Checkpoints September 1997

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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 Manufacturing, 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.

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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.

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ABOUT OUR COVER

Chief of Staff Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman, ’63, speaks to an audience gathered to recognize a $900,000 grant from the McDonnell Douglas Foundation to produce a 90-minute documentary film on American aircrew prisoners of war. Seated behind the general are Freida Lee Mock, chair of the American Film Foundation, who will be producing the documentary; and Harry Stonecipher, president and CEO of McDonnell Douglas. For more on this story, see page 27.

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, Summer 1997.

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THE AOG BOARDROOM

Brig. Gen. (Ret) David H. Roe, ’62, Chairman of the Board

This will be my first report to the AOG membership as chair of our board. Accordingly, I believe it is appropriate to share with you the statement I submitted to the board’s nominating committee, which was subsequently circulated to all board members before the July 19, 1997 board meeting at which I was elected chair. In addition, I want to suggest four themes that will guide my energies and those of your board over the next two years.

Dave Roe, ’62

For many reasons, the Air Force Academy is truly my spiritual home. The growth experiences I was privileged to have as a cadet, as a faculty member and later as a research analyst analyzing educational institutions in the militaryforged in me an intense passionfor the importance of service academies in general and the Air Force Academy in particular in the continued defense of the American way oflife and as a bulwark of values in the broader American society.

I believe that I bring an unmatched record ofservice to the association, which my fellow board members and the broader membership can count on me to continue. I had the privilege of serving the Association of Graduates in its relative infancy as vice president, president and member of the board of directors. I have also contributed significantly to the buildingfund, the annualfund drives, the Sabre Society and the current developmental efforts.

I believe my leadership accomplishments as a cadet, as a faculty member who also served as an AOC and as an officer representative for the varsity soccer team, as a 24-year career officer, and as a business executive, underscore the breadth and depth of leadership talents and experience I offer. I stand willing to serve the AOG in whatever capacity my fellow board members find most helpful.

Whether or not I am nominated or elected, it is my intent to devote my efforts to encouraging the board to continue to pursue the very positive path set under the leadership of Jim Ulm. Specifically, I will seek to:

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.

Institutionalize the strategic and operational planning process we have undertaken;

Build even greater momentum than we have achieved in our development efforts;

Grow the staff in terms of numbers and capabilities; Continue to foster the positive dialogue between the AOG and the Office of the Superintendent, which is critical to fund-raising suecess and to permit the AOG to play a positive role in the life of the Air Force Academy; and

Put real teeth into the revised mission statement, which recognizes the importance and needs of the Air Force Academy graduate community.

The four themes which will serve as a kind of North Star guidance for our board are continuity, communication, commitment, and caring. I strongly believe that the path the board has pursued over the last four years and under Jim Ulm’s inspired leadership is sound. Therefore, I will endeavor to continue to build on the foundation that is Jim’s legacy. In that regard, I want to draw your attention to several paragraphs in Jim’s last report to the AOG membership:

“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 levels, 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...

“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...

“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 willfollowforyour AOG andpersonalsatisfactionfor 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.”

In closing, I assure you that your board cares very deeply about the AOG, the Academy and our ability as an organization to play the proper supportive role for the Academy and the membership of the AOG. On your behalf, we will do everything we can to preserve the special heritage of our school and to ensure that each class of cadets has the very best leadership education and training it is possible to provide. At the same time, we will do everything that we have the resources to do to respond to the needs and concerns of our membership. The quality and quantity of what we can do on both fronts is directly proportional to the level of your communication with the board, your commitment to the Academy and your AOG, and how deeply you care to involve yourself in the future of your school and your association.

VIEW FROM THE TOP ^ ^^

Lt. Gen. Paul E. Stein, ’66

As I prepare to leave and a new superintendent prepares himself for the exciting challenges that lie ahead, I believe it’s important to summarize the hard work and significant accomplishments of the men and women of the United States Air Force Academy over the past three years. As a result of their efforts and professionalism, these dedicated military and civilian personnel have made tremendous progress benefiting the Academy, the Air Force, and the nation.

Much of that progress is in the form of new or upgraded mission and support facilities at the Academy. Drawing on a variety of funding sources and receiving outstanding support from our Air Force leadership, we began an aggressive five-year, $250M, capital renewal plan in Fiscal Year 1996. The purpose of this plan is to provide the infrastructure necessary to help ensure successful mission accomplishment well into the 21st century.

To date, completed projects in this plan include: a $40M Consolidated Education and Training Facility (CETF), an $8.2M wastewater treatment upgrade, a $2.6M renovation of the Community Center Chapel, a $700K hangar project for our Aero Club aircraft, and a $400K in-house renovation of the Basic Cadet Training area.

Lt. Gen. Paul E. Stein, ’66

Ongoing projects currently in the construction phase include: a $41M renovation of Vandenberg Hall (scheduled for completion in Nov ’97), a $4.6M Child Development Center (Aug ’97), a $3.8M hangar project for our sailplanes (Aug ’97), a $3.5M renovation of the 10th Air Base Wing headquarters building (Mar ’98), a $2.6M Family Support Center (Feb ’98), a $2.2M renovation of the Preparatory School dormitories (Sep ’97), a $1.8M renovation of the Community Center (Oct ’97), a new $800K recreation lodge at Farish (Dec ’97) and a $700K renovation of Falcon Stadium (Aug ’97). Additionally, a $3.5M Transient Lodging Facility and a $3.1M renovation of the Visiting Officer Quarters are awaiting final funding authorization. We believe these initiatives will significantly enhance the quality of life for our cadets and permanent party, help create an environment for success, and keep USAFA at the top of academic, training and support facilities in the country.

Our medical facilities are also taking on a new look. The cadet clinic is moving out of the first floor of Fairchild Hall into new facilities in CETF. Likewise, the dental clinic will relocate from Sijan Hall to CETF. The base hospital will expand by 7,350 square feet to provide more treatment facilities to accommodate our transition to TRICARE. These important programs are funded and either under construction and/or about to begin.

Significant changes also occurred in the academic arena. We planned and implemented the most comprehensive and relevant curriculum changes at USAFA in more than a decade. During the past two years, USAFA leaders thoroughly reviewed the core curriculum and made changes to enhance the breadth of education cadets receive. To produce better leaders, USAFA now requires courses on “Law for Commanders” and “Leadership Concepts and Applications.” To better prepare cadets for USAFA’s highly technical program, cadets now take an expanded calculus course. And to increase flexibility within the core curriculum, USAFA introduced a new “core option,” which gives cadets a choice of

two out of four core courses depending upon their major. USAFA provides depth of knowledge through its extensive majors programs and now requires all cadets to complete an academic major—no more Bachelor of Science program. We also analyzed and fine-tuned all majors programs ensuring their currency and relevancy. New majors approved in the past two years include Mechanical Engineering; Meteorology; Foreign Area Studies; and Military Doctrine, Operations and Strategy. New minors complementing all majors include Philosophy, Mathematics, and Military Doctrine, Operations and Strategy.

In 1994 we directed significant attention to expanding our Student Services Center and introduced a series of Learning Skills courses. The center focuses on improving cadet academic performance and retention and specifically targets those incoming freshmen who may be more academically “at-risk” than their classmates. Each cadet is assigned a faculty mentor to oversee his or her progress and develop organizational abilities, time management, note-taking, and other effective study habits/skills. Moreover, the Learning Skills Center offers reading courses in a classroom environment as well as providing one-on-one academic counseling to cadets, and will soon included a state-of-the-art resource center, a writing center, a computer lab and the Graduate Scholarship Program Office. As a direct result of these successful programs, retention rates and grade point averages for last year’s at-risk students dramatically improved. Future plans include expanding the current reading program and adding a Freshman Year Experience seminar as well as an oral communication program.

The Academy’s international programs have also grown in stature and reputation in the last few years. We instituted a consolidated Office of International Programs (OIP), under the Dean of the Faculty, in July 1995. Our Air Force’s growing requirement for officer accessions with enhanced global skills to meet the needs of global engagement strategies in the 21st century added a momentum to a programmatic approach for international activities at USAFA. Our OIP oversees all international visits to the Academy. In the last two years, we hosted more than 60 international military delegations and helped foreign academies with curriculum development, computer-assisted educational technology, the assimilation of women into their programs, and cooperative research. The OIP is also responsible for our new Foreign Area Studies academic major. In less than a year, this new program is already our 11th largest major. Our OIP team is also responsible for expanding cadet semester abroad opportunities, our Cadet Summer Foreign Language Immersion Program, Cadet Foreign Academy Visits program, and four-year International Cadet program.

Congressional legislation in 1992 authorized the Secretary of the Air Force to, “...employ as many civilians as professors, instructors, and lecturers at the Academy as the Secretary considers necessary,” while reducing the number of permanent military faculty members. The USAFA hiring plan is to achieve a 25-percent civilian faculty complement by the year 2000. Thanks to an aggressive hiring plan over the last three years, we are on schedule to reach our target. Effective July 1, 1997, our civilian faculty members will comprise 20 percent of our faculty manning with three annual hiring cycles left in order to achieve the remaining five percent civilian complement. The overall quality of applicants and selectees is high, as evidenced by the number of civilian faculty members named as department Outstanding Academy Educators—three last year and four this year—out of 19 departments. We’re proud to say we embraced the civilianization program as an opportunity for enrichment as well as an obligation. This new faculty composition enhances our faculty credentials, strengthens the bonds between the American academic community and the Academy, and improves our ability to challenge future Air Force leaders.

Airmanship plays a significant role in our mission to develop leaders. In an effort to increase our airmanship training opportunities, we expanded these motivational programs to include officer candidates from other commissioning sources, specifically Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC). Accommodating this joint opportunity required program enhancements, including a third runway at our airfield, converting from round to square parachutes in our free-fall program, and obtaining a third “Twin Otter” aircraft.

We constructed the third runway to improve flight operations and help

(Continued on page 9.)

Members Elect Directors; AOG Officers Selected

After the ballots were counted and the results certified by the AOG Board of Directors at its May 10, 1997 meeting, 12 graduates had been selected by the membership to serve as AOG directors through June 30, 2001. Re-elected to the board were:

Col. (USAFR) Alvin E. Blumberg, Jr., ’68

Col. (Ret) Joseph G. Burke, ’70

Capt. (Ret) Danielle L. Hargrove, ’85

Col. (Ret) John J. Kelly, Jr., ’65

Newly elected to director positions were:

Lt. Gen. (Ret) Marcus A. Anderson, ’61

Col. (Ret) Victor C. Andrews, ’66

2nd Lt. Michael B. Casey, ’96

Capt. James R. Cluff, ’91

Maj. Gen. (Ret) Larry D. Fortner, ’59

Lt. Col. (USAFR, Ret) Rodney L. Jones, ’71

Gen. (Ret) Ronald W. Yates, ’60

Capt. Bryan J. Zawikowski, ’89 (View From the Top: From page 7.)

ensure the safety of our airmen and aircraft. We believed the new runway was critically important and necessary considering the Academy operates the busiest Visual Flight Rules airfield in the Air Force.

Our free-fall parachuting program converted from round to square chutes. Since implementing square chutes, we’ve seen dramatic improvements. We cut ground training time in half, decreased injuries, eliminated off-site landings, improved our program graduation rate, and increased the number of cadets volunteering for the program—by all measures, a significant program change for the better. And as a result of increased cadet participation and to ensure aircraft availability during peak summer operations, we acquired a third UV-18. Our third Otter came from the Alaska Army National Guard, and with minor modifications, should join our operational fleet this December. These initiatives to share our most motivational programs have already proven beneficial for AFROTC and our Air Force.

Another change occurred in our flight screening program. First, the responsibility for the program transferred to Air Education and Training Command. In addition, after 25 years as the primary trainer for cadet flight screening, the T-41 was replaced by the T-3A “Firefly,” a fully aerobatic, single-engine trainer. The Firefly provides a more dynamic range of flight operations and as such, more closely duplicates the capabilities of the aircraft our graduates will eventually fly.

The Commandant of Cadets (34th Training Wing commander) continues to make quality-of-life improvements in the cadet dormitories and squadron assembly rooms. In addition to major facility upgrades, we are replacing the furniture in cadet rooms. This state-of-the-art furniture, designed completely in-house, has a life expectancy of 30 years and has already reduced maintenance costs. We anticipate completing the furniture upgrade in 2001.

Our graduate surveys consistently indicate insufficient knowledge of and appreciation for our great enlisted force. Considering many of our graduates will go on to supervisory roles, we viewed this as a serious shortcoming in our attempt to produce leaders. As a result, the Air Force Chief of Staff authorized a Military Training Advisor (MTA) position in each of the 40 cadet squadrons. These highly-motivated NCOs were handpicked from more than 250 applicants to serve as enlisted role models for cadets, teach drill and ceremonies, and with the Air Officer Commanding, model officer/enlisted professional relationships. Their contributions are already obvious and they are a welcome addition to our Academy.

The Air Force Academy’s Honor Education and Honor Probation Programs have been dramatically improved over the past year. Specifically, the Academy increased manpower for honor education, probation, and case processing. The result was the development and implementation of a complete, 43-lesson honor curriculum. The Air Force Academy now offers a comprehensive and systematic approach to honor education and probation which not only ensures fair and equitable treatment of cadets, but enhances program effectiveness.

To heighten our cadets’ awareness of the operational Air Force, we exposed several hundred of them to “real world” scenarios. Operation Reality Check was a three-day deployment exercise. We woke up 80 cadets very early, transported them to Peterson AFB complete with mobility bags, and flew them to Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where they erected a tent city upon arrival. Our deployed cadets took advantage of the opportunity by completing several community service projects while there.

Some 28.6 percent (4,025) of the graduate AOG members cast ballots in the biennial election, about the same percentage of members who voted in the 1995 election. The 12 new directors joined another 12 “carryover” directors, whose terms of office extend through 1999. New directors officially took office on July 1, 1997. A total of 18 of the 24 board members reside outside the local area.

At its first meeting on July 19, 1997, the newly-constituted board elected corporate officers to serve the association until July 1, 1999. Elected as board chair was Brig. Gen. (Ret) David H. Roe, ’62. Roe, one of the original incorporating directors of the AOG in 1968, later served as its president from 1967 to 1970. He retired in 1996 as senior vice president of RELIASTAR, an international financial services organization. Maj. Gen. (Ret) Larry D. Fortner, ’59, will serve as board vice chair; Jim Brown, ’59, as secretary; and Jerry Smith, ’62, as treasurer. Dick Coppock, ’61, remains the president and CEO of the association.

Operation Range Thunder was designed to expose our cadets to “joint” operations. We transported 300 cadets across town to Fort Carson to work with our Army friends. The purpose of this exercise was to provide realistic training in leadership techniques and teamwork in a field environment. In a three-phase approach, cadets were provided instructions on leading troops, followed by a full-up deployment and ending with several air base defense scenarios. This exercise exposed our cadets to genuine Army equipment and the opportunity to work with Army personnel. Both exercises were meaningful and educational, and we anticipate continuing with these type of initiatives.

We also implemented a much-needed organizational change in the support functions at USAFA. On Nov. 1, 1994, the 10th Air Base Wing (ABW) officially activated. This first-ever “objective wing” at the Academy consists of two groups (Medical and Civil Engineering), one division (Logistics), four squadrons (Communications, Mission Support, Security Police, and Services) and five staff agencies (Chaplain, Command Post, Financial Management, Staff Judge Advocate, and Social Actions). The intent of the new wing structure was to strengthen and clarify the chain of command, consolidate all support functions under one commander, streamline decision making, and simplify management levels. Good news—it works!

With more than 260 officers, 770 enlisted, and 1,000 civilian personnel assigned, the 10th ABW has done an excellent job of accomplishing its mission to nurture a loyal and healthy work force to optimize wing support, services, and readiness. Since its activation at USAFA, the 10th ABW completed a number of high-visibility projects mentioned earlier in this article. These include the revitalization of the Basic Cadet Training area, renovation of Vandenberg Hall, CETF, renovation of the Community Center Chapel, and a major wastewater treatment upgrade.

Beyond the Academy, the wing’s civil engineering team deployed to both Ecuador and El Salvador to support Department of Defense nationbuilding exercises. The team helped demonstrate America’s commitment to its ideals of global freedom and democracy. In its young life at the Academy, the 10th ABW has garnered local and Air Force-wide recognition for outstanding performance. The Secretary of the Air Force awarded the wing two Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards in as many years, they were the 1995 winners of the Air Force’s Civil Engineering competition “Readiness Challenge V,” 1996 winner of the Curtin Award for Best Civil Engineering Unit in the Air Force, and the 1996 winner of the Best Competition Contracting Unit in the Air Force.

Our Directorate of Athletics witnessed significant changes also. The 1996-97 athletic season saw Air Force compete for the first time in America’s newly-expanded and largest Division I conference...the 16-team Western Athletic Conference (WAC). We view our participation in this “super conference” as a challenge and are excited about the likelihood of facing world-class competition and increased exposure for our athletic programs. One of our first-year highlights competing in the expanded WAC was the men’s cross-country team capturing the WAC championship in the fall of 1996.

Our women’s athletic program will enjoy the most exciting challenge in the coming years. After 20 years of competing in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), our women’s teams moved up to Division I. Competing in Division I brings excitement and prestige to our program. However, many WAC universities have strong women’s programs, so we are working hard to ensure we do everything we can to help our teams be successful. We’re confident our women will

(Continued on page 11.)

Stein Inducted into

By Airman 1st Class Richard Komurek Academy Spirit Staff

The sounds of drum rolls and bagpipes filled the air when thenSuperintendent Lt. Gen. Paul E. Stein, ’66, was awarded the Order of the Sword during a ceremony on the evening of July 12th at the Academy’s Enlisted Club. The Order of the Sword is the highest honor and tribute that noncommissioned officers can give to a leader they hold in high esteem. The sword is a symbol of trust, justice, and power rightfully used.

It was a night of celebration as enlisted members in semi-formal or mess dress enjoyed the royal-like ceremony rich in tradition that was founded during the middle ages in Europe. The ceremony was revised and adopted by the Air Force in 1967 and the Academy first adopted and awarded the Order of the Sword in 1981. Stein is the fourth Academy recipient of the award.

The proclamation read at the award dinner decreed Stein as “a general among generals, a leader among men who has established a new level of leadership. Your dynamic leadership, your compassion for the enlisted corps and concern for personal integrity all serve as an inspiration to your noncommissioned officers. We offer this highest award in recognition of your unparalleled interest, support of and guidance to the noncommissioned officer corps while serving as the superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy.”

Stein’s efforts to improve the quality of life for enlisted members was a key reason he received the award, said Chief Master Sgt. Nicholas Davis Jr., senior enlisted advisor.

Stein was chosen for the Order of the Sword after his name was recommended by an enlisted member and chief master sergeants talked with enlisted members across the Academy to see if they supported the recommendation. There was great support for Stein because “people realize the boss is always behind the scenes supporting things and they know the respect that he has for enlisted people. They know he cares about them,” said Davis. “The Order of the Sword is not an automatic thing, it’s based on

(View From the Top: From page 9.)

rise to the challenge and compete well in the conference. Academy athletes have always shown that all they need is an opportunity to be their best.

Sticking with the athletics theme, one of my biggest thrills as superintendent was our 1996, 20-17 overtime victory over ninth-ranked Notre Dame in a classic “David vs. Goliath” football battle in South Bend, Ind., before a national television audience. Defensively, we held Notre Dame to just 67 yards rushing—the lowest total in Notre Dame history under legendary coach Lou Holtz. In addition, since 1983, Air Force holds the singular distinction of being the only team to defeat Notre Dame three times on their home field. Football powei houses like Michigan, Pittsburgh, Penn State, and Stanford take a back seat to the Fightin’ Falcons in this category. This football victory is testimony to the hard work, will to win, and fighting spirit we hope we are instilling in all our future Air Force leaders.

In closing, from my perspective there is no mission more meaningful or critical to the future well-being of our Air Force than the mission of the United States Air Force Academy. Our ability to accomplish our mission is a direct result of the cooperative and unhesitating contributions and support of many groups—men, women, officers, enlisted, and civilians from throughout the Air Force, the graduate community, and the many distinguished organizations, local and national, offering their assistance in myriad forms. It has been a pleasure to have worked with each of these groups and we are extremely proud of our mutual accomplishments. I’m particularly proud of the special relationship the Academy enjoys with the Association of Graduates (AOG). The Air Force Academy and the AOG are and should be a rewarding partnership paying great dividends for the Academy and the graduate community. Each and every one of you should be proud of this outstanding organization representing your interests in helping produce the very best second lieutenants for our Air Force.

I’m confident each of the aforementioned groups will continue to lend support to this institution that stands for what’s great about America. Carol and I look forward to new and exciting challenges. And with that, I bid a fond farewell and extend my heartfelt thanks and deepest appreciation for the opportunity to serve as your superintendent. Go Air Force!

Order of the Sword

Thefestivities began when the Steins arrived at the enlisted club by limousine. (Photo by Angie Vigil courtesy The Academy Spirit [new name for the Academy newspaper].) accomplishments and not popularity.”

Under his leadership the Academy broke ground for a new child development center, approved temporary lodging facilities, maintained the enlisted awards programs, renovated the Community Center Chapel, made improvements to the Airman Leadership School and created the Military Training Adviser program which has improved cadet training. Stein also recently received approval for construction of new dormitories and the renovation of current airman dormitories which are now 100 percent single-room occupancy.

The general was all smiles as he received the large shining sword. “I’ve had a number of honors in my life and career. I can tell you from the bottom of my heart that there is no honor or award that I’ll ever receive that I will cherish more than the Order of the Sword.” (The Academy Spirit)

Superintendent Bids Farewell to Place Where Career Began

(Editor’s note: The following is an article by Lt. Gen. Paul E. Stein, ’66, the Academy’s 13th superintendent, which appeared in the July 25 issue of the Academy’s Academy Spirit newspaper.)

To the men and women of the Academy:

As I prepare to leave and a new superintendent prepares himself for the exciting challenges that lie ahead, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your hard work, professionalism and untiring support of our Academy mission.

As a result of your efforts, we made tremendous progress benefiting the Academy, the Air Force and the nation. Much of this progress is in the form of new or upgraded mission and support facilities. You may all take pride in the progress we made in helping develop and inspire air and space leaders with vision for tomorrow.

Our ability to accomplish this mission is a direct result of the cooperative and unhesitating contributions and support of many groups—men, women, officers, enlisted and civilians—from throughout the Air Force, the graduate community and the many distinguished organizations, local and national, offering assistance in all forms. It has been a pleasure working with each of these groups and I am extremely proud of our cooperative accomplishments.

I sincerely thank you for the fondest memories of my more than 31 years of Air Force service. As Carol and I look forward to new and exciting challenges, I bid fond farewell and extend my heartfelt thanks and deepest appreciation for the opportunity to serve you as your superintendent.

Go Air Force!

Since

Defense Secretary Cohen

Defense Secretary William S. Cohen delivered the graduation address to 787 graduates of the Class of 1997 on May 28 telling them that they must be prepared to be diplomats as well as warriors. “You face a world of change and uncertainty,” Cohen said in his commencement address.

Cohen told the graduates—the smallest class since 1975—that they must uphold the highest standards of character in the world. Those standards may be seen as “Victorian and unrealistic,” but they are the foundation of the military’s code of conduct, he said.

Of the graduates, 330 (41.3 percent) were off to Air Force pilot training, 77 (9.6 percent) were chosen for Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training, and 22 (2.8 percent) for navigator training. Fifteen graduates were chosen to attend civilian medical schools and eight were to attend the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Nineteen cadets were awarded special graduate school scholarships or fellowships.

James E. Smith earned the Outstanding Cadet in Order of Graduation Award for the Class of 1997 and was also the top academic performer in the class. He was also named the outstanding cadet in engineering, astronautical engineering and eastern language minor. His overall performance average was 3.812, with

Challenges Class of 1997

his academic and military performances 3.988 and 3.402, respectively.

Kim N. Reed was named the Outstanding Cadet in Military Performance achieving a military performance average of 3.66 and an academic performance average of 3.67 as a space operations major. She was awarded the Marshall Scholarship and will study in the United Kingdom following graduation. Reed was also recognized for her exceptional leadership as Cadet Wing commander during the fall semester, while Matthew J. Quatrara won special recognition for his exemplary leadership skills as spring semester Cadet Wing commander.

Timothy M. Welter was named outstanding group commander for the class, Charles A. Huber was chosen as the outstanding cadet squadron commander and Isaac S. Oh won the outstanding cadet flight commander award.

First assignment AFSC breakouts for the class included 63.4 percent to Operations (includes pilot, navigator, command & control, space/missile operations, intelligence and weather), 13.2 percent to Acquisitions, 14.2 percent to Base Support and 9.2 percent to other Air Force specialities. (Our thanks to LuAnne McNeil-Anderson ofthe Academy’s Institutional Research Office for the above statistics on the Class of 1997.)

Flanagan, ’62, Presents Award Sponsored by the American Legion

Since the very first graduating Class of 1959, the American Legion Aviator’s Post of New York has sponsored the Cadet Wing Commanders Award at the Individual Awards Ceremony for each graduation. This year, for the first time, an Academy graduate, Brig. Gen. (USAFR, Ret) John F. Flanagan, ’62, made the presentation on behalf of the post. John is vice commander of Post #743, comprised exclusively of rated aviators who have served during a time of war.

The top honors from the Class of 1997 went to now-2nd Lts. Matthew J. Quatrara of Newville, Pa., spring semester wing commander; and Kim N. Reed of San Jose, Calif., fall wing commander. The post sponsored Quatrara’s award in memory of General of the Air Force Henry H. Arnold, and Reed’s in memory of Capt. Herbert A. Adamson, a 1959 Academy graduate and the first recipient of the award as the first graduation wing commander.

did not deter either the graduates or their guests and the Thunderbirds had enough visibility to fly their graduation pass. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Transcripts Available

Graduates who need transcripts from the Academy must request them by signed letter or fax from: Hq USAFA/ DFRR, 2354 Fairchild Drive, Suite 6D106, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. 80840-6210, fax: 719-333-6650. For information call 719-333-3970 (commercial) or DSN 333-3970.

Brig. Gen. (USAFR, Ret) John Flanagan, ’62, presents the Outstanding Wing Commanders Award to spring wing commander Matthew J. Quatrara and fall wing commander Kim N. Reed.

Additional awards sponsored by the post and presented by General Flanagan were the Outstanding Flight Commander Award to now-2nd Lt. Issac S. Oh of Chicago, Ill. and the Outstanding Element Leader Award to now-2nd Lt. Laura G. Goodman of Englewood, Colo.

Defense Secretary William S. Cohen congratulates a member of the Class of 1997. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Members of the Class of 1997 take the oath. The light rain that fell on the ceremony

Lt. Gen. Tad Oelstrom, ’65, Takes Academy Reins

After a pinning-on ceremony to his third star at Doolittle Hall in the morning, Lt. Gen. Tad J. Oelstrom became the 14th U.S. Air Force Academy superintendent at a change-of-command ceremony and parade on Aug. 1, 1997. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman, ’63, was on hand to do the honors at both events. In a letter published in the Academy newspaper, The Academy Spirit, on the same day, General Oelstrom wrote these words to the Academy Community:

“Sandy and I are extremely pleased to rejoin the Air Force Academy family. Selection as superintendent of the Academy is a distinct honor. I thank Sheila E. Widnall and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman for the trust and confidence they have placed in me.

“We have much to do to carry on the fine work of the Academy team. We face many challenges. Foremost is to continue to develop and produce the best second lieutenants possible; those who not only embody integrity first, service before self and excellence in all they do, but who add luster to these important characteristics. I need everyone’s support to make this happen.

“To Colorado Springs and surrounding communities, I have very fond memories from many years ago. While much has

Lt. Gen. Tad J. Oelstrom

Commissioning source: U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, Class of 1965

Flying background: Career fighter pilot with 240 combat missions in two tours in Southeast Asia

Command experience: Commanded at squadron level, three wings and numbered Air Force levels

Awards and decorations: Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit; Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak-leaf cluster; Meritorious Service Medal with four oak-leaf clusters; and the Air Medal with 15 oak-leaf clusters

Marital status: Married to the former Sandy Illing of Waukesha, Wis. They have three daughters; Kristin, Stephanie and Megan.

Cadet Oelstrom

changed, what remains constant is the tremendous support you provide our cadets and the entire Academy team. I look forward to working with you to make our relationship even stronger.

“To the Academy faculty and staff, you have an outstanding reputation throughout the Air Force and the nation, and I’m eager to help build upon the accomplishments of the past to make us even better in the future.

“To the men and women of the Cadet Wing, I plan to be deeply involved in your Academy experience—academics, professional military training, athletics, character development and social activities. The focus of my efforts will be to fully understand you first, and then to ensure the Academy environment prepares you to enter our Air Force as a productive officer in the profession of arms.

“I look forward to meeting and working with everyone involved with the Academy in the coming days and months and thank you in advance for helping make the Academy one of the finest universities and military training institutions in the world.”

fine subdivisions in El Paso County. All of our projects include underground utilities, covenants, are zoned for horses, and are approved for domestic wells.

CONVENIENT SELLER FINANCING

Please contact:

H. (KEN) BARBER

Studies at USAFA

Point, Air Force (retired) BENT TREE

Please send me more information on:

Pinehurst Wood: 5 to 6 acres of trees in Black Forest.

Rivers Divide: 5 and 40 acre estate lots in Bijou Basin.

Greg Kolligian Earns AOG Honorary Membership

Air Force and Academy dignitaries gathered at Doolittle Hall on the morning of Graduation Day, May 28, to honor Gregory S. Kolligian, who on that day became the Association of Graduates’ 14th living Honorary Member. Kolligian was cited for “his longstanding, continuous and dedicated service to the United States Air Force, the Air Force Academy, and the Association of Graduates.”

Jim Ulm, ’61, then-chairman of the AOG Board ofDirectors, presents Greg Kolligian with his AOG Honorary Membership plaque. There are currently 14 living Honorary Members.

Officials attending the ceremony included Air Force Chief of Staff General Ronald R. Fogleman, ’63; Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Paul E. Stein, ’66; and retired Brig. Gen. James P. Ulm, ’61, chairman of the AOG Board of Directors. Many others

Springs Scholarship Honors Superintendent Stein, Spouse

By Tech. Sgt. Ken Carter Academy Spirit Staff

The Academy’s superintendent and his spouse were recognized in mid-July when the Colorado Springs Front Range Institute established a scholarship in their names for post high school education.

According to the institute’s Youth Action Program coordinator Bill Glenn, Lt. Gen. Paul E. Stein and his wife, Carol, have been long-time key players in the collaborative project among the Academy, the Front Range Institute and the Colorado Springs School Systems.

“The Youth Action Program’s success is largely due to General Stein’s vision in the program’s development and implementation,” Glenn said. “Carol Stein’s insight of the military family was key in the advancement and modification of the program. Carol provided guidance in directing the Youth Action Program Advisory Board in evaluating the program components to add continual improvements to best serve the community.

“The Steins have given their time and energy in support of the program and the Carol and Paul Stein Scholarship Fund will continue to give to the children of our military community.”

“You’re giving us a lot of credit, but you’re the ones who have done the work,” Carol said.

The purpose of this pilot project is to provide services that will enhance academic performance, social skills and family functioning. The program includes four basic components: tutoring; social skills; parent support; and, experimental and recreational activities.

“We’ve enjoyed this experience,” Stein said when presented with the award. “You’ve done a terrific job and it’s the right thing to do.” (Additional informationprovided by S.S. Hampton Sr. Story courtesy the Academy Spirit.)

Congratulating Greg Kolligian after the Honorary Membership induction ceremony, from left are Mrs. Fogleman, Mrs. Stein, Air Force ChiefofStaff General Fogleman, Dean of the Faculty Brig. Gen. Randy Cubero, ’61; Greg Kolligian, retired Brig. Gen. Jim Ulm, chairman of the AOG Board ofDirectors, and retired Gen. Ron Yates, ’60, and Mrs. Yates.

also came to recognize Kolligian’s myriad contributions to Air Force-related organizations.

Kolligian was instrumental in conceptualizing the Sabre Society and establishing its identity, becoming one of the society’s original members. According to the Honorary Membership citation, “Greg served as a Marine pilot in the 1950s and continues to share his deep love of flight with all. In 1958, Greg established the Kolligian Trophy, the most prestigious Air Force safety award given to an individual aviator.

“For several decades, Greg has also supported the Air Force Thunderbirds and has been recognized as an honorary member. For over 20 years, Greg has taken the time to help innumerable Air Force people on a personal basis. Since his first visit to the Academy, Greg has embraced the institution, its graduates and cadets...Since then, he has worked diligently to provide support to the Association of Graduates and the Sabre Society.”

An honorary membership is the highest honor the graduate community bestows upon supporters of the institution. Honorary memberships are awarded only to those individuals who “...have rendered outstanding and conspicuous service to the Air Force and/or the Air Force Academy.” Memberships, which are awarded for life, are limited to 20 living persons and are highly selective. Each requires a nomination by a board member and a unanimous vote by the sitting board.

Current living Honorary Members by date of induction include Sen. Barry M. Goldwater, Mrs. Freida B. Weber, James I. Conboy, Harold U. Littrell, Maj. Gen. (Ret) William Lyon, Brig. Gen. (Ret) Robert F. McDermott and Norma Nottingham. Also, James N. Bowman, Donald J. Barrett, Lt. Gen. (Ret) Benjamin N. Beilis, the Honorable Harold C. Stuart, Brig. Gen. (Ret) Malham M. Wakin and Dorothy Donnelley Moller.

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. Jean Bickford at the AOG at (719) 472-0300.

USAFA Class Participation 1996-97 AFA Fund

70

74 - $5,372.52

71 - $5,267.00

69 - $5,073.00

The Top Five Classes

59-31.46 60 - 30.26 63 - 24.05

60-$16.51

59-$14.24

61 -$11.50

62-$10.07

63 - $ 9.34

(Note: The percent of donors is calculated by dividing the number ofgifts by the number ofliving alumni. Totals include gifts received between July 1 1996 and June 30, 1997. Gifts received after this date will be listed in a future magazine.

AFA Fund Donors July 1, 1996 to June 30, 1997

GIFT SYMBOLS

Sponsor $100 to $499

Patron $500 - $999

Leader $1,000 to $2,499

Fellow $2,500 to $4,999

Benefactor $5,000 or more

(Editor’s note: Individual donor listings include only those contributions of $100 or more.)

FELLOWS

Mr E Wayne Higgins 74

Mr & Mrs David O Meyn

LEADERS

Mr Thomas A Brumlik 72

Dr & Mrs Robert H Dorwart MD 71

Mr James C Lipham Jr '65

New England Chapter

Mr & Mrs Patrick B Stanley

PATRONS

Lt Col A Kirk Bodaiy USAFR 77

Lt Col (Ret) Michael C Bulkeley '66

Col James M Carson USAFR '66

Lt Col (Ret) & Mrs Richard Coppock '61

Lt Col (Ret) Robert C Estus '66

Lt Col (Ret) Terry A Hammond '69

Kenneth C Hancock MD 74

Mr Carl A Janssen Jr '68

Mr John H Lesher Jr 71

Mr Charles L Lynch '68

Mr & Mrs Abraham K Malathu

Mr Pete Martinez Jr 77

Dr & Mrs Walter Meyer

Mr Emil Monda '67

Mr Paul Rossetti 70

Mr William E Schweinle Jr '63

Lt Col Michael A Stanley 77

Maj Gen (Ret) Harold W Todd '59

Lt (Ret) Edward K Vombrock 77

SPONSORS

Mr Thomas A Abascal '87

Mr & Mrs William H Abbott

Mr & Mrs Mazen M Abboushi

Mr Edward T Abramek Jr '68

Mr Bruce W Ahlstrom 79

Col Stephan D Alderman 72

Mr Ted Alexander

Capt Brian A Anderson 91

Lt Col (Ret) Craig Anderson 74

Lt Gen (Ret) & Mrs Marcus A Anderson '61

Anonymous ‘86

Mr & Mrs Daniel M Arritt

Mr Logan H Babin Jr '62

Mr Mark W Baker 76

Mr John Q Banbury II '69

Mr Steven W Barnes '81

Mr J Douglas Batchelor '68

Lt Col (Ret) John E Bauer '66

Mr & Mrs Philip R Bauer

MSgt & Mrs Ryan Q Bautista

Mrs Robert C Baxter

Col Charles W Beattie USAFR '67

Mr & Mrs Leo E Beaulieu

Mr & Mrs Richard H Beddow Jr

Michael J Beezley MD '69

Mr & Mrs Ettore A Berardinelli

Col (Ret) Andrew W Biancur '60

Mr & Mrs Neal R Bierbaum 74

Col Thomas J Black III '69

Lt Col (Ret) David M Blair ANG 71

Maj David L Blisk USAFR 78

Capt James M Bonn '86

Robert & Susan Bonn '81

Maj Theodore W Boward USAFR '81

Lt Col Richard K Bowers, Jr USAFR 75

Lt Col (Ret) David M Bowman 72

Col (Ret) Alfred A Boyd Jr '63

Lt Col (Ret) Gregory Boyington Jr '60

Mr & Mrs John R Bozek

Mr Roger P Bradley 76

Capt Alan C Bridges '84

Dr Dean L Bristow '60

Lt Col (Ret) Don L Brooks '59

Col (Ret) Donald E Brown '65

Mr & Mrs Warren Bruckmeier

Dr & Mrs Arthur L Brundage

Capt James E Buck 92

Capt William M Bumpus '86

Lt Col (Ret) & Mrs Jeffrey M Bunts

Mr & Mrs George W Burch '59

Maj John C Burke '84

Mr George G Burnette III 76

Lt Gen (Ret) & Mrs Anthony J Burshnick '60

Maj Richard W Buschmann USAFR 72

Col (Ret) Douglas B Cairns '61

Col Harry M Calcutt Jr 72

Sgt & Mrs Martin V Cameron

Mr & Mrs Martin F Campbell

Mr & Mrs Albert P Carney

Maj (Ret) William T Carrothers 75

Mr Ronald Cassano 71

Mr & Mrs Willard S Caudill

Mr & Mrs John Charlton

Maj (Ret) Donald T Chase '59

Mr & Mrs Chester Chin

Mr Boyd W Christensen 74

Mr & Mrs George D Clark

Lt Col (Ret) Donald J Clement 74

Lt Col (Ret) Ray Martin Cole Jr '68

Mr William T Coleman 71

Col (Ret) Ralph E Conlan '62

Col (Ret) & Mrs Ralph E Conlan

Lt Col Gary A Corbett ANG 70

Maj Joseph A Corsetti 70

Maj (Ret) Charles S Crawford Jr '67

Mr Bradley E Creed 78

Col (Ret) & Mrs Augustine B Cristiani

Mr J Mike Cryer '68

Mr & Mrs Fred W Cunningham

Mr Robert G Cutlip 71

Mr Jerry M Daily '60

Mr Robert F Davey '62

Capt Jon F Davis '88

Mr Donald E Dawson '69

Maj Gen Lawrence E Day '63

Mr William Dee '63

Col (Ret) Robert T Dessert 70

Mr & Mrs Charles F Devlin

Mr William P Dickey '64

Mr & Mrs Ronald L Dietrich

Capt Donald R Dillman ANG 78

Mr David P DiMartinis '85

Mr Paul V Dimmick Jr

Col (Ret) & Mrs Elwood P Donohue

Mr David Dougan '63

Lois W Dow MD

Mr & Mrs Thomas L Dressel

Lt Col (Ret) Ben G Dunn '66

Dr Luckey M Dunn 76

Dr William H Earley '66

Dr David K Ebelke MD 77

Mr Patrick LEdsell 70

Lt Col Norman L Elliott ANG 70

Dr Mark G Ellis 77

Lt Col (Ret) Dick W Engel '68

Mr James A Erickson '69

Mr & Mrs William E Erikson

Mr James T Estes Jr '68

Mr G Douglas Evans 77

Mr Mark C Faraone '80

Lt Col Laurence A Fariss 75

Mr Jerry L Farquhar '60

Mrs Vivian Figueroa '66

Mr L Stephen Fikar 78

Mr Louis F Fikar

Lt Col (Ret) Patrick W Finnegan '67

Maj Roger F Finnem 70

Lt Col Philip B Fitzjarrell '80

Mr Ronald R Flake '65

Capt John D Flint '87

Mr Christopher E Flood 78

Mr & Mrs Vernon E Floyd

Mrs Hugh G Fly Jr

Lt Col (Ret) Gordon R Flygare '60

Mr Charles C Flynn 73

Col (Ret) Paul F Foley '61

Maj Donald A Ford USAFR '81

Col (Ret) William J Foster '61

Lt Col L Dean Fox 72

Maj David W Francis '80

Lt Col (Ret) & Mrs E F Fraser Jr

Lt Col Bruce H Fritzsche anonymous 75

Col David L Fundarek 74

Capt Michael E Gantt '88

Maj (Ret) & Mrs M B Garlow

Lt Col Walter E Garrard Jr USAFR '69

Mr & Mrs Thomas L Gilbert

Mr & Mrs Gilbert Glover

Col (Ret) William G Goodyear '60

Mr & Mrs T L Gorsuch

Mr Charles S Gounaud '84

Dr Richard L Grandjean MD '69

Col (Ret) Willie W Gray Jr '62

Mr William E Green '68

Mr & Mrs Robert O Greene

Capt Stephen V Guenard ANG 70

Lt Col (Ret) Raymond F Haile 74

Mr Mark Paul Hale 70

Lt Col David Scott Hamilton 74

Mr & Mrs Thomas P Hamilton

Lt Col (Ret) Robert L Hanley '65

Capt Forrest B Hare 90

Danielle & Reginald Hargrove '85

Ms Vikki Harper-Bechtelheimer

Maj Gen George B Harrison '62

Mr & Mrs Andrew E Hart '86

Dr & Mrs David P Hartson

Mr Frederic O Hawkins '62

Lt Col Christopher R Headlee 79

BOC

Maj Leonard G Heavner '81

Mr R T Heckler '84

Charles H Heffron Jr MD '67

Lt Col (Ret) John W Heide '63

Mr Steven D Heinz 76

Lt Col Percy R Helm III 77

Mr William W Hembrough

Col (Ret) & Mrs William C Hepler

Capt Bryan A Herrick SI

Ralph W Hinds III MD 73

Capts James & Yvette Hird '85

Capt Yvette P Hird '85

Mr Stuart M Hixon '83

Mr John B Holbrook 79

Mr Christopher J Hope '69

Mr Marvin B Hopkins '64

Lt Col Ernest J Houghton III '68

Mr John G Houston '59

Col (Ret) Robert J Hovde '64

Lt Col (Ret) Byron E Huddleston ANG 75

Mr Lawrence D Huff72

Lt Col (Ret) Jacob M Huffman III 71

Maj Linda Kay Huggler '83

Lt Col (Ret) David E Hughes '69

Mr & Mrs Louis C James

Col H Martin Jayne 72

Mr & Mrs Jesus Jimenez

Mr Arthur H Johnson Jr '63

Maj (Ret) David W Johnson 75

Mr John W Jones III 71

Capt Julie E Joyce '87

Dr & Mrs Lyle Joyce

Mr & Mrs Daniel R Joynt

Mr Brian G Kaley '60

Maj (Ret) James H Keaton 74

Mr Carl Keen

Lt Col George A Kehias 73

Mr Karl F Kellerman III '61

Mr William C Kellerman III 72

Lt Gen (Ret) & Mrs Jay W Kelley '64

Wayne F Kendall, Jr MD '60

Mr & Mrs John A Kennedy

Col (Ret) & Mrs Frank J Kisner

Lt Col David P Kissinger 77

Thomas L Knabel MD 75

Mr & Mrs Kenneth L Knauf

Mr & Mrs L Gary Knight

Mr Dean F Kocian '68

Mrs Jeanne E Koss '65

Dr Helen Krause

Maj Thomas Krise '83

Gregory M Kronberg MD '69

Mr Andrew D Krott 77

Mr Dallas C Kunkle

Mr Roger J LaFrance 78

Col (Ret) T Ralph Lalime '60

Col Percy L Lamy 75

Ms Betty A Lane

Mr J Michael Langley '68

Mr & Mrs Heini Larese

Lt Col Charles B Latham 74

Dr & Mrs David Laurentz

Mr Martin F Lebouitz 71

Col (Ret) & Mrs Raymond H Lee

Mr William H Leninger '60

Col (Ret) Jeffrey A Levy '64

Mr & Mrs Guillermo Liberato

Col (Ret) Robert H Lightsey '62

Lt Col (Ret) Relva L Lilly '63

John S Lockett MD 70

Mr Donald C Looney 72

Hallmark

Hughes

Lockheed

MBNA

McDonnell

Mr & Mrs Paul G Lotakis

Mr Robert E Lowe '59

Mr Keith Luchtel '64

Col Darryl V Lundgren 70

Lt Col (Ret) Robert N Lutter '68

Col (Ret) John D Macartney '60

Capt Elizabeth A Macaulay '88

Mr Stephen H MacDonald '83

Mr & Mrs Aleksander Mankowski

Col (Ret) Roy B Marshall III '63

Mrs Barbara J Martin '81

Lt Col & Mrs Frederick H Martin '81

Mr John W Martin Jr '69

Michael E Martin MD '69

Col (Ret) Richard D Martin '63

Capt Thomas H Mattison *90

Dominic L Mazza MD 73

Col (Ret) & Mrs Kenneth E McAlear '65

Mr Robert D McBeth '63

Mr Dennis T McCarthy '69

Mr & Mrs John F McCoy

Mr & Mrs John McCullers

Maj Linda K McCullers '81

Drs John & Joy McElwee

Lt Col Roger A McFarland USAFR 71

Mr Thomas R McGrain '69

Col Fred T McGregor Jr 70

Mr Kenneth E McKay Jr 79

Capt David S McKenney 92

Col (Ret) J Wayne McKenney '64

Mr Robert J McNaughton '62

Capts Ross & Stacy McNutt '87

Capt Stacy Sidor McNutt '88

Capt Tracey M Meek '87

Mr & Mrs Kerry R Merback

Col Daniel E Mercier '72

Mr & Mrs James E Meyer

Lt Col (Ret) Richard F Meyer Jr '60

Capt Charles E Michalec '88

Ms Helen F Miller

Col Thomas B Miller 72

Mr William LMino 71

Lt Col (Ret) Frank E Mitchell Jr 70

Lt Col (Ret) David P Moore USAFR '68

Col (Ret) Ronald L Morey '66

Mr & Mrs Oakland D Morrison

Mr & Mrs David L Motes

Maj (Ret) Michael W Muck 74

Mr David A Muckley 73

Maj Fred E Mullard '81

Maj Steven W Mungle USAFR 77

Mr & Mrs Michael L Murphy 72

Mr Paul D Music 77

Lt Col David T Nakayama 76

Col (Ret) Joseph M Narsavage Jr '66

Dr Brian Nelson '69

Mr Gregory S Nemeth 79

Mrs Cheryl N Nessen

Dr George C Nield IV 72

Mr David J Nielsen '69

Maj David C Nielsen USAFR 77

Mr & Mrs Wilbur C Nielsen

Lt Col Jack B Norman USAFR 70

Mr Douglas R Norton 70

Mr & Mrs James O'Brien

Mr & Mrs Thomas R O'Brien

Capt James J O'Connell 91

Mr & Mrs Larry W Obert

Mrs Christine Ochs

Mrs Kathleen L Odegard '80

Lt Col Keith J Odegard '80

Col (Ret) & Mrs Arthur S Olson

Maj Michael J Opatowsky MD '80

Dr & Mrs Richard J Orbon

Col Zygmunt Orzechowski '69

Maj Joseph E Overbeck '82

Lt Col (Ret) Harry G Paddon III '62

Lt Col Dale I Pangman 78

Mr Benjamin S Park '67

Mr & Mrs Bernard F Pasko

Mr Stewart W Patterson 76

Dr & Mrs Donald E Paynter

Mr & Mrs James E Pennock

Mr & Mrs Samuel Pepkowitz

Maj William E Peterson '80

Col David M Phillips '68

Larry Plecha MD 71

SMSgt (Ret) & Mrs William Plies

Capt Theresa L Pobst Martin '81

Mr John H Pomeroy 70

Capt Joseph T Popovich '88

Mr & Mrs Frank Postulka

Mr Karl W Poulsen 71

Lt Col (Ret) Clinton R Price '67

Mr William E Purcell 71

Lt Col (Ret) Craig A Puz 76

Mr & Mrs Fred S Queddeng

Mr & Mrs James Quinn

Ronald R Quinton MD 72

Col Jeffery A Quirk 70

Maj James M Ratti '82

Dr & Mrs Gerald A Ravitz

Maj Michael K Reagan '81

Lt Col J Michael Reames USAFR 76

Mr Charles R Reed 70

Mr & Mrs Robert H Reeder

Maj Mark F Reidinger '80

Lt Col Dennis J Rensel 73

Mr Thomas M Rentenbach '62

Lt Col Michael W Restey 74

Capt Christopher C Reymann ANG '82

BGen (Ret) & Mrs L P Rhiddlehoover Jr

Mr Harold W Rhodes '62

Maj Gen (Ret) Peter D Robinson '62

Lt Col (Ret) Howard E Robson 70

Mr & Mrs Jose N Rodriguez-Trejo

Mr & Mrs Roberto Rosa-Miranda

Lt Col (Ret) Randolph W Royce 70

Mr & Mrs Donald A Rupanovic

Mr & Mrs Patrick J Ryan

Mr Wayne D Rydberg

Lt Col (Ret) Marc L Sabin '65

Maj Michael S Sackley USAFR 76

Dr Joseph C Saitta 71

Lt Col (Ret) William T Sakahara '64

Capts Scott & Arlene Salmon '89

Maj Robert M Sands 76

Lt Col (Ret) Charles M Sarff'66

Mr Colin C Scheidt 74

Mr Bruce G Schinelli '82

Col (Ret) Jeffrey E Schofield '67

Maj (Ret) Mark D Schubert 77

Mr George C Schultz 71

Mr John E Schumick 71

Lt Col Daniel L Scott 79

Lt Col (Ret) C Glen Shaffer Jr '63

Col (Ret) Gary D Sheets '60

Col Harvey W C Shelton '65

Mr & Mrs Clarence W Sheward '64

Lt Col Dennis J Shields USAFR 71

Mr Richard J Shimko '82

(Continued on next page.)

Raytheon

Rockwell

Estate Planning: Not Just for the Rich and Famous

By Bradford A. Gann, ’83

The first thing that comes to mind for most of us when we hear the phrase “estate planning’’ is the distinctive voice of “The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous’’ Robin Leach saying “...and here we are in Monaco at the estate of Prince Ranier and Princess Grace...” Because estate planning sometimes is seen as something only for the “rich and famous,” many people overlook this vitally-important part of the comprehensive financial plan.

I firmly believe that estate planning is more important for the average investor than for the multimillionaires. Certainly, the more money you have, the more you stand to lose, but your heirs can better afford to lose it. Here’s what I mean—if legendary deal-maker Donald Trump or down-home millionaire Ross Perot don’t do their estate planning properly literally billions of dollars may be wasted in probate costs and estate taxes. Even if one-half, three-quarters or even nine-tenths of their fortune is squandered on these expenses, their heirs will receive far more money than most of us could hope to accumulate in a dozen lifetimes.

In contrast, if you have only a few thousand dollars, a small life insurance and a modest home to leave to your family, they will need every penny of it. Your heirs may not have the luxury of being wasteful with their inheritance. Increased probate costs, attorneys’ fees and administrative expenses could make the difference between keeping the house or losing it, and the kids going

The Harrington “clan:”RetiredLt. Col. Rich Harrington, ’70, at left, and retired Lt. Col. Charlie Harrington, ’72, readminister the oath to brother Doug Harrington, ’80, upon hispromotion to lieutenant colonel. Their father, Bob Harrington, was a U.S. Military Academy January 1943 grad and served in the Air Force 30 years, retiring in 1972 as a full colonel. (Photo courtesy Doug Harrington.)

(AFA

Fund Donors: From

Mr Randall D Shockley 74

Maj Gen Michael C Short '65

Mr William D Siebecker '60

Mr & Mrs Robert Simon

Mr William H Simpson '63

Lt Col (Ret) Roger A Sindle '68

Ms Margaret P Skillem

Mr Chester H Smith

Mr & Mrs Walter A Sonnenberg

Lt Col Marius G Sorenson 70

Mr Jon K Spain 77

Mr Blair Y Stephenson '69

W Scott Stine MD 73

Ken A Stone MD '72

Mr & Mrs Larry D Stoner

Mrs Evajane Storm

Lt Col (Ret) Terry L Storm '61

Mr & Mrs William E Straw '67

Mr William L Strell 76

evious page.)

Capt Catherine Patton Sullivan '86

Maj (Ret) John R L Sullivan '68

Lt Col (Ret) Donald A Sutton '68

Ms Holly Emrick Svetz '80

Mr & Mrs John Swiergol

Col John S Talley '65

Lt Col Walter W Taylor, Jr 79

Mr & Mrs Merlen Teal

Mr & Mrs Matthew A Thiel

William C Thompson III MD '69

Mr William L Thompson 73

Dennis L Thrasher MD 70

Lt Col (Ret) Michael B Thrower '68

Lt Col (Ret) Daniel M Tibbetts '69

Mr Charles D Tice '62

Mr & Mrs Elvin I Tinkham

Maj Douglas Dale Trogstad USAFR 79

BGen Thomas A Twomey '67

BGen (Ret) & Mrs James P Ulm '61

to college or not, or in the worst case, ending up in poverty.

When doing estate planning, first and foremost you have to decide what your wishes are; essentially, how are you going to divide and share your accumulated wealth? Everyone wants to avoid taxes and reduce the cost of probate, but the most important items within your estate are, most likely, very personal in nature. You may want to make sure your spouse is well taken care of. Or, in the event of both deaths, making sure your children are equitably provided for. You may have a particular family member who needs additional support, or a spendthrift son or daughter who you would like to protect from their own eagerness to spend money. Finally, there may be charities or other organizations you wish to support. These are all examples of the personal desires that could drive your estate planning.

Once you’ve decided exactly what you want to accomplish, than you can look at ways to accomplish those objectives in the most cost-efficient and least troublesome manner. Avoiding taxes and the costs and delays of probate are very important, but if you don’t accomplish the most important objectives of taking care of your family or benefiting your favorite charity, these other goals are of little consequence.

For more information, especially if you are thinking of ineluding the Association of Graduates (AOG) in your estate planning, please call the AOG’s vice president, Development, Jim Shaw, at (719) 472-0300 or DSN 333-4513.

Friends of the Academy Library

Acquire Two Coveted Collections

The Friends of the Academy Library have recently acquired a portion of the private library of a former member of the Lafayette Escadrille and the papers of Maj. Gen. Leigh Wade.

Charles Dolan, son of Charles H. Dolan, who was the last surviving member of the Lafayette Escadrille, donated segments of his father’s library to The Friends for inclusion within the Special Collections Branch of the Academy Library.

Mr. Dolan’s library consists of an extraordinary series of inscribed and autographed books which depict the evolution of American military aviation from its inception in 1907 through World War I. Included is a first edition volume of Winged Defense, which is inscribed and autographd to Mr. Dolan by the author, William Mitchell.

Another recent contribution to the Academy Library was the papers of the late Maj. Gen. Leigh Wade, U.S. Air Force, retired. The collection was donated by retired Col. and Mrs. John Tkacik. The papers chronicle General Wade’s military career including his service as a pilot of the U.S. Army Air Service’s “around the world flight,” April 6 to Sept. 18, 1924.

The Friends are indebted to Lt. Gen. Brad Hosmer, ’59; and Maj. Gen. Jack Huston who contacted the Tkaciks and arranged for the donation of the material.

Capt Victor J Valdez '87

Maj (Ret) Bradley VanSant '62

Maj Everett W Vaughn '63

Mr & Mrs Fred A Vick

Col (Ret) Walter L Visinsky Jr '67

Mr Peter V Voorhees '72

Col (Ret) Brian E Wages '65

Col David A Wagie 72

Mr & Mrs William A Wagner

Lt Col Stephen H Wallingford 74

Capt Jonathan W Wampler ANG '85

BGen Thomas C Waskow 70

Maj Michael R Watson MD '80

Lt Col (Ret) & Mrs Jimmie Wax

Lt Col Lewis S Weiland 70

Dr & Mrs Mark A Weiner

Maj David C West '82

Maj Gen (Ret) Sam W Westbrook III '63

Lt Col (Ret) James F Wheeler '64

Maj Larry D White '80

Mr & Mrs Charles T Whitehead

Maj Karen S Wilhelm '80

BGen (Ret) William T Williams IV '61

Lt Col Guy J Wills IH’79

Col Lawrence W Wilson '67

Mr & Mrs Ross J Wilson

Lt Col Sam H Wilson USAFR 71

William PWilzMD 77

Dr & Mrs Donald J Wittich Jr

Mr Lawrence A Wolf'80

Lt Col Marshall L Wong 78

Dr Lenora Wong-Beming '80

Mr & Mrs R Lee Woodhead

Mr Bertram J Woodside '68

Lt Col (Ret) Frederick B Wynn '59

Gen (Ret) Ronald W Yates '60

Mr Alan H Young 74

Mr Mark A Zablotny 71

BGen (Ret) & Mrs Felix J Zaniewski

Maj John D Zazworsky Jr '83

Mr Karl F Zickrick 72

Can anyone top this?

RESERVE YOUR PLACE IN HISTORY

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 ofGraduates, 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 ofnotification will be sent, upon request, for such gifts.

I would like to support the Pegasus Paver Project.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

The letter which follows is a tribute to Lt. Col. Joost Van Bastelaar. Joost died on Good Friday, March 28, 1997 in an A-10 accident at Willow Grove Naval Air Station near Philadelphia, Pa. Joost was a 1972 graduate of USAFA, an Air National Guardsman, a first officer with U.S. Air, a succesful businessman, a loving husband, a devoted father, a true friend, and a great man. Joost has left behind his wife, Sharon, and his four children: Jeff, Sean, Beth, and Caroline. (Chaplain, Lt. Col. Tom Schenk, ’72):

Dear Joost,

I miss you. You should be honored, but greatly embarrassed by my grief at your “home going.’’ Despite knowing that your vietory in Christ is now complete, despite the preparation we both made for this day by understanding and accepting the risks of our military profession, this has been a tough one. Maybe it’s my age. It certainly is the grief of your family. But it is also you. And I am not the only one. I saw at your memorial that I am not alone in my sorrow or my admiration of you.

So if you will indulge me a bit, let me share why I admired you so. I must admit that I envied your sense of humor. Being the serious kind, I needed people like you to lighten me up. You would be glad to know that your friends laughed amidst their tears at your memorial as they recalled and shared your various pranks upon them.

I really admired your leadership. People who knew you lived better, happier lives. Most of us didn’t realize your impact upon us, until now. That’s because your leadership didn’t come from position or rank, but from your character and your servanthood. That’s the most powerful kind of leadership. The words expressed at your memorial were not gratuitous words often heard at such times, but heartfelt words of appreciation for your influence.

Your leadership was best seen in your family. All of us were mesmerized by the way you loved Sharon and the kids. The life you and “Coach’’ shared for these 30-plus years displayed how marriage could and should be and made both of you the envy of others. Your parental mix of humor and heart, devotion and discipline, strength and gentleness has resulted in four kids who will be as successful and gracious as you. I have learned much from you over the years about being a family man. Thanks for the lessons.

But most of all I admired the way you were able to live out your Christian life among people. Yours was a quiet, but strong, faith that people admired, respected, and desired for themselves. That’s what made your life so influential. Few men were as competent as you. God gave you great abilities, which you used with skill and confidence. Everything you did, you did well. You and I competed a lot over the years—Ping-Pong, basketball, volleyball,

Lanell J. Fountain, ’96

softball, Risk, cards, range competition. You never did let me win.

I remember the time Sharon and you visited in Fort Worth. You and I went out to play basketball on a cement court in the 100-degree heat. You were barefoot. I had shoes. You were in pain in a certain part of your anatomy. I was healthy. I still lost.

That’s the way it was for most who competed with you. Yet, despite your skills, you never became arrogant. To us “mere mortals’’ you appeared invincible. But you knew you weren’t. You were aware of your frailty and failures. You knew there was a Friday coming in which you would need the help of God to get through. Despite all your competence, you were humble enough to accept God’s help in Jesus Christ. That humility came through in all of your relationships. You’ll be glad to know that hundreds who heard your story at your memorial are inquiring at your church about Jesus Christ because of the witness of your life.

Joost, enjoy heaven. Don’t worry about your family. Though this is terribly hard on them, they will find strength to go on in God’s love and yours. You equipped them well for all of life, even this. Be assured that we will stand by them as well. I promise you that.

I love you, man. Always did. Always will. Let me close with the tribute King David gave for his deceased friend Jonathan in the Bible (2 Samuel 1):

“How the mighty have fallen in battle!

Jonathan lies slain on your heights.

I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother; You were very dear to me.

Your love for me was wonderful...

How the mighty have fallen.’’

What David said about Jonathan, I say today about you, Joost. Thanks for your friendship and for a life well lived. See ya’ soon. ’Til we meet again. (Tom Schenk, ’72)

Lanell J. Fountain, ’96

Lieutenant Lanell Jeffrey Fountain, Class of 1996, was born in Indianapolis, Ind. on May 29, 1974, to Anthony Fountain and Jewel Ekunseitan. Unfortunately, on the night of June 21, 1997, he was taken from us as a result of gunshot wounds outside his apartment near Kirtland AFB. He will be missed by all his family and friends who knew and loved him.

Lanell graduated from high school in Alpharetta, Ga. where he was on the debate team, wrestling team, track team, community service groups and the junior court. He was a real entrepreneur in high school, never quitting any project; he also started a suecessful lawn service in high school.

Joost Van Bastelaar, ’72

From his grandmother in a small town in Alabama, Lanell learned devotion to Christianity and the importance of hard work. His grandmother showed him the path to the Lord which he continued to follow at the Academy. With his father he learned to burn the midnight oil and strive for improvement. These attributes paid off when he was accepted to the Academy out of high school.

Lanell had a strong willingness to help others and challenge himself. He always put classmates ahead of others when they needed help in classes or intramurals. Many nights were devoted to helping classmates with difficult problems. He spent summers at Jump School or Air Assault School to prove to himself that he could do anything.

He was a unique symbol of motivation and determination. Many hours went into studying to graduate with an astronautics major and a Chinese minor. He complained every day about the amount of work he had to accomplish; encouraged many times by family and friends to lighten his academic load, he refused to quit. He wouldn’t let anything beat him. Adding to the challenges of his studies was his full-time devotion to the powerlifting team. Powerlifting gave him the strength and support he needed to continue with his tough schedule.

Lanell’s uncle, a lieutenant colonel, pinned bars on his nephew’s shoulders during the 1996 graduation ceremony, a proud day in both their lives. After graduation, Lanell was assigned to Kirtland AFB in New Mexico as an acquisition officer. He worked at Phillips Lab as a program manager for missile research projects. He was on a career track as an acquisition officer; as his father said, he enjoyed spending the Air Force’s money—he never thought he had enough of his own.

Lanell is survived by his loving parents Anthony Fountain of Alpharetta, Ga., and Jewel Ekunseitan of Minneapolis, Minn.; two brothers, Gregg Boss and Stephen Ekunseitan; one sister,

Senior Cadet and Instructor

Die in T-3A Firefly Crash

Cadet First Class Pace Weber, 20, of Miami, Fla. and instructor pilot Capt. Glen Comeaux, 31, of Yorktown, Va. were killed when their T-3A Firefly crashed on June 25 at about 2:30 p.m. some two miles east of the Academy near Pine Creek Golf Club. It was the third T-3A crash at the Academy since February 1995. All three accidents resulted in double fatalities.

According to spokesman Desi Ortiz, the two had been airborne for about an hour and a half when, according to witnesses quoted in The Gazette newspaper in Colorado Springs, the plane sputtered during a turn, spiraled and crashed. Officials would not say whether the two reported any trouble before the crash. The accident is being investigated.

Comeaux graduated in 1990 from the University of Southwestern Louisiana where he had been in ROTC. He came on active duty in May 1991, began his career as an air traffic controller before becoming a C-141 Starlifter pilot, and then coming to the Academy as a T-3A instructor pilot.

Weber, a senior cadet, was a two-time recipient of the Superintendent’s Pin. He also earned the Honor Officer and First Sergeant awards. He was a midfield position player for the varsity Air Force lacrosse team and was active with Big Brothers/Big Sisters programs.

One of the witnesses to the crash, golfer Bill Hicks of Albuquerque, said, “The plane was banking and was real low before the crash. Something popped and the engine revved up before it hit.” Hicks said he and his golfing partners ran to the scene, but the plane was engulfed in flames. “They were probably already dead,” he said. “It was very intense heat, and everything was burning.”

The impact crumpled the plane into a fire-blackened ball about the size of a compact automobile. The T-3A, a training plane used at the Academy since January 1995, does not have ejection seats.

Jumonke Ekunseitan; two caring grandmothers, Jannie B. Fountain of Peterman, Ala., and Clara Bishop of Indiana; and many aunts and uncles.

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

■ >rris D. Smith, Class of 1962, who was killed Feb. 18, in a hit-and-run accident in Tallahassee, Fla.

John J. Watkins, Jr., Class of 1968. The date and circumstances of his death are unknown at this time.

Christopher J. Francino, Class of 1983, who died on May 30, 1997 in an auto accident in Memphis, Tenn.

Capt. Amy L. Svoboda, Class of 1989, who was killed on May 27, 1997 in the crash of the A-10 she was flying near Gila Bend, Ariz.

Cadet First Class Pace Weber, Class of 1998, who was killed on June 25, 1997 in the crash of a T-3A Firefly training aircraft near the Academy.

Cadet Third Class Stephanie L. Pollard, Class of 2000, who died July 21, 1997 of a heart attack caused by a rare altitude sickness at Woodland Park, Colo.

Our condolences to the families and friends of these graduates and cadets.

C2C David P. Bass Dies in Automobile Accident

Cadet Second Class David Paul Bass was born in Baltimore, Md., July 9, 1976. He was fatally injured in a car accident on June 23, 1997, near Winner, S.D. and is now in the arms of Jesus. During his cadet career, David was an active member of the Academy’s Cadet Competition Flying Team and a member of Cadet Squadron 19. He consistently maintained high academic standards while pursuing a major in aeronautical engineering, a necessary step in achieving his ultimate career goal of becoming an Air Force test pilot.

C2C David P. Bass

David’s desire to fly for his country first appeared at the age of five, when he broke his leg in a skiing accident and was kept in a cast for six weeks. During that time, David and his father assembled nearly 50 model airplanes, and by the age of eight, his heart was set on becoming a pilot for the United States Air Force. In seventh grade his mother took him to meet Jon Krall, who became his close friend and aviation mentor, leading him to his first solo flight on his 16th birthday, followed by many subsequent ratings. David became an active member of the South Dakota Civil Air Patrol, earning such honors as the 1994 Outstanding Cadet of the Year. His love for flying and his accomplishments in aviation led him to pursue and obtain an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy Class of 1999.

While David was an accomplished pilot with a passion for flying, no love ran deeper than that which he held for his family and for his God. Though blessed with many gifts and talents which would without a doubt have facilitated a successful military career, David always placed those priorities secondary to his

(Continued on next page.)

President Names Graduate to Advisory Board

Robert J. “Bob” Thomas, ’67, president and CEO of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A., has been selected by President Clinton to serve on the advisory board to the President’s Initiative on Race. “I am honored to have been selected to serve on the advisory board by the president,” said Thomas. “My commitment

AETC Temporarily Grounds

T-3 Flight Screening

The commander of the Air Education and Training Command, Gen. Lloyd “Fig” Newton, temporarily suspended the T-3A from flight screening flying operations, pending an investigation into an unexplained airborne engine stoppage of a T-3 engine July 23 while on a scheduled training mission at the Academy.

The T-3A from the 557th Flying Training Squadron had a crew of two—an instructor pilot and a student. “The IP was giving a check ride to the student,” said Lt. Col. Rojo Herrera, 557th commander. “It was the final landing for that sortie and the IP was flying the aircraft. The aircraft was about Va mile from the runway, the IP advanced the throttle for some airspeed sensing the aircraft was slowing down slightly.

“Initially the engine responded to the throttle, then at some point there was a noise and the engine cut off,” Herrera said. “The IP glided the aircraft to the runway and it touched down safely.”

The Air Education and Training Command uses the T-3A to screen pilot candidates by exposing them to military-style traffic patterns, and aerobatics.

Newton halted operations for a good reason, Herrera said. There was an engine stoppage and it was unexplained. The T-3s have flown approximately 80,000 hours, with only seven documented stoppages in flight. “The aircraft has a very good track record,” Herrera said. “However, this is a safety concern and we’re taking all the precautions necessary.”

There are 110 T-3 aircraft in the Air Force inventory—57 assigned to Hondo, Texas, and 53 here. Both units are assigned to the 12th Flying Training Wing, headquartered at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. The single-engine T-3A entered the Air Force inventory in February 1994. (Information compiled by the Directorate of Public Affairs.)

(David Bass: From previous page.)

desire to raise a successful Christian family and to serve the Lord he loved more than life itself. Even amidst the struggles of cadet life, he continually took on the nature of a Christian servant in all of his professional and personal relationships. David was a generous steward of the many gifts God blessed him with, consistently offering his time, money, and skills to help others before attending to his own obligations. Through these actions, he hoped to portray to others that the most important decision in one’s life is the decision to follow Jesus Christ.

While he recognized that few people make this choice, as his favorite quote by Robert Frost reveals, he was convinced it is the only path to success:

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

David took the road less taken. His life reflected his solid faith in God’s plan and the moral absolutes of the Bible, and his legacy lives on in the family he dearly loved and the friends who felt Christ’s love through him. He is survived by his parents Dr. Walter P. and Shirley Bass, brother Aaron, and sister Laura, among others.

A memorial fund has been established in David’s name. Contributions may be sent to Norwest Bank, 403 N. Lawler, Mitchell, S.D. 57301. (Jason M. Caiafa, ’99; Nathan P. Diller, ’00; and Jammie L. Himsl, ’00)

to serve this country began early during my days at the U.S. Air Force Academy and has continued throughout my life.”

President since April 1993 of Nissan Motor Corporation (NMC) headquartered in Carson, Calif., Thomas helped establish The Nissan Foundation in 1992 and serves as director. The foundation, which was created in the aftermath of the civil unrest in South Central Los Angeles, issues grants stemming from a $5 million endowment to support community agencies in South Central Los Angeles.

The foundation’s goal is to improve the social and economic quality of life in South Central Los Angeles by building partnerships with service groups and organizations already working in the area to promote economic development, job creation and community-building activities.

Commenting on being chosen to the advisory board to the President’s Initiative on Race, Thomas said, “I firmly believe there is great strength in diversity. That strength has allowed our nation to grow and prosper like no other. In my role as an executive, I have seen the benefits of integrating diverse cultures and how such efforts can assist a company in succeeding in a global economy. I believe that America’s prosperity in the 21st Century will hinge on the willingness of people of all races and cultures to work together toward common goals that benefit all.”

Bob Thomas, ’67

AOG-Sponsored Award Presented

Brig. Gen. James P. Ulm, ’61, then-AOG Board chairman, presents Outstanding Group Award squadron streamers to 1st Group commanders Gregory P. Ellingson (fallsemester), at right, and Lynn E. Savage (spring semester). The award is sponsored by the Association of Graduates in memory of nine graduates who have died in the service of their country. The graduates are Maj. William E. Page, Jr., ’59; Captains Marvin W. Guthrie, Jr., ’65; Alfred R. Jacox, Jr., ’65; Monte L. Mooreberg, ’61; Richard T. Morris, ’64; James V. Newendorp, ’65; Robert L. Reeves, ’64; James W. Wood, ’65; and Lieutenant Dennis B. Haas, ’68.

T-43 Squadron Has Supported the Academy Since 1979

By Maj. (ANG) Dan McNeil, ’77

“You mean Colorado owns some 737s?” That’s what I hear all the time from civilian friends and neighbors when they ask about my job. As a full-time technician in the 200th Airlift Squadron (200AS) at Buckley Air National Guard Base in Colorado, my duties include instructing and evaluating Colorado Air National Guard (COANG) pilots in the unit’s T-43 jets (the military version of the civilian Boeing 737-200). Fortunately, though our existence might be a well-kept secret, our unit’s performance has never been less than outstanding.

One of the two T-43s, “the City of Colorado Springs, of the 200th Airlift Squadron sits on a taxiway at Buckley Air National Guard Base in Denver. The squadron has accumulated more than 50,000 accident-freeflying hours in more than 18 years' service.

Detachment 1, Headquarters COANG was formed in 1978 with two T-43 aircraft from Mather AFB, Calif. Two additional T-43s arrived in 1985, and were modified to CT-43 status, carrying 64 passengers in a combined first class and coach configuration. Recognizing the important role the unit played in airlift, it was redesignated as the 200AS in June of 1992. The unit’s CT-43s remained with the COANG until 1993, when they were reassigned due to budgetary constraints. Similar budget pressures are forecast to cause the reassignment of the unit’s remaining T-43s in September of this year. A proud era of safety and service is about to come to an end.

The 200AS has provided flying training support to the Air Force Academy Airmanship Training Division since 1979. This support currently encompasses nine separate accredited academic classes built around the unique capabilities of the T-43. As an additional mission, the unit has been asked to provide airlift support to hundreds of thousands of military and civilian passengers, ineluding such notables as Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher of the United Kingdom. These dual missions have resulted in 200AS T/CT-43s landing at virtually every major airport (military and civilian) in the United States, as well as a multitude of missions to airfields in Europe, Asia, Central America, South America, Canada, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific.

All told, the 200AS has racked up over 50,000 hours of accident-free flying over 18 years of service. Of even greater significance, and a source of great pride to 200AS maintenance personnel, the unit continues to fly a two-aircraft mission with only two aircraft (no backups or “spares”). No other active duty, Guard, or Reserve unit can make that claim. The unit’s enviable record certainly ranks among military aviation’s elite.

Over the years, the 200AS has enjoyed a unique partnership with the 50th Training Squadron (50TS) at the Air Force Academy. While the 200AS supplies the misssion-ready T-43 airframes and COANG pilots, the 50TS adds their highly-qualified, active-duty Air Force instructor navigators into the mix. The result is effective airmanship orientation for all cadets, conducted in a safe “real-time” military environment, the T-43 “Flying Classroom.” Cadet surveys continue to document the importance to the cadets’ motivation to advance their studies at the Air Force Academy, and prepare for future Air Force flying positions.

Beginning in July of 1979, and every July since, the incoming basic cadets of the Academy have received their initial military flight orientation in COANG T-43s. These “Doolie Rides” are a much-anticipated part of the 200AS Scheduling Plan, necessitating two aircraft each flying five one-hour sorties per day for two weeks. The strain on aircraft and crews is considerable, but the enthusiasm the new cadets bring to the experience is gratifying. Additionally, thousands of AFROTC and AFJROTC cadets have flown orientation flights with the 200AS and 50TS. Altogether, over 30,000 future Air Force leaders received their initial military aviation orientation on COANG T-43s.

The Air Force bought 19 T-43s from Boeing in the early 1970s, with 18 remaining in service. People often ask how the T-43 differs from the Boeing 737. In a nutshell, while the T-43 has the standard 737-200 instrumentation and systems (with only a few military-specific modifications), the biggest addition is an auxiliary fuel tank holding slightly more than 5,000 pounds of fuel. This extra fuel translates into an extra hour of cruising range, and is what gives the T-43 its intercontinental capability. Interestingly, the T-43 was the first 737 with this auxiliary tank, a feature found on all 737-300s and subsequent models. COANG T-43s differ from their Air Force counterparts through the deletion of two “max proficiency” stations and the addition of 17 passenger seats, allowing more cadets to be trained more efficiently.

Lt. Col. (ANG) Carl Nordgren, ’76, completes forms after a T-43 flight.

That the people of Colorado possess two of these valuable assets is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. COANG pilots conduct orientation and proficiency training at every Colorado airport adequate for the T-43. In addition, COANG T-43s have been used for over 12 years to transport sensitive medical equipment and supplies to all over the state as part of Colorado Health Fair. Landing a heavily-loaded T-43 on a 6,000-foot-long high-altitude runway demands careful planning, exacting pilot technique, and uncompromising safety standards. For 18 years, these requirements have become ingrained in the people of the 200AS.

Although their T-43s are scheduled for reassignment in September, the 200AS is looking forward to new challenges. Two C-21s are slated to arrive next fiscal year, and the unit will transition to a pure airlift mission. Projected to be based at Peterson AFB in Colorado Springs, the people of the 200AS are busy preparing for a new mission. The experience and professionalism they bring to the job undoubtedly spell future successes.

About the Author

Maj. Daniel McNeil is the executive officer of the 200th Airlift Squadron at Buckley Air National Guard Base in Colorado. He serves as a full-time technician (T-43 aircraft instructor pilot) with the Colorado Air National Guard and has more than 6,000 hours total flying time. Graduating from the Academy in 1977, he was a KC-135 pilot and instructor pilot on EC-135s serving on active duty for 12 years before separating and being hired by the Colorado Air National Guard in 1989.

David Scott, ’78, Named Jabara A ward Winner

Lt. Col. David J. Scott, Class of 1978, has been named the winner of the 1997 Jabara Award for Airmanship for sustained superior performance as a leader, squadron commander, operations officer, premier fighter tactician and F-16 instructor pilot from Jan. 1, 1995 through June 30, 1997. He was nominated by Pacific Air Command. Colonel Scott’s unique contributions inelude many feats of airmanship as well as superb leadership and management abilities.

As operations officer, 555th Fighter Squadron (FS), 31st Operations Group, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano AB, Italy (USAFE); operations officer, 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, 79th Test and Evaluations Group, 53rd Wing, Eglin AFB, Fla. (ACC); and commander 80th Fighter Squadron, 8th Operations Group, 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea, Colonel Scott distinguished himself as an outstanding tactician and leader in developing tactics to counter the rapidlyimproving fourth-generation threat aircraft and surface-to-air missiles while enhancing force effectiveness in the air-to-ground role. His personal involvement in these three squadrons reflects the highest levels of tactical innovation, execution and leadership.

As the operations officer of the 555th Fighter Squadron (FS) “Triple Nickel”, at the direction of the 16th Air Force commander, Colonel Scott developed from scratch and implemented F-16 Airborne Forward Air Controller upgrade training for the forces assigned to Aviano. He continued his superb performance as detachment commander of the first-ever back-to-back air-toair and air-to-ground Weapons System Evaluation Program (WSEP) deployments, exercising the full capability of his squadron in both designated operational capabilities.

In April 1995 he led a squadron deployment to Turkey for exercise Distant Thunder, briefing the Sixth Allied Tactical Air Force and Air South commanders on the capabilities of his force and then led the first large-force joint package during the exercise.

Colonel Scott’s demonstrated expertise in leading joint coalition and combined strike packages came to the forefront in Operation DENY FLIGHT where he served as the mission commander for a multi-national, 35-aircraft strike package composed of USAF, USMC, USN, French, Spanish, Dutch and Turkish aircraft attacking the Pale Ammunition Storage Area near the capital city of the Bosnian Serbs. This mission demonstrated the first-ever use of GBU-12s dropped from F-16s using LANTIRN targeting pods, and resulted in his own two direct hits and complete mission success on all targets. Overall, Scott briefed, led,

1996 Jabara Award Winners and Dignitaries

Gathered at the 1996 Jabara Award banquet are from left, Col. (A US, Ret) Charles Kepple, Col. James A. Sills, ’74, 1994 Jabara Award winner (in back); Maj. Harold E. Waters, Jr., ’85, 1995 winner; Mrs. Nina Kepple, widow ofCol. James Jabara, in honor of whom the award is named; Lt. Col. Robert P. Donnelly, Jr., ’77, 1996 award winner; Col. (Ret) Wayne F. Kendall, Jr., ’60, 1978 winner; and Col. (Ret) Terry R. Jorris, ’61, 1969 winner. The permanent Jabara trophy is displayed at center.

and debriefed over 60 DENY FLIGHT combat missions during his tour in the southern region.

After numerous other challenging and successful assignments dealing with aircraft and munitions capabilities and tactics, Scott assumed command of the World Famous 80th Fighter Squadron, the “JUVATs” and as a member of the 8th Fighter Wing, the “Wolf Pack,” his dynamic leadership took the 80th FS through one of the heaviest inspection schedules with “excellent” results.

By his achievements in fighter warfare tactics development, Scott has truly distinguished himself as an outstanding fighter tactician and leader. Whether leading forces into combat, evaluating the latest tactics and equipment for improvements to combat capability, or caring for his people, Scott is a true visionary who continually identifies tactical shortcomings, envisions solutions and produces improvements on our combat Air Force’s warfighting capabilities and quality-of-life issues.

Having set the highest standard for the combat Air Force in three major warfighting commands—USAFE, ACC, and PACAF—through example and vision, Scott’s leadership qualities through adversity make him imminently deserving of the Colonel James Jabara Award. The Jabara Award will be presented to Colonel Scott by Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tad J. Oelstrom, ’65, at the Jabara Award Parade on Saturday morning, Sept. 27, during Homecoming 1997.

The other distinguished nominees for the 1997 Jabara Award were:

Lt. Col. John P, Bloom, Jr., ’77, nominated by U.S. Air Forces in Europe for successfully returning a battle-damaged C-130E aircraft and crew after it was ravaged by machine-gun fire during a humanitarian airlift flight in support of Operation PROVIDE PROMISE in April 1995.

Lt. Col. Francis Szalejko, ’77, nominated by Air Force Material Command for his leadership and management of the source selection, protest resolution, development and production of the Joint Primary Aircraft Training System Program (JPATS) from Jan. 1995 through April 1997.

Lt. Col. Walter H. Herrera, ’79, nominated by Air Force Special Operations Command for his exemplary leadership, aviation excellence, and professional management skills from Jan. 1995 through Dec. 1996 which contributed immeasurably to the combat capability and readiness of Air Force Special Operations Forces around the world.

Lt. Col. Jerry F. Miller, ’79, nominated by Air Combat Command for a heroic act of valor while piloting an HH-60G helicopter during a humanitarian rescue mission in Oct. 1996. Despite darkness, extremely bad weather, and low fuel supply during the rescue attempt of a Japanese trawler 450 miles off Iceland, he led his flight of two aircraft back to Keflavik after 7.2 grueling flight hours, saving both aircraft and crew.

Maj. Jeffrey B. Smith, ’82, nominated by Air Mobility Command for his exceptional leadership, superior technical expertise, and finely-honed aviation skills which were instrumental in the planning, development, flight evaluation and certification of several critical systems on the MC-130H aircraft from Jan. 1994 to Aug. 1995.

Capt. Darren F. Knipp, ’90, nominated by the Department of the Air Force, 11th Wing, for leading a team which analyzed a critical on-orbit spacecraft emergency from Oct. 3 to Dec. 6, 1996 which would have made vital data to national and military users unusable. Knipp and his team quickly discovered a miraculous operational configuration which nearly recaptured the payload’s pre-anomaly performance capabilities.

Capt. Tony D. Bauernfeind, ’91, nominated by Air Education and Training Command for his sustained superior performance and phenomenal instructor pilot skills in the MC-130H aircraft operations which increased the combat readiness and overall effectiveness of both the Special Operations Forces and the Combat Air Force from Jan. 1995 to Dec. 1996.

McDonnell Douglas Provides $900,000 for POW Film

The Association of Graduates received a $900,000 grant from the McDonnell Douglas Foundation to produce a 90-minute documentary film on American aircrew prisoners of war. The documentary film was conceptualized by the Academy’s Class of 1965 and the grant was announced in early May.

Harry C. Stonecipher, president and chief executive officer for McDonnell Douglas, presented the grant to retired Brig. Gen. James P. Ulm, ’61, chairman of the AOG Board of Directors, and Freida Lee Mock, an Academy Award-winning film maker. Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman, ’63, Air Force Chief of Staff, was also in attendance, along with six former Air Force and Army POWs.

Harry Stonecipher, president and CEO ofMcDonnell Douglas, at center, presents a $900,000 grantfrom the McDonnell Douglas Foundation to Jim Ulm, AOG chairman of the board. To the left of the check is Freida Lee Mock, chair of the American Film Foundation, who will be producing the documentary.

“The production of this film is a follow-up to interviews with POWs from World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars and Operation Desert Storm,” Stonecipher said. “We are proud to be a sponsor of this documentary which tells the story of being a POW in their words. I salute the Class of 1965 for conceiving the idea of this film. It will serve the future officers of the Air Force.”

Fogleman noted that the film will benefit more than the future leaders of the Air Force. “While it is important that tomorrow’s airmen know the story of the POWs, it is also critical that the American people know about the sacrifices and courage that the people who serve their country make,” Fogleman said.

Using McDonnell Douglas funds, the Association of Graduates

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

Your Support Helps Develop Leaders With Vision For Tomorrow.

(Jabara Winner: From previuos page.)

Jabara Award winners are selected by the Academy and the Association of Graduates on behalf of the Jabara family. The award honors a “USAF Academy graduate whose contributions are of such significance to set him or her apart from their contemporaries.” Nominees’ actions must be directly associated with an aerospace vehicle or component.

The award is named for Col. James Jabara, America’s first jet ace and second leading ace in the Korean War. The nominees are screened by a Jabara Award Selection Committee composed of graduate members of the Association of Graduates. Their final recommendation is forwarded to the superintendent for his approval.

Serving on this year’s selection committee were Col. Thomas G. Rackley, ’71, chairman; Col. (USAF, Ret) James A. Shaw, Jr., ’67; Col. Bradley J. DeAustin, ’69; Col. Michael L. DeLorenzo, ’74; and Lt. Col. Timothy J. Taylor, ’78.

Air Force Chief ofStaff Ronald R. Fogleman, 63, and Harry Stonecipher, president and CEO of McDonnell Douglas, fourth and fifth from left, respectively, gather with several former POWs.

will sponsor the 90-minute film. It selected Freida Lee Mock’s American Film Foundation to produce the feature documentary in time for public television airing in 1998, the 25th anniversary of the return of American POWs from Vietnam.

The film will be produced by independent film makers Mock and Terry Sanders. Mock is a director, producer and writer who won the 1995 Academy Award for the best feature documentary film Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision. Lin is the architect of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. “We believe this film will add to the reconciliation and the healing that the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Maya Lin have done,” Mock said.

Funds contributed by members of the Academy’s Class of 1965 at their 25th reunion in 1990 served as the spark to ignite the film project. Wishing to use the funds to create something of lasting value to USAFA graduates, past and future, the class, through the AOG, commissioned a collection of oral histories of graduates who served as aircrew members in Vietnam and in the Gulf War and who became prisoners of war.

Thirty-nine oral histories were completed in 1993 and bound copies were placed in the Academy Library and in Doolittle Hall for use by military historians, researchers and members of the Academy family. The oral histories captured moving stories of sacrifice, suffering, dedication to country, faith and humanity that have touched the hearts of all who have seen them.

In November 1995, the Class of 1965 held its 30th reunion and for the first time members of the class were able to see and read the oral histories. As one might expect, the impact was dramatic. These real stories of friends and comrades moved many to tears.

This experience spurred members of the Class of 1965 Gift Committee to renew their efforts to find a way to give others access to the oral histories in some form. The idea of making a documentary film based on the oral histories was raised. The Association of Graduates agreed to assume responsibility for the project. Through the generosity of the McDonnell Douglas Foundation, this dream will become a reality.

MCI Cancels AOG Program

The AOG was notified in June 1997 by MCI that the AOG-MCI affinity program will be canceled. This cancellation will be effective Sept. 11, 1997. This impacts AOG members who are receiving the five percent discount on their MCI long-distance telephone calls and those who are donating their five percent savings to the AOG through MCI.

The AOG has asked MCI to notify AOG members who are affinity program subscribers of this cancellation. The AOG deeply regrets any inconvenience this unilateral action by MCI has caused our members.

National Security Studies Institute Provides Top-Notch Research

By Jeffrey A. Larsen, ’76

Doolittle Hall, September 1993. The end of the first panel of the first conference hosted by the new Institute for National Security Studies. An Academy faculty member has just completed his presentation on the future of nuclear weapons and dual-capable aircraft in Europe to a distinguished group of scholars from each of the military academies, war colleges, and national laboratories. At the conclusion of his briefing, an 0-6 division chief from the Air Staff grabs a copy of the paper. “This is incredibly timely,” says the colonel, “my people need this right away.” He faxes all 45 pages back to the Pentagon, where his staff is in the middie of intra-agency negotiations on that very topic. The paper’s points become U.S. national security policy.

Over the South Atlantic, aboard Air Force Two, summer 1996. A former USAFA faculty member, now on the vice president’s personal staff, is explaining to the VP South Africa’s policy on border issues with its neighbors. The officer was selected for this advisory position because of his regional expertise, garnered in large part through a travel grant to Africa the previous year from the Institute for National Security Studies.

The Pentagon, spring 1997. A lieutenant colonel from the Joint Staff briefs the Secretary of the Air Force on the issue of Air ForceCongressional relations, and makes recommendations which may improve the service’s budgetary and political situation with Capitol Hill. His knowledge of the subject was developed through a research paper written the previous year while a USAF National Defense Fellow in the Institute for National Security Studies.

We keep hearing these vignettes. The small pebble that was thrown in the pond of the military academic community in 1992, when the Air Staff asked USAFA to create a new research center, has created a series of everexpanding ripples that are having an influence on U.S. policy-making around the world.

Background

The U.S. Air Force Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) is the embodiment of a vision brought to Colorado in the spring of 1992 by Colonel Pete Engstrom, then the chief of Arms Control and National Security Division (XOXI) of the Air Staff. Pete envisioned a small center which would act as a locus for all arms control research conducted for the Air Force, as well as a means of educating USAF personnel on this topic. He convinced the Dean of the Faculty, Brig. Gen. Ruben Cubero, to pursue the idea, with the promise of ample and continuing backing from XOXI. General Cubero asked the Department of Political Science to conduct a one-year feasibility study into the concept, and the tasking went to this author. I presented the findings of my study to the Faculty Council in May 1993, and they gave the green light for full-scale operations, with me as the first director.

The initial concept of the institute was to create a mechanism for linking together ideas, needs, and money from the Pentagon with the large pool of researchers available within the military academic community—those officers and civilian faculty members with advanced degrees, serving on the faculties of the military academies, war colleges, and other degree-granting institutions. While the original plan was to limit participation to faculty and students at USAFA and Air University, demand for access to the topics was high, and the opportunity for research by volunteers from the other branches was great. By the second year we had expanded to include research products from over 20 schools.

Our sponsor base also expanded. In addition to XOXI (now XONP, following the January 1997 reorganization), which remains our primary sponsor in terms of funding, manpower billets, and research topics, we have added several new sponsor organizations: Air Force Intelligence, the OSD Office of Net Assessment, the Defense Special Weapons Agency, the On-Site Inspection Agency, the Army Environmental Policy Institute,

Past and present Institutefor National Security Studies officers met at a Washington conference this past May. From left are Col. (select) Mark Stearns, ’79, 1995-1996 National Defense Fellow; Maj. Robert Dunaway (USMA ’84), deputy director 1995-1996; Maj. Greg Rattray, ’84, deputy director 1993-1995; Lt. Col. JeffLarsen, ’76, director 1992-1996; Lt. Col. Pete Hays, ’79, director 1996-present; Maj. Vince Jodoin, deputy director 1996-present; and Col. (select) Dave Estep, ’78, National Defense Fellow 1996-1997. and Army Space Command. Negotiations with other potential sponsors continue, as each organization’s budgetary situation changes annually, and sponsorship loyalty fluctuates accordingly.

Research Areas

Our focus is on research in the areas of arms control, proliferation, regional studies, Air Force policy, information warfare, environmental security, and space policy. Our sponsors have all been very pleased with the results of their modest funding levels. In fact, envy by the other services who don’t have an equivalent center can be seen by the number of proposals we receive with postmarks from West Point, Annapolis, the Naval Postgraduate School, and the Army and Navy War Colleges. INSS has lived up to its charter of providing cost-effective research into the vital issues of national security identified by our sponsors.

Our publication program has grown with the institute, and now ineludes some 14 monographs in its Occasional Paper series, over 25 reports, three books, a quarterly newsletter, and an annual report. In its first five years, INSS has provided travel funding and support for some 455 researchers conducting 320 projects. Researchers have had their work published in dozens of journals and monographs. In addition, the editors of Airpower Journal were immediately impressed with the concept of INSS, and have for the past three years published special editions dedicated to the best products of INSS research. I have personally spotted our monographs and reports on the desks of policy makers in Brussels, Bonn, Paris, Washington, Norfolk, Newport, Monterey, Carlisle, and Montgomery. Three of our occasional papers are now mandatory reading at all four War Colleges. We may be small in size, but as these figures show, we are having a disproportionate impact on the policy world.

Rationale Behind the Institute

What is the rationale behind creating another research institute? The military services have invested considerable time, money, and effort in the small percentage of their officer corps who have advanced education (master’s and doctoral degrees) in fields related to the study of defense policy. Despite this effort, these officers have been underutilized by the staffs concerned with policy-making in Washington and at the various command headquarters. Instead, these staff agencies are more likely to contract out required studies to large civilian organizations (defense contractors and think-tanks) at substantial cost. The concept behind INSS was to tap the abilities of these existing military academic experts for considerably less money, and potentially (as it turned out, practically) equally good products. In this way, the Air Force could supplement its existing contracts with civilian firms with “in-house” thinking by the people it had sponsored for advanced degrees. It seemed a cost-effective and efficient return on the government’s initial investment, as well as a way of getting some new perspectives on the issues of the day by people familiar with the operational as well as the academic factors involved. Finally, it would tap researchers who could hopefully provide a fresh perspective on issues, unclouded by the bureaucratic politics and reliance on classified information often found inside the Beltway,

The question then arose as to where to locate such an institute. There was never any doubt that it should be outside of Washington. The Air

Staff agreed to locate INSS in Colorado Springs not only because it was 1,800 miles from Washington, but because of the availability of interdisciplinary faculty and facilities there. The Air University campus was considered but rejected on interdisciplinary grounds, and because it was perceived by some in the Pentagon as being too “service parochial” in its outlook. The aim was to make a new beginning in order to achieve the new thinking that the Air Staff wanted. The Dean agreed to place INSS on his staff, located within the Directorate of Education for administrative purposes, although the institute does not belong to the Academy.

Benefits to USAFA

So what tangible benefits does INSS provide to the Academy in return for office space and administrative support? Let’s look at several categories.

Research funding. INSS has garnered one and one-half million dollars in total funding during its first five years. Approximately 70 percent of that total has been disbursed as travel grants to researchers, one-third of whom have been Academy faculty and cadets. This funding has been particularly appreciated by the social science and humanities divisions, which were knocked out of competition for grants from the now-defunct Seiler Lab several years ago, and have traditionally been underfunded relative to their engineering and science department cousins.

Publications. I have already mentioned the breadth of the publishing effort by the INSS staff. This provides an excellent opportunity for young faculty members to have their research efforts pay off in the form of publication in a refereed journal or monograph. We have tried to ensure that “our” people—researchers from USAFA—are published first, all other things being equal.

Manpower billets. The Air Staff has given four billets to the institute. These positions, through an agreement with the Dean, are manned by offleers who serve as adjunct faculty members and teach, fly, and interact with the cadet wing on a part-time basis. In effect, the faculty gained the equivalent of one additional person at no cost through this arrangement. In addition, we provide a home for casual status lieutenants each fall, and projects for cadets on summer research. A total of 20 persons have been assigned to the institute for varying lengths of time during its first five years.

Conferences. INSS hosts at least four conferences each year, and cosponsors numerous others. Each of these provides an opportunity for our researchers to present their findings in an intellectually rigorous setting. One of the conferences highlights the research results of the previous fiscal year, and is held at the Academy each fall. This provides an opportunity for the Academy to interact with attendees at the conference, as well as to use them as free guest speakers in classes.

Course development. The staff of INSS has successfully developed two new courses to date: an interdisciplinary approach to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; and the study of arms control. Each of these was marked by its synergistic use of speakers from a wide variety of disciplines.

End ofyear funds. Remaining moneys left at the end of the fiscal year have been presented to the Academy for general use each of the past four years as a token of good faith by the Air Staff. These end-of-year fallout funds have amounted to nearly $150,000, and have been used to purchase updated computers and software for several departments, redecorate the Scott Conference Room in the Academy Visitors Center, and pay a substantial portion of DF’s annual printing costs.

The author and Maj. Bo Dunaway with keynote speaker Lt. Gen. (USAF, Ret) Bradley Hosmer, ’59, at a conference at the Air Force Academy in Nov. 1995.

Conclusion

All in all, the Institute for National Security Studies has proven to be a successful means of providing cost-effective research on projects of concern to the Air Staff and our other sponsor organizations. In addition, it has been an excellent tenant in Fairchild Hall, returning much more to the

Academy than it takes. It has met its mission objective—to promote national security research for the Department of Defense within the military academic community and to support the Air Force national security education program. The concept has proven to be a “win-win” idea for all concerned.

If you would like more information about INSS, or would like to be added to its mailing list, please contact the director, Lt. Col. Pete Hays, or his deputy, Maj. Vince Jodoin, at 719-333-2717 (DSN 333-2717), or fax them at 719-333-2716. In addition, we welcome your visit and comments on our internet web site, accessible through the Academy’s home page at http://www.usafa.af.mil/inss.

About the Author

Jeff Larsen, ’76

Lt. Col. Jeffrey A. Larsen, a 1976 USAFA graduate, is Senior Research Fellow in the Institute for National Security Studies and a tenured Associate Professor of National Security Studies at the Academy. A command pilot, he was a KC-135 aircraft commander in Strategic Air Command, has been a T-41 and T-3 instructor pilot, and has served two tours on the Academy faculty, including first director of INSS. In 1995 Jeff won a prestigious twoyear NATO Research Fellowship, one of only three awarded to Americans. He holds a master’s degree in national security affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School and a master’s and PhD in politics from Princeton University. His most recent publication is Arms Control Toward the 21st Century. Jeff is spending his last year in the Air Force as the first INSS “director emeritus.”

Michael E. Ryan, ’65, Nominated to be Air Force Chief

Secretary of the Air Force Sheila E. Widnall nominated Gen. Michael E. Ryan, ’65, on July 31 to be the next Air Force chief of staff. She passed her recommendation on to the secretary of defense and, in turn, to the president, who both agreed with the nomination. The following is the text of Widnall’s nomination statement:

“It was with great pleasure this morning that I nominated Gen. Michael E. Ryan for the position of Air Force chief of staff, and the president has accepted his nomination.

“General Ryan will bring a wealth of Air Force leadership experience to this position. He will also be invaluable as an advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the secretary of defense and the president. He possesses all the traits needed to provide superb leadership to the people of the Air Force—uniformed, civilian as well as family members.

“A combat warrior and fighter pilot, General Ryan is a

Gen. Fogleman Requests Retirement

WASHINGTON (Air Force News Service)—Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman, ’63, sent his request to retire from active duty by Sept. 1 to Air Force Secretary Sheila Widnall July 28. The secretary stated that it was with regret that she was forwarding Fogleman’s retirement request to the secretary of defense.

“General Fogleman has served with enormous distinction as the chief of staff of the Air Force since October 1994,” Widnall said. “His service as chief of staff capped 34 years of extraordinary service to this nation as a military officer, leader and combat warrior. His life has been dedicated to the core values of integrity, service before self and excellence in all we do.

“As chief of staff, he accomplished what he set out to do,” the secretary said. “Recognizing the need for a stabilized post Cold War force, he began to take care of the troops and their families and to set a course for modernization. He inspired a visionary strategy of global engagement for the United States Air Force.

“While global engagement provided overall direction, General Fogleman made this vision a reality through his strong commitment to a long-range plan. This commitment helped launch the Air Force on an evolutionary path to becoming a space and Air Force.

“I know that I speak for the men and women of the entire United States Air Force as I thank both General Fogleman and Miss Jane for their many years of faithful and dedicated service,” said Widnall. “General Fogleman leaves as his legacy the greatest air and space force in the world. He will be greatly missed.”

National Space Foundation

Astronaut Ron Sega, ’74, at center, and John Blaha, ’65, talk with Dr. Moira Gunn, producer and host of National Public Radio’s Technical Nation—America and Technology. The astronauts participated in the 1997 National Space Foundation held at the Broadmoor International Center in Colorado Springs earlier this year.

graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and has commanded at every level of the Air Force. He has also had in-depth experience in both the European and Pacific theaters and was assistant to the chairman (JCS) from May 1993 to September 1994, during which time he was liaison with the State Department, traveling extensively throughout the world with the secretary of state and president.

“As commander of Allied Air Forces in Southern Europe, he directed air operations over Bosnia. General Ryan is currently the commander of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe.

“The Air Force and the nation are fortunate to have such a remarkable officer ready to take the position of chief of staff and lead the Air Force into the future. As my nominee for the highest uniformed position in the Department of the Air Force, he has my absolute trust and confidence. I look forward to welcoming General Ryan and his wife, Jane.” (Air Force News Service)

(Editor’s note: Ryan would become thefirst son tofollow in his father’s footsteps as senior military leader of any U.S. military service. Gen. John D. Ryan served as Air Force chief of staff from 1969 to 1973.)

Chief of StaffFogleman Sends Farewell Message

The following is a letter from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman, ’63, to Air Force personnel received from the Air Force News Service in early August:

“As my tenure as your chief of staff ends, I want to tell you what an honor and a privilege it has been to represent everyone in the United States Air Force.

“The timing of my announcement was driven by the desire to defuse the perceived confrontation between myself and the secretary of defense over his impending decision on the Khobar Tower terrorist attack. The decision to retire was made after considerable deliberation over the past several weeks.

“On one level, I’ve always said that my serving as the chiefof staff was a ‘tour’ not a ‘sentence’ and that I would leave when I made all the contributions that I could. After I accepted thisposition in 1994, I met with other senior leaders of the Air Force to discuss our goals for my tenure. We wanted to take care of the troops and theirfamilies, to stabilize theforce, to set a course for modernization and to develop a new strategic vision. During some difficult and challenging times we have worked hard to accomplish that and more. Certainly there is more to be done but the framework of the plan and the leadership is in place to move forward with the support and efforts of the magnificent men and women of our Air Force.

“On another level, military service is the only life I have ever known. My stock in trade after 34 years ofservice is my military judgement and advice. After serving as chief ofstafffor almost three years, my values and sense ofloyalty to our soldiers, sailors, Marines, and especially our airmen, led me to the conclusion that I may be out of step with the times and the thinking of some of the establishment. This puts me in an awkwardposition. IfI were to continue to serve as chief ofstaff of the Air Force and speak out, I could be seen as a divisiveforce and not a team player. I do not want the Air Force to sufferfrom myjudgement and convictions. In my view this would happen if I continue as your chief. For these reasons I have decided to retire and devote more time to my personal interests and my family—but the Air Force will always be in my thoughts.

“Miss Jane and I have met a lot ofwonderfulAmerican service men and women—active duty, Guard, Reserve, civilians and family members and they will continue to be a part of our lives. We have been proud to represent the men and women of the United States A ir Force around the globe and to serve in thefinest Air Force in the world. God bless and keep you all as you continue to serve this great nation.

The Secret Life of Waldo F. Dumbsquat

By Don Hall, ’76

Waldo dreaded going down to breakfast this morning. It wasn’t the run to the Flat Iron with his rifle that bothered him. The endless quotes and checkpoints at the table didn’t bother him. No...it was much worse.

Today was a doolie’s nightmare...Mitchell Hall would be the scene of unspeakable horror. Waldo was in no way prepared for what he would face. He was not trained.

Waldo and his roommates, Regs Buch and Warren Heels, put their M-l rifles in the rack near their sink. They pulled their class uniforms from the laundry bin and shed their fatigues. A quick change was necessary.

“No time for shoeshines!” exclaimed Regs.

“We’re already late for the breakfast formation!” responded Warren.

“Aren’t you worried?” asked Waldo.

“Why? We’re always late for formation...we’re doolies,” noted Warren.

“No, I’m talking about breakfast today.”

Both Warren and Regs paled. Waldo knew they were sacred just as he was.

“You’re scared just as I am,” observed Waldo with a nod of his head.

“I’m trying not to think about it,” Regs confided in his classmates.

“It’s too hideous to contemplate,” said Warren. His hands shook as he gave Regs a tuck.

“No time to check each other off! Let’s roll!” shouted Waldo as he threw open the door to the alcove.

Squaring all corners, the freshmen double-timed to the squadron form-up area. As the cadet squadron marched to the dining hall, Waldo gazed one last time at the Chapel. He would

soon need all the help he could get.

The ambulance stationed outside the main entrance to Mitchell Hall did not inspire confidence. The doolies knew it was time to confront the evil...

The cereal-eating contest.

Waldo groaned as he stood at his squadron table and watched the ice bucket in front of him being filled with cereal. The doolie shivered with terror as he recognized the contents of his monstrous bowl—Captain Munch Cereal!

The sound of crunching filled the dining hall as the contest began.

Ten minutes into the competition the table commandant became very agitated.

“Eat faster, men! We’re three boxes behind table 37!”

“We’ve run out of milk!” shouted a thirdclassman.

“Dumbsquat, get more milk!” commanded the firstie.

“Yes, sir! Mister Smith may we have more milk?”

The waiter just looked tiredly at the empty carton Waldo held in the air.

“Sorry, you dumb smack. No more milk in Mitchell Hall.”

“Sir, that’s Dumbsquat.” Waldo turned back to the table commandant.

“Sir, may I make a statement?”

“Go ahead.”

“Sir, Mister Smith has informed me there is no more milk in Mitchell Hall.”

“That’s ridculous! Tell him to milk a cow if he has to!”

“Yes, sir!” Waldo frantically waved at the waiter. “Mr. Smith!”

The waiter strolled back to the doolie’s table. He carried a carton of milk.

“I got milk, Dumbsquat,” announced Mr. Smith as he poured the contents into Waldo’s bowl.

Waldo looked down and groaned.

It was one percent...

1997 Service Academies Business Resource Directory (SABRD)

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. It offers a business leadership network to serve the needs of the Alumni Associations and the Associations of Graduates. For those making career changes, you can use the directory to find graduates from the academies willing to provide support. The SABRD can also be used like the "Yellow Pages": when you need a job done, check for a graduate in your area in that business and give them the opportunity to provide the services you need. Whether you need a doctor, lawyer, realtor, plumber, etc., you will be able to find an academy graduate worldwide to help you.

SABRD Order Form

U Please send me copies ($35.00 each) of the 1997 SABRD

Appointees Begin Journey

June 26th dawned early for some 1,100 appointees to the Class of 2001 as they arrived that morning by car, bus and taxi to Doolittle Hall, the starting point for their four-year journey at the Academy. Hundreds of parents and friends said goodbye to sons, daughters and friends as the new Doolies left the main floor of Doolittle Hall and ascended the south stairwell to the upstairs atrium area where inprocessing began.

to 2001 at Doolittle Hall

New appointes board the bus in front of Doolittle Hall to be taken to the base ofthe Bring Me Men ramp where upperclassmen were anxiously awaiting their arrival. (AOG photo)

After receiving their registration packets, being briefed by numerous Academy agencies, having the opportunity to make a free phone call and being offered a soft drink, the appointees descended the north stairwell to be greeted by upperclassmen who were waiting to march them to buses which transported them to the Bring Me Men ramp.

Parents and friends lingered at Doolittle Hall to partake of lunch offered by the Association of Graduates and by 2 p.m. the once-crowded main assembly area of the building was empty save for a few employees cleaning up and removing signs “showing the way” for the new appointees.

Since then, most of the Doolies have survived Basic Cadet Training (“Beast”), Doolie Field Day, and second BCT which ineluded the confidence course, the leadership reaction course and the obstacle course.

A OG, Rampart Chapter Help to House Incoming Doolies

On June 25, some 450 unaccompanied appointees to the Class of 2001 arrived at the Colorado Springs airport to begin their inprocessing journey into the Air Force Academy the next day. Unfortunately, because the majority of Colorado Springs hotels were filled to capacity, volunteers were needed to house the incoming “almost Doolies” overnight.

The Association of Graduates, along with the Rampart Chapter of the AOG, reached out to graduates in the area asking for assistance in housing. This led to a total of 141 volunteer/host families which were able to provide overnight lodging for 247 appointees. The volunteer/host families not only provided lodging, but also meals and transportation to inprocessing which began in Doolittle Hall on the morning of June 26.

’73 Class Ring Found

A Class of 1973 ring with a black stone and diamond, 14K, was turned into the AOG in early August. The inscription in the ring reads: “Forever yours, Kristi.” The ring was found in an aircraft at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska in 1991. For more information call Jim Shaw or Jack Mueller at the Association of Graduates.

The Next Step to Acceptance

Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Stephen Lorenz, ’73, leads upperclass cadre staff and members of the Class of 2001 on the march to Jack’s Valley in mid Julyfor the start ofthe second half of Basic Cadet Training. (Photo by Larry Hulst courtesy The Academy Spirit [new name for the Academy newspaper].)

An appointee takes advantage ofthefree telephone call offered by the Association of Graduates after completing her registration in Doolittle Hall. (AOG photo)

In the photo, from left are appointee Stephen Wilson of Columbia, S.C.; Jennifer Bowman (Dave, ’72), AOG receptionist who helped coordinate the volunteer housing program; appointee Stephen Wald of Seneca, S.C.; and Roger “Mac” McFarland, ’71, who was the graduate volunteer to house Wilson and Wald.

’78 Graduate Named Top Individual Mobilization Augmentee

Maj. Timothy H. Miner, ’78, has been named the Reserve Officer Association’s Outstanding Officer Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) for 1996. Miner, the IMA to the chief of Weather Aviation Plans and Programs, Headquarters Air Weather Service at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., provided the critical bridge between civil aviation technology and Air Force weather support capabilities by using his extensive knowledge of meteorology and his military and civilian pilot experience.

Maj. Tim Miner, ’78

Miner’s insightful briefings to senior staff have influenced numerous Air Force policy decisions and directives. He was handpicked to be a member of an elite team selected to re-engineer the way the Air Force provides weather support to operations. A revolutionary solution which breaks a model which has existed for the last 50 years, the team’s visionary concepts will restructure the entire 4,200-person Air Force weather organization and operation.

In addition, Miner publishes a monthly newsletter, Thor’s ANVIL, which keeps 91 weather IMAs informed on the latest

Two Graduates Fill Posts in Women Aviation/Military Groups

Two Academy graduates have been named to positions in organizations working to recognize and help women in aviation/aerospace and military service-related areas.

The National Council for Women in Aviation/Aerospace (NCWA) elected Kathleen M. Brown, ’86, to its board of directors, while The Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation (WIMSA) announced that 1st Lt. Debra A. Nawrocki, ’94, has joined that organization as a field representative.

The National Council for Women in Aviation/Aerospace was established to expand opportunities for women in all facets of aviation and aerospace through information, education, charitable and scientific means.

The council also offers a mentoring program for students and members and a networking program for those currently involved in the aviation and aerospace industries. Brown is a member of the Washington Air National Guard, serving as the 141st Operations Group senior evaluator navigator. She holds a private pilot’s license with an instrument rating and is a co-owner of a Cessna 182 with her husband, Tim. For more information on NCWA call 1-800-727-NCWA (6292).

Lieutenant Nawrocki, in joining the Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation, has become one of more than 1,700 field representatives worldwide in the search for servicewomen, to ensure their service will be recognized and honored in The Women in Military Service Memorial.

A major fund-raising effort for the memorial is the sale of the Women In Military Service commemorative silver dollar, the only coin ever issued by the U.S. to honor military women. To order a coin, contact The Women’s Memorial at 1-800-222-2294.

developments in Air Force weather plans, policies, procedures and operations.

Among other activities and achievements, Miner created a Headquarters USAF Directorate of Weather-sponsored program for U.S. Air Force Junior ROTC and Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadets which provides hands-on weather training to increase flying safety and airmanship skills. He also volunteered more than 40 hours over six weekends to teach the first course to CAP cadets. (Photo courtesy ofHeadquarters, Air Weather Service.)

Women’s Memorial Organization Seeks Servicewomen Veterans

By Senior Airman Carlos J. Trevino Air Force News Service

Kelly Air Force Base, Texas: Calling all servicewomen past and present: The WIMSA wants you; WIMSA is “The Women in Military Service for America Memorial” at Arlington National Cemetery. Construction of the nation’s first major memorial honoring all military women is 80 percent complete. “We need all servicewomen, past and present, to register, now,” urged Jennifer Finstein, public relations coordinator for the WIMSA Memorial Foundation in Washington.

It’s a common misconception that eligibility for inclusion on the rolls of the memorial is solely for women who have finished their military careers, according to Finstein. “In addition, this memorial is seeking to include all past and present active duty, Reserve and National Guard female veterans. Someone who is currently in the military can register now and update her record as she progresses in her career,” she said.

The nonprofit organization is currently in the final stages of raising the funds needed for construction and furnishing and equipping an education center. More than 175,000 have registered to date. The memorial foundation continues its efforts to register the 1.8 million women who have served or are currently serving in all branches of the U.S. armed forces.

Led by retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Wilma L. Vaught, the foundation broke ground June 22, 1995 and the dedication is planned for Oct. 18 of this year. The foundation still needs approximately $6 million for the education center to open the memorial debtfree. For more information on the dedication ceremonies or on registering, submitting artifacts, or donating to the memorial, call 1-800-4-SALUTE (72-5883).

New Three-Star Superintendent

Air Force Chief ofStaff Ronald R. Fogleman, ’63, at left, and Lt. Gen. Tad J. Oelstrom, ’65, and his wife, Sandy, listen to the promotion orders for Oelstrom’s third star on the morning of Aug. 1 at Doolittle Hall. General Oelstrom became the 14th Air Force Academy superintendent at a change-of-command ceremony later that morning.

CHAPTER NEWS

Alamo Area Chapter

Greetings from Central Texas! Last year at this time the drought was so bad we were wondering if we would have enough water in Canyon Lake for water skiing for our summer picnic. Not so this year. As this summary goes to press, we are days away from our annual outing at the lake and Texas is as green as it ever gets from one of our wettest springtime’s ever. Forrest James, ’88, our current VP, is putting the event together for us this year and we’re expecting one of our biggest crowds in years.

Just around the corner (actually the end of the summer), the chapter has put together a great package for the USAFA vs. Rice game qn September 6th in Houston. By the time you get this issue of Checkpoints, we should be just a week or so away from the game but please give Les Hobgood, ’60, a call at (210) 599-3583 if you are interested in attending. We have purchased a block of 100 tickets at a very low price and have a hotel and bus transportation lined up for those who want to go that way. Les will be able to let you know if we still have any openings or tickets remaining. They are going fast now but you may be able to get on board at the last minute. Hope to see you there.

While you are talking to Les about the Rice game, ask him for information on our Annual Tri-Service Golf Tournament that will take place on October 25th. We won last year and would really like to have you on board for this year’s effort. Les will be happy to sign you up.

Looking back on the first half of the year we chalked up another successful Founder’s Day Dinner at the Sonterra Country Club in April. Although we would always like to see more of our local grads support this event, we had a nice crowd that experienced

a wonderful evening set up by Pete Hugdahl, ’67. Jim Wheeler, ’64, did a super job of acting as master of ceremonies for the evening when Pete got called out of town unexpectedly. You may find a couple of familiar faces in the photos accompanying this article taken at the dinner in April.

We have some exciting innovations in place for the Alamo Chapter this year that have gotten off to a roaring start. The chapter is informally sponsoring a business and networking group that meets on a monthly basis for lunch and conversation with other grads here in the Alamo City. We are seeing new faces each month and just finished our first tri-service effort with grads from USMA and USNA joining us at the new Lackland O’Club. Alex Archibald, ’67, set up this latest effort and is helping yours truly keep this effort rolling on a regular basis.

While the chapter is fully involved with this group, we sincerely hope that all grads in the area, members or not, will feel free to join us as their schedule permits. You can find information about these networking events and other chapter activities at our new web page at its interim location at: http://www. concentric.net/~Hicke/ or e-mail your request for information to hicke@concentric. net.

Our web page will soon be adding a local resume section for grads looking for work in the area so try to visit often to keep up with the latest news. On the other hand, if you don’t have a computer handy, just give us a call at (210) 981-8585 and I’ll fill you in on our latest efforts. (Harry Icke, ’66, Alamo Chapter president)

Capital Chapter

Greetings from the Capital Chapter. Since our last update to Checkpoints we at

the Capital Chapter have been busy. We had a fun “Spring 97” golf tournament in May and a superb luncheon in June. General Moorman, the Air Force vice chief of staff, was our guest luncheon speaker. His speech on current Air Force issues and how the Air Force has evolved during his career was outstanding!

Midsummer was also a busy time as we elected new Capital Chapter officers. Following is a list of the 1997-1998 team: president, Brig. Gen. Tome Walters, ’70; vice-president, Col. (Ret) Tom Owens, ’65; secretary, Capt. Julie Joyce, ’87; treasurer, Capt. Miten Merchant, ’88; luncheons/projects, Capt. Allan Wright, ’88; and publicity/membership, Capt. Jay Ducharme, ’86.

I would also like to congratulate and thank our departing officers; Col. Steve Daniels, ’74; Maj. Sherri Galante, ’85; and Capt. Jerry Perkins, ’86. These three folks were the backbone of the Capital Chapter and did an incredible job over the past three years. Each performed many more tasks than their job description. We will miss Steve, Sherri and Jerry as they “move on” to great things and super assignments.

This fall looks like a fun and busy time for the Capital Chapter as we gear up for the Air Force-Navy game in Annapolis. Festivities will include a luncheon and a pep rally the day prior to the game (Oct. 10), the tailgate and the game on the 11th! To partake in any or all of these events (especially the purchase of tickets) please contact our luncheons/projects chairman Allan Wright at 703-697-3929 or e-mail cwrighta@aol.com.

Quickly following the football extravaganza will be our fall “best ball” golf tourney at noon on Oct. 28 at Andrews AFB golf course. This is always a great time to socialize and rehash old war stories. The tourney has been growing with more par-

The ex-dean and hostess at the Alamo Area Founder’s Day Dinner in April are, from left, General and Mrs. McDermott, Louise Brown, former Cadet Wing hostess; and Dr. Ken Kaylor, ’80.

Taken at the Alamo Area Chapter’s Founder’s Day Dinner on April 12, from left, Les Hobgood, ’60; Marcus Anderson, ’61; and Graham Shirley, ’66, ask “Who Done It?”

ticipants each outing so please mark your calendars and come on out to try and beat the Class of ’68—led by our new AF vice chief of staff, and former chapter president, Gen. Ed Eberhart. The ’68ers claim they are like “da Bulls” and have won the team competition too numerous times to count!

We have a strong Capital Chapter with over 300 members, but I’m sure during the summer months there are many more grads who have arrived in the area who would like to be a part of our dynamic organization. Please call, or e-mail, our membership chairman, Jay Ducharme for more info. Jay can be reached at 703-697-8787 or at ducharmj@af.pentagon.mil. You can also “check us out” at our web site: www.erols.com/zoomie. (Special thanks to Jeff Kubic, ’93, and Tom Rozylowicz, ’94, for their help establishing it.) The Capital Chapter of the AOG has many things “in the works” for the upcoming year. Events being discussed include having an outing that includes our spouses, more interaction with the parents club and new candidates, a Habitat for Humanity project and bringing in junior speakers with different perspectives at our bimonthly luncheons. Please call or stop by if you are in the area. (Tome Walters, ’70)

North Texas Chapter

Alumni from the North Texas area enjoyed some good competition with Army and Navy on the softball field on June 8th at Dallas Naval Air Station. Our thanks to Mike Gibbons, ’83, and Tom Stites, ’72, Lance Ammon, ’70, and John Kuenzel, ’60, for helping to organize and coach this event for Air Force. All three alumni groups had

a great time, and I’m sure there were a few slow recuperations!

Our Spring Air Force, Army, and Navy Golf Scramble was rained out in April. Thank you Dave Brigman and Lance Ammon for your efforts in notifying everyone of the rain-out and rescheduling it for the end of June. The golf scramble was at the beautiful Tangle Ridge Golf Club near Joe Pool Lake. After Tiger Woods showed North Texans a few golf tricks at the PGA Byron Nelson and Colonial, the scores of some of our grads show they took good notes!

Our chapter has several activities planned for this fall. H. Ownby, ’66, is in the process of coordinating a bus trip to the USAFA vs. Rice football game on Sept. 6th. If we are able to join the Alamo Chapter there, our Falcon support will make the Rice football team think they are at an “away” game. Later in the month on Sept. 20th, we’ll convene at the home of Jerry, ’63, and Ellen Ahmann for our annual Fall BBQ. The food and hospitality each year are outstanding; don’t miss it! We’re hoping to be able to find the USAFA vs. CSU game via Direct TV; what a way to celebrate the 50th birthday of our Air Force!

Remember to sign up for the 5th annual SERVICE ACADEMY GOLF CLASSIC scheduled for Oct. 9-12. The tournament is organized by Air Force, Army, Navy, and Merchant Marine Academy alumni from the North Texas area. The cadets/midshipmen and coaches from each school will be here to compete for the Bill Reemtsma, ’63, Memorial Trophy; Air Force will attempt a three-peat! The tournament is now a non-profit, tax-deductible, 501(c)(3) enti

ty and all proceeds go to each of the academy athletic funds. Please help support this effort by playing (entry fee: $275) or helping as a sponsor. If you have any questions, call Jerry Ahmann at (817) 416-0346. Please make checks out to (and send correspondence to) “Service Academy Golf Classic”, P.O. Box 1056, Grapevine, Texas 76099-1056.

We were all happy to see that Beau Morgan, ’97, signed with the Dallas Cowboys football team. We look forward to his finishing his military obligation and joining Chad Hennings, ’88, here in North Texas.

We are in the process of trying to establish a website for our North Texas Chapter with a link to the USAFA AOG website. We are asking someone to donate their expertise to help us design the website and provide the server. If anyone would like to assist us, please call Bill Brandt, ’77, at (817) 481-4766 or e-mail billbrandt @compuserve.com.

Hope you have a great summer and we look forward to seeing you at our fall events. To join the chapter, call (972) 618-1087. (Jeff Wilson, ’80)

Northern California Chapter

The Northern California Chapter meets at various locations in the San Francisco Bay area. Our next event is a tailgate party before the USAFA vs. San Jose State football game October 25th. If you would like to attend or 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)

Falcon Foundation Recognizes Falcon and Skelly Scholars

The Falcon Foundation held their spring meeting at the Air Force Academy in conjunction with the Eaker Lecture May 8-9 at which time they also presented their Outstanding Falcon Scholar and Outstanding Skelly Scholar Awards. Former Secretary of Defense William Perry was the guest speaker for the Eaker Lecture, which is funded through the AOG by an endowment established by Maj. Gen. and Mrs. Robert Smith.

In the photos, Mrs. Jean Snodgrass presents the Outstanding Falcon Scholar Award to then-CIC Keith T. Henderlong, while the Honorable Harold Stuart presents the Outstanding Skelly Scholar Award to then-CIC Geoffrey J. Romanowicz.

Thirty-seven members attended the Falcon Foundation meeting including Academy graduates Mike Christy, ’63; Tom Eller, ’61; Larry Fortner, ’59; Steve Ritchie, ’64; Dave Roe, ’62; Jock Schwank, ’60; Jim Spittler, ’65; Jim Ulm, ’61; and Sam Westbrook, ’63.

1997-98 Graduate Dependent Scholarship Winners Announced

The Board of Directors of the Association of Graduates is once again honored to present eight young men and women with grants to assist their continued education, awarded in recognition of their superior academic records, their leadership roles in student government, athletics, and other extracurricular activities; and their contributions in jobs and public service efforts. The eight winners (and two alternates), all dependents of graduate AOG members, were selected from over 70 applicants—the largest group in the 11 years of the Graduate Dependent Scholarship (GDS) Fund. The brief summaries below show not only why the winners won, but also the generally-outstanding caliber of the applicant group:

Brenna M Peterson ($1,500): Miss Peterson is a senior at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics in Oklahoma City, and is completing her secondary education at her third high school with a 4.0 overall GPA. She was selected last summer to MIT’s prestigious Research Science Institute and, during this time, interned in the Department of Neurology at Boston Children’s Hospital. She is currently in blood enzyme research at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, earned a perfect score of 1600 in her SAT exams, and her score of 143 exceeded the normal maximum point total of 140 in her ACT exams. She was a member of madrigal, show and concert choirs that all placed first in national competitions, and was a soprano sectional leader in the concert choir. She is a member of the student council and of the school’s youth service organization. (Quentin L. Peterson, 73)

Karen M. Feigh ($1,250): Miss Feigh is a senior at Poquoson High School, Poquoson, Va. and is completing her secondary education with a GPA of 4.0. A member of her school volleyball, softball and cross-country teams, she is president of her senior class, a member of distinction in the National Forensic League, and is currently second in her class academically. Active in her church, scouting and in volunteer work, she has traveled in Japan as a winner of a Sony Student Project Award, and has twice attended the New Horizons Governor’s School in Science and Technology. This past summer she was selected for the Virginia Governor’s School Summer Mentorship Program, where she was a chemistry laboratory assistant at the NASA Langley Research Center. (Keith A. Feigh, ’76)

Nicole S. Finch ($1,250): Miss Finch is a sophomore at The American University in Washington, D.C., where she is carrying a 3.93 GPA in a double-degree program: international studies, with a concentration on Eastern European affairs and Russian;

Computer Corner

It’s Register Time (again): Thanks to all who sent in Bio Data Forms; we are in the middle of preparing this year’s Register and we are very pleased to have the current information. Earlier this year we acquired a Desktop Publishing (DTP) system and are using it to build data files (containing the printed page images) to be sent to the printer. Vikki Rhoden has become our resident expert on DTP and has built all of the templates for the various page layouts; Tom Kroboth has, of course, provided expert guidance. The DTP will enable us to save money and time in preparing the Register for publication. We are able to extract data elements from the AOG Data Base, format them for recognition by the DTP, and “drop” them directly into DTP software.

Class of 2001: 1,118 cadet candidates processed through Doolittle Hall in late June, and we have just received the class data file from USAFA. The AOG is checking the raw data to insure that we have them properly linked to other graduates, cadets, and parents in our data base. Thirty-seven indicated that a parent graduated from USAFA, and 56 indicated that they have a sibling USAFA cadet or graduate.

AOG E-mail Address: 206-3668@mcimail.com. (Chuck Denham, ’67)

and language and foreign studies, with a concentration on Latin American affairs and Spanish. Part of her preparation for the two degrees will entail semesters in Moscow and Guadalajara. In high school at Kennesaw, Ga., she had a 4.0 GPA and was third in her class. In adddition to her studies she sings with a professional church choir in Washington, performs with a university improvisational comedy troupe, serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board for American’s College of Arts and Sciences, and is a student intern with the Voice of America. (Samuel P. Finch III, ’64)

Bradley L. Whitman ($1,000): Mr. Whitman is a junior at Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass., where he is carrying a 3.97 GPA in economics. In high school at Suffern, N.Y., he had a 3.95 GPA, finished second in his class and scored a 1530 in the SAT. He has earned the university’s John Harvard award twice for academic achievement, is an editor for the Harvard Crimson (daily newspaper), is a staff writer for the Harvard Salient (biweekly political newspaper), and is editor-in-chief of the Peninsula (bimonthly political magazine). He is a member of the executive board for the Harvard Model Congress, a public service organization that educates high school students in American government. He is treasurer of his political party’s club at the university, has served as a summer intern for the chairman of the House International Relations Committee in Washington, and this past summer was active as an intern in his party’s presidential campaign. (Edwin L. Whitman, ’60)

Ryan Caltagirone ($500): Mr. Caltagirone is a senior at Evergreen High School, Evergreen, Colo., where he is completing his secondary education with a GPA of 4.0. He is currently first in his class, scored a 1500 on his SAT, and his score of 141 exceeded the normal maximum point total of 140 in the ACT exams. An all-conference tennis player, he is a member of the student senate and of the school’s leadership council. He has actively tutored other students throughout high school, and helped to organize and carry out summer leadership training sessions for middle school students in his district. He is a Presidential Scholar nominee, and has been selected to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine this summer. (Andrew Caltagirone, ’72)

W. Benjamin Rothwell ($500): Mr. Rothwell is a freshman at the University of Utah, where he is carrying a GPA of 3.8 in premedicine. In high school at Layton, Utah, he was first in his class and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. An Eagle Scout, he has helped to organize and host a national youth congress for his church and, in

REUNION CONTACTS

As ofAug. 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

’68 (30th) 3-7 June 1998

Col (Ret) Bob Denny

15210 Churchill PI Colorado Springs, CO 80921

Ph.: 719-488-8382 (H) 719-599-9500 (W)

E-mail: travel@databahn.net

Hotel: Antlers Doubletree

’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: MUSHBROWER@aol.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

high school, made the all-state academic team in both crosscountry and track and field. An accomplished percussionist, he has competed in regional and state solo and ensemble competitions. He was also selected to Boy’s State in Utah, has helped young readers at the Hill AFB library summer reading program, and has worked long hours in a variety of jobs to support his college studies. (William Rothwell, Jr., ’73)

Trisha R. White ($500): Miss White is a senior at Plattsburgh High School, Plattsburgh, N.Y., where she is first in her class and is completing her secondary education with a 3.98 GPA. She is a member of her school’s varsity soccer and track teams, plays in the school band and orchestra, participates in school drama activities, and is active in student government as a member of the student council and as secretary of her class. She runs a babysitting and lawn-mowing service, helps regularly in a community soup kitchen, and tutored a neighbor student and friend with a learning disability on a daily basis throughout the school year. (Michael White, ’65)

Wallis W. Wilkinson ($500): Miss Wilkinson is a senior at Shaker Heights High School, Shaker Heights, Ohio and is completing her secondary education in the top one percent of her class with a 3.87 GPA. Additionally, she is completing 11 years of study in classical piano at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where she has received the highest performance scores for the past three years and the highest ratings at the Ohio Music Federation music festival. She is co-captian of her high school debating team, and has qualified for the state championships. A long-time volunteer for the American Red Cross (ARC), she was selected this year as a member of the board of directors for the Greater Cleveland chapter of the ARC. (David Wilkinson, ’72)

Matthew Scheidt (1st Alternate):Mr. Scheldt is a senior at East High School at Columbus, Ind., where he is second in his class and is completing his secondary studies with a GPA of 3.97. He is an all-state performer in cross country and track, and has twice been captain of those teams. He was selected for Boy’s State, has lived in Germany on a student exchange, plays the cello and is on

Defense Technical Training Center Plans ’97 Conference

The Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) is presenting its DTIC ’97 Annual Users Meeting and Information Conference on Nov. 3-6, 1997 at the DoubleTree Hotel, National Airport, Arlington, Va. The theme of the conference, Information in the New Millennium, reflects DTIC’s goal to assist our customer community in meeting tomorrow’s challenges by providing the most relevant information in the most appropriate format as quickly as possible.

This meeting provides an opportunity to explore in detail new developments at DTIC and throughout the federal information network. We are particularly pleased that this year we are having as keynote speakers Dr. Charles McClure (School of Information Studies, Syracuse University), Ms. Mary Beth Peters (Copyright Office, Library of Congress) and Mr. Cliff Bernath (Assistant Secretary of Defense, Public Affairs) and exhibitors from other federal agencies as well as from the Department of Defense.

All of the presentations will address the most current issues affecting the research, development, and acquisition communities. Not only will these speakers acquaint you with the latest policy and operational developments, but they will also provide you with practical details on valuable and diverse domestic and foreign information resources, security issues, the World Wide Web, copyright and storage and dissemination of electronic documents.

Information on the New Millennium presents exciting challenges—DTIC ’97 promises to provide the tools to expand your horizons to meet these challenges! Check out the conference information on our homepage at http://www.dtic.mil. For further information, please contact Ms. Julia Foscue at (703) 767-8236 or by e-mail at jfoscue@dtic.mil for further information.

the school newspaper staff. He serves as a volunteer mentor for 15 ninth-grade students, is active in his church youth group, and has worked in a variety of jobs to earn money for his college career. (Colin Scheidt, ’74)

Matthew Gronseth (2nd Alternate): Mr. Gronseth is a senior at Colorado Springs Christian School, and is completing his secondary education with a GPA of 3.88. He is a member of the student council, plays with the school concert, jazz and pep bands, and has received a superior rating in competitions as a trumpeter. He has won all-state academic team awards in baseball, basketball and golf, as well as several all-tournament, all-league and all-area awards in those sports. He is active in his church youth ministry, and made a summer missions trip to Mexico as an assistant to his church’s youth pastor. He also has worked in a variety of jobs, to include umpiring city youth baseball league games. (Phillip Gronseth, ’75)

The GDS committee of the AOG Board was very pleased to be able to award $7,000 in grants this year, which was a sizeable increase over 1996. As always, of course, the size of the grants is dependent upon the size of the fund, and we would encourage AOG members to recognize the importance of education to our collective future by earmarking a portion of their annual AOG support for the Graduate Dependent Scholarship Fund.

Our congratulations to this year’s award winners, and our best wishes for their continued success. As always, the GDS committee came away from its deliberations with a heightened appreciation for the quality of the young men and women competing for the opportunity to continue their education.

Graduate Dependent Scholarship Criteria Outlined

Graduate Dependent Scholarships are being offered for the upcoming 1998-1999 academic year. Recipients for these annual awards will be selected by the AOG Board of Directors Selection Committee. This AOG scholarship program is intended to directly support post-secondary education for the children of AOG graduate members.

To be eligible to apply:

A. The applicant must be the child of either a graduate life member of the AOG or a graduate who has maintained annual membership for at least the five consecutive years immediately preceding the submission of the application package. AOG membership requirements for applicants who are children of deceased graduates will be evaluated on an individual basis by the selection committee.

B. The applicant must either be the graduate’s natural child or legally-adopted child, but need not be financially dependent upon the graduate or his/her surviving spouse.

C. The applicant must agree to enroll as a full-time student, as defined by the institution, at a college or university accredited by an appropriate regional or national accrediting body. The applicant’s program of study may be in any field at either the graduate or undergraduate level.

D. The applicant must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the six most-recent semesters as a full-time student.

The scholarship amount can be as high as $2,000 for the academic year and is paid in one lump sum directly to the student upon his/her demonstrated acceptance into the accredited institution. An individual may receive a total of four of these annual scholarships, but they do not have to be applied for, or awarded, in consecutive years.

Scholarship award winners, as well as those applicants not selected to receive a scholarship in a given year, are encouraged to reapply for scholarships in subsequent years. These applicants compete with all new applicants for subsequent-year scholarship monies.

The number of scholarships to be awarded each year and the dollar amount of each scholarship is determined annually by the board of directors. The scholarship winners will be determined based on overall demonstrated merit. The deadline for receiving application packages is March 1 for both initial applications and reapplications.

Send requests for application forms and direct questions on this scholarship program to Col. (Ret) Jock Schwank, AOG vice president, Services, Association of Graduates, 3116 Academy Drive, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. 80840-4475 or call (719) 472-0300.

& SACC

i the SACC?

The SACC is the Service Academy Career Conference supported by the Alumni Associations from the US Naval Academy and US Coast Guard Academy and Associations of Graduates from the US Military Academy and the US Air Force Academy. The five previous conferences were attended by a total of 160 companies and 4000 alumni.

Where will the SACC be held?

The 1997 SACC will be held at the Hyatt Regency on San Diego Bay in San Diego, California. You may obtain a room at the Hyatt by calling 800-233-1234 or 619-232-1234 for reservations and asking for the SACC rate of $189 per night.

Who will be the candidates?

The candidates will be alumni from the service academies. These individuals have learned the lessons of leadership, integrity and time management during their undergraduate years. These skills have been honed and tested during active duty military service in a fast-paced operational environment. The highest sense of personal honor and commitment to getting the job done are common traits among our alumni.

Alumni of the service academies are a true representation of our multi-cultural society and span the experience levels from entry to senior executive.

Alumni of the service academies have a strong background in technical course material, as well as demonstrated leadership and management skills. Over 60% have postgraduate degrees.

Service Academy Career Conference October 27-29, 1997

What is the SACC schedule?

The tentative schedule for the SACC is as follows:

Monday, October 27, 1997

♦ 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm - Recruiter check-in and receipt of resume books and electronic versions of resumes.

Tuesday, October 28, 1997

♦ 7:30 am - Set-up of displays in Ballroom

♦ 10:00 am to 1:00 pm - Open Session I

♦ 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm - Recruiter Break

♦ 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm - Open Session II

Wednesday, October 29, 1997

♦ Interviews as scheduled by company recruiters

What is the company registration fee?

The company registration fee is $1000/lst table with additional tables being obtained for $750/2nd table, $500/3rd table, $250/4th table. This fee entitles a company access to the best candidates in corporate America; open sessions to meet with candidates; opportunities for interviews. For each table reserved, a company receives hard copies of all resumes submitted and an electronic version of the resumes with search software.

PLEASE NOTE: This fee does not cover the cost of your room at the hotel. You must make separate room reservations by calling 800-233-1234 or 619232-1234 and asking for the SACC rate.

SACC Company Registration Form

SACC

What is the SACC?

The SACC is the Service Academy Career Conference supported by the Alumni Associations from the U S Naval Academy and U S Coast Guard Academy and Associations of Graduates from the U S Military Academy and the U S Air Force Academy. The five previous conferences were attended by a total of 160 companies and 4000 alumni.

Where will the SACC be held?

The 1997 SACC will be held at the Hyatt Regency on San Diego Bay in San Diego, CA. You may obtain a room at the Hyatt for the SACC rate of $189 a night plus tax. Call (800) 233-1234 or (619) 232-1234 for reservations and ask for the SACC rate. There are many other hotels available in the area, or think about renewing relationships with classmates in the San Diego area.

How to register for the SACC:

1. Insure your AOG membership is current as this service is offered to members only.

2. Send two copies of your resume (resumes strictly limited to one page/one side). This resume should be the version that sells you the best, not necessarily the one generated using the Joint Academies Resume Service Program.

3. Complete the Electronic Resume AND Attribute Program Disk obtained through the AOG for $25 (see order form in this issue of Checkpoints or call (719) 472-0300). Return the completed disk to the AOG but keep a copy. Disks MUST ABSOLUTELY BE RETURNED NLT September 19, 1997 in order to be provided to recruiters at this conference.

a. If you submitted an electronic version of your resume to the Joint Academies Resume Service database after April 1, 1997, it will be included in the SACC Electronic Resume Database.

b. Disks received after September 19, 1997, although not provided to recruiters at this SACC, will be entered into the Joint Academies Resume Service database for distribution to subsequent potential employers.

Service Academy Career Conference

October 27-29, 1997 %

c. Recruiters at previous SACC’s found the electronic database extremely helpful. Be sure yours is accurate and complete.

4. To participate in the October ’97 SACC, send the following to the SACC office no later than September 19, 1997.

a. Completed registration form

b. A $20 registration fee, payable to SACC.

c. Two hard copies of your resume (one page/one side)

5. Upon receipt of the above items, you will receive a confirmation notice with a definitive schedule.

6. The tentative schedule for the SACC is as follows:

Monday, October 27, 1997

♦ Interview Prep Seminar at 7:00 pm

Tuesday, October 28, 1997

♦ Registration opens at 9:00 am and continues throughout the day

♦ Two open sessions from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. In the ballroom, wander from table to table meeting face to face with recruiters from a wide variety of companies.

Wednesday, October 29, 1997

♦ Recruiters may schedule individual interviews

When attending the SACC bring several copies of your resume to leave with recruiters as they review resumes collected at the conference and may contact candidates at a later date. Although employment is not guaranteed, the conference offers a unique chance to explore new career opportunities.

If you have any questions on this AOG membership service, please contact the AOG Vice President of Services, Col (Ret) Jock Schwank at (719) 472-0300 or DSN 333-4513.

SACC CANDIDATE REGISTRATION FORM

NAME (for nametag, no ranks) USAFA CLASS.

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, 72 hours in advance. These are the same reservation rules applicable to all active-duty personnel not stationed at the Academy and retirees. 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

ALL CLASSES ARE INVITED TO HOMECOMING 1997

Make your plans now to attend Homecoming 1997, Sept. 26-28, 1997. Another record crowd of alumni is expected to return to the Academy for the celebration to be held in conjunction with the USAFA vs. San Diego State football game. Homecoming registration forms were mailed to members of the 20- and 10-year reunion classes in July. Other alumni are heartily encouraged to join these two major reunion classes in the annual return to campus sponsored by the Academy and the Association of Graduates (AOG). Those from classes other than ’77 and ’87 must contact the AOG office to request registration forms. Forms will not be printed in Checkpoints. All attendees must register through the AOG. The deadline for registration is Sept. 15, 1997. Those attempting to register after this date might well find most, if not all, events sold out. Send requests for registration forms to:

Association of Graduates (Homecoming) 3116 Academy Drive

U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. 80840-4475 (719) 472-0300 / DSN: 333-2067

ALL-CLASS EVENTS

Friday, 26 Sept ’97

0800-1800 All-Class Registration Doolittle Hall

0800-1400 Golf Tournament

Eisenhower Golf (preregistered grads & spouses only) Course

0800-1130 Open House Cadet Dorms

1130-1230 Lunch with Cadets (preregistered grads only/300 max) Mitchell Hall

1130-1330 Buffet Lunch Doolittle Hall

1230-1330 Open House Cadet Dorms

1330-1500 USAFA Briefings Arnold Hall Theater

1430-1600 Next-of-Kin Coffee Arnold Hall

1600-1630 Memorial Ceremony Class Wall

1700-1800 ’77 & ’87 Class Photos Cadet Chapel

0900

Saturday, 27 Sept ’97

Cadet Wing Jabara Award Parade Parade Ground

1030 Fun Run to Jack’s Valley Cadet Gym

1030 Group Step Aerobics Cadet Gym

1500-1900 All-Class Registration Doolittle Hall

1530-1830 All-Class Tailgate Doolittle Hall

1900- USAFA vs. SDSU Falcon Stadium

Sunday, 28 Sept ’97

Catholic & Protestant Services Cadet Chapel

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 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.

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 sitdown 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. Jean Bickford at the AOG at (719) 472-0300.

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 GRADUATES—

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.

AUTOMOBILE PURCHASE DISCOUNT—

2% over factory invoice on new Fords and Hyundais. Drop shipping available. Contact Brian Bersch at Academy Ford, (719) 572-2246.

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

AOG MAJOR EVENTS SCHEDULE

7-11

10

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.

Name:

Class:

Graduate Biographical Update Form

Date: AOG ID#: SSAN: (From the Register or Checkpoints mailing label)

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

Mailing Address: Effective Date:.

City: State:

Duty assignment or Civilian Position:.

Company & Location:

Work Address:

City:

Home Phone: (_

Home FAX: (__

Zip Code: Country:

State: Zip Code:

Effective Date:

Country: DSN: i

Work Phone: ( )

Work FAX: ( l

Home e-mail (WILL be printed in the Register):

Work e-mail

Marital Status: Single/Divorced/Married: If Married: Spouse’s name:

Marital Name Change:

If Spouse is a Graduate please provide the following: Spouse’s Grad Class.

Spouse's Graduation Name: AOG#:

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 provide documentaion to correct errors.)

Rank: Date of Rank: Aero Rating: Date of Rating:

PME: Residence/Seminar/Correspondence; Dates:

ALL Graduates: Award(s):

Civilian Degree: Major: Year: Institution:

The following Data is being collected to populate the AOG Data Base.

Doolie Squadron: Graduation Squadron

Source of Nomination: Congressional:

Varsity Letter Earned: Year(s): Enter State

Other: Home of Record State: i.e. Presidential, Prep School, etc. While aFUSAFK Sport(s):.

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:

Signature:

Rev: DTP 07/97

Mail to: Association of Graduates (Bio Info) 3116 Academy Dr. USAFA Academy CO 80840-4475 or e-mail to 206-3668@mcimail.com

AOG GIFT ORDER FORM

Complete

USAFA Academy, CO 80840-4475

(719) 472-0300

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.

THE ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES

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)

Please send me copies at $66.00 each. ($60.00 plus $6.00 shipping and handling)

COLORADO PURCHASES: See below for applicable tax information.

TOTAL DUE

NAME:

STREET:

CITY:

STATE:

ZIP:

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

FINE ART PRINTS

Item it 2010 "Here's a Toast..." by Keith Ferris $60.00

Item # 2020 "Gyrfalcon" by Frace $75.00

Item # 2030 "Thunderbird" by Rick Broome $50.00

Item it 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 $120.00 (XXL: $125.00) (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 gray with dark gray 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/Gray 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, *80

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 - A 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 - $10.00

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 91 Class of 92

Item# 7112

Item# 7113

Item #7114

Item# 7115

Class of 93

Class of 94

Class of 95

Class of 96

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 92.

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 (sorry 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

THE SERVICE ACADEMIES RESUME DATABASE

As a benefit of membership, your AOG offers a resume service. We have joined forces with the alumni associations of the Military Academy, the Naval Academy and the Coast Guard Academy to jointly provide alumni electronic resumes from the four academies 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. System 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 monitor (color is recommended; 640 x 480 minimum resolution required).

To be a part of the Service Academies Resume Database, send $25 (check or money order) 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.

□ 1 would like to enter my resume in the database and have enclosed a check or money order for $25

Your Name: Return the completed form and your check to:

Address: Association of Graduates 3116 Academy Drive USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475

Year of USAFA graduation: Phone Number: ( ) ( ) Home Work

Home e-mail

HIRE AN ACADEMY GRADUATE

Many of you are in a position to make or influence hiring decisions for your company. The database program not only sorts and identifies those graduates who perfectly match all selected criteria but it also lists those graduates meeting some but fewej; than all criteria. Some of the attributes you can focus your initial search on are: education (graduate and undergraduate), work experience, military background, language ability, computer skills, industry and geographic preferences.

If you wish to obtain a disk set complete with instruction manual, please complete the order form and return it along with a check for $150.00 to the AOG (cost to recruiting firms is $350.00). A quarterly subscription rate for the disk package is available upon request. PLEASE NOTE: System requirements are a PC with 486 or higher Intel or compatible microprocessor, Microsoft Windows™ 3.1 or later, 4MB of RAM, 16MB of free hard disk space, mouse or other Windows™ compatible pointing device, 3.5" floppy drive, C: drive and a monitor (color is recommended; 640 x 480 minimum size required).

□ I would like to receive the database of Service Academies Alumni and have enclosed a check or money order for $150 ($350.00 for recruiting firms)

Your Name:

Company Name:

Address:

Phone Number: ( )

Return the completed form and your check to:

Association of Graduates

3116 Academy Drive

USAF Academy, CO 80840-4475

Whether you are an individual graduate investigating a career change or an employer seeking a superiorperformer, this AOG service for graduate members may well provide you the best approach. Send in the completedform or contact the A OG Vice President, Services, Col (Ret) Jock Schwank or Mr Wayne Taylor at (719) 472-0300forfurther information.

The Fifth Annual Service Academy Golf Classic

WHERE? The Trophy Club, near Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport

WHEN? October 19-21, 1997

INTERESTED? For information call or FAX 817-416-0346 or write Box 1016, Grapevine, Texas 76009-1056.

Heisman Trophy winners and honorary Chairmen Glenn Davis, Roger Staubach, and Joe Bellino plan to attend all or parts of the tournament. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jay Johnson, USNA ’68, plans to attend (U.S. diplomacy permitting) and speak at the Sunday Awards Banquet.

The golf teams from USAFA (1995-1996 champions), USMA (1993-1994 champions), USNA and USMMA will vigorously compete for the bragging rights associated with having posession of The Bill Reemtsma Memorial Trophy for a year.

One hundred twenty graduates and friends of the academies will compete for valuable prizes in a twoday 36-hole tournament. A football autographed by every service academy Heisman Trophy winner will be awarded in a raffle. And $5,000 will be donated to each of the four service academy Athletic Departments for the benefit of their golf programs.

It is an exciting weekend and your chance to give something back to today’s cadets and midshipmen while enjoying a weekend that promises good golf, good food, an enlightening speaker and friendly Texas hospitality. The Service Academy Golf Classic needs your help to successfully promote this tournament.

If you would like to participate as a player, attend the awards banquet to hear Admiral Johnson address current issues, be a sponsor with your 501(c)(3) tax-deductible donation, or purchase raffle tickets, please contact us at the address or telephone number listed above. All funds are applied to the expenses of the Service Academy Golf Classic or are donated to the four Athletic Departments. The tournament is staffed by nonpaid volunteers who will work hard to make this event worthy of being called The Service Academy Golf Classic.

Jerry Ahmann, ’63, at center and master of ceremoniesfor the 1996 Fourth Annual Service Academy Golf Classic Awards Banquet, congratulates a participant who was accepting the football autographed by all service academy Heisman Trophy winners. Holding the ball, which was raffled off and won by a Merchant Marine Academy supporter, is Jeff Wilson, ’80.

1996 Graduate Awarded NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship

A 1996 Academy graduate won a $5,000 scholarship from the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Program. Kristi Lowenthal, currently stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. as an acquisitions officer, received this recognition for her performance in both academics and athletics while a cadet. The scholarship provides the opportunity for her to pursue a master’s degree in her field of choice.

Lowenthal made the dean’s list every semester as a history major, achieving a 3.52 cumulative grade point average. She also earned six varsity letters in track and field and was placed on the commandant’s list for two semesters. The Academy recognized this performance by awarding her the Scholar-Athlete Award for three consecutive years.

Lowenthal plans to attend graduate school to study history and aspires to teach for the Academy’s History Department.

The NCAA awards 35 football scholarships, 32 basketball, of which 16 are for women, and 107 for all other sports. Lowenthal earned one of the 107 given out nationally. (Informationprovided by Capt. Doug Kennedy. Story courtesy The Falcon Flyer.)

the 1996 Fourth Annual Service Academy GolfClassic Awards Banquet last year at The Trophy Club near the Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport. The Air Force Academy team won the trophy and this year’s tournament is scheduled for Oct. 19-21 at The Trophy Club.

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: (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.

Air Force ChiefofStaff Gen. Ronald R. Fogleman, ’63, speaks at

FALCON SPORTS

Col. Randall W. Spetman, ’76, Athletic Director

Football Falcons Gear

A year ago, the Air Force Falcons had a football season so rare, it stretched from A to Z. Amazing, zany.

The Falcons beat Notre Dame, but lost to Army and Navy. They were 0-3 after open dates on the schedule. They had Colorado State in a 41-14 hole at Falcon Stadium with 20 minutes left but lost, 42-41. Two weeks later they trailed Fresno State 31-3 at halftime, but rallied to win in overtime, 44-38, in the biggest comeback in school history.

They featured a quarterback, Beau Morgan, who became the only player in NCAA history to rush and pass for 1,000 yards in a season twice. It added up to a 6-5 year, a wildly bizarre year in which the usually postseason-bound Falcons started 5-2 but neither played in a bowl nor challenged for a Western Athletic Conference title.

Which brings us to 1997. Have the Falcons recovered from last year’s emotional roller-coaster ride?

Can they win without Morgan, who signed with the Dallas Cowboys after setting AFA career records for touchdowns (42) and total yards (6,627) and the NCAA quarterback record for single-season rushing yards (1,494 in 1996)? Can they regain supremacy over Army and Navy? Can they play 12 consecutive Saturdays, as they’ll do this season without a break, and stay healthy?

The Falcons will attempt to answer those and other questions with 10 returning starters, including an All-American candidate in rugged linebacker Chris Gizzi, a potential Butkus Award winner. “We’re all ready to get with it,” said Steve Fernandez, another standout linebacker. “Whatever it takes, we’re not letting the guy across the line from us beat us. Those days are over. Not that we took it easy last year, because we didn’t. But this year we’re going to bust it harder than we ever have.”

“We’re stoked. The way we went out last year was totally unacceptable,” added Fernandez. Army (23-7) and Navy (20-17) swept Air Force last year for the first time since 1978, when a guy named Bill Parcells was the Falcons’ coach. “It won’t happen again,” Fernandez said. “Lesson learned.”

“It got to the point,” said offensive guard Frank Mindrup, “where we were beating Army and Navy so regularly, we took those games for granted, and those losses kept us out of the bowl picture. I can remember sitting at home during Christmas break and thinking how tough it was watching the bowls. We should have been there. But we weren’t and that has stayed with us.”

Morgan has stayed too. But he’s a graduate assistant on Fisher DeBerry’s coaching staff. His brother, junior Blane, went into August drills as the No. 1 candidate to replace him. Blane Morgan was No. 3 on the depth chart last season. He played enough to

1997 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 30 Idaho USAFA & AOG Tailgate

Sept. 6 USAFA

Sept. 13 U. of Nevada-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

Nov. 15 Wyoming USAFA Call 1-800-666-USAF for Football Ticket Information.

Up for 1997 Season^

Senior Chris Gizzi, #51 carry 11 times for 56 yards, including a 20-yard gallop. But he has yet to throw a pass in a varsity game. Behind him is Steve O’Neill, a gifted sophomore who lost considerable practice time in the spring because of a sore hamstring.

“We know enough about Steve to know that he can be an outstanding player,” DeBerry said. “But Blane practiced every day (in the spring) and I’m tickled to death with the progress he has made. Blane certainly has the edge, based on his progress and Steve’s injury.”

This will be DeBerry’s 14th Air Force squad. He became the Falcons’ all-time winningest coach last season and takes a 98-60-1 record (.619) into this season, when he’ll likely join Army’s legendary Red Blaik as the only service academy football coaches to win 100 games. Blaik was 121-33-10 from 1941-58.

Women’s Soccer Team Returns 17 of 21 Players From 1996 Squad

What a difference a year makes. One year ago, the Air Force women’s soccer team was about to enter the unknown. The Air Force Academy women’s teams were moving from Division II to Division I and the expanded Western Athletic Conference.

The year is now 1997 and the Falcons enter the season with renewed excitement and a knowledge that can only be gained from a season of learned lessons. The Falcons enter the 1997 season with 17 of 21 players returning from last year’s team. The bad news is that the four losses are significant. A pair of forwards, a defender and a goalkeeper who were the cornerstone of the development of the soccer program for the past four years.

The Falcons enter the season for the first time without Jennifer Brannan, Stephanie Jardine, Dolly Pasini and Marie Peterson. Brannan and Pasini rank as two of the top three scorers in school history. Jardine holds nearly every school goal-tending record while Peterson was a three-time all-conference selection and a three-time all-conference academic choice.

Air Force enters the season with an experienced defense led by senior co-captains Paige Wyatt and Erin Munson. However, the forwards will be extremely young and inexperienced. The freshman class appears to be strong and will be asked to contribute immediately.

Wyatt started all 20 games last season and has missed just one game the past three seasons. She was named the team’s defensive MVP last season playing sweeper.

Frank Serratore Becomes New Ice Hockey Coach

Frank Serratore, 39, has been named head ice hockey coach at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Serratore comes to the Academy from the Manitoba Moose of the International Hockey League (IHL), where he was director of hockey operations since 1994. Serratore, who also served as head coach of the Moose from 1994-96, replaces Chuck Delich, whose contract was not renewed following the 1996-97 season.

Serratore led Manitoba to a 52-56-16 record as head coach. In 1995, he led the expansion Moose to the IHL playoffs where they lost to the eventual Turner Cup Champion Denver Grizzlies in the first round. Prior to going to Manitoba, Serratore coached at Denver University from 1990-94. He led the Pioneers to a 49-88-9 record in four seasons and was responsible for turning the program around. He inherited and rebuilt a last-place hockey program. The present DU team, which was recruited during his

Men’s Soccer Team Prepares

tenure, has made two final eight appearances and placed third in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

Before going to Denver, Serratore coached and was general manager of the Omaha Lancers of the United States Junior Hockey League from 1989-90. He helped lead the team to the league title in 1990 and a third-place finish in the USA Hockey nationals. Serratore was later head coach and general manager of the Rochester Mustangs from 1985-87 and the Austin Mavericks from 1983-85 of the United States Junior Hockey League. He won three league championships and was runner-up twice while posting a 202-81-5 record during his tenure with the league. In 1987 he led Rochester to the USA Hockey national championship. He was also named general manager of the year twice, coach of the year once and was named the Omaha Sportscaster Sportsman of the Year in 1990.

Men’s Cross-Country Team for Another WAC Title Run Ready to Defend WAC Title

Revenge! Webster’s Dictionary defines revenge in the following manner; “to inflict punishment in return for (injury or insult).”

The Air Force men’s soccer team might as well distribute this to all upcoming opponents for the 1997 season. That’s because these Falcons have a score to settle.

Senior Drew Dougherty

In 1996, the Falcons were one of college’s soccer surprise stories. The team went 14-3-3, had a 13-game unbeaten streak (10-0-3), appeared in the inaugural Western Athletic Conference title game and rose to No. 3 in the national polls. But when it came time to hand out bids to the NCAA tournament, Air Force was left out in the cold. “The guys are hungrier than ever. All of them sat around waiting for that call and it never came,” said head coach Luis Sagastume, who netted Midwest Region Coach of the Year honors in 1996. “With a lot of people returning from last year’s team, that taste is still in their mouths. They are hungrier than ever for the year to begin.”

Despite the loss of an outstanding senior class, the Falcons appear ready for another run at the WAC title. Unlike last season, the WAC will get an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. “Our number one goal is to win the WAC,” said Sagastume. “The junior class is the core of this team and by building around them, we’re ready to take this program to the next level.”

There will be very few teams in the country that will be able to counter the Falcon trio of forwards Ryan Schaeffer, senior cocaptain Drew Dougherty and sophomore Keith McDaniel. “It’s going to be very difficult for teams to mark three great forwards,” said Sagastume. “All are threats to score at anytime. Most teams don’t have three defenders as talented as this trio.”

Winning a championship is always difficult. Furthermore, anyone who has reached that pinnacle will admit that defending that championship is an even more monumental task. Such is the situation for the Falcon men’s cross-country team. The Falcons surprised many people last year by upsetting favored BYU for the Western Athletic Conference Championship. The Falcon team of destiny boasted a handful of steady juniors and just one senior, but they nevertheless proved to the WAC how talented they already were, and how talented they could be. Air Force returns five of its top seven runners in its quest to defend the WAC title, but more than one of its opponents can show the same hand. “Nineteen of the top 25 runners in last year’s WAC Championship return this year,” said Falcon coach Mark Stanforth.

Still, the Falcons can count on four of their most consistent runners over the last few years in their run for the title. Seniors Zach Smith, Steve Radtke, Brandon Maroon and Will Woodward all finished in the top 35 at the WAC Championships. Smith, the team’s most valuable runner last year, emerged as a threat midway through the season with a 12th-place showing at the Oregon Invitational. He followed that performance with a remarkable third-place finish at the WAC Championship. Radtke, meanwhile, captured the 10,000 meters at the WAC Outdoor Championships last spring, and he and Smith are poised to be among the top runners in the conference.

Quarterback Club of Denver Invites Everyone to Luncheons

The Air Force Academy Quarterback Club of Denver invites all graduates and friends of the Academy to join them this fall at their weekly luncheons. Featured each week is Coach Fisher DeBerry with a synopsis of the last game and video highlights plus the scouting report on the Falcons’ upcoming opponent. Weekly special guests from the Academy and the community and great door prizes make the luncheons a great way to show support for the team.

When: Every Thursday Sept. 4 through Nov. 20th

Social: 11 a.m.; Lunch at noon.

Where: Valley Country Club. East on Arapahoe from 1-25 to Jordan Road. Then north past Centennial Airport taking first right on Country Club Drive.

Price: $12

Reservations are required by the Tuesday preceding each week’s luncheon. Please call (303) 238-9245.

The club’s first meeting on Sept. 4th will be Graduates Recognition Day with tentative guest new Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tad Oelstrom, ’65, and the new second lieutenant coaches.

CLASS NEWS

Pete Todd

1250 Big Valley Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80919-1015

Home: (719) 531-5874

lflr

FAX: (719) 531-6697 yjtilp

E-mail: petetodd@aol.com

Percent members: 82

Months have passed since the April day when Diane MONTAVON slipped gently away from us all and it’s still hard to fathom her absence. She fought so hard, so bravely, so long. Kent has expressed deep gratitude for the support and encouragement you gave them both. Your letters and messages brought much joy to her final days and sustained them through the battle they faced together. Kent’s poignant and eloquent comment on the correspondence was, “All of those notes and letters have helped me realize that I am not the only one that lost Diane. To all of you, I say, from the bottom of my heart, ‘Thanks for your help and support,”’

As you know, the Academy turned a new crop of Zoomies loose on the Air Force in May. Several out-of-town ’59ers returned to the Rockies for various graduation activities, causing Jim and Rose BROWN to commit hospitality at their home. On hand to welcome Brad and Zita HOSMER, Larry and Carol THOMSON, and Gene and Jane VOSIKA back to town were D.D. and Robin ANDERSON, Bob BROWNING, Chuck FERRARI, Max MILLER and Trix Scott, Ed and Lucia MONTGOMERY, Brock and Claire STROM and Pete and Wendy TODD. I regret that photographic evidence of this gathering (the usual aid to my preAlzheimers memory problems on who, where, etc.) is not available due to a system malfunction in the camera of the Kodak Queen (aka Wendy Todd). Backup photos were not available at press time, but you know what everybody looks like anyway.

Among other bits of gossip gleaned from the festivities, I learned that Brad and Zita plan to start building a house in Albuquerque this year and make the move from Virginia in 1998. Dave Anderson is looking hearty and trim after both back surgery and cardiac bypass. Says he’s walking 20 miles a week and back working pretty much full time. Gene Vosika is closing in on his goal to ski every hill west of the Mississippi and they’re looking into a possible relocation to Colorado if Jane can be trained to love frostbite.

The night before graduation I chanced to run into Mike and Victoria CARNS at a local eatery where they were celebrating the imminent conversion of their charming and talented cadet daughter into another Lt Cams. Mike is still shuttling from coast to coast to keep up with his California interests and his New York job as executive director of the Center for International Political Economy.

Mike had to leave early the next day and so was unable to attend the sometimes-monthly-sometimes-quarterly-sometimes-we -forget-about-itentirely Rocky Mountain ’59er dinner at the USAFA O Club. Toasting the Class of 1997 were Jim and Rose Brown, Bob and Roxann Browning, Curt and Avis COOK, Art and Kathy ELSER, Brad and Zita Hosmer, Max Miller and Trix Scott, Brock and Claire Strom, and Pete and Wendy Todd. Providing the adult supervision for the occasion were ATOs Charlie Emmons and Sylvia and Herm Gilster and Helen.

Joe DESANTIS sent a postcard from Bermuda where he and Jo had stopped on their Caribbean cruise. Also aboard were Leigh and Cealie HUNT and, apparently, all living members of the Hunt family tree out unto the fourth generation. Joe declared the cruise a great success despite ratty weather. They also managed to do the Dinner and Show bit with Doug and Jo Anne GRAFFLIN as they transited New York.

HT JOHNSON is in the headlines again. First, he was included into the Hall of Fame at the Smithsonian Institution Air and Space Museum in April for his contributions as CINCMAC/CINCTRANS during the unpleasantness in the Persian Gulf. Then he became a candidate to head the FAA, but was quickly disqualified, either because he actually knows something about aviation or was too closely associated with the military. He writes that he and Linda are headed to Madison, WI where he will take over as executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Credit Union National Association.

RL PENN writes that he’s continuing his role as camp-follower while Euginia blazes new trails in the telecommunications industry. She’s cur

rently doing a lot of work in Mexico, so RL is getting to plump up his 37-word Spanish vocabulary. He also reported that (a) Dave GROARK’s T-6 is for sale so he can afford to construct a home-built; (b) Jim WELCH is bottling wine from his and Brenda’s vineyard. (I understand they decided against calling it “Welch’s Grape Juice” to avoid a nasty trademark infringement lawsuit.); and (c) Jimmie SMITH is writing an autobiography, including strong emphasis on AFA cadet life. Only trouble is that neither he nor his classmate consultants can actually remember much about AFA cadet life. Improvise, Jim!

Jerry ELSBERND e-mailed from Quincy, IL, that he’s been busy the past year building a house which is now finished except for the landscaping. He does some occasional engineering consulting for the aerospace industry and he and Joanne spent 10 spring-time days doing tourist things in and around Massachusetts.

Fred WYNN asked me to inform all and sundry ’59ers, friends and families that they are cordially invited to the Wynn’s bienniel brunch tailgate preceding the USAFA-Navy game in Annapolis on 11 October. The festivities will be in the northeast corner of the Gold lot and will last from 10 a.m. until the “gaggle-on” by the mids. (Remember the ATOtaught definition of a Navy close formation: “Same way, same day?”)

The AOG asked me to plug a key aspect of their career opportunities program, the Service Academy Business Resource Directory (SABRD). In case any of you is actually pursuing gainful employment yourself, or is in the market for sterling characters with service academy skills and integrity, this publication might be a useful resource. Should you be interested in more information, call Jock SCHWANK (’60).

Finally, some of you might recall reading about a Colorado air show fatal accident involving a venerable F-86. Regrettably, the pilot was Jack Rosamond, a member of the Class of ’59 during our first year at Lowry. The class sends its condolences to his family for their loss.

Hope you all had a great summer. Go Falcons!

Thoughtfor the quarter: Time is what keeps everything from happening at once.

A.J. (Rosie) Cler, Jr.

11181 West 17th Ave. Building Two, Suite 208 mlp Lakewood, CO 80215-2759 (303) 238-4973, FAX: 237-0772

1 L /

Percent members: 76 1 I 1

Palpitating PiRep from Bob (Sky King) ODENWELLER, who’s finishing his TWA career in the B-767/757: “First time since 1960 I’ve flown two engines (T-37). In the 5th Squadron I got brief time on a B-36 and when flying B-52s had the Hound Dog missiles, the engines of which we could fire up for a total of ten. Not too many still flying have flown two different 10-engine aircraft!” Never content with Andy Warhol’s brief allotment for only 15 minutes of fame, Bob recently received the American Philatelic Society Luff Award, and the Federation Internationale de Philatelie (U.N. of stamp collecting) gave him their F.I.P. Medal—he wins this quarter’s What I Am Famous For Award\ Operasinging daughter Liesl had her New York debut in the lead role of Gounod’s Faust and then went to Albania in April. Bob’s book on Samoa had four years serialization in the Collectors Club Philatelist, wife Jane’s companion book to the Iliad and the Odyssey is at the bookstores, and daughter-professor Joy’s husband is waiting for an appointment as professor of anthropology to join her at the U. of Minnesota. (RC: talk about high-achievers—this family must finish the N. Y. Times crossword within 10 minutes and in ink! While here I am, still trying to conjugate the ebonic verb “mother” as preparation for my G.E.D. exam!)

Now segue from philatelic to philanthropic for a day in the life/times of Duck (nickname James Edward) WADDLE and wife, Mary, who have quietly been performing good deeds long before Colin Powell promoted volunteerism. After retiring as a colonel in 1985 stationed at WarnerRobins, and since 1991 while program manager for Rockwell International in Shreveport, Jim has given new meaning to the terms Pro Bono Publico and Noblesse Oblige through his involvement with a churchbuilding project in Russia for the General Board of Global Ministries of

the United Methodist Church. As project managers, the WADDLEs have been utilizing a Russian contractor to construct the first-ever Methodist Church built in Russia for a congregation meeting in a building that was formerly a Communist Party Propaganda Center. Thus far it’s meant a total of 18 trips to Moscow and then 1,000 miles further east on TransAero into the Ural Mountains to Sverdlovsk (in Cyrillic that’s Yekaterinburg), which is Yeltsin’s hometown, where Gary Powers was downed, and the dividing line between Continental Europe/Asia. (Scribe: must be quieting for Jim to return for his job with Johnson Plumbing Co. in the Springs, which is owned by his son-in-law and also employs their two sons.) This is only the short version—so, if you wish an extremely interesting conversation, sit down with Duck and Mary at our 40th reunion! Nice work, nice people.

At his party, George wore a natty ’70’s polyester leisure suit and appeared refreshed following his daily testosterone shot and having undergone a recent tummy-tuck. Our classmates who attended were the JOLLYs, WARACK, CLERs, YOAKUM, GLAZA, Deke JOHNSON, BOYINGTONs, KALEYs, BIANCUR, SCHWANK, General and Generalesse YATES, and the Dale THOMPSONS of Austin. The “roasting” of George (Triple Threat, Stud Horse, Lead Foot, Golden Toe) was MC’d by Dale THOMPSON and accomplished by the dislikes of ’61ers Randy CUBERO and Bob BRICKEY (who presented him with the Sword of Damocles—which clearly displayed a Toys-R-Us label), Dave PHILLIPS (’59), Ben Martin, and virtually all of those 136 relatives and wanton churls who spoke throughout the long night (which was about two hours longer than the entire Battle of Midway).

Lowlight of the evening was the presentation by Professor-Doktor Someavitch of the Serbian Higher Institute of Technology (acronym: S.H.I.T, for short), who bore an uncanny resemblance to Daniel JOHNSON. Deke, er-uh, Dr. Someavitch delivered a superb treatise on Serbian history (that didn’t take long), the PUPICH family’s many contributions to their rich cultural heritage (took less than a nano-second), and Serbian saints and Nobel Prize winners (none, maybe fewer). Of particular interest was a fabulous fable about George’s ancestors who played soccer against their crosstown rivals—the Magyar Magpies. As the festivities ended, George was observed outside propped beneath the plinth of Pegasus enjoying his “Senior Moment” and humming the fifth verse of the Air Force Song. Seriously: Neat tribute, George!

The Beltway Bandits of D.C. had yet another bash, this time at the home of George and Evie ELSEA, celebrating—“be still, my foolish heart”—USAFA FOUNDERS DAY! Some comments: Leon GOODSON quit working to ride motorcycles; Bill TAYLOR was leaving to join Kitty in Dallas and then on to Tucson for a vacation; Bill and Fran HODSON recently had their fourth grandchild; and Jerry DE LA CRUZ had one of his paintings (not a nude) accepted in a juried arts show and got honorable mention. Bob BADGER, A1 and Gale JOHNSON also attended the party. RG HEAD and friend Carole recently vacationed in Great Britain. He spends a third of his time in San Diego helping the Navy keep gunnery ranges compliant with environmental regulations, son Tim graduated in May from OTS and is now at Laughlin for pilot training. (Richard’s brother James is a physics prof at AFA, and on a sad note, their mother died 6/2/97 in Colorado Springs.) Les QUERRY’s nevergonna-work-again and he spends his time enjoying those five grandchildren and taking trips to Europe; Joe HIGGINS and Sue’s second granddaughter arrived in December and they just returned from their daughter’s wedding in Walnut Creek, CA; Ken and Judy ALNWICK just went “around the world” through Frankfurt, Tel Aviv, Moscow, Gobi Desert, Beijing, Seoul, next go to the UK and France; Dick SEXTON and Sally have placed the Springs on the top of their retirement “short list;” Norm and Liz HALLER just had their 12th rug-biter baptized, and traveled through Indianapolis, Ohio, Woods Hole, and Boston; Tom and Mary Ellen BURKE welcomed granddaughter Bridgett in January, Tom spends lotsa time at Buckley near Denver; John MACARTNEY and wife, Lorna, visited Key Largo in March, where Mac flew an ultra-light with pontoons (the plane, not him).

May 26, 1997, will be a day to long remember (as in: where were ye when JFK was shot?) because of George (Serbian Sam) PUPICH’s Surprise Retirement Party at Doolittle Hall, held to recognize his 30 years at Delta and 60th birthday, all masterfully orchestrated by wife, Diana. (Scribe: allow me to tell you the true story of his departure from Delta which involves his dog Snot, who always flew with George. 2001 flight sophistication has produced systems managers controlling computers which fly planes on their own, and when our handsome/jut-jawed Captain PUPICH even tried to touch the controls, Snot—nickname Puss—would simply bite George’s hand, at which point George would have to feed Snot. Delta found out about this, and this is the truth. Mostiy).

Another May celebration took place in the Springs for Tony BURSHNICK’s departure from the AOG Board—started with cocktails at Jockof-the-AOG-SCHWANK’s home which accommodates wife Hope’s collection of miniature elves (oxymoron?), then to the O-Club; BURSHNICKs, WARACKs, CLERs, Mary WADDLE, SCHWANKs, BIANCUR, and GLAZA. Dinner included your four basic food groups—alcohol, grease, sugar, and caffeine—during which Jim GLAZA dropped one of his glass eyes into the olive bowl. The lovely ladies thence repaired to the lounge for Cubanos and Cognac whilst the guys followed to watch the entertainment provided by the TWO Karens, one playing “Lady of Spain” on the harmonica while the other (Karen) simultaneously twirled six dinner plates and danced the Macarena. (RC: some of this is true.)

Boris, Natasha, and minarets in Moscow

M.C. Lt. Gen. Thompson, Dr. Someavitch, and Triple Threat.

The Hole in the Wall Gang: In back are Jock, Rosie, Tony, Chris, and Andi. In front are Mary, Karen, Jim, Hope, and Karen.

NotAms. Bob WEINAUG works for the Social Security Administration in D.C....Ken WERRELL just retired and recently got his book “Blankets of Fire” published—it’s about bombing raids on Japan in WW-II...Russ MACDONALD retired in 1988 as professor of air science at Virginia Tech, lives in Blacksburg, VA managing rentals for college students, completed the 1996 USMC Marathon and is training for this year’s run...Dean BRISTOW’s now in Duke University’s Executive MBA Program...Attending the Air Force’s 50th anniversary in Las Vegas April 23rd were the: JOLLYs, VAN INWEGENs, GOODYEAR, DIVERs, WHITFIELD (a Marine?), GLAZA, BIANCUR, BOYINGTON, LOH, THOMPSONS, MOSIER, CREW...Presidential Consultant Ron YATES was recently elected to the AOG Board...Karen and I visited our daughter Brandy in Boston in July after she and her husband presented us our third granddaughter (we have two others by son Scott). Our T-shirts proclaim: Betcha Our Granddaughters Can Beat Up Your Granddaughters! (Eat Your Heart Out, HALLER)! And as you read this, Karen and I will probably be in the Sandwich Islands, where I’ll do some serious wahinewatching while Karen munches on those teeny little umbrellas in her MaiTais. Mahalo, Kahuna Keiki. CAVU.

Edward A. Zompa

121 Scenic Drive

Madison, AL 35758 (205) 971-8973

E-mail: EZompa@Compuserve.com

Percent members: 84

The June column starts with a great picture of Sam, Vivian and 2/Lt Adam HARDAGE. Sam commissioned Gray Tag son Adam last month, and proudly noted that Adam’s development came during Randy CUBERO’s tour as dean. Adam’s medal is for surviving Sam and Randy.

On 5/29/97, Art KERR attended a Respect our Ethnic and Cultural Heritage (REACH) day at school with seventh-grade-daughter Celia. The kids displayed family memorabilia, much of it relating to WW-II, Korea, Vietnam, and Ellis Island. Art came away appreciating the respect shown the military and that the kids displayed it proudly as part of their heritage.

Gayle and I did London 5/9-5/15 and Italy 5/16-5/25. My mother, daughter, and Gayle’s sister joined us on 5/17 to tour the Italian villages of my grandparents. Great trip, a gift from our daughter Kristin. We RONd in Chicago on 5/25 and were warmly hosted by Kay and Terry WOELFEL. Terry’s business sells electronic components. Kay completed her PhD and is an assistant superintendent in her school district.

Spring Fling At Caswell Beach hosted by PB and Mer O’CONNOR took place 5/15-5/19 about 35 miles south of Wilmington, NC. Bill and Theda FOSTER, Steve HO and Lynn FUNKHOUSER, Lowell and Sandy JONES, Karl KELLERMAN and friend Jane, John and Joan KOHOUT, Jerry and Sue LEFTON, Hector and Joan NEGRONI, Jimmy and Susan POOLE, Jim and Linda ROGERS, Earl and Lillie SAUNDERS, Tom and Mimi SKILLING, Bill and Rhoda STACKHOUSE, Charlie and Sarah STEBBINS, Charlie THOMAS, and Karl and Diane WHITTAKER were there. Details as follows: “...unbelievable catered dinner at the O’Connor’s palatial residence by the sea.”, “...the more affluent and less athletic went shopping...”, “...long leisurely dinner at the local marina...”, “...sumptuous meal...special dessert concocted by John KOHOUT.”

Brice JONES’ Sonoma Cutrer Vineyards sponsored the 12th Annual World Croquet Championships in Windsor, CA 5/19-6/1, a charity event benefiting organizations like the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the Polly

Klass Foundation, and Magic Moments. Attendees included Marc and Ginger ANDERSON, Lee and Dorene BUTLER, John and Lydia Boesch, Bob and Jan BRICKEY, Randy and Jan CUBERO, Tom and Ann ELLER, Sam and Vivian HARDAGE, Joe Hendricks and friend Donna, Karl KELLERMAN and friend Jane, Hector and Joan NEGRONI, Mike QUINLAN, and Charlie and Sarah STEBBINS. Brice led a tour of the Sonoma Cutrer facilities, hosted a gourmet dinner in the winery cellars, and invited classmates and friends to his home where Susan Porth-Jones was a warm and gracious hostess. The entire event was described by one attendee as “...the world of F. Scott Fitzgerald and a ...Great Gatsby experience. Unforgettable...”

Would the following Gray Tag Net members send me an e-mail with an address that works: BUCHNER, ROGERS, SULLIVAN, ULM, and Tom WILLIAMS.

About Earl AMAN. You can support “The Class of 1961 Fund” set up by Larry FREEMAN and others. Mail to: USAA Federal Savings Bank, account number 031-6478-0, 10750 McDermott Freeway, San Antonio, TX 78288-0544. Larry and Marc ANDERSON are working on having the fund acquire a Quick Glance System ($2,500) that allows computer function through eye movements and blinking (so Earl can communicate as he loses use of his hands and arms). Ad THOMPSON is assisting with hitech contacts. Earl and Lucy have never requested support. Larry and others recognized a need and did something about it. Contributions processed by the bank are not connected to names. Recall the question at the end of bayonet drills and runs; is anybody tired? The answer was always no and we ran some more (and grew in stature). Let’s go Gray Tags. Thanks for all the help so far.

Bob SMITH has gone from the USAF to firefighting and now travel agent. It gets him out of the house and keeps Pat sane. Second grandson due in July and youngest son graduated from West Virginia U. with a marketing degree.

The son and daughter of Terry KOONCE were three and five respectively when Terry was lost over Laos. If you can share anything about Terry with them, call Tom KOONCE at (805) 943-8200, e-mail takoonce @as.net or Marianne Hodges at (817) 548-9168, e-mail gmhodges @aol.com.

Henry HOWE still lives in Waco, now working for Raytheon E-Systems, and no longer commuting to Shreveport. He’s trying to broker some land with some burned buildings on it. Showing it is a problem, still some mines.

Details on the February ski trip at Park City, UT from BUCKLEY and BOYD. On 2/21 there was a pre-dinner party followed by dinner at Chez Betty’s. Food, wine, singing, jokes (old and bad), and closed the joint. George and Kathy McNULTY may not be able to reserve there again. There was skiing on 2/22 and dinner at McNulty’s featuring Alaskan venison ribs delivered by Joe Hendricks. More skiing and shopping on 2/23. Attendees were Bob and Jan BRICKEY, Stu and Marnie BOYD, Joe Hendricks and friend Donna, Karl KELLERMAN, Sam Barrazone, Neal WESTBROOK, Gerry GILL, Marc and Ginger ANDERSON, Brice JONES, John and Lydia Boesch, Rees WAGNER and friend Pauline, George BUCHNER, Pat BUCKLEY, Bob and Mary DINGLE, Clair and Kay CARLING, and Tom and Laraine SUTTON. Stu BOYD has reserved 25 rooms in Ogden for the nights of 20, 21, and 22 Feb 98 at $55 per night, double, same motel as two years ago. More info later.

Les SCHNEIDER’S temporarily in Montgomery City, MO while building a home in St. Peters. He’s flying a DC-9 for TWA out of St. Louis on two new titanium hips. Is titanium magnetic, and if it were and he follows his whiskey compass, where will he fly? Son Andre (13, 5 '11", 200 lbs, with an arm like Rich MAYO’s) will attend USAFA football camp this summer. Les and Debbie have daughters Ellie and Heidi, ages 5 and 3, and stay active.

See you next issue or on GTN.

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: 72

Hi Redtags!

The e-mail has been great. I have gotten some words from classmates who I haven’t heard from since graduation. Lots of news.

From Don HALLAGER: Our daughter got married on 25 May; we have the house back. Our son is first mate on a schooner currently in Tahiti (tough duty). I am still flying for United Airlines—ninth year. Flying 777s now. Qunatum leap from B-47s, B-52s and KC-135s. A great

retirement job. Be at the 35th. Miss having Chet and EvaLee GRIFFIN as across-the-street neighbors.

From George THOMPSON in Pskov, Russia: Just returned from the 40th HS reunion. Volny graduates first class in July. Many exams to grade. Need reunion info so I can plan. My son enters Army chopper pilot school in Nov(?) after two years as a forest fire fighter and four years as a Marine. Some people never learn.

From Bill HAUGEN: Don’t laugh at the e-mail address. It was set up for Sue—our family thinks the address is a good description for Sue and her superb homemaking prowess. One advantage is no one forgets it. I hope we don’t run into the problem of someone using this Redtag e-mail list for commercial purposes. I have heard an account that insurance was pushed by a grad of one school, using graduate address lists. Hopefully we are all above that.

From Charlie PRICE: I had a hole in one this month. Mary Jo and I have two each now. Things are busy at Trus Joist MacMillan. Lots of travel and busy at plant. If you come through this area, don’t forget to give us a call. I promise to leave the burglar alarm off. Have a nice Memorial Day. It seems to have lost most of its meaning, but I will say a special prayer for our RTBs, Johnny BRUCHER and Jeff HORNADAY.

From Bob DEBERRY: Didn’t get to see much of the guys that were here (Las Vegas for 50th USAF Anniversary) because my sister was here with son from South Carolina. My brother-in-law, Ken Blank, had been a pilot in the USAF (shot down a MiG in Vietnam—from a Thud—I think those guys are going to be in Ripley’s one day) but was killed in an F-l 11 flight over Scotland in ’71. Did get to the cocktail party. Saw a few guys I haven’t seen in 30 years. What a shock! Georgia is doing fine and Kapri, our 15-year-old daughter, is in typical teenage trouble as usual.

From Bill HARVEY: My new retirement job is with Krug Life Sciences in Houston, the support contractor for most of the Medical Sciences Division Lab research and medical work. I am deputy manager of the contract, responsible for all the medical stuff. It’s not too taxing and I get to have fun occasionally on the KC-135 or delivering samples to Star City to go up to MIR. I hope I can get down to the Cape for a launch or landing before too long and will call if that’s OK. (Reply: I’ll be glad to have you, Bill.)

From Dick ELLSWORTH: Received my sign-up packet for the reunion. Wish I had some real exciting news. I’m just doing what I’ve been doing the last 30 years. Flying for TWA and reading your column. (Reply: Hope I keep writing after you quit flying.)

From Harry PADDON: Have been e-mailing with Jack HAUSER who works for MacD-Douglas in St Louis. Am spending Memorial Day weekend watching youth soccer league. After organizing this tournament and running it for 12 years, I retired from it. No more soccer referee either. Pat and I have married off all our childrern. Karen is AF wife in Texas; Angie is teacher in Ohio; Steve is computer analyst in Ohio.

From A1 SIGMAN: Still selling real estate in Denver area—mostly residential. Gerri and I have two grown and married children and three grandchildren. Attended the last reunion comm mtg at Bob and Mary HOPKINS’ house. If rest of RTBs are as excited about the reunion as we were, it will be great. See you then.

From Bob FELTS: Had a triple bypass in early March; am I first RTB to have open-heart surgery? They caught mine in time; left arm and shoulder pain in the emergency room. Family is fine. Peggy doing good litigation support for San Francisco attorneys. Son David is AF captain at Davis-Monthan. Son Shane is heavy equipment operator in Sacramento. Son Johnathon studying guitar at institute in Hollywood. Julia is in second year at Sac State.

From Tom HUTCHISON: Am currently working for SAIC in Sierra Vista. Doing whatever I can to help DISA with the new DISN. Lisette and I just celebrated the safe arrival of our seventh grandchild (a girl). Getting together with HOLBROWs this summer. Will keep you informed.

From Tom YOUNG: My wife, Debbie, and I are down in Tampa in the real estate business and loving paradise all the way. If any of you get close, we have a nice 33-ft Wellcraft that’s fully rigged for fishing just waiting for a crew of AFA grads to strike terror in the hearts of people in the Gulf area. Jack JAMBA, Fritz HENDRYX and I christened her in an unwanted way (for all of us) but they lived through it. Hope to see you down this way if the fates allow. (Reply: The water has to be glassy next time, Tom, or I’ll follow your progress with binoculars.)

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

CLASS OF 1962 35-YEAR REUNION

5-9 November 1997

USAFA versus Army

From Gail PECK: I never understood how I could have been such an outstanding fighter pilot and still get puking sick on a deep-sea fishing boat. How I envy you. (Reply: I wasn’t even a pilot and it didn’t help me. By the way, Gail coordinated a mini-reunion in Las Vegas during the 50th USAF Anniversary party. Nice job, Gail. You or someone in that group owes me a picture.)

From Tom RAUSCH: My wife, Renate, and I have been in Germany since 1983 when I retired. Daughter Susie finished undergrad work in Paris and law school at the German University in Hamburg. I worked for Logicon for about 6.5 years and MITRE since then. Do engineering and tech work for USAFE Intelligence at Ramstein. We have room for guests and space-A hops are plentiful.

Got the word from the AOG that Morris SMITH had been killed in a hit-and-run accident in Tallahassee last February. No other details were available. Tim GILMARTIN e-mailed me that he had seen a death notice in an airline pilot’s newsletter about a M. Smith, Pan Am pilot, being deceased. Then I got the AOG letter. Then I got e-mail from EC NEWMAN: I’ve heard that one of our classmates was recently killed by a hit-and-run driver, but my source did not know a name. I’d appreciate any news. Things are OK in Denver and we’re looking forward to the 35th.

From Bob and Pat CONNOLLY: Pat and I received the news of Morris SMITH’S death with great sadness. We have frequently remembered the richness of his voice when he sang the hymns, solo, at our wedding 35 years ago. We thank you for putting out the word. It was better for us to get the news from another RTB than to read it in Checkpoints. (Reply: I agree.)

From Bob STAIB: The timing of your e-mail struck me because I just Finished preparing a homily for 0900 Memorial Day Mass. The combination of my fond memories of fallen friends (especially roommates SVITENKO, HORNADAY and BRINKMAN) and the spiritual preparation process has been a poignant time for me. MD’s news just adds to the impact of this special day on all of us who prepared to go to war. I first got to know “MD” or “Doc” SMITH on the European trip. I’ll bet Doc had some great memories captured on film. Later, we saw each other at Wheelus when we were in Libya for periodic training. My wife, Marianne (who knew Doc at both Webb and Luke), and I are leaving for a European vacation tomorrow. Although the times are long ago, Doc’s memories in my life are strongly connected through Europe, so I will delay my last prayer in his memory for a beautiful place there—somewhere I’m sure he would have photographed. (Reply: Well put, Bob.)

From George HARRISON: Will retire from AF on 23 June, effective 1 July. Erv ROKKE has the same date. That leaves Don SHEPPERD representing RTBs on active duty. I will go to Georgia Tech Research Institute in Atlanta as director of their Electronics Systems Lab. Considering the rotten job I did in EE, this may be a real challenge. Pennie and I extend an open invitation to all RTBs when we get an address.

From Rip BLAISDELL: I’m Lockheed Martin director for Fighter Program activities in Seoul, Korea. Just got on line here. From Pete BOBKO: Son Ryan, who graduated from Johns Hopkins in computer science, was named a NCAA Div III High Jump All-American. From Ralph STORY: Am back at Arkansas Attorney General’s Office as asst AG in consumer utility law. Interesting. Visited C Springs recently. Want to move back. Will visit Germany in July.

From Bob LIGHTSEY: Left active duty in ’86. Worked for Dr. Perry and Paul KAMINSKI (’64), both of whom left DoD recently. In ’91 became instructor at Def Sys Mgmt Coll at Ft Belvoir. In Jan ’97 received doctor of science in engineering management from George Washington University. Was oldest person in my class. Am I oldest recent graduate RTB? Am System Engineering Department head at DSMC. Married Susan a year after pilot training; both kids are grown and out on their own.

From FLANAGAN: Just returned from graduation at USAFA. Stepson was Class of ’97. Smallest class in 22 years, with 787 grads. Impressive. Held in stadium. Brought back lots of memories. Swore stepson in. Pained me that grads get Reserve commissions. Jon and Carol STAPLES joined us at grad party in Manitou. Jon had a quad bypass a month ago. Went down on handball court. You’d think it would slow him down—not a bit! Reunion plans shaping up. We sponsored a Homecoming Queen at 20th reunion. Jon promises a Trophy Parade.

From Colin RICHARDSON: Had another successful scan two weeks

ago. Next is three months away. Fingers are crossed. If it returns, it’s very aggressive. Onward/upward. From A1 JACKSON: Said he and Alfie would visit. They did so. Met them at O’Club. Good seeing them after 35 years. Of course, we haven’t changed except for an occasional white lie.

From Butch VICCELLIO: Hey Sumo, got AOG book. RTBs about to enter electronic age. Have home computer and instruction book. Retiring soon. Looking west of Mississippi. Old house in Seattle but no fix-up funds. Stay in touch. From Gail PECK: USAF 50th was great. Big news is that Butch is going to San Antonio after retirement in about two weeks and become the #2 guy to Gen Herres at USAA.

From Randy SCHAMBERGER: Using son’s computer. Met wife’s brother and his new wife for the first time. He married her after 20-year separation. She was in Vietnam. I’m still tennis bum. Lieu is still a stock market maven. Son has to get back to web page design. From Phil MERKEL: Cis and I hosted third and last wedding. Daughter planned everything. Shenandoah Valley outdoors. Ecumenical and bluegrass themes. Danced till 4: 30 a.m. with a big bonfire. Julia was first captain of Notre Dame X-country team; running ability not inherited.

From Bob KEIGHERY: Still in Ft Worth. I had a radical prostatectomy last January and echo George’s words “Get your PSA checked every year.” George and I lucky. It improved my golf game. (Reply: Some people would gladly make the trade.) From Hesh ALTMAN: Son Joel got married on May 17. Dau Jodi, now Dr. Jodi, DC, opened practice in Las Vegas. She works out daily at gym. 26 years old. Was scolded for playing hookey from high school by another customer.

Finale: Strongly recommend getting on the line and giving me your e-mail address. Great way to keep up. Some of the news you are reading now is almost six months old. Be heard; be a nerd. Go REDTAGS!

Norman I. Lee III Ur 17532 N.E. 38th Court Redmond, WA 98052

W: (425) 237-6004 H: (425) 882-0968

E-mail: swan01@aol.com

Fax: (425) 5775

Percent members: 74

l* 'Kobe?

IpPlease note the changes in telephone, fax, and e-mail. We have an area code change going on in the Seattle area and ours changed from 206 to 425. I am also trying to consolidate my e-mail with AOL. Despite last winter’s troubles, AOL appears to be more reliable. Plus there are a number of features on AOL that I like to use and instead of having two on-line carriers to pay for.

A reminder for getting bios to Jack MCTASNEY: current black- andwhite 2Vi x 3-inch photo and 200-500 words. Send to 7132 Borrego Way, Carmichael, CA 95608. By the time you see this article, you are already late but I’m sure if you hustle, Jack will be able to include the info. Also needed are interesting career, Academy days, or reunion photos/stories. Lost souls are of particular interest. As of this writing, the response to this project has been slow.

In an e-mail exchange with Pete HAMMERTON discussing what was happening with the Class History, I was able to get Pete to fill me in on what was happening with his life over the years. Pete says the Hammertons have called Tucson home for the last 25 years or so and lived there full-time since he was medically retired in ’79. Pete said they did spend nine years in LaGrange, GA (SW of Atlanta) building and helping run a friendly Hughes missile plant (IR Mavericks), but returned to Tucson for the last three years—and plan to stay right there! Pete has worked for Hughes Missile Systems Co (soon to be part of Raytheon) since ’79 and will retire this Thanksgiving. A year ago he joined the Tucson Soaring Club and claims to be really into soaring planning on getting his instructor rating and being very active. He also plans on becoming a tour guide at the Pima Air Museum. Now there is a treat you should not miss! My son and I visited the museum last spring and let me tell you, it is a wonderful place! I agree with Pete’s characterization of Tucson as a great city for aviation and aviation history. Pete is also a member of the local Daedalian chapter and reported having had the privilege of sitting next to our founder member (a WW-I naval aviator—101 years young) at the last meeting. As Pete tells it, this gentleman “...said he was a boy in Eliz City, NC when the Wright Brothers did their thing. He remembers it! Said his dad predicted that ‘those damn fools would kill themselves.’ Talk about living history.” Pete says A1 ADAMS was at the Daedalians meeting and Bill ARDERN is also living in Tucson.

Reunion note from Jimmie BUTLER: “Last night I got a call from Jock (SCHWANK ’60), and he said the 1998 football schedule is set with USAFA-USNA on 10 October. He checked the Antlers for availability on that weekend, and they already were booked down to about 40 rooms. So, we can’t fit there like we did in 1993. Jock said the Marriott had 250 rooms on Friday and Saturday, and 150 or so on Thursday. He felt that

would probably fit us and asked what I thought. I’ve just run the fourth straight Pikes Peak Writers Conference at the Marriott, and we were treated very well there. Also, it’s toward the north end of town. It doesn’t have the nearby shopping that is downtown, but it is pretty close to the Chapel Hills Mall, which has made major upgrades in the last few years. Anyway, I told Jock I’d recommend we go for the Marriott for that weekend, so he was going to lock in those rooms. He asked me to call Diff and let him know. Also, I suppose we’ll put out a note before long to tell people to start planning for 10 Oct 1998 and about the change in location. I suppose you’ll want to pass that info on as you have the opportunity.” Jimmie, thanks for the update.

I have had the opportunity recently to talk to a couple of guys in the class, Don CAREY and Jim HAUSER, about the future of employment in aerospace. Upon a little bit of reflection I’ve got to tell you we have some pretty well qualified and educated folks in the class. Both Jim and Don have PhDs and have had careers in some pretty interesting and advance science. Jim works out of Boulder and gets up here to the Puget Sound at times. He has worked on varied projects, all high tech, and all successful. Don is in Albuquerque doing business in laser weapons and stuff like that.

Dick GUILD and Warren NOGAKI each sent me a photo of Jerry ADINOLFI’s ordination in April. I sent what to me looks like the best of the two photos. NoGo’s glasses had managed to tint over and hid his face in the other. Way to go Jerry!

Received a letter from Dick TROY that was addressed in a special commemorative envelope from June 1959. The envelope was from the Academy honoring the Class of 1963. For a moment I felt like I had stepped through a time warp. Dick said he found the stuff while sorting through things left in his parents’ attic—said they never threw anything away. Dick also sent along a Xerox copy of what looks like a newspaper photograph of “B” Flight, 39th Cadet Squadron from Doolie Summer in 1959. In the picture you can find a lot of familiar and not-so-familiar faces of classmates—Dick was able to identify nearly a third of the faces.

Included in the picture is Val BOURQUE (#15) who was the first man sworn in as a cadet when the Class of 1959 entered. Graduating with the Class of 1960, I think Val was the first Academy grad killed in action in SEA. Some of the names identified by Dick include A1 WATT, George KERN, Lloyd KELLY, Don ROHRS, Gary WEST, Mike REGNIER, Skip BRITTENHAM, Arnie PATCHIN, Larry MCLAUGHLIN, Dave NUSS, Jim MANUEL, Jim THYNG, Russ TEISING, Tony TETA, John

TACK, Ken HABEDANK, Carl OLIVER, Norm WELLS and Bud GILLIGAN.

Fred BEAUCHEMIN’s Winter ’97 Newsletter has a unique style: the news is on one side and a flyer for Fred’s Consulting Company is on the other. Fred and Georgia continue to live in a suburb (Selangor Darul Eshan) of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where Fred is consulting for a Malaysian-U.S. joint venture company called PROPEL-Johnson Controls. Their daughter Cyrette manages the consulting business in Sacramento and, according to Fred, does a great job while she is also working as a trainer for Packard Bell. Given the existence of e-mail, Fred and Georgia can be reached on-line through AOL (CfmFred@aol.com). Says it is preferred over telephone.

Ken HABEDANK’s e-mail tells a nice story and I’ll let him tell it: “I recently moved to Luxembourg where I am working for NATO. On the 31st of May I attended a memorial service at the American Cemetery here in Luxembourg. I went an hour before the ceremony so that I had time to just walk around and think. The cemetery is impressive and it was a moving experience to walk amongst 5,076 crosses. On the side of the tall, columnar, square chapel of white stone is the inscription: ‘IN PROUD REMEMBRANCE OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF HER SONS AND IN HUMBLE TRIBUTE TO THEIR SACRIFICES THIS MEMORIAL HAS BEEN ERECTED BY THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.’ On the front of the chapel are the words ‘HERE IS ENSHRINED THE MEMORY OF VALOR AND SACRIFICE.’ Inside are the words: ‘Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace with oppression.’ As I was reflecting on the many soldiers who have gone before us, our friends who are no longer on active duty, and those still wearing the uniform—I saw the crowd gathering and went up and took a seat. I was delighted to see a familiar face at the front—General Jim JAMERSON. Jim was representing the American military and his words were both well chosen and moving. I was proud to have him representing America’s military forces. After the ceremony I had an opportunity to talk to Jim as we stood in front of General Patton’s grave. A memorable day.” Thanks Ken—good story.

That’s it for this time. Don’t forget your bio to Jack and make plans! 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

APOLOGIES: I hope I didn’t confuse you all as much as I confused myself with the first story in the last Checkpoints. I said that Bill JONES wrote and that he mentioned Lee DOWNER. In the rest of the paragraph, I substituted Lee’s name for Bill’s. Sorry! Speaking of Lee...Fred GREGORY said that he attended Lee’s retirement as DCO of Air Combat Command at Langley AFB this spring. Dick HAWLEY, commander of ACC, did the honors, with the off-base attendees including Ron PIERCE, Rich SLYE, and Barry BARNES.

E-MAIL: Fred also sends e-mail. He and Barbara had their annual ’64 Reunion Refresher Training in June. Fred reports that 4th class knowledge was appalling and their gig lines (difficult to discern with draw strings) were not up to snuff. Lying (war stories) and quibbling (excuses) were rampant and there was much discussion about the state of morals within the military—the men taking one position, the women, a somewhat different view! The 17 classmates are shown in the photo. Matching names with faces is left to the student as an exercise. (Fred also sent along a good picture of the classmates and spouses together, but I thought it would just be like a mob looking up at the camera when sized for the magazine.)

Ray LONGO reports that Norma graduated from Duke University, Nicholas School of the Environment, Division of Earth Sciences. If you happened to be in Durham, NC on May 18th, I’m sure you heard the party.

Bob COBURN showed up on the e-mail with a 33-year update. He is working at Hughes Missile Systems Company in Tucson, having moved there when Hughes bought out General Dynamics in Pomona. He and Winnie are hoping to stay in Tucson after Hughes merges with Raytheon. (Who do you work for, Bob? Have you checked with your office today?)

Bob’s daughter Michelle finished medical school at USC and is going to Boston, Massachusetts General Hospital for intern and residency in internal medicine. His son Michael is the process leader (business term for “boss”) for the Airborne Sonar at Allied Signal in California. After Michelle’s graduation, the family went to England to show the kids(!) where they came into the world and to have some fun in London.

Trying to lower the level of Fred Gregory’s lot by all standing close together are: George Anderson, Barry Barnes, Jack Cole, Bill Douglass, Tom Eggers, Ron Growden, Bob Haley, Paul Kaminski, Bob Levins, Harvey Manekofsky, Al Rogers, Bill Sieg, John Wiles, Karl Widmayer, Jim Graham, and Fred Gregory.

Meanwhile, the Coburns also attended the wedding of Wendy Olin and Paul Glendening (Gary, ’64). The young couple are both new lawyers just getting started. (Is that a great entry line for a bunch of lawyer jokes, or what?) Gary and Patti put on a very nice party for all, Gary wore his Air Force mess dress, and it fit! He is still flying the B-l, but only once a month.

Butch MCGEHEE e-mails that he is back in God’s country. (I assume he means Texas. Whenever someone says he’s in God’s country, I get the feeling that no one else but God would claim it.) Butch works with a small 16-person business that grew to 170 people in about two years. That made them attractive to CACI, who bought out the major shareholder. Now Butch is relearning bureaucracy. He works directly for the dreaded R.D. SMITH (’61), who (Butch says) looks old. Butch just hired an ’88 grad to run a new program (so Butch could concentrate on outside activities). He doesn’t look old.

Butch says that when the ’64 guys in the local AOG chapter get together, they sure look old. (SCRIBE NOTE: Listen guys, I refuse to believe that I look older, so stop telling us about all the people who have changed. Actually, I though you all looked old 30 years ago. Would you believe I was only twelve when I graduated?) Butch and Gary OLIN exchange Christmas cards every year. Gary is still driving airplanes for Rockwell. Butch also saw Tom MCNISH while teaching SCUBA. Tom has grown a beard and looks remarkably like Willie Nelson. Butch says that Tom tried to explain the “doctor stuff” Tom is doing, but that he didn’t understand a word of it.

Ed MECHENBIER e-mails (Ref. previous columns) that he was merely following doctor’s orders to have two drinks a day, even if it was a Navy doc. This spring, Ed was the guest speaker at the Class of ’97 100th Night Dining Out. He says that the place has really changed. The wind and snow were still present, but he woke up one morning with a herd (flock?) of wild turkeys outside his VOQ window. He remembers deer, but turkeys are different!

Ed says that the country is really desperate—after 32 years and nine months of meteoric rise through the ranks, he was promoted to general in the Reserves. (I think that makes an even 30 for ’64 plus several civilian Senior Executive Service members.) Congratulations, Ed!

Along with three ’65 grads and under the baton of Dick COPPOCK, ’61, Ed is serving on a board to oversee a film funded graciously by McDonnell Douglas documenting the POW experience. The focus will be to highlight the service academy experience as having served POWs very well in enduring captivity and life afterward. Ed says McAir is donating nearly $1M to the project, so give them a favorable nod the next time you go out to buy a jet.

Bob CLARK sent along a news story about a Japanese trawler that was sunk in the Pacific. The crew was rescued and then thrown in prison when they all claimed the ship was sunk by a falling cow. Eventually, the crew was released when the Russian Air Force reluctantly informed Japanese authorities that the crew of one of its cargo planes had apparently stolen a cow wandering near a Siberian airfield. The frightened cow rampaged around the cargo compartment, so the Russians shoved the animal out as they crossed the Sea of Japan at an altitude of 30,000 feet! Just when you thought you had heard about every dumb thing, someone invents a new one.

Ray RODGERS writes that he has left TRW to follow Barb to San Diego, where she has a new position in the interior design business. Their

son Greg finished law school at the University of Virginia in May, which makes the timing good. Ray should be able to get in lots of sailing, cycling and travel. Of course, if you lived in San Diego, why would you want to travel? Anyway, they almost didn’t buy the house at 12382 Rue Fountainbleau because of the pretentious street address, but, as I know, since we’re looking for a house again, when you find a house that you like, the address is the last thing on the list of requirements.

OTHER STUFF: Nels RUNNING made the TV news as the search commander for the missing A-10 earlier this year. Thad WOLFE is the chair for the Veterans/Retiree Council for the Air Force Association. John LORBER (PACAF commander) will have retired (1 Aug) by the time you read this.

Keep those e-mails flying and remember: Plastic up; rubber down.

Rick Zurbrugg

Box 22615

Hilton Head Island, SC 29925-2615 (803) 689-5321

Fax: (803) 689-5403

E-mail: 75630.2347@compuserve.com

Percent members: 68

Hello ’65. (Best Alive!)

JjH ^

wPlease join me in thanking Rod RODMAN for a superlative performance as class scribe these last three years. His columns have been informative, readable, and always enjoyable. So, thanks Rod, from all the loyal readership—you are a “class act” and tough to follow. I hope Judi keeps your nose to the grindstone while you redo her garden room. Without this highly-compensated job, you might otherwise flounder.

When Rod put out feelers for a new reporter two columns ago, he got a quick call because I must confess to being a USAFA junkie. The Checkpoints has been some of my very favorite Throne Room reading material over the years as the lives of the Class of ’65 and those of ’62-’68, as well, have unfolded. Your latest writer suffers from either over-identification or hopelessly maudlin voyeurism, likely both, but I thought it would be great fun to have an excuse to call up and probably annoy old acquaintances once again, so here goes.

WEB SITE: Lining up alphabetically was not uncommon in those days, so let’s start with Bob ZEPECKI. Got an e-mail from him inviting a look at his web page. Bob is a veterinarian and an independent, international consultant in Agribusiness and is raising his 11-year-old son in Arkansas. His web page is impressive: homel.gtc.net/bbdsrve. Do not miss it.

E-MAIL: Chuck RYERSON dropped an e-note passing on some electronic addresses. I would like to compile a list of such for our class. Chuck pointed out that some folks might be a little hesitant about sharing their address because of the sheer volume of e-mail they receive. I don’t have that problem, so feel free to load up my inbox. Respect for privacy and sensitivities is essential, so I was hoping to serve as a sort of clearing house for e-mail addresses and pick up material for the column along the way. AOG prefers not to print e-mail addresses in the column because they don’t wrap well if I understand Tom Kroboth correctly. So, send me your news by e-mail (or any other mode), let me know if your address can be released to any other classmate or if any restrictions apply, and tell me if you would like the e-mail address of any other classmate. I’ll find it if I can and get it to you if possible. Thanks Chuck. (That’s three in a row, pal, and “check 6” threw this ground-pounder for a loop, but Lt KZ from Maxwell set me straight.)

Chuck sent me Tom OWENS’ address. Tom is director of Air Force Programs for McDonnell Douglas in Rosslyn (one subway stop from the Pentagon) and sees many classmates on a regular basis. Tom and Sherrard recently had Tom and Diane PLANK in for a dinner and RON. TP is with Sverdrup Technology in Niceville and was in D.C. for a conference. All is well with them and thanks Tom Owens. Hey, this really works!

FILM PROJECT: You may remember that the Class of 1965 gave the oral histories of the Vietnam War POW’s as its 25th year reunion gift. Well, Mark JOHNSON, Warren LANGLEY, and Bart HOLADAY had a vision of a dynamic, living legacy from these testimonies and with the help of Joe O’GORMAN have launched something spectacular: nearly a million dollars to the AOG to fund the production of a documentary of POWs in the age of aerial warfare with an emphasis on the Vietnam era. An Academy Award-winning producer was selected and the project is underway. Larry MCCRACKEN played an important role from McDonnell Douglas corporate headquarters in St. Louis with a tweak from Tom OWENS in D.C. The only one I didn’t get to talk to by deadline was Warren (now the president of the Pacific Stock Exchange!). How it all came to be is a fascinating story by itself, and has interesting ongoing geopolitical implications. If I have omitted anyone who played a role, please let me know. See the related article elsewhere in this issue, but

remember, this is a major enterprise by our guys from the Class of ’65 and you heard it first from your humble servant. These lads all deserve your kudos, cards, letters, e-mails, and hearty “Well dones”. Call or e-mail me anytime for their phone numbers to give your congratulations and get the real story, but be prepared to cough up some skinny on yourself and someone else.

OGRE’S FALCON FOOTBALL FORECAST: Ogreman says Blaine Morgan (Beau bro) could be the “main man” but talented sophs could compete. Player to watch (WAC on ESPN): hmmm? Light schedule except for Army and Navy, both expected to be tough. Our gridiron legend points out that perennial WAC tough guy, Idaho, is on the schedule. BYU is not. You can watch the Ogreman at all the seven home games and at CZOT’s Place this year.

BOYZ’N THE HOOD DEPT: Since Jo and I are working in Atlanta (three days a week) thought I would see who’s close by. Good guy Gary FAUSTI is just up the road in Marietta. Gary is a senior vice president with Fidelity National Capital and has two sons: Annapolis grad who flies Navy helicopters, and a FDIC bank examiner! Daughter Heather is about to be married. Gary recently saw Bob PENRY who was on a year-long sabbatical from real estate in Boulder, cruising around the USA in a RV looking up classmates. Anyone else spot Bob? Thanks Gary and we’ll see you soon. Send me the names of the boys in your ’hood.

FLASH...Bart passed on that he has read a damn fine novel written by a classmate. There is talk of movie rights, bright lights, Hollywood, made for TV, but Bart has been sworn to secrecy regarding authorship. It could be that this about-to-be-famous person’s last name rhymes with griper, as in Griper Cub airplane. You heard it here first, folks.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? DEPARTMENT: The early Sixties were flush with great friendships. Then, some (most) of us got caught up in the turmoil of our own lives and lost touch with some great guys. Surely I can’t be alone in wondering: What ever happened to...? Now thanks to search engines (don’t that just roll nice off the tounge? “Search Engine”), we can find them if they want to be found. I enjoy looking up folks on the Four11Com. The first release was a fellow escapee to the freshman wrestling training table and good for a beer on the Northern European field trip: one James Clyde SELSER III, aka Jimmy Grunge, later a Fulbright Scholar in Germany, acquired both PhD and spouse at Cal Davis. Rumor had it that he was a physics professor at UNLV and, indeed that’s where I found him. For 16 years, Der Herr Professor has been teaching a wide variety of physics courses and has sons (nonlinear), ages 14 and 17. Great to talk with Jim, after 32 years his wit undiminished and we promised to exchange e-mail. Call or e-mail me for his phone number/address and he likes really early calls (5:30 a.m.). Send me your requests for the Where Are They Now? Department and I’ll track ’em down for us all.

Old pal and former roomer Bill COLE left a message that he was taking son Chris to USAFA hockey camp and dropping in on Garey MATSUYAMA. I woke up Mike TEDESCO, who is always good for a chat. Mike has his own business in Tampa and when I called his lovely wife, Ann, was in Europe. We talked for quite a while and he told me lots of interesting things, but I can’t report them, he was still asleep!

Thanks to everyone I pestered. Let me hear from you before I call you at Oh Dark Thirty. Be well, do good work, and stay in touch. This is fun! Rick.

Ryan Denny 1210 Applewhite Road O’Fallon, IL 62269

Home: (618) 624-4255

Work: (314) 232-4180 twfPpff

E-mail: Ryanden@aol.com

Percent members: 73 w

Greetings Redtags! It was great to see that a few more of you have jumped into the computer age and figured out how to send me an e-mail. It’s easy, painless, and very much appreciated by your lonely class scribe. Warren DIXON writes (sends?) that he is working for the Coast Guard as a civilian attorney in Washington, DC. His office is in Buzzard Point, the six-story blue building across the street from Ft McNair, home of the National War College and ICAF. Warren says that he has seen Don SHULTIS regularly for the past year while Don was going through ICAF. Don is working for the intelligence community and must have convinced them that he needed to attend just one more school. Warren also hears from Fred ALBERTSON who runs his own telecommunications firm near D.C. Fred keeps sending Warren jokes about lawyers, but Warren says that there are only three lawyer jokes—all the rest are true stories.

Another e-mailer from the D.C. area was Walt SCHRECKER, who has resurfaced as a Highway Helper (sometimes called a Beltway Bandit). Walt is working for Simulation Technologies as a “senior military

analyst” for the Air Staff’s modeling and simulation office in the Pentagon. He says that his office is only two doors down from the Pentagon office he had 13 years ago (when he was somebody). Walt compares his situation to an old cartoon that depicts an older Indian who, surrounded by many younger Indians, is explaining a brown pile on the ground. The caption reads “When you are too old to hunt, you get to teach how to read buffalo sh~.” Walt spends his free time sailing the Chesapeake with his wife, Mary, and invites all of us to join them anytime the weather is warm and the wind is blowing.

Walt says that he sees Bob and Louise HOH every now and then. Bob is also a Pentagon consultant (Beltway Bandit), working for Whitney, Bradley, and Brown. They both feel like they’re still working for the Air Force. Walt says that a former ’66er, Bill Conelly, who was at our 30th reunion, is writing a novel about our first year at USAFA. He needs help with anecdotes or other memorable events from that year. (I think most of us probably need help remembering what happened 35 years ago.) If you can remember an event like the time your roommate didn’t get to eat for a week because he put Tabasco sauce in a first classman’s Koolaid at lunch, send an e-mail to Bill. His address is “bluesky@javanet.com”.

There was a short e-mail from Bill WALLACE, who describes himself as a “software migrant worker”, living somewhere in Texas. Bill said that he went down to Austin to see Tim BROWN, who is managing all the Taco Bells in the Free World. (OK, maybe it’s only a couple of Taco Bells in Austin, but it had a nice sound to it.)

Paul STEIN has just retired after a few great years as USAFA superintendent. He did a superb job of keeping our Academy moving forward during a difficult time in its history. Thanks, Paul. (Do you think you can get us that house again for our 35th Reunion?)

Rusty GIDEON, having established an Air Force record for “Most years at Wright-Patterson for an Air Forcer General Officer”, is moving to Kirtland to be the Air Force’s chief of Safety. This sounds like a great assignment—it’s further west, it’s probably a flying job, and it’s not the Pentagon.

Astronaut John CASPER was honored by Aviation Week for outstanding performance as mission commander for Space Shuttle Mission 77, which achieved a string of shuttle milestones, including the deployment of the largest inflatable satellite to date. John was planning on retiring from the Air Force, but not necessarily the space business, after this flight. I’m sure he’ll write (or e-mail) me soon to let us all know what he is doing.

A final note, the AOG sent me a copy of the Service Academy Business Resource Directory (SABRD). It is a great book that lists service academy grads, the type of business they are in, and their company. It is a super networking tool, and it will help me track down some of you all who refuse to send me a letter. That’s all the news for now. So until next time...Happy Landings!

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: 64

y

Greetings and salutations, one and all—Lots of good news this time around...e-mail makes it easy to keep in touch.

This edition’s feature article comes from Tom GRIESER: Jack FRY sent a recent article from Aviation Week and Space Technology in which Ray LEOPOLD is featured as a winner of its Aerospace Laureate award, presented to those “...who made substantial contributions to the global field of aerospace in 1996.” Ray is VP/chief technical officer, Motorola Satellite Communications Division. This trophy honors his work and that of two other Motorola engineers for the Iridium project. These three collaborated and “...came up with the idea of using satellite constellations in low-Earth orbit to allow voice communications anywhere on the globe via pocket-size telephones.” This is a multi-billion dollar venture that has generated a number of spin-offs. AW&ST said, “...there is no question that it has pioneered a new segment of the space industry whose impact will be felt worldwide.” Well done, Ray.

There has been a flurry of reunion-related e-mail from a variety of sources, both “official” squadron reps, and a host of others. What follows is a compilation of that info. If you are planning on getting reservations at the Embassy Suites (the unofficial reunion hotel), don’t waste your time going through their toll-free, national phone. You have to call the C-Springs Embassy Suites directly, and let their reservations folks know that you are attending the ’67 reunion. There was a question about inviting our old AOCs. The decision was hell, yes—invite them all. And the Frat Five folks expect that BG (Ret) Dick Abel will attend. For those

Reunion Dates Changed CLASS OF 1967 30-YEAR REUNION

1-5 October 1997 USAFA versus The Citadel

who feel the need for home defense and/or wall hangers, refurbished Mis are available for the garage-sale price of about $1,000 for Garands, or only $850 for carbines. Hank ARNOLD has recommended a pre-dawn run through the Garden of the Gods, to be followed by breakfast at Skip PUMPHREY’s. I wonder if Skip knows anything about this? Also, why not (instead) a motivational run, in combat boots, to The Rock? As of 31 May, CS-07 had the lead in expected attendees (from hotel reservations and other local lodging). Their number at the time was 13. For those feeling particularly photogenic and/or otherwise deluded, Russ MURRAY is looking for ’67ers to model reunion merchandise.

The volunteer for the memorial service is Paul HENRY. There likely will be much levity and even some imbibing during the reunion... the memorial service—rightfully—will be a time to pause and remember fallen comrades. In that vein, sad news: Bill and Helen STRAW’S son Robert, a Marine aviator, died in an aircraft accident this spring. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. A number of ’67 grads attended the service, wearing yellow ribbons for easy recognition. This practice apparently began at Joe KRUZEL’s funeral and has carried forward. Another loss: Lloyd DUNCAN’s wife, Carol, passed away this spring, and the AOG recently learned that Dale BAXTER died of a heart attack a while back.

I was at a conference this spring, talking with a company representative. I don’t know what the discussion was, but—out of the blue—the rep said “Fast neat average.” To which I of course replied “Friendly good good.” It turns out he was a ’65 grad (whose name now escapes me) and he had learned that the Form 0-96 is an easy way to determine if there are other old grads in a group. It certainly worked for me. On the other hand, some caution is warranted: if one says “Fast neat average” and no old timers are around, the response might be “No more booze for him...”

Bill HALL had a few suggestions for reunion activities, which I have expanded on. These seem like really fun things for us to do. Maybe spouses/kids/significant others could help out. On second thought, they had better serve only as witnesses. And maybe designated drivers too. Fire off a note to me, or your squadron rep, if you have other thoughts:

Hold nightly shower formations, at the hotels.

Buff the hotel floors.

Call minutes before all meetings.

Square all corners as you stroll the USAFA grounds with your family.

Recite poop from Contrails.

Eat at right angels. Chew only three times, then swallow.

Run our chins in for the weekend.

Haze somebody. Perform tear-out inspections of one another’s hotel or hosts’ room.

Shout “No excuse, Sir!” in response to every “why?” question.

Host a tea dance with area LoHi & CWC grads of our generation.

Have a woodsie.

Sneak civvies in a-bags.

Wear blue blazers, white spread-collar shirts, grey wool pants, striped ties and black military shoes to all informal functions.

Hang uniform lights in the hotels, and wear whatever you think your display represents.

March into the stadium, and stand throughout the football game.

Give the “Horiado—yo ho!” cheer a lot.

Get drunk on 3.2 beer and throw up on dates/wives.

Pull an all-nighter.

March to chapel on Sunday.

Don’t those bring back some great memories? Did we know how to have fun, or what?

Wayne CROSBY, on terminal leave, one of several living in the National Capital Region, advised that they have frequent informal gatherings, including one that preceded the Army football debacle. Jack BARTLETT and his then-fiance Marilyn Hess (July 97 wedding date) were honorees.

Another retirement note—Dick TEBAY hung it up in April. He spent his last four years as director of the AF Airborne Laser System Program Office of the Space & Missile Systems Center at Kirtland. He built the program from four to 50 people, transitioning it from an unfunded “Star Wars” concept to a multi-billion dollar defense acquisition program.

Well done. And Smokey Mel GREENE is also among the newly- retired ORF group, having hung it up at the Pentagon 27 May.

Back to the PUMPHREYs: Chuck and Carolyn DENHAM sent a photo of Skip and Diana taken on the occasion of their youngest daughter Sandy’s marriage to Paul WOOD, (’95). Skip and Diana are two-time grandparents. Skip moved on from MCI and is now learning to speak Spanish and expanding his piano-playing skills. I guess we’ll all see them when we go for breakfast at their home after the run.

Some slightly dated info—Bob DRABANT fired off an update from Vegas, where he and Amber are based. Their older kids are scattered, the younger ones are thriving, Amber teaches horticulture for the Clark County School District, and Bob changed jobs to an “opeartions suitability analyst” position rather than take a transfer to Tinker AFB. He has worked on a variety of F-15 projects including a helmet-mounted cueing system and comparison of the standard helmet to some lightweight model, missile counter tactics, AIM-9M-9 follow-on test and eval, and a new F-15 software operational eval. This is only a part of his job activities—you F-15 guys better corner Bob at the reunion. Thanks Bob for your note.

I am running out of space so I will close this out. For those of you on some e-mail net—please info me when you have class contacts and I will try to share the wealth with the rest of us. For all others—the traditional means still work just fine.

As I write this it is early summer in Albuquerque. While the temp does get up there a bit (97 today), it is dry and comfortable. For those of you in other parts of the world, think of us in the Sun Belt as you are sweltering or freezing or waterlogged or otherwise weather-challenged...Maybe that is why the population here is rising, and in God’s Country (North Dakota) it continues to drop.

AMF—see you at the reunion.

Tim Davidson

9712 Hidden Valley Road

Vienna, VA 22181-6094

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

E-mail: timd@erols.com

Percent Members: 65

MA..I.* Jm?'

HELLO ’68! Happy Father’s day to all who qualify! And, to all the mothers, children, and grandchildren who made it possible, thank you for the blessing you have been to our lives.

RUFFLES AND FLOURISHES DEPT: For those who did not read the past ’68 news in your Spring ’97 Checkpoints, you may have missed an extremely significant announcement concerning one each Ralph E. EBERHART. Ed will be promoted to general and will succeed the son of our former Supt, Gen Thomas Moorman, as the Air Force’s Vice Chief of Staff. Ed asked that we hold off on our traditional ’68 practice reunion in the D.C. area until he returns from Japan. So, for all in the greater D.C. area, get ready for a bash—probably in conjunction with the Navy game. To Ed and his lovely wife, Karen, a very hearty congratulations. Ed’s nomination to vice chief occurred while John and Charlotte SULLIVAN were visiting from the States. John is one of our commercial High Flight warriors working for Northwest Airlines. He and Charlotte live in Spokane, WA and John is based out of Honolulu for flying.

The Eberharts of Japan host the Sullivans of Spokane. From left are John Sullivan, Karen Eberhart, Charlotte Sullivan, and Ed Eberhart.

NAVY GAME DEPT: For all who are in the greater D.C. area when we engage Navy on the ‘‘fields of friendly strife” (Maude, That’s part of an old quote from General Douglas MacArthur that these guys mutter when they get nostalgic.), contact Rick PATTERSON if you want to participate in a pre-game and/or post-game celebration. Rick’s contact info is as follows: 13009 Maple View Lane, Fairfax, VA 22033-3613; Phone: (703) 263-0824.

30th REUNION DEPT: When you read this column, the time remaining to our 30th will be measured in months rather than years. One of our stalwart Colorado WAGs (We are Greats), Bob DENNY, has agreed (following the usual veiled threats to life, limb, and family) to become our 30th Reunion Chairman. Again, the reunion dates are 3-7 June 1998. Volunteers are still needed for squadron reps and other activities, so contact Bob if you are interested in helping out. One thing we will want for future reunions and other events is a roster of address, phone numbers, fax numbers, and e-mail addresses. If any of you are interested in working on this project, it would be a big help to the class. The reunion location will be the Antlers Hotel. It is advisable that you make lodging reservations now.

E-MAIL DEPT: Some of you have found my address on the Internet. A special thanks to Tom EAVES, Pat MCBRIDE, Dick FAST, Tina DUDLEY, Mark TORREANO, Bob JOHNSTON, Kathy BARKER, Michael BARIBEAU, Jim REESE, Rob REYLING, Phil PIGNATARO, Jack FROST, and Pat RUSSELL for using the medium to stay in touch. To Tom EAVES, I do not have the date for the Marine Corps Marathon this year, but will try to find out. If any of you would like these folks’ e-mail addresses, please contact me.

RETIREMENT DEPT: Due to the volume of past correspondence in the spring column, I was unable to get this photo in of Bob JOHNSTON’s retirement. Bob’s retirement official was General Ron FOGLEMAN, (current Chief of Staff, USAF, and member of the Class of 1963). The ceremony and dinner were attended by Bob’s mom and dad, his wife, Thuy, his kids Carolyn and Michael, and a host of Air Force and civilian friends. Bob is now a senior analyst working in Tom O’BEIRNE’s division at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC).

CHRISTMAS PAST MAILBAG DEPT—PART H. As a result of your overwhelming efforts during the holiday season, I am still working

From left are Diana Pumphrey, Paul (’95) and Lori Wood, and Skip Pumphrey.

Colonel, USAF (Ret) Bob Johnston and classmates. From left in the front row: Jim Seevers, Brooke Bailey, Bob Johnston, Tom O’Beirne, Bob Pauli, and Scribe. Back row: Paul Flynn, Dave Prevost, Mark Torreano, John Chapman, Dennis McLain, and Bruce Gerrity.

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.

to get your correspondence and photos into the ’68 class column. From North Carolina, H.T. JOHNSON began his correspondence with the following; “Q. How do you know when your two-year plus, never-ending home renovation project is complete? A. When all your money is gone! (It’s the economy, stupid.)” H.T., Fair, and daughter Caroline had a fine year. Caroline is 12, an excellent student, and has a passion for acting. She has been involved at the Flat Rock Playhouse and was in the fall children’s theater production. Fair has reaped the rewards of hard work in landscaping and the grounds surrounding their home reflect the beauty of her efforts. She is also a volunteer for Head Start, remedial language arts instruction, and pet therapy at local nursing homes. After finishing his principal reconstruction project at home, he joined the Rotary Club and is a volunteer for Head Start and a construction project for a local middle school. The Johnsons had a great weekend in St. Louis last October ’96 visiting Fred BASSETT, Mitch and Barb DORGER, John DUNHAM, and John’s wife, Jane BEADLES.

From Kaneohe, HI, Dr. Greg VARHALL wrote of his life under the palm trees with a ‘‘cold one” in one hand, a golf club in the other, and an occasional consulting job. His wife, Linda, is a member of the Class of 1984 and she works as a division chief in the Joint Intelligence Center, Pacific (JICPAC). Greg sent along an announcement of Danny HAMILTON’S graduation from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF) last fall. A belated congrats, Danny.

Steve Staley returnsfrom Kyrgyzstan surrounded by daughters, son-inlaw, andfriends. At table-level: Steve and Tom Turkey (Steve is the one with the beard); Standing: Daughters Stephanie and Shannon, three friendsfrom Kyrgyzstan—Samagon, Kanybek, and Djamilia; and son-inlaw, David, in back.

Steve and Connie STALEY’s Christmas letter was a two-year report from the field. Both Doctors Staley received Fulbright Fellowships in 1995 and spent time teaching in the American School in Kyrgyzstan in 1995 and 1996. Daughter Stephanie suspended her studies at CU for a semester to help mom and dad teach. While there, Steve became a celebrity as the star of his own television show that was used by Kyrgy broadcasting to teach English. Translated in English, the name of his show was “Uncle Steve.” Parents and children would recognize him on the street and would practice their English-speaking skills, while Steve patiently encouraged them. News from the home front is that Shannon and David received MA degrees in architecture and computer engineering, respectively, while Stephanie completed her BS degree, magna cum laude, in astrophysics.

Mike and Sally NAVARRO checked in with news that Mike had upgraded to the 777 at United Airlines based out of Chicago and Sally is teaching elementary school. They said that they enjoy being emptynesters with son Micahel working for the Capital Group (a management investment company) in L.A., and daughter Susan recently graduated from CU in Boulder and now working for Vanguard Technologies (a computer software/hardware firm) as a marketing assistant.

Kathy BARKER sent greetings from Panama City, FL saying that Dan hung up his blue suit in the summer of 1995 and is signed on with SAIC as

a senior program manager. Their oldest son, Ryan, is a USAF Lt flying F-16s out of Kunsan, Korea. Their oldest daughter, Shannon, is in the nursing program in Panama City and is married to a British golf pro. Son Kelly is in the communications program at Panama City Community College, while daughter Megan entered the USAF Class of 2000 last summer. Last, but definitely not least, son Patrick (6'5") is completing his high school career as quarterback for his football team and a triple-threat man in baseball as a pitcher, catcher, and first baseman. When not doing mom and grandma duties, Kathy occasionally works in private clinics to assist as a nurse in the birthing experience.

The Baileys play ski poster family. From left are Liz, Brooke, and Cathy. From Fairfax Station, VA, Brooke and Cathy BAILEY wrote of another good year with United Airlines for Brooke, and pride in their daughter Liz’s graduation from the University of Virginia. Not letting any grass grow under her feet, Liz headed down to Peru after graduation to work for several months with an international firm. Did I mention that beside being smart, good-looking, and talented that Liz can help her dad make it through the menu at Taco Bell in Spanish.

As those of you who still haven’t seen your names in print will note, I still have a way to go to clear the Christmas mailbag. I’ll just have to try again in my next column.

In closing, a few of the letters were cause for concern and I would ask that you keep Mannie BETTENCOURT and R.K. BROWN’s wife, Kathy, in your thoughts and prayers. Mannie’s diagnosis has changed from multiple sclerosis tp neurological sarcoidosis (a disease that impacts the spine, brain, lungs, and kidneys). Kathy Brown is being treated for breast cancer.

That’s all the room I have for this column. Mind the flak, keep ’em flying, and keep those cards, letters, and photos coming in.

Lindsey Parris mR 0"*liM

5926 Colfax Ave.

Alexandria, VA 22311

Home: (703) 998-0488

Percent Members: 61

WInterleague play. Greytags far and wide hoping to emulate the sweetness of swing of one Tiger Woods. Conspiracy theories circulating for everything you can imagine—did we really, really land on the moon the summer we graduated? Antioxidant-mobiles roving the streets like the Good Humor trucks of old. Summertime, U.S.A.

In April, Darrel WHITCOMB saw many ’69ers at the AFA’s 50th USAF birthday celebration, and reports that the class was represented well. John DALLAGHER was there fresh from his HQ job as commander of the 13th AF. Skip SKINNER escorted a group of Japanese offleers. Scott SONNENBERG, air attache to Sweden, escorted a group of Swedish counterparts. Jack OVERSTREET, Bill MAGILL, Bill DALECKY, and Dick SPOONER were there representing themselves, the class, and their companies. H. OWNBY proudly flew the Raven banner. Marty CAVATO taxied by, cavorting also with the River Rats who were having a coincidental reunion. I know Don RAKESTRAW and Dan THOMAS attended as well. Darrel summed the weekend up nicely: “I was proud to be there. It made me realize how much our class has con-

tributed to the Air Force, aviation in general, and the nation. And, as I could plainly see, ’69 ain’t done yet. Here’s to the next 50!” And, from just the short nuggets that follow, in an “ordinary” class column written on the banks of the Potomac, only a small snapshot of the talent our class sports, it’s clear that that is not an understatement.

What do NATO expansion, the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, the Chemical Warfare Treaty, and recent Arms Control initiatives have in common? Bob BELL, for one. Some of you may have seen Bob on television, some may have seen him referenced or quoted in numerous articles, and some know he has traveled with the President on these and other policy initiatives over the past years as one of the National Security Council’s top executives. From a government protocol standpoint, Bob, the NSC’s director of Defense Policy and Arms Control, can open doors that no other in the class can, as the attached picture of Bob—with an eyecatching backdrop—attests. The picture was taken on March 24, 1997, when Bob met with reporters to discuss the ABM agreement following the summit between President Clinton and President Yeltsin in Helsinki. Keep up the terrific work, Roberto!

Those of you reading the Wall Street Journal in late May might have run across a familiar name, Dave YOST. Effective 20 May, Dave was appointed as president and CEO of AmeriSource Health Corporation. AmeriSource, a Fortune 500 company with annual revenues approaching $6 billion, is the fourth largest distributor of pharmaceuticals and related health care products and services, and the third largest pharmaceutical prime vendor to the institutional and managed-care markets in the U.S.A. Dave has been with AmeriSource for 23 years now and will lead the company in a time of expanding awareness of and demand for health care services and products. Dave, who lives in Columbus, OH, writes that he sees Bud SPEACE now and again on America West layovers. Dave and Bud assure us all that we haven’t changed a bit. And, Dave is in a position to help make that happen. We boomers from ’69 can rest easier knowing that one of our own is a leading light in the larger health-care industry. Big congratulations to Dave on this tremendous accomplishment.

Chuck VOLLMER, president of VII, Inc., with Don RAKESTRAW, put on quite a show in conjunction with the Center for Strategic and International Studies recently, holding a symposium titled “The Merits of Air and Space Power in the New Millennium.” They have spearheaded a lengthy and well-received study effort involving some of the leading minds on the subject, which you’ll hear more of in the future. There I spoke at some length with Tom MIKOLAJCIK, who helped lead the study’s panel on Mobility and Support and who hopes that any of you who happen near Charleston will give him and Carmen a call to set up some dinner, dancing, and reminiscing.

Received a nice note from Charlie BALDWIN, who is the command chaplain at AF Space Command. Charlie hit the links with Jeff GRIME (commander of the Cheyenne Mountain Operations Center) recently, says Jeff shot a 73, so we know what Jeff has been doing with his discretionary avocational time. Wally MOORHEAD and Ron HINDMARSH are commander and deputy, respectively, of the Space Warfare Center at Falcon AFB. Charlie contacted Art SCHWALL about joining the crowd of ’69 grads sitting together at USAFA football games (see the last Checkpoints). Ahhh, the power of networking. Art, as you know flies for Delta, and is looking forward to Charlie’s being aboard one of his flights so he can announce “Hi, I’m Art Schwall, your pilot for today’s flight. There is also a chaplain on board.”

Received a note from long-lost buddy Chris CURTIS, who kindly enclosed a photo of 1972 vintage, after a group of us had been waterskiing near San Antonio. Chris is now vice president of Sales for Peabody Coal Company, the country’s largest coal producer and a big player in the

international market as well. He lives in Flagstaff, AZ (could it get any better than that?), and invites any of you visiting the Grand Canyon to drop by to see him and Christa. Chris, you may recall, was a stalwart on USAFA’s swimming team, and still swims regularly; he and Rich HAGELIN, Chuck HOSMER, and Bill GRIFFITH, all dolphin-like still, are planning an over-50 relay team to attend next year’s national swimming championships. I look forward to putting their blue-ribbon performance pictures in a newsletter several months hence.

Tom and Karen FLEMING were through town for a few days, and they described to me over dinner the excitement they have had recently during successive assignments in Alaska, San Antonio, and Hawaii. They are looking for places to live apres-AF (Tom will retire later this summer) and are covering both coasts as well as the noncontinental U.S.A. in their search. Congrats to Brigadier General Fleming on his stellar career.

Congrats also to Jeff POSNER, who recently traded his blue-suit for mufti and “retired” for the moment with Anne to the Melbourne, FL area. Jeff was through D.C. a couple months back, and may do some consulting work in his new life as a civilian.

Les DYER attended the annual SR-71 Blackbird get-together in Vegas in June; the other ’69er who flew the Blackbird, Tom KECK, couldn’t break away to attend this time. Three of our classmates (names withheld on authors’ requests!) have books pending publishing, and I’ll give you the details in the next installment. Mike ROSE is still “Excel-ling,” and is one of that company’s leading executives. Terry BRADY e-mails that Larry LOUDEN, who lives in Illinois, has been hired by TWA and is a first officer on the MD80. Larry is most happy being a “crew dog” again after years of desk jobs in the AF. Bugs FORSYTHE, who flies for United and is relocating to the D.C. area at month’s end, has been nominated for his first star in the Air Force Reserves. Kudos to Bugs.

Finally, though it may be unprecedented to mention someone from another class in a column, let alone for two issues running, I would be remiss were I not to mention the terrific news that a member of the Class of ’68, well-known to and respected deeply by all of us, has by now received his fourth star and become the Vice Chief of Staff, USAF—Ed EBERHART. As far as I know, this is the first four-star from our “era” at USAFA. Nice to have someone in a position of such responsibility who remembers Laugh-In, hula hoops, Jack’s Valley, the Young Rascals, words like “copacetic,” and Robin Olds. Class of ’69 congrats to you, General EBERHART, on your promotion and continued contributions.

It appears I am out of space. And, therefore, airspeed and runway. So I’ll be a dot for now and look forward to penning the next installment in September. Keep up the calls, letters, and e-mails. 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: 60

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Thanks for all the recent info. Don’t forget to send pictures!

Received three e-mails from Roger PETERSON. Unfortunately, all three were identical. Like me, he is techo-challenged and wanted to make sure I received the information. Roger apparently had forgotten how to sweat, so he spent some time with Darrel MASSEY in Charleston. Roger describes Darrel as truly retired, which means he does not work, nor is he interested in a second career. In an attempt at Southern hospitality, Darrel took him out in his boat and they chased gators and water moccasins. (I am not making this up). Their next recreational stop is Honduras, though Roger seemed purposefully evasive about this leg of his life’s journey. It’s clear now that Darrel doesn’t work because he can’t: he’s certifiably nuts. On a calmer note, Roger talked with Jerry MCKEE who is doing well with Chevron in Salt Lake City. Roger and wife, Sheila, will be visiting Tony DESANTIS and wife, Judy, in Truckee, CA. Tony still flies with American and works in the investment business. Take two steps back, Tony: I really don’t thing Roger’s rambling about gator hides, water moccasin skins, and tax-deferred investments will fly.

Received an energetic e-mail from Kelly Flaherty, daughter of Warren Tucker FLAHERTY. She said her dad was a swimmer at the Zoo and is now anti-Internet. However, she wanted to make sure I had some info about him. He is a Lt Col stationed at Wright-Pat AFB. He and wife, Joan, have three children, Sean (20), Patrick (17), and the e-mail originator, Kelly (14). Thanks, Kelly. Please send photos.

Short e-mail from Dave PERRON thanking me for the harassment in the column. It seems he never actually received any at the Academy.

Bill MANNING sent an amazing e-mail. Amazing in the fact that Bill has enough strength and energy to even sit at the computer terminal. In

the last Checkpoints column I foolishly proclaimed John RUSS’s daughter, Grace, at age two the youngest child of any ’70 grad. Bill politely replied, “Not so fast, o’ family planning mouth.” Bill and wife, Brenda, also have a two-year-old named McKenzie. But just recently they had their 14th child, Barrett, which is Swedish for “I can’t believe we have another child.” When friends ask Bill if this is it, he politely responds, “How can it be? It’s a tie ball game with seven girls and seven boys, and it’s not even the 9th inning yet.” Bill and Brenda homeschool all of the athome children, and sing locally as a family act, all while Bill works out of their home as a computer software consultant. One of his friends wanted to know what was going on since their children don’t go to school and he doesn’t go to work. Darrel, I take back everything I said about you being certifiably nuts chasing gators and water moccasins. Taken in perspective, your life seems perfectly normal! As a side note, I got an e-mail from Jeff HUMPTON who saw Bill in D.C. and said he almost passed out when he talked with him—not because of the 14 kids, but because Bill was, as always, smiling. Bill finished his military career in the Reserves as a Lt Col and CE commander at Dover AFB. He also received national exposure for his computer software package. Bill planned to send a picture of the entire family, but I told him we had space limitations in Checkpoints.

Joe BURKE is headed for upstate New York to begin a new career as president of Keuka College. Congrats! Rumor has it that the president’s waterfront home comes complete with boat and dock. Is this like an Outward Bound college or a real college? Great article in our local newspaper about Joe’s wife, Diane, who was the principal of Lewis Palmer High School for the last seven years. She was instrumental in maintaining the high standard of the school as she watched it double in size during her tenure. Her upstate New York opportunities include becoming a high school principal or possibly a professor at Keuka. Diane, I will put in a good word for you with Joe.

Dana ARBAUGH sent a great note, together with a newspaper article he wrote about John HASELTON. As many of you remember, John was killed in action in Vietnam. Dana’s article, “All-American Hero (A Vietnam vet remembers a fellow serviceman’s ultimate sacrifice),” details their friendship and how John unseflishly volunteered for extra missions because some of the planes in his friend’s unit had been shot down. Let me know if you would like a copy of this great article. Thanks Dana! Dana recently saw Chuck REED’s daughter Kim graduate 11th out of 787 from the good old AFA. Super! Dana stayed with Les HAMBLIN and wife, Sharon. Les retired as an 0-6 and served with Dana in Southeast Asia and Germany, which in and of itself made for tough assignments.

Find the New Lieutenant

Mike HUBER sent info and a picture. Mike and wife, Melissa, are the proud parents of Charles, a ’97 AFA grad, who served his time in 15th Squadron, the same as Mike. Charles will start pilot training at Vance AFB at Enid, OK, which is not only his birthplace, but is also where Mike attended UPT and served as a T-38 instructor. As Mike says, life seems to go full circle. You might recognize a couple of other people in the picture. The old guy on the right is Dick RAUSCHKOLB, who was Mike’s roommate and came up from Maxwell AFB to give Charles the oath of office. Mike, I would check to see if Dick is really authorized to perform that duty. The guy just a little older than the old guy is retired Colonel Edwin Montgomery, who was Mike and Dick’s AOC, and who still works as the AOG liaison to 15th Squadron. Great picture!

Carl YAKABOWSKAS sent an e-mail response in reference to Rick Davis’ search for Dan Hollacher and Eric WADE. Carl and Dan were

roommates and he remembers that Dan left the AFA his doolie year, but does not know where he went or is now. I haven’t received any information on Rick (Eric) Wade. Sorry Rick, that is all the info I have. Carl works in sales with the Home Depot company in Plano, TX and his wife teaches at a local school. Since Carl has nothing better to do than harass the class scribe, he sent me another e-mail: “14 things that high school seniors were not taught.” One that may hit home: “Get up when you fall down.” Great motivational thought, but I have to admit it is hard to even roll over at age 50, let alone get up.

While at Bolling AFB, Jeff HUMPTON saw Bill OLDENBURG, his roommate the first semester at the Zoo, and now the Inspector General for the HQ 11th Wing at Bolling AFB. Jeff mentioned that he noticed a former member of 1st Squadron, Fred Foreman, on TV during the congressional hearings on Judge Bork. Fred, who left AFA his doolie year, was the president of the Association of the Prosecuting Attorneys of the U.S. or as Jeff says, “some similar title that translates to: don’t even think about ticking me off.”

Rick BEREIT sent an e-mail from Hickam AFB. He and wife, Barb, had hoped he could remain in Hawaii for his full three-year tour, especially since he had finally learned the hula. He had bought a boat, and taught his kids how to water ski and eat pineapple at the same time. However, the AF has other plans. Rick will leave the HQ PACAF staff, where he was the chief of Logistics Inspection for the IG team, and move to Gunter AFB, in beautiful downtown Montgomery, AL, to become the commander of the AF Logistics Management Agency. There goes your pineapple allowance. Son Steve is at the AFA, Class of ’98. Their oldest daughter is in her second year at N. Arizona University. Their two younger girls will travel with family to Montgomery. Rebekah will be a senior and has maintained a 3.96 average. Rick says she must have gotten Barb’s genes. Kathleen will enter 7th grade and Rick hopes maybe, just maybe, they will be there long enough for her to make it to 8th grade. Rick has made 15 PCS moves and lived in 19 houses, so he is justifiably just a tad skeptical. However, Rick says the great part is that they have seen a lot of the world and been touched by many different people and cultures. While at Misawa, Rick saw Rich DOWNING, the USAFA Spt Wg/CC.

Bruce HARMON sent an e-mail. He and wife, Susan, have moved from Colorado Springs to a new job in Hillsboro, OR. This was tough for both of them since Bruce had been with Hewlett Packard for 14 years, and Susan had a successful practice in mental health counseling. (Susan, call Bill MANNING and Darrel MASSEY). Bruce is now director of R&D at Synopsys Logic Modeling, a top company in electronic design automation. Their two sons live in Boulder, CO. The oldest, Carl, is getting married this year, and Scott will be a junior at CU.

Dick RAUSCHKOLB sent a great fax showing an official, not fabricated, golf score card as evidence that a member of the Class of ’70, namely Dick “Big Bertha” RAUSCHKOLB, beat a certain General Robin Olds. General Olds signed the card, “The Class of ’70 finally beat me!” General Olds, we were never behind! Dick says General Olds was attending an annual function, the “Gathering of Eagles,” which honors AF greats. Dick said he also played golf with Dusty SWANSON and that after 32 years of losing to Dick, Dusty finally won. I think a security check on RAUSCHKOLB is definitely in order.

Ken WHITE sent an e-mail regarding his collection of Air Force Pilot Insignia from 1913 to the present. He is willing to donate this to the AFA and make a formal presentation at our 30th reunion. Hope this idea flies! Thanks, Ken.

Keep the cards, letter, 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

By the time you read this column, the chapel rush will be over, the Class of ’97 will be busily learning how to be officers in the “Real Air Force,” and it may have dried out here in the Springs. The new grass at Falcon Stadium should be about ready for the fall season, and we shall see what practice on the gym fields has done for/to the Falcons.

Andrea’s cousin graduated this spring, and it was my honor to administer the oath of office to him. One of his classmates was sworn in by Brad HOSMER, who (I think) was literally the first graduate. A Denver news anchor mentioned that he had been a photographer at ’59’s graduation, and they showed film of Falcon Stadium. I mentioned this story to Pete TODD and he replied, “We graduated in Arnold Hall.” One last graduation tidbit: We and ’65 are tied for the honor of graduating latest

in the year.

On to class news, such as it is. The closest I got to talking to one of you was this month, when Debra LACKEY called the office to let my boss know that she had arranged for Southwest Airlines to donate some laprobes to the Union Printers Home in memory of her grandmother. When she told me her name, I asked, “Is your husband by any chance a graduate of the Air Force Academy?” When she replied that Mike was indeed a grad, I told her that we were classmates. She told me that Mike is retired, they live in the Springs, and that Mike is flying with Southwest, as is Jim HOGAN, who lives in Tucson.

Now to the e-mail brigade. Joe KELLEY, a ’74 grad, passed on the news that Ed EDMUNDSON was honored for his work in the Dayton area at the Angel Awards Ceremony at Wright-Patterson. Jeff DOTUR sent two messages. Jeff’s son Chris graduated from Third Squadron, married Jen, and is off to Langley and then to UPT at Vance. Jeff is flying for United as a standards captain (same job as stan eval in the AF) on the Airbus A-320. In the small world department, his roommate in the training center is Roger (Mac) MCFARLAND, who was also his roommate during pilot training at Reese 25 years ago.

Ralph GETCHELL is hanging out in the Cairo area as chief, Aviation, OMC Cairo EG. I wonder if that’s the same as the training detachment I visited on my one and only trip to Africa in the ’80s.

Bernie GLAZE is working with IBM Global Services. When he retired, his first job was with Prudential Insurance with computers. After a year or so, Bernie was traded to IBM (probably for a mainframe, twelve PCs, and the next draft option). He feels that it was a good thing for him that he’s with a technology company instead of an insurance company. That’s about it for now. How many of you were married during June Week? (I know of four who were. Of those, three couples are still together.) I remember that both chapels were doing assembly-line business that week, so we must have a few folk out there still. Keep writing, keep e-mailing, and would it kill any of you to lift up the phone and call once in a while? (Kidding—just don’t call collect.)

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: 48

KJ/1

News from the field is very slim right about now so this time you will see a fairly short column. Must be that people are keeping busy getting through the summer in order to be there at the 25th reunion in October...I did receive five or six e-mails but no letters, so will pass on what I have gathered from cyberspace.

First to arrive was from Rick WITTERS (Francesca) sending from the D.C. area where he is running his own construction management/general contracting firm following 15 years as VP of a design, construction and property management concern with the Kennedy family. Still working with them, he’s currently doing renovations on Senator Kennedy’s new home and consulting in Hyannisport. Any grads in the D.C. area needing any commercial construction work done need only call him.

Next in the queue is Jeff HILL (Cathy) writing from Hurlburt AFB in Florida where he is holding down and about to retire (6 June) from a great position as a physiologist and aeromedical safety officer and doing it without all the hassles of operating an altitude chamber! With the background he has, Jeff is seeking information that might lead to some cockpit resource management program position possibly with one of the major airlines. Hopefully you’ll be free to make it to the reunion too, Jeff!

Don JONES (Christina) sends from Incirlik, Turkey where he was the 39th Logistics Group commander for the last two years, reporting the next assignment will be to Kelly Field in San Antonio. Don will be taking over the Fighter Propulsion Division (LPF) at Kelly, the major maintenance depot for Air Force. Heidi (18) will be attending American University in Washington, DC after graduating summa cum laude from Incirlik High School. Heather (14) will be going to Clark High School in San Antonio while dad and mom settle into life stateside-style after putting in three consecutive overseas tours of six years duration. Welcome

CLASS OF 1972 25-YEAR REUNION

15-19 October 1997

USAFA versus Fresno State

home everyone, even the two German cats and one Turkish dog!

Brian LANDSBERGER (DongMi), currently of Austin, TX dropped me a brief message with the address for one of our lost souls, Bill QUIROS currently of Sugar Land, TX. Bill is apparently doing well as a civil engineer for an oil company services firm. Brian is presently at the University of Texas at Austin in mechanical engineering.

A sad report came in from George “Buster” ASH notifying friends in the class of the recent passing of the love of his life and wife, Angel. She had been battling colon cancer for the past four years, enduring three major surgeries (colon, lungs and brain) with four separate regimens of radiation and nine of chemotherapy before succumbing on Friday, 23 May 97. Angel and Buster had dated from third class year, were married June Week and fittingly spent her last days at home together. A number of classmates and their spouses undoubtedly knew and loved Angel and would want to know. Our sincerest condolences to you, Buster, in your time of need.

On another somber note, most have probably already heard that our classmate Joost VAN BASTELAAR (Sharon) was killed in the crash of his A-10 aircraft during approach to landing at Willow Grove NAS, PA on Good Friday, 28 March 97. I know you all join me in expressing our condolences to Van’s wife, Sharon, and the family. An obituary on Joost is included elsewhere in this issue under Gone But Not Forgotten.

To wrap up this edition, let me just reinforce the fact that our 25th Reunion is fast approaching, to be here shortly after you receive this magazine. It promises to be a phenomenal event and I hope that all or as many as possible will be able to attend. We are still seeking some Lost Souls that were listed in the package sent to each classmate about the reunion. So if you can find them in your address books, association directories, or whatever, please pass them on to either me, committee members or the AOG direct. And as always, FPA.

Thomas D. Bailey, M.D.

1807 Arbor Way Drive <S Shelby, NC 28150-6166 yzr* i;/

Home: (704) 482-3110

1-800-776-1054

E-mail: Rdbtwn@aol.com

Percent Members: 40 *

Hello again from North Carolina. It’s been a cooler-than-normal spring but generally very comfortable. I’ve had a couple little adventures since last issue. One was the opportunity to meet a couple of Apollo astronauts. In early May I went to the annual Naval Aviators Symposium in Pensacloa. They had several of the astronauts there, including Neil Armstrong. I got to meet Alan Shepard (see photo) and Gene Cernan. It was quite a thrill to hear them speak about their experiences in the space program. Of course, to hear them all talk it was almost exclusively a Navy program. Any comments?

We got a news release announcing that Chrysler Financial Corporation has appointed Christopher A. TARAVELLA vice president and general counsel. He is responsible for managing the legal aspects of CFC’s business and reports directly to the chairman of the CFC. He lives with his wife and sons in Bloomfield Township, MI.

Dan O’HOLLAREN sent along a picture and some news. The picture is of Dan and Jim SCULLY who was visiting during an overnight with Southwest. Jim lives in Wichita now but is planning a move to Whidbey Island, WA. Dan says they are planning the 30-year reunion for

Tom Bailey with Alan B. Shepard, first U.S. astronaut in space and commander ofApollo 14.

Jim Scully with Dan O’Hollaren andfamily.

Rebeleven at Jim’s future massive log lodge there. Dan works for Boeing and is extremely busy building all those planes they’ve been selling. Dan is a business team manager responsible for manufacturing gearboxes and engine mounts. He says that if any of you airline pilots “either ‘can’t get it into gear or have an engine fall off,’ call him for a full and cheerful refund!” Dan is also still in the Guard but not flying anymore. He’s doing bioenvironmental engineering now but may be changing to something new soon.

I just heard from Joe MITCHELL. We were both in 36th Squadron. Joe and family recently moved from Chattanooga to Knoxville where he was to be back flying with the TVA in the King Air 350 and Bell JetRanger. But now, starting June 16th he’s starting flight officer training with United Airlines in Denver. Joe’s son has also graduated from Troy State University, been commissioned in the Air Force and has gone to Luke Air Force Base as a computer information systems officer. I hope to get together with Joe soon since I haven’t seen him since we graduated.

Paul “Rick” MAZUROWSKI (CS-18) e-mailed a brief update. He returned to flying three years ago and flew for ASA and Valujet and now flies for Delta as a 727 S/O. He starts training for an MD88 F/O in July. He’s living in Atlanta.

I’ve got a few leftover questionaires from my last batch. Robert M. “Marc” BOLTON (CS-02) and spouse, Lana, live in Anaheim Hills, CA, have two children, Jeanne C. (24) and Joshua (9) and Marc is deputy director Operations Support (Defense Contract Management District West). His main hobby is golf, he coaches Division 5 soccer, Double A Baseball and teaches Sunday School grades six and seven. Josh is in Cub Scouts and Lana is a home hospice nurse.

George TOTA (CS-15) can be reached at Tota George@bah.com. In real space I think he’s in Mannassas, VA. Michael G. “Mike” HUB (CS-31) is floating around at mghub@cpis.net, the last Register puts him in Kuwait. Thomas “Tom” BUTLER (CS-10) is a B-747 check captain with Atlas Air Cargo based at JFK Airport. He plays ice hockey in an adult league and has three children. Jennifer (22) graduated from Wayne State College in ’96, Brian (19) is in the Air Force at Aviano AB, and his third is Patrick (16). He reports that Allan CALOMINO is in Fullerton, CA and recently passed the California bar exam.

I got an e-mail from Ralph W. “Win” HINDS (CS-06) right after I did the last article. He completed his MD in 1984 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is currently working as a staff anesthesiologist at Millard Fillmore Hospital in Buffalo, NY. He’s also on the faculty at SUNY-Buffalo School of Medicine. He completed his residency in 1987 and did a neuroanesthesia fellowship the next year. Win is happily married to Pam and has three “terrific” children; Scott (17), an Eagle Scout, great swimmer and high school rising senior; Christine (7) who loves softball and Brownies, and Jacquie (5) who loves gymnastics. Sounds like you’re keeping busy and out of trouble.

Denny DANIELSON sent a message that he and wife, Sharrie, added David Andrew Danielson to the family on Oct. 17, 1996. Finally, I got a fax from another 36er who I haven’t seen since our 10-year reunion. Scott BRENNAN and spouse, Louise, live in the San Francisco area where he owns four Sylvan Learning Centers, two Sylvan Technology Centers and is a professor at the undergrad and graduate levels for the University of California, the International University of America and the University of Phoenix. Sounds like you finally figured out a way to put those history degrees to good use, Scott! Scott has two stepchildren, Shannon (26) and Rob (19), and a son Matthew (10).

As I write this my oldest daughter, Katie (16), is attending the summer scientific seminar at the Air Force Academy. Who knows, she may decide she likes it and decide to go after a nomination! I’m going to call it a night now—why am I always up late the night before the deadline doing these? Please drop me an e-mail, regular mail letter, call or fax if you have a chance. Remember, the next deadline is shortly after you read this so if you do it while you’re thinking about it now you’ll likely get to see yourself in print!

Joe Brezovic

1209 Bayou Oaks Drive

Friendswood, TX 77546

Phone: (713) 244-8089

Fax: (713) 244-8958

E-mail: jbrezovi@ems.j sc. nasa.gov

Percent members: 40

wGreetings and felicitations to each of you. For those of you who tried to e-mail me after 15 May, you might have had the mail bounced back. I didn’t know the “system” was changing the mail server until the day after it was done. I go into the office and open my e-mail—only to find that the message traffic I keep active was missing. This included a number of “in work” messages to send back attached memos, or correct answers, you know the drill. All that was missing. Then I checked the address list to send a note to a work mate explaining my dilemma only to find out that the address list was nixed, too. (exclamation points!) Apologies to all of you who tried sending something. I have to rebuild my mail address list from the messages I have on file hoping to find an address on the header. I’m not ignoring you—I’ve just not found you! THIS e-mail address shouldn’t change for a long time. If it does, there’s still the home phone and the home address. You are welcome to use these.

The postman delivered a short note from Tris SEVDY who is in Peachtree City, GA. We saw each other after 15 years at Hurlburt Field in February. He reported that Georgia dogwoods looked beautiful after the visit to Kansas this past spring. Guess Atlanta blossomed before Kansas again. Pollen count was up, though. (Allergies, what a hassle to life!) Another late Christmas letter came. The letter seemed to have good reasons! John EPHLAND and Cheryl wrote in from Belton, MO. They’re finally getting the family together in the same state and city. For a while, John’s company had him doing company work (aka TDY) in California for six months-plus. I’m sure the ’74 civilians would like the ’74 military to know that it ain’t as easy out there as dreams may be. Their son Matthew is taking trombone lessons on John’s old trombone. Yeah for tradition! Orchestra and golf are the son’s pastimes. Their daughter Becca is on the varsity basketball team, plus has found new friends. (I read phone time is now at a premium!) By the time this gets out, John and Cheryl would have a few months together in the new home in Belton which is a local phone call from Kansas City!

People I’ve seen lately included Bob CRIPE at Robins AFB, GA. Bob is the Col deputy commander of J-STARS Ops here. I happened to find Bob while going through the Internet to learn what different organizations are about. I was shopping for Reserve billets. Well, was I surprised to see Bob. We promised to get together the next time I was in town. For those from twelfth squadron, I saw Col. Hank Mason at a commander’s call. He is the director of the Special Ops Forces Systems Program Office. I found another grad on the net by accident, ’73 Col Kevin MCNELLIS, director of Space and Special Systems Management. Actually, through some research with the Reserve offices I found a possible billet in his directorate. My new Reserve home at Robins AFB is in Col McNellis’ directorate. You are familiar with drawdowns of dollars and people (of course)? Well, one assigned task is to find a cheaper way to supply the forces. This might take a few months! Charles JUSTIZ is still at Johnson Space Center. I’ve seen astronaut Don MCMONAGLE still flying through the halls. (Pun intended.) Ron SEGA is now living and working in Colorado Springs. And the Space Station is progressing along. That’s great, cause out of that very small part of the budget comes the teeny part my boss pays me.

I must close. As you may recall, the AOG doesn’t pass on address change cards to me anymore. I’m still trying to find a work around so we know who’s coming and going. I had hoped to glean more off the net. Perhaps now that my changed e-mail address is advertised we can share more. Wishing you all to live long and prosper.

Jeff Hackett

1866 W. Aspen Ave.

Gilbert, AZ 85233

Home: (602) 813-9605

Office: (602) 891-2734

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

Percent members: 38

LIKE GETTING ROLLED AROUND HALF-NAKED ON THE PINECONES IN SERE! I had forgotten what fun it was to partake of this experience. First, let me say “thanks” to Jim CARLSON for filling in last time—was just one of those times where the scribe was rapidly moving to the other side of the power curve and discretion seemed the better part of valor. In retrospect I’m not totally certain that tonight is very much different than three months ago but I knew if I treated you badly again you wouldn’t respect me in the morning. This is especially true in light of the deluge of inputs you have provided; so let’s get to it!

CLEARED DIRECT TO WHEREVER HE HAPPENS TO BE GOING. Mark DONNELLY zapped a line to let us know that effective this past inauguration day he assumed responsibilities as chief of the Presidential Pilot’s Office. Said he and the 160 people working for him had pretty much learned everything you and I never needed to know about the handling characteristics of a wheelchair. Expecting this will keep him, Lucy and the kids in Washington for a few more years.

If things go right another classmate, Matt “Kip” FONG, may be on his way to Washington soon—Kip is currently leading the field of GOP contenders vying for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Barbara Boxer. It’s an interesting piece of timing that Kip’s son is considering higher education via one of the service academies...not really expecting an appointment from Ms. Boxer!

Bentley RAYBURN isn’t going to Washington (yet?), but as new commander of the 4404 Wing at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, I expect he’ll get to talk on the phone with lots of people there. Bentley pinned on his star, relinquished command of the 388FW (Hill AFB), and did the change-of-command thing in Saudi during one (hectic) week in the middle of June. Debbi and the kids will be staying in Utah. The picture is from a slightly late Christmas card. (But with me missing the spring issue and the normal four-month writing-to-publishing turnaround...what the heck, snow probably looks pretty good to you right now!)

RHIP—The 388FW “Poster Family”

NOT COUNTING THE CHAPEL, THE LEAST LIKELY PLACE TO FIND FOUR ’75 GRADS. How about on a ship in the Pacific Ocean! Our token captain, Mark LENCI, sent this picture onboard the USS Blue Ridge back in December (see time-lag comments above) during a Joint Task Force exercise. Mark, who is permanently embarked on the Blue Ridge as Seventh Fleet assistant chief of staff for C4I, had some advanced warning that Kevin LANZIT (Operations officer [?], 13 AF, Guam) was going to be onboard but there was apparently surprise all around when they bumbed into Larry FARISS (USSPACECOM J3 shop, Hawaii) and Lee MONROE (Navy Tactical Training Group, San Diego). Being typical cadets they immediately created a “contest” and determined that USAFA ’75 was numerically better represented than any other class from any other service academy. By the way, I heard through our channels (Bill MURRAY) that Larry is on his way back to USAFA to be director of Intramurals.

CONFESSION IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL. Mike MCCLENDON was one of the several folks who admitted to being a first-time writer-to-thescribe. Mike and his family are in Dallas where he is a captain with

“All Ahead Full” with Kevin Lanzit, Mark Lend, Lee Monroe, and Larry Fariss.

CONFESSION IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL. Mike MCCLENDON was one of the several folks who admitted to being a first-time writer-to-thescribe. Mike and his family are in Dallas where he is a captain with American (F-100). Number one son is in Class of 2000 at USAFA. (Can only imagine how many “back-in-the-purple-A-jacket-days” stories he’s had to endure?) Two other boys and three girls still at home. Like me, Mike’s an individual mobilization augmentee in AFMC, he’s assigned to Wright Labs in Dayton, doing inactive duty at the Lockheed Martin plant in Fort Worth and annual tours at Eglin AFB. And, yes Mike, you are now “off the hook”...for six to nine months anyway.

I’m thinking that Phil PEARCE is possibly the easiest man to get a hold of on the face of the planet—has more telephone, pager, FAX numbers, and Internet addresses than the average small company. Reckon some of this is related to the fact that he, Chris, daughter Shannon and son Brandon have a home in North Carolina but Phil spends much time in his offices and condo in Las Vegas (don’t ask...I don’t know...not sure I want to). In keeping with editorial guidance, I won’t inelude picture of Phil with his airplane and original cadet car (Corvette)—the subject (Phil) is so relatively small compared to his rather large “toys” that reproduction in magazine would wind up looking more like car ad. Phil used picture as springboard for an interesting question, “how many of us still have our original cadet cars?” Your immediate response is solicited and pictures are encouraged (you in the foreground, car in background).

Bob HICKOX also made a first-ever input. Bob and wife, Barb, live in Townsend, MA (same house for 19 years!) and have two girls (16 and 19). Bob left active duty 17 years ago; is now with National Computer Systems, an information services and data capture/management company (make all the “fill-in-the-bubble” forms). Bob’s another one of these home-away-from-home guys, spending 60 percent of his time on the road, mostly in Minneapolis.

IT’S OKAY TO TALK ABOUT OTHERS. No ego problem with Paul LOTAKIS, he devoted over half of his e-mail to telling us about Walt “Buster” BURNS who as an active-duty officer has recently taken command of the 103FW, Connecticut Air National Guard. As you may have guessed this is an unprecendented mix-n-match of the Total Force and an obvious testimonial about Walt’s potential for leadership. When he finally got around to talking about himself Paul noted that he’s still in Anchorage, flying the 737 and getting used to new responsibilities as ALPA Council Rep. Son is at U. of Alaska-Fairbanks majoring in C.E. (“like his old man”), oldest daughter just hit teenage years, youngest daughter just turned 10. In Paul’s words, wife, Michele, is in her “renaissance” and is taking voice and piano lessons.

Another “news of many” came through from Ric LEWALLEN; they’ve moved to a farmhouse on 2 Vi acres in Coosada, AL (outside Montgomery), still “doing the same thing, just in a better location” (relative to D.C.). Headlines on others; Don BYERS’ oldest daughter graduated from high school this year, Rudy ROTH is still stationed at Travis and will be there at least through next summer, Dean COX is still working with the foreign liaison office in D.C.

And John SCHERER dropped a line from McClellan AFB where he is support group commander. John thought Sam RYAL’s name should get into the “oldest dad” contest—his wife, Ginger, was expecting this past May. Also gave a report on Tim WRIGHTON who is 349th AW Ops Group commander. The 349th is the Reserve associate unit at Travis AFB, flying C-5s, C-141s, and KC-lOs.

TOUCH-AND-GOES. Got several quick, “here I am” e-mails to pass along: Steve PITOTTI is F-15 PDM pilot at Warner Robins AFB, says “life away from the Pentagon is a blast—the field is much more fun!”

Duane JONES, Jan, and their boys were getting ready to leave Ramstein AB (after just less than a year) for Maxwell AFB and AWC. Duane was pretty surprised when the housing people told him that they wouldn’t be able to get their on-base housing until Lt Col Bob GAMBRELL moves out! Small world. Dennis and Leslie BROOKS have moved to a home on golf course outside the North Gate and are rapidly building a golf ball collection (which they’ll probably try to sell to offset car repair costs resulting from “wicked hooks”). Their daughter Becky made cheerleader for her upcoming senior year of high school. John TURNER picked an appropriate milestone date, June 4th, for his retirement from USAFR; plans to play a lot more golf.

CLEAN-UP AND CORRECTIONS. Got an e-mail from Rick Broome (aviation artist) over six months ago that I just forgot to include in last artide I wrote. He wanted me to remind those of you who own any of his work from that era that art appraisals are a good idea to protect your investment. Appreciation has probably increased the value of your art far beyond the purchase but without an appraisal you’re SOL.

Have also gotten e-mail to resolve uncertainties surfaced in last article. Turns out “John (couldn’t get his last name)” is actually John Quattrocki who left after 2nd Class summer (not after 1st year) based on loss of pilot qualification (kind of a “medical thing”). John’s now an FBI agent in Washington, DC.

ONE OF THOSE DAYS. Months from now when I read this in the actual pages of the magazine I wonder if I’ll remember what a crummy day I had back in June? Probably will when I read the salutation: Remember, it’s later than we think—THANK GOODNESS!

Ernie Woollard

2717 Field Court Rocklin, CA 95765-4913

Percent members: 42

Hello fellow ’76ers. This is my last California edition, as by the time you read this, Pam, the girls, and I will be completely settled at Scott AFB, IL—NOT! In reality, by the time you really read this, we will probably be living in temporary quarters off the base, eagerly waiting for base housing, still scrambling to get the girls properly settled in school, and madly searching for household belongings that somehow got lost in one of the many shuffles. Who would have ever thought that you could have nearly 20,000 pounds of stuff! Maybe that’s the real reason we took the assignment—a forced garage sale.

We departed California on July 12th, and in two vehicles with three drivers, slowly made our way back East to the heat and humidity of southern Illinois. Pam and I hated to leave good friends and the great weather behind, but it was time for another new adventure (there may not be many of these new AF adventures left). Our teenage girls on the other hand had to be “bound and gagged” until we reached the Nevada state line, continually threatening to “jump ship” to stay in Rocklin for the rest of their lives. We plodded through Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming before we reached our oasis in Monument, CO and the home of Terry and Karen NEWTON. Thank you both for hosting us, allowing us to catch our breaths before pressing on through Kansas, Missouri, and finally on into Illinois.

Well, we’re here now, the first assignment in our home state. I can be reached through the TACC; please stop by and say “Hello,” or better yet, give me some new information for this article. Prior to leaving AFROTC, the Claude Farina Gold Rush Chapter of the Air Force Association completely surprised me with their President’s Award during the annual Exceptional Performer banquet. The professor of Aerospace Studies assignment at Sac State was certainly a challenge, and not always filled with highlights, but I certainly will miss the fine people on that campus and throughout the McClellan AFB community.

In late March, I ran across Harrison FREER (Trish) at the Air University Library at Maxwell AFB, AL. It seems Harrison was finishing up some course work preparing for his new assignment at Ramstein AB, Germany. There, he will be “up to his eyeballs” scheduling, coordinating, controlling, and supporting airlift operations throughout the European Theater. It looks like he and I are back in the same business once again. Back on the “home front,” I’m very happy to announce that Craig PUZ Is healthy again and has relocated to Alexandria, VA where he is employed by a defense contractor. He spends plenty of time at the Pentagon, maybe a few of you have seen him there. Thanks Craig for the update and continued best wishes.

Well, that’s all for this last California edition—a bittersweet departure from the Sacramento Valley; and with any luck, our house has finally sold! Thank goodness for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and their Homeowners Assistance Program. Please keep those updates coming, and until next time, now from the Land of Lincoln—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

go 1 S

Welcome to the pre-reunion issue of our class column. If you are reading this and are not packing to head to the Springs, shame on you. For the rest, I’m looking forward to a pretty good time.

THE SCRIBES’S FIFTEEN MINUTES OF FAME: Those of you tuning into National Public Radio in the latter part of May might have caught your loquacious scribe waxing eloquent on the Kelly Flinn general discharge situation. Ever my usual tactful self, I do not expect to be receiving any Christmas cards from Secretary Widnall this year.

Sonia and I hosted a “pre-reunion reunion” of all the ’77 grads in the D.C. area that I could locate through the AOG. We ended up with about 50 people over at our house on the last day of May, just before the 20th anniversary of our graduation. It was not a Checkpoints party, so I won’t go into any details, except to say that it was a wonderful evening of people telling horrible stories about each other that did nothing but sharpen our resolve to be at the Academy in September. My thanks to all who came, and whoever it was that left the solid chocolate medallions with the Air Force seal on one side—my children thank you.

Neil Armstrong signs an autograph for Vikki and Bill Rhoden.

SPACEBALLS—PART ONE: Bill RHODEN (Vikki) is laboring mightily to bring the class reunion to fruition, but he still gets out and about. He and Vikki had time to attend some festivities with none other than Neil Armstrong, former astronaut and heartbeat counter (Mr. Armstrong, you may remember, gave us the famous excuse for not jogging: “I have only so many heartbeats and I don’t intend to waste any of them running around in circles.”) Mr. Armstrong is signing a copy of Con-

Lt. Col. Ernie Woollard is presented the AFA President’s Award by Col. John Scherer (USAFA ’75), 77th SPTG/CC.

CLASS OF 1977 20-YEAR REUNION

At Homecoming 1997

24-28 September 1997

USAFA versus San Diego State

trails, which strikes me as a perfectly lousy place to put a perfectly good autograph. Keep up the good work, Bill, and good luck, Vikki, in getting the AOG publishing system on-line.

SPACE BALLS—PART DEUX: Charlie PRECOURT (Lynne) had a marvelously successful shuttle flight as commander of the Atlantis mission to Mir in May. Charlie and his crew transferred over 7,000 lbs of cargo (including a crew member) to a space station that was badly in need of assistance. I suppose those heady days of bag-dragging from one broken airplane to another finally paid off. Charlie e-mailed me after his return and said that the Mir crew was very glad to see the Atlantis. He noted that everyone particularly enjoyed the six-course meal that the Atlantis crew served up—not surprising, since I presume the Mir crew was a little tired of cabbage and old air filters at that point. Look for Charlie at the Paris Air Show and a meeting with the President in mid-July.

THE VIRTUAL MAILBAG: Those of you wireheads plugged into the ‘Net, check out John VISSER’s Class of ’77 Home Page at www.flash.net/~lbrpobox/77/. It’s got current information regarding the reunion and its schedule, a way to buy reunion merchandise, copies of my old Checkpoints columns, and, most importantly, a built-in e-mail link to yours truly. Many thanks to John for pulling this all together, check it out and add your e-mail address to his list of class members.

Paul PIROG (Mary) wrote from Hurlburt to let me know that he will be moving to lovely Montgomery to take over as the deputy commandant at the JAG school this summer. Mary and the kids will stay in Fort Walton Beach so that Paul’e eldest son can complete high school there.

Dave GRAGAN (Mary) has moved to Austin, TX where he has taken over as the director of Purchasing for the state of Texas. Mary is the director of a physical therapy clinic in Round Rock, TX, which was miraculously spared the tornado that destroyed Jarrell several miles away. They had their first child, a little girl, in February 1996, just prior to the move.

“Slam” BELLAMY (Lorraine) trafficked me from Air War College where he will be leaving to take on the Military Training Mission job at Taif, Saudi Arabia. He reports that Dave CRAFTON (Karen) is taking the Communications CC job at Eglin, Mitch DODD (Cynthia) is headed off to AFNORTH at NATO in Norway, and Tim HOPPER (Maryann) is headed to the Pentagon on the Joint Staff. Milt JOHNSON (Jackie) is headed back to the Springs at Space Command to get more abuse from his local property owners’ association, Mark MATTHEWS (Donna) is taking over the deputy comm job at the 607th Air Operations Group, Steve PETERSON (Margaret) is headed off to the Sec AF’s office at the Pentagon—don’t tell her you know me, Steve—and Mike STANLEY (Sandy) is headed to Special Ops Command in Tampa. Slam is headed off to Saudi this summer and will miss the reunion. Thanks for the update and we’ll find some sand to wiggle our toes in and think about you.

“Ratch” RATCHFORD (Sue) dropped me a short note to say that he’s put his retirement papers in and will be departing the blue Disneyland for the real Disneyland this summer. At least now you can measure Mickey Mouse procedures up against the expert, Ratch. Jeff BROWN (Lori) is headed from the Air Staff to the National War College. Jeff notes that “a tour at the Pentagon is successful if it only lasts two years.” Congrats on the successful tour, Jeff. Sorry you guys missed the party.

John MOL (Deb) zinged me from my old stomping ground at Kadena where he is the commander of the 353rd OSS for the Special Ops Group in the Far East. He reports that Mark GILZEAN (Barbara Jay) is the 82nd Recce Squadron commander and living just across the street from him on base. In response to my question, John reports that the JAGs still live in the middle of the golf course at Kadena and that he evacuated his birds seven times last year to dodge typhoons; in fact, John was awaiting the arrival of yet another typhoon as of mid-June. Batton down the hatches, John, and thanks for the note.

Greg HANSON (Linda) has gotten out of the Air Force since the last time I saw him in 1991 and is living in Vienna, VA. He’s working as the chief technology officer for Telos Corporation and having a ball. Greg noted the biggest changeover from military to civilian life was “having to go out and buy some real furniture.” I guess Linda finally got tired of living off the stereo boxes.

“Skip” DAY (Tracy) dropped me a long note from his Delta job at Dallas/Fort Worth and provides this quarter’s update on the airlines’ frequent flier classes. Flip FEELEY (Susan) is flying the 767 and living in Nevada; Rick PIALET (Renell) has been picked up by United effective

mid-June following his retirement. Apparently, Rick hooked up with Earl ENIX (Candy) who is quite senior with UAL; Steve RUNER (Christiana) is now with Fed-Ex flying out of Memphis; Frank ANDERSON (Kay) is also flying the 767 for Delta out of DFW. Frank is pushing F-16s out of Carswell in his spare time, as well. Kip BASSETT (Marilynn) is flying MD-88s for Delta out of DFW; Steve BECKER (Denise) is an L-1011 copilot for Delta flying out of Atlanta. Skip notes that he had the pleasure of flying with Steve about a year ago. Joe BULMER (Mary) is flying for United and pushing F-16s for the New York ANG. Mark DALY (Lisa) flies for American and is driving ’141s out of Travis for the Reserves. Tom DETTMER flies for Delta out of DFW. According to Skip, Tom’s brother Paul DETTMER (Catherine) is working at the Pentagon in Intel. Doug EVANS (Gayle) is an MD-88 captain for Delta out of Cincinatti. Jack IVY is flying for Southwest out of Dallas; Jack KEARNEY is flying out of New York on MD-88s for Delta; Duff MUIR (Mary) was picked up by United and is in Denver, and Rocky VILLAFANE is flying 737s out of Orlando for Delta after retiring from his rotor-head career at Patrick. Skip, many thanks for all this information on people I have not talked to for a while. See you at the reunion.

Cyndee MCVAY dropped me a short note to say that they are moving to Omaha and StratCom as Pat leaves Saudi on July 9th. Steve “Heavy” WITTMAN (Betsy) is handling sales for Proctor & Gamble in all of their cleaning products, you can catch Steve’s smiling face on the inside cover on most of the Checkpoints for the last year. Steve notes that he and Betsy have seven kids ranging in ages from 18 to 1. My understanding is that Steve was originally in the disposable diapers’ division but P&G transferred him after his fourth child because of a conflict of interest, i.e., he was single-handedly driving up the market share. Steve reports that Dave EPPLEY (Christine) is a captain for American Airlines out of Dallas. Heavy has had plenty of contact with other folks in the class looking to make the jump at the 20-year point. Any of you who are interested give him a buzz through his e-mail address on the Home Page.

Jeff THOMLIN (Jongsun) is at AETC in San Antonio and is assembling a listing of all the former Bulldogs from Thirteenth Squadron for the 20-year get-together. He reports that Bruce BILLIG (Carol) is retiring and will be flying for Southwest Airlines this summer. Jeff also notes that Ed OLIVER is taking up skydiving and Jeff is adding to his 1,000-plus jumps along with Ed. Fly safe guys. Mark LINDSLEY (Patti), who thought he was heading to Nellis to be group CC, is instead going to be staying in Germany for another year while he waits for a fighter group command to open up. I guess there are worse places to spend a year. Grady BOOCH (Jan) dropped me a line while he was in Washington for a conference. Grady is the chief scientist for Rational Software Corporation and was making an appearance on “World Business Review” with Caspar Weinberger. Don MOORE (Cindy) is officially out of the Air Force and working for United. See the comments above for the rest of the United crew.

REUNION BOUND: I have actually run out of room for the remaining messages from all of you. My thanks to all who wrote and I will pick up the slack following the reunion. Look for me, Sonya, and the rest of the gang coming to a Rampart Range near you. Be seeing you.

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: kais@crawdat.com

Percent members: 35

IMPORTANT STUFF FIRST. ..Get out your calendars, planners, computer schedulers, or whatever you use to make note of important events and take note: Our 20-year reunion is: 30 Sep (Wed) thru 4 Oct (Sun) 1998 (yes, we are getting that old). That’s homecoming weekend, and we’re playing the New Mexico Lobos that Saturday. The Colorado Springs Marriott is where all the great festivities will take place. So, if you don’t want to drink and drive and you want to be within crawling distance of your room...better start making your room reservations NOW! More importantly, this information came to me by the way of David DALLAGO (Dorthy) just before this article went to press, and he’s looking for some help from anyone out there who wants to be a part of putting this thing together over the next year. Dave is our “point man” on this undertaking, and he’s particularly interested in anyone in the Colorado Springs area who can stay on top of things as the dates draw nearer. If interested (or, even if you’re not), please contact: David Dallago, 2411 E. Aztec, Gallup, NM 87301. WP: (505) 722-6638. HP: (505) 722-9360.

OLD BUSINESS...First, I’m still waiting for additions to the previously-printed list of “You know you’re getting old when...”

Response has been...well, shall we say less than underwhelming, and we at the “pointy end of the spear” would really like to know how WE are doing gaining inches, pounds, and debts while losing hair, patience, and not enough strokes off the handicap. Second, just for the record Miss Ellie (wife of K-Bob); I have not received one letter from any wife of any addle-minded ’78 grad protesting anything I have written in previous artides about your beloved, but still senile husband. Therefore, all previously-published material stands and is declared FACT! By the way, Bob KAY and Miss Ellie were last seen passing through here on their way to Ft Drum, NY where K-Bob was to become an ALO squadron commander, and Ellie was about to publish a book and release a movie. I don’t remember the title of either one, but both concerned the savings earned on your grocery bill by clipping, saving and sharing coupons. Details to follow next issue. Finally, remember Rick KIRCHNER’s original cadet car? I do believe Wayne CRENWELGE (Pamela) has beaten Kirch. He wrote: I win. Enclosed is a picture of the original “Z-car,” original wife, original two kids, original paint job, and original seats. All subjects untouched in the picture. The Z-car has about 115,000 miles, spends most of its time in the garage but still gets driven about once a week. Maybe I will restore it when I hit the lottery.

You be the judge!

On a more serious note, Wayne noted that in General Ulm’s AOG Boardroom letter in a previous issue of Checkpoints, Gen Ulm stated, “Section 207 of this law restored Vietnam-era GI Bill eligibility for 1977 and 1978 graduates of the academies.” Wayne would like to know if we do in fact have GI Bill benefits so he can resume post-graduate education. I will research and get an answer out in the next issue, but in the meantime, if anyone has a definitive (and not too complex) answer, drop me a line or Wayne at 18514 Owl Forest Ct., Houston, TX 77084.

NEW BUSINESS...Gary HACKBARTH (Diana) sent me a note. He’s at the University of South Carolina after retiring from the Navy pursuing a PhD in management information systems. Says he should be able to speak us some of that doctor stuff by the time we have our 20th reunion. Good on ya, Gary, and good luck on your comprehensive exam.

Also, a note from Greg SCHULZE (Anne) at Spangdahlem AB. He’s the 81st FS commander flying A-10s. He had just received word that his squadron was the 1996 USAFE Commander’s Trophy winner, the best

fighter squadron in Europe...Congrats, Greg. He should have the squadron about another year and then will see what shakes out for a guy who’s “fast, neat, average, friendly, good, good” (meaning: all promotions on-time and never an in-residence PME grad).

Cele EIFERT (wife of broken-hand, can’t-write, Ron) sent a letter relating the following: Ron is still flying for Delta as an MD-88 first officer based out of La Guardia and living in the Fairfax, VA area. He and Cele have two very active boys, Robert (2) and Carl (4). Brian SCOTT (Deborah) flies for Northwest and lives in the Phoenix area, and Mike VALDIVIA works for NASA and lives in the Cape Kennedy area. Thanks for another great letter, Cele.

Easy Riders

And last, but certainly not least, is a letter from another brokenhanded, can’t-write ’78 grad, Paula REHWALDT (wife of Rob). She and Rob have found the perfect way for us aging ’78 grads to relieve the stress in our lives. Go out and buy a Harley-Davidson motorcycle...no, buy a pair of motorcycles and then go ride them all over the country. Seems as though Rob and Paula caught the bug and were corrupted by Rick MIDDLETON last fall when he left his Harley in their garage for a month. She claims the damn motorcycle demanded to be ridden, and the rest as they say is history after they took it for a spin to Mt. St. Helens. Rob and Paula live in Vancouver, WA. Rob flies a 767 for Delta most of the time, and does some of that Guard stuff as an ALO the rest of the time. Paula works for Wells Fargo Bank (and now we know how you buy two motorcycles at once), and stays busy with three youngsters: Travis 17, Cassidy 15, and Amy 13. Also flying for Delta are Kyle BARTELS (Diane), Wayne FORD (Sherrie), and previously mentioned Rick MIDDLETON (Donna). And, living in the Vancouver area along with the Rehwaldts is Gary DEAN (Lisa) who flies for Delta and the Portland ANG. Way to go, Paula!

Rogaine, anyone? Kyle, Wayne, Rob, and Rick.

IN SUMMARY...Mark your calendars, make your reservations, volunteer to help Dave with our 20th, spread the word whatever it is about ’78 and the GI Bill, and keep those cards, letters, and e-mails coming. Bye, bye, I’m gone. KAIS.

Brian Koechel

3714 241st Court SE Issaquah, WA 98029-6592 (425) 557-1025

E-mail: Bkoechel@aol.com

Percent members: 34

Substitution for “Edmonds”—“Koechel”. “After a 10-year stellar performance, Bob EDMONDS reluctantly relinquished his scribe

The Eiferts at Disney World.

duties”, Sporting News reports. KOECHEL says: ‘‘Yeah I kind of feel like a Matt Maloney (a rookie Houston Rockets guard) taking over for Michael Jordan (if you don’t know who he is, get a life)—it’s a tough assignment, but someone has to do it. The opportunity to flop is tremendous!”

With that, I’m your new summer songwriter. And as I’ve been reading throughout the years, getting input from you ’79ers is tough. This time is no different, but a few of you did come through and I’m happy to forward on the latest. But first the newby introduction.

As reported in the last Checkpoints, Carrie (’80) and I relocated to a Seattle ‘‘berg” 15 miles ESE of Seattle. And—much to my chagrin and grin—I followed her to her better job. Ah, the pleasure and pain(?) of being married to one of those ’80s Ladies! Anyway, we’re here—and now you know so don’t be strangers!

I had the opportunity to spend some time with Ken BARKER (Debi) in mid-June. He’s the head Honor and Ethics person at USAFA. Ken was gracious enough to brief the Western Washington Academy Liaison Officers on what’s going on in Colorado. He reported on a number of ’79ers. Jim PLAYER (Mitzi) is the branch chief, Future Concepts and Policy Branch, Policy Division, Nuclear and Counterproliferation Directorate (HQ USAF/XONP). Jim RODGERS (Lisa) is the division chief, Offensive Information Warfare Division, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Directorate (HQ USAF/XOIOW). Mark STEARNS (Darcy)—one of our colonel-selects—is a former National Defense Fellow (NDF) at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) and is now at J-5 on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon. Bob MCGREAL (Debbie) is deputy ops group commander at Andrews (does VIP airlift) and recently flew Secretary Widnall for graduation. Call him up sometime if you want an earful on the USAF Core Values booklet! Guy WALSH (Ann) is the squadron commander of 358th (A-lOs) at Davis-Monthan. None of his A-10s have crashed lately! By the time you read this, Guy will have moved to be the new NDF at INSS at USAFA. Pete HAYS (Dena) is the INSS director and expecting their third child any day (remember this is being written in June). Tom GREEN (Annette) is commanding a KC-135 squadron at Mountain Home. Delane CLARK (Elise) and Dale JONES (Lisa) are teaching poli sci at USAFA. Eric ASH (Dawn) has recently left the 34th Training Squadron CC at USAFA and made a ‘‘major relo” over to command the 34th Education Squadron, also at USAFA. Mark BRALEY (Lynn) is the deputy for Programs in the Dept, of English at USAFA and teaching English, as well as handling the officer rep duties for the men’s soccer team. Verner MITCHELL is the course director for core English at USAFA. Rojo HERRARA is the 557th Training Squadron Commander (AETC) at USAFA (T-3s). Scott DENNIS (Donna) is the USAF liaison to Structures Laboratory, Waterways Experiment Station, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army, Vicksburg, MS. Jim ROLLING (Sally) was the computer science guy at the Pentagon, but left this summer for Harvard for his Senior Service School education. Thanks, Ken your input was invaluable.

Stopped by Ken GOODWIN’S (Terry) house in Mansfield, TX in April. Kenny’s flying 757s internationally for Delta out of New York City. Flying and fishing is his mantra these days. Ken and Terry have two children, 16 and 11. His 16-year-old is a lot bigger than Ken! I’m really getting to hate you guys who still have all your hair—especially if it hasn’t turned gray yet. Ken told me that Bubba BAUMGARTNER (Tricia) is a squadron commander at Fairchild. (Trivia question: Who can tell us how and why Bubba got his nickname ‘‘Bubba” and who gave it to him? Send your response to Mike DONATELLI.)

Peter ZARATE (Robin) stopped by our house during a business trip to Vancouver, BC. Pete’s doing great and looking good. (Another one of you who I hate.) Peter is the manager of Industrial Real Estate Transactions for Cushman Wakefield in Mexico City. Dave CARBAUGH ’78 let me know that Marc MILLICAN is living in Anchorage flying for Northwest and doing well. If you want to know the hottest spots in Kauai, call him!

Carrie and I had lunch with Jim SCHNELLER (Karen) in February. Jim’s the ops support squadron CC at McChord. He had a great time supporting the Pres, (as in Bill) during the reelection campaign. Jim’s thinking about retirement, now that you Prep School guys are within sight of your 20! Jim and Karen’s son Benjamin is an outstanding student and—believe it or not—has USAFA on his mind. I talked with Fred JACOBSEN (Nancy) and Freddy was fretting about turning 40, but with Chip TAYLOR (Kim), Steve BARNES (Cherlyn) and Bob KLUTTZ (Laura) pouring the brew, they managed to drown Fred’s sorrows. These guys, too, live in Delta Base Housing-South.

Received a short note from Lynn BIANCO (Melanie) from Peachtree City (Delta Base Housing-South). Lynn reports that Bill GREGORY (Mary Beth) flew into town on March 23rd for a couple of ‘‘Astronaut/NASA” presentations for some local Georgia elementary schools. While visiting they managed to get a few ’79ers together for some

In front are Mike Baudhuin, Steve Stubbs, Gary Harris and Steve Barnes. fun and merriment (see photo). Apparently, there was even time for a 10-mile fun run. For those of you who ran, consider this your invitation to join Yours Truly in running the Half Marathon race in the Seattle Marathon the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Special thanks to photog Gwen Rower.

John DALLAS received a very comprehensive note from one of our fast burners, Jeff MCCHESNEY (Diann). Jeff was in Saudi commanding the 4404th Ops Group. He took command two weeks after the Khobar Tower bombing in July ’96 and then spent the next seven months moving the wing from Dhahran and Riyadh to Prince Sultan Air Base. He’s still flying the F-15C (but, of course, not enough) and has managed (or at least those who worked for him) to shoot at Sadam and avoid his missiles! Exciting stuff! Jeff, though not bad-mouthing it, does not necessarily recommend the MRE, cots, and that desert lifestyle. Jeff is now back stateside as the chief, Senate Liaison, for the SECAF. With the luxury (?) of having his command turn over every 90 days, he managed to run into quite a few of our classmates. Four of them, including Jeff, are pictured (see photo).

From left are Bruce Rember, Mike Nowak, Jeff McChesney, Kurt Weiger and Jeff Franklin.

Additionally, the many past, now past, and soon-to-be past desert travelers include: Kevin JONES, a squadron commander at Tinker; Ted DUBOSE (Stephanie) last known to be working on the E-3 in the 4405th in the desert; Jon MATZ, a C-130 detachment commander at Seeb AB, Oman; Les LONG (Lynn), the 1114 FS/CC at Hill AFB; Tony HANEY (Cheryl), the 4408 ARS/CC; Randy FULLHART (Kathy), the 4408 ARS/CC before Tony; John BINGAMAN (Tami), flying A-lOs out of the 4406th OG in Kuwait; Mike NOWAK (Charlotte), 4404th Ops Squadron CC; Jeff FRANKLIN (Gerry), the 4408th ARS/CC, Bruce REMBER (Sarah), currently back at Eglin; Tom DROHAN, the 4410th AS/CC—and resident piled-higher-and-deeper representative; Kurt WEIGER (Susan), the 429 ECS/CC; Korky VON KESSEL (Kaye), the 1391st FS/CC (heh Kork, did you name all your kids starting with the letter ‘‘K”?); and Frank GORENC (Sharon) the 1390th FS/CC. Thanks a lot Jeff, you sure made it a bunch easier for this new journalist^).

Well folks, that’s it for this time. For those of you who don’t know, the scribe cycle is as follows: Koechel-summer, Donatelli-fall, Vazquezwinter, Dallas-fall—and of course you get the summer news (actually spring news) in the fall, etc., etc. Mike Donatelli is next: 1149 South Stone Avenue, La Grange, IL 60525-6623, or give him a call (708) 352-0360.

Flanking astronaut Bill Gregory in the back row from left are Gary Rower, Lynn Bianco, Bill, Jim White, Chip Taylor and Rob Parsons.

Don Myers

U.S. Embassy, MS-84, P.O. Box 5000

Ogdensburg, NY 13669-5000

Home: (902) 765-6087

Work: (902) 765-1494, ext 3408

DSN: 568-3408/Fax (902) 765-1416 or 568-1416

E-mail: dmyers@glinx.com

Percent members: 40

Call me sentimental. We’re hovering around the 40-year mark. I haven’t figured out what the significance of this is yet, but when I sit down to read the articles from the earlier classes, I note how much they enjoyed their 20-year reunions. I don’t think it’s time to put it in the forefront of our minds; however, I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to spending some time with you—and maybe winning a football game while we’re there! To that end, “Stormin’’ Norman SWEET, now at Peterson doing spookie satellite stuff, has been the first to volunteer to help with “the inevitable logistics.” He also sympathized with me concerning the bugs here in Nova Scotia and says it should be great once it warms up and “the black flies all die of heat stroke!”

Tidbits. Like the engines on the plane he flies, Rick (Jill) SCHUFF had twins in Jan. Rick is the New Orleans F-15 ANG advisor. John GREEN works at Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati. Mace CARPENTER is flying F-l 17s at Holloman and says he sees Mark PERUSSE a lot. Sandy (WAPLES) (Rick ’79) WALLACE is back in the States after finishing several years with Mission Aviation Fellowship in Indonesia, where she and her family made a difference.

New eyes and ears. Holly (EMRICK) SVETZ has decided that without Peggy (DENNIS) CARNAHAN (CC at Randolph T-37s) giving me the scoop on the Washington gang anymore, she would take over the job. Both she and Keylor ENG are on the board of directors of the AFA Society of Washington, DC. “It’s a great way to find out about the world outside of the AF, job opportunities, and future business for those of us already in the private sector. I’ve been busy representing government contractors and some private companies. Sometimes I can counsel them to keep them out of trouble in advance, but when that doesn’t work, I sue ’em.” Since Tonya (SENZ) REGAN was the MCI contracts administrator on a recent case, Holly got to chat with her. Keylor, Anne MOORE, and Holly also got together and worked at a Habit for Humanity weekend the society sponsored. Anne’s at the FAA as a civilian and the DoD liaison to the FAA as a Reservist. Holly’s first case was representing MD in their $1.2 billion C-17 litigation. “It was fun working with their engineers, talking about hydraulics, landing gears, and flight tests. So I did get to make use of all that stuff they tried to cram into our heads 20 years ago. Can you believe it—20 years!

Here and there. Mike MCLOUGHLIN’s in Tulsa flying busjets for an oil company. He’s been there for 10 years now and has “learned to like it.” He serves as an LO at 60 schools in the area. Mike has seen Daryll (Patty) KEELING in Evergreen, CO (with NWA); Joe (Mary Ellen) BIANCO in Charlotte (USAirways); notes Bill (Carina) NOAH retired and lives in Gaithersburg, MD; and Duane (Lynn) DAVIS is still in North Carolina (USAirways) and he lost count after six children.

Joe (Pam) LANNI is going from CC of a fighter test squadron “and will turn in my green bag for service blues as I attend Nat’l War College.” He’s concerned about getting DTs from not flying, but is looking forward to the challenge. Joe relates Mark GRAPER is doing the same thing, only leaving an F-15 squadron at Elmendorf for the Navy’s school.

Mark MITCHELL is a CC at Edwards flying “lots of variants of the ’135 and the EC-18. A primary mission of the squadron is ARIA (Advanced Range Instrumentation Aircraft) which deploys worldwide to support satellite launch telemetry collection and relay; and cruise missile chase/command and control.” He’s also done some flying on the KC-10 for data collection for the AMC Simulator Upgrade Program. Cary (Susan) DAVIDSON will appreciate that he’s flying the KC-10 out of Travis—between trying to figure out what his son is saying; seems the lad is confusing “Mama” with “more,more.” Anyhow, Cary says it’s a great machine and notes Diane (MOYER) BYRNE is Ops at his squadron.

Another legal beagle in our class is Don (Teresa) NEAL. Don was practicing environmental law for a firm in Texas for eight years and was recently appointed to be the director of the Water Quantity Division of the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission. He manages the water rights in Texas, oversees reservoirs and dam safety, flood plain management, and weather modification activities in the state. He continues to be a Reserve IMA at HQ USEUCOM, Stuggart, as an antiterrorism plans officer. (Sounds like a full plate to me.) The two daughters keep the home near Austin hopping, and Teresa also manages to volunteer at church and the local schools.

Via a letter 17 years in the making, according to John (Ronda) JOHNSON, we get: John SKOTNICKI isn’t lost; he and Mark

REIDINGER are busy flying the last active EF-llls at Cannon AFB. Gene BOND, Tim MORRISROE, and Jim CRUMP (all which would have eventually ended up on the Reach Out list) are “toiling away” at L.A. AFB, engineering for Lockheed-Martin in the San Francisco Bay area, and flies for AA out of Chicago, respectively. John is based in San Francisco and flies 767s for AA. The photo shows “some of my favorite people—Carrie, Steve, Scott, and Rachel. They are scheduled for USAFA classes of 2010 to 2018; they just don’t know it yet. I love surprises! I’m also in the picture—I’m the one with the watch.”

Past and future USAFA grads from the Johnson clan.

REACH OUT IX. Once again, if you know about these folks, let us (me) know: Robert M. SCOTT, Roby L. SCHAFER, Joseph T. SANFORD, Jose RUIZ, John K. RUDOLPH, and Glenn D. ROSENBERGER. Thanks—and I hope the summer has been full of great memories. If it hasn’t been, reach out to a classmate and rekindle some old ones!

Carolyn J. Madden

6963 Gayle Lyn Lane

Colorado Springs, CO 80919 (719) 536-0827

E-mail: CJMadden@compuserve.com

Percent members: 37

Like the rest of you, I was always entertained by Scott DERING’s view of what our classmates were doing with their lives, and will do my best to fill his shoes. When he coerced me into taking over as class scribe, he forgot to mention all of the job benefits! Just last month I received in the mail a complimentary copy of the Service Academy Business Resource Directory, available to you for $35. It’s a compilation of alumni of all of the service academies who are in the civilian sector, useful if you want to do business with another grad, or are looking for help in making a career change. Contact the AOG if you’re interested in getting a copy.

THANKS to all of you who sent e-mail, letters, and pictures. Keep it coming (especially those of you who haven’t seen your name in this column in a long time, or ever). Please keep in mind that I’ve been a civilian for seven years—if you send me updates consisting solely of acronyms, I won’t be able to be creative but will have to print it just as you send it, and it will be boring. Communication in plain English will be greatly appreciated...

Sean, Kelsey and Murphy Bishop

Let’s start with a photo of Sean (Carlee ’82) BISHOP and his daughters Murphy and Kelsey, who do a traditional Japanese style of karate called Shotokan. Sean says they’re in training so he won’t have to worry when they start dating. Good luck! Sean is a 767 pilot for Delta, currently living in Auburn, AL while Carlee earns her Ph.D. in EE. Sean is trying to organize a reunion for Millard grads sometime next year. If you’re interested, call him at 334-887-9319 or e-mail him at SCBishop@compuserve.com.

An e-mail from Joe LEPANTO, who was inadvertently left off of the list of classmates stationed at Scott AFB in a previous issue of Checkpoints, reveals that he is alive and well. He enjoys working in the “vault” as chief, SIOP Plans for HQ AMC, where he expects to be for another year. Bob BRITT is a self-described “Lab Weenie” at WPAFB. He and James SCHOENEMAN work in the directorate formerly known as Science and Technology at HQ AFMC. He wrote of the downsizing that led their former organization to become staff for the Air Force Single Lab in April of this year. Frank GALLEGOS, contrary to a previous report, has been happily married for three years. He’s on his way from Lt Gen Jumper’s staff to be a missile sq CC at Grand Forks. Bruce ACKER is going from the Joint Staff to be a missile sq CC at F.E. Warren.

Leona FLORES retired in 1995 and is now working as a defense contrator with Innovative Technologies Corporation on a Towed Decoy System for F-16s and the B-l. While working the program, she ran into Fred WEISHOFF, Scott COALE, and Joel OWENS in the Pentagon, and saw Ray WALIZER and X STREETER in the Crystal City Mall. Her husband, Ray CANNON, is the chief of the AF Clothing Division, where, contrary to popular belief, he does NOT decide what the uniforms look like, but executes the AF Uniform Board’s decisions. Brian (Cindy ’84) DOMINGUEZ is a pilot for Delta and lives in the same neighborhood as Ray and Leona. She says Terry ADLER’s now teaching at AFIT. Joe (Susan) ZEIS is handling Senior Assignments at AF Material Command and he and Susan are expecting their first child next month. John ERIC is a civil servant working in Wright Labs and very active in the Beavercreek youth football league. Terry RYAN is a family physician at the WP Medical Center. Hugh BOLTON is on the executive track with Modern Technologies Corporation, a local defense contractor. Speaking of the executive track, Chuck PHILLIPS, a chartered financial analyst and equity researcher for Morgan Stanley, was recently ranked the tt\ industry analyst in enterprise/server software by Institutional Investor magazine. He’s been a member of their All-American research team every year since 1994, and he’s a member of the Georgia bar.

Amy MARKERT is in San Jose working for Space Systems/Loral, where she is the supervisor of network services for Information Technology. Amy saw Rich BROOK, who’s a Northwest pilot, not too long ago. Mike BRONSON is a B-757 first officer with Northwest out of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Mary Beth (Dave ’78) (SCHMANSKI)

SHAGENA and their three children are in Cincinnati. While Dave flies for Delta, Mary Beth does the “mom thing” and flies Lear jets in her spare time. She mentioned that Dan FARRISH is also a Delta pilot based in Cincinnati, and she ran across Mike JONES, who is flying for American, in Dallas. Pat SIMONITSCH and Lenny SMALES are in Albuquerque, where Lenny is the ops officer of the C-130 squadron. Pat took the 15-year retirement and just gave birth to their sixth child. They now have five girls and one boy. Doesn’t sound like a very relaxing retirement to me!

‘Tis the season for PCS: Brian FUNKE sends word that he’s newly arrived in San Antonio to finish residency in aerospace medicine, after completing his master’s in public health at Harvard. Linda MCCULLERS is now on Guam, where she is an exercise planner for PACAF. Jay (Teresa) SANTEE, last reported enroute to Turkey, has instead PCSd to Clear Air Station, AK, where he’s the commander of the 13th Space Warning Squadron. We had an interesting conversation the other day, where we marveled at how OLD we used to think Lt Cols were. This in spite of the fact that Jay was mistaken for a lieutenant by one of his troops just a few weeks ago (TRUE story).

Yvonne (WILHELM) SCHILZ wrote last month while at the Armed Forces Staff College finishing up a three-month TDY to Norfolk. She’s now back in D.C. to resume her assignment in the Strategy Division on the Joint Staff. Kelly TIMMONS is in the aircrew management and train-

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ing business at the Air Staff as the pilot career field manager. The shop she’s in handles aircrew issues, manning, production, experience, retention, etc. And before everyone picks up the phone to give her grief, be aware she is responsible for getting the pilot Feet-On-Ramp policy revoked last year. A great lifetime accomplishment if there ever was one! If anyone wants to call her with answers to the AF’s retention woes, e-mail me for her DSN.

Heard also from Jake JAKOBI, who plays a lot of lacrosse and in his spare time is in the financial services business. He claims it’s the other way around, but if you read his letters, you’d agree with me. Through his continued involvement with that sport, he keps up with Randy DAVENPORT, a pilot for American in Dallas, and Bill SCHOENEMAN, who recently got a promotion with Eli Lily, where he is the manager for Global Projects.

Much thanks to Chet (Kathleen) NOWAK for sending the following: He and Kurt NEUBAUER are in ACC in SMO-22, a Special Management Organization for F-22 requirements for the Combat Air Forces, making sure the next air superiority fighter is built correctly. Johnny OLAVARRIA works in ACC/DRMR. Dave and Janet (PETERSON) NICHOLS are at Atlantic Command in Norfolk and Langley, respectively. Janet is the ops officer in the C-21 squadron there. Jim LONG is enroute from USAFE, heading to the staff in ACC/DRB. Mike POTKULSKI flies for Delta and recently moved to Macon, GA, while Mike (Erica) FICA flies the MD-90 as a first officer for them out of Dallas. Rob BONN flies for FedEx out of New York and is a USAFA liaison officer, and Ev WALLACE owns a computer business in the New York area. Craig FRANKLIN is the F-16 Division ops officer at the Weapons School, and Susie (JACKSON) WINSLOW is enroute to take over as the next Intel Weapons School commander. Mike WINSLOW is still in Naples on a joint staff job, but hopes to get to Nellis soon. Dennis “Jake” POLUMBO is the Ops Support Sq CC at Osan ROK.

Got a copy of an interesting newspaper article on “Core Values Set AF Members Apart From Others,” written by Joan CUNNINGHAM who’s a sq CC at Columbus. Seems she stopped in a mom-and-pop grocery store while vacationing in Pennsylvania and was met with much suspicion when she tried to pay with a personal check. Then she produced her military ID card as identification. Turns out the owner was a Korean War vet, and not only accepted her check but came around the corner to share his Air Force experiences with her. The experience highlighted for Joan the importance of the core values we share as service members. A timely thought, in light of all the recent bad press along those lines.

That’s it for this issue. Apologies for any mangling of office symbols or job titles—any inaccuarcies are purely my fault. Have a great summer.

Jim Ratti 5301 Palo Verde Dr Edwards, CA 93523-2405

Home: (805) 258-8280/DSN: 527-7782

rattijm@mindspring.com

http://www.mindspring.com/~rattijm/usafa82/

Percent members: 35

Hello Again! Here I sit three days from the deadline, with more news than I could ever print! No room for small talk—let’s get right into it. Darren WAGGONER e-mailed to say that he’s working at Circuit City’s corporate headquarters in Virginia and has been with them since separating in 1987. He and his wife have two children, Dylan (10) and Brooke (7). Darren’s headhunting, and says that Circuit City has positions for junior captains up to 0-6s. If you are interested, see the website for his letter (under “Raw Data”, Summer ’97, in the Updates section), or contact me for details. Cullen BANKOLE wrote from his new home in Lakeville, MN, where he keeps busy flying the 757/767 for United (out of Chicago) and writing a bidding/comm/logbook program for United pilots. He and his wife, Kelly, have a 2‘/2 -year-old daughter, Lindsey.

Chris RUSSICK wrote a long e-mail with a ton of news. He’s in Dayton working in the Towed Decoy program office. He says he married “well above himself” and has a lovely daughter named Frankie. You’ll have to see the website for the full text of his letter, ’cause it’s very well written. (He’s a candidate for the Class Scribe job, let me tell you!) But here’s the essence. Kirk HUNIGAN just finished “Navy ACSC” in Rhode Island and will move his family (wife Jane; Keri and Craig) to Hanscom. Mike and Karen FRANCE live in Utah (Hill AFB?) where Mike flies the F-16. They just added a third child (a boy) to their brood. Joe KIM is KC-135 stan-eval chief with the Hawaii ANG. Rich SCHIANO finished his master’s degree and is headed for Japan with his family. Richard LYNCH, his wife, Francine, and two daughters are living in St Louis, where Rich works for McDonnell Douglas. Gail ALLEN is moving from SAF/LL to be the Plant Rep at the Pratt & Whitney plant in West Palm

Beach. That should reunite her with hubby, Mike ALLEN. As of last summer, John WRIGHT and family were in D.C. where John is way busy as part of the SECAF/CSAF intel briefing team. And, Atwell WILLIAMS is still an eligible bachelor, doing computer geek stuff for Price Waterhouse in Houston.

Harry LEACH dropped a note from the Naval Command & Staff College to tell us that ‘Zan VAUTRINOT is now ‘Zan KELLER. As I reported in last quarter’s column, she’s working as an exec assistant to the CJCS at the Pentagon. Harry didn’t have an assignment yet when he wrote. Gary PACKARD is finishing up his first year of a developmental psych degree at UNC Chapel Hill and will return to USAFA when he’s through. Scott ESHLEMAN sent his first Checkpoints update in ever. He started his career as a T-38 FAIP at Willy, then flew T-38 chase at Edwards before separating to fly with American in 1989. He’s been with them since, and sends word that John LARSON also flies for American. He lives in Phoenix and flies from LAX. Also, Dan ELWELL (’82 Stop Out; graduated in ’83) is an American pilot domiciled in D.C. with Scott. Kay GROSINSKE e-mailed from her job at ACC HQ where she’s an environmental engineer. She’s TDY all the time, and got to hear the Catholic Cadet Choir in Tucson a while back. She’s been in contact with Jill (Archer) SCHUFF, who was medically retired after a gymnastics accident during our junior year. Jill is doing fine, and has three children now, including a new set of twins.

Tammy LIVINGOOD (’84) wrote to say that she and John are stationed at Scott AFB where John works in AMC/DOXP. They invite you to visit and bring your golf sticks. Annetta (WEBER) LUEVANO e-mailed to tell me that since separating she’s gotten a degree from UCLA, worked there as a research assistant, worked part time at the Getty Museum Scientific Department doing metallography, and now works for TRW doing aerospace projects. She still runs and is hoping for a berth on the U.S. team in the 10K. She’s married (Mark) and has a 2’/2 -year-old son named Terrence. I met up with Bob “Critter” MALACRIDA at the Edwards club soon after I got here. He’s headed for a civilian test pilot job with United’s Flight Test branch.

Jim DEMAREST wrote to ask your help in compiling info for a book that he’s writing about Steve PHILLIS. Steve was killed in an A-10 crash in Kuwait during Desert Storm, and Jim would like any personal anecdotes, pictures, etc. that any of his friends and classmates can contribute. Call Jim at (941) 514-4464, or see the web page for details.

Kent LUND stopped by my office during my first official day as Sq/CC here at Edwards. The place was a mess (painting, moving, etc.) but we managed to discuss a few work details. Kent’s a test pilot in the Big Safari program at Wright-Pat (don’t ask—we’d have to shoot you). Kevin DUNSHEE e-mailed to say he and his family are on their way to the Philippines, where Dunsh will work at the U.S. Embassy. Tom SYLVESTER, published author and airline pilot (Northwest), e-mailed with details of his latest book, The Hohmann Transfer (think back to ASTRO...) He’s had contacts from some TV producers interested in his work, so watch your screens!

I’ve learned of a bunch of post-ACSC assignments. In no particular order, here’s what I know. Tony WEIGAND (class SRO) will stay at Maxwell for SAAS, as will Doc KIMMINAU. Marty WOJTYSIAK will go to March to be a KC-10 asst DO, and Mark BERTHOLF will take command of a comm sq at Little Rock. Delane AGUILAR will be returning to the Pentagon, to SAF/FMB, and Matt ERICHSEN is going to F-117s at Holloman. Ron WARNER is heading for the Pentagon as SAF/AQII in a Command and Control PEM job. Nancy BRUNSKOLE will be the HQ AMC/FMBO deputy chief of Budget Operations, and Tom SCHLUCKEBIER will return to the Pentagon. Marc ARRENDALE is headed for Kunsan to take command of a comm sq there. Bob DEVANEY is going to Kirtland AFB, NM to work on the Airborne Laser program, and Mike KORCHECK will join SOCCENT J-3, Exercise Plans, at MacDill. Steve ATKINS will become the deputy branch chief of Mobility Systems Support Branch (TCJ3/J4 directorate) at USTRANSCOM, and Ron WILLIAMS will head to USCENTCOM, Judge Advocate’s Office as an assistant staff judge advocate. Finally, Dave O’MEARA will do the HQ thing at ACC/XPPP, and Butch HOWARD is headed for SAF/IA to be the NATO/SHAPE country director.

Jack MOHNEY e-mailed to tell us that he’s taken the 15-year retirement and will follow his wife, Linda, to Michigan, where she’e pursuing a degree in occupational therapy. Until 2 Jun 97, Jack had been with the ROTC Det at USC. He found the work gratifying, but says it helped him appreciate what he had at USAFA. Jack told me that Lee PENICK is a civilian doing engineering work up in Washington state, and that Jeff (JK) MCKAY is quite the executive back in Columbus (OH?), doing financial counseling. His wife, Terri, works at DFAS. I guess money’s in their blood!

John CERRA is currently at Tinker, but will go to PACOM to the

Asian Pacific Center for Security Studies. Sounds nice! He says that Rick INGALSBE is still there at Tinker, working B-52 advanced weapons integration issues. I got a quick note from Dave PISTILLI telling me that he’s just moved on from his command of a comm sq at Charleston, but he gave no word on where he’s headed.

Steve LINDSEY, our resident astronaut, e-mailed from Houston to tell me he’s been scheduled to fly as pilot on Columbia (STS-87) in November. He and his wife have three children (Jessica, 10; Jason, 8; and Jill, 4). I don’t have room here, but see the web site for his letter and a recap of his career. Kevin BEATTY sent an e-mail to give me a whole bunch of names of ’82 grads who are now with Delta. Unfortunately, I’m about out of room here, and will have to refer you to the website for the list. I heard from a ’77 grad that Ken WUTTKE is living in Riverside, CA, flying 767s for American and C-141s for the Reserve at March. Alfredo SANDOVAL e-mailed from Indian Wells, CA. He’s been with Merrill Lynch since separating in 1989, and is now a vice president. He and his wife have three daughters. Jan (GRONERT) ROSKO sent word from Scott, where she’s with the J-3 JTO for USTRANSCOM. Jim COX visited the website and told me that he’s an A320 first officer with Northwest. And finally, Marc ABSHIRE and his family (Judy, Chloe, Audrey, Gillian, Sophia, and Toby) will be in Italy (HQ AIRSOUTH) by the time you read this. Watch the website for a new e-mail address for them.

Ellen and I are doing well, adjusting to base housing and life at Edwards. We love the squadron, and have been very warmly received. My TDY schedule has picked up dramatically, but Ellen’s been really good about that!

And, that’s about it for this round. A lot of this news has been clipped to fit within my limit for the column, so please visit the website for the full text of the messages I’ve received from all these (and a few more!) folks. As always, thanks for taking the time to write. All the news makes this job a lot easier. Surf Safe, RATMAN.

Stu Pope

520 Ramona Ave.

Sierra Madre, CA 91024

Percent members: 36

The deadline for this article was approaching fast, like a reptile in a storm cellar, and for once I had almost nothing to write. I was drafting a sort of beat-poet, haiku thing unlike any class news column you’ve ever seen, when, just under the wire, a couple of old buds emerged from the ether with bucketloads of information.

Jon DURESKY, in a touchingly-altruistic gesture, sent me two separate letters full of all kinds of good stuff. I mean, information is like currency to us class news writers, so I’m quite grateful. Among the “Dear Jon” letters Mr. Duresky sent my way was one from Diana (BAUERSCHMIDT) DUFFY, who related her entire cadet history (Jaguars, CS-27, CS-10, etc.) “in case we didn’t remember her.” Hey, come on, we totally

In the back row from left are T.J. (Paquelet) Brown, Diann (Christianson) Wright, Susan (Roth) Hirst, Sharon (Braund) Gann, Iris Childress, and Kim Bentler. In front are Patsy Schimmel, Diana (Bauerschmidt) Duffy, Linda Huggler. Not pictured are Sheila Zuehlke, Karen (Lampi) Henneberry, Anne (Gettleman) Campbell, and Bebe (Cronin) O’Neil.

remember you! Daina’s a “stay-at-home mom” for two pre-schoolers and is a volunteer guide at the W-P Air Force Museum. She and husband, Pat DUFFY (’81), will be moving to Edwards AFB this summer where Pat will be commander of the F-16 Combined Test Force Squadron. Diana sent a great pic of ’83ers who attended the “Women in Motion/25 Years of Women At The Academy” event held last summer.

Diana also dropped this bombshell: Karen (LAMPI) HENNEBERRY was the first of our classmates to actually retire from the Air Force! (She was prior and a prepster.) Amazing or what?

John DORIAN provided a roundup of Bohicans living in the Dayton, OH area. Speaking of which, there’s actually a recent album by Robert Pollard of the amazing Dayton band Guided by Voices called “Not in My Air Force.” Must’ve been inspired by those “NIMAF” signs posted around Wright-Patterson. Anyway, Major DORIAN’S at the AF Research Lab at W-P, but by the time you read this he’ll probably be at the Defense Special Weapons Agency in Alexandria, VA. So don’t mess with him, man. He’s married to Sandra Rosenau and has two bonny bairns, Bethany (3) and Jack (1), a.k.a. “Dogbone.” Besides teaching Scottish country dancing, John brews Scotch Ales for the local brew club, where he recently stumbled into fellow brewmaster Ted HOLLOWAY “These Empty Kegs.”

Ted is a senior associate at MCR and is currently helping W-P wrap up their European F-16 sales. He’s married to Dedrea and has two kids: John and Alex. Ted claims to be into “winter camping,” which just doesn’t sound fun to me. Major Bruce DEWITT is a program manager for “X-Airplanes” at W-P. Wait a minute—aren’t all the ex-airplanes at Davis-Monthan? Bruce is married to Robin and has three kids: Hallie (11), Alexis (10), and Russell (7). The DeWitt clan owns a horse farm with 40 horses, “one horse for each cadet squadron.” How nice. I say Bruce deserves strategically-placed spurs for that.

Over in Beaver Creek, OH, Jeri (RAY) CARSON is a full-time, homeschoolin’ mother of three: Kyle (5), Daniel (3), and Christy (1). Jeri, who got out of the AF after three consecutive tours in San Antonio, is married to Craig Carson, a database administrator for AFEMS (get your acronym list out). Cindy (DERING) FOSSUM, an AFIT instructor, is married to Neil “Possum” FOSSUM, Class of ’82. Hoping to capitalize on the recent Star Wars revival, Cindy’s been hand-crafting clay pots in the shape of Jabba the Hut. Augie PASQUALE is an ophthalmologist at WPAFB Hospital and actually operates on eyeballs, something that’s interested him since that cow episode during SERE. That Augie—what a cut-up. He and wife, Lori, are expecting their first young-un later this summer.

I think Bob KELLIHER has secretly always wanted to be in Checkpoints and was probably attempting reverse psychology when he wrote, “I was hoping to make it at least to retirement without getting my name in Checkpoints.” Reverse psychology or not, I really dig ruining his perfect record. Bob is team lead for weapons integration at the F-15 SPO at W-P. He and wife, Sun Hye, have three kids: Jenny (9), Sean (6), and Andrew (2). Bob’s big claim to fame? He’s the first AF guy ever to have been an instructor (T-34s) in Navy primary flight training. Dude! One last bit of news Jon DURESKY sent my way: Jeff “Fleabag” FIEBIG, in a surprise move, has left active duty for the airlines and Reserves.

Like some migratory bird, Drew “Biff” WACKER returned to our bungalow in May, bearing a much-appreciated gift of contraband Cohiba cigars. Drew’s back in Colorado now, flying for United out of Denver. Among other lurid tales, he related the story of his reunion with Spence “Lumpo” STEPHANSIC in a Tijuana bar—an account indepently confirmed by Kevin CARRENO and Colin MOFFAT.

Speaking of Mr. MOFFAT, El Mof graciously transcribed the following passages for us:

Funny the changes a year will bring. Less than a year ago I was flying for the U.N. in Africa and living in a hut. I’ve since been repatriated and called back to the airline job, but perhaps a primitive drawing of my equally primitive accommodations may shed light on the nature of my recent existence.

Not long after my return to the New World, I began a strange journey into the past while trying to track down Burt BARTLEY. It was a cold Friday night in January while on a long Delta layover in D.C., when my phone call somehow got routed to the Pentagon, and an entirely different sort of Bartley answered: Mike BARTLEY. He promised “free beers” if I could make it through security and infiltrate the inner sanctum of The Fighter Mafia, which I did, just in time for a cameo appearance of some ‘60’s grad-type who reminisced about the Canadian Rodeo days-gone-by and a world record of 17 seconds. While there, out of the mist appeared Dave TIMM, who is currently doing some down-time in the Pentagon. Dave was able to confirm that Mike “Montana” EDWARDS, Chris “Swiss” CICERE, and Jim OGDEN are all majors and fellow denizens of the Pentagon.

“Mof’s African Hut”

On the other coast, in San Francisco, I was able to attend the christening of Carley Ann Scholz, whose proud padre Rick “Steal Your Face” SCHOLZ is flying Rescue ’130s out of Moffett Field when he’s not out striking for seven minutes at American Airlines. As for the rest of the presidentially-recalled-to-work American Airlines gang, Jeff “Wilk” WILKERSON has relocated to Richmond, VA, and Andy SIZEMORE has been organizing his fellow pilots for better working conditions and wages. Other AMR almost-strikers were Mark BOGOSIAN and “Ruger” Rand BROWN, along with Micky “The Gardener” MELLERSKI, who is rumored to be practicing horticulture and child rearing with wife, Dawn, in Flowermound, TX.

Back in Deltaland, I keep running into Tom DUDA, Jack “Peach Tree” POLO, Bob, “The Bostonian” UHLICH, Tim MCCCORMICK, Tommy and Gay (LANGSTON) SOLOMAN, Dave “Bluegrass” JARDIN, Chris HAERTER, Andy HOWES, Paul CLARK, Mike “BB” DUNN, Greg “Maine Man” BECHARD, and Tom KING, who, along with Rich “Apollo” DEPAULO, has opened some sort of Texas banking establishment! But as Kinger himself says, “Happiness can’t buy you money.”

Speaking of Delta, a puzzling phenomenon, to non-zoombags anyway, is the cryptic word “Bohica,” which is sometimes seen scrawled in various spots in Delta cockpits. The work of a disgruntled ’83 grad, no doubt. On the subject of strange appearances, I was recently picked up from my hotel in St. Petersburg, FL and whisked away to some seedy used-car lot by none other than a tuxedoed Kevin CARRENO, who pointed out a religious image superimposed over the voluminous rear window of an AMC Pacer. I immediately suspected that Charlie “The Boy King” GARCIA might somehow be involved, but alas, he’s been keeping a low profile and was last seen on a yacht near Boca Raton, raising two daughters. Mr. CARRENO openly admits that he’s letting Lou “Special Ops” CAPPORICCI give him flying lessons! Lou and Billy “Fast Burner” HORN are currently doing some down-time, staffing it out at MacDill.

Dan LARSEN told me that he and Dan FRANK are holing up in a cabin somewhere in the Yukon. When not commuting from NYC, he’s fixing up his C-180 for bush ops. Mark ABBOTT was last seen flying the Orient for Fed-Ex out of Subic Bay, planning the ultimate holiday to Borneo with wife, Sherry. The Abbots plan to be on a junk in Hong Kong harbor when the Chinese fireworks go off this summer. Mark mentioned that Mike “The Lizard” GIRARD is also basking in the Philippine sun. Mike and Della DEGREEF are currently at Falcon AFB. On the other side of the Rockies, Tim “Doc” JACOBS is preparing to become a real doctor as he completes his Ph.D. in computerese. When not working on his thesis, he’s skiing and camping with Mary Beth and their two boys.

Bill and Amy REGAN are also reported to be hanging out in Boston. Steve “Lundo” LUNDY has been spotted in both Boston and Atlanta.

Among the “Night Flight” aviators of UPS is Bob “Boom-Boom” BARNETT, who, along with wife, Dierdre, was the lucky recipient of one of my famous no-notice hospitality checks. Boom-Boom told me his fellow UPS pilots include Bob “Boz” BOZWELL, Jeri (NELSON) RUE, Rob “82.5” GREGOR, Mark ATWELL, Tim EICHOLZ, Hugh “Blue” FUNK, Jim WHITACRE, Don ROBERTS, and Tome “Clove” BENSON. All are hauling boxes out of Louisville. Grant LANE is also in Louisville, flying for United and doing the Reserve thing. Boom-Boom reports Pete MCCAFFREY is now a group AOC at USAFA, gleefully instilling the military spirit in-

The Frighteningly Over-educated Tim Jacobs to impressionable young smacks. Who’d have imagined? Other noble cargo haulers include Phil “The Fed” HAMM, Fed-Exing in Seattle with wife, Christina, and Steve MULAHEY, who is now a sim instructor in Memphis with at least one youngster and maybe more.

Our distinguished man from Harvard, Mark “Hage” HAGEMAN, is currently a power-brokering attorney in Manhattan, closing deals from here to South America. He and Analida will soon be moving to Fleet Street, though, to terrorize the UK with aggressive American lawyering practices. Incidentally, Hage swears Stu CONRAD is now a major analyst of some sort and lives in a Manhattan penthouse.

South of the border, Luis ARAUZ is still our best example of the kind of guy who can turn a sword into a plowshare and is now the quintessential gentleman farmer, running his banana plantation in the west of Panama. Kevin “Dr. K” KRINER, along with wife and kids, has just finished a year of harsh duty in Argentina, where he attended ACSC, learning the intracacies of how to order BBQ and cervezas. Now that he’s got the beer thing down, Dr. K is on his way to Germany to conquer the legendary Pils.

In the unsubstantiated rumor department, United pilot Wade “Stolen Shrub” LUJAN is reportedly planning to open a casino in Taos with—who else?—Rich “Apollo” DEPAULO. And speaking of casinos, on a Vegas layover, I finally did track down the elusive Burt BARTLEY. He and Debbie met me, Landis and Kirsten COOK, Bob NOLAN, and S. STIEMENS at a brewpub in an anonymous casino. And so the journey comes full circle.

And that’s the report from Mr. Mof. He and Sophie are now living in Tiburon, up in Marin County, not far from the Jerry Garcia estate. Noelle and I will be there for the Annual Crab and Jaeger Fest sometime before this edition of Checkpoints is issued.

Final notes: I saw Steve DICKMAN not long ago at the Los Angeles AFB commissary, where they still grudgingly let me in. Admittedly, I was in a rebellious post-Air Force phase, looking kind of hippyish with my Beatles Rubber Soul-era hair and a Maori bone carving around my neck, but I figured Steve would recognize me. He didn’t. He just sort of scurried off when I said hi to him. Eventually, I cornered him over in the produce section and convinced him it was me, and he told me he’s now a civilian lawyer living in a swingin’ bachelor pad in Hermosa Beach.

Rich LAWRENCE supposedly lives within shouting distance of me in Pasadena. I promise to look him up and tell you more. There’s a character named Tommy Soloman on NBC’s “3rd Rock From The Sun.” Connection to our own Tommy SOLOMAN is currently unknown. One can only speculate. Steve “If You Want” MORITZ “Gonna Cost You” is working for a company called RAM (Research Analysis and Maintenance, Inc.) in Aurora, CO as a senior communications engineer.

Actually, you can find out a lot about what various grads are doing, business-wise by referencing the excellent Service Academy Business Resource Directory, available through the AOG. Leafing through it, I see there are about two other grads in the entire universe besides me who work at major advertising agencies, which may explain why I have to rely on guys like Jon DURESKY and Colin MOFFAT for all my intel.

That’s all. Send your cards, letters, and dirty laundry to Dave WRIGHT, 4204 A. West Muledeer Drive, USAFA, CO 80840-1137. He’ll clean ’em up and put ’em in the Fall ’97 Checkpoints for you.

Mike Jensen X A

12035 Milam Road

Colorado Springs, CO 80908

1-800-G0-AFA-GO/(719) 481-5361

E-mail: jensen84@mrcenter.com

Home Page: www.mrcenter.com/usafa84/

Percent members: 30 w

Mailman out—e-mail in: At the time of this writing, the Chicago Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz for another championship, which has no real credence to this article except that I’m a Bulls fan. But the e-mail is coming in and I really appreciate it. We even have a picture for our article this time, and never one to avoid the press we have Marty LOUTHAN pictured here with children Katie Lee and David. Thanks for the picture!

Marty, Katie Lee and David

Let the updates begin: But before we get into class updates, let’s get our class numbers up for joining the AOG. For those of you reading this article first, this doesn’t apply to you. However, if you are a second-hand reader, this is your time to join. So, while supplies last, if you join for a year, I’ll send you a great golf towel. If you become a lifetime member, I’ll send you a video of our ’84 graduation. If you’d like to purchase the video the cost is $24.95 with all profits going into our class fund. The cost for a year is $40, and if you join for life it is $565. That’s less than $10/year. Contact the AOG or me for more info.

I’m really pleased with the response to our web page. As you can see, the articles are getting better with each issue. Brett MAYHEW has redesigned the pages and you should be seeing those updates by the time this hits the press. Great work, Brett! We’re working on getting more photos into the page so keep ’em coming through the mail or over the net. Also, if you have a personal or professional web site, please submit your URL and we’ll add that to the e-mail roster!

Mike “Grip” GOLDFEIN is currently stationed at Aviano. He has been 16 AF chief of Safety flying F-16s as an attached puke with the 31st Fighter Wing since Oct ’95. His wife, Carole, and he have a three-year-old son named Scott and are expecting a second anytime now. He recently saw Ted “Slap” MAXWELL who was on an exchange tour with a Belgian F-16 unit. Mike attended Jay CHARMELLAS’ wedding in Dallas last November.

Link VERSTEGEN is a self-proclaimed part-time ski bum, teaching at Heavenly, Lake Tahoe and Breckenridge in Colorado. Rich CALL is all checked out as a 727 FE from UPS and sitting reserve in Louisville, KY. He and his family still live in Las Vegas for the next couple of years before they decide to move anywhere. Jim HARTLE is currently doing USAFE staff work at Warrior Preparation Center near Ramstein. He’s headed to ACSC this summer with wife, Robin, and their two boys. Paul SUEREZ is also on the USAFE staff in Germany.

Greg EMANUEL and his wife, Beth, had their first child, Michael Andrew, on Aug. 7, 1996. He just started crawling. Greg saw Dean GILBERT at an exercise last week. Dean is at Langley doing doctrine. He keeps in touch with Jeff KUBIAK, who is also at Ramstein. Jeff earned his master’s in poli sci at the University of Wisconsin and in Dec of ’84 married his high school sweetheart. They have an eight- and six-year-old and another is on the way in September. John (BJ) REIDY has added a second child to his family. Caitlan Grace, just born in Ames, IA, the family is stationed in Korea with 15 months to go. Doing a lot of night flying with those new night-vision goggles.

Linda (BARRETT) ALGER is now living in Jerusalem, Israel while her husband earns his master’s degree. She is working as a volunteer at Christ Church Guest House at Jaffe Gate, Old City, Jerusalem. While still in,

she had assignments in Greece, Japan, Hawaii, and England. After the “jump” lived in Texas for several years where she worked as a territory sup for a convenience store chain. Alan BRIDGES has been teaching Military Arts & Sciences (MAS) at USAFA for three years. In May, headed to Kirtland AFB to fly MH-53J helos at 58th Spec Ops Wing. He informs us that Kevin ZEECK is moving from Holloman to USAFA to be an AOC. He’s been flying F-16s.

Scott WORKMAN is heading to Montana to be a cop at Malmstrom. Carol ATKINSON is still at USAFA teaching seniors in MAS. Steve GROENHEIM and his wife, Tricia, and their two children Steven and Jack are off to ACSC after three years at the Pentagon. Ed INGHAM finished his PhD at AFIT and has been flying Vipers at Osan since January ’97. Tammy (MYERS) LIVINGOOD and family just moved from Altus to Scott and are enjoying civilization again. She’s traveling the world as part of the AMC IG team. She lives on a new Jack Nicklaus golf course and invites any and all to drop by in in the area YES!

Jim HANNON left the AF in 1990, just one day before the invasion of Kuwait. He comments that this was both good and bad timing. After three years at Martin Marietta he went back for his law degree at Cornell. With a Pittsburgh firm and has a nine-year-old daughter and a sevenyear-old son. Look him up if you’re in the Burgh! Doug WREATH and wife, Jennifer, are in Hawaii. Doug always was one to “rough it”. He has his own biz doing performance improvement and technology integration. Also in the IMA Reserve program. He updates us on Doug DUTY who is a senior consultant with Deloitte & Touche and Doug MCNARY who has been picked for a fellowship with the Council on Foreign Affairs.

Jaime ROSADO is currently doing a fellowship in St Louis with a regional Medical Oil. Then recruited into hospiatl admin. Will be in San Antonio this summer. Kevin JONES writes all the flying rules for the AF at the Flight Standards Agency at Andrews. Still flying Tweet FAIP, KC-135s and now C-21s. Married with two little boys. Look him up if you’re at Andrews. Tom KOLKMEYER writes that he did several acquisition-esque jobs at Wright-Pat up until 1990. Then went on to Misawa, Japan for aircraft maintenance. In 1993 he got out of the AF. He is currently the business manager for a small retail food chain that his family has part ownership in. He got married in 1985 to a woman he met while at Columbus AFB. They now have five children together.

Brett MAYHEW is out at ACSC and was enjoying shorter workdays. He catches us up on quite a few people, most should be at their new stations by the time you get this...Merrick KRAUSE and his wife, Shari, are staying in Montgomery another year at SAAS, hopes to go to D.C. area afterwards. Shari likes it here because he’s not working 14-hour days, she’s working on her third book for McGraw-Hill. Sam COX has a follow-on assignment, C-17s to Charleston. Dave DUNTEMAN is going to fly F-16s at Mt Home.

Kristen DOTTERWAY is going to Goodfellow AFB, TX where she will assume command of the 17th Comm Squadron. Kyle LAMPELA just found out that he’s going to HQ SHAPE in Belgium. Lt Col job, joint position, etc. Will attend JPME II School in June and will report NLT Sep 97. Gary HENRY blew into Montgomery from Edwards doing flight test. Should have orders soon. He is being sent to Kirtland to work the Airborne Laser SPO. This is his first real acquisition tour. Rory MAYNARD has no life after ACSC yet. Jeffrey “Butkus LOFGREN is pending an assignment to Korea (one-year remote) and family, Suzanne and three boys will go to Plano, TX while he is in Korea. He is going back to fly F-16s after ACSC. Myron “Free” FREEMAN from Sqdn 29 will be the next security police squadron commander at Bolling AFB, Washington, DC.

Mary SOLOMON went to Alabama after a four-year assignment launching satellites at the Cape (Cape Canaveral AFS, FL). Next assignment moves her to Washington, DC to be a legislative affairs officer at NRO Headquarters. After graduation she’ll be taking a two-week vacation scuba diving out to the Pacific islands to dive on WW-II wrecks, 12-foot manta rays. Stephen LATCHFORD and family are headed to Tampa, where he’ll be working at CENTCOM J-5 after school. Terri KATEIN is on her way to the J-6 shop at EUCOM in Stuttgart, Germany. Brent “Mongo” JOHNSON came to Maxwell from Lakenheath flying F-15 Strike Eagles as a flight examiner. He is married with two children, boy seven, girl four, and one on the way. Scott JANSSON and wife, Janine, and sons Aaron (4) and Andy (2) have a follow-on assignment to the Pentagon (SAF/AQ). Chris CORDES just got his assignment to the Central MASINT Technical Coordination Office at Patrick AFB, FL. Lee MEHAN, Ron BEYERS, and Ron SETZER all worked at the J-STARS Joint Test Force in Melbourne, FL. Tony SENCI is married and has an 11-year-old daughter. After graduation they went to UNT and ended up flying EC-130s at Davis-Monthan and Sembach, Germany. After four years as a navigator, he was picked for pilot training. For future plans, they’ll end up in the Philippines in the summer of ’99 and be back in the summer of ’01.

Ed LORENZINI is in Alabama but going on to Falcon AFB next. John “Jack” FORSYTHE has a two-year-old daughter named Kailin and expecting another. After graduation they’ll be heading to the Pentagon. Brian “Hooter” SIMPSON and wife, Cindy, are on their way out to Las Vegas for a test pilot job. Tim SAFFOLD is at SOS and doing great. He is looking forward to all the reading at ACSC next year. Chuck RATH, wife Natalie, and daughter Shaun are not at ACSC but at Montgomery. After flying AWACS from ’92-’96, he is now a wargame director at the Air Force Wargaming Institute, Maxwell AFB. Alex BAPTY is currently the CRM/ORM/C-130. Living in San Antonio with wife and two kids. He has ran into Jim BARLOW and Bob SINON at Randolph.

Steve GILLEN is flying 767s for UAL out of Miami. He lives in Tampa with wife, Denise, is on CENTCOM/J6 at MacDill AFB. Rich CORDELL and Jim HOWARD graduated from AMC’s Advanced Study of Air Mobility in May. Jim will go on to the Joint Warfighting Center in Virginia. Rich will be stationed in Stuttgart, Germany by this summer. Joe HERRON graduated from ASAM last November and has been working in AMC’s Air Mobility Warfare Center. Joe will be attending ACSC at Ft Leavenworth this summer. Garrett THOMPSON is at Randolph flying T-38s. He was overseas at Spangdahlem AFB. He’s married to a USAF lawyer who keeps him on the right side of the law. Pickle MCGILLICUDDY from Ramstein even made it to the wedding to be the best man.

Bob THOMAS writes that he is soon to be leaving Kansas. They’ll be moving to Washington in July. Brad LISEC is working out of Boston for American Airlines and at the TACC at Scott AFB for the USAF Reserves. He and his wife, Laurie (’86), have a great three-year-old named Tyler and may be moving back to the bay area soon. Carl FARQUHAR is currently studying international relations at Seoul National University in Korea. He spent over a year studying Korean, but says he still spends a lot of time in class wondering what everyone is talking about! He and his wife, Ran, have a three-year-old son and another is due in August.

Jim BURLINGAME is on to the Pentagon, HQ USAF/XOCW, directorate of Modeling (I’m too sexy for my fatigues!), Simulation and Analysis. Woo LEE is in Cambridge studying at Haaaaaavaaaaard! Dave YORK is still with MCI in the Marketing Product Development organization. He still lives in Monument, CO. He keeps in touch with Phil KILGORE who is also in Colorado Springs. Brian STOPHER got out a few years back as well, lives in the Midwest. He’s in the Air Guard as well as working for an engineering firm. Tony DOMINICE is in the Colorado Springs area as well, still in the AF, working in the comm group at Peterson. Bill RANDALL is in Iceland right now, supposed to be moving back this summer. He’s still flying for the USAF. Pat “Blade” RYAN is still flying with the Coonass Militia ANG in New Orleans and the friendly skies of United.

Party Time: For those in the D.C. area, our Falcons will take on the squids of Navy on Oct. 11, 1997. Tailgate info will be forthcoming. Keep in touch—Jens.

Shelly Grady

5132 Fall Road Damiansville, IL 62215

Percent members: 32

w(Editor’s note: As you may have read at the end of the class column in the Spring issue of the magazine, Jackie Charsagua has resigned as class scribe after 12 years ofservice. The editor sincerely thanks Jackiefor her outstanding work on behalf of the class for all those years. As ofpress time, we have had only one volunteer to write the column and that volunteer was for only one of the four annual issues. What we need is a volunteer to be thefocalpointfor the class newsfor all issues, or as many classes do, to write each column with information from other class members. If anyone is interested in carrying on where Jackie left off, please contact the editor as soon as you receive this issue.)

Bob Colella

1304 Cheatham Court qjJj Si

Warrensburg, MO 64093

Home: (816) 747-7964 fgpf

DSN: 975-3248

E-mail: rcolella@lland.net

Percent members: 34

W(Editor’s note: The three photos in the column were forwarded to me by one ofthe scribes without describing the events during which they were

taken. Individuals are identified, however, so the photos appear within the column at random.)

Hi all. This is Gary Burg writing this column, but with my upcoming remote tour to Korea, I’m momentarily passing the reins of class scribe on to Bob COLELLA—note the new address above. He will be the primary point of contact for our column until I’m re-established in my follow-on assignment at Langley following my remote. Kevin YEOMANS will be assisiting Bob since he is the author of the Class of ’86 Homepage (see http://members.aol.com/usaf86/index.html). Anyone with homepage expertise is requested to contact Kevin and pass on any knowledge available to make the Class of ’86 Homepage the best on the web. By the way, Kevin says it is best to view the homepage with Netscape. Kevin has the basics down but now requests help fine tuning the page. He is also asking all classmates to send him their e-mail address to be included on the homepage. Kevin can be reached at Usafa86@aol.com or kdyeomans @bigfoot.com. Kevin would also like to know what “Pro Patria Et Gloria” means—his best guess is “For Homeland and Glory”? All AOG members should e-mail their nonmember friends and pass on the information about our class homepage for max participation.

Some news that ties into the last column—Brent BEECHAM sent an e-mail with great news. The eagles have landed! As of 10:20 a.m. Israeli time, three new Beechams have joined the family. The children came in a little over 3 lbs and required no respiration or oxygen. His wife and two sons and one daughter are code 1 and will be home by the time this hits the street. Brent and his wife named the children Yonatan (Jonathan), Ely, Arial David, and Sharon Anne. As far as my follow-on assignment goes, I’ve already mentioned above I’ll be heading to Langley. My job titie will be deputy chief of Training Branch. If anyone has any idea of what the job entails, please drop me a line. I would sure like to know for future reference. I’ll be in Korea by the time this column hits the streets but I’ll be keeping my AOL address since there is AOL service in South Korea.

I hope everyone’s PRFs were what they expected. The Class of ’86 did well for itself at Elmendorf. With a 90 percent promotion rate, even the promotes have an above-average chance at being promoted this board. It’s almost like being promoted from lieutenant to captain! The results should be out by the time this hits the press—congrats to all who got picked up! Now we just have to wait for our pin-on date.

The only letter I found in my archives this time around comes from Win IDLE and it’s a lost letter from a year ago. I’m not sure if I sent it back then so I’ve updated it where required. He writes, “Having always thought that our class should send more news, I thought it was about time I sent you a letter! Actually, timing is pretty good because in this assignment I actually work closely with some other ’86ers. Here in the Phillips Lab at Kirtland AFB we’ve got Andy HART and Dean MCLAIN. Andy, wife Cindy STAPLES HART (’87), and daughter Alexandra (2 Vi years) PCSd in from Colorado Springs a year ago last July. They’re having a great time taking care of Alex and playing soccer. Cindy is out of the Air Force and now enjoying being a full-time mom. Andy is working on software development at the lab. Dean has been working at Phillips Lab contacts since June ’94. He and his wife, Susan, have a two-year-old son. They have been active in archery throughout New Mexico. Susan was the ladies 3-D target state champion for 1995! Eric STEWART worked with us until February when he PCSd back East for a Pentagon assignment. He married a great lady named Amy Protchko back on 27 April 96.” Sorry about the delay on getting this out Win.

E-mail consists of the rest of my news and I know it’s current. John SACKS dropped me two e-mails. The first was to announce his new assignment to Keflavik, Iceland. John is with the 56 RQS flying HH-60s

Alan Batts and Curtis Green

and will be there until April 1999. His wife, Jodi, graduated from Milikin University in Decatur, IL with a nursing degree and joined him in June after his household goods had arrived. Any one who wants John’s address or phone numbers just needs to drop me a line and I‘ll pass them on. John’s second e-mail was to wish me good luck on my new assignment. John states, “Having been stationed in Osan and having visited many of the installations in Korea, I think I’d rather be in this Arctic wasteland.”

Well John I’ve been to both Korea and Iceland and I’ll stick with Korea.

The new class scribe e-mailed, “Saw some old familiar faces at the Barksdale AFB airshow. Ran into Ricky ROGERS. He is coming up to Whiteman to start B-2 training this summer. Ricky BELL, Jeff SWEGEL, and Bruce WAY are still hanging out at Barksdale although Bruce and Melissa are on their way to Offutt AFB to that coveted staff tour we are all looking forward to eventually. Jeff will eventually write a book when he gets out of the Air Force chronicling his life as a bachelor. I am almost done with B-2 training and will soon start my job in the squadron in the weapons and tactics shop.”

Jon ORTEGA dropped me an e-mail and invites everyone to stop by his homepage at hhtp://pw2.netcom.com/~jlortega/index.html. If anyone else has a homepage they want to pass along, drop Kevin Yeomans a line at the above e-mail address and ask him to put it in our class’s homepage.

Derek BROWN e-mails, “I finally got back onto the computer after a few weeks on the job. Very cool project Kevin is undertaking here with the homepage—it’s very very cool. I particularly like the animation. Right now I’m almost finished with what should be my last construction project at Whiteman. After this, it’s anyone’s guess. We’re looking at flood relief projects in Grand Forks, construction of Fort Leonard Wood, as well as a host of other possibilities. Krystal just finished her master’s degree here—so her next step obviously plays in what we do and where we go next.”

Ed YONG dropped me an e-mail echoing the great time he and his family had at our 10-year. His wife and kids really enjoyed the sites of USAFA. Ed is at Gateway 2000 with two other service academy graduates (USMA ’83 and ’86). Ed says everyone gets into the football season and a lot of fun is had by all. If there are other grads looking for employment, Gateway is a good place to start and Ed can help route the resumes to the right place.

Larry MAUCH also e-mailed about the great time he and his wife, Pam, had at the reunion and to pass on some updates. On April 21st the company Larry works for, Orbital Sciences Corporation “Orbital”, launched a satellite for the country of Spain on the Pegasus space launch vehicle. Although Spain’s scientific payload was the primary, the secondary payload got all the press. The secondary was a canister containing the ashes of 24 people, most notably Gene Rodenberry, creator of “Star Trek” and Timothy Leary, counter culture icon of the 1960s. On the family front, Pam is still home with their two kids, Joellen (4) and Justin (3). They spend a lot of time together as a family. During the summer they’re taking several bike tours with a local Washington, DC bike club, carrying the kids in bike seats. Their longest trip to date with the kids was 47 miles. Tandems is probably the next step!

Rich “Rico” BASAK e-mailed me that he just returned from Myrhorod Air Base in the Ukraine. It’s a SU-27 Flanker base that Seymour-Johnson is having an exchange with in June. He became the project officer because the original project officer got sent to Korea. Rico said it was definitely interesting and that the Ukrainians are now our friends and love doing exchanges. The assistant air attache in the Ukraine who set up the project was a lost ’86er, Capt. Jean MACINTYRE. She did all the coordination for the trip. She had spent tons of time to ensure all went well. If anyone flies into Kiev, Ukraine just tell them to bring a

From left are Alan Batts, Joe and Lisa Elliott, Rick Caixeiro and his wife, Mark and Lori Downs, Kevin and Liz Laraia, and Katie and Art Schwall (’69).

Joe Elliott, Dave Harmon, Mark Downs and Kevin Laraia few cases of diet Pepsi and a few bags of Tostitos and Jean will ensure they get a grand tour of Kiev and the Ukraine.

The last update comes from Manny MAVRAKIS. “I tried to make the reunion last year, even had the deposit on file but absolutely could not be there due to my being in the closing days (checkride) on the MD11 down in Atlanta. Man, talk about being bummed! I read your synopsis in the last Checkpoints and realized I missed something really great. Well, one good thing came from it—I turned the deposit into an AOG membership. I’m currently flying the MD11 world-wide on different contracts, most recently on Philippine, Belgian and Malaysian Airlines. Prior to this I was flying the DC-10 and MD-80 domestically out of Reno Tahoe International for three years and prior to that with different regional airlines in the U.S.”

One last bit of information before I close. The National Council for Women in Aviation/Aerospace has elected Kathleen M. BROWN to the board of directors. Kathy is a member of the Washington Air National Guard, serving as the 14th Operations Group senior evaluator navigator. She has also been the owner of the Spokane Valley Jazzercise Center for four years.

That’s a rap! Hope everyone had a great summer and remember to e-mail your next inputs to Bob Colella. If any of you are in Korea, look me up. Otherwise, thanks for all your support over the past few years and talk at you again when I get back stateside.

Sharon (Hullinger) Giletti

304 North Road Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 745-6059

Percent members: 36

Live from New York...it’s your class scribe! I just couldn’t resist saying that—sorry. Well, it wasn’t so bad leaving Colorado knowing we’d be back in a few months for the reunion, which is now upon us. I was able to collect several updates before the packers managed to make everything in sight disappear.

Dave HOLLENBACH says hi from Colorado Springs. He got out in ’95 and is now an associate for Booz-Allen & Hamilton, an international management and technology consulting firm. He’s a USAFA LO and an active Reservist at U.S. Space Command working as an analyst on the operations staff, as well as monitoring NASA shuttle launches and landings. And as if that doesn’t keep him busy enough, he and his wife, Dana, have a three-year-old son, Ethan.

Dave gave me the run down on several classmates. Roe JONES is out and flies for Frontier Airlines in Seattle, WA. He has two children, Ashley and Brandon. Tim KUBES is out too. He works for an engineering firm in Idaho, but still does Reserve duty as an LO for USAFA. He and his wife also have two children. Chris FORSETH is at Falcon AFB at the 17th Test Squadron working on classified programs; he would have said what kind, but...you know the line. He and his wife have three kids. Dave BLANKS works at the 17th Test Squadron too, but in the Studies and Analysis Branch. He’s married with one child. Eddie KOSTELNIK is flying A-lOs at Nellis AFB. Ed made it BTZ to major! His wife and kids are very proud, I’m sure. Mike PATTERSON is out of the AF and is pursuing his dream of attending vet school. He and his wife live in Louisiana and had their first child in March. Antoinette “Tony” SMITH is out too. She’s married and is living in Denver. She’s been competing in women’s power lifting and has won several competitions in Colorado—congrats!

Murray CLARK is at USAFA in the English Dept. He’s married and has two children. Scott REYNOLDS is out and is living in Maine. Tim DRANTTEL is a newlywed and flies heavies out of South Carolina. He still has his orange Corvette—is it running, Tim? Brett BYER is out and flies for the New Jersey National Guard. Colin CARR is stationed at Peterson AFB in the Helicopter Ops Section on staff and also does the generals’ taxi duty in the C-21. He’s MWC (married with children). And last but not least, Thad FLUORNOY is now out and lives in San Antonio with his wife, Julie. He’s an instructor at a military academy for boys.

From Mark “Fitz” FITZGERALD, I heard that Dave CROCHET (CS-26) is out now. He’s juggling flying 727s for United out of Denver and flying F-16s for the Guard out of Tulsa, OK. He, his wife, Ann, and their daughter have settled in Tulsa. It’s a good thing you get to fly for free! He also sent word that Jim TATRO, another F-16 pilot, got out in Jan ’97.

Wayne FISHER says hi again fresh off the USS Blueridge, the USN’s 7th Fleet Flagship, where he spent about 30 days working Exercise TANDEM THRUST with the Navy and Australian military—no offense to you cross-commissioners, but ain’t the Air Force grand! Anyway, he wanted to update us all on some “found” classmates who are stationed at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa with him. Paul CALTAGIRONE is an MC-130H Combat Talon II AC. Joe RIVERA (CS-30) is also a pilot in the MC-130H working in Current Operations. And fellow Knight of Thirt, Tom BEHNKE’s there flying the F-15. Wayne’s wife, Toshie, and their two kids are doing well and are happy to have him home.

Alan “Keith” BEATY (CS-12) was also on the USS Blueridge but is now back at work at Thirteenth Air Force Headquarters. He and his family of three children are doing well. On the side, he and his wife, Kim, run an import business (MDA Imports). Keith travels quite a bit and has run into a few fellow classmates. Scott HATFILED (CS-12) is currently working at HQ PACAF and is expecting his second child. Pete HUDDLE is doing quite well as the assistant air attache in Bangkok, Thailand. Rumor has it that he was married this summer.

I heard from Billy Bob BROWN, who also just finished a gig with the Navy aboard the USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49). Billy Bob earned his qualification as Officer of the Deck (Underway). Which means he can drive the ship without a chaperone. Anyway, he’s very happy to be on land. He, his wife Nancy, and son Daniel PCSd to Okinawa this summer. Nancy will work at the Naval Hospital at Camp Lester and Billy Bob’ll be assigned to the division headquarters, 3rd Marine Division. Billy Bob had info on some fellow Marines (which Ben RODARTE isn’t, but I’ll get to that in a minute). Congrats go out to Greg TESCH, Rob COUSER, Eric MELLINGER, Floyd DUSTAN and Billy Bob, who were all selected to major! Greg TESCH is at the Citadel as an AOC-type. Randall CLARKE and Joe SAULSKI are both out of the active USMC.

Now, back to Ben RODARTE...I have to set the record straight. Not that the Marines wouldn’t have him, but Ben is not in the USMC and is still happily in the USAF! I’m glad I gave you all a good belly buster out there in Kadena—hope you didn’t hurt anything. Anyway, Ben is doing well. He and his wife, Lis, rang in the new year with their son, Justas, born 1 Jan 97 (a big one too—lOlbs, 4 oz). Ben’s been flying F-15s with the 44th Fighter Squadron and has been busy with TDYs to Alaska, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Australia—sounds like fun to me!

Jim DAVIS e-mailed to say hi to everyone. He and his wife, Sue, have two sons and are now stationed at Scott AFB. He’s on the AMC IG traveling team as the presentations officer, and makes music videos for the outbriefs—is that really a job? Look out MTV! Prior to Scott AFB, Jim was at Reese flying the T-37 and T-1A before the base closed. He has some updates (may not be timely, though) on some Reese folks. Vic RICK headed to Altus as a KC-135 IP. Vic and his wife, Lisa, have three kids. Kevin DILL and his wife, Erin, were still there after Jim left as were Dave RYER and Danny HARRIS, his wife Lynette, and son Evan (5); if you guys are reading this let us know where you are now! Danny ROSE was flying the T-37 at Reese and headed west to McChord to fly the C-141. Brad FELIX was a T-37 flight commander at Reese and he, his wife, and two sons are now at Fairchild. He’s flying the KC-135. Brad DAVIS and Breau GAUTIER are also at Fairchild. Doug HAMMEN was also at Reese, but no update on where he headed. And Brian O’REAR is off to fly the B-2—wow!

Brian had some additional inputs on some other classmates—timeliness may still be questionable here. James MCGOVERN was at language school en route to an assignment as an Olmsted Fellow—congrats to you!

CLASS OF 1987 10-YEAR REUNION

At Homecoming 1997

24-28 September 1997

USAFA versus San Diego State

Jim PALMER is out of the AF and is now working in Oklahoma near Tulsa. Jim also flies F-16s for the Arkansas ANG. And Tom REMFER was last seen in Washington, DC at a full-time Guard position and goes back to Connecticut every so often to fly with his A-10 unit.

Dutch MURRAY is officially PCSd to Osan AB to the 607th Air Intelligence Sq with a follow-on in the summer of ’98 to Spangdahlem AB, Germany as the 52 FW senior intelligence officer/intelligence flight commander—pretty nice! Pat LORZING (CS-9) sent a quick note. He, his wife, and two-year-old son are soaking up the rays at Hickam AFB. Pat, do you have a guest room? Pat’s busy as a comm officer out there.

Jeff FRIENT (CS-15) says hi from the Windy City. He’s an investment banker with William Blair & Company and welcomes any visitors and/or business! He says Skip GLENN, his old roomie, is flying C-141s at McGuire. Mick TESTA is at Tinker AFB in Contracting. Dennis HESTER is married, civilian, and working in San Francisco as a chemical engineer. Reed BRISTOW is also living in Chicago. Ezra VANCE also sent a note. He, his wife, Kristen (MORTON), and their daughter Alexandra are doing well in the badger state of Wisconsin. Ezra is out of the AF and works for Ameritech in Milwaukee and Kristen is getting her PhD at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Kristen will most likely be heading back to teach at USAFA! Ezra says Howard HUERTA is out too, and is working for Federal Mogul in Detroit. Howard and his wife, Kathy, have two children. Matt PITZEL works for Astro Merck out of Chicago and Thad KNUE works for Stryker Medical out of Kalamazoo, MI. Both are doing quite well. Thad is married and has three kids. That’s all the updates I have for now. Well, that’s a “quibble”; I have had a few others (Chris SIMPSON and Mike SYMOCK’s), but I’m afraid I’d have to edit most of the text out—funny stuff though!

As you might have noticed, I’ve got a new address (see header). Please send your correspondence there since I don’t have an e-mail address to give you at this time. I fear I won’t get any correspondence without e-mail; so for all you e-mail junkies, just print what you’d send me and slap a stamp on it! Anyway, when we PCSd from USAFA the reunion committee was busy at work. Thanks go out to Mike WALKER, Eva (CHEUNG) WILSON, Leslie HOWELL, Pat MCKENNA, Kurt SPRANGER, Ken VELTEN, Dave BACHLER, Jon FAIR, Jeff RHODES, and countless other behind-the-scenes ’87ers. Don’t forget to register! It’ll be a great weekend and I look forward to seeing you all in person—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: pylt@msn.com

Percent members: 36

Greetings 88!

I’m finally home long enough to use the huge amount of Checkpoints info collecting on my hard drive! Some of this might be just a bit dated as I was stuck in Mildenhall at deadline last time and couldn’t get to it. Anyway, there’s lots to cover and I’m going to be past my page limit so let’s dive in.

In late March Tom SADLO called from Hill ALC. He’s on a three-year controlled tour there for career broadening. He and 25 other officers (ineluding Ron PAUL and Mike NOLETTE) will spend their first two years rotating through various jobs at the ALC, then will spend the last year at one job. Tom was at Hahn, Incirlik, and Yokota before Hill. Nathan WATANABE was at Yokota too, but has since moved to Hawaii. Tom is married (Debbie) with two girls, Danielle who just turned four, and Michaela who was born 4 July 96. Lastly, Mark GARST and Christian BENEDICT are both executive officers at Hill ALC.

Kelly (BONDARUK) NOVAK noted one of my many errors in a previous issue. I had printed something verbatim from one of her notes, but I’d failed to notice she asked me to check it first, OOPS! Please accept my humble apologies, again. To correct my error: Stacey (SIDOR) MCNUTT is in the Air Force. Before Kelly left Ohio she took one of her children to be seen at the hospital and Stacey happened to be the pediatrician. Here’s some info from her most recent letter: note that all the dates would be for 1996.

Just a quick update on me. I got out of the AF on Friday, Sept 13th. I stay home full-time now with my two kids, Ian (3 Vi) and Katie (14 months). It’s great! My family moved to Colorado Springs the first week of December. My husband (a ROTC weenie) is a full-time Reservist at the 7 SOPS (the first Reserve space operations squadron in the AF). I am also working from home as an engineering consultant. We are in an apartment hoping to sell our LOVELY, three-bedroom home

in Dayton, OH, 12 minutes from Wright-Patterson in a great, kidfriendly neighborhood if anyone is moving out that way! Sorry, I got carried away there, you can edit that. (No way—I’m always nice to people that write their scribe! Of course, the house is probably sold by now...) I did get a long Christmas letter from John MOREHEAD. He and Beth have two kids now (Adam and Abbey) and moved from Ellsworth to Mountain Home. They were second on the base housing list but still ended up living in their trailer on the base famcamp for several months. What fun!

Ralph GALETTI, whom I’ve been meaning to call or write for about two years now, wrote me a nice note. Now I’m feeling really guilty! Here’s his info: “I haven’t had a chance to call or write, but there’s a million things I should’ve told you over the past who-knows-how-many months. First, as you may have noticed, I moved to the sunshine state. I’m the chief of rotary wing flight test for our detachment here at Hurlburt Field (Detachment 1, 46th Operations Group). We do developmental test on all AFSOC aircraft and all AF helicopters. It’s a great job, I love the people I’m working with, I love this area, the beaches, the weather, etc. Next big news: I’m getting married! My fiancee (Suzi) and her daughter (Kayla) moved here last month and we’re getting married in January ’97. We’re not having any kind of ceremony or anything, and we’re postponing our honeymoon for a while. Things are a bit too hectic right now. Anyway, I have a million things to do, so I have to run. Here’s my new address: 102 2nd Ave, Shalimar, FL 32579, (904) 609-1319.

“By the way, I have seen SO MANY ’88ers here! To name a few: Mike PLEHN, Dave LANGHAUSER, Jim BUCHANAN, all based here at Hurlburt, and then among the myriad of ’88ers over at Eglin, I’ve seen Bill LEWIS and Rich FRAMPTON. There are probably a dozen more people I can’t remember, and a bunch of people from other classees, too. Also, a lot of AFSOC crews come TDY here from overseas, so it’s like every week is an Academy reunion! I saw Jim JUI just last week, Wayne FISHER (’87) about a month ago, and Keith SAUNDERS (’87) about three months ago. Also, just in our detachment alone, seven out of the nine officers are zoomies! Oh, I forgot to mention, I also saw Dover BELL at flight medicine one day. He was there with his wife and child.”

Sean PARRY added some info from his last letter, but let me again apologize for printing his info verbatim last year. I won’t be doing that anymore, trust me. Here’s his info: “My wife, Rebecca, and I saw Pedro TRINIDAD and his wife, Annette, over Christmas. After flying ’141s at McGuire, he’s been doing the IP thing at Vance for about 3 Vi years. He has two daughters, about three and one years old. I notice Lee ROSEN sent you something a few issues back. Does anyone have his e-mail address? If so please let me know.”

Joe TEGTMEYER, of Grand Forks flood fame, sent me the following: “Just a quick note to update you on my comings and goings. I have been busy in the home repair and reconstruction business, trying to recover from the flood in Grand Forks, and I am pleased to say that progress is being made. I am almost ready to start the repainting process and then start hanging doors and putting the trim pieces back up. I am about 3/i finished with a fireplace I am installing and am working to figure out how to best remodel the bathroom. I am hoping that another two weeks will bring the house to near-completed status. I am definitely learning a new trade, so if the Air Force thing doesn’t work out... Anyway, I am writing from Tucson, AZ, since I am here to see my two nephews graduate from high school and a niece ‘promote’ from 8th to 9th grade. I will be traveling back to the great white North on the 31st of May, and start the construction again. Also, I am finishing up my mission qualification to aircraft commander, and then will be on the road to Japan on a Pacific channel run sometime around the 20th of June. Take care and keep in touch. If you want to try your hand at home repair, I could put you to work! P.S. I ran into Dave LANGAN a couple of days ago. His job is to go around the country and test out C-5 simulators. Tough Job, huh?” Jim LEE e-mailed me from the zoo in January. His number there is DSN 333-4439. His update follows: “After teaching two years in the Math Dept, I became AOC of CS-39 last summer. Todd AARON is executive officer in the 34th Training Group. Glen WIGGY, Neil HUBER, and Tim WEBB are all teaching in the Math Dept. Nick SEAWARD and Dave GOLDSTEIN are teaching in the Astro Dept. Dan URIBE is

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teaching foreign languages. Joe DRBOHLAV is teaching in chemistry. Tim GIBSON is down in the soaring squadron and Rick EDWARDS is flying the T-3. I’m sure there are others that I’m forgetting or don’t know about. Please tell your brother Dave hello for me when you see him again. We were in the same squadron together at USAFA. Hope you had a great Christmas!”

Mike PLEHN, mentioned a few paragraphs ago, also e-mailed the following: ‘‘Things are still great here in sunny Hurlburt Field. I am still flying AC-130Hs as an instructor electronic warfare officer while working as one of the ops groups commander’s execs in my spare time (or is it the other way around?). I’ll probably be moving on to a new job and a new aircraft in the not-too-distant future, but those plans are not firm yet, so I’ll save their outcome for a future e-mail. I got married about a year-anda-half ago; my wife and I have subsequently moved into a waterfront townhouse. We’ve got a dock with a boat lift, so it’s a really great setup for the warm weather sports—now if we had more time to enjoy it all (plenty of time for that when we’re retired I guess). I have been working on my master’s at Embry-Riddle for the last two years and only have one class left. I am trying to finish up in March—I hope that works out as planned.”

Mara (GARCIA) SMITH e-mailed to update me on her life: “I got married in June 1994 to Mark Smith (Virginia Tech grad) at the Cadet Chapel. Mr. L. even played the organ for our wedding! We both separated from the AF (Nov ’94 for me) and moved east. I’m working for Lockheed Martin in Springfield, VA as a systems engineer...AND WE’RE HIRING! I love my job, there are a lot of former military here, but not many USAFA GRADS. Only two or three and they were before our time. If anyone is interested in Lockheed Martin, e-mail me at MARAILIEANA@AOL.COM. Or look me up and send a resume. As for class news, I don’t see that many classmates. I’m in touch with a few people. My roommate Lisa BOYCE is teaching BS at the Zoo. Elwood JACKSON is at Peterson AFB in Space Command. Quint and Lori MIKLOS are at Laughlin AFB, TX where he’s an IP. And Janet (LARUE) GOODER just PCSd to the Zoo to teach aero. Mary Ann DOLAN and her two boys were at Vandenberg when I left Colorado Springs in ’94 but I haven’t been in touch with her since. Luli POOLE (RIVERA, ’89), husband Danny, and two kids were at Elmendorf last year but I haven’t been in touch with her since then. And those are the only ones I’ve been in touch with recently.

“As for Mark and me, we don’t have kids yet, just two dogs, Zippy and Ritz. They keep us busy enough! We’re both going to school for our master’s at night and trying to enjoy everything this area has to offer. Mark grew up here so he knows the area pretty well. We bought a townhouse in Fairfax and we’re still trying to settle in. I guess it’s an ongoing process. Well, that’s about it. If anyone is in the area, look us up under Mara G. and Mark D. SMITH. There actually is another Mark and Mara Smith in the area with different middle initials! Take care!”

Lastly, my brother David e-mailed me while I was in the desert. His friends from Hawaii, Doug and Mindy SEAGRAVES, have PCSd to Davis-Monthan. Doug was teaching ROTC at the University of Hawaii (Manoa) for a few years. Cliff LANE just PCSd to Tinker (where David is stationed) and is the new 552 ACW/FM. Keith KANE and his wife, Claudia, PCSd about a year ago to Langley (ACC/IG) on the comm/computers side of the house. OK folks, that’s it for now. Write soon. One more word and Tom’s going to cut me o...

Paul W. Tibbets, IV

1410 Rockford Drive

Warrensburg, MO 64093

Home: (816) 429-1198

DSN: 975-2908

E-mail: patibb@iland.net

Percent members: 38

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Hello friendly ’89ers! As we spin into fall, and football season begins, it reminds me there are only TWO years to our 10-year reunion. How time flies. I hope everyone is having a great summer, enjoying these very interesting times in our Air Force. All is well in beautiful Knob Knoster and at Whiteman AFB. Unfortunately, I am sad to report we lost two of our classmates in recent months. Amy SVOBODA and Rick PEDDYCORD were both killed in aircraft accidents. Please keep the friends and relatives of Amy and Rick in your prayers. Let me pass on a little information about them to you.

I received an e-mail from John MIHALY towards the end of May concerning Amy’s accident. As most of you know, Amy was killed in an A-10 crash. John had been in touch with Amy’s family, who really appreciate all the thoughtful flowers sent in their daughter’s memory. If anyone would like to send a card, the address for Mr. and Mrs. Svoboda is 37653

South Niblick, Tucson, AZ 85739. The Air Force is overseeing a memorial fund, and donations can be sent to: Amy Svoboda Memorial Fund, c/o Public Affairs, 5275 East Granite St., Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ 85707.

Bruce BEYERLY wrote me the first week in June and passed on that Rick PEDDYCORD was killed in a civilian aircraft accident. Rick is survived by his wife, Mario, and five-year-old son Ben. Rick’s dad was also killed in the accident. Once again, please keep Rick and Amy’s families in your prayers.

Steve KELLER sent me an update recently. He is heading off to Osan, Korea to be the chief of Plans and Real Estate for HQ 7th Air Force. Steve has been on an “Air Force appreciation” tour the last two years, working for the Army’s Military Traffic Management Command, Transportaion Engineering Agency. After working for the Army for two years, Steve say he really appreciates the Air Force!

I also heard from Eric and Susie ECKLUND. Susie gave birth 9 Jun to Jared Bruce, a 61b, lOoz baby boy. Congratulations! Bruce BEYERLY passes on that Scott MILLER is flying F-15Es at Mt. Home, and Rob ANDERSON is flying F-15Cs and moving over to the OSS. Bruce is a WSO in the B-l and working in the OSS. My last e-mail came from Steve WHITING, who is PCSing to Falcon AFB (via 3 lA months TDY to Vandenberg). He will arrive in Colorado Springs in September. Thanks for the updates!

That’s it for this issue. With the recent losses of our classmates comes a huge reminder on how precious life is. I challenge all of you to take a few moments and drop me an e-mail. The men and women of the Class of ’89 really do enjoy hearing about your life. Take care and God bless.

Joseph C. Richardson

11764 McCarty Loup Bellevue, NE 68123

Home: (402) 292-9373

DSN: 271-6010

Percent members: 35

Greetings Most Glorious and Mighty Class, Salutations to all of the most awesome class coming at you from the great plains of Omaha, NE. All is well here at Offutt for me and mine. I’m now hanging out in Wing Scheduling after a two-year stint in Stan/Eval. My family is doing well. My little “doodle bug” just turned one a few weeks ago. She’s walking and talking and doing the whole nine yards now. What a joy! My son is creeping up on eight years old and is growing like a weed with fertilizer on it. My darling bride is doing quite well too. To sum it up...it’s all good! Well, enough about me, now on to the news...

My old room dog tied the big knot on 3 May 1997. That’s right ladies and gentlemen, Charles Weyman BOYD married the awesome and dynamic Jennifer Ann at the Little Rock Air Force Base Chapel in Jacksonville, AR. Congratulations to the both of you. I know that life has only the best for you and your new family. We all look forward to seeing a wedding photo in the next issue and perhaps some little “doodle bugs” of your own down the road. You guys are awesome!

Paul C. LAMBERTSON checked in from the wonderful world of Grand Forks. He confirms that it is true that they really were declared a national disaster area this winter. Paul has re-entered the flying world after serving time as a banked maintenance officer. It’s easy to keep up with where he is...just watch CNN and know that he and his KC-135 are wherever the news is six out of 12 months a year. Paul is currently an aircraft commander working on the 319 Operations Group Issues Team. Up there with him are Matt WATSON (IP), Matt BUTLER and Andy PIERSON (both about to upgrade to aircraft commander), Chip WEAVER (aircraft commander), and Steve STONER (copilot).

Paul reports that he just got back from SOS where he shared some great times with Otto (Danny) HABEDANK (C-141 AC), Judd FRANCHER (resident F-16 pilot and DG), and Paul (Pete) PETERSON (C-5 first pilot). According to Paul, this group of winners and leaders far excelled at partying, drinking and maintaining absolute middle-of-the-road status as far as SOS rankings were concerned. He says that it was a really big reunion. The rest of the most glorious class envies the friendship and fellowship we missed Paul. Sounds like you had a blast. Thanks for that most tremendous update!

Jon and Julie KRAUSE send us greetings from the great land of Spokane, WA. The big news in their world is the arrival of big Joshua Richard on September 18th. Joshua means “the Lord saves” and Richard is in honor of Jon’s dad. They are really enjoying being new parents. Things with them are going very well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Jon and thanks for that most awesome update.

Well gang, if that seems like a short update, that’s because it was. As you can probably tell I would enjoy getting more info on how everyone is doing. I’m sure you are all busy living your most awesome lives, loving your most awesome families, and leading the pack in your most awesome careers. Bottom line—we would like to share in the joy and successes that I know you are all experiencing. So send letters and pictures and I’ll keep the updates flowing. Until next time—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: 39

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Hello friends! This is probably the most unexpected of writing circumstances: I’m sitting at a dusty keyboard in the Squadron Intel Support shop at Prince Sultan Air Base (PSAB), Saudia Arabia, waiting out a five-hour block of time before getting on the plane taking me HOME. With notes in hand, the time to spare, and the deadline hanging over me, thought I’d get the work done tonight! Earlier, I was planning on getting this column written while working at Eskan Village—HAH. You’d think we’d all know better by now, having crossed the six-year point, eh?

Before getting into a lot of news (and it sure feels like a lot!) I have an announcement to make. I want to start keeping a database of classmates’ e-mail adresses. So far I have about one dozen, and I’m sure there are hundreds more out there. Though I don’t expect this to take off quickly, if you are interested in receiving a list of e-mail addresses, send me yours, I’ll add it to the list, and as things grow, I’ll mail out the list to all participants, as well as any other ’91er who asks. I don’t plan on passing it on to anyone else. In the future: possible web page. But that’s a little out of my league for now, OK? So don’t get your hopes up!

Matt ISLER sent me word of his last four years, starting with his marriage to Mai Lan (of Texas Tech Law School fame) while a T-37 FAIP at Reese AFB. Funny how time brings us around: my own father was a T-37 FAIP there from ’69-’70—and I was born. Matt was there with John MELLOY, Todd VALENTINE, and Dan MARUYAMA. When the base closed (sniff) they all took air liaison jobs with fighter follow-ons, except Dan MARUYAMA, who took an H-60 to Kadena, Japan. John is now in Germany (see further scoop from John SCHAEFER below) and Todd is in Ft. Hood, TX. They will get fighters in ’98, according to Matt. Well, the Matt-ster took his ALO job to Camp Red Cloud, Korea, with Terry WALKER, Mark “Ski” SKIBINSKI and Scott HAMILTON following suit. They ran the CAS system north of the Han River and truly kicked some major North Korean butt. Reports are sketchy, but Ski put life and limb on the line with driving performances worthy of a HHMMVW rollover!

All this time, other grads rolled in and out of the area, including Nate SMITH, Hank GRIFFITHS, and Chris GOFF—all apparently flying F-16s at Kunsan, and Steve LATKOW flying his Osan A-10. Along comes 1997—and with it requal and IFF at Randolph—quickly followed by reassignment to Tyndall. Terry WALKER starts F-15C training in June, Paul VILLEM is going to try his luck with the Elmendorf activities in August, and Ski and Scott HAMILTON will be joining fellow F-15 jockeys at Seymour-Johnson. Hey, I just saw those planes out here not one hour ago! Were you guys here? Enjoyed the heat, I’ll bet! The other day, British Tornados actually had to divert cuz the temp was so high and the air so thin.

Matt tells me he saw Jim ARMAGNO on Bourbon St.—Jim’s flying in Germany (C-21s) and has a wife, Susan, and a three-year-old son Anthony. Thanks for the news Matt!

Shannon CURRY’s wife, Angie, sends us news of Shannon’s life with the Army. Hooah! Though he started off as a rotary wing follower (AH-1 Cobras) he has since seen the light of fixed wings. The C-12D is now his bird, and the 3rd MI Battalion is his customer. Shannon calls Camp Hunphries, Korea, home for now, returning to Angie next March! Ouch! But, he has a mid-tour leave coming up in October (when they are expecting a baby! Some leave THAT’s going to be! But what a joy at the same time; it will be hard for Shannon to go back, I’m sure). At least Angie has the comfort of living in Sierra Vista, AZ, near Ft. Huachuca—a good community town, I’ve heard. She’s enjoying it to the degree one can when left behind for a year!

Then there’s Matt LASLEY, another great writer in his own time! Matt sends word via electronic dissemination, and abbreviated his six years to three paragraphs! His first assignment was with Titan IV Launch at Cape Canaveral, FL. Married Stacey in May ’92 and moved to COS (Falcon), working for the AF satellite control network SPO. Three children born:

Alexa (22 Apr ’95), Tessa (16 July ’96) and Matthew (was due 27 Aug 97)! Time to give Stacey a raise and paid vacation, Matt! Aaron REED visited them, flying Special Ops C-5s in Dover? Hey, Aaron! What’s up with this? Sounds interesting. Jason BRAWKA passed through town from Great Falls on his way to a flight job in Texas, and Matt says there were plenty of folks at Falcon who were banked when he first got there—hope all are taken care of by now. Barb (CAMERON) POPOVICH (was in our class, graduated ’92) is now getting out, and so was the first letter I’ve received from someone who has actually separated from the AF already. Heard about plenty others, just haven’t heard from ’em. Matt is going to work for System Technology Associates based in COS, but will be working in Virginia.

Rounding out the written word inputs are Mark and Lois TRUE (BAIRD), who speak to us from the beautiful land of Arlington, VA. What a great place! Lois is currently serving as the executive officer for the 11th OG at Bolling AFB and Mark is a medical student at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Services in Bethesda, MD. Whew! Can’t say that without taking a breath! He started last August, and is currently an 0-1, but will regain 0-3 upon graduation. Unfortunately, that won’t come for another three years! It is a good thing Lois likes her job at the OG; and knowing Lois, I’m sure she’s doing a wonderful job, too. Good luck, Mark, and don’t stay up on too may all-nighters during residency! Goodness knows USAFA gave you enough of ’em!

Last issue I told you I’d say a bit about fellow grads here in the desert, but sad to say I really didn’t run into more than three (!) which doesn’t really seem right, given 90 days. But there were probably a lot of you flying in and out of here (PSAB) while I was cooped up in the JIC at Eskan. Anyway, Karen STOFF was at Eskan when I arrived, playing volleyball and running the Joint Search and Rescue Center (JSRC). I regret not visiting more often; night shift Air Defense duty was hard to coordinate with those JSRC types—sorry Karen! Later, I found Ron WATROUS running the Public Affairs office here at PSAB, and had a good opportunity to talk with him during my failed attempt at flying to Kuwait. There was also Brad ANDERSON, who I mentioned in the last column flying KC-135s out of McConnell, and with the regular 30-45 day rotation deployment to PSAB. Fun, fun, fun! I ran into Brad outside his squadron tent area, and he seemed to be enjoying things well enough, but like so many of the force, finds himself strung up and played like a cheap tin fiddie. With several years of service left, Brad is trying not to think too much about the airlines, but says he’d like to get into that as soon as he can, if the timing is still right (like it is right now! shucks).

John SCHAEFER sends all sorts of interesting news from his excursions in Bosnia and Italy. He, like Matt ISLER and company, was an ALO with an Army Battalion, but in Vicenza. He’ll get to start flying next year I guess, and has spent most of his time in Europe and the Balkans. So here goes the spew: Kelly ZDROIK was seen doing intel work in Sarajevo last summer. John visited Paul KNAPP in Lakenheath early last year when he accompanied the troops on a British jump exchange, and in that same trip, John saw Todd HAMILTON. Todd married Kim, and they’re expecting kids soon! Todd has moved on to ENJJPT to be a Strike Eagle WSO. Another person working in Bosnia same time as John was John MELLOY (mentioned earlier as an ALO in Korea with Matt ISLER) who managed to land acceptable pay as an ALO in Hanau, Germany. Gee, life is tough! Follow all this with seven more names: Jim DUTTON and wife at Lakenheath (F-15s), Todd ERICSON (C-21s, moving to F-16s—but where, Todd, where?), Chris SMITH (last seen getting buried alive under the tiled halls of the Pentagon), Chuck WEBB (managing to get through F-16 RTU), and last but not least an interesting story of Les BEAM getting out of the service, going back home to Iowa, working for John Deere (sounds like a grad name after all this, doesn’t it?) and settling down to work on sprucing up an old house with his wife, Kylie! That sounds great.

Final Inputs: I got a communique from Nick KOOTSIKAS, but at the time there was no news passed. He’s alive, anyway. Perhaps more news than that will follow soon. I know Don YU will have been getting well into U-2 training and Jay FROHNE will have returned from his tour in the Gulf by the time we read this in print. Ryan FARMER is living a good family life near Langley, but would like to see work conditions improve for the future. I’m still trying to hunt down the elusive Russ BALKA, and does anybody know what happened to Mike SMITH after he left grad school in Austin? Finally, for those of you who are reading this in San Antonio or the local environs, please pick up a phone and call 699-1913 so I can visit with you and invite you over for an outstanding meal, OK?

Finally, if anyone would like to meet in D.C. for the Promise Keepers gathering on the mall in October please e-mail right away. Also, I need your input for the next column by Dec 10. TAVENNER OUT.

James S. Mehta

2250 Clarendon Blvd., #112 Arlington, VA 22201

Home: (703) 525-5495

DSN: 283-1317

Percent Members: 34

PART I: Greetings, 1992! The years keep rolling by. Some of us are getting out and moving on with other things in life. It sems strange, doesn’t it? I hope we will all continue to look out for one another and keep in touch as some of us return to the civilian world. No matter where we are or what our lives involve, we still share a common bond. So, to those leaving the Air Force, good luck, but not good-bye; we hope to hear from you soon and often. This forum should be a way of keeping us together.

I got some friendly letters this quarter to help me write this column. The first is from Dean BOERRIGTER who is working on an operations research master’s at AFIT. He is joined by fellow classmates Steve DINZART, Ken HAERTLING, Tony FRANZ, and Steve COX. Steve, his wife and two boys are headed to Langley AFB, VA very soon. Dean has seen Ann CLARK who is working in the F-22 SPO at Wright-Pat. She will be going to the Zoo this summer to teach. She will be joining Steve BARROWS who is also going to be on the faculty staff at USAFA in the Econ Department. Recently, Dean talked to Alan WIEMAN from Panama where he got married in May to a Panamanian national. Dean ran into Rob PITTMAN who was in Dayton last December for a wedding, and Rob ESTRADA who was at Wright-Pat for a week TDY from Kelly AFB. Jennifer HUGHES was also TDY to Ohio for two weeks for a maintenance course from Lakenheath AB. Thanks for the letter, Dean, write again soon.

Brandon BAKER wrote to tell us that he got married to Kim last June. Two True Blue men were there to play the supporting cast: Tom REARDON and Tom FINNERAN. Hey, Tom and Tom...guess I must be specific in telling you where they are stationed! Tom R. is flying KC-135s at Robins AFB and Tom F. is a C-141 nav at Charleston AFB. Brandon is flying the KC-135R at Fairchild AFB “with tons of grads (five squadrons—too many names to mention).” However, when going through AC upgrade, Class 97-10, Jay HOFMANN, Mark CASEY, David PODRASKY, and Teri POULTON were upgrading with him. Check out the picture of Brandon and the boys...

From left are Tom Finneran, Brandon Baker, and Tom Reardon.

Cindy STEIN wrote me a pretty long letter filled with good stuff. Cindy wanted to write to pass along some information on ’92ers who she has not seen mentioned in the column much. (*Foot stomp*, *foot stomp*, everyone get that?) Well then, Cindy, you wrote the right man to do the job for you. First, to let everyone know, Cindy is on her way to Kadena AB via a four-six month TDY to Kirtland AFB for HH-60 training. She got her wings in Dec ’96 and is leaving for Japan in Oct. Brandi BARHAM is at Fort Rucker training to fly helos after UPT. “Michelle SMITH-ROCCO has a daughter Jenna and has been married a couple of years to Mark. Meridith MOORE is finishing her third year of med school in Columbia, SC at USC. Meridith is married to a civilian doctor—Mike Medford.” Cindy was the maid of honor at Meridith’s wedding.

Well, that looks to be the last of the mail bag...kind of sparse now that I look at it. Tom “T.R.” RICE and Craig “Keg” WENZ came down to D.C. in May to visit Walter Reed Medical Center and me. They spent the weekend here and we definitely experienced D.C...at least D.C. after hours. Craig is flying C-141s at McGuire and Tom is a squadron intel officer at McGuire. They both live near Philadelphia and are having fun

checking out every bar in town. I think they have a goal of drinking in every one of them.

I talked to Steve WOLF who is keeping the California coast free for Democracy at Camp Pendleton. He still claims he likes being a Marine. I think he likes actually being in the same location as Kay (his wife) and not having to sleep on the ground more often than he sleeps in a bed. Us Air Force guys don’t like sleeping on the ground.

I called Bob “Turbo” SEIFERT who is at Hurlburt Field in Florida. He is flying AC-130s and living on the beach. I think he is becoming a beach bum since he rides around on his Jet Ski as much as he drives his car. And, he claims he is becoming the king of the local beach volleyball court. Dave KUMASHIRO has been busy with SOS and flying C-5s at Dover AFB, DE. He will be PCSing to D.C. in August. I will be seeing most of the guys this weekend at Don UNWIN’s wedding. We will all be meeting in St. Louis for the party...uh, I mean wedding.

Let’s see, I have seen or heard from a few folks here in the D.C. area. Joey BELANO called me a few weeks ago at work. He is just up the road at Fort Meade in Maryland. When I was taking a class at DIA at the Joint Military Intelligence College I ran into Jonathan ARNETT. He is in a full-time program studying for a master of science in strategic intelligence. He will be graduating in Aug ’96 and hopes to get assigned within the D.C. beltway. I took the Joint Counterintelligence Staff Officer’s Course last week and Arty DESTAZIO (’93) was in my class. He’s also an OSI agent and is stationed at Hickam AFB in Hawaii.

PART II: Welcome to part two of today’s column. I am going to take my class scribe’s liberty and devote the next paragraph to my best friend Don UNWIN and his new wife, Kathleen. I just returned from their wedding near St. Louis that was on June 21. Don married the former Kathleen Meyers in a wonderful wedding ceremony at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, which was followed by a fun and exciting reception at the Rain Tree Country Club in Hillsboro, MO. Many USAFA graduates were there along with numerous family and friends to help them celebrate their joyous occasion. From the picture, you can see how many of us were

Attending the Unwin wedding standingfrom left are Bob Seifert, Dave Cutter (’93), Rick Bailey, James Mehta, Mike Muldoon (’85), Bill MeCann, Mark Steger, Dave Kumashiro and Steve Wolf. Kneeling are Andy Crum, Don and Kathleen Unwin, and Matt Rafter. there. Don and Kathleen headed to Alaska (Elmendorf AFB) via a honeymoon stretching across the country from Missouri to Washington. From Washington, a ferry will take them to their new home in Alaska. It was a truly awesome occasion and very enjoyable to get everyone back together to sharing one another’s friendship once again. I want to take this chance to wish Don and Kathleen all the luck in the world and the Lord’s blessing as they begin their new life together. I’ll be up to visit soon! And I really mean it, Kathleen!

I just got an llth-hour letter from Nicole (FOSTER) GREENWOOD. In a past column, I think I reported that Nicole is a Public Affairs officer. Her first assignment was at Travis and then she moved to Laughlin AFB. There in Texas, she met her husband, Jeffrey Greenwood, who was in pilot training. They were engaged in March 1996 and after Jeffrey left UPT, they both PCSd. Jeffrey went to Vandenberg, and Nicole got an AFIT scholarship to University of Missouri-Columbia to complete a communications master’s degree. After she finished her degree, they got married in Dec 1996. Sidney (WATSON) GOEHRING (’93) who married Dean (’93), and Christy LEADER (’91) were two of her bridesmaids. Nicole and Jeffrey are both PCSing to C-Springs—Nicole to Peterson and Jeffrey to Falcon. Nicole is very active in community theater and music. She has had lead roles in “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” “Will Rogers Follies,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” and is currently in “City of Angels.”

Nicole (Foster) and Jeffrey Greenwood

She has also had the privilege to sing the national anthem before an Oakland A’s baseball game and for the SecAF and Vice President Gore. She also passed along some info on other grads: Chuck HOWARD is a T-37 IP at Laughlin and got married in 1994 to Anabel. Chuck and Anabel now have a baby and another one is on the way. Michael JACKSON is flying B-ls at Dyess AFB. And, Jenny (YUNG) CRITTELL is at Yokota AB. She is married to Alvin who she met at Cannon AFB, NM. Nicloe wrote me a very long letter, and I regret that I can’t put it all in the column.

So, 1992...until next time, look out for one another and God Bless! 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

Greetings from hot and humid St. Louis. I pray everyone has had a safe and enjoyable summer. I have had the fortune of being in Vicenza, Italy most of the summer working as an operations controller. So, if I haven’t answered my e-mail—you know why, but I’m sure it will be there when I return. I hope to see as many of our classmates in Europe as I can, so look for a phone call! The mail response from our class for this letter is awesome, new faces in abundance!

Our first stop on the summer cruise is with Anthony MARTINEZ who is now an ROTC instructor at Manhattan College. His recommendation is that if you want a lot of fun and a break from reality, find an ROTC detachment in a big city and go for it! From what I hear, Anthony can be found on Wall Street earning his keep. He updates us on Josh DAGCUTA who has moved to Tyndall AFB where he is enjoying his time on the beach. Isn’t there a shark named Dagcuta? Or is it Barracuda? Oh well! Scott WOOD along with his wife, Melissa, was due for another child in May. Scott will be attending the Notre Dame School of Law in hopes of a spot on the TV series Matlock. Scott that’s great and I’m sure there aren’t too many lawyers out there! Frank FLIETAS is now enjoying UPT and is one of many of our classmates who have been selected this year. All I have to say is that it’s about time the Class of ’93 received the respect it deserves! And I’m sure you agree!

Troy HAVENER and his wife, Vicky, are stationed with the 12th Fighter Squadron and enjoying the F-15 life along with Kelly VANDERBILT. There’s too much flying to be had by both of these guys, but they are kept in check by two classmates—Chris GEHRING and Jim WOODHEAD. Troy and Vicki spend their spare time enjoying their beautiful bundle of Joy. Troy says hello to the rest of the Dirty Dozen.

And now from the snow-covered peaks of Alaska...Ladies and Gentlemen—Norm JOHNSEN. Norm was home in Tucson when he e-mailed and updated us on his new life in sunny Alaska. He no kidding lives in a town called the North Pole (seriously). Norm was last seen in Alaska holding on to his snowmobile for dear life while his two dogs chased him through the tundra with Captain Morgan’s rum anxiously awaiting his return.

While enjoying his Alaskan paradise, Norm found time to update us on some fellow classmates. Elise MEHLBERG (SELZ) is with Det 460 and is active in the master’s swim team. (How does she break the ice?) Scott DAVIS is an intel officer at Eielson, but was headed off to weapons school at Nellis at last glance. Larry CARD is flying extremely well for the

The Haveners enjoy Christmas.

355th FS (A-10s). Alex GRYNKEWICH is flying F-16s at Eielson and his house is designated as the party pad! I bet there are some stories there! Scott WEBER is doing a great job as a maintenance officer and is enjoying life with wife, Missy. Scott can be seen tracking grizzlies in the great Northwest. Thanks for all the great info Norm.

And now for something completely different...Dawn (MUZYK) and Matt LACY are living up at McConnell AFB. Matt flies tankers and Dawn keeps him under the speed limit as a security police flight commander! They provide us with some great information. Jason THOMAS (of Joe Strack Fame as well as my BCT roomy) is at Wright-Patterson doing amazing things in electrical engineering. Jason is happily married to Suzi and both enjoy central Ohio. Mike NELSON is enjoying everything about his assignment to C-130s at Yokota. (Melanie says hi, Mike!) Dale HOOVER has supposedly tied the knot last April—congratulations! Alex BEXLEY is now married. Apparently Mike MCCLUNG is still single, but chasing the woman of his dreams. He can be found doing a number of intel things as well as trying to improve his social skills for this dream girl. Mike, of course we know a picture is forthcoming. Awesome update Matt and Dawn! Head ’em up, move ’em out—rawhide! Chris NOLIN sent us a short note. He was last seen enjoying himself immensely on a 100-mile trek with a local Boy Scout troop. This incidentally started the day after his oneyear anniversary to his wife, Kelly. Watch out for those Snipes and Sasquatch.

We have a few updates on several classmates being selected as the AF’s newest pilots. Congratulations to all who may have received these slots that I don’t mention. One thing is for certain—PERSISTENCE PAYS! Congratulations to Breck MORRISON, Stephen MCILNAY, Lee SPECHLER, Frank FLIETAS, Jay TROXELL, Jay CLARK, Dave FUJIMOTO, Nathan HOBBS, Mike TAMBURO, Ed ALCOCER, Rich BENDA, Darin BOOTH, Brian HELLINGER, Mike MEYER, Bruce MUNGER and Kevin KOSEFESKI.

My resident article expert, Char MELICK, is enjoying her time at Tucson. She updates us on the following classmates. We heard a vicious rumor that Tom ROCK married a ’94 graduate—we want pictures and a story Mr. ROCK! We noticed in the last AOG article that Tony and Melissa (WHITESTONE) GOMILLION and Chris and Rebecca GRAY enjoyed the tour of Israel.

Char also asks me to update us on “The Women In Military Service for America” or WIMSA. The first major memorial in construction to commemorate Women in Service is being dedicated on 18 October. All females in active, Reserve, or retired duty status need to call 1-800-4-SALUTE (472-5883) to register as part of this monumental event (no pun intended)!

Mary LESTER has enjoyed her fourth (yes, fourth tour folks) in Saudi. She was sleeping in her tent with the “Sounds of Nature” (i.e. mosquitos, camels, oil pumps, and machine gun fire) playing in the background when Sidney WATSON woke her. Sidney was at Prince Sultan doing Public Affairs work—it’s a dirty job, but someone’s got to do it. Mary also ran into Joe MCFALL of F-16 fame and Sean JUDGE (the C-130 king).

Batting now, number 24, Mighty Casey HACKATHORN! (much applause) Casey writes us from Brooks AFB. He is living the high life in San Antonio (i.e. the Miller high life). He says that he and his roommate, Rob HARRIS, regulary keep the Shiner brewery in business! Casey snagged a job at the AF Center for Environmental Excellence managing things such as, well you guessed it, the environment. Rob is working on his master’s in hospital administration at Baylor Univ. Here is their update.

Brian and Michelle COMBS are at Malmstrom AFB as of August.

Dave ADAMS departed for Pope AFB. He completed CCT training and is now officially someone you don’t want to mess with, (bad grammar, don’t copy) Casey runs into George and Ruth GERMANN, Brad BOYER, and Barney POOLE. They are also awaiting the arrival of Kevin BASIK (master’s at Virginia Tech) and wife, and Doug DOWNEY. Mighty Casey took time to enjoy a little skiing in Tahoe with a few of our compadres: Kevin LOUCKS, Luke AHMANN, George JOYCE, Brian COMBS, Doug DOWNEY, Lisa LAU, Kristin UCHIMURA (I met your brother at McChord AFB Uch), Christy EILER, Tom STEVENS, and Andy JOHNS.

Congratulations to Todd and Melissa SEGER who recently had a bouncing baby boy, Austin Todd. Melissa (as Todd says) deserves all the credit as she successfully made it through 14.5 hours of labor to produce the 71b, 13oz Austin.

RRRRing, RRRRing. Hello, this is Captain Matt SINNING with the Defense Contract Management Command Lockheed Martin Federal Systems Owego Office, can I help you? Matt as you can see doubles as a linguist for the DCMCLMFSOO! Wow! He is enjoying life as a program integrator and loves his domicile in southern New York. He and his wife, Melissa, have a new baby as well, Allison Nicole. He ran into John PRICE on a TDY to Robins AFB. Matt says hi from Tyler SHEDD (Littie Rock) and Darec and Sandy LIEBEL (Hill AFB).

Rocky Top, You’ll always be, home sweet home to me...From Arnold AFB, TN it’s Faith Hill—no, it’s Randy Travis—no, it’s Darren KRAABEL! Darren works for the Arnold Engineering Development Center. He does altitude simulation ground testing with weapons systems and works with upgraded components for retrofits. Darren works with BillyBob, JoeBob, SueBob, and BubbBeauBob! (Just a little Georgia humor—tee, hee.) He updates us on Ellis EATON who left for Osan. Brady HAUBOLDT lives in the Dark World doing testing for SPACECOM. Matt YOCUM is also stationed at Arnold AFB, but is on the way back to USAFA as an instructor. Marty BOWE and Pam WISE are also USAFA bound. Unbelievable that our classmates are already teaching the same young and impressionable minds we used to be! Good luck to all.

I appreciate all the letters, e-mail, and Crayola drawings! In our next article, we are having a contest of who can send me the most awkward (yet, politically correct) picture of our classmates summer fun! There is a prize involved! Until next time, I will enjoy seeing all the ’93 Eurograds. Have a safe summer and an even better fall. Caio, Mike.

Trevor and C.C. Smith

4121 S. Van Buren St. #641 Enid, OK 73701 (405) 233-5445

Percent members: 75

Whew! I can’t believe I’ve actually found the time to sit down and write this column. As you can probably guess from the change of address above, Trevor and I have had a busy spring and summer so far...I had been waiting for Trevor to hear about pilot training before I selected a school for my AFIT assignment when, in early May, he got a call that offered him his choice of UPT bases if he took a 30 May class date! With about a week to plan and execute the entire move, we decided on Vance AFB since Oklahoma State is only an hour away and has a great Hotel and Restaurant Management program.

Trevor has lots of grads in his class (Class 98-10) including Ed ALCOCER, Walt REISS and Kevin KOSEFESKI (all ’93), Jim FABIO, Korey AMUNDSON, Darrell HUBBARD, Mike CRANSTON, Mike RIDER, Paul SONGY and Paul FEICHTINGER (both ’95), and James WILMER (’96). Kevin and his fiancee, Kelly (and their adorable dogs Max and Casey), were gracious enough to let us stay with them while we were waiting for our place. They are hoping to get a short break from training in February to have a Valentine’s Day wedding at the USAFA chapel. In addition to Trevor’s class, there are tons of grads here at Vance, including Mary HARTMAN (flying T-38s), Jay TROXELL and Calvin and Kellie HOBBS (’93, Class 98-11), and Tadd and Kim SHOLTIS (’93, chief of Public Affairs), and Joyce GANGE (’96, Support Group Exec. In all I think 78 USAFA grads were picked up by the last UPT board, but if you want to see the entire list, try the AFPC UFT home page. Congrats to all selectees, and good luck to those who are applying for the September board!

With the confusion of the move, I’m sure I’ve missed some of your letters, and for that I apologize, but let me share with you those I’ve received. Jim WORLEY sent a cryptic e-mail from RAF Lakenheath that I’ll translate to the best of my ability: unfortunately, the computer decided to scramble his numbers, so I don’t know what aircraft everyone

flies...Jim is in the 493rd Fighter Squadron with West STARK, Sean MCLAY, Stu JOHNSON (’86), Jeremy BAENEN (’92), J.P. BOSTER (’92), Steve COX (’93), Dave KIRK (’92), Jeff SAMUEL (’89), Jim DUTTON (’92), Brad BIRD (’93), Tom KAFKA (’89), and Gerry HEKKINEN (’86). Will HASTINGS (Intel, ’93), Scott TAYLOR and Lamar PETUS are there as well. Jim ran into Karl ROGERS (Tinker) at Incirlik AB, Turkey where they were doing their part for Operation Northern Watch. He also shared the following anecdote about our fellow graduate, Marine Lt Chuck MCGREGOR... “What Chuck didn’t tell you about Combat Diver School was that he kicked butt. On one of the many six-mile swims pushing a 200-lb ruck sack, which, by the way Chuck won (which he did most of the time), he swam by the Chief of Naval Operations who was watching from a boat and yelled ‘Go Air Force!’ Standard for Chuck.” In closing, Jim asked anyone traveling in the Lakenheath/Mildenhall area to give him a call—he said he always has room.

Bill KOSSICK e-mailed right after Jim did (no really, it arrived four minutes later) with news from McGuire, where he worked in aircraft maintenance. After a micro-burst heavily damaged several of their C-141s, Bill deployed with his wing to Roswell, NM last July for their ORI. He really cherished the opportunity to wear MOPP 4, complete with flak-vests and helmets, in the desert heat! Despite the difficulties, they were able to pull off an “excellent” for the ORI and Bill’s wing commander (Brig Gen Stephen Lorenz, ’73) was selected to become the new commandant at USAFA. Bill shared one of his Mx adventures: One day he was helping generate an aircraft to replace one that was broken in Korea and, about an hour before takeoff, his group commander asked him to accompany the jet because it was for a DV. So, needless to say, he jumped in the jet and flew to Osan with nothing more than what he had on! He had a great trip though and got to spend five days in Korea with stops at Kadena, Misawa, and Travis on the return.

Last winter, Bill deployed to the United Arab Emirates in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, where he worked with Jeff VISH and Ray BARROWS (both ’92), Rob LISCH (Intel), and Rich AMISANO (C-21s). He also passed on the following dirt on the McGuire crew: Bill CLIFF (’93) just got picked up for a non-vol remote to Riyadh...Mike and Andrea MILLER are there, but Mike is heading to San Antonio for his master’s...Rob BRIESCH is PCSing to Hill...Jeff BURBANK (Quality) is feverishly working on his MBA from Rutgers. Other grads included Elizabeth TEMPLETON (ask her about forgotten MSKs/Red Flag!) and Joe FRIDAY (both ’95) and Chris COZZI (’92). Although his e-mail was info-packed, Bill saved the best news for last. He and Amy were engaged last July and will be married this July 12th in Columbus, OH. Hopefully Jason WOLLARD (Malmstrom, UH-ls) and Travis BURDINE (WrightPat) will be able to join them for the wedding! Good luck, Bill and Amy!

Kunsan), Cisco Gallei (A WACS), and Andy McGee (San Antonio). In front is Brock Michalek.

Speaking of weddings, Joe and Angela MICHALEK were married last September and sent two pics from Andrews where Joe flies UH-lNs. The little guy stealing the show in the first photo is their son Brock who is excited about the little brother or sister he’ll have in July! They also keep in touch with Bill SULLIVAN (UH-1N, Japan); Dave and Amy SIRESS (new baby: Jordan Elizabeth); Mark and Kelly BUTLER (Kelly’s due in July); Mark “Shaba” SHIEDLER and Curt WICKERS (UH-lNs); and they ran into Joe NANCE, Jason DUKES, Scott BRACHER, Jonathan KIM, and Brad SMITH at Andy and Kathy MCGEE’s wedding last November.

We got a phone call from John WHEELER, who is doing great at med school in South Carolina, although his family is feeling the pay cut. Despite the money drawbacks, medical training has its perks and John had the honor of actually birthing their first child (although his wife did all the work)!

From left are Mark Biehl, Mark Butler (’93), Jim Lynskey, Joe Michalek, Shaem Spencer, Darren Gray (F-16s,

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Michalek

Dawn (MUZYK) LACY (’93) is working to improve policy to ensure cadets who incur a disability or serious medical condition at the Academy are given full information about their status, options and rights. She and a ’95 grad are compiling the experiences of former cadets who may have received misinformation during a period of medical uncertainty. She is looking for anyone from our class who was not able to graduate due to a medical condition (or even those who did graduate, but may have a pertinent medical issue) to build evidence to support a policy change. If you would like to contribute, please call Dawn at DSN 743-3951 or comm: (316) 652-3951.1 also have her e-mail and address—call if you need them.

Ramsey SHARIF (McConnell AFB) and his new bride, Kim, sent me a brief letter and this photo. Jon MOORE, Brian LEWIS, and Mark O’REILLY were able to celebrate with them at the wedding. Ramsey and Kim are enjoying married life despite the many Saudi deployments his KC-135 brings!

Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey F. Sharif

Last but certainly not least, I received a press release from the Navy that Marine Lt. Gordon LIMB just earned his “Wings of Gold” as a naval aviator and can now perform takeoffs and landings aboard an aircraft carrier. The Navy also extended congrats to Fang LU (who stayed in the Air Force!), as he received his navigator wings in February.

For those who have inquired about our panoramic class photo, Jim FABIO was finally able to get in touch with the photographer. Reprints are $75 for one or $25 each for three or more. If you would like to order one, please let me (C.C.) know by the end of October and we can place a group order.

Well, I guess it’s time to wrap it up—as I mentioned above, I’m sure I’ve missed some of your letters and e-mails due to the move, so please write again or call me if you don’t see your info in here. I know a lot of you enjoyed the ease of e-mail to send us updates, and I’m sorry we don’t have an e-mail address right now. I do plan to get on-line through the university this fall, so look for one next issue. Until then, good oldfashioned stamps and telephones work just as well.

While we’re sort of on the subject of the worldwide web, I want to make another plug for our Class of ’94 home page, which I finally got an opportunity to peruse—Chuck BAIRD is doing an outstanding job with it and it’s full of information on our classmates. The address is in a previous edition of Checkpoints or you can access it through the AOG’s home page. Trevor and I wish you all a safe and enjoyable summer—look us up if you’re in Oklahoma—even though our place is about two-thirds the size of our house in California, we’ve always got room for friends. Until next time, Take Care and God Bless...C.C. and Trevor.

Andrea E. Rolfe

719 South Berthe #\6

Panama City, FL 32404 (904) 874-9379

E-mail: AERolfe@aol.com

Percent members: 66

Hi from sunny Florida! I am now stationed at Tyndall, but I will be moving AGAIN to a new base come November or December. Like many of you, I too am playing musical bases—this is my sixth address since graduation. In any case, you can always write to my e-mail address, and this Florida address will be good for at least the remainder of the calendar year.

I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to run into so many classmates since I left Vance—at Columbus I spent time with Tim WOLLER and his wife, Cathy, playing lots of euchre—that’s a CARD game for everyone out there not from Wisconsin...Tim was finishing up T-ls in pilot training and he and his wife got to come down to Pensacola with me for a weekend back in April—we had a blast renting waverunners and playing on the beach! Speaking of euchre, Rob KINERSON was in my IFF class at Columbus and he is not only an excellent euchre player but also now a MARRIED excellent euchre player—Rob tied the knot right before his F-16 training started at Luke in the end of May. In fact I just ran into them during a TDY to Luke where we grilled out at Mike BARTEN’s pad. Dave SALISBURY, Jon TINSLEY, James and Christa FRICKEL, Rich MURRAY, Mike THODE, Mike THOMPSON, Chris CLAUS, and Nate HANSEN were just a few of the people at the party. Jason COSTELLO, Jeff PATTON (’94), Cavan CRADDOCK, and I were all there for the ACES simulator they have at Luke and we were happy to share with our Viper friends which jet is TRULY better...

Now that I’ve left Columbus, it is still a class reunion down here at Tyndall—Paul MOGA, Tony DICARLO, Brett BLAKE, Chris KANE, Joe DIFIDI, Paul SPAVEN, Mark MULLARKEY, Doug MUSSELMAN, Jason MOORE, Dave NYIKOS, Matt VANWIEREN, Dylan BAUMGARTNER, Jeff SMITH, Murlai KRISHNAN, Cavan CRADDOCK, Jason COSTELLO, Jeff EDWARDS, and Jeff PATTON (’94) are all down here with me flying the mighty Eagle...In addition, Sean COTTER, Toby LOFTIN, and A1 BARKER are all stationed here too enjoying the beach and the great weather!

Lots more news: Pam RUSE called the other day from Fairchild—she has returned from her remote in the Azores and is now working in Spokane and loving it up there! Bonnie COX and her class finished T-44 training at Corpus Christi (see photo) and were officially “winged” by the Navy on Friday, June 13th (now is that an omen or what?). Bonnie is headed to Little Rock, Erik HALVORSON, Dave BRACKNEY, and Scott MALLORY are going to Davis-Monthan; Matt LEWIS and Adam REIMAN will be at Pope, James SCHARTZ and Jay GARNETT are headed to Dyess, and Jim HACKBARTH is going to Japan.

I ran into Travis INGBER in Columbus—he is headed to B-52 school at Barksdale and was in physiological training there—he’ll probably see Brian PATCHEN there too, who will be flying B-52s starting in November. May 4 UPT grads included: Bryan WICKERING (B-l, Dyess), Mike JOHNSTON (T-37 FAIP), Chris ZUHLKE and Rob GOODARD (F-15E, Seymour-Johnson), Mark LEWIS (F-16), and Dave

Sporting their new gold Navy wings in thefront rowfrom left are Bonnie Cox, Matt Lewis, James Schartz, Erik Halvorson, Brian Waypa and Adam Reiman. In the back row are Jimmy Hackbarth, Scott Mallory, J. Garrett, Dave Brackney and Rich Hansen.

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SUNDLOV (F-16). June UPT grads included Dan WILCOX (A-10), Matt TERPSTRA (’92, F-16), Joe JAVORSKI (F-16), Mike JASON (’92, A-10), and Joe CAUTERO (T-37) with fighter follow-on).

I have run into so many grads at parties both here in Panama City and in Fort Walton! Most recently I saw Megan MONAHAN and Regina RINEHART at a party—and does that surprise you? (Just joking!) They’re both at Eglin and having a blast at the beach—Alex SANSONE was there too, and once again on May 31 we did shots of Goldschlager to toast another year since graduation for us gold hats. Mike EDWARDS was there visiting from Moody where he works with Jon “Guido” CORY —and speaking of Guido, he still drops me a line every now and then and we trade stories about how we never want to get married but he now informs me he has a girlfriend of three weeks—maybe this one has a driver’s license, Guido! He was recently in both Scott MATTES’ (’96) and Halsey BURKS’ weddings. Lastly, John TRUBE and Adam ANDERSON both finished nav training way back in February but I was just informed this past June!

I have heard from lots of people via e-mail: Elizabeth YOUNG wrote from Yorkshire Dales, England where she is assigned to RAF Menwith Hill, which is halfway between London and Edinburgh. She loves England and traveling in Europe—she’s gone to Paris, Normandy, and the Austrian Alps! Elizabeth ran into Todd BOLEN, Tammy and Pat POHLE, Dennis RAND, and Jess DRAB, all at Wright-Pat, when she was passing through there for her brother’s retirement from the Air Force. She also saw some grads at the Mildenhall Air Show: Bo BOHANNON (’94), C-21s at Randolph; Chris SAGE (’94), F-15s at Lakenheath, and his wife, Jessica (OLSEN) SAGE; and Josh BOWMAN and his wife, Michelle. Julie PRICE wrote from L.A. Air Station where they just had the 7th annual L.A. AFB promotion party on May 24. Antoinette VALERO, Tom ROSE, Yvonne STEVENSON, and Mike BARTEN were all there for the event. Julie says that Rolf LUNDMARK and she are busy preparing for the next GPS launch.

A1 ADAMS wrote from the Boston area—here is his letter: “Sean COCHRAN is getting married to Karen Dock in early June and is heading to Vance for UPT. Mark BURNS’ thesis was nominated for an award as one of the three best (must have been inspired while watching his favorite Toons characters Foghorn and Leghorn). Cord COHEE’s thesis was also nominated, and he received an award for one of the highest GPAs (at Harvard, no less—man’s a genius!). I, on the other hand, ran into several regulations I think need to be changed, managed to get my bartender’s certification, and beef up on my knowledge of the town.

“MIT ’95ers—Varum PARI tours the surrounding area by taking the commuter rail to the furthest stop and camping for the night. Doug WICKERT fixed a washing machine. Jeff BARCHERS climbs any place he can, including a climbing wall he built in his house. While Naresh SHAW is rumored to have invited a persistant woman (Elaine) over to his apartment to resolve her craving for him. I knew all four of these guys had been academically confused when they started talking about integrals of fun?

“Hanscom ’95ers—Jen GRANT has been seen on occasion with another ’95er when she is not living with her sponsor family in Colorado Springs TDY. Curtis HUDSON is working on his MBA from Boston University, and I have also seen Nicole ROBERSON and Todd and Nicole VIRGIL. Rolf LUNDMARK and Matt KOZMA have visited the area, and ’96ers here too are Dave ENGLIN, Parker WRIGHT, Matt BRUHN, Alan HOOK, Andy MEEHAN, Jack FISCHER, Chad TILBURY, and Tony GUSTINO.” Thanks for the letter A1—sounds like you guys are enjoying the area!

Fred DAMUTH wrote from Wright-Patterson where he and his wife, Gina, just had their first baby boy on July 3! With Fred in Ohio are Chris “Del” DELHANTY, Phil and Gabi (MONTOYA) PARKER, Pete SHERIDAN, Todd BOLEN, Joe HLYWIAK (’94), Tam VO (’94), Scott RUPERT, and Chris JONES. Fred went to Jeff WEEKS’ wedding to Christine CALLAHAN (’97) recently. In attendance were Paul MORTON (who was taking a break from med school), Brandon CUFFE, Dana DALLAS, Mark PIPER, Mike and Nicole (KENNEDY) MILLER, Chris JONES, and lots of new lieutenants from the Class of ’97. Fred has also heard from Chris MCMARTIN, who finished JUNT at Randolph this past January (see picture) along with Chris SKORA, Mark HOLLANDSWORTH, and John PEAK. Chris SKORA, Mark, and John are all at Littie Rock for C-130 training—then they all head to Kirtland for MC-130 school. Chris SKORA is headed to Mildenhall, John PEAK to Kadena, and Mark HOLLANDSWORTH will be at Hurlburt. Chris MCMARTIN finished C-141 school at Altus in July, and is now in the 7th Airlift Squadron at McChord. Chris also got married June 14th to Laurie Kabat, sister of Brian KABAT (’97).

Amanda (STEFFEY) FINNERTY wrote from sunny Alamogordo, NM where she is now stationed at Holloman in the OSI unit there—her husband Chris (’92) is transitioning to the HH-60 Pavehawk at Kirtland and

From left are Chris Skora, Mark Hollandsworth, Chris McMartin and John Peak modeling their new wings.

then will join Amanda at Holloman in November. They just bought a house and they are really excited about the move and the new jobs!

Amanda and Chris are staying in great shape, too—they ran the 1996 Chicago Marathon together! She has talked to Kirsten PALMER recently—Kirsten is in C-130 maintenance and is headed to Italy for a TDY. Scott and Julie (PILKINGTON) GRUNDAHL both got assigned to F.E. Warren flying Hueys for the 37 RQF—Amanda got to see them before she left for Holloman.

Kevin WELLS has started a Class of ’95 website for all of our benefit—look under http//www.geocities.com/pentagon/1973 to access our page. E-mail Kevin or me for inputs to the website and new ideas on how to stay in touch!

Once again, thanks for helping me with these articles—I never have a lack of things to talk about for our class! Keep on writing...and take care! Andrea.

Melissa S. Cunningham fanagf

1308 Hembre Court

Suisun City, CA 94585

Phone: (707) 422-7975

DSN: 837-2088

Percent members: 57

WIt looks like this article is going to be a short one, and I’ll apologize in advance. As I write this, I’m two weeks away from my wedding so my life is a little hectic right now as I tie up some of the last loose ends.

Recently I received a news release from the Navy concerning Ensign Michael RAHM. Mike just finished the Navy’s Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at the Naval Special Warfare Center in San Diego. He concluded 25 weeks of intense training in physical conditioning, long-distance swimming, combat diving, demolition warfare, land navigation, patrolling techniques and military explosives. Now he will go to jump school at Ft. Benning, then to six to nine months of advanced training with a SEAL Team, before becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL.

I was honored to be a part of Mellisa (WAINWRIGHT) and Bob BRYANT’s wedding on April 5. It was a beautiful wedding held in Albuquerque, NM, Melissa’s home town. Maria VILLAPANDO was the maid

Melissa and Bob Bryant at their wedding reception.

of honor, and she flew from Los Angeles. Colleen LEHNE and Carrie PEDERSEN (LOUDERMILK) were also attendants. Shawn ANGER and Jeremy Klomp (Jeremy is now in the Class of ’98 after returning from his Mormon mission) were groomsmen. Chris LANTAGNE, Tracy HEALY, Matt MENNEL, Lisa CHERRY, Tim KAO and Brian RIZZOLI were saberbearers. They were married in the morning, and we all went over to the Civic Center in Albuquerque to party and dance.

Matt Mennel, Tracy Healy, Lisa Cherry, and Jill Vaness at the reception.

Jeff STOCKWELL wrote me from Goodfellow AFB, TX to let me know some of our classmates are headed for graduation. Steve GORSKI and Roy FULLER are going to Davis-Monthan. Bo BIRDWELL is headed to Misawa. Kerry CUSHING, Erik BIEBEGHAUSER and BJ FRY are going to enjoy the sunny beaches of Florida at Eglin AFB. Chuck MCLEAN is going to Barksdale. Mo CALLABRESSE is going to Offutt, and finally Don BRUNK will be gathering intelligence on German beer at Ramstein. Congratulations go to Mo CALLABRESSE, Chuck MCLEAN, and Bo BIRDWELL for their recent weddings during intel training.

News from Gwen (DEFLIPPI) and Bert Rutherford! Gwen and Bert were married at Ft Myer, VA in the Old Post Chapel. They took a horsedrawn carriage ride around the post and were able to get some great pictures on the parade ground with the Washington, DC monuments in the background. After the midday wedding, they left for the reception. Afterward, Bert and Gwen partied with friends down in Old Town Alexandria. The folowing day, they had the entire wedding party back over to the DeFlippi’s house for breakfast and gifts. They were fortunate enough to take a honeymoon soon after the wedding. They headed to Cancun for a week over New Years.

Many USAFA grads were in attendance. Meg MARTIN was Gwen’s maid of honor. Yiotula CHILIGIRIS, Casey CORNISH, Robbie KILROY, Lisa PURUL and Gwen’s sister were bridesmaids. Shawn RASSAS was a groomsman.

wasn’t that bad, they even gave her some time off to travel. She took the opportunity to go to Abu Dabi, the capital of the UAE, with her father. Audrey also heard that Rodney LUCKETT was on a rotation in A1 Karj, Saudi Arabia as a KC-135 maintenance chief during the same time. Looks like two of our classmates will be cashing in on the tax-free deal.

Julie BERNARDI (MORGANSON) married Joe BERNARDI on June 7, 1997 after Joe graduated this year. They were married in California, and we are still awaiting details and pictures.

Eli MARTINEZ and I went to a party in Sacramento held by Dan MARINE. We saw a few grads there and even some cadets on Ops. Jeff PULLEY, “Yonik” to most, even made an appearance. Over the winter, he was a ski instructor in northern Colorado. His plans for the summer have changed. Originally, he was going to work at Club Med in Mexico. Now he is going to tour Japan with a soccer team. Dan and Michelle plan to be in Missouri in August.

Keep the letters and pictures coming! HARLEY.

Mel Maxwell, Jr.

15050 N. 59th Ave. #213 Glendale, AZ 85306

Percent members: 63

What’s up everybody? Hope your leave was fun and the job is treating you O.K. as well. Let me just mention how fitting it was that it rained on our graduation ceremony...the 1997 legacy continues. At the time this was written, we had our butter bars for less than two weeks so this information deals mostly with what I found out before graduation.

Let me first tell you about some of our classmates who wanted to leave the Academy so bad they left the service. Gregg KRAUS started Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, CA on June 16. Jay SMITH got married to Jennifer Jesperson (formerly ’99) at the chapel the day after graduation. They planned on going to Israel for their honeymoon before Jay joins the 101st at Fort Campbell. Randall “Cheese” JOHNSTON and some more of his Marine Corps buddies should be letting me know about life in the dirt the next time around.

Quite a few of our classmates tied the knot right after graduation. Thad MIDDLETON wrote to tell me after his excursion to England this summer with Doug MILLER, he’d be attending the weddings of Mark NOLLEY, Christophe VASQUEZ and Mike HIGGINS. Christophe got married on June 28th to Aubry Lynn Dameron in Fort Worth, TX. They planned on spending their honeymoon in Amsterdam as well as touring Europe and Greece. After that they’ll start their lives together in Rochester, NY. Mike got married on June 5th to Lara Czajkowski in Wauzeka, WI.

Like Christophe, Darren ELLISOR went down to Texas for a June 28th wedding. Darren married Jennifer Benson in Houston. Darren will be going to Andrews AFB for six months before pilot training at Laughlin in February. Christine CALLAHAN got married on the 31st of May at the Cadet Chapel to Jeff WEEKS (’96). From there they will be stationed together at Travis while Christine is on casual status. Kirsten LARSON also married a grad at the chapel on the same day as Christine. Kirsten married Christian WOHLEND (’96) at the Catholic Chapel. Shane VETTER got married to his long-time girlfriend Jodi Zellmer on June 13th in Brooklyn Park, MN.

Two fellow former Reapers, Dave PRYOR and Michelle GADUS, tied the knot on June 28th in Cleveland, OH. After the wedding they took a cruise from San Juan before heading to South Carolina for casual status. Another former Reaper, Keith ENSOR, got married after graduation also. A1 KENNEDY got married to Julie Selders of Colorado Springs on June 14th in Washington. Two kids by the names of Julio NEGRON and Jason LAMB also got married this summer. Julio said his vows in a hotair balloon while Jason said his “I do’s” with his feet firmly planted on the ground in Iowa.

Now Gwen is living in New Braunfels, TX working in the Air Force Personnel Center. She is a scientific analyst studying promotions. Currently she is preparing a briefing for Lt Gen McGinty which will be based on the results of the major’s board. Even

she has still managed

triathlon. Way to go

find time to run and

News from the desert: Audrey SANDROCK just returned from a rotation in A1 Dafra in the United Arab Emirates. There she served as a logistics flight commander in charge of KC-10 maintenance, logistics and supply. She enjoyed 65 wonderful days in tent city. Actually she says it

Clayton COLE also got married right after graduation. As a matter of fact, Clayton’s honeymoon was interrupted when he found out he qualified to compete in the NCAA Track and Field National Championships in the high jump. I also know of three other of our classmates getting married. Three fellow Bulldogs, Jim SMITH, Keith GEMPLER, and Brett LUCAS, all got married after graduation. After school, Brett will be joining me at Luke AFB, AZ as a maintenance officer. Congratulations to all of you who are wallowing in wedded bliss. Good luck in the future and I wish you all the happiness in the world.

Well, that’s all I have for this round. Please, let me know how you are doing and I’ll be glad to pass the news on to everyone else. I should be getting an e-mail address just as soon as I replace the antique we were issued. Until next time...Mel.

From left are Meg Martin, Sean Rassas, Casey Cornish, Yiotula Chiligiris, AJ Mims, Bert and Gwen Rutherford (DeFlippi), Lisa Purul, and Robbi Kilroy. The photo was taken after Gwen and Bert’s wedding on 28 Dec 96 at Old Town, Alexandria.

with all the analysis she is doing,

to

will compete soon in a

Gwen!

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