Scott AFB, IL. John (Debbie) BRUNS has moved on base at McGuire from Browns Miil, NJ. Stan KASPRZYK (Mary) is trading Minot, ND for Sherman Oaks, CA. Lance and Julie CHRIS¬ TIAN leaving O’Fallon, IL for Middletown, RI. Jeff SOGARD (Carole) has moved from Hampton, VA on base to Langley, where he is F-111 Training Program manager. Richard BARFIELD (Allison) has just returned from aone-year unaccompanied tour at Florennes AB, Belgium; he is now at HQ SAC. And Greg TOUSSAINT (Susan) lives in Beaver¬ creek, OH which puts him close to his work at Wright-Patterson where he is the hospital’s pediatric residency director.
Chuck Spitler
1990 Rusty Hinge Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Home: (303) 528-5254
AV: 259-2326
Percent members: 38
Hello again from the land of the dark ages. We’re deep into every cadet or graduate’s favorite time of year. You may notice this month’s article is alittle short. I’ve definitely noticed adecrease in my mail recently. Are you guys still hung over from the reunion? Iguess we really are getting older.
Speaking of the reunion. Jay FAWCETT tells me he still has wine glasses and coffee mugs available. The wine glasses are replicas of our ring dining-in glasses and the mugs have the class crest and both class mottos. The wine glasses go for $3 and the coffee mugs for $5, and that includes mailing. Make your checks out to the AOG —Class of ’77.
1did receive anice package from Major Bill LORD (Cindy). Can ama¬ jor selectee call areal major by his first name? Bill is the new executive of¬ ficer to the chief. System Integration Office at Air Force Space Com¬ mand. He passed along the word that he has been selected for the Air Force Association’s 1987 Citation of Honor, along with apicture of himself.
Bill did have some reunion news from CS-26. Randy FRANTZ (Sue) is an engineer for Bell Telephone in Philadelphia. Mike McKENNA (Joy) is
in the State Department training to be an assistant air attache in Keto, Ecuador. Joe NIEMEYER (Louise) does operations research for Head¬ quarters MAC at Scott AFB. Tom SLATTERY (Jill) lives in Washington DC. He’s afinancial manager and working on law school at night at George Washington. Rich SCHIKORA and Tom CONLON (Lauren) are at Wright-Patterson. Mark and Karen WEBSTER just PCSd last summer to Space Division in Los Angeles. Both Vince SHARP (Suzanne) and Mike JACKSON fly C-130s. Vince is in Little Rock and Mike is in the Sooner state at Altus. Jim DUGAN owns his own business in Penn¬ sylvania. The airline crowd includes Dewey NOVOTNY (Chardell) who lives outside Dallas/Ft Worth and flies for Delta. John WELCH (Sally) lives in Connecticut and fl ies for American. Bill ELLIOTT works for U.S. Air in Pittsburgh and is in the Reserves.
Italked to Dan VAN ALSTINE (Paula), class president, on the phone the other day and he had the following message to pass along to everyone. “As you will recall from the centerfold section of the fall issue of Check¬ points the Association of Graduates (i.e., you) is raising funds to support anew AOG building. This effort has received alot of high-level support, including Senator Barry Goldwater. Iam urging the Class of ’77 to do our share to support this worthy cause.” Please send contributions payable to the “AOG Building Fund.” The address is Association of Graduates, USAF Academy, CO 80840-5000.
Dan lives in Newport, RI and is with Peat Marwick, aBig 8accounting firm, doing management consulting. He will be moving to Fredricksburg, VA to open anew office soon. He’s doing alot of consulting on govern¬ ment and Navy project planning and controls of weapon system procure¬ ment. He tells me that Joe CARLILE is out of the Navy and is working for amajor insurance firm buying and selling bonds. Dan says that Joe was one of the last tall trees in the forest to fall recently when he married Val. Jim FRASER (Donna G) is at the Pentagon, and Denny FLINT is also out of the Air Force and owns and manages aSchnelling &Schnelling temporary secretarial service.
Iwelcomed Frenchy FERNAND to the Aero Department this month. Frenchy is our newest DFANer. (Department of Faculty Aeronautical Engineering). He’ll find himself deep into core thermodynamics starting this spring. Frenchy leaves Tinker AFB and AWACS in Brian SUDDY’s capable hands. Suds is an E-3 IP. Twenty-Eight missed you at the reunion Suds.
Frenchy ran into several classmates on his last TDY. After dropping off Karen, David and Bryan in Colorado, Frenchy went on world tour with AWACS. First stop was Keflavik NAS, Iceland, where Frank LEURQUIN (Jeanet) and Dave SWANSON welcomed him. Frank is an E-3 IP and Dave is an E-3 Maintenance OIC. They are halfway through their remote tours but haven’t received follow-on assignments yet.
His next stop was Kadena AB Okinawa. Buck BUCHANAN (Sondra) is an E-3 aircraft commander flying with the 961st AWACS on Kadena. Art WACHDORF (Dinah) and family recently hosted Tom DOLLAHITE (Holly) who was on across country from Kunsan AB, Korea. Art’s in F-15s and Tom flies F-16s. Chris SEAT (Deborah) also flies F-16s and was on his way back to Misawa, Japan, with his wife and daughter after stateside leave. Lou MICHELS (Sonia) is settling into the law and fatherhood. Lou is in the JAG and he and Sonia just had their first, aboy. Eon. They’ve been on Kadena about six mnths after sunny Holloman AFB. Lou has volunteered to be the new class scribe again. Shake the stick Lou. So you can now send your inputs to: Major John J.
over
51
Michels, Jr., 18 CSW/JA, Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan, or PSC #1 Box 28009, APO San Francisco 96230, AV: 312-634-3300
Ihave enjoyed writing the last couple of articles and look forward to reading Lou’s articles. Good luck Lou.
Greg Postulka
1243 Rue Crozat
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
Home: (504) 769-9367
Work: (504) 388-4407
Percent members; 36 r; I
Office life for the ’78 class scribe.
We have “Class Heroes of the ’80s”. First, KC SCHOW and Lance UNDJEHM were in Sports Illustrated. Then, Mike SNODGRASS was featured on the CBS TV show “Top Flight”. He’s at the weapons school in Las Vegas. He received some good camera time, looked good, gave a good interview, and was an exemplary spokesman for the USAF.
Our Association of Graduates has started raising money for an AOG Headquarters and Alumni House. Our class president, Steve DALBEY, has more on this project in the following:
To the Class of ’78: “The Association of Graduates (AOG) started a fund-raising campaign in Nov 87 for our Headquarters Building/Alumni House. The AOG addressed this topic in the fall issue of Checkpoints and now Iwould like to put in aplug for this important effort.
The project will provide graduates abuilding suitable for: re¬ unions/homecomings (unfortunately not in time for ours), pre and postathletic event activities, conferences and meetings, AOG business ac¬ tivities, display of Academy/AOG memorabilia, formal/informal awards presentations, social events and ceremonies. It will also permit expanded and more efficient support to our membership and the Academy by the AOG.
To undertake an effort of this magnitude will require contributions totaling $5.5 million and as alumni we must pave the way by contributing at least $1 million to the project. Senator Barry Goldwater, Honorary Chairman of the fund-raising effort, is confident that the necessary funds will be raised and that our alumni center will become areality but only if the alumni show their support by contributing. Therefore, I’m soliciting your support for the building fund to the utmost of your ability. If you desire to contribute, your gift can be made payable to Association of Graduates Building Fund and sent to: Of fi ce of the Executive Director Association of Graduates Room 3A44, Sijan Hall USAF Academy, CO 80840-5000
Please note on your contribution that to came from the “Great Class of 78.”
In addition, the AOG is looking for volunteers to serve as base, city, region, or class contacts for spreading the word. If you’re interested in making phone calls, speaking to groups, writing letters, assisting in hosting/setting up events, etc., please let me know (AUTOVON 576-2110) or call the AOG (719) 472-2067.
Thanks for your support of this worthy cause and I’ll see you at the reunion. Sincerely, Steve DALBEY, Class President. ”
Steve DALBEY is at HQ MAC, Scott AFB, IL. Also there, but unheard from in recent years is JD PAULY, one of the finest aircraft
maintenance officers the Windy City, Chicago, IL has ever produced. Ihope all of you have fond memories of the past holidays. And, more importantly, are still in pace to keep those New Year’s resolutions. If not, there’s always next year. But, the 10-year class reunion is apromise we should all keep.
Ialso hope you exchanged Christmas cards and success stories with 50 closest friends so we can start anew round of “who’s doing what
your to who where when?” information. You’re all on ahot streak, keep it up. But, I’m never one to be satisfied so let’s push to get our membership up. It’s only 30% or so. That’s about 300 guys. Just think how fun it would be with afew more of your classmates on the line. One place to get aline on some of these people is your new AOG Register. What agreat desk-top reference document for all zoomers. Did you see the guys already majors. Gimme abreak, dudes. Anyway, speaking of majors, congrats to the Sep ’87 selectees. Fifteen cheers for the AFA. Hoo rah, Hoo rah, etc. ..!
New locales: Tom SFIINN is in Hermosa Beach, CA. Fie turned in his Big Blue security blanket to Uncle Sam officer issue and now lists himself as awindsurfing instructor. But, because he made akilling on his own house, he’s going to venture into the real estate business. That should be easy, the commission on one house in L.A. is equal to 0-5 over 12 with aviation career incentive pay (for you pilots, that’s your “flight pay”). Tom says Larry (Susan) JAMES now has two children. He’s working at L.A. AFS. Also there is Scott YEAKEL.
Don ALSTON moved from California to Woodbridge, VA; John AN¬ THONY has anew address in Colorado Springs. He’s aspecial projects director at U.S. Space Command; Curt BROWN moved from Eglin AFB to Seabrook TX; Russ BROWN moved from Connecticut to Corona, CA; Tim DOTY moved to Highland, CA from Converse, TX; and Mr. John HEDGES continues the move to sunny California Beach from Arkansas. Also, Jim HOPE went the other way —from California to Belleville IL; George KAILIWAI III now lives in Las Vegas; Joe MATTUSKI is in Alamogordo, NM; and Kirby LOCKLEAR moved back to the lower 48 —Scott AFB, IL from Anchorage, AK. So has Ron PARKHOUSE —from Eagle River, AK to Colorado Springs; Mark RICHARDSON 111 is now aprotocol officer at HQ ATC; Jerry SINK is a grad student at Stanford Univ; Charles SMITH moved from Fighting 11lini country. Champaign, IL to Hawthorne, CA —that’s LAish; Ernie ST GELAIS moved from Colorado to Nashua, NH; Chuck STILES left Altus, OK for Andrews AFB, MD; and Mr. Ivan URREGOMARROQUIN moved to Lauderhill, FL.
to Newport
Anote comes from Rick REASER at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS). Rick is putting in about 30 hours each week in class and study. He and Adrienne are proud parents of child #2, Robin. Rick said Mike MIT¬ CHELL finished at NPS and will be an Air Attache to Argentina. Also, Bill NEVIUS, LCDR, USN is on-line to be aNavy test pilot —academics at NPS then flying at Pax River, MD. Bill got close to some action in the Med flying off the Nimitz. He was airborne about 25 miles away when we shot down the Libyan fighter thre.
The closing note is from Scott BAKER’S wife Pam. She says they have been at Alconbury for about four years. Scott flew RF-4s for that time, but he since transitioned to the A-10 for three more joyous years of rain, fog, and left-side driving. The Bakers added Holly to the family to join number one son, Travis. Pam and Scott keep in touch with other ’78ers: Steve (Donni) UST are at Cannon AFB where Steve flies F-llls; Ted (Kathie) ANKENBAUER are at Luke AFB with F-15s; Paul BECK is with Delta in Atlanta; and Bruce (Lynn) CURRY is in Miami where he fl ies F-16s.
Another year is upon us. Make the most of 1988 by sharing your good fortune in Checkpoints and by attending our reunion. Make plans with your squadrons and friends to make it atime to remember. Arrive early and stay late. We all want to see you there!
The 10-year reunion for the Class of 1978 will be 22-25 Sept 88. The headquarters will be the Sheraton Inn North. Rooms are available for $53.00. Events include an all-class party, memorial service, squadron par¬ ties, football game against Wyoming, and the Jabara Banquet and ball. An interest survey is coming out the end of January. Please watch for it.
Get aFriend to Join the AOG Annual Membership: $25 LIFE MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE 52
Until then, if you know acurrent address for one of the classmates below call Tim MINER at AV 259-3067 or commercial (303) 472-3067 during USAFA duty hours.
Thomas GAvery
Daniel N. Black
Frederick S. Boone Jr
Kent MBoudreau
William MCampbell
Paul FCapasso
Winston LCChurchill
John EClay
Scott BCollins
Timothy ECollins
Marcel SCrudele
David ADeras
Dale WDowers
Blake PEllingson
Timothy JEnglish
David WEvans
William OFiedler
Drew RFisher
Guy DFollansbee
Thomas LFossen
Nickie JFuerst
Salvatore FGrande 111
John AHamm
Edward WHeins III
Clifford CHuff
Thomas EHull
Robert JJangraw
John MJoback
Jeffrey GJones
Neil WKalfas
James MKisiler
Joseph EKlump
Matthew JLacourse
Leland GLane
Erdie OLansford II
Steven KLegg
Kolin WLester
Stephen JLockhart
Nicholas BLynn
Philip HMcBride
Gregory MMcCarw
Wayne SMika
Lawrence BMorion
John R. Moulton II
Ens William Nevius
David CNorris
Mike Donatelli
901 S. 8th Ave. #3 LaGrange, IL 60525
Percent members: 29
John CPeterson Jr
Mark BPozycki
Dean AProf fi tt HI
Richard RReeves Jr
Jimmey WRubalcaba
Charles EScott 111
Craig ASeifert
Kip LSelf
Charles SShaw
Scott AShaw
Michael LSmith
Gary AStorie
Robert GThornton
Michael AValdivia Jr
Manfred WWagner-Luna
Michael CWambaqanss
David BWaters
Robert CWenrich
Thomas JWhitehair
Mark SWilkinson
Timothy LWolters
Joseph AWorthington 111
California to travel around the world. Must be nice!
Nellis was hard to leave. ..all that sunshine. The flying was great but not as good as the folks Iworked with. Steve MUELLER, Burt FIELD, Steve HOOG, Russ LARNED (F-16s), Scott REYNOLDS, Jim POOL (A-lOs) (Congrats to Scotty and Debbie Reynolds on their new baby!), Archie RIPPETO, John PICKETT (F-15s), and Korky VON KESSEL (A-7). Congrats to Archie Rippeto and Korky Von Kessel for the early major promotion.
The Air Force was good to Julie, Mikey and myself. We enjoyed our tours. ..Look me up in the WIANG or on aDelta flight.
Fly safe. ..or keep ’em flying safe. As aBear fan Ipromised Bud not to say anything about the Giants. Ibelieve in jinx. Rumor has it Scott JENSEN qualified for the ’88 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Korea.
Matt Neuenswander 3818 Packard
Alexandria, LA 71303 AV; 683-5591
Percent members: 38
We love to fly. ..True, the DONATELLls have joined the civilian ranks. Itraded my Air Force hat in for the Delta Airlines cap on 24 July 87. Other Falcon buddies (now Delta buddies) that love to fly are Bruce ROACH, Dan BOYLEN, Rex KEESE, Kevin SCHMIDT, Marty SCHMIDT, Gary ROWER, Burt COONS, Ken MCKAY, Mike HAYES, Tony PARADOWSKI, Jim NELSON, Bob KLUTTZ, Steve HALVORSEN and many others from ’79. My advice: poke your head in the cockpit door next time you fly on any commercial airliner. ..you may want to exit stage left. Not only ’79ers but many from all other classes have joined the airline fraternity.
Now Iknow. I’m aquitter. ..Not so fast. ..lam also protecting the State of Wisconsin against all enemies, foreign and domestic (I guess I’m the foreign enemy living in Chicago) flying the A-10 Warthog in the WIANG. Like others, Ienjoy the opportunity to fly and fight forever! (Hopefully in alow-threat high-per diem region!) It’s awonderful life. BX and commissary privileges, then coping with the Chicago traffic jams and weather. ..On to some class news:
Tom QUASNEY, living in the D.C. area is selling RPVs for the Cana¬ dians to the U.S. Patriotism at its best. ..No, that’s capitalism. Rich AHLQUIST (ASTRA), recently married, wants to get back to that B-52 cockpit at Castle AFB. Another newlywed, Baul BISHOP, is still the hunter in the killer-hunter Weasel F-4G at George AFB.
Even though I’m acivilian Istill keep my ear close to the ground. Tim FYDA was interviewed by “60 minutes” concerning the Ohio trucking in¬ dustry. Tom WINGO is the Air Force’s top bomber. Congrats. Tom took first place at Gunsmoke this fall.
Nice job ’79ers. Those who made major two below the zone, con¬ gratulations. You too Bob McGREAL.
Thanks to Bud VAZQUEZ for the great article and fan mail. Some of this may be outdated but you’ll have to understand. ..civilians are alittle behind.
Scott CHIMELSKI writes from his B-52G cockpit in Barksdale, LA that Eric ASH is teaching military studies at USAFA, Bill MILOT is an EW instructor at Castle, Steve GRAF is at MPC Rated Force Assignments, Greg BREWER fl ys F-16s at Moody, Jeff CHING is in In¬ tel at Vandenburg, Walt DAVIS flies the T-37 at Sheppard, and Mike GILBERT is aJAG at Elmendorf. Also, Bill HUFF drives F-15s at Kadena, Ernie HAENDSCHKE is at Test Pilot School at Edwards, Cy LONG is in Intel at Carswell, Jerry MASONIS is aC-5 test pilot at Kelly, Jim MUMBY is in KC-135 SEFE at Plattsburgh, Mike STEFFEN is a missile crew commander at Minot, Chip TAYLOR is in C-130s at Clark, and Burt WAIBEL fl ys F-llls at Mountain Home. Thanks for the info Scott.
Doug BROWN wrote aletter to Bud detailing his world travels. Doug took terminal leave before starting his consumer electronics division in
Ijust got back from a2,600 mile round trip visit to Saginaw, MI for Christmas and found the letter from the AOG. Our Christmas was wonderful, however, the drive reminded me of National Lampoon’s Vacation (less the blond in the sports car). To make matters worse, Igot my haircut yesterday and the barber kept putting short little grey hairs on the cape and all over the floor around the chair as asick joke. When this article is published, I, like many of you will be 30 years old. Fun flies when you are doing time. As we move into that gray area called middle age Iguess it isn’t so bad. Imay not feel 18 (1 was ageek back then) but I certainly don’t feel 30. As 1988 begins we are just alittle over two years away from our 10-year reunion. For the past two years 1have been abad boy and let my AOG membership run out (as pointed out by several classmates). My check is in the mail today, and Iurge each one of you to do the same. Our current AOG membership is only 38%, and if we don’t do better than this it will be very difficult to pass news about the reunion and what is going to happen when. While on the subject of the reunion, I am soliciting membership of acommittee at this time. Hopefully several of the members of this team will be stationed at USAFA, however, this is not aprerequisite. If you are interested in helping with our 10-year, please drop me aline ASAP.
Last month the AOG sent me aflyer on the fundraising for the new AOG Headquarters Building/Alumni House. In order for this building to be asuccess, one million bucks must come from donations sent by grads. Since that amount would probably exceed the limit on my VISA, Iwill only send acheck for avery, very, small fraction of that amount. On the other hand, if all of us send acheck our AOG will be well on the way to meeting their goal. For those of you who read this column regularly, Iask that you tell your non-AOG Falcon Buddies to renew their membership.
In case you are not aware, we have already lost over 10 percent of our class to the civilian community. These numbers are only getting larger and the only real method our Falcon Buddies on the outside can insure keep¬ ing abreast of the news is through Checkpoints magazine.
Igot lots of news from classmates mostly from Christmas cards. Frank and Cinda BUNTING sent me apicture of their two little boys. Frank is finishing up his tour in A-lOs at Myrtle Beach, and he and Cinda will fly the friendly skies or some other airline in the near future. Dave and Laura VALLADO had ababy girl last spring (Simone) and they are moving from Offutt to USAFA to teach astronautics in Jan. Jeff and Denise CROY, with their children Matthew, Michael, and Melissa, are now residents of Rochester, N.Y. Jeff got out in September and is afirst-year medical student at the University of Rochester. We wish Jeff and Denise the best of luck.
Dane WHITE’S parents live here in Louisiana and dropped me a Christmas card with an update on their son. Dane is currently an F-16 weapons officer at Hahn AB. He just got back from aone-year remote in Korea and took aconsecutive overseas assignment. Scott CARROTHERS was the chairman of the Christmas airdrop to the tiny Pacific islands of Micronesia. Scott is still fl ying C-130s at Clark AB.
Peggy DENNIS was kind enough to write and give me some news from her vast conglomeration of sources. Doug and Teresa OWENS are at Holloman where Doug is attending LIFT. He will then go to A-10 RTU and finally to Myrtle Beach on the ATC exchange program. In the T-41 Sq. at USAFA, Brian TIGHE (Chris) is the safety officer, Dan SMITH (Julie) is in stan eval, and Kurt GREEN (Sharon) is an assistant flight commander. George HEPT teaches physics and fl ies, and Pat YOUNGS (Eileen) coaches golf and flies. Deron BROWN and wife Vicki just
53
checked into the T-41 sq. Dave VOTIPKA flies gliders at USAFA, and Steve PRILEZKY works in Wing Operations. A1 DORN (Patty) is teaching Mil Stu after spending some time at the Navy Postgraduate School. Dave PRAHST is an IP at Columbus and will be going to USAFA to teach academics. Right before Christmas Peggy tells me that several of the female grads had adinner at Sandy DARULA’s house. San¬ dy is on terminal leave from Space Command. Also there were Karen BARLAND (Space CMD), Paula THORNHILL (dean’s asst.), Sue HELMS (enroute to test pit school), and Debbe DUBBE (31 sq AOC). Peggy also enclosed apicture of the Women Military Pilots Association ’87 convention in COS.
IKathy CONLEY (hi cousin) married Mark FAROANE on Sept. 12th.
Best of luck. The Air Force Times had an article on the first Long Arrow and Gary GRABOWSKl tied for first place in the competition. Congrats Gary. As Icame back from Christmas leave 1stopped at some friends house and ran into Joe SANFORD and his wife Sandra. They have two lovely children, Jennifer, and Lindsay. Joe is attending AFIT and will soon work in aSPO somewhere in the CONUS. George RYAN and his family just moved into base housing on Bolling AFB. George is aOSl special agent at HQ OSL Andy STANASKl recently moved into the 8th FTS back in my old stomping grounds in ENID by the SEA.
Chris MILLER sent achange-of-address card to tell us he is moving to Dyess and the McConnell AFB to be aB-1 copilot. Chris and wife had a daughter, Ryann, in June. Luke HOWARD married Leverne Hoff in Sept and he fl ies C-141s at Charleston. Luke works with Margie (CLARK) VARUSKA in Combat Plans at Charleston.
Well, that is about all of the news Ihave time to write and still make my deadline. If you get bored drop me aline, and if you are going to get out of the AF please keep the AOG advised of your new address. Take care and God Bless. Matt.
Larry Ruggiero
5930 Northwind Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Home: (303) 598-6051
AV: 259-3429
Percent members: 32
Greetings and solicitations, everyone. Hope this journalistic sojourn finds everyone healthy, wealthy($), and wise in the new year. Things are moving along here at USAFA; the gym extension’s superstructure/ex¬ terior is just about complete, the expansion of Mitchell Hall about the same, and they’re still replacing te’razzo marble with reckless abandon. Let’s start the first column of 1988 with apicture of three adorable little ones. This picture backs up many of you who always said George BAR¬ BOUR (Mary) couldn’t do many things right —three tries for aboy results in three beautiful little girls: Julie, 2'A\ Kelly, 4'A-, and Laura, 6 months. Seriously, George, you’ve done right with these three little dolls.
Before Iget much further, apiece of important business needs address¬ ing, and to do it is our class president, Tony LORUSSO, via the magic of the U.S. Postal Service:
Dear Classmates:
“It’s not often that I’m called upon as class president to solicit your support for aproject. However, because of its importance, 1wish to en-
The Barbour girls: Kelly (4‘AJ, Julie (2‘A), and Laura (6 months).
courage your support of the new AOG complex. We, the graduate com¬ munity, have simply outgrown the AOG facilities in Sijan Hall. Conse¬ quently, the AOG recently kicked off afund-raising campaign for anew Headquarters Building/Alumni House to be built west of the Officer’s Club. The project is a$5.5 million dollar effort of which grads are ex¬ pected to lead the initiative by donating $1 million of it. The AOG com¬ plex will be a32,000 sq ft, two-level structure and will include offices, computer facilities, conference rooms, display areas, alounge, etc. Scheduled to open in the summer of 1989, the new complex will be suitable for AOG business activities, ceremonies, social events con¬ ferences, and reunions. As asubscriber to Checkpoints, you have already demonstrated acommitment to the graduate community. However, that commitment alone won’t build the AOG complex. Your financial support is necessary to make this project areality. Your contribution can be made payable to the “AOG Building Fund’’ and sent to:
Of fi ce of the Executive Director Association of Graduates
Room 3A44, Sijan Hall USAF Academy, CO 80840-5000
We also need to reach our classmates who do not subscribe to Check¬ points and will not see this letter. Therefore, 1ask that you encourage support from our fellow classmates at your base. Furthermore, if you wish to serve as aPOC at your base to help the AOG spread the word, please contact the AOG at the above address. Again, Iencourage your support of this project so we can ensure the AOG continues providing its quality services to the graduate community. ’81 Second to None! Sincere¬ ly, Tony Lorusso"
Well, due to aquick deadline pressing me this issue, 1had to get this in before any of you had achance to send me news (that’s anice way of say¬ ing: write more letters!); therefore, there’s not much to report this time outside of change of addresses. Jan SZTUKA (Kim) to anew neighborhood at Pope AFB; Mike COMNICK to MacDill AFB; Gregg MONTIJO, Davis Monthan AFB; Amy MARKERT, from Kunson AB, Korea, to Hickam AFB; John MARLIN (Stephanie) from Univ of Illinois to USAFA; Wilber “Pink” FLOYD (Laura), resigned, working as apro¬ gram manager for acivilian research fi rm in Redondo Beach, CA; and Neal BAUMGARTNER (Maryon) from Ellsworth AFB to Brooks AFB. Also, Doctor Don YOHO, 56 MedGp, MacDill AFB; Bob JONES, a civilian in Laurel, MD; Tim POOLE (Liza) from McChord AFB to Hill AFB; Keith BEAM, from Kunsan AB to Moody AFB; Gene O’NALE (Barbara) from ASTRA, HQ USAFA, to Tyndall AFB; Dave HOMBURGER (Michele) from Dyess AFB to Little Rock AFB; and Kevin NEUMANN (Susie) from Kelly AFB to RAF Edzell, Scotland, as direc¬ tor, Space Operations. Drew GRANT (Laure) is acivilian working as a senior analyst, American Management Systems, Alexandria, VA. Terry SZANTO (Louise) write anote that he has career broadened into aircraft maintenance at George AFB, after six years in acquisition management at L.A. AFS, and should be enjoying his first child by now (due in Dec). Ricardo AGUILAR (Cathy) writes anote that he has just completed a Volant Spotlight tour at HQ MAC and is in Honduras till June as a political analyst (?) of some sort after recently marrying his San Antonio sweetheart, Cathy. Lastly, two former Wareagle buddies are enjoying new offspring; Don FORD (Karen) gave me anew neice Melissa Emily, and Steve THALMANN (Tammy), anew daughter Ashley Nicole.
I 1 r«
In the back row from left are Karen (Novak) Love, Peggy (Dennis) Car¬ nahan, and Margie (Clark) Varuska. In front are Allison (Hilsman) Hickey, Deb Dubbe, and Sue Helms.
54
Well, that’s all for now. This is my last column as class scribe, Tony Lorusso will be returning to these pages after along layoff. Please send all correspondence to him at: Capt Tony Lorusso, 103 Ivy Home Rd., Hampton, VA 23669. I’ve very much enjoyed hearing from all of you who have written, and I’ll keep in touch as Itransition into the civilian world (and the Reserves). Stay tuned. Please support Tony with great news as much as you’ve supported me. God Speed.
Jim Ratti
1117 Ward Lane
Blytheville, AR 72315
Home: (501) 762-1009
AV: 721-7601
Percent Members: 34
Greetings from Blytheville, for the last time! This has been aweek of “lasts,” as Ellen and Iwill soon depart for the colder but more alluring Mecca of R& D, Wright-Patterson AFB. As Iwrite this, Iam enjoying my last alert tour. Some may wisely caution that given SAC’s ability to bring back to its fold even the long lost, this may be my first last alert tour. Well, maybe. But Ican dream, can’t 1?
Plenty of stuff to talk about this time, but first amessage from our sponsor. ..
If you received (or borrowed) the fall issue of Checkpoints, you saw the beautiful centerfold section dedicated to drumming up support for the AOG Headquarters Building/Alumni House. This is a$5.5 million ef¬ fort, and at least $1.0 million must come from us grads. The site they chose is just west of the 0-club at USAFA, and the design work is already complete. In fact, I’m told they plan to occupy the building by mid 1989. This facility should be excellent for alumni activities well into the future, and will no doubt be the location of choice of reunions, pre and postathletic events, conferences and so on. All this sounds great, but they won’t do it without our help. Since just about all of you reading this already know about the project. I’m preaching to the choir. What we real¬ ly need to do is publicize it to our non-AOG member classmates. Please, talk it up and encourage people to send their donations. As incentives, the AOG will specially recognize classes with the highest dollar contribution and highest percentage of grads participating. In addition, there is a system of personalized incentives varying with the amount you con¬ tribute. The AOG also needs people to act as base, city, regional and class contacts. These folks will be asked to make phone calls, speak to groups, write letters, host/set up fund raisers, etc. If you’re interested or can help in even the smallest way, please contact the AOG office. This is an in¬ itiative which will pay great dividends for all USAFA grads. Let’s help make it asuccess.
Moving on to the mail bag, Isee afew Christmas letters rearing their heads. Doc and Tricia KIMMINAU were the fi rst, writing from Ramstein. Tricia works in atactical Intel squadron there, and Doc is with the European Electronic Security Division. Doc’s at SOS now, but will be back in Germany by the time you read this. They’ve both done agreat deal of sightseeing and seem to be enjoying themselves despite heavy workloads.
The next letter was from Daryl and Martha STEVENSON-JONES. Both are at Kadena, Bones in the F-15 and Martha as aKC-135 instructor navigator. Martha wins the award for creative openings in aChristmas letter. She asked, “Have 1told you Iwas pregnant?!” Then she proceeds to say that she is not, but “now that Ihave your attention. ..” Bones, who came from the T-Bird, finished both Lead In Fighter Training and RTU as top academic grad, outstanding grad and top gun. Not abad record at all! Martha’s handwritten note listed some gossip, which Iwill take the liberty of passing along. Upon their recent departure from Minot, Martha and Bones left Steve WEST and Jack CONNELLY as the only ’82 grads there. Jeff BEENE left for Dyess and the B-IB, and Preston WELLS was on his way to an unspecified assignment somewhere in California. Jay VIERNES, amed student, had Thanksgiving dinner with Martha’s folks. Martha’s sister, Mary STEVENSON-MILLER, now lives in L.A. with her husband and new baby. Dr. Maggie PELSZYNSKI makes her home (and residency) in San Antonio, and Julia (BUCHANAN) LATHAM is aKC-135 nav at Dyess. Nancy GRAHAM is somewhere in Germany, while Marc DUNCAN is aC-130 nav based at Yokota. Scott ESHLEMAN got ajob fl ying T-38s at Edwards, Tony DIPIETRO flying F-4Es in Europe, and Earl DAVIS flying C-141s out of McChord. Finally, Ray FRANCISCO had ahardship tour at Hickam in the EC-135, Carla GAMMON (newlywed) is aWC-130 nav, and Eleonore (BROWN) WANNER has ajob at SAC Headquarters.
T.L. and Nina JOHNSON sent this picture of the two of them with their New Year’s baby Adam. Adam will soon have asibling, sometime in
May. T.L. is currently an F-16 pilot at Hahn Air Base, Germany. Tina should be joining him there about the time you read this.
From Holloman, Chris HAAVE teamed up with Dave and Julia (SCHEFFELIN) GRAVES to write the next letter. Dave and Julia have a little boy, Richard, and another baby is due in May. Dave and Chris are IPs in Lead In Fighter Training and Julia is chief of plans at the Comm Squadron. Other IPs there include Mike ROBERTS, T.K. MOORE, Steve MORIN and Tom LAVALLEY. Julia says Sue JOHNSON married Dan Rose, acaptain. They are stationed at Scott where she is aC-21 in¬ structor. Theresa BEDNAREK-SMITH is working as the comm squadron DO at Travis while her husband Bob SMITH (’84) goes to law school at Berkeley. Dave and Faith (INTERRANTE) FADOK are station¬ ed at Davis-Monthan where Dave fl ies EC-130s and Faith works Tactical Comm. Julia and Dave said that Julie HUGHES has resigned and now works somewhere in D.C. They also passed along that Lori FULTON is on the TAC staff, working as an ops research analyst. Pat SMELLIE married Amy HERMES (’83) and both are now at Scott. Joe MENAPACE has his doctorate and is working in the Seiler Lab at USAFA. Another believer in higher education is Glenn JAMES, who is at Georgia Tech pursuing adoctorate before heading to the math depart¬ ment at USAFA. I’m told Kate SMITH resigned and is raking in the big bucks as acomptroller somewhere in L.A. Finally, Mary K. (McCONNAN) DAUENHAUER is back in C-Springs, working at the Falcon AFS.
My last letter is from Dan and Lourdes HARRIER. They are stationed at K.I. Sawyer where Dan is aKC-135 aircraft commander. They were married right after Dan finished pilot training and now have two kids, Claire and Jacque. After spending four years in K.I. “Siberia,” they’re ready for amove, anywhere. Ilearned that Dan has put in for the same assignment as Idid and should know something by the time you read this. He sent along some other news too. Bill ZEMANEK left his FAIP job at Columbus and is now atanker AC at Loring. Pete CANTWELL and Bill ERIKSON also called Sawyer home, and Jan (GRONERT) ROSKO works in the command post there. Bill was also aFAIP and he and his wife Melissa have ababy named Caleb. Since Dan doesn’t speak to bomber pukes without good reason, he’s not sure if anyone from ’82 is doing time in the bomb squadron there. However, he does know that George KRAMLINGER left Sawyer for the FB-111 and is now at Pease. Dan’s old roomie Randy OAKLEY is flying C-141s at Travis. He and his ife Lois have ason, Benjamin. And last but not least, Dan says another roomie, Troy JOHNSON, left Minot for Guam and hasn’t been heard from since.
From his change-of-address card 1learned that Tim COLLINS is doing an ASTRA tour at the Pentagon. He and his wife have two children, Maree Ashton (6 mos) and Jonathan Joseph (3 yrs).
My phone call this time was from Charlie BECKWITH, still at Offutt. He and Iwere speculating as to which grad/grad couple had the first baby. If you know of any such early births (including classes before ours) drop me aline. Charlie and Bernice had theirs in May ’83.
Since I’m acomputer nut, Ican’t resist this as aparting shot. The following is an excerpt from Info World magazine, 4Oct 82, and
The Johnson family: T.L., Nina and Adam.
w 55
highlights a“new” programming language called “VALGOL.” Anyone who suffered through Comp Sci 100 and ALGOL can sure appreciate it.
“From its modest beginnings in Southern California’s San Fernan¬ do Valley, VALGOL is enjoying adramatic surge of popularity across the industry.
“VALGOL commands include, REALLY, LIKE, WELL and YSKNOW. Variables are assigned with the =LIKE and =TOTAL¬ LY operators. Other operators include the “CALIFORNIA BOOLEANS,” FERSURE, and NOWAY. Repetitions of code are handled in FOR-SURE loops. Here is asample VALGOL program:
14 LIKE, YSKNOW (I MEAN) START
%% IF
PI A=LIKE BITCHEN AND Cl B=LIKE TUBULAR AND 01 C=LIKE GRODY**MAX
4K (FERSURE)**2
18 THEN
41 FOR I=LIKE 1TO OH MAYBE 100
86 DO WAH -t- (DITTY* *2)
9BARF(I) =TOTALLY GROSS(OUT)
-17 SURE
IF LIKE BAG THIS PROGRAM
?REALLY
$$ LIKE TOTALLY (YSKNOW)
“VALGOL is characterized by its unfriendly error message. For example, when the user makes asyntax error, the interpreter displays the message, GAG ME WITH ASPOON!”
Well, that’s about all I’ve got. I’ll be at Wright-Pat for the next col¬ umn, but 1don’t have an address yet. Just send your letters to my old ad¬ dress and we’ll trust the postal service! ’Til next time, be safe. RATMAN.
Ray Blust
2207 Wlckersham Lane #1506 Austin, TX 78741
Percent members: 33
Hi Guys and Gals. Hope this article finds everyone in good spirits as another holiday season swiftly passes us by. Julie and 1luckily got afew days off from RTU to head back home—nothing like being home for the holidays. 1am currently halfway through RF-4 training at Bergstrom and will soon be one of the newest professional photographers in the Air Force. Actually it’s quite akick in the seat to fly so fast and so low—sorta contradicts what we’ve been taught these last few years. Hopefully Julie and 1will be heading east soon to the safe confines of Shaw AFB in South Carolina, but if not we’ll be headed for Germany sometime in the spring. So if anyone stumbles into Austin before April, please give us acall. We’ve got plenty of room and time.
I’m sorry to say I’ve only received one letter and that was enclosed in a Christmas card. Isuppose it’s silly to assume I’ll get any mail since this ar¬ ticle is due before the fall magazine is out. Jon and Brenda DURESKY did write to say all is well in North Carolina. Young Jeffrey recently turned four while his little sister Kendall is approaching the crawling and walking stages of life. Jon and Brenda are headed back to Colorado Springs for the holidays. Actually Jon Is anxious to pay his and Iquote “respects to the institution that turned the young man from Virginia into the military machine he is today.” And in keeping with his military educa¬ tion Jon will be at SOS from January through March. Sorry Jon, that’s about as close to PMS-400 as you can get. Thanks for the letter you all. Keep in touch and have fun at SOS.
Julie and Imade an unexpected trip to Randolph recently but didn’t see any classmates. We did learn that Brad “BOOG” POWELL is acheetah check pilot at PIT, while Billy HORN is the Cheetah executive officer.
Finally caught up with my old roomie. Bill RUJEVCAN is currently stationed at Los Angeles AFB where he’s aTITAN-4 satellite program of¬ ficer. All is well with Bill as he enjoys the West Coast and hopes to even¬ tually settle down there. Talked to another one of my phantom-mates Leslee WASHER (FORSBERG). Les is currently In the middle of moving from Wright-Patterson to the Prep School to teach math. Her husband, Chris (’82), got ajob with Headquarters Space Command. In November they headed to the Springs to find it’s definitely abuyer’s market and from there they headed to Hawaii—as you see from the photo—for a week or so. Les and Chris—hope all works out and good luck on your new move. Les also informed me that Cindy FOSSUM (DERING) and Greg “Tank” EGAN are currently at Wright-Patterson attending AFIT.
Congratulations to Andy LAGRONE who was recently engaged to Jamie Vance. Good luck you two.
Well, that’s it for actual new news. The AOG recently kicked off its fund-raising campaign for anew AOG headquarters building/alumni house. The Academy Alumni (us) must show the way by contributing at least $1 million to the effort. Please refer to the fall issue of Checkpoints, it has acenterfold section dedicated to the AOG building. The magazine will continue to highlight fund-raising efforts until the campaign reaches asuccessful conclusion. NOW is the time for our class to join together and support OUR AOG. The new building will be built west of the O’Club and should be ready for use in the summer of ’89. Recognition in the building will be given to the classes with the highest dollar total in con¬ tributions and the highest percentage of living graduates contributing. If anyone is willing to serve as abase, city, or region contact for spreading the word please contact the AOG. I’d like to make achallenge to you—match the $50.00 1sent in. Please support our AOG.
Hope this article has found all in good health and spirits. The next arti¬ cle will be written by our West Coast connection, Andy SIZEMORE, but please send your letters to me at this current add'-ess or to Andy. Now for asad note. Kevin CARRENO will be leaving the Air Force soon to become the best lawyer Colorado and Florida has ever seen. Kevin—thanks for your help and please keep in touch.
P.S. If you have any news for our article, do not send it to the AOG, please send it to any of our scribes. Thanks for your help.
Mike Goldfein
126 Garden Crest Circle
Del Rio, TX 78840
Home: (512) 774-3959
AV: 732-5698
Percent members: 29
1feel like taking this computer and after dropping it from the roof, 1 want to see how many times 1can run over it with my pickup. The f#$@! ●& thing just ate two pages of text—through no fault of my own of course. And after smashing most of the free-moving objects around my room and kicking the cat afew times, the frustration still has not gone away and I’m in no mood to write this letter, so I’ll come back to it later.
OK—1 decided to pack it up and move to San Antonio where Ican sit at afriend’s Macintosh and pump this thing out. It’s the day before Christmas, it’s sunny and 75 degrees outside, and my flight leaves for nor¬ theastern Pennsylvania in five hours. My “rookie” Fall newsletter was too long according to our editor, Tom Kroboth, so this one will be abit shorter. Sorry, Kro.
Before Iforget, Iwant to take aminute and talk about the new pro¬ posal to build an AOG Headquarters/Alumni House on the hill. The building will be used to house the AOG and to serve as ahome away from home for us graduates for reunions, social events, etc. Since the AOG is an independent, nonprofit organization, the funds for this 5.5 million dollar effort can’t be appropriated from the government. Therefore, they are asking for at least one million dollars from the graduates to make it happen. Anyone who donates $1,000 or more will have their name en¬ graved on aplaque in the lobby of the building. Everyone else who con¬ tributes will have their names in avolume that will be on permanent display. The class with the highest dollar value and the highest percent of
56
living graduates contributing will be recognized as well. 1think it’s an ex¬ cellent project and every class from ’59 and on will be putting their ten cents in (pun intended). They want to have the Hall completed by the summer of ’89. (1 know—the library, right?) You never know though, it may be done in time for our 10-year reunion. If you want to volunteer to represent your base, then just give the AOG aring. Keep in mind that the non-AOG members will be in the dark on this one, so pass the word. On to class news.
Ijust received aletter from Scott FENSTERMAKER yesterday. He is the executive officer to the director of Materiel Management at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center. He’s also busy as the vice president of the CGOC. Scott went to SOS last summer and ran into Doug WHITE, Melody BELL, Rob POLUMBO, Dave YORK, Joe SHER¬ MAN, and Dean GILBERT. Dave and Rob made DG. Congrats to those guys. One of his old roomies, Dan DRAEGER, is flying F-15s at Holloman and another old roomie, Kevin CHRISTENSEN is flying T-37s at Reese (not T-38s like you read in the fall issue—oops). Keith HEIEN is in F-4 RTU at George and Tom BRUNO (’84 stopout—’85) is at RF-4 RTU at Berptrom. Tom will be heading to Kadena in April. Doug DOTSON is at Tinker with Scott. He works in the B-1 System Manager’s Divi¬ sion as an aeronautical engineer. Good hearing from you, Scott. Do you ever get achance to enjoy those Tinker burgers?
When Ireceived apostcard from Paris with apicture of the ChampsElysees on the front, 1never expected to hear from agrad. It was from Evelyn SCANLON enjoying afour-day pass. As you may recall, Ev spent part of her cadet career as an exchange student. She writes: “I’m at RAF Chicksands in merry ’ol England (merry and quite rainy) about 45 miles north of London. I’m currently working as an 8035 signals intelligence of¬ ficer supervising 120 enlisted personnel. Yes indeed, Ifly adesk. Just love QC-ing those APRs. So why the card from Paris? Iwent over on a weekend trip with Elise VANDERVENNET (’85) to visit my old stomp¬ ing grounds. ’Twas quite fun! (smashing, as the Brits would say) Whatever happened to Elizabeth (Miss Lizzie) ESTES? P.S. Did you hear our beloved “Bobby J.” LEWIS is amarried man (to Jeanny on 29 Aug)? He’s at Twenty-Nine Palms, California.” Geesh! Bobby J. Hey Vikings, can you believe it? That’s great Bobby J. Send apicture when you get a chance. Ev, 1ran into Liz at aparty here in Del Rio. She was on her way to Norton to be arecruiting officer if you want to give her aring there.
Received the fi rst annual Christmas letter from Chris and Suzi ERICKSON at Wright-Pat. Chris is currently working on amaster’s degree through Central Michigan University. He just completed SOS and is back in Ohio enjoying the company of their children Max and Harriet (two fat and happy cats). Also got acall from Jay CHARAMELLA who’s at C-141 AC school in Altus. The crowd up there with him includes Sam GOODWILL, Jim MILLER, Jean JOHNSON, Chuck CAVANAUGH, Gerry OHARA, and Marcel SMITH. He also has run in¬ to Julie GONZALES and Kathy GOTCH going through copilot school. He says that Sam COX and Chris TROIANO are already ACs back in Charleston and Troy is engaged. Char—remember this shot? Doo good!
and flying A-lOs in the 18 TFS are Mark FEDOR and Rich CALL. Eric BLAKE is also here in th 343 TFW Maintenance shop. That’s it. Take care and fl y safe.”
Sometimes you can’t get any privacy I
Paul KELLNER wrote and sent apicture of his wedding party. He says—“I’m writing from the last frontier, Alaska, to tell everyone about my wedding in April. Imarried 2Lt Bobbie Pratt at Whiteman AFB. She’s aKansas University ROTC graduate and is serving at Whiteman as amissile launch officer on Minuteman II. We had agreat honeymoon on acruise of the Bahamas. I’m grateful for the attendence of Scott DUMBALD (’85), Ron BEYERS, Lt Col Phil Litts and John BAKER. Scott is amissile launch of fi cer at Whiteman as well. Ron is at AFIT, Lt Col Litts is working CVI at Minot and John’s aB-52 EWO at Fairchild. I’m up here defending the North Pole with the OV-10 Bronco. I’ve been TDY throughout most of the state; from Barrow to Anchorage and from Nome to Northway. The scenery is awesome and the flying is some of the most unrestricted anywhere. Also up here in the 25 TASS is Joe DAMONTE
Scott, Paul, Bobbie, me, Lt. Col. Litts and John.
Gary HENRY sent aletter and picture from Mountain View, Califor¬ nia. Here’s what he had to say: “Bob KITTLYE and Iboth arrived at Stanford University in June to start amaster’s program in astro engineer¬ ing. We’re both slated to finish up in December ’88, and then it is on to the Astro Dept, at USAFA for both of us. The past six weeks we’ve been on break, and in early September Bob and Imade the drive to L.A. for the express purpose of chasing floozies on the beach (my idea) and yes—believe it or not, to get on to agame show (Bob’s idea). Unfor¬ tunately, we didn’t have much success at either. The enclosed picture was taken by an unknown photographer while Bob and Iwere touring Univer¬ sal Studios. That’s Bob (far left), me (center) and an unidentified member of the class of ’83 (far right). 1also have heard from afew buddies of mine, so here is the scoop on them. Scott SHANKLAND is at Reese as a T-37 IP and his beautiful wife Susie (Sue CAVALIER ’85) is aT-38 maintenance of fi cer there. Ed SPEED is aTweet IP at Willie and was married in June (Lynn). Kevin COLEMAN is flying RF-4s at Shaw and A1 BRIDGES will be somewhere in England soon flying Jolly Greens.” Thanks for the note Gary. Ithink the guy in the beard likes you more than those floozies, though. You have to watch those dudes in southern Cal, ya’ know.
Received anice call from Barb HUGGETT who is now Barb WALKER. She was married on the 15th of Aug to Mike Walker who is a GS-11 doing EE work on F-llls at McClellan. She is stationed in the Gator squadron at Mather flying T-43s along with Mike GRAHAM (who is now married) and Chris FISHER. The way Iunderstand it, they are all ACs and getting ready (like the rest of us FAIPs) for the FAIP/Other boards of 1988. Tim MADGETT is in Wing Safety flying T-37s and mar¬ ried to Maria (MARZANO ’85). They have two kids. Jeff HUFF is assigned to the ACE Detachment fl ying Tweets, Ibelieve. Bruce
f 1 ¥ 7, h-
1 'I:
57
UMLAND married his ol’ high school sweetheart Teresa (from Min¬ nesota) and has been moved to Stan/Eval. It’s great to see that punching out of an uncontrollable Tweet didn’t slow you down any Ummie. Sierra Hotel, bud. Tim SHIELDS married agal this summer as well. Also at Mather are Tony TRIAS and Chris FROMDAHL who are both UNT in¬ structors. Appreciated the call Barb. Good luck.
That’s it for calls and letters. May as well take asecond to forward the latest Laughlin poop and wrap it up. Dave PETERSEN extended six months due to his move to Stan/Eval in October. A.J. SHIELDS moved to class commander and Ibecame the wing exec afew weeks ago. Fun, fun. Flying has now become ahobby enjoyed about three times aweek. Mike “Scratch” REIDENBACH moved up to wing computer officer in the Flight Management Shop. Leslie BAUKNIGHT (CHRISTENSEN) is an academic instructor as well as Vinny DEGIOVANNl. (Leslie—we’ll get the picture of you, Mark and Erin in the next issue.) Ed RUTHER¬
FORD has moved to the Audio Visual Branch and Kathy DOUCETT was recently named the T-37 “Wing IP of the Quarter.” Some of the people I’ve run into and heard about during my travels: Eric DALE married Walt JUREK’s sister, Frank SMITH married someone shorter than him and is fl ying C-130s. At Willie, Kara HAYES is the T-38 squadron scheduler, John “Duf” McELIGOTT is in Stan/Eval, and Steve “Naf” NAFTZGER is in Check Section along with Johnny WEIGAND. Dave PETERSEN and 1had the pleasure of J.T. YELLE’s company when we got stuck for weather at Cannon. He’s flying F-llls there. What was the name of that place we went to J.T.? Classy joint, my friend. HYUK. ..
Listen—will close for now. Keep me posted of the happenings around the world. If you write or call, Iguarantee you aspot in the article. HAP¬ PY NEW YEAR AND GOOD LUCK IN 1988! —Feinz.
Scott Vipond
3314 Willow St., S.W.
Tacoma, WA 98439
Home: (206) 581-3017
AV: 976-5521
Percent members: 29
Hello ’85ers from the Pacific Northwest. Steve VISEL is in the process of moving to Turkey to fill his overseas obligations, so with the help of Dave RILEY, Jim VOGT, Reggie GlYLARD and others, here’s the scoop.
David and Brenda Riley
First of all, Dave RILEY dropped us aline from down at Pope AFB, NC. For those who didn’t hear, Dave was married Oct. ’86 to Brenda Reinhart. He sent awedding picture as evidence since some of the guys won’t believe him. Dave and Brenda are expecting an addition to their family the beginning of March —Congratulations! Speaking of new ad¬ ditions Jeff VAN DOOTINGH and wife Margot had ababy boy, Eric, last summer. Dave ran into Mike NOVAKOVIC and his wife, Kathy, in Brindisi, Italy. Mike is working for the Electronic Security Command and loves it. Dan BADER has been in and out of Pope from Shaw AFB, SC flying OT-37s FACing for the 82nd Airborne at Ft. Bragg. He’s even jumping with them on aregular basis. Dan married an AF nurse he met
while he was at Sheppard. Other ’85ers at Pope include Mark NEYLAND, Terry JORDAN, and Marc LENKE. Ihad achance to get to Pope to do some airdrops and ran into C-130 drivers Bill ISLER and Dewey PARKER. Dewey passed word to me that Marc LENKE is recovering nicely and is about to start flying again.
Jim VOGT is also here at McChord flying C-141s. He and Marge just celebrated their first anniversary. They met back in the summer of ’84 when Jim was working hard as CIC of “CONUS.” Jim has run into several classmates all over the globe. He saw Mike MACK and Steve DYE at Andersen AB, Guam. Mike is flying KC-135s out of Castle AFB, CA and Steve C-141s at Travis. Tom WYNN is fl ying C-12s out of Kadena and Jim heard he is already an aircraft commander. Another C-12 pilot is Peggy KIRCHNER. She’s down at Norton and has recovered from knee surgery last summer. It seems all of Peggy’s roommates are getting mar¬ ried and moving out on her. Annette PEREZ is marrying Jeff Dieters and Mike BROWN married Lisa NELSON (’86). Both Annette and Mike are flying C-141s, but Annette is PCSing to Charleston to be with Jeff (also fl ying C-141s).
Other News: Kevin FLEMING is working in intelligence at ATC Head¬ quarters, Randolph AFB, TX. He is happily married as of 29 May 87 to Nancy. Mark and Kara POSTGATE had ababy girl awhile back. Mark is flying F-15s at Holloman AFB, NM. Mike WELLS, Brian ROURKE and Mark TESSIER are all at Yokota flying the Hercules. Ken BANKS, John THORNBOROUGH, and Gordy GRIGGS are all in the 4th MAS at McChord with Jimbo. Ken, John and Jimbo upgraded to first pilot and Gordy to lead nav. John and Kenny are organizing asquadron sponsor trip to USAFA in January and all the grads are coming out of the “wood¬ work” for the opportunity to tell all the ’91ers how tough it was when. ..
Reggie GILYARD is down at Norton working at the Ballistic Missile Office. He was just selected to be sent to grad school by the Air Force. Reggie was also selected for SOS in residence in March —congratulations on both! Reggie passed afew notes of interest to me. John CARROLL led the Norton soccer team to its second consecutive MAC championship last summer and was named MVP. Frank LUCIA married the former Renee Kosut in Aug. Craig BARKSDALE married in Oct. He’s flying C-141s out of Norton. Jim MOORE is also at Norton in the C-141. He and Kim Baker from Tulsa, OK were engaged back in May.
Quintel WILLIAMS gave me acall from Houston. He’s happy to be back from aremote at Thule AB, Greenland. Scuba diving in the much warmer waters of Texas and working on the Space Shuttle Payload Operations is alot more enjoyable. His job specializes in flight control operations and he is an interface with the civilian contractors. Quintel had some info on some more ’85ers. Ched JONES married Cynthia Johnson at the Academy Chapel back in June. Jerry BROWN is an aircraft maintenance officer at Chanute. Mark RANDOLPH is flying aC-21 somewhere on the east coast. Glenn BARNES is aB-52 EWO up at Wurtsmith.
Where’s Quincy?
Pictured above is Quincy Jr., duplicates of which were given as Class of 1960 Ring Dance favors. The original Quincy, avery large stuffed animal resembling his offspring in the photo, decorated the grand piano in the Arnold Hall Ballroom for many years. Big Quincy belonged to the first Cadet Wing Hostess, Gail McComas, recently deceased. He was given to arecent graduate for “safekeeping” by “Mrs. Mac." The Association of Graduates is conducting asearch to find big Quincy so he can be added to the Association’s collection of Mrs. Mac’s Academy memorabilia. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of big Quincy should please contact the Association of Graduates, USAF Academy CO 80840-5000 or call (719) 472-4513/2067 or Autovon 259-4513/2067.
I I'
58
Chip WIGGINS is my partner in the 8MAS Tactics Office here at McChord. We both recently upgraded to first pilot and into the special operations low-level mission. Chip and Susan are doing well and are hap¬ py to be moving to base housing with the rest of us domestic types. Chip has seen or heard from afew people. Fred BUTTERELL is bound for Osan flying an F-4. Ken HAYASFIl is working intel at Hickam. Ed NAGLER is strapping an F-16 to his back at Hahn AB, Germany. A1 WILLIAMS is navigating C-130s around Dyess. Jim SWEENEY is asup¬ ply officer at Homestead. Lou and Ann CASALE are enjoying central California. Lou is aKC-135 co-pilot. Eric LOPEMAN is getting married in April. Meanwhile, he’s trying to dodge student pilots in the Reese T-37 pattern.
The Freedom Bowl is in Anaheim, CA aweek off as 1write this article. My wife Felicia is from Newport Beach, CA so we’ll be rooting USAFA on. Go Falcons! We’re looking forward to seeing other ’85 grads there. I’ve been fortunate to have seen or kept in touch with anumber of grads. First of all, Tim and Kris HEALY are in Albuquerque while Tim crosstrains from the UH-IN to the HH-3 due to the closing of his helo squadron at Homestead. They’re moving to Osan AB, Korea in late Feb. or March. Brad JONES is back home in Washington and stopped by for beers. Brad is aC-141 first pilot at McGuire. He decided 20 days per month TDY was alittle excessive and volunteered to go to Reese as aT-37 IP in July. Price OSTEEN sent some Christmas greetings from Upper Heyford, AB, England. He married Mary Risher Aug. 8th. Mike “Dig¬ ger” WELLS was here at McChord in Sept, and showed pictures of Price’s bachelor party. Rick DE BROCK and Tim RAY were among the obnoxious spectacles. I’m sorry Icouldn’t be there. Anyway, from the sound of Price’s letter, he and Mary are doing great and have figured out tours for guests at the Osteen Bed and Breakfast. Paul JEFFRIES is a security police officer at Clark AB, PL As you might guess, he’s looking forward to PCSing in Oct ’88. On the same TDY as Isaw Paul 1ran into Marilyn GARCIA in Guam. By this time she should have switched over to the EC-130 at Sembach AB, Germany. The WC-130 squadron at Andersen AB, Guam was shut down. 1had achance to drink afew beers with Dino LORENZINI at Rhine Main AB, Germany last summer. He’s had abusy year. He became ahusband last year and recently became a father. If that’s not enough he’s been TDY out of McGuire about as much as Brad JONES. It seems the people at McGuire have been busy. E.J. FAYAN, also aC-141 pilot at McGuire, would contest to that, but you could never tell that from “Mr. Excitement.” E.J. still works hard to de fi ne “laidback.”
On the subject of laidback, Kris SCHAUMANN is here at McChord flying C-130s. Kris is one of the few guys to stay here through the “on again, off again” closure of the C-130 squadron. Mike CANINO is a C-141 pilot in the 8th MAS at McChord. Mike bought aboat last summer and has been water skiing at every chance. Jim SPAULDING is an 8th MAS navigator. Jim and Janine are expecting ababy in August.
There were afew change-of-address cards sent in. Here goes: Ken YAPHE is still at Eielson AFB in Fairbanks, AK. Kevin DIXON moved to Tempe, AZ. Larry and Dawn GLADBACK moved to Guam. Larry is a member of the 60th Bombardment Sq. at Andersen AB. George POPE PCSed to San Angelo, TX. Brian LESHKO remains with the 820th Red Horse at Nellis AFB and lives in Las Vegas.
As you read through the last issue of Checkpoints I’m sure you noticed the plans for the AOG Headquarters Building/Alumni House. The com¬ mittee, chaired by Lt.Gen. (Ret.) Winfield W. Scott, Jr., has projected at least $I million will be needed from grads. So if you’ve won one of the state lotteries or made it to Nellis on aTDY and hit the jackpot, make it easy on the rest of us and send in amillion. If you’re like anumber of us, finding away to pinch $25 out of the budget takes some creative thinking. Here’s an idea. Instead of going out for an expensive dinner, stay home —it could be fun. Put on your A-jacket, which “must have shrunk,” don your beret and bring out the USAFA yearbooks. Hopefully no one has to pull out the yearbooks to save money, however, I’m sure I’m not the only one battling high interest rates and cutting up credit cards. So, if you can pinch some money out of your budget send it in to the AOG. The AOG Headquarters/Alumni Building would be awonderful improvement to the Academy.
Thank you to Steve VISEL, Matt LYONS, Jim MIRABELLA and
Jackie WILLIS for all their help with our class newsletter. If anyone has any news for future articles please send it in to me. I’ll be the primary con¬ tact for future articles. Jackie, Jim, Matt and Steve will help out when their schedules permit. Hope everyone has agreat ’88. Thanks, Scott.
Jim Bonn
5Sandalwood Drive, Apt. 3A
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Home: (904) 243-1179
AV: 579-6503
Percent members: 25
Get aFriend to Join the AOG
Annual Membership: $25 LIFE MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE
Now that the holiday season is over, it’s time to break out the barbecues and head for the beaches. Hope you are doing te same wherever you are. Personally, 1988 is off to agreat start as I’ve been TDY twice already —- aweek at Pope and amonth in Los Angeles —and five weeks scheduled in England. I’ll be on the lookout for you.
MAILBAG. Received aletter from our class president: “Hello fellow classmates. 1hope these past 18 months in the real Air Force have been good to you. As your class president, 1am asking for your support in a proposed AOG project. The AOG has designed and will begin construc¬ tion of aS5.5 million Alumni Center to be built just west of the Academy’s Of fi cers’ Club. The AOG will own the building and it will be exclusively for alumni and friends. The center will be atwo-level, 3200 sq. ft. building that will include of fi ces, publications and displays, library/lounge, conference facilities, entertainment areas, catering kitch¬ en, and acomputer facility. The center will be suitable for class reunions, homecoming events, pre and post athletic event activities, conferences. Academy and AOG memorabilia displays, social events, and ceremonies. 1have seen the plans for the building and landscaping and it is truly a work of art.
“So, what am Iasking you to do? Donate some money, of course. Now, before you say no and skip to the next letter, listen to this. The Ad¬ visory Committee, made up of retired Air Force leaders. General Scott, and several well-known corporate leaders, met to discuss the fund-raising campaign. The outcome of the meeting was simple: if all USAFA grads could come up with at least SI million, the remainder of the project could be financed. 1am committing myself to at least a$25.00 gift and hope everyone else will be able to make adonation as well.
“The AOG is also looking for volunteers to serve as contacts in their areas to help spread the word. If you are interested, please contact the AOG, Jim BONN, or myself. We need your help to make this areality, so spread the word and be as generous as you can. Thanks for your support. Mike MEADER, Class President.”
Mike’s letter continues with more news about Willy UPT class 87-08. “As for me, the year has been quite interesting. Iwas married on 9Aug 86, and on 3Jul 87, Gina and 1were blessed with ababy girl, Whitney. We are off to McGuire for afew years in the C-141. As for my classmates, Steve TANNER and Chuck WANEBO are flying the Eagle in Kadena and Bilburg. Harry RONSNAN —A-10 to Eielson. Ward TAYLOR, Steve SYMONS, Steve SCHLUMPBERGER and Mike LOGRANDE are in the mighty Tweet; Mark SCHIEVE and Bill TUBB will be staying at Willy in the T-38; Dave ALVIN —C-12 to Germany; Scott CIERNIA and Jim MCDONOUGH are on the west coast and Paci fi c in ’141s; Seth BEAUBIAN —KC-135 to Wurtsmith; Kathy HOEFT —KC-135 to Castle; Bob COLELLA —B-52 to Wurtsmith; and Mike DAVIS is flying the mighty Buffasaurus out of Blytheville. That’s all for now. Take care, fly safe, and keep in touch.”
The next letter comes from Kim HAWTHORNE at Euro-NATO. Here are the assignments for 87-07, 08, and 88-01. “As you can probably tell, everyone’s eyes were watering after the 87-08 drop came down. As usual, down here, grads are prime candidates to be FAIPS. Of the five FAlPs in the last three classes, four are gradt. We are the lucky ones who are put on the “extended lour program.” As always, we’ll rise to the occasion and have fun doing it.
“I just started PIT, and will be instructing my own students at the beginning of May. In December, Iwas down at Homestead for Water Survival and ran into Steve COOK and Brent BREIDENTHAL. Together, we were able to freeze to death as the biting wind of Biscayne Bay pierced through our Poopy Suits. True Water Survival, none of this balmy 100° stuff. If you ever get to Wichita Falls, be sure to stop by as I’ve always got an extra bed and food on the table. Class 87-07: Jerry BARTH and Dean FAIR —F-16 to MacDill; Brain BURGER —A-10 to Myrtle Beach; John “Horndog” HORNER, Dave MACARTHUR, and John MASSEE —A-10 to RAF Bentwaters; Walt MILLER —A-10 to England AFB; Mike PIPAN —T-37 to Sheppard; Rich SCOBEE and Jan TAVRYTZKY —F-16 to MacDill.
59
“Class 87-08: Chris ACKERSON —A-10 to Bentwaters; Mike BALFANY, Lex BROCKINGTON, T.O. HANFORD, Todd HAMER, Ken HUBBARD, T.J. O’SHAUGHNESSY, Marcus QUINT, Chris ROEDER, Spike THOMAS, and Tavo TRIPPE all got F-16s to Luke. F-15S went to Ed FACISZEWSKl (Kadena), Matt FENTON (Eglin), Stu JOHNSON (Camp New Amsterdam), and Rich METCALF and Dave PRATHER (Bitburg). Randy GEYER —T-38 to Sheppard; John KRAFT —C-141 to Travis; Tom MENKER —T-37 to Sheppard.
“Class 88-01: Brent BRIEDENTHAL —OV-10 to George; F-llls at RAF Upper Heyford to J.L. BRIGGS and Mark CROWDER; Kadena F-15s to Tom DEAN and Jim KELLY; Holloman F-15s to Brian DENHOLM and Jerry HEIKKINEN; John FLANAGAN —F-4 to George; Kim HAWTHORNE —T-37 to Sheppard; Mike MEIER — A-10 to RAF Alconbury, and Tim “lumpoe” MCDONALD —A-10 to Suwon AB, Korea.” Congrats and best of luck to all.
MAILBAG OVERFLOWS! Frank ROSSI writes about arecent graduation and some new assignments. “On 5Jan 88, Mark BEIERLE, Trevor HOY, Lloyd JOHNSON, Terry LEARY, Eric STEWART, and myself took our fi nal exams and fi nished the JIAFS (?) program at NASA Langley, somehow earning aM.S. in the process. It was definitely an in¬ teresting year and ahalf, but Idon’t think any of us will regret leaving the place.
“As far as assignments go, Teary LEARY —Kirtland; Lloyd JOHNSON —LA AFB; Mark BEIERLE and Trevor HOY —WrightPat; Eric STEWART —Holloman; and I’m headed for UPT at Willy. As an added bonus, Eric married his high school sweetheart, Judy, in late December. After 18 months together, the six of us are scattered to the four winds. It was great.”
PHONES RING! Pat GOODMAN called from F.E. Warren with some news about the rotorheads and some Tiger Ten grads. First, Pat has mar¬ ried abeautiful woman named Lori and they now have ababy boy named Patrick Casey. Pat is flying the UH-IN in support of the missile wing but reports that he has been credited with two rescue “saves.” Outstanding! Mark BAGGERLY is at Langley in aUH-IN. Lee DEPALO is at Patrick, as is Dave MORGAN. John SACKS is at Kadena, Brad SIM¬ MONS at Zaragoza, Todd SERRES at Malmstrom, Bruce HELLEN at Grand Forks, Wes JOLLY at Ellsworth, Jim SHAW at Minot, and Larry WALKER at Osan. Paul MOLOTNY is CE at Luke, Dave WEINTRAUB has married his high school sweetheart, Ellen, and is now at Shaw; Rob BROWN is flying helos at Langley; Dean McCLAlN is at F.E. Warren in the contracting office; and Kirtland is the place to find Dean NIFAKOS, Igor BEAUFILS, Bob FERRARRO, and Sharon SMITH.” Pat also reports that Dwan WILSON, now at Willy for UPT, is married and has alittle boy named James Anthony.
SHORT BURSTS. After avacation to Australia and New Zealand, Kem BAUMANN will be PCSing from Kunsan, Korea to Hahn AB, Ger¬ many. Mike BURKLUND is now at McGuire fl ying C-141s. Gerry HEIKINNEN and his wife, Dianne, are expecting ababy in August, and I’m out of news. Thanks to all who contributed to this column, it makes my job much easier and the news much more interesting. Send pictures, postcards, letters, and make those phone calls so your input can be
published in the next issue, if you are ever in the Hurlburt/Eglin area, be sure to call or stop by. Any of you fighter jocks interested in intercepting aC-130? Let’s talk. Fly safe, play hard, and always remember — somewhere in the world, the lounge is always open! ’86, Pride That Sticks.
Glenn Strebe
4555 Templeton Park Circle
Apt. 413
Colorado Springs, CO 80917
Home: (303) 570-7017
AV: 259-4277
Percent members: 35
Once again, hello to ’87. We are not-so-new to the Air Force anymore and have abit of experience under our belt.
1hope everybody had afulfilling Thanksgiving and avery joyous holi¬ day season—a bit different when you don’t have to face an M-1 after the new year.
1don’t have alot of news because most of you have not received Checkpoints before this deadline. With your help, next time I’ll have a more complete listing of where everybody is stationed. By then, tech schools will be completed and hopefully I’ll have class rosters of UPT, UHT, and UNT. Remember, without your help, this column will not have any substance.
Via afew address change cards, here is what some of our classmates are doing: James ALLEN is at Warner-Robins as aCE design officer; Lynda DAVIS, Offutt; Scott FOX, GLCM officer at Wueschheim AS, Ger¬ many; Andy GARROBO, satellite ops at Fairchild; Alex GICZY, grad student at Harvard; Larry GRAHAM, EE at L.A.; West JACKSON, EE test director at L.A.; Kristin JOHNSON, grad student at Uof Maryland; Jim MARRS, grad student at Harvard; Keith MAYS, air traf fi c control at Shaw; Ron PORTE, chemist at Brooks; John SAMMARTINO, deputy missile combat crew commander at Whiteman; and look out for special agent Vic VALDEZ who is making his career with the OSI at Kadena. Chris PALMER got married and is enjoying the civilian life going to med school at the Uof Alabama.
Ijust received word that in the future, it is possible that people will not get lost trying to find where the AOG is located. But this cannot happen without our help. Anew building for the AOG is being planned. It will be west of the O’Club and the two-level design will house offices, acomputer facility, board and conference facilities, library/lounge, and additional space all in the building which is 32,000 square feet. The building will help US with our reunion/homecoming, meetings, social events, ceremonies and displays. The most important fact is that our organization will own the building for use by and support of graduates. But we need your help. The facility is going to take a5.5 million dollar effort to complete by the summer of 1989. We are hoping for one million dollars from grads. 1 realize we cannot give like some generals and colonels, but Ihope you will consider contributing your share to aworthy cause.
Keep up the great work ’87 and Godspeed!
R. Gail McComas
