Checkpoints June 1997

Join Forces With Us At Procter & Gamble

Considering a career change? Then join one of the world's foremost consumer products companies!

At least one of our products is used in 97% of all U.S. households. Our international business is expanding rapidly and global sales were greater than $30 billion last year.

Opportunity. Many Academy graduates are experiencing challenging and rewarding careers at Procter & Gamble. We have opportunities in Manufachiring, Brand Management, Sales, Purchases, Research and Development, Finance, Engineering and Management Information Systems.

Beliefs & Values. Procter & Gamble promotes strictly from within. Your progress is based on demonstrated performance and your ability to take on increased responsibility. We are an organization known for integrity, innovation, people development, long-term growth and a high level of professionalism.

Responsibility. You will receive significant early and meaningful responsibility commensurate with your skills. Thorough on-the-job training is provided by outstanding professionals who consider your development to be one of their major responsibilities.

Pay & Benefits. Salaries and benefits, including profit sharing, rank among the best in the U.S.

We are seeking highly motivated leaders with a record of achievement in academics, extracurricular activities and military assignments.

To take the first step in joining forces with Procter & Gamble, write to:

Mr. Steve Wittman, USAFA '77

The Procter & Gamble Co., TN-4 P.O. Box 599

Cincinnati, OH 45201-0599 or fax a cover letter and resume to (513) 983-4967.

ABOUT OUR COVER

Our cover is a striking photograph of the new Consolidated Education and Training Facility (CETF) which is linked to Fairchild Hall by an overhead passageway. Fairchild Hall, the Cadet Library and the east end of Vandenberg Hall can be seen behind the new building. For more on CETF, see Dean’s Deliberations on page 24.

CHECKPOINTS (ISSN 0274-7391) is published quarterly in February, May, August and November by the Association of Graduates, U.S. Air Force Academy, Doolittle Hall, 3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475. (Phone 719-472-0300, DSN: 333-2067. FAX: 719-333-4194.) It is provided as part of a membership package of which the magazine subscription annually accounts for $10. Single copies of CHECKPOINTS for members $2.50. *Periodicals postage paid at the U.S. Air Force Academy, CO and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send change of address to CHECKPOINTS, Association of Graduates, Doolittle Hall, 3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475.

Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions, policy or attitude of the Association of Graduates, its officers or the editorial staff. The appearance of advertisements in this publication does not constitute an endorsement by the Association of Graduates of the products or services advertised. Copyright, Association of Graduates of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Spring 1997.

3663

Office:

E-mail:

Since

1987

All

Seller

1987

THE AOG BOARDROOM

Brig. Gen. (Ret) James P. Ulm, ’61, Chairman of the Board

Since this will be my last article as AOG board chairman, I will focus on two areas. The first is a review of the accomplishments of the AOG Board of Directors over the past two years. From my perspective, this board has accomplished a significant amount of work which will bear fruit for the AOG for several years. The membership should be extremely pleased that these women and men have dedicated a significant amount of time and personal resources to represent you. They have charted a course which will lead us as a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization into the 21st Century. There are very clear indications that we have become a mature and focused association, meeting the stated objectives of our bylaws, and mission and vision statements.

Jim Ulm, ’61

Second, I will outline some of the challenges that we will face collectively in the next five years. My views will be a top-level perspective in order not to constrain the new chairman when he/she is elected by the board at the July ’97 meeting. The challenges will directly link to the theme that I have repeatedly echoed in my articles—our strength comes from an active and participating membership which leads to a “family” of graduates, parents and friends dedicated to a common purpose. We must have a balanced approach to meet the needs and expectations of our membership (young and old) while supporting our alma mater. I believe this family concept is the baseline from which we need to operate, and I hope at least the majority of members agree with this precept as a point of departure for our future challenges.

The accomplishments achieved by the board did not come easily. There have been disagreements along the way, but the key to the board’s suecesses is the absolute commitment and dedication by everyone to build a framework that will carry us into the next century. Paraphrasing one eloquent director:

...we are no longer a “good Old Boy” network. We have rounded the bend on becoming a business, blessed with trials and traumas of being a full-fledged corporation. The board must operate as a business entity, with responsibilities to members and our corporate status. While continuing to foster the heritage and traditions of our alma mater, our future decisions and actions must flow from the business perspective and not sentimental and/or emotional feelings.

The initial step was to develop the AOG mission and vision statements to keep us focused. Though this work occurred over two years ago, it did establish the foundation for building a strategic plan with documented goals for the next 10 years. The plan is a living document that will require yearly review. We recognize that our first attempt does not completely fulfill our needs, but it does provide some basic guidance to the staff and focus for the board. At least each new board member will not have to reinvent the wheel each year or two. The cycle will be a strategic plan update each November, followed in February by the operations plan prepared by the staff as to how and what can be done over the next year. From this the staff builds the budget which is reviewed, scrutinized and approved at the May board meeting. So why so much detail? It goes back to the maturing of the AOG keyed by a formal, accepted process. There will be continual pushes and pulls, but the evolution will be orderly and logical for the board and staff. Many thanks to Andi Biancur, ’60, for chairing the Strategic Plan Committee.

Also of significance was the realization that the AOG needed professional funds management by a nationally-recognized firm. On the surface, this decision would appear to be a relatively easy process. It was not. Sometime in the past the concept was attempted by the board and the results were not good. We did not wish to repeat history. So, the Investment Committee and the President/CEO screened and interviewed several financial institutions against an extensive list of standards and criteria before a final selection was made. Concurrently, the committee reviewed and updated the investment policies for the many accounts that the AOG manages. With the hiring of NationsBank, the committee totally rebuilt the overall financial management and investment policies that now guide the bank’s investment decisions on behalf of the AOG. Quarterly financial reports on investment performance were established. Semiannual briefings to the board by the investment managers were also instituted. Following our annual audit, a meeting with the auditors, Finance Committee and chairman of the board was formalized. And finally, a conflict of interest policy was established for the officers and directors.

The hiring of NationsBank to run our investment programs and codifying of our financial management and investment plans and procedures represent a significant amount of research, time and effort by several directors. More work remains, but we do have a solid foundation to handie an increase in operating funds, endowments, and donations. We have in place the process that will meet the expansion of services and development staffs and associated activities to meet the demands of the membership and their expectations (if you will recall homecoming last year had an attendance of 1,800 and the numbers will continue to grow). Jerry Smith, ’62, and his Finance Committee, a very talented and dedicated group, devoted many hours and trips to Colorado Springs to accomplish their work. They have done a superb job.

The establishment of the Sabre Society marks a new era in fund-raising by the AOG. Under the chairmanship of Harry Pearce, ’64, the membership has grown from 99 to over 170 in the past year. In comparison, Notre Dame’s Sorin Society took four years to reach 80 members. We have come twice as far in half the time. The three objectives remain:

To establish a group of long-term benefactors with interest in supporting the Academy.

To form a national network of influential community leaders who are informed advocates of the Academy.

To provide a means to recognize these supporters.

The Sabre Society raised $338,044 in 1996. These contributions have been used to fully endow the Cadet Leadership Enrichment Seminars, ensuring that this important leadership program will be supported in perpetuity. We believe the Society is a special opportunity to invest in the future of the Academy and our nation. “I think of the Society as far more than a ‘dollar collection’ agency; indeed, to me it is a group of grads and friends who demonstrate an ability and willingness to shoulder the load in this time of military cutbacks” (anonymous director and Sabre Society member). Please note that 14 of the 25 current directors are Society members.

It was just three years ago that John Kelly, ’65, a director, and Greg Kolligan, a Society patron, sat down with the vice president, Development, and me and outlined a concept that became a reality one year later!

(Continued on page 7.)

The Association of Graduates U.S. Air Force Academy VISION

Air Force Academy graduates bonded by a common heritage and an enduring commitment to integrity, excellence and service to country.

MISSION

To provide leadership and service to the graduate community, supportfor the Academy mission, and preservation of institutional heritage and traditions.

A OG Heritage and Traditions Committee Seeks Input

By Ed Montgonery, Jr., ’59 Chairman, AOG Heritage and Traditions Committee

A Heritage and Traditions Committee has been formed by the AOG to support the Academy in its efforts to research and document customs, programs and practices from the Academy’s history whose continuation has formed or could form traditions beneficial to the heritage of the institution.

A related focus of the Commandant of Cadets in this regard is to identify important events in, and activities of, individual squadrons, the recording and retention of which could serve to provide current members of the wing with a better appreciation of their role as “keepers of the flame.” Any specific event, personality or activity that you still carry with you from your days as a squadron member is already, by definition, “memorable” and may be of interest and value to cadets today.

Do you remember an upperclassman or Academy officer whose example helped you in your career? Or an underclassman whose attitude and effort affected others and made the squadron better? Or a squadron mate who has gone on to distinguish himself/ herself in later life? Or an intramural season, recognition week, finals week, airmanship course, or some other period in your cadet life that stood out from the others? Or a humorous, or serious, or thought-provoking event that bears telling? Or a phase

(The AOG Boardroom: From page 5.)

It is absolutely amazing what happens when energetic and visionary people with an idea get together. Thank you to the many people of the Academy and AOG staff who have worked so very hard to make the Sabre Society happen.

At the February ’97 meeting, the board approved the revised bylaws for the AOG. There are many changes, but this modernization will align us with other nationally-recognized and successful tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations. We are now able, because of bylaws revisions and other actions like the strategic plan, to operate in a businesslike environment. This process extended over 18 months under the capable leadership of Jim Brown, ’59. Considerable research and discussions with similar organizations occurred as the committee worked toward completing this task.

Another major accomplishment was the transfer of responsibility for class ring procurement to the AOG. This is principally a staff function, however, the board was involved in the review to document the heritage and tradition of the class rings. Danielle Hargrove, ’85, led this very suecessful ring heritage review.

As a result of our efforts regarding ring heritage, we have formed a Heritage and Traditions Committee to further support the Academy. Might I suggest you read the article by Ed Montgomery, ’59, which appears above and assist the committee in this area.

By now, the picture of what’s been happening should be more in focus. The Winter issue of Checkpoints outlined much of the staff’s work. If you think Doolittle Hall is “Sleepy Hollow”, you are wrong! We (the staff and board) are only constrained by time and available dollars!

I have touched on only some of the major efforts; the board has constantly sought better ways of doing business. I highlighted some directors as chairmen of a particular committee, but I assure you these accomplishments were the direct results of the teamwork and input of every director. You should be most grateful for their commitment.

As I stated in the beginning of this article, there is still much to be accomplished. There will be many challenges for the next board. None are exclusive to the board, but will by necessity also require participation by the members. My thoughts are meant to create a forum for discussion. I have not prioritized the challenges because most are interrelated and, therefore, must be worked concurrently.

First, is a need for communications in the traditional sense as well as building a base for a national infrastructure. We need to formalize communications with chapters, societies and parents clubs. Included is a need to grow expertise at the local level, so that we have a group of individuals who not only represent the local interests, but are prepared to serve at board level. Consideration should also be given to establishing a national advisory group, to include younger graduates, to support the board. There is also a need to build a process to bring chapter, society and parents clubs presidents together to advise them of board direction and thoughts and to hear their concerns and ideas.

Our liaison work in Washington, D.C. must be institutionalized. The Liaison Committee under the excellent leadership of Tony Burshnick, ’60, has been very effective, but we must maintain a continuing presence

or aspect of being a cadet worth retaining and passing on?

If any of these questions has called to mind a special memory of your cadet life, we would appreciate hearing of it. Single or multipie, short or long doesn’t matter but, if you can, identify the squadron(s) involved. Letters received will help the committee in guiding and focusing its efforts, and will be passed on to the Academy staff to render similar assistance. Please address your letter to the chairman, Heritage and Traditions Committee here at the AOG’s Doolittle Hall address, e-mail address, or fax number.

Another program being considered is identifying in some manner the rooms occupied by some of our more distinguished graduates to give the rooms’ current and future occupants a better sense of the Academy’s history and continuity. Unfortunately, room rosters are not the kind of record kept for very long, so our memories are nearly our only resource. Do you happen to recall where some of your more illustrious squadron mates lived (perhaps in relation to your own room)—cadets who were All Americans, or who later became generals, or MiG killers, or astronauts, or POWs, or who died in their country’s service? (The foregoing list is not intended to be all-inclusive.) Again, a letter or an e-mail to the Heritage and Traditions Committee would be much appreciated.

to insure we are fully aware of the political environment and have a vehicle to express our position on issues affecting the Academy and our membership.

To establish our presence in Washington, D.C. or expand the staff here at Doolittle Hall is only a part of a much bigger issue. Though we are solvent, we continue to operate on a very limited budget—there simply is not the flexibility to accomplish everything we would like. The reality is that it costs money to expand services to the members or institute a new program like planned giving, increased frequency in publishing Checkpoints, etc.

We continue to reduce the Doolittle Hall debt. However, the facility is out of the warranty phase. We will need to build reserves to repair and upgrade very soon. You need to know that the annual dues, life membership earnings, merchandise sales and miscellaneous sources of income are insufficient for the activities you expect. Our building endowment fund is not adequately funded.

We have many naysayers out there who critique each monetary decision or question our efforts in fund-raising. The truth is that the Academy and AOG will both always need money. We have willingly taken on the task of raising money for the Academy because they are restricted by law from doing it themselves, and because we believe deeply in the Academy’s mission. Our efforts have been successful and should continue to be. In fact we are becoming pretty damn good!

We fully recognize that our development efforts must also address the

(Continued on page 9.)

Graduating Class Reception

Members of the Class of 1997 enjoy an evening offood and libation at Doolittle Hall during the Graduating Class Reception in early April. Two receptions were conductedfor the entire class with Groups 1 and 3 invited Tuesday evening and Groups 2 and 4 invited Wednesday evening.

Academy Ford has been a loyal supporter of USAF Academy Athletic Programs for many years. Now, they’re offering FORD’S “Main Street USA” Discount Program to all Air Force Academy Association of Graduate members and their immediate family.

★ Only 2% over Factory Invoice on all NEW vehicles (except Expeditions).

★ Factory cash rebates are passed on to YOU!

★ Ford Motor Club (Free, nationwide roadside assistance using a Toll-Free Number).

★ Ask about the advantages of Ford’s Red Carpet Lease Program.

★ Delivery of your new vehicle is available to any Ford Dealer nationwide.

★ DISCOUNT Pricing on all pre-owned cars and trucks.

★ ACADEMY FORD will pay a $100 royalty to the AOG each time your referral purchases or leases a new or pre-owned vehicle under this program!

This program is only valid in Academy Ford’s Commercial Sales & Leasing Department.

For more information on this AOG benefit call Brian K. Bersch, Major, USAR, direct at (719) 572-2246 or (800) 97FORDS, ext. 246. E-mail: bersch@hotmail.com.

Superintendent to Retire;

(Editor’s note: The following story appeared in the Air Force Times newspaper, April 17, 1997 edition. It is reprinted courtesy ofAir Forces Times, Copyright by Army Times Publishing Company, Springfield, Va.)

By Julie Bird Times Staff Writer

The Air Force Academy is getting a new superintendent.

Lt. Gen. Paul Stein, (USAFA ’66), is retiring Sept. 1 after three years as superintendent of the Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. Maj. Gen. Tad Oelstrom, the commander of the 3rd Air Force at Royal Air Force Base Mildenhall in England, has been nominated by President Clinton to succeed him.

Maj. Gen. Oelstrom, ’65 Oelstrom, 54, a 1965 Air Force Academy graduate, also has been nominated for a third star. His promotion and new assignment must be approved by the Senate.

No date has been scheduled for the change of command, although it is expected in August before the new academic year begins.

“My tour as superintendent has been one of the most rewarding in my 31-year career,” Stein, 52, said in a written statement. “General Oelstrom is an exceptional choice to be the 14th superintendent. He will bring a wealth of command, staff and aviation experience to the Academy.”

When his nomination was announced March 27, Oelstrom was

Academy Ford Offers Discount Program to All A OG Members

Remember the great deals available to you when you bought your car as a firstie? The Association of Graduates is proud to announce that they have culminated an agreement with Academy Ford/Hyundai of Colorado Springs. Their “Main Street USA Discount Program” allows you to purchase or lease a vehicle at a price which rivals those currently being offered to cadets. This benefit is available to all AOG members and their families and, in addition, it benefits your association.

The Main Street USA Program permits you to call Academy Ford/Hyundai toll-free and order the vehicle of your choice (with a couple of restrictions) for pick-up in Colorado Springs or at any Ford dealer nationwide. The vehicle price is a remarkable two percent over dealer invoice and you receive any factory rebates.

Check out this exceptional deal the next time you are in Colorado Springs or call Brian Bersch directly at the dealership, (719) 572-2246 or (800) 97FORDS, to further explore the details on this excellent AOG benefit. Be sure to mention your AOG affiliation as the AOG receives a $100 royalty on each purchase or lease.

Furthermore, you’ll have a friendly consultant (who is an AOG associate member) to work with you on your lease or purchase at a no-hassle price, making this a pleasurable buying experience. See the advertisement on the facing page for more specifics.

Oelstrom, ’65, Nominated

in the Congo overseeing air elements of Guardian Retrieval, the mission to evacuate Americans from Zaire if necessary.

Oelstrom’s involvement in a high-profile international mission is typical of his recent assignments. He commanded the 4404th Wing in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, for six months in 1992; commanded the 86th Wing at Ramstein Air Base in Germany when the unit’s C-130 Hercules were airlifting and airdropping humanitarian supplies into Bosnia in 1992 and 1993; was vice commander of the 9th Air Force and the U.S. Central Command Air Forces—which managed the humanitarian airlift in Somalia—at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina from 1993 to 1995; and now as the 3rd Air Force commander oversaw the recent airlift of peacekeeping troops into Liberia.

He also was appointed last year to review investigative findings for possible disciplinary action in the CT-43 crash in Croatia that killed Commerce Secretary Ronald Brown. Sixteen officers, ineluding a two-star general, subsequently were disciplined by the U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander.

In another high-profile case, Oelstrom dismissed negligent homicide charges last year against one of two mechanics from Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany and gave him an honorable discharge. Oelstrom, who became the convening authority after the case was under way, took the action after the other mechanic killed himself the day his court-martial was to begin.

Oelstrom received an engineering degree from the Academy. He has a master’s degree in business administration from Auburn University in Alabama and also graduated from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C., and the Army War College at Carlisle Barracks in Pennsylvania.

In addition to the 3rd Air Force, Oelstrom has commanded a squadron and three wings including the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing at Royal Air Force Base Bentwaters in England.

He is a command pilot with more than 4,000 flight hours in seven kinds of aircraft, most of them fighters.

(The AOG Boardroom: From page 7.)

needs of the AOG. We must be a strong, good partner to the Academy. The staff must be manned, trained and equipped to meet the objectives defined in our mission, bylaws and the strategic plan. That also includes equitable compensation for the staff in comparison to similar positions by locale for tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations. We are not there, nor even close to where we should be.

Despite our achievements the fact remains that we, the members of the AOG, have a responsibility to ourselves. The biggest challenge is not only for the board, but the membership as well, to accept that the mission, vision, strategic plan and goals are valid and attainable. Success rests with all of us, from the newest graduate in 1997 to the oldest in 1959 and everyone in between. Make a commitment to your alma mater participate, give what you can afford and a little more. Success will follow for your AOG and personal satisfaction for yourself. Procrastination, lack of interest, position rank or personal feelings toward the AOG and your alma mater are not acceptable, but merely rationalizations. That’s “The Challenge” and bottom line, and it is the key to the future.

It has been a distinct honor to serve as the chairman for the past four years. My association with a very dedicated and committed group of directors has been most rewarding—a very special relationship of peers with a common goal. Their patience and support are greatly appreciated. To the new chairman, I extend my best wishes for the future. Believe it or not, the challenges and responsibilities will be enjoyable. To the AOG staff, all the above in this paragraph applies to you, since you saw me more frequently than the directors. You are special people who are approaching sainthood! Thank you all. Keep smiling and God bless!

Send your donation now to The Air Force Academy Fund Association of Graduates Doolittle Hall, 3116 Academy Drive U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. 80840-4475

Fifteen

Graduates Learn

By Capt Tom Sadlo, ’88

During an address to a new group of basic cadets, Lt. Gen. Winfield W. Scott (then the Academy’s superintendent) discussed three pillars the Academy was built on: mental, physical, and spititual. The Academy provided all three of the pillars in a challenging and rewarding way. We were all challenged by our academic loads and physical activities.

The Chapel and groups such as Officers Christian Fellowship and the Navigators provided excellent programs to challenge us spiritually. Even after graduating and receiving our commissions the Air Force continues to provide ways to build on these three pillars. The mental and physical pillars are before us daily as we improve our knowledge of the jobs we perform and work with faster Ops Tempo and lack of manpower. The spiritual pillar can, unfortunately, become blurred and even left completely out of our daily duties.

This past January, 15 Academy grads traveled to Israel on a study tour given by Liberty University. Most of these grads are working on their master’s degrees (master of arts in religion, biblical studies, counseling, or divinity) through correspondence with Liberty University. The study programs build on the first and third pillars, mental and spiritual, which continue to develop these officers and make them more valuable assets to their units, the Air Force, their communities and our nation.

There were approximately 250 students and faculty members on the two-week study tour with USAFA grads being six percent of the whole. The trip to Israel was eye-opening and educational. Prior to the tour, each student was required to write a research paper on the sites to be visited. During the tour, the guides and professors provided insightful information on each site. Each night a review was conducted to reinforce what was learned. The knowledge gained concerning the history of the land and region along with seeing the geography of Israel brought a better

During Tour of Israel

The tour group on the Sea of Galilee, from left in the bottom row: John Hutton, ’92; Pat Phillips, ’91; Woody Haynes, ’92, and pastor Rob Jackson. Center row: Melissa Gomillion, ’93; Chris Gray, ’93; Rebecca Gray, ’94, Tony Steckler, ’89, and Tom Sadlo, ’88. Back left: Dave Fregella, ’90; Dan Waters, ’90; Keith Pond, ’85, and Tony Gomillion, ’93. Back right: Corey Wormack, ’91; Phil Winslow, ’83, and Andy Niemann, ’86. understanding of the area’s current events. The tour also enabled some of the grads to see some friends and provided others with up-to-date information on how the “cadet experience” had changed.

Some of the highlights of the trip included walking in Jerusalem, singing in Manger Square on the Greek Orthodox Christmas Day, ascending to the top of Masada, celebrating communion at the Garden Tomb, being baptized/rededicated in the Jordan River, sailing on the Sea of Galilee (see photo), and

(Continued on page 13.)

Graduates Chosen for Air Force Intern Program

Seventeen Air Force Academy graduates were among 50 captains selected in January to take part in the 1997 Air Force Intern program. A selection board chose the graduates, from the Classes of 1991 and 1992, from a field of 471 line and nonline officers who were nominated for the program. Wing commanders or the equivalent could nominate up to 10 percent of their captains who had less than three years time in grade to meet the board.

The board selected 45 primary and 11 alternate line officers to become Air Force interns, along with one primary and one alternate from each of the Nurse, Biomedical Service, Medical Service, Judge Advocate and Chaplain Corps.

“This program is designed to build a cadre of young officers who have the opportunity to work in the Washington environment on the Air Staff, the Joint Staff, and Office of the Secretary of Defense, and then allows them to go back and serve in the force,” said Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman, ’63, Air Force chief of staff.

The general initiated the intern program shortly after he took office in 1994 to broaden the perspective of selected company grade officers by bringing them to the Pentagon. The program is also designed to give interns the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in administrative science from George Washington University.

On Aug. 1, the new interns will begin a month-long orientation to give them a better understanding of how the Air Force interacts with other military organizations and federal agencies to provide for the defense of the nation. Orientation activities will include tours of the Central Intelligence Agency, the Naval facilities at Norfolk Naval Base, Va., and Marine Corps operations at Quantico, Va., plus sessions with members of the National Security Council and Department of State. Also, representatives from the

Lt. Col. (Ret) Manuel Bettencourt, ’68, shows off the late 19th Century Austrian wood and silk needlework tapestry which was presented to the Academy by Mr. Bob Mack recently. From left are Chaplain David Cote, Mrs. Mack, Mr. Bob Mack, Bettencourt, and Chaplain Bob Gilman. The beautiful gift is on display in the Cadet Chapel.

(Israel Tour: From page 11.)

visiting Caesarea (where the Roman centurion, Cornelius, became the first gentile convert to Christianity).

During one of the nightly review sessions Liberty University’s campus pastor, Rob Jackson, himself a former USAFA cadet, asked all of the USAFA grads to stand and be recognized. He also asked if any of the other service academies were represented— they weren’t.

Even though this study tour provided master’s degree credits, it more importantly provided an opportunity to build on the Academy’s spiritual pillar and as a result, made those who attended more valuable assets to God and Country.

Drug Enforcement Agency, Defense Intelligence Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency and other federal organizations will brief the interns on the operations of their agencies.

After the month-long orientation, all interns take graduatelevel classes in leadership and management at George Washington University throughout the fall. In January 1998, the interns begin working two six-month rotations in positions on the Air Staff, the Air Force Secretariat, the Joint Staff, or Office of the Secretary of Defense. To expand the functional knowledge and experience of these officers, one six-month rotation is in an area related to the intern’s primary career field. The other rotation is served in an unrelated area.

Interns who desire to complete their master’s degree continue to take graduate classes at George Washington University during these two rotations. Afterward, they’ll focus solely on their graduate-level work during the January to June 1999 timeframe, completing the degree. Interns may choose to pursue a certificate in management studies rather than a master’s degree. Those deciding not to pursue a master’s degree have the option of completing the intern program at the end of their second staff rotation in December 1998, or pursuing a third six-month rotation in the first half of 1999.

Upon completion of the intern program, the participants return to the field to capitalize on the experience they have gained. Interns are not retained on the Air Staff or Secretariat. In most cases, they return to wing, numbered Air Force or major command-level positions. Currently, two groups of captains are enrolled in the intern program.

Graduates selected from the Class of 1991 include Craig Allton, Steven Bleymaier, James Hodges, Michael Hower, Stephen Macleod, James T. Robinson, Juliana Walker, Nancy Weiss and William E. Young Jr. Selected from the Class of 1992 were Troy Brashear, Jeffrey Handy, Amanda Kato, David Kumashiro, John Menozzi, George Reynolds, Tommy Roberts and Fred D. Taylor.

Been there.

Done that.

Tapestry Presented to Academy

BUILDING FUND DONORS

The AOG Board ofDirectors acknowledges with sincere appreciation the following contributors who pledged or made cash contributions to the AOG Building Fund and entered the following donor levels during the period from February 1, 1997 through April 8, 1997. We encourage others to join these dedicated graduates and friends in this most important project. Contributions and pledges received after April 8 will be listed in a future publication of Checkpoints.

CONTRAILS DONORS ($10,000 - $24,999)

Class of 1986

TALON DONORS ($1,000 - $4,999)

Mr Richard E Barr Jr ‘72

Mr & Mrs Joe A Boyer

Col & Mrs Anthony N Cancellara

Mr & Mrs Leo DeRock

Mr & Mrs Kent Eknes

Mr & Mrs Randall L Green

Mr & Mrs James Gurnick

Mr & Mrs Kenneth J Jensen

Lt Col (Ret) Thomas C Jensen ‘68

Mr & Mrs Robert V Lafortune

Mr & Mrs John F Mitchell

Owens Corning Foundation Inc.

Mr & Mrs Allan H Paschke

Ms Debra Price

Mr & Mrs James A Rachael

Mr & Mrs Carl M Stone Jr

Col & Mrs Ronald E Townsend

Mr & Mrs Maurice Wilt

DON'T FORGET TO ASK YOUR EMPLOYER ABOUT YOUR FIRM’S MATCHING GIFT PROGRAM A COMPANY MATCHING GIFT CAN INCREASE YOUR DONATION TWO OR THREE TIMES.

Everyone Can Win with Charitable Giving

By Bradford A. Gann, ’83

If you’re like most Americans, you give time or money to support at least one charity. And, by doing so, you probably derive a great deal of emotional satisfaction. But did you know that there are ways of making charitable gifts that can provide tangible benefits to both you and your charity? Let’s look at how you can accomplish this:

Giving appreciated stocks. When you make a gift of appreciated property which qualifies for long-term capital gains, such as stocks, to a charity you get two main advantages: you can write off the current value of the gift, and you don’t have to pay tax on the appreciation that built up while you owned it.

Suppose, for example, that you purchased stock for $1,000 several years ago. Now this stock has appreciated to $5,000. If you decide to sell it and give the proceeds to charity, you’ll owe tax on your $4,000 profit, which in the 28 percent bracket, will cost you, $1,120. So, after paying taxes, you’ll have just $3,880 left to give to the charity. You’ll also get a $3,880 deduction—saving you $1,086 in taxes.

On the other hand, if you just give the $5,000 worth of stock directly to the charity, you’ll have no taxable profit to report, and in most cases you can deduct the full $5,000 from your taxes, resulting in a savings of $1,400, again assuming you are in the 28 percent bracket. Furthermore, the charity can sell the stock immediately and not have to pay any income taxes because it is taxexempt.

Consider a CRAT. We have seen how giving away appreciated assets can provide tax benefits to you and needed dollars to your favorite charities. But, you'ean still get more advantages from your charitable contributions by setting up an arrangement known as a Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust (CRAT). A CRAT allows you to defer reporting the capital gains when the trust sells the apreciated assets, while also providing you with a current income tax deduction, a lifetime income stream and estate-tax benefits.

To set up an effective CRAT, you need two basic ingredients: preferably, a long-term capital gain that has appreciated significantly; and a charity, or charities, to which you want to make a significant contribution. Suppose, for example, that you bought stocks many years ago for $50,000. Now, however, these stocks are worth $300,000. You would like to leave a good chunk of this money to your alma mater, but you would still like to enjoy lifetime income from the asset.

You decide to transfer your appreciated stock to a CRAT, which will then sell it. Because the CRAT actually made the sale, you won’t have to pay any of the capital gains tax, which would have been considerable. Now, the CRAT can invest the full $300,000. From this money, you (and your spouse, if you choose) will receive a lifetime income stream that must be at least five percent of the CRAT’s initial value. So, in this case, you will receive a minimum of $15,000 a year during both of your lifetimes.

(Continued on next page.)

Sabre Society Supports Numerous Academy Projects

This past January marked the second year since the initial membership drive for the Sabre Society. The society was created to bring together and recognize some of the Academy’s most dedicated and loyal supporters. To date, there are 176 members. Among these are 13 life members ($50,000 total contribution), two benefactors ($5,000 annual donation) and three patrons ($2,500 annual donation). The Class of ’64 leads graduate

(Charitable Giving: From previous page.)

In addition to this income stream, you will receive a current income tax deduction for the value of your gift to your alma mater. When you and your spouse die, the money left in the CRAT will go your alma mater—free of taxes.

You might be concerned that, by leaving the CRAT funds to a charity, you won’t have anything left to pass on to your children. You can get around this by purchasing a life insurance policy with some of the income you receive from the CRAT. If you establish an irrevocable trust for the children, the trust can be owner and beneficiary of the policy and this insurance can be kept out of your taxable estate. That’s a big advantage for your children, because estate taxes can take a huge bite out of the money you want to leave them.

Do your homework and get help. A CRAT can benefit you in many ways. And, as you explore your charitable giving options, you might also want to look at other trusts, such as the Charitable Lead Annuity Trust (CLAT), the Charitable Lead Unitrust (CLUT) and the Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT).

Of course, you need to be aware that all these trusts are complex legal arrangements. Before you undertake any of them, you should consult with your legal and tax advisors. But once you’ve selected the vehicle that’s right for you, you’ll be doing a very good deed—for your charity and yourself.

Your Association of Graduates is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization. As a result, contributions such as those discussed in this article are fully tax deductible. If you have any questions or are interested in more information about estate planning, please contact Jim Shaw, AOG vice president of Development at (719) 472-0300.

(Brad Gann is an ’83 grad and a personalfinancial advisor. He has volunteered to help the AOG in supporting our Planned Giving efforts.)

membership with 19 members, followed by ’59 with 15 and ’68 with 12. Forty-nine parents and five friends are also members.

This year the Sabre Society was able to fund several projects.

Sabre Society members and spouses/guests check out one of the Academy's trained performingfalcons.

Donations in the amount of $51,050 were given to priority one of the Academic Year 97-98 Academy Gift Needs List:

Cadet Leadership Programs: Flight Commander’s Leadership Enrichment Seminar (FLES) $2,000 Commandant’s Leadership Series $3,150

Gen. Winfield Scott, Jr. Challenge $ 500 Character Development Enrichment Programs: Academy Character Enrichment Seminar (ACES) $15,000 National Character and Leadership Symposium (NCLS) $15,000

The Falcon Heritage Forum $ 5,000 Distinguished Character Development Chair—Partial $ 4,500

Center of Academic Integrity Conference $ 5,000 End-of-Year Recognition Luncheon $ 900

The society also donated $20,600 to fund all items from priority two—Cadet International Programs, and $41,431 to fund all items from priority three—Student Services Center. It was a great year!

Sabre Society members should have received Recognition Weekend packages. If you haven’t, give us a call and we will get one out to you. For those of you who are considering becoming members, the weekend is Sept. 11-13, 1997. Activities will include the football game against the University of Las Vegas, a dinner at Doolittle Hall, a reception at the superintendent’s house, and selected briefings and tours. Also, there will be a golf tournament on Thursday followed by an informal reception at the Marriott. The Marriott will be offering special room rates and Camelot Travel will offer airline discounts.

Membership in the Sabre Society is offered to individual friends and supporters of the Academy who are willing to make an annual unrestricted investment of $1,000 or more to support programs which will keep the Academy at the leading edge of excellence. If you have any questions or are interested in joining the growing number of Sabre Society members, contact the AOG at (719) 472-0300.

Make your tax-deductible donation now to

The Air Force Academy Fund.

Your Support Helps Develop Leaders With Vision For Tomorrow.

Sabre Society members and spouses/guests view cadets solving problems in the Leadership Reaction Course during the July 1996 Sabre Society weekend.

Margaret In Memory of In Honor of & Thomas Captain John Quincy

Bancroft W A Smith ‘67 Adams ‘99

Link yourself forever with the traditions and future of the Air Force Academy by inscribing your name on a Pegasus Plaza granite paver. Pavers inscribed with the names ofgraduates, parents, children, and friends ofthe Academy will pave the Pegasus Plaza located in front of Doolittle Hall, the alumni house, at the Academy. For your unrestricted taxdeductible donation of $250, a paver with your name or another name you designate will be placed in this prime location for all to see. Funds received will be used to support the Association of Graduates, cadet activities, graduate programs and Academy needs. The $250 donation can be made in a lump sum or over one year (monthly, quarterly, etc. in equal payments).

Pegasus Plaza pavers make excellent gifts for events such as birthdays, graduation, retirement and Christmas. You can also honor or provide a memorial for a friend or relative through this program. A certificate of notification will be sent, upon request, for such gifts.

Please send a certificate of notification to:

I would like to support the Pegasus Paver Project. NAME:

I AM (Circle one):

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Major (Ret) Thomas Austin (Tad) Durham died on March 4, 1997 in Bellingham, Wash, from complications of heart problems. A standing-room—only memorial service was held on March 8th in the First Baptist Church of Bellingham...testimony to the universal love, respect, and appreciation for Tom and his numerous contributions to the community in which he grew up, and later returned to ably serve after retirement from the Air Force.

Tom grew up in a civically-active Bellingham family and graduated from Bellingham High School. After graduation, and prior to entering the Air Force Academy, Tom attended the University of Washington and Western Washington University, majoring in aeronautical engineering, a course of study he continued to pursue after entering the Academy. After graduation he was assigned to the Aeronautical Systems Division at WrightPatterson AFB where he continued his career work. Tom was selected in a highly-competitive program to attend Stanford University, from which he was awarded a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering. During the remainder of his Air Force career, he worked in key research and development programs at Wright-Patterson AFB, Holloman, AFB, and Kirtland AFB. At the time of his death he had been offered a position with Boeing in an advanced aerospace program.

A man of many interests, Tom was nationally recognized for his championship collies, and for a time was the editor of the Collie Newsletter. This interest led to an interim retirement entrepreneurial endeavor as the owner of a successful pet-grooming business. An avid gardener, Tom’s home in Albuquerque was a showplace of desert flora. Tom and his wife, Karen, had almost completed the restoration of a lovely Victorian home in Bellingham at the time of his death. Their home has always been a warm, friendly, and caring place where all are welcome, and a source of inspiration and opportunity to many. He had a lifelong interest in baseball and was a loyal Mariners and Bellingham supporter. Tom enjoyed nothing more than attending a Bellingham game and savoring a fine Cuban cigar (before the era of political correctness).

Totally committed to his home town, Tom was active in Democratic politics, environmental and airport issues, and good government. He felt it was an obligation to serve and that every citizen should do his best to ensure the well-being of the community. Tom had just completed a term as secretary of the Whatcom County Democratic party, and was current secretary of the 42nd District Democrats. He also served as chairman of the Port of Bellingham airport advisory committee.

Most people in Bellingham knew Tom for his involvement in bringing to fruition the Sean Humphrey Home, a home for peo-

Sterling P. Bettinger, Jr., ’67

pie with AIDS. Sean, the son of Tom’s wife, Karen, died from AIDS in 1992. Tom and Karen used Sean’s insurance money as seed money for the project and were enormously successful in obtaining contributions and endowment grants from private enterprise to complete the project. The Sean Humphrey House is recognized as a model of what a community can do to address one of society’s most demanding requirements.

Tom was laid to rest in the columbarium at Bayview Cemetery, Bellingham. In attendance were many of his 15th Squadron classmates who had traveled from afar to be of support. Full military honors were rendered by the McChord AFB Honor Guard. In addition to his wife, Karen, Tom is survived by a sister Kris (Mrs. Peter Zuanich) and family of Bellingham, and “adopted children” Louis Boscolo, a Seattle health-care executive; and Janet Bland, an instructor and doctoral candidate at the University of Denver.

Memorial contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to either the Sean Humphrey House, 1630 H Street, Bellingham, Wash. 98225, or the Association of Graduates Building Fund, c/o AOG, Doolittle Hall, 3116 Academy Drive, USAF Academy, Colo. 80840-4475. (David A. Nuss, ’63)

Sterling P. Bettinger, Jr., 67

Sterling Peter Bettinger, Jr., ’67, died on Nov. 26, 1996 in Austin, Texas following a lengthy struggle with multiple sclerosis. Pete was born in Nashville, Tenn. in 1945 to Brig. Gen. (Ret) and Mrs. Sterling Bettinger.

As the son of an Air Force pilot, Pete traveled the world, living in Germany, Greece, Japan and the United States. After his graduation from the Academy, Pete was stationed in Okinawa, Vietnam (two tours), Thailand, England, Germany, Korea and Italy, as well as Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas and Washington, D.C. In each of his foreign assignments, Pete learned the language, made friends with the local people, and enjoyed the surrounding areas. He traveled to Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, Greece, Egypt, and all the countries and principalities of western Europe.

While stationed in Austin, Texas in 1977, Pete met Francelle Fulwiler. They were married in Seoul, Korea Jan. 4, 1980 and moved to Italy with their children, Michelle and Scott Fulwiler, in June of 1980. During his 17-years of active duty, Pete earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, seven Air Medals and three Meritorious Service Medals, among other decorations.

In 1982, Pete began experiencing medical problems and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. As his condition deteriorated, Pete said that his one regret in life was that he had never had a child. Nine months later, his daughter Lauren was born, bringing

Thomas Austin Durham, ’63

joy to the whole family.

Pete was medically retired from the Air Force June 12, 1984 at the Pentagon and the family returned to their home in Austin. His illness became rapidly progressive and Pete lost the ability to move or speak clearly. But Pete never lost his love of life or his sense of humor.

Although he spent his last few years in a nursing home, he always had family and friends with him. When others wondered how a jet jock could stand to be so confined and limited by his body, Pete said he hoped he lived to be at least a hundred. He made a life that was acceptable to him just as he was. He is missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his wife, children and parents, he is survived by a brother, David, and two sisters, Carol Porter and Leigh LaVergne. Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 12 N. Meade Ave., Colorado Springs, Colo. 80909.

Gerald W. Brown, Jr., ’68

Lieutenant Colonel (USAF, Ret) Gerald W. Brown, Jr., Class of 1968, died Feb. 18, 1997 in Lyons Falls, N.Y. of a heart attack. Graveside services were conducted at the Air Force Academy.

Colonel Brown was the first appointee to the Air Force Academy from Lewis County, N.Y. He proudly flew the C-130 for 14 years, the first 18 months being in combat over Southeast Asia. When he returned to the United States, he was stationed at several bases in Texas.

He earned a master’s degree in industrial engineering from Texas Tech University in 1976. His last military command was at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, as director of manufacturing and Quality Assurance. He retired in 1988 after serving 20 years in the Air Force.

A life member of the Association of Graduates of the Air Force Academy, Colonel Brown was also a member of The Retired Officer’s Association and a senior member of the American Institute of Industrial Engineers. He was also a member of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Fort Worth.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald W. Brown, Sr. in 1985 and his brother, Lawrence J. Brown in 1996.

Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Cheryl Lyons Brown; son Douglas; daughters Katherine Coburn and Amanda Brown, all of Fort Worth; mother, Ruth Brown, of Lyons Falls, N.Y.; grandchildren David, William and Haley Coburn; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

John Jeffrey Witt, ’71

John Jeffrey Witt, Class of 1971, died at his home in Englewood, Colo., on Nov. 18, 1996.

In an essay written for the Saturday Review John Steinback once wrote, “There comes a time when each of us must ask: Have

I loved enough?” While many of us might live to a ripe old age before being able to answer this in the affirmative, Jeff (or “JJ” as most of us knew him) could most assuredly have answered this question with a resounding “yes.” Jeff Witt did love enough. His life was a celebration of living and loving, of responding to and caring for all those who drew near and sought his friendship. In fact, all of us who knew Jeff at the Academy discovered that no one had to seek his friendship, he would offer it enthusiastically and unconditionally.

Jeff’s exuberance was no more evident than in his commitment to athletic excellence. Whether it be organized sport or touch football in the back yard with family and friends, Jeff had fun. He had an intense love for the mountains and sports and he became an accomplished skier during his first full assignment after graduation as a weapons officer in Belgium. Following a short unaccompanied tour in Korea (where he became an avid distance runner), Jeff left the Air Force and moved to the Denver area, working in medical and food service sales and sales management. Living in Colorado suited Jeff just fine as he thoroughly enjoyed spending his leisure time with marathon running, mountain biking, and skiing.

Jeff touched many people. One quite representative example occurred at the completion of the Pope’s visit to Denver several years ago. Throngs of people were leaving the park when two gentlemen who were lost asked Jeff for directions to their car. Rather than merely give directions, Jeff not only offered to drive them to their vehicle, but he invited them into his home for some refreshments. The two men, who turned out to be Catholic priests from Los Angeles, were so struck by Jeff’s kindness that they sent a most gracious thank you note and a gift from their high school in California. But, Jeff always offered his unconditional assistance to anyone who needed it!

During Jeff’s funeral I spoke with others who shared similar experiences. One family friend who was in desperate need of financial help a few years ago found that Jeff was there for support with an offer of a substantial interest-free loan, saying “pay it back when you can.” And another neighbor several houses away from the Witts recounted the time a neighbor whom she did not know came over to her house one morning to assist in shoveling the snow from her drive—she later discovered it was Jeff. His love for people knew no bounds.

But no event in Jeff’s life generated more enthusiasm than the activities of his family. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and his children: JJ (a senior at the University of Virginia), Ben (a senior at Cherry Creek High School), and Kristin (a freshman at Cherry Creek High School). His love for Mary and his children was always evident. Each time Mary or the children strive and sueceed, as surely they will, they will know that Jeff is present and Jeff has helped them. I see Jeff’s extraordinary qualities implanted deeply in his wonderful children. I see his mother, Barb, and his brothers, Buzz and Corky, and families, all blessed by and thankful for the many years they spent close to Jeff.

Gerald W. Brown, Jr., ’68

John Jeffrey Witt, ’71

While most of his friends in Denver knew him as Jeff, I must say that I’m more comfortable referring to him as Jack. After all, I have been calling him Jack since 1970 when he first received that nickname when we were roommates in the 18th Squadron. But among his classmates, Jack was often known by the initials that appeared on his name tag: “J.J.” His eldest son and my son are both nicknamed “JJ”—it should come as no surprise that the name JJ was given to my son with pride, because of the profoundly good qualities that JJ senior represented.

All of us who knew Jeff, and were the beneficiaries of his affection, can answer John Steinback’s question for him: Yes, Jeff, you did love enough. In talking with the many people who filled the church well beyond capacity at Jeff’s funeral, I came to realize that Jeff’s great qualities touched us all—his love had no bounds. We will all miss the love and support of John Jeffrey Witt. (John Brock, ’71)

Brian E. Termont, ’84

Captain Brian E. Termont was born March 8, 1962 in South Bend, Ind. to Donald and Mary Lou (Pulley) Termont. Brian was raised in South Bend until 1977 when his family moved to Lawrenceburg, Ken. where he graduated from Anderson County High School in 1980. He fulfilled his childhood dream by earning an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Brian graduated in 1984 with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. After commissioning, he was assigned as a civil engineer to Headquarters, North American Aerospace Defense Command at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Base, Colo. He oversaw the upgrade of that facility’s power supply.

Following active military service, he served his country as a defense support contractor with CTA Incorporated in Colorado Springs. With CTA, he personally designed and produced the initial engineering drawings for the high fidelity Cheyenne Mountain Training System within the Joint National Test Facility at Falcon Air Force Base, Colo. As a civil engineer with the Colorado Air National Guard, Brian served in Korea, Japan, and Italy-

He was married May 9, 1996 in Las Vegas, Nev. to Anne Marie Pensoneault. Brian was a man of deep Christian faith. He sacrificed his summer vacation time to travel to Mexico to use his God-given engineering skills in helping a local church. In August of 1996 Brian was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. In the face of illness, he was always positive, praising God, still wanting to please and help his friends.

He leaves behind his wife, his parents, his brother and his grandparents who will miss him dearly.

Steven John Walters, ’84

Steven John Walters, Class of 1984, of Soldotna, Alaska, was killed in an aircraft accident in Sparrevohn, Alaska on Jan. 29, 1997. He worked as a pilot and mechanic for Southcentral Air. He is survived by his wife, Ida; his father, John; a sister, Amy;

and a brother, Andrew.

Steve was born Feb. 20, 1962 in Pottsdown, Pa. He graduated from high school in Des Moines, Iowa and immediately joined the Class of 1984. He had made the decision to become a pilot after much contemplation in the fifth grade and thought the Academy was the way to go!

I met Steve in my second degree year in Cadet Squadron 33 (Cellar Ratz) and roomed next door until graduation. I was immediately impressed with Steve’s energy and contagious smile. His love and enthusiasm for life flowed out to everyone around him. During those two years at the Academy, Steve and I became great friends and enjoyed several camping trips (even one across the Continental Divide in February—brrrr). He was a dynamic leader, serving as cadet squadron commander and leading our squadron to two intramural swimming championships. We also had occasional room wars and often met wandering the halls dur-

Automobile Crash Claims

Life of Foreign Cadet

Cadet 2nd Class Abid Raza Bukhari died on March 1, 1997 from injuries sustained in an auto accident. He was a member of Cadet Squadron 11.

C2C Bukhari

Bukhari, from Pakistan, was driving his car when it crossed the median into oncoming traffic on Interstate 76 north of Denver. His car was hit broadside by a van.

“Cadet Abid Raza Bukhari was an outstanding young man” said Capt. Richard Klodnicki, CS-11 air officer commanding. “He coupled an insatiable intellectual curiosity with an overabundance of compassion. Abid represented his country as an ambassador of hope for a greater future.”

Bukhari maintained a 3.69 grade point average and made the dean’s list every semester. He also made the athletic list in the fall of 1995. He played on the intramural flicker ball, tennis and ultimate frisbee teams. (Information compiled by Laurie A. Wohlfiel, Falcon Flyer editor.)

Brian E. Termont, ’84

Steven John Walters, ’84

Jason J. Baker, ’95

ing many late-night study sessions. He even arranged a good “tar and feathering” when I got engaged our senior year—thanks Steve!

After graduation from the Academy, Steve attended pilot training at Columbus AFB which again gave us opportunities to experience the great outdoors on some camping trips and whitewater rafting. Assigned to B-52s following pilot training, Steve moved on to Guam followed by K.I. Sawyer. He received a commendation for outstanding service during Desert Storm for his work as a B-52 scheduler.

Steve left the Air Force in 1991 to pursue his hearts leading to join Missionary Aviation Fellowship. His dream was to go to Nepal and serve as a missionary pilot/mechanic. He received his A&P license in Denver, Colo. It was here Steve met and married his wife, Ida, who shared his vision and dedication to the Lord. Steve and Ida moved to Alaska to gain mechanic and aviation experience similar to that of the mission field. Here Steve, always the adventuresome outdoorsman, enjoyed salmon fishing, berry picking, and his love of photography to the fullest.

There are a lot of things I will miss about Steve, not the least of which was his incredible zeal for God and the life he was given. We consulted often on important life issues, were involved in each other’s weddings, and knew one another’s families. Steve encouraged me through many stressful situations. He was truly a friend who stuck closer than a brother.

Scripture that became dear to Steve in his Academy years and remained so was Psalm 84 (our graduation year) which begins: How lovely is thy dwelling place, O Lord ofHosts! I guess, no, I know, that Steve now knows how lovely that place really is and someday when I get there he’ll show me around.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Missionary Aviation Fellowship, P.O. Box 3202, Redlands, Calif. (Brian Stopher, ’84)

Jason J. Baker, ’95

Headline News ran a 10-second clip of the crash site footage at thirty-eight past the hour all day long. Upside-down in a field of kudzu, the Huey seemed to beg the question, “Why?” with its upwardly-stretched landing skids. The newscaster, donning an appropriately somber visage, offered a scant sound byte of detail before informing those of us in TV-Land to stay tuned for Headline Sports.

Jason’s friends and family prayed that our phones would not ring, but the calls came anyway. Jason Jarod Baker, Class of 1995, was aboard the UH-1E that crashed on Jan. 31, 1997, during a night sortie out of Fort Rucker, Ala. We all tried to tell ourselves that he was neither the first nor the last friend we would lose to this hazardous occupation, but the knee-jerk bravado soon dissipated, leaving us alone with the vacuous dirges of the third verse and “High Flight” reverberating in our souls.

Jason was born Aug. 30, 1972, in Iowa City, Iowa to Kathleen Meri (Benter) Murray and the late Lt. Col. Gerald Edward Baker. As a military dependent, he lived in many states. When he was

C1C Daniel Jenkins Dies of Rock Climbing Injuries

Cadet 1st Class Daniel Haig Jenkins was born in Chandler, Ariz. on Oct. 14, 1971 to Doug and Lois Jenkins. Dan graduated from Chatfield High School in Littleton, Colo, in 1990. He attended Colorado University at Boulder for one year and then enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Beale AFB, Calif, as a crew chief for the U-2. His ambition was to attend the Air Force Academy, and he was awarded an appointment from the enlisted ranks in 1992.

C1C Jenkins

He went to the Air Force Academy Prep School and graduated in 1993. Dan entered into the Air Force Academy Class of 1997 and was due to graduate this May with an assignment to Undergraduate Pilot Training. Dan was fatally injured in a rock climbing accident on Good Friday, and his soul went to be with the Lord on Easter Sunday, March 30, 1997.

Dan’s legacy lives on through the hundreds of lives he has touched. He was deeply involved with the Seekers Christian group at the Academy and at First Presbyterian Church downtown. Dan had a heart for people and ministered through Bible Studies he led, close friendships, and impromptu prayer sessions.

He had a zest for life on Earth but an even greater passion for things eternal. We rest in the knowledge that Dan has “pressed on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called him heavenward in Christ Jesus.” And his challenge that remains for us is this: Love people and serve the Lord.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Dan Jenkins Memorial Fund, Colorado National Bank Southwest, 8441 W. Bowles Avenue, Littleton, Colo. 80123. Portions of these funds will be used to send young men and women on a short-term mission to Ghana, Africa, a trip Dan was planning to make this summer upon graduation. (Capt. Douglas H. Jenkins III, Daniel’s older brother)

barely five years old, Jason stood on the tarmac at Wheeler AFB, Hawaii and annouced that he was going to be a pilot when he grew up. Fourteen years later, after a year at Wentworth Military Academy on a Falcon Foundation scholarship, Jason stood at the base of the ramp with the Class of 1995 among a pallid crowd of strangers.

He was a freshman in 31, and spent his final three years in 29, where he quickly established himself as a leader among leaders. Jason was appointed squadron commander over a field of cadets with better numbers. He took pride in his job, and it was contagious. The freshmen walked the halls wearing the shiniest shoes on the hill and even the firsties began to send their uniforms to the cleaners once in a while. When Jason came back to the squadron after a long weekend sporting a tattoo of a black panther, one of his more cynical friends informed him that tattoos are permanent. Baker retorted, “That’s the point.” Jason rose above the buzz words and the quotes from Contrails and actually led by example.

(Continued on next page.)

Joe Kruzel, ’67, Remembered as DoD’s Peacemaker

By Linda Kozaryn American Forces Information Services

A gray-haired man in sharply-creased gray flannel pants, rigidly crisp white shirt, deep red V-neck sweater and full Windsorknotted tie sat quietly among the senior staff around the plane’s conference table on the way to Europe.

When it was his turn to speak, Joe Kruzel said in a deeply melodious, professorial voice: “Mr. Secretary, I think you should tell those lily-livered, chicken-hearted...”

With a gleam in his eye, then-Defense Secretary William J. Perry replied, “Well now, Joe, perhaps you should be the one to tell them...”

In January, 1996, a Pentagon corridor was dedicated in honor of the late Joseph J. Kruzel, 50, deputy assistant secretary of defense for European and NATO policy. Senior defense officials, family members, coworkers and friends paid homage to the man who lost his life on a muddy mountain road in Bosnia in August 1995.

Kruzel’s forthrightness and distinctly dry humor are legendary in the Pentagon and at defense ministries throughout Europe, according to DoD officials. With his knack of addressing tough issues directly, the diplomat would quietly tell Central and Eastern European foreign ministers seeking NATO membership: “You know, you’re not doing very well on civilian control of your military. You’ve got to have a democracy or you’re not like us.”

During prolonged meetings, he’d pass cryptic notes to his colleagues, humorously lambasting the often tedious, timeconsuming, bureaucratic proceedings. Those on the receiving end squirmed trying to maintain a straight face.

(Jason Baker: From previous page.)

After graduation, Jason completed T-37 training at Laughlin AFB, Texas before moving to Fort Rucker to fly Hueys. The accident occurred two weeks before his graduation from pilot training. Jason was awarded his wings and promoted to first lieutenant posthumously. He was buried with full military honors in Decorah, Iowa.

Bakes loved to make people laugh—even if it was at his own expense. He used to tell a great story about his first attempt at entrepreneurialism as a young boy in Texas. He wanted to set up a lemonade stand, but he had no lemons. What he did have, however, was a yard full of rocks. So he set up a rock stand. It was a balmy day—even for Texas—so Bakes naturally set his stand in the shade. Unfortunately, the shady side of his house was in his backyard. He sat out there for hours, crying, “Rocks for sale,” until he was hoarse. Needless to say, he didn’t make a dime. But the best part of it was that he woke up the next morning and stormed right back outside to man his rock stand again. If life hands you lemons, make lemonade; if life doesn’t even hand you lemons, you can always try to sell rocks.

Jason had a favorites saying: “Hokaheh!” It is an old Indian war cry that means, “Today is a good day to die.” Those of us he left behind remember him by these words and take solace in the fact that he meant them. Jason lived each day as if it were his last. May we all do the same. Hokaheh, Bakes. (Lt. Travis Lippert, ’95)

At press time we had learned of the deaths of the following graduates:

Lt. Col. (Ret) Robert H. Fay, Jr., Class of 1959, who died on March 14, 1997 of kidney failure in Las Vegas, Nev.

Dale E. Baxter, Class of 1967, who died on Sept. 3, 1993 in Everett, Wash.

Lt. Col. (ANG) Joost Van Bastelaar, Class of 1972, who was killed on March 28, 1997 in the crash of his A-10 aircraft at Willow Grove Naval Air Station, Pa.

Our condolences to the family and friends of these graduates.

Born in Goldsboro, N.C., on May 6, 1945, Kruzel was the son of a military officer, and Air Force blue is the family’s dominant color. Kruzel’s father, Joseph J., is a retired Air Force major general. His brother-in-law, Larry Farrell, is an active duty Air Force lieutenant general.

Kruzel graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1967. While on active duty for five years, he served as an intelligence officer in

Former Secretary of Defense William J. Perry, at left, comments on a photograph in the Kruzel Corridor following the dedication ceremony held on Jan. 24, 1996. Looking on from left: Secretary of State Warren Christopher, National Security Advisor Anthony Lake, Dr. Kruzel’s son John, Mrs. Gail Kruzel, wife of Dr. Joseph J. Kruzel, and daughter Sarah. Dr. Kruzel served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for European and NA TO Affairs, and was killed in a vehicle accident in Bosnia during peacekeeping negotiations there. (Official Department of Defense photograph by: Helene C. Stikkel, The Pentagon, Washington, D.C.)

OBITUARY POLICY OUTLINED

We have had a number of inquiries on our policy concerning obituaries for deceased graduates and cadets. Some graduates have noted that while we have listed a graduate’s death in the “At Press Time” section of “Gone But Not Forgotten,” the graduate’s obituary never appeared in the magazine.

Our policy is to write to the next-of-kin a reasonable amount of time (usually two weeks or so) after the death, and request from that individual (wife, parent, etc.) an obituary written by a classmate, friend or family member. We also ask for copies of obituaries which might have appeared in local newspapers. If we do not have a current photograph, we ask the next-of-kin to lend one to us (the photo is returned when the magazine is published).

If we do not receive a response to our first letter from the next-of-kin in a month, we write a follow-up letter asking for the obituary again and informing the individual that this will be our last request for the article. If we do not receive a response to our second letter, an obituary is not published.

When obituaries are published, we give the next-of-kin a one-year complimentary associate membership in the association beginning with the magazine in which the obituary appears. When the one-year membership expires, we invite the next-of-kin to join as a regular associate member if she/he desires.

Another question often asked when a deceased graduate is a life member of the association is whether the life membership transfers to the graduate’s spouse. Life membership dues have been computed on the life expectancy of the graduate and are therefore not transferable to the graduate’s spouse, unless of course the life membership was joint, in which case it does transfer to the spouse.

Vietnam and as a briefing officer for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He also served as a member of the U.S. delegation to the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks in Finland.

After earning a master’s degree in public administration and a doctorate from Harvard, Kruzel was appointed special assistant to Defense Secretary Harold Brown and later legislative assistant for defense and foreign policy for Sen. Edward Kennedy. He left government service to teach at Duke University and Ohio State.

In 1993, Kruzel took a leave of absence from Ohio State to serve as deputy assistant secretary of defense for European and NATO policy. One of his first undertakings was the creation of Partnership for Peace, a program designed to bring the former Warsaw Pact nations closer to NATO. His long-range vision for lasting peace in Europe is now forging security alliances between former foes, officials said. Today, 43 European nations are in the program, which many see as a stepping stone to eventual NATO membership.

During summer 1995, reports of ethnic cleansing and mass killings in the former Yugoslavia gripped the world’s conscience. U.N. forces were continually humiliated and many critics deemed them ineffective. Congressional leaders called for decisive U.S. action.

As the crisis deepened, DoD officials said, Kruzel’s expertise and diplomacy led to his becoming DoD’s chief negotiator on the U.S. team working to end the conflict. As DoD’s special envoy to Bosnia, Kruzel fought to keep U.S. ground forces out of the vicious ethnic conflict. He desperately wanted to end the war—but not at the expense of American lives.

Kruzel did not live to see his battle won. In August 1995, he and two other U.S. negotiators were killed outside Sarajevo. A rainsoaked dirt road collapsed beneath the armored personnel carrier in which they were trying to reach Sarajevo, sending the vehicle rolling down a 500-meter slope.

Four months after the envoys died, Bosnia’s warring factions signed the Dayton peace agreement. Although more than 20,000 American ground troops were implementing the agreement, they did not become combatants during the nearly four years of civil strife.

Joe Kruzel, (center) deputy assistant secretary of defense for European and NATO policy, looks on as former Defense Secretary William J. Perry discusses policy issues with Walt Slocombe at left, under secretary ofdefenseforpolicy, and Army Gen. John Shalikashvili at right, chairman of the Joint Staff (DoD Photo by R.D. Ward)

Perry described Kruzel as a gifted policymaker and dedicated peacemaker. The secretary said he counted on Kruzel’s advice on Bosnia and Partnership for Peace. “Joe Kruzel was a dear friend of mine; his loss leaves an aching void in my life,” Perry said. “Joe was the father of the Partnership for Peace. When he died, my office was flooded with letters from the leaders of European countries—presidents, foreign ministers, defense ministers, military leaders. They all respected his achievements, and they cherished his vision.”

Officials from Canada, Western Europe, the Nordic states, the Balkans and many of the former Warsaw Pact nations mourned Kruzel’s death. Volker Ruhe, Germany’s defense minister, said Kruzel had “dedicated himself to the peace process in the Balkans

with untiring energy, strategic farsightedness and creativity.” For decades, Ruhe said, German officials held Kruzel in high esteem “as a man who devoted all his efforts to the service of his country, for the good of the Atlantic Alliance and American-German friendship.”

One of Kruzel’s primary tasks was overseeing NATO’s expansion, to include Central European and former Soviet-controlled nations, according to John Berry, DoD’s director of European policy. Kruzel saw the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet empire as an opportunity to rejoin Central Europe to Europe, Berry said. Kruzel wanted the newly independent countries emerging from behind the Iron Curtain to turn to the West rather than to Russia as they developed new economies and new governments.

Joe Kruzel, deputy assistant secretary ofdefensefor European and NATO Policy, and Elizabeth Sherwood, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia, attend a Pentagon meeting. (DoD Photo by R.D. Ward)

“Nobody knew the key leaders of those countries better than he did,” Berry said. “He took time to go to them and talk with them. He knew that in order to make it work he had to go to meet them in their capitals. He had the ability to give them tough messages that they really needed to hear, but not everybody is able to say.”

Kruzel’s name will not be forgotten. In addition to the Pentagon corridor, an auditorium was named after him at the Marshall Center in Garmisch, Germany, where Eastern and Central European military officials study democracy and Western-style military principles. A military hospital in Albania dedicated a wing in his honor.

Kruzel is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. He is survived by his wife Gail, daughter Sarah, and son John. During the funeral service, Walt Slocombe, undersecretary of defense for policy, said Kruzel’s field was “military policy and national strategy, but his quest was for peace in freedom and security, for this country, for the Europe he knew so well, for the troubled Balkans where...he died.”

Slocombe was Kruzel’s boss and a long-time friend. He said the unexpected death at such a young age left a great promise unfulfilled. “Joe accomplished more in the time given him than many do in a far longer time as he worked on the hardest and most important problems—on nuclear arms control, on remaking the architecture of security for Europe, on seeking an end to the travail of the Balkans,” Slocombe said.

“He fell where duty took him, doing a job he loved.”

Make your tax-deductible donation now to

The Air Force Academy Fund. Your Support Helps Develop Leaders With Vision For Tomorrow.

DEAN’S DELIBERATIONS

Brig. Gen. Ruben A. Cubero, ’61, Dean of the Faculty

Consolidated Education and

As the Dean of the Faculty, I am extremely proud of our new Consolidated Education and Training Facility. We have had to overcome many obstacles to realize the completion of our stateof-the-art laboratory building. Col. Bob James, my director of Operations, has been in charge of implementing this program and

Brig. Gen. Cubero, ’61 has worked tirelessly from 1994 to 1996 to ensure an “on-time” “within budget” completion. What follows is Colonel James’ colorful description of this new enhancement to the educational program at the Academy.

If you haven’t visited the Academy in the last nine months, you’re in for quite a surprise the next time you’re here—we’ve reached a major milestone with the opening of a new academic building, the Consolidated Education and Training Facility, or CETF (pronounced see-teff). Formally an extension to Fairchild Hall, this new two-story building houses laboratories, classrooms, and offices for four of our laboratory departments. Blending perfectly with the architectural standards of the Academy, it is a beauty inside and out.

Some of you may remember when the size of the Cadet Wing increased from 2,500 to 4,400 cadets a while back. When that happened, we built almost no additional laboratory space. Over

Training Facility a Showcase

the decades we paid the price for that oversight: as instrumentation and computers were integrated into our laboratories, our electrical and cooling demands increased; our lab space requirements expanded as the curriculum placed growing emphasis on laboratory experimentation; and environmental regulations increasingly restricted the experiments we could perform. Moreover, we were just plain overcrowded—for example, our chemistry classrooms were built for 12 students, yet we averaged 18-plus students.

Relief came in 1992 when Congress authorized funding for $60 million to construct a new laboratory building for some of the labs, as well as to modernize the lab space that would be left behind when we moved some departments into the new building. We achieved the first goal last July 27th when Secretary of the Air Force Sheila Widnall dedicated CETF. This year we have been fully operational, teaching classes in CETF in four departments: Civil Engineering, Astronautics, Biology, and Chemistry. To use a well- worn but appropriate phrase, we have a building with absolutely state-of-the-art laboratories. They are truly a showpiece of our academic program.

The CETF Engineering 410 Laboratory is 300 percent larger in lab space with a much safer work environment than in Fairchild Hall. This is a shop where senior cadets build projectsfor their capstone engineering course, ENGR410. The lab is also used by astronautics majors to construct rockets for their rocket design course, ASTRO04xx.

In Civil Engineering, we have enough lab space to support the four major disciplines in their own dedicated labs. In Fairchild we had one laboratory for all four functions, resulting in the obvious problems of scheduling and student hands-on time. Today, the Environmental Lab has fume hoods, refrigeration units, and safety equipment to support air, water, wastewater, and hazardous waste training. A large refrigeration unit lets us store samples and experiments that are sensitive to normal laboratory atmospheric conditions.

In the Soils Lab we have special moist storage to control and preserve our soil and asphalt samples for extended study, along with the apparatus and computer space sufficient for the experiments we need to perform. The Structures Division has a large, two-story lab for making (and sometimes breaking through destructive testing) the large construction projects our students design and build. Finally, the Hydraulics students have the room and equipment they need for their large-scale laboratory demonstrations.

In Astronautics, we have been able to bring together the labs formerly scattered over three floors of Fairchild Hall. Our new

Freshmen work in one of the 11 24-station CETF Core Chemistry Laboratories. Allfreshmen conduct Chemistry 130 lab experiments. The labs are outfitted with state-of-the-art computer interface laboratory equipment and represent a 50 percent increase in the number of stations over that of Fairchild Hall.

lab facilities are worthy of the nation’s future rocket scientists who learn their discipline here. We’ve improved and expanded our design laboratories, in particular the small satellite and propulsion design programs. You may remember the senior capstone course, Engineering 410. The lab that supports this class is an “order of magnitude’’ improvement over the crowded facility in Fairchild, with special rooms for circuit design and project construction, as well as classrooms in close proximity to the labs.

Our Biology Department has labs for human physiology, botany, anatomy, general biology, zoology, several specialized labs, as well as a climate-controlled greenhouse. Want to study plant life in a rain forest? Just flip a switch, and voila—it’s hot and humid. That’s quite an accomplishment in Colorado. With biology classrooms dedicated to particular fields of study, the department is able to set up and preserve visual aids, demonstrations, and experiments related to a wider variety of courses. The opening of CETF for this department is particularly timely due to their recent increased student load that came about in recent years as the number of cadets majoring in biology nearly doubled.

The Astronautics Display Room in CETFholds many scale and full-size space objects including this full-size DSCS communications satellite and a full-size RL-10 rocket engine. There are also numerous models of NA VSTAR satellites and rocket boosters provided by defense contractors and NASA.

Finally, in Chemistry, our freshman labs are equipped with computers at every workstation for instrumentation of experiments. These days we connect our lab measurement and testing devices directly to a computer for immediate analysis and display of experimental measurements. This enables the cadets to see the results of their work in real time, modify their experiments, and discover for themselves the learning objectives of the laboratory experiences.

In recent years, a simple constraint on chemistry experiments was ventilation capabilities—or rather, a lack of reasonable ventilation. We just didn’t have the environmental support we needed for many experiments. We’ve gone from a handful of fume hoods in Fairchild to over 60 in CETF for the Chemistry Department alone. In addition, our improved power supply lets us fully use some of our advanced equipment such as the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance machine. With specialized labs, computer support, enough room for our increased student load, and modern technology, we’ve produced an undergraduate Chemistry Department with laboratories second to none.

We’ve prepared for the future of computer-based instruction in our CETF classrooms. We expect that in the near future cadets will purchase laptop computers and bring them to class. Every desk or lab table has power for these computers, and we’ve preinstalled the conduit for communications wiring. We’ll be ready to network our students’ computers as soon as they have them.

There’s another feature that only our “grads’’ notice when they visit: many of the classrooms and labs have windows. You may remember that Fairchild Hall has no window space in any of the classrooms or labs; in CETF, every room along the outside has a panoramic view of the mountains or the countryside. Needless to say, the cadets today are unanimous in their appreciation.

As the final touch, all of the instructors in CETF have private offices, befitting a top-tiered college faculty. We’ll be able to do that in Fairchild Hall someday; I’m hoping the final phase of instructor office upgrades happens early in the next century. Today, though, in CETF, extra instruction, a hallmark of our educational process, takes place in modern and functional faculty offices.

This is the CETFAstronautics Display Room where many inertia navigation parts from the navigations systems of real rockets are displayed, providing cadets a “hands-on”perspective of the inner workings of rocket telemtry.

Speaking of Fairchild Hall, that’s where the work on the second construction goal starts this summer. We’ll be using the space left behind by the four vacating departments to complete our modernization program. The Departments of Physics, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, and Computer Science will expand their lab space on the second floor of Fairchild Hall to achieve the same standards we set in CETF. Also, the labs for Behavioral Science and Leadership on the fifth floor will be upgraded, and we’ll complete the modernization of Foreign Languages on the fourth floor. We should be finished with all of this work in less than two years.

Back to CETF—there’s more than just the four departments. The medical clinic has always been inadequate, as it too was built for a cadet wing size of 2,500. In just a couple of months they will move into the first floor of CETF and modern, spacious medical treatment rooms and labs. Finally, there is floor space in CETF that was originally set aside for a dental clinic. We didn’t construct it because there were not enough funds initially, but just this month the Superintendent has authorized an effort to see if we can go ahead and move the dental treatment facility from Sijan Hall into CETF.

The building is an architectural beauty, a scientific showpiece, and a testament to our commitment to excellence in the education we provide to our cadets. If you haven’t been through, you should make a visit to CETF a priority on your next visit. We’re very proud of this new building. Please give me a call if you’re coming through and would like to see one of USAFA’s successes of the ’90’s. (Col. Robert L. James, director ofOperations, Dean of the Faculty.)

1997 AFA Fund Campaign Needs Your Support Now

The Fiscal Year 1997 Air Force Academy (AFA) Fund Campaign is currently in full swing. Donations at press time exceeded $170,000 from more than 5,100 donors. That leaves 19,000 individuals who have received our colorful 1997 calendar and have yet to respond to the call to help their school. Please consider making a contribution to this worthwhile effort. Your donation makes a difference. Support the “Extra Margin of Excellence.”

Mail your tax-deductible contribution to: The AFA Fund, Association of Graduates, 3116 Academy Drive, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. 80840-4475.

Alamo Area Chapter

San Antonio grads are continuing a long tradition of local chapter events for 1997 along with some new twists. Our early “business” meeting at the Randolph O’Club in late January saw a new slate of officers take over for ’97. Yours truly, Harry Icke, ’66, was elected as president for the new year. Forrest James, ’88, is our new vice president while Les Hobgood, ’60, is hanging on to the secretary-treasurer position for “one more year.” Actually, we don’t think anyone else would ever be able to decipher his records, so Les just needs to keep the job.

Our plans for the year include our Founder’s Day Dinner for which planning is well under way. By the time you read this, we will have enjoyed another super evening with all the grads in the area at the Sonterra Country Club on April 12. Pete Hugdahl, ’67, has done a great job of putting the event together only to find out that he will be out of town on business when the day comes. He tells me that our past master of ceremonies has agreed to step up to the ocasion so we’re looking for another great hosting job by Jim Wheeler, ’64.

Moving on into the year, we are looking forward to our traditional summer picnic event and the tri-service golf tournament in the fall. We are also in the initial planning stages of putting something together for a chapter event in conjunction with the RiceUSAFA football game this year. Stand by for more word on all of these events in future mailings to local members.

The Alamo Chapter has taken another big step this year as we have formed a local business and networking group to promote job networking for those grads moving into second careers in our area as well as allowing grads who are already in business in the Alamo City to promote their businesses and mingle with the potential employees. The group is meeting informally about once a month for lunch or dinner with a super response in the initial stages.

If any of you Central Texas Zoomies are interested in this new group or want more information on the chapter, please give either Les Hobgood or Harry Icke a call. Les can be reached at (210) 599-3583 or call Harry at (210) 981-8505. E-mail: hicke@concentric.net. We especially need to hear from you if you just moved into the area or failed to sign up for the chapter at the end of ’96 so we can get you on our mailing list. We’d love to have you join us!

(Harry Icke)

Arizona Chapter

During the spring of 1997, Arizona

Chapter members and their families are planning a barbecue/Phoenix Firebirds game outing at Scottsdale Stadium, 75th Street and Osborn, Scottsdale. For anyone that is interested, please call Tim Furst at (602) 952-6455 for more details.

On May 31, the semi-annual 1997 Service Academy Golf Challenge was to be held at Stone Creek Golf Course. Thanks to John Robinson (USMA) and Mike Cryer (’68) for your efforts in organizing this tournament. If any Air Force Academy graduates are interested in golfing, please call Mike Cryer at (602) 231-1280.

Ron (’71) and Barb Marusiak, in a patriotic gesture, have invited the Arizona Chapter to their 4th of July party for dessert, drinks, and fireworks. The festivities will begin at approximately 7:30 p.m. on the 4th of July. Ron and Barb Marusiak’s address is 5742 East Orange Blossom, Phoenix (bring your swim suits and blankets).

If there is enough interest, we are considering traveling to the Air Force Academy on Sept. 27 to attend the San Diego State vs. USAFA football game and to attend the AOG tailgate party. This is homecoming weekend. If you are interested, please call

How To Request Academy Staff as Speakers

In order to provide better assistance to AOG Chapters seeking speakers from the Academy, please submit a letter to HQ USAFA/XPAA, USAF Academy, Colo. 80840-5241, at least six months in advance, with the following information: What, when, where? Who on the Academy staff would you like to have speak at your function? Also provide the names of two other speakers you would like to have if your first or second choice is not available.

To aid speaker preparation, we will also need to know the audience, along with any particular interest of the group in any aspect of the Academy, and a recommended speaker’s attire for the event. Please include who will be in the audience (i.e., alums, spouses, parents’ clubs, LOs, etc.) and what the occasion is for the event.

A point of contact for the event (i.e., name, address, home and work phone numbers) is needed to make the appropriate arrangements. You can call XPA at (719) 333-3832, DSN 333-3832, for initial inquiry but must back up your call with a letter requesting the speaker.

Jim Sienicki (602) 382-6351 or Tim Furst.

To continue the tradition started by Ron and Barb Marusiak, Jim (’74) and Chirl Sienicki will host the annual party for the Arizona Chapter on November 15 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at 5213 North 36th Street, Phoenix.

We are selling raffle tickets for $5 (three tickets for $10) to win a trip for two (in conjunction with the West Point Arizona Chapter) to attend the Air Force-Army game at the Academy over the weekend of November 7-9 to watch Air Force kick some donkey! The drawing will be on October 15. If you are interested please contact Jim Sienicki.

We are planning on volunteering our time some Saturday morning at St. Vincent de Paul feeding the homeless. If anyone is interested, please call Ron and Barb Marusiak (602) 949-5957 or Jim Sienicki.

If you have recently moved to Arizona or have not received our mailings, please contact Jim Sienicki to be added to the mailing list. If you have not paid your yearly chapter dues ($20/year), for 1996 or 1997, please send your check to John Mahoney, 5326 East Kathleen Road, Scottsdale, Ariz. 85254-1757. (Jim Sienicki, president)

North Texas Chapter

The year started off well for the North Texas Association of Air Force Academy Graduates. We continue to see grads from some of the more recent classes, and look forward to having more as they settle here in North Texas.

Our annual dining-in was a huge success and a very enjoyable evening thanks to the efforts of H. Ownby, ’69. Those who were able to attend at the Dallas-Forth Worth Airport Marriott on Feb. 1st were entertained with an informative talk by astronaut Kevin Chilton, ’76. Kevin commanded mission STS-76 that delivered Shannon Lucid to the MIR Space Station for her record-breaking stay in space for an American. He also discussed the current progress of the new Space Station and some of the considerations for a Mars mission. For those of us who won’t ever completely “slip the surly bonds of Earth”, listening to Kevin’s experiences was the next best thing to being there! Many thanks also to John Moore, ’78, for hosting Kevin and his family at his home and helping to arrange his visit with us.

At this writing, we are in the midst of spring (mid March). Everything is in full bloom after enjoying good rainfall. The nice weather has helped the golf courses too, so we are getting ready for our annual Spring North Texas Air Force-Army-Navy-

Merchant Marine Golf Scramble. Our thanks to Dave Brigman, ’71, for helping coordinate this event at the Tangle Ridge Golf Club. The winning alumni group of this tournament will retain bragging rights until our next meeting in October at the Fifth Annual Service Academy Golf Classic.

By this reading, we will all know if our North Texas member, Mike Gibbons, ’63, will be providing his outstanding abilities to our AOG Board of Directors. Mike has been extremely active in our North Texas Chapter since its inception. He could contribute greatly to our association. We appreciate your desire to serve us, Mike!

Our biggest chapter event of the year is our annual Founder’s Day Dinner and Dance. This year it is an especially memorable event as we celebrate our Air Force’s 50th Anniversary. Many thanks again to our capable social director, H. Ownby, for organizing this very enjoyable evening.

Work has already begun on the Fifth Annual Service Academy Golf Classic scheduled for October 18-21. The golf committee (alumni from Air Force, Army, Navy, and Merchant Marine) has met several times now and look forward to another very suecessful tournament. To date, this tournament, founded by the late Bill Reemtsma, ’63, has donated over $60,000 to the Athletic Funds of the four participating service academies. Bill had a wonderful dream and it has come truly to life! Thank you to all those who participate, donate their time, or help sponsor this event; your efforts directly benefit the academies. The tournament is now officially, a nonprofit/charitable, 501c(3) entity. If you would like to participate or sponsor this event, call our tournament chairman, Jerry Ahmann, ’63, at (817) 481-7284.

That’s all for now. Hope ’ya’ll’ have a great spring and summer! (Jeff Wilson, 80, president)

Fifth Service Academy Golf Classic

It’s time to make your reservations for the FIFTH ANNUAL SERVICE ACADEMY GOLF CLASSIC. This popular tournament will take place on October 19-20, 1997 at Trophy Club Golf Course located close to the Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport. Trophy Club features two golf courses designed by Ben Hogan and Arthur Hills.

The SERVICE ACADEMY GOLF CLASSIC is the only NCAA-sanctioned tournament that features direct competition between cadets and midshipmen from USAFA, USMA, USNA, and USMMA.

An outstanding team effort by the 1997 USAFA golf team brought the Bill Reemtsma Memorial Trophy to USAFA for the second consecutive year. Almost 300 guests attended the 1996 Awards Banquet that featured speaker Air Force Chief of Staff General Ron Fogleman, USAFA ’63. The Air Force slots fill up fast. So now is the time to make your reservations.

The cost to play in the tournament is $275. For this, you will get 36 holes of golf, cart included. You will also get excellent Texas-style meals and beverages, the opportunity to compete for valuable prizes, and still have time to remember how wonderful you were and swap lies with old friends and foes. You can do all this and feel good about it because you are doing something wonderful for USAFA cadets and their golf program.

Rooms are available for out-of-town golfers at the nearby Marriott Solana at very reasonable rates. The tournament is put on by Dallas-Fort Worth volunteers and all money that is collected goes toward the tournament or to the Academy Athletic Departments. This means, of course, we are soliciting donations from you.

You can provide financial support for the golf program through a tax deductible 501(c)(3) donation, or you can participate in the tournament, or you can buy a raffle ticket for a football that has been autographed by every service Academy graduate who has ever won the Heisman Trophy. Please call Jerry Ahmann at 817-481-7284 or send your request to: Service Academy Golf Classic, 4205 Beltway Drive, Dallas, Texas 75244.

Northern California Chapter

The Northern California Chapter meets at various locations in the San Francisco Bay area. Plan on coming to a tailgate party before the USAFA vs. San Jose State football game October 25th. If you would like to organize an event, please call Dennis

International Cadets, Officers Visit Academy

By 1st Lt. Laurel Scherer Directorate of Public Affairs

Delegations from the air force academies or national defense academies of 15 nations visited the Academy from April 7 to 16 as part of the Cadet Foreign Exchange Visits Program.

The delegation included cadets and officers from Brazil, Canada, Chile, Egypt, Germany, Honduras, Hungary, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Ukraine. These are reciprocal visits, as many Academy cadets and officers have traveled to each of these countries during spring break over the past three years.

About 20 officers and 60 cadets from the 15 nations were here for the International Week activities. The cadets went to classes and participated in athletics with their hosts.

Delegation members toured academic, military, athletic and character development facilities at the Academy, as well as other local Air Force bases and area attractions.

Forty international cadets currently attend the Academy full time. These cadets also took part in International Week activities. They wore uniforms of their host nations that week, and were honored during a noon meal formation. (The Falcon Flyer)

Park, ’78, at (510) 634-7689. If you would like to be on the mailing list for our meetings, please contact Chuck Reed at Reed, Elliott, Creech & Roth, 99 Almaden Boulevard, Eighth Floor, San Jose, Calif. 95113. Telephone (408) 993-9911, facsimile (408) 993-1335, e-mail Chuckreed@aol.com. (Chuck Reed, ’70)

At the Atrium

For the third year in a row, the Association of Graduates hosted a Graduating Class Reception in early Aprilfor the entire graduating class. Here, members of the Class of 1997 gather around Doolittle Hall’s upstairs atrium railing enjoying the fellowship ofmingling with AOG officials and graduates living in the local area. The AOG provides the refreshments and the class is welcomed to the graduate community by the chairman of the board.

honors in the all-around contest with a 53.45. Smith also achieved a fifth-place finish in the floor exercise with a 9.30.

took sixth with an 8.60.

event found junior Peter Lueck tied for eighth place with a score of 9.10. Sophomore Erin Montague tied for fourth place in the horizontal bar, posting a 9.25. Guerrero slid into seventh place with a score of 8.75 in the bar as well.

The women’s team earned the highest ranking ever in the USGA competition with a score of 187.875, fifth-place finish,

Academy Boxing Team Places

Second at National Championships

By Dave Kellogg Sports Information Department

The Academy boxing team placed second during the National Collegiate Boxing Championships in April at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. Navy won the championship. It was the second consecutive year the Falcons finished second in the team standings among 14 competing colleges and universities.

The Falcons had four national champions. Senior Sloan Hollis won the 139-pound title, senior Mark Clifford the 172-pound, senior Randall Johnston the 156-pound and freshman Mike Benza the 132-pound.

The biggest upset in the tournament came in the semifinals when defending national champion Roy Blanco lost to Virginia Tech’s David Brock, despite putting Brock on the canvas twice in the third round. The junior had to settle for a bronze medal.

Other bronze medalists included senior Tim Huddleston (112-lbs.), junior A1 Kinkle (119 lbs.), junior Jay Hughes (180 lbs.) and senior Eric Warme (190 lbs.). The Falcon Flyer)

Football Team Holds First Spring Scrimmage

By Troy Garnhart Sports Information Department

After its first two attempts at a spring scrimmage were snowed out, the Air Force football team finally squeezed a spring scrimmage in on Saturday, April 12. Unfortunately, because of wet field conditions, the scrimmage was shortened and moved inside.

The scrimmage featured the top two offenses going against the top two defenses. Quarterbacks sophomore Blane Morgan and freshman Steve O’Neill, who share the No. 1 spot on the depth chart, were solid. Morgan rushed for 10 yards on five carries while hitting three of five passes for 37 yards and one interception. O’Neill rushed five times for a team-best 39 yards and completed three of four passes for 19 yards.

“I wouldn’t say one’s ahead of the other,” said head coach Fisher DeBerry. “They’re both equally competitive. We’ve got too much work left to say that the race is over. Steve’s numbers might be a little better, both guys are doing well.”

The surprise of the scrimmage was John Spolsky. The freshman, who was sixth on the depth chart at fullback. He rushed four times for 32 yards and had a 13-yard run. “Every spring we have somebody who comes out of the woodwork,” DeBerry said. “He just might be the guy. He’s been a very pleasant surprise.”

Defensively, sophomore safety Jason Sanderson and junior Jeff Mohr had three tackles each to lead the Falcons. Juniors Ron Jenkins and Tim Schumacher each chipped in with tackles for loss. “Everything I’ve seen so far tells me this is going to be a fun team to coach,” DeBerry said. “I really like the attitude. It seems that this team wants to accomplish something.” (The Falcon Flyer)

1997 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 30 Idaho USAFA & AOG Tailgate (Tentative)

Sept. 6 USAFA At Rice

Sept. 13 U. of Las Vegas USAFA

Sept. 20 USAFA At Colorado State

Sept. 27 San Diego State USAFA & AOG Tailgate

Oct. 4 The Citadel USAFA & AOG Tailgate

Oct. 11 USAFA At Navy Oct. 18 Fresno State USAFA & AOG Tailgate Oct. 25 USAFA At San Jose State

Nov. 1 USAFA At Hawaii Nov. 8 Army USAFA & AOG Tailgate

Junior Geoff Jensen

Junior teammate Geoff Jensen fell in right behind Smith in the floor exercise with a sixth-place finish of 9.25. In the pommel horse, sophomore Casey Guerrero

The vault

Fencers Finish Season Hosting NCAA Tournament

The Air Force Academy fencing team ended an interesting season by hosting the NCAA Fencing Championships the secondlast weekend in March.

In a year where the Falcons lost their best fencer to a knee injury (Garret Povar), had another top fencer get sick at Regionals and fail to qualify for the NCAAs (Heidi Trigs) and have several strange road trips, Air Force finished the year on an up note. Head coach Major Stewart LeBlanc and the entire fencing team were complimented by everyone for putting on an excellent fourday tournament.

Held on the multipurpose field in the Cadet Field House, the

Senior Wrestler Potvin Finishes Stellar Career

For the sixth time in the 1990s, the Air Force wrestling team (5-4) placed fourth out of five teams at the WAC Championships in early March. The Falcons scored 46.50 points to place ahead of New Mexico (22.50) but behind BYU (73.50), Wyoming (83.50) and No. 13 Fresno State (93). The Bulldogs close call against the Cowboys was their fifth straight WAC title.

Senior co-captain Jeremy Potvin (177 lbs.) will carry the torch for the Falcons at the NCAA Championships. Potvin, with a 28-5 record, lost in the finals to nationally-ranked Brandon Alderman of Wyoming. However, he came back to win the true second place match and subsequently earned one of the six “at-large bids” from the league’s coaches. All 10 WAC champions earn a spot in the NCAA Championships with the league’s head coaches picking another six wrestlers.

Fellow senior co-captain Chris Kretsinger (190 lbs.) surely

DOOLITTLE HALL

Tailgates and Other Football Game Activities

Doolittle Hall will be open for each home football game and the AOG is currently scheduled to sponsor tailgates at the building for five of the seven home games. The following weekends involve tailgates when Doolittle Hall (including the library/lounge) will open five hours before kickoff and remain open for at least two hours after the game:

Aug 30: Parents Weekend (vs Idaho)

Sep 27: Homecoming, ’77 & ’87 Reunions (vs SDSU)

Oct 4: ’67 Reunion (vs The Citadel)

Oct 18: ’72 Reunion (vs Fresno State)

Nov 8: ’62 Reunion (vs Army)

If you would like more information on participating in the tailgates, please give the AOG a call.

The building (including the library/lounge) will also be open from two hours before kickoff until two hours after the end of the games on Sep 13 and Nov 15. We welcome everyone to come visit us during the football season and enjoy the various amenities of Doolittle Hall.

championships was a two-horse race between Penn State and Notre Dame. In the end, Penn State held off Notre Dame by 60 points to win their third straight national title. Even without the services of Povar and Triggs, Air Force managed to place 17th overall (230 points), the Falcons seventh consecutive top-20 finish at the championships.

In sabre, senior Tim Sehnem and junior James Steiner both performed well in their first championships, Sehnem placing 17th and Steiner 19th overall. Each won a total of eight bouts and earned 160 points for the team. One of the biggest highlights of the weekend for the Falcons came when Steiner beat St. John’s Keith Smart, 5-2 in round robin competition. Smart would win the national title in sabre and lose only three other times in the tournament.

Junior Zoe Hawes, also making her first appearance in the NCAAs, provided the Falcons with several highlights. First, her 20th place showing in women’s foil (seven wins) was the highest finish ever for a female Academy fencer at the championships. She did this despite a broken foot she has had since early February. Next, Hawes ended Air Force’s weekend by beating Penn State’s Carla Estava, 5-4, in her final bout of the championships. Esteva would place sixth overall and was one of three top-12 finishers Hawes would defeat.

While Air Force only loses Sehnem to graduation, the Falcons will have to overcome the loss of LeBlanc whose tour at the Academy ends in May. He was head coach the past two seasons after serving as an assistant from 1992-94.

would have joined Potvin in the NCAAs but an injured knee will hold him back. Like Potvin, Kretsinger lost in the finals but came back to win the true second place match. However, the league’s coaches decided not to give an injured Kretsinger one of the coveted NCAA spots.

Senior Jeremy Potvin

Others to perform well for Air Force were junior Jake Sherer (HWT) and sophomore Luke Bindreiff (167 lbs.). Both placed third in their weight class with Sherer’s one loss coming in overtime, 4-2. Bindreiff lost to BYU’s Jared Coleman, the eventual champion at 167 lbs., by only an 11-8 score.

At the 1997 NCAA Wrestling Championships March 20-22 in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Potvin finished a stellar career. Potvin, who made the championships as a freshman at 158 lbs., competed at 177 lbs. and made an impression. In the first round, he defeated Ryan Edmundson of Hofstra (N.Y.), 9-6, after Edmundson had upset eighth seed Michigan State’s Erich Harvey.

Potvin would run into the tournament’s Cinderella in the second round, Lehigh’s Jon Van Doren. The unseeded Van Doren would beat Potvin to advance to the third round where he faced number one-ranked Mark Smith of Oklahoma State. Not only did Van Doren beat Smith but also defeated him again when they wrestled for third place.

Indiana’s Mike Powell would defeat Potvin in the consolation bracket to finish the Massachusetts native’s career. Potvin was 29-7 on the year and 85-25 for his career.

Junior Zoe Hawes

Academy Hosts Fourth Character Development Symposium

The Academy’s Center for Character Development hosted the Fourth Annual Character Development Symposium March 5-7 of this year. The theme was the second Air Force Core Value of “Service Before Self.” The event featured speakers, workshops and panels designed to engage attendees in dialogue concerning the importance of a selfless attitude.

Invited speakers included military and civilian professionals actively engaged in character-development issues within their own organizations. Keynote addresses were delivered by Gen. Robert Oaks (Class of 1959), USAF (Ret) and currently senior vice president of Operations at U.S. Air; and Maj. Gen. Jerry White, AFRES, and currently president and CEO of the Navigators.

Also keynoting the symposium were Brig. Gen. (USAF, Ret) Malham Wakin, who is currently the Maj. Gen. William Lyon Professor of Professional Ethics at the Academy; Col. Ronald Sega (Class of 1974), AFRES, space shuttle astronaut and currently dean, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs; and Mr. Paul Bucha, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and president of the Medal of Honor Society.

This year’s symposium also included student seminar sessions in which the Air Force Academy, Military Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and invited civilian students met to discuss ethics and character-development issues. These meetings were designed to expose students to the similarities and differences between military and civilian perspectives when ad-

Women’s, Men’s Outdoor Track Teams Break School Records

By Dave Kellog Sports Information Department

Junior Gretchen Rhoads made history on April 5th during the Ram Invitational track and field meet at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. She is the first Academy female athlete to qualify for the NCAA Division I outdoor championships which will be held in June.

Rhoads won the hammer throw with a toss of 162-11. The throw set a record by more than six feet. She has broken this record three times, including twice in the two weeks prior to the Ram Invitational. Rhoads also finished second in the shot put at CSU with a toss of 39-6*4.

While Rhoads was setting a milestone in Colorado, the men’s 800 meter relay team broke a 20-year-old school record during competition at the Texas Relays in Austin.

Junior Floyd Brazier, senior Marcus Alexander, junior Dee Edwards and freshman Kevin Griswold posted a time of 1:24.02 to win their section. The time broke the record of 1:24.50 set in 1976.

dressing ethics and character issues.

In 1998, the scope of the symposium will be expanded with a national invitation to various military, academic, corporate and professional organizations. This National Character Development and Leadership Symposium will focus upon issues regarding “Excellence in All We Do.”

The center will solicit proposals for workshops, panels and paper presentations while also inviting select civilian and military professionals to share their views on excellence. Invitations are being extended to renowned public leaders who will deliver keynote addresses. For more information concerning the symposium, contact the Academy Center for Character Development at (719) 333-2987.

Men’s Swimming Captain, Davis Breaks His Own School Record

The Air Force Academy men’s swimming team’s (3-6) only goal going into the WAC Championships in March was to swim the best they could. After swimming season-best times in all but two events, the Falcons were quite pleased with their efforts.

“We swam very well,” said head coach Casey Converse. “It was a good way to go out. They swam as fast as they could.” The Falcons netted 175 points to place ninth out of ten teams and ahead of Rice University (136). SMU, ranked No. 12 nationally, easily won the title by scoring 715.50 points, leading second place UNLV by nearly 200 points. Overall, three WAC newcomers placed in the top four.

Senior team captain Matt Davis was the Falcons highlight, as he has been all year. The North Carolina native placed third in both the 200 butterfly and 200 individual medley, the highest finish by any Air Force swimmer, male or female, at this year’s championships. He then placed fifth in the 400 IM and swam on two relay

(Continued on next page.)

Junior Gretchen Rhodes

Cadet Wing Commander Matthew J. Quatrara presents an Academy Mascot Plaque to retired Gen. Robert Oaks, ’59, in appredation for his keynote address to the Fourth Annual Character Development Symposium in March.

Senior Matt Davis

Law

School

Names ’75 Grad Alumnus of the Year

California State Treasurer Matthew K. Fong was named as “Alumnus of the Year” by the Southwestern University School of Law Alumni Association at the organization’s 10th Annual Awards Recognition Banquet on March 12th. Marcia Clark, a graduate of the law school’s Class of 1979 and “1996 Alumna of the Year,” served as master of ceremonies.

The highest-ranking elected official of Asian ancestry in the continental U.S., Fong was elected California state treasurer in 1994. In that position, he serves as the state’s banker, managing the state’s $27 billion investment pool and the approximately half a million checks each day that are debited or credited to the state’s accounts; and serves on approximately 40 boards and commissions. He is also responsible for bond sales. (Last year California issued $7.2 billion in general obligation and revenue bonds.) Among his accomplishments is a new investor relations program with a focus on treating investors as customers and helping the bond market appreciate how much the California economy has recovered.

In addition to his duties as state treasurer, Fong is a member of the National Association of State Treasurers for whom he chairs the Pacific Rim Investment Task Force, and serves on the National Tax Reform Commission charged with reviewing competing tax proposals before Congress.

Fong earned his undergraduate degree from the Air Force Academy in 1975 and his master of business administration degree from Pepperdine University. He later earned a J.D. through Southwestern’s two-year SCALE program, graduating in 1985. After starting his own business, he joined the international law firm of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton where he specialized in transactional law, cross-border acquisitions and high technology licensing. He also helped the firm develop a Pacific Rim business practice.

In 1990, Mr. Fong was appointed vice chair of the California State Board of Equalization which administers the state sales tax and California’s property tax system, by Governor Pete Wilson. In that office, he was instrumental in streamlining the agency and consolidating offices, saving taxpayers millions of dollars and improving services. In his second run for elective office, that of state treasurer, he won with more than 3.6 million votes.

Outside politics, Mr. Fong serves as a regent of the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, a regent of Pepperdine University, and as a trustee of the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, among other commitments. He also holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserves and counsels inner-

Eberhart, ’68, Nominated as Vice Chief of Staff

In early April, President Clinton announced the nomination of Lt. Gen. Ralph Eberhart, ’68, for promotion to general and assignment as vice chief of staff at Air Force headquarters at the Pentagon. Eberhart, 50, was commander of the 5th Air Force and the U.S. Forces Japan at Yokota Air Base in Japan. He would replace Gen. Thomas Moorman Jr., 56, whom Clinton nominated for retirement effective Aug. 1.

(Swimming: From previous page.) teams. He broke his own school record in the 200 IM (1:49.69) by swimming a 1:49.07.

Sophomore Cody Rasmussen had the next best meet, placing fourth in the 200 butterfly, one spot behind Davis. He then was ninth in the 400 IM, making him the only Falcon other than Davis to place in the top ten in any event.

Senior Joe Alkire finished a strong career by leading Air Force in both backstroke events, placing 10th in the 200 and 12th in the 100 backstroke. Junior Blake Chaney led the team in the 100 butterfly (15th) while sophomore Mike Foster had two top-20 finishes (200 breaststroke and 400 IM).

city students about Air Force college scholarships as an Air Force Academy admission liaison officer. A long-time supporter of Southwestern, he interviewed students on campus when he was in private practice, has participated in the mock interview programs, and has shared his knowledge with student groups.

Fong is married to Paula Fong, and they have two children, Matthew, Jr., and Jade.

California State Treasurer Matthew Fong, ’75, receives the Southwestern University School of Law’s Alumnus of the Year awardfrom Marcia Clark at the law school’s recognition banquet in March. Fong graduated from the law school in 1985. Clark, who was named Alumna of the Yearfor 1996, graduatedfrom the school in 1979.

Donations Needed Now for New Class Ring Display

Class rings from the U.S. Air Force Academy represent all that the Academy stands for and form a unique, common bond among graduates of all classes. With the financial support of the Class of 1968, the Association of Graduates has established a class ring display on the second floor of Doolittie Hall. It is housed in a beautiful display case provided by that class on the occasion of their 25th reunion.

The display will consist of one ring (actually worn by a graduate) from each class. All people donating will be recognized for their donation, but no one will know whose ring is actually on display. Selection will be based upon the condition of each ring donated. Besides a list of donors, long-term plans could include audiovisual or interactive computer presentations dealing with the heritage and tradition of the class ring, donor information and/or information on each class.

Several rings from each class will be maintained in reserve. Remaining rings will be melted down to form an ingot. As the rings for each new class are poured, a piece of this ingot will be included so that every cadet ring includes a piece of rings from all previous classes and represents an unbroken circle of heritage and tradition.

The display case is completed, and we are now accepting ring donations. So far, the display has rings from 13 classes. Besides the heritage and tradition that you will help establish, your donation can serve to honor or memorialize a graduate as part of the donor listing. Of course, any donation is also fully tax deductible. If you or someone you know are interested in donating a ring, please contact Jim Shaw or Jack Mueller at (719) 472-0300.

Friends of the Academy Library Provide Great Service

By Dr. Edward Scott and Mr. Duane Reed

During these years of government draw-downs and budget cutbacks, it is extremely difficult to fund all of the Academy Library’s needed expenditures through appropriated congressional funding. Fortunately, The Friends of the Air Force Academy Library has provided needed services through gifts, donations, and continuing support. Here are some of the accomplishments and achievements since it was founded in 1987:

• over 1,300 individual memberships; over $100,000 in donations to the library for books; $50,000 in grants obtained from several Colorado foundations for preservation projects in the Library’s Col. Richard Gimbel Aeronautical History Collection; several gifts to faculty departments which met special requirements.

Friends of the Academy

Brig. Gen. George Fagan, Brig. Gen. Marc Kinevan, Col. Bill Mahon, Brig. Gen. Phil Caine, Lt. Col. Reiner Schaeffer, Col. Henry Kortemeyer, Mr. Hal Littrell, Col. Jock Schwank, Mr. Duane Reed, Col. Dave Wagie, Dr. Edward Scott and Mr. Will Ketterson. Seated is Lt. Gen. A.P. Clark (Ret), secretary of the charitable foundation.

The Friends of the Air Force Academy Library is a tax-exempt, charitable foundation established for the purpose of enhancing the Academy Library as an educational, research, scientific and cultural institution. The Friends enable us to acquire materials, to pursue projects, to create publications and to implement services beyond those made possible by funds allocated by the Air Force.

The Board of Directors of The Friends includes four former superintendents of the Academy, two former directors of the Academy Libraries, and a number of distinguished Air Force officers and community leaders. There are also three advisors—one each representing the Academy Faculty, the Association of Graduates and the Director of Academy Libraries. Ongoing projects of The Friends are administered by members of the Executive Committee in the accompanying photo.

The Academy Library provides a significant contribution to the superb overall educational experience provided cadets. Its holdings include multi-disciplinary collections usually found in a quality undergraduate institution as well as in-depth materials in the fields of aeronautics, astronautics and military science. Such materials include the papers of distinguished leaders in the history of aviation and the Air Force and are housed in the Library’s Special Collections Branch.

Among these are the papers of Generals Arnold, Twining and Kuter. Also located here are the historical collections of Stalag Luft III Former Prisoners of War, the Women Airforce Service Pilots, the Eagle Squadron Association, and the LaFayette Flying Corps Association.

The Library also houses the Col. Richard Gimbel Aeronautical History Collection. This famous aeronautical collection contains over 20,000 items which depict man’s early efforts to achieve flight. Artifacts date from 2700 BC and aeronautical materials in-

elude documents, books, prints and medallions. This collection has become a significant resource for research by cadets and scholars.

The Friends’ organization continuously enriches our library, helping us keep pace through the collections they obtain, the donations they make, and the rich Air Force heritage they preserve. Memberships in The Friends of the Air Force Academy Library begin with the cadet annual memberships for $5. Funds raised through memberships are supplemented by deferred donations such as wills, trusts, and insurance. The Friends also seek gifts of rare books and documents, films, electronic media, personal papers, photographs, and diaries dealing with aeronautical and air power themes.

The Friends offer an attractive program which has a special appeal for persons who wish to establish a memorial to an individual, crew members or a military organization. For a donation of $50 or more, a memorialization in the form of a handsome certificate is placed in The Friends’ Honor Book. The certificate can honor an individual or a group (a bomber crew or a figher group, for example). The book is attractively custom-made and kept in a prominent location in the Special Collections Branch of the Library. Honor Book citation originals are %Vi "by 11" on parchment-like paper. All printing is custom done. The citation sheet is enclosed in a mylar envelope for protection so that it can be viewed from either side. This collection will grow in significance in coming years.

As an alternate memorialization, for a donation of $50 or more, books may be requested for the library with an attractive bookplate naming the individual or group being honored.

Currently, The Friends has undertaken the monumental task of producing a printed, annotated bibliography illustrating selected holdings of the Gimbel Collection to aid scholarly research. This effort will meet a long-standing requirement to publicize the unique holdings of the collection. The project will be funded through private means and foundation grants.

Webster defines a friend as one that seeks the society or welfare of another whom he holds in affection, respect or esteem. The Friends of the Air Force Academy Library aptly meet this definition as they continue to make dreams come true at the Academy Library. (Dr. Edward Scott is the director ofAcademy Libraries at the A ir Force Academy, Duane Reed is the chiefofSpecial Collections at the Air Force Academy Library.)

Questions on Official Status of “Cadet Time” Answered

The Association of Graduates has from time to time received information from its members concerning the official status of a graduate while serving his or her time as a cadet. We have recently heard from Maj. James Devilles, Jr., ’80, who is a graduate with prior service and also from Dr. Frank Gahren, ’78, on the issue.

Deville sent an e-mail to the “expert” at the Air Force Directorate of Personnel asking whether cadet time counted toward retirement. Her full answer follows but basically cadet time can not be counted toward retirement as an officer; however, it can be counted if a former officer retires in enlisted status.

Gahren’s question was prompted by an inquiry from a ’79 grad who could get a substantially reduced home loan if he could prove that he was in the Air Force during 1977. In this instance, the graduate got his better deal on his home loan by quoting pages 818-819 of Title 10-Armed Forces, where it describes members of the regular Air Force to include “the professors, registrar, and cadets at the United States Air Force Academy...’’[paragraph 8075(b)(2)].

The full text of the personnel expert’s reply to Major Deville follows:

(Continued on next page.)

Library, from left are

SACC in San Diego

October 27-29, 1997

Make plans now for the second SACC of 1997. The host hotel in San Diego will be the Hyatt Regency on San Diego Bay. For hotel reservations call 800-233-1234 and ask for the SACC discount rate.

To prepare for the SACC, order the Service Academy Attribute and Resume software (order form below) from the AOG. Look for further details in the next issue of Checkpoints or call Mrs Cheryl Brower at (719) 472-0300 if you have questions.

A Book Review of From One Stripe to Four Stars

An Autobiography by

General Jim Hartinger, USMA ’49 (Phantom Press: 1997, 292 pages)

For those of us who have completed our Air Force career, certain names of legendary fame always come to mind. This is the case with “The Grr.” For he is a leader many of us will remember forever. Where do you think knee-length black socks and V-neck T-shirts all began?

The publishing of his story is appropriate in the year of the 50th anniversary of the United States Air Force. General Hartinger is a part of our history, serving in three wars with over 5,000 flying hours. He started in the Army as a private, graduated from West Point, flew the F-84 in the Korean War and the F-4 in Vietnam.

His vignette style of writing makes this book very interesting and easy reading. I particularly enjoyed the insight into his personal feelings toward his children, wife Mickey, and the people who served with him. As General Hartinger describes the significant events in his life, you will quickly understand his intense will to win in every challenge. I am most happy to report that he has not lost any of his intensity and love of the good life. Be careful if you wager with him on the golf course! The voice of experience speaks!

The closing chapters of his book focus on the standup of the (“Cadet Time:” From previous page.)

“In accordance with public law, no Academy time that was served as a ‘cadet’ may be counted, for any purpose, for the length of service of an Officer (editor’s Italics) of an armed force. Therefore, in order to retire in an officer grade, the cadet time at the Academy cannot be counted for length of service. If a prior officer retires in an enlisted status, however, this time may be counted.

“Where it (cadet time) is used, however, is for determination of eligibility for a particular retirement system (editor’s Italics). We identify eligibility for specific retirement systems by what is known as a ‘DIEMS’ date. This is the date of initial entry into military service. For those who first entered a military service (in any manner; either active or reserve) prior to Sept. 8, 1980, their retirement pay is calculated by multiplying their years of service times the basic pay received at time of retirement. For those who entered from Sept. 8, 1980 to July 31, 1986 the retirement pay is calculated using a ‘high-36-month average’ times years of service, and for those who entered Aug. 1, 1986 and later, calculations are based on using a high-36-month average times years of service with a one percent penalty for every year less than 30 years served at time of retirement.

“Therefore, although it is not used to calculate service toward retirement, it (cadet time) is used to determine eligibility for specific retirement pay programs. (The DIEMS date will always be the date a member first signed a contract with the military; in the case of the Air Force Academy where a contract was signed upon entrance, all the Air Force Academy time counts towards eligibility.)”

Air Force Space Command during his last tour of duty as the Commander-in-Chief of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). His involvement in this momentous event carries new meaning today as the Air Force new vision for the future, “Global Engagement: A Vision for the 21st Century Air Force,” was unveiled in late 1996.

May I suggest General Hartinger’s book about his illustrious career is worthy of a few evenings of reading. He represents a part of the Air Force history, and will have an appeal for airmen, active and retired.

A copy of General Hartinger’s book may be obtained from the Doolittle Hall gift shop, the Cadet Book Store, and the Military Clothing Sales Store at the Air Force Academy. It is also available at the Military Clothing Sales Stores at Peterson Air Force Base and Fort Carson. Other Colorado Springs locations: The Chinook Bookshop (1-800-999-1195), McKinzey White Booksellers, and Read It Again Books. Boulder, Colo, locations: The Flight Line and The Boulder Bookstore. Also, The Air Force Museum Foundation at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

(Reviewed by Brig. Gen. [USAF, Ret] Jim Ulm, ’61, AOG Chairman of the Board.)

1997

ofApril 30, 1997) May 26

Sept

Sept 26-27

Oct

Oct

Nov

Nov 5-9

Nov

U. S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES

Executive Offices

President/CEO: LTC (Ret) Richard Coppock

Executive Assistant: Pat Buland

Secretary: Maureen Homyak

Receptionist: Jennifer Bowman

Accountant: Joyce Love

Career Opportunities

Company Contact: Cheryl Brower

Resume Service: Cheryl Brower

SACC: Cheryl Brower

Death Notification

Notices: Pat Buland

Obituaries: TomKroboth

Development

Vice President: Col (Ret) James A. Shaw

AFA Fund: Kathy McCann, Tauni OrndorfT

Building Fund: Jack Mueller, Tauni OmdorfF

Class Gifts: Jack Mueller

Corporate Giving: Jim Shaw

Major Giving: Jim Shaw

Matching Gifts: Jack Mueller

Paver Project: Tauni OrndorfT

Planned Giving: Jim Shaw

Sabre Society: Jim Shaw, Kathy McCann

Doolittle Hall Special Functions

Reservations (parties, etc): Cheryl Brower

AOG

Information Services

Administrator: Col (Ret) Chuck Denham

Specialist: Vikki Rhoden

Publications

Editor: Thomas Kroboth

Checkpoints and Register ofGraduates:

Advertising: Jock Schwank

Chapter News: TomKroboth

Class News: TomKroboth

NOTAM

Editors: Jennifer Bowman, Maureen Homyak

Service Academy Business Resource Directory

Sales: Cheryl Brower, Michele Cowan

Updates: Cheryl Brower

Services

Vice President: Col (Ret) Jock CH Schwank

Address Updates: Steve Knight, Don McCarthy

Associate/Cadet Memberships: Don McCarthy

Bio Updates: Steve Knight, Don McCarthy

Chapters/Societies: Jock Schwank

Class Reunions: Jock Schwank

Grad. Dependent Scholarships: Jock Schwank

Graduate Membership: Steve Knight

Graduate Records: Steve Knight

Label/List Requests: Jock Schwank

Merchandise Sales: Michele Cowan

Rental Car Cards: Steve Knight, Don McCarthy

Services (continued)

Saber Rental: Steve Knight

Special Case GolfReservations: Steve Knight

ACADEMY PHONE NUMBERS

Admissions

(719)333-3070

Admission Applications (800) 443-9266

Athletic Ticket Office (800) 666-8723

Base Locator - Academy Military (719) 333-4262

Cadet Awards

Cadet Command Post

Diploma Repair/Replacement

GolfCourse

Liaison Officers

Mortuary Affairs/Burial

Prep School Duty Officer

Transcripts

USAFA Operator Assistance

USAFA Parents' Clubs Contact Visitor Center

Yearbooks/Cadet Media

(719) 333-3833

(719) 333-2910

(719) 333-2229

(719) 333-3456

(719) 333-2841

(719) 333-3323

(719) 333-2501

(719) 333-3970

(719)333-1818

(719) 333-3832

(800) 955-4438

(719) 333-4644

ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES

3116 ACADEMY DR

USAF ACADEMY, CO 80840-4475

as ofApril 1,1997

Bylaws Revisions to be Effective August, 1997

Following 18 months of review and effort by its Bylaws Committee, the Board of Directors of the Association of Graduates (AOG) approved major changes to the association’s bylaws. At its meeting on Feb. 8, 1997, the board agreed upon revisions developed to guide the AOG well into the coming century. In careful deliberations, directors revised the size and composition of the board, the election process, the manner of selection of the board chair and extended voting privileges to associate members.

Effective with the 1999 election, the board will begin downsizing from a July 1, 1997, strength of 24 elected directors plus one graduating class director to an eventual maximum of 14 directors. The reduction will take place over the course of two successive elections and will be complete when newly-elected directors take office on July 1, 2001. Two of the 14 positions will be “reserved” for the president/CEO and for the board chair, if the latter’s term must be extended to permit that individual to complete the term of office. The addition of the president/CEO as a voting member of the board is a first in the history of the association.

The revisions also eliminate the position of graduating class director as well as six reserved (three elected every two years) for those who have graduated within the past 10 years. Currently, the “10-year” classes comprise some 30 percent of the graduate population and have the voting potential to select directors of their choice without assistance from the bylaws.

The election process will also undergo change. A standing nominating committee will operate continuously to identify,

research, interview, evaluate and recommend candidates to the board for director’s positions. Future issues of Checkpoints will carry an item indicating to whom an AOG member may make known his/her desire to be a candidate for a director’s position. Mail-in ballots for future elections will be printed in Checkpoints, and the process of mailing ballots to individual members will be eliminated.

Added by the revised bylaws is the position of chair-elect. The chair-elect will be chosen by the board from currently-serving directors in even-numbered years and will take office as chair at the first meeting of the board after July 1 in the following year. The chair may succeed herself/himself in the two-year role, but the maximum term for the position is four years without at least a two-year break between terms.

The new bylaws also extend voting rights and the right to serve as an AOG board member to associate members. This change was occasioned in part by IRS scrutiny of the benefits and privileges offered associate members of nonprofit organizations. Associates currently comprise some 10 percent of total AOG membership and are entitled to the same benefits and privileges as graduates. Under the revised bylaws, however, they may not serve as corporate officers.

The above changes and others of lesser note will be implemented along with the revised bylaws on August 1, 1997. The bylaws of the association are reviewed every two years by a committee of the board of directors.

Association of Graduates Available Member Benefits/Services

AOG offices are open Monday through Friday, 0730-1630 Mountain Time. For all offices, telephone: (719) 472-0300 (DSN: 333-2067/2073). E-mail: MCI Mail: 206-3668 (206-3668@mcimail.com).

CHECKPOINTS MAGAZINE—

your quarterly link to friends, classmates and the Academy.

REGISTER OF GRADUA TES—

annual presentation of biographical information on all Academy graduates.

CHAPTERS—

support for some 29 chapters throughout the world

AOG MASTERCARD—

favorable terms and credit limits from Air Academy National Bank. (800) 365-5890

LINE OF CREDIT

unsecured line of credit at 6.4 percent over prime rate from Security Pacific Executive/Professional Services. For information call (800) 274-6711.

SCHOLARSHIPS—

a preparatory school scholarship via the Falcon Foundation.

post secondary scholarships to graduates’ children

LOCATOR SERVICE—

need to find a fellow graduate? We help!

SABER RENTAL—

sets of six for the military wedding.

TRAVEL SERVICE—

year-round member rebate travel program for vacation, business and reunions. Call Camelot Travel at 1-800-877-5444 and reference the AOG Travel Number AOGX.

REUNION/HOMECOMINGS— coordination and planning by your AOG.

MERCHANDISE/MEMORABILIA—

Academy/AOG-unique items created especially for members.

CAR RENTAL DISCOUNTS—

special 10% discount rate from Budget - (800) 455-2848 (AOG ID T507400). You must present your AOG-provided Budget card when picking up your car.

HOTEL DISCOUNTS—

save 10% at participating Clarion, Comfort, Econo Lodge, Rodeway, Friendship, Quality and

Rules Outlined for Grad Golf Course Use

Through the efforts of the Association of Graduates (AOG) and the Directorate of Development and Alumni Programs, the following procedures have been arrived at for graduates wishing to play golf at the Academy’s Eisenhower Golf Course.

Active-Duty and Retired Graduates may schedule their own tee times by calling (719) 333-3456, 24 hours in advance. These are the same reservation rules applicable to all active-duty personnel and retirees not stationed at the Academy. Green fees are $16. Reciprocal privileges are in effect for active-duty graduates who have annual memberships at other Air Force courses. Golf cart fees are $16.

Nonretired, Nonactive-Duty Graduate AOG Members: The AOG is allocated eight tee times per month. Nonretired graduate AOG members who are no longer on active duty may play at these special times. Graduates wishing to use these tee times must make reservations through Steve Knight at the AOG. He will contact the golf course to schedule your desired date and time. After confirmation of the tee time, he will notify you of the date and time. We emphasize that these graduates must go through the AOG office for reservations (719-472-0300).

Graduates may schedule only one tee time per month to insure all graduates have an opportunity to use one of the eight tee times. If by the 25th of each month the eight tee times have not been reserved, a graduate who played earlier in the month may

Doolittle Hall Available For Many Special Occasions

Doolittle Hall is now available at very reasonable rates for special functions. To date the AOG has hosted a variety of events: department meetings, retirements, wedding receptions, workshops, cocktail parties, luncheons and formal and informal dinners. Doolittle Hall can accommodate as many as 300 at a sit-down dinner and more than 500 for a cocktail party. Available facilities include conference rooms, the library lounge with bar, and outdoor patio area, weather permitting. AOG members receive preferential rates. For more specific information on your special-function needs, please call Mrs. Cheryl Brower at the AOG at (719) 472-0300.

Sleep Inns, Hotels, Resorts-(800) 4-CHOICE. (Ask for the travelers discount for AFA AOG members, ID #C00041511).

•15% savings at Woodfin Suites-(800) 237-8811. an approximate 20% saving at the Embassy Suites Hotel of Colorado Springs. Call (719) 599-9100 and ask for the AOG RSVIP Rate (excludes special and group events). You must present your AOG membership card on check-in.

save 10-25% at the Radisson Inn North (formerly Sheraton Inn North) just outside the USAFA South Gate. Call (719) 598-5770 and ask for the Association of Graduates rate (excludes special or group events... discount depends on time of year and room availability). You must present your AOG membership card on check-in.

save 50% at the Colorado Springs Marriott when traveling January, March, April and October, November, December. Call 1-800-962-6982 and ask for the AOG VIP Rate (excludes group, special events and promotional rates). Discount based on rack rates and subject to availability. Must present AOG membership card upon checkin.

schedule a second tee time. Green fees for nonretired, nonactiveduty graduates are $40 and golf cart fees are $16.

Reunions and Homecoming: A tournament will be scheduled by the Academy and the AOG to accommodate graduates at a set fee for all players. The fee will be independent of military status or golf course membership.

Corporate Members

Association of Graduates, USAFA

Air Academy Federal Credit Union

Air Academy National Bank

Air Force Association

Ampex Corporation

Betac Corporation

Boeing Aerospace Company

Budget Rent a Car Corporation

CBS Insurance

Colorado Springs Marriott

Continental Electronics

(Division of Varian Associates, Inc.)

Electronic Data Systems Corporation

Embassy Suites Hotel of Colorado Springs

General Dynamics Corporation

McDonnell Douglas Corporation

The MITRE Corporation

Motorola, Inc.

Government Electronics Group

PRC, Inc.

Rockwell International

TRW, Inc., Electronic & Defense Sector

United Services Automobile Association

United Technologies Corporation

USAF Academy Athletic Association

Walsworth Publishing of Colorado

Westinghouse Electric Corporation

Defense & Electronic Center

Corporate memberships are being offered for $2,000 for the life of the corporation. With the exception of voting and holding office, corporate members enjoy all privileges of regular members. For more information write to Col. (Ret) Jock Schwank, vice president, Services, Association of Graduates, 3116 Academy Dr., U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. 80840-4475. Phone (719) 472-0300.

ATTENTION IN THE AREA

By Col. Jock C.H. Schwank (USAF, Ret), ’60 AOG Vice President, Services

Register Deadline Aired

A major AOG service is one of providing up-to-date information on graduates through the annual Register of Graduates. The most recent book was mailed to members of record in November, 1996. The biographical information form printed near the center of each magazine should be used on an ongoing basis to update graduate data. Since the individual graduate is the critical source of Register information, it is vital that you keep the AOG informed of address changes, promotions, new jobs, etc. Information updates to be included in the 1997 Register must be received by 1 July 1997.

Inappropriate Use of Register Addresses

The AOG has noticed a significant increase in the use of graduate addresses listed in the Register for business and political purposes not sanetioned by your AOG. This is directly in violation ofAOG policy as well as an infringement of Copyright laws as spelled out on the first page of the 1996 Register.

The AOG requests that members notify the vice president, Services, immediately of any non-AOG-sanctioned solicitation they receive where their mailing address was apparently obtained from the Register. The AOG will contact the mailer to ascertain how they obtained your address.

Computer Corner

It’s Register Time: This is the last issue of Checkpoints which you will receive before the 1997 Register goes to press; although members don’t receive it until late fall, we build the data files to send to the publisher in July. Please check your 1996 Register (and the 1994 Register, which was the last “full” Register) for complete (no missing assignments, positions, schools, awards, mailing address, or spouse name) biographical data. If you haven’t notified us of a recent address, promotion, status or position change, it probably will not appear in this year’s Register.

We do receive regular promotion and separation notifications for active-duty Air Force (Regular and Reserve) graduates, but only the information provided by a graduate in a sister service, Guard or nonactive-duty Reserve gets published. Copy the Bio Data Form found elsewhere in this magazine and pass it to any nonmember graduates (who don’t receive Checkpoints) and ask them to notify the AOG of changes in their data. Mail, e-mail (you can even use the on-line “fill-in-the-blanks” form available through the AOG Web Page), or fax the form back to us; we need your input to have our—meaning your—data base as accurate as possible to keep the Register a valuable information source. If you have information about a graduate who may not be able to send us a Bio Update Form, please tell us what you know about that graduate.

Home E-mail Addresses: The 1997 Register will be the first to include the graduate’s home e-mail address as an entry in the biographical data. If you haven’t sent us your address, please do so immediately. We are not completely automated yet, but have found that notifying some groups (reunion class committees, for example) through e-mail is an effective method of rapid communication.

Related to a Graduate? We think that we know who the graduates are that are related to another graduate, but our best source of information is you! As you update your biographical data, please indicate, preferably by AOG ID number, but at least by class year and full name, any relatives who have attended USAFA. We are tracking parents, children, siblings, first cousins, and aunts/uncles. If any of your relatives meet this criteria, let us know.

The names of those who inappropriately used the Register will be published in future editions of Checkpoints.

AOG mailings are normally easy to identify as they will include a cover letter on AOG, Class or Chapter letterhead and/or be signed by an appropriate board, class or chapter officer or an AOG senior staff member. If you have any doubt about the appropriateness of a mailing, please call the AOG.

Class Ring Information

Graduates who need to replace or have their Academy class rings repaired should go directly through the manufacturer. The manufacturer has the expertise and equipment to repair or replace your ring. Contact them directly for cost estimates, which vary significantly. Below are the manufacturers and how to contact them:

Jostens

c/o Seal Seykora 4890 S. Kitteredge St. Aurora, Colo. 80015 (303) 699-9199

Classes of 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 1983, 1984, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1991 1992, 1996, 1997

Balfour Company Classes of 1959, 1961, 1964, 1965

c/o Jess Crane 1966, 1967, 1969, 1975, 1994 3502 S. Marion St. Englewood, CO 80110 (303) 789-0623 (Evenings: 303-757-0557)

Herff Jones

Classes of 1985, 1987, 1988, 1993, 1995

226 Publis Street, Providence, RI 02905 (401) 331-1240

First Class Mailing Offered

The association offers a first class publication mailing program which greatly speeds publications to U.S. and APO addresses. This service costs $12 annually in addition to regular membership fees, and provides for the mailing of Checkpoints magazine and the Register of Graduates at firstclass rates.

Visitors Center Offers AOG Discount

The AOG is pleased to announce a new membership benefit. Through the cooperation of the Academy Athletic Association (AFAAA), all AOG members are now eligible to receive a discount at the Academy Visitors Center Gift Shop (which is operated by AFAAA). You only need to show the cashier your AOG membership card to receive your 10 percent discount. This discount was previously extended only to active duty and retired military customers. The AOG extends our sincere thanks to AFAAA for their support of the graduate community by offering this excellent benefit to all of our members.

REUNION CONTACTS

As of May 1, 1997

’62 (35th) 5-9 Nov 1997

Tim Gilmartin

7617 E. Jamison Dr Englewood, CO 80112

Ph.: 303-773-3428 (H)

E-mail: 70773.2576@Compuserve

.com

Hotel: Antlers Doubletree

’67 (30th) 1-5 Oct 1997

George Van Wagenen

6810 Snowbird Dr Colorado Springs, CO 80918

Ph.: 719-598-5458 (H) 800-225-1163 (W)

E-mail: G529503@aol.com

Hotel: Embassy Suites

’72 (25th) 15-19 Oct 1997

Lt Col (Ret) Doug Brower

19770 Top O’ The Moor Dr Monument, CO 80132

Ph.: 719-488-0559 (H)

E-mail: 73464.1050@Compuserve.

com

Hotel: Marriott

’77 (20th) 24-28 Sept 1997

Lt Col Bill Rhoden

2420 Vantage Dr Colorado Springs, CO 80919

Ph.: 719-262-9314 (H)

E-mail: rhodenwe.xp@usafa.af.mil

Hotel: Marriott

’87 (10th) 24-28 Sept 1997

Capt Michael Walker

2932 Camino Cielo Ct Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Ph.: 719-535-8090 (H) 719-333-4213 (W)

E-mail (H): Crash87@concentric

.net

(W) walkermj.dfee@usafa.af.mil

Hotel: Embassy Suites

Now every timeyou use yourAOG MasterCard, you’ll earn points toward valuable merchandise and travelprizes.

That’s right! UseyourAOG MasterCardand earn airline tickets, rental car or resort vacation days, plus much more. And, youpay nothing morefor this new added benefit of yourAOG membership.

Membership in the Association ofGraduates entitles you to carry the exclusive AOG MasterCard, issued by Air Academy National Bank. Now, more than ever,

it’s the

Ifyou already have the AOG MasterCard, you benefit ofa pre-approved credit line (subject to credit history verification) ofat least $5,000, with no annualfee and a highly competitive lowpercentage interest rate on any balance.

Ifyou don’t carry theAOG MasterCard, what are you waitingfor? Call or write todayforyourAssociation of Graduates MasterCardapplication. You’ll be gladyou did!

GRADUATE BIOGRAPHICAL DATA FORM

NAME:

Class: AOG ID# or SSAN: (From The Register or Checkpoints mailing label.)

Please make the following Changes/Additions to my records in the AOG Data Base:

Mailing Address:

Date:

Effective Date:

City: State: ZIPCode: z Country:

Duty Assignment or Civilian Position: (Company &) Location:

Work Address:

Effective Date:

City: State: ZIPCode: - Country:

Home Phone: ( )

Home FAX: ( )

Home e-mail (will be printed in The Register):

Work Phone: ( ) DSN:

Work FAX: ( )

Work e-mail (will NOT be printed in The Register):

Marital Status: Single/Divorced/Married: If Married: Spouse Name: Marital Name Change:

If Spouse is a Graduate: Spouse Graduation Class: AOG ID#:

Spouse Graduation Name:

Preferred Name for Mailing Labels:

The AOG receives promotion, aeronautical rating, PME, and sponsored civilian education updates from the USAF Personnel Center for Active Duty USAF graduates only; USAFR, Guard, and other service graduates MUST provide us this information personally. USAF Active Duty graduates should provide it, in case the official data sources are in error; please send documentation.

Rank: Date of Rank: Aeronautical Rating: Date of Rating:

PME: Residence/Seminar/Correspondence: Dates:

ALL Graduates: Award(s):

Civilian Degree: Major: Year: Institution:

Following Data is being collected to populate the AOG Data Base, particularly for the early classes.

Doolie Squadron: Graduation Squadron:

Source of Nomination:

Congressional:

Other:

Home of Record State: Enter State i.e., Presidential, Prep School, etc.

FOR THOSE GRADUATE MEMBERS IN CIVILIAN BUSINESS: Would you like to receive a Business Resource Directory update form in order to be listed in the next edition and to help graduates in a civilian career transition by providing them information about your industry through the AOG job opportunity program? YES: NO

Other Remarks & Comments (e. g., Previous Assignments not in The Register, et alia):

Varsity Letter Earned: Year(s): Sport(s):

Signature:

AOG GIFT ORDER FORM

Complete and send to:

ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES

3116 Academy Drive

USAFA Academy, CO 80840-4475 (719) 472-0300 FAX: (719) 333-4194

Old

High Ball:

Stemware:

The Cadet Saber is sold to GRADUATE AOG MEMBERS ONLY. The AOG does not sell the mounting plaque--call for info on where to get the mounting plaque.

Over 150 Color Photographs by Acclaimed Photographer ELIZABETH GILL LUI

"You have combined a great pictorial look at the Academy with a profound view of its mission, its beautiful surroundings with its recent history, and the hopes and aspirations of the cadets with the whole Air Force-very successfully!" (Thomas S. Moorman)

"I hope your work will be a motivational reminder to all who see it of the great aspects of the Academy and of its place among the truly beautiful institutions of national significance ." (Donald J. Barrett)

Item # 3160 - $60.00

FINE ART PRINTS

Item # 2010 "Here’s a Toast..." by Keith Ferris $60.00

Item # 2020 "Gyrfalcon" by Frace $75.00

Item # 2030 "Thunderbird" by Rick Broom $50.00

Item # 2040 "Footfalls" Artist Proofs $190.00

SWEATERS. SHIRTS, HATS, AND JACKETS

Item # 1610 AOG Rugby Shirt: 100% cotton (10% shrinkage, sizes run true) navy blue with AOG crest embroidered on left breast

$47.00 (SML, ,MED, LRG, XLG) $50.00 (XXL)

Item # 1620 AOG Crew Neck Sweater: Jersey top pebble bottom navy blue sweater; 100% pre-shrunk cotton, sizes run one size smaller than normal fit; embroidered AOG crest on left breast

$48.00 (SML, MED ,LRG, XLG) $51.00 (XXL)

Item # 1630 AOG V-Neck Sweatshirt: 85% cotton/15% polyester; oversized to compensate for shrinkage; Color: natural oatmeal (light beige) with navy striped trim, navy blue embroidered AOG crest $46.00 (SML, MED, LRG, XLG) $49.00 (XXL)

Item # 1520 Polar Jacket: Gray Fleece-lined, Blue Nylon shell, w/embroidered AOG crest. $60.00 (SML, MED, LRG, XLG, XXL)

Item # 1530 Golf Jacket: White/Teal Poly/Cotton shell, nylon liner, w/embroidered AOG crest. $42.00 (SML, MED, LRG, XLG, XXL)

Item #1541 Suede Leather Jacket: Navy Blue/Tan w/embroidered AOG crest $100.00 (XXL: $105.00) (SML, MED, LRG, XLG, XXL)

Item # 1700 AFA Hat w/Class Year: Navy Blue w/embroidered AFA crest and "19xx"(class year) Please specify class year. Adjustable leather strap for size. $16.00

Item # 1701 AFA Hat (plain): Same as above without class year. $13.00

CADET ISSUE CLOTHING (Available to AOG Members ONLY)

Item # 1100 Sweatsuit- 89% Cotton/8% Polyester/3% Rayon; oversize to accommodate shrinkage; light grey with dark grey reflective strips and USAFA (SML, MED, LRG, XLG, XXL)

Sweat Tops $35.00

Sweat Pants $22.50

Complete Set $55.00

Item # 1300 USAFA T-SHIRTS: 100% cotton (will shrink), White with blue Ringer Collar & Sleeves "USAFA" silkscreened on left breast $8.00 (SML, MED, LRG, XLG) $9.00 (XXL)

Item # 1400 Running Suit: Blue/Grey Nylon with reflective strips (sizes run small) Running Suit Jacket $47.00

Running Suit Pants $25.00

Complete Set $67.00 (SML, MED, LRG, XLG, XXL)

HARDCOVER BOOKS AND VIDEOS (not pictured)

Item # 3020 - Into the Mouth of the Cat - $9.00

The Story of Lance Sijan, ’65

Item # 3040 - The Iskra Incident - $19.95

Autographed by Grad Author Jimmie Butler, ’63

Item # 3050 - Vietnam: Above the Treetops- $24.95

Autographed by Grad Author John Flanagan, ’62

Item # 3060 - Red Lightning, Black Thunder - $21.95

Autographed by Grad Author Jimmie Butler, ’63

Item # 3080 - Separated by War - $24.95

Autographed by Grad Author Ed Herlik, ^O

Item # 3090 - Raid on Qaddafi - $21.95

Autographed by Grad Author Bob Venkus, ’63

Item # 3120 - Modernism at Mid Century -$50.00

History of the architecture at USAFA

Item # 3130 - Courage and Air Warfare - $35.00

Autographed by Grad Author Mark Wells, 75

Item # 3140 - The Ravens - $25.00

The men who flew the secret war in Laos

Autographed by Author Christopher Robbins

Item # 3150 - The Secret Life of Waldo F Dumbsquat - $10.00

Autographed by Grad Author Don Hall, 76

Item #3170-/1 Certain Brotherhood - $10.00

Autographed by Grad Author Jimmie Butler, ’63

Item # 3910 - ’96 Service Academy Business Resource

Directory soft cover reference book listing participating graduates from all service academies and their business affiliations - $35.00

Item # 7080 - Video: Wild Blue U - $19.95

Produced by KUSA-TV in Denver; cadet daily life

CLASS NOTEBOOKS Two-tone gray suede cover, Jr. legal size, with class crest embossed on front with class color stripe; inside note pad and pen; available for the following classes $10.00

Item # 4366

Item # 4372

Item # 7110

Item #7111

Class of ’66

Class of 72

Class of 71

Class of 72

Item # 7112

Item #7113

Item # 7114

Item #7115

Class of 73

Class of 74

Class of 75

Class of 76

AOG ACCESSORIES AND ADDITIONAL ITEMS (not pictured)

LICENSE PLATE FRAMES "U S. AIR FORCE

ACADEMY" on the bottom of the Frame and either "FALCONS" or "ALUMNUS" on the top. Buy one for $4.00 or two for $7.00 (the same or mixed).

Item # 5000 "FALCONS"

Item # 5001 "ALUMNUS"

DECALS Colorful crest on a window decal (self adhesive to inside of glass).

Item # 43XX Class Decals $1.00 Available for all years except 78 and 72.

Specify class year.

Item # 7072 AOG Membership Decal $ 1.00

HONOR MEDALLION A 2 1/2" diameter brass medallion with the Honor Code on one side and Prop & Wings on the other.

Item #7120 Honor Medallion $15.00

Item #7121 Honor Medallion with Stand $35.00

BLAZER PATCHES Pin-back patch embroidered with appropriate crest.

Item # 1800 AOG Blazer Patch $23.00

Item# 1801 AFA Blazer Patch $23.00

USAFA NECKTIE Silk tie with USAFA and Prop & Wings design.

Item# 1600 BLUE, USAFA Tie $23.00

Item# 1601 GARNET (red), USAFA Tie $23.00

AOG TIE TACK or CHARM Metal AOG Crest. Approx. 7/8" size.

Item # 7030 AOG Charm $26.00

Item # 7031 AOG Tie Tack $26.00

Item # 7033 AOG Lapel Pin $26.00

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS Etched in brass and finished in 24K gold.

Item # 7160 1993 - Cadet Chapel $24.95

Item # 7170 1994 - Falcon $24.95

Item # 7180 1995 - Pegasus $24.95

Item # 7190 1996 - Eagle & Fledglings $19.95

PROP & WINGS Silver-color Prop and Gold-color Wings, same size and shape as worn on the cadet uniform w/two clutch type pin-back.

Item # 7032 $10.00

SWEATERS Crew Neck Sweater "FALCONS" Blue and White 80% Orlon/20% Wool - SML,MED,LRG,XLG (sorry no XXL) Item # 1560 $25.00

Child’s Crew Neck Sweater "FALCONS" Blue and White 80% Orlon/20% Wool (Child Sizes:SML,MED,LRG)

Item # 1570 $15.00

V-Neck Sweater "AIR FORCE" Blue and White 80% Orlon/20% Wool - SML,MED,LRG,XLG (son-y no XXL)

Item # 1580 $25.00

KEYCHAIN Blue keychain with silver AOG logo

Item # 7070 $2.00

MAGNET Refrigerator Magnet (Picture of cadet color guard in Cadet Area) Item # 7071 $0.50

COASTERS and NOTECARDS Doolittle Hall Notecards (6"x4.5")

Item # 7073 $5.00 per set of 10 (w/envelopes)

Doolittle Hall "Marble" Coaster

Item # 7090 $6.00 ea.

Pegasus Terra Cotta & Blue Water-absorbent coasters nonscratch bottoms

Item # 7095 $25.00 per set of 4

SACC in San Diego

October 27-29, 1997

Make plans now for the second SACC of 1997. The host hotel in San Diego will be the Hyatt Regency on San Diego Bay. For hotel reservations call 800-233-1234 and ask for the SACC discount rate.

To prepare for the SACC, order the Service Academy Attribute and Resume software (order form below) from the AOG. Look for further details in the next issue of Checkpoints or call Mrs Cheryl Brower at (719) 472-0300 if you have questions.

The Service Academies Resume Database WINDOWS VERSION

As a benefit of membership, your AOG offers a resume service. We have joined forces with the alumni associations of the other military academies to jointly provide electronic resumes to prospective employers.

The resume program disk is a data entry program designed to assist you in formatting, editing, viewing, professionally typesetting and printing your resume in a specific format. The program carries you step-by-step through entering resume data to editing resume dates, titles and text. Systems requirements are a PC with 386 or higher Intel or compatible microprocessor, Microsoft Windows 3.1 or later, 4MB of RAM, 1MB of free hard disk space, mouse or other Windows compatible pointing device, a 3.5" floppy drive and a color monitor is recommended (640 x 480 minimum resolution required).

To be a part of the Service Academies Resume Database, send $25 to the AOG. A resume disk will be sent to you with instructions for completion. Return a copy of your completed resume disk to the AOG for inclusion in the database.

1997 Service Academies Business Resource Directory

The information reflected in the directory is obtained from members of the service academies alumni associations who wish to have their civilian positions listed in the publication. Indexed by geographical area, industry, company name, graduate last name and class year, the directory contains entries of approximately 14,000 graduates in business across the country and worldwide. Bom from the belief that the Alumni Associations and Associations of Graduates exist not only to serve their academies but their membership, this directory creates a business leadership network. The information also provides those in need of certain services an efficient way to find a fellow graduate.

IF; s beeu c\ loug Hwe sluce FUe whole gang's FogeFher you w^nuF everyFUIng Fo be per-PecF. AF Fhe Color<*Ao ^pwgs K^vvioH* we ;ll Ao whoever If F^nkes Fo wu>\ke everyone -Peel <nbsoluFely 100^ cowPorF*nble. JusF Fwo wiles Prow Fhe UuIFeA ^F*nFes Alv> Force {\cc\<kev\y, you ;ll Plv\A *nPPorAAble <*ccowwoAdnFIov\s <*F *n specF^cul^r wounFAwsIAe loc<*FIov\. Plus, wIFU our gre^F Ue^lfU club, luAoor/ouFAoor pools ^\v\<A e*cellev\F lining, Fhe Color<?\Ao ‘Sprlugs MwrloFF Is c\ sF^y none oP you will soou PorgeF. You see, we believe*.

WUen youV^ ctoiavPov-F-^OoI^ you C^vv\ ^Ao env\y«HAlv\^.^M

The Secret Life of Waldo F. Dumbsquat

By Don Hall, ’76

Taps sounded mournfully through the halls of the Old Dorm. The DI made his rounds quickly. Baywatch was on in the SAR. Does the author have to paint you a picture?

The basic cadets took exhausted refuge in their racks. Under the bedcover CMC Waldo F. Dumbsquat attempted to read his mail. He had difficulty getting the flashlight in the correct position. He tried holding it in his mouth. But Waldo always moved his lips when he read and he couldn’t understand a word. Finally he put the flashlight behind his ear like a pencil—something only Waldo could do. He praised himself for being so clever. Waldo bet no one else was suffocating under a sheet in order to resist upper-class authority. The freshman sorted through the mail. Each letter rivaled gold in importance to the homesick doolie.

Colorado Springs Marriott Becomes A OG Corporate Member

The Association of Graduates (AOG) is pleased to announce that the Colorado Springs Marriott Hotel has become the newest corporate member of the association. This corporate affiliation formally recognizes the long-standing professional partnership between the AOG and the Colorado Springs Marriott.

Since the hotel opened in 1989, the AOG has established a strong working relationship with the Marriott. The Marriott has been the location of choice for many graduate class reunions. They are also the caterer for the formal functions the association sponsors for the Sabre Society. They have been very generous in providing thousands of cookies annually for in-processing as well as for open houses for parents of cadets. They have sponsored several events in Doolittle Hall for their staff as well as important hotel guests. They are also the hosts for the annual AOG staff Christmas luncheon.

This corporate membership is a very fitting way to recognize the Colorado Springs Marriott’s past service to the association and the graduate community and their commitment to maintain that partnership in the future.

Inquiries on the association’s Corporate Membership Program should be directed to the AOG president and chief executive officer, Lt. Col. (Ret) Richard Coppock.

Gary Upton, general manager of the Colorado Springs Marriott, accepts the corporate membership plaquefrom Dick Coppock, ’61, CEO and president of the AOG. The walnut plaque displays a laser-engraved image of the Cadet Area.

A music company wanted to sell Waldo one thousand compact discs for a dime. No obligation! Even though he had no stereo, Waldo decided to spend the money. He just couldn’t resist such a good deal!

“I wonder if a thousand CDs will fit in the laundry bin?” mused Waldo.

A time-share outfit touted a two-bedroom unit in Baghdad.

“No high pressure salesmen there, I bet,” thought the basic.

A pay statement showed his entire salary invested in some mutual fund called “Magic Money.” Waldo was sure glad the government knew how to invest wisely. After all, he didn’t want to rely on Social Security in his old age.

A bank offered the doolie a credit card at a low introductory two-percent interest. After a month, the interest increased to Prime plus twenty compounded hourly. Waldo decided not to get the card, however, since he didn’t have a wallet to put it in.

The next item of mail held a place of honor. It was from Waldo’s mom. He had saved it for last. Actually, it had fallen into his issue air superiority blue pajama top—and he just now discovered it. Unfortunately, his batteries chose that moment to breathe their last breath. The flashlight beam faded and died, leaving Waldo surrounded by the darkness.

He must read his mother’s letter tonight! This required drastic measures!

Uttering the magic words, “energizer bunny,” Waldo transformed into Colonel Waldo F. Dumbsquat, a man who loved his mom. The colonel strode with powerful steps to Command Post. He brushed past the sleeping cadet on duty and grabbed the microphone for an announcement.

“Attention in the area, attention in the area. Now hear this. The Cadet Store will be open for one hour. Any cadets requiring flashlight batteries are released from quarters. That is all.”

As he left Command Post and entered the dormitory stairwell, the colonel mutated back to his puny doolie form. He entered the hallway to the Cadet Store and groaned. Fifteen hundred cadets had lined up to enter the store. He would never get any batteries! Frustrated, Waldo took his place in line and decided to read his letter. The words his mother wrote said she had bought him one thousand CDs.

Waldo frowned and wondered if a thousand CDs would fit in the overhead locker...

390th Bomb Group Dedicates New “Target Berlin” Diorama

The 390th Memorial Museum dedicated its new diorama entitled “Target Berlin: 8 March 1944” in Tucson, Ariz. in early May. The diorama depicts a mission of World War II’s Eighth Air Force 13th Combat Wing, comprised of the 390th, 95th, and 100th Bomb Groups to Erkner, Germany near Berlin. The target was a ball bearing plant.

The diorama, funded by the 390th Bomb Group Veterans Association, depicts the area from a point of view at 20,000 feet. The 390th Memorial Museum is the only museum dedicated to a single WW-II Air Combat Group. It is home to the Joseph A. Moller Library (Colonel Moller was an Honorary Member of the Association of Graduates) and Research Center and the 95th Bomb Group Memorial Room.

The museum is located on the grounds of the Pima Air & Space Museum at 6000 E. Valencia Road. There will be no additional charge to view the diorama beyond the normal admission fee to the Pima Air & Space Museum grounds.

Mexico Mission Service Before Self, Team Building

By Capt. Michael Murphy, ’88 Engineering Mechanics Instructor

As many cadets finalized plans for home, the ski slopes or vacation, 21 cadets prepared for a different kind of spring break. The Academy Youth With A Mission (YWAM) cadets chose to help missionaries in Mexico and embark on the ultimate team building exercise.

YWAM is one of the Chaplain’s Special Programs in Religious Education designed to promote the Air Force core values. This unfunded and “hands-on” program took 21 cadets and two officers to the deserts of Agua Prieta, Mexico, the home of Rancho Feliz orphanage with more than 80 children under age 14.

Supported by donations, the orphanage has several church “parents” in the nearby town. One of these churches had four walls but no roof. This was quickly remedied by the team.

“The pastor was telling me (in English) about how he has had so many answers to prayer for the church,” said Cadet 2nd Class John Stanley, Cadet Squadron 12. “About how God has basically built it from scratch as answers to prayers and how our coming to build the roof was just one of those answers.”

Building this 88-by-42-foot roof was no small task given the language barrier and substandard materials—never mind no one on the team had built a roof before.

“The roof had to span 40 feet, and would rest on a 12-foothigh wall. We had to build 22 trusses to span the building. I really think that God gave me (and us) the knowledge necessary to accomplish such a monumental task,” Stanley said.

“To get the trusses up on the wall was quite a group effort and required more teamwork than anything I have ever done,” said the junior cadet. “At first we were barely getting the trusses up there with 15-20 people working all at once, but eventually we could do it with 10 people.”

In less than four days after purchasing the materials, the roof was all but completed. Cadets also spent time at the orphanage cooking, cleaning, wiping dirty noses and loving the children—giving the regular staff a much-needed break.

“Going to the orphanage was one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done,” said Cadet 4th Class Sarah McGuane, Cadet Squadron 08. “Helping less-fortunate children, who only wanted love and affection, really made an impact. This trip was an awakening experience,” McGuane said. “It really put perspective

Too Many Toes?

Lt. Col. Mike Watson sent in this photo of him and Lt. Col. Charles “Mac” McCausland (both USAFA ’79) standing in front of the 66th Rescue Squadron on the day McCausland assumed command of the outfitfrom Lt. Col. Bobby Clegg (USAFA ’77). Watson is the director of Operations of the combat rescue helicopter squadron located at Nellis AFB, Nev. McCausland, at left, arrived this past February and Watson (nearest the rock with the two green feet and numerous toes) has been there since June 1996.

on what is truly important in this world—namely, giving of yourself.”

The experience gave the cadets the chance to exemplify service before self. The cadets said serving this community opened their eyes. “It was a very humbling experience because I’d never been to the third world and seen how people there live, no paved roads, half ’nekkid’ kids running around,” said Cadet 1st Class Eric Springer, Cadet Squadron 33.

“In good Georgia terms, it ‘white-eyed’ me. Yet, in the midst of that despair, I found people who are so humble that they live to serve the Lord alone,” Springer added. (The Falcon Flyer)

Graduates Selected for Colonel Regular Air Force (Line Officers)

Below-the-Zone Selectees

Class of 1976

Matthew F. Martorano

Class of 1977

Michael D. Crane

Mark A. Gunzinger

Thomas W. Hyde

Class of 1978

C. D. Alston

Paul F. Capasso

Randal D. Fullhart

Jeffrey S. Gordon

Frank Gornec

Thomas E. Griffith

Jan M. Jouas

Erwin F. Lessel III

Donald Lustig

William J. Rew

Stephen D. Schmidt

Herbert J. Carlisle Class of 1980

Richard T. Devereaux Robert R. Allardice

Janet C. Bloom

David G. Estep

Harold W. Moulton II Christopher D. Miller

Joseph F. Mudd Jr. Jonathan S. Norwood

Douglas L. Raaberg Robert K. Saxer

Joseph M. Reheiser Paul J. Selva

Richard A. Searfoss

Class of 1979

Charles R. Davis

Class of 1981

Brooks L. Bash

Cadet 1st Class Tommy Taylor gives a helping hand to two of the orphans at Rancho Feliz orphanage while another orphan sneaks a peak at the fun. (Courtesy photo)

CLASS NEWS

Pete Todd

1250 Big Valley Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80919-1015

Home: (719) 531-5874

FAX: (719) 531-6697

E-mail: petetodd@aol.com

Percent members: 82

Mifr

Might as well get two pieces of bad news out of the way first. Most of you will have already learned of Bob FAY’s death on 14 March. His son notified me that Bob had never fully recovered from an operation performed some months previously, was deteriorating and, on 12 March, collapsed into a coma. After he had been on life support for two days without any spontaneous vital signs and with irreversible pulmonary edema, the family sorrowfully decided to remove him from life support. They held a memorial service at the Cadet Chapel on 19 March and he was buried at the Academy cemetery with full military honors.

Second, many of you might recall Ken Durbin, who resigned his lieutenant’s commission to enter the Academy with our class. He left the Academy for family reasons the first year, eventually regained his commission, completed pilot training, and went on to a successful Air Force career. He joined us at our 1994 reunion and confided at that time that he was battling prostrate cancer. Paul LASEN passed along the sad news that Ken had lost that battle and died in April of 1996.

On a more upbeat subject, Paul also mentioned a book that he had happened across that will enthrall all you former Thud drivers and other admirers of heavy, durable flying machines. Entitled Roll Call: Thunder and written by John Campbell and Michael Hill, it traces every tail number of the 833 Thuds built (of which 250 survived, recalling the sardonic joke of the late ’60s. “Definition of an optimist: an F-105 pilot who quits smoking because he’s afraid of dying from cancer”). Featuring lots of nose art and other photos, the book is published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 77 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310-9717.

The mailbag yielded some newsworthy correspondence this quarter (and more photos than my Grinchly editor will let me publish. If possible, I’ll roll the extras over to the fall issue.). Gerry GARVEY surfaced after a long absence, which he explained by citing Princeton’s quaint system for assigning e-mail drops. Turned out that Gerry had two e-mail addresses he didn’t know about, but which had been dutifully collecting nearly 400 unanswered messages over the past four years! (Does this tell us something about the urgency of university correspondence?)

Gerry mentioned that HT and Linda JOHNSON had passed through Princeton a while back and shared lunch and news with him and LouAnn. Gerry also celebrated the publication of his textbook on public administration which has been devouring his life for the past couple of years. He plans to enjoy teaching for a semester or two, unworried about harassing editors and publication deadlines. However, success has its price and he sighs that his publisher is after him to produce an even bigger textbook, this one a general introduction to American Government.

(Alas, Gerry may be the only person in the country who understands the subject well enough to write a book about it.)

Bill TELFORD reported on a gala Super Bowl weekend in the east. It started with a Saturday visit to Bill and Anna’s digs by A1 and Jan WATERS, who recently relocated from California. On Sunday, both couples drove to D.C. to join the pre-Super Bowl party at the home of Kent and Diane MONTAVON. The Class Miracle Girl was as vivacious as ever and seemed to enjoy the company and attentions of the assembled revelers, who also included Jim and Molly CONNALLY, Steve and Patty HAMER, Brad and Zita HOSMER, Jimmie and Judy JAY, Wayne and Bonnie JEFFERSON, Ron and Judy LANMAN, Charlie and Sandy MAY, Joe and Karen MORGAN, Mike and Marian REARDON, Jim and Brenda WELCH, and Fred and Brenda WYNN. After gorging themselves on the potluck victuals, including Diane’s world-famous chili, the football lovers redeployed to the Jeffersons’ place for the game.

By the way, for those of you who noted and were wondering about Jimmie Jay’s injury, now it can be told: His version is that he tripped and broke his elbow on the beach at Cancun last year while ogling some topless flight attendants (presumably female) on the nude beach. Judy maintains this is a wishful fantasy.

Colorado Super Bowl Gala

Another, somewhat more modestly attended Super Bowl party took place in Colorado at Larry FORTNER’S house. The accompanying halftime photograph captures the celebrants (Bob and Roxann BROWNING, Larry the Host, Max MILLER and Trix Scott, Wendy and Pete TODD, Rose and Jim BROWN, and Avis and Curtis COOK) still smiling. This was before Curt won everybody’s money in the pool.

West Coast Hospitality Check

A February business trip to Anaheim to attend a stroke conference provided the opportunity for Wendy and me to conduct a short-notice hospitality check on several of the L.A.-based ’59ers. Bob and Mary Kay CHEPOLIS, Bob and Marie JENNINGS, and Tom and Mimi JOZWIAK fought their way through rush-hour traffic to join us for a sumptuous and chatty dinner at the Disneyland Hotel. The next day, I took Wendy to Hawaii for a few days of R&R to celebrate the completion of her chemotherapy and the sprouting of a fresh batch of hair (her’s, alas, not mine) prior to starting her radiation.

East Super Bowl Gala

Dick TRACEY wrote to report that he retired from Hughes Electronics last November and that he and Linda are enjoying their home in the beautiful Danish community of Solvang, CA where they moved a couple of years ago. Located about an hour northwest of Santa Barbara, Dick says the climate is hospitable to his rose bushes, but the gophers are not. He’s engaged in a force-on-force campaign with the little varmints and, as of February, the exchange ratio was Dick-six gophers/gophers-32 roses. Assuming victory in this titanic struggle, Dick plans next to put in an outdoor “G” scale train layout next to the roses. They’ve also bought an RV and are enjoying occasional roams to various outings with similarlyequipped nomads.

Best wishes to all for a safe and relaxing summer. Come see us and dip your buns in our new hot tub if you’re out our way.

Thoughtfor the quarter: Iron Law of Border Crossing: The complexity and the degree of enforcement of a country’s entry procedures are inversely proportional to the desirability of actually living there.

A.J. (Rosie) Cler, Jr.

11181 West 17th Ave.

Building Two, Suite 208 Lakewood, CO 80215-2759

(303) 238-4973, FAX: 237-0772

Percent members: 77 11 1

Recently I learned that Karen and I were the sole terrestrials who hadn’t spent a night in the White House, so I’m writing this bit of gonzo journalism from Abe’s bedroom on Pennsylvania Avenue’s Motel 1600. The U.S. Postal Service’s finest forwarded a billet-doux from former dancecommittee-buddy Chuck DIVER (Slovak Committee 3), who waxed poetic about his life, wife, and strife: “After a meteoric 20-year AF career, I decided to start a second career before I got even more unhirable. Headed to Greenville, SC in 1980 with Digital Equipment Corporation as industrial engineer, there ’til January 1992 at which time I got re-structured, downsized...laid off! Both kids were out of school, and I convinced Edie to quit her job as ticket manager of the Greenville Symphony (that took two years) and move west. Our small house has a nice view and is halfway between Seattle and Vancouver, BC. If you or anybody else from our class gets up here, we’d love to see them!

“Our daughter (32) got married March ’96, she and her husband are systems engineers at EDS in Plano, TX; son (34) married in August ’96 and he’s a process engineer with AT&T-Seattle. I’m not actively employed (Scribe: Chuck’s reverted to his ‘hunting and gathering’ mode); but, I keep busy as grounds maintenance manager for our place. We wanted a view with a low-maintenance house and grounds; well, we have a nice view!” Chuck later wrote that he and Edie spent the entire month of January in France visiting Avignon, Arles, Nice, and Paris, where they had to learn French—“No big deal!” (sez Chuck).

Hardy Franklin LEBEL (formerly of Dallas, TX, and member of the Aero and Mountaineering Clubs), writes about one of his more bollixed flights—“Salty Able” has been known to top “the wind-swept heights with easy grace where never lark nor even eagle flew,” while occasionally departing runways in Rhode Island near his Admiral Dewey Inn (which he and wife, Joan, operate in South Kingston) with perhaps a-few-toomany-birds-in-his-antenna: “With luck, I’ll be flying in the spring of ’97!” (RC: that’s now).

Hardy was referring to an aircraft fortuity near Santa Fe last September where his entry into the “Land of Enchantment” as an aspir-

ing landsailor became something less than a red-shoed tiptoe into the Kingdom of Oz—Hardy tried to make scrap metal of his semi-beautiful 1947 RC-3 SeaBee equipped with pontoons, by landing on the dry beds of New Mexico’s Canyon Cliff Dwellings, which is not one of your more popular spots for a seaplane landing. Hardly Able—as ever, Salty—then spent 2Vi weeks at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Santa Fe where those nuns of the Order for “We Only Deal With Totally Lost Causes” nursed a somewhat unnerved Hardy back to near-abnormality. Stay tuned.

Charlie HART and his wife, Linda, recently joined Pete KING and his wife, Linda, at a friend’s cabin near Cody, WY, where they toured Yellowstone National Park. Pete was asked by self-designated class historian, Dr. Bill (William) GILLIS (Ed. D.) at our 35th reunion: What Are You Famous For?” Former Lt. Col. KING’S response: “I have more solo time than anyone other than Thunderbird pilots. As maintenance test pilot in the Spain depot, we didn’t always have a back-seater, which went on until discovered by the AFMC Stan Eval/IG pilot on his visit (Dick Rutan, who later piloted Voyager around the world and once flew a check flight with me). I flew all models of the F-4 (C, D, E, RF) in one day prior to a regulation prohibiting more than two flights a day, but wasn’t too sharp on the fourth mission! And, my name was mentioned in an Apollo Ground Control conversation—Wally Shira said ‘Pete KING told us that this device wouldn’t leak and it does!’ And, if that’s not enough fame, the crew carried my class ring into orbit on the first Apollo flight in 1968.” (This declaration of fame becomes part of an ongoing serial with another classmate’s claim appearing in subsequent issues.)

Dr. GILLIS (Ed. D.) also writes: “Since August of ’96, we are full-time grand-guardians for Sebastian (four going on 22) and Cecelia (19 months). My fighter-pilot days are being recompensated for by the relearning of basic skills: diaper-deals, gourmet-cooking, kindergarten teacher, etc. I get to mold their young minds with loud CDs of Louis Armstrong, Stan Kenton, et. al. Due to the above, I won’t make the SkiUnion in Utah; but, we’ll be there in soul. Kath is still a full-time workaholic at the university, plus works Saturdays at the eye doctor (her first late-life job). I am looking for something she can go do on Sundays, but, unable as of yet.”

But, others did attend another successful MiniSki VII March 2-10: Andi BIANCUR and son Christian, Ken ALNWICK and son Kieth, Al and

Hardy walking away from a landing in his RC-3 SeaBee—he was hardly able to walk after making another landing just 10 days later!

The Kings of Harts Charlie, Pete, Linda, and Linda on a geyser in Yellowstone (Photo taken by: Winnie the Pooh).

Photo-shoot for a Grecian Formula “before ad: Phil Meinhardt and friend Grace, Andi Biancur, Jim Glaza, Vic Yoakum, Audi’s son Christian, Brian Kaley, Greg Boyington, Al and Gale Johnson.

Gale JOHNSON, Phil MEINHARDT and fiancee Grace, Jim GLAZA, Greg BOYINGTON, Brian KALEY, Vic YOAKUM, Fran and Jim BROWN (’59). Andi writes: “We had absolutely great weather and the snow was hyped as the best in Utah history. We tried throughout the week to hit as many different ski areas as possible—and succeeded in that—but, unfortunately there was never one single day that everyone was able to ski together. In fact, we did a bit better rounding up everyone for evening dinner formations at some of the local watering holes. We’d rather eat than ski—NOT! Of course, we were all honored to be able to attend ‘A1 JOHNSON Ski School’ with the man himself. It bordered on a religious experience, and he did demonstrate many of his patented moves—including binding checks, helicopter turns, tandem skiing, etc.” Next year’s event will be 1-8 March.

NotAms: Norm and Liz HALLER had their twelfth grandchild over Christmas...William Thomas HODSON III (“I’m the third guy in my family to be called that!”) wrote that “Fran and I have been in D.C. four years now, and will probably stay a couple more. I’m still teaching at NDU and Fran’s with the National Renewable Energy Lab. We recently went back to Colorado for a visit with four of our five children and their four grandchildren (one daughter lives and works in Shanghai)”...Chris and Pat WARACK visited their son and family in the D.C. area over Christmas, even saw the infamous Japan sumo bout on VCR at Tall-Tony BURSHNICK’s house...George (“Don’t ever call me Emerson”) ELSEA (Fishing Club 3,2) took early retirement from EDS, and is full-time using his free time to build a brick patio (RC to George—that’s gotta be either one helluva large brick patio, or you didn’t do much at EDS)...Roy JOLLY’s enrolled in a long-term Prostrate Cancer Prevential Trial run by the American Cancer Society—to enroll in this “gratis” program, call him at (702) 346-3426. Roy and Barbara moved to Nevada to “find a warmer climate,” since Roy had frostbite during a tour in Korea, and lost a few body parts...Also originally scheduled to participate in that same study, Vic THOMAS learned he had prostrate cancer and underwent surgery on 21 January at Nellis AFB. At our age, we’re all candidates, and Vic sent me a quite thorough compendium on his knowledge/experience concerning this disease. Call Vic at (702) 294-1341. Have a good recovery, Vic...Jim and Erika KERR have moved from Toowomba to Melbourne, and one of their sons is handling sales and marketing for the Dolphin’s lawnmower ventures. Bye...

Edward A. Zompa

121 Scenic Drive Madison, AL 35758

(205) 971-8973

E-mail: 76532.757@compuserve.com

Percent members: 82

'mjitfg

IrfThe new scribe has a lot to cover courtesy of “Gray Tag Net (GTN)” on e-mail. As of 3/11/97, there are 55 names on the net. E-mail me at the address above and GTN will fill your hard drive. To you 54 patiently watching the ungeek put this together, thanks for the encouragement and support.

Let’s applaud outgoing scribe Hanson SCOTT, who did a great job keeping us informed these past few years. Scotty and I are both former weather recon weanies. I got to fly the real airplane, the WB-50D; he had to put up with the C-130. There is nothing like shattering the dawn on a Pacific island by starting an R-4360 engine and obliterating the sunrise with a cloud of blue smoke. It was the WB-50 that gave OPEC a purpose.

Norm CAMPBELL was memorialized in the last Checkpoints issue. Barbara is doing well and in good spirits. Before long, we’ll have her on the GTN. Marc ANDERSON is enjoying life in San Antonio doing some nonprofit consulting, and is a candidate for the AOG Board of Directors. John MOORE muses that 35 years ago none of us knew what or where a prostrate was, and now it’s at the forefront of our minds. Art KERR has helped pull GTN together and thinks there ought to be a prize contest for most e-mail referrals. He would be a competitor.

In the last year, Earl and Lilly SAUNDERS moved to Decatur, AL. Earl works in Huntsville for Atlantic Technologies in the photomapping business. Hector and Joanne NEGRONI now live a mile and a half from me in Madison. Joanne arrived recently after completing election-related work with the RNC in Washington. Hector is the AlliedSignal top dog in Huntsville.

Jim HOURIN retired from Delta 12/31/96. He reports that Bobbie and Annie GRACE bought a home near Hilton Head. Annie lives there, waiting for Bobbie to return from Saudi Arabia and retire when Boeing finishes swallowing MacAir. Jim’s son Michael, awaiting a start date with FedEx, flies an F-15 full time of the LAANG. Son Bill, with Delta since 1/16/97, flies part time with LAANG. Son Scott is a USMC infantry company XO.

The plant Tom SUTTON worked at folded in November ’95. In January ’96, he started with a local family-owned business as plant manager. Tom and Laraine still have eight Suttons (plus a dog and cat) at home at various levels of college and high school, including a niece from Arizona and an exchange student from Uzbeckistan. Laraine is teaching in an elementary school.

At Colleyville, TX, Fairlamb & Associates helps companies plan responses to disasters. Dick gets to fly a Cessna 172 and a Mooney M20. Wife, Sylvia, is the Las Colinas office manager for Southwest Securities, Inc. Daughter Tina completed her history BA and will pursue a master’s at TBD U. Daughter Jackie finished her ceramics BA at Stephen F. Austin (cum laude).

Doug CAIRNS spent a week in ICU this past year with an ulcer problem. Daughter Cathy’s ER and ICU expertise were key factors in recovery. Wife, Dee, teaches sixth graders at Maxwell AFB (AWC?) while Doug is the administrator at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Dee and Doug got to the Olympics last year by staying with daughter Sue and husband Parks in Atlanta. Son Rob, a special forces company commander at Fort Campbell, and wife, Celeste, expect their first enlistee by Thanksgiving.

Earl AMAN was hospitalized recently with pneumonia, but is now home. He sent an e-mail recently, excerpts follow, “...Full e-mail ahead! I really appreciate all the Gray Tags’ prayers, well wishes and kind thoughts. I am doing very well in this battle with ALS, due in no small part to support from my Gray Tag Brothers. My old roommate, Larry FREEMAN and Marc ANDERSON deserve special thanks...I solicit the continued prayers of each Gray Tag. May GOD bless us all! Sincerely, Earl.” Quoting Wayne JONES, “He is one tough and determined hornbre and an inspiration to us all.” We all thank a gallant lady named Lucy. See the March, 1997 issue of the TROA magazine for a good account of Pardo’s Push and a great picture of Earl.

Wayne and Dean JONES celebrated the 60th at Palm Desert in January tearing up golf courses. The world debates cloning while they have been around for 60 years. Which one is the clone? This is the Jones paragraph so don’t forget the Sonoma-Cutrer International Croquet Tournament, May 30-June 1. Call Bryce at (707) 528-1181 if you can hit your ball through a wicket (ouch).

If you lived in Cayucos, California in a small beach house, would your name be Byron THEURER? It is and he lives there as a test preparation instructor. He also designs and tests computerized WW-II historical simulations like the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943. It’s a hobby turned into a job.

Nelson O’REAR helps with the GTN and recently went to a local classmate luncheon attended by 11 Gray Tags, half of whom are still employed. Mealtime conversation covered the forthcoming Spring Fling (May 16-19) to be hosted by PB and Mer O’CONNOR in North Carolina.

The annual Drunks & Derelicts ski trip, according to Stu BOYD, coneluded on 2/24/97. It reconvenes next year in Utah again the weekend after President’s Week. This year, Bob DINGLE reports that George MCNULTY hosted a sit-down dinner at his home. Stu is, “...still the school administrator trying to convince dozens of tenured faculty that they are dinosaurs.” I recommend to Stu Chapter 13 in the latest Robert Bork book describing our accelerating passage to Gomorrah (much more exciting than “Passage to India”).

In Colorado Springs, Terry STORM is the Falcon Quarterback Club president for this coming year. They lunch on Tuesdays, and grads are invited, but he didn’t say where. Call him at (719) 476-8111 if in town and you want to attend. Mike QUINLAN is Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce PAC man this year. Dean JONES is the Realtor Federal District Coordinator for the Colorado Springs congressional representative. Gray Tags tailgate at each USAFA home game in front of the stadium at Jim WILHELM’s bus with a Gray Tag flag flying from it.

From Tom WILLIAMS, “Last October (the week after the reunion), I married Bonnie, a very pretty Dallas transplant from California. She’s already cleaned me up real nice. Also upgraded my lifestyle considerably. Apparently, nothing’s hopeless.” Wow! A lady that can clean up Tom Williams; welcome to Gray Tag land Bonnie.

Henry and Peggy HOWE live in Waco, Texas. Henry commutes to Shreveport to work avionics programs at the Boeing mod center. Peggy is the pastor of the First Lutheran Church in Waco. Henry’s daughter Tricia

Make your tax-deductible donation now to The Air Force Academy Fund.

Your Support Helps Develop Leaders With Vision For Tomorrow.

finished a master’s degree in environmental health at the University of Iowa. In December, he commissioned her a USAF 2/Lt, and now she is in joint navigator training at NAS Pensacola. Henry’s e-mail said he was trying to get the antennas of his ham radio station erected, among other things.

Jim ULM needed ankle repair, but expects to be ready for summertime fishing in Gunnison. We can point with pride to Gray Tag impact on the growth and development of the AOG through Dick COPPOCK and Jim.

See the new AOG building, Doolittle Hall, it’s an eye opener.

Twy WILLIAMS showed up for the yachting challenge with USNA and found the harbor to be without USNA representation, so USAFA types raced among themselves and enjoyed the company of Ron MUELLER. Twy complained about the absence of the STEBBINS joke book.

As to me and Gayle. She is disaster services chairperson for the local Red Cross chapter, on the board of directors, and goes to local and national disaster sites helping recovery efforts with her nursing and organizational expertise. As I write, she is on a 14-day TDY to Cincinnati. She also does medical QA consulting with local attorneys. I’m into a third career as a reporter with a local weekly paper covering the planning commission. I also chair a committee appointed by our mayor to develop a Family of the Year selection program; our first awards take place on 3/24/97 at a city council meeting. And then there’s my V-35B Bonanza; eat your heart out brother Fairlamb. Ed Zompa.

John W. “Jack” Jamba

4 Judy Court

Satellite Beach, FL 32937

Home: (407) 777-5520

Office: (407) 861-3519

E-mail: jwjamba@aol.com

Percent members: 71 'iff

Hi Redtags!

I survived the infamous Ides of March and am enjoying a warm but wet St Patrick’s Day here in the Central Florida paradise. Lots of things happening in the Redtag realm. First, some sad news. Arlene HENDRYX succumbed to cancer in Ohio in February. Fred and family buried Arlene at the Academy cemetery a short time later. Some of the Redtags in the area attended the ceremony. Fred was very appreciative of the support he received from the class throughout the ordeal.

Colin RICHARDSON also expressed his thanks for the support he has received as he continues his battle against cancer. He has finished a round of chemo treatments and is now undergoing radiation treatments. As he told me a few days ago, he expects to start glowing in the dark. He is maintaining a good outlook on his situation. Drop him a line of support and encouragement.

Got a short burst from George HARRISON. “...Sure was nice to see you, if only for a few minutes, when you came through (in September). Since then, I have had a spectacular experience—in October I was diagnosed with prostrate cancer and in December, had a radical prostatectomy. The result is all good news, i.e., they got it all and I won’t need chemo or radiation. I’ll also have all normal ‘quality of life’ functions, as the surgeons so delicately put it. I’m not going into all this in a sympathy bid. The real point is that I came out so well because I was detected early. If any of our classmates aren’t getting annual PSA tests, they need to do so. By the way, the hardest part of the whole process was my ignorance at the outset. I know a lot more now and am willing to pass my knowledge on to anyone in similar circumstances. Sorry about the long epistle on an unpleasant subject. I hope it’s helpful.”

Got some news from Ron TAYLOR about his wife, Bobbie. She was diagnosed in early July with cancer. She went to Walter Reed in late July and was operated on 2 August. She had chemo done by the National Cancer Institutes. Ronnie has had his hair shaven to show support. Her form of cancer is normally very aggressive but she now has a better than 80 percent chance of living past five years. They are both planning to be at the reunion.

By the time you read this column, this news will be six months old. The people who are on the Internet and have e-mail have known about this and been writing to each other and receiving updates for the past six months. If any of you have e-mail addresses, let me know what your address is so that you can be included.

Got a late Christmas greeting from Hesh ALTMAN. Daughter Jodi graduated with honors from Palmer Chiropractic College and moved back to Las Vegas. Son Joel is engaged to be married in May. He was just promoted to asst dir for VIP Relations at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas. Wife Bobbi is a recruiting specialist with Kelly Services. Hesh is still director of EG&G Albuquerque Operations Business Development. Thanks, Hesh.

Got a late holiday greeting from Bill HAUGEN. Bill and Sue are still living near Philadelphia. It is Sue not Ann as I mentioned in the spring issue. Sorry! Bill is still selling MV-22s for Boeing. Daughter Linda and USAF Maj Caise Vickery are at Wright-Pat. Daughter Cindy will be married this June and then move to Pittsburgh with husband, Elad Levy, who starts neurosurgery residency. Son Mike was married to Stephanie Joseph in Sept and is working in Chicago. I have enclosed a family picture which was taken at their wedding. The Haugens stay in close touch with Chet and Evalee GRIFFIN, who moved into a new house recently south of Washington, DC. Also Bo and Nancy OHMAN’s daughter Nanette was accepted for USAFA this fall. Thanks for the news, Bill.

Got a holiday newsletter from Charlie and Pat HALE. Son Curtis and Brigette moved into their renovated house. Results look good. Son Charles is still working for McDonnell Douglas in Long Beach. The Hales made a few trips last year including a wild rush into childhood at Disneyland.

Got an e-mail from George THOMPSON who is back in Pskov, Russia. The ice on the Veliki River is starting to break up. He is teaching Western Civics, American History and American Government. He is planning to be back for the 35th reunion. Also got an e-mail from Phil MERKEL. Phil wants to be added to the e-mail list and start corresponding. Got an e-mail from John BROTHERS who said “hi” and is now on the e-mail list. I have about 25 names already. Hope to reach 100 by year’s end. Let’s go!

I downloaded my e-mail an hour ago and had a short note from Edgar Allen JACKSON. He and Alfie are planning a cruise in late April and will be in the local area here. Hope we can get together for an evening. By the way, I have a list of on-line addresses. I’ll be sending it out on the Internet periodically as it is updated. Got an e-mail from Dave LYON saying his family had moved to a rental house in Kuna, ID, while they search for a new location on which to build a house. Got a short e-mail from Bob LIGHTSEY. More to follow.

Owen and Connie HAWKINS stopped by to visit Caroline and me in February. Our son-in-law was here on a TDY as a member of the investigation board that looked into the Delta rocket explosion at Cape Canaveral Air Station. We all had dinner out and had a good time. The 3:56 a.m. launch time discouraged Owen from seeing the launch of a shuttle on a launch pad. We all watched it on TV replay. Owen has registered the Internet domain, Redtags.Org, for our use. Alternatively, Sam DEHNE has set up a Redtag home page on his home page. The address is www.renocitizen.com/class62.htm. Tune in to Sam’s page and give him your inputs to be included here. Let me know what your preferences are. Any other suggestions?

John FLANAGAN passed along an e-mail he got from an NCO at the Academy who was helping to put together an award to be presented to the Outstanding Military Advisor of the Year in honor of SMS William H. Coltrin. I don’t know if the NCO is still working on it or not. He is TSgt Dayton F. Rogalski, MTA CS-18, 719-333-6634. If any of you have sup-

CLASS OF 1962 35-YEAR REUNION

The Haugenfamilyfrom left includes Caise Vickery, Amanda Vickery, Linda (Haugen) Vickery, Stephanie (Joseph) Haugen, Mike Haugen, Sue Haugen, Caise Vickery Jr., Bill Haugen and Cindy Haugen.

porting information, please contact Sgt Rogalski. Also got info on a possible mini reunion at the 50th Air Force Anniversary in Las Vegas. Someone send me words and photo, please.

Got an e-mail from Jim MACK, several from Gail PECK, Pete ROBINSON, and Don SHEPPERD. I sent a reply to Don’s note, to wit: “Who says I’m healthy? I’m about 100 lbs. overweight, have some arthritis, have high blood pressure controlled by medication and have been declared by my family as the king of flatulence. And when people ask me how I’m doing I say ‘Outstanding.’ About 10-15 years ago, I used to overhear some of the many retirees in this area talking to each other about the many ailments they or their mutual friends had contracted. I thought that they sounded very morbid and that when I got to their age I would not have to worry about things like that and that I would talk about happier things. Well, here I am talking about things like that and it almost sounds natural. I guess that when you are younger, you talk about your kids and bore the hell out of older people. Now that you are the ‘older’ people, you talk about ailments and bore the hell out of the younger set. Such is life. But boy do I feel good today.”

Some of the news in this issue was sad. I hated to be the one to carry the message. But that’s why I get paid such big bucks by you. As we sprint...totter...into retirement and old age, the column will have some sad news from time to time. I think that it is important to let our classmates know when someone is having troubles so that the support network can go to work to make the time seem more bearable. When I get news, I will assume it is for publication unless you tell me otherwise. If it is a sensitive and delicate matter, then 1 will call to ask your permission.

One more plug for the Internet and e-mail. Send me your e-mail addresses. Avoid that three-month delay to catch up on the news. See you at the 35th. Cheers, Jack.

Norman I. Lee III

17532 N.E. 38th Court

Redmond, WA 98052

W: (206) 237-6004 H: (206) 882-0968

Internet (via Prodigy): HHMM30A@ PRODIGY.COM

Percent members: 75

Over these intervening 34 years we have experienced the loss of classmates and it is never easy. Those lost in the early years during flight school, in first assignments or during SEA will always remain young in our eyes. However, as the years pass and a classmate and/or a friend passes on things change. For one, we (maybe just me) begin to face our own mortality. Last week, while on a business trip to Amsterdam, Linda called me early one morning to tell me Tom DURHAM had died as the result of a heart aneurysm. 1 was very saddened at Tad’s passing for a number of reasons. He has always been a favorite person of mine, as he is for many other folks. Also, Tad was coming to Boeing where he and I were on the verge of working together on a new airplane project and it was obvious he was really looking forward to getting back to being an aero engineer.

The memorial service in Bellingham, WA brought mutual friends and classmates together and it was particularly great to see and talk with old 15th Cadet Squadron mates Barney BARTLETT, David NUSS and Warren NOGAKI. Thanks to the efforts of Bud GILLIGAN and Ron FOGLEMAN an honor guard from McChord AFB participated in the grave site ceremony. I later wrote Ron an e-mail telling him the sounding

’63 35th Reunion Class History Progress Report

Don’t wait, send your 200-500 word biography and 2Vi x V/i inch photograph to Jack McTasney, 7132 Borrego Way, Carmichael, CA 95608 by July I, 1997. Use your own format; the more of us who respond the more this “history” will mean to all. Fred Frostic’s sent his input already. Mick Roth’s supplied a terrific experience with Carl “Ollie” Oliver when LBJ visited Udorn. Les Denend, A1 Fullerton, Jim Gaston, Skip Lee, John Nehring, Garret Nenninger, Mick Roth, or Sam Westbrook will follow-up encouraging everyone to write. Butch Verdier, Jim Gaston, and Chief Nacrelli are willing to help write generic sections on classmates’ accomplishments, faculty duty, and sports/intramurals, respectively. Need writers for Air Force flying, missiles, ground support, R&D, civilian careers, if anyone is interested. The price per copy of the history depends on how many participate, what quality we want (hard or soft cover), etc. Thanks for all the help so far.

of “Taps” nearly sends me off these days.

I do not think I have seen Barney since leaving Pleiku in December 1967. It was almost that long for “NoGo”. Barney owns his own property management firm in Sacramento and is busy raising three young, goodlooking sons (ages 6, 9 and 12). Barney’s oldest son, Andy (24), accompanied him to Bellingham for the service. “NoGo” lives in Irvine, CA and works at JPL. He says his job involves Quality. Dave works for West Coast Hotels and he is busy on a project in Boise putting up a large arena and hotel complex. For you 15th Squadron War Eagles, Dave and Carole are planning a 15th CWS get together at their home in Colorado Springs during the 35th reunion next year.

Planning for the 35th reunion continues. Jack MCTASNEY is organizing the 1963 Class History and he detailed about 30 classmates to make contact with all members of the class on an “alpha list” consisting of 612 names. The alpha list, created from a survey of the class in the 1960 Polaris is being used to help get as many of our original classmates as possible involved in this project—755 members of the class entered in June 1959. The job is daunting and your help is also needed to pass the word. If you know of anyone who left the Academy prior to graduation, please try get word of the history and the 35th reunion to them. Whenever you do make contact with a classmate, ask them to send a current black/white 2Vi inch by 3 inch photo and a 200-500 word bio to Jack. Jack’s address is 7132 Borrego Way, Carmichael, CA 95608, telephone (916) 962-1746. The photos and words are needed by July 1, 1997. Additionally, if the classmate contacted is a “Lost Soul” or left before graduation, let Jack, Jimmie BUTLER or myself know of the telephone number and/or address so formal invites to the reunion can be made. Your efforts will be much appreciated. Note: I have been using the Internet with some success to research telephone numbers, addresses, etc.

Mike GIBBONS wrote a letter too late for the Autumn ’96 issue of Checkpoints and then, due to a decision on what had to get into the Winter 96-97 issue of Checkpoints, didn’t make that issue either. Mike wrote about the Bill REEMSTMA Trophy donated by the Class of 1963 North Texas Association of Air Force Academy Graduates (NTAAFAG). The trophy is awarded to the winner of the Dallas-Fort Worth area academy alumni associations’ golf tournament instigated by Bill. The trophy went to the Cadet Team from USAFA for the second year in a row. The trophy is seen in a picture taken at a party hosted by Jerry and Ellen AHMANN in honor of the “Chief” and Miss Jane. The photos sent by Mike were great but, unfortunately, the picture including all the gorgeous ladies was too blurred to print; so...from left find: Roy MARSHALL, Mike GIBBONS, Glen SHAFFER, Art JOHNSON, Keith LOCKHART, Denny KING, Fred BAUER, Jerry, Doug HARDGRAVE, Ron, and Jim KUHN.

Jimmie BUTLER sent along some feedback he received from the letter sent out announcing reunion plans and availability of the video tape presented at the 30th. Some excerpts from those notes are added here for your information and entertainment. John EDWARDS shows an address of Sarasota, FL and promises to make the 35th. Larry DAY’s letterhead was “manager” of the York Golf and Tennis Club in York, Maine. Larry says it is not all that glamorous but the winters are relaxing. Jerry DRISCOLL sent a note from the Hotel Zurich. Rog KORENBERG reports he retired from the Air Resources Board in Sacramento, CA and bought a small farm in California, MO. He also works for the Department of Natural Resources for the State of Missouri. Another Missouri resident is Chuck MORDAN from Bosworth, MO. Bob MACFARLANE reported he is planning to attend the 35th adding the 30th was the first time he had made a visit to USAFA since graduation. I suspect that may be true for a number of folks. Bob WINEGAR wrote from Marble Falls, TX and admitted he owns a Bellanca Super Viking. Others checking in in-

eluded Ike PAYNE from Albuquerque, Bob ZAMBOLDI from the U.K., John ROUSH from Fremont, OH; Bill LINDER from Eden Prarie, MN; Ken HAR from Hillsborough, NC; Joe HANES from Gastonia, NC; Tim GALLAGHER (via Roberta) from Crofton, MD; Danny ECKLES from Albany, OR; Les DENEND from Menlo Park, CA; Don NEFF, Jim MARTIN, and Bob HALL. Talk about a nationwide audience.

To close, I must acknowledge Bob MACBETH and Larry MCLAUGHLIN who made inputs in the past few months and I didn’t get them into previous columns—lousy management on my part. Let’s get the word out to help Jack put together the “History”. Until next time, take care.

Bob Hovde

817 Dellwood Road

Huntsville, AL 35802

Home: (205) 882-9382

Work: (205) 880-0884 ext. 215/Fax: 880-0886

E-mail: therjhs@aol.com or bhovde@iitri.com

Percent members: 71

LETTERS: In January, Bill JONES wrote his first “scribe” letter. Once every 33 years or so isn’t too bad. The 3rd of January was his last flight in the F-16. He led a four-ship to the range, and said that it was awkward to hang up the g-suit for the last time. Bill is curious to see if we have some classmates still flying fighters out there besides Lee DOWNER, who flies as the ACC DO.

Lee is claiming (a nickel bet!) to be the last of our class to lead a fighter deployment overseas. He writes, “We launched six F-16s from Richmond, VA, at 0300 on 30 May 96. One was an airborne spare and wt had to divert two into Germany, but the rest of us landed at Aviano Air Base, Italy nine hours and five minutes flight time. I don’t care how comfortable the seat is, that’s a long drive!” (Lee, nine hours in a seat was long even when we were 25!) Lee operated from Aviano for 45 days, flying reconnaissance missions over Bosnia using the F-16 “recce” pod. Lee’s unit, 192d Fighter Wing, Virginia Air National Guard, brought the new pod through the test phase to operational status in less than a year. They are the only (manned aircraft) unit in the Air Force with tactical reconnaissance capability. (There are now Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in the Air Force!) Lee retired in January as a full-time employee with the ANG. He will stay on as a traditional guardsman for a while in the Virginia state headquarters, but no more flying. As he says, “Welcome to the pasture.”

LOST LETTERS: Sandy PURCELL wrote (back in October) to convey the news from U.C. Berkeley. He sent an article from the campus newspaper that reports the challenges faced by John QUIGLEY, professor of economics and public policy, and the new Academic Senate Chair: “In the wake of one of the stormiest economic periods in California’s history,” John took over, hoping to help “steer the campus back on course.” Between California politics and lower funding for everything, John, as Sandy says, “will definitely have his hands full with this job.” (There is a picture of John, looking very scholarly, but I can’t use a newspaper picture without permission. Of course, I’ve had plenty of time to get permission if I would have put the letter someplace besides the “to be filed” pile.)

Sandy is still doing research and teaching in entomology. He spent last year in a year-long sabbatical that ended in December. He spent four enjoyable months in northeastern Italy and a couple weeks in Brazil. He claims the visits were related to his research on plant diseases spread by insects, but admits that his wife and two kids were with him for much of the time.

E-MAIL: Matt FEIERTAG e-mailed from Carson City, NV, that he has finally fallen into the 20th Century just when everyone else is going into the 21st, and now has a computer and is connected to the Internet. Matt keeps in “Christmas Contact” with several classmates. Bill DOUGLASS is working for SAIC in the D.C. area. He married off his oldest son in May ’96, and his youngest (a Red Tag, Oh the Shame!) is a 1/Lt at Grand Forks (brrr). John PRENEZ is still living in Rancho Cordova and finally went back to full-time employment as ops manager for the California Military Museum, and still teaches for U of Phoenix and Embry-Riddle. Joe DRISCOLL is still lawyering in San Diego. Matt spoke to Dave NEAL several times, and he was going to stop by on his way home from Vegas, but the weather dictated a more direct route. Jim HERMANSON is still hanging out with the Colorado Air Guard, “long after the rest of us have been put out to pasture” (see Bill Jones’ message above).

Matt just built a house in Carson City that has a few spare bedrooms, and says the welcome mat will always be out for anyone coming through the north Nevada area. On the home front, his son visited from Colorado, where he is studying chemical engineering at CU (“Oh the Shame a Buffalo!”), and his daughter came in from Vermont, where she is study

ing social work and psych at UVM.

Fred WAGNER e-mailed that he has now been with his firm for five years, the longest he has ever been in one place! He is the information services manager, and keeps the e-mail, groupware, and LAN working so that the attorneys can get instant access to key legal publications. When I was setting up our LAN, he gave me some advice via e-mail.

Fred and Michelle Wagner, of the Lakewood Swashbucklers. Fred, did you really teach your wife to fight with a sharp pointed object?

Off duty (Fred, you can say “After work” now that you’re retired), Fred and Michelle have resumed their original common sport of fencing. They met at the fencing club at Edwards while they were in the Air Force. Fred taught Michelle the epee’, and they continued it until they moved to California in ’88. Last summer, the California State Games were held nearby, so they went and are now back into it in a fencing club in Cerritos. Fred sent a picture of the “Swashbucklers” (no kidding, that’s the name of the fencing club) all ready to do battle.

Fred, Michelle, Robert and Nathan took a traveling vacation at Christmas. They visited B-lBs and the historical aircraft display at Dyess AFB, F-117s at Holloman AFB, and the National Space Museum at Alamogordo. He says that you shouldn’t miss the Space Museum if you ever happen to be near Alamorgodo. (OK. Everyone who has been to Alamogordo in the past five years please stand up!)

MORE E-MAIL: I receive a daily e-mail from the Air Force News web site <http://www.dtic.mil/airforcelink/news> with items of interest about the Air Force. In January, John LORBER became the first PACAF commander to receive the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun. Parliamentary Vice Minister for Defense Katsuhito Asano presented the award on behalf of Japan’s minister of state for defense. The award, instituted in 1875, recognizes distinguished service. It is rarely bestowed, and seldom presented to foreigners. During the ceremony, the minister cited John’s efforts to strengthen the air defense of Japan and the bilateral security relationship between Japan and the United States.

VISITS: While in the hallway waiting for a Huntsville Aerospace Marketing Association luncheon to start, I noticed someone who looked vaguely familiar. It turned out to be John Robbins, younger brother of our own Mike ROBBINS. John (a Canoe-U Grad) also lives in Huntsville. In fact, he lives about a half mile from me.

As I write this, I am getting ready to go to Colorado Springs for the week again. I am teaching Air Force precision guided munitions at the Smart Weapons Training Course that IITRI teaches as part of one of our Defense Technical Information Center contracts. Sandy is going along to play with the grandbaby, because I’m not allowed to see her without Sandy. I hope there’s still snow on the hills. I’m going to stay over the weekend to lash the slats to my feet and throw myself downhill again.

That’s all for now. Keep those cards, letters and e-mails coming, and, in the words of Matt Feiertag, “Keep the plastic side up and the rubber side down!”

Rod Rodman

RR tt 1, Box 331 Pownal, VT 05261 (802) 823-7789

E-mail: rodnjudi@sover.net

Percent members: 68

Unlike when I wrote the last column, today, March 19, is a beautiful sunny day, albeit only in the 30s. The snow is melting, the ice is almost

gone from the lake, and our dirt roads are becoming mud wrestling pits. If, somehow, we could only negotiate with the weather gods to have three seasons in Vermont, skipping the “W” word, this would be a great place to live all year. However, one could, for some unimaginable reason, live in the Upper-Midwest, in which case a trip to Vermont in winter might seem like a tropical vacation.

At any rate, Judi and I have just returned from a month’s vacation in Orlando, visiting Judi’s mother. Although the best option to catch spring, summer, and fall all year round might be to head for Argentina or Australia around October 15 and return around April 15, Florida serves as a second and less costly alternative for a partial winter escape.

During last year’s visit, we spent most of the time moving Judi’s mother from her house to an apartment. This time we mostly just enjoyed the very warm weather and large heated swimming pool at the apartment complex. We did get an overnight to visit Chuck and Mary COLEMAN in Tampa. We spent the day and evening reminiscing about old times and pondering times to come. In the last issue, you got a glimpse of the Coleman family and the Rodmans with the NIELSENs in separate pictures. In this issue you get us together. Perhaps we look younger now?

Inputs in this issue were all received via e-mail, which further convinces me that this e-mail thing is a boon to communications for those of us who don’t write letters often. Mike LYNCH gave me a “comm check” just after the last column deadline. Mike works for Motorola in Scottsdale, AZ, as a quality engineer, although Mike pointed out that the 1996 Graduate Register demotes him to drug dealer! Well, Mike, perhaps you’d better check it out. There is probably more money in the latter field? Mike was going to give me more class poop if I closed the loop with him, which I thought I did, but maybe I didn’t. Without a list, I remember to do few things. Anyhow, I’ll get it straight, Mike. Thanks for the contact.

Mike PHILLIPS also checked in just after the deadline for the last column. Mike works for SRS Technologies in Arlington, VA, working for Richard HEAD, Class of 1960. Mike says they do environmental work for the Navy on the California coast. Mike figures to keep at it until second daughter, a junior at Marymount University, finishes her studies. Mike is still loving his bass fishing, to quote, “a man cannot be too rich or have too much fishing equipment.” Recall we saw Mike and his bass boat, in living black and white, several columns ago. Good to hear from you again, Mike.

Wes DIXON, as well, just missed the last column deadline. Actually, thanks are due these three, Mike, Mike, and Wes. Otherwise, what would I write in this issue’s column? Wes says he is a long-time resident of Northern Virginia, suburb to Washington, DC. Wes didn’t mention his own activities, but did say he heard Bob WILBURN speak at the October ’96 Association of Graduates meeting. Bob is the CEO of Colonial Williamsburg. Bob discussed the organization’s educational mission, the complex budgeting process of a combination of nonprofit and for-profit activities, and new programs they are developing. I’m sure Judi and I visited Colonial Williamsburg way back when, but we will try to make it a point to get there now, Bob. Wes said it was interesting to listen to a classmate who has traveled the “road less taken.” Thanks for the information, Wes.

Chuck RYERSON, a regular with e-mail, provides an update of his activities. Chuck has accepted a transfer from flying the B-737-300/500 glass cockpit fleet to flying the DC-10 round dials. Chuck has mixed emotions about flying more dated equipment, enduring upgrade training with that age-unfriendly memorization stuff, and going near the bottom of the LAX seniority list, but says the 30 percent pay increase will soften the blow. Chuck will fly mostly the Pacific routes. Chuck “challenges” us all

to take the time to visit him when in the Pasadena, CA or the Homestead, FL area. Good luck with the DC-10, Chuck and keep up the correspondence.

I caught an article in the Orlando Sentinel while we were there, saying Roy BRIDGES was to be the next director of the Kennedy Space Center. Recall Roy flew the shuttle and then returned to regular Air Force duty, having recently retired from active duty. From the article, it sounds as if Roy will have his hands full as the organization copes with low morale, dropping budgets, and a transition to civilianization of the shuttle operations under the United Space Alliance company. Good luck, Roy.

Most of us have probably been reading and hearing about John BLAHA’s Mir Space Station adventure. We’re glad you’re back, John, and look forward to hearing all the details at some future date.

In the March issue you saw that Rick ZURBRUGG (P.O. Box 22615, Hilton Head Island, SC 29925-2615; telephone (803) 689-5321; e-mail: 75630.2347@compuserve.com) will be taking over the column for the September issue. I wrote my first column for the Spring ’95 issue, so it has been two and one-half years for my tenure. It’s been fun, enjoyable, and rewarding gathering up information from some of you and passing it along to all of you. As the years pass by, we all recognize that sooner or later we will pass by also. Whatever our recollections of those four years at the Zoo, it is the friendships made during that time of intense striving and kept over the years that are my most important memories. I trust that you will support Rick, as you have supported me, in feeding him information about yourselves and other classmates you are in touch with. I know Rick will greatly appreciate it.

As for me, I am cranking up to do my thing in the leadership development area. As I read, observe, and think, it becomes increasingly clear to me that, at this point in history, true leaders are sorely needed in business, at all levels of government, and within our communities. Leaders who have character, compassion, knowledge, wisdom, worldliness, charisma and communicative ability, and a sincere desire to make the United States of America and the World Community a better place in which to live. We have enough of the what’s-in-it-for-me variety of leaders. It’s time we focused on developing what’s-in-it-for-us leaders, us meaning human beings, animals, plants, and the wonderful environment nature has provided for all of us in which to coexist. My hope would be to write, speak, and work with organizations and individuals to assist in the development of the skills and traits that will develop for now and for the future the types of leaders I have described. Certainly, I would welcome any thought you all might have on the subject.

So, with some sadness, I bid you farewell from my Vermont home and this column, and, with much pleasure, I pass control to Rick Zurbrugg, who, I am certain, will tell you all about his life when his first column appears in September 1997.

For information, while the Class Scribes have been asked not to list individual e-mail addresses within the column due to space restrictions, I’m sure Rick would keep a listing of individual class members’ e-mail addresses and provide them to us if requested.

You’ve Got It, Rick!

Ryan Denny 1210 Applewhite Road

O’Fallon, IL 62269

Home: (618) 624-4255

Work: (314) 232-4180

E-mail: Ryanden@AOL.com

Percent members: 73

Greetings Redtags! It’s the beginning of another summer! Three more months of trying to hold my stomach in when I go to the neighborhood swimming pool and wearing a hat to stop the top of my thinning head from cooking. Actually, because of the early deadlines for this article, I’m really writing this on a cold March day while trying to recover from a St. Patrick’s Day party. The party was mine. It’s an annual event that I am required to host because I was born a Leprechaun. Jim MURPHY and wife, Pat, helped me celebrate this year; but after more than 30 years of trying, I still can’t get Jim to drink more than one beer in an evening. He continues to ignore my advice about how to become a scintillating personality. Oh well...Jim is working for ARINC, helping the folks at Air Mobility Command Headquarters write plans for their aircrew training systems. A few months ago, he was able to squeeze back into his uniform (just kidding, he still only weighs 125 pounds) to commission his daughter Katie when she graduated from Penn State.

Ron MOREY managed to miss the party because he and wife, Ann, were wandering around the United States and enjoying being retired. Ron says that he travels about 10 days a month and spends the other 20 days either recovering or getting ready for his next trip. I think there is a lesson

From left are Chuck, Mary, Rod, and Judi.

Jim Murphy commissioning daughter, 2Lt Katie Murphy. there somewhere for those of us who are still working long hours and claiming to enjoy it.

I got an e-mail from Crazy Art SURO sometime this winter. He was flying in a B-777 over St. Louis and said that he was remembering all those things that I taught him in his younger days, so he just had to send me a message. The message was “Look out for the yellow snow.” I’m sure that he was not flying as a crew member because he said that he was sipping on a fine wine while composing his message. (Well, I’m pretty sure...)

Gary PALMER called to say that he was tring to send me an e-mail, but couldn’t get it to work. So I gave him my other e-mail address so that he wouldn’t have to call me. (I think this is a “gut thing”.) He then e-mailed me that he had been at Scott AFB for a friend’s retirement and ran into Morrie TANNER, who is now a lawyer living in Belleville, IL. Gary wrote about an AFA Society meeting he attended in D.C. at which he saw several of our classmates. Tom KINCAID was there, as was Ken FUNKHOUSER who is a loan officer with First Republic Mortgage Corp. He also talked to Fritz MCDOUGALL who told him what a great time he was told he had at the 30th Reunion, and Dan RADTKE, who works for ReMax/Olympic in the D.C. area.

Tobe GOODEN sent me a great article from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Magazine that was all about Tobe and his Mig-15. For those of you who haven’t kept up with Tobe, he flew F-4s in Vietnam, A-lOs at DM, F-16s in Europe, and then retired to fly B-737s for Continental Airlines. Apparently Continental was good to him, because he was able to buy this Mig-15 for only $100,000. Tobe formed a company called “Classic Fighters” and flies in air shows when he can. He volunteered to fly in the flyby at our reunion, but couldn’t get the Academy to provide the fuel, so he had to opt out. (His Mig-15 costs about $1,000 an hour to fly.) Tobe just got transferred to Houston, TX with Continental Airlines, so he is planning to team up with the Coleman Museum of Texas to do an F-86 vs Mig-15 dogfight act. Another ’66er living the good life!

PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY TO YOUR AIR FORCE ACADEMY (AFA) FUND.

Larry Wilson

13100 Pinehurst Ave. NE

Albuquerque, NM 87111

Home: (505) 291-8949

Work: (505) 846-2510/DSN: 246-2510

E-mail: lwilsn628@aol.com

Percent members: 65

Greetings, oh ye of the 30-year-old class. Can it really be that long? By the time this gets to you, it will in fact have been that many years. Time flies.

Please note in the box below that our reunion dates have changed to 1-5 October! \

This column will be a little short. It seems that (1) all of you are saving your tales for the reunion or (2) you sent something to me that was lost in the mail or the e-mail or by me or (3) some combination of the above. At any rate, I don’t have much input on which to base this. But I’ll do what I can, and then perhaps ramble a bit to fill some space.

One good message: I re-established contact with Roger CARLETON, now retired and settled in St. Louis. As a going-away present from the Air Force he had knee surgery, so he feels like a 50-year-old again. He retired from his last job at the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA in July 96, then entered the ranks of the “homeless and unemployed.” But he did this in style, not pushing a grocery cart but instead driving his cadet ’Vette. After a visit with his father and brothers in Oklahoma he traveled to Big Timber, MT for a few weeks of fishing and general purpose R&R with his inlaws. He then interviewed with McDonnell Douglas and Boeing, and opted to go with McD. Now he was only homeless...In October he moved to St. Louis, leaving Shonnie and kids in Big Timber until he got settled. He thought he solved the “homeless” situation by contracting for a house under construction. Wrongo...Anyhow, his job with McD is program manager of 18 F-15Es that the Air Force is buying in FY 96-98. His analogy of his transition to the corporate world: “take a civilian and place him in charge of a fighter wing without any training...” But he is a quick study and he is rapidly learning the culture of McD, soon to be Boeing since their merger. An update from a March telecon: he was (finally) moving into their house, but still batching it as Shonnie and kids remained in Big Timber pending house livability and end of school year. Then the family will be reunited again. Roger has had some contact with Mike FRANCISCO, who sometimes consults for McD. He is living in Phoenix, where his wife is setting up her dental practice.

Some of you may recall in the previous Checkpoints where I appealed for advice on how to survive my daughter’s learning to drive. One sage response, from George VANWAGENEN: don’t miss any insurance payments...I guess that is all that can be said.

Had a conversation today with an Air Force surgeon stationed at Kirtland who passed on an anecdote about Bob GILMORE, retired from the Air Force and CEO of a health group in California. It seems that even when he was the commander of the Air Force Medical Center at Wiesbaden, Germany, Bob continued to pull his fair share of surgical call and to otherwise work in the trenches, tasks some would consider undesirable and which he certainly did not have to do, especially a guy as senior as Bob was then. This surgeon relates that story as a lesson in leadership by example, which he tries to emulate. Well done, Bob.

Swapped a few electrons with Les JENSEN. His Iowa musical career continues unabated. In fact, he and I are considering making some beautiful (?) music together one day. Now there is an opportunity for the reunion.

Not much more class stuff to report—none, in fact. So here’s a little Wilson family update. We travel next week to Durango for a spring-break ski vacation. We haven’t been skiing much this year—lots of conflicts with work and other activities. This should be fun. And I have a lesson from one of our office “good skiers:” he returned in a leg brace from his ski trip over Christmas, and just recently underwent his knee surgery...I hope I have enough sense to cool it for the first few days. Or at least the first few runs. But my 13-year-old son likes to push it, and I am reluctant to let him show me up. Now I need to find some wood to knock on.

With that—adios amigos. Get your motel reservations and plan to enjoy the big 3-0. See you there.

Tobe Gooden, Mig-15 Pilot News from the rest of you all has been a little slim, so take a few minutes this summer to see a classmate, take his picture, and send it to me before he sends me one of you in a speedo swimsuit. Until then...Happy Landings!

Tim Davidson

9712 Hidden Valley Road

Vienna, VA 22181-6094

(703) 255-5313/Fax: (703) 255-5377

E-mail: timd@erols.com

Percent Members: 63

HELLO ’68! And, Greetings to ’97! Welcome to the Long Blue Line! May you learn to separate the wheat from the chaff in things that come your way and may you appreciate the opportunities you have been given as a result of your four-year odyssey at USAFA.

JOB WELL DONE DEPT: They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Please view the photo below and realize that ’68 is the principal reason that this event ever occurred. Cecille Castro and two of her six children arrived in California about 8 a.m. on Sunday, February 9th. They will initially be living with her sister and brother-in-law, Nora and Joe Angway. The address is: 1383 Stanford Place, Hanford, CA 93230 and phone: (209) 584-8005. The bond we formed in life extends to classmates even after they are gone. Many thanks to all of you for your prayers and generosity. And, again a special thanks to our chief emissary, Jim REESE, who is appropriately pictured with Cecille Castro and her children on the day they arrived in the U.S.A.

FROM A BOUNTIFUL CHRISTMAS PAST MAILBAG DEPT: The mailman is suing me for his premature back surgery following the ’96 Holiday Season onslaught from all of you. Many thanks to all for keeping in touch and letting me know how you are doing. Based on the volume of your marvelous correspondence, 1 will be unable to get all your news and fantastic photos into the spring column. So, for those who wrote and don’t see your names in print, don’t lose heart. Just stay tuned to another exciting episode of “All My Classmates” and you may find yourself in our summer ’97 column.

News from the Far East had Ed and Karen EBERHART spending their first Christmas outside of a Pentagon assignment in five-and-a-half years. As 5th AF commander in Japan, Ed gets to travel with Karen to such places as Kadena, Misawa, Sapporo, and Hawaii. Ed laments that this is his first assignment with no classmates stationed with him—Steve POLK being the closest in Korea. (Scribe Note: As we get closer to June of 1998, Ed’s lament will be the rule, rather than the exception!) In closing, Ed said “flying the F-15, commanding, and playing golf every chance I get—who could ask for more?”

Moving eastward to California we had a great photo of Clark GERHARDT and family to share with all of you. Maria and Clark look as though parenthood is suiting them rather well!

Catching the next hop out west, we arrive in Taipei with some “Joy To The World” greetings from Larry and Sally MITCHELL. Larry and Sally have been in Taipei for four years and, except for ducking a few

Class of 1968 Reunion Dates

Set for 3-7 June, 1998

Dates for the Class of 1968 30th Reunion have been established for June 3-7, 1998. Initial contact for the reunion is Bob Denny, 15210 Churchill Place, Colorado Springs, CO 80921. Phone: 719-488-8328.

Clark and Maria Gerhardt help son Miguel celebrate their second Christmas together.

missiles shot their way courtesy of some Chinese military exercises in 1996, they continue to revel in their posting. For those headed in their direction, here are some ways to contact the Mitchells: Tel: 011-886-2-861-6442, E: skykingsky.aol.com.

Reversing course again, we head for Hawaii as Charlie HOLLAND is completing a very exciting tour of duty as commander of the Special Operations Command, Pacific (SOCPAC). Charlie and Nancy’s son Chuck is finishing his 3rd Class year at USAFA and other son Justin is completing 7th grade at Punahou Private School. After two years in the Pacific, Charlie, Nancy, and Justin will wing their way to some old stomping grounds near Fort Walton Beach, FL, where Charlie will assume command of Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field.

Rivaling Bob DALEY on this occasion for keeping up with classmates, Bill WOOD sent me an extensive update of ’68ers and their activities in the Denver area and also sent copies of letters he had received from other classmates over the holidays. Bill, your scribe humbly thanks you for this significant effort in correspondence!

From the Wood household, there was news aplenty—here’s the short version...Son Robb married Jill Dinehart in San Diego last July 6th. They moved from Pensacola, FL to Oak Harbor, WA, where Robb is an electronic countermeasures officer on the EA-6B “Prowler” aircraft. Daughter Aimee graduated from Creighton last May with dual marketing and management majors. She was hired by Abercrombe and is now manager of a store in Appleton, WI. Yes, she is a Packer fan! Son Dennis is as tall as his dad, but with a lot more energy. He is a tough competitor in soccer and basketball, but found skiing to be a bit more challenging with a broken elbow and foot. Bill and Katie remained busy as ever and included a lot of travel between intense business schedules with Bill’s system engineering work at Hughes.

Other news via Bill included word of Bo (Mike) SHARP, who has been in Albuquerque for many years working at Sandia Labs. In addition, Bill SASZ, Bob DENNY, Bill MAYWHORT, Don GENNA, and Bill WOOD have established a Christmas brunch tradition for themselves and their families. Don’s wife, Marie, is the catalyst behind the effort and they all have had a great time for two years in a row. It seems as though Bill and Donna SASZ are threatening to move to Ireland when their youngest daughter graduates from high school in two years. (Scribe Note: Bill and Donna, get hold of Pat and Rusty MCBRIDE. In addition to their renowned affiliation with Notre Dame, they are also experts on travel to Ireland.) Bob DENNY now owns a travel company in Colorado Springs. Bill MAYWHORT is heading up a legal environmental effort in Montana. Don GENNA works with Bill WOOD at Hughes and also works with his wife, Marie, in an art store that specializes in custom (very large) framing.

Bill also told of running into Bill CRIMMEL, who was working at the Denver Research Institute; Gary MAY, who works with Lockheed Martin in Aurora on “some satellite ground station stuff;” and Rock BURAGLIO, who is with Lockheed Martin in Littleton as a contract manager. I’ll get to all those who sent letters to Bill in the next column.

Our last holiday voyage for this column finds us in London, England with Jim and Sherry DEFAZIO. Jim is with the FBI and has been stationed in London for more than two years. Sherry is serving as a personal assistant in the American Embassy to a “fellow who works for the U.S. Department of the Treasury.” In addition to Damian’s graduation, Jim and Sherry’s other son, Adrian, is a competitive NCAA cyclist and will

Cecille Castro andfamily arrive safe and sound in California courtesy of the Class of 1968. From left are Ann, F.J., Cecille, and Jim Reese.

The Aye Ayes have it! Jim and Sherry Defazio show theirpride during Ensign Damian’s graduation from Notre Dame and commissioning into the U.S. Navy.

graduate from New Mexico State in May ’97. Jim and Sherry hope to be in the States for Adrian’s graduation in May and for his NCAA races in Albuquerque in June.

30th REUNION DEPT: I had a long talk with Manny BETTENCOURT before writing this column and our Colorado gang is already pressing ahead while the rest of us are contemplating how we can help. The ad hoc committee met on 15 March. Those in attendance were Dave BARRS, Manny (Chair, 25th), A1 BLUMBERG (Chair, 20th), Sam BOLE, Bill CRIMMEL, Chuck JONES (Chair, 10th), Ed LEONARD, Barney MILLS, Vince RUSINACK, Neal STARKEY, and Ben STEVENS. The group contacted Phil PIGNATARO and the reunion is scheduled for 3-7 June 1998.

’68 SPOTLIGHT

The ’68 Spotlight for spring 1997 falls on John LONGENECKER. For those who have not seen hide or hair of John for the past 10 years, it is with good reason. As one of our most traveled classmates, John has had a career that has included more than 3,800 hours of fantastic flying and postings as an air attache to Zaire (1986-1988), South Africa (1989-1992), and Pakistan (1992-1996). He was on the ground floor of the transformation from apartheid to democracy in South Africa and has literally flown up to Mount Everest to take a look around.

John Longenecker with attaches from UK, France, Brazil, and Spain.

When asked what the Academy meant to him, John said “Duty, honor, and country proved to be the foundation on which we as cadets and future officers directed our lives and careers. The Academy life taught these values daily...The ability to ask a question and receive an honest answer from a classmate or fellow officer is truly a privilege. For me, the Academy has really meant the privilege to serve in the Air Force and to hopefully make the world a little better place.

When discussing life’s lessons learned, John said, “I think one must always be concerned about three things—family, friends, and country...Also, give credit to others for your successes. Seldom have we accomplished a goal without the help from others—particularly to those who are junior to us.” Thanks for your insights, “Class Ambasssador” John!

News of Gerry BROWN’s Death: The column ends on a sad note. Our classmate, Gerald W. BROWN, Jr. died from a heart attack on 18 February while visiting his mother in Lyons Falls, NY. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, whose address is: 1313 Andante Drive, Forth Worth, TX 76134-3703. He was interred at the Academy with 10 classmates from the

Colorado area in attendance. Our sincere condolences go out to Cheryl and the rest of the Brown family.

That’s all for now. Take care, mind the flak, keep ’em flying, and keep those cards, letters, and photos coming in!

Lindsey Parris

5926 Colfax Ave.

Alexandria, VA 22311

Home: (703) 998-0488

Percent Members: 61

KpKjjmr

wSpring is in the air. The swallows are returning to Capistrano. The racing shells are plying the waters of the Potomac and the Charles. The microbrews are flowing. The clap of a fastball smacking the throat of a catcher’s mitt sends reverberations throughout the stadium. The snow is still deep in Colorado. What a terrific time to be alive. Unfortunately, the news I have to pass along is nowhere near as lengthy as this list of spring wonders, but pass along we shall.

Kit BUSHING, who asks that we all remember that life just gets better after 50, is heading west from his and Becky’s long-time roost in Vermont. Steve KIRBY, OEM business development manager for Novell, e-mails that Gerry BOESCHE is now flying for United (where he will be an instructor on the A320), having started sometime last year. Only recently, we have proof that Gerry was still on active duty. In fact, the accompanying picture shows Gerry in uniform, after swearing in Dereck Keck, whose dad, Flip KECK, beams his approval. Flip, who is working as a check airman on the MD-80 for American Airlines based at Dallas, passes along that he, John BUCKNER, and Bill SAVAGE are heading to the Caribbean on a cruise in celebration of a certain trio of 50th birthdays.

Many of you may have seen the ballots already, but please know that Terry BRADY is running for office as a member of the AOG Board of Directors. He passed through D.C. in late February and we chatted on the phone but couldn’t arrange a time for tippling. Les DYER, however, met with Terry and did a number on several of the brew pubs in Denver, so I have heard. Les did much the same with Harry LAWS in Indianapolis recently as well. Airline pilots seem to have a goodly share of the luck. By the way, though you will have voted by the time you read this, please know that Terry is running on the DAGWOOD plank (Disgruntled Academy Grads Without Our Old Dates), and believes it is legal, whether or not it may be right or wrong, for him to accept PAC contributions. You know where you can find him. Good luck, Terry, in the election; to my memory, no ’69er has ever been an AOG board member.

Ran into Denny MCGUIRK in the PX before Christmas on his last day in D.C. before moving to Milwaukee, where he is now the executive director of the National Fluid Power Association. Denny was previously at the National Rifle Association. Don RAKESTRAW, also a former NRAer, is now doing free-lance consulting work in the Washington area. Meanwhile Tom COURINGTON is working arms control and ballistic missile matters for a firm in Rosslyn, VA.

Had a nice note from Skip SKINNER, vice commander of 5th AF in Japan. His boss is Ed EBERHART, ’68. Skip is retiring in May, and he and Marty will be locating in Tucson, AZ and are planning on attending the AF’s 50th birthday bash in Las Vegas in April. Dan THOMAS and Chip AMBROSE will be flying Dan’s plane down for the festivities, which should be unequaled in our lifetimes. Skip has also been in contact with John DALLAGHER, commander of 13th Air Force, and Burr CRITTENDEN, John’s vice, whose enormous area of operations keeps them both gainfully occupied.

Scanning a recent issue of Air Force Magazine, I noticed that Tip OSTERTHALER is serving as deputy assistant secretary of defense for European and NATO Affairs in OSD. As point man for activities regarding NATO’s future, Tip is a very busy guy these days.

Bugs FORSYTHE called and related that he will be relocating from Oklahoma to the Washington, DC area this summer as the basing for his airline job will be switched to an East Coast city.

Godspeed to you all until next time. Cheers. Lindsey.

Tony Marietta

1070 Knollwood Circle

Monument, CO 80132

Home: (719) 488-3201/Fax: (719) 481-8768

Work: (719) 593-8888

E-mail: usafa70@aol.com

Percent members: 59

Greetings from balmy Colorado!

Hold on to your flight jackets because Bruce “I Will Never Marry” MCRAE did, in fact, tie the proverbial knot. Congratulations! I am not sure how many never-before-married-bachelors we still have remaining in our class, but I imagine that Bruce was one of only a handful. Bruce’s news-filled e-mail provides the details: His wife, Pat, is a runner, a swimmer, and a mom. Pat’s two girls, ages eight and 15, round out their family. Bruce is still the commander of the 313AS, a USAF Reserve flying squadron at McChord AFB, WA, as well as the state military liaison for USAFR to ESGR (1 know guys, 1 don’t know what it means either). He serves as president of the state of Washington’s Mt Rainer ROA Chapter (Bruce translates: Real Old Athletes), team director for a U.S. Master’s Swimmers Club (even older athletes), and still finds time to be a runner, competitive swimmer and copilot on the B-757 for NWA. I’m getting tired just writing about all that he does. He claims he is not on Geritol or any other performance-enhancing drug.

Roger RADCLIFF sends word that he is leaving his position as the Joint Chiefs of Staff representative for Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, J-5, Joint Staff, Pentagon, Washington, DC, to become commander of the Joint Task Force Southwest Asia, U.S. Central Command, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. What all this official-sounding stuff really means is that he is leaving the plush surroundings of Vienna, Austria for the sands of Saudi Arabia without his wife, Suzanne. Roger, as a major general, you have at least 12-13 stars. Soooooo, politely thank the Air Force travel assignment agency for the opportunity, then explain that you have not accumulated enough bonus miles to fly to Saudi Arabia at this time. Trust me, it will work.

John “It Is Never Too Late To Mail” VERARDO sent a Christmas card and picture. John and wife, Sue, can truly be proud of their kids. Daughter Krista substitute teaches as she obtains her permanent credentials at Cal. Lutheran University. Daughter Traci graduated from UC San Diego and was selected as one of 18 young people to work with state senators. Son Johnny excels at high school soccer, playing on the town’s All Star team. John said that Johnny decided not to follow in his dad’s academic footsteps and maintains a 4.0 average. High school sophomore Joe is doing great in tennis and soccer, made the town’s soccer All Star team, and in his spare time enjoys art and wrestling, an interesting combination. John and Sue have been married 26 years—Congratulations! I have read their Christmas letter three times and there is absolutely no mention of what either of them is doing, although I know that John is not as quick as he used to be, as evidenced by his photo. He obviously was trying to look relaxed and comfortable at the dinner table, sitting in his favorite chair. All he had to do was beat his camera’s automatic timer.

Nice try, John.

I had hoped to provide, as promised in the last issue, an actual satellite photo of Rick HUMKE’s below-the-flagpole-altitude flight at Falcon Stadium, highlighting the intricate design of his ready-for-combat Federal Express plane as he flew almost literally into the home football game crowd. However, due to current Pentagon regulations, I can only show you the satellite photo of Rick in the cockpit of this airplane, taken as he begins his dive maneuver directed at either the flagpole or the commanaant of cadets.

“God, I love to fly!”

I’ve received scads of e-mail, and don’t believe I’ve answered any of them, which probably isn’t politically correct. Especially noteworthy are the approximately 458 e-mails from Hugh PETEET. Of these, the only G-rated, printable comment is, “How are things?” By the way, Hugger, since 1 have not answered any of these e-mails, things are fine. Jeff HUMPTON sent an obviously short note, saying all is well in Virginia. Jeff, all is well in Colorado too.

I received an e-mail from a Rick Davis wanting to know if two of his old friends graduated from the AFA sometime around 1970. They are Dan Hollacher and Rick (Eric) Wade. According to my records, which may or may not be accurate, Joseph Eric WADE graduated with us and left the Air Force in 1976. I couldn’t find any information on Dan Hollacher. If anyone has more info on either one of these people, please contact me. Thanks.

John RUSS sent a nice note and picture. This patriotic cutie is John’s daughter, Hannah Grace, age two. My money says this child is the youngest of any ’70 grad. John understands how old he’ll be when Hannah starts to date, though he belives senility will compensate and be a blessing in disguise. John says he didn’t have the picture taken with Checkpoints in mind, but realized that it was his patriotic duty to send it when he realized that the American flag and his AFA hat were in the same shot. A true patriot. He claims the fact that Hannah is darling had nothing to do with it. John is still an emergency room doc in Toledo at the Medical College of Ohio. If anyone has a younger offspring than John’s, please contact me and the makers of Geritol.

“Why aren’t these chairs on rollers?”

Lance AMMON, who owns an electronic and manufacturing company in Arlington, TX, called and wanted me to Federal Express him some Doolie boards. He provided three not necessarily conflicting stories: he enjoyed the AFA so much he wanted to go through it again; he had a job interview and wanted to impress the interviewer by sporting genuine cadet regalia; he needed a costume for a ’60s party. Sorry I couldn’t come through for you on this one—hope you were able to obtain them. Please send us a picture with a full-page explanation, or at least a believable fabrication of the real reason you wanted them.

MOVING VAN: Don’t forget the new policy for the moving van section. Because of the increasing number of grads out there, I can print only those moving van cards with info for the column. So, if you are going to send a moving van card to the grad people (AOG), why not include info and a picture and they will forward it to me. I bet the AOG will love this idea, as if their jobs aren’t time-consuming enough.

Keep the cards, letters, e-mail, and pictures rolling in. THANKS!

Paul D. Knott

5655 Lantana Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80915 (719) 570-9162

E-mail: XPDZ85A@prodigy.com

Percent members: 51

When it’s springtime in the Rockies...most of the class should have made it home from the reunion by now. Ken MORRIS sent a nice card and photo. Ken was named the Academy Liaison Officer Director of the Nation at a banquet in January. He’s been an ALO for four years and director in the Southern Florida region for the last year and a half. He and his June Week bride, Marsha, have two daughters: Rebecca is a freshman at Syracuse University, and Leslie is a sophomore in the Miami area. When not helping spread the word about USAFA and how attending here can change your life, Ken flies for Delta out of Cincinnati. Ken, I know that being an ALO is a lot of work, but it’s really rewarding when you see someone graduate who you first met as a high school kid and know that you helped the Air Force in some small way by helping this kid achieve his or her dream.

Joe CABRERA had an interesting war story to pass along. He was flying out near Phoenix one evening when the engines of his (rented) airplane quit, so he dead-sticked it smoothly onto Interstate 17. The first people on-scene happened to be pilots themselves, so they helped Joe secure things and direct traffic around the plane. If I remember correctly, Joe, the FBO you rented the bird from forgot to tell you about the tolerance on the fuel gages. Anyhow, for saving your passengers, your investment in the plane, and most importantly (to Vicki and a lot of us), your own most competent self, you get the AOG Class of 1971 Official Class Scribe “SALUTE!”

By the time you get this issue, the ballots will have been counted for the AOG Board of Directors. Both Sam CLOVIS and Rod JONES are on the ballot, and it would be difficult to find two more worthy candidates for this honor. Best of luck to both of you.

Well, that’s about it for this column. Hope that you all have rested up from the reunion to let me (and your classmates) know what you are doing. If you have any squadron newsletters, I’d appreciate a copy. For the

Are these a great bunch of guys, or what? Fall, 1996.

mere cost of a stamp (e-mail is free) you can send the exploits of you and your squadron buddies around the world. Some deal, hah?

(For all of you sharp-eyed folk out in readerland. Bob SCHULTZ is a NAVY captain, not an Air Force captain. Mea Culpa!)

Bob Bell

13 Pacific Ave. Sinking Spring, PA 19608 (610) 678-3182/Fax: 678-4513 E-mail: galaxy95@aol.com or 72574,145@compuserve.com

Percent Members: 46

wr&Ti/

Kjr

Is it that time already, he says as the note from AOG comes in with the notice that a short suspense is in order for the June Week edition of Checkpoints. Hoping that you all have begun to get back into the swing of spring/summer let me fill you in on the latest information from your class and update you on the class reunion that will soon be upon us. Since only three of you were able to get news to me this time, it will be a short one.

Starting out the New Year with an e-mail message from his home in Indiana, Dave (Sharon) NEWILL explained his continuing relationship with the Allison Engine Company in Indianapolis which is now a division of Rolls-Royce. As the head of the Manufacturing Strategy team in a major re-engineering effort, he has spent some time in the Mid-East as well as representing the company at Farnborough. Dave’s view of the air show itself was quite different from that of the usual visitor what with the better access to aircraft and aircrews. If ever in the area at the Paris Show, look him up at the R-R/Allison display.

Dave keeps up correspondence with Charlie MCCORMACK in California and also with Mike (Keitha) BRANNICK who recently moved to Arkansas. Mike and Keitha’s oldest son is a recent newlywed according to Dave’s report, which is just one more small indicator of just how much older we have all gotten.

Latest nominees for promotion to brigadier general from the Class of 1972 may be listed elsewhere but here they are again in the pertinent column thanks to Dave’s input: Barry (Beth) BARKSDALE, commander, 355th Wing at Davis-Monthan; Tom (Kendra) CRAWFORD, inspector general, HQ Pacific Air Forces at Hickam; Bob (Mary) DIERKER, chief, Joint Plans at Allied Powers Europe; Jerry (Bobbie) DRENNAN, commandant, Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell; and Ed (Judy) LAFOUNTAINE, commander, 347th Airlift Wing at Yokota. Also, Paul (Dotty) NIELSEN, command director at Cheyenne Mountain; Tom (Kim) O’RIORDAN, deputy director, Requirements, HQ Air Combat Command; Charlie (Christine) SIMPSON, chief, Policy Division, Strategic Plans at the Pentagon; and Craig (Doris) WESTON, program director, Space-based Infrared Systems at SAMSC.

To quote Dave in his note with the above list: “Some of the guys did well!” Congratulations to each of the selectees and their families who undoubtedly had a part to play in their success. It’s great to see good folks who you know on the receiving end of well-deserved honors.

The second e-mail report is from Mike (Carol) VERZOLA writing to say his location has changed to Cincinnati, OH. Mike is the human

CLASS OF 1972 25-YEAR REUNION

15-19 October 1997

USAFA versus Fresno State

Two Zoomies and a Falcon: Ken Morris and Superintendent Paul Stein with Ken’s award.

resources manager of a new Olean (Olestra) plant being built there by his employer, Proctor & Gamble. A nearby resident and former Verzola roomie by the name of Mark (Cherie) MCCARTHY flies for Delta. He and Cherie have three children and reportedly all the McCarthys are doing very well.

The final correspondence is from my own former (multiple semester) roomie, the one and only Greg (Pat) JONES. He and Pat have left Oklahoma, the AWACS world and the active duty Air Force for a new life (temporarily in the Pittsburgh, PA area) and what he calls the “transition” job. After 24.5 years and all those great memories as well as fine friends, Greg had to face the eventuality of not having to put on the uniform when he got up in the morning. I trust it is getting easier, Greg.

When first reporting in November 1994 to his last assignment as commander of the 552 Computer Systems Group, he ran into classmate Tom (Lynn) MILLER, who left for San Antonio Air Logistics Center in 1995. Also present during Greg’s tenure was Jim (Linda) PUTNAM, currently the inspector general for the “Oak City Air Logistics Center.” Jim also played a highly visible role as commander of troops for many a parade and change-of-command ceremony while there.

Now that there is more of the precious commodity known as TIME, traveling seems to get on the schedule for Greg and Pat. Trips to Eastern Pennsylvania to visit family and to Detroit, MI during winter may have prepared him for the fishing trip to the frozen reaches of Minnesota!

That does it for the cards and letters portion of the news...More would be appreciated—if you send it they will read it. Now on to my update for the Class Reunion. By now you should all have received the mailer from Doug (Cheryl) BROWER with the schedule and a list of lost souls. I can vouch for the fact that Doug has a complete committee putting out the effort to give us all a Great and Fabulous Event this coming October 15-19.

Just so you know who is involved, here are a few names and specialities: Jerry (Suzi) MARTIN (co-chairman); Ralph “Buzz” (Jan) ALLEN, Dave (Jennifer) BOWMAN, Terry (Kathy) SCHEISSLER, Bob (Anne) SCHOEN, and Greg (Pamela) SMITH (class gift); Bob (Gayla) COPENHAFER, Andy (Joy) GESSNER, Gary (Diane) GRENIER, Charlie (Shelia) HARRINGTON, and Doug (Robin) HILL (golf); Marty JAYNE and Vern (Rayna) TAYLOR (memorial service); Harvey (Diane) LECATO and Dan (Diane) MERCIER (lost souls); Mark (Kim) MEYER and Ross (Kathy) WILHITE (merchandise); Mike (Charlene) NELSON (food). As you can see, Doug and Jerry have quite a group put together with lots of work being done. We need to get the word out to all classmates ensuring maximum participation. The reunion committee has already made the philosophical decision to make it a first-class event that you will not soon forget!

One big piece that you ALL can help with is the issue of lost souls— anyone who even thinks he even “might sorta remember” where one of the listed individuals was last seen, PLEASE get the word to anyone on the committee or to me at my e-mail addresses so that we may attempt to contact all of our classmates. Thanks.

With that last plea, it seems time to wrap this thing up and get it on its way to the “old Print-Meister”. Hope all of you continue to thrive in whatever ventures are foremost in your lives, and I most certainly look forward to that October weekend at USAFA. Fortitude) Per Aspera.

Thomas D. Bailey, M.D.

1807 Arbor Way Drive

Shelby, NC 28150-6166

Home: (704) 482-3110

1-800-776-1054

E-mail: Rdbtwn@aol.com

issSjjp

Percent Members: 40 *

After sending out questionnaires to the first part of the class listed in the Register a few months ago we now have a new problem—information overload! I much prefer this to the lack that was our usual situation. Thanks to all who returned the questionnaires. I’ll be working my way through the Register so most of you will eventually get contacted if your addresses with the AOG are up to date. We’ll also supplement that news with what comes via e-mail. This job is now getting so easy someone else may want to do it!

We’ll first finish up the news that came in Mike ARNETT’s letter that I couldn’t finish in the last issue. Vic THUOTTE is supposed to be in the Boston area and his oldest daughter is at the Zoo. Scott STINE’s son is also there. They are both probably 2nd classmen now if I am reading their last year’s shoulder boards correctly from the picture we had in Checkpoints. Ed PARRY is a dermatologist on the Gulf Coast. Doug DICK retired a few years ago and is teaching in California. Kevin MCHUGH is an instructor at the Naval War College. Eric NICKERSON also retired and is now an investment broker/counselor. Mark STUCKLEY is somewhere near Philadelphia and Skip SMITH is a lawver in Colorado

Springs. Gerry LEWIS may be in the Chicago area flying for Northwest while Joe WALKER may be in Texas flying for American.

Mike also likes to keep stats! He reports that of the 23 who graduated from 9th Squadron, nine were still on active duty when they met the 0-6 board and six made it, since two had already been promoted to 0-6 that meant that six of seven eligible made it. Those six were 26 percent of the 23 who graduated and one sixth of the 36 who entered BCT. He wants to know if any other squadrons did as well.

Fran LOVE is at Scott AFB where he is chief of the Planning and Programming Division, Directorate of Civil Engineering. He’s there with his wife, June, and two kids, Tim (15) and Julie (11). He saw Jim LEMONS who is logistics group commander at Fairchild AFB. Bob MUNSON saw Col Kent MAGNUSSEN at Kirtland in December. Dr. Tim COOPER (Wasana) will be retiring in June from Wright-Pat to move to Orlando and joining a multi-speciality group.

I recently had a great conversation with Stalker REED and he followed it up with a letter and a couple pictures, one of which is in this issue. We talked flying for quite a while and I hope to get to Raleigh soon so we can do some aerial sightseeing. From Stalker we have: “Remember Seagram Seven, the squadron that had 18 of 22 graduates show for the 20-year reunion at USAFA? Well, they had their 5th mini reunion in January, this time at Walt Disney World and 12 showed (plus 18 kids and wives). Even the high rankers showed—four 0-6s who had previously missed all four mini reunions (you do not make 0-6 by spending your company grade years going to reunions).

A big draw was A1 KINBACK’s generosity—he offered Walt Disney time-share rooms and park passes for any one coming. Unfortunately, golf was shortened by sunset. Fortunately, for the duffers and the golf course, golf was shortened by sunset.

The attendees: Jim AMOS, AA pilot, Miami, FL; Roy BASS, USAF 0-6, recently retired, Dallas, TX; Mike and Darla DAVENPORT, UAL pilot, C-5, Travis AFB, Reservist; Bob and Anthony (son) MANSON, FedEx pilot, Memphis, TN; Steve and Elvalena HARMAN, USAF 0-6, Brooks AFB, TX; Jay and Ginger JABOUR, USAF 0-6, B-2 SPO director, Dayton, OH; Joe and Debbie KAHOE, USAF 0-5, Tyndall AFB, FL; and Alan and Deborah KINBACK, AA pilot, ANG, Jacksonville, FL. Also A1 and Chris NACKE, USAF 0-6, Berkely, CA; Bill and Loretta PATTERSON, USAir pilot, Livermore, CA; Stalker and Gerry REED, Midway Airlines pilot, Raleigh, NC; and Brad and Nancy YOUNG, Grissom AFB Reservist, Lexington, KY. Thanks, Stalker, for the info.

A quick e-mail from Jeff BLANCHETTE (CS-23) places him on active duty at the AF Safety Center, Kirtland AFB. Gary L. “Bro” BROBECK (CS-13) retired in 1991 after 20 years of enlisted and officer service and is a test engineer program analyst with Sverdrup Technology TEAS Group at Eglin AFB, FL. David M. BARCUS (CS-9) is currently chief, Combat Support Flight, 33th Services Division, Wright-Pat AFB, and I quote “MWR WEENIE* 1 He recently went sky diving as part of his “scheduled mid-life crisis” and claims to have the “newest” class ring which he just got as a replacement for the original which is in a muddy Ohio river. Dave also reports that Dale WRIGLEY moved to Hurlburt Field in Feb. ’97.

Brian “Eric” ANDERMAN (CS-18, Elizabeth, Melissa [19], Brian [17], Andrew [13]) retired in Nov of ’95, works with ITT Federal Services in Colorado Springs and his wife manages the O-Club at USAFA. Robert W. “Bob” ALTMAN (CS-26, Rebecca, Belle [5], Buddy [3.5]) is a contract simulator instructor for UNC Aviation Services at Columbus AFB, MS and teaches T-38 sims and applied aeronautics in the classroom. His main hobbies are reading, landscaping and remodeling their house, com-

A few of the Seagram 7 golfers at Walt Disney World. From left are Mike Davenport, Jimmy D. Amos, Joe Kahoe, Bill Patterson, Stalker Reed, and A l Nacke.

munity involvement through their church and their really neat kids. Bob notes that he sees a lot of recent grads at the UPT base and, by and large, they seem to be really good guys.

Ernest E. “Ernie” BUTLER, Jr. (CS-01, Eva-Marie, Alexander [stepson, 21], Heather [12], Natalie [14]) is an integration project manager for the Defense Information Systems Agency in Arlington, VA. He reports that LtCol Spencer S. WAY Jr. is at Fort Meade, MD and Col Charles E. STALLWORTH II is in the Pentagon. Kent BUCHANAN (CS-33), Diane, Lindsey [9]) is a vice president at Motorola. Allan CALOMINO (CS-10, Margaret, Christopher [16], Michael [11], Allan [2.5], Mary [.5 yrs]) just got admitted to the California bar. He recently saw Tom BUTLER (CS-10) who is a 747 captain and check pilot for Atlas Airlines. Ralph BRODERICK (CS-14, Jennifer, Piper [10], Channing [6]) has been a Delta pilot for 17 years and is a flight instructor on the B-737. His hobby is the piano. He recently had a visit from Craig MACDONALD, his wife, Donna, and two daughters. Craig is located in Columbus, OH and is an executive VP for the Battell Foundation and is a “scratch” golfer. Other classmates he has news of include Steve “SAMI” SAVELL and wife, Debbie. Steve is a B-737 captain for USAir. Ray “RAP” PEDDEN (Jan, Jessica [15]) lives near San Francisco and may be in health care management.

Mike “Opie” ANDERSON (CS-13, Sheila, Michael Jr. [15]) lives in Marshall, MN and is a USAir MD-80 pilot and retired from the ANG in December of ’94. Mark R. “BAMA” BALLARS (CS-18, Angelica [20], Janelle [17], Jonathan [15]) is active duty Air Force at Tyndall AFB. He sent a Christmas note from Bob MUNSON and family relating the culture shock on returning to Texas from England. Col Ken STANLEY (Vicki and three kids) live in Henderson, NV, and had a great time in Las Vegas for Christmas. I hear that it’s tried to become a real family town now. Mark is trying to decide between retirement or reassignment.

Larry BALASH (CS-40, Janie, and seven children, some fully grown) is at Eielson AFB and is 354 FW/IG. He’s choir director and finance committee chair at his church and coaches the high school varsity wrestling team. He and his wife were named as the services squadron volunteers of the year for 1996. After 10 years in Alaska he offers help if you’re looking for good Alaska fishing! Benjamin S. “Ben or BS” CATLIN (CS-24, Gail, Ben [15), John [6]) is a managing partner in a commercial real estate development company, president of Catlin Properties, Inc, chairman of the board of A.P. Thomas Construction, Inc and has numerous hobbies in addition to job activities in several states. Sounds like a pretty full plate! Frank BRIENZO is still in Tokyo with KLA Instruments.

Dennis BOYCE (CS-25, Debi, Ross [18], Andrew [14]) is still in Clemmons, NC. I saw him there over 10 years ago when I was doing a residency in Winston-Salem. He is a USAir 737 captain based at BWI, a Scoutmaster and relays that Dave STONEHOUSE is an AA pilot at DFW, Tom KROESSIG is a Delta pilot out of ATL, Dave MULLINS is a USAir pilot based in Charlotte (my neck of the woods), Dave HANNON is a MD near Rochester, NY and Jack HUDSON is an 0-6 at Robbins AFB.

John “JB” BARRY (CS-26, Elle, John [16], Jennifer [14]) is a BG selectee and at Ramstein AB, he is also former wing commander at Incirlik AB. His news is that Jeff KOHLER is also a BG selectee. David “Chaw” BROWN (CS-19, Karen, Jason [21], Heather [19], Stephen [16]) is currently deputy commander, Hospital, Osan, Korea, on a remote tour he volunteered for and is returning to USAFA as chief of professional staff in July. His list of known classmates includes “Bush” HANSON, PACAF IG; “Hank” WETEKAM, director of aircraft at Tinker; “AJ” BRIDING, deputy wing commander, Yokota; John KUCONIS, air station commander, Izmir; and Craig PATCHIN who is going back to the Pentagon. Denny MAPLE and Ron JOHNSON are flying for Southwest out of Tucson; Erik ANDERSON is back at Peterson Field and Ron ROGACKI is Phillips Lab director at Beale AFB. Brian BEARD (CS-2, Jo) has an MBA, an MS biomedical and PhD biomedical. He now works as a research scientist for the FDA and lives in Rockville, MD. Jim BOEHM (CS-31, Kathy, Kristin [19], Alyssa [16]) retired on Aug 1, 1996 and is working for Sverdrup Technologies doing F-15 testing. Jim reports that John CORLEY has been selected for the wing commander’s list and Mike HUB is back from Kuwait and at Shaw AFB.

We were passing through Denver recently and had a micro-mini reu

Send your donation now to The Air Force Academy Fund Association of Graduates

Doolittle Hall, 3116 Academy Drive

U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. 80840-4475

nion with a couple of our classmates. Jerry HENNINGSEN (CS-36, Jill, Tyler [17], Krystal [15]) is an 0-6 in the USPHS working for the EPA and Dave HUELSKAMP (CS-36, MaryAnn, and kids) is a vice president in an engineering company based in Denver. We had a great night out and were reaching a new milestone in which we were discussing the possibilities for our kids to go to USAFA. Funny, I don’t feel that old!

Finally, an ’87 grad recently contacted me via e-mail and recently bought what appeared to be a ’73 class ring in Vietnam. If any member of the class lost a ring there please contact me and I’ll get you in touch. He would like to return it to its rightful owner. That, I think, is enough for this time. I hope to have some more for the next issue. In the meantime, please feel free to write or call anytime if you have any news about yourself or another grad.

Joe Brezovic

1209 Bayou Oaks Drive

Friendswood, TX 77546

Phone: (713) 244-8089

Fax: (713) 244-8958

E-mail: brezovi@ssf4.jsc.nasa.gov

Percent members: 40

>mres

WWishing you good cheer, and hoping all is well with each of you. Did you read about Mark HYATT in Winter issue, page 15? I reckon character development is a tough task considering what is being considered socially acceptable. I encourage each of you to fax Mark in a “there I was...” story if you have one and desire to assist him. It is OUR blue line that will follow us. It will affect what many of us will wish to do with the people resources we shall have to work with.

Writing about training brings this to mind. The electronic wargame Blue Flag was held at Hurlburt Field, FL, in February. To my surprise I met up with two of our classmates and two of my former students. Tris SEVDY is a Reservist who lives near Atlanta, GA, when not flying Delta or doing Air Force. His family is doing well, and he is especially proud of his son who elected to accept an appointment offer to the Air Force Academy—to enter this summer! While at Hurlburt, Tris had an evening meal with Bill DIEMAND. His terminal illness has been healed and the Air Force permitted him to be part of the Air Force for a few years now. Your prayers over the years sure helped! Bill and his wife live in the Fort Walton area. Another classmate living in that area is ranch owner Steve FOREBERG. Steve works in the Blue Flag offices to set up the computer programs and databases, and then assists us trainees to go through the week-long exercise. Steve is really looking forward to an upcoming assignment to Fort Bragg to work with the Army. I don’t think it’s to leave the Florida coastline as much as to be with real hardware and troops! Christmas card specials follow. Dennis HUGHES writes in from the Omaha, NE environment. After 22 years, Denny starts his final Air Force leave on 1 May 97. He has accepted a position as the assistant facilities manager for the 1st National bank of Omaha. Denny says this job mirrors the operations flight commander’s position that he held in civil engineering so there won’t be much of a shock. ’Tis a good thing it’s a bank! His eldest son Nathan is a junior in Penn State at State College, PA. The second, Neal, is working as a freshman in pre-med at the Univ of Lincoln. Tough choice. Neal allowed two nominations for the Air Force Academy last year to go to others! Two other young teenagers at home to provide challenges for Denny and Lin. Lin is still an assistant professor at the Methodist College of Nursing. One class she teaches is pain management. Could be an interesting course—I wonder if it’s on how to inflict it as well as mitigate it?

Dale BURCHBY sent in greetings from Southern California (San Diego). They had returned from a visit to Hawaii and were effervescent on that visit, as well as on the activities of their three children. Dale still lives at Keegan Place in San Diego and looks forward to visits, calls and e-mail. The last Christmas card came from the other end of the states, Charlotte, NC. Eli and Doris COLOTTA wished all a joyous year. Eli and Doris have recently moved to Charlotte. Eli has started at North Carolina State U for a master’s in accounting—to pursue a career as a CPA with a tax specialization. Does this sound like job security to you? Doris is teaching in the public school system near downtown. She’ll need prayers, too, I’m sure. Oh, they too look for visitations and communications. Fort Bragg is in the area.

E-mail messages were few this quarter. (You can use mine, see above!) Mike MALIZOLA sent in a note. Mike’s in Silicon Valley and apparently enjoys working with another industry giant, Xerox, in San Jose. Mike changed from video games for a while, but I got the impression that he’d like to get back to it again in the future. Bill CASEMENT is a civilian now and in December was renting a house in Honolulu. I hope that’s not a long stav. I understand that such items are high cost.

Dave DALEY plans to retire from the Air Force on 30 May and begin working for ANSER (Analytic Services, Inc.) in June. He’ll be a senior systems engineer and international program manager in the aerospace systems business area. Dave will work initially on sensor technology programs with the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization at the main office in Crystal City near the Pentagon. His retirement ceremony and dinner party will both be on May 30. Dave got a short note from Steve STERNE. Steve plans, i.e. according to Air Force plans, to return to the Pentagon to work in XO by 30 June.

That’s all for this quarter. May all of you and yours live long and prosper.

Jeff Hackett

1866 W. Aspen Ave.

Gilbert, AZ 85233

Home: (602) 813-9605

Office: (602) 891-2734

v

injCSKUK

E-mail: jhackett@MSGATE.MDHC.MDC.COM Jr

Percent members: 37

NEW VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS: Our overachiever class scribe, Jeff HACKETT, asked me (Jim CARLSON) if I would write this quarter’s class news while he tries to clone himself in order to take over for his boss at work, be on the road, write research papers, and satisfy his family’s desire to see him once in a while. Happy to oblige, Jeff.

TELEPHONIC UPDATES: Jeff got a call from Jim BURLING on 2/16. Jim was in Phoenix for the weekend with his 8th-grade son who was playing in a soccer tournament. He’s back in Space Com in the Springs as deputy ops group commander and was waiting to see the results of the colonel’s board (he made it).

Will COSBY (CS-14) called Jeff on 3/17 to say he’d be in Phoenix later that week and wanted to get together. He had important news that he got married in January (wondered if he may be in running for last classmate to get married for the first time). The wedding was in Antigua, West Indies; met his wife, Cynthia, in southern California (she’s from Canada). Willy is regional sales manager for Hertz Rent a Car and lives in the L.A. area.

FROM THE E-MAIL BASKET: Carl SCHWARTZ wrote that after 20 years in aircraft maintenance, he decided enough was enough, got out in July 1995, and spent 17 months fixing up a home in Wichita Falls, TX. On Nov. 14, he arrived in Racine, WI to work as the soccer editor for Referee magazine. “His” first issue just hit the streets, so he’s waiting for feedback from the 37,000 readers. His wife, Bonnie, had worked at AT&T but is now working in the same building for the National Association of Sports Officials, setting up a national convention in Keystone, CO in Aug ’97. Contact Carl at Box 80901, Racine, WI 53408. Phone at work: (414) 632-8855.

Also got a “G’day from downunder!” from Kent TRAYLOR in Canberra. He and his family took a two-week vacation throughout Victoria going around the coast and visiting the beaches in addition to making it to the Australian Open. Kent’s getting ready for the big AirShow DownUnder ’97. Boeing is planning a big display to show off the new merger and to announce their Australian partnering for the AEW&C. He’s still keeping an eye out for globe-hopping classmates who find themselves in the neighborhood.

A couple of notes from Bill MURRAY. He reports that “Rozi’s off to Baylor, and Evie is on the swim team.” He and Judy were to leave for Dallas to join Rozi to participate in some initiation activities for Rozi’s sorority. To his surprise and delight, he also found out that he made the colonel’s list. Congrats, Bill.

John KAMBOURIAN sent an e-mail from the embassy in Chile and found out that the promotion board for full bird for the ’75-year group was this past summer (primary zone). He asked if anyone had the names of the guys that got promoted. (If you send the info to me, I’ll post it on our home page—JC). John’s headed to D.C. in May for a conference and wants to look up any ’75ers in the area. I passed him the names Colt MEFFORD and Curt OSTERHELD, but there have got to be more!

Perry LAMAY sent a cheerful, informative note and said some nice things about our home page (playing to my self-indulgent pride). He writes that Phil PEARCE and he had their own reunion Columbus Day weekend last year when they met and attended the AF/Navy game “...even stayed at the Marriott...just had to relive the good memories of 1995 when we were all there together. It was a great weekend!” He’ll probably meet Phil in Las Vegas next month for the 50th Anniversary Airshow and celebration. Phil’s number in Las Vegas is (702) 242-8646. He also keeps a residence in North Carolina.

Perry’s still at McClellan AFB as the system program director (SPD) for HF Global Communications System. He got there out of Air War

College in July 1995, but he, Peggy, and kids (Alex, 9 and Nicholas, 5) are scheduled to move before their second year there. His new assignment will be at Hq ACC as deputy to the director of Requirements reporting to Langley AFB on 15 Jun. Dale MEYERROSE just got there as the SC. Perry saw Dale last year at Ramstein when he went there to brief his staff.

SOME ODDS AND ENDS: Got a couple of special requests via the Internet. One is from John (couldn’t get the last name) who wrote that he was in the Class of ’75 (Sq 40 as a 4 deg and Sq 17 after that) but left a week into our second class year for medical reasons. He noted that he’s in regular contact with A1 NASH. He asked if, because of that link and his own fond memories of the class, he could participate in some way with the class web page. I wrote back saying “no problemo,” since as far as I was concerned, getting through BCT and doolie year was good enough for me for anyone to consider themselves part of the class. Any ideas out there to the contrary or alternatively? He also wrote that he was an agent with the FBI in the National Security Division and living in Washington, DC. He’s been an agent for 15 years working almost exclusively in espionage matters.

The second request was from William R. Feltes who was looking for an e-mail address for John MISCH. I haven’t heard of or from John since graduation. Any help out there?

FINALLY, THIS INTERMINABLY LONG ARTICLE REACHES

THE END: I got the request to write this article on a week’s notice. So no pictures (even of me!). However, if I had the time, I would’ve inserted my one and only war photo standing amid snow and barbed wire in Taszar, Hungary. As the Joint Recon Officer at HQ EUCOM, I made a few trips in, around, and into “the box” in my nine months here in Stuttgart, Germany. Alas, all good things must end, so in a few weeks (7 Apr), I’ll be Minnesota-bound to finish up law school and start a new career (it seems like only 20 or so years ago that I did this same thing...).

Ernie Woollard

2717 Field Court Rocklin, CA 95765-4913

Home: (916) 632-2817

FAX: (916) 278-6777

Percent members: 42

Hello fellow ’76ers!

Pam and I sure hope everyone is “being careful out there,” to coin a phrase from Hill Street Blues—remember that Thursday night show and standing room only in the “tube room?” Ah, the good old days right? Today though the Pony Express must not be moving swiftly and the Wells Fargo wagon is probably a maintenance cancel, as all but three of your mailings have failed to get through to Rocklin. Someday, they’ll invent telephones, fax machines, and even e-mail to make communications a lot easier.

ILLINOIS BOUND. As I said in the last issue, we were looking into the possibility of taking another assignment. Well, we decided to take the PCS to Scott AFB, IL and an opportunity at HQ AMC in the TACC. With my flying days behind, this was a chance to stay close to all the “excitement” in the airlift community. Pam’s looking forward to yet another adventure, and even the girls are focused on the positive aspects of southern Illinois and being only four hours away from family.

Needless to say, just the thought of moving with three teenagers, a ton of household goods, and two vehicles is pretty exciting. The hectic activity has begun on the “homefront,” readying the home for sale (or worse case, rent) and beginning the paperwork exercises associated with multipie schedules and record-keeping. We’ve certainly enjoyed the last three plus years in California, and may even return at a later date, but the “flatlands” and humidity of the Midwest are calling our name. Anyone looking for a great home value in the north Sacramento area—please give me a call!

HUMOR FROM STATE COLLEGE, PA. We were very fortunate again to receive Steve HEINZ (Kay) 1996 Heinz Catch-Up Newsletter, and as you could tell from the reunion, they had another great year. Steve was a little disappointed though at the reunion as he was “the only member of the class to attend—all of his classmates had sent their fathers instead.” Steve had a great weekend though with all the oldtimers, and can’t wait to meet their grandfathers at the next reunion.

AF OUTDUELS NORTHWEST. Craig KINNEY (Mary) sent his regards from Kansas and explained that his Reserve wing commander had convinced him to stay with the unit, at least until the ORI was over. Craig has checked out as a DC-10 copilot and is working at the Northwest Training Center while going through their instructor school. Maybe Craig can be our point of contact for all those gifts from the Orient.

ISLAND FEVER AT KADENA. Can you believe that Joe MAR-

CHINO (Becky) is still on Okinawa? He probably can’t believe it either. Joe sends congratulations to all the new ’76 0-6 selects! I know there were quite a few; Joe calculates that the number of ’76 colonel selects is now 60, or 6.5 percent of our graduating class or roughly 17.9 percent of us still on active duty. Was Joe a math major? Maybe he got bit by one of those island brown snakes. That’s OK Joe, just keep those inputs coming—and yes, there’s always later this year for the rest of us to enter the promotion cycle. Joe and I both need a few rounds of golf at Eisenhower. Until Joe escapes from Kadena; his e-mail address is <marchinj@emh.kadena.af.mil >

My June letter will be my final “creation” from California. We’ll be at Scott mid-July. However, don’t let this deter you from sending me updates (the Pony Express will forward government mail)—all those inquiring minds out there really want to know. Best wishes to all. ERNIE.

John J. “Lou” Michels, Jr.

5107 Juglan Court

Centreville, VA 22020

H: (703) 802-6611/W: (703) 712-5350

Facsimile: (703) 712-5050

E-mail: jjmichel@mwbb.com

Percent members: 39

REUNION NOTES: For those of you living in a cave, we have locked in the dates for the 20th Reunion. Mark your calendars for Sept 24-28. The Homecoming game will be against San Diego State and I encourage everyone to get there for at least some of the festivities. Bill RHODEN (Victoria) is our class coordinator/martyr. If it helps with attendance, Rhodie, I’ll promise not to show up until the last day.

GIANTS OF INDUSTRY: I got a nice note from Joe NIEMEYER (Louise) detailing the exploits of the gang at ICAF. We have six in this year’s class, including Professor Lynn SCOTT (Cynthia). Ken included a photo of the group. Professor Scott is the one with the loud tie.

Joe claims that everyone is having a great time, however, he notes that golf handicaps have failed to improve. He also said that “getting back to the grind of thinking and writing has been a real challenge’ As one of the originally “thought-challenged,” I can certainly identify with the struggle. Just so you don’t feel too sorry for these people, by mid-March, all of them were on various “study” trips to Europe, Asia, Russia, Africa, and South America. The only place I know isn’t being visited is the Great Barrier Reef, and that’s only because no one wanted to scuba dive. No wonder the golf handicaps aren’t getting any better. Happy trails guys and thanks for the photo.

FOLKS I HAVEN’T TALKED ABOUT IN A WHILE: Got some nice notes from people I haven’t reported on lately. Dave ZELENOK (Kathleen) is the manager for the C-Springs Airport, which he has been running for six years as the Springs’ transportation director. Dave made the cover of Public Works magazine for his article on how the airport, which is the fastest growing in the country, has managed to cope with change. Who said Denver International wouldn’t have benefits for the local economy? It just wasn’t for Denver’s local economy.

Mike ROGERS wrote with the news that this was his “first submission in about 19.75 years.” Mike, an intel/signals guy, is working on a oneyear fellowship as assistant to the director of No Such Agency and will be

headed to the Air Staff this spring. Thanks for the update, Mike. Bob BATCHELOR (Theresa) dropped me a line from Tampa. Bob retired in 1994 and is now working at a Tampa engineering company handling proposals.

Wayne FELLMETH (Gigi) sent me a short e-mail. Wayne is doing pediatrics in Flemington, NJ after getting out in 1989. It sounds like Wayne is having a great time pediatricing, skiing, and, yes, another sign we are all getting older, golfing. Wayne notes that “at least that senior gym class was good for something.” Not for me, unfortunately. Wayne notes that Frank GALLO is working for the New York Port Authority as the manager of bridge projects.

Eric “Ted” LINHOFF (Stephanie), who I heard of through Jim MOSHGAT, dropped me a line to let me know that he is headed from Misawa to Kansas in a job with Cessna. At least now he’s got a team in the top five in basketball. Jim MOSHGAT by the way is slated to head to D.C. at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Don BRUBAKER gave me a quick note on e-mail to update his AOG resume. Don worked at NASA, then at Rockwell and is now working for a small management technology company doing decision theory. Maybe he can help me with some of mine—decisions, that is.

Most of these folks contacted me with questions about the reunion. If this is any indication of interest, we should see a lot of long-lost, but familiar faces there. Thanks for writing guys.

ZOOMIE NET, CONTINUED: Once again my pitiful pleas for help were answered by people with nothing better to do then send their class scribe information. And thank heaven for that. Charlie PRECOURT (Lynne) will have completed his Mir docking mission by the time you read this. Charlie is now fluent in Russian, a shuttle commander, and will be going with a crew that would challenge the linguistic abilities of Pope John Paul II—French, Spanish, Chinese and Russian. Charlie promises many colorful stories from his Russian experience, some of which I may even be able to print. Look for Charlie on the NASA home page and on NASA TV. Ron LADNIER gave me a quick 77-gram from McChord where he is the ops group commander. He notes that Ray JOHNS (Dianna) is the ops group commander at Travis. Paul SCHUTT (Barbara) is the group commander at McGuire, Mike BILLINGS (Sandy) is slated to take the ops group at Fairchild, Mark SHACKELFORD (Kathy) will take the fighter wing at Eglin, and Tim JONES (Lisabeth) is slated to take the ops group at Robins this summer. Thanks for the report, Ron. All the best at McChord.

Pat MCVAY (Cyndee) dropped me another line from Saudi. He says that Jeff REMINGTON (Marla) is with him working as the commander of the deployed ops group from Mountain Home. Pat also notes that A1 VOGEL (Nancy) is now the AWACS squadron commander at Tinker. Don MAGEE (Valerie) is interviewing pilot candidates for United Airlines when he is not cruising the employee-owned skies. Pat gave me a colorful description of his duties in the desert, which are slated to end this summer. Pat’s message ended somewhat abruptly when he retorted “gotta run, we are in the middle of a sniper exercise.” Sounds like fun.

Curt and Ina BEDKE (actually, it was Ina, who practically writes the column when she sends me a message) gave me a quick update on people they have seen in the area recently. Mark CLODFELTER (Donna) will be leaving his PAS job at North Carolina and will be teaching at the National War College starting this summer. Steve and Peggy PETERSEN will be departing Air War College at Maxwell and coming back to work at the Secretary’s Office at the Pentagon. Dave and Siobhan EDGINGTON are at the Pentagon in Joint Ops. Dave and Siobhan had their second child, a boy, last year. Tony GRADY (Donna) will be retiring from his job as the B-2 Test Squadron commander at Edwards. Ray BARTLETT (Linda) is doing the defense contractor thing in Southern California and making frequent trips to Crystal City here in Virginia. Curt and Laura CICHOWKSKI are at Holloman (one of my favorite spots) where he is the ops group commander. Mouse NEUMEISTER (Martha) is working at the Pentagon in the Joint War-Fighting Capability shop. Chris MONTALTO (Gayle) is flying for Delta out of Illinois. Steve MILLER (Teresa) is the Weapons Evaluation Group commander at Tyndall. Rob MCNEAL (Mary) is retired and working in New York. Ina reports that Tom and Bridgitte RYAN are in New Hampshire, Tom is working as a flight test engineer for Raytheon. Finally, Curt, having been rescued from Minot, is working on the JCS dealing with strategy in the Pacific Theater. Lots of Tokyo travel in that one, I imagine. Thanks a million for the up-

CLASS OF 1977 20-YEAR REUNION

At Homecoming 1997

24-28 September 1997

USAFA versus San Diego State

From left are Steve Cameron (Katherine), Joe, Ray Michael (Linda), Ken Hasenbein (June), Bert Halbert (Wila) and the Professor.

date, Ina. All the best.

CLOSE OUT: That’s it for this episode of “Fun in Our Forties.” Be seeing you—in September.

Greg “Kais” Kaiser

7420B Salem Drive

Columbus AFB, MS 39701

Home: (601) 434-0078 is great!

Work: (601) 434-2786 or DSN 742-2786

E-mail: kaisatcbm@aol.com

Percent members: 34

Stuck to the bottom of the bag: Late last summer I received an anonymous note and article clipped from an airlines magazine, presumably American, which featured one of our long-lost classmates, also one of my UPT classmates, Sal SPEZIALE. The title of the article was “Tonight’s Speziale: Pilot’s Restaurants Take Off.” Seems as though Sal flies 757s and 767s between Washington, DC and the west coast for American 10 to 12 days a month, and then the rest of his time is spent owning and operating two thriving Italian (imagine that) restaurants in northern Virginia known as Paradiso Ristorante Italiano I and II. Thriving is an understatement if the numbers in this article are accurate. Paradiso I posted sales of nearly 1.5 million dollars in 1995 and Paradiso II was projected to post three million dollars last year! Let’s see...he flies big jets for big bucks and then wines and dines folks and makes more big bucks. But, sounds like he deserves it because he’s created two clever restaurants with atmospheres most of us would enjoy. “Paradiso I has a supervised dining room for children complete with kidsize tables, Disney movies and fun food. The room is cleverly fitted with a one-way mirror enabling parents to look in on the youngsters while enjoying their meal and uninterrupted adult conversation. Both restaurants offer karaoke and open-mike entertainment, dancing, and Sunday brunch.” So, if anyone’s in northern Virginia and sees one of these restaurants, sounds like a good place to stop and “have a bean.”

All tabs for ’78 grads are on me! Sal Speziale.

Nearer the top: 1 received a United States Department of Commerce News Bulletin just after our last deadline, and it announced that Greg MANDT had been appointed chief of the Science Division for the National Weather Service Office of Meteorology after recently graduating from the Senior Executive Service (SES) Candidate Development Program. Gregg currently lives in Alexandria, VA with his wife, Marklin, and their four children: Kehl, Taydan, Conler, and Taryss.

Nearer still: Carol SABOL (Klasmeier,’80) dropped me a nice note. Keye was rewarded for his efforts as a C-5 squadron commander at Dover with a posting to Carlisle Barracks for Army War College. He’s probably learning much more about the Army than he ever wanted to, but Carol reports that he’s spending much more time with the family; however, Carol also informed me she was going back to work as a CPA for tax season. And, I’m guessin’ right about now because of procrastinators like me, you’re spending less time with the family. Aren’t taxes wonderful! The Sabol “deductions” include: Christina-7, Michelle-12, and Matthew-14.

And on the very top: Kevin KENNEDY relayed the following info from wonderful Knob Noster, MO, home of Whiteman AFB. Linwood MASON is there working in the B-2 program. Kevin is the deputy ops group commander, and Gary MARTIN is the OSS commander. Both are flying the B-2 and the T-38. I guess those B-2s don’t have enough Rose Bowls to fly over. Just kidding...put those sharp objects back in your

pockets. Jim ROWLAND is the 34BS/CC (B-ls) at Mountain Home, and Mitch FRYT is an F-15 ops officer at Mountain Home.

Why are all these guys smiling?

Oooppss, a picture from somewhere: Anyone know the deviates shown above, especially the one out of uniform. Rick DEVEREAUX, Tom SORRELL, Steve LISI, and Vance “Vinnie” WISNIEWSKI are all enjoying the peace and solitude of National War College. Hopefully by the summer issue we’ll know where all the lucky graduates are going.

Big Men in front of Little Kitchen.

A test of your memory: Who is in this next picture that I didn’t list in the last article as “Who’s at Columbus?” If you guessed K-Bob, good guess, but NO! If you guessed Steve “Goldie” GOLDFEIN, you’re right! Steve stopped by Columbus while on a TDY to Maxwell to get his altitude chamber currency taken care of before going back to Elmendorf to take over as the ops group commander this spring/summer. While he was here, the ’78 bunch I reported on last time decided to get together for lunch. Pictured right to left for a change: Yours truly, Bert CONROY, Neil “Bone” KRAUSE, Mike “Moose” EVERS, “Goldie”, David “Tanker” SNYDER (now, the ops group commander at Columbus), and Mark HEFFERLY.

The bag is completely empty, and so I will stop and rest until next time...

\

J.R. Dallas

11048 Candlelight Lane

Dallas, TX 75229

Percent members: 35 >r-

fJj I

Summer greetings! Has anyone noticed the ancient or out-of-date addresses in the AOG Register? With two years until our 20th reunion, we need to find those lost souls. Since you’re reading this, you are not the problem. Our class AOG membership has always hovered around 35 percent but where is the other 65 percent? Tell your LCWB buds to update! I did my same postcard trick this year, but instead of sending 50 I sent only 40 this time looking for news. My percentage of replies went up to 25 percent and I thank each of you for taking the time to jot down a note. ’79ers the world over are doing a great job, and I hope you enjoy this compila-

tion of news items. Here goes:

MILESTONE—I saw in Airman magazine that our own Mike BRILL has flown the F-16 more than any other pilot (3,700 hrs at press time) and he is the first U.S. pilot to break 3,000 F-16 hours. Mike’s at Hill AFB with the Reserves (couldn’t fly this much on active duty). Mike’s not an AOG member—doesn’t get this magazine—so someone let him know we are proud of him.

Now to the letters and cards. Chuck FRANCESCHI reports that child number five arrived Dec 96 and all five are great. Kids range from 16 to newborn. He and Laura just completed building their dream home, so now comes the upkeep. Byron CALHOUN is doing a joint assignment with the Army in Tacoma, WA near McChord AFB. He spent 10 years getting med school done, specializing in OB/GYN and most recently maternal-fetal medicine—high risk obstetrics. Had to leave Keesler AFB to help the Army. Wife and five kids love Washington. Five (5)? Have you and Chuck priced colleges lately? Byron also reports that he hears from Tom LOCKIE (AAL 727 CA MIA) frequently.

Steve LEPPER wrote from Adana, Turkey where he is still a JAG. He will enter Nat’l War College this summer and will move the family back to Stafford, VA in May. Seems Steve got the only JAG slot at school. Definitely a fine lawyer—even writes in his Christmas letter that he loves to study and write! Ahhhh! Received a postcard—cheapskate—from Gary CURRY postmarked from down under in Australia. Seems he spent Christmas in Australia for some reason—working or vacation, I don’t know. He’s now back in Colorado; same job and address. Ken IMPELLIZZERI wrote and updated his goings-on. Ken’s still with DAL in CVG, and upgraded to the 757/767 in Dec 96. Tells of his great vacation last summer living on a 63’ long houseboat with in-laws and family. Four bedrooms and two baths. Soon afterwards, he blew it by buying a ski boat. Ken, you’ve just used up one of the two best days a boat owner has. John SALVADOR is still the director of ops for the CAP out of Maxwell. He travels frequently, but he gets to fly a variety of airplanes. With three boys in braces, wife Deb had to start a Salvador Orthodontic fund with Merrill Lynch. Great letter. Thanks.

All of us knew that Mark FISH was a test case, but the Air Force just

caught up. Mark writes that he is now at Edwards as CC of the F-15 Combined Test Force. Went from GPS satellite research in L.A. to the desert. Says he’s really glad to be in the cockpit again. Mark, you crack me up! Other ’79ers there are Mark BUECHTER (Ops O) and Ed WILSON (MacD test pilot). Ed also flies with the Test Pilot School for kicks. C.R. DAVIS is the CC of the F-117 Cockroach test force—new and approved F-117 name, Mark? Also, Brian GALBREATH is the CC of the U-2 test sqdn. Looks as if ’79 owns Edwards air patch. Thanks, Mark. Speaking of “owning”, Randy MEYER slammed my postcard mailing but ended up reporting from Cannon AFB By The Sea. Randy was enroute to Pope AFB but diverted to Clovis last summer. Sold his boat (Ken, that’s the second best day) and finished Air War College as an outstanding graduate. He’s now Ops O for the 524FS (F-16s). Made the CC list and waits—good luck! Steve MUELLER is the CC of the 522FS there; with Ed ZANOWICZ as his Ops O. Kurt WEIGER is the Ops O for the OSS. Walt WRIGHT is the director of Plans and Inspections and flies with the 522. Came from Turkey with wife and three boys—“from Roman ruins to the grain silos along highway 60”. Do great, guys!

Jeff FRANKLIN’S wife, Gerry, acted as Jeff’s secretary and sent me a “Dear John” letter—Jeff is CC of the 92ARS at Fairchild. He is deploying to Saudi (Feb 97). Hopes to see Bruce REMBER (F-15s) there. Others—Gene STONE is the CC of the 92 OSS. Gene’s passing on his zoomie car to his daughter—lower deductibles for antiques? Brian KELLY is the CC of 97ARS, bound for Air War College this summer. Gary BURG is the chief of Wing Q.A. at Fairchild and keeps busy with the local Exploring Scouts Aviation post. Steve SPENCE is the CC of the 912ARS at Grand Forks and is off to Air War College also. Bob CUSANELLI is flying T-38s at Columbus. Thanks Jeff and Gerry—I hope the deployment was calm, mellow, and uneventful. Randy FULLHART is now the deputy ops group CC at Grand Forks. Seems he keeps deploying to southern France and Saudi with KC-135s just to miss a little of the cold weather up there.

Ken KOEHLER is living in a little medieval town near the Dutch border—Kalkar, Germany—and works at the NATO Reaction Force Air Staff—a multinational staff which plans the assets needed to apply rapid reaction to NATO. Ken’s in the CIS (Comm & Info Sys) section and works for a British group captain. Joint assignment credit. The job has light working hours and excellent travel opportunities—send resumes now! Ken says that Russ TOWE is also there with the Interim Combined Air Ops Ctr. Danke, Ken. Fellow HOG (Arkansan speak for Razorbacks) lover Steve KING is at MacDill as the CC of the 91ARS flying KC-135s. The entire squadron moved from Malmstrom, MT and Steve now lives 200 feet from the water—not the frozen snow type. He still runs, swims, and bikes—probably has a tan. He is also off to Air War College in July—someone needs to organize a photo op. Steve, you’re right when you said that “this Air Force stuff is just a temporary job”—family is first. Dale BRADLEY is Steve’s next door neighbor and works his tail off in base CE. Help from 19 generals does that to a guy. He’s off to Robins AFB in Apr ’97. Rick HERNANDEZ is CC of the 60SS at MacDill. Mark ROSS is up the road at Patrick—CC of a detachment there for the AF Technical Applications Center. Jan JOUAS is still the CC of the 422 Sqdn at Nellis—PCSing east soon from what he writes.

Curtis JOHNSON wrote from the heart of Research Triangle Park, NC to report that he is working his tail off for a high tech communications firm. He’s still biking and hiking, and the family took a week off and backpacked in the Rockies. Even took a tour of USAFA to see the changes. Mark REID reports that he is at Kirtland running a modeling and simulation shop—finding ways to spend money on computers. Mike MULLADY is there running the C3 Ground Test Division. Randy GRICIUS is also off for Air War College. Pete HUGHES retired early but still lives locally in Albuquerque. Stu MAXON also retired early and went right to a great job, pay, etc. with Ball Aerosystems in Boulder. Geoff MULLIGAN is in Colorado Springs working for Sun Microsystems. Brian KOECHEL sent news that he and the clan have relocated to Washington state from Ohio. He quit his job, wife, Carrie, took a transfer, he got a new job, and all are now settled 15 miles east of Seattle. Before leaving Ohio, Brian became Ohio’s director of the Academy Liaison Program. Had to give that up, but picked up the same title in Washington within the month. Cal KEMP was ordained a minister in the Lutheran Church last Aug and is now a pastor of a church in Williamstown, VT. Flew F-15s when he left the cockpit in ’92. Bill GREGORY sent me a quick card early this year. No news yet on his next space shot. Still running marathons. Paul SCHUBERT wrote that he has now settled in Columbus, OH working for BankOne. He heads their Corporate Finance Group. Had worked for Merrill Lynch in New York City and then a Dutch bank in Chicago before this position. He says that Joel MAYNARD is doing C-17 work at the Pentagon. He thinks that Mark PIMENTEL is still living in Montana.

A few airline news bits to pass on—Pete BERGAMINI (AAL 767 MIA)

USAFA grads of last year’s National War College class include in the front rowfrom left: Steve Lisi, ’78; Bob Edmunds, ’79; Mark Owen, ’79; and Paula Thornhill, ’80. Middle row: John Butcher, ’79; Burnie Peters, ’77; John Reed, ’77; Tom Sorrell, ’78; Rick Devereaux, ’78; and Al Carney, ’77. Back row: Mike Lischak, ’75; Mark Hughes, ’76; Ben Osier, ’79; Bud Vasquez (ICAF), ’79; Vince Wisniewski, ’78; and A.J. Stewart, ’81.

moved to south Florida in ’96. Gave up commuting. He says that Steve DICKMAN is studying at MIT in a grad program. Larry SANDOVAL flies for SWA and lives north of DFW. Wife and three kids love “Da Boys” and Ranger ballgames. Larry’s related to Ron LAFON (AAL 767 DFW) who I see quite often at ops. I saw Rob DUNPHY (AAL 767 ORD) in Sao Paulo, Brazil while on a layover. Living in Dallas, I never saw him. Now he moves to Washington state, commutes to ORD, goes TDY to New York and I see him in Brazil. Mike ENGLEBRECHT (DAL 767 JFK) just began flying long hauls. John SUSALLA (NWA 757 DTW) and his bride are keeping NWA safe. They did the ski trip ’thang to Colorado and the dice ’thang to Vegas in ’96. Still no dogs, cats, or kids, but plenty of room. Mark CUTKOMP (AAL A300 BOS) and Nancy have their hands full beating back the high school boys of prey. Is Mark the first wide-body captain of our class? He has put on a few pounds I know, but I mean wide-body type airplane. Gary NEMETH (AAL) sent a short note with some info. Tom QUASNEY is getting his Ph.D. at U of Maryland. Mike STEFFEN is flying NATO AWACS in Germany. Ernie HAENDSCHKE works in D.C. as the USAF liaison to the German Air Force. Jeff MOORE (UPS 727 FO) wrote from Louisville after moving from Vegas.

Wide-body Cutkomp and family.

I talked with Mike LEGGETT recently. Mike is the branch chief of the Advance Technology Requirements at Langley doing that crystal ball kind of thing. John MCCORMACK works in the same shop with Leggs. Mark TURBERVILLE is the CC of the Joint Employment Tactics School at Nellis, I believe. Mark SVESKA is the Ops O for the German AF-4 squadron at Holloman. Keith TROBERST is the branch chief of the test directorate at Nellis. Jeff LIEDENBACH (NWA 757 FO) sent a postcard reporting that all is well in Michigan with him as is with Irv BENNETT (NWA 757 FO) and Mark KLEINHEKSELL (NWA 757 FO). Jeff claims that rumor has it that Doug ROBB will be married May 31st somewhere. Congrats and best of luck.

Steve LOONEY is now flying with FedEx on the 727 as is Bob BROWN and Mike FOX (MD-11). Brian FLOOD (AAL MD-80 DFW) flies on the side with the D.C. F-16 Guard. Brian DOBBERT writes that he is now the active duty advisor at Grissom AFB for the Reserves there. He tells that Jon FAGOT (DAL) is still in Lincoln, NE flying Reserve KC-135s. Gordie GREGORY does investment banking in Chicago. Marty BREDENSTEIN (NWA) is also at Grissom. Mike VanHOOMISSEN is practicing law in Portland and is the JAG for the Oregon ANG unit there hoping for an 0-6 slot. Mike reports that Ken BARKER heads the Ethics/Honor Dept at school; that Bob MCGREAL is now Ops Grp CC at Andrews; that Pete HAYS is running a fellowship grant program at school.

That does it for this edition. Many thanks to all who wrote. Add me to your Christmas card list and update me each year. It sure would help me when writing these articles. Update your addresses with the AOG! Next up: Bob Edmunds, 7703 Rockledge Ct., Springfield, VA 22151. Home: (703) 569-6393. Work: (202) 205-6812. E-mail: BEdmondsl@aol.com.

Don Myers

USN-CF Box 5000

Ogdensburg, NY 13669-5000

Home: (902) 765-6087

Work: (902) 765-1494, ext 3413

DSN: 568-3413/Fax (902) 765-1416 or 568-1416

E-mail: dmyers@glinx.com

Percent members: 40

v.vyfpip

no particular order, rhyme, or reason, here’s what I gathered from you great folks...

I agree: Jerry (Wendy) CORBETT zipped me e-mail with a profound statement regarding our lost souls: “After all, they don’t have to join (the AOG), it would just be nice if they’d let their old buddies know where they are.” I’m not sure if it’s just that Jerry wants to know where more free meals are during his Delta layovers, but the idea is a good one. Wendy home-schooled the older two (of four) last year, but let them transition to a local Christian school this year. After the younger two are out of the nest, Wendy plans to go to nursing school. They and the Joe FERNANDES family (Jeanne, plus two) met in Idaho for powder skiing. Joe will be flying for Northwest out of Hawaii while Jeanne continues to manage a YMCA near their home in Sebastopol, CA. Jerry stays in touch with Dave JONES. Both bought boats together and “try to spend some time experimenting with just how much lake water can be forced up one’s nose (skiing) at 30 mph. I’ll remember to bring a camera sometime. It would have been nice to have captured Dave’s near miss with a duck last September.”

Whispering into his lapel, George (Rox Ann, plus three) RYAN, our Secret Service agent, says life is great in Indiana. “They give me a car, a badge and a gun and tell me to go forth and lock up the bad guys. We deal with counterfeiters, check forgers, credit card fraudsters, cellular phone phreakers, bank fraud cases, just about any crime that involves the money system.” His office is on call for Pres/VPres protective detail (lots of overseas stuff) and also handles foreign heads of state when they are here. The heads of state usually like to go to warm, tourist places (a tough job, George). He says if any of you see his name on the armed LEO form you get in the cockpit, make sure to say hello.

On the same side of the “good deal” secret spectrum is the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. Kirk YOST says he’s there getting a PhD in ops research because “AFIT lost several guys it wanted to sponsor and found my name in a dead file someplace.” He added he has the distinction of being the oldest officer in a paid PhD program in the whole Air Force. Kirk was a widower, but is now married with a two-year old son. Enjoy Cannery Row and the Aquarium.

Rocky Mountain high. Peggy (DENNIS) (Bob) CARNAHAN sent a picture from Lake Louise, Alberta. I don’t know how much the editor has to chop to fit, but the view looks great from 7,500 feet. Peggy’s still an ops officer in T-37s and loving it, but once in a while she does “complain about baby-sitting captains; what a difference a few years, two pay grades and a short memory make!” Bob must be low man on the totem pole at World Airways as he’s gone on holidays. She said they’re renting a big house near Randolph—sounds like a place to stop on a road trip!

Let’s see, it’s March and I’m supposed to be ignoring the snow piled up and be thinking three months ahead to when the Class of ’97 will be pinning on Butter Bars and you will be reading this. Oh, yes, “June Week.” Remember our vote to call it that—even though it was in May? Anyway in

Peggy and Bob at the top.

From Hurricane Alley, Bob YOUNG blasted one my way. He’s a Reserve HH-60G driver after 11 years in T-38s (“CLUMbus” AFB) and H-3s (Myrtle Beach/Kadena). They were at Homestead, but the winds of Andrew blew his unit to Patrick. Bill HARPER is a full-time ART in the same unit, and a lot of other grads have migrated there as well. In his spare time, Bob flies for AA and hangs his hat in Dallas, just around the corner from fellow AAer Tom MITCHELL.

Welcome Aboard! The AOG included a letter from Ray BIVENS, asking for membership info. If one of you got to him, keep up the good work. Ray lives in Maryland and is “still flying the friendly skies of United. Several ’80 grads are also here exploring the benefits of employee ownership. I frequently run into Donny STEPHENS, Dave ALEXANDER, and Hawk SADLOWSKI. Not quite the excitement F-llls or F-117s provided, but not the B.S. either. I frequently fly out of Denver and Colorado Springs and around holiday times we see a bunch of homesick smacks and upperclassmen on their way home and back. Man!

Was it really that long ago? They look so young.”

Happy Campers. Jim and Shelly EASLER take every chance they can to go camping as a family of six around Texas and Colorado. Jim’s still in

TI’s

only

and

this a good year. A teenager behind the wheel has been...exciting. They bought some land on a lake to build a larger house and to entice Jim’s mother to relocate from Pennsylvania. I think the promise of “no more snow, unlimited dogsitting, in-house mechanic and no more mowing lawns” just might do it.

George and Nadine MADSON are also happy campers, but for a different set of reasons: George is back at Offutt in the flying game (E-4B), they get “home” to Wisconsin more often, and Lindsay and Kyle—despite being in the awkward years—took the move well. The picture doesn’t show it, but they’re all in Green Bay Packer shirts.

Trey (Carolyn) STACKMAN was “found” by Tom SLOAN. Seems Tom laid a copy of our class page on Trey’s box at US Airways, which prompted him to write. I didn’t hear if it included an AOG update page or an application to join—but I hope so. Trey’s other job is flying F-16s with the NYANG. He says, “Maybe I’m lost because of my name. The worst mistake I made when entering the Prep School in 1975 was deciding I would go by my real name (George) instead of the nickname I’ve had for life, Trey. I still don’t know why I did—maybe I thought Lt. Dan or Douglas C. Neidimeyer would jump all over me if I said I was Trey. Anyway, when I got to the real zoo, I decided Trey would again be it.” Aside from driving “10,000 miles a year to Little League games” (two boys) and skiing Colorado whenever possible, he looks forward to retiring from the blue suit one year before most of us (“yes, the Prep School counts”).

“No idea I was MIA!”—“Stormin’’ Norman (Jackie) SWEET tells us from Hanscom AFB. He’s been there since ACSC in ’94 and works as a chief in the Special Projects Office. He ran through his vital statistics (name, wife, sons, etc.) and the last line was “Attitude: still excellent.” He noted active duty numbers are dwindling, based on contact he’s made from Hanscom—but I expect interaction will pick up a bit if Stormin gets back to the Springs this summer, as he hopes. He promised an update “more than every half decade or so.”

New Names. Please help me get the latest on: Matt SEITZ, Mark SEIBEL, Brian K. SEGGERTY, Tim R. SEELEY, A1 SEARS, and Sean SCULLY.

WRAP UP. According to AF Times, the following were on the 0-6 list. I figure Full Bull is worthy of a little space: Bob ALLARDICE, Janet (LIBBY) BLOOM, Chris MILLER, Scott NORWOOD, Bob SAXER, and Paul SELVA. Congrats.

Thanks for all your inputs. Cheers.

Scott Dering

42071 E. Muledeer Drive U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840 (719) 472-1604

E-mail: deringrs.dfps@usafa.af.mil

Percent members: 37

i'ffjVf

Greetings. Let’s get straight to the news. Joe DORTCH sent a letter from Los Angeles where he is the program manager for the Air Force Satellite Control Network. Joe and his wife, Diane, have two kids— Justin who’s eight, and 14-year-old Selena who hopes to be the next Michael Jordan. Joe has spent virtually his entire career in procurement—working AMRAAM at Eglin, the B-l at Wright-Patterson, MX and Small ICBM at Norton, Titan IV in Los Angeles, and customer liaisons at Fort Belvoir before his current job. Joe had the following news on classmates: Tim HARRIS is at Falcon, Nelson ENGLISH flies AWACS out of Belgium, Mike COX is at Ft Belvoir, and Dave LITTLE works for Lockheed Martin in Sunnyvale.

Busy. (I know, who isn’t, but just reading these letters makes me tired!)

First, the Dave (Cindy, plus five) PRAHSTs were busy hitting the parks near their Pittsburgh home in their 25-year-old camper, visiting relatives on both coasts, getting warm in Florida, home-schooling three of the kids, piano lessons, Bible quiz tournaments, and more. Dave is an elder in his church, still with USAirways and the Guard.

Then, the Carrie (BANWELL) (Brian, ’79) KOECHELs had a double job change, left Ohio for Seattle, ran the two young adults to USAFA for sports camps, and managed schedules around tons of extracurricular activity clubs/plays/sports—including Navy(?) Jr. ROTC. Both parents are still very involved with the LO program as well. Carrie had a couple of medical scares, including a minor stroke, which left her blind in one eye and numb in her hands for a short while.

Finally, the Chuck (Net, plus four) MILLIGANs made the glad move from Korea ‘‘back to the land of the big BX...and Target, Mervyn’s, WalMart, Supercuts, Pizza Hut...well, you get the idea!” They played nomads in Houston and the Springs before settling down on base at the Zoo (for the third time). So, between moves, searching for their ferrets, learning about makeup, TAG classes, their oldest modeling in Seoul, ‘‘Cool Spot” and ‘‘Turtlenator” the turtles, T-ball, college for Net, cadet rugby, and church activities—who has time for work! I think my initial word, “busy,” was on the mark.

REACH OUT VIII. My spies were doing their job this time around:

I also got a letter from Julio GAMEZ who is at the Defense Language Institute studying French before he does an exchange tour at the French Air Force Academy. Julio sent this picture of a mini-1981 reunion last Christmas during the final days of his previous assignment flying F-16s at Osan, Korea. On the left is Jake POLUMBO who is the new ops officer in the flying squadron after a staff tour in England. Next is Mike LEPPER who is commander of the operations support squadron. Next to Mike is Dennis “Fish” PROKOPOWICZ who works in the weapons shop. On the far right is Julio himself, grinning away because he is only two days

Easlers around the hearth: Jim, PJ, Jeff, Shelly, Samantha and Janet.

defense area; Shelly started back as a speech pathologist. With

one broken bone

one set of stitches, they consider

Frozen Packer Fans: The Madsons

Santa and the elf union, Korean chapter.

from finishing his assignment and flying back to the States. The guy with the beard is not a classmate, he just likes to pretend he is when he’s feeling down.

Mike KELTZ was nice enough to include me on his Christmas card distribution list—a painless way to keep your scribe informed. Mike and his wife, Donna, who, is an Air Force hospital administrator, have two boys. Mike is the executive assistant to the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Policy and Missions and was a finalist for becoming aide to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs.

I also got a Christmas card from Don FORD who flies for USAir out of Baltimore. He sent this picture from his recent wedding. Don reports that Ryan RATCLIFFE and Steve DOSS also fly for USAir, and Ken KESLAR is a KC-10 instructor at McGuire where he is also responsible for running the command post.

Don and Jolene Ford

For those of you who follow these things, several people have told me that Brooks BASH was on the most recent promotion list for 0-6. Judging from the number of ’80 grads who were promoted this time around, we should have a bunch more ’81ers show up on next year’s list.

One final note—this is my last column as your class scribe. I’ve written these insipid articles for more than five years now, and I think it’s time for someone else to reinvigorate this whole operation. Among the dozens of classmates who clamored for the job, I have chosen Carolyn MADDEN as my replacement. Okay, so maybe no one was exactly “clamoring” to write these columns, but Carolyn was very eager to do it once I asked her. Well, maybe “eager” is not the best word since I begged her repeatedly over several months until she finally relented. (My plan was to make myself more of a nuisance than the column would ever be. Voila!)

Carolyn has already agreed to my basic rules for scribely behavior—they should never write about themselves, print pictures of themselves, write only about their personal friends, and so forth. Since she won’t write about herself, let me do it. Carolyn was a cost and schedule analyst on Titan launcher programs in Los Angeles, a munitions supply officer at RAF Bentwaters, and chief of quality assurance for the Red Flag ranges at Nellis before getting out and becoming a certified financial planner for Waddell and Reed. Now she has her own practice in Colorado Springs as a certified divorce planner helping individuals and couples make financially equitable divorce settlements. Here is how to get in touch with her. Address: 6963 Gayle Lyn Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80919. Home phone: 719-536-0827. E-mail: 70700.3023@compuserve.com.

Let me say that it has been a genuine pleasure getting to know so many of you over the past five years. Anyone who thinks the Academy doesn’t turn out first-rate people should have this job for a while and they would surely change their mind. I’m not sure what impresses me most about all of you, your professional accomplishments, your well-adjusted lives, or your unfailing modesty about it all. Believe me when I say that I am very proud to be your classmate.

Jim Ratti "4 1

8324 Heathrow Downs 44r^l?!^8r

Montgomery, AL 36117-5121

Home: (334) 213-5958

rattijm@mindspring.com

http://www.mindspring.com/~rattijm/usafa82/ Percent members: 35

I can hardly believe it, but it’s THAT TIME again, in two respects. One, it’s time for another installment of “How the Redtags Turn,” and

two, it’s time for ANOTHER PCS. But, more on the latter later. Let’s go forward with the former, as there’s lots to cover this time around. First out of the chute is Tom PFEIFFER, checking in via the ’net from his cool NATO Joint Staff job as a member of the AIRNWEST/TACEVAL team. He says that any of us visiting London should look him up. Jud KNAPLUND says “Howdy” from Austin, TX, where he’s the head of engineering for a small firm that makes optics for flight simulators. Jud says that Rob MAIDEN and his wife have a new young’un as of last year. Julie Joyce Charity (HUGHES) RYAN sent an e-mail to Doc KIMMINAU that I was lucky enough to get a copy of. Julie is still working for Booz Allen in the D.C. area, as is Cynthia “The Biking Fool” (SHELTON) MACK. Julie’s job seems to mostly involve acting as a consultant on Info Warfare topics. She’s heard from Julie (SCHEFFELIN) GRAVES, whose husband, Dave, had a tough time with a compound fracture of the leg. That’s all mended now, and he’s back on flying status (American, if I remember correctly).

Sue TALLEY sent an e-mail from Cutler, ME, which is near the Canadian border. She’s a LCDR (does that mean she commands lieutenants?) in the Navy, and is the XO of the Naval Computer & Telecommunications Station there. Ron MATTSON sent his first Checkpoints input since graduation. Right now he’s doing Special Ops acquisition work (CV-22 crew systems) at Hurlburt, but that’s just the latest in a series of C-130 and SOF-related assignments since pilot training. According to Ron, Jim DAHLMAN is working in Pacific Exercise Plans after a stint as the wing king’s exec. Lin MACK is working rotary wing and CV-22 training issues when he’s not augmenting in Italy and exercises elsewhere. Jim WILLSIE is also working somewhere in the DO shop. Gary AMBARIAN is navigating MC-130Ps in the 9th SOS at Eglin AFB after doing his HQ duty at Hurlburt in acquisition management. John PALEN is back to flying also, in the new AC-130U (das U-boat) after logging a jillion frequentflyer miles as a member of the AFSOC Command briefing team. Brendan CLARE was chief of the Rotary Wing Tactics Branch before moving to “greener pastures” (read: U.S. Army) at USSOCOM. Ron included a ’96 Christmas photo which you can view on the Web Page.

Five Times the Fun!

Scot SHIER and his wife, Patty, finally felt like they had something to “write home” about. Five things, actually! The picture pretty much tells the story, but suffice to say that the fertility drugs were effective. These are pretty famous quints, having made the cover of Smithsonian magazine a while back. Read more about them by visiting the Web Site. Scot followed his dream to become an investment advisor with Dean Witter in L.A., so give him a shout for the latest stock tips. Another lessthan-frequent writer, one Carl ZIMMERMAN, Jr., dropped a line from San Antonio where he’s the chief of the Air Force Fitness and Sports Division. Prior to that he’d been the chief of the CC’s Action Group at the AF Services Agency, and had also commanded the 47th Services Sq. at Laughlin. Tom LAVALLEY sends word that Donnel SMITH is working at the United Training Center in Denver, and that Rick BURGESS is in Italy, helping to keep Bosnia safe. Greg MASTERS sent a postcard saying that he has taken over the F-15 WSEP (whatever the heck THAT is) program at Eglin. Anyway, he gets to go all over the world to fly with Eagle jet units and oversee air-to-air missile testing at Eglin. Greg WOMACK is a United 737 pilot, domiciled in Los Angeles, but living in Phoenix. The good news is that he still flies F-16s with the Tucson Guard. Greg’s wife, Laura, and three kids are doing well.

Cassy (SALTUS) ROBINSON sent a nice, long letter documenting the latest developments in her life (see the Web Site for the full text). Her husband, Chris, is in an internship leading to ordination in the Presbyterian Church, and they have settled in Kingston, NH. Cassy is a contract administrator with Willey Bros., and is also a reservist assigned to

Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Pat. Steve PLUNTZE dropped an e-mail to tell me that he’s just about to finish up his Ph.D. and head back to the Zoo to teach for a while. Don’t know what he’ll teach though, or what his doctorate is in. Maybe he’ll read this and set me straight! Mike RYAN wrote to say that his time in the Congressional Research Service is about up, and that he’ll return to the “Big House” (a.k.a. the Pentagon) to work in the Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia office at OSD. Matt ERICHSEN and wife, Paula (DOREMUS), are here at ASCS right now, but will be headed for sunny Alamogordo by the time you read this. Matt is going to an F-117 assignment there. Paula and he have five kids now, and are contemplating a step up to a 15-pax van!

Steve and Peggy (TUREK, ’83) TOLDY sent their Christmas photo and letter, which you can read on the Web Site. They are doing fine, and are finally together again at Pope, where Steve is enjoying being back in an operational wing, despite the fact that he had to become a Stan/Eval dweeb to do it!

Steve, Peggy and Katherine Toldy

Steve SMITH dropped into the ’82 website with an update, He’d flown 0-2s and CV-130s on active duty, then joined the Guard in Ohio, again in the ’130, until 1994. He’s also been an admissions liaison officer for USAFA, and is now the plant manager for Rubbermaid in Winfield, KS. He and Jayne have one son, John Tyler. Doc KIMMINAU sent a “storkgram” to announce the arrival of Riley Paul Kimminau, born in early March. Mom (Trish RILEY, ’83) and baby are fine. Sharon (VAUGHAN) CRONIN finally decided she wanted to see her name in Checkpoints, so she sent some news. She’s a mother of three, a Reserve IMA, and is living in D.C. while her husband, Tom, attends ICAF at Ft McNair. They’ll be moving to Belgium this summer, where Tom will take a NATO job. Sharon told me that Chris RUSSICK and his wife, Dianna, have a little girl, and are at Wright-Pat. She also said that Colleen MCGINTY is the chief civil engineer at Boston University, and that John and MaryEllen CRENNAN are in Hawaii and expecting their fourth child.

My last e-mail this time was from Gary HOGG, another long-lost soul brought back into the fold by the ’82 Web Site. Gary’s made a career of the C-130, flying 14 variants from B through H models. Most all of it has been in one SOF role or another, but he and Jorgeann (and SIX kids!) just moved to Robins where Gary is flying with the 339th Flight Test Squadron. They do the flight test of new C-130 systems, as well as functional check flights on planes fresh out of depot.

Speaking of flight test, as I hinted at the opening of the column, Ellen and I will have moved by the time you read this. In early April we’ll go to Edwards, where I’ll take command of the 412th Flight Test Squadron. Yes, even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then! The unit is also known as Project Speckled Trout, and some of you may remember that I was in the outfit from 1989-1992. We do advanced avionics flight test on a highly-modified C-135C, and we also provide overseas executive airlift for senior DoD and USAF leaders. It’s a great mission, a fantastic squadron, and I’m humbled and awed by the opportunity to rejoin the project as the commander. Thanks to Steve VOGT, many of you already heard about this stroke of luck, and I’d like to extend a warm “thank you” to all of you who were kind enough to e-mail and snail-mail congratulations.

I was in Dayton attending the Squadron Commander’s Course in Feb and I mooched meals from Dan and Sheri MOKRIS as well as Eric and Valerie BJORN. Dan is working in the AFMC DO shop, and enjoys being back in Dayton after his tour with JOINT STARS in Florida. Eric is on the AFMC IG team, and loves it. According to Eric, “This ain’t your fathers’ IG” anymore, and he’s had a great time spreading good ideas around the command. He’s also the webmaster of the IG’s home page

(yes, there’s a link to it from the ’82 Web Site!).

Finally, I was at the Pentagon in March and ran into LtCol Suzanne VAUTRINOT. She’s working as the executive assistant to CJCS, and was busy as a one-armed paperhanger when I stopped by her office. She promised me a gossip-laden e-mail, but I didn’t get it as of this deadline. Watch the website for more info.

So, I guess that about wraps it up for this time. It sure is nice getting so many e-mails rich with information and gossip for the column! Keep ’em coming, and until next time, Surf Safe! Ratman.

Jon A. Duresky

739 Carol Ann Drive O’Fallon, IL 62269

Home: (618) 624-0412

Work: (618) 256-1748 or DSN 576-1748

Percent members: 37

I’m trying to be hip these days, wearing my baseball hats backwards, consulting with the local body-piercing shop, and generally doing all those things a parent does to embarrass his teenage son and teenage wannabee daughter. Children can roll their eyes in shame, but we parents have the ultimate hammer, don’t we? Five little word say it all: “No phone calls this week.” That’s even more power than demanding Schofield’s quote from the Class of ’84. Anyway, since I’m doing things backwards these days, I’ll begin the way I usually end, with the dope on who writes the next article, so you can mail them your inputs, as they attempt to make silk purses out of sow’s ears.

Summer Issue: He needs your info ASAP, but June 15th at the latest!

Stu “Recently a Civilian” POPE, 520 Romona Ave, Sierra Madre, CA 91024. Fall Issue: Info to him by 15 Aug: Maj Dave WRIGHT, 4204 A. West Muledeer Drive, USAF Academy, CO 80840-1137, home: 719-472-1244, DSN: 333-4608; Dave is the CS-12 AOC! Scares me too.

More later! Winter Issue: Info to him by Thanksgiving: Maj (Select [obviously no one ran a thorough background check]) Ray BLUST, USAFR, 149 South Park Street, Wheeling, WV 26003-5924, home: 304-242-7182.

Spring Issue: I write this one! Address is above, info by Valentine’s Day would be nice.

Ray BLUST wrote me a letter. Between his jobs of an F-100 pilot for American and THE liaison officer commanding for the State of West Virginia, he regularly spanks the field in 20k races, including one aptly named for him, the “Big Boy Classic.” He’s also taking a lesson from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave in D.C. and selling overnights at his house, padding his coffer for his run at elected office in the next century. And as you can see in the picture, his family is his best asset. You heard it here first—Ray Blust in the White House, and the New York Jets and Bill Parcells in the Super Bowl. Sure bets, both!

The Blust family: Future President, First Lady and First Son!

Continuing on my backwards journey, I came across ZAZWORSKY in my journal. John is still doing penance at the Pentagon, and has my vote for Ray’s National Security Advisor in a future Republican administration. John and Monica just added a daughter, Jennifer Ann, to their brood, and since John recently finished a long TDY to the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, he is now happily participating in 2 a.m. feedings.

My Beltway informants also reported on Chris MOULTON, another fellow Bulldog. Chris decided to pull a Riddick Bowe, but with a wee bit more tenacity. Chris is exposing himself to the joint world at the Marine Corps Command and Staff College in Quantico.

Continuing down the East Coast, I came across Tom and Gay SOLOMON. They have finished playing the Griswolds on an extended

American vacation, putting their RV in tempo storage and moving into a house in Georgia. They had adventures aplenty during a year on the road. Tom reports that he is still doing the airline thing and working out again, no doubt looking forward to the day when he will be the Chairperson of the President’s (Ray’s) Council on Physical Fitness. Mitch and Liz DELAROSA are also calling Georgia home, at Robins AFB. He’s a systems guy and can do more with a computer than “point/click,” so I think he might be in charge of USAF R&D some day.

The Eli Powell Crew: Future Supermodels!

Heading West, we come to the Major Doctor Eli POWELL clan, currently proving they can color coordinate a Christmas picture (khaki and denim look exquisite in the faint shadows of a New Mexico morning). Eli is heading up the orthopedic surgery branch at Kirtland AFB, trying unsuccessfully like the rest of us to avoid administrative junk. He spends most of his days trying not to smirk too hard at his luck—he is blessed with a pretty wife, smart kids, and no gray hair. He is also trying to get on with NASA.

Speaking of Doctors, Billy “Scales” WALKER checked in from F.E. Warren AFB in Wyoming. This former class scribe turned Dr. of Phys Ed is the ops officer for a helicopter rescue flight, no doubt pulling championship wrestling moves on any young buck who would dare to fly without all his ground training signed off. He even pulled a few months’ stint as acting squadron CC when the boss was on a long TDY. Billy has become quite scholarly, as his yearly updates prove, so I have the perfect advisory post in Ray’s inner circle for him: Official Speech Writer, along with Stu POPE. If those two can’t spin a good yarn together, no one can.

Heading down 1-25, we reach the Womb. Bunches of ’83ers out there. Among those of us causing cadets to quake at the sound of their steel heel taps clicking down the hall is the fearsome 12th Squadron AOC, Dave WRIGHT. We had a long chat on the phone the other day, and he sure has good perspective on what it is like on the other side of the fence. Dave Wright is master of diplomacy and should be Ray’s Secretary of State. I had considered putting John HESTERMAN in that post, because he has a poli sci degree, but somebody has to be CJCS in 2012, so it might as well be John.

And speaking of model cadets, Jerry VARNER still calls COS home and does his airline thing. Big accomplishment of the year—joining the 20th century and buying a computer, compleeette wiith a greeat speelcheckker. Jerry will definitely head up the Dept, of Education.

Charlie GARCIA, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Perfect fit. It is with heavy fingers that I type this next paragraph. Another role model ex-cadet, Jeff FIEBIG, is ending his active Air Force career. He just finished up his tour with the Thunderbirds, and airline and AFRES jobs came calling, so the time was right. In case you didn’t know, Jeff and Ellen (NELSON, Class of ’84), make life their personal Monopoly game, owning property in 140 of the 152 recognized countries around the globe. With that financial savvy, (and since the blackmail pictures no longer exist) I’m appointing Jeff to the post of Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board in Ray’s Cabinet.

Last summer I PCSed. Left the friendly confines of Andrews AFB and the familiarity of the cockpit. Arrived amid the cornfields, simple values, and desk jobs of AMC HQ@Scott AFB.af.mil. Then took a lesson from Fiebig, built a big house, stocked the bar, added a weight room and Jacuzzi tub. Brenda (wife and prime contractor) forces us to use all the facilities, so we’re working on healthy livers surrounded by hard muscles cloaked in waterlogged skin. Sort of like the Budweiser frogs, but with oak leaves.

Anyway, on to Scott AFB. Amy (HERMES) SMELLIE had a baby. I ran into her on the way to a pregnant aerobics class. She was pregnant, not me. Dave and Sue (NEWHOUSE) ROSS reside in the area. The former with the airlines, the latter with AMC HQ, quietly challenging Hesterman for the CJCS job. Dave RODRIGUEZ has about 10 kids and is adopting another. We ran into Kyle SMITH in clothing sales where we were both admiring the mess dress medals. He works in XP, desperately trying to keep his sense of humor.

Marcus JONES works with the IG. We communicate the old fashioned way. By e-mail. Brian MACINTOSH wins the “Coolest Trick ever Taught a Pet” Award. My second day at Scott AFB Brian spied me from across a crowded base swimming pool. Knowing I was suffering in the TLF and desperately in need of free food, he invited my clan to his house. Great plan, save me $$$ on food. Brian and his new wife, Lisa, were perfect hosts, but after dinner came The Trick. Brian trots out his dog, says the mantra “Cold Beer” and the dog disappears to the basement refrigerator, to shortly return with a brew in his mouth. Unopened, thankfully. I about dropped my teeth. Brian and Lisa have a new baby, too. The bouncing bundle of joy should be a full-fledged bartender any day now.

Just about done. ..Can’t neglect Robert and Ralinda (BOZELLI, Class of ’82) GREGOR, who also took us in on our journey to the new base. Robert flies for UPS, but his real talent is driving. We stopped at his house for about four hours of lunch and conversation. He took us on a quick tour of his Lousiville neighborhood. Returning to his house, he backed his BMW down a narrow 30 degree decline, between bushes, and made a 90 degree turn to his parking place under his deck. All at about 40 mph. I decided right then and there: Gregor will be Ray’s Secretary of Transportation.

Time for the Play of the Day! This prestigious award goes to Dan BRUNSKOLE. He and wife, Nancy (Class of ’82), adopted a beautiful one-month-old boy. So with the new baby in tow, Dan and Nancy headed to ACSC, where Alabama doctors confirmed the good news: Nancy was pregnant with twins! Due on March 27. Doing the nine month math, that’ll give them three infants under the age of ten months in one household. Dan and Nancy are moving my direction, to Scott AFB this summer. Congratulations, Brunskoles, on having the “right stuff” three times in one year. And Dan, we have jobs in the Blust Administration, too. You guessed it—AF One pilots, but we’ll break tradition and make the primary DV bring us refreshments.

Gear down, check six, and make those back-up files. Jon.

Mike Jensen

12035 Milam Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80908

V A

1 -800-G0-AFA-GO/(719) 481-4646 ml

E-mail: jensen84@mrcenter.com

Home Page: www.mrcenter.com/usafa84

Percent members: 28

How about some pictures? The response to the e-mail has been very good. Now all we need is some of the pictures of our photogenic classmates and their lovely families.

CLASS UPDATES: Paul KELLNER writes he has recently moved to Heidelberg Army Installation, Germany and is an ALO attached to V Corps and has been there since September. He enjoys being in the area. He PCSed from Reese AFB (soon to be no more) in Lubbock. He was flying T-38s. He left behind Andy CORRERO and Derrick REINHARD. Ron BEYERS is in Melborne, FL working on JSTARS and John O’ HAIR was at Kirtland AFB, NM. Paul is in Germany with his wife, Bonnie, and kids Scott (6) and John (16 months). They haven’t had the opportunity to do much traveling yet.

Roger DEEMER sends his greetings from Brooks AFB, San Antonio, TX where he is a program manager for Night Vision System at the HSC SPO. He was doing some laser weapon research (GBL and ABL) at the Phillips Lab; it was exciting. This June his wife, Amanda, and he will be celebrating eight years of marital bliss. They have two boys, one two and the other four months. He enjoys being a daddy. Joe LENERTZ is a section chief in the engineering branch there. (Joe spent two years with the Class of ’84 but graduated in ’85 after a year of stop-out.) Joe’s married with kids too. Bob MACK is working in the recon SPO (ASC/RA) at ASC. He and his wife, Kim, have a four-year-old boy and they’re expecting another any day now.

Mike BENEVENTO sent his hellos from cold and sunny North Carolina. Quite a change from all those warm and sunny days at Hickam AFB in Hawaii where he was last November. He has settled down in North Carolina since he left the Air Force. He is enjoying civilian life, hasn’t gotten a haircut in two months and is loving it. He located Costa

TZAVARAS (’85) and his old roommate Stanley N. BRATT. Stan, who left the Air Force in 1992, now lives in Minneapolis, MN. He owns a treecutting service with his brother. Karen COX is a student at ACSC this year, along with many other of our classmates. She’s looking forward to finishing and getting back out in the “real” Air Force. Waiting for news on an assignment, and hoping to go back to a helo flying job. Rick PUES’s three-year tour at the United Nations has ended and he will be PCSing to Altus in Feb ’97 to requalify in the C-5. He’s happy to get out from behind the desk and back to the real Air Force. He writes that NYC is #\ for trafic congestion.

Dave NORTON catches us up. He headed off to nav school, and then up to Wurtsmith on KC-135s. In ’87 the Air Force decided he wasn’t so blind after all and sent him to UPT. He left Del Rio in the spring of ’89 and headed to a KC-10 at Barksdale. By the fall of ’92 he was an AC facing an IP slot along with its long commitment. He discovered that he could combine his flying experience with a law degree so he took the plunge and put in his papers. Before his hands got too rusty he got his ATP/CFU/MEI, and then he and wife, Martha, headed to Dallas, TX and the Southern Methodist University (SMU) School of Law. He graduated from SMU last May with a JD and he passed the Texas Bar on the first day of November. He accepted a position as an associate with the Dallas office of the law firm of Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P., where he hopes to develop a practice specializing in aviation law. It’s nice to have a “real” office, but he does miss his old “office”—the KC-10 cockpit— on occasion! They have recently purchased a home near White Rock Lake just east of downtown. While visiting his Houston office, he spied one of our very distinctive diplomas hanging on a wall, and discovered that it belonged to Jeff JANSEN. He told Dave that after graduation he served as a behavioral scientist. After finishing his commitment he got out and a year later also headed to law school. He’s been practicing for over three years now, and wants to specialize in aviation insurance defense work.

Mark GILLOTT is currently at Eglin AFB with Joyce and two daughters, now six and eight. They’re heading up to Montgomery in July for ACSC. From there it’ll probably be on to Korea for a remote flying the F-16 and then a follow-on slot to God-knows-where. On the nonmilitary front, he is continuing to stretch his 15 minutes of fame as long as possible. As many of us know he was on the “$25,000 Pyramid” after graduation, and “Wheel of Fortune” in 1990. His latest boondoggle is wangling his way into the new Jim Carrey movie. It’s a long story, but the Reader’s Digest version is that he went to a call for extras for “The Truman Show” and ended up with a pretty good speaking role as a police officer. It should be a good flick, not the typical Jim Carrey fare. It also stars Laura Linney (Congo) and Dennis Hopper. Look for it around August ’97...Mark is currently working as a magician, go visit him at TGI Friday’s in Destin.

Captain Wally FAJARDO is currently at Randolph AFB at the 619 TRSS Navigator Training Flight. From nav training he went to B-52s spending five years in Minot, two at Carswell, TX. He then went to MacDill AFB as an aerospace physiologist, then went to Randolph to the nav schoolhouse running the Navigator and T-43 Crew Resource Management Program. He is now writing courseware at the 619th. He is the program manager for the rewrite of AFM 51-40 (Air Navigation). He married his high school sweetheart, Lillian, and they have two boys, Wally (9) and Julian (5). All of his best friends from school, CJ SUBER, Ivan RANDALL, Mark BETHEA are all out. He wishes to retire in San Antonio.

Jaime ROSADO (CS-25 and CS-04) is currently doing a fellowship in St. Louis with a regional medical system (BJC Health System). He has been flying with AWACS from graduation until 1989 when he left the Air Force to work in engineering with Mobil Oil. He was then recruited by the AF Medical Service to work in hospital administration because of his business background. He is looking forward to going to the Air Force Lead Agent in San Antonio this summer. He spent three years there prior to his assignment at Wilford Hall Medical Center with Brian MASTERSON. Brian just made LTC two years BTZ!

Kevin JONES (KJ) is currently the guy who writes all the flying rules for the Air Force at the Flight Standards Agency at Andrews. He’s been fortunate enough to keep flying so far—Tweet FAIP, KC-135s and now C-21s. Married with two little boys. Anyone coming through Andrews, look him up.

Send your donation now to The Air Force Academy Fund Association of Graduates

Doolittle Hall, 3116 Academy Drive

U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. 80840-4475

Well, the SCHIMMELS clan is up to five! Brian Timothy was born on 28 Jan at 0419 (kind of like O-dark-thirty) hours. He was four weeks early but both mom (Jeanne) and Brian are doing great. Both his big sister Jenni and his big brother Ethan are happy to have him here. He is at UDRI and enjoying being a full-time researcher. Putting the PhD to use and learning all about bird strikes on windshields and canopies. Working on JPATS, F-15 redesigns and currently helping the Navy qualify the S-3 Viking canopy system since it’s being modified to fly until 2025. Walt JUREK is also out of the blue suit and working at Delco Chassis in Dayton.

Well, just received a note from Southern California about the arrival of the newest member of the CALDERON family. Kathy gave birth to a healthy baby boy, after 30-plus hours of labor. 20.5 inches and 6 lbs 10 oz, not bad for coming three weeks early. Marifrances DANT BOLGER: She’s out, has been for about six years, and is now an attorney with Morgan, Lewis & Bockius in Philadelphia practicing labor and employment law. Happily married to David Bolger, a nongrad, but former JAG at Seymour and later Ramstein. No kids, but two great dogs and “this old house” which keeps them busy when they’re not practicing law. Buy stock in Home Depot, friends! Denny BENSON is on his way to Peterson AFSPACECOM HQ and back to missiles.

Greetings from South Korea. Mary and John REIDY are enjoying a two-year assignment there at Osan. Anything to keep flying the F-16 and stay off the staff. They are also anticipating the birth of their second child in March. Ed INGHAM and his family recently joined the squadron, coming from Wright-Patterson. Chuck GUTIERREZ is there doing a one-year remote on the staff at 7th Air Force. Rich CALL has been flying A-lOs since graduating from UPT and finished up in the 422 TES at Nellis AFB, NV. He separated in July ’96 and has been hired by UPS. Currently entering 727 training. Married and have two boys, six and five.

Jim BURLINGAME is still in the Air Force. At ACSC right now. Moving to the Pentagon in June ’97. Married to Debbie. Eight-year-old daughter Hannah. Thanks again for the updates. On a sad note, we lost two classmates this winter. Brian TERMONT passed away after a bout with cancer and Steve WALTERS died in a plane crash in Alaska. Our sincerest condolences to their families.

Send those e-mail addresses—it is my goal to have 300 addresses by next issue, so send them now!

Shelly Grady

5132 Fall Road

Damiansville, IL 62215

Percent members: 32

wHfI have the easiest Checkpoints article to write since I get all sorts of Christmas letters for fodder. Also, with the majors board this year, I got to see folks I normally wouldn’t see at the base promotion party. Two of those unlikely sorts were Rich ANDERSON and Mike CANINO. Rich was on a fast track to ISS if I remember our conversation correctly. Mike has been here at Scott for many a year and would probably be leaving within the year. He has one son, the apple of his eye! Evidently, there are 30 or more ’85 grads here on base. As far as Christmas news goes, Jackie CHARSAGUA was pretty scanty with hers (didn’t want to brag); but I heard through the grapevine that she was selected for Army Command and Staff. Congratulations!

Del CHRISTMAN, currently at AFA as an AOC, will probably be leaving in June to go to Germany as a NATO AWACS pilot. He and Beth have three children. Bill CASTILLO is in Germany, working hard at a job he loves! He was recently deployed back to the states for Combat Challenge. He and Carol are expecting their first in June. “Bobfucious” CUMMINGS has finished his tanker pilot training at Altus AFB and the family should be settled into Kadena AB by now. He and Linda have a son, David. I didn’t hear from Ross and Linda DUDLEY this Christmas, but I imagine they’re still in Colorado Springs. Dan and Sara (HELLWIG) ELLERT-BECK are in Ohio at Wright-Pat and were blessed with their first this summer, a dear girl named Madeline. Dr. August and Carla HEIN left Scott AFB for a tour in Italy last June. They are expecting a second child in March. Steve LAVELL called on a recent trip back to the states to visit his folks. If I remember correctly, he is based in Alaska flying A-lOs and deployed to Italy. He and Teresa have three children.

Mike and Lisa MURCHLAND I hear of through the grapevine. Dr. Murchland was stationed in San Antonio, and he and Lisa have two girls. John and Kim MARSELLUS will soon be leaving South Carolina where John flies F-15s for some sort of exchange tour with the Canadian Air

Force. It was hard to tell exactly what he’d be doing from his letter, but they’ll be in Canada for two to three years. Amy MUELLER signed up for another four-year stint as an MK teacher down at the Alliance Academy in Quito, Equador.

We ran into Tom and Tracie MAUCHLY through mutual friends. Tom is down at Little Rock. They recently went through a harrowing experience with their fifth child who was born in December, but God was very merciful and their son is once again doing fine. Mike and Brenda PIIRTO will be coming back from Okinawa to the states this summer. They’ll probably end up at Quantico or Norfolk, VA. They have three children. I don’t hear from Wendy and Kevin ROUTHIER ’til Easter, but from their address they’re somewhere in the Orient! My memory fails me as to exactly where. (They are in Misawa, Japan. Jackie.) They have four children. Mike and Kelley RITS are also due to PCS. They’ve camped at USAFA forever! Dr. Jean (GARVIN) STEPPE is here at Scott, but will most likely be heading back to USAFA come fall to put her Ph.D. to good use! She’s been using her education a lot here too, where she is in one of the most respected analysis groups in the Air Force. Rod SAMPSON is living down the street from my mother-in-law in D.C. He and Susan are employed by MCI and have one son. Steve SUTHERLAND got his old weather job at USAFA as a civilian! What a deal! He and Heidi have two children.

Kerri (BROUSSARD) TASHJIAN is camped out over in England looking for any excuse to travel. So if you’re in the area, stop in! Jean had heard of John and Cathi WRIGHT down in Texas. And George WEATHERSBY is working with the Army in North Carolina. The best news of the year award goes to Trish (DIERLAM) NORMAN. She’s found the man of her dreams and will be soon joining him at Tinker with her two dear children. Congratulations! Tish—yes, God is good!

Our news is getting pretty usual: #6 is due in May. I have to stay challenged, you know! Shelly.

(From Jackie Charsagua: Classmates, after 12 years I am resigning as class scribe. I have had a wonderful time serving you over the years. If there are any prospects to take my place, please contact the Checkpoints editor, Tom Kroboth. See you around the AF. Godspeed, Jackie C.)

Gary L. Burg

7-420B I Street

Elmendorf AFB, AK 99506-1232

Home: (907) 753-9211

Work: DSN (317) 552-9775

E-mail: Beaker90FS@aol.com

Percent members: 34

wWell, I just got back from a much-needed three-week family vacation to Hawaii and am already way behind on my responsibilities. (By the way, if anyone wants some information on where to get some great military lodging deals on the islands, I have a complete list of all the military cottages and lodging facilities I’d be happy to give you.) The deadline for this letter has long passed so this will be a short column just to get something in Checkpoints for our class.

I did receive some e-mails this time around. My first e-mail was from Mike RARICK who tried to send me an e-mail last time around but I missed it. Mike wanted me to make sure our class gave credit to our classmate John OATES who jumped the ’86 banner into the Rice game. As the parachute flight commander (and former PTWOB), he organized the jumps into Saturday’s game as well as the jumps at a civilian drop zone on Friday for former jump team members. For most of the ’86 PTWOBs, it was their first time stepping out of an airplane since the graduation parade. After shaking off the dust, they had a surprisingly good day of jumps—without incident! Mike also wanted me to mention that he was disappointed that we had no FLASHERS (not streakers) during the game’s half-time. The cadets had continued the flasher tradition for a few years after we graduated, but it must have died off (political implications, no doubt). As the original founder of the flashers, Mikes’s heart sank as he realized there would be no command performance. He is vowing to make sure the flashers return at the 20-year reunion (reason enough there to make sure you attend our twenty-year reunion, I know I won’t miss it). Like Mike says, “I guess if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself!

Next I received a really short e-mail from Rob COLELLA. He is upgrading to the B-2 and just had his first flight in March. He stated that the B-2 is a nice ride, hard to believe it is an airplane it flies so smooth. Rick RODGERS came down to interview for the B-2 and is hoping to be at Whiteman AFB this summer. Rob had to haze him a little and gave him loadmaster duties at the buffet table, “you can’t get good cold pilot/hot pilot help anymore”.

My last e-mail was from Brent BEECHAM. Brent was surprised to see that I mentioned him in Checkpoints right after the reunion. It was the first time he made the column since graduation. He has some rather good news to report as his wife, Hagit, is pregnant with triplets and is due in late May/June if all goes well. Apparently there are two identical boys and a girl. He is currently looking at the airline jobs in the U.S. but it is likely he won’t get hired until the summer. He promises a picture of the babies when the time comes—Brent, I want the pictures to include the weary parents too, ha, ha! Best of luck with your family and job prospects. He sent some photos over the Internet but because of the deadline, they won’t make the column, plus I really need the originals to take to print because of the detail lost via e-mail.

During my leave I ran into Ken HALE at Hickam AFB. He is the Port OIC there (a major’s position) and has been there since 1994. He received an extension until 1999 but like he said, he is hoping for a school slot after our board this summer (aren’t we all!) and leaving before that time. He is really enjoying the assignment to Hickam and is doing well for himself in the process. It’s always good when I see one of our classmates I recognize and can talk with a few minutes. Just for your information Brent, if I talk to you, you’ll probably see it in print in Checkpoints.

I do have some information from Elmendorf of ’86ers. Jeff HENRY has departed the fix and is now at Seymour-Johnson AFB becoming a F-15E schoolhouse instructor. Troy ERWIN left here the end of January to become an IP again, this time at Laughlin AFB, TX. I will be leaving this summer as I picked up one of those highly-sought-after ALO slots to South Korea. It’s only a year and I do get to choose a follow-on assignment, which I haven’t selected yet.

Well that’s all from this end. WRITE, E-MAIL, PHONE OR FAX, whatever it takes to get this column full next time around. Everyone should have your reunion photos back by now, send them my way.

Sharon Giletti

4206K W. Muledeer Drive USAFA, CO 80840 (719) 472-1195

E-mail: gilettigp.df@usafa.af.mil

Percent members: 34

Since I received so many updates, I’ll attempt to concentrate on all the info that came my way and not interject too much! It appears that several classmates are gearing up for the reunion and many of you have a lot of free time on your hands (right!) to surf the Net and visit the ’87 Homepage! Ross MCNUTT forwarded an e-mail from Dave SULLIVAN (CS-4). Dave’s flying F-15s out of Kadena, but hopes to be back by the reunion. Dave has seen or kept in touch with several classmates. Jeff MCDANIEL is an F-16 weapons officer at Misawa (they ran into each other last year at the PACAF Mission Commander’s School at Eielson AFB, AK). Vince BACHELIER is out of the AF and trying to fly for the airlines. Paul HASTERT is at Kadena flying MC-130s. Tina DARA is married to an ’86 grad and bailed at the five-year point after being a bio engineer. Butch PISANI is flying F-16s for the Guard in D.C. Brett BURG is flying C-130s. Mike LECLAIR and his wife, Kathy, are at Kadena too. Dave’s his flight commander. Dave also runs into Lee DOZIER often. He’s flying KC-lOs out of McGuire.

Scott (CS-15) “Dutch” MURRAY sent a hello from USAF Weapons School at Nellis AFB. He’s an instructor in the Intelligence Division and is loving Las Vegas. His wife, Jolande, is a tennis instructor (busy, busy) and they have two children. He’ll be leaving Las Vegas this summer for a one-year remote (yuck!) to Osan AB, South Korea. He updated me on a few other ’87 instructors out there. Mike MCGEE (a maj-select) and Dave MEYER are in the F-16 Division, Ross WOODLEY (another maj-select) is in the F-15C Division, Gary HENDERSON is in the HH-60 Division and John BREEDEN is in the A-10 Division. Boy, Nellis sounds a bit like “USAFA West.” Dutch had two other updates on Bill NORTON and Mickey MOORE. Mickey, his wife Lisa, and their daughter PCSed from Davis-Monthan AFB last summer to Pope AFB. Being the new guy on the block, Mickey got to spend the holidays in Kuwait. Bill, his new wife Amy, and her son Graham, live in Spokane, WA and he flies for Horizon Airlines. Jerry AFFLERBACK was the best man at Bill’s Sept 20th wedding and Craig BARTON, who now flies for UPS out of Louisville, was there too. Jerry e-mailed from Patrick AFB on what’s going on in his life. He too recently wed this past summer. April and Mark FITZGERALD attended, as well as Mike SYMOCK (a prog mgr at Gunter AFB, AL), Eric VAN DORN (Eglin AFB), Nick IKEDA (Wash, DC area) and Chris SIMPSON (a GS employee at Hanscom AFB). Jerry is the program manager of the International Seismic Array Installation that monitors the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Sounds like some pretty nice TDYs are

headed his way—the first being to Russia! Jerry’s also heard from a few other classmates. Dale REYNOLDS, wife Yolanda, and twin sons are headed for a two-year tour in Korea from Offutt AFB—one of those “You’re the only one available” non-vols, but hey, at least they’re all together! Fritz HECK, his wife Maria, and their daughter and two sons are at RAF Lakenheath. Fritz is flying F-15s—pretty busy, I’m sure.

Lee “Ice” ICENHOUR (CS-35) says hi. He recently left McGuire AFB to go to the other side of the Atlantic to fly the C-20 at Ramstein AB, Germany. He had several updates for us: Brad JOHNS and his wife will be in D.C. this spring for attache and language school (Habla Espanol?) before heading to Bogota, Columbia. Brad will be an assistant air attache and will fly the C-12 as an IP. Steve LEE is flying the MD-80 for Northwest.

Todd WHITE is a fit comm at Maxwell AFB. Mike HAFER is flying ’10s at McGoo. Kevin ROGERS is at Davis-Monthan and wants to buy the new “Navigator” SUV. Brad CURTIS is flying 75s and 76s for United. Mark USTASZEWSKI (what a mouthful) and family are hoping to leave Columbus for Charleston. Tom BOROWIC and his family are living in New Jersey. Tom is flying the Tub O’Pain again. And Mike BETTNER and Doug WOODBURY are here at USAFA.

Ken THERIOT (CS-6) writes (well, e-mails, nobody ever writes anymore!) from Luke AFB. He cross-flowed from supply to aircraft maintenance, and is getting ready to transition back to supply this summer. No news on where though. He’s also been very busy with TQM. He presented papers at three of the four AF Quality Symposia and has obtained certification by the American Society for Quality Control as a quality manager. In his spare time, he and his wife, Lisa, perform acoustic music at coffee houses, fairs, etc. They have a few tapes out and just should have released a CD—wow, what fun—congratulations!

Bill YUREK sure has had a busy year. He’s been an OSI agent for about eight years and is currently living in the Washington, DC area. He’s been attending Georgetown Law School at night and will graduate this May! He’s separating but going into the Reserves and is looking for work in the criminal law field; anyone in need of his defense can reach him at (703) 922-2431. He and his wife, Annette, just had their first baby! Bill has kept up with a few other classmates. Jim CONNOLLY is out of the AF practicing law in Dallas and loving it. Frank AMSLER (CS-36) is also in Houston doing quite well with Merrill Lynch. Jack KEISLER and Burt MORALES are “special agent guys” too—Burt in New Mexico and Jack in South Carolina. I’d tell you where exactly, but then I’d have to kill you! And, through the grapevine, Bill heard that Brad VANPELT is flying U-2s out of Beale.

I got a few short notes from some folks. Jeff QUIGGLE (CS-10) is an intel officer out at Hickam AFB (aloha!). He and his wife, Cathy, are expecting their first baby! Carolyn MOORE is out in California at Onizuka. She had some updates on some “lost” souls now found: Jim ABBOTT’s in L.A. still, Marty TATUM’s stationed at Cheyenne, WY and Lisa (GUMMEL) TORRES is living in Virginia. Larry SPEER (CS-13) is flying tankers out of McConnell AFB and is married to Janice. He’s already made reservations at the Embassy Suites and is really looking forward to the reunion.

It was great to hear from Pat MORDENTE (CS-36), a fellow CS-26 doolie. He’s assigned to the 62AS, C-130 FTU out of Little Rock AFB. He says that the 62nd is like a mini ’87 reunion! Mike LEWIS, Chris HOPE, Kerry SELF, Eric KRUEL, and Rex CALVERT are all in the squadron with him. Don REDFORD and Pat CRAIG are just down the street in the 53AS, C-130 FTU. Jeff BROWN is an instructor in the Weapons Instructor Course. Rumor has it that Jeff’s wife is pregnant with triplets! Mike LEWIS has six children so far—game over, you win! Chris HOPE and Eric KRUEL have two kids. Kerry SELF has one, Rex has three and Pat has one son and another bun in the oven. Boy, it’s La Petite Academy out there, but I shouldn’t talk!

Pat ran into Sean MOULTON. Sean’s stationed at Pope AFB but was going through instructor upgrade. Pat had a few additional updates: John CARDELLO (CS-36) is finishing up law school at UT, Austin. Bruce LACHARITE is stationed in Korea with his wife, Trish, and two sons. A1 KONKEL and wife, Kathy, are in Aviano, Italy (nice!). Al’s flying F-16s for the Triple Nickel.

I got a nice surprise from Shirrel (CAIN) and Tom MEDARA (both CS-14). They’ve been stationed in Korea, Germany, Nellis AFB, and Monterey, CA where Tom attended the Naval Postgraduate School (master’s in nat’l sec affairs) and DLI (where he learned to speak Arabic). They are now in Virginia. Shirrel got out in ’94 with the birth of their son Matthew. Tom’s at the Pentagon as an intel officer. They should have

PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY TO YOUR AIR FORCE ACADEMY (AFA) FUND.

CLASS OF 1987 10-YEAR REUNION At Homecoming 1997 24-28 September 1997

USAFA versus San Diego State

another child by the time this issue is printed. Tom’s seen Julie JOYCE and Carson ELMORE at the Pentagon too.

Howard “Ace” SHRUM (CS-36) says hi from Dyess AFB. While in the middle of an exercise he came across the ’87 Homepage (hmmm!? must not have been busy). Anyway, he’s an instructor pilot at the B-1B FTU. He, his wife Kathy, and son Devin have been busy at Dyess for the last five years and are quite happy to say that they’ll be PCSing to USAFA this summer. Ace will be an AOC—look out! The Shrums had been neighbors with Jeff KUMRO and his family. Jeff’s currently flying for the Georgia National Guard and Delta. He and his wife, Sandy, have a son Jake (3) and another one on the way. Ace has also kept in touch with Sean KAVANAUGH (CS-36). Sean’s flying the skies of Europe in the A-10 and is still the “single guy.”

Eric MILLER (CS-14) dropped a quick note. He was a C-141 nav at Charleston, but is now a civie. He’s working for a financial technology firm, SEI Investments, in suburban Philadelphia. He and his wife, Mary Helen, have a daughter Erika (6) and his two stepsons live here in Colorado Springs. He had a couple of updates on some other classmates. John POREMBA graduated from medical school at Bethesda and is a doctor in San Antonio. He’s married to another AF doc and they have four kids. Where do they find the time?! And Eric ran into Roy GARCIA a while back. Roy’s married with children and is a Special Ops nav in the MC-130.

I received a couple of overseas e-mails too. Scott FAWAZ wrote from the Netherlands, feeling quite isolated. However, he, his wife and two kids are returning stateside and plan to head to the reunion before they sign into their new base (not known yet). He said Franz PLESCHA and his wife are stationed in Germany. I also received a very interesting e-mail from Balan AYYAR (CS-40). It was just their second day on the Net at the Indian Air Force Academy in sweltering Hyderabad, India. He’s flying the Kiran Markll, the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) advanced jet trainer. His cousins are pilots in the IAF so he’s really been loving it there despite the heat. One bonus is that he’s been able to whip together whatever uniform combos he sees fit for the weather. I’d like to see some pictures of that! He passed on some tidbits of info too. Sul LEE is flying 747s for Northwest after experimenting with the DC-9 and DC-10; he’s finally found the shortest route to meeting Asian flight attendants. Larry GRAHAM is an intellectual property lawyer at the most prominent firm in Seattle (he represented the NBA last year!)—wow. Scott REYNOLDS is enjoying life in the pristine Maine wilderness and flying KC-135s. Despite being in India, Balan and his wife, Kristin, are saving their rupees and plan on making the reunion.

I got a really interesting e-mail from Mark ARLINGHAUS—he’s a THUNDERBIRD! Way to go, Lefty! He started training in the F-16 in August and moved to Nellis AFB in November. He’s the opposing solo pilot, Thunderbird 6. He loves it—who wouldn’t! Their demonstration season starts 5 April at Patrick AFB and continues through November. We hope to see you at graduation. He, his wife Tania, and their daughter Bailey are very excited to be part of the Thunderbird team. If you need to reach him he said his DSN is 682-9595 (maybe for some autographed pics for the kids!).

A funny thing happened to me a few months ago. I was at a church meeting and we had to do this funky introduction with everyone, and when I turned to introduce myself to the next person down the line it was Malia (BELL) SPRANGER! We had a good laugh. Malia, Kurt and their three boys PCSed here from Travis AFB around the beginning of February. Kurt’s working in the Athletic Department and Malia is busy at home keeping up with their great kids. Malia’s sister is a cadet here so it’s pretty nice for her too! Just barely moved in and they already had company—BJ SHWEDO was out here for commander’s school and dropped by to rev the kids up with some new weapons (toys of course)! Anyway, it’s great seeing them; however, it won’t be for long.

I guess by the time this edition hits your mailbox my family and I should be on our way to the Big Apple. My husband is PCSing to the United Nations. We’ll be living on a Navy-run complex on Long Island called Mitchel Field. It’ll be a culture shock, but exciting all the same. If you have any updates or just want to drop a hello (via e-mail), please do so before 15 May. After that it would be better to write (the mail will be forwarded) or wait until I get a new e-mail address out. We look forward to seeing our friends back East; like Bobby JOHNSON. He’s living in Littie Silver, NJ. Bobby is a broker working in Manhattan and doing the LO

duty on the side. We’ll all have to get Yankee hats so he doesn’t disown us!

Have a great summer! Until next time—S.

Mark Peters

1218 Red Oak Court

Vacaville, CA 95687-7601

Home: (707) 452-0900

Work: DSN 837-7250 or (707) 424-7250

E-mail: petersm@6ars.travis.af.mil

Percent members: 34

Hi ’88! I’m sitting here at RAF Mildenhall with Scott LUCK. Fortunately, we’re both here as part of the European Tanker Task Force otherwise the column would’ve been really short, but more on that later. Scott just got married in May to the former Sharon Riley of Plattsburgh, NY. They’re now living in Grand Forks since Plattsburgh closed in the summer of ’94. Like a surprisingly large number of our classmates (ineluding Doug HILL and Bill MINOR flying for United), Scott’s put his papers in and will hopefully be flying for a major carrier soon. Fortunately, he’s been keeping up with a few ’88ers.

One of Scott’s former roommates, Wade CAUSSY, and his wife, Melanie, have a new son, Clay, who will be a year old by the time you read this. Wade is at Spangdahlem, Germany, having finished F-15 requalification—his previous tour was spent teaching fighter lead-in to foreign pilots in New Mexico. Also at Spangdahlem are Ed CONNANT and John BREAZEALE. Ed’s flying the F-15 while John flies the F-16 and is a squadron weapons officer as well. John was married (Shannon) at Shaw sometime around the spring of ’94.

I called a source at Ramstein for some additional inputs, but she said I can’t use her name in two columns in a row. So I’m sure she’ll be pleased that I didn’t! My source reports that Denise URBANKS married a Navy guy and had a new boy, Sean, who is way cute (my words). She’s left the Air Force and still lives in Colorado. Jim DVORAK is now at Hanscom doing something in communications, married, with a little girl Diana. Cameron TORRENS and Linda TELKAMP, both of whom went through Williams with my source and me, are at McGuire where Cam’s flying the KC-10. Rumor has it that they’re about to be parents!

Jim RUBISH arrived here in November as a KC-135 instructor nav. He told me he got married about five years ago (Charlotte). Previously he was at Grissom for three years, taught at Altus for another three and a half years, and is enjoying his tour here. He told me that Ken (Doc) HOLLIDAY, who used to be in charge of the SPs here, has probably gone on to Minot. Fellow KC-135 tanker nav Pete RENNER is at McConnell, got married just a few months after graduation (Debra), and they had their first child about a year ago.

Another of Scott’s roommates, Tim CONKLIN, is at Mt. Home flying the F-16. Tim recently deployed to Saudi Arabia, is still single and enjoys the F-16. Before Mt. Home he was an active duty liaison officer with the Colorado ANG at Buckley, along with Wayne CHRISTIANSEN. Todd DIERLAM is also here at Mildenhall as a planner and KC-135 pilot. Joe TEGTMEYER is in Scott’s squadron at Grand Forks. He’s currently TDY to Altus going through upgrade training. Dean WEBB is also getting out; he’s been hired by the Selfridge ANG (KC-135s) and is married (Sharron) with a new baby (as of Decemberish).

Lastly, I’d like to apologize for some items that I published a while back. In most cases I take your inputs, scan them into my computer, and make a few minor changes. Likewise for e-mail. Unfortunately, this can create a problem when some of the material is not intended for direct publication. In the future, I’ll be sure to ask if there’s any question, and I apologize to all of you who have been hurt by my failure to edit carefully. Secondly, you may have noticed that this column is a bit shorter than normal. The reason is that all my inputs for this issue are on my squadron and office e-mail, which is in California, and I’m in England. So if you’ve submitted anything in the past few months, it’ll have to wait until the next issue. Sorry. I was supposed to be going home tomorrow, but, alas, the latest crisis in Africa has me in bravo alert with an unknown return date. Since I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone and I can’t take the chance of leaving Tom Kroboth, the Checkpoints editor, stranded without an ’88 input, I sent this one in. If I’d been on the ball I’d have brought all those inputs with me. However, please don’t use that as an excuse not to write—I’m always looking for more material so call, e-mail, or scribble me something soon!

SEND US YOUR NEW ADDRESS NOW. GET A FRIEND TO JOIN THE AOG!

Paul W. Tibbets, IV III

1410 Rockford Drive If' Warrensburg, MO 64093

Home: (816) 429-1198 wswpw

DSN: 975-2908

E-mail: patibb@iland.net

Percent members: 35

Hello everyone. The summer is upon us and I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather. I am excited as I am getting to fly my first B-2 sortie. I find it quite an honor to be in the same wing my grandfather started over 50 years ago. Back then the B-29 was state-of-the-art, and look how far we have come. What a great country we live in! It is easy to forget just how lucky we are to be Americans.

Todd WILKOWSKI called me a few months ago. He is in Virginia Beach at Regent Law School, where he met his wife, Heather. They were married 28 Dec, and both are enjoying law school. Todd is doing well, and is still active in the youth group at his church. Todd said Bill PINTER is flying F-15s at Seymour-Johnson AFB. He and his wife, Michelle, have four kids and are the owners of a new home. Chris COOK is out of the Air Force and working in Albuquerque, where he has a new girlfriend, Cheryl. Tim WILLIAMS is in the 7th Communications Group at the Pentagon, and recently married Traci in Atlanta. Joe and Leslee (GREENBERG) SALECK and their two kids are at Langley AFB where Joe is in intel and Leslee is in logistics. Tim HOGAN his wife, Linda, and their two kids are at Shaw AFB where Tim is flying A-10s. Joe GLEBOCKI is out of the military and working as a lawyer in New Jersey for the State Department of Justice. Joe was just named the Air Force Reserve Junior Officer of the Year. Congratulations Joe!

Todd also passed along that Ray ROWE is out of the Air Force and working in an engineering company in Pensacola, FL. He and his wife, Kathleen, are the owners of a new speed boat (what a strange part of the country to have a speed boat!). Kurt HEISER is at Hill AFB flying F-16s with his wife, Nancy, and two daughters. Chuck LOPEZ and Pete SMITH are both married (no, not to each other), and flying A-lOs. Chris ATHEARN is married to Cheryl, who is also a captain in the military, and they are stationed at the Pentagon. Eric PIEPMEIER is out of the military and working in Ft Smith for Whirlpool. He is married to Audrey and they have three kids—Katelyn, Talia, and Josh. Thanks for the call Todd!

Jeff LOUIE dropped me an e-mail recently. He was stationed at Travis AFB for the past three years, serving most recently as the Intelligence Flight commander. In April Jeff PCSed to Los Angeles AFB to work in human intelligence. He passed along that Holly (CAMPBELL) and Steve THOMPSON are flying C-141s at Travis, and were married in Jan ’96. Howard OLSON is assigned to the Tanker-Airlift Control Squadron at Travis. Matt EGGERT (’86) is working as an exercise plans guy and flying KC-lOs. Mike KEM is at Travis flying C-141s. John GERMANY (’90) is flying C-130s at Little Rock. Rob ANDERSON is flying F-15s at Mt Home. Ryan SMITH completed language school at Montgomery and is at Edwards for flight test pilot school, then off to France.

Jeff also wrote that Kim FANDETTI is flying C-5s out of Dover. John MARSINI is flying C-141s out of McGuire. Jack MAIXNER is flying F-16s out of Moody. Jay OSURMAN (’91) is pulling missile duty at Vandenberg. Brian ABEYTA is a comm officer at Langley. Brian

Rondall Rice and his little girl Kathleen.

SMITH is flying F-15s out of Langley. Joe SCHULZ is flying A-lOs out of Germany and recently got married. Jeff talked with Dan MCENTEE, who is now a civilian. He also bumped into Rob FABIAN (’88) while he was TDY at Vandenberg. Thanks for writing Jeff!

My last letter, in e-mail form, comes from Rondall RICE. While in Nebraska (AFIT at the University of Nebraska), Rondall and his wife, Annette, had a little girl, Kathleen Virginia. Rondall finished his MA last December and he and family moved to Colorado Springs, where Rondall is teaching in the History Department. Moving with Rondall to the Academy as new instructors were Doug KENNEDY and Ted KRACHT. Doug came from school at the University of Georgia and Ted was XO at Maxwell AFB. Also back at the Zoo is Mary O’CONNER, who is teaching French. Thanks for the letter Rondall!

Best wishes to everyone. Keep in touch, and keep those baby pictures coming (be sure you’re in it). Take care and God bless.

Joseph C. Richardson 11764 McCarty Loup Bellevue, NE 68123

Home: (402) 292-9373

DSN: 271-4850

Percent members: 33

Greetings Most Glorious and Awesome Class,

I bring you cheers from the great state of Nebraska where I hope that things are going well for you all and that these greetings find you and yours in the best of health and wealth. Things here at Offutt are going extremely well. The weather is starting to warm up and we are looking forward to the sunshine and warm days regardless of where we are. Well enough small talk...on with the news!

Karen (WATTS) BOSKO sends greetings from the land of U.S. Army grunts and Italian Air Force and Army troops in Verona, Italy. She is just finishing up her two years there as the chief of Operations for the Joint Signal Group. She is knee deep in cappuccino, operas, pasta and wine. Karen reports that she enjoys the location she’s at and the countless skiing opportunities that it affords her. I think the thing she enjoys most of all is the fact that she got married last year. 4 May 1996 to be exact. Her husband, Dave, is an University of Maryland grad who she met while stationed at Tinker. They were married in sunny San Diego at the Naval Training Center. At the same time you all are reading this, she has already joined Dave at Onizuka AS in San Jose. There she will be looking to work with satellite systems, both hardware and software, probably dealing with the government contractors. Well, Karen, the most glorious and exalted class wishes you and Dave well. Thank you for such an awesome update and we look forward to hearing more from you guys in the future! Below is a picture of this awesome couple.

Dave and Karen

Next in line to pass on a hello is the awesome, bodacious Paul LAMBERTSON. Paul sends us greetings from the freezing world of Grand Forks, ND. He was a banked maintenance officer and is back into the flying world as an aircraft commander on the KC-135. Up there with him are Matt WATSON (instructor pilot), Matt BUTLER and Andy PIERSON (about to upgrade to aircraft commander), Chip WEAVER (aircraft commander), and Steve STONER (copilot). Paul also reports

that he just returned from SOS where he ran into Otto (Danny) HABEDANK (C-141 aircraft commander), Judd FANCHER (F-16 pilot and DG), and Paul (Pete) PETERSON (C-5 first pilot). He said all in all he ran into about 40 or so more from the Mighty ’90 bunch who were not in his flight. Sounds like a glorious time was had by all. Thanks for the tremendous update Paul. Best of everything to you guys and I look forward to keeping in touch more in the future.

The last greeting comes from the magnanimous and powerful Jon and Julie KRAUSE. You all remember “Gretch” I’m sure. He’s the type of guy that once you meet him you’ll never forget him...and for all the right reasons. Jon and family send us greetings from the beautiful Spokane, WA area. The first and biggest news event in their lives was the arrival of Joshua Richard on September 18th. Jon is still stationed at Fairchild pending an imminent departure to Vance AFB in Oklahoma in the near future. Thanks for the update and we will keep all your family and career concerns in our thoughts and prayers. Check out this awesome family.

The Krause Family

Telephonically, I’ve heard from the dynamic John Michael REDUS. He is still doing that command post thing up there in the beautiful Alaska tundra. He and his family are doing well and it is always a pleasure to get his phone updates. I’ve also heard from my ace, number one roomdog from the Academy, none other than the splendid Charles Weyman BOYD. My wife actually talked with him and I understand that he will be getting married in May of this year. I don’t have all the details but you can bet your bottom dollar that I’ll be there. Details for sure in the next issue!

Well, most glorious and awesome class, that’s it on the updates. I’m sorry that I haven’t advanced enough to have an e-mail address yet. Hopefully, that will happen some time in the near future. When it does, be certain that I will pass it on. Until next time, ya’ll take care and write when you can. Pals!

Carson Tavenner

3500 Oakgate Drive #2203

San Antonio, TX 78230

Home: (210) 699-1913

Work: DSN 969-2281

E-mail: tavenner@hotmail.com

Percent members: 38 ■"'4T

Hello, friends! Hope you’ve been enjoying your summer; I’m discovering the pleasantries of Air Force intelligence work in good ol’ Saudi Arabia until the end of June. A bit HOT you might say! You have, no doubt, looked for this column in order to discover excellent bits of RUMINT about your buddies, NOT to hear my bellyaching. We are here to please, folks...

Direct Grad Contact Event (DGCE) #1: My friend and yours, Don YU. He finished off a flying assignment with C-21s in early March over in Germany and was scheduled to begin U-2 flight training at Beale AFB. He should be there now. At one time, he was anticipating C-5 duty out of March AFB, but that did not come to pass. Don feels totally in the dark about most of his classmates, and seeing as how he has been flying within the Pit of Social Darkness (Joint OPs—spelled A-R-M-Y) I can’t blame him for feeling that way. Despite the odds, Don was able to scrounge up one interesting bit of info on a classmate rarely seen in this column, Pat REED. Pat is flying C-130s at Dyess, and if you’re reading this, Pat, we hope you’re having a great time. Please e-mail me at the above address.

DGCE #2: Bret HEEREMA. My wife, Wendy, and I had lunch with

Bret, his wife, Becky, and their two children way back in December at the Cracker Barrel on the north edge of COS. Bret is teaching physics at the zoo and absolutely loves it. He managed to get in a little skiing on the side this last season, and that certainly didn’t deaden his spirits. If you know Bret then you probably also know Ryan FARMER, who has been married just over one year now and living in Newport News, VA. He works as an operational analyst at ACC HQ, Langley AFB. Ryan and Paulette have two children, Grace and David. If you are in the area, I know Ryan would love to have you look him up to visit and swap stories.

DGCE #3—Truth is Stranger Than Fiction: I was driving around the purposefully-confusing Lackland AFB the other day (right around the end of February), looking for an innocent but deceiving uniform store, and couldn’t find it anywhere. With a sigh of resignation, I went against every fiber of my USAFA-trained, trail-blazing being and stopped to ask for directions. The building I stopped at was a training group HQ, and I began walking the passageways looking for people with lights on upstairs. Lo and behold, there sitting in a chair, waiting like a good little captain for his boss, was the excellent Pete BERG who, at last report was seen throwing a white cap high in the air. Surprised and happy greetings took place, and I learned that he is the chief of Evaluation and Analysis, which in English translates to “the guy who oversees the training curriculum.” Unfortunately, we didn’t end up trading stories about fellow grads since his commander showed up and our conversation naturally shut down. Then I pressed on looking for people with lights on upstairs...

DGCE #4—A1 WANSKY says hello from Vegas! He is there for a twoyear course on debt management. No, just kidding. A1 manages to pursue his calling for computer work by managing a shop involving software development, system admin, you know, the electronic stuff. He didn’t say how long he’ll be there, but can be looked up in the phone book for all of you who come to the area.

Tim and Dee Bergmann in front of the Garden of the Gods.

Indirect Grad Contact Events Reported: Derek NIELSEN was married at the USAFA chapel on 17 May; he works in Denver. Tim BERGMANN got married 21 Sept to a lovely woman named Dee; they also were married in the USAFA chapel. Brian DOYLE and Gary LIVINGSTON were in the wedding party. Tim just recently finished SOS and will be/has picked up a job as the course director of the Interservice Space Intel Ops Course.

Congratulations and good luck, Tim!

Spurious Reports and Other Outside Influences: As a new class scribe, I must say I was rather shocked by the relative lack of intentional, direct contact efforts on the part of our classmates. Shame on us! How nice, though, to know that sponsors, relatives, even the government is interested in keeping us in touch with one another.

Brad ANDERSON’S sponsors filled us in on Brad and Christina’s baby girl born May ’96 (her name is Langley). Brad really takes good care of his two sweethearts and late-breaking news is that the Andersons are expecting a sibling for Langley in October. Brad flies the KC-135 out of MeConnell AFB and has also managed to find himself over here in Saudi on at least one rotation.

Esme DAETZ (OSHITA) is an intelligence officer assigned to Eglin AFB along with husband, Dave (’90). Dave is an F-15 pilot. The source of this info requested anonymity.

Jay FROHNE has recently completed a six-month deployment on board the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk! Jay’s in the Navy, and we got this from the Fleet Home Town News Center. The Kitty Hawk is the principal ship in the USS Kitty Hawk Battle Group, and Jay’s unit is the 30th Fleet Logistics Support Squadron, which flies the C-2A Greyhound, a

Brad and Christina Anderson with Langley. (Photo courtesy Chuck and Carolyn Denham, Brad’s sponsors.)

twin-engine cargo plane. Jay has spent much of his time in the Persian Gulf, but manages to visit Bahrain, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Now THAT’s some news!

And with that, I will have to close. Next time: Grads in the desert, and BCT memories!

a——

James S. Mehta

2250 Clarendon Blvd., #112 Arlington, VA 22201

Home: (703) 525-5495

DSN: 283-1317

Percent Members: 34

First, tell me this column looks better than any one in the past. Well, OK, probably not, but I am writing on my new computer for the first time. I just bought it and can now write at my leisure. While we are speaking, let me direct your attention to the new Class of ’92 home page on the Internet. There is a hyper-link from the AOG home page. Mark SCHALLER took the initiative to start one and is still building on it. By the time you read this, it should be up to speed. Go take a look for yourselves and make good use of it—after finishing reading Checkpoints, of course.

Since this is the spring edition, that means another year has passed since graduation. This one is significant in that for most of us nonrated officers, our USAFA commitment is completed and we are free to go off on our own. I have talked to a few who are doing just that. That makes our involvement with the AOG just that much more important. From now on it won’t be easy to run into people on base or call on the Defense Social Network to see what’s happening in our lives. We all know that the classmates and friends from USAFA will be our lifelong friends who we can always count on. Let us never forget that we should be there for one another whether still wearing the Blue or not. When all is said and done, friends and relationships are what life is about. This column is about our friends in the Class of 1992.

Rob and Jen ATKINS sent me a card announcing the wonderful news that they have an addition to their family. Peyton Jackson was born Dec 31, 1996. Rob and Jen are in L.A. but both are separating this year and moving to upstate New York where Jen is from. They are going to give the small business world a try with their own copy shop. While I was home for Christmas, Rob and Jen stopped in Santa Barbara on their way home from Vandenberg AFB where they were TDY. We had a nice breakfast by the beach and caught up on life.

After returning home from the holidays, I got a Christmas card from Rob and Leisa TOBLER who are enjoying their tour in Germany. Their card found me the hard way via California, but eventually made it. They have been learning the joys of parenting (waking up in the middle of the night), but have also had a chance to travel and spend time with grandparents. Rob will be flying the C-9 at Ramstein for a few more years.

Rick BAILEY promised me a picture of his wedding (Aug 3, 1996) at the Academy and he came through. As you can see by the picture, there was quite a bit of Blue at the ceremony in the Catholic Chapel. Rick and Di are headed to Charleston AFB where Rick will be flying the C-141.

Matt BECKLEY sent me a note from Luke where he is in the 62nd Fighter Squadron flying F-16 Vipers. Matt, Karl GASHLER, Jason MARSHALL, and Jose PINEDO represent the end of the Air Force’s banked fighter pilots. Matt and Karl are headed to Kunsan AB in Korea

In the front row at Rick Bailey’s wedding kneeling from left are Preston Leon, Matt Rafter, Don Unwin, "little”Andy Crum, Ken Moss, Tim Zacharias, "Big”Andy Crum, and Matt Harper (all 1992). Back row standing: Mike Muldoon (’85), Snoop McCann, Bill Ostrom (’92), Mike Bailey, Diana and Rick Bailey (’92), Bill Casebeer (’91), Jim Parco, and Johnny Davis (’91).

in April 97. Karl will follow-on to Shaw AFB and Matt will follow-on to Spangdahlem AB, Germany. Jason is going to Cannon AFB and Jose will be at Osan AB, Korea for a year before heading to Aviano. Tony SIMPSON graduated in Feb 97 and is now at Mountain Home. Gene CASSINGHAM and Jeremy SLOANE are starting up in the April 97 class of F-16s. Thanks for the letter, Matt!

Early in the new year, I received a letter from Jeff HASSANNIA who has been busy since graduation and is now enjoying the urban AFB in L.A. He says he and his wife, Crissie, love L.A. since it has so much to do and has great weather. Since graduation, Jeff has completed his master’s at MIT and headed to L.A. He reminded me that Ann CLARK was working on her master’s at MIT at that time, as well. Now he works with lots of grads and sees many ’92ers all the time. “The significant moment in” Jeff’s life was last June when he got married. They married in Portland, OR where both of their families are from. Jeff said, “It was a fantastic wedding!” Several grads made it: Greg and Laurel LEWIS (’92) came up from Luke where Greg is flying helos; Lisa DYER (’93), Chuck BEAMES (’87), and Gray PUHEK (’88). Jeff and Crissie finished off with a honeymoon in Jamaica.

Jeff and Crissie Hassannia

The Navy sent along a couple of press releases about two guys we know. Carmelo GIOVENCO and Mo KRISHNA both graduated from nav school at Pensacola, FL and are now Air Force navigators! Congratulations!

Dave KUMASHIRO made it down to my place from Dover AFB on Superbowl Sunday to watch the game. He even brought a case of real German beer that he brought back on a recent trip to Germany. Dave is still flying the C-5, but will probably be PCSing by the end of the year. He has been keeping pretty busy, as have I, and it took several months before we could coordinate our schedules so he could visit. Right now, Dave is at SOS—probably with several other True Blue grads. I’m sure he’ll give us the scoop on who else was there.

Lyle SHILDA is finally leaving Edwards! The word is out. Lyle is going to Cal State Bakersfield for one term to finish his master’s degree and then will be heading to Hanscom AFB this summer. He plans on zigzagging his way all the way across country in late June/early July. He will

be coming to D.C. to visit for the 4th of July. Before that, he will stop in C-Springs to visit Mike ROKAW. Speaking of Mike, he tells me that he is enjoying Colorado once again. He has purchased a season ski pass and has been going almost every weekend. He is starting a master’s program at CUCS and keeping busy with his new house. My crystal ball tells me that one weekend in the fall we will descend upon Mike’s house where we will have a wild time and go cheer Falcon football. Sounds like a plan!

Now for the big announcement...Don UNWIN has asked his girlfriend, Kathleen, to marry him. Don is at Little Rock AFB training to fly C-130s and will be going north to Alaska (Elmendorf AFB) in July. Oh yeah, Kathleen said, “YES.” They are planning to get married at the end of June and then PCS to Alaska. I guess Don can’t deny now that it’s serious. Congratulations Don and Kathleen!

I enjoy writing to all of you as much as you enjoy reading the column. Write and tell me about your life and what your friends are doing. So, until the next time...your friend, James.

Michael D. Sundsted

1430-C Galaxy Ave.

Scott AFB, IL 62225 (618) 744-9604/DSN: 576-5518

E-mail: Sundstem@wing.safb.af.mil

Percent members: 85

What’s happenin’ captain! Congratulations to all on our additional silver bar. For those of you who took the auto loan (like myself), another raise is also forthcoming! I guess we start on a new slate where we can no longer blame our mistakes on young lieutenant innocence. Also, I would like to congratulate the Class of 1997 and welcome them to our ranks as officers! Well done good soldiers!

Our class is now on the Internet. Barry COGGINS has volunteered his “web page” expertise and has created a web page for the Class of 1993 which will forward e-mails sent to everyone interested in being on the web page. I ask if you are interested in becoming a member of our web page, please phone or e-mail me as soon as you can. Thanks to Barry for taking the lead on something that will make it easier for our classmates to keep in touch and improve this article as well.

Char MELICK updates us from Arizona where she is diligently working to complete her master’s. She is enjoying 80-degree weather daily, while finishing one of her two forthcoming degrees. She updates us on Donna (VINES) and Rob PETTY who now have a little baby girl, Meghan (born on 5 Feb 97). Rob is now in UPT at Vance where he is tearing Oklahoma up! Clint MIXON touched base with Char around Christmas time. He is enjoying flying as a “back-seater” in F-15s down in Florida.

Also, Jason and Jackie (OTIS, ’94) BREEDEN finally managed to get a joint assignment at Ellsworth AFB. Jackie PCSed out of Luke AFB in October after traveling with Char and her son, Jordan, to Disneyland. Joanna HARTLEY is enjoying herself at McConnell AFB while working on PACER KRAG. Sounds extremely official! What that deals with is some sort of testing glass cockpits, which Joanna says, “is crazy and far, far above West Point or Annapolis.” Wait a minute, sorry about the flashback. Joanna says she’s way behind schedule, but she’s taking charge. One last request from Char is that Todd SEGER needs to call or e-mail me as soon as he can. Todd, did you get that?

Lee SPECHLER has landed...in Alaska. Our resident outdoorsman is enjoying his flight through the continent’s tallest peaks. He quickly got checked out in a Cessna 172 and is now currently grabbing more flight time than I can get! He, like many of our classmates, is submitting packages in for UPT. Lee is at the 354th Supply Squadron at Eielson. Good luck, bud!

Ladies and gentlemen, today’s half-time show is sponsored by the Association of Graduates in Colorado Springs. They make it easier for us to be graduates. (Tom here’s your plug!) Speaking of the AOG—let’s tap into our mailbox.

Once again, we receive several notifications from the Fleet Home Town News Center in Norfolk, VA. Clint MIXON, Kevin MCKFATRIDGE, Gabe “I’d rather be playing professional soccer” MACIAS, and Eric “Chappy” CHAPITAL all received their coveted “Wings of Gold.” Clint and Gabe both completed the 23-week navigator course in Pensacola, FL. Chappy completed weapons system officer training in Pensacola, FL. Kevin completed flight training with the 86th Training Squadron in Pensacola. Congratulations and please let us know what airframes you are now flying.

Eric BUHR has left L.A. AFB for Vandenberg. He seems to be pretty excited about it, too. So much so that all he left me was his address and phone number. He says in a previous letter that he enjoyed L.A. but is looking forward to moving up the coast. Also, he updated me on Ed

HOSPODAR who has had a bout with cancer. I was informed that it is not terminal, but I ask that you please include Ed in your prayers. We are all with you!

Alice “Ali” WARD writes from Brooks AFB. She and Anne TRUITT had an interesting time at the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, LA. She said they barely survived. Sounds like you need to let us in on some of your stories! Ali informs us that Jenn JOYCE is PCSing from McGuire AFB to Washington, DC on her quest for more intel stuff. All three plan to meet in Georgetown over the summer. Ali says she is surviving the tough climate in San Antonio.

James GEHRINGER sends his greetings from Patrick AFB. He is currently working at the AF Technical Applications Center doing program management stuff. Other ’93ers at Patrick are Joe DELCAMPO and Rick LUCE. He also had a mini-reunion with Carlos FRAGA and Elsie (MELBERG) SELZ. Carlos was on TDY to Patrick from McClellan AFB and Elsie was there from Eielson AFB. James also flew on a mission on a WC-135 out of Offutt AFB and ran into Katie KNUDSON and Fred PHELAN. One last update, we all know that Don CLOUD was married to Tina. In attendance were James, Scott HARBORT and Kimberly KADRYNA (’94). We appreciate the update!

Janelle (VIERA) O’BRIEN e-mailed me from the University of Illinois. She is finishing up her master’s and currently looking for houses in San Antonio. “Jelly” will be in San Antonio for the second time in her career—tough duty! I tried to touch base with her when she caught a hop out from Scott AFB but I was TDY at the time. We wish you the very best and are looking forward to an update on your wedding.

Amarillo by morning, up from San Antonio...Speaking of San Antonio, Jeff and Kate VOETBERG are moving to Ottawa, Canada. This is quite a contrast from the climate in Texas but Jeff and Kate are looking forward to returning to their weather. They plan on taking a month off to tour in Europe before they enter the tundra! All I have to suggest is please don’t come back with one of those accents where you can’t say words like out and about without giving us a clue where you have been! Jeff competed for the exchange officer position and successfully received the nomination. Congratulations on your success!

PCSing from Offutt AFB to Scott AFB is Henry “Hank” BUCK. Hank is now married to his wife, Natalie, who is finishing her nursing degree in Oklahoma City, OK. He works as a network engineer for Air Mobility Command.

My last little clip is from my experience on a recent Academy visit. My squadron sponsors Cadet Squadron 31. We took a training trip out there and had a wonderful time watching all the cadets stress like we all used to do. I went to a couple of classes and noted how the lack of sleep and the level of interest pretty much remains the same over time. I had a chance to attend an Army versus Air Force hockey game as well as enjoy some snow-skiing up at Dillon. It brought back a lot of fond memories and if you ever have a chance to do something like a sponsor trip, I highly suggest you go. We traversed the local barley establishments such as the “Golden Bee”, Meadow Muffins, Red Robin, etc.

I’m sure we are all looking forward to Barry’s web page, so that we’ll be able to talk on a more involved level. Everything that is fit to print on the web page will more than likely find its way into our article. Please continue to write and call, and as always—you are welcome at Scott. Just give me a call. Oh, by the way...Enjoy the pay raise. Mike.

C.C. and Trevor Smith

1442 S. Raven Court

Santa Maria, CA 93454

Home: (805) 928-9466

DSN: 276-3653/DSN Fax: 276-3514

E-mail (Trevor): smitht@det9.vafb.af.mil

Percent members: 75

Spring greetings to one and all—and congrats to a new class of graduates—way to go ’97! I can’t believe they were freshmen when we graduated and that next year, another Red Tag class will join our ranks! I hate to start out with an apology, but I’d like to apologize in advance to anyone who decided to write or call just after receiving their Winter Checkpoints-, you will not see your notes or letters in this column. We always have a very quick turnaround for the Spring issue so that the graduating class can get a copy before they take off—my deadline (today, of course) was only two days after I got my Checkpoints. Because of the turnaround, I only have a few letters, so the column will probably be shorter than usual (although I always say that and still end up cutting out half of what I’ve written to meet constraints).

Greg WOOD (F-l 5s, Kadena) sent a long letter in January and filled us in on his Saudi tour (reference the enclosed photo) and the folks with him in Japan. Greg and Britt HURST have had all of their post-graduation

Iraq.

assignments and training together and have now ended up flying Eagles together in the 67th Fighter Squadron for their first operational assignments. They were rushed through mission upgrade training in August so they could fly combat missions out of Sultan Air Base (A1 Kharj) with their unit. Despite the very austere conditions (eight or more to a tent—just like BCT!) and extremely public restroom facilities, they both enjoyed the tour—Britt may even be the first in our class to see combat, as their first flight over Iraq was 10 Oct 96. Although they each flew over 20 sorties across the border, Greg admits that refueling with the tanker was a lot more exciting and boasts that he and Britt could now be considered expert—well, at least competent—refuelers. He said that the three month tour was almost like a USAFA reunion and tried to keep track of those he saw.

Although he’s afraid he missed a few, here are those Greg remembered seeing: Joe SANTUCCI (RC-135, Offutt); Jules CHEATER (C-21, Andrews); Dave MEGGET (C-21, Peterson); Deb REUTHER (Intel, Moody-P.S. Deb, Maj Cooley was asking me where you were he’s back at USAFA in the Math Department)-, Brian BENTER (F-l5 Section CC, Kadena); Todd SMITH (KC-135); Christine RILOVIK (Mx); Dave BEEBE (Computers); Ramsey “Omar,” “the Sheriff” SHARIF (KC-135, McConnell); Oliver LEEDS; Chris GIORGIANNI (F-16 Mx, Hill); Ray BERNIER (RC-135, Offutt); Karl ROGERS (AWACS, Tinker); Fermi CARRETERO (Tinker); and Tom DIXON (Public Affairs).

Also Luc GIANELLONI, Jeff DALRYMPLE (KC-135); Mike BAUTISTA (KC-135, McConnell); Jon VINCENT (F-16, Moody); Scott ULMER (F-16, Moody); Steve BUNTING (F-16, Moody); and Brian VAN MATRE (F-l5, Eglin). As if that weren’t enough, there are a slew of grads with him at Kadena, including Laura (SIMMONS) KOURY (PA); Dave TOOGOOD (F-l5); Mark SNOWDEN (F-l5); Mike CARNEY (KC-135 nav); Joe IMBURGIA (Intel); Steve LEWIS (F-15); Todd STEARNS; and Dave HAMBY (Helos). Thanks for the news, Greg—fly safely and take care of yourself and those around you—and keep the letters coming!

Greg Wood models his stylish G-suit after an Operation Southern Watch sortie over

Jennifer (Russ) and Brian Morrison

Next we received a letter from Jennifer (RUSS) and Brian MORRISON (Malmstrom), who, after a five-year friendship, were married 12 Oct 96 in Pennsylvania. Attending the ceremony as members of the wedding party were Carla HUNSTAD (Randolph MPF, working on a private pilot’s license), Adelle BELISLE (Randolph, trying for med school), J.T. JOSE (FE WARREN, missiles), Eric LUND (Kirtland, trying for UPT), and Art ZEMKE (’87). Although Jen is trained in acquisition management and now has a master’s in biology, she is working as a section commander and taking care of their “first child” (a cocker spaniel) while Brian serves his alerts in the missile fields. Since her PCS to Malmstrom interfered with a “real” honeymoon, they plan to enjoy an Alaskan cruise this summer—aren’t double incomes great? Others she wrote about were Dave PADILLA and Brett ANDERSON (both of whom were Bullups with me, Brian, and Adelle), who are in med school at the University of Texas (San Antonio); Jim KAFER (FE Warren, section CC), who is married and a proud father of a baby girl, I believe; and Jodi (DEMARTELAERE) and Mike RAMIREZ (LA), who are enjoying their joint-spouse assignment.

Speaking of weddings, Tom and Rebecca ROCK (’93) invited us to their 15 Feb wedding in Slidell, LA. Sorry we missed it—especially since it was so close to home and New Orleans!

Wendy (WACHHOLTZ) and Kevin “K.B.” BARNES sent the enclosed picture from their vacation to Singapore to visit “Sam” PANG, who is flying choppers for the Singapore Air Force. Both Wendy and Kevin are getting their remote tours out of the way at Kunsan and Osan, respectively, and really enjoy taking a break to be together and see Sammy.

Although I’m not very good at writing back, I can usually count on Kathy CLEVELAND to drop me a line, and she came through again for this issue. Kat is moving to the Operations Support Squadron as chief of Spacelift Training. She reported that P.J. and Steph MENDICKI had a baby girl, Carrie, in Dec and that Kurt WENDT is motivated about his new Pentagon assignment.

As I said, there wasn’t much in the way of mail this time, so that’s it for the mailbag. Things here have been busier than ever, with more and more grads showing up on base everyday, including Trevor’s new boss Anne CHINNERY (’88) and his former squadron mates, Kim (LANE) and Scott MCLEAN (both ’91). Jeff NEDROW (’93) also just arrived at Vandy and he, Trevor, Brian SCHAFER (’95), Shawn MCCAMISH, Jay CLARK (’93), Brock LORBER (L.A. AFB), and Rick SHEFFE (Edwards) are among the local grads vying for a UPT slot. Hopefully we’ll have some good news in the next column about all of our classmates and fellow grads getting picked up!

On the home front, Trevor was recently selected as CGO of the Year for five different organizations, including Space and Missile System Center, a NAF equivalent and Vandenberg AFB, so he’ll be competing at AFMC in April—his NCOs just call him “golden boy!” He feels really honored to have received all these awards, but he was definitely in good company—other nominees for these awards included Erica STONE GREGORY (L.A.), Kelly HEALY (L.A.), myself, and Pete DETTELIS (’85). During our trips to L.A. for his awards ceremonies, we visited with Erica, Kelly, Julie PRICE (’95) and Randy and Kelly TORIS (’93) (P.S. Randy, Ifully approve—take good care of her!), among others.

I, on the other hand, found out in January that I was selected for one of the services AFIT slots, so I’ll be pursuing a master’s in hotel/restaurant management at a civilian institution in the fall, but don’t yet know where. Once again, I’m looking at University of Houston, but I’ll have to wait and see where Trevor will be...As I said before, I will be sure to get any address changes to you as soon as they occur! Speaking of address changes, please take the time to look through your AOG Register and

check that your base and address are current—if they aren’t, now is the time to update them (just call the AOG) so they are correct for next year’s Register. Keep those letters coming—and enjoy that three-year raise when it hits the banks! Take Care and God Bless. C.C. and Trevor.

Andrea E. Rolfe

PSC Box 4353

Vance AFB, OK 73705

(405) 548-5793

E-mail: AERolfe@aol.com

Percent members: 66

wIt is with a heavy heart that I share with you the death of a classmate and friend, Jason BAKER, this past January. Jason died in a helicopter accident in Fort Rucker. We are comforted knowing that Jason is in good hands now—and that he died doing what he loved most—flying. We wish you well Jason, and we are all thinking of you—you are still flying in our hearts every day!

This got edited out of the last issue because of space, but I wanted to make sure it makes it in this time. I apologize for the delay! Joe DIFIDI (F-l5s, Tyndall) wrote to tell me that Greg HOPKINS and his wife, Carrie, had a baby girl last August and he is finishing up UPT at Sheppard along with John SILANCE, Ed CASEY, Brian BALDWIN, Warren SNEED, Dean JANKE, Matt CALLOW, and Dave WILLIAMSON. Other ENJJPT recent grads include Bryce SIMPSON, Steve BORDING, Steve BOATRIGHT, Jeremy DURTSCHI, and Jamie MOSS. Chris CLAUS and Toby BRALLIER were also at Sheppard for Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals and are both headed back to Luke for F-l6 followon training. Brian JOSEPH just graduated from University of Washington and is now buying a house at Eglin AFB, FL. He just spent a year and a half at a glider operation in Seattle while earning his commercial and instrument ratings! Wendell HERTZELLE also finished up at UW and is now starting pilot training at Columbus along with Trevor BENITONE, and Tammy SMITH (’96).

Andy VENERI wrote from Shaw AFB, SC where he is stationed as a targeting intel officer along with Cheri (COBB) TONE. Andy says he got to go on a 99-day tour in Saudi as an intel analyst. He and Cheri get to travel a lot—in fact they were able to get to Jake MALOY’s CCT graduation at Pope AFB, NC—congratulations Jake! Cheri is lucky enough to be stationed with her husband, Jason TONE, who is a maintenance officer at Shaw. Joel ENGLAND tied the knot to Alison Jones in Newport Beach, CA last year—congratulations! Joel and Alison met while Joel was working at the Court of Appeals on summer research. John CALLAGHAN, Nick HEGARTY, and Todd SCHERM were all groomsmen, and Tanya SCHNORR and Wendy MOORE were in attendance as saber bearers. Joel and Alison will be living in Hawaii while Joel works at the joint intelligence center of the Pacific—sounds like a threeyear honeymoon to me!

James FRICKEL, who is here at Columbus with me, gave me a list of assignments of his UPT class: Nico ADLUNG took a C-21 to Ramstein, Jason EVENSON, Matt LILJENSTOPE, Tim CULLEN (’94), and James all took F-16s to Luke; Chris GROSJEAN took a KC-10 to McGuire, Sam VANZANTEN took a C-9 to Yokota, Paul WOJTOWICZ took a C-5 to Travis, and Ron STOREY took a C-5 to Dover—probably to be close to his wife, Julie MARTIN, who is in medical school at the Uniformed Services University School of the Health Sciences. Ron and Julie were married in Dec 96. Other recent weddings at Laughlin included James FRICKEL and his wife, Christa, and Matt LILJENSTOPE and his wife, Susanna. Congratulations to all of you! James also told me that Bob LOCKWOOD is at Fort Rucker and will be going to a UH-1 Huey at Langley.

Most recent assignments: Mark MULLARKEY and Doug MUSSELMAN are both down in Tyndall for F-15 training, Jeff JOHNSON and Dane CRAWFORD are following them shortly and will be at Tyndall in July, Chris RECKER will be a T-38 IP with a fighter follow-on, Frank BRYANT will be a T-37 IP with a fighter follow-on, Ray MILLERO got an F-l6, Stu MARTIN, Jason HOUSER, Scott CERONE, and Scott (Soup) CAMPBELL all took A-10s; Steve SPIEGEL and Steve RENY took E-3s, Eric CRAWFORD took a C-9 to Yokota with a C-5 follow-on, Mike BARTEN, Nathan HANSEN, Dan

Wendy and Kevin Barnes join Sam Pang for some local cuisine in Singapore.

GABLE, Aaron LADE, Andy LYONS, Adam MEYERS, Dave O’MALLEY and Doug ROTHENHOFER all took F-16s ; Jeff SMITH, Murali KRISHNAN, Jason COSTELLO, and Dylan BAUMGARTNER all took F-15s; and Brian BARTEE took a C-21. Bryan CHRISTENSEN wrote to tell me that he got a C-21 to Ramstein and even more exciting news—Bryan and his wife, Amber, celebrated the birth of their second child, Rachel, this past March! Bryan says he thinks they will take a break after their second—we’ll see about that! Congratulations to you all!

Julie PRICE wrote from Los Angeles where her time as a “civilian” is coming to a close—she will start working with on-orbit operations for the GPS Block HR satellite. Mike DUNAGAN wrote from Falcon where he is an intelligence officer in the Space Warfare Center—but not for long! Mike was accepted to three medical schools and finally settled on Loyola University in Chicago because it is a good Jesuit school to keep him out of trouble! Congrats, Mike! Chris NAGY is doing the same deal and will be attending Tulane University in New Orleans (gotta be rough).

I made a mistake in the last Checkpoints—Jon SCHEER actually got an A-10—sorry about that! Jon wrote to tell me about some of the “Hard Core” Phantoms at ENJJPT—Steve BOATRIGHT and Chris HUMMEL both took F-16s, and Steve BORDING is completing T-38s soon. Jon also ran into a lot of classmates at water survival who just graduated from nav school to include: Brendon ROWE, Heath WARTON, Noel BOUCHARD, Don JONES, Cheryl LAMEROUX, and Jenn ROLLINS. I ran into Jenn myself when she was TDY here at Columbus for physiological training—she’s getting ready to head to Dyess for B-l training, which means she’ll have to leave the awesome Navy dude she is dating in Pensacola! Don’t worry, Jenn, I’m sure Abilene, TX is filled with eligible bachelors!

Corbett MAGOTRA called from Albuquerque—he in an AFROTC reliability engineer at Kirtland, NM. He is close to home in Kirtland and is loving the weather—Andy SMIRCICH is also stationed with him there. Rinney FUJIWARA also called from Melbourne, FL (my home town!) to tell me about his job as the readiness chief of civil engineering at Patrick AFB. He has seen Jeremiah ROGERS, Ruth (RUMFELDT) GERMANN, Audrey ALLCORN, Eric BROWN, and Andy LEONG all around base. Jon TINSLEY called from F-16 training to tell me some of the other grads that were there: Mike WAITE, Jay SABIA, Brad SEGER, Scott CAIN, Mike RIMSKY, Keith SUROWEIC, Ron BERZINS, Steve ALEXANDER, John ELLER, Tom SEYMOUR, and Chad FEUCHT are all living in Phoenix and enjoying some fast flying in their F-l6s!

Amongst family and friends, newlyweds Pete and Susan Michaelson pass under the traditional saber arch.

Lastly, Pete MICHAELSON called from Wilford Hall Medical Center where he is the assistant radiation safety officer of the 59 Medical Wing. Pete got married on Jan 12 to Susan Byers, a personnel officer and ROTC grad. Susan is currently at Keesler for personnel training after which she’ll be stationed in Andrews—the best part is that Pete will join her in Maryland when he attends the Uniformed Services University Medical School, where he has been recently accepted! Congratulations! Pete says if any of you are in the San Antonio area definitely look him up—he has run into many grads during his stay there! Pete has seen many nav school graduates from Randolph to include Keith CRAWFORD and Chip MCCADAMS who are going to C-130s, Jason MASSIGNON, and Ric TRIMILLOS. He’s run into Adam VELIE (intel at Brooks), Pete SWANSON (acquisitions at Eglin), Shane STEINKE (F-15E WSO), Chris BISBANO (acquisitions at Andrews), Brian BRADFORD (SP school at

Randolph), and Josh BOBKO (Seymour-Johnson). He’s also spoken to Dave LEOPOLD who is in Korea, James MOSS at UPT at Sheppard, Chris RESTAD at Dyess, Phiet BUI who is at Kirtland but also headed to medical school at University of Colorado shortly, and Noel BOUCHARD who will be a B-l nav. Pete has also seen Erik and Jenn (SMITH) HERBEK around and says they are doing well.

Hopefully as we read this article I’ll be at Tyndall already—enjoying our new pay raise! I hope you all get a chance to celebrate our promotions—congratulations! Next deadline is June 20—gather your info and pictures and send them! (They will get forwarded from Vance, I promise!) Thanks for all your submissions and have an awesome summer! Take Care, Andrea.

Melissa Davidson

9712 Hidden Valley Road

Vienna, VA 22181-6094

Phone: (707) 422-7975

DSN: 837-2088

Percent members: 57

't|p|iipp

Hey Bricks! Our first year is over and done! A year full of tech schools, new responsibility, and bills. I do miss being able to walk down the hall and visit my friends, but I don’t miss walking 25 minutes to get to my car, or marching to breakfast, or taking the PFT. It’s great to be done! I’ve done a lot of traveling and even got a chance to go TDY to Korea. I’ve been even busier trying to plan my wedding with Fred CUNNINGHAM (’94) on 28 June 1997 at the Protestant Chapel at USAFA.

Tracy’s last night ofFreedom: From the left, Erik’sfriendfrom home, Brian Coyne, Matt Wenthe, Reid Rassmusen, Tom Cabarello, Tracy Coyne (Dupree) and Chris Krosshell.

uunng March, I took my first trip back to Colorado Springs for Tracy (DUPREE) and Erik COYNE’s wedding at the Academy Chapel. What a blast! The wedding was truly beautiful. I don’t think I’ve ever been to such a fun reception, and of course Erik was in rare form. Between Erik’s garter removal technique and Tom BREEN’s attempt to convince the photographer that he could actually swallow his saber, everyone had a great time. In attendance were Kerre ELLIS, Andi VINYARD, Melissa BAUMANN, Lori EDINGER, Chris KROSSHELL, Reid RASMUSSEN, Jennifer SPINDLE, Tom CABALLERO, Tom BREEN, Chad HUDGINS, John FRAZEY, Matt WENTHE, Carrie (LOUDERMILK) and Jim PEDERSEN, Tiaa MCDONALD, and Jason WORLEY.

Kerre, Lori, and Melissa are currently going through UPT at Laughlin AFB, TX. Reid and Chris left casual status for Sheppard AFB, TX in April. Tom Breen is at nav school in Pensacola. Matt is getting ready to leave casual status for UPT as well. Spin and Tom are working in acquisitions at L.A. Air Station. Andi is at Shaw AFB working in hospital administration. Tiaa is working a gold bar program for minorities and has done a lot of traveling. Chad is at the University of Oklahoma finishing up his master’s degree.

Joe SZUCS and a few of his friends threw a huge party Friday before (The B.A.P. for those in attendance) before leaving for UPT. Joe was getting ready to go to UPT in Columbus, MS and as always “he had the love” for all of us. While I was there, I had a chance to catch up with a few folks. Brian MCCRAY is working up at the prep school but is leaving shortly to go to supply school in Texas. LeRon HUDGINS was also working at the prep school but was leaving within the month to go to UPT in Columbus, MS. Matt MENNEL made a strange but great tasting concoction (beer, vodka and lemonade) to get the party rolling. He’ll be leaving

the Springs in June and hopes to head out to L.A. Matt GIESE was working with the women’s tennis team. He has deferred med school and is headed for UPT within the month. Nate HESSE was on his way to Columbus too and hoped to take a week of leave in Destin, FL before starting UPT. And, of course, members from the women’s rugby team were in full force. It was a great way to kick off the weekend of Tracy and Erik’s wedding as well. I also saw Robin WRIGHT, Jill VANESS, Johnny VARGAS, Tony CAPARELLA, and John “JB” THOMPSON.

I got a letter from Curtis MADELEY in Virginia. Curtis, Darin HOENLE, and Jen GRAVING are enrolled in a graduate school program at the Joint Military Intelligence College in Washington, DC. During his 60 days of leave, Curtis, Rich DODGE, Derek LINCOLN, and Kevin BEEKER headed out to Hawaii and had a great time.

Mike CASEY is getting his MA in American government at Georgetown University. Since he’s been in D.C. he’s run into Bill PLIES, Serena MOSLEY, and even Shay CAPEHART when he went to New York City for Labor Day. A side note on Serena MOSLEY, I heard that she and Deonte DAY have set a wedding date for this December.

Lance Lewis, Brian Hamlet, Steve Hahn, and Tim Kao get dressed up for the Marine Corps Birthday Ball.

News came from our classmates who cross-commissioned into the Marine Corps. Brian HAMLET, Tim KAO, Lance LEWIS, and Steve HAHN graduated from TBS (The Basic School) on 7 March 97. Brian and Steve will be staying at Quantico for the Infantry Officer’s Course. Tim is going to Fort Sill, OK for Field Artillery School at the end of March. Lance will be going to Pensacola, FL for aviation training. Steve says so far TBS has been sort of like the Academy all over again. They’ve had practical, hands-on classes with weapons systems, tactics, and field training. He says they are cold and wet, but never bored. “That’s what we signed up for, so we’re digging every minute of it!”

Stacy GEORGILAS is at Ft. Meade, MD working for the NSA. She has been getting her master’s in astrophysics at night at Johns Hopkins. Currently she is at acquisition school in San Antonio sporting her new Harley Davidson. Colleen MCBRATNEY tied the knot in Tulsa, OK. She married 1st Lt Glen CHRISTENSEN (Class of ’93) on 22 March. Tim saw Colleen at the Air Force/Army game at West Point, and she told him the good news.

John and Crissy LODMELL have been writing The Reaper Newsletter to keep up with their classmates in 31 and they sent me a copy. John is working on the Delta rocket, and he was the assistant chief engineer for the last launch at Cape Canaveral. BJ FRY and his wife, April, are stationed at Goodfellow AFB where BJ is going through intel school. Niko BRONSON is working at the Academy prep school as a volleyball coach and English teacher. Noel amd Louella LIPANA are at Vandenberg AFB, CA but will be moving to Montana when he reports to Malmstrom AFB for his new assignment. Dawn WAGNER is stationed in Guam and reports that the scuba diving there is tremendous. Piotr and Mariola BLAZEUSZ are doing well. Piotr is working with an airborne assualt platoon in the 10th Airborne Assault Battalion, 6th Brigade. Dwayne CREAMER is in Tucson, AZ working as a supply officer. As a leader he has set high but achievable goals (his office policy—if you’re late, you better bring Dunkin’ Donuts). Chris SPINELLI and Andrew WILES are in UPT at Vance AFB. It’s rumored that Spin almost drove the “Mighty Tweet” off the taxiway, because he turned the wrong direction. Tom MCELHINNEY (T-Mac) and Brian GWINNUP passed the preliminary tests for nav school.

Alan “Cap” HOOK is doing well in Boston. Besides his classes at Harvard, he volunteers once a week at a local school to tutor first and second graders in math and science. He’s training for the Boston Marathon and still finding time to party. The word on the street that the best place to have an ’80’s bash is at the “Bunker”, Cap’s pad at Soldier Field Park.

Over his 60 days, he traveled different parts of the U.S. with T-Mac, Dewayne, and Shea BRANNAN. I have to quote his letter because it is just so funny. “Over the course of the trip I twinkled the Cap’s toes in the waters of two oceans, two seas, and Dewayne’s bathtub (I felt the need to wash myself after going to the clubs in Dewayne’s hometown). Of course there are more details, but they will be released on a need-to-know basis.” That’s all from the famous Cap’ Hook.

Colleen LEHNE just graduated from public affairs school at Ft. Meade. Now she’s at Charleston enjoying South Carolina. She’s been able to hang out with Melissa BRYANT (WAINWRIGHT) on the weekends. Melissa is now at Langley AFB, VA working with the SP unit there. Last time I checked, they hadn’t issued her those corfam boots with the white laces. Carrie PEDERSEN (LOUDERMILK) is working up at the prep school teaching English and coaching basketball. Jim PEDERSEN is working for the 34th TRG aka “Satan’s Stairwell” for casual status. Soon he and Carrie are leaving for Vance AFB, OK where Jim will begin UPT.

Carrie Pedersen (Loudermilk), Melissa Bryant (Wainwright), Maria Villapando, and Colleen Lehne enjoy a chance to get the girls back together.

Finally, Brian SOLSBEE “Solo” and Darla were married at the USAFA Chapel on 4 Jan 97. They had their reception at the O’Club and took their honeymoon in Honolulu, HI. Grads in attendance were Todd ROBBINS, Scott OGEDZINSKI, Chris CARTER, Mark GEHRINGER, Andy DODD, Damon DYKES, Erik SELL, Matt GUENTHER, Madison MORRIS, and John GRIFFITHS (’95). Brian and Darla are currently stationed at F.E. Warren AFB in the 90th Civil Engineering Squadron.

Lt. Brian and Darla Solsbee

Andy DODD is stationed at Kirtland AFB, NM working with CE and is staying very busy. Matt GUENTHER is also at F.E. Warren and will be getting married soon in Wisconsin. (I think) Chris CARTER and Renee exchanged vows on 28 Dec in Missouri. ‘Tis the season for weddings (it must be something in the water) so keep the letters, pictures and phone calls coming. I’ll do my best to get them all in. HARLEY.

1996 Class Ring Found

A 1996 class ring was found in a Las Vegas pawn shop by two USNA graduates. As of 14 March, the ring was still there. If it might be yours and you’d like to get it back, contact Jim Shaw at the AOG for more information.